"Alas! My Lord Duke! it is grievous to me to find that the remarkable expression in the Newspaper on Wednesday referred to in my last, namely; 'His Grace appeared toshrinkfrom the attention and respect of which he was the object' did not come from the impression I had hoped of Regeneration—or Divine Grace having begun its work in your precious Soul, to which at present you are so evidently a stranger. Judging by the latter portion of your reply you never desire or expect to be otherwise, as you seem to imply if all were to follow my example you fear you should not be improved. This assertion is but too true except the Great Lord of lords put forth His Almighty Power for that purpose."
"Alas! My Lord Duke! it is grievous to me to find that the remarkable expression in the Newspaper on Wednesday referred to in my last, namely; 'His Grace appeared toshrinkfrom the attention and respect of which he was the object' did not come from the impression I had hoped of Regeneration—or Divine Grace having begun its work in your precious Soul, to which at present you are so evidently a stranger. Judging by the latter portion of your reply you never desire or expect to be otherwise, as you seem to imply if all were to follow my example you fear you should not be improved. This assertion is but too true except the Great Lord of lords put forth His Almighty Power for that purpose."
And so on through pages of pious abuse.
The Duke's answer to this is characterized by a calm dignity in noticeable contrast to the petulance of most of his notes of this period.
London, Feb. 12, 1851.I beg Miss J.'s pardon if I misunderstood Her Letter; in which she understood what passed on the day on which Parliament met! I understood that she had adverted to my attendance upon the honorary Service of the Queen!In my Answer I observed that unless such services as well as other worldly Offices were attended to; the Affairs of the World would not go on so quietly as might be wished by those who like Miss J. thought more of Spirituals and of the next World! I hope that I do not fail in feeling due Humility upon all occasions! And most anxious to merit approval where alone such can be of any avail! I have thought it proper to explain this to Miss J.; as I wish not to be misunderstood!Her Most faithful ServantWellington.
London, Feb. 12, 1851.
I beg Miss J.'s pardon if I misunderstood Her Letter; in which she understood what passed on the day on which Parliament met! I understood that she had adverted to my attendance upon the honorary Service of the Queen!
In my Answer I observed that unless such services as well as other worldly Offices were attended to; the Affairs of the World would not go on so quietly as might be wished by those who like Miss J. thought more of Spirituals and of the next World! I hope that I do not fail in feeling due Humility upon all occasions! And most anxious to merit approval where alone such can be of any avail! I have thought it proper to explain this to Miss J.; as I wish not to be misunderstood!
Her Most faithful Servant
Wellington.
London, Feb. 20, 1851.F. M. the Duke of Wellington presents His Comptsto Miss J.! He has received Her Letter of the 17thof which he acknowledges the receipt; in order to save her the trouble of making farther enquiries about it!But he really entreats Her not to give herself the trouble of writing to him again!It is obvious that the act of doing so irritates Miss J.! which cannot be beneficial to Her Health! He hopes that she will not write again!
London, Feb. 20, 1851.
F. M. the Duke of Wellington presents His Comptsto Miss J.! He has received Her Letter of the 17thof which he acknowledges the receipt; in order to save her the trouble of making farther enquiries about it!
But he really entreats Her not to give herself the trouble of writing to him again!
It is obvious that the act of doing so irritates Miss J.! which cannot be beneficial to Her Health! He hopes that she will not write again!
Miss J. in her Diary for February 21st gives a copy of a note she wrote the Duke at this time:—
My Lord Duke,—I wrote to you on the 13th Inst. Whether you received it I know not, therefore acquaint you that such was the case. Feeling assured that there was nothing in that letter which in the sight of God ought to have displeased your Grace, I leave the consequences with Him accordingly, remaining EverHis devoted Child and ServantA. J.
My Lord Duke,—I wrote to you on the 13th Inst. Whether you received it I know not, therefore acquaint you that such was the case. Feeling assured that there was nothing in that letter which in the sight of God ought to have displeased your Grace, I leave the consequences with Him accordingly, remaining Ever
His devoted Child and Servant
A. J.
The Duke's reply is as follows:—
London, Feb. 22, 1851.I received in due course Miss J.'s letter, but as I did not consider that its contents required any observation on my part; or tended to manifest Miss J.'s desire or wish to hear from me again, I did not think it really expected I acknowledge the receipt.She did not in that letter and has not in this last mentioned Her Health, which I therefore hope continues to improve!Her obedient Humble ServantWellington.
London, Feb. 22, 1851.
I received in due course Miss J.'s letter, but as I did not consider that its contents required any observation on my part; or tended to manifest Miss J.'s desire or wish to hear from me again, I did not think it really expected I acknowledge the receipt.
She did not in that letter and has not in this last mentioned Her Health, which I therefore hope continues to improve!
Her obedient Humble Servant
Wellington.
Miss J. gives a copy of the letter she wrote the Duke after receiving the above, but, as she tells us, postponed sending it until she had laid the matter before the Lord:—
"Having written a long letter of four sides to the Duke, referring so unexpectedly and unintentionally to his neglect from time to time of one bestowed upon him by God Himself for his Spiritual aid, I now commit the same into His gracious Hands, beseeching Him to deal with it in whatever way is most calculated to promote His own honor and glory, preparing me accordingly for His great holy Name sake."
"Having written a long letter of four sides to the Duke, referring so unexpectedly and unintentionally to his neglect from time to time of one bestowed upon him by God Himself for his Spiritual aid, I now commit the same into His gracious Hands, beseeching Him to deal with it in whatever way is most calculated to promote His own honor and glory, preparing me accordingly for His great holy Name sake."
This letter was never sent, but in its place Miss J. despatched a shorter one, given below:
March 4th, 1851.My Lord Duke,—As it is written, Yea, declared by Him "Who spake as never men spake" "By Me kings reign and princes decree justice" may that "Holy One" in this time of especial need incline Your Grace to look to and honor Him accordingly, for His great holy Name sake, and may HE graciously and condescendingly enable you to advise, direct, influence and comfort our beloved Sovereign bestowed upon us by Himself, as the first portion of Scripture quoted implies, (who appears at the present moment in so additionally interesting a light), in the way that is most agreeable to His unerring will, and in that most calculated to promote His honor and glory as "The Governor among the Nations;" praysHis devoted Child and ServantA. J.
March 4th, 1851.
My Lord Duke,—As it is written, Yea, declared by Him "Who spake as never men spake" "By Me kings reign and princes decree justice" may that "Holy One" in this time of especial need incline Your Grace to look to and honor Him accordingly, for His great holy Name sake, and may HE graciously and condescendingly enable you to advise, direct, influence and comfort our beloved Sovereign bestowed upon us by Himself, as the first portion of Scripture quoted implies, (who appears at the present moment in so additionally interesting a light), in the way that is most agreeable to His unerring will, and in that most calculated to promote His honor and glory as "The Governor among the Nations;" prays
His devoted Child and Servant
A. J.
London, March 4, 1851.At Night.I have this night received Miss. J.'s letter written this day!I had received in due course the Note written on the Monday in the previous week! I did not send an acknowledgment of the Receipt as I wished to avoid to give Miss J. the trouble of writing again!However little Miss J. cares for the Affairs of this world, I entertain that she is satisfied with any arrangement calculated to be satisfactory to Her Majesty the Queen!Her obedient Humble ServantWellington.
London, March 4, 1851.At Night.
I have this night received Miss. J.'s letter written this day!
I had received in due course the Note written on the Monday in the previous week! I did not send an acknowledgment of the Receipt as I wished to avoid to give Miss J. the trouble of writing again!
However little Miss J. cares for the Affairs of this world, I entertain that she is satisfied with any arrangement calculated to be satisfactory to Her Majesty the Queen!
Her obedient Humble Servant
Wellington.
My Lord Duke,—As you say that your silence arose from a desire to prevent my having the trouble of writing to you again, I presume such is not agreeable to Your Grace. Consequently until it pleases The Great "Lord of lords" to influence you to request me to do so I purpose, if HE permit, intruding on you no more, knowing that I have never given you any cause to make such a remark, considering nothing a trouble which God pleases me to do.In reply to Your Grace's observation concerning my interest in Her Majesty I have only to observe that I consider it the duty of every real Christian to stand by the Sovereign God has thought proper to bestow upon us, in every time of necessity and danger, for His sake.I remain, Ever His devoted Child and Servant,A. J.
My Lord Duke,—As you say that your silence arose from a desire to prevent my having the trouble of writing to you again, I presume such is not agreeable to Your Grace. Consequently until it pleases The Great "Lord of lords" to influence you to request me to do so I purpose, if HE permit, intruding on you no more, knowing that I have never given you any cause to make such a remark, considering nothing a trouble which God pleases me to do.
In reply to Your Grace's observation concerning my interest in Her Majesty I have only to observe that I consider it the duty of every real Christian to stand by the Sovereign God has thought proper to bestow upon us, in every time of necessity and danger, for His sake.
I remain, Ever His devoted Child and Servant,
A. J.
London, March 10th, 1851.It has so frequently occurred that I have unintentionally offended Miss J. that whenever I write it is with Caution! I confess likewise; that I don't much like to send letters through the hands of a third Person; of whom I know nothing! It is a liberty in my mind which I ought not to take!I therefore wished that the correspondence should cease of itself; and that all friendly feeling should be continued! I know well that Miss J.'s Mind is occupied by Reflections on Spiritual things; and that she must despise the occupation of one who considers it His duty to serve the Public to the best of His Ability!With due respect for Her Higher occupations, I hope she will excuse my adhering to my own Course of duty!Ever Miss J.'s most faithfully obedientHumble Servant,Wellington.
London, March 10th, 1851.
It has so frequently occurred that I have unintentionally offended Miss J. that whenever I write it is with Caution! I confess likewise; that I don't much like to send letters through the hands of a third Person; of whom I know nothing! It is a liberty in my mind which I ought not to take!
I therefore wished that the correspondence should cease of itself; and that all friendly feeling should be continued! I know well that Miss J.'s Mind is occupied by Reflections on Spiritual things; and that she must despise the occupation of one who considers it His duty to serve the Public to the best of His Ability!
With due respect for Her Higher occupations, I hope she will excuse my adhering to my own Course of duty!
Ever Miss J.'s most faithfully obedient
Humble Servant,
Wellington.
The above is the Duke's last letter to Miss J. Although he lived until September of the following year, he never wrote to her again. Miss J.'s efforts did not cease, however. She sent letter after letter to the Duke, without being discouraged by his utter silence. Indeed, a note directed to him was lying on her table ready to be sent to the post the morning that she received the news of his death. She gives an account of her reception of the tidings:—
"November 28th, 1852.I dare not trust my pen to refer to the unanticipated dreaded end which has caused me so much deep sorrow although nearly three long months have rolled over my head since that awful blow was given and which, had it not been for divine support would I fear have deprived me of my reason, for it was so unexpected that when my Physician called to acquaint me thereof, I said, pointing to a letter on the table: 'That is for the Duke,' intending to ask him to put it into a Post Office, being sealed and ready."On perceiving my doctor silent, instead of offering with his usual kindness to post the letter, I enquired wherefore? he replied that he thought it had better be postponed. This made me still more anxious, eagerly asking, if he were ill? when Dr. P. said he had not been well, and thus by degrees unfolded the awful truth that he was indeed No more."O I can never forget my feelings! continuing after his departure as if riveted to my seat and speechless."
"November 28th, 1852.I dare not trust my pen to refer to the unanticipated dreaded end which has caused me so much deep sorrow although nearly three long months have rolled over my head since that awful blow was given and which, had it not been for divine support would I fear have deprived me of my reason, for it was so unexpected that when my Physician called to acquaint me thereof, I said, pointing to a letter on the table: 'That is for the Duke,' intending to ask him to put it into a Post Office, being sealed and ready.
"On perceiving my doctor silent, instead of offering with his usual kindness to post the letter, I enquired wherefore? he replied that he thought it had better be postponed. This made me still more anxious, eagerly asking, if he were ill? when Dr. P. said he had not been well, and thus by degrees unfolded the awful truth that he was indeed No more.
"O I can never forget my feelings! continuing after his departure as if riveted to my seat and speechless."
Miss J. then laments that the Duke had never given any marked proof of his conversion, and recapitulates her efforts to lead him into the way of righteousness. She dwells upon the longing she had felt to be assured that he had known a "new birth," but adds:—
"Alas! this satisfaction was not afforded me. Nevertheless as before expressed, I build my hopes on the last five hours of His Grace's life, however insensible to all around, knowing nothing to be impossible with God, consequently that even at this the eleventh hour his precious soul may through a Saviour's righteousness have been permitted to wing its flight to Mansions of eternal glory."
"Alas! this satisfaction was not afforded me. Nevertheless as before expressed, I build my hopes on the last five hours of His Grace's life, however insensible to all around, knowing nothing to be impossible with God, consequently that even at this the eleventh hour his precious soul may through a Saviour's righteousness have been permitted to wing its flight to Mansions of eternal glory."
The remainder of Miss J.'s life was of little interest. She became more bigoted as she advanced in years; and although not long after the Duke's death she joined her sister in the United States, her peculiarities had developed so unpleasantly that the two could not live peacefully in the same house. Miss J. resided in New York until her death in 1862.
A list of the Duke's letters is appended, copied from Miss J.'s Diary.
List of Letters received from the Duke.
APPENDIX.
Note 1, page 105.
In a sermon preached at the Chapel Royal, Hook (afterwards Dean of Chichester) told the Queen that the Church would endure, let what would happen to the Throne. On her return to Buckingham House, Normanby, who had been at the chapel, said to her, "Did not your Majesty find it very hot?" She said, "Yes; and the sermon was very hot too."—Greville,Memoirs(1837-1852), vol. i. p. 116.
Note 2, page 112.
The Duke of Wellington had an attack the other night in the House of Lords, and was taken home speechless, but not senseless. It was severe, but short; and after the stomach was relieved, he rapidly recovered, and in a day or twopronouncedhimself as well as ever. Of course the alarm was very great.—Greville,Memoirs(1837-1852), vol. i. p. 267.
Note 3, page 126.
Charles, the second son of the Duke of Wellington, married, July 9, 1844, Augusta Sophia-Anne, daughter of the Right Hon. Henry Manvers-Pierrepont. The marriage took place at St. George's Church, Hanover Square, and was followed by a grand wedding-breakfast, given at Apsley House by the Duke of Wellington.
Note 4, page 129.
Prince William of Prussia, afterwards the great Kaiser Wilhelm, arrived in England from Ostend, Aug. 13, 1844. Among the many honors paid him were entertainments given him at Apsley House and at Strathfieldsaye by the Duke of Wellington. The Prince was an honored guest at the christening of the Queen's fourth child, Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, who was born Aug. 6, 1844. Prince William left England on Saturday, September 7.
Note 5, page 134.
Louis Philippe and his Queen visited England Oct. 8, 1844. Their stay lasted until October 15. The "Times" of the date, describing the embarkation of the royal party, says:—
"The Duke of Wellington was in the yard on horseback in his regimentals, but wrapped in a brown great-coat (like a sentry's coat), buttoned to the chin to keep off the rain...."Even before the arrival of the royal party in the Victualling yard, the rain had already begun to fall heavily; and the circumstance of a vivid flash of lightning, accompanied by a long roll of thunder, occurring just before their entry, was the cause of some curious observations among the superstitious."
"The Duke of Wellington was in the yard on horseback in his regimentals, but wrapped in a brown great-coat (like a sentry's coat), buttoned to the chin to keep off the rain....
"Even before the arrival of the royal party in the Victualling yard, the rain had already begun to fall heavily; and the circumstance of a vivid flash of lightning, accompanied by a long roll of thunder, occurring just before their entry, was the cause of some curious observations among the superstitious."
Note 6, page 136.
The Duke of Wellington on entering the room was received with the most lively demonstrations of respect. The band at the entrance of the room played the air, "See, the Conquering Hero Comes!" and the appearance of his Grace was the signal for a general clapping of hands, and even some cheering from the gentlemen, and waving of handkerchiefs from the ladies.—Account of the opening of the Royal Exchange, from the London "Times" of Oct. 29, 1844.
Note 7, page 138.
This sister, Anne, married first the Hon. Henry Fitzroy, and secondly Charles Culling-Smith, Esq., of Hampton, Co. Middlesex.—Burke,Peerage.
Note 8, page 139.
A detailed report of the Queen's progress to Strathfieldsaye is given in the "Times" of Jan. 21, 1845; but the account of her visit there is less full. The "Times" says:—
"The visit to Strathfieldsaye is intended to be of a more private nature than either of those with which her Majesty has lately honored any of her subjects...."The following characteristic reply from the Duke of Wellington to an application for admission will show that his Grace at least will not allow the royal party to be disturbed:—"'Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his compliments to Mr. ——, and begs to say he does not see what his house at Strathfieldsaye has to do with the public Press.'"
"The visit to Strathfieldsaye is intended to be of a more private nature than either of those with which her Majesty has lately honored any of her subjects....
"The following characteristic reply from the Duke of Wellington to an application for admission will show that his Grace at least will not allow the royal party to be disturbed:—
"'Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his compliments to Mr. ——, and begs to say he does not see what his house at Strathfieldsaye has to do with the public Press.'"
Note 9, page 141.
This was the brother next older than the Duke of Wellington,—William, Lord Maryborough.
Note 10, page 154.
Arthur, the child of Charles (the son of the Duke of Wellington) and of Augusta Sophia-Anne, daughter of the Right Hon. Henry Manvers-Pierrepont, was born May 5, 1845, and died July 7, 1846.
Note 11, page 167.
Lord Cowley, the youngest brother of the Duke of Wellington, died April 27, 1847.
Note 12, page 205.
On Sunday last the death of Arbuthnot took place at Apsley House, where he had been gradually sinking for some time. He is a great and irreparable loss to the Duke of Wellington, who is now left alone in the world. The Duke told him and talked to him about everything. He will feel it as keenly as at his age and with his character he can feel anything.—Greville,Memoirs(1837-1852), vol. iii. p. 362.
Note 13, page 207.
This report stated that the Duke had had a fatal fall while hunting in Lincolnshire. The whole story was a hoax.
THE END.