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diff --git a/27704.txt b/27704.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..406977e --- /dev/null +++ b/27704.txt @@ -0,0 +1,17877 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoirs of the Court and Cabinets of George +the Third, Volume 2 (of 2), by The Duke of Buckingham and Chandos + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Memoirs of the Court and Cabinets of George the Third, Volume 2 (of 2) + From the Original Family Documents + +Author: The Duke of Buckingham + Chandos + +Release Date: January 5, 2009 [EBook #27704] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GEORGE THE THIRD, VOL 2 OF 2 *** + + + + +Produced by Paul Murray, Louise Pattison and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + + + + + + + + + + THE COURT AND CABINETS + + OF + + GEORGE THE THIRD. + + + VOL. II. + + + [Illustration] + + + MEMOIRS + + OF THE + + COURT AND CABINETS + + OF + + GEORGE THE THIRD. + + FROM ORIGINAL FAMILY DOCUMENTS. + + + BY + + THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS, + K.G. + + + IN TWO VOLUMES. + + VOL. II. + + + LONDON: + HURST AND BLACKETT, PUBLISHERS, + SUCCESSORS TO HENRY COLBURN, + 13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. + 1853. + + + LONDON: +Printed by Schulze and Co., 13, Poland Street. + + + + +CONTENTS + +OF + +THE SECOND VOLUME. + + +1788. + +(CONTINUED.) + +THE KING'S ILLNESS--CONDUCT OF THURLOW--PLANS OF MINISTERS--DISCUSSIONS +IN PARLIAMENT--IRISH VIEW OF THE REGENCY QUESTION--PROCEEDINGS +OF THE PRINCE'S PARTY--THE RATS IN BOTH HOUSES 1-83 + + +1789. + +DEATH OF THE SPEAKER--MR. GRENVILLE ELECTED IN HIS PLACE--COMMITTEE +ON THE REGENCY--THE HOUSEHOLD BILL--CONDUCT OF THE +PRINCES--ADDRESS TO THE PRINCE OF WALES FROM THE IRISH PARLIAMENT--RECOVERY +OF THE KING--DECISIVE MEASURES OF LORD BUCKINGHAM--IRISH +PROMOTIONS AND CREATIONS--DISSENSIONS IN THE ROYAL +FAMILY--MR. GRENVILLE APPOINTED SECRETARY OF STATE--MR. ADDINGTON +ELECTED SPEAKER--LORD BUCKINGHAM RESIGNS THE GOVERNMENT OF +IRELAND 84-175 + + +1790. + +MR. GRENVILLE'S ELEVATION TO THE PEERAGE 176-181 + + +1791. + +THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CLAIMS--RESIGNATION OF THE DUKE OF LEEDS--FLIGHT +OF THE ROYAL FAMILY OF FRANCE--PROSPERITY OF ENGLAND +AT THIS PERIOD 182-198 + + +1792. + +MR. PITT'S BUDGET--THE STATE OF IRELAND--THE KING DISMISSES LORD +THURLOW--DISCONTENTS IN ENGLAND--FRENCH EMIGRANTS--RETREAT +OF THE DUKE OF BRUNSWICK--MEASURES OF INTERNAL DEFENCE--THE +FRENCH CONVENTION DECLARES WAR AGAINST ENGLAND AND HOLLAND 199-233 + + +1793. + +CAUSES AND OBJECTS OF THE WAR--SECESSIONS FROM THE OPPOSITION--REVERSES +IN HOLLAND--DISASTERS OF THE ALLIES--STATE OF FRANCE +AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR 235-249 + + +1794. + +PREPARATIONS IN ENGLAND FOR THE PROSECUTION OF THE WAR--INACTIVITY +OF THE AUSTRIANS--LORD SPENCER AND MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE SENT ON +A MISSION TO VIENNA--HOSTILE RESOLUTIONS OF THE OPPOSITION--SEVERAL +OF THE LEADING WHIGS JOIN THE ADMINISTRATION--LORD CORNWALLIS +APPOINTED TO THE COMMAND ON THE CONTINENT--PROGRESS OF +THE NEGOTIATIONS--LORD FITZWILLIAM NOMINATED TO THE LORD-LIEUTENANCY +OF IRELAND--HIS CONDUCT ON THAT OCCASION 250-323 + + +1795. + +LORD FITZWILLIAM'S ADMINISTRATION IN IRELAND 324-338 + + +1796. + +THE PROSECUTION OF THE WAR SUSTAINED BY REPEATED MAJORITIES IN +PARLIAMENT--MR. BURKE'S SCHOOL FOR THE EDUCATION OF EMIGRANT +CHILDREN--BUONAPARTE APPOINTED TO THE COMMAND IN ITALY--LORD +MALMESBURY'S MISSION TO PARIS 339-360 + + +1797. + +DISCONTENTS IN ENGLAND--THE BREST SQUADRON--MOTION ON THE STATE +OF IRELAND--AFFAIRS OF THE CONTINENT--LORD MALMESBURY'S MISSION +TO LISLE 361-383 + + +1798. + +CONDITION OF ENGLAND--PLANS FOR THE NATIONAL DEFENCES--THE +AUGMENTATION OF THE MILITIA--VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS--A REBELLION +BREAKS OUT IN IRELAND--LORD CORNWALLIS SUCCEEDS LORD +CAMDEN AS LORD-LIEUTENANT--LORD BUCKINGHAM VOLUNTEERS FOR +IRELAND--DIFFERENCES WITH LORD CORNWALLIS--MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE +IS APPOINTED ON A MISSION TO VIENNA AND BERLIN. 384-421 + + +1799. + +ENGLAND ENTERS INTO A TREATY WITH RUSSIA AGAINST FRANCE--MR. +THOMAS GRENVILLE'S MISSION TO THE CONTINENT--THE UNION BETWEEN +GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND--SUSPENSE RESPECTING THE FATE OF +MR. GRENVILLE--PROGRESS OF EVENTS ON THE CONTINENT--AUSTRIA +JOINS THE COALITION--VACILLATIONS AND INACTIVITY OF PRUSSIA--EXPEDITION +TO HOLLAND--FURTHER AUGMENTATION OF THE MILITIA--PROJECTS +FOR THE ENSUING YEAR 422-452 + + + + +COURT AND CABINETS + +OF + +GEORGE III. + + + + +1788. + +(CONTINUED.) + +THE KING'S ILLNESS--CONDUCT OF THURLOW--PLANS OF MINISTERS--DISCUSSIONS +IN PARLIAMENT--IRISH VIEW OF THE REGENCY QUESTION--PROCEEDINGS OF THE +PRINCE'S PARTY--THE RATS IN BOTH HOUSES. + + +The fluctuations of the daily accounts from Windsor, and afterwards from +Kew, to which place the King was ultimately removed at the instance of +the Prince of Wales, and the effect they produced upon the public and +the Opposition, greatly increased the difficulties of the Government in +this unprecedented emergency. So long as there was the faintest hope of +His Majesty's recovery, Mr. Pitt was enabled to avert extremities +between the Administration and the Prince of Wales, by repeated +adjournments of Parliament. The interest, therefore, which attached to +the slightest items of intelligence contained in these letters may be +easily understood. All other subjects were of inferior consideration. +Even the serious inconvenience occasioned to the public service by the +suspension of business in Parliament was forgotten in the one absorbing +topic. + +The uncertainty that hung over the issue, the responsibility that +attended the treatment of the case, and the extreme caution observed by +the physicians in the opinions they were called upon to pronounce, kept +all classes of the people in a state of constant agitation. The Prince +and his supporters availed themselves of these circumstances to +strengthen their party in Parliament and out of doors. The passions of +the inexperienced, and the hopes of the discontented, are always on the +side of youth and excitement; and every vicissitude in the condition of +the King that diminished the prospect of his recovery, augmented the +ranks of the Opposition, which now became familiarly known as "the +Prince of Wales's Opposition." Mr. Pitt acted throughout with the utmost +reserve. Deeply impressed by the complicated hazards of the situation, +he carefully avoided all allusions to his ulterior intentions in his +intercourse with the Prince of Wales, which was strictly formal and +official, and confined to such communications as were unavoidable in his +position. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 15th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I enclose you the note, which I received from Pitt last night on + his return from Windsor. I have seen him this morning; and + understand that Warren said one thing which is still more + favourable. He told him that a more rapid amendment would, in his + opinion, have been a less pleasing symptom; and I find, from Pitt, + that on conversing both with Sir G. Baker and Reynolds, he found + them rather more sanguine, upon the whole, than Warren, but + agreeing with him in his general account. What I have learnt this + morning seems to confirm the pleasing hope which I cannot help + indulging, from all these circumstances, though, God knows, it is + still exposed to much doubt and hazard. The public account, which + has been uniformly less flattering than the private letters from + Windsor, states that he has had six hours' sleep, and that he is a + little better this morning. All the other accounts say that he is + certainly getting better. + + Pitt saw the Prince of Wales yesterday, for the purpose of + notifying to him the step which the Council had taken, of ordering + prayers, and of acquainting him that he had written circular + letters to _all_ the Members of the House of Commons, stating the + probability of Parliament having to meet on Thursday; and that he + meant then to propose to adjourn. + + Prince of Wales received the communication with civility, and told + him he was persuaded no opposition could be made to this. It is, I + think, plain, from Pitt's account of his general behaviour, and + from what one hears, that my conjecture is right, and that he will + dismiss Pitt without hesitation. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 17th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The accounts for the last two days have been, I think, rather less + favourable than that of Saturday, which I sent you. You can, + however, hardly conceive the difficulty which we have, even at this + small distance, to procure such information as can be in any degree + depended on. All the private accounts are so strongly tinctured by + the wishes of those who send them, that no reliance can be placed + upon them; and the private letters of the physicians are frequently + inconsistent with each other, and even with the public account + which they send to St. James's. In general, that account has been + uniformly found to be the least favourable; and seems as if it was + drawn for the purpose of discouraging the hopes which their own + letters and conversation excite. The letters which they read to + Pitt, though frequently varying in their general tenor from the + public account, are not at all more detailed than that is, and take + no sort of notice of the most material circumstances. I imagine all + this is to be imputed to a difference of opinion which is supposed + to prevail amongst them, it being believed that Warren is strongly + inclined to think the disorder permanent, and that Reynolds is + sanguine in the contrary opinion. Pitt is gone down again to + Windsor to-day; but will hardly be back again time enough for me to + insert his account in this letter. The public account of to-day + says, I understand, that the King has had much quiet and composed + sleep, but is nearly the same as before. The sleep, I am told, is + generally considered as a favourable symptom. + + Under these circumstances, there can, I think, be no doubt that the + two Houses will adjourn on Thursday, without opposition. + + Everything remains as before. I think you clearly have done right + in stopping Corry, it being so much our interest to prevent, and + not to promote, negotiation. I think, on more reflexion, that the + idea of refusing the power of dissolving is impracticable, and may + be turned against us in the end; the other limitations will, I + believe, be proposed; and that alone will be sufficient to put all + negotiation out of the question. + + Fox is expected in three or four days; but it seems impossible that + he should be here so soon. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 18th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I do not find from Pitt that he learnt anything very particular + yesterday in addition to what you already know. The King continues + much quieter, but still deranged in his intellects and + conversation. The fever has not yet entirely left him. The + physicians seem very unwilling to say anything with respect to his + situation, and declare that it must still be eight or ten days + before they can pronounce at all decisively as to the nature of his + disorder. + + You seem, in your letter, to conceive the point of his recovery to + be much more desperate than I understand it to be thought even + after a derangement of months, or even years. There hardly passes a + day in which one does not hear of cases of that sort, and we are + now told that a disorder of this sort has appeared in several + instances in Devonshire in the course of this autumn, where the + patient has been in this way for six weeks together, and has then + entirely recovered. + + I have no other news. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 20th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I went down yesterday to Windsor, as a matter of form, to inquire + after the King's health. Having nothing very material to write to + you in the morning, I thought it best to take the chance of being + back early enough to write before the post went out. This, however, + I found impossible, on account of the different people whom I met at + Windsor, and with whom I was naturally anxious to converse. + + The account, as far as relates to the King's actual situation for + these two or three last days, is much less favourable than it has + been. The disorder of his intellects has continued almost, if not + entirely, without intermission for the whole of that time. He talks + incessantly for many hours together, and without any appearance of + sense or reason, sometimes knowing the persons who are about him, at + other times mistaking them, or fancying himself employed in + different occupations, such as taking notes on books, or giving + different orders. He has appeared several times to have that sort of + consciousness of his situation which lunatics are observed to + possess, and to use the same sort of methods for concealing it. All + this constitutes the gloomy side of the picture; and Warren is so + much impressed with this, that he told Pitt there was now every + reason to believe that the disorder was no other than direct lunacy. + + On the other hand, I understand that he, as well as the other + physicians, are now agreed as to the cause of the disorder. You may + remember that, at the beginning of this unhappy situation, I + mentioned to you that an idea had been entertained of its proceeding + from some local cause, such as water on the brain, or some change in + the texture of the brain itself, by induration or ossification. + Warren has decidedly said, that he is satisfied this is entirely out + of the question; this he told Pitt in express terms. The cause to + which they all agree to ascribe it, is the force of a humour which + was beginning to show itself in the legs, when the King's imprudence + drove it from thence into the bowels; and the medicines which they + were then obliged to use for the preservation of his life, have + repelled it upon the brain. The consequence of this opinion is so + plain, that there certainly requires no professional skill to know + that his recovery must depend upon this single circumstance, whether + there is, or is not strength enough in his constitution to throw off + this humour by any other channel. The physicians are now + endeavouring, by warm baths, and by great warmth of covering, to + bring it down again into the legs, which nature had originally + pointed out as the best mode of discharge. + + I was mentioning these circumstances yesterday to a person who lives + in intimacy with John Hunter, the anatomist. He told me that they + had been all stated to him three days ago, by Hunter, who had + collected them from the different inquiries he had made. Hunter + added, that we must still expect for some days, and perhaps even + weeks, to hear of no decisive alteration, but possibly of some + occasional variation from day to day; that at the end of this it + would probably come to some sort of crisis, by which it would appear + whether there was strength enough in the constitution to prevail + over the disease; that all he had heard of the manner of the King's + life, did unquestionably make him an unfavourable subject for such a + struggle, but that if it was the case of any common man, he should + have no hesitation in pronouncing even now that it would be very bad + luck indeed if he did not recover, and that the chances were nine to + one in his favour. You will easily suppose that this was said under + the seal of confidence, and that a professional man would not choose + to have his name quoted in a case of so much importance in which he + is not employed, and in which his opinions may be either founded at + present on false information, or may be defeated by the mode of + treatment adopted by those who are called in. I have, therefore, + mentioned this only to you, though possibly you may hear it from + other channels. On such authority, one certainly may be allowed to + indulge some degree of hope. I am, however, far from letting this + expectation take possession of my mind, but, on the contrary, have + prepared myself for the worst, and can with truth say that I have + made up my mind to meet it with cheerfulness, and to accommodate + myself as a reasonable man ought to do to my situation. + + You will particularly see that this consideration had no effect on + my judgment, and that I feel as you do. On the question of a + coalition, no offers have as yet been made. The language of + Opposition inclines one to think that their idea is _to that_, but + the conduct of the Prince of Wales marks a desire of avoiding Pitt. + I believe he has had no communication with the Duke of Portland, or + with any of them, except Sheridan and Lord Loughborough; the latter + is supposed to be much in his confidence. Pitt has opened his plan + of Regency to Thurlow and Lord Weymouth, and they both approved it; + he is to lay it before the Prince of Wales in a few days, and will + then make it public. + + Whatever is done, I have no conception that it can be brought to a + point so as to enable you to form any decisive judgment with respect + to your situation so early as the beginning of next month. We are + now at the 19th. Pitt means to-day to move an adjournment to this + day sevennight, and a call of the House for this day fortnight. It + is doubtful whether the business will even then be brought on, and + the intervening adjournment is made with the view of enabling Pitt + to put off the call to a more distant day if the King's situation + should be thought to render that a proper step. + + Bernard is now out of town, but I understood from him that your + house in Pall Mall was let to the Duke of Gordon for another year, + to commence from Christmas. + + I am just returned from the House, where Pitt moved the adjournment + for the whole fortnight (in consequence of an opinion of the + Chancellor's), and a call at the end of that term. Not a word was + said by any other person, and he himself barely stated that the + continuance of the King's illness had prevented the prorogation, and + that the same circumstance made it desirable to have the public + attendance when the House met again. + + The public account of to-day is that he has passed a less disturbed + night, but that the fever continues. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 20th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The accounts which Pitt received last night are more favourable + than any which have yet been sent. They stated particularly, that + during the whole course of yesterday the King was more composed, + and with less incoherency in his conversation, than he has been at + any period during the last fortnight. The opinion which I mentioned + to you yesterday prevents my being very sanguine with respect to + the _uniform_ continuance of these symptoms; but it is certainly no + light confirmation of that opinion to observe this sort of + fluctuation; and it is a pleasant circumstance to find that this + abatement of his disorder has followed so immediately on the + application of fomentations to the legs. + + Since I wrote the above, the accounts of this morning have been + received. I enclose the public note, which admits that there is + some remission of the fever, by which word they describe the + delirium. The letter sent to Pitt only states that the King is less + well than he was during most part of yesterday. I do not learn that + there is yet any appearance of swelling or eruption on the legs. On + the whole, though the account of this morning is certainly less + encouraging, I think the two taken together by no means diminish + the hopes which I trust there is reason to entertain. + + It is become very difficult to get at the real truth; for since + there has been an appearance of amendment, Opposition have been + taking inconceivable pains to spread the idea that his disorder is + incurable. Nothing can exceed Warren's indiscretion on this + subject. + + You will probably have heard from other quarters how favourable the + appearance of yesterday, and the reception of Pitt's speech, were. + There seems to be just such a spirit and zeal gone forth among his + friends as one would most desire; and whatever is now the event of + this anxious moment, I am persuaded you will see him increase from + it in point of character, and lose little in point of strength. + What passed yesterday, and the tone of our friends, are much beyond + the expectations which I had formed. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 22nd, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I went this morning to Nepean, to speak about sending you the + official accounts of the King's health. He assured me that he had + regularly done so for the last week, and that he would continue it. + He sends a messenger to-morrow, so that this letter will be very + short. + + You will receive the St. James's account of this day from Nepean. I + have not yet seen it, but am assured that all the private accounts + are favourable. So are, as far as I can learn, the declared + opinions of every medical man except those who are employed: and of + those, Warren only speaks unfavourably. The rest say nothing. + + The indecency of any language held on your side of the water cannot + exceed that of the universal tone of Opposition within these last + four or five days. So long as they considered the case as + desperate, they were affecting a prodigious concern and reverence + for the King's unhappy situation. Now that people entertain hopes + of his recovery, they are using the utmost industry to combat this + idea--circulating all the particulars of everything which he does + or says under his present circumstances, and adding the most + outrageous falsehoods. + + I think I can say with confidence, that no enmity against an + individual, much less against a person in such a rank as his, could + induce me to retail the different acts of frenzy which he may + commit in a state of delirium or insanity. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + Don't use your new cypher, for I doubt whether mine is not rendered + useless. I will write to you about it to-morrow. + + P.S.--The cypher will be better set by the _last_ letter of the + word _en clair_, immediately preceding the cyphered part of the + letter. I will use it in that manner when I write. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 23rd, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + _I_[A] write this by Lord Sydney's messenger, but with such an + aching head that it is impossible for me to enter into much detail. + Pitt was at Windsor yesterday, and by his account, which he + collected from the persons who immediately attend the King's + person, there can be no doubt of the King's being much better, and + more composed than he has been since his illness began. At the same + time, the accounts of the physicians are gloomy, and with less hope + than they have before expressed. It is very difficult to reconcile + these contradictions. Rennel Hawkins, the surgeon who has attended + him during the whole illness, and sits up with him every other + night, has written a letter to Sir Clifton Wintringham, which the + latter has shown about London, in which the King's recovery is + mentioned as a thing certain, and likely to take place, sooner than + people in general expect. On these data you can judge as well as + we can here. I confess myself to be sanguine in my hopes of his + recovery. In the meantime, no pains are spared to circulate all + sorts of lies, in order to depress people's spirits on this + subject; and the support which is given to these gloomy ideas by + the language and conduct of the physicians does certainly produce a + considerable effect. + + Think of the Prince of Wales introducing Lord Lothian into the + King's room when it was darkened, in order that he might hear his + ravings at the time that they were at the worst. Do not let this + fact come from you; it begins to be pretty well known here, and no + doubt will find its way to Ireland; but it is important that we + should not seem to spread the knowledge of anything which can + injure His Royal Highness's character in public opinion. + + I think the best thing that can be done in Ireland is to let your + Parliament meet at its prorogation; and that you should then + communicate to them the King's situation, and the measures taken in + England. A similar proceeding might then be adopted in Ireland, and + your commission then revoked in the usual form by the Regent, which + I should think far preferable to any contrivances of Justices, &c. + Long before all this can be necessary, things will have begun to + take some more decided turn than in the present moment, when hopes + and fears make the opinions of people fluctuate from day to day. + + Unless we are clearly satisfied (which is far from being the case + now), that the King is not mending fast, we shall certainly propose + another adjournment on the 4th. This will perhaps be opposed, but + if it is, we shall clearly have the opinion of people in general + with us on that point. + + It is quite impossible for me to enter into the other discussions + in your letter, important as they are, for it is with difficulty + that I write this desultory stuff. + + There seems to be a notion among Lord North's friends that he is + preparing to take a more moderate line, and more inclining to the + King than Fox's people. I suppose he has a mind to make a parade of + gratitude. He has not five votes in this Parliament, and yet any + appearance of difference of opinion might assist us. + + If I am better to-morrow, I think of going to Stanlake for a few + days. I shall have the Windsor news as soon there as in town, and + will write to you from thence. + + Ever yours, + W. W. G. + + Your cypher is, as I feared, spoilt by the unequal extension of the + paper in pasting. In future, in using the old cypher, I will use + _ou_ instead of _out_, and _er, es_, and _or_, in the three places + that are now occupied by _word, blank_, and _ends_. The cypher may + be set by the first letter, which is written _en clair_, as _I_ in + this letter. + +[Footnote A: The letter thus written in _italics_ is the key to a new +cypher in which these communications were carried on.] + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 24th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The same contradiction still prevails between all the private + accounts, even those of the physicians themselves, and the public + information which they give either to Ministers or to the country. + At the same time, the medical people seem so confident in their + declarations of his not being better, that it cannot but shake the + trust which one should otherwise place in the accounts of his + improvement. + + My head is by no means better to-day, so that you must excuse the + shortness of this. + + Ever yours, + W. W. G. + + +LORD BULKELEY TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Baronhill, Nov. 25th, 1788. + MY DEAR LORD, + + When I left London last Saturday, the accounts were not arrived of + the state of the King's health. He was much better on the Friday + morning, but relapsed in the evening. I am afraid it is a very + hopeless case, though much time ought to elapse before anybody + ventured to pronounce for a certainty; and the physicians, who have + been so warped by party, or by an anxiety to pay their court to the + Prince, as to venture to do so, certainly deserve the severest + reprehension. The meeting of Parliament was much the fullest, in + both Houses, I ever saw; and in the House of Peers, the greatest + decency I ever witnessed, considering the hopes and fears of each + party. There were but seven Bishops (among whom Chester was one) + present, which is a proof that crows soon smell powder. I took the + opportunity of coming down here to settle my private affairs, which + my sudden departure had left unsettled, your brother William having + promised to send for me in case there is no appearance of the + King's recovering before the 4th of December, in which case another + adjournment would certainly take place, or in case Government + should not contest the Prince's becoming Regent without a Council. + It will be with great unwillingness I shall return, as I wish to + remain here till the beginning of February; but if I find we are + all expected to stand to our guns, and that our generals are ready + to fight a battle without a compromise, I shall leave my dear + Baronhill, and all my comforts, for all pleasures of war's alarms: + marching and countermarching in the House of Lords, drums beating, + and colours flying, &c. I supped at White's the night before I left + town, where Pitt was in high spirits, and Selwyn uncommonly + ridiculous; in general, our friends seem to await the approaching + storm with the greatest _sang-froid_ and philosophy: the longest + faces I saw were Lord Hawkesbury's, Lord Sydney's, and Sir George + Yonge's. I heard for certain that the Chancellor, who was suspected + of being _rattically_ inclined, was firm as a rock, and that the + whole Cabinet were determined to _die_ together. Fox was either not + found, or averse to returning, although the Opposition were looking + out for him as the Jews look out for their Messiah. _Je crois qu'il + boude un peu._ Sheridan and Lord Loughborough are those who more + immediately correspond with the Prince, with which, I believe, the + old Rockinghams were much dissatisfied; in short, there is every + reason to think there is a division among them, which, however, a + sense of common interest and common danger may rectify before the + day of trial. Your sister Williams, and Sir Watkin, were in town + both crying up the affection, humanity, filial piety, feeling, &c., + of the Prince, and lamenting the little chance of the King's + recovery, &c. The Nevilles were to leave town last Sunday, and by + being in the neighbourhood of Windsor, can inform you, if they + choose it, of the real state of the late and present behaviour and + conduct of _some persons_ in that quarter who are so puffed by the + papers and by the Opposition. In the changes and chances of this + mortal life, our Barony of Braybroke appears to have been secured + at a lucky moment. I left Parry in town, and I set Rose and Steele + to coax him a little, for the old grievance sticks by him, and he + wants much persuasion to efface the memory of it. Sir Hugh is here, + and complains much of never having had one letter answered since + Pitt has been in power; notwithstanding which, I shall take him up + if the battle is to be fought before Christmas. I am afraid more + rats will run, on account of Pitt's inattention to these trifles, + than on any other account whatsoever; indeed I heard as much in + town. Rose and Steele may laugh at such details, but they are + necessary; and the constituent will not believe the member's + assiduity unless he sees a real or ostensible answer. I gave my + L100 to the Westminster election, in consequence of a letter from + Rose; I could ill spare it, but finding others were dosed in the + same manner, I gulped the grievance. + + I am, my dear Lord's sincere friend, + B. + + +SIR WILLIAM YOUNG TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Stratton Street, Nov. 25th, 1788. + MY DEAR LORD, + + However, at a crisis of such national concern as the present, my + mind is impressed with its importance, and would communicate to you + the vicissitudes and opinions thereon of each hour, as leading in + the minutest variation to new consequences, and of the first + moment; yet I confess myself at a loss how to arrange these + _parvula quidam ex queis magun exoriuntur_, and give them their due + weight, by stating the deductions thereon as they appear to me, + within any compass of letter. + + As to the fact on which our fears and speculations are to build, + the change of mere words in stating the malady, as daily announced + at St. James's, may be proper enough to keep alive the hopes of the + public, who will argue on mere words, in reality, within this + fortnight the King hath remained from day to day without any + variation in symptoms: so this very morning Dr. Gisborne told me, + as his opinion, resulting from conversation with his brother + physicians in immediate attendance. My friend Dr. Milman seems to + be of the like opinion. That _possibly_ His Majesty may recover the + perfect use of his understanding is not less believed than hoped + for: cases have been stated, more desperate than the present, + wherein the recovery hath been perfect. Yet much mischief is + already done, or rather the basis of mischief is already and + irremoveably laid. In future times, designing, ambitious and + profligate men may start the idea that what has been may be, and + in the desperate effort of factious opposition, even venture to + arraign the temper and health of mind, though it shows its perfect + state, and the wise measures of Government should put such daring + insult at defiance. + + If the King remains a length of time in the same state, I would, on + such too probable circumstance, join my speculations to your + Lordship's, could I imagine any resting-place, or outlet, in the + labyrinth of cases and deductions which the subject affords. I had + best, therefore, confine my correspondence, and take up the + immediate matter and language of the mere day, unless I meant a + book rather than a letter. + + The language touches on the hopes and views of partymen, and on the + interests of the country as complicated with the present + Administration remaining in power. My business calling me often + into the city, I speak as an eye-witness to the temper of men at + the Royal Exchange, and Lloyd's Coffee-rooms, never did + Administration stand so high in opinion of the moneyed and + commercial world: throughout the city, the fears of losing Pitt + from the finance make as much of the regrets of anticipation, as + the fears of losing the King from the throne. Should the change of + Ministry (too much apprehended) take place, it is thought that + Fox's party--to temporize with the public opinion, too strong + directly to meet in the teeth--will propose a coalescence of some + sort; but so narrowed, and in regard to Mr. Pitt, moreover, placing + him in such jar of official situation, that it cannot be in any + manner listened to. The refusal of the insidious offer is then to + be noised throughout the country, and a trial to be made to engage + the people "to join with those who proffered a sacrifice of + enmities to Pitt for the public good." _My opinion_ is, that the + trial will be abortive, and the present Administration retire (if + so necessitated), merely to return to power on the shoulders of the + nation. The Opposition, I understand, foresee their difficulties, + and are exceedingly embarrassed, even supposing the Regent, or + Regency, to venture on the change of Ministry. + + I presume to hazard an opinion that such Regent, or Regency, cannot + and will not risk a change of Ministry with so precipitate + declaration in favour of our opponents, as some expect, at such + eventful crisis as the present. It is natural for men's hopes, or + fears, to colour too strongly the contingency on which their + relative interests depend. Some hope too much, and some fear too + much. If the Prince of Wales is made and continues at the head of + Regency a twelvemonth, then indeed a revolution in Ministry, or in + everything, may be worked out of the occasions ingenuity and + ambition may have to take hold of; but here I am running into a + book, and to avoid it close my letter. From time to time I shall + write, almost from day to day, if aught occurs deserving your + perusal. Meantime, and ever, my dear Lord, in truest affection and + attachment, + + Your faithfully devoted friend and servant, + W. YOUNG. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 25th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I am very sorry to be obliged to say that the account from the + physicians to-day, confirmed by the most accurate testimony from + private quarters, state the King's situation in the most + unfavourable manner, his disorder having returned with great + violence. I do not understand that there is any return of bodily + complaint, so that nothing can be worse than this intelligence. + From what I now understand, it should seem that some considerable + time must elapse, even after the two Houses meet, before any + decisive step can be proposed, as it seems now to be thought + necessary that some mode of satisfaction should be given to the + Houses themselves, by means of Secret Committees, or otherwise, + respecting the King's situation, and that after that precedents + must be searched. + + Fox arrived yesterday morning early, having come in little more + than nine days from Bologna. He expected, it is said, from the + accounts which he had received, to find the King dead. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 26th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I sit down to write a few words, because I know it is a + satisfaction to you to hear from me in such a moment as this, + although I have nothing particular to say. + + The situation of the King continues to be such as I described it + yesterday; and Warren told Pitt yesterday, that the physicians + could now have no hesitation in pronouncing that the actual + disorder was that of lunacy; that no man could pretend to say, that + this was, or was not incurable; that he saw no immediate symptoms + of recovery; that the King might never recover; or, on the other + hand, that he might recover at any one moment. With this sort of + information we shall probably have to meet Parliament. I much hope + that the previous examination by the Privy Council may be judged + sufficient, without any further inquiry into the particulars of a + subject which one so little wishes to have discussed. + + I have no other news of any sort. + + I do not know, whether I mentioned to you in my last letter, that I + tried, but to no purpose, to make out that part of yours which was + written in the new cypher; my cypher, which you sent over to me, + being wholly spoilt in the pasting. I must, therefore, beg you to + write in the old cypher, with the alterations I suggested. + + Ever yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 27th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The accounts of the King's situation continue to be so much the + same as for the last two or three days, that it now appears + perfectly plain that we shall be under the necessity of bringing + forward some measure for an intermediate Government immediately + after the 4th; and that there can be no further adjournment. + + The Prince of Wales has sent a letter to the Chancellor, desiring + that all the members of the Cabinet may attend at Windsor to-day; + but this I imagine (and, indeed, his letter conveys it), has no + relation to any other subject, but to an idea of moving the King to + Kew, where he can take the air without being overlooked, as is the + case at Windsor. I have nothing new to write to you on other + subjects, though I believe I shall have in a day or two; probably + by Sunday's messenger. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 28th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The Ministers were all sent for to Windsor yesterday by the Prince, + in order to give their advice with respect to moving the King. They + were detained so late, that Pitt went to Salt Hill to sleep there; + and is not yet returned, at least not to his own house, so that I + have not seen him. + + I had a note from him yesterday evening, to say that they had not + seen the Prince, he having sent a written message to them by the + Duke of York. It related to the removal. He says, that the opinion + of the physicians, particularly of Addington, who had been desired + to come over that day from Reading, was favourable as to a + possibility, and even a prospect of recovery, and clear for + removing him as soon as possible. + + We are still in the dark, as to the Prince of Wales's intentions; + though what passed yesterday confirms my opinion. The general + language leans to negotiation. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 29th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I received your letter of the 23rd, by the messenger only this + morning, and have sent the enclosed, which, as you will have seen, + exactly tallies with the ideas which I have stated to you in some + of my letters. I shall write to you to-morrow, being Sunday, when a + messenger would of course be sent with the official bulletin, and + as you may very probably receive that letter as soon as this, I + think it unnecessary to fatigue either you or myself with figures, + especially as I have nothing very material to say, except a + confirmation, from my subsequent conversation with Pitt, of the + ideas which I mentioned to you yesterday, particularly with respect + to Addington's opinion, which seems to have encouraged the rest to + speak out. Addington told Pitt that he had himself kept a house for + the reception of these unhappy people for seven years. That during + that period, he had hardly ever had fewer than ten or twelve with + him, and that of all those one only was not cured, he having died + in the house of bursting a blood-vessel. He said that the symptoms, + as they at present appeared, were those of a morbid humour, flying + about and irritating the nerves. The physicians desired Pitt to + see the King yesterday, which he did, and found him, though + certainly in a state of derangement, yet far better than he had + expected from the accounts. It is not yet settled whether he shall + be removed, as he has expressed some reluctance to it, and the + physicians are extremely averse to any force. + + We are still under some uncertainty whether or not to propose a + further adjournment; in the meanwhile we have thought it absolutely + necessary to summon all our friends, as without their attendance, + we should not even have the decision of that question in our own + hands. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 30th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + There is no particular account of the King this morning, He was + yesterday evening removed to Kew. There was considerable difficulty + in persuading him to agree to this removal, but it was at last + accomplished without violence. Pitt saw him again at Windsor before + his removal, and thought him rather less well in his manner than on + the preceding day. Addington's conversation is still such as to + show that he thinks the probabilities greatly in favour of his + recovery. He mentioned particularly to Pitt, that he had in his + house one person whose case appeared to him exactly to resemble the + King's, and that this person had been cured. + + We are still much undetermined about the time of bringing forward + the decisive measures. The general leaning of people's minds + appears to be for delay, and there is not anything that can perhaps + absolutely be said to require that immediate steps should be taken. + There are, however, several points of foreign business which seem + to press considerably, and there seems little reason to hope that + this situation will be at all altered within such a time as it + would be possible to wait. I am rather inclined towards bringing + the business forward on Thursday; and yet I am very apprehensive of + the effect which might be produced by any appearance or imputation + of precipitancy. + + When the Cabinet went down to Windsor two days ago, in consequence + of the Prince of Wales's letter, he did not see them, but sent them + a written message by the Duke of York, respecting the King's + removal. This message, whether accidentally or not, was couched in + terms that were thought a little royal. Some caution was thought + necessary in wording the answer to avoid the style of giving His + Royal Highness advice, or of acknowledging any authority in him. + + You will have heard, in all probability, much on the subject of the + Chancellor. His situation is a singular one. It is unquestionably + true that he has seen _Fox_, and I believe he has also seen + Sheridan repeatedly, and certainly the Prince of Wales. And of all + these conversations he has never communicated one word to any other + member of the Cabinet. Yet I am persuaded that he has as yet made + no terms with them, and that whenever they come to that point they + will differ. With this clue, however, you will be at no loss to + guess where the Prince acquires his knowledge of the plans of + Regency which are to be proposed, because, even supposing the + Chancellor not to have directly betrayed the individual opinions of + his colleagues, yet still his conversation upon these points, in + all of which he has explicitly agreed with the opinions of Pitt, + must lead to the communication of the plans in agitation. I am, + however, rather inclined to believe that Cuninghame's correspondent + has taken by guess one out of a variety of reports circulated, and + that he has been right by accident. The general belief of the + Opposition certainly is, as you may by their papers, that measures + of much more violence are intended. + + Pitt has been induced, from his regard to the King, to dissemble + his knowledge of Thurlow's conduct, and to suppress the resentment + which it so naturally excites. There is no reason, but the + contrary, for believing that any of those who have acted with him + are at all disposed to follow his example. It is universally + reprobated, and explicitly by them. I think you will do well, if it + comes in question, to do as I do, which is to avoid saying anything + on the subject as long as I can; and when pressed, to profess + ignorance. + + There is no great inconvenience arising, in reality, from the + communication of these intentions to the Prince. His intentions are + sufficiently decided, and he has no means of traversing our + schemes. + + We do not yet know with certainty whether he has any idea of + negotiation; but if he has, it is unquestionably only as a cloak, + and meaning that it should be rejected. But the prospect of + detaching the Chancellor may make this less probable, although he + may perhaps insist on something of the sort being done to provide + for his _delicacy_. The general language is universal and immediate + dismission. If I am not mistaken, a storm is rising that they + little expect, and the sense of the country, instead of being + nearly as strong as in 1784, will be much stronger. But the party + in general are so hungry and impatient, that I think they will act + upon the better judgment of their leaders, and prevent them from + doing anything which may allow a moment's delay. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + + It was beginning to be suspected that Thurlow was about to _rat_. + His conduct justified the worst doubts. Sir William Young confirms + the intelligence about his increasing and suspicious intimacy with + the Prince of Wales. + + + SIR WILLIAM YOUNG TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Stratton Street, Nov. 30th, 1788. + MY DEAR LORD, + + Since my last, all the intelligence to be given consists merely of + rumours and of opinions respecting the probable changes in the + Administration, on accession of the Prince to the executive + authority. The Prince, it is said, is wonderfully of late attached + to Thurlow. His Royal Highness hath not been equally gracious to + Mr. Pitt; and from the authority of a person who dined with him, I + am assured that his melancholy derived from the malady of his + father and King, is not of that deep and rooted sort for which "no + physic of the mind" can be found. Drinking and singing were + specifics on the day stated to me. + + As to opinions alluded to above, they appear to me, who am not in + the secret, mere sermons to Shakspeare's text of "Harry, thy wish + was father to the thought." If aught is settled, your Lordship is + undoubtedly apprised of it; if things yet remain for arrangement, + your grounds for mere fabrics of speculation must ere this be + better laid than mine; and so, in either case, I'd better e'en + refrain from the subject, until Thursday begins the course of + authentic matter for my letters. + + Meantime, a word in regard to myself. I write under the greatest + embarrassment of mind, between pressing necessity of not moving + from London and a justness of sentiment which would particularly at + this moment urge my repairing to you at the Castle. When your kind + friendship conferred what, at that moment, was a most essential aid + to my family subsistence, your goodness added that I need not visit + Ireland oftener than the convenience of my family allowed. Of this + goodness I by no means thought to avail myself, and proposed this + winter proceeding with my wife and son to the Castle, and returning + to accomplish the passing of my "Poor Laws," in February or March. + + The loss of my father hath placed me in a situation wherein, from + the magnitude and delicacy of the concern, every hour may afford an + important crisis; and in which a single omission, a momentary + absence, may entail consequences irretrievable, in matters wherein + the result to me and mine is to be conjoined reputation and + affluence, or disgrace and penury. I cannot, under impression of + such alternatives, delegate an iota of conduct to a second person. + I have laid down a systematic plan of conduct for myself, which in + executing I am sure of honour and credit, have a certainty of + competence, and a prospect of considerable wealth. The more I + reflect, the more I am confirmed in the propriety of the grounds of + procedure which I have adopted, and I feel myself equal to the + accomplishment, as far as it depends on steady pursuit of a + well-weighed purpose. Obstacles, however, may arise, and + difficulties occur, such as I have _daily_ to obviate or to + surmount, in shape of impatient creditors, who, if they were not + led to just understanding of circumstances, would not wait two + years for a final liquidation of private claims, with an inventory + before them in the Commons of property to the amount of L200,000, + but would jump forward to their own and my loss. One of the two + years I have now securely in hand; the crop of 1789 being shipped + from Christmas to March, of produce all grown, and partly + manufactured. If Government leaves me the year 1790, at the close + of it there will not be a private debt, nor an article alienated of + security for public claims; and my gain of the income of 1788-9-90 + is actually the amount of L45,000 clear gain, above the result of + immediate sale of the estates, which in ordinary course, or other + line than I have chalked out, would be the direct legal recurrence + for general liquidation of first public and then private claims. + _One year_ of this gain to _my residue_ I have already secured, the + second I have no doubt of, the third I have great hopes of, and at + the period thereof, the gross total of the Crown demand, without a + deduction or charge per centage, would scarcely necessitate any + sale, or but a partial one, should I wish quickly to clear all + away. + + Having no reserve for you, my best friend, I have, in accounting + for my "fixing myself on the watch" in England this winter run into + these details; and further (which will explain them fully) enclose + a rough copy of my instructions to my attorneys in St. Vincent's, + which, when read, you will consign to the flames. + + I have that grateful attachment to you, that I should yet scarcely + hesitate in hazarding a month's absence from home, did not I + anticipate that your friendship would rather chide than approve the + sacrifice. I am ever at your command, being, my dear Lord, in + truest affection, + + Your devoted and obliged friend, &c., + W. YOUNG. + + +The plans of Ministers are further developed in the next letter from Mr. +Grenville. + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Tuesday, Dec. 2nd, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have nothing of any importance to add to my letter of Sunday, + everything remaining here precisely in the same state. It is + determined to proceed, after Thursday, without any further + adjournment. A Privy Council is summoned for to-morrow, to which + _all_ the Privy Councillors are summoned; those of the Royal Family + by letters from the Lord President. The physicians are ordered to + attend, and questions will be put to them, to which they will be + to give their answers on Wednesday. It is then meant, that on + Friday, the Lord President in the House of Lords, and Pitt in the + House of Commons, should communicate these questions and answers, + but not as a message, from the Privy Council. We hope that + Parliament will be disposed to proceed, without any inquiry, by + themselves; but on the ground of the examination of the Privy + Council, a Committee is then to be appointed to search precedents, + so that it will be more than a week from this day before the + propositions can formally be made. They will, I believe, be nearly, + if not exactly, the same as I have already stated them to you. The + point, on the prudence of which you had doubts, is of such absolute + necessity, that I am sure, by a very little conversation, I could + satisfy you in a moment that it must be taken care of. It is + intended to say of the whole plan, that it is merely temporary, + adapted to the present circumstances, when we are obliged to act + after the King has been ill a very short time, and when there is + much uncertainty with respect to the nature of his complaint, and + an absolute ignorance as to its probable duration; that if, under + different circumstances, and after a longer and more defined + illness, Parliament shall think it necessary to make other + arrangements, that power must rest with them, which cannot, indeed, + be taken from them. This would, I think, cure your difficulty. + + Pray tell Bernard that the sooner he returns the better, and that I + will engage to find him full employment. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + I hope Bernard is not necessary to you in Ireland, because I think + he is already seriously wanted here. He will tell you for what. + + +THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM TO LORD BULKELEY. + + Dublin Castle, Dec. 2nd, 1788. + MY DEAR BULKELEY, + + Many thanks for your very interesting and affectionate + correspondence, which I have not neglected from inattention, but + from anxiety, and from business, which you can easily figure to + yourself, and as easily excuse. Much of your Windsor anecdotes had + reached me from other quarters; but I could not, without very + accurate information, have given credit to details so very + unpleasant as some of those which I have heard. The messenger, who + will deliver this to you, is going to London; but I was anxious + that he should leave this at Baronhill, as I think it may be + doubtful whether you know that the new system of government is to + be proposed at the next meeting of Parliament; and that unless the + King's health should vary materially after the 28th (my last date), + there was no idea of a further adjournment. My brother will + probably have written to you, to press your attendance, and, in + that case, this will find you in London, as I shall order the + messenger not to leave it at Baronhill; but, if it should reach you + in the country, let me implore you not to lose this (perhaps last) + occasion of paying a debt to our master, which every principle of + private honour and public duty must make sacred to us. The only + object to which I look is, not to private power or ambition, but to + the means of waking our unhappy King, at some future period, to the + use, not only of his reason, but of his power. How this is to be + secured I cannot, in my uninformed situation, pretend to say; but I + have the fullest confidence on this head in Mr. Pitt, and if I + could imagine that he could suffer a consideration of private + situation to interfere on such a question, I should despise him as + much as I now love him. I can have no doubt, that as soon as His + Royal Highness is possessed of the power of dismissing us, we + shall feel the full weight of it, and to that you will believe me + most indifferent; but the subsequent scene must, in all events, be + so interesting, that I must wish every assistance to Mr. Pitt that + friends and countenance can give him. If this should be realized, I + shall not be long absent from you; and perhaps our Christmas pies + may be too hot for the new Government, if their folly and + intemperance should urge them to the steps which those immaculate + Whigs, Lord Loughborough and Sheridan, may suggest. Adieu. I am + almost too late. + + Ever yours, + N.B. + + Robert and I have made our peace. Pray carry Sir Hugh with you. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 3rd, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + It is now past four o'clock, and I am but just returned from the + Privy Council. The whole number that attended was above fifty, + including Lord North, Lord Stormont, Lord Loughborough, &c., &c. + Fox was not there, being confined with a flux, which he has got by + the rapidity of his journey. None of the Royal Family attended. The + physicians who were examined, were Warren, Baker, Pepys, Reynolds, + and Addington. The general questions that were proposed to them + were three: + + 1. Whether the King is now incapable of attending to business? + + 2. What hopes do you entertain of his recovery? + + 3. What do you conjecture may be the probable duration of his + complaint? + + These are not the precise words, but the substance. They all + answered the first question decisively, that he is now incapable, + &c. + + To the second, Warren gave an ambiguous answer; but said that the + majority of persons afflicted with _all the different species_ of + this disorder, recovered. An explanatory question was put to him, + which it took about an hour and a half to settle; whether, as far + as experience enabled him to judge, he thought it more probable + that the King would or would not recover. To this he said that he + had not, and he believed no one else had, sufficient data to answer + that question. + + All the rest stated, though in terms more or less strong, that the + probability is in favour of recovery. + + The time, they all declared themselves unable to speak to. + + A question was put to them, to show the degree of experience each + had had in these cases. That of the three first appeared not to be + great; that of Reynolds more; and Addington stated the particulars, + which you already know, about his house at Reading. + + On the whole, I think the impression of the examination was + universally more favourable than was expected. + + After the Council was formally broke up, Pitt proposed, in + consequence of some things which had been thrown out by Lord + Stormont and Lord Loughborough, that it should be understood, that + any proposal for further examination in Parliament should be + resisted. After some conversation, this was acceded to; and Monday + settled as the day when these papers are to be taken into + consideration. A Committee is then to be moved to search + precedents, so that the motion itself cannot come on till Friday, + or more probably Monday se'nnight. + + Ever yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 4th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + Lord Sydney sends off this messenger with the proceedings of + yesterday's Council. I write a few lines by him, because I know you + would wish to hear from me, although I have, in fact, nothing to + say. + + Our situation continues exactly as it was. The prevailing idea + seems to be that of a general dismission, and of an immediate + dissolution of Parliament. How far the examinations of yesterday + may operate with respect to this, it is impossible to say; but I + thought the Opposition people seemed evidently struck and + disappointed with them. If they do dissolve Parliament in such a + moment as this, when the physicians concur in declaring the King's + recovery probable, I am persuaded the cry will be as strong as it + was in 1784. + + There is a report, that before the Duke of Portland would consent + to have any communication with the Prince of Wales, he insisted on + an apology being made to him, for some very rough treatment which + he received at the time of the question of the debts; and that this + apology has been made. This, however, I give you only as a report, + for the truth of which I do not vouch. + + I enclose you a pamphlet, which you may perhaps think worth + reprinting in Ireland. + + I hear as yet of no rats, but I suppose a few days will bring some + to light; though I cannot help thinking that the examinations of + yesterday _donneront a penser a Messieurs les Rats_. + + I have not heard from you for almost a fortnight, and am impatient + to know that you receive my accounts; and to hear your opinions + upon them as they arise. + + Pray send Bernard back as soon as you can. I cannot guess what his + motive was, for persisting so strongly in wishing to undertake two + such journeys at this season of the year; but he assured me, that + he had no wish to stay any time in Dublin. + + The list, which you will see in the "Morning Post," of the Council + is accurate. It makes a curious medley. + + James is come to town, looking very sturdy. He is now with me; and + has no other message to send, except to wish you all safe home + again. + + Ever yours, + W. W. G. + + +SIR WILLIAM YOUNG TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Stratton Street, Dec. 5th, 1788. + MY DEAR LORD, + + When I came home yesterday afternoon from the House, I wrote the + enclosed minute of proceedings--a practice I shall continue to + pursue until we meet, for your satisfactory information. + + As to news, it consists in the rumour of a general change in + Administration. I confess that so hasty a step as is generally + talked of and believed, comes not within the scope of credit which + my mind is framed to. Political wisdom suggests a multiplicity of + reasons why the Prince of Wales should not act precipitately--nay, + why Mr. Fox, &c., should not act precipitately; unless, indeed, to + embroil the times, and seek occasions of profit and power from + their turbulency and vicissitudes, may be the plot of some + desperate men of the party. Of authorities for intentions of + change, my best is Colonel Stanhope, who, coming from the Duke of + Portland's the day before yesterday, mentioned that the arrangement + of the new Administration was finally settled in everything; but, + "that they had not yet succeeded in persuading the Duke of + Devonshire to go to Ireland." + + _A-propos_ of Ireland. Accustomed to speculate on historical + points, the _precedent_ seems to me eventful, indeed, on that side + of the water. The times, indeed, are perilous, and must be met + everywhere with wisdom and firmness. At all times, I am ever, my + dear Lord, in truest affection of friendship, your devoted and + obliged friend, &c., + + W. YOUNG. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 6th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have great pleasure in being able to tell you that, in addition + to what you will have seen in the examination taken before the + Privy Council, a Dr. Willis, whose name you will probably have + heard, saw the King yesterday, and that his opinion is still more + favourable as to the prospect of recovery. I have but just seen + Pitt, who has been at Kew this morning, and saw Willis there. This + general information is all that he had then to mention; but if + there should be any particulars of any importance, I will let you + know them. I am much mortified by receiving half a dozen Irish + papers together this morning without a word from you, as the + speculations on your side of the water are by no means indifferent, + or uninteresting here. + + The papers will have told you what passed in the two Houses. It was + too late for me to write; nor, indeed, was Viner's nonsense worth + sending. Fox looked ill, and spoke worse than I ever have heard + him. His object was to beat about, and feel the pulse of the House + with respect to further examination. I do not think he received + much encouragement; but they are so anxious to mend this part of + their case by cross-examining the physicians, that I am inclined to + think they will try it. This opinion of Willis's is some temptation + to us to allow it; but, on the whole, I think it better resisted. + I should be quite clear about it, if it was not from a fear that + some individuals may be caught by the notion of parliamentary + dignity, and that our first division may thereby be less favourable + than if it was taken on any direct question of party. + + I send you a note which Wilberforce put into my hands. If the thing + cannot be done, pray send a separate and very civil letter about + it; because this Sir J. Coghill is one of his chief friends in + Yorkshire, and he particularly desires to be able to send him a + civil answer. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + +The next day, immediately after this favourable report from a physician +whose experience in this particular branch of practice gave great weight +to his opinions, Thurlow began to veer round again to the Ministry. +"Whatever object he might at one time have had in view," says Mr. +Grenville, "he has now taken his determination of abiding by the present +Government." Thurlow, in short, was exactly the man the King believed +him to be, and always kept in the sun. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 7th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + There is nothing particularly worth mentioning to you with respect + to Willis, more than what I told you in my last letter. He + expressed himself very strongly to Pitt as to his hopes of the + King's recovery, and said that there was no symptom which he saw in + him, or could learn from the other physicians, which he had not + seen much stronger in other people who have recovered. He has, I + understand, already acquired a complete ascendancy over him, which + is the point for which he is particularly famous. He had the + boldness yesterday to suffer the King to shave himself in his + presence. The King was much more composed than he has ever been, + slept uncommonly well the night before last; said in the morning + that he found himself much better, for that Dr. Willis had settled + his mind; and was remarkably quiet the whole of yesterday. The + account this morning is also, I understand, very favourable. I have + just seen a man who saw a note of Willis's dated late last night, + in which he says that he is confident the King would do very well. + He is to continue entirely with him, and to have the complete + management of him. The other physicians are, however, to see him, + in order to keep him in bodily health. + + It is quite ridiculous to see how angry the Opposition are at the + report of the physicians, and particularly at what Warren said, + which, I understand, was very different from what they had + expected. They go so far as to say, that if Fox had been present he + would not have dared to give such an evidence. They hope to mend it + by a subsequent examination before a Committee of the House: the + object of Willis being examined is so great, that I think we shall + consent to something of this sort. Not only his opinion will have + great weight, but it will also make the others very cautious what + they say in opposition to it. + + The behaviour of the two Princes is such as to shock every man's + feelings. What do you think of the Duke of York's having a meeting + of the Opposition at his house on Thursday, before the House of + Lords met, and then going down there to hear the examinations read? + After that, they closed the day, by both going in the evening to + Brooks's. The truth is, that the Duke is entirely in his brother's + hands, and that the latter is taking inconceivable pains to keep + him so, in order that he may not see what a line is open to him if + he had judgment to follow it. + + The assurances of support which Pitt receives from all quarters are + much beyond the expectations which we had formed. It is also clear + that, whatever object Thurlow might at one time have had in view, + he has now taken his determination of abiding by the present + Government, and supporting their measures with respect to the + Regency. I imagine that Lord Stafford and Lord Weymouth have + chiefly influenced his resolution--their line having been clear and + decided from the beginning. + + On the other hand, there seems great reason to believe that the + Prince of Wales is inclined to go to all the lengths to which that + party are pushing him. They have for several days been spreading a + report that he has expressed a determination not to accept of the + Regency under any restrictions or in any manner at all short of + regal power; and that the Duke of York was commissioned by him to + have declared this on Thursday, if anything had been said that + could at all have led to it. The story of to-day is, that the three + Royal Dukes have assured him of their resolution to refuse it if + tendered to them on similar terms, and that they have authorized + Fox to say this in the House of Commons. There is no knowing what + sort of effect this may produce with respect to the measures of the + present moment: that must depend entirely on the sort of turn that + the people in general may take upon it at first. But it is very + evident that by such a step the Prince will do himself a permanent + mischief which he will never be able to repair, and which we shall + probably all of us have much reason to regret. It is quite clear + that, having once proposed these restrictions, as thinking them + necessary for the interest of the King (and on that ground only + could we propose them), no other motive whatever can be a + justification for abandoning them, as long as there can be found + one individual or set of individuals who will undertake to carry on + the Government, and as long as Parliament continues to think the + proposal right and equitable. What all this may produce, God only + knows. Our reliance can only be on the discharge of what we owe to + the King in gratitude and duty, and in the decided manner in which + we have put all considerations out of the question which can + personally affect our own interests. + + In the midst of all this confusion, and while his sons and brothers + are struggling to gain entire possession of his authority, the King + may recover his reason. What a scene will present itself to him! + and how devoutly must he pray, if he is wise, to lose again all + power of recollection or reflection. + +The struggle was now beginning in earnest between the Ministers and the +Prince of Wales. The point at issue apparently narrowed itself to the +restrictions; but there lay beneath this question of royal expediency a +great constitutional principle, which was gradually developed in the +progress of the subsequent debates. It was not alone that Mr. Fox and +his party demanded the Regency without any limitations whatever, but +that they demanded it as a right; setting up the doctrine that when the +Sovereign, from any cause, became incapacitated, the Heir Apparent had +an indisputable claim to the executive authority during the continuance +of the incapacity, just as he would have on the demise of the Crown. It +was strange enough that this doctrine, which Mr. Pitt denounced as +"treason against the Constitution," should have been maintained by the +avowed champions of popular liberty; and that it should have been +reserved for the Ministers of the King to defend the interests of the +people against the encroachments of royalty. Mr. Pitt asserted that the +right of providing a remedy for the suspension of the regular powers of +Government rested solely with the people, "from whom," he added, "all +the powers of Government originate." The language he held upon this +occasion is remarkable not only from its constitutional soundness, but +for the perspicuity with which it states the actual question in contest, +stripped of all disguises and evasions. "To assert an inherent right in +the Prince of Wales to assume the Government, is virtually to revive +those exploded ideas of the divine and indefeasible authority of +Princes, which have so justly sunk into contempt and almost oblivion. +Kings and Princes derive their power from the people; and to the people +alone, through the organ of their representatives, does it appertain to +decide in cases for which the Constitution has made no specific or +positive provision." It will be seen that in the end the Prince of Wales +was obliged to abandon his claim of right, and that the steadfastness of +Pitt finally secured the recognition of the principle which placed in +the hands of Parliament the settlement of the conditions under which His +Royal Highness was to enter upon the Regency. + +This glance at the subject is a little in advance of the correspondence; +but it will be useful as a key to the points of discussion thrown up in +its progress. The fulness and freshness of the letters, written daily, +and containing the most minute history of those proceedings that has yet +appeared in print, requires such slight elucidation as to render it +undesirable to interrupt their continuity by commentaries, except where +it may become necessary to direct attention to some special matter. + +Both parties were now gathering their allies around them, and preparing +for a contest which was not very creditable to the political character +of the Opposition. In the meanwhile a third party was forming, which, +trying to reconcile hopeless antagonisms, ran its head against a +crotchet, resisting the restrictions on the one hand, and supporting Mr. +Pitt, as Minister, on the other, for the sake of his popularity and +transcendant abilities. This line of conduct is justly described by Mr. +Grenville as "absolute nonsense." + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 9th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The messenger who carries this is sent for the purpose of + collecting proxies. It is, you know, necessary that they should be + renewed every session; for which reason I have desired that a blank + proxy should be directed to you, which I suppose you will fill up, + as before, with Fortescue's name. He is quite eager (especially for + him), and came up to town for the first day. I think there is every + reason to hope that we shall not stand in need of this sort of + canvass, either for the House of Commons or the House of Lords; but + you will certainly agree with me, that no pains are superfluous + when such points are in question. + + I do not learn that there is any foundation for the report which I + mentioned to you of the round-robin entered into by their Royal + Highnesses. The partizans of Opposition are, however, still + circulating, with great industry, the idea that the Prince of Wales + has positively declared his resolution not to accept the Regency + under any restrictions whatever. I take this, however, to be + nothing more than a bully, intended to influence votes in the House + of Commons. If, however, he should be so desperate, I should hope + there would be every reason to believe that the Queen would be + induced to take the Regency, in order to prevent the King's hands + from being fettered for the remainder of his life. Nothing has yet + passed with respect to this subject. Pitt has seen her once; but + the conversation was nothing more than general, although with the + greatest civility, and even kindness, on her part towards him. + + We receive every day new professions of attachment; and I do not + yet hear of any one individual of any consequence whom we shall + lose, except, probably, the Duke of Queensbury. The Duke of Grafton + has declared himself explicitly. There is no longer any doubt of + Thurlow; and there never has been any of Lord Stafford, Lord + Weymouth, &c. Lord Lonsdale is still uncertain, and so is, I + believe, the Duke of Northumberland--though this will have been + brought to a point by this time. The general idea is, that he has + connected himself with the Independents, of which there was some + appearance last session. It is said that they mean to support Pitt + as the Minister, but to oppose any restrictions on the Regent. This + is not the less likely to be their conduct, on account of its being + absolute nonsense. + + With respect to individuals in the House of Commons, there are + several who have long been wavering, and who have sent the most + positive assurances of support. + + There is every reason to believe that the country will continue + entirely with us, and that addresses will be presented from all + parts to the Regent, to continue the Government. I am afraid that, + in point of time, nothing can be done of that sort in Ireland, + without exposing you to much embarrassment. + + I conceive that our Regent will probably be appointed, the Bill + passed, &c., &c., by about the 10th or 12th of January, and that we + shall then immediately be dismissed. You certainly must remain till + your Parliament has met and appointed the Regent for Ireland, + because there is no one else who can vacate your commission; and I + think the contrivances which you once mentioned for avoiding it, + are liable to great objections. Now, you will observe, that the + addresses from Ireland could not be presented to the Prince of + Wales till he was Irish Regent, and that it would be a very awkward + thing to have the people there addressing him to continue you in + Ireland, after you had declared your own resolution to quit it in + consequence of the removal of your friends here. I wish you would + consider all this attentively, because, if these difficulties could + be removed, it would certainly be very desirable that it should + appear as far as possible to be the united sense of all the three + kingdoms, as well as of both Houses of Parliament, and of the King, + that the present Government should remain; and that these Whigs + should recommend the dismission in the teeth of all these. + + Willis sent last night a note to Pitt about his attendance at the + Committee to-day. In a postscript, he tells him that he thinks the + King better and more composed than he has been since he has + attended him. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +A new question and a new embarrassment now arose, as to what was to be +done about the Regency in Ireland. It was natural enough that the Prince +of Wales should be popular in Ireland as a _pis aller_, on account of +the known antipathy of the King to the Catholic claims; and it was +apprehended that the Irish Parliament, acting independently of English +precedent, would declare itself in favour of an unlimited Regency. The +anxiety to which Lord Buckingham was exposed by this disturbing prospect +(some people went so far as to cast the horoscope of an Irish +revolution), and by the delays in the receipt of intelligence, owing to +the imperfect and irregular means of communication existing between the +two countries, betrayed him into some expressions of impatience, against +which Mr. Grenville remonstrated with his habitual temperance and good +sense, throwing out at the same time some sound suggestions as to the +course it was desirable the Lord-Lieutenant should pursue. There are no +qualities in these letters, wherever reference is made to the conduct of +public men in great crises, more worthy of unmixed admiration than their +practical sagacity and complete self-control. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 10th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + Your messenger having been, as he says, four or five days at sea, + has just brought me your letter of the 2nd. I cannot avoid + expressing to you the mortification I felt, on finding it filled + with complaints of want of communication. It is now more than a + month that I have written to you constantly seven days in the week, + with the exception, I believe, of not four days in the whole time. + I do this, not only without reluctance, but with pleasure, because + I think it contributes to your satisfaction, and because it is a + real relief to my mind to converse with you in this manner on the + subjects which are, in the present moment, so interesting to us + both. But I do it often under circumstances of so much other + business, as makes it impossible for me to keep any copies or + memoranda of what I write. I cannot, therefore, distinctly call + back to my mind the thread of that correspondence; but, as far as + my memory serves, I solemnly protest I know of no one fact, + opinion, or conjecture, that could be of the least use to you, or + could even satisfy your curiosity, that I have not regularly + communicated to you as it arose. + + You seem to have mistaken some expression in one of my letters, and + to have understood that the proposition itself relating to the + Regency was to have been brought forward on Thursday last. You will + since have seen, that the preliminary steps require so much time, + that it must still be Monday, or more probably Wednesday next, + before anything can be moved. But you say that you have received no + communication of the extent or wording of that plan, so as to + consider its legal or political effect towards Ireland. On this, I + can only say, that long before the outlines of that plan were + finally settled, even, I believe, in Mr. Pitt's mind, certainly + long before they were at all agreed upon by the Cabinet, I + communicated them to you distinctly, and at length. There has since + been no variation in these. With respect to the precise wording of + the plan, I do not know that this is yet decided upon; nor do I + suppose it can be so, till within a few hours of its being moved. + But as to any legal effect which it can have upon Ireland, I have + certainly failed in what I intended to do, if I have not stated to + you a clear opinion, that no measure taken in Parliament here can + possibly affect Ireland any otherwise than as a precedent, which + every Irishman must think himself bound to follow, who does not + wish to separate the two countries. It surely could not be your + wish, nor would it be desirable, to attempt to pledge any Irishman + one step beyond that general proposition, that whatever is done by + the authority of the British Parliament as to England, must be done + in Ireland by the authority of the Irish Parliament; but that the + latter will grossly betray the interests of their own country, if + they do not adopt the English measure, whatever that may ultimately + be. I trust that we shall be able to carry the measure here, such + as I stated to you long ago, some time before your Parliament + meets; but if it should fail, and any different form be + established, I hope we should be the last men in the two countries + to wish to disunite them on this ground. + + I cannot but repeat, that the expressions and style of your letter + have hurt me sensibly. I do not believe, that if you were living in + Pall Mall, you could be more distinctly or regularly informed of + what passes. You will, of course, hear in Dublin, as you would in + Pall Mall, an infinite variety of foolish reports, as is naturally + the case when every man has his own speculation. You cannot, I am + sure, think it possible that I can even enumerate, much less argue + upon, or contradict all these; but I cannot, at this time, after + some reflection, call to my mind any point of the smallest + consequence in our present situation with which I am myself + acquainted, and which I have omitted to state. + + With respect to your own particular situation, I conceive that it + is not possible that things can be brought to the point of + affecting that for several weeks to come. The measure which is to + be brought forward here will, of course, meet with violent + opposition; and cannot, according to my calculation, be completed, + so as to put the Prince of Wales in possession of the Regency, till + the first or second week in January. I think as soon as you receive + the notification that this measure has passed in England, it would + be right for you to write a very short letter to the Secretary of + State, mentioning in a very few words the opinions of lawyers + there, that your patent can be vacated only by a Regent appointed + by the Irish Parliament, suggesting the expedient of Lords + Justices; and then desiring to know His Royal Highness's pleasure, + whether he chooses that under those circumstances you should meet + the Parliament, for the purpose of laying before them the + circumstances of the present situation, or whether you should name + Lords Justices, and who they should be. You see, I put this on the + supposition that you are not _immediately_ removed, which, for many + reasons, I think unlikely. You know my opinion has always been + that the Prince would not negotiate, and I am every day more + confirmed in it. But I think it may be a question, whether he may + not choose to look about him a little. Perhaps, however, in order + to anticipate any sudden step, you would do well to send a letter + such as I mention, so as to reach England a few days before the + measure can pass, and to be here ready to be laid before him when + he does accept. In a point of such importance, it seems to me that + it would be proper that you should have, for your own + justification, the written opinions of your lawyers on the point I + mention, but not to send them over here. I mention this as a + general idea; but wish you to consider it, because I am sure, in + general, the less you write on this subject the better, in order + that you may not give ground of misquoting, or misrepresenting what + you say. + + As to the idea of vesting the Government in Lords Justices, or + taking any step for throwing up the Government in the interval, + except with the consent and by the direction of the Prince of + Wales, I should most earnestly deprecate it for a thousand reasons; + but, above all, for the impression which it would give here of + abandoning the interests of this country in Ireland, for the sake + of adding to the confusion, and creating factious difficulties. I + think your line clear, and that you have nothing to do but to sit + still saying or doing nothing till our measure passes. You then ask + the Prince of Wales whether he chooses that you or any Lords + Justices should meet Parliament; and if he directs you to stay, you + have nothing to do but to express to anybody that asks you, your + wish that the English measure should be precisely followed. + Whatever, under such circumstances, is the conduct of the Irish + Parliament, you cannot be responsible for it, unless you make + yourself so. + + There is another urgent reason against your taking any step for + breaking up your Government: the King is daily getting better, and + has been continuing so to do ever since Sunday. Willis's + examination before the Committee yesterday, was all but decisive as + to the certainty of his recovery in a short time. I will send it to + you in the course of to-morrow, or the next day; but these are the + material parts. He is asked what hopes he entertains of the King's + recovery? He says he entertains great hopes; that if it was the + case of a common man, he should have no doubt of his recovery; but + in the King's situation, his own reflections on his situation, when + he begins to recover his reason, may retard the cure. (A good + lesson, by the bye, to the Prince of Wales, &c.) He says he cannot + yet affirm that there are signs of convalescence, but that there is + everything leading to it; particularly that the irritation has + almost entirely subsided, which must precede convalescence, or any + appearance of it. He is asked with respect to his own experience, + &c.? He says, that of ten patients brought to him within three + months of their being attacked, nine have recovered. That the + smallest time he remembers, is six weeks or two months from their + being brought to him; the longest, a year and a half; the average, + about five months. + + With this account, it is not very sanguine to hope that the King's + actual recovery may take place before the measure can pass here; + or, at least, such a prospect of it as may make it absolutely + _impossible_ for the Prince, whatever his disposition may be, to + change the Government. If the amendment continues, it may even be a + question whether further adjournment may not be thought right, + though the inconveniences of this, particularly with respect to + foreign affairs, are so great that it must not be done but upon + very strong grounds indeed. + + The nonsense about dissolution has been talked in England as well + as in Ireland; but I cannot persuade myself that it really comes + from Lord Loughborough. It has not made its fortune much here. + Anybody who had the smallest knowledge of the general turn and bent + of the public mind, both in and out of Parliament, would not have + broached so foolish an idea. + + I told you, in one of my former letters, that I was utterly at a + loss to guess what Bernard's motive was for going to Ireland in the + moment which he chose. I stated my wishes against it; but I saw + that there was some mystery behind, which he did not wish to + explain, and therefore I pressed him no more about it. + + Adieu, my dear brother. I hate writing anything to you, which can + bear even the appearance of complaint. I feel for the + disagreeableness of your situation at this moment: being at a + distance from the scene of events which interest you so much, and + from any conversation with those in whom you most confide. But I am + sure you will, on reflection, acquit me of any want of attention to + you on the head of communication. + + I am much obliged to you for your anxiety about myself. I had a + slight attack of fever for a day or two; but it is now entirely + gone. + + + Five o'clock. + + I am just returned from the Committee, who have finished the + examination of the physicians. The examinations of to-day are not + very material; but as far as they go, they confirm our favourable + hopes. Another account is just come from Kew, that the King has + continued better ever since the account of this morning, which is + the public one. + + Pitt is to move to-day for the Committee of Precedents. Fox told us + he meant to say a few words against it, as unnecessary, but not to + divide; so I shall not go down again. + + The notion of the Prince of Wales not accepting, seems to lose + ground; and all these favourable accounts of the King are evidently + strong grounds of argument for our measures. + + +SIR WILLIAM YOUNG TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Stratton Street, Thursday, Dec. 11th, 1788. + MY DEAR LORD, + + I did not receive your kind letter of Dec. 2nd, until my arrival + last night from the House of Commons, when it was too late to + write, and the conversation which then arose was of so important a + nature, that it was not practicable or proper to steal a moment + from the debate, or to send a line respecting it ere it was closed, + and the subject took a decisive turn, which was after the post + hour. + + To a friendship so dear and honourable to me as yours, and shown me + by so many instances of goodness, the best answer I can make is, + through life, by a return of grateful attachment, honour, and + disinterestedness; and in these, if I aught know myself, I shall + never fail. + + Of the momentous business opened last night, I can only say that + _our_ astonishment is only to be equalled by the spirits we are in, + on viewing the grounds Mr. Fox hath abandoned to us and left _our + own_. Lord Radnor, who breakfasted with me this morning, told me he + understands that Fox's doctrine, "that the Prince of Wales was + Regent, invested with full regal authority immediately and _de + jure_ on the incapacity, however temporary, of the King, and that + the two Houses of Parliament had no right to debate thereon even," + came from _that constitutional lawyer_, Lord Loughborough. Radnor's + further remark, that Fox, having on a former occasion sought to + trespass on the royal just prerogative, had now completed his + attack on the Constitution, in denying the rights of Lords and + Commons, is worthy observation. Talbot, who made one of my + morning's levee, told me that at White's last night, all was hurra! + and triumph. Charles Sturt and other youngsters took part at the + bar, to echo the "Hear, hear," from Fitzpatrick and Burke, of + Fox's doctrine; yet the "Hear, hear," was but little caught or + repeated, though given loudly. Looking back to the history of this + "Man of the People," and to his present conduct, in despite of his + talents of logical discrimination, I begin almost to doubt whether + his weakness or profligacy is transcendant. Pitt's language was + most masterly and decisive; and has been done but little justice to + in the papers of this day. The general tenor of subject they will + give you, but what I have seen does not touch on the overthrow of + Fox's resort to the doctrine that Parliament was of "Kings, Lords, + and Commons; that no two branches thereof could make _a law_," by + the just and constitutional distinction between the two Houses + making a law, and the providing or giving efficiency to the third + executive branch of Legislature in cases of defect, whatever it may + be. The report of the physicians being ordered to be printed, will + be out to-morrow, when I will send it, with a few remarks. Our + great days are to be Monday and Tuesday. + + It will scarcely escape your Lordship's penetration, that when Fox + said recognition of the Prince's claim _de jure_ to be the sole + right and province of Parliament, implied an act of the House to + debate, and, if to debate, to decide upon. So idle is genius! I see + through the motive power: if Parliament has a right to confer + power, it has a right to say what sort of power. So far Fox's + penetration reached, and so he boldly denied the major of the + proposition; and then, in a puzzle for consistency of popular + attachment to good old rights of the Lords and Commons, and his + subscription to the pillar at Runnymede, run into the contradiction + of admitting the major in shape of _recognitions_. It is impossible + yet to foresee what tergiversation will take place, or how many + will sacrifice their principles to the rising sun; forgetting that + apostacy to honest principles requires that there should be a + transcendancy of merit of another sort--namely, of great ability to + be useful to make that apostacy acceptable or the object of + remuneration. Hating the traitor and loving the treason, is a + state maxim to be remembered by those whose treason is scarcely + ever to be regarded while themselves are the objects of civil + contempt. Yet some hold a language of _doubt_. One or two, whom I + will not yet name, I told if they had not made up an opinion, they + had better ask their constituents for one. It seems to me, that the + business must close in a resort to the sense of the nation. In what + shape such resort may _possibly_, I think not _probably_, be made, + is serious indeed. But the violence of the faction of Fox portends + every evil. Perhaps, however, and most likely, the resort to a new + election, may give us time to grow cool, and close matters there. + Adieu, for the day. + + Ever, my dear Lord, in truth and affection, + Your devoted friend and servant, + WM. YOUNG. + + +LORD BULKELEY TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Stanhope Street, Dec. 11th, 1788. + MY DEAR LORD, + + The scene here is a very busy one, and I never was so interested in + any public measures in my life as in the support of Mr. Pitt and + the King at this moment, looking upon it as my duty to do all in my + power to stem the torrent of profligacy which the Opposition and + _their King_ seem determined to hazard with the good sense, + decency, and character of the country. I really do see such things, + and hear of such doings, that my tolerant spirit cannot forgive, + and if you had not very good information of them, I should think + myself bound to treat you with them. The Nevilles, Fortescues, + Jemmy, and the General, being in town, we make a very strong corps + together; and we are sent to White's every night to gain + intelligence for our ladies, who are not a little animated in + favour of the good cause. Charles Fox and Pitt were at issue + yesterday in the House, when the former advanced the most + extraordinary doctrines, considering his former opinions in the + Whig Club and in Parliament on constitutional points. I hope the + nation will see what lengths he is capable of going when it answers + his purposes. I do not hear of many rats running as yet, except the + Duke of Queensbury, Lord Brudenell, and W. Gerrard, Hamilton, and + Sir Robert Smyth, but probably some more dirty dogs will follow + them. The Chancellor seems very sour and crusty, and certainly does + not like Pitt, but I cannot believe he will do otherwise than right + on this momentous occasion. + + * * * * * + + We sat yesterday till eight, in the Lords, and thought Lord Camden + imprudent in touching upon what had passed in the Commons the day + before, as it gave the Opposition an excuse for being violent; it, + however, had one good effect, that the Chancellor opened enough of + his sentiments to show that he means to stand by his colleagues. + His speech was not long, but one of the finest I ever heard, and + made so strong an impression, that we gave him a merry "Hear, + hear," which you know is not very frequent in the House of Lords. I + think we shall carry the question of restrictions very powerfully + in the Lords, as I hear of no rats but the Duke of Queensbury, the + Duke of St. Albans, and Lord Rodney. In the Commons, a great deal + will depend on the state of the King's health at the time the + question comes on, and on the previous activity of Pitt and his two + secretaries, in talking a little to dubious friends, which they + have not time nor inclination to do, notwithstanding so much + depends upon it. + + Adieu, my dear Lord. Our joint and kindest love and remembrance + attend you both. + + Yours ever, &c. + + Pray order your secretary to send me word of the number and income + of the tide-waiters' offices which you can spare me, as I have + dependants enough if they are as highly paid in Ireland as in + England. In the meantime I give you the name of John Thomas, for + one of them. Did you ever promote one Alexander Gammach, + tide-waiter at Belfast? Pray do before you quit Ireland. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 11th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + You will, no doubt, be as much surprised as I was, to find that the + notion of the Prince of Wales's _right_ was brought forward + yesterday by Fox in the House of Commons. It was a matter of no + less astonishment to many of his own friends, who were by no means + prepared for the assertion of such a doctrine. One should lose + oneself in conjecture, by attempting to find out what motive can + have induced him to take exactly the most unpopular ground on which + their side of the question can be rested. I was not in the House; + but I find there was an impression on our friends, that in his + second speech he had rather seemed desirous of stating the + proposition less strongly. + + Our present idea is, that it will be right, in consequence of this + debate, that nothing should be moved on the first day (which, I + think, cannot be till Wednesday) beyond the abstract proposition, + as maintained by Pitt; namely, that in every case of suspension or + interruption of the personal exercise of the royal authority, + otherwise than by death, the care of making provision for the + emergency rests with the two Houses of Parliament. These are not + the words, but the substance. A stronger question we cannot desire. + + 12th.--I intended to have sent this off to you yesterday; but was + kept in the House of Lords till it was too late. You will see by + the papers, better than I can pretend to retail it, what passed + there. The doctrine, as stated by Lord Loughborough, was not quite + so strong as Fox's; but is sufficiently so, to be reprobated by + every lawyer in the country. Even Erskine says openly, that he + cannot go this length. + + The idea is, and some words which Fox dropped yesterday in the + House of Lords seem to confirm it, that whenever the report of our + Committee of Precedents is made, which will probably be to-day, or, + at latest, to-morrow, he intends to explain away his assertion, + into the mere statement, that the Prince has such pretensions to a + Regency as Parliament cannot overlook. Be this as it may, we are + determined to state the right distinctly, by a resolution of the + House, before we proceed to any other measures. + + Fortescue has this instant been with me, to say that he has heard a + report, said to come from a considerable Oppositionist, that they + have resolved, in consequence of the examinations and particularly + Willis's, to accede to the proposed restrictions, for a short time, + reserving to themselves the right of contending for more, should + the continuance of the King's illness appear to give grounds to + expect that it will be permanent. I do not think this by any means + impossible, because the question will clearly go against them in + the present moment; and this appearance of moderation may give them + grounds at a more distant period. It is difficult, however, to + conceive that they can make up their minds to wait so long without + a greater struggle. + + Only think of Fox's want of judgment, to bring himself and them + into such a scrape as he has done, by maintaining a doctrine of + higher Tory principle than could have been found anywhere, since + Sir Robert Sawyer's speeches. + + I enclose the examination of the physicians before our Committee. I + am sorry to say, that the examination before the Lords is + infinitely less decent and respectful, and goes into a variety of + particulars, which, I am sure it will shock you to read, as it did + me to hear them. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +I do not know in what manner what Thurlow said about Ireland will be +represented in the papers, not having seen them. It was so enveloped, +that I, who heard it, could form no notion what his opinion is. In the +debate in the House of Commons, I mean, for your sake, to state my +principles on that subject distinctly. + +Sir William Young, in the next letter, reports what was done on Pitt's +motion for the Committee. + + +SIR WILLIAM YOUNG TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + House of Commons, Friday, Half-past Five, Dec, 12th, 1788. + MY DEAR LORD, + + Fox got up, on Mr. Pitt's having moved for a Committee to inquire + into the state of the nation on Tuesday. Fox explained away much of + the harshness of the doctrine of _right_ in the Prince of Wales to + assume the royal authority during the temporary incapacity of the + King; but left all the substance of the doctrine. He then spoke his + sentiments of what ought to be done, whatever the manner; namely, + to recognize, _or confer_, as others might say, _full regal + authority_ on the Prince, for the time of the King's incapacity. He + then called on Pitt to relieve the nation from doubt, and give an + opening of his plan. + + Pitt, in reply, stated the point of law and the Constitution yet to + be at issue, the _substance_ of difference yet remaining, and that + such great question could not be slurred over. It must be decided + by Parliament, and should be the first subject of debate and + decision; namely, for Tuesday. It was a question for themselves and + for posterity. He then said, that the outline of his plan was, as + _matter of discretion_ and conveniency, to appoint the Prince of + Wales sole Regent, with no permanent council, with power to remove + and make his Ministry at pleasure, and with all other regal powers + necessary for giving force, dignity, and vigour to his + Administration; but with no powers that might be needless, + intrench on the Crown, and cause embarrassment on the King's + recovery, &c. + + Our business for Tuesday, therefore, is the _question of right_. + + Pitt stands higher and higher in general estimation. As I passed + the gallery to write this, Marquis of Townsend caught my arm, and + said: "A glorious fellow, by G----, Young! His speech is that of an + angel." + + Post bell rings. + + Yours ever, + W. Y. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 13th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I must refer you to the papers for an account of our triumphant day + in the House of Commons yesterday. You will see by that, that I was + not mistaken in my opinion that the doctrine of the Prince's right + was not likely to be a very popular one. Fox found that by what he + said before he had offended so many people, that he was obliged to + take the very first moment of explaining it away; still, however, + he has left it in such a shape that we cannot fail of debating it + with great advantage. He intends, as you will see by his speech, to + move the previous question on Pitt's proposition, which he is + afraid to attempt to negative. After this recantation was over, the + day was closed by such a blunder of Sheridan's, as I never knew any + man of the meanest talents guilty of before. During the whole time + that I have sat in Parliament, in pretty warm times, I never + remember such an uproar as was raised by his threatening us with + _the danger of provoking the Prince to assert his right_, which + were the exact words he used. + + You may conceive what advantage all this gives us, especially when + coupled with the strong hopes entertained of the King's recovery. + The account, as given at St. James's, is rather less favourable + this morning. I do not well know how to account for this + circumstance, as the letters from persons immediately about the + Queen continue as favourable as ever. I rather guess it to be + Warren's malice against Willis, who was yesterday put into + possession of many points which they had disputed with him, + particularly the right of signing the reports. I imagine he was + unwilling the first day of this to contest with Warren about the + precise words. + + There is a report, which I heard yesterday before I went to the + House, and which Fox's speech appeared to countenance, of their + intending to acquiesce in the limitations, provided they are + established only for a short time. + + The precise mode of carrying our propositions into effect is not + yet settled. Our general idea is, that the two Houses should + authorize the Chancellor to put the great seal to a Commission, + empowering the Prince to open the session. And that then the + propositions should then be brought forward in the shape of a Bill, + to which the Prince may, by a similar Commission, be authorized to + give the royal assent. We shall, however, in the course of two or + three days have reduced this to form, and I will then send it over + to you. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +The report alluded to above turned out to be true, which could be said +of few of the reports that were so industriously circulated during the +King's illness. The Prince's party, finding it impossible to get rid of +the restrictions, were ready to enter into a compromise, and to agree to +them, provided their duration was limited to a certain period. A Bill to +that effect was afterwards introduced. But Ministers were not inclined +to accept compromises when they had the power in their own hands to +dictate conditions; and so the limited Regency scheme came to nothing. + + +SIR WILLIAM YOUNG TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Stratton Street, Dec. 13th, 1788. + MY DEAR LORD, + + The account at St. James's this morning is, that the King had a + quiet night; but that, on awaking, His Majesty was more unquiet + than yesterday. Unless something very particular is noted in these + official returns of the King's health, shall not in future transmit + accounts so inconclusive to such a distance. The disorder in its + nature is subject to intervals, and to variations which even a + medical inquirer could not build upon, without being a witness to + such vicissitudes of malady or having a recital of each minute + symptom, and that with comments. Each authentic account, more in + detail, as it comes to me you shall have; and then, too, the St. + James's note as a corollary. + + After my note from the House of Commons--which, if your Lordship + can read, I do not think I now could, such was the haste of + scribble--Sheridan threw out the menace which the papers state, + with Pitt's answer; the comment on which is, in the mouth of + Opposition: "Pray, for God's sake, don't put a question, and urge + it to a division, which will ruin our pretensions as Whigs if we + do, as we must do, divide against it." + + On walking out this morning, the first thing that struck me, was a + long row of handbills, stuck from one end to the other of the wall + of Devonshire House; in which a few words of _Fox for the Prince's + prerogative_, and of Pitt, in reply for privilege of Parliament and + liberties of the nation, were not badly selected. + + We are likely to have a conversation in Parliament, I am pretty + authentically informed, of even a more delicate nature than the + last; John Rolle intending to bring forward his old subject of Mrs. + Fitzherbert. + + Rolle and Sheridan had a whispering conference under the gallery + for some minutes; the result of which, Sir J. Scott, + Solicitor-General, with whom I dined, said he understood to be + firmness on the part of Rolle, in his intention at a proper time to + come forward. + + To our question of right, on Tuesday the previous question is + expected from Opposition; and that they will be stronger on that + point than any other, from having the timidity of some, co-operate + with the interestedness of others. The list on that day will be + worth marking. I trust we shall yet have a great majority of + Parliament who will not submit to be dragooned out of their + privileges and freedom by an Irish Brigade. + + Grattan is every day under the gallery, not admiring, I hope, the + Captains Sheridan and Burke. I know not which side he leans to. + + Adieu, my dear Lord. My wife desires to forward her kindest wishes + and best respects to the Marchioness, with your most affectionate + and devoted friend's, + + W. YOUNG. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 14th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I received this morning your letter of the 8th, and am very sorry + that I am so hurried to-day as to make it absolutely impossible for + me to enter into the subject which you discuss, in the manner which + I should wish. You will collect from a former letter my general + notions upon it, but I doubt whether those may not be considerably + varied by the consideration which you suggest of being able to + carry more for the King by remaining, than otherwise. + + I have had a good deal of conversation with Pitt on the subject. He + promises me that he will, immediately after Tuesday, discuss it + thoroughly with me, and enable me to send you his decided opinion + how you ought to act. I find, from what he says, that he apprehends + Lord Thurlow's opinion to be contrary to ours. This, however, + seems immaterial, except with a view to future support, and, + probably, cannot easily be brought to a point, as no Cabinet + measure or instructions can be grounded upon it. The idea still + continues of proceeding by Bill; and as we preface that with an + assertion of the right in both Houses, it must still be a + considerable time before any measure can come in question with + respect to Ireland. + + I believe we shall word the proposition in a less abstract form, + and apply it more particularly to this individual case, still, + however, asserting the right. + + The account is less favourable to-day, notwithstanding that of + yesterday. I saw a letter from Willis to Pitt, in which he said + that the King "had passed the day calmly, and was, in other + respects, much the same as yesterday." + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 15th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I had yesterday some conversation with Pitt on the subject of your + letter, which I had received in the morning. + + On the best consideration, we agreed that the line I before + mentioned to you is the best which you ought to follow; that you + should write a letter, to be delivered immediately upon the Prince + of Wales being Regent, to state the doubts, to suggest the solution + of Lords Justices, to desire His Royal Highness's commands upon the + danger of giving offence here, by the appearing to raise + difficulties in Ireland. This was agreed to be more proper, even to + the King, than leaving them to open the Parliament. Pitt has + received a very haughty letter from the Prince of Wales to Thurlow, + complaining of his general behaviour to him, and of his not having + had Pitt's plan communicated to him, and ordering Thurlow to + require him to send it to him in writing. Pitt has sent a + respectful answer, disclaiming any disrespect to him; but saying + that he does not think it proper to do this until the question of + right has been discussed. + + It is reported that the four Princes of the blood met yesterday, + and agreed to refuse the Regency under any limitations, and this is + to be declared in the House of Commons to-morrow. I have reason to + believe this to be true. Pitt saw the Queen yesterday; I do not + know what passed, though I think he is satisfied. + + I enclose a letter from Camplin, upon which you must decide. I have + not yet seen Captain Nugent, who has sent me a letter from you, but + his business is wholly out of our cognizance. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + When Pitt was at Kew he saw Willis, who told him that he did not + think the difference in the King's state within these last two + days, of the smallest importance. That this sort of fluctuation was + naturally to be expected, and did not in any degree diminish his + hopes, which are as sanguine as ever. + + +MR W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 17th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have nothing to add to what I said in my last letter, on the + interesting subject of your situation and conduct in the events + that may most reasonably be expected to arise. It appears, however, + to me, to be of the utmost importance that you should not neglect + for a moment taking the opinion of the law servants of the Crown in + Ireland, with respect to the operation of a new patent granted by a + Parliamentary Regent here, under the English Great Seal, previous + to any proceeding having been held in Ireland. I have a real + confidence in Fitzgibbon's honour; but I think this a point of much + too great importance to yourself, to be vested on verbal opinions. + You may, and I think ought, both to keep these written opinions + secret, and to require them to do so; but as soon as you have + received them, you should, I think, transmit them to Lord Sydney, + to remain in his office. You will observe that the ground is now in + some measure cleared for you by the declaration of right, which we + came to last night, and which will certainly be agreed to by the + House of Lords. I expected to have been able to send you an exact + copy of the resolutions, but am disappointed. You will, however, + probably see them in the "Morning Chronicle," if that comes out + early enough for the post. The first states the fact of the King's + present inability to attend to business, "and that the _personal + exercise_ of the royal authority by His Majesty is thereby for the + present interrupted." + + The second: "That it is the right and duty of the Lords and Commons + (describing them as in the preamble to the Bill of Rights) to + provide the means of supplying the defect in the personal exercise, + &c., in such manner as the exigency of the case may appear to them + to require." + + The third: "That for the above purpose, and for maintaining entire + the constitutional authority of His Majesty, it is necessary that + the said Lords and Commons should determine on the means by which + the royal assent may be given in Parliament to such Bill as may be + passed by the two Houses, respecting the exercise of the royal + power, in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty, during the + continuance of His Majesty's indisposition." + + I believe I have given you very nearly the words, which I ought to + remember, having employed very near the whole of two days in + settling them with Pitt and our lawyers. + + Our principle is, that the King's authority remains entire. That no + legislative act can be done but with the formal sanction of his + assent. That no person can take upon him to give that assent, + except by the direction and authority of the two Houses, who have + the right, in the present emergency, to act for the King; but must, + even in doing that, adhere as nearly as possible to the forms of + the Constitution. + + Fox opposed these resolutions, in one of the best speeches I ever + heard from him; but I think indiscreetly supporting and enforcing + all his old ground of the Prince of Wales's right. Towards the end, + he made a violent personal attack on Pitt, intimating that he was + desirous, through envy, to weaken the hands of those _who were to + be his successors_. This opening was not neglected by Pitt, but + laid hold of in a manner which enabled him to speak of his own + conduct towards the King and the Prince, and towards the country in + the present moment, and to contrast it with that of his opponents. + I never heard a finer burst of eloquence, nor witnessed such an + impression as it produced. But you will know all this better from + the papers. + + The division exceeded our expectations. All the neutrals, and many + of the wavering people, and some of the most timid of our friends, + were against us, on the ground of the inexpediency of agitating + this question. You will also naturally see that something is to be + allowed for the impression of two Princes of the blood speaking; + one of them to assure the country that the Prince of Wales would + not urge this claim, and both beseeching, as a sort of personal + point, that it might not be made necessary to come to a division + upon the question. Still, however, the impression which the claim + itself had made on the country, was such that it was a point of + real duty to quiet people's minds upon it. But it cannot be + surprising, that under all these circumstances, and under the fear + of some unexplained danger, many people should be caught by a + previous question. I was a little mortified at finding our friend + Sir P. P. among these. I had no previous intimation of this till I + saw him in the division, nor have I had any opportunity of + conversing with him since. I am not sure that he did not think he + ought to have been a Lord of the Admiralty instead of Lord Hood. It + is either that, or his intercourse with some of the Independents. + On the whole, I think it better to leave him to himself, as I do + not think I have sufficient influence over him to do any good, and + the attempt might do harm. You know best how you stand in that + respect. We have certainly no claim upon him beyond friendship and + opinion. + + Lord Lonsdale's people were against us, in consequence of a letter, + written by the Prince of Wales himself, soliciting it as a personal + favour. This, which I know _from authority_, may serve to give you + an idea of the pains they had taken. They were so confident, that, + on Sunday night, Fox assured the whole party, at a general meeting + at Burlington House, that he had no doubt of beating us. I imagine + that we are now sure of carrying our restrictions, and probably by + a larger majority. + + Lord Loraine has separated himself from the Duke of N.; in + consequence of which, Rainsforth has vacated. We do not know who + comes in, but Lord Loraine says it is a friend. + + Gerard Hamilton is among the rats, which is no small amusement to + me, who have frequently been abused by Pitt for my bad opinion of + him, at the time that he was swallowing toads _a toute outrance_. + There are one or two more individual members in the House of + Commons, but nobody of any consequence but the Duke of Queensbury, + which, though everybody expected it, is nevertheless a thing that + raises my indignation in no small degree. + + The popular opinion shows itself every day more and more, and I + have no doubt you will hear of addresses, &c. Fox's declaration of + the Prince of Wales's right has been of no small service to us. Is + it not wonderful that such great talents should be conducted with + so little judgment? + + Our mode of proceeding will now be to communicate these + resolutions to the Lords; and when they have concurred in them, + then to bring forward the plan; and lastly, to authorize the Lord + Chancellor to put the Great Seal to a commission to His Royal + Highness, to empower him to open the Parliament, and afterwards to + another (at least, _I_ think they should be separate), authorizing + him to give the royal assent to the Bill appointing him Regent. + + You will easily see, that all this will be no very short + proceeding. In the meantime, the prospect of the King's recovery is + daily growing more favourable. Willis and Addington have both said, + _separately_, that his emotion at seeing the Queen for the first + time, and his subsequent agitation, instead of being discouraging, + were symptoms highly favourable. He is now quite calm; and at three + o'clock yesterday, the account which came from Willis was, that he + was better than at any time since his illness. + + It will be ridiculous if he should recover just in time to give the + royal _dissent_ to the Regency Bill--which is not impossible. The + more probable supposition is, that they will just have time to + parcel out the spoils, to dismiss us, and to hold their offices + about a month; and so will end (if this should happen) the third + reign of King Charles III. + + So little was said about Ireland, that it would have been an + affectation in me to have talked about it; besides this, I had no + opportunity of speaking that pleased me. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + What I mentioned in my last about the four Princes, I now _know_ + not to be true with respect to the Duke of Gloucester, who has held + aloof from all cabal with them, and even declared in the House of + Lords that he had done so. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 19th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I am very sorry that this letter must necessarily be so short, as I + should have great pleasure if there was time to state to you the + particulars of our triumph, and of the effect which it has + produced, and which is indeed little less than miraculous. It + certainly exceeded my expectations; but it was so infinitely beyond + what our opponents had thought possible, that they are beat down by + it beyond all description. I hope you will hear all this more + particularly from others. I write now only for the purpose of + sending you the following paragraph from a letter of Willis's to + Pitt last night, which he showed me. W. is speaking of the effect + of the blisters. He says: "From this, and from several other little + occurrences in the course of these last three days, I am more than + ever confirmed in my opinion that there can be no doubt of the + King's entire recovery." + + I know the pleasure which this will give you, and therefore send + it, though in great haste. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 21st, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have delayed writing for these two or three last days, in hopes + of being able to give you an account of the event of our second + division, which has, as you will have seen, been deferred from day + to day, and now is finally fixed for to-morrow. The adjournment on + Friday was necessary, on account of Pitt's health. He had entirely + lost the use of his voice by a cold, so that he could not have + spoken five sentences together, and he was in other respects much + exhausted. Our friends were a little chagrined at the delay; but it + was unavoidable, and will not, I hope, be productive of any + inconvenience. + + Our next question is not a pleasant one. It turns on an abstruse + maxim of law, which makes it necessary for us to take a very + circuitous mode of doing a very plain thing. The necessity of it is + forced upon us by our lawyers, whom we could not otherwise have + satisfied, with regard to the second proposition which we have + voted. I am indeed convinced, that, in strict law, they are right, + and that the mode now proposed is the regular and proper mode of + doing what is required to be done. At the same time, it would have + been more agreeable to have had a more familiar and obvious measure + to defend in such an assembly as the House of Commons. + + We shall probably lose some individuals, both on this question, and + on the subsequent question of restrictions; but we have some new + recruits, who were absent by sickness, or other accidents; so that, + on the whole, I hope the difference will not be considerable, + though nothing can exceed their industry in canvassing, except the + open manner in which they offer every sort of bribe. + + We have some idea of making the restrictions temporary, by which + means they will certainly be much more palatable. You will observe + that almost all the physicians seem to point out the probability of + his recovering within a year or a year and a half, if at all. This + seems to afford a real ground of expediency, besides giving a + strong topic of argument for imposing the restrictions only for a + similar time. This point is, however, not yet determined. + + The accounts from Windsor for the last week, though they have + varied, are yet, on the whole, less favourable than before. Willis + ascribes this entirely to the effect of the blisters, which give + him great pain; and Willis says _that_ is, on the whole, by no + means an unfavourable symptom. The effect, however, which these + accounts produce here, is injurious to us, and must be the same in + Ireland. Our solid ground of hope does not appear to be in the + smallest degree weakened. + + You will see in the Opposition papers that they are beginning to + abuse the Queen in the most open and scandalous manner. I collect + from this that they have some information, on which they can + depend, with respect to her sentiments, and I conjecture that they + are such as we could wish. + + If we were together, I could tell you some particulars of the + Prince of Wales's behaviour towards the King and her, within these + few days, that would make your blood run cold; but I dare not + commit them to paper, because of my informant. + + +The demands of the Opposition appear to have risen and fallen with the +bulletins; and according as the King was better or worse, the resistance +to the limitations was faint or violent. The conduct pursued by the +Prince's party to obtain votes and strengthen their parliamentary +influence, is not shown in a very favourable light. + + + SIR WILLIAM YOUNG TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Stratton Street, + Monday, Dec. 22nd, 1788. + MY DEAR LORD, + + I should scarcely venture to anticipate a subject, the event of + which within twenty-four hours may belie any pretensions of + political sagacity, might not the difference of one day's post from + London eventually delay your receiving a letter for a week, should + wind and sea prove perverse, as when I passed my Christmas at + Holyhead. This, and the anxiety for intelligence, which must + necessarily arise from the suggestion in my note of Saturday, + induces me to pursue the matter I then opened, and the more + especially as the circumstance, I foresaw, is now more than likely + to occur. As I purpose closing this letter at the House of Commons, + and the last moment which the post may allow me, I shall have to + transmit fact in lieu of probability; at present, I state briefly + my grounds for the latter--namely, that the specific great + question, whether the Prince shall be Regent without any + limitations, and invested with the full prerogatives of royalty, + will be agitated and decided upon this Monday night. The turn of + debate and temper of the House on Friday, which induced me to + suppose such question might be pressed upon us, have induced others + to press it. This morning a printed paper hath been sent to certain + members, containing a motion for addressing, and an address at + length to the Prince, corroborating what Mr. Steele told me + yesterday, that _Fox's_ party had some design in view for Monday. + Letters having been sent in Fox's name to several members, + requesting attendance and _an answer_; and that Mr. Pitt had + written in like manner to such as he apprehended might be + withdrawing for the Christmas holidays, with the same unusual + request _of answer_. Two of these letters (pretty long), to Sir H. + Hoghton and to Mr. Pye, I afterwards had the perusal of. + + The true friendly language, and which I openly hold, is that we + shall be stronger on the division than before; such language is + proper, because ordinary men consider numbers as a shelter for + their opinions and conduct, and some even consider it as the test + of truth. But this language hath not its origin in my judgment and + feelings. There are circumstances which impress great doubt on my + mind, whether the division can be so favourable to our wishes, as + was the last. Taking the data of the examination of the physicians, + the King's recovery therein presumed, gives a vantage-ground in + argument for limitations. But I am sorry to say this ground is now + shaken: the public is no longer sanguine in hopes, medical + gentlemen have generally conspired to render the object of + recovery much more doubtful at least, and the physicians about the + King have had dissensions and disputes amongst themselves. It is + now rumoured that Dr. Warren wishes to be re-examined. All this is + indeed not before the House of Commons, and the report of the + physicians is; I think, therefore, that though not so decisive, we + yet shall have a considerable majority on the premises; but even + for this dependant on other considerations--namely, how far + apprehensions of the King's actual demise may operate from, I + believe, the faithful report of the day, that a fever is come on, + and that for a day or two past the King has had a constant sweating + of the head, to which he was at no time before accustomed. + According to wishes or fears, men construe this crisis to portend + health or decease; the political effect in the alternative, being + in the first case uncertain, in the second case certain. The bent + of this is against us, as few narrow motives and personal + considerations may extend and favour the active spirit of + subornation which stalks in open day, with each hand full of + patents of honour and purses of money. Offers have been so prodigal + that not fifty years of patronage could accomplish the performance. + Those gentlemen who have rejected these kind tenders of service + speak openly, and no notice is taken. In these moments of public + curiosity, it may not be so well to trust names to a letter. I + could give you several. + + The bearing of this letter is thus unfavourable to this night's + debate terminating _fully_ as we could wish, though yet I think + _for us_. Having thus far written, I shall pocket my paper for the + purpose of adding what I can at the House of Commons. + + House of Commons, + Half-past Five, Monday, Dec. 22nd, 1788. + + I dined at three, at a coffee-house, with my cousin, old William + Lawrence, who called on me; Smith, member for Sudbury, leader of + the Dissenters, joined us on the walk, and was of our dinner + party. Lawrence said he wished a compromise, a _limited regency for + a year_, and then to take up the business anew, if the King was not + recovered, on the other ground, and _he_ is a leading country + gentleman of their party, Smith is in an unqualified manner with + us; and Thornton, whose place in the House is next to me, being + equally staunch, I augur that we have all the Dissenters' interest + with us. Indeed, generally speaking, the House looks better for us + than I expected, and I doubt not our majority, yet thinking it will + not be great; indeed the House is not nearly so full as it was on + the late question, and the apprehensions I set out with of + temporizers and shirkers, as we called them at Eton, seem + confirmed. + + Edmund Burke arose a little after four, and is speaking yet. He has + been wilder than ever, and laid himself and party open more than + ever speaker did. He is Folly personified, but shaking his cap and + bells under the laurel of genius; among other things, he said Mr. + Pitt's proposals could not be adopted, as gentlemen, as + _cavaliers_: the word will not be forgot. + + Fox is present, but looks very ill. Pitt looks recovered. Your + brother in high glee at Burke. Burke stated the Chancellor to be + like to the God Priapus, and Pitt the carpenter. He run his idea to + a charming extravagance, and finished by declaring that "he could + not be a votary to Priapus, the false God! _vid._ Horace, &c." + + The question is an amendment of Dempster's, to follow; the Lords + and Commons, &c., determine "to address the Prince of Wales, to + take on him the Regency, &c." + + Adieu, my dear Lord. Your Marchioness in health, and a boy, and + yourself in all good that Providence can dispense, is the prayer of + your most faithfully affectionate and devoted friend, &c. + + W. YOUNG. + + Six o'clock. + + +SIR WILLIAM YOUNG TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Tuesday, Dec. 23rd, 1788. + MY DEAR LORD, + + Never did any debate of nice discussion go off better in our eye + than that of last night: never was I more agreeably surprised than + by the result--having gained nine on our former majority. The House + was thinner by forty at twelve at night, than the debate before at + three in the morning. The shirkers I alluded to may now come in, + and we may augur our future divisions to be yet stronger and more + decisive: our rats having all shown their tails on last night's + motion to address the Prince. + + Sir John Aubrey, rat-major, receiving his emoluments of the + Treasury for five years, and declaring himself unconnected with + any, afforded a subject of general laugh. Master Popham, Sir Samuel + Hurmery, James Macpherson, W.G. Hamilton, &c., &c., followed the + illustrious Aubrey. Fox, after Pitt's reply, and his own rejoinder, + paired off with Stevens of the Admiralty. The Marquis of + Lansdowne's friends, Barre, &c., were with us. Masham, voting for + the Address, declared himself not precluded thereby from voting for + limitations. Drake, on the same head, not to preclude himself, left + the House. We shall, therefore, have those _two_. Sir John Scott + spoke with such learning, truth, and uncommon energy of reasoning + and language, that he carried the House with him, and extorted from + Lord North, in particular, the highest compliments ever paid to a + lawyer in the House of Commons. I never heard Fox speak so + temperately, or better, in point of argument. Pitt, in reply, was + equally great. He stated, to conviction, "the fiction of the law, + which admitted the application of the royal political authority, + when the personal was disabled, as implicated in the very + principles of hereditary succession, which otherwise would suffer + interruption from nonage, infirmity, dotage, and every contingency + in the state of man." Sheridan spoke very ill: very hot, + injudicious, and _ill-heard_. Rolle, whilst adverting to Sheridan's + speech, made use of a remarkable expression, and which seems to + hint some future acting up to the rumours of his purpose. He said + that in proper time, "He should heartily vote for the Prince's + being Regent, _if_ the Prince had done no act by which he had + forfeited pretensions to executive government in this country." + + Our resolutions being carried to the Lords, in conference this day, + on Friday next the Lords will debate thereon. Lords Townshend, + Romney, Radnor, and many other occasional opponents, I understand + to be decidedly with us on the second Whig resolution. + + In speaking of our debate, I had forgot Burke, who, after I + finished my last night's letter, finished his wild speech in a + manner next to madness. He let out two of the new + titles--Fitzwilliam to be Marquis of Rockingham, and Lord G. + Cavendish, jun. His party pulled him, and our friends calling + "Hear, hear," we lost the rest of the twenty-five new Peers, who + would all have come out. + + For the King's health, the world is yet in expectation of some + crisis. The St. James's notes of last night "quiet," or "unquiet," + are disregarded, as too general, or as of course; and accounts from + ladies about the Queen, and from the physicians themselves, pass in + the greater circles, still mentioning violent intermitting fevers, + and profuse occasional perspirations. Having generally, in my last, + stated that the faculty had conspired to render the public less + sanguine, I mention to _your Lordship only_ what T. Warner, above + seventy years of age, and forty years first surgeon of Guy's and + St. Thomas's Hospitals, told me, "Being at the head of these city + hospitals, he has been often called in to meet the physicians of + Bethlem, where a surgeon for scalping, &c., was required, and that + a madness after fifty, without a clear assignable cause--and that + cause to be reached by surgery or medicine--did not admit a + perfect recovery above one time in an hundred." The opinions of + many others of the faculty are bandied about; but, as matter of + conversation for your private ear, I give this particular one as + authentically coming to my own knowledge. + + You'll observe in this day's papers, a meeting advertised of the + bankers. It is understood to be for the purpose of tendering W. + Pitt, on his going out of office, a transfer of L3000 per annum, + Bank Stock, or a principal of L50,000, in the name of the + commercial world. + + Adieu, my dear Lord. Health and prosperity be yours, and be assured + that you have no one more devotedly attached than your most + affectionate and obliged friend and servant, + + W. YOUNG. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 23rd, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I received this morning your letter of the 18th; but am so much + engaged to-day that it is impossible for me to enter into it, which + I will, if possible, do to-morrow. I write now only to press again, + in the strongest manner, that you will get Fitzgibbon and Wolfe to + state all the particulars of the case, particularly as to the form + of the enrolment of your patent under the Irish Great Seal, and to + give you their opinions and arguments upon it. I will then take + care to know Kenyon's sentiments on that paper, and if I can, the + Chancellor's; but you are not ignorant of the bias of his mind, + which is, on all occasions, to consider the relative situation of + the two kingdoms, not such as it is, but such as it was, and as he + thought it should have remained. My idea of your tie by no means + went to your pledging yourself to do any act so contrary to your + duty and feelings, as the recommending from the throne, in + Ireland, a form of Regency varying one iota from that adopted here. + On the contrary, I think you should give it explicitly to be + understood, that everything in your power will be done to preserve + entire this link of connection. And under this explanation only, do + I think you ought to offer the proposed alternative. + + I say nothing of our triumph last night. You will hear it from + other quarters; and you will probably be able to judge of its + extent, by knowing the confidence with which the enemy looked to + gaining upon us on this occasion. It is, I think, now quite certain + that we shall carry our restrictions. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +Another letter upon the Irish difficulty, into which Mr. Grenville +enters in elaborate detail: + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 25th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I am extremely anxious that you should lose no time in transmitting + over to England an exact statement of the case respecting your + commission, and of the points and arguments on which your lawyers + ground their opinions, in order that they may be well considered + here by those who are interested in your situation and character, + as deeply and as warmly as Pitt and myself. You mention in your + last, that it has occurred to you, that it would be right _if you + are_ intemperately removed to desire the opinion of our judges on + the point. But you do not seem to consider that, whenever that case + occurs, you may have to decide _on the moment_, either to quit your + Government, and to swear in the new Lord-Lieutenant, or to hold it + against him, in contradiction to the orders of English Government. + Suppose he should himself be the messenger of his own appointment, + as was the case with the Duke of Portland. The same reason exactly + exists for it now as before, namely, the fear of suffering the + dismissed Lord-Lieutenant to meet the Parliament, especially in a + moment when their conduct is so important. The best and, indeed, + almost only security that you could have in such a case for the + justification of your own conduct, whatever it might be, would be + the having given a full previous intimation to the English + Government of the difficulties and dangers of the case. + + You say that I should feel myself at liberty to act for you on the + pressure of any unforeseen case. I certainly should; and my + confidence in your affection, and in your persuasion of my desire + to do the best for you, would encourage me to take, if it were + absolutely necessary, steps even of considerable delicacy and + difficulty. But I cannot but be infinitely anxious, as far as + possible, to be previously in possession of your ideas on every + case that can be foreseen. Besides this, I am at present unable to + do the precise thing which I think would be the most desirable, + because I am not myself in possession of the particular forms of + your commission's passing in England and in Ireland, so as to be + able to state them to others. And yet this is the point on which, + in one view of the case, the whole question turns. I confess that, + in my own individual opinion, there is another point distinct from + that of forms, on which I should be disposed to maintain the + incompetence of any English revocation of your commission. It is + this: + + _We_ (that is Pitt and his friends) hold and have persuaded + Parliament to declare that, in such a case as the present, the + right of providing for the emergency rests in the two Houses, not + as branches of the Legislature, but as a full and free + representative of all the orders and classes of the people of Great + Britain. Now the moment that we admit this, we do it on the ground + of this being a case unprovided for. If it is so in England, it is + unquestionably equally unprovided for in Ireland; and the right of + making such provision must of necessity rest in the same manner in + the Lords and Commons of England. There is this difference, that + here the Parliament could not be legally opened, unless the Lord + Chancellor had taken upon himself to put the Great Seal to a + commission for that purpose, whereas your commission enables you + (as I understand) generally to open and hold Parliament. But even + in your case, it seems to me to be a doubt whether you can + regularly do this without having received the King's pleasure for + it, and whether your opening the Parliament in such circumstances + is not an act very much of the same nature as the Chancellor's + would have been if he had sealed such a commission. + + In the same view of the subject, I should most earnestly deprecate + your taking upon yourself to issue a further prorogation. Surely, + under such circumstances as the present, the two Houses should + themselves decide, and not any individual for them, whether it is + expedient or not to proceed to any business. My clear and decided + opinion on that subject is, that you should go down on the day of + meeting, and state the circumstances of the case, saying that you + have ordered the several examinations of the physicians before + Council and before the two Houses here, to be laid before the two + Houses. Your Ministers should then, upon that, propose to adjourn + to a further day, on the ground of its not being known (as it + cannot then be known) what form will be adopted here, and of its + being, at all events, desirable that they should be in possession + of that fact before they deliberate, especially as the Government + may go on in the interval without inconvenience. + + If you see no objection to this, it is, I think, high time that you + should write an official letter, stating all the circumstances of + the situation, and that your intention is, unless you should be + informed that it appears to His Majesty's servants to be improper, + &c., to meet the Parliament on the 20th, for the purpose which I + have stated. + + It is excessively important that you should, at the same time, + transmit, either publicly or privately, such a case as I have + mentioned, considering the subject in the two points of view: + first, with respect to the particular forms; and secondly, to the + question, how far any difference in point of form can preclude the + Parliament of Ireland from the exercise of the same substantive + right as that which we have declared to vest in us under the + existing circumstances. + + I have great doubts of the propriety of what you mention of an + address of the two Houses to empower you to give the royal assent + to any Bills, because that would prematurely, as it seems to me, + bring into discussion the great question of all--namely, how far + the Lords and Commons of Ireland have the right, either of + commanding the use of the _English Great Seal_, or of superseding + its use, in an instance in which _that_, and the concurrence of the + _English Council_, are fundamental points of the present + constitution of Ireland. I am quite sure that the safest of all + things will be the adjournment; and I think it very improbable that + such a proposal can be opposed, as it must extremely fall in with + the wishes of the party who are looking to the Government + immediately after the passing the English Bill. I have no means of + knowing or guessing at General Pitt's intentions, but should think + they can be no other than _royal_. + + You could surely find no difficulty in pledging the servants of + Government in Ireland to the adjournment; because it can so clearly + be argued not to preclude any future opinion on the subject, and + still less to pledge anybody to the adoption of the English system; + but only shows the opinion of the Irish Parliament, that a + knowledge of the system adopted here, is a point which they wish + should enter into their deliberations respecting Ireland. + + I am much amused with the circumstance of Lord Sh. and Lord T. + having sent their proxies, as it has answered no other purpose but + that of pledging them; for it now seems to be agreed, that no use + can be made of proxies in a case where the Parliament does not + legally meet, but is rather to be considered as an extraordinary + assembly of the same persons who constitute the two Houses of + Parliament. It is something more than a Convention, and something + less than a Parliament. + + Our triumph here is very great. The indignation of the two Princes + is, by what I hear, beyond all measure or bounds. The steadiness of + the House of Commons on this occasion is no bad lesson to them, and + I believe they will long remember it. + + Ever yours, + W. W. G. + + +In the House of Peers, Ministers did not come off so triumphantly. Lord +Bulkeley communicates the result, and enumerates the _rats_. + + +LORD BULKELEY TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dec. 27th, 1788. + MY DEAR LORD, + + We divided last night at half-past twelve; our majority was 33, the + members being 99 to 66, which in the House of Peers was certainly a + large minority. The rat Peers were Duke of Queensbury, Marquis of + Lothian, Bishop Watson, Lord Malmesbury, Earl of Abergavenny, Lord + Chedworth, Lord Audley, Lord Eglinton; and all of the armed + neutrality, who are: Duke of Northumberland, Lord Rawdon, Lord + Selkirk, Lord Breadalbane, Lord Hawke, Lord Kinnaird, Lord + Shaftesbury, Lord Huntingdon; Lord Lonsdale absent; Lord Lansdowne + with us, and spoke better than I ever heard him in my life, fewer + flourishes, and less rhodomontade. The Chancellor spoke + incomparably; and did give it Lord Loughborough and Lord Rawdon + most completely, particularly the former, who felt it. We are in + good spirits, for we fall with _eclat_, and high in public + estimation. I have no time to add more; but that I am yours + affectionately, + + B. + + The Opposition are in great hopes of a _riot_ in the Irish + Parliament. + + +MR W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 28th, 1788. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The messenger carries with him, as usual, the account received + to-day from Kew. I do not know that I have anything material to + write in addition to my former letters. I stated to you on Friday, + at length, the strong objections which both Pitt and myself feel + against your idea of proroguing the Parliament. If any accident + should detain that letter till after you receive this, I hope you + will take no step of that sort till you have received that letter, + and seriously considered the nature of our objections, which seem + to me to be of the utmost importance. + + The belief that the Prince of Wales will certainly accept seems to + gain ground. It is most probable that we shall be enabled to speak + with more certainty on this subject in the course of to-morrow, as + a letter is to be written to him to-day by the Ministers, stating + the outlines of their plan. It will not materially differ from what + I originally stated to you. Peerages, grants for life (with the + necessary exceptions), and reversions, are to be restricted for a + certain time, which will be about a year and a half. This time is + fixed in consequence of what you will observe in the evidence both + of Willis and Addington, who both state the recovery as infinitely, + and beyond all calculation, less probable if it does not take place + within that time. Some line is to be drawn with respect to the + King's household, but what that shall be is the subject of this + morning's deliberation. It is a point of delicacy and difficulty. + The entire custody, management, and government of the King's + person; the appointment, &c., of his physicians, and the regulation + of his actual family, &c., is to be vested in the Queen, with the + advice of a Council, to be named and removable by her. The idea of + a Council of Regency to assist the Prince, but to be removable by + him, seems to be given up. + + Our division in the House of Lords, though sufficiently decisive, + was less than it would have been, owing to a variety of accidental + circumstances. There is every reason to believe that we shall + divide stronger on Monday. I have no apprehension whatever as to + the carrying our restrictions in the House of Commons. Accidental + circumstances may vary our majority from 50 to 80; but there can be + no doubt of success. There seems very little reason to believe that + they will venture to dissolve Parliament till March or April, if + they do it then, which I doubt. + + There certainly never was in this country, at any period, such a + situation as Mr. Pitt's. It is no small addition to the + satisfaction which we derive from all these events, to observe that + every man of all parties seems to feel how well the game has been + played on our side, and how ridiculously it has been mismanaged by + our opponents. Add to this, that they are all quarrelling amongst + themselves, and that we were never so united as at this moment. + With all these reflections you will own that _the prospect before + us_ is not an unpleasing one. The opinion of Willis continues as + sanguine as ever. + + Believe me, my dear brother, + Most sincerely and affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + +Lord Bulkeley announces, with exultation, the division in the Commons, +and returns to his enumeration of _rats_. + + +LORD BULKELEY TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Stanhope Street, Dec. 29th, 1788. + MY DEAREST LORD, + + We are in high spirits here at the first majority of 64, and at the + last of 73, which, considering the open and undisguised canvass of + the Prince and the Duke of York, and the very liberal distribution + of promises from both, does the House of Commons a great deal of + honour. Parry fell down in a fit about two hours before the + division of the first day, and was carried home in a chair + speechless, where he remained confined till Monday, when I polled + him by means of a pair with Sir Robert Clayton, which T. Steele + arranged for him. A _certain lady_ in St. James's Square has been + tampering with Parry, and he certainly vented all his grievances + into the compassionate bosom of that active and politic fair one, + who has likewise infused such a political ardour into the mind of + her dear Sir Poddy, that on the first division he was seen to take + down the names of the different speeches and the members, besides + _other occasional notes_. I have not been in St. James's Square + since I have been in town, the manner with which they affect to + treat me being such that _an old English Baron_ cannot put up with; + besides _we are_ not in the best of humours at present, Sir Poddy + being unwell, and unable to attend the last division and _we find_ + it difficult to sing the praises of the Prince and the Duke of York + on the usual themes of filial piety, virtue, &c., in the face of a + majority of 73 in favour of a falling Minister. + + Sir George Warren was one of the rats, which Lady B. was much + affected at. He and Lady W. dined with us the day before the first + division, and both sung the praises of Mr. Pitt, and expressed the + warmest anxiety for the King's recovery. I was not all surprised, + well knowing his rattish dispositions. Glynne Wynne, whom I have + been working for three years to detach Lord Uxbridge from, has, + with the utmost effrontery, cast his benefactor off, and set him at + defiance, to which he has been led by promises at Carlton House. I + trust we shall be able to do his business on a dissolution, and he + well deserves it, being one of the first of scoundrels. + + * * * * * + + I subjoin a list of those members who usually have voted with Mr. + Pitt, who have quitted him in the late divisions, _i.e._ _rats_. + + Yours sincerely, + B. + + Sir Peter Parker. + Sir George Warren. + Sir J. Aubrey. + Sir S. Hannay. + Sir Charles Gould. + James Macpherson. + ---- Clevland. + Glynne Wynne. + Gerrard Hamilton. + ---- Fraser. + ---- Osbaldiston. + + The Lonsdales voted against Pitt in the first division, and staid + away the second. The Lansdownes voted with Pitt in the first, and, + I believe, in the second, or staid away. + + + + +1789. + +DEATH OF THE SPEAKER--MR. GRENVILLE ELECTED IN HIS PLACE--COMMITTEE ON +THE REGENCY--THE HOUSEHOLD BILL--CONDUCT OF THE PRINCES--ADDRESS TO THE +PRINCE OF WALES FROM THE IRISH PARLIAMENT--RECOVERY OF THE +KING--DECISIVE MEASURES OF LORD BUCKINGHAM--IRISH PROMOTIONS AND +CREATIONS--DISSENSIONS IN THE ROYAL FAMILY--MR. GRENVILLE APPOINTED +SECRETARY OF STATE--MR. ADDINGTON ELECTED SPEAKER--LORD BUCKINGHAM +RESIGNS THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND. + + +The one absorbing subject which for the last few weeks had engrossed the +public mind, almost to the exclusion of every other consideration, kept +the Parliament sitting close up to Christmas-day, in the year just +expired. On the 23rd of December, a resolution, vigorously opposed by +Lord North as instituting a fiction in lieu of the royal authority, was +adopted, empowering the Chancellor to affix the Great Seal to such Bill +of Limitations as might be necessary to restrict the power of the future +Regent; but Ministers had no sooner succeeded in carrying their object +to this important stage, than a new impediment presented itself. On the +2nd of January, 1789, Mr. Cornwall, Speaker of the House of Commons, +died. It was immediately decided that Mr. Grenville should be proposed +to succeed him. On all accounts, it was indispensable to hasten this +arrangement, as the functions of the Commons were unavoidably suspended +in the interim. A serious obstacle arose from the informality of the +proceeding, the sanction of the royal approbation being necessary, +according to custom, upon the nomination of a new Speaker. The elastic +character of the Constitution, however, although not providing direct +remedies for such special cases, admits of adaptation to the most +unforeseen exigencies; and so urgent was the pressure of affairs at this +agitating juncture, that the irregularity was passed over by the tacit +consent of all parties. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Jan. 2nd, 1788.[B] + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + You will probably not be a little surprised at the contents of this + letter. The Speaker died this morning at about nine o'clock, and + after some consideration, it has been determined that I should be + proposed to the House to succeed him. I am not quite sure whether + the choice will come on to-morrow or Monday. The situation is a new + one, it having always been held, that the King's commands are + necessary for the election of a Speaker, and his approbation for + confirming him in his situation. But this cannot be had under the + present circumstances; nor can the House take any steps to supply + the deficiency till they have a Speaker. At the Restoration and + Revolution, the House, in both instances, chose a Speaker, who was + acknowledged as such, and was never afterwards confirmed by the + King. + + With respect to myself, the time for deliberation has not been + long. But upon the whole, I think the decision which I have made is + clearly right. If the King recovers before Parliament is dissolved, + it is clearly understood that my acceptance of this situation is + not to prejudice my other views; and in the public opinion, the + having filled this office, though but for a short time, will rather + forward them. If the Regent goes on without dissolving, I am then + in a situation which, though perhaps not perfectly pleasant, is + nevertheless respectable, and will give me occupation. If they + dissolve, and carry the Chair against me in the new Parliament, I + do not see how I stand worse, in any respect, for having held this + office. Such is my reasoning, and I think you will approve it. As + far as I can judge, there is no doubt of my carrying it _now_. I + have not yet heard whether they start any opponent, but I think + they have none whose personal connexions can materially vary the + proportion between the two parties: it is very sufficiently + decisive. + + I have not heard the account of to-day at St. James's. Nothing can + be better than all the accounts, both public and private, for the + last three or four days. It is certainly not sanguine to entertain + the very best hopes; and the progress has even been more rapid than + Willis expected; so that I think we may look with some confidence + to March or April at latest. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + +[Footnote B: This is the date in the original, but it is evidently a +mistake. Mr. Grenville forgot that he was in a new year.] + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Jan. 4th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The plan for the Regency was sent to the Prince of Wales in a + letter from Pitt, three days ago, with an expression of his + readiness to give any explanation, either in person or in any + other manner that he might intimate. Yesterday his answer was + received, directed _to the Cabinet_. It is long, and with much + affectation of good writing, and is in parts of it well expressed, + in other parts confused and timid. It ends, however, with saying + that if these restrictions are adopted by Parliament he will + _accept_. + + I have no doubt of carrying the Chair to-morrow, but not a little + doubt whether I ought to have accepted it. The die is, however, now + cast. The restrictions will, I think, pass without much difficulty. + + I still adhere strongly to my opinion about the prorogation, + because I think there is a wide difference between exercising + during the King's health a power which he commits to your + discretion, but which he might if he pleased regulate by + instruction at any moment, and exercising the same power now when + you are to state that the King is prevented by infirmity from + attending at all to the administration of his Government. I am sure + that your acting in the manner you speak of is liable to, and will + probably bear, the very worst construction in the minds of the + public here; and I cannot for the life of me conceive what fear + there can be that the two Houses will not adjourn, considering that + the great point which they all wish, is that they may not be + obliged to pledge themselves. The extraordinary anxiety in those + whom you see, to get you to prorogue, is, in my opinion, a very + strong proof of their being actuated by that sort of wish. + + I have not time to write any more, except to express my anxiety to + hear how Lady B. and your child go on. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +There was no doubt about the issue of the election to the Speakership. +"Your brother William will certainly be Speaker," writes Lord Bulkeley +on the 3rd, "and has already stood the hoax at White's, where it was +debated last night whether he should wear a wig or his own hair." The +election went off to the entire satisfaction of Mr. Grenville, who, +reporting the event, says that "the majority, though quite large enough, +would have been larger if they had divided half an hour later, as nearly +forty of my friends were locked out below, and about eleven of theirs." +With his customary philosophy, he made the best of everything; but he +does not disguise from Lord Buckingham that he had strong doubts in his +mind whether he ought to have accepted the Chair. The Opposition might, +probably, have been stronger against his election, but for the belief +that prevailed that the King was getting rapidly better. "The progress +of the King," observes Mr. Grenville on the 7th, "is such, _according to +our accounts_, that it is by no means impossible, nor even a very +improbable case, that before the Irish Bill can pass, he may re-assume +his Government." + +Another contingency that weighed with the floating mass of undecided +politicians was the rumour which now began to be circulated that the +Regent would not dismiss the existing Ministers till the end of the +session. + + +LORD MORNINGTON TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Jan. 6th, 1789. + MY DEAR LORD, + + As I understood that Sir W. Young and Bernard wrote you an account + of the division last night, which placed Grenville so honourably in + the Chair of the House of Commons, I did not trouble you with any + letter by the post of yesterday; but I cannot deny myself the + pleasure of acquainting you, that nothing could be more perfectly + satisfactory to all our friends than the conduct of the new Speaker + on an occasion naturally distressing; his speech of excuse, and his + speech from the steps of the Chair, were universally admired, they + were both so composed and delivered as to render a scene, which I + have always understood to be very ridiculous, really interesting + and affecting. It is deemed a misfortune amongst our friends, that + the practice of printing the Speaker's speeches on this occasion in + the journals is now disused. Grenville's speeches would have done + him the highest credit, as well as afforded an excellent precedent + to future Speakers. I have prevailed with Mr. Speaker to mount his + wig, and the whole apparatus to-day: he must consider this as a + young lawyer does his first appearance at the bar, and the sooner + the laugh is over the better for the dignity of the Chair. Whatever + may be Grenville's future fortunes, it can be no discredit to his + character to have been placed in the Chair by such a majority, in + such times and circumstances, and at his age. + + I write no accounts of what we are doing, you hear that much more + correctly from Grenville. I am anxious to know what will be the + temper of Ireland at the meeting. Grattan is as much a creature of + Fox and his party, as the meanest libeller in the "Morning Herald;" + he lives entirely with them. I hear Pelham is to take his father on + his back to the Government of Ireland. Grattan will stand, in my + opinion, on most unpopular ground, if he either attempts to assert + the hereditary right of the Prince, or to give him larger powers in + Ireland, than the Parliament of this country entrust to him for the + administration of the British Government. The hereditary right, I + suppose Grattan will not venture to touch; and the latter + proposition, I think, might be argued exactly as he argued the + Perpetual Mutiny Bill, and other questions, where the danger of + larger powers in Ireland than were held in England by the same + hands, were considered with a view to the Constitutions of _both_ + countries. This argument is, in my opinion, clear, if the rights of + the King on the throne are admitted to be the rights of the people + at large, and if they are not, I know not why they exist. I have + not much fear that the Irish Parliament will listen to such + proposals. As to reversions and offices for life, a Regent, who has + not the power of granting them here, and attempts to obtain it in + Ireland, can mean nothing else than to indemnify his disappointed + friends in England at the expense of Ireland; I do not think this + can go down. On the whole, I think your argument in Ireland + stronger in every view than ours here, and that is saying a great + deal. + + Arthur informs me that my Trimmers wish to have a company of foot + quartered on them. I am sure I have no objection to your giving + _free quarters_ to the whole army on the worthy inhabitants of that + ancient and loyal town. + + I sincerely wish you joy of your son, and hope the bad weather does + not affect either him or Lady Buckingham. + + Ever, my dear Lord, + Yours most affectionately, + MORNINGTON. + + What think of Sir John Aubrey, rat? + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Jan. 10th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I send you a letter of Camplin's, about an exchange which had been + proposed. We have no news here--everything remaining in precisely + the same state. The Committee, will, I think, most probably not + make their report to-day, though we meet for the chance of it. In + this manner, it will be impossible that the restrictions can be + opened before Tuesday or Wednesday. The debates of the Committee + have been conducted with great heat and violence on both sides, and + much indecency towards the King, particularly from Fox and Burke. + They are now endeavouring to turn it into a personal attack upon + the Queen, for having wished to make one of the reports of the + physicians more favourable, and for having dismissed Baker from her + service, on the ground of the great inattention towards the King + and his family, which appears on the face of his former + examination: he having perceived symptoms of this disorder so early + as the 22nd of October, and having, subsequent to that time, + entirely left the King. + + The examination of Baker and Warren state the probability of + recovery as being nearly the same as when they were before + examined, but rather less. Willis and Pepys state it as much + greater; particularly the former of these two, who speaks in the + most sanguine terms. The answers of Reynolds and Gisborne are also, + as I believe, favourable. + + These delays put all idea of dissolution out of the question, till + the end of the present session, at soonest; and that cannot take + place, according to my calculation, till the end of June. People + begin to speak doubtfully about the Regent's making any immediate + change, and I know that some of their friends affect to hold that + language; but I am inclined to think that, however difficult it may + be for them to undertake the Government under the existing + circumstances, it is absolutely impossible for them to satisfy the + Regent, or to quiet their own dependants, without running that + risk. + + Fox is apparently recovering, but slowly. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Jan. 12th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I understand from different conversations, as well as from the + general report here, that there is an intention of moving for an + Address to the Prince, such as was proposed here, immediately on + the first meeting of the Irish Parliament. Grattan, &c., &c., are + all going over, so as to be in Dublin by the 20th. He is understood + to have entered completely into all the views of the party here, + and to be ready to pledge himself to all their doctrines, + maintained, or retracted, or both. I thought it right to give you + this intelligence, although you will probably hear it from many + other quarters, and though I have very little apprehension, indeed, + from the effect of such a manoeuvre. If anything could more + completely ruin them here than they are ruined already, it would be + such a measure. As to its effect in Ireland, I cannot persuade + myself that there can be any difficulty in getting people to pledge + themselves not to run before this country; and to appoint a Regent, + without conditions, in Ireland, before it is even known what + conditions are to be proposed, much less whether they will be + adopted by the British Parliament. At all events, however, the + battle must be fought; for it would be the most disgraceful thing + in the world to appear to give it up, or rather not to appear to + dispute it inch by inch. + + Lord Glendon and Lord Fairford are both going over to assist you. + They both complain (particularly the former) of want of attention + from you; but I am so accustomed to such complaints, without + foundation, that I am not disposed to give much credit to them in + this instance. I understand that Lord Hillsborough has expressed + himself on the subject in a more decided manner than you seem at + all disposed to give him credit for. + + Our report cannot probably be made to-day; but when it does appear, + I am told that the impression of it will be favourable to the idea + of the King's recovery. Surely, when this circumstance is taken + into consideration by your Irish speculators, in addition to the + many other considerations which make everybody here allow that + Pitt's side has the best of the day, they will not be induced to + hazard so decisive a step as you must give them to understand their + agreeing to this Address will be considered. + + It was mentioned to me, that considerable offers had been made to + Corry. I mention this to you, but you will probably be able to + ascertain the truth of the report more accurately than I can. + + It is worth observing, that the appointment of a Regent in Ireland + by Address goes directly to dissolve the Union of the two kingdoms, + because a Regent so appointed could not command the use of the + English Great Seal. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Jan. 19th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I was so knocked up on Saturday, that I found it impossible to + write to you; though there is one circumstance, which, if I had + been acquainted with, would have prevailed over all fatigue--I mean + that of Captain Nugent's having voted against us upon the second + division. The question has not been distinctly stated in any of the + papers, as far as I have seen. It was a proposal of Fox's, that + the restrictions, particularly that of peerage, should continue + only for a limited time; by which means, we should have been placed + in this sort of situation, that if, at the expiration of that term, + the King should be so far recovered, as to afford hopes even of an + almost immediate recovery, the Regent would be able, by a sudden + creation of Peers, to make it impossible for him to resume his + authority. + + Nugent had voted with us upon the first question; but was, I + suppose, led away by some part of Fox's speech, which had the + effect of carrying over Bankes and about six or seven more of our + _conscientious_ friends. I think it right to mention this + circumstance to you, though not with any view of suggesting what + you may think it right to do. I shall, I own, be much mortified if + he should vote against us on Monday; but nothing that you can do + will be in time enough to prevent that. I do not feel that I can + take any measures on the subject, although I certainly have no + doubt what your wishes would have been if you were on the spot. + + I find, from general report, that some of our friends are staggered + about the household resolution, which is to be proposed on Monday. + It is, therefore, probable, that we shall not carry this by so + triumphant a majority as we have the other questions. I think, + however, there is little doubt that we shall carry it; and that is + the point of real importance. + + I shall be anxious to hear the event of your meeting. You will have + observed that, by Lord Sydney's despatch, a latitude is given you + of proroguing, in stating the opinion of the King's servants on the + different points. I thought, when the despatch was shown to me, + that this was a favourable circumstance, as, from your letters, it + seemed to me at that time very doubtful whether you would not have + adopted that measure; and, in that case, I felt that you would + certainly have been glad to have this sort of sanction. + + Believe me ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + The Duke of Leinster has, as I suppose you know, written to the + Prince of Wales, to offer himself to him. The consequence has been, + that Lord Charles Fitzgerald has declared, that he does not + consider himself in a situation to be turned over from party to + party every half-year; and that he has hoisted an Orange cape. He + will, as I understand, not go over to Ireland at the meeting; and I + take it for granted, that in case of a dissolution the Duke will + not re-elect him. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Jan. 19th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + Since I wrote my other letter of this date, I have received yours + of the 15th, stating your alarm at the lies spread in Ireland about + the proceedings of the Committee of the House of Commons. You will, + long before this, have received the report itself from me, and by + reading it, will have found how much more favourable the account of + the King's situation appears from that examination, and how much + you are in the wrong to suffer your noble spirit to be cast down by + such weak inventions of the enemy; and above all, how monstrous the + idea is that Fox is to gain with the public by a transaction which + only shows their inveterate malice against the King and Queen, and + its utter impotence. Your expressions of duper and duped, you will + see are equally inapplicable to our representations of the King's + situation, which I think you will still believe to be as authentic + and as credible as the lies which Grattan and Forbes retail from + the porter's lodge at Carlton or Burlington House. Seriously + speaking, I am vexed to see the importance which you attach to all + these reports, because I know that it must work and agitate your + mind. A whole life would not suffice, on my part, to answer every + lie in circulation: but I beg you to believe that although, + perhaps, naturally a little sanguine in my temper, yet that if + there was any really unfavourable circumstance which arose here, I + would not conceal it from you. The King is better ever since that + examination; and this I speak on no partial authority, but on the + information of Warren himself, who gave yesterday to the person who + repeated it to me a much more favourable account. + + I have not time to answer the rest of your letter to-day. Our Bill + is not prepared yet, nor can be till the resolutions have been + agreed to by both Houses; but it will be short, and nearly in the + same words with the resolutions, adding only the oath of office + from the Regency Bill of 1765, and a few other particulars. + + Ever yours, + W. W. G. + + I suppose you know that Lord Spencer certainly goes to Ireland. + + +The notion that the Regent would continue Mr. Pitt and his friends in +office was rapidly dissipated during the progress of these discussions. +The Household Bill, alluded to in one of Mr. Grenville's letters, gave +deep offence to His Royal Highness; and from the moment that part of the +plan was disclosed, there was no longer any disguise about the fact that +the Prince had not only made up his mind to dismiss the Ministers, but +that the list of the incoming Administration was actually settled, and +ready for use. The object of the Household Bill was to confide to the +Queen the care of the King's person, and the disposition of the royal +household, which would have the effect of placing at Her Majesty's +control the patronage of four hundred places; while the Regent was to +possess no power whatever over any office, reversion, or pension. This +appeared to the Prince and his allies a monstrous proposition, +calculated to introduce "weakness, disorder, and insincerity into every +branch of political business;" to "separate the Court from the State;" +to "disconnect the authority to command service from the power of +animating it by reward;" and to impose on the Regent "all the invidious +duties of the kingly station, without the means of softening them to the +public by any one act of grace, favour, or benignity." + +In these poised and melodious sentences (said to have been written by +Burke) may be recognized the policy of the master spirit that raised the +storm which was to overwhelm Ministers. When the moment came, however, +at which it should have burst--Pitt's motion for the Address--Fox was +absent. "Fox is gone to Bath," says Mr. Grenville. "Whether he is very +ill, as some say, or wants to shirk the discussion about Mrs. +Fitzherbert, as others assert, I know not." + +This business of Mrs. Fitzherbert, of which we hear something in these +letters, was suspended like a sword over the heads of the royal +Opposition; and whenever it threatened to descend, they endeavoured to +escape from it by avoiding the discussion, or to avert it by abating +their violence. The rumour, however, which ascribed Fox's absence on +this occasion to that cause was certainly unfounded. On the 19th of +January, he made his motion for limiting the continuance of the +restrictions; and on the 26th he was ill at Bath, where he remained for +some weeks in a precarious state of health. His loss was severely felt +by his party. Ministers were triumphant in both Houses. The incidental +shocks they experienced from the vibrations of that class of persons +designated by Mr. Grenville as "_conscientious_ friends," and from the +defection of the _rats_, had been completely recovered in the final +majorities of Lords and Commons; and although Fox may not have thought +it prudent on some occasions to enhance the inevitable defeat of the +Prince's followers by assisting at their discomfiture, it is unlikely +that even the dread of a debate on Mrs. Fitzherbert would have kept him +away at this critical juncture. + +While these discussions were going on, always ending in fluctuating +majorities for Pitt, the Prince of Wales and his brother, +notwithstanding the dissipation in which they indulged, were +indefatigable in their efforts to cultivate popularity. Thus writes Lord +Bulkeley: + + The Princes go on in their usual style, both keeping open houses, + and employing every means in their power to gain proselytes, + attending the Beefsteak Clubs, Freemason meetings, &c., and will + probably very soon attend the parochial meetings of Lord John + Townshend's Committee in Westminster. Notwithstanding all this, the + Parliament still continues steadily to Mr. Pitt, which, considering + the looseness of morals and of the times, does the members great + credit. * * * The Duke of York never misses a night at Brookes's, + where the hawks pluck his feathers unmercifully, and have reduced + him to the vowels I. O. U. The Prince likewise attends very often, + and has taken kindly to play. + +General Cuninghame appears to have disappointed the expectations of his +friends at this period, and, although present in the House on the 19th, +did not vote. It was the next thing to ratting, and seems to have been +regarded in that light by Lord Bulkeley. + + General Cuninghame has been blowing hot and cold in his language + here, but has not voted, not even last night, when he appeared for + the first time in the House. I have had a letter from the Duke of + Dorset, complaining of his conduct in not resigning his seat, _as + his conscience troubled him_. + +No man had so keen a scent for _rats_ as Lord Bulkeley, and he was +generally in advance of his party in detecting them. + +Thurlow and Loughborough were both ill at this time ("which," says Sir +William Young, with a touch of sarcastic humour, "will much shorten the +progress of the Regency Bill in the Lords"); and on the 2nd of February, +when Mr. Grenville, in his capacity of Speaker, attended at the bar of +the House of Peers to hear the Commission under the Great Seal read, +Thurlow was unable to attend, and Lord Bathurst officiated for him. The +night before, Thurlow declared, as reported by his physician, that "if +he were ten times worse, he'd go, by G--;" his physician, however, +overruled him; and the obstruction of his presence being thus +fortunately removed, it was anticipated that the progress of the Bill +through the Lords would be so rapid as to place the Regent on the throne +in a fortnight. Active preparations were, consequently, set on foot for +settling the new Administration. Amongst the other great situations, +Ireland was offered to the Duke of Northumberland, who declined it, and +then to Lord Spencer, who accepted it, with Pelham for his secretary. + +Ireland was a considerable item in the calculations of the Opposition. +"The Prince and the Opposition," writes Lord Bulkeley, "have great hopes +of a riot in their favour in the Parliament of Ireland." Some such +result was to be apprehended from the temper of the people, and the +adverse views they took of the Regency question; although a true sense +of their own independence ought to have shown them that there were +national objections against allowing the Prince to indemnify himself by +the use of the royal prerogatives in Ireland for the restraints which +were put upon him in England. The object to which, under these difficult +circumstances, Lord Buckingham and Mr. Grenville directed their +attention, was to assimilate, as nearly as possible, the Regency Bills +in both countries, so as to prevent the occurrence of so great an +anomaly as that of having a Regent whose powers should be strictly +limited in the one kingdom, and who should, at the same time, be +invested with unrestricted powers in the other. The Parliament of +Ireland possessed the unquestionable right of deciding the Regency in +their own way, leaving the legal validity of the act for subsequent +consideration; and as it was understood that the Opposition intended to +move an Address to the Prince, which there was reason to believe they +would be able to carry, calling upon His Royal Highness to assume the +Government of Ireland unconditionally during the term of His Majesty's +illness, the position of Lord Buckingham had become peculiarly +embarrassing. What course should be taken in the event of such an +Address being carried? This question is anxiously discussed in numerous +communications between Lord Buckingham and Mr. Grenville and other +members of the Government. The predicament was so strange, and involved +constitutional considerations of such importance, as to give the most +serious disquietude to the Administration. The first expedient thought +of was to delay the proceedings of the Irish Parliament, by adjournment, +or any other available means, till after the Regent had been appointed +in England, provided the motion for the Address could be successfully +resisted in the first instance. But as it was almost certain the +Administration would be beaten on that motion, it remained to be +determined whether Lord Buckingham, in that event, should refuse to +transmit the Address to His Royal Highness. Upon the propriety of so +extreme a measure Mr. Grenville entertained some doubts in the +beginning. By refusing to transmit the Address, the Lord-Lieutenant +would clearly put himself in the way as an obstacle to that mode of +providing for the emergency which the two Houses of Parliament were +determined to adopt; or, on the other hand, by sending it he would make +himself, in some degree, a party to a request by which His Royal +Highness was asked to do an act which he, Lord Buckingham, held His +Royal Highness to be precluded by law from doing. Such was the dilemma +as it presented itself to the mind of Mr. Grenville. One escape from it +was, to forward the Address, accompanied by a representation from Lord +Buckingham of his own views of its illegality. Another was, to resign. + +In the meanwhile, the projects of the Opposition in England were checked +by the gratifying accounts from Kew. The King was visibly improving, and +hopes began to be entertained that there might be no necessity for a +Regency after all. The letters of Mr. Grenville, reverting to the +opening of the Parliament, trace the progress of these circumstances in +detail. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Feb. 2nd, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + Our Parliament has this day been opened by Lord Bathurst, the + Chancellor being so ill as to make it absolutely impossible for him + to come down. The Commission was first read, and then Lord Bathurst + said, in a few words, that the Lords Commissioners being empowered + by the said Commission to declare the causes of calling the + Parliament, thought it their duty to call the attention of the two + Houses to the melancholy circumstance of His Majesty's illness, and + to recommend to them to provide for the care of His Majesty's royal + person, and the administration of the royal authority during His + Majesty's illness, in such manner as the exigency of the case + requires. + + I think that my former calculation is rather too sanguine, and that + the 18th is the soonest that the Bill can pass, allowing for the + debate, of which notice has been given in both Houses, on the + Committee for the royal assent. The idea is, that the letters of + dismission are ready written, and will be sent that day. + + I cannot yet learn, with certainty, who is to be the Home Secretary + of State. It is supposed to lie between Lord Stormont and Lord + Rawdon; and there is a report that they are quarrelling about that + as about everything else, and that the Duke of York espouses Lord + Rawdon's cause very warmly. + + The accounts of Fox are that he is not at all better, and that he + has not been able yet to drink the waters. His death would throw + them into complete confusion, though the Prince is so far pledged, + that even in that case he must attempt to form a new Government. + + We mean (but this _inter nos_ only) to move an Amendment upon the + Address, expressive of our satisfaction at the flourishing state in + which the public affairs are delivered into His Royal Highness's + hands, and of our hope that the same principles and measures will + continue to be pursued. I have no doubt of our carrying this, in + their teeth. + + Everybody seems to think a dissolution certain. I imagine it cannot + by possibility take place till May or June, though some people + expect it in March. + + I believe I mentioned to you in my last the great improvement which + these last few days have made in the King's situation, and the + strong hope which we derive from it. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Feb. 7th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I do not know of anything that has happened here since I wrote + last, which is worth mentioning to you. Our Bill is to be in the + Committee to-day, and Monday, so that I guess we shall not get it + into the House of Lords till Wednesday or Thursday. This will put + off the passing a little beyond my calculation, and I imagine the + Regent will not now be in full possession of his office till about + the 19th or 20th. I wait with much impatience to hear what has + passed on Thursday in the Irish Parliament. I find that people + here, those at least with whom I converse, are indifferent about + the success of the measure in Ireland, but are much exasperated at + the madness and folly of the people who are endeavouring to stir + fresh questions of separation between the two countries. + + The accounts of the King still continue to be very favourable, but + I have not heard what degree of hope Willis grounds on this long + period of tranquillity. I should think that the breaking out in the + neck must be a favourable circumstance, but I begin to think the + time long if he still continues without real amendment of the + complaint itself. This, however, arises more from one's natural + impatience than from any reasonable ground which there is to think + worse of the case from this circumstance. + + One hears of nothing now but of the intended arrangements. Among + these, the military is not the least curious part. His Royal + Highness the Duke of York is to be Commander-in-chief; Fitzpatrick, + Secretary at War; and there are to be four Field-Marshals; + consisting of the Regent himself, of the Dukes of York and + Gloucester, and General Conway. These Field-Marshals--of whom three + never saw a shot fired, and the fourth of whom has not served for + six-and-twenty years, except in the very peaceful situation of + Commander-in-chief in England for a few months at the end of the + war--make a pretty curious promotion. Faucitt is to continue, + notwithstanding a positive promise of the Duke of Portland's to + General Vaughan, for the sake of securing his vote and his + brother's. They are to make all the Colonels Major-Generals, down + to Lord Rawdon. The list of the Prince's aides-de-camp you will + have seen in the papers. + + Lord Spencer is declared for Ireland. + + The accounts from Bath say that Fox is better, and will recover. + + The town and neighbourhood of Buckingham have voted an unanimous + Address to Pitt, without any of us knowing a word about it. It is + signed by near two hundred persons, as Jemmy tells me, for I have + not seen it. + + I am living in hourly fear of having a meeting called in the + county, which would be a troublesome and useless thing, though, I + understand, the sense of the yeomanry is entirely with us. I hear + nothing of their intentions in case of a dissolution, but much + doubt, from what I hear, whether they will think of doing more than + ousting Aubrey, which they may do very peaceably; for by what I + hear, he would not have ten votes. + + I have, at length, decided not to think of the Bolton Street house, + at least for the present year, as the repairs necessary to make it + habitable amount to so large a sum. Perhaps, if I was to be + re-elected after a dissolution it might be worth my while; but that + is, as you will easily suppose, a very doubtful contingency. Is it + not a singular thing that it should be doubtful at all, and that + there should be any chance of beating them in the new Parliament on + such a question as that? + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + I open this letter again, to let you know that I have just received + an account of Sir Thomas Halifax's death, which happened this + morning. This circumstance is not a little perplexing to me, + especially in Bernard's absence. I have sent an express to Chaplin + to desire him to come to town to-morrow, and I shall then hear what + he says. The thing to be wished is, that we could secure Bernard's + election, now and hereafter, without much increase of expense; but + on that whole subject I am very much at sea, and there cannot be + time to hear from you and him upon it. Perhaps Chaplin may think it + better that we should now propose some other person, who might be + supported by Lord Chesterfield's interest, and not appear so + decidedly connected with us as Bernard is. We had a scheme for a + candidate of that sort at the general election, and Lord C. was + inclined to give into it. At all events, I think it is absolutely + necessary that Bernard should come over instantly, as his presence + is equally necessary, either as a candidate or in order to get a + repetition of the promises which this intervening election might + otherwise be construed to annul. + + I have heard, since I wrote the preceding part of this letter, that + the Chancellor has been at Pitt's to-day, with an account that he + had seen Warren this morning, who had spoken to him in a very + favourable manner of the King's present state, and had even said + that he thought the amendment so material, that he had felt it his + duty, immediately on coming to town, to wait upon His Royal + Highness with the account. So there is a little bane for your rats. + + Ever yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Feb. 14th, 1739. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + Although I have nothing else to write to you, yet I could not + refuse myself the pleasure of letting you know that I have been at + Kew to-day with Pitt, and that the account which he received from + Willis is such as to confirm and strengthen all our hopes. The + public account is, as you will see, that the King continues in a + state of gradual amendment; and every circumstance which we can + learn, affords us room to entertain the most sanguine hopes. What + has already passed in the public, on the subject of Willis, and the + violent attacks of Opposition against him, have made him more + cautious and reserved in what he says, and he particularly desires + that his name may not be quoted. But I could not find in my heart + to conceal from you the favourable manner in which he speaks of + the present situation. + + His account is confirmed by that of the other physicians, who all + speak the same language. Sir G. Baker told him to-day, that if it + was the case of a common patient whom he was attending, he should + not think it necessary to give him any more medicines. The most + favourable circumstance of all is, the great abatement of the + pulse, which, till now, has always been much too high. + + You will easily imagine how much speculation all this makes, and a + more curious scene, I think, I never saw. The prevailing opinion + is, that we are not to be turned out. There is a report, which is + very confidently circulated (but I do not vouch for the truth of + it), that the Duke of Portland has positively told His Royal + Highness that, under these circumstances, it is impossible for him + to take any share in a new arrangement. It is also said that they + have quarrelled about the Prince's debts, but these are points of + which I know nothing but from report. + + The account which Lord Chesterfield had yesterday from his friends + at Aylesbury tallies with Chaplin's, as to the possibility of + Bernard's success, though it is not quite so sanguine as to + numbers. If he succeeds at all, this last point may be no + misfortune to him, as it will diminish the claims upon him. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +The Irish Parliament had met in the interim, and were debating with +extraordinary vigour and asperity the Address by which the Prince of +Wales, before he had been appointed Regent in England, was to be invited +to assume at once the functions and privileges of the Crown in Ireland. +Many of the usual supporters of the Government, including even some +persons in high employments, had joined the ranks of the Opposition; and +Lord Buckingham in his letters to Lord Sydney declares that his powers +had been annihilated by that lapse of the sovereign authority which led +to this result, and that it would be no longer proper for him to +interfere any further, except only in reference to the "usual business +of the kingdom." Acting on the pressure of these circumstances, he felt +it due to his own credit, and to the service in which he was engaged, to +tender his resignation, as appears by the following letter from Mr. +Grenville: + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Feb. 13th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + We have no news here, except of the favourable accounts of the + King's situation, which are every hour more and more confirmed. All + our present anxiety is, to keep down the too sanguine expectations + of our friends, in order to prevent their being too much damped by + any check, which Willis considers as an event by no means unlikely, + and not such as in any degree to diminish his confidence in the + King's recovery. From the general turn of people's conversation + here, it seems by no means certain that the Prince will take any + step for dismissing the present Government, if the King continues + to mend. It would, indeed, be a measure so grossly indecent to turn + out the King's servants at the eve of his recovery, that it would + be too strong even for those counsels by which His Royal Highness + has hitherto been actuated. But there is another consideration + which will possibly have still more weight, namely, that the + acceptance of office under such circumstances would put his friends + to considerable inconvenience and expense, such as to be by no + means worth incurring, if they are to hold them for so very short + a period as the King's present situation appears to indicate. This + mode of reasoning is of itself sufficiently obvious, and I + understand that the Prince has held a language which corresponds + with it, since so great an alteration has taken place. + + Under these circumstances, you must see that the letter which you + sent me is clearly inapplicable to the present situation. If, + contrary to our present expectation, the Prince should dismiss us + all immediately, I will lose no time in sending that letter; but if + not, it seems to be the wish of all your friends that you should + remain where you are for some little time, in order that you may + not have the appearance of being driven away either by the event + which has happened, or by the violence of the abuse thrown out + against you. I see and acknowledge the difficulties of such a + situation, and lament that you should in any case be subject to + them, but you must, on the other hand, consider that these + difficulties do not of themselves, unaccompanied by other + circumstances, afford a reason for withdrawing yourself from them. + I am far from being desirous, for many, very many reasons, that + your stay should be prolonged to the usual period of a + Lord-Lieutenant's reign; but I cannot help most earnestly wishing + that you could, in some mode or other, struggle through the present + session, in order to cover your retreat, which will otherwise by + your enemies be represented as a flight. + + You see that all this refers to an event which may possibly not + happen; but I felt it indispensably due to you that I should beg + you to consider this case very seriously, and that with a view not + to present difficulties only, but taking into the account your + future situation. I have told you what I believe is the unanimous + wish of your friends on such lights as we possess here. It is + possible that circumstances with which we are unacquainted might + alter our opinion, but they must be very strong before they could + produce that effect. + + I know no other point which is worth writing to you about: + certainly none which is worth your bestowing a moment, thought + upon, in comparison with that which I have mentioned. I enclose my + last account from Aylesbury. I need not say how much I feel for the + unpleasant circumstances of your present situation. But I know that + you have the best resource against them, in the sense of your own + conduct, and in the consciousness of the sincere and invariable + affection of those whose friendship you value. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + +Two days afterwards, the report of the King's health was so encouraging +that his recovery was considered by the Cabinet as little less than +absolutely certain. Under these circumstances, it became a matter of +speculation whether the Prince would dismiss the Ministers, or, if he +did not, whether he would treat them in such a manner as to make it +impossible for them to stay in office. In any case, whether they were +dismissed or driven to resign, Mr. Grenville judged it prudent to +withhold Lord Buckingham's letter of resignation, till the solution, +either way, should have been ascertained. The conflicting difficulties +of the situation, looking at it from all sides, are ably stated in a +letter of the 15th of February. + + You cannot come away, without appearing to desert your trust, while + the King's servants here abide by theirs; nor without giving the + Regent an opportunity to object to the nomination of any person who + may be proposed to him by Pitt to succeed you. You cannot remain + without the means of carrying on some appearance, at least, of + government in the House of Commons. You cannot employ those who + have now deserted you; nor can we expect that the Prince will + allow you to dismiss those whom he considers as having stood by + him. On the whole, I cannot imagine a more puzzling or distressing + case. + +Nothing short of the implicit confidence and cordial support of the +Ministers, seconded by the highest courage and firmness on his own part, +could have enabled Lord Buckingham to sustain his authority in this +trying emergency. That he possessed the confidence and support of +Government to the fullest extent, is attested by the following letter +from Mr. Pitt; and that he displayed the qualities of resolution and +self-reliance demanded by the occasion, is sufficiently shown in the +sequel. + + +MR. PITT TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + (Private.) Downing Street, Feb. 15th, 1789. + MY DEAR LORD, + + The account received this morning of the step which the Irish House + of Commons have taken, has not surprised me; as it seemed before + evident that the torrent was too strong to be stemmed by any + exertion. Those who at the moment felt it as a triumph, perhaps + already begin to repent of it, and will probably have more and more + reason to do so every day. It will be abundant satisfaction to you + and your friends that you have done everything which depended on + you; and in the midst of so much profligacy, that you have + experienced such a support as that of Fitzgibbon and a few others, + which is in the highest degree honourable and manly. + + I am fully aware how delicate your ground has been in all the + progress of the business, of which we have hitherto learnt the + result; and that it is not less so in what remained relative to the + transmission of this strange Address. Whatever you may have + decided on the spot will, I dare say, under all the circumstances, + have been right; and in either of the alternatives, you will not + want here the most cordial and decided support, whenever the + measure comes into discussion. All that I am now writing is, I + hope, superfluous; but I could not let the messenger go, without + expressing in part the sentiments for which I trust you would at + any rate have given me credit. + + * * * * * + + Believe me, my dear Lord, + Sincerely and affectionately yours, + W. PITT. + + +Lord Buckingham, acting on the discretion thus confided to him, resolved +to decline accepting or transmitting the Address. This determination, +which threw the whole responsibility of the measure upon those with whom +it originated, afforded the highest satisfaction in England. Letters +from Lord Mornington, Lord Sydney, and others, abound in admiration of +the firmness of Lord Buckingham's conduct. + +As had been anticipated, the Address was voted in both Houses of +Parliament, and laid before Lord Buckingham for transmission to His +Royal Highness. His Lordship at once declined to receive it; and in a +short and explicit answer, rested his refusal on the obligations imposed +upon him by his duty and his oath, adding that he did not feel warranted +in forwarding to His Royal Highness an Address, purporting to invest him +with powers to take upon him the government of the realm before he +should be enabled by law to do so. This answer, which had received the +full approbation of Mr. Pitt, by whom it had been communicated to the +Cabinet, was, as might have been expected, deeply resented by the +Opposition, whose hostility to the Government had been all along +assuming that shape of combination in which it now appeared without +disguise. + +Frustrated in their desire of transmitting this Address through the +channel of the Lord-Lieutenant, they passed a resolution appointing +ambassadors of their own to lay it before His Royal Highness. The +persons nominated to undertake this extraordinary commission were, the +Duke of Leinster, the Earl of Charlemont, Mr. Conolly, Mr. O'Neill, Mr. +Ponsonby, and Mr. Stewart. Nor did they stop here. It was necessary to +avenge the indignity that had been put upon them; and a resolution, +declaring the conduct of Lord Buckingham unwarrantable and +unconstitutional, was accordingly moved by Mr. Grattan, and carried. +That a resolution still stronger than this, going to the preposterous +length of declaring the commission of the Lord-Lieutenant actually void +by the will of the Irish Parliament, was at one moment contemplated, +would appear from a passage in a letter of Mr. Grenville's, dated the +18th of February. + + I am a little alarmed by one part of your letter, in which you talk + of a resolution of the two Houses being passed for avoiding your + commission, and of your resigning the Government in consequence of + it to Lords Justices appointed under the Act of last year. I trust, + however, that these favourable accounts [of the King's health] will + have put this idea out of the question. But if not, for God's sake + consider whether there is any one principle in which you deny the + right of the two Houses to appoint a Regent by address, which does + not apply equally to prove that they cannot either appoint or + remove a Lord-Lieutenant by resolution. I am persuaded, the more I + think of it, that it is impossible for you to quit the Government + in any other manner, than in consequence of a recal from hence, or + a resignation grounded on the removal of the Ministers here, or on + the Regent's acceptance of the office, under what you consider an + illegal appointment. + +Mr. Pitt entirely concurred in these views, and it was resolved that +Lord Buckingham should remain in Ireland till he had overcome the +confederacy by which the security of the British power in that kingdom +was so seriously perilled. In a subsequent letter, Mr. Grenville conveys +the assurances of Mr. Pitt's determination to support Lord Buckingham in +any measures he should think necessary to the maintenance of the +supremacy of the Crown, and the vindication of his conduct in these +transactions. One of the measures which was considered indispensable, as +marking the sense and upholding the authority of the Government, was the +immediate dismissal of all those persons who, holding offices and +emoluments under the Crown, had joined in a factious resistance to the +policy of Ministers. + + I had, yesterday evening, a long conversation with Pitt on the + subject of your letter of the 25th. I have already told you that + his ideas agree entirely with yours as to the proposition of your + remaining in your present situation long enough to complete your + victory over this combination, and to establish a Government + founded on a better system. We both consider it as a point of + absolute necessity and of indispensable duty, that we should resist + this profligate conspiracy against the Government of both kingdoms, + by every means, and to the last extremity; and we agree in thinking + that this battle ought, both for your own credit and for ours, to + be fought by you, preferably to any other person. He desires me to + say that there cannot be the least hesitation here in adopting any + proposal which you may think it right to make on the subject of + dismissals, and that his opinion inclines to the immediate removal + of all the people whom you have named, on the ground not of their + former votes, but of the combination which is now avowed. + +The King was now so much better that he was permitted, at his own +request, to see the Chancellor, who, however, was prohibited by the +medical attendants from talking to His Majesty on business. Even this +prohibition was removed in a few days; and Willis considered him so +completely recovered that he recommended, as a preliminary experiment to +test the state of his mind, that the Chancellor should be authorized to +communicate to His Majesty the public events which had occurred during +his illness. Of all men that could have been selected for so delicate an +affair, Thurlow was, perhaps, the worst qualified; but his relation to +the Crown as Chancellor left Ministers no alternative. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Feb. 19th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The account which you will receive by this post of the King, is as + favourable as any of the others. This is now the thirteenth day + since Warren thought him so much-- + + I am agreeably interrupted in my reasoning by the arrival of Pitt, + who has seen Willis this morning. His account is, that as far as he + is enabled to judge, the King is _now actually well_. That he is + not sufficiently acquainted with the sort of effect which the + peculiar duties of the King's situation produce upon his mind, to + be able to pronounce as decidedly with respect to him as he would + in other cases; but that in the instance of any common individual, + he should not feel the smallest difficulty in pronouncing the cure + complete, and the patient as capable of attending to his own + affairs as he had been before his illness. He added that the + keeping back from the King the present situation of public business + and the measures which have been taken by Parliament, did him now + more harm than good, because it created a degree of anxiety and + uneasiness in his mind. He therefore recommended that the + Chancellor, whom the King has already seen, and whom he has + expressed a wish to see again, might go to him, for the purpose of + explaining to him all that has passed. You will easily imagine that + this will be an anxious trial for us, because if anything can bring + back the agitation of his mind, it must be such a recital as + Thurlow must have to make. It must, however, be made, and we can do + no more than follow the opinion of the physicians, and of Willis in + particular, as to the time of making it. + + If the experiment succeeds, you need not be told that we shall not + feel ourselves disposed, nor indeed at liberty, to give up the + King's authority (he being well) into the hands of His Royal + Highness the Prince of Wales; and the less so, because we now + _know_ that he and his _friends_, as he calls them, have taken the + resolution of making the change at all events, and of taking all + the offices of the country into their own hands, even (as they + express themselves) if they are to hold them only twelve hours. + + Certainly, if we looked only to the objects of party, and had + nothing more important to attend to than the exposing in their true + colours this profligate and unfeeling set of men, we could desire + no fairer opportunity of doing it than by showing how much their + ambition, or revenge, overbear any other sentiment, when it leads + them to overturn the whole Government of their country, and to + bring on the confusion which must attend a double change of + Government in the space of a few weeks, merely in order to set the + Prince of Wales and Pitt more at variance; for that can be their + only object, unless indeed they look to that of drawing the line of + separation between His Royal Highness and his father stronger than + it was before. + + We must not, however, be guided by these considerations. It is + impossible not to know and feel how much mischief such a change + would produce; and it is our duty to prevent it, both for the sake + of the King and of the country. Besides which, there are other + reasons which make it impossible that the present measure should go + on. We cannot suffer a Bill to proceed which asserts the King's + incapacity, at a time when his physicians pronounce him to be + capable. He cannot pass such a Bill himself, because the mere act + of passing it contradicts the averment of the Bill, and shows its + provisions to be improper. Still less can the Chancellor, who has + had an opportunity of being personally acquainted with the King's + actual restoration to perfect health, receive the orders of any + other man, or body of men, as to the use of the Great Seal for the + purpose of expressing the King's pleasure. + + Our idea, in the present situation, is that the House of Lords + should adjourn till Monday, in consequence of the Chancellor's + communicating to them that the state of His Majesty's health is + such as to make it improper for them to proceed. If nothing + unfavourable should have occurred by that day, a motion will then + be made for an examination of the physicians; and that would be + followed by an Address from both Houses, congratulating the King on + his recovery. The King would then pass a Commission for + _proroguing_ the Parliament, and another for opening it again, and + the business will proceed in the usual form. + + I think that your object will be to use every possible endeavour, + by all means in your power, debating every question, dividing upon + every question, moving adjournment upon adjournment, and every + other mode that can be suggested to gain time. I do not know that + we can send you any communication from hence of which _you_ can + take formal notice by speech or message, till the examinations of + the physicians are sent to you, which they shall be instantly on + their being made. + + But your Ministers, in both Houses, may certainly communicate to + them what it has been thought right for the Chancellor to say + to-day, and may make similar motions for adjournments; unless, + indeed, which I hardly imagine, the whole business is concluded in + Ireland before you receive the account of this happy event. + + I have great pleasure in thinking upon the disappointment and + mortification of those who have deserted you on this occasion. I + hope in God that you will make up your mind to the remaining where + you now are long enough to make them feel what they have done, and + to show that you are not driven away. After this, we shall probably + agree in thinking that the future Government of Ireland may be + carried on to more advantage in other hands, because it may + possibly become of absolute necessity to receive back some of these + rats into favour, and that is not an occupation in which I should + like to see you engaged. + + Unless I understand from Fremantle that he has any business of + yours to do here, I shall desire him to return to you on Tuesday + with the examination of the physicians, which will, I hope, be + presented on that day, or perhaps I may keep him till the Addresses + are carried. + + I make you no congratulations on this great event; but it has made + a deep impression in my heart, and so I am sure it will in yours. + + God bless you, and believe me ever most affectionately yours, + + W. W. G. + + Do not say more of the King's situation than Lord Sydney's despatch + authorizes, because Willis's name should not be committed after + what has passed. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Feb. 20th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The House of Commons met to-day and adjourned to Tuesday, without a + word being said, except from Viner, who desired to hear from Pitt + an account of the King's real situation. No answer was given, and + the House adjourned. + + Pitt has seen the Chancellor since his return from Kew to-day. _He, + Thurlow_, was with the King to-day for two hours. He did not enter + into particulars of what had been done, but only in general terms. + He says that he never saw, at any period, the King more composed, + collected, or distinct, and that there was not the least trace or + appearance of disorder. + + Willis, however, does not allow the cure to be yet quite complete, + although he thinks it as nearly so as possible. All the other + medical people seem to think him quite well; but Willis's means of + information and his experience are so much greater, that we cannot + but give entire credit to what he says. + + The Chancellor is to be at Kew again on Sunday. I think our present + idea is to adjourn the two Houses again from Tuesday to Thursday or + Saturday. If that is the case, I shall send Fremantle back to you, + as he tells me he has nothing to detain him here, and it is very + desirable that Bernard should be on the spot soon, to make his bow + at Aylesbury. + + You must not expect to hear from me on any other subject than the + King's recovery; for nobody here writes, talks, thinks or dreams of + anything else. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Feb. 21st, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have little to add to Lord Sydney's letter. Your refusal to + transmit the Address is generally approved here; and I have the + pleasure of seeing daily proofs that the Opposition in this country + are ashamed of what they and their friends have done in Ireland. + Your answer, I think, much improved by the transposition, + especially as it avoids the necessity of your submitting any advice + to His Royal Highness, which might have been said to be an + officious interference, as you are not in any situation which calls + upon you to advise _him_. + + You will hear with as much pleasure as I write it, that the King + was not at all agitated by his interview with the Chancellor, and + was perfectly composed and collected all yesterday evening. The + accounts this morning are as good as can be. + + Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and Duke of York have + been once or twice at Kew, to desire to be admitted _to_ see him, + which you will naturally suppose was not permitted. This morning + they thought proper to make a formal demand that they should be + allowed to see him; or if not, insisting that the physicians should + give in writing the reasons for their refusal. In consequence of + this, Warren and Gisborne, who were there this morning, sent Willis + in to the King, to acquaint him that the two Princes wished to see + him. Willis returned with a message to them from the King, thanking + them for their inquiries, but wishing to put off the seeing them + till he had seen Thurlow again, which he is to do to-morrow. This + was reduced to writing, and sent to them; how it will be received I + know not, but it has completely defeated the avowed object of the + visit, which was to prejudice his mind against the measures which + have been taken. + + There seems now every reason to hope that by the 6th or 7th of + March he will be sufficiently recovered, or rather will have been + recovered a sufficient time to make it proper to take his commands + for opening the Parliament. If not, you will see by the despatch + the nature of the measures which we have in contemplation; and I + can have no doubt of your agreeing, that no principle which we have + ever maintained would require or even justify us in putting the + Prince of Wales in such a situation as to enable him to overturn + the whole system of the King's Government, the King being all the + while perfectly well, conscious of what is going forward, and + restrained from acting himself only by the apprehension of a + relapse. + + You will already have seen and considered what I have said to you + on the subject of remaining. You cannot form to yourself an idea + how universally it is the wish of all who wish for your own + personal credit, and of all who are interested for the credit of + the party, that you should remain in Ireland so long as to make it + appear that you have thoroughly weathered the storm. Your session + need be but very short indeed. The uncertain state of everything + since November last, is an ample apology for not being prepared + with other business, and for deferring it till another year. But + the leaving it in the middle, would convey the impression that all + this difficulty had been personal to yourself, and that you were + the only obstacle to the success of English Government in Ireland. + Directly the reverse of this proposition is, I am convinced, the + truth; but it is a truth which it is of the utmost importance to + yourself to establish in the general and public opinion in this + country. You have great advantages for this, from the general + disposition which is prevalent here to feel the strongest + indignation at the conduct which your opponents have held. I must + own it would be a severe mortification to me to see you forego this + opportunity. + + You know the only motive which I can have for pressing this so + much, and how much violence I do to my own feelings when I urge + anything which may delay my seeing you again. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + +Lord Bulkeley, in a letter dated the 24th, describes one of these +interviews of the Princes with His Majesty. The general impressions +which prevailed respecting the conduct and dispositions of their Royal +Highnesses in this crisis, may be gathered from these unreserved +revelations. + + The accounts from Kew this morning are as good as possible (but I + have not got the precise words); notwithstanding, the Princes were + with him half an hour yesterday, which is a proof that his + miraculous recovery is not to be shaken. Lord Winchelsea, who was + at Kew the whole time, told me that the Prince and Duke of York, + though appointed at one, did not arrive till half-past three; and + that when they came out, they told Colonel Digby that they were + delighted with the King's being so well, and remarked that two + things in the half-hour's conference which they had with him had + struck them very forcibly: that he had observed to them how much + better he played at picquet than Mr. Charles Hawkins, and that + since he had been ill he had rubbed up all his Latin; and these + facts, which are facts, I expect to hear magnified by the Carlton + House runners into instances of insanity. + + The Princes entered the King's apartment without any emotion, and + came out of it with none visible in their countenances. The Queen + only was present, and the conference lasted half an hour. I have + not heard as yet; but conclude they were both rioting, ----, and + drunk last night at the masquerade, as they were at one a week ago; + the truth is, that they are quite desperate, and endeavour to + drown their cares, disappointments, and internal chagrin in wine + and dissipation. + + The Duke of York plays much at tennis, and has a score with all the + blacklegs; and in the public court tells them they shall all be + paid as soon as his father can settle with him some Osnaburg money + which he owes him. + + * * * * * + + The Princes give out, that as soon as they have an opportunity of + explaining their conduct to the King, they are sure he will approve + of it as much as he will reprobate that of Mr. Pitt's. + +"It is now almost certain," says Mr. Grenville on the 23rd, "that we +shall not pass the Regency Bill, and consequently that the Government +will not be changed." In the same letter he refers to a suggestion of +Lord Buckingham's, that the answer declining to transmit the Irish +Address should be laid before His Royal Highness. + + On conversing with Pitt, we were both clearly of opinion, that no + communication ought to be made to H.R.H. of what has passed in + Ireland, as we have uniformly considered him as not entitled, under + the present circumstances, to any communication of any part of the + business of Government. Nothing has accordingly been ever laid + before him, except the measures which Pitt intended to _bring + forward_ respecting him personally; but that principle certainly + does not extend to such a communication as had been proposed in + your separate letter, which I have for that reason not sent to Lord + Sydney. + +In so absurd a light, indeed, did the whole proceedings of the Irish +Parliament appear to Ministers, that Mr. Grenville thought it highly +improbable that the Irish Ambassadors, as they were called, would +venture to present the Address in the improved state of the King's +health, or that His Royal Highness would be advised to accept it. They +_did_ present it notwithstanding, and their reception is thus reported +by Mr. Grenville: + + Your Ambassadors are arrived; and presented their Address yesterday + evening to the Prince. The answer which, as I understand, he gave + them, was, that he was highly gratified with the expressions of + _loyalty to the King_, which the Address contained; but that with + respect to the rest he could not give them an answer before + Tuesday, on which day he desired to see them again. I take it for + granted, he will then say, that the King being recovered, all + consideration of a Regency is out of the question. + + People in general here do not seem disposed to consider this + transaction in any other than a ludicrous manner, and as the most + absurd and ridiculous farce. It is impossible to describe how much + and how universally their Excellencies are laughed at. One of them + came into an assembly last night, and was received with a general + roar of laughter. I did not think they would have been so foolish + as to present it. The Prince and his friends must have been a good + deal embarrassed what answer to give them; and I do not think they + have succeeded remarkably well, if the account of the answer, such + as I have stated it, is true. + +It was on the day after the Princes' interview that Mr. Pitt had his +first audience of the King since his illness; no Minister, except the +Chancellor, having hitherto been admitted to see His Majesty, on account +of the jealousies with which every step they took throughout this +painful interval was watched and turned to account. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Feb. 24th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + Pitt has just shown me a letter which he received last night from + the King, written in His Majesty's own hand, couched in the warmest + terms, thanking him for his unshaken attachment to his interests, + and desiring to see him this morning. He went accordingly to Kew, + and was with the King above an hour. He says that there was not the + smallest trace or appearance of any disorder; that the King's + manner was unusually composed and dignified, but that there was no + other difference whatever from what he had been used to see. The + King spoke of his disorder as of a thing past, and which had left + no other impression on his mind than that of gratitude for his + recovery, and a sense of what he owed to those who had stood by + him. He spoke of these in such a manner as brought tears into his + eyes; but even with that degree of affection of mind, there was not + the least appearance of disorder. + + After Pitt had left His Majesty, he conversed with Willis, who told + him that he now thought the King quite well; that he could not + perceive the least trace remaining of his disorder. Under these + circumstances, the more I consider our actual situation and what + seems due to the King's feelings, the more I am persuaded of that + opinion, to which I think our friends begin in general to lean, + that the King's resumption of his authority must be done purely by + his own act, and that it is impossible to hear of any examination + of physicians. + + The two Princes were at Kew yesterday, and saw the King, in the + Queen's apartment. She was present the whole time, a precaution for + which, God knows, there was but too much reason. They kept him + waiting a considerable time before they arrived; and after they + left him, drove immediately to Mrs. Armstead's, in Park Street, in + hopes of finding Fox there, to give him an account of what had + passed. He not being in town, they amused themselves yesterday + evening with spreading about a report that the King was still out + of his mind, and in quoting phrases of his to which they gave that + turn. It is certainly a decent and becoming thing, that when all + the King's physicians, all his attendants, and his two principal + Ministers, agree in pronouncing him well, his two sons should deny + it. And the reflection that the Prince of Wales was to have had the + Government and the Duke of York the command of the army during his + illness, makes this representation of his actual state, when coming + from them, more peculiarly proper and edifying. I bless God it is + yet some time before these _matured and ripened virtues_ will be + _visited upon us_ in the form of a Government. + + Believe me ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + +Acting on the _carte blanche_ which he had asked, and which had been +freely accorded to him, respecting dismissals, appointments, and +creations, Lord Buckingham proceeded at once to redress the balance of +power in Ireland, by dismissing from their offices the persons who had +recently opposed the conduct of the Government on the Regency question. +A similar course had been pursued in England on His Majesty's recovery. +Mr. Grenville mentions specially "the justice which had been executed on +Lord Lothian" in this way, the King taking his troop from him, and +sending him to join another in Ireland. "The joke current here," says +Mr. Grenville, "is, that the Irish Ambassadors came over here to +Lothian's hotel, and that the King sends Lothian to return the visit." +In Ireland the disaffection had been more dangerous and extensive, and +demanded more severe measures. + +The moment it was known that the King was recovered, a negotiation was +opened with the Government through Mr. Fitzgibbon, then +Attorney-General, by the principal members of the Lords and Commons who +had supported the Address, tendering their submission, and asking for an +amnesty. It has been stated in some publications referring to these +proceedings, that the negotiations were opened by Government; but Lord +Buckingham's official despatch, dated the 23rd of March, not only shows +that statement to be erroneous, but establishes the fact that Lord +Buckingham peremptorily refused to entertain the negotiation until he +should have received a positive assurance that a certain defensive and +hostile agreement, into which those gentlemen had entered, was to be +considered as abandoned. This agreement, or association, was called the +Round Robin (although not really a round robin, being merely a +declaration, followed in the usual way by the signatures of the +subscribers), pledging those who attached their names to it to "stand by +each other" (to use the phrase by which Mr. Beresford described it) in +the event of their offices or pensions being taken from them, and to +oppose any Administration that should resort to such a proceeding. + +Finding Lord Buckingham immoveable upon the condition he stipulated for, +Lords Shannon, Loftus, Clifden, and many others, authorized the +Attorney-General to declare the association at an end, adding that they +desired to be represented to His Majesty as anxious to support his +Government, and to endeavour to remove by their future conduct all +unfavourable impressions from his mind. In the wise exercise of the +discretion reposed in him, Lord Buckingham accepted this voluntary +tender of allegiance, and permitted the gentlemen who had made it to +retain their offices. The Duke of Leinster, who had been only recently +appointed to the Rolls, and Mr. Ponsonby, who held the situation of +Postmaster-General, refusing to give the required undertaking, +aggravated, in the case of the latter, by a declaration that he would +not enter into any communication with Lord Buckingham, were at once +dismissed from their offices. This dismissal was followed by that of a +few others of less note. + +These energetic measures were founded, not only on the dangerous +resistance these gentlemen had carried to extremity, at a period of +anxious suspense and universal excitement, against the Government, but +upon a knowledge of the existence of an organized combination they had +embarked in with the English Opposition to supersede the authority of +the Sovereign in the person of the Regent. In order the more effectually +to accomplish their objects, they had seized upon every act of the +Administration, and held it up to obloquy. A pension which had been +granted to Mr. Orde, and the reversion of Lord Clanbrassil's office +which had been conferred on Mr. Grenville, afforded them a pretext for +charging the Government with corruption and profligacy. They opened +their impeachment at the very beginning of the session, in February, +defeated the motion for adjournment, carried their Address at the +sacrifice of their own dignity and independence, and were only arrested +at last in their headlong career by those vigorous measures which broke +up the combination, and once more gave a legitimate preponderance in the +Senate to the saving influence of the Administration. The effect of the +_coup d'etat_--for as such these dismissals may be considered--was +decisive. The hostile majority was broken down; and when Mr. Grattan, +still confident in his resources, brought forward his Pension Bill, to +disable persons who held pensions during pleasure, or offices that had +been created after a certain time, from sitting in Parliament, he was +defeated by a majority of 9. This was justly claimed as a conclusive +victory by a Government that had only just before been denounced in a +vote of censure in the same assembly by a majority of 32. + +There is no doubt that the happy and unexpected recovery of His Majesty +averted a struggle that might have gone near to dissolve the connection +of the Executive authority between the two kingdoms; for, had His +Majesty's illness continued much longer, there is too much reason to +believe that His Royal Highness would have been advised to accept the +invitation of the Irish Parliament, by which he would have been created +Regent of Ireland, with full powers, before an Act of Parliament had +passed in England under the Great Seal empowering him to assume the +functions of Sovereignty. The confusion that would have ensued upon such +a state of affairs, and the disastrous issues to which it would have +inevitably led, cannot be contemplated, even at this distance of time, +without an expression of astonishment that men were to be found capable +of entertaining such a proposition. The heroic endurance of Lord +Buckingham, upon whom the whole weight of contending against the madness +in which this scene of folly and violence originated, enabled him, +happily for the repose of both countries, to live down the dangers and +the odium which his steadfast discharge of his duties, and his firm +adherence to the policy of the English Cabinet, had drawn upon him +during this season of political delirium. His own impressions of the +scene around him, and the strength of the resolution he brought to bear +upon it, will be shown in an extract from a hasty note written to Lord +Bulkeley, in the midst of the clamour of the Parliament, on the 14th of +March. + + I have not shrunk from my duty in the worst times, and I will not + trifle with it in those which look more prosperous. Much must be + done to save the British Government from an infamous and daring + combination, which might have been yielded to by a more + pusillanimous minister; but could only be met by one confident in + his character and conduct. Do not think this the language of + vanity; the times have been, and still are much too serious for + such a boyish passion: I feel that the dearest interests of both + kingdoms are at stake, and nothing but firmness can save it. I have + been insulted, I may be beat, but I will not be disgraced. + +When the victory was finally achieved, he writes again to Lord Bulkeley +in a strain of justifiable exultation, announcing his complete triumph +over the Opposition. The letter is dated the 4th May, and the passage +extracted from it contains an animated picture of the strife through +which the writer had just passed. + + I told you, two months ago, that my friends would not blush for + me--that I might be beaten, but that I would not be disgraced. I + write to you now in the moment, and with the transports of the + warmest exultation and of honest pride, to tell you, that on + Saturday night I closed the session in the House of Commons, having + thrown out every measure brought forward by Opposition. They would + not divide after their second defeat, where, though our majority + was the same, yet, as fewer members voted, it was more in + proportion than before; and the illness of Lord Clanbrassil and of + Lord Lifford lost us three votes. The House of Lords still sits for + a cause which they are hearing, and for some private Bills. The + House of Commons adjourned to Friday, and on that day both Houses + adjourn to the 25th, when I shall pass the Bills, and shall finally + prorogue them. + + In the space then of six weeks, I have secured to the Crown a + decided and steady majority, created in the teeth of the Duke of + Leinster, Lord Shannon, Lord Granard, Ponsonby, Conolly, O'Neil, + united to all the republicanism, the faction, and the discontents + of the House of Commons; and having thrown this aristocracy at the + feet of the King, I have taught to the British and Irish Government + a lesson which ought never to be forgotten; and I have the pride to + recollect that the whole of it is fairly to be ascribed to the + steady decision with which the storm was met, and to the zeal, + vigour, and industry of some of the steadiest friends that ever man + was blessed with. + +While these anxious events were passing in Ireland, the old passion of +the King for interfering with military promotions, as if he were +resolved, as Mr. Grenville remarks, to absorb that branch of patronage, +involved Lord Buckingham and the Cabinet in another series of protocols +similar to those which passed concerning Colonel Gwynne's appointment. +Another lieutenant-colonelcy had fallen vacant, and Lord Buckingham +desired that it should be bestowed on his nephew, Colonel Nugent, who +had been disappointed of a similar favour on the former occasion; but +His Majesty directed that it should be given to Colonel Taylor. Even Mr. +Grenville, who exercised a philosophical patience in these matters, was +so hurt at the manner in which Lord Buckingham's wishes were passed +over, at a time when he was rendering such signal services to the Crown, +that he could not restrain the expression of his dissatisfaction. +Writing to Lord Buckingham, he says: + + I feel that I would be unworthy, not only of your confidence and + affection, but of the name and character of a gentleman, if I did + not warmly partake of your just resentment at this gross and + unmerited offence, offered at a moment when your conduct had + entitled you to so very different a line of treatment. + +Lord Buckingham was again on the point of resigning, and Mr. Grenville +participated so strongly in his feelings that he indicated his +determination of following his example. After stating in a subsequent +letter that he thought he saw in the King's mind "a strong wish to take +into his own hands this piece of military patronage _whenever it +falls_," he proceeds to observe upon the consequences. + + The whole transaction gives me the greatest uneasiness, because I + am not afraid to say to you, fairly and openly, that the measures + to which, I fear, you may ultimately be driven in consequence of it + are of a nature which I fear extremely; and _that_, I trust, for + better reasons than any consideration of their effect on my views. + It is on every account a most critical and embarrassing moment for + you; and the sense which I entertain of the injustice of those who + have brought you into this situation, does not remove or diminish + my apprehensions of the consequences to which it leads. It is no + affectation or parade of disinterestedness, but the necessary + consequence of the first principles of justice and honour, when I + assure you that I am resolved to follow your decision upon it, and + that I consider your honour as inseparably connected with my own. + +Fortunately, however, this solution of the difficulty was rendered +unnecessary. A compromise, as usual, afforded a convenient escape to all +parties, without disappointing any; and by an ingenious re-distribution +of three or four regiments (devised by His Majesty himself), Taylor was +provided for elsewhere, and Nugent obtained his lieutenant-colonelcy. +There was great difficulty, nevertheless, in bringing His Majesty to +this point. He had made up his mind to give the vacant regiment to +Taylor, and would hear of no one else. "I am truly sorry to say," +observes Mr. Pitt, in the course of the negotiations, "that he seems +thoroughly determined not to yield, and I am sure no consideration will +induce him to agree to any other arrangement." Had it depended solely on +the disposition of the King, the difference would never have been +adjusted, and Lord Buckingham, stung by these repeated indignities, +might have thrown up his Government at a conjuncture when his retirement +must have plunged the country into anarchy. How seriously this step was +contemplated by him and Mr. Grenville will appear from the following +correspondence: + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, April 7th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have just received your letter of the 3rd, and though I have + nothing new to say to you upon the point of Captain Taylor, he not + having yet sent his answer, I cannot help writing a few lines, lest + you think the subject is out of my mind. With respect to the + promotions of peerage, the fault, if there is any, is mine; because + I felt, and still continue to feel, that under the present + circumstances, and till this business of Taylor is settled, the + other _ought_ to be postponed; nor can I imagine any real + inconvenience to arise from it. I am, however, by no means sanguine + in my expectations of the event of this business. I have already + expressed to you my sense of the King's treatment of you in this + instance, and my determination to abide by any measures that you + may think it right to take in this situation. I cannot, however, in + justice to you or to myself, avoid saying, that I most sincerely + wish you to consider well the step which you are about to take; and + that not only with a reference to your _present_ situation or to + your _immediate_ feelings, but with a view to the interpretation + which the public will put upon it, and with a view to any future + political object of ours. With respect to the latter, I am + persuaded you must see that it is impossible for you to resign the + Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland at this time, and on this ground, + without making up your mind at the same moment finally to renounce + all ideas of our taking any part hereafter as public men in this + country. If you will consider what our situation would be, after + such a step, with the King, with the Prince, with Pitt's friends, + and with Fox, and lastly with the public at large, you will, I am + sure, think that the consequence which I state is not overstrained. + + I can, without affectation, assure you, that though I am not + indifferent either to the recollection of what we have already + done, or to the prospects which are now before us; yet that I could + perfectly well make up my mind to a different line of life, and + that I am confident I possess sufficient resources within myself to + reconcile myself to such a step, provided it were taken for an + object which I felt to be _tanti_. And such I certainly do consider + the object of marking to you, and to the world, and of discharging, + in a manner satisfactory to my own feelings, my gratitude and + affectionate attachment to you, in an instance where I entirely + agree with you in thinking you ill-treated, at a time when you had + deserved best. + + It remains, therefore, for _you_ to consider what step it may be + best for you to take under all the present circumstances. Even if + your mind should ultimately lean to the idea of resigning, I should + certainly strongly press you not to carry this idea into effect + till you have closed your session in Ireland; and in this advice, + at least, I am certainly disinterested, because my situation would, + in the interim, be more disagreeable and embarrassing than it could + be under _any_ other circumstances. But I am _sure_ that if you + were to quit _immediately_, as you now talk of doing, you never + could induce any one to believe that this step was not taken with a + view to escape from present difficulties, instead of being intended + to mark your sense of personal ill-treatment; and that when the + impression of the present moment upon your feelings was over, you + never would forgive yourself for having concluded the transactions + of this winter by such a termination. + + I have only to add that I am not indifferent, and that I am + persuaded you are not, to the public consequences of our conduct. + It is one of the circumstances which are necessarily attendant + upon a public situation and a public line of life, that a person + who is engaged in it cannot act even in those points which most + nearly concern himself without producing consequences which are + often of great public importance. It will certainly not be a + pleasant reflection to me to have materially contributed to the + overthrow of that system of public men and public measures which I + believe to be of the utmost importance to the welfare and + prosperity of my country. On the best reflection which I can give + to the subject, weighing what I owe to you and to myself, and what + I owe to others, I shall feel myself _justified_, whatever may be + the consequences; but certainly my feelings upon them will be such + as to prevent my ever again putting myself into a similar + situation, even if the circumstances to which I have alluded in the + beginning of this letter did not, as they probably will, render + such an event absolutely impossible. + + When I speak of contributing to the overthrow of the present system + you certainly understand me to refer to the probable consequences + of our withdrawing ourselves from it, and not to any idea of your + being led, which I am persuaded is impossible, to contribute + actively to the triumph of a most wicked and profligate faction. I + should feel that I gave you just cause of offence, if I thought it + necessary to say, that this is a point to which no consideration + could lead me. + + You will excuse me if I have said so much in this letter upon my + own subject, in treating of a point which relates to your conduct + and to your situation. I feel that the two subjects are too + intimately connected for me to speak of them separately, and I felt + that you could not but be desirous, in the moment of deciding a + step so interesting to us both, that I should open my heart to you + in as free and unrestrained a manner as I have now done. + + One thing more I must recommend to your serious consideration. + Nothing is clearer to my mind than the propriety of the step you + have taken in dismissing Ponsonby, of the intimation which you have + given to Lord Shannon of the necessary consequences of his present + conduct, and of the measures you have adopted for securing to + yourself efficient assistance by the removal of Fitzherbert, and by + the nomination of Hobart on the persuasion which you entertain of + his ability to serve you. But I must entreat you to reflect that + this line of conduct is only to be justified on the supposition of + your being to remain in Ireland; while, on the other hand, + entertaining as you now do the idea of quitting your situation, it + is surely a duty which you owe to yourself, as well as to the + public, to leave to your successor his decision as free and open as + your own is now, on points which may be of such infinite importance + to his Government. To have failed in this instance would, I am + sure, much add to the many grounds of regret which will press + themselves upon your mind. + + I will say no more on all these points. I have now written you a + dissertation, instead of a few lines, as I had intended, but my + anxiety on the subject has drawn me on. The groundwork of all this + difficulty may, after all, be removed by Taylor's refusal, or by + Pitt's exertions; but I again repeat that I am not sanguine on that + head, and it is certainly more reasonable that we should prepare + our minds for a contrary event. + + Believe me ever, my dear brother, + Most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + Why should you feel yourself offended because particular marks of + favour have been shown to Burrard and Lenox, two most steady, warm, + and deserving friends of ours at all times, and in all + circumstances? + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + April 10th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have just received your letter of the 7th, and feel myself bound + to answer the question which you put to me as directly and as + explicitly as I am able to do. The business remains hitherto in the + same situation as when I wrote last to you. A further answer has + been received from Major Taylor, in which he still persists in his + former refusal; but by some confusion about dates, it is not + perfectly clear whether this is his final answer to the + notification which had been made to him, that he must renounce his + further expectations from the King if he refuses this. We were + desirous to delay any communication with the King upon the subject, + till it was perfectly clear that the plea of his engagement to + Taylor was removed by the refusal of the latter, because we thought + that, under those circumstances, the representation of what was due + to you would come with greater force. I am, however, obliged to say + that there is a further difficulty, even supposing this of Taylor + to be removed by his refusal. The King has destined _his_ Majority + of Dragoons to Garth, one of his equerries, and has had the folly + and precipitation to communicate this intention to Garth. Under + these circumstances, it appears doubtful whether even a final + refusal from Taylor would remove the plea of actual engagement, and + whether Nugent's appointment would not still meet with the same + difficulty on account of its not opening a Majority of Dragoons for + Garth. You will observe that I speak only from a general idea of + the King's feelings and habits of thinking and acting on these + subjects, when I state these probable difficulties, but that I have + no further information as to his disposition in this particular + instance, than I had when I wrote to you last. + + This will, however, now be brought in some measure to a point, as + Pitt and myself have agreed that there should be no further delay; + but that he should now write to the King to state Taylor's last + answer of refusal, and to express his hope, that in consequence of + this, His Majesty will, under all the circumstances of the case, be + disposed to comply with your recommendation of Colonel Nugent. + + It has occurred to us, that even if the King should obstinately + persist in a refusal on this occasion, there is another solution + which you might possibly deem satisfactory. You will recollect that + the business of Colonel Gwynne closed last year, by the King's + consenting that Nugent should have the office of Adjutant-General, + provided any arrangement could be made by you for Faucitt. Neither + Pitt nor myself ever knew from you on what point your negotiation + with Faucitt broke off. But if that could be renewed, Pitt + authorizes me to say that he could find the means of opening a ten + Sh. Government for him in England immediately, and that he has no + doubt of the King's consent to the arrangement, even preceding the + signing Taylor's commission. + + You, however, will best know how far this mode of arranging the + business would be satisfactory to you, and what probability there + would be of bringing it to bear, with the assistance which I state. + If you feel this to be impossible, there will then remain nothing + but to press the King on the other point as far as possible, and at + last, if it is found absolutely necessary, to give him to + understand that his option must be made between his Major Taylor + and his Major Garth on the one hand, and his Lord-Lieutenant of + Ireland on the other. You do justice to the manner in which I have + felt and written to you on this occasion, and it is extremely + satisfactory to me to know that you are not insensible to the + warmth and sincerity of my affection and gratitude towards you. Let + me therefore, upon that ground, presume so far only as to beg that + you will not send your resignation, or notify formally (or indeed + in any other manner) your intention so to do, till you learn from + me that I am convinced all other steps will be ineffectual. I + persuade myself that this is a trust which you will not believe me + capable of abusing, however unwilling I must be, on so many + accounts, to see you driven to the necessity of taking this last + and decisive step. + + I mentioned also to you, in my last letter, the reasons which I + feel for wishing that, in all events, the actual execution of this + measure may be delayed till the conclusion of the session. I press + this for reasons personal to you, and which I feel very strongly, + although the interval will unquestionably be very embarrassing to + you, and perhaps even more distressing to myself. But I am desirous + of knowing how far you feel the force of those reasons, and what + your determination would be in that case, because I think it might + make some difference in the manner of stating your intention to the + King, if this should be rendered necessary. + + I feel it needless to repeat to you what I have already said of my + intentions respecting my own conduct; and I hope you do me the + justice to believe, that however deeply I am involved in the result + of this business, my first anxiety is that it may terminate in a + manner consistent with your honour, character, and happiness. + + Believe me, my dear brother, + Most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + + MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Holwood, April 12th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + As I understand that Mr. Pitt writes to you by this messenger, in + order to state to you the nature of the King's answer to his + letter, and to explain the arrangement which is proposed to you as + a solution of this unpleasant business, I feel that I can have + nothing to add. I have already mentioned to you, in the most full + and unreserved manner, the whole of my feelings on this occasion, + and I see nothing in the present state of it which can at all vary + them. I still continue very desirous that this business may not + proceed to those extremities which you have mentioned, because I + think such a step, independent of its public consequences, would + close our political prospects in this country, and would, besides, + be liable to a construction which we should most wish to avoid. But + I also continue in the full determination to abide by your decision + upon it, and that your conduct shall regulate mine; because I feel + this as no less due to myself than to you, on an occasion in which + I certainly think the King has been much wanting to you. + + If I were to write volumes to you, I could only enlarge upon these + points, on which I have already fully written to you, and with the + same freedom and sincerity as if I were thinking aloud. I always + feel some embarrassment and difficulty in writing upon points in + which I am myself so much interested; although I have not, on this + occasion, suffered that consideration to weigh with me, so as + either to say what I should not otherwise have said, or to leave + unsaid anything which I felt I ought to say. I have now, therefore, + only to conclude, with my sincere assurances of the uniform and + warm affection with which I am, + + My dear brother, most truly yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, April 16th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I came to town yesterday with Mr. Pitt, and found your letter of + the 11th, and this morning I received yours of the 12th. I was much + mortified that I was not able to write to you yesterday evening, + as I had intended to do, first by the post, and afterwards by a + messenger. But different circumstances arose, which made it + impossible. I could have wished to have answered your letter at + length, in order to state to you everything that occurs to me upon + it; but I cannot now do this without unnecessarily delaying the + messenger, and I wish to lose no time in letting you know the exact + state of the business, as it now stands. Taylor has accepted, which + considerably increases the difficulty of making a point with the + King to undo what he has done for him. But another solution has now + offered itself, on which I cannot help feeling rather sanguine. We + have just heard of the death of General Mackay: Pitt is now writing + to the King, to represent the propriety of making any arrangement, + which this event may give rise to, subservient to the purpose of + removing this difficulty, and to desire to see the King, in order + to converse with him upon that point. The King will probably + appoint to-morrow; but as Pitt may not be back till late, I thought + it better to send off this messenger, as my letter is now a day + later than I meant to have written, and I can easily judge of your + impatience to hear from me on this subject. + + Lodge Morres will be instantly dismissed, with such a letter as you + mention. + + You shall hear from me again to-morrow, or Saturday, at latest. I + hope you have not taken any step on the receipt of our letters of + Sunday; but if any letter of formal resignation comes from you, I + should feel myself justified, under these circumstances, to stop + it. + + In answer to your questions about Pitt, I beg you to believe that, + however warm and sincere my friendship is for him, yet that it + would not stand one moment in the way, if I thought him acting + dishonourably or unfairly by you. I may, to-morrow, have time to + write more at large on that subject; but, in the meantime, let me + assure you that I am the grossest dupe in the world if that is the + case. I am impatient to hear the result of Monday. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, April 17th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have the greatest pleasure in being able to acquaint you that + this unpleasant business of the lieutenant-colonelcy is now in a + way of being settled, so as, I hope, may be perfectly satisfactory + to you. I have just seen Mr. Pitt, and received from him the + agreeable information that he found the King entirely disposed to + do whatever might conduce to this object, and even _desirous_ of + explaining that the former difficulties had arisen only from his + actual engagements. It is not yet precisely settled in what mode + this should be done; because, Mr. Pitt finding the King in so + favourable a disposition on the subject, thought it better, on + every account, to avoid pressing him further than appeared + necessary. Two modes were, however, suggested in conversation + between them: the one, that General Ainslie should have Mackay's + regiment, by which means his lieutenant-colonelcy should be given + to Taylor, and so Nugent be appointed to Gwynne's; the other, that + the regiment should be given to Sir James Stewart Denham, which + would vacate his lieutenant-colonelcy for Nugent. A third was also + mentioned by the King, namely, the inducing Taylor, by the offer of + the Lieutenant-Governorship of Cowes, to exchange with Nugent. Any + one of these would, I flatter myself, answer your purpose; because + they would show the King's disposition to attend to your + recommendation, and that having been hampered by an actual + engagement to Taylor, he is now ready to accommodate his own + patronage in such a way as may, at the same time, provide for + Nugent. But what I think even better than all this, is the account + which Pitt gave me of the King's apparent manner of feeling on this + subject. I had, I confess, very much apprehended that, however + necessary it might be, in order to keep up your situation and + apparent weight with the King, to insist upon some such solution + for this business, yet that the doing this would leave a lasting + and most unfavourable impression on his mind, which might lead to a + renewal of this sort of contest on some future occasion. This + appears to be by no means the case, at present; and I am sure that + you will agree with me in thinking that although it might, in some + points of view, have been desirable that the whole arrangement + could have been concluded to-day, so as to put an end to all + appearance of suspense, yet that it would have been unwise, in this + state of things, to have pressed the King to this sort of + peremptory decision as to the mode of doing it, which he seemed + desirous of having an opportunity of revolving in his own mind. + + It will now probably not be very long before whatever official + business you will have in this country, will pass through a medium + rather better disposed, and more attentive to you, than that of + your present correspondent; and if I do not grossly flatter myself, + a little attention on my part, to soothe the King's mind--which has + evidently been irritated on these points--will make all this sort + of business go smoothly, and to your satisfaction. + + I am sorry not to have complied with your wish about the + promotions; but, on very mature reflection, I was persuaded that it + was risking too much, with regard to the principal and important + point, to mix with it any other business on which it was always + possible that some difficulty might arise in the King's mind. In + the course of the next week, I hope to be able to write to you on + that subject; but I trust you will not be unwilling to rely a + little on me with regard to the exact time, which I assure you I + will not delay, except I think I see very material reasons for it. + You must also make some allowance for the very great additional + delay which is created in all this sort of business, by the King's + residing wholly at Windsor, which gives Pitt fewer opportunities of + seeing him, and for a shorter time. + + I mentioned to you, in my last letter, that Lodge Morres would be + immediately removed. I have desired that the letter notifying this, + may contain some such expressions as you mention; but I cannot + answer for this, because I cannot, as things now stand, interfere + in the wording of those letters, except by a very circuitous mode. + + I also answered your question about Pitt, but I did it shortly; nor + indeed could any expressions that I could have used do justice to + the warm and anxious feeling which he has shown on this occasion. I + am inclined to impute this termination of the business, so much + more favourable than I had expected, almost entirely to his + judgment and address. + + I have had the pleasure this morning of seeing Lady B. and your + children. You will have heard that she has had a feverish cold, but + I hope it has now quite left her. Your children are all well. + + Adieu, my dear brother. I cannot express to you what a weight is + removed from my mind by the success of Pitt's journey. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + +The promotions and creations glanced at in these letters were +recommended by Lord Buckingham as proper marks of His Majesty's sense of +the services rendered to the Government during the late crisis in +Ireland by some influential men in both Houses of Parliament. As those +who had abandoned the Administration were dismissed, it was no less an +act of justice that those who had supported it should receive some +testimony of the King's approbation, and the Lord-Lieutenant's _carte +blanche_ embraced this dispensing power on both sides. Some alarm was +felt by the Cabinet at the list of promotions and creations (nineteen in +number) forwarded on this occasion for the royal sanction. The increase +of the peerage was, perhaps, the only point on which Mr. Pitt's +Government was vulnerable, for, although he exercised the greatest +caution in his selections, and introduced them by degrees, instead of +making them in batches, as the peculiar circumstances of Ireland at this +moment demanded, it was felt to be the objection which, of all others, +operated most injuriously against the character and popularity of his +Administration. His Majesty's engagements, too, enhanced the +embarrassment. Whenever any proposition for honours or appointments, +naval, military, or civil, was submitted to him, it was certain to be +obstructed by some obligation he had previously laid himself under by +promise to different persons. In the present instance a difficulty of +this kind interposed. Two peerages were already engaged in advance, and +the arrangement of the Irish list depended entirely on the nature of the +pledges to which His Majesty had committed himself in these cases. Mr. +Grenville writes that Mr. Pitt was to see His Majesty on the subject in +two or three days. "He will then endeavour to find out whether the +King's engagements were so positive and absolute as to Lords A. and C. +as to lay him under the absolute necessity of conferring this honour on +four persons in order to be able to reward the services of two." It may +be presumed that these engagements were not absolute, or, at all +events, that they were not suffered to interfere with Lord Buckingham's +list, as all the persons he named, with the exception of two or three, +who were excluded on special grounds, received the honours to which he +recommended them. + +Amongst these was Mr. Fitzgibbon, Poor old Lord Lifford, who had kept +his seat, and exerted himself indefatigably to the last, died on the +28th of April. The labours of that terrible session proved too much for +his declining powers, and he finally sank under them. The opportunity to +which Mr. Fitzgibbon had been so long looking forward was now thrown +open to him. Lord Buckingham pressed his claims earnestly on the +Government, recounting the signal obligations he had laid them under on +the Regency question, tracing his career, and depicting his character in +terms of the highest eulogy. The appointment rested with Thurlow, whose +humours required to be waited upon, and who was suspected, moreover, to +be unfavourable to Fitzgibbon. Much delay and suspense consequently +ensued, and it was not until June that the patent was made out. +Fitzgibbon was immediately created a Baron. From that point his +promotion in the peerage advanced rapidly. In 1793, he was created +Viscount Fitzgibbon; and in 1795, Earl of Clare. + +The King's recovery now enabled Ministers to resume those measures which +the late unhappy suspension of public affairs had so grievously +interrupted. One of the first subjects that called for consideration was +the abolition of the Slave Trade. Mr. Wilberforce had succeeded in +raising such an excitement throughout the country about his forthcoming +motion, that the West India interest took alarm, and desired to know +whether it was the intention of Government to adopt the measure. But Mr. +Pitt, who had not yet pledged the Administration to any step beyond that +of inquiry, maintained a reserve on this point, which the enthusiasm of +Mr. Wilberforce may be said to have forced upon him. A letter from Sir +William Young touches on this matter; and alludes, also, to some +unseemly conduct on the part of the Princes, which is spoken of in a +similar spirit of deprecation in other letters. The circumstances that +rendered their proceedings on this occasion the more conspicuous and +objectionable were, that the ball at White's Club, referred to, was +given in honour of His Majesty's birthday, and happy restoration; and +that the Queen had signified her intention of being present. + + +SIR WILLIAM YOUNG TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Stratton Street, April 22nd, 1789. + MY DEAR LORD, + + The week passed hath not afforded an item of information worthy the + sending you. I have now a circumstance or two to mention in the + political line, and a little scandal to garnish it with, of a sort + "_quod predetendici potuisse, et non potuisse refelli_." Of + business in the first place. Steele told me yesterday, that on Mr. + Fox's motion this day to repeal the Hop-tax, it was meant to give + it up with the best grace possible. The next piece of Parliamentary + intelligence is respecting the Slave Trade; a committee from the + planters and merchants of the West Indies waited the other day on + Mr. Pitt, to put the short question, whether Government supported + Mr. Wilberforce in his motion for the _Abolition_ of the Slave + Trade? Mr. Pitt answered, that "He must decline committing his own + opinion thus early, and that the Cabinet had not yet sat in + discussion of that question." The gentlemen of this committee speak + of Lord Hawkesbury as against the _extent_ of Mr. Wilberforce's + proposition, and that Administration are generally (Camden and + others) with Lord Hawkesbury. _Je ne m'en mele pas._ + + I know of no other business to engage the attention of Parliament + after Easter but my poor Bill, which is much amended and enlarged + from last year. It seems to have general support. I have thought it + more candid to read it a first time and print it, deferring the + second reading to the first week of meeting after Easter, when I am + engaged to the House to open fully the principle of my undertaking, + in what your Lordship terms _memoires raisonnees_. If I succeed in + this Bill, as I _expect_ to do, relating to the able poor, I shall, + next sessions, proceed to accomplish the rest of my plan, by + amending and giving force to (where necessary) the Bastard, Vagrant + Laws, and generally those of police respecting the poor. The plan + is extensive, but I have much considered it. I think I have it + clear in comprehension, and can pursue it through each effect on + the industry and manners of our people. I cannot be idle, _ainsi je + veux quelque part me faire ministre_. + + For the dish of scandal I promised, it is of marked importance as + to the character of those whose character must have leading + consequences in this country; and, in fact, it is no scandal, it is + a shameful truth; otherwise, tales of this sort, are not such as I + like blotting my paper with. In the first place, on the ball given + by White's Club, at the Pantheon, the Prince of Wales sent round to + canvass _non_-attendance by every one of his party; yet both + himself and the Duke of York took the tickets sent, and then the + Duke of York sent them all to be sold, at Hookham's, to any one + that would buy them. The fact was intimated at White's, when the + stewards adopted a regulation to preclude the mischief of improper + company, by directing that the person subscribing, or to whom the + tickets were sent, should put his name. The Duke thereon _put his + name_, and the tickets were sold, with the prostitution of the + title of "_York_." To close this disgraceful detail, a ball, the + same night, of ----, was given at the Horse Guards, expressly for + the Duke of York. I have not authentically heard whether the Prince + of Wales was of the party. The day will come when Englishmen will + bring these Princes to their senses. + + Adieu, my dear Lord; health and prosperity, and success in all you + undertake, be yours; and to me, the happiness whilst I have life, + of signing, your affectionately devoted and obliged friend and + servant, + + W. YOUNG. + +The lamentable divisions that existed in the royal family formed a topic +of common conversation, and deeply disturbed the tranquillity of His +Majesty's mind. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of York took +industrious advantage of all available means to cultivate popularity out +of doors; and when it was thought advisable by Ministers, that the King +should make a procession to St. Paul's to offer up thanks for his +recovery, their Royal Highnesses seem to have entered into a sort of +rivalry with the King for the applause of the spectators. Indeed, there +was so little disguise about their personal conduct to His Majesty, that +the newspapers did not hesitate to charge them with it, and the Dukes of +York, Gloucester and Cumberland, felt it necessary to protect themselves +against the animadversions of the Press, by prosecuting the publisher of +the "Times," for accusing them of "insincerity" in their professions of +joy at the King's recovery. Some fears were entertained as to the +bearing of His Majesty on the occasion of the procession; but he passed +through it with a composure and self-control that inspired his friends +with the utmost confidence in the future. Mr. Bernard, writing to Lord +Buckingham on the 23rd of April, gives the following account of the +proceedings: + + +MR. BERNARD TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + London, April 23rd, 1789, Five o'clock, P.M. + MY LORD, + + The ceremony of this day has been gone through exceedingly well. + The procession from the House of Commons began at eight o'clock, + and the King reached St. Paul's between eleven and twelve. The + arrangement of the cathedral, particularly the dome, presented a + beautiful sight. The King seems much reduced by his late + illness--was remarkably composed during the service, and attentive + to the music. His Majesty, as well as the Queen, seemed much + affected with the solemnity of their first entrance, as were many + of the persons present. Lady Uxbridge was near fainting away. + + As the King went out of the church, he seemed to be in good + spirits, and talked much to the persons about him; but he stared + and laughed less than ever I knew him on a public occasion. He + returned to the Queen's House between three and four o'clock. Mr. + Fox and most of his party were there. He and Colonel Fitzpatrick + were stationed in front of the altar, and directly opposite the + King, being the part of the cathedral for Privy Councillors and + Peers' sons. Mr. Pitt sat near them, but not in the first ranks. I + saw Lord Temple in a very good place, in that part of the church. I + did not see Mr. Burke there, and therefore suppose he continues + ill. The trial was deferred yesterday on account of his illness, + which people say was occasioned by his working himself into too + great a passion the day before. + + I have the honour to be ever, my Lord, + Your Excellency's most faithful and affectionate servant, + S. BERNARD. + +The same subject is followed up in a letter from Lord Bulkeley. + + +LORD BULKELEY TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Stanhope Street, April 27th, 1789. + MY DEAR LORD, + + The pilgrimage to St. Paul's, which funck'd us all very much, has + turned out exceedingly well, for the King conducted himself + throughout the whole of that very arduous trial in such a manner as + to convince all, except those who will not see nor hear, that he is + in perfect possession of his faculties. The Princes of Wales, York, + Cumberland, and, I am sorry to say, Gloucester, talked to each + other the whole time of the service, and behaved in such an + indecent manner that was quite shocking. The King in Pall Mall was + received without applause, and the Prince with a good deal; but + from Cockspur Street to St. Paul's he had the warmest acclamations + possible, particularly in the city of London, where all ranks of + people were unanimous, which the King perceived, and since has much + praised. In parts of the Strand the Prince's dependants were posted + to give him an huzza as he passed, which flattered him most + exceedingly; but he lost his temper in the City, and he never + recovered it afterwards, for at St. Paul's he was in the worst + humour possible, and did everything he could do to expose himself + in the face of an amazing concourse of persons, and of all the + foreign Ministers. + + On the return of the procession the Prince and Duke of York put on + their uniforms at Carlton House, and headed the whole brigade of + Grenadiers, and fired a _feu de joie_ before Buckingham House, the + King and Queen and the Princesses standing in one of the windows. + The Prince, before the King got into his carriage, which the whole + line waited for before they filed off, went off on a sudden with + one hundred of the common people, with Mr. Wattie in the middle of + them, huzzaing him, and was done evidently to lead, if possible, a + greater number, and to make it penetrate into Buckingham House. + + The breach is so very wide between the King and Prince, that it + seems to me to be a great weakness to allow him any communication + with him whatsoever; for under the mask of attention to their + father and mother, the Prince and Duke of York commit every + possible outrage, and show every insult they can devise to them. + The report of the journey to Hanover prevails to an alarming + degree, and the King talks of it right hand and left; but it is to + be hoped the Ministers will be able to divert his attention from it + at this particular moment, for in the present unhinged state of + things it might be pregnant with very disagreeable consequences. I + believe the King's mind is torn to pieces by his sons, and that he + expects to relieve himself by a new scene, and by getting out of + the way of hearing of and seeing the Prince of Wales, with the + hopes of being able to detach the Duke of York, whom he fondly and + dotingly loves, and of prevailing on him to marry on the continent, + of which there is no chance, for in my opinion he is just as bad as + the Prince, and gives no hopes of any change or amendment + whatsoever in thought, word, or deed. + + * * * * * + + P.S.--It is said that the King abuses Dundas to those about him + very much, in a language that is very much copied by those whom we + all know by the term of "King's friends;" and there are some who + pretend to say that his loss of ground at Buckingham House has been + owing to the part he took against Hastings, in which he has the + reputation of having engaged Pitt to concur. I have made every + inquiry whether the King ever expresses himself to his people about + him in favour of Hastings, and I am told he is very guarded and + reserved on his subject, but that some _females_ in his house talk + loud and warmly in his favour, which occasions the attributing the + same opinions to him. + + On one of the adjourned questions on Hastings's trial in the House + of Lords, Lord Maitland, standing next to Dundas, asked him what he + thought would be the result of the inquiry, to which he replied in + these words: "I don't care what is done with him, for you and your + friends in Opposition have done our business, by keeping him out of + the Board of Control." Lord Maitland on this called up Colonel + Fitzpatrick and Dudley Long, in whose presence Dundas actually + repeated his words, and they, of course, trumpeted them all over + town, and they have occasioned much conversation and much abuse of + Dundas, in addition to their former abuse on the part of Hastings's + friends. The folly of such language, especially to three violent + Oppositionists, was very absurd, weak, and ill-judged, but the fact + is certain. + + I hear many complaints of Pitt and his Secretaries' personal + inattentions to Members _of_ Parliament, but they will think twenty + times before they go into Opposition; and it is most probable that + these complaints are not made till _impossible jobs_ have been + refused; I therefore only mention them as certainly existing, and + most probably as to any consequences, _vox et praeterea nihil_, at + least till the last sessions. + + * * * * * + + Just as I was sealing my letter a person called on me, who tells + me that divisions in the Cabinet, or rather among the Cabinet + Ministers, certainly do exist, to a great degree, about Mr. Dundas, + and has confirmed to me what I have before told you, that every + corner of Buckingham House resounds with abuse, and opprobrious + epithets against him. + +A passage in a letter of Mr. Grenville's, dated the 2nd of May, +indicates an approaching event, to which many circumstances, but chiefly +the increasing weight the writer had latterly acquired in the councils +of Mr. Pitt, had for some time been obviously tending. + + I wish to mention to you that Lord S. has taken great offence, from + the circumstance of having at last found out that your despatches + to him come over enclosed to me. I could wish, therefore, that for + the _very short time_ that your correspondence with him is likely + to continue you would alter this, as nothing material is likely to + arise that can render it necessary, and I am desirous just at this + particular moment to avoid any altercation with him. This jealousy + on his part, and a just sense on mine of his conduct towards you, + has entirely broke off all communication between us with respect to + Irish, or indeed any other, business. Some delay and awkwardness + necessarily arises from this; but it is unavoidable, and I repeat + that it will probably be of _very_ short duration. + +The nomination of Mr. Grenville to the Home Office had been delayed only +till the arrangements consequent upon the necessary changes it involved +could be satisfactorily carried out. The means of effecting it were now +within Mr. Pitt's reach; and at the moment this letter was written, Mr. +Grenville's appointment was on the eve of being ratified. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, May 15th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + Just as I was sitting down to write to you, I received a note from + Hobart, informing me of his arrival. I have seen him, and had a + long conversation on the different points which he is charged with. + My appointment is, I think I may now _decisively_ say, fixed for + Friday next, and I hope that you will soon feel the effects of your + new correspondent, in the expedition of the various matters which + are now lying on hand. You must, I am sure, be sensible that under + the circumstances of these last three weeks, it has been _quite + impossible_ for me, however ardently I wished it for your sake, to + bring forward these different points of business; but on Monday + sev'nnight, at latest, I hope to write to you upon them all, though + the length of Hobart's memorandum-paper has a little frightened me. + I do not complain of it as thinking your bill a large one, + considering the value received, but only I think the impression of + my _debut_ in the closet may be a little awkward. I must, however, + meet this as well as I can; and although this ten days' more delay + must, I know, be very unpleasant to you, I trust you will see it is + unavoidable. + + If you find it necessary, for reconciling any of your principal + people to the delay, to assign the intended change in the + Secretary's office as a reason, there can now be no objection to + it, as we have agreed that it would be right that, by the time you + can receive this letter, we should begin to buzz it about, as a + thing not improbable to happen. + + With respect, however, to your peerages, I have, as I promised you, + got Pitt to state them to the King, who has consented to them, + Marquisates and all. You may now, therefore, recommend them as soon + as you please, and _I_ will take care there shall be no further + unnecessary delay. + + There are, however, still two points with respect to this business. + I understand from Hobart that Lord Glerawley wants his promotion to + be limited to his brother. This had not been stated in your + letters, and I was therefore unable to mention it to Pitt. It is + therefore still possible that the King may make some objection to + this, as you know it is against one of his rules (though by no + means an invariable one) to give a step and a limitation at the + same time. + + The other is essential, and can, I hope, make no difficulty with + you. He is willing to _engage_ that these should _all_ be done + without delay, but he seems much to wish that the promotions and + creations should be separated, in order that they may not, by + coming together, appear to fill too large a column in the + "Gazette." There must, therefore, be an interval of a fortnight or + three weeks. You will judge whether the promotions or creations + should come first. + + The only remaining point is that of the Seals. I beg you to believe + me sincere when I assure you that, independent of your wishes upon + the subject, my own opinion is quite as much made up as yours is on + the subject of Fitzgibbon's appointment. But, in the same + sincerity, I assure you that it is by no means advantageous towards + the attainment of this object, that it should be pressed forward in + the present moment. Hobart has asked me whether Fitzgibbon's coming + over would not be of use to him? I am strongly inclined to be of + opinion that it would; but before I gave him a decisive answer, I + wish to consult Pitt, and he is not to write to Fitzgibbon till + after that. With respect to the difficulty of your Chancery causes, + I can conceive no earthly reason why Carleton, especially as he is + to receive so great a favour, should not have to go on with them, + just as Lord Loughborough did here when the Seals were in + commission for a year. Depend upon it that I do not deceive you, + when I say that it is much better to wait for the favourable + moment, than to hurry it on to a decision now. That favourable + moment may arise sooner or later, but I am confident that + ultimately _le bon tems viendra_. Your information about the + Chancellor's _resolution_ is very curious, because I have reason to + _know_ that McNa. is exactly the very person who has most strongly + urged Thurlow on the propriety of an English appointment, and who + has suggested this curious notion of F.'s unpopularity. But I + mention this, relying upon your honour that you will not repeat it + to _any one_, but particularly not to Fitzgibbon. + + I am most sincerely sorry that the consideration of your health + should enter at all into the question of your going or remaining. + Pray let me entreat you, whether you take the one resolution or the + other ultimately, not to delay nor put off one day a fixed + resolution to use constant and sufficient exercise. I am sure any + delay on that head is of a hundred times more consequence than all + those which we have been lamenting. Nothing in the world could make + up to you for the consequences which your omission in this respect + (which I am grieved to learn from Hobart still continues) may bring + upon you. You cannot conceive how earnestly I feel on this subject, + because I am every day feeling the good effects of a contrary + practice, which enables me to go through all the business I have, + without hurting my health or spirits. + + Adieu, my dear brother, + Believe me ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + +The duel between Colonel Lenox and the Duke of York took place on the +26th of May. The town gossiped about it, but regarded it with +indifference; and neither party got much credit in the end. Mr. Hobart, +on the 30th, communicates another _on dit_ concerning the behaviour of +the Princes. + + The Queen and Princesses were last night at the _fete_ given by the + French Ambassador. The Prince of Wales, Dukes of York and Clarence, + were also there; but would not dance, or stay supper, lest they + should have the appearance of paying the smallest attention to Her + Majesty. The officers of the Duke of York's regiment met yesterday, + at the request of Charles Lenox; they did not come to a decision + till about an hour ago. I hear it is that Lenox acted with courage, + but not with judgment. + +There was some difficulty in finding a successor for Mr. Grenville in +the House of Commons. The choice at last fell on Mr. Addington. The +selection was not altogether unexceptionable; but, upon the whole, he +was the best person that could be found. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, June 1st, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have this morning received your two letters, of the 26th and 28th + together, which was a great relief to me from the uneasiness which + I should have felt from your first letter, if I had received it + separately. I most sincerely hope that you will feel no further bad + effects from this accident. Lady B. has been some days on her road + to Dublin, and is probably with you before this time. I cannot + express to you how much I am concerned that any parts of my letter + on the subject of the promotions should have appeared to you in the + smallest degree wanting in that kindness and warmth of affection + which I so sincerely feel, and always wish and mean to express. I + have no copy of that letter, nor have I any recollection of the + particular turn or expression of it which can at all serve me to + remember what part of it can have impressed your mind with this + sensation. I can therefore only say that, whatever it was, it has + been most remote from my intention, and that as to any expression + which can bear such an interpretation--_totum hoc indictum volo_. + + With respect to the King's health, on which you ask me so + particularly, I can only repeat to you what I said in my last + letter--which I have from what I believe to be the very best + authority--that he continues perfectly well, both in mind and body, + and, with respect to the latter, is growing stronger every day. I + beg you to believe, that though I should write you any contrary + account with much pain and mortification, yet that I feel too much + the importance of your being well and accurately informed on the + subject, to have a moment's hesitation in stating anything of that + sort to you as soon as I heard it myself. But, in truth, I believe + that all these reports originate in nothing else than the anxiety + of the King's friends for the preservation of his health, and the + impatience which his enemies feel for the only event which can give + them any prospect of seeing their wishes accomplished. + + Addington is the person intended for my successor. He wants only a + little more age, and being a little more known, to make his + nomination unexceptionable; but I certainly cannot but confess that + he does want both these. It is, however, the best appointment that + we can make to a situation to which so few people are willing to + look, and for which so much fewer are at all qualified. I have no + doubt of his acquitting himself well in it, and of his becoming, in + a little time, extremely popular in the House. We shall certainly + lose our Abolition question. The cry against us upon it is growing + every day stronger, without anybody being willing to give + themselves the trouble of entering, in the smallest degree, into + the examination of the grounds upon which our arguments rest. + + We have no foreign news, except the continuance of the disputes and + difficulties in France. But these you have as fully in the + newspapers as I could detail them to you. The accounts from Vienna + seem to agree that there is not much probability of the Emperor's + finally recovering these repeated attacks, though he may linger out + a considerable time. + + Adieu, my dear brother, + And believe me ever most sincerely and affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + +Lord Buckingham's health had suffered so much from the toils and +anxieties to which he had been exposed during the last few months, that +his physicians urged upon him the necessity of trying the waters at +Bath. So long as the exigencies of the public service made an imperative +demand on his energies, he bore his labours with unshrinking resolution; +but now that the contest was over, and the security and influence of the +Government were restored, he felt the recoil severely. It was natural +that there should be mixed with this hope of recruiting his strength by +change of scene, a strong desire for repose. The stormy times he had +fallen upon in Ireland rendered his position there onerous and +oppressive. He had ridden the storm in safety, and had the satisfaction +of feeling that, whenever he retired from the Government, he would leave +to his successor, untrammelled by the associations and recollections of +the past, a comparatively easy task. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + (Private.) Whitehall, June 13th, 1789. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + You will receive with this the official notification of + Fitzgibbon's appointment to the Seals, which I send with the more + pleasure at this particular moment, because I know that it will + relieve your mind from one of the points on which you have felt a + peculiar degree of anxiety. The decision on this point gives me + great satisfaction, on many accounts, as an act of justice towards + him, and as an example both to our friends and our enemies; but the + interest which you took in it makes the event infinitely more + agreeable to me than it would otherwise have been, however much I + am convinced that it was right and necessary. + + The particular occasion, however, of my writing this letter, was + not so much the conclusion of this business, as something which + relates to another, more nearly concerning yourself. In consequence + of your letter, and of the alarm which I have since had on your + account, I thought it very material that the idea of your going to + Bath should be opened to the King, in order to ascertain how far it + was practicable for you to avail yourself of this, which I am + persuaded will be the best of all remedies for you, without, at the + same time, giving up the idea of returning to Ireland, if you + should feel yourself desirous of it. I accordingly took to-day the + first opportunity which I have had, of mentioning this to the King, + and I have great pleasure in saying, that he not only acquiesced in + the idea, but that he lent himself to it with the greatest + readiness, and seemed desirous that you should not omit this if it + could be useful to you. If, therefore, on consultation with Austin, + you should find that a journey to Bath will be of service to you, + there remains nothing for you to do, but to write an official + letter "requesting the King's permission to be absent from Ireland + for a limited time, in order that you may go to Bath for the + recovery of your health," and I shall be able to return you an + answer, signifying the King's consent, before your preparations for + your journey can be made. If, after some residence at Bath, you + should find your health and spirits not equal to the returning, you + will be better enabled then to decide upon that point, and it will + be perfectly easy for you then to state this, and to resign on the + ground of the injury which the King's service would sustain from + any longer absence. But I am sure I need not mention to you, who + are so well acquainted with that country, the absolute and + indispensable _necessity_ of your doing everything (in the event of + your going to Bath) which may give the _strongest impression_ of + your _determination_ to return. If this is not done, you must feel + that the Government will be thrown loose, and that the mischief of + such an interval may be such as to be irretrievable. If, on the + contrary, this persuasion prevails, I see no fear of inconvenience + from your absence on this account. + + I enclose to you, under a flying seal, a letter of congratulation + and compliment to Fitzgibbon, which expresses no more than I really + feel on that subject. Adieu, my dear brother. + + Believe me ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + P.S.--You will, of course, immediately recommend Fitzgibbon for a + Barony; but if you can dissuade him from it, pray do not let him + take the title of Limerick, actually possessed by Lord Clanbrassil. + The instance of Earl of Buckingham_shire_ (so created) and Marquis + of B. by no means applies, and it would look invidious. + +Lord Buckingham's resolution to relinquish the Government of Ireland was +now finally taken. He communicated his intentions, in the first +instance, in a private letter to Mr. Grenville, to which the following +is the reply. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Wimbledon, Sept. 14th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I received your letter of the 6th respecting your resignation, and + your subsequent letters of the 10th and 11th. You are too much + aware of the extreme difficulty of finding persons willing and + qualified to undertake the office which you are quitting, not to + expect some little delay before we can say anything to you + respecting the choice itself, or the mode or exact period of your + resignation; though I certainly agree with you, that, if you have + entirely abandoned the idea of returning, the formal notification + of that intention ought not to be long delayed. It certainly would + have been a satisfaction to me, both on public and private grounds, + if the state of your health would have admitted of your completing + your triumph even more decidedly than you have already done, though + I trust that is sufficient. + + The finding a proper person to replace you is, indeed, no easy + task; because, although I am entirely of your opinion, that by + proper management, the situation of English Government in Ireland + is secure; yet, on the other hand, I cannot but feel how very + little mismanagement would throw us back again, and how much more + the crisis seems to demand, than is, I fear, to be found in any of + the persons who may probably be to look to that situation. It will + certainly be my wish on many accounts, that the change of the + Lord-Lieutenant should not affect Hobart's situation. + + I have not yet seen him, as I have not been in town for this last + week; but if he is come, I suppose I shall either to-day or + to-morrow. + + The question about Lord Loftus can, I think, end no otherwise than + as Hobart proposes. I shall, however, not say or write anything on + the subject to the King till I have seen Hobart. I have no + difficulty in conversing with him quite freely about his own + situation, as when I saw him in town last, I told him very fairly + what my wishes would be in the event of your quitting the + Government; but, at the same time, told him as fairly, that nothing + could be decisively fixed on that subject till your successor was + appointed, and his wishes consulted. + + I enclose you a letter from Lord Clonmel, which was transmitted to + me with one which I also send you a copy of. I shall merely write + an answer acknowledging the receipt, and saying, that agreeably to + his desire, I have transmitted it to you. + + I heartily wish, that the distance of Teignmouth was not such as to + put all idea of our meeting there entirely out of the question; + especially as Nepean's being ill makes it still more impossible for + me to leave this neighbourhood. + + We have no sort of news. The French Assembly is going on with + endless disputes about their Constitution; but one ought to be much + more interested than I feel myself in the event of these disputes, + not to be heartily tired of hearing of them. The main point appears + quite secure, that they will not for many years be in a situation + to molest the invaluable peace which we now enjoy. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + P.S.--I had almost forgot to mention, that on hearing of the + contest for Cornwall, and being informed that no time was to be + lost, I took upon me to desire Camplin to write to Dale to exert + himself in favour of Gregor, our candidate, having every reason to + believe that you would have no other wish on the subject, than that + of helping to keep out an enemy. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Holwood, Sept. 25th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have not yet sent to the King your letter of resignation. Pitt + has, however, explained to him that you have notified to us the + impossibility of your returning, and that you have only delayed the + formal resignation till His Majesty shall have considered of the + arrangement to be made for that Government. This point is not yet + decided. It is indeed one of most extreme difficulty. + + In consequence of Cooke's letter to Hobart, which the latter showed + me, I mentioned to the King your intended recommendation of Lord + L., explaining to him at the same time that you clearly understood + yourself not to have made any such engagement, but that as a + contrary interpretation was put upon it by Lord C., through whom + the transaction passed, it seemed for the benefit of His Majesty's + service that this step should be recommended. I also stated that + this would necessarily bring with it _the two others_ and perhaps a + third, which I named to him at Hobart's desire. He acquiesced in + the whole of this without difficulty. + + Adieu, my dearest brother. + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + There has been an action off the coast of Finland, between what are + called the Swedish and Russian _army fleets_. The Russians appear + to have had the victory decisively, but to be so disabled by it as + to be quite unable to do anything more with that fleet this year. + Nothing new from France. + +On the 30th of September, Lord Buckingham formally resigned. His +successor, however, was not yet decided upon, and the subject occasioned +much perplexity in the Cabinet. The Lieutenancy was offered to the Duke +of Beaufort, who declined. The next person thought of was the Earl of +Westmoreland, who accepted. "There are several points," observes Mr. +Grenville, "in which Westmoreland would do perfectly: there are those in +which he fails; but God knows the list to choose out of is not long." + +The letter containing this intelligence announced also the death of the +Duke of Chandos, who held the office of Lord Steward, with an +intimation that it was probable the new Lord Steward would be the Duke +of Dorset. Upon receipt of this information, Lord Buckingham wrote to +Mr. Grenville, expressing his desire to be appointed to the vacancy, and +urging also his claims upon promotion in the peerage. He felt strongly +upon this point. The personal obloquy and factious resistance he had +encountered and triumphed over in his Government, appeared to him to +demand some distinct and special mark of His Majesty's favour and +approbation; and as this was the mode most likely to make that +impression upon the public mind in Ireland which the dignity of the +Crown, and his own justification in the policy he had pursued, +emphatically called for, the feelings that were awakened throughout the +course of the following painful correspondence may be readily conceived. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Holwood, Oct. 5th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + Your messenger brought me here, yesterday evening, your letter of + the 3rd instant; but I have deferred answering it till this + morning, because I wished for a little time to turn the subject of + it over in my own mind, and particularly to consider whether I + should communicate it to Pitt. After some deliberation with myself, + I have resolved not to make this communication, because I consider + the Lord Steward's staff as being, in fact, disposed of; and I + feel, on that account, an unwillingness to state, even to Pitt, + that you had entertained a wish to succeed to that office. I am + sure I need not say, that if this idea had ever come across my + mind, I should have given you the earliest intelligence in my power + of the death of the Duke of Chandos; and should have endeavoured to + prevent any steps being taken for filling up his office, till I + had heard from you. As it is, you will already have heard from me, + that our intention was to offer it to the Duke of Dorset; there not + being the smallest ground to imagine that the Duke of Leeds wishes + to quit his present situation. This offer was accordingly made two + days ago; and the Duke of Dorset has all but accepted it, desiring + only to have five minutes previous conversation with Pitt. He is to + come here for that purpose this morning; and I have no doubt, from + the turn of his letter, that he intends to accept. Under these + circumstances, you will, I am sure, approve of my saying nothing to + Pitt on that part of your letter; nor do I feel it necessary to + state to you all that would otherwise occur to me upon it as matter + for your consideration. * * * + + Ever most sincerely and affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Oct. 6th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The D. of D. has, as I imagined he would, accepted without + hesitation. His wish to see Mr. Pitt appears to have been only for + the purpose of stating his situation and feelings with regard to + the French Embassy. The D. of B. has refused. We shall have W.'s + answer to-morrow. + + I send you no French news, for in fact we get none that is not more + fully detailed in the papers. + + Ever, my dear brother, + Most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 2nd, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I saw Mr. Pitt on Saturday evening, and explained your wishes to + him. He has undertaken to mention the subject to the King on + _Thursday_ (as he does not return to town till Wednesday evening), + and to second it with all the eloquence of which he is possessed. + He expressed himself with real friendship and zeal upon the + subject; though, I am sorry to say, he appears to entertain the + same apprehensions with myself as to the result. I am, however, + persuaded that this opinion will not lessen his exertions for a + more favourable answer, if it can be obtained. He thought it better + to mention to the King, at the same time, the idea respecting the + Duke of Grafton; though he seems to think it doubtful whether the + Post-office will afford the means of that arrangement. + + We have no news from France; the express, which generally comes on + Sunday, not being yet arrived. + + The insurrection has broke out in Austrian Flanders; but in a + manner which seems little likely to be successful. Our accounts + from thence are, however, very imperfect. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Nov. 6th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The drawing-room was so very late yesterday, that it was impossible + for Pitt to go into the closet afterwards, as it was not over till + past five, and the King had to go back to Windsor. This being the + case, we have agreed that, in order to prevent any further delay, + Pitt shall write to the King upon the subject, stating all the + arguments upon it, and at the same time reserving a ground for + speaking to the King upon it at the next levee, if it should be + necessary. I own I am by no means sorry that the circumstance of + the lateness of the drawing-room, has given a plea for having + recourse to this mode, as I have always observed it to succeed best + with the King. There are many things which can be much more + strongly put in a letter than in conversation with him, especially + on any subject on which he is unwilling to converse; and all the + points of this particular business may be more forcibly urged by + being collected and stated with a reference to each other, in a + manner which the King's desultory way of speaking makes almost + impossible. I am persuaded, therefore, that whatever the chance is + of success in this business, it is greater in this mode; especially + as Pitt will still have to mention it to him on Wednesday, if his + written answer is not favourable. + + I would write to you oftener, or desire Bernard to do it when I + cannot, on the French and Flemish news, but that I really find the + papers are every morning just as good intelligencers as I could be. + They will even tell you all that I can about the Duke of Orleans' + mission, which is evidently only a pretence for leaving Paris, as + he has not even affected to talk to the King, or his Ministers, + about any business, except to ask, in general terms, what is + thought of the state of the Low Countries? to which you may suppose + the answer would be quite as general, even supposing that we had + anything more particular to say, which we have not. + + What the motive was for his leaving Paris, I know no more than by + the general report which circulates there as well as here, of his + having been detected in plans against the small remains of the + King's authority. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Nov. 7th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I am persuaded it is unnecessary for me to say how sincerely sorry + I am to be obliged to acquaint you that the King's answer to Pitt's + letter of yesterday is such as to give, I am afraid, very little + hope indeed of success in the business to which it relates. The + King says, however, in it, that in compliance with Pitt's request + he defers giving a final answer till he sees him on Wednesday, so + that we cannot consider the subject as closed till then; but I + fairly own to you that I think there is now very little ground for + expecting a favourable result. The King does not enter into the + subject at all in his answer, but only refers to what has formerly + passed upon it. + + I heartily wish that I was the channel of more pleasing + intelligence, and this the more, because though I certainly do not + see this point exactly in the light in which you seemed to consider + it when we conversed upon it, yet the success of it would have + afforded me real satisfaction, independent even of the + gratification of your wishes. + + Believe me ever, my dear brother, + Most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Nov. 9th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I received this morning your letter, acquainting me with your + determination, in the event of the King's answer on Wednesday being + such as there is certainly every reason to believe it will be. You + announce this as a determination in some measure taken in your own + mind, and on which you do not appear to wish for my advice; and + there are perhaps too many circumstances which must make such a + step painful to me, to allow me to be a competent adviser on such a + subject. I must therefore confine myself to expressing my very + great and sincere concern both in the cause and the effect. + + Your letter does not express whether any and what part of it should + be communicated to Pitt. Perhaps you will think it right that he + should have some previous knowledge of your resolution, if such it + is, before he sees the King, but this is a point of infinitely too + much delicacy for me to take upon myself to decide; and I also + confess that the task of communicating it would be to my feelings + so extremely painful, that I should be particularly desirous to + avoid it. + + I have only to add my strong sense of the kindness of your + expressions and wishes towards me. I hope I have deserved your + affection, I am sure I have endeavoured to do so; and this + business, unhappy as it is, would be a thousand times more so to + me, if I could think it possible. I trust in God that it is not so, + that any event of it could produce the smallest diminution of that + mutual affection and confidence which has now so long subsisted + between us, and to which I have felt, and shall ever feel, that I + owe more than to any other circumstance of my life. In these + sentiments, + + Believe me ever, my dear brother, + Most truly and affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Nov. 12th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + As I understand from Pitt that he means to write to you to-day in + answer to your letter, I have nothing to add to the account which + he will give you of the unfavourable result of his conversation of + yesterday. He mentioned to me an idea which he had of contriving to + see you if possible before you took the step of resigning the + Lieutenancy of the county. Perhaps if he comes down to Stowe for + that purpose, it would be more agreeable to you that I should + accompany him, and in that case I would certainly contrive to do + so. Otherwise, I feel that you are already so fully in possession + of all that I think and feel on this painful subject, that I could + not wish to give you the labour of a journey to Missenden for the + purpose of a conversation, which could only be a repetition of what + I have already said and written. I have turned the whole question + over and over again in my mind, and the result is the same with + what I have already stated to you, and is founded on the same + feeling: that though the object is a natural one for you to have + looked to, I cannot think that the King's refusal does, in any + manner, call upon you for that line of conduct which you can be + disposed to adopt only in the belief that you _are_ called upon so + to do. It is unnecessary for me to enlarge again on the grounds of + this opinion; but in stating it, I give you my sincere and honest + sentiments, freed, as far as I can free them, from the bias which + they are necessarily liable to, on account of the painful + impression which is made on my mind by the idea of the smallest + difference in our political line. + + I cannot conclude this letter without again expressing to you the + heartfelt satisfaction which I derive, under these circumstances, + from the sense which you entertain and express of my sincere and + zealous affection. + + Ever yours, + W. W. G. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Nov. 28th, 1789. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have just received your letter. Things remain hitherto on the + same footing, with every appearance of doing well. All depends, + however, on the ultimate arrangement of the point referred. I own I + am inclined to hope better things than you seem to do. Real + friendship and connection is, I agree with you, not to be hoped + for; but if public appearances are preserved, and public support + effectually, even though not cordially, given, all is obtained that + is in any degree necessary for public objects; and the present + disposition does, as far as I can judge, go the whole length of + what I have now stated. It is by no means a difficult or new + situation for people to act together in public business without the + bond of private connection and friendship. It is indeed very rare, + I believe; and what I consider as a most singular and peculiar + happiness, that the contrary should exist to the degree to which it + does, and it would, I am afraid, be much too sanguine to entertain + hopes that this should be extended to the case now in question. I + will not fail to let you know as soon as anything occurs on the + main point. + + There is every appearance that the Flemish revolution is complete. + Trautsmansdorf and the patriots are running a race for Luxemburg, + where the former means to wait for succours. There are not fifteen + thousand troops in the provinces, and there are above forty + thousand of the patriots already armed, and the whole country with + them. They collect the revenues of the country, on which they + maintain their army. They flatter themselves that, allowing for the + necessary requisitions for passage, &c., no effectual force can be + brought to act against them till the spring; and the style of the + Emperor's concessions, as well as the mode of making them, looks as + if he was of the same opinion. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + +It was some compensation to Mr. Grenville that, in his official capacity +as Secretary of State, he had the satisfaction of conveying to Lord +Buckingham His Majesty's entire approval of the line of conduct his +Lordship had pursued in Ireland. After expressing His Majesty's concern +at the state of Lord Buckingham's health, which rendered him unable any +longer to serve His Majesty in the situation of Lord-Lieutenant, the +letter signifies the royal approbation of his Lordship's attachment and +zeal in the discharge of the important duties of his station; adding, +"and, particularly, I have His Majesty's express direction to acquaint +your Lordship with the satisfaction which His Majesty has felt from +your attention to maintain the honour and dignity of his Crown, and to +preserve the constitutional connection between his two kingdoms of Great +Britain and Ireland, under the interesting circumstances which were +occasioned by His Majesty's late indisposition." + +Feeling the delicacy of the position in which he was placed by his +relationship to Lord Buckingham, in having to convey this gracious +message, Mr. Grenville submitted a draught of the letter to His Majesty +for his approval, before it was forwarded. Upon this draught His Majesty +made the subjoined minute: + + Windsor, October 17th, 1789. Eighteen minutes past Ten o'clock. + + The draught of an answer to the Marquis of Buckingham's letter of + resignation meets entirely with my sentiments. If I thought any + alteration necessary, it would be by more explicitly stating the + allusion to his very commendable conduct, during my late calamitous + illness, which would render the approbation in effect more marked. + + G. R. + +A retirement thus graced and dignified by the special approbation of the +Sovereign, left nothing for Lord Buckingham to regret in the scene of +party conflict he had quitted. It was an exchange from turmoil to peace, +rendered still more acceptable to him by the expressions of regard and +attachment it drew from some of the most distinguished men of his time. +Well might Lord Fife congratulate him, in one of the numerous letters +addressed to him at this period, on the difference he would find between +Stowe and the Castle of Dublin. + + + + +1790. + +MR. GRENVILLE'S ELEVATION TO THE PEERAGE. + + +The events of this year on the continent of Europe offer a striking +contrast to the repose of England. While the wise and steadfast policy +of Mr. Pitt had secured to this country the blessings of peace, now +rapidly expanding into a condition of almost unexampled prosperity, +France was undergoing the throes of that desolating Revolution which +brought the Sovereign to the scaffold, and laid the train of those +disasters which finally expelled the Bourbons from the throne. There are +few traces of those disturbing circumstances in the correspondence of +Lord Buckingham and his brother, which, in consequence of the frequent +opportunities they now enjoyed of personal intercourse, had become +scanty, and, so far as public affairs were concerned, unimportant. +Slight scraps of intelligence, the last rumour from abroad, or matters +of purely personal or domestic interest, form the staple of the letters +that passed between them at this period. + +It was in this year that Edmund Burke, to the infinite surprise of his +old allies, published his famous pamphlet on the French Revolution. The +impression it made in England may be accepted as an evidence of the +soundness of the national judgment, and the devotion of the people to +the established institutions of the country. This healthy condition of +the public mind was attributable, in a greater degree than we can +venture now to estimate, to the spirit of patriotism and union awakened +in the kingdom by the firm Administration of Mr. Pitt and his friends. +They had restored the general confidence in the justice and stability of +the Government, which the weakness and divided councils of former +Cabinets had dissipated; they had struck the happy mean between the +prerogatives of the Crown and the encroachments of the Legislature; and, +above all, in the recent conflicts on the Regency question, they had +successfully asserted the doctrine, that the rights of the Sovereign and +the rights of the people were founded on a common basis; and, by showing +that their interests were identical, they had reconciled those extreme +elements in the Constitution which a powerful party had laboured, with +great eloquence and considerable effect, to separate on the grounds of a +natural antagonism. Their popularity was unbounded, and saved the +country. Paine's "Age of Reason" fell innocuous upon the people; the +tidings of the Revolution, and of the massacres that tracked its daily +steps in blood, excited wonder and horror, but produced no frenzy of +imitation such as they inspired elsewhere; and while Europe was +convulsed with alarms, England, strong in her liberties and +self-reliance, was united and unmoved. + +In Ireland, the departure of Lord Buckingham was followed by a revival +of the factious intemperance his energy had for a season suppressed. The +Parliament opened in disorder, and carried on its debates in a tone of +vindictive hostility to the British connection. The opponents of +Government had strengthened their hands by the accession of new orators, +and by the occasional lapses into their old violence of others who had +given in their submissions to the late Viceroy, and who, now that he was +gone, affected an independence of their obligations. The Lord Chancellor +Fitzgibbon was growing into increasing disfavour with the Opposition, +and becoming, by the force of resistance, more English and less popular +than before. The invectives in which the wild passions of party found a +congenial vent, descended to the fiercest recriminations, and led to the +severance of friendships, and personal rencontres. Fitzgibbon and the +Ponsonbys, who had hitherto preserved unimpaired, amidst the contentions +of the Senate, their intimate relations in private life, were now cast +asunder by an explosion of animosity that tempted the Chancellor to +declare "that he would never speak to them again;" even the close bonds +that united the Ponsonbys and the Beresfords were imperceptibly relaxed; +and Mr. Hobart, to use his own expression, was "obliged to fight Mr. +Curran," for which he excuses himself to Lord Buckingham by saying that +"in any other country in Europe he would not have met him." In no other +country, undoubtedly, from a cause so absurd and unwarrantable, could +the necessity for such a meeting have arisen. Numerous letters from +Ireland conveyed fragments of news of this kind to Lord Buckingham in +his retirement, the old supporters of Administration still seeming to +look up to him for encouragement and advice. But these letters are not +now of sufficient interest to justify their publication. + +Such, indeed, is the general character of the correspondence of the +year. One letter, however, announces an incident which cannot be so +satisfactorily recorded as in the language of the writer. Mr. Grenville +was about to receive that recognition of his great talents and important +services which few men had earned so worthily or were destined to wear +more honourably and usefully. The absence of all exultation at his +approaching elevation to the peerage, and his near assumption of the +title by which he is best known in the history of the country, is a +characteristic of that nobility of mind which conferred dignity upon, +rather than derived it from, the station to which he was advanced. + + +MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Nov. 22nd, 1790. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I send this by a messenger, in order to lose no time in informing + you that Pitt wrote yesterday to the King, to propose the measure + of my going to the House of Lords, and that he has received His + Majesty's acquiescence, in terms very satisfactory to me. The delay + has been occasioned by a sort of negotiation which has been pending + with the Chancellor for some time past, and which there seemed a + prospect of bringing to a point before the meeting. As the + determination respecting my peerage might possibly have been + affected, one way or the other, by this negotiation, we were + unwilling to decide that question finally till the last moment; but + as that last moment is now arrived, it seemed, after much + deliberation, better to take the step in the present situation of + things, rather than to wait the issue of a business, one event of + which could much have increased the difficulties of the measure + itself. + + Pitt is gone to-day to Windsor, to lay before the King the whole of + the transaction, and to explain more fully the motives which have + induced us to wish for my being removed to the House of Lords. + There is no probability that this conversation will alter the full + consent which the King expressed yesterday by letter. If it does + not, it will be necessary that I should kiss hands on Wednesday, in + order to give time, which even that will barely do, for passing my + patent, &c., so as to enable me to take my seat on Friday, which is + the day on which the King makes his speech, and on which the + general Address will be moved in the House of Lords. We mean to fix + a separate day for considering the Convention, and to have a + particular Address upon it. The precise day for this is of course + not yet settled. + + This arrangement will necessarily occasion a delay of two or three + days before the writ can be moved in the House of Commons, who do + not proceed to business till the Monday, on account of swearing the + Members; but this does not seem to me to be at all material, and I + am persuaded that you will feel with me that it is unavoidable. The + writ once moved, the election may come on upon the tenth, or at + latest, the eleventh day from the Monday, so that the whole notice + will not exceed a fortnight. + + I reserve, till I see you, the particulars of the negotiation of + which I have spoken, and of our present situation with a view to + that important point. I am sorry for the delay in making the other + arrangements, but you must allow something for the difficulties + which always occur in bringing points of this nature to bear, and + for the various loads which press at such a moment as this on + Pitt's time, by whose personal negotiations alone all this must be + done. Pray let me know, by the return of my messenger, when I may + expect you in town. + + I am sorry to hear of so long a sick list. Adieu, my dear brother, + and believe me + + Ever most truly and affectionately yours, + W. W. G. + + + + +1791. + +THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CLAIMS--RESIGNATION OF THE DUKE OF LEEDS--FLIGHT OF +THE ROYAL FAMILY OF FRANCE--PROSPERITY OF ENGLAND AT THIS PERIOD. + + +The first object to which the attention of Ministers was addressed at +the opening of Parliament in 1791, was a measure for the further relief +of the Roman Catholics. The only objection urged against it by the +Opposition was that it did not go far enough. Mr. Pitt himself held the +same opinion, but did not consider it expedient to act upon it. + +The interest which Lord Buckingham never ceased to feel in Ireland, +where this question of Catholic disabilities was a spring of constant +agitation, led him to regard the subject in relation to that country +with much solicitude. Agreeing in principle with Mr. Pitt, he held that +the Roman Catholics should be placed on the same footing in both +kingdoms; and that whatever privileges were bestowed upon them in +England should also, and at the same time, be granted to them in +Ireland. Mr. Hobart, who had been his Lordship's secretary during his +last Administration, and who was continued in that appointment by his +successor, Lord Westmoreland, corresponded with him frequently on this +topic; and it may be gathered from his letters that the views of the new +Lord-Lieutenant were unfavourable to the demands of the Roman Catholics. +In the early part of the correspondence, Mr. Hobart expresses +considerable doubt about the policy of placing power in their hands, +especially with reference to their admission to the bar, which had been +conceded to them in England. His observations on that particular point +are curious. In Ireland, he remarks, the sentiments of the lawyers have +considerable weight in the discussion of political subjects, which, +"whether it arises from the confident and pertinacious loquacity of +gentlemen of that profession, or from the deference which is shown and +felt for those in whose hands are entrusted the most interesting +concerns of every family in the kingdom, and from their frequent +intercourse with all parts of it, is matter of no consequence." The +influence which the lawyers were thus supposed to possess, weighed +strongly with Mr. Hobart as an argument against the admission of the +Roman Catholics to the bar. Such a measure might be adopted with +comparative safety in England, but it was likely in Ireland to be +productive of increased agitation and social disorder. The perplexities +of the question were evidently taking a very distinct shape at this +time, and occupying no inconsiderable share of the attention of +Government. In endeavouring to sift them, and to extricate something +like a practical line of policy from them, Mr. Hobart was not a little +embarrassed by the example of England, which he could not quite make up +his mind either to follow or renounce. + + The English Bill has put us under no small degree of difficulty. + The circumstances of the two countries, with respect to Roman + Catholics, are so different, that what may be extremely advisable + in the one, may be just the reverse in the other; and, therefore, + for us precisely to follow your Bill, would be to adopt a principle + which in its consequences might be productive of the greatest + mischief. Nevertheless, if we do not go so far, the Roman Catholics + of Ireland will be highly discontented; and if we go further, we + shall throw too much power into their hands. + +That Lord Buckingham removed Mr. Hobart's objections as to the wisdom of +conformity in legislating for the Roman Catholics in both countries, is +indicated in a subsequent letter; but that Mr. Hobart differed from his +Lordship as to the prudence of maintaining a Government opposition +between the two sects is no less apparent. Lord Buckingham's influence +in moderating Mr. Hobart's opinions on other points is frankly admitted. +Mr. Hobart gave up his objections to admitting the Catholics to the bar, +or even to the army or navy, if England should think fit to set the +example; but civil offices, or the elective franchise, he still +considered highly dangerous. + + My opinion, I speak with great deference, does not concur with + yours, as to the little importance of supporting the Protestants + against the Catholics; it is, in my mind, the link which binds the + two countries: break that, and you endanger the connection. Every + means should be exerted to prevent the struggle taking place; and, + therefore, every indulgence that with any degree of safety can be + given to the Roman Catholics, and more particularly at this time, + ought to be extended to them. Notwithstanding a variety of + objections, I cannot help thinking that the safest principle for + the Parliament of Ireland to adopt, is, that of following England + upon all questions relative to Roman Catholics; but it is of the + utmost consequence, that the Government of England should accede to + no measure upon that subject, without a due consideration of its + effect in Ireland, and fairly weigh the benefits to be attained in + the one country, against the disadvantages that may arise in the + other. + + The example of England, if adopted as a principle, may be extremely + useful as a means of resisting inconvenient pretensions urged here; + for, whether avowedly adopted or not, it will always be made use of + by the Roman Catholics when they have anything to gain by it; and + ultimately they must be successful upon that ground. I would + therefore admit them to the bar; and if England opens the army and + navy to them, it should follow of course here; but admission to + civil offices, or anything that led to voting for Members of + Parliament, or sitting in either House, would, I conceive, be + highly dangerous in this country; because I am a friend to the + Protestant ascendancy, and that can be maintained only through the + medium of a Protestant Parliament, aided by a profitable + encouragement to those who profess that faith. + + The times are growing so enlightened, or so depraved, that a man + need not live very long, to have a chance of seeing all religious + distinctions abolished; but so long as things remain in their + present state, I am strongly impressed with the idea, that the + connection between England and Ireland in a great degree depends + upon the maintenance of the Protestant ascendancy. It is the + principle which attaches the Parliament of Ireland to Great + Britain; it is the security for the property of those whose + influence gives them power in this country; it is the strength of + English government in Ireland. If ever the Roman Catholics should + acquire power enough to render the prospect of regaining their + properties sufficiently promising for the attempt, they must begin + by the destruction of English government. I do therefore consider + it indispensably necessary to give every degree of influence to the + Protestant interest; but that would be as a drop of water to the + sea, unless that interest was supported by the power of England. + But as I do not believe John Bull would much like to expend his + money in a struggle between the Protestants and Roman Catholics of + Ireland, merely on a crusade principle, I would not have him called + upon in a case wherein the ground to be maintained was not similar + to that which had been sanctioned by the British Parliament, and + might therefore, in a certain degree, be considered as the cause of + the empire. + + You desire me to turn my thoughts to a permanent system. The only + permanent, practicable system that I can discover, is, that there + should at all times be a perfect understanding and concurrence + between the Governments of the two countries upon this subject; + that no step affecting the Catholics should be taken in England + without a minute attention to Ireland; and that the people of that + persuasion should be on the same footing in the two countries. + +The entire passage may be accepted as an epitome of the principle on +which Lord Westmoreland's Administration in Ireland was conducted; and +this authentic exposition of it is invested with some claim to +historical importance. + +A letter from Lord Grenville in the beginning of the session refers to +certain new arrangements which were in progress in the Cabinet, but +which did not materially affect its constitution. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Feb. 4th, 1791. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I should have written to you before on the subject of the + arrangements, if I had been able to say anything satisfactory or + decisive to you about them. But I think it right to mention to you + the state of the business, in order that you may know exactly how + it stands. An unexpected difficulty has arisen where we least + looked for it, on the part of Lord Hawkesbury, who has declined + exchanging the Duchy for the Mint, although he has been distinctly + told that the Cabinet is to be given him with the latter, and not + with the former. Whether he is playing any game in this we are + unable to discover, but such is the answer which he has given, + after having taken time to consider of it. This, as you see, at + once stops the whole business _in limine_, unless some solution can + be found for the difficulty; and I must confess I do not now see + what solution there is for it. It was not till two days ago that + this great man gave his answer, and therefore it is still, I think, + by no means impossible that his stomach may come down when he sees + Pitt determined to abide by this as a condition of the other, which + there is indeed no temptation to grant him without it. On the whole + it may be only a piece of magnificence, in order to give to his + admission to the Cabinet the appearance of a favour done by him, + instead of one received. But of all this you are as well able to + judge as ourselves, and none of us have anything to go upon but + conjecture. A few days may probably enable us to form a better + judgment, and for that we must wait. + + It is, I am sure, unnecessary for me to say how much this + unexpected difficulty has hurt both Pitt and myself. I am racking + my brains to find a remedy for it, and shall be truly happy if any + such should occur either to you or to us. + + The accounts of our dear Catherine are now such as I hope to put + all idea of present danger out of the question; but it has been a + most alarming attack, and I fear is only the earnest of much + suffering and frequent illness from the same cause, the existence + of which seems now to be but too clearly ascertained. + + Everybody in London has been ill. I have not escaped my usual cold, + but am now getting well. I rejoice in the satisfactory account + which the Bulkeleys give of you. + + Ever, my dear brother, + Most affectionately yours, + G. + + They have suddenly stirred in Ireland a question about spirits, + beer, &c., which they seem to understand no more of than I do, who + have had no opportunity of learning anything about it. Lord W., in + one of his private letters, mentions some plan of yours about hops, + and I think I recollect something passing between us on the + subject, but have no trace what it was. I have a clerkship vacant + in my office: can it be made useful to any object of yours? + + You probably know also that Selwyn's death gives me the disposal of + his office in Barbadoes, of between L100 and L500 per annum, but it + can be held only by a resident. I feel myself bound, in the first + instance, to offer to Nepean, who is killing himself by his labour + here, to give it to any proper person who will vacate anything for + it here. If that fails, you know I have no other idea of patronage + than that of consulting your wishes, or serving our joint objects. + +A little stray light is thrown upon this question of spirits and beer in +Ireland by Mr. Hobart in a letter to Lord Buckingham. The great evil +which demoralized the Irish, including, it appears, even the country +gentlemen, was whiskey-drinking; and with a view to diminish it, if +possible, the Irish Government brought in a Bill, putting a heavy duty +on spirits, and liberating beer, hoping that the measure would act as a +prohibition in the one case, and as an encouragement in the other. + + Sobering the people of Ireland, I look upon to be an impracticable + undertaking; but the abominable use of whiskey, rendered it + necessary that Government should endeavour to do something which + might tend in some degree to check the evil. Meeting and + reconciling all the difficulties you have adverted to, I cannot + flatter myself has been accomplished; but we have struggled against + them as well as we could, and by not attempting too much, _perhaps_ + we shall effect something. I enclose a paper, showing what will be + the state of the duties when the Bill passes; in addition to which, + we take all restrictions off the brewery, leaving the brewers at + liberty to sell at their own price, and to brew as they please. We + have also some hopes from regulations, to which we are encouraged + by the general outcry against whiskey, and assurances that country + gentlemen will _violate their natures_, and assist in carrying the + laws into execution. I must acknowledge that I am not very sanguine + upon the subject; but the magnitude of the grievance called for the + interposition of the legislature--_et librari animum meum_. + +The subject of the following letter, although, from its nature, +cautiously expressed, may be inferred from the allusion it contains to +the Duke of Leeds, who held the office of Secretary of State. His Grace +was on the eve of relinquishing the Seals, but, for reasons of his own, +or, perhaps, to avoid embarrassing the Ministry, he desired his +intentions to be kept secret. Having imposed this obligation on others, +he seems to have violated it himself, and thus his approaching +retirement became known to Lord Buckingham before his Lordship received +any intimation of it from Lord Grenville. The silence of his habitual +and confidential correspondent on a point of so much interest disturbed +Lord Buckingham's sensibility; but it will be felt that Lord Grenville's +vindication is conclusive. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Holwood, April 26th, 1791. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I should certainly be much to blame if I were insensible to the + kindness of your last letter, though written under an impression, + in the justice of which I should be very sorry indeed to acquiesce. + I have little time for justifications on that subject, but my + anxiety to remove such an impression makes me say that I am not + conscious to myself of any want of that confidence towards you, + which our friendship demands, and which I wish to be reciprocal. + But that I neither ask of you, nor can think that you require from + me, the breach of actual or even of implied engagements to others, + not to divulge points in which they are concerned. A strict + observance of such engagements is surely the condition of all + honourable intercourse in society, and a duty from which no degree + of confidence, friendship, or affection towards a third person, can + absolve one. With respect to this particular case of the Duke of + L., I am sure your own reflections will not suffer you to impute + blame to me, if after having required from those with whom he was + acting an engagement of secrecy, which he had a right to demand + from them, his own levity, or any other reason, induced him to + divulge his own secret. Ask yourself, and I will leave the subject + there, whether you had rather have known this event, as has been + now the case, a day or two later than you might otherwise have + done, or have been the occasion of my doing an act which my own + mind would have reproached me with as dishonourable in itself, and + in this particular instance a breach of a positive promise which I + had given. + + Surely if I am deserving of your confidence, or any man's, it can + only be so long as I feel the nature of such confidence, and fulfil + the obligations which it imposes upon me, even where the violation + of them might be of real advantage to you, much more where it could + have answered no one purpose of utility, or even of gratification. + All I can add is, that if I see this subject in too serious a + light, or entertain ideas too strict with respect to it, my + impressions upon it are at least those of serious reflection; and + that they are the same which direct my conduct towards the few + other persons who have a right, and none has so much right as + yourself, to affection and confidence from me. + + I have anticipated your advice, and taken refuge here. I feel + already the advantage of air, and of rather more exercise than I + have been able lately to allow myself. I am sorry if my former + letter bore the appearance of depression, but you know that my mind + has not been at ease on other subjects, and will therefore allow + for the effect of the weight of fresh labour and anxiety suddenly + thrown upon me. + + Ever, my dear brother, + Most truly and affectionately yours, + G. + +The Duke of Leeds resigned on the 8th of June, and was succeeded by Mr. +Dundas. + +At this moment, not England alone, but all Europe, was engrossed by the +strange drama that was going forward in Paris. The first piece of +intelligence that arrived was an announcement that the King and the +royal family had effected their escape at night from the Tuileries by a +subterranean passage leading to the Seine; and, as it afterwards +appeared, that His Majesty had left behind him a paper formally +revoking, on the grounds of compulsion, the oaths and declarations to +which he had been forced to subscribe. Lord Grenville conveyed the +startling news, just as it had reached him, in a hasty note to Lord +Buckingham. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, June 25th, 1791. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The enclosed, which I received this morning from Lord Gower, will + inform you of the very unexpected event which has happened at + Paris. As the messenger came through Calais, he heard a report, + which was circulated with much confidence, that the King, &c., had + been stopped at a place which he calls Quinault, and which I guess + to be Quenoy in the Cambresis, if, indeed, there is any foundation + at all for the story. Montmorin is to write to Lucerne, to make a + communication here from the National Assembly, of _their_ intention + to maintain peace with other countries. We have, of course, not had + time to consider what answer to give, or what steps to take. + + One of the French papers contains an account of a party of + travellers passing through Senlis about four or five in the same + morning, which evidently appears to have been the King and his + suite. This account was read at the Assembly; and confirms the idea + of their having taken the route of the Netherlands. + + You will have the goodness to communicate this letter and its + enclosure, to Lord Camelford. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + Tell me what Lord Camelford and you think we ought to do; as it is + very possible we may not have taken our determination before I can + receive your answer. + +The story was, of course, doubted at first. But it turned out to be true +in every particular except the name of the place, which was Varennes. +The royal fugitives were seized on the 22nd of June, and carried back to +Paris to be confronted with the Provisional Executive Council that had +been established as soon as their flight was known. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, June 26th, 1791. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The King and Queen of France were stopped at Varennes, a small town + between St. Menchond and Luxemburg. The post-master at St. + Menchond, suspected them to be aristocrats making their escape, and + followed the carriage. Seeing it strike out from the great road, to + Verdun, he got before them by another road, to Varennes, and gave + the alarm. When they arrived, the National Guard was already drawn + out; and they were forced to stop, and go into the inn. There they + were known by a man of the town. They were prevailed upon, without + much resistance, as it appears, on their part, to turn their + horses' heads, and to go back to Chalons, where they slept that + night. They were to sleep at Epernay the Thursday night; and were + expected in Paris, Friday, or more probably, Saturday. + Commissioners have been named by the Assembly, at the head of whom + is Barnave, to _protect their return_ to Paris. The proclamation, + or manifesto, left behind him, by the King is curious, and in some + parts well drawn. I hope to be able to send it you by to-morrow's + post. Paris had remained pretty quiet; but there was some + disposition in the Poissardes and Faubourg St. Antoine to assemble, + in order to manifest their joy. Bouille appears to have been in the + plot, and is suspended from his command by the Assembly, who have + also given orders to arrest him; but I suppose he is too wise to + suffer himself to fall into their hands. + + Monsieur and Madame are safely arrived at Mons; so that if the King + had taken that route, he might probably have escaped. I feel + sincerely for him; and still more for the Queen, who, I imagine, + must expect to suffer much. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, June 29th, 1791. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + Lord Gower's courier arrived this morning, with an account of the + King and Queen being brought back to Paris. Everything passed with + a black and sullen silence; no mark of respect whatever was allowed + to be shown them. Biron and Lafayette were in the carriage with + them. The mob followed the carriage into the garden of Tuileries; + and on alighting, these wretched captives heard every species of + abuse and insult, that even a Paris mob is capable of. + + They talk of sending the Queen to the Convent of Val de Grace for + the present; and the report is, they mean to try her. The King is + to undergo an interrogatory on Tuesday; and on the result of that, + it is supposed he is to be deposed, and the Dauphin declared King, + with a Council of Regency. These, as you will see, are all reports; + but the melancholy certainty is, that neither in Paris, nor in any + part of the country which we have heard of, does there seem the + least disposition to pity, and much less to assist them. + + We have the bad news, that the Austrian Plenipotentiaries have + left Sistovo; but, as they express it, without breaking up the + Congress. The armistice is not renewed; but it seems as if it would + be continued by a sort of tacit consent. You will have seen in the + papers the further demands made by the Emperor, on which the + business has stopped. + + Ever yours, + G. + + The Queen's behaviour is said to have been admirable. + +Early in this year, Ministers had moved and carried an Address from His +Majesty, reporting the failure of his negotiations to bring about a +peace between Russia and Turkey, and desiring to augment his naval +forces for the sake of giving more weight to his interposition. This +Address was vehemently, but unsuccessfully, opposed in both Houses, on +the ground that such a course was calculated to lead to hostilities, and +plunge the nation into an unnecessary expenditure. Advantage was taken +of the occasion to make it appear that Mr. Pitt wanted to involve the +country in the war, and that his policy was essentially injurious to the +industry and material welfare of the people. The following interesting +passage from a letter of Lord Grenville's, dated the 17th of August, not +only disproves the imputation, but shows how anxious Ministers were to +secure peace, how much they were relieved and gratified by its +accomplishment, and to what a height of prosperity they had succeeded in +bringing the commerce and revenue of the kingdom. + + We received this morning the account that the negotiations at + Sistovo are at last satisfactorily concluded. A definitive treaty + of peace, on the grounds of the _status quo_ strict, was to be + signed on the 4th of this month, under the mediation of the Allies; + and at the same time a separate Act, by which the Austrians and + Turks treat as powers between whom peace is already concluded (and + consequently without mediation) for some such arrangements of + frontier, and the settlement of a dispute about Old Orsova, which + town is to remain in the hands of Austria. You may suppose this + event gives me no small satisfaction; and I hope I shall now begin + to breathe a little, which I have hardly done since April last. You + can hardly form to yourself an idea of the labour I have gone + through; but I am repaid by the maintenance of peace, which is all + this country has to desire. We shall now, I hope, for a very long + period indeed enjoy this blessing, and cultivate a situation of + prosperity unexampled in our history. The state of our commerce, + our revenue, and, above all, that of our public funds, is such as + to hold out ideas which but a few years ago would indeed have + appeared visionary, and which there is now every hope of realizing. + +The next letter refers to a matter of personal interest. A Rangership +had fallen vacant by the death of Lord Orford, and it appeared desirable +to Lord Grenville to effect an exchange between that office and the +reversion he held of the Chief Remembrancership in Ireland. Upon all +questions of this nature, as indeed on all questions that directly +affected himself and his own objects, Lord Grenville was always +reluctant to decide until he had first consulted Lord Buckingham, in +whose judgment and affection he reposed unbounded confidence. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Dec. 7th, 1791. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I mentioned to you last week, that there was a subject I wished to + talk with you about; but as my getting down to Stowe seems to grow + every day more and more uncertain, and as the subject in question + is now brought to a point, I am obliged to write to you upon it; + though I cannot so easily say all I wish upon it in this manner. It + is, shortly, to ask your advice whether, in consequence of Lord + Orford's death, I should not exchange my reversion of Lord Cl.'s + office, for the immediate appointment to the Rangership, which I + apprehend it is clearly in the King's power to grant for life. The + different reasons, _pro_ and _con_, will as readily suggest + themselves to you as to me. The great points to be gained by the + exchange are, first, the certainty of some provision, instead of an + expectancy, which I may never live to enjoy; and what is still more + than that, the great advantage of having that provision in this + country, instead of looking for it in Ireland, subject to the + chance of what injustice party may be able to do in Ireland, which + they could not do here, and subject, also, to the general chance of + troubles in that country, which I fear are too probable. Against + this, is to be set some difference (as I believe) in the value of + the two offices, though I have not yet been able to ascertain it; + and the degree of invidiousness and clamour which my receiving any + new favour (for such this would undoubtedly be considered) would be + subject to, especially at a moment when Government are rather under + difficulties, and when I must expect so many competitors, for a + thing in many respects so desirable. + + The impression of my own mind is, I confess, very strongly for + taking the step. Pitt is entirely ready to acquiesce in what I + judge best, though I can see he is, to a certain degree, alarmed at + the impression it may make. The thing has been generally opened to + the King as a possible arrangement, in order to prevent his + entering into any other engagements. I cannot describe the real + kindness of manner and expression with which he assured me of his + readiness to do in it whatever I wished. It rests, therefore, with + myself to decide; and although I have, as you see, a strong bias in + favour of the step, I do not feel confident enough of my own + opinion not to be very desirous of knowing yours. I fairly own to + you, that if I was _in the same situation_ as I was a year and a + half ago, I should be inclined to let this go by me, and to run my + chance for some better opportunity. But I certainly feel that after + the conduct which Lord C. has observed towards me on the subject of + money, I am (even as with respect to him) hardly as much at liberty + as I was to consult my own feelings, supposing that it were + possible for me to put out of the question another consideration a + good deal more interesting to me. + + If the thing is to be done, "then 'twere well it were done + quickly," in order to prevent applications from different people, + every one of whom might feel, to a degree, offended by the + preference, if his wishes were known. You will conceive, therefore, + for this reason, and from the anxiety of the suspense, how glad I + shall be to hear from you soon, as your affection is the only + quarter to which I can look for advice, founded on a view and + knowledge of my real situation. I hinted the thing generally to Tom + before he left town, but the unfortunate difference of politics + makes it impossible for me to talk over with him freely and fully + that part of the subject, which is a material one. He is getting + well very rapidly. + + I have heard from Lord C. from Rome. He gives a very good account + of the health of the whole party. He had received letters from his + son and Mudge, which he tells me are all he could wish. He desires + to be remembered to you. + + Adieu, my dear brother, + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + + + +1792. + +MR. PITT'S BUDGET--THE STATE OF IRELAND--THE KING DISMISSES LORD +THURLOW--DISCONTENTS IN ENGLAND--FRENCH EMIGRANTS--RETREAT OF THE DUKE +OF BRUNSWICK--MEASURES OF INTERNAL DEFENCE--THE FRENCH CONVENTION +DECLARES WAR AGAINST ENGLAND AND HOLLAND. + + +Notwithstanding the vast expenditure to which the country had been +recently exposed, the Budget, at the opening of Parliament in 1792, more +than realized the anticipations of Lord Grenville. The statement laid +before the House of Commons by Mr. Pitt was a complete answer to the +apprehensions of the timid, and the taunts of the Opposition. There was +a clear surplus of L900,000 in the month of January, after paying the +interest of the National Debt, the annual million devoted to its +extinction, the Civil List, the naval and military establishments, and +all other items of current outlay. Upon this basis of unexampled +prosperity the Minister proposed to remit a large amount of taxation, +and to apply a further sum towards the extinction of the National Debt. +He did not regard this surplus as a temporary or transient incident, +but as the genuine and natural result of regular and permanent causes. +In the existing state of the continent, it was impossible to calculate +with certainty upon the future, and Mr. Pitt, even in this solid +condition of the national finances, was careful not to indulge in hopes +of too sanguine a character, which a sudden turn of events, beyond the +control of English influence, might frustrate and disappoint. His +language was explicit as to his confidence in the present, but guarded +as to his views of the future. "On the continuance of our present +prosperity," he observed, "it is indeed impossible to count with +certainty; but unquestionably, there never was a time when, from the +situation of Europe, we might more reasonably expect a durable peace +than at the present moment." The subsequent course of European politics, +unfortunately, did not bear out this expectation; but at the moment when +it was uttered, the lull that had set in on the continent, and the +flourishing state of our own trade and commerce, abundantly justified +the statement of the Minister. Some additional reliance on the stability +of our prospects might also have been drawn from the fact that the +destinies of England were never in abler hands than those to whom they +were confided in 1792, with Mr. Pitt at the Treasury and Lord Grenville +at the Foreign Office. + +Parliament met on the 31st of January. The Speech from the Throne +announced the conclusion of the treaty between Austria and the Ottoman +Porte, and the agreement to preliminaries between the latter and Russia. +The maintenance of peace was regarded, under the circumstances, as so +certain that His Majesty was induced to recommend for the consideration +of Parliament an immediate reduction of the naval and military +establishments. The following letters, written before the opening of +Parliament, touch slightly on these affairs. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Jan. 6th, 1792. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + My present idea on the subject of your last letter entirely agrees + with yours, and I wait only till the great bear returns to this + hemisphere to put it in execution roundly, and without reserve. The + only thing that restrains me is the extreme importance that I feel + it is of to my honour not to involve any other persons, and still + less a whole system of Government, in a personal contest, which I + am obliged to maintain (being embarked in it) for a personal + object. The mode of doing this is not without much difficulty, and + it is the only difficulty I feel on the subject. + + Before I do anything decisive, I will certainly contrive in some + manner to talk it over with you, but till I know the precise time + of his return my motions are of course suspended. The moment I am + able I will write to you again. + + The solution of the French enigma which you state is, that it is a + war of bullying on both sides, the two parties being equally afraid + of each other. In the meantime there certainly are some in France + who wish the war, but very many more who fear it, and the ruin of + their finances is approaching with very rapid strides indeed. What + a contrast we shall make with them, when I come to state to you the + particulars, about which I am now little less sanguine than I was + at Weymouth. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Jan. 17th, 1792. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + Nothing more has passed _on the subject_, but a day or two will now + probably bring it to a point, as Dundas is to see _him_, and put + the question to him, yes or no, either to-morrow or Thursday. This + is not to be done with any message from me, a point which I have + thought it indispensably necessary to stipulate, in order that I + might not have to reproach myself with anything like personal + solicitation to _him_ on such a point. I feel this so material, + that I have made a pretext of going to take possession of my castle + on Thursday, in order to be completely out of the way of all + negotiation upon the subject. Pitt comes to me on Saturday, and + brings me the answer on which my future conduct must depend. I + shall remain there, if possible, till the Friday or Saturday + following. It would be very little out of your way to make it your + run on Tuesday, when you would certainly find me there, and I need + not say that I should, in any case, be extremely glad to see you + there; but more particularly if any further step is to be taken + about this business, in which I do not well see my way, because I + hardly see how I can take that line which my own situation + personally seems so loudly to demand, without involving more than I + should like to do of public consequences. If I alone were + concerned, my line would be very soon taken. + + Ever, my dear brother, + Most affectionately yours, + G. + + Everything looks like peace on the side of France. + +A letter from Mr. Hobart gives a sketch of the state of Ireland at this +time. The English Bill of toleration had produced a ferment in the +country, and the war of religious animosity was assuming a more violent +aspect every day. + + +MR. HOBART TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dublin Castle, Jan. 30th, 1792. + MY DEAR LORD, + + The multiplicity of business, both public and _private_, in which I + have been engaged since I left Stowe, must plead my excuse for + having so long postponed writing to your Lordship. I cannot, + however, delay thanking you for the communication you have made + through Mornington on the subject of my marriage--a subject I + should not have been silent upon when I had the pleasure of seeing + you, had I not predetermined the case, and therefore was not open + to advice. I flatter myself you will be happy to hear that I have + received a most friendly and liberal letter from the Earl of Bucks + upon the occasion, and have experienced every attention and + kindness from all my friends, and a marked civility from all + persons here on both sides of the question. + + You can have little idea of the ferment that has been raised on the + subject of Catholics. When I saw you, I talked of existing + prejudices, which would ever render it no easy task to carry the + English concessions. I little thought that the minds of the + Protestants could be so inflamed, as a variety of circumstances + (but principally the industry of Mr. R. Burke) has inflamed them. + He has endeavoured, and with too much success, to persuade the + Catholics that British Government were determined to compel the + Irish Administration, and through them the Parliament of Ireland, + to open the franchise to the Catholics; that therefore, if they + persevered in the assertion of their claims, they could not fail of + carrying their point. The alarm and indignation that this created + amongst the Protestants was such as I will not venture to describe; + but you may be assured that any Irish Government that countenanced + such a measure could not stand twenty-four hours afterwards, if the + Parliament was sitting. So far from the Protestants being likely to + be terrified into compliance, they instantly became desperate at + the very idea of it. The cry was, "Let us bring it at once to an + issue. If England will not protect us, the sooner we know it the + better: anything is preferable to the horrid state of suspense we + are now reduced to; at all events, we must resist every concession. + Let us not make the Catholics stronger, the better to enable them + to annihilate us at a future day. The Protestants must unite for + their own protection; and although Mr. Pitt's Government will not + defend us, possibly the weight of all the Parliamentary power of + Ireland thrown into the scale of English Opposition may force them + into office, and they may be more disposed to favour us than the + present Administration." + + These ideas were rankling in every man's mind when the Parliament + met, and it is with the utmost difficulty that we have been able to + remove them. I cannot paint more strongly to you the real situation + of the feelings of the House of Commons, than by telling you, that + a declaration from me upon my legs, "that it was the determination + of the Government of _both_ countries to maintain the Protestant + establishment, and to resist any attempts by force or intimidation + that might be made to subvert it," afforded a degree of consolation + which, not having witnessed, you can hardly credit, so great was + the apprehension upon the subject. + + The newspapers will have informed you of our proceedings upon that + day; I shall, therefore, only add that I am still doubtful of the + event of the Bill, but am inclined to believe we shall carry it. I + hear that, if the Ponsonbys are satisfied that there will be a + majority in favour of it, they will concur; if they think they can + throw it out, they will oppose. Should we carry the Bill, the + gentlemen of the Roman Catholics will be highly gratified, and the + rabble bullied--both circumstances which will tend very much to the + future quiet of the country. + + I am informed that Mr. R. Burke and his employers have quarrelled, + and that Ireland may soon hope to be relieved from his gracious + superintendence. I am sure I heartily wish it, for he has + contrived, by his impudence, folly, and misrepresentations, to + awake animosities between the Protestants and Catholics that had + slept for fifty years, and that a reasonable man might have hoped + would have slept for ever. I see no ground to apprehend tumult of + any kind. The Catholics, I think, dare not stir; and the United + Irishmen, with Napper Tandy at their head, are sinking into + nothing. Napper, and indeed his friend Grattan, have totally lost + their influence in the Corporation. + + The Duke of Leinster had committed himself very far indeed upon the + subject of franchise, and is now retreating through his Corporation + of Athy, who have addressed their representatives, Colonel Arthur + Ormsby and Mr. Falkiner, to support the Protestant ascendancy. + + I am told that the northern people do not much object to our Bill. + Any one step further would have been totally impracticable, and + would have produced a confusion that no man could have foreseen the + consequence of. + + My best compliments to Lady Buckingham. + + Believe me ever, my dear Lord, with every respect and gratitude, + affectionately yours, + + R. HOBART. + +Amidst the arrivals of foreign news, which every day created new +excitements in the political circles, a movement was beginning to be +felt in the Cabinet which was shortly to produce an important change in +the Administration. The eccentricities of the Chancellor had on several +occasions given much uneasiness to Ministers. He seemed to move in an +orbit of his own, independently of his colleagues; while the influence +he exercised over the King's mind, and his repulsive bearing, made all +approaches to him difficult and hazardous. The first consideration, when +an unexpected question sprung up, was to ascertain what view Thurlow was +likely to take of it; and it was sometimes as necessary to conciliate +him and to wait upon his moods, as if he had been a powerful, but +doubtful supporter, instead of a member of the Government. "We may do +with, but cannot do without him," appears to have been the general +feeling in reference to him; and it was only by the most skilful +management that Mr. Pitt averted those dissensions in the Cabinet which +his strange line of conduct had so palpable a tendency to provoke. At +last the Chancellor committed himself openly to a hostile vote upon a +vital measure, and left it no longer possible for the Minister to +palliate their differences by private negotiations. The character and +dignity of the Administration was at stake, and there was but one +alternative left. The extremity to which matters were thus reduced is +glanced at hesitatingly by Lord Grenville. The commentary which he did +not think it right to make at such a moment may now, however, be +supplied. The vote of Lord Thurlow placed the Cabinet in this position, +that it remained for the King to choose between them. Mr. Pitt was +prepared to resign, if the decisive advice he tendered to His Majesty +was not immediately acted upon. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, May 15th, 1792. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have the happiness of being able to send you an account of the + capture of Seringapatam. The news is brought by a letter from a Dr. + Abercromby, who was sent with Lord Cornwallis's despatches, in the + 'Vestal.' He put this letter on board another vessel in the + Channel, and it comes by express from Bristol. + + A decisive action took place about the 6th of January, at a village + near Seringapatam. Tippoo's army was entirely routed, and a few + days after the place surrendered. Tippoo is said to have been + wounded in the action, and carried to the hill-fort: this is all we + know. If the "Gazette" is out in time, Goddard will send it you. + + The Duke of P. and his friends have declined being at the Council. + We mean, nevertheless, to take the step, and to propose Addresses + in both Houses of Parliament. It seems impossible for them not to + support us there, but it is at least right to bring it to a point. + When the day is fixed for the motion in the House of Lords I will + let you know it, as I think you will wish to be present, and + probably may be desirous of expressing your opinion. I consider the + Duke of P.'s refusal as an additional proof of the decisive + influence Fox possesses over their minds when he chooses to exert + it. + + You will have seen that the Chancellor opposed the National Debt + Bill yesterday _by surprise_, and had nearly beat us. What this may + lead to, I do not yet know; but as at present advised, I think the + consequences must be decisive on his situation or ours. But it + requires some reflection, and some management in the quarter that + you know. + + Ever, my dear brother, + Most affectionately yours, + GRENVILLE. + +The "quarter" alluded to had the courage to decide not only wisely but +promptly, and Thurlow was peremptorily called upon to resign. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, May 18th, 1792. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The King has charged Dundas with a message to the Chancellor, + stating the necessity he was under of making his option, and + therefore requiring him to give up the Seals, leaving the time to + his choice. The Chancellor is to see the King to-day, and after + that the thing will, I imagine, be immediately announced, though I + hardly think it can take place till the end of the session. Our + present idea is to put the Seals in Commission, with Eyre at the + head, which (with the vacation) will give time for future + arrangements. It is impossible as yet to guess at the success of + those arrangements, but I imagine they would unquestionably be much + facilitated by the sacrifice you so generously offer. I have not, + however, thought myself at liberty to make any use of what you say + on that subject, nor will I, as I think that if you make up your + mind to so very handsome an offer, you ought at least to have the + merit with Pitt of announcing it to him, instead of its having the + appearance of passing in any manner through me. + + We shall, I believe, issue the proclamation to-day or to-morrow at + latest, and Friday is, I think, the most likely day for the Address + in the House of Lords; but you shall hear further from me. I say + nothing of that part of the Indian news which _is_ true, as you + will already have seen it in all the papers. + + The King has conducted himself towards Pitt in this unpleasant + situation in a manner the most handsome possible, and such as must + leave a lasting impression in our minds. I do not look without + some uneasiness at the increase of personal labour of all sorts + which this will bring upon me; _mais le vin est tire_. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, June 13th, 1792. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I know you share the happiness I feel, in learning that _my + travellers_ were to be at Brussels in the course of last week, and + did not purpose making more than four or five days' stay there, so + that I may reasonably expect them here from day to day. I am + rejoiced that my holidays have begun before they are arrived. We + prorogue on Friday, and have finished all our business to-day, + which is a great load off my shoulders. The Chancellor is to give + up the Seals immediately, and they will be put into Commission with + Eyre, Buller, and Wilson, as I imagine, though the names are not + yet quite settled. We shall have the summer to look about us; and I + feel no great uneasiness even at the thoughts of meeting them again + precisely as we are, if that should be the case. + + There is no news of any sort, except the continuance of the French + follies, which you read day by day in their papers, as fully, and + indeed often much more so, than I could detail them. There have + been some great failures at Bordeaux, and some at Paris, which + makes those few of our merchants who are concerned with them look + about them a little. + + Our Addresses are going on swimmingly, and it will, I think, soon + be time for the loyal county of B. to show itself. They expect a + dust in Surrey, which my good Lord Onslow does not seem to have + quite wit enough to lay. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + +Two days after the date of this letter, Parliament was prorogued, and +the Chancellor sent in his resignation. + +The events that were taking place in France had recently awakened in +England a spirit of sympathy amongst the lower classes, which it was +apprehended might lead to disastrous consequences, if strong measures +were not adopted for its suppression. Several associations were +established in London and elsewhere to give practical effect to the +democratic and revolutionary doctrines of the day, under such titles as +the Corresponding Society, the Revolution Society, and the Society for +Constitutional Information; and some of them carried their views so far +as to transmit congratulatory addresses to the National Assembly. The +Government, seeing the peril that was impending over the country, took +immediate measures for the suppression of seditious correspondence +abroad, and revolutionary publications at home. A proclamation embodying +these objects was laid before Parliament towards the end of May, and +carried without a division, notwithstanding a violent opposition from +Mr. Grey and others, who had formed themselves into a Society called +"The Friends of the People," for the ostensible purpose of appeasing the +discontents, by obtaining a reform in the representation. + +Immediately after the prorogation of Parliament, meetings were held all +over the country, to testify to the King the loyalty and gratitude of +the population, and to return thanks to His Majesty for the activity and +decision with which the dangers of the crisis had been met. In the +course of two or three months, the number of addresses that were voted +at these meetings and presented to the King amounted to three hundred +and forty-one. + +It is to these circumstances Lord Grenville alludes in the closing +paragraph of the last letter. In the next communication he urges Lord +Buckingham to move the Address in his own county; and in the letters +that follow he touches upon the progress of the sanguinary drama that +was then enacting in Paris. The domestic allusions refer to his +approaching marriage. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, June 21st, 1792. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + Although I have as yet no tidings of my travellers, I feel so + confident of their being here before the day fixed for the Address, + that I think I run no risk in promising to be there _at all + events_. I have, however, no idea that the noble Marquis will give + us the meeting; though I will own to you, there are few things + which I should like better. I think the Address perfectly + unexceptionable as it now stands; but I should wish to add a + sentence somewhere, expressing the satisfaction and concurrence of + the county in the sentiments expressed _by Parliament_ on this + subject, because I think it may not be indifferent to future + debates, to have to quote expressions of this sort, in order to + show that, on a great occasion like this, the sense of the people + was immediately and completely expressed by Parliament. I enclose + you the Devonshire Address, which Fortescue sent me. It was drawn + by him; and I think singularly well put together. + + It appears to me, that you ought certainly to move the Address + yourself; this not being a case where the common objections apply, + but rather the contrary. In that case, perhaps, some person of + higher rank ought to second than Drake, Duke of Portland, or Lord + Chesterfield, or Lord Inchiquin, or Lord Hampden. If, however, you + have actually applied to him, it must be managed as well as it can. + + Do you advertize the meeting in the London papers? I think you + ought to write to Lord Chesterfield. When you return me the + Address, I will put it into Tom's hands for the Duke of Portland. I + think this meeting ought by no means to supersede the idea of the + Grand Jury presentment. If you still think that right, I will + contrive that Lord Loughborough, who goes your circuit, shall have + a hint to prepare the way for it by his charge. You will, of + course, be very civil to him. Whether it will come to anything I + have not; but there is reason enough to be civil to him, as I will + explain when we meet. + + The Berlin news is nothing more than the common story of a squabble + between Mistress and Favourite, in which, contrary to custom, + Favourite has this time got the better of Mistress. As far as it + goes, it is unfavourable to the Jacobins; for the whole project of + French interference is Bishopwerder's; and the crime imputed to the + other, is a leaning towards the democrats. + + I need not tell you how much I feel the kindness of what you say + about my domestic concerns, and the near approach of my prospects. + I am sure you do me the justice to think that I am not insensible + of all your affection to me on that subject, as, indeed, on every + other. Till they arrive, I can form no guess of their plans, nor, + consequently, of my own; but, as I shall certainly see you so soon, + either here or at Aylesbury, we shall be able to talk about it; + and, till then, I think you had better not write to Lord C. on the + subject of Stowe, for a reason which you perhaps guess. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, June 25th, 1792. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + Having been out of town Saturday and Sunday, I did not get the East + India news time enough to write to you. The newspapers contain all + we know or have received. There is no doubt of the authenticity of + the "Bombay Gazette," the original of which is received. But it + seems very odd how the news should first reach Bombay through the + Nizam's Durbar. On the whole, however, I see no sufficient ground + to disbelieve it; and, if true, it is as good as the most sanguine + wishes could have desired. + + Lord Camelford is landed at Deal, and will be in town to-morrow + night. I shall, therefore, certainly keep my engagement for Friday. + I shall see Tom this morning, and will put the Address into his + hands, to be communicated to the Duke of Portland, and will also + talk to him about the Grand Jury. The new French Ministry is wholly + Fayette's, and by his letter he seems to think himself strong + enough to take the whole into his own hands and keep it. I have, + however, no opinion of his judgment. I am persuaded his plan is to + negotiate with the two Courts, and he will find a ready ear to all + he can say there. The Princes are wholly excluded, and + systematically so, from all that is doing, and will scarce be + allowed the honour of fighting should it come to blows. And the + King will be too happy to yield to any compromise that he may think + will insure his personal safety. And so far for prophecies, in + which you know I do not deal much. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + P.S.--The enclosed is for Lord Buckingham. Pray let it be put among + the portraits of other heroes. It is original, and Liston says + very like. The whipping-post, knife, and pistol, are also + portraits. + + I open my letter again to tell you, that by way of anniversary of + the 20th, there was a procession of the two faubourgs with pikes, + &c., to the National Assembly. From thence they went to the + Tuileries, to present what they called a petition to the King. He + ordered them to be let in, and they entered, notwithstanding the + National Guard, who were there in force, but made no resistance, + though it is said they were disposed to it if they had been + encouraged. They remained three hours in the King's room, loading + him with insults, and demanding the recal of the Jacobin Ministers, + and the sanction for the two decrees. They put the red cap upon his + head, upon the Queen's, and upon the Dauphin. They were at length + persuaded to disperse by Petion telling them that they had + sufficiently manifested their patriotism. The King is said to have + behaved with uncommon firmness and apparent indifference. The whole + was expected, and had been announced for a week, and you see how it + was met. The Jacobins feel it a complete triumph, and talk of + sending La Fayette to Orleans. + + Luckner has taken possession of Menin, Ypres, and Courtrai, the + latter after some resistance, in which the Austrians lost about one + hundred men. An action was expected every hour. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + July 2nd, 1792. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I have a whole budget of news for you, but I must begin with what + interests myself most, which is, the thanking you again for your + kindness to your _future sister_. I have told her of it, and she + feels it as she ought to do. You know I do not deal much in long + speeches, nor do you much delight in hearing or reading them; but I + am sure that you do me the justice to believe me not the less + sensible of all your affection to me, which I have experienced in + every stage of my life, and most of all on the most interesting + occasion of it. I feel that it is to you I owe my happiness. + + When you give your directions to Froggatt, will you be so good as + to bid him put in Lord Camelford's name as the trustee. + + Now for news. The "Gazette," which Goddard sends you, will tell you + of Lord Cornwallis's victory. We have this morning a letter from + Brooke at St. Helena, enclosing a "Madras Courier," with the + account of a second victory, followed by a peace, in which Tippoo + stipulates to cede _half his dominions_ to the allies, and to pay + them L3,500,000 for the expenses of the war, and to give his two + sons for hostages. Nothing can appear more complete; but I wait + with impatience for Lord Cornwallis's despatches, as the above + expression relative to the cessions is so very loose. + + Lafayette has left his army to go to Paris, and has made a speech + to the Assembly, threatening them in pretty plain, though guarded + terms, with the resentment of his army, if they do not punish the + outrages of the 21st, and demolish the Jacobins. His friends moved + to refer his address to the _commission des douze_, which was + carried on the _appel nominal_ by 110 majority. He was afterwards + carried in triumph to the Tuileries by the National Guards. But the + Jacobins are not stunned, and much disturbance was expected in + Paris. + + I take it for granted you have told my own news to Lady B., and + therefore do not trouble her with a letter. Will you be so good as + to say everything that is most kind to her, both from Anne and + myself. + + Ever, my dear brother, + Most affectionately yours, + GRENVILLE. + +Crowds of emigrants that were driven out of France by the massacres +that were going on there, night and day, swarmed into the streets of +London, where they wandered about in great distress. The majority of +these people were priests; and it was computed that the number of French +refugees that landed in England, between the 30th of August and the 1st +of October, amounted to nearly four thousand. Large subscriptions were +raised for their relief; but as it was essential that the protection +extended to them should not be abused, Lord Grenville turned his +attention to the necessity of providing some measure for regulating the +assistance they received, and guarding against any sinister advantage +the disaffected amongst them might be disposed to take of the asylum +which the free institutions of this country threw open to them. Here we +have the first suggestion of the Alien Bill, which, three months +afterwards, Lord Grenville introduced into Parliament. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Sept. 20th, 1792. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + We returned here from our expedition the day before yesterday, + having passed through Weymouth in our way. We left Lord Camelford + far from well, and in the intention of coming immediately to town, + in order to set out again for the continent. It is a melancholy + reflection to think that he should again so soon be obliged to + leave us. + + My sudden expedition from Castlehill has delayed my return here so + much later than I expected, that I fear it cuts off all hope of my + making you a visit in the autumn at Stowe. Pitt goes to-day to take + possession of his castle. I suppose you will have heard that Paine + had a very narrow escape at Dover. I send you the enclosed, because + you may, perhaps, not have seen it, and I am sure it will please + you. Pray read Necker's last work. + + We have no news from the armies, except that the siege of + Thionville was turned into a blockade, and a general action hourly + expected. The Duke of Brunswick's progress does not keep pace with + the impatience of our wishes, but I doubt whether it was reasonable + to expect more. The detail of the late events at Paris is so + horrible, that I do not like to let my mind dwell upon them; and + yet I fear that scene of shocking and savage barbarity is very far + from its close. I deliver this day to the Imperial and Neapolitan + Ministers a note, with the formal assurance that in case of the + murder of the King or Queen, the persons guilty of that crime shall + not be allowed any asylum in the King's dominions. Opinions are a + little doubtful about the best means of giving effect to this + promise, should the case arise. Our lawyers seem clear, and + Blackstone expressly asserts, that the King may prevent any alien + from coming into the kingdom, or remaining there. But this power + has so rarely been used, that it may, perhaps, be better to have a + special Act of Parliament applying to this case. This, however, + relates only to the mode. I imagine everybody will think the thing + itself right, and some people seem to hope it may prevent the + commission of the crime in question. In this hope I am not very + sanguine. + + We have no account of Spain having declared war, except what comes + through France. + + God bless you, and believe me + Ever most affectionately yours, + GRENVILLE. + +The retreat of the combined army, under the Duke of Brunswick, cast a +gloom over the hopes of the struggling royalists. The soldiers had +suffered severe sickness from eating the unripe grapes of Champagne, +and, contrary to the expectations in which they had been led to indulge, +the peasantry everywhere opposed them by attacking detachments, and +breaking up the roads. + +Whilst these events were spreading consternation over the continent, the +proceedings of the Irish Roman Catholics were of a nature to awaken +serious uneasiness in England. The whole country was convulsed on the +subject of concessions, the debates in Parliament exhibited unexampled +intemperance, and it was said that subscriptions to the extent of nearly +three millions had been entered into with the intention of purchasing +lands in America, should the demands of the Roman Catholics be refused. + +Whatever opinion Lord Grenville and Mr. Pitt might have previously +entertained as to the justice or policy of granting further relief, was +much shaken by the attitude which the Irish assumed at this alarming +juncture. It was no longer possible to deal with the question on the +grounds on which it originally rested; and the Imperial Government could +not compromise its influence and authority by yielding to menace those +claims which it was willing to accept as a legitimate subject for +deliberate legislation. Out of these unfortunate checks, hindrances, and +distrusts on both sides, arose that calamitous condition of Ireland +which broke out a few years afterwards into open rebellion; but, looking +back dispassionately on these events at this distance of time, it is +difficult to see how that disastrous issue could have been prevented. +The hazard lay between going too far and not going far enough, with the +certainty that whatever was done must have fallen short of satisfying +one party, and in an equal degree must have dissatisfied another. It was +also a matter of continual perplexity with the Government to find the +right moment for initiating the policy of conciliation. There were +always moments when, in certain shapes, it would have suited one party +or the other; but the moment when it would have suited both never came. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Oct. 11th, 1792. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + We go to Dropmore to-morrow, to fix ourselves for the remainder of + the autumn--if any autumn remain. I shall be very much obliged to + you for your cargo, whenever Mr. Woodward's prudence allows him to + send it. + + We are all much disappointed with the result of the great + expectations that had been formed from the Duke of Brunswick's + campaign. According to the best accounts I can get, of a business + involved in almost inextricable mystery, the flux--which had got + into his camp--was the true cause of his retreat. Whatever be the + cause, the effect is equally to be regretted. The plan seems now to + be, to hold Verdun and Longwy; and to employ the interval before + the spring allows them to march forwards again, in besieging the + different frontier towns in the neighbourhood. But the example of + Thionville will prevent the success of intimidation, or of _coups + de main_; and the opening trenches is impossible, at least, till + the post comes. Clairfayt's corps of about twenty thousand men is + to march towards the Low Countries, to prevent them from being + insulted. + + I have thought much of the Irish business. I am very much inclined + to think that the alarms stated by the people there are much + exaggerated, partly with the view of producing an effect here, and + partly, because you know such is the genius of that people to carry + everything to extremes. Allowing, however, for this, there is + certainly much real cause for alarm. It is, I think, clearly + impossible not to resist the demands of the Catholics, in the + manner and circumstances in which they are now made. How far it was + prudent to have gone last year, in voluntary and gratuitous + concession, I know not, and really feel that it requires more local + knowledge than I possess to decide. My leaning was certainly in + favour of going as far as could be gone with safety, but no person + is authorized to state even that leaning; and the subsequent + conduct of the Catholics does, in my opinion, go far to shake any + opinion which might then have been entertained in favour of further + concession. + + My idea, therefore is, that the Irish Parliament must be enabled to + meet the struggle, if struggle there is to be, by having the means + put into their hands of calling forth all the resources of that + country; which, if called forth, I believe to be very great indeed. + That this may not ultimately lead to some drain upon the purse and + force of this country, is more certain than any man would affirm, + who sees what has passed in France. But the probability is, I + think, against it. I am inclined to believe, that the voting an + increase of the army may be a wise measure of intimidation, and as + such, it will be stated to that Government for consideration; but, + on the other hand, any increase of expense, which is to lead to + increase of taxes, is certainly objectionable. My own persuasion + is, that with a very little firmness, the Convention of 1793 will + vanish like that of 1783; but this is no reason for neglecting + reasonable measures of precaution. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + GRENVILLE. + +In these letters occur the first allusions to Dropmore, Lord Grenville's +seat in Buckinghamshire, which he had recently purchased, and upon the +embellishment of which he bestowed all the spare hours he could rescue +from the fatigues of public business. The trees, acknowledged in the +following letter as having been just received from Stowe, were destined +to convert a common into pleasure-grounds, under the direction of his +accomplished taste, which "made the wilderness smile," and transformed a +remote country nook into a scene of singular and matchless beauty. + +The state of Europe, and the views of the writer in reference to it, are +treated at large in this letter, which is of great historical value as +an exposition of the firm and judicious course pursued by Lord Grenville +through a period of universal panic and confusion. To have kept England +in tranquillity aloof from the perils that were devastating the +continent, and to have sustained her in such prosperous circumstances as +to justify the hope that in the next year the Government might be +enabled to announce a further remission of taxes, furnishes a triumphant +answer to the charge so frequently brought against Mr. Pitt's +Administration, of wantonly encouraging a policy that plunged the +country into a profligate war expenditure. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Nov. 7th, 1792. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The trees arrived safe at Dropmore yesterday, and we were at their + unpacking in the middle of such a fog as I never saw before. They + will answer admirably well for my purpose, and will make a great + figure on my hill in the course of a century or so, provided always + that the municipality of Burnham does not cut them down sooner. + + I cannot deny that you have some reason to complain of my silence + for the last month, but you have the kindness to assign the true + cause; unless, indeed, I was to add another almost equally + strong--I mean the absolute want of anything to say. This sounds + strange, but it is not the less true. The _events_ you read in the + newspapers, often before I get them, and they have been such as it + could give me little pleasure to detail. The causes have been hid, + _caliginosa nocta_, in a fog almost as thick as that of yesterday, + and I have been among the guessers only, and not always among those + who were luckiest in their guesses. I bless God, that we had the + wit to keep ourselves out of the glorious enterprize of the + combined armies, and that we were not tempted by the hope of + sharing the spoils in the division of France, nor by the prospect + of crushing all democratical principles all over the world at one + blow. But having so sturdily resisted all solicitation to join in + these plans, we have been punished for our obstinacy by having been + kept in profound ignorance of the details by which they were to be + executed, and even of the course of events, as far as that could be + done, which occurred during the progress of the enterprize. Now + that it has failed, we must expect these deep politicians to return + to the charge, and to beg us to help them out of the pit into which + they wanted to help us. But they have as yet been in no hurry to + begin this pleasant communication, and most assuredly we are in no + disposition to urge them on faster. You have here, therefore, the + explanation of the total impossibility in which I find myself to + explain all the inexplicable events of the last two months + otherwise than by conjecture. It is but lately that I have thought + I had even grounds enough to guess by. But you shall hear my guess. + The Austrians and Prussians thought they were marching to certain + victory. The emigrants, who had given them this idea, confirmed + them in it till the facts undeceived them. The Duke of Brunswick, + who joins to great personal valour great indecision of mind, and + great soreness for his reputation, hesitated to take the only means + that could have insured success--a sudden and hazarded attack. The + more he delayed, the more difficult his position grew. He then + attempted to buy a man, who, under other circumstances, would have + been very purchasable; failed in this; lost time; excited distrust + and jealousy among his allies; dispirited his own troops; and ended + his enterprize by a disgraceful retreat, which coffee-house + politicians are, as usual, willing to attribute to all sorts of + causes except the natural and obvious one. The subsequent successes + of the French are natural. An army that expected to be in Paris in + October, had naturally taken little precaution to prevent the + French from attacking Germany in the same month. The French + officers, who could have no authority over their armies in defeat + and disgrace, have naturally acquired it in success; and the + business will begin again in the spring, being about twice as + difficult as it was when it began this autumn. + + I have little doubt that this is the project of both parties. The + Austrians may perhaps put themselves a little more forward than the + Prussians; and from what I have heard of the conduct of the latter, + the enterprize may not fare the worse for this difference. The + Emperor must feel that he has now got an enemy whom he must devour, + or be devoured by it. And the governing party at Paris have very + many very obvious reasons for continuing the war. The rest of the + empire will give their contingent, unless they have been lucky + enough to be forced to sign a capitulation of neutrality. The King + of Sardinia and Italy will defend themselves as they can, which + will probably be very ill. What Spain will do, she does not know, + and therefore certainly we do not. Portugal and Holland will do + what we please. We shall do nothing. Sweden and Denmark can do + nothing, and Russia has enough else to do, and has neither the will + nor the means of doing much against France. And there is the + tableau of Europe for next year, according to my almanac. + + You will not complain that this time I have not given you + speculation and prophecy enough--more than any man ought to make + who has profited, as I have done, by the experience of all these + events, to learn that human wisdom and foresight are somewhat more + shortsighted personages than the most shortsighted of us two, + whichever that is. + + All my ambition is that I may at some time hereafter, when I am + freed from all active concern in such a scene as this is, have the + inexpressible satisfaction of being able to look back upon it, and + to tell myself that I have contributed to keep my own country at + least a little longer from sharing in all the evils of every sort + that surround us. I am more and more convinced that this can only + be done by keeping wholly and entirely aloof, and by watching much + at home, but doing very little indeed; endeavouring to nurse up in + the country a real determination to stand by the Constitution when + it is attacked, as it most infallibly will be if these things go + on; and, above all, trying to make the situation of the lower + orders among us as good as it can be made. In this view, I have + seen with the greatest satisfaction the steps taken in different + parts of the country for increasing wages, which I hold to be a + point of absolute necessity, and of a hundred times more importance + than all that the most _doing_ Government could do in twenty years + towards keeping the country quiet. I trust we may again be enabled + to contribute to the same object by the repeal of taxes, but of + that we cannot yet be sure. Sure I am, at least I think myself so, + that these are the best means in our power to delay what perhaps + nothing can ultimately avert, if it is decreed that we are again to + be plunged into barbarism. + + I find that I am growing too serious, even for you, upon a subject + on which I know you are serious enough, and it is high time to + release you. God bless you, and thank you once more in my name, and + my little woman's, for your trees. May we long continue to love one + another as we do, and we shall both, I trust, have a comfort in our + long affection and friendship, which the study or practice of the + art of governing men seems very little likely to afford in our + time. + + Ever, my dear brother, + Most affectionately yours, + GRENVILLE. + +The disasters of the Duke of Brunswick reanimated the factious spirit +which the vigorous measures of the Government had previously succeeded +in subduing. The prosecutions instituted under the proclamation against +seditious publications had been followed by the most decisive results; +and Thomas Paine, who was the chief offender, foreseeing the inevitable +issue of his impending trial, although Mr. Erskine was engaged to defend +him, had absconded to France, where he was admitted to a citizenship +more congenial to his principles, and enjoyed the doubtful honour of +being returned by two constituencies as a member of the National +Assembly. + +The flight of Paine broke down the courage of his disciples; and the +circulation of seditious libels was effectually arrested, until the +misfortunes of the Allies once more revived the hopes of the +disaffected. Fresh measures of prevention and defence were now rendered +necessary to preserve the peace of the country. The Militia was to be +augmented by volunteer companies, and the law officers of the Crown were +to exercise with vigilance the powers entrusted to them for bringing +malcontents to justice. But it was not by such means alone the +Administration proposed to meet the evil. It appealed to the good sense +and loyalty of the people. Upon these elements it depended for the +ultimate success of its efforts. The language of patriotism never found +more felicitous or energetic utterance than in these words of Lord +Grenville's: "The hands of Government must be strengthened if the +country is to be saved; but, above all, the work must not be left to the +hands of Government, but every man must put his shoulder to it, +according to his rank and situation in life, or it will not be done." + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 14th, 1792. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The events in Flanders have brought so much hurry of things to be + done and thought of upon me, that I really have been unable to + answer your letter, which I have been some days intending to do. + With respect to what you mention about prosecutions, you do not + advert to the forms of our laws, by which no step of that nature + can be taken by the Attorney-General, except in term time, when + alone his informations can be filed. No seditious publication has + ever come to my knowledge, without my referring it to the + Attorney-General for prosecution; and out of the five which you + mention, viz., Jockey Club, Paine, Cooper, Walker and Cartwright, + the three first have been so referred, the two last I have never + seen. In truth, without assistance from the magistrates and + gentlemen of the country, who give none except Addresses, it is + very vain for Government to attempt to see and know, at Whitehall, + every libel which may be dispersed in the country. + + But the real fact is, that these people were completely quelled, + and their spirit destroyed, till the Duke of Brunswick's retreat. + Since that they have begun to show themselves again, and nothing + that I know of has been neglected that could tend to put the law in + force against them. Steps are now taking by Government to send + persons into the counties to purchase these libels, with a view to + indictments at the Christmas Quarter Sessions; but this is a thing + that can be done but once, and could not be continued without an + expense equal to that of the old French police. Our laws suppose + magistrates and Grand Juries to do this duty, and if they do it + not, I have little faith in its being done by a Government such as + the Constitution has made ours. If you look back to the last time + in our history that these sort of things bore the same serious + aspect that they now do--I mean the beginning of the Hanover + reigns--you will find that the Protestant succession was + established, not by the interference of a Secretary of State or + Attorney-General, in every individual instance, but by the + exertions of every magistrate and officer, civil or military, + throughout the country. + + I wish this was more felt and understood, because it is a little + hard to be forced to run the hazards of doing much more than one's + duty, and then to be charged with doing less. + + As to what you mention of overt acts, those things are all much + exaggerated, where they are not wholly groundless. The report of + what is called "Cooper's Ass-Feast" (Walker's I never heard of), + and of the Scotch Greys being concerned in it, reached me _by + accident_, for of all the King's good subjects, who are exclaiming + against its not being noticed, not one thought it worth his while + to apprise the Secretary of State of it. I took immediate steps for + inquiring into it, and am satisfied that the whole story has no + other foundation than Mr. Cooper having invited two officers to + dine with him in a small company, and having given them, by way of + curiosity, as a new dish, a piece of a young ass roasted. I + inquired, in the same manner, about the riot stated to have + happened at Sheffield; and learn from Lord Loughborough, who lives + in the county, and is enough on the _qui vive_ on the subject, that + there was nothing which, even in the most peaceable times, could + deserve the name of a riot. That supposed at Perth I never heard of + yet, though Dundas has been within a short distance of that place. + + It is not unnatural, nor is it an unfavourable symptom, that people + who are thoroughly frightened, as the body of landed gentlemen in + this country are, should exaggerate these stories as they pass from + one mouth to the other; but you, who know the course of this sort + of reports, ought not too hastily to give credit to them. + + It is, however, not the less true that the danger exists, and + perhaps not the less from its not breaking out in the manner + stated. The conquest of Flanders has, as I believe, brought the + business to a much nearer issue here than any reasonable man could + believe a month ago. The hands of Government must be strengthened + if the country is to be saved; but, above all, the work must not be + left to the hands of Government, but every man must put his + shoulder to it, according to his rank and situation in life, or it + will not be done. I could write much more of the same sort, but I + have already people waiting for me. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 25th, 1792. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + Our hopes of anything really useful from Opposition, are, I am + sorry to say, nearly vanished. In the meantime the storm thickens. + Lord Loughborough has declined, and Fox seems to govern the rest + just in the old way. + + We are called upon on all sides for counter associations, and + indeed it seems too clear that the peace of the country cannot + otherwise be preserved. The army, though I trust still steady, is + too small to be depended on. We must look to individual exertions, + and to the Militia. I forgot to beg you to state to me the grounds + you had to think parts of that body infected. It is material to + know the truth on that subject. Our plan is to enable the King to + authorize the Lord-Lieutenants to commission volunteer companies to + be added to the Militia on the first appearance of tumult. This + seems to add the advantage of subordination to regular power to + that of association. + + In the meantime, we are preparing an association in London, which + is to be declared in the course of next week. I enclose you the + plan of their declaration, in which you see the great object is to + confine it within the limits of the regular Government, and not to + go beyond that point. A few persons of rank cannot be kept out of + it, but we mean it chiefly to consist of merchants and lawyers, as + a London society, and that the example should then be followed by + each county or district--including there as many farmers and yeomen + as possible. In this _we_ shall of course have no difficulty. + Probably we need hardly appear much before the Quarter Sessions. It + seems desirable that at the different Quarter Sessions the + magistrates should name an adjourned day for receiving the reports + of their different constables, &c., &c., relative to the state of + their districts in this respect, and taking the necessary measures + thereupon. + + I throw out these ideas to you for your consideration, as it is now + clear I cannot see you before Saturday, if then. If I cannot leave + town I will let you know in time. + + Ever yours, + G. + + I really have not time to extract for you a state of the Austrian + and Prussian armies. Both Courts are making the utmost possible + exertions to march down fresh troops. But then, I apprehend, the + amazing superiority of numbers must keep them on the defensive, + unless they can cut off Custine, of which I have little hope. + + I am delighted with the spirit and feeling of your son's letter, + which are, I hope of the best augury, with a view to a game in + which he will probably be called upon to play his part pretty soon. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Nov. 29th, 1792. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + As we have, I think, nearly determined that, in consequence of the + situation of affairs, both at home and abroad, we cannot discharge + our duty to the country, nor even answer for its security, without + calling the whole or a considerable part of the Militia + immediately, I lose not a moment in apprizing you of it, both that + you may be enabled to hold yourself in readiness to take your + measures, and also to beg you to suggest to me any particular of + importance that may occur to you respecting the mode of doing the + thing. + + Parliament must, as you know, by law be assembled within fourteen + days; and it will, I think, be so within twelve days of the + proclamation, which I expect to issue on Friday. But the precise + day is not yet determined, because we are desirous, before the + thing is known, to have troops enough round London to prevent the + possibility of anything happening in the interval, which they would + of course try if they saw an opening. + + You must not, from this measure, think the alarm greater than it + is. The step is principally founded on the total inadequacy of our + military force to the necessary exertions. + + At the time that the order is sent, directions will be given to + the Lord-Lieutenant immediately to assemble the serjeants, &c., and + to place the arms under proper guard. I am, as you will easily + believe, too much hurried to be able to go into more details. + + We have nothing new from abroad. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + I am afraid all visits to Dropmore are quite out of the question. + + I do not understand what you say in one of your letters about + quarters instead of lodging. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Saturday, Dec. 1st, 1792. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + The King's orders are this day given to embody the two-thirds of + all the Militias of the counties on the east coast from Scotland to + London, which, together with Cumberland, Westmoreland and Kent, + give us a strength of about five thousand one hundred men. + + Parliament will meet on Thursday sev'nnight. Before that time, I + conclude I shall see you here. I am really so occupied, as not to + have a moment to spare. + + Dumourier is advancing towards Liege; and I think if some blow is + not already struck by their small force from Ostend against + Flushing, the season secures Holland for some months, during which + much must happen of all sorts. + + We have, I trust, secured the Tower and the City, and have now + reason to believe that they are alarmed, and have put off their + intended visit; but we are prepared for the worst. + + Ever yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Dec. 5th, 1792. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + We determined last night to call out, in addition to the regiments + already ordered, the Militias of the maritime counties from Kent to + Cornwall, inclusive, and those of Berks, Bucks, Herts, and Surrey. + You will, in consequence, receive by this messenger the warrant and + letter for that purpose. The reason of the addition is partly the + increasing prospect of hostilities with France, and partly the + motives stated in your letter. Our object at first was to limit the + number, in order not to give too great an alarm. The spirit of the + people is evidently rising, and I trust that we shall have energy + enough in the country to enable the Government to assert its true + situation in Europe, and to maintain its dignity. + + We shall certainly proceed to business on Thursday; but how long we + shall sit, it is impossible as yet to decide. I think the present + idea is to bring forward the bills immediately which are necessary + for strengthening the hands of Government. Hitherto, we have every + reason to be satisfied with the impression our measure has made. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + +Parliament stood prorogued to the 3rd of January; but it was convened by +proclamation on the 3rd of December, in consequence of the urgent +necessity that existed for adopting immediate measures of internal +defence. On the 17th, Lord Grenville introduced his Alien Bill; and two +other measures were rapidly passed for interdicting the circulation of +French assignats, and preventing the exportation of naval stores and +ammunition. + +The signs of the future were now darkening the horizon. The French +Republic sent over an ambassador extraordinary, under the title of +Minister Plenipotentiary, to demand of England whether France was to +consider her as a neutral or a hostile power. Lord Grenville refused to +negotiate with him in a character which England could not acknowledge; +but intimated that if France was desirous of maintaining peace with +Great Britain, she must renounce her views of aggression and +aggrandizement, and confine herself to her own territory, without +insulting other Governments, without disturbing their tranquillity, +without violating their rights. + +The sequel need not be detailed. The King of France was brought to +trial, sentenced to death, and beheaded. This terrible catastrophe +terminated the mission of the French Ambassador, who was informed by +Lord Grenville that he could no longer remain in this kingdom in a +public character, and ordered to retire within eight days. In a week +from that time, the Convention passed a decree declaring the Republic of +France at war with the King of England and the Stadtholder of Holland. + + + + +1793. + +CAUSES AND OBJECTS OF THE WAR--SECESSIONS FROM THE OPPOSITION--REVERSES +IN HOLLAND--DISASTERS OF THE ALLIES--STATE OF FRANCE AT THE CLOSE OF THE +YEAR. + + +The policy of England in reference to the proceedings in France had +hitherto been that of a conservative neutrality. The letter of Lord +Grenville to the Marquis of Buckingham, dated 7th November, 1792, to +which attention has been specially directed, clearly and unequivocally +establishes that fact. Had the motive commonly imputed to Ministers, of +having entered into the war for the vindication of the monarchical +principle and the restoration of the Bourbons, been really the actuating +object, it would have appeared in these confidential communications. Not +only, however, is there no such motive avowed or contemplated, but, on +the contrary, Lord Grenville declares that the greatest source of pride +and satisfaction he finds on reviewing the line of conduct he had acted +upon throughout that reign of anarchy, is in the reflection that he had +kept England out of it. Up to the last moment, so long as France +confined her public acts and the dissemination of her new doctrines to +her own territory, the English Government remained merely a spectator of +events in which she took no part, and evinced no concern. The case was +altered when France invaded Holland, and passed a decree fraternizing +with the people of other countries, and offering them assistance to +procure their liberties. These were the measures of oppression and +aggrandizement referred to by Lord Grenville in his communications with +the French Envoy; and upon these grounds, and these grounds alone, +England accepted and prosecuted the war. + +Immediately after the declaration of hostilities by the Convention, the +King sent a message to Parliament explicitly declaring the causes of the +war, which were, the occupation by the French of the Scheldt, the +exclusive navigation of which had been guaranteed by treaty to the +Dutch; the fraternizing decree which invited the people of other +countries to revolutionize their Governments; and the danger with which +Europe was threatened by the progress of the French arms. In one aspect +this was a war of principles; in another, it was a war of self-defence. +In both, it was just and inevitable. Even the Opposition admitted the +validity of the grounds on which it proceeded, although they could not +resist the temptation of assailing the Minister, while they adopted his +measures. The resolutions founded on the message were carried with +scarcely a shadow of objection in either House of Parliament. The people +of all classes were wholly with Mr. Pitt. Amongst the last to be +convinced was Mr. Wilberforce, who had a moral aversion to all wars, +but who ultimately expressed himself converted to the necessity of war +on this occasion. + +The effect of the message from the King was remarkable. Numbers of the +most influential men, who had previously voted with the Opposition, +passed over to the Ministerial benches, including Burke and Wyndham, and +the Lords Portland, Spencer, Fitzwilliam, Loughborough, and many other +peers and commoners. Lord Loughborough, who had so often run in couples +with Thurlow, was now appointed to succeed him on the Woolsack; and +Ministers, acquiring augmented strength from all quarters, addressed +themselves vigorously to the task of preparation. + +The letters of this year are scanty, but not unimportant, in their +references to passing events. Taken in connection with the history of +the period, which is too familiar to require any further elucidation, +they will be found to throw a new light upon some points of contemporary +interest. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, Jan. 19th, 1793. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + It is at length settled that Lord Loughborough shall take the Seals + on Wednesday. He has written a long letter to the Duke of Portland, + which has not been answered. It is as yet very difficult to say + what proportion of the _ci-devant_ Opposition will follow Lord + Loughborough's example, and join Government avowedly, but I am + inclined to hope a pretty large one. The Prince of Wales has also + written to the Duke of Portland, and sent a message to us, + declaring his intention to join Government. I have not seen the + letter, but _my informant_, to whom it was shown yesterday morning + by the Duke of York, told me it was proper and explicit. + + 424 against the referring the judgment to the Assemblees Primaires, + 283 for it. + + The first question, of guilty, decided almost unanimously; the + third, that punishment should be inflicted, was deferred to the + 10th. + + Brissot's report, which you will see in the French papers, seems + well enough calculated for our purpose. The thing must now come to + its point in a few days; and we shall, I trust, have appeared to + the public here to have put the French completely _dans leur tort_. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Whitehall, June 12th, 1793. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + In consequence of what you requested in the conversation we had at + Dropmore, I write to mention to you that the vacant Ribands are + to-day to be given to Lord Salisbury, Lord Westmoreland, and Lord + Carlisle. I did not learn this yesterday till it was too late to + write to you. With respect to what you mentioned to me of your own + intentions, you know too well what my opinion is, and how anxiously + I am impressed with that opinion, to make me feel it right to urge + you with what could only be a repetition of all I have already + stated. But I wish to make it my earnest request to you that you + will not take any actual step till you have seen Pitt. I have not + told him anything of your idea of taking any measure on this + occasion but I have stated to him in general terms the uneasiness + you still seemed to feel on the subject of the former request, and + the possibility that this impression might be strengthened, + supposing Lord Camden's death to produce that sort of arrangement + to which you had so handsomely consented, but which might, + nevertheless, bring the other idea more forward in your mind. + + His plan was (if he had not been hindered by the gout) to have run + down to Somersetshire for a week, at the close of the business in + the House of Commons, and to have been back before he could almost + be known to be gone. He had then intended to take Winchester in his + way. I have not seen him for several days, and cannot therefore say + whether this idea still holds, but at all events there could be no + difficulty in your coming to town for a day or two for that + purpose. + + I urge this because I know you may fully rely upon his friendship, + and that even if he should not be able to alter the thing itself, + which I am sure I know not how he can, it is still, in my opinion, + very desirable that you should not take so marked a step without + hearing the advice of those who love you best, supposing even that + after all you should not be influenced by their reasoning upon it. + + I say nothing about myself in all this, because I am sure you + believe me truly sensible of your constant and unvaried affection + to me, and unwilling to intrude upon you repetitions which I must + fear would be useless. But you will not attribute it to + indifference or unconcern about the thing itself, which, God knows, + are sentiments the reverse of what I feel upon it. + + We have no news of any material event at the army. The siege was to + be opened on Monday, and they seem to entertain very sanguine ideas + indeed as to its speedy success. I have some doubt whether the + report from Paris, respecting Marat's new revolution, is to be + credited, though all the late accounts from thence seemed to + indicate an approaching crisis. I have a confused account from the + Hague, of the Duke of Brunswick having gained a decisive advantage + over the army that was Custine's. But it is not distinct enough to + place much reliance upon it. + + Mudge is returned by the way of China with despatches from + Vancouver. I have not yet seen them, but I understand, generally, + that some difficulty arose about the restitution of Northa. It is + not, however, of a nature to create any real embarrassment. He has + brought a letter for poor Lady Camelford from her son, whom he + tells me he left in great health and spirits. We have not opened + it, but wait till Lord C. comes, which I hope will be about the end + of this month at latest. From what he says, Vancouver's expedition + is likely to continue so much longer, that I think of proposing to + Lady C. that her son should return by the first opportunity, in + order to go into some larger ship, which at his age now will + clearly be desirable. He will have served his time before he can + hear from Europe. Juan de Fuca's inlet is explored, and found to be + closed with high lands. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Sept. 11th, 1793. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I am sorry to acquaint you that we have unpleasant accounts from + the army, and the more unpleasant from their uncertainty. All that + seems to be certain is, that the Duke of York thought himself + obliged to raise the siege of Dunkirk, at least for the present, in + consequence of an attack which I imagine to have taken place on the + evening of the 7th; and which must, of course, have been bloody, + and the event unfavourable to us. We have no direct account from + the army, but the report is that of an officer of the navy, who + comes, I understand, from Nieuport, and states that he had + prevented any other letters from coming over, in order to prevent + the spreading an alarm till the official accounts arrive. + + There is also a letter from Watson, the Commissary-General, which + seems to confirm the intended retreat, and says that he has + provisions, &c., enough in the rear of the army; but he mentions no + particulars of what has happened, except that he says the spirit of + the troops is good--that they have suffered, but have not been + beaten. His letter is from Furnes, on the 8th. + + I am sorry for the suspense in which this must leave you, as it + does us. If we hear more before the post goes out, I will add a + line to this letter. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + I should have added, that the same officer brings the account that + they had got at Ostend of the capture of Quesnoy, which I credit, + because my last letters from the Austrian army state the fall of + that place as certain within a very few days. This is the more + important, as P. Cob. would then be at liberty to march towards + Flanders, if necessary. + + Since I wrote the above, I have seen the narrative of the officer + in question--Lieutenant Popham. It is long, and full of little + details; but the result of the whole is, that he was going, by + Macbride's orders, to communicate with the Duke of York, and turned + back on account of the news he heard; that he met on the road + parties of our cavalry _evacuating Furnes_ on the 8th, and many + wounded soldiers going to Ostend; but he does not appear to have + collected accounts of what had happened, and indeed it is most + probable that individuals could not give any general information. + It does not appear whether they were going from Furnes by orders or + not. + + Five, P.M. + + I have just got the enclosed letter to Bruges from a young man I + sent as Secretary to Sir James Murray; and as it is very doubtful + whether I shall get the particulars time enough to send you + anything further, I would not omit letting you have this, which + will at least put you at ease for individuals. You will observe it + is dated from Furnes, on the 9th. It is brought by an officer + charged with the despatches. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dropmore, Sept. 15th, 1793. At Night. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + You will receive with this letter, which will be sent you from + London, the good and the bad accounts together. For the Flanders + war, I fear the latter overbalance the former; there is, however, + in my opinion, very little reason to be discouraged at these + checks, which must be expected whenever the French took the + resolution to leave the sieges on the side of Hainault to their + fate, in order to break in upon the line of communication. This + must have happened equally if the combined armies had remained + together, and undertaken a joint operation; and the proposed plan + had the advantage of being the only one whose success would have + remedied this inconvenience, resulting from the nature of an attack + from an open country against such a barrier. + + It must be left to military decision what is precisely the best + point of attack, combined or separate, which now remains; but the + loss of Menin as a post of communication does not tend to lessen + the difficulties of any plan, and I am decidedly averse to anything + that shall hazard the delaying the West India expedition, for + which, when you consider how much is to be done there, you will not + think a whole season too much. + + After all, a few towns more or less in Flanders are certainly not + unimportant; but I am much mistaken in my speculation, if the + business at Toulon is not decisive of the war. Only let your own + mind follow up all the consequences of that event, and you will, I + believe, agree with me that the expression I have used is not too + sanguine. We have news that the people of Lyons have defeated + Dubois Cranee, with a loss to the latter, as it is said, of four + thousand men. Allow this to be exaggerated, as I suppose it is, but + take the fact to be true that he has been defeated, and it is + everything to us. The next month or six weeks will be an anxious + period, and big with events. + + You asked me some time ago about Parliament, and that with a view + to your own motions. Nothing can, of course, be absolutely fixed on + that subject; but I think it highly improbable that Parliament + should meet before January. I heartily wish that we may arrange it + so as to meet, though in the present moment I should be afraid even + of such a distance as Stowe. At all events, when your camp breaks + up, I trust you will take Dropmore in your way, as indeed I believe + it will lay directly in your road, if you come by town, and not far + out of it, if you go straight to Stowe. + + My dear wife desires best love to you and Lady B. Lady Camelford + is, I think, better than we could have hoped. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + 16th. + + This ought to have gone to-day, and I am sorry to find it this + evening in one of my boxes here. We have nothing new to-day, except + the account of the murder of the King of Poland, which is believed. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Walmer Castle, Oct. 1st, 1793. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + Your letter of the 27th followed me here yesterday, and I have just + received that of the 29th. With respect to the first, I can only + say that I have by this post sent your letters to Pitt, and am very + sure that if it depends on him, what you wish will be done. + + Lord Amherst's answer of the reduced state of the regiments at home + is, however, surely not quite so much out of the way as you state + it. It is a great pity that your _protege_ is in Canada, where no + promotion can be going forward, and from whence, I conclude, he + cannot be brought into regiments upon actual service. Sir C. Grey + conveyed to me the other day a wish to know whether there was any + officer in his army that I felt interested about; but I know of + none that I should think it worth laying myself under an obligation + for. If Talbot had happened to be in one of the regiments in Nova + Scotia, he would probably have been in this predicament; but I + suppose the force in Canada is little likely to be weakened, in the + present state of America. + + I am delighted to find that you are so well pleased with the + manifesto. I have hardly had time yet to consider your observations + on the particular passages you have marked, but I will do so, and + am much obliged to you for the trouble. + + The Duke of Richmond will, I am persuaded, not resign in the + present moment, though he has been talking and doing foolishly. As + far as I can learn, there is no sort of ground for the accusation + of delay on his part relative to Dunkirk. When I see you, I can + _say_ on that subject what for many reasons I do not choose to + write. _Au reste_, the Duke of Richmond's campaign seems completely + to have annihilated the little popularity he ever had; and though I + am satisfied he will not resign till after the meeting of + Parliament, and perhaps till after the session is over, I am + equally persuaded he will not continue another year in the Cabinet. + + We are sending Hessians to Toulon, and shall soon have there a + really respectable force; the interval is the only thing to be + feared; but Mulgrave's being there is a great comfort to me; as + great, indeed, _entre nous_, as if I knew the new Governor was + actually arrived there. We have nothing like force enough for all + the objects that present themselves, and you know my settled + aversion to undertaking little points of detail; some of which + might succeed, but the result of the whole must be to cut to pieces + the small force we have, without adequate success. Besides this, + the reliance on the dispositions of the country, with the single + exception of Toulon, pressed as it was by famine at one door, and + the guillotine at the other, has always failed us. + + I believe it is true, that almost in every part of France they + detest the Convention, but that they are quite incapable of giving + any solid footing in the country. + + Ever yours most affectionately, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM + + Walmer Castle, Oct. 11th, 1793. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I was just going to write to you when I received your letter. My + present plans are to return to town about Tuesday next, and to get + to Dropmore by dinner on Friday, if possible; but I would not wish + you to let _your_ dinner depend on that. I conclude, from what you + say of your having been reviewed, that you will be able to get away + soon, and it will be a great gratification to us both to see you, + especially if, as I hope, Lady Buckingham comes with you. Lady + Camelford writes to Anne that she much wishes to see you, and if + she knows of the time of your coming will endeavour to contrive to + be with us. I return you Freemantle's letter, for fear of + accidents. You have, perhaps, guessed that it anticipates part of + what I had to say to you, but I hope you have also felt the + singularly embarrassing situation in which the King's Ministers are + placed in this respect, with the cause of Royalty to defend, and + with the great obligations they owe to the extreme liberality and + honour of the King's conduct towards them. They are obliged, + therefore, to say nothing, and to let nothing be said: and indeed I + hardly know what I should wish to be said, so great is the + difficulty in all respects. I know I may reckon upon your + discretion, not only in saying nothing from me, but also in saying + as little as possible from yourself, which would not fail to be + repeated, and to be ascribed to me. We will talk this over fully + when I see you, and I really much wish to know what you think ought + ultimately to be done on the subject. You will have seen that it is + not the camp of Mauberge, but the advanced posts that had been + unsuccessfully attacked. The attack of the camp itself was to take + place somewhere about this time, and yesterday the British troops + marched to Cysoing, where they thought it not improbable they might + be engaged with the French, who are collecting at Bouchain and + Cambray. + + George Nugent had written to me twice on the subject of his + proposal, and I sent him Lord Amherst's answer, which is negative, + at least for the present. He seems to have an invincible aversion + to new corps, I fancy, from all the badgering he got upon that + subject last war. He now states only the plea of seniority, that + the number intended to be raised is filled up by older + Lieutenant-Colonels. I fancy Nugent had not received my letter when + he wrote to you. + + The language of the Convention looks as if some serious attack + might be expected here; serious at least as they intend it, but + ridiculous, I trust, it will prove. An attempt in force requires + preparations they have not, and a superiority in naval force which + they certainly have not. Buccaneering expeditions I take to be + practicable, with only the certainty of much greater loss to + themselves than to us. They would be unpleasant in their effect + here, but what help. + + I have profited of your advice about the manifesto, and now send + you the English translation which I have prepared, with the + transpositions you recommended. I do not think it reads as well in + English as in French, which I am sorry for, as it must be read in + English by John Bull, whose approbation of my writings I should + like to retain. I hardly know how to ask you to correct, as it must + be a translation, and a literal one. But mark what you dislike, and + I will try if, retaining the translation, it can be altered. I have + kept _guerre defensive_ and that _pour cause_: which indeed you may + guess, when you see in the papers that His Prussian Majesty is + returned to Berlin, and when I tell you that we had no previous + notice of his journey. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Nov. 21st, 1793. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I had already spoken to Pitt upon the idea of G. Nugent's being + appointed one of the aides-de-camp, if the promotion mentioned by + him should take place. I have reason to be sure, that for the + present no idea exists of that promotion. If it had, I should + certainly have pressed his declining the offer of the corps; + because, though that is no absolute bar according to any rule, yet + it may, certainly, in the King's mind, stand in his way; and such + exceptions as Lord Chenton and Lord Rawdon do not prove much. I am + very confident, that, as it is, whatever can be done by Pitt will + be done, if the promotion should hereafter take place; but I am + sure you know that the King's Ministers do not name his + aides-de-camp; and that the pressing such a request, beyond a + certain point, makes difficulties in his mind, instead of removing + them. Besides his wish to oblige you, Pitt is personally + well-disposed towards Nugent, and I have reason to think that Lord + Amherst is so too. + + Sir James Murray will, I think, not continue in his present + situation; and the mode of removing him, will probably be by + putting him at the head of some corps; but this is not yet + mentioned to him, and, therefore, I rely on your not speaking of it + to any one else. I do not know whether, in that case, the King will + fill up his place as aide-de-camp, or not; but one vacancy cannot + be expected to make room for Nugent, who is at the end of his year; + besides, the natural claim which Manners has on the King. It is, + therefore, I think, better on the whole, that Nugent should go on + with his corps. + + With respect to your lesser army jobs, I say nothing about them, + because I really do not understand them, and am unable to judge of + the facility or difficulty of Lord Amherst's complying with them. + It is useless for me to talk about Pitt's share in all this, though + I certainly do not think it very fair that he should bear on his + shoulders all the grievances of cornetcies and lieutenancies, which + Lord Amherst or any other Commander-in-chief is sure to create. + + I have spoken about the _precis_, and you will certainly have them + whenever there is news to send. The army is safe, and I hope quiet, + in its winter quarters. Lord Moira sets out to-morrow morning, and + will find everything ready for him at Portsmouth. You see how right + you was about the impossibility of keeping secret at Portsmouth the + new destination of this force. Luckily, it is so ready, that the + thing itself will take place even now as soon as the news can reach + Paris. + + Lord Malmesbury is going to Berlin, to bring our good ally to a + point--ay or no. I think it will end in no. + + I certainly will not forget my engagement; and I still hope we + shall find a Saturday and Sunday for Stowe. + + God bless you, my dear brother, and believe me + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Dec. 12th, 1793. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + At your request, I certainly will do a thing extremely disagreeable + to myself, by putting into Mr. Pitt's hands the letter you desire + me to show him. In any case where _you_ or _yours_ could have the + smallest interest, I should never consider whether a compliance + with your wishes is or is not pleasant to me; but I freely own, + that I hardly think you would be repaid, by Mr. Pigott's getting + his company, for the uneasiness I feel in being made (unprofitably, + too, as I think, even to the object) the channel of such a + communication between two persons whom I have so much reason to + love and value. + + The accounts of the Duke of Brunswick's victory, though they have + not come to us from any channel that we can consider as strictly + official, are such as to leave no doubt of the fact. There appears + to have been different actions for three days, from the 29th of + November to the 1st of December; and on the last of these days the + victory was obtained, which persons, pretty well informed, seem to + consider as decisive of the fate of Landan. The great object of the + French was to relieve that place, and surround Wurmser; and in both + they have failed, having been repulsed in a last attack they made + on the latter the 1st instant. It appears likely now that little + more will be done on that frontier till Landan is obliged to + surrender; nor anything after that. + + All our expectations are turned towards Brittany; but the news from + that quarter is by no means favourable, as far as it goes. The + Royalist army appears unable to make any siege, or even to continue + twenty-four hours in the same place; and this for want of + provisions. There is, besides, among them much disunion, and a + total want of discipline; and they seemed to have formed the + resolution of retiring inwards into France. Whether they will be + deterred from this by the communications since made to them, and by + the knowledge of our force being actually at their doors, remains + to be seen. + + I did not send you the account of the failure of all our hopes, + from Lord Howe. I was not in town; and if I had been, I do not know + whether I was not too much vexed to write. He is still off Ushant; + so that the idea of sending out the second fleet is, for the + moment, at least, out of the question. Some of those ships are, as + you know, destined for other services; and the whole, without Lord + Howe, would not be strong enough to meet the Brest fleet; and with + him, would be much too strong. + + The business of St. Domingo is highly important. The possession of + the Mole, though not beyond what we had looked to, is much beyond + my hopes. Dansey's letter to Williamson expresses much confidence + of maintaining himself there, with such a force, as I trust, by + this time, and long before, he actually has there. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + +At the close of the year France was stronger than at the commencement. +The destruction of her navy at Toulon was the principal reverse she +suffered. On the other side the allies had encountered defeat at almost +every point; the Prussians compelled to retreat to Mentz, the +Imperialists driven beyond the Rhine, and the English forced to raise +the siege of Dunkirk. The enthusiasm of the masses, sustained by these +successes, and acted upon by the popular appeals of the Jacobins, placed +at the disposal of the Republic an enormous physical force, which the +whole winter was occupied in augmenting and organizing for the campaigns +of the ensuing year. + + + + +1794. + +PREPARATIONS IN ENGLAND FOR THE PROSECUTION OF THE WAR--INACTIVITY OF +THE AUSTRIANS--LORD SPENCER AND MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE SENT ON A MISSION +TO VIENNA--HOSTILE RESOLUTIONS OF THE OPPOSITION--SEVERAL OF THE LEADING +WHIGS JOIN THE ADMINISTRATION--LORD CORNWALLIS APPOINTED TO THE COMMAND +ON THE CONTINENT--PROGRESS OF THE NEGOTIATIONS--LORD FITZWILLIAM +NOMINATED TO THE LORD-LIEUTENANCY OF IRELAND--HIS CONDUCT ON THAT +OCCASION. + + +Parliament was convened on the 21st of January, 1794; and the Speech +from the Throne expressed a sanguine hope on the part of His Majesty +that the resources of France would be speedily exhausted. There was +certainly little in the operations of the last year upon which the +country could be congratulated; and the only remaining encouragement +that could be held out was in reference to the future. The prodigious +exertions of the Republic undoubtedly justified the expectation, that +she could not long continue to meet the increasing demands which the +extension of the war was making upon her means and energies; but it was +difficult, in the heat and excitement of the conflict, to form an +adequate estimate of the devotion with which the French were prepared +to follow up their successes. A series of fortunate incidents and some +brilliant achievements had inflamed the national vanity to such a height +of exultation as to produce a perfect military mania in all parts of the +country; and when Mr. Pitt, in the course of the opening debate, +declared that "France had been converted into an armed nation,"--an +expression that elicited much criticism at the time--he described +accurately the exact state of the people, and the lengths they were +prepared to go in the assertion of the principles they had baptized in +the blood of the Sovereign. + +There were not wanting persons in England who sympathized with the +republicans of France, and regarded their martial spirit with something +of the admiration which the impassioned and the thoughtless bestow upon +gallantry and heroism. But the bulk of the nation entertained a +different opinion, and viewed with alarm and detestation the sanguinary +excesses by which the war was initiated and sustained. While the former +class, few in number, and confined chiefly to the lowest dregs of the +population, continued to give occupation to the Government at home, the +latter were ready to make any sacrifices the exigency of circumstances +required to support the policy of the Government abroad. + +Parliament unanimously voted an augmentation of eighty-five thousand men +to the navy, and sixty thousand to the army. Ample preparations in other +respects were made for the approaching operations; and, amongst the +extraordinary measures resorted to, arrangements were made for +augmenting the Militia, and raising voluntary subscriptions for the +maintenance of the war. The spirit of the country was awakened to the +defence of those constitutional principles which presented the surest +safeguard for the public liberties; and the delusions which at first had +seized upon the factious and discontented rapidly vanished as the war +advanced. Success alone was wanted to confirm the confidence of the +people; but as yet the genius and headlong valour of France was in the +ascendant, and the solid endurance of England was doomed to a long and +harassing term of fluctuating fortunes. + +The Correspondence traces some of the principal events of the year; and +maps out in advance the plans and difficulties of Ministers, by which we +are admitted, so to speak, to the deliberations of the Cabinet upon +nearly every fresh exigency that arose in the course of the campaigns. + + +MR. T. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Charles Street, Jan. 1st, 1794. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I had no sooner received your letter, than I communicated it to + Lord Grenville; and desired him to write to you as soon as he + could. It gives me great pain to see, by the language of it, how + very much your mind is oppressed and disturbed in the impression + under which you write. Of the proposition which you suggest, it + certainly does not in any shape become me to offer any opinion; I + am precluded from doing so, both by the magnitude of the question, + and by its being of a nature upon which I cannot have either the + pretence or the means of exercising any judgment; and I so + expressed myself to Lord Grenville, when I read your letter to + him; all that, on my part, can be for me to do is, what I am sure + you will believe is the honest feeling of my mind, to express to + you the anxious and earnest wish of my heart, that all disquietude + and uneasiness may vanish from your mind; and that you may heartily + and happily continue to co-operate with Lord Grenville and Pitt, at + a time when the greatest interests which this country ever knew + seem to me to be at stake. For myself, you know that I am but a + private man, and have no other concern in these great public + questions, than that sense of common danger and common interest, + which ought, I think, to produce but one common voice in the + country. Mr. Wilberforce, you see, thinks otherwise, but does not + change my opinion by having changed his. + + I am much obliged to you for the naval letter, which the post of + to-day brings me from Stowe; I will make the use of it which you + allow me to do, and will then return it to you. I hope Dr. Pegge + will find Lady B. better. I take for granted we shall soon meet + here. + + I hear no news. + +God bless you, my dear brother. + + P.S.--As soon as I heard from you to-day (which was very late, as I + had gone out before the post came in), I sent to Lord G., to tell + him that if he wrote to-day, he must direct to Stowe. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Jan. 30th, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I believe Pitt's budget is finished, as it is to be opened on + Wednesday. I have, however, sent him your project; though I do not + conceive favourably of it, as the object appears so small, and + such a nest of hornets to be brought upon one by it. + + The French seem certainly disposed to try their scheme of invasion. + This leads to the necessity of some augmentation of interior force, + and possibly some of our last year's plans will be resorted to. Our + best defence is unquestionably our water-guard, which is very + strong, and will, I trust, every day get stronger. In the meantime, + Lord Moira's force stationed at Cowes, and with its transports + ready to put to sea at the shortest notice, is no inconsiderable + check upon them. + + I have no faith in their attacking Flanders; but rather believe + they will wait our attack. But two Dutch, and as many Flanders + mails are due. + + Mack returns to the army to the great joy of every one. We expect + him over here every day. + + Ever my dear brother's + Most affectionately, + G. + +The Budget was brought forward by Mr. Pitt on the 2nd of February. It +estimated the total supply for the year at twenty millions; and proposed +for the ways and means a loan of eleven millions, and the imposition of +some new taxes. + +Here was the first great pressure of the war on the industry of the +people. It was a trying moment with Government; but the demands of the +Minister were, nevertheless, heartily responded to. The interior force +of the kingdom at this time amounted to one hundred and forty thousand +men; and the foreign troops in British pay to forty thousand more. The +augmentation of the Militia, which was not carried into effect till the +following month, was now occupying the consideration of Government. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Feb. 1st, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + The idea of augmentation which I think most practicable, is that of + militia cavalry, to be raised by volunteers, in the same manner as + the additional companies in the last war, but to a much larger + extent than you mention in your letter. Dundas told me two days + since that he had been looking for your plan of last year, but had + mislaid it. Have you a copy? It does not seem advisable to broach + this idea much in conversation or discussion with Lord-Lieutenants + and Colonels till it is to a degree matured; for the St. Albans' + meeting, though very good for supporting a measure resolved upon, + or even for arranging particular details of a plan, of which the + outlines are already fixed, is but a bad place to prepare the plan + itself. As far as I am capable of judging, I think that the natural + defence of this country against an enemy once landed, is by the + immense irregular cavalry that might be collected, and formed round + small bodies of disciplined horse. This, of course, does not + exclude the necessity of some infantry to oppose the enemy in + front, while the cavalry harass his flanks and rear, and while your + naval force, even supposing it unable to have prevented the + landing, cuts off all possibility of supplies from France. We are + preparing, partly with the latter view, and partly as a means of + defence where frigates cannot act, a formidable force of gun-boats. + + You say that all this is superfluous, and that the attempt will not + be made. I think its being made or not depends wholly on the other + employment which we can find for their force, and this depends on + points which we cannot command; viz.: internal commotion, and the + exertions of the German Powers on the side of the Rhine. + + That they are making preparations with a view to having the thing + in their power is unquestionable, and we should be very deficient + in our duty if we did not put the country in a state to be prepared + for all events. + + The employment of Lord Moira's force, and its future destination, + depend on plans of continental operations, but in the meantime its + effect is almost beyond calculation in its present position, + menacing everything from Dunkirk to Brest, and defending everything + from Yarmouth to the Land's End. You will see this in a minute, if + you compare the facility of moving that force, either by land or + sea, with the efforts of the same sort that the enemy can make, + either offensively or defensively. + + We cannot have too much force anywhere, but if I am not very + sanguine, Sir C. Grey has already a force beyond what the service + requires; and it is likely that he will still be reinforced without + breaking up Lord Moira's army, which I consider as the most + usefully employed, and telling the most effectually against the + enemy of any troops now in our service. + + I will send your artillery plan to Dundas. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, July 9th, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I am sincerely sorry to see that you do not entertain the same + hopes as I do of good from the new arrangements. I confess I think + it so great an object to have annihilated all distinction of + parties in this country among those who are attached to the present + order of things; and I feel that the late events abroad have given + so much more importance to this point, with a view to the internal + situation of this country, than it had before, that I cannot help + feeling very sanguine as to the consequences of the steps now taken + with that view. God only knows which of us is right, and time only + can show. In the meantime, _jacta est alea_, and we must abide by + it. + + On the subject of war and peace, you state very truly, that nothing + is less probable than that peace should now be in our option. The + retreat to Antwerp has been decided, not by opinions here, nor even + by those of the Duke of York and Lord Cornwallis, but by the + necessity consequent upon the Austrian movements. Whether those + movements were right, I am not enough of a soldier, nor enough + informed as a statesman, to pretend to form an opinion. The + immediate effect of them is not necessarily the abandoning the + towns taken last year, which are in a state to maintain themselves + long, and to impede many of the operations of the enemy. Nor, as + long as the Austrians maintain their line from Louvain to Namur, is + the possibility of succouring them considered as desperate. What I + most fear in the present moment is the effect of despondency here + and abroad, without which I should see no reason why we should not, + as you suggest, fight the country over and over again, inch by + inch, with means and resources for carrying on the war, such as are + out of all comparison superior to those of the enemy. It would have + been a flattering and glorious thing, and a brilliant success, to + have terminated the war by the favourable result of a plan of + offensive operation in Flanders. If that has failed, I am very far + from thinking this a reason for abandoning a cause in the issue of + which I consider our existence as implicated. If we listen to the + ideas of peace in the present moment (even supposing it were + offered), it can be only because we confess ourselves unable to + carry on the war. Such a confession affords but a bad security + against the events which must follow, in Flanders, in Holland, and + (by a very rapid succession) in this island. + + I do not know from whence the papers have got the idea of Lord + Camelford's return. He is not come, nor any officer or despatch, + from Vancouver, but I understand the ship has been heard of in + October last, all well. Many thanks for the offer of Paddington, + which we may probably be glad to avail ourselves of. + + Ever, my dear brother, + Most affectionately yours, + G. + + We have nothing new from Lord Hood; and I am told that officers who + know the coast do not speak favourably of the chance of doing + anything against the French fleet in their present situation. + +The failure of the Imperialists had thrown a serious damp on the spirits +of the allies. It appears to have been thought the Austrians had not +shown sufficient energy and determination; and it was resolved to send +over Lord Spencer and Mr. Thomas Grenville to Vienna, in the hope of +inducing them to make more vigorous exertions. A subsequent letter from +Mr. Thomas Grenville to the Duke of Portland contains an admirable +report of the progress of the mission. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, July 19th, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + Tom has, I know, mentioned to you the Commission which he has + undertaken--jointly with Lord Spencer--to endeavour to encourage + our Austrian allies to a little more exertion and energy, which, + after all the late events, I continue persuaded is _the only_ + thing wanting to ensure success, instead of such a series of + retreats as the last month has shown. God knows whether they will + succeed; but it is an infinite satisfaction to me to see his + talents employed in the public service, and to be corresponding + with him on subjects of this nature. The rest of our public events + are just such as you see them in the papers. + + Lord Cornwallis is returned, speaking highly of the Duke of York, + and far otherwise of the Austrian Generals, to whom he, and all + mankind in Flanders, impute all that has happened. It is a + whimsical circumstance, and hardly to have been foreseen, that in a + war which we carry on conjointly with Austria, the great want which + we experience should be that of Austrian Generals, of capacity + sufficient to command the excellent troops which are acting in the + Netherlands. + + My American negotiation is, I think, going on promisingly. I have + nothing else to tell you; and am, indeed, so completely knocked up + by this last week's fagging, as hardly to be able to write at all. + This evening I am going to Dropmore, for a little respite. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. + + (Private.) Vienna, August 24th, 1794. + DEAR DUKE OF PORTLAND, + + It had been very much my intention to have written to you by our + messenger of the 16th instant, because, although our despatches + have been very much detailed, and have not, therefore, left much to + be said in private letters, it is upon these occasions, I know, + some satisfaction to hear that nothing remains behind, which is + material to the subject; but having been hitherto prevented, by the + very entire occupation of our time here, I take the opportunity of + writing to you, a little at large, by the messenger who is going to + England to-night. + + You know that upon the slight view which the shortness of the time + allowed me to take of the business in question here, I was + persuaded that we probably might, in some degree, succeed in our + expedition; because, if the course of things here could not be + improved by our journey, yet I should consider the being able to + ascertain what that state was, as an object very useful to pursue, + and one which, if pursued with attention, we might probably succeed + in possessing ourselves of. How far we have already obtained this + information you will have seen by the communications which we have + made; and I much fear that our journey will not produce any + advantage of a more solid and substantial description. To say that + it might not be possible to procure from the Government here a + formal consent to such an arrangement as we have to propose, is + more than I would assert: although, the condition which they + positively insist upon of being paid for it by loan and subsidy, as + well as all the difficulties which they throw upon the subject of + the proposed barrier, and upon that of acting in the Netherlands, + might well seem to justify the opinion of its being improbable that + anything like the proposed arrangement would be consented to. But + the misfortune is, that--in my judgment, at least--the evil lies + much deeper, and is such as would leave me little hope of seeing + any effectual purpose served, even by the signature of a Convention + between the two Courts. + + I do not know of any good ground for believing the common report of + treachery, either in the civil or military government of the + country; but I know, that if the principle upon which our + Government act in the prosecution of the war is not cordially felt + here--if the greatness of those interests, which we think now at + stake, is not to the same degree here considered as being of the + very essence and existence of all regulated government, a + Convention will not give them a livelier perception of this common + danger, or teach them to see in it a crisis such as demands greater + energy and exertions, than any other state of things could call + for. But this common principle is not all that is wanting in the + present case: we think, in England, that the preservation of the + Austrian Netherlands is an object important to us as providing a + defence for Holland, and important to the Court of Vienna as + forming a rich and considerable possession to the House of Austria, + and, therefore, making an object of common interest, though + touching Austria still more sensibly than England. If this obvious + view of the interests of both countries prevailed in the + Governments of both--as one might rationally expect that it + would--it would naturally furnish, by common consent, a very + leading and governing motive, as well to the operations of the war, + as to the ultimate issue of it. This, however, is not the view + which is entertained here, or which I can persuade myself is really + acted upon by those whose influence is decisive here. + + M. de Thugut, the efficient Minister of this Court, is personally + very much disposed (and long has been so) to the old project of an + exchange of the Netherlands; and though that project appears to be + laid aside for the purpose of conciliating Great Britain and + Holland, yet it is evident that M. de Thugut's opinions are such as + lead him to set but little value upon the possession of the + Netherlands, and, therefore, that every circumstance, either of + expense or of military enterprise, which looks towards the + acquisition and defence of those provinces, is as much discouraged + by him as he can venture to do, without openly declaring the whole + bias of his mind: and it is very remarkable that, much as we have + made it our business to press this to him in all our conversations, + we have never yet been able to draw from him even a cold assent to + the idea of the Low Countries being of any real value in themselves + to the Emperor; though he sometimes feebly admits that, with a + considerable addition to them, they might be made so. + + It may be said, that a Convention might engage them on this point, + whatever their inclinations may be; but the answer is, first, that + in point of fact they do object to bind themselves to the employing + one hundred thousand men _in the Netherlands_, though they have not + finally refused it; and secondly, that be there what agreement + there may, the only substantial security for a hearty co-operation + in fighting for that country, or for any manly system to be adopted + hereafter for the preservation of it, must arise from a sense--in + the owners--of the value of its possession, and not from the words + employed in any treaty respecting it. I am aware that part of the + indifference which I so much remark in M. de Thugut may be + affected, for the purpose of throwing the whole weight of the + defence of the Low Countries upon the Maritime Powers; but if that + is his policy, he must mean to support it by abstaining from any + vigorous exertions in behalf of it, and in the end, whether his + coolness and inactivity shall have been produced by a real or + disguised opinion, the result will equally have been fatal to that + earnest and animated concert, which is so much to be wished for on + this occasion. + + You see that I have so far considered the Convention, as taking + place upon the terms proposed by us; but you will have known, long + before you receive this letter, that they have persisted from the + first in asking, as indispensable conditions, that their loan must + be completely satisfied in England to enable them to answer the + demands of this year, and that they must receive from England a + considerable subsidy for next campaign, if it is expected that they + should act vigorously in the prosecution of the war, which they + assert themselves to be utterly unable to do without pecuniary + assistance from England. We have urged them very ineffectually on + this point: they declare that they have good hopes of M. de Merey's + succeeding in obtaining these demands at London, and the + negotiation actually hangs upon the report which they hourly expect + from him on this subject; though we have repeatedly told them that + their expectation was hopeless, and that, meanwhile, the delay + occasioned by it might be fatal to those exertions which required + immediate action and enterprise. + + What decision the Cabinet will make upon this heavy demand of + subsidy, is doubtless a very important question, of which they will + be the fit and competent judges; but if that question simply turned + upon the supposed probability of our being able to purchase, even + at that dear rate, a proportionate degree of energy and activity in + the war from this Government, I confess I do not hesitate to say + that, from what I see here, I should not believe, if the experiment + is tried, it will well answer their expectations. There is no soul + in the bodies of these men--none, at least, which is alive to the + magnitude of all the objects now at stake, or which leads them to + share with you, as it ought the great points of common danger and + common interest; and while these mainsprings are wanting, it is in + vain to look for such movements and effects as cannot be produced + without them. If this radical defect did not exist; if the + Government here was as earnest as it ought to be in its + contemplation of this war, but really was without the means of + prosecuting it; if it acknowledged and took its proper interest in + the possession of the Netherlands, and asked your assistance to + that object, only because they had exhausted all their own + resources, there might be great inducements to hope that, in + furnishing to them the supply which they wish, you might on your + side expect all the active effects which ought to be produced by + it; but I know not how to hope that a subsidy will give vigour to + their councils or enterprise to their armies; still less can I hope + that a subsidy, given for the preservation of the Netherlands, will + teach them to put a proper value upon those possessions on their + own account, though it certainly would teach them how highly you + value their retaining them on your account. + + All M. de Thugut's conversation, even upon the idea of the subsidy + taking place, is evidently adverse to the prosecuting of the war in + the Netherlands; and even when the danger of Holland is urged as a + powerful argument for this course, he very coldly answers that, + supposing the French to succeed in Holland for a time, they would + be glad enough to relinquish it if the arms of the allies were + successful in the interior of France. How, then, can one easily + hope that the payment of a subsidy will reconcile views so + remote--as I apprehend these are--from the wishes of the English + Cabinet, or prevent much of thwarting and contradiction in the + operations of the campaign? I confess that I suspect this + disinclination to the defence of the Netherlands to arise, not only + from a habit of undervaluing them, but partly, too, from a + persuasion that the Maritime Powers must and will, at their own + expense, protect them; and partly, also, from a narrow and timid + view of collecting the whole Austrian force on the German frontier, + so as to be more immediately ready for the defence of the imperial + dominions, as well as to have less reason to fear in their jealousy + of the intentions of the King of Prussia. + + Upon this latter point the difficulties are, perhaps, much more + likely to be increased than to be relieved, by transferring the + Prussian subsidy to the army of Austria, because the Court of + Berlin will doubtless express great dissatisfaction at that + measure; and everything which excites their apprehension here, will + naturally more or less interfere with the energy of their + operations against France. I do not mean that these arguments would + be stated as reasons against their acting up to the conditions of + the subsidy; but I fear they would nevertheless be found to have + too much influence and effect in practice. + + The objections which have seemed to me to arise against a large + subsidy to Austria--from the little hope which I should have of its + producing from hence that exertion of force, and that course of + military operations which, with a view to Holland, we should think + ourselves fully entitled to--are of course much increased by my + apprehension of the bad and dangerous consequences which would + affect our Government at home, from a second disappointment of so + costly an experiment, which I must hope need not be considered as + necessary to the prosecution of the war. + + If it is true--as it may, perhaps, be found--that much of the + languor and apathy of this Court arises out of a confidence in the + greatness of our exertions, which may allow them to be sparing of + their own, if (as there is reason to believe) they have still the + fair means of recruiting their armies and maintaining their present + military force, is it not to be hoped that the necessity of the + case will rouse them to the use of those means, when they see no + other prospect of safety open to them? They sometimes talk stoutly + of all that they would do by arming the empire, and other vigorous + measures, in case the French succeeded in forcing their way to + menace Germany. But why are these exertions to be reserved for any + other situation of things? and why are we to pay them a million and + a half, rather than put them to the full extent of all their own + exertions and resources? Nor is it, perhaps, to be overlooked, in + this view of the subject, that the crooked policy of Prussia would + perhaps acquiesce in the loss of his own subsidy much more readily, + if he does not see it given to Austria, but has the satisfaction of + seeing Austria fight her own battles with her own men and money. + They always insist here, too, that they are sure the King of + Prussia, even if his bargain should not be renewed with England, + will not withdraw entirely from the war, and still less will take a + part hostile to the combined Powers. And whether this speculation + of theirs is true or not, while they believe it, they are more at + liberty to act solely against France, without fearing any attack + from the quarter of Berlin. + + The great danger, perhaps, of trying another campaign without + subsidizing either Prussia or Austria, might first be found with + respect to Holland (at least, if the Government here act as they + threaten in the case of being unsubsidized), by their withdrawing + of the Austrian army from the neighbourhood of Maestricht, and + contracting their defence to the limits of their German frontier. + But even if they did so--which may be much doubted--might not + England and Holland, at a smaller expense than that paid to the + King of Prussia, subsidize an army of auxiliary troops to act for + the defence of Holland, and for carrying on the war in the + Netherlands, and have that army really and effectually at their own + disposal, and doing the service which they were paid for. How far + this may be practicable, I do not pretend to judge. If it is so, + nobody could doubt that it would be an expense more grateful to the + public of our own country than that of paying for a force which we + cannot bring as we ought into action, and which we must consider as + compelled by their own interests to continue the war, whether we + pay them or not for doing so. By subsidizing Austria, we acquire no + greater force than that of the last campaign, and we put the + justification of that enormous expense upon the unpromising chance + of a vigour and energy on their part such as they appear to be + altogether incapable of exerting, unless under the pressure of such + a danger as would force them to act without hiring them to do so. + + The length of this letter is such as I am really ashamed to add to. + + Lord Spencer writes to Lord Grenville by the same opportunity. + Neither he nor I see much prospect of making ourselves useful in + the shape and with the views proposed, and we are therefore + naturally anxious to see the ordinary course resumed in some other + person, and any such arrangements taken as may admit of our return + as soon as without inconvenience might be. We speak the more + directly on this matter, from the entire and perfect agreement of + our view of it, and our opinions concerning it; at the same time, + if, in your determinations at home, it should seem to you that Lord + Spencer can and ought to stay longer, with any fair prospect of + such advantages to this great subject as his peculiar situation + alone could promise, I do not doubt but that he would consent to + protract his stay a little longer; and while he does, I certainly + will not ask to desert him, _bien entendu_, that I cannot think of + staying one hour after him. + + Ever, my dear Duke, + Very truly and faithfully yours. + +The session had been protracted to the beginning of July, not merely by +the interest of passing occurrences, but by the efforts of the +Opposition to damage the character and embarrass the action of +Ministers. The most remarkable of these movements was a string of +resolutions moved in the Upper House by the Duke of Bedford, and in the +Lower by Mr. Fox, and urged upon the consideration of both Houses with +an amount of ability that could not have failed of its object, had that +object been a sound one, or sustained by the public opinion of the +country. The main purpose was to obtain from Parliament a protest +against the war, and to compel the Government to enter into proposals +for a peace with France. After setting forth that the policy of the +Administration had been that of strict neutrality before the +commencement of hostilities, and that, after the declaration of war, +Ministers adopted the policy of resistance to the ambition and +aggrandisement of France, the resolutions went on to state, that at the +beginning of the war it was considered a matter of general concern in +which His Majesty was to have the cordial co-operation of the powers +united with him by the ties of interest and alliance; that His Majesty +had not received that co-operation; that Russia had not contributed in +any shape to the common cause; that Denmark and Sweden had coalesced to +defend themselves against any attempt to force them into it; that Venice +and Switzerland remained neuter; that Sardinia was subsidized merely to +act on the defensive; and that Great Britain was loaded with a subsidy +which ought properly to be borne by Prussia; and, finally, that the time +was now come when peace might be secured on a permanent basis, and that +it was the duty of His Majesty's Ministers to avail themselves of the +opportunity. + +There was some truth in these statements, although the general deduction +was erroneous, and the colouring throughout false. The allies had not +given that cordial co-operation to Great Britain which they were bound +to do, and Prussia had evaded the onus of the coalition. Mr. Thomas +Grenville's letter to the Duke of Portland discovers a great deal more +than was known to the Duke of Bedford or Mr. Fox in illustration of +these facts; and the correspondence that follows, which is of the +highest importance from the confidential character of its details, +confirms them. But the attempt to cast the responsibility of these +circumstances upon the English Cabinet was equally ungenerous and +unjust. The policy of Ministers had undergone no change, except that +which was contingent upon the altered situation of affairs. To preserve +a strict neutrality in the face of a declaration of war, was clearly +impossible; and to abandon the war, from an abstract desire for peace, +at a time when the common enemy had gained enormous advantages, and were +menacing the tranquillity and liberties of other nations, and +threatening an invasion of England, would have precipitated results the +very reverse of those contemplated by the Opposition. To have made +proposals to France on what the resolutions termed "equitable and +moderate conditions of reconciliation," would have involved two serious +difficulties--the negotiation, in the first place, with a Government of +anarchy which England had justifiably refused to treat with from the +outset; and, in the second place, the admission of the power of France +to dictate terms which England could not accept without degradation, or +refuse without aggravating the existing grounds of hostility. +Circumstances might arise--such as a change in the Government--to +obviate the former difficulty; but the latter was insuperable. It would +have been inconsistent with the principles upon which the war was +undertaken to have proposed or submitted to any conditions which France, +exulting over her recent successes, could have been expected to approve; +and the result of such a negotiation at such a moment must have been, in +any event, fruitless and inglorious. The decision of Parliament was +unequivocal and decisive. The Duke of Bedford's motion was lost on the +question of adjournment, and Mr. Fox's thrown out by a majority of 210 +against 57 votes. The influence of the Opposition was overthrown. The +country was against them, and their ranks were daily weakened by +secessions. So strongly and unanimously had the Parliament pronounced +its judgment in favour of the maintenance of the war, that His Majesty +at the close of the session was enabled to urge both Houses "to +persevere with increased vigour and exertion in the present arduous +contest against a power irreconcilably hostile in its principles and +spirit to all regular and established government." + +Immediately after the close of the session, some changes took place in +the _materiel_ of the Administration, arising out of the accession of +power the Ministry had obtained by the adhesion of some of the leading +Whigs. The Duke of Portland (to whom Mr. Thomas Grenville addressed his +first letters from Vienna) was appointed Third Secretary of State; Earl +Fitzwilliam, Lord President of the Council; Earl Spencer, Privy Seal; +and Mr. Wyndham, Secretary at War. Further changes took place before the +close of the year, when Lord Fitzwilliam accepted the Government of +Ireland, and was succeeded as President of the Council by Earl +Mansfield. Lord Spencer, at the same time, was placed at the head of the +Admiralty; and Lord Chatham, the brother of the Premier, who had for +some years occupied that department, was made Lord Privy Seal. + +The junction with the Whigs was, as far as it went, a new coalition; +but, under the circumstances which led to it, a coalition of a very +different character from that which had been entered into by Mr. Fox and +Lord North. The old elements of the Cabinet still held the ascendancy; +and although some sincere friends of Mr. Pitt doubted the prudence of +admitting the Whigs to office, no actual disturbance of the existing +system was apprehended from it. All agreed upon the question of the +war--the one great question upon which agreement was essential to the +repose and security of the country. In forming this alliance, however, +another question had been overlooked, which was now daily rising into +importance, and upon which the Whigs differed widely from Mr. Pitt, not +so much in principles, as in the time and mode of their application. +That question, the clog and difficulty of every Administration, was +Ireland. But the moment had not yet arrived when the dangers of this +question became manifest. + +The following series of letters trace the whole course of the +negotiations going forward on the continent, and exhibit in minute +detail the actual position in which England stood in her relation to the +rest of the allies, and the incessant energy she exerted in vain to +awaken them to a just sense of their obligations. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE. + + (Private.) St. James's Square, Aug. 26th, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I have to acknowledge your private letters, which I do not attempt + to answer by this conveyance for obvious reasons, and only write + that you may not receive my public despatch without a line to tell + you that your private letters have reached me, and that I will + state to you, by a safer opportunity, what occurs to me upon them. + I am a little out of humour with you for not telling me how you + bore your journey, and how you are, but I am willing to hope it has + not renewed any symptoms of your former complaint. There never was + such a succession of cross-incidents as seem to have accompanied + every part of poor Merey's mission, and I fear his loss is a + serious one to us all. What do you think of Robespierre's death? I + look upon it as a very favourable event, not from any opinion that + I ever entertained of his personal talents, but because those who + succeed him are evidently under the necessity of lowering the + despotism of the Revolutionary Government, and of giving up thereby + the great instrument with which they worked. A strong proof of + this, and a circumstance very favourable in itself, is, that + instead of a Committee of six or eight efficient persons who + conducted the Government in all its branches, and with absolute + power, they have already been obliged to institute twelve + Committees, who are to be chosen with a sort of rotation, those who + go out not being re-eligible. This is, in fact, a substitution of + the weakest possible form of Executive Government in lieu of the + strongest. + + God bless you, my dearest brother, and believe me + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + We have received this morning accounts from Italy, mentioning the + reduction of Calvi. You will probably have heard it by this time. + +It was in the beginning of this month of August, that the Duke of York, +at that time stationed at Breda, retreated before the French towards +Bois-le-Duc; and afterwards, upon the advance of General Pichegru, +crossed the Maese, and took up a fresh position near Grave. Seeing the +necessity of placing the conduct of the campaign in more experienced +hands, Ministers now proposed to give the command in chief to Lord +Cornwallis; but before this step could be finally resolved upon, it was +necessary to consult the feelings of His Majesty on the subject. Mr. +Pitt therefore submitted a statement to the King, assigning the reasons +which induced him to urge the appointment of Lord Cornwallis upon His +Majesty's consideration; and suggesting that Mr. Wyndham should be sent +on a mission to the army. The following was His Majesty's answer: + + Weymouth, August 27th, 1704. Thirty-five minutes past One, P.M. + + I have this instant received Mr. Pitt's letter accompanying the + Paper of Considerations, which I undoubtedly should wish to keep; + but not knowing whether Mr. Pitt has a fair copy of it, I have + thought it safest to return. + + Whatever can give vigour to the remains of the campaign, I shall + certainly as a duty think it right not to withhold my consent; but + I own, in my son's place, I should beg my being allowed to return + home, if the command is given to Lord Cornwallis, though I should + not object to the command being entrusted to General Clairfayt. + From feeling this, I certainly will not write, but approve of Mr. + Wyndham's going to the army, and shall be happy if my son views + this in a different light than I should. + + I will not delay the messenger, as I think no time ought to be lost + in forming some fixed plan, and that the measure of sending Mr. + Wyndham is every way advantageous. + + GEORGE R. + +It is hardly necessary to observe that Mr. Wyndham was sent upon his +mission; and that the Duke of York, having met some further reverses, +which almost incapacitated the troops from acting even on the defensive, +shortly afterwards returned to England. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE. + + (Private.) St. James's Square, Aug. 29th, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + The despatch which you will receive by this messenger, and the + letter which Wyndham has promised to write to you from the British + head-quarters, will explain to you the whole of the system which we + have adopted, as affording the only hope of vigorous or successful + exertion. The Austrian Government is already prepared for your + proposal, respecting the giving to Lord Cornwallis the command of + the whole combined force, as Count Starhemberg is apprized of it, + having, indeed, himself in a great degree suggested the measure, on + some general hints which I threw out to him, in order to try the + ground. For the moment, the great point seems to be to bring them + to acquiesce in the virtual command which his rank of Field-Marshal + will give him over Clairfayt, and to send positive orders to the + latter to that effect; and if there should be any difficulty in + Clairfayt's submitting to this, then to let Clairfayt absent + himself for the moment, and leave the Austrian troops under the + command of some officer whose standing will occasion no difficulty + in this respect. You will observe that, by virtual command, we mean + precisely the same deference as the Duke of York has shown to the + Prince of Coburg, not extending to any of the points of military + etiquette by which command is usually rendered ostensible, but + going to the effect of complying with his suggestions respecting + the mode of executing the operations agreed upon in concert, when + the instructions of his Court do not interfere with such + suggestions. Before you receive this letter, Lord Cornwallis will + probably be on the spot; and it is therefore urgent, to prevent the + first beginnings of dissension, that no time should be lost in + making the Austrians give their orders to Clairfayt. Knowing the + delay of that Government, and the difficulty of getting them to + adopt any decided line of conduct, we have thought it best to do + the thing first, and afterwards to try to obtain their consent to + it. If you succeed, or, indeed, in any case, it will be useful that + you should write directly to Lord C. upon the subject, as that may + save a week, at a time when a week's delay might be of the utmost + importance. + + With respect to the Duke of York, Wyndham will probably tell you in + confidence how he succeeds in his negotiation. It certainly is a + pretty strong instance of zeal and desire to facilitate whatever + can promote the cause, when he undertakes a task of no less + difficulty than the reconciling the mind of a young Prince to a + supercession in his military command, and that too at the precise + moment of moving forwards, after so mortifying a retreat. I am, + however, not without hopes of his success; and, at all events, the + moment was too critical to suffer any consideration to interfere + with the only means of salvation that appeared practicable. + + With respect to the languor of the Austrian Government, and the + doubt whether even money will obtain from them decisive efforts, we + have strongly felt the force of all that you have stated on that + head. But we are inclined to flatter ourselves, that if we once + obtain so large a force as is mentioned in my despatch, and can put + that force, in addition to our own, under the absolute and supreme + direction of such a man as Lord Cornwallis, we shall at least be + able to say to ourselves, whatever be the result, that we have done + everything that it was possible to do; and without trying this + measure, I confess for one that I should not have that sentiment in + my mind. I lament that we have thought ourselves obliged to bring + forward the discussion of a precise barrier, and yet I do not see + how it could be avoided. But the impression may be very bad on + their minds, if we appear to be narrowing the benefits which they + are to derive from exertion, instead of animating them by the hope + of increased advantage. I have not dwelt on this point in my + despatch, as you mention that you intended to write further upon + it. + + When the idea of transferring the subsidy was opened to me by + Starhemberg, from Merey's instructions it was expressly stated, as + a part of the plan, that the empire could be made to subsidize the + Prussian troops; and this agrees with every information we receive + on the subject, all which concur in stating the efforts of the + empire, particularly in money, as being very far below what they + could be brought to make by the joint exertions of Austria and + Prussia. But on my pressing Starhemberg for further detail on this + point, he has always avoided it, assuring me, whether truly or not, + that he found no particulars respecting it among Merey's papers. + You will see that in the despatch we make the whole dependent on a + complete and _bona fide_ execution of this point, and my language + to him has always been of the same nature. But I confess that it is + on this point that I feel the strongest apprehensions, and I much + fear that Austria will both be disposed to evade it, and, in truth, + unable to accomplish it. Should this be the case, the whole plan + must be abandoned; and we should, I believe, in that event, be + disposed to turn our subsidy to the object of raising other force, + of whatever nature, so as, if possible, to form a separate British + and Dutch army, destined to act under Lord Cornwallis, without the + pretence or show of concert with either of the German Powers. + + With respect to your remaining at Vienna, you will easily conceive, + that having a project of this nature to propose, none of us thought + we should give it its fair chance if we put it into other hands + than those in which the business now is. We allow for your natural + desire of quitting a scene which, God knows, must be mortifying + enough to men who feel how much of the safety of Europe depends on + the conduct of the Austrian Government, and who see how unfit that + Government is to be trusted with the interests of the smallest + corporation. But we are confident that as long as there may remain + the hope of doing so much good as would, we trust, be done by the + complete success of the present plan, you will not be unwilling to + give your assistance to it. + + With respect to what you mention about yourself, you know my wishes + on the subject, but I certainly will not urge them beyond what you + are disposed to do. The proposal Lord Fitzwilliam makes to you is, + I fairly own, in my apprehension, one less eligible than that of + Vienna; but I fear a nearer view of that Court has rather + strengthened than diminished your indisposition to that situation. + You know, as well as I do, all the _desagremens_ belonging to the + post of Irish Secretary; but it is certainly an important and + honourable one, and such as to afford you ample room for showing + yourself such as you are: more, perhaps, than many others which + commonly rank higher in public estimation. My objection to it is + the banishment, which obtains as much as in the foreign missions, + and certainly to the most disagreeable of all countries. I do not + know well how to make myself quite a disinterested adviser; but if + I was to give you fairly the result of my thoughts upon it, I + should still beg you to look at the foreign line, and if that must + not be, I should then say _yes_ to the question of Ireland. + + Supposing that _yes_ were decided, let me ask you whether your + remaining some time longer at Vienna, so as finally to conclude, + not the leading points only, but all the details of the arrangement + now in question, and of the preparations for the active scene of + next year, is wholly out of the question? It seems very clear that + no arrangement will happen before that time which can change the + Irish Government, and in the meanwhile you would be honourably and + _most usefully_ employed. I have, however, not hinted this idea to + any individual, nor will I. If all this is wholly out of the + question, I conclude that my reply to your answer to these + despatches, will bring to Lord Spencer and you the King's + permission to return to England. + + It would be very satisfactory to you to see how well things are + going on here, and how completely our hopes have been realized on + the subject which employed so much of our time and thoughts this + summer. + + God bless you, my dearest brother. + +At this time, the new changes in the Administration, already alluded to, +were under discussion in the Cabinet; and, amongst the rest, it was +proposed that the government of Ireland should be offered to Lord +Fitzwilliam. As soon as this appointment was suggested, his Lordship +wrote to Mr. Thomas Grenville to offer him the office of Secretary. + + +MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE TO EARL FITZWILLIAM. + + (Private.) Vienna, Aug. 30th, 1794, + DEAR LORD FITZWILLIAM, + + You will already have heard enough of our proceedings here to give + you no considerable expectations of any great good to be done here; + and if you happen to have been in London, and to have read a very + tedious and long letter which I wrote on the 24th to the Duke of + Portland, you will have seen there, more at large than it is + necessary to repeat, the general view and impression of our minds + as to the business with which we are charged; and the little ground + which there appears to us for hoping that even by satisfying their + pecuniary demands, we could depend upon such exertions being made + in consequence, as the country would expect in return for expense + of so great and heavy a scale. It is very true, to be sure, that in + this as well as in many other cases, the difficulties present + themselves something more readily than the remedies to them, yet + upon the question of the subsidy, if we are right in our + conception that it would not probably produce, either in degree or + in shape, that energy and cordial co-operation which we are looking + for, perhaps no difficulty could be much more serious than that of + engaging ourselves at home in an expense, the disappointment of + which might produce in the minds of the public an effect, both with + respect to the war itself and with respect to the Government which + supports it, of the most perilous description. It is very true that + great objects must sometimes be pursued at great hazards, and + nobody is more ready than I to acknowledge that a greater object + cannot be found than the successful prosecution of this war; but + the peculiar question of subsidy seems to me to apply chiefly to + the mode of carrying on the war, and, I would hope, not to the + entire decision of pursuing or abandoning it. + + I will not again go over the same detail which I pursued in my + letter to the Duke of Portland, but satisfy myself with recalling + to your observation, that the Government here, in speaking of the + exertions which they should be driven to the necessity of making, + if the French should threaten the German empire, plainly admitted + that they do still possess resources capable of being applied to + such critical exigencies, and in this confession show pretty + plainly that nothing but the necessity of the case will drive them + to the use of those means. Is it not then probable that a much + greater exertion may be made by that necessity existing in our + refusal of subsidy, than will be made by such pecuniary assistance + being given, as may relieve them from the necessity of making any + exertion of their own? + + If the immediate alarm on the side of Holland seems to be a + considerable inducement to the grant of the subsidy, in order to + interest Austria in that very important defence of which the + Netherlands make so essential a part, it should not, on the other + hand, escape notice, that all our observation on their language and + views would lead us very much to doubt how far they would + cordially concur in the defence of the Netherlands, even though + they might consent to do so in the words of their contract; + whatever value they may or may not themselves put upon the + possession of the Low Countries, they always argue and act under + the manifest persuasion, that the Maritime Powers are alone + interested enough in this point to secure its being ultimately + carried, and they give it pretty plainly to be understood, that + they mean to depend upon us for that object. Under this view, they + seem to me always disposed to consider the operations of the + Austrian army in another campaign as likely to be concentered for + efforts from the German frontier, by which means they will have a + more collected force more immediately applying to the Imperial + dominions, and better suited to the jealousies which they entertain + of the King of Prussia, but certainly not best adapted to the + defence of Holland, and the recovery of Brabant. + + Perhaps I may be considered as carrying these suspicions too far, + but I own I cannot help fearing too, that the suggestion made by + them of mortgaging the Low Countries to us, is not as security for + the money in question in this and the next campaign, is not a _bona + fide_ offer of their best security, but is considered by them as a + fresh motive for interesting us in their possession of those + territories, and as contributing the more to make that object our + business, by either taking upon ourselves the whole defence of + them, or, what they rather look to, by our purchasing the cession + of them at the peace, by some of the acquisitions which Great + Britain has made in the war: a measure which they may have the more + hope for our concurrence in, if we have two millions lent out upon + the security only of the Austrians regaining those territories at + the peace. + + Do not believe that these impressions are taken from any starving + principle of economy, or from a too timid apprehension of the + unpopularity of a subsidy in England; but be assured, that even if + there should be no difficulty at home as to this demand being + acquiesced in, I should retain the same doubts as to any + expectation of proportionate advantages resulting from it, and + should be inclined to believe that even if the whole amount of the + subsidy was to be expended, it might be more advantageously used in + the purchase of Hessians, Swiss, or any other such troops + absolutely at our disposal, in addition to the Austrians, than in + the proposed purchase of increased vigour and activity in the + government and army of this country: you cannot buy what they have + not to sell. + + Sept. 14th, 1791. + + The former part of this letter had already been written before I + received yours of the 11th of August, which did not reach me till + the 2nd instant. I am very sincerely rejoiced to find by it that + you have made your decision for Ireland, because I believe that + much good may be done there, by your taking that heavy load upon + your shoulders; and although you are wanted enough both in London + and Yorkshire, I am persuaded that for public objects you are still + most wanted at Dublin. I am not enough acquainted with the interior + there, to judge how far the means (as Government now stands) are + competent to the end, or to what degree you may be able to supply + all those links of connection between the two countries, which have + latterly appeared to be very much worn away and broken through. I + presume that it will be found easy enough to continue the same + negative course of administration, and that it will be a work of + great difficulty and delicacy for you to do all that you will think + should be done; I am, therefore, from a strong persuasion of the + arduousness of the task, well pleased to know that it is in such + good hands. + + With respect to my undertaking the office of Secretary, I am very + far from being confident that I should be able to make myself, in + that situation, as useful to you as it undoubtedly should be made. + You know it is not the first moment in which I have expressed my + doubts as to that employment, since it is twelve years ago that the + same objections presented themselves to me; and if I still feel the + weight of them, it is not from any disinclination to pull at my oar + in the galley, or from any reluctance to take part in public + measures at a time when I think, as you do, that everything is at + stake; on the contrary, I confess that, all other considerations + put apart, I shall be gratified in making myself actively one of a + system with which the prosperity of the country will, I am + persuaded, be to stand or fall; and I shall be best gratified by + doing this in whatever shape it could be hoped that I should be + serviceable. To foreign mission, I own I know not how to reconcile + myself; and for Ireland, besides my own disinclination to it, I + should have thought Pelham better suited, as I have often told you. + But my own opinion upon this, as upon all other subjects, gives way + to the better judgment of my friends; and if the Duke of Portland + and you think, that in the present state of things, I should do + best to go to Ireland, I cannot say that I will not try it; sure I + am that your going there gives to the situation every advantage + which I can receive in it, and that if my engaging in it could + succeed, it is on every account as promising and gratifying to me + with you, as the situation itself can be made. Thus, therefore, it + stands, that my own inclination, if no difficulties stood in the + way, would rather lead me to any such employment at home as I might + be fit for, when any such offered itself; but no such destination + being easily found, if the Duke of Portland and you think it any + way desirable that I should go to Ireland, I will certainly + undertake it, and do the best I can in it; trusting always, that if + hereafter, when you are settled on your Irish throne, the chance of + events should make any home-situation of business practicable for + me, you would not object to any such arrangement if it could be + found. + + The long delay which has prevented my sending a messenger when I + wrote the first sheet of this letter, has now so altered the events + of the negotiation that it is hardly worth sending to you, except + as a proof that want of opportunity, and not want of punctuality, + has prevented my letter reaching you at an earlier period. + + The loss of the fortresses, at a moment when they had been + reluctantly induced here to make an effort to save them, is + vexatious in the extreme. They threaten the vengeance of a + court-martial on the officers who surrendered Valenciennes; but + what will that avail towards recovering these great objects, which + were equally material, both to the regaining of the Netherlands, + and to their security when reconquered? + + The hopeless inactivity of this Court is too long a theme to write + upon, and will continue, I fear, to be a fertile source of + uneasiness. It is shocking to foresee that their assistance may be + as much wanted to save Holland as it was to save Valenciennes, and + may likewise be retarded till it is equally ineffectual. + + I expect to be in England towards the 12th or 15th of November. + + Ever very faithfully and affectionately yours, + T. G. + + +THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM TO MR. T. GRENVILLE. + + Camp, Weymouth, Aug. 31st, 1794. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + I have just received your letter of the 16th from Vienna, and am + glad to find from it that you are as well as I wish you to be, and + as sanguine as any one could wish who is less desponding than + myself. I fear that very much of your difficulty is insuperable, + for I have no idea that it is possible to induce the Imperial + Government to exert themselves more for the _recovery_ of Brabant + than they did for the _preservation_ of it. Various circumstances + (some of which you have stated) co-operated to the scandalous + dereliction of a country, which all former history proves to us + might have been defended (even for a losing campaign) with one half + of the allied force; and it is no part of my creed that the zeal or + activity of the Austrian Ministry (even if they act with good + faith) can replace us by the end of November where we were last + year. But if it is to be proposed to us to add Austria to the list + of powers subsidized, and to call upon Great Britain, the _ally_ of + the war, to consider herself as the only principal in it, I fear + that the proposition will meet with every difficulty, and (if + acceded to) with as little success as the subsidy paid to Prussia. + You will then ask me for my solution of this difficulty; and I will + fairly own that I see none, but in endeavouring to stimulate + Austria, by showing them clearly that we will not take the whole + upon our back; and that we can better keep the wolf out of our + house, than they can out of theirs, if the war is to be defensive. + + As to the military operations of the Prince of Saxe Coburg, I make + no doubt that he has done very ill; indeed, it seems difficult to + conceive that his groom could have done worse. But I fear that the + ignorance or treachery of the German Generals goes much deeper than + you imagine, for I do not recollect one instance in the course of + this campaign--and perhaps not one in the last--in which they + answered the expectation formed of them. Again, if we imagined that + by protracting the war we might exhaust the enemy, though I might + not agree as to the prospect of success, I could understand it as a + system; but in that case, the war would have been defensive, and + co-operation settled to that object, instead of abandoning the Duke + of York to certain ruin, if the winds and the circumstances of this + country had not permitted Lord Moira's army to arrive just (and + only just) in time to cover their retreat, and communication. These + points are all mysterious to us lookers-on, and perhaps not much + more clear to you at Vienna. The only point clear and indisputable + is, that we begun the campaign offensively in the south-west point + without securing West Flanders; that we undertook by defensive + positions to cover it; and notwithstanding the very slow progress + of the French, which gave us full and ample time, it was lost for + want of sufficient force on the western flank of our combined + force, and for want of co-operation, either of defensive retreat, + or of mutual support in a systematic evacuation of a country so + very tenable. Now, if all this is proposed to be cured by changing + the Commander, and by taking the Austrians into British pay, I fear + that I shall be one of the first to cry out against such a measure, + which cannot in the least tend to remove those difficulties, and + will superinduce many others on the continent, and others more + serious at home, to which you cannot be a stranger. If the object + be to add to our force, we do not accomplish it by changing the + Paymaster or Commander of the troops; but we may obtain a very + considerable force under our immediate and actual command, by + adding to the levies of French troops; or, in plain terms, by + raising an immense French army in British pay, who would not be + liable to be called off _a la Prussienne_ to schemes of plunder, or + possibly of home defence, in the moment in which they are the most + wanted by us. I have taken some pains to get information on this + subject; and I verily believe, that if we take the small remnant of + the Prince of Conde's army into our pay, with him at the head of it + as a foundation, we may in a very short time increase it to + twenty-five, or perhaps thirty thousand men, which, added to our + British, Hessian and Hanoverian army, would effectually support the + Dutch in covering Holland, and would enable us to make a very + serious diversion either in Normandy or in Poitou. + + I have written upon this subject more at large than I at first + intended, but it is very difficult to compress it; and having found + it difficult to reconcile the conduct of Ministry in the + management of this campaign to my own feelings, or the plan (so far + as I understand it from common report) of reconquering Brabant for + the Emperor by an Austrian army in British pay, or of assisting + Holland by a force of the same nature on which the experience of + two campaigns shows how little we can depend, I have not thought it + fair to withhold these opinions from you, having stated them to my + other brother as soon as I heard of your mission (and from public + report of the objects of it) to Vienna. But be assured, my dear + brother, that I do not feel the less warmly for your credit, and + for the success of your negotiation (whatever it may be) as far as + the question is personal to yourself. I have always seen, with very + sincere regret, your talents useless to the public; and I am happy, + on every account, that you have found an opportunity of showing + them in co-operation with my brother William, who seemed so happy + in this proof of your confidence and affection. + + I feel, as I ought, your anxiety about the yeomanry. I have the + satisfaction of hearing that they go on very well, but of course + meeting very seldom, because of the harvest. Their numbers, + however, increase; and are, as near as can be, as follows: + + Captains. Lieutenants. 2nd ditto. Qr. Masters. Numbers. + Lt.-Col. Grenville Fremantle Grubb ---- 47 + Praed Mansell Higgins Cooch 60 + Sir J. Dashwood W. Hicks T. Mason Clarke 43 + Drake K. Mason Clerk ---- 37 + Sir W. Young Ch. Clowes L. Way Quanne 29 + + Most of them have got their swords, and have returned their + pistols, which were most scandalously bad; they have got their + appointments, and (except Young's troop) they come on very well. I + am, however, tied by the leg to Weymouth, while the King is here, + and cannot stir. He is in wonderful health; but very unruly as to + the common precautions which ought to be taken, and which keep me + in constant hot water, notwithstanding our incessant rains. Lord + Howe passed Portland yesterday with thirty-three sail of the line, + and three Portuguese ships; of which one ran foul of the + 'Barfleur,' and stove in her bows so as to force her to return to + Portsmouth. All the sea prisoners lately taken, say, that Barrere + is determined to force the Brest fleet of thirty-five sail to sea. + Sir J. B. Warren's last prisoners say, that they were brought from + the interior to Brest, and embarked _handcuffed_; another account + states, that sixteen thousand men have been sent to Brest _en + requisition_, since Lord Howe's action. Our line of battle is + thirty-seven sail, including what is to join at Plymouth; from + which deduct two ships not ready, and the 'Barfleur,' his number + will be thirty-four. He will probably fall in with your friend, + Lord Macartney, who is coming back with "_the Emperor's copy of + verses_," and left St. Helena on the 6th of July with nineteen East + India ships. + + Adieu, my dear brother, + Ever most affectionately yours, + N. B. + + Sept. 5th, 1794. + + P.S.--This letter was begun five days ago, but I have been for the + last four days confined, and very ill from an epidemic, which is + running all over England. It is not confined to the army, and it + has not been fatal, but very painful. I have got clear of it, but I + have above forty men ill of it at this moment. Adieu. + +The difficulties of the negotiation in which Lord Spencer and Mr. Thomas +Grenville were engaged, are very clearly stated in the following letter. +It is perfectly evident from these curious revelations, that Austria and +Prussia were pursuing a crooked and evasive policy in their diplomacy +with England, that the vacillations and infirmity of purpose they +betrayed left them open to the suspicion of insincerity, and that the +affairs of both Courts were conducted by Ministers utterly deficient in +all qualities of firmness and judgment, which the occasion imperatively +demanded. + + +MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE TO LORD GRENVILLE. + + (Private.) Vienna, Sept. 1st, 1794. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + If M. de Thugut is waiting with impatience the result of M. de + Merey's negotiation, you will easily believe that we have no less + impatience to know your decisions upon that subject, though you + will have seen that Lord Spencer and I have not been able to teach + ourselves to wish that the pecuniary demands may, or ought to be, + gratified by us. If they had confined themselves to asking only + such a temporary assistance as might have given a more immediate + spring to the vigorous movement which we are urging them to make, I + should have been as little disposed as anybody could to withhold + any practicable facilities of that description; but to the extent + to which they steadily continue to point, I own I feel myself too + little satisfied as to the equity of their claim upon us, and as to + the probability of their acting fairly and manfully up to the great + exertions which they ask from us, to entertain much disposition + towards those demands. + + They dwell certainly upon the difference which they state between + loan and subsidy, and wish to prove to us that their offer of + security upon the revenues of the Low Countries should, at least by + us (who always insist on those territories remaining in the House + of Austria), be accepted as a good and ample mortgage for the + repayment of the sums which they want for this year and the next; + but if it is true that they do not feel interested at heart in + these possessions, or if they think us so earnest in our wishes on + this subject, that they may safely throw the whole weight of it + upon us, their offer of a _hypotheque_ on those possessions takes a + much more suspicious character; nor is it, perhaps, an unreasonable + jealousy on my part to apprehend that they may wish you to have a + mortgage of two millions on the Netherlands, as an inducement to + you hereafter to give up some of your French acquisitions in the + West Indies, in order to recover for them a country, in which you + will have a larger pecuniary stake, added to the ordinary course of + political observations. + + Much at least of Thugut's conversation would seem to tally with + this view of the matter. It is observable that he perpetually + recurs to its being a settled point, that _de facon ou d'autre_ the + Netherlands will be secured to Austria at the peace, and yet he + never seems (in his view of the military operations to be pursued) + to consider them as a main object of defence, and is so little + disposed to make them so, that he expresses much reluctance at the + idea proposed, of engaging Austria to furnish so large an army, _to + act in that country_, which he thinks might be better employed + elsewhere. Add to this, his remarking that England might be + satisfied by the irrecoverable detriment done to the navy and + commerce of France, and his contrasting the difference in point of + acquisitions made by Great Britain, with the total failure on the + side of Austria; and it is no great refinement to suspect the whole + of this to lead to an expectation that we may better buy back the + Netherlands for them, than put them to the expense of defending + them or regaining them; and that we should have an additional + motive for sacrificing some of our conquests to this object, if we + have two millions of money mortgaged upon it. + + Of the advantage which may be expected at home from adopting this + shape of lending upon security, rather than of furnishing a direct + subsidy, I do not well know how to judge; but unless the security + could be shown to be in itself substantial, and of a nature to be + easily got at by those to whom it was due, I should doubt whether + the public at home would be better reconciled to it than to a + direct and acknowledged subsidy. The very small proportion of + effect produced by the large payments this year to the King of + Prussia, will create much indisposition to the incurring of a + similar expense again, unless it can be shown to promise, upon good + probable grounds, a much better return than we have had; and, + generally speaking, I cannot but fear that the mere difference in + point of exertion which we can hope from this country, may not turn + out to be worth the purchase-money in the estimation of the country + at large, though I should hope they might easily acquiesce in a + very considerable exertion, if a great manifest exertion of + strength, fairly disposable to the course of the war, could be + procured by pecuniary aids. What inducement there may be to this + measure, from any apprehension of the Emperor's withdrawing from + the war, is another part of the question, upon which I can form no + more correct judgment than belongs to the observation of a very + short residence here. + + Lord Malmesbury hints to me a suspicion of a proposed concert + between the Emperor and the King of Prussia, to compel the Maritime + Powers to make peace, though he appears to give no great credit to + it. Certain it is, that in the month which we have past here, one + of the most striking features of the conversation, both of + Ministers and individuals, has been a hatred and aversion to + Prussia, by Thugut, too, particularly marked towards Lucchesini, of + whom he never scruples to speak to us in terms of the most + unqualified dislike; so that as far as can be collected from what + we hear, there ought to be no ground to suspect any plan of + intimate concert between his Court and Berlin. + + It is possible, to be sure, that independently of any such concert, + the Government here, if unassisted by money from us, might + endeavour to withdraw from the prosecution of the war; but, as we + have had no reason to expect any ultimate success to the + propositions which _we_ brought here, we have endeavoured, as much + as possible, to learn what their conduct would be in failure of the + proposed Convention, and to consider them in all that we have said + as equally bound to continue in their co-operations with us + according to the existing agreement, whether any new arrangement + should succeed or not. To this view they have not only acceded + always in distinct terms, when urged by us, but they have + frequently stated this of their own accord, confining themselves + only to the observation, that their means are limited, and will no + longer allow of the exertions which they wish; but solemnly + protesting against any present idea of peace, and always expressing + their belief that Prussia is now desirous of peace being made, + because, in the present situation of things, it might probably be + made to the disadvantage of Austria. Unless, therefore, their + opinions should be disguised to a degree which I cannot well + believe, or should undergo an entire change, I do not see what + ground there is to suspect in them any intention of abandoning the + war, though I can entertain no great hopes of such a vigorous + prosecution of it as we might wish and expect from them. + + There is but one opinion as to the Emperor's inclinations on this + subject, and if his personal character had steadiness enough to + influence the Government, his disposition to the true principles of + the war would be a great security to us; at present, however, it is + of little or no avail; and it is much to be lamented in times like + the present, that though there is no dislike entertained to him, + there is not either the respect or consideration which ought to be + attached to his situation, to make it tell with any of the effects + one wishes to derive from it. With respect to his Ministers, you + have seen too much of our remarks upon the striking features of + their conduct, to make it necessary for me in every letter to + repeat them. Thugut is certainly the only efficient Minister here: + very diligent and laborious in his office, he seems to have + acquired an influence here by being the only man of business about + the Court; and with this recommendation has reached a situation + which the nobility of the country are mortified to see him hold, + because he has no pretensions to hereditary rank, and because they + have been used to see that office for many years filled by Prince + Kavnitz. What _we_, however, miss in him is, either the disposition + or capacity to see the present great crisis of Europe upon the + large scale on which it should be looked at by the leading Minister + of this empire; instead of which, we see in all our discussions a + cold, narrow, and contracted view of this subject, infinitely too + languid and little for the object, and made peculiarly unfavourable + to our propositions, by the disinclination which he certainly feels + to concur heartily with us in the great interests attached to the + Austrian possession of the Low Countries. We have, it is true, + obtained from him assurances of concerting an immediate plan for + the relief of Valenciennes; but even this has not been obtained + without many discouraging tokens of that total want of manly energy + and direct dealing, without which all co-operation must necessarily + be languid and feeble: always taking merit for having sent the most + distinct orders to try the relief of Valenciennes, yet never taking + the obvious mode of satisfying us by communicating those orders to + us; maintaining as an argument for the loan, that without it the + army cannot move, yet at the same time resisting our objections of + the delay of waiting for answers from M. de Merey, by stating this + movement as being actually in great forwardness, and not depending + upon the loan for its execution; acquiescing in the change of + command urged by us, and yet ever since that event reminding us + that in his opinion this very change may defeat the operation which + we wished to assist by it; gratifying our impatience at one time by + counting up the days to the probable time of the desired movement, + and then again stating that Clairfayt's army may be weakened too + much to attempt it by his detaching, perhaps considerably, towards + the side of Treves; complaining that the Austrians had been + prevented from sending Blankenstein's corps towards Flanders, as + they wished, by the Prussians having engaged it in their line of + defence, and yet refusing to us a corps much more inconsiderable, + and not involved in the objection--I mean the corps of Conde--a + corps, too, which, as I have before observed, from their own + statement of their want of money, they should have been glad to + have seen transferred to the pay of another country. + + These, and many other such traits of inconsistency, I advert to + only as being descriptive of the very unsatisfactory manner in + which our business is discussed, always providing on their side + apologies for future failures, instead of means of success, and + projects of vigour and enterprize. Yet though the shortness of our + possible residence here makes this inanimate character of the + Government a bar to that immediate spirit and alacrity which, for + the purposes of the present crisis, it was highly desirable to + create here, so as to act upon instantaneously; much, I should + suppose, may be done after our return, by any person of steadiness + and activity, in the course of an established residence here, there + being certainly fair grounds for the most intimate union between + the two countries, and appearances enough of general inclination + towards it, though traversed for the present by their hopes of + fighting at our cost, and by the unfavourable turn of M. Thugut's + mind upon the subject of the Netherlands. For this purpose, the + sooner a regular Minister is appointed here the better; because + though the opening of the subsequent campaign is at present distant + enough, the dilatory habits of this Government make every moment + more precious than it should be; and the points, both of the + barrier and the Dutch indemnity, may be found longer in discussion + than they were expected to be when I left London, particularly upon + the former of those two subjects, on which the future possession + of Dunkirk and Givet must, perhaps, be distinctly explained. + + We have heard of Lord Malmesbury's intention to quit Frankfort on + the 10th of September, and we have read the formal acceptance, + signed by him, of the military concert of the 26th July; you will + already have seen, in our despatch No. 5, our apprehensions of the + inconvenience of placing Clairfayt's army in any state of + dependance upon the Prussian line, as we are always afraid that the + Prussians may, by a nominal concert upon this subject, become a + real hindrance, and throw difficulties in the way of the proposed + enterprise for the relief of Valenciennes. In this view, therefore, + we had certainly rather have seen Lord Malmesbury remaining at + least till the movement in question had actually been carried into + effect; and the more so, as we have always kept their fears a + little quiet here, by promising that Lord Malmesbury, at Frankfort, + should look to and strictly watch the operations of Marshal + Mollendorff's army. I take for granted, however, that you will + provide as well as you can against the inconveniences which in this + shape may arise, and we shall likewise mention it to Lord M. + + Ever, my dear brother, + Most affectionately yours, + T. G. + + +MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE TO LORD GRENVILLE. + + (Private.) Vienna, Sept. 15th, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + You will receive enclosed with this a letter, which I had already + written before the arrival of your last despatches, and which can + only be useful by showing you all that occurred to me upon the + former view of the subject. The conditions which are now attached + to the two questions of loan and subsidy, appear certainly to be + the best which could have been imagined for promising a fair use of + the troops for which we are desired to pay, and would probably + appear to the country to be so, besides really furnishing all the + means which can be supplied to this great stake which we are + compelled to play for. What has passed upon these propositions, you + will have seen pretty amply in the public despatch, which is + written so much at length as to require no great additional + comment. It is manifest, that instead of complying with all the + conditions proposed, they could not easily be brought to consent to + any one of them. Upon the subject of command, there is a soreness + which would be an insuperable bar to the idea of a large combined + force (chiefly Austrian) acting under any English General; and yet + there is so little hope of their acting vigorously under any other, + that the choice lies between two extreme difficulties. + + Under the pressure of your letter, which led us to imagine that + Lord Cornwallis is actually gone to Flanders, we have done and said + all that was in any shape likely to assist his situation there; at + the same time, from Wyndham's letter, and from the fall of + Valenciennes, it is possible that his journey may still have been + delayed. Instead, therefore, of writing to him in Flanders, as you + suggested, we have given a letter for him to Colonel Ross, who will + find him either on this or the other side of the water, and will be + best able to communicate to him whatever intelligence from hence it + is material for him to know. + + They do not talk heartily here of Clairfayt's co-operating, though + they do not plainly refuse it; and I fear it is but too likely that + they will satisfy their dignity by keeping their army entirely + distinct from ours, a determination which may perhaps but too much + assist the views of the French, if they really make a vigorous + attack upon Holland. All that we could do by threats, entreaties, + and remonstrances, on this very important point we have done, and + will continue to repeat while we stay here. + + Upon the subject of transferring the subsidy, I believe they are in + earnest when they say it is out of their power to engage for any + considerable subsidy from the empire to the King of Prussia; and if + it is true that they are now under the necessity of ascertaining + what are their means for the next campaign, it may be true that + they cannot act upon the uncertain speculation of receiving so much + from us as they could promise for the King of Prussia. I know not + whether I am right, but I have thought once or twice that Thugut + has spoken with some marks of dislike to-day to Comte Stahremberg, + whom he appears to suspect of having broached this proposition at + London; to prevent any confirmation of this suspicion, we have not + in any manner quoted Comte Stahremberg in our conferences; and as I + believe you are satisfied with him, I hope I misinterpret the word + or two which Thugut dropped upon this matter. + + We are come back again (upon the failure of our overtures) to the + hearing of a reduced scale of military operations, an idea more + like a haberdasher of small wares than the Minister of a great + empire. What the supposed plan of this _contracted_ war is to be, I + never have been able to learn; and, indeed, it requires all the + good temper one can muster to make so discouraging an inquiry. + + Meanwhile, orders are said to be already issued for raising sixty + thousand new recruits in the hereditary states of Austria, but no + hopes are given of assistance from Hungary, where the harvest has + been, in many places, uncommonly deficient. + + We have done what we could to urge them to be active in Sardinia, + now the French appear to be retiring; and though an invincible + prejudice to that quarter prevents Thugut from doing all he might, + yet he expresses a readiness to concur in an attack upon Nice, if + the English fleet would co-operate, as soon as the equinoctial + snows have fallen to guard the mountains of the Milanes. + + There are, however, bad reports of Kosciusko declaring war against + Austria, which will be both a reason and a pretext for suspending + enterprise, if any would otherwise be undertaken. The Duc de Guiche + has a project of collecting the Gardes du Corps, of which he says + he thinks he could soon muster twelve hundred. He and the French + here are grown very anxious about Comte d'Artois' journey to + Rotterdam. We expect impatiently to hear from you of our return. + + With respect to Vienna, Lord Spencer having considered this + business as now come to a point, which requires some new shape and + fresh regular negotiation, writes to request leave to return home, + and only waits for it to set out immediately. In that request + (after all the consideration which I can give to it) I feel that I + must likewise beg to be included, so as to return with him at the + same time. The line of foreign mission is one to which I own I + cannot reconcile myself; it leads certainly to a claim for future + competency, but it seems to me little likely to assist those views + of honest ambition, which are certainly, though I hope to no + improper degree, still more forward in my mind than those of + emolument. In this view it was, that upon a former occasion of + arrangement, I had declined the Hague, which certainly is the first + of all the situations in that line, but which still has the + objection of banishing from all connections, social as well as + political, and of cutting across all other expectations except + those of an invalid upon half-pay. + + I believe I need not tell you, that upon the proposition which you + suggest of my staying here only to make the detail of the new + arrangements for next year, I certainly would not have refused it, + if I had thought that I could more usefully transact that point for + you; but I am really firmly persuaded, that the only chance of any + good being done here, is by some active and intelligent man + _taking root here_, and acquiring over these Ministers by the + vigour and perseverance of his own mind, influence enough to supply + the total want of it in theirs; but as this must be a work of some + time, so it seems highly important that it should immediately be + undertaken in that regular established shape in which alone it is + likely to succeed, and to which I could very little contribute by + protracting my departure two or three months beyond that of Lord + Spencer; besides, too, that if Ireland is to be looked at, I have + not much time to lose with a view to that subject. Certainly no man + can be more sensible than I am to the _desagremens_ of the Irish + Secretaryship; and if the political arrangements which have taken + place, had admitted of my occupying any situation of business at + home, there is scarce any which I should not prefer to it. I am, + however, very ready to confess, that at the present moment I do not + see any such opening likely to be easily made; and, therefore, the + question is as with respect to myself, whether, even with all my + dislike to the situation, it may not be right that I should take + it, and trust to the course of events to supply hereafter some + other situation more eligible. What much inclines me to this is, + that I shall be able to preserve a much nearer and closer + connection with my family and friends, whom I shall at times have + an opportunity of seeing, and that the business itself may become + in one light highly interesting to me, if I see in it the means of + making myself essentially useful upon a subject certainly not + unimportant. + + I am not without considerable apprehensions, as you know, with + respect to the practicability of all that in theory one wishes to + be done in that country; but of those difficulties, it is useless + now to speak. Upon the whole, therefore, I have thought it best to + accept of Lord Fitzwilliam's offer, and have accordingly written to + say so. + + I will not unnecessarily add to this letter, as I expect to see you + so soon: we calculate that in about twenty-six days we shall + receive from you our answer, with permission to return; and that we + shall be enabled to set out between the 15th and 20th of October at + latest. Happy, indeed, I am to find, by the conclusion of your + letter, that everything is going on at home upon as good a footing + as we could wish. Every day's experience confirms me in the + conviction, that with the present arrangement of Government, the + peace and prosperity of the country must stand and fall; and + however threatening may be the prospect from without, as long as + everything keeps so right within, I shall continue to be of good + heart. + + I am ashamed of having written so much about myself, or rather I + should be so if I was not writing to you; but I have confidence in + your kindness and affection. + + God bless you, my dear brother. + + +MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. + + (Private.) Vienna, Sept. 15th, 1794. + DEAR DUKE OF PORTLAND, + + The impatience which we know that you must all have in England to + hear the result of your last determinations, leaves me no time to + add to what is contained in our despatches; but having had occasion + to write to Lord Fitzwilliam upon his having offered to me and + pressed upon me the Secretaryship in Ireland, I cannot let the + messenger go without a few words likewise to you upon that subject, + to tell you that I have left that to your decision and to his; + having only added such expressions of my own views and inclinations + as I know your friendship for me will lead you to view in their + proper light. My objections to the situation of Secretary in + Ireland you very well know, because even all my desire of making + myself useful to you could not, twelve years ago, overcome those + objections. I am, however, so persuaded that, in this moment, it is + every man's duty to take his task without consulting his + inclination, that if, all things considered, you agree with Lord + Fitzwilliam in thinking that I had best go to Ireland, I will + certainly try it. + + You will, I am sure, forgive me for adding that, if the future + course of political arrangements (according as facilities may + occur) should admit of my being usefully employed at home, my wish + and preference to any such arrangement will not, I am sure, be + overlooked by my friends in England. + + Ever, my dear Duke, + Most sincerely yours, + T. G. + +That some inconvenience had already arisen, and that more was yet likely +to arise, from the nomination of Lord Fitzwilliam to the government of +Ireland, will be seen from a letter addressed by Lord Grenville to his +brother at Vienna. It had been clearly understood all along, that Lord +Fitzwilliam's appointment could not be confirmed until some suitable +provision should have been made for Lord Westmoreland, who had accepted +the office of Lord-Lieutenant on that express condition; yet the friends +of Lord Fitzwilliam, in their eagerness to make known the accession of +their party to power amongst their allies in Ireland, committed the +indiscretion of talking publicly about the approaching change, before +any arrangements had been concluded, or could be concluded, respecting +Lord Westmoreland. The immediate effect of these premature announcements +was to embarrass the Cabinet, and irritate the feelings and compromise +the position of the Lord-Lieutenant. Worse effects followed soon +afterwards. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE. + + Sept. 15th, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I am so late, that I have hardly time to write this private letter + to you, nor, indeed, have I much to add to my despatches. + + There is, however, one point which it is material that you should + know for your own satisfaction. The despatches, as now drawn, bear + very much the appearance of contracted operations in Flanders, + without any very distinct statement of an intention to extend our + plans elsewhere. The reason is, that we doubt whether we ought to + trust the Government at Vienna with our secret in this respect. The + failure of our expected operations in Flanders, where we had hoped + to engage the principal attention of the enemy for the next month, + makes it impossible to try, with the small force of which we now + have the disposal, any operations of consequence in the Vendee; and + a weak and ineffectual effort there would both betray and dispirit + those whom we wish to support. We have therefore, for the present, + renounced the idea of doing more than barely trying to throw in + arms and supplies; and we reserve our attack for the spring, when, + if our present expectations do not deceive us, we shall have the + means of disposing of a very large force, independent of _emigres_, + &c. + + In this way, the two parts of the war will operate as a diversion + one to the other, and we shall be able to push that, whichever it + may be, when we shall appear at the time most likely to succeed. + That will probably be the quarter where we act alone, and have + neither to depend on Prussian faith nor Austrian energy. + + It is in the meantime discouraging to see how fair an opportunity + is lost by our not being able to profit of the present state of + things in France. God knows what may happen between this and the + spring. It does not appear to me that there is any foundation for + the report of the young King's death. If it was true, it would + solve at once the question of the acknowledgment of the Regent, + which Spain has formally proposed to us. + + You will have received my letter on the point on which you asked my + opinion. If the decision is likely to go in favour of Ireland, I + heartily wish you were here, as I am afraid that there is less + discretion on that subject than there should be. The intended + successor to Lord W. is talked of more openly than I think useful, + at a time when there is yet no arrangement made for his quitting + his station. But what is worse than that, ideas are going about, + and are much encouraged in Dublin, of _new systems_ there, and of + changes of men and measures. Whatever it may be prudent to _do_ in + that respect, I know that you will agree with me that, till the + time comes when that question is to be considered, with a view to + acting upon it immediately, the less is _said_ about it the better, + in every point of view. When I see you, we can talk this over more + easily than by letters between Vienna and London; and yet I have + heard so much of it lately, that I almost wish it were possible for + you, even at that distance, to write something that might suggest + the necessity of caution; and that something you might even ground + upon the paragraphs in the papers, which, as you may have seen, + have been full of speculations upon it, particularly since + Ponsonby's journey here. + + The notion of seeing your personal quiet and happiness committed in + this business, makes me feel more anxious about it than I otherwise + should, though it is otherwise sufficiently important, and that in + more than one point of view. + + God bless you, my dearest brother, and believe me + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + St. James's Square, Sept. 17th, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I have forwarded your letter to Tom, who will, I think, probably + set out from Vienna soon after the receipt of it. I should have + been very glad if I could have engaged him to stay there, but that, + I think, seems out of the question. I am not more sanguine in his + success than he is himself; and if my conjecture is right, at least + you will have the satisfaction of knowing that a subsidy is not + given to Austria. I own myself that if the situation of affairs + there had been such that one could, with propriety, have been + given, with a reasonable hope of adequate exertion in return, I + should never have signed any other instrument with as much pleasure + as the warrant for ratifying that agreement, whatever had been the + consequences of it. I have no other view of the contest in which we + are engaged, nor ever have had, than that the existence of the two + systems of Government is fairly at stake, and in the words of St. + Just, whose curious speech I hope you have seen, that it is perfect + blindness not to see that in the establishment of the French + Republic is included the overthrow of all the other Governments of + Europe. If this view of the subject is just, there can be worse + economy than that which spares the expense of present exertion, and + incurs the probability of increased risk, and the necessity of + protracted efforts. I believe, however, that all this reasoning + applies, in this instance at least, to a case which will not exist. + + Our letters from Holland yesterday announced the execution of + Barrere and Co.; but so many false reports have come from thence, + that I do not give much faith to this, except from the probability + of the thing itself. The weakness which this state of things at + Paris occasions, in their efforts in the Low Countries, is very + encouraging, and would be much more so, if we were but in a + situation to profit of it. + + Mulgrave's expedition has, I believe, completely performed its + object, and averted all danger for the present from that quarter. + The corps will now be broken up. In that event, Nugent has been + thought of to go to the West Indies with the command of a brigade, + and the local rank of Brigadier-General. I have taken it for + granted that this will be a thing agreeable to him, and have + therefore promoted it as far as I could, because it gives him the + opportunities of showing himself both in service and in command. If + you see it in the same light, perhaps, you would prefer throwing + out the idea to him before it is formally proposed to him, as he + might have difficulty in declining any proposal of service, even if + for any reason that I do not foresee this destination was not + agreeable to him. + + I rejoice to think that your King's guard is almost over, which I + imagine must have been a troublesome business enough. + + God bless you, my dearest brother. + +The straw was now beginning to move in the direction of Ireland. Mr. +Ponsonby and his friends made no concealment of the expectations they +founded upon the advent of Lord Fitzwilliam; and reports were creeping +out, that with the change of men would come an entire change of +measures. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dropmore, Sept. 27th, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I received your letter here yesterday, and write this because what + you say on two material points of the public situation of affairs, + impels me to it, though I well know how impossible it is within the + compass of a letter to discuss such questions, or even to state the + mere grounds of the considerations on which they depend. I see so + much all around us of the gloomiest colour, that I am on that + account, perhaps, more sensible to the manner in which you seem to + view our situation. I cannot, however, be much surprised at the + confidence which you seem to feel as to the possibility of our + seeing the storm break all round us, and remaining untouched by it, + because such appears to be the prevailing sentiment here, as well + as in every other part of Europe: every country, and almost every + individual, seeming to reason and to act in the hope of such an + exception being made in their favour during the general ruin which + they see impending over others. I am, however, not the less + convinced of the truth of my own opinion, which is unhappily + already confirmed by too many instances of the effects which this + delusive security, as I think it, has produced, and is daily + producing. I can see no grounds, in the state of this country, to + hope for such an exception in our favour, and I do verily believe + that we must prepare to meet the storm here, and that we must not + count upon the continuance of a state of domestic tranquillity + which has already lasted so much beyond the period usually allotted + to it in the course of human events. I trust that we shall at least + meet it with more firmness than our neighbours, but even in order + to do this, we ought not to blind ourselves at the moment of its + approach. It seems too probable that it is decreed by Providence + that a stop should be put (for reasons probably inscrutable to us) + to the progress of arts and civilization among us. It is a + melancholy reflection to be born to the commencement of such a + scene, and to be called to bear a principal share in it, but I + trust we may hope that our strength may be proportioned to our + trial. + + With respect to what you say of Ireland, I am not ignorant of the + reports upon the subject, though perhaps a little mortified at the + facility with which you seem to have given credit to them. I know + of no such measure as you say we _have adopted_. I have never + varied in my opinion as to the impolicy of the conduct held in + Ireland during the time of Lord Rockingham's Administration, nor + do I believe that any one is disposed to repeat that conduct now. + On the other hand, I must say that I think we, least of all people, + and yourself less than any man existing, have reason to feel any + particular interest in a system which experience has always shown, + at least in our time, to be neither able nor disposed to carry any + support to English Government whenever England can think such + support material. It has long appeared to me, and I believe to you + also, that to make the connexion with Ireland permanently useful to + Great Britain, that connexion must be strengthened by a systematic + plan of measures, well considered and steadily pursued. Whether the + present moment, or any other moment that is in near prospect, would + be favourable to such a plan, is another and a more difficult + question; but I am sure that every year that is lost increases the + hazard of our situation as with respect to Ireland. These points I + feel as those which are truly important to England, are not + questions of power or advantage to Lord Shannon, or Mr. Ponsonby, + or any other individual, or set of individuals there. And with this + impression, I certainly have not for one consented, as you express + it, to surrender Ireland to the Duke of P. and Lord F. under the + government of Mr. Ponsonby; but neither can I conceive what other + interest you or I have, or ought to have, on that subject, except + that Ireland should be so managed, if possible, as not to be an + additional difficulty in our way, when so many others are likely to + occur. + + I have not often as much leisure as I have found to-day to put + these ideas on paper. Do not think me dispirited by what has + happened. I see the extent of our danger, and think that danger + much greater than it is commonly apprehended; but the effect of + that opinion on my mind is no other than that of increasing the + conviction with which I was before impressed, of the necessity of + perseverance and exertion. France and Spain and the Netherlands, + and Geneva, most of all (small as it is), show us that this danger + is not to be lessened by giving way to it, but that courage and + resolution are in this instance, as in most others, the surest + roads to self-preservation. + + I have written this with more than usual seriousness, because such + is the state of my mind, which I am accustomed to open to you + without reserve, and such as it is at the moment of my writing or + conversing with you. + + When are we likely to meet? I suppose that your campaign will not + last much beyond the King's journey. You will not, I hope, forget + that this place is your best inn, whether you go to Stowe or to + town; but you must give me a few days' notice, that I may be sure + to be here. God bless you. + +The progress of the negotiations on the continent, and the weakness of +Austria and Prussia, mixed up with no inconsiderable amount of +indecision and duplicity, are freely commented upon in letters from Mr. +Grenville and Lord Malmesbury. Want of power, and want of will--fear, +hesitation, and imbecility--were so conspicuous in the conduct of these +Courts, as to destroy all confidence in their professions. The character +drawn by Lord Malmesbury of the King of Prussia--which the reader will +find confirmed in the subsequent communications of Mr. Grenville--shows +how little reliance, under any circumstances, could be placed on His +Majesty's co-operation. + + +MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE TO LORD GRENVILLE. + + (Private.) Vienna, Sept. 22nd, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + The course of this last week has been employed--as you will have + seen from our despatch--in very long, but fruitless arguments on + our parts. The proposal which we send to you, has no other + recommendation than that of its having been strenuously resisted + by us, and steadily persisted in by them. If the fact really was, + as they are disposed to consider it, that England--at no risk and + no expense--could, in the shape of this guarantee, furnish means to + Austria, without which they must consider themselves as beat, and + act too under that impression, to their own certain ruin, and to + the great probable danger of Holland; if, I say, all this mischief + could be prevented without any real expense to England, the + question would seem to me very different from what it now is. But, + I confess, that I have not been able to make out of their + conversation on this subject any of that security on these points + which they must insist upon. They say, provision can be made by + which the interest of this money can be punctually secured, to be + paid strictly when due to the commissaries of the English army, or + any other persons appointed to receive it; yet what those + provisions are which provide for that security, I do not make out, + nor do they seem able to describe. I state to them that Mr. Pitt + must find ways and means for the payment of the interest of this + loan, which must increase the first shape of our annual expenses, + whether they are afterwards honestly repaid or not; but they + maintain that M. Desardroui can settle this somehow or other, + though how they have not by any means explained; perhaps M. + Desardroui has been more fortunate with Mr. Pitt. + + One considerable difficulty in regard to this proposition seems to + be the influence which this loan might have upon their wish to + regain the Low Countries--a wish which we already think too weak in + their minds, and which would probably become weaker from the + reflection that the income of those revenues was already mortgaged + for a considerable sum. It was with a view to this that I dropped + to them the notion of their giving a larger security, and asking a + smaller loan, as well as complying with the requisitions of + augmented force and British command. The general security you see + they do consent to give; but, until I hear some more distinct + explanation, I shall still fear that they mean to throw the whole + security upon the Netherlands. They are still quarrelling more + every day with everything that is Prussian: they have stopped a + large magazine of blue cloth from Prussia to Switzerland, which + they say they know is destined to France; and the King of Prussia + threatens, in consequence, to stop some of their supplies in their + passage to their armies. Thugut said of the King of Prussia to-day, + with some truth and some humour, that all he wanted was to save the + whole of his army, to conquer Poland without the loss of a man, and + in reward to receive from us a pension of a million and a half per + annum. If half that sum would purchase from him thirty thousand + troops absolutely at our disposal, to make with British, Hessian + and Dutch an army under English orders of one hundred thousand men, + for the side of Holland; and that the other half--viz.: + L700,000--given in the way of subsidy to Austria, could give it + good heart to make a vigorous offensive campaign, I know not + whether my inclinations would not lead me to the experiment; but + their wants here are so great, and their resources, or at least + their spirit and exertions, so reduced, that the prospect is + certainly very discouraging. They seem full of new fears about the + Turks, and express much expectation that our Minister at + Constantinople will make great efforts to keep all quiet there. + + I believe I told you there were apprehensions of the Poles, under + Kosciusko, breaking with the Austrians. A small affair had taken + place, but it is said to be amicably settled, and to be, for the + present, safe on that side. We are anxiously expecting our + permission to return; and I depend now upon seeing you so soon, + that I will not unnecessarily protract this letter. + + I know not who you are sending here; but we have taken great pains + to keep alive in them here the most favourable dispositions that we + could; and as far as appearances can be depended on--if the + pecuniary demands were out of the question--nothing can be more + promising than their general language and professions are, of + earnestly desiring to establish the most intimate union between the + two Courts. + + God bless you, my dearest brother. + + +LORD MALMESBURY TO MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE. + + Frankfort, Oct. 2nd, 1794. + DEAR GRENVILLE, + + I have written to Lord Spencer all I have to write officially. I + fear I have mixed up a little bile with my intelligence; but the + times are bilious, and it is beyond the compass of my patience to + see the great stake we are playing for lost by imbecility, + treachery, and neglect, without betraying a few symptoms of + discontent. It is really deplorable that we should be the only + nation in Europe who are up to the danger of the moment, and that + the minds of all the other Cabinets are either so tainted with + false principles, or are so benumbed, that it is impossible to work + upon them. It is manifest, from the most undoubted information, + that the interior of France is in a state of the greatest disorder + and confusion; that the successes of the armies are the only cause + of this confusion not breaking out in the shape of a civil war; and + that if we could at this moment obtain any one brilliant success, + that the whole fabric would fall to pieces. + + It is said that H. P. M. will come here, and that when he does + come, things will take another turn. I doubt one and the other. Any + means will be employed at Berlin to keep him there, and if these + should not succeed, any means will be employed here to persuade him + to approve all that has been done, and to follow up the same line + of conduct. I know from experience the weakness of his character, + and the facility with which he gives way to the last advice. I know + also by experience that his assurances cannot be depended on, and + that his conduct does not always correspond with his promises. It + is from your mission and from your Court that I expect any good. I + am free to confess (still under the influence of that vile thing + called experience) that my hopes are not very sanguine. + + Lord Howe is returned to Torbay. This is all I hear from England. + Nobody writes to me, since everybody supposes me on the road. Mr. + Braddye gave me your letter an hour ago, I will do all I can to + make Frankfort pleasant to him, but this is almost as impossible as + to make the Prussians act. + + I probably shall be here still a fortnight. I will write again + soon. + + Ever yours most truly and sincerely, + MALMESBURY. + +The curious revelations that are made in the next letter respecting +Ireland are of infinite value in enabling us to estimate correctly the +events that afterwards took place in that country under Lord +Fitzwilliam's government, and the circumstances which led to its abrupt +termination. Two important facts are authenticated in this +communication: the first, that Lord Fitzwilliam, before he assumed the +government, and even before his appointment to it was advanced so far as +the removal of his predecessor, had not only determined upon the +introduction of a new system, involving extensive changes of policy and +persons, but that he had made known his determination to the heads of +that party in Ireland who had obstructed Lord Buckingham on the Regency +question; and the second, that this determination was formed without any +previous concert with Mr. Pitt and the Cabinet, and to a great extent in +opposition to their known and avowed principles. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE. + + (Private.) Dover Street, Oct. 15th, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I think it probable that you may receive with this letter, others + mentioning to you the unhappy misunderstanding which has clouded + all our prospects, and which seems to threaten the worst + consequences to that system, from the permanence of which I had + looked, as you did, for the safety of this country, under all the + difficulties of our present situation. Everything has continued up + to this hour to go on in the most satisfactory manner, with the + single exception of this unfortunate subject of Ireland, which now + is brought to that sort of point which must, as I fear, unavoidably + produce the immediate dissolution of the union, which we were both + so anxious to maintain and perpetuate. + + It would be difficult for me to give you an exact account how this + mischief has originated, because I am of course ignorant of the + manner in which the Duke of P. and Lord F. received the + impressions, on which they appear to have acted. About the time I + wrote my last letter to you, or rather earlier, reports came round + to Pitt and myself that the party who had acted in opposition in + Ireland, and particularly Ponsonby and Grattan, had held the + strongest language respecting assurances received by them from the + Duke of P. and Lord F., that the latter was immediately to be + declared Lord-Lieutenant, that Mr. Pitt had given Ireland over + entirely to them, and that a new system of measures and men was to + be adopted. In these reports particular persons were mentioned as + being to be dismissed, and amongst these the Chancellor. The only + impression which these produced on my mind was, that Lord F. had + talked too soon of his intended appointment, as it had been + uniformly explained that he could not be named till some provision + was found for Lord W., the fact being that when the latter went to + Ireland he accepted that situation, on an express engagement that + he should return to one not less advantageous than the Post-Office, + which he then quitted. I imagined also that in his communications + with persons, whose support to a new Government in Ireland we all + wished to secure, he had been less guarded than he might have been, + and had given in his conversation more way to ideas stated by them + than it could be prudent to do. And in this impression I wrote to + you, thinking all the rest to proceed only from the usual + exaggeration of reports of this nature, particularly in Ireland; + and feeling confident that before any measure was really determined + upon, we should have an opportunity of discussing it fully, and of + weighing the proposed advantages of it against the very great + objections which naturally and at first sight occur. + + Soon after this we heard that Lord F. had actually taken such steps + in Ireland as marked his persuasion of his being immediately to be + appointed, and as gave on that account great offence to Lord W., to + whom no communication of that nature had yet been made on our part, + because we saw no such opening as it would have been necessary to + hold out to him when such communication was made. + + While we were doubting what step it might be best to take on this + subject, to avoid giving any ground of uneasiness or + dissatisfaction, the Duke of P. wrote to Pitt to urge the immediate + appointment of Lord F. as a thing already determined upon, and + without taking any notice of the necessity of the previous + arrangement for Lord W. This led to intercourse upon the subject, + and it is only since that time that we have found ourselves + apprized of all the difficulties of the subject, and of the extent + of the misunderstanding which prevails respecting it. + + It appears that Lord F. has (on whatever grounds) announced to his + friends in Ireland his immediate destination for that country, in + such a manner as makes him now think that his appointment cannot + even be postponed without discredit to himself, and that he cannot + any longer continue in the King's service in any other situation + than that of Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. + + If this difficulty stood alone, it would be sufficiently great. The + principle on which Pitt had always acted in forming this junction, + and the justification which he has used to those of his friends who + disapproved or doubted about the measure, was, that he sacrificed + to it the situation of none of the former Government, or its + supporters; but that he used such openings as presented themselves, + and such as he could create without removals, for the purpose of + bringing into the public service a large and respectable + description of persons, actuated by the same view as himself of the + present state and circumstances of the country. Yet it hardly seems + possible that, without breaking in upon this principle, Lord F. + could now be appointed. I am, however, persuaded that if this had + been the only difficulty, some expedient would have been found to + remove it, though it is not easy to say what that expedient could + have been. But certainly for such an object as the maintenance of a + system on which the fate of the country seems so much to rest, + great sacrifices would and ought to have been made. + + But it now appears that the reports which had reached us were in a + very great degree, if not indeed wholly, founded in the real truth + of what had happened. There is, I fear, no reason to doubt that + some of the very expressions I have mentioned have actually been + used, and that Lord F. has pledged himself too far to recede, with + respect to a total new system, both of men and measures. The first + point of this system goes to no less than the dismission of the + Chancellor, who was, as I understand, to be replaced by Adair. On + this subject, Pitt and myself cannot but feel that the only ground + on which the Ponsonbys can desire the Chancellor's removal, is the + conduct he held during the Regency in support of Lord Buckingham's + Government, and that our consent to such a step must therefore be + utterly dishonourable and degrading to us. But independent of this + consideration, it is my sincere opinion that there cannot be + adopted any measure more certainly destructive of the peace and + tranquillity of that country. The system of introducing English + party into Ireland, the principle of connecting changes of + Government here with the removal of persons high in office there, + and particularly the marking that system in the instance of a + person of Fitzgibbon's situation, weight, and character, are all so + utterly irreconcilable with every view that I have of the state of + that country, that I should really be inexcusable if I could make + myself a party to such a measure; and in this opinion Pitt entirely + concurs. + + On every principle, therefore, of duty and character, we are + obliged to say that we cannot consent to this step, and we can only + regret that, if it was originally intended, so capital a feature in + the new arrangement was not brought forward earlier. The same + observation applies to the whole idea of holding out a new system + of men and measures in Ireland. If that was meant before the + junction was made, it ought surely to have been stated then, in + order that we might judge whether it did not oppose an + insurmountable bar to the whole scheme. If it has only been + conceived since that period, it ought certainly to have been + communicated and concerted here, before any pledge or assurance was + given to individuals who might be concerned in it there. + + When I say this, you must not suppose that there enters into our + minds anything like warmth or resentment on the subject. The manner + in which everything else has been conducted since we acted + together, convinces me that the evil has arisen from precipitation + and indiscretion, and not from any concerted plan of committing us, + without our knowledge, to measures which we could not be supposed + willing to adopt. And if it were still possible that the thing + could be settled without discredit to either party, not only my + sense of the public interest, but my personal feeling towards them, + would make me think that no means ought to be left untried for that + purpose. I am, however, obliged to confess to myself that I see no + possibility of this. The publicity which has been given to the + whole business seems to render it utterly impracticable. The + assurances which have been given are well known, and the breach or + performance of them must be discreditable to one of the _two_ + parties, for such, unfortunately, they now are again. + + I never can enough regret your absence from this country while this + has been going on. I am sure if you had been here the whole thing + would have been avoided. As it is, what determination you will take + respecting your own line I know not, and I feel myself too deeply + interested in it to think myself a fair or competent adviser. + + Nothing can be more unfortunate to the public interest than this + incident; but the sense of it would certainly be very much + aggravated to me if it were to lead, which I still hope it may not, + to the placing us two again on different lines, and in opposite + systems. Whatever you decide in that respect, I cannot help + flattering myself that you will do justice to our conduct; and + without calling upon you to condemn others, I cannot help + entertaining the belief that you will think no part of this great + misfortune imputable to us. With respect to my own personal + opinions of the importance of forming and maintaining the union, + you were, I am sure, enough a witness to them to make it very + unnecessary for me, in writing to you, to dwell much on that point. + + I have written this to you, though the thing has not yet taken its + final turn, because any delay might possibly prevent your receiving + it before your arrival here, for which I now look with increased + impatience and anxiety. + + God bless you, my dearest brother. + +The weak point of the Government was its combination of opposite +parties; and the consideration which finally determined the course of +Ministers, was the necessity of preventing their differences from coming +to an open rupture--a result that would have jeopardized the very +existence of the Administration. With that paramount object in view, +Lord Grenville, writing again to his brother, analyses the difficulties +of the situation, and points out the only paths that could be opened to +an honourable and creditable accommodation. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE. + + Dover Street, Oct. 24th, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + Since I wrote my last letter I have received yours, written the day + of your leaving Vienna, and I calculate that this will probably + find you at the Hague. Our situation, with respect to the point on + which I wrote to you so much at large, has been a little, and but a + little, improved by a conversation between the Duke of P. and Pitt. + Nothing having since passed, we conclude that there is a desire to + wait for the benefit of your opinion and Lord Spencer's upon this + difficult and distressing subject--a desire in which I need not say + we most heartily concur. + + As far as anything can be concluded from a conversation which did + not lead to any decisive issue, I hope that we have been too easily + alarmed by Irish reports on the subject of a _new system_, and + that, probably in the imagination of those who have first given + rise to those reports, some loose and general expressions have been + construed into pointed and specific assurances. Be this however as + it may, it is certain that infinite mischief has already been done + by the prevalence of those reports, and both the settlement of the + points in discussion here, and the subsequent task of the future + Governor of Ireland, whoever he may be, have been rendered much + more difficult than they would have been if more reserve and + caution had been used. It is, however, useless to regret what is + past, and all our endeavours ought to be applied to remedy the + present evil. I most anxiously wait for the moment of talking over + with you the means of doing this, which I am confident every one + concerned joins in wishing, though all are obliged to confess the + difficulty of it. + + Three points are to be considered--Has Lord F. still kept himself + sufficiently open with respect to his engagements with Grattan and + the Ponsonbys, as to be able to undertake the Irish Government with + honour and satisfaction to himself, without displacing the old + tenants of Government to make room for their opponents, and without + giving to the Ponsonbys in particular more influence and power than + belongs to their situation as one among several of the great + connexions in that country? If not, there seems no hope of any + permanent agreement on this subject, even if it were so patched up + for the present as that he could go to Ireland. The next is whether + it is possible for him to undertake the Government without + insisting on the removal of Fitzgibbon? If this cannot be done, the + thing must come to an immediate stop, as we are more and more + convinced that we cannot in honour or duty accede to that measure. + And lastly, supposing any or all of these considerations to oppose + an insurmountable obstacle in the way of his going, ought that to + prevent his continuing to hold his present situation? and can the + Duke of P., Lord F., and _others_, be justified in bringing on the + country the infinite mischiefs of the dissolution of the present + united Government, on no stronger ground than because alterations, + however desirable in their opinion, in the system of governing + Ireland cannot be adopted. + + I have said nothing in all this of the question about Lord + Westmoreland's removal. I should readily agree with what you say in + your last letter on that subject, that he ought to wait for a + provision, if I did not see that even this is rendered more + difficult by the _eclat_ of what has happened. Still I should think + he ought to forego his claim; but if he thinks otherwise, he has a + positive promise, which of course cannot be broken. But I always + feel a confidence that this point would in some manner be arranged, + because I am sure that we should all be willing to make almost any + sacrifice rather than let it be said by the enemy, that after + having professed to unite on public principle, we had separated on + a mere squabble about the distribution of places. + + The other points are those from which I fear the most. It is, + however, a satisfaction to me to think that I see on both sides (I + know it exists on one) a very sincere and earnest desire to prevent + the fatal consequences which a division amongst us, at such a + moment as the present, must infallibly produce. And I can truly add + that, on our part, this desire is increased by the manner in which + everything else had gone on before this unhappy subject was + started. + + You are coming from a bad scene and to a bad scene; but we must + hope the best, both at home and abroad, and at least we ought all + to be quite sure that we can tell ourselves we have each done our + best to prevent the misfortunes which seem to hang over us. + + God bless you, my dearest brother. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dover Street, Oct. 30th, 1794. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I received your letter the day before yesterday at Dropmore. Mr. + Pitt, who had left me that morning, had shown me your letter to + him, with respect to which I say nothing, as I understood he meant + to write to you upon the subject. The whole business to which it + relates is in a situation, the final issue of which is extremely + doubtful. With my impression of the advantage, and even necessity, + of uniting at this time in the public service the great bulk of the + landed property of the country, and doing away all distinctions of + party between those who wish the maintenance of order and + tranquillity here, I shall very deeply regret, as a great public + misfortune, any event that leads to the dissolution of a system so + lately formed. But, on the other hand, I have certainly no + intention of making myself a party to any system of government in + Ireland that is incompatible with my views of the interest of this + country there. And in any case, I certainly neither have, nor can + take, as far as relates to myself, any step upon the subject which + has its origin in any other motive than a sense of public duty + under circumstances of much difficulty. + + I considered the subject of my brother's acceptance of the + situation offered to him in Ireland as being, as in fact he appears + to have stated it to you, very undecided, even if any arrangement + were made for Lord Fitzwilliam's going there. I could have no + motive to keep it back from you, but felt it due to him to leave it + to him to do what I was sure he would be anxious to do. The whole + subject appears now in some degree suspended till his arrival. When + I see him I should of course state to him, as far as I am able to + do it, your ideas respecting it. + + I am still of opinion that it will turn out that the alarm created + in Ireland, and the impression given here has originated in very + loose reports, magnified, as usual, by persons repeating them + according to their interest and wishes; but I state this as matter + of opinion only. + + I expect my brother here every day. They left Vienna in the + beginning of this month, without having concluded any treaty, + though they seem to have established a juster sense of the present + crisis than prevailed before. + + Our Prussian ally has had his payments stopped, and is withdrawing + his troops. In the meantime, the Empress of Russia has done his + business, or rather her own, in Poland, the Polish army being + completely defeated, and Kosciusko, who was the soul of the + enterprise, taken prisoner. + + God bless you, my dearest brother. + + Believe me ever most affectionately yours, + G. + +The conduct of Lord Fitzwilliam had been reprehensible from the +beginning. The suggestion of the Lord-Lieutenancy had scarcely taken a +definite shape, when he opened a communication, as appeared afterwards, +with the heads of the Irish party, and announced the system on which he +intended to govern the country. In any case, such a proceeding would +have been inexpedient and indefensible, its inevitable effect being to +commit the policy of the Administration beforehand, to deprive it at +once of all dignity and independence, and to revive those heart-burnings +and dissensions which had already so nearly endangered the connection of +the two kingdoms. + +But, composed as the Cabinet was of men who were known to entertain +different opinions in reference to Ireland, the premature and +unwarrantable publicity given by Lord Fitzwilliam to his own views was +calculated to precipitate still more injurious results. So far back as +the 23rd of August, he had written to Mr. Grattan, who was then +personally unknown to him, apprising him of his approaching appointment; +and, in plain terms, calling in that gentleman and his party to his +future councils. From the very first paragraph of his letter, it is +evident that at the time when this ill-judged communication was made, +the arrangements respecting the Lord-Lieutenancy had not advanced +sufficiently far to justify him in taking any ostensible step whatever +in reference to Ireland. His own language was abundantly explicit on +this point: "Though I have not as yet the honour of an appointment to +succeed Lord Westmoreland, there certainly is great probability of that +event taking place very soon." Yet in this early stage of the +ministerial negotiations, he did not hesitate to inform Mr. Grattan that +he intended to look to "the system of the Duke of Portland, as the +model," by which he should regulate his conduct; and that, in order to +enable him to render that system effective, it was necessary he should +be supported by Mr. Grattan and his friends. "It is, Sir, to you," he +observes, "and your friends, the Ponsonbys, that I look for assistance +in bringing it to bear," adding, "it is that assistance which I am +therefore now soliciting." The letter concludes by inviting Mr. Grattan +to form an "intimate, direct, and avowed connection" with the Castle, +which he had never hitherto "approached in confidence and avowed +friendship;" and in the postscript he gives Mr. Grattan this significant +caution: "It may seem a little inconsistent, and that this letter is +written rather prematurely, when I beg not to be quoted as having +announced myself in the character of a Lord-Lieutenant elect; my +nomination not having yet been mentioned to the King, on account of his +absence at Weymouth."[C] + +This indiscreet and unjustifiable line of proceeding placed the +Ministry in a dilemma, from which the escape, either way, was surrounded +by dangers. They selected that alternative which appeared, under all +circumstances, to be the least hazardous; and on the 10th of December, +Lord Fitzwilliam attended the levee to kiss hands on his appointment. + +Mr. Thomas Grenville, however, declined the office of Secretary, which +was conferred on Lord Milton. + +[Footnote C: This letter is published in full in the Life of Mr. +Grattan.] + + + + +1795. + +LORD FITZWILLIAM'S ADMINISTRATION IN IRELAND. + + +The line of policy Lord Fitzwilliam intended to adopt was intimated at +the opening of the Parliament in January. Mr. Grattan moved the Address +in answer to the Speech; a little later Mr. Conolly withdrew his +opposition to the prorogation in deference to the wishes of Government; +and the old supporters of the Administration were displaced by the +Ponsonbys and their connections. Remembering how all these men had acted +in the Regency business, the obstructions they had thrown in the way of +the public service, and the vindictive opposition they had given to his +measures, Lord Buckingham was deeply wounded by the apparent sanction +extended to this complete change of system, which he regarded as a +disavowal of the course he had pursued in Ireland, and, in some sort, as +a personal indignity. In his communications with Lord Grenville he +stated his feelings on this subject without reserve. He considered that +in assenting to the appointment of Lord Fitzwilliam, after the damaging +disclosures that had taken place, the Cabinet had abandoned him to the +obloquy of that party against whose inveterate hostility he had +successfully preserved the executive union of the two kingdoms; and this +consideration was embittered by the reflection that Lord Grenville, from +his position in the Ministry, had contributed influentially to place him +in that humiliating light before the public. Lord Buckingham, with his +acute sense of what was due to his own honour, looked at the question +from that point alone; but Lord Grenville, in the discharge of his +responsibilities as a Cabinet Minister, was compelled to take a more +comprehensive view of it. Whether he decided rightly or wrongly, there +can be no doubt that he decided conscientiously, and that it was +impossible he could resolve upon any conclusion likely to be painful to +Lord Buckingham which his affection for him would not render equally +painful to himself. But he felt at the same time that his duty demanded +at his hands the sacrifice of his private feelings, and that this was a +case in which any hesitation upon such grounds would be attended by the +gravest consequences to the Administration. It may be seen, also, from +the following letter, that he did not put the same construction upon +these transactions as that which was so sensitively urged by Lord +Buckingham. His more practical mind discerned in the irresistible +necessity of the position a sufficient answer to all individual +scruples; and maintaining, as he had stated in a former letter, that the +security and repose of Ireland depended, not upon this or that set of +men, which his observation of the character of the people and their +politics had led him to regard with comparative indifference, but upon +the soundness of the measures applied to her condition, he could not +admit that the decision which had been come to with respect to Lord +Fitzwilliam implied, even remotely, a disavowal of the line of conduct +Lord Buckingham had so successfully pursued under totally different +circumstances. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dover Street, Jan. 5th, 1795. + MY DEAR BROTHER, + + As I keep no copies of my letters to you, and have neither time + enough, nor a mind sufficiently disengaged, to measure my + expressions, nor have ever accustomed myself to do so in writing to + you, all I can say on the subject of my last letter is, that if it + conveyed to you any impression different from that of the sincere + friendship and affection which dictated it, it very ill expressed + my feelings. + + With respect to the rest, I can only say that, to the best of my + understanding, I have neither disavowed nor abandoned you, but + given a _very strong_ proof of my determination to do neither; that + I cannot believe that any such impression exists anywhere; that not + knowing the proofs of its existence, to which you refer, I can only + guess at them, and I therefore forbear to make upon them the + remarks to which, if my conjecture is right, they are so obviously + liable. But that I am at a loss even to guess at the meaning of + that part of your letter, which speaks of proofs laying before you + of some compact made on this subject above twelve months since, not + having, in my own mind, the smallest idea of the fact to which this + can refer. + + Having never had any intention to disavow you, or to consent to any + system or measure to which I thought you could wish to object, it + was impossible for me to make to you any previous communication of + such intention. + + The detail of all that passed respecting Lord Fitzwilliam's + appointment would be too long to go into now; and I have reason to + believe that you are not unacquainted with many of the + circumstances which would prove how very little idea there was of + concealment or mystery on my part respecting that subject. From the + first moment that you stated to me that you considered the idea of + giving to the Ponsonbys a share of office in Ireland as a measure + injurious to you, I explained to you my reasons for viewing it in a + different light. But I anxiously reconsidered the object in my own + mind, and I then acted, as I was bound to do, on my deliberate and + fixed opinion respecting a point which, in either view of it, was + of much too great public importance to make it possible for me to + decide it merely on the desire I must ever feel to consult your + wishes in preference to my own. Which of us is right in our view of + this question, it is not for me to say. The motives and grounds of + my opinion remain the same; and I see with regret that they do not + make on your mind the impression they have made on mine. + + It would be a painful and invidious task to discuss the question + further; but I cannot receive from you a letter in which you tell + me that you feel you have lost my affection, without repeating to + you the assurance, which I still hope is not indifferent to you, + that this is not, in the smallest degree, the case. I have intended + to do nothing towards you but what should be the _most_ kind and + affectionate. I think I have so acted; but I am sure that I have so + meant to act. If any contrary impression produces in your mind any + feelings different from those which have made so great a part of my + happiness throughout life, I shall deeply regret what seems to be + annexed as a curse inseparable from the pursuit of a public life; + but I will once more beg you to be assured that neither those + feelings on your part, nor anything which they can produce, will + vary my sincere and heartfelt affection towards you, and that + whether my judgment has been right, as I still think it has, or + wrong, as you think it, my heart is, and shall be, uniformly and + invariably the same towards you. + + It is with these sentiments that I shall ever be, my dearest + brother, + + Most sincerely and affectionately yours, + GRENVILLE. + +Lord Fitzwilliam had scarcely arrived in Ireland when he collected about +him the party with whom he had been in previous communication, and +commenced his new system by a series of dismissals of the former +supporters of Mr. Pitt's Government. Announcing his conviction that the +immediate concession of the Catholic claims was indispensable to the +tranquillity and security of the country, he followed up his objects +with a vigour and expedition that created considerable alarm in England. +The Attorney-General was to be displaced, to make way for Mr. George +Ponsonby; the Solicitor-General was also to be removed, and Mr. +Beresford, who was Purse-bearer to the Chancellor, and Mr. Cooke, +Secretary at War, were to be dismissed. The dismissal of Mr. Beresford +was regarded as a measure of such extreme violence that it brought +matters to an issue between Lord Fitzwilliam and the Cabinet. Some +letters at this time from Mr. Cooke to Lord Buckingham present a +striking _coup d'oeil_ of these affairs, as they appeared to one who was +deeply interested in their progress. Lord Fitzwilliam, it should be +observed, arrived in Ireland on the 5th of January, and the rapidity of +his official movements may be inferred from the date of the first of the +following letters, which was written only ten days afterwards. + + +MR. COOKE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dublin Castle, Jan. 15th, 1795. + MY DEAR LORD, + + As it was through your Lordship's kind and affectionate partiality + that I was placed in the War Office, I think it my duty to give you + the earliest information of my removal. + + Since Lord Fitzwilliam's arrival, I have merely seen his Excellency + at levee. With his chief secretary, Lord Milton, I have daily + transacted official business, without a syllable passing of a + nature in any degree confidential. The removal of Mr. Beresford, of + the Attorney and Solicitor-General, had created alarms; but there + were assurances from an English quarter that Mr. Hamilton and I + were not to be meddled with. + + The reverse has taken place. About four o'clock to-day, Lord Milton + conveyed to Mr. Hamilton his Excellency's pleasure that he should + retire from office, with a desire that Mr. Hamilton should state + his situation after removal, as it was his Excellency's intention + to make him a provision. + + About half an hour after, Lord Milton sent for me, and delivered a + similar message; stating, upon conversation, that his Excellency + did not in any degree mean to reflect upon my conduct, but that my + retirement was necessary for his arrangements, and that he was + disposed to make me a fair provision; at the same time, upon + conversation, his Lordship intimated that it was possible his + Excellency might differ as to the provision which I might expect + and he might think reasonable. + + I have thought it my duty to submit these particulars to your + Lordship. From your Lordship I received my office; the Government + with which you have been connected I have supported to my utmost; + and I have the happiness to feel assured that I shall ever retain + your Lordship's kindness and regards till I cease to deserve it. + + Believe me, my dear Lord, with the utmost respect, + Ever your most devoted and humble servant, + E. COOKE. + + The Most Noble the Marquis of Buckingham, &c. &c. + + + +MR. COOKE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + (Most Private.) Dublin, Sackville Street, Feb. 7th, 1795. + MY LORD, + + I am to thank your Lordship for your most friendly and flattering + letter; and as you seem curious to know the feelings of myself and + colleagues on our removals, as well as the nature of our + compensations, I will endeavour to detail them as well as I can. + + With respect to Mr. Wolf, the first act was to claim the reversion + recommended for him by Lord Westmoreland, and promised above a year + ago by Mr. Pitt, and which the King had actually signed, as a + measure for negotiation. Wolf _in vain_ argued that the reversion + was not a subject for negotiation. They offered him a Peerage for + his wife, and a Chief Judge's place. Wolf, in addition, asked + precedency at the Bar. After some days, the precedency was refused, + and the promise of a Chief Judge's place was retracted. Wolf + insisted on the promise. He was threatened that if he insisted, he + should be superseded. He did insist, and the promise was at length + renewed, in case a vacancy should happen. + + Mr. Wolf gains nothing but the Peerage for his wife, for the + reversion was actually his own, and had been signed by the King; + the promise of a Chief Justiceship is very precarious, and he is + degraded in his profession. + + Mr. Toler, having in his pocket the promise of succeeding to the + Attorney-Generalship, is to be superseded for Mr. Curran. He has + asked for a Peerage to his wife, and for the succession to Lord + Carleton. Upon his first demand, nothing has been said to him; upon + his second, it has been intimated that he may _look_ for any seat + on the Bench short of Chief Justiceship. Your Lordship must guess + that Mr. Toler feels himself _gratified_, especially when he + recollects that, after having boldly and manfully, at the risk of + his person, set himself against all the seditious and levellers in + and out of the House, he is sacrificed to make way for Mr. Curran, + who has been the most seditious incendiary in Ireland ever since he + became a public character. + + Mr. Beresford your Lordship may have probably seen. He, it seems, + was dismissed because he was king of Ireland, as Bowes Daly + authoritatively informed him in his Excellency's name. The object + with respect to him was to publicly degrade him, give him a + provision during pleasure, then attack him, and have a pretext to + ruin him, if he should defend himself with spirit. He has been + acquainted that, in pursuance of a resolution of the House of + Commons, he is to have his salary of L2000 a-year on Excise + Incidents--not for his services, but his long and laborious + _attendance_. The attempt has been to stigmatize him, to degrade + him, and to make him dependent. I hope the last will not be the + case--the two former cannot. + + Mr. Hamilton had merely fifty years of the most laborious and + faithful service to plead, under all Administrations, whether + adverse to each other or combined. He loses L1200 a-year by + removal; he loses the comforts of settlement, he loses the prospect + of providing for his sons; he is, however, informed that something + will be done for one of them! + + I am equally removed from a station of much advantage and + opportunity. If I do not resort to my bargain with Thornton, I lose + L1800 a-year; if I do, I lose L1300 a-year. I am told that I am not + to expect compensation for my losses, but that his Excellency, on + review of my situation, will make compensation for my services. + As, however, Lord Milton was pleased to state to me that his + Excellency did not mean to cast in any degree any imputation on my + conduct, and that he removed me merely on the principle of + _accommodation_, and to make room for arrangements which he thought + necessary for his Government, I thought it my duty to claim + compensation, not for my services, but for my losses, and to throw + myself upon his Excellency's justice and honour. + + I have heard that my having ventured not to appear satisfied in my + dismissal, has given offence; and it has been intimated, though not + from authority, that there is not an intention to compensate me at + all, but merely to indemnify Thornton for what, by agreement, he is + in honour obliged to pay me. + + When Lord Fitzwilliam seized upon the Provostship and the + Secretaryship of State, the patronage of which absolutely belonged + to Lord Westmoreland, his Lordship was obliged to forced measures, + in order to extricate himself from specific promises; he therefore, + on this principle, included Lord Glentworth in Sir L. O'Brien's + patent of Clerk of the Hanaper. Sir L. lately died. Lord Glentworth + felt the luckiest of men; in a few days, Lord Fitzwilliam sent for + him, and acquainted him that he could not suffer him to remain in + that office; that, however, he had a high respect for him; that he + had been particularly recommended to him by Mr. Pitt, and that he + should hope to do something for him. The Duke of Leinster, being + very hungry, has swallowed the office. + + With regard to coalition here, or the slightest appearances of it, + there are none. Parnell is the only old servant of the Crown who is + at all consulted, and he only so far as concerns his situation. The + whole is very strange. The Ponsonbys are all-powerful, and appear + to direct everything. I know not at all what measures are intended, + or whether an opposition will start up; but the giving up all the + powers of the State to one family does not please. + + The idea of removing all the remaining restraints from the + Catholics is not relished; the worst is, that an appeal has been + made to the Catholic democracy, and I know they are not to be + depended upon; they look to the abolition of tythes and a reform of + Parliament on numerical principles. Ever since the first movements + of the Roman Catholic Committee, the lower classes have been in a + state of fermentation, and they continue their disorders and + insurrections. + + I write this _confidentially_, and beg your Lordship to accept my + best acknowledgments for your kind sentiments. + + Ever most respectfully, your Lordship's most faithful and obedient + servant, + + E. COOKE. + +The result of Lord Fitzwilliam's vigorous attempts to force upon the +Cabinet a line of policy which reason and justice alike rejected, is +well known. A Cabinet Council was called on the 19th of March, for the +purpose of taking the whole subject into consideration, when it was +unanimously resolved to recal Lord Fitzwilliam "as a measure necessary +for the preservation of the empire." The most remarkable incident +connected with this proceeding was the fact that the Duke of Portland, +upon whose "system" Lord Fitzwilliam had based his operations, and who +was supposed, all throughout, to have supported him in them, was present +at this meeting of the Cabinet, and concurred in its decision. + +But Lord Fitzwilliam had not done with Ireland yet. On his return to +England, he brought the subject before the House of Lords and demanded +an inquiry, which was refused. On this occasion some letters which had +been addressed by him to Lord Carlisle were published, and in one of +them "imputed malversations" were attributed to Mr. Beresford. In +consequence of this statement, Mr. Beresford addressed the following +letter to his Lordship: + + +MR. BERESFORD TO THE EARL FITZWILLIAM. + + No. 11, Beaumont Street, June 22nd, 1795. + MY LORD, + + Your Lordship must have seen two letters to the Earl of Carlisle, + which have been published in your name, and in general circulation. + I have for a long time hoped, that they would be disavowed or + explained by your Lordship; I was unwilling to suppose that such a + publication had ever been sanctioned by you; I could not bring + myself to believe, that your Lordship, possessing the feelings of a + man, and the honour of a gentleman, could avail yourself of the + power and the trust which had been committed to you by His Majesty, + wantonly to traduce a private character, by insinuations expressed + in terms so vague and unqualified, as to make it impossible + publicly to refute them. From the rank which you hold in society, I + must presume, if you thought it your duty to impeach my conduct as + a servant of the Crown, you would have adopted the fair and manly + course of advancing direct and specific charges against me, which + must have led to my conviction, if they had been founded. Direct + and specific charges I could fairly have met and refuted; but + crooked and undefined insinuations against private character, + through the pretext of official discussion, your Lordship must + allow are the weapons of a libeller. + + The publication in question, states that you recommended my removal + from office, "because I was a person under universal heavy + suspicions, subject to the opprobrium and unpopularity attendant on + maladministration and much imputed malversation." The aspersions + contained in this paragraph, are so utterly ungrounded, so + unprovoked, unmanly, illiberal, and false, that I could not believe + your Lordship could have meant to apply them to a gentleman, by + birth your equal, and I will tell you, of reputation as unsullied + as your own at any period of your life; there is no charge, however + monstrous, of which the idea is not here conveyed; and yet there is + none to which the paragraph points directly, so as to afford an + opportunity for vindication. + + Your Lordship will, I trust, feel the justness of the warmth with + which I express myself on those aspersions of my character; and + that when I give the lie to such aspersions, I give it upon + reasonings as essential to your honour, as they are to mine; and if + anything were wanting to induce me to believe that your Lordship + will concur with me in this opinion, I should be satisfied of it, + from the communications which were made to me by persons authorized + to convey your Lordship's sentiments upon my projected removal from + the Board of Revenue, and from the official communication made to + me by Lord Milton on the same subject. + + Considerations of domestic calamity might sufficiently explain the + silence I have hitherto observed; but in other respects I should + have been unwilling perhaps to have addressed you sooner. I would + not appear to avoid any inquiry into my conduct, which insinuations + originating from such high authority might be expected to provoke; + it became me, therefore, to await with patience the result of the + discussions respecting Irish affairs which were taking place in + both Parliaments, and even until the close of the session had shown + that it was not your Lordship's intention, nor that of either + House, to take any further step in the business. I cannot now + repent of my own forbearance, as it served, at least, to bring + forward testimonies most highly honourable to me, from many + individuals of the first weight and character in the age in which + we live; these testimonies having been so repeatedly and so + publicly urged in your Lordship's presence, and without + contradiction on your part, cannot but have convinced you, that you + had formed a wrong judgment respecting me, or that you had been + deceived by others; in either case, I am entitled to hope and to + presume that you will render to me, and to my character, that + justice which one man of honour has a right to expect from another. + + I have the honour to be, + Your most obedient and humble servant, + BERESFORD. + + Earl Fitzwilliam. + + +To this letter Lord Fitzwilliam transmitted the following reply: + + +EARL FITZWILLIAM TO MR. BERESFORD. + + Milton, June 23rd, 1795. + SIR, + + I had the honour of receiving your letter of the 22nd this morning. + The letters you allude to, were written by me to Lord Carlisle; and + those printed, though not printed by my direction, at my desire, or + with my privity, I believe to be substantially copies of the + letters I sent to Lord Carlisle; and certainly are so with respect + to the quotation in your letter to me, which, therefore, I cannot + permit any person whatever to charge with falsity. + + It is difficult for me to leave this place abruptly (domestic + considerations require a little management); but I will be in + London in the course of a few days, where I trust I may rely upon + your remaining for the present. + + I have the honour to be, Sir, + Your most obedient and very humble servant, + WENTWORTH FITZWILLIAM. + + Rt. Hon. John Beresford. + + +In consequence of this letter Mr. Beresford sent his friend Mr. +Montgomery to Lord Fitzwilliam, who refused to enter into any +explanation. The usual arrangements were then made for a hostile +meeting, Lord Townshend acting as the second of Mr. Beresford, and Lord +Moira attending Lord Fitzwilliam. When the parties met upon the ground, +however, at Kensington, the duel was prevented by the interference of a +peace officer. + +The correspondence of Lord Grenville with Lord Buckingham appears to +have been suspended during the greater part of the year, but it was +resumed towards its close. By this time the allies were gradually +retrieving their losses. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Pall Mall, Nov. 12th, 1795. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + You will receive by this post the "Gazette," with the account of + the late successes of the Austrians. These accounts came in + yesterday at so many detached periods, and that circumstance, with + others, occupied every moment so completely, as to make it really + impossible for me to send you any detail of them by the post. I + enclose for your better understanding the "Gazette," a Prussian map + of the siege of Mentz, when the French occupied it. The position of + the French in this business has been very nearly the same with that + of the allies, as marked in this plan. + + Craufurd's account of the successes is certainly understated, but + particularly in what relates to the loss of the French; because, + besides the killed and wounded--the number of which all the private + accounts state to have been exceedingly great (as it must be in + that precipitate retreat)--the enemy have lost very great numbers + by desertion. + + No doubt is entertained of our having Manheim very soon. I am not + sanguine enough to hope that Pichegru will stay to be surrounded by + Clerfage, who is marching up the left bank of the Rhine, or that he + will suffer the latter to force him to a battle, which he may so + easily avoid by retreating towards his own frontier, now covered by + Landau, Luxembourg and Tours, &c., &c. The disappointment of the + French projects, and the destruction of so great a part of the army + which had been employed in them, are therefore, I fear, the chief + advantages we shall reap from these successes, except in what + relates to the impression produced here and on the continent, the + effect of which is almost beyond calculation. + + Our Bills are going triumphantly through the two Houses. The + general impression of the House of Commons was, I understand, as + favourable as it could possibly be, and you need not be told what + the feelings of the House of Lords are on this subject. We shall + not have Pitt's Bill up till after the call. If you should not then + be in town, I should much wish you to send your proxy; and if you + have no objection to do so, and had rather put it in my hands than + any other, I will disengage myself in the interim from one of those + I now hold. + + What have you done about our meeting? Shall I attend it or not? Let + me know which you wish, and I will do accordingly. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + I should be much obliged to you to return my map when you have done + with it, as I keep all these _historical_ maps that fall in my way. + + + + +1796. + +THE PROSECUTION OF THE WAR SUSTAINED BY REPEATED MAJORITIES IN +PARLIAMENT--MR. BURKE'S SCHOOL FOR THE EDUCATION OF EMIGRANT +CHILDREN--BUONAPARTE APPOINTED TO THE COMMAND IN ITALY--LORD +MALMESBURY'S MISSION TO PARIS. + + +The motion for negotiations with France had been again brought forward +towards the close of the last session of Parliament, and was again +negatived. Mr. Pitt still insisted upon the impossibility of France +being enabled to prosecute the war, with her finances in a state of +ruin, and seven hundred and twenty millions of assignats in circulation. +Great changes had undoubtedly taken place. The National Assembly had +been dissolved, and a regular form of Government established in its +place; and although at that time Mr. Pitt rejected the idea of proposing +any terms of peace to the Republic, he admitted without hesitation that +if the new Government were put into activity with the acquiescence of +the nation, so as that the voice of the people could be heard through +their representatives, all obstacles and objections to negotiation would +be removed. Thus the question stood at the close of the year 1795. + +The subject was renewed at the opening of the session in 1796, with the +same result. Mr. Pitt resolved it at once into a question of confidence +in Ministers. If the House thought that confidence could not be safely +vested in them, the proper course was to address His Majesty to remove +them. He still maintained that the French had exhausted their means of +carrying on the war; and that, with respect to negotiations for peace, +the point to be considered was the probability of obtaining just and +honourable terms, which, it was evident from their public declarations, +the French were not disposed to admit. The confidence of Parliament in +the wisdom and discretion of Ministers was unequivocally testified in +the large majority by which the motion was rejected. + +Failing to attain their object in this direct form, the Opposition +resorted to other means of harassing the Administration. In a motion on +the state of the nation, Mr. Grey entered into an examination of the +financial condition of the country, exposing the enormous expenditure +and heavy taxation entailed by the war, at a time when a more discreet +patriotism would have avoided such details. He showed that during the +three preceding years seventy-seven millions had been added to the +funded debt, and that, in addition to the parliamentary grants, upwards +of thirty-one millions had been expended without the consent of +Parliament. Notwithstanding these disclosures, however, Mr. Pitt +proposed a second loan of seven millions and a half for the prosecution +of the war, which the House immediately acceded to. + +In both Houses, the efforts of the Opposition to overthrow the +Administration were followed up with indefatigable activity in the shape +of condemnatory resolutions and motions of addresses to the Throne; and +in all instances they were defeated by overwhelming majorities. The +session terminated in the middle of May, when Parliament was dissolved +by proclamation, His Majesty thanking both Houses emphatically for the +uniform wisdom, temper, and firmness by which their proceedings had been +characterised. + +The destitute condition of the French emigrants who sought an asylum in +England on the breaking out of the Revolution, and whose numbers were +continually increasing, excited universal commiseration. The attention +of Government was earnestly directed to the means of providing for them, +and measures were adopted for giving the utmost efficacy to the public +sympathy. Amongst the persons who interested themselves actively on +their behalf were the Marquis of Buckingham and Mr. Burke. The object to +which they mainly addressed their exertions was the education of +emigrant children whose fathers had perished in the convulsions of their +country, or who were unable to obtain instruction for them. The forlorn +situation of these friendless children, in a country with whose language +they were unacquainted, had attracted the notice of Mr. Burke, with whom +the project originated, and who applied to Government in the first +instance for assistance to enable him to carry out his charitable +design. The appeal was liberally responded to. A house was taken and +fitted up for the purpose in Buckinghamshire, at Penn, near +Beaconsfield, the residence of Mr. Burke; and, by an order of the +Treasury, the Duke of Portland, the Lord Chancellor, the Marquis of +Buckingham, Mr. Burke, and others were appointed trustees for the +management of the school, which had been established in the first +instance by Mr. Burke at his own expense. The following interesting +letter from Mr. Burke contains some particulars concerning this +institution, which had just been opened. The "clean and not unpleasing" +costume spoken of by the writer consisted of a blue uniform which he had +assigned to the boys, with a white cockade bearing the inscription of +"Vive le Roi." Those boys who had lost their fathers were distinguished +by a bloody label, and the loss of uncles was marked in a similar manner +by a black one. At this time Mr. Burke had the sole management of the +school, and watched over its progress with unabated solicitude to the +end of his life. The Commission nominated by the Government had not, it +appears, been communicated to him, and he justly complains to his +correspondent of the embarrassing position in which the oversight, or +neglect, had placed him. The Marquis of Buckingham took a warm interest +in the education and welfare of the boys, and, as a means of fostering a +martial and loyal spirit amongst them, made them a present of a pair of +colours and a brass cannon, which were exhibited with great pride and +exultation on all public occasions. + + +MR. BURKE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + May 24th, 1796. + MY DEAR LORD, + + Having received no answer to my last letter, I persuade myself + there was nothing in it to displease you; otherwise your general + politeness and your kind partiality to me would have led you to + give me such instructions as might prevent me from falling into + errors in the delicate business in which, under your countenance + and with your approbation, I have engaged myself. + + We look forward with a pleasure, mixed with some degree of + impatience, to the visit which your Lordship and Lady Buckingham + have flattered us with the hope of, though I am afraid the heat of + the general election will be over before we can enjoy that + satisfaction. + + I think, however unfortunate I may find myself in all my attempts + to please the Bishop of Leon, that your Lordship and Lady + Buckingham will feel the same pleasing and affecting interest in + what is done here, that all have been touched with who see what is + going on. You will be pleased with the celerity, if not with the + perfection, of our work. Five-and-forty beds are ready; the rest + will be so in a very few days. An old bad stable is converted into + an excellent school-room. The chapel is decent, in place and in + furniture. The eating-room is reasonably good. Twenty-five boys are + received, clad in a cleanly and not unpleasing manner, and they are + fed in an orderly way, with a wholesome and abundant diet. The + masters are pleased with their pupils; the pupils are pleased with + their preceptors; and I am sure I have reason to be pleased with + them all. I see them almost every day, and at almost all hours; as + well at their play as at their studies and exercise. I have never + seen finer boys, or more fit for the plan of education I mean to + follow for them, as long as it pleases the Government to continue + that charge in my hands. I am responsible, that if they are left to + me for six months, a set of finer lads, for their age and standing, + will not be seen in Europe. + + The only unfortunate part of the business is, that some of them + speak not a word of English, and they who are the most forward in + it are very imperfect. There is but one of the masters who can be + said to know anything of it, and he is far indeed from the ability + to teach it. There must be a person who, besides going with them + through all their Latin readings and construing them into English, + will daily converse with them, and ground them in the principles + and the utterance of that tongue which belongs to the nation which + alone promises them an asylum upon earth. For many reasons, I + should prefer a clergyman of their own persuasion, and of our + country. But though I have always known that their number was + small, I did not conceive it to be so inconsiderable as I now find + it. But some English subject must be found to be about these boys + at all hours. It would be a terrible thing to condemn these poor + creatures to an universal exile, and to be perpetual vagrants, + without a possibility of being in a state of effectual + communication with the natives of any country or incorporating + themselves with any people. God forbid that, under the pretext of a + benefit, I should be the cause of their utter ruin. + + The Bishop of Leon has written me a letter which, in my present + state of health (by no means the best), gives me a good deal of + uneasiness. Hitherto, I have received the boys without any inquiry, + as they were successively sent to me by the worthy prelate; + considering them as the objects of his selection amongst the + candidates for this situation. To my astonishment, in a letter + which I received from him last Saturday he tells me that all the + vacancies are filled: but that he has had nothing in the world to + do with the matter, and that he is no more than a simple clerk. + Your Lordship will see by the letters that I have the honour to + enclose for your perusal, that after filling up all the places, the + pleasure of rejecting the rest of the candidates is reserved for + me. He has contrived matters so, that others have all the grace of + obliging, and all the pleasure of being useful; and that all which + is harsh and odious is thrown upon me, as a reward for all the + trouble and expense I have been at in this business. On this I + shall make no further remark. + + By the letters, your Lordship will see that the Bishop of Leon + tells the applicants, that the selection is to be made by certain + Lords Commissioners. I never have been apprised by the Bishop of + the existence of any Commission, or of any Commissioners for the + purpose of a choice. If such a thing at all exists, I should have + flattered myself that I should have been apprised of it; of their + rules, of its proceedings, and of the times of its sitting. I + believe I am the very first person who, having had the honour of + proposing a plan to Government, and being permitted to have the + management of it, have been kept wholly out of the secret of the + appointment of its objects. The name of every boy sent to me was + unknown to me to the moment of his arrival; the names of those who + are to come are equally unknown. Not one circumstance relative to + any of them is come to my knowledge. The poorest country + schoolmaster would have been favoured with some better account of + his pupils. + + I must beg leave to remark to your Lordship, that the account given + by the Bishop of Leon to the applicants is wholly different from + that which he gives to me. In his two last letters to me (one, and + the most explicit, of which I received just now) he tells me that + the selection and nomination is not in any Commissioners, but + solely in your Lordship, and that he is no more than a clerk. If I + had not received it from so good an authority, I could hardly have + believed that your Lordship, upon a mere abstract of petitions, + without further examination, or any consultation, even with the + Bishop of Leon, should have decided upon sixty out of perhaps + fourscore applications. But, as I am sure you always act with + equity and discretion, I am perfectly satisfied in your having + assumed this very delicate and critical of all trusts. I only wish + that I had been apprised of your Lordship's having taken on you + that office, as, though I should not have ventured to recommend a + single person, I really think I might, with all humility, have made + some useful suggestions, which your desire of all matters being + before you, that might guide you to a sure decision, would make you + willing to receive, even from a person so very inconsiderable as I + am in every point of view. + + I am sure your Lordship wishes that, in the very reprehensible + situation in which I stand, I may be able to give some sort of + account of my trust; and when I have engaged with Government for + the education of sixty boys, I ought to know at whose hands, on + what authority, and on whose recommendation I receive them. + Certainly they are not recommended or chosen by me; and when I go + to the Treasury, and tell the Minister who issues the money to me + (whenever it shall be issued) that I have employed it in the + maintenance and the education of those whom I do not myself know, + nor can tell in any regular and authorised manner from whom I + received them, I should make a very despicable, not to say a + criminal figure. I cannot take your Lordship's pleasure from the + Bishop of Leon; though he tells me he is (not your Lordship's + friend and adviser) but your clerk, as you have never informed me + of this his relation to you. I therefore, for my voucher and + justification, request that you will be pleased (the Committee and + the Bishop absolutely disclaiming all choice) to send me a list of + the names, circumstances and description of the boys whom you send + to me, or have sent, together with a certificate, that having duly + examined into the several claims and pretensions of the candidates, + you have found these the best entitled. + + When I have received this attestation as my authority and voucher, + far from cavilling at either the person naming, or the names, I + shall receive them most cheerfully; happy that your Lordship + having generously and nobly taken to yourself the election, these + objects have obtained security for a powerful protection, to place + them, as successively they shall be qualified, in some way useful + to themselves and to the public. I shall take care that they do no + dishonour to your patronage; at least to the moment in which + (having received them from your hands) I deliver them back into the + same benevolent and protecting safeguard. + + My dear Lord, have the goodness to excuse the length of this + letter, on account of the weight of my responsibility and the very + difficult situation in which I stand. + + Mrs. Burke begs leave to join me in the most truly respectful + compliments to Lady Buckingham, and if we may be permitted, on very + little acquaintance, to Lord and Lady Temple. No persons can more + sincerely wish, than we do, all kind of honour and happiness to you + and all that belong to you. + + I have the honour to be, with the most perfect respect and + affection, + + My dear Lord, + Your Lordship's most obedient and faithful humble servant, + EDM. BURKE. + +The name of Buonaparte appears for the first time in this Correspondence +in the month of August. Supported by the patronage of Barras, whose +confidence in his talents and activity were so conspicuously justified +by the results, he had recently been appointed to the command of the +army of Italy, now augmented by large reinforcements. He was at this +period only twenty-six years of age, and had never seen a regular +engagement; but his genius inspired the highest hopes, and his +extraordinary success gave a completely new aspect to the war. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dropmore, Aug. 14th, 1796. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I was extremely sorry to hear so indifferent an account of your + health, but I hope the worst of the attack is now over. I return + you the letter from this unfortunate King, whose restoration to the + throne of his ancestors is now, at least, as remote as that of + Charles II. ever was--I fear, indeed, a great deal more so. I have + heard no more particulars of the attempt to assassinate him, than + the account which the Duke de Harcourt showed me, and which was the + same which they afterwards put into the newspapers. + + The Prince of Hohenlohe's language has always had a leaning to the + side of Austria and England; but long experience has satisfied me + that, from a Prussian General, language of this sort means no more + than to describe to which party in the Berlin politics he may + happen to be inclined. We have, however, now made a last effort to + ascertain this point, but with very little expectation of success. + + I do not wonder that the Navy should wish for a Spanish war, nor + that they should be the only set of men in England who do so. I + trust it may still be avoided, though the result is certainly very + doubtful when treating with such a Court. The distribution of our + limited number of sailors, into ships of the line and frigate + force, is a very nice and delicate question; but as far as I can + flatter myself that I understand it--which is not very much--I have + always inclined more to the latter, and I think the experience of + this war is in favour of that opinion. The same circumstances would + surely operate still more strongly in the case of a war with Spain, + whose commerce offers more _prise_ than that of France, and whose + line-of-battle force, even separately--and still more if united + with French ships--can never be put in competition with ours, ship + for ship, or anything approaching to it. + + There is an account of a successful _sortie_ from Mantua, in which + the French have lost fifteen hundred men; but I do not yet know the + particulars, the despatches being gone to Weymouth. The Archduke is + at Donawert, or at least looking to that position, which is a + strong one, if his army was not dispirited. The reinforcement sent + to Italy has hitherto operated very fatally upon the campaign. It + remains to be seen what effect it will produce against Buonaparte's + army. But it is evidently too late to prevent the plunder of + Italy--the great object of that expedition. + + Ever, my dear brother, + Most truly and affectionately yours, + G. + + Pray let me remind you of the sheep; though just now my pastures + look rather brown, and will, I fear, give them a bad impression of + the fare which they will have. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Sept. 24th, 1796. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + We have again a report, which seems worthy of credit, of an action + at Montauban, on the 14th, previous to Jourdan's crossing the + Rhine, at Neuwied, in which he was totally defeated, and lost all + his cannon, &c. This seems to accord so well with dates and places, + that I have little doubt of the truth. It therefore only remains to + see what will become of Moreau. If he is dispatched, and that + quickly, there will be time and means to make Buonaparte suffer + severely for his late advanced move. + + On the whole, the situation is, to be sure, very much improved + within these few weeks, but there is still enough for serious + alarm. The Directory has sent us the most insolent answer that can + be conceived; but as the substance of it is in some degree + ambiguous with respect to the main question of granting or refusing + the passport, it has been thought better not to leave a loop-hole + or pretence to them, or their adherents here, to lay upon us the + breaking the business off. Another note is therefore to be sent + to-day, by a flag of truce from Dover, in which the demand of the + passport is renewed in such terms as seem most likely to bring that + point to a distinct issue, ay or no. In other times, this last step + would have been not only superfluous, but humiliating; in the + present moment, the object of unanimity here in the great body of + the country, with respect to the large sacrifices they will be + called upon to make, is paramount to every other consideration. + + I am extremely anxious to find that the plan in question may appear + practicable. The advantages of it would be infinite. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + +The nature of the efforts which were making in England to sustain the +war may be partially inferred from the following letter. Lord Grenville, +it will be seen, notes with a mark of admiration a subscription of +L100,000 from the Duke of Bedford. The circumstance was singular and +significant, the Duke of Bedford having all along taken a leading part +in the House of Lords in opposition to hostilities, and in calling for +votes of censure and opprobrium upon the Ministry. He had been the chief +mover of all those resolutions that protested against the expenditure to +which the country had been put for the maintenance of the war, and now +he was one of the largest of the voluntary subscribers to a fund for its +continuance. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dropmore, Dec. 2nd, 1796. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I have been followed here to-night by a letter, to mention that + above twelve millions are already subscribed to the loan, and that + it may very probably be full to-morrow, so that I had no time to + lose in doing what of course the public will expect from me. I have + therefore desired that L10,000 may be subscribed to-morrow in my + name; and I imagine that by getting Coutts to advance the two first + payments, and transferring the stock, at whatever loss, the moment + it is transferable, I shall be able _me tirer d'affaire_, better + than I had hoped. It was my intention to have written to you + to-morrow, to let you know what other persons in your sort of + situation and class had done; but what I have now heard, makes me + think that I ought to send to you without delay, in order that you + may know how the thing stands, and of course afterwards judge for + yourself whether to do anything, and what. + + The only names that have been mentioned to me, except among my + colleagues, are the Duke of Bridgewater and the Duke of Bedford! + each L100,000, and Lord Romney and Lord Carrington each L40,000, + besides L100,000, which the house of Smith and Co. subscribe as + bankers. + + Lord Spencer, Lord Liverpool, Pitt and Dundas, subscribe L10,000, + as I have done; the two last will, I believe, have still more + difficulty in finding it than I shall. + + You will, of course, not imagine that by sending to you in this + manner, I have the least idea of saying or suggesting to you to do + anything but what may have occurred to yourself, but I thought you + would naturally expect to hear these particulars from me. + + Other news I have none. There was a report yesterday that Kehl was + surprised by the Austrians, but I could not trace it to any certain + source. + + God bless you, my dear brother. + +The time had now arrived when the English Cabinet believed that an +attempt might be made to negotiate for peace, without compromising its +honour. In the preceding March, the ambassador to the Helvetic States +had been authorized to inquire of the Government of France, through the +medium of their representative, whether they were disposed to entertain +such a negotiation. The answer was so unsatisfactory, laying down as a +peremptory condition the retention of all those conquests which, during +the course of the war, had been annexed to the republic, that nothing +more was then done in the matter. The subject was resumed in September, +and, the Directory having signified their readiness to grant passports +to any persons who should be furnished with full powers and official +papers, Lord Malmesbury was appointed as plenipotentiary on the part of +His Britannic Majesty to treat for peace with the French Republic. On +the 22nd of October his Lordship announced to M. de la Croix, the +Minister for Foreign Affairs, his arrival in Paris in that capacity. The +negotiations occupied nearly two months, and the main point of +difficulty turned upon the Netherlands, Lord Malmesbury, who acted +strictly on his instructions, making the restoration of the Netherlands +a _sine qua non_, and M. de la Croix repeatedly stating that this +difficulty was one which could not be overcome. The negotiations had +arrived at that stage which made this insuperable difficulty perfectly +clear and unmistakeable on both sides, when Mr. Talbot, a gentleman +connected with Lord Malmesbury's embassy, addressed the following letter +to Lord Buckingham. No allusion will be found in it to the pending +negotiations, which were of too delicate and important a nature to be +touched upon in a private letter; but it is very curious and +interesting, as presenting a picture of the state of France at that +period. + + +MR. TALBOT TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Paris, Dec. 18th, 1796. + MY LORD, + + Your Lordship, I trust, is aware of my motives for not having + written to you since I left England; I shall, therefore, make no + apologies for my neglect; but I must beg leave to assure your + Lordship that I am, notwithstanding the urgency of my reasons, so + much ashamed of the omission, that I now feel much embarrassed in + taking up my pen. + + The only letters I have hitherto sent to England have been to Lord + Grenville, in answer to those he has done me the honour to write; + and to Mr. B. Taylor, his secretary, for some articles which I + stood in need of. + + Your Lordship has without doubt received much better accounts of + the appearance and state of things in this country than it is in my + power to communicate; however, I will attempt a description of what + has struck me as worthy of notice, and rely upon your kind + indulgence for my errors. + + Our first entrance into France was certainly not attended with the + reception which might have been expected, under the particular + circumstances in which we came. It is true a good many people of + all sorts were upon the quay at Calais when we arrived, but they + showed no signs of joy or any other feeling more than the arrival + of an indifferent vessel would have occasioned; and very shortly + after we had landed, and gone to the inn, the crowd was dispersed, + and everything seemed as silent as if nothing had happened. Indeed, + all those we conversed with expressed their happiness at seeing us, + and wished success to the negotiation; and all the principal + officers of the Government stationed there waited upon Lord + Malmesbury with the utmost civility; but the bulk of the + inhabitants--whether they were ignorant of the arrival of an envoy + to propose peace, or whether they were afraid to express their + satisfaction in any public manner, I cannot say--manifested not the + least sign of rejoicing. + + Nothing very material occurred between this place and Paris. The + aubergistes and post-masters were almost the only persons with whom + we had any conversation, and their language uniformly was that + France was most anxiously desirous for the restoration of peace; + that their sufferings had been more than they could describe, but + that latterly their situation was much mended by the diminution in + the price of provisions. But I was not inclined to give much credit + to them, imagining that this language was intended to flatter us, + and coming from those who had suffered more than any of their + description in France, from the intercourse between the two + countries being stopped. It must, however, be allowed that a + general gloom seemed to prevail; and very little of that gaiety for + which this nation was formerly remarkable was to be observed. At + Amiens, I remember, the people of the inn where we supped entered + more fully and with less reserve into the detail of their + calamities. There had been a considerable manufacture of woollen + cloths in this town, in which at this time no more than two hundred + people were employed. + + I profited of the opportunity which the changing horses afforded me + to see the Chateau of Chantilly. I found it totally stripped of its + furniture, and every decoration that bore the smallest reference to + armorial bearings was defaced; but otherwise the building has not + suffered much injury. The statue of the great Conde on the + principal staircase remains, but the head is cut off. The + barbarians were not content with beheading the statues of men, but + they have likewise done so to all the busts of stags placed over + the stalls in the stables. The chateau was used as a prison in the + time of Robespierre, and almost all the apartments continue still + divided into small spaces for that purpose. The gardens are totally + destroyed, but the park has met with no injury further than the + almost total destruction of the game. There is a keeper appointed + by the nation for the protection of the wood. The timber on the + opposite side of the river is chiefly cut down, the land having + been sold. + + The adjacent chateau of the Duc d'Angouleme, his son, as far as the + walls, remains perfect; I had not time to see the inside of it. The + care of the chateau has lately been given in charge to one of the + former servants of the Prince de Conde. + + The roads were in general in excellent condition, and the + post-horses tolerably good; but we were in several places kept some + time waiting for them. This is not to be wondered at, if we + consider how little they have been accustomed to travellers for + some years past. + + A great number of the best houses by the roadside and in the towns + were shut up, and seemed to be abandoned. Very few of the churches + appeared to be open, many of them were pulled down, and none that + were not considerably damaged; but the country was throughout in a + state of high cultivation, although there was apparently a scarcity + of men at work. This is to be accounted for by the encouragement + which the late dearness of bread has given to the farmers, who are + become, by a variety of circumstances, extremely wealthy. They are + one of the very few descriptions of people who have profited by the + Revolution. Very many of them have purchased lands, and this they + were enabled to do almost for nothing by the depreciation of + assignats, for an enormous nominal value of which they sold the + produce of their farms; and this paper was received from them for + the sum it represented, in payment for the estates of the + _ci-devant_ seigneurs and other confiscated property. I am told + there have been repeated instances of the basest ingratitude on + their part, in denouncing their landlords; and, on the contrary, + that many of them have given proofs of the strongest attachment to + them. + + Provisions are in abundance, and at a very moderate price. Common + bread is little more than two sous, and butchers' meat from five to + eight sous the pound. + + I have not observed any want of specie in circulation; never yet + have I found any difficulty in getting change upon the purchase of + any article, nor any such thing as paper money produced in such + transactions. The exhausted state and the degree of distress which + I could discover in this country, I must confess, fell short of the + expectation which the various species of plunder, exaction, and + cruelty, which it has for several years submitted to, had impressed + upon my mind. + + Between Calais and Paris, scarcely any troops were to be met with. + + The scene being so perfectly new to me, and having little or no + intercourse with any one here, except our own society, I was some + time in Paris before I could form any opinion of the state of + affairs, and the sentiments of the people. The streets seemed + crowded, the shops tolerably well supplied, the theatres well + attended, some private and a great number of public carriages to be + met with; all this brought to my reflection how very difficult a + matter it must be to destroy a great country, considering that all + the pains which have been taken to ruin this have left so much + undone. But the first fortnight we lived in the most populous part + of the town, near the Palais Royal, and therefore the last place + where distress would be evident. + + There are few parts of Paris I have not since been in, and I find + in many of them, the outlets particularly, the greatest + wretchedness to prevail, and to be very thin of inhabitants. A + great part of the Faubourg St. Germain, near the Boulevards, is in + a great measure deserted; but this quarter was formerly inhabited + principally by the noblesse. There is scarcely a street in Paris + where there are not several houses written upon, _Propriete + nationale a vendre_, and sometimes in addition, _ou a louer_; and + in many places a great part of the street is in the same manner + advertised for sale. + + The names of many of the streets are, as your Lordship must know, + entirely changed; but where they are not, and began with _Saint_, + that word is invariably defaced, and the remainder of the name is + left untouched. But, notwithstanding that, most places are commonly + called as formerly; and this practice is becoming more general + every day. + + The hotels of many of the _ci-devant_ noblesse are inhabited by the + Ministers and other members of the Government. Many of them are + converted into public offices and others of them into _hotels + garnis_, &c.; besides, a prodigious number of them remain + unoccupied, and offered for sale by the nation. + + The Luxembourg is divided into five separate habitations for the + Directory, besides the apartments that are used for their sittings, + audiences, and other public business. + + The Council of Ancients hold their sittings in the Palace of the + Tuileries, and the Council of Five Hundred meet in what was + formerly the riding-house of the King; but this is considered as + merely a temporary chamber for this last body, until the Palais + Bourbon, which is now undergoing great alterations and additions, + is ready for their reception. This building is in the Faubourg St. + Germain, in front of the new bridge called Pont de la Revolution. I + shall take an opportunity hereafter of giving your Lordship a + description of the interior of these several places. + + The scene of any great revolutionary event continues still + decorated with the national flag and other emblems of their + _glorious_ Revolution, accompanied with an inscription; that where + the Bastille stood is, _14 Juillet 1789, la Bastille detruite, et + elle ne se relevera jamais_; and that in the Place du Carrousel, + opposite the Tuileries, is, _10 Aout 1792, La Royaute francaise est + abolie, et elle ne se relevera jamais_. There are several marks of + cannon-balls, but they have made but little impression on this + front of the Tuileries; and under each of them is written, _10 Aout + 1792_. + + The garden of the Tuileries is, I am told, kept as well as ever it + was; some of the largest trees in it, however, have been cut down + since our arrival, but they were chiefly decayed. Of the Bastille + nothing remains, except a very small part of the foundations; and + near it is a newly-erected powder magazine, and much of the + remainder of the space is a depot for firewood. + + The churches are many of them open, and have Divine service + performed in them without restraint; but a great many more of them + are shut, and some used as _casernes_, storehouses, &c.; but they + have all been stripped of every internal decoration, and nothing + suffered to remain but the bare walls. Sometimes, indeed--and it + appears to be by an oversight--a piece of painting, or perhaps a + little image, may have escaped injury; but such a thing is a + curiosity, and to be found in a situation not readily to be + observed, or difficult to be reached. The favourite mode of + mutilating a statue seems to have been to break off the head. In + the church of St. Sulpice there is a tolerably good statue of a + Virgin and Child remaining, but of this the Child's head is taken + off, and that of the Virgin seems to have met with the same fate, + but to have been restored. It is wonderful the industry that has + been used in the destruction of everything in the way of + inscription, of sculpture, or coats of arms, which could possibly + remind the people of the _ancien regime_; and I cannot help being + much surprised that all this was done with so much care as to + remove merely these particular objects of their enmity, without in + the least damaging the adjacent parts. In defacing armorial + bearings and things of this sort, the reformers have been at the + trouble of cutting them away, so as to leave the shield quite + plain, although they were carved in stone. I should have supposed + that mischief done in the moment of frenzy would not have been so + methodical. + + Upon all the public buildings, the public offices, and many others, + is written in large characters--_Unite indivisibilite de la + republique, liberte, egalite, fraternite, ou la mort_; but in + general the last word is rubbed out. The nation took it into their + heads not to like death upon the downfall of Robespierre. Upon many + of the churches is this inscription--_Le peuple francais reconnait + l'etre supreme et l'immortalite de l'ame._ This was a decree of the + Convention for the people at large, and your Lordship will allow + that this must have a ridiculous effect upon the walls of a church + entirely in ruins, as is often the case. Another modern inscription + is--_Citoyens, respectez le bien d'autrui, c'est le fruit de son + travail et de son industrie_; and perhaps close by it you may read + _propriete nationale a vendre_, in direct violation of the other, + offering to sell property of which some unfortunate person has been + robbed by the very preachers of this doctrine. + + I am obliged to break off suddenly, for reasons which will be very + soon known to your Lordship. + + I have the honour to be your Lordship's most obedient, faithful, + humble servant, + + JAMES TALBOT. + +The last line of this letter is written in an agitated hand, which the +circumstance that compelled Mr. Talbot to break off so abruptly +sufficiently accounts for. At that moment a note had arrived at the +embassy from M. de la Croix, giving Lord Malmesbury notice to depart +from Paris in eight-and-forty hours, adding that if the British Cabinet +were desirous of peace, the Executive Directory were ready to carry on +the negotiations, on the basis they had already laid down, by the +reciprocal channel of couriers. + + + + +1797. + +DISCONTENTS IN ENGLAND--THE BREST SQUADRON--MOTION ON THE STATE OF +IRELAND--AFFAIRS OF THE CONTINENT--LORD MALMESBURY'S MISSION TO LISLE. + + +The result of Lord Malmesbury's mission was communicated to Parliament +as soon as it became known in London, by a message from the King, and +addresses were moved approving of the conduct of Ministers. Amendments, +condemning their policy, and demanding an investigation, were proposed +in both Houses, and rejected by large majorities. In the House of +Commons, notwithstanding an appeal of extraordinary eloquence and power +from Mr. Fox, the address was carried by a majority of 212 to 37. Mr. +Pitt's position, perhaps, was never stronger than at this moment, +although the affairs of the Bank of England, in consequence of repeated +loans to Government, were reduced to the most desperate condition, and +the lower classes of the population, feeling heavily the burthens of the +war, began to clamour against its prosecution. But the national spirit +sustained the Government. Possessing the implicit confidence of the +King, the two Houses of Parliament, the heads of the Church, the landed +interest, and the monied and commercial classes, Mr. Pitt persevered. +The greatest efforts were made out of doors to induce His Majesty to +remove his Ministers. Public meetings were held in several places to get +up petitions on the subject; and the energies of the Opposition were +incessantly employed in spreading alarm and discontent through the +country. Several unfortunate circumstances concurred to give effect to +these movements. The war had reached its most disastrous point. England +was left alone in the field to contend against the power of France, now +grown haughty and formidable by a long course of successes. The credit +of the country, under this pressure of events, was seriously affected. +The Bank had stopped payment. Two mutinies had broken out in the fleet, +one at Spithead, and another at the Nore. An organization of malcontents +had been formed in Ireland under the name of "the United Irishmen," and +had carried their insurrectionary views so far as to send deputies to +treat with the French for assistance to enable them to throw off the +English yoke. The year opened with the most gloomy prospects on all +sides; but the firmness of Ministers triumphed over all difficulties, +and conducted them to its close with the happiest results. + +The first incident of the year to which allusion is made in these +letters, is the appearance in British waters of a French squadron. It +consisted of two frigates and two sloops, and its insignificance, +compared with the demonstration that was anticipated from the loud +threats of invasion by which it was heralded, excited ridicule rather +than alarm. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Wednesday, Jan. 4th, 1797. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + A little after eleven this morning came an account of Elphinston's + being arrived with the 'Monarch' (I believe at Spithead). He had + letters from General Dalrymple of the 31st, by which it seems + probable that the French fleet is, if not entirely, certainly in + great part, broken to pieces. Two French seventy-fours and a + frigate had put into Bantry Bay, one without a bowsprit, and all of + them damaged, and were lying within mortar reach of Bantry when + Dalrymple wrote: other vessels were seen also trying to get into + Bantry Bay. The 'Impatiente,' a very fine frigate of forty-four + guns, just reached Cuxhaven, and foundered there, the whole crew + going down with her except a pilot and four men, who were saved. By + their report twelve thousand men only were on board, and provisions + so scarce from the first, that they were put upon short allowance + the day that they left Brest. Another French frigate was seen + driving up St. George's Channel, and is said to have gone to pieces + upon the Welsh coast. A Barbadoes ship saw a large ship, supposed + to be one of the flutes, struggle some time, and then founder; + another of the flutes was seen to founder off the Lizard; and great + traces of wreck are thrown upon the Irish coast. + + Lord Bridport sailed very early yesterday morning, and met + Elphinston, who gave him all this intelligence. I presume that he + will probably detach part of his squadron towards Ireland, and part + towards Brest; besides which, I believe he has power to take with + him whatever he meets. + + Kingsnill was indefatigable in collecting his frigates, which, with + his two sixty-fours, will count heavily upon this shattered and + disabled force of the enemy. Meantime, the greatest part of the + Oporto fleet is come in, and very good accounts are received from + the West Indies, where a strong naval force is gone down to the + protection of Jamaica. One of the frigates, too, upon that station + has taken a rich Spanish prize. Of the four ships out belonging to + Colpoys' fleet, all are come in except the 'Powerful,' which is + thought to have made Ireland. Upon the whole, therefore, you will + admit that I send you to-day a very prosperous naval budget. In + truth, I do think that, if the ruin of this French expedition be as + complete as it promises to be from these circumstances, the + security of Ireland, and of England too, has been more promoted by + it than by any event which has happened during the war; and much as + I applaud your manly and forward zeal in your military offer, I + doubt whether the occasion for it will again be renewed. I ought to + have mentioned to you that the four men saved from the 'Impatiente' + describe the troops on board as having been from the first highly + dissatisfied and discontented with the expedition, and that twelve + thousand, instead of twenty thousand, sailed, because it was found + difficult to persuade the troops in general to embark in the + enterprise. The result will therefore add to the ill-temper upon + this subject, and Irish invasion will for a long time be no popular + measure in the harbour of Brest. Stay then at Stowe, my dear + brother, and enjoy the satisfaction which you will feel in the + prompt and handsome service which you were ready to have done. + _Laudo momentem_--not so (_between ourselves_)--do I say to + Elphinston. I do not know what is his pretence for coming away with + the 'Monarch' in such a moment, but I shrewdly suspect his Cape + treasure to have been on board and to have influenced his decision; + if that is the case, of which I know nothing, I do think it will be + disgraceful beyond all measure, but I am speaking my own + conjectures only, for I have not had time yet to ask more. God + bless you. + +The sequel of the expedition was sufficiently ludicrous. Having +effected a landing of some fifteen hundred men on the shore of the Bay +of Cardigan on the 23rd of February, the militia, fencibles, and +peasantry of the neighbourhood immediately collected; but the invaders +saved them the trouble of an engagement, by laying down their arms, and +surrendering themselves prisoners of war. The frigates were captured on +their return to Brest; and thus terminated an enterprize, which was so +inadequately planned, as to create universal astonishment that it was +ever undertaken. + +The state of Ireland offered a favourable opportunity to the Opposition +for an attack upon Ministers; and Lord Fitzwilliam, having failed in his +attempts to bring them into discredit in reference to his own case, now +extended the grounds of accusation to the general discontents of the +country. Lord Moira, who undertook to bring forward the motion, appears +to have had no other object in view than to trace all these disorders to +the recal of Lord Fitzwilliam. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, March 14th, 1797 + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + Lord Moira (having given to Government, through the Lord + Chancellor, a sort of intimation that he was what he called _going_ + into Opposition) has this day given notice of a motion for Tuesday + next, to address the King on the internal state of Ireland, which + motion he is understood to have concerted with Lord Fitzwilliam. + + You know I never think of pressing you to attend on any of the + common points of attack and defence between the Government and + Opposition. But on this occasion I should certainly most ardently + wish that you should be present, and I think you yourself would not + wish to be absent. At all events, I thought it right not to omit a + moment giving you notice of it, that if you meant to attend you + might arrange other matters accordingly. It is, however, not quite + certain that he will make the motion that day, the Chancellor being + too ill to come out; but he seems resolved, even if Lord + Loughborough's illness continues, not to defer it for more than two + or three days longer. + + We have nothing new to-day. The Archduke is got back to the army in + Italy, and will, I hope, at least be able to prevent any further + progress of the French on that side. Mack is to be sent to the + Rhine. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, March 20th, 1797. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + Lord Moira persists obstinately in bringing on his motion + to-morrow. I suppose they attach some political importance to the + having had the discussion with us before it comes on in the House + of Commons, for I can conceive no other reason for this + pertinaciousness. The Chancellor will not be there, so that I shall + have the whole battle, or nearly so, upon my shoulders. It is not, + however, the first time that this has happened to me, and most + probably it will not be the last; and I have no uneasiness as to + the result in point of effect or impression, even though the Prince + of Wales should (as is said) be persuaded that this is an occasion + in which it befits his station and prospects to put himself + forward. + + There is no news nor much appearance of any, as both armies and in + both quarters seem to want much time to repair the effects of the + last campaign. It is some satisfaction to see that Buonaparte is in + no situation to push his advantages further as yet; and before he + is, I hope and trust the Emperor will have collected an army, + _better generalled_ and able to resist the French, who are, + however, drawing all their strength to that side. + + The elections are going on quietly in France. What the result will + be, I believe nobody knows, and it is therefore in vain to guess. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + Pray accept our kindest remembrance to Lady B. and yourself, on the + celebration of to-morrow, and convey them to Lord and Lady T. + +The motion was brought forward the next day, and negatived by a majority +of nearly four to one. A similar motion brought forward by Mr. Fox two +days afterwards in the House of Common, met with a similar reception. + +About this time Lord Mornington was appointed Governor of Madras, in the +room of Mr. Hobart, now Lord Hobart, upon whom that office had been +conferred in the year 1794. The following letters refer to that +appointment, and are explanatory of the circumstances under which it was +made. + + +LORD MORNINGTON TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Hertford Street, April 20th, 1797. + MY DEAR LORD, + + I received your very kind and affectionate letter last night at + Dropmore, where I had been for a few days. When you were last in + town, the projects of arrangement for India remained so nearly in + the state in which our last conversation had left them, that I + thought it unnecessary to trouble you at that time on the subject. + Since that time, the matter has certainly taken a more distinct + shape, although it is not true, as the newspaper has stated, that + my appointment has actually taken place, or that I am to embark + within a few days for India. Had you continued in town, I would + have communicated to you, step by step, every stage of the + transaction, and especially whatever concerned Hobart; but the + distance of your situation rendered such a detailed communication + difficult, and I was besides unwilling to intrude upon your time in + a moment of so much domestic anxiety, in which, I assure you, I + took the deepest concern. I also had an expectation that Mr. + Sullivan, with whom I had constant intercourse, might have had the + opportunity of seeing you in Buckinghamshire (if Lord Temple's + health should allow you to see anybody), and that he would have + apprised you of every circumstance which could affect Hobart's + interest or reputation; to both of which objects, it is my sincere + opinion that the utmost regard has been shown by all parties in + this affair: I say by _all_ parties, because common justice compels + me to declare that Mr. Dundas, instead of having impeded or + frustrated the arrangement proposed for Hobart, or of having + sacrificed him to any intrigue at the India House, has to my + certain knowledge asserted Hobart's cause with the warmest zeal, + used every means of representing it to the Company in the most + advantageous light, and even entered into personal engagements for + the benefit of Hobart far exceeding any demand which could justly + or reasonably have been made upon him by Hobart or by his friends. + A short statement of facts will, I think, satisfy you of the truth + of my opinion. + + After a very full consideration of all the despatches both from + Bengal and Madras, relating to the affairs of the latter + Government, Mr. Dundas wrote a letter to the Directors, of which he + sent me a copy, expressing his sense of Lord Hobart's services in + these words: "To his zeal and promptitude in the execution of his + orders, after the unfortunate rupture with Holland, I in a very + great degree attribute the very proud and advantageous situation in + which our Indian empire is now placed." The letter concludes with + the following recommendation to the Court to make a provision for + Lord Hobart: "If the Court of Directors concur with me in thinking + that Lord Hobart has performed very meritorious services, but that + there are at the same time very forcible grounds of expediency why + he should not proceed to the higher situation originally destined + for him, I can have no doubt, from the known justice and liberality + of the East India Company, that they will concur with me in + thinking that he ought not to return to his own country without a + substantial mark of the approbation and favour of the East India + Company." + + The grounds of expediency for Lord Hobart's recal, Mr. Dundas + stated in these terms: "I am, after the most mature consideration + of the subject, thoroughly satisfied that, after the unfortunate + misunderstandings which have prevailed between Lord Hobart and the + Government-General, and the equally unfortunate differences which + exist between his Lordship and the Nabob and the Rajah of Tanjore, + it would be inexpedient to re-appoint him to the + Government-General; and still more so, that he should remain longer + at Madras." + + Upon this letter, my dear Lord, I am persuaded that your own + justice and candour will anticipate my observations; but the very + strong expressions contained in your letter render it my duty to + observe, that in this application to the Court of Directors, Mr. + Dundas has chosen the very same topics, on which to urge the claims + of Lord Hobart to the gratitude of the Company, which you concurred + with me in selecting as the most favourable grounds to found a + public motion in the Court of Proprietors, with a view to + obtaining a pension for Lord Hobart; and Mr. Dundas has stated the + expediency of removing Lord Hobart on no other grounds than those + which in conversation you and I have repeatedly agreed to be of the + greatest force, and at the same time perfectly consistent with Lord + Hobart's fair reputation and unsullied honour. It cannot, + therefore, be denied that Mr. Dundas has dealt fairly by Lord + Hobart's character and interests, both in the reasons assigned for + his recal, and in those urged in favour of his services. + + To this letter the Chairman of the Court of Directors returned an + answer, concurring in Mr. Dundas's opinion of the necessity of + recalling Lord Hobart, admitting the extent of his services, and + expressing the inclination of the Court to propose a provision for + him to the consideration of the proprietors; but postponing the + moment for making that proposal to a period which appeared to me + rather too distant, and not sufficiently defined. + + In this state of the matter, Mr. Dundas proposed to me the + reversion of the Government-General after Lord Cornwallis, having + previously furnished me with a copy of the correspondence, to which + I have already referred. I expressed my doubts whether the + provision for Lord Hobart was yet sufficiently secure to admit of + my accepting the offer made to me consistently with my good wishes + for him. Mr. Dundas then informed me, that he knew the intention of + the Directors was to propose the pension to the Court of + Proprietors in May; and he added, that if at that time the pension + should fail in either court, he would himself move it in + Parliament, and charge it upon the revenues of Ceylon, or take some + other effectual means of securing it. He also said, that there + would be no objection to calling Lord Hobart to the House of Peers + within a very short time, probably even before Lord Cornwallis's + departure. + + Here again I must observe, that Mr. Dundas offers a personal + pledge in favour of Lord Hobart, which neither you nor I, nor any + of Lord Hobart's friends ever had required, and which we could not + on any fair grounds have demanded. When Mr. Dundas had thus stated + to me the situation of Lord Hobart in terms so perfectly + satisfactory, and affording such undeniable proofs of his sincere + wish to serve him under all possible contingencies, I entered into + a variety of points relating to my own views (which I will state to + you when we meet); and the conversation ended without my final + acceptance of the proposal made to me. In a day or two afterwards I + saw Mr. Sullivan, and communicated to him what had passed between + me and Mr. Dundas relative to Lord Hobart. I had then the + satisfaction to learn from Mr. Sullivan, that he also had seen Mr. + Dundas, from whom he had received the very same assurances, which + Mr. Dundas had given to me in relation to Lord Hobart's pension and + peerage; and Mr. Sullivan further stated, that Mr. Dundas had + desired that those assurances might be communicated to Lord + Guilford. I then asked Mr. Sullivan whether, under all the + circumstances of the case, he thought that my acceptance of the + Government of Madras, with the reversion of the Government-General + after Lord Cornwallis, could be in any degree injurious to Lord + Hobart's interest or honour? Mr. Sullivan answered, certainly it + could not; and added, that he and Lord Guilford were now perfectly + satisfied with the footing on which Mr. Dundas had placed the + credit and welfare of Lord Hobart. + + Having seen Lord Cornwallis, and at length made up my mind to + undertake this most arduous charge, I communicated to Mr. Dundas + about a week ago my final acceptance of the Government of Madras, + with the provisional succession to Bengal after Lord Cornwallis. My + appointment not having yet been formally made by the Court of + Directors, I cannot yet acknowledge my destination to India; you + will, therefore, be so good as to speak of the whole matter merely + as a vague report until you hear further from me. + + Thus, my dear Lord, you will perceive that whatever has been done + relating to Hobart in the conclusion of this arrangement for India, + has received the sanction of his nearest relations, of persons + whose affectionate friendship for Hobart, and just discernment of + his interests, will readily be acknowledged by you. In a situation + of peculiar delicacy and embarrassment, it has been a great + satisfaction to me to have been able to submit every step which I + have taken in this affair to the judgment of such a man as Mr. + Sullivan. + + The various delays which have retarded the conclusion of this + arrangement, have rendered it impossible for me to embark with Lord + Cornwallis. However, I am in constant habits of the most + confidential intercourse with him from day to day; and I mean to + pass six weeks or two months with him in Bengal before his + resignation of the government. My departure will probably not take + place sooner than July or August. + + Finding that the office of Private Civil Secretary at Bengal would + be well worth my brother Henry's acceptance, I mean to take him + with me. After a very accurate inquiry from Lord Cornwallis, I am + concerned to find that it would not be in my power to be of any + assistance to Mr. Fisher in India. My intention is to take no other + person, besides my servants, excepting my brother Henry, and to + avoid all engagements universally in Europe, in order to secure + myself against any temptation to an irregular distribution of + patronage. In this resolution, which I formed very early, on + principles which a long attention to the affairs of India has + enabled me to fix with some degree of confidence, I have been + strongly confirmed by Lord Cornwallis, and I am persuaded that you + will approve of my determination. + + Pray accept my cordial thanks for the kindness and friendship + which appear in every part of your letter, and believe me, my dear + Lord, ever yours most faithfully and affectionately, + + MORNINGTON. + + I have been interrupted in this long detail, and have not been able + to send my letter until this evening, the 21st. I am happy to learn + in Pall Mall that Lord Temple is so much better. Nothing new to-day + from Portsmouth; I mean, nothing authentic. Private letters say + that the mutiny is likely to subside for the present, in + consequence of the propositions made yesterday by the Admiralty. + How discipline and subordination are ever again to be restored on + any permanent basis surpasses my understanding to conceive. + + +LORD MORNINGTON TO MR. SULLIVAN. + + Hertford Street, July 3rd, 1797. + SIR, + + The Court of Directors have appointed me Governor of Madras, with + the provisional succession to Bengal. The arrangement has been made + by them, and accepted by me, with this understanding: that I am to + undertake the Government of Madras only in the event of Lord + Cornwallis's acceptance of the Government of Bengal. If his + Lordship should not go to Bengal, I am to proceed directly to the + Supreme Government. The nature of this arrangement does not appear + upon the face of it: I state it to you in _strict confidence_, as + it has been explained to me; and I believe you are already + sufficiently acquainted with my sentiments to know my willingness + to hold the Government of Madras under Lord Cornwallis, as well as + my resolution not to hold it under any other person. + + Mr. Dundas authorizes me to say that he retains the same intentions + with regard to a provision for Lord Hobart which he stated to you + and to me, and you have been already apprized by me of the footing + on which the proposed peerage stands. You may rely on my constant + and unremitting attention to both objects; but I must declare, in + justice both to Mr. Pitt and to Mr. Dundas, my conviction that + neither will delay the performance of their respective engagements + one instant beyond that in which it shall be possible to execute + them. + + I find that Mr. Dundas considers himself to have given sufficient + intimation to Lord Hobart of the intended arrangements, as far as + they could affect his Lordship, by having enclosed to him, in a + despatch forwarded overland some months ago, a copy of the letter + addressed by Mr. Dundas to the Chairman of the Court of Directors + on the subject of Lord Hobart's pretensions to a mark of the + respect of the Company in the event of a change in the Government + of India. + + To whatever situation I may be destined, whether to Madras or + Bengal, the maintenance of Lord Hobart's credit and reputation will + always be a leading object of my wishes; and I trust, before I + leave England, that I shall have the satisfaction of receiving your + advice with respect to the most effectual mode of combining the + accomplishment of that object with ideas, in some degree different + from those which have governed the policy of Lord Hobart's + administration at Madras in more than one material branch of the + public service. + + I am, Sir, with great respect and esteem, + Your most faithful and humble servant, + MORNINGTON. + + +LORD MORNINGTON TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Hertford Street, July 19th, 1797. + MY DEAR LORD, + + I assure you that I felt no difficulty or delicacy whatever in + communicating your letter to Mr. Pitt as soon as I received it, and + I flatter myself that throughout the whole of the arrangement + relative to India I have never been found deficient in any mark of + regard for my old friend Hobart's interest or honour. Mr. Pitt + authorized me to inform you that he would very soon write both to + you and to Lord Hobart; and to that letter, whenever you receive + it, I must refer you for the detail of facts on which Mr. Pitt is + more competent to afford explanation than I. I must however + declare, in justice both to Pitt and Dundas, that I see nothing in + the conduct of either to justify the least suspicion of any other + than the most cordial sentiments of good-will towards Hobart. I + have said the same thing to Mr. Sullivan, whom you will probably + see, and stated the grounds of my opinion at large. Mr. Pitt does + not appear to admit that Lord Hobart's interests ever have been or + can be made matter of negotiation. He says he has acted in the + whole transaction, and will continue to act, conformably to his + sense of public duty, and his unaltered feelings of friendship for + Lord Hobart, to whom he will not fail to give a full statement of + all his conduct. I believe Mr. Dundas's view of the subject to be + nearly the same; but not being at liberty to communicate your + letter to him, I have not been enabled to enter so fully with him + into the discussion of its contents. However, I can inform you that + his favourable intentions towards Lord Hobart remain precisely the + same. + + Mr. Sullivan will immediately communicate in person with Mr. Dundas + on all the points of this business, and you will learn the result + from him. + + Nothing but the continual hurry and interruptions to which I am at + present exposed could justify my having delayed so long the + acknowledgment of your kind letter. Pray, my dear Lord, accept my + cordial thanks for the many marks of friendship which it contains. + I do not expect to sail before September, and you may be assured + that I will make it my business to see you before my departure. + + Ever, my dear Lord, + Yours most sincerely and affectionately, + MORNINGTON. + +The remaining letters of the year refer at intervals to the events in +progress on the continent; events which occupy so large and prominent a +space in history, as to render any detailed allusion to them +unnecessary. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, April 28th, 1797 + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I have this day seen Dutheil, and to-morrow I am to see the other; + but there has been a blunder about it, or I should long since have + seen him. I hardly know how to credit all I hear on that subject, + and yet I must say I hear it from all quarters, agreeing in the + essentials, though varying a little as to sub-divisions, according + to the dispositions of the informants. + + I hardly know how to tell myself, under these circumstances, what I + wish about Hammond's mission, because the panic here is so + disgraceful, that the country will not allow us to do them justice. + If I thought others _would_ do them that justice, my resolution + would soon be taken; but I have not nerves to plunge my country + into the horrors of a Jacobin Government to save myself the + unpleasant task of being compelled to do worse for them than I am + sure I could if they would but be quiet and suffer themselves to be + saved. It is a curious speculation in history to see how often the + good people of England have played this game over and over again, + and how incorrigible they are in it. To desire war without + reflection, to be unreasonably elated with success, to be still + more unreasonably depressed by difficulties, and to call out for + peace with an impatience which makes suitable terms unattainable, + are the established maxims and the regular progress of the popular + mind in this country. Yet, such as it is, it is worth all the other + countries of the world put together, so we must not too much + complain of it. + + I am grieved to hear that your dear son has had another relapse, + and should be extremely obliged to you if, whenever you can send me + a better account, as I trust you will be able to do, you would let + me have a line. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, May 3rd, 1797. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + The Paris papers arrived this morning seem to confirm, beyond a + doubt, the signature of peace with the Emperor. We know nothing + more of it than you will find in those papers. The last accounts + from Vienna which I have received were of the 17th, and they looked + more like war than peace; but not enough so to give me any reason + to doubt the fact. + + The task which is now left to us, is no doubt arduous and + difficult. It would not be in the least so with a country united, + and feeling its own strength: but to contend against dejection, + cowardice and disaffection at home, aiding a powerful enemy from + without, is not a light or easy matter. It must, however, be tried; + for I have no conception that any other use can be made of this + event by the Directory, than that of exacting from us concessions, + which I trust neither the country nor Parliament will bring + themselves to listen to. + + I hope you are all going on well at Stowe, and that your invalid is + recovering. Have you seen my Prince? He is sensible, and well + informed; though not exactly the picture of a young lover. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, May 5th, 1797. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + The messenger is arrived this morning, and has brought us the + confirmation of the Paris reports. The preliminaries were signed on + the 18th; but we are still uninformed of the particulars of the + conditions, except that they contain a stipulation for a Congress + at Berne, to which the allies of the two parties are to be invited. + I believe, from what I can collect from the very defective + information which has yet reached us, that the articles have been + drawn in so much haste and confusion, and by persons so little used + to transact points of this nature, that they are unintelligible, + and require explanation before they can be made public, or even + communicated to other Courts. Thugut has resigned--this step having + been taken in contradiction to his opinion--and a Count Cobenzl, + now Austrian Minister at Petersburg, is supposed to be destined to + succeed him. This is, in the whole of it, a great event, and big + with the greatest consequences, whether good or bad--_caliginosa + nocte premit Deus_. + + You cannot see the state of Ireland more gloomily than I do. + Possibly, if we have peace, that may leave us more at liberty to + act in that quarter; but even then, what force have we? and to what + objects are we to direct it, when the gentlemen are all flying from + their duty, and either joining the adverse standard, or at best + deserting their posts? + + I rejoice to hear so good an account of your son, and I trust the + attack is now over, though the recovery of strength must naturally + be very slow. + + Ever, my dear brother, + Most affectionately yours, + G. + + Wells's ship's crew being harangued by him refused to cheer with + the other ships, till the 'Glory' loaded her guns to fire upon her. + + +MR. T. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Charles Street, May 9th, 1797. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I cannot express to you my disappointment in the Portsmouth news, + which I found upon my return to town yesterday evening. By the post + of Saturday, the letters from the fleet were better than they had + ever been; and the officers themselves seemed in much better heart + and spirits. On Sunday, however, it broke out afresh: + representations were handed about, complaining that the speeches of + Lord Howe, Lord Spencer and the Duke of Clarence, were meant to + disappoint the seamen of what had been promised them, and it was + suggested that the 'Marlborough' was to be kept back, and made an + example of when the fleet had sailed. Upon these pretences, the + delegates began going round to each ship: Colpoys told his crew he + would not admit them; they mutinied, and he ordered his marines to + fire, who did so, and badly wounded four mutineers; but the fire + was returned by the crew, who overpowered the officers and the + marines, confined Colpoys, and threatened to hang Lieutenant Bover. + To save him, Colpoys asserted that Bover had been ordered so to act + by him, and that he had an order for this discipline from the + Admiralty, which order he gave to the delegates. The order was a + very proper order from the Admiralty to every captain, requiring + him to give no cause of complaint to the men on the subject of + provisions, requiring him to keep up a proper discipline, and to + exert a proper spirit in resisting any appearance of mutiny. This + order, we since hear, is stated as an act of treachery in the + Admiralty as against the seamen. + + Upon this tumult in the 'London,' the crews of the other ships + took possession of the arms, and many confined their officers to + their cabins. The post of to-day brings no new or different state + of things, except an account that three of the mutineers are dead + in Haslar Hospital of their wounds; and that Campbell, Nichols, + Talbot, one or two other captains, and many lieutenants, have been + put on shore at St. Helen's. + + A messenger was dispatched last night with the news of the vote of + the House of Commons having passed unanimously, but it is doubtful + whether in this high wind he could get to the fleet; and all these + circumstances show so little colour or pretence of real complaint, + that I cannot help fearing the evil is more deeply rooted in the + influence of Jacobin emissaries and the Corresponding Society, and + to their machinations the vote of yesterday will afford no answer. + Upon the whole, this is the worst state of things which I have + seen. The ground of the mischief is not known to the officers, and + as far as I can see, they have no heart or nerves to meet this + formidable calamity. With this wind they might have sailed; but + with what has happened in the 'London,' and with so many officers + put on shore, one can hardly now wish the fleet to sail. + + The last accounts from Brest announce about twenty sail, but not in + a very forward state of readiness; but this state of our fleet + cannot be news to them, and they will doubtless profit of an + opportunity which perhaps they have themselves created. + + At half-past one no news was come. If I hear more before the post + goes out, I will add it. + + God bless you, dearest brother. + + +MR. T. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Charles Street, May 11th, 1797. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + Great anxiety again prevailed here by an account which arrived at + midnight, that the delegates were on board the 'London,' and it + was feared they were urging for the execution of Colpoys and his + captain; but a few hours afterwards, news arrived that Colpoys' + crew had resisted the delegates; that even the most mutinous ships, + viz. the 'Duke' and 'Mars,' were returned to their duty, and that + most of the ships had desired their officers to join them again. I + have also read a letter from Payne, who writes in high spirits, and + says that there is now a complete hostility on the part of the + well-affected as against the mutineers, and that he has just spoke + a cutter from the 'Queen Charlotte' with twenty or thirty + well-affected men on board, who were going to every ship in the + fleet, to insist upon everything being quiet, and upon their going + instantly to sail in quest of the French. Lord Howe would arrive + about nine this morning, with a warrant under the King's + sign-manual, for making such final arrangement as might be + necessary for the sailing of the fleet, if he should find it so + disposed to sail. Not a word from Lord Bridport, except to + acknowledge the communication of the Act of Parliament! + + Under these circumstances, there is every reason to suppose that + one may hope the immediate storm is a little blown over, and that + no new resource need be looked for such as you suggest; but the + apprehension of my mind is still extremely great, because I am more + and more convinced that Jacobin management and influence is at the + bottom of this evil; and till that influence is traced and rooted + out, there is, in my view, no chance of safety. The tampering with + the soldiers by conversation and handbills is another unanswerable + proof of the system by which all this mischief moves forward; and + the activity of Brest in the last accounts, seems to confirm, as + far as such preparation can, their knowledge of, if not their + participation in, this mischief. + + Orde has written from Plymouth, that he hopes to get the ships + there to sea before any communication is had of this new mutiny. + + Things look badly, as I believe, in Ireland; but those of + Government, whom I ever see, are so entirely occupied, that I write + to you more from my own guess than from their communication. + + God bless you, dearest brother. + + I know no foreign news of any sort, nor have I seen William these + three or four last days. + +A third effort to effect a pacification with France had been entered +upon by Lord Grenville in the month of June. On this occasion his +Lordship addressed a direct application to M. de la Croix, expressing +his readiness without delay to open a discussion of the views and +pretensions of both parties. To this communication M. de la Croix +replied by accepting the proposal; and the town of Lisle was appointed +for the meeting of the ambassadors. + +Lord Malmesbury was again appointed on the part of England; and it +became evident at once that his re-appearance in that capacity was not +very satisfactory to the French Government, M. de la Croix coldly +signifying the consent of the Directory to negotiate with Lord +Malmesbury, but adding that another choice would have augured more +favourably for the speedy conclusion of peace. + +The conference at Lisle seems to have taken its colour all throughout +from this preliminary distrust of the English envoy. It lasted up to the +17th of September; and ended as it began, in a fruitless debate about +Lord Malmesbury's powers to treat in full. In the meanwhile, the event +known by the name of the Revolution of Fructidor took place in Paris, +the meeting was broken up, and Lord Malmesbury left Lisle on the 18th of +September. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, Sept. 20th, 1797. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + Late last night we got a messenger from Lord Malmesbury, with an + account that he was ordered away from Lisle, and was on his way to + London, where he arrived this morning. It is not easy to say + beforehand what effects it will produce here, where people's + spirits are so susceptible of alarm and depression; but I really + think, in the manner of doing the thing, the Directory have done + everything they could to play our game. + + The dissatisfaction will be great in France, but they seem, for the + moment, completely masters there. Ireland is our weakest point, and + to that our attention must be most directed; for anything else I + have very little apprehension. + + I think it probable that the consequences of this new state of + things will be to detain me in and about town, and to put an end to + my hopes of a journey to Stowe or Wotton; but I am not yet quite + sure as to this. I hope we shall not be in a hurry to meet + Parliament, as I understand that it will not be necessary, in point + of finance, till about the middle of November. Between this and + that time many things may still happen to raise people's spirits, + which I should fear would in the present moment be much depressed, + whatever pains we took to raise them. + + Ever, my dearest brother, most affectionately yours, + G. + + + + +1798. + +CONDITION OF ENGLAND--PLANS FOR THE NATIONAL DEFENCES--THE AUGMENTATION +OF THE MILITIA--VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS--A REBELLION BREAKS OUT IN +IRELAND--LORD CORNWALLIS SUCCEEDS LORD CAMDEN AS LORD-LIEUTENANT--LORD +BUCKINGHAM VOLUNTEERS FOR IRELAND--DIFFERENCES WITH LORD CORNWALLIS--MR. +THOMAS GRENVILLE IS APPOINTED ON A MISSION TO VIENNA AND BERLIN. + + +A rebellion in Ireland, and a threat of invasion from France, for which +active preparations were making on the coast and in the Channel, almost +exclusively absorbed the attention of Government at the beginning of the +year 1798, and demanded all the resources which the devotion of the +people could contribute to the protection of the country. The extremity +of the public danger had the effect of uniting all classes in a combined +effort for self-preservation; and the national enthusiasm was pronounced +so strongly and unanimously on this point, that the heads of the +Opposition, shattered and enfeebled, retired from the fruitless contest +they had been so long waging against the Administration, and left Mr. +Pitt and his colleagues in almost undisturbed possession of both Houses +of Parliament. + +But security was not to be purchased without great sacrifices. The +expenditure of the past year had amounted to the enormous sum of +twenty-five millions and a half; and Mr. Pitt found it necessary, in +order to provide a supply equal to the emergencies of the future, to +introduce an entirely new system of finance. He proposed to triple the +amount of the existing assessed taxes, with a limitation, restraining +the maximum of taxation to the tenth of each person's income; and to +borrow the remainder of what was required without creating any +additional debt, by appropriating the produce of the sinking fund. + +There was a violent resistance in both Houses to this plan; Mr. Fox, Mr. +Sheridan, and others, who had previously seceded, re-appearing in their +places for the express purpose of opposing it; but it was carried, +nevertheless, by large majorities. Several other measures, to provide +means for carrying on the war, and strengthening the national defences, +were also introduced; and at no period, since the commencement of +hostilities, was public opinion declared so energetically in favour of +the ministerial policy. Numerous circumstances contributed to feed the +popular ardour as the year advanced. Splendid naval victories inspired +the highest confidence in the ultimate issues of the war; commerce once +more resumed its former activity; the harvest was unusually abundant; +and all branches of trade and industry reached a height of prosperity +that completely relieved the depression under which they had suffered +during the preceding year. + +The most active measures were set on foot to promote the common object +of protecting the empire against foreign invasion and domestic treason. +The most prominent of them was a plan for augmenting the Militia, +afterwards matured and introduced by Mr. Dundas; and the collection of +subscriptions towards the formation of a national defence fund. No +greater proof could be given of the zeal of the people, at a period when +their burthens were already so excessive, than the munificence and +promptitude of their contributions on this occasion. At a meeting of +bankers and merchants held in the open square of the Royal Exchange, +upwards of forty-six thousand pounds were collected on the spot; the +King subscribed L20,000; the Queen L5,000; numerous mercantile firms and +private individuals contributed large sums, varying from L3,000 to +L10,000; and the Bank of England, the noble tribute of L200,000. That +this urgent necessity should have pressed heavily upon those public men +whose position made a heavy demand upon their patriotism, was to be +expected, and in some instances, sacrifices were made to an extent which +rendered unavoidable the reduction of their domestic establishments; but +no considerations of personal inconvenience were suffered to interfere +with the paramount claims of duty. The subjoined letters throw +considerable light on these transactions, and are of especial interest +from the minute details they present respecting the measures that were +adopted in this great emergency for augmenting and organizing the +Militia force of the kingdom. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, Feb. 2nd, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I saw yesterday in Pitt's hands your letter to him. The sacrifice + you make is certainly very great, and such as I could not have + thought myself at liberty to advise, though I am glad on the whole + that your determination is such as it is; not that I am very much + attached (but quite the contrary) to the idea of raising public + supplies by voluntary contributions, and still less by + contributions _soi-disant_ voluntary, but in reality extorted by + popular clamour and prejudice. But after that business has been + carried as far as it has, it would have been too invidious for you + to have put yourself in a breach which I think ought never to have + been made. I am much concerned at what you say in your letter to + Pitt respecting the personal inconvenience to which this step will + subject you, and particularly as to the idea of your doing anything + that can look like an avowed intention of suspending your residence + at Stowe. It seems to me that nothing is more natural than that + this state of things should lead to reduction of your + establishments; and I believe in so doing you will only follow a + very general example, though I appear to be selected as a much more + striking instance of it than I have yet been able, with my best + endeavours, to make myself. It will also be very easy for you, + quartered in Essex, to be as much or as little as you please at + Stowe in the course of the year; but any avowal of quitting that + residence would, I think, do you a needless injury. + + You will receive in a day or two the circular letter for calling + out the supplementary Militia, with the explanation of the manner + in which this is intended to be executed, so as to make it a + _muster_ of the whole, but an embodying only of a part. + + War with America and Portugal seems quite determined on at Paris; + nor do I see how Denmark can keep herself out of the scrape, + though she will most certainly do her best. The general opinion is + that Mulin has established his superiority over Barras and + Buonaparte. There can be no doubt of the intention to invade us + here or in Ireland, or both. + + The capture of the packet leaves us still without official or + direct accounts from the West Indies, but all the accounts we get + are favourable. + + I enclose you, in confidence, a paper, which I think will be + interesting to you. You will be so good as _not to have seen_ it, + and to return it to me. It is of course to be kept under lock and + key. It is unpublished, and meant to remain so. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +MR. T. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Charles Street, April 27th, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + It is only from your letter to William that I have learnt what is + the actual state of the discussion which you had begun upon the + subject of the flank companies of the Militia, and very sorry I am + to find that it is likely to take any shape which can be unpleasant + or disagreeable to you. The measure itself is one which I have + understood to be one of the few measures upon which, in point of + necessary military preparation, all our officers are agreed, and + which, if I recollect right, you yourself are as strongly inclined + to as anybody, though not precisely in the mode recommended by the + Commander-in-chief; if the objections which you felt on the point + of _Militia_ establishment had been equally felt and adopted by the + generality of the commanding officers of Militia, some way or other + must, I suppose, have been found to accommodate the difficulties of + such a representation; but in the present instance (as far as I + could collect from Fortescue, who was at a pretty numerous meeting + of all the Militia commanders who were in town), there was not any + one of those who did not express their readiness to adopt this + plan, and their approbation of it; so that, in fact, this matter, + so far from being taken up by the generality of commanding officers + in the same light in which you had objected to it, has really the + sanction of every commanding officer, except, as I am told, Lord + Berkeley, Lord Carnarvon and yourself. + + Under these circumstances, much as I regret that any arrangement + could be proposed and could be likely to be carried, which is so + disagreeable to you, you will, however, I am sure, agree with me + that it stands upon very different ground, when it stands upon the + ground of individual opinions, from what it would have done if it + had been taken up by the whole or the majority or a large part of + the Militia. My best hopes are that some mode may yet be found + which may place your own regiment in the shape that you had wished; + and William has, I know, taken all the pains he can to urge the + adoption of all or of any of the modifications of this order, which + may make it less objectionable to you; and I cannot therefore but + hope that his zeal and anxiety in this will carry it to a better + shape for you as far as you are immediately interested. But we live + in times of such pressing public duty, and the military post to + which you are called and in which you are placed, is one so forward + both in danger and in honourable distinction to you, that I should + not do my duty by you if I did not (however uncalled upon for that + opinion) add that, in my poor judgment, no state of military + arrangements or orders can for a moment admit of the possibility of + your giving up your command in an hour of danger, as immediate as + that in which I write. I know you will give me credit for the + honesty of this opinion, as well as for the affection which calls + it forth from me. + + God bless you, my dearest brother. + Ever most affectionately yours, + T. G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, April 27th, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + On receiving your letter to Pitt, I sent it to him, and have since + seen him and Dundas. I understand from them that you have been + misinformed about the idea of their intending to bring in any new + Bill on the subject of forming the flank companies of Militia into + light infantry battalions, as the opinion both of the Attorney and + Solicitor-General is quite clear on the interpretation of the + present law. With respect to the measure itself, I must say that as + far as I understand it, my opinion is and always has been clearly + for it. But what is much more important is, that the Duke of York, + all the Generals of districts and Lord Cornwallis, the only + military Cabinet Minister, all put the salvation of the country + upon it. In this situation I do not think that Pitt, or Dundas, or + any of us, could take upon ourselves the responsibility of omitting + a measure, stated to be clearly within the law, and in which so + large a proportion of the Militia officers are disposed to + acquiesce with cordiality and cheerfulness. + + Nothing certainly can be further from their wishes, even as public + men only, than to place you in any unpleasant or difficult + situation; but you will not think this a moment when points of real + importance can be given up to personal considerations of regard and + good-will. + + It has occurred, that adopting the measure generally, the + application of it to your particular regiment might be avoided, by + permitting you to form a separate light infantry battalion, under + the command of Fremantle, he being an army officer, and one whom + the Duke of York himself allows to be as fit for that purpose as + any he could select; and that this permission may, under certain + circumstances and conditions, be extended to other colonels + desirous of taking that mode preferably to the other. + + But this is not without its difficulty, nor is it possible for any + man, beforehand, to engage for the Duke of York's consent to a + measure, on which he has so much right not only to have _voix au + chapitre_ but to have a voice nearly decisive, so long as his + regulations do not interfere with the law. All, therefore, that I + can say is, that I am persuaded Dundas will do whatever he can to + promote this arrangement, the only solution that I see to + difficulties, one side of which, in the alternative stated by you, + present consequences to which I am very sure, whatever else + happens, you will never bring yourself to look. If I had the least + doubt upon that point, I certainly could and should say much of the + time, of the situation of the country, of the local position of + your regiment in its present quarters, and of the possibility of + any man, under such circumstances, resigning a command because he + disapproves in his own judgment, even supposing him right in that + judgment, of a military order which the Commander-in-chief has + clearly a right to give, and for the omission, as well as the + giving of which, he and the Government are exclusively responsible. + + I know nothing more of the supplementary Militia than that they are + to be immediately called out. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dropmore, May 1st, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I got your letter here last night. I should not have gone out of + town even for one day, if I had not understood from Dundas that the + Duke of York, though quite determined against adopting the + substitution you propose, seemed to think that in order to avoid + putting you under difficulties of any sort, he could forbear to + make the demand on your regiment. + + I do not say that I like this expedient, but I see no other without + his abandoning a measure which, for one, I should be very sorry to + see abandoned, believing, as I do, that things of much more + importance than the matter of any legal question of a Militia Act, + depend upon it. I really believe that you are not accurately + informed when you speak of the wishes of the Militia in general + being against this measure. But on this point you have certainly + better means of knowing individual opinions than I can have. On the + legal point, the opinion of the King's law servants must of course + be the only guide for a Commander-in-chief, even if he were not a + Prince of the blood, but much more when he is so, and consequently + not supposed to enter into discussions of that sort, or to be + responsible for them. + + I grieve that in these times you should set the example of raising + these questions; but I am confident you would not do so if you did + not think it right. I own I should have thought that any idea of + _disobeying, as a Militia officer_, a command of the + Commander-in-chief, was out of the question in the present moment, + and that if the case (I had almost said) which you yourself put, + had occurred, that of being ordered to embark on board Lord + Bridport's fleet, you would have done so, with a protest of _ne + trahatur in exemplum_. + + Dundas will, as I understand from him, explain to you what he + considers to be the case about your letter, which he states to me + to have been an official letter addressed, I think, to P. W. Howe + or his Adjutant-General, and which therefore he did not consider in + any other light than as an accurate statement of the doubt given in + officially and meant to be so considered. But all this is of very + little consequence in comparison of that of the light in which the + thing itself places you, if it were possible that you could adopt + the resolution you speak of. + + I take it for granted that Dundas's Bill is meant only to extend to + British subjects, or may easily be so limited. As such, it is + surely highly advantageous in the present moment to have the + services of the men who, of all British officers, have seen the + most real service. + + I do not think that the Vienna news at all lessens the expediency + of calling out the remaining third of the Militia. It is highly + probable that the French, seeing that they cannot hope to contend + again with England and Austria joined together, may determine to + accelerate their attack on us, and put the whole on that one + desperate issue. + + Ever, my dearest brother, + Most affectionately yours, + G. + +The insurrection in Ireland was now approaching the moment which had +been arranged by the rebels for the final move upon the capital. The +whole plan of the rising, which was to have taken place on the 23rd of +May, appeared in the details of a paper found upon the person of Lord +Edward Fitzgerald, whose capture on the 19th frustrated the designs of +the infatuated conspirators. Measures of the most careful precaution had +been previously taken by the Government. Sir Ralph Abercromby, who had +been in command of the army, and expressed a wish to retire, was +replaced by General Lake, whose knowledge of the country afforded the +strongest assurance of success in the vigorous proceedings it became +necessary to adopt. + +The presence of the military in the disturbed districts, and the +numerous seizures of arms and arrests of members of the provincial +committees that were organized over the country, had considerably +deranged the plans and weakened the resources of the confederacy +previously to the arrest of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, which effectually +crushed the hopes of the rebels, although for some months afterwards +they carried on a sort of flying campaign, with a desperation and +ferocity that constantly baffled the operations of the regular troops. +Lord Edward Fitzgerald died on the 3rd of June from the effects of the +wounds he received in the frantic resistance he offered to the persons +who arrested him. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, May 25th, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + Accounts of a very satisfactory nature have been received here this + morning from Dublin. They were upon the very brink of an + insurrection, which was to have taken place on the 22nd. They had + intelligence of it, and by the arrest of Lord Edward Fitzgerald and + the two Sheares's, who were at the head of the plot, they have not + only disconcerted this plan, but have procured indisputable + evidence for proceeding against these traitors, and have now, I + trust, the certainty of convicting them. A special Commission is + preparing for the purpose of bringing them to trial as speedily as + possible, but it will require about a month before all the forms + can be got through. We are sending back O'Connor to them, and it is + probable that his trial may be included in the same Commission. + + They write on the 21st, in the best possible spirits, from the + Castle. The attack was intended against Chapelizod, the magazine in + the Phoenix, and the Castle, at the same time; and in order to + increase the confusion, the houses of some of the leading people + were also to have been attacked, and the individuals, at the head + of whom of course was the Chancellor, were to be put to death. The + camp near Dublin was also to be assaulted. + + In the desk of one of the Sheares's was found the proclamation + ready drawn, which was to be issued for the establishment of the + Republican Government. + + A letter was written on the 21st, to the Lord Mayor of Dublin, by + Lord Castlereagh, to acquaint him with this design, and to order + him to make search for arms, &c., and a message was to be sent to + Parliament the 21st or 22nd. They are not quite sure that the idea + of the insurrection was abandoned, even after this blow-up; but + they were so completely on their guard, that there was nothing to + be apprehended. + + You will have seen that Lord E. F. made a desperate resistance when + he was taken. It is, however, supposed that Ryan will recover, + though stabbed in the belly. They had already taken about two + thousand pikes in Dublin alone, and great numbers in the adjacent + counties. On the whole, I trust that with vigorous measures, such + as every one will feel this crisis requires, the seeds of the + rebellion will be crushed. + + I think there are full grounds to proceed against Lord Thanet and + Co. for a conspiracy to rescue, as well as for the riot. O'Connor's + acquittal is imputed to Miller's charge, and _that_ to his being + completely exhausted, so as to omit some of the most material + points in the evidence. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, June 1st, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I did not answer your letter earlier, because I waited to know the + opinion of others on the subject of the proposal which you mention. + I find that there is a very strong apprehension of creating by it + dissatisfaction among the Militia, and of impeding the future + raising and augmentation of that force. For it is reasoned thus: + although in the present moment the public spirit is so high that it + is probable a very large part would readily concur in a similar + proposition, yet there would certainly be many individuals, and + perhaps some bodies among them, who would be reluctant to alter + their original terms of service. These persons would hardly be + placed in a fair situation, because although the option would still + nominally be left to them; yet that would be attended with so much + odium, and would so much carry the appearance of backwardness, that + any persons in such a time as this, and particularly persons + engaged in military service, would naturally be very unwilling to + expose themselves to it. By this means, all security and confidence + in the original terms of enlistment would be lost, and both + officers and men, deliberating about entering into the Militia, + would do it with the idea that they might continually be called + upon to serve out of the kingdom, which would destroy the whole + Militia system. + + Besides this, another objection strikes me, which I think perhaps + even stronger than the preceding. It is that of the loss of + security to this country, both in point of fact and opinion, from + rendering that force applicable otherwise than to the immediate + protection of Great Britain. I hope that in all cases we should + have done our best, according to such judgment as we could form at + the time: but I will fairly own to you that I do not myself believe + that England would have been now as secure as I trust it is, if we + had possessed the power of disposing of the Militia regiments for + Channel or Irish service, and much less if that power had also been + extended to the continent in general. + + A third argument I think of little weight, but I know from what I + have heard in general conversation on the subject, that it would + make considerable impression among a particular class of men. The + Militia is now raised by a sort of direct burthen on the landed + interest, who are reconciled to it from the apparent and visible + protection which their property derives from it. Whereas, if it was + applied to purposes of more general, though possibly greater, + public advantage, that would be called _unfair_ upon the counties, + as the term now is, and we should infallibly have proposals for + throwing the whole burthen, in all its various shapes, more equally + on the general mass of property within the kingdom. + + For all these reasons, tempting as it would be in the present state + of the war, to avail ourselves of the service of that which + constitutes the greatest part of our regular force for the purpose + of those operations, with the necessity of which we are thoroughly + impressed, yet I really do not think, nor is it thought by others, + that we can prudently attempt it. + + A more limited idea has occurred to me, in which I think your zeal + might be useful in the way of example. It is this. In any case of + invasion (which is by no means to be put out of the question, + however the public love to flatter themselves about it) I think it + is evident that there might, and probably would be, much boat + service. It is by no means impossible that, even in the very act of + landing, they might have to be opposed by gun-boats, _et id genus + omne_, and that troops would be wanted for that service. If landed, + and having taken Dumourier's "_position on the coast_" to wait for + reinforcements and provisions, perhaps the General who commands our + force in that quarter may wish to attack them from the sea, without + waiting for the certain arm of starvation which would be hanging + over them. The same principle applies to the defence of our tide + rivers, harbours, &c. Now, for all this, I should think it would be + highly useful that our troops should in some degree be trained to + this boat work, and though perhaps an inland regiment of Militia + might not be thought the best to begin with, yet by suggesting this + idea to Sir W. Howe, and expressing your readiness and that of your + regiment to lend yourselves to it, an example might be set to + others and a very useful practice introduced. + + I wrote this early in the morning and before the arrival of the + post, so that I do not know whether there will be any accounts from + Dublin. If there are, I will add them before I close this letter. + Those of yesterday were, as I understood from the Duke of P. and + King, perfectly good, but I did not see them. The only thing that + appears at all distressing is that the communication with the south + was still interrupted, and although this may arise from the + disturbed state of any one point through which the roads pass, yet + it is productive of uneasiness, and may afford opportunities for + spreading alarms in the south, the consequences of which might be + very serious. No disturbance had shown itself in the north. + + Buonaparte is gone to Toulon instead of Rastadt, and it is now + publicly declared at Paris that his object is Cadiz, Portugal, or + Ireland. If we are not more than commonly unfortunate, _il trouvera + a qui parler en chemin_. + + I do not think Pitt could avoid answering Fremy's call, and as it + has turned out it is certainly better as it is. One shudders to + think what might have happened. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + I do not enclose the "Gazette," because I conclude you have it. + There was nothing else of any importance from Ireland last night, + and nothing at all this morning. + +In the month of June, Lord Cornwallis, upon whose military talents the +Cabinet placed great reliance, was appointed to succeed Lord Camden in +the government of Ireland; and the Irish Secretaryship was again offered +to Mr. Thomas Grenville, and declined. + + +MR. T. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Aylesbury, June 11th, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + By a letter from Cleveland Row which I have this moment received, I + find the Irish storm, which I told you I had seen gathering, is + likely to fall as I had expected it. It is settled that Lord + Cornwallis is to go Lord-Lieutenant, and in case of Pelham's + declining on account of his health, I see I shall be urged in the + strongest manner possible to fill his situation there. I have + already talked this matter so much over with you, and you know so + entirely, both my utter aversion to it, and my reluctance to + decline any personal risk or inconvenience in these critical times, + that I cannot on either side add anything upon this subject; but + upon a matter of so much anxiety and importance to me, a matter too + of which you are in every respect qualified to give me so good an + opinion, you will not be surprised at the solicitude which I + express to know all that you may think about it. Perhaps it may not + come in question, if Pelham is strong again and in health, but if + it does, as very possibly it may, I cannot enough say how desirous + I shall be to discuss the whole matter with you; and as time may + press in the instant of its being proposed, I know that you will + readily turn this in your mind in the present moment. I shall be in + town on Thursday, which being a fair day here, ends our eight days' + exercise; it has passed very prosperously, they do extremely well, + and have been from seventy to eighty out, and working every day + seven or eight hours. We go on to beat the rebels in Ireland, but + we beat them into soldiers. + + God bless you, dearest brother. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, June 13th, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I do not hear of any Irish news this morning; if there is any, I + will add it before I close this letter. I entirely agree with you + in thinking the situation of Irish Secretary to be in rank and + estimation much below Tom's calibre. In point of real utility and + scope for displaying the powers of his mind, God knows it is + difficult, extensive, and important enough for the talents of the + greatest man this country ever saw. It is, however, as you will + have learnt by my note of yesterday, out of the question; and + Pelham's rank is too much on a level with his, to admit of the idea + of interposing Tom or Lord D. between Lord C. and him. + + When I wrote yesterday, I had not seen Nugent's letter, nor indeed + heard much of the particulars, as you will have seen from my + letter. I think nothing can be better than Nugent's conduct seems + to have been, and his letter is extremely manly, distinct and + judicious. But what a picture does it offer of our officers! I + believe I do not know _this_ Lumley; but I do not, as far as I + _have_ known them, think that there is one of the race fit to be + trusted with the command of a patrole of watchmen, from Lord + Scarborough downwards. Walpole I had long known, and certainly I + should have said the same of him. What a calamity it is, that our + army has not yet been taught that the command of troops in moments + of difficulty and danger requires skill and knowledge, and is not a + faculty bought with a commission at the regulated price. + + _Je vois tres en noir_ about this Irish business; but with me that + feeling never has, I trust, operated otherwise than as an + incitement to greater exertion, "to bate no jot of heart, or hope, + but still bear up, and steer right onward." We have gone through + such scenes as this country has never before known; where we have + been wanting in firmness, we have suffered for it; where we have + shown courage adequate to the danger, God has borne us through it; + and so I trust He will do. At all events, our lives, and honour, + and the existence of our country, are staked upon the issue, and + nothing but resolution can save us. + + I saw with the greatest pleasure the address of your regiment. I am + happy it has taken that shape, because I think it the least + exceptionable, and still am inclined to the measure. If it + depended on my choice alone, I do not think many hours would pass + over before you would be in march. + + It really looks as if Buonaparte was after all in sober truth going + to Egypt: and Dundas seems to think the scheme of attacking India + from thence not so impracticable as it may appear. I am still + incredulous as to the latter point, though as to the former I am + shaken. But as Buonaparte on the 23rd was still off Toulon, and as + Lord St. Vincent must have detached on the 21st at latest, there is + much reason to hope that Nelson may destroy all these visions, be + they what they may. From the coasts of Normandy and Brittany the + troops are in great part withdrawn--they do the Germans too much + honour! + + Ever yours, + G. + +One of the plans of Ministers (which appears to have originated with +Lord Buckingham) for inspiring confidence in Ireland, was to send over a +few regiments of English Militia, during the continuance of the +disturbances. Lord Buckingham was the first colonel of an English +Militia regiment that volunteered upon that service, and, remembering +the position he had on two former occasions occupied in Ireland, his +example in taking the lead on such an occasion was productive of the +happiest effects in awakening the zeal of others. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, June 28th, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I this morning received your letter from Liverpool. I rejoice to + think that the Wexford news will probably make your stay at Dublin + of no long continuance, and much as I regret the present + inconvenience to yourself, yet I will own that it is gratifying to + me that this news did not arrive time enough to stop your + embarkation. I consider it as very important on many accounts that + some of the British Militia regiments should actually arrive in + Ireland, and I would not willingly forego the pride of knowing that + your regiment was the first of them. We have no news here of any + kind; indeed Ireland has engaged the whole attention of everybody + here, and left us no leisure to think of anything else except to + cast now and then a longing wish to the Mediterranean. We have, as + you will have heard from my brother, accounts of Nelson's being + actually in the Mediterranean, and such particulars as seem to + leave no doubt of his having been joined by the ten of the line and + the fifty under Trowbridge. I am more and more convinced that + Buonaparte's intention was only to proceed to Corsica and to wait + there the event of the negotiations, hanging upon the rear of + Naples and Tuscany, but without any other _present_ object, and + then to be determined by circumstances as to the future destination + of his fleet, for Portugal, Great Britain, Ireland, or the West + Indies. If we have tolerable luck, Nelson will disappoint all these + plans. + + When you see Lord Clare, pray tell him that in consequence of his + having been spoken of by the Duke of Bedford and Lord Holland last + night in a manner extremely galling to my feelings, I took the + opportunity to express the sentiments which I believe he knows I + entertain of his character and conduct. This passed with the doors + of the House shut, so that he will not see any account of it in the + papers. He will not suppose that I claim any thanks for a bare act + of duty and justice, nor should I have wished it to be mentioned to + him from me, if I had not thought it just possible that he might + hear of the attack, in which case I should have felt much concern + if he had not at the same time known that it had been treated with + as much indignation and scorn as it merited. + + The business of Williams is arranged to your wishes. I shall be + anxious to hear of your son after his arrival at Dublin, for I did + not think the account of his leg at all comfortable. If the Irish + news continues good, you will not, I think, have any other Militia + regiments besides those now there. We expect Lord Camden to-day. + Lord Darnley made a useful speech last night, in which he told us, + amongst other things, that he had never witnessed so much + satisfaction from any event at Dublin, as from the destruction of + Lord Moira's town. Lord M. was not there, and kept the Prince of + Wales away. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + +Lord Buckingham arrived in Dublin towards the end of June, to the +infinite satisfaction of Lord Cornwallis, who found himself surrounded +by the usual perplexities of Irish Government, considerably increased by +the excited condition of the country. + +The general opinion entertained in England of the change that had +recently taken place in the character of the Irish insurrection, may be +gathered from a passage in a letter addressed to Lord Buckingham by Mr. +Thomas Grenville, on the 5th of July. + + As far as I can judge from the public accounts in the newspapers, + the rebellion seems rather to have changed its shape than to have + abandoned its object, and it may be a question whether much + advantage is gained in its becoming a Maroon war of plunderers and + banditti, rather than continuing to be a formal array regularly + opposed to the regular army in the country; because though it may + be true that the danger of a large army of rebels may be a danger + of greater magnitude, as well as more immediate, yet it furnishes + at least the opportunity of meeting that danger, and of grappling + with it; whereas this plundering, robbing, and burning war, + carried on by an infinite number of small parties, associated + together and hiding together like the thieves in the cave of Gil + Blas, puts the peace and the security of the country in greater + danger, keeps up a more constant alarm, is more difficult to + resist, because it is more difficult to find and to prepare + against, and, what is not the least consideration, it utterly ruins + and destroys the hopes of these men, after indulging long in such + habits, returning again either to labour or even to subordination. + + To me, therefore, I own it seems to be more necessary than ever to + make the most active exertions in order to counteract this new + shape of evil; and I do hope and trust that, however ungracious and + mortifying it may be to military habits and military education to + be opposed to what may be deemed petty bands of robbers and + incendiaries, Lord Cornwallis will feel the necessity of applying + his best military talents in a service where no military glory can + be obtained, except as it may be applied to the restoration of the + security and tranquillity of the country. + +The forbearance of Lord Cornwallis is alluded to in a subsequent letter +from Lord Grenville. It was felt that his lenity in treating with the +rebels was misplaced, and that the Government ought to have adopted a +more decided course in extinguishing the dying embers of the +insurrection. + + I do not know how to trust my own judgment upon the very small + lights which (_entre nous_) Lord C. gives us as to what he is doing + in Ireland. But as far as I can judge, he is proceeding very fast + indeed, particularly when he allows rebels to stipulate for the + point of honour of not naming their confederates, and thereby + accepts a fresh act of misprision of treason, as a satisfaction for + former acts of treason. But this of course is only to you. The + great point I wish to be assured of, _if I could_, is that he has + not suffered a nearer view of difficulties to discourage him from + the pursuit of the only measure which can make it signify one + farthing what he does in the present moment. Let him carry that, + and I will willingly compromise for all the rest. + +On the 22nd of August the long-threatened French invasion took place in +a shape that covered the expedition with universal ridicule. A handful +of men, to the number of eight hundred, landed at Killala, and were +joined by the rebels; and when they were attacked by General Lake a few +days afterwards, the whole force surrendered at discretion. This +incident formed a striking contrast to the progress of the French in +other directions, for at the very time when they were suffering this +humiliation in Ireland, their victorious arms were completing the +subjugation of Switzerland. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dropmore, August 27th, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I am much obliged to you for your letter, which I got last night, + with the other accounts of the landing at Killala. I hope we are + not too sanguine in thinking that the French are much too late for + their object, and that the result of this expedition will give us + fresh security. The interval is however unavoidably one of some + anxiety, and I confess I regret now Lord Cornwallis's security in + declining to receive any further reinforcements, though it is + seldom that a General fails _on that side_. All this can only be + with a view to the possibility of a general insurrection; for + without that their twelve hundred men are not worth a second + thought, and their arms are merely thrown away. + + I see in their full force all the difficulties that might arise in + the contingency of Lord Cornwallis's death. But I trust that danger + is as remote as the death of any man can reasonably be said to be. + There would be much inconvenience in its being suspected or known + that he had a provisional successor named and resident on the spot, + because Irish speculation would extend the contingency thus + provided for, from the case of his death to that of his + resignation. The subject shall however be considered, and your name + shall certainly not be brought forward unless I see that the thing + would be wished; the only footing on which it is possible to place + so liberal and generous an offer. + + God bless you. + + No more news of Buonaparte or Nelson. I terribly fear that the + latter will do something _too_ desperate. + + Austria and Russia are evidently, _at last_, preparing for war. But + we are now in the end of August, and with a very little more + hesitation and delay the possibility of acting this year is gone, + and then France _must_ use the _winter_ to divide us all by + separate negotiations. + +In a subsequent letter, Lord Grenville again refers to the policy acted +upon by Lord Cornwallis in reference to the rebels. + + With respect to the political system I had my doubts, and expressed + them to you, at the time that your opinions, formed I am sure every + way on much better means of judging than I have, was more + favourable to what was doing. But the experience is now, I am sorry + to say it, wholly on my side, and I am every hour more and more + persuaded that the old rules are best, and that Government has not + gained, but lose extremely, by allowing traitors to treat with them + in a body, and to stipulate for the right to commit a fresh and + distinct act of misprision of treason, for which they are at this + time indictable, till this new offence is protected with the old + ones by a Bill of pardon. + + The situation of the Secretary, who is afraid to act on his opinion + in a great parliamentary question, is neither respectable nor + useful; but I protest that I am not more a stranger to Buonaparte's + government of Egypt than I am to that of Ireland. It cannot + continue in this state; but unfortunately, in these times it is not + enough to see that a thing is wrong, but one must be sure that in + endeavouring to correct it we do not produce some fresh and greater + mischief. It is a bad subject, and _fait faire du mauvais sang_. + + My flock is more docile, and my Emperors are going to war like good + boys, but they have been a long while bringing themselves to it. + +The excellent effect produced by the presence of the English Militia in +Ireland, led Lord Grenville to desire the extension of a service which, +in many points of view, was admirably calculated to check the +insubordinate temper of the people. The English character offered an +example of steadiness and discipline which could hardly fail to make +some impression on the disordered masses of the population; while the +independence of all local interests and sectarian prejudices displayed +by those troops might be reasonably hoped to exercise a beneficial +influence on the minds of dispassionate people. Lord Cornwallis, +however, held a different opinion; but he was so chary in his +communications to the Cabinet, that we find Lord Grenville constantly +complaining of not receiving any intelligence from the Castle, either as +to the views of the Government or the events that were passing in the +country. "You will easily imagine," he observes in a letter to Lord +Buckingham, "I still feel some anxiety for further information, when I +tell you that neither from Lord-Lieutenant nor Secretary have we, by +this messenger, one word more than you will see in the 'Gazette' +published this day. This system must have its end." The zeal of the +English Militia was not likely to be much encouraged by the plan of +close councils and sudden resolves thus pursued by Lord Cornwallis, and +which, excellent, perhaps, in reference to regular troops, was +calculated to produce resentments and discontents amongst voluntary and +temporary levies. An unfortunate misunderstanding which occurred at this +time between Lord Cornwallis and Lord Buckingham developed the state of +feeling existing between the Irish Government and the English Militia, +and brought it to a very unexpected crisis. + +A detachment of the Bucks had been ordered by the Lord-Lieutenant into +the field, and Lord Buckingham, as colonel of the regiment, conceived +that he had a right to take the command; but Lord Cornwallis, who looked +at these matters with the formality and decision of a martinet, +exercised his own discretion in giving the command to another officer. +The grounds of Lord Buckingham's exception to the Lord-Lieutenant's +dictum on this point were, that the detachment taken from his regiment +for this particular service was numerically greater than the remainder +of the regiment left behind, and that being also of greater force than a +detachment from another regiment with which it was to act, he was +entitled to take the command of both. Lord Cornwallis, however, +overruled his wishes, as tending to produce inconvenience to the service +in the matter of rank, and in other respects. To Lord Buckingham's +remonstrance on the subject, Lord Cornwallis transmitted a reply which +induced Lord Buckingham to request his Lordship's permission to lay the +whole correspondence before the King. It was to be expected under these +feelings of irritation that Lord Buckingham should have been desirous of +returning to England. But the expression of such a desire was liable to +misconstruction. Lord Grenville felt that it was possible it might be +interpreted into an appearance of declining service. + + Now, my dear brother, as to the question of sending the Bucks back, + I really scarce know what to do about it. I have no communications + (for none of us have any) which can enable one to form the least + guess of Lord Cornwallis's intentions, much less any previous + knowledge of his measures. Nothing could be more unexpected to me + than to hear that he had ordered back any part of the Militia + force, which can alone enable him to accomplish his object, or to + protect Ireland during the winter. If any part is to go back, it + certainly seems reasonable that those who went first should be + first relieved; but I am totally at a loss how to take any steps + for this purpose which shall not be liable to interpretations the + most repugnant to your feelings and to the spirit with which you + set the example of a measure by which alone Ireland was to be + preserved to this country. + + In a state of unreserved communication, such as ought to prevail + between a Lord-Lieutenant and his employers, or with a Secretary to + whom one might speak openly, and put such a point on its true + bearing, there would be no difficulty; but you know how far we are + from such a situation. Nor can I honestly advise the taking any + steps towards the removal of any part of the British Militia from + Ireland; though if any is to come away contrary to my opinion, I + feel and acknowledge the justice of your claim, and should, for + every personal reason to yourself, be most anxious to contribute + towards relieving you from such a scene. But even then, how to make + the application, and urge the claim without putting it into his + power to say that there is an appearance of declining service, I + know not, and yet I much wish to manage it. I have made an indirect + suggestion, in the hope that it may be conveyed to him, of the + propriety of considering (if any come away) how the choice should + be made; but I cannot answer for it that this will be stated to + him, and still less that he will pay any attention to it; and I am + restrained by the very forcible consideration I have already + mentioned, from taking more direct and active steps. + +Lord Castlereagh was now appointed to the Secretaryship in Ireland, and +the question of the Union, which had been for some time under the +consideration of Government, began to shape itself into a practical +form. We have here the first rough outline of the views of Ministers +upon that measure. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dropmore, Nov. 5th, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I am extremely obliged to you for your constant and kind letters, + which supply the vacancy of all other information. You will + perhaps know before you receive this, that after having employed + Pitt, and through him, me, and also General Ross, separately, to + press Tom to accept the thankless office of his Secretary, Lord + Cornwallis has, without one word of communication to him, written + to say that, Pelham declining, he desires to have Lord Castlereagh. + It is of a piece with all the rest! Pelham _has_ declined, and so + the whole thing will go on exactly as it does now. Yet, lamenting + this most sincerely on public grounds, I cannot but rejoice that + Tom is not to be embarked _dans cette maudite galere_. For what + satisfaction or honour could he receive from it? If he had gone at + first, he might have acquired and exercised some influence over his + principal, and God knows that could not but have turned to good. + But now the _pli_ is taken, the system is set up, and what can + alter it I know not. With respect to Lord Castlereagh, I have + always heard him spoken of as a man of parts and character; but he + cannot have, with Lord Cornwallis, or with the public, the weight + which his peculiar situation requires. + + You will easily do me justice enough to believe that I am not blind + to the difficulties which all this heaps on the object (already + sufficiently difficult) which we have in view. I have had no + opportunity (and I am vexed at it) to discuss this subject in + private with Lord Clare. He was to have come here in his way to + Ireland, but he now writes me word that his letters from Ireland + are so pressing for his immediate return that he cannot lose a day. + I can well enough understand that his absence dissolves the little + government that did exist; but I fear, from what Pitt tells me, he + has not spoken out to him, nor would probably to me, as to the real + state of affairs there. I am assured that he talks not only + decisively of the necessity, but also _very sanguinely_ of the + success of our measure, provided always that no attempt is made to + change, as a part of the Union, the existing laws about the + Catholics. And in this last point I am very much disposed to agree + with him now, though before the rebellion I should have thought + differently. For, the doing this thing as a part of the present + measure, would be to hold out an encouragement to rebellion, + instead of showing that every endeavour to disunite Great Britain + and Ireland only makes them "cling close and closer" to each other. + + I send you the sketch of our ideas--beyond that, I am sorry to say + we have not yet proceeded, though time presses so much. Many points + of detail will obviously arise from the discussion of these general + ideas, but who is to discuss them if the Lord-Lieutenant is afraid + to communicate with anybody? Forster has been written to twice, to + come over here; he holds back, but will I suppose now come, and + means will easily be found of having _that_ said to him which may + be necessary, whatever it may be. + + One great doubt in my mind has been the mode of bringing the thing + into regular shape. In the case of two really independent kingdoms, + like England and Scotland, an union was as much matter of treaty as + an alliance between either of them and Austria and Prussia, but + here the kingdoms are inseparably annexed to each other, and the + legislatures only are independent. The King cannot, therefore, by + commission or full powers, authorize two sets of his subjects to + treat with each other concerning the mode in which he shall + hereafter govern his two kingdoms. + + The manner in which _the Irish propositions_, as they were called, + were brought forward in 1785, was in my mind the most objectionable + part of that whole measure, and that which most contributed to its + failure. The scheme which has occurred to me in the present + instance is that the King should, by Order in Council in each + kingdom, refer it to a Committee of Council in each, to consider of + the means of an union, referring to them at the same time some + general sketch like that which I now enclose to you, or possibly a + little more detailed. Towards the conclusion of the business, it + might perhaps be necessary that the King should order a part of his + Irish Committee of Council to come over to confer with the British + Committee on any points of difficulty; and if at last the two + Committees can be brought to agree on one plan, _that_ might by the + King be submitted to the consideration of Parliament in both + kingdoms, and then passed all together, in one Bill, as in the case + of the Scotch Union. + + You will observe in this plan which I now send, the particular care + taken not to alter the present rights of election, nor to give into + any theory of uniting small boroughs into sets, and leaving cities + as at present, in order to equalize, as it is called, the + representation of Ireland. This I consider as the corner-stone of + the whole building. If once we touch this, Parliamentary Reform + rushes in upon us here and in Ireland; and, as my friend Condorcet + said, "from thence to the establishment of a complete republic, the + transition will be short indeed." + + In better times, if we lived in them, I could certainly arrange + this matter more according to my own fancy; and there is nobody who + could not make to himself some theory on this subject, the very + framing of which is an amusing occupation of the mind, and for + which it then acquires a parental fondness. But now, if ever, and + here if in any matter, _stare super vias antiguas_ is the only + salvation to this country. + + The idea of the French tariff I consider as very luminous and + happy. It was suggested by Cooke, but possibly he may not like that + it should be known, either to his principal or to the public, that + he is in the course of offering such suggestions. + + You will not complain at least of the shortness of _this_ letter. I + sent you no bulletin about transports in Alexandria, because, I am + sorry to say, I do not believe one word of the report, but am + persuaded that it will turn out to be nothing more than the + destroying a gun-boat or two, the account of which we received and + published long ago. I am, however, totally without letters from + Eden by the last mail, from which I conclude that he has, _for + expedition's sake_, sent a messenger with his letters, who will + some time or another arrive. But there are many occasions of + sending a messenger besides this news. It does seem likely that + Malta will itself drive out the French. What a wonderful change in + twelve months! + + God bless you. + +The affairs of the continent, which had undergone latterly some +considerable alterations, appearing to open a favourable opportunity for +laying the foundation of a new confederation against France, Mr. Thomas +Grenville was charged with a mission to undertake negotiations for that +purpose. His destination was Vienna and Berlin, with a roving commission +subject to circumstances. The rash and impolitic ambition of France had +awakened an angry resistance on the part of Austria, who had recently +entered into an alliance with the Court of St. Petersburg; and England, +desiring to avail herself of these events, employed Mr. Grenville to +ascertain the views of Prussia and Austria with reference to the +formation of a general combination against the common enemy. "He will +have, if I mistake not," observes Lord Grenville, "very much the glory +of signing the overthrow of Jacobin France." + + +MR. T. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Charles Street, Nov. 16th, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I had yesterday a long conversation with Lord G., who assured me + that his friend here had continued to the present moment to + express the same wish with respect to my destination, as he had at + first conveyed in the month of June last; but that a strong wish + being expressed on your side of the water for the present shape, + the great man here had thought it necessary to give way to the + great man there. Be this, however, as it may, he continued to state + so strongly the conviction of his own mind, and that of his + colleagues, to be that I could do a service in foreign mission + highly important to do, and with greater probability of success + than any other man, he appealed so directly to that sense of duty + which I had always announced as governing my conduct against even + the course of my own inclinations, that I told him, much as I + thought I had reason to complain, I would still be faithful to the + sense of duty to which he appealed; and upon his assurances, that + his colleagues felt as strongly as himself the importance of my + giving way to their wishes, I agreed to do whatever came within the + description of real or important service. + + The general view of that service I cannot better describe to you in + large, than by saying that my local situation must be governed by + the circumstances of the time; but wherever I may be, my business + will be to arrange a better understanding among the powers of the + continent than has hitherto been found in them. It is again upon + this subject that I have more than ever to regret our separation, + because you will easily see how much of a subject like the present + I should anxiously wish to talk confidentially over with you, that + it would yet be impossible for me to put upon paper in the shape of + a letter; but in this short description you will see at once the + importance of the subject, and your readiness in all business will + easily suggest to you the numberless difficulties which are likely + to attach upon this. To those difficulties I am not blind; but it + is because they are felt to be such, that I think it my duty to + engage in them, and in that sentiment I am sure to have your + concurrence. + + With respect to Mr. Fisher, you will easily see that for such a + situation I shall want the assistance which I have understood from + you he is well qualified and well disposed to give; I dare say, + therefore, that you will advise and recommend to me, to make this + proposal to him; and yet, till I have again seen Lord Grenville, to + know upon what footing of expense this stands, I do not know what I + can afford to offer to him, nor how far the situation of Envoy + Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary will, in point of pay, + furnish what Mr. Fisher ought to have; I will write again as soon + as I am better informed, for I apprehend that there will not be + much time to lose. + + I think with you, that Tone's business has been awkwardly bothered. + I met Lord G. and Mr. P. this morning in the park; and was glad to + show them your letter, to give them the information, with your own + comments upon this strange jumble so unnecessarily produced. Do not + make any proposal to Fisher till you hear again from me. Can he + cypher? Does he understand German, &c.? I suppose, by your + recommending him, he does. My chief doubt is the insufficiency of + pay, and the impossibility of holding out future expectation + whatever. My route will probably be Berlin in about a fortnight; + but nothing can be more uncertain than my stay. + + God bless you, dearest brother. + + +MR. T. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Charles Street, November 19th, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I have been anxious, as you will naturally suppose, to lose no time + in making such arrangements as may in any shape assist a situation + so little to my taste, and so repeatedly refused by me, till it was + put in such a shape of duty, as neither my opinions nor yours could + allow me to put by. I have therefore pressed for information on the + subject of Mr. Fisher, and wish to take the earliest opportunity of + stating to you how that matter stands. My mission will be a special + mission to Berlin and Vienna, and William is desirous of putting it + upon the footing and establishment of Ambassador in Ordinary, + though with the rank only of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister + Plenipotentiary, and with that of Privy Councillor; for I + understood that this last high honour will facilitate the means of + increasing the establishment of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister + Plenipotentiary to that of Ambassador in Ordinary. If this meets + with no difficulty, he hopes likewise, upon inquiry, to find + himself justified in allowing me a private secretary, at something + less than that of a Secretary of Legation, which is a guinea per + day. With this general description, therefore, I immediately + acquaint you, and hope you will think its outline tempting enough + to Mr. Fisher to engage him to come immediately, although I cannot + yet name the specific sum to be allowed to him. I must, however, + add that William has urged me in the strongest manner to hold out + to Mr. Fisher no expectation of farther remuneration or promotion + in consequence of this employment; not only because officially he + never admits any such claim of a private secretary, but also + because, by the many foreign appointments lost in the present state + of Europe, he is overloaded with claims of promotion, so as to + leave him no such means whatever. I think it fair to state this as + strongly as it was told me; but, as in your former letter you had + expressed Mr. Fisher's readiness to come to me _without any + expectation of farther remuneration_, I am still inclined to think + that I may depend upon this arrangement as made, and trust to you + for obtaining immediate leave of absence for him in Ireland; I say + _immediate_, because I apprehend that my stay in England cannot + possibly exceed a fortnight from to-day, though I cannot well be + prepared much under that time. + + Of course, you will suppose me to be very impatient for Mr. + Fisher's arrival; and I trust he will lose no time, but will let me + see him in London as soon after you receive this letter as he + conveniently can. I cannot describe the probable duration of my + absence, it may be three months, or twelve, or more or less; but it + is too uncertain to leave me any fixed opinion even in my own mind. + Lord Elgin goes to Constantinople, where he will find Sir Sydney, + Koehler, &c. &c. + + There is no foreign news whatever by the last mail; but many + accounts are come in of great loss on both sides, both insurgents + and the republican troops in Flanders; and the country is in such a + state, that the six last mails from France have not yet reached + Rotterdam. + + A strong report prevails of Guadaloupe having given itself to the + English. It is believed in the city, on the credit of a Danish + ship, arrived from St. Thomas at Portsmouth; and I think they are + disposed to believe it at the Admiralty, though they have no + official account of it. + + Our idea in London is, that all Irish courts-martial proceeding on + martial law will be suspended till this question is decided; my own + opinion is, that if the courts of law can safely sit, the courts of + martial law cannot exist at the same time. These latter seem to me + to grow only out of such a disturbed state of things as will not + allow of the due administration of justice by the regular course of + law, and therefore that for a time military government must for the + common safety stand in lieu of the courts of law; but to allow the + courts of law to resume their functions, is, in itself, as it + strikes me, a notice of the cessation of martial law; they cannot + go on together _inter arma silent leges_. + + It is expected that Fox and his friends will continue to secede; + and Tierney support the Address, abuse O'Connor, and attack + Government only on this last event in Ireland. Pray write to me by + return of post. I presume I may depend on Mr. Fisher, and therefore + that I am secure in waiting for him. + + No news yet of the 'Melpomene.' + + God bless you, my dearest brother. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, Dec. 11th, 1798. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I have this morning received your letter; and to the first + paragraph of it I will only say that I am too much accustomed to + your kindness to be surprised at this fresh instance of it. Be + assured that I feel it as I ought. + + Tom will, I think, set out to-morrow, though it is in truth useless + for him to leave town while this east wind blows in the teeth of + all our projects. He will have a more difficult task to accomplish + than I once thought, particularly on account of a new intrigue that + has just sprung up at Berlin, as if on purpose to cross or thwart + our plans. Still, however, I persuade myself that all will + ultimately go right, and I am confident that he will do whatever + can be done. + + If no more solid arguments are opposed to the Union than those of + Mr. Wild, we shall have at least the victory in disputation, though + in point of violence and inflammation he will, to be sure, not be + easily surpassed. The part which you say the Catholics are disposed + to take is undoubtedly very important; but does this mean only + their leaders, who do _not_ lead them, or has this opinion been + spread among the parish priests and lower orders? Certainly, if + they knew their interest, those descriptions ought to be peculiarly + favourable to it, for they will come under the especial protection + of the mildest and most equitable government upon the earth. But do + they see and feel this, and are any pains taken to impress them + with it? Forster's language continues to be very hostile, and I + imagine he thinks the Government will be frightened out of the + measure. The appointment of Commissioners seems, on the whole, to + be unavoidable, and the Acts for that purpose should, I think, be + proposed on the same day to both Parliaments. + + Much objection seems to be taken to any Committee or other body of + that sort resident in Ireland; and perhaps the novelty in our + Constitution of Members of Parliament who cannot attend Parliament + is a solid objection to it. Would it not be easier to make the + representation consist of thirty county members, eight or ten city + members chosen from Dublin, Cork, &c., and the remainder elected by + alternate choice from classes of four boroughs each? What I mean is + not that the four in each class should choose altogether by + delegates, &c., but that the choice should be in one of them for + each Parliament, and this rotation settled at first by lot, and + then to continue unalterable. If this will not do, we must then + class them and choose by delegates, as in the Scotch precedent. But + who shall regulate this classing? and how conciliate the jarring + interests of great men? + + By the way, you got me into something of a scrape by giving Cooke a + copy of the queries in the margin of the paper I sent you. I + omitted to give you any caution on this subject, because I thought + it was quite safe that you would not communicate it, and you + probably thought that the communication was very unimportant and + indifferent. It happened otherwise, but do not say anything to + Cooke about it. + + You see the French papers confirm our hopes of Minorca. The + Russians and Turks have begun their operations against the + _department of the Egean Sea_, and have taken Cephalonia, I + believe Zante. I expect to hear very soon of the attack of + Alexandria by the Turks. + + Ever yours, + G. + + Dec. 12. + + By a mistake this was omitted to be sent to you yesterday. No mails + in to-day, nor anything new of any kind. By the newspaper accounts, + Canning seems to have made an admirable speech yesterday. + + + + +1799. + +ENGLAND ENTERS INTO A TREATY WITH RUSSIA AGAINST FRANCE--MR. THOMAS +GRENVILLE'S MISSION TO THE CONTINENT--THE UNION BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN +AND IRELAND--SUSPENSE RESPECTING THE FATE OF MR. GRENVILLE--PROGRESS OF +EVENTS ON THE CONTINENT--AUSTRIA JOINS THE COALITION--VACILLATIONS AND +INACTIVITY OF PRUSSIA--EXPEDITION TO HOLLAND--FURTHER AUGMENTATION OF +THE MILITIA--PROJECTS FOR THE ENSUING YEAR. + + +About the middle of December, 1798, a provisional treaty had been +entered into between Russia and England, by which the Emperor bound +himself, on condition of a monthly subsidy from Great Britain, to have a +contingent of forty-five thousand men ready for the field, whenever the +common cause should require their services. The original object of this +treaty was to induce Prussia to join the confederacy of European powers +which England was now endeavouring to form against France, with a view +to bring the war to a conclusion by an overwhelming military +combination; but Prussia, guarded and timid, declined to embark in the +coalition; and, failing that result, Russia accepted the alternative of +a subsidy proposed and guaranteed by the treaty. The value of her +co-operation was not limited merely to the force she brought to bear +against the enemy. England hoped that the influence of her example would +stimulate the other Powers to concur in a general movement to repel the +aggressions of the French, who were rapidly extending the scene of +hostilities, and who, in the course of this year, carried their arms +over the whole surface of Italy, swept the banks of the Rhine, +penetrated Holland, and ravaged the valleys of Switzerland. + +When Mr. Thomas Grenville set out upon his mission to the Courts of +Vienna and Berlin, intelligence had arrived of the disasters that had +recently befallen the King of Naples, who, alarmed at the approach of +the French, had taken the field with twenty thousand men, and was driven +back by Championet with a much inferior force, and compelled to act upon +the defensive. The last news was that Naples had surrendered to the +French after a gallant resistance, chiefly sustained by the Lazzaroni, +who have an insuperable aversion to all changes in their government. + +The first incident that befell Mr. Grenville on his departure from +England was inauspicious and discouraging. The weather was unusually +severe. On the night of Christmas Eve, the thermometer was 14 deg. below +freezing point; and for many weeks afterwards the snow lay so thickly on +the ground that the service of the ordinary coaches was arrested, and +the mails were forwarded on horseback. This delay and suspension of +communication occasioned serious anxiety at a time when every item of +intelligence was of importance to the country. The effect of the +inclement state of the season was to force Mr. Grenville back to +England. He embarked on his destination as had been arranged, but the +sea was frozen up, and, unable to effect a landing, he was compelled to +return and wait for a more favourable opportunity. + +The Legislative Union between Great Britain and Ireland, which Ministers +were now preparing, was recommended to the consideration of Parliament +in a message from the King on the 22nd of January. The Rebellion had +given a decisive impulse to the project by effectually demonstrating the +want of power, energy, and influence of the local Parliament to control +the insubordinate spirit of the country, or to provide adequate remedies +for existing and acknowledged evils. It was considerably accelerated +also by the despair of the Protestants and the landed proprietors +generally, who, exhausted by the long and wasting struggles of faction, +looked to England, across the ashes of a desolating insurrection, for +the last hope of relief from anarchy and spoliation. In the letters that +immediately follow, the views of Ministers in reference to the proposed +plan are incidentally elucidated; and it appears, from Lord Grenville's +allusions to the subject, that it was originally suggested to make the +representation of the Irish Peerage in the Imperial Legislature elective +under every new Parliament, like that of the Scotch Peerage; a mode of +representation to which Lord Grenville objected, although, in other +respects, he approved of the adoption of the Scotch Union as a model for +imitation. He foresaw clearly the confusion and jealousies likely to be +engendered in such a country as Ireland by repeated elections amongst a +body whose title to the right of election rested on hereditary grounds, +and he felt that the frequent recurrence to such contests would re-open +old grievances and party feuds, and, instead of satisfying the +expectations of the Peers, would only create a new element of +discontent. The elective principle was the single feature in the Scotch +Union which Lord Grenville seems to have considered injudicious and +impolitic. We gather from many passages in his letters that he regarded +harmony in the structure of the legislative body to be as essential to +its effective action as unity in the executive; and that the nearer the +House of Lords approached to permanency in the foundation of all its +parts, the more completely would it realize, as a whole, the +constitutional theory of an hereditary estate. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, Jan. 4th, 1799. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I have been so occupied this last week as really not to have had a + moment to write to you. We have indeed nothing to write; this frost + locks up all our communications; it has sent poor Tom back to us + after nine days' sea-sickness, and when I hoped he was already at + Berlin; and we are now told that less than a fortnight's thaw will + not open the intercourse again. In that time how many things may be + done, and what is worse, how many may not be done! Naples and + Sardinia, with all that belongs to them, you will have seen in the + French papers as fully as we, and we know no more. + + In this interval the Union engrosses all my thoughts. I worked hard + when Lord Castlereagh was here to assist in expediting his return, + for I clearly see that without communication the thing will not do, + and that there can be none but through him. I was better satisfied + than I had expected with his manner of doing business, which I + found both ready and clear; and he seems to me to have the success + of this measure most thoroughly at heart. Your letters teach me + still to indulge hopes of success, but the prospect is certainly + less favourable than it was, and the difficulties of Government + with its supporters will be proportionably increased. + + Before you receive this you will have learnt that Parnell has been + brought to a positive explanation of his sentiments. What the final + issue has been I do not yet know, but I conclude it will be + hostile, and in that case I think his removal will operate very + favourably, particularly in dissipating the foolish idea you + mention. + + Lord Castlereagh brought over here a plan for the election of the + Commons which was approved, and indeed I am satisfied it is the + most reasonable. As it admits only nine or ten single members from + cities, &c., and classes all the other boroughs _by twos_ it seems + to me free from most of the objections you mention; all we cannot + hope to obviate, but must on the whole choose between contending + inconveniences on both sides. It is a very great merit of this plan + in my eyes that it so closely follows the model of the Scotch + Union. + + Yet from that model I am tempted to think we ought to depart in the + election for the House of Lords, by choosing for life, and letting + the _electors_ sit in the House of Commons. When Lord Castlereagh + was here I drew a scheme for that purpose, which he has taken over + with him, in order to see which of the two plans is likely to be + most palatable to the Irish peerage--this, or the mode followed in + the Scotch Union. I own I think that the re-election of so large a + number as near fifty Peers in every Parliament would tend almost to + destroy the very principle of a House of Lords in our Constitution; + nor do I think a body of Peers excluded from Parliament (like the + Scotch) by any means a good elective body from Parliament to + Parliament. With one vacancy at a time, arising from death, they + may more safely be trusted. + + You gave me hopes some time since of receiving from you some ideas + about provision for Catholic and Dissenting Clergy. I am very + anxious for them. + + Adieu, I have exhausted my paper and my light. + + God bless you. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, Jan. 10th, 1799. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + * * * It is for you to send news, and not to receive it, for + nothing is interesting just now but what relates to Ireland and the + Union. Twelve days bring us to the prologue, to this swelling + scene, as Shakspeare calls it. How long it will be before the + _denouement_, and what that _denouement_ will be, and what the + piece, who shall say? + + Your chief Governor, you know, is not given to be very + communicative, either to his employers or to any one else; but I + collect from the statement in the newspapers that he has resolved + to adopt, without further reference here, the suggestions which + Lord Castlereagh carried over as to the members of the two Houses + in the United Parliament. I am very glad of it as to the House of + Lords, not only from parental fondness, but because on solid + grounds, as I think, I very much feared the effect of a septennial + election of fifty Peers not chosen by the very best possible bodies + of electors. + + As to the House of Commons, it is almost entirely a question of + local expediency as to the best chance of satisfying _Messieurs les + interesses_; for you and I, who are not parliamentary reformers + (and, thank God, never were), do not hold very high the superior + virtue of a man chosen by one mode of election rather than by + another. I am, however, entirely satisfied that the plan of a + resident committee at Dublin was impracticable; and even if it had + not been so, the universal prejudice was so strong against it here, + on the part of everybody of every description who was talked to on + the subject, that it put the execution of such a plan totally out + of the question. The strongest, and with me quite decisive, + argument against it was the introduction into our Constitution of a + principle so perfectly novel and anomalous; the merit of the Scotch + Union having been, and that of the Irish being intended to be, its + simplicity, and the precision with which everything new is + accommodated to the existing state of our Constitution and + Government. In the Scotch Union, the Peerage was the only + exception; and in the present case we are, as you see, labouring to + bring even that point nearer to the actual practice. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + +Lord Cornwallis had been avowedly selected for Ireland on account of his +military talents. But his Administration did not satisfy the Cabinet. +Lord Grenville, who confesses to the feeling of disappointment with +which he reflects upon the results of the appointment, makes allowances +for the failure on the ground that Lord Cornwallis undertook the office +unwillingly, and from a sense of public duty alone, and that he had +experienced nothing but disgusts and mortifications. In this case, +however, as in all former cases, the difficulty was to find a successor. +There was, also, another consideration which Lord Grenville points +out--the evils that always attended a change of Government in Ireland, +even from worse to better. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dropmore, Jan. 28th, 1799. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I am much more mortified than surprised at the event of the House + of Commons debate on the Union; for though Lord Castlereagh wrote + (as he talked) with confidence, yet one saw very clearly the + elements of ratting. I rejoice to hear that you think the question + recoverable, because I am more than ever of opinion that it must be + tried again and again, till it succeeds. With respect to the person + in whose hands it has failed, I may say to you (in _our_ + confidence) that my opinion does not very much differ from yours, + if indeed it does at all. Since he has been in Ireland I have seen + no one trait of that character which I thought he had displayed in + former situations of great difficulty, and for which I still gave + him credit, though a nearer view of his mind had certainly + diminished the impressions which I once entertained on the subject. + Sorry I am to confess that I concurred heartily and eagerly in his + appointment, a measure, my share in which I shall deplore to the + hour of my death, though I certainly have nothing to reproach + myself with on that account, having done conscientiously what I + then thought the best, though I did not, even then, think it so + good as others did. + + The question of his removal is, however, a very difficult one + indeed--one of the most embarrassing circumstances attending the + present state of Ireland being, that in that office, above all + others, the effect of change, even from worse to better, is + frequently, if not always, more mischievous than the continuance of + the evil. A violent and precipitate removal just now would, I + think, totally unhinge the Government, and it would, above all, + throw the whole absolutists at the feet of those who _perhaps_ (I + think, _certainly_) need not have been made enemies, but who being + such, must be guarded against as such. Lord Cornwallis never did + like the situation; he accepted it unwillingly, and, to do him + justice, I believe solely from a sense of public duty. Since he has + held it he has experienced nothing but disgusts of every kind, and + mortification in every shape, arising no doubt in a very great + degree from his own misconduct, but not on that account the less + galling to his mind. He can therefore certainly have no desire to + stay, and, I should think, would very probably desire to quit at + the close of this session, if the dread of foreign invasion is at + that time not very urgent. + + But if it is, what officer have we to oppose to the domestic and + external enemies whom we should in such case have to meet? In a + situation requiring above all others the mixture of civil and + military talents, to a degree that the Duke of Marlborough scarce + possessed them, and for which we must provide by sending some old + woman in a red riband that has not a grain of either. + + You see it is easy enough to start difficulties, but I do not think + myself quite so ready at expedients as I wish I was. This is, I + believe, a case where nothing is to be done just now, but to remain + quite steady, announcing an unalterable purpose of carrying this + great measure, and a fixed persuasion that we must succeed in it. + And as to all the rest, if Paddy will set fire to his own house, we + must try to put it out if we can, and if we cannot, we must keep + the engine ready to play upon our own. + + I rejoice that you took the determination, both of not speaking or + attending this question in the Irish House of Lords, and of giving + your proxy to the Chancellor, which was at once showing him a mark + of attention and confidence, which he well deserves, and + manifesting your own sentiments in the only way at all consistent + with your situation. A little more than two months will now close + your pilgrimage, from which you will return with the satisfaction + of having done a great deal of good, though not quite all that you + might have done if others had done their part. + + God bless you. + + You will see in to-day's papers the fate of the poor King of + Naples. The infatuation of the Emperor is like nothing but that of + an Irish Orangeman. + +Towards the end of January, Mr. Thomas Grenville again left England on +his mission; but his second departure proved even more unfortunate and +disastrous than the first. The vessel in which he had sailed was +supposed to have made the Elbe, and to have been lost in the ice. The +distressing tidings, or rather the terrible apprehensions caused by the +absence of any authentic or reliable intelligence, were immediately +forwarded to Lord Buckingham. For several days this state of dreadful +suspense continued. Every fragment of news that afforded the slightest +ground of hope was eagerly seized upon; and, in the anxious solicitude +of that affection which appears so touchingly all throughout these +letters, Lord Grenville communicated to Lord Buckingham all he could +learn from day to day. At last came the joyful intelligence that he was +safe! This happy news was rapidly followed by letters from Mr. Grenville +himself, and from his Secretary, Mr. Fisher, announcing his landing at +Cuxhaven, and his subsequent arrival at Berlin. + + +MR. FISHER TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cuxhaven, Thursday, Feb. 7th, 1799. + MY DEAR LORD, + + I cannot think of leaving this place without first acquainting you + of our safe arrival here, after experiencing a thousand dangers and + difficulties in consequence of our ship having run aground on the + Newerk bank, at the entrance of the Elbe. + + Mr. Grenville, I am delighted to be able to assure you, is in good + health, notwithstanding the extreme fatigue he has undergone since + Thursday last. The few hours he stays here being entirely occupied + with writing letters of business, he fears he shall not have time + to write to you from hence. The same reasons, my dear Lord, will + deprive me of the honour of giving you, at the present moment, the + details of our misfortunes. The officers and crew are all saved + with the exception of thirteen seamen, and one woman and child, who + were frozen to death in attempting to gain Newerk from the wreck. + We are without a change of any one article of dress, and we fear + there is little probability of saving any part of our baggage. We, + however, proceed on our journey in a few hours to Berlin, from + whence it shall be my first care to write to you the particulars of + the melancholy events of the last week. Mr. Wynne is quite well, + and has on every occasion of danger and difficulty shown the + greatest fortitude and discretion. + + I beg to be recalled to the remembrance of Lady Buckingham. Believe + me, my dear Lord, to be ever, with the most grateful attachment, + your Lordship's most obliged and most devoted servant, + + EDWARD FISHER. + + +MR. T. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cuxhaven, Feb. 7th, 1799. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + The fatigue which I have undergone, added to the necessity of my + writing several letters upon my arrival here, makes it impossible + for me to say more to you than that I am alive and well, after a + miraculous escape from the 'Proserpine,' which ran ashore off + Searhorn, and a second danger, scarcely less, yesterday morning, in + a long walk to gain this place, during which we were overtaken by + the tide and forced to wade for an hour, in the hardest frost I + ever felt, against a strong current of tide, which was sometimes up + to, and sometimes above our middle. We are all, however, well + to-day, and I proceed this evening towards Berlin, as well as my + fatigues will allow me. I cannot say enough to you of Mr. Fisher's + behaviour in these trials of danger; his resources, his attachment, + and his kind attentions in assisting our poor Henry, and lessening, + where he could, the inconvenience of my situation, have entitled + him and ensured to him the sincerest and warmest regard. Henry, + likewise, has been a stout mariner, and has shown a fortitude much + beyond his years. + + I find no Italian news except a report of the French having + possession of Naples. They have, likewise, Ehrenbreitstein. When + will they have Berlin? We have not a shirt in company. My loss, + about L700. + + God Almighty bless and preserve you. + +Having arrived safely at Berlin, Mr. Grenville gives a sketch of his +first impressions of the King of Prussia and his Court. + + +MR. T. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Berlin, Feb. 28th, 1799. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + The journal which Mr. Fisher has shown to me, and which he proposes + to send to you by this messenger, will give you a much more + accurate account of our voyage than I could pretend to do if I had + time to undertake it; but that is unfortunately so far from being + the case, that I can with difficulty catch a short time by this + opportunity to write even a few words to you. + + We arrived here on the 17th, and I have scarcely yet got through + the endless presentations and the weary first suppers of the + Princes, which engross the whole evening from six in the evening + till one in the morning. I have seen the King hitherto very little, + but I am going to dine with him to-day; he is thought to be + well-disposed in his general intentions, perfectly aware of all he + has to fear from the great nation whom he detests and abhors; but + having no original opinions of his own, nor habits of forming his + own judgment, he falls unfortunately too much into the hands of the + military officers, particularly the aides-de-camp with whom he + lives, and their influence is, in consequence, powerful enough to + weigh sometimes against the opinions of the Ministers whom he + employs. + + The general idea here is, that the person who has most weight with + him is an aide-de-camp named Kochentz, of whose honesty there is no + suspicion, but whose talents and capacity are of a very inferior + description, and who is therefore open to the artifices of bad and + designing men, who work powerfully through him upon the King. + + Haugwiz is believed to be sincere in his apprehensions of the + general danger of French republicanism, and is considered as + struggling against the more immediate followers of the King, who + surround him daily, and haunt him with the dreadful consequences of + war to Prussia, and the old jealousies and distrusts of Austria. + + If the Court of Vienna should at last act, as I am almost disposed + to think they will rather than send back the Russian troops at the + requisition of France, the beginning of hostilities from that Court + cannot fail of producing a good effect here; the great danger is, + that while each is waiting for the other to begin, the time for + useful and effective exertion will pass by. + + I have seen Sieyes at Court with his scarf and cockade. What + Lavater would say of his features I know not, but I have seldom + seen a countenance of so bad impression. His manners, conduct and + appearance here have produced nothing but disgust in all that are + not of the lower ranks of life, but it is to those that his mission + is considered as being chiefly addressed, and he is said to have + both means and agents enough to work through upon the lower classes + of men here. + + I have heard nothing from England or Ireland since I left Yarmouth, + nothing of Union, and nothing of you; but how can I till the + summer, if the last ten days of soft weather will not unlock the + inhospitable ice of the Elbe at Cuxhaven? We are all well. God send + that you and yours are so. Love to Lord B. and George and Mary. The + Major is, I trust, soon expecting you in England. + + God bless you, dearest brother. You will be glad to hear great part + of my baggage is saved. + +The negotiations which the French had been carrying on at Rastadt +relative to the German boundaries, were broken off in consequence of the +Emperor having permitted the Russian troops to enter his dominions; and +on the 1st of March, the Directory having declared war against him, +Jourdan, at the head of forty thousand men, crossed the Rhine at Kehl +and Basle. Austria was now fairly committed to the war, and, +strengthened by the Russians, who entered into it with enthusiasm, +achieved a succession of important movements. On the 5th of March, the +Arch-Duke Charles crossed the Leck; and on the 25th, defeated Jourdan at +the battle of Stockach, and, leaving ten thousand men dead or expiring +on the field, compelled the French to retire towards the Rhine. This +triumph was followed up vigorously by the battle of Magnan, on the 5th +of April, in which the Austrians, under Kray, joined by the vanguard of +the Russians, effected so signal a victory, that Scherer, beaten for the +third time in the course of the campaign, fled in precipitation across +the Nincio. The effect of these encouraging successes was utterly lost +on the Court of Prussia, where the policy, or no-policy, of doing +nothing still prevailed over the counsels of friends, and the menaces of +enemies. The picture Mr. Grenville gives of the weakness and incapacity +of the Government suggests the only intelligible explanation of the +conduct they pursued at this juncture. + + +MR. T. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Berlin, April 17th, 1799. + + If I am behind-hand, my dearest brother, in thanking you for your + two letters of the 11th and 24th of March, I am less so than those + dates would lead you to imagine, for the messengers did not bring + me the first of them till a week ago, and the last arrived here + only the day before yesterday. The amities of the 'Proserpine' are + out of date with me, and would long ago have been forgotten, if + they were not daily recalled to me by new and continued proofs of + the affectionate interest which has been taken in them. To know + what you would feel in a state of anxiety and suspense which I + could not relieve, was a distress greater to me than the fatigue + and danger which accompanied my escape. It has ended well, and I + trust it will not be long before we shall laugh over it together. + + I presume that you will have heard from William how exactly the + politics of Berlin have continued to remain in _statu quo_; how + much more occupied they are in enumerating the follies and + disgraces of Austria, than in adapting their own conduct to any + wise system or any liberal principles, and how little applicable + are the measures which they take, either to the danger which they + fear, or to the hopes which they entertain. Their fear of France + is, however, not dissembled by them, and certainly is not affected + by them; it engrosses all their attention, and furnishes to them + great and constant disquietude in the present, and serious + apprehension for the future. But as there is no man of leading and + commanding talents enough to show them the greatness of their + danger, and to provoke from the public the adequate means of + resisting it, there is nothing done by the Government, and they are + living on from day to day, conscious of all they have to fear, but + destitute of energy and activity, and submitting to a state of + things which could only be produced by the most extreme weakness + and incapacity; for you will certainly have remarked that the + little influence which Prussia exercises, either from her hopes or + fears, in Europe, is not owing to the defeat of any great and + ambitious projects, is not to be attributed to the disappointment + of any great plans, civil or military, but to a total absence of + any leading and governing talents in those who direct the measures + which prevail here. + + It has been the fashion, I know, to consider the influencing men + here as having views and principles of a bad description, and as + being engaged in a systematic course of conduct pursued by them + with great address and dissimulation. It is perhaps presumptuous in + a stranger, as I am, to trust to any opinion formed upon so short a + residence amongst them, but if I am sure of anything, I tell myself + I may be sure that the miserable policy which is seen here is very + much more weak than wicked, and the wretched state of Government + much more to be attributed to the absence of great talents than the + influence of deep and dangerous designs. Whatever be the cause, the + effect is the same; and although it seems to be a pretty universal + opinion that Prussia must and will at length be driven into war, + they are content rather to let their enemy choose that moment for + the commencement of hostilities, than make common cause and fight + one common battle, which in my conscience I believe would be + successful. Indeed, the Austrian successes in driving the French to + the Rhine, if they are followed by similar success in Switzerland, + will almost justify one's hope that, even without Prussia, the + French may in this campaign be pushed back upon their own country; + and the continued state of insurrection in the Low Countries, where + the republican troops can scarcely restrain the inhabitants, give + good hopes on that side as soon as any solid force could be made to + bear in that quarter. The zeal and enthusiasm of the Court of + Petersburg increases every hour, and they will become very + immediately principals in the war against France, both by word and + deed. + + In this immediate state of the negotiation, I am remaining here + more because there is an inclination in London to think I can do + good, than from any great good that is likely to be done. I am + very much obliged to you for your offer of a loan, which, however, + I hope will be unnecessary by the shortness of my stay. If that + should unexpectedly be prolonged, I will then have recourse to you + to assist by an advance the tardy payment of His Majesty's Envoys + Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary, who are always left in + arrears seven quarters for the better credit of the Court that + employs them. I hope my loss by the 'Proserpine' will turn out not + to exceed L600, as many things have been saved. + + I trust you are now happy and well at Stowe. God bless you, dearest + brother. + +By this time, Lord Buckingham had returned to England, and the next +despatch from Berlin is addressed to Stowe. The account of the +vacillation of the Court, and the sketch Mr. Grenville gives of the +King, are full of interest. Since he had last written, Suwaroff had +taken the command of the Austro-Russian armies in Italy, and in a short +time had expelled the French from the principal towns of the North, +which forced Macdonald to evacuate Naples, and cross the Apennines. + + +MR. T. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Berlin, May 25th, 1799. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + My last letters from Cleveland Row have, thank God, brought you + back safe and sound to your own fireside and to the many who share + the comforts of it with you; it cannot, I presume, be very long + before I may reckon myself of that number, although as I do not + like to do anything by halves, I consider myself as liable to duty + as long there is any fair demand to be made upon me. You will have + heard from William all that was to be heard of our hopes and of our + disappointments, and you will know likewise from him that our stock + of those articles is not yet exhausted, although the briskness of + the market is a little affected by the absence of the King. The + Berlin reviews being over, he has begun a military progress, which + will carry him through Brunswick, Minden and Wesel to Cassel and to + Anspach, and after various reviews in those places he will return + to Potsdam in the first week of July. + + Whether in the first of these places, or in the last, or in any of + them, he will have determined to take his part with us, remains to + be decided, and it will be less hazardous to abide the event than + to pretend to foretel it. It is certain that the inclination to war + has grown very much of late among all the thinking men in the + country, and the regular Ministers have agreed in recommending it + very strongly to the King; the disinclination to it is chiefly + found in the confidential aides-de-camp and the subordinate + characters, whose familiar habits with the King enable them to + exercise a very governing influence upon him. + + The King himself is, I believe, of a very well-disposed and honest + character; his inclinations are English, and his personal respect + for the King of England is very striking; his suspicion and dislike + of the French is also beyond all question, and there are so many + ingredients in his situation and character that should lead him to + an open declaration against France, that it is not easy to account + for the different line which he pursues; it must, however, be + attributed to the influence of the very weak persons who are in + familiar confidence with him, and to his being too diffident in + himself to decide upon the important measure of engaging Prussia in + war. I am, however, inclined to believe that such will at last be + his decision, though there is too much hesitation in his own mind + to give us any solid ground of reliance until he shall be + completely embarked. + + Meantime, all is going on prosperously under the active exertions + of Suwaroff, who is daily hemming in and menacing Turin, and who + has now advanced to Chivasso, and has detached Kaim with a + considerable force to the Valais. The general opinion here is that + the French will evacuate Switzerland whenever their line at + Luceinsteig and Coire is forced, and some accounts to-day seem to + announce that event as having happened. + + Moreau, with seventeen thousand men, is at Alexandria, and I + suppose the Naples army will try to join him, although Macdonald + will find that junction rather difficult to accomplish. + + We are all still waiting in anxious expectation for news of the + fleet. The Ministers here think the Mediterranean is the object, + and to me it seems not unlikely that they may pursue that object, + and at the same time detach to Ireland. + + God bless you, dearest brother. + +The occupation which was given by the Austrians and Russians to the +French troops in Italy and Germany, appearing to offer a favourable +opportunity to rescue Holland from the hands of the republicans, an +expedition, under the command of Sir Ralph Abercromby, set sail from +England on the 13th of August, and disembarked off the Helder. On the +30th, the Dutch fleet surrendered, and hoisted the Orange flag. In +order, probably, to give more weight and effect to a mission which had +for its object the restoration of the Stadtholder, it was proposed that +Lord Grenville should undertake an embassy to Holland, and that Mr. +Thomas Grenville (who had in the interim returned home) should proceed +to St. Petersburg. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dropmore, Sept. 5th, 1799. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I was much obliged to you for your kindness to us in writing on the + subject of Lady B. We earnestly hope that all cause of uneasiness + to you on her account has ceased, and that both fever and cold are + gone. If you would let anybody write us a line to say so, you would + much oblige us. + + You will have seen that, in spite of wind, we have succeeded at the + Texel. The Lieutenant says that the Dutch fleet had cut the buoys, + and run up into the Zuyder Zee. Lord D. was preparing to lay the + buoys down again, and to follow them, but it was not expected that + Storey would make any further resistance, more than half his fleet + being Stadtholderians. + + The wind is now changed to the N.E., as if to bring our Russians. + The Dutch reported that they were to have had nine thousand French + at the Helder by the Wednesday night, but that is doubted. I have + not learnt what their actual force is, but it appears that there + were some Trench there. We have now about seventeen thousand men + there, and when the transports return, we can, if necessary, send + ten thousand more, besides our eighteen thousand Russians. I trust, + therefore, I am not very sanguine in thinking the business as + nearly certain as one can allow oneself to call anything in these + times. + + But for the plans which we have in view, supposing this to + terminate well, and soon, we want full twenty thousand more British + force. Do you think it is possible to get them from the Militia? + and how? Dundas is revolving in his mind projects for the purpose, + but I should much wish to know from you whether you think the thing + practicable for a great object, and in what manner. + + An idea has been proposed to me, which I think I shall not be at + liberty to decline, if, when the time comes, I should myself be + satisfied that I could be of more use than other people: it is to + go to Holland as Ambassador Extraordinary, carrying myself and my + office there for about a month or six weeks, to help to fix Old + Stadt a little more firmly in his chair. You know I had destined + Tom to this service, and if he should go, I still think my going + would be quite superfluous. He had agreed to undertake the service + as a temporary one only; but I have been since urged to press him + to go to Petersburg, to establish a further concert there, and I + trust he will not refuse the earnest entreaties we have made him on + that subject. You may suppose that I do not look to this as a very + pleasant interlude to my other business, but I cannot deny that it + is at least possible I may be of use there, and if so, I must + practise as I preach. + + God bless you, my dearest brother. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dropmore, Sept. 5th, 1799. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + Your letter, which I received yesterday, though a little more + satisfactory than your former account, still leaves room for so + much uneasiness, that Lady G. and I are extremely anxious to hear + again from you, and I trust in God the answer will be such as to + set us quite at our ease; but the complaints of which you speak are + of so ugly a nature, that one cannot feel satisfied while any trace + of them remains. + + I have not yet my answer from Tom; but by an intermediate letter, + I guess that he will be very little disposed to undertake this + jaunt to Petersburg. Even if he should not, but should go to + Holland, I am not quite sure that I must not go, for as short a + time as I speak of, to assist him in Holland; not that personally + I have the vanity to think that I could do any part of the + business better, or as well as he, but my red boxes and my seals + would have a great effect in enabling me to expedite, and even in + some degree to _brusque_ a business which, if left to Dutch + arrangement only, or with nothing more than the usual aid of an + English Ambassador, would take not six months, as you say, but + six years, and not be done at last. + + I fully understand the nature of your offer, and should not + certainly have suspected even, if you had not explained it, that + you were canvassing for the delectable amusement of leaving Stowe + and England, to figure at the Hague or Petersburg. But the best + negotiation you can carry on for us just now would be one with the + Militia for giving us twenty thousand more men. I hardly dare say, + or let myself think, what we could do, or rather what we could not + do, with such a reinforcement, supposing Holland to go on quick, + and our troops not to suffer much from sickness; for of their + suffering in battle there, I am not much afraid. + + If any fresh parliamentary authority is necessary, we can now call + Parliament together in a fortnight. I will write to Dundas, as you + desire. If I had known of his coming to town to review his East + India regiment, I would have proposed precisely the Dropmore plan + you speak of; but I fear you could hardly have looked at it at that + moment, and I presume he is gone back to Walmer; I shall, however, + expect his answer. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Dropmore, Sept. 9th, 1799. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I hope, from your account, that the worst is over, and that Lady B. + will continue to mend, but we shall be very anxious to hear that it + is so. If nothing new arise, and if we shall not be troublesome to + you, we think of being with you on Wednesday in next week; but pray + let us know if you would wish us to delay our visit. + + If the project holds respecting Holland, it is likely, I think, + that I shall not be much longer before I am called upon to begin my + preparations. I have as yet no answer from Tom, but I shall have + one to-day or to-morrow; for we know that the wind changed to the + eastward on the other side the water on Friday, and we have three + mails due. + + Our first division of Russians, five thousand two hundred men, are + arrived, and are under sailing orders for the Texel. Popham left + the second division at Elsineur on Sunday last; and calculates that + both this and the rear division, amounting together to above eleven + thousand men, will be here by Tuesday or Wednesday next. Our own + transports were also beginning to arrive, so that we shall have to + send them in the course of a week or ten days a reinforcement of + twenty-six thousand men, besides cavalry. I have no doubt that this + is more than sufficient, with tolerable activity and enterprise, to + do our work completely, and in a very few weeks--I might almost say + days--for we have the command of the Zuyder Zee, by which we can + turn the enemy on their right, and of the North Sea, which equally + turns their left; and they have, I am confident, no means of + assembling an army of half the force of ours, to oppose it in + front. All this, however, is a question of time; for if that is + allowed them, one can answer for nothing. + + We have not heard of Abercromby (nor indeed could we) since the + 31st. He was then preparing to march forward to Alkmaar. Have you + got Wiebeking's map of Holland and Utrecht? If not, let anybody + write for it for you from Hamburgh. You will see, indeed, in any + map, a little promontory that runs forward opposite to Amsterdam, + on the north bank of the Y., between Buyksloot and Newdam. The + opinion of persons of the country is, that if we can make ourselves + masters of that point, Amsterdam is open to be bombarded, and must + capitulate on the first summons. All the other advantages of the + country we have to act in, upon our line of march, are obvious by + looking at the map. The disadvantages are, the facility of + retarding our march by defending the dykes and narrow causeways + along which we must pass; but a great superiority of force will + enable us to surmount many of these. The French papers talk of + having marched against us the garrisons of the Generality. So much + the better if it is so, for then we shall not find them there, and + the fact itself proves (if even our intelligence were defective) + how little other force they have in the country. + + I am greatly obliged to you for what you have written on the + subject of the Militia. It seems to me that allowing the Militia to + volunteer by companies for a fixed time is the best suggestion I + have yet heard. But it would be necessary to consider, on a + statement of numbers, how many could be so procured from all the + Militias--English, Scotch, and Irish--though, with respect to these + last, there is, I fear, an insurmountable difficulty, from the + necessity of assembling Parliament, which could not be done in + Ireland without broaching the question of Union before we are + prepared for it. + + Less than twenty thousand men would not, on the most sanguine + calculations, answer our object, and the issue of the war so much + depends upon it that we should be unpardonable to omit any possible + effort that we could make for it. What we want is to be able to + garrison Holland with twenty thousand men so as to have as soon as + possible after the conquest of it the means of disposing of our + whole army now there. It is a very doubtful question, I think, + whether our Militia volunteering would be more or less promoted if + we confined our proposal to that particular service, and sent our + Militia battalions into the Dutch garrisons, employing the army now + there in the active service, or if we took the offer generally for + foreign service, and made such distribution between the two as + might best suit our convenience. + + There would be no difficulty as to Parliament; we can call them + together at a fortnight's notice. We would do so for this object + alone. The King would speak of nothing else, and ask no supply; and + we could easily, in a moment of triumph like the present, exclude + all other discussions, so that the execution, were the plan once + arranged to the satisfaction of the Militia officers, would take up + not more than ten days or a fortnight at most. + + If anything new occurs to you upon it, let me hear it. If not, we + will talk it over when we meet; but as that is always precarious, + write if you have anything to suggest upon it. + + Ever yours, + G. + +A year, memorable in the annals of the war for the European confederacy +which was formed by the energies of England to resist the aggressions of +France, and for the successes by which it was crowned, was now drawing +to a close. How much of that vast machinery of diplomacy, of that +activity in council and promptitude in action, by which the happy +results were obtained, may be justly attributed to the genius and +firmness of the distinguished statesmen whose correspondence forms the +substance of these volumes, need scarcely be pointed out; nor would it +be becoming in this work to pronounce the eulogy which their virtues and +patriotism deserve. That grateful duty may be securely left to history. + +The last letter of the year appropriately terminates the record of its +events, by a general outline of the projects that were contemplated and +in preparation for the arduous and important period that marked the +opening of the nineteenth century. + + +LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. + + Cleveland Row, Nov. 6th, 1799. + MY DEAREST BROTHER, + + I have just received your letter. My business seems to increase + upon me so much that I fear I must abandon all hope of my Stowe + project. I heartily wish that I could see the means of executing + the idea you mention, but our force is not as yet sufficient for + the purpose, especially considering that the possession of the + country would give the enemy such incalculable advantage over an + army whose communication would be maintained in that season across + the Channel. We cannot well put the army brought back from Holland + at more than thirty thousand effective men, including Russians. + Twenty or twenty-five thousand Militia volunteers, English and + Irish, may be added to this during the winter if our last measure + succeeds, and other additions will also be gradually coming + forward; but I doubt whether even then we shall have enough to + encounter the mass of force which the enemy could bring against us + in his own country, if not occupied by some serious attack on the + other side. + + Our system must therefore, I think, of necessity be this, viz.: to + complete the winter in negotiating on the continent, in furnishing + supplies to the royalists, who have, however, shown themselves much + too soon, both for their own interest and ours; and in nursing up + our own force to make it as considerable and as fit for action as + we can. + + In the spring its employment must be regulated by the state of the + other two points. If Austria has made her peace (which, though + certainly not improbable, I do not however consider as the most + likely event), and if the royalists are crushed, our force can then + only be used in desultory expeditions to annoy the enemy, and + weaken his means of acting against us; for to make a serious + impression on France with sixty, or even eighty thousand men, + unsupported by any diversion, is impossible, and the attempt can + only lead to disaster, and to the loss of the only army we ever can + have during this war. This was our situation in 1798. We fought + manfully through it under much greater disadvantages than we should + now have to meet. The enemy was stronger and more abundant in + resources. We were weaker in force, and the extent of our means was + unknown even to ourselves. + + If, on the contrary, the French are materially occupied either by + Austria, or by royalists, or still better if by both, we may then + choose our own point of attack; our fleet will threaten the whole + coast from Cadiz to the Texel and Delfzuyl, and nothing but a + course of ill luck, equal to that of this year, can deprive us of + the benefit of a fortnight or three weeks' start in whatever point + we really attack. + + I should be sorry that any degree even of private blame in people's + minds should attach on the Duke of York, who has, I really believe, + had no other fault on this occasion than that of following, perhaps + too implicitly, the advice of those whose advice he was desired to + follow. In many things he has certainly done extremely well. + + The business of the Union is going on well, and I trust rapidly + approaching to a conclusion. Even if it were possible that we + should again fail next year, still I should regard the ultimate + success of the measure as certain. + + I have been ruminating on some ecclesiastical projects, but I do + not know whether I shall be able to bring them to bear, nor do I + yet possess all the knowledge of the actual state of things which + is necessary in order to enable me to fix my own judgment. They + relate to the two points of episcopal jurisdiction and + superintendence, and residence of parochial clergy. + + My notion is to strengthen, if necessary, the legal powers of the + bishops, so as to give them effective means, both of suspension and + deprivation, in all cases, both of improper life and manners, and + of remissness in the execution of certain _stated duties_ which + they are to be required to exact from all their parochial clergy. + To enable them, from the chapters in their dioceses, at their own + choice, to augment the number of their archdeacons or _visitants_, + under whatever name may best suit the old constitutional forms of + our Church. To require them, or in their absence, the archdeacon, + or other proper person, to hold fixed and invariable annual + visitations; at which, calling, if necessary, to their assistance a + certain number of their beneficed or dignified clergy, they should + receive the reports of their archdeacons and other visitants, and + should _at such visitation_, or at furthest at the next visitation, + proceed by sentence either of suspension or deprivation against all + persons who should appear on such reports to be of scandalous life + or conversation, or to have published irreligious, immoral, or + seditious books, or to have been remiss in the performance of such + _stated duties_ as above. Lastly, to compel the bishops to return + these reports, and their proceedings thereon at their visitations, + to their metropolitans, by whom they should be annually laid before + the King, with their observations thereon. + + As to parochial residence, the idea would be to require that no + person shall on any pretence be non-resident on his living, without + appointing a curate to be there _constantly_ resident in his room. + And to charge on the consolidated fund a sum sufficient to make up + every living throughout the kingdom to the amount of L70 per annum, + with the single exception of such parishes as, being adjacent to + each other, it might be fit to _conjoin_ for this purpose, by the + act of proper commissioners to act with the bishop, &c. + + When, therefore, the living fell short of L70, the parson would + receive the difference from the public, but would be compelled to + personal and constant residence, (and some provision might be made + for the residence and maintenance of his curate in the single case + of absence with the bishop's licence, from _extreme necessity_ of + sickness). When the living amounted to L70 or upwards, he would + have the choice, as at present, of residing, or finding some legal + excuse for non-residence; but in the latter case he would be + obliged to provide a curate _constantly_ resident. And in both + cases proper certificates of residence would be required to be + produced to the _visitants_. + + The hardship, whatever it was, which this regulation would bring on + the body of the clergy at large (I do not speak of particular + cases), would be amply compensated by the addition which the + Legislature would thus make to the smaller livings; and the expense + of this last measure would be much more than compensated to the + public, by the benefit which must arise from the constant residence + of a clergyman in every parish throughout the kingdom. + + By what I have called _stated duties_ above, I mean, that from + these resident clergymen, who would no longer have the plea of + other duty to perform, I would certainly exact, by enumeration, + many points of their duty (evening service, catechism, visitation + of sick, and other points), which are now growing, or grown into + disuse. + + You would much oblige me by your ideas on these points. On the + first I have been told that it is no more, or little more, than the + law as it now exists. All I can say is, that I am sure it is not + the practice as it now exists; and that this is not the only case + where it has been found to be highly useful to re-enact, with small + variation, the existing law, in order to call the attention and + excite the zeal, both of those who are to execute the law, and of + those who are to obey it. + + You are not, I am very certain, one of those extremely profound + politicians who have, among other happy discoveries of this age, + found out that the religion of the people has no influence on its + morals, or its morals on the prosperity and good government of the + State. You will not, therefore, think that an attention to this + subject is either unbecoming Government and Parliament, or is ill + suited to such a moment as the present. + + God bless you, my dear brother. + + Ever most affectionately yours, + G. + + +THE END. + + +LONDON: +Printed by Schulze and Co., 13, Poland Street. + + * * * * * + + + + +13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. +COLBURN AND CO.'S LIST +#Of Interesting New Works.# + + +FIFTH AND CHEAPER EDITION, REVISED. + +In One Vol., Post 8vo. 10s. 6d. bound. + +LORD GEORGE BENTINCK, +A POLITICAL BIOGRAPHY. + +BY THE RT. HON. B. DISRAELI, M.P. + +FROM BLACKWOOD'S MAGAZINE.--"This biography cannot fail to attract the +deep attention of the public. We are bound to say, that as a political +biography we have rarely, if ever, met with a book more dexterously +handled, or more replete with interest. The exertions of Lord George +Bentinck in behalf of every assailed or depressed branch of British and +Colonial industry--the vast pains which he took in procuring authentic +information--and the enormous amount of private labour he underwent in +the preparation of those materials which have thrown a novel light upon +disputed doctrines of economy--are faithfully chronicled in this most +interesting volume. The history of the famous session of 1846, as +written by Disraeli in that brilliant and pointed style of which he is +so consummate a master, is deeply interesting. He has traced this +memorable struggle with a vivacity and power unequalled as yet in any +narrative of Parliamentary proceedings." + +FROM THE DUBLIN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE.--"A political biography of Lord +George Bentinck by Mr. Disraeli must needs be a work of interest and +importance. Either the subject or the writer would be sufficient to +invest it with both--the combination surrounds it with peculiar +attractions. In this most interesting volume Mr. Disraeli has produced a +memoir of his friend in which he has combined the warmest enthusiasm of +affectionate attachment with the calmness of the critic, and in which he +has not only added to his reputation, but we verily believe must +increase his influence even as a politician." + +FROM THE MORNING HERALD--"Mr. Disraeli's tribute to the memory of his +departed friend is as graceful and as touching as it is accurate and +impartial. No one of Lord George Bentinck's colleagues could have been +selected, who, from his high literary attainments, his personal +intimacy, and party associations, would have done such complete justice +to the memory of a friend and Parliamentary associate. Mr. Disraeli has +here presented us with the very type and embodiment of what history +should be. His sketch of the condition of parties is seasoned with some +of those piquant personal episodes of party manoeuvres and private +intrigues, in the author's happiest and most captivating vein, which +convert the dry details of politics into a sparkling and agreeable +narrative. But the portrait which will stamp the book as one of the most +extraordinary productions of the time is that of Sir Robert Peel. It is +written with wonderful force and extraordinary impartiality." + + +THE LIFE OF MARIE DE MEDICIS, +QUEEN OF FRANCE, +CONSORT OF HENRY IV., AND REGENT UNDER LOUIS XIII. + +BY MISS PARDOE. +Author of "Louis XIV. and the Court of France in the 17th Century," &c. + +In 3 large vols. 8vo., with Fine Portraits, 42s. bound. + +"A fascinating book. The history of such a woman as the beautiful, +impulsive earnest, and affectionate Marie de Medicis could only be done +justice to by a female pen, impelled by all the sympathies of womanhood, +but strengthened by an erudition by which it is not in every case +accompanied. In Miss Pardoe the unfortunate Queen has found both these +requisites, and the result has been a biography combining the +attractiveness of romance with the reliableness of history, and which, +taking a place midway between the 'frescoed galleries' of Thierry, and +the 'philosophic watch-tower of Guizot,' has all the pictorial +brilliancy of the one, with much of the reflective speculation of the +other."--_Daily News._ + +"A valuable, well-written, and elaborate biography, displaying an +unusual amount of industry and research."--_Morning Chronicle._ + +"A careful and elaborate historical composition, rich in personal +anecdote. Nowhere can a more intimate acquaintance be obtained with the +principal events and leading personages of the first half of the 17th +century."--_Morning Post._ + +"A work of high literary and historical merit. Rarely have the strange +vicissitudes of romance been more intimately blended with the facts of +real history than in the life of Marie de Medicis; nor has the difficult +problem of combining with the fidelity of biography the graphic power of +dramatic delineation been often more successfully solved than by the +talented author of the volumes before us. As a personal narrative, Miss +Pardoe's admirable biography possesses the most absorbing and constantly +sustained interest; as a historical record of the events of which it +treats, its merit is of no ordinary description."--_John Bull._ + +"A life more dramatic than that of Marie de Medicis has seldom been +written; one more imperially tragic, never. The period of French history +chosen by Miss Pardoe is rich in all manner of associations, and brings +together the loftiest names and most interesting events of a stirring +and dazzling epoch. She has been, moreover, exceedingly fortunate in her +materials. A manuscript of the Commandeur de Rambure, Gentleman of the +Bedchamber under the Kings Henry IV., Louis XIII., and Louis XIV., +consisting of the memoirs of the writer, with all the most memorable +events which took place during the reigns of those three Majesties, from +the year 1594 to that of 1660, was placed at her disposal by M. de la +Plane, Member of the Institut Royal de la France. This valuable record +is very voluminous, and throws a flood of light on every transaction. Of +this important document ample use has been judiciously made by Miss +Pardoe; and her narrative, accordingly, has a fulness and particularity +possessed by none other, and which adds to the dramatic interest of the +subject. The work is very elegantly written, and will be read with +delight. It forms another monument to the worthiness of female intellect +in the age we live in."--_Illustrated News._ + + +MEMOIRS OF THE +BARONESS D'OBERKIRCH, + +ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE SECRET HISTORY OF +THE COURTS OF FRANCE, RUSSIA, AND GERMANY. + +WRITTEN BY HERSELF, +And Edited by Her Grandson, the COUNT DE MONTBRISON. + +3 Vols. Post 8vo., 31s. 6d. bound. + +The Baroness d'Oberkirch, being the intimate friend of the Empress of +Russia, wife of Paul I., and the confidential companion of the Duchess +of Bourbon, her facilities for obtaining information respecting the most +private affairs of the principal Courts of Europe, render her Memoirs +unrivalled as a book of interesting anecdotes of the royal, noble, and +other celebrated individuals who flourished on the continent during the +latter part of the last century. Among the royal personages introduced +to the reader in this work, are Louis XVI., Marie Antoinette, Philip +Egalite, and all the Princes of France then living--Peter the Great, the +Empress Catherine, the Emperor Paul, and his sons Constantine and +Alexander, of Russia--Frederick the Great and Prince Henry of +Prussia--The Emperor Joseph II. of Austria--Gustavus III. of +Sweden--Princess Christina of Saxony--Sobieski, and Czartoriski of +Poland--and the Princes of Brunswick and Wurtemberg. Among the +remarkable persons are the Princes and Princesses de Lamballe, de Ligne +and Galitzin--the Dukes and Duchesses de Choiseul, de Mazarin, de +Boufflers, de la Valliere, de Guiche, de Penthievre, and de +Polignac--Cardinal de Rohan, Marshals Biron and d'Harcourt, Count de +Staremberg, Baroness de Krudener, Madame Geoffrin, Talleyrand, Mirabeau, +and Necker--with Count Cagliostro, Mesmer, Vestris, and Madame Mara; and +the work also includes such literary celebrities as Voltaire, Condorcet, +de la Harpe, de Beaumarchais, Rousseau, Lavater, Bernouilli, Raynal, de +l'Epee, Huber, Goethe, Wieland, Malesherbes, Marmontel, de Stael and de +Genlis; with some singular disclosures respecting those celebrated +Englishwomen, Elizabeth Chudleigh, Duchess of Kingston, and Lady Craven, +Margravine of Anspach. + +"The Baroness d'Oberkirch, whose remarkable Memoirs are here given to +the public, saw much of courts and courtiers, and her Memoirs are filled +with a variety of anecdotes, not alone of lords and ladies, but of +emperors and empresses, kings and queens, and reigning princes and +princesses. As a picture of society anterior to the French Revolution, +the book is the latest and most perfect production of its sort extant; +and as such, besides its minor value as a book of amusement, it +possesses a major value as a work of information, which in the interest +of historical truth, is, without exaggeration, almost +incalculable."--_Observer._ + +"Thoroughly genuine and unaffected, these Memoirs display the whole mind +of a woman who was well worth knowing, and relate a large part of her +experience among people with whose names and characters the world will +be at all times busy. A keen observer, and by position thrown in the +high places of the world, the Baroness d'Oberkirch was the very woman to +write Memoirs that would interest future generations. We commend these +volumes most heartily to every reader. They are a perfect magazine of +pleasant anecdotes and interesting characteristic things. We lay down +these charming volumes with regret. They will entertain the most +fastidious readers, and instruct the most informed."--_Examiner._ + +"An intensely interesting autobiography."--_Morning Chronicle._ + +"A valuable addition to the personal history of an important period. The +volumes deserve general popularity."--_Daily News._ + +"One of the most interesting pieces of contemporary history, and one of +the richest collections of remarkable anecdotes and valuable +reminiscences ever produced."--_John Bull._ + + +THE MARVELS OF SCIENCE, +AND THEIR TESTIMONY TO HOLY WRIT; +A POPULAR MANUAL OF THE SCIENCES. + +BY S. W. FULLOM, ESQ. + +DEDICATED BY PERMISSION TO THE KING OF HANOVER. + +Second Edition, Revised. 1 vol. Post 8vo. + +"This work treats of the whole origin of nature in an intelligent style; +it puts into the hands of every man the means of information on facts +the most sublime, and converts into interesting and eloquent description +problems which once perplexed the whole genius of mankind. We +congratulate the author on his research, his information, and his +graceful and happy language."--_Britannia._ + +"The skill displayed in the treatment of the sciences is not the least +marvel in the volume. The reasonings of the author are forcible, +fluently expressed, and calculated to make a deep impression. Genuine +service has been done to the cause of Revelation by the issue of such a +book, which is more than a mere literary triumph. It is a good +action."--_Globe._ + +"Its tone is grave, grand, and argumentative, and rises to the majesty +of poetry. As a commentary upon the stupendous facts which exist in the +universe, it is truly a work which merits our admiration, and we +unhesitatingly refer our readers to its fascinating pages."--_Dispatch._ + +"Without parading the elaborate nature of his personal investigations, +the author has laid hold of the discoveries in every department of +natural science in a manner to be apprehended by the meanest +understanding, but which will at the same time command the attention of +the scholar."--_Messenger._ + +"A grand tour of the sciences. Mr. Fullom starts from the Sun, runs +round by the Planets, noticing Comets as he goes, and puts up for a rest +at the Central Sun. He gets into the Milky Way, which brings him to the +Fixed Stars and Nebulae. He munches the crust of the Earth, and looks +over Fossil Animals and Plants. This is followed by a disquisition on +the science of the Scriptures. He then comes back to the origin of the +Earth, visits the Magnetic Poles, gets among Thunder and Lightning, +makes the acquaintance of Magnetism and Electricity, dips into Rivers, +draws science from Springs, goes into Volcanoes, through which he is +drawn into a knot of Earthquakes, comes to the surface with Gaseous +Emanations, and sliding down a Landslip, renews his journey on a ray of +Light, goes through a Prism, sees a Mirage, meets with the Flying +Dutchman, observes an Optical Illusion, steps over the Rainbow, enjoys a +dance with the Northern Aurora, takes a little Polarized Light, boils +some Water, sets a Steam-Engine in motion, witnesses the expansion of +Metals, looks at the Thermometer, and refreshes himself with Ice. Soon +he is at Sea, examining the Tides, tumbling on the Waves, swimming, +diving, and ascertaining the pressure of Fluids. We meet him next in the +Air, running through all its properties. Having remarked on the +propagation of Sounds, he pauses for a bit of Music, and goes off into +the Vegetable Kingdom, then travels through the Animal Kingdom, and +having visited the various races of the human family, winds up with a +demonstration of the Anatomy of Man."--_Examiner._ + + +THE LITERATURE AND ROMANCE +OF NORTHERN EUROPE. + +CONSTITUTING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE LITERATURE OF SWEDEN, DENMARK, +NORWAY, AND ICELAND, WITH COPIOUS SPECIMENS OF THE MOST CELEBRATED +HISTORIES, ROMANCES, POPULAR LEGENDS AND TALES, OLD CHIVALROUS BALLADS, +TRAGIC AND COMIC DRAMAS, NATIONAL SONGS, NOVELS, AND SCENES FROM THE +LIFE OF THE PRESENT DAY. + +BY WILLIAM AND MARY HOWITT. + +2 v. post 8vo. 21s. bound. + +"English readers have long been indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Howitt. They +have now increased our obligations by presenting us with this most +charming and valuable work, by means of which the great majority of the +reading public will be, for the first time, made acquainted with the +rich stores of intellectual wealth long garnered in the literature and +beautiful romance of Northern Europe. From the famous Edda, whose origin +is lost in antiquity, down to the novels of Miss Bremer and Baroness +Knorring, the prose and poetic writings of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and +Iceland are here introduced to us in a manner at once singularly +comprehensive and concise. It is no dry enumeration of names, but the +very marrow and spirit of the various works displayed before us. We have +old ballads and fairy tales, always fascinating; we have scenes from +plays, and selections from the poets, with most attractive biographies +of these and other great men. The songs and ballads are translated with +exquisite poetic beauty."--_Sun._ + +"We have most cordially to thank Mary and William Howitt for their +valuable contribution to our knowledge of the literature of Northern +Europe. They have effected a public good. They have offered to all +classes of readers a work abounding in original and entrancing interest, +overflowing with varied matter--of criticism, biography, anecdotes, +sketches, and quotations, all tending to exhibit new treasures for the +gratification and enlightenment of a vast circle of minds. Our authors +have described to us in copious and entertaining detail the romance and +the poetry, the writings and the imaginations, of the Scandinavian +races, interspersed with abundant and well-selected specimens of the +historical, romantic, legendary, chivalric, ballad, dramatic, song, and +critical literature of Northern Europe. They have brought to light the +treasures of the illustrious poets, historians and bards of Scandinavia, +in a work of astonishing interest."--_Sunday Times._ + +"This work teems with information of the rarest and most curious +character, and is replete with interest to the scholar, the philosopher, +the antiquarian, and the general reader. The subject has the charming +freshness of novelty. There is not any other book in the English +language, which presents so vivid, so interesting, and so accurate a +picture of the manners, customs, opinions, and superstitions of our +Scandinavian forefathers."--_Morning Post._ + +"A standard work on the whole subject."--_Globe._ + +"A valuable addition to our literature."--_Daily News._ + +"A book full of information--and as such, a welcome addition to our +literature. The translations--especially of some of the ballads and +other poems--are executed with spirit and taste."--_Athenaeum._ + + +JUDGE HALIBURTON'S NEW HISTORICAL WORK. + +In 2 vols. post 8vo. 21s. bound. + +RULE AND MISRULE OF +THE ENGLISH IN AMERICA. + +By the Author of +"SAM SLICK," "THE OLD JUDGE," &c. + +"A most attractive work."--_Standard._ + +"The cleverest volumes Judge Haliburton has ever +produced."--_Messenger._ + +"We conceive this work to be by far the most valuable and important +Judge Haliburton has ever written. The exhaustless fund of +humour--quiet, yet rich and racy, and at the same time overflowing with +the milk of human kindness--which his writings display on one hand, and +the wonderful knowledge of man's character, in all its countless +varieties, which they exhibit on the other, have insured for them a +high, and honourable, and enduring station in English literature. It +would be difficult, if not impossible, to arise from the perusal of any +of Mr. Haliburton's performances without having become both wiser and +better. His 'English in America' is, however, a production of a yet more +exalted order. While teeming with interest, moral and historical, to the +general reader, it may be regarded as equally constituting a +philosophical study for the politician and the statesman. It will be +found to dissipate many popular errors, and to let in a flood of light +upon the actual origin, formation, and progress of the republic of the +United States."--_Naval and Military Gazette._ + +"Those who wish for an accurate history of the rise of republicanism in +America to its grand development in the United States revolution, will +here find a narrative that is invaluable for its accuracy, its +impartiality, its admirable order in arrangement, and that true +philosophy of statesmanship which can attach to each incident a fitting +moral, from which every honest politician can derive instruction. The +work is one equally useful in the double aspect in which it may be +regarded--first, an insight into the causes of past transactions; +second, as a warning to guide mankind amid the many perplexing political +questions of the day. The spirit of impartiality animates every page of +this work. It is deserving of a place in every historical +library."--_Morning Herald._ + +"We believed the author of this work to possess a power of humour and +sarcasm second only to that of Rabelais and Sidney Smith, and a genuine +pathos worthy of Henry Fielding or Charles Dickens. In his particular +line of literature we believed him to be unrivalled. In the volumes +before us he breaks upon a new, and--according to his method of breaking +the subject--untrodden ground. We hail this book with pleasure; we +consider it an honour to Judge Haliburton, as by it he has proved +himself to be a Christian, a scholar, a gentleman, and, in the true +sense of a mis-used word, a patriot. Mr. Haliburton places before us, +fairly and impartially, the history of English rule in America. The book +is not only a boon to the historic student, it is also filled with +reflections such as may well engage the attention of the legislating +statesman. Mr. Haliburton also shows us the true position of the +Canadas, explains the evils of our colonial system, points out the +remedies by which these evils may be counteracted, that thus the rule of +the 'English in America' may be something better than a history of the +blunders, the follies, and the ignorant temerity of colonial +secretaries."--_Irish Quarterly Review._ + + +SAM SLICK'S NEW COMIC WORK. + +In 3 vols. post 8vo. 31s. 6d. bound. + +TRAITS OF AMERICAN HUMOUR. + +Edited +BY THE AUTHOR OF "SAM SLICK," &C. + +"We have seldom met with a work more rich in fun or more generally +delightful."--_Standard._ + +"Those who have relished the racy humour of the 'Clockmaker,' will find +a dish of equally ludicrous and amusing Transatlantic wit in the volumes +before us."--_Herald._ + +"A new book, by the author of 'Sam Slick' causes some stir among the +laughter-loving portion of the community; and its appearance at the +present festive season is appropriate. We hold that it would be quite +contrary to the fitness of things for any other hand than that of our +old acquaintance, the facetious Judge Haliburton, to present to us a +Christmas dish, and call it 'Traits of American Humour.' But even +without the recollection of 'Sam Slick' to evoke the spirit of fun +within us, we should have been forced to yield to the racy humour of +these American 'Traits.' Dip where you will into this lottery of fun, +you are sure to draw out a prize."--_Morning Post._ + +"The untravelled European who has not made the acquaintance of Sam +Slick, can have but little knowledge of the manners, customs, humours, +eccentricities and lingos of the countless varieties of inhabitants of +North America who we are accustomed to conglomerate under the general +name of Yankees. Assisted, however, by Sam Slick's graphic descriptions, +literal reports, and racy pen-and-ink sketches, gentlemen who sit at +home at ease, are able to realize with tolerable accuracy the more +remarkable species of this lively family, to comprehend their amusing +jargon, to take an interest in their peculiarities of person and speech, +and to enter into the spirit of their very characteristic humours. No +man has done more than the facetious Judge Haliburton through the mouth +of the inimitable 'Sam,' to make the old parent country recognise and +appreciate her queer transatlantic progeny; and in the volumes before us +he seeks to render the acquaintance more minute and complete. His +present collection of comic stories and laughable traits is a budget of +fun full of rich specimens of American humour."--_Globe._ + +"The reader will find this work deeply interesting. Yankeeism +pourtrayed, in its raciest aspect, constitutes the contents of these +superlatively entertaining volumes, for which we are indebted to our +facetious old friend, 'Sam Slick.' The work embraces the most varied +topics,--political parties, religious eccentricities, the flights of +literature, and the absurdities of pretenders to learning, all come in +for their share of satire; while in other papers we have specimens of +genuine American exaggerations, or graphic pictures of social and +domestic life as it is more especially in the ruder districts and in the +back settlements, or again sallies of broad humour, exhibiting those +characteristics which form in the country itself the subject of mutual +persiflage between the citizens of different States. The work will have +a wide circulation."--_John Bull._ + + +CAPTAIN SPENCER'S NEW WORK. + +In 2 vols, 8vo. with Illustrations, and a valuable Map of European +Turkey, from the most recent Charts in the possession of the Austrian +and Turkish Governments, revised by the Author, 28s. bound. + +TRAVELS IN EUROPEAN TURKEY +IN 1850: + +THROUGH BOSNIA, SERVIA, BULGARIA, MACEDONIA, ROUMELIA, ALBANIA, AND +EPIRUS; WITH A VISIT TO GREECE AND THE IONIAN ISLES, AND A HOMEWARD TOUR +THROUGH HUNGARY AND THE SCLAVONIAN PROVINCES OF AUSTRIA ON THE LOWER +DANUBE. + +BY EDMUND SPENCER, ESQ. + +Author of "TRAVELS IN CIRCASSIA," &c. + +"These important volumes appear at an opportune moment, as they describe +some of those countries to which public attention is now more +particularly directed: Turkey, Greece, Hungary, and Austria. The author +has given us a most interesting picture of the Turkish Empire, its +weaknesses, and the embarrassments from which it is now suffering, its +financial difficulties, the discontent of its Christian, and the +turbulence of a great portion of its Mohammedan subjects. We are also +introduced for the first time to the warlike mountaineers of Bosnia, +Albania, Upper Moesia, and the almost inaccessible districts of the +Pindus and the Balkan. The different nationalities of that Babel-like +country, Turkey in Europe, inhabited by Sclavonians, Greeks, Albanians, +Macedonians, the Romani and Osmanli--their various characteristics, +religions, superstitions, together with their singular customs and +manners, their ancient and contemporary history are vividly described. +The Ionian Islands, Greece, Hungary, and the Sclavonian Provinces of +Austria on the Lower Danube, are all delineated in the author's happiest +manner. + +"We cordially recommend Mr. Spencer's valuable and interesting volumes +to the attention of the reader. They are replete with information upon +countries of which we know but little; they will be interesting to the +military man for the details they give of the strength and defensive +positions of the various countries through which the author travelled; +to the merchant for the insight given into the state of trade; and to +the man of the world as they place before his view the present political +and social state of an empire, whose welfare it is the interest of +England to promote. The work must be considered a standard production, +enriched, as it is, by an excellent map derived from the most authentic +modern charts, added to, and improved by the observations of the author +during his travels."--_United Service Magazine._ + +"A work of great merit, and of paramount present interest."--_Standard._ + +"This interesting work contains by far the most complete, the most +enlightened, and the most reliable amount of what has been hitherto +almost the terra incognita of European Turkey, and supplies the reader +with abundance of entertainment as well as instruction."--_John Bull._ + +"An excellent and admirable work. Mr. Spencer is a very able writer, a +shrewd, experienced and philosophical observer, an eminently thinking +and yet practical man. His work forms the most valuable addition that +our literature has lately received. He sets forth to inquire and learn: +he returns to inform and suggest; and information most valuable and +interesting has he here bestowed upon us."--_Tait's Magazine._ + + +REVELATIONS OF SIBERIA. + +BY A BANISHED LADY. + +2 vols. Post 8vo., 21s. bound. + +"The authoress of these volumes was a lady of quality, who, having +incurred the displeasure of the Russian Government for a political +offence, was exiled to Siberia. The place of her exile was Berezov, the +most northern part of this northern penal settlement; and in it she +spent about two years, not unprofitably, as the reader will find by her +interesting work, containing a lively and graphic picture of the +country, the people, their manners and customs, &c. The book gives a +most important and valuable insight into the economy of what has been +hitherto the terra incognita of Russian despotism."--_Daily News._ + +"Since the publication of the famous romance the 'Exiles of Siberia,' of +Madame Cottin, we have had no account of these desolate lands more +attractive than the present work, from the pen of the Lady Eve Felinska, +which, in its unpretending style and truthful simplicity, will win its +way to the reader's heart, and compel him to sympathise with the fair +sufferer. The series of hardships endured in traversing these frozen +solitudes is affectingly told: and once settled down at one of the most +northern points of the convict territory, Berezov, six hundred miles +beyond Tobolsk, the Author exhibits an observant eye for the natural +phenomena of those latitudes, as well as the habits of the +semi-barbarous aborigines. This portion of the book will be found by the +naturalist as well as ethnologist full of valuable +information."--_Globe._ + +"These 'Revelations' give us a novel and interesting sketch of Siberian +life--the habits, morals, manners, religious tenets, rites, and +festivals of the inhabitants. The details of the author's painful +journey will be perused with feelings of indignation and deep sympathy. +The record of her residence of nearly three years at Berezov, which +constitutes the most valuable part of her 'Revelations,' does credit to +her heart and her understanding. Her extraordinary powers of +observation, and the graceful facility with which she describes +everything worthy of remark, render her 'Revelations' as attractive and +fascinating as they are original and instructive."--_Britannia._ + + +AUSTRALIA AS IT IS: +ITS SETTLEMENTS, FARMS, AND GOLD FIELDS. + +BY F. LANCELOTT, ESQ., +MINERALOGICAL SURVEYOR IN THE AUSTRALIAN COLONIES. + +2 Vols. Post 8vo., 21s. bound. + + +ADVENTURES OF THE CONNAUGHT RANGERS. + +SECOND SERIES. + +BY WILLIAM GRATTAN, ESQ., +LATE LIEUTENANT CONNAUGHT RANGERS. 2 vols. Post 8vo., 21s. bound. + + +EIGHT YEARS +IN PALESTINE, SYRIA, AND ASIA MINOR. + +BY F. A. NEALE, ESQ., +LATE ATTACHED TO THE CONSULAR SERVICE IN SYRIA. + +Second Edition, in 2 Vols., with Illustrations, 21s. bound. + +"One of the best accounts of the country and people that has been +published of late years."--_Spectator._ + +"A very agreeable book. Mr. Neale is evidently quite familiar with the +East, and writes in a lively, shrewd, and good-humoured manner. A great +deal of information is to be found in his pages."--_Athenaeum._ + +"We have derived unmingled pleasure from the perusal of these +interesting volumes. Very rarely have we found a narrative of Eastern +travel so truthful and just. There is no guide-book we would so strongly +recommend to the traveller about to enter on a Turkish or Syrian tour as +this before us. The information it affords is especially valuable, since +it is brought up almost to the last moment. The narrative, too, is full +of incident, and abounds in vivid pictures of Turkish and Levantine life +interspersed with well-told tales. The author commences his narrative at +Gaza; visits Askalon, Jaffa and Jerusalem, Caipha and Mount Carmel, +Acre, Sidon and Tyre, Beyrout, Tripoli, Antioch, Aleppo, Alexandretta, +Adana, and Cyprus. Of several of these famous localities we know no more +compact and clearer account than that given in these volumes. We have to +thank Mr. Neale for one of the best books of travels that we have met +with for a very long time."--_Literary Gazette._ + + +KHARTOUM AND THE NILES. + +By GEORGE MELLY, ESQ. + +Second Edition. 2 v. post 8vo., with Map and Illustrations, 21s. bound. + +"Independently of the amusement and information which may be derived +from Mr. Melly's interesting work, the references to the relations which +exist at this time between the Sublime Porte and Egypt are worthy of +every consideration which statesmen and public men can bestow upon +them."--_Messenger._ + +"We cannot feel otherwise than grateful to the author of these valuable +and useful volumes for having kept so faithful a journal, and for giving +the public the benefit of his adventures and experience. The manners and +customs of the natives, as well as the natural curiosities, and the +relics of antiquity which the travellers visited, in turns engage the +reader's attention; and, altogether, the book is a most entertaining and +instructive _vade-mecum_ to the interesting portion of the East of which +it treats."--_John Bull._ + + +SCENES FROM SCRIPTURE. + +BY THE REV. G. CROLY, LL.D. + +Author of "SALATHIEL," &c., 1 v., 10s. 6d. bound. + +"Eminent in every mode of literature, Dr. Croly stands, in our judgment, +first among the living poets of Great Britain--the only man of our day +entitled by his power to venture within the sacred circle of religious +poets."--_Standard._ + +"An admirable addition to the library of religious families."--_John +Bull._ + + +NARRATIVE OF +FIVE YEARS' RESIDENCE AT NEPAUL. + +BY CAPTAIN THOMAS SMITH, + +Late ASSISTANT POLITICAL-RESIDENT AT NEPAUL. 2 v. post 8vo. 21s. bound. + +"No man could be better qualified to describe Nepaul than Captain Smith; +and his concise, but clear and graphic account of its history, its +natural productions, its laws and customs, and the character of its +warlike inhabitants, is very agreeable and instructive reading. A +separate chapter, not the least entertaining in the book, is devoted to +anecdotes of the Nepaulese mission, of whom, and of their visit to +Europe, many remarkable stories are told."--_Post._ + +"No one need go elsewhere for information about Nepaul. He will find it +all arranged in this intelligent and interesting work with perspicuity +and completeness. It will henceforth be the standard work on Nepaul. +Captain Smith's narrative of his personal adventures is most +exciting."--_United Service Gazette._ + + +CANADA AS IT WAS, IS, AND MAY BE. + +BY THE LATE LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SIR R. BONNYCASTLE. + +With an Account of Recent Transactions, + +BY SIR JAMES E. ALEXANDER, K.L.S., &c. + +2 v., post 8vo., with Maps, &c. 21s. bound. + +"These volumes offer to the British public a clear and trustworthy +statement of the affairs of Canada; a narrative of the late troubles, +their causes and consequences; an account of the policy pursued in the +colony, and the effects of the immense public works in progress and +completed; with sketches of localities and scenery, amusing anecdotes of +personal observation, and generally every information which may be of +use to the traveller or settler, and the military and political reader. +The information rendered is to be thoroughly relied on as veracious, +full, and conclusive."--_Messenger._ + +"This is the best work on Canada for every class of readers--the most +complete, the most important, and the most interesting."--_Sunday +Times._ + + +SPAIN AS IT IS. + +By G. A. HOSKINS, ESQ. + +2 v., with Illustrations, 21s. bound. + +"To the tourist this work will prove invaluable. It is the most complete +and interesting portraiture of Spain that has ever come under our +notice."--_John Bull._ + + +COLONEL LANDMANN'S ADVENTURES +AND RECOLLECTIONS. + +2 vols. post 8vo. 21s. bound. + +"Among the anecdotes in this work will be found notices of King George +III., the Dukes of Kent, Cumberland, Cambridge, Clarence, and Richmond, +the Princess Augusta, General Garth, Sir Harry Mildmay, Lord Charles +Somerset, Lord Edward Fitzgerald, Lord Heathfield, Captain Grose, &c. +The volumes abound in interesting matter. The anecdotes are one and all +amusing."--_Observer._ + +"Colonel Landmann's work is written in an unaffected spirit, and +contains matter of agreeable and lively interest."--_Literary Gazette._ + +"These 'Adventures and Recollections' are those of a gentleman whose +birth and profession gave him facilities of access to distinguished +society; and the interest of the volumes will be found to consist in +anecdotes and recollections relating to individual members of that +society. Colonel Landmann writes so agreeably that we have little doubt +that his volumes will be acceptable. They partake, to some extent, both +of the good and bad qualities of Horace Walpole and of +Wraxall."--_Athenaeum._ + + +THE ROMANCE OF THE FORUM; +OR, NARRATIVES, SCENES, AND ANECDOTES FROM +COURTS OF JUSTICE. + +BY PETER BURKE, ESQ., BARRISTER-AT-LAW. 2 v. 21s. + +"These attractive volumes will be perused with much interest. They +contain a great variety of singular and highly romantic stories."--_John +Bull._ + +"Few who once take up these volumes will lay them down +unread."--_Examiner._ + +"Nothing can be more deeply interesting or affecting than many of these +narratives."--_Observer._ + + +DARIEN; +OR, THE MERCHANT PRINCE. + +BY ELIOT WARBURTON. +Author of "THE CRESCENT AND THE CROSS," &c., + +SECOND EDITION. 3 V. + +"The scheme for the colonization of Darien by Scotchmen, and the opening +of a communication between the East and West across the Isthmus of +Panama, furnishes the foundation of this story, which is in all respects +worthy of the high reputation which the author of the 'Crescent and the +Cross' had already made for himself. The early history of the Merchant +Prince introduces the reader to the condition of Spain under the +Inquisition; the portraitures of Scottish life which occupy a prominent +place in the narrative, are full of spirit; the scenes in America +exhibit the state of the natives of the new world at that period; the +daring deeds of the Buccaneers supply a most romantic element in the +story; and an additional interest is infused into it by the introduction +of various celebrated characters of the period, such as Law, the French +financier, and Paterson, the founder of the Bank of England. All these +varied ingredients are treated with that brilliancy of style and +powerful descriptive talent, by which the pen of Eliot Warburton was so +eminently distinguished."--_John Bull._ + + +LORD PALMERSTON'S OPINIONS +AND POLICY; +AS MINISTER, DIPLOMATIST, AND STATESMAN, +DURING MORE THAN FORTY YEARS OF PUBLIC LIFE. + +1 v. 8vo., with Portrait, 12s. bound. + +"This work ought to have a place in every political library. It gives a +complete view of the sentiments and opinions by which the policy of Lord +Palmerston has been dictated as a diplomatist and +statesman."--_Chronicle._ + +"This is a remarkable and seasonable publication; but it is something +more--it is a valuable addition to the historical treasures of our +country during more than forty of the most memorable years of our +annals. We earnestly recommend the volume to general +perusal."--_Standard._ + + +FIVE YEARS IN THE WEST INDIES. + +BY CHARLES W. DAY, ESQ. + +2 v., with Illustrations, 21s. bound. + +"These interesting volumes possess considerable merit as regards +information on that important subject, the state of the West Indies as +they are at present."--_Sun._ + +"It would be unjust to deny the vigour, brilliancy, and varied interest +of this work, the abundant stores of anecdote and interest, and the +copious detail of local habits and peculiarities in each island visited +in succession."--_Globe._ + + +HISTORY OF THE +BRITISH CONQUESTS IN INDIA. + +BY HORACE ST. JOHN. + +2 v. 21s. bound. + +"A work of great and permanent historical value and interest."--_Post._ + +"A fair and accurate narrative of the political history of British +India, evidently written after careful study and laborious +research."--_Literary Gazette._ + +"The style is graphic and spirited. The facts are well related and +artistically grouped. The narrative is always readable and +interesting."--_Athenaeum._ + + +HISTORY OF CORFU; +AND OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE IONIAN ISLANDS. + +BY LIEUT. H. J. W. JERVIS, Royal Artillery. + +1 v., with Illustrations, 10s. 6d. bound. + +"A work of great value, from the importance of Corfu in case of an +European war."--_Literary Gazette._ + +"Written with great care and research, and including probably all the +particulars of any moment in the history of Corfu. The principal +interest will attach to the military details and the concluding account +of the present state of the island."--_Athenaeum._ + + +ATLANTIC & TRANSATLANTIC SKETCHES. + +BY CAPTAIN MACKINNON, R.N. + +2 v. 21s. bound. + +"Captain Mackinnon's sketches of America are of a striking character and +permanent value. His volumes convey a just impression of the United +States, a fair and candid view of their society and institutions, so +well written and so entertaining that the effect of their perusal on the +public here must be considerable. They are light, animated, and lively, +full of racy sketches, pictures of life, anecdotes of society, visits to +remarkable men and famous places, sporting episodes, &c., very original +and interesting."--_Sunday Times._ + +"Captain Mackinnon's sketches of America are perhaps the best that have +appeared since the work of Captain Marryat, and they are far more candid +and impartial. The volumes are crowded with valuable and important +statements. The work will find its way rapidly into wide and general +circulation, such is its justice, candour, and accuracy of +information."--_Observer._ + + +NAVAL ARCHITECTURE: +A TREATISE ON SHIP-BUILDING, AND THE RIG OF CLIPPERS, +WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR A NEW METHOD OF LAYING DOWN VESSELS. + +BY LORD ROBERT MONTAGU, A.M. + +Second Edition, with 54 Diagrams, 6s. bound. + +"In this able work, Lord Robert Montagu has treated an important subject +in the most comprehensive and masterly manner. The publication will be +equally valuable to the ship-builder and the ship-owner--to the mariner +and the commanders of yachts. The whole science of ship-building is made +plain to the humblest understanding, while the most valuable suggestions +are given for its improvement in the rig, structure, and laying down of +vessels."--_U. S. Mag._ + + +ARCTIC MISCELLANIES, +A SOUVENIR OF THE LATE POLAR SEARCH. + +BY THE OFFICERS AND SEAMEN OF THE EXPEDITION. + +DEDICATED BY PERMISSION TO THE LORDS OF THE ADMIRALTY. + +Second Edition, 1 vol. with numerous Illustrations, 10s. 6d. bound. + +FROM THE "TIMES."--This volume is not the least interesting or +instructive among the records of the late expedition in search of Sir +John Franklin, commanded by Captain Austin. The most valuable portions +of the book are those which relate to the scientific and practical +observations made in the course of the expedition, and the descriptions +of scenery and incidents of arctic travel. Many of the latter possess +considerable literary merit, and all are impressed with the vividness of +fresh observation. From the variety of the materials, and the novelty of +the scenes and incidents to which they refer, no less than the interest +which attaches to all that relates to the probable safety of Sir John +Franklin and his companions, the Arctic Miscellanies forms a very +readable book, and one that redounds to the honour of the national +character. + + + + +#New Works of Fiction, by Distinguished Writers.# + + +CASTLE AVON. + +BY THE AUTHOR OF "EMILIA WYNDHAM," "RAVENSCLIFFE," &C. 3 vols. + + +UNCLE WALTER, BY MRS. TROLLOPE. + +AUTHOR OF "FATHER EUSTACE," "THE BARNABYS," &C. 3 vols. + +"'Uncle Walter' is Mrs. Trollope's best novel since 'Widow +Barnaby.'"--_Morning Chronicle._ + +"'Uncle Walter' is an exceedingly entertaining novel. It assures Mrs. +Trollope more than ever in her position as one of the ablest fiction +writers of the day."--_Morning Post._ + +"'Uncle Walter' is filled throughout with Mrs. Trollope's broad +satirical dashes at human nature."--_Daily News._ + +"A very clever and entertaining book; equal to Mrs. Trollope's most +successful efforts."--_John Bull._ + + +ADAM GRAEME OF MOSSGRAY. +A STORY OF SCOTTISH LIFE. + +BY THE AUTHOR OF "MARGARET MAITLAND," &C. 3 vols. + +"A story awakening genuine emotions of interest and delight by its +admirable pictures of Scottish life and scenery."--_Post._ + +"'Adam Graeme' is full of eloquent writing and description. It is an +uncommon work, not only in the power of the style, in the eloquence of +the digressions, in the interest of the narrative, and in the +delineation of character, but in the lessons it teaches."--_Sun._ + + +ANNETTE. A Tale. + +BY W. F. DEACON. + +With a Memoir of the Author, by the Hon. Sir T. N. TALFOURD, D.C.L. 3 v. + +"'Annette' is a stirring tale, and has enough in it of life and interest +to keep it for some years to come in request. The prefatory memoir by +Sir Thomas Talfourd would be at all times interesting, nor the less so +for containing two long letters from Sir Walter Scott to Mr. Deacon, +full of gentle far-thinking wisdom."--_Examiner._ + + +MARY SEAHAM. + +BY MRS. GREY, + +Author of "The Gambler's Wife," &c. 3 v. + +"Equal to any former novel by its author."--_Athenaeum._ + +"A very interesting story."--_Observer._ + +"An admirable work--a powerfully conceived novel, founded on a plot of +high moral and dramatic interest."--_John Bull._ + + +CONFESSIONS OF AN ETONIAN. + +BY CHARLES ROWCROFT, ESQ, + +Author of "Tales of the Colonies." &c. 3 v. + +"The life of an Etonian--his pranks, his follies, his loves, his +fortunes, and misfortunes--is here amusingly drawn and happily coloured +by an accomplished artist. The work is full of anecdote and lively +painting of men and manners."--_Globe._ + + +THE BELLE OF THE VILLAGE. + +By the Author of "The Old English Gentleman." 3 v. + +"An admirable story, quite out of the common order in its conception, +and highly original in its execution. 'The Belle of the Village' may +take its place by the side of 'The Old English Gentleman.'"--_John +Bull._ + + + + +POPULAR WORKS OF FICTION. + + +THE KINNEARS. + +A SCOTTISH STORY. 3 v. + + +HELEN TALBOT. + +BY MISS PENNEFATHER. 3 v. + +"Miss Pennefather has in this work evinced much literary ability. The +fashionable circle in which the principal personage of the novel moves +is drawn with a bold and graphic pencil. We have no doubt that in Lord +Montagu, Sir Reginald Talbot, Lord Ravensdale, and others, those +conversant with fashionable life will recognise living +acquaintances."--_Globe._ + + +RAVENSCLIFFE. + +By the Author of "Emilia Wyndham," &c. 3 v. + +"'Ravenscliffe' contains scenes not surpassed in power and beauty by +those in 'The Admiral's Daughter.' No reader can bear the heroine +company without feeling the same sense of powerlessness to cope with the +fascinations of a dark destiny which is conveyed by the stories of +Richardson's 'Clarissa,' and Scott's 'Lucy Ashton.' This is praise +enough--yet not too much."--_Athenaeum._ + + +FANNY DENNISON. + +3 v. + +"A story of absorbing interest."--_Globe._ + +"A novel of more than ordinary merit. An exciting story, crowded with +romantic incidents."--_Morning Post._ + + +JACOB BENDIXEN. + +BY MARY HOWITT. 3 v. + +"This tale has the fascination and the value of a glimpse into a most +strange world. We heartily commend the novel."--_Athenaeum._ + +MRS. MATHEWS; +OR, FAMILY MYSTERIES. + +BY MRS. TROLLOPE. 3 v. + + +ADVENTURES OF A BEAUTY. + +BY MRS. CROWE. + +Author of "Susan Hopley," &c. 3 v. + + +HEARTS AND ALTARS. + +BY ROBERT BELL, ESQ. + +Author of "The Ladder of Gold," &c. 3 v. + +BROOMHILL; +OR, THE COUNTY BEAUTIES. + +3 v. + + +AMY PAUL. +A TALE. 2 v. + +"The execution of this tale is very remarkable."--_Spectator._ + +"There is a family likeness to 'Eugene Aram' in this powerfully written +romance. The moral is well worked out. The situations are well imagined, +and pourtrayed with highly dramatic effect."--_John Bull._ + + +CALEB FIELD. + +By the Author of "Margaret Maitland," &c. 1 v. 6s. + +"This beautiful production is every way worthy of its author's +reputation in the very first rank of contemporary writers."--_Stand._ + +"'Caleb Field' is a story of moving interest, full of novelty, and +abounding in scenes of graphic beauty."--_Sunday Times._ + + +The LOST INHERITANCE. + +3 v. + +"This interesting story will afford both profit and amusement to a large +circle of readers."--_Herald._ + +"A charming tale of fashionable life and tender passions. It is +extremely interesting as a highly-romantic history of the affections, +and an exceedingly brilliant series of fashionable scenes."--_Globe._ + + +CECILE; +OR, THE PERVERT. + +By the Author of "Rockingham." 1 v. + + +The LADY and the PRIEST. + +BY MRS. MABERLY. 3 v. + + +The PERILS of FASHION. + +3 v. + +"The world of fashion is here painted by an artist who has studied it +closely, and traces its lineaments with a masterly hand."--_Morning +Post._ + + +THE LIVINGSTONES. + +A STORY OF REAL LIFE. 3 v. + +"This work has a real interest. The pictures of the Scottish homes, in +which the heroine's youth is past, are excellent."--_Examiner._ + + + + +INTERESTING WORKS + +PUBLISHED FOR HENRY COLBURN +BY HIS SUCCESSORS, HURST AND BLACKETT, +13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. + + +NEW EDITION OF THE LIVES OF THE QUEENS. + +_Now complete, in Eight Octavo Volumes (comprising from 600 to 700 +pages), price 4l. 4s., elegantly bound_, + +LIVES +OF THE +QUEENS OF ENGLAND. + +BY AGNES STRICKLAND. + +A New, Revised, and Cheaper Edition, +EMBELLISHED WITH PORTRAITS OF EVERY QUEEN. + +BEAUTIFULLY ENGRAVED FROM THE MOST AUTHENTIC SOURCES. + +*** This Edition is also now in course of Monthly Issue, at 10s. 6d. +each volume. + +In announcing the publication of the new, revised, and greatly augmented +Edition of this important and interesting work, which has been +considered unique in biographical literature, the publishers beg to +direct attention to the following extract from the author's preface:--"A +revised edition of the 'Lives of the Queens of England,' embodying the +important collections which have been brought to light since the +appearance of earlier impressions, is now offered to the world, +embellished with Portraits of every Queen, from authentic and properly +verified sources. The series, commencing with the consort of William the +Conqueror, occupies that most interesting and important period of our +national chronology, from the death of the last monarch of the +Anglo-Saxon line, Edward the Confessor, to the demise of the last +sovereign of the royal house of Stuart, Queen Anne, and comprises +therein thirty queens who have worn the crown-matrimonial, and four the +regal diadem of this realm. We have related the parentage of every +queen, described her education, traced the influence of family +connexions and national habits on her conduct, both public and private, +and given a concise outline of the domestic, as well as the general +history of her times, and its effects on her character, and we have done +so with singleness of heart, unbiassed by selfish interests or narrow +views. Such as they were in life we have endeavoured to portray them, +both in good and ill, without regard to any other considerations than +the development of the _facts_. Their sayings, their doings, their +manners, their costume, will be found faithfully chronicled in this +work, which also includes the most interesting of their letters. The +hope that the 'Lives of the Queens of England' might be regarded as a +national work, honourable to the female character, and generally useful +to society, has encouraged us to the completion of the task." + +OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. + +"These volumes have the fascination of romance united to the integrity +of history. The work is written by a lady of considerable learning, +indefatigable industry, and careful judgment. All these qualifications +for a biographer and an historian she has brought to bear upon the +subject of her volumes, and from them has resulted a narrative +interesting to all, and more particularly interesting to that portion of +the community to whom the more refined researches of literature afford +pleasure and instruction. The whole work should be read, and no doubt +will be read, by all who are anxious for information. It is a lucid +arrangement of facts, derived from authentic sources, exhibiting a +combination of industry, learning, judgment, and impartiality, not often +met with in biographers of crowned heads."--_Times._ + +"A remarkable and truly great historical work. In this series of +biographies, in which the severe truth of history takes almost the +wildness of romance, it is the singular merit of Miss Strickland that +her research has enabled her to throw new light on many doubtful +passages, to bring forth fresh facts, and to render every portion of our +annals which she has described an interesting and valuable study. She +has given a most valuable contribution to the history of England, and we +have no hesitation in affirming that no one can be said to possess an +accurate knowledge of the history of the country who has not studied +this truly national work, which, in this new edition, has received all +the aids that further research on the part of the author, and of +embellishment on the part of the publishers, could tend to make it still +more valuable, and still more attractive, than it had been in its +original form."--_Morning Herald._ + +"A most valuable and entertaining work. There is certainly no lady of +our day who has devoted her pen to so beneficial a purpose as Miss +Strickland. Nor is there any other whose works possess a deeper or more +enduring interest. Miss Strickland is to our mind the first literary +lady of the age."--_Morning Chronicle._ + +"We must pronounce Miss Strickland beyond all comparison the most +entertaining historian in the English language. She is certainly a woman +of powerful and active mind, as well as of scrupulous justice and +honesty of purpose."--_Morning Post._ + +"Miss Strickland has made a very judicious use of many authentic MS. +authorities not previously collected, and the result is a most +interesting addition to our biographical library."--_Quarterly Review._ + +"A valuable contribution to historical knowledge. It contains a mass of +every kind of historical matter of interest, which industry and research +could collect. We have derived much entertainment and instruction from +the work."--_Athenaeum._ + + +BURKE'S PEERAGE AND BARONETAGE, + +FOR 1853.--IN THE PRESS. + +NEW EDITION, REVISED AND CORRECTED THROUGHOUT +FROM THE PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS OF +THE NOBILITY, &c. + +With the ARMS (1500 in number) accurately engraved, and incorporated +with the Text. + +In 1 vol. (comprising as much matter as twenty ordinary volumes), 38s. +bound. + +The following is a List of the Principal Contents of this Standard +Work.-- + +I. A full and interesting history of each order of the English Nobility, +showing its origin, rise, titles, immunities, privileges, &c. + +II. A complete Memoir of the Queen and Royal Family, forming a brief +genealogical History of the Sovereign of this country, and deducing the +descent of the Plantagenets, Tudors, Stuarts, and Guelphs, through their +various ramifications. To this section is appended a list of those Peers +who inherit the distinguished honour of Quartering the Royal Arms of +Plantagenet. + +III. An Authentic table of Precedence. + +IV. A perfect HISTORY OF ALL THE PEERS AND BARONETS, with the fullest +details of their ancestors and descendants, and particulars respecting +every collateral member of each family, and all intermarriages, &c. + +V. The Spiritual Lords. + +VI. Foreign Noblemen, subjects by birth of the British Crown. + +VII. Peerages claimed. + +VIII. Surnames of Peers and Peeresses, with Heirs Apparent and +Presumptive. + +IX. Courtesy titles of Eldest Sons. + +X. Peerages of the Three Kingdoms in order of Precedence. + +XI. Baronets in order of Precedence. + +XII. Privy Councillors of England and Ireland. + +XIII. Daughters of Peers married to Commoners. + +XIV. ALL THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD, with every Knight and all the Knights +Bachelors. + +XV. Mottoes translated, with poetical illustrations. + +"The most complete, the most convenient, and the cheapest work of the +kind ever given to the public."--_Sun._ + +"The best genealogical and heraldic dictionary of the Peerage and +Baronetage, and the first authority on all questions affecting the +aristocracy."--_Globe._ + +"For the amazing quantity of personal and family history, admirable +arrangement of details, and accuracy of information, this genealogical +and heraldic dictionary is without a rival. It is now the standard and +acknowledged book of reference upon all questions touching pedigree, and +direct or collateral affinity with the titled aristocracy. The lineage +of each distinguished house is deduced through all the various +ramifications. Every collateral branch, however remotely connected, is +introduced; and the alliances are so carefully inserted, as to show, in +all instances, the connexion which so intimately exists between the +titled and untitled aristocracy. We have also much most entertaining +historical matter, and many very curious and interesting family +traditions. The work is, in fact, a complete cyclopaedia of the whole +titled classes of the empire, supplying all the information that can +possibly be desired on the subject."--_Morning Post._ + +"The 'Peerage' and the 'Landed Gentry' of Mr. Burke are two works of +public utility--constantly referred to by all classes of society, and +rarely opened without being found to supply the information sought. They +are accessions of value to our books of reference, and few who write or +talk much about English Peers and English Landed Gentry, can well be +looked on as safe authorities without a knowledge of the contents of Mr. +Burke's careful compilations."--_Athenaeum._ + + +BURKE'S HISTORY OF THE LANDED GENTRY + +#A Genealogical Dictionary# + +OF THE WHOLE OF THE UNTITLED ARISTOCRACY OF +ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND IRELAND: + +Comprising Particulars of 100,000 Individuals connected with them. + +In 2 volumes, royal 8vo, including the Supplement, beautifully printed +in double columns, comprising more matter than 30 ordinary volumes, +price only 2l. 2s., elegantly bound, + +WITH A SEPARATE INDEX, GRATIS. + +CONTAINING REFERENCES TO THE NAMES OF EVERY PERSON MENTIONED. + +The Landed Gentry of England are so closely connected with the stirring +records of its eventful history, that some acquaintance with them is a +matter of necessity with the legislator, the lawyer, the historical +student, the speculator in politics, and the curious in topographical +and antiquarian lore; and even the very spirit of ordinary curiosity +will prompt to a desire to trace the origin and progress of those +families whose influence pervades the towns and villages of our land. +This work furnishes such a mass of authentic information in regard to +all the principal families in the kingdom as has never before been +attempted to be brought together. It relates to the untitled families of +rank, as the "Peerage and Baronetage" does to the titled, and forms, in +fact, a peerage of the untitled aristocracy. It embraces the whole of +the landed interest, and is indispensable to the library of every +gentleman. The great cost attending the production of this National +Work, the first of its kind, induces the publisher to hope that the +heads of all families recorded in its pages will supply themselves with +copies. + +"A work of this kind is of a national value. Its utility is not merely +temporary, but it will exist and be acknowledged as long as the families +whose names and genealogies are recorded in it continue to form an +integral portion of the English constitution. As a correct record of +descent, no family should be without it. The untitled aristocracy have +in this great work as perfect a dictionary of their genealogical +history, family connexions, and heraldic rights, as the peerage and +baronetage. It will be an enduring and trustworthy record."--_Morning +Post._ + +"A work in which every gentleman will find a domestic interest, as it +contains the fullest account of every known family in the United +Kingdom. It is a dictionary of all names, families, and their +origin,--of every man's neighbour and friend, if not of his own +relatives and immediate connexions. It cannot fail to be of the greatest +utility to professional men in their researches respecting the members +of different families, heirs to property, &c. Indeed, it will become as +necessary as a Directory in every office."--_Bell's Messenger._ + + +DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE +OF +JOHN EVELYN, F.R.S., + +Author of "Sylva," &c. + +A NEW EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED, +WITH NUMEROUS ADDITIONAL LETTERS NOW FIRST +PUBLISHED. + +UNIFORM WITH THE NEW EDITION OF PEPYS' DIARY. + +In 4 vols., post 8vo, price 10s. 6d. each. + +N.B.--Vols. III. and IV., containing "The Correspondence," may be had +separately, to complete sets. + +The Diary and Correspondence of John Evelyn has long been regarded as an +invaluable record of opinions and events, as well as the most +interesting exposition we possess of the manners, taste, learning, and +religion of this country, during the latter half of the seventeenth +century. The Diary comprises observations on the politics, literature, +and science of his age, during his travels in France and Italy; his +residence in England towards the latter part of the Protectorate, and +his connexion with the Courts of Charles II and the two subsequent +reigns, interspersed with a vast number of original anecdotes of the +most celebrated persons of that period. To the Diary is subjoined the +Correspondence of Evelyn with many of his distinguished contemporaries; +also Original Letters from Sir Edward Nicholas, private secretary to +King Charles I., during some important periods of that reign, with the +King's answers; and numerous letters from Sir Edward Hyde (Lord +Clarendon) to Sir Edward Nicholas, and to Sir Richard Brown, Ambassador +to France, during the exile of the British Court. + +A New Edition of this interesting work having been long demanded, the +greatest pains have been taken to render it as complete as possible, by +a careful re-examination of the original Manuscript, and by illustrating +it with such annotations as will make the reader more conversant with +the numerous subjects referred to by the Diarist. + +"It has been justly observed that as long as Virtue and Science hold +their abode in this island, the memory of Evelyn will be held in the +utmost veneration. Indeed, no change of fashion, no alteration of taste, +no revolution of science, have impaired, or can impair, his celebrity. +The youth who looks forward to an inheritance which he is under no +temptation to increase, will do well to bear the example of Evelyn in +his mind, as containing nothing but what is imitable, and nothing but +what is good. All persons, indeed, may find in his character something +for imitation, but for an English gentleman he is the perfect +model."--_Quarterly Review._ + + +LIVES OF THE PRINCESSES OF ENGLAND. + +By MRS EVERETT GREEN, +EDITOR OF THE "LETTERS OF ROYAL AND ILLUSTRIOUS LADIES." + +4 vols., post 8vo, with Illustrations, 10s. 6d. each, bound. + +OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. + +"A most agreeable book. The authoress, already favourably known to the +learned world by her excellent collection of 'Letters of Royal and +Illustrious Ladies,' has executed her task with great skill and +fidelity. Every page displays careful research and accuracy. There is a +graceful combination of sound, historical erudition, with an air of +romance and adventure that is highly pleasing, and renders the work at +once an agreeable companion of the boudoir, and a valuable addition to +the historical library. Mrs. Green has entered upon an untrodden path, +and gives to her biographies an air of freshness and novelty very +alluring. The first two volumes (including the Lives of twenty-five +Princesses) carry us from the daughters of the Conqueror to the family +of Edward I.--a highly interesting period, replete with curious +illustrations of the genius and manners of the Middle Ages. Such works, +from the truthfulness of their spirit, furnish a more lively picture of +the times than even the graphic, though delusive, pencil of Scott and +James."--_Britannia._ + +"The vast utility of the task undertaken by the gifted author of this +interesting book can only be equalled by the skill, ingenuity, and +research displayed in its accomplishment. The field Mrs. Green has +selected is an untrodden one. Mrs. Green, on giving to the world a work +which will enable us to arrive at a correct idea of the private +histories and personal characters of the royal ladies of England, has +done sufficient to entitle her to the respect and gratitude of the +country. The labour of her task was exceedingly great, involving +researches, not only into English records and chronicles, but into those +of almost every civilised country in Europe. The style of Mrs. Green is +admirable. She has a fine perception of character and manners, a +penetrating spirit of observation, and singular exactness of judgment. +The memoirs are richly fraught with the spirit of romantic +adventure."--_Morning Post._ + +"This work is a worthy companion to Miss Strickland's admirable 'Queens +of England.' In one respect the subject-matter of these volumes is more +interesting, because it is more diversified than that of the 'Queens of +England.' That celebrated work, although its heroines were, for the most +part, foreign Princesses, related almost entirely to the history of this +country. The Princesses of England, on the contrary, are themselves +English, but their lives are nearly all connected with foreign nations. +Their biographies, consequently, afford us a glimpse of the manners and +customs of the chief European kingdoms, a circumstance which not only +gives to the work the charm of variety, but which is likely to render it +peculiarly useful to the general reader, as it links together by +association the contemporaneous history of various nations. The +histories are related with an earnest simplicity and copious +explicitness. The reader is informed without being wearied, and +alternately enlivened by some spirited description, or touched by some +pathetic or tender episode. We cordially commend Mrs. Everett Green's +production to general attention; it is (necessarily) as useful as +history, and fully as entertaining as romance."--_Sun._ + + +THE LIFE AND REIGN OF CHARLES I. + +By I. DISRAELI. + +A NEW EDITION. REVISED BY THE AUTHOR, AND EDITED BY HIS SON, THE RT. +HON. B. DISRAELI, M.P. + +2 vols., 8vo, uniform with the "Curiosities of Literature," 28s. bound. + +"By far the most important work on the important age of Charles I. that +modern times have produced."--_Quarterly Review._ + + +MEMOIRS OF HORACE WALPOLE +AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES, + +INCLUDING NUMEROUS ORIGINAL LETTERS, FROM STRAWBERRY HILL. + +EDITED BY +ELIOT WARBURTON. + +2 vols. 8vo, with Portraits, 16s. bound. + +Perhaps no name of modern times is productive of so many pleasant +associations as that of "Horace Walpole," and certainly no name was ever +more intimately connected with so many different subjects of importance +in connexion with Literature, Art, Fashion, and Politics. The position +of various members of his family connecting Horace Walpole with the +Cabinet, the Court, and the Legislature--his own intercourse with those +characters who became remarkable for brilliant social and intellectual +qualities--and his reputation as a Wit, a Scholar, and a Virtuoso, +cannot fail to render his Memoirs equally amusing and instructive. They +nearly complete the chain of mixed personal, political, and literary +history, commencing with "Evelyn" and "Pepys," carried forward by +"Swift's Journal and Correspondence," and ending almost in our own day +with the histories of Mr. Macaulay and Lord Mahon. + +"These Memoirs form a necessary addition to the library of every English +gentleman. Besides its historical value, which is very considerable, the +work cannot be estimated too highly as a book of mere +amusement."--_Standard._ + + +MADAME PULSZKY'S MEMOIRS. + +Comprising Full and Interesting Details of +THE LATE EVENTS IN HUNGARY. + +With an Historical Introduction by FRANCIS PULSZKY, late Under-Secretary +of State to Ferdinand, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary. 2 vols., +post 8vo, 21s bound. + + +THE DIARIES AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE +EARLS OF CLARENDON AND ROCHESTER; + +Comprising important Particulars of the Revolution, &c. + +Published from the Original MSS. With Notes. 2 vols., with fine +Portraits and Plates, bound, 1_l._ 11s. 6d. + + +BURKE'S DICTIONARY OF THE +EXTINCT, DORMANT, & ABEYANT PEERAGES +OF ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND IRELAND. + +Beautifully printed, in 1 vol. 8vo, containing 800 double-column pages, +21s. bound. + +This work, formed on a plan precisely similar to that of Mr. Burke's +popular Dictionary of the present Peerage and Baronetage, comprises +those peerages which have been suspended or extinguished since the +Conquest, particularising the members of each family in each generation, +and bringing the lineage, in all possible cases, through either +collaterals or females, down to existing houses. It connects, in many +instances, the new with the old nobility, and it will in all cases show +the cause which has influenced the revival of an extinct dignity in a +new creation. It should be particularly noticed, that this new work +appertains nearly as much to extant as to extinct persons of +distinction; for though dignities pass away, it rarely occurs that whole +families do. + +CONTENTS. + +1. Peerages of England extinct by failure of issue, attainder, &c., +alphabetically, according to Surnames. + +2. Baronies by Writ--England--in abeyance, and still vested probably in +existing heirs. + +3. Extinct and Abeyant Peerages of England, according to titles. + +4. Charters of Freedom--Magna Charta--Charter of Forests. + +5. Roll of Battel Abbey. + +6. Peerages of Ireland, extinct by failure of issue, attainder, &c., +alphabetically, according to Surnames. + +7. Baronies by Writ--Ireland--in abeyance. + +8. Peerages of Ireland, extinct and abeyant, alphabetically, according +to Titles. + +9. Peerages of Scotland, extinct by failure of issue, attainder, &c., +alphabetically, according to Surnames. + +10. Extinct Peerages of Scotland, alphabetically, according to Titles. + + +MEMOIRS OF SCIPIO DE RICCI, +LATE BISHOP OF PISTOIA AND PRATO; +REFORMER OF CATHOLICISM IN TUSCANY. + +Cheaper Edition, 2 vols. 8vo, 12s. bound. + +The leading feature of this important work is its application to the +great question now at issue between our Protestant and Catholic +fellow-subjects. It contains a complete _expose_ of the Romish Church +Establishment during the eighteenth century, and of the abuses of the +Jesuits throughout the greater part of Europe. Many particulars of the +most thrilling kind are brought to light. + + +MADAME CAMPAN'S MEMOIRS +OF THE COURT OF MARIE ANTOINETTE. + +Cheaper Edition, 2 vols. 8vo, with Portraits, price only 12s.--The same +in French, 7s. + +"We have seldom perused so entertaining a work. It is as a mirror of the +most splendid Court in Europe, at a time when the monarchy had not been +shorn of any of its beams, that it is particularly worthy of +attention."--_Chronicle._ + + +LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF JOHN LOCKE. + +By LORD KING. 2 vols. 16s. + + +HISTORIC SCENES. + +By AGNES STRICKLAND. + +Author of "Lives of the Queens of England," &c. 1 vol., post 8vo, +elegantly bound, with Portrait of the Author, 10s. 6d. + +"This attractive volume is replete with interest. Like Miss Strickland's +former works, it will be found, we doubt not, in the hands of youthful +branches of a family, as well as in those of their parents, to all and +each of whom it cannot fail to be alike amusing and +instructive."--_Britannia._ + + +LETTERS OF ROYAL AND ILLUSTRIOUS LADIES +OF GREAT BRITAIN + +Now first published from the Originals, with Historical Notices. + +By MRS. EVERETT GREEN, +Author of "Lives of the Princesses of England." + +Cheaper Edition, 3 vols., with Facsimile Autographs, &c., 15s. bound. + + +GENERAL PEPE'S NARRATIVE +OF THE WAR IN ITALY, +FROM 1847 to 1850; INCLUDING THE SIEGE OF VENICE. + +Now first published from the original Italian Manuscript. + +Cheaper Edition, 2 vols., post 8vo, 12s. bound. + +"We predict that posterity will accept General Pepe as the historian of +the great Italian movement of the nineteenth century. His work is worthy +of all commendation."--_Standard._ + + +THE REV. R. MILMAN'S LIFE OF TASSO. + +Cheaper Edition in 2 vols., post 8vo, 12s. bound. + +"Mr. Milman's book has considerable merit. He has evidently, in his +interesting biography of Tasso, undertaken a labour of love. His +diligence has been great, his materials are copious and well-arranged, +and his sketches of the poet's contemporaries form agreeable episodes in +the narrative of Tasso's works and woes."--_Edinburgh Review._ + + +MEMOIRS AND CORRESPONDENCE OF +SIR ROBERT MURRAY KEITH, K.B., + +_Minister Plenipotentiary at the Courts of Dresden, Copenhagen, and +Vienna, from 1769 to 1793; with Biographical Memoirs of_ + +QUEEN CAROLINE MATILDA, SISTER OF GEORGE III. + +2 vols., post 8vo, with Portraits, 21s. bound. + +"A large portion of this important and highly interesting work consists +of letters, that we venture to say will bear a comparison for sterling +wit, lively humour, entertaining gossip, piquant personal anecdotes, and +brilliant pictures of social life, in its highest phases, both at home +and abroad, with those of Horace Walpole himself."--_Court Journal._ + + +CAPTAIN CRAWFORD'S REMINISCENCES +OF ADMIRALS SIR E. OWEN, SIR B. HALLOWELL CAREW, +AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED COMMANDERS. + +2 vols., post 8vo, with Portraits, 12s. bound. + +"A work which cannot fail of being popular in every portion of our +sea-girt isle, and of being read with delight by all who feel interested +in the right hand of our country--its Navy."--_Plymouth Herald._ + + +REVELATIONS OF PRINCE TALLEYRAND. + +By M. COLMACHE, + +THE PRINCE'S PRIVATE SECRETARY. + +Second Edition, 1 volume, post 8vo, with Portrait, 10s. 6d. bound. + +"We have perused this work with extreme interest. It is a portrait of +Talleyrand drawn by his own hand."--_Morning Post._ + +"A more interesting work has not issued from the press for many years. +It is in truth a complete Boswell sketch of the greatest diplomatist of +the age."--_Sunday Times._ + + +HISTORY OF THE WAR IN GERMANY AND +FRANCE IN 1813 & 1814. + +By Lieut.-Gen. the MARQUIS OF LONDONDERRY, G.C.B., &c. &c., 21s. + + +Now ready, VOLUME XI., price 5s., of + +M. A. THIERS' HISTORY OF FRANCE, +FROM THE PERIOD OF THE CONSULATE IN 1800, +TO THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO. + +A SEQUEL TO HIS HISTORY OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. + +Having filled at different times the high offices of Minister of the +Interior, of Finance, of Foreign Affairs, and President of the Council, +M. Thiers has enjoyed facilities beyond the reach of every other +biographer of Napoleon for procuring, from exclusive and authentic +sources, the choicest materials for his present work. As guardian to the +archives of the state, he had access to diplomatic papers and other +documents of the highest importance, hitherto known only to a privileged +few, and the publication of which cannot fail to produce a great +sensation. From private sources, M. Thiers, it appears, has also derived +much valuable information. Many interesting memoirs, diaries, and +letters, all hitherto unpublished, and most of them destined for +political reasons to remain so, have been placed at his disposal; while +all the leading characters of the empire, who were alive when the author +undertook the present history, have supplied him with a mass of +incidents and anecdotes which have never before appeared in print, and +the accuracy and value of which may be inferred from the fact of these +parties having been themselves eye-witnesses of, or actors in, the great +events of the period. + +*** To prevent disappointment, the public are requested to be particular +in giving their orders for "COLBURN'S AUTHORISED TRANSLATION." + + +HISTORY OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS; + +FROM THE CONVENTION PARLIAMENT OF 1688-9, TO THE PASSING OF +THE REFORM BILL IN 1832. + +By WM. CHARLES TOWNSEND, ESQ., M.A. 2 vols. 8vo, 12s. bound. + +"We have here a collection of biographical notices of all the Speakers +who have presided during the hundred and forty-four years above defined, +and of several Members of Parliament the most distinguished in that +period. Much useful and curious information is scattered throughout the +volumes."--_Quarterly Review._ + + +DIARY AND MEMOIRS OF SOPHIA DOROTHEA, +CONSORT OF GEORGE I. + +Now first published from the Originals. Cheaper Edition, 2 vols., 8vo, +with Portrait, 12s. bound. + +"A book of marvellous revelations, establishing beyond all doubt the +perfect innocence of the beautiful, highly-gifted, and inhumanly-treated +Sophia Dorothea."--_Naval and Military Gazette._ + + +LETTERS OF MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. + +Illustrative of Her Personal History. +Edited, with an Historical Introduction and Notes, + +By AGNES STRICKLAND. + +Cheaper Edition, with numerous Additions, uniform with Miss Strickland's +"Lives of the Queens of England." 2 vols., post 8vo, with Portrait, &c., +12s. bound. + +"The best collection of authentic memorials relative to the Queen of +Scots that has ever appeared."--_Morning Chronicle._ + + +MEMOIRS OF MADEMOISELLE DE MONTPENSIER. + +Written by HERSELF. 3 vols., post 8vo, with Portrait. + +"One of the most delightful and deeply-interesting works we have read +for a long time."--_Weekly Chronicle._ + + +LADY BLESSINGTON'S JOURNAL +OF +HER CONVERSATIONS WITH LORD BYRON. + +Cheaper Edition, in 8vo, embellished with Portraits of Lady Blessington +and Lord Byron, price only 7s. bound. + +"The best thing that has been written on Lord Byron."--_Spectator._ + +"Universally acknowledged to be delightful."--_Athenaeum._ + + +ADVENTURES OF A SOLDIER, + +Being the Memoirs of EDWARD COSTELLO, of the Rifle Brigade, late Captain +in the British Legion; + +Comprising Narratives of the Campaigns in the Peninsula under the Duke +of Wellington, and the Civil War in Spain. + +New and Cheaper Edition, with Portrait of the Author, 3s. 6d. bound. + + +ANECDOTES OF THE ARISTOCRACY, +AND +EPISODES IN ANCESTRAL STORY. + +By J. BERNARD BURKE, Esq., + +Author of "The History of the Landed Gentry," "The Peerage and +Baronetage," &c. + +SECOND AND CHEAPER EDITION, 2 vols., post 8vo, 21s. bound. + +"Mr. Burke has here given us the most curious incidents, the most +stirring tales, and the most remarkable circumstances connected with the +histories, public and private, of our noble houses and aristocratic +families, and has put them into a shape which will preserve them in the +library, and render them the favourite study of those who are interested +in the romance of real life. These stories, with all the reality of +established fact, read with as much spirit as the tales of Boccacio, and +are as full of strange matter for reflection and +amazement."--_Britannia._ + +"We cannot estimate too highly the interest of Mr. Burke's entertaining +and instructive work. For the curious nature of the details, the +extraordinary anecdotes related, the strange scenes described, it would +be difficult to find a parallel for it. It will be read by every +one."--_Sunday Times._ + + +ROMANTIC RECORDS OF DISTINGUISHED FAMILIES. + +BEING THE SECOND SERIES OF "ANECDOTES OF THE ARISTOCRACY." + +By J. B. BURKE, Esq. + +2 vols., post 8vo, 21s. bound. + +"From the copious materials afforded by the history of the English +Aristocracy, Mr. Burke has made another and a most happy selection, +adding a second wing to his interesting picture-gallery. Some of the +most striking incidents on record in the annals of high and noble +families are here presented to view."--_John Bull._ + + +MR. DISRAELI'S CONINGSBY. + +CHEAP STANDARD EDITION, WITH A NEW PREFACE. + +In 1 vol., with Portrait, 6s. bound. + +"We are glad to see that the finest work of Disraeli has been sent out +in the same shape as those of Dickens, Bulwer, and other of our best +novelists, at such a price as to place them within the reach of the most +moderate means. 'Coningsby' has passed from the popularity of a season +to an enduring reputation as a standard work. It is a valuable +contribution to popular literature."--_Weekly Chronicle._ + + +WORKS OF LADY MORGAN. + +1. WOMAN AND HER MASTER. A History of the Female Sex from the earliest +Period. 2 vols., 12s. + +2. THE BOOK OF THE BOUDOIR. 2 vols., 10s. + +3. LIFE AND TIMES OF SALVATOR ROSA. 2 vols., 12s. + +4. THE O'BRIENS AND THE O'FLAHERTYS. 4 vols., 14s. + + +JAPAN AND THE JAPANESE, + +Comprising the Narrative of +A THREE YEARS' CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN; + +With an Account of British Commercial Intercourse with that Country. + +By CAPTAIN GOLOWNIN. + +NEW AND CHEAPER EDITION. 2 vols. post 8vo, 10s. bound. + +"No European has been able, from personal observation and experience, to +communicate a tenth part of the intelligence furnished by this +writer."--_British Review._ + + +NARRATIVE OF THE +TEN YEARS' VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY ROUND THE WORLD + +of H.M.S. "ADVENTURE" and "BEAGLE," under the command of Captains KING +and FITZROY. + +Cheaper Edition. 2 large vols., 8vo, with Maps, Charts, and upwards of +Sixty Illustrations, by Landseer, and other eminent Artists, bound, +1_l_. 11s. 6d. + + +ADVENTURES IN GEORGIA, CIRCASSIA, & RUSSIA. + +By Lieutenant-Colonel G. POULETT CAMERON, C.B., K.T.S., &c. + +2 vols., post 8vo, bound, 12s. + + +NARRATIVE OF A TWO YEARS' RESIDENCE AT NINEVEH; +AND TRAVELS IN MESOPOTAMIA, ASSYRIA, AND SYRIA, + +With Remarks on the Chaldeans, Nestorians, Yezidees, &c. + +By the Rev. J. P. FLETCHER. Two vols., post 8vo, 21s. bound. + + +TRAVELS IN ALGERIA. + +By VISCOUNT FEILDING and CAPTAIN KENNEDY. + +2 vols., post 8vo, with Illustrations, bound, 12s. + + +NARRATIVE OF A VISIT TO THE +COURTS OF VIENNA, CONSTANTINOPLE, ATHENS, NAPLES, &c. &c. + +By the MARCHIONESS OF LONDONDERRY. + +8vo, with Portrait, bound, 10s. 6d. + + +PERSONAL NARRATIVE OF TRAVELS IN +BABYLONIA, ASSYRIA, MEDIA, AND SCYTHIA. + +By the Hon. COLONEL KEPPEL (now Lord Albemarle). + +Third Edition, 2 vols., post 8vo, with Portrait and Plates, 12s. + + +TRAVELS IN KASHMERE, &c. + +By G. T. VIGNE, Esq., F.G.S. Cheaper Edition. 2 vols., 8vo, with a +valuable Map, and 22 Illustrations, bound, 1_l_. 1s. + + +GERMANY; + +ITS COURTS AND PEOPLE. + +BY THE AUTHOR OF "MILDRED VERNON." + +Second and Cheaper Edition. 2 vols. 8vo, 21s. bound. + +"An important, yet most amusing work, throwing much and richly-coloured +light on matters with which every one desires to be informed. All the +courts and people of Germany are passed in vivid review before us. The +account of the Austrians, Magyars, and Croats, will be found especially +interesting. In many of its lighter passages the work may bear a +comparison with Lady Mary Wortley Montagu's Letters."--_Morning +Chronicle._ + + +LORD LINDSAY'S LETTERS ON THE HOLY LAND. + +FOURTH EDITION, Revised and Corrected, 1 vol., post 8vo, 6s. bound. + +"Lord Lindsay has felt and recorded what he saw with the wisdom of a +philosopher, and the faith of an enlightened Christian."--_Quarterly +Review._ + + +THE SPIRIT OF THE EAST. + +By D. URQUHART, Esq., M.P. 2 vols., 16s. + + +SIR HENRY WARD'S ACCOUNT OF MEXICO, +THE MINING COMPANIES, &c. + +2 vols., with Plates and Maps, 21s. + + +THE CRESCENT AND THE CROSS; + +OR, + +ROMANCE AND REALITIES OF EASTERN TRAVEL. + +By ELIOT WARBURTON, Esq. + +NINTH AND CHEAPER EDITION, 1 vol., with numerous Illustrations, 10s. 6d. +bound. + + +HOCHELAGA; + +OR, + +ENGLAND IN THE NEW WORLD. + +Edited by ELIOT WARBURTON, Esq., + +Author of "The Crescent and the Cross." + +FOURTH AND CHEAPER EDITION, 2 vols., post 8vo, with Illustrations, 10s. +6d. bound. + +"We recommend 'Hochelaga' most heartily, in case any of our readers may +as yet be unacquainted with it."--_Quarterly Review._ + + +LIGHTS AND SHADES OF MILITARY LIFE. + +Edited by Lieut.-Gen. Sir CHARLES NAPIER, G.C.B., Commander-in-Chief in +India, &c. 1 vol., 8vo, 10s. 6d. bound. + +"A narrative of stirring interest, which should be in the hands of every +officer in her Majesty's service."--_Globe._ + + +SIR JAMES ALEXANDER'S ACADIE; + +OR, SEVEN YEARS' EXPLORATION IN CANADA, &c. + +2 vols., post 8vo, with numerous Illustrations, 12s. bound. + +"Replete with valuable information on Canada for the English settler, +the English soldier, and the English Government; with various charms of +adventure and description for the desultory reader."--_Morning +Chronicle._ + +"No other writer on Canada can compare with the gallant author of the +present volumes in the variety and interest of his narrative."--_John +Bull._ + + +STORY OF THE PENINSULAR WAR. + +A COMPANION VOLUME TO MR. GLEIG'S +"STORY OF THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO." + +With six Portraits and Map, 5s. bound. + +"Every page of this work is fraught with undying interest. We needed +such a book as this; one that could give to the rising generation of +soldiers a clear notion of the events which led to the expulsion of the +French from the Peninsular."--_United Service Gazette._ + + +LADY LISTER KAYE'S BRITISH HOMES +AND FOREIGN WANDERINGS. + +2 vols., post 8vo, 10s. bound. + +"Unrivalled as these volumes are, considered as portfolios of +aristocratic sketches, they are not less interesting on account of the +romantic history with which the sketches are interwoven."--_John Bull._ + + +THE NEMESIS IN CHINA; + +COMPRISING A COMPLETE +HISTORY OF THE WAR IN THAT COUNTRY; + +From Notes of Captain W. H. HALL, R.N. + +1 vol., Plates, 6s. bound. + +"Capt. Hall's narrative of the services of the _Nemesis_ is full of +interest, and will, we are sure, be valuable hereafter, as affording +most curious materials for the history of steam navigation."--_Quarterly +Review._ + +"A work which will take its place beside that of Captain Cook."--_Weekly +Chronicle._ + + +ADVENTURES OF A LADY DURING HER TRAVELS IN AFRICA. + +2 vols., 10s. + + +POETICAL WORKS OF BARRY CORNWALL, + +Cheaper Edition, 6s. + + +ZOOLOGICAL RECREATIONS. + +By W. J. BRODERIP, Esq., F.R.S. + +CHEAPER EDITION, 1 vol., post 8vo, 6s. bound. + +"We believe we do not exaggerate in saying that, since the publication +of White's 'Natural History of Selborne,' and of the 'Introduction to +Entomology,' by Kirby and Spence, no work in our language is better +calculated than the 'Zoological Recreations' to fulfil the avowed aim of +its author--to furnish a hand-book which may cherish or awaken a love +for natural history."--_Quarterly Review._ + + +THE WANDERER IN ITALY, SWITZERLAND, +FRANCE, AND SPAIN. + +By T. ADOLPHUS TROLLOPE, Esq. 1 vol., 6s. bound. + + +ADVENTURES OF A GREEK LADY, +The Adopted Daughter of the late Queen Caroline. + +WRITTEN BY HERSELF, + +2 volumes, post 8vo, price 12s. bound. + + + + +POPULAR WORKS OF FICTION. + + +MERKLAND. By the Author of "MARGARET MAITLAND." 3 v., 31s. 6d. + +PASSAGES IN THE LIFE OF MRS. MARGARET MAITLAND, OF SUNNYSIDE. Written by +HERSELF. New and Cheaper Edition. 1 v., 10s. 6d. + +MR. WARBURTON'S REGINALD HASTINGS. Third and Cheaper Edition. 1 v., 10s. +6d. + +NATHALIE. By JULIA KAVANAGH, Author of "Woman in France," 3 v., 15s. + +FALKLAND. By Sir E. BULWER LYTTON. 1 v., 5s. + +VIOLET; OR, THE DANSEUSE. 2 v., 10s. + +ANNE DYSART; OR, THE SCOTCH MINISTER'S DAUGHTER. 3 v., 15s. + + + + +Transcriber's Notes. + +'_' is used to denote italicised text. '#' is used to denote text in +black letter font. + +Punctuation, hyphenation, capitalisation and accenting of common words +has been corrected without note here. + +Variant spelling of some proper names has not been corrected, e.g. +Staremberg, Stahremburg, Starhemburg. + +The following typographical errors in the main text have been corrected: + +Page Corrected text (error in original) + +vi 250-323 (350-323) +25 sermons to Shakspeare's text of (Skakspeare's) +47 whether further adjournment may not be thought right, (adjourment) +48 finished the examination of the physicians (physicans) +84 2nd of January, 1789, Mr. Cornwall, (1799) +104 Prince's aides-de-camp you will have seen (aides-de-camps) +214 LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. July 2nd, 1792. (1798) +290 intimate concert between his Court (betweent) +311 impossible as to make the Prussians act. (Prusians) +346 give some sort of account (some some) +369 expediency for Lord Hobart's recal, (Hobart'a) +387 selected as a much more striking instance (strking) +407 indictable, till this new offence (ndictable) +419 more difficult task to accomplish (acccomplish) + +Typographical errors in the advertising section have been corrected +without note. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoirs of the Court and Cabinets of +George the Third, Volume 2 (of 2), by The Duke of Buckingham and Chandos + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GEORGE THE THIRD, VOL 2 OF 2 *** + +***** This file should be named 27704.txt or 27704.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/7/0/27704/ + +Produced by Paul Murray, Louise Pattison and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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