Читать книгу Private Letters of Edward Gibbon (1753-1794) Volume 2 (of 2) - Эдвард Гиббон, Edward Gibbon - Страница 41
458.
To his Stepmother
ОглавлениеMarch 31st, 1783.
Dear Madam,
THE COALITION MINISTRY.
In my last, written like this in a very great hurry, I used (if I am not mistaken) an expression which at a distance might alarm you too much. The fatal Monday is past without any fatal consequences, yet no Administration is appointed; but as Pitt has formally resigned,40 the K. will probably yield without expecting a second and more serious address on Thursday. – I rejoyce to hear that you have surmounted your complaint, and hope you will feel every day the genial influence of the spring.
I am
Ever yours,
E. G.
40
Pitt, on March 31, resigned the office of Chancellor of the Exchequer. On April 2 the new administration was formed; the principal members were —
The Great Seal was put in commission. The first seven formed the Cabinet.
Lord Townshend said "he had always foreseen the Coalition Ministry could not last, for he was at Court when Mr. Fox kissed hands, and he observed George III. turn back his eyes and ears just like the horse at Astley's, when the tailor he had determined to throw was getting on him" (Correspondence of C. J. Fox, vol. ii. p. 28).
