None of his ministers could flatter him with any hope of success.

But on this subject he was too much excited to hear reason.

He sent down to the Commons a message, not merely signed by himself according to the usual form, but written throughout with his own hand.

He informed them that the necessary preparations had been made for sending away the guards who came with him to England, and that they would immediately embark, unless the House should, out of consideration for him, be disposed to retain them, which he should take very kindly.

When the message had been read, a member proposed that a day might be fixed for the consideration of the subject.