It was, however, not this which kept him from office, but the resolve of George III.

The King simply said that he would not have Chatham.

In office Chatham would certainly rule and the King intended himself to rule.

If Chatham would come in a subordinate position, well; but Chatham should not lead.

The King declared that as long as even ten men stood by him he would hold out and he would lose his crown rather than call to office that clamorous Opposition which had attacked his American policy.