med by Pitt, a few days before I
wrote to you, that Lord Howe has intimated an intention of
resigning his office at the close of this session. The
particular reason for secrecy is, that it is of the utmost
importance that this should not be publicly known till a new
arrangement is framed; but especially not till after the motion
on the subject of the late promotion is completely disposed of.
Notwithstanding this intimation, and the resolution which Lord
Howe appears to have taken, Pitt thinks it not impossible that
when the time for carrying it into execution draws nearer, he
may be induced to remain. Pitt feels it a point of the utmost
importance that he should, notwithstanding the sort of
objections which exist against him, and of which you are
perfectly apprized. But if he retires, there will be the utmost
difficulty in finding a proper person to supply his place. I
apprehend, that even before your appointment to Ireland you had
made up your mind on the subject; but that you would certainly
not be inclined to quit your present situation for one in so
many respects less agreeable, particularly at this moment. I
trust, however, that if you feel the least hesitation, or doubt,
in your mind, you will immediately let me know it, in order that
I may take the proper steps. If your decision remains the same,
I know no person at all fit for the employment that can take it.
The most likely person to be fixed upon is, I think, Lord Hood;
but there are great objections to him. Whatever he may be in the
Navy, which I know not, he is very far from being popular in the
House of Commons; and what is worse, he has spoken there,
whenever he has opened his lips, with a degree of indiscretion
which has been distressing, even in his present situation, but
which would be absolutely intolerable if he were to answer for
the execution of so responsible an office, made, as it certainly
will be, one of the great objects of attack on the part of
Opposition. This will make it necessary to send him up to the
House of Lords, for which he has neither fortune nor calibre
sufficient. It has been a question with Pitt and myself, whether
it would be possible for me to accept of it. At one time, he
appeared much disposed to this; but I must confess that my mind
has never gone to it at all. The situation woul