[342] “Dropmore P.,” i, 247, 248
[343] Pitt MSS., 321.
[344] This is refuted by the official wording of that Resolution as passed at Dublin, in “Parl. Hist.,” xxv, 312.
[345] Pitt MSS., 321.
[346] Fifty-six petitions had been sent in against Lord North’s proposals in 1778. Daniel Pulteney wrote on 22nd March: “The selfishness, ignorance, and credulity of many more commercial towns has been too successfully practised on by Opposition.” He says Nottingham was worked on by “Portland’s emissaries.” The day before he expressed regret at Pitt’s obstinacy over the “cursed” Westminster scrutiny (“Rutland P.,” iii, 192, 193).
[347] Ashbourne, 121.
[348] “Report of the Lords of the Committee of Council” (1st March 1785). (J. Stockdale,) 4. Pitt stated in his letter of 6th January 1785 to Rutland, that Ireland bought far less from Great Britain than she sold to her.
[349] Ibid., 8–30.
[350] Ibid., 31–42.
[351] Ibid., 43–49.