It is with the utmost concern and mortification that I am under the necessity of acquainting your Excellency of the dangerous state in which His Majesty's health has been for these last two days. Notwithstanding the various reports which you may have seen, real symptoms of danger did not appear till yesterday. The disorder, about the middle of yesterday, attacked His Majesty's head, and he has had a very indifferent night, and, I am afraid, is not much better to-day.
The Queen supports herself with her usual good sense and fortitude, but is still much affected both in health and spirits, though tolerably composed.
His Majesty, during his whole illness, has had the consolation of receiving the unremitted attention of the whole Royal Family, of the value of which he has shown himself affectingly sensible.
In short, my dear Lord, the case may not be desperate; but it is full of extreme danger. God send us a happy issue of it.
My best respects to Lady Buckingham and Lord Temple. I write, as you may imagine, in great confusion and anxiety.
I am, with great esteem and regard,
Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant.
MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.
Whitehall, Nov. 8th, 1788.
My dear Brother,
I am afraid that I shall be obliged to send this letter away without any particular or authentic account of the King. Pitt is gone down to Windsor this morning, and is not yet returned; unless he comes back before the post goes out I shall have little more than common report to send you.