The identity of the recipient is from the published letter cited below.
Marked "Private."
William Eden, Baron Auckland, served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Versailles from 1785-1787.
Part of a collection of letters from and to William Pitt the Elder and William Pitt the Younger. Letters are described in individual records; see MA 894-895 for more detail.
Concerning prospective negotiations to take place in Paris; saying that Mr. Grenville is just leaving [for Paris] and although he has nothing to add to the dispatches he sent him Wednesday he wishes to repeat "the earnest and anxious hope I entertain that with your assistance He may be able to come to that speedy and distinct Explanation, with a View to which He is sent. - We have adopted this measure as furnishing the best Prospect of avoiding Extremities. You will be able to judge in a great measure, on conversing with Mr. Grenville, whether it is likely to succeed and you will I am sure feel how much depends upon it. - At all Events I shall feel great Satisfaction in the Reflection that every Step is taken on our Part that we think practicable to bring things to a favorable Issue, and indeed I do not see why it may not, still be effected. - But the moment certainly presses in the greatest degree, and what we are now trying is a last effort to endeavor to obtain an object which We have so strongly at Heart, but for which nevertheless We cannot sacrifice what We think essential to our own Credit and (what is much more) to the permanent Security of the Country."