Letter from the Duke of Grafton, Euston, to Joshua Sharpe, 1766 December 17 : autograph manuscript signed.

Asking for his views with regard to the position of Solicitor to the Excise; saying "...before I dispose of it I am desirous to be acquainted with your Sentiments upon it, your Conduct towards me claiming the Refusals of a office of that nature. Whoever holds it, must accept it bonâ fide upon those Terms to quit all other Business or the partnership of all whatsoever : to execute it himself & not by Deputy, which not only the future Patent will disallow, but even the minutes of the Treasury will record that it is disposed of on such Terms. You are too much of a man of Honor to undertake it without meaning to conform most exactly to them : & in your way of Business I can not conceive that it can be worth your while to quit it all for the Employment. This will not prevent my thinking of you on future occasions, & on offices that may be held consistently with your present Business."