Charles's first step was to propose mediation, but Pitt was averse to it.

Looking upon France as the chief enemy of England, and upon the sea and the colonies as the chief source of power and wealth, he wished, now that he had her down, to weaken her thoroughly for the future as well as the present, and to establish England's greatness more firmly upon the wreck.

Later on he offered certain conditions; but the influence of Louis's mistress, attached to the Empress of Austria, prevailed to except Prussia from the negotiations, and England would not allow the exception.

Pitt, indeed, was not yet ready for peace.

A year later, October 25, 1760, George II.