The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

NEW-YORK, October 12.

Extract of a Letter from London, July 11, 1767.

To the R. Secretary Conway, about a fortnight ago, (in consequence of a promise he made to the Devonshire family, when he came into place, that he would keep it no longer than to the end of the session, unless their friends were likewise in) declared his intention to resign, and only hold his office till a successor is appointed.

This single circumstance (like removing a prop from an old building) hath thrown the whole ministry into confusion, and ever since they have been endeavoring to support the present fabric with all their might, in order to keep out those who are greatly obnoxious to--from thrusting themselves into power. Many conferences have been held, & various proposals offered. C--s T---d hath been tendered the Secretaryship, but he wants the first Lord of the Treasury, & for this end he is paying great court to Lord B--, Lord M-i 4d hath been offered the Presidency of the Council, in the room of Lord N i- n, who is grown so feeble, as to be utterly unfit for any such business, which he hath also refused, even tho' an earldom was to be added to it. Lord C-i -m, still continues in a hopeless way, his place of Lord Privy Seal, hath been proposed to the Duke of B--d, which he likewise declines. The principal difficulty with all these great men is, the bringing in their friends, which cannot be complied with, without overturning the whole fabric ; and yet they cannot in honor accept, while they are left in the lurch. Mr. Conway having behaved most unexceptionably in his office, during the whole session, the King is extremely averse to part with him, and hath had him several times in conference with him, endeavoring to adjust matters, and from the length of the negociation (which has now lasted ten days) I am hopeful they have a view of bringing things to bear, which as a friend to my country, I most sincerely wish.--Pr. Ferdinand hath lately obtained an additional annuity of 2000l. (in all 4000l.) which he richly merits from this country, for his able conduct during the last war.

In another Letter of July 18th, it is said, That the Ministry still remained quite unsettled; and that a great personage had wrote a letter, with his own hand, to Lord C--m, desiring his advice ; to which he returned a verbal message (for he could not write) that he was utterly incapable of thinking, or attending to any business.