This is the summary of a text on which I have infinitely more to say; but the post is so far from being a proper conveyance, that I think the most private letter transmitted in the most secure manner is scarcely to be trusted.  Should I resolve, if you require it, to be more explicit, (and I certainly shall not think of saying a word more, unless I know that it is strongly your desire I should,) it must only be upon the most positive assurance on your honour (and on their honour as strictly given too) that not a syllable of what I shall say shall be communicated to any person living.  I except nobody, except my Lady and Lord Beauchamp.  What I should say now is now Of no consequence, but for your information.  It can tend to nothing else.  It therefore does not signify, whether said now, or at any distant time hereafter, or when we meet.  If, as perhaps you may at first suppose, it had the least view towards making you quit your embassy, you should not know it at all; for I think that would be the idlest and most unwise step you could take; and believe me, my affection for your brother will never make me sacrifice your honour to his interest .  I have loved you both unalterably, and without the smallest cloud between us, from children.  It is true, as you observe, that party, with many other mischiefs, produces dissensions in families.  I can by no means agree with you, that all party is founded in interest—­ surely, you cannot think that your brother’s conduct was not the result of the most unshaken honour and conscience, and as surely the result of no interested motive?  You are not less mistaken, if you believe that the present state of party in this country is not of a most serious nature, and not a mere contention for power and employments.(610) That topic, however, I shall pass over; the discussion, perhaps, would end where it began.  As you know I never tried to bring you to my opinion before, I am very unlikely to aim at it now.  Let this and the rest of this subject sleep for the present.  I trust I have convinced you that my behaviour has been both honourable and respectful towards you:  and that, though I think with your brother and am naturally very warm, I have acted in the most dispassionate manner, and had recourse to nothing but silence, when I was not so happy as to meet you in opinion.

This subject has kept me so long, and it is so very late, that you will forgive me if I only skim over the gazette part of my letter—­my next shall be more in my old gossiping style.

Dr. Terrick and Dr. Lambe are made Bishops of London and Peterborough, without the nomination or approbation of the ministers.  The Duke of Bedford declared this warmly, for you know his own administration(611) always allow him to declare his genuine opinion, that they may have the credit of making him alter it.  He was still more surprised at the Chancellor’s being made an earl(612) without his knowledge, after he had gone out of town, blaming the Chancellor’s coldness on D’Eon’s affair, which is now dropped.  Three marquisates going to be given to Lords Cardigan, Northumberland, and Townshend, may not please his grace more, though they may his minister,(613) who may be glad his master is angry, as it may produce a good quieting draught for himself.