Determined, if the others would not press the matter, that Lds. Howick, Henry Petty, and Holland should go out. Some think that the trifle required is sufficient to produce the relapse of insanity, and that it would be as well to have the _burst_ upon the great point of all. _Feb. 10th._--Answer from the King. H.M. approves of what his Ministry have said on the subject of the application to have Catholic Sheriffs, but he, ‘Trusts the Parlt. would never under any circumstances agree to the clause in the Mutiny Act. H.M.’s objections do not result from any slight motive. They have never varied, for they arise from principles by which he has been guided thro’ life, and to which he is determined to adhere. He had hoped that the question would never again have been agitated.’ (A copy from the original.) In consequence of this answer from H.M. there was a meeting of the Cabinet this eve. in which it was determined unanimously to persevere. A respectful answer to H.M. was accordingly prepared, stating at full length the reasons which induced the Cabinet to persist in their opinion and determined them to bring the question before Parlt. It is uncertain whether the K. will yield, dismiss them, or try to divide them. Ld. Sidmouth and Ld. Ellenboro’ have behaved well, and even stoutly. Erskine betrays great backwardness, tho’ he must go with the rest. Whilst the letter for the K. was read, he affected to be asleep, but Ld. Holland roused him and called his attention to this _important_ paper. The King very cordial and civil to the Ministers at the Levée. In his audience with Ld. Sidmouth he listened to the arguments for the measure, and even dropped a sort of acquiescence. Erskine held a most foolish, and even mischievous conversation with him. He told the K. that had he been in the Irish Parlt., the measures for the Catholics should not have passed without opposition: on which the K. complimented him, and said, ‘I believe indeed, my Lord Chancellor, that you are a good Protestant.’ ‘That, Sir, is my proudest title.’ The King is certainly tractable, but told Ld. Sidmouth that he should take 24 hours to consider of his answer to the Minute of the Cabinet. Ld. Grenville accompanied the Cabinet Minute with a private letter of his own, which pleased the K. mightily. [Sidenote: THE CATHOLIC QUESTION]