Famed for his masterful oratory and fearless criticism of parliamentary opponents, William Pitt the Elder (1708-78) distinguished himself through the strong leadership he provided during Britain's struggle against France in the Seven Years' War. Edited by his great-grandsons and first published between 1838 and 1840, this four-volume collection presents nearly forty years' worth of letters to and from the great statesman. Each volume also contains a useful list of the principal officers of state for the period covered, along with facsimile plates of letters and signatures by some of Pitt's eminent correspondents. Including six pre-1760 letters, Volume 2 (1838) chiefly covers the period from 1760 through to the end of July 1766. The accession of a hostile George III in October 1760 created difficulties for Pitt, which resulted in his resignation from government a year later. During his time in opposition, the Treaty of Paris concluded Anglo-French hostilities.
