See DNB.
'Godwin was also regularly invited to the dinner table
of Lord Lauderdale, one of the leaders of the small band of Whigs whose persistent opposition in Parliament helped to soften
the repressive policies of Pitt’s
government. There he met most of the leading Whig politicians, Lord Derby, Sir Philip Francis, Adair, Courtenay, North, and
William Smith.’ (St Clair, p. 94)
See the note from T Moore 24 January 1795 saying that Lord lauderdale has expressed a desire to become acquainted with Godwin
and invites him to dine
on Wednesday - which he does. There is also an undated note to Marshall who is to wait on Lauderdale's answer before seeing
Sharp.
