Note 154 — Chapter IX
Reading edition
It certainly was time that they should enter upon the business of their respective offices, for the country had now been more than seven weeks virtually without a government. The following chronological summary of the negotiations that passed daily at this period will bring them more distinctly before the reader.
18th May. The King announced to Mr. Grenville his intention of changing his Ministers.
19th. The Ministers acquaint the King that they would resign on the following Tuesday.
20th. The Duke of Cumberland applies to Mr. Pitt, at Hayes.
20th. The King, having failed to form a new government, recalls his Ministers.
12th June. The Duke of Bedford remonstrates with the King.
17th. The Duke of Cumberland conveys to Mr. Pitt, at Hayes, fresh overtures from the King.
19th. Mr. Pitt has an audience with the King.
21st. Lord Temple refuses to join Mr. Pitt.
22nd. Mr. Pitt waits on the King and declines office.
23rd. Mr. Pitt has another audience, with the same result.
30th. Meeting of the Opposition at Claremont, under the auspices of the Duke of Cumberland.
1st July. The Duke of Newcastle notifies to the Duke of Cumberland the result of the meeting.
8th. New Ministers sworn in.—E.