with disappointments, I hope you will not be sacrificed either to the mob or the minister.  And this leads me to the article of the expedition itself.  Martinico is the general notion; a place the strongest in the world, with a garrison of ten thousand men.  Others now talk of Guadaloupe, almost as strong and of much less consequence.  Of both, every body that knows, despairs.  It is almost impossible for me to find out the real destination.’  I avoid every one of the three factions—­and though I might possibly learn the secret from the chief of one of them, if he knows it, yet I own I do not care to try; I don’t think it fair to thrust myself into secrets with a man (972) of whose ambition and views I do not think well, and whose purposes (in those lights) I have declined and will decline to serve.  Besides, I have reason just now to think that he and his court are meditating some attempt which may throw us again into confusion; and I had rather not be told what I am sure I shall not approve:  besides, I cannot ask secrets of this nature without hearing more with which I would not be trusted, and which, if divulged, would be imputed to me.  I know you will excuse me for these reasons, especially as you know how much I would do to serve you, and would even in this case, if I was not convinced that it is too late for you to apply; and being too late, they would be glad to say you had asked too late.  Besides if any information could be got from the channel at which I have hinted, the Duke of Richmond could get it better than I; and the Duke of Devonshire could give it you without.

I can have no opinion of the expedition itself, which certainly started from the disappointment at St. Cas, if it can be called a disappointment where there was no object.  I have still more doubts on Lord Milton’s authority; Clarke(973) was talked to by the Princess yesterday much more than any body in the room.  Cunningham is made quartermaster-general to this equipment; these things don’t look as if your interest was increased.  As Lord George has sent over his commands for Cunningham, might not his art at the same time have suggested some application to you—­tell me, do you think he would ask this command for himself I, who am not of so honest and sincere a nature as you are, suspect that this hint is sent to you with some bad view-I don’t mean on Lord Milton’s part, who I dare say is deceived by his readiness to serve you; and since you do me the honour of letting me at all judge for you, which in one light I think I am fit to do, I mean, as your spirit naturally makes you overlook every thing to get employed, I would wish you to answer to Lord Milton,,"that you should desire of all things to have had this command, but that having been discouraged from asking what you could not flatter yourself would be granted, it would look, you think, a vain offer, to sue for what is now given away, and would not be consistent with your honour to ask when it is too late.”  I hint this, as such an answer would turn their arts on themselves, if, as I believe, they mean to refuse you, and to reproach you with asking too late.