The King reviews the Cavalry Monday next.
William Pitt (afterwards Earl of Chatham).
Monday ½ past 4
My Dear Lord,—I am able to put your mind entirely at ease as to some doubts which seemed to have arisen, by acquainting your Lordship that in consequence of the signification of the King's pleasure by me, the Lords of the Admiralty have ordered Captain Howe to enter Prince Edward in the Ship's books, as a volunteer for wages and victuals, and his Retinue as part of the allowed complement of the Ship. This is the Form and puts everything out of doubt. The King is pressing for the Departure of the Expedition, and has named General Bligh to command the Forces. Lord Ligonier is gone to the General to acquaint him of the King's pleasure. I conceive Howe will sail by Thursday at latest if the weather permits. Preparations having been ordered to be made for the Reception of Prince Edward on Board of Captain Howe's own ship, Mr. Cleveland informs me that everything will be provided for His Royal Highness's accomodation if Bligh accepts (for such is the style of our army) and the King should approve the Draught of Instructions to be laid before His Majesty tomorrow, nothing but a wind will be wanting.
Prince Ferdinand recommends the continuation of attack on their coasts as la guerre la plus sensible à la France de l'attaquer dans ses Foyers. And yet this great Prince is certainly a Stranger to the Common Council, Beckford and the Buchaneers. Olmutz may draw into some length; 10,000 men in the Place and old General Marshall defending it with great vigour. I could not possibly see General Elliot this morning, being obliged to go to Kensington, and I am this evening to be at a meeting by seven. I am,
Ever my dear Lord's
Most Affectionate Friend
W. Pitt.
Seven years later, on the afternoon of February 22, 1766, the Premier, after a tempestuous debate, concluded a letter to his wife in the country thus:—
Love to the sweet babes, patriotic or not, tho' I hope impetuous William is not behind in feelings of that kind. Send the saddle horses if you please, so as to be in town early tomorrow morning. I propose and hope to execute my journey to Hayes by 11. Your ever loving husband
W. Pitt.
The patriotism of William Pitt the younger, born in the very year Prince Edward joined Captain Howe's ship as a "volunteer for wages and victuals," was soon to blossom forth not only in an infantile drama,[39] but in a poem hitherto unpublished, which I had the good fortune to obtain through Mr. F. Sabin. It was the joint work of "impetuous William" and his sister in the spring of 1777, and is in the handwriting of the former:—