Note 138 — BOOK THE SECOND 1810 TO JUNE, 1812 (continued 2)

[Mr. Creevey’s account of these negotiations in a letter, dated May 25, is worthy of comparison with the text: “First then when Prinney sent for Wellesley, the latter began by mentioning some of the Opposition as persons to be consulted with; to which the former replied: ‘Don’t mention any names to me now, my Lord, but make an Administration for me!’ To which the other says: ‘In a business of such nicety I trust your Royal Highness will not press me for time.’ ‘Take your own time,’ says Prinney, ‘tho’ there is not a shilling left in the Exchequer!’” (The Creevey Papers.)]