East India Office, June 26, 1823.My dear B——,We have at last a despatch to-day, assuring us that he[116]considers the alarm as groundless, and to the extent to which it at present prevails, perfectly absurd. He admits the general expectation of rising, but has not been able to ascertain any facts to justify it. He denies the increase of the guards of Dublin to any material degree, and expressly disclaims any wish for further legislative powers, or, as things now appear, for any additional military force. He laments the mutual exasperation between the two parties, andcomplainsthat the leaders of each will not unite in a system of conciliation.More arrant fudge could scarcely be found if Dr. Burdock's copy of verses had been recorded by Miss Amelia Wilhelmina Skeggs in "The Vicar of Wakefield."I hope, however, he is right in his want of apprehension of danger, and may not be waked to it by such an affair as that in Thomas-street, of 1803. He speaks of the concurrence of Lord Combermere and of the Solicitor-General, which does not quite tally with what I have heard of their sentiments; but this is of little importance, heaven knows, either way.Your scandal is good indeed—I should have thought too much so to be true.Respecting the fate of the two Bills in the Lords, I apprehend the first half of George's (granting the elective franchise) will pass, the other miscarry. I can hardly think it possible that the Tithe Bill should, notwithstanding Liverpool's eagerness upon the subject.Out of eighty-four days which we had sat, up to Monday last, forty-nine have been occupied in Irish business! We nowbeginto be heartily tired, andthereforemay, I hope, be expected to travelau galop.Ever affectionately yours,C. W. W.
East India Office, June 26, 1823.
My dear B——,
We have at last a despatch to-day, assuring us that he[116]considers the alarm as groundless, and to the extent to which it at present prevails, perfectly absurd. He admits the general expectation of rising, but has not been able to ascertain any facts to justify it. He denies the increase of the guards of Dublin to any material degree, and expressly disclaims any wish for further legislative powers, or, as things now appear, for any additional military force. He laments the mutual exasperation between the two parties, andcomplainsthat the leaders of each will not unite in a system of conciliation.
More arrant fudge could scarcely be found if Dr. Burdock's copy of verses had been recorded by Miss Amelia Wilhelmina Skeggs in "The Vicar of Wakefield."
I hope, however, he is right in his want of apprehension of danger, and may not be waked to it by such an affair as that in Thomas-street, of 1803. He speaks of the concurrence of Lord Combermere and of the Solicitor-General, which does not quite tally with what I have heard of their sentiments; but this is of little importance, heaven knows, either way.
Your scandal is good indeed—I should have thought too much so to be true.
Respecting the fate of the two Bills in the Lords, I apprehend the first half of George's (granting the elective franchise) will pass, the other miscarry. I can hardly think it possible that the Tithe Bill should, notwithstanding Liverpool's eagerness upon the subject.
Out of eighty-four days which we had sat, up to Monday last, forty-nine have been occupied in Irish business! We nowbeginto be heartily tired, andthereforemay, I hope, be expected to travelau galop.
Ever affectionately yours,
C. W. W.
THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
East India Office, June 30, 1823.My dear B——,A'Court has, as you will have already learnt, very properly declined the invitation of the Regency to Cadiz. He is directed to proceed to Gibraltar, unless he shall find that the King, after being, as intended, restored to nominal liberty and sanity at Cadiz, shall press his going there as affording a certain degree of protection to his life.The removal to Cadiz I take to have been a mere act of desperation. Many members of the Cortes have slipped away, and it is a fact that the Regency could not get any individual to hold officead interimunder them, or even a clerk to countersign their letter to A'Court. They may have in Cadiz, it is said, possibly from 10,000 to 12,000 men.Harrowby's disappointment seems to sit easy upon him.I enclose a letter just received from P——.[117]I do not know what foundation he has of the report of dudgeon in the Home Office. It is perfectly true that his objection to reversal of attainders was supported by no one. Both he and his man complain much of being left to carry through the Tithe Bill unassisted by Plunket, and I think not without reason.It certainly is odd that a measure for getting rid of tithes should fall into the hands of the members for the Universities of Oxford and Dublin, and of a candidate for that of Cambridge.It is quite determined to carry it through in the present session.Ever affectionately yours,C. W. W.
East India Office, June 30, 1823.
My dear B——,
A'Court has, as you will have already learnt, very properly declined the invitation of the Regency to Cadiz. He is directed to proceed to Gibraltar, unless he shall find that the King, after being, as intended, restored to nominal liberty and sanity at Cadiz, shall press his going there as affording a certain degree of protection to his life.
The removal to Cadiz I take to have been a mere act of desperation. Many members of the Cortes have slipped away, and it is a fact that the Regency could not get any individual to hold officead interimunder them, or even a clerk to countersign their letter to A'Court. They may have in Cadiz, it is said, possibly from 10,000 to 12,000 men.
Harrowby's disappointment seems to sit easy upon him.
I enclose a letter just received from P——.[117]I do not know what foundation he has of the report of dudgeon in the Home Office. It is perfectly true that his objection to reversal of attainders was supported by no one. Both he and his man complain much of being left to carry through the Tithe Bill unassisted by Plunket, and I think not without reason.
It certainly is odd that a measure for getting rid of tithes should fall into the hands of the members for the Universities of Oxford and Dublin, and of a candidate for that of Cambridge.
It is quite determined to carry it through in the present session.
Ever affectionately yours,
C. W. W.
LORD GRENVILLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Camelford House, July 3, 1823.I most heartily join with you in taking joy at what I consider asthe triumph of the cause of freedomin the Peninsula;—having read enough to know, and having seen enough to observe, that of all possible tyrannies—and I cordially hate them all—the most contemptible, corrupt, and cruel is the tyranny of absolute democracy, most especially when resting, as in Spain and Portugal, on that new instrument of freedom, a mutinous and self-governed army.Your friend Sir Robert[118]makes a pretty figure in this puppet-show!
Camelford House, July 3, 1823.
I most heartily join with you in taking joy at what I consider asthe triumph of the cause of freedomin the Peninsula;—having read enough to know, and having seen enough to observe, that of all possible tyrannies—and I cordially hate them all—the most contemptible, corrupt, and cruel is the tyranny of absolute democracy, most especially when resting, as in Spain and Portugal, on that new instrument of freedom, a mutinous and self-governed army.
Your friend Sir Robert[118]makes a pretty figure in this puppet-show!
THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
East India Office, July 3, 1823.My dear B——,The last judicial appointment which I made was about a twelvemonth ago, of Sir Edward West, to be Recorder of Bombay. As soon as the Bill for establishing a new judicature there shall receive the Royal assent, he will be nominated Chief Justice.The elder brother was also recommended to me, among other grounds, on the sacrifice which he had made in voting for Lord Grenville in 1809, being then a Fellow of University College, which had been remembered to his disadvantage by the Chancellor on different occasions. I laid both their names, among others, before the Chief Baron, who is my ordinary legal adviser on these occasions. The result of his inquiries was very favourable to Edward West, but your friend Martin West, though described to be of excellent character, all the cardinal virtues, andmeilleur enfant du monde, was allowed by his friends to be unfortunately indolent, which, for the climate of India, is the greatest fault that can be attributed to a public functionary.You have not returned to me Plunket's letter; pray send it forthwith, as I transmitted to you the very day I received it, and have not yet answered it. The passage you allude to refers to Peel. The question was the reversal of Scotch, not Irish attainders, but he so little pressed his objection, and was so little supported, that I do not think it likely to have been the ground of such serious complaint.Nugent's Bill for restoring the elective franchise will, I believe, pass the House of Lords; the other will, I conclude, be dropped in the Commons. I still hope we may adjourn to-morrow sevennight, but we must depend for that on the forbearance or fatigue of Opposition, since, if they choose to go on with the system of raising discussions every day, they may prevent us.Canning has sent out his cards for a Cabinet dinner on the 23rd, so I suppose he does not contemplate the prorogation till about that time. Lord Grenville is in town, looking much better than when I last saw him. He has had no offer for Camelford House, and seems to be making up his mind to retain it and live there, notwithstanding the faults of its situation.Ever most affectionately yours,C. W. W.
East India Office, July 3, 1823.
My dear B——,
The last judicial appointment which I made was about a twelvemonth ago, of Sir Edward West, to be Recorder of Bombay. As soon as the Bill for establishing a new judicature there shall receive the Royal assent, he will be nominated Chief Justice.
The elder brother was also recommended to me, among other grounds, on the sacrifice which he had made in voting for Lord Grenville in 1809, being then a Fellow of University College, which had been remembered to his disadvantage by the Chancellor on different occasions. I laid both their names, among others, before the Chief Baron, who is my ordinary legal adviser on these occasions. The result of his inquiries was very favourable to Edward West, but your friend Martin West, though described to be of excellent character, all the cardinal virtues, andmeilleur enfant du monde, was allowed by his friends to be unfortunately indolent, which, for the climate of India, is the greatest fault that can be attributed to a public functionary.
You have not returned to me Plunket's letter; pray send it forthwith, as I transmitted to you the very day I received it, and have not yet answered it. The passage you allude to refers to Peel. The question was the reversal of Scotch, not Irish attainders, but he so little pressed his objection, and was so little supported, that I do not think it likely to have been the ground of such serious complaint.
Nugent's Bill for restoring the elective franchise will, I believe, pass the House of Lords; the other will, I conclude, be dropped in the Commons. I still hope we may adjourn to-morrow sevennight, but we must depend for that on the forbearance or fatigue of Opposition, since, if they choose to go on with the system of raising discussions every day, they may prevent us.
Canning has sent out his cards for a Cabinet dinner on the 23rd, so I suppose he does not contemplate the prorogation till about that time. Lord Grenville is in town, looking much better than when I last saw him. He has had no offer for Camelford House, and seems to be making up his mind to retain it and live there, notwithstanding the faults of its situation.
Ever most affectionately yours,
C. W. W.
THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Board of Control, July 9, 1823.My dear Duke,We are now nearly closing the session, and certainly with more success altogether than one could have expected; but one thing has been manifested—namely, that we should have done just as well without Canning as a leader, as with him. He has taken upon himself no authority, either by putting down or assisting questions doubtful or difficult. Robinson and Peel have both risen much beyond him in estimation as general speakers and men of business.The accounts from Ireland are better, and at last they have got communications from Lord Wellesley. I think the House of Commons have not done well in whitewashing O'Grady, which I think they have done. The King came to town yesterday, and gives a great dinner to-morrow. They say he also gives a ball on Friday. I understand he remains about a fortnight in town, and then proceeds to the Yacht.Ever most faithfully yours,W. H. Fremantle.P.S.—Lord Hastings is expected in town to-morrow or next day.
Board of Control, July 9, 1823.
My dear Duke,
We are now nearly closing the session, and certainly with more success altogether than one could have expected; but one thing has been manifested—namely, that we should have done just as well without Canning as a leader, as with him. He has taken upon himself no authority, either by putting down or assisting questions doubtful or difficult. Robinson and Peel have both risen much beyond him in estimation as general speakers and men of business.
The accounts from Ireland are better, and at last they have got communications from Lord Wellesley. I think the House of Commons have not done well in whitewashing O'Grady, which I think they have done. The King came to town yesterday, and gives a great dinner to-morrow. They say he also gives a ball on Friday. I understand he remains about a fortnight in town, and then proceeds to the Yacht.
Ever most faithfully yours,
W. H. Fremantle.
P.S.—Lord Hastings is expected in town to-morrow or next day.
The next letter refers to a measure alluded to in a previous communication, brought forward by Lord Nugent, for restoring the elective franchise to places in which it had been forfeited. Mr. Wynn expected that it would pass the House of Lords, but he found himself mistaken.
THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
House of Commons, July 10, 1823.My dear B——,The defeat of Nugent's Bill, though supported by the speeches of Liverpool, Westmoreland, Harrowby, and Melville, together with the votes of Bathurst and Bexley, by the Chancellor, Duke of York, and Shaftesbury, has produced much sensation. Brougham is now speaking upon the Scotch Appeal Commission Bill, and has been describing the Chancellor as Prime Minister, and constantly denominating Lord Liverpool "My noble coadjutor," "the noble Earl with whom I have the honour to act," &c. &c., with much humour. Sidmouth slunk away without voting. It is most vexatious that the Bill should have been lost, as with common exertion to enter proxies, it might have been carried. You will see the Chancellor denied the possibility of any man who refused the oath of supremacy being a loyal subject! The D—— of Y——, I regret to say, most conspicuously active.My wife and I areat lastgoing to a dress party to-night at Carlton House.Thank heaven, to-morrow the House of Commons adjourns, and we conclude with my E.I. Mutiny Bill, which Bobus Smith is to oppose violently.Ever affectionately yours,C. W. W.Lord Grenville sets out on Sunday on a tour to the Lakes.
House of Commons, July 10, 1823.
My dear B——,
The defeat of Nugent's Bill, though supported by the speeches of Liverpool, Westmoreland, Harrowby, and Melville, together with the votes of Bathurst and Bexley, by the Chancellor, Duke of York, and Shaftesbury, has produced much sensation. Brougham is now speaking upon the Scotch Appeal Commission Bill, and has been describing the Chancellor as Prime Minister, and constantly denominating Lord Liverpool "My noble coadjutor," "the noble Earl with whom I have the honour to act," &c. &c., with much humour. Sidmouth slunk away without voting. It is most vexatious that the Bill should have been lost, as with common exertion to enter proxies, it might have been carried. You will see the Chancellor denied the possibility of any man who refused the oath of supremacy being a loyal subject! The D—— of Y——, I regret to say, most conspicuously active.
My wife and I areat lastgoing to a dress party to-night at Carlton House.
Thank heaven, to-morrow the House of Commons adjourns, and we conclude with my E.I. Mutiny Bill, which Bobus Smith is to oppose violently.
Ever affectionately yours,
C. W. W.
Lord Grenville sets out on Sunday on a tour to the Lakes.
THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
East India Office, July 18, 1823.My dear B——,As I am to dine the Lion of the East, Commander of the Faithful, &c. &c., the most exalted Caliph Hastings, on this day sevennight, you will extremely oblige me by contributing towards the gorging of his royal jaws.I have asked sundry of myconfrèresto meet him, but I do not think he appears graciously inclined towards us.We had a very grand party at Carlton House on Thursday last, and a gay ball for the children last Tuesday; so I suppose we are either in favour, or, which is more likely, that the people in attendance have found out the blunders and omissions which they made last year. I hear the absence of all Grenvilles, either in person or proxy, from the division on the Elective Franchise Bill, is much commented upon, and considered as a retaliation for the desertion of Plunket in the House of Commons.Much apprehension is entertained of the Cortes being driven into desperation by the violence of the Madrid Regency, and bringing the beloved Ferdinand to trial, for which proofs certainly are not wanting.The French profess the greatest disapprobation of the persecuting spirit of the Regency, but seem to take no steps to control it; and it seems to be encouraged by the other members of the Holy Alliance.Ever most affectionately yours,C. Williams Wynn.The Prorogation will be on Saturday, notwithstanding a blunder about the Commission, by which we lose to-day in the House of Commons.Westmoreland is so extremely pleased with his own speech on Nugent's Bill, and so angry with the Chancellor for opposing it, that he only wants a little flattery to make him a good Papist.Sundry of my colleagues are also angry with said noble and learned Lord, for throwing out the Slave Trade Consolidation Bill, which had been approved and settled by Lord Bathurst, and for leaving out the disputed parts of the Silk Bill.
East India Office, July 18, 1823.
My dear B——,
As I am to dine the Lion of the East, Commander of the Faithful, &c. &c., the most exalted Caliph Hastings, on this day sevennight, you will extremely oblige me by contributing towards the gorging of his royal jaws.
I have asked sundry of myconfrèresto meet him, but I do not think he appears graciously inclined towards us.
We had a very grand party at Carlton House on Thursday last, and a gay ball for the children last Tuesday; so I suppose we are either in favour, or, which is more likely, that the people in attendance have found out the blunders and omissions which they made last year. I hear the absence of all Grenvilles, either in person or proxy, from the division on the Elective Franchise Bill, is much commented upon, and considered as a retaliation for the desertion of Plunket in the House of Commons.
Much apprehension is entertained of the Cortes being driven into desperation by the violence of the Madrid Regency, and bringing the beloved Ferdinand to trial, for which proofs certainly are not wanting.
The French profess the greatest disapprobation of the persecuting spirit of the Regency, but seem to take no steps to control it; and it seems to be encouraged by the other members of the Holy Alliance.
Ever most affectionately yours,
C. Williams Wynn.
The Prorogation will be on Saturday, notwithstanding a blunder about the Commission, by which we lose to-day in the House of Commons.
Westmoreland is so extremely pleased with his own speech on Nugent's Bill, and so angry with the Chancellor for opposing it, that he only wants a little flattery to make him a good Papist.
Sundry of my colleagues are also angry with said noble and learned Lord, for throwing out the Slave Trade Consolidation Bill, which had been approved and settled by Lord Bathurst, and for leaving out the disputed parts of the Silk Bill.
THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
East India Office, July 21, 1823.My dear B——,I agree with you that my stairs are somewhat narrow for the whole full-blown dignity of the Caliph to ascend. If he would engage to remain in England till the autumn, I would receive him in a better house, and would provide a grander assortment of company to meet him; but, unfortunately, I have found all my colleagues engaged, and must make my table up with directors, military men, and such likesecond chop.The Chancellor's[119]language is exactly the same as he held in 1808, and has continued to hold at the close of every Session since. He certainly has been obliged to swallow some pillscontre cœur, but has his own way infinitely too far. I am not surprised that he is somewhat angry at the silence with which Brougham's attack upon him was received by the Treasury Bench in the House of Commons. Peel continues very glum and sulky.As to Spain, if one can judge from our accounts, the French are more embarrassed than ever. They are obliged to find money for everything, for not a single dollar can the Spaniards muster, and they find that they have less weight, notwithstanding, with the Regency than the Russian Minister, who encourages them in all their violent measures. The Regency have actually refused to treat with Cadiz, though there are many there who are much disposed to it. The force which occupies it is almost entirely militia, and, therefore, cannot be expected to hold out long when there shall be a naval force to co-operate.Duc d'Angoulême is completely sick, and the present plan is, that if they can get the King at liberty, he is to convene a general Cortes, and the French are to leave them and him to make a constitution, withdrawing all their troops ... except 25,000, who are to form an echellon of communication between Bayonne and Madrid. This seems to memost infernal nonsense, too absurd to be ever entertained by the French Cabinet, though they think it may pass upon us, and therefore hold this language to Stuart.Ever affectionately yours,C. W. W.You have, of course, long heard of Lord Fitzwilliam's nuptials. I wonder how they have kept out of the newspaper.The appropriate remark is that "it is a very sensible marriage;" to which it is to be replied, "because the senses have nothing to do with it."
East India Office, July 21, 1823.
My dear B——,
I agree with you that my stairs are somewhat narrow for the whole full-blown dignity of the Caliph to ascend. If he would engage to remain in England till the autumn, I would receive him in a better house, and would provide a grander assortment of company to meet him; but, unfortunately, I have found all my colleagues engaged, and must make my table up with directors, military men, and such likesecond chop.
The Chancellor's[119]language is exactly the same as he held in 1808, and has continued to hold at the close of every Session since. He certainly has been obliged to swallow some pillscontre cœur, but has his own way infinitely too far. I am not surprised that he is somewhat angry at the silence with which Brougham's attack upon him was received by the Treasury Bench in the House of Commons. Peel continues very glum and sulky.
As to Spain, if one can judge from our accounts, the French are more embarrassed than ever. They are obliged to find money for everything, for not a single dollar can the Spaniards muster, and they find that they have less weight, notwithstanding, with the Regency than the Russian Minister, who encourages them in all their violent measures. The Regency have actually refused to treat with Cadiz, though there are many there who are much disposed to it. The force which occupies it is almost entirely militia, and, therefore, cannot be expected to hold out long when there shall be a naval force to co-operate.
Duc d'Angoulême is completely sick, and the present plan is, that if they can get the King at liberty, he is to convene a general Cortes, and the French are to leave them and him to make a constitution, withdrawing all their troops ... except 25,000, who are to form an echellon of communication between Bayonne and Madrid. This seems to memost infernal nonsense, too absurd to be ever entertained by the French Cabinet, though they think it may pass upon us, and therefore hold this language to Stuart.
Ever affectionately yours,
C. W. W.
You have, of course, long heard of Lord Fitzwilliam's nuptials. I wonder how they have kept out of the newspaper.
The appropriate remark is that "it is a very sensible marriage;" to which it is to be replied, "because the senses have nothing to do with it."
On the 16th of July, during a debate in the House of Commons on the subject of Scotch Appeals, Mr. Brougham afforded great amusement to that assembly by drawing a vivid but somewhat sarcastic picture of the state of the Government. "As to Lord Liverpool being Prime Minister," observed the learned gentleman, "he is no more Prime Minister than I am. I reckon Lord Liverpool a sort of member of Opposition; and after what has recently passed, if I were required I should designate him as 'a noble lord in another place with whom I have the honour to act.' Lord Liverpool may have collateral influence, but Lord Eldon has all the direct influence of the Prime Minister. He is Prime Minister to all intents and purposes, and he stands alone in the full exercise of all the influence of that high situation."[120]
In this strain the orator proceeded, claiming Lord Liverpool as a coadjutor because both opposed the measures of the Lord Chancellor. Lord Eldon did not at all relish the joke, perhaps because it was not at the expense of the Grenvilles, and soon afterwards again expressed his intention to resign. This had been repeated so often that it elicited the following squib:—
"The Chancellor vows he'll depart, as they say (So Derry sometimes, if his crew disobey), But when his resigning a minister mentions, We think how hell's paved with mankind's good intentions; For still being in, though so oft going out, We feel much inclined, like his lordship—to doubt."
"The Chancellor vows he'll depart, as they say (So Derry sometimes, if his crew disobey), But when his resigning a minister mentions, We think how hell's paved with mankind's good intentions; For still being in, though so oft going out, We feel much inclined, like his lordship—to doubt."
Parliament was prorogued on the 19th of July, apparently equally to the relief of the Government and the Opposition. A great variety of subjects had been discussed, including the pretended claims of Olivia Serres, self-styled Princess of Cumberland, but little practical good had been effected, and the Ministers were not gaining the confidence of the country or strengthening their own position. The King, too, was losing the popularity he had gained since the Queen's death, by his endeavours to remove himself as much as possible from the public gaze. The Duke of Buckingham's correspondents kept him fully informed on these and all other topics of interest.
THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Englefield Green, July 27, 1823.My dear Duke,I perfectly agree with you in thinking that Canning only waits the opportunity of tripping us up, and this is only to be resisted by a steady line of conduct on our parts, pursuing and maintaining the system as it is now carrying on towards Ireland, until we see the opportunity, by the accordance of other members of the Government, to meet him with the certainty of success. The complete ascendancy which both Robinson and Peel have acquired over him in the House of Commons, but more particularly the former, must weaken his means of playing us a trick, which I am satisfied he is fully disposed to do whenever he can find the opportunity.I don't agree with you at all about Lord Hastings; be assured there is not the most distant idea of sending him to Ireland. I am quite sure Canning distrusts and hates him too much to employ him if it be possible to keep him out, and I do not understand his reception at head quarters has been such as to satisfy him, or give him the hopes of employment. He is very low and disappointed, and is immediately going out of town. He has been profusely civil and attentive to Wynn, but is not come in the highest odour either with the Government or Court of Directors. His conduct about the Press in India has been flagrant, and since his departure Adams has sent home the editor of the Calcutta paper, who has been bullying them for the last five years, and whom Lord Hastings has never had the courage to resist, but, on the contrary, has frequently defended him against his own colleagues in council. This will make a very considerable and difficult discussion in Parliament next year, and I much fear that our Cabinet at home will not have courage to fight the battle manfully; I have no hesitation in thinking with Adams that the fate of India depends on the power of checking the press in that country.The King has had a party with him for the last two days at the Cottage here, and by all accounts is well in health, but most averse to going to sea; whether they will persuade him or not remains to be proved. Lady C—— is very anxious he should, in order to get some holidays, and I believe Knighton likewise presses it. In the meantime he is injuring himself greatly in public opinion by his seclusion; he professes to be so ill he cannot go to his Parliament or stir out in public in London, and then comes here, and sees forty or fifty people, and is driving all day in the park. The real fact is, they cannot manage him; his mind becomes daily more capricious, and his indisposition to public display or communication of any kind, increasing upon him to an extreme degree. The people at Windsor are outrageous; for he has shut up the terrace and all the public walks, and is doing everything to render himself unpopular with them.Lionel Harvey is going on a secret mission to Mexico. What is to be derived from it I have little guess; but there is every reason to believe that France has sent somebody there, and there is no doubt that America will endeavour, or has already got, the start of Europe upon it. Canning is very anxious not to lose the moment; and I suppose that this must be the prelude of our admitting the independence of South America; however, the mission is secret, but he is commissioned, and has the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary. It is a long and desolate prospect, but the scene will be new. He is not quite reconciled to it, but having no better prospect, I think he has done wise in accepting it; they give him two secretaries. I would not wish you to mention this appointment. I find Canning is by no means of opinion that France has or will succeed in her efforts in Spain; at least, this was the tone of his language to Lionel, who saw him yesterday. I hear from Wynn that the grand attack on Cadiz was expected to take place between the 25th and 30th July.Ever, my dear Duke,Most faithfully yours,W. H. Fremantle.
Englefield Green, July 27, 1823.
My dear Duke,
I perfectly agree with you in thinking that Canning only waits the opportunity of tripping us up, and this is only to be resisted by a steady line of conduct on our parts, pursuing and maintaining the system as it is now carrying on towards Ireland, until we see the opportunity, by the accordance of other members of the Government, to meet him with the certainty of success. The complete ascendancy which both Robinson and Peel have acquired over him in the House of Commons, but more particularly the former, must weaken his means of playing us a trick, which I am satisfied he is fully disposed to do whenever he can find the opportunity.
I don't agree with you at all about Lord Hastings; be assured there is not the most distant idea of sending him to Ireland. I am quite sure Canning distrusts and hates him too much to employ him if it be possible to keep him out, and I do not understand his reception at head quarters has been such as to satisfy him, or give him the hopes of employment. He is very low and disappointed, and is immediately going out of town. He has been profusely civil and attentive to Wynn, but is not come in the highest odour either with the Government or Court of Directors. His conduct about the Press in India has been flagrant, and since his departure Adams has sent home the editor of the Calcutta paper, who has been bullying them for the last five years, and whom Lord Hastings has never had the courage to resist, but, on the contrary, has frequently defended him against his own colleagues in council. This will make a very considerable and difficult discussion in Parliament next year, and I much fear that our Cabinet at home will not have courage to fight the battle manfully; I have no hesitation in thinking with Adams that the fate of India depends on the power of checking the press in that country.
The King has had a party with him for the last two days at the Cottage here, and by all accounts is well in health, but most averse to going to sea; whether they will persuade him or not remains to be proved. Lady C—— is very anxious he should, in order to get some holidays, and I believe Knighton likewise presses it. In the meantime he is injuring himself greatly in public opinion by his seclusion; he professes to be so ill he cannot go to his Parliament or stir out in public in London, and then comes here, and sees forty or fifty people, and is driving all day in the park. The real fact is, they cannot manage him; his mind becomes daily more capricious, and his indisposition to public display or communication of any kind, increasing upon him to an extreme degree. The people at Windsor are outrageous; for he has shut up the terrace and all the public walks, and is doing everything to render himself unpopular with them.
Lionel Harvey is going on a secret mission to Mexico. What is to be derived from it I have little guess; but there is every reason to believe that France has sent somebody there, and there is no doubt that America will endeavour, or has already got, the start of Europe upon it. Canning is very anxious not to lose the moment; and I suppose that this must be the prelude of our admitting the independence of South America; however, the mission is secret, but he is commissioned, and has the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary. It is a long and desolate prospect, but the scene will be new. He is not quite reconciled to it, but having no better prospect, I think he has done wise in accepting it; they give him two secretaries. I would not wish you to mention this appointment. I find Canning is by no means of opinion that France has or will succeed in her efforts in Spain; at least, this was the tone of his language to Lionel, who saw him yesterday. I hear from Wynn that the grand attack on Cadiz was expected to take place between the 25th and 30th July.
Ever, my dear Duke,
Most faithfully yours,
W. H. Fremantle.
Mr. Thomas Grenville was one of the most liberal collectors of rare books at a time when bibliomania was much more in fashion than it is now. The following is a characteristic specimen of his powers of observation when directed to his favourite pursuit:—
THE RIGHT HON. THOMAS GRENVILLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Cleveland Square, July 30, 1823.My dear Duke,I have just been collating two copies of the "Sacra Exequialia in Funere Jacobi II.—a Carolo de Aquino. Fol. Romæ 1702." Whether you have this book or not, you certainly have in your Granger the famous print (belonging to this book) of a head of thePretender, byEdelinck,ætatis suæ12. In one of my copies (the presentation copy to the King of France or one of the French Royal Family) below the head, upon atablet, is engraved "Cognoscunt mei me," and in the corner of the tablet "ætatis suæ 12;" and on each side of the tablet is a circularmedallion, one of which isa librarywith "Litteris Insignis" round it. The othermedallionis aman firing at a wild boar, with "Et Armis" round it. In thecentre of the large circlewhich surrounds the head, and just above the tablet, is alarge medallion, with the sun behind a cloud, and round it "Et latet et lucet." In the other copy, the same print (with Edelinck's name and "ætatis suæ 12," in the corner of the tablet, like the other), has these variations.Thelarge medallionabove the tablet has the "Arms of England with a crown."Thetablethas no inscription, but is left blank, except that it has in the corner "Ætatis suæ 12."Thetwo small medallionshave, one of them, the Prince's plume, withIch dien; the other, the Order of the Garter, withHoni soit qui mal y pense.These differences are remarkable, and as I have found no account of them, and understand the print is rare and dear, I send to you for information about them.In my "royal copy, with the French royal arms," the impression of the head seems much finer than the other, which has the English emblems in the medallions. Perhaps they were subsequently inserted; but why, then, was "Cognoscunt mei me," taken out and the tablet left blank? Was it intended perhaps to insert his royal titles, and if so, why were they omitted, when the English arms were substituted for the allegorical medallions? I know, when you are among your prints, these inquiries, however minute, are interesting to you.I know no news except the Spanish and Portuguese finale to their revolutions, which, inasmuch as they were both military and not civil revolutions, I could not wish success to, though I feel as adverse to the French dictation and invasion as any Spaniard could do. Love to your dear wife.Ever most affectionately yours,T. G.Miss Poyntz has just refused Lord Apsley; who the deuce will she marry?
Cleveland Square, July 30, 1823.
My dear Duke,
I have just been collating two copies of the "Sacra Exequialia in Funere Jacobi II.—a Carolo de Aquino. Fol. Romæ 1702." Whether you have this book or not, you certainly have in your Granger the famous print (belonging to this book) of a head of thePretender, byEdelinck,ætatis suæ12. In one of my copies (the presentation copy to the King of France or one of the French Royal Family) below the head, upon atablet, is engraved "Cognoscunt mei me," and in the corner of the tablet "ætatis suæ 12;" and on each side of the tablet is a circularmedallion, one of which isa librarywith "Litteris Insignis" round it. The othermedallionis aman firing at a wild boar, with "Et Armis" round it. In thecentre of the large circlewhich surrounds the head, and just above the tablet, is alarge medallion, with the sun behind a cloud, and round it "Et latet et lucet." In the other copy, the same print (with Edelinck's name and "ætatis suæ 12," in the corner of the tablet, like the other), has these variations.
Thelarge medallionabove the tablet has the "Arms of England with a crown."
Thetablethas no inscription, but is left blank, except that it has in the corner "Ætatis suæ 12."
Thetwo small medallionshave, one of them, the Prince's plume, withIch dien; the other, the Order of the Garter, withHoni soit qui mal y pense.
These differences are remarkable, and as I have found no account of them, and understand the print is rare and dear, I send to you for information about them.
In my "royal copy, with the French royal arms," the impression of the head seems much finer than the other, which has the English emblems in the medallions. Perhaps they were subsequently inserted; but why, then, was "Cognoscunt mei me," taken out and the tablet left blank? Was it intended perhaps to insert his royal titles, and if so, why were they omitted, when the English arms were substituted for the allegorical medallions? I know, when you are among your prints, these inquiries, however minute, are interesting to you.
I know no news except the Spanish and Portuguese finale to their revolutions, which, inasmuch as they were both military and not civil revolutions, I could not wish success to, though I feel as adverse to the French dictation and invasion as any Spaniard could do. Love to your dear wife.
Ever most affectionately yours,
T. G.
Miss Poyntz has just refused Lord Apsley; who the deuce will she marry?
Mr. Canning had by this time made good his position at Court, by coming to an understanding with the most influential channel of Court favour. The Scottish preacher, Irving, the Spurgeon of his day, indicated her presence among his fashionable audience by a very delicate piece of flattery. "All the world here," writes the indignant Lord Chancellor, "is running on Sundays to the Caledonian Chapel in Hatton Garden, where they bear a Presbyterian orator from Scotland preaching, as some ladies term it,charmingmatter, though downright nonsense. To the shame of the King's Ministers be it said, that many of them have gone to this schism-shop with itching ears. Lauderdale told me that when Lady —— is there, the preacher never speaks of an heavenly mansion, but an heavenlyPavilion. For other ears mansion is sufficient."[121]
"The appointment of Lord Albert Conyngham in the Foreign Office," we are assured by the same writer, "has, by female influence, put Canning beyond the reach of anything to affect him, and will naturally enable him to turn those out whom he does not wish to remain in. The King is in such thraldom that one has nobody to fall back upon."[122]
The autumn did not bring any very important changes, as may be gathered from the text of Mr. Williams Wynn's next letter. Towards the conclusion the writer refers to communications from Count Nugent to the Duke of Buckingham, and to a reply which the Duke had proposed sending, evidently referring to Austrian policy, and written with the view of being laid before the Emperor.
THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Llangodwin, Aug. 20, 1823.My dear B——,I certainly cannot conceive from what source the article in theCourierso tallying with my language can proceed, unless it should be from Phillimore or Courtenay; for there are no other persons besides you and the Duke of Wellington and Lord Liverpool, with whom I have had any communication on the subject; and the two latter are much too well inclined to Lord Hastings, or to anybody whom they think the King feels any interest for, to have expressed those sentiments to any one who might transfer them to theCourier.I have had no politics since I have been here, and not one word even of news except a line from Robinson in answer to an inquiry respecting the last Cabinet, which he did not himself attend, but, as he tells me, was called at the instance of the D—— of W——, on the subject of the former one, held the day before I left town, on the Portuguese application for military assistance. However, no alteration was made in the determination.I fear that I cannot supply you with much intelligence as to Austrian policy. The general language which she holds, tallies very much with Nugent's letter—great desire to draw her ties closer with this country—implied rather than positive approbation of our course, but great unwillingness in any respect to commit herself, I will not say in opposition, but even to any different views from those of Russia.I am also quite unable to tell you whether Nugent be Prince or still only Count; I rather think the former.It is now above a month since I have seen any Austrian despatches, and I doubt whether at the time they were written she could be aware of the probable course of events in Spain, and the different objects of French and Russian influence in that country.I should not myself imagine that she can be favourably disposed to the extension of Russian influence in the Mediterranean, and therefore would be more likely to join in the views of France; but I have not the means of forming any opinion beyond mere speculation.Pray tell me whether you hear anything respecting the Buck-hounds,[123]and, which is more material, what Neville gets by Lord Cornwallis's death.Will it not be advisable that you should communicate Nugent's letter and your answer to it to be written to Liverpool?I certainly agree with Burke in the propriety of the old practice of communicating to the King's Government any intercourse which you may hold with a foreign sovereign, whether direct or indirect, which in any way refers to public subjects; and as there are obvious and numerous reasons for not making this to Canning, who would naturally be the proper channel, I think Liverpool would be the fittest. If you do not like to do this personally, I should, of course, be happy to do it for you.Ever affectionately yours,C. W. W.
Llangodwin, Aug. 20, 1823.
My dear B——,
I certainly cannot conceive from what source the article in theCourierso tallying with my language can proceed, unless it should be from Phillimore or Courtenay; for there are no other persons besides you and the Duke of Wellington and Lord Liverpool, with whom I have had any communication on the subject; and the two latter are much too well inclined to Lord Hastings, or to anybody whom they think the King feels any interest for, to have expressed those sentiments to any one who might transfer them to theCourier.
I have had no politics since I have been here, and not one word even of news except a line from Robinson in answer to an inquiry respecting the last Cabinet, which he did not himself attend, but, as he tells me, was called at the instance of the D—— of W——, on the subject of the former one, held the day before I left town, on the Portuguese application for military assistance. However, no alteration was made in the determination.
I fear that I cannot supply you with much intelligence as to Austrian policy. The general language which she holds, tallies very much with Nugent's letter—great desire to draw her ties closer with this country—implied rather than positive approbation of our course, but great unwillingness in any respect to commit herself, I will not say in opposition, but even to any different views from those of Russia.
I am also quite unable to tell you whether Nugent be Prince or still only Count; I rather think the former.
It is now above a month since I have seen any Austrian despatches, and I doubt whether at the time they were written she could be aware of the probable course of events in Spain, and the different objects of French and Russian influence in that country.
I should not myself imagine that she can be favourably disposed to the extension of Russian influence in the Mediterranean, and therefore would be more likely to join in the views of France; but I have not the means of forming any opinion beyond mere speculation.
Pray tell me whether you hear anything respecting the Buck-hounds,[123]and, which is more material, what Neville gets by Lord Cornwallis's death.
Will it not be advisable that you should communicate Nugent's letter and your answer to it to be written to Liverpool?
I certainly agree with Burke in the propriety of the old practice of communicating to the King's Government any intercourse which you may hold with a foreign sovereign, whether direct or indirect, which in any way refers to public subjects; and as there are obvious and numerous reasons for not making this to Canning, who would naturally be the proper channel, I think Liverpool would be the fittest. If you do not like to do this personally, I should, of course, be happy to do it for you.
Ever affectionately yours,
C. W. W.
THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Englefield Green, Aug. 21, 1823.My dear Duke,I am just come from Windsor, where I was summoned to attend a Council. Nothing occurred worth telling you excepting that Lord Maryborough, I learnt from himself, had got the Stag-hounds vacant by Lord Cornwallis's death. This was given in the most gracious manner by the King in a letter written with his own hand. I thinkWellesley Polehas been pretty well paid altogether. The Mint, the Cabinet, a Peerage, and now the Stag-hounds. Lord Liverpool, Canning, Peel, Lord Maryborough, Charles Long, and myself, formed the Council. His Majesty looked really remarkably well, and walked up and down the large state stairs without a stick, and about the apartments after the Council extremely well, much better than I had the least idea he could have done. You may judge how he shuts himself up when I tell you that this was the first time I had seen him since I have been here—now upwards of a month, indeed, six weeks. I should say from what I observed that the Cabinet were in high spirits, but nothing passed in private conversation to give me information.Canning was on his way to Liverpool, and Peel made it in his way from Dorsetshire to town, and he was to return in a few days.The state of Ireland improves greatly, and I suppose till the long nights commence, we shall not have the full state of alarm renewed.The Duke of Wellington is gone on his tour, and all business will be at a stand for the next six weeks.Ever, my dear Duke,Most faithfully yours,W. H. Fremantle.
Englefield Green, Aug. 21, 1823.
My dear Duke,
I am just come from Windsor, where I was summoned to attend a Council. Nothing occurred worth telling you excepting that Lord Maryborough, I learnt from himself, had got the Stag-hounds vacant by Lord Cornwallis's death. This was given in the most gracious manner by the King in a letter written with his own hand. I thinkWellesley Polehas been pretty well paid altogether. The Mint, the Cabinet, a Peerage, and now the Stag-hounds. Lord Liverpool, Canning, Peel, Lord Maryborough, Charles Long, and myself, formed the Council. His Majesty looked really remarkably well, and walked up and down the large state stairs without a stick, and about the apartments after the Council extremely well, much better than I had the least idea he could have done. You may judge how he shuts himself up when I tell you that this was the first time I had seen him since I have been here—now upwards of a month, indeed, six weeks. I should say from what I observed that the Cabinet were in high spirits, but nothing passed in private conversation to give me information.
Canning was on his way to Liverpool, and Peel made it in his way from Dorsetshire to town, and he was to return in a few days.
The state of Ireland improves greatly, and I suppose till the long nights commence, we shall not have the full state of alarm renewed.
The Duke of Wellington is gone on his tour, and all business will be at a stand for the next six weeks.
Ever, my dear Duke,
Most faithfully yours,
W. H. Fremantle.
THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Englefield Green, Aug. 22, 1823.My dear Duke,Since my note of yesterday I find Lord Maryborough resigns the Mint and Cabinet, and takes the Stag-hounds as a retirement. I believe Wallace succeeds to the Mint, though some say Lord Granville; the formerIsay, and either Lord Granville or Huskisson come into the Cabinet; I should suppose the latter. They are angry with A'Court for having gone to Gibraltar; he was afraid of the yellow fever. The consequence is that we have at present no British Minister with the King of Spain, and the difficulties arising from this in case of change or negotiation (which latter must be daily expected as actually proceeding) so obvious. They talk of Fitzroy Somerset going again, and Canning does not return from his excursion under three weeks.Ever truly yours,W. H. F.
Englefield Green, Aug. 22, 1823.
My dear Duke,
Since my note of yesterday I find Lord Maryborough resigns the Mint and Cabinet, and takes the Stag-hounds as a retirement. I believe Wallace succeeds to the Mint, though some say Lord Granville; the formerIsay, and either Lord Granville or Huskisson come into the Cabinet; I should suppose the latter. They are angry with A'Court for having gone to Gibraltar; he was afraid of the yellow fever. The consequence is that we have at present no British Minister with the King of Spain, and the difficulties arising from this in case of change or negotiation (which latter must be daily expected as actually proceeding) so obvious. They talk of Fitzroy Somerset going again, and Canning does not return from his excursion under three weeks.
Ever truly yours,
W. H. F.
The Grenville section of the Government had many reasons for wishing to have the Duke of Buckingham a member of the Cabinet, and it will be seen that Mr. Williams Wynn once more strove to induce the Duke to quit his dignified retirement for the purpose of taking a share in Ministerial responsibilities.
THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Llangodwin, Aug. 28, 1823.My dear B——,The recommendation which was contained in my last, of sending a copy of your letter to Lord Liverpool, arose from my concurring in the old principle that it is unfit for any British subject to hold communication with any foreign sovereign, particularly on any political question, without the knowledge and permission of the King's Government. You will see this adverted to, I think, in Burke's letter to the Duke of Portland. Assuming this to be correct, I do not think that there is any material difference whether your correspondence is directly with the Emperor of Austria, or with Count Nugent to be laid before him; and I should certainly have given you the same advice in the year 1816, when you were acting in hostility to Government, as strongly as I do now.With respect to the Cabinet, the frequent complaints which you have heard from me of the single and unconnected situation in which I find myself, these would show you how anxiously I must wish that you could effect your entry there, independent of every motive of personal regard, gratitude, and attachment.I doubt, however, whether consistently with your own dignity, you could avail yourself of any vacancy but those of the Presidency of the Council, Privy Seal, Admiralty, or Secretary of State. The Mint or Chancellorship of the Duchy would, in the public eye, be entirely below your rank and situation to accept.I think, therefore, that you should confine your application to the first-named offices, or (objectionable in principle as I always think it) to Cabinet without office. You may, I think, assume the probability of Sidmouth's retirement as a ground for pressing the latter; but at all events it will be desirable to state very clearly and distinctly the prospects which were held out to you by Lord Londonderry. At the present moment you may be assured that there will be much disinclination to admit your claim.The Protestant party is eager, the Catholic lukewarm and hollow. C——[124]knows not where to look for support, but is afraid that by joining himself with us, who seem his natural allies, he would increase the indisposition of the K—— and D—— of Y——, which he would make any sacrifice to deprecate. Besides this, he has no inclination to any who assume higher pretensions than those of being his followers; and after what took place a twelvemonth ago, he, like all other persons who have been in the wrong in a dispute and advanced unreasonable pretensions, will be personally disinclined to those who were in the right and resisted them, and this will of course be increased by the difference in your former politics. The only person to whom you can look is the D—— of W——. If he thinks you are likely to assist and strengthen him, I have no doubt he could open the door to you; but I freely acknowledge that I do not understand his views and objects. They begin, centre, and end, no doubt, in himself, and on that account he would like to cement an alliance with you; but then how will he manage it with the Protestants? I take it, both from what I recollect of the language of the Horse Guards during the whole of the Peninsular War, and from other circumstances, that there is no real cordiality between him and the D—— of Y——. The latter has, I believe, always been jealous of him. He looks, I apprehend, to Peel and the Chancellor, and to them only as the instruments of his bigotry to resist the Catholic claims.Robinson, I believe, confines himself to his own business, and Liverpool is indifferent to everything but present repose, and by any temporizing measure to delay the evil hour of rupture and collision. Still, when it comes to the point, you will find him on almost every subject make some excuse for siding with the Protestant party.Ever affectionately yours,C. W. W.
Llangodwin, Aug. 28, 1823.
My dear B——,
The recommendation which was contained in my last, of sending a copy of your letter to Lord Liverpool, arose from my concurring in the old principle that it is unfit for any British subject to hold communication with any foreign sovereign, particularly on any political question, without the knowledge and permission of the King's Government. You will see this adverted to, I think, in Burke's letter to the Duke of Portland. Assuming this to be correct, I do not think that there is any material difference whether your correspondence is directly with the Emperor of Austria, or with Count Nugent to be laid before him; and I should certainly have given you the same advice in the year 1816, when you were acting in hostility to Government, as strongly as I do now.
With respect to the Cabinet, the frequent complaints which you have heard from me of the single and unconnected situation in which I find myself, these would show you how anxiously I must wish that you could effect your entry there, independent of every motive of personal regard, gratitude, and attachment.
I doubt, however, whether consistently with your own dignity, you could avail yourself of any vacancy but those of the Presidency of the Council, Privy Seal, Admiralty, or Secretary of State. The Mint or Chancellorship of the Duchy would, in the public eye, be entirely below your rank and situation to accept.
I think, therefore, that you should confine your application to the first-named offices, or (objectionable in principle as I always think it) to Cabinet without office. You may, I think, assume the probability of Sidmouth's retirement as a ground for pressing the latter; but at all events it will be desirable to state very clearly and distinctly the prospects which were held out to you by Lord Londonderry. At the present moment you may be assured that there will be much disinclination to admit your claim.
The Protestant party is eager, the Catholic lukewarm and hollow. C——[124]knows not where to look for support, but is afraid that by joining himself with us, who seem his natural allies, he would increase the indisposition of the K—— and D—— of Y——, which he would make any sacrifice to deprecate. Besides this, he has no inclination to any who assume higher pretensions than those of being his followers; and after what took place a twelvemonth ago, he, like all other persons who have been in the wrong in a dispute and advanced unreasonable pretensions, will be personally disinclined to those who were in the right and resisted them, and this will of course be increased by the difference in your former politics. The only person to whom you can look is the D—— of W——. If he thinks you are likely to assist and strengthen him, I have no doubt he could open the door to you; but I freely acknowledge that I do not understand his views and objects. They begin, centre, and end, no doubt, in himself, and on that account he would like to cement an alliance with you; but then how will he manage it with the Protestants? I take it, both from what I recollect of the language of the Horse Guards during the whole of the Peninsular War, and from other circumstances, that there is no real cordiality between him and the D—— of Y——. The latter has, I believe, always been jealous of him. He looks, I apprehend, to Peel and the Chancellor, and to them only as the instruments of his bigotry to resist the Catholic claims.
Robinson, I believe, confines himself to his own business, and Liverpool is indifferent to everything but present repose, and by any temporizing measure to delay the evil hour of rupture and collision. Still, when it comes to the point, you will find him on almost every subject make some excuse for siding with the Protestant party.
Ever affectionately yours,
C. W. W.
THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Wynnstay, Sept. 9, 1823.My dear B——,When you mentioned that you had communicated your letter to Nugent to me in myministerialcapacity, I certainly concluded that it conveyed a clear authority to have extended it to Lord L—— or C—— at my own discretion, but fortunately I had not exercised that power, and certainly shall not.I am not surprised that Mr. C—— should coax you, even if you had turned your head aside from his daughter, and passed on the other side like the Levite; for he is under a charge of illegally making a loan to the Rajah of Vizianagum, and of having derived therefrom exorbitant interest. Of the merits of the charge I can say little, but common report is by no means friendly to him.The proposed grant to Lord Hastings has been lost in consequence of an equality of votes, eight to eight, five present but refusing to vote, and three absent—two of the latter hostile. Objection was taken to praise of his integrity or disinterestedness by one of those who refused to vote, stating at the same time he would have supported it if moved on the ground of his poverty.Canning has shown me the last despatches, by which it appears that there is much schism in the French Cabinet, Villele supporting the Duc d'Angoulême, Chateaubriand the Allied Powers and the Spanish Regency. Magnanimity has instructed Pozzo de Borgo to consider all communications from the latter as if they emanated directly from himself. Metternich takes also strongly the same line, recommending an amnesty, excepting all those who were active in forcing the acceptance of the constitution on Ferdinand. I do not at present apprehend any dispute relative to the blockade, as the French are very scrupulous in keeping the law on their side, and have not yet done anything more than they were clearly entitled to.Ever affectionately yours,C. W. W.
Wynnstay, Sept. 9, 1823.
My dear B——,
When you mentioned that you had communicated your letter to Nugent to me in myministerialcapacity, I certainly concluded that it conveyed a clear authority to have extended it to Lord L—— or C—— at my own discretion, but fortunately I had not exercised that power, and certainly shall not.
I am not surprised that Mr. C—— should coax you, even if you had turned your head aside from his daughter, and passed on the other side like the Levite; for he is under a charge of illegally making a loan to the Rajah of Vizianagum, and of having derived therefrom exorbitant interest. Of the merits of the charge I can say little, but common report is by no means friendly to him.
The proposed grant to Lord Hastings has been lost in consequence of an equality of votes, eight to eight, five present but refusing to vote, and three absent—two of the latter hostile. Objection was taken to praise of his integrity or disinterestedness by one of those who refused to vote, stating at the same time he would have supported it if moved on the ground of his poverty.
Canning has shown me the last despatches, by which it appears that there is much schism in the French Cabinet, Villele supporting the Duc d'Angoulême, Chateaubriand the Allied Powers and the Spanish Regency. Magnanimity has instructed Pozzo de Borgo to consider all communications from the latter as if they emanated directly from himself. Metternich takes also strongly the same line, recommending an amnesty, excepting all those who were active in forcing the acceptance of the constitution on Ferdinand. I do not at present apprehend any dispute relative to the blockade, as the French are very scrupulous in keeping the law on their side, and have not yet done anything more than they were clearly entitled to.
Ever affectionately yours,
C. W. W.
THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Wynnstay, Sept. 10, 1823.My dear B——,Canning told me that he had insisted that Huskisson should at all events be taken into the Cabinet at the end of the last Session, whether any vacancy occurred or not, and that the persuasion of Lord Maryborough to make room for him was a subsequent consideration.Lord M—— is much out of humour at his change of office; which he may well be, as the Mint is 3000l.clear, and the Buck-hounds under 2000l.; indeed, they are said not to exceed 1300l.My own belief is that the only real and efficient Cabinet uponallmatters consists of Lords Liverpool and Bathurst, Duke of Wellington, and Canning, and that the others are only more or less consulted upon different businesses by these four. Huskisson will, I think, be equally in the confidence of Liverpool and Canning.Ever most affectionately yours,C. Williams Wynn.
Wynnstay, Sept. 10, 1823.
My dear B——,
Canning told me that he had insisted that Huskisson should at all events be taken into the Cabinet at the end of the last Session, whether any vacancy occurred or not, and that the persuasion of Lord Maryborough to make room for him was a subsequent consideration.
Lord M—— is much out of humour at his change of office; which he may well be, as the Mint is 3000l.clear, and the Buck-hounds under 2000l.; indeed, they are said not to exceed 1300l.
My own belief is that the only real and efficient Cabinet uponallmatters consists of Lords Liverpool and Bathurst, Duke of Wellington, and Canning, and that the others are only more or less consulted upon different businesses by these four. Huskisson will, I think, be equally in the confidence of Liverpool and Canning.
Ever most affectionately yours,
C. Williams Wynn.
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For 1859.
ARRANGED AND PRINTED FROMTHE PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS OF THE NOBILITY,AND CORRECTED THROUGHOUT TO THE PRESENT TIME.
Lodge's Peerage and Baronetageis acknowledged to be the most complete, as well as the most elegant, work of the kind that has ever appeared. As an established and authentic authority on all questions respecting the family histories, honours, and connexions of the titled aristocracy, no work has ever stood so high. It is published under the especial patronage of Her Majesty, and His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, and is annually corrected throughout, from the personal communications of the Nobility. It is the only work of its class in which,the type being kept constantly standing, every correction is made in its proper place to the date of publication, an advantage which gives it supremacy over all its competitors. Independently of its full and authentic information respecting the existing Peers and Baronets of the realm, the most sedulous attention is given in its pages to the collateral branches of the various noble families, and the names of many thousand individuals are introduced, which do not appear in other records of the titled classes. Nothing can exceed the facility of its arrangements, or the beauty of its typography and binding, and for its authority, correctness and embellishments, the work is justly entitled to the high place it occupies on the tables of Her Majesty and the Nobility.
[FOR THE CONTENTS OF THIS WORK SEE THE NEXT PAGE.]
LODGE'S PEERAGE AND BARONETAGE.
LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL CONTENTS.
Historical View of the Peerage.
Parliamentary Roll of the House of Lords.
English, Scotch, and Irish Peers, in their orders of Precedence.
Alphabetical List of Peers of Great Britain and the United Kingdom, holding superior rank in the Scotch or Irish Peerage.
Alphabetical List of Scotch and Irish Peers, holding superior titles in the Peerage of Great Britain and the United Kingdom.
A Collective List of Peers, in their order of Precedence.
Table of Precedency among Men.
Table of Precedency among Women.
The Queen and Royal Family.
The House of Saxe Coburg-Gotha.
Peers of the Blood Royal.
The Peerage, alphabetically arranged.
Families of such Extinct Peers as have left Widows or Issue.
Alphabetical List of the Surnames of all the Peers.
Account of the Archbishops and Bishops of England, Ireland, and the Colonies.
The Baronetage, alphabetically arranged.
Alphabetical List of Surnames assumed by members of Noble Families.
Alphabetical List of the Second Titles of Peers, usually borne by their Eldest Sons.
Alphabetical Index to the Daughters of Dukes, Marquises, and Earls, who, having married Commoners, retain the title of Lady before their own Christian and their Husbands' Surnames.
Alphabetical Index to the Daughters of Viscounts and Barons, who, having married Commoners, are styled Honourable Mrs.; and, in case of the husband being a Baronet or Knight, Honourable Lady.
Mottoes alphabetically arranged and translated.
"A work which corrects all errors of former works. It is the production of a herald, we had almost said, by birth, but certainly, by profession and studies, Mr. Lodge, the Norroy King of Arms. It is a most useful publication."—Times.
"Lodge's Peerage must supersede all other works of the kind, for two reasons; first, it is on a better plan; and, secondly, it is better executed. We can safely pronounce it to be the readiest, the most useful, and exactest of modern works on the subject."—Spectator.
"This work derives great value from the high authority of Mr. Lodge. The plan is excellent."—Literary Gazette.
"This work should form a portion of every gentleman's library. At all times, the information which it contains, derived from official sources exclusively at the command of the author, is of importance to most classes of the community; to the antiquary it must be invaluable, for implicit reliance may be placed on its contents."—Globe.
"The production of Edmund Lodge, Esq., Norroy King of Arms, whose splendid Biography of Illustrious Personages stands an unrivalled specimen of historical literature, and magnificent illustration. Of Mr. Lodge's talent for the task he has undertaken, we need only appeal to his former productions. It contains the exact state of the Peerage as it now exists, with all the Collateral Branches, their Children, with all the Marriages of the different individuals connected with each family."—John Bull.
HURST AND BLACKETT, PUBLISHERS,SUCCESSORS TO HENRY COLBURN,13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET, LONDON.TO BE HAD OF ALL BOOKSELLERS THROUGHOUT THE KINGDOM.
Footnotes