George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 6, 10th edition.

[21] better understood Townshend's character, said every

Chap. XXVI.} 1766. July.

thing to dissuade Grafton from taking such a man as his second; warning him of the many unexpected disappointments which he was preparing. But ‘I was weak enough, very unwisely, to persist in my desire,’ Grafton afterwards wrote, more anxious to manifest the integrity of his intentions, than to conceal the consequences of his advice. Pitt loved to oblige those in whom he confided, and at last gave way, though much against his inclination, as well as his opinion; insisting, however, that Townshend was not to be called to the Cabinet.¹ On learning this exclusion, Townshend hesitated; but, finally, on the twenty-sixth, pleading ‘the express commands’ of the King, he acquiesced. ‘I sacrifice,’ said he, ‘with cheerfulness and from principle, all that men usually pursue.’ Affecting to trust that this merit would be acknowledged by posterity, he pledged himself, in every measure of business and every act of life, to cultivate Pitt's confidence and esteem; and, to Grafton he said, ‘My plan is a plan of union with your Grace; words are useless; God prosper our joint labors, and may our mutual trust, affection, and friendship grow from every act of our lives.’² Thus he professed himself a devotee to Pitt and Grafton, being sure to do his utmost to thwart the one, and to supersede the other.

The lead in the House of Commons was assigned to Conway, as one of the Secretaries of State; the care of America to the Earl of Shelburne, notwithstanding he suffered under the King's extreme dislike.³