The boldest attempt that could be practised has been made to invade my nephew’s right. Where the plan originated I know not, and shall not take the trouble to inquire, but the first communication I received was thro’ a mutual friend of the [3rd] Duke of Northumberland’s and mine, to the effect that his Grace was ready to name according to terms agreed upon. My answer was that none were made to warrant the application, to which I was replied that the late duke [d. 10 July 1817] was informed by his deceased friend [Sir John McMahon*] that provision was made in the event of accepting office, and that it was only from supposing that the case of death might have been also provided for, that the first friend alluded to had so written to me on the present duke’s part, offering at the same time (for well he might) every apology to me, and that my word was enough.
... On the 14th I received a letter from Mr Arbuthnot, saying that my letter to Mr Lushington dated the 4th had been given to him, Mr Arbuthnot, and altho’ it mentioned my intention of filling the vacancy, Mr Arbuthnot says he writes to acquaint me who the person is the Duke of Northumberland intends naming to me. A letter dated the 13th (which being sent to Canterbury, I did not receive until the 15th) signed Richard Wilson, as agent for the duke, has this expression, that he was desired to arrange with the Treasury pursuant to the understanding which the late Col. McMahon communicated to him.
2. Ginter, Whig Organization, 170, 173; PRO 30/8/129, f. 149; Spencer mss, Mrs Howe to Lady Spencer, 12 June 1790; Morning Chron. 27 Jan. 1791.
3. Parl. Deb. xiv. 491.
4. Alnwick mss 67, ff. 191-6, 217; Kentish Chron. 13 Oct.; Kent AO, New Romney recs. AC5, assembly bk. 8 Oct. 1812; Geo. IV Letters, i. 182.
5. Add. 38268, f. 276.