tized by violent marks of popular odium*. Grace was not at this time, in the judgment of the Favourite, an object of dread or respect.
Lord Bute's attention at this period, was directed to another nobleman. Since the reconciliation between Lord Temple and his brother Mr. Grenville, there had commenced a coolness between his Lordship and Mr. Pitt, and between his Lordship and Mr. James Grenville. They imagined from several circumstances, that their brother had supplanted them in his Lordship's favour and confidence. To dissolve all great connexions had been Lord Bute's favourite maxim, from the moment of his accession to power. Nothing, therefore, could be more favourable to his project than this family division. He resolved to seize the opportunity which this circumstance seemed to offer. Accordingly, a few days after the meeting of Parliament, when Mr. Pitt had given the decision for the repeal of the Stamp Act, by the preceding speech (See Appendix U.) which Mr. Grenville had opposed, he solicited an interview with Lord Temple and Mr. Grenville, for the purpose of forming a new administration. His first application was to Lord Eglintoun, between whom and Lord Temple there subsisted a very warm
*By the Spitalfield weavers, who had assembled in multitudes before his house. Several partizans of Lord Bute were seen amongst them.