Dec 22, 2015
On this day in 1783, three days after Pitt had formed his first ministry.
22nd, Lord Temple resigned. No dissolution declared. Drove about for Pitt. 'So your friend Mr. Pitt means to come in,' said Mrs. Crewe; 'well, he may do what he likes during the holidays, but it will only be a mince-pie administration, depend on it.'
From The Life of William Wilberforce, Volume 1, by Robert and Samuel Wilberforce, p48.
Pics: William Wilberforce by John Rising; Earl Temple (later 1st Marquess of Buckingham) by Thomas Gainsborough; Mrs Crewe by Thomas Gainsborough; a mince pie.