X.

3754.

binfon ap

General

CHAP for them, but he expected them without afking. This disappointment was in fome degree palliated by making Mr. George Grenville treasurer of the navy, who at that time lived in the utmost intimacy with Mr. Pitt, and was become his relation, by Mr. Pitt having lately married his fifter. Mr. Legge was appointed chancellor of the Sir T. Ro- exchequer, and Sir Thomas Robinfon fecre. pointed tary of state, and some other alterations were made. But notwithstanding this arrangement, there was a general diffatisfacdiffatisfaction throughout all parties. Some difliked the measures, others difliked the men; in fine, nobody was pleased; neither those in office, nor those out; and there was a new party forming that feemed to menace more danger to their views than their own differences. This was the party of LeicesterLeicester houfe, which threw a general alarm and confternation over the whole. No one was quite certain of whom this party confifted. Several individuals in office, and in oppofition, were fufpected of fecretly belonging to it.

Party at

houfe.

Another circumftance, not lefs alarming to the ministry than to the whole nation,

was

X.

1754.

State of the

Nation,

was the flame of war which had been CHAP kindled in North America, and threatened m to burst out in Europe. Great Britain was at this period every day more closely riveted to the continent by fresh engagements, while her own proper affairs were totally neglected. Her fleet was rotting in ordinary; her army, except fuch corps as were under the eye of the Duke of Cumberland, relaxed in difcipline. Her minifters were timid by difunion, and their measures were enervated by ignorance. However unpleasing the fact may be to relate, it is a fact which the best informed persons will not contradict, that the principal, if not only attention of all defcriptions of men, was employed at this time in intriguing and negotiating for places. But in this general assertion, it is not to be understood that all parties were influenced by the fame motives. There is no doubt that fome per. fons were actuated by the paffion of selfintereft; but it is equally true that there were many who were governed by a fincere defire to ferve the country; that offices were no otherwise their objects than as they gave them power and fituation to do good. This distinction it is not only proper, but neceffary, to make; because it was a prinVOL. I. P

ciple

X.

1751.

CHAP. ciple laid down in the next reign, and the votaries of the court diffeminated it with uncommon art and industry, that all mankind were knaves alike; that the subjects of all Kings ought to look for honesty in the royal bosom; they faid it refided no-where elfe. This political blafphemy came with unpardonable effrontery from the followers of a court, which owed its elevation to the true orthodox principles of the constitution.

CHAP

XI.

1753.

CHA P. XI.

Caufes of the Difagreement at Leicefier-Houfe.-Lord Harcourt and Dr. Hayter refign their Pofts of Governor and Preceptor to the Prince. Duke of Bedford's motion upon this Subject in the House of Lords. Further Explanation of the Principles inculcated at Leic fler-Houfe.

UPON

the death of Frederick Prince of Wales, the education of the Prince (George III.) had been committed to Lord Harcourt as governor; to Dr. Hayter, Bishop of Norwich, as preceptor; and to Andrew Stone Efq. brother to the Primate of that name, as fub-governor; recommended

by

СНАР!

.XI.

1753

Caufes of

by the Duke of Newcastle; and to Mr. Scott as fub-preceptor, recommended by Lord ~ Bolingbroke. In about a year and a half a difagreement broke out amongst them of a most important nature. It was faid by the friends of Leicefter-houfe, that the governor and preceptor did not discharge the duties of their trust with fidelity. But it came out afterwards that this complaint lay deeper than was at first fuppofed. There were two perfons concerned in this affair whom it is proper to mention particularly. Mr. Stone was the most confidential friend and adviser of the Duke of Newcastle. The other, Mr. Murray, afterwards Lord Mansfield, was in the dif precisely the same fituation and degree of at Leicester credit with Mr. Pelham. Between Mr. Stone and Mr. Murray there fubfifted the warmeft intimacy; not only their friendfhips, but their principles and politics, were perfectly congenial. Lord Bute, who had been lord of the bedchamber to the late Prince, and was continued in the family, gained a fuperior influence, by affiduity and attention. He was moreover favoured by the Princess. The referve of Lord Harcourt, and the very orderly demeanour of the Bishop, gave great advantage to Lord Bute, who

P 2

agreements

houfe.

CHAP. who excelled in the affumption of theatrical

XI.

1753.

Lord Har

Dr.Hayter

grace and gesture; which, added to a good figure, rendered his converfation particularly pleasing, and at length created a partiality in his favour. The Duke of Newcaftle and Mr. Pelham had information of every circumftance at Leicefter-houfe.

*

In

a little time the Bishop found fome very improper books put into the hands of the Prince. He complained of this matter to the Duke of Newcastle, and in a few days court and Lord Harcourt and the Bifhop refigned. refign. From the period of making this counter complaint, it became a ftruggle between the party of Leicester-house and the Pelhams, which fhould have the power of educating the Prince. While this dispute was going on, a third party (the Bedfords) interfered for the fame purpofe; by attacking Stone and Murray. These gentlemen were charged with being Jacobites. Lord Ravenfworth brought the charge. A committee of the privy council was directed to inquire into it. The committee fat several times upon it: But the two confidents had the addrefs to acquit themfelves, although Mr. Fawcett, recorder of Newcastle, swore to their having drank the Pretender's health feveral times.

1