CHAPTER V.

1767. Affair of Colonel Brereton with the Duke of Grafton 132

Tax on Irish Absentees 133

Character of Lord Weymouth 135

Attempted Treaty with Mr. Grenville 136

Dec. 18th. Success of the Negotiation with the Bedfords 140

Dec. 21st. The Houses adjourn 141

1768. Case of the Duke of Portland 143

Jan. 14th. Dunning made Solicitor-General 146

Jan. 20th. Resignation of Conway 149

Affair of Lord Bottetort 151

Corruption of the Corporation of Oxford 153

Bill for Septennial Parliaments in Ireland 155

Feb. 1st. Death of Sir Robert Rich 156

Beckford’s Bribery Bill 157

Feb. 17th. Bill to restrain the Recovery of Crown Lands 161

Dissolution of Parliament 163