The limits prescribed by the constitution to a remonstrance of this nature are very indistinct, and the Duke will be held to have outstepped them only by the opponent of the political opinions with which the House of Russell have been so long and so honourably identified.--E. [149] The most plausible explanation of Lord Temple’s conduct on this occasion is, that he acted on grounds purely personal. It appears from Lady Hervey’s Letters--an excellent authority--that as far back as March his connection with Mr. Pitt had in a great measure ceased. His pride may have been gratified by the advances made to him by the leading members of the Government, as unquestionably it was deeply wounded by the proofs he had lately received of his diminished influence over the Opposition. The gratification of his vengeance cost him dear, for the Liberal party never forgave him, and the event showed how entirely his importance with the country had arisen from his relation to Mr. Pitt. The engagements into which he immediately after entered with Mr. Grenville, only served to obstruct his return to power, and, as will be seen hereafter, to involve him in embarrassments still more prejudicial to his reputation.--E. [150] Lord Villiers was the intimate friend of the Duke of Grafton, whose attachment was to Mr. Pitt. [151] Charles (not the famous one, but his first-cousin) was the only son of Colonel W. Townshend, third son of Charles Viscount Townshend, Secretary of State. This Charles Townshend was, for distinction, called _the Spanish Charles_, from having been secretary to Sir Benjamin Keene, Ambassador at Madrid, and was afterwards a Commissioner of the Treasury. [152] John Earl of Ashburnham, the chief favourite of the Duke of Newcastle, whom he afterwards abandoned, being a very prudent and interested man. [153] T. Walpole was attached to Mr. Pitt. [154] It certainly was time that they should enter upon the business of their respective offices, for the country had now been more than seven weeks virtually without a government. The following chronological summary of the negotiations that passed daily at this period will bring them more distinctly before the reader. 18th May. The King announced to Mr. Grenville his intention of changing his Ministers. 19th. The Ministers acquaint the King that they would resign on the following Tuesday. 20th. The Duke of Cumberland applies to Mr. Pitt, at Hayes. 20th. The King, having failed to form a new government, recalls his Ministers. 12th June. The Duke of Bedford remonstrates with the King. 17th. The Duke of Cumberland conveys to Mr. Pitt, at Hayes, fresh overtures from the King. 19th. Mr. Pitt has an audience with the King. 21st. Lord Temple refuses to join Mr. Pitt. 22nd. Mr. Pitt waits on the King and declines office. 23rd. Mr. Pitt has another audience, with the same result. 30th. Meeting of the Opposition at Claremont, under the auspices of the Duke of Cumberland.