[402] B.M. Add. MSS., 35684. In May 1790, Pitt drafted a letter to the members of the Senate of the University of Cambridge, asking for the support to his intended candidature for the office of High Steward, then vacant owing to the death of Lord Hardwicke. He expressed the hope that the crisis in public affairs would be deemed a sufficient excuse for not making the application in person. He was elected. The draft of the letter is in the Library of Pembroke College, Cambridge.
[403] “Private Papers of Wilberforce,” 13, 14.
[404] “Life of Wilberforce,” i, 113.
[405] Ibid., ii, 10–13.
[406] “Antony and Cleopatra,” v, sc. 2.
[407] “Malmesbury Diaries,” ii, 24–26, 49, 55. The character and career of Sir James Harris (the future Earl of Malmesbury) will concern us later. Herr F. K. Wittichen, “Preussen und England in der Europäischen Politik—1785–1788,” ad init., condemns the resentment of Frederick the Great as a mistake, fatal to the interests both of Prussia and England.
[408] “Malmesbury Diaries,” i, 374, 402, 532. He thought her hasty, and swayed by passion or caprice; but events proved that she did not lack foresight or firmness.
[409] Mahan, “Influence of Sea Power,” i, 11.
[410] Martens, iii, 327.
[411] “Leeds Memoranda” (edited by Mr. Oscar Browning), 101.