N.B. Must look about for a new Chancellor—Scott might do, but cants too much about his independence and his conscience—what the devil has he to do with independence and conscience—besides he has a snivelling trick of retracting when he is caught in a lie—hate such puling fellows—GEORGE HARDINGE not much better—must try him tho’—will order him to speak on Wednesday.
Took PITT to town in my chariot—drove to Berkeley-street—got PITT to the door, but he would not come in—lounged an hour with CHARLOTTE—promised her a company in one of the new regiments for a disbanded private of the Horse Guards.—Why not order the whole House to be qualified at DRUMMOND’s, and charge it to the Company’s secret service?
March 10th.—Sent for TWINING—when he came, had by me a large bason of his SOUCHONG—drank it without a wry face—the most nauseous black draught I ever swallowed—swore it was excellent—quoted a sentence from CICERO, which I got from PRETTYMAN for the occasion—promised to put TWINING on my House-list next year, give him one of the Chairs, and put the Tea-Trade under the Secret Committee—TWINING to procure a requisition for a General Court—gave him hints for a speech—to abuse Baring damnably.
Called at WHITEHALL—took away the last letters from CORNWALLIS, that PITT may not see them before they are properly copied out by my private Secretary.—Left orders for PITT and SYDNEY to follow me to my house, where they would find my dispatches for India ready for signing.
March 11th.—Dined with the Directors—almost too late; London Tavern not near enough.—Mem. to order the Directors in future always to dine in my neighbourhood, and allow them to charge the additional coach-hire to the Company—Why not buy a long stage to carry them about wherever I may want them?
PITT frightened when we got into the City, lest the mob should hiss—talked about Grocers’ Hall and better times; asked me if I was not glad they were going to pull down Temple bar, and hoped there would be no further occasion for it.
Tried to prevent his being melancholy—threw a shilling among the blackguards—would not do—no huzzaing. N.B. Not to forget to make the Chairman repay me, the money being disbursed in the Company’s service.
Got to the LONDON TAVERN at six. Drew up my Commissioners in the passage, and gave them their orders—told PITT to follow next to me, and bid MULGRAVE speak in his upper voice, and be affable.—Tried to laugh as we entered the room—MULGRAVE put us out by one of his growling sighs—damn the fellow! must get rid of him.—Told DEVAYNES to laugh for us all—did it well—make him Chairman next year.
Dinner good—don’t see why we should not dine with them always.—N.B. Ordered twelve dozen of their claret to be carried to Wimbledon—LUSHINGTON grumbled, and asked by what authority I did it.—A very troublesome fellow that—remove him.
PITT peevish and out of spirits; ordered MOTTEUX to sing a song—began “Ah si vous pouviez comprendre.” PITT turned red, and thought the Chairman alluded to some dark passages in the India Bill—endeavoured to pacify him, and told the Secret Committee to give us a soft air; they sung in a low voice “the cause I must not, dare not tell”—MANSHIP groaned, and drank Colonel CATHCART. By G—, if I thought he meant to betray me, I’d indict him for perjury!—Somebody struck up “if you trust before you try.”—PITT asked if the Directors wished to affront, him, and began a long harangue about his regard and friendship for the Company;—nine Directors offered to swear for it—told them they need not—bowed, and thanked me.