268.
To J. B. Holroyd, Esq.
31st October, 1775.
In the midst of Avocations, Litterary, Parliamentary and Social, which now on all sides overwhelm me, you must not expect any regular correspondence. Sayer's[313] business (you must know it by this time) is foolish beyond description. He was a fool! Richardson a busy knave, and Lord R. acting Justice of the Peace who was obliged to take the information. You will see by the numbers that last Thursday we had an easy, but it was a languid, victory. We have a warm Parliament but an indolent Cabinet. The Conquest of America is a great Work: every part of that Continent is either lost or useless. I do not understand that we have sufficient strength at home: the German succours are insufficient, and the Russians are no longer hoped for.[314] When do you come up? I dined and lay at Twickenham, Sunday. Batt was there—Govr. Lyttleton seconded the Address,[315] matter good, manner ridiculous. Adieu. I delivered yours to C.