ABSTRACT
Grafton's first noticeable entry into politics came in 1762 when the Duke of Newcastle's 'young friends' met at Grafton's London home to organize a formal opposition against Bute's peace preliminaries to end the Seven Years War. Early in 1769 Grafton's divorce was granted; at the end of the year he married Elizabeth Wrottesley. Chatham, who had lost his reputation as the 'Great Commoner' on accepting his peerage, proved to be a dictatorial and secretive master and Grafton became an almost silent minister, soon giving up all pretence of knowing what Chatham's policies might be. In May 1767 Grafton was unable to prevent Townshend from proposing the American Duties Bill in the Commons. The Act was Grafton's reciprocation for Ireland's increased military contribution in raising troops to deal with the escalating tensions in America. The ministry continued until the beginning of the new session in January 1770 when further troubles afflicted Grafton. .
