THE CATHOLIC QUESTION
‘From the latter part of the Minute the K. must conclude, that altho’ the Bill which was depending is dropped, they have been unable to make up their minds not to press upon him in future measures connected with a question which has already proved so distressing to him, nor can H.M. conceal from them that this intimation on their part, unless withdrawn, will leave the matter in a state most embarrassing and unsatisfactory to him, and in his opinion not less to them. The K. therefore considers it due to himself and consistent with fair and upright conduct, which it has and ever will be his object to observe towards everyone, to declare at once most unequivocally that upon this subject his sentiments never can change, that he cannot ever agree to any concession which his confidential servants may in future propose to him; and that under these circumstances and after what has passed, his mind cannot be at ease unless he shall receive a positive assurance from them which shall effectually relieve him from all future apprehension.
‘(Signed) George R.’
The preceding note was enclosed in the following:—
March 17th, 1807.
‘The King has lost no time in dictating the answer to the Minute of Cabinet. Ld. Grenville will receive it enclosed, and H.M. desires he will communicate it to his colleagues, trusting at the same time that Ld. Grenville will see the propriety, with a view to the prevention of all future mistakes, that when they shall have duly considered the latter part of His Majesty’s answer, their determination should be stated on paper.
‘(Signed) George R.’
When these notes were received by Ld. Grenville the Ministry were in a very embarrassing situation, in consequence of having received the night before Ld. Spencer’s resignation, which he sent to Ld. Grenville the instant he was informed that the Bill in Parlt. was to be abandoned, thinking himself particularly pledged to it, as being the person through whom it had been communicated to the Irish Governt. and to the Catholics that such a Bill was determined upon. The King’s notes were therefore received with the greatest satisfaction, as it enabled the whole of the Ministry, Ld. Sidmouth and his friends excepted, to retire from office upon good and constitutional grounds, while their offer to abandon the Bill exempted them from any charge of having deceived or attempted to overreach the K. A respectful but firm answer was therefore sent, refusing to give the pledge for their future conduct which the King demanded.
18th.—The answer of the Cabinet was given to the King this morning. He is to take, as before, 24 hours to think of his reply.
He was to-day (Wednesday) very civil to Ld. Howick, hoped that if they did part, they should part with a more favourable impression of each other than they had entertained before they met. Assured him that he had consulted with no one, not even with his own family, about forming a new Administration.