| Content Description | Reports arrival of Irish Chancellor and uncertainty felt in view of King's wish to replace him with the Chancellor, leaving him as army general; comments that he will do what he can to avoid this but will above all ensure that he gives the King no cause for complaint and his enemies no cause to say that he abandoned the King's service at a time when affairs were not in good order; refers to need for time to reflect on the right decision; asks Lady Russell's advice as to his best course of action, suggesting that if the King were to replace him with the Chancellor, he might request a special commission, details of which he outlines; states that the best option for him, if the King would agree, would be his retirement. |