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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Secret History of the Court of England, from
+the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth,
+Volume I (of 2), by Lady Anne Hamilton
+
+
+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: Secret History of the Court of England, from the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth, Volume I (of 2)
+       Including, Among Other Important Matters, Full Particulars of the Mysterious Death of the Princess Charlotte
+
+
+Author: Lady Anne Hamilton
+
+
+
+Release Date: September 29, 2011  [eBook #37570]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SECRET HISTORY OF THE COURT OF
+ENGLAND, FROM THE ACCESSION OF GEORGE THE THIRD TO THE DEATH OF GEORGE THE
+FOURTH, VOLUME I (OF 2)***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Steven Gibbs, Lisa Reigel, and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original page images.
+      See 37570-h.htm or 37570-h.zip:
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/37570/37570-h/37570-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/37570/37570-h.zip)
+
+
+      Project Gutenberg also has Volume II of this work. See
+      http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37571
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      Due to an accusation of libel, some pages had to be rewritten
+      and reprinted before the book was bound. Pages 1-24 were not
+      printed and are missing from the original. See the
+      Preface for more information.
+
+      Text in italics in the original is surrounded by underscores
+      (_italics_).
+
+      Text in a Gothic font in the original are surrounded by equal
+      signs (=Gothic=).
+
+      Characters superscripted in the original are surrounded by
+      curly braces (example: SAM{L}).
+
+      A row of asterisks represents a thought break or an ellipsis
+      in a poetry quotation. Other asterisks indicate censored names.
+
+      The original uses two kinds of blockquotes--one type has words
+      in a smaller font, and the other uses extra white space before
+      and after the quotation. The transcriber has used wider margins
+      to represent the smaller font and two blank lines before and
+      after to represent extra white space.
+
+      Variations in spelling and hyphenation have been left as in the
+      original. A few typographical errors have been corrected. A
+      complete list follows the text.
+
+
+
+
+
+                            SECRET HISTORY
+
+                                OF THE
+
+                         =Court of England=,
+
+            FROM THE ACCESSION OF GEORGE THE THIRD TO THE
+                     DEATH OF GEORGE THE FOURTH;
+
+              INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS,
+
+               FULL PARTICULARS OF THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH
+
+                                OF THE
+
+                         PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.
+
+
+              BY THE RIGHT HONORABLE LADY ANNE HAMILTON,
+    _Sister of His Grace the present Duke of Hamilton and Brandon;
+                   and of the Countess of Dunmore_.
+
+
+     "OF MEANER VICE AND VILLAINS, SING NO MORE,
+      BUT MONSTERS CROWN'D, AND CRIME ENROBED WITH POWER!
+      AT VICE'S HIGH IMPERIAL THRONE BEGIN,
+      AND BOLDLY BRAND SUCH PRODIGIES OF SIN;
+      WITH PREGNANT PHRASE, AND STRONG IMPARTIAL VERSE,
+      THE CRIMES OF LORDS AND CRIMES OF KINGS REHEARSE!"
+
+
+                                VOL I.
+
+
+                               LONDON:
+                PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM HENRY STEVENSON,
+                    13, WELLINGTON STREET, STRAND.
+                                1832.
+
+
+
+
+"TO THE READER."
+
+
+The source from whence this Work proceeds will be a sufficient guarantee
+for the facts it contains. A high sense of duty and honor has prompted
+these details which have for many years been on the eve of publication.
+It will be worthy of the perusal of THE GREAT because it will serve as a
+mirror, and they who do not see themselves, or their actions reflected,
+will not take offence at the _unvarnished Picture_--it may afford
+real benefit to the Statesman and Politician, by the ample testimony
+it gives, that when _Justice is perverted_, the most lamentable
+consequences ensue; and to that class of Society whose station is more
+humble, it may unfold the designing characters by whom they have so
+frequently been deceived. _They only_ are competent to detail the scenes
+and intrigues of _a Court_, who have been most intimately acquainted
+with it, and it must at all times be acknowledged, that it is a climate
+not very conducive to the growth of Virtue, not very frequently the
+abode of Truth--yet although its atmosphere is so tainted, its giddy
+crowd is thought enviably happy. The fallacy of such opinions is here
+set forth to public view, by one who has spent much of her time in _the
+interior of a Court_, and whose immediate knowledge of the then passing
+events, give ability to narrate them faithfully. Many, very many, facts
+are here omited, which hereafter shall appear, and there is little
+doubt, but that some general good may result from an unprejudiced and
+calm perusal of the subjects subjoined.
+
+
+
+
+"PREFACE."
+
+
+How far the law of Libel (as it now stands) may affect is best to be
+ascertained by a reference to the declaration of Lord Abingdon, in 1779,
+and inserted, verbatim, at page 69--1st vol. of this "Secret History."
+The following Pages are intended as a benefit, not to do injury. If the
+facts could not have been maintained proper methods ought to have been
+adopted to have caused the most minute enquiry and investigation upon
+the subject. Many an Arrow has been shot, and innumerable suspicions
+entertained from what motive, and by whose hand the bow was drawn, yet
+here all mystery ceases, and an open avowal is made:--Would to Heaven
+for the honor of human nature that the subjoined documents were
+falsehoods and calumniations invented for the purpose of maligning
+character, or for personal resentments--but the unusual corroboration of
+_events_, _places_, times, and persons, will not admit the probability.
+In the affair of the ever lamented Death of the Princess Charlotte, the
+three important Letters commencing at page 369, vol. 1st, are of
+essential importance, and deserve the most grave and deliberate
+enquiry--for _the first time_ they _now_ appear in print. The subjects
+connected with the Royal Mother are also of deep interest. The conduct
+of the English Government towards Napoleon is introduced, to give a
+true and impartial view of the _reasons_ which dictated such arbitrary
+and unjust measures enforced against that _Great Man_, and which will
+ever remain a blot upon the British Nation. These unhandsome
+derelictions from honorable conduct could alone be expressed by those
+who were well informed upon _private subjects_. Respect for the
+illustrious Dead has materially encouraged the inclination to give
+publicity to scenes, which were as revolting in themselves as they were
+_cruel_ and _most heart-rending_ to the Victims: throughout the whole,
+it is quite apparent that certain Persons were obnoxious to the Ruling
+Authorities, and the sequel will prove, that _the extinction_ of such
+Persons was resolved upon, let the means and measures to obtain that
+object be what they might. During this period we find those who had long
+been opposed in Political sentiments, to all appearance perfectly
+reconciled, and adhering to that party from whom they might expect the
+greatest honors and advancement in the State. We need only refer as
+proofs for this, to the late "Spencer Percival," and "George
+Canning"--who to obtain preferment joined the confederations formed
+against an unprotected Princess, and yet who previously had been the
+most strenuous defenders of the same Lady's cause.--Well may it be
+observed that Vanity is too powerful,
+
+     "The Seals of Office glitter in their eyes,
+      They leave the truth, and by their falsehoods rise."
+
+These remarks are not intended as any disparagement to the private
+characters or virtues of those statesmen whose talent was great and well
+cultivated, but to establish the position which it is the object of this
+work to show that Justice has not been fairly and impartially
+administered when the requirement was in opposition to the Royal wish or
+the administration.
+
+Within these volumes will also be found urgent remonstrances against the
+indignities offered to the people of Ireland, whose forebearance has
+been great, and whose sorrows are without a parallel, and who merit the
+same regard as England and Scotland.--Much is omited relative to the
+private conduct of persons who occupy _high stations_, but should it be
+needful, it shall be published, and all the correspondence connected
+therewith. It is true much honor will not be derived from such
+explanations, but they are forthcoming if requisite.
+
+The generality of readers will not criticise severely upon _the diction_
+of these prefatory remarks; they will rather have their attention turned
+to the truths submitted to them, and the end in view,--_that end_ is for
+the advancement of the best interests of Society--to unite more closely
+each member in the bonds of friendship and amity, and to expose the
+_hidden causes_ which for so long a period have been barriers to
+concord, unity, and happiness
+
+     "MAY GOD DEFEND THE RIGHT."
+
+
+
+
+SECRET HISTORY,
+
+_&c. &c._
+
+
+The secret history of the Court of England, during the last two reigns,
+will afford the reflecting mind abundant matter for regret and
+abhorrence. It has, however, been so much the fashion for historians to
+speak of kings and their ministers in all the fulsome terms of flattery,
+that the inquirer frequently finds it a matter of great difficulty to
+arrive at truth. But, fearless of consequences, we will speak of facts
+as they _really occurred_, and only hope our readers will accompany us
+in the recital with feelings, unwarped by party prejudice, and with a
+determination to judge the actions of kings, lords, and commons, not as
+beings of a _superior order_, but as _men_. Minds thus constituted will
+have little difficulty in tracing the origin of our present evils, or of
+perceiving
+
+     "How many that _command_ should be COMMANDED!"
+
+
+We commence with the year
+
+     1761,
+
+about which period George the Third was pressed by his ministers to make
+choice of some royal lady, and demand her in marriage. They urged this
+under the pretext, that such a connexion was indispensably necessary to
+give stability to the monarchy, to assist the progressive improvements
+in morality and religion, and to benefit all artificers, by making a
+display at court of their ingenious productions. His majesty heard the
+proposal with an aching heart; and, to many of his ministers, he seemed
+as if labouring under bodily indisposition. Those persons, however, who
+were in the immediate confidence of the king, felt no surprise at the
+distressing change so apparent in the countenance of his majesty, the
+cause of which may be traced in the following particulars:
+
+The unhappy sovereign, while Prince of Wales, was in the daily habit of
+passing through St. James' street, and its immediate vicinity. In one of
+his favourite rides through that part of town, he saw a very engaging
+young lady, who appeared, by her dress, to be a member of the Society of
+Friends. The prince was much struck by the delicacy and lovely
+appearance of this female, and, for several succeeding days, was
+observed to walk out alone. At length, the passion of his royal highness
+arrived at such a point, that he felt his happiness depended upon
+receiving the lady in marriage.
+
+Every individual in his immediate circle, or in the list of the privy
+council, was very narrowly questioned by the prince, though in an
+indirect manner, to ascertain who was most to be trusted, that he might
+secure, _honorably_, the possession of the object of his ardent wishes.
+His royal highness, at last, confided his views to his next brother,
+Edward, Duke of York, and another person, who were the only witnesses to
+the _legal_ marriage of the Prince of Wales to the before-mentioned
+lady, HANNAH LIGHTFOOT, which took place at Curzon-street Chapel, May
+Fair, in the year 1759.
+
+This marriage was productive of _issue_, the particulars of which,
+however, we pass over for the present, and only look to the results of
+the union.
+
+Shortly after the prince came to the throne, by the title of George the
+Third, ministers became suspicious of his marriage with the quakeress.
+At length, they were informed of the important fact, and immediately
+determined to annul it. After innumerable schemes how they might best
+attain this end, and thereby frustrate the king's wishes, they devised
+the "Royal Marriage Act," by which every prince or princess of the blood
+might not marry or intermarry with any person of less degree. _This act,
+however, was not passed till thirteen years after George the Third's
+union with Miss Lightfoot_, and therefore it could not render such
+marriage _illegal_.
+
+From the moment the ministry became aware of his majesty's alliance to
+the lady just named, they took possession of their watch-tower, and
+determined that the new sovereign should henceforth do even as their
+will dictated; while the unsuspecting mind of George the Third was
+easily beguiled into their specious devices. In the absence of the
+king's beloved brother, Edward, Duke of York, (who was then abroad for
+a short period) his majesty was assured by his ministers that no
+cognizance would be taken at any time of his late unfortunate amour and
+marriage; and persuaded him, that the only stability he could give to
+his throne was demanding the hand of the Princess Charlotte of
+Mecklenburgh Strelitz. Every needful letter and paper for the
+negotiation was speedily prepared for the king's signature, which, in
+due course, each received; and thus was the foundation laid for this
+ill-fated prince's _future malady_!
+
+Who can reflect upon the blighted first love of this monarch, without
+experiencing feelings of pity for his early sorrows! With his domestic
+habits, had he only been allowed to live with the _wife of his choice_,
+his reign might have passed in harmony and peace, and the English people
+now been affluent, happy, and contented. Instead of which, his unfeeling
+ministers compelled him to marry one of the most selfish, vindictive,
+and tyrannical women that ever disgraced human nature! At the first
+sight of the German princess, the king actually shrunk from her gaze;
+for her countenance was of that cast that too plainly told of the nature
+of the spirit working within.
+
+On the 18th of September, the king was _obliged_ to subscribe to the
+formal ceremony of a marriage with the before-named lady, at the palace
+of St. James. His majesty's brother Edward, who was one of the witnesses
+to the king's first marriage with Miss Lightfoot, was now also present,
+and used every endeavour to support his royal brother through the
+"trying ordeal," not only by first meeting the princess on her entrance
+into the garden, but also at the altar.
+
+In the mean time, the Earl of Abercorn informed the princess of the
+_previous_ marriage of the king, and of the then existence of his
+majesty's wife; and Lord Harcourt advised the princess to well inform
+herself of the policy of the kingdoms, as a measure for preventing much
+future disturbance in the country, as well as securing an uninterrupted
+possession of the throne to her issue. Presuming, therefore, that this
+German princess had hitherto been an open and ingenuous character,
+(which are certainly traits very rarely to be found in the mind of a
+German of her grade) such expositions, intimations, and dark mysteries,
+were ill calculated to nourish honorable feelings, but would rather
+operate as a check to their further existence.
+
+To the public eye, the newly-married pair were contented with each
+other;--alas! it was because each feared an exposure to the nation. The
+king reproached himself that he had not fearlessly avowed the only wife
+of his affections; the queen, because she feared an explanation that the
+king was guilty of _bigamy_, and thereby her claim, as also that of her
+progeny, (if she should have any) would be known to be illegitimate. It
+appears as if the result of these reflections formed a basis for the
+misery of millions, and added to that number millions then unborn. The
+secret marriage of the king proved a pivot, on which the destiny of
+kingdoms was to turn.
+
+At this period of increased anxiety to his majesty, Miss Lightfoot was
+disposed of during a temporary absence of his brother Edward, and from
+that time no _satisfactory_ tidings ever reached those most interested
+in her welfare. The only information that could be obtained was, that a
+young gentleman, named AXFORD, was offered a large amount, to be paid on
+the consummation of his marriage with Miss Lightfoot, which offer he
+willingly accepted.
+
+The king was greatly distressed to ascertain the fate of his
+much-beloved and legally-married wife, the quakeress, and entrusted Lord
+Chatham to go in disguise, and endeavour to trace her abode; but the
+search proving fruitless, the king was again almost distracted.
+
+Every one in the queen's confidence was expected to make any personal
+sacrifice of feeling whenever her majesty might require it; and,
+consequently, new emoluments, honors, and posts of dignity, were
+continually needful for the preservation of such unnatural friendships.
+From this period, new creations of peers were enrolled; and, as it
+became expedient to increase the number of the "privy cabal," the nation
+was freely called upon, by extra taxation and oppressive burdens of
+various kinds, to supply the necessary means to support this vile system
+of bribery and misrule!
+
+We have dwelt upon this important period, because we wish our countrymen
+to see the _origin of our overgrown national debt_,--the real cause of
+England's present wretchedness.
+
+The coronation of their majesties passed over, a few days after their
+marriage, without any remarkable feature, save that of an additional
+expense to the nation. The queen generally _appeared_ at ease, though
+she seized upon every possible occasion to slight all persons from whom
+she feared any state explanation, which might prove inimical to her
+wishes. The wily queen thought this would effectually prevent their
+frequent appearance at court, as well as cause their banishment from the
+council-chamber.
+
+A bill was passed this year to fix the civil list at the annual sum of
+EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS, payable out of the consolidated fund, in
+lieu of the hereditary revenue, settled on the late king.
+
+Another act passed, introduced to parliament by a speech from the
+throne, for the declared purpose of giving additional security to the
+independence of the judges. Although there was a law then in force,
+passed in the reign of William the Third, for continuing the commissions
+of judges during their good behaviour, they were legally determined on
+the death of the reigning sovereign. By this act, however, their
+continuance in office was made _independent_ of the royal demise.
+
+Twelve millions of money were raised by loans this year, and the
+interest thereon agreed to be paid by an additional duty of three
+shillings per barrel on all strong beer or ale,--the sinking fund being
+a collateral security. The imposition of this tax was received by the
+people as it deserved to be; for every labourer and mechanic severally
+felt himself insulted by so oppressive an act.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1762
+
+was ushered in by the hoarse clarion of war. England declared against
+Spain, while France and Spain became opposed to Portugal, on account of
+her alliance with Great Britain. These hostilities, however, were not of
+long duration; for preliminaries of peace were signed, before the
+conclusion of the year, by the English and French plenipotentiaries at
+Fontainbleau.
+
+By this treaty, the original cause of the war was removed by the cession
+of Canada to England. This advantage, if _advantage_ it may be called,
+cost this country _eighteen millions of money_, besides the loss of
+_three hundred thousand men_! Every friend of humanity must shudder at
+so wanton a sacrifice of life, and so prodigious an expenditure of the
+public money! But this was only the commencement of the reign of
+imbecility and Germanism.
+
+On the 12th of August, her majesty was safely delivered of a prince.
+Court etiquette requires _numerous witnesses_ of the birth of an
+heir-apparent to the British throne. On this occasion, however, her
+majesty's _extraordinary delicacy_ dispensed with a strict adherence to
+the forms of state; for only the Archbishop of Canterbury was allowed to
+be in the room. But there were _more powerful_ reasons than _delicacy_
+for this unusual privacy, which will hereafter appear.
+
+On the 18th of September following, the ceremony of christening the
+royal infant was performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the great
+council-chamber of his majesty's palace, and the young prince was named
+George, Augustus, Frederick.
+
+In this year, the city of Havannah surrendered to the English, whose
+troops were commanded by Lord Albermarle and Admiral Pococke. Nine sail
+of the line and four frigates were taken in the harbour; three of the
+line had been previously sunk by the enemy, and two were destroyed on
+the stocks. The plunder in money and merchandize was supposed to have
+amounted to _three millions sterling_, while the sum raised by the
+land-tax, at four shillings in the pound, from 1756 to 1760 inclusive,
+also produced _ten millions of money_! But to what purpose this amount
+was devoted remained a profound secret to those from whom it was
+extorted.
+
+In the November of this year, the famous Peter Annet was sentenced by
+the Court of King's Bench to be imprisoned one month, to stand twice in
+the pillory within that time, and afterwards to be kept to hard labour
+in Bridewell for a year. The reader may feel surprised when informed
+that all the enormity this man had been guilty of consisted in nothing
+more than writing the _truth_ of the government, which was published in
+his "Free Inquirer." The unmerited punishment, however, had only this
+effect: it made him glory in suffering for the cause of liberty and
+truth.
+
+
+1763
+
+was a continuation of the misrule which characterized the preceding
+year.
+
+In May, Lord Bute resigned the office of First Lord of the Treasury, and
+the conduct of the earl became a question of much astonishment and
+criticism. He was the foundation-stone of _Toryism_, in its most
+arbitrary form; and there cannot be a doubt that his lordship's
+influence over the state machinery was the key-stone of all the
+mischiefs and miseries of the nation. It was Lord Bute's opinion, that
+all things should be made subservient to the _queen_, and he framed his
+measures accordingly.
+
+The earl was succeeded by Mr. George Grenville. Little alteration for
+the better, however, was manifested in the administration, although the
+characters and principles of the new ministers were supposed to be of a
+liberal description; but this may possibly be accounted for by the Earls
+of Halifax and Egremont continuing to be the secretaries of state.
+
+In this memorable year, the celebrated John Wilkes, editor of "The North
+Briton," was committed to the Tower, for an excellent, though biting,
+criticism on his majesty's speech to the two houses of parliament. The
+queen vigorously promoted this unconstitutional and tyrannical act of
+the new government, which was severely censured by many members of the
+House of Commons. Among the rest, Mr. Pitt considered the act as an
+infringement upon the rights of the people; and, although he condemned
+the libel, he said he would come at the author fairly,--not by an open
+breach of the constitution, and a contempt of all restraint. Wilkes,
+however, came off triumphantly, and his victory was hailed with delight
+by his gratified countrymen.
+
+In the midst of this public agitation, the queen, on the 16th of August,
+burdened the nation with her second son, Frederick, afterwards created
+Duke of York, _Bishop of Osnaburgh_, and many other _et ceteras_, which
+produced a good round sum, and, we should think, more than sufficient to
+support this Right Reverend Father in God, at the age of--_eleven
+months_!
+
+Colonel Gréme, who had been chiefly instrumental in bringing about the
+marriage of the Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburgh with the King of
+England, was this year appointed Master of St. Catherine, near the
+Tower, an excellent _sinecure_ in the _peculiar gift of the queen_!
+
+The most important public event on the continent was, the death of
+Augustus, third King of Poland, and Elector of Saxony, who had lately
+returned to his electoral dominions, from which he had been banished for
+six years, in consequence of the war. Immediately after his demise, his
+eldest son and successor to the electorate declared himself a candidate
+for the crown of Poland, in which ambition he was supposed to be
+countenanced by the Court of Vienna; but he fell a victim to the
+small-pox, a few weeks after his father's death.
+
+
+During the year
+
+     1764,
+
+much public anxiety and disquietude was manifested. Mr. Wilkes again
+appeared before a public tribunal for publishing opinions not in
+accordance with the reigning powers. The House of Commons sat so early
+as seven o'clock in the morning to consider his case, and the speaker
+actually remained in the chair for _twenty hours_, so important was the
+matter considered.
+
+About the end of this year, the king became much indisposed, and
+exhibited the first signs of that mental aberration, which, in after
+years, so heavily afflicted him. The nation, in general, supposed this
+to have arisen from his majesty's anxiety upon the fearful aspect of
+affairs, which was then of the most gloomy nature, both at home and
+abroad. Little, indeed, did the multitudes imagine the _real_ cause;
+little did the private gentleman, the industrious tradesman, the worthy
+mechanic, or the labourer, think that their sovereign was living in
+splendid misery, bereft of the dearest object of his solicitude, and
+compelled to associate with the woman he all but detested!
+
+Nature had not formed George the Third for a king; she had not been
+profuse to him either in elegance of manners, or capacity of mind; but
+he seemed more fitted to shine in a domestic circle, where his
+affections were centred, and in that sphere only. But, with all
+hereditary monarchies, _an incompetent person has the same claim as a
+man adorned with every requisite and desirable ability_!
+
+In this year, Lord Albermarle received TWENTY THOUSAND POUNDS as _his_
+share in the Havannah prize-money; while _one pound, two shillings, and
+six-pence_ was thought sufficient for a corporal, and _thirteen
+shillings and five-pence_ for a private! How far this disbursement was
+consistent with _equity_, we leave every honest member of society to
+determine.
+
+In December, a most excellent edict was registered in the parliament of
+Paris, by which the King of France abolished the society of Jesuits _for
+ever_.
+
+
+Early in the year
+
+     1765,
+
+the queen was pressingly anxious that her marriage with the king should
+again be solemnized; and, as the queen was then pregnant, his majesty
+readily acquiesced in her wishes. Dr. Wilmot, by his majesty's
+appointment, performed the ceremony at their palace at Kew. The king's
+brother, Edward, was present upon this occasion also, as he had been on
+the two former ones.
+
+Under the peculiar distractions of this year, it was supposed, the mind
+of the sovereign was again disturbed. To prevent a recurrence of such
+interruptions to the royal authority, a law was passed, empowering his
+majesty to appoint the _queen_, or _other member of the royal family_,
+assisted by a council, to act as regent of the kingdom. Although his
+majesty's blank of intellect was but of short duration, it proved of
+essential injury to the people generally. The tyrannical queen,
+presuming on the authority of this bill, exercised the most unlimited
+sway over national affairs. She supplied her own requirements and
+opinions, in unison with her trusty-bought clan, who made it apparent
+that these suggestions were offered by the king, and were his settled
+opinions, upon the most deliberate investigation of all matters and
+things connected therewith!
+
+During the king's indisposition, he was most passionate in his requests,
+that the _wife of his choice_ should be brought to him. The queen,
+judging her influence might be of much consequence to quell the
+perturbation of her husband's mind, was, agreeably to her own request,
+admitted to the solitary apartment of the king. It is true he recognised
+her, but it was followed by extreme expressions of disappointment and
+disgust! The queen was well acquainted with all subjects connected with
+his majesty's unfortunate passion and marriage; therefore, she thought
+it prudent to stifle expressions of anger or sorrow, and, as soon as
+decency permitted, left the place, resolving thenceforth to manage the
+helm herself.
+
+On the 31st of October, his majesty's uncle, the Duke of Cumberland,
+died suddenly at his house in Upper Grosvenor-street, in the forty-fifth
+year of his age; and on the 28th of December, his majesty's youngest
+brother, Prince Frederick William, also expired, in the sixteenth year
+of his age.
+
+
+On December 1st,
+
+     1766,
+
+his majesty's sister, Matilda, was married to the King of Denmark, and
+the Duke of York was proxy on the occasion. Soon afterwards, his royal
+highness took leave of his brother, and set out on a projected tour
+through Germany, and other parts of the continent. The queen was most
+happy to say "Adieu," and, for the first time, felt something like ease
+on his account.
+
+The supplies granted for the service of this year, although the people
+were in the most distressed state, amounted to _eight millions, two
+hundred and seventy-three thousand, two hundred and eighty pounds_!
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1767,
+
+the noble-minded and generous Duke of York was married to a descendant
+of the Stuarts, an amiable and conciliating lady, not only willing, but
+anxious, to live without the splendour of royal parade, and desirous
+also of evading the flatteries and falsehoods of a court.
+
+In August, the duke lived very retired in a chateau near Monaco, in
+Italy, blessed and happy in the society of his wife. She was then
+advancing in pregnancy, and his solicitude for her was sufficient to
+have deeply interested a heart less susceptible than her own. Their
+marriage was kept from public declaration, but we shall refer to the
+proofs hereafter. In the ensuing month, it was announced that (17th
+September) the duke "died of a malignant fever," in the twenty-ninth
+year of his age, and the news was immediately communicated to the King
+of England. The body was said to be embalmed, (?) and then put on board
+his majesty's ship Montreal, to be brought to England. His royal
+highness was interred on the evening of November 3rd, in the royal vault
+of King Henry the Seventh's Chapel.
+
+The fate of the duke's unfortunate and inconsolable widow, and that of
+the infant, to whom she soon after gave birth, must be reserved for its
+appropriate place in this history.
+
+The high price of provisions this year occasioned much distress and
+discontent, and excited tumults in various parts of the kingdom.
+Notwithstanding this, ministers attempted to retain every tax that had
+been imposed during the late war, and appeared perfectly callous to the
+sufferings of the productive classes. Even the land-tax, of four
+shillings in the pound, was attempted to be continued, though contrary
+to all former custom; but the country gentlemen became impatient of this
+innovation, and contrived to get a bill introduced into the House of
+Commons, to reduce it to three shillings in the pound. This was carried
+by a great majority, in spite of all the efforts of the ministry to the
+contrary! The defeat of the ministers caused a great sensation at the
+time, as it was the first money-bill in which any ministry had been
+disappointed since the revolution of 1688! But what can any ministers do
+against the wishes of a determined people? If the horse knew his own
+strength, would he submit to the dictation of his rider?
+
+On account of the above bill being thrown out, ministers had
+considerable difficulty in raising the necessary supplies for the year,
+which were estimated at _eight millions and a half_, including, we
+suppose, secret-service money, which was now in great demand.
+
+
+The king experienced a fluctuating state of health, sometimes improving,
+again retrograding, up to the year
+
+     1768.
+
+In his speech, in the November of this year, his majesty announced, that
+much disturbance had been exhibited in some of the colonies, and a
+disposition manifested to throw aside their dependence upon Great
+Britain. Owing to this circumstance, a new office was created, under the
+name of "Secretary of State for the Colonies," and to which the Earl of
+Hillsborough was appointed.
+
+The Earl of Chatham having resigned, parliament was dissolved. Party
+spirit running high, the electioneering contests were unusually violent,
+and serious disorders occurred. Mr. Wilkes was returned for Middlesex;
+but, being committed to the King's Bench for libels on the government,
+the mob rescued Wilkes from the soldiers, who were conducting him
+thither. The military were ordered to fire on the people, and one man,
+who was singled out and pursued by the soldiers, was shot dead. A
+coroner's inquest brought this in _wilful murder_, though the higher
+authorities not only acquitted the magistrates and soldiers, but
+actually returned _public thanks_ to them!
+
+At this period, the heart sickens at the relations given of the
+punishments inflicted on many private soldiers in the guards. They were
+each allowed only four-pence per day. If they deserted and were
+re-taken, the poor delinquents suffered the dreadful infliction of five
+hundred lashes. The victims thus flagellated very seldom escaped with
+life! In the navy, also, the slightest offence or neglect was punished
+with inexpressible tortures. This infamous treatment of brave men can
+only be accounted for by the fact, that officers in the army and navy
+either bought their situations, or received them as a _compensation_ for
+some SECRET SERVICE performed for, or by the request of, the queen and
+her servile ministry. Had officers been promoted from the ranks, for
+performing _real_ services to their country, they would have then
+possessed more commiseration for their brothers in arms.
+
+We must here do justice to the character of George the Third from all
+intentional tyranny. Many a time has this monarch advocated the cause of
+the productive classes, and as frequently have his ministers, urged on
+by the _queen_, defeated his most sanguine wishes, until he found
+himself a mere cipher in the affairs of state. The king's simplicity of
+style and unaffected respect for the people would have induced him to
+despise the gorgeous pageantry of state; he had been happy, indeed, to
+have been "the real father of his subjects." His majesty well knew that
+the public good ought to be the sole aim of all governments, and that
+for this purpose a prince is invested with the regal crown. A king is
+not to employ his authority, patronage, and riches, merely to gratify
+his own lusts and ambition; but, if need require it, he ought even to
+sacrifice his own ease and pleasure for the benefit of his country. We
+give George the Third credit for holding these sentiments, which,
+however, only increased his regrets, as he really had _no power to
+act_,--that power being in the possession of his queen, and other crafty
+and designing persons, to whose opinions and determinations he had
+become a perfect slave! It is to be regretted that he had not sufficient
+nerve to eject such characters from his councils; for assuredly the
+nation would have been, to a man, willing to protect him from their
+vile machinations; but once subdued, he was subdued for ever.
+
+From the birth, a prince is the subject of flattery, and is even
+caressed for his vicious propensities; nay, his minions never appear
+before him without a mask, while every artifice that cunning can suggest
+is practised to deceive him. He is not allowed to mix in general
+society, and therefore is ignorant of the wants and wishes of the people
+over whom he is destined to reign. When he becomes a king, his
+counsellors obtain his signature whenever they desire it; and, as his
+extravagance increases, so must sums of money, in some way or other, be
+extorted from his suffering and oppressed subjects. Should his ministers
+prove ambitious, war is the natural result, and the money of the poor is
+again in request to furnish means for their own destruction! Whereas,
+had the prince been associated with the intelligent and respectable
+classes of society, he might have warded off the evil, and, instead of
+desolating war, peace might have shed her gentle influence over the
+land. Another barbarous custom is, the injunction imposed upon royal
+succession, that they shall not marry only with their equals in birth.
+But is not this a violation of the most vital interests and solemn
+engagements to which humanity have subscribed? What unhappiness has not
+such an unnatural doctrine produced? Quality of blood ought only to be
+recognized by corresponding nobility of sentiments, principles, and
+actions. He that is debarred from possessing the object of his virtuous
+regard is to be pitied, whether he be a king or a peasant; and we can
+hardly wonder at his sinking into the abyss of carelessness, imbecility,
+and even madness.
+
+
+In February,
+
+     1769,
+
+the first of those deficiencies in the civil list, which had occurred
+from time to time, was made known to parliament, by a message in the
+_name_ of the unhappy king, but who only did as he was ordered by his
+ministerial cabal. This debt amounted to five hundred thousand pounds,
+and his majesty was tutored to say, that he relied on the _zeal_ and
+_affection_ of his faithful Commons to enable him to discharge it! The
+principal part of this money was expended upon wretches, of the most
+abandoned description, for services performed _against_ the welfare of
+England.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1770
+
+proved one of much political interest. The queen was under the necessity
+of retiring a little from the apparent part she had taken in the affairs
+of state; nevertheless, she was equally active; but, from policy, did
+not appear so. Another plan to deceive the people being deemed
+necessary, invitations for splendid parties were given, in order to
+assume an appearance of confidence and quietness, which her majesty
+could not, and did not, possess.
+
+In this year, Lord Chatham publicly avowed his sentiments in these
+words: "Infuse a portion of health into the constitution, to enable it
+to bear its infirmities." Previous to making this remark, his lordship,
+of course, was well acquainted with the causes of the then present
+distresses of the country, as well as the sources from whence those
+causes originated. But one generous patriot is not sufficient to put a
+host of antagonists to flight. The earl's measures were too mild to be
+heeded by the minions of the queen then in power; his intention being
+"to persuade and soften, not to irritate and offend." We may infer that,
+had he been merely a "party man," he would naturally concur in any
+enterprise likely to create a bustle without risk to himself; but, upon
+examination, he appears to have loved the cause of independence, and was
+willing to support it by every personal sacrifice.
+
+About this time, the Duke of Grafton resigned his office of First Lord
+of the Treasury, in which he was succeeded by that disgrace to his
+country, Lord North, who then commenced his long and disastrous
+administration. Dr. Wilmot was a friendly preceptor to this nobleman,
+while at the university; but it was frequently a matter of regret to the
+worthy doctor, that his lordship had not imbibed those patriotic
+principles which he had so strongly endeavoured to inculcate; and he has
+been known to observe, that Lord North's administration called for the
+most painful animadversions, inasmuch as he advocated the enaction of
+laws of the most arbitrary character.
+
+Mr. Wilkes, previous to the meeting of the Commons in January, was not
+only acquitted, but had damages, to a large amount, awarded him; and the
+king expressed a desire, that such damages should be paid out of his
+privy purse. The Earl of Halifax, who signed the warrant for his
+committal to the Tower in 1763, was finally so disappointed that he
+offered his resignation, though he afterwards accepted the privy seal.
+
+It was during this year, that the celebrated "Letters of Junius" first
+appeared. These compositions were distinguished as well by the force and
+elegance of their style as by the violence of their attacks on
+individuals. The first of these letters was printed in the "Public
+Advertiser," of December the 19th, and addressed to the king,
+animadverting on all the errors of his reign, and speaking of his
+ministers in terms of equal contempt and abhorrence. An attempt was made
+to suppress this letter by the strong arm of the law; but the effort
+proved abortive, as the jury _acquitted_ the printer, who was the person
+prosecuted. Junius (though under a feigned name) was the most competent
+person to speak fully upon political subjects. He had long been the
+bosom friend of the king, and spent all his leisure time at court. No
+one, therefore, could better judge of the state of public affairs than
+himself, and his sense of duty to the nation animated him to plead for
+the long-estranged rights of the people; indeed, upon many occasions,
+he displayed such an heroic firmness, such an invincible love of truth,
+and such an unconquerable sense of honor, that he permitted his talents
+to be exercised freely in the cause of public justice, and subscribed
+his _addenda_ under an envelope, rather than injure his prince, or leave
+the interests of his countrymen to the risk of fortuitous circumstances.
+We know of whom we speak, and therefore feel authorized to assert, that
+in his character were concentrated the steady friend of the prince as
+well as of the people.
+
+Numerous disquisitions have been written to prove the identity of
+Junius; but, in spite of many arguments to the contrary, we recognize
+him in the person of the Rev. JAMES WILMOT, D.D., Rector of
+Barton-on-the-Heath, and Aulcester, Warwickshire, and one of his
+majesty's justices of the peace for that county.
+
+Dr. Wilmot was born in 1720, and, during his stay at the university,
+became intimately acquainted with Dr. Johnson, Lord Archer, and Lord
+Plymouth, as well as Lord North, who was then entered at Trinity
+College. From these gentlemen, the doctor imbibed his political
+opinions, and was introduced to the first society in the kingdom. At the
+age of thirty, Dr. Wilmot was confidently entrusted with the most
+_secret affairs of state_, and was also the bosom friend of the Prince
+of Wales, afterwards George the Third, who at that time was under the
+entire tutorage of Lord Bute. To this nobleman, Dr. Wilmot had an
+inveterate hatred, for he despised the selfish principles of Toryism. As
+soon as the Princess of Mecklenburgh (the late Queen Charlotte) arrived
+in this country in 1761, Dr. Wilmot was introduced, as the _especial
+friend_ of the king, and this will at once account for his being chosen
+to perform the second marriage-ceremony of their majesties at Kew
+palace, as before related.
+
+A circumstance of rather a singular nature occurred to Dr. Wilmot, in
+the year 1765, inasmuch as it was the _immediate_ cause of the bold and
+decisive line of conduct which he afterwards adopted. It was simply
+this: the doctor received an anonymous letter, requesting an interview
+with the writer in Kensington Gardens. The letter was written in Latin,
+and sealed, the impression of which was a Medusa's head. The doctor at
+first paid no attention to it; but during the week he received four
+similar requests, written by the same hand; and, upon the receipt of the
+last, Dr. Wilmot provided himself with a brace of pocket pistols, and
+proceeded to the gardens at the hour appointed. The doctor felt much
+surprised when he was accosted by--_Lord Bute!_ who immediately
+suggested that Dr. Wilmot should assist the administration, as _her
+majesty_ had entire confidence in him! The doctor briefly declined, and
+very soon afterwards commenced his political career. Thus the German
+princess always endeavoured to inveigle the friends of the people.
+
+Lord Chatham had been introduced to Dr. Wilmot by the Duke of
+Cumberland; and it was from these associations with the court and the
+members of the several administrations, that the doctor became so
+competent to write his unparalleled "Letters of Junius."
+
+We here subjoin an incontrovertible _proof_ of Dr. Wilmot's being the
+author of the work alluded to:
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This is a fac-simile of the doctor's hand-writing, and must for ever set
+at rest the long-disputed question of "Who is the author of Junius?"
+
+The people were really in need of the advocacy of a writer like Junius,
+for their burdens at this time were of the most grievous magnitude.
+Although the country was not in danger from foreign enemies, in order to
+give posts of command, honor, and emolument, to the employed sycophants
+at court, our navy was increased, nominal situations were provided;
+while all the means to pay for such services were again ordered to be
+drawn _from the people_!
+
+
+1771
+
+was productive of little else than harassing distresses to the poor
+labourer and mechanic. At this period, it was not unusual to tear the
+husband from the wife, and the parent from the child, and immure them
+within the damp and noisome walls of a prison, to prevent any
+interposition on the part of the suffering multitudes. Yes, countrymen,
+such tyranny was practised to ensure the _secrecy of truth_, and to
+destroy the wishes of a monarch, who was rendered incompetent to act for
+himself.
+
+Various struggles were made this year to curb the power of the judges,
+particularly in cases relating to the _liberty of the press_, and also
+to destroy the power vested in the Attorney-General of prosecuting
+_ex-officio_, without the intervention of a grand jury, or the forms
+observed by courts of law in other cases. But the boroughmongers and
+minions of the queen were too powerful for the liberal party in the
+House of Commons, and the chains of slavery were, consequently, rivetted
+afresh.
+
+A question of great importance also occurred this year respecting the
+privileges of the House of Commons. It had become the practice of
+newspaper writers to take the liberty, not before ventured upon, of
+printing the speeches of the members, under their respective names; some
+of which in the whole, and others in essential parts, were spurious
+productions, and, in any case, contrary to the standing orders of the
+House. A complaint on this ground having been made by a member against
+two of the printers, an order was issued for their attendance, with
+which they refused to comply; a second order was given with no better
+success. At length, one of the printers being taken into custody under
+the authority of the speaker's warrant, he was carried before the
+celebrated Alderman John Wilkes, who, regarding the caption as illegal,
+not only discharged the man, but bound him over to prosecute his captor,
+for assault and false imprisonment. Two more printers, being apprehended
+and carried before Alderman Wilkes and the Lord Mayor, Crosby, were, in
+like manner, discharged. The indignation of the House was then directed
+against the city magistrates, and various measures adopted towards them.
+The contest finally terminated in favor of the printers, who have ever
+since continued to publish the proceedings of parliament, and the
+speeches of the members, without obstacle.
+
+In this year, the marriage of the Duke of Cumberland with Mrs. Horton
+took place. The king appeared electrified when the matter was
+communicated to him, and declared that he never would forgive his royal
+brother's conduct, who, being informed of his majesty's sentiments, thus
+wrote to him: "Sire, my welfare will ensure your own; you cannot
+condemn an affair there is a _precedent for, even in your own
+person_!"--alluding to his majesty's marriage with Hannah Lightfoot. His
+majesty was _compelled_ to acknowledge this marriage, from the Duke of
+Cumberland having made a confidant of Colonel Luttrell, brother of Mrs.
+Horton, with regard to several important state secrets which had
+occurred in the years 1759, 1760, 1761, 1762, and 1763.
+
+This Duke of Cumberland also imbibed the _family complaint of_ BIGAMY;
+for he had been married, about twelve months previous, to a daughter of
+Dr. Wilmot, who, of course, remonstrated against such unjust treatment.
+The king solemnly assured Dr. Wilmot that he might rely upon his
+humanity and honor. The doctor paused, and had the courage to say, in
+reply, "I have once before relied upon the promises of your majesty!
+But"--"Hush! hush!" said the king, interrupting him, "I know what you
+are going to say; but do not disturb me with wills and retrospection of
+past _irreparable injury_."
+
+The death of the Earl of Halifax, soon after the close of the session in
+this year, caused a vacancy; and the Duke of Grafton returned to office,
+as keeper of the privy seal. His grace was a particular favourite with
+the queen, but much disliked by the intelligent and reflecting part of
+the community.
+
+The political atmosphere bore a gloomy aspect at the commencement of
+
+
+1772,
+
+and petitions from the people were sent to the king and the two houses
+of parliament, for the repeal of what they believed to be unjust and
+pernicious laws upon the subject of religious liberty. Several clergymen
+of the established church prayed to be liberated from their obligation
+to subscribe to the "Thirty-nine Articles." But it was urged, in
+opposition to the petitions, that government had an undoubted right to
+establish and maintain such a system of instruction as the ministers
+thereof deemed most suitable for the public benefit. But expedience and
+right are as far asunder, in truth, as is the distance from pole to
+pole. The policy of the state required some _new source_ from whence to
+draw means for the _secret_ measures needful for prolonging the
+existence of its privacy; and it was therefore deemed expedient to keep
+politics and religion as close together as possible, by enforcing the
+strictest obedience of all demands made upon the clergy, in such forms
+and at such times as should best accord with the political system of the
+queen. In consequence of which, the petitions were rejected by a
+majority of 217 boroughmongers against 71 real representatives of the
+people!
+
+An act, passed this session, for "Making more effectual provisions to
+guard the descendants of the late king, George the Second, from marrying
+without the approbation of his majesty, his heirs, and successors, first
+had and obtained," was strenuously opposed by the liberal party in every
+stage of its progress through both houses. It was generally _supposed_
+to have had its origin in the marriage contracted but a few months
+before by the Duke of Cumberland with Mrs. Horton, relict of Colonel
+Horton, and daughter of Lord Irnham; and also in a private, though
+long-suspected, marriage of the Duke of Gloucester to the
+Countess-dowager of Waldegrave, which the duke at this time openly
+avowed. But were there not _other_ reasons which operated on the mind
+of the _queen_ (for the poor king was only a passive instrument in her
+power) to force this bill into a law? Had she not an eye to her
+husband's former alliance with the quakeress, and the Duke of York's
+marriage in Italy? The latter was even more dangerous to her peace than
+the former; for the duke had married a descendant of the STUARTS!
+
+Lord Chatham made many representations to the king and queen of the
+improper and injudicious state of the penal laws. He cited an instance
+of unanswerable disproportion; namely, that, on the 14th of July, two
+persons were publicly whipped round Covent Garden market, in accordance
+with the sentence passed upon them; but mark the difference of the
+crimes for which they were so punished: one was for stealing a bunch of
+radishes; the other, for debauching his own niece! In vain, however, did
+this friend of humanity represent the unwise, unjust, and inconsistent
+tenour of such laws. The king was anxious to alter them immediately; but
+the queen was decided in her opinion, that they ought to be left
+entirely to the pleasure and opinion of the _judges_, well knowing
+_they_ would not disobey her will upon any point of law, or equity, _so
+called_. Thus did the nation languish under the tyrannical usurpation of
+a _German_ princess, whose disposition and talents were much better
+calculated to give laws to the brute creation than to interfere with
+_English_ jurisprudence!
+
+In November of this year, it was announced that the _king_ earnestly
+desired parliament should take into consideration the state of the East
+India Company. But the king was ignorant of the subject; though it was
+true, the _queen_ desired it; because she received vast emoluments from
+the various situations _purchased_ by individuals under the denomination
+of cadets, &c. Of course, her majesty's will was tantamount to law.
+
+The Earl of Chatham resolved once more to speak to the queen upon the
+state of things, and had an audience for that purpose. As an honest man,
+he very warmly advocated the cause of the nation, and represented the
+people to be in a high state of excitement, adding, that "if they be
+repelled, they must be repelled by force!" And to whom ought an unhappy
+suffering people to have had recourse but to the throne, whose power
+sanctioned the means used to drain their purses? The queen, however, was
+still unbending; she not only inveighed against the candour and
+sentiments of the earl, but requested she might not again be _troubled_
+by him upon _such subjects_! Before retiring, Lord Chatham said, "Your
+majesty must excuse me if I say, the liberty of the subject is the
+surest protection to the monarch, and if the prince _protects the
+guilty, instead of punishing them, time will convince him, that he has
+judged erroneously, and acted imprudently_."
+
+The earl retired; but "his labouring breast knew not peace," and he
+resolved, for the last time, to see the king in private. An interview
+was requested, and as readily granted. "Well, well," said the king, "I
+hope no bad news?" "No bad news, your majesty; but I wish to submit to
+your opinion a few questions." "Quite right, quite right," said the
+king, "tell me all." The earl did so, and, after his faithful appeal to
+the king, concluded by saying, "My sovereign will excuse me, but I can
+no longer be a party to the deceptions pawned upon the people, as I am,
+and consider myself to be, amenable to God and my conscience!" Would
+that England had possessed a few more such patriots!
+
+This year will ever be memorable in history as the commencement of that
+partition of Poland, between three contiguous powers,--Russia, Austria,
+and Prussia,--which has served as an example and apology for all those
+shameful violations of public right and justice that have stained the
+modern annals of Europe. The unfortunate Poles appealed in vain to Great
+Britain, France, and Spain, and the States-general of Holland, on the
+atrocious perfidy and injustice of these proceedings. After some
+unavailable remonstrances, the diet was compelled, at the point of the
+bayonet, to sign a treaty for the formal cession of the several
+districts which the three usurpers had fixed upon and guaranteed to each
+other. The partitioning _legitimates_ also _generously_ made a present
+of an _aristocratic_ constitution to the suffering Poles.
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1773,
+
+commercial credit was greatly injured by extensive failures in England
+and Holland. The distress and embarrassment of the mercantile classes
+were farther augmented by a great diminution in the gold coin, in
+consequence of wear and fraud,--such loss, by act of parliament, being
+thrown upon the holders!
+
+At this time, the discontents which had long been manifest in the
+American colonies broke out into open revolt. The chief source of
+irritation against the mother country was the impolitic measure of
+retaining a trifling duty on tea, as an assertion of the right of the
+British parliament to tax the colonies.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1774
+
+bore a gloomy and arbitrary character, with wars abroad and uneasiness
+at home. The county of Nottingham omitted to raise their militia in the
+former year, and in this they were fined two thousand pounds.
+
+Louis the Fifteenth of France died this year of the small-pox, caught
+from a country girl, introduced to him by Madame du Barré to gratify his
+sensual desires. He was in the _sixty-fourth_ year of his age, and in
+the fifty-ninth of his reign. The gross debaucheries into which he had
+sank, with the despotic measures he had adopted towards the Chamber of
+Deputies in his latter years, had entirely deprived him of his
+appellation of the "Well-beloved." Few French sovereigns have left a
+less-respected memory.
+
+
+1775
+
+was also a year of disquiet. The City of London addressed the throne,
+and petitioned against the existing grievances, expressing their strong
+abhorrence of the measures adopted towards the Americans, _justifying
+their resistance_, and beseeching his majesty to dismiss his ministers.
+The _invisible power of the queen_, however, prevented their receiving
+redress, and the ministers were retained, contrary to all petition and
+remonstrance. Upon these occasions, the king was obliged to submit to
+any form of expression, dictated by the minister, that minister being
+under the entire controul of the queen; and though the nation seemed to
+wear a florid countenance, it was sick at heart. Lord North was a very
+considerable favourite with her majesty; while his opponents, Messrs.
+Fox and Burke, were proportionately disliked. The Duke of Grafton now
+felt tired of his situation, and told the queen that he could no longer
+continue in office; in consequence of which, the Earl of Dartmouth
+received the privy seal.
+
+The Americans, in the mean time, were vigorously preparing for what they
+conceived to be inevitable--_a war_. Various attempts, notwithstanding,
+were made by the enlightened and liberal-minded part of the community to
+prevent ministers from continuing hostilities against them. That noble
+and persevering patriot, Lord Chatham, raised his warning voice against
+it. "I wish," said he, "not to lose a day in this urgent, pressing
+crisis; an _hour now lost in allaying ferments in America, may produce_
+YEARS OF CALAMITY! Never will I desert, in any stage of its progress,
+the conduct of this momentous business. Unless fettered to my bed by the
+extremity of sickness, I will give it unremitted attention; I will knock
+at the gates of this _sleeping and confounded ministry_, and will, if it
+be possible, rouse them to a sense of their danger. The recall of your
+army, I urge as necessarily preparatory to the restoration of your
+peace. By this it will appear that you are disposed to treat amicably
+and equitably, and to consider, revise, and repeal, if it should be
+found necessary, as I affirm it _will_, those violent acts and
+declarations which have disseminated confusion throughout the empire.
+_Resistance to these acts was necessary_, and therefore just; and your
+vain declaration of the _omnipotence of Parliament_, and your
+_imperious_ doctrines of the _necessity of submission_, will be found
+equally _impotent to convince or enslave America_, who feels that
+tyranny is equally intolerable, whether it be exercised by an individual
+part of the legislature, or by the collective bodies which compose it!"
+
+How prophetic did this language afterwards prove! Oh! England, how hast
+thou been cursed by debt and blood through the impotency and villany of
+thy rulers!
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1776,
+
+the Earl of Harcourt was charged with a breach of privilege; but his
+services for the _queen_ operated as a sufficient reason for rejecting
+the matter of complaint.
+
+So expensive did the unjust and disgraceful war with America prove this
+year, that more than _nine millions_ were supplied for its service! In
+order to raise this shameful amount, extra taxes were levied on
+newspapers, deeds, and other matters of public utility. Thus were the
+industrious and really productive classes imposed upon, and their means
+exhausted, to gratify the inordinate wishes of a German princess, now
+entitled to be the cause of their misery and ruin. The queen knew that
+war required soldiers and sailors, and that these soldiers and sailors
+must have _officers_ over them, which would afford her an opportunity of
+_selling commissions_ or of bestowing them upon some of her
+_favourites_. So that these things contributed to her majesty's
+_individual_ wealth and power, what cared she for the increase of the
+country's burdens!
+
+It is wonderful to reflect upon the means with which individuals in
+possession of power have contrived, in all ages and in all countries, to
+controul mankind. From thoughtlessness and the absence of knowledge, the
+masses of people have been made to contend, with vehemence and
+courageous enterprise, against their own interests, and for the benefit
+of those mercenary wretches by whom they have been enslaved! How
+monstrous it is, that, to gratify the sanguinary feelings of _one_
+tyrant, thousands of human beings should go forth to the field of battle
+as willing sacrifices! Ignorance alone has produced such lamentable
+results; for a thirst after blood is never so effectually quenched as
+when it is repressed by the influence of _knowledge_, which teaches
+humility, moderation, benevolence, and the practice of every other
+virtue. In civilized society, there cannot be an equality of property;
+and, from the dissimilarity in human organization, there cannot be
+equality in the power and vigour of the mind. All men, however, are
+entitled to, and ought to enjoy, a perfect equality in civil and
+political rights. In the absence of this just condition, a nation can
+only be partially free. The people of such a nation exist under unequal
+laws, and those persons upon whom injuries are inflicted by the partial
+operation of those laws are, it must be conceded, the victims of an
+authority which they cannot controul. Such was, unhappily, the condition
+of the English people at this period. To prevent truth from having an
+impartial hearing and explanation, the plans of government were obliged
+to be of an insincere and unjust character. The consequences were, the
+debasement of morals, and the prostitution of the happiness and rights
+of the people. But Power was in the grasp of Tyranny, attended on each
+side by Pride and Cruelty; while Fear presented an excuse for Silence
+and Apathy, and left Artifice and Avarice to extend their baneful
+influence over society. British courage was stifled by arbitrary
+persecutions, fines, and imprisonment, which threatened to overwhelm all
+who dared to resist the tide of German despotism. Had _unity_ and
+_resolution_ been the watch-words of the sons of Britain, what millions
+of debt might have been prevented! what oceans of blood might have been
+saved! The iniquitous ministers who dictated war with America should
+have suffered as traitors to their country, which would have been their
+fate had not blind ignorance and servility, engendered by priests and
+tyrants, through the impious frauds of church and state, overwhelmed the
+better reason of the great mass of mankind! It was, we say, priestcraft
+and statecraft that kindled this unjustifiable war, in order to lower
+human nature, and induce men to butcher each other under the most
+absurd, frivolous, and wicked pretences. Englishmen, at the commencement
+of the American war, appear to have been no better than wretched
+captives, without either courage, reason, or virtue, from whom the
+queen's banditti of gaolers shut out the glorious light of day. There
+were, however, some few patriots who raised their voices in opposition
+to the abominable system then in practice, and many generous-hearted men
+who boldly refused to fight against the justified resistance of the
+Americans; but the general mass remained inactive, cowardly inactive,
+against their merciless oppressors. The queen _pretended_ to lament the
+sad state of affairs, while she did all in her power to continue the
+misrule!
+
+
+At the commencement of
+
+     1777,
+
+the several states of Europe had their eyes fixed on the contest between
+this country and the colonies. The French government assisted the
+Americans with fleets and armies, though they did not enter into the
+contest _publicly_. Queen Charlotte still persevered in her designs
+against America, and bore entire sway over her unfortunate husband. The
+country, as might be expected, was in a state of great excitement, owing
+to the adoption of measures inimical to the wishes and well-being of the
+people. The greater power the throne assumed, the larger amounts were
+necessarily drawn from the people, to reward fawning courtiers and
+borough proprietors.
+
+This year, thirteen millions of money were deemed needful for the public
+service, and the debts of the civil list a _second_ time discharged! At
+this time, the revenue did not amount to eight millions, and to supply
+the consequent deficiency, new taxes were again levied upon the people;
+for ministers carried all their bills, however infamous they might be,
+by large majorities!
+
+In May, Lord Chatham again addressed the "peers," and called their
+attention to the necessity of changing the proceedings of government.
+Although bowed down by age and infirmity, and bearing a crutch in each
+hand, he delivered his sentiments, with all the ardour of youth, in
+these words: "I wish the removal of accumulated grievances, and the
+repeal of every oppressive act which have been passed since the year
+1763! I am experienced in spring hopes and vernal promises, but at last
+will come your equinoctial disappointment."
+
+On another occasion, he said, "I will not join in congratulation on
+misfortune and disgrace! _It is necessary to instruct the throne in the
+language of truth!_ We must dispel the delusions and darkness which
+envelop it. I am old and weak, and at present unable to say more; but my
+feelings and indignation were too strong to permit me to say less."
+Alas! this patriot stood nearly alone. In his opinion, the good of the
+people was the supreme law; but this was opposed to the sentiments of
+the hirelings of state and their _liberal_ mistress.
+
+As a last effort, the earl resolved to seek an audience of the queen,
+and the request was readily complied with. The day previous to his last
+speech, delivered in the House of Lords, this interview took place. His
+lordship pressed the queen to relieve the people, and, by every possible
+means, to mitigate the public burdens. But, though her majesty was
+gentle in her language, she expressed herself positively and decisively
+as being adverse to his views; and took the opportunity of reminding him
+of the _secrecy of state affairs_. As Lord Chatham had once given his
+solemn promise never to permit those secrets to transpire, he resolved
+faithfully to keep his engagement, though their disclosure would have
+opened the eyes of the public to the disgraceful proceedings of herself
+and ministers. The noble earl retired from his royal audience in much
+confusion and agitation of mind; and on the following day, April the
+7th, went to the House, and delivered a most energetic speech, which was
+replied to by the Duke of Richmond. Lord Chatham afterwards made an
+effort to rise, as if labouring to give expression to some great idea;
+but, before he could utter a word, pressed his hand on his bosom, and
+fell down in a convulsive fit. The Duke of Cumberland and Lord Temple
+caught him in their arms, and removed him into the prince's chamber.
+Medical assistance being immediately rendered, in a short time his
+lordship in some measure recovered, and was removed to his favourite
+villa at Hayes, in Kent. Hopes of his complete restoration to health,
+however, proved delusive, and on the 10th of May,
+
+
+1778,
+
+this venerable and noble friend of humanity expired, in the seventieth
+year of his age.
+
+The news of the earl's death was not disagreeable to the queen; and she
+thenceforth determined to increase, rather than decrease, her arbitrary
+measures. Ribbons, stars, and garters, were bestowed upon those who lent
+their willing aid to support her system of oppression, while thousands
+were perishing in want to supply the means.
+
+Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, this year, were servile
+enough to raise regiments at their own expense; but the independent and
+brave citizens of London, steady to their principles, that the war was
+_unjust_, refused to follow so mean an example!
+
+
+The year
+
+     1779
+
+exhibits a miserable period in the history of Ireland. Her manufactures
+declined, and the people became, consequently, much dissatisfied; but
+their distresses were, at first, not even _noticed_ by the English
+parliament. At length, however, an alarm of _INVASION_ took place, and
+ministers allowed twenty thousand Irish volunteers to _carry arms_. The
+ministers, who before had been callous to their distresses, found men in
+arms were not to be trifled with, and the Irish people obtained a
+_promise_ of an extension of trade, which satisfied them for the time.
+
+Large sums were again required to meet the expenses of the American war,
+and, the minister being supported by the queen, every vote for supplies
+was carried by great majorities; for the year's service alone _fifteen
+millions_ were thus agreed to. As the family of the king increased,
+extra sums were also deemed requisite for each of his children; and what
+amounts could not be raised by taxation were procured by _loans_,--thus
+insulting the country, by permitting its expenditure to exceed its means
+of income to an enormous extent.
+
+Many representations were made to Lord North, that public opinion was
+opposed to the system pursued by ministers; but he was inflexible, and
+the generous interpositions of some members of the Upper House proved
+also unavailing. The independent members of the Commons remonstrated,
+and Mr. Burke brought forward plans for the reduction of the national
+expenditure and the diminution of the influence of the crown; but they
+were finally rejected, though not until violent conflicts had taken
+place, in which Lord North found himself more than once in the minority.
+
+About this time, Mr. Dunning, a lawyer and an eminent speaker,
+advocated, in a most sensible manner, the necessity of taking into
+consideration the affairs of Ireland; but ministers defeated the
+intended benefit, and substituted a plan of their own, which they had
+previously promised to Ireland; namely, to permit a free exportation of
+their woollen manufactures. The unassuming character of that oppressed
+people never appeared to greater advantage than at this period, as even
+this resolution was received by them with the warmest testimonies of joy
+and gratitude.
+
+There cannot be a doubt, that if the Irish had been honestly
+represented, their honor and ardour would have been proverbial; but they
+have almost always been neglected and insulted. The queen had taken Lord
+North's advice, and acquainted herself with the native character of the
+Irish, by which she became aware that, if that people generally
+possessed information, they would prove a powerful balance against the
+unjust system then in force. At this time, there was not an Irishman
+acquainted with any _state secrets_; her majesty, therefore, did not
+fear an explanation from that quarter, or she dare not have so oppressed
+them.
+
+To provide for the exigencies of state, twelve millions of money, in
+addition to the former fifteen millions, were required this year; and
+thus were the sorrows of a suffering people increased, and they
+themselves forced to forge their own chains of oppression!
+
+Numerous were the prosecutions against the press this year; among the
+rest, Mr. Parker, printer of "The General Advertiser," was brought
+before the "House of Hereditaries," for publishing a libel on one of its
+_noble_ members. That there were a _few_ intelligent and liberal-minded
+men in the House of Lords at this time, we do not wish to deny. The
+memorable speech of Lord Abingdon proved his lordship to be one of
+these, and, as this speech so admirably distinguishes _PRIVILEGE_ from
+_TYRANNY_, we hope to be excused for introducing it in our pages. We
+give it in his lordship's own words:
+
+     "MY LORDS,--Although there is no noble lord more zealously
+     attached to the privileges of this House than I am, yet when I
+     see those privileges interfering with, and destructive of, the
+     rights of the people, there is no one among the people more
+     ready to oppose those privileges than myself. And, my lords,
+     my reason is this: that the privileges of neither house of
+     parliament were ever constitutionally given to either to
+     combat with the rights of the people. They were given, my
+     lords, that each branch of the legislature might defend itself
+     against the encroachments of the other, and to preserve that
+     balance entire, which is essential to the preservation of all.
+
+     "This was the designation, this is the use of privilege; and
+     in this unquestionable shape let us apply it. Let us apply it
+     against the encroachments of the crown, and not suffer any
+     lord (if any such there be) who, having clambered up into the
+     house upon the ladder of prerogative, might wish to yield up
+     our privileges to that prerogative. Let us make use of our
+     privileges against the other house of parliament, whenever
+     occasion shall make it necessary, but not against the people.
+     This is the distinction and this the meaning of privilege. The
+     people are under the law, and we are the legislators. If they
+     offend, let them be punished according to law, where we have
+     our remedy. If we are injured in our reputations, the law has
+     provided us with a special remedy. We are entitled to the
+     action of _scandalum magnatum_,--a privilege peculiar to
+     ourselves. For these reasons, then, my lords, when the noble
+     earl made his motion for the printer to be brought before this
+     House, and when the end of that motion was answered by the
+     author of the paper complained of giving up his name, I was in
+     great hopes that the motion would have been withdrawn. I am
+     sorry it was not; and yet, when I say this, I do not mean to
+     wish that an inquiry into the merits of that paper should not
+     be made. As it stands at present, the noble lord accused
+     therein is the disgrace of this House, and the scandal of
+     government. I therefore trust, for his own honor, for the
+     honor of this House, that that noble lord will not object to,
+     but will _himself_ insist upon, the most rigid inquiry into
+     his conduct.
+
+     "But, my lords, to call for a printer, in the case of a libel,
+     when he gives up his author (although a modern procedure) _is
+     not founded in law_; for in the statute of Westminster, the
+     1st, chapter 34, it is said, 'None shall report any false and
+     slanderous news or tales of _great men_, whereby any discord
+     may arise betwixt the king and his people, on pain of
+     imprisonment, _until they bring forth the author_.' The
+     statutes of the 2d of Richard the Second, chapter 5, and the
+     14th of the same reign, are to the same effect. It is there
+     enacted, that 'No person shall devise, or tell any _false_
+     news or lies of any lord, prelate, officer of the government,
+     judge, &c., by which any slander shall happen to their
+     persons, or mischief come to the kingdom, upon pain of being
+     imprisoned; and where any one hath told false news or lies,
+     and cannot produce the author, he shall suffer imprisonment,
+     and be punished by the king's counsel.' Here, then, my lords,
+     two things are clearly pointed out, to wit, the person to be
+     punished, and what the mode of punishment is. The person to be
+     punished is the author, when produced; the mode of punishment
+     is by the king's counsel; so that, in the present case, the
+     printer having given up the author, he is discharged from
+     punishment: and if the privilege of punishment had been in
+     this House, the right is barred by these statutes; for how is
+     the punishment to be had? Not by this House, but by the king's
+     counsel. And, my lords, it cannot be otherwise; for, if it
+     were, the freedom of the press were at an end; and for this
+     purpose was this modern doctrine, to answer modern views,
+     invented,--_a doctrine which I should ever stand up in
+     opposition to, if even the right of its exercise were in us_.
+     But the right is not in us: it is a jurisdiction too summary
+     for the freedom of our constitution, and incompatible with
+     liberty. It takes away the trial by jury; which king, lords,
+     and commons, _have not a right to do_. It is to make us
+     accusers, judges, jury, and executioners too, if we please. It
+     is to give us an executive power, to which, in our legislative
+     capacities, we are not entitled. It is to give us a power,
+     which even the executive power itself has not, which the
+     prerogative of the crown dare not assume, which the king
+     himself cannot exercise. My lords, _the king cannot touch the
+     hair of any man's head in this country, though he be guilty of
+     high treason, but by means of the law. It is the law that
+     creates the offence; it is a jury that must determine the
+     guilt; it is the law that affixes the punishment; and all
+     other modes of proceeding are_ ILLEGAL. Why then, my lords,
+     are we to assume to ourselves an executive power, with which
+     even the executive power itself is not entrusted? I am aware,
+     my lords, it will be said that this House, in its capacity of
+     a court of justice, has a right to call for evidence at its
+     bar, and to punish the witness who shall not attend. I admit
+     it, my lords; and I admit it not only as a right belonging to
+     this House, but as a right essential to every court of
+     justice; for, without this right, justice could not be
+     administered. But, my lords, was this House sitting as a court
+     of justice (for we must distinguish between our judicial and
+     our legislative capacities) when Mr. Parker was ordered to be
+     taken into custody, and brought before this House? If so, at
+     whose suit was Mr. Parker to be examined? Where are the
+     records? Where are the papers of appeal? Who is the plaintiff,
+     and who the defendant? There is nothing like it before your
+     lordships; for if there had, and Mr. Parker, in such case, had
+     disobeyed the order of this House, he was not only punishable
+     for his contumacy and contempt, but every magistrate in the
+     kingdom was bound to assist your lordships in having him
+     forthcoming at your lordship's bar. _Whereas, as it is, every
+     magistrate in the kingdom is bound, by the law of the land, to
+     release Mr. Parker, if he be taken into custody by the present
+     order of this House._ Nothing can be more true, than that in
+     our judicial capacity, we have a right to call for evidence at
+     our bar, and to punish the witness if he does not appear. The
+     whole body of the law supports us in this right. But, under
+     the pretext of privilege, to bring a man by force to the bar,
+     when we _have our remedy at law; to accuse, condemn, and
+     punish that man, at the mere arbitrary will and pleasure of
+     this House, not sitting as a court of justice, is tyranny in
+     the abstract. It is against law; it is subversive of the
+     constitution; it is incompetent to this House_; and,
+     therefore, my lords, thinking as I do, that this House has no
+     right forcibly to bring any man to its bar, but in the
+     discharge of its proper functions, as a court of judicature, I
+     shall now move your lordships, 'that the body of W. Parker,
+     printer of the General Advertiser, be released from the
+     custody of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, and that the
+     order for the said Parker, being brought to the bar of this
+     House be now discharged.'
+
+     "Before I sit down, I will just observe to your lordships,
+     that I know that precedents may be adduced in contradiction to
+     the doctrine I have laid down. But, my lords, _precedents
+     cannot make that legal and constitutional which is, in itself,
+     illegal and unconstitutional_. IF THE PRECEDENTS OF THIS REIGN
+     ARE TO BE RECEIVED AS PRECEDENTS IN THE NEXT, THE LORD HAVE
+     MERCY ON THOSE WHO ARE TO COME AFTER US!!!
+
+     "There is one observation more I would make, and it is this:
+     _I would wish noble lords to consider, how much it lessens the
+     dignity of this House, to agitate privileges which you have
+     not power to enforce. It hurts the constitution of parliament,
+     and, instead of being respected, makes us contemptible. That
+     privilege which you cannot exercise, and of right too, disdain
+     to keep._"
+
+If the country had been blessed with a majority of such patriots as Lord
+Abingdon, what misery had been prevented! what lives had been saved!
+
+
+Early in the year
+
+     1780,
+
+meetings of the populace took place in various parts of the kingdom, and
+ministers were boldly accused of having prodigally and wastefully spent
+the public money; while petitions were presented, praying "for a
+correction of abuses in the public expenditure." Riots in many parts of
+England were the consequences of unjustly continuing wars and taxation,
+and several hundred people were killed and wounded by the military;
+while many others forfeited their lives on the scaffold for daring to
+raise their arms against tyranny. Lord George Gordon was also committed
+to the Tower on a charge of high treason; but no jury of his countrymen
+could be found to consider his undaunted attempt to _redress the
+people's grievances as treasonable_, and he was, consequently,
+_honorably acquitted_! The influence of her majesty, however, kept a
+minister in office, though contrary to the sense of the wisest and best
+part of the community; and a ruinous war was still permitted to drain
+the blood and money of the many.
+
+War might probably be considered by those in power a _legal trade_; but
+was it not continued for the untenable purpose of avarice? We think it
+was. There did not appear to be any rational hope for reform or
+retrenchment, while men versed in corruption were so enriched, and had
+an almost unlimited sway over the councils of the reigning authority.
+Popular commotion was dreaded; yet the ministers could not be prevailed
+upon to dispel the cause of anxiety by conciliatory measures,--by a
+timely redress of grievances, by concession of rights, and by
+reformation of abuses. If they had done so, they would have given
+satisfactory evidence that government had no other object in view than
+faithfully to discharge their duty, by adopting such plans as would
+really benefit mankind, and furnish means to secure the comfort and
+happiness of all men.
+
+In the mean time, much distress was imposed upon the unfortunate king,
+by the increasing and uncontroulable prodigality of some of his
+children, especially of GEORGE. The queen would not hear of any thing to
+his discredit, and thus what little of family enjoyment remained was
+ultimately destroyed.
+
+The unrestrained predilection of this youthful prince now became
+habitual pursuits, and excesses of the most detestable description were
+not unknown to him. Within the circle of his less nominally illustrious
+acquaintance, every father dreaded the seduction of his child, if she
+possessed any personal charms, while the mother feared to lose sight of
+her daughter, even for a moment. It is not in our power to give an
+adequate idea of the number of those families whose happiness he ruined;
+but we well, too well, know the number was infamously great. The country
+gave him credit for being liberal in political principles, and
+generously disposed for reform. But little of his _real_ character was
+then known; his faults, indeed, were named as virtues, and his vices
+considered as _gentlemanly exploits_, so that his dissembled appearance
+was received, by those unacquainted with him, as the sure and
+incontestable mark of a great and noble soul. But, before our pages are
+concluded, we fear we must, in duty, prove him a widely-different
+character! It is true, his acquaintance with political characters was
+chiefly amongst "the Whigs;" it may also be added that those "Whigs,"
+so particularly intimate with this prince, did not gain much by their
+connexion with him, but finally became as supine and venal as himself.
+They determined that, as the heir-apparent, he should not be allowed to
+suffer any deterioration of greatness, and the principles and practices
+of so mighty an individual were considered by them to constitute a
+sufficient patent for continual imitation.
+
+At this period, Mr. Dunning moved his famous resolution to the House,
+with unbending firmness and uncompromising fidelity. He said, "The
+influence of the crown has increased, is increasing, and ought to be
+diminished." It was carried by a majority of 233 against 215; but a
+second resolution, which was to give effect to the first, was lost by a
+majority of fifty-one votes.
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1781,
+
+William Pitt, the second son of the late Lord Chatham, delivered his
+first speech in the Commons, in favour of the bill introduced by Mr.
+Burke, on the subject of reform.
+
+Lord North brought forward the budget on the 7th of March, containing
+the various items needful for the service of the year. The amount so
+calculated was _twenty-one millions of money_!--twelve of which were to
+be raised by loans, the terms being very high. From this bold imposition
+upon the public purse and credit, the ministry were much lowered in
+public opinion.
+
+During this year, the brave General Washington struck that decisive blow
+which afterwards gave liberty to his countrymen. He kept General Clinton
+at New York, in constant alarm; and then suddenly appeared before York
+Town in full force, and obtained a grand victory over Lord Cornwallis,
+who was there with his army. The American war consequently became more
+unpopular than ever, and shortly after the meeting of parliament, in
+March,
+
+
+1782,
+
+a resolution was moved, and _passed without a division_, declaring that
+the House of Commons would consider as enemies to his majesty and the
+country all who should advise the prosecution of offensive war in North
+America!
+
+Shortly after, Lord North resigned, and the Marquis of Rockingham was
+placed at the head of the new administration. Amongst the promotions at
+this time, was _Mr. Dunning!_ who, at _her majesty's request_, was
+created Baron Ashburton, and also Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
+
+A treaty of peace was now entered into with General Washington, and Sir
+Guy Carleton was deputed to conduct the happy affair.
+
+In the beginning of July, the unexpected death of the Marquis of
+Rockingham threw the whole cabinet into extreme disorder; and another
+resignation of ministers took place, on which occasion Mr. Pitt was
+constituted "Chancellor of the Exchequer," _although only twenty-three
+years of age_! Lord Shelburne accepted the office of premier, at the
+request of the king, which gave great offence to Mr. Fox and the Duke of
+Portland, who resigned. The country was little benefitted by this
+change, as the money required for the service of the year was more than
+twenty-four millions, of which thirteen had to be raised by loans.
+
+In November, the provisional articles of peace were signed at Paris
+between the Commissioners of England and those of the United States.
+
+
+The Shelburne party were obliged to retire in
+
+     1783,
+
+having, by their arbitrary measures, drawn upon themselves general
+displeasure throughout the country.
+
+Much surprise was created at the unexpected coalition of Lord North and
+Mr. Fox, which was the natural result of the pressing case of the
+prince, to whom the queen had confidentially entrusted his father's
+breach of the law, in the solemnization of his marriage with herself.
+The queen, in fact, used the prince's influence to prevail upon Mr. Fox
+to join Lord North, as he was well informed upon all the circumstances
+of the king's first marriage. Although the political sentiments of these
+gentlemen were opposed, it was represented as a safe line of conduct, to
+ensure the tranquillity of the kingdom. Thus, again, was every portion
+of truth sacrificed to the WILL of the _queen_.
+
+This year, the king agreed that the heir-apparent should receive fifty
+thousand pounds per annum, and sixty thousand pounds to equip him
+suitably to his dignity. In the mean time, it became a public fact, that
+the prince had so deeply involved himself in debt as to be mean enough
+to resort, through the medium of others, to borrow money (of various
+amounts) of his tradespeople!
+
+Before the conclusion of the year, the _Whig and Tory_ ministry were
+ejected, to the entire satisfaction of nearly every individual in the
+nation, who despised such an unholy alliance of opposite principles.
+
+Mr. Pitt was now made "First Lord of the Treasury," which was a change
+very satisfactory to her majesty, as, from the youth of the new
+"premier," she augured her likely influence over the political
+hemisphere to be increased. It was well known that her majesty did not
+like any of the prince's associates, more especially Messrs. Fox and
+Sheridan. Mr. Burke was not supposed to be so informed upon all
+subjects; and, though much in the necessary confidence of the prince,
+the queen presumed it was chiefly in procuring pecuniary accommodations.
+It was not until an after period, that the _whole truth_ was stated to
+her by the prince.
+
+New taxes alone could furnish means for the immense additional annuities
+now imposed upon the country; and thus were sums for every succeeding
+year's demand increased.
+
+At this period, the Prince of Wales and his next brother were associated
+in dissipation of every kind. Their love of gaming was proverbial, and
+their excess of indulgence in voluptuousness soon exhausted the income
+allowed them by the country. Their caprices were various, but those of
+the prince was most strikingly evinced in his abruptly declining his
+engagements with the celebrated Mrs. Robinson. His usual plan was, when
+fascinated by the appearance of a new object, to exert every nerve to
+possess it. Presents, accompanied by the highest eulogiums, and
+protestations of eternal love and constancy, were always pressed upon
+the acceptance of the intended victim; and thus, by apparent devotion
+and unconquerable passion, many were the delusions he practised, and the
+outrages he committed, upon the unsuspecting virtue of woman.
+
+Had a plebeian committed but _one_ act similar to those in which the
+prince was so frequently the principal character, his _life_ must have
+atoned for his fault, and a destitute family, in consequence, been
+plunged into distraction. But, because the prince was of such
+high-reputed family, he must, forsooth, be accounted a _noble-minded
+gentleman_; and, instead of exposition and punishment, the venal and
+hired press of the day launched out into the most fulsome eulogiums of
+his _graceful, all-attracting elegance of style and manners_, without
+even speaking of the _infamy_ of his amours, intrigues, and
+debaucheries! Some writers, alas! are so fearful of speaking the truth,
+lest they should offend the _side they have espoused_, or the
+inclinations and political principles of those by whom they are likely
+to be read, that they almost persuade themselves there is a sort of
+_impropriety_ in presenting facts in their proper colours! But is it not
+beneath the dignity of the press to act in so cowardly a manner?
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1784,
+
+(notwithstanding the dreadfully enormous weight of the "national debt,"
+borrowed by the ministers upon nominal annuities, for which large
+interest was given) the king was again solicited to assist the prince,
+in order that his debts might be discharged. This request was refused,
+and Messrs. Fox and Sheridan advocated the subject to no purpose.
+
+During this year, much public display of talent was made in the House.
+Mr. Pitt was now fully and entirely in her majesty's "confidence," and
+he well knew if "the system" were to be continued, war must be carried
+on, and oppression would increase rather than decrease. While engaged in
+a private interview with the queen, upon various state subjects, Mr.
+Pitt submitted his opinion upon the extravagance and improper pursuits
+of the prince, adding, "I much fear, your majesty, in his delirium of
+debauchery, _some expressions may escape him, to the injury of the
+crown_!" "No," answered the queen, "he is too well aware of the
+_consequences to himself_, if that transpired; so on that point I can
+rely upon him." "Is your majesty aware," said Mr. Pitt, "that at this
+time the prince is engrossed by a fair beauty? and I believe, from good
+authority I may say, intends to marry her! He is now so much
+embarrassed, that, at the suggestion of his trusty friend, Sheridan, he
+borrows large amounts from a Jew, who resides in town, and gives his
+bonds for much larger amounts than he receives; by this means, he is
+actually involved in debt to the amount of above a million of money; and
+the interest and principal must, some day, be _honourably_ discharged,
+or else he must never ascend the throne; as the dishonour would cause
+him eternal disgrace, if not an abdication." Truly, this was a fine
+picture of England's future monarch!
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1785,
+
+Mr. Pitt caused prosecutions to be issued and enforced to check the
+rising spirit of the Irish, as they appeared determined to press hard
+until they received reform in the representation; and, in order to
+divert the exasperated feelings of the people of England, as he stood
+deeply pledged to the reformers, "_as a man and a minister_," to bring
+in "a bill to amend the representation of the people," he moved, April
+18th, for leave to bring it forward for the consideration of the House.
+His plan was to transfer the right of election from thirty-six rotten
+boroughs to the counties and principle unrepresented towns, _allowing a
+pecuniary compensation to the owners of the disfranchised boroughs_, and
+to extend the right of voting for knights of the shires to copyholders.
+This minister suffered his motion to be negatived by 248 against 194!
+Had there been honesty on the part of the minister towards the people,
+unfettered by any _state secrets_, he would have been prepared to meet
+the numerous opposers; but he found himself unable to serve the cause of
+liberty and slavery at the same time, and so, to save his word of
+promise, he did bring in "the bill," when he well knew it was impossible
+to carry it under the then existing corruptions!
+
+In the farce here played, under the management of that youthful
+renegade,--PITT, we have a fair specimen of the way in which the English
+have been treated. But there is a time rapidly approaching when the
+supporters of despotism cannot thus delude their countrymen. The whole
+nest of court sycophants, however, seem determined rather to see England
+reduced to a state of the most grievous bondage than imagine one of
+their own ill-gotten acres endangered, or the least of their absurd and
+exclusive privileges called in question. But are such creatures, their
+_imagined_ interests, and affected opinions, to triumph over the views
+of the most virtuous patriots and wisest men of the present age? Forbid
+it, Justice!
+
+
+The year
+
+     1786
+
+was ushered in under some peculiar circumstances of distress and alarm.
+The king was evidently declining in health, and strong signs of
+imbecility were apparent. He positively refused to see the prince upon
+the subject of his debts, and was otherwise much distracted at the
+recollection of various impositions upon the public, which might have
+been avoided, if, in the moment of necessity, he had explained himself
+fully to the nation, and pressed for an amelioration of all _unnatural_
+and _uncivilized_ acts of parliament, detrimental to the peace, welfare,
+and happiness of the sovereign and the subject.
+
+In July, the prince was so beset with appeals from his numerous
+creditors, that, partly to silence them, and partly to induce the House
+to pay his long-standing arrears of borrowed money, he announced his
+intention to give up his establishment, and, out of his annual income of
+fifty thousand pounds, to reserve ten thousand, and appropriate forty
+thousand for the benefit of his creditors.
+
+In the early part of this year, the prince _was married_ to Mrs.
+Fitzherbert. Messrs. Fox, Sheridan, and Burke were present upon the
+occasion, as also were some of the relatives of the bride. After the
+ceremony, Mr. Fox handed them into a carriage, and they drove to
+Richmond, where they spent some days. In the interim, the queen was made
+acquainted with the marriage. Her majesty requested an audience with the
+prince, which was immediately complied with. The queen insisted on being
+told if the news of his marriage were correct. "Yes, madam," replied he,
+"and not any force under heaven shall separate _us_. If his majesty had
+been _as firm_ in acknowledging _his marriage_, he might _now_ have
+enjoyed life, instead of being a misanthrope, as he is. But I beg,
+further, that _my_ wife be received at court, and proportionately as
+your majesty receives her, and pays her attention, from this time, so
+shall I render my attentions to your majesty. The lady I have married is
+worthy of all homage, and my very confidential friends, with some of my
+wife's relations, only, _witnessed_ our marriage. Have you not always
+taught me to consider myself _heir_ to the first sovereignty in the
+world? where then will exist any risk of obtaining a ready concurrence
+from the House in my marriage? I hope, madam, a few hours reflection
+will satisfy you that I have done my duty in following this impulse of
+my inclinations, and therefore I wait your majesty's commands, feeling
+assured you would not wish to blast the happiness of your favourite
+prince." The queen presumed it would prove her best policy to signify
+her acquiescence to the prince's wishes, and the interview terminated
+without any further explanation or remonstrance; nevertheless, the
+substance of the interview was immediately communicated to Mr. Pitt. The
+extravagant expenditure of the prince, at this period, was so increased,
+that he frequently promised _cent. per cent._ for advances of cash!
+
+The Duke of Richmond, this year, proposed to erect _fortifications_ all
+over England! Monstrous as this attempt to enslave the country must
+appear, the power of Pitt brought the division of the House of Commons
+on the bill exactly _even_, so that the speaker was obliged, by his
+conscience, to give his casting vote _against_ so traitorous an affair!
+The establishment of a sinking fund was next brought forward; and, on a
+surplus of taxes appearing, amounting to NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS,
+new taxes were levied on the plea of making up this sum _ONE MILLION_,
+which, with compound interest, was to be invariably applied to the
+_reduction of the national debt_.
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1787,
+
+the queen received the wife of the prince (Mrs. Fitzherbert) _in the
+most courteous manner in public_! The mental illness of the king became
+now apparent to those around him, but it _was not spoken of publicly_.
+
+In April, Mr. Newnham, member for the city of London, gave notice that
+he should bring forward a motion, the intent of which was, "To address
+the king, in order to procure his approbation to relieve the Prince of
+Wales from all embarrassments of a _pecuniary_ nature," to which he
+hoped the House would _cordially_ agree. This announcement created much
+conversation, as well it might; and Mr. Newnham was earnestly solicited
+to withdraw his motion, lest its results should do injury to the state,
+and be productive of other inconvenience and mischief. The minister
+(Pitt) said, "_that if Mr. Newnham persevered in pressing his motion
+upon the notice of the House, he should be driven to make disclosures of
+circumstances, which otherwise he believed it to be his imperative duty
+to conceal_." Mr. Rolle (member for Devonshire) considered that an
+investigation of this matter involved many questions of consequence,
+which would affect both church and state. Messrs. Fox and Sheridan, with
+some other _private_ acquaintances of the prince, were bold in their
+language, and replied, that "the prince did not fear any investigation
+of his conduct; and that respect or indulgence, by an affected
+tenderness or studied ambiguity, would be disagreeable to the wishes and
+feelings of his royal highness!"
+
+A few days after this debate, Mr. Fox called the attention of the House
+to the strange and extraordinary language used by Mr. Rolle, saying,
+"that he presumed those remarks were made in reference to the base and
+malicious calumny which had been propagated out of doors by the enemies
+of the prince, in order to _depreciate_ his character, and injure him in
+the opinion of the country!" Mr. Rolle replied to this by saying that,
+"though the marriage could not have been accomplished under the formal
+sanction of the law, yet if it existed _as a fact_, it ought to be
+satisfactorily cleared up, lest the most alarming consequences should be
+the result." Mr. Fox, in reply, said, "that he not only denied the
+calumny in question, with respect to the effect of certain existing
+laws, but he also denied the _marriage in toto_," adding, "though he
+well knew the matter was illegal under every form of statute provided,
+yet he took that opportunity to assert, _it never did happen_." Mr.
+Rolle again asked, "Do you, Sir, speak from DIRECT OR INDIRECT
+AUTHORITY?" Mr. Fox replied, "FROM DIRECT AUTHORITY." The House was now
+anxious that Mr. Rolle should express his satisfaction; but he
+positively and determinately refused, "as he wished every member of the
+House to JUDGE for himself!" Now mark the result. Mr. Sheridan (the
+bottle-companion of the prince) rose and declared warmly, "that if Mr.
+Rolle would not be satisfied, or put the matter into some train for his
+further satisfaction, his opinion was, the House ought to resolve, that
+it was seditious and disloyal to propagate reports injurious to the
+prince." But notice Mr. Pitt's reply, who rose, and protested against an
+attack upon the freedom of speech in that House. Mr. Pitt, indeed, could
+do no less than _stop the inquiry_; for if it had proceeded to any
+greater length, the LEGITIMACY of the prince might have been
+_doubted_!!!
+
+The prince again sought advice to shield himself from his various
+opponents, whose impertinent, yet honest expressions, might prove an
+alloy to his character, and render void all his pretensions to even
+_common honesty_! His royal highness _deigned_ to consult some persons
+of consequence, but he could not receive any advice equal to his wishes.
+At length, he saw the queen, and partly explained his difficulties and
+debts, concluding his remarks by these _threatening_ words: "Unless the
+king suggests _HIS DESIRE_ for the payment of these debts, I will
+_EXPLAIN_ all this STATE MYSTERY; and I would receive a shot from a
+musket, in preference to the galling insults which I well know the
+_kingdoms_ infer _from these shameful arrears_." Again the _state
+secrets_ operated! Again was TRUTH to be hidden in a napkin! The prince
+retired from the audience; but the queen was no sooner disengaged than
+Mr. Pitt was announced and introduced. The interview was short, but
+decisive, and the minister departed on a mission to the prince at
+Carlton House. There he promised that his royal highness should
+immediately receive means to discharge his debts, and accordingly, on
+the very next day, a message was laid before the House, and an address
+voted to the king, to request him to grant out of the "civil list" the
+sum of one hundred and sixty-one thousand pounds, to discharge the debts
+of George, called Prince of Wales, with an additional sum of twenty
+thousand pounds to finish the repairs of Carlton Palace. When this
+infamous proposition was made, distress and wretchedness were at an
+alarming height! But the king was more an object of pity than of blame.
+Royalty, to him, was a deceitful bauble. Those who beheld it at a
+distance saw nothing but greatness, splendour, and delight; but, could
+they have examined it closely, they would have found toil, perplexity,
+and care, its constant companions.
+
+The king was now fast exchanging the bloom of youth for the languor of
+age. He knew his duty was to repress calumny and falsehood, and to
+support innocence and truth; and not only to abstain from doing evil,
+but to exert himself in every way to do good, by preventing the
+mischiefs evil counsellors might devise. Yet the _state secrets_ kept
+him from acting as his heart dictated, and his mind soon lost all its
+vigour!
+
+The prince, from this time, was sure of the attainment of his wishes, if
+within the power of the queen to bestow; and, from this conquest, he
+gave loose rein to the impetuous desires of his wayward inclinations.
+Splendid fêtes were given, money was lavished upon the most
+insignificant and indecorous occasions; virtue openly insulted, in every
+possible shape; and the man, who was expected shortly to reign over the
+destiny of millions, was frequently exhibited to his friends as an
+UNPRINCIPLED LIBERTINE, a NOTORIOUS GAMESTER, and an UNGRATEFUL SON! But
+the rank of royal distinction, and the means he possessed to gratify his
+lusts (being devoid of all positive integrity upon many points) were
+sufficient causes of excuse in the estimation of himself and his
+minions! His graceful bow and ensnaring address led many good-natured
+people into a belief that he was really an honest man and a gentleman!
+
+
+From the commencement of the year
+
+     1788,
+
+the king's health again declined. His mind appeared full of gloomy
+apprehensions and forebodings; sometimes he uttered the most incoherent
+language; then, dissolving in tears, would ask after the health of the
+several members of his family, and especially of his youngest daughter,
+to whom he was more particularly attached. This state of aberration was,
+however, strictly concealed from the public as long as possible by the
+queen. Here, again, mark her German policy! Fearing she could not much
+longer conceal the king's indisposition, she determined to consult her
+favourite minister, and they resolved upon a proposition to give to the
+_queen's_ care the charge of his majesty's person, presuming that step
+was finally needful, as by its adoption _only_ could she retain an
+opportunity of exercising _complete controul over her afflicted
+husband_! On the reassembling of parliament, therefore, the project of
+the queen was brought forward by Pitt, who, possessing a decided
+majority, passed what resolutions he pleased. He contended, in
+opposition to Fox, that the Prince of Wales had no more right to the
+regency _than he had_! The debates upon this subject were long and warm;
+but Pitt and the queen finally triumphed. The care of the king's person
+and the disposition of the royal household was to be committed to her
+majesty, who would, by this means, be vested with the patronage of _four
+hundred places_, amongst which were the great offices of lord-stewart,
+lord-chamberlain, and master of the horse! These "loaves and fishes"
+offered the queen a fine opportunity of exercising her tyranny, and
+further increasing her power!
+
+Let us here digress a little, to reflect upon the _enviable_ state in
+which her majesty was placed at this period.
+
+Behold, then, the Queen of England, in the enjoyment of health,
+surrounded with all the luxuries of life, knowing the _intricacies_ of
+STATE INFAMY, and anxious to hold the reins of government in her own
+hands, constantly closeted with the minister--ALONE! his years not half
+so many as those of his royal mistress! See her confiding in his
+secrecy, submitting her opinions for his decision, and knowing that
+herself and her family are in his power! The man, who, after this
+retrospect, pronounces there never was a _false step_, or a _deviation
+from rectitude_, we venture to say is but very little acquainted with
+humanity! It is also well known to more than one or two individuals,
+that the Prince of Wales dared to _jest_ with her majesty upon the
+occasional _private_ interviews she held with this minister; and his
+royal highness was once seriously sent from her presence, in consequence
+of a TRIFLING DISCOVERY he made. It therefore seemed the more requisite
+that the _appearance_ of a rigid decorum must exist at court;
+consequently, if any lady had been known to violate those bounds, she
+must be excluded from royal favour, and never again enter the precincts
+of the palace! Her majesty, it will be perceived from this, knew how to
+put on the garb of virtue, if she possessed it not! Our love of
+impartiality, however, obliges us to give an instance contrary to the
+general edict of the queen. Her majesty was made fully acquainted with
+Mrs. Fitzherbert's history, and therefore knew that this lady had been
+left a widow--twice; and that she afterwards accepted the _protection_
+of the Marquis Bellois, which intimacy was of considerable duration.
+Yet, as soon as the prince _married her_, she was a general visitant at
+court, and received the most especial and unlimited polite attentions
+from the queen. Let this example suffice to shew her majesty's
+_scrupulous_ delicacy!
+
+
+In March,
+
+     1789,
+
+the king was declared convalescent, so as to be able to resume his
+duties, and defeat those air-drawn schemes of power, which his queen was
+about to assume.
+
+The insulted sovereign thus freed the people, for a time, from the
+artful stratagems and devices arising from the charnel house of
+oppression.
+
+It is certain, that his majesty was free from all _violent_ paroxysms,
+and generally manifested a quiet and unobtrusive disposition in all
+things. But then this was the _utmost_ of his improvement. Reason's
+empire was fatally shook, and the recollection of the past incapacitated
+him for forming an opinion either upon the present or the future.
+
+The queen, in the mean time, resolved not to be entirely debarred of her
+prospects of patronage; for, under the specious disguise of kingly
+authority, her majesty gave appointments and honours to the hirelings
+around her, and carried "majorities" whenever she pleased.
+
+It was not deemed prudent that the king should open the House in person;
+therefore, the chancellor delivered the speech in the name of his
+majesty.
+
+During this session, Mr. Wilberforce pleaded ably for the abolition of
+West Indian slavery, though to very little advantage.
+
+Some excesses of an unhappy description were practised by the Duke of
+York; but they were passed over without any public punishment or
+parental rebuke, although a family of high respectability suffered the
+loss of their only daughter, a most beautiful and accomplished girl,
+nearly twenty years of age! She was a victim of the duke's sensuality,
+and destroyed herself by poison soon afterwards,--such were the extreme
+sentiments of honor and virtue entertained by her. Some of her family
+yet live to mourn her loss and regret the privileges of royalty!
+
+In this year a revolution broke out in France, and innumerable lives
+were lost. The opposite views which Burke and Fox took of this event
+dissolved the friendship that had so long existed between them.
+
+
+In February,
+
+     1790,
+
+the printer of "The Times" newspaper was fined ONE HUNDRED POUNDS for a
+libel on the Prince of Wales, and the like sum for a libel on the
+_equally-illustrious_ seducer, the Duke of York. If a verdict had been
+given otherwise, royalty would have been humbled!
+
+In this year, also, a most remarkable occurrence transpired. A very
+respectable clergyman was induced to marry two persons upon an extreme
+emergency, without their obtaining a license or the publishing of banns.
+The clergyman was tried at Leicester for this offence, and sentenced to
+be _transported for fourteen years_! Many appeals were made, in a quiet
+and peaceable manner, to the judge. Expostulations upon the
+disproportion of the punishment were also made by various classes of
+society; but, alas! _the happiness of the subject was destroyed_, while
+the higher authorities remained not only unimpeached, but defended!
+
+During this session, the House was solicited to supply extra sums for
+the expenditure of the _secret service_, to which, however, many voices
+were raised in opposition. The prince and his former friends and
+companions were now apparently in a state of disunion, as each one
+appeared dissatisfied with the other.
+
+Mr. Fox proved the most unremitting member of the House in the discharge
+of his duties, opposing the increase of the national debt, and the
+imposition of new taxes. The salary of the speaker of the House of
+Commons, however, was advanced to six thousand pounds, remonstrance
+proving of no avail.
+
+About this time, the prince and two of his brothers became so
+embarrassed by their imprudent conduct, that they found it expedient to
+resort to some measure for the attainment of means to satisfy the
+clamorous demands of their creditors. Jews and money-brokers were tried,
+but to no effect; and their last resource seemed to be by obtaining the
+amount desired upon their respective or joint bonds. Every likely person
+was solicited to grant the loan; yet, after a long and mortifying
+attempt, all their endeavours proved fruitless. A large interest was
+offered, and had the parties been persons of indubitable integrity, many
+of their countrymen would have gladly lent their money upon such terms;
+but former inaccuracies paved the way for future misgivings. At length
+the sum was furnished, from foreign houses chiefly,--the amount of which
+was ONE MILLION!!! The princes received nearly half a million
+immediately, and the other portion was to be paid according to the
+stipulation,--the interest being fixed at _six per cent._ This interest,
+however, was not paid upon its becoming due; consequently there was a
+suspicion of unfair dealing; but of this subject we must treat anon.
+
+A trifling dispute with Spain this year cost the country THREE HUNDRED
+THOUSAND POUNDS!
+
+
+The year
+
+     1791
+
+was a period of continual debate and of harassing vexation, both at home
+and abroad. In the mean while, the prince was engrossed in his pursuits
+of pleasure, ever searching after variety in every possible shape. Such
+also were the pursuits of his royal brothers.
+
+It now becomes our painful duty to speak of the FEMALES of this
+"_ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY_."
+
+It is one of the unnatural distinctions of royalty, and which is often
+fatal to the happiness of society, that _their ways are not the ways of
+the other sons and daughters of humanity_. Though royal blood is not of
+itself considered a barrier against marriage, the very few persons that
+are eligible to marry a king's daughter, besides the unsurmountable
+difficulties which religion opposes to such unions, makes them almost
+amount to absolute exclusion.
+
+It would argue a callous heart not to feel the force of the above
+reflection, while speaking of the royal daughters of Queen Charlotte.
+They were at this period in the bloom of youth, in all the glowing
+exuberance of health, but from the real enjoyment of which the miserable
+etiquette of regal splendour, and the feigned prudery of their mother,
+debarred them. In the full meridian of their state, possessing every
+exterior advantage calculated to excite vulgar envy and admiration,
+these royal ladies were less blessed, in reality, than the daughters of
+peasants, who were free to marry the men of their choice. When this
+secluded state of royalty is considered, the reflecting mind will feel
+disposed to exercise charity and forbearance; but the subjects of our
+present notice partook of _rather more_ of female frailty than ought to
+have been allowed. We have heard, indeed, of the most desperate excesses
+committed by _royal_ ladies, and are ourselves acquainted with an
+_accoucheur_, who officiated under a circumstance of a lamentable
+kind,--INDEPENDENT OF THE BIRTH OF CAPTAIN GARTH! Alas! were the crimes
+of the court of Charlotte but painted in their true colours, how would
+Virtue blush!--how would Honesty be abashed!--how would Credulity be
+staggered! The slightest deviation from honor in a tradesman's daughter
+is generally punished by eternal disgrace! For the present, we must
+leave these very painful reflections; though we fear _truth_ will compel
+us to renew the subject.
+
+The revenue was, as usual, unequal to meet the extravagancies of the
+royal family, and so was added every succeeding year an increase to the
+already immense "NATIONAL DEBT."
+
+The queen became now much disturbed by the dissatisfaction so generally
+expressed by all classes of society, and she therefore resolved to give
+the minister her opinion upon the subject. Mr. Pitt accordingly
+presented himself, and was received with courteous attention. The queen
+expressed her fears of an ill _ultimatum_, unless some plan could be
+proposed to satisfy the desires of the people. After various
+propositions were made and rejected, it was deemed prudent to resist any
+and every motion which might be made in the Commons for reform in the
+state of the representation, and to rule over the people by _force_, if
+found needful.
+
+
+The House met early in the year
+
+     1792,
+
+and the king announced the marriage of his second son, Frederick, with a
+daughter of the King of Prussia. In March, Mr. Pitt proposed to settle
+thirty thousand pounds per annum upon their royal highnesses! The
+Opposition remonstrated, but the motion was finally carried.
+
+Much interest was excited upon the subject of the slave trade; and Mr.
+Wilberforce urged the abolition of it in very warm and generous
+language. Mr. Pitt was eloquent on this occasion, and pleaded, most
+animatedly, in favour of its entire abolition; but the minister _was not
+sincere_. A series of resolutions were ultimately agreed upon, and sent
+up to the Lords for their concurrence.
+
+The Duke of Clarence now commenced his parliamentary career, by
+violently declaiming against the abolition of slavery and its advocates.
+This caused it to be delayed, and the guilt of Britain increased.
+
+The queen _appeared_ vexed at this circumstance, as she had imagined
+such a concession would have given great satisfaction, without
+decreasing her influence at home.
+
+In a private conversation with an illustrious person, some days after
+this defeat, Mr. Wilberforce said, "He did not believe the queen or the
+minister were _truly desirous_ of the abolition of slavery; for, if it
+had been intended by them to be carried, they would have secured it in
+the Upper House."
+
+After thus trifling with the wishes of the people, it appeared probable
+that dissatisfaction might arise amongst the middle classes of society;
+to provide against which, the establishment of a new police for
+Westminster was proposed and carried.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1793
+
+commenced with the usual aspects, and power appeared to have had a
+hardening influence upon the minds of statesmen. The crisis seemed near,
+that some salutary and healing measure of reform in the state of the
+representation must be adopted; for it was imprudent any longer to be
+silent on the subject. Mr. Grey, therefore, moved the question in the
+House, on the 30th of April, and was supported ably by Mr. Erskine and
+others; but the minister (Mr. Pitt) repelled the motion, and spoke as
+warmly for its withdrawal as he had formerly spoken in its defence, and
+of its necessity. The result was prejudicial to the rights and
+privileges of free-born men; the motion was dismissed, and a
+royal proclamation issued against all seditious writings and
+correspondences,--plainly proving that the crown needed the aid of
+_spies and informers_, in order to continue its baneful and injurious
+influence over a deluded and degraded people! Thus was an attempt to
+obtain justice defeated by a combination of overbearing tyranny and
+oppression; and thus was the "state automaton" moved at pleasure by the
+secret springs of court intrigue and infamy, regulated by the queen! One
+extreme generally leads to another, and so by degrees the freedom of the
+constitution was changed to tyrannical fetters, under the assumed title
+of "_improvements in our code of laws_," whilst distress continued, and
+expostulation, as usual, proved fruitless.
+
+Mr. Pitt, at this time, through a private channel, communicated his
+desire to see Mr. Canning, who of course promptly attended. The premier
+complimented Mr. Canning on his reputation as a scholar and a speaker,
+and stated, that, if he concurred in the policy which government was
+then pursuing, arrangements would be made to bring him into parliament.
+These few words will briefly explain to future generations the manner of
+introducing members to parliament by this minister.
+
+Previous to this _honourable_ offer, Mr. Canning belonged to what was
+then termed "the opposition faction," and among those who were the _most
+violent_ in their opinions, _he_ had been considered and spoken of as
+their _protégé_. But a seat in parliament from the hands of a prime
+minister, who, however haughty and reserved in his general manners, had
+perhaps, for that very reason, a peculiar power in fixing himself in the
+minds of those whom he wished to please, was a tempting offer to a young
+man, conscious of superior talent, but rendered by his situation in life
+agreeably alive to such flattering and powerful notice. Our readers will
+hardly feel surprised, then, at his after vacillating conduct, which we
+shall have occasion frequently to notice.
+
+The Prince of Wales now veered in his political expressions, and
+deserted his former acknowledged principles, in obedience to the wishes
+of the _queen_. The other male branches of the royal family were
+revelling in the vortex of voluptuousness; and so expensive were their
+amours and gallantries, in addition to their gambling transactions, that
+they were continually involved in debt, and, for momentary relief,
+borrowed sums of every person willing to run the risk of a loan, or
+afraid to incur the royal displeasure.
+
+The king was ignorant of the most dishonorable transactions in which his
+sons were so deeply involved; what he did know was sufficient to make
+him miserable. Their supplies and income were to an enormous extent; yet
+his majesty was aware that the Duke of York's horses and carriage were
+seized, while going down Piccadilly, and his royal highness obliged to
+walk home!
+
+Declaration of hostilities was announced between Great Britain and
+France, and the year's supply amounted to TWENTY MILLIONS. To provide
+this enormous sum, extra taxes were again levied upon the people.
+
+
+We enter upon the year
+
+     1794,
+
+with sorrow and indignation, as it was the commencement of an
+all-important era in national affairs. The king beheld the critical
+state of the empire with much sorrow and disquietude. The extravagant
+and imprudent conduct of his sons also acted as a canker upon his heart.
+In vain did he endeavour to represent to them, that to be worthy of
+holding their rank in such a great nation, they ought to lay aside the
+follies which had so long been practised by them; and as earnestly, yet
+as vainly, did he press them to retire from the society of voluptuous
+acquaintances, with whom he too well knew they were so deeply involved,
+in various ways.
+
+At this period of our history, we are grieved to record the tyrannical
+acts of government, in apprehending a number of persons on the charge of
+_treason_. Some of our readers will, doubtless, recollect the glorious
+acquittal of Hardy, Tooke, and Thelwall; but there were others, less
+fortunate. We would rather have been Claudius or Caligula, Nero,
+Tiberius, or the _Christian_, blood-stained Constantine, than the man
+who, in cold blood, could deliberately sign a warrant against those
+patriotic martyrs, MUIR, SKIRVING, MARGAROT, PALMER, and GERALD, whose
+only _crime_ consisted in having _SUPPORTED MR. PITT'S OWN ORIGINAL
+SYSTEM OF REFORM_!
+
+Our readers, at this distance of time, will reflect with amazement and
+indignation, that on the 8th of February, 1794, the four first-named
+citizens, without a moment's previous notice, were surprised in their
+beds by the Newgate ruffians, chained and handcuffed like the vilest
+felons, and thus conveyed to Woolwich, where they were sent on board a
+transport ready to receive them. A few hours afterwards, the vessel
+dropped down the river; but, during the short interval it remained at
+Woolwich, all communication was cut off between them and their friends!
+Even the wife of Margarot was denied admission to him! Such were the
+positive orders of that illiberal and corrupt minister,--Mr. Henry
+Dundas.
+
+Let us hope that the day is for ever past when men can be thus treated
+for merely giving vent to their complaints and sufferings. It is the
+prerogative of affliction to complain, more sacred and natural than any
+titles or immunities which _privileged_ persons enjoy! And whenever
+_force_ is employed against _argument and reason_, though the contest
+may be unequal, depend upon it that the cause of _TRUTH_ will
+_ULTIMATELY PREVAIL_!
+
+At this period, the Prince of Wales was involved in more than SIX
+HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS, beside bonds and bills, signed by him, to a
+very enormous amount; and, finding himself unable to procure any further
+sums, he applied to the queen for assistance in this extremity. Her
+majesty referred him to his father, and pressed him to yield to any
+advice which the king might suggest, or any plan he might recommend.
+
+A time was appointed for an interview, and the father and son entered
+upon these very distressing and dishonorable transactions. After much
+deliberation, the king observed, "that it was utterly impossible to ask
+parliament for any relief, as it was all the minister could now do to
+keep the wheels of state in motion; and, even to do that, it required
+_immense loans_ to be raised, to make up the deficiency of the year's
+current expenses." As a last resource, the king proposed that the prince
+should MARRY, and that a lady of royal birth be selected, as agreeable
+to the inclinations of the prince as possible. Upon such an event, the
+minister would, no doubt, furnish means for his liberation, and a
+sufficient income for the additional expenses attendant upon such an
+alliance. The prince received the opinion of his father with varied
+sensations, and requested time to think upon the proposition, when he
+would announce the result of his cogitations.
+
+Alas! how much are kings to be pitied! If their principles and
+intentions be virtuous, what difficulties have they to surmount, what
+sorrows to endure! This was a trying period for George the Third: on the
+one hand, he saw the impropriety and cruelty of marriage merely for
+state policy, and more particularly so in the present instance, as he
+considered the prince's marriage with Mrs. Fitzherbert solemn and
+binding in the sight of heaven, though certainly in direct opposition to
+the _law_ of the country, which was _in operation at the time it was
+solemnized_. On the other hand, it appeared that a royal marriage was an
+event that would give great satisfaction to the people, and might,
+perhaps, reclaim the prince from those considerable errors and obnoxious
+pursuits in which he was so deeply entangled; for he associated with
+some of the most unprincipled characters, of whom any person of
+morality or _common decency_ would certainly have been ashamed.
+
+Here again the gewgaw of royal parade was intended to entrap the
+admiration of the ignorant. The vain pomp and pageantries of courts and
+the splendour of fortune have ever been an _ignis fatuus_ to seduce the
+people to their ruin. They have, alas! too often served as an useful
+shelter to every excess of folly, every enormity of crime; while the
+deepest distresses and the most urgent wants have not been allowed as an
+extenuation for the slightest transgression, though committed to satisfy
+the craving exigencies of famished nature! Had a _private_ individual
+acted as this prince was about to do, would he not have become an
+outcast from his family, and would not the whole world have abandoned
+him? Yet, although the prince's example was ten thousand times more
+contagious, all the breaches of faith of which he had been guilty
+scarcely received the slightest animadversion! But so it was; common
+interest united even those who were disunited by particular
+discordances, and the _seeming_ harmony of the royal family may
+undoubtedly be inferred to have arisen from their equal interest in the
+success of the piece. Their private differences were apparently lost in
+the immensity of the SECRETS by which the state chain was rivetted, as
+if it were by adamant.
+
+We must not suppose his majesty was all this time ignorant of the
+situation of his nephew, the only child of his brother Edward; so far
+from that being the case, he had caused him to be brought up privately,
+and was regular in the discharge of the yearly expenses incurred on his
+account at Eton. The queen presumed that her children were safely
+seated, so long as the king's _first_ marriage should be concealed, and
+therefore did not bestow many thoughts upon the happiness or misery,
+fortune or misfortune, life or death, of this MUCH-INJURED YOUTH! Does
+not nature revolt at this barbarity, this secret unfeeling conduct of
+the queen? What mother could know a similar case, and not afford all the
+generous tenderness of sympathy to mitigate the losses this _orphan_ had
+sustained, not only of fortune, but of the fostering care of both his
+parents?
+
+The complicated wickedness of the court seemed now nearly approaching
+its climax. Deception had been added to deception, until, to complete
+the delusion, another victim must necessarily be added, in the person of
+the Princess Caroline of Brunswick!
+
+After conferences with Mrs. Fitzherbert, the queen, and a few others,
+closely interested in the affair, had taken place, the prince acquainted
+his father with his submission to the royal will, and requested to know
+whom his majesty would recommend for his bride. The king suggested his
+niece, the daughter of his sister, the Duchess of Brunswick, for whose
+acceptance he urged the prince to send his miniature, and other
+formalities, usual on such occasions. _The prince, with apparent
+vivacity, acquiesced_; but his majesty thought that his son's language
+wanted sincerity.
+
+The evening was spent in revelry and debauchery by the prince and his
+companions, and his royal highness swore "I will marry the Princess of
+Brunswick, which," said he, "will be no marriage at all, and desert her,
+of which I will give her timely notice." The miniature was painted
+_flatteringly_, and the following letter from the prince accompanied it
+to his intended wife:
+
+
+_Copy of a letter written to the Princess Caroline of Brunswick, by
+George Prince of Wales._
+
+                                                           "1794.
+
+"MADAM,
+
+"The king my father, whom I highly respect and esteem, has just
+announced to me that your hand is destined for me. I am obliged, by the
+imperious force of circumstances to own, that this intelligence has
+thrown me into despair, and my candour does not allow me to conceal my
+sentiments from you. I hope that when you are acquainted with them, you
+will aid me in breaking the ties which would unite us only to render us
+unhappy; and which will be in your power to oppose, since _I_ am unable
+to do so. You, Madam, are adored by your parents; I am aware that they
+have allowed you the liberty of refusing all the princes who have been
+proposed to you in marriage; refuse _me_ also, I conjure you in the name
+of pity, to which I know you are no stranger. You do not _know_ me,
+Madam; you therefore can have no cause to lament my loss. Learn, then,
+the _secret_ and _unhappy_ situation of the prince whom they wish you
+to espouse. I cannot love you; I cannot make you happy; my heart has
+long ceased to be free. She who possesses it is the only woman to whom I
+could unite myself agreeably to my inclinations. _You_ would find in me
+a husband who places all his affections upon another. If this _secret_,
+which I name to you in _confidence_, does not cause you to reject me; if
+ambition, or any other motive of which I am ignorant, cause you to
+condescend to the arrangements of my family, learn that, as soon as you
+shall have given an heir to the _throne, I will abandon you_, never to
+meet you more in public. I will then attach myself to that lady whom I
+love, and whom I will not leave. Such is, Madam, my last and irrevocable
+resolution; if you are the victim of it, you will be a _willing victim_,
+and you cannot accuse me of having deceived you.
+
+                                 "I am, Madam,
+                                     "With great truth,
+                                           "Your's sincerely,
+                                                      "GEORGE P."
+
+
+After reading this very curious epistle, the reader may presume that the
+princess was _indiscreet_ in her acceptance of the hand of a prince who
+so _boldly_ professed himself averse to the union; but the following
+letters of George the Third to herself and her mother, (the king's
+sister) which accompanied the one of the prince, will afford some
+explanation of her conduct:
+
+
+_Copy of a Letter to Caroline, Princess of Brunswick, from her uncle,
+George the Third._
+
+                                                           "1794.
+
+"My dearest Niece Caroline,
+
+"It has afforded me very much pleasure to hear, by the means of my son
+Frederick of York, that you merit my very best regard. I have no doubt
+you have frequently heard of my very great and affectionate regard for
+your dear mother, my sister; and I assure you I love her daughter for
+her sake. I am well persuaded that my dear niece will not refuse the
+pressing request of myself and her mother with respect to an alliance
+with my son George, Prince of Wales, which I earnestly desire may be
+arranged to take place as speedily as possible. I promise, most solemnly
+promise, that I will be your friend and father upon every occasion, and
+I entreat you to comply with this ardent desire of my heart, that my
+agitated mind may once more be composed.
+
+"I have explained to my sister the probable difficulties which my son
+George may mention; but they must not have any weight in your mind and
+conclusions. I beg you not to refuse this pressing petition of your most
+
+                                        "Sincere and affectionate
+                                                "Uncle,
+                                                      "GEORGE R."
+
+"P. S. Do not delay a reply an hour longer than can be avoided."
+
+"_To Caroline, Princess of Brunswick,"
+&c. &c. &c._
+
+
+_Copy of a Letter to the Duchess of Brunswick, from her Brother, George
+the Third._
+
+"MY DEAR SISTER,
+
+"I have endeavoured to excite and promote in the mind of my son George a
+desire to espouse my dear niece Caroline. _This_, I am aware, he will
+only consent to as a prudent step, by which his debts may be paid. I
+will trust to your influence with Caroline that she may not be offended
+with any thing he pleases to say. He may please to plead that he is
+already married!--and I fear he will resort to any measures rather than
+an honorable marriage. But as, in my former letters, I have explained my
+wishes upon this subject, I therefore need not now repeat them. Tell my
+dear niece she must never expect to find a mother or friend in the
+queen; but _I will be her friend to my latest breath_. Give me your
+support, my sister, and prevail upon my niece Caroline at all hazards.
+
+                                "Your's affectionately,
+                                                      "GEORGE R."
+
+
+A courier was despatched with these preliminaries of a royal marriage,
+and the prince again sank into the depths of vice. The queen saw her
+path was rather difficult, and feared for the consequences; but she
+resolved to exert every thought to devise the surest plan for future
+safety. Her majesty did not assist the prince to any extent, because her
+purse was of the greatest utility to her personal safety, and therefore
+_promises_ were chiefly given to the clamorous and ruined creditors,
+that, as soon as the prince was MARRIED, all debts would be discharged!
+The reasons which prompted the parsimony of the queen were obvious to
+those who knew her plans, though not to the public. She was aware of the
+slight tenure she held, and the illegality of her marriage; the
+unaccounted-for death of the king's eldest brother; the uncertainty of
+the fate of his issue; fears for his future public appeals, and her
+knowledge of the validity of his claims! Beside all this, the relatives
+of the legally-married wife of the Duke (Edward) were of more
+illustrious descent than even the queen herself; and from them she stood
+in doubt, lest the untimely death of this lady and her husband, the
+unfortunate Duke of York, as well as the privacy of their offspring,
+should be brought forward in a public manner, or in any way which might
+reflect dishonour upon the influence of the crown!
+
+How much has guilt to fear from exposure by TRUTH! _Secrecy_ was the
+ministerial watch-word then in vogue, and though fallacious and
+destructive, as experience has demonstrated the principle to be, yet the
+nation was cajoled by its influence, and even induced indirectly to
+sanction measures the most desperate and ruinous that imagination can
+depict!
+
+The hireling part of the press, notwithstanding, strove to eternize this
+awful and barbarous system, and thus assisted the minister to cherish
+the growth of Ignorance. Indeed, it is an undeniable fact, that
+the corruption of government pervaded every branch of Mr. Pitt's
+administration; but surely this minister must have been sometimes afraid
+that the people would discover the frauds and impositions practised upon
+them, and demand satisfaction. Mr. Pitt, indeed, was an _apostate_, who,
+at the beginning of his career, stood forth as the CHAMPION OF THE
+PEOPLE'S RIGHTS; but no sooner had he gained possession of power, than
+he at once threw off the mask, deserted his benefactors, who had trusted
+and exalted him, maintained, with all his might, the utmost stretch of
+the royal prerogative, owned himself the unblushing advocate of
+influence and corruption, and the decided enemy of the human race! When
+we reflect on the obduracy, perfidy, and ingratitude of "this pilot that
+_gathered_ the storm," in whose breast neither shame nor pity seldom
+found a residence, but as if dead to every noble passion of the soul, he
+first exhausted the resources of the nation by his imposition of taxes,
+and then enslaved it by his politics; when we reflect, we say, on the
+conduct of this man, Sejanus and Rufinus, profligate and cruel as they
+were, appear angels of light, and we cannot help feeling disgusted with
+the age that tolerated such a minister! Secure in his parliamentary
+majorities and the favours of his queen, he imagined the people at large
+mere nonentities, and set them at defiance, while he must have laughed
+at their tameness and stupidity! Did he not warmly commend the sentences
+of proscription, imprisonment, and transportation, passed against his
+countrymen solely for attempting to procure a reform of grievances, by
+the very same means which he had himself previously employed? Did he
+not, when every really-loyal subject in the realm was deploring the
+disgraces and defeats of the British arms, insult the people with
+affected serious congratulations on the successes that had been obtained
+by the allied powers, and the happy change that had taken place in their
+favour? Yes, reader, these acts may be taken as specimens of the policy
+of the "heaven-born minister, that weathered the storm," as a certain
+chancellor once imprudently designated Mr. Pitt.
+
+The courier, bearing the despatches to the Princess of Brunswick,
+arrived at the court of her father in October, where he delivered his
+packet, and was entertained with generous and courteous attention. The
+duke and duchess retired to peruse its contents, which they read with
+agitation; and Hope and Fear strove tumultuously to gain an ascendency.
+The king's letter was considered, in a certain degree, explanatory of
+the follies of the prince, though it did not name any vices; and as it
+also expressed a _confident opinion_, that, united to a person of
+amiability and worth, like the princess, all good would ensue, the
+parents of the princess were inclined to hope for a favourable result
+from the alliance. The good opinion of the king, their brother, was an
+extra inducement to the fond and indulgent parents of Caroline to plead
+in behalf of her acceptance of this offer; and all must admit their
+conduct to be natural and affectionate.
+
+The letter of the prince was soon after delivered by the duke to his
+daughter, accompanied by the remark, "I hope my dear Caroline will one
+day be the happy queen of a free and happy nation. Retire, my child,
+and, after thinking seriously, decide prudently." The princess retired,
+and read the strange epistle written by the prince. She knew not, for
+some considerable time, what to think, or how to decide. At length,
+after a few hours of rest and enjoyment, the courier departed. He
+arrived safely at St. James', and delivered the following reply to the
+Prince of Wales:
+
+
+_Copy of the Reply to George, Prince of Wales, from Caroline, Princess
+of Brunswick._
+
+"MY LORD AND COUSIN,
+
+"I cannot express to your royal highness the feelings of surprise which
+your letter has afforded me, neither can I rely _entirely_ upon what it
+contains; because the accompanying letter of the good king, your father,
+is so very opposite to its meaning. I thought that the ties of
+relationship which exist between us would have obliged your royal
+highness to treat with delicacy and honor the princess whom your king
+destines for you. For my own part, my lord, I know my duty, and I have
+not the power or the wish to break the laws which are wished to be
+imposed upon me. I, therefore, have decided upon obeying the wishes of
+those who have the right to dispose of my person. I submit, at the same
+time, to the consequences with which your highness threatens me. But, if
+you could read _that heart_ to which you impart such anguish, you would
+perhaps have feelings of remorse from this barbarous treatment, in which
+your royal highness appears to boast. I am now resolved to await from
+_time_ and our _union_ the just regard I will endeavour to merit; and I
+trust that your regret for what you have written will, in some measure,
+avenge the wrongs you have so wantonly committed. Believe me, my lord,
+that I shall not cease to offer my prayers for the happiness of your
+royal highness; _mine_ will be perfect if I can contribute to your's.
+
+                   "I am, for life, your most devoted Cousin,
+                                  "CAROLINE AMELIA OF BRUNSWICK."
+
+
+We have given this and the preceding letters solely with a view of
+forwarding the cause of truth, and shall leave our readers to draw their
+own inferences as to the propriety or impropriety of the conduct of the
+parties concerned.
+
+
+Early in the ensuing year,
+
+     1795,
+
+preparations were made, upon a moderate scale, to receive the Princess
+of Brunswick as the intended wife of the heir-apparent.
+
+The prince was still as _dissolute_ as ever, and associated with the
+very dregs of society, of both sexes. Yet this same personage was about
+to be allied, according to the outward usages of the church, to a
+princess of the most opposite principles and sentiments! Many times has
+he become the _father_ of innocent victims, who were doomed to perish in
+a workhouse, or be consigned to a premature grave! How improbable then
+was it, that his heart would ever feel affection for the issue of an
+honourable connexion,--if it may be so called in _this_ case,--more
+particularly when that was the last resource to extricate him from debt
+and disgrace! Well, indeed, might his companions say, "the princess may
+hear, in the joyful peal, (after her vows) the surer knell of her
+happiness." Too well the result proved the truth of their prophetic
+announcement!
+
+Previous to the arrival of Caroline, it was arranged by the queen that
+persons of distinction, upon whom her majesty could depend in this
+instance, should attend her highness, and a selection was made
+accordingly. The notorious Lady Jersey was one; of her character and
+intriguing disposition, we need not say more than announce the fact,
+that her favours had been at the command of the prince for a
+considerable time. Her disposition was artful and cruel; indeed, unless
+such qualities had been invested in her ladyship, the queen would not
+have given her orders in a manner so undisguised and bold. Cruelty and
+Vice are always inseparable companions.
+
+At length, the princess arrived on these (to her) inhospitable shores.
+On the 8th of April, the formality of a marriage ceremony took place, at
+the palace of St. James. The king was particularly attentive to the
+princess; but not so the queen, who manifested an unbending
+haughtiness, and sometimes lost sight of etiquette so far, that sarcasm
+was too evidently visible. The princesses were in too much fear of their
+mother to bestow any particular attentions on the Princess of Wales,
+except one of them, who, however, dare not publicly avow her sentiments.
+
+On retiring for the night to Carlton House, the princess was attended
+only by those invidious characters who had deliberately planned her
+ruin. Several historians have recorded, that, by some inaccuracy or
+defect in demeanour, the prince received an unexpected impression
+unfavourable to her royal highness; but such _was not the case_. It is
+true, that the conduct of the prince was any thing but gentlemanly;
+though of this little notice was taken. Her royal highness resolved to
+forbear from any unpleasant complainings, as she was now separated from
+her much-beloved home and friends. She plainly saw the disadvantage of
+her change; and, in the disappointment of her heart, frequently deplored
+her cruel destiny. Many times has she been obliged to witness the
+various favourites of the prince receiving those attentions and enjoying
+those smiles which ought to have been her's only.
+
+In a conversation with the prince, shortly after their nuptials, (if
+such an appellation may be used) her royal highness said, "that, after
+the candour with which I have explained myself, I certainly feel
+entitled to the respectful attentions of your highness, and I cannot
+endure the insults I am continually receiving from your mistresses and
+coarse associates." This gentle remonstrance was repeated by this
+"all-accomplished gentleman" when he next met his half-drunken
+companions, and their infamy was heightened by maliciously abusing this
+much-injured lady.
+
+The prince's yearly income was augmented at his marriage with his cousin
+to one hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds, besides having all his
+debts discharged.
+
+The princess now seldom saw her husband. His nights were spent in
+debauchery, and he was frequently carried to bed, totally unconscious of
+all around him. Gaming supplied his leisure hours, and scenes of
+immorality were the common routine of each succeeding day. Such were the
+deportment and character of the man, or _monster_, who was to be
+invested with power over millions of brave, generous, and industrious
+people! It was impossible for such an one to have retained in his
+confidence a single upright and conscientious person. The soul sickens
+at the retrospect; but we must pursue the revolting subject.
+
+The king was, at this time, the only friend in whom the Princess of
+Wales could repose any confidence, and to him she unburdened herself
+unreservedly. His majesty was much incensed at the indignation heaped
+upon the daughter of his sister, and, but for the apparent situation of
+his niece, he would have recommended severer measures than he then
+thought prudent.
+
+In opposition to all remonstrance and advice, the prince gradually sunk
+deeper into the vortex of sensuality, and very frequently expressed
+himself in high hopes that the princess would soon "BE GOT RID OF." He
+still remained ignorant of the confidence the princess had reposed in
+her uncle; and well was it for her he was ignorant of it, as his passion
+was extreme, and rage might have gained such a pre-eminence as to have
+induced him to add _another FOUL DEED to his number_.
+
+This fatal year, more than twenty-nine millions were required, eighteen
+of which were raised by loans! Here may be observed how progressively
+the "national debt" was incurred, partly for the immoderate extravagance
+of those who ought to have acted as models for imitation at home, and
+partly by unjust and destructive wars abroad! until Englishmen became
+any thing and every thing but a free people. The discontents of the
+tax-payers were loud and deep; but the ministers heeded them not!
+
+
+On the 7th of January,
+
+     1796,
+
+the Princess of Wales was safely delivered of a daughter, whose birth,
+in some measure, assuaged the miseries of her forlorn condition. The
+Duke of Clarence might have very frequently repeated his expressions,
+delivered in the House of Lords in the preceding June, when he said,
+"Unless suitable provisions were made for the prince, the Princess of
+Wales, A LOVELY AND AMIABLE WOMAN, must feel herself torn from her
+family, (although her mother was the king's sister) removed from all her
+early connexions," &c. Ah! William Henry, were you prepared to prove
+this to be a speech in favour of your cousin and sister-in-law? Was it
+not _only_ for the aggrandizement of your spendthrift brother?
+
+To oblige her majesty, the young princess was named CHARLOTTE. But what
+a different character did the younger Charlotte prove from the elder!
+Oh! that so sweet a disposition and so noble a mind should have been
+crushed in the bud, and that, too, by one nearly allied to her by the
+ties of nature!
+
+Those more immediately about the person of the Princess of Wales were
+best capable to form an opinion of her maternal tenderness, and of the
+prince's negligence. The proofs of affectionate solicitude on the part
+of the mother, contrasted with the indifference of the father, deserve
+public explanation. The first time the prince saw his child, his
+countenance was not in the least illuminated by any ray of pleasure, as
+he contented himself by merely observing, "It is a fine girl." The
+princess afterwards acknowledged her disappointment, as she had hoped
+his heart was not entirely debased, or his sense of virtue altogether
+lost; but this fond, this very natural, hope was doomed to
+disappointment, and while this desolate lady was nursing her
+tenderly-beloved child, the prince was walking and riding out, openly
+and shamelessly, with Mrs. Fitzherbert and Lady Jersey! Would not the
+poor cottager have felt abashed to hear of his fellow-labourer's
+similar conduct, even in the most humble station of life, who must, of
+necessity, be devoid of ten thousand advantages this personage had
+derived from birth and education? Yes, doubtless; and he who could so
+act deserved no other appellation than that of a VOLUPTUOUS BRUTE.
+
+It was much to be regretted at this time, that all the very heavy
+taxation and increase of debt were said to be in consequence of the
+"king's great predilection for the lavish expenditures of the royal
+family, and his anxious determination to continue the disastrous war."
+Such were not his majesty's desires, but exactly the reverse; though,
+unfortunately, his opinions were always overruled by the queen.
+
+A formal separation took place this year between the Prince and Princess
+of Wales, and certainly her royal highness deserved much more general
+sympathy than she then experienced. The nobility appeared uncertain
+which side to espouse, and therefore, for want of _principle_ to do that
+which their consciences said was right, they fell imperceptibly into
+error; besides which, it was indispensably necessary, that those who
+wished to stand well with the queen and prince must withdraw from all
+intimacy with the Princess of Wales!
+
+The immense amount for the supply this year was above THIRTY-EIGHT
+MILLIONS!--about twenty of which were raised by loans!
+
+
+In
+
+     1797,
+
+the heavy burdens imposed on the people to supply the insatiate thirst
+for war, and keep a gorgeous appearance at court, reduced the middle
+classes of people to want and distraction. While the prince and his
+fawning courtiers were revelling in every obscenity, and glutting
+themselves with the prospect which still continued, that to-morrow would
+be more abundant, thousands,--nay, millions,--in England and Ireland
+were perishing for want of bread! During this unexampled period of
+sorrow, the conduct of the ministry proved them to be perfectly
+indifferent to the distresses of the people. Splendid entertainments, at
+an immense expense, were frequently given, and the lofty halls of
+palaces rang with the loud shouts of conviviality and profanity! Such
+recitals may, to some persons, appear incredible, or too highly
+coloured; but _we_ well know they did occur, though we do not wish to
+shock the feelings of our readers by entering into the minutiæ of the
+infamous conduct practised by the Prince of Wales and his courtiers.
+Well might the prince, in his memorable letter to the princess in the
+preceding year, say, "Our inclinations are not suited to each other." He
+was correct; they were not suited; neither did the Princess Caroline
+ever desire they should be, because General Lee could testify that the
+prince had _more propensities than propriety suggested_!
+
+In this most pressing and trying case, when the mind of the Princess of
+Wales was wrought up to the greatest point of agony, she resolved upon
+an interview with the queen, when her royal highness told her, that
+Carlton House could no longer be inhabited by her, as the infamous
+scenes she was too often obliged to witness were of a description so
+notoriously abominable, that common decency was grossly outraged! Her
+majesty supported the right of the prince to choose his own associates,
+and at the same time stated, as her opinion, that it was very
+disagreeable to the prince to have her in town at all, and it was proper
+the princess should remove to some distance agreeable to herself, where
+the prince might not be under the necessity of meeting her, when he had
+occasion to spend any time at the palace.
+
+It will readily be presumed, the princess left the presence of the
+haughty queen with a heart full of disappointment and chagrin. Her royal
+highness found herself surrounded by persons on whose confidence she
+could not depend; because every one appeared in awe of the queen. She
+was also neglected and insulted by the prince, who ought to have been
+the first to protect her; but the smile of her infant still cheered her
+gloomy moments.
+
+This was the most disastrous period of the war: the Bank of England
+stopped payment; mutinies broke out in the army and navy, which were
+attended by much bloodshed; Ireland was on the verge of rebellion; and
+the sum required for the year's service amounted to the abominable and
+increased sum of FORTY-TWO MILLIONS OF MONEY, of which thirty-four
+millions were raised by loans, and three millions by Exchequer Bills.
+The premier also proposed to extort seven millions from the people by a
+new impost, under the name of "the triple assessment!"
+
+
+The year
+
+     1798
+
+presented a continuation of grievances amongst most classes in humble
+life. Revelry and uproarious riot, however, were ever to be found in the
+residences of the royal, yet unnatural, husband of the Princess of
+Wales; and each succeeding year seemed but to _improve_ him in all sorts
+of infamous engagements. He had at his command some of the most
+desperate and inhuman characters by which society was ever debased. One
+in particular, M'Mahon, who would at any time seduce a female from her
+home, under some specious pretence, in order to take her as a prize to
+his master, whose favour thereby might be secured!
+
+The intrigues of the Duke of York were also of a most abandoned
+character; and the other brothers _merit_ some notice in the "Annals of
+Infamy!" During Frederick's residence in Germany, he contracted habits
+and indulged in excesses abhorrent to human nature, and we should be
+spared much deep humiliation, as Englishmen, if we had not occasion to
+recur again to these sickening facts; but the recording angel of TRUTH
+forbids our silence, and we must not, therefore, disobey her mandate.
+
+
+1799
+
+will be remembered, and reference made to it, as long as humanity can
+reflect upon the desolations and calamities occasioned by war. The
+earth, in many quarters, was covered with "killed and wounded," while
+the money of the tax-payers paid the _legal assassins_!
+
+In the mean time, the minister at home was racking his brains how new
+taxes might be levied, to supply the means for the continuation of
+carnage. Property, liberty,--nay, even life itself, were deemed toys in
+the hands of Mr. Pitt, whose passions seemed to centre in rapine,
+enmity, and ambition. His heart was steeled against the cry of the widow
+and the plaintive sigh of the destitute orphan. The queen's account in
+the day of retribution must also be rather enormous, for the minister
+acted in concert with her in this complicated trickery. Mr. Pitt and the
+queen seemed to think their only part consisted in draining the
+resources of the people to their last ability, and in refusing all
+overtures of peace, whatever offers might be made.
+
+This year, France made proposals of peace with these kingdoms, which
+were _refused_, and war, desolating war, with all its attendant and
+consequent horrors, still reared its "gory banners" over the principal
+part of the world!
+
+We will leave the contemplation of this heart-rending subject, and turn
+to another, scarcely less revolting to humanity,--the conduct of the
+Prince of Wales,--whose court was generally filled with a host of
+harlots. His royal highness was anxious to get rid of the princess (his
+wife) entirely, and most heartily did the queen concur in his wishes.
+The difficult part of the task was, the consideration and organization
+of those measures most likely to promote the desired end. The Princess
+of Wales' letters, addressed to her family in Brunswick, had many times
+been opened, and, not unfrequently, even _suppressed_! So that her
+persecutions were now commenced.
+
+The princess was too open and ingenuous in character to obtain the
+queen's approbation, and therefore, after the several repulses which she
+had received from her majesty, Caroline was justly incensed at her
+uncalled-for unprovoked haughtiness, and overbearing manners. The
+unsuspecting nature of the Princess of Wales, however, prevented her
+from being aware of the infamous snares laid for her destruction at this
+period. Her royal highness has many times been heard to say, "Had I been
+suspicious, pray what should I not have feared? The queen, from the
+first time I saw her, frowned upon me, and very little I said or did
+pleased her; so I never thought I was an object of any consequence to
+her majesty." These were the reasonings of native, unsophisticated
+feelings, and well would it have been for the queen if her heart had
+been equally open, and her language equally candid.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1800
+
+was a continuation of dissension and discord, both at home and abroad.
+Twice in this year the king's life was attempted; once in Hyde Park, and
+again, on the same evening, at Drury-lane Theatre; the first being by a
+ball cartridge, and the latter by a pistol. In the court, the same
+lavish display as formerly was continued, and the royal means were not
+curtailed. It was _said_, that the king declined having more than one
+course served up, but this was merely _nominal_; indeed, if it were as
+stated, the country did not benefit much by the change, as the
+allowances to royalty were, in many instances, very much increased,
+instead of being decreased.
+
+Such was the scarcity of provisions this year, that the generality of
+the population existed upon a scanty portion of potatoes during the
+twenty-four hours. Bread was not within the power of the poor to obtain,
+as the quartern loaf, mixed with all sorts of deleterious ingredients,
+sold for twenty-one pence!
+
+This year was rendered of immortal memory by the union of Ireland with
+England, which was effected by a profuse distribution of _money_ and
+_titles_. Oh! disgrace to the Irish nation, ye servile few, who could
+sell your country for selfish ends! To yield up "name and fame," and all
+that is dear to honesty, for the sake of an "empty sound!"
+
+The amounts required for this and the last year were nearly the same as
+for 1798.
+
+
+In the early part of the year
+
+     1801,
+
+it was announced that the king had taken a severe cold, while hunting,
+and, in consequence, was not able to visit the several concerts to which
+he had previously given the promise of his attendance and patronage; but
+his indisposition was _mental_, not bodily. His majesty was so
+exceedingly distressed at the base and unworthy conduct of his son to
+his niece, the Princess of Wales, that he said frequently, "It is more
+than a father can bear!" Many times would he order his horse to be
+brought, and, requesting his attendants not to follow him, pursue his
+way towards Blackheath, where the princess then resided, sympathizing
+with her sorrows, and, more especially, in the intended removal of her
+child; for even at this early period, when the Princess Charlotte was
+but four years of age, the queen would signify her commands that the
+child should pass some days with her, either in London or Windsor,
+whichever happened to be most convenient to her majesty.
+
+Notwithstanding the extreme scarcity of money and the high price of
+food, the queen and the younger branches of her family continued to give
+their splendid entertainments, as expense was the last consideration
+with the royal brood, when it was known the country supplied the means.
+Oh! John Bull, thy gullibility has, for above half a century, been
+_more_ than proverbial!
+
+On the 29th of October, the king opened the house in person, and
+announced the conclusion of war. Parliament then adjourned till after
+the Christmas recess. England now exhibited the effects of an eight
+years' war; the national debt had been DOUBLED, and internal distress
+had become general; the poor were in a state bordering on starvation,
+and commerce had the prospect of every foreign port being shut against
+it; while the supplies required for the year amounted to nearly FORTY
+MILLIONS.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1802
+
+was ushered in under the greatest embarrassments. The vitals of the
+people were nearly destroyed by the enormous taxation they had endured
+for so many years, and it was doubtless owing to the intolerable load
+they had sustained, and still expected to have forced upon them, that
+independent sentiments were proclaimed. They had a right to condemn the
+usurping power of the queen, for producing all their troubles.
+
+The recess having terminated, the House met. The chancellor came forward
+to shew that the sovereign's pecuniary affairs were very much in arrear.
+After introducing his plan of finance, he was obliged to inform the
+House that certain taxes had been mortgaged by Mr. Pitt, (_who had now
+resigned_) for which the present minister must provide. To defray this
+expense, very heavy additional duties were imposed on beer, malt, hops,
+&c. A considerable addition was also made to the assessed taxes, and
+upon imports and exports. At this period, the whole of the "funded
+debt," including the loans of the present year, amounted to _five
+hundred and forty millions_, and the interest was annually _seventeen
+millions sterling_!
+
+On the 7th of May, Mr. Nichol moved that an address be presented to his
+majesty, thanking him for the removal of Mr. Pitt from his councils,
+when Lord Belgrave rose, and moved an amendment, expressive of the high
+approbation of that House respecting the character and conduct of the
+late minister and his colleagues! In the face of all opposition, Lord
+Belgrave's amendment was carried by more than _four to one_, as also a
+second motion, by Sir H. Mildmay, "that the _thanks_ of the House be
+given to the Right Hon. Mr. Pitt." This was assurance in perfection!
+These discussions only seemed to increase Mr. Pitt's popularity, and on
+the occasion of his next birth-day, Earl Spencer, late first lord of the
+Admiralty, gave as a toast to the company, "the pilot that weathered the
+storm," instead of "the pilot who _gathered_ the storm!"
+
+In the latter part of this year, much fear was excited, lest hostilities
+should again arise between France and England, on account of the
+ascendency of Buonaparte.
+
+
+At the commencement of the year
+
+     1803,
+
+the unhappy king, by the desire of his overbearing wife, directed a
+message to the House, recommending "the embarrassed state of the Prince
+of Wales to their attention," and, in consequence, sixty thousand
+pounds annually were further settled upon his royal highness, to
+continue for three years and a half. This sum, however, was not half
+sufficient to meet his lavish engagements; and therefore Mr. Calcraft
+had the hardihood to move, that "means be granted to enable the prince
+to resume his state and dignity!" But this inconsistent and insulting
+motion was "_too bad_," and, in defiance of even the boroughmongers, was
+negatived.
+
+The supplies voted for the public service this year amounted to above
+FIFTY-SIX MILLIONS! We really wonder of what materials Englishmen were
+composed to allow such iniquitous grants.
+
+Ministers again declared war with France, and men and money were in no
+inconsiderable request. The French Consul possessed himself of Hanover,
+and threatened an invasion of England, which frightened ministers to put
+the country in a state of defence. But was not this a political _ruse_?
+
+Mr. Addington was not so popular as his predecessor in the capacity of
+minister; he had not so much hardihood as Mr. Pitt, and was not
+calculated to endure the load of obloquy which he received, as he
+considered himself free from the charge of having destroyed the
+prospects of his country by the immense debt then contracted; for that
+was the arrangement of Mr. Pitt. Mr. Addington was merely a _tool_ in
+the hands of others.
+
+Those who knew the intricate and perplexed state of affairs within the
+court were only able to judge how long Mr. Addington's ministry would
+continue, and also, WHY it was brought into action. Alas! not merely or
+intentionally to satisfy the liberal politicians, or to change any part
+of the long misrule of the former minister. Widely opposite were the
+motives which proved the main-spring to the meditated result. The queen
+again intended to press the king for an increase of income, to a serious
+amount, for her favourite spendthrift, and she asked the minister how it
+might be best attained. The plan was therefore concerted, and as Pitt
+dared not so soon again ask for further advances, a new minister _might_
+be induced to do it, if shielded by the royal message.
+
+If such conduct were not juggling and acting with the most abominable
+treachery and hypocrisy, we must for ever give up our claim to the
+possession of one iota of common understanding. As we proceed, we will
+explain to the gentle or indignant reader, whichever he may be, in what
+way our enormous "national debt," as it is called, was contracted, when
+we have no doubt that he will be as incensed as ourselves, and will be
+ready to exclaim, "Was this the policy pursued by that paragon of her
+sex, Queen Charlotte?--she who was at all times revered for her _piety_,
+and admired for her inexpressible and _unspotted virtue_!" Yes, reader,
+the very same; the only difference is, you have formerly beheld her in
+_borrowed_ plumes,--_we_ present her in _her own_!
+
+Let us here recur to the consideration of the treatment, exercised
+against the Princess of Wales by her abominable husband and his
+vindictive mother. We formerly alluded to some confidential
+communications made by her to his majesty. The suspicious and mean
+characters then placed about her person reported to the queen every
+interview which the king had with his daughter-in-law, and maliciously,
+represented the imprudence of such an intimacy. From this time, the
+Prince of Wales _professed_ to believe his father was _improperly_
+interested in the cause of the princess, and spies were placed in
+various situations, to give notice of all visits the princess received
+and paid. Notwithstanding, the plotters' most ardent wishes were
+disappointed, and they could not fix upon any action, which they were
+able to prove, to affect her honour or virtue. In the mean time,
+Caroline's only child was removed from her, without the enjoyment of
+whose endearing society life was a mere blank.
+
+In proportion as the prince was applauded, and the queen supported him,
+so was the princess abused and insulted. With respect to pecuniary
+affairs, every honest and upright person saw the strange disproportion
+in the incomes of the several members of the family; for the princess,
+who had to keep an entirely distinct and separate establishment at her
+sole expense, was allowed no more than twenty-two thousand pounds per
+annum, while the other members, who were chiefly expensive to the king,
+had their salaries granted without reference to this subject. Yet it was
+expected that the etiquette of rank should be maintained, and with an
+equal ostentatious display as if means were proportionately provided to
+defray such expenses. Although living upon the establishment of the
+king, the queen's real independent income was fifty-eight thousand
+pounds a year! Ought we not to ask why the princess was thus neglected
+and shamefully insulted?--left in debt, and in extreme perplexity of
+circumstances, for which the family must ever be considered mean and
+unjust? How was her royal highness to act in such a trying case? If she
+had retired to _private_ life, her enemies would have pronounced her an
+improper person to retain the high station which she had formerly
+occupied. If appearances were to be maintained, and royal splendour
+continued, she must mix with _certain_ society, and debt be the
+inevitable consequence. The princess felt there were points, beyond
+which a virtuous, insulted female could not shew forbearance; and she,
+therefore, resolved no longer to endure the galling yoke of oppression,
+without farther explanation.
+
+
+We now proceed to the year
+
+     1804,
+
+which commenced amidst much political dissension at home, and
+preparations for increasing desolation abroad.
+
+His majesty's health now became very indifferent, and, in February, an
+official bulletin announced his malady. It was reported to be a very
+slight attack; though we are sorry to say it was, to the king,
+productive of great pain and agitation of mind by the misrule of the
+queen, and the improprieties of his family! Little did the nation at
+large imagine that the family of the sovereign (to whose individual
+income they had so promptly and munificently contributed) were the
+causes of his acute anxieties! His sons were deeply embarrassed by PLAY,
+their female connexions chiefly of the most abandoned character, and
+their engagements in the world, generally speaking, far beyond their
+powers to discharge. His daughters were also composed of the FRAILTIES
+of human nature. Born and educated in a court, under the severe tuition
+of their mother, they believed themselves of superior worth. The
+pleasures and enjoyments of life were ever waiting for their
+acquiescence, and their exercise on horseback, attended by _certain_
+persons, occupying _certain_ stations in life, afforded them a variety
+of opportunities for conversation, in which the _softest subjects_ met
+the ear!
+
+At this period also, the king's already-distracted mind was farther
+embittered by what he considered the loss of virtue in one of his
+daughters; and the agony he endured, lest the circumstance should
+transpire to the public, would defy any language to depict.
+
+After calmness, in some measure, was restored to his majesty's wounded
+feelings, his health gradually improved, and, on the 29th of March, he
+was declared to be convalescent.
+
+On the resignation of Mr. Addington, Mr. Pitt again assumed the reins of
+government, and appointed his _protégé_, Mr. Canning, treasurer of the
+navy. Why do not the many biographers of this political character
+explain the reason, if every thing were fair and straightforward, of his
+quitting office in 1801, because the Catholic question was forbidden to
+be mentioned, and returning to it in 1804, under an express stipulation
+that no member of the government should agitate it contrary to the royal
+inclination? Was the promise that had been given only binding for _three
+years_? Was Mr. Canning's secession from office a trick? Was his return
+to it a sacrifice,--a sacrifice of honour and principle,--to the
+miserable gratification of obtaining _power_? Alas! the public had
+little to thank Mr. Canning for; but they knew not, at that time, his
+love of place and pension.
+
+In October, it was said the king and prince were _reconciled_; but the
+substance of that reconciliation was not made known to the nation. The
+queen had resolved to oblige her favourite son, and promote his wishes,
+by finally relieving him from any farther engagements with the princess,
+his wife; though of the various abominable schemes then in action, the
+king was kept entirely ignorant.
+
+In this year, the health of Mr. Pitt began to fail; his ardour seemed
+cooled, and he experienced short intervals of extreme debility and pain.
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1805,
+
+certain existing evils rendered it needful and expedient, in the
+opinion of the ministry, that the English nation _should fear_ an
+invasion from Buonaparte. We will say WHY they deemed it necessary.
+Because the burdens of the poor were already immense, and it was
+requisite to give an _excuse_ for stripping thousands of families of
+their scanty apparel, their few mean and simple articles of furniture,
+and their humble home, for the purpose of enabling the "hydra-headed
+monster" of corruption to pursue his unlimited course over this insulted
+nation! And what could be better to effect this object than alarming the
+country with the fear of an invasion? The diabolical scheme too fatally
+succeeded!
+
+In order to strengthen the power of the queen at this period, Mr. Pitt
+renewed his connexion with Mr. Addington, who was raised to the peerage
+by the title of _Viscount Sidmouth_, and succeeded the Duke of Portland
+as president of the council.
+
+The minister, Mr. Pitt, cool as he was on many iniquitous subjects,
+could not avoid feeling pangs of remorse at the continual impositions he
+was _compelled_ by the queen to make (in various shapes) upon the
+people. His unbending pride, however, would not permit him to name his
+uneasiness to her majesty, as he well knew her inflexible temper and
+disposition would not permit her to receive _any opinion_ in preference
+to her own. He soon resigned his earthly vexation upon this point, as he
+became so indisposed as not to be able to attend his political affairs,
+and was obliged to seek for repose in retirement from active life.
+
+
+At the commencement of the year
+
+     1806,
+
+parliament was opened by commission; but the usual address was omitted,
+on account of the absence of the minister, who, as before stated, was
+then seriously indisposed.
+
+On the 23rd of January, Mr. Pitt expired, in the forty-seventh year of
+his age. He was said to have died insolvent. Be this as it may, forty
+thousand pounds were voted as a plea to discharge his debts, as well as
+means to defray the expenses of his funeral! Probably this was the best
+laid-out money of the ministry for some time past. If the occasion had
+occurred twenty years before, what an immense saving it had produced the
+country!
+
+The public life of Mr. Pitt will afford no room for praise to the
+faithful and just historian. When the errors and praises of his
+biographers shall have lost their force, future generations will behold
+his character in its native colours. He must then appear either in the
+light of an ungrateful hypocrite, or submit to the only alternative of
+being reckoned a man of contracted mind. Even in private life, he was
+not more amiable nor exemplary. The ministerial system which he had laid
+down pervaded the internal economy of all his actions. He appeared to
+imagine true dignity consisted in a coolness and reserve, (probably
+acquired from his queen) that banished every suitor from his presence;
+nor did he ever suffer a case of distress, however just or pressing the
+claims might be, to divert him from the routine of office, or to extort
+the least relief or comfort from himself. Negligent and careless in his
+domestic concerns, he never permitted a single ray of generosity to
+burst forth to animate the general frost of his character. He retained
+his natural sullenness and reserve; even in the best moments of
+convivial mirth, he never displayed a flexibility of disposition, or an
+openness to conviction. Often as he was obliged to submit to the decrees
+of necessity, whereon he imagined his continuance in office depended,
+yet he never had the candour to acknowledge the weakness of any measure,
+originating in himself, that brought on that necessity. But what a
+departure was this from the principles of his illustrious ancestor, the
+Earl of Chatham, who would never crouch to the authority of any
+sovereign or cabinet, when militating against his own more enlightened
+judgment. He resisted bribery, and generally succeeded in his views, or,
+if baffled, resigned his office. The son of this nobleman, however,
+pursued far different maxims, and pertinaciously clung to the douceurs
+and infamy of office; for _infamous_ it most certainly was, to practice
+measures his own sentiments condemned. Never did man accede to power on
+more just or noble principles, and never did man forsake those
+principles with less reserve. He forgot all obligations, and at a happy
+crisis, when he might have availed himself of the occasion of honorably
+fulfilling them, in advancing the liberty and happiness of the country,
+he was eternally launching out into vapid and unmeaning encomiums on
+the boasted excellencies of the British constitution, instead of
+adhering to his solemn contract, of exerting all his influence and
+abilities to reform its blemishes. With all the failings of this
+minister, his caution and plausibility were admirably calculated to
+entrap the confidence of the landed and monied interest, and he turned
+it to the best account, labouring with all his zeal to inculcate a
+belief of the flourishing state of the national finances, enforcing
+every circumstance tending to confirm this belief, and concealing every
+truth that would serve to diminish or destroy it. Will not such a man,
+then, be regarded by posterity as a time-server and an apostate?
+
+After the death of Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fox joined the ministry; and, at the
+same time, Lord Sidmouth continued a member of the cabinet! But Mr. Fox
+did not retain his situation long. His health soon after declined, and
+he died on the 13th of September following.
+
+Of this great statesman, we may say, "take him for all in all, we ne'er
+shall look upon his like again." He was an unbending patriot; possessed
+of great political ability, and loved, as well as advocated, the cause
+of LIBERTY. Light and shade, however, were mixed in Mr. Fox's picture.
+He permitted private friendship, in one instance, to over-balance his
+public duty. We refer to the language used by him in the House of
+Commons, in April, 1787, which must have been against his conscience. He
+there _denied_ the marriage between the Prince of Wales and Mrs.
+Fitzherbert, when, in fact, _he assisted at that very marriage_; but,
+because he had engaged secrecy to the prince, he thought proper to utter
+a direct falsehood rather than break his promise upon the subject!
+
+Mr. Pitt's death was an unpleasant consequence to the usurping queen,
+and perhaps impelled the ardour of her determination to get her
+favourite son's divorce from his injured wife settled as soon as
+possible. The scheme for this purpose, which seemed most practicable,
+was the obtaining some document as evidence _against the moral character
+of the princess_. By the queen's express desire, therefore, Lady Douglas
+had removed her abode, nearly six years previously, close to Blackheath,
+and was purposely employed to invent some dishonourable report against
+the princess.
+
+The Princess of Wales accidentally and innocently (on her part) became
+acquainted with this lady, and from that period no pains were spared, on
+the part of Lady Douglas and her husband, to increase that acquaintance,
+until their diabolical object should be attained. The most assiduous
+attentions and extravagant pains were used to entrap the generous mind
+of the princess; but as the object in view proved of a very difficult
+nature, so did the means for its accomplishment become equally numerous.
+This intimacy commenced in 1801, and terminated in 1804; and during that
+period did these base designing slanderers and ungrateful guests, by
+secret application, obtain an opportunity to vilify, outrage, and
+insult the princess, in connexion with _nearly_ every branch of the
+royal family, who were too closely united in one general interest not to
+assist each other.
+
+The only patriotic members, the Dukes of Kent and Sussex, appeared much
+wrought upon by the specious and abominable fabrication brought forward
+by these unprincipled, time-serving, and heartless enemies of Caroline.
+Although their statements and depositions were taken so fully, and
+examined so closely,--although the prince pursued the subject with such
+unfeeling barbarity,--yet the princess was acquitted, most honourably
+acquitted. Indeed, to any rational inquirer, the wickedness of the
+Douglas statement was, beyond doubt, most palpable. It was full of
+improbabilities, of contradictions, and absurdities, which well merited
+punishment. Had a similar insult or a flagrant transgression been
+offered to the royal family in the person of any _other than the
+Princess of Wales_, would not the whole royal phalanx, headed by the
+queen, have arisen in defence of their _illustrious_ and _virtuous_
+house? Nay, would not the insulting falsehoods and infamous assertions
+have been proved treasonable? Yes, undoubtedly; but, because the injured
+Princess of Wales was the INTENDED VICTIM OF A CONSPIRACY, although so
+gloriously acquitted, yet no prosecution of her traducers followed;
+neither did any branch of the royal family exemplify one pleasurable
+feeling upon the conclusion of this disgracefully-iniquitous business!
+Their chagrin was much more evident!
+
+As if in this year a deluge of sadness and sorrow, in addition to all
+other trials and injuries, were to fall upon the persecuted Caroline,
+she had to suffer the heavy and irreparable loss of her father, William,
+Duke of Brunswick, at the memorable battle of Jena, October 14th, in the
+seventy-first year of his age.
+
+The character of the venerable Duke of Brunswick is beyond praise; "his
+NAME shall be his _monument_!" If at any period the Princess of Wales
+needed the kind and soothing balm of friendship, it was at this trying
+juncture. Her friends were few in number, and their friendship was of an
+evanescent description. They sometimes professed their readiness to
+serve her, and eulogised her greatness of mind and talent; yet, when
+brought to the point by public opinion and inquiry, they very generally
+expressed their sentiments _equivocally_, or with some portion of
+hesitation calculated to injure, rather than benefit, the cause they
+professed to serve. Mr. Canning and Mr. Whitbread were two of these
+_particular_ kind of friends, as our after history will abundantly
+testify.
+
+How wretched must have been the Princess Charlotte at this period, who
+was nearly deprived of all communication with her affectionate mother,
+and without one friend to whom she could freely speak of her sorrows and
+anxious wishes!
+
+
+The year
+
+     1807
+
+commenced with selfish men in office, who contrived selfish measures
+for the continued purposes of corruption.
+
+The king now became very imbecile; and the queen and the Prince of Wales
+intimidated him from acting honourably towards the Princess of Wales, as
+he had so committed himself by his fatal act of BIGAMY. As his mind
+became proportionately depressed by the perplexities of his situation,
+so did his conduct become more influenced as they desired it; until, at
+length, he proved a mere automaton, to be moved at their pleasure!
+
+In any case of vital importance to character, delay is dangerous;
+because it causes suspicion, suspicion begets mistrust, and so on do
+these injurious sentiments proceed, until, ere the time of trial
+arrives, the injured party has suffered unjustly in a two-fold way. Thus
+it was in the case of the unfortunate Caroline. To oblige the queen, his
+majesty postponed seeing his daughter-in-law as long as it suited the
+views of the designers against her happiness.
+
+From the active part which Mr. Perceval had taken in defence of the
+princess, especially in his book, which made much noise in the world at
+this time, the queen thought it prudent to advise his being accommodated
+with office. She made her will known to the prince, who was very happy
+to concur in the suggestion, but only feared an obstacle in Mr.
+Perceval's _rigid virtue_. This, however, was not insurmountable, and
+Mr. Perceval was made "Chancellor of the Exchequer;" Mr. Canning,
+"Secretary for Foreign Affairs;" and Lord Castlereagh, "Secretary for
+the Department of War and the Colonies." Thus were two of the former
+advocates of the Princess of Wales enlisted under the banners of her
+most deadly enemies! As to the _honor_ they derived from their base
+desertion of the cause of innocence, we leave our readers to judge.
+
+The Prince of Wales, at this juncture, made no secret of his diabolical
+intentions; for we well know that he has frequently raised the goblet to
+his lips, and drank "TO THE SPEEDY DAMNATION OF THE PRINCESS." It was
+very perceptible that the royal party were well aware of the injustice
+practised towards the princess; but, charity being a virtue of little
+worth in their ideas, they resolved to carry their plans into execution,
+no matter at what cost.
+
+The least the late _friends_ of the princess could do was, to remain
+_silent_; but human beings can articulate sounds, and be oppositely
+communicative with their optical faculties. An individual, who accepts
+_place_ amongst those whom he formerly professed to despise, renders
+himself an object of suspicion, if not of detestation.
+
+For the present, we abstain from further remarks upon these two late
+principal friends of the persecuted Princess of Wales.
+
+Upon hearing of the Duke of Brunswick's death, the king could do no less
+than solicit the duchess, his sister, to visit England. As the country
+around her was in a deplorable state, and feeling desirous to see her
+daughter, she determined to accept the invitation, and arrived at the
+house of the Princess of Wales, at Blackheath, on the 7th of July, in
+one of her royal highness' carriages.
+
+The injured Caroline was so overpowered at this interview as to cause
+the duchess much serious disquiet; for she plainly saw that her daughter
+had great cause for sorrow, the particulars of which she was yet
+ignorant. The princess afterwards appeared soothed; and this short
+interview, cheered by a fond mother's presence, proved a solace to her
+lacerated heart.
+
+The king went from Windsor to see his sister, and the queen also from
+St. James' Palace; the Princess Charlotte, and several other members of
+the family, paid their respects to the duchess.
+
+Thus, though common or decent attention was refused the daughter, while
+mourning over her early misfortunes and recent losses, yet, when her
+mother arrived, some little regard must be paid to _etiquette_, although
+the daughter _was to receive the visiters_. But so it was. Poor Queen
+Charlotte, how hard it was for her to vouchsafe or condescend to let
+fall one smile upon Caroline!
+
+After the opportunity this visit afforded the Princess Charlotte, the
+mother and daughter were of necessity explicit, and they mourned over
+the seeming hard destiny each was doomed to experience.
+
+During the remainder of this year, the king became more and more
+incapacitated for business of any sort; he could not even distinguish
+any object by either its colour or size, and was led from one place to
+another as if in the last stage of blindness. The long-continued
+distractions of his mind, and the anxiety yet remaining, caused his
+rational moments to be most gloomy. His favourite daughter was incurably
+diseased with a scrofulous disorder, from which she suffered dreadfully,
+and nature seemed fast declining. Throughout the whole of his family,
+the poor monarch had but little gratification, as every individual
+composing it was separately under her majesty's controul. To have
+contradicted _her_ order or command would have been attended with no
+very pleasant consequences. Her _look_ was sufficient to frighten every
+one into obedience!
+
+
+We now enter upon the year
+
+     1808,
+
+in which the session of parliament was opened by commission, on the 21st
+of January, the king's indisposition preventing him from going in
+person.
+
+At this period, a very strong sensation was excited against the
+continuance of the pension list. The productive classes ascertained, in
+a very correct way, how the fruits of their industry were devoured. In
+consequence of which, they felt themselves imposed upon in the highest
+degree; but resolved to try rational entreaty and petition ere they
+resorted to acts of violence. The number of these dissatisfied classes,
+in every large town, was immensely great, and they only needed _system_
+to obtain, by their SIMPLE PETITION, what they so much desired; but the
+authorities knew the incapacitated state of the sufferers, in the
+absence of that _system_, and therefore very ungenerously refused their
+appeal.
+
+In March, the City of London (John Ansley, mayor) petitioned both Houses
+for parliamentary reform, and the abolition of sinecure places and
+pensions; but they received the expense attendant upon their exertions
+for their reward, and the mortification of the ministers' apathy for
+their satisfaction. Popular indignation, however, is not so easily
+allayed; for, though extreme appearances may for a time be concealed,
+they will eventually break forth with ten-fold force. The public
+reasoned upon a rational ground, and was fully aware that their strength
+was spent to support _enemies_. Their resolve to petition for freedom
+was the dictate of an unerring and fixed principle, ever inherent in the
+breast of man. The blandishments of folly, and the encouragement given
+to imposition, have rendered the industrious and honest citizen a prey
+to the lordlings of arbitrary power; and so long as he can assist to
+supply means whereby their cravings may be satisfied, so long do they
+seem to suppose he lives to a sufficient purpose. Under these
+circumstances, the oppressed classes were perfectly justified in making
+a stand against farther innovation; and also in resisting the
+intolerable injustice in force against them. Still the administration
+continued inexorable to the pressing prayers and miserable condition of
+the people. The political disease, however, was rapidly advancing to a
+crisis.
+
+
+Similar distress and dissatisfaction existed at the commencement of the
+year
+
+     1809:
+
+provisions were dear, and labour scarce; yet an additional sum was
+required for the state, to uphold its _secret_ machinations, and pervert
+the ends of justice.
+
+It will be remembered that, in this year, the celebrated Mrs. Mary Ann
+Clark, formerly a mistress of the Duke of York, appeared at the bar of
+the House of Commons, as evidence against him. Mr. Wardle, with an
+intrepidity worthy of the cause in which he was engaged, took upon
+himself the awful responsibility of preferring those serious charges
+against the duke, which it were unnecessary for us here to repeat. The
+public officers of the king volunteered their services to rescue his
+royal highness from public odium by denominating the proceeding as a
+_conspiracy_! In spite, however, of every artifice which a knowledge of
+the law enables bad men to practice to defeat the ends of justice, there
+were exposed to public view scenes of the grossest corruption, of the
+most abandoned profligacy, of the most degrading meanness, and of the
+most consummate hypocrisy. The contagion had reached every department of
+the state; nor was the church exempted from its baneful influence. It
+was fully proved that, not only subordinate situations, but even
+deaneries and bishoprics (which had been supposed to be the rewards of
+piety and learning) were applied for to his royal highness, through the
+intervention of his mistress! A great majority of the boroughmongers, of
+course, acquitted the duke from these charges, and talked of voting an
+address of thanks to him for the manner in which he discharged his
+official duties. Fortunately, however, the mode of investigation adopted
+enabled every man in the kingdom to judge for himself. Englishmen, for
+once, spoke out, and the duke was compelled to resign. This step on the
+part of the _illustrious_ debauchee prevented further exposure, and
+saved him from the severe and heavy weight of being _voted out of
+office_, and degraded! Behold, then, reader, what the principles of Pitt
+achieved! That minister always persuaded the male branches of the
+family, that the queen's protection (through the medium of the minister)
+would prove at all times a sufficient retreat and asylum, in case of
+complaint or _refractory sensation_ of the people at their frequent
+derelictions from duty and honor.
+
+The fluctuations of the public funds was an opportune chance for
+speculation, and the queen's love of money induced her to turn her
+sources of information to the best account; she therefore acted in
+concert with her broker, and immediately, upon any rise taking place,
+she "sold out," and when gloom overspread the market, she "bought in."
+By this speculation alone, the Duke of Kent acknowledged that his mother
+realized _four hundred thousand pounds_! At the same period, her majesty
+had another excellent speculation in hand; namely, the profits arising
+from the sale of cadetships for the East Indies. Dr. Randolph and Lady
+Jersey were the chief managers of these affairs, though her majesty
+received the largest portion of the spoil. Dr. Randolph himself
+acknowledged, that the queen had realized _seventy thousand pounds_ upon
+this traffic alone! In one transaction with a candidate for a cadetship,
+an enormous premium was required, and the applicant was very much
+incensed, as it appeared to him to be nothing less than a bold
+imposition. He expostulated; but Dr. Randolph made short of the affair
+by refusing any further communication upon the subject. For once, Dr.
+Randolph forgot his own interest, as also the _public character_ and
+_safety_ of his royal mistress. The gentleman, shortly afterwards, was
+visiting a friend in Paris, when the conversation turned upon the
+English constitution, and the immense revenues of the kingdom. The
+friend spoke in raptures upon the liberal feelings and generous
+provisions exercised and provided towards, and for all, aspirants to
+honor. At length, the visiter could no longer conceal his mortification
+and chagrin, and he candidly explained every particular of his
+correspondence with Dr. Randolph, in which her majesty's name was as
+freely introduced as the doctor's. The astonishment and surprise of his
+friend were great indeed, and he recommended him _to publish the whole
+affair_ in France, and circulate it through the surrounding kingdoms. A
+printer was sought for, who required a certain time to determine the
+risk he should run in the undertaking; this was accordingly granted, and
+the parties separated. As soon as the person intended to be employed
+found the consequence attached to it, he communicated the important
+information to a solicitor, of some eminence, in London, to whom he had
+formerly been known. The affair was subsequently made known to the
+queen's youngest son, and by him the queen was fully acquainted with the
+probability of public exposure. An overwhelming infamy she well knew
+would be inseparably attached to it. Her majesty had been accustomed to
+deception, but hitherto she had not feared detection; but the moment of
+her fancied security was the moment most likely to prove fatal to her
+existence as a queen.
+
+The Duke of Kent was unremitting in his exertions to obtain a settlement
+of this nefarious affair, and _twenty thousand pounds_ were actually
+paid for the _correspondence_, and _two thousand pounds_ given by the
+queen (through the medium of the duke) to the person who effected the
+settlement of the business, under the provision "that that business
+might never transpire to the public." His royal highness was too well
+aware of the general disposition of the queen, and her avaricious
+character, not to _affect satisfaction_ at the high price her majesty
+paid for silencing this unpleasant affair. It may be inferred, that if
+the queen had committed herself by such flagrant acts of injustice as
+these, there might be many more dishonourable transactions of a minor
+description, occurring nearly at the same period. Yes, the inference is
+correct, for her majesty was truly born and bred a German!
+
+We will relate another instance of Queen Charlotte's ungenerous
+conduct. She had the superintendence of the education of her daughters,
+as far as related to the choice of their preceptors. Her majesty
+appointed a very clever and scientific gentleman, who resided in London,
+to teach herself and the six princesses--geography, astronomy,
+arithmetic, and the nature of the _funds_. Besides which, he was asked,
+as a _favour_, to settle the very deranged accounts of the princesses.
+This accomplished and worthy gentleman also held of Princess Elizabeth a
+bond for ten thousand pounds. After dancing attendance upon these
+_illustrious_ individuals for twenty-six years, without receiving any
+remuneration, though he had frequently pressed for payment of his
+long-standing account, he again solicited a settlement with the queen;
+but, as he only received abuse of an unmeasured description for his
+pains, he determined to maintain himself and his large family out of the
+profits of his private scholars, leaving the royal debt as a provision
+for his children after him. His expenses were considerable in attending
+the royal family, as he was always obliged to go full dressed in a bag
+and silk stockings, to hire carriages to go down to Windsor, to live at
+an inn, and to sleep there, if they chose to take lessons the two
+following days, by which he was also often obliged to neglect and
+disoblige his private scholars. For all this attendance, he received _no
+remuneration whatever_; and Queen Charlotte had the heart to say, "I
+think you have had remuneration sufficient by your youngest son
+receiving a pension of eighty pounds a year for teaching the younger
+princesses only writing!" The preceptor, however, still claimed _his
+remuneration_, and was, at last, referred to the lawyers, who required
+him to produce proofs of every lesson he gave, the day and the hour, for
+twenty-six years! To their astonishment, he produced his diary, and such
+clear accounts, that there was no contradicting them. But as lawyers are
+never at a loss how to gain their ends, they next required him to
+declare, upon oath, the name of each particular servant that had let him
+in during the twenty-six years! This he could not do; and her majesty,
+not to be behind the lawyers, advised they should plead the statute of
+limitation! The lawyers, however, persuaded _her most excellent majesty_
+that such a proceeding would be against her interest. After being
+harassed about in this manner for a considerable time, the old,
+care-worn, broken-hearted master was most injuriously persuaded to
+suffer the business to be decided by _one_ arbitrator only, instead of
+trusting to the laws of his country. The poor old gentleman never held
+up his head afterwards, but always used to say he should leave all his
+family beggars, which, alas! proved too true. He shortly after died at
+his house in Manchester-street. He was a very worthy and an exceedingly
+clever man. On one occasion, Mr. Pitt sent for him to solve some
+difficulty in the finances of the country, for which none of the
+ministers could account. He instantly set them all right by showing that
+such an error was _possible_ to occur, though it very seldom did occur.
+
+Besides the claims upon Queen Charlotte, the worthy preceptor had a bill
+against the Princess Charlotte for eight hundred pounds. On applying to
+the Prince of Wales for this money, he refused to pay it, and referred
+him to the king, who was then quite deranged! The Princess of Wales knew
+all these particulars, and told her daughter, the Princess Charlotte,
+the desperate state of the poor man's family. Her royal highness spoke
+to her uncle, the Duke of York, about it, who persuaded her that the
+venerable master was an _old rogue_, who had robbed the princesses and
+all the family, and her royal highness chose to believe him. That he was
+a scientific man, his books and valuable mathematical instruments bore
+ample testimony. These were sold after his death for eight thousand
+pounds, which went to discharge his debts.
+
+Many other instances might be recorded to prove the unfeeling and
+barbarous behaviour of the queen; but this alone must be sufficient to
+convince our readers how totally unfit her majesty was to reign over a
+_free people_.
+
+In the September of this year, Lord Castlereagh sent a challenge to Mr.
+Canning, which was accepted; but the effects of the duel were not _very
+serious_, though it subsequently led to the resignation of both. It is
+hardly worth while, perhaps, to recur to this now-forgotten, and always,
+as far as the public were concerned, insignificant business. Lord
+Castlereagh acted as a vain and high-spirited man, who fancied his
+confidence betrayed, his abilities called in question, and, like an
+Irishman, saw but a short vista between an offence and a duel. Mr.
+Canning, equally high-spirited, felt that he had got into a disagreeable
+business, and that the fairest escape from it would be to fight his way
+out. Lord Castlereagh's conduct, when we think of a sober and wise
+statesman, is ridiculous. Mr. Canning's, when we picture to ourselves a
+high-minded and frank-hearted gentleman, in spite of the _plausibility_
+of explanations, is displeasing.
+
+The wretched policy of this year required _fifty-four millions of money_
+to support it.
+
+
+1810
+
+was ushered in under distressing and unsatisfactory circumstances. The
+royal family were divided amongst themselves, and every branch seemed to
+have a separate interest. Under these circumstances, it was not a matter
+of surprise that _truth_ was now and then elicited; for it is a
+veritable saying, that "when rogues fall out, honest men are gainers."
+
+The king was at this time labouring under a severe attack of mental
+aberration: the situation of the country, his children, and his own
+peculiar sorrows, made impressions on his mind of the most grievous
+description.
+
+In a former work of our's, called "The Authentic Records of the Court of
+England," we gave an account of the extraordinary and mysterious murder
+of one Sellis, a servant of the Duke of Cumberland, which occurred this
+year. In that account, we did what we conceived to be our duty as
+historians,--we spoke the TRUTH! The truth, however, it appears, is not
+always to be spoken; for his royal highness instantly commenced a
+_persecution_ against us for a "malicious libel." We say _persecution_,
+because almost every person is aware, that filing a criminal information
+against an individual can be done only with a view of _preventing the
+exposure of truth_, which, though such procedure be according to English
+law, cannot be reconciled with the original intention of law, namely--to
+do _justice_ both to the libelled and the libeller! In America, no such
+monstrosities disgrace the statute-book; for there, if any person be
+accused of _scandalum magnatum_, and can prove the truth of what he has
+stated, he is honorably acquitted. Yet as we are not in America, but in
+England,--the boasted _land of liberty_,--we must, forsooth, be seized
+as _criminals_, merely because we wish to institute an inquiry into the
+circumstances of the murder of an individual, whose assassin, or
+assassins, have hitherto escaped the slippery hands of justice! We are
+no cowards in regimentals, nor did we make our statement with a view of
+slandering the royal pensioner. We would have willingly contended with
+his royal highness in a court of law, if he had had the courage to have
+met us on _fair grounds_. At the time we write this, we know not what
+the judgment of Lord Tenterden,--we beg his lordship's pardon, we should
+have said _the court_,--may be; but, whatever the punishment awarded, we
+hope to meet it with that fortitude which never fails to uphold a man
+"conscious of doing no wrong!" If the Duke of Cumberland, however,
+imagines he can _intimidate_ us from speaking the _truth_ OUT OF COURT,
+he has mistaken us. We are not, as we said in our first work, to be
+prevented from doing whatever we conceive to be our duty. Though it may
+not be in our power to prove _who_ was the murderer, the very suspicious
+circumstances attending the death of poor Sellis fully warrant renewed
+inquiry.
+
+Passing over the various reports in circulation at the time of the
+murder, we proceed to notice the very contradictory evidence brought
+forward at the inquest. That we may not be accused of partiality, we
+take the report of this _judicial_ proceeding from that Tory organ, "The
+Morning Post," which, it will be observed, deals out its abuse with no
+unsparing hand on the poor murdered man, whom it calls by the
+_charitable_ appellation of _villain_, and sundry other hard names,
+which had better suited the well-known characters of other persons, who
+acted a prominent part in this foul business. After a few unmeaning
+preliminaries had been performed,
+
+     "Mr. Adams addressed the jury, and informed them of the
+     violent attack that had been made upon the Duke of Cumberland;
+     and that there was very _little doubt but it was done by the
+     deceased_. He stated, the circumstances had been fully
+     investigated by the _privy council_ on Thursday, and that the
+     depositions of the numerous witnesses _had been taken before
+     Mr. Justice Read_, which he should read to them; after which
+     the witnesses would be called before them, and the depositions
+     would also be read to them, when they would have an
+     opportunity of altering or enlarging, and the jury could put
+     any question to them they thought fit."
+
+In this address, some of the privileges of royalty are explained.
+Because the murder had been committed in a palace, the privy council
+must examine the witnesses _before_ they may be allowed to meet the
+jury, and their depositions taken by a justice, under the influence of
+the suspected party. The coroner may then tell the jury that there was
+very _little doubt_ of the deceased person having attempted his master's
+life, and afterwards cutting his own throat to avoid detection. Merciful
+heaven! can this be called an impartial administration of justice? Are
+such _careful_ proceedings ever adopted in the case of a poor man? To be
+sure, the jury were told they might _ask any question they thought fit_;
+but is it to be supposed that, after the INQUIRIES they had undergone,
+the witnesses would let slip any thing likely to criminate themselves or
+their royal master?
+
+     "The first affidavit that was read was that of his royal
+     highness the Duke of Cumberland, which stated, that about
+     half-past two o'clock on Thursday morning he received two
+     violent blows and cuts on his head; the first impression upon
+     his mind was, that _a bat had got into the room, and was
+     beating about his head_; but he was soon convinced to the
+     contrary by receiving a third blow. He then jumped out of bed,
+     when he received several more blows; from the _glimmering
+     light afforded from a dull lamp in the fire-place, and the
+     motion of the instrument that inflicted the wounds, they
+     appeared like flashes of lightning before his eyes. He made
+     for a door near the head of his bed_, leading to a small room,
+     to which the assassin followed him, and cut him _across his
+     thighs_. His royal highness not being able to find his
+     alarm-bell, which there is no doubt the _villain_ had
+     concealed, called with a loud voice for Neale (his valet in
+     waiting) several times, who came to his assistance; and
+     _Neale_, together with his royal highness, alarmed the house."
+
+The blows of the assassin must have indeed been _slight_ to resemble "a
+bat beating about the head of his royal highness;" but we cannot
+understand how the _cut of a sword_ can bear any _similarity_ to the
+beating of a little animal, like a bat! Poor Sellis, however, was but a
+_little man_, and his weak arm might be still more enfeebled by the
+consciousness of his ingratitude in attacking so _kind and liberal a
+master_! Sellis had been the duke's page, or valet, for more than five
+years, in daily, nay, almost hourly, personal communication with him;
+and it must, therefore, appear very strange, if Sellis was really the
+assassin, that his master did not _recognise him_! If the room was so
+dark that the duke could not _see the person_ attacking him, it is
+singular that the _assassin could see to strike his royal highness_, as
+he did by "cutting him across his thighs, after he was out of bed!" As
+the supposed murderer followed the duke, who thought it best to take to
+his heels, we think his royal highness should have stated whether he
+meant his thighs in _front_ or _behind_; but, of course, an examination
+of the _scars_ would soon set this matter at rest! They would, no doubt,
+be found _behind_, as it is _unreasonable_ to suppose that, in a _dark
+room_, the _pursuer_ could have cut at the _pursued_ in front. The Duke
+of Cumberland is a field-marshal, and a BRAVER man, IT IS SAID, never
+entered the FIELD; but _in a dark room_, with a man little more than
+half his weight, it would have been _cowardly_ to _fight_, particularly
+as his royal highness might, IF HE HAD SO WISHED, have taken the weapon
+out of Sellis' hand, and broken it about his head. No! no! the Duke of
+Cumberland knew what was due to his honour better than to take so _mean_
+an advantage of a _weak_ adversary, and therefore _coolly_ endeavoured
+to ring his bell, that a more _suitable_ antagonist might be procured in
+his valet _Neale_!
+
+     "Cornelius Neale, sworn.--He said he was valet to the Duke of
+     Cumberland, and that he was in close waiting upon his royal
+     highness on Wednesday night, and slept _in a bed in a room
+     adjoining the duke's bed-room_. A little before three o'clock,
+     he heard the duke calling out, 'Neale, Neale, I am murdered,
+     and the murderer is in my bed-room!' He went immediately to
+     his royal highness, and found him bleeding from his wounds.
+     The duke told him the door the assassin had gone out at; he
+     armed himself with a poker, and asked if he should _pursue_
+     him. The duke replied '_no_,' but to _remain with him_. After
+     moving a few paces, he stepped upon a _sword_; and, _although
+     in the dark_, he was convinced it was _covered with blood_; it
+     proved to be the _duke's own regimental sword_. _The duke and
+     witness then went to alarm the house, and got a light from the
+     porter._ The duke was _afraid the murderer was still in his
+     bed-room_. His royal highness was obliged to lean upon him
+     from the loss of blood, and he gave directions that no person
+     should be let out of the house. They called up the _witness'
+     wife_, who is the housekeeper, and told _her_ to call
+     _Sellis_. He then returned with the duke to his bed-room. At
+     that time the duke was very faint from the great loss of
+     blood. Upon examining the premises they found, in a second
+     adjoining small room, a pair of _slippers with the name of
+     Sellis on them_, and a dark lantern. The key of the closet was
+     in the inside of the lock, and, to his knowledge, the key had
+     not been in that state for _ten years_. He had reason to
+     believe the wounds of the duke had been given by a sword.
+     Sellis took out the duke's regimentals some time since, and
+     put them by again, but left out the _sword upon a sofa for two
+     or three days_. It is the same sword which he trod upon, and
+     it was in a bloody state.
+
+     "The foreman of the jury, (Mr. Place, of Charing Cross) asked
+     the witness if he thought the deceased had any reason to be
+     dissatisfied with the duke. He replied, on the contrary, he
+     thought Sellis had more reason to be _satisfied than any other
+     of the servants_; his royal highness had stood godfather for
+     one of his children, the Princess Augusta godmother. The duke
+     had shown him _very particular favour_ by giving him
+     apartments for his wife and family, with coals and candles.
+
+     "A juryman asked him if he ever heard the deceased complain of
+     the duke. The witness asked if he was obliged to answer that
+     question. The coroner informed him he must. He then stated
+     that about two or three years since the duke advanced their
+     board wages from 10_s._ 6_d._ a week to 14_s._, but at the
+     same time took off 3_s._ 6_d._, allowed for travelling. After
+     this regulation was adopted, a paper was drawn up by the
+     steward for the servants to sign, expressing their
+     satisfaction at the regulation, which the deceased _refused_
+     to sign, and said, 'he'd be d--d if he did, and none but
+     blackguards would sign it.' The steward told him the duke said
+     he must sign it, _or his wife and family must quit the
+     apartments he had given them_, as the rest of the servants had
+     signed it. He had never heard the deceased _complain_ since.
+     Within the last year, the _duke and royal family had been
+     extremely kind to him_. He had never given him an _angry
+     word_, although he had often made use of very _bad language to
+     him_; if he did, he never answered him. The deceased was of a
+     very malicious disposition. He would never be _contradicted_,
+     if he began a subject, for which reason he never wished to
+     have any conversation with him. He frequently quarrelled with
+     Mr. Paulet, one of the duke's servants, and fought with the
+     steward at Kew. Lately the deceased had a bad cold, and the
+     duke was so very _kind_ towards him in consequence, that he
+     took him _inside the carriage_ to Windsor. Sellis dressed the
+     duke on Wednesday night. _He had no doubt but Sellis intended
+     that he should be charged with being the murderer, to get him
+     out of the way._"
+
+This Neale's evidence ought to be received with great caution. He slept
+in the next room to the duke, and when called upon for his assistance,
+stated his wish to pursue the murderer with a poker; but was prevented
+by his master's "fear of being left alone!" In this _courageous_ offer
+of Neale, however, he trampled upon a _sword_, which, although in _total
+darkness, he was_ CONVINCED _was COVERED WITH BLOOD_!! We have no
+intention to dispute _Neale's knowledge of this_, or that "it was his
+master's own regimental sword!" There have been so many wonderful people
+who could see AS WELL IN THE DARK AS IN THE LIGHT, and describe the
+minutest particulars of an article as well with their EYES SHUT AS OPEN,
+that we ought not to be surprised at any thing! Notwithstanding, many
+persons WERE SURPRISED at the sagacity of Neale, not only in this, but
+in many other particulars. If the duke, "covered with gore, accompanied
+this servant to alarm the house," the traces of blood on the doors, &c.,
+leading to _Sellis' room_, might be very _naturally accounted for_!
+They, however, thought it better not to call Sellis THEMSELVES, but sent
+NEALE'S WIFE TO DO IT!!! Although the duke pointed out to his
+_confidential man_ the door through which the villain had ESCAPED, his
+royal highness "felt afraid the murderer was STILL in his bed-room,"
+which we have _no reason to doubt_! "A pair of slippers were left in an
+adjoining room, with the name of SELLIS upon them." That Sellis left
+them there, however, is rather IMPROBABLE; because it is natural to
+suppose he would, if HE had been the murderer, have gone to his master's
+room WITHOUT SLIPPERS, or shoes of any kind, to make as little noise as
+possible. This circumstance, we are inclined to think, was a _planned
+affair_, though badly executed; for we know that these slippers were
+placed the _wrong way_,--a fact which will be hereafter proved. Through
+the whole of Neale's evidence, not a word was said to show that Sellis
+had the _least motive_ for murdering either the duke or himself. On the
+contrary, "Sellis had every thing to expect from his master's living."
+
+In concluding our remarks upon Neale's evidence, we point the attention
+of our readers to the last sentence: "He had no doubt but Sellis
+intended that he (Neale) should be charged with being the murderer, to
+get him out of the way!" Now, as there was not the slightest evidence to
+bear Neale out in this malicious assertion, we think, FOR HIS OWN SAKE,
+he had much better have kept the expression to himself. Some of our
+readers may not be aware of the _cause_ Sellis had given this
+fellow-servant to hate him; but the following letter, addressed to B. C.
+Stephenson, Esq., written by Sellis a few months before his death, will
+elucidate this matter a little:
+
+                                   "_St. James', July 9th, 1809._
+
+     "SIR,--I am extremely anxious to know his royal highness'
+     decision concerning the evidence produced before you against
+     Mr. Neale, and I beg you, Sir, to have the goodness to relieve
+     me from this most disagreeable suspense. If I may, Sir, judge
+     from appearance, either his royal highness is not acquainted
+     with what has been proved, or his royal highness has entirely
+     forgiven him. Should the former be the case, Sir, I hope you
+     will have the goodness to acquaint his royal highness to the
+     full extent of the roguery of this man; and here it may be
+     necessary to say, that the witnesses you have examined are all
+     of them ready to take their oaths in a court of justice, and
+     there to assert what they have already said before you. But,
+     Sir, should his royal highness have forgiven him, then I must
+     be under the most disagreeable necessity to beg his royal
+     highness to have the goodness to dispose of me as his royal
+     highness may think proper, so that I may not have the
+     mortification to live and act in the same room with a man I
+     have _convicted as a rogue, and with whom no human being is
+     able to live on friendly terms_. Had it been his royal
+     highness' pleasure to have had this business in a court of
+     justice, the man would have been _transported at least for
+     seven years_; and what I am going to communicate to you now
+     is, I believe, transportation for life. I have been told,
+     Sir, that Mr. Neale cheats his royal highness in every thing
+     he buys; in two different articles I have already ascertained
+     this to be a fact; on the toothpicks he gains fifty per cent.,
+     by charging eighteen pence for that for which he only pays one
+     shilling, and on the soap he charges two shillings for that
+     which he pays eighteen pence, and should his royal highness
+     wish me to proceed with these discoveries, it will be found
+     that the _dishonesty of this man has no bounds_! The evidence
+     you have taken, Sir, and what I have communicated to Major
+     Thornton, with which also you must be acquainted, you must be
+     satisfied, that this man is as _great a villain as ever
+     existed_; NO OATH OR PROMISE IS BINDING WITH HIM; and he
+     relates alike that which he must have sworn to keep sacred in
+     his bosom, as he will a most trifling thing; and slanders and
+     THREATENS WITH PUBLIC EXPOSURE AND LARGE DAMAGES HIS
+     BENEFACTOR and only maker of his fortune, just as he would one
+     of his own stamp. Sir, to serve his royal highness, I have
+     always thought it as my greatest honour, and to serve him in
+     any situation that his royal highness may be pleased to place
+     me, shall always be the greatest pride of my life; but no
+     longer can I live with this monster. I have, Sir, served his
+     royal highness for nearly twelve years, and would rather
+     forego all my wishes and pretensions, and beseech his royal
+     highness to allow me permission to look out for another place.
+     To your goodness I trust, Sir, that you will lay my case
+     before his royal highness, and acquaint me with his royal
+     highness' pleasure.
+
+              "I have the honour to be, Sir,
+                     "Your most obedient and most humble servant,
+                                             "J. SELLIS."
+
+     "B. C. STEPHENSON, Esq."
+
+
+In this letter, enough is set forth to make us receive the evidence of
+Neale with _caution_, if not to render him _unworthy of belief
+altogether_. _Why_ the Duke of Cumberland retained Neale in his service
+_after_ his peculating tricks had been discovered, and _after the_
+THREAT he held out against his royal master, we must leave our readers
+to discover.
+
+     "The jury proceeded to examine the bed-room of the royal duke,
+     which they found in a most distressing and horrible state. It
+     could not be discovered what his royal highness' _nightcap_
+     was made of, it being completely _soaked in blood_; the first
+     blow given his royal highness was providentially prevented
+     from proving fatal, from the duke wearing a _padded ribbon
+     bandage round his cap, and a tassel, which came in contact
+     with the sword_; the _bed-clothes generally were blooded; the
+     paper of the room, the prints and paintings, the door at the
+     head of the bed_ (through which his royal highness endeavoured
+     to make his escape) was _cut with the sword_ at the time the
+     _villain was cutting at the duke_, and the dark assassin must
+     have _followed_ his royal highness to the door of an
+     anti-room, which was _also spotted with blood_."
+
+Supposing Sellis to be the _villain_ here meant, the wretched means he
+took to accomplish the end in view were so inadequate, that it were
+quite impossible for him to have done all the bloody work so minutely
+related, from the _position in which the parties were placed_. The duke
+was in a modern _high bed_, his _head well protected_ with "a padded
+ribbon bandage," the only vital part of him that was above the
+bed-clothes, and the _curtains drawn around him_. Sellis was _not taller
+than the level of the bed-clothes_, and yet he chose a _SWORD_ to attack
+his _recumbent master_!!! In a contest so unequal, the duke _might_ have
+annihilated Sellis in a minute.
+
+     "The jury then proceeded to the room where the corpse of the
+     deceased _villain_ remained. They found it with the whole of
+     the body (except the head and feet) covered with blood; the
+     razor which did the deed in a bloody state. The deceased's
+     _neckcloth was cut through in several places. The drawers,
+     wash-hand basin-stand, and the basin, were also bloody._"
+
+To some people, such a state of the room may appear any thing but
+convincing of the _GUILT OF SELLIS_; yet, to such _sensible_ men as were
+on the jury, _all_ confirmed the verdict afterwards recorded. _Sellis_,
+from his neckcloth having been "cut through in several places," blood
+being sprinkled in all parts of the room, and an appearance of some one
+having _WASHED THEIR HANDS IN THE BASIN, MUST_ have been his own
+murderer, and consequently the assassin of the Duke of Cumberland!
+
+     "After the examination of the rooms, the jury proceeded to the
+     investigation of the witnesses.
+
+     "Thomas Jones, a surgeon and apothecary, of the Strand, said
+     he had attended the Duke of Cumberland's household since the
+     year 1803. He knew the deceased well. _He never saw him in a
+     low or desponding way._ The last time he had seen him was on
+     Monday evening; he observed he was not very well, from a cold.
+     He had seen him on the Sunday previous, when he was very
+     anxious for the state of his child, having lately lost one. On
+     Tuesday the child got better. He observed nothing particular
+     about him for six weeks past, when he complained of a pain in
+     his chest. _He never complained to him of harsh treatment from
+     the duke._ He attended him four or five years since for a pain
+     in his chest, which he said was brought on by riding on
+     horseback. He understood he lived very happy with his wife.
+     His wife told him it was of no use his sending physic for the
+     pain in his chest, for he would not take it. _He never
+     observed any symptoms of derangement in him._"
+
+It will here be perceived, that Sellis was neither _deranged_, nor had
+the slightest cause for attempting his own life, or that of his master.
+Is it not singular, that Mr. Jones mentioned nothing about the wound in
+Sellis' throat, or the _methodical position_ in which the murdered man
+was found? Was he permitted to examine the body? If he was not, dark
+suspicion must ever attend upon those who refused _any_ medical man such
+a privilege; and if he did view it, why not have given his opinion of
+the matter? But this affords another proof of the unfairness of the
+proceedings on this inquest.
+
+     "Ann Neale, the housekeeper, said she was called up at about
+     three o'clock on Thursday morning by her husband; at the same
+     time she heard the duke saying, 'I am murdered.' She got up
+     with all possible speed, and saw the duke bleeding very much
+     in the valet's room: _she went with several others to the door
+     of the deceased, to call him; she found it fastened on the
+     inside_, and no answer was given to their calls. _She and
+     other servants went to another door, which opened to his
+     room_; as they approached the door, they heard a noise, as if
+     a man was gargling water in his throat. The porter entered
+     first, and he exclaimed, '_Good God! Mr. Sellis has cut his
+     throat._' He was a very _obstinate and quarrelsome man. He
+     would not bear contradiction, not even from the duke._ His
+     royal highness and Princess Augusta stood (by proxy) to his
+     last child. _The duke was very partial to him_, and allowed
+     his family to sleep in the house. His royal highness allowed
+     him to ride in his carriage with him, when travelling, since
+     his illness. The Princess Elizabeth gave his wife two pieces
+     of muslin lately. The Princess Augusta made her a present of
+     several articles of value. The principal acquaintance the
+     deceased had was a Mr. Greville, a servant to the Duke of
+     Cambridge, and Mr. and Mrs. Dupree, wax-chandlers. About three
+     weeks since, he told her Mrs. Marsh, the housekeeper to the
+     Royal Cockpit, was dead, and that he should speak to the duke
+     to give the place to his wife; and if he did not succeed with
+     Lord Dartmouth for that, he should apply to him to get his
+     wife a sinecure, as he had asked his royal highness to get him
+     a messenger's place, but he supposed the duke did not like to
+     part with him. She asked him about a week since if he had
+     succeeded. And he replied, he had not yet. He and his family
+     were in so much favour, that every court-day, when the queen
+     came to dress at the duke's apartments for the drawing-room,
+     Sellis' wife and children were had down for the queen and
+     princess to see them. On the last drawing-room the child the
+     princess stood for was had into the queen's private
+     apartments. A special privilege was granted to Sellis of a
+     bell being permitted to be put up, to ring him to the duke
+     from his family's apartments. The deceased would quarrel with
+     people sooner than give up a point."
+
+This woman's description of the door of Sellis' room being fastened
+inside was, doubtless, thought to be a very clever affair. Guilt,
+however, generally betrays itself; for, instead of _bursting open the
+door_ so secured, "she, and other servants, went to another door, which
+opened to his room," and which door _WAS NOT FASTENED INSIDE_! Now would
+not the first impulse of every person, _unconscious of crime_, in such a
+peculiar situation as this woman was placed, have rather suggested the
+BREAKING OPEN OF SELLIS' DOOR THAN GOING ROUND TO ANOTHER? If both doors
+had been secured, the thing would have appeared a little more
+consistent.
+
+     "Benjamin Smith, porter to the Duke of Cumberland, said, that
+     about a quarter before three o'clock, he was called up by the
+     duke and Neale, who said his royal highness had been murdered.
+     He got up, armed himself with a sword, and then called to the
+     soldiers on guard not to suffer any person to go out of the
+     house. He then went to call the deceased, but receiving no
+     answer, _he went to his family's apartments, and called
+     through the key-hole_. A child answered he was sleeping at the
+     duke's. He then, with several of his fellow-servants, _went to
+     Sellis' apartments again_, when, _on hearing the noise in his
+     throat, he supposed somebody else was murdered in the house_.
+     When he first saw the duke, he was covered with blood, and
+     Neale said the duke was murdered. There had not been any
+     quarrel between any of the servants and Sellis, to his
+     knowledge."
+
+This was the porter described by the last witness as having exclaimed,
+"_Good God! Mr. Sellis has cut his throat!_" There is, however, a little
+difference between _his own statement and that of Mrs. Neale_; such as
+his going "to his family's apartments" after "receiving no answer from
+Sellis," and then "returning to Sellis' apartment, when, on hearing the
+noise in his throat, he supposed _somebody else was murdered_!" If this
+man thought that Sellis _cut his own throat_, as stated by Mrs. Neale,
+what did he mean by saying, "he supposed _SOMEBODY ELSE WAS MURDERED_?"
+Do not the porter's own words imply, that _Sellis had been murdered_,
+and _not_ that he had _murdered himself_? Yet the jury _saw no
+discrepancy in the evidence_!!!
+
+     "Matthew Henry Grasham, a servant of the duke's, said he armed
+     himself with pistols upon his being called up. _He was not
+     able to find his way to Sellis' apartments by the_ REGULAR
+     _door_, but found his way to _another_, when he and his two
+     fellow-servants were afraid to enter the room on account of
+     the groans and noise in the throat of the deceased, although
+     he had two pistols, and another had a sword. He had been so
+     much frightened ever since, that he had not been able to visit
+     the room where the body lay. _He considered Sellis a civil,
+     well-behaved man._ He seldom heard Neale and Sellis speak
+     together; did not suppose he ever heard them exchange ten
+     words together. The last time the duke went to Windsor, he
+     took Sellis inside the coach, because he would not expose him
+     to the morning air. He never observed Sellis to be low
+     spirited; he did not appear so well lately as in general, in
+     consequence of his having a cold."
+
+This witness, it appears, although terribly alarmed, was unable to find
+out the _regular_ door to Sellis' apartments, but found his way to
+another, _more difficult of access_. Now, without denying the truth of
+this statement, it seems rather singular that he should not have gone
+the way he _knew best_; but, from his cowardly nature, he probably
+followed Mrs. Neale, who appeared to know the EASIEST WAY OF GAINING
+ADMITTANCE TO THE CHAMBER OF HORROR. Grasham also added his testimony to
+almost all the other witnesses as to the _amiable character_ of the
+murdered Sellis, as well as proving his perfect _sanity_.
+
+     "Mr. Jackson, a surgeon.--He had examined the body of the
+     deceased; he found the windpipe completely divided; _he had
+     seen larger wounds done by a man's own hands_; the arteries on
+     both sides were completely separated; he had no doubt but they
+     were done by a razor, or sharp instrument; the wound was five
+     or six inches wide, and an inch and a half deep. _He had no
+     other wound in his body_, and had no doubt but his throat
+     being cut was the cause of his death."
+
+This was the only medical gentleman allowed to give evidence as to the
+state of the murdered man's wounds. We are totally unacquainted with Mr.
+Jackson, and cannot, therefore, be actuated by any malice towards him;
+neither do we wish to accuse him with _interested_ motives when he made
+the above statement. But _Justice_ asks, why was not the opinion of six
+medical men, _at least_, recorded on this very momentous head? _We_
+will, however, tell the reader _why_. One or two other professional
+persons DID examine the body of poor Sellis, and, if they had been
+ALLOWED TO GIVE THEIR OPINION, would assuredly have convinced every
+honest man of the _IMPOSSIBILITY_ of Sellis being _HIS OWN MURDERER_.
+One of these, Dr. Carpue, has frequently been heard to say, that "THE
+HEAD OF SELLIS WAS NEARLY SEVERED FROM HIS BODY, and that EVEN THE JOINT
+WAS CUT THROUGH!!!" Dr. Carpue has also stated, that "no man could have
+the power to hold an instrument in his hand to cut ONE-EIGHTH of the
+depth of the wound in the throat of Sellis!"
+
+     "Sergeant Creighton, of the Coldstream regiment of Foot
+     Guards, said, in consequence of the alarm of the duke being
+     murdered, he went with several men into the house; when they
+     came to the deceased's room, the servants were afraid to go in
+     on account of the noise; he in consequence took the candle
+     from them. He found the deceased dead, with his throat cut,
+     and a razor about _two yards from the bed_; the deceased was
+     quite dead, but not cold; the blood was then running and
+     frothing out of his neck. He did not _appear to have struggled
+     with any person, but had his hands quite straight down by his
+     side_. The deceased had on pantaloons and stockings."
+
+Notwithstanding part of this man's evidence was _suppressed_, we have
+here sufficient to prove that Sellis was _not_ his own murderer. No man,
+after cutting his head nearly off, could possibly throw a razor "TWO
+YARDS FROM HIS BED!"[172:A] A man, in the agonies of death, would rather
+have _grasped the deadly instrument in his hand_; for this circumstance
+has almost always been observed in those persons committing suicide.
+Further than this, however, the witness states, "he did not appear to
+have _struggled_ with any person, but had his HANDS QUITE STRAIGHT DOWN
+BY HIS SIDE." Every man, who will not _abjectly resign his reason_,
+cannot deny that such a position of the hands was contrary to the
+NATURAL STRUGGLES OF A DYING MAN, and that it was quite impossible for
+Sellis to have so SYSTEMATICALLY LAID OUT HIS OWN BODY! But the
+_suppressed evidence_ of this sergeant, which afterwards appeared in
+"The News," fully proved that the first impression of the duke's
+servants was, that SELLIS HAD BEEN MURDERED, and not that he had
+murdered himself! For Creighton says,
+
+     "On entering the house, accompanied by another sergeant, and
+     two or three soldiers, he met two servants, who told him that
+     the Duke of Cumberland had been _wounded_ and that _Sellis was
+     murdered_!"
+
+     [172:A] When the inquest was held, the razor was found on some
+     drawers in the room; but it was placed there by a Bow-street
+     officer, by _mistake_,--at least, so it was reported. We,
+     however, consider even the very partial evidence published in
+     the "Morning Post" quite sufficient to prove that poor Sellis
+     had nothing to do with the razor himself. Some one else must
+     have thrown it "two yards from the bed." The murdered man
+     could not possibly have so exerted himself after the
+     infliction of such a severe wound!
+
+This witness also corroborated some other important points, for
+instance:
+
+     "On the floor before the bed lay a white neckerchief, _cut in
+     several places_. On the opposite side of the room was a
+     wash-hand basin, with some water in it, which looked as if
+     some person had been _washing blood in it_! _The curtains were
+     sprinkled with blood, as well as several parts of the room_;
+     at that time it was _broad day-light_."
+
+When we ask _why_ the "Morning Post" thought it _prudent_ to omit this
+and much other important evidence, we could give the _because_; but our
+readers will easily understand it!
+
+     "James Ball, a footman, said, upon the alarm being given, he
+     inquired of a female servant what was the matter. She informed
+     him the duke was murdered. He went down to the porter with all
+     possible speed, who desired him to _call Sellis_, which he
+     did, but could not gain admittance; he went to the _other
+     door_, when he saw the deceased with his throat cut on his
+     bed; the sight was so shocking, he drew back and almost
+     fainted. _His wife since told him he ate a hearty supper,
+     shook hands with her, and bid her good night at parting._ He
+     never quarrelled with the deceased. He understood the origin
+     of the quarrel between Sellis and Neale was Neale's taking a
+     newspaper out of Sellis' hand. The duke was particularly
+     partial to Sellis, and behaved better to him, he thought, than
+     to any other servant. Sellis and Neale were obliged frequently
+     to be in the same room together, but he never observed any
+     thing particular between them. _Sellis was a very sober man.
+     If he was not at the duke's apartments upon his business, he
+     was sure to be found with his family._ The duke continued his
+     kindness to the last. _He had heard Sellis say he could never
+     be friendly with a man (meaning Neale) who had treated him as
+     he had done._ Sellis used some years since to ride in the
+     carriage with the duke, but since a box has been made to the
+     carriage he was ordered by the duke to ride there. He objected
+     to that, saying it shook him very much."
+
+This servant, like most of the others, was ordered to call Sellis, and
+his evidence, in this particular, seems merely a REHEARSAL of the rest.
+The corroboration which Ball here gave of the excellent character of
+Sellis had been sufficient, one would think, for any jury to have
+acquitted the poor fellow of any participation in the attempt upon the
+duke, or with being his own murderer. In Ball's evidence, also, the
+dislike which Sellis entertained towards Neale is again set forth, and
+which, in our opinion, goes far to prove the occasion of it, which we
+have before explained. Neale, in his evidence, attempted to turn this
+dislike to his own advantage, by charging Sellis with the attack upon
+his master, and with endeavouring to fix the crime upon him (Neale) out
+of revenge! "A guilty conscience needs no accuser,"--a saying perhaps
+never better exemplified!
+
+     "Thomas Creedy, a private in the Coldstream Regiment of
+     Guards, who was on duty, and the _first man who entered the
+     room of Sellis_. The servant being afraid, he trembled so much
+     that he let the _candle fall_, but he caught it up, and
+     prevented it from _going out_. After seeing Sellis' throat
+     cut, and hearing robbers were in the house, he looked under
+     the bed. _He did not see a coat in the room_, (which is very
+     small) although there _was a blue one belonging to Sellis,
+     with blood on the left cuff, and blood on the side_. He
+     observed a wash-hand basin _with blood on the sides, and blood
+     in some water_. The deceased did not appear to have struggled
+     with any one; _his head was against his watch at the head of
+     the bed_."
+
+This was one of the soldiers who accompanied Sergeant Creighton; but
+whether the sergeant or this man was the "first who entered the room of
+Sellis," is not exactly clear. Creighton, in his evidence, says "IT WAS
+BROAD DAY-LIGHT," and, therefore, why CANDLES were required is rather
+difficult to comprehend! Yet, notwithstanding the _smallness of the
+room_, "he did not see a coat, although (as he himself confidently
+states) there was a blue one, belonging to Sellis." How could this
+witness know it belonged to Sellis, whom he probably never saw alive? As
+to "_blood being on the left cuff and on the side_," what proof did he
+adduce of this, for _he himself never saw the coat at all_? He, however,
+observed a wash-hand basin, in the very suspicious state described by
+other witnesses, and gave the additional evidence of Sellis' head being
+"against his watch at the head of the bed;" indeed, the poor man's head
+only HUNG BY A SMALL PIECE OF SKIN, and his murderers had therefore
+placed it in _that position_ to keep it from _falling off altogether_!
+Is it not monstrous, then, that men could be found so lost to honor as
+to record a verdict of _felo de se_?
+
+     "John Probert and John Windsor, two privates in the Guards,
+     said they were on duty opposite the duke's house at the time
+     of the alarm, and were _positive no person went out of the
+     house after the alarm was given_."
+
+The evidence of these men merely shew, _THAT SELLIS WAS MURDERED BY SOME
+ONE BELONGING TO THE HOUSE_, which we see no reason to dispute.
+
+     "Thomas Strickland, under butler to his Royal Highness the
+     Duke of Cumberland, said he saw the deceased in the duke's
+     bed-room about ten minutes before eleven o'clock on Wednesday
+     night; _he was surprised at seeing him there_, supposing him
+     to be in close waiting upon the duke. The deceased appeared to
+     have a _shirt in his hand_; he looked very earnest at him, but
+     had a _smile on his countenance_. _He went to take a cupfull
+     of light drink for the duke to take in the night, which it was
+     his duty to do. He never heard Sellis speak disrespectfully of
+     the duke._"
+
+No satisfactory reason is here given _why_ this man should have felt
+_surprised_ at seeing Sellis in the bed-room of his master; for Sellis
+was there only in the performance of his _duty_, which the _witness
+acknowledged_. How ardently have those connected with this black affair
+endeavoured to fix the odium upon the murdered man! Yet how futile, to
+all _reasonable men_, must appear their observations! Sellis, with a
+"shirt in one hand," and "a cup of light drink" in the other, in the
+Duke of Cumberland's bed-room, ought not to have created surprise in any
+one, knowing the peculiar _situation which Sellis filled in the
+household of his royal highness_! Did Strickland _really_ feel
+_surprised_, or was he _anxious to say so_? But, it will be observed,
+that even this witness confessed "he never heard Sellis speak
+disrespectfully of the duke." Can it, then, be believed, _he_ was guilty
+of the attack upon his royal master?
+
+     "Sarah Varley, housemaid to the Duke of Cumberland, said she
+     put two bolsters into the closet in the second anti-little
+     room adjoining on Wednesday night, they being only put upon
+     his royal highness' bed for ornament in the day-time; there
+     was _no lantern in the closet at the time she put them there,
+     and the dark lantern found in the closet is like one she had
+     seen on the deceased's dressing table. There was no sword or
+     scabbard when she put the bolster there._"
+
+The dark lantern, sword, &c., were not in the closet when this woman
+went there to put away the bolsters. Well, what of that? Might they not
+have been put there _afterwards_? As to "the dark lantern found in the
+closet being like one she had seen on the deceased's dressing table,"
+proves nothing against Sellis, even if this lady had _positively sworn_
+to its being _the same_. It were very easy to place a lantern in
+_Sellis' room_, and _afterwards remove it to the aforesaid closet_! But
+we have little doubt that _more than one_ dark lantern might have been
+found on premises where so many _secret_ deeds had been done! To have
+made this matter better evidence, why did not some kind friend write
+_the name of Sellis on the lantern_, similar to the _plan adopted with
+the slippers_? Such a scheme might have brought the _very_ scrupulous
+jury to their verdict _three hours sooner_, at least!
+
+     "James Paulet, a valet to the duke, first saw his royal
+     highness in his room with Neale holding him up. The duke told
+     him he was murdered, and the murderers must be in his room.
+     The witness replied, he was afraid they should be all
+     murdered, on seeing all the doors opened. The duke insisted
+     they should both stay with him. _His royal highness repeatedly
+     called for Sellis._ In a short time after, some person called
+     at the door that _Sellis was found murdered_. _The duke
+     appeared very anxious for the safety of Sellis_, and as soon
+     as Surgeon Home had dressed _his_ wounds, he sent him to
+     attend to _Sellis_. Mr. Home _soon_ returned, and said _there
+     was no doubt but that the man had killed himself_. _Sellis
+     cautioned him not to be friends with Neale._ He complained to
+     him of the duke's making him ride in a _dickey_, as it shook
+     him much, and riding backwards made him ill. Sellis, however,
+     had the carriage altered to go easier, without asking the
+     duke's leave, at Windsor, and he had appeared content with it
+     ever since. Sellis often talked about leaving the duke's
+     service, saying, _he could not remain in the family if Neale
+     did_. He urged him to the contrary, reminding him how kind the
+     duke was to him and his family."
+
+The duke's anxiety for the services of his faithful valet, Sellis,
+manifested itself by his royal highness _repeatedly calling for
+him_. "Some person called at the door that Sellis was found
+_murdered_,"--another proof that the _first_ impression of the servants
+was the _true one_! Indeed, TRUTH is ever uppermost in the mind; but
+ARTIFICE requires _time to mature its plans_. We are sure that our
+readers WILL ADMIRE, with us, the "ANXIETY of his royal highness for the
+SAFETY of Sellis;" for, as soon as his wounds were dressed, the duke
+sent HIS OWN SURGEON to attend Sellis! Where shall we look for greater
+CARE or CONDESCENSION than this? How truly fortunate was the duke in
+being blessed with so _expeditious_ and so _penetrating_ a surgeon! "Mr.
+Home _soon_ returned, and said there was no doubt that the man had
+killed himself!" Oh, talented man! who could perceive, _at a glance_,
+that "the man had killed himself!" Dr. Carpue must never more pretend to
+a knowledge of surgery, when his opinion can be set aside by a _single
+glance_ of a man of such eminence in his profession as Mr. Home! As to
+the joint in his neck being cut through, Mr. Home easily accounted for.
+What! a man cut his own head off, and wash his hands afterwards! The
+further testimony of Paulet only proves the dislike which Sellis
+entertained for Neale, and the caution he gave to all the other servants
+to avoid him.
+
+     "The widow of the deceased was examined. Her appearance and
+     evidence excited the _greatest compassion and interest_; it
+     tended to _prove he was a good husband, not embarrassed in his
+     circumstances, and that he had parted with her in the usual
+     way, without any suspicion on her part of what he had in
+     contemplation_."
+
+Well, even this admission of the substance of the poor woman's evidence
+is sufficient to throw discredit upon the jury, who, "after deliberating
+for upwards of an hour, returned a verdict of _felo de se_." As Mrs.
+Neale's evidence, however, "excited the greatest compassion and
+interest," "The Post," acting impartially, ought to have printed it at
+length, as tending to prove how little the _interest_ of Sellis was
+involved in his master's murder, and how wholly unprepared the poor
+woman must have been to find her husband accused of committing such a
+deed. For instance:
+
+     "She never heard him complain of the treatment he received
+     from his royal highness; but, on the contrary, was highly
+     gratified by the kindness he and other branches of the royal
+     family had shewed him, particularly the present of muslin
+     which witness had received from the queen, and Princess
+     Augusta, standing godmother to his child. He was not
+     embarrassed in his circumstances, for she did not know of any
+     debt he owed, but one to the apothecary. Since the birth of
+     their last child, about eight months ago, he never spent an
+     evening out, but was always with his family, when not employed
+     with the duke. He belonged to no club or society. During his
+     illness, he was sometimes giddy, but never took the medicines
+     that were prescribed him by the surgeon, saying that regular
+     living was the best medicine. He sometimes talked of leaving
+     the duke's service, on account of his disputes with Neale; but
+     she remonstrated with him on his imprudence in entertaining
+     such a wish, when they had a good house and plenty of coals
+     and candles allowed them. The subject was not mentioned within
+     the last two years. After supper on Wednesday, he mixed a
+     glass of brandy and water, which he made her drink, as she was
+     troubled with spasms in the stomach. He partook of a little of
+     it, shook hands, and wished her a good night, and _she never
+     saw him more cheerful_. He took some clean linen away with
+     him, and said he would bring home the dirty linen _on the
+     following morning_. She said he was a tender father and an
+     affectionate husband."
+
+Let every unbiassed individual read this, and then judge of the
+monstrous and unnatural verdict returned by the jury! Some further
+statements were given to us by a gentleman who received the
+communication, a few years back, from Mrs. Sellis herself:
+
+     "The heart-broken widow said, that she had been brought up
+     from a child in the service of the Princess Augusta, and that
+     he had been many years in that of the Duke of Cumberland.
+     Their marriage had, therefore, taken place under the special
+     sanction of their royal master and mistress. They had one
+     child, a daughter, to whom the princess condescended to stand
+     godmother, and it was the practice of the parents, on the
+     return of every birth-day, to present the child in her best
+     array to her royal godmother, who always distinguished her by
+     some little present as a token of recognition. The birth-day
+     of the child was a few days _after_ the death of the father;
+     and the widow represents the conversation which occurred
+     between her and her husband on the evening of his death as
+     consisting, among other things, in consultations as to the cap
+     and dress in which the child should be presented to the
+     princess; so little did he appear to have in view the event
+     which followed. He was accustomed to spend all the time not
+     required on his attendance on his master with her, to whom he
+     was in the habit of communicating every little incident in
+     which he was concerned that he thought might be interesting to
+     her. On the night in question, he was just as usual, nothing
+     in his conversation or manner betokening the _least
+     agitation_, much less the contemplation of the _murder of his
+     master_, on whose favour, as she says, their whole hopes for
+     subsistence and comfort depended. According to her account, he
+     was habitually civil, sober, frugal in his little expenses,
+     and attentive to his duties. His wife and his child appeared
+     the whole world to him; and the poor woman declared, that when
+     he parted from her, but a few hours before the dreadful
+     catastrophe occurred, _the committal of a wrong towards the
+     duke appeared as improbable a proceeding from him as the
+     destruction of her and her child_. In fact, the one was
+     involved in the other; for when these circumstances came to
+     our knowledge a few years ago, she represented herself as in
+     temporary want and distress."
+
+It was, however, thought PRUDENT to pension Mrs. Sellis and her
+_mother_, who offered her remarks _very freely_ about this mysterious
+transaction. They were both privately sent out of the country, (it is
+believed to Germany) but, with all our efforts, we have not been able to
+ascertain where they now reside, as their evidence had much assisted us
+in proving the statements made in our work, entitled "The Authentic
+Records," &c.
+
+The public appeared much dissatisfied with the verdict of the jury, and
+one or two publications spoke rather openly regarding the impropriety
+and suspicious nature of the whole proceeding, throwing out some dark
+insinuations against the royal duke. In order to counteract this, Sir
+Everard Home, the _extraordinary man_ whose _perceptive_ faculties are
+described on the inquest by the name of _Mr. Home_, published the
+following declaration relative to it:
+
+     "Much pains having been taken _to involve in mystery the_
+     MURDER _of Sellis_, the late servant of his royal highness the
+     Duke of Cumberland, I feel it a public duty to record the
+     circumstances respecting it that came within my own
+     observation, which I could not do while the propagators of
+     such reports were before a public tribunal.
+
+     "I visited the Duke of Cumberland upon his being wounded, and
+     found my way from the great hall to his apartment by the
+     traces of blood which were left on the passages and staircase.
+     I found him on the bed, still bleeding, his shirt deluged with
+     blood, and the coloured drapery, above the pillow, sprinkled
+     with blood from a wounded artery, which puts on an appearance
+     that cannot be mistaken by those who have seen it. This could
+     not have happened had not _the head been lying on the pillow
+     when it was wounded_. The night ribbon, which was wadded, the
+     cap, scalp, and skull were obliquely divided, so that the
+     pulsation of the arteries of the brain were distinguished.
+     While dressing this and the other wounds, report was brought
+     that _Sellis was wounded, if not_ MURDERED. His royal highness
+     desired me to go to him, as I had declared his royal highness
+     out of _immediate danger_. A second report came, that Sellis
+     was dead. I went to his apartment, _found the body lying on
+     his side on the bed_, without his coat and neckcloth, the
+     throat cut _so effectually_ that he could not have survived
+     _above a minute or two_. _The length and direction of the
+     wound were such as left_ NO DOUBT _of its being given by his
+     own hand. Any struggle would have made it irregular._ He had
+     not _even changed his position_; his hands lay as they do in a
+     person who has fainted; they had _no marks of violence upon
+     them; his coat hung upon a chair, out of the reach of blood
+     from the bed; the sleeve, from the shoulder to the wrist, was
+     sprinkled with blood, quite dry, evidently from a wounded
+     artery_; AND FROM SUCH KIND OF SPRINKLING, THE ARM OF THE
+     ASSASSIN OF THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND COULD NOT ESCAPE!
+
+     "In returning to the duke, I found the doors of all the state
+     apartments had marks of bloody fingers on them. _The Duke of
+     Cumberland, after being wounded, could not have gone any where
+     but to the outer doors and back again, since the traces of
+     blood were confined to the passages from the one to the
+     other._"
+
+                                                  "EVERARD HOME."
+
+We regret, with Sir Everard Home, that "so much pains should have been
+taken to involve in mystery the murder of Sellis," but such pains were
+taken in the PALACE, AND NOT BY THE PUBLIC! Sir Everard's description of
+the matter, however, is only calculated to involve it in still greater
+mystery and contradiction! For instance, "he found the body lying on his
+_side_ on the bed, the throat so _effectually_ cut that he could not
+have survived above a _minute or two_!" How a man could cut his throat
+so _effectually_, when _lying on his side_, for "HE HAD NOT EVEN CHANGED
+HIS POSITION," is rather a puzzling matter to people of common sense!
+yet Sir Everard says, "_the length and direction of the wound were such
+as left_ NO DOUBT OF ITS BEING GIVEN BY HIS OWN HAND!" In a conversation
+we had with Mr. Place, the foreman of the jury, a few weeks since, that
+gentleman informed us "_the man lived_ TWENTY MINUTES _after his throat
+was cut_!!!" We do not mean to say that Mr. Place's knowledge of this
+matter is to be put in competition with that of Sir Everard Home; but
+Mr. Place urged this circumstance to us as CONFIRMATORY OF SELLIS HAVING
+MURDERED HIMSELF. It is, therefore, very extraordinary that Sir Everard
+Home did not set the talented foreman right upon this all-important
+point, as it might have been the means of producing a _widely-different
+verdict_! With regard to "the hands having no marks of violence upon
+them," we can only say that such an account is contrary to the report of
+other persons who _saw them_ as well as Mr. Home; for both his hands and
+wrists BORE EVIDENT MARKS OF VIOLENCE! The desire which Sir Everard
+manifests, in this account, to bring proof against Sellis for an attempt
+to assassinate his master has more of _zeal_ than _prudence_ in it; for,
+in speaking of the blood said to be found upon Sellis' coat, the learned
+doctor asserts it to be "just such kind of sprinkling, the arm of the
+assassin of the duke could not escape!" How ridiculous must such an
+observation as this appear to any man, possessed of common
+understanding! Sellis was reported to have used a SWORD in this
+pretended attempt upon his master's life, _the length of which and the
+position of the duke_ would render it next to impossible for _any blood
+of the duke's to reach him_! The worthy knight further says, when
+speaking of the matters in Sellis' room, "his coat hung upon a chair,
+_out of the reach of blood from the bed_;" but several witnesses upon
+the inquest stated that "blood was found all over the room, and the
+hand-basin appeared as if some person had been washing blood in it."
+What is the reason, then, why blood might not have been sprinkled upon
+the _coat_ of the murdered man as well as "upon the curtains, on several
+parts of the floor, and over the wash-basin?" _Why_ did Sir Everard Home
+omit to mention these important particulars in his attempt to explain
+away the "mystery of the murder of Sellis?" His description of the
+dreadful wounds of his royal master are also rather at variance with the
+idea the _duke himself gave of them_, "THE BEATING OF A BAT ABOUT HIS
+HEAD!!" The skilful surgeon concludes his statement by saying, "The Duke
+of Cumberland, after being wounded, could not have gone any where but to
+the outer doors and back again, since the traces of blood were confined
+to the passages from the one to the other;" when it will be observed in
+_Neale's evidence_, that "the duke and witness went to alarm the house,
+and got a light from the porter!!!" Now we may naturally suppose the
+_porter slept at some distance from the duke_, and therefore either Sir
+Everard Home or Neale must have made a _slight mistake_ in this
+particular; for we cannot accuse two such _veritable_ personages with
+_intentionally contradicting each other_!!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Having now carefully and dispassionately examined all the evidence
+brought forward to prove Sellis an assassin and a suicide, we proceed
+to lay before our readers a few particulars tending to confirm an
+opposite opinion.
+
+Mr. Jew, then in the household of the duke, and who probably is now
+alive, (information of which fact might be ascertained by application to
+the King of Belgium) _was inclined_ to give his deposition upon this
+subject, in the following terms, alleging, as his reason, the very
+severe pangs of conscience he endured, through the secrecy he had
+manifested upon this most serious affair.
+
+
+DEPOSITION.
+
+"I was in the duke's household in May, 1810; and on the evening of the
+31st, I attended his royal highness to the opera;--this was the evening
+previous to Sellis' death. That night it was my turn to undress his
+royal highness. On our arriving at St. James', I found Sellis had
+retired for the night, as he had to prepare his master's apparel, &c.,
+and to accompany him on a journey early in the morning.
+
+"I slept that night in my usual room; but Neale, another valet to the
+duke, slept in an apartment very slightly divided from that occupied by
+his royal highness. A few days previous to this date, I was commanded by
+my master to lay a sword upon one of the sofas in his bed-chamber, and I
+did so. After undressing his royal highness, I retired to bed. I had not
+long been asleep, when I was disturbed by Neale, who told me to get up
+immediately, as my master the duke was nearly murdered! I lost no time,
+and very soon entered his royal highness' bed-room. His royal highness
+was then standing nearly in the middle of the chamber, apparently quite
+cool and composed, his shirt was bloody, and he commanded me to fetch
+Sir Henry Halford, saying, 'I am severely wounded.' The sword, which a
+few days before I had laid upon the sofa, was then lying on the floor,
+and was very bloody. I went with all possible haste for Sir Henry, and
+soon returned with him. I stood by when the wounds were examined, none
+of which were of a serious nature or appearance. That in his hand was
+the most considerable.
+
+"During this period, which was _nearly two hours_, neither NEALE nor
+SELLIS had been in the _duke's room_, which appeared to me a very
+unaccountable circumstance. At length, when all the bustle of dressing
+the wounds (which were very inconsiderable) was over, and the room
+arranged, the duke said, 'CALL SELLIS!' I went to Sellis' door, and,
+upon opening it, the most horrific scene presented itself: Sellis was
+lying perfectly straight in the bed, the head raised up against the
+head-board, and nearly severed from the body; his hands were lying quite
+straight on each side of him, and upon examination I saw him weltering
+in blood, it having covered the under part of the body. He had on his
+shirt, his waistcoat, and his stockings; the _inside_ of his hands were
+perfectly clean, but on the outside were smears of blood. His watch was
+hanging up over his head, _wound up_. His coat was carefully folded
+inside out, and laid over the back of a chair. A razor, covered with
+blood, was lying at a distance from his body, but too far off to have
+been used by himself, or to have been thrown there by him in such a
+mutilated condition, as it was very apparent death must have been
+immediate after such an act.
+
+"The wash-basin was in the stand, but was _HALF FULL OF BLOODY WATER_!
+Upon examining Sellis' cravat, it was found to be cut. The padding which
+he usually wore was covered with silk and quilted; but, what was most
+remarkable, both THE PADDING AND THE CRAVAT WERE CUT, as if some person
+had made an attempt to cut the throat with the cravat on; then, finding
+the woollen or cotton stuffing to impede the razor, took it off, in
+order more readily to effect the purpose.
+
+"During the time the duke's wounds were being dressed, the deponent
+believes Neale was absent, in obedience to arrangement, and was employed
+in laying Sellis' body in the form in which it was discovered, as it was
+an utter impossibility that a self-murderer could have so disposed of
+himself.
+
+"Deponent further observes, that Lord Ellenborough undertook to manage
+this affair, by arranging the proceedings for the inquest; and also that
+every witness was previously examined by him; also, that the FIRST JURY,
+being unanimously dissatisfied with the evidence adduced, as they were
+not permitted to see the body in an undressed state, positively refused
+to return a verdict, in consequence of which, they were dismissed, and a
+SECOND jury summoned and empannelled, to whom, severally, a special
+messenger had been sent, requesting their attendance, and each one of
+whom was directly or indirectly connected with the court, or the
+government. That, on both inquests, the deponent had been omitted, and
+had not been called for to give his evidence, though it must have been
+known, from his personal attendance and situation upon the occasion,
+that he must necessarily have been a most material witness. THE SECOND
+JURY RETURNED A VERDICT AGAINST SELLIS, and his body was immediately put
+into a shell, and conveyed away _a certain distance_ for interment. The
+duke was _privately_ removed from St. James' Palace to Carlton House,
+where his royal highness manifested an impatience of manner, and a
+perturbed state of mind, evidently arising from a conscience ill at
+ease. But, in a short time, he appeared to recover his usual spirits,
+and being hurt but in a very trifling degree, he went out daily in a
+sedan chair to Lord Ellenborough's and Sir William Phipps', although the
+daily journals were lamenting his very bad state of health, and also
+enlarging, with a considerable expression of sorrow, upon the magnitude
+of his wounds, and the fears entertained for his recovery!"
+
+
+The further deposition of this attendant is of an important character,
+and claims particular consideration. He says,
+
+
+"I was applied to by some noblemen shortly after this dreadful business,
+and very strongly did they solicit me to make a full disclosure of all
+the improper transactions to which I might have been made a party upon
+this solemn subject. I declined many times, but at length conceded,
+under a binding engagement that I should not be left destitute of
+comforts or abridged of my liberty; and, under special engagements to
+preserve me from such results, I have given my deposition."
+
+                                                  (Signed) "JEW."
+
+
+The fact of _two juries being summoned_ has been _acknowledged by the
+coroner_, in his affidavit before the Court of King's Bench in April
+last. The affidavit of this gentleman, however, contains so many
+_errors_, that we here introduce an exposition of it, as given by the
+talented D. Wakefield, esq., in shewing cause against the rule being
+made absolute in the case of "Cumberland _v._ Phillips."
+
+     "Mr. Wakefield said it would be in the recollection of the
+     court, that this was a rule obtained by Sir Charles Wetherell,
+     for a libel contained in a publication relating to his royal
+     highness the Duke of Cumberland. He would not read the alleged
+     libel in detail now, but confine himself first to the
+     affidavit of Samuel Thomas Adams, the coroner who had held the
+     inquest on Sellis. It was necessary that he should read the
+     affidavit, as he had to offer several remarks upon it."
+
+The learned counsel then read the affidavit, as follows:
+
+
+     =In the King's Bench.=
+
+     "Samuel Thomas Adams of No 9 Davis street Berkeley square in
+     the County of Middlesex solicitor maketh oath and saith that
+     he hath seen a certain book or publication entitled "The
+     Authentic Records of the Court of England for the last
+     Seventy Years" purporting to be published in London by J.
+     Phillips 334 Strand 1832 and that in the said book or
+     publication are contained the following statements or passages
+     which this deponent has read that is to say--"
+
+[Here the deponent, _lawyer-like_, set out the whole of the pretended
+libel, as published in the "Authentic Records," for the purpose of
+putting us to all the expense and trouble possible.]
+
+     "And this deponent further saith that he was coroner for the
+     verge of the King's Palace at St. James's in the month of June
+     one thousand eight hundred and ten before whom the inquest on
+     the body of Joseph Sellis referred to in the aforesaid
+     passages extracted from the said book or publication was held
+     and that it is not true as stated in the aforesaid passages
+     that Lord Ellenborough undertook to manage the affair by
+     arranging the proceedings upon the said inquest or that every
+     witness or as this deponent believes any witness was
+     previously examined by the said Lord Ellenborough or that the
+     first jury for the reasons in the aforesaid passages alleged
+     or for any other reasons refused to return a verdict in
+     consequence of which they were dismissed and a second jury
+     summoned and empannelled to whom _severally a special
+     messenger had been sent_ requesting their attendance and each
+     of whom was directly or indirectly connected with the court or
+     the government. And this deponent further saith that it is not
+     true that any person was omitted as a witness whose evidence
+     was known or could be suspected to be material but on the
+     contrary this deponent saith that when the death of the said
+     Joseph Sellis was notified to him he as such coroner as
+     aforesaid was required to hold an inquest on the body of the
+     said Joseph Sellis and that it being required by a statute
+     passed in the twenty-third year of Henry the Eighth chapter
+     twelve that in case of death happening in any of the king's
+     palaces or houses where his majesty should then happen to be
+     and in respect of which death an inquest should be necessary
+     that the jury on such inquest should be composed of twelve or
+     more of the yeoman officers of the king's household to be
+     returned in the manner therein particularly mentioned he this
+     deponent in the first instance issued as such coroner as
+     aforesaid an order that a jury should be summoned composed of
+     the said yeoman officers of the king's household pursuant to
+     the directions of the said statute. But this deponent saith
+     that believing it to be important that the cause and
+     circumstances of the death of the said Joseph Sellis should be
+     investigated in the most public and impartial manner _he took
+     upon himself the responsibility of not complying with the
+     strict letter of such statute as aforesaid and countermanded
+     the first order as aforesaid for summoning such jury in
+     conformity to the said statute and instead thereof directed a
+     jury to be summoned consisting of persons not being yeomen
+     officers of the king's household_ but living at a distance
+     from and totally unconnected with the palace of St. James's
+     And this deponent further saith that thereupon his agent as
+     this deponent has been informed and believes took the
+     summoning officer to Francis Place of Charing Cross man's
+     mercer and that the said Francis Place then mentioned to the
+     agent of this deponent the names of many persons fit and
+     eligible to compose such jury and out of such persons so
+     summoned by the officer as aforesaid an impartial jury was
+     formed of which jury the said Francis Place was foreman And
+     this deponent saith that before such jury so summoned and duly
+     sworn he as coroner proceeded on the first day of June one
+     thousand eight hundred and ten to hold an inquest on the body
+     of the said Joseph Sellis And this deponent further saith that
+     the court which under other circumstances would have been a
+     close one he this deponent directed to be thrown open to the
+     public and all persons without distinction And this deponent
+     believes the same was done and that all persons without
+     distinction were admitted into such court amongst whom were
+     many reporters for the newspapers who attended for the purpose
+     of taking and did take notes of the proceedings and of the
+     depositions of the witnesses examined upon such inquest And
+     this deponent further saith that at the commencement of the
+     said inquest the several informations on oath of the principal
+     witnesses taken on that and the preceding day by John Reid
+     Esquire the then chief magistrate of the police were read over
+     and handed to the said jury to enable them the better to
+     examine such witnesses respectively and such witnesses were
+     respectively resworn before this deponent as coroner and
+     permitted to make any addition to their evidence so given
+     before the magistrate as aforesaid and that each and every of
+     such witnesses had full opportunities of making any addition
+     to such testimony which they thought proper And this deponent
+     further saith that all the circumstances of the case as far as
+     they could be collected were carefully and impartially
+     scrutinized by the said jury and that all the evidence which
+     could be collected and brought forward and that every person
+     was called before the said jury and examined as a witness and
+     no person was omitted to be called and examined who would
+     have been or who it could be supposed would have been a
+     material witness And this deponent further saith that in the
+     course of the inquiry the said jury proceeded to the apartment
+     where the body of the said Joseph Sellis had been first
+     discovered and was then lying and did then carefully view
+     examine and inspect the body of the said Joseph Sellis and all
+     the other circumstances deemed by them necessary to be
+     examined into and ascertained in any way touching the death of
+     the said Joseph Sellis And this deponent further saith that he
+     locked the doors of the apartment in which the body of the
+     said Joseph Sellis was found and did not permit the same to be
+     inspected nor the state and position of the said body to be
+     disturbed, from the first discovery of such body in the
+     aforesaid apartment until the same was inspected by the said
+     jury And this deponent further saith that on the conclusion of
+     the investigation the said jury immediately and unanimously
+     returned a verdict that the said Joseph Sellis voluntarily and
+     feloniously as a _felo de se_ murdered himself And this
+     deponent further saith that the proceedings upon the said
+     inquest were in all respects regular _except_ as to the jury
+     not consisting of the yeoman officers of the king's household
+     and that such proceedings were themselves conducted in the
+     most fair open and impartial manner and that the verdict so
+     found by the jury as aforesaid was a just true and honest
+     verdict and that there is not the smallest ground for
+     supposing or alleging any thing to the contrary
+     thereof[192:A]
+
+                                         "SAM{L}. THO{S}. ADAMS."
+
+     "_Sworn in Court the eighteenth
+         day of April 1832--By the Court._"
+
+     [192:A] Whatever our readers may think of this jumble of
+     words, we assure them it is _verbatim_ from the ORIGINAL
+     affidavit, which is WITHOUT POINTS, as lawyers consider such
+     matters unnecessary.]
+
+     "The first remark he had to submit to the court in this case
+     was, that a person who applied for an extraordinary remedy by
+     criminal information, must deny all the charges contained in
+     the libel. The rank of the illustrious individual in this case
+     made no difference with respect to that point. Now the court
+     would find, by the affidavit of Mr. Adams, the coroner, that
+     one of the main parts of this alleged libel, so far from being
+     contradicted, was SUBSTANTIATED,--he alluded to the fact of
+     there having been TWO JURIES summoned to inquire into the
+     circumstances relating to the death of Sellis. He did not mean
+     to say that that fact formed any justification for the
+     publication of the libel; but the fact itself was certainly
+     extremely important, and Mr. Adams' affidavit contained the
+     reasons why the mode pointed out by the act of parliament for
+     summoning juries in such cases had been departed from. The
+     fact of there having been two juries summoned was no doubt
+     sufficient to induce any person to believe that there was some
+     reason for that proceeding, which was not apparent on the face
+     of it. Mr. Adams had described the manner in which the jury
+     were summoned. He said he sent the summoning officer to Mr.
+     Place, man's mercer, of Charing-cross; but Mr. Place was not
+     the coroner for the verge of the King's Palace, and had no
+     authority to act. He would leave it to the court to form their
+     own opinion, whether or not this departure from the usual
+     course was or was not for the purpose of obtaining an
+     IMPARTIAL TRIAL. The affidavit showed that Mr. Adams had flown
+     in the face of the act of parliament, and the statement in the
+     Authentic Records, that there had been a second inquest, was
+     CORROBORATED by that affidavit. Mr. Adams had referred to the
+     act of parliament, as being that of the 23rd of Henry VIII.,
+     whereas it was that of the 33rd of Henry VIII.: that was no
+     doubt a trifling circumstance, but it tended to show the
+     manner in which Mr. Adams performed the duties of his office.
+     Mr. Adams had stated that summonses had been drawn up for
+     summoning TWO JURIES, but those for summoning the FIRST were
+     not used; but the reason he gave was most unsatisfactory. He
+     had no right to send to Mr. Place, and Mr. Place had no right
+     to act as coroner; and he (Mr. Wakefield) submitted that the
+     court ought to require an affidavit from Mr. Place to
+     corroborate what Mr. Adams had stated. He believed it would
+     not be difficult to show that the inquest might be quashed, as
+     being illegal; and it certainly might have been quashed if
+     Sellis had had any goods, which would have been subject to an
+     extent at the suit of the crown. At all events, Mr. Adams
+     might have been prosecuted for a breach of duty. There was
+     another point which, though of a trifling nature, he would
+     take the liberty of adverting to, in order to show that the
+     inquest was illegal. By the 28 Henry VIII. c. 12, the jury in
+     cases of this description were to be summoned from the verge
+     of the court. Now this applied to the court sitting at
+     Whitehall; but at the time in question the court was sitting
+     at St. James'. The summoning, therefore, was clearly not good,
+     and the jury, consisting of Mr. Place's junta, could not
+     legally hold an inquest on the body of Sellis."
+
+Four other mistakes, also, in the coroner's affidavit were pointed out
+by _Mr. Place_ himself in a letter to the public.
+
+     1. Mr. Adams says, "he issued an order to summon a jury of
+     persons of the king's household, but that he rescinded the
+     order, and summoned a jury of persons who lived at a distance,
+     and were wholly unconnected with St. James' Palace." Mr. Adams
+     must by these words mean that he summoned a jury from the only
+     place to which his power extended; namely, "the verge of the
+     court,"--a small space, and from amongst the few tradesmen who
+     resided within its limits. _I never before heard that he had
+     issued any order to summon a jury of persons of the king's
+     household._
+
+     2. Mr. Adams says, that his "summoning officer applied to
+     Francis Place, of Charing Cross, for the names of persons who
+     were eligible to compose a jury, and that out of such persons
+     an impartial jury, of which Francis Place was the foreman,
+     assembled on the 1st of June, 1810." Mr. Adams probably speaks
+     from memory, and is, therefore, incorrect. He might, to be
+     sure, have instructed his officer to apply to me; but, if he
+     did, it was a STRANGE PROCEEDING. The officer was in the habit
+     of summoning juries within the verge, and must have known much
+     better than I did who were eligible. The jurors could not have
+     been indicated by me, since, of seventeen who formed the
+     inquest, five were wholly unknown to me, either by name or
+     person; and amongst the seven who did not attend, there were
+     probably others who were also unknown to me. The number of
+     persons liable to be summoned is so small, that it has been
+     sometimes difficult to constitute an inquest, and there is no
+     room either for choice or selection.
+
+     3. Mr. Adams says, "the depositions of the witnesses were
+     taken by John Read, the then chief police magistrate, and were
+     read to the witnesses, who were severally asked if they had
+     any thing to add to them." This, if left as Mr. Adams has put
+     it, would imply negligence on the part of an inquest which was
+     more than usually diligent and precise. The depositions were
+     read, but not one of them was taken as the evidence of a
+     witness. Every person who appeared as a witness was carefully
+     and particularly examined, and the order in which the evidence
+     was taken, and the words used, differ from the depositions;
+     the evidence is also much longer than the depositions. Both
+     are before me. The inquest examined seven material witnesses,
+     who had not made depositions before Mr. Read.
+
+     4. Mr. Adams says "the jury _immediately_ and _unanimously_
+     returned a verdict that the deceased, Joseph Sellis,
+     voluntarily and feloniously murdered himself." The jury of
+     seventeen persons were every one convinced that Sellis had
+     destroyed himself, yet two of them did not concur in the
+     verdict,--one, because he could not believe that a sane man
+     ever put an end to his own existence; and another, because he
+     could not satisfy himself whether or no Sellis was sane or
+     insane.
+
+                                                   FRANCIS PLACE.
+
+     _Charing Cross, April 19, 1832._
+
+The very morning this letter was published, we called on Mr. Place, who
+repeated the substance of it to us, adding that Sir Charles Wetherell
+had sent a person to him for his affidavit, which he REFUSED in a letter
+to the learned knight, condemning the whole proceeding of criminal
+information. Mr. Place read a copy of this letter to us, and promised he
+would publish it if ever a _sufficient reason_ presented itself. It was
+an admirable composition, and did credit to the liberality of the
+writer's opinions.
+
+As to the affidavits of the Duke of Cumberland and Neale, they contain
+nothing but what other people in similar situations would say,--_they
+deny all knowledge of Sellis' murder, and of unnatural conduct_. Whoever
+thought of requiring them to _criminate themselves_? But affidavits,
+from interested persons are not worth much. The notorious Bishop of
+Clogher, for instance, exculpated himself in a criminal information by
+an affidavit, and the result was, the man who published the _truth_ of
+that _wretch_ groaned in a jail!!! Sir Charles, therefore, had no
+occasion to boast of the Duke of Cumberland's _charitable_ mode of
+proceeding against us by _criminal information_, instead of commencing
+an _ex-officio_ action; for in neither of these modes of procedure does
+the _truth_ or _falsehood_ of the charge form an object of
+consideration. We are, therefore, _prevented_ by the Duke of Cumberland
+and his adherents from proving the _truth_ of the statements we made in
+"The Authentic Records" _in a court of law_; but where resides the
+_power_ that shall rob us of the glorious LIBERTY OF THE PRESS? We are
+the strenuous advocates of the _right to promulgate_ TRUTH,--of the
+right to scrutinize public actions and public men,--of the right to
+expose vice, and castigate mischievous follies, even though they may be
+found in a _palace_! The free exercise of this invaluable privilege
+should always be conceded to the HISTORIAN, or where will posterity look
+for _impartial information_? In this character only did we publish what
+we believed, and _still believe_, to be the _truth_ in our former work
+of "The Authentic Records," and which we have considerably enlarged upon
+in our present undertaking, merely for the purpose of fulfilling our
+sacred duty, and not with the idea of slandering any man! If the Duke of
+Cumberland had proved our statement _false_, we would have freely
+acknowledged our error, as every man ought to do who seeks fairly and
+honorably to sustain a noble function in the purity of its existence. We
+know there are writers who seek, not to enlighten, but to debase; not to
+find amusement, but to administer poison; not to impart information,
+either political, moral, or literary, but to indulge in obscenity,--to
+rake up forgotten falsehoods, and disseminate imputed calumnies! To
+such, the sanctuary of private life is no longer inviolable; the
+feelings of the domestic circle are no longer sacred; retirement affords
+no protection, and virtue interposes no defence, to their sordid
+inroads. Upon offences like these, _we_ would invoke the fiercest
+penalties of the law. The interests of society demand it, and the rights
+of individuals claim it! But our strictures and exposures are of a
+widely-different character,--not if they were _false_,--but because
+their TRUTH must be apparent to every unbiassed individual in this
+mighty empire! With this conviction alone we stated them, and even Sir
+Charles Wetherell himself said we "seemed to have no other motive in
+stating them only for the purpose of stating them!" We are not disposed
+to comment upon this part of the learned counsel's speech, as it proves
+all we want to prove regarding our motives.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This year was not less remarkable for the king's family sorrows than for
+public grievances. His majesty was nearly childish and blind. The queen
+dreaded the ascendency of the popular voice in favour of the Princess of
+Wales, and the Princess Charlotte exhibited a resolute spirit, which it
+was feared would end to the unhappiness of the puissant queen. The
+Princess Amelia suffered under indescribable sorrows, both bodily and
+mental, which ultimately terminated her earthly career on the 2nd of
+November.
+
+Many representations were made to the public of the numerous visits
+made to the Princess Amelia by the king, and their affecting final
+interview. We believe we may, with truth, say those representations were
+erroneous; for the king's malady was of too serious a nature to admit of
+any new excitement, and the peculiar regard he entertained for this
+daughter would not allow his hearing of her sufferings in any shape,
+without feeling the most acute pain.
+
+The Prince of Wales also still pursued the most dissipated rounds of
+pleasure, making his very name hateful to every virtuous ear. The house
+of royalty, indeed, seemed divided against itself.
+
+
+General historians say that the year
+
+     1811
+
+was not marked by any very particular events of much interest, either to
+kings or kingdoms; yet we must differ from them in this opinion,
+inasmuch as, at its commencement, the Prince of Wales was appointed
+_Regent_, and the king's person confided to the care of the queen,
+conjointly with archbishops, lords, and other adherents of her majesty.
+
+The session was opened on the 12th of February; and the speech,
+delivered by commission, in the name of the regent, expressed _unfeigned
+sorrow_ at the king's malady, by which the exercise of the royal
+authority had devolved upon his royal highness. It also _congratulated_
+parliament and the country on the success of his majesty's arms, by
+land and sea, and did not forget to beg for further SUPPLIES,--_so much
+required_.
+
+Let us here inquire the cause that prevented the _amiable_ regent from
+opening the session in person. Had his mistresses detained him too late
+in the morning? or had they played a _designed part_ with him, to prove
+their superior domination? or had he been in his most privately-retired
+apartments, _conversing with a few of the male favourites of his
+household in_ ITALIAN? If either of these do not give the true reason of
+his absence, we may be sure to ascertain it upon inquiry of the vintner
+or faro-table keeper. Here the different _degrees_ of morality,
+contrived by custom and keeping the people in ignorance, are well
+illustrated!
+
+The queen was much at Windsor at this period, she being obliged, by
+etiquette, to hear the bulletins issued by the physicians concerning his
+majesty's health, or her _affection_ for the afflicted king would not
+have produced so great a _sacrifice_ on her part.
+
+In this year, the disgraced Duke of York was restored to his former post
+of commander-in-chief; although, but a short period before, he was found
+guilty of being privy to, if not actually and personally, disposing of
+situations in the army, by which traffic, very large amounts had been
+realized by one of his royal highness' mistresses.
+
+The money required for this year's supply amounted to _fifty-six
+millions_! The distress in all the manufacturing districts,
+notwithstanding, was of the heaviest nature; while, instead of
+ministers devising means to relieve the starving poor, oppressive
+enactments were substituted.
+
+Let it not here be supposed that we are condemning any constitutional
+enactment of government. We only wish to see the interests of the poor a
+little more regarded, instead of laws being made solely with a view of
+aggrandizing the wealthy, whose eyes already stand out with fatness. Is
+it not evident that the men at this period in power were resolved to
+continue their system of corrupt administration, in despite of all
+remonstrance and opposition? A long course of oppression had apparently
+hardened them, and so far steeled their hearts against the petitions of
+the suffering nation, that they actually seemed to delight in increasing
+the heavy burdens which already preyed upon the vitals of the community.
+
+Our readers may probably be aware that the visits of the Princess
+Charlotte to her mother were always "few and far between;" but at this
+period, the interviews became so uncertain and restricted, that they
+could not be satisfactory either to the mother or the daughter. Some of
+the attendants always remained in the apartment with them, _by the
+regent's command_, to witness the conversation. For some time, the
+princess contrived to write _privately_ to her mother, and obtained a
+confidential messenger to deliver her communications. This was
+ultimately suspected, and, after a close scrutiny, unfortunately
+discovered, and immediately forbidden. Her royal highness was now in
+her fifteenth year, in good health, and possessing much natural and
+mental activity. It was not very probable, therefore, that the society
+of FORMAL LADIES, every way disproportionate to herself in years and
+taste, could be very agreeable to her, more especially when she knew
+that these very ladies were bitter enemies to her adored mother. If the
+Princess Charlotte had been allowed to associate with natural and
+suitable companions, the very decisive feature of her character would
+have rendered her the brightest ornament of society; but this was not
+permitted, and England has great cause to mourn that she was not more
+valued by her father and grandmother.
+
+The elegant and accomplished Dr. Nott was now selected for the Princess
+Charlotte's preceptor, and he ardently exerted himself to improve the
+mind of his royal pupil. The very superior _personal_, as well as
+mental, qualifications of the reverend gentleman, however, soon rendered
+him an object of _peculiar interest_ to the youthful princess. The
+ardency of her affections and the determinate character of her mind were
+well known to her royal relatives. They, therefore, viewed this new
+connexion with considerable uneasiness, and soon had occasion to suspect
+that her royal highness had manifested too much solicitude for the
+interest of her friend and tutor!
+
+The Duke of York first communicated his suspicions on this subject to
+the regent, and the prince immediately went to Windsor (where the queen
+then was) to inform her majesty of his fears, and to consult what would
+be the most proper and effectual measures to take. Her majesty was
+highly incensed at the information, and very indignantly answered, "My
+family connexions will prove my entire ruin." Her majesty, accompanied
+by the prince, drove off directly for London, and the Princess Charlotte
+was commanded to meet her grandmother in her chamber. With her usual
+independent readiness, the princess obeyed the summons, and was ushered
+into the presence of the haughty queen.
+
+After some considerable period of silence, her majesty began to ask what
+particular services Dr. Nott had rendered, or what very superior
+attractions he possessed, to engage the attentions of her royal highness
+in such an unusual degree, as was now well known to be the case. Her
+royal highness rose up, and in a tone of voice, not very agreeable to
+the queen, said, "If your majesty supposes you can subdue me as you have
+done my mother, the Princess of Wales, you will find yourself deceived.
+The Reverend Mr. Nott has shown me more attentions, and contributed more
+to my happiness in my gloomy seclusion, than any person ever did, except
+my mother, and I ought to be grateful to him, and I WILL, whether it
+pleases your majesty or not!" The queen saw her purpose was defeated in
+the attempt to intimidate her grand-daughter, and therefore, in a milder
+manner, said, "You must, my dear, recollect, I am anxious for your
+honour and happiness; you are born to occupy the highest station in the
+world, and I wish you to do so becoming the proud character of your
+royal father, who is the most distinguished prince in Europe." The queen
+had scarcely concluded her sentence, when her royal highness burst
+forth, in the most violent manner, and with an undismayed gesture, said,
+"Does your majesty think I am always to be under your subjection? Can I
+believe my royal father _so great and good_, when I have so long
+witnessed his unremitted unkindness to my neglected mother? Neither do I
+receive much attention from the prince; and my uncle of York is always
+preaching to me about virtue and submission, and your majesty well knows
+_he does not practise either_! Mr. Nott practises every amiability which
+he enjoins, and I esteem him exceedingly _more than I do any other
+gentleman_!" The queen was quite vexed at the unbending disposition
+manifested by the princess, and desired her to retire, and reflect upon
+the improper conduct of which she had been guilty, and, by humility and
+contrition, to make a suitable atonement.
+
+While walking out of the room, the princess appeared in deep thought,
+and more tranquil; her majesty, imagining it to be the result of her own
+advice, said, "The Princess Charlotte will never want a friend if she
+abide by her grandmother's instructions, and properly maintain her
+dignity of birth." Her royal highness returned to her former situation
+before the queen, and exclaimed, "What does your majesty mean?" "I
+mean," replied the queen, "that you must not condescend to favour
+persons in _low life_ with your confidence or particular respect; they
+will take advantage of it, and finally make you the tool to accomplish
+their vile purposes." "Does your majesty apply these remarks to the Rev.
+Mr. Nott?" hastily replied the princess. "I do," said the queen. "Then
+hear me, your majesty; I glory in my regard for Mr. Nott. His virtues
+are above all praise, and he merits infinitely more than I have to give;
+but I resolve, from this moment, to give him all the worldly goods I
+can; and your majesty knows that, by _law_, I can make a will, though I
+am but little more than fifteen; and my library, jewels, and other
+valuables, are at my own disposal! I will now, without delay, make my
+will in his favour, and no earthly power shall prevent me. I am sorry
+your majesty prefers _vicious and wicked characters, with splendid
+titles_, to virtuous and amiable persons, destitute of such empty
+sounds!" The princess left the room, and the queen was more disturbed
+than before the interview.
+
+The regent was soon made acquainted with the result, and recommended
+that no further notice should be taken of the matter, hoping that the
+princess would change her intention upon a more deliberate survey of the
+subject. But in this opinion, or hope, his royal highness was
+disappointed; for the princess that day signed a _deed_, whereby she
+gave _positively_ to her friend and preceptor, Dr. Nott, her library,
+jewels, and all private property belonging to her, and delivered this
+instrument into his hand, saying, "I hope you will receive this small
+token as a pledge of my sincere regard for your character, and high
+estimation of your many virtues. When I am able to give you greater
+testimonies of my friendship, they shall not be withheld." We need
+hardly say that the divine was _delighted_ at the great attention and
+unexpected generosity of her royal highness. He was more; for his heart
+was subdued and affected.
+
+A considerable period elapsed after this circumstance, when the queen
+was resolved to recover the _deed_ at all hazards, as she feared, if the
+validity of such an instrument were ever acknowledged, royalty would
+suffer much in the estimation of the public. All the queen's deceptive
+plans, therefore, were tried; but failed. The prince, at length, offered
+a large amount as a remuneration, and finally persuaded the doctor to
+give up the deed! Of course a good living was also presented to him, on
+his retiring from the situation in which he had so long enjoyed the
+smile and favour of his royal pupil.
+
+The Princess Charlotte was mortified, beyond expression, at this
+unexpected conduct on the part of her father and grandmother, and was
+not very sparing in her expressions of dislike towards them. Mr.
+Perceval (who was then premier) was requested by the prince to see her
+royal highness, and to suggest _any_ terms of reconciliation between the
+princess and the queen; but he could not succeed. "What, Sir!" said her
+royal highness, "would you desire me to _appear what I am not_, and to
+meet her majesty as if I believed her to be my sincere friend, when I
+know I am hated for my dear mother's sake? No, Sir! I cannot do as you
+desire; but I will endeavour to meet her majesty at all needful
+opportunities with as much gentleness of manners as I can assume. What
+indignities has not the queen offered to my persecuted mother? You well
+know, Sir, they have been unmerited, and if her majesty insults the
+Princess of Wales again in my presence, I shall say, 'your majesty
+should regulate your family affairs better, and teach lessons of virtue
+to your _daughters_, before you traduce the characters of other ladies!'
+You, Sir, are the regent's minister, and in his confidence, so I may
+venture to give you my candid opinion, and I do not consider that, by
+doing so, I exceed the bounds of propriety. Will you, therefore, oblige
+me by announcing to the prince, my father, that I am unalterably devoted
+in heart to my mother, and while I wish to be a dutiful child to my
+father, I must not even be that at the expense of principle and
+honourable sentiments. My grandfather always had my respect and pity."
+
+It is scarcely necessary to say, that Mr. Perceval retired with evident
+symptoms of disappointment and chagrin. He immediately communicated the
+result of his interview to the regent and the queen, who declined making
+any further remonstrance, lest the princess should imagine they feared
+her, or were at all intimidated by her bold decisions.
+
+In this year, Lord Sidmouth moved to bring in a bill to alter the
+"Toleration Act." His lordship stated, that this bill was calculated to
+serve the interests of religion, and promote the prosperity of the
+Church of England! But Lord Sidmouth, for once, was disappointed. The
+sensation excited throughout the country was of an unprecedented
+description; for, within forty-eight hours, no less than three hundred
+and thirty-six petitions against it were poured into the House of Lords!
+and the House was presented, on the second reading, with five hundred
+more! It was consequently abandoned.
+
+The supplies voted for the public and _private_ services were FIFTY-SIX
+MILLIONS!
+
+At the close of this year, the poor were perishing for want; yet the
+court became more splendid than ever! The ill-fated sovereign was as
+imbecile and as weak as an infant, and his representative a profligate
+ruler. What a condition for England!
+
+
+War still raged at the commencement of
+
+     1812.
+
+We will not, however, record the scenes of devastation and horror
+consequent from it; neither will we eulogize Lord Wellington for the
+_victories_ he obtained. Much rather would we shed a tear at the
+remembrance of the slaughtered victims to kingly or ministerial
+ambition. Who that believes in the immortality of the soul can think of
+these horrid engagements without shuddering at the immense and
+inexpressible accountability of the destroyer? It would be utterly
+impossible to give an idea of the number of WIDOWS and ORPHANS who have
+had to mourn the consequences of _splendid_ victories, as a _wholesale
+murdering of soldiers_ are denominated. How many _ducal coronets_ have
+been purchased at the expense of human existence! Rather should our
+brows never be encircled than at such an unnatural price!
+
+On the 13th of February, the restrictions formerly in force against the
+prince regent terminated; and, properly speaking, it may be declared,
+_he then assumed the kingly power_. One hundred thousand pounds were
+voted for him, _professedly_ to meet the expenses attendant upon his
+assumption of the regal authority.
+
+This was a moment of triumph to the queen, and the sequel will prove
+that her majesty took especial care to turn it to her own account. The
+Duke of York was fully reinstated as "Commander-in-Chief," and,
+therefore, ready ways and means presented themselves to her majesty. The
+regent engaged that the queen should have the continued sanction of his
+name and interest, in all the various ways she might require.
+Accordingly, it was soon arranged, that _her majesty should receive an
+additional sum of ten thousand pounds per annum_ FOR THE CARE OF HER
+ROYAL HUSBAND'S PERSON!
+
+We cannot pass by this shameful insult to the nation without making an
+observation upon so _unnatural_ an act. If the queen were the kind and
+affectionate wife she had so very frequently been represented to be,
+could she have allowed herself to receive an immense payment for merely
+doing her _duty_? But a more selfish woman, and a more unfeeling wife,
+never disgraced humanity, as this wicked acceptance of the public money
+fully testifies.
+
+An additional nine thousand pounds annually were also granted to each of
+the princesses, whilst places and pensions were proportionally
+multiplied. In the case of Colonel M'Mahon, upon whom a private
+secretaryship had been conferred, much very unpleasant altercation took
+place in the House of Commons; but _bribery_ effected that which
+argument proved to be _wrong_. It was a well-known fact, indeed, that
+this individual was nothing more than a pander to the regent's lust, to
+which infamous engagements and practices we shall hereafter refer.
+
+On the 11th of May, as Mr. Perceval was entering the lobby of the House
+of Commons, he received a shot in his left breast, and, after staggering
+a few paces, fell down and expired. The assassin was tried on the 15th
+and executed on the 18th of the same month. He defended his conduct on
+the ground of having received much injury from the government, who had
+denied redress of his grievances, and, therefore, thought he had only
+done an act of justice in taking away the life of a member of so callous
+an administration.
+
+Agreeably to the regent's message, fifty thousand pounds were voted for
+the use of Mr. Perceval's family, and two thousand annually to be paid
+to his widow. In case of her demise, however, the same amount was to be
+continued annually to such male descendant as might at that time be the
+heir, for the term of his life.
+
+Let us here inquire into the services which Mr. Perceval had rendered
+his country to warrant ministers in this lavish expenditure upon his
+family, one of whom now frequently intrudes his crude notions in the
+House of Commons. Mr. Perceval had been for a long period the _pretended
+friend_ of the ill-fated Princess of Wales. "The Book" which he
+arranged, and which had been printed, but not published, in 1807, giving
+the particulars of the "Delicate Investigation," improperly so called,
+_was bought up_ in 1809, and as much as fifteen hundred pounds GIVEN
+_for a single copy_. The rancour and malice of the unprincipled enemies
+and calumniators of the open-hearted Princess of Wales had been much
+exposed by Mr. Perceval, and by his apparent generous and manly defence
+in her royal highness' favour, the storm materially abated. After a long
+period, she was again received at court, and acknowledged _innocent_ of
+the charges preferred by her assailants. Apartments were given to her at
+Kensington Palace, and it appeared very probable that her wishes would
+finally be completed, in the restoration of her beloved daughter to her
+society. But mark the ensuing change. Mr. Perceval was chosen by the
+regent to assist in his councils; and as no man can serve two causes at
+the same time, Mr. Perceval deserted the princess, and became the
+servile minister of the prince! Surely there must be something
+supernatural in the smile of royalty, when, in some instances, principle
+and conscience have fallen subdued before it! We know for an
+_incontrovertible_ fact, that but a few months before Mr. Perceval's
+acceptance of office, he delivered his sentiments concerning the
+Princess of Wales to a particular friend, in these words: "I am
+decidedly friendly to the Princess of Wales, because I am well satisfied
+and assured her royal highness is a much-injured lady. I am also
+convinced her mother-in-law had conceived an inveterate dislike to her
+before she arrived in this country, on account of the objections
+preferred by the prince against any connexion, except that which his
+royal highness had already formed. From these unhappy circumstances, I
+am obliged to believe, that the sufferings of her highness are unmerited
+on her part, and very much increased by the dictatorial behaviour of her
+majesty." At another interview with the same person, the following
+question was put, unreservedly, to Mr. Perceval: "Do you, Sir, think her
+royal highness has been deserving of the persecutions she has endured,
+by any deviation from virtue and propriety?" "I do not think the
+princess guilty," earnestly rejoined Mr. Perceval, "and I am fully
+satisfied, in my own mind, that if there had not existed ungenerous
+intentions on the part of the royal family, the affair would long since
+have sunk into silence. There is a gaiety and levity about her royal
+highness which is not usual with the _English_ ladies generally; but,
+with all the exterior frivolity of the princess, when she chooses to be
+lively, _I would prefer her infinitely to the professedly-modest and
+apparently-reserved of the sex in high life_. I believe the princess to
+be playful, and incautiously witty, in her deportment; but _I prefer
+that to secret intrigue and infamous practices_."
+
+We leave our readers to judge whether this simple declaration was not
+honourable to the princess, and whether it does not correspond with
+every speech delivered by this gentleman in his public and private
+defence of her royal highness. Humanity, however, is weak, and the
+ingratiating attentions of the prince were too powerful to be resisted
+by Mr. Perceval. At his royal command, Virtue, Goodness, and Truth,
+assumed the garb of Vice, Infamy, and Falsehood. "Oh, blasting privilege
+of sovereignty! The bare scent of thy perfume spreads desolation to
+society; changes man, the noblest of God's works, into a monster; and
+the consequences of thy _unnatural existence_ will most probably produce
+the engine to be used for _thine own destruction_!"
+
+Shortly after the untimely death of Mr. Perceval, Lord Liverpool was
+appointed first lord of the Treasury; Mr. Nicholas Vansittart,
+chancellor of the Exchequer; and Lord Sidmouth, secretary of state for
+the home department.
+
+On the 17th of June, Mr. Vansittart brought forward his budget,--the
+amount of the supplies required being more than sixty-two millions.
+Certainly this was not a very exhilirating or agreeable prospect to the
+nation of the retrenchments intended by the new ministry; but
+notwithstanding the divisions on the subject, it finally received the
+sanction of parliament. Had it not been for the corrupt state of the
+representation, can we suppose it possible that such a sum would have
+been permitted to be drawn from the starving multitudes, when there
+existed such pecuniary distress in the manufacturing and commercial
+districts, unequalled in former years?
+
+The new parliament met for business on the 30th of November, and one of
+its first acts was, to grant the sum of one hundred thousand pounds to
+Lord Wellington for the part he had taken in legal slaughter!
+
+It may, with propriety, be submitted here, how large a grant would have
+been made to any man who should have presented a _plan for the
+comfortable and honourable maintenance of the perishing millions_? We
+fear any patriot, who had dared to press such a scheme would have soon
+been consigned to a damp and dreary dungeon, charged with disaffection
+to the monarch, or commanded, under _certain protection_, to set sail
+for another country; and, if permitted to reach the destined shore,
+there to be received and treated as one of the most infamous of the
+human race! But in these days, the _will_ of the regent, supported by
+the queen, was supreme law. There was not one who ventured to _insult
+his dignity_ by speaking to him TRUTH!--not one _dared_ to stem the
+torrent of his royal displeasure! It is true that, when Lord Liverpool
+first entered office, he once _hinted_ to his royal master the general
+voice of dissatisfaction which the people expressed; but the imperious
+regent commanded silence upon all such subjects, and desired Lord
+Liverpool never again to meet his highness, unless under a positive
+resolve not even to give the most distant hint at matters so very
+disagreeable to the royal ear, and which were of _no considerable
+importance_! His lordship proved himself wanting in fortitude to set an
+example to courtiers, and the principle of his mind was, consequently,
+bartered for the _pleasure_ of being the _slave_ of a haughty prince,
+who had "relinquished Justice, and abandoned Mercy!"
+
+We must here refer to a most interesting circumstance with respect to
+the Princess of Wales. Her royal highness was well aware of the bonds,
+_still in existence_, given by the Princes George, Frederick, and
+William, to the firm of Perigoux and Co., of Paris, which were to the
+amount of several hundred thousand pounds, as we have before named; and,
+in an open and friendly conversation with Messrs. Whitbread and
+Perceval, the princess said, "The regent and the royal dukes engaged in
+those bonds are perfectly aware they deserve severe exposure. Their
+action was not only wicked, but their intention also; as every person in
+any way acquainted with their concerns must be sure they undertook to
+pay more than their means would ever permit, seeing how deeply the
+country was in debt, and that the revenue did not then meet the annual
+amount required. And," emphatically added the princess, "if the world
+did but _know of the_ LIVES SACRIFICED _in this affair, to preserve the
+good reputation of these princely brothers, I suppose royalty would not
+gain much in the estimation of good people by the exposure_!"
+
+The substance of this conversation soon afterwards transpired to the
+Prince of Wales. There cannot be a doubt that his royal highness was
+_afraid_, but he resolved not to _appear so_; and from that period, he
+and the queen were the unalterable and bitterest enemies of the
+princess, both publicly and privately. So, then, for the simple
+expression of _truth_, to those who were already in possession of the
+whole affair, was an injured princess to be pursued by the hounds of
+destruction until her capture should be accomplished. The prince sought
+an immediate divorce; but as the former attempts on this ground, in
+the year 1806, had failed, there appeared great difficulty in the
+attainment of his object. The former charges and gross calumnies were
+declared false, and Lady Douglas had been shunned by all good and
+strictly-honourable society; for, except where she was received in
+compliment to the queen, her invitations were, indeed, but very few. The
+old story was again resorted to, and as Mr. Perceval was now no more, a
+bold attempt was resolved on, as the last resource, to obtain the
+desired end.
+
+Mr. Whitbread communicated to the Princess of Wales the scheme then
+forming against her honour, and that the ministry were favourable to the
+wishes of the regent. Her royal highness stood amazed at this unexpected
+information. "What!" said the princess, "is not the Prince of Wales
+satisfied with the former abuses he has poured upon me? Is he so
+abandoned, being heir-apparent, as to risk his life, or engage the
+vengeful disposition of the nation, in the punishment due to the crimes
+he has committed against me? _If the generous English people were
+informed of half the sufferings I have endured since my arrival in this
+country, they would never be induced to yield obedience to the commands
+of a prince whose virtues are not the least balance to his_ VICES! But,"
+continued her royal highness, "I will go down to Windsor, and request an
+interview with the queen." Mr. Whitbread remonstrated, and at last the
+princess consented to write, and ask an audience. A courier was
+despatched with it, and the _verbal_ reply of her majesty was, "She
+would see the Princess of Wales, provided her royal highness was at
+Windsor Castle by _eight o'clock in the evening_."
+
+Not a moment was to be lost; the carriage was announced in a few
+minutes, and the princess, attended by only one lady, entered it. "Drive
+quickly," said her royal highness. It was only half-past seven when the
+princess was announced. Her royal highness was received in courtly style
+and unbending manner by her majesty, who, in her usual way, inquired
+"the cause which gives me the pleasure of a visit, so very unexpectedly,
+from the Princess of Wales?"
+
+"Madam," answered her royal highness, "I am quite sensible of your
+surprise at my hasty request and appearance; but as I am tired of
+hearing the false reports in such general circulation in the court, I am
+resolved to ask your majesty in person, if I am likely to experience any
+renewal of those bitter persecutions which, in former years, were
+agitated to my horror and surprise. I am well aware the regent would
+not enter upon such a business, unless he had your majesty's sanction
+and countenance, as well as assistance. Is it because Mr. Perceval is
+dead, that your majesty thinks me so unprotected as to fall immediately
+a prey to my base enemies?--if so, your majesty will be in the wrong;
+for although Mr. Perceval forsook my interest when he engaged himself in
+confidence to the regent, my husband, I never shall forget the gratitude
+I owe him for former benefits, and his letters speak volumes of truths,
+which it was entirely impossible for him to name or attest, unless his
+mind had been duly influenced by the solid foundation upon which his
+opinion was fixed."
+
+Her majesty appeared vexed and astonished; then, assuming that hauteur
+for which she was so remarkable, said, "I do not know, princess, that I
+am under any necessity to answer your question, as it seems to me
+improper to do so. The prince regent has an unquestionable right to
+choose his ministers and counsellors, and also to engage their
+attentions and services _for any purpose his royal highness may
+please_,(?) and therefore I decline to answer any interrogatory upon the
+subject. Your royal highness must be aware this interview and
+conversation is very unpleasant to me, and I hope, in future, you will
+not put me to the very disagreeable task of refusing you an audience, or
+of permitting one, under similar circumstances. I must, therefore,
+desire your royal highness will take some refreshment in the adjoining
+room, and I wish you a very good evening."
+
+It hardly need be told that the insulted Caroline did not stay to
+partake of the proffered _hospitality_ of this German princess. To be
+injured by the son, and insulted by the mother, was as much as human
+feeling could endure, and the princess reached her home in a state of
+mind little short of distraction. On the following morning, one of the
+royal dukes called upon the princess, and told her, he was informed of
+her journey to Windsor by an express from his mother, and also stated
+his opinion that no measures of an unpleasant nature were in agitation.
+The princess hastily answered, "Do you think I was not fully satisfied
+of the regent's intention upon the subject before I resolved to visit
+the queen? You forget, prince, that I am an injured lady. You know I was
+brought into this country to afford money to pay my intended husband's
+enormous debts, and to give him means to live in the greatest splendour
+with his numerous mistresses! I am deprived of the society of my only
+child! Injurious reports are circulated and received against my honour,
+and I am not even permitted to exonerate myself from these vile and
+slanderous imputations, because I am injured by the reigning authority."
+
+The royal duke said, "I beg, my dear cousin, you will not permit the
+harsh and unfeeling conduct of the queen to operate on your mind. _We
+all know she is revengeful in the extreme_, but she always _favours
+George_ in every thing; and, from her very bitter conduct to you, we are
+well assured George is meditating some new scheme against you. One thing
+I promise you: I will abide by you, even presuming any thing
+_disreputable is proved_; and I only beg you will give me your _private_
+confidence, that I may be prepared for the worst."
+
+Her royal highness, hastily rising, said, "Sir, if you intended to
+insult me, I feel it such; but if, from unguarded or not well-considered
+language, you have so very improperly expressed yourself, then I am not
+captious to place any ungenerous meaning upon your words! If my
+rectitude did not rise higher in the scale of truth and uprightness than
+that of your family, including _both sexes_, I should not have ventured
+the close and determinate inspection into my conduct at the will or
+command of my avowed foes! If it were not for my child's sake, I would
+_satisfy you all_ that I am privy to TRANSACTIONS which one day or
+another will be punished with the vengeance of heaven, and which I
+solemnly believe to be my duty to explain, though it may even cause 'the
+cloud-capp'd towers and gorgeous palaces' to fall into one general heap
+of ruins!"
+
+The duke was almost petrified with the language and manner of the
+princess, and strongly urged the necessity of _silence_ upon any and all
+of the unfortunate or dishonourable transactions in which the family had
+been engaged, observing, "Your own welfare depends upon their's, and
+that is a consideration of positive importance, which I hope your royal
+highness will justly appreciate!"
+
+This suggestion of the cowardly duke produced the opposite effect to
+that which was intended; the princess declared that the mean sentiments
+of the queen had also found way into the minds of her sons, and instead
+of proving their royal descent by greatness of mind and action, they
+condescended to suggest self-preservation and self-enjoyments in
+preference to an open avowal of truth, and an honourable meeting with an
+enemy. "And," hastily said her royal highness, "is this, Sir, a specimen
+of the character of the English royal family? What would my ever dear
+and lamented father have thought of such principles and opinions?
+Doubtless, he would rather have followed his daughter to the tomb, and
+have seen her remains deposited with his ancestors, than have had her
+associated with persons who could sacrifice HONOUR for mean and paltry
+conveniences. Your royal highness must be well assured, that I am not a
+stranger to the unfounded and most abominable assertions or suggestions
+issued against my child's legitimacy; certainly, if I am only the
+Princess of Wales _nominally_, then my daughter bears a surreptitious
+title, and if either of us is considered as an obstacle to the interests
+of the nation, why are not the assertions upon that point made in an
+honourable and open manner. You well know, Sir, that I would sacrifice
+any thing and every thing for the happiness and future prosperity of my
+child; but I must be fully convinced, that _my_ destruction of rights
+or enjoyments of privileges would not produce the entire annihilation of
+_her's_ also. I must be made to understand that the mother and child
+have separate interests, and that insults received by one are not
+dishonourable to the other. I have also another powerful objection to
+keep silence upon these heart-rending and distracting subjects, which
+is, Charlotte's deep-rooted aversion to those persons who have insulted
+me most. This feeling assures my mind that I ought not to shrink from
+any avowal of truth which I may in justice to this generous nation be
+called upon to make, and nothing less than my child's safety shall keep
+me from making a disclosure of the unmerited and most incomparable
+wicked conduct manifested towards me. If I find that likely to operate
+against my daughter's happiness, I will forbear; but not upon any other
+ground."
+
+The determined manner of her royal highness fully satisfied the abashed
+duke that the sentiments thus boldly expressed were the unalterable
+principles entertained by the princess, and would only gather energy and
+force by opposition and remonstrance; he therefore very soon afterwards
+took his leave, and gave the outline of the conversation to his _august_
+mother, BY WHOSE EXPRESS WISH THE INTERVIEW HAD TAKEN PLACE.
+
+The queen was posed by the firmness her royal highness had displayed;
+and, in reply to the communication, said, "I will not be disappointed by
+this seeming boldness; the princess shall _feel my_ POWER. She shall see
+Charlotte still less; the restrictions shall be enforced with greater
+severity, and she shall repent of her stupidity. Does the Princess of
+Wales imagine that I am to submit to _her_ opinions upon my conduct, or
+to _her_ abuse of any of my family? _My only fear is that the daughter
+will prove_ AS UNBENDING AND AS DETERMINATELY RESOLUTE _as the mother
+is_, and I am therefore resolved to separate them as much as possible."
+
+The result proved the queen's indignation and resentful disposition; as,
+immediately, a council was held upon the subject, and her majesty was
+positive in her instructions, that the restrictions between the Princess
+of Wales and her daughter should be more rigidly enforced.
+
+
+At the commencement of the year
+
+     1813,
+
+the princess found her situation more irksome than ever; and she
+resolved, therefore, to inform the prince regent of the hardships of her
+case, soliciting his royal highness to inform himself of all or any part
+of her behaviour or demeanour, to which the queen had made such heavy
+objections. The following is an exact copy of the letter of her royal
+highness to the prince:
+
+
+                                               _27th Jan., 1813._
+
+"SIR,
+
+"On the 14th of this month, I transmitted to the hand of your royal
+highness a letter relative to the cruelty and injustice of my
+situation, in reference to my beloved child's separation from me, the
+most heart-rending point upon which you could so severely afflict me.
+Why does your royal highness refuse to answer my simple, but honest and
+honourable inquiry? What have I not endured since the moment I became
+your princess and wife? Heaven only knows, and heaven only can avenge my
+wrongs. It is now more than seventeen years since I gave birth to your
+lovely daughter, Princess Charlotte of Wales, at which time I did most
+certainly hope and also believe, that her royal father's affectionate
+recollections of her mother would not only revive, but be exemplified.
+Yet to this time, your royal highness has not evinced one spark of
+regard to the consort you vowed 'to love and cherish.'
+
+"More than this, my lord and husband, you permit her majesty to usurp
+such extreme authority over me, and insult me in every possible way.
+Why, my lord, I ask, do you allow these indignities to be imposed upon
+your cousin and wife, (so called) the mother of the heiress to the
+throne of these united kingdoms? If I had deserved such treatment, I
+should most naturally have avoided all scrutiny; but, that I have
+endeavoured to obtain all possible investigation into my conduct, I need
+only refer to my several correspondencies with your august father, your
+brother of York, privy council, &c. &c.
+
+"I cannot conclude without saying, if you refuse me justice, I will
+leave indisputable proofs to this insulted nation that its generosity
+has been abused, though, at the same time, I would save _you yourself_
+from IGNOMINY at the hazard of my liberty. To the queen, I never will
+bow. Her majesty WAS, IS, and EVER WILL BE, A TYRANT to those she may
+imagine obstacles in her path. Perhaps her majesty presumes I am not an
+object of material consequence; but time will develop all these things.
+If this letter meet not with your royal approbation, I can only regret
+it, and waiting your reply,
+
+                            "I am, ever,
+                                     "Your faithful and devoted
+                                                      "CAROLINE."
+
+"P.S. I entreat your royal highness to inform yourself of every part of
+my conduct which may at any time have been esteemed derogatory; and,
+while I beg this favour, I trust your royal highness will never again
+submit to the unprincipled, slanderous, and abominable aspersions cast
+upon my character. Let me suggest, my lord, that TRUTH MUST PREVAIL,
+SOONER OR LATER. After the most deliberate, careful, and scrutinizing
+investigations, I only beg to be punished with the most extreme rigour,
+if I am found GUILTY; but if free from guilt, I ought to say, I have an
+indisputable right to be ACKNOWLEDGED SO!"
+
+     "_To his Royal Highness,
+       the Prince Regent._"
+
+
+This letter was not noticed when the commissioners sat on the 23rd of
+February; and Lord Liverpool never even mentioned it when communicating
+with the princess, or when he had the private interview with her royal
+highness, by the regent's request.
+
+We should not act with justice or honour if we neglected to state this
+_omission_; because the letter reflected much credit upon the princess,
+and ought to have been the first read when the council assembled. The
+result of this new inquiry, however, was what the vindictive queen
+intended it should be; for the almost-distracted Princess of Wales was
+refused the natural privilege of intercourse with her only daughter!
+
+In the mean time, every opportunity was gladly embraced to detract the
+character of the princess. Base inuendos and malicious remarks were
+incessantly poured forth against her, until her life became one
+continued scene of sorrow and abuse, caused by those from whom she ought
+to have experienced protection. Under these imputations, the princess
+again appealed, by an address to the Speaker of the House of Commons;
+and, after many inquiries and replies, the subject was dismissed with an
+acknowledgment, that "_Her royal highness is declared free from all
+imputation._"
+
+We must not here forget to mention, that Mr. C. Johnstone submitted a
+motion, on the 5th of March, "to request the prince regent will permit
+the copy of a certain report, made in 1806, to be laid before the
+House;" but Lord Castlereagh opposed it, as being _unnecessary_, and
+the document was consequently refused.
+
+Notwithstanding the disgust manifested by every honest Englishman at the
+base conduct of Sir John and Lady Douglas, when they preferred their
+abominable charge against the character of the Princess of Wales in the
+year 1806, they had the hardihood to present a petition to the House
+this year _to re-swear to the truth of their former depositions
+concerning the conduct of the Princess of Wales_! No proceedings, of
+course, took place in consequence of this attempt still to propagate
+their calumnies; but a motion was made by Mr. C. Johnstone, a few days
+afterwards in the House of Commons, "That the petition of Sir John and
+Lady Douglas ought to be regarded as an audacious attempt to give a
+colour of truth, in the eyes of the nation, to evidence which they had
+delivered touching the conduct of her royal highness the Princess of
+Wales, and which evidence was a foul and detestable endeavour to bring
+the life and honour of her royal highness into danger and suspicion."
+This resolution, however, could not be passed, in consequence of the
+House _not being in possession of the evidence_, which was refused, as
+we have just stated, by Lord Castlereagh; but many members expressed
+their agreement with the _sentiments_ of the resolution.
+
+What was the _real_ reason for not _prosecuting_ Sir John and Lady
+Douglas, after the House had rejected their petition with such
+indignation, on the motion of Mr. Johnstone, it is not very easy to
+divine; that alleged by Lord Castlereagh is most certainly not a
+_satisfactory_ one. It has been often insinuated, that if the conspiracy
+against the life and honour of the Princess of Wales did not originate
+with her royal relatives, it was certainly fostered and brought to
+maturity by persons connected with the queen and the prince regent; and
+the evidence of Bidgood and Cole very much favours that opinion. If the
+Douglases, and Bidgood and Cole, were the "suborned traducers," to which
+her royal highness alluded in one of her letters to the prince about
+this time, the impunity with which the knight and his lady were suffered
+to continue at large cannot excite surprise. This impunity, the report
+that Bidgood had received a pension of one hundred and fifty pounds a
+year, and the direct interference of the Prince of Wales in promoting
+the inquiry, and in entering his caveat to prevent the princess being
+received at court, have thrown a suspicious veil around this part of the
+proceedings, which will not be very soon removed.
+
+On the 23rd of March, the Princess of Wales had to bear another severe
+stroke of fortune, in the death of her mother, the Duchess of Brunswick,
+who was interred with much funeral pomp, at Windsor, on the 31st. This
+melancholy event, following so closely after her late persecutions, was
+as much as the princess could endure; and had it not been for the
+sympathetic attentions of one confidant, her royal highness would, no
+doubt, have sunk under her immense load of sorrow.
+
+In July and August, the princess devoted the greater portion of her time
+to correspondence with the prince, her husband. Very many of the letters
+could not, we think, have met the eye of the regent, or answers must
+have been sent, if only in common courtesy, as the prince knew _his_
+honour, and also that of his family, were at stake. We have _transcripts
+of all these letters_; but shall content ourselves with only introducing
+_the last she wrote to his royal highness previous to her going abroad_.
+The following is a literal copy of it:
+
+
+                                           "_23rd of Aug., 1813._
+
+"SIR,
+
+"I have waited, with most anxious feelings, to receive an acknowledgment
+of the safe receipt of several important communications which I
+addressed to you as 'private and confidential.' To this hour I have not
+received a reply, and I therefore take up my pen for the last time upon
+this most disagreeable business. To you it is well known, that the good
+king, your father, has invariably treated me with the most profound
+respect, and proper attention; and his majesty would have done me more
+essential service long since, had it not been for the oath he gave to
+Lord Chatham, to preserve from all _public_ investigation the connexion
+formed in 1759 with the Quakeress.
+
+"I am aware, Sir, that you may say I intrude myself upon your royal
+notice very frequently; but I think and feel it to be my indispensable
+duty and privilege. I have lately had an interview with Lord Liverpool;
+but his lordship cannot serve your royal highness and the persecuted
+Princess of Wales. I, therefore, shall not submit myself to any further
+interviews with his lordship, by my own request. As I intend this letter
+as a _final appeal_ and _explanation_ to your royal highness, I beg to
+ask your forbearance and lenity on account of its length and detail.
+
+"Your royal highness has not forgotten how strangely I was allured from
+my father's court to receive your hand in marriage (the letters of 1794
+bear me witness). You cannot have forgotten the kind reception of the
+king, your father, on my arrival in the metropolis of this empire, and
+the sarcastic manners of the queen. Two days had scarcely passed after
+our marriage, when you commanded me to receive Lady Jersey upon all
+occasions, although your royal highness was too well acquainted with the
+deep-laid schemes formed by her majesty against me, which were to be put
+into execution by Lady Jersey; and when I most humbly requested of you,
+that I might be secluded from all society rather than endure that which
+was so hateful to me, your royal highness cannot have forgotten the
+inhuman reply you made me, '_The Princess of Brunswick has answered
+every purpose I desired, inasmuch as my debts are to be settled, and my
+income augmented, and I will provide an heir to the throne more worthy
+of popular regard than any descendant of my father's family could ever
+prove._' These, Sir, were words of so heavy and doubtful a character,
+that from that moment I never forgot them; and from the hour in which my
+Charlotte was born, I have feared for her health and happiness. How your
+royal highness could thus insult me, you can best imagine.
+
+"Another most material grievance imposed upon me was, your unnatural
+remark to Lady Jersey, in my presence, '_that you thought the king_ TOO
+FOND _of the Princess of Wales; and if her royal highness had any
+children, his majesty would no doubt be the_ FATHER, INSTEAD OF THE
+GRANDFATHER.' Lady Jersey's reply will never be effaced from my memory,
+while reason holds her empire: '_Yes, my prince, and you deserve it, if
+ever you notice the Princess of Wales again in the character of a
+husband or lover._' Your royal highness may remember I instantly left
+the room, more deeply insulted and wounded than language can describe.
+From that time, I was aware of my cruel fate, and I did deeply deplore
+the necessity which had forced me from the much-loved scenes of my
+infancy and youthful years.
+
+"The very remarkable request of Mr. Pitt, in 1800, for a private
+interview with me, was another cause for disquiet to my mind; but I
+acceded immediately, and he accordingly was admitted. The object of that
+minister's visit was to solicit my silence upon the subject of the
+_bondholders, whose fate had caused so great an interest in several
+countries_, and whose families had been the _victims_ of their ready
+acquiescense to the wishes of the royal princes. '_But_' said Mr. Pitt,
+'_these affairs are of as much consequence to your royal highness as
+they are to the other members of the royal family; and if matters of
+this kind are to be canvassed publicly, your royal highness may rest
+assured that ere long your family will not be permitted to occupy the
+exalted rank and station they now enjoy. I therefore most earnestly
+recommend that your royal highness does not name these subjects to any
+of the anti-ministerial party, who are not at present in possession of
+the circumstances._' I do not doubt but Mr. Pitt laid the whole of this
+conversation before your royal highness, and he must have noticed the
+very cool and guarded reception I gave him. To have behaved openly to
+Mr. Pitt was impossible, as I knew too well his avowed hostile feelings
+against me. But a few days had elapsed after this interview, when I had
+the pleasure of seeing the good king. I now take the liberty of laying
+before your royal highness the substance of our conversation. 'My dear
+daughter,' said his majesty, 'I hear Pitt has paid you a confidential
+visit,' 'Yes, Sire, he has,' I replied. 'What was the object of it?'
+'Upon the subject of the bondholders, your majesty.' '_I hope you made
+no rash promise?_' said the king; 'None, Sire.' '_Why could not Pitt
+have called upon you at a more suitable hour, Caroline?_' 'I do not
+know, Sire; but I plainly saw Mr. Pitt did not think much etiquette was
+necessary to the Princess of Wales, as _he well knew it was my dinner
+hour_; and yet I was determined not to refuse myself, as I was perfectly
+sure the whole of the affair would be reported to the queen.' 'CAROLINE,
+MY NIECE,' said the king, 'DO NOT, PRAY DO NOT, FEAR PITT, OR ANY OF MY
+FAMILY. I WILL PUT YOU IN POSSESSION OF SOME AFFAIRS WHICH WILL SOON
+SILENCE THEM ALL; AND BEFORE THE END OF THIS WEEK I WILL SEND YOU A
+SMALL PARCEL OF IMPORTANT PAPERS, BY THE HAND OF A TRUSTY MESSENGER.'
+
+"Your royal father most scrupulously kept his word, and enclosed me the
+PROOFS he had named, and promised to send. Many times since then have I
+informed your royal highness that I was in confidence upon those
+subjects; but you have never condescended to acknowledge those
+communications, or expressed one sentiment of obligation for the strict
+silence I have observed. I have been restrained only from the most
+ARDENT AND PARENTAL AFFECTION TO MY LOVELY DAUGHTER, or long ere this I
+WOULD HAVE PROCLAIMED THE EXTENT OF THE WRONGS I HAVE ENDURED FROM SOME
+OF THE ILLEGAL AND UNJUST IMPOSITIONS PRACTISED UPON ME AND THE BRITISH
+NATION. Your royal highness knew at the moment you met me at the altar
+in the palace, that you were already the affianced husband of Mrs.
+Fitzherbert, and you were well aware that if my uncle, the king, had
+known of that former circumstance, he would have prevented the
+left-handed marriage taking place. In this his majesty was deceived, and
+I have been the victim of your intentional imposition. It has generally
+been supposed by your royal highness' family connexions, that there was
+some impropriety or defect by which you received an unfavourable opinion
+of me in the early part of our fatal marriage; and, in my presence, your
+royal highness has insulted me by such insinuations, though you well
+know I was not the OFFENDER, but the OFFENDED!!! Up to this period, I
+have buried your royal highness' UNNATURAL CONDUCT to me in my own
+bosom; but if I am to be so injured, and if my character is to be so
+vilified, I shall EXPLAIN MYSELF TO THE NATION, and think I am
+performing an imperative duty. Your royal highness cannot have forgotten
+_THE OUTRAGE YOU COMMITTED BY ENTERING MY CHAMBER AT MONTAGUE HOUSE, AND
+YOUR DENIAL OF IT TO THE QUEEN, YOUR MOTHER, FOR THE AVOWED PURPOSE OF
+TRADUCING MY HONOUR_. Had I not then been restrained from explanation
+upon those base designs, by an unalterable love to my _child_, I should
+have exposed the infamous conduct you manifested towards me.
+
+"I name these things, Sir, to prove to you the inviolable honour I have
+observed, in despite of all the insults and provocations I have received
+from your royal highness and the queen, and also from the creatures
+employed to ruin me in the estimation of this generous English nation. A
+_time will come when the secrets of my life will be_ PUBLISHED TO THE
+WORLD; _then let the unprejudiced judge_.
+
+                          "I remain, Sir,
+                                 "Your royal highness' most
+                                       "Faithful wife and cousin,
+                                                 "CAROLINE P."
+
+     "_To his Royal Highness,
+       the Prince Regent._"
+
+
+It is more than probable that the confidentially-private and notorious
+secretary (M'Mahon) was the receiver of these appeals and documents,
+who, possessing the most unbounded assurance in the ability of his royal
+master's coadjutors to carry any plan into execution, or to prevent
+vexatious trouble to any extent, _suppressed them_ at the moment when
+they might have proved of the greatest consequence to her royal
+highness. We cannot wonder at this, when we take into account the
+character of this private secretary, who dared to violate the rights of
+friendship, and break through the most sacred ties of conjugal
+affection, treating the honourable engagements of persons in general as
+matters of minor consequence! Were this depraved man now an inhabitant
+of the earth, we would ask him if his recollection could furnish the
+_number_ of inroads he had made upon the abodes of innocence and beauty,
+to gratify his royal patron. We could ourselves name several instances;
+but one will suffice, which we copy from the manuscript of a friend, and
+the substance of which has been before published.
+
+The private secretary of the prince (M'Mahon) was accustomed to retire
+for _recreation_ to Bath, at certain periods. At the time to which we
+now advert, he was travelling to that city, and, at Marlborough, a
+respectable and venerable gentleman, accompanied by two young ladies,
+took their seats in the stage coach. The courtier was not wanting in
+attentions, and, in reply to his numerous questions, he soon received
+the information, "that the gentleman was a _poor_ clergyman, residing
+near Marlborough; that the two young ladies were his daughters, whom he
+then was accompanying to visit a relation at Bath." M'Mahon's polished
+manners, added to the fixed determination of sacrificing these ladies to
+his royal master's desires, had the hoped-for effect, and the deluded
+party was anxious to cultivate further acquaintance with the stranger.
+Two days after their arrival, the intriguing secretary wrote and
+despatched the following letter to the prince:
+
+
+     "(MOST PRIVATE.)
+
+                                         "_Bath, Sunday Evening._
+
+     "SIR,--Ever alive to the obtaining possession of any object
+     which may contribute to your royal pleasures, I hasten to
+     inform your royal highness, that chance has thrown me into the
+     company of two most lovely girls, the daughters of an indigent
+     curate, and who, from their apparent simplicity and ignorance
+     of the world, may be soon brought to comply with the wishes of
+     your royal highness. I shall immediately devise some plan by
+     which they may be induced to visit the metropolis, and the
+     remainder of my task will then not be difficult of execution.
+     The prize is too valuable to be lost sight of; the elder of
+     the girls bears some resemblance in her form and make to
+     Hillisberg, although it is evident that the whole fullness of
+     her growth has not yet developed itself. The younger is more
+     of a languishing beauty; but, from the knowledge which I
+     possess of your royal taste, the elder will be the object of
+     your choice.
+
+                    "I have the honour to remain, &c. &c.
+                                                  "JOHN M'MAHON."
+
+     "To his Royal Highness the
+       Prince Regent, &c. &c."
+
+
+The intimacy at Bath was cultivated. M'Mahon promised to intercede for
+the interest of the worthy clergyman, and afterwards engaged to ensure
+him promotion.
+
+In the midst of explanations, promises, and engagements, M'Mahon was
+summoned to town by the royal order. Ere he departed, he promised,
+instantly upon seeing the prince, to lay their case before him, and
+dwelt in vivid terms upon the effects of such a representation. Within
+the ensuing fortnight, the clergyman received a letter from him,
+announcing "that a vicarage was vacant, in the gift of the crown, to
+which he should receive the presentation." M'Mahon again visited Bath,
+and recommended the clergyman and family to take up their abode in the
+metropolis. For this purpose, he had engaged apartments in the house of
+Mrs. General Hamilton, in Gloucester-place, to which they soon resorted.
+In the mean time, M'Mahon informed the clergyman that his induction
+would shortly take place, and that, in the interim, he must employ
+himself in the most agreeable manner, as also his daughters, in such
+amusements as the town afforded. Mrs. Hamilton was also pleased to say
+she would be their conductor and companion upon all occasions. The lady
+just named was a gay, though _unsuspected_, character. Shortly after
+this period, at an evening party, M'Mahon introduced Colonel Fox, "a
+gentleman," he said, "allied to the noblest families, and of an immense
+fortune."
+
+If our readers should here inquire, _who_ was Colonel Fox? we
+answer,--the Prince of Wales.
+
+We hasten to the conclusion of this most infamous history. The deceived
+clergyman was informed that he must proceed to a village in
+Leicestershire, where his induction would instantly take place; and he,
+therefore, hastily took leave of his daughters, with an assurance that
+they were in the best society. Indeed, Mrs. Hamilton had evinced such
+interest and apparent solicitude in their happiness, that his heart was
+relieved from any doubts for their safety. This amiable father took
+leave of his children in the most affectionate manner; but little did he
+imagine that embrace would be the last he should ever receive from
+them,--yet so it proved. A short time after, early in the day, M'Mahon
+called upon Mrs. General Hamilton, expressing the necessity of her
+seeing her solicitor upon some affairs relative to the estate of her
+deceased husband.
+
+The carriage was ordered, and the secretary promised to remain with the
+younger, while the elder sister accompanied Mrs. Hamilton. "We will
+first drive to Taylor's, in Bond-street," said Mrs. Hamilton, "he has
+some commissions to execute for me," and accordingly they were set down
+there.
+
+The obsequious shoe-maker requested them to walk into the drawing-room,
+which they did; and in a few minutes Mrs. Hamilton said, "I will now
+step down, and transact my business with Taylor." In a short time she
+returned, saying, "How truly fortunate we are; Colonel Fox has just
+entered the shop, and, being informed _you_ are here, has solicited
+permission to keep you company until I return from my solicitor's; _you_
+cannot refuse the request;" and then, without waiting a reply, she left
+the room. The _pretended_ Colonel Fox entered; he professed _eternal
+love_ and _unalterable constancy_; and, within one hour, this lovely,
+but most unfortunate, female was added to the infamously-swelled list of
+the prince's debaucheries and cruel seductions. The younger sister
+_still lives_--a melancholy proof of outraged and insulted honour.
+
+We have given this detail to satisfy the scrupulous portion of society,
+that the prince merited a thousand-fold more exposure and execration
+than he ever received.
+
+At this period, Mr. Whitbread was very pressing with the Princess of
+Wales, advising her to make a tour upon the continent, in order to
+divert her mind from the provocations she was so frequently called upon
+to endure. Upon one occasion, he urged the subject with considerable
+warmth, and his great earnestness surprised her royal highness. With her
+usual readiness, she said, "I feel sure Mr. Whitbread does not intend
+any thing disagreeable in these remarks; but, Sir, are you aware that
+Mr. Canning has been pressing the same opinion upon my notice? and I do
+not comprehend _why_ this suggestion is made by you also. If I go away,
+shall I not leave my beloved child exposed to the determinate will and
+caprice of the queen, and others, who, doubtless, will vex her as much
+as possible? Are you, Sir, _requested_ to represent this to me, or is it
+your private opinion?" Mr. Whitbread replied, "It is _my personal
+opinion_, and solely to provide against any unhappy effects arising from
+the queen's displeasure, which," he added, "I well know is unbounded."
+
+On the 27th of May, the princess went to the Opera House. It was her
+first appearance in public since her triumphant acquittal. Her royal
+highness was received with considerable acclamations, while even her
+enemies were compelled to acknowledge "the dignity, delicacy, and
+feeling, pre-eminently displayed in her behaviour."
+
+On the 30th, the regent gave a grand supper and ball, but the princess
+was not invited.
+
+The supplies required for the service of this year amounted to upwards
+of one hundred and twenty millions!
+
+
+Endless vexations and anxieties attended the Princess of Wales up to the
+year
+
+     1814;
+
+but the public voice cheered her to the ultimate defeat of her base
+enemies.
+
+The transactions of this year do not reflect much credit upon certain
+mis-named _illustrious_ individuals, and can never fail to excite
+contempt in the minds of the British people. The Douglas party were
+promised _rewards_, which they could not obtain, except in a less
+degree, as it was alleged they had failed in a principal part of their
+unworthy undertaking; namely, the degradation of the princess, by a full
+and unlimited verdict against her royal highness, agreeable to the
+charges they had preferred.
+
+The disappointed queen was indignant, beyond bounds, at the honourable
+acquittal of the Princess of Wales. "What!" said her majesty, "am I for
+ever to be disappointed by the adroit talents of the princess, whose
+very name I hate! It must not be. If she be recognised as an unblemished
+character, I am well satisfied the odium of the whole proceeding will
+fall upon _me_; and rather would I prefer death than suffer her royal
+highness to triumph over me!"
+
+Lord Castlereagh was then consulted by the queen, and he engaged to do
+his utmost against the princess; and the regent again suggested the idea
+of her going abroad, when steps, more effectual, might be taken to ruin
+her character. Lord Castlereagh, therefore, the next day informed the
+princess, by a note, "that for the present time all interviews with the
+Princess Charlotte must cease."
+
+On the 7th of January, the Princess of Wales gave an entertainment at
+Montague House, where a select party was invited, in honour of the
+Princess Charlotte's birth-day, who had now attained her eighteenth
+year.
+
+An unexpected event, about this period, gave the Princess Charlotte an
+interview with her mother for nearly two hours, in which these
+affectionate relatives enjoyed an undisturbed conversation. The Princess
+Charlotte was very explicit in her communications to her dear mother on
+the severity of the queen, during the time she had lately spent with her
+majesty at Windsor; and, among other observations, remarked, "HER
+MAJESTY IS A TYRANT TO ALL AROUND HER. If you walk out with the queen,"
+continued the charming and noble princess, "you are sure to be told your
+pace is disagreeable,--either too quick or too slow. If you feel
+pleasure in seeing any sweet pretty plant, and express admiration of its
+several beautiful colours, and its various delicate appearances, you are
+sure to be told, such observations prove your _want of taste and
+judgment_. Indeed, my dear mother, I like anybody better than my
+_disagreeable grandmother_, and I can never permit myself to remain with
+her so long again. When I am at the castle, I am seldom _allowed to see
+my grandfather_, the king; and, when I do, he scarcely looks at me, and
+seems extremely unhappy. When my royal father goes to the castle, he is
+always with the _queen alone_, and very rarely pays a visit to the
+king." Such was the ingenuousness of the Princess Charlotte. She would
+immediately speak the _truth_, and defy all results, rather than act
+with dissimulation to please or conciliate any one. This was the longest
+interview which was to fall to the lot of these high-spirited and
+generous-minded personages. Alas! their destiny might have been
+pourtrayed by the pen of cruelty, and traced in characters of blood! At
+parting, the princess most tenderly embraced her mother, and that parent
+for the moment forgot all her sorrows. But what was her agitation, when
+her ONLY HOPE was saying, "Farewell!" Agonizing--beyond all
+expression--agonizing! We must sympathize with such sorrows, and admit
+the propriety of the remark of the Princess of Wales at this separation,
+"My life has already been too long, since it has been one continued
+scene of misfortune!"
+
+The prince regent now paid a visit to the Duke of Rutland, for the
+avowed purpose of standing sponsor to the young marquis, the duke's son
+and heir. The preparations for the reception and accommodation of his
+royal highness were upon the most magnificent scale, which, we are sorry
+to relate, were little else than thrown away. In the evening, the
+sparkling goblet was so freely emptied by the royal guest, that he was
+obliged to be _carried_ to the chamber prepared for him. Do not imagine,
+gentle reader, that we are disposed to dwell ill-naturedly on the
+mischances of this luckless night; but the prince was unfortunate, and
+committed such sins and transgressions in this ducal apartment, and IN
+_the bed_ prepared for him, that, at a very early hour, his carriage was
+ordered, and his royal highness was on the road to London! The domestics
+at Belvoir Castle were left to relate this very disagreeable incident,
+and testify that the means required for the _purification_ of their
+master's premises were of no common quality!
+
+However facetiously we may have spoken of this "untoward occurrence,"
+yet we recoil with disgust and indignation from such scenes. How
+revolting is the reflection that this was the prince invested with
+_kingly authority_, and to whom so many millions of intelligent beings
+were looking for the redress of their grievances, and the amelioration
+of their many miseries!
+
+The king's indisposition increased in the early part of this year, and
+the over-bearing tyranny of the queen consequently knew no bounds. In
+May, she addressed several notes to the Princess of Wales to forbid her
+appearance at the drawing-room, to which her royal highness replied very
+spiritedly. Some of these letters were afterwards published, but several
+were suppressed. It was at this time that the prince expressed his
+unalterable determination "never again to meet the princess, either in
+public or private," and the queen was the person who communicated his
+royal highness' unmanly vow to the princess.
+
+About three weeks after this announcement, some illustrious foreigners,
+who were formerly intimate with the family of the princess, paid her
+royal highness a visit; and, on the ensuing day, they received her royal
+highness' invitation to dine with her on that day se'nnight. It was
+accepted with pleasure; but, only about an hour previous to the
+appointed time for dinner, an apology was sent, asking pardon for the
+delay, which was said to be _unavoidable_, as the impediments arose from
+the COMMANDS OF THE REGENT, which had only been communicated to them a
+few hours before! Upon Mr. Canning's next visit to the princess, he
+explained the reason of this shameful conduct, by saying, "that Colonel
+M'Mahon desired, as a compliment, they would dine at Carlton House that
+day, and expressed an apology for the _shortness of the invitation_, as
+the regent had some days before given him his instructions to invite
+them, but that he (the colonel) had FORGOTTEN IT IN THE HURRY OF
+BUSINESS. Now," added Mr. Canning, "I know this story to be an
+invention; for it was only on the very morning of the day appointed by
+your royal highness that a brother of the regent heard of their intended
+visit, and informed him of it; and the prince then commanded M'Mahon to
+invite the party to dine at Carlton House, which they could not refuse,
+as etiquette would forbid their accepting any engagement in preference
+to that of the regent." Was there ever a more artful and vindictive
+piece of business concocted? How worthy was the master of such a
+scheming servant as M'Mahon!
+
+In June, the allied sovereigns arrived in London, and fêtes and
+festivals followed in close succession. New honours were conferred upon
+several persons, who had been leaders in the late war. Lord Wellington
+was created Marquis of Douro and Duke of Wellington. To support this new
+dignity, four hundred thousand pounds were granted to him by the
+boroughmongering majority!
+
+In consequence of the queen's edict, the Princess of Wales was excluded
+from the drawing rooms, held in honour of the illustrious guests; and
+this extra piece of persecuting malice sufficiently attested the
+_littleness_ of the minds of her too powerful enemies.
+
+Under these trying circumstances, Mr. Canning and Mr. Whitbread again
+urged their advice, that it would be better for all parties if the
+princess absented herself for a period, as the queen was so severe to
+the Princess Charlotte, in consequence of her regard for her mother.
+This consideration was enough for the fond parent. "Yes," said her royal
+highness, "for the sake of my child, I will leave England; I feel
+assured that my afflicted father-in-law, the king, cannot long survive;
+he is falling very gradually. But the crisis may be sudden; in that
+case, you know my situation; and what has been refused to the Princess
+of Wales cannot, I presume, be refused to the Queen of England! In
+making this reference, I merely and only mean, that I have hitherto been
+treated with the most unmerited severity, and the greatest injustice;
+this, I hope, will not be permitted in the event of my being queen. I
+name this to satisfy you, as my friends, that whenever I can return to
+this country with safety to my child, and honour to my few zealous
+friends, I shall not lose one moment in answering the summons."
+
+On the 4th of June, Lord Castlereagh moved in the committee of the
+House, that fifty thousand pounds be annually paid to her royal highness
+the Princess of Wales. Mr. Whitbread offered some very correct and
+spirited remarks upon the subject, and the motion was agreed to. The
+princess, in the most generous manner, wrote to the Speaker on the 5th,
+declining to receive more than thirty-five thousand, adding, as a reason
+for this, her dislike to increase the already heavy burdens imposed upon
+the nation.
+
+The ill-natured manner in which this most honourable act was received is
+best explained in the words of Lord Castlereagh, who, on the 8th, called
+the attention of the House to the letter of the princess, and concluded
+by saying, "It is not my duty to vote the public money to a _subject_
+who is not inclined to receive it." Her royal highness certainly was not
+much indebted to Lord Castlereagh for his very elegant and noble mention
+of her name, thus made; and the most dim-sighted person might have
+easily seen that "if the vessel came safe to shore," a _marquisate_
+would be the reward of the pilot.
+
+The Princess of Wales at length requested leave of the ministers to go
+abroad. This was very readily granted; and, after some arrangements for
+correspondence, her royal highness prepared to depart. A very short
+interview was permitted with the child of her hopes and affections,
+while even that was attended by the ladies in waiting. They separated
+_then--TO MEET NO MORE IN THIS WORLD_!
+
+It was during this affecting interview that her royal highness committed
+some letters of importance to the care of her noble-minded daughter;
+and, as it appeared impossible for any _private_ conversation to pass
+between them, a letter accompanied the others, addressed to the
+Princess Charlotte by her afflicted mother, of which the following is a
+transcript:
+
+
+"_Copy of a letter to my dear Charlotte, Princess of Wales._
+
+                                               "_1814, June 7th._
+
+"MY DEAREST CHILD,
+
+"I deposit to your keeping a small parcel, of letters for my
+much-esteemed friend, Lady *******. I well know her generous disposition
+will cause her to endure a vast load of sorrow on my account, and, from
+these documents, the nation may one day _be bold_. I must tell you, my
+dearest child, that in conformity to my father and mother's opinion, I
+became the wife (so called) of your father. Well do I remember the time
+when my dear father, the Duke of Brunswick, entered my library, (holding
+in his hand a letter) saying, 'Caroline, my love, I desire you will give
+your attention to the request of your most excellent uncle, the King of
+England, and, without any demur, engage to marry your cousin George. He
+is undoubtedly the most _elegant man_ and the most ACCOMPLISHED
+GENTLEMAN in Europe. Very unfortunately, this prince has been captivated
+by the many beautiful ladies surrounding the court; but although he may
+have committed himself in _formal engagements_, yet the prince is the
+most ready, desirous, and expectant supplicant for your hand!' I
+started, and exclaimed, 'What, my dear sire?' The sequel, however, is
+sufficient. I came to England. I was received heroically by the people,
+flatteringly by the persons deputed to attend me, and sarcastically by
+the queen, my aunt; but most pleasantly by the king, my uncle, and the
+prince, my destined husband. After my marriage with the prince, your
+father, I soon had occasion to regret my change of situation. However, I
+strove to conceal my disappointment and chagrin, and appeared as lively
+as if I had no cause for regret. Speedily after my marriage, I was
+informed that the prince was not my _legal_ husband; that, some time
+previous to our marriage, he had been united to Mrs. Fitzherbert, and
+therefore our engagement was null and void! I opened the sorrows of my
+heart to the good king. 'Ah! Ah!' said his majesty, 'I will befriend
+you, but my family will prove my ruin. They care not for any thing
+beside their own ease, and they, sooner or later, will _lose the crown_
+by such improper conduct. The disposition of my son George is
+_unrelenting_; but I will tell you, my dear niece, that you may subdue
+his public injurious mention of your character, if you make use of
+proper means. My son is so lascivious, that if you would attempt to hide
+his defects, they would speedily become more apparent.' In the course of
+conversation, his majesty informed me of the untimely end of his BROTHER
+EDWARD, and also of the MARRIAGE and ISSUE of that brother, who, he
+stated, had been educated for the _church_; and also, that he had
+frequently seen him during his residence at Eton with no small degree of
+affection and regret, and had even appointed interviews with the
+individual under whose care he was placed, to adopt plans for his
+welfare. I confess, my dear Charlotte, I was quite unprepared for this
+exposition, and I answered with much warmth, 'Does your majesty mean to
+say, that his royal highness left issue which has never been
+acknowledged?' 'I do, indeed,' replied the king, 'and though the affair
+has been hitherto kept from the public, yet I fancy it will, one day or
+another, be made known.' My dear Charlotte will conceive how much I felt
+upon these singular explanations. I long to tell you more upon the
+subject, but as our confidential messenger is waiting, I must conclude
+by subscribing myself
+
+                                "Your very affectionate mother,
+                                                      "CAROLINE."
+
+
+The persecuted wife of the heir-apparent now prepared to leave England.
+Her royal highness went to Worthing on the 2nd of August, and on the 9th
+embarked for the Continent, with a heart heavily charged with the most
+poignant feelings.
+
+The evening of her departure was spent in rioting and drunkenness by the
+inhabitants of Carlton House, as they had now attained a portion of
+their dishonourable object, and, in a great measure, relied upon final
+success. The entertainments given at this period by the "unparalleled
+prince" were of the most dazzling and costly description. The massive
+services of richly-chased gold, and the viands served upon them, in
+addition to every luxurious appendage, were daily superseded by others,
+still more rare and expensive than the preceding ones. Hundreds of
+thousands were thus lavished on useless pomp, while, perhaps, a poor
+tradesman, who had received _the honour_ of an order by command of the
+prince, and had borrowed the larger portion of the means to enable him
+to execute it, solicited, in the most humble manner, a portion of his
+debt; but, alas! solicited in vain; and, after daring to press his
+destitute and ruined condition several times, is probably forbidden ever
+to ask for the settlement again, but to wait the royal pleasure. His
+impatient creditors, in the interim, arrest him; he is carried to a
+prison, and, in the agony of his soul, commits suicide. Many a wife and
+family of children have thus been reduced to a workhouse, and the
+greater number of them afterwards thrown upon the town! But--these are
+some of the privileges of royalty!
+
+The reminiscences of the queen were sometimes rather painful; and,
+shortly after she had driven her daughter-in-law from the country,
+symptoms of melancholy were observed. Her physicians, therefore,
+recommended a change of air; and, in order to amuse her majesty, it was
+proposed that she should repair to Brighton for a short time,
+accompanied by the princesses.
+
+The Princess Charlotte, after the departure of her much-beloved mother,
+appeared very unhappy, and, from that time, saw her father and
+grandmother as seldom as possible. They well knew she was favourable to
+her mother's cause, in opposition to their's, not only from the very
+great affection which she naturally felt for her mother, but also from
+the numberless proofs she had observed of the honourable motives by
+which the conduct of the Princess of Wales had been influenced. To these
+might be added the opinion of the virtuous part of the nation upon the
+subject, and the very great respect at all times paid to her royal
+highness by those persons who were _independent_ of the royal family and
+the government.
+
+Upon her majesty's return to Windsor, she found the king something
+improved in natural spirits, but desirous not to be troubled with
+unnecessary visiters. This slight improvement was, however, but of short
+duration; for, in a few days afterwards, this distressingly-afflicted
+sovereign relapsed into insensibility, and frequently became very
+boisterous in his conduct.
+
+The amount required for this year's service was upwards of one hundred
+and sixteen millions, twenty-seven of which were raised by loans.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1815
+
+commenced under numerous public and private difficulties. The regent
+found himself in a very unpleasant situation, being under a necessity of
+increasing the number of the various orders of knighthood, in order to
+preserve himself a sufficiency of adherents. A strange concatenation of
+events had also placed the rest of the royal family in an uneasy
+position. The Duke of Kent, some considerable time before, entered into
+a positive engagement with a foreign princess, by solemnly promising her
+marriage; yet, upon requesting his mother's approbation of the choice he
+had made, how great was his surprise and indignation to find that she
+would not listen to it! But, hastily snatching up the letter a second
+time, she said, "It is impossible such things can be permitted; we need
+money too much in our own family to squander it upon these
+miserably-poor connexions." This indignant lady quite forgot, or did not
+wish to remember, her own origin, and the _great wealth_ she had brought
+to this country. Ere this self-important personage had said so much, she
+should have called to mind the many _noble_ acts by which she had been
+distinguished above all other royal ladies, and ought to have reflected,
+how many thousands had suffered privations and want to permit her royal
+self and family to live in splendour, and how many had been privately
+disposed of to satisfy her inordinate ambition and insatiable thirst for
+power!
+
+Her majesty had also another mortification to endure in the marriage of
+her hopeful son, the Duke of Cumberland, with the Princess of Salms.
+Lord Castlereagh, always happy to take from the people, had the audacity
+to propose an additional grant to the Duke of Cumberland upon his
+alliance with a lady so congenial to the taste and talents of his royal
+highness! The House of Commons, however, opposed this grant, and several
+members made the most severe, though _just_, remarks upon the character
+of Ernest Augustus on this occasion.
+
+     "Mr. R. GORDON rose, and declared that he could not reconcile
+     it to his sense of duty to allow this motion to pass with a
+     silent vote against it. He was astonished at the observation
+     of the noble lord (Castlereagh) who brought forward this
+     motion last night, that he did not apprehend any opposition,
+     while he agreed with the noble lord that it must be painful to
+     hear any reflections upon the character of the individual
+     referred to, or any comments whatever at all likely to
+     depreciate the consequence of the illustrious family to whom
+     that individual belonged. But ministers alone were to blame in
+     _dragging_ the Duke of Cumberland before that House. If any
+     reflections were thrown out against that individual, it was
+     the fault of ministers in _forcing_ him upon the consideration
+     of that House. _After what had_ NOTORIOUSLY PASSED WITH
+     RESPECT TO THIS INDIVIDUAL, _and his connexions,--after the_
+     RUMOURS _that were afloat upon the subject,--he could not, by
+     any means, concur with the noble lord, that this was not to be
+     regarded as a_ PERSONAL _question!_"
+
+     "Mr. BENNET said, the Duke of Cumberland, of all the branches
+     of the royal family, was the _only one_ who could come to that
+     House, and make an application for money, which he should feel
+     _compelled to oppose_! He appealed to every person in the
+     committee, whether they did not hear, out of that House,
+     _every individual in the country express_ ONE UNIFORM FEELING
+     _with respect to that personage,--a feeling decidedly averse
+     from any disposition to concur in such a grant as was now
+     proposed_. It was impossible even to go to what was called
+     _fashionable_ society, without hearing the _same feeling of
+     disrespect expressed_!!!"
+
+     "Lord NUGENT disapproved of the grant proposed, with reference
+     to the time in which, to the manner in which, and to the
+     _person_ for whom, the grant was proposed. He differed with
+     his honourable friend who spoke first in the debate, not in
+     his vote, but in that he did not admit public rumour to
+     influence his vote. For his own part, he voted mainly on
+     evidence which could come before the House only by public
+     rumour,--public rumour uncontradicted and unencountered!!!"
+
+     "Lord A. HAMILTON thought the House was called upon to
+     consider the _merits of the individual_ before it assented to
+     this proposition, unless it were assumed that, upon the
+     marriage of any branch of the royal family, the House was
+     bound to grant an additional allowance, without any
+     consideration of the nature of the marriage, which was a
+     proposition too preposterous to be maintained! The intimation,
+     too, which he understood to be authentic, that it was the
+     intention of the Duke of Cumberland not to reside in this
+     country, furnished another argument against the present
+     measure; nay, it was stated that the grant was brought forward
+     upon the _settled condition that his royal highness should fix
+     his residence_ ELSEWHERE!"
+
+     "Mr. METHUEN contended that the House ought to shew, by its
+     vote that night, that it was not inattentive to the _morals_
+     of the country, and that therefore he should oppose the grant,
+     not from the slightest personal motives, but merely in the
+     conscientious discharge of what he conceived to be his duty."
+
+     "Sir H. MONTGOMERY said, that when the present bill was first
+     brought into the House, he voted for it, because he thought
+     the proposed sum was no more than what was necessary; but,
+     from what he had heard since, he almost fancied he had done
+     something very wrong! In the present case, however, he really
+     saw nothing which would warrant the House in putting such a
+     _stigma_ upon his royal highness as _would be conveyed by
+     refusing the grant_!"
+
+The House of Commons DID REFUSE THE GRANT, though only by a small
+majority. But this majority was sufficient, according to Sir H.
+Montgomery, one of his royal highness' _admirers_, to cast a STIGMA on
+the Duke of Cumberland!
+
+As soon as the Princess of Wales was known to have left Brunswick, and
+while proceeding to Geneva, persons were despatched from the British
+Court to watch all the movements and pursuits of her royal highness, and
+to report accordingly, through agents appointed for the mean purpose.
+Our country's money was used upon this base business with no sparing
+hand. Mr. Whitbread, being perfectly aware that these secret
+contrivances were put into execution, felt more in fear of some evil
+result to the princess than if she had remained in England. He, as well
+as many others, knew that assassination was of very frequent occurrence
+in Italy, and more than once expressed himself anxious to see the
+princess safely landed again on our shores. But this was not permitted;
+for, on the 6th of July, this patriot committed suicide, while in a
+state of mental aberration. He fell a sacrifice to the intensity of his
+feelings upon several most important subjects.
+
+As a man of firm principles, Mr. Whitbread was justly entitled to the
+praise of his countrymen. He never allowed himself to be bribed into
+dishonourable actions; and we cannot, therefore, attribute his unhappy
+end to the stings of conscience. The man whose life, or a principal
+portion of it, has been spent in furthering the wily schemes and
+treacherous plans of others may, very probably, in the midst of enjoying
+the reward of his villanous conduct, be struck by memory's faithful
+reflection, and, afraid of exposure, prefer instant death; but the
+patriot who loves his country, and has largely contributed to the
+defence of justice and liberty, finding his exertions of no available
+use, and sick at heart at the insults levied against the oppressed, may
+be driven by despair to rush into the presence of his Maker by his own
+act. This latter case, no doubt, applies to the patriot whose untimely
+end we are now lamenting. It was Mr. Whitbread's glory to be an
+Englishman,--it is his country's boast that he used his energies for her
+general benefit. He actively and fearlessly investigated the cause and
+nature of abuses, was the ready advocate of the oppressed, and the
+liberal friend of all mankind!
+
+The amount required for the service of this year was one hundred and
+sixteen millions, which was obtained from the heavily-taxed people,
+earned by the sweat of their brow, and consequently by robbing their
+starving families of comforts!
+
+From such oppressive exactions, the present _domineering_ TORY
+ARISTOCRACY has reared its unblushing and hydra head. It was engendered
+in Deception, brought forth by Infamy, nursed by Indolence, educated by
+Sovereign Power, and has long lived the life of an Impostor--daring and
+hardy! We venture to predict, however, that its reign is drawing to a
+close; for the eyes of the whole nation are now fixed upon it, and its
+excrescences are discovered! Yes, the monster has outwitted itself, and
+from its seat will speedily shoot forth the TREE OF LIBERTY. May its
+fruits prove healing to nations! Merit will then be rewarded, Industry
+recompensed, Commerce revive, and Tranquillity reign in society. Kings
+will learn to do justice, sanguinary laws will be abolished; and thus
+the millennium of Peace and Joy will be established on a basis
+illustrious and impregnable!
+
+
+At the commencement of the year
+
+     1816,
+
+the intended marriage of the Princess Charlotte of Wales with Prince
+Leopold of Saxe Cobourg was announced, which had received the sanction
+of the regent. This intended union appeared to us, for many reasons,
+highly improper, and too closely allied to the circumstances of George
+the Third. We knew, for a considerable period before this announcement,
+that Leopold had been paying the most devoted attentions to a lady of
+great merit and accomplishments; and, also, that marriage had been
+promised. We likewise did not believe the prince was a Protestant from
+conviction, if he professed so to be; and feared that, if finally the
+husband of the princess, he would only be a convert to our "established
+religion" from _convenience_, but really and in truth, by inclination
+and education, a _Catholic_. We do not name the religious sentiments of
+the prince as any degradation or disqualification to his character as a
+man or as a prince, but simply to shew that his principles prohibited
+his entrance, by marriage, into the English royal family; for the royal
+marriage act expressly declares "such marriages shall be null and void."
+
+While staying at the city of Augsburgh, in the early part of this year,
+we heard various reports upon the subject in question, and the paper of
+the day having met our eye, what were our feelings when we read the
+annexed paragraph!
+
+
+                                      "_Augsburgh, January 10th._
+
+     "The Gazette of this city contains the following article, from
+     Vienna, of January 3rd: 'Yesterday was celebrated, in the
+     Cathedral Church of St. Stephen, in the presence of the
+     reigning Duke of Saxe Cobourg, the MARRIAGE of his brother,
+     _Prince Leopold_, with the young and beautiful Countess of
+     Cohaky, according to the rites of the _Catholic_ church.'"
+
+In contemplating this circumstance, every honest man must view the
+conduct of Leopold with indignation. Example is generally considered
+preferable to precept, and Leopold embraced this opportunity of shewing
+himself a convert to such doctrine. George the Third committed BIGAMY;
+his son George did the same; and the remaining Hope of England was
+destined to be a victim to similar wickedness!
+
+After some formal correspondence, the regent sent a message to both
+houses of parliament, on the 14th of March, to announce the marriage
+contract of his daughter, the Princess Charlotte, with his serene
+highness the Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg. Sixty thousand pounds were
+voted to the illustrious couple, annually; and, in case of _her royal
+highness' demise_, FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS PER ANNUM were to be paid to
+the PRINCE _for his life_. Sixty thousand pounds were also granted for
+their outfit.
+
+Well may foreigners exclaim, "How generous are the great English
+people!" Alas! it was not the act of the _people_; but the absolute will
+of Imbecility, Ignorance, and Impudence, which we shall have further
+occasion to illustrate.
+
+We must now refer our readers to the former expectation of marriage
+between the Princess Charlotte and the Prince of Orange. That union was
+much desired by the regent, because the Prince of Orange had promised
+unrelenting opposition to the Princess of Wales. As soon as the Princess
+Charlotte, however, became aware of this, she determinately refused to
+see the prince again; and we well know that the Duchess of Oldenburgh
+took every possible opportunity to press Prince Leopold upon her notice.
+Up to the moment of the marriage, the Princess Charlotte did not hear or
+know a single word about the _former_ serious engagement of her
+affianced husband, except the mean and paltry report, that "he had been
+very voluptuous in his gratifications, and was then desirous of bidding
+an eternal adieu to those who had formerly led him _astray_!" On the
+other hand, Charlotte was tired of the overbearing and indiscriminate
+conduct of her grandmother, the queen; and therefore resolved to free
+herself from such restraint.
+
+Previous to the marriage, Prince Leopold solemnly promised to fulfil
+every iota of the Princess Charlotte's wish, with respect to her abused
+and insulted mother; and further engaged, that he never would permit or
+allow himself to be made a party, directly or indirectly, to injure the
+Princess of Wales, or to prevent any correspondence between the daughter
+and mother, of which her royal highness the Princess Charlotte might
+approve. But of what signification were the promises of such a faithless
+man!
+
+The former marriage of the prince was not considered by the queen a
+sufficient impediment to his union with her grand-daughter; and she used
+her utmost ability to suppress any representation contrary to the
+interest of his serene highness. "The Augsburgh Gazettes" were,
+therefore, bought up at an immense expense, to save the character of
+this prince from public animadversion, and consequent contempt and
+hatred.
+
+On the 21st of February, Prince Leopold arrived at the Clarendon Hotel.
+Lord Castlereagh waited upon his serene highness, and, on the following
+day, Sir B. Bloomfield arrived from Brighton, with the regent's command
+to invite the prince to the Pavilion.
+
+Early on the ensuing morning, the prince and Sir B. Bloomfield left town
+for Brighton; and his serene highness was received with as much warmth
+and friendship by the regent as if he had been an old acquaintance, or
+an especial friend in iniquity!
+
+On the 27th, the queen, accompanied by the Princess Charlotte and two of
+the princesses, arrived at the Pavilion, from Windsor Castle; the
+interview was short between Leopold and his intended bride. The family
+resolved that the marriage should take place as soon as possible. The
+royal ladies returned to Windsor, and the prince remained at Brighton
+with the regent.
+
+At the time such immense sums were voted for this intended marriage and
+outfit, large means were also required for the support of our expensive
+establishments at home, which ought to have prevented any squandering of
+money upon _foreigners_, for we could never consider Prince Leopold as
+one of the royal family of _England_.
+
+Mr. Vansittart, however, was very eloquent, _in his way_, in setting
+forth "the great, the incomparably great" station occupied by this
+country amongst the nations of the earth! In truth, we will tell the
+precise state of our _then greatness_. Our jails were crowded with
+farmers and the best of our tradesmen; our streets and roads swarmed
+with beggars, nearly dying from filth and want; agriculture languished,
+and commerce was paralyzed!
+
+After some delay, caused by circumstances not very _honourable_ to
+Prince Leopold, the marriage took place on the 2nd of May; and a very
+general report obtained credit that Prince Leopold pronounced his
+responses very tremulously, scarcely articulating his portion of the
+ceremony. This could hardly be wondered at, as he well knew the
+sacrifice of honour he was then making, and the inconstancy of his
+former sacred vows!
+
+We pass over the time between the marriage and when the Princess
+Charlotte was declared _enceinte_. This occurred twice; but, after one
+disappointment, the accouchement was expected with all the ardour of
+English anticipation.
+
+The princess had generally expressed her opinion, that mankind, in
+reason, policy, philosophy, and religion, were all of one great family;
+and hence arose her extreme aversion to the pomp and magnificence of the
+court. Indeed, the princess shewed herself very frequently to the
+public, and was so free and gracious in her manners, that she appeared
+in a natural English character, far opposed to the German pompous style.
+
+A circumstance of no inferior import occurred at this period, which gave
+suspicion to the inquiring spirit of the liberal part of the English
+nation. This was--the return to office of George Canning! By the Tories,
+the event was regarded as a last resource; by the Whigs, his accession,
+under royal favour, was considered a token of victory. Each party was
+positively assured of an undeviating principle in this gentleman's
+character; but each one had to learn that the opinion was erroneous.
+
+In this year, died two individuals, who had formerly been the bosom
+companions of royalty. One of these, Mrs. Jordan, expired on the 5th of
+July, near Paris, and was buried in the cemetery of St. Cloud; her body
+was put into a _thin shell, stained black_, with no ornament whatever.
+Mrs. Jordan had lived in Paris for some time in great privacy and
+poverty, under the assumed name of Mrs. James. Is not the newly-created
+Earl of Munster, and one or two other _great_ personages, the issue of
+this unfortunate lady's singular engagement with the prince of some
+great nation? The other character was Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the
+favourite companion and devoted servant of the Prince of Wales. Let his
+scanty means of subsistence be remembered whenever the name of the
+prince regent is mentioned. Yes, reader, the man who had devoted his
+highly-improved and naturally-eloquent abilities to the cause of this
+regent was permitted to die in the course of an arrest!
+
+The sorrows and disappointments which Mrs. Jordan underwent in this
+world were of the most agonizing description. Oh! why is it tolerated
+that royalty should be allowed to exercise the prerogative of inflicting
+the deepest wounds without the possibility of the injured party ever
+receiving redress? Is it not contrary to all laws, both human and
+divine, to suppose "the king can do no wrong?" If a prince commit an act
+of injustice, ought he not to be equally amenable with the peasant to
+the laws of his country? _We_ think so, and hope to see the day when the
+whole world will acknowledge its justness, and _act_ upon its principle.
+
+Upon the retrospect of Mr. Sheridan's life, we are forcibly struck by
+the ingratitude practised towards him by his royal master. The vices he
+had contracted were the results of his acquaintance with this
+"all-accomplished prince," and during the period of his successive
+debaucheries with him, he frequently added his name to notes of hand,
+upon sight, or at a longer date, for the prince's extravagancies, or to
+meet any demand that might be required upon a run of ill luck at the
+gaming-table. Even the debt for which he was arrested was contracted
+under the last-mentioned circumstances, and had been paid by a note
+given _solely_ for the regent's use by this unfortunate courtier. As
+soon as the country became informed of the unkindness Sheridan had
+experienced, they saw the character of the prince in its true light,
+forming their opinions from FACTS only, and not from the sophistical
+meaning given to his actions by the absolute prince himself, or by the
+parasites in his service. Honest men could not help grieving at the
+reflection, that the money produced by their labour, and even at the
+expense of depriving their families of comforts, was being squandered
+away at gambling-tables, upon unworthy characters, and in unwarrantable
+undertakings. The indignation caused by the base treatment of Mrs.
+Jordan and Sheridan manifested itself in several publications of the
+day, and many facts were elicited relative to these two unfortunate
+individuals; indeed, there was scarcely a subject in the realm, at all
+acquainted with their shameful desertion, who did not indulge in some
+bold expression of disgust and abhorrence at the disgraceful conduct of
+certain _illustrious_ individuals, as being the causes of their
+multiplied sorrows and sufferings.
+
+There was a time when monarchs and peers would have lived on the meanest
+food, merely sufficient to sustain human nature, in order to discharge
+the debts of a faithful servant; and it is well known, that, to reduce
+the pressure of taxation or impost upon the poorer classes of society, a
+certain sovereign even pawned his jewels! But, alas! this reign and
+regency did not present such an endearing feature to the nation; on the
+contrary, "the regent of blessed memory" would rather have pawned his
+subjects than have relaxed in his extravagant pleasures!
+
+The marriage of the Princess Mary with her cousin the Duke of
+Gloucester took place in July, and gave "general satisfaction;" though
+his royal highness never benefitted the people in any other way than
+_honouring_ them by accepting their bounty!
+
+About this time, a considerable sensation was produced by the
+re-appearance of Mrs. Fitzherbert in the gay circles of fashion. The
+public journals noticed such an unexpected circumstance with timid
+expression, and professed that delicacy prevented any explanatory
+remarks! Ignorance and Avarice were more probably the obstacles in the
+way; but it would have better become writers, who pretended to
+patriotism and independence of character, to have stated unhesitatingly
+what they _did know_ of the intentions of the royal plotters; they
+certainly might have paid a fine, or endured some imprisonment for
+speaking the _truth_; yet he who faulters when his country's weal is at
+stake is unworthy the name of--- Briton!
+
+The regent appeared now more determined than ever to procure a divorce
+from the Princess of Wales, and the means how this might be accomplished
+were put in active preparation. All the ungenerous and mean expedients
+hitherto used had been unavailing to produce the desired end. Spies had
+not succeeded, and a bolder invention had therefore become necessary. At
+the various courts connected with the "Holy Alliance," the princess had
+received very little attention; but in every circle where her royal
+highness appeared, which was uninfluenced by the crown, she was
+received rapturously, and treated most respectfully.
+
+Previous to the conclusion of this year, a naval captain was offered ten
+thousand pounds if he could, by any stratagem, obtain PROOF of
+adulterous intercourse between the princess and any person of rank
+whatever. The _personage_ who made this offer is NOW ALIVE, and if this
+statement of simple truth meet his eye, surely the blush of shame will
+die his hardened cheek.
+
+The Baron Ompteda was also employed in this foul and diabolical plot,
+and, as a reward for his services, he has received a sufficiency from
+the hard-earned money of the tax-payers of this kingdom. We suggest that
+it had been quite in character to have presented the same in a purse,
+with "THE REWARD OF VILLANY" inscribed upon it.
+
+We will here lay before our readers a plain statement of facts, relative
+to the persecutions which the unfortunate Princess of Wales endured
+abroad, and which is extracted from an original letter now in our
+possession:
+
+"For some days past, there have been inserted in several of the papers
+various pretended extracts of letters from Milan, Munich, and other
+places, respecting the Princess of Wales, and giving a most erroneous
+statement of an affair that occurred some months since in her royal
+highness' family. You may depend upon the following, as being an
+authentic narrative of the transaction alluded to. An Hanoverian baron
+was observed to follow the princess' route wherever she went. He was
+always received by her royal highness with the attentions due to his
+rank. On the princess' return to Milan from her long voyage, the baron
+was still there, and paid his respects to her royal highness as usual;
+but reports having come to the ears of her household, that the baron had
+made use of expressions in society highly injurious to her royal
+highness, one of the gentlemen in her suite, an English officer, sent
+the baron a challenge, and this conveyed, in terms too plain and
+unequivocal to be misconstrued, that he accused him of 'a most infamous
+and unmanly return for the kindnesses he had received from her royal
+highness,' and called upon him to 'meet him at eight o'clock the next
+morning at Bartassima, (half way between Milan and Como) there to answer
+for this sacred charge against his honour as a gentleman and a man, who
+had ever received the most marked hospitality at the hands of the
+princess, and who had committed the greatest act of hostility against
+the very first of virtues.'
+
+"This challenge was delivered to the baron by the hands of the Baron
+Cavalotti, a friend of the English officer. The answer to this direct
+challenge was an attempt to explain away the charge imputed to him; but
+an acceptance of the challenge, claiming his right to the choice of
+weapons, and saying that he would fight in Switzerland, but that his
+intended second was absent; in two days he would send him to settle the
+time and place.
+
+"Just at this period, a discharged servant of her royal highness wrote a
+letter to the chief magistrate of Como, saying that his conscience
+touched him, and that he was desirous of making a confession of the part
+he had acted in a treacherous confederacy with the Hanoverian, in whose
+pay he had been for the preceding ten months, to disclose to him every
+transaction of the household, to procure false keys to her royal
+highness' apartments and drawers, &c. &c. This was made known to her
+royal highness. She treated all that he could have obtained by such
+insidious means with contempt; and actually took the footman, who had
+thus acted as a spy upon her actions, again into her service, on his
+imploring her pardon; but another accomplice was delivered over to the
+police, to be tried and punished.
+
+"The very next day after this discovery, her royal highness gave a grand
+entertainment, at which the Governor of Milan and all the principal
+nobility were present. When the princess communicated the whole affair
+to the governor, he expressed his indignation at the scandalous conduct,
+and having learnt that a challenge had passed from one of her gentlemen
+to the baron, said that certainly that person was unworthy to be treated
+as a gentleman. The Hanoverian knew nothing of all this; but, according
+to his promise, sent Count Cantenogh, one of the chamberlains to the
+Austrian Emperor, to Como, who, having met the British officer, said he
+was not much acquainted with the Hanoverian who had requested him to be
+his second in an affair of honour; that he was anxious to have the
+matter fully investigated; and trusted that, if the baron should prove
+his innocence of the language imputed to him, the British officer would
+be satisfied that he had acted hastily. But, in case he was not
+satisfied, he was further instructed to say, that the baron wished the
+meeting to be in Germany, on the confines of France, instead of
+Switzerland, and time could not be convenient to him sooner than three
+weeks, a month, or more, from that time, as he had to go to Hanover to
+settle his affairs in the interim. The Englishman then related to Count
+Cantenogh the disclosures that had been made the day before, and
+submitted to him whether such behaviour did not render his principal
+unworthy the support of a man of honour, or to be met as a gentleman.
+The count declared that he could not be the second of such a person;
+that he must justify himself from this infamous charge, or choose
+another friend. With this, the count returned to Milan, and a message
+was soon after delivered to her royal highness, from the governor, to
+say that the Hanoverian baron had received orders to quit the Austrian
+dominions, which he had accordingly done.
+
+"This curious affair made a considerable noise at the time, which was
+the beginning of November last, and is, we suppose, the foundation of
+the stories which have lately been circulated and misrepresented."
+
+"In the summer of 1815, another wicked secret plot was formed against
+the princess, the origin of which it is not difficult to guess. The
+princess was narrowly watched, and attempts were made to seduce her
+people; but only one, Piqueur Crade, was so weak as to yield, and to
+promise Baron O** to conduct him into the apartments of the princess by
+means of false keys. The plot was, however, discovered, and the piqueur
+turned away. The man wrote to the Chevalier Tommassia, confessed that he
+had let himself be seduced by Baron O** to betray his mistress, and
+begged for mercy. The princess thought it proper to acquaint the
+governor, Count Sawrau, with this event, and Baron O** was forced to
+leave the dominions of his Majesty the Emperor. Hownham, the princess'
+private secretary, challenged the baron, but the latter has hitherto put
+it off. Since this affair, the princess is very cautious, particularly
+towards Englishmen whom she does not know; but she conceals herself from
+nobody, only she will not be the object of calumny, and of a shameful
+_espionage_, of which she has already been the victim. What has happened
+gives ground to fear still greater enormities.
+
+"An event, which took place at Genoa, has more the appearance of an
+attempt at _assassination_ than robbery. Some armed men penetrated,
+during the night, into the house of the princess, and almost into her
+bed-chamber. An alarm being given, one of the servants fired upon these
+people, and pursued them, but in vain. It is not yet discovered what
+were their intentions. But let a veil cover all this. Her first master
+of the horse, Schiavini, has kept a circumstantial account of her
+journey to the Holy Land. The princess went from Genoa to the island of
+Elba, thence to Sicily and Barbary, then to Palestine. She visited
+Jerusalem, Athens, &c., and was every where received with the honours
+due to her rank.
+
+"By the assistance of several _literati_, she obtained a collection of
+valuable antiquities, for which object she spared no expense. Wherever
+the princess appeared, she left behind her grateful recollections by her
+beneficence. At Tunis, she obtained the freedom of several slaves. The
+princess is now employed in writing the history of her life, which she
+will make public when the time comes.
+
+"By this, she will throw great light on many facts which are now
+involved in obscurity."
+
+We need hardly offer a remark upon the vindictive measures, so fully set
+forth in this narrative, exercised against the unfortunate Princess of
+Wales. It will not be difficult for our readers to recognize the REAL
+INSTIGATORS of the many annoyances she endured; _their names_ will be
+handed down to future generations as the "Oppressors of Innocence,"
+while the finger of Scorn will mark the spot where lies their "SORDID
+DUST."
+
+The calamitous situation of the nation at this time became truly
+appalling. Subscriptions were entered into for the purpose of relieving
+the distresses of the poor, and her majesty's name was put down for the
+insignificant sum of three hundred pounds! If we were to be prolix in
+our account of this German lady's _discretionary_ liberality, the
+details, we fear, would not interest our readers. She was only liberal
+when her own interest was at stake!
+
+
+Early in
+
+     1817,
+
+the queen became indisposed, so much so as to cause alarm amongst her
+partisans for the issue. It was deemed expedient that the prince regent,
+who was then at Brighton, should be informed of the circumstance, and
+the Duke of York set off in the night to convey the intelligence to him.
+Why a courier could not have been forwarded, we do not pretend to say;
+but deception and mystery always attended the royal movements. Shortly
+afterwards, however, her majesty was declared convalescent, and the
+family were gratified by her recovery, being well assured that her
+assistance would be of the most essential consequence to the completion
+of the regent's wishes in the intended divorce.
+
+In February, the "Habeas Corpus Act" was suspended, and, upon _suspicion
+only_, were Mr. Evans and his son seized and committed to prison on a
+charge of treason. They observed at the time, with great truth, "Poor
+devoted England! she cannot be called our country, but our grave!" This
+was confirmed by Lord Sidmouth, who rendered his every service in this
+disgraceful business, and was at all imaginable pains to prove, that his
+master, the regent, was the "Vicegerent of heaven, and had all power
+upon earth."
+
+The country was now elated by the information that the Princess
+Charlotte was likely to give an heir to the throne; because the people
+hoped that her progeny would prove more worthy of a crown than some of
+the sons of her austere grandmother. Upon this amiable princess, indeed,
+the English people had long placed their hopes, and they lived in
+anxious expectation to see the then existing tyranny superseded by a
+better form of government, under her auspices. In the mean time, every
+member of the royal family appeared more interested for the health of
+the queen than for the Princess Charlotte. Her majesty had experienced
+several relapses; but, after each attack, when she appeared in public,
+no symptoms of previous indisposition were visible.
+
+Lords Liverpool, Castlereagh, and Sidmouth, and the _accommodating_
+George Canning, were now the arbiters of the fates of nations; their
+will was no sooner expressed than it passed into a law; and, while
+revelling at the festive board with their puissant prince, the country
+was writhing in the most pitiable condition. Even bread and water were
+not always within the poor man's grasp, and the starved peasantry of
+Ireland, in open defiance of military power, were living by stealing and
+eating raw potatoes, to enable them to eke out their most miserable
+existence! Under this humiliating condition, their rights and liberties
+were suspended, and it was made "treason and sedition" to murmur or
+complain.
+
+When the tyrannical King John oppressed his subjects, and endeavoured to
+usurp despotic power, the barons assembled around him, and, unsheathing
+their swords, swore, "The laws of England shall not be changed!" But the
+days of chivalry were past! Lord Castlereagh was now our dictator, and a
+standing army of one hundred and forty thousand men, to enforce his vile
+and unconstitutional measures, destroyed even the chance of
+emancipation. We may add, in the words of our immortal bard, that his
+lordship was a _man_,
+
+     "Ay, and a _bold_ one, that dare look on that
+      Which might appal the devil!"
+
+The galling distresses of the people, at this period of national
+calamity and misrule, drove them to the commission of violent acts, and
+the diligence of well-chosen officers and prosecutors, with the
+partiality of judges, supplied the defect of evidence needful for
+punishment. The law was actually made a snare, while vice received
+encouragement and rewards, when on the side of the oppressors. This was
+not solely confined to the higher tribunals, but was also apparent in
+almost every inferior court. Indeed, Lord Sidmouth sent a circular
+letter to all lieutenants of counties, recommending even "justices of
+the peace to hold to bail persons publishing alleged libels!!!" The
+whole ministry proved themselves to be uninfluenced by the dictates of
+_equity_, or those principles of _moderation_ which distinguished some
+of our noble ancestors. Power was every thing with Castlereagh and his
+associates, assisted by the MITRED HEADS of the "established church,"
+who were ever his zealous friends in the cause of tyranny! Be it, then,
+our duty to tear the mask of hypocrisy aside, and exhibit the deformity
+of Power, more especially when disguised under the specious form of
+PIETY. He who can assume the sanctity of a SAINT, and perform the deeds
+of a RUFFIAN, will not be spared in our explanations of TRUTH! The title
+of "Right Reverend Father in God" shall not cause us to be dismayed, if,
+by their _reverend_ works, they prove themselves to be the children of
+the devil! We are not what _pretended pious_ people term INFIDELS; but
+we detest to see the tools of power endeavour to subdue the nation in
+the garb of godliness, insulting the _poor_ with orders for "general
+fasts," while they themselves are indulging in the most riotous
+excesses!
+
+We must now, as honest and fearless historians, record the most
+cold-blooded and horrible CRIME that was ever perpetrated in this or any
+other Christian country!
+
+               "'Tis a strange truth. O monstrous act!
+     'Twill out, 'twill out!--I hold my peace, sir? no:
+     No, I will speak as liberal as the air!"
+
+We are almost ready to murmur at Providence for permitting some of the
+assassins to escape from this world without meeting the punishment they
+merited. One or two, however, still remain to pollute the earth, and
+upon whom we yet hope to see justice administered!
+
+Every honest heart was full of bitterness and anguish, when it was
+announced, "The PRINCESS CHARLOTTE is DEAD!" The heavy-tolling bell, the
+silence of the streets, and the mute astonishment of all who met and
+parted, exhibited signs of unfeigned sorrow. In an _unexpected_ moment,
+the hopes of this great nation were brought to nought! Her royal
+highness was England's star of promise,--the beacon which it was
+expected would light the traveller to escape the quicksands of
+destruction!
+
+On the 5th of November, at nine in the evening, this exemplary princess
+was safely delivered of a male child, said to be still born; and
+although pronounced at that time, by her accoucheur, to be doing
+extremely well, yet, at half-past two on the morning of the 6th, her
+royal highness expired! Sir Richard Croft announced to Prince Leopold
+the heart-rending intelligence; and a messenger was instantly sent to
+the prince regent (to whom a former communication of fearful import had
+been made) and also to the queen at Bath. All the royal family then in
+England hastened to London, _report said_, "nearly destroyed with
+grief."
+
+Special messengers were also despatched with the melancholy information
+to the Duke of Kent, who was at Brussels, and to the Duke of Cambridge,
+at Hanover; but the MOTHER of the late princess was entirely
+_neglected_. Etiquette and respect were attended to in the cases which
+least required notice, and omitted in the situation which really
+demanded, in common decency and justice, the most prompt consideration.
+
+The prince regent arrived at Carlton House at four o'clock on the fatal
+morning, and was informed by Lord Bathurst and the Duke of York of the
+event. The regent had been, for ten or twelve days, sojourning with the
+Marquis, or _Marchioness_, of Hertford, at their seat near Sudbury. In
+contradiction to several either servile or ignorant historians, we
+fearlessly say that it was not unexpected news to his royal ear! In the
+course of the ensuing day, a letter was written and delivered to Dr. Sir
+Richard Croft, announcing the prince regent's offer of thanks for the
+attention paid to the Princess Charlotte, and assuring the doctor that
+the prince was fully satisfied with his skill and superior merit;
+concluding with these words: "As it is the _will of Divine Providence_,
+his royal highness is in duty bound to submit to the decree--_of
+heaven_."
+
+Prince Leopold was not so hasty in returning his thanks for the
+attentions of Dr. Croft, though much better able to judge of the matter
+than the regent; for _he_ was many miles off, and could not _personally_
+know any thing of the matter.
+
+Notwithstanding the professed deep sorrow and grief of the prince
+regent, however, we can announce that his royal highness did not permit
+himself to relax in any pursuit of pleasure, except that of openly
+exhibiting himself; for, on the ensuing evening, we ourselves were not
+very distant from Carlton House, and can testify to this fact. He and
+his brother of York were not in _very great_ anguish upon the occasion;
+they pledged each other in quick succession, until the circumstance
+which had caused their meeting was entirely forgotten by them. "I drink
+to the safety of the regent," said the duke, "and _I_ to the safety of
+_York_," retorted the prince. These remarks created irritability, and
+the prince very warmly replied, to an interrogation of his brother,
+"What would _you_ think if the ghost of Edward Augustus stood at your
+elbow?"
+
+How very different was the report issued to the world! The daily papers
+stated that "the extreme sorrow of the regent had produced an unusual
+sensation of pain in the head of his royal highness." We were not
+surprised at this announcement; though we had hoped to have heard the
+royal _heart_ was affected upon a review of his past enormities!
+
+We regret to say, that when the Princess Charlotte was in daily
+expectation of her accouchement, she was not soothed by the attentions
+of any of her female relatives. It is true they had not, by any former
+acts of kindness, given her occasion to expect it; but the disrespect
+shewn to her royal highness was chiefly owing to the affection for, and
+defence of, her persecuted mother, which, though perfectly _natural_ and
+praiseworthy, displeased certain high and powerful personages. The
+_queen_ (that boasted paragon of goodness!) was one hundred and eight
+miles distant, and the hearts of all the family seemed as if estranged
+from virtuous and honourable feelings. Her majesty, with the Princess
+Elizabeth, left Windsor Castle for Bath, on the morning of the 3rd of
+October, for the avowed purpose of drinking the waters. On the 27th of
+the same month, the prince regent, accompanied by Sir B. Bloomfield,
+left London for the seat of the Marquis of Hertford, at Sudbury, in
+Suffolk. The Duke of Clarence was also absent. It is true that the
+cabinet ministers, whose presence was required by precedent and state
+necessity, were in waiting; but how far their services could be
+agreeable or beneficial to a young female in such a situation, we are at
+a loss to discover. Alas! _that parent_ who ought to have been present,
+and who would most joyfully have flown on the wings of maternal
+affection, was denied the privilege. But while the daughter was
+struggling in the agonies of a cruel death, the mother was a wanderer in
+a foreign land, and beset with snares laid for her destruction also!
+
+During the pregnancy of the Princess Charlotte, the prince, her husband,
+was chiefly her companion. Her choice of an accoucheur fell upon Dr. Sir
+Richard Croft, as he was considered the most able and skilful man in his
+profession. The ladies in attendance upon her royal highness were unfit
+to render advice or assistance upon any emergency, as neither of them
+had been a mother. The princess, when in an advanced state of pregnancy,
+was kept low, and scarcely allowed animal food, or wine, to both of
+which she had previously been accustomed. Between the fifth and seventh
+months, her royal highness was bled several times, and still kept upon
+very low diet. Claremont, the place chosen for the eventful period, was
+sixteen miles from town, and when any pressing occasion required the
+attendance of a surgeon or physician from London, the distance caused a
+considerable delay. Her royal highness' confinement was expected to take
+place about the end of October, and the period between that time and the
+final issue was strongly marked by symptoms of approaching labour. Her
+royal highness was in extreme pain for more than forty-eight hours, yet
+each bulletin declared, "The princess is doing extremely well." At
+half-past twelve, A.M. her royal highness became uneasy and very
+restless; she exhibited much difficulty of breathing, and at half-past
+two--EXPIRED!
+
+The substance of this detail found its way into the daily journals, and
+excited, as it was naturally calculated to do, much remark and inquiry.
+The generally-received opinion was, that the lamented heiress to the
+crown had been _wantonly_ suffered to perish, from the folly of
+etiquette, or some other unnatural and unexplained cause. We, however,
+are not bound to surrender our judgment to a journalist, or to subscribe
+to the opinion of any man less acquainted with a particular subject than
+ourselves; and, upon this melancholy and tragical event, therefore, we
+shall dare to give utterance to TRUTH. In doing so, we beg to state that
+we are not influenced by personal resentment, but, in the discharge of
+our task, are determined only to award "honour where honour is due."
+
+The labour of the princess was commenced under extreme debility; and, at
+an early period, it appeared very probable that _surgical_ assistance
+would be finally requisite; yet no provision was made for such
+assistance! The bulletin of Wednesday morning, eight o'clock, signed by
+the attending practitioners, was rather doubtfully expressed. The second
+bulletin, at ten in the evening, was confidently affirmative of the
+_well-doing_ of the royal patient. Dr. Sims affixed his signature to
+these bulletins, but he had not seen her royal highness since the first
+pang she had experienced. How this gentleman could allow his name to be
+thus affixed to a declaration, of the truth of which he was totally
+ignorant, we know not; but it was said, by the time-serving press, "that
+Dr. Sims being unknown to the princess, his appearance in her chamber
+might have alarmed her." The folly of this excuse is best exposed by
+supposing that if, at this trying moment, Dr. Croft had been ill, and
+unfit to attend the princess, would she have been left to perish for
+lack of assistance? We think not; for this would have given too plain an
+idea of the expectations of certain parties. The public papers announced
+that the letter summoning Dr. Sims to Claremont was written on Tuesday
+morning, yet he did not arrive until Wednesday morning at three o'clock.
+It was further stated, that the nurse discovered the dreadful change in
+her royal highness by the difficulty manifested in swallowing her gruel,
+and that she was so alarmed by this appearance of spasm, that she
+immediately called the faculty out of their beds, as well as Prince
+Leopold. Another journalist stated a contrary case. But _we know_ that,
+although some beverage was administered to the princess, it was NOT
+GRUEL; for her royal highness had a great aversion to gruel, and could
+never be prevailed on to take it. Soon after her royal highness took the
+liquid, she was afflicted in a most _unusual way_, though only for a
+short time. The low state of muscular strength, to which the princess
+had gradually been reduced, certainly required greater nourishment than
+was given to her; and in this professional treatment, therefore, the
+accoucheur acted unwisely as well as unskilfully, to say the least of
+it. That most eminent practitioner, Dr. Thynne, made it an invariable
+rule, after a protracted birth, to revive the mother, by giving a
+tea-spoonful of egg, beat up with wine, from time to time. The symptoms
+of not being able to swallow, and the convulsive action of the body,
+were plainly indicative of a dying patient; but the real cause of the
+patient's dying was then a mystery, except to two or three individuals.
+
+The public journals of the day called loudly upon the gentlemen who
+attended the Princess Charlotte, as her accoucheurs, to give all
+facility for an investigation of their whole mode of treatment, adding,
+that "if they be conscious that they have acquitted themselves well,
+they will have no objection to an investigation of their conduct, and
+cannot consider themselves placed in a worse situation than the captain
+of a king's ship, who, in the event of the loss of his vessel, is
+obliged to undergo a trial by court martial." To this and similar
+appeals, the ministers promptly replied, "that it was _impossible_,
+after the prince regent had been pleased to express his approbation and
+award his thanks, as it would seem to _reflect_ upon the prince, who
+alone was endowed with the sovereign power to act in the case." This
+royal cant-phraseology, however, failed to lull suspicion; for the
+attending circumstances were of a nature too horrible to be buried in
+oblivion! If all had been correct, why refuse inquiry, particularly when
+it was solicited by nine-tenths of the nation?
+
+The queen left Bath on Saturday, the 8th of November, and arrived at
+Windsor in the evening. The next day, the prince regent went from
+Carlton House to Windsor to see the queen; but the privacy of the visit
+did not permit it to be of long duration. We are able to give the
+particulars of this interview.
+
+Her majesty's mind had been disturbed by the receipt of a letter, from a
+medical gentleman, upon the subject of the _untimely_ death of the
+Princess Charlotte. No time was to be lost. The prince was requested
+immediately to see his royal mother; and, on his arrival, her majesty
+presented him with the letter, the contents of which proved, beyond
+doubt, that the writer had been an _eye-witness_ to some particular
+events connected with the dissolution of the much-lamented and
+tenderly-beloved princess.
+
+The letter commenced with the most respectful dedication to royalty, and
+prayed for an extra extension of candour and patience by her majesty,
+while the facts of which it was composed were examined and duly
+considered. The writer then proceeded,--"I am perfectly satisfied your
+majesty could not be _personally_ aware of the case, because of the
+distance your majesty then was from Claremont; but I submit it to your
+majesty's good feeling and judgment, if the particulars attendant upon
+this most lamentable loss ought not immediately to be most strictly
+inquired into. Refusal to do this, or to permit it being done, will only
+aggravate the matter, instead of setting the question at rest for ever.
+The public well know that all was not as it ought to have been,--that
+something had been neglected or imprudently attempted, that ought to
+have received a widely-different attention. As a proof that I do not
+intrude my remarks and remonstrances improperly, or without information
+upon the nicest points of the case, I will give reasons for my
+dissatisfaction. From the first moment Sir Richard Croft was placed in
+attendance upon her royal highness, there was no reason to anticipate or
+fear any unhappy results. The natural appearances were unequivocally
+satisfactory. Previous to the delivery, the infant was not supposed to
+be dead. It was quite unnecessary and unnatural to inform the princess
+that the child was still-born; such a communication is very seldom made
+to any female at such a moment. Camphor julaps are very seldom
+administered to a healthy patient, or where the stomach is sound,
+immediately after delivery, as the effect would generally be to produce
+irritation, sickness, and convulsion. Dr. Croft ought not to have
+retired to bed, presuming that her royal highness was so indisposed as
+to cause her incessant moaning, _which was really the case_. More than
+this, your majesty, about noon of the Wednesday, Dr. Croft said, 'I
+believe the princess might very quickly be delivered by having recourse
+to an _operation_; but I dare not perform it without the _presence_ and
+_sanction_ of her royal father, the prince regent.' I hope (continued
+the writer) that your majesty will see this plain statement in its own
+character, and that you will save all future disclosures of an
+unpleasant nature, by your timely recommendation of the subject to the
+prince regent, your son. Your majesty may believe I am induced by
+vindictive motives to offer these remarks; but that would prove an
+incorrect opinion; and unless your majesty causes a very prompt inquiry
+to be permitted upon the facts of this case, I fear yourself and family
+will finally have cause to regret the delay."
+
+The prince was much displeased that any subject should have dared to
+take such a liberty as to speak or write an unpleasant TRUTH to any of
+his _noble_ family,--more especially to the _queen_. It was an
+unpardonable transgression; yet, as the gentleman had given his name and
+address, it was a very delicate affair. The queen had so often witnessed
+the prostration of the multitudes of fashion's votaries, that she
+imagined much might be accomplished by commanding an interview, and
+subduing the voice of inquiry and truth by the splendour of pageantry,
+and the intoxicating smile of royalty. By her majesty's command,
+therefore, an interview took place. With her general air of confidence,
+the queen said, "I presume, Sir, you are the author of this letter?" "I
+am, please your majesty." "And what," said the queen, "am I to
+understand from such an unaccountable appeal to me and my family?" "I
+beg your majesty's pardon personally, as well as previously by letter,
+but I deemed it my duty to inform your majesty of my information upon
+the subject in question, and I am very sorry if your majesty does not
+think it necessary to have the most prudent means used to satisfy the
+public inquiry." The queen was very gracious, and smiling, said, "I will
+name your good intentions to the prince regent, and I will not forget
+them myself; but I can satisfy you, that your opinions upon the subject
+of your communication to me are incorrect." The gentleman rose, and was
+about to retire; but the queen had not attained her object. Her majesty,
+therefore, hastily said, "I trust you are convinced of the impropriety
+of your former opinions?" "No, please your majesty, I never can change
+my opinions upon this subject until I lose my principles, and I trust
+sincerely that I shall never endure such an humiliation while I retain
+my reason. But," added the gentleman, "your majesty must be well assured
+that I am acquainted with the greater portion of your family; yea, very
+intimately acquainted, not indecorously so, but in the discharge of my
+professional engagements. Your majesty well knows that I saw the
+lamented Princess Charlotte just before the unhappy event, and also am
+not ignorant of the constitution of your majesty's _daughters_. I
+therefore am bold to assert, that the death of her royal highness was
+not, and is not to be, naturally accounted for! It is true, that I am
+not known to the world in the capacity of accoucheur to your family; but
+your majesty knows, I have been your trusty and confidential servant
+upon more occasions than one; and I am now resolved to relinquish the
+royal favour, if it must be purchased at such an unknown expense."
+
+The queen retired, and so did the heart-stricken gentleman; but their
+ruminations and consequent determinations were very dissimilar. Her
+majesty was endeavouring to evade explanation; the gentleman, meditating
+upon the most prudent plan for adoption to put a period to the agitated
+feelings of the public.
+
+The reader may imagine that this professional person had been previously
+selected to render his services to some members of this illustrious
+family, which was actually the case. He had travelled more than twenty
+miles in the royal carriage, and had performed the most delicate
+offices. He knew royalty was not exempt from frailty, and that rank did
+not preserve its possessors from the commission of crime. Denial of this
+would prove abortive, for the gentleman LIVES, and would, if called
+upon, assert the same even at the expense of life. He does not fear the
+interdiction of a crowned head! neither would he shrink under "a special
+commission." He wields the two-edged sword of _truth_, and therefore
+defies the strong arm of power. He has seen enough of the wily snares of
+courtiers, and has retired from the unhallowed association with
+feelings of disgust, contempt, and detestation. The adulation of the
+parasites of royalty is odious to his ear; and, to save the increasing
+stings of an offended conscience, he is now publicly explicit upon this
+hateful subject. Despising secrecy and infamy, he openly avows enmity to
+such characters as are leagued against the peace and happiness of
+society; and their intentions to perpetuate their unjust, partial, and
+devastating system, must be checked by the information of those persons
+who are privy to the cause, as well as to the effects, of their
+overgrown power.
+
+The day after this unpleasant interview, the queen paid a visit to the
+king; and, as nearly two months had elapsed since her majesty visited
+her husband, it was productive of great anxiety on the part of the royal
+sufferer. The daily papers stated that "his majesty was much improved,
+and very tranquil, in consequence of the queen having paid him a visit."
+Does not this neglect of the poor afflicted king reflect disgrace upon
+her majesty? The wife who forgets her duty to the man she has espoused
+is undeserving the respect of society. _Who_ was Queen Charlotte, that
+the eyes of the public should be blinded, or their tongues mute, upon
+this apathy and unfeeling demeanour to the king, her husband, who had
+raised her from comparative poverty to affluence and greatness? Had
+similar inattention been manifested by the wife of a peasant, her
+neighbour's reproach would not have been wanting; but every one seemed
+afraid of impugning the character of a _queen_, so celebrated for
+_amiability_ and _virtue_! A few days after the interment of the
+Princess Charlotte and her infant, the queen again went off for the city
+of Bath! and we assert, without fear of contradiction, that her
+majesty's eye was never observed to be dim upon this most melancholy
+occasion. Let the world judge if such unfeeling deportment agreed with
+her majesty's reported sorrow.
+
+On the 19th of November, the Princess Charlotte and her infant were
+consigned to the tomb. The Dukes of York and Clarence were supporters to
+the chief mourner, Prince Leopold; and, after the ostentatious parade of
+funeral pomp, they retired without much appearance of sorrow. It was
+said that a king, or prince invested with royal power, could not attend
+the ceremony, or join in the cavalcade of a funeral. The regent,
+therefore, was not present at the closing scene of his child's hard
+destiny. But royalty has many privileges; distinct from the common herd
+of mankind. It must not, for instance, reside in the same habitation
+with a corpse, lest its delicately-refined nerves should sustain injury,
+or be excited to an extreme point of agony!
+
+The body of the unfortunate Charlotte was reported to have been
+embalmed, but the heart only was extracted; THE INTESTINES WERE NOT
+REMOVED! This was an unprecedented circumstance, as upon all former
+occasions this barbarous custom had been permitted. The surgeon who
+accompanied Prince Leopold from Germany was solicited to say _why_ this
+form had been omitted; and his suspicious reply was, "Neither now, nor
+at any future time, shall any power on earth induce me to speak one word
+upon the subject." He was then requested to give into the hand of Prince
+Leopold a sealed letter upon the subject; this he also positively
+refused to do, adding, at the same time, "the prince would not receive
+it." Very shortly afterwards, a letter _was_ conveyed into the prince's
+hand, offering "to communicate certain facts relative to the demise of
+the late princess, his consort, if he pleased to express his willingness
+to receive the same." His serene highness never paid attention to that
+letter.
+
+It was said, at the time of her royal highness' death, that Prince
+Leopold was so angry with the nurse (Mrs. Griffiths) that he turned her
+out of the house, without permitting her to stay to attend the funeral.
+One thing, however, is certain, that she has several sons in different
+public offices. To one of these, her favourite, she said, (when
+labouring under the effects of a dreadful illness she had shortly after
+the princess' death) "I have never kept but one HORRID SECRET from you,
+which has always weighed upon my mind; but I cannot communicate it,
+unless I am sure of death the next minute!"
+
+This Mrs. Griffiths certainly knows more about the death of her late
+royal mistress than she has yet thought proper to communicate; though,
+in one of her moments of compunction, she confessed to a friend of
+our's, that the Princess Charlotte had actually been POISONED, and
+related the way in which she found it out. Mrs. Griffiths stated, that,
+"after giving her royal highness some BROTH (not gruel) she became
+dreadfully convulsed; and, being struck with the peculiarity of the
+circumstance, she examined the cup from which her royal highness had
+drank. To her astonishment, she there perceived a _dark red sediment_,
+upon _tasting which_, HER TONGUE BECAME BLISTERED!!!" Mrs. Griffiths
+immediately asked Dr. Croft what he had administered to the princess;
+but she received no satisfactory answer. A few hours after this,
+however, the doctor said sufficient to prove that the princess had been
+MURDERED! As Mrs. Griffiths is now alive, we challenge her to deny this
+statement, if incorrect.
+
+The lamented princess was treated most cruelly by all around her, and
+one of the higher household asserted, that he believed her royal
+highness was left "two hours in the agonies of death, without any person
+going near her!" Mrs. Lewis, her waiting woman, has denied this
+statement; but it is well known, that Mrs. Lewis was placed as a _spy_
+about her royal highness even from her infancy.
+
+The last time the prince regent was at Claremont, not long before the
+princess' confinement, a most respectable gentleman heard him say, "A
+child of the Princess Charlotte shall never sit upon the throne." Did
+not this speak volumes as to her intended destruction? Surely no one can
+doubt, after these disclosures, that the Princess Charlotte fell a
+victim to a vile conspiracy.
+
+The murder of the Princess Charlotte proved the signal for letting loose
+the hounds of destruction upon her heart-broken mother. On the morning
+of the second day after her majesty's return to Bath, a lady had a
+private audience with her. The object of the interview was, to offer the
+services of her husband (an officer in the navy) in the impeachment and
+intended destruction of the honour of the Princess of Wales. "What
+situation does the person occupy?" said the queen. "He is a lieutenant,
+please your majesty." "What would be deemed a sufficient recompense for
+his attentions?" said her majesty. "Your majesty's good opinion is all
+my husband aspires to," said the lady; and, after a few unmeaning
+expressions of civility, she retired. Lord Liverpool was consulted, and
+gave his opinion that the person in question could not be implicitly
+relied on; and a messenger was therefore sent to the gentleman,
+according to the address left by his wife, declining the offered
+service; and stating that "her majesty had no unkind or ungenerous
+feelings towards the Princess of Wales, and had quite misunderstood the
+offer, having supposed it to be made under very opposite circumstances."
+The lady was recommended to the queen's notice by Lord Castlereagh,
+though doubts were entertained whether the lieutenant might be trusted,
+as he was believed to be anti-ministerial.
+
+We here relate another fact, relative to the Princess of Wales'
+persecutors:--A certain personage sought for an interview with an
+individual whom we will disguise under the name of Captain Rock. "Well,"
+said his royal highness to the captain, "I wish to engage your
+services; you are well acquainted with Italy; we expect the Princess of
+Wales will be at Pisa in about three months, and as you have served us
+before, we suppose you will have no objection to do so again; you shall
+not want for cash." The offer was accepted, and his royal highness
+_wrote_ this offer upon paper, and a sum was advanced on the evening of
+the same day. This mean slave of power departed; but, before following
+the instructions of his royal employer, went off to London, and
+communicated to Lord Castlereagh his mission, requiring five hundred
+pounds more, declaring the _written_ promise should strictly be
+enforced, as he had been a loser by his former services. The amount
+demanded was given. "I assure you, my lord," said the captain, "I will
+execute my commission well; but I must also be paid well." Lord
+Castlereagh assented, and this unmanly spy took his leave of England to
+wait the expected arrival of the princess at Pisa.
+
+These proceedings against her royal highness soon manifested themselves
+in a commission being appointed at Milan; and rumours were circulated in
+this country that her conduct was at variance with propriety.
+
+Mr. LEECH, a Chancery barrister of some eminence, and who was
+subsequently elevated to the situation of Vice-Chancellor, and is now
+Master of the Rolls; Mr. COOK, also a barrister, and a writer of great
+eminence on the subject of bankruptcy; Mr. POWELL, a gentleman of
+private fortune and connected with the court; a Colonel BROWN, the
+impropriety of whose conduct met with general disapprobation; and Lord
+STEWART, the cowardly lordling who had repeatedly vilified the character
+of the princess, and had even personally insulted her, were selected as
+the individuals proper to conduct an inquiry into the character and
+conduct of her royal highness, during her residence on the Continent. To
+Milan they repaired. A person by the name of Vimercati was selected as
+the Italian agent. Colonel Brown was stationed to assist him. Salaries
+were of course attached to their respective offices, and each individual
+had his post assigned him. Vimercati was invested with the greater part
+of the management of this affair, and the nature of his conduct and
+proceedings cannot but excite mingled feelings of surprise and horror.
+
+By this commission, witnesses were first obtained, then examined, and
+re-examined; exorbitant prices were offered to them for their testimony,
+and threats were made to those who shewed, or pretended to shew, any
+dislike subsequently to appear to verify their statements. Rastelli,
+afterwards a witness, was employed as _courier_, and to him was
+delegated the all-powerful argument of a _long purse_. Dumont, while in
+the hands of this commission, carried on a correspondence with her
+sister, (who was still in the queen's service) through the medium of
+Baron D'Ompteda, (the villain we mentioned a few pages back) for the
+purpose of obtaining information from her majesty's servants. And Omati
+was paid by D'Ompteda for stealing papers, for the use of the
+commission, from his master, who was her majesty's professional agent at
+Milan. These are facts proved by witnesses whose characters are
+irreproachable, and whose evidence is as well written as parole.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1818
+
+was a dark and troubled period,--a period of great private distress,--so
+that the minds of men were bent with more acerbity than usual upon the
+redress of public grievances. The country, borne down by debt, harassed
+by taxation, which had no longer for its excuse a monopoly of commerce,
+looked naturally enough to the source from which these calamities had
+flowed. They found the theory and the practice of the constitution at
+variance, and hearing they had a right to be taxed by their
+representatives, they thought it hard and unjust that over the great
+majority of those who taxed them they had no controul. Retrenchment and
+economy were what they required. They considered parliamentary reform
+would be the means of producing economy and retrenchment. Public
+meetings in favour of parliamentary reform were, therefore, held,
+resolutions in favour of it passed, and petitions in favour of it
+presented to the two houses of parliament; the energies of a free people
+were roused, and great excitement prevailed. When a country is thus
+agitated, a minister must resist with vigour, or yield with grace.
+Unjust and violent demands should be met with resistance; but sober and
+legitimate requests, with concession. When weakly opposed, they are
+obtained by immediate violence; successfully refused, they are put off
+for a day, or postponed for a week or a year; but they are not got rid
+of. Lord Castlereagh and Mr. Canning, however, were vain enough to think
+otherwise.
+
+Parliament was opened by commission in January. The speech referred to
+the continued indisposition of his majesty, and the death of the
+Princess Charlotte; but without promising an inquiry into the _cause_ of
+her untimely end! An address was voted in the Commons' House, according
+to custom, though Sir Samuel Romilly was not wanting in his expressions
+of severe opposition to the course ministers were pursuing. He stated,
+"that the despotic conduct of the ministry had produced in the minds of
+the people a determination to withstand any further infringement upon
+their rights and privileges."
+
+Totally regardless of the sufferings of an over-burdened people,
+however, and during the very heavy and calamitous sorrows of the middle
+and lower classes, the chancellor of the Exchequer had the effrontery to
+move "that one million of money be raised for the purpose of supplying
+the deficiency of places of worship belonging to the establishment, by
+building new churches and chapels of ease, where the increase of
+population rendered it needful." How applicable are the words of
+Tartuffe to the advocates of this measure! "With one hand, I have
+encouraged spies, suborned perjury, and committed murders; and with the
+other, built churches,--_but not with my own money_!" The bill passed,
+and an extra "plume of worldly-mindedness" was consequently placed in
+the cap of hypocrisy! Oh! that the pure religion of our Saviour should
+be thus perverted! His kingdom was not of this world, neither did he
+luxuriate in the "good things" of the earth. Did he wear lawn sleeves
+and a mitre? Did he loll in gaudy carriages, and look down with
+supercilious contempt on his poorer brethren? Did he require _theatres_
+for his churches, or _perfumed_ divines to preach his gospel? Did he
+interfere with political matters, and exert his energies to enslave the
+people? We leave these questions to be answered by those locusts of the
+land, commonly called _bishops_ of the _established_ church; at the same
+time we call upon them to reflect, whether, if hereafter they should
+feel inclined to recall the opportunity of conciliating the respect of
+the country, they will not have the misfortune of finding it much too
+late!
+
+If our readers were to look over the singular parliamentary proceedings
+at this gloomy period of our history, they would be forcibly struck with
+the littleness, servility, and the utter want of intellectual calibre,
+so fully set forth in the characters of those who conducted the solemn
+mockery of legislation. The most unjust and arbitrary laws were put in
+force, and the public money allowed to be squandered, without the least
+inquiry. As a proof of this last remark, we need only mention the fact
+of _ninety thousand pounds_ being voted for the department of the
+"Master of the Horse," who kept thirty saddle and twenty-eight carriage
+horses for the use of his majesty, yet the king had never been out of
+the castle for more than seven years! This disgraceful squandering of
+money was carried on, too, when honest citizens and affectionate fathers
+were incapable of providing bread for themselves and families! Indeed,
+Lord Liverpool seemed resolved to push the country to its utmost verge,
+by proposing and sanctioning every expensive outlay. He was, with Lords
+Castlereagh and Sidmouth, the author of many plans to perplex,
+impoverish, and subdue the people, in which plans the _bishops_ most
+zealously assisted. Every contrivance that had the sanction of the queen
+was sure to be _well-managed_, till Justice herself was set at open
+defiance.
+
+Our readers will recollect our former statements respecting the Princess
+Charlotte, and we think the circumstance we are now about to relate will
+not operate against the proofs we have adduced concerning her untimely
+end.
+
+Dr. Sir Richard Croft, the accoucheur of that lamented princess, had
+been engaged to attend the lady of the Rev. Dr. Thackeray, at her house,
+86, Wimpole-street, Cavendish-square. Sir Richard went there on Monday,
+the 9th of February, and remained in attendance until Thursday morning,
+at eleven o'clock, when, finding his continued presence unnecessary, he
+went out for a short time to fulfil his other engagements. An apartment
+on the floor above that occupied by Mrs. Thackeray was appointed for
+the residence of Sir Richard. In this chamber, there were two pistols
+belonging to Dr. Thackeray, hanging within the reach of Dr. Croft. Sir
+Richard retired to bed at half-past twelve, and about one, Dr. Thackeray
+heard a noise, apparently proceeding from the room occupied by Dr.
+Croft, and sent a female servant to ascertain the cause; she returned,
+saying, "the doctor is in bed, and I conceive him to be asleep." A short
+time after, a similar noise was heard, and the servant was sent again.
+She rapped at the door, but received no answer. This circumstance
+created alarm; in consequence of which, the door of his apartment was
+broken open. Here an awful spectacle presented itself. The body of Sir
+Richard was lying on the bed, shockingly mangled, his hands extended
+over his breast, and a pistol in each hand. One of the pistols had been
+loaded with slugs, the other with ball. Both were discharged, and the
+head of the unfortunate gentleman was literally blown to pieces.
+
+On the inquest, Doctors Latham and Baillie, and Mr. Finch, proved that
+the deceased had, since the death of the Princess Charlotte, laboured
+under mental distress. He had frequently been heard to say, that "this
+lamentable occurrence weighs heavily on my mind, and I shall never get
+over it." Mr. Finch said, he was well aware that the deceased had been
+labouring under derangement of intellect for a considerable time past;
+and he should not have reposed confidence or trust in him on any
+occasion since the lamented catastrophe alluded to. The jury returned a
+verdict, "that the deceased destroyed himself while in a fit of
+temporary derangement."
+
+During the inquest, the newspaper reporters were denied admission, which
+circumstance gave rise to various rumours of a suspicious tendency. This
+was certainly an unconstitutional act; but we will, as honest
+historians, speak candidly upon the subject. Delicacy to surviving
+friends must not prevent our detail of facts.
+
+It will appear evident, then, that Sir Richard had not been perfectly
+sane since the ever-to-be-regretted fatal event at Claremont. Was it not
+therefore astonishing, that his professional as well as other friends,
+who were _suspicious_, if not _fully aware_, of the doctor's
+derangement, should have been silent upon this important point, and have
+allowed Sir Richard to continue in the exercise of his professional
+practice? Did they not, by such silence, contribute to the peril of
+females in the most trying moment of nature's sorrow? The
+_disinterested_ reader will, doubtless, join us in our expressions of
+indignation at such wanton and cruel conduct.
+
+The letter written to Sir Richard, by order of the prince, proves
+nothing but the folly of those who advised it. That letter was not
+calculated to remove any of those suspicions respecting the untimely
+death of the Princess Charlotte, which rolled like heavy clouds over the
+intelligent minds of the greater portion of the nation; neither was it
+likely to hush the spirit of _inquiry_, because its details were
+evidently meant to prevent any special explanation. The Marquis of
+Hertford, chamberlain to the regent, well knew, at this period, how to
+estimate _medicinal cause and effect_!
+
+Presuming my Lord Bloomfield to have been an actor in "the tragedy," we
+cannot help thinking that his reward was more than adequate to the
+_services_ performed. His pension of twelve hundred pounds per annum was
+dated December, 1817. What extraordinary benefits had he rendered to
+this oppressed nation to merit such an income? We ought also to mention,
+that, after this period, we find his lordship named as "envoy and
+minister-plenipotentiary in Sweden," for which he received the annual
+sum of four thousand, nine hundred pounds, and, as colonel of artillery,
+one thousand and three pounds, making in all the enormous annual sum of
+seven thousand, one hundred, and three pounds!
+
+These remarks are not intended to wound the feelings of private
+families; but are made with a view to urge a strict investigation into
+the cause of the Princess Charlotte's death. We are well aware that many
+_great_ persons have reason to fear the result of such an inquiry, yet
+the injured ought to have justice administered, even at the "eleventh
+hour," if it cannot sooner be obtained. Many a murderer has been
+executed twenty, or even thirty, years after the commission of his
+crime!
+
+Though at this time ministers had a parliament almost entirely devoted
+to their wishes, there were a few members of it who vigorously opposed
+unjust measures, and they could not always carry their plans into
+execution. The amount solicited for the Duke of Clarence upon his
+intended marriage with the Princess of Saxe Meiningen is a proof of
+this; for, although the regent sent a message to the House to accomplish
+this object, it was at _first_ refused, and the duke did not gain his
+point till a considerable time afterwards.
+
+In this year, the Duke of Kent was united to a sister of Prince Leopold.
+
+In September, while most requisite to her party, the queen was taken
+ill. Bulletin followed upon bulletin, and the disorder was reported to
+increase. Some of the public papers announced, that her majesty had
+expressed an ardent desire to witness a _reconciliation_ between the
+Prince and Princess of Wales, as she imagined her dissolution was now
+near at hand. The report, however, was as false as it was unlikely; for,
+only a month before this period, _spies_ had been despatched to obtain
+witnesses, _of any description_, against the honour of the princess, by
+which means her enemies hoped to accomplish their most ardent desires.
+Queen Charlotte's _conscience_ was not of a penetrable nature as her
+bitter enmity to the Princess of Wales continued even to her death!
+
+With her majesty, it had ever been an invariable maxim, that "might
+constitutes right;" but the reflections of her mind, while surveying the
+probability of a speedy dissolution, must have been of a complexion too
+dreary to be faithfully pictured. She,--who had been the arbitress of
+the fates of nations, whose commands none dared dispute or disobey, and
+at whose frown numberless sycophants and dependents trembled,--was now
+about to face the dread enemy of mankind! The proud heart of Queen
+Charlotte must have been humbled at the thought of meeting HER Judge,
+who is said to be "no distinguisher of persons."
+
+During her indisposition, the queen seemed much impressed with the idea
+that she should recover, and it was not till the 2nd of November that
+the physicians deemed it requisite to acquaint the queen of her danger.
+The intelligence was given in the most delicate manner possible; yet her
+majesty exhibited considerable alarm at the information. It was
+pressingly hinted by the princesses to their mother, that the sacrament
+ought to be administered; but the queen positively refused the "holy
+rite," saying, "It is of no use, as I am unable to take it." One of the
+princesses immediately said, "You do not mean to say that you MURDERED
+THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE?" "No," faintly answered the queen, "BUT I
+CONNIVED AT IT!" We pledge ourselves to the truth of this statement,
+however incredible it may appear to those who have considered Queen
+Charlotte as "a pattern to her sex." When the general servility of the
+press to royalty is taken into consideration, it is hardly to be
+wondered at that people are misinformed as to the real characters of
+kings and queens. Take the following false and most inconsistent
+eulogium, copied from the "Atlas" newspaper, as an example of this
+time-serving violation of truth:
+
+     "Queen Charlotte's _constant attendance on the king_, and her
+     GRIEF FOR THE LOSS OF HER GRAND-DAUGHTER, gained ground on her
+     constitution; and her majesty expired at Kew, on the 17th of
+     November, 1818. _In all the relations of a wife and mother_,
+     the conduct of the queen had been EXEMPLARY. Pious, without
+     bigotry; virtuous, but not austere; serious, yet capable of
+     the most perfect enjoyment of innocent pleasure;
+     unostentatious, economical, adorned with all domestic virtues,
+     and not without the charities of human nature, the queen had
+     lived respected, and she died full of years and honour,
+     regretted by her subjects, and most by those who knew her
+     best. If her talents were not shining, nor her virtues
+     extraordinary, she never employed the first in faction, nor
+     bartered the second for power. She was occasionally accused of
+     political interference, by contemporary jealousy; but history
+     will acquit her of the charge. She was a strict moralist,
+     though her conduct to one part of her family (the heroic
+     Caroline, we suppose) was perhaps more RIGOROUS than JUST. Her
+     proudest drawing-room was the hearth of her home. HER
+     BRIGHTEST GEMS WERE HER CHILDREN, (heaven save the mark!) _and
+     her greatest ambition to set an example of_ MATRONLY VIRTUE
+     _and feminine dignity to the ladies of her adopted country_!"
+
+We should absolutely blush for the writer of this paragraph, did we
+think that he really _meant_ his panegyric to be taken _literally_. For
+the sake of _common honesty_, however, we will not suppose he so
+intended it; he must be some severe critic who adopted this style as the
+_keenest kind of wit_, for
+
+     "Praise undeserved is satire in disguise!"
+
+The _august_ remains of this royal lady were, on the 2nd of December,
+deposited in the vault prepared for their reception, with all the
+parade usual on such expensive occasions. We will not detain our
+readers by describing the funeral pomp, though we cannot avoid noticing
+that the body was not opened, but immediately enclosed in prepared
+wrappers, and very speedily deposited in the first coffin, which was a
+leaden one. Indeed, her majesty was not in a fit state to undergo the
+usual formalities of embalming, &c. Her body was literally a moving mass
+of corruption.
+
+Let us now sum up the mortal train of evils which were so _generously_
+nourished "by the departed," for virtues she had none. The power of
+royalty may intimidate the irresolute, astonish the uninformed, or bribe
+the villain; but, as we do not claim affinity with either of these
+characters, we honestly avow, that her majesty did not deserve the title
+"of blessed memory." At the commencement of her alliance with the
+much-to-be-pitied George the Third, she took every advantage of his
+weakness, and actually directed the helm of government _alone_, which
+untoward circumstance England has abundant cause to remember!
+
+The next brother to the king, (Edward) whom we have before mentioned,
+was most unexpectedly and unaccountably sent abroad, notwithstanding his
+being next in succession. His royal highness' marriage with a descendant
+of the Stuarts, though strictly legal, was never acknowledged by Queen
+Charlotte, and his only child, soon after its birth, was thrown upon the
+compassionate attention of strangers. As there is something so horrible
+relative to the death of this amiable duke and duchess, and something
+so heartless and cruel in the treatment to which their only son has been
+subjected, we are induced, for the sake of truth and justice, to lay a
+brief statement of the matter before our readers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Historians have either been treacherous or ignorant of the circumstances
+connected with the case of this Duke of York, who was the second son of
+Frederick, Prince of Wales, and next brother of George the Third. Most
+writers have represented "that he died in consequence of a malignant
+fever," as we have before mentioned; but one historian ventured to
+assert that "Edward, Duke of York, was ASSASSINATED in September, 1767,
+near Monaco, in Italy!" This statement, we are sorry to say, is but too
+true, which caused the book containing it to be bought up at an immense
+expense. The unhappy widow of his royal highness was then far advanced
+in pregnancy, and very shortly after this melancholy, and (to her)
+irreparable loss, she came over to England, and took up her residence at
+Haverford West, in South Wales. At this place, her royal highness gave
+birth to a son, whose baptism was duly entered in the register of St.
+Thomas' parish. What afterwards became of this illustrious lady,
+however, is not known; but her infant was, shortly after its birth,
+conveyed to London, and placed, by George the Third, under the immediate
+care and protection of a tradesman and his wife, by whom he was
+represented to be their own son. This tradesman, although only
+twenty-seven years of age, enjoyed the particular confidence of his
+majesty, and has been known to walk with the king by the hour, in the
+gardens adjoining Buckingham House, conversing with all the familiarity
+of an old acquaintance or an especial friend, and who at all times could
+command an interview with his majesty, or with the ministers. When about
+twelve years old, this ill-fated offspring of the duke was placed at
+Eton, upon which occasion his majesty took especial notice of the youth,
+and was in the habit of conversing very freely with him. He had not been
+long at Eton when his majesty allowed him to go with his _reputed_
+father to see the hounds throw off at Taplow Heath; a chaise was ordered
+for this purpose, and they arrived just before the deer were let out.
+Upon their alighting, the king rode up to them, and expressed his very
+great satisfaction at the appearance of the youth; and, after asking
+many questions relative to the arrangements made for him at school,
+said, "Well, my little fellow, do you be a good boy, and you shall never
+want friends. Good bye, good bye; the deer will soon be out!" His
+majesty then rode back to his attendants. Whenever George the Third
+passed through Eton, it was his invariable practice either to speak to,
+or inquire after, this youth, in whose welfare he ever appeared deeply
+interested. From Eton, he was removed to college; and after this period,
+vexations of an unpleasant nature were experienced by this orphan: his
+income was too limited, and unkindness and illiberality were too
+frequently his portion; even during severe indisposition, he was
+permitted to languish without being supplied with sufficient means to
+procure the needful restoratives. His life now became little else than
+one continued scene of unhappiness; his associates at the university
+were well acquainted with these facts, and appeared deeply interested in
+his welfare, regretting that the mind and talent of such an amiable and
+promising youth should be enervated by the severity or inattention of
+his connexions. But as he had been severely rebuked for making a
+complaint, and offering a remonstrance, he resolved to suffer in "silent
+sorrow," much to the injury of his mental enjoyments. During a vacation,
+and previous to his removal from college, a dispute arose amongst the
+members of his reputed father's family upon the subject of religion. The
+debate at length assumed a formidable appearance, and bigotry plainly
+supplied the place of sound reasoning. The family separated in the
+evening, each displeased with the other, and all, except one individual,
+at issue with the royal protégé. Early in the ensuing morning, this
+dissentient member of the family requested the favour of an interview
+with the illustrious youth, and remarked, that the occurrence was not a
+matter of surprise, as the very peculiar circumstances connected with
+the reputed father of the young gentleman were of a most serious
+description. "To what do you allude?" said the youth. "You ought to
+know," answered this honourable friend, "that you have no right to
+submit to insult here. You are the highest person in this house, and
+are, by your rank, entitled to the greatest respect from every one. Your
+_pretended_ father forgets his duty and his engagements, when he permits
+you to be treated with disrespect; and if his majesty knew these
+circumstances, your abode would soon be changed; and your profession
+would be abandoned. The king never would allow an indignity to be
+offered to you in any way, much less by the person into whose care he
+has so confidingly entrusted you." "What!" said the young prince, "am I
+not the son of Mr. ******? but, if I am, why should his majesty take so
+much interest in my case?" "No," answered his informant, "you are not
+the son of Mr. ******. But ask no more; my life might probably pay for
+my explanation!" From this period, the subject of our memoir was treated
+with the greatest unkindness and personal indignity by almost every
+member of his reputed father's family. Indeed, the imperious behaviour
+of the elder branches was such as could not be passed over in silence;
+in consequence of which, the high-spirited and noble victim was sent
+back to college for the remainder of the vacation, with little more in
+his purse than would defray the expenses of the journey; but the command
+was peremptory! After remaining some time in utter destitution, the
+royal protégé wrote to request an early supply of cash, naming for what
+purposes. This appeal was considered as the effect of extravagance and
+profligacy, and, instead of being properly complied with, was answered
+with acrimony, every thing the reverse of parental feeling. Under these
+heart-rending circumstances, did this ill-fated son of Prince Edward
+labour for nearly four years at the university,--not daring to make any
+further appeals to the austere, impatient, and arbitrary person, to
+whose care the king had so fully, though _secretly_, entrusted him. At
+length, however, a severe illness was the consequence; and censure, in
+no very measured terms, was heaped upon the unfeeling character who had
+so cruelly immolated a promising and worthy young gentleman, and who, he
+well knew, was of the most illustrious descent. Those who were
+acquainted with the particulars of the case were most incensed against
+such heartless conduct. Mr. ****** had undertaken the important charge
+of seeing this protégé able to realize the ardent wish of his majesty,
+either as a legal or clerical character, and thereby, in some degree,
+provided for. But, while his majesty's nephew was refused means to live
+respectably, and excluded from all youthful amusements, the real sons of
+his reputed father were allowed all the pleasures and enjoyments of
+life. At his final removal from college, this ill-treated prince
+represented to his unfeeling guardian that he should take greater
+pleasure in pursuing legal to clerical engagements; but his wishes in
+this, as in most other matters, were totally disregarded, and the church
+was destined, by arbitrary will, to be his profession. He, therefore, at
+the proper age, was compelled to take orders, and enter upon a
+profession he had not chosen. As the home of his reputed father was
+scarcely to be endured, a curacy was eagerly accepted, and the son of
+the Duke of York, the nephew of George the Third, was transformed into
+"a clergyman of the church of England!!!" Here he toiled in an obscure
+village, scarcely receiving sufficient means to discharge the small
+demands required for his maintenance!
+
+Shortly after this, the principal of the living died insolvent, and the
+little remuneration due to the curate could not be obtained. In this
+distressing state of affairs, the persecuted prince could obtain no
+settlement from his guardian; yet from comparative nothingness, this man
+was raised to affluence, and was then living in much style, keeping his
+carriage and horses, inhabiting a mansion of very superior description,
+and the whole of his family enjoying every superfluity of life. _He_,
+however, on whose sole account this sumptuous appearance was bestowed,
+was "eating the bread of Carefulness, and reposing upon the couch of
+Sorrow!" We need not enter more fully into the case of this unfortunate,
+but worthy, descendant of Prince Edward, than say, that, from the
+commencement of his studies to a very recent period, he has been the
+VICTIM OF POWER! His sufferings and his sorrows have been too great for
+language to describe; and, but for the blessings of a fine constitution,
+he must have fallen under them. But, if he be called upon in a suitable
+manner, we doubt not that he has yet preserved to him sufficient of his
+natural courage, though in his 65th year, to make "False Accusation
+blush, and Tyranny tremble at Patience!"
+
+We claim the attention of our readers while we offer PROOF that our
+assertions are founded upon the glorious principle of TRUTH. We have
+ourselves, to elucidate this matter, examined all the registers of the
+various parishes in Carnarvonshire and Carmarthenshire, and found every
+register complete from 1760, until we came to that of St. Thomas,
+Haverford West, at which place we could not find a single register
+before the year 1776. To substantiate this fact, we subjoin the
+following certificate of the parish clerk:
+
+
+                                              "Haverford West,
+                                           "Parish of St. Thomas.
+
+"There are no registers in the possession of the present rector of the
+above parish, prior to the year 1776.
+
+                               (Signed) "JOSEPH LLOYD MORGAN,
+                                                  "Parish Clerk."
+
+"13th Sept., 1831."
+
+
+Here, then, is a BLANK for which no apology can be received,--no
+obsequious profession of sorrow or regret can compensate. We presume to
+declare that if the parish registers throughout the whole of the United
+Kingdoms be investigated, a similar defect will not be found. We are,
+therefore, justified in supposing that this defect arose _solely_ and
+_entirely_ from concerted measures, to keep the subject of our memoir
+from ever having it in his power to bring _legal_ proof of his noble
+descent.
+
+The time will probably arrive when we may be permitted to enter more
+fully into this atrocious business, and then we shall not spare the
+"Oppressors of Innocence," for truth is bold, and not always to be
+defied! It would have been better for such oppressors to have never seen
+the light than to have gained their wicked purposes by such an unmanly
+sacrifice of the rights of nature. Every individual ought to feel
+interested in the full and fair explanation of this chicanery; for if
+such misdeeds are suffered to remain unpunished, a safeguard is offered
+to future tyrants! Startling facts like these speak volumes, and any
+honest and upright member of the community will not need more than their
+simple avowal to rouse his indignation. Such encroachments on the rights
+of individuals call aloud for retributive justice, and we trust the call
+will not long be made in vain. Surely there is yet sufficient virtue
+left amongst us to prevent this once great nation from being sacrificed
+to the fluctuating interests or wayward prejudices of ministers, or even
+of a monarch! It is high time to shake off all lethargy! This, as well
+as many other subjects, which we have exposed,--_deserve_,--nay,
+DEMAND,--_parliamentary investigation_. Hitherto, some dreadful
+infatuation seems to have presided over the councils of this country.
+Insatiable ambition has caused all the horrors imposed upon the United
+Kingdoms, and has plunged a professedly free and great people into debt
+and disgrace. Indolence now, therefore, is only comparable with the
+conduct of a prodigal, who has wasted his estate without reflection, and
+then has not the courage to examine his accounts; far be this from
+Britons!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+From this digression, we return to the consideration of Queen
+Charlotte's character. The open and virtuous conduct of the Earl of
+Chatham, and his rebuffs from the queen in consequence thereof affords
+another proof of the domination which her majesty endeavoured to
+exercise over all advisers of the crown. The imbecility of the king,
+owing to circumstances formerly noticed by us, as well as the horrors of
+a ruinous war, must also be ascribed to the dictatorial conduct of Queen
+Charlotte. The unjustifiable hatred her majesty imbibed against the
+Princess of Wales, and the consequent unfeeling demeanour she exhibited
+to that victim, would of itself be sufficient to refute the praises of
+her minions, and stamp her name with everlasting infamy. But many other
+convincing proofs are upon record. Her majesty well knew that the
+country was bending under an enormous load of debt, which encumbered its
+inhabitants; she knew of their sufferings and complaints; but the
+appealing voices of reason and supplication were never deemed worthy of
+her attention. What traits of "matronly" goodness or natural affection
+did she exhibit for the Princess Charlotte, when advancing to the hour
+of her peril? And what proofs have we of "her grief for the loss of her
+grand-daughter" so satirically ascribed, by the writer quoted a few
+pages back, to be one of the causes of her majesty's last illness? Alas!
+her majesty's abject, though horrible, confession on her death-bed,
+relative to this unfortunate princess, too fatally corroborated the
+infamy of her general conduct! We need not proceed farther with her
+majesty's character; this, this unnatural act is enough to chill the
+blood in the veins of every human being!
+
+At this time, very little was said of the afflicted king; indeed the
+bulletins assumed such a sameness of expression, that the country
+thought there was not satisfactory evidence to prove the sovereign was
+_really alive_. His majesty's disorder did not require that close and
+solitary confinement so arbitrarily imposed upon him. If he had been a
+private gentleman, associated with an affectionate wife and dutiful
+children, would he not have frequently been persuaded to take an airing
+in an open carriage? But how infinitely superior were the facilities
+attendant upon the situation of the king than could possibly be
+possessed by any private gentleman! His majesty had long been
+languishing, and was, at the commencement of
+
+
+1819,
+
+insensible to all around him. Death was evidently making rapid strides,
+and yet the bulletins continued of the same general expression.
+
+At this time, we had the honour of being personally acquainted with one
+of the king's sons, whose integrity has ever been considered
+unimpeachable, both in his public and private character. The information
+we received relative to the KING'S DEATH came directly from his royal
+highness.
+
+It will be remembered, that much doubt prevailed upon the reality of the
+king's existence, and numerous bets were entered into upon the subject
+by persons in the higher circles. Notwithstanding this, on the 25th of
+January, the Earl of Liverpool introduced a motion to the House of Lords
+for the purpose of nominating the Duke of York to the office of
+"guardian to the king," as, in consequence of the demise of her majesty,
+that trust had become vacant. Much altercation ensued. The duke's former
+delinquencies had not been forgotten, and the country was tired with the
+subjection they then endured from the IMPOSING privileges of royalty.
+But, in despite of all opposition and remonstrance, the care of the
+king's person was committed to the Duke of York, for which his royal
+highness had the unblushing effrontery to receive TEN THOUSAND POUNDS A
+YEAR FOR VISITING HIS DYING FATHER TWICE A WEEK!!! What an unprecedented
+example of avarice and undutifulness was here manifested by a son to his
+parent, who would have travelled the same distance any time to have
+gratified his passions! Oh, Shame! where is thy blush? Oh, Infamy, art
+thou not now detected? A few weeks after this motion had received the
+approbation of the agents of corruption, the long-afflicted and
+disappointed GEORGE THE THIRD DIED! but the event was carefully
+concealed from the public. PRAYERS WERE STILL READ IN CHURCHES FOR HIS
+RECOVERY, though the bishops knew they were _mocking heaven_, by praying
+for the life of one who was _already dead_! Ye sticklers for upholding
+the present impious system of church government, what say ye to this?
+Could Infamy and Blasphemy go any farther? And yet those at the head of
+this system are still allowed to insult the country by proposing general
+fasts to people already starving, as well as impiously accusing the
+Almighty with spreading distress and pestilence over the land which they
+themselves have laid waste by their rapacity and worldly-mindedness!
+While the clergy were praying for the life of the _deceased_ king to be
+preserved, the apartments formerly in the occupation of his majesty were
+kept in the same state as when the monarch was alive, and the royal
+body, after being embalmed, was placed in a leaden coffin of needful
+substance. Our royal informant went on to state, that these impositions
+were practised upon the public to give time for selecting proper persons
+to be despatched to Milan, or elsewhere, to gain intelligence what the
+Princess of Wales intended upon the demise of the king, as, in that
+event occurring, her royal highness would become queen consort.
+
+Notwithstanding all this cunning and trickery, her royal highness was
+informed of the death of her father-in-law many months before it became
+publicly known. A junior branch of the royal family wrote to her, "The
+king is now dead, but this event will not be made known to the nation
+till certain arrangements are made, on behalf of the prince regent, _to
+degrade you_; and either keep you abroad for the remainder of your life,
+void of your title as Queen of England, and with other restrictions, or
+to obtain witnesses, and, giving you the _form_ of a trial, insult and
+destroy you!" Her royal highness, however, was precluded from _acting_
+upon this information by her correspondent, who enjoined her to the
+strictest secrecy till the event should be made known to her by the
+ministers of the crown.
+
+In the mean time, every opportunity to suppress unpleasant inquiries or
+investigations upon subjects connected with royalty and the time-serving
+ministry were carefully embraced. That unparalleled junto, Liverpool,
+Castlereagh, Sidmouth, and others of the same profession, not forgetting
+our dear venerable Lord Eldon and the _pious_ bishops, were well aware
+of George the Third's death, at the time it happened. They had, indeed,
+been expecting it for some time; yet these were the persons who assisted
+to deceive the public mind, and prevent the straightforward
+acknowledgment of TRUTH! The evidence we have adduced of this fact is so
+palpable and strong, that he who can resist its force must be strangely
+void of perception, or else have made a previous resolve not to suffer
+himself to be the subject of conviction.
+
+In the early part of May, several persons were introduced at court, and
+received the royal smile, on being appointed to investigate the private
+conduct of the Princess of Wales. Their _purses_ were also amply
+supplied by the royal command, and if further sums were found needful,
+they received letters of credit upon the principal banking houses named
+in the route they had to take. If any person in the common ranks of life
+gives away that which is not his to give, he renders himself liable to
+transportation; but it is said, a "king can do no wrong!" The most
+disreputable of society were solicited to give information against the
+Princess of Wales, either with regard to any public or private
+intelligence they might have received; the most liberal offers were also
+made to remunerate the persons so inquired of. After an immense expense,
+information, though of a doubtful character, against the princess was
+obtained, ONLY BY PURCHASE; and various were the despatches sent over to
+this country, and answered by the ministerial plotters, who exerted all
+their energies to bring the business to a consummation.
+
+During such disreputable transactions, the princess knew the _real_
+cause of all the attempts to insult and degrade her character; and she,
+therefore, without delay, advised with her legal friends what steps were
+most proper to take. Alas! the princess was doomed only to receive fresh
+insults; delay followed delay; excuses of the most palliative
+description were used, instead of sound advice and positive opinion, and
+it appeared as if every hand were raised against her! Indeed, the
+perplexed and mortifying situation of the princess was attended with
+such dangerous consequences, that, had she not been a most _courageous_
+woman, and supported by her _innocence_, she must have sank under her
+fears. Driven into exile, abandoned by the ministry, deserted by her
+friends, through the bribery of her enemies, attacked by her _nearest
+relations_, the only resource she had left was in committing her person,
+her sceptre, her crown, and her honour, to the care of the
+representatives of the British people. For our own parts, we cannot
+forget that when she was accused before parliament on a former occasion,
+the whole nation was melted into tears, or inflamed with rage; and,
+except those princes and their minions, who should have felt for her the
+most, there was found but one heart, one will, and one voice, on the
+subject throughout the kingdoms! Nor can it have escaped the observation
+of our countrymen, that all those persons, originally employed in
+bringing to trial this illustrious and virtuous woman, have been
+munificently rewarded; while those who advocated her cause, and stood
+between her and the axe uplifted for her destruction, have experienced
+nothing but the blackest calumny and detraction.
+
+Lord Moira, the author of the first investigation, was made Marquis of
+Hastings, and Governor-General of India. This individual, however,
+desired his _right hand might be amputated immediately after his
+decease, as an expiatory judgment against himself, in having signed
+dishonourable deeds to injure the happiness of the princess_. Conant,
+the poor Marlborough-street magistrate, who procured the attested
+evidence for impeachment, was created Sir Nathaniel, with an increase of
+a _thousand pounds_ a year, as chief of all the police offices. The
+Douglases were all either elevated to wealth, office, or rank. The
+Jerseys stood in the sunshine of the court; and the Rev. Mr. Bates, then
+editor of the "Herald," and her bitterest enemy, was created a baronet,
+and promoted high in the church! Such was the fortune of her accusers;
+but how different was that of her supporters!
+
+In June, the Chancellor of the Exchequer submitted his plan of finance.
+It proved that the revenue was reduced eighteen millions, to meet which,
+extra loans were proposed to be raised and new taxes enforced. In doing
+this, the Speaker of the House of Commons, in the address to the regent,
+said, "In adopting this course, his majesty's faithful Commons do not
+conceal from themselves that they are calling upon the nation for a
+_great exertion_; but, well knowing that honour, character, and
+independence have at all times been the first and dearest objects of the
+hearts of Englishmen, we feel assured that there is no difficulty that
+the country would not encounter, and no pressure to which it would not
+_cheerfully_ submit, to enable us to maintain pure and unimpaired that
+which has never yet been shaken or sullied,--our public credit, and our
+national good faith." Now let us ask the reason why an extra immense
+burden of taxation was to be levied upon the people. The queen was
+_acknowledged_ to be dead, and certainly could not be chargeable to the
+nation by her personal expenditure or allowance. The king was also
+_dead_, though _his income was received as usual_! as well as the Duke
+of York's _ten thousand pounds for attending him_!!! Royal and
+ministerial extravagance likewise caused the useless outlay of twenty
+thousand, five hundred pounds, for SNUFF-BOXES, besides twelve hundred
+guineas as presents to three GERMAN BARONS. The gift of _an axe_ or _a
+halter_ would have better accorded with the financial state of the
+empire!
+
+The prince regent closed the session in person on the 13th of July; and,
+at the conclusion of his speech, adverted to the _seditious spirit_
+(what sensible man could feel surprised at it?) which was evident in the
+manufacturing districts, and avowed a firm determination to employ the
+powers provided by law for its suppression, instead of promising the
+people redress of grievances!
+
+In Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, and Stockport, the meetings of the
+inhabitants now became very numerous, while all means were taken by the
+local authorities to provoke general confusion.
+
+On the 16th of August, the MEMORABLE MEETING at Manchester took place,
+for the purpose of petitioning for a reform in the representation. The
+assembly consisted of from sixty to one hundred thousand persons, who
+conducted themselves in the most peaceable manner. The assembled
+multitude, however, were suddenly surprised by the arrival of the
+Manchester yeomanry cavalry; to which were afterwards added a regiment
+of the Cheshire yeomanry, and a regiment of huzzars,--the outlets being
+occupied by other military detachments. The _unarmed_ thousands were now
+driven one upon another, and many were killed and wounded, while others
+were ridden over by the horses. The number ascertained to have been
+killed were eight men, two women, and one child; but the wounded were
+about six hundred! How well the words of a celebrated author apply to
+this diabolical proceeding: "A kingdom for a stage, princes to act, and
+to behold the grand effect; but at their heels, leashed in like hounds,
+may not sword, famine, fire, crouch for employment?" Numerous
+imprisonments followed, and many poor families were consequently
+deprived of support.
+
+Historians are at issue whether or not the riot act was read before the
+scene of carnage commenced, as it is unconstitutional to send a military
+force _to act_ before so doing. We, however, confidently assert IT WAS
+NOT READ in the hearing of any of the populace, neither was it at all
+likely that the soldiers could have come so suddenly and unexpectedly
+upon the multitudes, unless by previous order and arrangement. Further
+than this, an hour ought to have transpired after such reading before a
+soldier or civil officer could be authorised to interfere in dispersing
+the meeting. As a proof of the corresponding features of this unexampled
+and murderous business, a letter was written by the _pious_ Lord
+Sidmouth, _in the name of the regent_, to the Earl of Derby, presenting
+thanks for the vigorous and able conduct of the magistracy and military
+of Manchester on the 16th. Thus were the lives and liberties of the
+open-hearted population of these kingdoms allowed to be at the controul
+of an impotent and heartless statesman; for it appeared that the regent
+was not at hand to have given his assent to this unparalleled piece of
+barefaced audacity. Lord Sidmouth should have been more careful of
+dates, as the "royal dandy" was at that time taking a little pleasure
+near the Isle of Wight. But the following particulars will explain the
+_systematic_ plan of this cold-blooded massacre:
+
+Mr. H. N. Bell, before this period, was confidentially employed at the
+office of the secretary of state, in the capacity of genealogist, under
+the immediate controul of Lord Sidmouth. Some considerable period before
+the melancholy butchery, he was engaged to proceed to Manchester, in
+company with two other persons, for the avowed purpose of inflaming the
+public mind against the ministry. He went, and the result was as his
+patron and employer, Lord Sidmouth, desired it. Mr. Bell and his
+associates expressed to the people of Manchester, that they need not
+remain in their then starving condition, if, in an orderly and peaceable
+manner, they were to assemble on some convenient spot, and unanimously
+resolve to petition for a reform, so much needed, in the representation.
+These tools of the secretary of state told the famishing multitudes,
+that if they pleased to enjoy happiness and plenty, together with civil
+liberty, they had now an opportunity of accomplishing their most earnest
+wishes. Under their influence, clubs and unions were soon formed, and
+public notices were ultimately given, that a general meeting would take
+place on the 16th of August.
+
+These preliminary arrangements being completed, the _soldiery_ had
+instructions to be ready. The result was as before stated; and Mr. Bell
+and his accomplices returned to London as soon as their object was
+attained. The Duke of York acted a prominent part in this plot, from his
+military facilities; but the besotted prince was persuaded to get out of
+the way until the affair should be concluded.
+
+Mr. Bell proved very useful in the office of the secretary, and as he
+had once forfeited his own good opinion, by lending himself to the
+diabolical plot just mentioned, he made no further scruple, but became a
+passive engine, directed in his actions by the command of ministers and
+state empirics. Lord Sidmouth was dissatisfied with the Manchester
+business; he had hoped that many more might have been brought to suffer
+the extreme penalty of the law, thereby affording an awful example to
+deter others from daring to question the excellency of the government
+under which they lived, and the generous disposition of the governors.
+We are aware that some people attributed this affair to the magistracy;
+but they would not have dared to interfere in such a manner as they did,
+unless sanctioned and supported by the higher powers. The cause of a
+selfish, cruel, and despotic ministry, required the assistance of
+corresponding heartless servants, and they obtained it. Lord
+Castlereagh, however, threw out many insinuations that the Manchester
+plot was a very bold and desperate undertaking; but the _pious doctor_
+"laid the flattering unction to his soul of its _expediency_," believing
+some such infamous procedure needful to rivet the iron sceptre of
+despotism. How well does the repentant language of a certain wicked king
+apply here!
+
+     "My fault is past. But, O, what form of prayer
+      Can serve my turn? Forgive me my foul murder!--
+      That cannot be, since I am still possess'd
+      Of those effects for which I did the murder!
+
+            *       *       *       *       *
+
+      In the corrupted currents of this world,
+      Offence's gilded hand may shove by justice;
+      And oft 'tis seen, the wicked prize itself
+      Buys out the law!"
+
+This has proved but too true, as well in the Manchester affair as in
+many other diabolical state proceedings. The little value, indeed, which
+the ministers of this period entertained for human life ought never to
+be pardoned. Property, if seized or lost, may be restored; or if not,
+man may enjoy a thousand delightful pleasures of existence without
+riches. The sun shines as warmly on the poor as on the rich; the gale of
+health breathes its balsam into the cottage casement on the heath no
+less sweetly and salubriously than in the portals of the palace. But can
+the lords of this world, who think so little of the lives of their
+inferiors in wealth, with all their boasted power, relume the light of
+the eye once dimmed by the shades of death? "Accursed despots!" as a
+talented author well observes, "shew the world your authority for
+taking away that which ye never gave, and cannot give; for undoing the
+work of God, and extinguishing the lamp of life which was illuminated
+with a ray from heaven! Where is your CHARTER TO PRIVILEGE MURDER?" All
+the gold of Ophir, all the gems of Golconda, cannot buy a single life,
+nor pay for its loss,--it is above all price. Yet when we take a view of
+the proceedings of Lord Sidmouth's junto, we are led to believe any
+thing of more value than human life. Crimes which had very little moral
+evil, if any, and which, therefore, could not incur the vengeance of a
+just and merciful God, were unceremoniously punished with death by this
+minister. Men, for instance, were liable to be shot for meeting
+peaceably together and making speeches, though proceeding from the
+purest and most virtuous principles, from the most enlarged benevolence,
+from wisdom and unaffected patriotism; or for such speeches as might
+proceed from mere warmth of temper, neither intending nor accomplishing
+any mischief. Was not such the case in that horrible affair which we
+have just related? But despots are ever frightened at their own shadows;
+they tremble and become offended at the least alarm, and nothing but the
+blood of the accused can expiate the offence. It is, however, from such
+savage acts of barbarity that the Goddess of Liberty is aroused; it is
+from the tyranny of her jailors that she eventually makes a progress
+irresistible, and carries with her fires destined to consume the throne
+of every despot that cannot bear the light! Various motions have been
+made since that accursed day to bring the _surviving_ actors in the
+Manchester tragedy to condign punishment. Amongst the foremost in this
+laudable endeavour stands Mr. Hunt; but his efforts have hitherto proved
+unavailing. Although we disapprove of the general conduct of the member
+for Preston, the meed of praise ought not to be withheld from him for
+the admirable speech he delivered, relative to this subject, in March,
+1832, as follows:
+
+     "Mr. HUNT said the grossest misrepresentations had been made
+     in parliament respecting that occurrence; and he felt that it
+     was a matter deeply to be regretted, that there was not in the
+     House of Commons, at the time, some person who had witnessed
+     the transaction, and who could put the House in possession of
+     the real facts. There was a hope, however, that the present
+     government would grant an inquiry for which he was about to
+     apply, in conformity with the prayer of the petitions which he
+     had just presented, and with the desire of his constituents.
+     He proceeded to detail the circumstances under which the
+     meeting of the Manchester reformers, at which he presided,
+     took place. He described the horrible scene which ensued upon
+     the dispersion of the meeting by an unprovoked and unresisted
+     charge of the yeomanry cavalry. The House would have some
+     notion of the violence and cruelty of the military from this
+     fact, that when a number of men, women, and children had
+     crowded into a small court, from which there was no
+     thoroughfare, one of the yeomanry drove them out, whilst
+     another struck at each of them with his sabre, as they came
+     out. The number of persons killed on that day amounted to
+     fifteen, while the maimed and wounded were no fewer than four
+     hundred and twenty-four. It was true that it might be said
+     that some of these did not suffer from the sabres of the
+     yeomanry, but a very large proportion, he would take on
+     himself to say, were wounded in that manner; and, at all
+     events, it was quite certain, that no accident whatever would
+     have occurred but for the outrageous attack that had been made
+     on the peaceable multitude. Nor was it men alone that
+     suffered. Women were cut down also. And were these men to be
+     called soldiers? Was this their way of showing their high
+     courage and their honour by cutting down _inoffensive
+     females_? He would ask any man of humanity in that House,
+     whether such disgraceful acts ought to be passed by unnoticed
+     and unpunished, merely because it could be said that twelve
+     years had elapsed since the transaction had taken place? But
+     another excuse that perhaps might be made was, that the
+     meeting was an illegal one. In answer to that, however, he
+     would take on himself to say, that in his opinion, and in the
+     opinion of those who constituted the meeting, they were as
+     legally, aye, and as meritoriously assembled, as that House
+     was assembled; and for as useful a purpose. No one was
+     insulted--no tumult took place--no symptoms of riot were
+     evinced; and yet was it for a moment to be said, that in such
+     a country as this, where there was a continual boast of the
+     _omnipotence of justice_, such things were to be passed over
+     _without notice and without censure_? He could assure the
+     House, that if this inquiry was not granted, there would be
+     thousands of hearts rankling dissatisfied and discontented,
+     and which could never be set at ease till _justice was
+     awarded_. The petitioners, in whose name he was speaking,
+     recollected that _Earl Grey_, and many of his _colleagues_,
+     expressed, _at the time of this outrage_, a desire for an
+     investigation into the matter. And how was that inquiry then
+     resisted? First, by the production of official documents,
+     emanating from the guilty party themselves; and next, by
+     allusion to the trial at York; and the cry that the courts of
+     justice were open to those who had any complaint to make. But
+     the courts of justice were _not_ open; for the relations of
+     those that were killed had gone to those courts of justice,
+     and even there _all retribution had been denied them in the
+     most cruel and indifferent manner_! Nor was this all. All
+     sorts of calumnious statements were allowed to be made in the
+     House of Commons as to the conduct of the mob, by paid spies
+     of the government. The general presumption was, that it was
+     the intention of the Manchester meeting, had it not been
+     interrupted, to pass resolutions similar to those passed at
+     Smithfield, declaratory that without a reform in parliament,
+     taxes ought not to be paid; and he believed that that
+     presumption was the main reason why he had been found guilty.
+     But now, what an alteration had taken place! It was only the
+     other day that 150,000 persons had met at Birmingham, and
+     actually made a declaration to the same effect; and yet they
+     were not cut down--the yeomanry had not been called out to act
+     against them. This motion for a select committee had, in a
+     manner, become absolutely necessary; for when he had moved for
+     the correspondence that had taken place between Lord Sidmouth
+     (then the secretary of state) and the lord lieutenant of the
+     county, that correspondence had been refused; and, therefore,
+     he had no other course to pursue than to ask for a committee
+     for general inquiry into the whole question. Some part of Lord
+     Sidmouth's correspondence, however, was before the public; for
+     he had in his hand that letter of his lordship's in which he,
+     in the name of the prince regent, thanked the magistracy for
+     the way in which they had acted--yes, actually thanked them
+     for having directed the execution of these COLD-BLOODED
+     MURDERS,--by which name he must call those deeds, and by which
+     name they were ever designated in that part of the country
+     where they had been committed. The consequence of this letter
+     was, that the parties, so far from shrinking abashed as they
+     ought, actually gloried in the share they had taken in the
+     transaction; and, in particular, he might mention that an
+     Irishman of the name of Meagher, who was the trumpeter on that
+     occasion, had boasted, when he returned to Ireland, that he
+     had in one day spilled more Saxon blood than had ever been
+     spilled by any one of his countrymen before! The real truth of
+     the matter was, in spite of the false colouring that
+     interested parties had endeavoured to put on it, that the
+     meeting at Manchester was neither more nor less than a reform
+     meeting, that every thing was going on peaceably, that not
+     even so much as a pane of glass was broken, and though the
+     government took the trouble to send Messrs. Oliver and Castles
+     among the people to corrupt them, they were not able to
+     succeed in their virtuous endeavours. As to his own personal
+     feeling on the subject, he was quite willing to remember that
+     twelve years had elapsed, and in that recollection to drown
+     the memory of all he had himself suffered in consequence of
+     the transactions of that day. It was enough for him, when he
+     recollected the object of that meeting, to see the noble lord
+     introduce such a measure of reform as he had never expected to
+     see any government in this country introduce; and which,
+     though it did not go the length that he could have desired,
+     fully admitted the allegation, that the present House of
+     Commons was not chosen by the people,--the allegation on which
+     he had all along built his own proposition of reform. This, he
+     repeated, was quite enough to wipe away any personal
+     resentment that he might ever have felt. But if not--if he
+     still were vindictive--what revenge might he not find in the
+     events that had since taken place! Who was the prime minister
+     of that day? The Earl of Liverpool! And where was the Earl of
+     Liverpool? Who were the principal officers of state of that
+     day? Lord Sidmouth, Mr. Canning, and Lord Castlereagh! Of
+     these, Lord Sidmouth alone remained; and where was Mr.
+     Canning? Where Lord Castlereagh, and how did he go out of the
+     world? A remarkable fact it was, that two years afterwards,
+     on the very anniversary of that fatal 16th of August, while he
+     was lying in prison, the very first letter that he opened
+     detailed to him the end of that minister. Who was the reigning
+     prince of that day?--George the Fourth--where was he? They had
+     all gone to answer for their deeds at a tribunal where no jury
+     could be packed, where no evidence could be stifled, and where
+     unerring justice would be meted out to them! To carry this
+     further, if it needed it, he might mention that two of those
+     very yeomanry committed suicide on the very anniversary of the
+     16th of August, and many were now to be seen walking about the
+     streets of Manchester, objects of a horrid pity. He would not
+     say that all this was a just judgment on these participators
+     in the murders of Manchester: but one might almost fancy, that
+     though a House of Commons could not be found to deal out
+     impartial justice, there was still a wise Providence over all,
+     which, by its interference, had taken care not to let the
+     guilty escape; and, as a climax to the whole, he hoped to live
+     to see the day when the noble lord who yet lived should be
+     brought to the bar of justice for having sent Castles, and
+     Edwards, and Oliver, as spies, for the purpose of instigating
+     the peaceful people to revolt. Nor was this all. Other
+     retribution had taken place; the government of that day and
+     its friends had not only countenanced this destruction of the
+     people for the sake of shewing their enmity to reform, but had
+     actually undertaken a continental war with the same objects in
+     view; and yet now those very persons saw a reform taking place
+     in spite of themselves, and had even been condemned
+     unsuccessfully to battle its progress night after night in
+     that House. He would say this too, that if this committee of
+     inquiry should be refused, and if he should live a few years
+     longer, he did not doubt that he should see the day arrive
+     when a much heavier retaliation, in another way, would take
+     place. He himself desired no such thing; but was it in the
+     character of human nature that persons who had been so deeply
+     injured should sit down quiet and satisfied, when every thing
+     in the shape of redress was denied them? But he trusted that
+     the government would not refuse this motion for inquiry;
+     should, however, such a refusal be given, he should feel it to
+     be his duty to bring the question again and again before the
+     country, as often as the forms of the House would allow. In
+     making his proposition to the House, he had not provided
+     himself with a seconder; but, after what had taken place, he
+     would call on the noble Chancellor of the Exchequer to second
+     the motion. The noble lord had, twelve years ago, pretty
+     freely expressed his opinion as to the transaction; and, he
+     presumed, that that opinion had not been altered by the lapse
+     of time. The laws of England and of every country had always
+     been unanimous in expressing their abhorrence of the crime of
+     murder; and it was because he charged those parties with being
+     guilty of a deliberate and cold-blooded murder that he
+     demanded an inquiry, in the name of justice and retribution."
+
+We offer no apology for introducing this eloquent and manly appeal in
+behalf of long-delayed justice. The popularity or unpopularity of Mr.
+Hunt forms no consideration in our minds; nay, even if the Duke of
+Cumberland himself (much as we loathe his character!) had been its
+author, it should still have found a place in our volume. How the
+ministers could reconcile it with their duty, both to God and man, to
+_refuse_ the inquiry, we are at a loss to determine, particularly as
+each of them formerly expressed a desire for it! It is really
+astonishing with what different eyes men see things when in office and
+when toiling to get in!
+
+In the October of this year, the Princess of Wales removed to
+Marseilles, weary of the attempts to traduce and insult her character by
+hirelings from the English court. A friend of our's had the pleasure of
+enjoying her royal highness' confidence at this period, and, after her
+removal to Marseilles, the persecuted Caroline made the following
+observations: "What could I do, when I found such base attempts made to
+destroy my reputation by the most disreputable characters? I left Milan,
+and I have carefully preserved a journal of each day's history, which,
+upon perusal, will do much more than _merely satisfy_ the nation, to
+which my heart so fondly clings." "I wished," added the princess, "very
+ardently to have gone to England in the early part of this year, and I
+had resolved to do so; but my legal advisers prevented me, expressing
+their opinion that they should see me first." It is a fact that the
+interview with Mr. Brougham, so much desired in April, 1819, was not
+granted until a later period in 1820! Might not an earlier arrangement
+than this very probably have put the enemy to flight? The princess was
+not ignorant of the demise of the king, as we have before stated; and
+the source from which her royal highness received that information was
+too worthy of reliance to be doubted. Yet, being bound in honour to
+conceal the information and informant, both were kept in profound
+silence. It was generally supposed, however, that this event had taken
+place, because no man, afflicted as his majesty was said to be, could
+possibly exist for any lengthened period. But in the then art of
+governing, there were frequently many circumstances which were highly
+necessary to be concealed from the knowledge of the people. That
+precious trio, Sidmouth, Castlereagh, and Canning, environed the throne,
+and their dictatorial will was soon converted into law. Under their
+auspices, the already enormous standing army was still increased; while,
+like the tyrannical son of Philip, when he reprimanded Aristotle for
+publishing his discoveries, they whispered to their myrmidons, "Let us
+diffuse darkness round the land. Let the people be kept in a brutal
+state. Let their conduct, when assembled, be riotous and irrational as
+ignorance and _our spies_ can make it, that they may be brought into
+discredit, and deemed unfit for the management of their own affairs. Let
+power be rendered dangerous in their hands, that it may continue
+unmolested in our own. Let them not taste the fruit of the tree of
+knowledge, lest they become as wise as ourselves!" Such were the
+political sentiments of those at the head of affairs at this
+period;--how successfully they acted upon them is too well known.
+
+The session opened in November, and never did ministers commit
+themselves more than by the speech then put into the mouth of the
+regent. It contained little else than vindictive sentiments, breathing
+vengeance on all who dared oppose the "powers that be," but seemed
+utterly forgetful of this good advice, "It is the sovereign's duty to
+ease with mercy's oil the sufferer's heart."
+
+The infamous and notorious "Six Acts" were introduced this session by
+"the Oppressors," the principal object of which was to impose further
+restrictions on the freedom of the press. This plan was considered
+likely to be the most successful, as well as the most insidious, mode of
+abolishing the few liberties remaining to Englishmen. Ministers thus
+thought to leave the FORM of our dearest safeguard untouched, and so
+gradually annihilate its ESSENCE. The voracious worm eats out the kernel
+completely, while the husk continues fair to the eye, and apparently
+entire. The husbandman would crush the insect, if it commenced the
+attack on the external tegument; but it carries on the work of
+destruction with efficacy and safety, while it corrodes the unseen
+fruit, and spares the outside shell. At this despotic period, the press
+was erected as a battery by the people to defend the almost vanquished
+citadel of their liberty; but, by these acts, Castlereagh, instead of
+attacking this citadel, opened the dams, locks, and flood-gates, so that
+the waters might secretly undermine its foundation, when he hoped to see
+it fall ingloriously into the hands of its enemies. While these base
+deeds were being accomplished, no thoughts were bestowed upon the
+people's wretchedness, which stood in dread array against ministerial
+imbecility. Indeed, the servile papers in the pay of government not only
+stoutly denied that such distress existed, but made the grossest
+attempts to impose on the public credulity. Let any one read such papers
+of the period we are speaking, if the employment be not too nauseous,
+and they will there see KNOWN FACTS, if they militated against the
+credit of the voluptuous regent, or his government, either DOUBTED or
+DENIED; uncertain victories extolled beyond all resemblance to truth;
+and defeats, in the highest degree disgraceful and injurious, artfully
+extenuated. Notwithstanding all this effrontery and falsehood, the "Six
+Acts" were still thought necessary to gag that which corruption and
+bribery could not render quite inefficient in the cause of truth. While
+contemplating such acts of tyranny, we are led to exclaim with Cato,
+when seeking out the little barren spot of Utica, "Wherever there is a
+regard for LIBERTY, JUSTICE, and HUMANITY, there will we gladly take up
+our abode; for there we shall find a country and a home!"
+
+
+The extraordinary events that occurred in the year
+
+     1820
+
+are so closely interwoven with the weal and wo of the British people,
+that it may be considered as one of the most serious periods in English
+history.
+
+On the 15th of January, the Duke of Kent became indisposed with a severe
+cold. On the 17th of the same month, it was reported, "that his royal
+highness' illness had assumed most alarming symptoms;" and Sir David
+Dundas went off expressly to Sidmouth to attend his royal highness. The
+duke's disorder increased, and at half-past one, P. M., January 23rd,
+this prince was deprived of his mortal existence, in the fifty-third
+year of his age. But a few days before, his royal highness was in good
+health, and in the prime of life! The public will one day be made
+acquainted with the particulars of the REAL CAUSE of his death. At
+present, we shall only observe, that his royal highness was too virtuous
+to be allowed to live long in a vicious court!
+
+The public journals dwelt with much force upon the kind attentions and
+tender offices performed by the duchess, which, if true, were only what
+every good wife ought to have done. Who can be nearer to a wife than her
+husband? and what lady of feeling and integrity would not blush to be
+negligent in the best services and the most unwearied attentions to the
+ordained partner of her life? Royalty, however, has so many and such
+peculiar privileges, that what is considered _wonderous grace_ with them
+is merely thought _common decency_ in the vulgar part of Adam's
+offspring.
+
+About this time, the king's health was stated to be "very much on the
+decline," (hypocrisy!) and the journals announced "that George the Third
+expired without a struggle, on the 29th of January, in the eighty-second
+year of his age, and the sixtieth of his reign." But we have the
+gratification of setting history right in this particular. Of course,
+the letters and notices of this intelligence were immediately forwarded
+by the appointed messengers to the several foreign courts. It would be
+unnecessary for us here to offer any remark upon the character of George
+the Third, as we have previously noticed the origin of that unhappy
+disease which so lamentably afflicted him during the latter years of his
+truly unfortunate life. His majesty bequeathed a sum of money to each of
+his sons; but George the Fourth thought proper to withhold the Duke of
+Sussex's portion. This unjust act was the primary cause of the quarrel
+between these royal brothers, which lasted till the death of George the
+Fourth. But, as "kings can do no wrong," little was thought of his
+majesty's dishonesty. Monarchs are aware of their privileges, and have,
+therefore, in many instances, not scrupled to commit the most heinous
+crimes. His late majesty was one of this kind, and yet he was called
+"His most gracious, religious, and benevolent majesty!" What a
+profanation of terms were these!
+
+As a necessary preliminary to a new reign, George the Fourth was
+proclaimed in London on the 31st of the same month.
+
+In February, a _pretended_ mysterious political plot was publicly
+adverted to, by the name of "The Cato-street Conspiracy." It was said
+that information having been received at Bow-street, that a meeting of
+armed persons was to be held at a house in Cato-street, Mary-la-bonne,
+and, as the magistrates feared something serious would be the result,
+they forwarded a formidable body of their officers to the place. On the
+arrival of these persons, they found the number of men amounted to
+thirty, armed with guns, swords, daggers, and other weapons, and
+appeared ready to leave the place, which was a hayloft at the top of the
+house. The officers demanded an entrance, which was refused. Captain
+Fitzclarence then arrived, with a party of the guards, and a scene of
+much violence ensued. Some of the party were taken to Bow-street, which
+was lined with soldiers. The result proved serious to a police officer,
+named Smythers, who was stabbed in the affray, which produced his death;
+and it was sworn, that Arthur Thistlewood inflicted the wound.
+
+This heart-rending tragedy was generally thought to have been produced
+by _government spies_; indeed, several newspapers stated as much at the
+time. We, however, KNOW such to have been the case, and that the
+characters of "blood-hounds" were but too well performed. Our bosoms
+swell with indignation at the recollection of such monstrous plots
+against the lives and liberties of our countrymen, and we regret that
+the plotters did not fall into their own snares.
+
+On the morning after this lamentable occurrence, a "Gazette
+Extraordinary" was issued, signed "SIDMOUTH," offering one thousand
+pounds for the detection of Arthur Thistlewood, who stood charged with
+the crime of high treason. The reward had the desired effect, as he was
+soon apprehended. Three of his companions were afterwards taken, and
+FIVE MARTYRS, in all, suffered as traitors on the 1st of May.
+
+Let us not, in common with hirelings, talk of the "wisdom of ministers,"
+and the "bravery of the guards," combined with the several loathsome
+execrations on artificers and agriculturists; but let us inquire, is
+there no resemblance to be observed between this conspiracy and the
+Manchester massacre? The intelligent reader will not find the similarity
+difficult to trace.
+
+The queen's return to England being now expected, Mr. Canning resigned
+his place in the cabinet as president of the Board of Controul, and
+retired to the Continent. One of his biographers says, "His conduct on
+this occasion, according to universal consent, was marked by the most
+perfect correctness and delicacy of feeling." Perhaps it might be so
+considered by some people; but to us it does appear that a man of sound
+public principles, of high and honourable private feelings, had no
+middle course to take at this juncture. Either the Queen of England was
+GUILTY, or she was the MOST PERSECUTED AND AGGRIEVED OF WOMEN. Will any
+one say that, in the _first_ instance, it was the duty of a minister of
+high station to desert the painful, but responsible, situation in which
+he stood, from any feeling of esteem or attachment to an individual so
+unworthy? In the other case, if Queen Caroline, as almost every body
+believed, and as Mr. Brougham _solemnly swore he believed_, was
+INNOCENT, was there any circumstance or consideration upon earth,--the
+wreck of ambition, the loss of fortune, or the fear of even death
+itself,--which should have induced an English gentleman, a man of
+honour, a man who had the _feelings of a man_, to leave a FEMALE, whom
+he called "FRIEND," beneath the weight of so awful an oppression? To us,
+we must confess, Mr. Canning's conduct on this occasion appears one of
+the greatest blots we are acquainted with upon his public and private
+character, the almost unequivocal proof of a mind unused to the habit of
+taking sound and elevated views of the human action. Mr. Canning had,
+during a long career,--a career continued through nearly thirty
+years,--been the forward and unflinching opponent of popular principles
+and concessions. He had never once shrunk from abridging the liberties
+of the subject; he had never once shown trepidation at any extraordinary
+powers demanded by the crown. With his arms folded, and his looks erect,
+he had sanctioned, without scruple, the severest laws against the
+press; he had advocated the arbitrary imprisonment of the free citizen;
+he had eulogized the forcible repression of public meetings; and he had
+constantly declared himself the determined enemy of parliamentary
+reform. The only subject on which he professed liberal opinions (the
+Catholic question) was precisely that subject to which the great bulk of
+the community was indisposed. Such had been the career, such was the
+character, of Mr. Canning up to the time of his cowardly desertion of
+the injured Caroline, Queen of England!
+
+Her majesty was now daily expected to land upon our shores; and powerful
+as was the arm of tyranny, her arrival was much feared by her husband
+and his ministers.
+
+We have before mentioned that the queen desired several times, _most
+particularly_, to see Mr. Brougham. It is true that various places for
+meeting had been appointed; but some apology or other was invariably
+made by the learned gentleman. Her majesty finally wrote that she should
+be at St. Omers on a certain day, ON HER WAY TO ENGLAND, in the
+metropolis of which she was resolved to arrive as soon as possible. Her
+majesty had previously appointed Mr. Brougham her attorney-general,
+desiring he would choose a solicitor to act with him, and he named Mr.
+Denman. One excuse for not attending to his appointment with the queen,
+Mr. Brougham ascribed to his electioneering business in Westmoreland;
+and another was, Mrs. Brougham's being in a situation too delicate for
+him to leave her. Such excuses ought not to have prevented Mr.
+Brougham's giving his attention to the important business of the queen;
+indeed, he was once within four leagues of her majesty's abode, with a
+CERTAIN LETTER in his pocket from the _highest authorities_; but Mr.
+Brougham did not venture to lay it before the queen, nor did he seek for
+an interview. The commission thus entrusted to this learned gentleman
+was the same which Lord Hutchinson undertook some time afterwards.
+
+The queen felt very indignant at Mr. Brougham's so repeatedly declining
+his engagements, and wrote to Lord Liverpool to request his lordship
+would send a frigate to convey her to England. Fearing, however, that
+this might be against the state projects then in contemplation, the
+queen, by the same post, wrote to her former friend and lady in waiting,
+Lady Anne Hamilton, to repair to her immediately at St. Omers, and
+attend her in her former capacity; and also, to Alderman Wood, that if
+Lord Liverpool refused or delayed to send a frigate, the Alderman would
+hire a vessel for the purpose of bringing her to this country
+immediately.
+
+Little time was lost in obeying these commands of the Queen of England.
+In the mean time, Mr. Brougham wrote to her majesty, requesting leave to
+meet her at Calais; to which the queen replied, she should choose to see
+him at the inn at St. Omers. Shortly after the arrival of her majesty's
+lady in waiting and the alderman, Mr. Brougham was announced, and
+informed her majesty that he was accompanied by Lord Hutchinson, (now
+Lord Donoughmore) the KING'S PARTICULAR FRIEND, who was the bearer of a
+message to her majesty from the king, and asked leave when he might have
+the honour of introducing him to her majesty. "No, no, Mr. Brougham,
+(said the queen) no conversations for me; he must put it in writing, if
+you please; we are at war at present." "But, madam, it is impossible
+that so many scraps of different conversations can be properly
+arranged." "Then, I don't see Lord Hutchinson," said the queen. "Madam,
+if you insist upon it, it shall be done; and when will your majesty be
+pleased to receive it?" "To-morrow morning you may bring it me; and so
+good evening to you, as I suppose you are fatigued with your journey."
+
+The next morning, Mr. Brougham arrived with Lord Hutchinson's letter,
+which the queen opened and read in Mr. Brougham's presence; in the
+conclusion of that letter, her majesty was earnestly entreated to wait
+the return of a courier from Paris. "PARIS! PARIS!" said the queen,
+"what have I to do with PARIS?" Mr. Brougham, in _much confusion_, said,
+"Your majesty MUST HAVE MISTAKEN; it must mean _Calais_; my friend is
+too honourable to mean any thing of that kind, or to do any thing
+wrong." "No, no, Mr. Brougham; Paris, Paris! Look there!" pointing the
+sentence out to him. Then added the queen, "You will come and dine with
+me to-day." "May not I bring Lord Hutchinson with me, please your
+majesty?" "Certainly not." "But I hope you will see Lord Hutchinson?"
+"Yes; let him come directly." The queen then assembled her whole
+household, and received his lordship in the midst of a _formal circle_,
+talked upon indifferent subjects for about a quarter of an hour; then
+rose, and, gracefully courtesying, left the room. Most of the household
+followed; and Mr. Brougham, with his friend, Lord Hutchinson, did not
+remain long behind. Mr. Brougham afterwards returned; but appeared
+exceedingly disconcerted. Lady Hamilton was present, and tried to draw
+him into conversation upon various subjects; but he answered, rather
+abruptly, "You and the alderman are leading the queen to her
+destruction." The lady replied, that was a mistake; she did not
+interfere in political affairs. Mr. Brougham begged pardon, and the
+subject was ended by the queen entering the room to dinner. The dinner
+passed off very well; her majesty appeared in good spirits, as did Mr.
+Brougham. It was the queen's general practice not to sit long after
+dinner; she, therefore, soon retired with her lady; and the gentlemen
+adjourned to the drawing-room to await the serving of coffee. By her
+majesty's orders, her maids were waiting with her travelling dress, with
+the carriages all ready in the court-yard, in the first of which her
+majesty immediately seated herself, as also Lady Hamilton and Alderman
+Wood. The moment before her majesty drove out of the yard, she desired
+her maître d'hôtel to inform Mr. Brougham "that the queen would drink
+coffee with him _in London_;" yet five minutes had not elapsed from
+leaving the dinner-table to her driving out from the inn, as fast as
+four post-horses could convey her. This was the only time her majesty
+was ever known to show fear; but, at the appearance of any horseman, she
+became very much agitated from the supposition that she should be
+detained in France, under a PRETENCE of not having a correct passport,
+the want of horses, or some such trivial excuse. The queen was aware
+that the King of England had, not long before, placed Louis the
+Eighteenth upon the throne of France; therefore he could not object to
+_any_ proposition her husband thought proper to require. Her majesty
+also KNEW that a courier had been despatched to PARIS, and that that
+courier was one of _Mr. Brougham's brothers_! Mr. Brougham himself
+actually joined with Lord Hutchinson in trying to persuade her majesty
+to remain in France till the return of the courier. The queen's active
+and intelligent mind saw every thing at a glance, and she _acted_ with
+the promptitude of her character. Alderman Wood proposed that her
+majesty should rest that night at D'Estaing's fine hotel at Calais,
+instead of sleeping on board a common packet, which would not sail till
+the morning. "No, no," said the queen, "drive straight to the shore;"
+and out she got like a girl of fifteen, and was in the packet before any
+one else. "There," said her majesty, "now I can breathe freely--now I am
+protected by English laws." The queen was hardly seated, when Alderman
+Wood presented her with a note from Mr. Brougham, entreating her
+majesty to return, if only for the night, to D'Estaing's, and promising
+that no harm should happen to her. "No, no," replied the queen, "I am
+safe here, and I WILL NOT TRUST HIM;" and then threw a mattress in the
+middle of her cabin, with some blankets, and slept there all night. In
+the morning, when her majesty was about to land at Dover, she seemed a
+little intimidated, in consequence of the dense multitude through which
+she had to pass. Her majesty's fears, however, were entirely groundless,
+as she soon found the hearts of Britons were friendly to her cause,
+though they exemplified it rather roughly; for her feet were never
+permitted to touch the ground from the time her majesty left the vessel
+till her arrival at the inn, which she availed herself of with feelings
+of the most gratifying description, at the sympathy manifested in the
+cause of persecuted virtue.
+
+As soon as her majesty could procure horses, she set forward to
+Canterbury, where she was received with similar acclamations. The
+populace insisted upon drawing her majesty out of the town, and then
+would not suffer the horses to be put to without her personal
+entreaties. Thousands of blessings were poured on her head, without one
+dissenting voice; and in this manner did her majesty proceed all the way
+to London.
+
+The queen took up her abode at 77, South Audley-street, until another
+more suitable residence could be provided for her. The family of
+Alderman Wood, who previously inhabited this house, left it immediately
+after receiving intelligence that her majesty would make a temporary use
+of it, and they occupied apartments at Flagdon's hotel.
+
+On the ensuing day, several of the nobility and members of the House of
+Commons called to inquire after her majesty's health. On the ninth of
+this month, her majesty removed from South Audley-street to 32,
+Portman-square, the residence of the Right Honourable Lady Anne
+Hamilton, by whom the queen was attended. Her ladyship's servants were
+continued, and her majesty was much pleased with the respectful and
+generous attentions rendered.
+
+On the 16th, the queen received an address from the common council of
+the city of London, to which she returned an answer, so feelingly
+expressed, as to excite the sympathy and admiration of all present.
+
+On the afternoon of the sixth day of the queen's entry into London, a
+message was delivered from the king to both houses of parliament,
+communicating certain reports and papers respecting the queen's
+misconduct while abroad. On the following Thursday, a committee was
+appointed in the House of Lords; but the queen transmitted a
+communication to the House of Commons, protesting against the reference
+of her accusations to a SECRET TRIBUNAL, and soliciting an open
+investigation of her conduct.
+
+Thus was commenced a prosecution in principle and object every way
+calculated to rouse the generous and constitutional feelings of the
+nation; and the effects were without a parallel in the history of all
+countries! Could a more outrageous insult possibly have been offered to
+her dignity, to the honour of her husband the king, or to the morality
+and decency of the community at large?
+
+Up to this time, Prince Leopold had not tendered his respects to her
+majesty; yet he was the widowed husband of the queen's only and
+dearly-beloved daughter! His serene highness had been raised from a
+state of comparative poverty and obscurity to be honoured with the hand
+of England's favourite princess, from whose future reign was expected a
+revival of commerce and an addition of glory. Though this prince was
+enjoying an annual income of FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS from the country;
+though he had town and country residences, of great extent and
+magnificent appearance; though he abounded with horses and carriages;
+yet not one offer did he make of any of these superfluous matters to the
+mother of his departed wife, by whose means he had become possessed of
+them all! Gratitude, however, is generally esteemed a _virtue_, and
+therefore a German prince could not be supposed to know any thing about
+it.
+
+About this period, her majesty received numerous communications, tending
+to prove the infamous proceedings against her to have been adopted
+without reference to honour or principle, and to warn her from falling
+into the snares of her mercenary and vindictive enemies. We lay before
+our readers the following, as sufficient to establish this fact.
+
+
+"An officer of the frigate which took her majesty (when Princess of
+Wales) to the Continent averred, in the presence of three
+_unimpeachable_ witnesses, that a very few days before her majesty's
+embarkation, CAPTAIN KING, while sitting at breakfast in his cabin with
+the surgeon of the frigate, received a letter from a _brother of the
+prince regent_, which he read aloud, in the presence of the said
+surgeon, as follows:
+
+"DEAR KING,
+
+"You are going to be ordered to take the Princess of Wales to the
+Continent. IF YOU DON'T COMMIT ADULTERY WITH HER, YOU ARE A DAMNED FOOL!
+You have _my_ consent for it, and I can assure you that you have that of
+_MY BROTHER, THE REGENT_.
+
+                                         "Your's,
+                                               (Signed) ********.
+
+"The officer who made the above statement and declaration is a most
+CREDITABLE PERSON, and the witnesses are all in this country."
+
+                                        "_London, May 7th, 1820._
+
+"Furnished to supply the queen with PROOF that the _royal duke_ in
+question is leagued against her, in accordance with the WISHES OF THE
+KING!"
+
+     "PRIVATE DOCUMENT.
+
+"Captain King's agent is Mr. STILLWELL, 22, Arundel-street, Strand,
+London; and the surgeon, who was present during the period the royal
+duke's letter was read, is JAMES HALL. The witnesses were--Mr.
+FRESHFIELD, 3, Tokenhouse-yard; Mr. HOLMES, 3, Lyon's-inn; and Mr.
+STOKOE, 2, Lancaster-court; as also before BARRY O'MEARA.
+
+                                     (Signed) "BARRY E. O'MEARA."
+
+
+On the 24th of June, a deputation of the House of Commons was appointed
+to wait upon her majesty with the resolutions adopted by the House on
+Thursday, the 22nd. They arrived at a quarter past one o'clock. Mr.
+Wilberforce and Mr. S. Wortley occupied the first carriage. At their
+appearance, strong symptoms of displeasure were indicated. They were
+then introduced to the queen, Mr. Brougham standing at her majesty's
+right hand, and Mr. Denman at her left. They severally knelt and kissed
+her majesty's hand. Mr. Wilberforce then read the resolutions, and her
+majesty replied to them. On their departure, Mr. Brougham accompanied
+the deputation to the door; and, after they had taken their seats in the
+carriages, Mr. Brougham returned to shake hands with them, although the
+multitudes assembled outside hissed them exceedingly.
+
+Her majesty's answer to the before-mentioned resolutions was superior to
+the tricks of her enemies. In it the queen refused terms of
+conciliation, unless they accorded with her duty to her own character,
+to the king, and to the nation! "A sense of what is due to my character
+and sex," said the queen, "forbids me to refer minutely to the REAL
+CAUSE of our domestic differences!" Indeed, her majesty's reply was an
+appeal to those principles of public justice, which should be alike the
+safeguard of the highest and the humblest individuals. Mr. Wilberforce
+exposed himself to much censure upon the part he had taken in the House;
+and, as he so unhesitatingly hinted at the awful contents of the "Green
+Bag," he said, "by suppressing her own feelings, the queen would endear
+herself to the country." We suppose Mr. Wilberforce meant, that, by
+suppressing her own feelings of honour, she would gratify the honour of
+the country; and, by again quitting it, demonstrate her gratitude for
+its unshaken loyalty; but the queen was firm in her resolve to _claim
+justice_, whether it was given or withheld.
+
+In considering these base endeavours to injure innocence, in order to
+raise the _noble_ character of a voluptuous prince, we cannot help
+remarking that POWER was the _only_ weapon of the vitiated monarch,
+while RIGHT and JUSTICE formed the shield of the oppressed Queen of
+England! Indeed, every man, glowing with the sincere love of his
+country, and actuated by that honourable affection for its welfare,
+which takes a lively and zealous interest in passing events, must have
+considered such proceedings against her majesty fraught with inevitable
+evil. If her innocence, according to the prayers of millions of her
+subjects, should be made manifest, the public indignation would be sure
+to be roused, and probably prove resentful. The evidence was known to be
+of a description on which no magistrate would convict a common
+pickpocket, and therefore if the legislature should even be induced to
+consider her majesty guilty of the charges preferred against her, public
+opinion would certainly refuse to ratify the sentence, and turn with
+disgust from those promulgating it. In either case, those venerable
+tribunals, consecrated by our forefathers, must lose that beautiful,
+that honourable, that unbought, homage which a free people have ever
+been proud to pay them. No Englishman, we say, accustomed to reverence,
+with a prejudice almost sacred, the constitution of a parliament,
+_majestic even in its errors and infirmities_, could contemplate,
+without pain, the possibility,--nay, the almost certainty,--that the
+hour was not far distant when the whole nation would look with cold
+indifference, or gloomy distrust, on the acts of a senate, their
+generous obedience to which (though it had been accompanied with
+suffering, and followed by privation) had been "the admiration of the
+whole world."
+
+On the 6th of July, Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, usher, of the black rod, waited
+upon her majesty with a copy of the "Bill of Pains and Penalties"
+against her, presented the previous day to the House of Lords, and which
+was forwarded by order of their lordships. Her majesty went into the
+room where the deputation were waiting, and received a copy of this bill
+with great calmness. Upon an examination of the abominable instrument,
+her majesty said, "Yes, the queen who had a sufficient sense of honour
+and goodness to refuse the base offer of fifty thousand pounds a-year of
+the public money, to spend it _when, where, how, and with whom she
+pleased_, in banquetings, feastings, and excesses, providing it were in
+a foreign country, and _not at home_, has sufficient resolution to await
+the result of every investigation power can suggest." Like another
+Cleopatra, our insulted queen might have played "the wanton" with
+impunity; her imperial bark might have displayed its purple streamers,
+swelled with the softest Cyprian breezes. It might have sailed
+triumphantly down the Adriatic, to meet some highly-favoured lover! Yes,
+by desire of the king, her husband, the queen was requested to accept
+any terms beside those of a legitimate character. But her majesty
+preserved her usual firmness and serenity of mind during the unequalled
+proceedings instituted against her, and frequently repeated the
+unequivocal expression, "Time will furnish sufficient proof of my
+innocence."
+
+On the 5th of August, the queen took possession of Brandenburgh House,
+formerly the residence of the Margravine of Anspatch, situated near the
+Thames, and in the parish of Hammersmith. Her majesty left Lady
+Hamilton's house at four o'clock, attended by her ladyship, and
+accompanied by Dr. Lushington, in an entirely new and elegant open
+carriage, drawn by four beautiful bay horses. They drove off amidst
+united shouts of applause from the assembled people.
+
+Will future generations believe the historian's tale, that a
+queen,--yes, a brave and virtuous Queen of England too!--was refused a
+house and a home by the sovereign, her husband? That she, who was lured
+from her princely home, arrived in the centre of England, and was denied
+a resting place by the king and his ministers! In consequence of which,
+she was necessitated to take up her abode in the mansion of a late lord
+mayor for the space of three days, and then to accept the use of the
+house of her lady in waiting for nearly two months; while there were
+palaces totally unoccupied, and even mouldering into decay for want of
+being inhabited! This statement will, doubtless, appear overdrawn to
+future generations; but there are thousands now living who can testify
+to its accuracy. Ministers, indeed, entered into compact with Deception,
+and so glaringly committed their sentiments and characters, that, to
+preserve their own pretended _consistency_, they would have even
+uncrowned the king himself! A feverish sensation now pervaded the whole
+public mind, and from the highest to the lowest, the case of the queen
+was one universal theme of conversation.
+
+On the 6th of August, her royal highness the Duchess of York died. Up to
+a very late hour of the day on which this occurred, no official
+communication had been made to the queen; but, in consequence of the
+event, her majesty requested to postpone several addresses which she had
+previously appointed to receive.
+
+On the 7th, the queen sent a letter to the king, but it was returned
+from Windsor unopened, with a communication that "Such a letter
+addressed to the king cannot be received by his majesty, unless it
+passes through the hands of his minister." Why, after the refusal to
+receive this letter, should the princess be blamed for permitting its
+contents to be published? If the king were under obligations of such a
+description as to incapacitate him from exercising his own judgment, and
+giving his own opinion, was he fit to administer the laws, or ought he
+to have sanctioned the appeal of miscreants who sought their own, and
+not their country's, good? Let us consider the delays attending this
+letter. It was sent to Windsor, directed _expressly for the king_,
+accompanied with a note, written by the queen, to Sir B. Bloomfield,
+desiring it might be immediately delivered into the king's hand. Sir B.
+Bloomfield was absent, and Sir W. Keppell, as the next in command,
+received it, and forwarded the same to Sir B. Bloomfield, at Carlton
+House, immediately, who returned the letter on the 8th to her majesty,
+saying, "I have received the king's commands and general instructions,
+that any communications which may be made should pass through the hands
+of his majesty's government." The queen immediately despatched a letter
+to Lord Liverpool, enclosing the one she had addressed to the king, by
+the hands of a messenger, in which her majesty desired the earl to
+present it. Lord Liverpool was then at Coombe Wood, and wrote in reply,
+that he would "lose no time in laying it before his majesty." Up to the
+11th, no reply had been received; and the queen wrote to Lord Liverpool
+again, to know if further communication were needful. Lord Liverpool
+replied, that he had not received the king's commands upon the subject,
+and therefore could not give any positive answer relative to it. How
+does this strange and incomprehensible conduct appear to any unbiassed
+Englishman? Was the king, who ought to be the dispenser of the laws, to
+be free from imputation, when he thus exposed his unrelenting temper and
+unbending determination, wherever his private inclinations were
+concerned? We dare avow, if that letter could have been answered, it
+would; but its contents were unanswerable! "Aye," said the hireling
+Castlereagh, "it is no matter what the conduct of the Princess of Wales
+has been; it is the king's desire that he may no more be obliged to
+recognise her in her former character of Princess of Wales." Oh! most
+sapient speech of a most sapient lord; truly this was a bold doctrine to
+broach, that kings have a right divine to subdue, injure, oppress, and
+govern wrong!
+
+We pass by the number of addresses presented to her majesty at this
+period, and also the not-to-be-mistaken expression of public opinion
+against the projector of her injuries. Were they not concocted by the
+authority of the monarch, her husband? Was it not by his _divine_ decree
+that his consort's name was erased from the liturgy? Did he not send
+down to parliament that message which denounced his queen a criminal?
+Yet, after all this, Lord Liverpool said, "The king has no _personal_
+feeling upon the subject." Very true, his majesty could not have any
+_personal_ feeling towards the queen; his royal feelings had always been
+confined to the libidinous and the most obnoxious of society! Had he
+been a worthy and upright plaintiff against the most unfortunate of
+defendants, would he have scrupled to have shewn himself in his regal
+chair upon the continued debates arising from this most important
+question; and would not a sense of greatness and virtue, _had he
+possessed either_, after hearing the infamous statements of _false
+witnesses_, have influenced him to _decline further proceedings_, though
+his pride might have withheld an acknowledgment of error? This line of
+honest conduct was not followed, and we are therefore obliged to brand
+him as one of the most despicable and mean of the human race!
+
+During the disgraceful proceedings against the queen, such was the
+public feeling in her favour, that the peers actually feared for their
+personal safety in going to and returning from the House. This
+threatened danger was, as might be expected, properly guarded against by
+the _military_, who poured into London and its environs in vast numbers.
+The agitated state of the public mind probably was never more decidedly
+expressed than on the 19th of August, the day on which the trial
+commenced. At a very early hour in the morning, workmen were employed in
+forming double rows of strong timber from St. Margaret's church to the
+King's Bench office on the one side, and from the upper extremity of
+Abingdon-street on the other, so as to enclose the whole area in front
+of the House of Lords. This was done to form a passage to the House,
+which was devoted exclusively for the carriages of the peers, to and
+from the principal entrance. Within this extensive area, a large body
+of constables were stationed, under the controul of the high bailiff and
+high constable, who were in attendance before seven o'clock. A very
+strong body of foot-guards were also posted in the King's Bench office,
+the Record office, and in the other apartments, near or fronting the
+street. Westminster Hall was likewise appropriated to the accommodation
+of the military. All the leading passages from St. Margaret's church
+into Parliament-street were closed securely by strong partitions of
+timber. The police-hulk and the gun-boats defended the river side of
+Westminster, and the civil and military arrangements presented an
+effectual barrier on the opposite side. At nine o'clock, a troop of
+life-guards rode into the palace yard, and formed in line in front of
+the principal gate of Westminster Hall; they were shortly afterwards
+followed by a detachment of the foot-guards, who were formed under the
+piazzas of the House of Lords, where they piled their arms. Patrols of
+life-guards were then thrown forward, in the direction of
+Abingdon-street, who occasionally formed near the king's entrance, and
+at intervals paraded.
+
+At half-past nine, a body of the Surrey horse-patrol rode over
+Westminster-bridge, and for a short time paraded Parliament-street,
+Whitehall, and Charing-cross; they afterwards drew up near the barrier
+at St. Margaret's church. The peers began to arrive shortly afterwards;
+the lord chancellor was in the House _before eight o'clock_. The other
+ministers were equally early in their attendance.
+
+At a quarter before ten, an universal cheering from a countless
+multitude, in the direction of Charing-cross, announced to the anxious
+spectators that the queen was approaching. Her majesty, attended by Lady
+Anne Hamilton, had come early from Brandenburgh-house to the residence
+of Lady Francis, St. James' Square, and from thence they departed for
+the House of Lords, in a new state carriage, drawn by six bay horses. As
+they passed Carlton Palace, the Admiralty, and other such places, the
+sentinels presented arms; but, at the Treasury, this mark of honour was
+omitted.
+
+When the queen arrived at the House, the military stationed in the front
+immediately presented arms. Her majesty was received at the door by Sir
+T. Tyrwhitt and Mr. Brougham; and the queen, with her lady in waiting,
+proceeded to an apartment prepared for their reception. Shortly
+afterwards, her majesty, accompanied as before, entered the House by the
+passage leading from the robing-room, which is situated on the right of
+the throne.
+
+During this initiatory part of the trial, and until nearly four o'clock,
+her majesty was attended by Lord Archibald Hamilton and his sister Lady
+Anne, who stood close to the queen all the time.
+
+Upon returning from the House in the same state in which her majesty
+arrived, she was greeted by the most enthusiastic acclamations and
+shouts of applause from every class of society, who were apparently
+desirous to outvie each other in testimonies of homage to their
+ill-fated and insulted queen.
+
+Each succeeding day of the pretended trial, her majesty met with a
+similar reception; and, during the whole period, addresses were lavishly
+poured in upon her, signed by so many persons, and testifying such
+ardent regard and devotion, that every moment of time was necessarily
+occupied with their reception and acknowledgment. Thus, though the queen
+was insulted by the king and the majority of the peers, it must have
+afforded great consolation to her wounded feelings, while witnessing the
+enthusiasm and devotion manifested in her cause by all the really
+honourable of the community. We say _really honourable_, because her
+persecutors were either actuated by "filthy lucre," or by a desire to
+recommend themselves, in some way or another, to the favour of the king
+and his ministers.
+
+To justify these remarks, we here present our readers with a list of
+those time-serving creatures who voted against the queen, with the
+annual amounts they were then draining from the country:
+
+     The Duke of York,[360:A]with immense patronage, nearly
+     100,000_l._; and the Duke of Clarence, 38,500_l._; but we must
+     not suppose her majesty's BROTHERS voted through _interest_;
+     their _virtuous minds could not tolerate her iniquities_!!!
+
+     DUKES.--Wellington, 65,741_l._, including the interest of
+     700,000_l._, which he received to purchase estates;
+     Northumberland, possessing immense patronage and family
+     interest; Newcastle, 19,700_l._; Rutland, 3,500_l._; Beaufort,
+     48,600_l._; and Manchester, 16,380_l._
+
+     MARQUISES.--Conyngham(!) 3,600_l._, but the exact sum his wife
+     received, we have not been able to ascertain; Thomond,
+     13,400_l._; Headfort, 4,200_l._; Anglesea, 11,000_l._;
+     Northampton, 1,000_l._; Camden, 4,150_l._; Exeter, 6,900_l._;
+     Cornwallis, 15,813_l._; Buckingham, 5,816_l._; Lothian,
+     4,900_l._; Queensberry, great family interest; and Winchester,
+     3,200_l._
+
+     EARLS.--Limerick, 2,500_l._; Ross, governor of an Irish
+     county; Donoughmore, 4,377_l._; Belmore, 1,660_l._; Mayo,
+     15,200_l._; Longford, 7,369_l._; Mount Cashel, 1,000_l._;
+     Kingston, 6,400_l._; St. Germains, brother-in-law to Lord
+     Hardwicke, who received 7,700_l._; Brownlow, 4,400_l._;
+     Whitworth, 6,000_l._; Verulam, 2,700_l._; Cathcart,
+     27,600_l._; Mulgrave, 11,051_l._; Lonsdale, 14,352_l._;
+     Orford, 6,700_l._; Manvers, 4,759_l._; Nelson, 15,025_l._;
+     Powis, 700_l._; Liverpool, 33,450_l._; Digby, 6,700_l._; Mount
+     Edgecumbe, 400_l._; Strange, 13,988_l._; Abergavenny,
+     3,072_l._; Aylesbury, 6,300_l._; Bathurst, 15,423_l._;
+     Chatham, 13,550_l._; Harcourt, 4,200_l._; Warwick, 6,519_l._;
+     Portsmouth, _non compos mentis_; Macclesfield, 3,000_l._;
+     Aylesford, 6,450_l._; Coventry, 700_l._; Abingdon, 2,000_l._;
+     Shaftesbury, 6,421_l._; Cardigan, 1,282_l._; Balcarras,
+     46,050_l._; Winchelsea, 6,000_l._; Stamford, 4,500_l._;
+     Bridgewater, 13,700_l._; Home, 2,800_l._; and Huntingdon,
+     200_l._ We must not here omit Lord Eldon, whose vote would
+     have been against her majesty if it had been required; his
+     income amounted to 50,400_l._, with immense patronage.
+
+     VISCOUNTS.--Exmouth, 10,450_l._; Lake, 7,300_l._; Sidmouth,
+     17,025_l._; Melville, 18,776_l._; Curzon, 2,400_l._; Sydney,
+     11,426_l._; Falmouth, 3,578_l._; and Hereford, 1,200_l._
+
+     ARCHBISHOPS.--Canterbury, 41,800_l._; Tuam, 28,000_l._; both
+     with immense patronage.
+
+     BISHOPS.--Cork, 6,400_l._, besides patronage; Llandaff,
+     1,540_l._, with twenty-six livings in his gift; Peterborough,
+     4,140_l._, with an archdeaconry, six prebends, and thirteen
+     livings in his gift; he had also a pension granted him by the
+     king's sign manual, in 1804, of 514_l._-4,654_l._;
+     Gloucester, 3,200_l._, twenty-four livings, besides other
+     patronage, in his gift; Chester, 4,700_l._, with six prebends
+     and thirty livings in his gift; he has also a son in the
+     _secret_ department in India, 2,000_l._, and another a
+     collector in India, 2,500_l._, as well as sons in the church
+     with benefices to the amount of 2,750_l._-11,950_l._; Ely,
+     21,340_l._, and the patronage of one hundred and eight
+     livings; St. Asaph, 6,000_l._, his son has two livings in the
+     church, 1000_l._, and he has ninety livings in his
+     gift,--7,000_l._; St. David's, 6,260_l._, besides one hundred
+     livings, prebends, and precentorships in his gift; he has also
+     a relation in the church, with two livings,
+     1,000_l._-7,260_l._; Worcester, 9,590_l._, besides the
+     patronage of one archdeaconry and twenty-one livings; London,
+     10,200_l._, with ninety-five livings, twenty-eight prebends,
+     and precentorships in his gift.
+
+     LORDS.--Prudhoe, 700_l._; Harris, 3,800_l._; Meldrum, of the
+     Gordon family, who annually devour about 30,000_l._; Hill,
+     9,800_l._; Combermere, 13,500_l._; Hopetoun, 15,600_l._;
+     Gambier, 6,800_l._; Manners, 21,500_l._; Ailsa, _expectant_;
+     Lauderdale, 36,600_l._; Sheffield, 3,000_l._; Redesdale,
+     5,500_l._; St. Helens, 1,000_l._; Northwick, 1,500_l._;
+     Bolton, 4,000_l._; Bayning, 1,000_l._; Carrington, 1,900_l._;
+     Dunstanville, 1,500_l._; Rous, _motive unknown_; Courtown,
+     9,800_l._; Galloway, 9,845_l._; Stuart, 15,000; Douglas,
+     2,500_l._; Grenville, 4,000_l._; Suffield, brother-in-law to
+     the _notorious Castlereagh_,--need we say more to point out
+     _his_ motive for voting against the queen? Montagu, 3,500_l._;
+     Gordon, 20,990_l._; Somers, 2,000_l._; Rodney, 6,123_l._;
+     Middleton, 700_l._; Napier, 4,572_l._; Gray, 200_l._, with
+     great family interest; Colville, 4,600_l._; Saltoun,
+     3,644_l._; Forbes, 8,400_l._; Lord Privy Seal, 3,000_l._; and
+     Lord President, 4,000.
+
+     [360:A] The Duke of Sussex excused himself from taking part in
+     the proceedings against the queen on the plea of being so
+     nearly related to her majesty. When this was stated in the
+     House of Lords, the Duke of York said, "My lords, I have as
+     much reason, and, _heaven knows_, I would as anxiously desire
+     as my royal relative to absent myself from these proceedings;
+     but when I have a DUTY imposed upon me, of _such magnitude as
+     the present_, I should be _ashamed_ to offer such an EXCUSE!"
+     It is astonishing how any man, who had _outraged virtue_ and
+     violated HIS DUTY in a thousand ways, could, unblushingly,
+     thus insult the English nation!
+
+Notwithstanding this phalanx of corruption being arrayed against one
+virtuous female, after an unexampled multiplication of abuse and
+perjury, on the fifty-first day of the proceedings, the infamous bill
+was LOST, and, with it, the pretensions to uprightness and manly feeling
+of every one who had voted for it! What was the dreadful, the
+overwhelming, responsibility of those who had ventured to prosecute, of
+all others, a great, a noble, a glorious woman, (we speak
+unhesitatingly, for we speak from the EVIDENCE OF HER OWN PUBLIC ACTS)
+by a "Bill of Pains and Penalties," which was so far from being a part
+of our common law, that that was necessarily sacrificed in order to give
+effect to this? The mock trial was supported by the evidence of
+witnesses who, day after day, perjured themselves for the sake of
+wealth, and by the ingratitude of _discarded_ servants, treacherous
+domestics, and cowardly calumniators; evidence, not only stained with
+the infamy of their own perfidy to their generous benefactress, but
+polluted with the licentious and gross obscenity of their own debased
+instincts, for we cannot call their cunning by any other name. This,
+Englishmen! was the poison, this the vast and sweeping flood of
+iniquity, which was permitted by the government to disseminate itself
+into the minds of the young, and to inundate the morals of the whole
+country! A great moral evil was thus done; but the antidote luckily went
+with it. The same press, upon which the absurd, foolish, and dangerous
+imbecility of incompetent and unmanly ministers imposed the reluctant
+office of becoming the channel for the deluge of Italian evidence, also
+conducted the refreshing streams of national sympathy and public
+opinion! The public sustained their own honour in upholding that of
+Caroline, Queen of England! When that public beheld her intelligent
+eyes, beaming with mind and heroism; when they heard of her pure
+beneficence, holy in its principle, as it was unbounded in its sphere;
+when they felt her glowing affection for a devoted people; when they
+observed her, scorning alike the weakness of her sex and the luxury of
+her station,--actuated solely by the mighty energies of her own
+masculine sense and powerful understanding,--braving fatigue and danger,
+traversing the plains and mountains of Asia, the sands and deserts of
+Africa; and contemplating the living tomb of ancient liberty in modern
+Greece; when they heard of this dauntless woman sailing over foreign
+seas with a soul of courage as buoyant and as mighty as the waves that
+bore her; but, above all, when they knew of her refusing the glittering
+trappings and the splendid price of infamous security, to face
+inveterate, persecuting, and inflexible enemies, even on their own
+ground, and surrounded by their own strength and power, they felt
+confident that such a woman must be at once a favourite of heaven, a
+great queen, and a blessing to the people, who fervently offered up
+their prayers for her safety and her triumph! It will readily be
+supposed, then, with what joy the result of this important and
+unprecedented investigation filled the hearts of thousands, which
+manifested itself by shouts of exultation from the centre of the
+metropolis, and was re-echoed from the remotest corners of the land, by
+the unbought voices of a brave and generous people, who considered the
+unjust proceedings alike "derogatory to the dignity of the crown and the
+best interests of the nation."
+
+From the very commencement of the queen's persecution, her majesty's
+counsellors appeared more in the capacity of MEDIATORS in the cause of
+_guilt_ than as _stern, unbending, and uncompromising champions of
+honour and truth_! In one of Mr. Brougham's speeches, he declared the
+queen had no intention to _recriminate_; but Mr. Brougham cannot, even
+at this distance of time, have forgotten that, when her majesty had an
+interview with him after this public assertion on his part, she declared
+herself INSULTED by such a remark, as her case demanded all the
+assistance it could possibly obtain from every legal quarter. Another
+peculiar trait of defection was conspicuously displayed during this
+extraordinary trial. The letter we gave a few pages back, written by an
+illustrious personage to the captain of the vessel in which the princess
+went in the memorable year 1814, offering him a reward to procure any
+evidence of improper conduct on the part of her royal highness, was
+submitted to Mr. Brougham, and shortly afterwards, at the supper table
+of the queen, he said aloud, that he HAD SHEWN THAT LETTER TO THE
+OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE COURT; and when remonstrated with for such
+extraordinary conduct, his only reply was, "Oh, it will do very well;"
+and soon after left the room. This and many other singular acts of the
+learned gentleman will seem surprising to his admirers. Such suspicious
+conduct, indeed, is hardly to be accounted for; but we could not dispute
+the evidence of our own senses!
+
+At this period, a lady of her majesty's household received a note from a
+young person, stating the writer to be in possession of some papers of
+GREAT CONSEQUENCE TO THE QUEEN, which she wished to deliver to her
+majesty. A gentleman was sent to the writer of the note, and her
+information to him was, in substance, as follows:
+
+
+That certain property, of a large amount, had been bequeathed to her;
+but that for many years she had been deprived of all interest arising
+from it. That Dr. Sir Richard Croft, accoucheur to her late royal
+highness, the Princess Charlotte, was an attendant witness to the will
+of her mother, by whom the property had been willed,--her father having
+engaged, upon his return from abroad, to put his daughter in possession
+of her rightful claims, proving her descent, &c. That, during her
+unprotected state, her guardian had caused her to sign bonds to an
+enormous amount; and, in consequence, she had been deprived of her
+liberty for nearly twelve months. As Dr. Sir Richard Croft was her
+principal witness and friend, she frequently consulted him on different
+points of her affairs, and also gave him several private letters for his
+inspection; but these letters not being returned to her when she applied
+for them, she reproached the doctor with his inattention to her
+interests. In consequence of this, Dr. Croft called upon her, and
+promised to send the letters back the next day. The doctor accordingly
+sent her a packet; but, upon examination, she found them to be, _not the
+letters alluded to_, but letters of VAST IMPORTANCE, from the HIGHEST
+PERSONAGES in the kingdom, and elucidating the most momentous subjects.
+Some time after, she sealed them up, and sent a servant back with them,
+giving him strict injunctions to deliver them ONLY into Sir Richard's
+hand. While the servant was gone, the doctor called upon her, and, IN
+GREAT AGITATION, inquired if she had received any other letters back
+besides her own. She replied she had, and said, "Doctor, what have you
+done?" He walked about the room for some time, and then said, abruptly,
+"I suppose you have read the letters?" She replied, "I have read enough
+to make me very uncomfortable." After some further remarks, he observed,
+"I am the most wretched man alive!" He then said he would communicate to
+her all the circumstances. Sir Richard commenced his observations by
+stating, that he was not the perpetrator of the deed, but had been made
+the instrument of others, which the letters proved. He then alluded, by
+name, to a NOBLEMAN; and said the circumstance was first discovered by
+the NURSE'S observing that a SEDIMENT WAS LEFT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CUP
+IN WHICH THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE TOOK HER LAST BEVERAGE, and that Mrs.
+Griffiths directly charged the doctor with being privy to the act. He
+examined the contents of the cup, and was struck with horror at finding
+that it was the SAME DESCRIPTION OF MEDICINE WHICH HAD BEEN OBTAINED
+FROM HIS HOUSE, A FEW DAYS PREVIOUS, BY THE NOBLEMAN BEFORE ALLUDED
+TO!!! However, he endeavoured to persuade the nurse that she was
+mistaken; "but," said the doctor, "the more I endeavoured to persuade
+her, the more culpable, no doubt _I_ appeared to her."
+
+
+Sir Richard said he was farther strengthened in his suspicions of the
+said nobleman by a conversation he had had a few days before with his
+lordship, who said, "If any thing should happen to the princess,--IF SHE
+WERE TO DIE,--it would be a melancholy event; yet I consider it would,
+in some considerable degree, be productive of good to the nation at
+large." Dr. Croft asked him how he could say so. "Because," said the
+nobleman, "every body knows her disposition sufficiently to be
+convinced, that she will ever be blind to her mother's most unequalled
+conduct; and I think any man, burdened with such a wife, would be
+_justified_ in using ANY MEANS in seeking to get rid of her! Were it my
+case, the friend who would be the means of, or assist in, releasing me
+from her shackles, I should consider would do no more than one man ought
+to do for another so circumstanced." Dr. Croft then said, he went to
+this nobleman directly after the death of the princess, and charged him
+with committing the crime. He at first denied it; but at length said,
+"It was better for one to suffer than that the whole country should be
+put into a state of confusion, which would have been the case if the
+princess had lived," and then alluded to the Princess of Wales coming
+into this country. The nobleman exonerated himself from the deed; but
+said "IT WAS MANAGED BY PERSONS IMMEDIATELY ABOUT THE DOCTOR'S PERSON."
+At this part of the narrative, the doctor became very much agitated, and
+the lady said, "Good God! who did do it?" To which question he replied,
+"_The hand that wrote that letter without a name, in conjunction with
+one of the attendants on the nurse!_" The lady further stated, that the
+doctor said, "Certain ladies are depending upon me for my services as
+accoucheur, and I will not extend life beyond my attendance upon them."
+This conversation took place just after the death of the Princess
+Charlotte.
+
+Before Dr. Croft left the lady, she informed him of her anxiety to
+return the letters as soon as she discovered their importance, and
+mentioned that the servant was then gone with them. Sir Richard quickly
+exclaimed, "You bid him not leave them?" and inquired what directions
+had been given to the servant. Having been informed, he said, "Don't
+send them again; keep them until I come and fetch them, and that will be
+to-morrow, if possible." But the lady never saw him afterwards, and
+consequently retained the letters.
+
+The gentleman then received exact copies of all the letters before
+alluded to. We here present our readers with three of the most
+important, which will substantiate some of our former statements.
+
+
+COPY OF A LETTER FROM SIR B. BLOOMFIELD TO DR. SIR RICHARD CROFT.
+
+"MY DEAR CROFT,
+
+"I am commanded by his royal highness to convey to you his solicitude
+for your health and happiness; and I am to inform you, that the aid of
+so faithful a friend as yourself is indispensable. _It is by her
+majesty's command I write this to you._
+
+"We have intelligence by the 20th ult. that the Princess of Wales is to
+take a road favourable to the accomplishment of our long-desired wishes;
+that we may keep pace with her, there is no one upon whose fidelity we
+can more fully rely than you yourself.
+
+"A few months relaxation from the duties of your profession will banish
+all gloomy ideas, and secure the favour of her majesty.
+
+"Come, my boy, throw physic to the dogs, and be the bearer of the happy
+intelligence of a divorce, to render ourselves still more deserving the
+confidence of our beloved master, whose peace and happiness we are bound
+in duty to secure by every means in our power.
+
+"Remember this: the road to fortune is short; and let me see you to-day
+at three o'clock, without fail, in my bureau.
+
+                                         "Yours faithfully,"
+                                                      **********.
+
+         "Carlton House,
+     "Monday, 9th November, 1817."
+
+
+COPY OF A LETTER FROM DR. CROFT TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE REGENT.
+
+"The gracious assurance of his royal highness for my happiness was this
+day conveyed to me, by _the desire of her most gracious majesty_.
+
+"The many former favours and kindnesses bestowed by my royal benefactor
+is retained in my mind with the deepest sense of gratitude.
+
+"That I regret, with heartfelt grief, the invisible power that
+determined my inevitable misery, and marks the hand that gave the blow
+to my eternal peace. Could no other arm inflict the wound than he who,
+in happier moments, indulged me with the most apparent unfeigned
+friendship? That I shall not, to my latest breath, cease to complain of
+such injustice, heaped upon me in the eyes of the world, and before the
+nation, who at my hands have lost their dearest hopes.
+
+"My conscious innocence is the only right I plead to a just and Almighty
+God! That I consider this deed of so foul a nature as to stamp with
+ignominy, not only its perpetrators, but the throne itself, now to be
+obtained by the death of its own offspring, _and that death enforced by
+the Queen of England_, whose inveterate hatred is fully exemplified, by
+heaping wrongs upon the unfortunate partner of your once happy choice,
+who now only impedes your union to another.
+
+"To remove now this only remaining obstacle, I am called upon by the
+ministers. With a view of tranquillizing my mind, every restitution is
+offered me. But, no doubt, many will be found amongst them, who can,
+without a pang, enjoy the reward of such services--_as her majesty will
+most liberally recompense_.
+
+"It has ever been my highest ambition to fulfil the arduous duty of my
+situation; to be rewarded by upright encomiums; and to merit, as a
+subject and a servant, the approbation of my most gracious benefactor,
+as conveyed to me on the 9th of this month by Sir B. Bloomfield, would
+have been a sufficient recompense to me under any circumstances of life.
+
+"I can, therefore, only assure his royal highness, with unfeigned
+sincerity, that I should feel happy upon any occasion to forfeit my life
+for his peace and happiness; nor can I more fully evince the same than
+by assuring his royal highness, that this melancholy circumstance shall
+be eternally buried in my mind.
+
+                                        (Signed) "RICHARD CROFT."
+
+"November 10th, 1817."
+
+
+COPY OF A LETTER FROM QUEEN CHARLOTTE TO DR. CROFT.
+
+"We are sensible how much it were to be desired that the obligations
+provided for could have been traced without the necessity of our
+writing. But we are yet more sensible how much it is our duty to promote
+the happiness of our most dear and most beloved son, who so justly
+deserves the efforts which we make for him. Whatever price will cost our
+tender love, we shall at least have the comfort, in the melancholy
+circumstance of this juncture, which our kingdom most justly laments
+with us, to give to our subjects a successor more worthy of the
+possession of our crown, either partly or wholly, than the detested
+daughter of our dearest brother, who, by her conduct, has brought
+disgrace upon our royal house, and whom now we will, for us, and our
+descendants, without difference of the substance of blood and quality,
+that she shall at all events be estranged from us and our line for ever.
+To this end, we believe the method concerted by our faithful friends at
+Trieste is the most effectual to ensure it, not by divorce; be it by
+whatever means which may seem effectual to our friends, to whom we
+grant full power in every thing, as if we ourselves were present, to
+obtain the conclusion we so much desire; and whosoever shall accomplish
+the same shall be placed in the immediate degree with any peer of our
+kingdom, with fifty thousand pounds, which we guarantee to our worthy
+friend, Sir Richard Croft, on whom we can rely in every thing,--his
+services being considered unavoidable on this occasion. And for the
+better security of all, we promise the bearer hereof, being in every
+part furnished with sufficient power to write, sign, and secure, by
+letter or any other obligation, in our name, and which is to be
+delivered to Sir Richard Croft before his departure from
+London,--reminding him of his own engagements to the secrecy of this
+also,--whereunto we put our name, this 12th day of November, 1817.
+
+"Let him be faithful unto death.
+
+                                                 (Signed) "C. R."
+
+
+Who can peruse these letters, and the particulars with which they are
+accompanied, without being shocked at the dark and horrible crime proved
+to have been committed, as well as those deep-laid plans of persecution
+against an innocent woman, which they unblushingly state to have had
+their origin in the basest of motives,--to gratify the vindictive
+feelings of her heartless and abandoned husband! It must appear
+surprising to honourable minds that these atrocities did not find some
+one acquainted with them of sufficient virtue and nerve to drag their
+abettors to justice. But, alas! those who possessed the greatest
+facilities for this purpose were too fond of place, pension, or profit,
+to discharge such a duty. Queen Caroline, at this period, resolved to
+ask for a public investigation of the causes and attendant circumstances
+of the death of her daughter, and expressed her determination to do so
+in the presence of several noblemen. Her majesty considered these and
+other important letters to be amply sufficient to prove that the
+Princess Charlotte's death was premeditated, and procured unfairly. Her
+majesty also knew that, in 1817, a most respectable resident of
+Claremont publicly declared that the regent had said, "_NO HEIR OF THE
+PRINCESS CHARLOTTE SHALL EVER SIT UPON THE THRONE OF ENGLAND!_" The
+queen was likewise _personally_ assured of the truths contained in the
+letter signed "C. R." dated 12th of November; for the infamous Baron
+Ompteda, in conjunction with another similar character, had been
+watching all her movements for a length of time, and they were actually
+waiting her arrival at Trieste, at the time before named, while every
+one knew they had a coadjutor in England, in the person of Souza Count
+Funshall!!!
+
+Her majesty was also well acquainted with the scheme of the king or his
+ministers, that the former or the latter, or both conjointly, had caused
+a work to be published in Paris, the object of which was "to set aside
+the succession of the Princess Charlotte and her heirs, (under the plea
+of the illegality of her father's marriage) and to supply the defect by
+the DUKE OF YORK!" Lord Moira offered very handsome terms to an author,
+of some celebrity, to write "Comments in favour of this book;" but he
+declined, and wrote explanatory of the crimes of the queen and her
+family. This work, however, was bought up by the English court for seven
+thousand pounds! In this book of comments was given a fair and impartial
+statement of the MURDER OF SELLIS, and, upon its appearance, a _certain
+duke_ thought it "wisest and best" to go out of this country! _Why_ the
+duke resolved to seek safety in flight is best known to himself and
+those in his immediate confidence; but to uninterested and impartial
+observers, such a step was not calculated to exonerate the duke's
+character. This took place at a very early period after the murder had
+been committed in the palace of St. James, and all the witnesses were
+then ready again to depose upon the subject, as well as those persons
+who had not been permitted to give their evidence at the inquest.
+Another examination of the body of Sellis might have been demanded,
+though doubtless in a more public manner than before, as it was not
+supposed to be past exhumation! The people reasoned sensibly, when they
+said, "The duke certainly knows something of this awful affair, or else
+he would cause the strictest inquiry, rather than suffer such a stain
+upon his royal name and character, which are materially injured in
+public opinion by the royal duke's refusal to do so, and his sudden
+determination to go abroad." The duke, however, _did_ go abroad, and did
+not return until inquiry had, apparently, ceased.
+
+Such were the remarks of Caroline, Queen of England, upon these serious
+subjects, of which she felt herself competent to say more than any other
+subject in the realm. The secret conduct of the government was not
+unknown to her majesty, and her sufferings, she was well aware, had
+their origin in STATE TRICK; while fawning courtiers, to keep their
+places, had sacrificed _truth_, _justice_, and _honour_. "Then," said
+the queen, "can I wonder at any plan or plans they may invent to
+accomplish the wish of my husband? No; I am aware of many, very many,
+foul attempts to insult, degrade, and destroy me! I cannot forget the
+embassy of Lord Stewart, the base conduct of that most unprincipled man,
+Colonel Brown, and other unworthy characters, who, to obtain the favour
+of the reigning prince, my husband, condescended to say and do any and
+every thing prejudicial to my character, and injurious to my dignity, as
+the legitimate princess of the British nation; and for what purpose is
+this extraordinary conduct pursued? Only to gratify revengeful
+inclinations, and prevent my full exposures of those odious crimes, by
+which the honour of the family is and will ever be attainted! But,"
+added her majesty, "the untimely, unaccountable death of my Charlotte
+is, indeed, heavy upon my heart! I remember, as if it were only
+yesterday, her infant smile when first I pressed her to my bosom; and I
+must always feel unutterable anguish, when I reflect upon the hardships
+she was obliged to endure at our cruel separation! Was it not more than
+human nature was able to endure, first to be insulted and deceived by a
+husband, then to be deprived of an only and lovely child, whose fondness
+equalled her royal father's cruelty? Well may I say, my Charlotte's
+death ought to be explained, and the bloodthirsty aiders in the scheme
+punished as they really merit. Who are these proud, yet base,
+tyrants,--who, after destroying the child, still continue their plans to
+destroy her mother also? Are they not the sycophants of a voluptuous
+monarch, whose despotic influence has for a long period destroyed the
+liberties and subverted the rights of the people, over whom he has
+exercised such uncontrouled and unconstitutional power? And what is the
+MORAL character of these state hirelings, (continued the queen) who
+neither act with judgment, or speak with ability, but who go to court to
+bow, and cringe, and fawn? Alas! is it not disgraceful in the
+extreme?--are they not found debasing themselves in the most infamous
+and unnatural manner? From youth, have not even some of the late queen's
+sons been immoral and profane? Was not one of them invited to dinner, by
+a gentleman of the first rank, during his stay in the West Indies, and
+did he not so conduct himself before one of the gentleman's daughters,
+that his royal highness was under the necessity of making a precipitate
+retreat? Yet this outrage upon decency was only noticed by one fearless
+historian! And amongst the courtiers, where is morality to be found? Yet
+these individuals are the judges, as well as the jury, and are even
+empowered to assault, insult, and reproach the consort of the first
+magistrate, their sovereign the king! But he is in their power; guilt
+has deprived my lord and husband of all ability to set the perfidious
+parasites at defiance! If this were not the case, would his proud heart
+have allowed him to be insulted by my Lord Bloomfield, or Sir W.
+Knighton? No; the answer must be obvious. Yet such was actually the
+fact, as all the _private_ friends of his majesty can testify. My honour
+is indeed insulted, and yet I am denied redress. I suspected what my
+fate would be when so much equivocation was resorted to during my
+journey to this country. I was not treated as any English subject,
+however poor and defenceless, ought to expect; far otherwise, indeed. I
+waited some months to see Mr. Brougham, and was disappointed from time
+to time, until I determined to return to England in despite of all
+obstacles. I reached St. Omers on the 1st of June; Mr. Brougham did not
+arrive until the evening of the 3rd; he was accompanied by his brother
+and Lord Hutchinson; and I judged from their conversation, that my only
+safety was to be found in the English capital. Propositions were made
+me, of the most infamous description; and, afterwards, Lord Hutchinson
+and Mr. Brougham said, 'they understood the outline of those
+propositions originated with myself.' How those gentlemen could indulge
+such an opinion for one moment, I leave the world to judge. If it had
+been my intention to receive fifty thousand pounds per annum to remain
+abroad, UNQUEENED, I should have reserved my several establishments and
+suite. I was requested to delay my journey until despatches could be
+received; but my impatience to set my foot once more on British ground
+prevented my acquiescence. I had been in England a very short time, when
+I was most credibly informed the cause for soliciting that delay;
+namely, that this government had required the French authorities to
+station the military in Calais, at the command of the English consul,
+for the express purpose of seizing my person, previous to my
+embarkation! What would not have been my fate, if I once had been in the
+grasp of the Holy Alliance!! This fact will satisfy the English people,
+that the most wicked plans were organized for my destruction. The
+inhabitants of Carlton House were all petrified upon my arrival, having
+been assured that I never should again see England, and that my legal
+adviser had supported the plan of my remaining abroad, and had expressed
+his opinion that I should accept the offer. It is also a solemn fact
+that, at that period, a PROCESS OF DIVORCE, in the Consistory Court in
+Hanover, was rapidly advancing, under the direction of Count Munster;
+and, as the king is there an arbitrary sovereign, the regal will would
+not have found any obstacle. When the day of retribution shall arrive,
+may God have mercy upon Lords Liverpool, Castlereagh, and their vile
+associates,--even as they wished to have compassion upon their insulted
+and basely-treated queen! Had I followed my first opinion after these
+unhandsome transactions, I should have changed my counsel; but I did not
+know where to apply for others, as I too soon found I was intended to be
+sacrificed, either privately or publicly. Devotion in public characters
+is seldom found to be unequivocally sincere in times of great trouble
+and disappointment! What is a defenceless woman, though a queen, opposed
+to a despotic and powerful king? Alas! but subject to the rude
+ebullition of pampered greatness, and a mark at which the finger of
+scorn may point. Well may I say--
+
+     "Would I had never trod the English earth,
+      Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it!
+      Ye have angels' faces; but heaven knows your hearts.
+      What will become of me now, wretched lady?
+      I am the most unhappy woman living.
+      No friend, no hope, no kindred, weep for me;
+      _Almost no grave allowed me_! Like the lily,
+      That once was mistress of the field, and flourished,
+      I'll hang my head, and perish!"
+
+A very few weeks after making these remarks, her majesty, in
+correspondence with a friend, wrote as follows:
+
+
+"I grow weary of my existence. I am annoyed upon every occasion. I am
+actually kept without means to discharge my honourable engagements. Lord
+Liverpool returns the most sarcastic replies (if such they may be
+called) to my notes of interrogation upon these unhandsome and unfair
+delays, as if I were an object of inferior grade to himself. I think I
+have sufficient perception to convince me what the point is to which the
+ministers are now lending their ready aid, which is nothing less than to
+FORCE ME TO RETURN ABROAD! This they never shall accomplish, so long as
+my life is at all safe; and in vain does Mr. WILDE press upon my notice
+the propriety of such a step."
+
+
+Illuminations and other rejoicings were manifested by the people at the
+queen's acquittal; but the state of her majesty's affairs, as explained
+in the above extract, were such as to preclude her receiving that
+pleasure which her majesty had otherwise experienced at such testimonies
+of the affectionate loyalty of the British people.
+
+
+We must now proceed to the year
+
+     1821,
+
+in which pains and penalties supplied the place of kindness, and the
+sword upheld the law! while men who opposed every liberal opinion
+hovered around the throne of this mighty empire. In the hardness of
+their hearts, they justified inhumanity, and delighted to hear the clank
+of the chains of slavery. They flattered but to deceive, and hid from
+their master the miseries of his subjects! This was base grovelling
+submission to the royal will, and not _REAL LOYALTY_; for loyalty does
+not consist in a slavish obedience to the will of a tyrannical chief
+magistrate, but in a firm and faithful adherence to the law and
+constitution of the community of which we are members. The disingenuity
+of Lord Liverpool and his coadjutors, however, who were impelled by high
+church and high tory principles, wished to limit this comprehensive
+principle, which takes in the whole of the constitution, and therefore
+tends to the conservation of it all in its full integrity, to the
+_person_ of the king, because they knew he would favour their own
+purposes as well as the extension of power and prerogative,--the
+largesses of which they hoped to share in reward for their sycophantic
+zeal, and their mean, selfish, perfidious adulation. With such views,
+the king's ministers represented every spirited effort in favour of the
+people's rights as originating in _disloyalty_. The best friends to the
+English constitution, in its purity, were held up to the detestation of
+his majesty, as being disaffected to his person. Every stratagem was
+used to delude the unthinking part of the people into a belief that
+their only way of displaying loyalty was to display a most servile
+obsequiousness to the caprices of the reigning prince, and to oppose
+every popular measure. The ministers themselves approached him in the
+most unmanly language of submission, worthier to have been received by
+the Great Mogul or the Chinese emperor than the chief magistrate of a
+professedly free people. In short, George the Fourth only wished to be
+feared, not loved. The servile ministry fed this passion, though they
+would have done the same for a Stuart, had one been in power. It was not
+the man they worshipped, but the _power_ he possessed to add to their
+_own dignity and wealth_! Let us not here be misunderstood. We are
+willing to award honour to the person of a man invested with kingly
+power, provided his deeds are in accordance with his duty, though not
+otherwise. A good king should be regarded with true and sincere
+affection; but we ought not to pay any man, reigning over a free
+country, so ill a compliment as to treat him like a despot, ruling over
+a land of slaves. We must, therefore, reprobate that false, selfish,
+adulatory loyalty, which, seeking nothing but its own base ends, and
+feeling no real attachment either to the person or the office of the
+king, contributes nevertheless, by its example, to diffuse a servile,
+abject temper, highly injurious to the spirit of freedom.
+
+Though "the bill" was now ingloriously abandoned by Lord Liverpool, the
+queen received but little benefit. Her majesty was even refused means to
+discharge debts unavoidably contracted for the bare support of her table
+and her household. As a proof of the economical style of her living, we
+witnessed one evening a party of friends sitting down to supper with her
+majesty, when a chicken at the top and another at the bottom of the
+table were the _only dishes_ set before the company. What a contrast
+this would have presented to the loaded tables, groaning under the
+luxurious display of provisions for gluttony, in the king's several
+residences, where variety succeeded variety, and where even the veriest
+menial lived more sumptuously than his master's consort!
+
+On the 5th of May, the Emperor Napoleon Buonaparte expired at St.
+Helena, having endured captivity, under the most unfavourable
+circumstances, and with a constitutional disease, more than six years
+and a half. As we shall have occasion, in our second volume, to speak of
+this illustrious man and his cruel treatment by our government, it would
+be unnecessary to say more in this place than merely give an outline of
+his extraordinary career. Napoleon was born at Ajaccio, the capital of
+Corsica, August 15, 1769; and was, consequently, fifty-two years of age,
+wanting three months, when he died. He was the eldest son of a lawyer,
+of Italian descent, and his family had pretensions to ancestry of high
+birth and station in Italy. He was educated in the _royal_ military
+school; and first attracted notice when, as an officer of engineers, he
+assisted in the bombardment of Toulon in 1793; next signalized himself
+by repressing an infuriated mob of Parisians in 1795, which caused his
+promotion to the command of the army of Italy; was made first consul in
+1799; elected emperor in 1804; "exchanged" the sceptre of France and
+Italy for that of Elba (so it was expressed in the treaty of
+Fontainbleau) on the 11th of April, 1814; landed at Cannes, in Provence,
+on the 1st of March, 1815; entered Paris triumphantly, at the head of
+the French army, a few days afterwards; fought the last fatal battle of
+Waterloo on the 18th of June in the same year; abdicated in favour of
+his son; threw himself upon the generosity of the English, through
+promises made to him by Lord Castlereagh; was landed at St. Helena on
+the 18th of October, 1815; and died as before stated, a victim to the
+arbitrary treatment of our government, which we shall presently prove.
+
+Leopold now (in July) called upon her majesty, for the first time since
+her return to this country. His serene highness was announced and
+ushered into the presence of the mother of his late consort. The queen
+appeared exceedingly agitated, though her majesty did not urge one word
+of complaint or inquiry at the delay of the prince's visit. Previous to
+the departure of Leopold, the queen appeared much embarrassed and
+affected, and, addressing the prince, said, "Do you not think that the
+death of my Charlotte was too sudden to be naturally accounted for? and
+do you think it not very likely that she died unfairly?" The prince
+replied, "I also have my fears; but I do not possess any PROOF of it."
+He then said, "My suspicions were further excited by the _EXCESSIVE JOY_
+the royal family shewed at her death; for the Regent and the Duke of
+York got DRUNK upon the occasion." These, we pledge ourselves, were his
+highness' OWN WORDS, _verbatim et literatim_.
+
+About this time, when the coronation was expected to take place in a few
+days, her majesty, in writing to one of her firmest friends, said,
+
+
+"I do not foresee any happy result likely to ensue from my attempting to
+get into the Abbey; for my own part, I do not think it a prudent step.
+My enemies hold the reins of power, and _most_ of my professed friends
+appear rather shy; so I fear the advice I have received upon the
+subject. Alderman Wood intends to go in his civic capacity, which, to
+me, is very unaccountable indeed; for certainly, if I ever required the
+assistance and presence of my _real_ friends, it is most probable I
+shall need both at such a period. I can unbosom myself to you, for _I
+know you to be my real friend_; believe me, I do not assure myself that
+I have another in the whole world! To _you alone_ can I speak freely
+upon the death of my child and her infant, and I dare tell _you_, I yet
+hope to see the guilty murderers brought to condign punishment. I say,
+with Shakespeare,
+
+     "'Blood will have blood!
+      Stones have been known to move, and trees to speak,
+      To bring forth the secret man of blood.'
+
+"Such is my earnest hope; may it yet prove true in the case of my lovely
+departed daughter. While her remains are dwelling in the gloomy vault of
+death, her father and his associates are revelling in the most
+abominable debauchery, endeavouring to wash that,--THE FOUL STAIN, THE
+ETERNAL STAIN,--from their remembrance. Still I live in expectation
+that the dark deed will be avenged, and the perpetrators meet with their
+just reward.
+
+"The deep-rolling tide of my enemies' success against me will find a
+mighty barrier, when all shall be explained, in the simple and
+unaffected language of truth. Weak and presumptuous as my Lord Liverpool
+is, I did not believe he would dare to promise one thing, and act the
+reverse before the world. I did think he was too anxious to retain A
+NAME for honour, if he merited it not; but I am deceived, and very
+probably not for the last time. You will sympathize with me; I labour
+under the pressure of many heavy misfortunes, and also under the
+provocation of great and accumulated injustice. Yes, and though so
+unfortunate, I am scarcely at liberty to lament my cruel destiny. These
+things frequently hang heavy, very heavy, upon my heart; and I sometimes
+reflect, with inexpressible astonishment, upon the nerve with which I
+still bear up under the trying burden. For more than fourteen years I
+have been a victim to perjury and conspiracy; my enemies were in ambush
+in the shade, but they aimed at me poisoned arrows; they watched, most
+eagerly watched, for the moment in which they might destroy me, without
+its being known who drew the bow, or who shot the shaft. You, my friend,
+know that I delight in disseminating happiness. My bliss is to diffuse
+bliss around me; I do not wish misery to be known within the circle of
+my influence. I covet not the glory arising from the carnage of battle,
+which fills the grave with untimely dead, or covers the earth with
+mutilated forms. I wish you distinctly to understand me upon these
+several subjects. I have not any personal feelings against the king, in
+my own case. I do assuredly pity his majesty, that he should allow
+himself to be a tool in the hands of a wicked ministry; but my cause for
+sorrow is, that he should leave this world without exposing the base
+schemes formed against the SUCCESSION and LIFE of his royal daughter. If
+his majesty will make restitution upon this point, my anxieties would be
+in some degree relieved, although nothing on this side the grave will
+ever make any atonement for the loss of such an amiable and well-formed
+mind. Well indeed may his majesty be afraid to be left alone; well may
+he discharge all persons from naming the departed child he ought to have
+protected; at this I do not wonder, for guilt produces terror and
+dismay.
+
+"I cannot conclude this without adverting again to the pecuniary
+difficulties I have to endure. For nearly eight years, I have given up
+fifteen thousand pounds per annum out of the annuity allowed me by
+parliament. This amounts now to above one hundred thousand pounds; yet,
+notwithstanding this, I am refused means to live in a respectable style,
+to say nothing of regal state. All the royal family have had their debts
+paid, and the Duke of Clarence received his _arrears_. The chancellor of
+the Exchequer promised I should receive an outfit, if the prosecution
+against me failed. It did fail; but I have received no outfit at
+all,--not even the value of one shilling,--so that, of necessity, I am
+involved in debt to the amount of thirty thousand pounds. How
+differently was the late Queen Charlotte situated; and, since her
+demise, more than twenty thousand pounds per annum have been paid in
+pensions to her numerous and already wealthy household! while I am
+incapable to acknowledge my real sentiments to those who have been
+generous to me, even at the expense of being unjust to themselves,
+unless I do it from borrowed resources.
+
+"You will not feel surprised at these remarks. Alas! I wish it were not
+in my power to make more serious ones; but I will await, with firmness,
+the coronation.
+
+                       "Believe me ever,
+                              "Your faithful and grateful friend,
+                                                   "C. R."
+
+
+Nearly at the same time, the following letter was forwarded to the same
+friend of the queen, by a professional gentleman, who had for some time
+been employed to arrange some of her majesty's affairs:
+
+
+"You may indeed rest assured that no consideration shall induce me to
+give up 'The Documents' I hold, relative to the queen and her lost,
+though lamented, daughter, unless you require me to return them to her
+majesty, or to entrust them into your own care. For, as I obtained them
+from no other motive than to serve the queen, so I will certainly retain
+them and use them in this noble cause, without regard to any personal
+consideration, or convenience, until that object be fully accomplished;
+and feeling (as you do) the very great importance of such proofs, I will
+defy all the power of the enemy to dispute the matter with me. Yet, at
+the same time, I am very candid to acknowledge, that it is my confident
+opinion every effort will be used to suppress all testimony which may
+have a tendency to bring THE FAMILY into disgrace. With whom to trust
+this business, I am at a loss to determine, as it would no doubt be
+considered rather a ticklish affair. I have thought of Dr. Lushington;
+but, as you are better acquainted with this learned gentleman's
+sentiments and opinions upon her majesty's case than I am, I beg to
+submit the suggestion for your serious deliberation. No time ought to be
+lost; every thing that CAN be done OUGHT to be done, without delay. The
+queen is placed in the most serious situation. You ought not to forget,
+for one moment, that her enemy is her sovereign; and such is the utter
+absence of principle manifested to this illustrious lady since her
+left-handed marriage with the son of George the Third, that every person
+must fear for her safety, unless their hearts are hard as adamant, and
+themselves actors in the villanous tragedy.
+
+"I give my opinion thus boldly, because I know your fidelity to the
+queen to be unshaken, even amidst all the rude and unmanly clamours
+raised against her friends by the agents of her tyrannical husband. This
+is, and ought to be, your satisfactory reflection,--that you have been
+faithful to this innocent and persecuted queen, from _principle alone_.
+'Honourable minds will yield honourable meed,' and to such you are
+justly entitled. To-morrow evening, I intend to give you further
+intelligence, as I am now going out for the purpose of meeting an
+especial enemy of her majesty, by whose rancour I may judge the course
+intended.
+
+                                  "I have the honour to be,"
+                                              &c. &c. &c. ******.
+
+
+Continuation from the same to the same, two days after the foregoing.
+
+
+"I am sorry to say my fears were not groundless, as I learn, from the
+first authority, that the king has changed his opinion, and the queen
+will not be allowed to enter the Abbey. The seat provided is otherwise
+disposed of. If her majesty's attorney and solicitor generals would
+_now_, without any loss of time, press 'The Documents' upon the notice
+of the ministers, either by petition or remonstrance, I think the
+ceremony would be postponed, and justice be finally administered to the
+queen. But if they delay this, they may assure themselves the cause of
+their royal mistress will be lost for ever. Her majesty's proofs are too
+astounding to be passed over in silence; they would forcibly arouse the
+guilty, and SUCH FACTS at SUCH A TIME ought to be instantly published. I
+should not express myself with such ardour upon these solemn points, if
+I had not made myself most minutely acquainted with every bearing of the
+subject; and I give you my decisive _legal opinion_, that 'The
+Documents' in question contain a simple statement of facts, which no
+judge, however instructed, and no jury, however selected, or packed,
+could refute. If, however, fear should get the better of duty, I do not
+doubt sooner or later the country will have cause to repent the apathy
+of those individuals who were most competent to do, or cause justice to
+be done to this shamefully injured queen.
+
+"I have not entered upon these opinions from interested views, and I am
+well convinced your motives do not savour of such baseness; but as
+disinterestedness is a scarce virtue, and so little cultivated in this
+boasted land of liberty, I warn you to avoid the ensnaring inquiries of
+those by whom you may most probably be assailed.
+
+"I also must remind you that, at the present moment, her majesty is
+watched in all directions. Major Williams is employed by the government
+to be a spy upon all occasions, and drove his carriage with four grey
+horses to Epsom last races, and remained upon the ground until the queen
+drove away. At this time, he occupied an elegantly furnished house in
+Sackville-street. P. Macqueen, M. P., a protégé of Lord Liverpool's, was
+doubtless the person who arranged the business with the premier. If this
+be considered dubious information, I will forward you PROOFS which will
+set the matter at rest.
+
+"I scarcely need tell you that the case of her majesty is one
+unprecedented in history, and unheard of in the world. The king and his
+ministers have resolved upon her destruction, and if the royal sufferer
+be not destroyed by the first plans of attempt, I indeed fear she will
+fall a victim to similar plans, which, I doubt not, are in a forward
+stage of preparation against her; and how can the queen escape from the
+grasp of such powerful and dishonourable assailants? All their former
+arrangements and stratagems, to which they subscribed, failed, decidedly
+failed; but the malignity which instigated those plans will, without any
+question, furnish materials for new charges, and supply the needful
+reserve to complete the destruction of a lady, whose talents are envied,
+whose knowledge of affairs in general is deemed too great, and whose
+information upon FAMILY SECRETS render her an enemy to be feared.
+
+"I see in this mysterious persecution against the queen, the intended
+annihilation of the rights and privileges of the nation at large; and I,
+therefore, protest against the innovation. I argue, that which was
+unconstitutional and unprincipled in William the Third is equally
+dangerous and unconstitutional in George the Fourth! If such
+unprecedented injustice be allowed in the case of her majesty, where
+must we look for an impartial administration of justice? and how may we
+reasonably expect that violence will not be offered, if other means
+fail, to accomplish the intended mischief? In case of indisposition,
+what may not occur! May not the life of her majesty be in the greatest
+jeopardy, and may not a few hours terminate her mortal existence? These
+are questions of vital importance; they do not only materially affect
+the queen, but, through the same medium, they most seriously relate to
+every individual of the community; and, if the constitution is not to be
+entirely destroyed, the queen must be honourably saved from the
+overpowering grasp of her relentless oppressors. Her majesty reminds me
+of the words of Seneca: 'She is struggling with the storms of
+Adversity, and rising superior to the frowns of Persecution; this is a
+spectacle that even the gods themselves may look down upon with envy.'
+
+"I verily believe that bold and energetic measures might set this
+question at rest for ever, but time lost is lost for ever; and, in my
+opinion, retribution can only slumber for a short period. I beg and
+entreat you not to be subdued or deterred by the arrogance of
+inconsistent power. The nation is insulted, the independence of the
+country is insulted; its morality and patience have been outraged!
+
+"What could I not add to this page of sorrow, this blot upon our land?
+But I have acted openly and honourably to you in this unparalleled case,
+and have, in so acting, only done my duty.
+
+"Excuse haste, and allow me the honour to remain
+
+                      "Your most obedient and respectful servant,
+                                                     ******.
+
+"July 12th."
+
+
+Such are the recorded sentiments of a professional gentleman, who
+volunteered his services to the queen at this period of anxious
+expectation. He hailed, or affected to hail, the appearance of the star
+of liberty, whose genial rays should dispel the gloom of the desolating
+power of her enemies. But, alas! how soon were such opinions changed by
+the _gilded_ wand of ministerial power! _Pension_ reconciled too many to
+silence upon these all-important subjects; even he, who wrote thus
+boldly in defence of an injured queen and her murdered daughter, shortly
+afterwards acted the very reverse of his duty for the sake of paltry
+gain! But, independent of the lavish means which ministers then
+possessed of bribing those who felt inclined to bring these criminal
+matters before a public tribunal, an unmanly fear of punishment, as well
+as an obsequiousness to the king and some of his _particular_ friends,
+operated on the dastardly minds of pretended patriots and lovers of
+justice. There is also an habitual indolence which prevents many from
+concerning themselves with any thing but that which immediately affects
+their pecuniary interest. Such persons would not dare to inquire into
+the actions of a sovereign, however infamous they might be, for fear of
+suffering a fine or imprisonment for their temerity. The legal
+punishments attending the expression of discontent against the king are
+so severe, and the ill-grounded terrors of them so artfully
+disseminated, that, rather than incur the least danger, they would
+submit to the most unjust and tyrannical government. They would even be
+content to live under the Grand Seignior, so long as they might eat,
+drink, and sleep in peace! Had the lamented Princess Charlotte been the
+daughter of a cottager, the mysterious circumstances attending her death
+would have demanded the most public investigation. But, because a
+powerful prince had expressed his SATISFACTION at the treatment she
+received, it was deemed impertinent, if not treasonable, for any other
+individual to express a wish for further inquiry! Yet such is the effect
+of political artifice, under the management of court sycophants, that
+the middle ranks of people are taught to believe, that they ought not to
+trouble themselves with matters that occur in palaces; that a certain
+set of men come into the world like demigods, possessed of right, power,
+and intellectual abilities, to rule the earth without controul; and that
+free inquiry and manly remonstrance are the sin of sedition! Thus many
+people are actually terrified, through fear of losing their wealth,
+their liberty, or their life, into silence upon subjects which they
+ought, in duty to their God, under the principles of justice, fearlessly
+to expose. "Better pay our taxes patiently, and remain quiet about state
+crimes," say they, "than, by daring to investigate public measures, or
+the conduct of great men, risk a prison or a gibbet!" But let us hope
+that such disgraceful sentiments are not _now_ to be found in the breast
+of any Englishman, however humble his condition. Our noble ancestors
+were famed for seeing justice administered, as well to the poor as to
+the rich. If, therefore, we suffer _personal_ fear to conquer duty, we
+are traitors to posterity, as well as cowardly deserting a trust which
+they who confided it are prevented by death from guarding or
+withdrawing. We know that this justice has been lamentably neglected,
+though we do not yet despair of seeing it overtake the guilty, however
+lofty their station may be in society.
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
+
+
+Printed by W. H. STEVENSON, 5, Whiskin Street, Clerkenwell.
+
+
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+
+The following corrections have been made to the text:
+
+     Page i: Of meaner vice and villains[original has villians]
+
+     Page iii: climate not very conducive[original has condusive]
+
+     Page 51: the forms observed[original has oberved] by courts
+
+     Page 99: result was prejudicial[original has prejudical] to
+     the rights
+
+     Page 110: I have endeavoured to excite[original has exite]
+
+     Page 131: French Consul possessed[original has possesed]
+     himself
+
+     Page 204: "I do," said the queen.[original has comma]
+
+     Page 209: voted for the use of Mr. Perceval's[original has
+     Peceval's] family
+
+     Page 249: "[quotation mark missing in original]Your very
+     affectionate mother
+
+     Page 249: "[quotation mark missing in original]CAROLINE."
+
+     Page 257: such marriages shall be null and void.[period
+     missing in original]
+
+     Page 261: Charlotte was declared _enceinte_[original has
+     enciente]
+
+     Page 299: awful spectacle presented itself.[period missing in
+     original]
+
+     Page 316: duke's[original has dukes] former delinquencies
+
+     Page 329: where[original has were] there was a continual boast
+
+     Page 361: Edgecumbe,[original has semi-colon] 400_l._
+
+     Page 362: with two livings, 1,000_l._[original has extraneous
+     comma]-7,260_l._
+
+     Page 366: [original has extraneous quotation mark]That certain
+     property, of a large amount
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SECRET HISTORY OF THE COURT OF
+ENGLAND, FROM THE ACCESSION OF GEORGE THE THIRD TO THE DEATH OF GEORGE THE
+FOURTH, VOLUME I (OF 2)***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 37570-8.txt or 37570-8.zip *******
+
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+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Secret History of the Court of England, from
+the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth,
+Volume I (of 2), by Lady Anne Hamilton</h1>
+<pre>
+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 <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: Secret History of the Court of England, from the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth, Volume I (of 2)</p>
+<p>       Including, Among Other Important Matters, Full Particulars of the Mysterious Death of the Princess Charlotte</p>
+<p>Author: Lady Anne Hamilton</p>
+<p>Release Date: September 29, 2011  [eBook #37570]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SECRET HISTORY OF THE COURT OF ENGLAND, FROM THE ACCESSION OF GEORGE THE THIRD TO THE DEATH OF GEORGE THE FOURTH, VOLUME I (OF 2)***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>E-text prepared by Steven Gibbs, Lisa Reigel,<br />
+    and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10">
+  <tr>
+    <td valign="top">
+      Note:
+    </td>
+    <td>
+      Project Gutenberg also has Volume II of this work. See
+      <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37571">
+      http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37571</a>
+   </td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="notebox">
+<p>Transcriber's Note:</p>
+
+<p>Due to an accusation of libel, some pages had to
+be rewritten and reprinted before the book was bound. Pages 1-24 were not
+printed and are missing from the original. See the <a href="#PREFACE">Preface</a> for more
+information.</p>
+
+<p>The original uses two kinds of blockquotes--one type has words in a
+smaller font, and the other uses extra white space before and after the
+quotation. The transcriber has used wider margins to represent the
+smaller font and higher line heights to represent the quotations with
+extra white space.</p>
+
+<p>Variations in spelling and hyphenation have been left as in the
+original. A few typographical errors have been corrected. A complete
+list as well as other notes can be found <a href="#TN">after</a> the text.</p>
+
+<p>A row of asterisks represents an ellipsis in a poetry quotation.</p>
+
+<p>Click on the page number to see an image of the page.</p>
+</div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="gap"><!-- Page i --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i"></a>[<a href="./images/i.png">i</a>]</span></p>
+
+
+<h1>SECRET HISTORY<br />
+<br />
+<span class="p4">OF THE</span><br />
+<br />
+<em>Court of England</em>,<br />
+<br />
+<span class="p3">FROM THE ACCESSION OF GEORGE THE THIRD TO THE<br />
+DEATH OF GEORGE THE FOURTH;</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="p4">INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS,</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="p2">FULL PARTICULARS OF THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="p4">OF THE</span><br />
+<br />
+PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.</h1>
+
+
+<p class="smallgap">&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>By the Right Honorable LADY ANNE HAMILTON,<br />
+<span class="p3"><i>Sister of His Grace the present Duke of Hamilton and Brandon; and of the<br />
+Countess of Dunmore</i>.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="smallgap">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="poem" style="margin-left: 17%;"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"<span class="smcap">Of meaner vice and villains, sing no more,</span><br /></span>
+<span class="i0i"><span class="smcap">But monsters crown'd, and Crime enrobed with Power!</span><br /></span>
+<span class="i0i"><span class="smcap">At Vice's high imperial throne begin,</span><br /></span>
+<span class="i0i"><span class="smcap">And boldly brand such prodigies of sin;</span><br /></span>
+<span class="i0i"><span class="smcap">With pregnant phrase, and strong impartial verse,</span><br /></span>
+<span class="i0i"><span class="smcap">The crimes of lords and crimes of kings rehearse!</span>"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>VOL I.</h3>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&nbsp;</p>
+<h4><span class="p2">LONDON:</span><br />
+<span class="p1">PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM HENRY STEVENSON,</span><br />
+<span class="p2">13, WELLINGTON STREET, STRAND.</span><br />
+1832.</h4>
+
+<p><!-- Page ii --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii"></a>[<a href="./images/ii.png">ii</a>]</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><!-- Page iii --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii"></a>[<a href="./images/iii.png">iii</a>]</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>"TO THE READER."</h2>
+
+
+<p>The source from whence this Work proceeds will be a sufficient guarantee
+for the facts it contains. A high sense of duty and honor has prompted
+these details which have for many years been on the eve of publication.
+It will be worthy of the perusal of <span class="smcap">The Great</span> because it will serve as a
+mirror, and they who do not see themselves, or their actions reflected,
+will not take offence at the <i>unvarnished Picture</i>&mdash;it may afford real
+benefit to the Statesman and Politician, by the ample testimony it
+gives, that when <i>Justice is perverted</i>, the most lamentable
+consequences ensue; and to that class of Society whose station is more
+humble, it may unfold the designing characters by whom they have so
+frequently been deceived. <i>They only</i> are competent to detail the scenes
+and intrigues of <i>a Court</i>, who have been most intimately acquainted
+with it, and it must at all times be acknowledged, that it is a climate
+not very conducive to the growth of Virtue, not very frequently the
+abode of Truth&mdash;yet although its atmosphere is so tainted, its giddy
+crowd is thought enviably happy. The fallacy of such opinions is here
+set forth to public view, by one who has spent much of her time in <i>the
+interior of a Court</i>, and whose immediate knowledge of the then passing
+events, give <!-- Page iv --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv"></a>[<a href="./images/iv.png">iv</a>]</span>ability to narrate them faithfully. Many, very many, facts
+are here omited, which hereafter shall appear, and there is little
+doubt, but that some general good may result from an unprejudiced and
+calm perusal of the subjects subjoined.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><!-- Page v --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v"></a>[<a href="./images/v.png">v</a>]</span></p>
+<h2>"<a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE."</h2>
+
+
+<p>How far the law of Libel (as it now stands) may affect is best to be
+ascertained by a reference to the declaration of Lord Abingdon, in 1779,
+and inserted, verbatim, at page <a href="#Page_69">69</a>&mdash;1st vol. of this "Secret History."
+The following Pages are intended as a benefit, not to do injury. If the
+facts could not have been maintained proper methods ought to have been
+adopted to have caused the most minute enquiry and investigation upon
+the subject. Many an Arrow has been shot, and innumerable suspicions
+entertained from what motive, and by whose hand the bow was drawn, yet
+here all mystery ceases, and an open avowal is made:&mdash;Would to Heaven
+for the honor of human nature that the subjoined documents were
+falsehoods and calumniations invented for the purpose of maligning
+character, or for personal resentments&mdash;but the unusual corroboration of
+<i>events</i>, <i>places</i>, times, and persons, will not admit the probability.
+In the affair of the ever lamented Death of the Princess Charlotte, the
+three important Letters commencing at page <a href="#Page_369">369</a>, vol. 1st, are of
+essential importance, and deserve the most grave and deliberate
+enquiry&mdash;for <i>the first time</i> they <i>now</i> appear in print. The subjects
+connected with the Royal Mother are also of deep interest. The conduct
+of the English Government towards Napoleon is <!-- Page vi --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi"></a>[<a href="./images/vi.png">vi</a>]</span>introduced, to give a
+true and impartial view of the <i>reasons</i> which dictated such arbitrary
+and unjust measures enforced against that <i>Great Man</i>, and which will
+ever remain a blot upon the British Nation. These unhandsome
+derelictions from honorable conduct could alone be expressed by those
+who were well informed upon <i>private subjects</i>. Respect for the
+illustrious Dead has materially encouraged the inclination to give
+publicity to scenes, which were as revolting in themselves as they were
+<i>cruel</i> and <i>most heart-rending</i> to the Victims: throughout the whole,
+it is quite apparent that certain Persons were obnoxious to the Ruling
+Authorities, and the sequel will prove, that <i>the extinction</i> of such
+Persons was resolved upon, let the means and measures to obtain that
+object be what they might. During this period we find those who had long
+been opposed in Political sentiments, to all appearance perfectly
+reconciled, and adhering to that party from whom they might expect the
+greatest honors and advancement in the State. We need only refer as
+proofs for this, to the late "Spencer Percival," and "George
+Canning"&mdash;who to obtain preferment joined the confederations formed
+against an unprotected Princess, and yet who previously had been the
+most strenuous defenders of the same Lady's cause.&mdash;Well may it be
+observed that Vanity is too powerful,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The Seals of Office glitter in their eyes,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">They leave the truth, and by their falsehoods rise."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><!-- Page vii --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii"></a>[<a href="./images/vii.png">vii</a>]</span>These remarks are not intended as any disparagement to the private
+characters or virtues of those statesmen whose talent was great and well
+cultivated, but to establish the position which it is the object of this
+work to show that Justice has not been fairly and impartially
+administered when the requirement was in opposition to the Royal wish or
+the administration.</p>
+
+<p>Within these volumes will also be found urgent remonstrances against the
+indignities offered to the people of Ireland, whose forebearance has
+been great, and whose sorrows are without a parallel, and who merit the
+same regard as England and Scotland.&mdash;Much is omited relative to the
+private conduct of persons who occupy <i>high stations</i>, but should it be
+needful, it shall be published, and all the correspondence connected
+therewith. It is true much honor will not be derived from such
+explanations, but they are forthcoming if requisite.</p>
+
+<p>The generality of readers will not criticise severely upon <i>the diction</i>
+of these prefatory remarks; they will rather have their attention turned
+to the truths submitted to them, and the end in view,&mdash;<i>that end</i> is for
+the advancement of the best interests of Society&mdash;to unite more closely
+each member in the bonds of friendship and amity, and to expose the
+<i>hidden causes</i> which for so long a period have been barriers to
+concord, unity, and happiness</p>
+
+<p class="center">"MAY GOD DEFEND THE RIGHT."</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page viii --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii"></a>[<a href="./images/viii.png">viii</a>]</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><!-- Page 25 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25"></a>[<a href="./images/25.png">25</a>]</span></p>
+<h2>SECRET HISTORY,<br />
+<br />
+<i>&amp;c. &amp;c.</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>The secret history of the Court of England, during the last two reigns,
+will afford the reflecting mind abundant matter for regret and
+abhorrence. It has, however, been so much the fashion for historians to
+speak of kings and their ministers in all the fulsome terms of flattery,
+that the inquirer frequently finds it a matter of great difficulty to
+arrive at truth. But, fearless of consequences, we will speak of facts
+as they <i>really occurred</i>, and only hope our readers will accompany us
+in the recital with feelings, unwarped by party prejudice, and with a
+determination to judge the actions of kings, lords, and commons, not as
+beings of a <i>superior order</i>, but as <i>men</i>. Minds thus constituted will
+have little difficulty in tracing the origin of our present evils, or of
+perceiving</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"How many that <i>command</i> should be <span class="allcapsc">COMMANDED</span>!"</span><br />
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p class="section">We commence with the year</p>
+
+<h3>1761,</h3>
+
+<p>about which period George the Third was pressed by his ministers to make
+choice of some royal lady, <!-- Page 26 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26"></a>[<a href="./images/26.png">26</a>]</span>and demand her in marriage. They urged this
+under the pretext, that such a connexion was indispensably necessary to
+give stability to the monarchy, to assist the progressive improvements
+in morality and religion, and to benefit all artificers, by making a
+display at court of their ingenious productions. His majesty heard the
+proposal with an aching heart; and, to many of his ministers, he seemed
+as if labouring under bodily indisposition. Those persons, however, who
+were in the immediate confidence of the king, felt no surprise at the
+distressing change so apparent in the countenance of his majesty, the
+cause of which may be traced in the following particulars:</p>
+
+<p>The unhappy sovereign, while Prince of Wales, was in the daily habit of
+passing through St. James' street, and its immediate vicinity. In one of
+his favourite rides through that part of town, he saw a very engaging
+young lady, who appeared, by her dress, to be a member of the Society of
+Friends. The prince was much struck by the delicacy and lovely
+appearance of this female, and, for several succeeding days, was
+observed to walk out alone. At length, the passion of his royal highness
+arrived at such a point, that he felt his happiness depended upon
+receiving the lady in marriage.</p>
+
+<p>Every individual in his immediate circle, or in the list of the privy
+council, was very narrowly questioned by the prince, though in an
+indirect manner, to ascertain who was most to be trusted, that he might
+secure, <i>honorably</i>, the possession of the object <!-- Page 27 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27"></a>[<a href="./images/27.png">27</a>]</span>of his ardent wishes.
+His royal highness, at last, confided his views to his next brother,
+Edward, Duke of York, and another person, who were the only witnesses to
+the <i>legal</i> marriage of the Prince of Wales to the before-mentioned
+lady, <span class="smcap">Hannah Lightfoot</span>, which took place at Curzon-street Chapel, May
+Fair, in the year 1759.</p>
+
+<p>This marriage was productive of <i>issue</i>, the particulars of which,
+however, we pass over for the present, and only look to the results of
+the union.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after the prince came to the throne, by the title of George the
+Third, ministers became suspicious of his marriage with the quakeress.
+At length, they were informed of the important fact, and immediately
+determined to annul it. After innumerable schemes how they might best
+attain this end, and thereby frustrate the king's wishes, they devised
+the "Royal Marriage Act," by which every prince or princess of the blood
+might not marry or intermarry with any person of less degree. <i>This act,
+however, was not passed till thirteen years after George the Third's
+union with Miss Lightfoot</i>, and therefore it could not render such
+marriage <i>illegal</i>.</p>
+
+<p>From the moment the ministry became aware of his majesty's alliance to
+the lady just named, they took possession of their watch-tower, and
+determined that the new sovereign should henceforth do even as their
+will dictated; while the unsuspecting mind of George the Third was
+easily beguiled into their specious devices. In the absence of the
+king's beloved brother, Edward, Duke of York, (who was <!-- Page 28 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28"></a>[<a href="./images/28.png">28</a>]</span>then abroad for
+a short period) his majesty was assured by his ministers that no
+cognizance would be taken at any time of his late unfortunate amour and
+marriage; and persuaded him, that the only stability he could give to
+his throne was demanding the hand of the Princess Charlotte of
+Mecklenburgh Strelitz. Every needful letter and paper for the
+negotiation was speedily prepared for the king's signature, which, in
+due course, each received; and thus was the foundation laid for this
+ill-fated prince's <i>future malady</i>!</p>
+
+<p>Who can reflect upon the blighted first love of this monarch, without
+experiencing feelings of pity for his early sorrows! With his domestic
+habits, had he only been allowed to live with the <i>wife of his choice</i>,
+his reign might have passed in harmony and peace, and the English people
+now been affluent, happy, and contented. Instead of which, his unfeeling
+ministers compelled him to marry one of the most selfish, vindictive,
+and tyrannical women that ever disgraced human nature! At the first
+sight of the German princess, the king actually shrunk from her gaze;
+for her countenance was of that cast that too plainly told of the nature
+of the spirit working within.</p>
+
+<p>On the 18th of September, the king was <i>obliged</i> to subscribe to the
+formal ceremony of a marriage with the before-named lady, at the palace
+of St. James. His majesty's brother Edward, who was one of the witnesses
+to the king's first marriage with Miss Lightfoot, was now also present,
+and used every endeavour to support his royal brother through the
+"trying <!-- Page 29 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29"></a>[<a href="./images/29.png">29</a>]</span>ordeal," not only by first meeting the princess on her entrance
+into the garden, but also at the altar.</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time, the Earl of Abercorn informed the princess of the
+<i>previous</i> marriage of the king, and of the then existence of his
+majesty's wife; and Lord Harcourt advised the princess to well inform
+herself of the policy of the kingdoms, as a measure for preventing much
+future disturbance in the country, as well as securing an uninterrupted
+possession of the throne to her issue. Presuming, therefore, that this
+German princess had hitherto been an open and ingenuous character,
+(which are certainly traits very rarely to be found in the mind of a
+German of her grade) such expositions, intimations, and dark mysteries,
+were ill calculated to nourish honorable feelings, but would rather
+operate as a check to their further existence.</p>
+
+<p>To the public eye, the newly-married pair were contented with each
+other;&mdash;alas! it was because each feared an exposure to the nation. The
+king reproached himself that he had not fearlessly avowed the only wife
+of his affections; the queen, because she feared an explanation that the
+king was guilty of <i>bigamy</i>, and thereby her claim, as also that of her
+progeny, (if she should have any) would be known to be illegitimate. It
+appears as if the result of these reflections formed a basis for the
+misery of millions, and added to that number millions then unborn. The
+secret marriage of the king proved a pivot, on which the destiny of
+kingdoms was to turn.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 30 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30"></a>[<a href="./images/30.png">30</a>]</span>At this period of increased anxiety to his majesty, Miss Lightfoot was
+disposed of during a temporary absence of his brother Edward, and from
+that time no <i>satisfactory</i> tidings ever reached those most interested
+in her welfare. The only information that could be obtained was, that a
+young gentleman, named <span class="smcap">Axford</span>, was offered a large amount, to be paid on
+the consummation of his marriage with Miss Lightfoot, which offer he
+willingly accepted.</p>
+
+<p>The king was greatly distressed to ascertain the fate of his
+much-beloved and legally-married wife, the quakeress, and entrusted Lord
+Chatham to go in disguise, and endeavour to trace her abode; but the
+search proving fruitless, the king was again almost distracted.</p>
+
+<p>Every one in the queen's confidence was expected to make any personal
+sacrifice of feeling whenever her majesty might require it; and,
+consequently, new emoluments, honors, and posts of dignity, were
+continually needful for the preservation of such unnatural friendships.
+From this period, new creations of peers were enrolled; and, as it
+became expedient to increase the number of the "privy cabal," the nation
+was freely called upon, by extra taxation and oppressive burdens of
+various kinds, to supply the necessary means to support this vile system
+of bribery and misrule!</p>
+
+<p>We have dwelt upon this important period, because we wish our countrymen
+to see the <i>origin of our overgrown national debt</i>,&mdash;the real cause of
+England's present wretchedness.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 31 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31"></a>[<a href="./images/31.png">31</a>]</span>The coronation of their majesties passed over, a few days after their
+marriage, without any remarkable feature, save that of an additional
+expense to the nation. The queen generally <i>appeared</i> at ease, though
+she seized upon every possible occasion to slight all persons from whom
+she feared any state explanation, which might prove inimical to her
+wishes. The wily queen thought this would effectually prevent their
+frequent appearance at court, as well as cause their banishment from the
+council-chamber.</p>
+
+<p>A bill was passed this year to fix the civil list at the annual sum of
+<span class="allcapsc">EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS</span>, payable out of the consolidated fund, in
+lieu of the hereditary revenue, settled on the late king.</p>
+
+<p>Another act passed, introduced to parliament by a speech from the
+throne, for the declared purpose of giving additional security to the
+independence of the judges. Although there was a law then in force,
+passed in the reign of William the Third, for continuing the commissions
+of judges during their good behaviour, they were legally determined on
+the death of the reigning sovereign. By this act, however, their
+continuance in office was made <i>independent</i> of the royal demise.</p>
+
+<p>Twelve millions of money were raised by loans this year, and the
+interest thereon agreed to be paid by an additional duty of three
+shillings per barrel on all strong beer or ale,&mdash;the sinking fund being
+a collateral security. The imposition of this tax was received by the
+people as it deserved to be; for every <!-- Page 32 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32"></a>[<a href="./images/32.png">32</a>]</span>labourer and mechanic severally
+felt himself insulted by so oppressive an act.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The year</p>
+
+<h3>1762</h3>
+
+<p>was ushered in by the hoarse clarion of war. England declared against
+Spain, while France and Spain became opposed to Portugal, on account of
+her alliance with Great Britain. These hostilities, however, were not of
+long duration; for preliminaries of peace were signed, before the
+conclusion of the year, by the English and French plenipotentiaries at
+Fontainbleau.</p>
+
+<p>By this treaty, the original cause of the war was removed by the cession
+of Canada to England. This advantage, if <i>advantage</i> it may be called,
+cost this country <i>eighteen millions of money</i>, besides the loss of
+<i>three hundred thousand men</i>! Every friend of humanity must shudder at
+so wanton a sacrifice of life, and so prodigious an expenditure of the
+public money! But this was only the commencement of the reign of
+imbecility and Germanism.</p>
+
+<p>On the 12th of August, her majesty was safely delivered of a prince.
+Court etiquette requires <i>numerous witnesses</i> of the birth of an
+heir-apparent to the British throne. On this occasion, however, her
+majesty's <i>extraordinary delicacy</i> dispensed with a strict adherence to
+the forms of state; for only the Archbishop of Canterbury was allowed to
+be in the room. But there were <i>more powerful</i> reasons <!-- Page 33 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33"></a>[<a href="./images/33.png">33</a>]</span>than <i>delicacy</i>
+for this unusual privacy, which will hereafter appear.</p>
+
+<p>On the 18th of September following, the ceremony of christening the
+royal infant was performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the great
+council-chamber of his majesty's palace, and the young prince was named
+George, Augustus, Frederick.</p>
+
+<p>In this year, the city of Havannah surrendered to the English, whose
+troops were commanded by Lord Albermarle and Admiral Pococke. Nine sail
+of the line and four frigates were taken in the harbour; three of the
+line had been previously sunk by the enemy, and two were destroyed on
+the stocks. The plunder in money and merchandize was supposed to have
+amounted to <i>three millions sterling</i>, while the sum raised by the
+land-tax, at four shillings in the pound, from 1756 to 1760 inclusive,
+also produced <i>ten millions of money</i>! But to what purpose this amount
+was devoted remained a profound secret to those from whom it was
+extorted.</p>
+
+<p>In the November of this year, the famous Peter Annet was sentenced by
+the Court of King's Bench to be imprisoned one month, to stand twice in
+the pillory within that time, and afterwards to be kept to hard labour
+in Bridewell for a year. The reader may feel surprised when informed
+that all the enormity this man had been guilty of consisted in nothing
+more than writing the <i>truth</i> of the government, which was published in
+his "Free Inquirer." <!-- Page 34 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34"></a>[<a href="./images/34.png">34</a>]</span>The unmerited punishment, however, had only this
+effect: it made him glory in suffering for the cause of liberty and
+truth.</p>
+
+
+<h3>1763</h3>
+
+<p>was a continuation of the misrule which characterized the preceding
+year.</p>
+
+<p>In May, Lord Bute resigned the office of First Lord of the Treasury, and
+the conduct of the earl became a question of much astonishment and
+criticism. He was the foundation-stone of <i>Toryism</i>, in its most
+arbitrary form; and there cannot be a doubt that his lordship's
+influence over the state machinery was the key-stone of all the
+mischiefs and miseries of the nation. It was Lord Bute's opinion, that
+all things should be made subservient to the <i>queen</i>, and he framed his
+measures accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>The earl was succeeded by Mr. George Grenville. Little alteration for
+the better, however, was manifested in the administration, although the
+characters and principles of the new ministers were supposed to be of a
+liberal description; but this may possibly be accounted for by the Earls
+of Halifax and Egremont continuing to be the secretaries of state.</p>
+
+<p>In this memorable year, the celebrated John Wilkes, editor of "The North
+Briton," was committed to the Tower, for an excellent, though biting,
+criticism on his majesty's speech to the two houses of parliament. The
+queen vigorously promoted this unconstitutional and tyrannical act of
+<!-- Page 35 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35"></a>[<a href="./images/35.png">35</a>]</span>the new government, which was severely censured by many members of the
+House of Commons. Among the rest, Mr. Pitt considered the act as an
+infringement upon the rights of the people; and, although he condemned
+the libel, he said he would come at the author fairly,&mdash;not by an open
+breach of the constitution, and a contempt of all restraint. Wilkes,
+however, came off triumphantly, and his victory was hailed with delight
+by his gratified countrymen.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of this public agitation, the queen, on the 16th of August,
+burdened the nation with her second son, Frederick, afterwards created
+Duke of York, <i>Bishop of Osnaburgh</i>, and many other <i>et ceteras</i>, which
+produced a good round sum, and, we should think, more than sufficient to
+support this Right Reverend Father in God, at the age of&mdash;<i>eleven
+months</i>!</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Gréme, who had been chiefly instrumental in bringing about the
+marriage of the Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburgh with the King of
+England, was this year appointed Master of St. Catherine, near the
+Tower, an excellent <i>sinecure</i> in the <i>peculiar gift of the queen</i>!</p>
+
+<p>The most important public event on the continent was, the death of
+Augustus, third King of Poland, and Elector of Saxony, who had lately
+returned to his electoral dominions, from which he had been banished for
+six years, in consequence of the war. Immediately after his demise, his
+eldest son and successor to the electorate declared himself a candidate
+<!-- Page 36 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36"></a>[<a href="./images/36.png">36</a>]</span>for the crown of Poland, in which ambition he was supposed to be
+countenanced by the Court of Vienna; but he fell a victim to the
+small-pox, a few weeks after his father's death.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">During the year</p>
+
+<h3>1764,</h3>
+
+<p>much public anxiety and disquietude was manifested. Mr. Wilkes again
+appeared before a public tribunal for publishing opinions not in
+accordance with the reigning powers. The House of Commons sat so early
+as seven o'clock in the morning to consider his case, and the speaker
+actually remained in the chair for <i>twenty hours</i>, so important was the
+matter considered.</p>
+
+<p>About the end of this year, the king became much indisposed, and
+exhibited the first signs of that mental aberration, which, in after
+years, so heavily afflicted him. The nation, in general, supposed this
+to have arisen from his majesty's anxiety upon the fearful aspect of
+affairs, which was then of the most gloomy nature, both at home and
+abroad. Little, indeed, did the multitudes imagine the <i>real</i> cause;
+little did the private gentleman, the industrious tradesman, the worthy
+mechanic, or the labourer, think that their sovereign was living in
+splendid misery, bereft of the dearest object of his solicitude, and
+compelled to associate with the woman he all but detested!</p>
+
+<p>Nature had not formed George the Third for a <!-- Page 37 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37"></a>[<a href="./images/37.png">37</a>]</span>king; she had not been
+profuse to him either in elegance of manners, or capacity of mind; but
+he seemed more fitted to shine in a domestic circle, where his
+affections were centred, and in that sphere only. But, with all
+hereditary monarchies, <i>an incompetent person has the same claim as a
+man adorned with every requisite and desirable ability</i>!</p>
+
+<p>In this year, Lord Albermarle received <span class="allcapsc">TWENTY THOUSAND POUNDS</span> as <i>his</i>
+share in the Havannah prize-money; while <i>one pound, two shillings, and
+six-pence</i> was thought sufficient for a corporal, and <i>thirteen
+shillings and five-pence</i> for a private! How far this disbursement was
+consistent with <i>equity</i>, we leave every honest member of society to
+determine.</p>
+
+<p>In December, a most excellent edict was registered in the parliament of
+Paris, by which the King of France abolished the society of Jesuits <i>for
+ever</i>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">Early in the year</p>
+
+<h3>1765,</h3>
+
+<p>the queen was pressingly anxious that her marriage with the king should
+again be solemnized; and, as the queen was then pregnant, his majesty
+readily acquiesced in her wishes. Dr. Wilmot, by his majesty's
+appointment, performed the ceremony at their palace at Kew. The king's
+brother, Edward, was present upon this occasion also, as he had been on
+the two former ones.</p>
+
+<p>Under the peculiar distractions of this year, it <!-- Page 38 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38"></a>[<a href="./images/38.png">38</a>]</span>was supposed, the mind
+of the sovereign was again disturbed. To prevent a recurrence of such
+interruptions to the royal authority, a law was passed, empowering his
+majesty to appoint the <i>queen</i>, or <i>other member of the royal family</i>,
+assisted by a council, to act as regent of the kingdom. Although his
+majesty's blank of intellect was but of short duration, it proved of
+essential injury to the people generally. The tyrannical queen,
+presuming on the authority of this bill, exercised the most unlimited
+sway over national affairs. She supplied her own requirements and
+opinions, in unison with her trusty-bought clan, who made it apparent
+that these suggestions were offered by the king, and were his settled
+opinions, upon the most deliberate investigation of all matters and
+things connected therewith!</p>
+
+<p>During the king's indisposition, he was most passionate in his requests,
+that the <i>wife of his choice</i> should be brought to him. The queen,
+judging her influence might be of much consequence to quell the
+perturbation of her husband's mind, was, agreeably to her own request,
+admitted to the solitary apartment of the king. It is true he recognised
+her, but it was followed by extreme expressions of disappointment and
+disgust! The queen was well acquainted with all subjects connected with
+his majesty's unfortunate passion and marriage; therefore, she thought
+it prudent to stifle expressions of anger or sorrow, and, as soon as
+decency permitted, left the place, resolving thenceforth to manage the
+helm herself.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 39 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39"></a>[<a href="./images/39.png">39</a>]</span>On the 31st of October, his majesty's uncle, the Duke of Cumberland,
+died suddenly at his house in Upper Grosvenor-street, in the forty-fifth
+year of his age; and on the 28th of December, his majesty's youngest
+brother, Prince Frederick William, also expired, in the sixteenth year
+of his age.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">On December 1st,</p>
+
+<h3>1766,</h3>
+
+<p>his majesty's sister, Matilda, was married to the King of Denmark, and
+the Duke of York was proxy on the occasion. Soon afterwards, his royal
+highness took leave of his brother, and set out on a projected tour
+through Germany, and other parts of the continent. The queen was most
+happy to say "Adieu," and, for the first time, felt something like ease
+on his account.</p>
+
+<p>The supplies granted for the service of this year, although the people
+were in the most distressed state, amounted to <i>eight millions, two
+hundred and seventy-three thousand, two hundred and eighty pounds</i>!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">In the year</p>
+
+<h3>1767,</h3>
+
+<p>the noble-minded and generous Duke of York was married to a descendant
+of the Stuarts, an amiable and conciliating lady, not only willing, but
+anxious, to live without the splendour of royal parade, and <!-- Page 40 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40"></a>[<a href="./images/40.png">40</a>]</span>desirous
+also of evading the flatteries and falsehoods of a court.</p>
+
+<p>In August, the duke lived very retired in a chateau near Monaco, in
+Italy, blessed and happy in the society of his wife. She was then
+advancing in pregnancy, and his solicitude for her was sufficient to
+have deeply interested a heart less susceptible than her own. Their
+marriage was kept from public declaration, but we shall refer to the
+proofs hereafter. In the ensuing month, it was announced that (17th
+September) the duke "died of a malignant fever," in the twenty-ninth
+year of his age, and the news was immediately communicated to the King
+of England. The body was said to be embalmed, (?) and then put on board
+his majesty's ship Montreal, to be brought to England. His royal
+highness was interred on the evening of November 3rd, in the royal vault
+of King Henry the Seventh's Chapel.</p>
+
+<p>The fate of the duke's unfortunate and inconsolable widow, and that of
+the infant, to whom she soon after gave birth, must be reserved for its
+appropriate place in this history.</p>
+
+<p>The high price of provisions this year occasioned much distress and
+discontent, and excited tumults in various parts of the kingdom.
+Notwithstanding this, ministers attempted to retain every tax that had
+been imposed during the late war, and appeared perfectly callous to the
+sufferings of the productive classes. Even the land-tax, of four
+shillings in the pound, was attempted to be continued, though <!-- Page 41 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41"></a>[<a href="./images/41.png">41</a>]</span>contrary
+to all former custom; but the country gentlemen became impatient of this
+innovation, and contrived to get a bill introduced into the House of
+Commons, to reduce it to three shillings in the pound. This was carried
+by a great majority, in spite of all the efforts of the ministry to the
+contrary! The defeat of the ministers caused a great sensation at the
+time, as it was the first money-bill in which any ministry had been
+disappointed since the revolution of 1688! But what can any ministers do
+against the wishes of a determined people? If the horse knew his own
+strength, would he submit to the dictation of his rider?</p>
+
+<p>On account of the above bill being thrown out, ministers had
+considerable difficulty in raising the necessary supplies for the year,
+which were estimated at <i>eight millions and a half</i>, including, we
+suppose, secret-service money, which was now in great demand.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The king experienced a fluctuating state of health, sometimes improving,
+again retrograding, up to the year</p>
+
+<h3>1768.</h3>
+
+<p>In his speech, in the November of this year, his majesty announced, that
+much disturbance had been exhibited in some of the colonies, and a
+disposition manifested to throw aside their dependence upon Great
+Britain. Owing to this circumstance, a new office was created, under the
+name of "Secretary of <!-- Page 42 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42"></a>[<a href="./images/42.png">42</a>]</span>State for the Colonies," and to which the Earl of
+Hillsborough was appointed.</p>
+
+<p>The Earl of Chatham having resigned, parliament was dissolved. Party
+spirit running high, the electioneering contests were unusually violent,
+and serious disorders occurred. Mr. Wilkes was returned for Middlesex;
+but, being committed to the King's Bench for libels on the government,
+the mob rescued Wilkes from the soldiers, who were conducting him
+thither. The military were ordered to fire on the people, and one man,
+who was singled out and pursued by the soldiers, was shot dead. A
+coroner's inquest brought this in <i>wilful murder</i>, though the higher
+authorities not only acquitted the magistrates and soldiers, but
+actually returned <i>public thanks</i> to them!</p>
+
+<p>At this period, the heart sickens at the relations given of the
+punishments inflicted on many private soldiers in the guards. They were
+each allowed only four-pence per day. If they deserted and were
+re-taken, the poor delinquents suffered the dreadful infliction of five
+hundred lashes. The victims thus flagellated very seldom escaped with
+life! In the navy, also, the slightest offence or neglect was punished
+with inexpressible tortures. This infamous treatment of brave men can
+only be accounted for by the fact, that officers in the army and navy
+either bought their situations, or received them as a <i>compensation</i> for
+some <span class="allcapsc">SECRET SERVICE</span> performed for, or by the request of, the queen and
+her servile ministry. Had officers been promoted from the ranks, <!-- Page 43 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43"></a>[<a href="./images/43.png">43</a>]</span>for
+performing <i>real</i> services to their country, they would have then
+possessed more commiseration for their brothers in arms.</p>
+
+<p>We must here do justice to the character of George the Third from all
+intentional tyranny. Many a time has this monarch advocated the cause of
+the productive classes, and as frequently have his ministers, urged on
+by the <i>queen</i>, defeated his most sanguine wishes, until he found
+himself a mere cipher in the affairs of state. The king's simplicity of
+style and unaffected respect for the people would have induced him to
+despise the gorgeous pageantry of state; he had been happy, indeed, to
+have been "the real father of his subjects." His majesty well knew that
+the public good ought to be the sole aim of all governments, and that
+for this purpose a prince is invested with the regal crown. A king is
+not to employ his authority, patronage, and riches, merely to gratify
+his own lusts and ambition; but, if need require it, he ought even to
+sacrifice his own ease and pleasure for the benefit of his country. We
+give George the Third credit for holding these sentiments, which,
+however, only increased his regrets, as he really had <i>no power to
+act</i>,&mdash;that power being in the possession of his queen, and other crafty
+and designing persons, to whose opinions and determinations he had
+become a perfect slave! It is to be regretted that he had not sufficient
+nerve to eject such characters from his councils; for assuredly the
+nation would have been, to a man, willing to <!-- Page 44 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44"></a>[<a href="./images/44.png">44</a>]</span>protect him from their
+vile machinations; but once subdued, he was subdued for ever.</p>
+
+<p>From the birth, a prince is the subject of flattery, and is even
+caressed for his vicious propensities; nay, his minions never appear
+before him without a mask, while every artifice that cunning can suggest
+is practised to deceive him. He is not allowed to mix in general
+society, and therefore is ignorant of the wants and wishes of the people
+over whom he is destined to reign. When he becomes a king, his
+counsellors obtain his signature whenever they desire it; and, as his
+extravagance increases, so must sums of money, in some way or other, be
+extorted from his suffering and oppressed subjects. Should his ministers
+prove ambitious, war is the natural result, and the money of the poor is
+again in request to furnish means for their own destruction! Whereas,
+had the prince been associated with the intelligent and respectable
+classes of society, he might have warded off the evil, and, instead of
+desolating war, peace might have shed her gentle influence over the
+land. Another barbarous custom is, the injunction imposed upon royal
+succession, that they shall not marry only with their equals in birth.
+But is not this a violation of the most vital interests and solemn
+engagements to which humanity have subscribed? What unhappiness has not
+such an unnatural doctrine produced? Quality of blood ought only to be
+recognized by corresponding nobility of sentiments, principles, and
+actions. He that is debarred from <!-- Page 45 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45"></a>[<a href="./images/45.png">45</a>]</span>possessing the object of his virtuous
+regard is to be pitied, whether he be a king or a peasant; and we can
+hardly wonder at his sinking into the abyss of carelessness, imbecility,
+and even madness.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">In February,</p>
+
+<h3>1769,</h3>
+
+<p>the first of those deficiencies in the civil list, which had occurred
+from time to time, was made known to parliament, by a message in the
+<i>name</i> of the unhappy king, but who only did as he was ordered by his
+ministerial cabal. This debt amounted to five hundred thousand pounds,
+and his majesty was tutored to say, that he relied on the <i>zeal</i> and
+<i>affection</i> of his faithful Commons to enable him to discharge it! The
+principal part of this money was expended upon wretches, of the most
+abandoned description, for services performed <i>against</i> the welfare of
+England.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The year</p>
+
+<h3>1770</h3>
+
+<p>proved one of much political interest. The queen was under the necessity
+of retiring a little from the apparent part she had taken in the affairs
+of state; nevertheless, she was equally active; but, from policy, did
+not appear so. Another plan to deceive the people being deemed
+necessary, invitations for splendid parties were given, in order to
+<!-- Page 46 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46"></a>[<a href="./images/46.png">46</a>]</span>assume an appearance of confidence and quietness, which her majesty
+could not, and did not, possess.</p>
+
+<p>In this year, Lord Chatham publicly avowed his sentiments in these
+words: "Infuse a portion of health into the constitution, to enable it
+to bear its infirmities." Previous to making this remark, his lordship,
+of course, was well acquainted with the causes of the then present
+distresses of the country, as well as the sources from whence those
+causes originated. But one generous patriot is not sufficient to put a
+host of antagonists to flight. The earl's measures were too mild to be
+heeded by the minions of the queen then in power; his intention being
+"to persuade and soften, not to irritate and offend." We may infer that,
+had he been merely a "party man," he would naturally concur in any
+enterprise likely to create a bustle without risk to himself; but, upon
+examination, he appears to have loved the cause of independence, and was
+willing to support it by every personal sacrifice.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, the Duke of Grafton resigned his office of First Lord
+of the Treasury, in which he was succeeded by that disgrace to his
+country, Lord North, who then commenced his long and disastrous
+administration. Dr. Wilmot was a friendly preceptor to this nobleman,
+while at the university; but it was frequently a matter of regret to the
+worthy doctor, that his lordship had not imbibed those patriotic
+principles which he had so strongly endeavoured to inculcate; and he has
+been known to observe, that Lord North's administration called for <!-- Page 47 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47"></a>[<a href="./images/47.png">47</a>]</span>the
+most painful animadversions, inasmuch as he advocated the enaction of
+laws of the most arbitrary character.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wilkes, previous to the meeting of the Commons in January, was not
+only acquitted, but had damages, to a large amount, awarded him; and the
+king expressed a desire, that such damages should be paid out of his
+privy purse. The Earl of Halifax, who signed the warrant for his
+committal to the Tower in 1763, was finally so disappointed that he
+offered his resignation, though he afterwards accepted the privy seal.</p>
+
+<p>It was during this year, that the celebrated "Letters of Junius" first
+appeared. These compositions were distinguished as well by the force and
+elegance of their style as by the violence of their attacks on
+individuals. The first of these letters was printed in the "Public
+Advertiser," of December the 19th, and addressed to the king,
+animadverting on all the errors of his reign, and speaking of his
+ministers in terms of equal contempt and abhorrence. An attempt was made
+to suppress this letter by the strong arm of the law; but the effort
+proved abortive, as the jury <i>acquitted</i> the printer, who was the person
+prosecuted. Junius (though under a feigned name) was the most competent
+person to speak fully upon political subjects. He had long been the
+bosom friend of the king, and spent all his leisure time at court. No
+one, therefore, could better judge of the state of public affairs than
+himself, and his sense of duty to the nation animated him to plead for
+the <!-- Page 48 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48"></a>[<a href="./images/48.png">48</a>]</span>long-estranged rights of the people; indeed, upon many occasions,
+he displayed such an heroic firmness, such an invincible love of truth,
+and such an unconquerable sense of honor, that he permitted his talents
+to be exercised freely in the cause of public justice, and subscribed
+his <i>addenda</i> under an envelope, rather than injure his prince, or leave
+the interests of his countrymen to the risk of fortuitous circumstances.
+We know of whom we speak, and therefore feel authorized to assert, that
+in his character were concentrated the steady friend of the prince as
+well as of the people.</p>
+
+<p>Numerous disquisitions have been written to prove the identity of
+Junius; but, in spite of many arguments to the contrary, we recognize
+him in the person of the Rev. <span class="smcap">James Wilmot</span>, D.D., Rector of
+Barton-on-the-Heath, and Aulcester, Warwickshire, and one of his
+majesty's justices of the peace for that county.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Wilmot was born in 1720, and, during his stay at the university,
+became intimately acquainted with Dr. Johnson, Lord Archer, and Lord
+Plymouth, as well as Lord North, who was then entered at Trinity
+College. From these gentlemen, the doctor imbibed his political
+opinions, and was introduced to the first society in the kingdom. At the
+age of thirty, Dr. Wilmot was confidently entrusted with the most
+<i>secret affairs of state</i>, and was also the bosom friend of the Prince
+of Wales, afterwards George the Third, who at that time was under the
+entire tutorage of Lord Bute. To this nobleman, Dr. Wilmot <!-- Page 49 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49"></a>[<a href="./images/49.png">49</a>]</span>had an
+inveterate hatred, for he despised the selfish principles of Toryism. As
+soon as the Princess of Mecklenburgh (the late Queen Charlotte) arrived
+in this country in 1761, Dr. Wilmot was introduced, as the <i>especial
+friend</i> of the king, and this will at once account for his being chosen
+to perform the second marriage-ceremony of their majesties at Kew
+palace, as before related.</p>
+
+<p>A circumstance of rather a singular nature occurred to Dr. Wilmot, in
+the year 1765, inasmuch as it was the <i>immediate</i> cause of the bold and
+decisive line of conduct which he afterwards adopted. It was simply
+this: the doctor received an anonymous letter, requesting an interview
+with the writer in Kensington Gardens. The letter was written in Latin,
+and sealed, the impression of which was a Medusa's head. The doctor at
+first paid no attention to it; but during the week he received four
+similar requests, written by the same hand; and, upon the receipt of the
+last, Dr. Wilmot provided himself with a brace of pocket pistols, and
+proceeded to the gardens at the hour appointed. The doctor felt much
+surprised when he was accosted by&mdash;<i>Lord Bute!</i> who immediately
+suggested that Dr. Wilmot should assist the administration, as <i>her
+majesty</i> had entire confidence in him! The doctor briefly declined, and
+very soon afterwards commenced his political career. Thus the German
+princess always endeavoured to inveigle the friends of the people.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Chatham had been introduced to Dr. Wilmot <!-- Page 50 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50"></a>[<a href="./images/50.png">50</a>]</span>by the Duke of
+Cumberland; and it was from these associations with the court and the
+members of the several administrations, that the doctor became so
+competent to write his unparalleled "Letters of Junius."</p>
+
+<p>We here subjoin an incontrovertible <i>proof</i> of Dr. Wilmot's being the
+author of the work alluded to:</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 280px;">
+<img src="./images/p050illo.png" width="280" height="127" alt="hand-writing of Dr. Wilmot" title="hand-writing of Dr. Wilmot" />
+</div>
+
+<p>This is a fac-simile of the doctor's hand-writing, and must for ever set
+at rest the long-disputed question of "Who is the author of Junius?"</p>
+
+<p>The people were really in need of the advocacy of a writer like Junius,
+for their burdens at this time were of the most grievous magnitude.
+Although the country was not in danger from foreign enemies, in order to
+give posts of command, honor, and emolument, to the employed sycophants
+at court, our navy was increased, nominal situations were provided;
+while all the means to pay for such services were again ordered to be
+drawn <i>from the people</i>!</p>
+
+
+<h3>1771</h3>
+
+<p>was productive of little else than harassing distresses <!-- Page 51 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51"></a>[<a href="./images/51.png">51</a>]</span>to the poor
+labourer and mechanic. At this period, it was not unusual to tear the
+husband from the wife, and the parent from the child, and immure them
+within the damp and noisome walls of a prison, to prevent any
+interposition on the part of the suffering multitudes. Yes, countrymen,
+such tyranny was practised to ensure the <i>secrecy of truth</i>, and to
+destroy the wishes of a monarch, who was rendered incompetent to act for
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>Various struggles were made this year to curb the power of the judges,
+particularly in cases relating to the <i>liberty of the press</i>, and also
+to destroy the power vested in the Attorney-General of prosecuting
+<i>ex-officio</i>, without the intervention of a grand jury, or the forms
+observed by courts of law in other cases. But the boroughmongers and
+minions of the queen were too powerful for the liberal party in the
+House of Commons, and the chains of slavery were, consequently, rivetted
+afresh.</p>
+
+<p>A question of great importance also occurred this year respecting the
+privileges of the House of Commons. It had become the practice of
+newspaper writers to take the liberty, not before ventured upon, of
+printing the speeches of the members, under their respective names; some
+of which in the whole, and others in essential parts, were spurious
+productions, and, in any case, contrary to the standing orders of the
+House. A complaint on this ground having been made by a member against
+two of the printers, an order was issued for their attendance, with
+which they refused to comply; a second order was given <!-- Page 52 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52"></a>[<a href="./images/52.png">52</a>]</span>with no better
+success. At length, one of the printers being taken into custody under
+the authority of the speaker's warrant, he was carried before the
+celebrated Alderman John Wilkes, who, regarding the caption as illegal,
+not only discharged the man, but bound him over to prosecute his captor,
+for assault and false imprisonment. Two more printers, being apprehended
+and carried before Alderman Wilkes and the Lord Mayor, Crosby, were, in
+like manner, discharged. The indignation of the House was then directed
+against the city magistrates, and various measures adopted towards them.
+The contest finally terminated in favor of the printers, who have ever
+since continued to publish the proceedings of parliament, and the
+speeches of the members, without obstacle.</p>
+
+<p>In this year, the marriage of the Duke of Cumberland with Mrs. Horton
+took place. The king appeared electrified when the matter was
+communicated to him, and declared that he never would forgive his royal
+brother's conduct, who, being informed of his majesty's sentiments, thus
+wrote to him: "Sire, my welfare will ensure your own; you cannot condemn
+an affair there is a <i>precedent for, even in your own
+person</i>!"&mdash;alluding to his majesty's marriage with Hannah Lightfoot. His
+majesty was <i>compelled</i> to acknowledge this marriage, from the Duke of
+Cumberland having made a confidant of Colonel Luttrell, brother of Mrs.
+Horton, with regard to several important state secrets which had
+occurred in the years 1759, 1760, 1761, 1762, and 1763.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 53 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53"></a>[<a href="./images/53.png">53</a>]</span>This Duke of Cumberland also imbibed the <i>family complaint of</i> <span class="allcapsc">BIGAMY</span>;
+for he had been married, about twelve months previous, to a daughter of
+Dr. Wilmot, who, of course, remonstrated against such unjust treatment.
+The king solemnly assured Dr. Wilmot that he might rely upon his
+humanity and honor. The doctor paused, and had the courage to say, in
+reply, "I have once before relied upon the promises of your majesty!
+But"&mdash;"Hush! hush!" said the king, interrupting him, "I know what you
+are going to say; but do not disturb me with wills and retrospection of
+past <i>irreparable injury</i>."</p>
+
+<p>The death of the Earl of Halifax, soon after the close of the session in
+this year, caused a vacancy; and the Duke of Grafton returned to office,
+as keeper of the privy seal. His grace was a particular favourite with
+the queen, but much disliked by the intelligent and reflecting part of
+the community.</p>
+
+<p>The political atmosphere bore a gloomy aspect at the commencement of</p>
+
+
+<h3>1772,</h3>
+
+<p>and petitions from the people were sent to the king and the two houses
+of parliament, for the repeal of what they believed to be unjust and
+pernicious laws upon the subject of religious liberty. Several clergymen
+of the established church prayed to be liberated from their obligation
+to subscribe to the "Thirty-nine Articles." But it was urged, in
+opposition to the petitions, that government had an undoubted <!-- Page 54 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54"></a>[<a href="./images/54.png">54</a>]</span>right to
+establish and maintain such a system of instruction as the ministers
+thereof deemed most suitable for the public benefit. But expedience and
+right are as far asunder, in truth, as is the distance from pole to
+pole. The policy of the state required some <i>new source</i> from whence to
+draw means for the <i>secret</i> measures needful for prolonging the
+existence of its privacy; and it was therefore deemed expedient to keep
+politics and religion as close together as possible, by enforcing the
+strictest obedience of all demands made upon the clergy, in such forms
+and at such times as should best accord with the political system of the
+queen. In consequence of which, the petitions were rejected by a
+majority of 217 boroughmongers against 71 real representatives of the
+people!</p>
+
+<p>An act, passed this session, for "Making more effectual provisions to
+guard the descendants of the late king, George the Second, from marrying
+without the approbation of his majesty, his heirs, and successors, first
+had and obtained," was strenuously opposed by the liberal party in every
+stage of its progress through both houses. It was generally <i>supposed</i>
+to have had its origin in the marriage contracted but a few months
+before by the Duke of Cumberland with Mrs. Horton, relict of Colonel
+Horton, and daughter of Lord Irnham; and also in a private, though
+long-suspected, marriage of the Duke of Gloucester to the
+Countess-dowager of Waldegrave, which the duke at this time openly
+avowed. But were there not <i>other</i> reasons which <!-- Page 55 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55"></a>[<a href="./images/55.png">55</a>]</span>operated on the mind
+of the <i>queen</i> (for the poor king was only a passive instrument in her
+power) to force this bill into a law? Had she not an eye to her
+husband's former alliance with the quakeress, and the Duke of York's
+marriage in Italy? The latter was even more dangerous to her peace than
+the former; for the duke had married a descendant of the <span class="smcap">Stuarts</span>!</p>
+
+<p>Lord Chatham made many representations to the king and queen of the
+improper and injudicious state of the penal laws. He cited an instance
+of unanswerable disproportion; namely, that, on the 14th of July, two
+persons were publicly whipped round Covent Garden market, in accordance
+with the sentence passed upon them; but mark the difference of the
+crimes for which they were so punished: one was for stealing a bunch of
+radishes; the other, for debauching his own niece! In vain, however, did
+this friend of humanity represent the unwise, unjust, and inconsistent
+tenour of such laws. The king was anxious to alter them immediately; but
+the queen was decided in her opinion, that they ought to be left
+entirely to the pleasure and opinion of the <i>judges</i>, well knowing
+<i>they</i> would not disobey her will upon any point of law, or equity, <i>so
+called</i>. Thus did the nation languish under the tyrannical usurpation of
+a <i>German</i> princess, whose disposition and talents were much better
+calculated to give laws to the brute creation than to interfere with
+<i>English</i> jurisprudence!</p>
+
+<p>In November of this year, it was announced that <!-- Page 56 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56"></a>[<a href="./images/56.png">56</a>]</span>the <i>king</i> earnestly
+desired parliament should take into consideration the state of the East
+India Company. But the king was ignorant of the subject; though it was
+true, the <i>queen</i> desired it; because she received vast emoluments from
+the various situations <i>purchased</i> by individuals under the denomination
+of cadets, &amp;c. Of course, her majesty's will was tantamount to law.</p>
+
+<p>The Earl of Chatham resolved once more to speak to the queen upon the
+state of things, and had an audience for that purpose. As an honest man,
+he very warmly advocated the cause of the nation, and represented the
+people to be in a high state of excitement, adding, that "if they be
+repelled, they must be repelled by force!" And to whom ought an unhappy
+suffering people to have had recourse but to the throne, whose power
+sanctioned the means used to drain their purses? The queen, however, was
+still unbending; she not only inveighed against the candour and
+sentiments of the earl, but requested she might not again be <i>troubled</i>
+by him upon <i>such subjects</i>! Before retiring, Lord Chatham said, "Your
+majesty must excuse me if I say, the liberty of the subject is the
+surest protection to the monarch, and if the prince <i>protects the
+guilty, instead of punishing them, time will convince him, that he has
+judged erroneously, and acted imprudently</i>."</p>
+
+<p>The earl retired; but "his labouring breast knew not peace," and he
+resolved, for the last time, to see the king in private. An interview
+was requested, and as readily granted. "Well, well," said the king, <!-- Page 57 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57"></a>[<a href="./images/57.png">57</a>]</span>"I
+hope no bad news?" "No bad news, your majesty; but I wish to submit to
+your opinion a few questions." "Quite right, quite right," said the
+king, "tell me all." The earl did so, and, after his faithful appeal to
+the king, concluded by saying, "My sovereign will excuse me, but I can
+no longer be a party to the deceptions pawned upon the people, as I am,
+and consider myself to be, amenable to God and my conscience!" Would
+that England had possessed a few more such patriots!</p>
+
+<p>This year will ever be memorable in history as the commencement of that
+partition of Poland, between three contiguous powers,&mdash;Russia, Austria,
+and Prussia,&mdash;which has served as an example and apology for all those
+shameful violations of public right and justice that have stained the
+modern annals of Europe. The unfortunate Poles appealed in vain to Great
+Britain, France, and Spain, and the States-general of Holland, on the
+atrocious perfidy and injustice of these proceedings. After some
+unavailable remonstrances, the diet was compelled, at the point of the
+bayonet, to sign a treaty for the formal cession of the several
+districts which the three usurpers had fixed upon and guaranteed to each
+other. The partitioning <i>legitimates</i> also <i>generously</i> made a present
+of an <i>aristocratic</i> constitution to the suffering Poles.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">In the year</p>
+
+<h3>1773,</h3>
+
+<p>commercial credit was greatly injured by extensive <!-- Page 58 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58"></a>[<a href="./images/58.png">58</a>]</span>failures in England
+and Holland. The distress and embarrassment of the mercantile classes
+were farther augmented by a great diminution in the gold coin, in
+consequence of wear and fraud,&mdash;such loss, by act of parliament, being
+thrown upon the holders!</p>
+
+<p>At this time, the discontents which had long been manifest in the
+American colonies broke out into open revolt. The chief source of
+irritation against the mother country was the impolitic measure of
+retaining a trifling duty on tea, as an assertion of the right of the
+British parliament to tax the colonies.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The year</p>
+
+<h3>1774</h3>
+
+<p>bore a gloomy and arbitrary character, with wars abroad and uneasiness
+at home. The county of Nottingham omitted to raise their militia in the
+former year, and in this they were fined two thousand pounds.</p>
+
+<p>Louis the Fifteenth of France died this year of the small-pox, caught
+from a country girl, introduced to him by Madame du Barré to gratify his
+sensual desires. He was in the <i>sixty-fourth</i> year of his age, and in
+the fifty-ninth of his reign. The gross debaucheries into which he had
+sank, with the despotic measures he had adopted towards the Chamber of
+Deputies in his latter years, had entirely deprived him of his
+appellation of the <!-- Page 59 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59"></a>[<a href="./images/59.png">59</a>]</span>"Well-beloved." Few French sovereigns have left a
+less-respected memory.</p>
+
+
+<h3>1775</h3>
+
+<p>was also a year of disquiet. The City of London addressed the throne,
+and petitioned against the existing grievances, expressing their strong
+abhorrence of the measures adopted towards the Americans, <i>justifying
+their resistance</i>, and beseeching his majesty to dismiss his ministers.
+The <i>invisible power of the queen</i>, however, prevented their receiving
+redress, and the ministers were retained, contrary to all petition and
+remonstrance. Upon these occasions, the king was obliged to submit to
+any form of expression, dictated by the minister, that minister being
+under the entire controul of the queen; and though the nation seemed to
+wear a florid countenance, it was sick at heart. Lord North was a very
+considerable favourite with her majesty; while his opponents, Messrs.
+Fox and Burke, were proportionately disliked. The Duke of Grafton now
+felt tired of his situation, and told the queen that he could no longer
+continue in office; in consequence of which, the Earl of Dartmouth
+received the privy seal.</p>
+
+<p>The Americans, in the mean time, were vigorously preparing for what they
+conceived to be inevitable&mdash;<i>a war</i>. Various attempts, notwithstanding,
+were made by the enlightened and liberal-minded part of the community to
+prevent ministers from <!-- Page 60 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60"></a>[<a href="./images/60.png">60</a>]</span>continuing hostilities against them. That noble
+and persevering patriot, Lord Chatham, raised his warning voice against
+it. "I wish," said he, "not to lose a day in this urgent, pressing
+crisis; an <i>hour now lost in allaying ferments in America, may produce</i>
+<span class="allcapsc">YEARS OF CALAMITY</span>! Never will I desert, in any stage of its progress,
+the conduct of this momentous business. Unless fettered to my bed by the
+extremity of sickness, I will give it unremitted attention; I will knock
+at the gates of this <i>sleeping and confounded ministry</i>, and will, if it
+be possible, rouse them to a sense of their danger. The recall of your
+army, I urge as necessarily preparatory to the restoration of your
+peace. By this it will appear that you are disposed to treat amicably
+and equitably, and to consider, revise, and repeal, if it should be
+found necessary, as I affirm it <i>will</i>, those violent acts and
+declarations which have disseminated confusion throughout the empire.
+<i>Resistance to these acts was necessary</i>, and therefore just; and your
+vain declaration of the <i>omnipotence of Parliament</i>, and your
+<i>imperious</i> doctrines of the <i>necessity of submission</i>, will be found
+equally <i>impotent to convince or enslave America</i>, who feels that
+tyranny is equally intolerable, whether it be exercised by an individual
+part of the legislature, or by the collective bodies which compose it!"</p>
+
+<p>How prophetic did this language afterwards prove! Oh! England, how hast
+thou been cursed by debt and blood through the impotency and villany of
+thy rulers!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section"><!-- Page 61 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61"></a>[<a href="./images/61.png">61</a>]</span>In the year</p>
+
+<h3>1776,</h3>
+
+<p>the Earl of Harcourt was charged with a breach of privilege; but his
+services for the <i>queen</i> operated as a sufficient reason for rejecting
+the matter of complaint.</p>
+
+<p>So expensive did the unjust and disgraceful war with America prove this
+year, that more than <i>nine millions</i> were supplied for its service! In
+order to raise this shameful amount, extra taxes were levied on
+newspapers, deeds, and other matters of public utility. Thus were the
+industrious and really productive classes imposed upon, and their means
+exhausted, to gratify the inordinate wishes of a German princess, now
+entitled to be the cause of their misery and ruin. The queen knew that
+war required soldiers and sailors, and that these soldiers and sailors
+must have <i>officers</i> over them, which would afford her an opportunity of
+<i>selling commissions</i> or of bestowing them upon some of her
+<i>favourites</i>. So that these things contributed to her majesty's
+<i>individual</i> wealth and power, what cared she for the increase of the
+country's burdens!</p>
+
+<p>It is wonderful to reflect upon the means with which individuals in
+possession of power have contrived, in all ages and in all countries, to
+controul mankind. From thoughtlessness and the absence of knowledge, the
+masses of people have been made to contend, with vehemence and
+courageous enterprise, <!-- Page 62 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62"></a>[<a href="./images/62.png">62</a>]</span>against their own interests, and for the benefit
+of those mercenary wretches by whom they have been enslaved! How
+monstrous it is, that, to gratify the sanguinary feelings of <i>one</i>
+tyrant, thousands of human beings should go forth to the field of battle
+as willing sacrifices! Ignorance alone has produced such lamentable
+results; for a thirst after blood is never so effectually quenched as
+when it is repressed by the influence of <i>knowledge</i>, which teaches
+humility, moderation, benevolence, and the practice of every other
+virtue. In civilized society, there cannot be an equality of property;
+and, from the dissimilarity in human organization, there cannot be
+equality in the power and vigour of the mind. All men, however, are
+entitled to, and ought to enjoy, a perfect equality in civil and
+political rights. In the absence of this just condition, a nation can
+only be partially free. The people of such a nation exist under unequal
+laws, and those persons upon whom injuries are inflicted by the partial
+operation of those laws are, it must be conceded, the victims of an
+authority which they cannot controul. Such was, unhappily, the condition
+of the English people at this period. To prevent truth from having an
+impartial hearing and explanation, the plans of government were obliged
+to be of an insincere and unjust character. The consequences were, the
+debasement of morals, and the prostitution of the happiness and rights
+of the people. But Power was in the grasp of Tyranny, attended on each
+side by Pride and Cruelty; while Fear presented an excuse for Silence
+and Apathy, and left <!-- Page 63 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63"></a>[<a href="./images/63.png">63</a>]</span>Artifice and Avarice to extend their baneful
+influence over society. British courage was stifled by arbitrary
+persecutions, fines, and imprisonment, which threatened to overwhelm all
+who dared to resist the tide of German despotism. Had <i>unity</i> and
+<i>resolution</i> been the watch-words of the sons of Britain, what millions
+of debt might have been prevented! what oceans of blood might have been
+saved! The iniquitous ministers who dictated war with America should
+have suffered as traitors to their country, which would have been their
+fate had not blind ignorance and servility, engendered by priests and
+tyrants, through the impious frauds of church and state, overwhelmed the
+better reason of the great mass of mankind! It was, we say, priestcraft
+and statecraft that kindled this unjustifiable war, in order to lower
+human nature, and induce men to butcher each other under the most
+absurd, frivolous, and wicked pretences. Englishmen, at the commencement
+of the American war, appear to have been no better than wretched
+captives, without either courage, reason, or virtue, from whom the
+queen's banditti of gaolers shut out the glorious light of day. There
+were, however, some few patriots who raised their voices in opposition
+to the abominable system then in practice, and many generous-hearted men
+who boldly refused to fight against the justified resistance of the
+Americans; but the general mass remained inactive, cowardly inactive,
+against their merciless oppressors. The queen <i>pretended</i> to lament the
+sad state of affairs, while she did all in her power to continue the
+misrule!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section"><!-- Page 64 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64"></a>[<a href="./images/64.png">64</a>]</span>At the commencement of</p>
+
+<h3>1777,</h3>
+
+<p>the several states of Europe had their eyes fixed on the contest between
+this country and the colonies. The French government assisted the
+Americans with fleets and armies, though they did not enter into the
+contest <i>publicly</i>. Queen Charlotte still persevered in her designs
+against America, and bore entire sway over her unfortunate husband. The
+country, as might be expected, was in a state of great excitement, owing
+to the adoption of measures inimical to the wishes and well-being of the
+people. The greater power the throne assumed, the larger amounts were
+necessarily drawn from the people, to reward fawning courtiers and
+borough proprietors.</p>
+
+<p>This year, thirteen millions of money were deemed needful for the public
+service, and the debts of the civil list a <i>second</i> time discharged! At
+this time, the revenue did not amount to eight millions, and to supply
+the consequent deficiency, new taxes were again levied upon the people;
+for ministers carried all their bills, however infamous they might be,
+by large majorities!</p>
+
+<p>In May, Lord Chatham again addressed the "peers," and called their
+attention to the necessity of changing the proceedings of government.
+Although bowed down by age and infirmity, and bearing a crutch in each
+hand, he delivered his sentiments, with all the ardour of youth, in
+these words: "I wish the removal of accumulated grievances, and the
+<!-- Page 65 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65"></a>[<a href="./images/65.png">65</a>]</span>repeal of every oppressive act which have been passed since the year
+1763! I am experienced in spring hopes and vernal promises, but at last
+will come your equinoctial disappointment."</p>
+
+<p>On another occasion, he said, "I will not join in congratulation on
+misfortune and disgrace! <i>It is necessary to instruct the throne in the
+language of truth!</i> We must dispel the delusions and darkness which
+envelop it. I am old and weak, and at present unable to say more; but my
+feelings and indignation were too strong to permit me to say less."
+Alas! this patriot stood nearly alone. In his opinion, the good of the
+people was the supreme law; but this was opposed to the sentiments of
+the hirelings of state and their <i>liberal</i> mistress.</p>
+
+<p>As a last effort, the earl resolved to seek an audience of the queen,
+and the request was readily complied with. The day previous to his last
+speech, delivered in the House of Lords, this interview took place. His
+lordship pressed the queen to relieve the people, and, by every possible
+means, to mitigate the public burdens. But, though her majesty was
+gentle in her language, she expressed herself positively and decisively
+as being adverse to his views; and took the opportunity of reminding him
+of the <i>secrecy of state affairs</i>. As Lord Chatham had once given his
+solemn promise never to permit those secrets to transpire, he resolved
+faithfully to keep his engagement, though their disclosure would have
+opened the eyes of the public to the disgraceful proceedings of herself
+and ministers. The noble earl retired <!-- Page 66 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66"></a>[<a href="./images/66.png">66</a>]</span>from his royal audience in much
+confusion and agitation of mind; and on the following day, April the
+7th, went to the House, and delivered a most energetic speech, which was
+replied to by the Duke of Richmond. Lord Chatham afterwards made an
+effort to rise, as if labouring to give expression to some great idea;
+but, before he could utter a word, pressed his hand on his bosom, and
+fell down in a convulsive fit. The Duke of Cumberland and Lord Temple
+caught him in their arms, and removed him into the prince's chamber.
+Medical assistance being immediately rendered, in a short time his
+lordship in some measure recovered, and was removed to his favourite
+villa at Hayes, in Kent. Hopes of his complete restoration to health,
+however, proved delusive, and on the 10th of May,</p>
+
+
+<h3>1778,</h3>
+
+<p>this venerable and noble friend of humanity expired, in the seventieth
+year of his age.</p>
+
+<p>The news of the earl's death was not disagreeable to the queen; and she
+thenceforth determined to increase, rather than decrease, her arbitrary
+measures. Ribbons, stars, and garters, were bestowed upon those who lent
+their willing aid to support her system of oppression, while thousands
+were perishing in want to supply the means.</p>
+
+<p>Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, this year, were servile
+enough to raise regiments at their own expense; but the independent and
+brave <!-- Page 67 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67"></a>[<a href="./images/67.png">67</a>]</span>citizens of London, steady to their principles, that the war was
+<i>unjust</i>, refused to follow so mean an example!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The year</p>
+
+<h3>1779</h3>
+
+<p>exhibits a miserable period in the history of Ireland. Her manufactures
+declined, and the people became, consequently, much dissatisfied; but
+their distresses were, at first, not even <i>noticed</i> by the English
+parliament. At length, however, an alarm of <i><span class="allcapsc">INVASION</span></i> took place, and
+ministers allowed twenty thousand Irish volunteers to <i>carry arms</i>. The
+ministers, who before had been callous to their distresses, found men in
+arms were not to be trifled with, and the Irish people obtained a
+<i>promise</i> of an extension of trade, which satisfied them for the time.</p>
+
+<p>Large sums were again required to meet the expenses of the American war,
+and, the minister being supported by the queen, every vote for supplies
+was carried by great majorities; for the year's service alone <i>fifteen
+millions</i> were thus agreed to. As the family of the king increased,
+extra sums were also deemed requisite for each of his children; and what
+amounts could not be raised by taxation were procured by <i>loans</i>,&mdash;thus
+insulting the country, by permitting its expenditure to exceed its means
+of income to an enormous extent.</p>
+
+<p>Many representations were made to Lord North, that public opinion was
+opposed to the system pursued by ministers; but he was inflexible, and
+the generous interpositions of some members of the <!-- Page 68 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68"></a>[<a href="./images/68.png">68</a>]</span>Upper House proved
+also unavailing. The independent members of the Commons remonstrated,
+and Mr. Burke brought forward plans for the reduction of the national
+expenditure and the diminution of the influence of the crown; but they
+were finally rejected, though not until violent conflicts had taken
+place, in which Lord North found himself more than once in the minority.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, Mr. Dunning, a lawyer and an eminent speaker,
+advocated, in a most sensible manner, the necessity of taking into
+consideration the affairs of Ireland; but ministers defeated the
+intended benefit, and substituted a plan of their own, which they had
+previously promised to Ireland; namely, to permit a free exportation of
+their woollen manufactures. The unassuming character of that oppressed
+people never appeared to greater advantage than at this period, as even
+this resolution was received by them with the warmest testimonies of joy
+and gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>There cannot be a doubt, that if the Irish had been honestly
+represented, their honor and ardour would have been proverbial; but they
+have almost always been neglected and insulted. The queen had taken Lord
+North's advice, and acquainted herself with the native character of the
+Irish, by which she became aware that, if that people generally
+possessed information, they would prove a powerful balance against the
+unjust system then in force. At this time, there was not an Irishman
+acquainted with any <i>state secrets</i>; her majesty, therefore, did not
+<!-- Page 69 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"></a>[<a href="./images/69.png">69</a>]</span>fear an explanation from that quarter, or she dare not have so oppressed
+them.</p>
+
+<p>To provide for the exigencies of state, twelve millions of money, in
+addition to the former fifteen millions, were required this year; and
+thus were the sorrows of a suffering people increased, and they
+themselves forced to forge their own chains of oppression!</p>
+
+<p>Numerous were the prosecutions against the press this year; among the
+rest, Mr. Parker, printer of "The General Advertiser," was brought
+before the "House of Hereditaries," for publishing a libel on one of its
+<i>noble</i> members. That there were a <i>few</i> intelligent and liberal-minded
+men in the House of Lords at this time, we do not wish to deny. The
+memorable speech of Lord Abingdon proved his lordship to be one of
+these, and, as this speech so admirably distinguishes <i><span class="allcapsc">PRIVILEGE</span></i> from
+<i><span class="allcapsc">TYRANNY</span></i>, we hope to be excused for introducing it in our pages. We
+give it in his lordship's own words:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">My Lords</span>,&mdash;Although there is no noble lord more zealously
+attached to the privileges of this House than I am, yet when I
+see those privileges interfering with, and destructive of, the
+rights of the people, there is no one among the people more
+ready to oppose those privileges than myself. And, my lords,
+my reason is this: that the privileges of neither house of
+parliament were ever constitutionally given to either to
+combat with the rights of the people. They were given, my
+lords, that each branch of the legislature might defend itself
+against the encroachments of the other, and to preserve that
+balance entire, which is essential to the preservation of all.</p>
+
+<p>"This was the designation, this is the use of privilege; and
+in this unquestionable shape let us apply it. Let us apply it
+against the encroachments of the crown, and not suffer any
+lord (if any such there be) who, having clambered up into the
+house upon the ladder <!-- Page 70 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"></a>[<a href="./images/70.png">70</a>]</span>of prerogative, might wish to yield up
+our privileges to that prerogative. Let us make use of our
+privileges against the other house of parliament, whenever
+occasion shall make it necessary, but not against the people.
+This is the distinction and this the meaning of privilege. The
+people are under the law, and we are the legislators. If they
+offend, let them be punished according to law, where we have
+our remedy. If we are injured in our reputations, the law has
+provided us with a special remedy. We are entitled to the
+action of <i>scandalum magnatum</i>,&mdash;a privilege peculiar to
+ourselves. For these reasons, then, my lords, when the noble
+earl made his motion for the printer to be brought before this
+House, and when the end of that motion was answered by the
+author of the paper complained of giving up his name, I was in
+great hopes that the motion would have been withdrawn. I am
+sorry it was not; and yet, when I say this, I do not mean to
+wish that an inquiry into the merits of that paper should not
+be made. As it stands at present, the noble lord accused
+therein is the disgrace of this House, and the scandal of
+government. I therefore trust, for his own honor, for the
+honor of this House, that that noble lord will not object to,
+but will <i>himself</i> insist upon, the most rigid inquiry into
+his conduct.</p>
+
+<p>"But, my lords, to call for a printer, in the case of a libel,
+when he gives up his author (although a modern procedure) <i>is
+not founded in law</i>; for in the statute of Westminster, the
+1st, chapter 34, it is said, 'None shall report any false and
+slanderous news or tales of <i>great men</i>, whereby any discord
+may arise betwixt the king and his people, on pain of
+imprisonment, <i>until they bring forth the author</i>.' The
+statutes of the 2d of Richard the Second, chapter 5, and the
+14th of the same reign, are to the same effect. It is there
+enacted, that 'No person shall devise, or tell any <i>false</i>
+news or lies of any lord, prelate, officer of the government,
+judge, &amp;c., by which any slander shall happen to their
+persons, or mischief come to the kingdom, upon pain of being
+imprisoned; and where any one hath told false news or lies,
+and cannot produce the author, he shall suffer imprisonment,
+and be punished by the king's counsel.' Here, then, my lords,
+two things are clearly pointed out, to wit, the person to be
+punished, and what the mode of punishment is. The person to be
+punished is the author, when produced; the mode of punishment
+is by the king's counsel; so that, in the present case, the
+printer having given up the author, he is discharged from
+punishment: and if the privilege of punishment had been in
+this House, the right is barred by these statutes; for how is
+the punishment to be had? Not by this House, but by the king's
+counsel. And, <!-- Page 71 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71"></a>[<a href="./images/71.png">71</a>]</span>my lords, it cannot be otherwise; for, if it
+were, the freedom of the press were at an end; and for this
+purpose was this modern doctrine, to answer modern views,
+invented,&mdash;<i>a doctrine which I should ever stand up in
+opposition to, if even the right of its exercise were in us</i>.
+But the right is not in us: it is a jurisdiction too summary
+for the freedom of our constitution, and incompatible with
+liberty. It takes away the trial by jury; which king, lords,
+and commons, <i>have not a right to do</i>. It is to make us
+accusers, judges, jury, and executioners too, if we please. It
+is to give us an executive power, to which, in our legislative
+capacities, we are not entitled. It is to give us a power,
+which even the executive power itself has not, which the
+prerogative of the crown dare not assume, which the king
+himself cannot exercise. My lords, <i>the king cannot touch the
+hair of any man's head in this country, though he be guilty of
+high treason, but by means of the law. It is the law that
+creates the offence; it is a jury that must determine the
+guilt; it is the law that affixes the punishment; and all
+other modes of proceeding are</i> <span class="allcapsc">ILLEGAL</span>. Why then, my lords,
+are we to assume to ourselves an executive power, with which
+even the executive power itself is not entrusted? I am aware,
+my lords, it will be said that this House, in its capacity of
+a court of justice, has a right to call for evidence at its
+bar, and to punish the witness who shall not attend. I admit
+it, my lords; and I admit it not only as a right belonging to
+this House, but as a right essential to every court of
+justice; for, without this right, justice could not be
+administered. But, my lords, was this House sitting as a court
+of justice (for we must distinguish between our judicial and
+our legislative capacities) when Mr. Parker was ordered to be
+taken into custody, and brought before this House? If so, at
+whose suit was Mr. Parker to be examined? Where are the
+records? Where are the papers of appeal? Who is the plaintiff,
+and who the defendant? There is nothing like it before your
+lordships; for if there had, and Mr. Parker, in such case, had
+disobeyed the order of this House, he was not only punishable
+for his contumacy and contempt, but every magistrate in the
+kingdom was bound to assist your lordships in having him
+forthcoming at your lordship's bar. <i>Whereas, as it is, every
+magistrate in the kingdom is bound, by the law of the land, to
+release Mr. Parker, if he be taken into custody by the present
+order of this House.</i> Nothing can be more true, than that in
+our judicial capacity, we have a right to call for evidence at
+our bar, and to punish the witness if he does not appear. The
+whole body of the law supports us in this right. But, under
+the pretext of <!-- Page 72 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72"></a>[<a href="./images/72.png">72</a>]</span>privilege, to bring a man by force to the bar,
+when we <i>have our remedy at law; to accuse, condemn, and
+punish that man, at the mere arbitrary will and pleasure of
+this House, not sitting as a court of justice, is tyranny in
+the abstract. It is against law; it is subversive of the
+constitution; it is incompetent to this House</i>; and,
+therefore, my lords, thinking as I do, that this House has no
+right forcibly to bring any man to its bar, but in the
+discharge of its proper functions, as a court of judicature, I
+shall now move your lordships, 'that the body of W. Parker,
+printer of the General Advertiser, be released from the
+custody of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, and that the
+order for the said Parker, being brought to the bar of this
+House be now discharged.'</p>
+
+<p>"Before I sit down, I will just observe to your lordships,
+that I know that precedents may be adduced in contradiction to
+the doctrine I have laid down. But, my lords, <i>precedents
+cannot make that legal and constitutional which is, in itself,
+illegal and unconstitutional</i>. IF THE PRECEDENTS OF THIS REIGN
+ARE TO BE RECEIVED AS PRECEDENTS IN THE NEXT, THE LORD HAVE
+MERCY ON THOSE WHO ARE TO COME AFTER US!!!</p>
+
+<p>"There is one observation more I would make, and it is this:
+<i>I would wish noble lords to consider, how much it lessens the
+dignity of this House, to agitate privileges which you have
+not power to enforce. It hurts the constitution of parliament,
+and, instead of being respected, makes us contemptible. That
+privilege which you cannot exercise, and of right too, disdain
+to keep.</i>"</p></div>
+
+<p>If the country had been blessed with a majority of such patriots as Lord
+Abingdon, what misery had been prevented! what lives had been saved!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">Early in the year</p>
+
+<h3>1780,</h3>
+
+<p>meetings of the populace took place in various parts of the kingdom, and
+ministers were boldly accused of having prodigally and wastefully spent
+the public <!-- Page 73 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73"></a>[<a href="./images/73.png">73</a>]</span>money; while petitions were presented, praying "for a
+correction of abuses in the public expenditure." Riots in many parts of
+England were the consequences of unjustly continuing wars and taxation,
+and several hundred people were killed and wounded by the military;
+while many others forfeited their lives on the scaffold for daring to
+raise their arms against tyranny. Lord George Gordon was also committed
+to the Tower on a charge of high treason; but no jury of his countrymen
+could be found to consider his undaunted attempt to <i>redress the
+people's grievances as treasonable</i>, and he was, consequently,
+<i>honorably acquitted</i>! The influence of her majesty, however, kept a
+minister in office, though contrary to the sense of the wisest and best
+part of the community; and a ruinous war was still permitted to drain
+the blood and money of the many.</p>
+
+<p>War might probably be considered by those in power a <i>legal trade</i>; but
+was it not continued for the untenable purpose of avarice? We think it
+was. There did not appear to be any rational hope for reform or
+retrenchment, while men versed in corruption were so enriched, and had
+an almost unlimited sway over the councils of the reigning authority.
+Popular commotion was dreaded; yet the ministers could not be prevailed
+upon to dispel the cause of anxiety by conciliatory measures,&mdash;by a
+timely redress of grievances, by concession of rights, and by
+reformation of abuses. If they had done so, they would have given
+satisfactory evidence that government had no other object in view than
+faithfully to <!-- Page 74 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74"></a>[<a href="./images/74.png">74</a>]</span>discharge their duty, by adopting such plans as would
+really benefit mankind, and furnish means to secure the comfort and
+happiness of all men.</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time, much distress was imposed upon the unfortunate king,
+by the increasing and uncontroulable prodigality of some of his
+children, especially of <span class="smcap">George</span>. The queen would not hear of any thing to
+his discredit, and thus what little of family enjoyment remained was
+ultimately destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>The unrestrained predilection of this youthful prince now became
+habitual pursuits, and excesses of the most detestable description were
+not unknown to him. Within the circle of his less nominally illustrious
+acquaintance, every father dreaded the seduction of his child, if she
+possessed any personal charms, while the mother feared to lose sight of
+her daughter, even for a moment. It is not in our power to give an
+adequate idea of the number of those families whose happiness he ruined;
+but we well, too well, know the number was infamously great. The country
+gave him credit for being liberal in political principles, and
+generously disposed for reform. But little of his <i>real</i> character was
+then known; his faults, indeed, were named as virtues, and his vices
+considered as <i>gentlemanly exploits</i>, so that his dissembled appearance
+was received, by those unacquainted with him, as the sure and
+incontestable mark of a great and noble soul. But, before our pages are
+concluded, we fear we must, in duty, prove him a widely-different
+character! It is true, his acquaintance with political characters was
+chiefly amongst <!-- Page 75 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75"></a>[<a href="./images/75.png">75</a>]</span>"the Whigs;" it may also be added that those "Whigs,"
+so particularly intimate with this prince, did not gain much by their
+connexion with him, but finally became as supine and venal as himself.
+They determined that, as the heir-apparent, he should not be allowed to
+suffer any deterioration of greatness, and the principles and practices
+of so mighty an individual were considered by them to constitute a
+sufficient patent for continual imitation.</p>
+
+<p>At this period, Mr. Dunning moved his famous resolution to the House,
+with unbending firmness and uncompromising fidelity. He said, "The
+influence of the crown has increased, is increasing, and ought to be
+diminished." It was carried by a majority of 233 against 215; but a
+second resolution, which was to give effect to the first, was lost by a
+majority of fifty-one votes.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">In the year</p>
+
+<h3>1781,</h3>
+
+<p>William Pitt, the second son of the late Lord Chatham, delivered his
+first speech in the Commons, in favour of the bill introduced by Mr.
+Burke, on the subject of reform.</p>
+
+<p>Lord North brought forward the budget on the 7th of March, containing
+the various items needful for the service of the year. The amount so
+calculated was <i>twenty-one millions of money</i>!&mdash;twelve of which were to
+be raised by loans, the terms being very high. From this bold imposition
+upon the public <!-- Page 76 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"></a>[<a href="./images/76.png">76</a>]</span>purse and credit, the ministry were much lowered in
+public opinion.</p>
+
+<p>During this year, the brave General Washington struck that decisive blow
+which afterwards gave liberty to his countrymen. He kept General Clinton
+at New York, in constant alarm; and then suddenly appeared before York
+Town in full force, and obtained a grand victory over Lord Cornwallis,
+who was there with his army. The American war consequently became more
+unpopular than ever, and shortly after the meeting of parliament, in
+March,</p>
+
+
+<h3>1782,</h3>
+
+<p>a resolution was moved, and <i>passed without a division</i>, declaring that
+the House of Commons would consider as enemies to his majesty and the
+country all who should advise the prosecution of offensive war in North
+America!</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after, Lord North resigned, and the Marquis of Rockingham was
+placed at the head of the new administration. Amongst the promotions at
+this time, was <i>Mr. Dunning!</i> who, at <i>her majesty's request</i>, was
+created Baron Ashburton, and also Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.</p>
+
+<p>A treaty of peace was now entered into with General Washington, and Sir
+Guy Carleton was deputed to conduct the happy affair.</p>
+
+<p>In the beginning of July, the unexpected death of the Marquis of
+Rockingham threw the whole cabinet into extreme disorder; and another
+resignation <!-- Page 77 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77"></a>[<a href="./images/77.png">77</a>]</span>of ministers took place, on which occasion Mr. Pitt was
+constituted "Chancellor of the Exchequer," <i>although only twenty-three
+years of age</i>! Lord Shelburne accepted the office of premier, at the
+request of the king, which gave great offence to Mr. Fox and the Duke of
+Portland, who resigned. The country was little benefitted by this
+change, as the money required for the service of the year was more than
+twenty-four millions, of which thirteen had to be raised by loans.</p>
+
+<p>In November, the provisional articles of peace were signed at Paris
+between the Commissioners of England and those of the United States.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The Shelburne party were obliged to retire in</p>
+
+<h3>1783,</h3>
+
+<p>having, by their arbitrary measures, drawn upon themselves general
+displeasure throughout the country.</p>
+
+<p>Much surprise was created at the unexpected coalition of Lord North and
+Mr. Fox, which was the natural result of the pressing case of the
+prince, to whom the queen had confidentially entrusted his father's
+breach of the law, in the solemnization of his marriage with herself.
+The queen, in fact, used the prince's influence to prevail upon Mr. Fox
+to join Lord North, as he was well informed upon all the circumstances
+of the king's first marriage. Although the political sentiments of these
+gentlemen were opposed, it was represented as a safe line of conduct, to
+ensure the tranquillity of the kingdom. Thus, <!-- Page 78 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78"></a>[<a href="./images/78.png">78</a>]</span>again, was every portion
+of truth sacrificed to the <span class="allcapsc">WILL</span> of the <i>queen</i>.</p>
+
+<p>This year, the king agreed that the heir-apparent should receive fifty
+thousand pounds per annum, and sixty thousand pounds to equip him
+suitably to his dignity. In the mean time, it became a public fact, that
+the prince had so deeply involved himself in debt as to be mean enough
+to resort, through the medium of others, to borrow money (of various
+amounts) of his tradespeople!</p>
+
+<p>Before the conclusion of the year, the <i>Whig and Tory</i> ministry were
+ejected, to the entire satisfaction of nearly every individual in the
+nation, who despised such an unholy alliance of opposite principles.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Pitt was now made "First Lord of the Treasury," which was a change
+very satisfactory to her majesty, as, from the youth of the new
+"premier," she augured her likely influence over the political
+hemisphere to be increased. It was well known that her majesty did not
+like any of the prince's associates, more especially Messrs. Fox and
+Sheridan. Mr. Burke was not supposed to be so informed upon all
+subjects; and, though much in the necessary confidence of the prince,
+the queen presumed it was chiefly in procuring pecuniary accommodations.
+It was not until an after period, that the <i>whole truth</i> was stated to
+her by the prince.</p>
+
+<p>New taxes alone could furnish means for the immense additional annuities
+now imposed upon the country; and thus were sums for every succeeding
+year's demand increased.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 79 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79"></a>[<a href="./images/79.png">79</a>]</span>At this period, the Prince of Wales and his next brother were associated
+in dissipation of every kind. Their love of gaming was proverbial, and
+their excess of indulgence in voluptuousness soon exhausted the income
+allowed them by the country. Their caprices were various, but those of
+the prince was most strikingly evinced in his abruptly declining his
+engagements with the celebrated Mrs. Robinson. His usual plan was, when
+fascinated by the appearance of a new object, to exert every nerve to
+possess it. Presents, accompanied by the highest eulogiums, and
+protestations of eternal love and constancy, were always pressed upon
+the acceptance of the intended victim; and thus, by apparent devotion
+and unconquerable passion, many were the delusions he practised, and the
+outrages he committed, upon the unsuspecting virtue of woman.</p>
+
+<p>Had a plebeian committed but <i>one</i> act similar to those in which the
+prince was so frequently the principal character, his <i>life</i> must have
+atoned for his fault, and a destitute family, in consequence, been
+plunged into distraction. But, because the prince was of such
+high-reputed family, he must, forsooth, be accounted a <i>noble-minded
+gentleman</i>; and, instead of exposition and punishment, the venal and
+hired press of the day launched out into the most fulsome eulogiums of
+his <i>graceful, all-attracting elegance of style and manners</i>, without
+even speaking of the <i>infamy</i> of his amours, intrigues, and
+debaucheries! Some writers, alas! are so fearful of speaking the truth,
+lest they should offend the <i>side they have <!-- Page 80 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80"></a>[<a href="./images/80.png">80</a>]</span>espoused</i>, or the
+inclinations and political principles of those by whom they are likely
+to be read, that they almost persuade themselves there is a sort of
+<i>impropriety</i> in presenting facts in their proper colours! But is it not
+beneath the dignity of the press to act in so cowardly a manner?</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">In the year</p>
+
+<h3>1784,</h3>
+
+<p>(notwithstanding the dreadfully enormous weight of the "national debt,"
+borrowed by the ministers upon nominal annuities, for which large
+interest was given) the king was again solicited to assist the prince,
+in order that his debts might be discharged. This request was refused,
+and Messrs. Fox and Sheridan advocated the subject to no purpose.</p>
+
+<p>During this year, much public display of talent was made in the House.
+Mr. Pitt was now fully and entirely in her majesty's "confidence," and
+he well knew if "the system" were to be continued, war must be carried
+on, and oppression would increase rather than decrease. While engaged in
+a private interview with the queen, upon various state subjects, Mr.
+Pitt submitted his opinion upon the extravagance and improper pursuits
+of the prince, adding, "I much fear, your majesty, in his delirium of
+debauchery, <i>some expressions may escape him, to the injury of the
+crown</i>!" "No," answered the queen, "he is too well aware of the
+<i>consequences to himself</i>, if that transpired; so on that point I can
+rely upon <!-- Page 81 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81"></a>[<a href="./images/81.png">81</a>]</span>him." "Is your majesty aware," said Mr. Pitt, "that at this
+time the prince is engrossed by a fair beauty? and I believe, from good
+authority I may say, intends to marry her! He is now so much
+embarrassed, that, at the suggestion of his trusty friend, Sheridan, he
+borrows large amounts from a Jew, who resides in town, and gives his
+bonds for much larger amounts than he receives; by this means, he is
+actually involved in debt to the amount of above a million of money; and
+the interest and principal must, some day, be <i>honourably</i> discharged,
+or else he must never ascend the throne; as the dishonour would cause
+him eternal disgrace, if not an abdication." Truly, this was a fine
+picture of England's future monarch!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">In the year</p>
+
+<h3>1785,</h3>
+
+<p>Mr. Pitt caused prosecutions to be issued and enforced to check the
+rising spirit of the Irish, as they appeared determined to press hard
+until they received reform in the representation; and, in order to
+divert the exasperated feelings of the people of England, as he stood
+deeply pledged to the reformers, "<i>as a man and a minister</i>," to bring
+in "a bill to amend the representation of the people," he moved, April
+18th, for leave to bring it forward for the consideration of the House.
+His plan was to transfer the right of election from thirty-six rotten
+boroughs to the counties and principle unrepresented towns, <i>allowing a
+pecuniary compensation to the owners of the disfranchised boroughs</i>, and
+to extend the right of voting <!-- Page 82 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82"></a>[<a href="./images/82.png">82</a>]</span>for knights of the shires to copyholders.
+This minister suffered his motion to be negatived by 248 against 194!
+Had there been honesty on the part of the minister towards the people,
+unfettered by any <i>state secrets</i>, he would have been prepared to meet
+the numerous opposers; but he found himself unable to serve the cause of
+liberty and slavery at the same time, and so, to save his word of
+promise, he did bring in "the bill," when he well knew it was impossible
+to carry it under the then existing corruptions!</p>
+
+<p>In the farce here played, under the management of that youthful
+renegade,&mdash;<span class="smcap">Pitt</span>, we have a fair specimen of the way in which the English
+have been treated. But there is a time rapidly approaching when the
+supporters of despotism cannot thus delude their countrymen. The whole
+nest of court sycophants, however, seem determined rather to see England
+reduced to a state of the most grievous bondage than imagine one of
+their own ill-gotten acres endangered, or the least of their absurd and
+exclusive privileges called in question. But are such creatures, their
+<i>imagined</i> interests, and affected opinions, to triumph over the views
+of the most virtuous patriots and wisest men of the present age? Forbid
+it, Justice!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The year</p>
+
+<h3>1786</h3>
+
+<p>was ushered in under some peculiar circumstances <!-- Page 83 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83"></a>[<a href="./images/83.png">83</a>]</span>of distress and alarm.
+The king was evidently declining in health, and strong signs of
+imbecility were apparent. He positively refused to see the prince upon
+the subject of his debts, and was otherwise much distracted at the
+recollection of various impositions upon the public, which might have
+been avoided, if, in the moment of necessity, he had explained himself
+fully to the nation, and pressed for an amelioration of all <i>unnatural</i>
+and <i>uncivilized</i> acts of parliament, detrimental to the peace, welfare,
+and happiness of the sovereign and the subject.</p>
+
+<p>In July, the prince was so beset with appeals from his numerous
+creditors, that, partly to silence them, and partly to induce the House
+to pay his long-standing arrears of borrowed money, he announced his
+intention to give up his establishment, and, out of his annual income of
+fifty thousand pounds, to reserve ten thousand, and appropriate forty
+thousand for the benefit of his creditors.</p>
+
+<p>In the early part of this year, the prince <i>was married</i> to Mrs.
+Fitzherbert. Messrs. Fox, Sheridan, and Burke were present upon the
+occasion, as also were some of the relatives of the bride. After the
+ceremony, Mr. Fox handed them into a carriage, and they drove to
+Richmond, where they spent some days. In the interim, the queen was made
+acquainted with the marriage. Her majesty requested an audience with the
+prince, which was immediately complied with. The queen insisted on being
+told if the news of his marriage were correct. "Yes, madam," replied he,
+"and not any force under <!-- Page 84 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84"></a>[<a href="./images/84.png">84</a>]</span>heaven shall separate <i>us</i>. If his majesty had
+been <i>as firm</i> in acknowledging <i>his marriage</i>, he might <i>now</i> have
+enjoyed life, instead of being a misanthrope, as he is. But I beg,
+further, that <i>my</i> wife be received at court, and proportionately as
+your majesty receives her, and pays her attention, from this time, so
+shall I render my attentions to your majesty. The lady I have married is
+worthy of all homage, and my very confidential friends, with some of my
+wife's relations, only, <i>witnessed</i> our marriage. Have you not always
+taught me to consider myself <i>heir</i> to the first sovereignty in the
+world? where then will exist any risk of obtaining a ready concurrence
+from the House in my marriage? I hope, madam, a few hours reflection
+will satisfy you that I have done my duty in following this impulse of
+my inclinations, and therefore I wait your majesty's commands, feeling
+assured you would not wish to blast the happiness of your favourite
+prince." The queen presumed it would prove her best policy to signify
+her acquiescence to the prince's wishes, and the interview terminated
+without any further explanation or remonstrance; nevertheless, the
+substance of the interview was immediately communicated to Mr. Pitt. The
+extravagant expenditure of the prince, at this period, was so increased,
+that he frequently promised <i>cent. per cent.</i> for advances of cash!</p>
+
+<p>The Duke of Richmond, this year, proposed to erect <i>fortifications</i> all
+over England! Monstrous as this attempt to enslave the country must
+appear, the power of Pitt brought the division of the House of <!-- Page 85 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85"></a>[<a href="./images/85.png">85</a>]</span>Commons
+on the bill exactly <i>even</i>, so that the speaker was obliged, by his
+conscience, to give his casting vote <i>against</i> so traitorous an affair!
+The establishment of a sinking fund was next brought forward; and, on a
+surplus of taxes appearing, amounting to <span class="allcapsc">NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS</span>,
+new taxes were levied on the plea of making up this sum <i><span class="allcapsc">ONE MILLION</span></i>,
+which, with compound interest, was to be invariably applied to the
+<i>reduction of the national debt</i>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">In the year</p>
+
+<h3>1787,</h3>
+
+<p>the queen received the wife of the prince (Mrs. Fitzherbert) <i>in the
+most courteous manner in public</i>! The mental illness of the king became
+now apparent to those around him, but it <i>was not spoken of publicly</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In April, Mr. Newnham, member for the city of London, gave notice that
+he should bring forward a motion, the intent of which was, "To address
+the king, in order to procure his approbation to relieve the Prince of
+Wales from all embarrassments of a <i>pecuniary</i> nature," to which he
+hoped the House would <i>cordially</i> agree. This announcement created much
+conversation, as well it might; and Mr. Newnham was earnestly solicited
+to withdraw his motion, lest its results should do injury to the state,
+and be productive of other inconvenience and mischief. The minister
+(Pitt) said, "<i>that if Mr. Newnham persevered <!-- Page 86 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86"></a>[<a href="./images/86.png">86</a>]</span>in pressing his motion
+upon the notice of the House, he should be driven to make disclosures of
+circumstances, which otherwise he believed it to be his imperative duty
+to conceal</i>." Mr. Rolle (member for Devonshire) considered that an
+investigation of this matter involved many questions of consequence,
+which would affect both church and state. Messrs. Fox and Sheridan, with
+some other <i>private</i> acquaintances of the prince, were bold in their
+language, and replied, that "the prince did not fear any investigation
+of his conduct; and that respect or indulgence, by an affected
+tenderness or studied ambiguity, would be disagreeable to the wishes and
+feelings of his royal highness!"</p>
+
+<p>A few days after this debate, Mr. Fox called the attention of the House
+to the strange and extraordinary language used by Mr. Rolle, saying,
+"that he presumed those remarks were made in reference to the base and
+malicious calumny which had been propagated out of doors by the enemies
+of the prince, in order to <i>depreciate</i> his character, and injure him in
+the opinion of the country!" Mr. Rolle replied to this by saying that,
+"though the marriage could not have been accomplished under the formal
+sanction of the law, yet if it existed <i>as a fact</i>, it ought to be
+satisfactorily cleared up, lest the most alarming consequences should be
+the result." Mr. Fox, in reply, said, "that he not only denied the
+calumny in question, with respect to the effect of certain existing
+laws, but he also denied the <i>marriage in toto</i>," adding, "though he
+well knew the matter was illegal <!-- Page 87 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87"></a>[<a href="./images/87.png">87</a>]</span>under every form of statute provided,
+yet he took that opportunity to assert, <i>it never did happen</i>." Mr.
+Rolle again asked, "Do you, Sir, speak from <span class="allcapsc">DIRECT OR INDIRECT
+AUTHORITY</span>?" Mr. Fox replied, "FROM DIRECT AUTHORITY." The House was now
+anxious that Mr. Rolle should express his satisfaction; but he
+positively and determinately refused, "as he wished every member of the
+House to <span class="allcapsc">JUDGE</span> for himself!" Now mark the result. Mr. Sheridan (the
+bottle-companion of the prince) rose and declared warmly, "that if Mr.
+Rolle would not be satisfied, or put the matter into some train for his
+further satisfaction, his opinion was, the House ought to resolve, that
+it was seditious and disloyal to propagate reports injurious to the
+prince." But notice Mr. Pitt's reply, who rose, and protested against an
+attack upon the freedom of speech in that House. Mr. Pitt, indeed, could
+do no less than <i>stop the inquiry</i>; for if it had proceeded to any
+greater length, the <span class="allcapsc">LEGITIMACY</span> of the prince might have been
+<i>doubted</i>!!!</p>
+
+<p>The prince again sought advice to shield himself from his various
+opponents, whose impertinent, yet honest expressions, might prove an
+alloy to his character, and render void all his pretensions to even
+<i>common honesty</i>! His royal highness <i>deigned</i> to consult some persons
+of consequence, but he could not receive any advice equal to his wishes.
+At length, he saw the queen, and partly explained his difficulties and
+debts, concluding his remarks by these <i>threatening</i> words: "Unless the
+king suggests <!-- Page 88 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88"></a>[<a href="./images/88.png">88</a>]</span><i><span class="allcapsc">HIS DESIRE</span></i> for the payment of these debts, I will
+<i><span class="allcapsc">EXPLAIN</span></i> all this <span class="allcapsc">STATE MYSTERY</span>; and I would receive a shot from a
+musket, in preference to the galling insults which I well know the
+<i>kingdoms</i> infer <i>from these shameful arrears</i>." Again the <i>state
+secrets</i> operated! Again was <span class="allcapsc">TRUTH</span> to be hidden in a napkin! The prince
+retired from the audience; but the queen was no sooner disengaged than
+Mr. Pitt was announced and introduced. The interview was short, but
+decisive, and the minister departed on a mission to the prince at
+Carlton House. There he promised that his royal highness should
+immediately receive means to discharge his debts, and accordingly, on
+the very next day, a message was laid before the House, and an address
+voted to the king, to request him to grant out of the "civil list" the
+sum of one hundred and sixty-one thousand pounds, to discharge the debts
+of George, called Prince of Wales, with an additional sum of twenty
+thousand pounds to finish the repairs of Carlton Palace. When this
+infamous proposition was made, distress and wretchedness were at an
+alarming height! But the king was more an object of pity than of blame.
+Royalty, to him, was a deceitful bauble. Those who beheld it at a
+distance saw nothing but greatness, splendour, and delight; but, could
+they have examined it closely, they would have found toil, perplexity,
+and care, its constant companions.</p>
+
+<p>The king was now fast exchanging the bloom of youth for the languor of
+age. He knew his duty was to repress calumny and falsehood, and to
+support <!-- Page 89 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89"></a>[<a href="./images/89.png">89</a>]</span>innocence and truth; and not only to abstain from doing evil,
+but to exert himself in every way to do good, by preventing the
+mischiefs evil counsellors might devise. Yet the <i>state secrets</i> kept
+him from acting as his heart dictated, and his mind soon lost all its
+vigour!</p>
+
+<p>The prince, from this time, was sure of the attainment of his wishes, if
+within the power of the queen to bestow; and, from this conquest, he
+gave loose rein to the impetuous desires of his wayward inclinations.
+Splendid fêtes were given, money was lavished upon the most
+insignificant and indecorous occasions; virtue openly insulted, in every
+possible shape; and the man, who was expected shortly to reign over the
+destiny of millions, was frequently exhibited to his friends as an
+<span class="allcapsc">UNPRINCIPLED LIBERTINE</span>, a <span class="allcapsc">NOTORIOUS GAMESTER</span>, and an <span class="allcapsc">UNGRATEFUL SON</span>! But
+the rank of royal distinction, and the means he possessed to gratify his
+lusts (being devoid of all positive integrity upon many points) were
+sufficient causes of excuse in the estimation of himself and his
+minions! His graceful bow and ensnaring address led many good-natured
+people into a belief that he was really an honest man and a gentleman!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">From the commencement of the year</p>
+
+<h3>1788,</h3>
+
+<p>the king's health again declined. His mind appeared full of gloomy
+apprehensions and forebodings; <!-- Page 90 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90"></a>[<a href="./images/90.png">90</a>]</span>sometimes he uttered the most incoherent
+language; then, dissolving in tears, would ask after the health of the
+several members of his family, and especially of his youngest daughter,
+to whom he was more particularly attached. This state of aberration was,
+however, strictly concealed from the public as long as possible by the
+queen. Here, again, mark her German policy! Fearing she could not much
+longer conceal the king's indisposition, she determined to consult her
+favourite minister, and they resolved upon a proposition to give to the
+<i>queen's</i> care the charge of his majesty's person, presuming that step
+was finally needful, as by its adoption <i>only</i> could she retain an
+opportunity of exercising <i>complete controul over her afflicted
+husband</i>! On the reassembling of parliament, therefore, the project of
+the queen was brought forward by Pitt, who, possessing a decided
+majority, passed what resolutions he pleased. He contended, in
+opposition to Fox, that the Prince of Wales had no more right to the
+regency <i>than he had</i>! The debates upon this subject were long and warm;
+but Pitt and the queen finally triumphed. The care of the king's person
+and the disposition of the royal household was to be committed to her
+majesty, who would, by this means, be vested with the patronage of <i>four
+hundred places</i>, amongst which were the great offices of lord-stewart,
+lord-chamberlain, and master of the horse! These "loaves and fishes"
+offered the queen a fine opportunity of exercising her tyranny, and
+further increasing her power!</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 91 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91"></a>[<a href="./images/91.png">91</a>]</span>Let us here digress a little, to reflect upon the <i>enviable</i> state in
+which her majesty was placed at this period.</p>
+
+<p>Behold, then, the Queen of England, in the enjoyment of health,
+surrounded with all the luxuries of life, knowing the <i>intricacies</i> of
+<span class="allcapsc">STATE INFAMY</span>, and anxious to hold the reins of government in her own
+hands, constantly closeted with the minister&mdash;<span class="allcapsc">ALONE</span>! his years not half
+so many as those of his royal mistress! See her confiding in his
+secrecy, submitting her opinions for his decision, and knowing that
+herself and her family are in his power! The man, who, after this
+retrospect, pronounces there never was a <i>false step</i>, or a <i>deviation
+from rectitude</i>, we venture to say is but very little acquainted with
+humanity! It is also well known to more than one or two individuals,
+that the Prince of Wales dared to <i>jest</i> with her majesty upon the
+occasional <i>private</i> interviews she held with this minister; and his
+royal highness was once seriously sent from her presence, in consequence
+of a <span class="allcapsc">TRIFLING DISCOVERY</span> he made. It therefore seemed the more requisite
+that the <i>appearance</i> of a rigid decorum must exist at court;
+consequently, if any lady had been known to violate those bounds, she
+must be excluded from royal favour, and never again enter the precincts
+of the palace! Her majesty, it will be perceived from this, knew how to
+put on the garb of virtue, if she possessed it not! Our love of
+impartiality, however, obliges us to give an instance contrary to the
+general edict of the queen. Her majesty was made fully <!-- Page 92 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92"></a>[<a href="./images/92.png">92</a>]</span>acquainted with
+Mrs. Fitzherbert's history, and therefore knew that this lady had been
+left a widow&mdash;twice; and that she afterwards accepted the <i>protection</i>
+of the Marquis Bellois, which intimacy was of considerable duration.
+Yet, as soon as the prince <i>married her</i>, she was a general visitant at
+court, and received the most especial and unlimited polite attentions
+from the queen. Let this example suffice to shew her majesty's
+<i>scrupulous</i> delicacy!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">In March,</p>
+
+<h3>1789,</h3>
+
+<p>the king was declared convalescent, so as to be able to resume his
+duties, and defeat those air-drawn schemes of power, which his queen was
+about to assume.</p>
+
+<p>The insulted sovereign thus freed the people, for a time, from the
+artful stratagems and devices arising from the charnel house of
+oppression.</p>
+
+<p>It is certain, that his majesty was free from all <i>violent</i> paroxysms,
+and generally manifested a quiet and unobtrusive disposition in all
+things. But then this was the <i>utmost</i> of his improvement. Reason's
+empire was fatally shook, and the recollection of the past incapacitated
+him for forming an opinion either upon the present or the future.</p>
+
+<p>The queen, in the mean time, resolved not to be entirely debarred of her
+prospects of patronage; for, under the specious disguise of kingly
+authority, her <!-- Page 93 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93"></a>[<a href="./images/93.png">93</a>]</span>majesty gave appointments and honours to the hirelings
+around her, and carried "majorities" whenever she pleased.</p>
+
+<p>It was not deemed prudent that the king should open the House in person;
+therefore, the chancellor delivered the speech in the name of his
+majesty.</p>
+
+<p>During this session, Mr. Wilberforce pleaded ably for the abolition of
+West Indian slavery, though to very little advantage.</p>
+
+<p>Some excesses of an unhappy description were practised by the Duke of
+York; but they were passed over without any public punishment or
+parental rebuke, although a family of high respectability suffered the
+loss of their only daughter, a most beautiful and accomplished girl,
+nearly twenty years of age! She was a victim of the duke's sensuality,
+and destroyed herself by poison soon afterwards,&mdash;such were the extreme
+sentiments of honor and virtue entertained by her. Some of her family
+yet live to mourn her loss and regret the privileges of royalty!</p>
+
+<p>In this year a revolution broke out in France, and innumerable lives
+were lost. The opposite views which Burke and Fox took of this event
+dissolved the friendship that had so long existed between them.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">In February,</p>
+
+<h3>1790,</h3>
+
+<p>the printer of "The Times" newspaper was fined <span class="allcapsc">ONE HUNDRED POUNDS</span> for a
+libel on the Prince of <!-- Page 94 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94"></a>[<a href="./images/94.png">94</a>]</span>Wales, and the like sum for a libel on the
+<i>equally-illustrious</i> seducer, the Duke of York. If a verdict had been
+given otherwise, royalty would have been humbled!</p>
+
+<p>In this year, also, a most remarkable occurrence transpired. A very
+respectable clergyman was induced to marry two persons upon an extreme
+emergency, without their obtaining a license or the publishing of banns.
+The clergyman was tried at Leicester for this offence, and sentenced to
+be <i>transported for fourteen years</i>! Many appeals were made, in a quiet
+and peaceable manner, to the judge. Expostulations upon the
+disproportion of the punishment were also made by various classes of
+society; but, alas! <i>the happiness of the subject was destroyed</i>, while
+the higher authorities remained not only unimpeached, but defended!</p>
+
+<p>During this session, the House was solicited to supply extra sums for
+the expenditure of the <i>secret service</i>, to which, however, many voices
+were raised in opposition. The prince and his former friends and
+companions were now apparently in a state of disunion, as each one
+appeared dissatisfied with the other.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Fox proved the most unremitting member of the House in the discharge
+of his duties, opposing the increase of the national debt, and the
+imposition of new taxes. The salary of the speaker of the House of
+Commons, however, was advanced to six thousand pounds, remonstrance
+proving of no avail.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, the prince and two of his <!-- Page 95 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95"></a>[<a href="./images/95.png">95</a>]</span>brothers became so
+embarrassed by their imprudent conduct, that they found it expedient to
+resort to some measure for the attainment of means to satisfy the
+clamorous demands of their creditors. Jews and money-brokers were tried,
+but to no effect; and their last resource seemed to be by obtaining the
+amount desired upon their respective or joint bonds. Every likely person
+was solicited to grant the loan; yet, after a long and mortifying
+attempt, all their endeavours proved fruitless. A large interest was
+offered, and had the parties been persons of indubitable integrity, many
+of their countrymen would have gladly lent their money upon such terms;
+but former inaccuracies paved the way for future misgivings. At length
+the sum was furnished, from foreign houses chiefly,&mdash;the amount of which
+was <span class="allcapsc">ONE MILLION</span>!!! The princes received nearly half a million
+immediately, and the other portion was to be paid according to the
+stipulation,&mdash;the interest being fixed at <i>six per cent.</i> This interest,
+however, was not paid upon its becoming due; consequently there was a
+suspicion of unfair dealing; but of this subject we must treat anon.</p>
+
+<p>A trifling dispute with Spain this year cost the country <span class="allcapsc">THREE HUNDRED
+THOUSAND POUNDS</span>!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The year</p>
+
+<h3>1791</h3>
+
+<p>was a period of continual debate and of harassing vexation, both at home
+and abroad. In the mean <!-- Page 96 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96"></a>[<a href="./images/96.png">96</a>]</span>while, the prince was engrossed in his pursuits
+of pleasure, ever searching after variety in every possible shape. Such
+also were the pursuits of his royal brothers.</p>
+
+<p>It now becomes our painful duty to speak of the <span class="allcapsc">FEMALES</span> of this
+"<span class="allcapsc"><i>ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY</i></span>."</p>
+
+<p>It is one of the unnatural distinctions of royalty, and which is often
+fatal to the happiness of society, that <i>their ways are not the ways of
+the other sons and daughters of humanity</i>. Though royal blood is not of
+itself considered a barrier against marriage, the very few persons that
+are eligible to marry a king's daughter, besides the unsurmountable
+difficulties which religion opposes to such unions, makes them almost
+amount to absolute exclusion.</p>
+
+<p>It would argue a callous heart not to feel the force of the above
+reflection, while speaking of the royal daughters of Queen Charlotte.
+They were at this period in the bloom of youth, in all the glowing
+exuberance of health, but from the real enjoyment of which the miserable
+etiquette of regal splendour, and the feigned prudery of their mother,
+debarred them. In the full meridian of their state, possessing every
+exterior advantage calculated to excite vulgar envy and admiration,
+these royal ladies were less blessed, in reality, than the daughters of
+peasants, who were free to marry the men of their choice. When this
+secluded state of royalty is considered, the reflecting mind will feel
+disposed to exercise charity and forbearance; but the subjects of our
+present notice partook of <i>rather more</i> of <!-- Page 97 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97"></a>[<a href="./images/97.png">97</a>]</span>female frailty than ought to
+have been allowed. We have heard, indeed, of the most desperate excesses
+committed by <i>royal</i> ladies, and are ourselves acquainted with an
+<i>accoucheur</i>, who officiated under a circumstance of a lamentable
+kind,&mdash;<span class="smcap">independent of the birth of Captain Garth</span>! Alas! were the crimes
+of the court of Charlotte but painted in their true colours, how would
+Virtue blush!&mdash;how would Honesty be abashed!&mdash;how would Credulity be
+staggered! The slightest deviation from honor in a tradesman's daughter
+is generally punished by eternal disgrace! For the present, we must
+leave these very painful reflections; though we fear <i>truth</i> will compel
+us to renew the subject.</p>
+
+<p>The revenue was, as usual, unequal to meet the extravagancies of the
+royal family, and so was added every succeeding year an increase to the
+already immense "<span class="allcapsc">NATIONAL DEBT</span>."</p>
+
+<p>The queen became now much disturbed by the dissatisfaction so generally
+expressed by all classes of society, and she therefore resolved to give
+the minister her opinion upon the subject. Mr. Pitt accordingly
+presented himself, and was received with courteous attention. The queen
+expressed her fears of an ill <i>ultimatum</i>, unless some plan could be
+proposed to satisfy the desires of the people. After various
+propositions were made and rejected, it was deemed prudent to resist any
+and every motion which might be made in the Commons for reform in the
+state of the representation, and to rule over the people by <i>force</i>, if
+found needful.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section"><!-- Page 98 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98"></a>[<a href="./images/98.png">98</a>]</span>The House met early in the year</p>
+
+<h3>1792,</h3>
+
+<p>and the king announced the marriage of his second son, Frederick, with a
+daughter of the King of Prussia. In March, Mr. Pitt proposed to settle
+thirty thousand pounds per annum upon their royal highnesses! The
+Opposition remonstrated, but the motion was finally carried.</p>
+
+<p>Much interest was excited upon the subject of the slave trade; and Mr.
+Wilberforce urged the abolition of it in very warm and generous
+language. Mr. Pitt was eloquent on this occasion, and pleaded, most
+animatedly, in favour of its entire abolition; but the minister <i>was not
+sincere</i>. A series of resolutions were ultimately agreed upon, and sent
+up to the Lords for their concurrence.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke of Clarence now commenced his parliamentary career, by
+violently declaiming against the abolition of slavery and its advocates.
+This caused it to be delayed, and the guilt of Britain increased.</p>
+
+<p>The queen <i>appeared</i> vexed at this circumstance, as she had imagined
+such a concession would have given great satisfaction, without
+decreasing her influence at home.</p>
+
+<p>In a private conversation with an illustrious person, some days after
+this defeat, Mr. Wilberforce said, "He did not believe the queen or the
+minister were <i>truly desirous</i> of the abolition of slavery; for, <!-- Page 99 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99"></a>[<a href="./images/99.png">99</a>]</span>if it
+had been intended by them to be carried, they would have secured it in
+the Upper House."</p>
+
+<p>After thus trifling with the wishes of the people, it appeared probable
+that dissatisfaction might arise amongst the middle classes of society;
+to provide against which, the establishment of a new police for
+Westminster was proposed and carried.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The year</p>
+
+<h3>1793</h3>
+
+<p>commenced with the usual aspects, and power appeared to have had a
+hardening influence upon the minds of statesmen. The crisis seemed near,
+that some salutary and healing measure of reform in the state of the
+representation must be adopted; for it was imprudent any longer to be
+silent on the subject. Mr. Grey, therefore, moved the question in the
+House, on the 30th of April, and was supported ably by Mr. Erskine and
+others; but the minister (Mr. Pitt) repelled the motion, and spoke as
+warmly for its withdrawal as he had formerly spoken in its defence, and
+of its necessity. The result was prejudicial to the rights and
+privileges of free-born men; the motion was dismissed, and a royal
+proclamation issued against all seditious writings and
+correspondences,&mdash;plainly proving that the crown needed the aid of
+<i>spies and informers</i>, in order to continue its baneful and injurious
+influence over a deluded and degraded people! Thus was an attempt to
+obtain justice defeated by a combination of overbearing tyranny and
+oppression; and thus <!-- Page 100 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100"></a>[<a href="./images/100.png">100</a>]</span>was the "state automaton" moved at pleasure by the
+secret springs of court intrigue and infamy, regulated by the queen! One
+extreme generally leads to another, and so by degrees the freedom of the
+constitution was changed to tyrannical fetters, under the assumed title
+of "<i>improvements in our code of laws</i>," whilst distress continued, and
+expostulation, as usual, proved fruitless.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Pitt, at this time, through a private channel, communicated his
+desire to see Mr. Canning, who of course promptly attended. The premier
+complimented Mr. Canning on his reputation as a scholar and a speaker,
+and stated, that, if he concurred in the policy which government was
+then pursuing, arrangements would be made to bring him into parliament.
+These few words will briefly explain to future generations the manner of
+introducing members to parliament by this minister.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to this <i>honourable</i> offer, Mr. Canning belonged to what was
+then termed "the opposition faction," and among those who were the <i>most
+violent</i> in their opinions, <i>he</i> had been considered and spoken of as
+their <i>protégé</i>. But a seat in parliament from the hands of a prime
+minister, who, however haughty and reserved in his general manners, had
+perhaps, for that very reason, a peculiar power in fixing himself in the
+minds of those whom he wished to please, was a tempting offer to a young
+man, conscious of superior talent, but rendered by his situation in life
+agreeably alive to such flattering and powerful notice. Our readers will
+hardly feel surprised, then, at his <!-- Page 101 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101"></a>[<a href="./images/101.png">101</a>]</span>after vacillating conduct, which we
+shall have occasion frequently to notice.</p>
+
+<p>The Prince of Wales now veered in his political expressions, and
+deserted his former acknowledged principles, in obedience to the wishes
+of the <i>queen</i>. The other male branches of the royal family were
+revelling in the vortex of voluptuousness; and so expensive were their
+amours and gallantries, in addition to their gambling transactions, that
+they were continually involved in debt, and, for momentary relief,
+borrowed sums of every person willing to run the risk of a loan, or
+afraid to incur the royal displeasure.</p>
+
+<p>The king was ignorant of the most dishonorable transactions in which his
+sons were so deeply involved; what he did know was sufficient to make
+him miserable. Their supplies and income were to an enormous extent; yet
+his majesty was aware that the Duke of York's horses and carriage were
+seized, while going down Piccadilly, and his royal highness obliged to
+walk home!</p>
+
+<p>Declaration of hostilities was announced between Great Britain and
+France, and the year's supply amounted to TWENTY MILLIONS. To provide
+this enormous sum, extra taxes were again levied upon the people.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">We enter upon the year</p>
+
+<h3>1794,</h3>
+
+<p>with sorrow and indignation, as it was the commencement <!-- Page 102 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102"></a>[<a href="./images/102.png">102</a>]</span>of an
+all-important era in national affairs. The king beheld the critical
+state of the empire with much sorrow and disquietude. The extravagant
+and imprudent conduct of his sons also acted as a canker upon his heart.
+In vain did he endeavour to represent to them, that to be worthy of
+holding their rank in such a great nation, they ought to lay aside the
+follies which had so long been practised by them; and as earnestly, yet
+as vainly, did he press them to retire from the society of voluptuous
+acquaintances, with whom he too well knew they were so deeply involved,
+in various ways.</p>
+
+<p>At this period of our history, we are grieved to record the tyrannical
+acts of government, in apprehending a number of persons on the charge of
+<i>treason</i>. Some of our readers will, doubtless, recollect the glorious
+acquittal of Hardy, Tooke, and Thelwall; but there were others, less
+fortunate. We would rather have been Claudius or Caligula, Nero,
+Tiberius, or the <i>Christian</i>, blood-stained Constantine, than the man
+who, in cold blood, could deliberately sign a warrant against those
+patriotic martyrs, <span class="smcap">Muir</span>, <span class="smcap">Skirving</span>, <span class="smcap">Margarot</span>, <span class="smcap">Palmer</span>, and <span class="smcap">Gerald</span>, whose
+only <i>crime</i> consisted in having <i><span class="smcap">supported Mr. Pitt's own original
+system of reform</span></i>!</p>
+
+<p>Our readers, at this distance of time, will reflect with amazement and
+indignation, that on the 8th of February, 1794, the four first-named
+citizens, without a moment's previous notice, were surprised in their
+beds by the Newgate ruffians, chained and handcuffed like the vilest
+felons, and thus conveyed to <!-- Page 103 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103"></a>[<a href="./images/103.png">103</a>]</span>Woolwich, where they were sent on board a
+transport ready to receive them. A few hours afterwards, the vessel
+dropped down the river; but, during the short interval it remained at
+Woolwich, all communication was cut off between them and their friends!
+Even the wife of Margarot was denied admission to him! Such were the
+positive orders of that illiberal and corrupt minister,&mdash;Mr. Henry
+Dundas.</p>
+
+<p>Let us hope that the day is for ever past when men can be thus treated
+for merely giving vent to their complaints and sufferings. It is the
+prerogative of affliction to complain, more sacred and natural than any
+titles or immunities which <i>privileged</i> persons enjoy! And whenever
+<i>force</i> is employed against <i>argument and reason</i>, though the contest
+may be unequal, depend upon it that the cause of <span class="allcapsc"><i>TRUTH</i></span> will
+<span class="allcapsc"><i>ULTIMATELY PREVAIL</i></span>!</p>
+
+<p>At this period, the Prince of Wales was involved in more than <span class="allcapsc">SIX
+HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS</span>, beside bonds and bills, signed by him, to a
+very enormous amount; and, finding himself unable to procure any further
+sums, he applied to the queen for assistance in this extremity. Her
+majesty referred him to his father, and pressed him to yield to any
+advice which the king might suggest, or any plan he might recommend.</p>
+
+<p>A time was appointed for an interview, and the father and son entered
+upon these very distressing and dishonorable transactions. After much
+deliberation, the king observed, "that it was utterly impossible to ask
+parliament for any relief, as it was <!-- Page 104 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104"></a>[<a href="./images/104.png">104</a>]</span>all the minister could now do to
+keep the wheels of state in motion; and, even to do that, it required
+<i>immense loans</i> to be raised, to make up the deficiency of the year's
+current expenses." As a last resource, the king proposed that the prince
+should MARRY, and that a lady of royal birth be selected, as agreeable
+to the inclinations of the prince as possible. Upon such an event, the
+minister would, no doubt, furnish means for his liberation, and a
+sufficient income for the additional expenses attendant upon such an
+alliance. The prince received the opinion of his father with varied
+sensations, and requested time to think upon the proposition, when he
+would announce the result of his cogitations.</p>
+
+<p>Alas! how much are kings to be pitied! If their principles and
+intentions be virtuous, what difficulties have they to surmount, what
+sorrows to endure! This was a trying period for George the Third: on the
+one hand, he saw the impropriety and cruelty of marriage merely for
+state policy, and more particularly so in the present instance, as he
+considered the prince's marriage with Mrs. Fitzherbert solemn and
+binding in the sight of heaven, though certainly in direct opposition to
+the <i>law</i> of the country, which was <i>in operation at the time it was
+solemnized</i>. On the other hand, it appeared that a royal marriage was an
+event that would give great satisfaction to the people, and might,
+perhaps, reclaim the prince from those considerable errors and obnoxious
+pursuits in which he was so deeply entangled; for he associated with
+some of the most unprincipled characters, of <!-- Page 105 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105"></a>[<a href="./images/105.png">105</a>]</span>whom any person of
+morality or <i>common decency</i> would certainly have been ashamed.</p>
+
+<p>Here again the gewgaw of royal parade was intended to entrap the
+admiration of the ignorant. The vain pomp and pageantries of courts and
+the splendour of fortune have ever been an <i>ignis fatuus</i> to seduce the
+people to their ruin. They have, alas! too often served as an useful
+shelter to every excess of folly, every enormity of crime; while the
+deepest distresses and the most urgent wants have not been allowed as an
+extenuation for the slightest transgression, though committed to satisfy
+the craving exigencies of famished nature! Had a <i>private</i> individual
+acted as this prince was about to do, would he not have become an
+outcast from his family, and would not the whole world have abandoned
+him? Yet, although the prince's example was ten thousand times more
+contagious, all the breaches of faith of which he had been guilty
+scarcely received the slightest animadversion! But so it was; common
+interest united even those who were disunited by particular
+discordances, and the <i>seeming</i> harmony of the royal family may
+undoubtedly be inferred to have arisen from their equal interest in the
+success of the piece. Their private differences were apparently lost in
+the immensity of the <span class="allcapsc">SECRETS</span> by which the state chain was rivetted, as
+if it were by adamant.</p>
+
+<p>We must not suppose his majesty was all this time ignorant of the
+situation of his nephew, the only child of his brother Edward; so far
+from that being the case, he had caused him to be brought up <!-- Page 106 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106"></a>[<a href="./images/106.png">106</a>]</span>privately,
+and was regular in the discharge of the yearly expenses incurred on his
+account at Eton. The queen presumed that her children were safely
+seated, so long as the king's <i>first</i> marriage should be concealed, and
+therefore did not bestow many thoughts upon the happiness or misery,
+fortune or misfortune, life or death, of this <span class="allcapsc">MUCH-INJURED</span> YOUTH! Does
+not nature revolt at this barbarity, this secret unfeeling conduct of
+the queen? What mother could know a similar case, and not afford all the
+generous tenderness of sympathy to mitigate the losses this <i>orphan</i> had
+sustained, not only of fortune, but of the fostering care of both his
+parents?</p>
+
+<p>The complicated wickedness of the court seemed now nearly approaching
+its climax. Deception had been added to deception, until, to complete
+the delusion, another victim must necessarily be added, in the person of
+the Princess Caroline of Brunswick!</p>
+
+<p>After conferences with Mrs. Fitzherbert, the queen, and a few others,
+closely interested in the affair, had taken place, the prince acquainted
+his father with his submission to the royal will, and requested to know
+whom his majesty would recommend for his bride. The king suggested his
+niece, the daughter of his sister, the Duchess of Brunswick, for whose
+acceptance he urged the prince to send his miniature, and other
+formalities, usual on such occasions. <i>The prince, with apparent
+vivacity, acquiesced</i>; but his majesty thought that his son's language
+wanted sincerity.</p>
+
+<p>The evening was spent in revelry and debauchery <!-- Page 107 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107"></a>[<a href="./images/107.png">107</a>]</span>by the prince and his
+companions, and his royal highness swore "I will marry the Princess of
+Brunswick, which," said he, "will be no marriage at all, and desert her,
+of which I will give her timely notice." The miniature was painted
+<i>flatteringly</i>, and the following letter from the prince accompanied it
+to his intended wife:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p class="center"><i>Copy of a letter written to the Princess Caroline of Brunswick, by<br />
+George Prince of Wales.</i></p>
+
+<p class="date">"1794.</p>
+
+<p class="greetingsc">"Madam,</p>
+
+<p>"The king my father, whom I highly respect and esteem, has just
+announced to me that your hand is destined for me. I am obliged, by the
+imperious force of circumstances to own, that this intelligence has
+thrown me into despair, and my candour does not allow me to conceal my
+sentiments from you. I hope that when you are acquainted with them, you
+will aid me in breaking the ties which would unite us only to render us
+unhappy; and which will be in your power to oppose, since <i>I</i> am unable
+to do so. You, Madam, are adored by your parents; I am aware that they
+have allowed you the liberty of refusing all the princes who have been
+proposed to you in marriage; refuse <i>me</i> also, I conjure you in the name
+of pity, to which I know you are no stranger. You do not <i>know</i> me,
+Madam; you therefore can have no cause to lament my loss. Learn, then,
+the <i>secret</i> and <i>unhappy</i> situation of the prince whom they wish you
+<!-- Page 108 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108"></a>[<a href="./images/108.png">108</a>]</span>to espouse. I cannot love you; I cannot make you happy; my heart has
+long ceased to be free. She who possesses it is the only woman to whom I
+could unite myself agreeably to my inclinations. <i>You</i> would find in me
+a husband who places all his affections upon another. If this <i>secret</i>,
+which I name to you in <i>confidence</i>, does not cause you to reject me; if
+ambition, or any other motive of which I am ignorant, cause you to
+condescend to the arrangements of my family, learn that, as soon as you
+shall have given an heir to the <i>throne, I will abandon you</i>, never to
+meet you more in public. I will then attach myself to that lady whom I
+love, and whom I will not leave. Such is, Madam, my last and irrevocable
+resolution; if you are the victim of it, you will be a <i>willing victim</i>,
+and you cannot accuse me of having deceived you.</p>
+
+<p class="signature1">"I am, Madam,</p>
+<p class="signature2">"With great truth,</p>
+<p class="signature3">"Your's sincerely,</p>
+<p class="authorsc">"George P."</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p class="section">After reading this very curious epistle, the reader may presume that the
+princess was <i>indiscreet</i> in her acceptance of the hand of a prince who
+so <i>boldly</i> professed himself averse to the union; but the following
+letters of George the Third to herself and her mother, (the king's
+sister) which accompanied the one of the prince, will afford some
+explanation of her conduct:</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p class="center"><!-- Page 109 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109"></a>[<a href="./images/109.png">109</a>]</span><i>Copy of a Letter to Caroline, Princess of Brunswick,<br />
+from her uncle, George the Third.</i></p>
+
+<p class="date">1794.</p>
+
+<p class="greeting">"My dearest Niece Caroline,</p>
+
+<p>"It has afforded me very much pleasure to hear, by the means of my son
+Frederick of York, that you merit my very best regard. I have no doubt
+you have frequently heard of my very great and affectionate regard for
+your dear mother, my sister; and I assure you I love her daughter for
+her sake. I am well persuaded that my dear niece will not refuse the
+pressing request of myself and her mother with respect to an alliance
+with my son George, Prince of Wales, which I earnestly desire may be
+arranged to take place as speedily as possible. I promise, most solemnly
+promise, that I will be your friend and father upon every occasion, and
+I entreat you to comply with this ardent desire of my heart, that my
+agitated mind may once more be composed.</p>
+
+<p>"I have explained to my sister the probable difficulties which my son
+George may mention; but they must not have any weight in your mind and
+conclusions. I beg you not to refuse this pressing petition of your most</p>
+
+<p class="signature1">"Sincere and affectionate</p>
+<p class="signature2">"Uncle,</p>
+<p class="authorsc">"George R."</p>
+
+<p>"P. S. Do not delay a reply an hour longer than can be avoided."</p>
+
+<p class="greeting">"<i>To Caroline, Princess of Brunswick,"</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;"><i>&amp;c. &amp;c. &amp;c.</i></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="letterctr"><!-- Page 110 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110"></a>[<a href="./images/110.png">110</a>]</span><i>Copy of a Letter to the Duchess of Brunswick, from<br />
+her Brother, George the Third.</i></p>
+
+<p class="greetingsc">"My Dear Sister,</p>
+
+<p>"I have endeavoured to excite and promote in the mind of my son George a
+desire to espouse my dear niece Caroline. <i>This</i>, I am aware, he will
+only consent to as a prudent step, by which his debts may be paid. I
+will trust to your influence with Caroline that she may not be offended
+with any thing he pleases to say. He may please to plead that he is
+already married!&mdash;and I fear he will resort to any measures rather than
+an honorable marriage. But as, in my former letters, I have explained my
+wishes upon this subject, I therefore need not now repeat them. Tell my
+dear niece she must never expect to find a mother or friend in the
+queen; but <i>I will be her friend to my latest breath</i>. Give me your
+support, my sister, and prevail upon my niece Caroline at all hazards.</p>
+
+<p class="signature3">"Your's affectionately,</p>
+<p class="authorsc">"George R."</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p class="section">A courier was despatched with these preliminaries of a royal marriage,
+and the prince again sank into the depths of vice. The queen saw her
+path was rather difficult, and feared for the consequences; but she
+resolved to exert every thought to devise the surest plan for future
+safety. Her majesty did not assist the prince to any extent, because her
+purse was of the greatest utility to her personal safety, and <!-- Page 111 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111"></a>[<a href="./images/111.png">111</a>]</span>therefore
+<i>promises</i> were chiefly given to the clamorous and ruined creditors,
+that, as soon as the prince was <span class="allcapsc">MARRIED</span>, all debts would be discharged!
+The reasons which prompted the parsimony of the queen were obvious to
+those who knew her plans, though not to the public. She was aware of the
+slight tenure she held, and the illegality of her marriage; the
+unaccounted-for death of the king's eldest brother; the uncertainty of
+the fate of his issue; fears for his future public appeals, and her
+knowledge of the validity of his claims! Beside all this, the relatives
+of the legally-married wife of the Duke (Edward) were of more
+illustrious descent than even the queen herself; and from them she stood
+in doubt, lest the untimely death of this lady and her husband, the
+unfortunate Duke of York, as well as the privacy of their offspring,
+should be brought forward in a public manner, or in any way which might
+reflect dishonour upon the influence of the crown!</p>
+
+<p>How much has guilt to fear from exposure by <span class="allcapsc">TRUTH</span>! <i>Secrecy</i> was the
+ministerial watch-word then in vogue, and though fallacious and
+destructive, as experience has demonstrated the principle to be, yet the
+nation was cajoled by its influence, and even induced indirectly to
+sanction measures the most desperate and ruinous that imagination can
+depict!</p>
+
+<p>The hireling part of the press, notwithstanding, strove to eternize this
+awful and barbarous system, and thus assisted the minister to cherish
+the growth of Ignorance. Indeed, it is an undeniable fact, that the
+corruption of government pervaded every branch <!-- Page 112 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112"></a>[<a href="./images/112.png">112</a>]</span>of Mr. Pitt's
+administration; but surely this minister must have been sometimes afraid
+that the people would discover the frauds and impositions practised upon
+them, and demand satisfaction. Mr. Pitt, indeed, was an <i>apostate</i>, who,
+at the beginning of his career, stood forth as the <span class="allcapsc">CHAMPION OF THE
+PEOPLE'S RIGHTS</span>; but no sooner had he gained possession of power, than
+he at once threw off the mask, deserted his benefactors, who had trusted
+and exalted him, maintained, with all his might, the utmost stretch of
+the royal prerogative, owned himself the unblushing advocate of
+influence and corruption, and the decided enemy of the human race! When
+we reflect on the obduracy, perfidy, and ingratitude of "this pilot that
+<i>gathered</i> the storm," in whose breast neither shame nor pity seldom
+found a residence, but as if dead to every noble passion of the soul, he
+first exhausted the resources of the nation by his imposition of taxes,
+and then enslaved it by his politics; when we reflect, we say, on the
+conduct of this man, Sejanus and Rufinus, profligate and cruel as they
+were, appear angels of light, and we cannot help feeling disgusted with
+the age that tolerated such a minister! Secure in his parliamentary
+majorities and the favours of his queen, he imagined the people at large
+mere nonentities, and set them at defiance, while he must have laughed
+at their tameness and stupidity! Did he not warmly commend the sentences
+of proscription, imprisonment, and transportation, passed against his
+countrymen solely for attempting to procure a reform of <!-- Page 113 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113"></a>[<a href="./images/113.png">113</a>]</span>grievances, by
+the very same means which he had himself previously employed? Did he
+not, when every really-loyal subject in the realm was deploring the
+disgraces and defeats of the British arms, insult the people with
+affected serious congratulations on the successes that had been obtained
+by the allied powers, and the happy change that had taken place in their
+favour? Yes, reader, these acts may be taken as specimens of the policy
+of the "heaven-born minister, that weathered the storm," as a certain
+chancellor once imprudently designated Mr. Pitt.</p>
+
+<p>The courier, bearing the despatches to the Princess of Brunswick,
+arrived at the court of her father in October, where he delivered his
+packet, and was entertained with generous and courteous attention. The
+duke and duchess retired to peruse its contents, which they read with
+agitation; and Hope and Fear strove tumultuously to gain an ascendency.
+The king's letter was considered, in a certain degree, explanatory of
+the follies of the prince, though it did not name any vices; and as it
+also expressed a <i>confident opinion</i>, that, united to a person of
+amiability and worth, like the princess, all good would ensue, the
+parents of the princess were inclined to hope for a favourable result
+from the alliance. The good opinion of the king, their brother, was an
+extra inducement to the fond and indulgent parents of Caroline to plead
+in behalf of her acceptance of this offer; and all must admit their
+conduct to be natural and affectionate.</p>
+
+<p>The letter of the prince was soon after delivered <!-- Page 114 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114"></a>[<a href="./images/114.png">114</a>]</span>by the duke to his
+daughter, accompanied by the remark, "I hope my dear Caroline will one
+day be the happy queen of a free and happy nation. Retire, my child,
+and, after thinking seriously, decide prudently." The princess retired,
+and read the strange epistle written by the prince. She knew not, for
+some considerable time, what to think, or how to decide. At length,
+after a few hours of rest and enjoyment, the courier departed. He
+arrived safely at St. James', and delivered the following reply to the
+Prince of Wales:</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p class="center"><i>Copy of the Reply to George, Prince of Wales, from<br />
+Caroline, Princess of Brunswick.</i></p>
+
+<p class="greetingsc">"My Lord and Cousin,</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot express to your royal highness the feelings of surprise which
+your letter has afforded me, neither can I rely <i>entirely</i> upon what it
+contains; because the accompanying letter of the good king, your father,
+is so very opposite to its meaning. I thought that the ties of
+relationship which exist between us would have obliged your royal
+highness to treat with delicacy and honor the princess whom your king
+destines for you. For my own part, my lord, I know my duty, and I have
+not the power or the wish to break the laws which are wished to be
+imposed upon me. I, therefore, have decided upon obeying the wishes of
+those who have the right to dispose of my person. I submit, at the same
+time, to the consequences with which your highness threatens me. But, if
+you could <!-- Page 115 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115"></a>[<a href="./images/115.png">115</a>]</span>read <i>that heart</i> to which you impart such anguish, you would
+perhaps have feelings of remorse from this barbarous treatment, in which
+your royal highness appears to boast. I am now resolved to await from
+<i>time</i> and our <i>union</i> the just regard I will endeavour to merit; and I
+trust that your regret for what you have written will, in some measure,
+avenge the wrongs you have so wantonly committed. Believe me, my lord,
+that I shall not cease to offer my prayers for the happiness of your
+royal highness; <i>mine</i> will be perfect if I can contribute to your's.</p>
+
+<p class="signature2">"I am, for life, your most devoted Cousin,</p>
+<p class="authorsc">"Caroline Amelia of Brunswick."</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>We have given this and the preceding letters solely with a view of
+forwarding the cause of truth, and shall leave our readers to draw their
+own inferences as to the propriety or impropriety of the conduct of the
+parties concerned.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">Early in the ensuing year,</p>
+
+<h3>1795,</h3>
+
+<p>preparations were made, upon a moderate scale, to receive the Princess
+of Brunswick as the intended wife of the heir-apparent.</p>
+
+<p>The prince was still as <i>dissolute</i> as ever, and associated with the
+very dregs of society, of both sexes. Yet this same personage was about
+to be allied, according to the outward usages of the church, <!-- Page 116 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116"></a>[<a href="./images/116.png">116</a>]</span>to a
+princess of the most opposite principles and sentiments! Many times has
+he become the <i>father</i> of innocent victims, who were doomed to perish in
+a workhouse, or be consigned to a premature grave! How improbable then
+was it, that his heart would ever feel affection for the issue of an
+honourable connexion,&mdash;if it may be so called in <i>this</i> case,&mdash;more
+particularly when that was the last resource to extricate him from debt
+and disgrace! Well, indeed, might his companions say, "the princess may
+hear, in the joyful peal, (after her vows) the surer knell of her
+happiness." Too well the result proved the truth of their prophetic
+announcement!</p>
+
+<p>Previous to the arrival of Caroline, it was arranged by the queen that
+persons of distinction, upon whom her majesty could depend in this
+instance, should attend her highness, and a selection was made
+accordingly. The notorious Lady Jersey was one; of her character and
+intriguing disposition, we need not say more than announce the fact,
+that her favours had been at the command of the prince for a
+considerable time. Her disposition was artful and cruel; indeed, unless
+such qualities had been invested in her ladyship, the queen would not
+have given her orders in a manner so undisguised and bold. Cruelty and
+Vice are always inseparable companions.</p>
+
+<p>At length, the princess arrived on these (to her) inhospitable shores.
+On the 8th of April, the formality of a marriage ceremony took place, at
+the palace of St. James. The king was particularly attentive to the
+princess; but not so the queen, who <!-- Page 117 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117"></a>[<a href="./images/117.png">117</a>]</span>manifested an unbending
+haughtiness, and sometimes lost sight of etiquette so far, that sarcasm
+was too evidently visible. The princesses were in too much fear of their
+mother to bestow any particular attentions on the Princess of Wales,
+except one of them, who, however, dare not publicly avow her sentiments.</p>
+
+<p>On retiring for the night to Carlton House, the princess was attended
+only by those invidious characters who had deliberately planned her
+ruin. Several historians have recorded, that, by some inaccuracy or
+defect in demeanour, the prince received an unexpected impression
+unfavourable to her royal highness; but such <i>was not the case</i>. It is
+true, that the conduct of the prince was any thing but gentlemanly;
+though of this little notice was taken. Her royal highness resolved to
+forbear from any unpleasant complainings, as she was now separated from
+her much-beloved home and friends. She plainly saw the disadvantage of
+her change; and, in the disappointment of her heart, frequently deplored
+her cruel destiny. Many times has she been obliged to witness the
+various favourites of the prince receiving those attentions and enjoying
+those smiles which ought to have been her's only.</p>
+
+<p>In a conversation with the prince, shortly after their nuptials, (if
+such an appellation may be used) her royal highness said, "that, after
+the candour with which I have explained myself, I certainly feel
+entitled to the respectful attentions of your highness, and I cannot
+endure the insults I am continually receiving from your mistresses and
+coarse associates." <!-- Page 118 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118"></a>[<a href="./images/118.png">118</a>]</span>This gentle remonstrance was repeated by this
+"all-accomplished gentleman" when he next met his half-drunken
+companions, and their infamy was heightened by maliciously abusing this
+much-injured lady.</p>
+
+<p>The prince's yearly income was augmented at his marriage with his cousin
+to one hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds, besides having all his
+debts discharged.</p>
+
+<p>The princess now seldom saw her husband. His nights were spent in
+debauchery, and he was frequently carried to bed, totally unconscious of
+all around him. Gaming supplied his leisure hours, and scenes of
+immorality were the common routine of each succeeding day. Such were the
+deportment and character of the man, or <i>monster</i>, who was to be
+invested with power over millions of brave, generous, and industrious
+people! It was impossible for such an one to have retained in his
+confidence a single upright and conscientious person. The soul sickens
+at the retrospect; but we must pursue the revolting subject.</p>
+
+<p>The king was, at this time, the only friend in whom the Princess of
+Wales could repose any confidence, and to him she unburdened herself
+unreservedly. His majesty was much incensed at the indignation heaped
+upon the daughter of his sister, and, but for the apparent situation of
+his niece, he would have recommended severer measures than he then
+thought prudent.</p>
+
+<p>In opposition to all remonstrance and advice, the prince gradually sunk
+deeper into the vortex of <!-- Page 119 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119"></a>[<a href="./images/119.png">119</a>]</span>sensuality, and very frequently expressed
+himself in high hopes that the princess would soon "<span class="allcapsc">BE GOT RID OF</span>." He
+still remained ignorant of the confidence the princess had reposed in
+her uncle; and well was it for her he was ignorant of it, as his passion
+was extreme, and rage might have gained such a pre-eminence as to have
+induced him to add <i>another <span class="allcapsc">FOUL DEED</span> to his number</i>.</p>
+
+<p>This fatal year, more than twenty-nine millions were required, eighteen
+of which were raised by loans! Here may be observed how progressively
+the "national debt" was incurred, partly for the immoderate extravagance
+of those who ought to have acted as models for imitation at home, and
+partly by unjust and destructive wars abroad! until Englishmen became
+any thing and every thing but a free people. The discontents of the
+tax-payers were loud and deep; but the ministers heeded them not!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">On the 7th of January,</p>
+
+<h3>1796,</h3>
+
+<p>the Princess of Wales was safely delivered of a daughter, whose birth,
+in some measure, assuaged the miseries of her forlorn condition. The
+Duke of Clarence might have very frequently repeated his expressions,
+delivered in the House of Lords in the preceding June, when he said,
+"Unless suitable provisions were made for the prince, the Princess of
+Wales, <span class="allcapsc">A LOVELY AND AMIABLE WOMAN</span>, must feel <!-- Page 120 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120"></a>[<a href="./images/120.png">120</a>]</span>herself torn from her
+family, (although her mother was the king's sister) removed from all her
+early connexions," &amp;c. Ah! William Henry, were you prepared to prove
+this to be a speech in favour of your cousin and sister-in-law? Was it
+not <i>only</i> for the aggrandizement of your spendthrift brother?</p>
+
+<p>To oblige her majesty, the young princess was named <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span>. But what
+a different character did the younger Charlotte prove from the elder!
+Oh! that so sweet a disposition and so noble a mind should have been
+crushed in the bud, and that, too, by one nearly allied to her by the
+ties of nature!</p>
+
+<p>Those more immediately about the person of the Princess of Wales were
+best capable to form an opinion of her maternal tenderness, and of the
+prince's negligence. The proofs of affectionate solicitude on the part
+of the mother, contrasted with the indifference of the father, deserve
+public explanation. The first time the prince saw his child, his
+countenance was not in the least illuminated by any ray of pleasure, as
+he contented himself by merely observing, "It is a fine girl." The
+princess afterwards acknowledged her disappointment, as she had hoped
+his heart was not entirely debased, or his sense of virtue altogether
+lost; but this fond, this very natural, hope was doomed to
+disappointment, and while this desolate lady was nursing her
+tenderly-beloved child, the prince was walking and riding out, openly
+and shamelessly, with Mrs. Fitzherbert and Lady Jersey! Would not the
+poor cottager have felt abashed to hear of his fellow-labourer's
+similar <!-- Page 121 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121"></a>[<a href="./images/121.png">121</a>]</span>conduct, even in the most humble station of life, who must, of
+necessity, be devoid of ten thousand advantages this personage had
+derived from birth and education? Yes, doubtless; and he who could so
+act deserved no other appellation than that of a <span class="allcapsc">VOLUPTUOUS BRUTE</span>.</p>
+
+<p>It was much to be regretted at this time, that all the very heavy
+taxation and increase of debt were said to be in consequence of the
+"king's great predilection for the lavish expenditures of the royal
+family, and his anxious determination to continue the disastrous war."
+Such were not his majesty's desires, but exactly the reverse; though,
+unfortunately, his opinions were always overruled by the queen.</p>
+
+<p>A formal separation took place this year between the Prince and Princess
+of Wales, and certainly her royal highness deserved much more general
+sympathy than she then experienced. The nobility appeared uncertain
+which side to espouse, and therefore, for want of <i>principle</i> to do that
+which their consciences said was right, they fell imperceptibly into
+error; besides which, it was indispensably necessary, that those who
+wished to stand well with the queen and prince must withdraw from all
+intimacy with the Princess of Wales!</p>
+
+<p>The immense amount for the supply this year was above <span class="allcapsc">THIRTY-EIGHT
+MILLIONS</span>!&mdash;about twenty of which were raised by loans!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">In</p>
+
+<h3>1797,</h3>
+
+<p>the heavy burdens imposed on the people to supply <!-- Page 122 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122"></a>[<a href="./images/122.png">122</a>]</span>the insatiate thirst
+for war, and keep a gorgeous appearance at court, reduced the middle
+classes of people to want and distraction. While the prince and his
+fawning courtiers were revelling in every obscenity, and glutting
+themselves with the prospect which still continued, that to-morrow would
+be more abundant, thousands,&mdash;nay, millions,&mdash;in England and Ireland
+were perishing for want of bread! During this unexampled period of
+sorrow, the conduct of the ministry proved them to be perfectly
+indifferent to the distresses of the people. Splendid entertainments, at
+an immense expense, were frequently given, and the lofty halls of
+palaces rang with the loud shouts of conviviality and profanity! Such
+recitals may, to some persons, appear incredible, or too highly
+coloured; but <i>we</i> well know they did occur, though we do not wish to
+shock the feelings of our readers by entering into the minutiæ of the
+infamous conduct practised by the Prince of Wales and his courtiers.
+Well might the prince, in his memorable letter to the princess in the
+preceding year, say, "Our inclinations are not suited to each other." He
+was correct; they were not suited; neither did the Princess Caroline
+ever desire they should be, because General Lee could testify that the
+prince had <i>more propensities than propriety suggested</i>!</p>
+
+<p>In this most pressing and trying case, when the mind of the Princess of
+Wales was wrought up to the greatest point of agony, she resolved upon
+an interview with the queen, when her royal highness told her, that
+Carlton House could no longer be <!-- Page 123 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123"></a>[<a href="./images/123.png">123</a>]</span>inhabited by her, as the infamous
+scenes she was too often obliged to witness were of a description so
+notoriously abominable, that common decency was grossly outraged! Her
+majesty supported the right of the prince to choose his own associates,
+and at the same time stated, as her opinion, that it was very
+disagreeable to the prince to have her in town at all, and it was proper
+the princess should remove to some distance agreeable to herself, where
+the prince might not be under the necessity of meeting her, when he had
+occasion to spend any time at the palace.</p>
+
+<p>It will readily be presumed, the princess left the presence of the
+haughty queen with a heart full of disappointment and chagrin. Her royal
+highness found herself surrounded by persons on whose confidence she
+could not depend; because every one appeared in awe of the queen. She
+was also neglected and insulted by the prince, who ought to have been
+the first to protect her; but the smile of her infant still cheered her
+gloomy moments.</p>
+
+<p>This was the most disastrous period of the war: the Bank of England
+stopped payment; mutinies broke out in the army and navy, which were
+attended by much bloodshed; Ireland was on the verge of rebellion; and
+the sum required for the year's service amounted to the abominable and
+increased sum of <span class="allcapsc">FORTY-TWO MILLIONS OF MONEY</span>, of which thirty-four
+millions were raised by loans, and three millions by Exchequer Bills.
+The premier also proposed to extort seven millions from the people by a
+new impost, under the name of "the triple assessment!"</p>
+
+
+<p class="section"><!-- Page 124 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124"></a>[<a href="./images/124.png">124</a>]</span>The year</p>
+
+<h3>1798</h3>
+
+<p>presented a continuation of grievances amongst most classes in humble
+life. Revelry and uproarious riot, however, were ever to be found in the
+residences of the royal, yet unnatural, husband of the Princess of
+Wales; and each succeeding year seemed but to <i>improve</i> him in all sorts
+of infamous engagements. He had at his command some of the most
+desperate and inhuman characters by which society was ever debased. One
+in particular, M'Mahon, who would at any time seduce a female from her
+home, under some specious pretence, in order to take her as a prize to
+his master, whose favour thereby might be secured!</p>
+
+<p>The intrigues of the Duke of York were also of a most abandoned
+character; and the other brothers <i>merit</i> some notice in the "Annals of
+Infamy!" During Frederick's residence in Germany, he contracted habits
+and indulged in excesses abhorrent to human nature, and we should be
+spared much deep humiliation, as Englishmen, if we had not occasion to
+recur again to these sickening facts; but the recording angel of <span class="smcap">Truth</span>
+forbids our silence, and we must not, therefore, disobey her mandate.</p>
+
+
+<h3>1799</h3>
+
+<p>will be remembered, and reference made to it, as <!-- Page 125 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125"></a>[<a href="./images/125.png">125</a>]</span>long as humanity can
+reflect upon the desolations and calamities occasioned by war. The
+earth, in many quarters, was covered with "killed and wounded," while
+the money of the tax-payers paid the <i>legal assassins</i>!</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time, the minister at home was racking his brains how new
+taxes might be levied, to supply the means for the continuation of
+carnage. Property, liberty,&mdash;nay, even life itself, were deemed toys in
+the hands of Mr. Pitt, whose passions seemed to centre in rapine,
+enmity, and ambition. His heart was steeled against the cry of the widow
+and the plaintive sigh of the destitute orphan. The queen's account in
+the day of retribution must also be rather enormous, for the minister
+acted in concert with her in this complicated trickery. Mr. Pitt and the
+queen seemed to think their only part consisted in draining the
+resources of the people to their last ability, and in refusing all
+overtures of peace, whatever offers might be made.</p>
+
+<p>This year, France made proposals of peace with these kingdoms, which
+were <i>refused</i>, and war, desolating war, with all its attendant and
+consequent horrors, still reared its "gory banners" over the principal
+part of the world!</p>
+
+<p>We will leave the contemplation of this heart-rending subject, and turn
+to another, scarcely less revolting to humanity,&mdash;the conduct of the
+Prince of Wales,&mdash;whose court was generally filled with a host of
+harlots. His royal highness was anxious to get rid of the princess (his
+wife) entirely, and most <!-- Page 126 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126"></a>[<a href="./images/126.png">126</a>]</span>heartily did the queen concur in his wishes.
+The difficult part of the task was, the consideration and organization
+of those measures most likely to promote the desired end. The Princess
+of Wales' letters, addressed to her family in Brunswick, had many times
+been opened, and, not unfrequently, even <i>suppressed</i>! So that her
+persecutions were now commenced.</p>
+
+<p>The princess was too open and ingenuous in character to obtain the
+queen's approbation, and therefore, after the several repulses which she
+had received from her majesty, Caroline was justly incensed at her
+uncalled-for unprovoked haughtiness, and overbearing manners. The
+unsuspecting nature of the Princess of Wales, however, prevented her
+from being aware of the infamous snares laid for her destruction at this
+period. Her royal highness has many times been heard to say, "Had I been
+suspicious, pray what should I not have feared? The queen, from the
+first time I saw her, frowned upon me, and very little I said or did
+pleased her; so I never thought I was an object of any consequence to
+her majesty." These were the reasonings of native, unsophisticated
+feelings, and well would it have been for the queen if her heart had
+been equally open, and her language equally candid.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The year</p>
+
+<h3>1800</h3>
+
+<p>was a continuation of dissension and discord, both <!-- Page 127 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127"></a>[<a href="./images/127.png">127</a>]</span>at home and abroad.
+Twice in this year the king's life was attempted; once in Hyde Park, and
+again, on the same evening, at Drury-lane Theatre; the first being by a
+ball cartridge, and the latter by a pistol. In the court, the same
+lavish display as formerly was continued, and the royal means were not
+curtailed. It was <i>said</i>, that the king declined having more than one
+course served up, but this was merely <i>nominal</i>; indeed, if it were as
+stated, the country did not benefit much by the change, as the
+allowances to royalty were, in many instances, very much increased,
+instead of being decreased.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the scarcity of provisions this year, that the generality of
+the population existed upon a scanty portion of potatoes during the
+twenty-four hours. Bread was not within the power of the poor to obtain,
+as the quartern loaf, mixed with all sorts of deleterious ingredients,
+sold for twenty-one pence!</p>
+
+<p>This year was rendered of immortal memory by the union of Ireland with
+England, which was effected by a profuse distribution of <i>money</i> and
+<i>titles</i>. Oh! disgrace to the Irish nation, ye servile few, who could
+sell your country for selfish ends! To yield up "name and fame," and all
+that is dear to honesty, for the sake of an "empty sound!"</p>
+
+<p>The amounts required for this and the last year were nearly the same as
+for 1798.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">In the early part of the year</p>
+
+<h3>1801,</h3>
+
+<p>it was announced that the king had taken a severe cold, <!-- Page 128 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128"></a>[<a href="./images/128.png">128</a>]</span>while hunting,
+and, in consequence, was not able to visit the several concerts to which
+he had previously given the promise of his attendance and patronage; but
+his indisposition was <i>mental</i>, not bodily. His majesty was so
+exceedingly distressed at the base and unworthy conduct of his son to
+his niece, the Princess of Wales, that he said frequently, "It is more
+than a father can bear!" Many times would he order his horse to be
+brought, and, requesting his attendants not to follow him, pursue his
+way towards Blackheath, where the princess then resided, sympathizing
+with her sorrows, and, more especially, in the intended removal of her
+child; for even at this early period, when the Princess Charlotte was
+but four years of age, the queen would signify her commands that the
+child should pass some days with her, either in London or Windsor,
+whichever happened to be most convenient to her majesty.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the extreme scarcity of money and the high price of
+food, the queen and the younger branches of her family continued to give
+their splendid entertainments, as expense was the last consideration
+with the royal brood, when it was known the country supplied the means.
+Oh! John Bull, thy gullibility has, for above half a century, been
+<i>more</i> than proverbial!</p>
+
+<p>On the 29th of October, the king opened the house in person, and
+announced the conclusion of war. Parliament then adjourned till after
+the Christmas recess. England now exhibited the effects of an eight
+years' war; the national debt had been <span class="allcapsc">DOUBLED</span>, and internal distress
+had become general; <!-- Page 129 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129"></a>[<a href="./images/129.png">129</a>]</span>the poor were in a state bordering on starvation,
+and commerce had the prospect of every foreign port being shut against
+it; while the supplies required for the year amounted to nearly <span class="allcapsc">FORTY
+MILLIONS</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The year</p>
+
+<h3>1802</h3>
+
+<p>was ushered in under the greatest embarrassments. The vitals of the
+people were nearly destroyed by the enormous taxation they had endured
+for so many years, and it was doubtless owing to the intolerable load
+they had sustained, and still expected to have forced upon them, that
+independent sentiments were proclaimed. They had a right to condemn the
+usurping power of the queen, for producing all their troubles.</p>
+
+<p>The recess having terminated, the House met. The chancellor came forward
+to shew that the sovereign's pecuniary affairs were very much in arrear.
+After introducing his plan of finance, he was obliged to inform the
+House that certain taxes had been mortgaged by Mr. Pitt, (<i>who had now
+resigned</i>) for which the present minister must provide. To defray this
+expense, very heavy additional duties were imposed on beer, malt, hops,
+&amp;c. A considerable addition was also made to the assessed taxes, and
+upon imports and exports. At this period, the whole of the "funded
+debt," including the loans of the present year, amounted to <i>five
+hundred and forty <!-- Page 130 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130"></a>[<a href="./images/130.png">130</a>]</span>millions</i>, and the interest was annually <i>seventeen
+millions sterling</i>!</p>
+
+<p>On the 7th of May, Mr. Nichol moved that an address be presented to his
+majesty, thanking him for the removal of Mr. Pitt from his councils,
+when Lord Belgrave rose, and moved an amendment, expressive of the high
+approbation of that House respecting the character and conduct of the
+late minister and his colleagues! In the face of all opposition, Lord
+Belgrave's amendment was carried by more than <i>four to one</i>, as also a
+second motion, by Sir H. Mildmay, "that the <i>thanks</i> of the House be
+given to the Right Hon. Mr. Pitt." This was assurance in perfection!
+These discussions only seemed to increase Mr. Pitt's popularity, and on
+the occasion of his next birth-day, Earl Spencer, late first lord of the
+Admiralty, gave as a toast to the company, "the pilot that weathered the
+storm," instead of "the pilot who <i>gathered</i> the storm!"</p>
+
+<p>In the latter part of this year, much fear was excited, lest hostilities
+should again arise between France and England, on account of the
+ascendency of Buonaparte.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">At the commencement of the year</p>
+
+<h3>1803,</h3>
+
+<p>the unhappy king, by the desire of his overbearing wife, directed a
+message to the House, recommending "the embarrassed state of the Prince
+of Wales <!-- Page 131 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131"></a>[<a href="./images/131.png">131</a>]</span>to their attention," and, in consequence, sixty thousand
+pounds annually were further settled upon his royal highness, to
+continue for three years and a half. This sum, however, was not half
+sufficient to meet his lavish engagements; and therefore Mr. Calcraft
+had the hardihood to move, that "means be granted to enable the prince
+to resume his state and dignity!" But this inconsistent and insulting
+motion was "<i>too bad</i>," and, in defiance of even the boroughmongers, was
+negatived.</p>
+
+<p>The supplies voted for the public service this year amounted to above
+<span class="allcapsc">FIFTY-SIX MILLIONS</span>! We really wonder of what materials Englishmen were
+composed to allow such iniquitous grants.</p>
+
+<p>Ministers again declared war with France, and men and money were in no
+inconsiderable request. The French Consul possessed himself of Hanover,
+and threatened an invasion of England, which frightened ministers to put
+the country in a state of defence. But was not this a political <i>ruse</i>?</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Addington was not so popular as his predecessor in the capacity of
+minister; he had not so much hardihood as Mr. Pitt, and was not
+calculated to endure the load of obloquy which he received, as he
+considered himself free from the charge of having destroyed the
+prospects of his country by the immense debt then contracted; for that
+was the arrangement of Mr. Pitt. Mr. Addington was merely a <i>tool</i> in
+the hands of others.</p>
+
+<p>Those who knew the intricate and perplexed state of affairs within the
+court were only able to judge <!-- Page 132 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132"></a>[<a href="./images/132.png">132</a>]</span>how long Mr. Addington's ministry would
+continue, and also, <span class="allcapsc">WHY</span> it was brought into action. Alas! not merely or
+intentionally to satisfy the liberal politicians, or to change any part
+of the long misrule of the former minister. Widely opposite were the
+motives which proved the main-spring to the meditated result. The queen
+again intended to press the king for an increase of income, to a serious
+amount, for her favourite spendthrift, and she asked the minister how it
+might be best attained. The plan was therefore concerted, and as Pitt
+dared not so soon again ask for further advances, a new minister <i>might</i>
+be induced to do it, if shielded by the royal message.</p>
+
+<p>If such conduct were not juggling and acting with the most abominable
+treachery and hypocrisy, we must for ever give up our claim to the
+possession of one iota of common understanding. As we proceed, we will
+explain to the gentle or indignant reader, whichever he may be, in what
+way our enormous "national debt," as it is called, was contracted, when
+we have no doubt that he will be as incensed as ourselves, and will be
+ready to exclaim, "Was this the policy pursued by that paragon of her
+sex, Queen Charlotte?&mdash;she who was at all times revered for her <i>piety</i>,
+and admired for her inexpressible and <i>unspotted virtue</i>!" Yes, reader,
+the very same; the only difference is, you have formerly beheld her in
+<i>borrowed</i> plumes,&mdash;<i>we</i> present her in <i>her own</i>!</p>
+
+<p>Let us here recur to the consideration of the treatment, exercised
+against the Princess of Wales by her abominable husband and his
+vindictive <!-- Page 133 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133"></a>[<a href="./images/133.png">133</a>]</span>mother. We formerly alluded to some confidential
+communications made by her to his majesty. The suspicious and mean
+characters then placed about her person reported to the queen every
+interview which the king had with his daughter-in-law, and maliciously,
+represented the imprudence of such an intimacy. From this time, the
+Prince of Wales <i>professed</i> to believe his father was <i>improperly</i>
+interested in the cause of the princess, and spies were placed in
+various situations, to give notice of all visits the princess received
+and paid. Notwithstanding, the plotters' most ardent wishes were
+disappointed, and they could not fix upon any action, which they were
+able to prove, to affect her honour or virtue. In the mean time,
+Caroline's only child was removed from her, without the enjoyment of
+whose endearing society life was a mere blank.</p>
+
+<p>In proportion as the prince was applauded, and the queen supported him,
+so was the princess abused and insulted. With respect to pecuniary
+affairs, every honest and upright person saw the strange disproportion
+in the incomes of the several members of the family; for the princess,
+who had to keep an entirely distinct and separate establishment at her
+sole expense, was allowed no more than twenty-two thousand pounds per
+annum, while the other members, who were chiefly expensive to the king,
+had their salaries granted without reference to this subject. Yet it was
+expected that the etiquette of rank should be maintained, and with an
+equal ostentatious display as if means were proportionately provided to
+<!-- Page 134 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134"></a>[<a href="./images/134.png">134</a>]</span>defray such expenses. Although living upon the establishment of the
+king, the queen's real independent income was fifty-eight thousand
+pounds a year! Ought we not to ask why the princess was thus neglected
+and shamefully insulted?&mdash;left in debt, and in extreme perplexity of
+circumstances, for which the family must ever be considered mean and
+unjust? How was her royal highness to act in such a trying case? If she
+had retired to <i>private</i> life, her enemies would have pronounced her an
+improper person to retain the high station which she had formerly
+occupied. If appearances were to be maintained, and royal splendour
+continued, she must mix with <i>certain</i> society, and debt be the
+inevitable consequence. The princess felt there were points, beyond
+which a virtuous, insulted female could not shew forbearance; and she,
+therefore, resolved no longer to endure the galling yoke of oppression,
+without farther explanation.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">We now proceed to the year</p>
+
+<h3>1804,</h3>
+
+<p>which commenced amidst much political dissension at home, and
+preparations for increasing desolation abroad.</p>
+
+<p>His majesty's health now became very indifferent, and, in February, an
+official bulletin announced his malady. It was reported to be a very
+slight attack; though we are sorry to say it was, to the king,
+<!-- Page 135 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135"></a>[<a href="./images/135.png">135</a>]</span>productive of great pain and agitation of mind by the misrule of the
+queen, and the improprieties of his family! Little did the nation at
+large imagine that the family of the sovereign (to whose individual
+income they had so promptly and munificently contributed) were the
+causes of his acute anxieties! His sons were deeply embarrassed by <span class="allcapsc">PLAY</span>,
+their female connexions chiefly of the most abandoned character, and
+their engagements in the world, generally speaking, far beyond their
+powers to discharge. His daughters were also composed of the <span class="allcapsc">FRAILTIES</span>
+of human nature. Born and educated in a court, under the severe tuition
+of their mother, they believed themselves of superior worth. The
+pleasures and enjoyments of life were ever waiting for their
+acquiescence, and their exercise on horseback, attended by <i>certain</i>
+persons, occupying <i>certain</i> stations in life, afforded them a variety
+of opportunities for conversation, in which the <i>softest subjects</i> met
+the ear!</p>
+
+<p>At this period also, the king's already-distracted mind was farther
+embittered by what he considered the loss of virtue in one of his
+daughters; and the agony he endured, lest the circumstance should
+transpire to the public, would defy any language to depict.</p>
+
+<p>After calmness, in some measure, was restored to his majesty's wounded
+feelings, his health gradually improved, and, on the 29th of March, he
+was declared to be convalescent.</p>
+
+<p>On the resignation of Mr. Addington, Mr. Pitt again assumed the reins of
+government, and <!-- Page 136 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136"></a>[<a href="./images/136.png">136</a>]</span>appointed his <i>protégé</i>, Mr. Canning, treasurer of the
+navy. Why do not the many biographers of this political character
+explain the reason, if every thing were fair and straightforward, of his
+quitting office in 1801, because the Catholic question was forbidden to
+be mentioned, and returning to it in 1804, under an express stipulation
+that no member of the government should agitate it contrary to the royal
+inclination? Was the promise that had been given only binding for <i>three
+years</i>? Was Mr. Canning's secession from office a trick? Was his return
+to it a sacrifice,&mdash;a sacrifice of honour and principle,&mdash;to the
+miserable gratification of obtaining <i>power</i>? Alas! the public had
+little to thank Mr. Canning for; but they knew not, at that time, his
+love of place and pension.</p>
+
+<p>In October, it was said the king and prince were <i>reconciled</i>; but the
+substance of that reconciliation was not made known to the nation. The
+queen had resolved to oblige her favourite son, and promote his wishes,
+by finally relieving him from any farther engagements with the princess,
+his wife; though of the various abominable schemes then in action, the
+king was kept entirely ignorant.</p>
+
+<p>In this year, the health of Mr. Pitt began to fail; his ardour seemed
+cooled, and he experienced short intervals of extreme debility and pain.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">In the year</p>
+
+<h3>1805,</h3>
+
+<p>certain existing evils rendered it needful and <!-- Page 137 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137"></a>[<a href="./images/137.png">137</a>]</span>expedient, in the
+opinion of the ministry, that the English nation <i>should fear</i> an
+invasion from Buonaparte. We will say <span class="allcapsc">WHY</span> they deemed it necessary.
+Because the burdens of the poor were already immense, and it was
+requisite to give an <i>excuse</i> for stripping thousands of families of
+their scanty apparel, their few mean and simple articles of furniture,
+and their humble home, for the purpose of enabling the "hydra-headed
+monster" of corruption to pursue his unlimited course over this insulted
+nation! And what could be better to effect this object than alarming the
+country with the fear of an invasion? The diabolical scheme too fatally
+succeeded!</p>
+
+<p>In order to strengthen the power of the queen at this period, Mr. Pitt
+renewed his connexion with Mr. Addington, who was raised to the peerage
+by the title of <i>Viscount Sidmouth</i>, and succeeded the Duke of Portland
+as president of the council.</p>
+
+<p>The minister, Mr. Pitt, cool as he was on many iniquitous subjects,
+could not avoid feeling pangs of remorse at the continual impositions he
+was <i>compelled</i> by the queen to make (in various shapes) upon the
+people. His unbending pride, however, would not permit him to name his
+uneasiness to her majesty, as he well knew her inflexible temper and
+disposition would not permit her to receive <i>any opinion</i> in preference
+to her own. He soon resigned his earthly vexation upon this point, as he
+became so indisposed as not to be able to attend his political affairs,
+and was obliged to seek for repose in retirement from active life.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section"><!-- Page 138 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138"></a>[<a href="./images/138.png">138</a>]</span>At the commencement of the year</p>
+
+<h3>1806,</h3>
+
+<p>parliament was opened by commission; but the usual address was omitted,
+on account of the absence of the minister, who, as before stated, was
+then seriously indisposed.</p>
+
+<p>On the 23rd of January, Mr. Pitt expired, in the forty-seventh year of
+his age. He was said to have died insolvent. Be this as it may, forty
+thousand pounds were voted as a plea to discharge his debts, as well as
+means to defray the expenses of his funeral! Probably this was the best
+laid-out money of the ministry for some time past. If the occasion had
+occurred twenty years before, what an immense saving it had produced the
+country!</p>
+
+<p>The public life of Mr. Pitt will afford no room for praise to the
+faithful and just historian. When the errors and praises of his
+biographers shall have lost their force, future generations will behold
+his character in its native colours. He must then appear either in the
+light of an ungrateful hypocrite, or submit to the only alternative of
+being reckoned a man of contracted mind. Even in private life, he was
+not more amiable nor exemplary. The ministerial system which he had laid
+down pervaded the internal economy of all his actions. He appeared to
+imagine true dignity consisted in a coolness and reserve, (probably
+acquired from his queen) that banished every suitor from his presence;
+nor did he ever suffer <!-- Page 139 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139"></a>[<a href="./images/139.png">139</a>]</span>a case of distress, however just or pressing the
+claims might be, to divert him from the routine of office, or to extort
+the least relief or comfort from himself. Negligent and careless in his
+domestic concerns, he never permitted a single ray of generosity to
+burst forth to animate the general frost of his character. He retained
+his natural sullenness and reserve; even in the best moments of
+convivial mirth, he never displayed a flexibility of disposition, or an
+openness to conviction. Often as he was obliged to submit to the decrees
+of necessity, whereon he imagined his continuance in office depended,
+yet he never had the candour to acknowledge the weakness of any measure,
+originating in himself, that brought on that necessity. But what a
+departure was this from the principles of his illustrious ancestor, the
+Earl of Chatham, who would never crouch to the authority of any
+sovereign or cabinet, when militating against his own more enlightened
+judgment. He resisted bribery, and generally succeeded in his views, or,
+if baffled, resigned his office. The son of this nobleman, however,
+pursued far different maxims, and pertinaciously clung to the douceurs
+and infamy of office; for <i>infamous</i> it most certainly was, to practice
+measures his own sentiments condemned. Never did man accede to power on
+more just or noble principles, and never did man forsake those
+principles with less reserve. He forgot all obligations, and at a happy
+crisis, when he might have availed himself of the occasion of honorably
+fulfilling them, in advancing the liberty and happiness of the country,
+he <!-- Page 140 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140"></a>[<a href="./images/140.png">140</a>]</span>was eternally launching out into vapid and unmeaning encomiums on
+the boasted excellencies of the British constitution, instead of
+adhering to his solemn contract, of exerting all his influence and
+abilities to reform its blemishes. With all the failings of this
+minister, his caution and plausibility were admirably calculated to
+entrap the confidence of the landed and monied interest, and he turned
+it to the best account, labouring with all his zeal to inculcate a
+belief of the flourishing state of the national finances, enforcing
+every circumstance tending to confirm this belief, and concealing every
+truth that would serve to diminish or destroy it. Will not such a man,
+then, be regarded by posterity as a time-server and an apostate?</p>
+
+<p>After the death of Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fox joined the ministry; and, at the
+same time, Lord Sidmouth continued a member of the cabinet! But Mr. Fox
+did not retain his situation long. His health soon after declined, and
+he died on the 13th of September following.</p>
+
+<p>Of this great statesman, we may say, "take him for all in all, we ne'er
+shall look upon his like again." He was an unbending patriot; possessed
+of great political ability, and loved, as well as advocated, the cause
+of <span class="allcapsc">LIBERTY</span>. Light and shade, however, were mixed in Mr. Fox's picture.
+He permitted private friendship, in one instance, to over-balance his
+public duty. We refer to the language used by him in the House of
+Commons, in April, 1787, which must have been against his conscience. He
+there <i>denied</i> <!-- Page 141 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141"></a>[<a href="./images/141.png">141</a>]</span>the marriage between the Prince of Wales and Mrs.
+Fitzherbert, when, in fact, <i>he assisted at that very marriage</i>; but,
+because he had engaged secrecy to the prince, he thought proper to utter
+a direct falsehood rather than break his promise upon the subject!</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Pitt's death was an unpleasant consequence to the usurping queen,
+and perhaps impelled the ardour of her determination to get her
+favourite son's divorce from his injured wife settled as soon as
+possible. The scheme for this purpose, which seemed most practicable,
+was the obtaining some document as evidence <i>against the moral character
+of the princess</i>. By the queen's express desire, therefore, Lady Douglas
+had removed her abode, nearly six years previously, close to Blackheath,
+and was purposely employed to invent some dishonourable report against
+the princess.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess of Wales accidentally and innocently (on her part) became
+acquainted with this lady, and from that period no pains were spared, on
+the part of Lady Douglas and her husband, to increase that acquaintance,
+until their diabolical object should be attained. The most assiduous
+attentions and extravagant pains were used to entrap the generous mind
+of the princess; but as the object in view proved of a very difficult
+nature, so did the means for its accomplishment become equally numerous.
+This intimacy commenced in 1801, and terminated in 1804; and during that
+period did these base designing slanderers and ungrateful guests, by
+secret application, obtain an opportunity to vilify, outrage, and
+insult <!-- Page 142 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142"></a>[<a href="./images/142.png">142</a>]</span>the princess, in connexion with <i>nearly</i> every branch of the
+royal family, who were too closely united in one general interest not to
+assist each other.</p>
+
+<p>The only patriotic members, the Dukes of Kent and Sussex, appeared much
+wrought upon by the specious and abominable fabrication brought forward
+by these unprincipled, time-serving, and heartless enemies of Caroline.
+Although their statements and depositions were taken so fully, and
+examined so closely,&mdash;although the prince pursued the subject with such
+unfeeling barbarity,&mdash;yet the princess was acquitted, most honourably
+acquitted. Indeed, to any rational inquirer, the wickedness of the
+Douglas statement was, beyond doubt, most palpable. It was full of
+improbabilities, of contradictions, and absurdities, which well merited
+punishment. Had a similar insult or a flagrant transgression been
+offered to the royal family in the person of any <i>other than the
+Princess of Wales</i>, would not the whole royal phalanx, headed by the
+queen, have arisen in defence of their <i>illustrious</i> and <i>virtuous</i>
+house? Nay, would not the insulting falsehoods and infamous assertions
+have been proved treasonable? Yes, undoubtedly; but, because the injured
+Princess of Wales was the <span class="allcapsc">INTENDED VICTIM OF A CONSPIRACY</span>, although so
+gloriously acquitted, yet no prosecution of her traducers followed;
+neither did any branch of the royal family exemplify one pleasurable
+feeling upon the conclusion of this disgracefully-iniquitous business!
+Their chagrin was much more evident!</p>
+
+<p>As if in this year a deluge of sadness and sorrow, <!-- Page 143 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143"></a>[<a href="./images/143.png">143</a>]</span>in addition to all
+other trials and injuries, were to fall upon the persecuted Caroline,
+she had to suffer the heavy and irreparable loss of her father, William,
+Duke of Brunswick, at the memorable battle of Jena, October 14th, in the
+seventy-first year of his age.</p>
+
+<p>The character of the venerable Duke of Brunswick is beyond praise; "his
+<span class="allcapsc">NAME</span> shall be his <i>monument</i>!" If at any period the Princess of Wales
+needed the kind and soothing balm of friendship, it was at this trying
+juncture. Her friends were few in number, and their friendship was of an
+evanescent description. They sometimes professed their readiness to
+serve her, and eulogised her greatness of mind and talent; yet, when
+brought to the point by public opinion and inquiry, they very generally
+expressed their sentiments <i>equivocally</i>, or with some portion of
+hesitation calculated to injure, rather than benefit, the cause they
+professed to serve. Mr. Canning and Mr. Whitbread were two of these
+<i>particular</i> kind of friends, as our after history will abundantly
+testify.</p>
+
+<p>How wretched must have been the Princess Charlotte at this period, who
+was nearly deprived of all communication with her affectionate mother,
+and without one friend to whom she could freely speak of her sorrows and
+anxious wishes!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The year</p>
+
+<h3>1807</h3>
+
+<p>commenced with selfish men in office, who contrived <!-- Page 144 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144"></a>[<a href="./images/144.png">144</a>]</span>selfish measures
+for the continued purposes of corruption.</p>
+
+<p>The king now became very imbecile; and the queen and the Prince of Wales
+intimidated him from acting honourably towards the Princess of Wales, as
+he had so committed himself by his fatal act of BIGAMY. As his mind
+became proportionately depressed by the perplexities of his situation,
+so did his conduct become more influenced as they desired it; until, at
+length, he proved a mere automaton, to be moved at their pleasure!</p>
+
+<p>In any case of vital importance to character, delay is dangerous;
+because it causes suspicion, suspicion begets mistrust, and so on do
+these injurious sentiments proceed, until, ere the time of trial
+arrives, the injured party has suffered unjustly in a two-fold way. Thus
+it was in the case of the unfortunate Caroline. To oblige the queen, his
+majesty postponed seeing his daughter-in-law as long as it suited the
+views of the designers against her happiness.</p>
+
+<p>From the active part which Mr. Perceval had taken in defence of the
+princess, especially in his book, which made much noise in the world at
+this time, the queen thought it prudent to advise his being accommodated
+with office. She made her will known to the prince, who was very happy
+to concur in the suggestion, but only feared an obstacle in Mr.
+Perceval's <i>rigid virtue</i>. This, however, was not insurmountable, and
+Mr. Perceval was made "Chancellor of the Exchequer;" Mr. Canning,
+"Secretary <!-- Page 145 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145"></a>[<a href="./images/145.png">145</a>]</span>for Foreign Affairs;" and Lord Castlereagh, "Secretary for
+the Department of War and the Colonies." Thus were two of the former
+advocates of the Princess of Wales enlisted under the banners of her
+most deadly enemies! As to the <i>honor</i> they derived from their base
+desertion of the cause of innocence, we leave our readers to judge.</p>
+
+<p>The Prince of Wales, at this juncture, made no secret of his diabolical
+intentions; for we well know that he has frequently raised the goblet to
+his lips, and drank "<span class="allcapsc">TO THE SPEEDY DAMNATION OF THE PRINCESS</span>." It was
+very perceptible that the royal party were well aware of the injustice
+practised towards the princess; but, charity being a virtue of little
+worth in their ideas, they resolved to carry their plans into execution,
+no matter at what cost.</p>
+
+<p>The least the late <i>friends</i> of the princess could do was, to remain
+<i>silent</i>; but human beings can articulate sounds, and be oppositely
+communicative with their optical faculties. An individual, who accepts
+<i>place</i> amongst those whom he formerly professed to despise, renders
+himself an object of suspicion, if not of detestation.</p>
+
+<p>For the present, we abstain from further remarks upon these two late
+principal friends of the persecuted Princess of Wales.</p>
+
+<p>Upon hearing of the Duke of Brunswick's death, the king could do no less
+than solicit the duchess, his sister, to visit England. As the country
+around her was in a deplorable state, and feeling desirous to see her
+daughter, she determined to accept the <!-- Page 146 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146"></a>[<a href="./images/146.png">146</a>]</span>invitation, and arrived at the
+house of the Princess of Wales, at Blackheath, on the 7th of July, in
+one of her royal highness' carriages.</p>
+
+<p>The injured Caroline was so overpowered at this interview as to cause
+the duchess much serious disquiet; for she plainly saw that her daughter
+had great cause for sorrow, the particulars of which she was yet
+ignorant. The princess afterwards appeared soothed; and this short
+interview, cheered by a fond mother's presence, proved a solace to her
+lacerated heart.</p>
+
+<p>The king went from Windsor to see his sister, and the queen also from
+St. James' Palace; the Princess Charlotte, and several other members of
+the family, paid their respects to the duchess.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, though common or decent attention was refused the daughter, while
+mourning over her early misfortunes and recent losses, yet, when her
+mother arrived, some little regard must be paid to <i>etiquette</i>, although
+the daughter <i>was to receive the visiters</i>. But so it was. Poor Queen
+Charlotte, how hard it was for her to vouchsafe or condescend to let
+fall one smile upon Caroline!</p>
+
+<p>After the opportunity this visit afforded the Princess Charlotte, the
+mother and daughter were of necessity explicit, and they mourned over
+the seeming hard destiny each was doomed to experience.</p>
+
+<p>During the remainder of this year, the king became more and more
+incapacitated for business of any sort; he could not even distinguish
+any object by either its colour or size, and was led from one <!-- Page 147 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147"></a>[<a href="./images/147.png">147</a>]</span>place to
+another as if in the last stage of blindness. The long-continued
+distractions of his mind, and the anxiety yet remaining, caused his
+rational moments to be most gloomy. His favourite daughter was incurably
+diseased with a scrofulous disorder, from which she suffered dreadfully,
+and nature seemed fast declining. Throughout the whole of his family,
+the poor monarch had but little gratification, as every individual
+composing it was separately under her majesty's controul. To have
+contradicted <i>her</i> order or command would have been attended with no
+very pleasant consequences. Her <i>look</i> was sufficient to frighten every
+one into obedience!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">We now enter upon the year</p>
+
+<h3>1808,</h3>
+
+<p>in which the session of parliament was opened by commission, on the 21st
+of January, the king's indisposition preventing him from going in
+person.</p>
+
+<p>At this period, a very strong sensation was excited against the
+continuance of the pension list. The productive classes ascertained, in
+a very correct way, how the fruits of their industry were devoured. In
+consequence of which, they felt themselves imposed upon in the highest
+degree; but resolved to try rational entreaty and petition ere they
+resorted to acts of violence. The number of these dissatisfied classes,
+in every large town, was immensely great, and they only needed <i>system</i>
+to obtain, by their <span class="allcapsc">SIMPLE <!-- Page 148 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148"></a>[<a href="./images/148.png">148</a>]</span>PETITION</span>, what they so much desired; but the
+authorities knew the incapacitated state of the sufferers, in the
+absence of that <i>system</i>, and therefore very ungenerously refused their
+appeal.</p>
+
+<p>In March, the City of London (John Ansley, mayor) petitioned both Houses
+for parliamentary reform, and the abolition of sinecure places and
+pensions; but they received the expense attendant upon their exertions
+for their reward, and the mortification of the ministers' apathy for
+their satisfaction. Popular indignation, however, is not so easily
+allayed; for, though extreme appearances may for a time be concealed,
+they will eventually break forth with ten-fold force. The public
+reasoned upon a rational ground, and was fully aware that their strength
+was spent to support <i>enemies</i>. Their resolve to petition for freedom
+was the dictate of an unerring and fixed principle, ever inherent in the
+breast of man. The blandishments of folly, and the encouragement given
+to imposition, have rendered the industrious and honest citizen a prey
+to the lordlings of arbitrary power; and so long as he can assist to
+supply means whereby their cravings may be satisfied, so long do they
+seem to suppose he lives to a sufficient purpose. Under these
+circumstances, the oppressed classes were perfectly justified in making
+a stand against farther innovation; and also in resisting the
+intolerable injustice in force against them. Still the administration
+continued inexorable to the pressing prayers and miserable condition of
+the people. The political disease, however, was rapidly advancing to a
+crisis.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section"><!-- Page 149 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149"></a>[<a href="./images/149.png">149</a>]</span>Similar distress and dissatisfaction existed at the commencement of the
+year</p>
+
+<h3>1809:</h3>
+
+<p>provisions were dear, and labour scarce; yet an additional sum was
+required for the state, to uphold its <i>secret</i> machinations, and pervert
+the ends of justice.</p>
+
+<p>It will be remembered that, in this year, the celebrated Mrs. Mary Ann
+Clark, formerly a mistress of the Duke of York, appeared at the bar of
+the House of Commons, as evidence against him. Mr. Wardle, with an
+intrepidity worthy of the cause in which he was engaged, took upon
+himself the awful responsibility of preferring those serious charges
+against the duke, which it were unnecessary for us here to repeat. The
+public officers of the king volunteered their services to rescue his
+royal highness from public odium by denominating the proceeding as a
+<i>conspiracy</i>! In spite, however, of every artifice which a knowledge of
+the law enables bad men to practice to defeat the ends of justice, there
+were exposed to public view scenes of the grossest corruption, of the
+most abandoned profligacy, of the most degrading meanness, and of the
+most consummate hypocrisy. The contagion had reached every department of
+the state; nor was the church exempted from its baneful influence. It
+was fully proved that, not only subordinate situations, but even
+deaneries and bishoprics (which had been supposed to be the rewards of
+piety <!-- Page 150 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150"></a>[<a href="./images/150.png">150</a>]</span>and learning) were applied for to his royal highness, through the
+intervention of his mistress! A great majority of the boroughmongers, of
+course, acquitted the duke from these charges, and talked of voting an
+address of thanks to him for the manner in which he discharged his
+official duties. Fortunately, however, the mode of investigation adopted
+enabled every man in the kingdom to judge for himself. Englishmen, for
+once, spoke out, and the duke was compelled to resign. This step on the
+part of the <i>illustrious</i> debauchee prevented further exposure, and
+saved him from the severe and heavy weight of being <i>voted out of
+office</i>, and degraded! Behold, then, reader, what the principles of Pitt
+achieved! That minister always persuaded the male branches of the
+family, that the queen's protection (through the medium of the minister)
+would prove at all times a sufficient retreat and asylum, in case of
+complaint or <i>refractory sensation</i> of the people at their frequent
+derelictions from duty and honor.</p>
+
+<p>The fluctuations of the public funds was an opportune chance for
+speculation, and the queen's love of money induced her to turn her
+sources of information to the best account; she therefore acted in
+concert with her broker, and immediately, upon any rise taking place,
+she "sold out," and when gloom overspread the market, she "bought in."
+By this speculation alone, the Duke of Kent acknowledged that his mother
+realized <i>four hundred thousand pounds</i>! At the same period, her majesty
+had another excellent speculation in hand; namely, the profits <!-- Page 151 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151"></a>[<a href="./images/151.png">151</a>]</span>arising
+from the sale of cadetships for the East Indies. Dr. Randolph and Lady
+Jersey were the chief managers of these affairs, though her majesty
+received the largest portion of the spoil. Dr. Randolph himself
+acknowledged, that the queen had realized <i>seventy thousand pounds</i> upon
+this traffic alone! In one transaction with a candidate for a cadetship,
+an enormous premium was required, and the applicant was very much
+incensed, as it appeared to him to be nothing less than a bold
+imposition. He expostulated; but Dr. Randolph made short of the affair
+by refusing any further communication upon the subject. For once, Dr.
+Randolph forgot his own interest, as also the <i>public character</i> and
+<i>safety</i> of his royal mistress. The gentleman, shortly afterwards, was
+visiting a friend in Paris, when the conversation turned upon the
+English constitution, and the immense revenues of the kingdom. The
+friend spoke in raptures upon the liberal feelings and generous
+provisions exercised and provided towards, and for all, aspirants to
+honor. At length, the visiter could no longer conceal his mortification
+and chagrin, and he candidly explained every particular of his
+correspondence with Dr. Randolph, in which her majesty's name was as
+freely introduced as the doctor's. The astonishment and surprise of his
+friend were great indeed, and he recommended him <i>to publish the whole
+affair</i> in France, and circulate it through the surrounding kingdoms. A
+printer was sought for, who required a certain time to determine the
+risk he should run in the undertaking; this was accordingly granted, and
+the parties separated. As soon as the <!-- Page 152 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152"></a>[<a href="./images/152.png">152</a>]</span>person intended to be employed
+found the consequence attached to it, he communicated the important
+information to a solicitor, of some eminence, in London, to whom he had
+formerly been known. The affair was subsequently made known to the
+queen's youngest son, and by him the queen was fully acquainted with the
+probability of public exposure. An overwhelming infamy she well knew
+would be inseparably attached to it. Her majesty had been accustomed to
+deception, but hitherto she had not feared detection; but the moment of
+her fancied security was the moment most likely to prove fatal to her
+existence as a queen.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke of Kent was unremitting in his exertions to obtain a settlement
+of this nefarious affair, and <i>twenty thousand pounds</i> were actually
+paid for the <i>correspondence</i>, and <i>two thousand pounds</i> given by the
+queen (through the medium of the duke) to the person who effected the
+settlement of the business, under the provision "that that business
+might never transpire to the public." His royal highness was too well
+aware of the general disposition of the queen, and her avaricious
+character, not to <i>affect satisfaction</i> at the high price her majesty
+paid for silencing this unpleasant affair. It may be inferred, that if
+the queen had committed herself by such flagrant acts of injustice as
+these, there might be many more dishonourable transactions of a minor
+description, occurring nearly at the same period. Yes, the inference is
+correct, for her majesty was truly born and bred a German!</p>
+
+<p>We will relate another instance of Queen <!-- Page 153 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153"></a>[<a href="./images/153.png">153</a>]</span>Charlotte's ungenerous
+conduct. She had the superintendence of the education of her daughters,
+as far as related to the choice of their preceptors. Her majesty
+appointed a very clever and scientific gentleman, who resided in London,
+to teach herself and the six princesses&mdash;geography, astronomy,
+arithmetic, and the nature of the <i>funds</i>. Besides which, he was asked,
+as a <i>favour</i>, to settle the very deranged accounts of the princesses.
+This accomplished and worthy gentleman also held of Princess Elizabeth a
+bond for ten thousand pounds. After dancing attendance upon these
+<i>illustrious</i> individuals for twenty-six years, without receiving any
+remuneration, though he had frequently pressed for payment of his
+long-standing account, he again solicited a settlement with the queen;
+but, as he only received abuse of an unmeasured description for his
+pains, he determined to maintain himself and his large family out of the
+profits of his private scholars, leaving the royal debt as a provision
+for his children after him. His expenses were considerable in attending
+the royal family, as he was always obliged to go full dressed in a bag
+and silk stockings, to hire carriages to go down to Windsor, to live at
+an inn, and to sleep there, if they chose to take lessons the two
+following days, by which he was also often obliged to neglect and
+disoblige his private scholars. For all this attendance, he received <i>no
+remuneration whatever</i>; and Queen Charlotte had the heart to say, "I
+think you have had remuneration sufficient by your youngest son
+receiving a pension of eighty pounds a year for teaching <!-- Page 154 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154"></a>[<a href="./images/154.png">154</a>]</span>the younger
+princesses only writing!" The preceptor, however, still claimed <i>his
+remuneration</i>, and was, at last, referred to the lawyers, who required
+him to produce proofs of every lesson he gave, the day and the hour, for
+twenty-six years! To their astonishment, he produced his diary, and such
+clear accounts, that there was no contradicting them. But as lawyers are
+never at a loss how to gain their ends, they next required him to
+declare, upon oath, the name of each particular servant that had let him
+in during the twenty-six years! This he could not do; and her majesty,
+not to be behind the lawyers, advised they should plead the statute of
+limitation! The lawyers, however, persuaded <i>her most excellent majesty</i>
+that such a proceeding would be against her interest. After being
+harassed about in this manner for a considerable time, the old,
+care-worn, broken-hearted master was most injuriously persuaded to
+suffer the business to be decided by <i>one</i> arbitrator only, instead of
+trusting to the laws of his country. The poor old gentleman never held
+up his head afterwards, but always used to say he should leave all his
+family beggars, which, alas! proved too true. He shortly after died at
+his house in Manchester-street. He was a very worthy and an exceedingly
+clever man. On one occasion, Mr. Pitt sent for him to solve some
+difficulty in the finances of the country, for which none of the
+ministers could account. He instantly set them all right by showing that
+such an error was <i>possible</i> to occur, though it very seldom did occur.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 155 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155"></a>[<a href="./images/155.png">155</a>]</span>Besides the claims upon Queen Charlotte, the worthy preceptor had a bill
+against the Princess Charlotte for eight hundred pounds. On applying to
+the Prince of Wales for this money, he refused to pay it, and referred
+him to the king, who was then quite deranged! The Princess of Wales knew
+all these particulars, and told her daughter, the Princess Charlotte,
+the desperate state of the poor man's family. Her royal highness spoke
+to her uncle, the Duke of York, about it, who persuaded her that the
+venerable master was an <i>old rogue</i>, who had robbed the princesses and
+all the family, and her royal highness chose to believe him. That he was
+a scientific man, his books and valuable mathematical instruments bore
+ample testimony. These were sold after his death for eight thousand
+pounds, which went to discharge his debts.</p>
+
+<p>Many other instances might be recorded to prove the unfeeling and
+barbarous behaviour of the queen; but this alone must be sufficient to
+convince our readers how totally unfit her majesty was to reign over a
+<i>free people</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In the September of this year, Lord Castlereagh sent a challenge to Mr.
+Canning, which was accepted; but the effects of the duel were not <i>very
+serious</i>, though it subsequently led to the resignation of both. It is
+hardly worth while, perhaps, to recur to this now-forgotten, and always,
+as far as the public were concerned, insignificant business. Lord
+Castlereagh acted as a vain and high-spirited man, who fancied his
+confidence betrayed, his abilities called in question, <!-- Page 156 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156"></a>[<a href="./images/156.png">156</a>]</span>and, like an
+Irishman, saw but a short vista between an offence and a duel. Mr.
+Canning, equally high-spirited, felt that he had got into a disagreeable
+business, and that the fairest escape from it would be to fight his way
+out. Lord Castlereagh's conduct, when we think of a sober and wise
+statesman, is ridiculous. Mr. Canning's, when we picture to ourselves a
+high-minded and frank-hearted gentleman, in spite of the <i>plausibility</i>
+of explanations, is displeasing.</p>
+
+<p>The wretched policy of this year required <i>fifty-four millions of money</i>
+to support it.</p>
+
+
+<h3>1810</h3>
+
+<p>was ushered in under distressing and unsatisfactory circumstances. The
+royal family were divided amongst themselves, and every branch seemed to
+have a separate interest. Under these circumstances, it was not a matter
+of surprise that <i>truth</i> was now and then elicited; for it is a
+veritable saying, that "when rogues fall out, honest men are gainers."</p>
+
+<p>The king was at this time labouring under a severe attack of mental
+aberration: the situation of the country, his children, and his own
+peculiar sorrows, made impressions on his mind of the most grievous
+description.</p>
+
+<p>In a former work of our's, called "The Authentic Records of the Court of
+England," we gave an account of the extraordinary and mysterious murder
+of one Sellis, a servant of the Duke of Cumberland, which occurred this
+year. In that account, we did <!-- Page 157 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157"></a>[<a href="./images/157.png">157</a>]</span>what we conceived to be our duty as
+historians,&mdash;we spoke the <span class="allcapsc">TRUTH</span>! The truth, however, it appears, is not
+always to be spoken; for his royal highness instantly commenced a
+<i>persecution</i> against us for a "malicious libel." We say <i>persecution</i>,
+because almost every person is aware, that filing a criminal information
+against an individual can be done only with a view of <i>preventing the
+exposure of truth</i>, which, though such procedure be according to English
+law, cannot be reconciled with the original intention of law, namely&mdash;to
+do <i>justice</i> both to the libelled and the libeller! In America, no such
+monstrosities disgrace the statute-book; for there, if any person be
+accused of <i>scandalum magnatum</i>, and can prove the truth of what he has
+stated, he is honorably acquitted. Yet as we are not in America, but in
+England,&mdash;the boasted <i>land of liberty</i>,&mdash;we must, forsooth, be seized
+as <i>criminals</i>, merely because we wish to institute an inquiry into the
+circumstances of the murder of an individual, whose assassin, or
+assassins, have hitherto escaped the slippery hands of justice! We are
+no cowards in regimentals, nor did we make our statement with a view of
+slandering the royal pensioner. We would have willingly contended with
+his royal highness in a court of law, if he had had the courage to have
+met us on <i>fair grounds</i>. At the time we write this, we know not what
+the judgment of Lord Tenterden,&mdash;we beg his lordship's pardon, we should
+have said <i>the court</i>,&mdash;may be; but, whatever the punishment awarded, we
+hope to meet it with that fortitude which never fails to uphold a <!-- Page 158 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158"></a>[<a href="./images/158.png">158</a>]</span>man
+"conscious of doing no wrong!" If the Duke of Cumberland, however,
+imagines he can <i>intimidate</i> us from speaking the <i>truth</i> <span class="allcapsc">OUT OF COURT</span>,
+he has mistaken us. We are not, as we said in our first work, to be
+prevented from doing whatever we conceive to be our duty. Though it may
+not be in our power to prove <i>who</i> was the murderer, the very suspicious
+circumstances attending the death of poor Sellis fully warrant renewed
+inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>Passing over the various reports in circulation at the time of the
+murder, we proceed to notice the very contradictory evidence brought
+forward at the inquest. That we may not be accused of partiality, we
+take the report of this <i>judicial</i> proceeding from that Tory organ, "The
+Morning Post," which, it will be observed, deals out its abuse with no
+unsparing hand on the poor murdered man, whom it calls by the
+<i>charitable</i> appellation of <i>villain</i>, and sundry other hard names,
+which had better suited the well-known characters of other persons, who
+acted a prominent part in this foul business. After a few unmeaning
+preliminaries had been performed,</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Mr. Adams addressed the jury, and informed them of the
+violent attack that had been made upon the Duke of Cumberland;
+and that there was very <i>little doubt but it was done by the
+deceased</i>. He stated, the circumstances had been fully
+investigated by the <i>privy council</i> on Thursday, and that the
+depositions of the numerous witnesses <i>had been taken before
+Mr. Justice Read</i>, which he should read to them; after which
+the witnesses would be called before them, and the depositions
+would also be read to them, when they would have an
+opportunity of altering or enlarging, and the jury could put
+any question to them they thought fit."</p></div>
+
+<p>In this address, some of the privileges of royalty <!-- Page 159 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159"></a>[<a href="./images/159.png">159</a>]</span>are explained.
+Because the murder had been committed in a palace, the privy council
+must examine the witnesses <i>before</i> they may be allowed to meet the
+jury, and their depositions taken by a justice, under the influence of
+the suspected party. The coroner may then tell the jury that there was
+very <i>little doubt</i> of the deceased person having attempted his master's
+life, and afterwards cutting his own throat to avoid detection. Merciful
+heaven! can this be called an impartial administration of justice? Are
+such <i>careful</i> proceedings ever adopted in the case of a poor man? To be
+sure, the jury were told they might <i>ask any question they thought fit</i>;
+but is it to be supposed that, after the <span class="allcapsc">INQUIRIES</span> they had undergone,
+the witnesses would let slip any thing likely to criminate themselves or
+their royal master?</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The first affidavit that was read was that of his royal
+highness the Duke of Cumberland, which stated, that about
+half-past two o'clock on Thursday morning he received two
+violent blows and cuts on his head; the first impression upon
+his mind was, that <i>a bat had got into the room, and was
+beating about his head</i>; but he was soon convinced to the
+contrary by receiving a third blow. He then jumped out of bed,
+when he received several more blows; from the <i>glimmering
+light afforded from a dull lamp in the fire-place, and the
+motion of the instrument that inflicted the wounds, they
+appeared like flashes of lightning before his eyes. He made
+for a door near the head of his bed</i>, leading to a small room,
+to which the assassin followed him, and cut him <i>across his
+thighs</i>. His royal highness not being able to find his
+alarm-bell, which there is no doubt the <i>villain</i> had
+concealed, called with a loud voice for Neale (his valet in
+waiting) several times, who came to his assistance; and
+<i>Neale</i>, together with his royal highness, alarmed the house."</p></div>
+
+<p>The blows of the assassin must have indeed been <!-- Page 160 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160"></a>[<a href="./images/160.png">160</a>]</span><i>slight</i> to resemble "a
+bat beating about the head of his royal highness;" but we cannot
+understand how the <i>cut of a sword</i> can bear any <i>similarity</i> to the
+beating of a little animal, like a bat! Poor Sellis, however, was but a
+<i>little man</i>, and his weak arm might be still more enfeebled by the
+consciousness of his ingratitude in attacking so <i>kind and liberal a
+master</i>! Sellis had been the duke's page, or valet, for more than five
+years, in daily, nay, almost hourly, personal communication with him;
+and it must, therefore, appear very strange, if Sellis was really the
+assassin, that his master did not <i>recognise him</i>! If the room was so
+dark that the duke could not <i>see the person</i> attacking him, it is
+singular that the <i>assassin could see to strike his royal highness</i>, as
+he did by "cutting him across his thighs, after he was out of bed!" As
+the supposed murderer followed the duke, who thought it best to take to
+his heels, we think his royal highness should have stated whether he
+meant his thighs in <i>front</i> or <i>behind</i>; but, of course, an examination
+of the <i>scars</i> would soon set this matter at rest! They would, no doubt,
+be found <i>behind</i>, as it is <i>unreasonable</i> to suppose that, in a <i>dark
+room</i>, the <i>pursuer</i> could have cut at the <i>pursued</i> in front. The Duke
+of Cumberland is a field-marshal, and a <span class="allcapsc">BRAVER</span> man, <span class="allcapsc">IT IS SAID</span>, never
+entered the <span class="allcapsc">FIELD</span>; but <i>in a dark room</i>, with a man little more than
+half his weight, it would have been <i>cowardly</i> to <i>fight</i>, particularly
+as his royal highness might, <span class="allcapsc">IF HE HAD SO WISHED</span>, have taken the weapon
+out of Sellis' hand, and broken it about his <!-- Page 161 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161"></a>[<a href="./images/161.png">161</a>]</span>head. No! no! the Duke of
+Cumberland knew what was due to his honour better than to take so <i>mean</i>
+an advantage of a <i>weak</i> adversary, and therefore <i>coolly</i> endeavoured
+to ring his bell, that a more <i>suitable</i> antagonist might be procured in
+his valet <i>Neale</i>!</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Cornelius Neale, sworn.&mdash;He said he was valet to the Duke of
+Cumberland, and that he was in close waiting upon his royal
+highness on Wednesday night, and slept <i>in a bed in a room
+adjoining the duke's bed-room</i>. A little before three o'clock,
+he heard the duke calling out, 'Neale, Neale, I am murdered,
+and the murderer is in my bed-room!' He went immediately to
+his royal highness, and found him bleeding from his wounds.
+The duke told him the door the assassin had gone out at; he
+armed himself with a poker, and asked if he should <i>pursue</i>
+him. The duke replied '<i>no</i>,' but to <i>remain with him</i>. After
+moving a few paces, he stepped upon a <i>sword</i>; and, <i>although
+in the dark</i>, he was convinced it was <i>covered with blood</i>; it
+proved to be the <i>duke's own regimental sword</i>. <i>The duke and
+witness then went to alarm the house, and got a light from the
+porter.</i> The duke was <i>afraid the murderer was still in his
+bed-room</i>. His royal highness was obliged to lean upon him
+from the loss of blood, and he gave directions that no person
+should be let out of the house. They called up the <i>witness'
+wife</i>, who is the housekeeper, and told <i>her</i> to call
+<i>Sellis</i>. He then returned with the duke to his bed-room. At
+that time the duke was very faint from the great loss of
+blood. Upon examining the premises they found, in a second
+adjoining small room, a pair of <i>slippers with the name of
+Sellis on them</i>, and a dark lantern. The key of the closet was
+in the inside of the lock, and, to his knowledge, the key had
+not been in that state for <i>ten years</i>. He had reason to
+believe the wounds of the duke had been given by a sword.
+Sellis took out the duke's regimentals some time since, and
+put them by again, but left out the <i>sword upon a sofa for two
+or three days</i>. It is the same sword which he trod upon, and
+it was in a bloody state.</p>
+
+<p>"The foreman of the jury, (Mr. Place, of Charing Cross) asked
+the witness if he thought the deceased had any reason to be
+dissatisfied with the duke. He replied, on the contrary, he
+thought Sellis had more reason to be <i>satisfied than any other
+of the servants</i>; his royal highness had stood godfather for
+one of his children, the <!-- Page 162 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162"></a>[<a href="./images/162.png">162</a>]</span>Princess Augusta godmother. The duke
+had shown him <i>very particular favour</i> by giving him
+apartments for his wife and family, with coals and candles.</p>
+
+<p>"A juryman asked him if he ever heard the deceased complain of
+the duke. The witness asked if he was obliged to answer that
+question. The coroner informed him he must. He then stated
+that about two or three years since the duke advanced their
+board wages from 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> a week to 14<i>s.</i>, but at the
+same time took off 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>, allowed for travelling. After
+this regulation was adopted, a paper was drawn up by the
+steward for the servants to sign, expressing their
+satisfaction at the regulation, which the deceased <i>refused</i>
+to sign, and said, 'he'd be d&mdash;d if he did, and none but
+blackguards would sign it.' The steward told him the duke said
+he must sign it, <i>or his wife and family must quit the
+apartments he had given them</i>, as the rest of the servants had
+signed it. He had never heard the deceased <i>complain</i> since.
+Within the last year, the <i>duke and royal family had been
+extremely kind to him</i>. He had never given him an <i>angry
+word</i>, although he had often made use of very <i>bad language to
+him</i>; if he did, he never answered him. The deceased was of a
+very malicious disposition. He would never be <i>contradicted</i>,
+if he began a subject, for which reason he never wished to
+have any conversation with him. He frequently quarrelled with
+Mr. Paulet, one of the duke's servants, and fought with the
+steward at Kew. Lately the deceased had a bad cold, and the
+duke was so very <i>kind</i> towards him in consequence, that he
+took him <i>inside the carriage</i> to Windsor. Sellis dressed the
+duke on Wednesday night. <i>He had no doubt but Sellis intended
+that he should be charged with being the murderer, to get him
+out of the way.</i>"</p></div>
+
+<p>This Neale's evidence ought to be received with great caution. He slept
+in the next room to the duke, and when called upon for his assistance,
+stated his wish to pursue the murderer with a poker; but was prevented
+by his master's "fear of being left alone!" In this <i>courageous</i> offer
+of Neale, however, he trampled upon a <i>sword</i>, which, although in <i>total
+darkness, he was</i> <span class="allcapsc">CONVINCED</span> <i>was <span class="allcapsc">COVERED WITH BLOOD</span></i>!! We have no
+intention to dispute <i>Neale's <!-- Page 163 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163"></a>[<a href="./images/163.png">163</a>]</span>knowledge of this</i>, or that "it was his
+master's own regimental sword!" There have been so many wonderful people
+who could see <span class="allcapsc">AS WELL IN THE DARK AS IN THE LIGHT</span>, and describe the
+minutest particulars of an article as well with their <span class="allcapsc">EYES SHUT AS OPEN</span>,
+that we ought not to be surprised at any thing! Notwithstanding, many
+persons <span class="allcapsc">WERE SURPRISED</span> at the sagacity of Neale, not only in this, but
+in many other particulars. If the duke, "covered with gore, accompanied
+this servant to alarm the house," the traces of blood on the doors, &amp;c.,
+leading to <i>Sellis' room</i>, might be very <i>naturally accounted for</i>!
+They, however, thought it better not to call Sellis <span class="allcapsc">THEMSELVES</span>, but sent
+<span class="smcap">Neale's wife to do it</span>!!! Although the duke pointed out to his
+<i>confidential man</i> the door through which the villain had <span class="allcapsc">ESCAPED</span>, his
+royal highness "felt afraid the murderer was <span class="allcapsc">STILL</span> in his bed-room,"
+which we have <i>no reason to doubt</i>! "A pair of slippers were left in an
+adjoining room, with the name of <span class="smcap">Sellis</span> upon them." That Sellis left
+them there, however, is rather <span class="allcapsc">IMPROBABLE</span>; because it is natural to
+suppose he would, if <span class="allcapsc">HE</span> had been the murderer, have gone to his master's
+room <span class="allcapsc">WITHOUT SLIPPERS</span>, or shoes of any kind, to make as little noise as
+possible. This circumstance, we are inclined to think, was a <i>planned
+affair</i>, though badly executed; for we know that these slippers were
+placed the <i>wrong way</i>,&mdash;a fact which will be hereafter proved. Through
+the whole of Neale's evidence, not a word was said to show that Sellis
+had the <i>least motive</i> for murdering either <!-- Page 164 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164"></a>[<a href="./images/164.png">164</a>]</span>the duke or himself. On the
+contrary, "Sellis had every thing to expect from his master's living."</p>
+
+<p>In concluding our remarks upon Neale's evidence, we point the attention
+of our readers to the last sentence: "He had no doubt but Sellis
+intended that he (Neale) should be charged with being the murderer, to
+get him out of the way!" Now, as there was not the slightest evidence to
+bear Neale out in this malicious assertion, we think, <span class="allcapsc">FOR HIS OWN SAKE</span>,
+he had much better have kept the expression to himself. Some of our
+readers may not be aware of the <i>cause</i> Sellis had given this
+fellow-servant to hate him; but the following letter, addressed to B. C.
+Stephenson, Esq., written by Sellis a few months before his death, will
+elucidate this matter a little:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="date">"<i>St. James', July 9th, 1809.</i></p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Sir</span>,&mdash;I am extremely anxious to know his royal highness'
+decision concerning the evidence produced before you against
+Mr. Neale, and I beg you, Sir, to have the goodness to relieve
+me from this most disagreeable suspense. If I may, Sir, judge
+from appearance, either his royal highness is not acquainted
+with what has been proved, or his royal highness has entirely
+forgiven him. Should the former be the case, Sir, I hope you
+will have the goodness to acquaint his royal highness to the
+full extent of the roguery of this man; and here it may be
+necessary to say, that the witnesses you have examined are all
+of them ready to take their oaths in a court of justice, and
+there to assert what they have already said before you. But,
+Sir, should his royal highness have forgiven him, then I must
+be under the most disagreeable necessity to beg his royal
+highness to have the goodness to dispose of me as his royal
+highness may think proper, so that I may not have the
+mortification to live and act in the same room with a man I
+have <i>convicted as a rogue, and with whom no human being is
+able to live on friendly terms</i>. Had it been his royal
+highness' pleasure to have had this business in a court of
+justice, the man would have been <i>transported at least for
+seven years</i>; and what I am going to communicate to you now
+is, I believe, <!-- Page 165 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165"></a>[<a href="./images/165.png">165</a>]</span>transportation for life. I have been told,
+Sir, that Mr. Neale cheats his royal highness in every thing
+he buys; in two different articles I have already ascertained
+this to be a fact; on the toothpicks he gains fifty per cent.,
+by charging eighteen pence for that for which he only pays one
+shilling, and on the soap he charges two shillings for that
+which he pays eighteen pence, and should his royal highness
+wish me to proceed with these discoveries, it will be found
+that the <i>dishonesty of this man has no bounds</i>! The evidence
+you have taken, Sir, and what I have communicated to Major
+Thornton, with which also you must be acquainted, you must be
+satisfied, that this man is as <i>great a villain as ever
+existed</i>; <span class="allcapsc">NO OATH OR PROMISE IS BINDING WITH HIM</span>; and he
+relates alike that which he must have sworn to keep sacred in
+his bosom, as he will a most trifling thing; and slanders and
+<span class="allcapsc">THREATENS WITH PUBLIC EXPOSURE AND LARGE DAMAGES HIS
+BENEFACTOR</span> and only maker of his fortune, just as he would one
+of his own stamp. Sir, to serve his royal highness, I have
+always thought it as my greatest honour, and to serve him in
+any situation that his royal highness may be pleased to place
+me, shall always be the greatest pride of my life; but no
+longer can I live with this monster. I have, Sir, served his
+royal highness for nearly twelve years, and would rather
+forego all my wishes and pretensions, and beseech his royal
+highness to allow me permission to look out for another place.
+To your goodness I trust, Sir, that you will lay my case
+before his royal highness, and acquaint me with his royal
+highness' pleasure.</p>
+
+<p class="signature1">"I have the honour to be, Sir,</p>
+<p class="signature3">"Your most obedient and most humble servant,</p>
+<p class="author">"J. SELLIS."</p>
+
+<p class="greeting">"<span class="smcap">B. C. Stephenson</span>, Esq."</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>In this letter, enough is set forth to make us receive the evidence of
+Neale with <i>caution</i>, if not to render him <i>unworthy of belief
+altogether</i>. <i>Why</i> the Duke of Cumberland retained Neale in his service
+<i>after</i> his peculating tricks had been discovered, and <i>after the</i>
+<span class="allcapsc">THREAT</span> he held out against his royal master, we must leave our readers
+to discover.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The jury proceeded to examine the bed-room of the royal duke,
+which they found in a most distressing and horrible state. It
+<!-- Page 166 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166"></a>[<a href="./images/166.png">166</a>]</span>could not be discovered what his royal highness' <i>nightcap</i>
+was made of, it being completely <i>soaked in blood</i>; the first
+blow given his royal highness was providentially prevented
+from proving fatal, from the duke wearing a <i>padded ribbon
+bandage round his cap, and a tassel, which came in contact
+with the sword</i>; the <i>bed-clothes generally were blooded; the
+paper of the room, the prints and paintings, the door at the
+head of the bed</i> (through which his royal highness endeavoured
+to make his escape) was <i>cut with the sword</i> at the time the
+<i>villain was cutting at the duke</i>, and the dark assassin must
+have <i>followed</i> his royal highness to the door of an
+anti-room, which was <i>also spotted with blood</i>."</p></div>
+
+<p>Supposing Sellis to be the <i>villain</i> here meant, the wretched means he
+took to accomplish the end in view were so inadequate, that it were
+quite impossible for him to have done all the bloody work so minutely
+related, from the <i>position in which the parties were placed</i>. The duke
+was in a modern <i>high bed</i>, his <i>head well protected</i> with "a padded
+ribbon bandage," the only vital part of him that was above the
+bed-clothes, and the <i>curtains drawn around him</i>. Sellis was <i>not taller
+than the level of the bed-clothes</i>, and yet he chose a <i><span class="allcapsc">SWORD</span></i> to attack
+his <i>recumbent master</i>!!! In a contest so unequal, the duke <i>might</i> have
+annihilated Sellis in a minute.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The jury then proceeded to the room where the corpse of the
+deceased <i>villain</i> remained. They found it with the whole of
+the body (except the head and feet) covered with blood; the
+razor which did the deed in a bloody state. The deceased's
+<i>neckcloth was cut through in several places. The drawers,
+wash-hand basin-stand, and the basin, were also bloody.</i>"</p></div>
+
+<p>To some people, such a state of the room may appear any thing but
+convincing of the <i><span class="smcap">guilt of Sellis</span></i>; yet, to such <i>sensible</i> men as were
+on the <!-- Page 167 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167"></a>[<a href="./images/167.png">167</a>]</span>jury, <i>all</i> confirmed the verdict afterwards recorded. <i>Sellis</i>,
+from his neckcloth having been "cut through in several places," blood
+being sprinkled in all parts of the room, and an appearance of some one
+having <i><span class="allcapsc">WASHED THEIR HANDS IN THE BASIN, MUST</span></i> have been his own
+murderer, and consequently the assassin of the Duke of Cumberland!</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"After the examination of the rooms, the jury proceeded to the
+investigation of the witnesses.</p>
+
+<p>"Thomas Jones, a surgeon and apothecary, of the Strand, said
+he had attended the Duke of Cumberland's household since the
+year 1803. He knew the deceased well. <i>He never saw him in a
+low or desponding way.</i> The last time he had seen him was on
+Monday evening; he observed he was not very well, from a cold.
+He had seen him on the Sunday previous, when he was very
+anxious for the state of his child, having lately lost one. On
+Tuesday the child got better. He observed nothing particular
+about him for six weeks past, when he complained of a pain in
+his chest. <i>He never complained to him of harsh treatment from
+the duke.</i> He attended him four or five years since for a pain
+in his chest, which he said was brought on by riding on
+horseback. He understood he lived very happy with his wife.
+His wife told him it was of no use his sending physic for the
+pain in his chest, for he would not take it. <i>He never
+observed any symptoms of derangement in him.</i>"</p></div>
+
+<p>It will here be perceived, that Sellis was neither <i>deranged</i>, nor had
+the slightest cause for attempting his own life, or that of his master.
+Is it not singular, that Mr. Jones mentioned nothing about the wound in
+Sellis' throat, or the <i>methodical position</i> in which the murdered man
+was found? Was he permitted to examine the body? If he was not, dark
+suspicion must ever attend upon those who refused <i>any</i> medical man such
+a privilege; and if he did view it, why not have given his opinion of
+the matter? <!-- Page 168 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168"></a>[<a href="./images/168.png">168</a>]</span>But this affords another proof of the unfairness of the
+proceedings on this inquest.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Ann Neale, the housekeeper, said she was called up at about
+three o'clock on Thursday morning by her husband; at the same
+time she heard the duke saying, 'I am murdered.' She got up
+with all possible speed, and saw the duke bleeding very much
+in the valet's room: <i>she went with several others to the door
+of the deceased, to call him; she found it fastened on the
+inside</i>, and no answer was given to their calls. <i>She and
+other servants went to another door, which opened to his
+room</i>; as they approached the door, they heard a noise, as if
+a man was gargling water in his throat. The porter entered
+first, and he exclaimed, '<i>Good God! Mr. Sellis has cut his
+throat.</i>' He was a very <i>obstinate and quarrelsome man. He
+would not bear contradiction, not even from the duke.</i> His
+royal highness and Princess Augusta stood (by proxy) to his
+last child. <i>The duke was very partial to him</i>, and allowed
+his family to sleep in the house. His royal highness allowed
+him to ride in his carriage with him, when travelling, since
+his illness. The Princess Elizabeth gave his wife two pieces
+of muslin lately. The Princess Augusta made her a present of
+several articles of value. The principal acquaintance the
+deceased had was a Mr. Greville, a servant to the Duke of
+Cambridge, and Mr. and Mrs. Dupree, wax-chandlers. About three
+weeks since, he told her Mrs. Marsh, the housekeeper to the
+Royal Cockpit, was dead, and that he should speak to the duke
+to give the place to his wife; and if he did not succeed with
+Lord Dartmouth for that, he should apply to him to get his
+wife a sinecure, as he had asked his royal highness to get him
+a messenger's place, but he supposed the duke did not like to
+part with him. She asked him about a week since if he had
+succeeded. And he replied, he had not yet. He and his family
+were in so much favour, that every court-day, when the queen
+came to dress at the duke's apartments for the drawing-room,
+Sellis' wife and children were had down for the queen and
+princess to see them. On the last drawing-room the child the
+princess stood for was had into the queen's private
+apartments. A special privilege was granted to Sellis of a
+bell being permitted to be put up, to ring him to the duke
+from his family's apartments. The deceased would quarrel with
+people sooner than give up a point."</p></div>
+
+<p>This woman's description of the door of Sellis' <!-- Page 169 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169"></a>[<a href="./images/169.png">169</a>]</span>room being fastened
+inside was, doubtless, thought to be a very clever affair. Guilt,
+however, generally betrays itself; for, instead of <i>bursting open the
+door</i> so secured, "she, and other servants, went to another door, which
+opened to his room," and which door <i><span class="allcapsc">WAS NOT FASTENED INSIDE</span></i>! Now would
+not the first impulse of every person, <i>unconscious of crime</i>, in such a
+peculiar situation as this woman was placed, have rather suggested the
+<span class="smcap">breaking open of Sellis' door than going round to another</span>? If both doors
+had been secured, the thing would have appeared a little more
+consistent.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Benjamin Smith, porter to the Duke of Cumberland, said, that
+about a quarter before three o'clock, he was called up by the
+duke and Neale, who said his royal highness had been murdered.
+He got up, armed himself with a sword, and then called to the
+soldiers on guard not to suffer any person to go out of the
+house. He then went to call the deceased, but receiving no
+answer, <i>he went to his family's apartments, and called
+through the key-hole</i>. A child answered he was sleeping at the
+duke's. He then, with several of his fellow-servants, <i>went to
+Sellis' apartments again</i>, when, <i>on hearing the noise in his
+throat, he supposed somebody else was murdered in the house</i>.
+When he first saw the duke, he was covered with blood, and
+Neale said the duke was murdered. There had not been any
+quarrel between any of the servants and Sellis, to his
+knowledge."</p></div>
+
+<p>This was the porter described by the last witness as having exclaimed,
+"<i>Good God! Mr. Sellis has cut his throat!</i>" There is, however, a little
+difference between <i>his own statement and that of Mrs. Neale</i>; such as
+his going "to his family's apartments" after "receiving no answer from
+Sellis," and then "returning to Sellis' apartment, when, on hearing the
+noise in his throat, he supposed <i>somebody else <!-- Page 170 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170"></a>[<a href="./images/170.png">170</a>]</span>was murdered</i>!" If this
+man thought that Sellis <i>cut his own throat</i>, as stated by Mrs. Neale,
+what did he mean by saying, "he supposed <i><span class="allcapsc">SOMEBODY ELSE WAS MURDERED</span></i>?"
+Do not the porter's own words imply, that <i>Sellis had been murdered</i>,
+and <i>not</i> that he had <i>murdered himself</i>? Yet the jury <i>saw no
+discrepancy in the evidence</i>!!!</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Matthew Henry Grasham, a servant of the duke's, said he armed
+himself with pistols upon his being called up. <i>He was not
+able to find his way to Sellis' apartments by the</i> <span class="allcapsc">REGULAR</span>
+<i>door</i>, but found his way to <i>another</i>, when he and his two
+fellow-servants were afraid to enter the room on account of
+the groans and noise in the throat of the deceased, although
+he had two pistols, and another had a sword. He had been so
+much frightened ever since, that he had not been able to visit
+the room where the body lay. <i>He considered Sellis a civil,
+well-behaved man.</i> He seldom heard Neale and Sellis speak
+together; did not suppose he ever heard them exchange ten
+words together. The last time the duke went to Windsor, he
+took Sellis inside the coach, because he would not expose him
+to the morning air. He never observed Sellis to be low
+spirited; he did not appear so well lately as in general, in
+consequence of his having a cold."</p></div>
+
+<p>This witness, it appears, although terribly alarmed, was unable to find
+out the <i>regular</i> door to Sellis' apartments, but found his way to
+another, <i>more difficult of access</i>. Now, without denying the truth of
+this statement, it seems rather singular that he should not have gone
+the way he <i>knew best</i>; but, from his cowardly nature, he probably
+followed Mrs. Neale, who appeared to know the <span class="allcapsc">EASIEST WAY OF GAINING
+ADMITTANCE TO THE CHAMBER OF HORROR</span>. Grasham also added his testimony to
+almost all the other witnesses as to the <i>amiable character</i> of the
+murdered Sellis, as well as proving his perfect <i>sanity</i>.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><!-- Page 171 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171"></a>[<a href="./images/171.png">171</a>]</span>"Mr. Jackson, a surgeon.&mdash;He had examined the body of the
+deceased; he found the windpipe completely divided; <i>he had
+seen larger wounds done by a man's own hands</i>; the arteries on
+both sides were completely separated; he had no doubt but they
+were done by a razor, or sharp instrument; the wound was five
+or six inches wide, and an inch and a half deep. <i>He had no
+other wound in his body</i>, and had no doubt but his throat
+being cut was the cause of his death."</p></div>
+
+<p>This was the only medical gentleman allowed to give evidence as to the
+state of the murdered man's wounds. We are totally unacquainted with Mr.
+Jackson, and cannot, therefore, be actuated by any malice towards him;
+neither do we wish to accuse him with <i>interested</i> motives when he made
+the above statement. But <i>Justice</i> asks, why was not the opinion of six
+medical men, <i>at least</i>, recorded on this very momentous head? <i>We</i>
+will, however, tell the reader <i>why</i>. One or two other professional
+persons <span class="allcapsc">DID</span> examine the body of poor Sellis, and, if they had been
+<span class="allcapsc">ALLOWED TO GIVE THEIR OPINION</span>, would assuredly have convinced every
+honest man of the <i><span class="allcapsc">IMPOSSIBILITY</span></i> of Sellis being <i><span class="allcapsc">HIS OWN MURDERER</span></i>.
+One of these, Dr. Carpue, has frequently been heard to say, that "<span class="smcap">the
+head of Sellis was nearly severed from his body</span>, and that <span class="allcapsc">EVEN THE JOINT
+WAS CUT THROUGH</span>!!!" Dr. Carpue has also stated, that "no man could have
+the power to hold an instrument in his hand to cut <span class="allcapsc">ONE-EIGHTH</span> of the
+depth of the wound in the throat of Sellis!"</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Sergeant Creighton, of the Coldstream regiment of Foot
+Guards, said, in consequence of the alarm of the duke being
+murdered, he went with several men into the house; when they
+came to the deceased's room, the servants were afraid to go in
+on account of the <!-- Page 172 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172"></a>[<a href="./images/172.png">172</a>]</span>noise; he in consequence took the candle
+from them. He found the deceased dead, with his throat cut,
+and a razor about <i>two yards from the bed</i>; the deceased was
+quite dead, but not cold; the blood was then running and
+frothing out of his neck. He did not <i>appear to have struggled
+with any person, but had his hands quite straight down by his
+side</i>. The deceased had on pantaloons and stockings."</p></div>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding part of this man's evidence was <i>suppressed</i>, we have
+here sufficient to prove that Sellis was <i>not</i> his own murderer. No man,
+after cutting his head nearly off, could possibly throw a razor "<span class="allcapsc">TWO
+YARDS FROM HIS BED</span>!"<a name="FNanchor_172:A_1" id="FNanchor_172:A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_172:A_1" class="fnanchor">[172:A]</a> A man, in the
+agonies of death, would rather have <i>grasped the deadly instrument in
+his hand</i>; for this circumstance has almost always been observed in
+those persons committing suicide. Further than this, however, the
+witness states, "he did not appear to have <i>struggled</i> with any person,
+but had his <span class="allcapsc">HANDS QUITE STRAIGHT DOWN BY HIS SIDE</span>." Every man, who will
+not <i>abjectly resign his reason</i>, cannot deny that such a position of
+the hands was contrary to the <span class="allcapsc">NATURAL STRUGGLES OF A DYING MAN</span>, and that
+it was quite impossible for Sellis to have so <span class="allcapsc">SYSTEMATICALLY LAID OUT
+HIS OWN BODY</span>! But the <i>suppressed evidence</i> of this sergeant, which
+afterwards appeared in "The News," fully proved that the first
+impression <!-- Page 173 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173"></a>[<a href="./images/173.png">173</a>]</span>of the duke's servants was, that <span class="smcap">Sellis had been murdered</span>,
+and not that he had murdered himself! For Creighton says,</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"On entering the house, accompanied by another sergeant, and
+two or three soldiers, he met two servants, who told him that
+the Duke of Cumberland had been <i>wounded</i> and that <i>Sellis was
+murdered</i>!"</p></div>
+
+<p>This witness also corroborated some other important points, for
+instance:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"On the floor before the bed lay a white neckerchief, <i>cut in
+several places</i>. On the opposite side of the room was a
+wash-hand basin, with some water in it, which looked as if
+some person had been <i>washing blood in it</i>! <i>The curtains were
+sprinkled with blood, as well as several parts of the room</i>;
+at that time it was <i>broad day-light</i>."</p></div>
+
+<p>When we ask <i>why</i> the "Morning Post" thought it <i>prudent</i> to omit this
+and much other important evidence, we could give the <i>because</i>; but our
+readers will easily understand it!</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"James Ball, a footman, said, upon the alarm being given, he
+inquired of a female servant what was the matter. She informed
+him the duke was murdered. He went down to the porter with all
+possible speed, who desired him to <i>call Sellis</i>, which he
+did, but could not gain admittance; he went to the <i>other
+door</i>, when he saw the deceased with his throat cut on his
+bed; the sight was so shocking, he drew back and almost
+fainted. <i>His wife since told him he ate a hearty supper,
+shook hands with her, and bid her good night at parting.</i> He
+never quarrelled with the deceased. He understood the origin
+of the quarrel between Sellis and Neale was Neale's taking a
+newspaper out of Sellis' hand. The duke was particularly
+partial to Sellis, and behaved better to him, he thought, than
+to any other servant. Sellis and Neale were obliged frequently
+to be in the same room together, but he never observed any
+thing particular between them. <i>Sellis was a very sober man.
+If he was not at the duke's apartments upon his business, he
+was sure to be found with his family.</i> The duke continued his
+kindness to the last. <i>He had <!-- Page 174 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174"></a>[<a href="./images/174.png">174</a>]</span>heard Sellis say he could never
+be friendly with a man (meaning Neale) who had treated him as
+he had done.</i> Sellis used some years since to ride in the
+carriage with the duke, but since a box has been made to the
+carriage he was ordered by the duke to ride there. He objected
+to that, saying it shook him very much."</p></div>
+
+<p>This servant, like most of the others, was ordered to call Sellis, and
+his evidence, in this particular, seems merely a <span class="allcapsc">REHEARSAL</span> of the rest.
+The corroboration which Ball here gave of the excellent character of
+Sellis had been sufficient, one would think, for any jury to have
+acquitted the poor fellow of any participation in the attempt upon the
+duke, or with being his own murderer. In Ball's evidence, also, the
+dislike which Sellis entertained towards Neale is again set forth, and
+which, in our opinion, goes far to prove the occasion of it, which we
+have before explained. Neale, in his evidence, attempted to turn this
+dislike to his own advantage, by charging Sellis with the attack upon
+his master, and with endeavouring to fix the crime upon him (Neale) out
+of revenge! "A guilty conscience needs no accuser,"&mdash;a saying perhaps
+never better exemplified!</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Thomas Creedy, a private in the Coldstream Regiment of
+Guards, who was on duty, and the <i>first man who entered the
+room of Sellis</i>. The servant being afraid, he trembled so much
+that he let the <i>candle fall</i>, but he caught it up, and
+prevented it from <i>going out</i>. After seeing Sellis' throat
+cut, and hearing robbers were in the house, he looked under
+the bed. <i>He did not see a coat in the room</i>, (which is very
+small) although there <i>was a blue one belonging to Sellis,
+with blood on the left cuff, and blood on the side</i>. He
+observed a wash-hand basin <i>with blood on the sides, and blood
+in some water</i>. The deceased did not appear to have struggled
+with any one; <i>his head was against his watch at the head of
+the bed</i>."</p></div>
+
+<p>This was one of the soldiers who accompanied <!-- Page 175 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175"></a>[<a href="./images/175.png">175</a>]</span>Sergeant Creighton; but
+whether the sergeant or this man was the "first who entered the room of
+Sellis," is not exactly clear. Creighton, in his evidence, says "<span class="allcapsc">IT WAS
+BROAD DAY-LIGHT</span>," and, therefore, why <span class="allcapsc">CANDLES</span> were required is rather
+difficult to comprehend! Yet, notwithstanding the <i>smallness of the
+room</i>, "he did not see a coat, although (as he himself confidently
+states) there was a blue one, belonging to Sellis." How could this
+witness know it belonged to Sellis, whom he probably never saw alive? As
+to "<i>blood being on the left cuff and on the side</i>," what proof did he
+adduce of this, for <i>he himself never saw the coat at all</i>? He, however,
+observed a wash-hand basin, in the very suspicious state described by
+other witnesses, and gave the additional evidence of Sellis' head being
+"against his watch at the head of the bed;" indeed, the poor man's head
+only <span class="allcapsc">HUNG BY A SMALL PIECE OF SKIN</span>, and his murderers had therefore
+placed it in <i>that position</i> to keep it from <i>falling off altogether</i>!
+Is it not monstrous, then, that men could be found so lost to honor as
+to record a verdict of <i>felo de se</i>?</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"John Probert and John Windsor, two privates in the Guards,
+said they were on duty opposite the duke's house at the time
+of the alarm, and were <i>positive no person went out of the
+house after the alarm was given</i>."</p></div>
+
+<p>The evidence of these men merely shew, <i><span class="smcap">that Sellis was murdered by some
+one belonging to the house</span></i>, which we see no reason to dispute.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Thomas Strickland, under butler to his Royal Highness the
+<!-- Page 176 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176"></a>[<a href="./images/176.png">176</a>]</span>Duke of Cumberland, said he saw the deceased in the duke's
+bed-room about ten minutes before eleven o'clock on Wednesday
+night; <i>he was surprised at seeing him there</i>, supposing him
+to be in close waiting upon the duke. The deceased appeared to
+have a <i>shirt in his hand</i>; he looked very earnest at him, but
+had a <i>smile on his countenance</i>. <i>He went to take a cupfull
+of light drink for the duke to take in the night, which it was
+his duty to do. He never heard Sellis speak disrespectfully of
+the duke.</i>"</p></div>
+
+<p>No satisfactory reason is here given <i>why</i> this man should have felt
+<i>surprised</i> at seeing Sellis in the bed-room of his master; for Sellis
+was there only in the performance of his <i>duty</i>, which the <i>witness
+acknowledged</i>. How ardently have those connected with this black affair
+endeavoured to fix the odium upon the murdered man! Yet how futile, to
+all <i>reasonable men</i>, must appear their observations! Sellis, with a
+"shirt in one hand," and "a cup of light drink" in the other, in the
+Duke of Cumberland's bed-room, ought not to have created surprise in any
+one, knowing the peculiar <i>situation which Sellis filled in the
+household of his royal highness</i>! Did Strickland <i>really</i> feel
+<i>surprised</i>, or was he <i>anxious to say so</i>? But, it will be observed,
+that even this witness confessed "he never heard Sellis speak
+disrespectfully of the duke." Can it, then, be believed, <i>he</i> was guilty
+of the attack upon his royal master?</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Sarah Varley, housemaid to the Duke of Cumberland, said she
+put two bolsters into the closet in the second anti-little
+room adjoining on Wednesday night, they being only put upon
+his royal highness' bed for ornament in the day-time; there
+was <i>no lantern in the closet at the time she put them there,
+and the dark lantern found in the closet is like one she had
+seen on the deceased's dressing table. There was no sword or
+scabbard when she put the bolster there.</i>"</p></div>
+
+<p><!-- Page 177 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177"></a>[<a href="./images/177.png">177</a>]</span>The dark lantern, sword, &amp;c., were not in the closet when this woman
+went there to put away the bolsters. Well, what of that? Might they not
+have been put there <i>afterwards</i>? As to "the dark lantern found in the
+closet being like one she had seen on the deceased's dressing table,"
+proves nothing against Sellis, even if this lady had <i>positively sworn</i>
+to its being <i>the same</i>. It were very easy to place a lantern in
+<i>Sellis' room</i>, and <i>afterwards remove it to the aforesaid closet</i>! But
+we have little doubt that <i>more than one</i> dark lantern might have been
+found on premises where so many <i>secret</i> deeds had been done! To have
+made this matter better evidence, why did not some kind friend write
+<i>the name of Sellis on the lantern</i>, similar to the <i>plan adopted with
+the slippers</i>? Such a scheme might have brought the <i>very</i> scrupulous
+jury to their verdict <i>three hours sooner</i>, at least!</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"James Paulet, a valet to the duke, first saw his royal
+highness in his room with Neale holding him up. The duke told
+him he was murdered, and the murderers must be in his room.
+The witness replied, he was afraid they should be all
+murdered, on seeing all the doors opened. The duke insisted
+they should both stay with him. <i>His royal highness repeatedly
+called for Sellis.</i> In a short time after, some person called
+at the door that <i>Sellis was found murdered</i>. <i>The duke
+appeared very anxious for the safety of Sellis</i>, and as soon
+as Surgeon Home had dressed <i>his</i> wounds, he sent him to
+attend to <i>Sellis</i>. Mr. Home <i>soon</i> returned, and said <i>there
+was no doubt but that the man had killed himself</i>. <i>Sellis
+cautioned him not to be friends with Neale.</i> He complained to
+him of the duke's making him ride in a <i>dickey</i>, as it shook
+him much, and riding backwards made him ill. Sellis, however,
+had the carriage altered to go easier, without asking the
+duke's leave, at Windsor, and he had appeared content with it
+ever since. Sellis often talked about leaving the duke's
+service, saying, <i>he could not remain in the family if Neale
+did</i>. He urged him to the contrary, reminding him how kind the
+duke was to him and his family."</p></div>
+
+<p><!-- Page 178 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178"></a>[<a href="./images/178.png">178</a>]</span>The duke's anxiety for the services of his faithful valet, Sellis,
+manifested itself by his royal highness <i>repeatedly calling for him</i>.
+"Some person called at the door that Sellis was found
+<i>murdered</i>,"&mdash;another proof that the <i>first</i> impression of the servants
+was the <i>true one</i>! Indeed, <span class="allcapsc">TRUTH</span> is ever uppermost in the mind; but
+<span class="allcapsc">ARTIFICE</span> requires <i>time to mature its plans</i>. We are sure that our
+readers <span class="allcapsc">WILL ADMIRE</span>, with us, the "<span class="allcapsc">ANXIETY</span> of his royal highness for the
+<span class="allcapsc">SAFETY</span> of Sellis;" for, as soon as his wounds were dressed, the duke
+sent <span class="allcapsc">HIS OWN SURGEON</span> to attend Sellis! Where shall we look for greater
+CARE or <span class="allcapsc">CONDESCENSION</span> than this? How truly fortunate was the duke in
+being blessed with so <i>expeditious</i> and so <i>penetrating</i> a surgeon! "Mr.
+Home <i>soon</i> returned, and said there was no doubt that the man had
+killed himself!" Oh, talented man! who could perceive, <i>at a glance</i>,
+that "the man had killed himself!" Dr. Carpue must never more pretend to
+a knowledge of surgery, when his opinion can be set aside by a <i>single
+glance</i> of a man of such eminence in his profession as Mr. Home! As to
+the joint in his neck being cut through, Mr. Home easily accounted for.
+What! a man cut his own head off, and wash his hands afterwards! The
+further testimony of Paulet only proves the dislike which Sellis
+entertained for Neale, and the caution he gave to all the other servants
+to avoid him.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The widow of the deceased was examined. Her appearance and
+evidence excited the <i>greatest compassion and interest</i>; it
+tended to <i>prove he was a good husband, not embarrassed in his
+circumstances, and that he had parted with her in the usual
+way, without any suspicion on her part of what he had in
+contemplation</i>."</p></div>
+
+<p><!-- Page 179 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179"></a>[<a href="./images/179.png">179</a>]</span>Well, even this admission of the substance of the poor woman's evidence
+is sufficient to throw discredit upon the jury, who, "after deliberating
+for upwards of an hour, returned a verdict of <i>felo de se</i>." As Mrs.
+Neale's evidence, however, "excited the greatest compassion and
+interest," "The Post," acting impartially, ought to have printed it at
+length, as tending to prove how little the <i>interest</i> of Sellis was
+involved in his master's murder, and how wholly unprepared the poor
+woman must have been to find her husband accused of committing such a
+deed. For instance:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"She never heard him complain of the treatment he received
+from his royal highness; but, on the contrary, was highly
+gratified by the kindness he and other branches of the royal
+family had shewed him, particularly the present of muslin
+which witness had received from the queen, and Princess
+Augusta, standing godmother to his child. He was not
+embarrassed in his circumstances, for she did not know of any
+debt he owed, but one to the apothecary. Since the birth of
+their last child, about eight months ago, he never spent an
+evening out, but was always with his family, when not employed
+with the duke. He belonged to no club or society. During his
+illness, he was sometimes giddy, but never took the medicines
+that were prescribed him by the surgeon, saying that regular
+living was the best medicine. He sometimes talked of leaving
+the duke's service, on account of his disputes with Neale; but
+she remonstrated with him on his imprudence in entertaining
+such a wish, when they had a good house and plenty of coals
+and candles allowed them. The subject was not mentioned within
+the last two years. After supper on Wednesday, he mixed a
+glass of brandy and water, which he made her drink, as she was
+troubled with spasms in the stomach. He partook of a little of
+it, shook hands, and wished her a good night, and <i>she never
+saw him more cheerful</i>. He took some clean linen away with
+him, and said he would bring home the dirty linen <i>on the
+following morning</i>. She said he was a tender father and an
+affectionate husband."</p></div>
+
+<p><!-- Page 180 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180"></a>[<a href="./images/180.png">180</a>]</span>Let every unbiassed individual read this, and then judge of the
+monstrous and unnatural verdict returned by the jury! Some further
+statements were given to us by a gentleman who received the
+communication, a few years back, from Mrs. Sellis herself:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The heart-broken widow said, that she had been brought up
+from a child in the service of the Princess Augusta, and that
+he had been many years in that of the Duke of Cumberland.
+Their marriage had, therefore, taken place under the special
+sanction of their royal master and mistress. They had one
+child, a daughter, to whom the princess condescended to stand
+godmother, and it was the practice of the parents, on the
+return of every birth-day, to present the child in her best
+array to her royal godmother, who always distinguished her by
+some little present as a token of recognition. The birth-day
+of the child was a few days <i>after</i> the death of the father;
+and the widow represents the conversation which occurred
+between her and her husband on the evening of his death as
+consisting, among other things, in consultations as to the cap
+and dress in which the child should be presented to the
+princess; so little did he appear to have in view the event
+which followed. He was accustomed to spend all the time not
+required on his attendance on his master with her, to whom he
+was in the habit of communicating every little incident in
+which he was concerned that he thought might be interesting to
+her. On the night in question, he was just as usual, nothing
+in his conversation or manner betokening the <i>least
+agitation</i>, much less the contemplation of the <i>murder of his
+master</i>, on whose favour, as she says, their whole hopes for
+subsistence and comfort depended. According to her account, he
+was habitually civil, sober, frugal in his little expenses,
+and attentive to his duties. His wife and his child appeared
+the whole world to him; and the poor woman declared, that when
+he parted from her, but a few hours before the dreadful
+catastrophe occurred, <i>the committal of a wrong towards the
+duke appeared as improbable a proceeding from him as the
+destruction of her and her child</i>. In fact, the one was
+involved in the other; for when these circumstances came to
+our knowledge a few years ago, she represented herself as in
+temporary want and distress."</p></div>
+
+<p>It was, however, thought <span class="allcapsc">PRUDENT</span> to pension Mrs. <!-- Page 181 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181"></a>[<a href="./images/181.png">181</a>]</span>Sellis and her
+<i>mother</i>, who offered her remarks <i>very freely</i> about this mysterious
+transaction. They were both privately sent out of the country, (it is
+believed to Germany) but, with all our efforts, we have not been able to
+ascertain where they now reside, as their evidence had much assisted us
+in proving the statements made in our work, entitled "The Authentic
+Records," &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>The public appeared much dissatisfied with the verdict of the jury, and
+one or two publications spoke rather openly regarding the impropriety
+and suspicious nature of the whole proceeding, throwing out some dark
+insinuations against the royal duke. In order to counteract this, Sir
+Everard Home, the <i>extraordinary man</i> whose <i>perceptive</i> faculties are
+described on the inquest by the name of <i>Mr. Home</i>, published the
+following declaration relative to it:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Much pains having been taken <i>to involve in mystery the</i>
+<span class="allcapsc">MURDER</span> <i>of Sellis</i>, the late servant of his royal highness the
+Duke of Cumberland, I feel it a public duty to record the
+circumstances respecting it that came within my own
+observation, which I could not do while the propagators of
+such reports were before a public tribunal.</p>
+
+<p>"I visited the Duke of Cumberland upon his being wounded, and
+found my way from the great hall to his apartment by the
+traces of blood which were left on the passages and staircase.
+I found him on the bed, still bleeding, his shirt deluged with
+blood, and the coloured drapery, above the pillow, sprinkled
+with blood from a wounded artery, which puts on an appearance
+that cannot be mistaken by those who have seen it. This could
+not have happened had not <i>the head been lying on the pillow
+when it was wounded</i>. The night ribbon, which was wadded, the
+cap, scalp, and skull were obliquely divided, so that the
+pulsation of the arteries of the brain were distinguished.
+While dressing this and the other wounds, report was brought
+that <i>Sellis was wounded, if not</i> <span class="allcapsc">MURDERED</span>. His royal highness
+desired me to go to him, as I had declared his royal highness
+<!-- Page 182 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182"></a>[<a href="./images/182.png">182</a>]</span>out of <i>immediate danger</i>. A second report came, that Sellis
+was dead. I went to his apartment, <i>found the body lying on
+his side on the bed</i>, without his coat and neckcloth, the
+throat cut <i>so effectually</i> that he could not have survived
+<i>above a minute or two</i>. <i>The length and direction of the
+wound were such as left</i> <span class="allcapsc">NO DOUBT</span> <i>of its being given by his
+own hand. Any struggle would have made it irregular.</i> He had
+not <i>even changed his position</i>; his hands lay as they do in a
+person who has fainted; they had <i>no marks of violence upon
+them; his coat hung upon a chair, out of the reach of blood
+from the bed; the sleeve, from the shoulder to the wrist, was
+sprinkled with blood, quite dry, evidently from a wounded
+artery</i>; <span class="smcap">and from such kind of sprinkling, the arm of the
+assassin of the Duke of Cumberland could not escape</span>!</p>
+
+<p>"In returning to the duke, I found the doors of all the state
+apartments had marks of bloody fingers on them. <i>The Duke of
+Cumberland, after being wounded, could not have gone any where
+but to the outer doors and back again, since the traces of
+blood were confined to the passages from the one to the
+other.</i>"</p>
+
+<p class="author">"EVERARD HOME."</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>We regret, with Sir Everard Home, that "so much pains should have been
+taken to involve in mystery the murder of Sellis," but such pains were
+taken in the <span class="allcapsc">PALACE, AND NOT BY THE PUBLIC</span>! Sir Everard's description of
+the matter, however, is only calculated to involve it in still greater
+mystery and contradiction! For instance, "he found the body lying on his
+<i>side</i> on the bed, the throat so <i>effectually</i> cut that he could not
+have survived above a <i>minute or two</i>!" How a man could cut his throat
+so <i>effectually</i>, when <i>lying on his side</i>, for "<span class="allcapsc">HE HAD NOT EVEN CHANGED
+HIS POSITION</span>," is rather a puzzling matter to people of common sense!
+yet Sir Everard says, "<i>the length and direction of the wound were such
+as left</i> <span class="allcapsc">NO DOUBT OF ITS BEING GIVEN BY HIS OWN HAND</span>!" In a conversation
+we had with Mr. Place, the foreman of <!-- Page 183 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183"></a>[<a href="./images/183.png">183</a>]</span>the jury, a few weeks since, that
+gentleman informed us "<i>the man lived</i> TWENTY MINUTES <i>after his throat
+was cut</i>!!!" We do not mean to say that Mr. Place's knowledge of this
+matter is to be put in competition with that of Sir Everard Home; but
+Mr. Place urged this circumstance to us as <span class="smcap">confirmatory of Sellis having
+murdered himself</span>. It is, therefore, very extraordinary that Sir Everard
+Home did not set the talented foreman right upon this all-important
+point, as it might have been the means of producing a <i>widely-different
+verdict</i>! With regard to "the hands having no marks of violence upon
+them," we can only say that such an account is contrary to the report of
+other persons who <i>saw them</i> as well as Mr. Home; for both his hands and
+wrists <span class="allcapsc">BORE EVIDENT MARKS OF VIOLENCE</span>! The desire which Sir Everard
+manifests, in this account, to bring proof against Sellis for an attempt
+to assassinate his master has more of <i>zeal</i> than <i>prudence</i> in it; for,
+in speaking of the blood said to be found upon Sellis' coat, the learned
+doctor asserts it to be "just such kind of sprinkling, the arm of the
+assassin of the duke could not escape!" How ridiculous must such an
+observation as this appear to any man, possessed of common
+understanding! Sellis was reported to have used a <span class="allcapsc">SWORD</span> in this
+pretended attempt upon his master's life, <i>the length of which and the
+position of the duke</i> would render it next to impossible for <i>any blood
+of the duke's to reach him</i>! The worthy knight further says, when
+speaking of the matters in Sellis' room, "his coat hung upon a chair,
+<i>out of the reach <!-- Page 184 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184"></a>[<a href="./images/184.png">184</a>]</span>of blood from the bed</i>;" but several witnesses upon
+the inquest stated that "blood was found all over the room, and the
+hand-basin appeared as if some person had been washing blood in it."
+What is the reason, then, why blood might not have been sprinkled upon
+the <i>coat</i> of the murdered man as well as "upon the curtains, on several
+parts of the floor, and over the wash-basin?" <i>Why</i> did Sir Everard Home
+omit to mention these important particulars in his attempt to explain
+away the "mystery of the murder of Sellis?" His description of the
+dreadful wounds of his royal master are also rather at variance with the
+idea the <i>duke himself gave of them</i>, "<span class="allcapsc">THE BEATING OF A BAT ABOUT HIS
+HEAD</span>!!" The skilful surgeon concludes his statement by saying, "The Duke
+of Cumberland, after being wounded, could not have gone any where but to
+the outer doors and back again, since the traces of blood were confined
+to the passages from the one to the other;" when it will be observed in
+<i>Neale's evidence</i>, that "the duke and witness went to alarm the house,
+and got a light from the porter!!!" Now we may naturally suppose the
+<i>porter slept at some distance from the duke</i>, and therefore either Sir
+Everard Home or Neale must have made a <i>slight mistake</i> in this
+particular; for we cannot accuse two such <i>veritable</i> personages with
+<i>intentionally contradicting each other</i>!!</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Having now carefully and dispassionately examined all the evidence
+brought forward to prove Sellis an <!-- Page 185 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185"></a>[<a href="./images/185.png">185</a>]</span>assassin and a suicide, we proceed
+to lay before our readers a few particulars tending to confirm an
+opposite opinion.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Jew, then in the household of the duke, and who probably is now
+alive, (information of which fact might be ascertained by application to
+the King of Belgium) <i>was inclined</i> to give his deposition upon this
+subject, in the following terms, alleging, as his reason, the very
+severe pangs of conscience he endured, through the secrecy he had
+manifested upon this most serious affair.</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p class="center">DEPOSITION.</p>
+
+<p>"I was in the duke's household in May, 1810; and on the evening of the
+31st, I attended his royal highness to the opera;&mdash;this was the evening
+previous to Sellis' death. That night it was my turn to undress his
+royal highness. On our arriving at St. James', I found Sellis had
+retired for the night, as he had to prepare his master's apparel, &amp;c.,
+and to accompany him on a journey early in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>"I slept that night in my usual room; but Neale, another valet to the
+duke, slept in an apartment very slightly divided from that occupied by
+his royal highness. A few days previous to this date, I was commanded by
+my master to lay a sword upon one of the sofas in his bed-chamber, and I
+did so. After undressing his royal highness, I retired to bed. I had not
+long been asleep, when I was disturbed by Neale, who told me to get up
+immediately, as my master the duke was nearly murdered! I lost no time,
+and very soon <!-- Page 186 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186"></a>[<a href="./images/186.png">186</a>]</span>entered his royal highness' bed-room. His royal highness
+was then standing nearly in the middle of the chamber, apparently quite
+cool and composed, his shirt was bloody, and he commanded me to fetch
+Sir Henry Halford, saying, 'I am severely wounded.' The sword, which a
+few days before I had laid upon the sofa, was then lying on the floor,
+and was very bloody. I went with all possible haste for Sir Henry, and
+soon returned with him. I stood by when the wounds were examined, none
+of which were of a serious nature or appearance. That in his hand was
+the most considerable.</p>
+
+<p>"During this period, which was <i>nearly two hours</i>, neither <span class="smcap">Neale</span> nor
+<span class="smcap">Sellis</span> had been in the <i>duke's room</i>, which appeared to me a very
+unaccountable circumstance. At length, when all the bustle of dressing
+the wounds (which were very inconsiderable) was over, and the room
+arranged, the duke said, '<span class="smcap">Call Sellis!</span>' I went to Sellis' door, and,
+upon opening it, the most horrific scene presented itself: Sellis was
+lying perfectly straight in the bed, the head raised up against the
+head-board, and nearly severed from the body; his hands were lying quite
+straight on each side of him, and upon examination I saw him weltering
+in blood, it having covered the under part of the body. He had on his
+shirt, his waistcoat, and his stockings; the <i>inside</i> of his hands were
+perfectly clean, but on the outside were smears of blood. His watch was
+hanging up over his head, <i>wound up</i>. His coat was carefully folded
+inside out, and laid over the back of a chair. A razor, covered with
+blood, was <!-- Page 187 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187"></a>[<a href="./images/187.png">187</a>]</span>lying at a distance from his body, but too far off to have
+been used by himself, or to have been thrown there by him in such a
+mutilated condition, as it was very apparent death must have been
+immediate after such an act.</p>
+
+<p>"The wash-basin was in the stand, but was <span class="allcapsc"><i>HALF FULL OF BLOODY WATER</i></span>!
+Upon examining Sellis' cravat, it was found to be cut. The padding which
+he usually wore was covered with silk and quilted; but, what was most
+remarkable, both <span class="allcapsc">THE PADDING AND THE CRAVAT WERE CUT</span>, as if some person
+had made an attempt to cut the throat with the cravat on; then, finding
+the woollen or cotton stuffing to impede the razor, took it off, in
+order more readily to effect the purpose.</p>
+
+<p>"During the time the duke's wounds were being dressed, the deponent
+believes Neale was absent, in obedience to arrangement, and was employed
+in laying Sellis' body in the form in which it was discovered, as it was
+an utter impossibility that a self-murderer could have so disposed of
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Deponent further observes, that Lord Ellenborough undertook to manage
+this affair, by arranging the proceedings for the inquest; and also that
+every witness was previously examined by him; also, that the <span class="allcapsc">FIRST JURY</span>,
+being unanimously dissatisfied with the evidence adduced, as they were
+not permitted to see the body in an undressed state, positively refused
+to return a verdict, in consequence of which, they were dismissed, and a
+<span class="allcapsc">SECOND</span> jury summoned and empannelled, to whom, severally, a special
+<!-- Page 188 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188"></a>[<a href="./images/188.png">188</a>]</span>messenger had been sent, requesting their attendance, and each one of
+whom was directly or indirectly connected with the court, or the
+government. That, on both inquests, the deponent had been omitted, and
+had not been called for to give his evidence, though it must have been
+known, from his personal attendance and situation upon the occasion,
+that he must necessarily have been a most material witness. <span class="smcap">The second
+jury returned a verdict against Sellis</span>, and his body was immediately put
+into a shell, and conveyed away <i>a certain distance</i> for interment. The
+duke was <i>privately</i> removed from St. James' Palace to Carlton House,
+where his royal highness manifested an impatience of manner, and a
+perturbed state of mind, evidently arising from a conscience ill at
+ease. But, in a short time, he appeared to recover his usual spirits,
+and being hurt but in a very trifling degree, he went out daily in a
+sedan chair to Lord Ellenborough's and Sir William Phipps', although the
+daily journals were lamenting his very bad state of health, and also
+enlarging, with a considerable expression of sorrow, upon the magnitude
+of his wounds, and the fears entertained for his recovery!"</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p class="section">The further deposition of this attendant is of an important character,
+and claims particular consideration. He says,</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p>"I was applied to by some noblemen shortly after this dreadful business,
+and very strongly did they <!-- Page 189 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189"></a>[<a href="./images/189.png">189</a>]</span>solicit me to make a full disclosure of all
+the improper transactions to which I might have been made a party upon
+this solemn subject. I declined many times, but at length conceded,
+under a binding engagement that I should not be left destitute of
+comforts or abridged of my liberty; and, under special engagements to
+preserve me from such results, I have given my deposition."</p>
+
+<p class="author">(Signed) "JEW."</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The fact of <i>two juries being summoned</i> has been <i>acknowledged by the
+coroner</i>, in his affidavit before the Court of King's Bench in April
+last. The affidavit of this gentleman, however, contains so many
+<i>errors</i>, that we here introduce an exposition of it, as given by the
+talented D. Wakefield, esq., in shewing cause against the rule being
+made absolute in the case of "Cumberland <i>v.</i> Phillips."</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Mr. Wakefield said it would be in the recollection of the
+court, that this was a rule obtained by Sir Charles Wetherell,
+for a libel contained in a publication relating to his royal
+highness the Duke of Cumberland. He would not read the alleged
+libel in detail now, but confine himself first to the
+affidavit of Samuel Thomas Adams, the coroner who had held the
+inquest on Sellis. It was necessary that he should read the
+affidavit, as he had to offer several remarks upon it."</p></div>
+
+<p>The learned counsel then read the affidavit, as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="greeting"><em>In the King's Bench.</em></p>
+
+<p>"Samuel Thomas Adams of No 9 Davis street Berkeley square in
+the County of Middlesex solicitor maketh oath and saith that
+he hath seen a certain book or publication entitled "The
+Authentic <!-- Page 190 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190"></a>[<a href="./images/190.png">190</a>]</span>Records of the Court of England for the last
+Seventy Years" purporting to be published in London by J.
+Phillips 334 Strand 1832 and that in the said book or
+publication are contained the following statements or passages
+which this deponent has read that is to say&mdash;"</p></div>
+
+<p>[Here the deponent, <i>lawyer-like</i>, set out the whole of the pretended
+libel, as published in the "Authentic Records," for the purpose of
+putting us to all the expense and trouble possible.]</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"And this deponent further saith that he was coroner for the
+verge of the King's Palace at St. James's in the month of June
+one thousand eight hundred and ten before whom the inquest on
+the body of Joseph Sellis referred to in the aforesaid
+passages extracted from the said book or publication was held
+and that it is not true as stated in the aforesaid passages
+that Lord Ellenborough undertook to manage the affair by
+arranging the proceedings upon the said inquest or that every
+witness or as this deponent believes any witness was
+previously examined by the said Lord Ellenborough or that the
+first jury for the reasons in the aforesaid passages alleged
+or for any other reasons refused to return a verdict in
+consequence of which they were dismissed and a second jury
+summoned and empannelled to whom <i>severally a special
+messenger had been sent</i> requesting their attendance and each
+of whom was directly or indirectly connected with the court or
+the government. And this deponent further saith that it is not
+true that any person was omitted as a witness whose evidence
+was known or could be suspected to be material but on the
+contrary this deponent saith that when the death of the said
+Joseph Sellis was notified to him he as such coroner as
+aforesaid was required to hold an inquest on the body of the
+said Joseph Sellis and that it being required by a statute
+passed in the twenty-third year of Henry the Eighth chapter
+twelve that in case of death happening in any of the king's
+palaces or houses where his majesty should then happen to be
+and in respect of which death an inquest should be necessary
+that the jury on such inquest should be composed of twelve or
+more of the yeoman officers of the king's household to be
+returned in the manner therein particularly mentioned he this
+deponent in the first instance issued as such coroner as
+aforesaid an order that a jury should be summoned composed of
+the said yeoman officers of the king's household pursuant to
+the directions of the said statute. But <!-- Page 191 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191"></a>[<a href="./images/191.png">191</a>]</span>this deponent saith
+that believing it to be important that the cause and
+circumstances of the death of the said Joseph Sellis should be
+investigated in the most public and impartial manner <i>he took
+upon himself the responsibility of not complying with the
+strict letter of such statute as aforesaid and countermanded
+the first order as aforesaid for summoning such jury in
+conformity to the said statute and instead thereof directed a
+jury to be summoned consisting of persons not being yeomen
+officers of the king's household</i> but living at a distance
+from and totally unconnected with the palace of St. James's
+And this deponent further saith that thereupon his agent as
+this deponent has been informed and believes took the
+summoning officer to Francis Place of Charing Cross man's
+mercer and that the said Francis Place then mentioned to the
+agent of this deponent the names of many persons fit and
+eligible to compose such jury and out of such persons so
+summoned by the officer as aforesaid an impartial jury was
+formed of which jury the said Francis Place was foreman And
+this deponent saith that before such jury so summoned and duly
+sworn he as coroner proceeded on the first day of June one
+thousand eight hundred and ten to hold an inquest on the body
+of the said Joseph Sellis And this deponent further saith that
+the court which under other circumstances would have been a
+close one he this deponent directed to be thrown open to the
+public and all persons without distinction And this deponent
+believes the same was done and that all persons without
+distinction were admitted into such court amongst whom were
+many reporters for the newspapers who attended for the purpose
+of taking and did take notes of the proceedings and of the
+depositions of the witnesses examined upon such inquest And
+this deponent further saith that at the commencement of the
+said inquest the several informations on oath of the principal
+witnesses taken on that and the preceding day by John Reid
+Esquire the then chief magistrate of the police were read over
+and handed to the said jury to enable them the better to
+examine such witnesses respectively and such witnesses were
+respectively resworn before this deponent as coroner and
+permitted to make any addition to their evidence so given
+before the magistrate as aforesaid and that each and every of
+such witnesses had full opportunities of making any addition
+to such testimony which they thought proper And this deponent
+further saith that all the circumstances of the case as far as
+they could be collected were carefully and impartially
+scrutinized by the said jury and that all the evidence which
+could be collected and brought forward and that every person
+was called before the said jury and examined as a witness and
+no person was omitted <!-- Page 192 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192"></a>[<a href="./images/192.png">192</a>]</span>to be called and examined who would
+have been or who it could be supposed would have been a
+material witness And this deponent further saith that in the
+course of the inquiry the said jury proceeded to the apartment
+where the body of the said Joseph Sellis had been first
+discovered and was then lying and did then carefully view
+examine and inspect the body of the said Joseph Sellis and all
+the other circumstances deemed by them necessary to be
+examined into and ascertained in any way touching the death of
+the said Joseph Sellis And this deponent further saith that he
+locked the doors of the apartment in which the body of the
+said Joseph Sellis was found and did not permit the same to be
+inspected nor the state and position of the said body to be
+disturbed, from the first discovery of such body in the
+aforesaid apartment until the same was inspected by the said
+jury And this deponent further saith that on the conclusion of
+the investigation the said jury immediately and unanimously
+returned a verdict that the said Joseph Sellis voluntarily and
+feloniously as a <i>felo de se</i> murdered himself And this
+deponent further saith that the proceedings upon the said
+inquest were in all respects regular <i>except</i> as to the jury
+not consisting of the yeoman officers of the king's household
+and that such proceedings were themselves conducted in the
+most fair open and impartial manner and that the verdict so
+found by the jury as aforesaid was a just true and honest
+verdict and that there is not the smallest ground for
+supposing or alleging any thing to the contrary
+thereof<a name="FNanchor_192:A_2" id="FNanchor_192:A_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_192:A_2" class="fnanchor">[192:A]</a></p>
+
+<p class="author">"SAM<sup>L</sup>. THO<sup>S</sup>. ADAMS."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Sworn in Court the eighteenth</i><br />
+<span style="padding-left: 2em;"><i>day of April 1832&mdash;By the Court.</i></span>"</p>
+
+<p class="section">"The first remark he had to submit to the court in this case
+was, that a person who applied for an extraordinary remedy by
+criminal information, must deny all the charges contained in
+the libel. The rank of the illustrious individual in this case
+made no difference with respect to that point. Now the court
+would find, by the affidavit of Mr. Adams, the coroner, that
+one of the main parts of this alleged libel, so far from being
+contradicted, was SUBSTANTIATED,&mdash;he alluded to the fact of
+there having been TWO JURIES summoned <!-- Page 193 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193"></a>[<a href="./images/193.png">193</a>]</span>to inquire into the
+circumstances relating to the death of Sellis. He did not mean
+to say that that fact formed any justification for the
+publication of the libel; but the fact itself was certainly
+extremely important, and Mr. Adams' affidavit contained the
+reasons why the mode pointed out by the act of parliament for
+summoning juries in such cases had been departed from. The
+fact of there having been two juries summoned was no doubt
+sufficient to induce any person to believe that there was some
+reason for that proceeding, which was not apparent on the face
+of it. Mr. Adams had described the manner in which the jury
+were summoned. He said he sent the summoning officer to Mr.
+Place, man's mercer, of Charing-cross; but Mr. Place was not
+the coroner for the verge of the King's Palace, and had no
+authority to act. He would leave it to the court to form their
+own opinion, whether or not this departure from the usual
+course was or was not for the purpose of obtaining an
+<span class="allcapsc">IMPARTIAL TRIAL</span>. The affidavit showed that Mr. Adams had flown
+in the face of the act of parliament, and the statement in the
+Authentic Records, that there had been a second inquest, was
+CORROBORATED by that affidavit. Mr. Adams had referred to the
+act of parliament, as being that of the 23rd of Henry VIII.,
+whereas it was that of the 33rd of Henry VIII.: that was no
+doubt a trifling circumstance, but it tended to show the
+manner in which Mr. Adams performed the duties of his office.
+Mr. Adams had stated that summonses had been drawn up for
+summoning <span class="allcapsc">TWO JURIES</span>, but those for summoning the <span class="allcapsc">FIRST</span> were
+not used; but the reason he gave was most unsatisfactory. He
+had no right to send to Mr. Place, and Mr. Place had no right
+to act as coroner; and he (Mr. Wakefield) submitted that the
+court ought to require an affidavit from Mr. Place to
+corroborate what Mr. Adams had stated. He believed it would
+not be difficult to show that the inquest might be quashed, as
+being illegal; and it certainly might have been quashed if
+Sellis had had any goods, which would have been subject to an
+extent at the suit of the crown. At all events, Mr. Adams
+might have been prosecuted for a breach of duty. There was
+another point which, though of a trifling nature, he would
+take the liberty of adverting to, in order to show that the
+inquest was illegal. By the 28 Henry VIII. c. 12, the jury in
+cases of this description were to be summoned from the verge
+of the court. Now this applied to the court sitting at
+Whitehall; but at the time in question the court was sitting
+at St. James'. The summoning, therefore, was clearly not good,
+and the jury, consisting of Mr. Place's junta, could not
+legally hold an inquest on the body of Sellis."</p></div>
+
+<p><!-- Page 194 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194"></a>[<a href="./images/194.png">194</a>]</span>Four other mistakes, also, in the coroner's affidavit were pointed out
+by <i>Mr. Place</i> himself in a letter to the public.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1. Mr. Adams says, "he issued an order to summon a jury of
+persons of the king's household, but that he rescinded the
+order, and summoned a jury of persons who lived at a distance,
+and were wholly unconnected with St. James' Palace." Mr. Adams
+must by these words mean that he summoned a jury from the only
+place to which his power extended; namely, "the verge of the
+court,"&mdash;a small space, and from amongst the few tradesmen who
+resided within its limits. <i>I never before heard that he had
+issued any order to summon a jury of persons of the king's
+household.</i></p>
+
+<p>2. Mr. Adams says, that his "summoning officer applied to
+Francis Place, of Charing Cross, for the names of persons who
+were eligible to compose a jury, and that out of such persons
+an impartial jury, of which Francis Place was the foreman,
+assembled on the 1st of June, 1810." Mr. Adams probably speaks
+from memory, and is, therefore, incorrect. He might, to be
+sure, have instructed his officer to apply to me; but, if he
+did, it was a <span class="allcapsc">STRANGE PROCEEDING</span>. The officer was in the habit
+of summoning juries within the verge, and must have known much
+better than I did who were eligible. The jurors could not have
+been indicated by me, since, of seventeen who formed the
+inquest, five were wholly unknown to me, either by name or
+person; and amongst the seven who did not attend, there were
+probably others who were also unknown to me. The number of
+persons liable to be summoned is so small, that it has been
+sometimes difficult to constitute an inquest, and there is no
+room either for choice or selection.</p>
+
+<p>3. Mr. Adams says, "the depositions of the witnesses were
+taken by John Read, the then chief police magistrate, and were
+read to the witnesses, who were severally asked if they had
+any thing to add to them." This, if left as Mr. Adams has put
+it, would imply negligence on the part of an inquest which was
+more than usually diligent and precise. The depositions were
+read, but not one of them was taken as the evidence of a
+witness. Every person who appeared as a witness was carefully
+and particularly examined, and the order in which the evidence
+was taken, and the words used, differ from the depositions;
+the evidence is also much longer than the depositions. Both
+are before me. The inquest examined seven material witnesses,
+who had not made depositions before Mr. Read.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 195 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195"></a>[<a href="./images/195.png">195</a>]</span>4. Mr. Adams says "the jury <i>immediately</i> and <i>unanimously</i>
+returned a verdict that the deceased, Joseph Sellis,
+voluntarily and feloniously murdered himself." The jury of
+seventeen persons were every one convinced that Sellis had
+destroyed himself, yet two of them did not concur in the
+verdict,&mdash;one, because he could not believe that a sane man
+ever put an end to his own existence; and another, because he
+could not satisfy himself whether or no Sellis was sane or
+insane.</p>
+
+<p class="author">FRANCIS PLACE.</p>
+
+<p class="greeting"><i>Charing Cross, April 19, 1832.</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The very morning this letter was published, we called on Mr. Place, who
+repeated the substance of it to us, adding that Sir Charles Wetherell
+had sent a person to him for his affidavit, which he <span class="allcapsc">REFUSED</span> in a letter
+to the learned knight, condemning the whole proceeding of criminal
+information. Mr. Place read a copy of this letter to us, and promised he
+would publish it if ever a <i>sufficient reason</i> presented itself. It was
+an admirable composition, and did credit to the liberality of the
+writer's opinions.</p>
+
+<p>As to the affidavits of the Duke of Cumberland and Neale, they contain
+nothing but what other people in similar situations would say,&mdash;<i>they
+deny all knowledge of Sellis' murder, and of unnatural conduct</i>. Whoever
+thought of requiring them to <i>criminate themselves</i>? But affidavits,
+from interested persons are not worth much. The notorious Bishop of
+Clogher, for instance, exculpated himself in a criminal information by
+an affidavit, and the result was, the man who published the <i>truth</i> of
+that <i>wretch</i> groaned in a jail!!! Sir Charles, therefore, had no
+occasion to boast of the Duke of Cumberland's <i>charitable</i> mode of
+proceeding against us by <i>criminal <!-- Page 196 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196"></a>[<a href="./images/196.png">196</a>]</span>information</i>, instead of commencing
+an <i>ex-officio</i> action; for in neither of these modes of procedure does
+the <i>truth</i> or <i>falsehood</i> of the charge form an object of
+consideration. We are, therefore, <i>prevented</i> by the Duke of Cumberland
+and his adherents from proving the <i>truth</i> of the statements we made in
+"The Authentic Records" <i>in a court of law</i>; but where resides the
+<i>power</i> that shall rob us of the glorious LIBERTY OF THE PRESS? We are
+the strenuous advocates of the <i>right to promulgate</i> <span class="allcapsc">TRUTH</span>,&mdash;of the
+right to scrutinize public actions and public men,&mdash;of the right to
+expose vice, and castigate mischievous follies, even though they may be
+found in a <i>palace</i>! The free exercise of this invaluable privilege
+should always be conceded to the <span class="allcapsc">HISTORIAN</span>, or where will posterity look
+for <i>impartial information</i>? In this character only did we publish what
+we believed, and <i>still believe</i>, to be the <i>truth</i> in our former work
+of "The Authentic Records," and which we have considerably enlarged upon
+in our present undertaking, merely for the purpose of fulfilling our
+sacred duty, and not with the idea of slandering any man! If the Duke of
+Cumberland had proved our statement <i>false</i>, we would have freely
+acknowledged our error, as every man ought to do who seeks fairly and
+honorably to sustain a noble function in the purity of its existence. We
+know there are writers who seek, not to enlighten, but to debase; not to
+find amusement, but to administer poison; not to impart information,
+either political, moral, or literary, but to indulge in obscenity,&mdash;to
+rake up forgotten falsehoods, <!-- Page 197 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197"></a>[<a href="./images/197.png">197</a>]</span>and disseminate imputed calumnies! To
+such, the sanctuary of private life is no longer inviolable; the
+feelings of the domestic circle are no longer sacred; retirement affords
+no protection, and virtue interposes no defence, to their sordid
+inroads. Upon offences like these, <i>we</i> would invoke the fiercest
+penalties of the law. The interests of society demand it, and the rights
+of individuals claim it! But our strictures and exposures are of a
+widely-different character,&mdash;not if they were <i>false</i>,&mdash;but because
+their <span class="allcapsc">TRUTH</span> must be apparent to every unbiassed individual in this
+mighty empire! With this conviction alone we stated them, and even Sir
+Charles Wetherell himself said we "seemed to have no other motive in
+stating them only for the purpose of stating them!" We are not disposed
+to comment upon this part of the learned counsel's speech, as it proves
+all we want to prove regarding our motives.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>This year was not less remarkable for the king's family sorrows than for
+public grievances. His majesty was nearly childish and blind. The queen
+dreaded the ascendency of the popular voice in favour of the Princess of
+Wales, and the Princess Charlotte exhibited a resolute spirit, which it
+was feared would end to the unhappiness of the puissant queen. The
+Princess Amelia suffered under indescribable sorrows, both bodily and
+mental, which ultimately terminated her earthly career on the 2nd of
+November.</p>
+
+<p>Many representations were made to the public of <!-- Page 198 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198"></a>[<a href="./images/198.png">198</a>]</span>the numerous visits
+made to the Princess Amelia by the king, and their affecting final
+interview. We believe we may, with truth, say those representations were
+erroneous; for the king's malady was of too serious a nature to admit of
+any new excitement, and the peculiar regard he entertained for this
+daughter would not allow his hearing of her sufferings in any shape,
+without feeling the most acute pain.</p>
+
+<p>The Prince of Wales also still pursued the most dissipated rounds of
+pleasure, making his very name hateful to every virtuous ear. The house
+of royalty, indeed, seemed divided against itself.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">General historians say that the year</p>
+
+<h3>1811</h3>
+
+<p>was not marked by any very particular events of much interest, either to
+kings or kingdoms; yet we must differ from them in this opinion,
+inasmuch as, at its commencement, the Prince of Wales was appointed
+<i>Regent</i>, and the king's person confided to the care of the queen,
+conjointly with archbishops, lords, and other adherents of her majesty.</p>
+
+<p>The session was opened on the 12th of February; and the speech,
+delivered by commission, in the name of the regent, expressed <i>unfeigned
+sorrow</i> at the king's malady, by which the exercise of the royal
+authority had devolved upon his royal highness. It also <i>congratulated</i>
+parliament and the country on <!-- Page 199 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199"></a>[<a href="./images/199.png">199</a>]</span>the success of his majesty's arms, by
+land and sea, and did not forget to beg for further <span class="allcapsc">SUPPLIES</span>,&mdash;<i>so much
+required</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Let us here inquire the cause that prevented the <i>amiable</i> regent from
+opening the session in person. Had his mistresses detained him too late
+in the morning? or had they played a <i>designed part</i> with him, to prove
+their superior domination? or had he been in his most privately-retired
+apartments, <i>conversing with a few of the male favourites of his
+household in</i> ITALIAN? If either of these do not give the true reason of
+his absence, we may be sure to ascertain it upon inquiry of the vintner
+or faro-table keeper. Here the different <i>degrees</i> of morality,
+contrived by custom and keeping the people in ignorance, are well
+illustrated!</p>
+
+<p>The queen was much at Windsor at this period, she being obliged, by
+etiquette, to hear the bulletins issued by the physicians concerning his
+majesty's health, or her <i>affection</i> for the afflicted king would not
+have produced so great a <i>sacrifice</i> on her part.</p>
+
+<p>In this year, the disgraced Duke of York was restored to his former post
+of commander-in-chief; although, but a short period before, he was found
+guilty of being privy to, if not actually and personally, disposing of
+situations in the army, by which traffic, very large amounts had been
+realized by one of his royal highness' mistresses.</p>
+
+<p>The money required for this year's supply amounted to <i>fifty-six
+millions</i>! The distress in all the manufacturing districts,
+notwithstanding, was of <!-- Page 200 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200"></a>[<a href="./images/200.png">200</a>]</span>the heaviest nature; while, instead of
+ministers devising means to relieve the starving poor, oppressive
+enactments were substituted.</p>
+
+<p>Let it not here be supposed that we are condemning any constitutional
+enactment of government. We only wish to see the interests of the poor a
+little more regarded, instead of laws being made solely with a view of
+aggrandizing the wealthy, whose eyes already stand out with fatness. Is
+it not evident that the men at this period in power were resolved to
+continue their system of corrupt administration, in despite of all
+remonstrance and opposition? A long course of oppression had apparently
+hardened them, and so far steeled their hearts against the petitions of
+the suffering nation, that they actually seemed to delight in increasing
+the heavy burdens which already preyed upon the vitals of the community.</p>
+
+<p>Our readers may probably be aware that the visits of the Princess
+Charlotte to her mother were always "few and far between;" but at this
+period, the interviews became so uncertain and restricted, that they
+could not be satisfactory either to the mother or the daughter. Some of
+the attendants always remained in the apartment with them, <i>by the
+regent's command</i>, to witness the conversation. For some time, the
+princess contrived to write <i>privately</i> to her mother, and obtained a
+confidential messenger to deliver her communications. This was
+ultimately suspected, and, after a close scrutiny, unfortunately
+discovered, and immediately forbidden. Her royal highness was <!-- Page 201 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201"></a>[<a href="./images/201.png">201</a>]</span>now in
+her fifteenth year, in good health, and possessing much natural and
+mental activity. It was not very probable, therefore, that the society
+of <span class="allcapsc">FORMAL LADIES</span>, every way disproportionate to herself in years and
+taste, could be very agreeable to her, more especially when she knew
+that these very ladies were bitter enemies to her adored mother. If the
+Princess Charlotte had been allowed to associate with natural and
+suitable companions, the very decisive feature of her character would
+have rendered her the brightest ornament of society; but this was not
+permitted, and England has great cause to mourn that she was not more
+valued by her father and grandmother.</p>
+
+<p>The elegant and accomplished Dr. Nott was now selected for the Princess
+Charlotte's preceptor, and he ardently exerted himself to improve the
+mind of his royal pupil. The very superior <i>personal</i>, as well as
+mental, qualifications of the reverend gentleman, however, soon rendered
+him an object of <i>peculiar interest</i> to the youthful princess. The
+ardency of her affections and the determinate character of her mind were
+well known to her royal relatives. They, therefore, viewed this new
+connexion with considerable uneasiness, and soon had occasion to suspect
+that her royal highness had manifested too much solicitude for the
+interest of her friend and tutor!</p>
+
+<p>The Duke of York first communicated his suspicions on this subject to
+the regent, and the prince immediately went to Windsor (where the queen
+then was) to inform her majesty of his fears, and to <!-- Page 202 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202"></a>[<a href="./images/202.png">202</a>]</span>consult what would
+be the most proper and effectual measures to take. Her majesty was
+highly incensed at the information, and very indignantly answered, "My
+family connexions will prove my entire ruin." Her majesty, accompanied
+by the prince, drove off directly for London, and the Princess Charlotte
+was commanded to meet her grandmother in her chamber. With her usual
+independent readiness, the princess obeyed the summons, and was ushered
+into the presence of the haughty queen.</p>
+
+<p>After some considerable period of silence, her majesty began to ask what
+particular services Dr. Nott had rendered, or what very superior
+attractions he possessed, to engage the attentions of her royal highness
+in such an unusual degree, as was now well known to be the case. Her
+royal highness rose up, and in a tone of voice, not very agreeable to
+the queen, said, "If your majesty supposes you can subdue me as you have
+done my mother, the Princess of Wales, you will find yourself deceived.
+The Reverend Mr. Nott has shown me more attentions, and contributed more
+to my happiness in my gloomy seclusion, than any person ever did, except
+my mother, and I ought to be grateful to him, and I <span class="allcapsc">WILL</span>, whether it
+pleases your majesty or not!" The queen saw her purpose was defeated in
+the attempt to intimidate her grand-daughter, and therefore, in a milder
+manner, said, "You must, my dear, recollect, I am anxious for your
+honour and happiness; you are born to occupy the highest station in the
+world, and I wish you to do so becoming the proud <!-- Page 203 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203"></a>[<a href="./images/203.png">203</a>]</span>character of your
+royal father, who is the most distinguished prince in Europe." The queen
+had scarcely concluded her sentence, when her royal highness burst
+forth, in the most violent manner, and with an undismayed gesture, said,
+"Does your majesty think I am always to be under your subjection? Can I
+believe my royal father <i>so great and good</i>, when I have so long
+witnessed his unremitted unkindness to my neglected mother? Neither do I
+receive much attention from the prince; and my uncle of York is always
+preaching to me about virtue and submission, and your majesty well knows
+<i>he does not practise either</i>! Mr. Nott practises every amiability which
+he enjoins, and I esteem him exceedingly <i>more than I do any other
+gentleman</i>!" The queen was quite vexed at the unbending disposition
+manifested by the princess, and desired her to retire, and reflect upon
+the improper conduct of which she had been guilty, and, by humility and
+contrition, to make a suitable atonement.</p>
+
+<p>While walking out of the room, the princess appeared in deep thought,
+and more tranquil; her majesty, imagining it to be the result of her own
+advice, said, "The Princess Charlotte will never want a friend if she
+abide by her grandmother's instructions, and properly maintain her
+dignity of birth." Her royal highness returned to her former situation
+before the queen, and exclaimed, "What does your majesty mean?" "I
+mean," replied the queen, "that you must not condescend to favour
+persons in <i>low life</i> with your confidence or particular respect; they
+<!-- Page 204 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204"></a>[<a href="./images/204.png">204</a>]</span>will take advantage of it, and finally make you the tool to accomplish
+their vile purposes." "Does your majesty apply these remarks to the Rev.
+Mr. Nott?" hastily replied the princess. "I do," said the queen. "Then
+hear me, your majesty; I glory in my regard for Mr. Nott. His virtues
+are above all praise, and he merits infinitely more than I have to give;
+but I resolve, from this moment, to give him all the worldly goods I
+can; and your majesty knows that, by <i>law</i>, I can make a will, though I
+am but little more than fifteen; and my library, jewels, and other
+valuables, are at my own disposal! I will now, without delay, make my
+will in his favour, and no earthly power shall prevent me. I am sorry
+your majesty prefers <i>vicious and wicked characters, with splendid
+titles</i>, to virtuous and amiable persons, destitute of such empty
+sounds!" The princess left the room, and the queen was more disturbed
+than before the interview.</p>
+
+<p>The regent was soon made acquainted with the result, and recommended
+that no further notice should be taken of the matter, hoping that the
+princess would change her intention upon a more deliberate survey of the
+subject. But in this opinion, or hope, his royal highness was
+disappointed; for the princess that day signed a <i>deed</i>, whereby she
+gave <i>positively</i> to her friend and preceptor, Dr. Nott, her library,
+jewels, and all private property belonging to her, and delivered this
+instrument into his hand, saying, "I hope you will receive this small
+token as a pledge of my sincere regard for your character, <!-- Page 205 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205"></a>[<a href="./images/205.png">205</a>]</span>and high
+estimation of your many virtues. When I am able to give you greater
+testimonies of my friendship, they shall not be withheld." We need
+hardly say that the divine was <i>delighted</i> at the great attention and
+unexpected generosity of her royal highness. He was more; for his heart
+was subdued and affected.</p>
+
+<p>A considerable period elapsed after this circumstance, when the queen
+was resolved to recover the <i>deed</i> at all hazards, as she feared, if the
+validity of such an instrument were ever acknowledged, royalty would
+suffer much in the estimation of the public. All the queen's deceptive
+plans, therefore, were tried; but failed. The prince, at length, offered
+a large amount as a remuneration, and finally persuaded the doctor to
+give up the deed! Of course a good living was also presented to him, on
+his retiring from the situation in which he had so long enjoyed the
+smile and favour of his royal pupil.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess Charlotte was mortified, beyond expression, at this
+unexpected conduct on the part of her father and grandmother, and was
+not very sparing in her expressions of dislike towards them. Mr.
+Perceval (who was then premier) was requested by the prince to see her
+royal highness, and to suggest <i>any</i> terms of reconciliation between the
+princess and the queen; but he could not succeed. "What, Sir!" said her
+royal highness, "would you desire me to <i>appear what I am not</i>, and to
+meet her majesty as if I believed her to be my sincere friend, when I
+know I am hated for my dear mother's sake? No, <!-- Page 206 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206"></a>[<a href="./images/206.png">206</a>]</span>Sir! I cannot do as you
+desire; but I will endeavour to meet her majesty at all needful
+opportunities with as much gentleness of manners as I can assume. What
+indignities has not the queen offered to my persecuted mother? You well
+know, Sir, they have been unmerited, and if her majesty insults the
+Princess of Wales again in my presence, I shall say, 'your majesty
+should regulate your family affairs better, and teach lessons of virtue
+to your <i>daughters</i>, before you traduce the characters of other ladies!'
+You, Sir, are the regent's minister, and in his confidence, so I may
+venture to give you my candid opinion, and I do not consider that, by
+doing so, I exceed the bounds of propriety. Will you, therefore, oblige
+me by announcing to the prince, my father, that I am unalterably devoted
+in heart to my mother, and while I wish to be a dutiful child to my
+father, I must not even be that at the expense of principle and
+honourable sentiments. My grandfather always had my respect and pity."</p>
+
+<p>It is scarcely necessary to say, that Mr. Perceval retired with evident
+symptoms of disappointment and chagrin. He immediately communicated the
+result of his interview to the regent and the queen, who declined making
+any further remonstrance, lest the princess should imagine they feared
+her, or were at all intimidated by her bold decisions.</p>
+
+<p>In this year, Lord Sidmouth moved to bring in a bill to alter the
+"Toleration Act." His lordship stated, that this bill was calculated to
+serve the interests of religion, and promote the prosperity of the
+<!-- Page 207 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207"></a>[<a href="./images/207.png">207</a>]</span>Church of England! But Lord Sidmouth, for once, was disappointed. The
+sensation excited throughout the country was of an unprecedented
+description; for, within forty-eight hours, no less than three hundred
+and thirty-six petitions against it were poured into the House of Lords!
+and the House was presented, on the second reading, with five hundred
+more! It was consequently abandoned.</p>
+
+<p>The supplies voted for the public and <i>private</i> services were <span class="allcapsc">FIFTY-SIX
+MILLIONS</span>!</p>
+
+<p>At the close of this year, the poor were perishing for want; yet the
+court became more splendid than ever! The ill-fated sovereign was as
+imbecile and as weak as an infant, and his representative a profligate
+ruler. What a condition for England!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">War still raged at the commencement of</p>
+
+<h3>1812.</h3>
+
+<p>We will not, however, record the scenes of devastation and horror
+consequent from it; neither will we eulogize Lord Wellington for the
+<i>victories</i> he obtained. Much rather would we shed a tear at the
+remembrance of the slaughtered victims to kingly or ministerial
+ambition. Who that believes in the immortality of the soul can think of
+these horrid engagements without shuddering at the immense and
+inexpressible accountability of the destroyer? It would be utterly
+impossible to give an idea of the number of <span class="allcapsc">WIDOWS</span> and <span class="allcapsc">ORPHANS</span> who have
+had to mourn the <!-- Page 208 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208"></a>[<a href="./images/208.png">208</a>]</span>consequences of <i>splendid</i> victories, as a <i>wholesale
+murdering of soldiers</i> are denominated. How many <i>ducal coronets</i> have
+been purchased at the expense of human existence! Rather should our
+brows never be encircled than at such an unnatural price!</p>
+
+<p>On the 13th of February, the restrictions formerly in force against the
+prince regent terminated; and, properly speaking, it may be declared,
+<i>he then assumed the kingly power</i>. One hundred thousand pounds were
+voted for him, <i>professedly</i> to meet the expenses attendant upon his
+assumption of the regal authority.</p>
+
+<p>This was a moment of triumph to the queen, and the sequel will prove
+that her majesty took especial care to turn it to her own account. The
+Duke of York was fully reinstated as "Commander-in-Chief," and,
+therefore, ready ways and means presented themselves to her majesty. The
+regent engaged that the queen should have the continued sanction of his
+name and interest, in all the various ways she might require.
+Accordingly, it was soon arranged, that <i>her majesty should receive an
+additional sum of ten thousand pounds per annum</i> <span class="allcapsc">FOR THE CARE OF HER
+ROYAL HUSBAND'S PERSON</span>!</p>
+
+<p>We cannot pass by this shameful insult to the nation without making an
+observation upon so <i>unnatural</i> an act. If the queen were the kind and
+affectionate wife she had so very frequently been represented to be,
+could she have allowed herself to receive an immense payment for merely
+doing her <i>duty</i>? But a more selfish woman, and a more unfeeling wife,
+never <!-- Page 209 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209"></a>[<a href="./images/209.png">209</a>]</span>disgraced humanity, as this wicked acceptance of the public money
+fully testifies.</p>
+
+<p>An additional nine thousand pounds annually were also granted to each of
+the princesses, whilst places and pensions were proportionally
+multiplied. In the case of Colonel M'Mahon, upon whom a private
+secretaryship had been conferred, much very unpleasant altercation took
+place in the House of Commons; but <i>bribery</i> effected that which
+argument proved to be <i>wrong</i>. It was a well-known fact, indeed, that
+this individual was nothing more than a pander to the regent's lust, to
+which infamous engagements and practices we shall hereafter refer.</p>
+
+<p>On the 11th of May, as Mr. Perceval was entering the lobby of the House
+of Commons, he received a shot in his left breast, and, after staggering
+a few paces, fell down and expired. The assassin was tried on the 15th
+and executed on the 18th of the same month. He defended his conduct on
+the ground of having received much injury from the government, who had
+denied redress of his grievances, and, therefore, thought he had only
+done an act of justice in taking away the life of a member of so callous
+an administration.</p>
+
+<p>Agreeably to the regent's message, fifty thousand pounds were voted for
+the use of Mr. Perceval's family, and two thousand annually to be paid
+to his widow. In case of her demise, however, the same amount was to be
+continued annually to such male descendant as might at that time be the
+heir, for the term of his life.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 210 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210"></a>[<a href="./images/210.png">210</a>]</span>Let us here inquire into the services which Mr. Perceval had rendered
+his country to warrant ministers in this lavish expenditure upon his
+family, one of whom now frequently intrudes his crude notions in the
+House of Commons. Mr. Perceval had been for a long period the <i>pretended
+friend</i> of the ill-fated Princess of Wales. "The Book" which he
+arranged, and which had been printed, but not published, in 1807, giving
+the particulars of the "Delicate Investigation," improperly so called,
+<i>was bought up</i> in 1809, and as much as fifteen hundred pounds <span class="allcapsc">GIVEN</span>
+<i>for a single copy</i>. The rancour and malice of the unprincipled enemies
+and calumniators of the open-hearted Princess of Wales had been much
+exposed by Mr. Perceval, and by his apparent generous and manly defence
+in her royal highness' favour, the storm materially abated. After a long
+period, she was again received at court, and acknowledged <i>innocent</i> of
+the charges preferred by her assailants. Apartments were given to her at
+Kensington Palace, and it appeared very probable that her wishes would
+finally be completed, in the restoration of her beloved daughter to her
+society. But mark the ensuing change. Mr. Perceval was chosen by the
+regent to assist in his councils; and as no man can serve two causes at
+the same time, Mr. Perceval deserted the princess, and became the
+servile minister of the prince! Surely there must be something
+supernatural in the smile of royalty, when, in some instances, principle
+and conscience have fallen subdued before it! We know for an
+<i>incontrovertible</i> fact, that <!-- Page 211 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211"></a>[<a href="./images/211.png">211</a>]</span>but a few months before Mr. Perceval's
+acceptance of office, he delivered his sentiments concerning the
+Princess of Wales to a particular friend, in these words: "I am
+decidedly friendly to the Princess of Wales, because I am well satisfied
+and assured her royal highness is a much-injured lady. I am also
+convinced her mother-in-law had conceived an inveterate dislike to her
+before she arrived in this country, on account of the objections
+preferred by the prince against any connexion, except that which his
+royal highness had already formed. From these unhappy circumstances, I
+am obliged to believe, that the sufferings of her highness are unmerited
+on her part, and very much increased by the dictatorial behaviour of her
+majesty." At another interview with the same person, the following
+question was put, unreservedly, to Mr. Perceval: "Do you, Sir, think her
+royal highness has been deserving of the persecutions she has endured,
+by any deviation from virtue and propriety?" "I do not think the
+princess guilty," earnestly rejoined Mr. Perceval, "and I am fully
+satisfied, in my own mind, that if there had not existed ungenerous
+intentions on the part of the royal family, the affair would long since
+have sunk into silence. There is a gaiety and levity about her royal
+highness which is not usual with the <i>English</i> ladies generally; but,
+with all the exterior frivolity of the princess, when she chooses to be
+lively, <i>I would prefer her infinitely to the professedly-modest and
+apparently-reserved of the sex in high life</i>. I believe the princess to
+be playful, and incautiously witty, in <!-- Page 212 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212"></a>[<a href="./images/212.png">212</a>]</span>her deportment; but <i>I prefer
+that to secret intrigue and infamous practices</i>."</p>
+
+<p>We leave our readers to judge whether this simple declaration was not
+honourable to the princess, and whether it does not correspond with
+every speech delivered by this gentleman in his public and private
+defence of her royal highness. Humanity, however, is weak, and the
+ingratiating attentions of the prince were too powerful to be resisted
+by Mr. Perceval. At his royal command, Virtue, Goodness, and Truth,
+assumed the garb of Vice, Infamy, and Falsehood. "Oh, blasting privilege
+of sovereignty! The bare scent of thy perfume spreads desolation to
+society; changes man, the noblest of God's works, into a monster; and
+the consequences of thy <i>unnatural existence</i> will most probably produce
+the engine to be used for <i>thine own destruction</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after the untimely death of Mr. Perceval, Lord Liverpool was
+appointed first lord of the Treasury; Mr. Nicholas Vansittart,
+chancellor of the Exchequer; and Lord Sidmouth, secretary of state for
+the home department.</p>
+
+<p>On the 17th of June, Mr. Vansittart brought forward his budget,&mdash;the
+amount of the supplies required being more than sixty-two millions.
+Certainly this was not a very exhilarating or agreeable prospect to the
+nation of the retrenchments intended by the new ministry; but
+notwithstanding the divisions on the subject, it finally received the
+sanction of parliament. Had it not been for the corrupt state of the
+representation, can we suppose it possible that <!-- Page 213 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213"></a>[<a href="./images/213.png">213</a>]</span>such a sum would have
+been permitted to be drawn from the starving multitudes, when there
+existed such pecuniary distress in the manufacturing and commercial
+districts, unequalled in former years?</p>
+
+<p>The new parliament met for business on the 30th of November, and one of
+its first acts was, to grant the sum of one hundred thousand pounds to
+Lord Wellington for the part he had taken in legal slaughter!</p>
+
+<p>It may, with propriety, be submitted here, how large a grant would have
+been made to any man who should have presented a <i>plan for the
+comfortable and honourable maintenance of the perishing millions</i>? We
+fear any patriot, who had dared to press such a scheme would have soon
+been consigned to a damp and dreary dungeon, charged with disaffection
+to the monarch, or commanded, under <i>certain protection</i>, to set sail
+for another country; and, if permitted to reach the destined shore,
+there to be received and treated as one of the most infamous of the
+human race! But in these days, the <i>will</i> of the regent, supported by
+the queen, was supreme law. There was not one who ventured to <i>insult
+his dignity</i> by speaking to him <span class="allcapsc">TRUTH</span>!&mdash;not one <i>dared</i> to stem the
+torrent of his royal displeasure! It is true that, when Lord Liverpool
+first entered office, he once <i>hinted</i> to his royal master the general
+voice of dissatisfaction which the people expressed; but the imperious
+regent commanded silence upon all such subjects, and desired Lord
+Liverpool never again to meet his highness, unless under a positive
+resolve not even to <!-- Page 214 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214"></a>[<a href="./images/214.png">214</a>]</span>give the most distant hint at matters so very
+disagreeable to the royal ear, and which were of <i>no considerable
+importance</i>! His lordship proved himself wanting in fortitude to set an
+example to courtiers, and the principle of his mind was, consequently,
+bartered for the <i>pleasure</i> of being the <i>slave</i> of a haughty prince,
+who had "relinquished Justice, and abandoned Mercy!"</p>
+
+<p>We must here refer to a most interesting circumstance with respect to
+the Princess of Wales. Her royal highness was well aware of the bonds,
+<i>still in existence</i>, given by the Princes George, Frederick, and
+William, to the firm of Perigoux and Co., of Paris, which were to the
+amount of several hundred thousand pounds, as we have before named; and,
+in an open and friendly conversation with Messrs. Whitbread and
+Perceval, the princess said, "The regent and the royal dukes engaged in
+those bonds are perfectly aware they deserve severe exposure. Their
+action was not only wicked, but their intention also; as every person in
+any way acquainted with their concerns must be sure they undertook to
+pay more than their means would ever permit, seeing how deeply the
+country was in debt, and that the revenue did not then meet the annual
+amount required. And," emphatically added the princess, "if the world
+did but <i>know of the</i> <span class="allcapsc">LIVES SACRIFICED</span> <i>in this affair, to preserve the
+good reputation of these princely brothers, I suppose royalty would not
+gain much in the estimation of good people by the exposure</i>!"</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 215 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215"></a>[<a href="./images/215.png">215</a>]</span>The substance of this conversation soon afterwards transpired to the
+Prince of Wales. There cannot be a doubt that his royal highness was
+<i>afraid</i>, but he resolved not to <i>appear so</i>; and from that period, he
+and the queen were the unalterable and bitterest enemies of the
+princess, both publicly and privately. So, then, for the simple
+expression of <i>truth</i>, to those who were already in possession of the
+whole affair, was an injured princess to be pursued by the hounds of
+destruction until her capture should be accomplished. The prince sought
+an immediate divorce; but as the former attempts on this ground, in the
+year 1806, had failed, there appeared great difficulty in the attainment
+of his object. The former charges and gross calumnies were declared
+false, and Lady Douglas had been shunned by all good and
+strictly-honourable society; for, except where she was received in
+compliment to the queen, her invitations were, indeed, but very few. The
+old story was again resorted to, and as Mr. Perceval was now no more, a
+bold attempt was resolved on, as the last resource, to obtain the
+desired end.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Whitbread communicated to the Princess of Wales the scheme then
+forming against her honour, and that the ministry were favourable to the
+wishes of the regent. Her royal highness stood amazed at this unexpected
+information. "What!" said the princess, "is not the Prince of Wales
+satisfied with the former abuses he has poured upon me? Is he so
+abandoned, being heir-apparent, as to risk his life, or engage the
+vengeful disposition of the nation, in <!-- Page 216 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216"></a>[<a href="./images/216.png">216</a>]</span>the punishment due to the crimes
+he has committed against me? <i>If the generous English people were
+informed of half the sufferings I have endured since my arrival in this
+country, they would never be induced to yield obedience to the commands
+of a prince whose virtues are not the least balance to his</i> <span class="allcapsc">VICES</span>! But,"
+continued her royal highness, "I will go down to Windsor, and request an
+interview with the queen." Mr. Whitbread remonstrated, and at last the
+princess consented to write, and ask an audience. A courier was
+despatched with it, and the <i>verbal</i> reply of her majesty was, "She
+would see the Princess of Wales, provided her royal highness was at
+Windsor Castle by <i>eight o'clock in the evening</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Not a moment was to be lost; the carriage was announced in a few
+minutes, and the princess, attended by only one lady, entered it. "Drive
+quickly," said her royal highness. It was only half-past seven when the
+princess was announced. Her royal highness was received in courtly style
+and unbending manner by her majesty, who, in her usual way, inquired
+"the cause which gives me the pleasure of a visit, so very unexpectedly,
+from the Princess of Wales?"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," answered her royal highness, "I am quite sensible of your
+surprise at my hasty request and appearance; but as I am tired of
+hearing the false reports in such general circulation in the court, I am
+resolved to ask your majesty in person, if I am likely to experience any
+renewal of those bitter persecutions which, in former years, were
+agitated to <!-- Page 217 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217"></a>[<a href="./images/217.png">217</a>]</span>my horror and surprise. I am well aware the regent would
+not enter upon such a business, unless he had your majesty's sanction
+and countenance, as well as assistance. Is it because Mr. Perceval is
+dead, that your majesty thinks me so unprotected as to fall immediately
+a prey to my base enemies?&mdash;if so, your majesty will be in the wrong;
+for although Mr. Perceval forsook my interest when he engaged himself in
+confidence to the regent, my husband, I never shall forget the gratitude
+I owe him for former benefits, and his letters speak volumes of truths,
+which it was entirely impossible for him to name or attest, unless his
+mind had been duly influenced by the solid foundation upon which his
+opinion was fixed."</p>
+
+<p>Her majesty appeared vexed and astonished; then, assuming that hauteur
+for which she was so remarkable, said, "I do not know, princess, that I
+am under any necessity to answer your question, as it seems to me
+improper to do so. The prince regent has an unquestionable right to
+choose his ministers and counsellors, and also to engage their
+attentions and services <i>for any purpose his royal highness may
+please</i>,(?) and therefore I decline to answer any interrogatory upon the
+subject. Your royal highness must be aware this interview and
+conversation is very unpleasant to me, and I hope, in future, you will
+not put me to the very disagreeable task of refusing you an audience, or
+of permitting one, under similar circumstances. I must, therefore,
+desire your royal <!-- Page 218 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218"></a>[<a href="./images/218.png">218</a>]</span>highness will take some refreshment in the adjoining
+room, and I wish you a very good evening."</p>
+
+<p>It hardly need be told that the insulted Caroline did not stay to
+partake of the proffered <i>hospitality</i> of this German princess. To be
+injured by the son, and insulted by the mother, was as much as human
+feeling could endure, and the princess reached her home in a state of
+mind little short of distraction. On the following morning, one of the
+royal dukes called upon the princess, and told her, he was informed of
+her journey to Windsor by an express from his mother, and also stated
+his opinion that no measures of an unpleasant nature were in agitation.
+The princess hastily answered, "Do you think I was not fully satisfied
+of the regent's intention upon the subject before I resolved to visit
+the queen? You forget, prince, that I am an injured lady. You know I was
+brought into this country to afford money to pay my intended husband's
+enormous debts, and to give him means to live in the greatest splendour
+with his numerous mistresses! I am deprived of the society of my only
+child! Injurious reports are circulated and received against my honour,
+and I am not even permitted to exonerate myself from these vile and
+slanderous imputations, because I am injured by the reigning authority."</p>
+
+<p>The royal duke said, "I beg, my dear cousin, you will not permit the
+harsh and unfeeling conduct of the queen to operate on your mind. <i>We
+all know she is revengeful in the extreme</i>, but she always <!-- Page 219 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219"></a>[<a href="./images/219.png">219</a>]</span><i>favours
+George</i> in every thing; and, from her very bitter conduct to you, we are
+well assured George is meditating some new scheme against you. One thing
+I promise you: I will abide by you, even presuming any thing
+<i>disreputable is proved</i>; and I only beg you will give me your <i>private</i>
+confidence, that I may be prepared for the worst."</p>
+
+<p>Her royal highness, hastily rising, said, "Sir, if you intended to
+insult me, I feel it such; but if, from unguarded or not well-considered
+language, you have so very improperly expressed yourself, then I am not
+captious to place any ungenerous meaning upon your words! If my
+rectitude did not rise higher in the scale of truth and uprightness than
+that of your family, including <i>both sexes</i>, I should not have ventured
+the close and determinate inspection into my conduct at the will or
+command of my avowed foes! If it were not for my child's sake, I would
+<i>satisfy you all</i> that I am privy to <span class="allcapsc">TRANSACTIONS</span> which one day or
+another will be punished with the vengeance of heaven, and which I
+solemnly believe to be my duty to explain, though it may even cause 'the
+cloud-capp'd towers and gorgeous palaces' to fall into one general heap
+of ruins!"</p>
+
+<p>The duke was almost petrified with the language and manner of the
+princess, and strongly urged the necessity of <i>silence</i> upon any and all
+of the unfortunate or dishonourable transactions in which the family had
+been engaged, observing, "Your own welfare depends upon their's, and
+that is a <!-- Page 220 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220"></a>[<a href="./images/220.png">220</a>]</span>consideration of positive importance, which I hope your royal
+highness will justly appreciate!"</p>
+
+<p>This suggestion of the cowardly duke produced the opposite effect to
+that which was intended; the princess declared that the mean sentiments
+of the queen had also found way into the minds of her sons, and instead
+of proving their royal descent by greatness of mind and action, they
+condescended to suggest self-preservation and self-enjoyments in
+preference to an open avowal of truth, and an honourable meeting with an
+enemy. "And," hastily said her royal highness, "is this, Sir, a specimen
+of the character of the English royal family? What would my ever dear
+and lamented father have thought of such principles and opinions?
+Doubtless, he would rather have followed his daughter to the tomb, and
+have seen her remains deposited with his ancestors, than have had her
+associated with persons who could sacrifice <span class="allcapsc">HONOUR</span> for mean and paltry
+conveniences. Your royal highness must be well assured, that I am not a
+stranger to the unfounded and most abominable assertions or suggestions
+issued against my child's legitimacy; certainly, if I am only the
+Princess of Wales <i>nominally</i>, then my daughter bears a surreptitious
+title, and if either of us is considered as an obstacle to the interests
+of the nation, why are not the assertions upon that point made in an
+honourable and open manner. You well know, Sir, that I would sacrifice
+any thing and every thing for the happiness and future prosperity of my
+child; but I must be fully convinced, that <i>my</i> destruction of <!-- Page 221 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221"></a>[<a href="./images/221.png">221</a>]</span>rights
+or enjoyments of privileges would not produce the entire annihilation of
+<i>her's</i> also. I must be made to understand that the mother and child
+have separate interests, and that insults received by one are not
+dishonourable to the other. I have also another powerful objection to
+keep silence upon these heart-rending and distracting subjects, which
+is, Charlotte's deep-rooted aversion to those persons who have insulted
+me most. This feeling assures my mind that I ought not to shrink from
+any avowal of truth which I may in justice to this generous nation be
+called upon to make, and nothing less than my child's safety shall keep
+me from making a disclosure of the unmerited and most incomparable
+wicked conduct manifested towards me. If I find that likely to operate
+against my daughter's happiness, I will forbear; but not upon any other
+ground."</p>
+
+<p>The determined manner of her royal highness fully satisfied the abashed
+duke that the sentiments thus boldly expressed were the unalterable
+principles entertained by the princess, and would only gather energy and
+force by opposition and remonstrance; he therefore very soon afterwards
+took his leave, and gave the outline of the conversation to his <i>august</i>
+mother, <span class="allcapsc">BY WHOSE EXPRESS WISH THE INTERVIEW HAD TAKEN PLACE</span>.</p>
+
+<p>The queen was posed by the firmness her royal highness had displayed;
+and, in reply to the communication, said, "I will not be disappointed by
+this seeming boldness; the princess shall <i>feel my</i> <span class="allcapsc">POWER</span>. She shall see
+Charlotte still less; the <!-- Page 222 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222"></a>[<a href="./images/222.png">222</a>]</span>restrictions shall be enforced with greater
+severity, and she shall repent of her stupidity. Does the Princess of
+Wales imagine that I am to submit to <i>her</i> opinions upon my conduct, or
+to <i>her</i> abuse of any of my family? <i>My only fear is that the daughter
+will prove</i> <span class="allcapsc">AS UNBENDING AND AS DETERMINATELY RESOLUTE</span> <i>as the mother
+is</i>, and I am therefore resolved to separate them as much as possible."</p>
+
+<p>The result proved the queen's indignation and resentful disposition; as,
+immediately, a council was held upon the subject, and her majesty was
+positive in her instructions, that the restrictions between the Princess
+of Wales and her daughter should be more rigidly enforced.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">At the commencement of the year</p>
+
+<h3>1813,</h3>
+
+<p>the princess found her situation more irksome than ever; and she
+resolved, therefore, to inform the prince regent of the hardships of her
+case, soliciting his royal highness to inform himself of all or any part
+of her behaviour or demeanour, to which the queen had made such heavy
+objections. The following is an exact copy of the letter of her royal
+highness to the prince:</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p class="date"><i>27th Jan., 1813.</i></p>
+
+<p class="greetingsc">"Sir,</p>
+
+<p>"On the 14th of this month, I transmitted to the hand of your royal
+highness a letter relative to <!-- Page 223 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223"></a>[<a href="./images/223.png">223</a>]</span>the cruelty and injustice of my
+situation, in reference to my beloved child's separation from me, the
+most heart-rending point upon which you could so severely afflict me.
+Why does your royal highness refuse to answer my simple, but honest and
+honourable inquiry? What have I not endured since the moment I became
+your princess and wife? Heaven only knows, and heaven only can avenge my
+wrongs. It is now more than seventeen years since I gave birth to your
+lovely daughter, Princess Charlotte of Wales, at which time I did most
+certainly hope and also believe, that her royal father's affectionate
+recollections of her mother would not only revive, but be exemplified.
+Yet to this time, your royal highness has not evinced one spark of
+regard to the consort you vowed 'to love and cherish.'</p>
+
+<p>"More than this, my lord and husband, you permit her majesty to usurp
+such extreme authority over me, and insult me in every possible way.
+Why, my lord, I ask, do you allow these indignities to be imposed upon
+your cousin and wife, (so called) the mother of the heiress to the
+throne of these united kingdoms? If I had deserved such treatment, I
+should most naturally have avoided all scrutiny; but, that I have
+endeavoured to obtain all possible investigation into my conduct, I need
+only refer to my several correspondencies with your august father, your
+brother of York, privy council, &amp;c. &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot conclude without saying, if you refuse <!-- Page 224 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224"></a>[<a href="./images/224.png">224</a>]</span>me justice, I will
+leave indisputable proofs to this insulted nation that its generosity
+has been abused, though, at the same time, I would save <i>you yourself</i>
+from <span class="allcapsc">IGNOMINY</span> at the hazard of my liberty. To the queen, I never will
+bow. Her majesty <span class="allcapsc">WAS, IS</span>, and <span class="allcapsc">EVER WILL BE, A TYRANT</span> to those she may
+imagine obstacles in her path. Perhaps her majesty presumes I am not an
+object of material consequence; but time will develop all these things.
+If this letter meet not with your royal approbation, I can only regret
+it, and waiting your reply,</p>
+
+<p class="signature1">"I am, ever,</p>
+<p class="signature3">"Your faithful and devoted</p>
+<p class="author">"CAROLINE."</p>
+
+<p>"P.S. I entreat your royal highness to inform yourself of every part of
+my conduct which may at any time have been esteemed derogatory; and,
+while I beg this favour, I trust your royal highness will never again
+submit to the unprincipled, slanderous, and abominable aspersions cast
+upon my character. Let me suggest, my lord, that <span class="allcapsc">TRUTH MUST PREVAIL,
+SOONER OR LATER</span>. After the most deliberate, careful, and scrutinizing
+investigations, I only beg to be punished with the most extreme rigour,
+if I am found <span class="allcapsc">GUILTY</span>; but if free from guilt, I ought to say, I have an
+indisputable right to be <span class="allcapsc">ACKNOWLEDGED SO</span>!"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>To his Royal Highness,</i><br />
+<span style="padding-left: 2em;"><i>the Prince Regent.</i>"</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p><!-- Page 225 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225"></a>[<a href="./images/225.png">225</a>]</span>This letter was not noticed when the commissioners sat on the 23rd of
+February; and Lord Liverpool never even mentioned it when communicating
+with the princess, or when he had the private interview with her royal
+highness, by the regent's request.</p>
+
+<p>We should not act with justice or honour if we neglected to state this
+<i>omission</i>; because the letter reflected much credit upon the princess,
+and ought to have been the first read when the council assembled. The
+result of this new inquiry, however, was what the vindictive queen
+intended it should be; for the almost-distracted Princess of Wales was
+refused the natural privilege of intercourse with her only daughter!</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time, every opportunity was gladly embraced to detract the
+character of the princess. Base inuendos and malicious remarks were
+incessantly poured forth against her, until her life became one
+continued scene of sorrow and abuse, caused by those from whom she ought
+to have experienced protection. Under these imputations, the princess
+again appealed, by an address to the Speaker of the House of Commons;
+and, after many inquiries and replies, the subject was dismissed with an
+acknowledgment, that "<i>Her royal highness is declared free from all
+imputation.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>We must not here forget to mention, that Mr. C. Johnstone submitted a
+motion, on the 5th of March, "to request the prince regent will permit
+the copy of a certain report, made in 1806, to be laid before the
+House;" but Lord Castlereagh opposed it, as <!-- Page 226 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226"></a>[<a href="./images/226.png">226</a>]</span>being <i>unnecessary</i>, and
+the document was consequently refused.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the disgust manifested by every honest Englishman at the
+base conduct of Sir John and Lady Douglas, when they preferred their
+abominable charge against the character of the Princess of Wales in the
+year 1806, they had the hardihood to present a petition to the House
+this year <i>to re-swear to the truth of their former depositions
+concerning the conduct of the Princess of Wales</i>! No proceedings, of
+course, took place in consequence of this attempt still to propagate
+their calumnies; but a motion was made by Mr. C. Johnstone, a few days
+afterwards in the House of Commons, "That the petition of Sir John and
+Lady Douglas ought to be regarded as an audacious attempt to give a
+colour of truth, in the eyes of the nation, to evidence which they had
+delivered touching the conduct of her royal highness the Princess of
+Wales, and which evidence was a foul and detestable endeavour to bring
+the life and honour of her royal highness into danger and suspicion."
+This resolution, however, could not be passed, in consequence of the
+House <i>not being in possession of the evidence</i>, which was refused, as
+we have just stated, by Lord Castlereagh; but many members expressed
+their agreement with the <i>sentiments</i> of the resolution.</p>
+
+<p>What was the <i>real</i> reason for not <i>prosecuting</i> Sir John and Lady
+Douglas, after the House had rejected their petition with such
+indignation, on the motion of Mr. Johnstone, it is not very easy to
+<!-- Page 227 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227"></a>[<a href="./images/227.png">227</a>]</span>divine; that alleged by Lord Castlereagh is most certainly not a
+<i>satisfactory</i> one. It has been often insinuated, that if the conspiracy
+against the life and honour of the Princess of Wales did not originate
+with her royal relatives, it was certainly fostered and brought to
+maturity by persons connected with the queen and the prince regent; and
+the evidence of Bidgood and Cole very much favours that opinion. If the
+Douglases, and Bidgood and Cole, were the "suborned traducers," to which
+her royal highness alluded in one of her letters to the prince about
+this time, the impunity with which the knight and his lady were suffered
+to continue at large cannot excite surprise. This impunity, the report
+that Bidgood had received a pension of one hundred and fifty pounds a
+year, and the direct interference of the Prince of Wales in promoting
+the inquiry, and in entering his caveat to prevent the princess being
+received at court, have thrown a suspicious veil around this part of the
+proceedings, which will not be very soon removed.</p>
+
+<p>On the 23rd of March, the Princess of Wales had to bear another severe
+stroke of fortune, in the death of her mother, the Duchess of Brunswick,
+who was interred with much funeral pomp, at Windsor, on the 31st. This
+melancholy event, following so closely after her late persecutions, was
+as much as the princess could endure; and had it not been for the
+sympathetic attentions of one confidant, her royal highness would, no
+doubt, have sunk under her immense load of sorrow.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 228 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228"></a>[<a href="./images/228.png">228</a>]</span>In July and August, the princess devoted the greater portion of her time
+to correspondence with the prince, her husband. Very many of the letters
+could not, we think, have met the eye of the regent, or answers must
+have been sent, if only in common courtesy, as the prince knew <i>his</i>
+honour, and also that of his family, were at stake. We have <i>transcripts
+of all these letters</i>; but shall content ourselves with only introducing
+<i>the last she wrote to his royal highness previous to her going abroad</i>.
+The following is a literal copy of it:</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p class="date">"<i>23rd of Aug., 1813.</i></p>
+
+<p class="greetingsc">"Sir,</p>
+
+<p>"I have waited, with most anxious feelings, to receive an acknowledgment
+of the safe receipt of several important communications which I
+addressed to you as 'private and confidential.' To this hour I have not
+received a reply, and I therefore take up my pen for the last time upon
+this most disagreeable business. To you it is well known, that the good
+king, your father, has invariably treated me with the most profound
+respect, and proper attention; and his majesty would have done me more
+essential service long since, had it not been for the oath he gave to
+Lord Chatham, to preserve from all <i>public</i> investigation the connexion
+formed in 1759 with the Quakeress.</p>
+
+<p>"I am aware, Sir, that you may say I intrude myself upon your royal
+notice very frequently; but I think and feel it to be my indispensable
+duty and privilege. I have lately had an interview with <!-- Page 229 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229"></a>[<a href="./images/229.png">229</a>]</span>Lord Liverpool;
+but his lordship cannot serve your royal highness and the persecuted
+Princess of Wales. I, therefore, shall not submit myself to any further
+interviews with his lordship, by my own request. As I intend this letter
+as a <i>final appeal</i> and <i>explanation</i> to your royal highness, I beg to
+ask your forbearance and lenity on account of its length and detail.</p>
+
+<p>"Your royal highness has not forgotten how strangely I was allured from
+my father's court to receive your hand in marriage (the letters of 1794
+bear me witness). You cannot have forgotten the kind reception of the
+king, your father, on my arrival in the metropolis of this empire, and
+the sarcastic manners of the queen. Two days had scarcely passed after
+our marriage, when you commanded me to receive Lady Jersey upon all
+occasions, although your royal highness was too well acquainted with the
+deep-laid schemes formed by her majesty against me, which were to be put
+into execution by Lady Jersey; and when I most humbly requested of you,
+that I might be secluded from all society rather than endure that which
+was so hateful to me, your royal highness cannot have forgotten the
+inhuman reply you made me, '<i>The Princess of Brunswick has answered
+every purpose I desired, inasmuch as my debts are to be settled, and my
+income augmented, and I will provide an heir to the throne more worthy
+of popular regard than any descendant of my father's family could ever
+prove.</i>' These, Sir, were words <!-- Page 230 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230"></a>[<a href="./images/230.png">230</a>]</span>of so heavy and doubtful a character,
+that from that moment I never forgot them; and from the hour in which my
+Charlotte was born, I have feared for her health and happiness. How your
+royal highness could thus insult me, you can best imagine.</p>
+
+<p>"Another most material grievance imposed upon me was, your unnatural
+remark to Lady Jersey, in my presence, '<i>that you thought the king</i> <span class="allcapsc">TOO
+FOND</span> <i>of the Princess of Wales; and if her royal highness had any
+children, his majesty would no doubt be the</i> <span class="allcapsc">FATHER, INSTEAD OF THE
+GRANDFATHER</span>.' Lady Jersey's reply will never be effaced from my memory,
+while reason holds her empire: '<i>Yes, my prince, and you deserve it, if
+ever you notice the Princess of Wales again in the character of a
+husband or lover.</i>' Your royal highness may remember I instantly left
+the room, more deeply insulted and wounded than language can describe.
+From that time, I was aware of my cruel fate, and I did deeply deplore
+the necessity which had forced me from the much-loved scenes of my
+infancy and youthful years.</p>
+
+<p>"The very remarkable request of Mr. Pitt, in 1800, for a private
+interview with me, was another cause for disquiet to my mind; but I
+acceded immediately, and he accordingly was admitted. The object of that
+minister's visit was to solicit my silence upon the subject of the
+<i>bondholders, whose fate had caused so great an interest in several
+countries</i>, and whose families had been the <i>victims</i> <!-- Page 231 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231"></a>[<a href="./images/231.png">231</a>]</span>of their ready
+acquiescense to the wishes of the royal princes. '<i>But</i>' said Mr. Pitt,
+'<i>these affairs are of as much consequence to your royal highness as
+they are to the other members of the royal family; and if matters of
+this kind are to be canvassed publicly, your royal highness may rest
+assured that ere long your family will not be permitted to occupy the
+exalted rank and station they now enjoy. I therefore most earnestly
+recommend that your royal highness does not name these subjects to any
+of the anti-ministerial party, who are not at present in possession of
+the circumstances.</i>' I do not doubt but Mr. Pitt laid the whole of this
+conversation before your royal highness, and he must have noticed the
+very cool and guarded reception I gave him. To have behaved openly to
+Mr. Pitt was impossible, as I knew too well his avowed hostile feelings
+against me. But a few days had elapsed after this interview, when I had
+the pleasure of seeing the good king. I now take the liberty of laying
+before your royal highness the substance of our conversation. 'My dear
+daughter,' said his majesty, 'I hear Pitt has paid you a confidential
+visit,' 'Yes, Sire, he has,' I replied. 'What was the object of it?'
+'Upon the subject of the bondholders, your majesty.' '<i>I hope you made
+no rash promise?</i>' said the king; 'None, Sire.' '<i>Why could not Pitt
+have called upon you at a more suitable hour, Caroline?</i>' 'I do not
+know, Sire; but I plainly saw Mr. Pitt did not think much etiquette was
+necessary to the Princess of Wales, as <i>he well knew <!-- Page 232 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232"></a>[<a href="./images/232.png">232</a>]</span>it was my dinner
+hour</i>; and yet I was determined not to refuse myself, as I was perfectly
+sure the whole of the affair would be reported to the queen.' '<span class="smcap">Caroline,
+my niece</span>,' said the king, '<span class="smcap">do not, pray do not, fear Pitt, or any of my
+family. I will put you in possession of some affairs which will soon
+silence them all; and before the end of this week I will send you a
+small parcel of important papers, by the hand of a trusty messenger.</span>'</p>
+
+<p>"Your royal father most scrupulously kept his word, and enclosed me the
+<span class="allcapsc">PROOFS</span> he had named, and promised to send. Many times since then have I
+informed your royal highness that I was in confidence upon those
+subjects; but you have never condescended to acknowledge those
+communications, or expressed one sentiment of obligation for the strict
+silence I have observed. I have been restrained only from the most
+<span class="allcapsc">ARDENT AND PARENTAL AFFECTION TO MY LOVELY DAUGHTER</span>, or long ere this <span class="smcap">I
+would have proclaimed the extent of the wrongs I have endured from some
+of the illegal and unjust impositions practised upon me and the British
+nation</span>. Your royal highness knew at the moment you met me at the altar
+in the palace, that you were already the affianced husband of Mrs.
+Fitzherbert, and you were well aware that if my uncle, the king, had
+known of that former circumstance, he would have prevented the
+left-handed marriage taking place. In this his majesty was deceived, and
+I have been the <!-- Page 233 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233"></a>[<a href="./images/233.png">233</a>]</span>victim of your intentional imposition. It has generally
+been supposed by your royal highness' family connexions, that there was
+some impropriety or defect by which you received an unfavourable opinion
+of me in the early part of our fatal marriage; and, in my presence, your
+royal highness has insulted me by such insinuations, though you well
+know I was not the <span class="allcapsc">OFFENDER</span>, but the OFFENDED!!! Up to this period, I
+have buried your royal highness' UNNATURAL CONDUCT to me in my own
+bosom; but if I am to be so injured, and if my character is to be so
+vilified, I shall <span class="allcapsc">EXPLAIN MYSELF TO THE NATION</span>, and think I am
+performing an imperative duty. Your royal highness cannot have forgotten
+<i><span class="smcap">the outrage you committed by entering my chamber at Montague House, and
+your denial of it to the queen, your mother, for the avowed purpose of
+traducing my honour</span></i>. Had I not then been restrained from explanation
+upon those base designs, by an unalterable love to my <i>child</i>, I should
+have exposed the infamous conduct you manifested towards me.</p>
+
+<p>"I name these things, Sir, to prove to you the inviolable honour I have
+observed, in despite of all the insults and provocations I have received
+from your royal highness and the queen, and also from the creatures
+employed to ruin me in the estimation of this generous English nation. A
+<i>time will come when the secrets of my life will <!-- Page 234 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234"></a>[<a href="./images/234.png">234</a>]</span>be</i> <span class="allcapsc">PUBLISHED TO THE
+WORLD</span>; <i>then let the unprejudiced judge</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="signature">"I remain, Sir,</p>
+<p class="signature2">"Your royal highness' most</p>
+<p class="signature3">"Faithful wife and cousin,</p>
+<p class="author">"Caroline P."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>To his Royal Highness,</i><br />
+<span style="padding-left: 2em;"><i>the Prince Regent.</i>"</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="section">It is more than probable that the confidentially-private and notorious
+secretary (M'Mahon) was the receiver of these appeals and documents,
+who, possessing the most unbounded assurance in the ability of his royal
+master's coadjutors to carry any plan into execution, or to prevent
+vexatious trouble to any extent, <i>suppressed them</i> at the moment when
+they might have proved of the greatest consequence to her royal
+highness. We cannot wonder at this, when we take into account the
+character of this private secretary, who dared to violate the rights of
+friendship, and break through the most sacred ties of conjugal
+affection, treating the honourable engagements of persons in general as
+matters of minor consequence! Were this depraved man now an inhabitant
+of the earth, we would ask him if his recollection could furnish the
+<i>number</i> of inroads he had made upon the abodes of innocence and beauty,
+to gratify his royal patron. We could ourselves name several instances;
+but one will suffice, which we copy from the manuscript of a friend, and
+the substance of which has been before published.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 235 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235"></a>[<a href="./images/235.png">235</a>]</span>The private secretary of the prince (M'Mahon) was accustomed to retire
+for <i>recreation</i> to Bath, at certain periods. At the time to which we
+now advert, he was travelling to that city, and, at Marlborough, a
+respectable and venerable gentleman, accompanied by two young ladies,
+took their seats in the stage coach. The courtier was not wanting in
+attentions, and, in reply to his numerous questions, he soon received
+the information, "that the gentleman was a <i>poor</i> clergyman, residing
+near Marlborough; that the two young ladies were his daughters, whom he
+then was accompanying to visit a relation at Bath." M'Mahon's polished
+manners, added to the fixed determination of sacrificing these ladies to
+his royal master's desires, had the hoped-for effect, and the deluded
+party was anxious to cultivate further acquaintance with the stranger.
+Two days after their arrival, the intriguing secretary wrote and
+despatched the following letter to the prince:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center">"(<span class="smcap">Most Private.</span>)</p>
+
+<p class="date">"<i>Bath, Sunday Evening.</i></p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Sir</span>,&mdash;Ever alive to the obtaining possession of any object
+which may contribute to your royal pleasures, I hasten to
+inform your royal highness, that chance has thrown me into the
+company of two most lovely girls, the daughters of an indigent
+curate, and who, from their apparent simplicity and ignorance
+of the world, may be soon brought to comply with the wishes of
+your royal highness. I shall immediately devise some plan by
+which they may be induced to visit the metropolis, and the
+remainder of my task will then not be difficult of execution.
+The prize is too valuable to be lost sight of; the elder of
+the girls bears some resemblance in her form and make to
+Hillisberg, although it is evident that the whole fullness of
+her growth has not yet developed itself. The younger is more
+of a languishing beauty; but, from the knowledge which I
+<!-- Page 236 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236"></a>[<a href="./images/236.png">236</a>]</span>possess of your royal taste, the elder will be the object of
+your choice.</p>
+
+<p class="signature2">"I have the honour to remain, &amp;c. &amp;c.</p>
+<p class="author">"JOHN M'MAHON."</p>
+
+<p>"To his Royal Highness the<br />
+<span style="padding-left: 2em;">Prince Regent, &amp;c. &amp;c.</span>"</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The intimacy at Bath was cultivated. M'Mahon promised to intercede for
+the interest of the worthy clergyman, and afterwards engaged to ensure
+him promotion.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of explanations, promises, and engagements, M'Mahon was
+summoned to town by the royal order. Ere he departed, he promised,
+instantly upon seeing the prince, to lay their case before him, and
+dwelt in vivid terms upon the effects of such a representation. Within
+the ensuing fortnight, the clergyman received a letter from him,
+announcing "that a vicarage was vacant, in the gift of the crown, to
+which he should receive the presentation." M'Mahon again visited Bath,
+and recommended the clergyman and family to take up their abode in the
+metropolis. For this purpose, he had engaged apartments in the house of
+Mrs. General Hamilton, in Gloucester-place, to which they soon resorted.
+In the mean time, M'Mahon informed the clergyman that his induction
+would shortly take place, and that, in the interim, he must employ
+himself in the most agreeable manner, as also his daughters, in such
+amusements as the town afforded. Mrs. Hamilton was also pleased to say
+she would be their conductor and companion upon all occasions. The lady
+just named was a gay, <!-- Page 237 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237"></a>[<a href="./images/237.png">237</a>]</span>though <i>unsuspected</i>, character. Shortly after
+this period, at an evening party, M'Mahon introduced Colonel Fox, "a
+gentleman," he said, "allied to the noblest families, and of an immense
+fortune."</p>
+
+<p>If our readers should here inquire, <i>who</i> was Colonel Fox? we
+answer,&mdash;the Prince of Wales.</p>
+
+<p>We hasten to the conclusion of this most infamous history. The deceived
+clergyman was informed that he must proceed to a village in
+Leicestershire, where his induction would instantly take place; and he,
+therefore, hastily took leave of his daughters, with an assurance that
+they were in the best society. Indeed, Mrs. Hamilton had evinced such
+interest and apparent solicitude in their happiness, that his heart was
+relieved from any doubts for their safety. This amiable father took
+leave of his children in the most affectionate manner; but little did he
+imagine that embrace would be the last he should ever receive from
+them,&mdash;yet so it proved. A short time after, early in the day, M'Mahon
+called upon Mrs. General Hamilton, expressing the necessity of her
+seeing her solicitor upon some affairs relative to the estate of her
+deceased husband.</p>
+
+<p>The carriage was ordered, and the secretary promised to remain with the
+younger, while the elder sister accompanied Mrs. Hamilton. "We will
+first drive to Taylor's, in Bond-street," said Mrs. Hamilton, "he has
+some commissions to execute for me," and accordingly they were set down
+there.</p>
+
+<p>The obsequious shoe-maker requested them to walk into the drawing-room,
+which they did; and in <!-- Page 238 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238"></a>[<a href="./images/238.png">238</a>]</span>a few minutes Mrs. Hamilton said, "I will now
+step down, and transact my business with Taylor." In a short time she
+returned, saying, "How truly fortunate we are; Colonel Fox has just
+entered the shop, and, being informed <i>you</i> are here, has solicited
+permission to keep you company until I return from my solicitor's; <i>you</i>
+cannot refuse the request;" and then, without waiting a reply, she left
+the room. The <i>pretended</i> Colonel Fox entered; he professed <i>eternal
+love</i> and <i>unalterable constancy</i>; and, within one hour, this lovely,
+but most unfortunate, female was added to the infamously-swelled list of
+the prince's debaucheries and cruel seductions. The younger sister
+<i>still lives</i>&mdash;a melancholy proof of outraged and insulted honour.</p>
+
+<p>We have given this detail to satisfy the scrupulous portion of society,
+that the prince merited a thousand-fold more exposure and execration
+than he ever received.</p>
+
+<p>At this period, Mr. Whitbread was very pressing with the Princess of
+Wales, advising her to make a tour upon the continent, in order to
+divert her mind from the provocations she was so frequently called upon
+to endure. Upon one occasion, he urged the subject with considerable
+warmth, and his great earnestness surprised her royal highness. With her
+usual readiness, she said, "I feel sure Mr. Whitbread does not intend
+any thing disagreeable in these remarks; but, Sir, are you aware that
+Mr. Canning has been pressing the same opinion upon my notice? and I do
+not comprehend <i>why</i> this suggestion is made <!-- Page 239 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239"></a>[<a href="./images/239.png">239</a>]</span>by you also. If I go away,
+shall I not leave my beloved child exposed to the determinate will and
+caprice of the queen, and others, who, doubtless, will vex her as much
+as possible? Are you, Sir, <i>requested</i> to represent this to me, or is it
+your private opinion?" Mr. Whitbread replied, "It is <i>my personal
+opinion</i>, and solely to provide against any unhappy effects arising from
+the queen's displeasure, which," he added, "I well know is unbounded."</p>
+
+<p>On the 27th of May, the princess went to the Opera House. It was her
+first appearance in public since her triumphant acquittal. Her royal
+highness was received with considerable acclamations, while even her
+enemies were compelled to acknowledge "the dignity, delicacy, and
+feeling, pre-eminently displayed in her behaviour."</p>
+
+<p>On the 30th, the regent gave a grand supper and ball, but the princess
+was not invited.</p>
+
+<p>The supplies required for the service of this year amounted to upwards
+of one hundred and twenty millions!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">Endless vexations and anxieties attended the Princess of Wales up to the
+year</p>
+
+<h3>1814;</h3>
+
+<p>but the public voice cheered her to the ultimate defeat of her base
+enemies.</p>
+
+<p>The transactions of this year do not reflect much credit upon certain
+mis-named <i>illustrious</i> individuals, <!-- Page 240 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240"></a>[<a href="./images/240.png">240</a>]</span>and can never fail to excite
+contempt in the minds of the British people. The Douglas party were
+promised <i>rewards</i>, which they could not obtain, except in a less
+degree, as it was alleged they had failed in a principal part of their
+unworthy undertaking; namely, the degradation of the princess, by a full
+and unlimited verdict against her royal highness, agreeable to the
+charges they had preferred.</p>
+
+<p>The disappointed queen was indignant, beyond bounds, at the honourable
+acquittal of the Princess of Wales. "What!" said her majesty, "am I for
+ever to be disappointed by the adroit talents of the princess, whose
+very name I hate! It must not be. If she be recognised as an unblemished
+character, I am well satisfied the odium of the whole proceeding will
+fall upon <i>me</i>; and rather would I prefer death than suffer her royal
+highness to triumph over me!"</p>
+
+<p>Lord Castlereagh was then consulted by the queen, and he engaged to do
+his utmost against the princess; and the regent again suggested the idea
+of her going abroad, when steps, more effectual, might be taken to ruin
+her character. Lord Castlereagh, therefore, the next day informed the
+princess, by a note, "that for the present time all interviews with the
+Princess Charlotte must cease."</p>
+
+<p>On the 7th of January, the Princess of Wales gave an entertainment at
+Montague House, where a select party was invited, in honour of the
+Princess Charlotte's birth-day, who had now attained her eighteenth
+year.</p>
+
+<p>An unexpected event, about this period, gave the <!-- Page 241 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241"></a>[<a href="./images/241.png">241</a>]</span>Princess Charlotte an
+interview with her mother for nearly two hours, in which these
+affectionate relatives enjoyed an undisturbed conversation. The Princess
+Charlotte was very explicit in her communications to her dear mother on
+the severity of the queen, during the time she had lately spent with her
+majesty at Windsor; and, among other observations, remarked, "<span class="smcap">Her
+majesty is a tyrant to all around her.</span> If you walk out with the queen,"
+continued the charming and noble princess, "you are sure to be told your
+pace is disagreeable,&mdash;either too quick or too slow. If you feel
+pleasure in seeing any sweet pretty plant, and express admiration of its
+several beautiful colours, and its various delicate appearances, you are
+sure to be told, such observations prove your <i>want of taste and
+judgment</i>. Indeed, my dear mother, I like anybody better than my
+<i>disagreeable grandmother</i>, and I can never permit myself to remain with
+her so long again. When I am at the castle, I am seldom <i>allowed to see
+my grandfather</i>, the king; and, when I do, he scarcely looks at me, and
+seems extremely unhappy. When my royal father goes to the castle, he is
+always with the <i>queen alone</i>, and very rarely pays a visit to the
+king." Such was the ingenuousness of the Princess Charlotte. She would
+immediately speak the <i>truth</i>, and defy all results, rather than act
+with dissimulation to please or conciliate any one. This was the longest
+interview which was to fall to the lot of these high-spirited and
+generous-minded personages. Alas! their destiny might have been
+pourtrayed by the pen <!-- Page 242 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242"></a>[<a href="./images/242.png">242</a>]</span>of cruelty, and traced in characters of blood! At
+parting, the princess most tenderly embraced her mother, and that parent
+for the moment forgot all her sorrows. But what was her agitation, when
+her <span class="allcapsc">ONLY HOPE</span> was saying, "Farewell!" Agonizing&mdash;beyond all
+expression&mdash;agonizing! We must sympathize with such sorrows, and admit
+the propriety of the remark of the Princess of Wales at this separation,
+"My life has already been too long, since it has been one continued
+scene of misfortune!"</p>
+
+<p>The prince regent now paid a visit to the Duke of Rutland, for the
+avowed purpose of standing sponsor to the young marquis, the duke's son
+and heir. The preparations for the reception and accommodation of his
+royal highness were upon the most magnificent scale, which, we are sorry
+to relate, were little else than thrown away. In the evening, the
+sparkling goblet was so freely emptied by the royal guest, that he was
+obliged to be <i>carried</i> to the chamber prepared for him. Do not imagine,
+gentle reader, that we are disposed to dwell ill-naturedly on the
+mischances of this luckless night; but the prince was unfortunate, and
+committed such sins and transgressions in this ducal apartment, and <span class="allcapsc">IN</span>
+<i>the bed</i> prepared for him, that, at a very early hour, his carriage was
+ordered, and his royal highness was on the road to London! The domestics
+at Belvoir Castle were left to relate this very disagreeable incident,
+and testify that the means required for the <i>purification</i> of their
+master's premises were of no common quality!</p>
+
+<p>However facetiously we may have spoken of this <!-- Page 243 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243"></a>[<a href="./images/243.png">243</a>]</span>"untoward occurrence,"
+yet we recoil with disgust and indignation from such scenes. How
+revolting is the reflection that this was the prince invested with
+<i>kingly authority</i>, and to whom so many millions of intelligent beings
+were looking for the redress of their grievances, and the amelioration
+of their many miseries!</p>
+
+<p>The king's indisposition increased in the early part of this year, and
+the over-bearing tyranny of the queen consequently knew no bounds. In
+May, she addressed several notes to the Princess of Wales to forbid her
+appearance at the drawing-room, to which her royal highness replied very
+spiritedly. Some of these letters were afterwards published, but several
+were suppressed. It was at this time that the prince expressed his
+unalterable determination "never again to meet the princess, either in
+public or private," and the queen was the person who communicated his
+royal highness' unmanly vow to the princess.</p>
+
+<p>About three weeks after this announcement, some illustrious foreigners,
+who were formerly intimate with the family of the princess, paid her
+royal highness a visit; and, on the ensuing day, they received her royal
+highness' invitation to dine with her on that day se'nnight. It was
+accepted with pleasure; but, only about an hour previous to the
+appointed time for dinner, an apology was sent, asking pardon for the
+delay, which was said to be <i>unavoidable</i>, as the impediments arose from
+the <span class="allcapsc">COMMANDS OF THE REGENT</span>, which had only been communicated to them <!-- Page 244 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244"></a>[<a href="./images/244.png">244</a>]</span>a
+few hours before! Upon Mr. Canning's next visit to the princess, he
+explained the reason of this shameful conduct, by saying, "that Colonel
+M'Mahon desired, as a compliment, they would dine at Carlton House that
+day, and expressed an apology for the <i>shortness of the invitation</i>, as
+the regent had some days before given him his instructions to invite
+them, but that he (the colonel) had <span class="allcapsc">FORGOTTEN IT IN THE HURRY OF
+BUSINESS</span>. Now," added Mr. Canning, "I know this story to be an
+invention; for it was only on the very morning of the day appointed by
+your royal highness that a brother of the regent heard of their intended
+visit, and informed him of it; and the prince then commanded M'Mahon to
+invite the party to dine at Carlton House, which they could not refuse,
+as etiquette would forbid their accepting any engagement in preference
+to that of the regent." Was there ever a more artful and vindictive
+piece of business concocted? How worthy was the master of such a
+scheming servant as M'Mahon!</p>
+
+<p>In June, the allied sovereigns arrived in London, and fêtes and
+festivals followed in close succession. New honours were conferred upon
+several persons, who had been leaders in the late war. Lord Wellington
+was created Marquis of Douro and Duke of Wellington. To support this new
+dignity, four hundred thousand pounds were granted to him by the
+boroughmongering majority!</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of the queen's edict, the Princess of Wales was excluded
+from the drawing rooms, held <!-- Page 245 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245"></a>[<a href="./images/245.png">245</a>]</span>in honour of the illustrious guests; and
+this extra piece of persecuting malice sufficiently attested the
+<i>littleness</i> of the minds of her too powerful enemies.</p>
+
+<p>Under these trying circumstances, Mr. Canning and Mr. Whitbread again
+urged their advice, that it would be better for all parties if the
+princess absented herself for a period, as the queen was so severe to
+the Princess Charlotte, in consequence of her regard for her mother.
+This consideration was enough for the fond parent. "Yes," said her royal
+highness, "for the sake of my child, I will leave England; I feel
+assured that my afflicted father-in-law, the king, cannot long survive;
+he is falling very gradually. But the crisis may be sudden; in that
+case, you know my situation; and what has been refused to the Princess
+of Wales cannot, I presume, be refused to the Queen of England! In
+making this reference, I merely and only mean, that I have hitherto been
+treated with the most unmerited severity, and the greatest injustice;
+this, I hope, will not be permitted in the event of my being queen. I
+name this to satisfy you, as my friends, that whenever I can return to
+this country with safety to my child, and honour to my few zealous
+friends, I shall not lose one moment in answering the summons."</p>
+
+<p>On the 4th of June, Lord Castlereagh moved in the committee of the
+House, that fifty thousand pounds be annually paid to her royal highness
+the Princess of Wales. Mr. Whitbread offered some very correct and
+spirited remarks upon the subject, <!-- Page 246 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246"></a>[<a href="./images/246.png">246</a>]</span>and the motion was agreed to. The
+princess, in the most generous manner, wrote to the Speaker on the 5th,
+declining to receive more than thirty-five thousand, adding, as a reason
+for this, her dislike to increase the already heavy burdens imposed upon
+the nation.</p>
+
+<p>The ill-natured manner in which this most honourable act was received is
+best explained in the words of Lord Castlereagh, who, on the 8th, called
+the attention of the House to the letter of the princess, and concluded
+by saying, "It is not my duty to vote the public money to a <i>subject</i>
+who is not inclined to receive it." Her royal highness certainly was not
+much indebted to Lord Castlereagh for his very elegant and noble mention
+of her name, thus made; and the most dim-sighted person might have
+easily seen that "if the vessel came safe to shore," a <i>marquisate</i>
+would be the reward of the pilot.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess of Wales at length requested leave of the ministers to go
+abroad. This was very readily granted; and, after some arrangements for
+correspondence, her royal highness prepared to depart. A very short
+interview was permitted with the child of her hopes and affections,
+while even that was attended by the ladies in waiting. They separated
+<i>then&mdash;<span class="allcapsc">TO MEET NO MORE IN THIS WORLD</span></i>!</p>
+
+<p>It was during this affecting interview that her royal highness committed
+some letters of importance to the care of her noble-minded daughter;
+and, as it appeared impossible for any <i>private</i> conversation to pass
+between them, a letter accompanied <!-- Page 247 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247"></a>[<a href="./images/247.png">247</a>]</span>the others, addressed to the
+Princess Charlotte by her afflicted mother, of which the following is a
+transcript:</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p class="center">"<i>Copy of a letter to my dear Charlotte, Princess of Wales.</i></p>
+
+<p class="date">"<i>1814, June 7th.</i></p>
+
+<p class="greetingsc">"My dearest Child,</p>
+
+<p>"I deposit to your keeping a small parcel, of letters for my
+much-esteemed friend, Lady *******. I well know her generous disposition
+will cause her to endure a vast load of sorrow on my account, and, from
+these documents, the nation may one day <i>be bold</i>. I must tell you, my
+dearest child, that in conformity to my father and mother's opinion, I
+became the wife (so called) of your father. Well do I remember the time
+when my dear father, the Duke of Brunswick, entered my library, (holding
+in his hand a letter) saying, 'Caroline, my love, I desire you will give
+your attention to the request of your most excellent uncle, the King of
+England, and, without any demur, engage to marry your cousin George. He
+is undoubtedly the most <i>elegant man</i> and the most <span class="allcapsc">ACCOMPLISHED
+GENTLEMAN</span> in Europe. Very unfortunately, this prince has been captivated
+by the many beautiful ladies surrounding the court; but although he may
+have committed himself in <i>formal engagements</i>, yet the prince is the
+most ready, desirous, and expectant supplicant for your hand!' I
+started, and exclaimed, 'What, my dear sire?' The sequel, however, is
+sufficient. I came to England. <!-- Page 248 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248"></a>[<a href="./images/248.png">248</a>]</span>I was received heroically by the people,
+flatteringly by the persons deputed to attend me, and sarcastically by
+the queen, my aunt; but most pleasantly by the king, my uncle, and the
+prince, my destined husband. After my marriage with the prince, your
+father, I soon had occasion to regret my change of situation. However, I
+strove to conceal my disappointment and chagrin, and appeared as lively
+as if I had no cause for regret. Speedily after my marriage, I was
+informed that the prince was not my <i>legal</i> husband; that, some time
+previous to our marriage, he had been united to Mrs. Fitzherbert, and
+therefore our engagement was null and void! I opened the sorrows of my
+heart to the good king. 'Ah! Ah!' said his majesty, 'I will befriend
+you, but my family will prove my ruin. They care not for any thing
+beside their own ease, and they, sooner or later, will <i>lose the crown</i>
+by such improper conduct. The disposition of my son George is
+<i>unrelenting</i>; but I will tell you, my dear niece, that you may subdue
+his public injurious mention of your character, if you make use of
+proper means. My son is so lascivious, that if you would attempt to hide
+his defects, they would speedily become more apparent.' In the course of
+conversation, his majesty informed me of the untimely end of his <span class="smcap">brother
+Edward</span>, and also of the <span class="allcapsc">MARRIAGE</span> and ISSUE of that brother, who, he
+stated, had been educated for the <i>church</i>; and also, that he had
+frequently seen him during his residence at Eton with no small degree of
+affection and regret, and had even appointed <!-- Page 249 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249"></a>[<a href="./images/249.png">249</a>]</span>interviews with the
+individual under whose care he was placed, to adopt plans for his
+welfare. I confess, my dear Charlotte, I was quite unprepared for this
+exposition, and I answered with much warmth, 'Does your majesty mean to
+say, that his royal highness left issue which has never been
+acknowledged?' 'I do, indeed,' replied the king, 'and though the affair
+has been hitherto kept from the public, yet I fancy it will, one day or
+another, be made known.' My dear Charlotte will conceive how much I felt
+upon these singular explanations. I long to tell you more upon the
+subject, but as our confidential messenger is waiting, I must conclude
+by subscribing myself</p>
+
+<p class="signature2">Your very affectionate mother,</p>
+<p class="authorsc">Caroline."</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The persecuted wife of the heir-apparent now prepared to leave England.
+Her royal highness went to Worthing on the 2nd of August, and on the 9th
+embarked for the Continent, with a heart heavily charged with the most
+poignant feelings.</p>
+
+<p>The evening of her departure was spent in rioting and drunkenness by the
+inhabitants of Carlton House, as they had now attained a portion of
+their dishonourable object, and, in a great measure, relied upon final
+success. The entertainments given at this period by the "unparalleled
+prince" were of the most dazzling and costly description. The massive
+services of richly-chased gold, and the viands served upon them, in
+addition to every luxurious appendage, <!-- Page 250 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250"></a>[<a href="./images/250.png">250</a>]</span>were daily superseded by others,
+still more rare and expensive than the preceding ones. Hundreds of
+thousands were thus lavished on useless pomp, while, perhaps, a poor
+tradesman, who had received <i>the honour</i> of an order by command of the
+prince, and had borrowed the larger portion of the means to enable him
+to execute it, solicited, in the most humble manner, a portion of his
+debt; but, alas! solicited in vain; and, after daring to press his
+destitute and ruined condition several times, is probably forbidden ever
+to ask for the settlement again, but to wait the royal pleasure. His
+impatient creditors, in the interim, arrest him; he is carried to a
+prison, and, in the agony of his soul, commits suicide. Many a wife and
+family of children have thus been reduced to a workhouse, and the
+greater number of them afterwards thrown upon the town! But&mdash;these are
+some of the privileges of royalty!</p>
+
+<p>The reminiscences of the queen were sometimes rather painful; and,
+shortly after she had driven her daughter-in-law from the country,
+symptoms of melancholy were observed. Her physicians, therefore,
+recommended a change of air; and, in order to amuse her majesty, it was
+proposed that she should repair to Brighton for a short time,
+accompanied by the princesses.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess Charlotte, after the departure of her much-beloved mother,
+appeared very unhappy, and, from that time, saw her father and
+grandmother as seldom as possible. They well knew she was favourable to
+her mother's cause, in opposition to their's, <!-- Page 251 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251"></a>[<a href="./images/251.png">251</a>]</span>not only from the very
+great affection which she naturally felt for her mother, but also from
+the numberless proofs she had observed of the honourable motives by
+which the conduct of the Princess of Wales had been influenced. To these
+might be added the opinion of the virtuous part of the nation upon the
+subject, and the very great respect at all times paid to her royal
+highness by those persons who were <i>independent</i> of the royal family and
+the government.</p>
+
+<p>Upon her majesty's return to Windsor, she found the king something
+improved in natural spirits, but desirous not to be troubled with
+unnecessary visiters. This slight improvement was, however, but of short
+duration; for, in a few days afterwards, this distressingly-afflicted
+sovereign relapsed into insensibility, and frequently became very
+boisterous in his conduct.</p>
+
+<p>The amount required for this year's service was upwards of one hundred
+and sixteen millions, twenty-seven of which were raised by loans.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The year</p>
+
+<h3>1815</h3>
+
+<p>commenced under numerous public and private difficulties. The regent
+found himself in a very unpleasant situation, being under a necessity of
+increasing the number of the various orders of knighthood, in order to
+preserve himself a sufficiency of adherents. A strange concatenation of
+events had <!-- Page 252 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252"></a>[<a href="./images/252.png">252</a>]</span>also placed the rest of the royal family in an uneasy
+position. The Duke of Kent, some considerable time before, entered into
+a positive engagement with a foreign princess, by solemnly promising her
+marriage; yet, upon requesting his mother's approbation of the choice he
+had made, how great was his surprise and indignation to find that she
+would not listen to it! But, hastily snatching up the letter a second
+time, she said, "It is impossible such things can be permitted; we need
+money too much in our own family to squander it upon these
+miserably-poor connexions." This indignant lady quite forgot, or did not
+wish to remember, her own origin, and the <i>great wealth</i> she had brought
+to this country. Ere this self-important personage had said so much, she
+should have called to mind the many <i>noble</i> acts by which she had been
+distinguished above all other royal ladies, and ought to have reflected,
+how many thousands had suffered privations and want to permit her royal
+self and family to live in splendour, and how many had been privately
+disposed of to satisfy her inordinate ambition and insatiable thirst for
+power!</p>
+
+<p>Her majesty had also another mortification to endure in the marriage of
+her hopeful son, the Duke of Cumberland, with the Princess of Salms.
+Lord Castlereagh, always happy to take from the people, had the audacity
+to propose an additional grant to the Duke of Cumberland upon his
+alliance with a lady so congenial to the taste and talents of his royal
+highness! The House of Commons, however, opposed this grant, and several
+members made the <!-- Page 253 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253"></a>[<a href="./images/253.png">253</a>]</span>most severe, though <i>just</i>, remarks upon the character
+of Ernest Augustus on this occasion.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Mr. <span class="smcap">R. Gordon</span> rose, and declared that he could not reconcile
+it to his sense of duty to allow this motion to pass with a
+silent vote against it. He was astonished at the observation
+of the noble lord (Castlereagh) who brought forward this
+motion last night, that he did not apprehend any opposition,
+while he agreed with the noble lord that it must be painful to
+hear any reflections upon the character of the individual
+referred to, or any comments whatever at all likely to
+depreciate the consequence of the illustrious family to whom
+that individual belonged. But ministers alone were to blame in
+<i>dragging</i> the Duke of Cumberland before that House. If any
+reflections were thrown out against that individual, it was
+the fault of ministers in <i>forcing</i> him upon the consideration
+of that House. <i>After what had</i> <span class="allcapsc">NOTORIOUSLY PASSED WITH
+RESPECT TO THIS INDIVIDUAL</span>, <i>and his connexions,&mdash;after the</i>
+<span class="allcapsc">RUMOURS</span> <i>that were afloat upon the subject,&mdash;he could not, by
+any means, concur with the noble lord, that this was not to be
+regarded as a</i> <span class="allcapsc">PERSONAL</span> <i>question!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. <span class="smcap">Bennet</span> said, the Duke of Cumberland, of all the branches
+of the royal family, was the <i>only one</i> who could come to that
+House, and make an application for money, which he should feel
+<i>compelled to oppose</i>! He appealed to every person in the
+committee, whether they did not hear, out of that House,
+<i>every individual in the country express</i> <span class="allcapsc">ONE UNIFORM FEELING</span>
+<i>with respect to that personage,&mdash;a feeling decidedly averse
+from any disposition to concur in such a grant as was now
+proposed</i>. It was impossible even to go to what was called
+<i>fashionable</i> society, without hearing the <i>same feeling of
+disrespect expressed</i>!!!"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord <span class="smcap">Nugent</span> disapproved of the grant proposed, with reference
+to the time in which, to the manner in which, and to the
+<i>person</i> for whom, the grant was proposed. He differed with
+his honourable friend who spoke first in the debate, not in
+his vote, but in that he did not admit public rumour to
+influence his vote. For his own part, he voted mainly on
+evidence which could come before the House only by public
+rumour,&mdash;public rumour uncontradicted and unencountered!!!"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord <span class="smcap">A. Hamilton</span> thought the House was called upon to
+consider the <i>merits of the individual</i> before it assented to
+this proposition, unless it were assumed that, upon the
+marriage of any branch of the <!-- Page 254 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254"></a>[<a href="./images/254.png">254</a>]</span>royal family, the House was
+bound to grant an additional allowance, without any
+consideration of the nature of the marriage, which was a
+proposition too preposterous to be maintained! The intimation,
+too, which he understood to be authentic, that it was the
+intention of the Duke of Cumberland not to reside in this
+country, furnished another argument against the present
+measure; nay, it was stated that the grant was brought forward
+upon the <i>settled condition that his royal highness should fix
+his residence</i> <span class="allcapsc">ELSEWHERE</span>!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. <span class="smcap">Methuen</span> contended that the House ought to shew, by its
+vote that night, that it was not inattentive to the <i>morals</i>
+of the country, and that therefore he should oppose the grant,
+not from the slightest personal motives, but merely in the
+conscientious discharge of what he conceived to be his duty."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir <span class="smcap">H. Montgomery</span> said, that when the present bill was first
+brought into the House, he voted for it, because he thought
+the proposed sum was no more than what was necessary; but,
+from what he had heard since, he almost fancied he had done
+something very wrong! In the present case, however, he really
+saw nothing which would warrant the House in putting such a
+<i>stigma</i> upon his royal highness as <i>would be conveyed by
+refusing the grant</i>!"</p></div>
+
+<p>The House of Commons <span class="allcapsc">DID REFUSE THE GRANT</span>, though only by a small
+majority. But this majority was sufficient, according to Sir H.
+Montgomery, one of his royal highness' <i>admirers</i>, to cast a <span class="allcapsc">STIGMA</span> on
+the Duke of Cumberland!</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the Princess of Wales was known to have left Brunswick, and
+while proceeding to Geneva, persons were despatched from the British
+Court to watch all the movements and pursuits of her royal highness, and
+to report accordingly, through agents appointed for the mean purpose.
+Our country's money was used upon this base business with no sparing
+hand. Mr. Whitbread, being perfectly aware that these secret
+contrivances were put into execution, felt more in fear of some evil
+result to the <!-- Page 255 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255"></a>[<a href="./images/255.png">255</a>]</span>princess than if she had remained in England. He, as well
+as many others, knew that assassination was of very frequent occurrence
+in Italy, and more than once expressed himself anxious to see the
+princess safely landed again on our shores. But this was not permitted;
+for, on the 6th of July, this patriot committed suicide, while in a
+state of mental aberration. He fell a sacrifice to the intensity of his
+feelings upon several most important subjects.</p>
+
+<p>As a man of firm principles, Mr. Whitbread was justly entitled to the
+praise of his countrymen. He never allowed himself to be bribed into
+dishonourable actions; and we cannot, therefore, attribute his unhappy
+end to the stings of conscience. The man whose life, or a principal
+portion of it, has been spent in furthering the wily schemes and
+treacherous plans of others may, very probably, in the midst of enjoying
+the reward of his villanous conduct, be struck by memory's faithful
+reflection, and, afraid of exposure, prefer instant death; but the
+patriot who loves his country, and has largely contributed to the
+defence of justice and liberty, finding his exertions of no available
+use, and sick at heart at the insults levied against the oppressed, may
+be driven by despair to rush into the presence of his Maker by his own
+act. This latter case, no doubt, applies to the patriot whose untimely
+end we are now lamenting. It was Mr. Whitbread's glory to be an
+Englishman,&mdash;it is his country's boast that he used his energies for her
+general benefit. He actively and fearlessly investigated the cause and
+nature <!-- Page 256 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256"></a>[<a href="./images/256.png">256</a>]</span>of abuses, was the ready advocate of the oppressed, and the
+liberal friend of all mankind!</p>
+
+<p>The amount required for the service of this year was one hundred and
+sixteen millions, which was obtained from the heavily-taxed people,
+earned by the sweat of their brow, and consequently by robbing their
+starving families of comforts!</p>
+
+<p>From such oppressive exactions, the present <i>domineering</i> <span class="smcap">Tory
+Aristocracy</span> has reared its unblushing and hydra head. It was engendered
+in Deception, brought forth by Infamy, nursed by Indolence, educated by
+Sovereign Power, and has long lived the life of an Impostor&mdash;daring and
+hardy! We venture to predict, however, that its reign is drawing to a
+close; for the eyes of the whole nation are now fixed upon it, and its
+excrescences are discovered! Yes, the monster has outwitted itself, and
+from its seat will speedily shoot forth the <span class="allcapsc">TREE OF LIBERTY</span>. May its
+fruits prove healing to nations! Merit will then be rewarded, Industry
+recompensed, Commerce revive, and Tranquillity reign in society. Kings
+will learn to do justice, sanguinary laws will be abolished; and thus
+the millennium of Peace and Joy will be established on a basis
+illustrious and impregnable!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">At the commencement of the year</p>
+
+<h3>1816,</h3>
+
+<p>the intended marriage of the Princess Charlotte of <!-- Page 257 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257"></a>[<a href="./images/257.png">257</a>]</span>Wales with Prince
+Leopold of Saxe Cobourg was announced, which had received the sanction
+of the regent. This intended union appeared to us, for many reasons,
+highly improper, and too closely allied to the circumstances of George
+the Third. We knew, for a considerable period before this announcement,
+that Leopold had been paying the most devoted attentions to a lady of
+great merit and accomplishments; and, also, that marriage had been
+promised. We likewise did not believe the prince was a Protestant from
+conviction, if he professed so to be; and feared that, if finally the
+husband of the princess, he would only be a convert to our "established
+religion" from <i>convenience</i>, but really and in truth, by inclination
+and education, a <i>Catholic</i>. We do not name the religious sentiments of
+the prince as any degradation or disqualification to his character as a
+man or as a prince, but simply to shew that his principles prohibited
+his entrance, by marriage, into the English royal family; for the royal
+marriage act expressly declares "such marriages shall be null and void."</p>
+
+<p>While staying at the city of Augsburgh, in the early part of this year,
+we heard various reports upon the subject in question, and the paper of
+the day having met our eye, what were our feelings when we read the
+annexed paragraph!</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="date">"<i>Augsburgh, January 10th.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The Gazette of this city contains the following article, from
+Vienna, of January 3rd: 'Yesterday was celebrated, in the
+Cathedral Church of St. Stephen, in the presence of the
+reigning Duke of Saxe <!-- Page 258 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258"></a>[<a href="./images/258.png">258</a>]</span>Cobourg, the <span class="allcapsc">MARRIAGE</span> of his brother,
+<i>Prince Leopold</i>, with the young and beautiful Countess of
+Cohaky, according to the rites of the <i>Catholic</i> church.'"</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>In contemplating this circumstance, every honest man must view the
+conduct of Leopold with indignation. Example is generally considered
+preferable to precept, and Leopold embraced this opportunity of shewing
+himself a convert to such doctrine. George the Third committed <span class="allcapsc">BIGAMY</span>;
+his son George did the same; and the remaining Hope of England was
+destined to be a victim to similar wickedness!</p>
+
+<p>After some formal correspondence, the regent sent a message to both
+houses of parliament, on the 14th of March, to announce the marriage
+contract of his daughter, the Princess Charlotte, with his serene
+highness the Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg. Sixty thousand pounds were
+voted to the illustrious couple, annually; and, in case of <i>her royal
+highness' demise</i>, <span class="allcapsc">FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS PER ANNUM</span> were to be paid to
+the <span class="allcapsc">PRINCE</span> <i>for his life</i>. Sixty thousand pounds were also granted for
+their outfit.</p>
+
+<p>Well may foreigners exclaim, "How generous are the great English
+people!" Alas! it was not the act of the <i>people</i>; but the absolute will
+of Imbecility, Ignorance, and Impudence, which we shall have further
+occasion to illustrate.</p>
+
+<p>We must now refer our readers to the former expectation of marriage
+between the Princess Charlotte and the Prince of Orange. That union was
+much desired by the regent, because the Prince of Orange <!-- Page 259 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259"></a>[<a href="./images/259.png">259</a>]</span>had promised
+unrelenting opposition to the Princess of Wales. As soon as the Princess
+Charlotte, however, became aware of this, she determinately refused to
+see the prince again; and we well know that the Duchess of Oldenburgh
+took every possible opportunity to press Prince Leopold upon her notice.
+Up to the moment of the marriage, the Princess Charlotte did not hear or
+know a single word about the <i>former</i> serious engagement of her
+affianced husband, except the mean and paltry report, that "he had been
+very voluptuous in his gratifications, and was then desirous of bidding
+an eternal adieu to those who had formerly led him <i>astray</i>!" On the
+other hand, Charlotte was tired of the overbearing and indiscriminate
+conduct of her grandmother, the queen; and therefore resolved to free
+herself from such restraint.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to the marriage, Prince Leopold solemnly promised to fulfil
+every iota of the Princess Charlotte's wish, with respect to her abused
+and insulted mother; and further engaged, that he never would permit or
+allow himself to be made a party, directly or indirectly, to injure the
+Princess of Wales, or to prevent any correspondence between the daughter
+and mother, of which her royal highness the Princess Charlotte might
+approve. But of what signification were the promises of such a faithless
+man!</p>
+
+<p>The former marriage of the prince was not considered by the queen a
+sufficient impediment to his union with her grand-daughter; and she used
+her <!-- Page 260 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260"></a>[<a href="./images/260.png">260</a>]</span>utmost ability to suppress any representation contrary to the
+interest of his serene highness. "The Augsburgh Gazettes" were,
+therefore, bought up at an immense expense, to save the character of
+this prince from public animadversion, and consequent contempt and
+hatred.</p>
+
+<p>On the 21st of February, Prince Leopold arrived at the Clarendon Hotel.
+Lord Castlereagh waited upon his serene highness, and, on the following
+day, Sir B. Bloomfield arrived from Brighton, with the regent's command
+to invite the prince to the Pavilion.</p>
+
+<p>Early on the ensuing morning, the prince and Sir B. Bloomfield left town
+for Brighton; and his serene highness was received with as much warmth
+and friendship by the regent as if he had been an old acquaintance, or
+an especial friend in iniquity!</p>
+
+<p>On the 27th, the queen, accompanied by the Princess Charlotte and two of
+the princesses, arrived at the Pavilion, from Windsor Castle; the
+interview was short between Leopold and his intended bride. The family
+resolved that the marriage should take place as soon as possible. The
+royal ladies returned to Windsor, and the prince remained at Brighton
+with the regent.</p>
+
+<p>At the time such immense sums were voted for this intended marriage and
+outfit, large means were also required for the support of our expensive
+establishments at home, which ought to have prevented any squandering of
+money upon <i>foreigners</i>, <!-- Page 261 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261"></a>[<a href="./images/261.png">261</a>]</span>for we could never consider Prince Leopold as
+one of the royal family of <i>England</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Vansittart, however, was very eloquent, <i>in his way</i>, in setting
+forth "the great, the incomparably great" station occupied by this
+country amongst the nations of the earth! In truth, we will tell the
+precise state of our <i>then greatness</i>. Our jails were crowded with
+farmers and the best of our tradesmen; our streets and roads swarmed
+with beggars, nearly dying from filth and want; agriculture languished,
+and commerce was paralyzed!</p>
+
+<p>After some delay, caused by circumstances not very <i>honourable</i> to
+Prince Leopold, the marriage took place on the 2nd of May; and a very
+general report obtained credit that Prince Leopold pronounced his
+responses very tremulously, scarcely articulating his portion of the
+ceremony. This could hardly be wondered at, as he well knew the
+sacrifice of honour he was then making, and the inconstancy of his
+former sacred vows!</p>
+
+<p>We pass over the time between the marriage and when the Princess
+Charlotte was declared <i>enceinte</i>. This occurred twice; but, after one
+disappointment, the accouchement was expected with all the ardour of
+English anticipation.</p>
+
+<p>The princess had generally expressed her opinion, that mankind, in
+reason, policy, philosophy, and religion, were all of one great family;
+and hence arose her extreme aversion to the pomp and magnificence of the
+court. Indeed, the princess shewed herself very frequently to the
+public, and was so <!-- Page 262 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262"></a>[<a href="./images/262.png">262</a>]</span>free and gracious in her manners, that she appeared
+in a natural English character, far opposed to the German pompous style.</p>
+
+<p>A circumstance of no inferior import occurred at this period, which gave
+suspicion to the inquiring spirit of the liberal part of the English
+nation. This was&mdash;the return to office of George Canning! By the Tories,
+the event was regarded as a last resource; by the Whigs, his accession,
+under royal favour, was considered a token of victory. Each party was
+positively assured of an undeviating principle in this gentleman's
+character; but each one had to learn that the opinion was erroneous.</p>
+
+<p>In this year, died two individuals, who had formerly been the bosom
+companions of royalty. One of these, Mrs. Jordan, expired on the 5th of
+July, near Paris, and was buried in the cemetery of St. Cloud; her body
+was put into a <i>thin shell, stained black</i>, with no ornament whatever.
+Mrs. Jordan had lived in Paris for some time in great privacy and
+poverty, under the assumed name of Mrs. James. Is not the newly-created
+Earl of Munster, and one or two other <i>great</i> personages, the issue of
+this unfortunate lady's singular engagement with the prince of some
+great nation? The other character was Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the
+favourite companion and devoted servant of the Prince of Wales. Let his
+scanty means of subsistence be remembered whenever the name of the
+prince regent is mentioned. Yes, reader, the man who had devoted his
+highly-improved and naturally-eloquent abilities to <!-- Page 263 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263"></a>[<a href="./images/263.png">263</a>]</span>the cause of this
+regent was permitted to die in the course of an arrest!</p>
+
+<p>The sorrows and disappointments which Mrs. Jordan underwent in this
+world were of the most agonizing description. Oh! why is it tolerated
+that royalty should be allowed to exercise the prerogative of inflicting
+the deepest wounds without the possibility of the injured party ever
+receiving redress? Is it not contrary to all laws, both human and
+divine, to suppose "the king can do no wrong?" If a prince commit an act
+of injustice, ought he not to be equally amenable with the peasant to
+the laws of his country? <i>We</i> think so, and hope to see the day when the
+whole world will acknowledge its justness, and <i>act</i> upon its principle.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the retrospect of Mr. Sheridan's life, we are forcibly struck by
+the ingratitude practised towards him by his royal master. The vices he
+had contracted were the results of his acquaintance with this
+"all-accomplished prince," and during the period of his successive
+debaucheries with him, he frequently added his name to notes of hand,
+upon sight, or at a longer date, for the prince's extravagancies, or to
+meet any demand that might be required upon a run of ill luck at the
+gaming-table. Even the debt for which he was arrested was contracted
+under the last-mentioned circumstances, and had been paid by a note
+given <i>solely</i> for the regent's use by this unfortunate courtier. As
+soon as the country became informed of the unkindness Sheridan had
+experienced, they saw the character of the prince in its true light,
+<!-- Page 264 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264"></a>[<a href="./images/264.png">264</a>]</span>forming their opinions from <span class="allcapsc">FACTS</span> only, and not from the sophistical
+meaning given to his actions by the absolute prince himself, or by the
+parasites in his service. Honest men could not help grieving at the
+reflection, that the money produced by their labour, and even at the
+expense of depriving their families of comforts, was being squandered
+away at gambling-tables, upon unworthy characters, and in unwarrantable
+undertakings. The indignation caused by the base treatment of Mrs.
+Jordan and Sheridan manifested itself in several publications of the
+day, and many facts were elicited relative to these two unfortunate
+individuals; indeed, there was scarcely a subject in the realm, at all
+acquainted with their shameful desertion, who did not indulge in some
+bold expression of disgust and abhorrence at the disgraceful conduct of
+certain <i>illustrious</i> individuals, as being the causes of their
+multiplied sorrows and sufferings.</p>
+
+<p>There was a time when monarchs and peers would have lived on the meanest
+food, merely sufficient to sustain human nature, in order to discharge
+the debts of a faithful servant; and it is well known, that, to reduce
+the pressure of taxation or impost upon the poorer classes of society, a
+certain sovereign even pawned his jewels! But, alas! this reign and
+regency did not present such an endearing feature to the nation; on the
+contrary, "the regent of blessed memory" would rather have pawned his
+subjects than have relaxed in his extravagant pleasures!</p>
+
+<p>The marriage of the Princess Mary with her cousin <!-- Page 265 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265"></a>[<a href="./images/265.png">265</a>]</span>the Duke of
+Gloucester took place in July, and gave "general satisfaction;" though
+his royal highness never benefitted the people in any other way than
+<i>honouring</i> them by accepting their bounty!</p>
+
+<p>About this time, a considerable sensation was produced by the
+re-appearance of Mrs. Fitzherbert in the gay circles of fashion. The
+public journals noticed such an unexpected circumstance with timid
+expression, and professed that delicacy prevented any explanatory
+remarks! Ignorance and Avarice were more probably the obstacles in the
+way; but it would have better become writers, who pretended to
+patriotism and independence of character, to have stated unhesitatingly
+what they <i>did know</i> of the intentions of the royal plotters; they
+certainly might have paid a fine, or endured some imprisonment for
+speaking the <i>truth</i>; yet he who faulters when his country's weal is at
+stake is unworthy the name of&mdash;- Briton!</p>
+
+<p>The regent appeared now more determined than ever to procure a divorce
+from the Princess of Wales, and the means how this might be accomplished
+were put in active preparation. All the ungenerous and mean expedients
+hitherto used had been unavailing to produce the desired end. Spies had
+not succeeded, and a bolder invention had therefore become necessary. At
+the various courts connected with the "Holy Alliance," the princess had
+received very little attention; but in every circle where her royal
+highness appeared, which was uninfluenced by <!-- Page 266 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266"></a>[<a href="./images/266.png">266</a>]</span>the crown, she was
+received rapturously, and treated most respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to the conclusion of this year, a naval captain was offered ten
+thousand pounds if he could, by any stratagem, obtain <span class="allcapsc">PROOF</span> of
+adulterous intercourse between the princess and any person of rank
+whatever. The <i>personage</i> who made this offer is <span class="allcapsc">NOW ALIVE</span>, and if this
+statement of simple truth meet his eye, surely the blush of shame will
+die his hardened cheek.</p>
+
+<p>The Baron Ompteda was also employed in this foul and diabolical plot,
+and, as a reward for his services, he has received a sufficiency from
+the hard-earned money of the tax-payers of this kingdom. We suggest that
+it had been quite in character to have presented the same in a purse,
+with "<span class="allcapsc">THE REWARD OF VILLANY</span>" inscribed upon it.</p>
+
+<p>We will here lay before our readers a plain statement of facts, relative
+to the persecutions which the unfortunate Princess of Wales endured
+abroad, and which is extracted from an original letter now in our
+possession:</p>
+
+<p>"For some days past, there have been inserted in several of the papers
+various pretended extracts of letters from Milan, Munich, and other
+places, respecting the Princess of Wales, and giving a most erroneous
+statement of an affair that occurred some months since in her royal
+highness' family. You may depend upon the following, as being an
+authentic narrative of the transaction alluded to. An <!-- Page 267 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267"></a>[<a href="./images/267.png">267</a>]</span>Hanoverian baron
+was observed to follow the princess' route wherever she went. He was
+always received by her royal highness with the attentions due to his
+rank. On the princess' return to Milan from her long voyage, the baron
+was still there, and paid his respects to her royal highness as usual;
+but reports having come to the ears of her household, that the baron had
+made use of expressions in society highly injurious to her royal
+highness, one of the gentlemen in her suite, an English officer, sent
+the baron a challenge, and this conveyed, in terms too plain and
+unequivocal to be misconstrued, that he accused him of 'a most infamous
+and unmanly return for the kindnesses he had received from her royal
+highness,' and called upon him to 'meet him at eight o'clock the next
+morning at Bartassima, (half way between Milan and Como) there to answer
+for this sacred charge against his honour as a gentleman and a man, who
+had ever received the most marked hospitality at the hands of the
+princess, and who had committed the greatest act of hostility against
+the very first of virtues.'</p>
+
+<p>"This challenge was delivered to the baron by the hands of the Baron
+Cavalotti, a friend of the English officer. The answer to this direct
+challenge was an attempt to explain away the charge imputed to him; but
+an acceptance of the challenge, claiming his right to the choice of
+weapons, and saying that he would fight in Switzerland, but that his
+intended second was absent; in two days he would send him to settle the
+time and place.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 268 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268"></a>[<a href="./images/268.png">268</a>]</span>"Just at this period, a discharged servant of her royal highness wrote a
+letter to the chief magistrate of Como, saying that his conscience
+touched him, and that he was desirous of making a confession of the part
+he had acted in a treacherous confederacy with the Hanoverian, in whose
+pay he had been for the preceding ten months, to disclose to him every
+transaction of the household, to procure false keys to her royal
+highness' apartments and drawers, &amp;c. &amp;c. This was made known to her
+royal highness. She treated all that he could have obtained by such
+insidious means with contempt; and actually took the footman, who had
+thus acted as a spy upon her actions, again into her service, on his
+imploring her pardon; but another accomplice was delivered over to the
+police, to be tried and punished.</p>
+
+<p>"The very next day after this discovery, her royal highness gave a grand
+entertainment, at which the Governor of Milan and all the principal
+nobility were present. When the princess communicated the whole affair
+to the governor, he expressed his indignation at the scandalous conduct,
+and having learnt that a challenge had passed from one of her gentlemen
+to the baron, said that certainly that person was unworthy to be treated
+as a gentleman. The Hanoverian knew nothing of all this; but, according
+to his promise, sent Count Cantenogh, one of the chamberlains to the
+Austrian Emperor, to Como, who, having met the British officer, said he
+was not much acquainted with the Hanoverian who had requested him to be
+his second in an affair of honour; that he <!-- Page 269 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269"></a>[<a href="./images/269.png">269</a>]</span>was anxious to have the
+matter fully investigated; and trusted that, if the baron should prove
+his innocence of the language imputed to him, the British officer would
+be satisfied that he had acted hastily. But, in case he was not
+satisfied, he was further instructed to say, that the baron wished the
+meeting to be in Germany, on the confines of France, instead of
+Switzerland, and time could not be convenient to him sooner than three
+weeks, a month, or more, from that time, as he had to go to Hanover to
+settle his affairs in the interim. The Englishman then related to Count
+Cantenogh the disclosures that had been made the day before, and
+submitted to him whether such behaviour did not render his principal
+unworthy the support of a man of honour, or to be met as a gentleman.
+The count declared that he could not be the second of such a person;
+that he must justify himself from this infamous charge, or choose
+another friend. With this, the count returned to Milan, and a message
+was soon after delivered to her royal highness, from the governor, to
+say that the Hanoverian baron had received orders to quit the Austrian
+dominions, which he had accordingly done.</p>
+
+<p>"This curious affair made a considerable noise at the time, which was
+the beginning of November last, and is, we suppose, the foundation of
+the stories which have lately been circulated and misrepresented."</p>
+
+<p>"In the summer of 1815, another wicked secret plot was formed against
+the princess, the origin of which it is not difficult to guess. The
+princess was <!-- Page 270 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270"></a>[<a href="./images/270.png">270</a>]</span>narrowly watched, and attempts were made to seduce her
+people; but only one, Piqueur Crade, was so weak as to yield, and to
+promise Baron O** to conduct him into the apartments of the princess by
+means of false keys. The plot was, however, discovered, and the piqueur
+turned away. The man wrote to the Chevalier Tommassia, confessed that he
+had let himself be seduced by Baron O** to betray his mistress, and
+begged for mercy. The princess thought it proper to acquaint the
+governor, Count Sawrau, with this event, and Baron O** was forced to
+leave the dominions of his Majesty the Emperor. Hownham, the princess'
+private secretary, challenged the baron, but the latter has hitherto put
+it off. Since this affair, the princess is very cautious, particularly
+towards Englishmen whom she does not know; but she conceals herself from
+nobody, only she will not be the object of calumny, and of a shameful
+<i>espionage</i>, of which she has already been the victim. What has happened
+gives ground to fear still greater enormities.</p>
+
+<p>"An event, which took place at Genoa, has more the appearance of an
+attempt at <i>assassination</i> than robbery. Some armed men penetrated,
+during the night, into the house of the princess, and almost into her
+bed-chamber. An alarm being given, one of the servants fired upon these
+people, and pursued them, but in vain. It is not yet discovered what
+were their intentions. But let a veil cover all this. Her first master
+of the horse, Schiavini, has kept a circumstantial account of her
+journey to the Holy Land. <!-- Page 271 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271"></a>[<a href="./images/271.png">271</a>]</span>The princess went from Genoa to the island of
+Elba, thence to Sicily and Barbary, then to Palestine. She visited
+Jerusalem, Athens, &amp;c., and was every where received with the honours
+due to her rank.</p>
+
+<p>"By the assistance of several <i>literati</i>, she obtained a collection of
+valuable antiquities, for which object she spared no expense. Wherever
+the princess appeared, she left behind her grateful recollections by her
+beneficence. At Tunis, she obtained the freedom of several slaves. The
+princess is now employed in writing the history of her life, which she
+will make public when the time comes.</p>
+
+<p>"By this, she will throw great light on many facts which are now
+involved in obscurity."</p>
+
+<p>We need hardly offer a remark upon the vindictive measures, so fully set
+forth in this narrative, exercised against the unfortunate Princess of
+Wales. It will not be difficult for our readers to recognize the <span class="allcapsc">REAL
+INSTIGATORS</span> of the many annoyances she endured; <i>their names</i> will be
+handed down to future generations as the "Oppressors of Innocence,"
+while the finger of Scorn will mark the spot where lies their "<span class="allcapsc">SORDID
+DUST</span>."</p>
+
+<p>The calamitous situation of the nation at this time became truly
+appalling. Subscriptions were entered into for the purpose of relieving
+the distresses of the poor, and her majesty's name was put down for the
+insignificant sum of three hundred pounds! If we were to be prolix in
+our account of this German lady's <i>discretionary</i> liberality, the
+details, we fear, <!-- Page 272 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272"></a>[<a href="./images/272.png">272</a>]</span>would not interest our readers. She was only liberal
+when her own interest was at stake!</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">Early in</p>
+
+<h3>1817,</h3>
+
+<p>the queen became indisposed, so much so as to cause alarm amongst her
+partisans for the issue. It was deemed expedient that the prince regent,
+who was then at Brighton, should be informed of the circumstance, and
+the Duke of York set off in the night to convey the intelligence to him.
+Why a courier could not have been forwarded, we do not pretend to say;
+but deception and mystery always attended the royal movements. Shortly
+afterwards, however, her majesty was declared convalescent, and the
+family were gratified by her recovery, being well assured that her
+assistance would be of the most essential consequence to the completion
+of the regent's wishes in the intended divorce.</p>
+
+<p>In February, the "Habeas Corpus Act" was suspended, and, upon <i>suspicion
+only</i>, were Mr. Evans and his son seized and committed to prison on a
+charge of treason. They observed at the time, with great truth, "Poor
+devoted England! she cannot be called our country, but our grave!" This
+was confirmed by Lord Sidmouth, who rendered his every service in this
+disgraceful business, and was at all imaginable pains to prove, that his
+master, the regent, was the "Vicegerent of heaven, and had all power
+upon earth."</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 273 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273"></a>[<a href="./images/273.png">273</a>]</span>The country was now elated by the information that the Princess
+Charlotte was likely to give an heir to the throne; because the people
+hoped that her progeny would prove more worthy of a crown than some of
+the sons of her austere grandmother. Upon this amiable princess, indeed,
+the English people had long placed their hopes, and they lived in
+anxious expectation to see the then existing tyranny superseded by a
+better form of government, under her auspices. In the mean time, every
+member of the royal family appeared more interested for the health of
+the queen than for the Princess Charlotte. Her majesty had experienced
+several relapses; but, after each attack, when she appeared in public,
+no symptoms of previous indisposition were visible.</p>
+
+<p>Lords Liverpool, Castlereagh, and Sidmouth, and the <i>accommodating</i>
+George Canning, were now the arbiters of the fates of nations; their
+will was no sooner expressed than it passed into a law; and, while
+revelling at the festive board with their puissant prince, the country
+was writhing in the most pitiable condition. Even bread and water were
+not always within the poor man's grasp, and the starved peasantry of
+Ireland, in open defiance of military power, were living by stealing and
+eating raw potatoes, to enable them to eke out their most miserable
+existence! Under this humiliating condition, their rights and liberties
+were suspended, and it was made "treason and sedition" to murmur or
+complain.</p>
+
+<p>When the tyrannical King John oppressed his subjects, and endeavoured to
+usurp despotic power, <!-- Page 274 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274"></a>[<a href="./images/274.png">274</a>]</span>the barons assembled around him, and, unsheathing
+their swords, swore, "The laws of England shall not be changed!" But the
+days of chivalry were past! Lord Castlereagh was now our dictator, and a
+standing army of one hundred and forty thousand men, to enforce his vile
+and unconstitutional measures, destroyed even the chance of
+emancipation. We may add, in the words of our immortal bard, that his
+lordship was a <i>man</i>,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Ay, and a <i>bold</i> one, that dare look on that<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">Which might appal the devil!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The galling distresses of the people, at this period of national
+calamity and misrule, drove them to the commission of violent acts, and
+the diligence of well-chosen officers and prosecutors, with the
+partiality of judges, supplied the defect of evidence needful for
+punishment. The law was actually made a snare, while vice received
+encouragement and rewards, when on the side of the oppressors. This was
+not solely confined to the higher tribunals, but was also apparent in
+almost every inferior court. Indeed, Lord Sidmouth sent a circular
+letter to all lieutenants of counties, recommending even "justices of
+the peace to hold to bail persons publishing alleged libels!!!" The
+whole ministry proved themselves to be uninfluenced by the dictates of
+<i>equity</i>, or those principles of <i>moderation</i> which distinguished some
+of our noble ancestors. Power was every thing with Castlereagh and his
+associates, assisted by the <span class="allcapsc">MITRED HEADS</span> of the "established church,"
+who were ever his <!-- Page 275 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275"></a>[<a href="./images/275.png">275</a>]</span>zealous friends in the cause of tyranny! Be it, then,
+our duty to tear the mask of hypocrisy aside, and exhibit the deformity
+of Power, more especially when disguised under the specious form of
+<span class="allcapsc">PIETY</span>. He who can assume the sanctity of a <span class="allcapsc">SAINT</span>, and perform the deeds
+of a <span class="allcapsc">RUFFIAN</span>, will not be spared in our explanations of <span class="allcapsc">TRUTH</span>! The title
+of "Right Reverend Father in God" shall not cause us to be dismayed, if,
+by their <i>reverend</i> works, they prove themselves to be the children of
+the devil! We are not what <i>pretended pious</i> people term <span class="allcapsc">INFIDELS</span>; but
+we detest to see the tools of power endeavour to subdue the nation in
+the garb of godliness, insulting the <i>poor</i> with orders for "general
+fasts," while they themselves are indulging in the most riotous
+excesses!</p>
+
+<p>We must now, as honest and fearless historians, record the most
+cold-blooded and horrible <span class="allcapsc">CRIME</span> that was ever perpetrated in this or any
+other Christian country!</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i3">"'Tis a strange truth. O monstrous act!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Twill out, 'twill out!&mdash;I hold my peace, sir? no:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">No, I will speak as liberal as the air!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>We are almost ready to murmur at Providence for permitting some of the
+assassins to escape from this world without meeting the punishment they
+merited. One or two, however, still remain to pollute the earth, and
+upon whom we yet hope to see justice administered!</p>
+
+<p>Every honest heart was full of bitterness and <!-- Page 276 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276"></a>[<a href="./images/276.png">276</a>]</span>anguish, when it was
+announced, "The <span class="smcap">Princess Charlotte</span> is DEAD!" The heavy-tolling bell, the
+silence of the streets, and the mute astonishment of all who met and
+parted, exhibited signs of unfeigned sorrow. In an <i>unexpected</i> moment,
+the hopes of this great nation were brought to nought! Her royal
+highness was England's star of promise,&mdash;the beacon which it was
+expected would light the traveller to escape the quicksands of
+destruction!</p>
+
+<p>On the 5th of November, at nine in the evening, this exemplary princess
+was safely delivered of a male child, said to be still born; and
+although pronounced at that time, by her accoucheur, to be doing
+extremely well, yet, at half-past two on the morning of the 6th, her
+royal highness expired! Sir Richard Croft announced to Prince Leopold
+the heart-rending intelligence; and a messenger was instantly sent to
+the prince regent (to whom a former communication of fearful import had
+been made) and also to the queen at Bath. All the royal family then in
+England hastened to London, <i>report said</i>, "nearly destroyed with
+grief."</p>
+
+<p>Special messengers were also despatched with the melancholy information
+to the Duke of Kent, who was at Brussels, and to the Duke of Cambridge,
+at Hanover; but the <span class="allcapsc">MOTHER</span> of the late princess was entirely
+<i>neglected</i>. Etiquette and respect were attended to in the cases which
+least required notice, and omitted in the situation which really
+demanded, in common decency and justice, the most prompt consideration.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 277 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277"></a>[<a href="./images/277.png">277</a>]</span>The prince regent arrived at Carlton House at four o'clock on the fatal
+morning, and was informed by Lord Bathurst and the Duke of York of the
+event. The regent had been, for ten or twelve days, sojourning with the
+Marquis, or <i>Marchioness</i>, of Hertford, at their seat near Sudbury. In
+contradiction to several either servile or ignorant historians, we
+fearlessly say that it was not unexpected news to his royal ear! In the
+course of the ensuing day, a letter was written and delivered to Dr. Sir
+Richard Croft, announcing the prince regent's offer of thanks for the
+attention paid to the Princess Charlotte, and assuring the doctor that
+the prince was fully satisfied with his skill and superior merit;
+concluding with these words: "As it is the <i>will of Divine Providence</i>,
+his royal highness is in duty bound to submit to the decree&mdash;<i>of
+heaven</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Prince Leopold was not so hasty in returning his thanks for the
+attentions of Dr. Croft, though much better able to judge of the matter
+than the regent; for <i>he</i> was many miles off, and could not <i>personally</i>
+know any thing of the matter.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the professed deep sorrow and grief of the prince
+regent, however, we can announce that his royal highness did not permit
+himself to relax in any pursuit of pleasure, except that of openly
+exhibiting himself; for, on the ensuing evening, we ourselves were not
+very distant from Carlton House, and can testify to this fact. He and
+his brother of York were not in <i>very great</i> anguish upon the occasion;
+they pledged each other in quick <!-- Page 278 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278"></a>[<a href="./images/278.png">278</a>]</span>succession, until the circumstance
+which had caused their meeting was entirely forgotten by them. "I drink
+to the safety of the regent," said the duke, "and <i>I</i> to the safety of
+<i>York</i>," retorted the prince. These remarks created irritability, and
+the prince very warmly replied, to an interrogation of his brother,
+"What would <i>you</i> think if the ghost of Edward Augustus stood at your
+elbow?"</p>
+
+<p>How very different was the report issued to the world! The daily papers
+stated that "the extreme sorrow of the regent had produced an unusual
+sensation of pain in the head of his royal highness." We were not
+surprised at this announcement; though we had hoped to have heard the
+royal <i>heart</i> was affected upon a review of his past enormities!</p>
+
+<p>We regret to say, that when the Princess Charlotte was in daily
+expectation of her accouchement, she was not soothed by the attentions
+of any of her female relatives. It is true they had not, by any former
+acts of kindness, given her occasion to expect it; but the disrespect
+shewn to her royal highness was chiefly owing to the affection for, and
+defence of, her persecuted mother, which, though perfectly <i>natural</i> and
+praiseworthy, displeased certain high and powerful personages. The
+<i>queen</i> (that boasted paragon of goodness!) was one hundred and eight
+miles distant, and the hearts of all the family seemed as if estranged
+from virtuous and honourable feelings. Her majesty, with the Princess
+Elizabeth, left Windsor Castle for Bath, on the morning of the 3rd of
+October, for the avowed purpose of drinking <!-- Page 279 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279"></a>[<a href="./images/279.png">279</a>]</span>the waters. On the 27th of
+the same month, the prince regent, accompanied by Sir B. Bloomfield,
+left London for the seat of the Marquis of Hertford, at Sudbury, in
+Suffolk. The Duke of Clarence was also absent. It is true that the
+cabinet ministers, whose presence was required by precedent and state
+necessity, were in waiting; but how far their services could be
+agreeable or beneficial to a young female in such a situation, we are at
+a loss to discover. Alas! <i>that parent</i> who ought to have been present,
+and who would most joyfully have flown on the wings of maternal
+affection, was denied the privilege. But while the daughter was
+struggling in the agonies of a cruel death, the mother was a wanderer in
+a foreign land, and beset with snares laid for her destruction also!</p>
+
+<p>During the pregnancy of the Princess Charlotte, the prince, her husband,
+was chiefly her companion. Her choice of an accoucheur fell upon Dr. Sir
+Richard Croft, as he was considered the most able and skilful man in his
+profession. The ladies in attendance upon her royal highness were unfit
+to render advice or assistance upon any emergency, as neither of them
+had been a mother. The princess, when in an advanced state of pregnancy,
+was kept low, and scarcely allowed animal food, or wine, to both of
+which she had previously been accustomed. Between the fifth and seventh
+months, her royal highness was bled several times, and still kept upon
+very low diet. Claremont, the place chosen for the eventful period, was
+sixteen miles from town, <!-- Page 280 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280"></a>[<a href="./images/280.png">280</a>]</span>and when any pressing occasion required the
+attendance of a surgeon or physician from London, the distance caused a
+considerable delay. Her royal highness' confinement was expected to take
+place about the end of October, and the period between that time and the
+final issue was strongly marked by symptoms of approaching labour. Her
+royal highness was in extreme pain for more than forty-eight hours, yet
+each bulletin declared, "The princess is doing extremely well." At
+half-past twelve, <span class="allcapsc">A.M.</span> her royal highness became uneasy and very
+restless; she exhibited much difficulty of breathing, and at half-past
+two&mdash;<span class="allcapsc">EXPIRED</span>!</p>
+
+<p>The substance of this detail found its way into the daily journals, and
+excited, as it was naturally calculated to do, much remark and inquiry.
+The generally-received opinion was, that the lamented heiress to the
+crown had been <i>wantonly</i> suffered to perish, from the folly of
+etiquette, or some other unnatural and unexplained cause. We, however,
+are not bound to surrender our judgment to a journalist, or to subscribe
+to the opinion of any man less acquainted with a particular subject than
+ourselves; and, upon this melancholy and tragical event, therefore, we
+shall dare to give utterance to TRUTH. In doing so, we beg to state that
+we are not influenced by personal resentment, but, in the discharge of
+our task, are determined only to award "honour where honour is due."</p>
+
+<p>The labour of the princess was commenced under extreme debility; and, at
+an early period, it <!-- Page 281 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281"></a>[<a href="./images/281.png">281</a>]</span>appeared very probable that <i>surgical</i> assistance
+would be finally requisite; yet no provision was made for such
+assistance! The bulletin of Wednesday morning, eight o'clock, signed by
+the attending practitioners, was rather doubtfully expressed. The second
+bulletin, at ten in the evening, was confidently affirmative of the
+<i>well-doing</i> of the royal patient. Dr. Sims affixed his signature to
+these bulletins, but he had not seen her royal highness since the first
+pang she had experienced. How this gentleman could allow his name to be
+thus affixed to a declaration, of the truth of which he was totally
+ignorant, we know not; but it was said, by the time-serving press, "that
+Dr. Sims being unknown to the princess, his appearance in her chamber
+might have alarmed her." The folly of this excuse is best exposed by
+supposing that if, at this trying moment, Dr. Croft had been ill, and
+unfit to attend the princess, would she have been left to perish for
+lack of assistance? We think not; for this would have given too plain an
+idea of the expectations of certain parties. The public papers announced
+that the letter summoning Dr. Sims to Claremont was written on Tuesday
+morning, yet he did not arrive until Wednesday morning at three o'clock.
+It was further stated, that the nurse discovered the dreadful change in
+her royal highness by the difficulty manifested in swallowing her gruel,
+and that she was so alarmed by this appearance of spasm, that she
+immediately called the faculty out of their beds, as well as Prince
+Leopold. Another journalist stated a contrary case. But <i>we know</i> that,
+<!-- Page 282 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282"></a>[<a href="./images/282.png">282</a>]</span>although some beverage was administered to the princess, it was <span class="allcapsc">NOT
+GRUEL</span>; for her royal highness had a great aversion to gruel, and could
+never be prevailed on to take it. Soon after her royal highness took the
+liquid, she was afflicted in a most <i>unusual way</i>, though only for a
+short time. The low state of muscular strength, to which the princess
+had gradually been reduced, certainly required greater nourishment than
+was given to her; and in this professional treatment, therefore, the
+accoucheur acted unwisely as well as unskilfully, to say the least of
+it. That most eminent practitioner, Dr. Thynne, made it an invariable
+rule, after a protracted birth, to revive the mother, by giving a
+tea-spoonful of egg, beat up with wine, from time to time. The symptoms
+of not being able to swallow, and the convulsive action of the body,
+were plainly indicative of a dying patient; but the real cause of the
+patient's dying was then a mystery, except to two or three individuals.</p>
+
+<p>The public journals of the day called loudly upon the gentlemen who
+attended the Princess Charlotte, as her accoucheurs, to give all
+facility for an investigation of their whole mode of treatment, adding,
+that "if they be conscious that they have acquitted themselves well,
+they will have no objection to an investigation of their conduct, and
+cannot consider themselves placed in a worse situation than the captain
+of a king's ship, who, in the event of the loss of his vessel, is
+obliged to undergo a trial by court martial." To this and similar
+appeals, the ministers promptly <!-- Page 283 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283"></a>[<a href="./images/283.png">283</a>]</span>replied, "that it was <i>impossible</i>,
+after the prince regent had been pleased to express his approbation and
+award his thanks, as it would seem to <i>reflect</i> upon the prince, who
+alone was endowed with the sovereign power to act in the case." This
+royal cant-phraseology, however, failed to lull suspicion; for the
+attending circumstances were of a nature too horrible to be buried in
+oblivion! If all had been correct, why refuse inquiry, particularly when
+it was solicited by nine-tenths of the nation?</p>
+
+<p>The queen left Bath on Saturday, the 8th of November, and arrived at
+Windsor in the evening. The next day, the prince regent went from
+Carlton House to Windsor to see the queen; but the privacy of the visit
+did not permit it to be of long duration. We are able to give the
+particulars of this interview.</p>
+
+<p>Her majesty's mind had been disturbed by the receipt of a letter, from a
+medical gentleman, upon the subject of the <i>untimely</i> death of the
+Princess Charlotte. No time was to be lost. The prince was requested
+immediately to see his royal mother; and, on his arrival, her majesty
+presented him with the letter, the contents of which proved, beyond
+doubt, that the writer had been an <i>eye-witness</i> to some particular
+events connected with the dissolution of the much-lamented and
+tenderly-beloved princess.</p>
+
+<p>The letter commenced with the most respectful dedication to royalty, and
+prayed for an extra extension of candour and patience by her majesty,
+while the facts of which it was composed were examined and duly
+considered. The writer then proceeded,&mdash;"I <!-- Page 284 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284"></a>[<a href="./images/284.png">284</a>]</span>am perfectly satisfied your
+majesty could not be <i>personally</i> aware of the case, because of the
+distance your majesty then was from Claremont; but I submit it to your
+majesty's good feeling and judgment, if the particulars attendant upon
+this most lamentable loss ought not immediately to be most strictly
+inquired into. Refusal to do this, or to permit it being done, will only
+aggravate the matter, instead of setting the question at rest for ever.
+The public well know that all was not as it ought to have been,&mdash;that
+something had been neglected or imprudently attempted, that ought to
+have received a widely-different attention. As a proof that I do not
+intrude my remarks and remonstrances improperly, or without information
+upon the nicest points of the case, I will give reasons for my
+dissatisfaction. From the first moment Sir Richard Croft was placed in
+attendance upon her royal highness, there was no reason to anticipate or
+fear any unhappy results. The natural appearances were unequivocally
+satisfactory. Previous to the delivery, the infant was not supposed to
+be dead. It was quite unnecessary and unnatural to inform the princess
+that the child was still-born; such a communication is very seldom made
+to any female at such a moment. Camphor julaps are very seldom
+administered to a healthy patient, or where the stomach is sound,
+immediately after delivery, as the effect would generally be to produce
+irritation, sickness, and convulsion. Dr. Croft ought not to have
+retired to bed, presuming that her royal highness was so indisposed as
+to cause her incessant moaning, <!-- Page 285 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285"></a>[<a href="./images/285.png">285</a>]</span><i>which was really the case</i>. More than
+this, your majesty, about noon of the Wednesday, Dr. Croft said, 'I
+believe the princess might very quickly be delivered by having recourse
+to an <i>operation</i>; but I dare not perform it without the <i>presence</i> and
+<i>sanction</i> of her royal father, the prince regent.' I hope (continued
+the writer) that your majesty will see this plain statement in its own
+character, and that you will save all future disclosures of an
+unpleasant nature, by your timely recommendation of the subject to the
+prince regent, your son. Your majesty may believe I am induced by
+vindictive motives to offer these remarks; but that would prove an
+incorrect opinion; and unless your majesty causes a very prompt inquiry
+to be permitted upon the facts of this case, I fear yourself and family
+will finally have cause to regret the delay."</p>
+
+<p>The prince was much displeased that any subject should have dared to
+take such a liberty as to speak or write an unpleasant <span class="allcapsc">TRUTH</span> to any of
+his <i>noble</i> family,&mdash;more especially to the <i>queen</i>. It was an
+unpardonable transgression; yet, as the gentleman had given his name and
+address, it was a very delicate affair. The queen had so often witnessed
+the prostration of the multitudes of fashion's votaries, that she
+imagined much might be accomplished by commanding an interview, and
+subduing the voice of inquiry and truth by the splendour of pageantry,
+and the intoxicating smile of royalty. By her majesty's command,
+therefore, an interview took place. With her general air of confidence,
+the queen said, "I <!-- Page 286 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286"></a>[<a href="./images/286.png">286</a>]</span>presume, Sir, you are the author of this letter?" "I
+am, please your majesty." "And what," said the queen, "am I to
+understand from such an unaccountable appeal to me and my family?" "I
+beg your majesty's pardon personally, as well as previously by letter,
+but I deemed it my duty to inform your majesty of my information upon
+the subject in question, and I am very sorry if your majesty does not
+think it necessary to have the most prudent means used to satisfy the
+public inquiry." The queen was very gracious, and smiling, said, "I will
+name your good intentions to the prince regent, and I will not forget
+them myself; but I can satisfy you, that your opinions upon the subject
+of your communication to me are incorrect." The gentleman rose, and was
+about to retire; but the queen had not attained her object. Her majesty,
+therefore, hastily said, "I trust you are convinced of the impropriety
+of your former opinions?" "No, please your majesty, I never can change
+my opinions upon this subject until I lose my principles, and I trust
+sincerely that I shall never endure such an humiliation while I retain
+my reason. But," added the gentleman, "your majesty must be well assured
+that I am acquainted with the greater portion of your family; yea, very
+intimately acquainted, not indecorously so, but in the discharge of my
+professional engagements. Your majesty well knows that I saw the
+lamented Princess Charlotte just before the unhappy event, and also am
+not ignorant of the constitution of your majesty's <i>daughters</i>. I
+therefore am bold to assert, that the death of her <!-- Page 287 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287"></a>[<a href="./images/287.png">287</a>]</span>royal highness was
+not, and is not to be, naturally accounted for! It is true, that I am
+not known to the world in the capacity of accoucheur to your family; but
+your majesty knows, I have been your trusty and confidential servant
+upon more occasions than one; and I am now resolved to relinquish the
+royal favour, if it must be purchased at such an unknown expense."</p>
+
+<p>The queen retired, and so did the heart-stricken gentleman; but their
+ruminations and consequent determinations were very dissimilar. Her
+majesty was endeavouring to evade explanation; the gentleman, meditating
+upon the most prudent plan for adoption to put a period to the agitated
+feelings of the public.</p>
+
+<p>The reader may imagine that this professional person had been previously
+selected to render his services to some members of this illustrious
+family, which was actually the case. He had travelled more than twenty
+miles in the royal carriage, and had performed the most delicate
+offices. He knew royalty was not exempt from frailty, and that rank did
+not preserve its possessors from the commission of crime. Denial of this
+would prove abortive, for the gentleman <span class="allcapsc">LIVES</span>, and would, if called
+upon, assert the same even at the expense of life. He does not fear the
+interdiction of a crowned head! neither would he shrink under "a special
+commission." He wields the two-edged sword of <i>truth</i>, and therefore
+defies the strong arm of power. He has seen enough of the wily snares of
+courtiers, and has retired from the <!-- Page 288 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288"></a>[<a href="./images/288.png">288</a>]</span>unhallowed association with
+feelings of disgust, contempt, and detestation. The adulation of the
+parasites of royalty is odious to his ear; and, to save the increasing
+stings of an offended conscience, he is now publicly explicit upon this
+hateful subject. Despising secrecy and infamy, he openly avows enmity to
+such characters as are leagued against the peace and happiness of
+society; and their intentions to perpetuate their unjust, partial, and
+devastating system, must be checked by the information of those persons
+who are privy to the cause, as well as to the effects, of their
+overgrown power.</p>
+
+<p>The day after this unpleasant interview, the queen paid a visit to the
+king; and, as nearly two months had elapsed since her majesty visited
+her husband, it was productive of great anxiety on the part of the royal
+sufferer. The daily papers stated that "his majesty was much improved,
+and very tranquil, in consequence of the queen having paid him a visit."
+Does not this neglect of the poor afflicted king reflect disgrace upon
+her majesty? The wife who forgets her duty to the man she has espoused
+is undeserving the respect of society. <i>Who</i> was Queen Charlotte, that
+the eyes of the public should be blinded, or their tongues mute, upon
+this apathy and unfeeling demeanour to the king, her husband, who had
+raised her from comparative poverty to affluence and greatness? Had
+similar inattention been manifested by the wife of a peasant, her
+neighbour's reproach would not have been wanting; but every one seemed
+afraid of impugning the character of <!-- Page 289 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289"></a>[<a href="./images/289.png">289</a>]</span>a <i>queen</i>, so celebrated for
+<i>amiability</i> and <i>virtue</i>! A few days after the interment of the
+Princess Charlotte and her infant, the queen again went off for the city
+of Bath! and we assert, without fear of contradiction, that her
+majesty's eye was never observed to be dim upon this most melancholy
+occasion. Let the world judge if such unfeeling deportment agreed with
+her majesty's reported sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>On the 19th of November, the Princess Charlotte and her infant were
+consigned to the tomb. The Dukes of York and Clarence were supporters to
+the chief mourner, Prince Leopold; and, after the ostentatious parade of
+funeral pomp, they retired without much appearance of sorrow. It was
+said that a king, or prince invested with royal power, could not attend
+the ceremony, or join in the cavalcade of a funeral. The regent,
+therefore, was not present at the closing scene of his child's hard
+destiny. But royalty has many privileges; distinct from the common herd
+of mankind. It must not, for instance, reside in the same habitation
+with a corpse, lest its delicately-refined nerves should sustain injury,
+or be excited to an extreme point of agony!</p>
+
+<p>The body of the unfortunate Charlotte was reported to have been
+embalmed, but the heart only was extracted; <span class="allcapsc">THE INTESTINES WERE NOT
+REMOVED</span>! This was an unprecedented circumstance, as upon all former
+occasions this barbarous custom had been permitted. The surgeon who
+accompanied Prince Leopold from Germany was solicited to say <i>why</i> this
+form had been omitted; and his suspicious reply <!-- Page 290 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290"></a>[<a href="./images/290.png">290</a>]</span>was, "Neither now, nor
+at any future time, shall any power on earth induce me to speak one word
+upon the subject." He was then requested to give into the hand of Prince
+Leopold a sealed letter upon the subject; this he also positively
+refused to do, adding, at the same time, "the prince would not receive
+it." Very shortly afterwards, a letter <i>was</i> conveyed into the prince's
+hand, offering "to communicate certain facts relative to the demise of
+the late princess, his consort, if he pleased to express his willingness
+to receive the same." His serene highness never paid attention to that
+letter.</p>
+
+<p>It was said, at the time of her royal highness' death, that Prince
+Leopold was so angry with the nurse (Mrs. Griffiths) that he turned her
+out of the house, without permitting her to stay to attend the funeral.
+One thing, however, is certain, that she has several sons in different
+public offices. To one of these, her favourite, she said, (when
+labouring under the effects of a dreadful illness she had shortly after
+the princess' death) "I have never kept but one <span class="allcapsc">HORRID SECRET</span> from you,
+which has always weighed upon my mind; but I cannot communicate it,
+unless I am sure of death the next minute!"</p>
+
+<p>This Mrs. Griffiths certainly knows more about the death of her late
+royal mistress than she has yet thought proper to communicate; though,
+in one of her moments of compunction, she confessed to a friend of
+our's, that the Princess Charlotte had actually been <span class="allcapsc">POISONED</span>, and
+related the way in which she found it out. Mrs. Griffiths stated, that,
+"after <!-- Page 291 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291"></a>[<a href="./images/291.png">291</a>]</span>giving her royal highness some <span class="allcapsc">BROTH</span> (not gruel) she became
+dreadfully convulsed; and, being struck with the peculiarity of the
+circumstance, she examined the cup from which her royal highness had
+drank. To her astonishment, she there perceived a <i>dark red sediment</i>,
+upon <i>tasting which</i>, <span class="allcapsc">HER TONGUE BECAME BLISTERED</span>!!!" Mrs. Griffiths
+immediately asked Dr. Croft what he had administered to the princess;
+but she received no satisfactory answer. A few hours after this,
+however, the doctor said sufficient to prove that the princess had been
+MURDERED! As Mrs. Griffiths is now alive, we challenge her to deny this
+statement, if incorrect.</p>
+
+<p>The lamented princess was treated most cruelly by all around her, and
+one of the higher household asserted, that he believed her royal
+highness was left "two hours in the agonies of death, without any person
+going near her!" Mrs. Lewis, her waiting woman, has denied this
+statement; but it is well known, that Mrs. Lewis was placed as a <i>spy</i>
+about her royal highness even from her infancy.</p>
+
+<p>The last time the prince regent was at Claremont, not long before the
+princess' confinement, a most respectable gentleman heard him say, "A
+child of the Princess Charlotte shall never sit upon the throne." Did
+not this speak volumes as to her intended destruction? Surely no one can
+doubt, after these disclosures, that the Princess Charlotte fell a
+victim to a vile conspiracy.</p>
+
+<p>The murder of the Princess Charlotte proved the signal for letting loose
+the hounds of destruction <!-- Page 292 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292"></a>[<a href="./images/292.png">292</a>]</span>upon her heart-broken mother. On the morning
+of the second day after her majesty's return to Bath, a lady had a
+private audience with her. The object of the interview was, to offer the
+services of her husband (an officer in the navy) in the impeachment and
+intended destruction of the honour of the Princess of Wales. "What
+situation does the person occupy?" said the queen. "He is a lieutenant,
+please your majesty." "What would be deemed a sufficient recompense for
+his attentions?" said her majesty. "Your majesty's good opinion is all
+my husband aspires to," said the lady; and, after a few unmeaning
+expressions of civility, she retired. Lord Liverpool was consulted, and
+gave his opinion that the person in question could not be implicitly
+relied on; and a messenger was therefore sent to the gentleman,
+according to the address left by his wife, declining the offered
+service; and stating that "her majesty had no unkind or ungenerous
+feelings towards the Princess of Wales, and had quite misunderstood the
+offer, having supposed it to be made under very opposite circumstances."
+The lady was recommended to the queen's notice by Lord Castlereagh,
+though doubts were entertained whether the lieutenant might be trusted,
+as he was believed to be anti-ministerial.</p>
+
+<p>We here relate another fact, relative to the Princess of Wales'
+persecutors:&mdash;A certain personage sought for an interview with an
+individual whom we will disguise under the name of Captain Rock. "Well,"
+said his royal highness to the captain, "I <!-- Page 293 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293"></a>[<a href="./images/293.png">293</a>]</span>wish to engage your
+services; you are well acquainted with Italy; we expect the Princess of
+Wales will be at Pisa in about three months, and as you have served us
+before, we suppose you will have no objection to do so again; you shall
+not want for cash." The offer was accepted, and his royal highness
+<i>wrote</i> this offer upon paper, and a sum was advanced on the evening of
+the same day. This mean slave of power departed; but, before following
+the instructions of his royal employer, went off to London, and
+communicated to Lord Castlereagh his mission, requiring five hundred
+pounds more, declaring the <i>written</i> promise should strictly be
+enforced, as he had been a loser by his former services. The amount
+demanded was given. "I assure you, my lord," said the captain, "I will
+execute my commission well; but I must also be paid well." Lord
+Castlereagh assented, and this unmanly spy took his leave of England to
+wait the expected arrival of the princess at Pisa.</p>
+
+<p>These proceedings against her royal highness soon manifested themselves
+in a commission being appointed at Milan; and rumours were circulated in
+this country that her conduct was at variance with propriety.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. <span class="smcap">Leech</span>, a Chancery barrister of some eminence, and who was
+subsequently elevated to the situation of Vice-Chancellor, and is now
+Master of the Rolls; Mr. <span class="smcap">Cook</span>, also a barrister, and a writer of great
+eminence on the subject of bankruptcy; Mr. <span class="smcap">Powell</span>, a gentleman of
+private fortune and <!-- Page 294 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294"></a>[<a href="./images/294.png">294</a>]</span>connected with the court; a Colonel <span class="smcap">Brown</span>, the
+impropriety of whose conduct met with general disapprobation; and Lord
+<span class="smcap">Stewart</span>, the cowardly lordling who had repeatedly vilified the character
+of the princess, and had even personally insulted her, were selected as
+the individuals proper to conduct an inquiry into the character and
+conduct of her royal highness, during her residence on the Continent. To
+Milan they repaired. A person by the name of Vimercati was selected as
+the Italian agent. Colonel Brown was stationed to assist him. Salaries
+were of course attached to their respective offices, and each individual
+had his post assigned him. Vimercati was invested with the greater part
+of the management of this affair, and the nature of his conduct and
+proceedings cannot but excite mingled feelings of surprise and horror.</p>
+
+<p>By this commission, witnesses were first obtained, then examined, and
+re-examined; exorbitant prices were offered to them for their testimony,
+and threats were made to those who shewed, or pretended to shew, any
+dislike subsequently to appear to verify their statements. Rastelli,
+afterwards a witness, was employed as <i>courier</i>, and to him was
+delegated the all-powerful argument of a <i>long purse</i>. Dumont, while in
+the hands of this commission, carried on a correspondence with her
+sister, (who was still in the queen's service) through the medium of
+Baron D'Ompteda, (the villain we mentioned a few pages back) for the
+purpose of obtaining information from her majesty's servants. And Omati
+was paid by <!-- Page 295 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295"></a>[<a href="./images/295.png">295</a>]</span>D'Ompteda for stealing papers, for the use of the
+commission, from his master, who was her majesty's professional agent at
+Milan. These are facts proved by witnesses whose characters are
+irreproachable, and whose evidence is as well written as parole.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The year</p>
+
+<h3>1818</h3>
+
+<p>was a dark and troubled period,&mdash;a period of great private distress,&mdash;so
+that the minds of men were bent with more acerbity than usual upon the
+redress of public grievances. The country, borne down by debt, harassed
+by taxation, which had no longer for its excuse a monopoly of commerce,
+looked naturally enough to the source from which these calamities had
+flowed. They found the theory and the practice of the constitution at
+variance, and hearing they had a right to be taxed by their
+representatives, they thought it hard and unjust that over the great
+majority of those who taxed them they had no controul. Retrenchment and
+economy were what they required. They considered parliamentary reform
+would be the means of producing economy and retrenchment. Public
+meetings in favour of parliamentary reform were, therefore, held,
+resolutions in favour of it passed, and petitions in favour of it
+presented to the two houses of parliament; the energies of a free people
+were roused, and great excitement prevailed. When a country is thus
+agitated, a minister must resist with vigour, or yield <!-- Page 296 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296"></a>[<a href="./images/296.png">296</a>]</span>with grace.
+Unjust and violent demands should be met with resistance; but sober and
+legitimate requests, with concession. When weakly opposed, they are
+obtained by immediate violence; successfully refused, they are put off
+for a day, or postponed for a week or a year; but they are not got rid
+of. Lord Castlereagh and Mr. Canning, however, were vain enough to think
+otherwise.</p>
+
+<p>Parliament was opened by commission in January. The speech referred to
+the continued indisposition of his majesty, and the death of the
+Princess Charlotte; but without promising an inquiry into the <i>cause</i> of
+her untimely end! An address was voted in the Commons' House, according
+to custom, though Sir Samuel Romilly was not wanting in his expressions
+of severe opposition to the course ministers were pursuing. He stated,
+"that the despotic conduct of the ministry had produced in the minds of
+the people a determination to withstand any further infringement upon
+their rights and privileges."</p>
+
+<p>Totally regardless of the sufferings of an over-burdened people,
+however, and during the very heavy and calamitous sorrows of the middle
+and lower classes, the chancellor of the Exchequer had the effrontery to
+move "that one million of money be raised for the purpose of supplying
+the deficiency of places of worship belonging to the establishment, by
+building new churches and chapels of ease, where the increase of
+population rendered it needful." How applicable are the words of
+Tartuffe to the advocates of this measure! "With one <!-- Page 297 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297"></a>[<a href="./images/297.png">297</a>]</span>hand, I have
+encouraged spies, suborned perjury, and committed murders; and with the
+other, built churches,&mdash;<i>but not with my own money</i>!" The bill passed,
+and an extra "plume of worldly-mindedness" was consequently placed in
+the cap of hypocrisy! Oh! that the pure religion of our Saviour should
+be thus perverted! His kingdom was not of this world, neither did he
+luxuriate in the "good things" of the earth. Did he wear lawn sleeves
+and a mitre? Did he loll in gaudy carriages, and look down with
+supercilious contempt on his poorer brethren? Did he require <i>theatres</i>
+for his churches, or <i>perfumed</i> divines to preach his gospel? Did he
+interfere with political matters, and exert his energies to enslave the
+people? We leave these questions to be answered by those locusts of the
+land, commonly called <i>bishops</i> of the <i>established</i> church; at the same
+time we call upon them to reflect, whether, if hereafter they should
+feel inclined to recall the opportunity of conciliating the respect of
+the country, they will not have the misfortune of finding it much too
+late!</p>
+
+<p>If our readers were to look over the singular parliamentary proceedings
+at this gloomy period of our history, they would be forcibly struck with
+the littleness, servility, and the utter want of intellectual calibre,
+so fully set forth in the characters of those who conducted the solemn
+mockery of legislation. The most unjust and arbitrary laws were put in
+force, and the public money allowed to be squandered, without the least
+inquiry. As a proof of this last remark, we need only mention the fact
+of <i>ninety <!-- Page 298 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298"></a>[<a href="./images/298.png">298</a>]</span>thousand pounds</i> being voted for the department of the
+"Master of the Horse," who kept thirty saddle and twenty-eight carriage
+horses for the use of his majesty, yet the king had never been out of
+the castle for more than seven years! This disgraceful squandering of
+money was carried on, too, when honest citizens and affectionate fathers
+were incapable of providing bread for themselves and families! Indeed,
+Lord Liverpool seemed resolved to push the country to its utmost verge,
+by proposing and sanctioning every expensive outlay. He was, with Lords
+Castlereagh and Sidmouth, the author of many plans to perplex,
+impoverish, and subdue the people, in which plans the <i>bishops</i> most
+zealously assisted. Every contrivance that had the sanction of the queen
+was sure to be <i>well-managed</i>, till Justice herself was set at open
+defiance.</p>
+
+<p>Our readers will recollect our former statements respecting the Princess
+Charlotte, and we think the circumstance we are now about to relate will
+not operate against the proofs we have adduced concerning her untimely
+end.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Sir Richard Croft, the accoucheur of that lamented princess, had
+been engaged to attend the lady of the Rev. Dr. Thackeray, at her house,
+86, Wimpole-street, Cavendish-square. Sir Richard went there on Monday,
+the 9th of February, and remained in attendance until Thursday morning,
+at eleven o'clock, when, finding his continued presence unnecessary, he
+went out for a short time to fulfil his other engagements. An apartment
+on the floor <!-- Page 299 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299"></a>[<a href="./images/299.png">299</a>]</span>above that occupied by Mrs. Thackeray was appointed for
+the residence of Sir Richard. In this chamber, there were two pistols
+belonging to Dr. Thackeray, hanging within the reach of Dr. Croft. Sir
+Richard retired to bed at half-past twelve, and about one, Dr. Thackeray
+heard a noise, apparently proceeding from the room occupied by Dr.
+Croft, and sent a female servant to ascertain the cause; she returned,
+saying, "the doctor is in bed, and I conceive him to be asleep." A short
+time after, a similar noise was heard, and the servant was sent again.
+She rapped at the door, but received no answer. This circumstance
+created alarm; in consequence of which, the door of his apartment was
+broken open. Here an awful spectacle presented itself. The body of Sir
+Richard was lying on the bed, shockingly mangled, his hands extended
+over his breast, and a pistol in each hand. One of the pistols had been
+loaded with slugs, the other with ball. Both were discharged, and the
+head of the unfortunate gentleman was literally blown to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>On the inquest, Doctors Latham and Baillie, and Mr. Finch, proved that
+the deceased had, since the death of the Princess Charlotte, laboured
+under mental distress. He had frequently been heard to say, that "this
+lamentable occurrence weighs heavily on my mind, and I shall never get
+over it." Mr. Finch said, he was well aware that the deceased had been
+labouring under derangement of intellect for a considerable time past;
+and he should not have reposed confidence or trust in him on any
+<!-- Page 300 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300"></a>[<a href="./images/300.png">300</a>]</span>occasion since the lamented catastrophe alluded to. The jury returned a
+verdict, "that the deceased destroyed himself while in a fit of
+temporary derangement."</p>
+
+<p>During the inquest, the newspaper reporters were denied admission, which
+circumstance gave rise to various rumours of a suspicious tendency. This
+was certainly an unconstitutional act; but we will, as honest
+historians, speak candidly upon the subject. Delicacy to surviving
+friends must not prevent our detail of facts.</p>
+
+<p>It will appear evident, then, that Sir Richard had not been perfectly
+sane since the ever-to-be-regretted fatal event at Claremont. Was it not
+therefore astonishing, that his professional as well as other friends,
+who were <i>suspicious</i>, if not <i>fully aware</i>, of the doctor's
+derangement, should have been silent upon this important point, and have
+allowed Sir Richard to continue in the exercise of his professional
+practice? Did they not, by such silence, contribute to the peril of
+females in the most trying moment of nature's sorrow? The
+<i>disinterested</i> reader will, doubtless, join us in our expressions of
+indignation at such wanton and cruel conduct.</p>
+
+<p>The letter written to Sir Richard, by order of the prince, proves
+nothing but the folly of those who advised it. That letter was not
+calculated to remove any of those suspicions respecting the untimely
+death of the Princess Charlotte, which rolled like heavy clouds over the
+intelligent minds of the greater portion of the nation; neither was it
+likely to hush <!-- Page 301 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301"></a>[<a href="./images/301.png">301</a>]</span>the spirit of <i>inquiry</i>, because its details were
+evidently meant to prevent any special explanation. The Marquis of
+Hertford, chamberlain to the regent, well knew, at this period, how to
+estimate <i>medicinal cause and effect</i>!</p>
+
+<p>Presuming my Lord Bloomfield to have been an actor in "the tragedy," we
+cannot help thinking that his reward was more than adequate to the
+<i>services</i> performed. His pension of twelve hundred pounds per annum was
+dated December, 1817. What extraordinary benefits had he rendered to
+this oppressed nation to merit such an income? We ought also to mention,
+that, after this period, we find his lordship named as "envoy and
+minister-plenipotentiary in Sweden," for which he received the annual
+sum of four thousand, nine hundred pounds, and, as colonel of artillery,
+one thousand and three pounds, making in all the enormous annual sum of
+seven thousand, one hundred, and three pounds!</p>
+
+<p>These remarks are not intended to wound the feelings of private
+families; but are made with a view to urge a strict investigation into
+the cause of the Princess Charlotte's death. We are well aware that many
+<i>great</i> persons have reason to fear the result of such an inquiry, yet
+the injured ought to have justice administered, even at the "eleventh
+hour," if it cannot sooner be obtained. Many a murderer has been
+executed twenty, or even thirty, years after the commission of his
+crime!</p>
+
+<p>Though at this time ministers had a parliament almost entirely devoted
+to their wishes, there were a <!-- Page 302 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302"></a>[<a href="./images/302.png">302</a>]</span>few members of it who vigorously opposed
+unjust measures, and they could not always carry their plans into
+execution. The amount solicited for the Duke of Clarence upon his
+intended marriage with the Princess of Saxe Meiningen is a proof of
+this; for, although the regent sent a message to the House to accomplish
+this object, it was at <i>first</i> refused, and the duke did not gain his
+point till a considerable time afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>In this year, the Duke of Kent was united to a sister of Prince Leopold.</p>
+
+<p>In September, while most requisite to her party, the queen was taken
+ill. Bulletin followed upon bulletin, and the disorder was reported to
+increase. Some of the public papers announced, that her majesty had
+expressed an ardent desire to witness a <i>reconciliation</i> between the
+Prince and Princess of Wales, as she imagined her dissolution was now
+near at hand. The report, however, was as false as it was unlikely; for,
+only a month before this period, <i>spies</i> had been despatched to obtain
+witnesses, <i>of any description</i>, against the honour of the princess, by
+which means her enemies hoped to accomplish their most ardent desires.
+Queen Charlotte's <i>conscience</i> was not of a penetrable nature as her
+bitter enmity to the Princess of Wales continued even to her death!</p>
+
+<p>With her majesty, it had ever been an invariable maxim, that "might
+constitutes right;" but the reflections of her mind, while surveying the
+probability of a speedy dissolution, must have been of a <!-- Page 303 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303"></a>[<a href="./images/303.png">303</a>]</span>complexion too
+dreary to be faithfully pictured. She,&mdash;who had been the arbitress of
+the fates of nations, whose commands none dared dispute or disobey, and
+at whose frown numberless sycophants and dependents trembled,&mdash;was now
+about to face the dread enemy of mankind! The proud heart of Queen
+Charlotte must have been humbled at the thought of meeting <span class="allcapsc">HER</span> Judge,
+who is said to be "no distinguisher of persons."</p>
+
+<p>During her indisposition, the queen seemed much impressed with the idea
+that she should recover, and it was not till the 2nd of November that
+the physicians deemed it requisite to acquaint the queen of her danger.
+The intelligence was given in the most delicate manner possible; yet her
+majesty exhibited considerable alarm at the information. It was
+pressingly hinted by the princesses to their mother, that the sacrament
+ought to be administered; but the queen positively refused the "holy
+rite," saying, "It is of no use, as I am unable to take it." One of the
+princesses immediately said, "You do not mean to say that you <span class="smcap">murdered
+the Princess Charlotte</span>?" "No," faintly answered the queen, "<span class="smcap">but I
+connived at it</span>!" We pledge ourselves to the truth of this statement,
+however incredible it may appear to those who have considered Queen
+Charlotte as "a pattern to her sex." When the general servility of the
+press to royalty is taken into consideration, it is hardly to be
+wondered at that people are misinformed as to the real characters of
+kings and queens. Take the following false and <!-- Page 304 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304"></a>[<a href="./images/304.png">304</a>]</span>most inconsistent
+eulogium, copied from the "Atlas" newspaper, as an example of this
+time-serving violation of truth:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Queen Charlotte's <i>constant attendance on the king</i>, and her
+<span class="allcapsc">GRIEF FOR THE LOSS OF HER GRAND-DAUGHTER</span>, gained ground on her
+constitution; and her majesty expired at Kew, on the 17th of
+November, 1818. <i>In all the relations of a wife and mother</i>,
+the conduct of the queen had been <span class="allcapsc">EXEMPLARY</span>. Pious, without
+bigotry; virtuous, but not austere; serious, yet capable of
+the most perfect enjoyment of innocent pleasure;
+unostentatious, economical, adorned with all domestic virtues,
+and not without the charities of human nature, the queen had
+lived respected, and she died full of years and honour,
+regretted by her subjects, and most by those who knew her
+best. If her talents were not shining, nor her virtues
+extraordinary, she never employed the first in faction, nor
+bartered the second for power. She was occasionally accused of
+political interference, by contemporary jealousy; but history
+will acquit her of the charge. She was a strict moralist,
+though her conduct to one part of her family (the heroic
+Caroline, we suppose) was perhaps more <span class="allcapsc">RIGOROUS</span> than <span class="allcapsc">JUST</span>. Her
+proudest drawing-room was the hearth of her home. <span class="smcap">Her
+brightest gems were her children</span>, (heaven save the mark!) <i>and
+her greatest ambition to set an example of</i> <span class="allcapsc">MATRONLY VIRTUE</span>
+<i>and feminine dignity to the ladies of her adopted country</i>!"</p></div>
+
+<p>We should absolutely blush for the writer of this paragraph, did we
+think that he really <i>meant</i> his panegyric to be taken <i>literally</i>. For
+the sake of <i>common honesty</i>, however, we will not suppose he so
+intended it; he must be some severe critic who adopted this style as the
+<i>keenest kind of wit</i>, for</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Praise undeserved is satire in disguise!"</span><br />
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The <i>august</i> remains of this royal lady were, on the 2nd of December,
+deposited in the vault prepared for their reception, with all the
+parade <!-- Page 305 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305"></a>[<a href="./images/305.png">305</a>]</span>usual on such expensive occasions. We will not detain our
+readers by describing the funeral pomp, though we cannot avoid noticing
+that the body was not opened, but immediately enclosed in prepared
+wrappers, and very speedily deposited in the first coffin, which was a
+leaden one. Indeed, her majesty was not in a fit state to undergo the
+usual formalities of embalming, &amp;c. Her body was literally a moving mass
+of corruption.</p>
+
+<p>Let us now sum up the mortal train of evils which were so <i>generously</i>
+nourished "by the departed," for virtues she had none. The power of
+royalty may intimidate the irresolute, astonish the uninformed, or bribe
+the villain; but, as we do not claim affinity with either of these
+characters, we honestly avow, that her majesty did not deserve the title
+"of blessed memory." At the commencement of her alliance with the
+much-to-be-pitied George the Third, she took every advantage of his
+weakness, and actually directed the helm of government <i>alone</i>, which
+untoward circumstance England has abundant cause to remember!</p>
+
+<p>The next brother to the king, (Edward) whom we have before mentioned,
+was most unexpectedly and unaccountably sent abroad, notwithstanding his
+being next in succession. His royal highness' marriage with a descendant
+of the Stuarts, though strictly legal, was never acknowledged by Queen
+Charlotte, and his only child, soon after its birth, was thrown upon the
+compassionate attention of strangers. As there is something so horrible
+relative to the death <!-- Page 306 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306"></a>[<a href="./images/306.png">306</a>]</span>of this amiable duke and duchess, and something
+so heartless and cruel in the treatment to which their only son has been
+subjected, we are induced, for the sake of truth and justice, to lay a
+brief statement of the matter before our readers.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Historians have either been treacherous or ignorant of the circumstances
+connected with the case of this Duke of York, who was the second son of
+Frederick, Prince of Wales, and next brother of George the Third. Most
+writers have represented "that he died in consequence of a malignant
+fever," as we have before mentioned; but one historian ventured to
+assert that "Edward, Duke of York, was <span class="allcapsc">ASSASSINATED</span> in September, 1767,
+near Monaco, in Italy!" This statement, we are sorry to say, is but too
+true, which caused the book containing it to be bought up at an immense
+expense. The unhappy widow of his royal highness was then far advanced
+in pregnancy, and very shortly after this melancholy, and (to her)
+irreparable loss, she came over to England, and took up her residence at
+Haverford West, in South Wales. At this place, her royal highness gave
+birth to a son, whose baptism was duly entered in the register of St.
+Thomas' parish. What afterwards became of this illustrious lady,
+however, is not known; but her infant was, shortly after its birth,
+conveyed to London, and placed, by George the Third, under the immediate
+care and protection of a tradesman and his wife, by whom he was
+represented to be their own son. This tradesman, <!-- Page 307 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307"></a>[<a href="./images/307.png">307</a>]</span>although only
+twenty-seven years of age, enjoyed the particular confidence of his
+majesty, and has been known to walk with the king by the hour, in the
+gardens adjoining Buckingham House, conversing with all the familiarity
+of an old acquaintance or an especial friend, and who at all times could
+command an interview with his majesty, or with the ministers. When about
+twelve years old, this ill-fated offspring of the duke was placed at
+Eton, upon which occasion his majesty took especial notice of the youth,
+and was in the habit of conversing very freely with him. He had not been
+long at Eton when his majesty allowed him to go with his <i>reputed</i>
+father to see the hounds throw off at Taplow Heath; a chaise was ordered
+for this purpose, and they arrived just before the deer were let out.
+Upon their alighting, the king rode up to them, and expressed his very
+great satisfaction at the appearance of the youth; and, after asking
+many questions relative to the arrangements made for him at school,
+said, "Well, my little fellow, do you be a good boy, and you shall never
+want friends. Good bye, good bye; the deer will soon be out!" His
+majesty then rode back to his attendants. Whenever George the Third
+passed through Eton, it was his invariable practice either to speak to,
+or inquire after, this youth, in whose welfare he ever appeared deeply
+interested. From Eton, he was removed to college; and after this period,
+vexations of an unpleasant nature were experienced by this orphan: his
+income was too limited, and unkindness and illiberality were too
+<!-- Page 308 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308"></a>[<a href="./images/308.png">308</a>]</span>frequently his portion; even during severe indisposition, he was
+permitted to languish without being supplied with sufficient means to
+procure the needful restoratives. His life now became little else than
+one continued scene of unhappiness; his associates at the university
+were well acquainted with these facts, and appeared deeply interested in
+his welfare, regretting that the mind and talent of such an amiable and
+promising youth should be enervated by the severity or inattention of
+his connexions. But as he had been severely rebuked for making a
+complaint, and offering a remonstrance, he resolved to suffer in "silent
+sorrow," much to the injury of his mental enjoyments. During a vacation,
+and previous to his removal from college, a dispute arose amongst the
+members of his reputed father's family upon the subject of religion. The
+debate at length assumed a formidable appearance, and bigotry plainly
+supplied the place of sound reasoning. The family separated in the
+evening, each displeased with the other, and all, except one individual,
+at issue with the royal protégé. Early in the ensuing morning, this
+dissentient member of the family requested the favour of an interview
+with the illustrious youth, and remarked, that the occurrence was not a
+matter of surprise, as the very peculiar circumstances connected with
+the reputed father of the young gentleman were of a most serious
+description. "To what do you allude?" said the youth. "You ought to
+know," answered this honourable friend, "that you have no right to
+submit to insult here. You are the highest <!-- Page 309 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309"></a>[<a href="./images/309.png">309</a>]</span>person in this house, and
+are, by your rank, entitled to the greatest respect from every one. Your
+<i>pretended</i> father forgets his duty and his engagements, when he permits
+you to be treated with disrespect; and if his majesty knew these
+circumstances, your abode would soon be changed; and your profession
+would be abandoned. The king never would allow an indignity to be
+offered to you in any way, much less by the person into whose care he
+has so confidingly entrusted you." "What!" said the young prince, "am I
+not the son of Mr. ******? but, if I am, why should his majesty take so
+much interest in my case?" "No," answered his informant, "you are not
+the son of Mr. ******. But ask no more; my life might probably pay for
+my explanation!" From this period, the subject of our memoir was treated
+with the greatest unkindness and personal indignity by almost every
+member of his reputed father's family. Indeed, the imperious behaviour
+of the elder branches was such as could not be passed over in silence;
+in consequence of which, the high-spirited and noble victim was sent
+back to college for the remainder of the vacation, with little more in
+his purse than would defray the expenses of the journey; but the command
+was peremptory! After remaining some time in utter destitution, the
+royal protégé wrote to request an early supply of cash, naming for what
+purposes. This appeal was considered as the effect of extravagance and
+profligacy, and, instead of being properly complied with, was answered
+with acrimony, every thing the reverse of <!-- Page 310 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310"></a>[<a href="./images/310.png">310</a>]</span>parental feeling. Under these
+heart-rending circumstances, did this ill-fated son of Prince Edward
+labour for nearly four years at the university,&mdash;not daring to make any
+further appeals to the austere, impatient, and arbitrary person, to
+whose care the king had so fully, though <i>secretly</i>, entrusted him. At
+length, however, a severe illness was the consequence; and censure, in
+no very measured terms, was heaped upon the unfeeling character who had
+so cruelly immolated a promising and worthy young gentleman, and who, he
+well knew, was of the most illustrious descent. Those who were
+acquainted with the particulars of the case were most incensed against
+such heartless conduct. Mr. ****** had undertaken the important charge
+of seeing this protégé able to realize the ardent wish of his majesty,
+either as a legal or clerical character, and thereby, in some degree,
+provided for. But, while his majesty's nephew was refused means to live
+respectably, and excluded from all youthful amusements, the real sons of
+his reputed father were allowed all the pleasures and enjoyments of
+life. At his final removal from college, this ill-treated prince
+represented to his unfeeling guardian that he should take greater
+pleasure in pursuing legal to clerical engagements; but his wishes in
+this, as in most other matters, were totally disregarded, and the church
+was destined, by arbitrary will, to be his profession. He, therefore, at
+the proper age, was compelled to take orders, and enter upon a
+profession he had not chosen. As the home of his reputed father was
+scarcely to be <!-- Page 311 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311"></a>[<a href="./images/311.png">311</a>]</span>endured, a curacy was eagerly accepted, and the son of
+the Duke of York, the nephew of George the Third, was transformed into
+"a clergyman of the church of England!!!" Here he toiled in an obscure
+village, scarcely receiving sufficient means to discharge the small
+demands required for his maintenance!</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after this, the principal of the living died insolvent, and the
+little remuneration due to the curate could not be obtained. In this
+distressing state of affairs, the persecuted prince could obtain no
+settlement from his guardian; yet from comparative nothingness, this man
+was raised to affluence, and was then living in much style, keeping his
+carriage and horses, inhabiting a mansion of very superior description,
+and the whole of his family enjoying every superfluity of life. <i>He</i>,
+however, on whose sole account this sumptuous appearance was bestowed,
+was "eating the bread of Carefulness, and reposing upon the couch of
+Sorrow!" We need not enter more fully into the case of this unfortunate,
+but worthy, descendant of Prince Edward, than say, that, from the
+commencement of his studies to a very recent period, he has been the
+<span class="smcap">victim of Power</span>! His sufferings and his sorrows have been too great for
+language to describe; and, but for the blessings of a fine constitution,
+he must have fallen under them. But, if he be called upon in a suitable
+manner, we doubt not that he has yet preserved to him sufficient of his
+natural courage, though in his <!-- Page 312 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312"></a>[<a href="./images/312.png">312</a>]</span>65th year, to make "False Accusation
+blush, and Tyranny tremble at Patience!"</p>
+
+<p>We claim the attention of our readers while we offer <span class="allcapsc">PROOF</span> that our
+assertions are founded upon the glorious principle of <span class="allcapsc">TRUTH</span>. We have
+ourselves, to elucidate this matter, examined all the registers of the
+various parishes in Carnarvonshire and Carmarthenshire, and found every
+register complete from 1760, until we came to that of St. Thomas,
+Haverford West, at which place we could not find a single register
+before the year 1776. To substantiate this fact, we subjoin the
+following certificate of the parish clerk:</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p class="signature3">"Haverford West,</p>
+<p class="author">"Parish of St. Thomas.</p>
+
+<p>"There are no registers in the possession of the present rector of the
+above parish, prior to the year 1776.</p>
+
+<p class="signature3">(Signed) "<span class="smcap">Joseph Lloyd Morgan</span>,</p>
+<p class="author">"Parish Clerk."</p>
+
+<p>"13th Sept., 1831."</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Here, then, is a <span class="allcapsc">BLANK</span> for which no apology can be received,&mdash;no
+obsequious profession of sorrow or regret can compensate. We presume to
+declare that if the parish registers throughout the whole of the United
+Kingdoms be investigated, a similar defect will not be found. We are,
+therefore, justified in supposing that this defect arose <i>solely</i> and
+<i>entirely</i> from concerted measures, to keep the subject of our <!-- Page 313 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313"></a>[<a href="./images/313.png">313</a>]</span>memoir
+from ever having it in his power to bring <i>legal</i> proof of his noble
+descent.</p>
+
+<p>The time will probably arrive when we may be permitted to enter more
+fully into this atrocious business, and then we shall not spare the
+"Oppressors of Innocence," for truth is bold, and not always to be
+defied! It would have been better for such oppressors to have never seen
+the light than to have gained their wicked purposes by such an unmanly
+sacrifice of the rights of nature. Every individual ought to feel
+interested in the full and fair explanation of this chicanery; for if
+such misdeeds are suffered to remain unpunished, a safeguard is offered
+to future tyrants! Startling facts like these speak volumes, and any
+honest and upright member of the community will not need more than their
+simple avowal to rouse his indignation. Such encroachments on the rights
+of individuals call aloud for retributive justice, and we trust the call
+will not long be made in vain. Surely there is yet sufficient virtue
+left amongst us to prevent this once great nation from being sacrificed
+to the fluctuating interests or wayward prejudices of ministers, or even
+of a monarch! It is high time to shake off all lethargy! This, as well
+as many other subjects, which we have exposed,&mdash;<i>deserve</i>,&mdash;nay,
+<span class="allcapsc">DEMAND</span>,&mdash;<i>parliamentary investigation</i>. Hitherto, some dreadful
+infatuation seems to have presided over the councils of this country.
+Insatiable ambition has caused all the horrors imposed upon the United
+Kingdoms, and has plunged a professedly free and great people <!-- Page 314 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314"></a>[<a href="./images/314.png">314</a>]</span>into debt
+and disgrace. Indolence now, therefore, is only comparable with the
+conduct of a prodigal, who has wasted his estate without reflection, and
+then has not the courage to examine his accounts; far be this from
+Britons!</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>From this digression, we return to the consideration of Queen
+Charlotte's character. The open and virtuous conduct of the Earl of
+Chatham, and his rebuffs from the queen in consequence thereof affords
+another proof of the domination which her majesty endeavoured to
+exercise over all advisers of the crown. The imbecility of the king,
+owing to circumstances formerly noticed by us, as well as the horrors of
+a ruinous war, must also be ascribed to the dictatorial conduct of Queen
+Charlotte. The unjustifiable hatred her majesty imbibed against the
+Princess of Wales, and the consequent unfeeling demeanour she exhibited
+to that victim, would of itself be sufficient to refute the praises of
+her minions, and stamp her name with everlasting infamy. But many other
+convincing proofs are upon record. Her majesty well knew that the
+country was bending under an enormous load of debt, which encumbered its
+inhabitants; she knew of their sufferings and complaints; but the
+appealing voices of reason and supplication were never deemed worthy of
+her attention. What traits of "matronly" goodness or natural affection
+did she exhibit for the Princess Charlotte, when advancing to the hour
+of her peril? And what proofs have we of "her grief for the loss <!-- Page 315 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315"></a>[<a href="./images/315.png">315</a>]</span>of her
+grand-daughter" so satirically ascribed, by the writer quoted a few
+pages back, to be one of the causes of her majesty's last illness? Alas!
+her majesty's abject, though horrible, confession on her death-bed,
+relative to this unfortunate princess, too fatally corroborated the
+infamy of her general conduct! We need not proceed farther with her
+majesty's character; this, this unnatural act is enough to chill the
+blood in the veins of every human being!</p>
+
+<p>At this time, very little was said of the afflicted king; indeed the
+bulletins assumed such a sameness of expression, that the country
+thought there was not satisfactory evidence to prove the sovereign was
+<i>really alive</i>. His majesty's disorder did not require that close and
+solitary confinement so arbitrarily imposed upon him. If he had been a
+private gentleman, associated with an affectionate wife and dutiful
+children, would he not have frequently been persuaded to take an airing
+in an open carriage? But how infinitely superior were the facilities
+attendant upon the situation of the king than could possibly be
+possessed by any private gentleman! His majesty had long been
+languishing, and was, at the commencement of</p>
+
+
+<p class="sectctr">&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>1819,</h3>
+
+<p>insensible to all around him. Death was evidently making rapid strides,
+and yet the bulletins continued of the same general expression.</p>
+
+<p>At this time, we had the honour of being personally <!-- Page 316 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316"></a>[<a href="./images/316.png">316</a>]</span>acquainted with one
+of the king's sons, whose integrity has ever been considered
+unimpeachable, both in his public and private character. The information
+we received relative to the <span class="allcapsc">KING'S DEATH</span> came directly from his royal
+highness.</p>
+
+<p>It will be remembered, that much doubt prevailed upon the reality of the
+king's existence, and numerous bets were entered into upon the subject
+by persons in the higher circles. Notwithstanding this, on the 25th of
+January, the Earl of Liverpool introduced a motion to the House of Lords
+for the purpose of nominating the Duke of York to the office of
+"guardian to the king," as, in consequence of the demise of her majesty,
+that trust had become vacant. Much altercation ensued. The duke's former
+delinquencies had not been forgotten, and the country was tired with the
+subjection they then endured from the <span class="allcapsc">IMPOSING</span> privileges of royalty.
+But, in despite of all opposition and remonstrance, the care of the
+king's person was committed to the Duke of York, for which his royal
+highness had the unblushing effrontery to receive <span class="allcapsc">TEN THOUSAND POUNDS A
+YEAR FOR VISITING HIS DYING FATHER TWICE A WEEK</span>!!! What an unprecedented
+example of avarice and undutifulness was here manifested by a son to his
+parent, who would have travelled the same distance any time to have
+gratified his passions! Oh, Shame! where is thy blush? Oh, Infamy, art
+thou not now detected? A few weeks after this motion had received the
+approbation of the agents of corruption, the long-afflicted and
+disappointed <!-- Page 317 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317"></a>[<a href="./images/317.png">317</a>]</span><span class="smcap">George the Third</span> DIED! but the event was carefully
+concealed from the public. <span class="smcap">Prayers were still read in churches for his
+recovery</span>, though the bishops knew they were <i>mocking heaven</i>, by praying
+for the life of one who was <i>already dead</i>! Ye sticklers for upholding
+the present impious system of church government, what say ye to this?
+Could Infamy and Blasphemy go any farther? And yet those at the head of
+this system are still allowed to insult the country by proposing general
+fasts to people already starving, as well as impiously accusing the
+Almighty with spreading distress and pestilence over the land which they
+themselves have laid waste by their rapacity and worldly-mindedness!
+While the clergy were praying for the life of the <i>deceased</i> king to be
+preserved, the apartments formerly in the occupation of his majesty were
+kept in the same state as when the monarch was alive, and the royal
+body, after being embalmed, was placed in a leaden coffin of needful
+substance. Our royal informant went on to state, that these impositions
+were practised upon the public to give time for selecting proper persons
+to be despatched to Milan, or elsewhere, to gain intelligence what the
+Princess of Wales intended upon the demise of the king, as, in that
+event occurring, her royal highness would become queen consort.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding all this cunning and trickery, her royal highness was
+informed of the death of her father-in-law many months before it became
+publicly known. A junior branch of the royal family wrote <!-- Page 318 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318"></a>[<a href="./images/318.png">318</a>]</span>to her, "The
+king is now dead, but this event will not be made known to the nation
+till certain arrangements are made, on behalf of the prince regent, <i>to
+degrade you</i>; and either keep you abroad for the remainder of your life,
+void of your title as Queen of England, and with other restrictions, or
+to obtain witnesses, and, giving you the <i>form</i> of a trial, insult and
+destroy you!" Her royal highness, however, was precluded from <i>acting</i>
+upon this information by her correspondent, who enjoined her to the
+strictest secrecy till the event should be made known to her by the
+ministers of the crown.</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time, every opportunity to suppress unpleasant inquiries or
+investigations upon subjects connected with royalty and the time-serving
+ministry were carefully embraced. That unparalleled junto, Liverpool,
+Castlereagh, Sidmouth, and others of the same profession, not forgetting
+our dear venerable Lord Eldon and the <i>pious</i> bishops, were well aware
+of George the Third's death, at the time it happened. They had, indeed,
+been expecting it for some time; yet these were the persons who assisted
+to deceive the public mind, and prevent the straightforward
+acknowledgment of <span class="allcapsc">TRUTH</span>! The evidence we have adduced of this fact is so
+palpable and strong, that he who can resist its force must be strangely
+void of perception, or else have made a previous resolve not to suffer
+himself to be the subject of conviction.</p>
+
+<p>In the early part of May, several persons were introduced at court, and
+received the royal smile, on <!-- Page 319 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319"></a>[<a href="./images/319.png">319</a>]</span>being appointed to investigate the private
+conduct of the Princess of Wales. Their <i>purses</i> were also amply
+supplied by the royal command, and if further sums were found needful,
+they received letters of credit upon the principal banking houses named
+in the route they had to take. If any person in the common ranks of life
+gives away that which is not his to give, he renders himself liable to
+transportation; but it is said, a "king can do no wrong!" The most
+disreputable of society were solicited to give information against the
+Princess of Wales, either with regard to any public or private
+intelligence they might have received; the most liberal offers were also
+made to remunerate the persons so inquired of. After an immense expense,
+information, though of a doubtful character, against the princess was
+obtained, <span class="allcapsc">ONLY BY PURCHASE</span>; and various were the despatches sent over to
+this country, and answered by the ministerial plotters, who exerted all
+their energies to bring the business to a consummation.</p>
+
+<p>During such disreputable transactions, the princess knew the <i>real</i>
+cause of all the attempts to insult and degrade her character; and she,
+therefore, without delay, advised with her legal friends what steps were
+most proper to take. Alas! the princess was doomed only to receive fresh
+insults; delay followed delay; excuses of the most palliative
+description were used, instead of sound advice and positive opinion, and
+it appeared as if every hand were raised against her! Indeed, the
+perplexed and mortifying situation of the princess was attended with
+such <!-- Page 320 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320"></a>[<a href="./images/320.png">320</a>]</span>dangerous consequences, that, had she not been a most <i>courageous</i>
+woman, and supported by her <i>innocence</i>, she must have sank under her
+fears. Driven into exile, abandoned by the ministry, deserted by her
+friends, through the bribery of her enemies, attacked by her <i>nearest
+relations</i>, the only resource she had left was in committing her person,
+her sceptre, her crown, and her honour, to the care of the
+representatives of the British people. For our own parts, we cannot
+forget that when she was accused before parliament on a former occasion,
+the whole nation was melted into tears, or inflamed with rage; and,
+except those princes and their minions, who should have felt for her the
+most, there was found but one heart, one will, and one voice, on the
+subject throughout the kingdoms! Nor can it have escaped the observation
+of our countrymen, that all those persons, originally employed in
+bringing to trial this illustrious and virtuous woman, have been
+munificently rewarded; while those who advocated her cause, and stood
+between her and the axe uplifted for her destruction, have experienced
+nothing but the blackest calumny and detraction.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Moira, the author of the first investigation, was made Marquis of
+Hastings, and Governor-General of India. This individual, however,
+desired his <i>right hand might be amputated immediately after his
+decease, as an expiatory judgment against himself, in having signed
+dishonourable deeds to injure the happiness of the princess</i>. Conant,
+the poor Marlborough-street magistrate, who procured the attested
+<!-- Page 321 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321"></a>[<a href="./images/321.png">321</a>]</span>evidence for impeachment, was created Sir Nathaniel, with an increase of
+a <i>thousand pounds</i> a year, as chief of all the police offices. The
+Douglases were all either elevated to wealth, office, or rank. The
+Jerseys stood in the sunshine of the court; and the Rev. Mr. Bates, then
+editor of the "Herald," and her bitterest enemy, was created a baronet,
+and promoted high in the church! Such was the fortune of her accusers;
+but how different was that of her supporters!</p>
+
+<p>In June, the Chancellor of the Exchequer submitted his plan of finance.
+It proved that the revenue was reduced eighteen millions, to meet which,
+extra loans were proposed to be raised and new taxes enforced. In doing
+this, the Speaker of the House of Commons, in the address to the regent,
+said, "In adopting this course, his majesty's faithful Commons do not
+conceal from themselves that they are calling upon the nation for a
+<i>great exertion</i>; but, well knowing that honour, character, and
+independence have at all times been the first and dearest objects of the
+hearts of Englishmen, we feel assured that there is no difficulty that
+the country would not encounter, and no pressure to which it would not
+<i>cheerfully</i> submit, to enable us to maintain pure and unimpaired that
+which has never yet been shaken or sullied,&mdash;our public credit, and our
+national good faith." Now let us ask the reason why an extra immense
+burden of taxation was to be levied upon the people. The queen was
+<i>acknowledged</i> to be dead, and certainly could not be chargeable to the
+<!-- Page 322 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322"></a>[<a href="./images/322.png">322</a>]</span>nation by her personal expenditure or allowance. The king was also
+<i>dead</i>, though <i>his income was received as usual</i>! as well as the Duke
+of York's <i>ten thousand pounds for attending him</i>!!! Royal and
+ministerial extravagance likewise caused the useless outlay of twenty
+thousand, five hundred pounds, for <span class="allcapsc">SNUFF-BOXES</span>, besides twelve hundred
+guineas as presents to three <span class="smcap">German barons</span>. The gift of <i>an axe</i> or <i>a
+halter</i> would have better accorded with the financial state of the
+empire!</p>
+
+<p>The prince regent closed the session in person on the 13th of July; and,
+at the conclusion of his speech, adverted to the <i>seditious spirit</i>
+(what sensible man could feel surprised at it?) which was evident in the
+manufacturing districts, and avowed a firm determination to employ the
+powers provided by law for its suppression, instead of promising the
+people redress of grievances!</p>
+
+<p>In Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, and Stockport, the meetings of the
+inhabitants now became very numerous, while all means were taken by the
+local authorities to provoke general confusion.</p>
+
+<p>On the 16th of August, the <span class="allcapsc">MEMORABLE MEETING</span> at Manchester took place,
+for the purpose of petitioning for a reform in the representation. The
+assembly consisted of from sixty to one hundred thousand persons, who
+conducted themselves in the most peaceable manner. The assembled
+multitude, however, were suddenly surprised by the arrival of the
+Manchester yeomanry cavalry; to which were afterwards added a regiment
+of the Cheshire yeomanry, <!-- Page 323 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323"></a>[<a href="./images/323.png">323</a>]</span>and a regiment of huzzars,&mdash;the outlets being
+occupied by other military detachments. The <i>unarmed</i> thousands were now
+driven one upon another, and many were killed and wounded, while others
+were ridden over by the horses. The number ascertained to have been
+killed were eight men, two women, and one child; but the wounded were
+about six hundred! How well the words of a celebrated author apply to
+this diabolical proceeding: "A kingdom for a stage, princes to act, and
+to behold the grand effect; but at their heels, leashed in like hounds,
+may not sword, famine, fire, crouch for employment?" Numerous
+imprisonments followed, and many poor families were consequently
+deprived of support.</p>
+
+<p>Historians are at issue whether or not the riot act was read before the
+scene of carnage commenced, as it is unconstitutional to send a military
+force <i>to act</i> before so doing. We, however, confidently assert <span class="allcapsc">IT WAS
+NOT READ</span> in the hearing of any of the populace, neither was it at all
+likely that the soldiers could have come so suddenly and unexpectedly
+upon the multitudes, unless by previous order and arrangement. Further
+than this, an hour ought to have transpired after such reading before a
+soldier or civil officer could be authorised to interfere in dispersing
+the meeting. As a proof of the corresponding features of this unexampled
+and murderous business, a letter was written by the <i>pious</i> Lord
+Sidmouth, <i>in the name of the regent</i>, to the Earl of Derby, presenting
+thanks for the vigorous and able conduct of the magistracy and military
+of Manchester on the <!-- Page 324 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324"></a>[<a href="./images/324.png">324</a>]</span>16th. Thus were the lives and liberties of the
+open-hearted population of these kingdoms allowed to be at the controul
+of an impotent and heartless statesman; for it appeared that the regent
+was not at hand to have given his assent to this unparalleled piece of
+barefaced audacity. Lord Sidmouth should have been more careful of
+dates, as the "royal dandy" was at that time taking a little pleasure
+near the Isle of Wight. But the following particulars will explain the
+<i>systematic</i> plan of this cold-blooded massacre:</p>
+
+<p>Mr. H. N. Bell, before this period, was confidentially employed at the
+office of the secretary of state, in the capacity of genealogist, under
+the immediate controul of Lord Sidmouth. Some considerable period before
+the melancholy butchery, he was engaged to proceed to Manchester, in
+company with two other persons, for the avowed purpose of inflaming the
+public mind against the ministry. He went, and the result was as his
+patron and employer, Lord Sidmouth, desired it. Mr. Bell and his
+associates expressed to the people of Manchester, that they need not
+remain in their then starving condition, if, in an orderly and peaceable
+manner, they were to assemble on some convenient spot, and unanimously
+resolve to petition for a reform, so much needed, in the representation.
+These tools of the secretary of state told the famishing multitudes,
+that if they pleased to enjoy happiness and plenty, together with civil
+liberty, they had now an opportunity of accomplishing their most earnest
+wishes. Under their influence, clubs and unions were soon formed, <!-- Page 325 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325"></a>[<a href="./images/325.png">325</a>]</span>and
+public notices were ultimately given, that a general meeting would take
+place on the 16th of August.</p>
+
+<p>These preliminary arrangements being completed, the <i>soldiery</i> had
+instructions to be ready. The result was as before stated; and Mr. Bell
+and his accomplices returned to London as soon as their object was
+attained. The Duke of York acted a prominent part in this plot, from his
+military facilities; but the besotted prince was persuaded to get out of
+the way until the affair should be concluded.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bell proved very useful in the office of the secretary, and as he
+had once forfeited his own good opinion, by lending himself to the
+diabolical plot just mentioned, he made no further scruple, but became a
+passive engine, directed in his actions by the command of ministers and
+state empirics. Lord Sidmouth was dissatisfied with the Manchester
+business; he had hoped that many more might have been brought to suffer
+the extreme penalty of the law, thereby affording an awful example to
+deter others from daring to question the excellency of the government
+under which they lived, and the generous disposition of the governors.
+We are aware that some people attributed this affair to the magistracy;
+but they would not have dared to interfere in such a manner as they did,
+unless sanctioned and supported by the higher powers. The cause of a
+selfish, cruel, and despotic ministry, required the assistance of
+corresponding heartless servants, and they obtained it. Lord
+Castlereagh, however, threw out many insinuations <!-- Page 326 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326"></a>[<a href="./images/326.png">326</a>]</span>that the Manchester
+plot was a very bold and desperate undertaking; but the <i>pious doctor</i>
+"laid the flattering unction to his soul of its <i>expediency</i>," believing
+some such infamous procedure needful to rivet the iron sceptre of
+despotism. How well does the repentant language of a certain wicked king
+apply here!</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"My fault is past. But, O, what form of prayer<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">Can serve my turn? Forgive me my foul murder!&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">That cannot be, since I am still possess'd<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">Of those effects for which I did the murder!<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">In the corrupted currents of this world,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">Offence's gilded hand may shove by justice;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">And oft 'tis seen, the wicked prize itself<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">Buys out the law!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>This has proved but too true, as well in the Manchester affair as in
+many other diabolical state proceedings. The little value, indeed, which
+the ministers of this period entertained for human life ought never to
+be pardoned. Property, if seized or lost, may be restored; or if not,
+man may enjoy a thousand delightful pleasures of existence without
+riches. The sun shines as warmly on the poor as on the rich; the gale of
+health breathes its balsam into the cottage casement on the heath no
+less sweetly and salubriously than in the portals of the palace. But can
+the lords of this world, who think so little of the lives of their
+inferiors in wealth, with all their boasted power, relume the light of
+the eye once dimmed by the shades of death? "Accursed despots!" as a
+talented author well observes, "shew the world your <!-- Page 327 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327"></a>[<a href="./images/327.png">327</a>]</span>authority for
+taking away that which ye never gave, and cannot give; for undoing the
+work of God, and extinguishing the lamp of life which was illuminated
+with a ray from heaven! Where is your <span class="allcapsc">CHARTER TO PRIVILEGE MURDER</span>?" All
+the gold of Ophir, all the gems of Golconda, cannot buy a single life,
+nor pay for its loss,&mdash;it is above all price. Yet when we take a view of
+the proceedings of Lord Sidmouth's junto, we are led to believe any
+thing of more value than human life. Crimes which had very little moral
+evil, if any, and which, therefore, could not incur the vengeance of a
+just and merciful God, were unceremoniously punished with death by this
+minister. Men, for instance, were liable to be shot for meeting
+peaceably together and making speeches, though proceeding from the
+purest and most virtuous principles, from the most enlarged benevolence,
+from wisdom and unaffected patriotism; or for such speeches as might
+proceed from mere warmth of temper, neither intending nor accomplishing
+any mischief. Was not such the case in that horrible affair which we
+have just related? But despots are ever frightened at their own shadows;
+they tremble and become offended at the least alarm, and nothing but the
+blood of the accused can expiate the offence. It is, however, from such
+savage acts of barbarity that the Goddess of Liberty is aroused; it is
+from the tyranny of her jailors that she eventually makes a progress
+irresistible, and carries with her fires destined to consume the throne
+of every despot that cannot bear the light! Various motions have been
+made <!-- Page 328 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328"></a>[<a href="./images/328.png">328</a>]</span>since that accursed day to bring the <i>surviving</i> actors in the
+Manchester tragedy to condign punishment. Amongst the foremost in this
+laudable endeavour stands Mr. Hunt; but his efforts have hitherto proved
+unavailing. Although we disapprove of the general conduct of the member
+for Preston, the meed of praise ought not to be withheld from him for
+the admirable speech he delivered, relative to this subject, in March,
+1832, as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Mr. <span class="smcap">Hunt</span> said the grossest misrepresentations had been made
+in parliament respecting that occurrence; and he felt that it
+was a matter deeply to be regretted, that there was not in the
+House of Commons, at the time, some person who had witnessed
+the transaction, and who could put the House in possession of
+the real facts. There was a hope, however, that the present
+government would grant an inquiry for which he was about to
+apply, in conformity with the prayer of the petitions which he
+had just presented, and with the desire of his constituents.
+He proceeded to detail the circumstances under which the
+meeting of the Manchester reformers, at which he presided,
+took place. He described the horrible scene which ensued upon
+the dispersion of the meeting by an unprovoked and unresisted
+charge of the yeomanry cavalry. The House would have some
+notion of the violence and cruelty of the military from this
+fact, that when a number of men, women, and children had
+crowded into a small court, from which there was no
+thoroughfare, one of the yeomanry drove them out, whilst
+another struck at each of them with his sabre, as they came
+out. The number of persons killed on that day amounted to
+fifteen, while the maimed and wounded were no fewer than four
+hundred and twenty-four. It was true that it might be said
+that some of these did not suffer from the sabres of the
+yeomanry, but a very large proportion, he would take on
+himself to say, were wounded in that manner; and, at all
+events, it was quite certain, that no accident whatever would
+have occurred but for the outrageous attack that had been made
+on the peaceable multitude. Nor was it men alone that
+suffered. Women were cut down also. And were these men to be
+called soldiers? Was this their way of showing their high
+courage and their honour by cutting down <!-- Page 329 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329"></a>[<a href="./images/329.png">329</a>]</span><i>inoffensive
+females</i>? He would ask any man of humanity in that House,
+whether such disgraceful acts ought to be passed by unnoticed
+and unpunished, merely because it could be said that twelve
+years had elapsed since the transaction had taken place? But
+another excuse that perhaps might be made was, that the
+meeting was an illegal one. In answer to that, however, he
+would take on himself to say, that in his opinion, and in the
+opinion of those who constituted the meeting, they were as
+legally, aye, and as meritoriously assembled, as that House
+was assembled; and for as useful a purpose. No one was
+insulted&mdash;no tumult took place&mdash;no symptoms of riot were
+evinced; and yet was it for a moment to be said, that in such
+a country as this, where there was a continual boast of the
+<i>omnipotence of justice</i>, such things were to be passed over
+<i>without notice and without censure</i>? He could assure the
+House, that if this inquiry was not granted, there would be
+thousands of hearts rankling dissatisfied and discontented,
+and which could never be set at ease till <i>justice was
+awarded</i>. The petitioners, in whose name he was speaking,
+recollected that <i>Earl Grey</i>, and many of his <i>colleagues</i>,
+expressed, <i>at the time of this outrage</i>, a desire for an
+investigation into the matter. And how was that inquiry then
+resisted? First, by the production of official documents,
+emanating from the guilty party themselves; and next, by
+allusion to the trial at York; and the cry that the courts of
+justice were open to those who had any complaint to make. But
+the courts of justice were <i>not</i> open; for the relations of
+those that were killed had gone to those courts of justice,
+and even there <i>all retribution had been denied them in the
+most cruel and indifferent manner</i>! Nor was this all. All
+sorts of calumnious statements were allowed to be made in the
+House of Commons as to the conduct of the mob, by paid spies
+of the government. The general presumption was, that it was
+the intention of the Manchester meeting, had it not been
+interrupted, to pass resolutions similar to those passed at
+Smithfield, declaratory that without a reform in parliament,
+taxes ought not to be paid; and he believed that that
+presumption was the main reason why he had been found guilty.
+But now, what an alteration had taken place! It was only the
+other day that 150,000 persons had met at Birmingham, and
+actually made a declaration to the same effect; and yet they
+were not cut down&mdash;the yeomanry had not been called out to act
+against them. This motion for a select committee had, in a
+manner, become absolutely necessary; for when he had moved for
+the correspondence that had taken place between Lord Sidmouth
+(then the secretary of state) and the lord lieutenant of the
+county, that correspondence had been <!-- Page 330 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330"></a>[<a href="./images/330.png">330</a>]</span>refused; and, therefore,
+he had no other course to pursue than to ask for a committee
+for general inquiry into the whole question. Some part of Lord
+Sidmouth's correspondence, however, was before the public; for
+he had in his hand that letter of his lordship's in which he,
+in the name of the prince regent, thanked the magistracy for
+the way in which they had acted&mdash;yes, actually thanked them
+for having directed the execution of these COLD-BLOODED
+MURDERS,&mdash;by which name he must call those deeds, and by which
+name they were ever designated in that part of the country
+where they had been committed. The consequence of this letter
+was, that the parties, so far from shrinking abashed as they
+ought, actually gloried in the share they had taken in the
+transaction; and, in particular, he might mention that an
+Irishman of the name of Meagher, who was the trumpeter on that
+occasion, had boasted, when he returned to Ireland, that he
+had in one day spilled more Saxon blood than had ever been
+spilled by any one of his countrymen before! The real truth of
+the matter was, in spite of the false colouring that
+interested parties had endeavoured to put on it, that the
+meeting at Manchester was neither more nor less than a reform
+meeting, that every thing was going on peaceably, that not
+even so much as a pane of glass was broken, and though the
+government took the trouble to send Messrs. Oliver and Castles
+among the people to corrupt them, they were not able to
+succeed in their virtuous endeavours. As to his own personal
+feeling on the subject, he was quite willing to remember that
+twelve years had elapsed, and in that recollection to drown
+the memory of all he had himself suffered in consequence of
+the transactions of that day. It was enough for him, when he
+recollected the object of that meeting, to see the noble lord
+introduce such a measure of reform as he had never expected to
+see any government in this country introduce; and which,
+though it did not go the length that he could have desired,
+fully admitted the allegation, that the present House of
+Commons was not chosen by the people,&mdash;the allegation on which
+he had all along built his own proposition of reform. This, he
+repeated, was quite enough to wipe away any personal
+resentment that he might ever have felt. But if not&mdash;if he
+still were vindictive&mdash;what revenge might he not find in the
+events that had since taken place! Who was the prime minister
+of that day? The Earl of Liverpool! And where was the Earl of
+Liverpool? Who were the principal officers of state of that
+day? Lord Sidmouth, Mr. Canning, and Lord Castlereagh! Of
+these, Lord Sidmouth alone remained; and where was Mr.
+Canning? Where Lord Castlereagh, and how did he go out of the
+world? A remarkable <!-- Page 331 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331"></a>[<a href="./images/331.png">331</a>]</span>fact it was, that two years afterwards,
+on the very anniversary of that fatal 16th of August, while he
+was lying in prison, the very first letter that he opened
+detailed to him the end of that minister. Who was the reigning
+prince of that day?&mdash;George the Fourth&mdash;where was he? They had
+all gone to answer for their deeds at a tribunal where no jury
+could be packed, where no evidence could be stifled, and where
+unerring justice would be meted out to them! To carry this
+further, if it needed it, he might mention that two of those
+very yeomanry committed suicide on the very anniversary of the
+16th of August, and many were now to be seen walking about the
+streets of Manchester, objects of a horrid pity. He would not
+say that all this was a just judgment on these participators
+in the murders of Manchester: but one might almost fancy, that
+though a House of Commons could not be found to deal out
+impartial justice, there was still a wise Providence over all,
+which, by its interference, had taken care not to let the
+guilty escape; and, as a climax to the whole, he hoped to live
+to see the day when the noble lord who yet lived should be
+brought to the bar of justice for having sent Castles, and
+Edwards, and Oliver, as spies, for the purpose of instigating
+the peaceful people to revolt. Nor was this all. Other
+retribution had taken place; the government of that day and
+its friends had not only countenanced this destruction of the
+people for the sake of shewing their enmity to reform, but had
+actually undertaken a continental war with the same objects in
+view; and yet now those very persons saw a reform taking place
+in spite of themselves, and had even been condemned
+unsuccessfully to battle its progress night after night in
+that House. He would say this too, that if this committee of
+inquiry should be refused, and if he should live a few years
+longer, he did not doubt that he should see the day arrive
+when a much heavier retaliation, in another way, would take
+place. He himself desired no such thing; but was it in the
+character of human nature that persons who had been so deeply
+injured should sit down quiet and satisfied, when every thing
+in the shape of redress was denied them? But he trusted that
+the government would not refuse this motion for inquiry;
+should, however, such a refusal be given, he should feel it to
+be his duty to bring the question again and again before the
+country, as often as the forms of the House would allow. In
+making his proposition to the House, he had not provided
+himself with a seconder; but, after what had taken place, he
+would call on the noble Chancellor of the Exchequer to second
+the motion. The noble lord had, twelve years ago, pretty
+freely expressed his opinion as to the transaction; and, he
+presumed, that that opinion had not been <!-- Page 332 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332"></a>[<a href="./images/332.png">332</a>]</span>altered by the lapse
+of time. The laws of England and of every country had always
+been unanimous in expressing their abhorrence of the crime of
+murder; and it was because he charged those parties with being
+guilty of a deliberate and cold-blooded murder that he
+demanded an inquiry, in the name of justice and retribution."</p></div>
+
+<p>We offer no apology for introducing this eloquent and manly appeal in
+behalf of long-delayed justice. The popularity or unpopularity of Mr.
+Hunt forms no consideration in our minds; nay, even if the Duke of
+Cumberland himself (much as we loathe his character!) had been its
+author, it should still have found a place in our volume. How the
+ministers could reconcile it with their duty, both to God and man, to
+<i>refuse</i> the inquiry, we are at a loss to determine, particularly as
+each of them formerly expressed a desire for it! It is really
+astonishing with what different eyes men see things when in office and
+when toiling to get in!</p>
+
+<p>In the October of this year, the Princess of Wales removed to
+Marseilles, weary of the attempts to traduce and insult her character by
+hirelings from the English court. A friend of our's had the pleasure of
+enjoying her royal highness' confidence at this period, and, after her
+removal to Marseilles, the persecuted Caroline made the following
+observations: "What could I do, when I found such base attempts made to
+destroy my reputation by the most disreputable characters? I left Milan,
+and I have carefully preserved a journal of each day's history, which,
+upon perusal, will do much more than <i>merely satisfy</i> the nation, to
+which my heart so fondly clings." "I <!-- Page 333 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333"></a>[<a href="./images/333.png">333</a>]</span>wished," added the princess, "very
+ardently to have gone to England in the early part of this year, and I
+had resolved to do so; but my legal advisers prevented me, expressing
+their opinion that they should see me first." It is a fact that the
+interview with Mr. Brougham, so much desired in April, 1819, was not
+granted until a later period in 1820! Might not an earlier arrangement
+than this very probably have put the enemy to flight? The princess was
+not ignorant of the demise of the king, as we have before stated; and
+the source from which her royal highness received that information was
+too worthy of reliance to be doubted. Yet, being bound in honour to
+conceal the information and informant, both were kept in profound
+silence. It was generally supposed, however, that this event had taken
+place, because no man, afflicted as his majesty was said to be, could
+possibly exist for any lengthened period. But in the then art of
+governing, there were frequently many circumstances which were highly
+necessary to be concealed from the knowledge of the people. That
+precious trio, Sidmouth, Castlereagh, and Canning, environed the throne,
+and their dictatorial will was soon converted into law. Under their
+auspices, the already enormous standing army was still increased; while,
+like the tyrannical son of Philip, when he reprimanded Aristotle for
+publishing his discoveries, they whispered to their myrmidons, "Let us
+diffuse darkness round the land. Let the people be kept in a brutal
+state. Let their conduct, when assembled, be riotous and irrational as
+ignorance and <i>our spies</i> <!-- Page 334 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334"></a>[<a href="./images/334.png">334</a>]</span>can make it, that they may be brought into
+discredit, and deemed unfit for the management of their own affairs. Let
+power be rendered dangerous in their hands, that it may continue
+unmolested in our own. Let them not taste the fruit of the tree of
+knowledge, lest they become as wise as ourselves!" Such were the
+political sentiments of those at the head of affairs at this
+period;&mdash;how successfully they acted upon them is too well known.</p>
+
+<p>The session opened in November, and never did ministers commit
+themselves more than by the speech then put into the mouth of the
+regent. It contained little else than vindictive sentiments, breathing
+vengeance on all who dared oppose the "powers that be," but seemed
+utterly forgetful of this good advice, "It is the sovereign's duty to
+ease with mercy's oil the sufferer's heart."</p>
+
+<p>The infamous and notorious "Six Acts" were introduced this session by
+"the Oppressors," the principal object of which was to impose further
+restrictions on the freedom of the press. This plan was considered
+likely to be the most successful, as well as the most insidious, mode of
+abolishing the few liberties remaining to Englishmen. Ministers thus
+thought to leave the <span class="allcapsc">FORM</span> of our dearest safeguard untouched, and so
+gradually annihilate its <span class="allcapsc">ESSENCE</span>. The voracious worm eats out the kernel
+completely, while the husk continues fair to the eye, and apparently
+entire. The husbandman would crush the insect, if it commenced the
+attack on the external tegument; but it carries on the work of
+<!-- Page 335 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335"></a>[<a href="./images/335.png">335</a>]</span>destruction with efficacy and safety, while it corrodes the unseen
+fruit, and spares the outside shell. At this despotic period, the press
+was erected as a battery by the people to defend the almost vanquished
+citadel of their liberty; but, by these acts, Castlereagh, instead of
+attacking this citadel, opened the dams, locks, and flood-gates, so that
+the waters might secretly undermine its foundation, when he hoped to see
+it fall ingloriously into the hands of its enemies. While these base
+deeds were being accomplished, no thoughts were bestowed upon the
+people's wretchedness, which stood in dread array against ministerial
+imbecility. Indeed, the servile papers in the pay of government not only
+stoutly denied that such distress existed, but made the grossest
+attempts to impose on the public credulity. Let any one read such papers
+of the period we are speaking, if the employment be not too nauseous,
+and they will there see <span class="allcapsc">KNOWN FACTS</span>, if they militated against the
+credit of the voluptuous regent, or his government, either <span class="allcapsc">DOUBTED</span> or
+<span class="allcapsc">DENIED</span>; uncertain victories extolled beyond all resemblance to truth;
+and defeats, in the highest degree disgraceful and injurious, artfully
+extenuated. Notwithstanding all this effrontery and falsehood, the "Six
+Acts" were still thought necessary to gag that which corruption and
+bribery could not render quite inefficient in the cause of truth. While
+contemplating such acts of tyranny, we are led to exclaim with Cato,
+when seeking out the little barren spot of Utica, "Wherever there is a
+regard for <span class="allcapsc">LIBERTY, JUSTICE</span>, <!-- Page 336 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336"></a>[<a href="./images/336.png">336</a>]</span>and <span class="allcapsc">HUMANITY</span>, there will we gladly take up
+our abode; for there we shall find a country and a home!"</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">The extraordinary events that occurred in the year</p>
+
+<h3>1820</h3>
+
+<p>are so closely interwoven with the weal and wo of the British people,
+that it may be considered as one of the most serious periods in English
+history.</p>
+
+<p>On the 15th of January, the Duke of Kent became indisposed with a severe
+cold. On the 17th of the same month, it was reported, "that his royal
+highness' illness had assumed most alarming symptoms;" and Sir David
+Dundas went off expressly to Sidmouth to attend his royal highness. The
+duke's disorder increased, and at half-past one, <span class="allcapsc">P. M.</span>, January 23rd,
+this prince was deprived of his mortal existence, in the fifty-third
+year of his age. But a few days before, his royal highness was in good
+health, and in the prime of life! The public will one day be made
+acquainted with the particulars of the <span class="allcapsc">REAL CAUSE</span> of his death. At
+present, we shall only observe, that his royal highness was too virtuous
+to be allowed to live long in a vicious court!</p>
+
+<p>The public journals dwelt with much force upon the kind attentions and
+tender offices performed by the duchess, which, if true, were only what
+every good wife ought to have done. Who can be nearer to a wife than her
+husband? and what lady of feeling <!-- Page 337 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337"></a>[<a href="./images/337.png">337</a>]</span>and integrity would not blush to be
+negligent in the best services and the most unwearied attentions to the
+ordained partner of her life? Royalty, however, has so many and such
+peculiar privileges, that what is considered <i>wonderous grace</i> with them
+is merely thought <i>common decency</i> in the vulgar part of Adam's
+offspring.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, the king's health was stated to be "very much on the
+decline," (hypocrisy!) and the journals announced "that George the Third
+expired without a struggle, on the 29th of January, in the eighty-second
+year of his age, and the sixtieth of his reign." But we have the
+gratification of setting history right in this particular. Of course,
+the letters and notices of this intelligence were immediately forwarded
+by the appointed messengers to the several foreign courts. It would be
+unnecessary for us here to offer any remark upon the character of George
+the Third, as we have previously noticed the origin of that unhappy
+disease which so lamentably afflicted him during the latter years of his
+truly unfortunate life. His majesty bequeathed a sum of money to each of
+his sons; but George the Fourth thought proper to withhold the Duke of
+Sussex's portion. This unjust act was the primary cause of the quarrel
+between these royal brothers, which lasted till the death of George the
+Fourth. But, as "kings can do no wrong," little was thought of his
+majesty's dishonesty. Monarchs are aware of their privileges, and have,
+therefore, in many instances, not scrupled to commit the most heinous
+crimes. His late <!-- Page 338 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338"></a>[<a href="./images/338.png">338</a>]</span>majesty was one of this kind, and yet he was called
+"His most gracious, religious, and benevolent majesty!" What a
+profanation of terms were these!</p>
+
+<p>As a necessary preliminary to a new reign, George the Fourth was
+proclaimed in London on the 31st of the same month.</p>
+
+<p>In February, a <i>pretended</i> mysterious political plot was publicly
+adverted to, by the name of "The Cato-street Conspiracy." It was said
+that information having been received at Bow-street, that a meeting of
+armed persons was to be held at a house in Cato-street, Mary-la-bonne,
+and, as the magistrates feared something serious would be the result,
+they forwarded a formidable body of their officers to the place. On the
+arrival of these persons, they found the number of men amounted to
+thirty, armed with guns, swords, daggers, and other weapons, and
+appeared ready to leave the place, which was a hayloft at the top of the
+house. The officers demanded an entrance, which was refused. Captain
+Fitzclarence then arrived, with a party of the guards, and a scene of
+much violence ensued. Some of the party were taken to Bow-street, which
+was lined with soldiers. The result proved serious to a police officer,
+named Smythers, who was stabbed in the affray, which produced his death;
+and it was sworn, that Arthur Thistlewood inflicted the wound.</p>
+
+<p>This heart-rending tragedy was generally thought to have been produced
+by <i>government spies</i>; indeed, several newspapers stated as much at the
+time. We, however, <span class="allcapsc">KNOW</span> such to have been the case, and <!-- Page 339 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339"></a>[<a href="./images/339.png">339</a>]</span>that the
+characters of "blood-hounds" were but too well performed. Our bosoms
+swell with indignation at the recollection of such monstrous plots
+against the lives and liberties of our countrymen, and we regret that
+the plotters did not fall into their own snares.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning after this lamentable occurrence, a "Gazette
+Extraordinary" was issued, signed "<span class="smcap">Sidmouth</span>," offering one thousand
+pounds for the detection of Arthur Thistlewood, who stood charged with
+the crime of high treason. The reward had the desired effect, as he was
+soon apprehended. Three of his companions were afterwards taken, and
+<span class="allcapsc">FIVE MARTYRS</span>, in all, suffered as traitors on the 1st of May.</p>
+
+<p>Let us not, in common with hirelings, talk of the "wisdom of ministers,"
+and the "bravery of the guards," combined with the several loathsome
+execrations on artificers and agriculturists; but let us inquire, is
+there no resemblance to be observed between this conspiracy and the
+Manchester massacre? The intelligent reader will not find the similarity
+difficult to trace.</p>
+
+<p>The queen's return to England being now expected, Mr. Canning resigned
+his place in the cabinet as president of the Board of Controul, and
+retired to the Continent. One of his biographers says, "His conduct on
+this occasion, according to universal consent, was marked by the most
+perfect correctness and delicacy of feeling." Perhaps it might be so
+considered by some people; but to us it does appear that a man of sound
+public principles, of high and <!-- Page 340 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340"></a>[<a href="./images/340.png">340</a>]</span>honourable private feelings, had no
+middle course to take at this juncture. Either the Queen of England was
+<span class="allcapsc">GUILTY</span>, or she was the <span class="allcapsc">MOST PERSECUTED AND AGGRIEVED OF WOMEN</span>. Will any
+one say that, in the <i>first</i> instance, it was the duty of a minister of
+high station to desert the painful, but responsible, situation in which
+he stood, from any feeling of esteem or attachment to an individual so
+unworthy? In the other case, if Queen Caroline, as almost every body
+believed, and as Mr. Brougham <i>solemnly swore he believed</i>, was
+<span class="allcapsc">INNOCENT</span>, was there any circumstance or consideration upon earth,&mdash;the
+wreck of ambition, the loss of fortune, or the fear of even death
+itself,&mdash;which should have induced an English gentleman, a man of
+honour, a man who had the <i>feelings of a man</i>, to leave a <span class="allcapsc">FEMALE</span>, whom
+he called "<span class="allcapsc">FRIEND</span>," beneath the weight of so awful an oppression? To us,
+we must confess, Mr. Canning's conduct on this occasion appears one of
+the greatest blots we are acquainted with upon his public and private
+character, the almost unequivocal proof of a mind unused to the habit of
+taking sound and elevated views of the human action. Mr. Canning had,
+during a long career,&mdash;a career continued through nearly thirty
+years,&mdash;been the forward and unflinching opponent of popular principles
+and concessions. He had never once shrunk from abridging the liberties
+of the subject; he had never once shown trepidation at any extraordinary
+powers demanded by the crown. With his arms folded, and his looks erect,
+he had sanctioned, without scruple, <!-- Page 341 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341"></a>[<a href="./images/341.png">341</a>]</span>the severest laws against the
+press; he had advocated the arbitrary imprisonment of the free citizen;
+he had eulogized the forcible repression of public meetings; and he had
+constantly declared himself the determined enemy of parliamentary
+reform. The only subject on which he professed liberal opinions (the
+Catholic question) was precisely that subject to which the great bulk of
+the community was indisposed. Such had been the career, such was the
+character, of Mr. Canning up to the time of his cowardly desertion of
+the injured Caroline, Queen of England!</p>
+
+<p>Her majesty was now daily expected to land upon our shores; and powerful
+as was the arm of tyranny, her arrival was much feared by her husband
+and his ministers.</p>
+
+<p>We have before mentioned that the queen desired several times, <i>most
+particularly</i>, to see Mr. Brougham. It is true that various places for
+meeting had been appointed; but some apology or other was invariably
+made by the learned gentleman. Her majesty finally wrote that she should
+be at St. Omers on a certain day, <span class="smcap">on her way to England</span>, in the
+metropolis of which she was resolved to arrive as soon as possible. Her
+majesty had previously appointed Mr. Brougham her attorney-general,
+desiring he would choose a solicitor to act with him, and he named Mr.
+Denman. One excuse for not attending to his appointment with the queen,
+Mr. Brougham ascribed to his electioneering business in Westmoreland;
+and another was, Mrs. Brougham's being in a <!-- Page 342 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342"></a>[<a href="./images/342.png">342</a>]</span>situation too delicate for
+him to leave her. Such excuses ought not to have prevented Mr.
+Brougham's giving his attention to the important business of the queen;
+indeed, he was once within four leagues of her majesty's abode, with a
+<span class="allcapsc">CERTAIN LETTER</span> in his pocket from the <i>highest authorities</i>; but Mr.
+Brougham did not venture to lay it before the queen, nor did he seek for
+an interview. The commission thus entrusted to this learned gentleman
+was the same which Lord Hutchinson undertook some time afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>The queen felt very indignant at Mr. Brougham's so repeatedly declining
+his engagements, and wrote to Lord Liverpool to request his lordship
+would send a frigate to convey her to England. Fearing, however, that
+this might be against the state projects then in contemplation, the
+queen, by the same post, wrote to her former friend and lady in waiting,
+Lady Anne Hamilton, to repair to her immediately at St. Omers, and
+attend her in her former capacity; and also, to Alderman Wood, that if
+Lord Liverpool refused or delayed to send a frigate, the Alderman would
+hire a vessel for the purpose of bringing her to this country
+immediately.</p>
+
+<p>Little time was lost in obeying these commands of the Queen of England.
+In the mean time, Mr. Brougham wrote to her majesty, requesting leave to
+meet her at Calais; to which the queen replied, she should choose to see
+him at the inn at St. Omers. Shortly after the arrival of her majesty's
+lady in waiting and the alderman, Mr. Brougham was <!-- Page 343 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343"></a>[<a href="./images/343.png">343</a>]</span>announced, and
+informed her majesty that he was accompanied by Lord Hutchinson, (now
+Lord Donoughmore) the <span class="allcapsc">KING'S PARTICULAR FRIEND</span>, who was the bearer of a
+message to her majesty from the king, and asked leave when he might have
+the honour of introducing him to her majesty. "No, no, Mr. Brougham,
+(said the queen) no conversations for me; he must put it in writing, if
+you please; we are at war at present." "But, madam, it is impossible
+that so many scraps of different conversations can be properly
+arranged." "Then, I don't see Lord Hutchinson," said the queen. "Madam,
+if you insist upon it, it shall be done; and when will your majesty be
+pleased to receive it?" "To-morrow morning you may bring it me; and so
+good evening to you, as I suppose you are fatigued with your journey."</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, Mr. Brougham arrived with Lord Hutchinson's letter,
+which the queen opened and read in Mr. Brougham's presence; in the
+conclusion of that letter, her majesty was earnestly entreated to wait
+the return of a courier from Paris. "<span class="smcap">Paris! Paris!</span>" said the queen,
+"what have I to do with <span class="smcap">Paris</span>?" Mr. Brougham, in <i>much confusion</i>, said,
+"Your majesty <span class="allcapsc">MUST HAVE MISTAKEN</span>; it must mean <i>Calais</i>; my friend is
+too honourable to mean any thing of that kind, or to do any thing
+wrong." "No, no, Mr. Brougham; Paris, Paris! Look there!" pointing the
+sentence out to him. Then added the queen, "You will come and dine with
+me to-day." "May not I bring Lord Hutchinson with <!-- Page 344 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344"></a>[<a href="./images/344.png">344</a>]</span>me, please your
+majesty?" "Certainly not." "But I hope you will see Lord Hutchinson?"
+"Yes; let him come directly." The queen then assembled her whole
+household, and received his lordship in the midst of a <i>formal circle</i>,
+talked upon indifferent subjects for about a quarter of an hour; then
+rose, and, gracefully courtesying, left the room. Most of the household
+followed; and Mr. Brougham, with his friend, Lord Hutchinson, did not
+remain long behind. Mr. Brougham afterwards returned; but appeared
+exceedingly disconcerted. Lady Hamilton was present, and tried to draw
+him into conversation upon various subjects; but he answered, rather
+abruptly, "You and the alderman are leading the queen to her
+destruction." The lady replied, that was a mistake; she did not
+interfere in political affairs. Mr. Brougham begged pardon, and the
+subject was ended by the queen entering the room to dinner. The dinner
+passed off very well; her majesty appeared in good spirits, as did Mr.
+Brougham. It was the queen's general practice not to sit long after
+dinner; she, therefore, soon retired with her lady; and the gentlemen
+adjourned to the drawing-room to await the serving of coffee. By her
+majesty's orders, her maids were waiting with her travelling dress, with
+the carriages all ready in the court-yard, in the first of which her
+majesty immediately seated herself, as also Lady Hamilton and Alderman
+Wood. The moment before her majesty drove out of the yard, she desired
+her maître d'hôtel to inform Mr. Brougham "that the queen would drink
+coffee with him <i>in <!-- Page 345 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345"></a>[<a href="./images/345.png">345</a>]</span>London</i>;" yet five minutes had not elapsed from
+leaving the dinner-table to her driving out from the inn, as fast as
+four post-horses could convey her. This was the only time her majesty
+was ever known to show fear; but, at the appearance of any horseman, she
+became very much agitated from the supposition that she should be
+detained in France, under a <span class="allcapsc">PRETENCE</span> of not having a correct passport,
+the want of horses, or some such trivial excuse. The queen was aware
+that the King of England had, not long before, placed Louis the
+Eighteenth upon the throne of France; therefore he could not object to
+<i>any</i> proposition her husband thought proper to require. Her majesty
+also <span class="allcapsc">KNEW</span> that a courier had been despatched to <span class="smcap">Paris</span>, and that that
+courier was one of <i>Mr. Brougham's brothers</i>! Mr. Brougham himself
+actually joined with Lord Hutchinson in trying to persuade her majesty
+to remain in France till the return of the courier. The queen's active
+and intelligent mind saw every thing at a glance, and she <i>acted</i> with
+the promptitude of her character. Alderman Wood proposed that her
+majesty should rest that night at D'Estaing's fine hotel at Calais,
+instead of sleeping on board a common packet, which would not sail till
+the morning. "No, no," said the queen, "drive straight to the shore;"
+and out she got like a girl of fifteen, and was in the packet before any
+one else. "There," said her majesty, "now I can breathe freely&mdash;now I am
+protected by English laws." The queen was hardly seated, when Alderman
+Wood presented her with a note from Mr. <!-- Page 346 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346"></a>[<a href="./images/346.png">346</a>]</span>Brougham, entreating her
+majesty to return, if only for the night, to D'Estaing's, and promising
+that no harm should happen to her. "No, no," replied the queen, "I am
+safe here, and I <span class="allcapsc">WILL NOT TRUST HIM</span>;" and then threw a mattress in the
+middle of her cabin, with some blankets, and slept there all night. In
+the morning, when her majesty was about to land at Dover, she seemed a
+little intimidated, in consequence of the dense multitude through which
+she had to pass. Her majesty's fears, however, were entirely groundless,
+as she soon found the hearts of Britons were friendly to her cause,
+though they exemplified it rather roughly; for her feet were never
+permitted to touch the ground from the time her majesty left the vessel
+till her arrival at the inn, which she availed herself of with feelings
+of the most gratifying description, at the sympathy manifested in the
+cause of persecuted virtue.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as her majesty could procure horses, she set forward to
+Canterbury, where she was received with similar acclamations. The
+populace insisted upon drawing her majesty out of the town, and then
+would not suffer the horses to be put to without her personal
+entreaties. Thousands of blessings were poured on her head, without one
+dissenting voice; and in this manner did her majesty proceed all the way
+to London.</p>
+
+<p>The queen took up her abode at 77, South Audley-street, until another
+more suitable residence could be provided for her. The family of
+Alderman Wood, who previously inhabited this house, left it <!-- Page 347 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347"></a>[<a href="./images/347.png">347</a>]</span>immediately
+after receiving intelligence that her majesty would make a temporary use
+of it, and they occupied apartments at Flagdon's hotel.</p>
+
+<p>On the ensuing day, several of the nobility and members of the House of
+Commons called to inquire after her majesty's health. On the ninth of
+this month, her majesty removed from South Audley-street to 32,
+Portman-square, the residence of the Right Honourable Lady Anne
+Hamilton, by whom the queen was attended. Her ladyship's servants were
+continued, and her majesty was much pleased with the respectful and
+generous attentions rendered.</p>
+
+<p>On the 16th, the queen received an address from the common council of
+the city of London, to which she returned an answer, so feelingly
+expressed, as to excite the sympathy and admiration of all present.</p>
+
+<p>On the afternoon of the sixth day of the queen's entry into London, a
+message was delivered from the king to both houses of parliament,
+communicating certain reports and papers respecting the queen's
+misconduct while abroad. On the following Thursday, a committee was
+appointed in the House of Lords; but the queen transmitted a
+communication to the House of Commons, protesting against the reference
+of her accusations to a <span class="allcapsc">SECRET TRIBUNAL</span>, and soliciting an open
+investigation of her conduct.</p>
+
+<p>Thus was commenced a prosecution in principle and object every way
+calculated to rouse the generous and constitutional feelings of the
+nation; and the effects were without a parallel in the history of all
+countries! Could a more outrageous insult <!-- Page 348 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348"></a>[<a href="./images/348.png">348</a>]</span>possibly have been offered to
+her dignity, to the honour of her husband the king, or to the morality
+and decency of the community at large?</p>
+
+<p>Up to this time, Prince Leopold had not tendered his respects to her
+majesty; yet he was the widowed husband of the queen's only and
+dearly-beloved daughter! His serene highness had been raised from a
+state of comparative poverty and obscurity to be honoured with the hand
+of England's favourite princess, from whose future reign was expected a
+revival of commerce and an addition of glory. Though this prince was
+enjoying an annual income of <span class="allcapsc">FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS</span> from the country;
+though he had town and country residences, of great extent and
+magnificent appearance; though he abounded with horses and carriages;
+yet not one offer did he make of any of these superfluous matters to the
+mother of his departed wife, by whose means he had become possessed of
+them all! Gratitude, however, is generally esteemed a <i>virtue</i>, and
+therefore a German prince could not be supposed to know any thing about
+it.</p>
+
+<p>About this period, her majesty received numerous communications, tending
+to prove the infamous proceedings against her to have been adopted
+without reference to honour or principle, and to warn her from falling
+into the snares of her mercenary and vindictive enemies. We lay before
+our readers the following, as sufficient to establish this fact.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">"An officer of the frigate which took her majesty <!-- Page 349 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349"></a>[<a href="./images/349.png">349</a>]</span>(when Princess of
+Wales) to the Continent averred, in the presence of three
+<i>unimpeachable</i> witnesses, that a very few days before her majesty's
+embarkation, <span class="smcap">Captain King</span>, while sitting at breakfast in his cabin with
+the surgeon of the frigate, received a letter from a <i>brother of the
+prince regent</i>, which he read aloud, in the presence of the said
+surgeon, as follows:</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p class="greetingsc">"Dear King,</p>
+
+<p>"You are going to be ordered to take the Princess of Wales to the
+Continent. <span class="smcap">If you don't commit adultery with her, you are a damned fool!</span>
+You have <i>my</i> consent for it, and I can assure you that you have that of
+<span class="allcapsc"><i>MY BROTHER, THE REGENT</i></span>.</p>
+
+<p class="signature1">"Your's,</p>
+<p class="author">(Signed) ********.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">"The officer who made the above statement and declaration is a most
+<span class="allcapsc">CREDITABLE PERSON</span>, and the witnesses are all in this country."</p>
+
+<p class="section date">"<i>London, May 7th, 1820.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Furnished to supply the queen with <span class="allcapsc">PROOF</span> that the <i>royal duke</i> in
+question is leagued against her, in accordance with the <span class="allcapsc">WISHES OF THE
+KING</span>!"</p>
+
+<p class="sectctr smcap">"Private Document.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain King's agent is Mr. <span class="smcap">Stillwell</span>, 22, Arundel-street, Strand,
+London; and the surgeon, <!-- Page 350 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350"></a>[<a href="./images/350.png">350</a>]</span>who was present during the period the royal
+duke's letter was read, is <span class="smcap">James Hall</span>. The witnesses were&mdash;Mr.
+<span class="smcap">Freshfield</span>, 3, Tokenhouse-yard; Mr. <span class="smcap">Holmes</span>, 3, Lyon's-inn; and Mr.
+<span class="smcap">Stokoe</span>, 2, Lancaster-court; as also before <span class="smcap">Barry O'Meara</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="author">(Signed) "<span class="smcap">Barry E. O'Meara</span>."</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>On the 24th of June, a deputation of the House of Commons was appointed
+to wait upon her majesty with the resolutions adopted by the House on
+Thursday, the 22nd. They arrived at a quarter past one o'clock. Mr.
+Wilberforce and Mr. S. Wortley occupied the first carriage. At their
+appearance, strong symptoms of displeasure were indicated. They were
+then introduced to the queen, Mr. Brougham standing at her majesty's
+right hand, and Mr. Denman at her left. They severally knelt and kissed
+her majesty's hand. Mr. Wilberforce then read the resolutions, and her
+majesty replied to them. On their departure, Mr. Brougham accompanied
+the deputation to the door; and, after they had taken their seats in the
+carriages, Mr. Brougham returned to shake hands with them, although the
+multitudes assembled outside hissed them exceedingly.</p>
+
+<p>Her majesty's answer to the before-mentioned resolutions was superior to
+the tricks of her enemies. In it the queen refused terms of
+conciliation, unless they accorded with her duty to her own character,
+to the king, and to the nation! "A sense of what is due to my character
+and sex," said the queen, "forbids me to refer minutely to the <span class="allcapsc">REAL
+CAUSE</span> of <!-- Page 351 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351"></a>[<a href="./images/351.png">351</a>]</span>our domestic differences!" Indeed, her majesty's reply was an
+appeal to those principles of public justice, which should be alike the
+safeguard of the highest and the humblest individuals. Mr. Wilberforce
+exposed himself to much censure upon the part he had taken in the House;
+and, as he so unhesitatingly hinted at the awful contents of the "Green
+Bag," he said, "by suppressing her own feelings, the queen would endear
+herself to the country." We suppose Mr. Wilberforce meant, that, by
+suppressing her own feelings of honour, she would gratify the honour of
+the country; and, by again quitting it, demonstrate her gratitude for
+its unshaken loyalty; but the queen was firm in her resolve to <i>claim
+justice</i>, whether it was given or withheld.</p>
+
+<p>In considering these base endeavours to injure innocence, in order to
+raise the <i>noble</i> character of a voluptuous prince, we cannot help
+remarking that <span class="smcap">Power</span> was the <i>only</i> weapon of the vitiated monarch,
+while <span class="smcap">Right</span> and <span class="smcap">Justice</span> formed the shield of the oppressed Queen of
+England! Indeed, every man, glowing with the sincere love of his
+country, and actuated by that honourable affection for its welfare,
+which takes a lively and zealous interest in passing events, must have
+considered such proceedings against her majesty fraught with inevitable
+evil. If her innocence, according to the prayers of millions of her
+subjects, should be made manifest, the public indignation would be sure
+to be roused, and probably prove resentful. The evidence was known to be
+of a description on which no magistrate would <!-- Page 352 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352"></a>[<a href="./images/352.png">352</a>]</span>convict a common
+pickpocket, and therefore if the legislature should even be induced to
+consider her majesty guilty of the charges preferred against her, public
+opinion would certainly refuse to ratify the sentence, and turn with
+disgust from those promulgating it. In either case, those venerable
+tribunals, consecrated by our forefathers, must lose that beautiful,
+that honourable, that unbought, homage which a free people have ever
+been proud to pay them. No Englishman, we say, accustomed to reverence,
+with a prejudice almost sacred, the constitution of a parliament,
+<i>majestic even in its errors and infirmities</i>, could contemplate,
+without pain, the possibility,&mdash;nay, the almost certainty,&mdash;that the
+hour was not far distant when the whole nation would look with cold
+indifference, or gloomy distrust, on the acts of a senate, their
+generous obedience to which (though it had been accompanied with
+suffering, and followed by privation) had been "the admiration of the
+whole world."</p>
+
+<p>On the 6th of July, Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, usher, of the black rod, waited
+upon her majesty with a copy of the "Bill of Pains and Penalties"
+against her, presented the previous day to the House of Lords, and which
+was forwarded by order of their lordships. Her majesty went into the
+room where the deputation were waiting, and received a copy of this bill
+with great calmness. Upon an examination of the abominable instrument,
+her majesty said, "Yes, the queen who had a sufficient sense of honour
+and goodness to refuse the base offer of fifty thousand pounds a-year of
+the public money, to spend it <!-- Page 353 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353"></a>[<a href="./images/353.png">353</a>]</span><i>when, where, how, and with whom she
+pleased</i>, in banquetings, feastings, and excesses, providing it were in
+a foreign country, and <i>not at home</i>, has sufficient resolution to await
+the result of every investigation power can suggest." Like another
+Cleopatra, our insulted queen might have played "the wanton" with
+impunity; her imperial bark might have displayed its purple streamers,
+swelled with the softest Cyprian breezes. It might have sailed
+triumphantly down the Adriatic, to meet some highly-favoured lover! Yes,
+by desire of the king, her husband, the queen was requested to accept
+any terms beside those of a legitimate character. But her majesty
+preserved her usual firmness and serenity of mind during the unequalled
+proceedings instituted against her, and frequently repeated the
+unequivocal expression, "Time will furnish sufficient proof of my
+innocence."</p>
+
+<p>On the 5th of August, the queen took possession of Brandenburgh House,
+formerly the residence of the Margravine of Anspatch, situated near the
+Thames, and in the parish of Hammersmith. Her majesty left Lady
+Hamilton's house at four o'clock, attended by her ladyship, and
+accompanied by Dr. Lushington, in an entirely new and elegant open
+carriage, drawn by four beautiful bay horses. They drove off amidst
+united shouts of applause from the assembled people.</p>
+
+<p>Will future generations believe the historian's tale, that a
+queen,&mdash;yes, a brave and virtuous Queen of England too!&mdash;was refused a
+house and a home by <!-- Page 354 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354"></a>[<a href="./images/354.png">354</a>]</span>the sovereign, her husband? That she, who was lured
+from her princely home, arrived in the centre of England, and was denied
+a resting place by the king and his ministers! In consequence of which,
+she was necessitated to take up her abode in the mansion of a late lord
+mayor for the space of three days, and then to accept the use of the
+house of her lady in waiting for nearly two months; while there were
+palaces totally unoccupied, and even mouldering into decay for want of
+being inhabited! This statement will, doubtless, appear overdrawn to
+future generations; but there are thousands now living who can testify
+to its accuracy. Ministers, indeed, entered into compact with Deception,
+and so glaringly committed their sentiments and characters, that, to
+preserve their own pretended <i>consistency</i>, they would have even
+uncrowned the king himself! A feverish sensation now pervaded the whole
+public mind, and from the highest to the lowest, the case of the queen
+was one universal theme of conversation.</p>
+
+<p>On the 6th of August, her royal highness the Duchess of York died. Up to
+a very late hour of the day on which this occurred, no official
+communication had been made to the queen; but, in consequence of the
+event, her majesty requested to postpone several addresses which she had
+previously appointed to receive.</p>
+
+<p>On the 7th, the queen sent a letter to the king, but it was returned
+from Windsor unopened, with a communication that "Such a letter
+addressed to the king cannot be received by his majesty, unless it
+<!-- Page 355 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355"></a>[<a href="./images/355.png">355</a>]</span>passes through the hands of his minister." Why, after the refusal to
+receive this letter, should the princess be blamed for permitting its
+contents to be published? If the king were under obligations of such a
+description as to incapacitate him from exercising his own judgment, and
+giving his own opinion, was he fit to administer the laws, or ought he
+to have sanctioned the appeal of miscreants who sought their own, and
+not their country's, good? Let us consider the delays attending this
+letter. It was sent to Windsor, directed <i>expressly for the king</i>,
+accompanied with a note, written by the queen, to Sir B. Bloomfield,
+desiring it might be immediately delivered into the king's hand. Sir B.
+Bloomfield was absent, and Sir W. Keppell, as the next in command,
+received it, and forwarded the same to Sir B. Bloomfield, at Carlton
+House, immediately, who returned the letter on the 8th to her majesty,
+saying, "I have received the king's commands and general instructions,
+that any communications which may be made should pass through the hands
+of his majesty's government." The queen immediately despatched a letter
+to Lord Liverpool, enclosing the one she had addressed to the king, by
+the hands of a messenger, in which her majesty desired the earl to
+present it. Lord Liverpool was then at Coombe Wood, and wrote in reply,
+that he would "lose no time in laying it before his majesty." Up to the
+11th, no reply had been received; and the queen wrote to Lord Liverpool
+again, to know if further communication were needful. Lord Liverpool
+replied, that he had not <!-- Page 356 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356"></a>[<a href="./images/356.png">356</a>]</span>received the king's commands upon the subject,
+and therefore could not give any positive answer relative to it. How
+does this strange and incomprehensible conduct appear to any unbiassed
+Englishman? Was the king, who ought to be the dispenser of the laws, to
+be free from imputation, when he thus exposed his unrelenting temper and
+unbending determination, wherever his private inclinations were
+concerned? We dare avow, if that letter could have been answered, it
+would; but its contents were unanswerable! "Aye," said the hireling
+Castlereagh, "it is no matter what the conduct of the Princess of Wales
+has been; it is the king's desire that he may no more be obliged to
+recognise her in her former character of Princess of Wales." Oh! most
+sapient speech of a most sapient lord; truly this was a bold doctrine to
+broach, that kings have a right divine to subdue, injure, oppress, and
+govern wrong!</p>
+
+<p>We pass by the number of addresses presented to her majesty at this
+period, and also the not-to-be-mistaken expression of public opinion
+against the projector of her injuries. Were they not concocted by the
+authority of the monarch, her husband? Was it not by his <i>divine</i> decree
+that his consort's name was erased from the liturgy? Did he not send
+down to parliament that message which denounced his queen a criminal?
+Yet, after all this, Lord Liverpool said, "The king has no <i>personal</i>
+feeling upon the subject." Very true, his majesty could not have any
+<i>personal</i> feeling towards the queen; his royal feelings had always been
+confined to the libidinous <!-- Page 357 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357"></a>[<a href="./images/357.png">357</a>]</span>and the most obnoxious of society! Had he
+been a worthy and upright plaintiff against the most unfortunate of
+defendants, would he have scrupled to have shewn himself in his regal
+chair upon the continued debates arising from this most important
+question; and would not a sense of greatness and virtue, <i>had he
+possessed either</i>, after hearing the infamous statements of <i>false
+witnesses</i>, have influenced him to <i>decline further proceedings</i>, though
+his pride might have withheld an acknowledgment of error? This line of
+honest conduct was not followed, and we are therefore obliged to brand
+him as one of the most despicable and mean of the human race!</p>
+
+<p>During the disgraceful proceedings against the queen, such was the
+public feeling in her favour, that the peers actually feared for their
+personal safety in going to and returning from the House. This
+threatened danger was, as might be expected, properly guarded against by
+the <i>military</i>, who poured into London and its environs in vast numbers.
+The agitated state of the public mind probably was never more decidedly
+expressed than on the 19th of August, the day on which the trial
+commenced. At a very early hour in the morning, workmen were employed in
+forming double rows of strong timber from St. Margaret's church to the
+King's Bench office on the one side, and from the upper extremity of
+Abingdon-street on the other, so as to enclose the whole area in front
+of the House of Lords. This was done to form a passage to the House,
+which was devoted exclusively for the carriages of the peers, to and
+from the principal entrance. Within this extensive <!-- Page 358 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358"></a>[<a href="./images/358.png">358</a>]</span>area, a large body
+of constables were stationed, under the controul of the high bailiff and
+high constable, who were in attendance before seven o'clock. A very
+strong body of foot-guards were also posted in the King's Bench office,
+the Record office, and in the other apartments, near or fronting the
+street. Westminster Hall was likewise appropriated to the accommodation
+of the military. All the leading passages from St. Margaret's church
+into Parliament-street were closed securely by strong partitions of
+timber. The police-hulk and the gun-boats defended the river side of
+Westminster, and the civil and military arrangements presented an
+effectual barrier on the opposite side. At nine o'clock, a troop of
+life-guards rode into the palace yard, and formed in line in front of
+the principal gate of Westminster Hall; they were shortly afterwards
+followed by a detachment of the foot-guards, who were formed under the
+piazzas of the House of Lords, where they piled their arms. Patrols of
+life-guards were then thrown forward, in the direction of
+Abingdon-street, who occasionally formed near the king's entrance, and
+at intervals paraded.</p>
+
+<p>At half-past nine, a body of the Surrey horse-patrol rode over
+Westminster-bridge, and for a short time paraded Parliament-street,
+Whitehall, and Charing-cross; they afterwards drew up near the barrier
+at St. Margaret's church. The peers began to arrive shortly afterwards;
+the lord chancellor was in the House <i>before eight o'clock</i>. The other
+ministers were equally early in their attendance.</p>
+
+<p>At a quarter before ten, an universal cheering from <!-- Page 359 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359"></a>[<a href="./images/359.png">359</a>]</span>a countless
+multitude, in the direction of Charing-cross, announced to the anxious
+spectators that the queen was approaching. Her majesty, attended by Lady
+Anne Hamilton, had come early from Brandenburgh-house to the residence
+of Lady Francis, St. James' Square, and from thence they departed for
+the House of Lords, in a new state carriage, drawn by six bay horses. As
+they passed Carlton Palace, the Admiralty, and other such places, the
+sentinels presented arms; but, at the Treasury, this mark of honour was
+omitted.</p>
+
+<p>When the queen arrived at the House, the military stationed in the front
+immediately presented arms. Her majesty was received at the door by Sir
+T. Tyrwhitt and Mr. Brougham; and the queen, with her lady in waiting,
+proceeded to an apartment prepared for their reception. Shortly
+afterwards, her majesty, accompanied as before, entered the House by the
+passage leading from the robing-room, which is situated on the right of
+the throne.</p>
+
+<p>During this initiatory part of the trial, and until nearly four o'clock,
+her majesty was attended by Lord Archibald Hamilton and his sister Lady
+Anne, who stood close to the queen all the time.</p>
+
+<p>Upon returning from the House in the same state in which her majesty
+arrived, she was greeted by the most enthusiastic acclamations and
+shouts of applause from every class of society, who were apparently
+desirous to outvie each other in testimonies of homage to their
+ill-fated and insulted queen.</p>
+
+<p>Each succeeding day of the pretended trial, her <!-- Page 360 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360"></a>[<a href="./images/360.png">360</a>]</span>majesty met with a
+similar reception; and, during the whole period, addresses were lavishly
+poured in upon her, signed by so many persons, and testifying such
+ardent regard and devotion, that every moment of time was necessarily
+occupied with their reception and acknowledgment. Thus, though the queen
+was insulted by the king and the majority of the peers, it must have
+afforded great consolation to her wounded feelings, while witnessing the
+enthusiasm and devotion manifested in her cause by all the really
+honourable of the community. We say <i>really honourable</i>, because her
+persecutors were either actuated by "filthy lucre," or by a desire to
+recommend themselves, in some way or another, to the favour of the king
+and his ministers.</p>
+
+<p>To justify these remarks, we here present our readers with a list of
+those time-serving creatures who voted against the queen, with the
+annual amounts they were then draining from the country:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p class="hang">The Duke of York,<a name="FNanchor_360:A_3" id="FNanchor_360:A_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_360:A_3" class="fnanchor">[360:A]</a> with
+immense patronage, nearly 100,000<i>l.</i>; and the Duke of
+Clarence, 38,500<i>l.</i>; but we must not suppose her majesty's
+<span class="allcapsc">BROTHERS</span> voted through <i>interest</i>; their <i>virtuous minds could
+not tolerate her iniquities</i>!!!</p>
+
+<p class="hang"><!-- Page 361 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361"></a>[<a href="./images/361.png">361</a>]</span><span class="smcap">Dukes.</span>&mdash;Wellington, 65,741<i>l.</i>, including the interest of
+700,000<i>l.</i>, which he received to purchase estates;
+Northumberland, possessing immense patronage and family
+interest; Newcastle, 19,700<i>l.</i>; Rutland, 3,500<i>l.</i>; Beaufort,
+48,600<i>l.</i>; and Manchester, 16,380<i>l.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Marquises.</span>&mdash;Conyngham(!) 3,600<i>l.</i>, but the exact sum his wife
+received, we have not been able to ascertain; Thomond,
+13,400<i>l.</i>; Headfort, 4,200<i>l.</i>; Anglesea, 11,000<i>l.</i>;
+Northampton, 1,000<i>l.</i>; Camden, 4,150<i>l.</i>; Exeter, 6,900<i>l.</i>;
+Cornwallis, 15,813<i>l.</i>; Buckingham, 5,816<i>l.</i>; Lothian,
+4,900<i>l.</i>; Queensberry, great family interest; and Winchester,
+3,200<i>l.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Earls.</span>&mdash;Limerick, 2,500<i>l.</i>; Ross, governor of an Irish
+county; Donoughmore, 4,377<i>l.</i>; Belmore, 1,660<i>l.</i>; Mayo,
+15,200<i>l.</i>; Longford, 7,369<i>l.</i>; Mount Cashel, 1,000<i>l.</i>;
+Kingston, 6,400<i>l.</i>; St. Germains, brother-in-law to Lord
+Hardwicke, who received 7,700<i>l.</i>; Brownlow, 4,400<i>l.</i>;
+Whitworth, 6,000<i>l.</i>; Verulam, 2,700<i>l.</i>; Cathcart,
+27,600<i>l.</i>; Mulgrave, 11,051<i>l.</i>; Lonsdale, 14,352<i>l.</i>;
+Orford, 6,700<i>l.</i>; Manvers, 4,759<i>l.</i>; Nelson, 15,025<i>l.</i>;
+Powis, 700<i>l.</i>; Liverpool, 33,450<i>l.</i>; Digby, 6,700<i>l.</i>; Mount
+Edgecumbe, 400<i>l.</i>; Strange, 13,988<i>l.</i>; Abergavenny,
+3,072<i>l.</i>; Aylesbury, 6,300<i>l.</i>; Bathurst, 15,423<i>l.</i>;
+Chatham, 13,550<i>l.</i>; Harcourt, 4,200<i>l.</i>; Warwick, 6,519<i>l.</i>;
+Portsmouth, <i>non compos mentis</i>; Macclesfield, 3,000<i>l.</i>;
+Aylesford, 6,450<i>l.</i>; Coventry, 700<i>l.</i>; Abingdon, 2,000<i>l.</i>;
+Shaftesbury, 6,421<i>l.</i>; Cardigan, 1,282<i>l.</i>; Balcarras,
+46,050<i>l.</i>; Winchelsea, 6,000<i>l.</i>; Stamford, 4,500<i>l.</i>;
+Bridgewater, 13,700<i>l.</i>; Home, 2,800<i>l.</i>; and Huntingdon,
+200<i>l.</i> We must not here omit Lord Eldon, whose vote would
+have been against her majesty if it had been required; his
+income amounted to 50,400<i>l.</i>, with immense patronage.</p>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Viscounts.</span>&mdash;Exmouth, 10,450<i>l.</i>; Lake, 7,300<i>l.</i>; Sidmouth,
+17,025<i>l.</i>; Melville, 18,776<i>l.</i>; Curzon, 2,400<i>l.</i>; Sydney,
+11,426<i>l.</i>; Falmouth, 3,578<i>l.</i>; and Hereford, 1,200<i>l.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Archbishops.</span>&mdash;Canterbury, 41,800<i>l.</i>; Tuam, 28,000<i>l.</i>; both
+with immense patronage.</p>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Bishops.</span>&mdash;Cork, 6,400<i>l.</i>, besides patronage; Llandaff,
+1,540<i>l.</i>, with twenty-six livings in his gift; Peterborough,
+4,140<i>l.</i>, with an archdeaconry, six prebends, and thirteen
+livings in his gift; he had also a pension granted him by the
+king's sign manual, in <!-- Page 362 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362"></a>[<a href="./images/362.png">362</a>]</span>1804, of 514<i>l.</i>-4,654<i>l.</i>;
+Gloucester, 3,200<i>l.</i>, twenty-four livings, besides other
+patronage, in his gift; Chester, 4,700<i>l.</i>, with six prebends
+and thirty livings in his gift; he has also a son in the
+<i>secret</i> department in India, 2,000<i>l.</i>, and another a
+collector in India, 2,500<i>l.</i>, as well as sons in the church
+with benefices to the amount of 2,750<i>l.</i>-11,950<i>l.</i>; Ely,
+21,340<i>l.</i>, and the patronage of one hundred and eight
+livings; St. Asaph, 6,000<i>l.</i>, his son has two livings in the
+church, 1000<i>l.</i>, and he has ninety livings in his
+gift,&mdash;7,000<i>l.</i>; St. David's, 6,260<i>l.</i>, besides one hundred
+livings, prebends, and precentorships in his gift; he has also
+a relation in the church, with two livings,
+1,000<i>l.</i>-7,260<i>l.</i>; Worcester, 9,590<i>l.</i>, besides the
+patronage of one archdeaconry and twenty-one livings; London,
+10,200<i>l.</i>, with ninety-five livings, twenty-eight prebends,
+and precentorships in his gift.</p>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Lords.</span>&mdash;Prudhoe, 700<i>l.</i>; Harris, 3,800<i>l.</i>; Meldrum, of the
+Gordon family, who annually devour about 30,000<i>l.</i>; Hill,
+9,800<i>l.</i>; Combermere, 13,500<i>l.</i>; Hopetoun, 15,600<i>l.</i>;
+Gambier, 6,800<i>l.</i>; Manners, 21,500<i>l.</i>; Ailsa, <i>expectant</i>;
+Lauderdale, 36,600<i>l.</i>; Sheffield, 3,000<i>l.</i>; Redesdale,
+5,500<i>l.</i>; St. Helens, 1,000<i>l.</i>; Northwick, 1,500<i>l.</i>;
+Bolton, 4,000<i>l.</i>; Bayning, 1,000<i>l.</i>; Carrington, 1,900<i>l.</i>;
+Dunstanville, 1,500<i>l.</i>; Rous, <i>motive unknown</i>; Courtown,
+9,800<i>l.</i>; Galloway, 9,845<i>l.</i>; Stuart, 15,000; Douglas,
+2,500<i>l.</i>; Grenville, 4,000<i>l.</i>; Suffield, brother-in-law to
+the <i>notorious Castlereagh</i>,&mdash;need we say more to point out
+<i>his</i> motive for voting against the queen? Montagu, 3,500<i>l.</i>;
+Gordon, 20,990<i>l.</i>; Somers, 2,000<i>l.</i>; Rodney, 6,123<i>l.</i>;
+Middleton, 700<i>l.</i>; Napier, 4,572<i>l.</i>; Gray, 200<i>l.</i>, with
+great family interest; Colville, 4,600<i>l.</i>; Saltoun,
+3,644<i>l.</i>; Forbes, 8,400<i>l.</i>; Lord Privy Seal, 3,000<i>l.</i>; and
+Lord President, 4,000.</p></div>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding this phalanx of corruption being arrayed against one
+virtuous female, after an unexampled multiplication of abuse and
+perjury, on the fifty-first day of the proceedings, the infamous bill
+was <span class="allcapsc">LOST</span>, and, with it, the pretensions to uprightness and manly feeling
+of every one who had voted for it! What was the dreadful, the
+overwhelming, responsibility of those who had ventured to prosecute, <!-- Page 363 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363"></a>[<a href="./images/363.png">363</a>]</span>of
+all others, a great, a noble, a glorious woman, (we speak
+unhesitatingly, for we speak from the <span class="allcapsc">EVIDENCE OF HER OWN PUBLIC ACTS</span>)
+by a "Bill of Pains and Penalties," which was so far from being a part
+of our common law, that that was necessarily sacrificed in order to give
+effect to this? The mock trial was supported by the evidence of
+witnesses who, day after day, perjured themselves for the sake of
+wealth, and by the ingratitude of <i>discarded</i> servants, treacherous
+domestics, and cowardly calumniators; evidence, not only stained with
+the infamy of their own perfidy to their generous benefactress, but
+polluted with the licentious and gross obscenity of their own debased
+instincts, for we cannot call their cunning by any other name. This,
+Englishmen! was the poison, this the vast and sweeping flood of
+iniquity, which was permitted by the government to disseminate itself
+into the minds of the young, and to inundate the morals of the whole
+country! A great moral evil was thus done; but the antidote luckily went
+with it. The same press, upon which the absurd, foolish, and dangerous
+imbecility of incompetent and unmanly ministers imposed the reluctant
+office of becoming the channel for the deluge of Italian evidence, also
+conducted the refreshing streams of national sympathy and public
+opinion! The public sustained their own honour in upholding that of
+Caroline, Queen of England! When that public beheld her intelligent
+eyes, beaming with mind and heroism; when they heard of her pure
+beneficence, holy in its principle, as it was unbounded in <!-- Page 364 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364"></a>[<a href="./images/364.png">364</a>]</span>its sphere;
+when they felt her glowing affection for a devoted people; when they
+observed her, scorning alike the weakness of her sex and the luxury of
+her station,&mdash;actuated solely by the mighty energies of her own
+masculine sense and powerful understanding,&mdash;braving fatigue and danger,
+traversing the plains and mountains of Asia, the sands and deserts of
+Africa; and contemplating the living tomb of ancient liberty in modern
+Greece; when they heard of this dauntless woman sailing over foreign
+seas with a soul of courage as buoyant and as mighty as the waves that
+bore her; but, above all, when they knew of her refusing the glittering
+trappings and the splendid price of infamous security, to face
+inveterate, persecuting, and inflexible enemies, even on their own
+ground, and surrounded by their own strength and power, they felt
+confident that such a woman must be at once a favourite of heaven, a
+great queen, and a blessing to the people, who fervently offered up
+their prayers for her safety and her triumph! It will readily be
+supposed, then, with what joy the result of this important and
+unprecedented investigation filled the hearts of thousands, which
+manifested itself by shouts of exultation from the centre of the
+metropolis, and was re-echoed from the remotest corners of the land, by
+the unbought voices of a brave and generous people, who considered the
+unjust proceedings alike "derogatory to the dignity of the crown and the
+best interests of the nation."</p>
+
+<p>From the very commencement of the queen's <!-- Page 365 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365"></a>[<a href="./images/365.png">365</a>]</span>persecution, her majesty's
+counsellors appeared more in the capacity of <span class="allcapsc">MEDIATORS</span> in the cause of
+<i>guilt</i> than as <i>stern, unbending, and uncompromising champions of
+honour and truth</i>! In one of Mr. Brougham's speeches, he declared the
+queen had no intention to <i>recriminate</i>; but Mr. Brougham cannot, even
+at this distance of time, have forgotten that, when her majesty had an
+interview with him after this public assertion on his part, she declared
+herself <span class="allcapsc">INSULTED</span> by such a remark, as her case demanded all the
+assistance it could possibly obtain from every legal quarter. Another
+peculiar trait of defection was conspicuously displayed during this
+extraordinary trial. The letter we gave a few pages back, written by an
+illustrious personage to the captain of the vessel in which the princess
+went in the memorable year 1814, offering him a reward to procure any
+evidence of improper conduct on the part of her royal highness, was
+submitted to Mr. Brougham, and shortly afterwards, at the supper table
+of the queen, he said aloud, that he <span class="allcapsc">HAD SHEWN THAT LETTER TO THE
+OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE COURT</span>; and when remonstrated with for such
+extraordinary conduct, his only reply was, "Oh, it will do very well;"
+and soon after left the room. This and many other singular acts of the
+learned gentleman will seem surprising to his admirers. Such suspicious
+conduct, indeed, is hardly to be accounted for; but we could not dispute
+the evidence of our own senses!</p>
+
+<p>At this period, a lady of her majesty's household received a note from a
+young person, stating the <!-- Page 366 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366"></a>[<a href="./images/366.png">366</a>]</span>writer to be in possession of some papers of
+<span class="allcapsc">GREAT CONSEQUENCE TO THE QUEEN</span>, which she wished to deliver to her
+majesty. A gentleman was sent to the writer of the note, and her
+information to him was, in substance, as follows:</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p>That certain property, of a large amount, had been bequeathed to her;
+but that for many years she had been deprived of all interest arising
+from it. That Dr. Sir Richard Croft, accoucheur to her late royal
+highness, the Princess Charlotte, was an attendant witness to the will
+of her mother, by whom the property had been willed,&mdash;her father having
+engaged, upon his return from abroad, to put his daughter in possession
+of her rightful claims, proving her descent, &amp;c. That, during her
+unprotected state, her guardian had caused her to sign bonds to an
+enormous amount; and, in consequence, she had been deprived of her
+liberty for nearly twelve months. As Dr. Sir Richard Croft was her
+principal witness and friend, she frequently consulted him on different
+points of her affairs, and also gave him several private letters for his
+inspection; but these letters not being returned to her when she applied
+for them, she reproached the doctor with his inattention to her
+interests. In consequence of this, Dr. Croft called upon her, and
+promised to send the letters back the next day. The doctor accordingly
+sent her a packet; but, upon examination, she found them to be, <i>not the
+letters alluded to</i>, but letters of <span class="allcapsc">VAST IMPORTANCE</span>, from the <span class="allcapsc">HIGHEST
+PERSONAGES</span> <!-- Page 367 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367"></a>[<a href="./images/367.png">367</a>]</span>in the kingdom, and elucidating the most momentous subjects.
+Some time after, she sealed them up, and sent a servant back with them,
+giving him strict injunctions to deliver them <span class="allcapsc">ONLY</span> into Sir Richard's
+hand. While the servant was gone, the doctor called upon her, and, <span class="allcapsc">IN
+GREAT AGITATION</span>, inquired if she had received any other letters back
+besides her own. She replied she had, and said, "Doctor, what have you
+done?" He walked about the room for some time, and then said, abruptly,
+"I suppose you have read the letters?" She replied, "I have read enough
+to make me very uncomfortable." After some further remarks, he observed,
+"I am the most wretched man alive!" He then said he would communicate to
+her all the circumstances. Sir Richard commenced his observations by
+stating, that he was not the perpetrator of the deed, but had been made
+the instrument of others, which the letters proved. He then alluded, by
+name, to a <span class="allcapsc">NOBLEMAN</span>; and said the circumstance was first discovered by
+the <span class="allcapsc">NURSE'S</span> observing that a <span class="smcap">sediment was left at the bottom of the cup
+in which the Princess Charlotte took her last beverage</span>, and that Mrs.
+Griffiths directly charged the doctor with being privy to the act. He
+examined the contents of the cup, and was struck with horror at finding
+that it was the <span class="allcapsc">SAME DESCRIPTION OF MEDICINE WHICH HAD BEEN OBTAINED
+FROM HIS HOUSE, A FEW DAYS PREVIOUS, BY THE NOBLEMAN BEFORE ALLUDED
+TO</span>!!! However, he endeavoured to persuade the nurse that she was
+mistaken; "but," <!-- Page 368 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368"></a>[<a href="./images/368.png">368</a>]</span>said the doctor, "the more I endeavoured to persuade
+her, the more culpable, no doubt <i>I</i> appeared to her."</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">Sir Richard said he was farther strengthened in his suspicions of the
+said nobleman by a conversation he had had a few days before with his
+lordship, who said, "If any thing should happen to the princess,&mdash;<span class="allcapsc">IF SHE
+WERE TO DIE</span>,&mdash;it would be a melancholy event; yet I consider it would,
+in some considerable degree, be productive of good to the nation at
+large." Dr. Croft asked him how he could say so. "Because," said the
+nobleman, "every body knows her disposition sufficiently to be
+convinced, that she will ever be blind to her mother's most unequalled
+conduct; and I think any man, burdened with such a wife, would be
+<i>justified</i> in using <span class="allcapsc">ANY MEANS</span> in seeking to get rid of her! Were it my
+case, the friend who would be the means of, or assist in, releasing me
+from her shackles, I should consider would do no more than one man ought
+to do for another so circumstanced." Dr. Croft then said, he went to
+this nobleman directly after the death of the princess, and charged him
+with committing the crime. He at first denied it; but at length said,
+"It was better for one to suffer than that the whole country should be
+put into a state of confusion, which would have been the case if the
+princess had lived," and then alluded to the Princess of Wales coming
+into this country. The nobleman exonerated himself from the deed; but
+said "<span class="smcap">It was managed by persons immediately about the doctor's person.</span>"
+<!-- Page 369 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369"></a>[<a href="./images/369.png">369</a>]</span>At this part of the narrative, the doctor became very much agitated, and
+the lady said, "Good God! who did do it?" To which question he replied,
+"<i>The hand that wrote that letter without a name, in conjunction with
+one of the attendants on the nurse!</i>" The lady further stated, that the
+doctor said, "Certain ladies are depending upon me for my services as
+accoucheur, and I will not extend life beyond my attendance upon them."
+This conversation took place just after the death of the Princess
+Charlotte.</p>
+
+<p>Before Dr. Croft left the lady, she informed him of her anxiety to
+return the letters as soon as she discovered their importance, and
+mentioned that the servant was then gone with them. Sir Richard quickly
+exclaimed, "You bid him not leave them?" and inquired what directions
+had been given to the servant. Having been informed, he said, "Don't
+send them again; keep them until I come and fetch them, and that will be
+to-morrow, if possible." But the lady never saw him afterwards, and
+consequently retained the letters.</p>
+
+<p>The gentleman then received exact copies of all the letters before
+alluded to. We here present our readers with three of the most
+important, which will substantiate some of our former statements.</p>
+
+
+<p class="sectctr">COPY OF A LETTER FROM SIR B. BLOOMFIELD<br />
+TO DR. SIR RICHARD CROFT.</p>
+
+<p class="greetingsc">"My dear Croft,</p>
+
+<p>"I am commanded by his royal highness to convey <!-- Page 370 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370"></a>[<a href="./images/370.png">370</a>]</span>to you his solicitude
+for your health and happiness; and I am to inform you, that the aid of
+so faithful a friend as yourself is indispensable. <i>It is by her
+majesty's command I write this to you.</i></p>
+
+<p>"We have intelligence by the 20th ult. that the Princess of Wales is to
+take a road favourable to the accomplishment of our long-desired wishes;
+that we may keep pace with her, there is no one upon whose fidelity we
+can more fully rely than you yourself.</p>
+
+<p>"A few months relaxation from the duties of your profession will banish
+all gloomy ideas, and secure the favour of her majesty.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, my boy, throw physic to the dogs, and be the bearer of the happy
+intelligence of a divorce, to render ourselves still more deserving the
+confidence of our beloved master, whose peace and happiness we are bound
+in duty to secure by every means in our power.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember this: the road to fortune is short; and let me see you to-day
+at three o'clock, without fail, in my bureau.</p>
+
+
+<p class="signature2">"Yours faithfully,"</p>
+<p class="author">**********.</p>
+
+<p><span style="padding-left: 2.5em;">"Carlton House,</span><br />
+"Monday, 9th November, 1817."</p>
+
+
+<p class="sectctr"><!-- Page 371 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371"></a>[<a href="./images/371.png">371</a>]</span>COPY OF A LETTER FROM DR. CROFT TO HIS ROYAL<br />
+HIGHNESS THE PRINCE REGENT.</p>
+
+<p>"The gracious assurance of his royal highness for my happiness was this
+day conveyed to me, by <i>the desire of her most gracious majesty</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"The many former favours and kindnesses bestowed by my royal benefactor
+is retained in my mind with the deepest sense of gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>"That I regret, with heartfelt grief, the invisible power that
+determined my inevitable misery, and marks the hand that gave the blow
+to my eternal peace. Could no other arm inflict the wound than he who,
+in happier moments, indulged me with the most apparent unfeigned
+friendship? That I shall not, to my latest breath, cease to complain of
+such injustice, heaped upon me in the eyes of the world, and before the
+nation, who at my hands have lost their dearest hopes.</p>
+
+<p>"My conscious innocence is the only right I plead to a just and Almighty
+God! That I consider this deed of so foul a nature as to stamp with
+ignominy, not only its perpetrators, but the throne itself, now to be
+obtained by the death of its own offspring, <i>and that death enforced by
+the Queen of England</i>, whose inveterate hatred is fully <!-- Page 372 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372"></a>[<a href="./images/372.png">372</a>]</span>exemplified, by
+heaping wrongs upon the unfortunate partner of your once happy choice,
+who now only impedes your union to another.</p>
+
+<p>"To remove now this only remaining obstacle, I am called upon by the
+ministers. With a view of tranquillizing my mind, every restitution is
+offered me. But, no doubt, many will be found amongst them, who can,
+without a pang, enjoy the reward of such services&mdash;<i>as her majesty will
+most liberally recompense</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"It has ever been my highest ambition to fulfil the arduous duty of my
+situation; to be rewarded by upright encomiums; and to merit, as a
+subject and a servant, the approbation of my most gracious benefactor,
+as conveyed to me on the 9th of this month by Sir B. Bloomfield, would
+have been a sufficient recompense to me under any circumstances of life.</p>
+
+<p>"I can, therefore, only assure his royal highness, with unfeigned
+sincerity, that I should feel happy upon any occasion to forfeit my life
+for his peace and happiness; nor can I more fully evince the same than
+by assuring his royal highness, that this melancholy circumstance shall
+be eternally buried in my mind.</p>
+
+<p class="author">(Signed) "<span class="smcap">Richard Croft</span>."</p>
+
+<p>"November 10th, 1817."</p>
+
+
+<p class="sectctr"><!-- Page 373 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373"></a>[<a href="./images/373.png">373</a>]</span>COPY OF A LETTER FROM QUEEN CHARLOTTE TO<br />
+DR. CROFT.</p>
+
+<p>"We are sensible how much it were to be desired that the obligations
+provided for could have been traced without the necessity of our
+writing. But we are yet more sensible how much it is our duty to promote
+the happiness of our most dear and most beloved son, who so justly
+deserves the efforts which we make for him. Whatever price will cost our
+tender love, we shall at least have the comfort, in the melancholy
+circumstance of this juncture, which our kingdom most justly laments
+with us, to give to our subjects a successor more worthy of the
+possession of our crown, either partly or wholly, than the detested
+daughter of our dearest brother, who, by her conduct, has brought
+disgrace upon our royal house, and whom now we will, for us, and our
+descendants, without difference of the substance of blood and quality,
+that she shall at all events be estranged from us and our line for ever.
+To this end, we believe the method concerted by our faithful friends at
+Trieste is the most effectual to ensure it, not by divorce; be it by
+whatever means which may seem effectual to our friends, to whom <!-- Page 374 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374"></a>[<a href="./images/374.png">374</a>]</span>we
+grant full power in every thing, as if we ourselves were present, to
+obtain the conclusion we so much desire; and whosoever shall accomplish
+the same shall be placed in the immediate degree with any peer of our
+kingdom, with fifty thousand pounds, which we guarantee to our worthy
+friend, Sir Richard Croft, on whom we can rely in every thing,&mdash;his
+services being considered unavoidable on this occasion. And for the
+better security of all, we promise the bearer hereof, being in every
+part furnished with sufficient power to write, sign, and secure, by
+letter or any other obligation, in our name, and which is to be
+delivered to Sir Richard Croft before his departure from
+London,&mdash;reminding him of his own engagements to the secrecy of this
+also,&mdash;whereunto we put our name, this 12th day of November, 1817.</p>
+
+<p>"Let him be faithful unto death.</p>
+
+<p class="author">(Signed) "C. R."</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Who can peruse these letters, and the particulars with which they are
+accompanied, without being shocked at the dark and horrible crime proved
+to have been committed, as well as those deep-laid plans of persecution
+against an innocent woman, which they unblushingly state to have had
+their origin in the basest of motives,&mdash;to gratify the vindictive
+feelings <!-- Page 375 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375"></a>[<a href="./images/375.png">375</a>]</span>of her heartless and abandoned husband! It must appear
+surprising to honourable minds that these atrocities did not find some
+one acquainted with them of sufficient virtue and nerve to drag their
+abettors to justice. But, alas! those who possessed the greatest
+facilities for this purpose were too fond of place, pension, or profit,
+to discharge such a duty. Queen Caroline, at this period, resolved to
+ask for a public investigation of the causes and attendant circumstances
+of the death of her daughter, and expressed her determination to do so
+in the presence of several noblemen. Her majesty considered these and
+other important letters to be amply sufficient to prove that the
+Princess Charlotte's death was premeditated, and procured unfairly. Her
+majesty also knew that, in 1817, a most respectable resident of
+Claremont publicly declared that the regent had said, "<i><span class="smcap">No heir of the
+Princess Charlotte shall ever sit upon the throne of England!</span></i>" The
+queen was likewise <i>personally</i> assured of the truths contained in the
+letter signed "C. R." dated 12th of November; for the infamous Baron
+Ompteda, in conjunction with another similar character, had been
+watching all her movements for a length of time, and they were actually
+waiting her arrival at Trieste, at the time before named, while every
+one knew they had a coadjutor in England, in the person of Souza Count
+Funshall!!!</p>
+
+<p>Her majesty was also well acquainted with the scheme of the king or his
+ministers, that the former or the latter, or both conjointly, had caused
+a work <!-- Page 376 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376"></a>[<a href="./images/376.png">376</a>]</span>to be published in Paris, the object of which was "to set aside
+the succession of the Princess Charlotte and her heirs, (under the plea
+of the illegality of her father's marriage) and to supply the defect by
+the <span class="smcap">Duke of York</span>!" Lord Moira offered very handsome terms to an author,
+of some celebrity, to write "Comments in favour of this book;" but he
+declined, and wrote explanatory of the crimes of the queen and her
+family. This work, however, was bought up by the English court for seven
+thousand pounds! In this book of comments was given a fair and impartial
+statement of the <span class="smcap">murder of Sellis</span>, and, upon its appearance, a <i>certain
+duke</i> thought it "wisest and best" to go out of this country! <i>Why</i> the
+duke resolved to seek safety in flight is best known to himself and
+those in his immediate confidence; but to uninterested and impartial
+observers, such a step was not calculated to exonerate the duke's
+character. This took place at a very early period after the murder had
+been committed in the palace of St. James, and all the witnesses were
+then ready again to depose upon the subject, as well as those persons
+who had not been permitted to give their evidence at the inquest.
+Another examination of the body of Sellis might have been demanded,
+though doubtless in a more public manner than before, as it was not
+supposed to be past exhumation! The people reasoned sensibly, when they
+said, "The duke certainly knows something of this awful affair, or else
+he would cause the strictest inquiry, rather than suffer such a stain
+upon his royal name and <!-- Page 377 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377"></a>[<a href="./images/377.png">377</a>]</span>character, which are materially injured in
+public opinion by the royal duke's refusal to do so, and his sudden
+determination to go abroad." The duke, however, <i>did</i> go abroad, and did
+not return until inquiry had, apparently, ceased.</p>
+
+<p>Such were the remarks of Caroline, Queen of England, upon these serious
+subjects, of which she felt herself competent to say more than any other
+subject in the realm. The secret conduct of the government was not
+unknown to her majesty, and her sufferings, she was well aware, had
+their origin in <span class="allcapsc">STATE TRICK</span>; while fawning courtiers, to keep their
+places, had sacrificed <i>truth</i>, <i>justice</i>, and <i>honour</i>. "Then," said
+the queen, "can I wonder at any plan or plans they may invent to
+accomplish the wish of my husband? No; I am aware of many, very many,
+foul attempts to insult, degrade, and destroy me! I cannot forget the
+embassy of Lord Stewart, the base conduct of that most unprincipled man,
+Colonel Brown, and other unworthy characters, who, to obtain the favour
+of the reigning prince, my husband, condescended to say and do any and
+every thing prejudicial to my character, and injurious to my dignity, as
+the legitimate princess of the British nation; and for what purpose is
+this extraordinary conduct pursued? Only to gratify revengeful
+inclinations, and prevent my full exposures of those odious crimes, by
+which the honour of the family is and will ever be attainted! But,"
+added her majesty, "the untimely, unaccountable death of my Charlotte
+is, indeed, heavy upon my heart! <!-- Page 378 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378"></a>[<a href="./images/378.png">378</a>]</span>I remember, as if it were only
+yesterday, her infant smile when first I pressed her to my bosom; and I
+must always feel unutterable anguish, when I reflect upon the hardships
+she was obliged to endure at our cruel separation! Was it not more than
+human nature was able to endure, first to be insulted and deceived by a
+husband, then to be deprived of an only and lovely child, whose fondness
+equalled her royal father's cruelty? Well may I say, my Charlotte's
+death ought to be explained, and the bloodthirsty aiders in the scheme
+punished as they really merit. Who are these proud, yet base,
+tyrants,&mdash;who, after destroying the child, still continue their plans to
+destroy her mother also? Are they not the sycophants of a voluptuous
+monarch, whose despotic influence has for a long period destroyed the
+liberties and subverted the rights of the people, over whom he has
+exercised such uncontrouled and unconstitutional power? And what is the
+<span class="allcapsc">MORAL</span> character of these state hirelings, (continued the queen) who
+neither act with judgment, or speak with ability, but who go to court to
+bow, and cringe, and fawn? Alas! is it not disgraceful in the
+extreme?&mdash;are they not found debasing themselves in the most infamous
+and unnatural manner? From youth, have not even some of the late queen's
+sons been immoral and profane? Was not one of them invited to dinner, by
+a gentleman of the first rank, during his stay in the West Indies, and
+did he not so conduct himself before one of the gentleman's daughters,
+that his royal highness was under the necessity of <!-- Page 379 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379"></a>[<a href="./images/379.png">379</a>]</span>making a precipitate
+retreat? Yet this outrage upon decency was only noticed by one fearless
+historian! And amongst the courtiers, where is morality to be found? Yet
+these individuals are the judges, as well as the jury, and are even
+empowered to assault, insult, and reproach the consort of the first
+magistrate, their sovereign the king! But he is in their power; guilt
+has deprived my lord and husband of all ability to set the perfidious
+parasites at defiance! If this were not the case, would his proud heart
+have allowed him to be insulted by my Lord Bloomfield, or Sir W.
+Knighton? No; the answer must be obvious. Yet such was actually the
+fact, as all the <i>private</i> friends of his majesty can testify. My honour
+is indeed insulted, and yet I am denied redress. I suspected what my
+fate would be when so much equivocation was resorted to during my
+journey to this country. I was not treated as any English subject,
+however poor and defenceless, ought to expect; far otherwise, indeed. I
+waited some months to see Mr. Brougham, and was disappointed from time
+to time, until I determined to return to England in despite of all
+obstacles. I reached St. Omers on the 1st of June; Mr. Brougham did not
+arrive until the evening of the 3rd; he was accompanied by his brother
+and Lord Hutchinson; and I judged from their conversation, that my only
+safety was to be found in the English capital. Propositions were made
+me, of the most infamous description; and, afterwards, Lord Hutchinson
+and Mr. Brougham said, 'they understood the outline of those
+propositions originated <!-- Page 380 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380"></a>[<a href="./images/380.png">380</a>]</span>with myself.' How those gentlemen could indulge
+such an opinion for one moment, I leave the world to judge. If it had
+been my intention to receive fifty thousand pounds per annum to remain
+abroad, <span class="allcapsc">UNQUEENED</span>, I should have reserved my several establishments and
+suite. I was requested to delay my journey until despatches could be
+received; but my impatience to set my foot once more on British ground
+prevented my acquiescence. I had been in England a very short time, when
+I was most credibly informed the cause for soliciting that delay;
+namely, that this government had required the French authorities to
+station the military in Calais, at the command of the English consul,
+for the express purpose of seizing my person, previous to my
+embarkation! What would not have been my fate, if I once had been in the
+grasp of the Holy Alliance!! This fact will satisfy the English people,
+that the most wicked plans were organized for my destruction. The
+inhabitants of Carlton House were all petrified upon my arrival, having
+been assured that I never should again see England, and that my legal
+adviser had supported the plan of my remaining abroad, and had expressed
+his opinion that I should accept the offer. It is also a solemn fact
+that, at that period, a <span class="allcapsc">PROCESS OF DIVORCE</span>, in the Consistory Court in
+Hanover, was rapidly advancing, under the direction of Count Munster;
+and, as the king is there an arbitrary sovereign, the regal will would
+not have found any obstacle. When the day of retribution shall arrive,
+may God have mercy <!-- Page 381 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381"></a>[<a href="./images/381.png">381</a>]</span>upon Lords Liverpool, Castlereagh, and their vile
+associates,&mdash;even as they wished to have compassion upon their insulted
+and basely-treated queen! Had I followed my first opinion after these
+unhandsome transactions, I should have changed my counsel; but I did not
+know where to apply for others, as I too soon found I was intended to be
+sacrificed, either privately or publicly. Devotion in public characters
+is seldom found to be unequivocally sincere in times of great trouble
+and disappointment! What is a defenceless woman, though a queen, opposed
+to a despotic and powerful king? Alas! but subject to the rude
+ebullition of pampered greatness, and a mark at which the finger of
+scorn may point. Well may I say&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Would I had never trod the English earth,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">Ye have angels' faces; but heaven knows your hearts.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">What will become of me now, wretched lady?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">I am the most unhappy woman living.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">No friend, no hope, no kindred, weep for me;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i"><i>Almost no grave allowed me</i>! Like the lily,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">That once was mistress of the field, and flourished,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">I'll hang my head, and perish!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>A very few weeks after making these remarks, her majesty, in
+correspondence with a friend, wrote as follows:</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p>"I grow weary of my existence. I am annoyed upon every occasion. I am
+actually kept without means to discharge my honourable engagements. Lord
+Liverpool returns the most sarcastic replies (if <!-- Page 382 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382"></a>[<a href="./images/382.png">382</a>]</span>such they may be
+called) to my notes of interrogation upon these unhandsome and unfair
+delays, as if I were an object of inferior grade to himself. I think I
+have sufficient perception to convince me what the point is to which the
+ministers are now lending their ready aid, which is nothing less than to
+<span class="allcapsc">FORCE ME TO RETURN ABROAD</span>! This they never shall accomplish, so long as
+my life is at all safe; and in vain does Mr. <span class="smcap">Wilde</span> press upon my notice
+the propriety of such a step."</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Illuminations and other rejoicings were manifested by the people at the
+queen's acquittal; but the state of her majesty's affairs, as explained
+in the above extract, were such as to preclude her receiving that
+pleasure which her majesty had otherwise experienced at such testimonies
+of the affectionate loyalty of the British people.</p>
+
+
+<p class="section">We must now proceed to the year</p>
+
+<h3>1821,</h3>
+
+<p>in which pains and penalties supplied the place of kindness, and the
+sword upheld the law! while men who opposed every liberal opinion
+hovered around the throne of this mighty empire. In the hardness of
+their hearts, they justified inhumanity, and delighted to hear the clank
+of the chains of slavery. They flattered but to deceive, and hid from
+their master the miseries of his subjects! This was base <!-- Page 383 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383"></a>[<a href="./images/383.png">383</a>]</span>grovelling
+submission to the royal will, and not <span class="allcapsc"><i>REAL LOYALTY</i></span>; for loyalty does
+not consist in a slavish obedience to the will of a tyrannical chief
+magistrate, but in a firm and faithful adherence to the law and
+constitution of the community of which we are members. The disingenuity
+of Lord Liverpool and his coadjutors, however, who were impelled by high
+church and high tory principles, wished to limit this comprehensive
+principle, which takes in the whole of the constitution, and therefore
+tends to the conservation of it all in its full integrity, to the
+<i>person</i> of the king, because they knew he would favour their own
+purposes as well as the extension of power and prerogative,&mdash;the
+largesses of which they hoped to share in reward for their sycophantic
+zeal, and their mean, selfish, perfidious adulation. With such views,
+the king's ministers represented every spirited effort in favour of the
+people's rights as originating in <i>disloyalty</i>. The best friends to the
+English constitution, in its purity, were held up to the detestation of
+his majesty, as being disaffected to his person. Every stratagem was
+used to delude the unthinking part of the people into a belief that
+their only way of displaying loyalty was to display a most servile
+obsequiousness to the caprices of the reigning prince, and to oppose
+every popular measure. The ministers themselves approached him in the
+most unmanly language of submission, worthier to have been received by
+the Great Mogul or the Chinese emperor than the chief magistrate of a
+professedly free people. In short, George the Fourth only wished to be
+<!-- Page 384 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384"></a>[<a href="./images/384.png">384</a>]</span>feared, not loved. The servile ministry fed this passion, though they
+would have done the same for a Stuart, had one been in power. It was not
+the man they worshipped, but the <i>power</i> he possessed to add to their
+<i>own dignity and wealth</i>! Let us not here be misunderstood. We are
+willing to award honour to the person of a man invested with kingly
+power, provided his deeds are in accordance with his duty, though not
+otherwise. A good king should be regarded with true and sincere
+affection; but we ought not to pay any man, reigning over a free
+country, so ill a compliment as to treat him like a despot, ruling over
+a land of slaves. We must, therefore, reprobate that false, selfish,
+adulatory loyalty, which, seeking nothing but its own base ends, and
+feeling no real attachment either to the person or the office of the
+king, contributes nevertheless, by its example, to diffuse a servile,
+abject temper, highly injurious to the spirit of freedom.</p>
+
+<p>Though "the bill" was now ingloriously abandoned by Lord Liverpool, the
+queen received but little benefit. Her majesty was even refused means to
+discharge debts unavoidably contracted for the bare support of her table
+and her household. As a proof of the economical style of her living, we
+witnessed one evening a party of friends sitting down to supper with her
+majesty, when a chicken at the top and another at the bottom of the
+table were the <i>only dishes</i> set before the company. What a contrast
+this would have presented to the loaded tables, groaning under the
+luxurious display of provisions for <!-- Page 385 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385"></a>[<a href="./images/385.png">385</a>]</span>gluttony, in the king's several
+residences, where variety succeeded variety, and where even the veriest
+menial lived more sumptuously than his master's consort!</p>
+
+<p>On the 5th of May, the Emperor Napoleon Buonaparte expired at St.
+Helena, having endured captivity, under the most unfavourable
+circumstances, and with a constitutional disease, more than six years
+and a half. As we shall have occasion, in our second volume, to speak of
+this illustrious man and his cruel treatment by our government, it would
+be unnecessary to say more in this place than merely give an outline of
+his extraordinary career. Napoleon was born at Ajaccio, the capital of
+Corsica, August 15, 1769; and was, consequently, fifty-two years of age,
+wanting three months, when he died. He was the eldest son of a lawyer,
+of Italian descent, and his family had pretensions to ancestry of high
+birth and station in Italy. He was educated in the <i>royal</i> military
+school; and first attracted notice when, as an officer of engineers, he
+assisted in the bombardment of Toulon in 1793; next signalized himself
+by repressing an infuriated mob of Parisians in 1795, which caused his
+promotion to the command of the army of Italy; was made first consul in
+1799; elected emperor in 1804; "exchanged" the sceptre of France and
+Italy for that of Elba (so it was expressed in the treaty of
+Fontainbleau) on the 11th of April, 1814; landed at Cannes, in Provence,
+on the 1st of March, 1815; entered Paris triumphantly, at the head of
+the French army, a few days afterwards; fought the last fatal battle of
+<!-- Page 386 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386"></a>[<a href="./images/386.png">386</a>]</span>Waterloo on the 18th of June in the same year; abdicated in favour of
+his son; threw himself upon the generosity of the English, through
+promises made to him by Lord Castlereagh; was landed at St. Helena on
+the 18th of October, 1815; and died as before stated, a victim to the
+arbitrary treatment of our government, which we shall presently prove.</p>
+
+<p>Leopold now (in July) called upon her majesty, for the first time since
+her return to this country. His serene highness was announced and
+ushered into the presence of the mother of his late consort. The queen
+appeared exceedingly agitated, though her majesty did not urge one word
+of complaint or inquiry at the delay of the prince's visit. Previous to
+the departure of Leopold, the queen appeared much embarrassed and
+affected, and, addressing the prince, said, "Do you not think that the
+death of my Charlotte was too sudden to be naturally accounted for? and
+do you think it not very likely that she died unfairly?" The prince
+replied, "I also have my fears; but I do not possess any <span class="allcapsc">PROOF</span> of it."
+He then said, "My suspicions were further excited by the <span class="allcapsc"><i>EXCESSIVE JOY</i></span>
+the royal family shewed at her death; for the Regent and the Duke of
+York got <span class="allcapsc">DRUNK</span> upon the occasion." These, we pledge ourselves, were his
+highness' <span class="allcapsc">OWN WORDS</span>, <i>verbatim et literatim</i>.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, when the coronation was expected to take place in a few
+days, her majesty, in writing to one of her firmest friends, said,</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p>"I do not foresee any happy result likely to ensue from my attempting to
+get into the Abbey; for <!-- Page 387 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387"></a>[<a href="./images/387.png">387</a>]</span>my own part, I do not think it a prudent step.
+My enemies hold the reins of power, and <i>most</i> of my professed friends
+appear rather shy; so I fear the advice I have received upon the
+subject. Alderman Wood intends to go in his civic capacity, which, to
+me, is very unaccountable indeed; for certainly, if I ever required the
+assistance and presence of my <i>real</i> friends, it is most probable I
+shall need both at such a period. I can unbosom myself to you, for <i>I
+know you to be my real friend</i>; believe me, I do not assure myself that
+I have another in the whole world! To <i>you alone</i> can I speak freely
+upon the death of my child and her infant, and I dare tell <i>you</i>, I yet
+hope to see the guilty murderers brought to condign punishment. I say,
+with Shakespeare,</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"'Blood will have blood!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">Stones have been known to move, and trees to speak,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0i">To bring forth the secret man of blood.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p>"Such is my earnest hope; may it yet prove true in the case of my lovely
+departed daughter. While her remains are dwelling in the gloomy vault of
+death, her father and his associates are revelling in the most
+abominable debauchery, endeavouring to wash that,&mdash;<span class="allcapsc">THE FOUL STAIN, THE
+ETERNAL <!-- Page 388 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388"></a>[<a href="./images/388.png">388</a>]</span>STAIN</span>,&mdash;from their remembrance. Still I live in expectation
+that the dark deed will be avenged, and the perpetrators meet with their
+just reward.</p>
+
+<p>"The deep-rolling tide of my enemies' success against me will find a
+mighty barrier, when all shall be explained, in the simple and
+unaffected language of truth. Weak and presumptuous as my Lord Liverpool
+is, I did not believe he would dare to promise one thing, and act the
+reverse before the world. I did think he was too anxious to retain <span class="allcapsc">A
+NAME</span> for honour, if he merited it not; but I am deceived, and very
+probably not for the last time. You will sympathize with me; I labour
+under the pressure of many heavy misfortunes, and also under the
+provocation of great and accumulated injustice. Yes, and though so
+unfortunate, I am scarcely at liberty to lament my cruel destiny. These
+things frequently hang heavy, very heavy, upon my heart; and I sometimes
+reflect, with inexpressible astonishment, upon the nerve with which I
+still bear up under the trying burden. For more than fourteen years I
+have been a victim to perjury and conspiracy; my enemies were in ambush
+in the shade, but they aimed at me poisoned arrows; they watched, most
+eagerly watched, for the moment in which they might destroy me, <!-- Page 389 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389"></a>[<a href="./images/389.png">389</a>]</span>without
+its being known who drew the bow, or who shot the shaft. You, my friend,
+know that I delight in disseminating happiness. My bliss is to diffuse
+bliss around me; I do not wish misery to be known within the circle of
+my influence. I covet not the glory arising from the carnage of battle,
+which fills the grave with untimely dead, or covers the earth with
+mutilated forms. I wish you distinctly to understand me upon these
+several subjects. I have not any personal feelings against the king, in
+my own case. I do assuredly pity his majesty, that he should allow
+himself to be a tool in the hands of a wicked ministry; but my cause for
+sorrow is, that he should leave this world without exposing the base
+schemes formed against the <span class="allcapsc">SUCCESSION</span> and <span class="allcapsc">LIFE</span> of his royal daughter. If
+his majesty will make restitution upon this point, my anxieties would be
+in some degree relieved, although nothing on this side the grave will
+ever make any atonement for the loss of such an amiable and well-formed
+mind. Well indeed may his majesty be afraid to be left alone; well may
+he discharge all persons from naming the departed child he ought to have
+protected; at this I do not wonder, for guilt produces terror and
+dismay.</p>
+
+<p><!-- Page 390 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390"></a>[<a href="./images/390.png">390</a>]</span>"I cannot conclude this without adverting again to the pecuniary
+difficulties I have to endure. For nearly eight years, I have given up
+fifteen thousand pounds per annum out of the annuity allowed me by
+parliament. This amounts now to above one hundred thousand pounds; yet,
+notwithstanding this, I am refused means to live in a respectable style,
+to say nothing of regal state. All the royal family have had their debts
+paid, and the Duke of Clarence received his <i>arrears</i>. The chancellor of
+the Exchequer promised I should receive an outfit, if the prosecution
+against me failed. It did fail; but I have received no outfit at
+all,&mdash;not even the value of one shilling,&mdash;so that, of necessity, I am
+involved in debt to the amount of thirty thousand pounds. How
+differently was the late Queen Charlotte situated; and, since her
+demise, more than twenty thousand pounds per annum have been paid in
+pensions to her numerous and already wealthy household! while I am
+incapable to acknowledge my real sentiments to those who have been
+generous to me, even at the expense of being unjust to themselves,
+unless I do it from borrowed resources.</p>
+
+<p>"You will not feel surprised at these remarks. Alas! I wish it were not
+in my power to make <!-- Page 391 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391"></a>[<a href="./images/391.png">391</a>]</span>more serious ones; but I will await, with firmness,
+the coronation.</p>
+
+<p class="signature">"Believe me ever,</p>
+<p class="signature3">"Your faithful and grateful friend,</p>
+<p class="author">"C. R."</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Nearly at the same time, the following letter was forwarded to the same
+friend of the queen, by a professional gentleman, who had for some time
+been employed to arrange some of her majesty's affairs:</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p>"You may indeed rest assured that no consideration shall induce me to
+give up 'The Documents' I hold, relative to the queen and her lost,
+though lamented, daughter, unless you require me to return them to her
+majesty, or to entrust them into your own care. For, as I obtained them
+from no other motive than to serve the queen, so I will certainly retain
+them and use them in this noble cause, without regard to any personal
+consideration, or convenience, until that object be fully accomplished;
+and feeling (as you do) the very great importance of such proofs, I will
+defy all the power of the enemy to dispute the matter with me. Yet, at
+the same time, I am very candid to acknowledge, that it is my confident
+opinion every effort will be used to <!-- Page 392 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392"></a>[<a href="./images/392.png">392</a>]</span>suppress all testimony which may
+have a tendency to bring <span class="allcapsc">THE FAMILY</span> into disgrace. With whom to trust
+this business, I am at a loss to determine, as it would no doubt be
+considered rather a ticklish affair. I have thought of Dr. Lushington;
+but, as you are better acquainted with this learned gentleman's
+sentiments and opinions upon her majesty's case than I am, I beg to
+submit the suggestion for your serious deliberation. No time ought to be
+lost; every thing that <span class="allcapsc">CAN</span> be done <span class="allcapsc">OUGHT</span> to be done, without delay. The
+queen is placed in the most serious situation. You ought not to forget,
+for one moment, that her enemy is her sovereign; and such is the utter
+absence of principle manifested to this illustrious lady since her
+left-handed marriage with the son of George the Third, that every person
+must fear for her safety, unless their hearts are hard as adamant, and
+themselves actors in the villanous tragedy.</p>
+
+<p>"I give my opinion thus boldly, because I know your fidelity to the
+queen to be unshaken, even amidst all the rude and unmanly clamours
+raised against her friends by the agents of her tyrannical husband. This
+is, and ought to be, your satisfactory reflection,&mdash;that you have been
+faithful to this innocent and persecuted queen, from <i>principle <!-- Page 393 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393"></a>[<a href="./images/393.png">393</a>]</span>alone</i>.
+'Honourable minds will yield honourable meed,' and to such you are
+justly entitled. To-morrow evening, I intend to give you further
+intelligence, as I am now going out for the purpose of meeting an
+especial enemy of her majesty, by whose rancour I may judge the course
+intended.</p>
+
+<p class="signature3">"I have the honour to be,"</p>
+<p class="author">&amp;c. &amp;c. &amp;c. ******.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Continuation from the same to the same, two days after the foregoing.</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot2">
+<p>"I am sorry to say my fears were not groundless, as I learn, from the
+first authority, that the king has changed his opinion, and the queen
+will not be allowed to enter the Abbey. The seat provided is otherwise
+disposed of. If her majesty's attorney and solicitor generals would
+<i>now</i>, without any loss of time, press 'The Documents' upon the notice
+of the ministers, either by petition or remonstrance, I think the
+ceremony would be postponed, and justice be finally administered to the
+queen. But if they delay this, they may assure themselves the cause of
+their royal mistress will be lost for ever. Her majesty's proofs are too
+astounding to be passed over in silence; they <!-- Page 394 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394"></a>[<a href="./images/394.png">394</a>]</span>would forcibly arouse the
+guilty, and <span class="allcapsc">SUCH FACTS</span> at <span class="allcapsc">SUCH A TIME</span> ought to be instantly published. I
+should not express myself with such ardour upon these solemn points, if
+I had not made myself most minutely acquainted with every bearing of the
+subject; and I give you my decisive <i>legal opinion</i>, that 'The
+Documents' in question contain a simple statement of facts, which no
+judge, however instructed, and no jury, however selected, or packed,
+could refute. If, however, fear should get the better of duty, I do not
+doubt sooner or later the country will have cause to repent the apathy
+of those individuals who were most competent to do, or cause justice to
+be done to this shamefully injured queen.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not entered upon these opinions from interested views, and I am
+well convinced your motives do not savour of such baseness; but as
+disinterestedness is a scarce virtue, and so little cultivated in this
+boasted land of liberty, I warn you to avoid the ensnaring inquiries of
+those by whom you may most probably be assailed.</p>
+
+<p>"I also must remind you that, at the present moment, her majesty is
+watched in all directions. Major Williams is employed by the government
+to be a spy upon all occasions, and drove his <!-- Page 395 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395"></a>[<a href="./images/395.png">395</a>]</span>carriage with four grey
+horses to Epsom last races, and remained upon the ground until the queen
+drove away. At this time, he occupied an elegantly furnished house in
+Sackville-street. P. Macqueen, M. P., a protégé of Lord Liverpool's, was
+doubtless the person who arranged the business with the premier. If this
+be considered dubious information, I will forward you <span class="allcapsc">PROOFS</span> which will
+set the matter at rest.</p>
+
+<p>"I scarcely need tell you that the case of her majesty is one
+unprecedented in history, and unheard of in the world. The king and his
+ministers have resolved upon her destruction, and if the royal sufferer
+be not destroyed by the first plans of attempt, I indeed fear she will
+fall a victim to similar plans, which, I doubt not, are in a forward
+stage of preparation against her; and how can the queen escape from the
+grasp of such powerful and dishonourable assailants? All their former
+arrangements and stratagems, to which they subscribed, failed, decidedly
+failed; but the malignity which instigated those plans will, without any
+question, furnish materials for new charges, and supply the needful
+reserve to complete the destruction of a lady, whose talents are envied,
+whose knowledge of affairs in general is deemed <!-- Page 396 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396"></a>[<a href="./images/396.png">396</a>]</span>too great, and whose
+information upon <span class="allcapsc">FAMILY SECRETS</span> render her an enemy to be feared.</p>
+
+<p>"I see in this mysterious persecution against the queen, the intended
+annihilation of the rights and privileges of the nation at large; and I,
+therefore, protest against the innovation. I argue, that which was
+unconstitutional and unprincipled in William the Third is equally
+dangerous and unconstitutional in George the Fourth! If such
+unprecedented injustice be allowed in the case of her majesty, where
+must we look for an impartial administration of justice? and how may we
+reasonably expect that violence will not be offered, if other means
+fail, to accomplish the intended mischief? In case of indisposition,
+what may not occur! May not the life of her majesty be in the greatest
+jeopardy, and may not a few hours terminate her mortal existence? These
+are questions of vital importance; they do not only materially affect
+the queen, but, through the same medium, they most seriously relate to
+every individual of the community; and, if the constitution is not to be
+entirely destroyed, the queen must be honourably saved from the
+overpowering grasp of her relentless oppressors. Her majesty reminds me
+of the words of Seneca: 'She is <!-- Page 397 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397"></a>[<a href="./images/397.png">397</a>]</span>struggling with the storms of
+Adversity, and rising superior to the frowns of Persecution; this is a
+spectacle that even the gods themselves may look down upon with envy.'</p>
+
+<p>"I verily believe that bold and energetic measures might set this
+question at rest for ever, but time lost is lost for ever; and, in my
+opinion, retribution can only slumber for a short period. I beg and
+entreat you not to be subdued or deterred by the arrogance of
+inconsistent power. The nation is insulted, the independence of the
+country is insulted; its morality and patience have been outraged!</p>
+
+<p>"What could I not add to this page of sorrow, this blot upon our land?
+But I have acted openly and honourably to you in this unparalleled case,
+and have, in so acting, only done my duty.</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse haste, and allow me the honour to remain</p>
+
+<p class="author">"Your most obedient and respectful servant,</p>
+<p class="signature3">******.</p>
+
+<p class="greeting">"July 12th."</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Such are the recorded sentiments of a professional gentleman, who
+volunteered his services to the queen at this period of anxious
+expectation. He <!-- Page 398 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398"></a>[<a href="./images/398.png">398</a>]</span>hailed, or affected to hail, the appearance of the star
+of liberty, whose genial rays should dispel the gloom of the desolating
+power of her enemies. But, alas! how soon were such opinions changed by
+the <i>gilded</i> wand of ministerial power! <i>Pension</i> reconciled too many to
+silence upon these all-important subjects; even he, who wrote thus
+boldly in defence of an injured queen and her murdered daughter, shortly
+afterwards acted the very reverse of his duty for the sake of paltry
+gain! But, independent of the lavish means which ministers then
+possessed of bribing those who felt inclined to bring these criminal
+matters before a public tribunal, an unmanly fear of punishment, as well
+as an obsequiousness to the king and some of his <i>particular</i> friends,
+operated on the dastardly minds of pretended patriots and lovers of
+justice. There is also an habitual indolence which prevents many from
+concerning themselves with any thing but that which immediately affects
+their pecuniary interest. Such persons would not dare to inquire into
+the actions of a sovereign, however infamous they might be, for fear of
+suffering a fine or imprisonment for their temerity. The legal
+punishments attending the expression of discontent against the king are
+so severe, and the ill-grounded terrors of them so artfully
+disseminated, that, rather than incur the least danger, they would
+submit to the most unjust and tyrannical government. They would even be
+content to live under the Grand Seignior, so long as they might eat,
+drink, and sleep in peace! Had the lamented Princess <!-- Page 399 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399"></a>[<a href="./images/399.png">399</a>]</span>Charlotte been the
+daughter of a cottager, the mysterious circumstances attending her death
+would have demanded the most public investigation. But, because a
+powerful prince had expressed his <span class="allcapsc">SATISFACTION</span> at the treatment she
+received, it was deemed impertinent, if not treasonable, for any other
+individual to express a wish for further inquiry! Yet such is the effect
+of political artifice, under the management of court sycophants, that
+the middle ranks of people are taught to believe, that they ought not to
+trouble themselves with matters that occur in palaces; that a certain
+set of men come into the world like demigods, possessed of right, power,
+and intellectual abilities, to rule the earth without controul; and that
+free inquiry and manly remonstrance are the sin of sedition! Thus many
+people are actually terrified, through fear of losing their wealth,
+their liberty, or their life, into silence upon subjects which they
+ought, in duty to their God, under the principles of justice, fearlessly
+to expose. "Better pay our taxes patiently, and remain quiet about state
+crimes," say they, "than, by daring to investigate public measures, or
+the conduct of great men, risk a prison or a gibbet!" But let us hope
+that such disgraceful sentiments are not <i>now</i> to be found in the breast
+of any Englishman, however humble his condition. Our noble ancestors
+were famed for seeing justice administered, as well to the poor as to
+the rich. If, therefore, we suffer <i>personal</i> fear to conquer duty, we
+are traitors to posterity, as well as cowardly deserting a trust which
+they who <!-- Page 400 --><span class="numpage"><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400"></a>[<a href="./images/400.png">400</a>]</span>confided it are prevented by death from guarding or
+withdrawing. We know that this justice has been lamentably neglected,
+though we do not yet despair of seeing it overtake the guilty, however
+lofty their station may be in society.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 90%;" />
+<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_172:A_1" id="Footnote_172:A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_172:A_1"><span class="label">[172:A]</span></a>When the inquest was held, the razor was
+found on some drawers in the room; but it was placed there by a
+Bow-street officer, by <i>mistake</i>,&mdash;at least, so it was reported. We,
+however, consider even the very partial evidence published in the
+"Morning Post" quite sufficient to prove that poor Sellis had nothing to
+do with the razor himself. Some one else must have thrown it "two yards
+from the bed." The murdered man could not possibly have so exerted
+himself after the infliction of such a severe wound!</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_192:A_2" id="Footnote_192:A_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_192:A_2"><span class="label">[192:A]</span></a>Whatever our readers may think of this
+jumble of words, we assure them it is <i>verbatim</i> from the
+<span class="allcapsc">ORIGINAL</span> affidavit, which is <span class="allcapsc">WITHOUT POINTS</span>, as lawyers
+consider such matters unnecessary.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_360:A_3" id="Footnote_360:A_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_360:A_3"><span class="label">[360:A]</span></a>The Duke of Sussex excused himself
+from taking part in the proceedings against the queen on the
+plea of being so nearly related to her majesty. When this was
+stated in the House of Lords, the Duke of York said, "My
+lords, I have as much reason, and, <i>heaven knows</i>, I would as
+anxiously desire as my royal relative to absent myself from
+these proceedings; but when I have a <span class="allcapsc">DUTY</span> imposed upon me, of
+<i>such magnitude as the present</i>, I should be <i>ashamed</i> to
+offer such an <span class="allcapsc">EXCUSE</span>!" It is astonishing how any man, who had
+<i>outraged virtue</i> and violated <span class="allcapsc">HIS DUTY</span> in a thousand ways,
+could, unblushingly, thus insult the English nation!</p></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 90%;" />
+
+
+<p class="sectctr">END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.</p>
+
+
+<p class="gap sectctr">Printed by <span class="smcap">W. H. Stevenson</span>, 5, Whiskin Street, Clerkenwell.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="notebox">
+<h2><a name="TN" id="TN"></a>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE</h2>
+
+
+<p>Pages ii and viii are blank in the original.</p>
+
+<p>The following corrections have been made to the text:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Page i: Of meaner vice and villains[original has villians]</p>
+
+<p>Page iii: climate not very conducive[original has condusive]</p>
+
+<p>Page 51: the forms observed[original has oberved] by courts</p>
+
+<p>Page 99: result was prejudicial[original has prejudical] to
+the rights</p>
+
+<p>Page 110: I have endeavoured to excite[original has exite]</p>
+
+<p>Page 131: French Consul possessed[original has possesed]
+himself</p>
+
+<p>Page 204: "I do," said the queen.[original has comma]</p>
+
+<p>Page 209: voted for the use of Mr. Perceval's[original has
+Peceval's] family</p>
+
+<p>Page 212: this was not a very exhilarating[original has
+exhilirating] or agreeable</p>
+
+<p>Page 249: "[quotation mark missing in original]Your very
+affectionate mother</p>
+
+<p>Page 249: "[quotation mark missing in original]CAROLINE."</p>
+
+<p>Page 257: such marriages shall be null and void.[period
+missing in original]</p>
+
+<p>Page 261: Charlotte was declared <i>enceinte</i>[original has
+enciente]</p>
+
+<p>Page 299: awful spectacle presented itself.[period missing in
+original]</p>
+
+<p>Page 316: duke's[original has dukes] former delinquencies</p>
+
+<p>Page 329: where[original has were] there was a continual boast</p>
+
+<p>Page 361: Edgecumbe,[original has semi-colon] 400<i>l.</i></p>
+
+<p>Page 362: with two livings, 1,000<i>l.</i>[original has extraneous
+comma]-7,260<i>l.</i></p>
+
+<p>Page 366: [original has extraneous quotation mark]That certain
+property, of a large amount</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SECRET HISTORY OF THE COURT OF ENGLAND, FROM THE ACCESSION OF GEORGE THE THIRD TO THE DEATH OF GEORGE THE FOURTH, VOLUME I (OF 2)***</p>
+<p>******* This file should be named 37570-h.txt or 37570-h.zip *******</p>
+<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br />
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/3/7/5/7/37570">http://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/5/7/37570</a></p>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Secret History of the Court of England, from
+the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth,
+Volume I (of 2), by Lady Anne Hamilton
+
+
+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: Secret History of the Court of England, from the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth, Volume I (of 2)
+       Including, Among Other Important Matters, Full Particulars of the Mysterious Death of the Princess Charlotte
+
+
+Author: Lady Anne Hamilton
+
+
+
+Release Date: September 29, 2011  [eBook #37570]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SECRET HISTORY OF THE COURT OF
+ENGLAND, FROM THE ACCESSION OF GEORGE THE THIRD TO THE DEATH OF GEORGE THE
+FOURTH, VOLUME I (OF 2)***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Steven Gibbs, Lisa Reigel, and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original page images.
+      See 37570-h.htm or 37570-h.zip:
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/37570/37570-h/37570-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/37570/37570-h.zip)
+
+
+      Project Gutenberg also has Volume II of this work. See
+      http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37571
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      Due to an accusation of libel, some pages had to be rewritten
+      and reprinted before the book was bound. Pages 1-24 were not
+      printed and are missing from the original. See the
+      Preface for more information.
+
+      Text in italics in the original is surrounded by underscores
+      (_italics_).
+
+      Text in a Gothic font in the original are surrounded by equal
+      signs (=Gothic=).
+
+      Characters superscripted in the original are surrounded by
+      curly braces (example: SAM{L}).
+
+      A row of asterisks represents a thought break or an ellipsis
+      in a poetry quotation. Other asterisks indicate censored names.
+
+      The original uses two kinds of blockquotes--one type has words
+      in a smaller font, and the other uses extra white space before
+      and after the quotation. The transcriber has used wider margins
+      to represent the smaller font and two blank lines before and
+      after to represent extra white space.
+
+      Variations in spelling and hyphenation have been left as in the
+      original. A few typographical errors have been corrected. A
+      complete list follows the text.
+
+
+
+
+
+                            SECRET HISTORY
+
+                                OF THE
+
+                         =Court of England=,
+
+            FROM THE ACCESSION OF GEORGE THE THIRD TO THE
+                     DEATH OF GEORGE THE FOURTH;
+
+              INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS,
+
+               FULL PARTICULARS OF THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH
+
+                                OF THE
+
+                         PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.
+
+
+              BY THE RIGHT HONORABLE LADY ANNE HAMILTON,
+    _Sister of His Grace the present Duke of Hamilton and Brandon;
+                   and of the Countess of Dunmore_.
+
+
+     "OF MEANER VICE AND VILLAINS, SING NO MORE,
+      BUT MONSTERS CROWN'D, AND CRIME ENROBED WITH POWER!
+      AT VICE'S HIGH IMPERIAL THRONE BEGIN,
+      AND BOLDLY BRAND SUCH PRODIGIES OF SIN;
+      WITH PREGNANT PHRASE, AND STRONG IMPARTIAL VERSE,
+      THE CRIMES OF LORDS AND CRIMES OF KINGS REHEARSE!"
+
+
+                                VOL I.
+
+
+                               LONDON:
+                PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM HENRY STEVENSON,
+                    13, WELLINGTON STREET, STRAND.
+                                1832.
+
+
+
+
+"TO THE READER."
+
+
+The source from whence this Work proceeds will be a sufficient guarantee
+for the facts it contains. A high sense of duty and honor has prompted
+these details which have for many years been on the eve of publication.
+It will be worthy of the perusal of THE GREAT because it will serve as a
+mirror, and they who do not see themselves, or their actions reflected,
+will not take offence at the _unvarnished Picture_--it may afford
+real benefit to the Statesman and Politician, by the ample testimony
+it gives, that when _Justice is perverted_, the most lamentable
+consequences ensue; and to that class of Society whose station is more
+humble, it may unfold the designing characters by whom they have so
+frequently been deceived. _They only_ are competent to detail the scenes
+and intrigues of _a Court_, who have been most intimately acquainted
+with it, and it must at all times be acknowledged, that it is a climate
+not very conducive to the growth of Virtue, not very frequently the
+abode of Truth--yet although its atmosphere is so tainted, its giddy
+crowd is thought enviably happy. The fallacy of such opinions is here
+set forth to public view, by one who has spent much of her time in _the
+interior of a Court_, and whose immediate knowledge of the then passing
+events, give ability to narrate them faithfully. Many, very many, facts
+are here omited, which hereafter shall appear, and there is little
+doubt, but that some general good may result from an unprejudiced and
+calm perusal of the subjects subjoined.
+
+
+
+
+"PREFACE."
+
+
+How far the law of Libel (as it now stands) may affect is best to be
+ascertained by a reference to the declaration of Lord Abingdon, in 1779,
+and inserted, verbatim, at page 69--1st vol. of this "Secret History."
+The following Pages are intended as a benefit, not to do injury. If the
+facts could not have been maintained proper methods ought to have been
+adopted to have caused the most minute enquiry and investigation upon
+the subject. Many an Arrow has been shot, and innumerable suspicions
+entertained from what motive, and by whose hand the bow was drawn, yet
+here all mystery ceases, and an open avowal is made:--Would to Heaven
+for the honor of human nature that the subjoined documents were
+falsehoods and calumniations invented for the purpose of maligning
+character, or for personal resentments--but the unusual corroboration of
+_events_, _places_, times, and persons, will not admit the probability.
+In the affair of the ever lamented Death of the Princess Charlotte, the
+three important Letters commencing at page 369, vol. 1st, are of
+essential importance, and deserve the most grave and deliberate
+enquiry--for _the first time_ they _now_ appear in print. The subjects
+connected with the Royal Mother are also of deep interest. The conduct
+of the English Government towards Napoleon is introduced, to give a
+true and impartial view of the _reasons_ which dictated such arbitrary
+and unjust measures enforced against that _Great Man_, and which will
+ever remain a blot upon the British Nation. These unhandsome
+derelictions from honorable conduct could alone be expressed by those
+who were well informed upon _private subjects_. Respect for the
+illustrious Dead has materially encouraged the inclination to give
+publicity to scenes, which were as revolting in themselves as they were
+_cruel_ and _most heart-rending_ to the Victims: throughout the whole,
+it is quite apparent that certain Persons were obnoxious to the Ruling
+Authorities, and the sequel will prove, that _the extinction_ of such
+Persons was resolved upon, let the means and measures to obtain that
+object be what they might. During this period we find those who had long
+been opposed in Political sentiments, to all appearance perfectly
+reconciled, and adhering to that party from whom they might expect the
+greatest honors and advancement in the State. We need only refer as
+proofs for this, to the late "Spencer Percival," and "George
+Canning"--who to obtain preferment joined the confederations formed
+against an unprotected Princess, and yet who previously had been the
+most strenuous defenders of the same Lady's cause.--Well may it be
+observed that Vanity is too powerful,
+
+     "The Seals of Office glitter in their eyes,
+      They leave the truth, and by their falsehoods rise."
+
+These remarks are not intended as any disparagement to the private
+characters or virtues of those statesmen whose talent was great and well
+cultivated, but to establish the position which it is the object of this
+work to show that Justice has not been fairly and impartially
+administered when the requirement was in opposition to the Royal wish or
+the administration.
+
+Within these volumes will also be found urgent remonstrances against the
+indignities offered to the people of Ireland, whose forebearance has
+been great, and whose sorrows are without a parallel, and who merit the
+same regard as England and Scotland.--Much is omited relative to the
+private conduct of persons who occupy _high stations_, but should it be
+needful, it shall be published, and all the correspondence connected
+therewith. It is true much honor will not be derived from such
+explanations, but they are forthcoming if requisite.
+
+The generality of readers will not criticise severely upon _the diction_
+of these prefatory remarks; they will rather have their attention turned
+to the truths submitted to them, and the end in view,--_that end_ is for
+the advancement of the best interests of Society--to unite more closely
+each member in the bonds of friendship and amity, and to expose the
+_hidden causes_ which for so long a period have been barriers to
+concord, unity, and happiness
+
+     "MAY GOD DEFEND THE RIGHT."
+
+
+
+
+SECRET HISTORY,
+
+_&c. &c._
+
+
+The secret history of the Court of England, during the last two reigns,
+will afford the reflecting mind abundant matter for regret and
+abhorrence. It has, however, been so much the fashion for historians to
+speak of kings and their ministers in all the fulsome terms of flattery,
+that the inquirer frequently finds it a matter of great difficulty to
+arrive at truth. But, fearless of consequences, we will speak of facts
+as they _really occurred_, and only hope our readers will accompany us
+in the recital with feelings, unwarped by party prejudice, and with a
+determination to judge the actions of kings, lords, and commons, not as
+beings of a _superior order_, but as _men_. Minds thus constituted will
+have little difficulty in tracing the origin of our present evils, or of
+perceiving
+
+     "How many that _command_ should be COMMANDED!"
+
+
+We commence with the year
+
+     1761,
+
+about which period George the Third was pressed by his ministers to make
+choice of some royal lady, and demand her in marriage. They urged this
+under the pretext, that such a connexion was indispensably necessary to
+give stability to the monarchy, to assist the progressive improvements
+in morality and religion, and to benefit all artificers, by making a
+display at court of their ingenious productions. His majesty heard the
+proposal with an aching heart; and, to many of his ministers, he seemed
+as if labouring under bodily indisposition. Those persons, however, who
+were in the immediate confidence of the king, felt no surprise at the
+distressing change so apparent in the countenance of his majesty, the
+cause of which may be traced in the following particulars:
+
+The unhappy sovereign, while Prince of Wales, was in the daily habit of
+passing through St. James' street, and its immediate vicinity. In one of
+his favourite rides through that part of town, he saw a very engaging
+young lady, who appeared, by her dress, to be a member of the Society of
+Friends. The prince was much struck by the delicacy and lovely
+appearance of this female, and, for several succeeding days, was
+observed to walk out alone. At length, the passion of his royal highness
+arrived at such a point, that he felt his happiness depended upon
+receiving the lady in marriage.
+
+Every individual in his immediate circle, or in the list of the privy
+council, was very narrowly questioned by the prince, though in an
+indirect manner, to ascertain who was most to be trusted, that he might
+secure, _honorably_, the possession of the object of his ardent wishes.
+His royal highness, at last, confided his views to his next brother,
+Edward, Duke of York, and another person, who were the only witnesses to
+the _legal_ marriage of the Prince of Wales to the before-mentioned
+lady, HANNAH LIGHTFOOT, which took place at Curzon-street Chapel, May
+Fair, in the year 1759.
+
+This marriage was productive of _issue_, the particulars of which,
+however, we pass over for the present, and only look to the results of
+the union.
+
+Shortly after the prince came to the throne, by the title of George the
+Third, ministers became suspicious of his marriage with the quakeress.
+At length, they were informed of the important fact, and immediately
+determined to annul it. After innumerable schemes how they might best
+attain this end, and thereby frustrate the king's wishes, they devised
+the "Royal Marriage Act," by which every prince or princess of the blood
+might not marry or intermarry with any person of less degree. _This act,
+however, was not passed till thirteen years after George the Third's
+union with Miss Lightfoot_, and therefore it could not render such
+marriage _illegal_.
+
+From the moment the ministry became aware of his majesty's alliance to
+the lady just named, they took possession of their watch-tower, and
+determined that the new sovereign should henceforth do even as their
+will dictated; while the unsuspecting mind of George the Third was
+easily beguiled into their specious devices. In the absence of the
+king's beloved brother, Edward, Duke of York, (who was then abroad for
+a short period) his majesty was assured by his ministers that no
+cognizance would be taken at any time of his late unfortunate amour and
+marriage; and persuaded him, that the only stability he could give to
+his throne was demanding the hand of the Princess Charlotte of
+Mecklenburgh Strelitz. Every needful letter and paper for the
+negotiation was speedily prepared for the king's signature, which, in
+due course, each received; and thus was the foundation laid for this
+ill-fated prince's _future malady_!
+
+Who can reflect upon the blighted first love of this monarch, without
+experiencing feelings of pity for his early sorrows! With his domestic
+habits, had he only been allowed to live with the _wife of his choice_,
+his reign might have passed in harmony and peace, and the English people
+now been affluent, happy, and contented. Instead of which, his unfeeling
+ministers compelled him to marry one of the most selfish, vindictive,
+and tyrannical women that ever disgraced human nature! At the first
+sight of the German princess, the king actually shrunk from her gaze;
+for her countenance was of that cast that too plainly told of the nature
+of the spirit working within.
+
+On the 18th of September, the king was _obliged_ to subscribe to the
+formal ceremony of a marriage with the before-named lady, at the palace
+of St. James. His majesty's brother Edward, who was one of the witnesses
+to the king's first marriage with Miss Lightfoot, was now also present,
+and used every endeavour to support his royal brother through the
+"trying ordeal," not only by first meeting the princess on her entrance
+into the garden, but also at the altar.
+
+In the mean time, the Earl of Abercorn informed the princess of the
+_previous_ marriage of the king, and of the then existence of his
+majesty's wife; and Lord Harcourt advised the princess to well inform
+herself of the policy of the kingdoms, as a measure for preventing much
+future disturbance in the country, as well as securing an uninterrupted
+possession of the throne to her issue. Presuming, therefore, that this
+German princess had hitherto been an open and ingenuous character,
+(which are certainly traits very rarely to be found in the mind of a
+German of her grade) such expositions, intimations, and dark mysteries,
+were ill calculated to nourish honorable feelings, but would rather
+operate as a check to their further existence.
+
+To the public eye, the newly-married pair were contented with each
+other;--alas! it was because each feared an exposure to the nation. The
+king reproached himself that he had not fearlessly avowed the only wife
+of his affections; the queen, because she feared an explanation that the
+king was guilty of _bigamy_, and thereby her claim, as also that of her
+progeny, (if she should have any) would be known to be illegitimate. It
+appears as if the result of these reflections formed a basis for the
+misery of millions, and added to that number millions then unborn. The
+secret marriage of the king proved a pivot, on which the destiny of
+kingdoms was to turn.
+
+At this period of increased anxiety to his majesty, Miss Lightfoot was
+disposed of during a temporary absence of his brother Edward, and from
+that time no _satisfactory_ tidings ever reached those most interested
+in her welfare. The only information that could be obtained was, that a
+young gentleman, named AXFORD, was offered a large amount, to be paid on
+the consummation of his marriage with Miss Lightfoot, which offer he
+willingly accepted.
+
+The king was greatly distressed to ascertain the fate of his
+much-beloved and legally-married wife, the quakeress, and entrusted Lord
+Chatham to go in disguise, and endeavour to trace her abode; but the
+search proving fruitless, the king was again almost distracted.
+
+Every one in the queen's confidence was expected to make any personal
+sacrifice of feeling whenever her majesty might require it; and,
+consequently, new emoluments, honors, and posts of dignity, were
+continually needful for the preservation of such unnatural friendships.
+From this period, new creations of peers were enrolled; and, as it
+became expedient to increase the number of the "privy cabal," the nation
+was freely called upon, by extra taxation and oppressive burdens of
+various kinds, to supply the necessary means to support this vile system
+of bribery and misrule!
+
+We have dwelt upon this important period, because we wish our countrymen
+to see the _origin of our overgrown national debt_,--the real cause of
+England's present wretchedness.
+
+The coronation of their majesties passed over, a few days after their
+marriage, without any remarkable feature, save that of an additional
+expense to the nation. The queen generally _appeared_ at ease, though
+she seized upon every possible occasion to slight all persons from whom
+she feared any state explanation, which might prove inimical to her
+wishes. The wily queen thought this would effectually prevent their
+frequent appearance at court, as well as cause their banishment from the
+council-chamber.
+
+A bill was passed this year to fix the civil list at the annual sum of
+EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS, payable out of the consolidated fund, in
+lieu of the hereditary revenue, settled on the late king.
+
+Another act passed, introduced to parliament by a speech from the
+throne, for the declared purpose of giving additional security to the
+independence of the judges. Although there was a law then in force,
+passed in the reign of William the Third, for continuing the commissions
+of judges during their good behaviour, they were legally determined on
+the death of the reigning sovereign. By this act, however, their
+continuance in office was made _independent_ of the royal demise.
+
+Twelve millions of money were raised by loans this year, and the
+interest thereon agreed to be paid by an additional duty of three
+shillings per barrel on all strong beer or ale,--the sinking fund being
+a collateral security. The imposition of this tax was received by the
+people as it deserved to be; for every labourer and mechanic severally
+felt himself insulted by so oppressive an act.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1762
+
+was ushered in by the hoarse clarion of war. England declared against
+Spain, while France and Spain became opposed to Portugal, on account of
+her alliance with Great Britain. These hostilities, however, were not of
+long duration; for preliminaries of peace were signed, before the
+conclusion of the year, by the English and French plenipotentiaries at
+Fontainbleau.
+
+By this treaty, the original cause of the war was removed by the cession
+of Canada to England. This advantage, if _advantage_ it may be called,
+cost this country _eighteen millions of money_, besides the loss of
+_three hundred thousand men_! Every friend of humanity must shudder at
+so wanton a sacrifice of life, and so prodigious an expenditure of the
+public money! But this was only the commencement of the reign of
+imbecility and Germanism.
+
+On the 12th of August, her majesty was safely delivered of a prince.
+Court etiquette requires _numerous witnesses_ of the birth of an
+heir-apparent to the British throne. On this occasion, however, her
+majesty's _extraordinary delicacy_ dispensed with a strict adherence to
+the forms of state; for only the Archbishop of Canterbury was allowed to
+be in the room. But there were _more powerful_ reasons than _delicacy_
+for this unusual privacy, which will hereafter appear.
+
+On the 18th of September following, the ceremony of christening the
+royal infant was performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the great
+council-chamber of his majesty's palace, and the young prince was named
+George, Augustus, Frederick.
+
+In this year, the city of Havannah surrendered to the English, whose
+troops were commanded by Lord Albermarle and Admiral Pococke. Nine sail
+of the line and four frigates were taken in the harbour; three of the
+line had been previously sunk by the enemy, and two were destroyed on
+the stocks. The plunder in money and merchandize was supposed to have
+amounted to _three millions sterling_, while the sum raised by the
+land-tax, at four shillings in the pound, from 1756 to 1760 inclusive,
+also produced _ten millions of money_! But to what purpose this amount
+was devoted remained a profound secret to those from whom it was
+extorted.
+
+In the November of this year, the famous Peter Annet was sentenced by
+the Court of King's Bench to be imprisoned one month, to stand twice in
+the pillory within that time, and afterwards to be kept to hard labour
+in Bridewell for a year. The reader may feel surprised when informed
+that all the enormity this man had been guilty of consisted in nothing
+more than writing the _truth_ of the government, which was published in
+his "Free Inquirer." The unmerited punishment, however, had only this
+effect: it made him glory in suffering for the cause of liberty and
+truth.
+
+
+1763
+
+was a continuation of the misrule which characterized the preceding
+year.
+
+In May, Lord Bute resigned the office of First Lord of the Treasury, and
+the conduct of the earl became a question of much astonishment and
+criticism. He was the foundation-stone of _Toryism_, in its most
+arbitrary form; and there cannot be a doubt that his lordship's
+influence over the state machinery was the key-stone of all the
+mischiefs and miseries of the nation. It was Lord Bute's opinion, that
+all things should be made subservient to the _queen_, and he framed his
+measures accordingly.
+
+The earl was succeeded by Mr. George Grenville. Little alteration for
+the better, however, was manifested in the administration, although the
+characters and principles of the new ministers were supposed to be of a
+liberal description; but this may possibly be accounted for by the Earls
+of Halifax and Egremont continuing to be the secretaries of state.
+
+In this memorable year, the celebrated John Wilkes, editor of "The North
+Briton," was committed to the Tower, for an excellent, though biting,
+criticism on his majesty's speech to the two houses of parliament. The
+queen vigorously promoted this unconstitutional and tyrannical act of
+the new government, which was severely censured by many members of the
+House of Commons. Among the rest, Mr. Pitt considered the act as an
+infringement upon the rights of the people; and, although he condemned
+the libel, he said he would come at the author fairly,--not by an open
+breach of the constitution, and a contempt of all restraint. Wilkes,
+however, came off triumphantly, and his victory was hailed with delight
+by his gratified countrymen.
+
+In the midst of this public agitation, the queen, on the 16th of August,
+burdened the nation with her second son, Frederick, afterwards created
+Duke of York, _Bishop of Osnaburgh_, and many other _et ceteras_, which
+produced a good round sum, and, we should think, more than sufficient to
+support this Right Reverend Father in God, at the age of--_eleven
+months_!
+
+Colonel Greme, who had been chiefly instrumental in bringing about the
+marriage of the Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburgh with the King of
+England, was this year appointed Master of St. Catherine, near the
+Tower, an excellent _sinecure_ in the _peculiar gift of the queen_!
+
+The most important public event on the continent was, the death of
+Augustus, third King of Poland, and Elector of Saxony, who had lately
+returned to his electoral dominions, from which he had been banished for
+six years, in consequence of the war. Immediately after his demise, his
+eldest son and successor to the electorate declared himself a candidate
+for the crown of Poland, in which ambition he was supposed to be
+countenanced by the Court of Vienna; but he fell a victim to the
+small-pox, a few weeks after his father's death.
+
+
+During the year
+
+     1764,
+
+much public anxiety and disquietude was manifested. Mr. Wilkes again
+appeared before a public tribunal for publishing opinions not in
+accordance with the reigning powers. The House of Commons sat so early
+as seven o'clock in the morning to consider his case, and the speaker
+actually remained in the chair for _twenty hours_, so important was the
+matter considered.
+
+About the end of this year, the king became much indisposed, and
+exhibited the first signs of that mental aberration, which, in after
+years, so heavily afflicted him. The nation, in general, supposed this
+to have arisen from his majesty's anxiety upon the fearful aspect of
+affairs, which was then of the most gloomy nature, both at home and
+abroad. Little, indeed, did the multitudes imagine the _real_ cause;
+little did the private gentleman, the industrious tradesman, the worthy
+mechanic, or the labourer, think that their sovereign was living in
+splendid misery, bereft of the dearest object of his solicitude, and
+compelled to associate with the woman he all but detested!
+
+Nature had not formed George the Third for a king; she had not been
+profuse to him either in elegance of manners, or capacity of mind; but
+he seemed more fitted to shine in a domestic circle, where his
+affections were centred, and in that sphere only. But, with all
+hereditary monarchies, _an incompetent person has the same claim as a
+man adorned with every requisite and desirable ability_!
+
+In this year, Lord Albermarle received TWENTY THOUSAND POUNDS as _his_
+share in the Havannah prize-money; while _one pound, two shillings, and
+six-pence_ was thought sufficient for a corporal, and _thirteen
+shillings and five-pence_ for a private! How far this disbursement was
+consistent with _equity_, we leave every honest member of society to
+determine.
+
+In December, a most excellent edict was registered in the parliament of
+Paris, by which the King of France abolished the society of Jesuits _for
+ever_.
+
+
+Early in the year
+
+     1765,
+
+the queen was pressingly anxious that her marriage with the king should
+again be solemnized; and, as the queen was then pregnant, his majesty
+readily acquiesced in her wishes. Dr. Wilmot, by his majesty's
+appointment, performed the ceremony at their palace at Kew. The king's
+brother, Edward, was present upon this occasion also, as he had been on
+the two former ones.
+
+Under the peculiar distractions of this year, it was supposed, the mind
+of the sovereign was again disturbed. To prevent a recurrence of such
+interruptions to the royal authority, a law was passed, empowering his
+majesty to appoint the _queen_, or _other member of the royal family_,
+assisted by a council, to act as regent of the kingdom. Although his
+majesty's blank of intellect was but of short duration, it proved of
+essential injury to the people generally. The tyrannical queen,
+presuming on the authority of this bill, exercised the most unlimited
+sway over national affairs. She supplied her own requirements and
+opinions, in unison with her trusty-bought clan, who made it apparent
+that these suggestions were offered by the king, and were his settled
+opinions, upon the most deliberate investigation of all matters and
+things connected therewith!
+
+During the king's indisposition, he was most passionate in his requests,
+that the _wife of his choice_ should be brought to him. The queen,
+judging her influence might be of much consequence to quell the
+perturbation of her husband's mind, was, agreeably to her own request,
+admitted to the solitary apartment of the king. It is true he recognised
+her, but it was followed by extreme expressions of disappointment and
+disgust! The queen was well acquainted with all subjects connected with
+his majesty's unfortunate passion and marriage; therefore, she thought
+it prudent to stifle expressions of anger or sorrow, and, as soon as
+decency permitted, left the place, resolving thenceforth to manage the
+helm herself.
+
+On the 31st of October, his majesty's uncle, the Duke of Cumberland,
+died suddenly at his house in Upper Grosvenor-street, in the forty-fifth
+year of his age; and on the 28th of December, his majesty's youngest
+brother, Prince Frederick William, also expired, in the sixteenth year
+of his age.
+
+
+On December 1st,
+
+     1766,
+
+his majesty's sister, Matilda, was married to the King of Denmark, and
+the Duke of York was proxy on the occasion. Soon afterwards, his royal
+highness took leave of his brother, and set out on a projected tour
+through Germany, and other parts of the continent. The queen was most
+happy to say "Adieu," and, for the first time, felt something like ease
+on his account.
+
+The supplies granted for the service of this year, although the people
+were in the most distressed state, amounted to _eight millions, two
+hundred and seventy-three thousand, two hundred and eighty pounds_!
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1767,
+
+the noble-minded and generous Duke of York was married to a descendant
+of the Stuarts, an amiable and conciliating lady, not only willing, but
+anxious, to live without the splendour of royal parade, and desirous
+also of evading the flatteries and falsehoods of a court.
+
+In August, the duke lived very retired in a chateau near Monaco, in
+Italy, blessed and happy in the society of his wife. She was then
+advancing in pregnancy, and his solicitude for her was sufficient to
+have deeply interested a heart less susceptible than her own. Their
+marriage was kept from public declaration, but we shall refer to the
+proofs hereafter. In the ensuing month, it was announced that (17th
+September) the duke "died of a malignant fever," in the twenty-ninth
+year of his age, and the news was immediately communicated to the King
+of England. The body was said to be embalmed, (?) and then put on board
+his majesty's ship Montreal, to be brought to England. His royal
+highness was interred on the evening of November 3rd, in the royal vault
+of King Henry the Seventh's Chapel.
+
+The fate of the duke's unfortunate and inconsolable widow, and that of
+the infant, to whom she soon after gave birth, must be reserved for its
+appropriate place in this history.
+
+The high price of provisions this year occasioned much distress and
+discontent, and excited tumults in various parts of the kingdom.
+Notwithstanding this, ministers attempted to retain every tax that had
+been imposed during the late war, and appeared perfectly callous to the
+sufferings of the productive classes. Even the land-tax, of four
+shillings in the pound, was attempted to be continued, though contrary
+to all former custom; but the country gentlemen became impatient of this
+innovation, and contrived to get a bill introduced into the House of
+Commons, to reduce it to three shillings in the pound. This was carried
+by a great majority, in spite of all the efforts of the ministry to the
+contrary! The defeat of the ministers caused a great sensation at the
+time, as it was the first money-bill in which any ministry had been
+disappointed since the revolution of 1688! But what can any ministers do
+against the wishes of a determined people? If the horse knew his own
+strength, would he submit to the dictation of his rider?
+
+On account of the above bill being thrown out, ministers had
+considerable difficulty in raising the necessary supplies for the year,
+which were estimated at _eight millions and a half_, including, we
+suppose, secret-service money, which was now in great demand.
+
+
+The king experienced a fluctuating state of health, sometimes improving,
+again retrograding, up to the year
+
+     1768.
+
+In his speech, in the November of this year, his majesty announced, that
+much disturbance had been exhibited in some of the colonies, and a
+disposition manifested to throw aside their dependence upon Great
+Britain. Owing to this circumstance, a new office was created, under the
+name of "Secretary of State for the Colonies," and to which the Earl of
+Hillsborough was appointed.
+
+The Earl of Chatham having resigned, parliament was dissolved. Party
+spirit running high, the electioneering contests were unusually violent,
+and serious disorders occurred. Mr. Wilkes was returned for Middlesex;
+but, being committed to the King's Bench for libels on the government,
+the mob rescued Wilkes from the soldiers, who were conducting him
+thither. The military were ordered to fire on the people, and one man,
+who was singled out and pursued by the soldiers, was shot dead. A
+coroner's inquest brought this in _wilful murder_, though the higher
+authorities not only acquitted the magistrates and soldiers, but
+actually returned _public thanks_ to them!
+
+At this period, the heart sickens at the relations given of the
+punishments inflicted on many private soldiers in the guards. They were
+each allowed only four-pence per day. If they deserted and were
+re-taken, the poor delinquents suffered the dreadful infliction of five
+hundred lashes. The victims thus flagellated very seldom escaped with
+life! In the navy, also, the slightest offence or neglect was punished
+with inexpressible tortures. This infamous treatment of brave men can
+only be accounted for by the fact, that officers in the army and navy
+either bought their situations, or received them as a _compensation_ for
+some SECRET SERVICE performed for, or by the request of, the queen and
+her servile ministry. Had officers been promoted from the ranks, for
+performing _real_ services to their country, they would have then
+possessed more commiseration for their brothers in arms.
+
+We must here do justice to the character of George the Third from all
+intentional tyranny. Many a time has this monarch advocated the cause of
+the productive classes, and as frequently have his ministers, urged on
+by the _queen_, defeated his most sanguine wishes, until he found
+himself a mere cipher in the affairs of state. The king's simplicity of
+style and unaffected respect for the people would have induced him to
+despise the gorgeous pageantry of state; he had been happy, indeed, to
+have been "the real father of his subjects." His majesty well knew that
+the public good ought to be the sole aim of all governments, and that
+for this purpose a prince is invested with the regal crown. A king is
+not to employ his authority, patronage, and riches, merely to gratify
+his own lusts and ambition; but, if need require it, he ought even to
+sacrifice his own ease and pleasure for the benefit of his country. We
+give George the Third credit for holding these sentiments, which,
+however, only increased his regrets, as he really had _no power to
+act_,--that power being in the possession of his queen, and other crafty
+and designing persons, to whose opinions and determinations he had
+become a perfect slave! It is to be regretted that he had not sufficient
+nerve to eject such characters from his councils; for assuredly the
+nation would have been, to a man, willing to protect him from their
+vile machinations; but once subdued, he was subdued for ever.
+
+From the birth, a prince is the subject of flattery, and is even
+caressed for his vicious propensities; nay, his minions never appear
+before him without a mask, while every artifice that cunning can suggest
+is practised to deceive him. He is not allowed to mix in general
+society, and therefore is ignorant of the wants and wishes of the people
+over whom he is destined to reign. When he becomes a king, his
+counsellors obtain his signature whenever they desire it; and, as his
+extravagance increases, so must sums of money, in some way or other, be
+extorted from his suffering and oppressed subjects. Should his ministers
+prove ambitious, war is the natural result, and the money of the poor is
+again in request to furnish means for their own destruction! Whereas,
+had the prince been associated with the intelligent and respectable
+classes of society, he might have warded off the evil, and, instead of
+desolating war, peace might have shed her gentle influence over the
+land. Another barbarous custom is, the injunction imposed upon royal
+succession, that they shall not marry only with their equals in birth.
+But is not this a violation of the most vital interests and solemn
+engagements to which humanity have subscribed? What unhappiness has not
+such an unnatural doctrine produced? Quality of blood ought only to be
+recognized by corresponding nobility of sentiments, principles, and
+actions. He that is debarred from possessing the object of his virtuous
+regard is to be pitied, whether he be a king or a peasant; and we can
+hardly wonder at his sinking into the abyss of carelessness, imbecility,
+and even madness.
+
+
+In February,
+
+     1769,
+
+the first of those deficiencies in the civil list, which had occurred
+from time to time, was made known to parliament, by a message in the
+_name_ of the unhappy king, but who only did as he was ordered by his
+ministerial cabal. This debt amounted to five hundred thousand pounds,
+and his majesty was tutored to say, that he relied on the _zeal_ and
+_affection_ of his faithful Commons to enable him to discharge it! The
+principal part of this money was expended upon wretches, of the most
+abandoned description, for services performed _against_ the welfare of
+England.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1770
+
+proved one of much political interest. The queen was under the necessity
+of retiring a little from the apparent part she had taken in the affairs
+of state; nevertheless, she was equally active; but, from policy, did
+not appear so. Another plan to deceive the people being deemed
+necessary, invitations for splendid parties were given, in order to
+assume an appearance of confidence and quietness, which her majesty
+could not, and did not, possess.
+
+In this year, Lord Chatham publicly avowed his sentiments in these
+words: "Infuse a portion of health into the constitution, to enable it
+to bear its infirmities." Previous to making this remark, his lordship,
+of course, was well acquainted with the causes of the then present
+distresses of the country, as well as the sources from whence those
+causes originated. But one generous patriot is not sufficient to put a
+host of antagonists to flight. The earl's measures were too mild to be
+heeded by the minions of the queen then in power; his intention being
+"to persuade and soften, not to irritate and offend." We may infer that,
+had he been merely a "party man," he would naturally concur in any
+enterprise likely to create a bustle without risk to himself; but, upon
+examination, he appears to have loved the cause of independence, and was
+willing to support it by every personal sacrifice.
+
+About this time, the Duke of Grafton resigned his office of First Lord
+of the Treasury, in which he was succeeded by that disgrace to his
+country, Lord North, who then commenced his long and disastrous
+administration. Dr. Wilmot was a friendly preceptor to this nobleman,
+while at the university; but it was frequently a matter of regret to the
+worthy doctor, that his lordship had not imbibed those patriotic
+principles which he had so strongly endeavoured to inculcate; and he has
+been known to observe, that Lord North's administration called for the
+most painful animadversions, inasmuch as he advocated the enaction of
+laws of the most arbitrary character.
+
+Mr. Wilkes, previous to the meeting of the Commons in January, was not
+only acquitted, but had damages, to a large amount, awarded him; and the
+king expressed a desire, that such damages should be paid out of his
+privy purse. The Earl of Halifax, who signed the warrant for his
+committal to the Tower in 1763, was finally so disappointed that he
+offered his resignation, though he afterwards accepted the privy seal.
+
+It was during this year, that the celebrated "Letters of Junius" first
+appeared. These compositions were distinguished as well by the force and
+elegance of their style as by the violence of their attacks on
+individuals. The first of these letters was printed in the "Public
+Advertiser," of December the 19th, and addressed to the king,
+animadverting on all the errors of his reign, and speaking of his
+ministers in terms of equal contempt and abhorrence. An attempt was made
+to suppress this letter by the strong arm of the law; but the effort
+proved abortive, as the jury _acquitted_ the printer, who was the person
+prosecuted. Junius (though under a feigned name) was the most competent
+person to speak fully upon political subjects. He had long been the
+bosom friend of the king, and spent all his leisure time at court. No
+one, therefore, could better judge of the state of public affairs than
+himself, and his sense of duty to the nation animated him to plead for
+the long-estranged rights of the people; indeed, upon many occasions,
+he displayed such an heroic firmness, such an invincible love of truth,
+and such an unconquerable sense of honor, that he permitted his talents
+to be exercised freely in the cause of public justice, and subscribed
+his _addenda_ under an envelope, rather than injure his prince, or leave
+the interests of his countrymen to the risk of fortuitous circumstances.
+We know of whom we speak, and therefore feel authorized to assert, that
+in his character were concentrated the steady friend of the prince as
+well as of the people.
+
+Numerous disquisitions have been written to prove the identity of
+Junius; but, in spite of many arguments to the contrary, we recognize
+him in the person of the Rev. JAMES WILMOT, D.D., Rector of
+Barton-on-the-Heath, and Aulcester, Warwickshire, and one of his
+majesty's justices of the peace for that county.
+
+Dr. Wilmot was born in 1720, and, during his stay at the university,
+became intimately acquainted with Dr. Johnson, Lord Archer, and Lord
+Plymouth, as well as Lord North, who was then entered at Trinity
+College. From these gentlemen, the doctor imbibed his political
+opinions, and was introduced to the first society in the kingdom. At the
+age of thirty, Dr. Wilmot was confidently entrusted with the most
+_secret affairs of state_, and was also the bosom friend of the Prince
+of Wales, afterwards George the Third, who at that time was under the
+entire tutorage of Lord Bute. To this nobleman, Dr. Wilmot had an
+inveterate hatred, for he despised the selfish principles of Toryism. As
+soon as the Princess of Mecklenburgh (the late Queen Charlotte) arrived
+in this country in 1761, Dr. Wilmot was introduced, as the _especial
+friend_ of the king, and this will at once account for his being chosen
+to perform the second marriage-ceremony of their majesties at Kew
+palace, as before related.
+
+A circumstance of rather a singular nature occurred to Dr. Wilmot, in
+the year 1765, inasmuch as it was the _immediate_ cause of the bold and
+decisive line of conduct which he afterwards adopted. It was simply
+this: the doctor received an anonymous letter, requesting an interview
+with the writer in Kensington Gardens. The letter was written in Latin,
+and sealed, the impression of which was a Medusa's head. The doctor at
+first paid no attention to it; but during the week he received four
+similar requests, written by the same hand; and, upon the receipt of the
+last, Dr. Wilmot provided himself with a brace of pocket pistols, and
+proceeded to the gardens at the hour appointed. The doctor felt much
+surprised when he was accosted by--_Lord Bute!_ who immediately
+suggested that Dr. Wilmot should assist the administration, as _her
+majesty_ had entire confidence in him! The doctor briefly declined, and
+very soon afterwards commenced his political career. Thus the German
+princess always endeavoured to inveigle the friends of the people.
+
+Lord Chatham had been introduced to Dr. Wilmot by the Duke of
+Cumberland; and it was from these associations with the court and the
+members of the several administrations, that the doctor became so
+competent to write his unparalleled "Letters of Junius."
+
+We here subjoin an incontrovertible _proof_ of Dr. Wilmot's being the
+author of the work alluded to:
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This is a fac-simile of the doctor's hand-writing, and must for ever set
+at rest the long-disputed question of "Who is the author of Junius?"
+
+The people were really in need of the advocacy of a writer like Junius,
+for their burdens at this time were of the most grievous magnitude.
+Although the country was not in danger from foreign enemies, in order to
+give posts of command, honor, and emolument, to the employed sycophants
+at court, our navy was increased, nominal situations were provided;
+while all the means to pay for such services were again ordered to be
+drawn _from the people_!
+
+
+1771
+
+was productive of little else than harassing distresses to the poor
+labourer and mechanic. At this period, it was not unusual to tear the
+husband from the wife, and the parent from the child, and immure them
+within the damp and noisome walls of a prison, to prevent any
+interposition on the part of the suffering multitudes. Yes, countrymen,
+such tyranny was practised to ensure the _secrecy of truth_, and to
+destroy the wishes of a monarch, who was rendered incompetent to act for
+himself.
+
+Various struggles were made this year to curb the power of the judges,
+particularly in cases relating to the _liberty of the press_, and also
+to destroy the power vested in the Attorney-General of prosecuting
+_ex-officio_, without the intervention of a grand jury, or the forms
+observed by courts of law in other cases. But the boroughmongers and
+minions of the queen were too powerful for the liberal party in the
+House of Commons, and the chains of slavery were, consequently, rivetted
+afresh.
+
+A question of great importance also occurred this year respecting the
+privileges of the House of Commons. It had become the practice of
+newspaper writers to take the liberty, not before ventured upon, of
+printing the speeches of the members, under their respective names; some
+of which in the whole, and others in essential parts, were spurious
+productions, and, in any case, contrary to the standing orders of the
+House. A complaint on this ground having been made by a member against
+two of the printers, an order was issued for their attendance, with
+which they refused to comply; a second order was given with no better
+success. At length, one of the printers being taken into custody under
+the authority of the speaker's warrant, he was carried before the
+celebrated Alderman John Wilkes, who, regarding the caption as illegal,
+not only discharged the man, but bound him over to prosecute his captor,
+for assault and false imprisonment. Two more printers, being apprehended
+and carried before Alderman Wilkes and the Lord Mayor, Crosby, were, in
+like manner, discharged. The indignation of the House was then directed
+against the city magistrates, and various measures adopted towards them.
+The contest finally terminated in favor of the printers, who have ever
+since continued to publish the proceedings of parliament, and the
+speeches of the members, without obstacle.
+
+In this year, the marriage of the Duke of Cumberland with Mrs. Horton
+took place. The king appeared electrified when the matter was
+communicated to him, and declared that he never would forgive his royal
+brother's conduct, who, being informed of his majesty's sentiments, thus
+wrote to him: "Sire, my welfare will ensure your own; you cannot
+condemn an affair there is a _precedent for, even in your own
+person_!"--alluding to his majesty's marriage with Hannah Lightfoot. His
+majesty was _compelled_ to acknowledge this marriage, from the Duke of
+Cumberland having made a confidant of Colonel Luttrell, brother of Mrs.
+Horton, with regard to several important state secrets which had
+occurred in the years 1759, 1760, 1761, 1762, and 1763.
+
+This Duke of Cumberland also imbibed the _family complaint of_ BIGAMY;
+for he had been married, about twelve months previous, to a daughter of
+Dr. Wilmot, who, of course, remonstrated against such unjust treatment.
+The king solemnly assured Dr. Wilmot that he might rely upon his
+humanity and honor. The doctor paused, and had the courage to say, in
+reply, "I have once before relied upon the promises of your majesty!
+But"--"Hush! hush!" said the king, interrupting him, "I know what you
+are going to say; but do not disturb me with wills and retrospection of
+past _irreparable injury_."
+
+The death of the Earl of Halifax, soon after the close of the session in
+this year, caused a vacancy; and the Duke of Grafton returned to office,
+as keeper of the privy seal. His grace was a particular favourite with
+the queen, but much disliked by the intelligent and reflecting part of
+the community.
+
+The political atmosphere bore a gloomy aspect at the commencement of
+
+
+1772,
+
+and petitions from the people were sent to the king and the two houses
+of parliament, for the repeal of what they believed to be unjust and
+pernicious laws upon the subject of religious liberty. Several clergymen
+of the established church prayed to be liberated from their obligation
+to subscribe to the "Thirty-nine Articles." But it was urged, in
+opposition to the petitions, that government had an undoubted right to
+establish and maintain such a system of instruction as the ministers
+thereof deemed most suitable for the public benefit. But expedience and
+right are as far asunder, in truth, as is the distance from pole to
+pole. The policy of the state required some _new source_ from whence to
+draw means for the _secret_ measures needful for prolonging the
+existence of its privacy; and it was therefore deemed expedient to keep
+politics and religion as close together as possible, by enforcing the
+strictest obedience of all demands made upon the clergy, in such forms
+and at such times as should best accord with the political system of the
+queen. In consequence of which, the petitions were rejected by a
+majority of 217 boroughmongers against 71 real representatives of the
+people!
+
+An act, passed this session, for "Making more effectual provisions to
+guard the descendants of the late king, George the Second, from marrying
+without the approbation of his majesty, his heirs, and successors, first
+had and obtained," was strenuously opposed by the liberal party in every
+stage of its progress through both houses. It was generally _supposed_
+to have had its origin in the marriage contracted but a few months
+before by the Duke of Cumberland with Mrs. Horton, relict of Colonel
+Horton, and daughter of Lord Irnham; and also in a private, though
+long-suspected, marriage of the Duke of Gloucester to the
+Countess-dowager of Waldegrave, which the duke at this time openly
+avowed. But were there not _other_ reasons which operated on the mind
+of the _queen_ (for the poor king was only a passive instrument in her
+power) to force this bill into a law? Had she not an eye to her
+husband's former alliance with the quakeress, and the Duke of York's
+marriage in Italy? The latter was even more dangerous to her peace than
+the former; for the duke had married a descendant of the STUARTS!
+
+Lord Chatham made many representations to the king and queen of the
+improper and injudicious state of the penal laws. He cited an instance
+of unanswerable disproportion; namely, that, on the 14th of July, two
+persons were publicly whipped round Covent Garden market, in accordance
+with the sentence passed upon them; but mark the difference of the
+crimes for which they were so punished: one was for stealing a bunch of
+radishes; the other, for debauching his own niece! In vain, however, did
+this friend of humanity represent the unwise, unjust, and inconsistent
+tenour of such laws. The king was anxious to alter them immediately; but
+the queen was decided in her opinion, that they ought to be left
+entirely to the pleasure and opinion of the _judges_, well knowing
+_they_ would not disobey her will upon any point of law, or equity, _so
+called_. Thus did the nation languish under the tyrannical usurpation of
+a _German_ princess, whose disposition and talents were much better
+calculated to give laws to the brute creation than to interfere with
+_English_ jurisprudence!
+
+In November of this year, it was announced that the _king_ earnestly
+desired parliament should take into consideration the state of the East
+India Company. But the king was ignorant of the subject; though it was
+true, the _queen_ desired it; because she received vast emoluments from
+the various situations _purchased_ by individuals under the denomination
+of cadets, &c. Of course, her majesty's will was tantamount to law.
+
+The Earl of Chatham resolved once more to speak to the queen upon the
+state of things, and had an audience for that purpose. As an honest man,
+he very warmly advocated the cause of the nation, and represented the
+people to be in a high state of excitement, adding, that "if they be
+repelled, they must be repelled by force!" And to whom ought an unhappy
+suffering people to have had recourse but to the throne, whose power
+sanctioned the means used to drain their purses? The queen, however, was
+still unbending; she not only inveighed against the candour and
+sentiments of the earl, but requested she might not again be _troubled_
+by him upon _such subjects_! Before retiring, Lord Chatham said, "Your
+majesty must excuse me if I say, the liberty of the subject is the
+surest protection to the monarch, and if the prince _protects the
+guilty, instead of punishing them, time will convince him, that he has
+judged erroneously, and acted imprudently_."
+
+The earl retired; but "his labouring breast knew not peace," and he
+resolved, for the last time, to see the king in private. An interview
+was requested, and as readily granted. "Well, well," said the king, "I
+hope no bad news?" "No bad news, your majesty; but I wish to submit to
+your opinion a few questions." "Quite right, quite right," said the
+king, "tell me all." The earl did so, and, after his faithful appeal to
+the king, concluded by saying, "My sovereign will excuse me, but I can
+no longer be a party to the deceptions pawned upon the people, as I am,
+and consider myself to be, amenable to God and my conscience!" Would
+that England had possessed a few more such patriots!
+
+This year will ever be memorable in history as the commencement of that
+partition of Poland, between three contiguous powers,--Russia, Austria,
+and Prussia,--which has served as an example and apology for all those
+shameful violations of public right and justice that have stained the
+modern annals of Europe. The unfortunate Poles appealed in vain to Great
+Britain, France, and Spain, and the States-general of Holland, on the
+atrocious perfidy and injustice of these proceedings. After some
+unavailable remonstrances, the diet was compelled, at the point of the
+bayonet, to sign a treaty for the formal cession of the several
+districts which the three usurpers had fixed upon and guaranteed to each
+other. The partitioning _legitimates_ also _generously_ made a present
+of an _aristocratic_ constitution to the suffering Poles.
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1773,
+
+commercial credit was greatly injured by extensive failures in England
+and Holland. The distress and embarrassment of the mercantile classes
+were farther augmented by a great diminution in the gold coin, in
+consequence of wear and fraud,--such loss, by act of parliament, being
+thrown upon the holders!
+
+At this time, the discontents which had long been manifest in the
+American colonies broke out into open revolt. The chief source of
+irritation against the mother country was the impolitic measure of
+retaining a trifling duty on tea, as an assertion of the right of the
+British parliament to tax the colonies.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1774
+
+bore a gloomy and arbitrary character, with wars abroad and uneasiness
+at home. The county of Nottingham omitted to raise their militia in the
+former year, and in this they were fined two thousand pounds.
+
+Louis the Fifteenth of France died this year of the small-pox, caught
+from a country girl, introduced to him by Madame du Barre to gratify his
+sensual desires. He was in the _sixty-fourth_ year of his age, and in
+the fifty-ninth of his reign. The gross debaucheries into which he had
+sank, with the despotic measures he had adopted towards the Chamber of
+Deputies in his latter years, had entirely deprived him of his
+appellation of the "Well-beloved." Few French sovereigns have left a
+less-respected memory.
+
+
+1775
+
+was also a year of disquiet. The City of London addressed the throne,
+and petitioned against the existing grievances, expressing their strong
+abhorrence of the measures adopted towards the Americans, _justifying
+their resistance_, and beseeching his majesty to dismiss his ministers.
+The _invisible power of the queen_, however, prevented their receiving
+redress, and the ministers were retained, contrary to all petition and
+remonstrance. Upon these occasions, the king was obliged to submit to
+any form of expression, dictated by the minister, that minister being
+under the entire controul of the queen; and though the nation seemed to
+wear a florid countenance, it was sick at heart. Lord North was a very
+considerable favourite with her majesty; while his opponents, Messrs.
+Fox and Burke, were proportionately disliked. The Duke of Grafton now
+felt tired of his situation, and told the queen that he could no longer
+continue in office; in consequence of which, the Earl of Dartmouth
+received the privy seal.
+
+The Americans, in the mean time, were vigorously preparing for what they
+conceived to be inevitable--_a war_. Various attempts, notwithstanding,
+were made by the enlightened and liberal-minded part of the community to
+prevent ministers from continuing hostilities against them. That noble
+and persevering patriot, Lord Chatham, raised his warning voice against
+it. "I wish," said he, "not to lose a day in this urgent, pressing
+crisis; an _hour now lost in allaying ferments in America, may produce_
+YEARS OF CALAMITY! Never will I desert, in any stage of its progress,
+the conduct of this momentous business. Unless fettered to my bed by the
+extremity of sickness, I will give it unremitted attention; I will knock
+at the gates of this _sleeping and confounded ministry_, and will, if it
+be possible, rouse them to a sense of their danger. The recall of your
+army, I urge as necessarily preparatory to the restoration of your
+peace. By this it will appear that you are disposed to treat amicably
+and equitably, and to consider, revise, and repeal, if it should be
+found necessary, as I affirm it _will_, those violent acts and
+declarations which have disseminated confusion throughout the empire.
+_Resistance to these acts was necessary_, and therefore just; and your
+vain declaration of the _omnipotence of Parliament_, and your
+_imperious_ doctrines of the _necessity of submission_, will be found
+equally _impotent to convince or enslave America_, who feels that
+tyranny is equally intolerable, whether it be exercised by an individual
+part of the legislature, or by the collective bodies which compose it!"
+
+How prophetic did this language afterwards prove! Oh! England, how hast
+thou been cursed by debt and blood through the impotency and villany of
+thy rulers!
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1776,
+
+the Earl of Harcourt was charged with a breach of privilege; but his
+services for the _queen_ operated as a sufficient reason for rejecting
+the matter of complaint.
+
+So expensive did the unjust and disgraceful war with America prove this
+year, that more than _nine millions_ were supplied for its service! In
+order to raise this shameful amount, extra taxes were levied on
+newspapers, deeds, and other matters of public utility. Thus were the
+industrious and really productive classes imposed upon, and their means
+exhausted, to gratify the inordinate wishes of a German princess, now
+entitled to be the cause of their misery and ruin. The queen knew that
+war required soldiers and sailors, and that these soldiers and sailors
+must have _officers_ over them, which would afford her an opportunity of
+_selling commissions_ or of bestowing them upon some of her
+_favourites_. So that these things contributed to her majesty's
+_individual_ wealth and power, what cared she for the increase of the
+country's burdens!
+
+It is wonderful to reflect upon the means with which individuals in
+possession of power have contrived, in all ages and in all countries, to
+controul mankind. From thoughtlessness and the absence of knowledge, the
+masses of people have been made to contend, with vehemence and
+courageous enterprise, against their own interests, and for the benefit
+of those mercenary wretches by whom they have been enslaved! How
+monstrous it is, that, to gratify the sanguinary feelings of _one_
+tyrant, thousands of human beings should go forth to the field of battle
+as willing sacrifices! Ignorance alone has produced such lamentable
+results; for a thirst after blood is never so effectually quenched as
+when it is repressed by the influence of _knowledge_, which teaches
+humility, moderation, benevolence, and the practice of every other
+virtue. In civilized society, there cannot be an equality of property;
+and, from the dissimilarity in human organization, there cannot be
+equality in the power and vigour of the mind. All men, however, are
+entitled to, and ought to enjoy, a perfect equality in civil and
+political rights. In the absence of this just condition, a nation can
+only be partially free. The people of such a nation exist under unequal
+laws, and those persons upon whom injuries are inflicted by the partial
+operation of those laws are, it must be conceded, the victims of an
+authority which they cannot controul. Such was, unhappily, the condition
+of the English people at this period. To prevent truth from having an
+impartial hearing and explanation, the plans of government were obliged
+to be of an insincere and unjust character. The consequences were, the
+debasement of morals, and the prostitution of the happiness and rights
+of the people. But Power was in the grasp of Tyranny, attended on each
+side by Pride and Cruelty; while Fear presented an excuse for Silence
+and Apathy, and left Artifice and Avarice to extend their baneful
+influence over society. British courage was stifled by arbitrary
+persecutions, fines, and imprisonment, which threatened to overwhelm all
+who dared to resist the tide of German despotism. Had _unity_ and
+_resolution_ been the watch-words of the sons of Britain, what millions
+of debt might have been prevented! what oceans of blood might have been
+saved! The iniquitous ministers who dictated war with America should
+have suffered as traitors to their country, which would have been their
+fate had not blind ignorance and servility, engendered by priests and
+tyrants, through the impious frauds of church and state, overwhelmed the
+better reason of the great mass of mankind! It was, we say, priestcraft
+and statecraft that kindled this unjustifiable war, in order to lower
+human nature, and induce men to butcher each other under the most
+absurd, frivolous, and wicked pretences. Englishmen, at the commencement
+of the American war, appear to have been no better than wretched
+captives, without either courage, reason, or virtue, from whom the
+queen's banditti of gaolers shut out the glorious light of day. There
+were, however, some few patriots who raised their voices in opposition
+to the abominable system then in practice, and many generous-hearted men
+who boldly refused to fight against the justified resistance of the
+Americans; but the general mass remained inactive, cowardly inactive,
+against their merciless oppressors. The queen _pretended_ to lament the
+sad state of affairs, while she did all in her power to continue the
+misrule!
+
+
+At the commencement of
+
+     1777,
+
+the several states of Europe had their eyes fixed on the contest between
+this country and the colonies. The French government assisted the
+Americans with fleets and armies, though they did not enter into the
+contest _publicly_. Queen Charlotte still persevered in her designs
+against America, and bore entire sway over her unfortunate husband. The
+country, as might be expected, was in a state of great excitement, owing
+to the adoption of measures inimical to the wishes and well-being of the
+people. The greater power the throne assumed, the larger amounts were
+necessarily drawn from the people, to reward fawning courtiers and
+borough proprietors.
+
+This year, thirteen millions of money were deemed needful for the public
+service, and the debts of the civil list a _second_ time discharged! At
+this time, the revenue did not amount to eight millions, and to supply
+the consequent deficiency, new taxes were again levied upon the people;
+for ministers carried all their bills, however infamous they might be,
+by large majorities!
+
+In May, Lord Chatham again addressed the "peers," and called their
+attention to the necessity of changing the proceedings of government.
+Although bowed down by age and infirmity, and bearing a crutch in each
+hand, he delivered his sentiments, with all the ardour of youth, in
+these words: "I wish the removal of accumulated grievances, and the
+repeal of every oppressive act which have been passed since the year
+1763! I am experienced in spring hopes and vernal promises, but at last
+will come your equinoctial disappointment."
+
+On another occasion, he said, "I will not join in congratulation on
+misfortune and disgrace! _It is necessary to instruct the throne in the
+language of truth!_ We must dispel the delusions and darkness which
+envelop it. I am old and weak, and at present unable to say more; but my
+feelings and indignation were too strong to permit me to say less."
+Alas! this patriot stood nearly alone. In his opinion, the good of the
+people was the supreme law; but this was opposed to the sentiments of
+the hirelings of state and their _liberal_ mistress.
+
+As a last effort, the earl resolved to seek an audience of the queen,
+and the request was readily complied with. The day previous to his last
+speech, delivered in the House of Lords, this interview took place. His
+lordship pressed the queen to relieve the people, and, by every possible
+means, to mitigate the public burdens. But, though her majesty was
+gentle in her language, she expressed herself positively and decisively
+as being adverse to his views; and took the opportunity of reminding him
+of the _secrecy of state affairs_. As Lord Chatham had once given his
+solemn promise never to permit those secrets to transpire, he resolved
+faithfully to keep his engagement, though their disclosure would have
+opened the eyes of the public to the disgraceful proceedings of herself
+and ministers. The noble earl retired from his royal audience in much
+confusion and agitation of mind; and on the following day, April the
+7th, went to the House, and delivered a most energetic speech, which was
+replied to by the Duke of Richmond. Lord Chatham afterwards made an
+effort to rise, as if labouring to give expression to some great idea;
+but, before he could utter a word, pressed his hand on his bosom, and
+fell down in a convulsive fit. The Duke of Cumberland and Lord Temple
+caught him in their arms, and removed him into the prince's chamber.
+Medical assistance being immediately rendered, in a short time his
+lordship in some measure recovered, and was removed to his favourite
+villa at Hayes, in Kent. Hopes of his complete restoration to health,
+however, proved delusive, and on the 10th of May,
+
+
+1778,
+
+this venerable and noble friend of humanity expired, in the seventieth
+year of his age.
+
+The news of the earl's death was not disagreeable to the queen; and she
+thenceforth determined to increase, rather than decrease, her arbitrary
+measures. Ribbons, stars, and garters, were bestowed upon those who lent
+their willing aid to support her system of oppression, while thousands
+were perishing in want to supply the means.
+
+Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, this year, were servile
+enough to raise regiments at their own expense; but the independent and
+brave citizens of London, steady to their principles, that the war was
+_unjust_, refused to follow so mean an example!
+
+
+The year
+
+     1779
+
+exhibits a miserable period in the history of Ireland. Her manufactures
+declined, and the people became, consequently, much dissatisfied; but
+their distresses were, at first, not even _noticed_ by the English
+parliament. At length, however, an alarm of _INVASION_ took place, and
+ministers allowed twenty thousand Irish volunteers to _carry arms_. The
+ministers, who before had been callous to their distresses, found men in
+arms were not to be trifled with, and the Irish people obtained a
+_promise_ of an extension of trade, which satisfied them for the time.
+
+Large sums were again required to meet the expenses of the American war,
+and, the minister being supported by the queen, every vote for supplies
+was carried by great majorities; for the year's service alone _fifteen
+millions_ were thus agreed to. As the family of the king increased,
+extra sums were also deemed requisite for each of his children; and what
+amounts could not be raised by taxation were procured by _loans_,--thus
+insulting the country, by permitting its expenditure to exceed its means
+of income to an enormous extent.
+
+Many representations were made to Lord North, that public opinion was
+opposed to the system pursued by ministers; but he was inflexible, and
+the generous interpositions of some members of the Upper House proved
+also unavailing. The independent members of the Commons remonstrated,
+and Mr. Burke brought forward plans for the reduction of the national
+expenditure and the diminution of the influence of the crown; but they
+were finally rejected, though not until violent conflicts had taken
+place, in which Lord North found himself more than once in the minority.
+
+About this time, Mr. Dunning, a lawyer and an eminent speaker,
+advocated, in a most sensible manner, the necessity of taking into
+consideration the affairs of Ireland; but ministers defeated the
+intended benefit, and substituted a plan of their own, which they had
+previously promised to Ireland; namely, to permit a free exportation of
+their woollen manufactures. The unassuming character of that oppressed
+people never appeared to greater advantage than at this period, as even
+this resolution was received by them with the warmest testimonies of joy
+and gratitude.
+
+There cannot be a doubt, that if the Irish had been honestly
+represented, their honor and ardour would have been proverbial; but they
+have almost always been neglected and insulted. The queen had taken Lord
+North's advice, and acquainted herself with the native character of the
+Irish, by which she became aware that, if that people generally
+possessed information, they would prove a powerful balance against the
+unjust system then in force. At this time, there was not an Irishman
+acquainted with any _state secrets_; her majesty, therefore, did not
+fear an explanation from that quarter, or she dare not have so oppressed
+them.
+
+To provide for the exigencies of state, twelve millions of money, in
+addition to the former fifteen millions, were required this year; and
+thus were the sorrows of a suffering people increased, and they
+themselves forced to forge their own chains of oppression!
+
+Numerous were the prosecutions against the press this year; among the
+rest, Mr. Parker, printer of "The General Advertiser," was brought
+before the "House of Hereditaries," for publishing a libel on one of its
+_noble_ members. That there were a _few_ intelligent and liberal-minded
+men in the House of Lords at this time, we do not wish to deny. The
+memorable speech of Lord Abingdon proved his lordship to be one of
+these, and, as this speech so admirably distinguishes _PRIVILEGE_ from
+_TYRANNY_, we hope to be excused for introducing it in our pages. We
+give it in his lordship's own words:
+
+     "MY LORDS,--Although there is no noble lord more zealously
+     attached to the privileges of this House than I am, yet when I
+     see those privileges interfering with, and destructive of, the
+     rights of the people, there is no one among the people more
+     ready to oppose those privileges than myself. And, my lords,
+     my reason is this: that the privileges of neither house of
+     parliament were ever constitutionally given to either to
+     combat with the rights of the people. They were given, my
+     lords, that each branch of the legislature might defend itself
+     against the encroachments of the other, and to preserve that
+     balance entire, which is essential to the preservation of all.
+
+     "This was the designation, this is the use of privilege; and
+     in this unquestionable shape let us apply it. Let us apply it
+     against the encroachments of the crown, and not suffer any
+     lord (if any such there be) who, having clambered up into the
+     house upon the ladder of prerogative, might wish to yield up
+     our privileges to that prerogative. Let us make use of our
+     privileges against the other house of parliament, whenever
+     occasion shall make it necessary, but not against the people.
+     This is the distinction and this the meaning of privilege. The
+     people are under the law, and we are the legislators. If they
+     offend, let them be punished according to law, where we have
+     our remedy. If we are injured in our reputations, the law has
+     provided us with a special remedy. We are entitled to the
+     action of _scandalum magnatum_,--a privilege peculiar to
+     ourselves. For these reasons, then, my lords, when the noble
+     earl made his motion for the printer to be brought before this
+     House, and when the end of that motion was answered by the
+     author of the paper complained of giving up his name, I was in
+     great hopes that the motion would have been withdrawn. I am
+     sorry it was not; and yet, when I say this, I do not mean to
+     wish that an inquiry into the merits of that paper should not
+     be made. As it stands at present, the noble lord accused
+     therein is the disgrace of this House, and the scandal of
+     government. I therefore trust, for his own honor, for the
+     honor of this House, that that noble lord will not object to,
+     but will _himself_ insist upon, the most rigid inquiry into
+     his conduct.
+
+     "But, my lords, to call for a printer, in the case of a libel,
+     when he gives up his author (although a modern procedure) _is
+     not founded in law_; for in the statute of Westminster, the
+     1st, chapter 34, it is said, 'None shall report any false and
+     slanderous news or tales of _great men_, whereby any discord
+     may arise betwixt the king and his people, on pain of
+     imprisonment, _until they bring forth the author_.' The
+     statutes of the 2d of Richard the Second, chapter 5, and the
+     14th of the same reign, are to the same effect. It is there
+     enacted, that 'No person shall devise, or tell any _false_
+     news or lies of any lord, prelate, officer of the government,
+     judge, &c., by which any slander shall happen to their
+     persons, or mischief come to the kingdom, upon pain of being
+     imprisoned; and where any one hath told false news or lies,
+     and cannot produce the author, he shall suffer imprisonment,
+     and be punished by the king's counsel.' Here, then, my lords,
+     two things are clearly pointed out, to wit, the person to be
+     punished, and what the mode of punishment is. The person to be
+     punished is the author, when produced; the mode of punishment
+     is by the king's counsel; so that, in the present case, the
+     printer having given up the author, he is discharged from
+     punishment: and if the privilege of punishment had been in
+     this House, the right is barred by these statutes; for how is
+     the punishment to be had? Not by this House, but by the king's
+     counsel. And, my lords, it cannot be otherwise; for, if it
+     were, the freedom of the press were at an end; and for this
+     purpose was this modern doctrine, to answer modern views,
+     invented,--_a doctrine which I should ever stand up in
+     opposition to, if even the right of its exercise were in us_.
+     But the right is not in us: it is a jurisdiction too summary
+     for the freedom of our constitution, and incompatible with
+     liberty. It takes away the trial by jury; which king, lords,
+     and commons, _have not a right to do_. It is to make us
+     accusers, judges, jury, and executioners too, if we please. It
+     is to give us an executive power, to which, in our legislative
+     capacities, we are not entitled. It is to give us a power,
+     which even the executive power itself has not, which the
+     prerogative of the crown dare not assume, which the king
+     himself cannot exercise. My lords, _the king cannot touch the
+     hair of any man's head in this country, though he be guilty of
+     high treason, but by means of the law. It is the law that
+     creates the offence; it is a jury that must determine the
+     guilt; it is the law that affixes the punishment; and all
+     other modes of proceeding are_ ILLEGAL. Why then, my lords,
+     are we to assume to ourselves an executive power, with which
+     even the executive power itself is not entrusted? I am aware,
+     my lords, it will be said that this House, in its capacity of
+     a court of justice, has a right to call for evidence at its
+     bar, and to punish the witness who shall not attend. I admit
+     it, my lords; and I admit it not only as a right belonging to
+     this House, but as a right essential to every court of
+     justice; for, without this right, justice could not be
+     administered. But, my lords, was this House sitting as a court
+     of justice (for we must distinguish between our judicial and
+     our legislative capacities) when Mr. Parker was ordered to be
+     taken into custody, and brought before this House? If so, at
+     whose suit was Mr. Parker to be examined? Where are the
+     records? Where are the papers of appeal? Who is the plaintiff,
+     and who the defendant? There is nothing like it before your
+     lordships; for if there had, and Mr. Parker, in such case, had
+     disobeyed the order of this House, he was not only punishable
+     for his contumacy and contempt, but every magistrate in the
+     kingdom was bound to assist your lordships in having him
+     forthcoming at your lordship's bar. _Whereas, as it is, every
+     magistrate in the kingdom is bound, by the law of the land, to
+     release Mr. Parker, if he be taken into custody by the present
+     order of this House._ Nothing can be more true, than that in
+     our judicial capacity, we have a right to call for evidence at
+     our bar, and to punish the witness if he does not appear. The
+     whole body of the law supports us in this right. But, under
+     the pretext of privilege, to bring a man by force to the bar,
+     when we _have our remedy at law; to accuse, condemn, and
+     punish that man, at the mere arbitrary will and pleasure of
+     this House, not sitting as a court of justice, is tyranny in
+     the abstract. It is against law; it is subversive of the
+     constitution; it is incompetent to this House_; and,
+     therefore, my lords, thinking as I do, that this House has no
+     right forcibly to bring any man to its bar, but in the
+     discharge of its proper functions, as a court of judicature, I
+     shall now move your lordships, 'that the body of W. Parker,
+     printer of the General Advertiser, be released from the
+     custody of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, and that the
+     order for the said Parker, being brought to the bar of this
+     House be now discharged.'
+
+     "Before I sit down, I will just observe to your lordships,
+     that I know that precedents may be adduced in contradiction to
+     the doctrine I have laid down. But, my lords, _precedents
+     cannot make that legal and constitutional which is, in itself,
+     illegal and unconstitutional_. IF THE PRECEDENTS OF THIS REIGN
+     ARE TO BE RECEIVED AS PRECEDENTS IN THE NEXT, THE LORD HAVE
+     MERCY ON THOSE WHO ARE TO COME AFTER US!!!
+
+     "There is one observation more I would make, and it is this:
+     _I would wish noble lords to consider, how much it lessens the
+     dignity of this House, to agitate privileges which you have
+     not power to enforce. It hurts the constitution of parliament,
+     and, instead of being respected, makes us contemptible. That
+     privilege which you cannot exercise, and of right too, disdain
+     to keep._"
+
+If the country had been blessed with a majority of such patriots as Lord
+Abingdon, what misery had been prevented! what lives had been saved!
+
+
+Early in the year
+
+     1780,
+
+meetings of the populace took place in various parts of the kingdom, and
+ministers were boldly accused of having prodigally and wastefully spent
+the public money; while petitions were presented, praying "for a
+correction of abuses in the public expenditure." Riots in many parts of
+England were the consequences of unjustly continuing wars and taxation,
+and several hundred people were killed and wounded by the military;
+while many others forfeited their lives on the scaffold for daring to
+raise their arms against tyranny. Lord George Gordon was also committed
+to the Tower on a charge of high treason; but no jury of his countrymen
+could be found to consider his undaunted attempt to _redress the
+people's grievances as treasonable_, and he was, consequently,
+_honorably acquitted_! The influence of her majesty, however, kept a
+minister in office, though contrary to the sense of the wisest and best
+part of the community; and a ruinous war was still permitted to drain
+the blood and money of the many.
+
+War might probably be considered by those in power a _legal trade_; but
+was it not continued for the untenable purpose of avarice? We think it
+was. There did not appear to be any rational hope for reform or
+retrenchment, while men versed in corruption were so enriched, and had
+an almost unlimited sway over the councils of the reigning authority.
+Popular commotion was dreaded; yet the ministers could not be prevailed
+upon to dispel the cause of anxiety by conciliatory measures,--by a
+timely redress of grievances, by concession of rights, and by
+reformation of abuses. If they had done so, they would have given
+satisfactory evidence that government had no other object in view than
+faithfully to discharge their duty, by adopting such plans as would
+really benefit mankind, and furnish means to secure the comfort and
+happiness of all men.
+
+In the mean time, much distress was imposed upon the unfortunate king,
+by the increasing and uncontroulable prodigality of some of his
+children, especially of GEORGE. The queen would not hear of any thing to
+his discredit, and thus what little of family enjoyment remained was
+ultimately destroyed.
+
+The unrestrained predilection of this youthful prince now became
+habitual pursuits, and excesses of the most detestable description were
+not unknown to him. Within the circle of his less nominally illustrious
+acquaintance, every father dreaded the seduction of his child, if she
+possessed any personal charms, while the mother feared to lose sight of
+her daughter, even for a moment. It is not in our power to give an
+adequate idea of the number of those families whose happiness he ruined;
+but we well, too well, know the number was infamously great. The country
+gave him credit for being liberal in political principles, and
+generously disposed for reform. But little of his _real_ character was
+then known; his faults, indeed, were named as virtues, and his vices
+considered as _gentlemanly exploits_, so that his dissembled appearance
+was received, by those unacquainted with him, as the sure and
+incontestable mark of a great and noble soul. But, before our pages are
+concluded, we fear we must, in duty, prove him a widely-different
+character! It is true, his acquaintance with political characters was
+chiefly amongst "the Whigs;" it may also be added that those "Whigs,"
+so particularly intimate with this prince, did not gain much by their
+connexion with him, but finally became as supine and venal as himself.
+They determined that, as the heir-apparent, he should not be allowed to
+suffer any deterioration of greatness, and the principles and practices
+of so mighty an individual were considered by them to constitute a
+sufficient patent for continual imitation.
+
+At this period, Mr. Dunning moved his famous resolution to the House,
+with unbending firmness and uncompromising fidelity. He said, "The
+influence of the crown has increased, is increasing, and ought to be
+diminished." It was carried by a majority of 233 against 215; but a
+second resolution, which was to give effect to the first, was lost by a
+majority of fifty-one votes.
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1781,
+
+William Pitt, the second son of the late Lord Chatham, delivered his
+first speech in the Commons, in favour of the bill introduced by Mr.
+Burke, on the subject of reform.
+
+Lord North brought forward the budget on the 7th of March, containing
+the various items needful for the service of the year. The amount so
+calculated was _twenty-one millions of money_!--twelve of which were to
+be raised by loans, the terms being very high. From this bold imposition
+upon the public purse and credit, the ministry were much lowered in
+public opinion.
+
+During this year, the brave General Washington struck that decisive blow
+which afterwards gave liberty to his countrymen. He kept General Clinton
+at New York, in constant alarm; and then suddenly appeared before York
+Town in full force, and obtained a grand victory over Lord Cornwallis,
+who was there with his army. The American war consequently became more
+unpopular than ever, and shortly after the meeting of parliament, in
+March,
+
+
+1782,
+
+a resolution was moved, and _passed without a division_, declaring that
+the House of Commons would consider as enemies to his majesty and the
+country all who should advise the prosecution of offensive war in North
+America!
+
+Shortly after, Lord North resigned, and the Marquis of Rockingham was
+placed at the head of the new administration. Amongst the promotions at
+this time, was _Mr. Dunning!_ who, at _her majesty's request_, was
+created Baron Ashburton, and also Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
+
+A treaty of peace was now entered into with General Washington, and Sir
+Guy Carleton was deputed to conduct the happy affair.
+
+In the beginning of July, the unexpected death of the Marquis of
+Rockingham threw the whole cabinet into extreme disorder; and another
+resignation of ministers took place, on which occasion Mr. Pitt was
+constituted "Chancellor of the Exchequer," _although only twenty-three
+years of age_! Lord Shelburne accepted the office of premier, at the
+request of the king, which gave great offence to Mr. Fox and the Duke of
+Portland, who resigned. The country was little benefitted by this
+change, as the money required for the service of the year was more than
+twenty-four millions, of which thirteen had to be raised by loans.
+
+In November, the provisional articles of peace were signed at Paris
+between the Commissioners of England and those of the United States.
+
+
+The Shelburne party were obliged to retire in
+
+     1783,
+
+having, by their arbitrary measures, drawn upon themselves general
+displeasure throughout the country.
+
+Much surprise was created at the unexpected coalition of Lord North and
+Mr. Fox, which was the natural result of the pressing case of the
+prince, to whom the queen had confidentially entrusted his father's
+breach of the law, in the solemnization of his marriage with herself.
+The queen, in fact, used the prince's influence to prevail upon Mr. Fox
+to join Lord North, as he was well informed upon all the circumstances
+of the king's first marriage. Although the political sentiments of these
+gentlemen were opposed, it was represented as a safe line of conduct, to
+ensure the tranquillity of the kingdom. Thus, again, was every portion
+of truth sacrificed to the WILL of the _queen_.
+
+This year, the king agreed that the heir-apparent should receive fifty
+thousand pounds per annum, and sixty thousand pounds to equip him
+suitably to his dignity. In the mean time, it became a public fact, that
+the prince had so deeply involved himself in debt as to be mean enough
+to resort, through the medium of others, to borrow money (of various
+amounts) of his tradespeople!
+
+Before the conclusion of the year, the _Whig and Tory_ ministry were
+ejected, to the entire satisfaction of nearly every individual in the
+nation, who despised such an unholy alliance of opposite principles.
+
+Mr. Pitt was now made "First Lord of the Treasury," which was a change
+very satisfactory to her majesty, as, from the youth of the new
+"premier," she augured her likely influence over the political
+hemisphere to be increased. It was well known that her majesty did not
+like any of the prince's associates, more especially Messrs. Fox and
+Sheridan. Mr. Burke was not supposed to be so informed upon all
+subjects; and, though much in the necessary confidence of the prince,
+the queen presumed it was chiefly in procuring pecuniary accommodations.
+It was not until an after period, that the _whole truth_ was stated to
+her by the prince.
+
+New taxes alone could furnish means for the immense additional annuities
+now imposed upon the country; and thus were sums for every succeeding
+year's demand increased.
+
+At this period, the Prince of Wales and his next brother were associated
+in dissipation of every kind. Their love of gaming was proverbial, and
+their excess of indulgence in voluptuousness soon exhausted the income
+allowed them by the country. Their caprices were various, but those of
+the prince was most strikingly evinced in his abruptly declining his
+engagements with the celebrated Mrs. Robinson. His usual plan was, when
+fascinated by the appearance of a new object, to exert every nerve to
+possess it. Presents, accompanied by the highest eulogiums, and
+protestations of eternal love and constancy, were always pressed upon
+the acceptance of the intended victim; and thus, by apparent devotion
+and unconquerable passion, many were the delusions he practised, and the
+outrages he committed, upon the unsuspecting virtue of woman.
+
+Had a plebeian committed but _one_ act similar to those in which the
+prince was so frequently the principal character, his _life_ must have
+atoned for his fault, and a destitute family, in consequence, been
+plunged into distraction. But, because the prince was of such
+high-reputed family, he must, forsooth, be accounted a _noble-minded
+gentleman_; and, instead of exposition and punishment, the venal and
+hired press of the day launched out into the most fulsome eulogiums of
+his _graceful, all-attracting elegance of style and manners_, without
+even speaking of the _infamy_ of his amours, intrigues, and
+debaucheries! Some writers, alas! are so fearful of speaking the truth,
+lest they should offend the _side they have espoused_, or the
+inclinations and political principles of those by whom they are likely
+to be read, that they almost persuade themselves there is a sort of
+_impropriety_ in presenting facts in their proper colours! But is it not
+beneath the dignity of the press to act in so cowardly a manner?
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1784,
+
+(notwithstanding the dreadfully enormous weight of the "national debt,"
+borrowed by the ministers upon nominal annuities, for which large
+interest was given) the king was again solicited to assist the prince,
+in order that his debts might be discharged. This request was refused,
+and Messrs. Fox and Sheridan advocated the subject to no purpose.
+
+During this year, much public display of talent was made in the House.
+Mr. Pitt was now fully and entirely in her majesty's "confidence," and
+he well knew if "the system" were to be continued, war must be carried
+on, and oppression would increase rather than decrease. While engaged in
+a private interview with the queen, upon various state subjects, Mr.
+Pitt submitted his opinion upon the extravagance and improper pursuits
+of the prince, adding, "I much fear, your majesty, in his delirium of
+debauchery, _some expressions may escape him, to the injury of the
+crown_!" "No," answered the queen, "he is too well aware of the
+_consequences to himself_, if that transpired; so on that point I can
+rely upon him." "Is your majesty aware," said Mr. Pitt, "that at this
+time the prince is engrossed by a fair beauty? and I believe, from good
+authority I may say, intends to marry her! He is now so much
+embarrassed, that, at the suggestion of his trusty friend, Sheridan, he
+borrows large amounts from a Jew, who resides in town, and gives his
+bonds for much larger amounts than he receives; by this means, he is
+actually involved in debt to the amount of above a million of money; and
+the interest and principal must, some day, be _honourably_ discharged,
+or else he must never ascend the throne; as the dishonour would cause
+him eternal disgrace, if not an abdication." Truly, this was a fine
+picture of England's future monarch!
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1785,
+
+Mr. Pitt caused prosecutions to be issued and enforced to check the
+rising spirit of the Irish, as they appeared determined to press hard
+until they received reform in the representation; and, in order to
+divert the exasperated feelings of the people of England, as he stood
+deeply pledged to the reformers, "_as a man and a minister_," to bring
+in "a bill to amend the representation of the people," he moved, April
+18th, for leave to bring it forward for the consideration of the House.
+His plan was to transfer the right of election from thirty-six rotten
+boroughs to the counties and principle unrepresented towns, _allowing a
+pecuniary compensation to the owners of the disfranchised boroughs_, and
+to extend the right of voting for knights of the shires to copyholders.
+This minister suffered his motion to be negatived by 248 against 194!
+Had there been honesty on the part of the minister towards the people,
+unfettered by any _state secrets_, he would have been prepared to meet
+the numerous opposers; but he found himself unable to serve the cause of
+liberty and slavery at the same time, and so, to save his word of
+promise, he did bring in "the bill," when he well knew it was impossible
+to carry it under the then existing corruptions!
+
+In the farce here played, under the management of that youthful
+renegade,--PITT, we have a fair specimen of the way in which the English
+have been treated. But there is a time rapidly approaching when the
+supporters of despotism cannot thus delude their countrymen. The whole
+nest of court sycophants, however, seem determined rather to see England
+reduced to a state of the most grievous bondage than imagine one of
+their own ill-gotten acres endangered, or the least of their absurd and
+exclusive privileges called in question. But are such creatures, their
+_imagined_ interests, and affected opinions, to triumph over the views
+of the most virtuous patriots and wisest men of the present age? Forbid
+it, Justice!
+
+
+The year
+
+     1786
+
+was ushered in under some peculiar circumstances of distress and alarm.
+The king was evidently declining in health, and strong signs of
+imbecility were apparent. He positively refused to see the prince upon
+the subject of his debts, and was otherwise much distracted at the
+recollection of various impositions upon the public, which might have
+been avoided, if, in the moment of necessity, he had explained himself
+fully to the nation, and pressed for an amelioration of all _unnatural_
+and _uncivilized_ acts of parliament, detrimental to the peace, welfare,
+and happiness of the sovereign and the subject.
+
+In July, the prince was so beset with appeals from his numerous
+creditors, that, partly to silence them, and partly to induce the House
+to pay his long-standing arrears of borrowed money, he announced his
+intention to give up his establishment, and, out of his annual income of
+fifty thousand pounds, to reserve ten thousand, and appropriate forty
+thousand for the benefit of his creditors.
+
+In the early part of this year, the prince _was married_ to Mrs.
+Fitzherbert. Messrs. Fox, Sheridan, and Burke were present upon the
+occasion, as also were some of the relatives of the bride. After the
+ceremony, Mr. Fox handed them into a carriage, and they drove to
+Richmond, where they spent some days. In the interim, the queen was made
+acquainted with the marriage. Her majesty requested an audience with the
+prince, which was immediately complied with. The queen insisted on being
+told if the news of his marriage were correct. "Yes, madam," replied he,
+"and not any force under heaven shall separate _us_. If his majesty had
+been _as firm_ in acknowledging _his marriage_, he might _now_ have
+enjoyed life, instead of being a misanthrope, as he is. But I beg,
+further, that _my_ wife be received at court, and proportionately as
+your majesty receives her, and pays her attention, from this time, so
+shall I render my attentions to your majesty. The lady I have married is
+worthy of all homage, and my very confidential friends, with some of my
+wife's relations, only, _witnessed_ our marriage. Have you not always
+taught me to consider myself _heir_ to the first sovereignty in the
+world? where then will exist any risk of obtaining a ready concurrence
+from the House in my marriage? I hope, madam, a few hours reflection
+will satisfy you that I have done my duty in following this impulse of
+my inclinations, and therefore I wait your majesty's commands, feeling
+assured you would not wish to blast the happiness of your favourite
+prince." The queen presumed it would prove her best policy to signify
+her acquiescence to the prince's wishes, and the interview terminated
+without any further explanation or remonstrance; nevertheless, the
+substance of the interview was immediately communicated to Mr. Pitt. The
+extravagant expenditure of the prince, at this period, was so increased,
+that he frequently promised _cent. per cent._ for advances of cash!
+
+The Duke of Richmond, this year, proposed to erect _fortifications_ all
+over England! Monstrous as this attempt to enslave the country must
+appear, the power of Pitt brought the division of the House of Commons
+on the bill exactly _even_, so that the speaker was obliged, by his
+conscience, to give his casting vote _against_ so traitorous an affair!
+The establishment of a sinking fund was next brought forward; and, on a
+surplus of taxes appearing, amounting to NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS,
+new taxes were levied on the plea of making up this sum _ONE MILLION_,
+which, with compound interest, was to be invariably applied to the
+_reduction of the national debt_.
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1787,
+
+the queen received the wife of the prince (Mrs. Fitzherbert) _in the
+most courteous manner in public_! The mental illness of the king became
+now apparent to those around him, but it _was not spoken of publicly_.
+
+In April, Mr. Newnham, member for the city of London, gave notice that
+he should bring forward a motion, the intent of which was, "To address
+the king, in order to procure his approbation to relieve the Prince of
+Wales from all embarrassments of a _pecuniary_ nature," to which he
+hoped the House would _cordially_ agree. This announcement created much
+conversation, as well it might; and Mr. Newnham was earnestly solicited
+to withdraw his motion, lest its results should do injury to the state,
+and be productive of other inconvenience and mischief. The minister
+(Pitt) said, "_that if Mr. Newnham persevered in pressing his motion
+upon the notice of the House, he should be driven to make disclosures of
+circumstances, which otherwise he believed it to be his imperative duty
+to conceal_." Mr. Rolle (member for Devonshire) considered that an
+investigation of this matter involved many questions of consequence,
+which would affect both church and state. Messrs. Fox and Sheridan, with
+some other _private_ acquaintances of the prince, were bold in their
+language, and replied, that "the prince did not fear any investigation
+of his conduct; and that respect or indulgence, by an affected
+tenderness or studied ambiguity, would be disagreeable to the wishes and
+feelings of his royal highness!"
+
+A few days after this debate, Mr. Fox called the attention of the House
+to the strange and extraordinary language used by Mr. Rolle, saying,
+"that he presumed those remarks were made in reference to the base and
+malicious calumny which had been propagated out of doors by the enemies
+of the prince, in order to _depreciate_ his character, and injure him in
+the opinion of the country!" Mr. Rolle replied to this by saying that,
+"though the marriage could not have been accomplished under the formal
+sanction of the law, yet if it existed _as a fact_, it ought to be
+satisfactorily cleared up, lest the most alarming consequences should be
+the result." Mr. Fox, in reply, said, "that he not only denied the
+calumny in question, with respect to the effect of certain existing
+laws, but he also denied the _marriage in toto_," adding, "though he
+well knew the matter was illegal under every form of statute provided,
+yet he took that opportunity to assert, _it never did happen_." Mr.
+Rolle again asked, "Do you, Sir, speak from DIRECT OR INDIRECT
+AUTHORITY?" Mr. Fox replied, "FROM DIRECT AUTHORITY." The House was now
+anxious that Mr. Rolle should express his satisfaction; but he
+positively and determinately refused, "as he wished every member of the
+House to JUDGE for himself!" Now mark the result. Mr. Sheridan (the
+bottle-companion of the prince) rose and declared warmly, "that if Mr.
+Rolle would not be satisfied, or put the matter into some train for his
+further satisfaction, his opinion was, the House ought to resolve, that
+it was seditious and disloyal to propagate reports injurious to the
+prince." But notice Mr. Pitt's reply, who rose, and protested against an
+attack upon the freedom of speech in that House. Mr. Pitt, indeed, could
+do no less than _stop the inquiry_; for if it had proceeded to any
+greater length, the LEGITIMACY of the prince might have been
+_doubted_!!!
+
+The prince again sought advice to shield himself from his various
+opponents, whose impertinent, yet honest expressions, might prove an
+alloy to his character, and render void all his pretensions to even
+_common honesty_! His royal highness _deigned_ to consult some persons
+of consequence, but he could not receive any advice equal to his wishes.
+At length, he saw the queen, and partly explained his difficulties and
+debts, concluding his remarks by these _threatening_ words: "Unless the
+king suggests _HIS DESIRE_ for the payment of these debts, I will
+_EXPLAIN_ all this STATE MYSTERY; and I would receive a shot from a
+musket, in preference to the galling insults which I well know the
+_kingdoms_ infer _from these shameful arrears_." Again the _state
+secrets_ operated! Again was TRUTH to be hidden in a napkin! The prince
+retired from the audience; but the queen was no sooner disengaged than
+Mr. Pitt was announced and introduced. The interview was short, but
+decisive, and the minister departed on a mission to the prince at
+Carlton House. There he promised that his royal highness should
+immediately receive means to discharge his debts, and accordingly, on
+the very next day, a message was laid before the House, and an address
+voted to the king, to request him to grant out of the "civil list" the
+sum of one hundred and sixty-one thousand pounds, to discharge the debts
+of George, called Prince of Wales, with an additional sum of twenty
+thousand pounds to finish the repairs of Carlton Palace. When this
+infamous proposition was made, distress and wretchedness were at an
+alarming height! But the king was more an object of pity than of blame.
+Royalty, to him, was a deceitful bauble. Those who beheld it at a
+distance saw nothing but greatness, splendour, and delight; but, could
+they have examined it closely, they would have found toil, perplexity,
+and care, its constant companions.
+
+The king was now fast exchanging the bloom of youth for the languor of
+age. He knew his duty was to repress calumny and falsehood, and to
+support innocence and truth; and not only to abstain from doing evil,
+but to exert himself in every way to do good, by preventing the
+mischiefs evil counsellors might devise. Yet the _state secrets_ kept
+him from acting as his heart dictated, and his mind soon lost all its
+vigour!
+
+The prince, from this time, was sure of the attainment of his wishes, if
+within the power of the queen to bestow; and, from this conquest, he
+gave loose rein to the impetuous desires of his wayward inclinations.
+Splendid fetes were given, money was lavished upon the most
+insignificant and indecorous occasions; virtue openly insulted, in every
+possible shape; and the man, who was expected shortly to reign over the
+destiny of millions, was frequently exhibited to his friends as an
+UNPRINCIPLED LIBERTINE, a NOTORIOUS GAMESTER, and an UNGRATEFUL SON! But
+the rank of royal distinction, and the means he possessed to gratify his
+lusts (being devoid of all positive integrity upon many points) were
+sufficient causes of excuse in the estimation of himself and his
+minions! His graceful bow and ensnaring address led many good-natured
+people into a belief that he was really an honest man and a gentleman!
+
+
+From the commencement of the year
+
+     1788,
+
+the king's health again declined. His mind appeared full of gloomy
+apprehensions and forebodings; sometimes he uttered the most incoherent
+language; then, dissolving in tears, would ask after the health of the
+several members of his family, and especially of his youngest daughter,
+to whom he was more particularly attached. This state of aberration was,
+however, strictly concealed from the public as long as possible by the
+queen. Here, again, mark her German policy! Fearing she could not much
+longer conceal the king's indisposition, she determined to consult her
+favourite minister, and they resolved upon a proposition to give to the
+_queen's_ care the charge of his majesty's person, presuming that step
+was finally needful, as by its adoption _only_ could she retain an
+opportunity of exercising _complete controul over her afflicted
+husband_! On the reassembling of parliament, therefore, the project of
+the queen was brought forward by Pitt, who, possessing a decided
+majority, passed what resolutions he pleased. He contended, in
+opposition to Fox, that the Prince of Wales had no more right to the
+regency _than he had_! The debates upon this subject were long and warm;
+but Pitt and the queen finally triumphed. The care of the king's person
+and the disposition of the royal household was to be committed to her
+majesty, who would, by this means, be vested with the patronage of _four
+hundred places_, amongst which were the great offices of lord-stewart,
+lord-chamberlain, and master of the horse! These "loaves and fishes"
+offered the queen a fine opportunity of exercising her tyranny, and
+further increasing her power!
+
+Let us here digress a little, to reflect upon the _enviable_ state in
+which her majesty was placed at this period.
+
+Behold, then, the Queen of England, in the enjoyment of health,
+surrounded with all the luxuries of life, knowing the _intricacies_ of
+STATE INFAMY, and anxious to hold the reins of government in her own
+hands, constantly closeted with the minister--ALONE! his years not half
+so many as those of his royal mistress! See her confiding in his
+secrecy, submitting her opinions for his decision, and knowing that
+herself and her family are in his power! The man, who, after this
+retrospect, pronounces there never was a _false step_, or a _deviation
+from rectitude_, we venture to say is but very little acquainted with
+humanity! It is also well known to more than one or two individuals,
+that the Prince of Wales dared to _jest_ with her majesty upon the
+occasional _private_ interviews she held with this minister; and his
+royal highness was once seriously sent from her presence, in consequence
+of a TRIFLING DISCOVERY he made. It therefore seemed the more requisite
+that the _appearance_ of a rigid decorum must exist at court;
+consequently, if any lady had been known to violate those bounds, she
+must be excluded from royal favour, and never again enter the precincts
+of the palace! Her majesty, it will be perceived from this, knew how to
+put on the garb of virtue, if she possessed it not! Our love of
+impartiality, however, obliges us to give an instance contrary to the
+general edict of the queen. Her majesty was made fully acquainted with
+Mrs. Fitzherbert's history, and therefore knew that this lady had been
+left a widow--twice; and that she afterwards accepted the _protection_
+of the Marquis Bellois, which intimacy was of considerable duration.
+Yet, as soon as the prince _married her_, she was a general visitant at
+court, and received the most especial and unlimited polite attentions
+from the queen. Let this example suffice to shew her majesty's
+_scrupulous_ delicacy!
+
+
+In March,
+
+     1789,
+
+the king was declared convalescent, so as to be able to resume his
+duties, and defeat those air-drawn schemes of power, which his queen was
+about to assume.
+
+The insulted sovereign thus freed the people, for a time, from the
+artful stratagems and devices arising from the charnel house of
+oppression.
+
+It is certain, that his majesty was free from all _violent_ paroxysms,
+and generally manifested a quiet and unobtrusive disposition in all
+things. But then this was the _utmost_ of his improvement. Reason's
+empire was fatally shook, and the recollection of the past incapacitated
+him for forming an opinion either upon the present or the future.
+
+The queen, in the mean time, resolved not to be entirely debarred of her
+prospects of patronage; for, under the specious disguise of kingly
+authority, her majesty gave appointments and honours to the hirelings
+around her, and carried "majorities" whenever she pleased.
+
+It was not deemed prudent that the king should open the House in person;
+therefore, the chancellor delivered the speech in the name of his
+majesty.
+
+During this session, Mr. Wilberforce pleaded ably for the abolition of
+West Indian slavery, though to very little advantage.
+
+Some excesses of an unhappy description were practised by the Duke of
+York; but they were passed over without any public punishment or
+parental rebuke, although a family of high respectability suffered the
+loss of their only daughter, a most beautiful and accomplished girl,
+nearly twenty years of age! She was a victim of the duke's sensuality,
+and destroyed herself by poison soon afterwards,--such were the extreme
+sentiments of honor and virtue entertained by her. Some of her family
+yet live to mourn her loss and regret the privileges of royalty!
+
+In this year a revolution broke out in France, and innumerable lives
+were lost. The opposite views which Burke and Fox took of this event
+dissolved the friendship that had so long existed between them.
+
+
+In February,
+
+     1790,
+
+the printer of "The Times" newspaper was fined ONE HUNDRED POUNDS for a
+libel on the Prince of Wales, and the like sum for a libel on the
+_equally-illustrious_ seducer, the Duke of York. If a verdict had been
+given otherwise, royalty would have been humbled!
+
+In this year, also, a most remarkable occurrence transpired. A very
+respectable clergyman was induced to marry two persons upon an extreme
+emergency, without their obtaining a license or the publishing of banns.
+The clergyman was tried at Leicester for this offence, and sentenced to
+be _transported for fourteen years_! Many appeals were made, in a quiet
+and peaceable manner, to the judge. Expostulations upon the
+disproportion of the punishment were also made by various classes of
+society; but, alas! _the happiness of the subject was destroyed_, while
+the higher authorities remained not only unimpeached, but defended!
+
+During this session, the House was solicited to supply extra sums for
+the expenditure of the _secret service_, to which, however, many voices
+were raised in opposition. The prince and his former friends and
+companions were now apparently in a state of disunion, as each one
+appeared dissatisfied with the other.
+
+Mr. Fox proved the most unremitting member of the House in the discharge
+of his duties, opposing the increase of the national debt, and the
+imposition of new taxes. The salary of the speaker of the House of
+Commons, however, was advanced to six thousand pounds, remonstrance
+proving of no avail.
+
+About this time, the prince and two of his brothers became so
+embarrassed by their imprudent conduct, that they found it expedient to
+resort to some measure for the attainment of means to satisfy the
+clamorous demands of their creditors. Jews and money-brokers were tried,
+but to no effect; and their last resource seemed to be by obtaining the
+amount desired upon their respective or joint bonds. Every likely person
+was solicited to grant the loan; yet, after a long and mortifying
+attempt, all their endeavours proved fruitless. A large interest was
+offered, and had the parties been persons of indubitable integrity, many
+of their countrymen would have gladly lent their money upon such terms;
+but former inaccuracies paved the way for future misgivings. At length
+the sum was furnished, from foreign houses chiefly,--the amount of which
+was ONE MILLION!!! The princes received nearly half a million
+immediately, and the other portion was to be paid according to the
+stipulation,--the interest being fixed at _six per cent._ This interest,
+however, was not paid upon its becoming due; consequently there was a
+suspicion of unfair dealing; but of this subject we must treat anon.
+
+A trifling dispute with Spain this year cost the country THREE HUNDRED
+THOUSAND POUNDS!
+
+
+The year
+
+     1791
+
+was a period of continual debate and of harassing vexation, both at home
+and abroad. In the mean while, the prince was engrossed in his pursuits
+of pleasure, ever searching after variety in every possible shape. Such
+also were the pursuits of his royal brothers.
+
+It now becomes our painful duty to speak of the FEMALES of this
+"_ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY_."
+
+It is one of the unnatural distinctions of royalty, and which is often
+fatal to the happiness of society, that _their ways are not the ways of
+the other sons and daughters of humanity_. Though royal blood is not of
+itself considered a barrier against marriage, the very few persons that
+are eligible to marry a king's daughter, besides the unsurmountable
+difficulties which religion opposes to such unions, makes them almost
+amount to absolute exclusion.
+
+It would argue a callous heart not to feel the force of the above
+reflection, while speaking of the royal daughters of Queen Charlotte.
+They were at this period in the bloom of youth, in all the glowing
+exuberance of health, but from the real enjoyment of which the miserable
+etiquette of regal splendour, and the feigned prudery of their mother,
+debarred them. In the full meridian of their state, possessing every
+exterior advantage calculated to excite vulgar envy and admiration,
+these royal ladies were less blessed, in reality, than the daughters of
+peasants, who were free to marry the men of their choice. When this
+secluded state of royalty is considered, the reflecting mind will feel
+disposed to exercise charity and forbearance; but the subjects of our
+present notice partook of _rather more_ of female frailty than ought to
+have been allowed. We have heard, indeed, of the most desperate excesses
+committed by _royal_ ladies, and are ourselves acquainted with an
+_accoucheur_, who officiated under a circumstance of a lamentable
+kind,--INDEPENDENT OF THE BIRTH OF CAPTAIN GARTH! Alas! were the crimes
+of the court of Charlotte but painted in their true colours, how would
+Virtue blush!--how would Honesty be abashed!--how would Credulity be
+staggered! The slightest deviation from honor in a tradesman's daughter
+is generally punished by eternal disgrace! For the present, we must
+leave these very painful reflections; though we fear _truth_ will compel
+us to renew the subject.
+
+The revenue was, as usual, unequal to meet the extravagancies of the
+royal family, and so was added every succeeding year an increase to the
+already immense "NATIONAL DEBT."
+
+The queen became now much disturbed by the dissatisfaction so generally
+expressed by all classes of society, and she therefore resolved to give
+the minister her opinion upon the subject. Mr. Pitt accordingly
+presented himself, and was received with courteous attention. The queen
+expressed her fears of an ill _ultimatum_, unless some plan could be
+proposed to satisfy the desires of the people. After various
+propositions were made and rejected, it was deemed prudent to resist any
+and every motion which might be made in the Commons for reform in the
+state of the representation, and to rule over the people by _force_, if
+found needful.
+
+
+The House met early in the year
+
+     1792,
+
+and the king announced the marriage of his second son, Frederick, with a
+daughter of the King of Prussia. In March, Mr. Pitt proposed to settle
+thirty thousand pounds per annum upon their royal highnesses! The
+Opposition remonstrated, but the motion was finally carried.
+
+Much interest was excited upon the subject of the slave trade; and Mr.
+Wilberforce urged the abolition of it in very warm and generous
+language. Mr. Pitt was eloquent on this occasion, and pleaded, most
+animatedly, in favour of its entire abolition; but the minister _was not
+sincere_. A series of resolutions were ultimately agreed upon, and sent
+up to the Lords for their concurrence.
+
+The Duke of Clarence now commenced his parliamentary career, by
+violently declaiming against the abolition of slavery and its advocates.
+This caused it to be delayed, and the guilt of Britain increased.
+
+The queen _appeared_ vexed at this circumstance, as she had imagined
+such a concession would have given great satisfaction, without
+decreasing her influence at home.
+
+In a private conversation with an illustrious person, some days after
+this defeat, Mr. Wilberforce said, "He did not believe the queen or the
+minister were _truly desirous_ of the abolition of slavery; for, if it
+had been intended by them to be carried, they would have secured it in
+the Upper House."
+
+After thus trifling with the wishes of the people, it appeared probable
+that dissatisfaction might arise amongst the middle classes of society;
+to provide against which, the establishment of a new police for
+Westminster was proposed and carried.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1793
+
+commenced with the usual aspects, and power appeared to have had a
+hardening influence upon the minds of statesmen. The crisis seemed near,
+that some salutary and healing measure of reform in the state of the
+representation must be adopted; for it was imprudent any longer to be
+silent on the subject. Mr. Grey, therefore, moved the question in the
+House, on the 30th of April, and was supported ably by Mr. Erskine and
+others; but the minister (Mr. Pitt) repelled the motion, and spoke as
+warmly for its withdrawal as he had formerly spoken in its defence, and
+of its necessity. The result was prejudicial to the rights and
+privileges of free-born men; the motion was dismissed, and a
+royal proclamation issued against all seditious writings and
+correspondences,--plainly proving that the crown needed the aid of
+_spies and informers_, in order to continue its baneful and injurious
+influence over a deluded and degraded people! Thus was an attempt to
+obtain justice defeated by a combination of overbearing tyranny and
+oppression; and thus was the "state automaton" moved at pleasure by the
+secret springs of court intrigue and infamy, regulated by the queen! One
+extreme generally leads to another, and so by degrees the freedom of the
+constitution was changed to tyrannical fetters, under the assumed title
+of "_improvements in our code of laws_," whilst distress continued, and
+expostulation, as usual, proved fruitless.
+
+Mr. Pitt, at this time, through a private channel, communicated his
+desire to see Mr. Canning, who of course promptly attended. The premier
+complimented Mr. Canning on his reputation as a scholar and a speaker,
+and stated, that, if he concurred in the policy which government was
+then pursuing, arrangements would be made to bring him into parliament.
+These few words will briefly explain to future generations the manner of
+introducing members to parliament by this minister.
+
+Previous to this _honourable_ offer, Mr. Canning belonged to what was
+then termed "the opposition faction," and among those who were the _most
+violent_ in their opinions, _he_ had been considered and spoken of as
+their _protege_. But a seat in parliament from the hands of a prime
+minister, who, however haughty and reserved in his general manners, had
+perhaps, for that very reason, a peculiar power in fixing himself in the
+minds of those whom he wished to please, was a tempting offer to a young
+man, conscious of superior talent, but rendered by his situation in life
+agreeably alive to such flattering and powerful notice. Our readers will
+hardly feel surprised, then, at his after vacillating conduct, which we
+shall have occasion frequently to notice.
+
+The Prince of Wales now veered in his political expressions, and
+deserted his former acknowledged principles, in obedience to the wishes
+of the _queen_. The other male branches of the royal family were
+revelling in the vortex of voluptuousness; and so expensive were their
+amours and gallantries, in addition to their gambling transactions, that
+they were continually involved in debt, and, for momentary relief,
+borrowed sums of every person willing to run the risk of a loan, or
+afraid to incur the royal displeasure.
+
+The king was ignorant of the most dishonorable transactions in which his
+sons were so deeply involved; what he did know was sufficient to make
+him miserable. Their supplies and income were to an enormous extent; yet
+his majesty was aware that the Duke of York's horses and carriage were
+seized, while going down Piccadilly, and his royal highness obliged to
+walk home!
+
+Declaration of hostilities was announced between Great Britain and
+France, and the year's supply amounted to TWENTY MILLIONS. To provide
+this enormous sum, extra taxes were again levied upon the people.
+
+
+We enter upon the year
+
+     1794,
+
+with sorrow and indignation, as it was the commencement of an
+all-important era in national affairs. The king beheld the critical
+state of the empire with much sorrow and disquietude. The extravagant
+and imprudent conduct of his sons also acted as a canker upon his heart.
+In vain did he endeavour to represent to them, that to be worthy of
+holding their rank in such a great nation, they ought to lay aside the
+follies which had so long been practised by them; and as earnestly, yet
+as vainly, did he press them to retire from the society of voluptuous
+acquaintances, with whom he too well knew they were so deeply involved,
+in various ways.
+
+At this period of our history, we are grieved to record the tyrannical
+acts of government, in apprehending a number of persons on the charge of
+_treason_. Some of our readers will, doubtless, recollect the glorious
+acquittal of Hardy, Tooke, and Thelwall; but there were others, less
+fortunate. We would rather have been Claudius or Caligula, Nero,
+Tiberius, or the _Christian_, blood-stained Constantine, than the man
+who, in cold blood, could deliberately sign a warrant against those
+patriotic martyrs, MUIR, SKIRVING, MARGAROT, PALMER, and GERALD, whose
+only _crime_ consisted in having _SUPPORTED MR. PITT'S OWN ORIGINAL
+SYSTEM OF REFORM_!
+
+Our readers, at this distance of time, will reflect with amazement and
+indignation, that on the 8th of February, 1794, the four first-named
+citizens, without a moment's previous notice, were surprised in their
+beds by the Newgate ruffians, chained and handcuffed like the vilest
+felons, and thus conveyed to Woolwich, where they were sent on board a
+transport ready to receive them. A few hours afterwards, the vessel
+dropped down the river; but, during the short interval it remained at
+Woolwich, all communication was cut off between them and their friends!
+Even the wife of Margarot was denied admission to him! Such were the
+positive orders of that illiberal and corrupt minister,--Mr. Henry
+Dundas.
+
+Let us hope that the day is for ever past when men can be thus treated
+for merely giving vent to their complaints and sufferings. It is the
+prerogative of affliction to complain, more sacred and natural than any
+titles or immunities which _privileged_ persons enjoy! And whenever
+_force_ is employed against _argument and reason_, though the contest
+may be unequal, depend upon it that the cause of _TRUTH_ will
+_ULTIMATELY PREVAIL_!
+
+At this period, the Prince of Wales was involved in more than SIX
+HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS, beside bonds and bills, signed by him, to a
+very enormous amount; and, finding himself unable to procure any further
+sums, he applied to the queen for assistance in this extremity. Her
+majesty referred him to his father, and pressed him to yield to any
+advice which the king might suggest, or any plan he might recommend.
+
+A time was appointed for an interview, and the father and son entered
+upon these very distressing and dishonorable transactions. After much
+deliberation, the king observed, "that it was utterly impossible to ask
+parliament for any relief, as it was all the minister could now do to
+keep the wheels of state in motion; and, even to do that, it required
+_immense loans_ to be raised, to make up the deficiency of the year's
+current expenses." As a last resource, the king proposed that the prince
+should MARRY, and that a lady of royal birth be selected, as agreeable
+to the inclinations of the prince as possible. Upon such an event, the
+minister would, no doubt, furnish means for his liberation, and a
+sufficient income for the additional expenses attendant upon such an
+alliance. The prince received the opinion of his father with varied
+sensations, and requested time to think upon the proposition, when he
+would announce the result of his cogitations.
+
+Alas! how much are kings to be pitied! If their principles and
+intentions be virtuous, what difficulties have they to surmount, what
+sorrows to endure! This was a trying period for George the Third: on the
+one hand, he saw the impropriety and cruelty of marriage merely for
+state policy, and more particularly so in the present instance, as he
+considered the prince's marriage with Mrs. Fitzherbert solemn and
+binding in the sight of heaven, though certainly in direct opposition to
+the _law_ of the country, which was _in operation at the time it was
+solemnized_. On the other hand, it appeared that a royal marriage was an
+event that would give great satisfaction to the people, and might,
+perhaps, reclaim the prince from those considerable errors and obnoxious
+pursuits in which he was so deeply entangled; for he associated with
+some of the most unprincipled characters, of whom any person of
+morality or _common decency_ would certainly have been ashamed.
+
+Here again the gewgaw of royal parade was intended to entrap the
+admiration of the ignorant. The vain pomp and pageantries of courts and
+the splendour of fortune have ever been an _ignis fatuus_ to seduce the
+people to their ruin. They have, alas! too often served as an useful
+shelter to every excess of folly, every enormity of crime; while the
+deepest distresses and the most urgent wants have not been allowed as an
+extenuation for the slightest transgression, though committed to satisfy
+the craving exigencies of famished nature! Had a _private_ individual
+acted as this prince was about to do, would he not have become an
+outcast from his family, and would not the whole world have abandoned
+him? Yet, although the prince's example was ten thousand times more
+contagious, all the breaches of faith of which he had been guilty
+scarcely received the slightest animadversion! But so it was; common
+interest united even those who were disunited by particular
+discordances, and the _seeming_ harmony of the royal family may
+undoubtedly be inferred to have arisen from their equal interest in the
+success of the piece. Their private differences were apparently lost in
+the immensity of the SECRETS by which the state chain was rivetted, as
+if it were by adamant.
+
+We must not suppose his majesty was all this time ignorant of the
+situation of his nephew, the only child of his brother Edward; so far
+from that being the case, he had caused him to be brought up privately,
+and was regular in the discharge of the yearly expenses incurred on his
+account at Eton. The queen presumed that her children were safely
+seated, so long as the king's _first_ marriage should be concealed, and
+therefore did not bestow many thoughts upon the happiness or misery,
+fortune or misfortune, life or death, of this MUCH-INJURED YOUTH! Does
+not nature revolt at this barbarity, this secret unfeeling conduct of
+the queen? What mother could know a similar case, and not afford all the
+generous tenderness of sympathy to mitigate the losses this _orphan_ had
+sustained, not only of fortune, but of the fostering care of both his
+parents?
+
+The complicated wickedness of the court seemed now nearly approaching
+its climax. Deception had been added to deception, until, to complete
+the delusion, another victim must necessarily be added, in the person of
+the Princess Caroline of Brunswick!
+
+After conferences with Mrs. Fitzherbert, the queen, and a few others,
+closely interested in the affair, had taken place, the prince acquainted
+his father with his submission to the royal will, and requested to know
+whom his majesty would recommend for his bride. The king suggested his
+niece, the daughter of his sister, the Duchess of Brunswick, for whose
+acceptance he urged the prince to send his miniature, and other
+formalities, usual on such occasions. _The prince, with apparent
+vivacity, acquiesced_; but his majesty thought that his son's language
+wanted sincerity.
+
+The evening was spent in revelry and debauchery by the prince and his
+companions, and his royal highness swore "I will marry the Princess of
+Brunswick, which," said he, "will be no marriage at all, and desert her,
+of which I will give her timely notice." The miniature was painted
+_flatteringly_, and the following letter from the prince accompanied it
+to his intended wife:
+
+
+_Copy of a letter written to the Princess Caroline of Brunswick, by
+George Prince of Wales._
+
+                                                           "1794.
+
+"MADAM,
+
+"The king my father, whom I highly respect and esteem, has just
+announced to me that your hand is destined for me. I am obliged, by the
+imperious force of circumstances to own, that this intelligence has
+thrown me into despair, and my candour does not allow me to conceal my
+sentiments from you. I hope that when you are acquainted with them, you
+will aid me in breaking the ties which would unite us only to render us
+unhappy; and which will be in your power to oppose, since _I_ am unable
+to do so. You, Madam, are adored by your parents; I am aware that they
+have allowed you the liberty of refusing all the princes who have been
+proposed to you in marriage; refuse _me_ also, I conjure you in the name
+of pity, to which I know you are no stranger. You do not _know_ me,
+Madam; you therefore can have no cause to lament my loss. Learn, then,
+the _secret_ and _unhappy_ situation of the prince whom they wish you
+to espouse. I cannot love you; I cannot make you happy; my heart has
+long ceased to be free. She who possesses it is the only woman to whom I
+could unite myself agreeably to my inclinations. _You_ would find in me
+a husband who places all his affections upon another. If this _secret_,
+which I name to you in _confidence_, does not cause you to reject me; if
+ambition, or any other motive of which I am ignorant, cause you to
+condescend to the arrangements of my family, learn that, as soon as you
+shall have given an heir to the _throne, I will abandon you_, never to
+meet you more in public. I will then attach myself to that lady whom I
+love, and whom I will not leave. Such is, Madam, my last and irrevocable
+resolution; if you are the victim of it, you will be a _willing victim_,
+and you cannot accuse me of having deceived you.
+
+                                 "I am, Madam,
+                                     "With great truth,
+                                           "Your's sincerely,
+                                                      "GEORGE P."
+
+
+After reading this very curious epistle, the reader may presume that the
+princess was _indiscreet_ in her acceptance of the hand of a prince who
+so _boldly_ professed himself averse to the union; but the following
+letters of George the Third to herself and her mother, (the king's
+sister) which accompanied the one of the prince, will afford some
+explanation of her conduct:
+
+
+_Copy of a Letter to Caroline, Princess of Brunswick, from her uncle,
+George the Third._
+
+                                                           "1794.
+
+"My dearest Niece Caroline,
+
+"It has afforded me very much pleasure to hear, by the means of my son
+Frederick of York, that you merit my very best regard. I have no doubt
+you have frequently heard of my very great and affectionate regard for
+your dear mother, my sister; and I assure you I love her daughter for
+her sake. I am well persuaded that my dear niece will not refuse the
+pressing request of myself and her mother with respect to an alliance
+with my son George, Prince of Wales, which I earnestly desire may be
+arranged to take place as speedily as possible. I promise, most solemnly
+promise, that I will be your friend and father upon every occasion, and
+I entreat you to comply with this ardent desire of my heart, that my
+agitated mind may once more be composed.
+
+"I have explained to my sister the probable difficulties which my son
+George may mention; but they must not have any weight in your mind and
+conclusions. I beg you not to refuse this pressing petition of your most
+
+                                        "Sincere and affectionate
+                                                "Uncle,
+                                                      "GEORGE R."
+
+"P. S. Do not delay a reply an hour longer than can be avoided."
+
+"_To Caroline, Princess of Brunswick,"
+&c. &c. &c._
+
+
+_Copy of a Letter to the Duchess of Brunswick, from her Brother, George
+the Third._
+
+"MY DEAR SISTER,
+
+"I have endeavoured to excite and promote in the mind of my son George a
+desire to espouse my dear niece Caroline. _This_, I am aware, he will
+only consent to as a prudent step, by which his debts may be paid. I
+will trust to your influence with Caroline that she may not be offended
+with any thing he pleases to say. He may please to plead that he is
+already married!--and I fear he will resort to any measures rather than
+an honorable marriage. But as, in my former letters, I have explained my
+wishes upon this subject, I therefore need not now repeat them. Tell my
+dear niece she must never expect to find a mother or friend in the
+queen; but _I will be her friend to my latest breath_. Give me your
+support, my sister, and prevail upon my niece Caroline at all hazards.
+
+                                "Your's affectionately,
+                                                      "GEORGE R."
+
+
+A courier was despatched with these preliminaries of a royal marriage,
+and the prince again sank into the depths of vice. The queen saw her
+path was rather difficult, and feared for the consequences; but she
+resolved to exert every thought to devise the surest plan for future
+safety. Her majesty did not assist the prince to any extent, because her
+purse was of the greatest utility to her personal safety, and therefore
+_promises_ were chiefly given to the clamorous and ruined creditors,
+that, as soon as the prince was MARRIED, all debts would be discharged!
+The reasons which prompted the parsimony of the queen were obvious to
+those who knew her plans, though not to the public. She was aware of the
+slight tenure she held, and the illegality of her marriage; the
+unaccounted-for death of the king's eldest brother; the uncertainty of
+the fate of his issue; fears for his future public appeals, and her
+knowledge of the validity of his claims! Beside all this, the relatives
+of the legally-married wife of the Duke (Edward) were of more
+illustrious descent than even the queen herself; and from them she stood
+in doubt, lest the untimely death of this lady and her husband, the
+unfortunate Duke of York, as well as the privacy of their offspring,
+should be brought forward in a public manner, or in any way which might
+reflect dishonour upon the influence of the crown!
+
+How much has guilt to fear from exposure by TRUTH! _Secrecy_ was the
+ministerial watch-word then in vogue, and though fallacious and
+destructive, as experience has demonstrated the principle to be, yet the
+nation was cajoled by its influence, and even induced indirectly to
+sanction measures the most desperate and ruinous that imagination can
+depict!
+
+The hireling part of the press, notwithstanding, strove to eternize this
+awful and barbarous system, and thus assisted the minister to cherish
+the growth of Ignorance. Indeed, it is an undeniable fact, that
+the corruption of government pervaded every branch of Mr. Pitt's
+administration; but surely this minister must have been sometimes afraid
+that the people would discover the frauds and impositions practised upon
+them, and demand satisfaction. Mr. Pitt, indeed, was an _apostate_, who,
+at the beginning of his career, stood forth as the CHAMPION OF THE
+PEOPLE'S RIGHTS; but no sooner had he gained possession of power, than
+he at once threw off the mask, deserted his benefactors, who had trusted
+and exalted him, maintained, with all his might, the utmost stretch of
+the royal prerogative, owned himself the unblushing advocate of
+influence and corruption, and the decided enemy of the human race! When
+we reflect on the obduracy, perfidy, and ingratitude of "this pilot that
+_gathered_ the storm," in whose breast neither shame nor pity seldom
+found a residence, but as if dead to every noble passion of the soul, he
+first exhausted the resources of the nation by his imposition of taxes,
+and then enslaved it by his politics; when we reflect, we say, on the
+conduct of this man, Sejanus and Rufinus, profligate and cruel as they
+were, appear angels of light, and we cannot help feeling disgusted with
+the age that tolerated such a minister! Secure in his parliamentary
+majorities and the favours of his queen, he imagined the people at large
+mere nonentities, and set them at defiance, while he must have laughed
+at their tameness and stupidity! Did he not warmly commend the sentences
+of proscription, imprisonment, and transportation, passed against his
+countrymen solely for attempting to procure a reform of grievances, by
+the very same means which he had himself previously employed? Did he
+not, when every really-loyal subject in the realm was deploring the
+disgraces and defeats of the British arms, insult the people with
+affected serious congratulations on the successes that had been obtained
+by the allied powers, and the happy change that had taken place in their
+favour? Yes, reader, these acts may be taken as specimens of the policy
+of the "heaven-born minister, that weathered the storm," as a certain
+chancellor once imprudently designated Mr. Pitt.
+
+The courier, bearing the despatches to the Princess of Brunswick,
+arrived at the court of her father in October, where he delivered his
+packet, and was entertained with generous and courteous attention. The
+duke and duchess retired to peruse its contents, which they read with
+agitation; and Hope and Fear strove tumultuously to gain an ascendency.
+The king's letter was considered, in a certain degree, explanatory of
+the follies of the prince, though it did not name any vices; and as it
+also expressed a _confident opinion_, that, united to a person of
+amiability and worth, like the princess, all good would ensue, the
+parents of the princess were inclined to hope for a favourable result
+from the alliance. The good opinion of the king, their brother, was an
+extra inducement to the fond and indulgent parents of Caroline to plead
+in behalf of her acceptance of this offer; and all must admit their
+conduct to be natural and affectionate.
+
+The letter of the prince was soon after delivered by the duke to his
+daughter, accompanied by the remark, "I hope my dear Caroline will one
+day be the happy queen of a free and happy nation. Retire, my child,
+and, after thinking seriously, decide prudently." The princess retired,
+and read the strange epistle written by the prince. She knew not, for
+some considerable time, what to think, or how to decide. At length,
+after a few hours of rest and enjoyment, the courier departed. He
+arrived safely at St. James', and delivered the following reply to the
+Prince of Wales:
+
+
+_Copy of the Reply to George, Prince of Wales, from Caroline, Princess
+of Brunswick._
+
+"MY LORD AND COUSIN,
+
+"I cannot express to your royal highness the feelings of surprise which
+your letter has afforded me, neither can I rely _entirely_ upon what it
+contains; because the accompanying letter of the good king, your father,
+is so very opposite to its meaning. I thought that the ties of
+relationship which exist between us would have obliged your royal
+highness to treat with delicacy and honor the princess whom your king
+destines for you. For my own part, my lord, I know my duty, and I have
+not the power or the wish to break the laws which are wished to be
+imposed upon me. I, therefore, have decided upon obeying the wishes of
+those who have the right to dispose of my person. I submit, at the same
+time, to the consequences with which your highness threatens me. But, if
+you could read _that heart_ to which you impart such anguish, you would
+perhaps have feelings of remorse from this barbarous treatment, in which
+your royal highness appears to boast. I am now resolved to await from
+_time_ and our _union_ the just regard I will endeavour to merit; and I
+trust that your regret for what you have written will, in some measure,
+avenge the wrongs you have so wantonly committed. Believe me, my lord,
+that I shall not cease to offer my prayers for the happiness of your
+royal highness; _mine_ will be perfect if I can contribute to your's.
+
+                   "I am, for life, your most devoted Cousin,
+                                  "CAROLINE AMELIA OF BRUNSWICK."
+
+
+We have given this and the preceding letters solely with a view of
+forwarding the cause of truth, and shall leave our readers to draw their
+own inferences as to the propriety or impropriety of the conduct of the
+parties concerned.
+
+
+Early in the ensuing year,
+
+     1795,
+
+preparations were made, upon a moderate scale, to receive the Princess
+of Brunswick as the intended wife of the heir-apparent.
+
+The prince was still as _dissolute_ as ever, and associated with the
+very dregs of society, of both sexes. Yet this same personage was about
+to be allied, according to the outward usages of the church, to a
+princess of the most opposite principles and sentiments! Many times has
+he become the _father_ of innocent victims, who were doomed to perish in
+a workhouse, or be consigned to a premature grave! How improbable then
+was it, that his heart would ever feel affection for the issue of an
+honourable connexion,--if it may be so called in _this_ case,--more
+particularly when that was the last resource to extricate him from debt
+and disgrace! Well, indeed, might his companions say, "the princess may
+hear, in the joyful peal, (after her vows) the surer knell of her
+happiness." Too well the result proved the truth of their prophetic
+announcement!
+
+Previous to the arrival of Caroline, it was arranged by the queen that
+persons of distinction, upon whom her majesty could depend in this
+instance, should attend her highness, and a selection was made
+accordingly. The notorious Lady Jersey was one; of her character and
+intriguing disposition, we need not say more than announce the fact,
+that her favours had been at the command of the prince for a
+considerable time. Her disposition was artful and cruel; indeed, unless
+such qualities had been invested in her ladyship, the queen would not
+have given her orders in a manner so undisguised and bold. Cruelty and
+Vice are always inseparable companions.
+
+At length, the princess arrived on these (to her) inhospitable shores.
+On the 8th of April, the formality of a marriage ceremony took place, at
+the palace of St. James. The king was particularly attentive to the
+princess; but not so the queen, who manifested an unbending
+haughtiness, and sometimes lost sight of etiquette so far, that sarcasm
+was too evidently visible. The princesses were in too much fear of their
+mother to bestow any particular attentions on the Princess of Wales,
+except one of them, who, however, dare not publicly avow her sentiments.
+
+On retiring for the night to Carlton House, the princess was attended
+only by those invidious characters who had deliberately planned her
+ruin. Several historians have recorded, that, by some inaccuracy or
+defect in demeanour, the prince received an unexpected impression
+unfavourable to her royal highness; but such _was not the case_. It is
+true, that the conduct of the prince was any thing but gentlemanly;
+though of this little notice was taken. Her royal highness resolved to
+forbear from any unpleasant complainings, as she was now separated from
+her much-beloved home and friends. She plainly saw the disadvantage of
+her change; and, in the disappointment of her heart, frequently deplored
+her cruel destiny. Many times has she been obliged to witness the
+various favourites of the prince receiving those attentions and enjoying
+those smiles which ought to have been her's only.
+
+In a conversation with the prince, shortly after their nuptials, (if
+such an appellation may be used) her royal highness said, "that, after
+the candour with which I have explained myself, I certainly feel
+entitled to the respectful attentions of your highness, and I cannot
+endure the insults I am continually receiving from your mistresses and
+coarse associates." This gentle remonstrance was repeated by this
+"all-accomplished gentleman" when he next met his half-drunken
+companions, and their infamy was heightened by maliciously abusing this
+much-injured lady.
+
+The prince's yearly income was augmented at his marriage with his cousin
+to one hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds, besides having all his
+debts discharged.
+
+The princess now seldom saw her husband. His nights were spent in
+debauchery, and he was frequently carried to bed, totally unconscious of
+all around him. Gaming supplied his leisure hours, and scenes of
+immorality were the common routine of each succeeding day. Such were the
+deportment and character of the man, or _monster_, who was to be
+invested with power over millions of brave, generous, and industrious
+people! It was impossible for such an one to have retained in his
+confidence a single upright and conscientious person. The soul sickens
+at the retrospect; but we must pursue the revolting subject.
+
+The king was, at this time, the only friend in whom the Princess of
+Wales could repose any confidence, and to him she unburdened herself
+unreservedly. His majesty was much incensed at the indignation heaped
+upon the daughter of his sister, and, but for the apparent situation of
+his niece, he would have recommended severer measures than he then
+thought prudent.
+
+In opposition to all remonstrance and advice, the prince gradually sunk
+deeper into the vortex of sensuality, and very frequently expressed
+himself in high hopes that the princess would soon "BE GOT RID OF." He
+still remained ignorant of the confidence the princess had reposed in
+her uncle; and well was it for her he was ignorant of it, as his passion
+was extreme, and rage might have gained such a pre-eminence as to have
+induced him to add _another FOUL DEED to his number_.
+
+This fatal year, more than twenty-nine millions were required, eighteen
+of which were raised by loans! Here may be observed how progressively
+the "national debt" was incurred, partly for the immoderate extravagance
+of those who ought to have acted as models for imitation at home, and
+partly by unjust and destructive wars abroad! until Englishmen became
+any thing and every thing but a free people. The discontents of the
+tax-payers were loud and deep; but the ministers heeded them not!
+
+
+On the 7th of January,
+
+     1796,
+
+the Princess of Wales was safely delivered of a daughter, whose birth,
+in some measure, assuaged the miseries of her forlorn condition. The
+Duke of Clarence might have very frequently repeated his expressions,
+delivered in the House of Lords in the preceding June, when he said,
+"Unless suitable provisions were made for the prince, the Princess of
+Wales, A LOVELY AND AMIABLE WOMAN, must feel herself torn from her
+family, (although her mother was the king's sister) removed from all her
+early connexions," &c. Ah! William Henry, were you prepared to prove
+this to be a speech in favour of your cousin and sister-in-law? Was it
+not _only_ for the aggrandizement of your spendthrift brother?
+
+To oblige her majesty, the young princess was named CHARLOTTE. But what
+a different character did the younger Charlotte prove from the elder!
+Oh! that so sweet a disposition and so noble a mind should have been
+crushed in the bud, and that, too, by one nearly allied to her by the
+ties of nature!
+
+Those more immediately about the person of the Princess of Wales were
+best capable to form an opinion of her maternal tenderness, and of the
+prince's negligence. The proofs of affectionate solicitude on the part
+of the mother, contrasted with the indifference of the father, deserve
+public explanation. The first time the prince saw his child, his
+countenance was not in the least illuminated by any ray of pleasure, as
+he contented himself by merely observing, "It is a fine girl." The
+princess afterwards acknowledged her disappointment, as she had hoped
+his heart was not entirely debased, or his sense of virtue altogether
+lost; but this fond, this very natural, hope was doomed to
+disappointment, and while this desolate lady was nursing her
+tenderly-beloved child, the prince was walking and riding out, openly
+and shamelessly, with Mrs. Fitzherbert and Lady Jersey! Would not the
+poor cottager have felt abashed to hear of his fellow-labourer's
+similar conduct, even in the most humble station of life, who must, of
+necessity, be devoid of ten thousand advantages this personage had
+derived from birth and education? Yes, doubtless; and he who could so
+act deserved no other appellation than that of a VOLUPTUOUS BRUTE.
+
+It was much to be regretted at this time, that all the very heavy
+taxation and increase of debt were said to be in consequence of the
+"king's great predilection for the lavish expenditures of the royal
+family, and his anxious determination to continue the disastrous war."
+Such were not his majesty's desires, but exactly the reverse; though,
+unfortunately, his opinions were always overruled by the queen.
+
+A formal separation took place this year between the Prince and Princess
+of Wales, and certainly her royal highness deserved much more general
+sympathy than she then experienced. The nobility appeared uncertain
+which side to espouse, and therefore, for want of _principle_ to do that
+which their consciences said was right, they fell imperceptibly into
+error; besides which, it was indispensably necessary, that those who
+wished to stand well with the queen and prince must withdraw from all
+intimacy with the Princess of Wales!
+
+The immense amount for the supply this year was above THIRTY-EIGHT
+MILLIONS!--about twenty of which were raised by loans!
+
+
+In
+
+     1797,
+
+the heavy burdens imposed on the people to supply the insatiate thirst
+for war, and keep a gorgeous appearance at court, reduced the middle
+classes of people to want and distraction. While the prince and his
+fawning courtiers were revelling in every obscenity, and glutting
+themselves with the prospect which still continued, that to-morrow would
+be more abundant, thousands,--nay, millions,--in England and Ireland
+were perishing for want of bread! During this unexampled period of
+sorrow, the conduct of the ministry proved them to be perfectly
+indifferent to the distresses of the people. Splendid entertainments, at
+an immense expense, were frequently given, and the lofty halls of
+palaces rang with the loud shouts of conviviality and profanity! Such
+recitals may, to some persons, appear incredible, or too highly
+coloured; but _we_ well know they did occur, though we do not wish to
+shock the feelings of our readers by entering into the minutiae of the
+infamous conduct practised by the Prince of Wales and his courtiers.
+Well might the prince, in his memorable letter to the princess in the
+preceding year, say, "Our inclinations are not suited to each other." He
+was correct; they were not suited; neither did the Princess Caroline
+ever desire they should be, because General Lee could testify that the
+prince had _more propensities than propriety suggested_!
+
+In this most pressing and trying case, when the mind of the Princess of
+Wales was wrought up to the greatest point of agony, she resolved upon
+an interview with the queen, when her royal highness told her, that
+Carlton House could no longer be inhabited by her, as the infamous
+scenes she was too often obliged to witness were of a description so
+notoriously abominable, that common decency was grossly outraged! Her
+majesty supported the right of the prince to choose his own associates,
+and at the same time stated, as her opinion, that it was very
+disagreeable to the prince to have her in town at all, and it was proper
+the princess should remove to some distance agreeable to herself, where
+the prince might not be under the necessity of meeting her, when he had
+occasion to spend any time at the palace.
+
+It will readily be presumed, the princess left the presence of the
+haughty queen with a heart full of disappointment and chagrin. Her royal
+highness found herself surrounded by persons on whose confidence she
+could not depend; because every one appeared in awe of the queen. She
+was also neglected and insulted by the prince, who ought to have been
+the first to protect her; but the smile of her infant still cheered her
+gloomy moments.
+
+This was the most disastrous period of the war: the Bank of England
+stopped payment; mutinies broke out in the army and navy, which were
+attended by much bloodshed; Ireland was on the verge of rebellion; and
+the sum required for the year's service amounted to the abominable and
+increased sum of FORTY-TWO MILLIONS OF MONEY, of which thirty-four
+millions were raised by loans, and three millions by Exchequer Bills.
+The premier also proposed to extort seven millions from the people by a
+new impost, under the name of "the triple assessment!"
+
+
+The year
+
+     1798
+
+presented a continuation of grievances amongst most classes in humble
+life. Revelry and uproarious riot, however, were ever to be found in the
+residences of the royal, yet unnatural, husband of the Princess of
+Wales; and each succeeding year seemed but to _improve_ him in all sorts
+of infamous engagements. He had at his command some of the most
+desperate and inhuman characters by which society was ever debased. One
+in particular, M'Mahon, who would at any time seduce a female from her
+home, under some specious pretence, in order to take her as a prize to
+his master, whose favour thereby might be secured!
+
+The intrigues of the Duke of York were also of a most abandoned
+character; and the other brothers _merit_ some notice in the "Annals of
+Infamy!" During Frederick's residence in Germany, he contracted habits
+and indulged in excesses abhorrent to human nature, and we should be
+spared much deep humiliation, as Englishmen, if we had not occasion to
+recur again to these sickening facts; but the recording angel of TRUTH
+forbids our silence, and we must not, therefore, disobey her mandate.
+
+
+1799
+
+will be remembered, and reference made to it, as long as humanity can
+reflect upon the desolations and calamities occasioned by war. The
+earth, in many quarters, was covered with "killed and wounded," while
+the money of the tax-payers paid the _legal assassins_!
+
+In the mean time, the minister at home was racking his brains how new
+taxes might be levied, to supply the means for the continuation of
+carnage. Property, liberty,--nay, even life itself, were deemed toys in
+the hands of Mr. Pitt, whose passions seemed to centre in rapine,
+enmity, and ambition. His heart was steeled against the cry of the widow
+and the plaintive sigh of the destitute orphan. The queen's account in
+the day of retribution must also be rather enormous, for the minister
+acted in concert with her in this complicated trickery. Mr. Pitt and the
+queen seemed to think their only part consisted in draining the
+resources of the people to their last ability, and in refusing all
+overtures of peace, whatever offers might be made.
+
+This year, France made proposals of peace with these kingdoms, which
+were _refused_, and war, desolating war, with all its attendant and
+consequent horrors, still reared its "gory banners" over the principal
+part of the world!
+
+We will leave the contemplation of this heart-rending subject, and turn
+to another, scarcely less revolting to humanity,--the conduct of the
+Prince of Wales,--whose court was generally filled with a host of
+harlots. His royal highness was anxious to get rid of the princess (his
+wife) entirely, and most heartily did the queen concur in his wishes.
+The difficult part of the task was, the consideration and organization
+of those measures most likely to promote the desired end. The Princess
+of Wales' letters, addressed to her family in Brunswick, had many times
+been opened, and, not unfrequently, even _suppressed_! So that her
+persecutions were now commenced.
+
+The princess was too open and ingenuous in character to obtain the
+queen's approbation, and therefore, after the several repulses which she
+had received from her majesty, Caroline was justly incensed at her
+uncalled-for unprovoked haughtiness, and overbearing manners. The
+unsuspecting nature of the Princess of Wales, however, prevented her
+from being aware of the infamous snares laid for her destruction at this
+period. Her royal highness has many times been heard to say, "Had I been
+suspicious, pray what should I not have feared? The queen, from the
+first time I saw her, frowned upon me, and very little I said or did
+pleased her; so I never thought I was an object of any consequence to
+her majesty." These were the reasonings of native, unsophisticated
+feelings, and well would it have been for the queen if her heart had
+been equally open, and her language equally candid.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1800
+
+was a continuation of dissension and discord, both at home and abroad.
+Twice in this year the king's life was attempted; once in Hyde Park, and
+again, on the same evening, at Drury-lane Theatre; the first being by a
+ball cartridge, and the latter by a pistol. In the court, the same
+lavish display as formerly was continued, and the royal means were not
+curtailed. It was _said_, that the king declined having more than one
+course served up, but this was merely _nominal_; indeed, if it were as
+stated, the country did not benefit much by the change, as the
+allowances to royalty were, in many instances, very much increased,
+instead of being decreased.
+
+Such was the scarcity of provisions this year, that the generality of
+the population existed upon a scanty portion of potatoes during the
+twenty-four hours. Bread was not within the power of the poor to obtain,
+as the quartern loaf, mixed with all sorts of deleterious ingredients,
+sold for twenty-one pence!
+
+This year was rendered of immortal memory by the union of Ireland with
+England, which was effected by a profuse distribution of _money_ and
+_titles_. Oh! disgrace to the Irish nation, ye servile few, who could
+sell your country for selfish ends! To yield up "name and fame," and all
+that is dear to honesty, for the sake of an "empty sound!"
+
+The amounts required for this and the last year were nearly the same as
+for 1798.
+
+
+In the early part of the year
+
+     1801,
+
+it was announced that the king had taken a severe cold, while hunting,
+and, in consequence, was not able to visit the several concerts to which
+he had previously given the promise of his attendance and patronage; but
+his indisposition was _mental_, not bodily. His majesty was so
+exceedingly distressed at the base and unworthy conduct of his son to
+his niece, the Princess of Wales, that he said frequently, "It is more
+than a father can bear!" Many times would he order his horse to be
+brought, and, requesting his attendants not to follow him, pursue his
+way towards Blackheath, where the princess then resided, sympathizing
+with her sorrows, and, more especially, in the intended removal of her
+child; for even at this early period, when the Princess Charlotte was
+but four years of age, the queen would signify her commands that the
+child should pass some days with her, either in London or Windsor,
+whichever happened to be most convenient to her majesty.
+
+Notwithstanding the extreme scarcity of money and the high price of
+food, the queen and the younger branches of her family continued to give
+their splendid entertainments, as expense was the last consideration
+with the royal brood, when it was known the country supplied the means.
+Oh! John Bull, thy gullibility has, for above half a century, been
+_more_ than proverbial!
+
+On the 29th of October, the king opened the house in person, and
+announced the conclusion of war. Parliament then adjourned till after
+the Christmas recess. England now exhibited the effects of an eight
+years' war; the national debt had been DOUBLED, and internal distress
+had become general; the poor were in a state bordering on starvation,
+and commerce had the prospect of every foreign port being shut against
+it; while the supplies required for the year amounted to nearly FORTY
+MILLIONS.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1802
+
+was ushered in under the greatest embarrassments. The vitals of the
+people were nearly destroyed by the enormous taxation they had endured
+for so many years, and it was doubtless owing to the intolerable load
+they had sustained, and still expected to have forced upon them, that
+independent sentiments were proclaimed. They had a right to condemn the
+usurping power of the queen, for producing all their troubles.
+
+The recess having terminated, the House met. The chancellor came forward
+to shew that the sovereign's pecuniary affairs were very much in arrear.
+After introducing his plan of finance, he was obliged to inform the
+House that certain taxes had been mortgaged by Mr. Pitt, (_who had now
+resigned_) for which the present minister must provide. To defray this
+expense, very heavy additional duties were imposed on beer, malt, hops,
+&c. A considerable addition was also made to the assessed taxes, and
+upon imports and exports. At this period, the whole of the "funded
+debt," including the loans of the present year, amounted to _five
+hundred and forty millions_, and the interest was annually _seventeen
+millions sterling_!
+
+On the 7th of May, Mr. Nichol moved that an address be presented to his
+majesty, thanking him for the removal of Mr. Pitt from his councils,
+when Lord Belgrave rose, and moved an amendment, expressive of the high
+approbation of that House respecting the character and conduct of the
+late minister and his colleagues! In the face of all opposition, Lord
+Belgrave's amendment was carried by more than _four to one_, as also a
+second motion, by Sir H. Mildmay, "that the _thanks_ of the House be
+given to the Right Hon. Mr. Pitt." This was assurance in perfection!
+These discussions only seemed to increase Mr. Pitt's popularity, and on
+the occasion of his next birth-day, Earl Spencer, late first lord of the
+Admiralty, gave as a toast to the company, "the pilot that weathered the
+storm," instead of "the pilot who _gathered_ the storm!"
+
+In the latter part of this year, much fear was excited, lest hostilities
+should again arise between France and England, on account of the
+ascendency of Buonaparte.
+
+
+At the commencement of the year
+
+     1803,
+
+the unhappy king, by the desire of his overbearing wife, directed a
+message to the House, recommending "the embarrassed state of the Prince
+of Wales to their attention," and, in consequence, sixty thousand
+pounds annually were further settled upon his royal highness, to
+continue for three years and a half. This sum, however, was not half
+sufficient to meet his lavish engagements; and therefore Mr. Calcraft
+had the hardihood to move, that "means be granted to enable the prince
+to resume his state and dignity!" But this inconsistent and insulting
+motion was "_too bad_," and, in defiance of even the boroughmongers, was
+negatived.
+
+The supplies voted for the public service this year amounted to above
+FIFTY-SIX MILLIONS! We really wonder of what materials Englishmen were
+composed to allow such iniquitous grants.
+
+Ministers again declared war with France, and men and money were in no
+inconsiderable request. The French Consul possessed himself of Hanover,
+and threatened an invasion of England, which frightened ministers to put
+the country in a state of defence. But was not this a political _ruse_?
+
+Mr. Addington was not so popular as his predecessor in the capacity of
+minister; he had not so much hardihood as Mr. Pitt, and was not
+calculated to endure the load of obloquy which he received, as he
+considered himself free from the charge of having destroyed the
+prospects of his country by the immense debt then contracted; for that
+was the arrangement of Mr. Pitt. Mr. Addington was merely a _tool_ in
+the hands of others.
+
+Those who knew the intricate and perplexed state of affairs within the
+court were only able to judge how long Mr. Addington's ministry would
+continue, and also, WHY it was brought into action. Alas! not merely or
+intentionally to satisfy the liberal politicians, or to change any part
+of the long misrule of the former minister. Widely opposite were the
+motives which proved the main-spring to the meditated result. The queen
+again intended to press the king for an increase of income, to a serious
+amount, for her favourite spendthrift, and she asked the minister how it
+might be best attained. The plan was therefore concerted, and as Pitt
+dared not so soon again ask for further advances, a new minister _might_
+be induced to do it, if shielded by the royal message.
+
+If such conduct were not juggling and acting with the most abominable
+treachery and hypocrisy, we must for ever give up our claim to the
+possession of one iota of common understanding. As we proceed, we will
+explain to the gentle or indignant reader, whichever he may be, in what
+way our enormous "national debt," as it is called, was contracted, when
+we have no doubt that he will be as incensed as ourselves, and will be
+ready to exclaim, "Was this the policy pursued by that paragon of her
+sex, Queen Charlotte?--she who was at all times revered for her _piety_,
+and admired for her inexpressible and _unspotted virtue_!" Yes, reader,
+the very same; the only difference is, you have formerly beheld her in
+_borrowed_ plumes,--_we_ present her in _her own_!
+
+Let us here recur to the consideration of the treatment, exercised
+against the Princess of Wales by her abominable husband and his
+vindictive mother. We formerly alluded to some confidential
+communications made by her to his majesty. The suspicious and mean
+characters then placed about her person reported to the queen every
+interview which the king had with his daughter-in-law, and maliciously,
+represented the imprudence of such an intimacy. From this time, the
+Prince of Wales _professed_ to believe his father was _improperly_
+interested in the cause of the princess, and spies were placed in
+various situations, to give notice of all visits the princess received
+and paid. Notwithstanding, the plotters' most ardent wishes were
+disappointed, and they could not fix upon any action, which they were
+able to prove, to affect her honour or virtue. In the mean time,
+Caroline's only child was removed from her, without the enjoyment of
+whose endearing society life was a mere blank.
+
+In proportion as the prince was applauded, and the queen supported him,
+so was the princess abused and insulted. With respect to pecuniary
+affairs, every honest and upright person saw the strange disproportion
+in the incomes of the several members of the family; for the princess,
+who had to keep an entirely distinct and separate establishment at her
+sole expense, was allowed no more than twenty-two thousand pounds per
+annum, while the other members, who were chiefly expensive to the king,
+had their salaries granted without reference to this subject. Yet it was
+expected that the etiquette of rank should be maintained, and with an
+equal ostentatious display as if means were proportionately provided to
+defray such expenses. Although living upon the establishment of the
+king, the queen's real independent income was fifty-eight thousand
+pounds a year! Ought we not to ask why the princess was thus neglected
+and shamefully insulted?--left in debt, and in extreme perplexity of
+circumstances, for which the family must ever be considered mean and
+unjust? How was her royal highness to act in such a trying case? If she
+had retired to _private_ life, her enemies would have pronounced her an
+improper person to retain the high station which she had formerly
+occupied. If appearances were to be maintained, and royal splendour
+continued, she must mix with _certain_ society, and debt be the
+inevitable consequence. The princess felt there were points, beyond
+which a virtuous, insulted female could not shew forbearance; and she,
+therefore, resolved no longer to endure the galling yoke of oppression,
+without farther explanation.
+
+
+We now proceed to the year
+
+     1804,
+
+which commenced amidst much political dissension at home, and
+preparations for increasing desolation abroad.
+
+His majesty's health now became very indifferent, and, in February, an
+official bulletin announced his malady. It was reported to be a very
+slight attack; though we are sorry to say it was, to the king,
+productive of great pain and agitation of mind by the misrule of the
+queen, and the improprieties of his family! Little did the nation at
+large imagine that the family of the sovereign (to whose individual
+income they had so promptly and munificently contributed) were the
+causes of his acute anxieties! His sons were deeply embarrassed by PLAY,
+their female connexions chiefly of the most abandoned character, and
+their engagements in the world, generally speaking, far beyond their
+powers to discharge. His daughters were also composed of the FRAILTIES
+of human nature. Born and educated in a court, under the severe tuition
+of their mother, they believed themselves of superior worth. The
+pleasures and enjoyments of life were ever waiting for their
+acquiescence, and their exercise on horseback, attended by _certain_
+persons, occupying _certain_ stations in life, afforded them a variety
+of opportunities for conversation, in which the _softest subjects_ met
+the ear!
+
+At this period also, the king's already-distracted mind was farther
+embittered by what he considered the loss of virtue in one of his
+daughters; and the agony he endured, lest the circumstance should
+transpire to the public, would defy any language to depict.
+
+After calmness, in some measure, was restored to his majesty's wounded
+feelings, his health gradually improved, and, on the 29th of March, he
+was declared to be convalescent.
+
+On the resignation of Mr. Addington, Mr. Pitt again assumed the reins of
+government, and appointed his _protege_, Mr. Canning, treasurer of the
+navy. Why do not the many biographers of this political character
+explain the reason, if every thing were fair and straightforward, of his
+quitting office in 1801, because the Catholic question was forbidden to
+be mentioned, and returning to it in 1804, under an express stipulation
+that no member of the government should agitate it contrary to the royal
+inclination? Was the promise that had been given only binding for _three
+years_? Was Mr. Canning's secession from office a trick? Was his return
+to it a sacrifice,--a sacrifice of honour and principle,--to the
+miserable gratification of obtaining _power_? Alas! the public had
+little to thank Mr. Canning for; but they knew not, at that time, his
+love of place and pension.
+
+In October, it was said the king and prince were _reconciled_; but the
+substance of that reconciliation was not made known to the nation. The
+queen had resolved to oblige her favourite son, and promote his wishes,
+by finally relieving him from any farther engagements with the princess,
+his wife; though of the various abominable schemes then in action, the
+king was kept entirely ignorant.
+
+In this year, the health of Mr. Pitt began to fail; his ardour seemed
+cooled, and he experienced short intervals of extreme debility and pain.
+
+
+In the year
+
+     1805,
+
+certain existing evils rendered it needful and expedient, in the
+opinion of the ministry, that the English nation _should fear_ an
+invasion from Buonaparte. We will say WHY they deemed it necessary.
+Because the burdens of the poor were already immense, and it was
+requisite to give an _excuse_ for stripping thousands of families of
+their scanty apparel, their few mean and simple articles of furniture,
+and their humble home, for the purpose of enabling the "hydra-headed
+monster" of corruption to pursue his unlimited course over this insulted
+nation! And what could be better to effect this object than alarming the
+country with the fear of an invasion? The diabolical scheme too fatally
+succeeded!
+
+In order to strengthen the power of the queen at this period, Mr. Pitt
+renewed his connexion with Mr. Addington, who was raised to the peerage
+by the title of _Viscount Sidmouth_, and succeeded the Duke of Portland
+as president of the council.
+
+The minister, Mr. Pitt, cool as he was on many iniquitous subjects,
+could not avoid feeling pangs of remorse at the continual impositions he
+was _compelled_ by the queen to make (in various shapes) upon the
+people. His unbending pride, however, would not permit him to name his
+uneasiness to her majesty, as he well knew her inflexible temper and
+disposition would not permit her to receive _any opinion_ in preference
+to her own. He soon resigned his earthly vexation upon this point, as he
+became so indisposed as not to be able to attend his political affairs,
+and was obliged to seek for repose in retirement from active life.
+
+
+At the commencement of the year
+
+     1806,
+
+parliament was opened by commission; but the usual address was omitted,
+on account of the absence of the minister, who, as before stated, was
+then seriously indisposed.
+
+On the 23rd of January, Mr. Pitt expired, in the forty-seventh year of
+his age. He was said to have died insolvent. Be this as it may, forty
+thousand pounds were voted as a plea to discharge his debts, as well as
+means to defray the expenses of his funeral! Probably this was the best
+laid-out money of the ministry for some time past. If the occasion had
+occurred twenty years before, what an immense saving it had produced the
+country!
+
+The public life of Mr. Pitt will afford no room for praise to the
+faithful and just historian. When the errors and praises of his
+biographers shall have lost their force, future generations will behold
+his character in its native colours. He must then appear either in the
+light of an ungrateful hypocrite, or submit to the only alternative of
+being reckoned a man of contracted mind. Even in private life, he was
+not more amiable nor exemplary. The ministerial system which he had laid
+down pervaded the internal economy of all his actions. He appeared to
+imagine true dignity consisted in a coolness and reserve, (probably
+acquired from his queen) that banished every suitor from his presence;
+nor did he ever suffer a case of distress, however just or pressing the
+claims might be, to divert him from the routine of office, or to extort
+the least relief or comfort from himself. Negligent and careless in his
+domestic concerns, he never permitted a single ray of generosity to
+burst forth to animate the general frost of his character. He retained
+his natural sullenness and reserve; even in the best moments of
+convivial mirth, he never displayed a flexibility of disposition, or an
+openness to conviction. Often as he was obliged to submit to the decrees
+of necessity, whereon he imagined his continuance in office depended,
+yet he never had the candour to acknowledge the weakness of any measure,
+originating in himself, that brought on that necessity. But what a
+departure was this from the principles of his illustrious ancestor, the
+Earl of Chatham, who would never crouch to the authority of any
+sovereign or cabinet, when militating against his own more enlightened
+judgment. He resisted bribery, and generally succeeded in his views, or,
+if baffled, resigned his office. The son of this nobleman, however,
+pursued far different maxims, and pertinaciously clung to the douceurs
+and infamy of office; for _infamous_ it most certainly was, to practice
+measures his own sentiments condemned. Never did man accede to power on
+more just or noble principles, and never did man forsake those
+principles with less reserve. He forgot all obligations, and at a happy
+crisis, when he might have availed himself of the occasion of honorably
+fulfilling them, in advancing the liberty and happiness of the country,
+he was eternally launching out into vapid and unmeaning encomiums on
+the boasted excellencies of the British constitution, instead of
+adhering to his solemn contract, of exerting all his influence and
+abilities to reform its blemishes. With all the failings of this
+minister, his caution and plausibility were admirably calculated to
+entrap the confidence of the landed and monied interest, and he turned
+it to the best account, labouring with all his zeal to inculcate a
+belief of the flourishing state of the national finances, enforcing
+every circumstance tending to confirm this belief, and concealing every
+truth that would serve to diminish or destroy it. Will not such a man,
+then, be regarded by posterity as a time-server and an apostate?
+
+After the death of Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fox joined the ministry; and, at the
+same time, Lord Sidmouth continued a member of the cabinet! But Mr. Fox
+did not retain his situation long. His health soon after declined, and
+he died on the 13th of September following.
+
+Of this great statesman, we may say, "take him for all in all, we ne'er
+shall look upon his like again." He was an unbending patriot; possessed
+of great political ability, and loved, as well as advocated, the cause
+of LIBERTY. Light and shade, however, were mixed in Mr. Fox's picture.
+He permitted private friendship, in one instance, to over-balance his
+public duty. We refer to the language used by him in the House of
+Commons, in April, 1787, which must have been against his conscience. He
+there _denied_ the marriage between the Prince of Wales and Mrs.
+Fitzherbert, when, in fact, _he assisted at that very marriage_; but,
+because he had engaged secrecy to the prince, he thought proper to utter
+a direct falsehood rather than break his promise upon the subject!
+
+Mr. Pitt's death was an unpleasant consequence to the usurping queen,
+and perhaps impelled the ardour of her determination to get her
+favourite son's divorce from his injured wife settled as soon as
+possible. The scheme for this purpose, which seemed most practicable,
+was the obtaining some document as evidence _against the moral character
+of the princess_. By the queen's express desire, therefore, Lady Douglas
+had removed her abode, nearly six years previously, close to Blackheath,
+and was purposely employed to invent some dishonourable report against
+the princess.
+
+The Princess of Wales accidentally and innocently (on her part) became
+acquainted with this lady, and from that period no pains were spared, on
+the part of Lady Douglas and her husband, to increase that acquaintance,
+until their diabolical object should be attained. The most assiduous
+attentions and extravagant pains were used to entrap the generous mind
+of the princess; but as the object in view proved of a very difficult
+nature, so did the means for its accomplishment become equally numerous.
+This intimacy commenced in 1801, and terminated in 1804; and during that
+period did these base designing slanderers and ungrateful guests, by
+secret application, obtain an opportunity to vilify, outrage, and
+insult the princess, in connexion with _nearly_ every branch of the
+royal family, who were too closely united in one general interest not to
+assist each other.
+
+The only patriotic members, the Dukes of Kent and Sussex, appeared much
+wrought upon by the specious and abominable fabrication brought forward
+by these unprincipled, time-serving, and heartless enemies of Caroline.
+Although their statements and depositions were taken so fully, and
+examined so closely,--although the prince pursued the subject with such
+unfeeling barbarity,--yet the princess was acquitted, most honourably
+acquitted. Indeed, to any rational inquirer, the wickedness of the
+Douglas statement was, beyond doubt, most palpable. It was full of
+improbabilities, of contradictions, and absurdities, which well merited
+punishment. Had a similar insult or a flagrant transgression been
+offered to the royal family in the person of any _other than the
+Princess of Wales_, would not the whole royal phalanx, headed by the
+queen, have arisen in defence of their _illustrious_ and _virtuous_
+house? Nay, would not the insulting falsehoods and infamous assertions
+have been proved treasonable? Yes, undoubtedly; but, because the injured
+Princess of Wales was the INTENDED VICTIM OF A CONSPIRACY, although so
+gloriously acquitted, yet no prosecution of her traducers followed;
+neither did any branch of the royal family exemplify one pleasurable
+feeling upon the conclusion of this disgracefully-iniquitous business!
+Their chagrin was much more evident!
+
+As if in this year a deluge of sadness and sorrow, in addition to all
+other trials and injuries, were to fall upon the persecuted Caroline,
+she had to suffer the heavy and irreparable loss of her father, William,
+Duke of Brunswick, at the memorable battle of Jena, October 14th, in the
+seventy-first year of his age.
+
+The character of the venerable Duke of Brunswick is beyond praise; "his
+NAME shall be his _monument_!" If at any period the Princess of Wales
+needed the kind and soothing balm of friendship, it was at this trying
+juncture. Her friends were few in number, and their friendship was of an
+evanescent description. They sometimes professed their readiness to
+serve her, and eulogised her greatness of mind and talent; yet, when
+brought to the point by public opinion and inquiry, they very generally
+expressed their sentiments _equivocally_, or with some portion of
+hesitation calculated to injure, rather than benefit, the cause they
+professed to serve. Mr. Canning and Mr. Whitbread were two of these
+_particular_ kind of friends, as our after history will abundantly
+testify.
+
+How wretched must have been the Princess Charlotte at this period, who
+was nearly deprived of all communication with her affectionate mother,
+and without one friend to whom she could freely speak of her sorrows and
+anxious wishes!
+
+
+The year
+
+     1807
+
+commenced with selfish men in office, who contrived selfish measures
+for the continued purposes of corruption.
+
+The king now became very imbecile; and the queen and the Prince of Wales
+intimidated him from acting honourably towards the Princess of Wales, as
+he had so committed himself by his fatal act of BIGAMY. As his mind
+became proportionately depressed by the perplexities of his situation,
+so did his conduct become more influenced as they desired it; until, at
+length, he proved a mere automaton, to be moved at their pleasure!
+
+In any case of vital importance to character, delay is dangerous;
+because it causes suspicion, suspicion begets mistrust, and so on do
+these injurious sentiments proceed, until, ere the time of trial
+arrives, the injured party has suffered unjustly in a two-fold way. Thus
+it was in the case of the unfortunate Caroline. To oblige the queen, his
+majesty postponed seeing his daughter-in-law as long as it suited the
+views of the designers against her happiness.
+
+From the active part which Mr. Perceval had taken in defence of the
+princess, especially in his book, which made much noise in the world at
+this time, the queen thought it prudent to advise his being accommodated
+with office. She made her will known to the prince, who was very happy
+to concur in the suggestion, but only feared an obstacle in Mr.
+Perceval's _rigid virtue_. This, however, was not insurmountable, and
+Mr. Perceval was made "Chancellor of the Exchequer;" Mr. Canning,
+"Secretary for Foreign Affairs;" and Lord Castlereagh, "Secretary for
+the Department of War and the Colonies." Thus were two of the former
+advocates of the Princess of Wales enlisted under the banners of her
+most deadly enemies! As to the _honor_ they derived from their base
+desertion of the cause of innocence, we leave our readers to judge.
+
+The Prince of Wales, at this juncture, made no secret of his diabolical
+intentions; for we well know that he has frequently raised the goblet to
+his lips, and drank "TO THE SPEEDY DAMNATION OF THE PRINCESS." It was
+very perceptible that the royal party were well aware of the injustice
+practised towards the princess; but, charity being a virtue of little
+worth in their ideas, they resolved to carry their plans into execution,
+no matter at what cost.
+
+The least the late _friends_ of the princess could do was, to remain
+_silent_; but human beings can articulate sounds, and be oppositely
+communicative with their optical faculties. An individual, who accepts
+_place_ amongst those whom he formerly professed to despise, renders
+himself an object of suspicion, if not of detestation.
+
+For the present, we abstain from further remarks upon these two late
+principal friends of the persecuted Princess of Wales.
+
+Upon hearing of the Duke of Brunswick's death, the king could do no less
+than solicit the duchess, his sister, to visit England. As the country
+around her was in a deplorable state, and feeling desirous to see her
+daughter, she determined to accept the invitation, and arrived at the
+house of the Princess of Wales, at Blackheath, on the 7th of July, in
+one of her royal highness' carriages.
+
+The injured Caroline was so overpowered at this interview as to cause
+the duchess much serious disquiet; for she plainly saw that her daughter
+had great cause for sorrow, the particulars of which she was yet
+ignorant. The princess afterwards appeared soothed; and this short
+interview, cheered by a fond mother's presence, proved a solace to her
+lacerated heart.
+
+The king went from Windsor to see his sister, and the queen also from
+St. James' Palace; the Princess Charlotte, and several other members of
+the family, paid their respects to the duchess.
+
+Thus, though common or decent attention was refused the daughter, while
+mourning over her early misfortunes and recent losses, yet, when her
+mother arrived, some little regard must be paid to _etiquette_, although
+the daughter _was to receive the visiters_. But so it was. Poor Queen
+Charlotte, how hard it was for her to vouchsafe or condescend to let
+fall one smile upon Caroline!
+
+After the opportunity this visit afforded the Princess Charlotte, the
+mother and daughter were of necessity explicit, and they mourned over
+the seeming hard destiny each was doomed to experience.
+
+During the remainder of this year, the king became more and more
+incapacitated for business of any sort; he could not even distinguish
+any object by either its colour or size, and was led from one place to
+another as if in the last stage of blindness. The long-continued
+distractions of his mind, and the anxiety yet remaining, caused his
+rational moments to be most gloomy. His favourite daughter was incurably
+diseased with a scrofulous disorder, from which she suffered dreadfully,
+and nature seemed fast declining. Throughout the whole of his family,
+the poor monarch had but little gratification, as every individual
+composing it was separately under her majesty's controul. To have
+contradicted _her_ order or command would have been attended with no
+very pleasant consequences. Her _look_ was sufficient to frighten every
+one into obedience!
+
+
+We now enter upon the year
+
+     1808,
+
+in which the session of parliament was opened by commission, on the 21st
+of January, the king's indisposition preventing him from going in
+person.
+
+At this period, a very strong sensation was excited against the
+continuance of the pension list. The productive classes ascertained, in
+a very correct way, how the fruits of their industry were devoured. In
+consequence of which, they felt themselves imposed upon in the highest
+degree; but resolved to try rational entreaty and petition ere they
+resorted to acts of violence. The number of these dissatisfied classes,
+in every large town, was immensely great, and they only needed _system_
+to obtain, by their SIMPLE PETITION, what they so much desired; but the
+authorities knew the incapacitated state of the sufferers, in the
+absence of that _system_, and therefore very ungenerously refused their
+appeal.
+
+In March, the City of London (John Ansley, mayor) petitioned both Houses
+for parliamentary reform, and the abolition of sinecure places and
+pensions; but they received the expense attendant upon their exertions
+for their reward, and the mortification of the ministers' apathy for
+their satisfaction. Popular indignation, however, is not so easily
+allayed; for, though extreme appearances may for a time be concealed,
+they will eventually break forth with ten-fold force. The public
+reasoned upon a rational ground, and was fully aware that their strength
+was spent to support _enemies_. Their resolve to petition for freedom
+was the dictate of an unerring and fixed principle, ever inherent in the
+breast of man. The blandishments of folly, and the encouragement given
+to imposition, have rendered the industrious and honest citizen a prey
+to the lordlings of arbitrary power; and so long as he can assist to
+supply means whereby their cravings may be satisfied, so long do they
+seem to suppose he lives to a sufficient purpose. Under these
+circumstances, the oppressed classes were perfectly justified in making
+a stand against farther innovation; and also in resisting the
+intolerable injustice in force against them. Still the administration
+continued inexorable to the pressing prayers and miserable condition of
+the people. The political disease, however, was rapidly advancing to a
+crisis.
+
+
+Similar distress and dissatisfaction existed at the commencement of the
+year
+
+     1809:
+
+provisions were dear, and labour scarce; yet an additional sum was
+required for the state, to uphold its _secret_ machinations, and pervert
+the ends of justice.
+
+It will be remembered that, in this year, the celebrated Mrs. Mary Ann
+Clark, formerly a mistress of the Duke of York, appeared at the bar of
+the House of Commons, as evidence against him. Mr. Wardle, with an
+intrepidity worthy of the cause in which he was engaged, took upon
+himself the awful responsibility of preferring those serious charges
+against the duke, which it were unnecessary for us here to repeat. The
+public officers of the king volunteered their services to rescue his
+royal highness from public odium by denominating the proceeding as a
+_conspiracy_! In spite, however, of every artifice which a knowledge of
+the law enables bad men to practice to defeat the ends of justice, there
+were exposed to public view scenes of the grossest corruption, of the
+most abandoned profligacy, of the most degrading meanness, and of the
+most consummate hypocrisy. The contagion had reached every department of
+the state; nor was the church exempted from its baneful influence. It
+was fully proved that, not only subordinate situations, but even
+deaneries and bishoprics (which had been supposed to be the rewards of
+piety and learning) were applied for to his royal highness, through the
+intervention of his mistress! A great majority of the boroughmongers, of
+course, acquitted the duke from these charges, and talked of voting an
+address of thanks to him for the manner in which he discharged his
+official duties. Fortunately, however, the mode of investigation adopted
+enabled every man in the kingdom to judge for himself. Englishmen, for
+once, spoke out, and the duke was compelled to resign. This step on the
+part of the _illustrious_ debauchee prevented further exposure, and
+saved him from the severe and heavy weight of being _voted out of
+office_, and degraded! Behold, then, reader, what the principles of Pitt
+achieved! That minister always persuaded the male branches of the
+family, that the queen's protection (through the medium of the minister)
+would prove at all times a sufficient retreat and asylum, in case of
+complaint or _refractory sensation_ of the people at their frequent
+derelictions from duty and honor.
+
+The fluctuations of the public funds was an opportune chance for
+speculation, and the queen's love of money induced her to turn her
+sources of information to the best account; she therefore acted in
+concert with her broker, and immediately, upon any rise taking place,
+she "sold out," and when gloom overspread the market, she "bought in."
+By this speculation alone, the Duke of Kent acknowledged that his mother
+realized _four hundred thousand pounds_! At the same period, her majesty
+had another excellent speculation in hand; namely, the profits arising
+from the sale of cadetships for the East Indies. Dr. Randolph and Lady
+Jersey were the chief managers of these affairs, though her majesty
+received the largest portion of the spoil. Dr. Randolph himself
+acknowledged, that the queen had realized _seventy thousand pounds_ upon
+this traffic alone! In one transaction with a candidate for a cadetship,
+an enormous premium was required, and the applicant was very much
+incensed, as it appeared to him to be nothing less than a bold
+imposition. He expostulated; but Dr. Randolph made short of the affair
+by refusing any further communication upon the subject. For once, Dr.
+Randolph forgot his own interest, as also the _public character_ and
+_safety_ of his royal mistress. The gentleman, shortly afterwards, was
+visiting a friend in Paris, when the conversation turned upon the
+English constitution, and the immense revenues of the kingdom. The
+friend spoke in raptures upon the liberal feelings and generous
+provisions exercised and provided towards, and for all, aspirants to
+honor. At length, the visiter could no longer conceal his mortification
+and chagrin, and he candidly explained every particular of his
+correspondence with Dr. Randolph, in which her majesty's name was as
+freely introduced as the doctor's. The astonishment and surprise of his
+friend were great indeed, and he recommended him _to publish the whole
+affair_ in France, and circulate it through the surrounding kingdoms. A
+printer was sought for, who required a certain time to determine the
+risk he should run in the undertaking; this was accordingly granted, and
+the parties separated. As soon as the person intended to be employed
+found the consequence attached to it, he communicated the important
+information to a solicitor, of some eminence, in London, to whom he had
+formerly been known. The affair was subsequently made known to the
+queen's youngest son, and by him the queen was fully acquainted with the
+probability of public exposure. An overwhelming infamy she well knew
+would be inseparably attached to it. Her majesty had been accustomed to
+deception, but hitherto she had not feared detection; but the moment of
+her fancied security was the moment most likely to prove fatal to her
+existence as a queen.
+
+The Duke of Kent was unremitting in his exertions to obtain a settlement
+of this nefarious affair, and _twenty thousand pounds_ were actually
+paid for the _correspondence_, and _two thousand pounds_ given by the
+queen (through the medium of the duke) to the person who effected the
+settlement of the business, under the provision "that that business
+might never transpire to the public." His royal highness was too well
+aware of the general disposition of the queen, and her avaricious
+character, not to _affect satisfaction_ at the high price her majesty
+paid for silencing this unpleasant affair. It may be inferred, that if
+the queen had committed herself by such flagrant acts of injustice as
+these, there might be many more dishonourable transactions of a minor
+description, occurring nearly at the same period. Yes, the inference is
+correct, for her majesty was truly born and bred a German!
+
+We will relate another instance of Queen Charlotte's ungenerous
+conduct. She had the superintendence of the education of her daughters,
+as far as related to the choice of their preceptors. Her majesty
+appointed a very clever and scientific gentleman, who resided in London,
+to teach herself and the six princesses--geography, astronomy,
+arithmetic, and the nature of the _funds_. Besides which, he was asked,
+as a _favour_, to settle the very deranged accounts of the princesses.
+This accomplished and worthy gentleman also held of Princess Elizabeth a
+bond for ten thousand pounds. After dancing attendance upon these
+_illustrious_ individuals for twenty-six years, without receiving any
+remuneration, though he had frequently pressed for payment of his
+long-standing account, he again solicited a settlement with the queen;
+but, as he only received abuse of an unmeasured description for his
+pains, he determined to maintain himself and his large family out of the
+profits of his private scholars, leaving the royal debt as a provision
+for his children after him. His expenses were considerable in attending
+the royal family, as he was always obliged to go full dressed in a bag
+and silk stockings, to hire carriages to go down to Windsor, to live at
+an inn, and to sleep there, if they chose to take lessons the two
+following days, by which he was also often obliged to neglect and
+disoblige his private scholars. For all this attendance, he received _no
+remuneration whatever_; and Queen Charlotte had the heart to say, "I
+think you have had remuneration sufficient by your youngest son
+receiving a pension of eighty pounds a year for teaching the younger
+princesses only writing!" The preceptor, however, still claimed _his
+remuneration_, and was, at last, referred to the lawyers, who required
+him to produce proofs of every lesson he gave, the day and the hour, for
+twenty-six years! To their astonishment, he produced his diary, and such
+clear accounts, that there was no contradicting them. But as lawyers are
+never at a loss how to gain their ends, they next required him to
+declare, upon oath, the name of each particular servant that had let him
+in during the twenty-six years! This he could not do; and her majesty,
+not to be behind the lawyers, advised they should plead the statute of
+limitation! The lawyers, however, persuaded _her most excellent majesty_
+that such a proceeding would be against her interest. After being
+harassed about in this manner for a considerable time, the old,
+care-worn, broken-hearted master was most injuriously persuaded to
+suffer the business to be decided by _one_ arbitrator only, instead of
+trusting to the laws of his country. The poor old gentleman never held
+up his head afterwards, but always used to say he should leave all his
+family beggars, which, alas! proved too true. He shortly after died at
+his house in Manchester-street. He was a very worthy and an exceedingly
+clever man. On one occasion, Mr. Pitt sent for him to solve some
+difficulty in the finances of the country, for which none of the
+ministers could account. He instantly set them all right by showing that
+such an error was _possible_ to occur, though it very seldom did occur.
+
+Besides the claims upon Queen Charlotte, the worthy preceptor had a bill
+against the Princess Charlotte for eight hundred pounds. On applying to
+the Prince of Wales for this money, he refused to pay it, and referred
+him to the king, who was then quite deranged! The Princess of Wales knew
+all these particulars, and told her daughter, the Princess Charlotte,
+the desperate state of the poor man's family. Her royal highness spoke
+to her uncle, the Duke of York, about it, who persuaded her that the
+venerable master was an _old rogue_, who had robbed the princesses and
+all the family, and her royal highness chose to believe him. That he was
+a scientific man, his books and valuable mathematical instruments bore
+ample testimony. These were sold after his death for eight thousand
+pounds, which went to discharge his debts.
+
+Many other instances might be recorded to prove the unfeeling and
+barbarous behaviour of the queen; but this alone must be sufficient to
+convince our readers how totally unfit her majesty was to reign over a
+_free people_.
+
+In the September of this year, Lord Castlereagh sent a challenge to Mr.
+Canning, which was accepted; but the effects of the duel were not _very
+serious_, though it subsequently led to the resignation of both. It is
+hardly worth while, perhaps, to recur to this now-forgotten, and always,
+as far as the public were concerned, insignificant business. Lord
+Castlereagh acted as a vain and high-spirited man, who fancied his
+confidence betrayed, his abilities called in question, and, like an
+Irishman, saw but a short vista between an offence and a duel. Mr.
+Canning, equally high-spirited, felt that he had got into a disagreeable
+business, and that the fairest escape from it would be to fight his way
+out. Lord Castlereagh's conduct, when we think of a sober and wise
+statesman, is ridiculous. Mr. Canning's, when we picture to ourselves a
+high-minded and frank-hearted gentleman, in spite of the _plausibility_
+of explanations, is displeasing.
+
+The wretched policy of this year required _fifty-four millions of money_
+to support it.
+
+
+1810
+
+was ushered in under distressing and unsatisfactory circumstances. The
+royal family were divided amongst themselves, and every branch seemed to
+have a separate interest. Under these circumstances, it was not a matter
+of surprise that _truth_ was now and then elicited; for it is a
+veritable saying, that "when rogues fall out, honest men are gainers."
+
+The king was at this time labouring under a severe attack of mental
+aberration: the situation of the country, his children, and his own
+peculiar sorrows, made impressions on his mind of the most grievous
+description.
+
+In a former work of our's, called "The Authentic Records of the Court of
+England," we gave an account of the extraordinary and mysterious murder
+of one Sellis, a servant of the Duke of Cumberland, which occurred this
+year. In that account, we did what we conceived to be our duty as
+historians,--we spoke the TRUTH! The truth, however, it appears, is not
+always to be spoken; for his royal highness instantly commenced a
+_persecution_ against us for a "malicious libel." We say _persecution_,
+because almost every person is aware, that filing a criminal information
+against an individual can be done only with a view of _preventing the
+exposure of truth_, which, though such procedure be according to English
+law, cannot be reconciled with the original intention of law, namely--to
+do _justice_ both to the libelled and the libeller! In America, no such
+monstrosities disgrace the statute-book; for there, if any person be
+accused of _scandalum magnatum_, and can prove the truth of what he has
+stated, he is honorably acquitted. Yet as we are not in America, but in
+England,--the boasted _land of liberty_,--we must, forsooth, be seized
+as _criminals_, merely because we wish to institute an inquiry into the
+circumstances of the murder of an individual, whose assassin, or
+assassins, have hitherto escaped the slippery hands of justice! We are
+no cowards in regimentals, nor did we make our statement with a view of
+slandering the royal pensioner. We would have willingly contended with
+his royal highness in a court of law, if he had had the courage to have
+met us on _fair grounds_. At the time we write this, we know not what
+the judgment of Lord Tenterden,--we beg his lordship's pardon, we should
+have said _the court_,--may be; but, whatever the punishment awarded, we
+hope to meet it with that fortitude which never fails to uphold a man
+"conscious of doing no wrong!" If the Duke of Cumberland, however,
+imagines he can _intimidate_ us from speaking the _truth_ OUT OF COURT,
+he has mistaken us. We are not, as we said in our first work, to be
+prevented from doing whatever we conceive to be our duty. Though it may
+not be in our power to prove _who_ was the murderer, the very suspicious
+circumstances attending the death of poor Sellis fully warrant renewed
+inquiry.
+
+Passing over the various reports in circulation at the time of the
+murder, we proceed to notice the very contradictory evidence brought
+forward at the inquest. That we may not be accused of partiality, we
+take the report of this _judicial_ proceeding from that Tory organ, "The
+Morning Post," which, it will be observed, deals out its abuse with no
+unsparing hand on the poor murdered man, whom it calls by the
+_charitable_ appellation of _villain_, and sundry other hard names,
+which had better suited the well-known characters of other persons, who
+acted a prominent part in this foul business. After a few unmeaning
+preliminaries had been performed,
+
+     "Mr. Adams addressed the jury, and informed them of the
+     violent attack that had been made upon the Duke of Cumberland;
+     and that there was very _little doubt but it was done by the
+     deceased_. He stated, the circumstances had been fully
+     investigated by the _privy council_ on Thursday, and that the
+     depositions of the numerous witnesses _had been taken before
+     Mr. Justice Read_, which he should read to them; after which
+     the witnesses would be called before them, and the depositions
+     would also be read to them, when they would have an
+     opportunity of altering or enlarging, and the jury could put
+     any question to them they thought fit."
+
+In this address, some of the privileges of royalty are explained.
+Because the murder had been committed in a palace, the privy council
+must examine the witnesses _before_ they may be allowed to meet the
+jury, and their depositions taken by a justice, under the influence of
+the suspected party. The coroner may then tell the jury that there was
+very _little doubt_ of the deceased person having attempted his master's
+life, and afterwards cutting his own throat to avoid detection. Merciful
+heaven! can this be called an impartial administration of justice? Are
+such _careful_ proceedings ever adopted in the case of a poor man? To be
+sure, the jury were told they might _ask any question they thought fit_;
+but is it to be supposed that, after the INQUIRIES they had undergone,
+the witnesses would let slip any thing likely to criminate themselves or
+their royal master?
+
+     "The first affidavit that was read was that of his royal
+     highness the Duke of Cumberland, which stated, that about
+     half-past two o'clock on Thursday morning he received two
+     violent blows and cuts on his head; the first impression upon
+     his mind was, that _a bat had got into the room, and was
+     beating about his head_; but he was soon convinced to the
+     contrary by receiving a third blow. He then jumped out of bed,
+     when he received several more blows; from the _glimmering
+     light afforded from a dull lamp in the fire-place, and the
+     motion of the instrument that inflicted the wounds, they
+     appeared like flashes of lightning before his eyes. He made
+     for a door near the head of his bed_, leading to a small room,
+     to which the assassin followed him, and cut him _across his
+     thighs_. His royal highness not being able to find his
+     alarm-bell, which there is no doubt the _villain_ had
+     concealed, called with a loud voice for Neale (his valet in
+     waiting) several times, who came to his assistance; and
+     _Neale_, together with his royal highness, alarmed the house."
+
+The blows of the assassin must have indeed been _slight_ to resemble "a
+bat beating about the head of his royal highness;" but we cannot
+understand how the _cut of a sword_ can bear any _similarity_ to the
+beating of a little animal, like a bat! Poor Sellis, however, was but a
+_little man_, and his weak arm might be still more enfeebled by the
+consciousness of his ingratitude in attacking so _kind and liberal a
+master_! Sellis had been the duke's page, or valet, for more than five
+years, in daily, nay, almost hourly, personal communication with him;
+and it must, therefore, appear very strange, if Sellis was really the
+assassin, that his master did not _recognise him_! If the room was so
+dark that the duke could not _see the person_ attacking him, it is
+singular that the _assassin could see to strike his royal highness_, as
+he did by "cutting him across his thighs, after he was out of bed!" As
+the supposed murderer followed the duke, who thought it best to take to
+his heels, we think his royal highness should have stated whether he
+meant his thighs in _front_ or _behind_; but, of course, an examination
+of the _scars_ would soon set this matter at rest! They would, no doubt,
+be found _behind_, as it is _unreasonable_ to suppose that, in a _dark
+room_, the _pursuer_ could have cut at the _pursued_ in front. The Duke
+of Cumberland is a field-marshal, and a BRAVER man, IT IS SAID, never
+entered the FIELD; but _in a dark room_, with a man little more than
+half his weight, it would have been _cowardly_ to _fight_, particularly
+as his royal highness might, IF HE HAD SO WISHED, have taken the weapon
+out of Sellis' hand, and broken it about his head. No! no! the Duke of
+Cumberland knew what was due to his honour better than to take so _mean_
+an advantage of a _weak_ adversary, and therefore _coolly_ endeavoured
+to ring his bell, that a more _suitable_ antagonist might be procured in
+his valet _Neale_!
+
+     "Cornelius Neale, sworn.--He said he was valet to the Duke of
+     Cumberland, and that he was in close waiting upon his royal
+     highness on Wednesday night, and slept _in a bed in a room
+     adjoining the duke's bed-room_. A little before three o'clock,
+     he heard the duke calling out, 'Neale, Neale, I am murdered,
+     and the murderer is in my bed-room!' He went immediately to
+     his royal highness, and found him bleeding from his wounds.
+     The duke told him the door the assassin had gone out at; he
+     armed himself with a poker, and asked if he should _pursue_
+     him. The duke replied '_no_,' but to _remain with him_. After
+     moving a few paces, he stepped upon a _sword_; and, _although
+     in the dark_, he was convinced it was _covered with blood_; it
+     proved to be the _duke's own regimental sword_. _The duke and
+     witness then went to alarm the house, and got a light from the
+     porter._ The duke was _afraid the murderer was still in his
+     bed-room_. His royal highness was obliged to lean upon him
+     from the loss of blood, and he gave directions that no person
+     should be let out of the house. They called up the _witness'
+     wife_, who is the housekeeper, and told _her_ to call
+     _Sellis_. He then returned with the duke to his bed-room. At
+     that time the duke was very faint from the great loss of
+     blood. Upon examining the premises they found, in a second
+     adjoining small room, a pair of _slippers with the name of
+     Sellis on them_, and a dark lantern. The key of the closet was
+     in the inside of the lock, and, to his knowledge, the key had
+     not been in that state for _ten years_. He had reason to
+     believe the wounds of the duke had been given by a sword.
+     Sellis took out the duke's regimentals some time since, and
+     put them by again, but left out the _sword upon a sofa for two
+     or three days_. It is the same sword which he trod upon, and
+     it was in a bloody state.
+
+     "The foreman of the jury, (Mr. Place, of Charing Cross) asked
+     the witness if he thought the deceased had any reason to be
+     dissatisfied with the duke. He replied, on the contrary, he
+     thought Sellis had more reason to be _satisfied than any other
+     of the servants_; his royal highness had stood godfather for
+     one of his children, the Princess Augusta godmother. The duke
+     had shown him _very particular favour_ by giving him
+     apartments for his wife and family, with coals and candles.
+
+     "A juryman asked him if he ever heard the deceased complain of
+     the duke. The witness asked if he was obliged to answer that
+     question. The coroner informed him he must. He then stated
+     that about two or three years since the duke advanced their
+     board wages from 10_s._ 6_d._ a week to 14_s._, but at the
+     same time took off 3_s._ 6_d._, allowed for travelling. After
+     this regulation was adopted, a paper was drawn up by the
+     steward for the servants to sign, expressing their
+     satisfaction at the regulation, which the deceased _refused_
+     to sign, and said, 'he'd be d--d if he did, and none but
+     blackguards would sign it.' The steward told him the duke said
+     he must sign it, _or his wife and family must quit the
+     apartments he had given them_, as the rest of the servants had
+     signed it. He had never heard the deceased _complain_ since.
+     Within the last year, the _duke and royal family had been
+     extremely kind to him_. He had never given him an _angry
+     word_, although he had often made use of very _bad language to
+     him_; if he did, he never answered him. The deceased was of a
+     very malicious disposition. He would never be _contradicted_,
+     if he began a subject, for which reason he never wished to
+     have any conversation with him. He frequently quarrelled with
+     Mr. Paulet, one of the duke's servants, and fought with the
+     steward at Kew. Lately the deceased had a bad cold, and the
+     duke was so very _kind_ towards him in consequence, that he
+     took him _inside the carriage_ to Windsor. Sellis dressed the
+     duke on Wednesday night. _He had no doubt but Sellis intended
+     that he should be charged with being the murderer, to get him
+     out of the way._"
+
+This Neale's evidence ought to be received with great caution. He slept
+in the next room to the duke, and when called upon for his assistance,
+stated his wish to pursue the murderer with a poker; but was prevented
+by his master's "fear of being left alone!" In this _courageous_ offer
+of Neale, however, he trampled upon a _sword_, which, although in _total
+darkness, he was_ CONVINCED _was COVERED WITH BLOOD_!! We have no
+intention to dispute _Neale's knowledge of this_, or that "it was his
+master's own regimental sword!" There have been so many wonderful people
+who could see AS WELL IN THE DARK AS IN THE LIGHT, and describe the
+minutest particulars of an article as well with their EYES SHUT AS OPEN,
+that we ought not to be surprised at any thing! Notwithstanding, many
+persons WERE SURPRISED at the sagacity of Neale, not only in this, but
+in many other particulars. If the duke, "covered with gore, accompanied
+this servant to alarm the house," the traces of blood on the doors, &c.,
+leading to _Sellis' room_, might be very _naturally accounted for_!
+They, however, thought it better not to call Sellis THEMSELVES, but sent
+NEALE'S WIFE TO DO IT!!! Although the duke pointed out to his
+_confidential man_ the door through which the villain had ESCAPED, his
+royal highness "felt afraid the murderer was STILL in his bed-room,"
+which we have _no reason to doubt_! "A pair of slippers were left in an
+adjoining room, with the name of SELLIS upon them." That Sellis left
+them there, however, is rather IMPROBABLE; because it is natural to
+suppose he would, if HE had been the murderer, have gone to his master's
+room WITHOUT SLIPPERS, or shoes of any kind, to make as little noise as
+possible. This circumstance, we are inclined to think, was a _planned
+affair_, though badly executed; for we know that these slippers were
+placed the _wrong way_,--a fact which will be hereafter proved. Through
+the whole of Neale's evidence, not a word was said to show that Sellis
+had the _least motive_ for murdering either the duke or himself. On the
+contrary, "Sellis had every thing to expect from his master's living."
+
+In concluding our remarks upon Neale's evidence, we point the attention
+of our readers to the last sentence: "He had no doubt but Sellis
+intended that he (Neale) should be charged with being the murderer, to
+get him out of the way!" Now, as there was not the slightest evidence to
+bear Neale out in this malicious assertion, we think, FOR HIS OWN SAKE,
+he had much better have kept the expression to himself. Some of our
+readers may not be aware of the _cause_ Sellis had given this
+fellow-servant to hate him; but the following letter, addressed to B. C.
+Stephenson, Esq., written by Sellis a few months before his death, will
+elucidate this matter a little:
+
+                                   "_St. James', July 9th, 1809._
+
+     "SIR,--I am extremely anxious to know his royal highness'
+     decision concerning the evidence produced before you against
+     Mr. Neale, and I beg you, Sir, to have the goodness to relieve
+     me from this most disagreeable suspense. If I may, Sir, judge
+     from appearance, either his royal highness is not acquainted
+     with what has been proved, or his royal highness has entirely
+     forgiven him. Should the former be the case, Sir, I hope you
+     will have the goodness to acquaint his royal highness to the
+     full extent of the roguery of this man; and here it may be
+     necessary to say, that the witnesses you have examined are all
+     of them ready to take their oaths in a court of justice, and
+     there to assert what they have already said before you. But,
+     Sir, should his royal highness have forgiven him, then I must
+     be under the most disagreeable necessity to beg his royal
+     highness to have the goodness to dispose of me as his royal
+     highness may think proper, so that I may not have the
+     mortification to live and act in the same room with a man I
+     have _convicted as a rogue, and with whom no human being is
+     able to live on friendly terms_. Had it been his royal
+     highness' pleasure to have had this business in a court of
+     justice, the man would have been _transported at least for
+     seven years_; and what I am going to communicate to you now
+     is, I believe, transportation for life. I have been told,
+     Sir, that Mr. Neale cheats his royal highness in every thing
+     he buys; in two different articles I have already ascertained
+     this to be a fact; on the toothpicks he gains fifty per cent.,
+     by charging eighteen pence for that for which he only pays one
+     shilling, and on the soap he charges two shillings for that
+     which he pays eighteen pence, and should his royal highness
+     wish me to proceed with these discoveries, it will be found
+     that the _dishonesty of this man has no bounds_! The evidence
+     you have taken, Sir, and what I have communicated to Major
+     Thornton, with which also you must be acquainted, you must be
+     satisfied, that this man is as _great a villain as ever
+     existed_; NO OATH OR PROMISE IS BINDING WITH HIM; and he
+     relates alike that which he must have sworn to keep sacred in
+     his bosom, as he will a most trifling thing; and slanders and
+     THREATENS WITH PUBLIC EXPOSURE AND LARGE DAMAGES HIS
+     BENEFACTOR and only maker of his fortune, just as he would one
+     of his own stamp. Sir, to serve his royal highness, I have
+     always thought it as my greatest honour, and to serve him in
+     any situation that his royal highness may be pleased to place
+     me, shall always be the greatest pride of my life; but no
+     longer can I live with this monster. I have, Sir, served his
+     royal highness for nearly twelve years, and would rather
+     forego all my wishes and pretensions, and beseech his royal
+     highness to allow me permission to look out for another place.
+     To your goodness I trust, Sir, that you will lay my case
+     before his royal highness, and acquaint me with his royal
+     highness' pleasure.
+
+              "I have the honour to be, Sir,
+                     "Your most obedient and most humble servant,
+                                             "J. SELLIS."
+
+     "B. C. STEPHENSON, Esq."
+
+
+In this letter, enough is set forth to make us receive the evidence of
+Neale with _caution_, if not to render him _unworthy of belief
+altogether_. _Why_ the Duke of Cumberland retained Neale in his service
+_after_ his peculating tricks had been discovered, and _after the_
+THREAT he held out against his royal master, we must leave our readers
+to discover.
+
+     "The jury proceeded to examine the bed-room of the royal duke,
+     which they found in a most distressing and horrible state. It
+     could not be discovered what his royal highness' _nightcap_
+     was made of, it being completely _soaked in blood_; the first
+     blow given his royal highness was providentially prevented
+     from proving fatal, from the duke wearing a _padded ribbon
+     bandage round his cap, and a tassel, which came in contact
+     with the sword_; the _bed-clothes generally were blooded; the
+     paper of the room, the prints and paintings, the door at the
+     head of the bed_ (through which his royal highness endeavoured
+     to make his escape) was _cut with the sword_ at the time the
+     _villain was cutting at the duke_, and the dark assassin must
+     have _followed_ his royal highness to the door of an
+     anti-room, which was _also spotted with blood_."
+
+Supposing Sellis to be the _villain_ here meant, the wretched means he
+took to accomplish the end in view were so inadequate, that it were
+quite impossible for him to have done all the bloody work so minutely
+related, from the _position in which the parties were placed_. The duke
+was in a modern _high bed_, his _head well protected_ with "a padded
+ribbon bandage," the only vital part of him that was above the
+bed-clothes, and the _curtains drawn around him_. Sellis was _not taller
+than the level of the bed-clothes_, and yet he chose a _SWORD_ to attack
+his _recumbent master_!!! In a contest so unequal, the duke _might_ have
+annihilated Sellis in a minute.
+
+     "The jury then proceeded to the room where the corpse of the
+     deceased _villain_ remained. They found it with the whole of
+     the body (except the head and feet) covered with blood; the
+     razor which did the deed in a bloody state. The deceased's
+     _neckcloth was cut through in several places. The drawers,
+     wash-hand basin-stand, and the basin, were also bloody._"
+
+To some people, such a state of the room may appear any thing but
+convincing of the _GUILT OF SELLIS_; yet, to such _sensible_ men as were
+on the jury, _all_ confirmed the verdict afterwards recorded. _Sellis_,
+from his neckcloth having been "cut through in several places," blood
+being sprinkled in all parts of the room, and an appearance of some one
+having _WASHED THEIR HANDS IN THE BASIN, MUST_ have been his own
+murderer, and consequently the assassin of the Duke of Cumberland!
+
+     "After the examination of the rooms, the jury proceeded to the
+     investigation of the witnesses.
+
+     "Thomas Jones, a surgeon and apothecary, of the Strand, said
+     he had attended the Duke of Cumberland's household since the
+     year 1803. He knew the deceased well. _He never saw him in a
+     low or desponding way._ The last time he had seen him was on
+     Monday evening; he observed he was not very well, from a cold.
+     He had seen him on the Sunday previous, when he was very
+     anxious for the state of his child, having lately lost one. On
+     Tuesday the child got better. He observed nothing particular
+     about him for six weeks past, when he complained of a pain in
+     his chest. _He never complained to him of harsh treatment from
+     the duke._ He attended him four or five years since for a pain
+     in his chest, which he said was brought on by riding on
+     horseback. He understood he lived very happy with his wife.
+     His wife told him it was of no use his sending physic for the
+     pain in his chest, for he would not take it. _He never
+     observed any symptoms of derangement in him._"
+
+It will here be perceived, that Sellis was neither _deranged_, nor had
+the slightest cause for attempting his own life, or that of his master.
+Is it not singular, that Mr. Jones mentioned nothing about the wound in
+Sellis' throat, or the _methodical position_ in which the murdered man
+was found? Was he permitted to examine the body? If he was not, dark
+suspicion must ever attend upon those who refused _any_ medical man such
+a privilege; and if he did view it, why not have given his opinion of
+the matter? But this affords another proof of the unfairness of the
+proceedings on this inquest.
+
+     "Ann Neale, the housekeeper, said she was called up at about
+     three o'clock on Thursday morning by her husband; at the same
+     time she heard the duke saying, 'I am murdered.' She got up
+     with all possible speed, and saw the duke bleeding very much
+     in the valet's room: _she went with several others to the door
+     of the deceased, to call him; she found it fastened on the
+     inside_, and no answer was given to their calls. _She and
+     other servants went to another door, which opened to his
+     room_; as they approached the door, they heard a noise, as if
+     a man was gargling water in his throat. The porter entered
+     first, and he exclaimed, '_Good God! Mr. Sellis has cut his
+     throat._' He was a very _obstinate and quarrelsome man. He
+     would not bear contradiction, not even from the duke._ His
+     royal highness and Princess Augusta stood (by proxy) to his
+     last child. _The duke was very partial to him_, and allowed
+     his family to sleep in the house. His royal highness allowed
+     him to ride in his carriage with him, when travelling, since
+     his illness. The Princess Elizabeth gave his wife two pieces
+     of muslin lately. The Princess Augusta made her a present of
+     several articles of value. The principal acquaintance the
+     deceased had was a Mr. Greville, a servant to the Duke of
+     Cambridge, and Mr. and Mrs. Dupree, wax-chandlers. About three
+     weeks since, he told her Mrs. Marsh, the housekeeper to the
+     Royal Cockpit, was dead, and that he should speak to the duke
+     to give the place to his wife; and if he did not succeed with
+     Lord Dartmouth for that, he should apply to him to get his
+     wife a sinecure, as he had asked his royal highness to get him
+     a messenger's place, but he supposed the duke did not like to
+     part with him. She asked him about a week since if he had
+     succeeded. And he replied, he had not yet. He and his family
+     were in so much favour, that every court-day, when the queen
+     came to dress at the duke's apartments for the drawing-room,
+     Sellis' wife and children were had down for the queen and
+     princess to see them. On the last drawing-room the child the
+     princess stood for was had into the queen's private
+     apartments. A special privilege was granted to Sellis of a
+     bell being permitted to be put up, to ring him to the duke
+     from his family's apartments. The deceased would quarrel with
+     people sooner than give up a point."
+
+This woman's description of the door of Sellis' room being fastened
+inside was, doubtless, thought to be a very clever affair. Guilt,
+however, generally betrays itself; for, instead of _bursting open the
+door_ so secured, "she, and other servants, went to another door, which
+opened to his room," and which door _WAS NOT FASTENED INSIDE_! Now would
+not the first impulse of every person, _unconscious of crime_, in such a
+peculiar situation as this woman was placed, have rather suggested the
+BREAKING OPEN OF SELLIS' DOOR THAN GOING ROUND TO ANOTHER? If both doors
+had been secured, the thing would have appeared a little more
+consistent.
+
+     "Benjamin Smith, porter to the Duke of Cumberland, said, that
+     about a quarter before three o'clock, he was called up by the
+     duke and Neale, who said his royal highness had been murdered.
+     He got up, armed himself with a sword, and then called to the
+     soldiers on guard not to suffer any person to go out of the
+     house. He then went to call the deceased, but receiving no
+     answer, _he went to his family's apartments, and called
+     through the key-hole_. A child answered he was sleeping at the
+     duke's. He then, with several of his fellow-servants, _went to
+     Sellis' apartments again_, when, _on hearing the noise in his
+     throat, he supposed somebody else was murdered in the house_.
+     When he first saw the duke, he was covered with blood, and
+     Neale said the duke was murdered. There had not been any
+     quarrel between any of the servants and Sellis, to his
+     knowledge."
+
+This was the porter described by the last witness as having exclaimed,
+"_Good God! Mr. Sellis has cut his throat!_" There is, however, a little
+difference between _his own statement and that of Mrs. Neale_; such as
+his going "to his family's apartments" after "receiving no answer from
+Sellis," and then "returning to Sellis' apartment, when, on hearing the
+noise in his throat, he supposed _somebody else was murdered_!" If this
+man thought that Sellis _cut his own throat_, as stated by Mrs. Neale,
+what did he mean by saying, "he supposed _SOMEBODY ELSE WAS MURDERED_?"
+Do not the porter's own words imply, that _Sellis had been murdered_,
+and _not_ that he had _murdered himself_? Yet the jury _saw no
+discrepancy in the evidence_!!!
+
+     "Matthew Henry Grasham, a servant of the duke's, said he armed
+     himself with pistols upon his being called up. _He was not
+     able to find his way to Sellis' apartments by the_ REGULAR
+     _door_, but found his way to _another_, when he and his two
+     fellow-servants were afraid to enter the room on account of
+     the groans and noise in the throat of the deceased, although
+     he had two pistols, and another had a sword. He had been so
+     much frightened ever since, that he had not been able to visit
+     the room where the body lay. _He considered Sellis a civil,
+     well-behaved man._ He seldom heard Neale and Sellis speak
+     together; did not suppose he ever heard them exchange ten
+     words together. The last time the duke went to Windsor, he
+     took Sellis inside the coach, because he would not expose him
+     to the morning air. He never observed Sellis to be low
+     spirited; he did not appear so well lately as in general, in
+     consequence of his having a cold."
+
+This witness, it appears, although terribly alarmed, was unable to find
+out the _regular_ door to Sellis' apartments, but found his way to
+another, _more difficult of access_. Now, without denying the truth of
+this statement, it seems rather singular that he should not have gone
+the way he _knew best_; but, from his cowardly nature, he probably
+followed Mrs. Neale, who appeared to know the EASIEST WAY OF GAINING
+ADMITTANCE TO THE CHAMBER OF HORROR. Grasham also added his testimony to
+almost all the other witnesses as to the _amiable character_ of the
+murdered Sellis, as well as proving his perfect _sanity_.
+
+     "Mr. Jackson, a surgeon.--He had examined the body of the
+     deceased; he found the windpipe completely divided; _he had
+     seen larger wounds done by a man's own hands_; the arteries on
+     both sides were completely separated; he had no doubt but they
+     were done by a razor, or sharp instrument; the wound was five
+     or six inches wide, and an inch and a half deep. _He had no
+     other wound in his body_, and had no doubt but his throat
+     being cut was the cause of his death."
+
+This was the only medical gentleman allowed to give evidence as to the
+state of the murdered man's wounds. We are totally unacquainted with Mr.
+Jackson, and cannot, therefore, be actuated by any malice towards him;
+neither do we wish to accuse him with _interested_ motives when he made
+the above statement. But _Justice_ asks, why was not the opinion of six
+medical men, _at least_, recorded on this very momentous head? _We_
+will, however, tell the reader _why_. One or two other professional
+persons DID examine the body of poor Sellis, and, if they had been
+ALLOWED TO GIVE THEIR OPINION, would assuredly have convinced every
+honest man of the _IMPOSSIBILITY_ of Sellis being _HIS OWN MURDERER_.
+One of these, Dr. Carpue, has frequently been heard to say, that "THE
+HEAD OF SELLIS WAS NEARLY SEVERED FROM HIS BODY, and that EVEN THE JOINT
+WAS CUT THROUGH!!!" Dr. Carpue has also stated, that "no man could have
+the power to hold an instrument in his hand to cut ONE-EIGHTH of the
+depth of the wound in the throat of Sellis!"
+
+     "Sergeant Creighton, of the Coldstream regiment of Foot
+     Guards, said, in consequence of the alarm of the duke being
+     murdered, he went with several men into the house; when they
+     came to the deceased's room, the servants were afraid to go in
+     on account of the noise; he in consequence took the candle
+     from them. He found the deceased dead, with his throat cut,
+     and a razor about _two yards from the bed_; the deceased was
+     quite dead, but not cold; the blood was then running and
+     frothing out of his neck. He did not _appear to have struggled
+     with any person, but had his hands quite straight down by his
+     side_. The deceased had on pantaloons and stockings."
+
+Notwithstanding part of this man's evidence was _suppressed_, we have
+here sufficient to prove that Sellis was _not_ his own murderer. No man,
+after cutting his head nearly off, could possibly throw a razor "TWO
+YARDS FROM HIS BED!"[172:A] A man, in the agonies of death, would rather
+have _grasped the deadly instrument in his hand_; for this circumstance
+has almost always been observed in those persons committing suicide.
+Further than this, however, the witness states, "he did not appear to
+have _struggled_ with any person, but had his HANDS QUITE STRAIGHT DOWN
+BY HIS SIDE." Every man, who will not _abjectly resign his reason_,
+cannot deny that such a position of the hands was contrary to the
+NATURAL STRUGGLES OF A DYING MAN, and that it was quite impossible for
+Sellis to have so SYSTEMATICALLY LAID OUT HIS OWN BODY! But the
+_suppressed evidence_ of this sergeant, which afterwards appeared in
+"The News," fully proved that the first impression of the duke's
+servants was, that SELLIS HAD BEEN MURDERED, and not that he had
+murdered himself! For Creighton says,
+
+     "On entering the house, accompanied by another sergeant, and
+     two or three soldiers, he met two servants, who told him that
+     the Duke of Cumberland had been _wounded_ and that _Sellis was
+     murdered_!"
+
+     [172:A] When the inquest was held, the razor was found on some
+     drawers in the room; but it was placed there by a Bow-street
+     officer, by _mistake_,--at least, so it was reported. We,
+     however, consider even the very partial evidence published in
+     the "Morning Post" quite sufficient to prove that poor Sellis
+     had nothing to do with the razor himself. Some one else must
+     have thrown it "two yards from the bed." The murdered man
+     could not possibly have so exerted himself after the
+     infliction of such a severe wound!
+
+This witness also corroborated some other important points, for
+instance:
+
+     "On the floor before the bed lay a white neckerchief, _cut in
+     several places_. On the opposite side of the room was a
+     wash-hand basin, with some water in it, which looked as if
+     some person had been _washing blood in it_! _The curtains were
+     sprinkled with blood, as well as several parts of the room_;
+     at that time it was _broad day-light_."
+
+When we ask _why_ the "Morning Post" thought it _prudent_ to omit this
+and much other important evidence, we could give the _because_; but our
+readers will easily understand it!
+
+     "James Ball, a footman, said, upon the alarm being given, he
+     inquired of a female servant what was the matter. She informed
+     him the duke was murdered. He went down to the porter with all
+     possible speed, who desired him to _call Sellis_, which he
+     did, but could not gain admittance; he went to the _other
+     door_, when he saw the deceased with his throat cut on his
+     bed; the sight was so shocking, he drew back and almost
+     fainted. _His wife since told him he ate a hearty supper,
+     shook hands with her, and bid her good night at parting._ He
+     never quarrelled with the deceased. He understood the origin
+     of the quarrel between Sellis and Neale was Neale's taking a
+     newspaper out of Sellis' hand. The duke was particularly
+     partial to Sellis, and behaved better to him, he thought, than
+     to any other servant. Sellis and Neale were obliged frequently
+     to be in the same room together, but he never observed any
+     thing particular between them. _Sellis was a very sober man.
+     If he was not at the duke's apartments upon his business, he
+     was sure to be found with his family._ The duke continued his
+     kindness to the last. _He had heard Sellis say he could never
+     be friendly with a man (meaning Neale) who had treated him as
+     he had done._ Sellis used some years since to ride in the
+     carriage with the duke, but since a box has been made to the
+     carriage he was ordered by the duke to ride there. He objected
+     to that, saying it shook him very much."
+
+This servant, like most of the others, was ordered to call Sellis, and
+his evidence, in this particular, seems merely a REHEARSAL of the rest.
+The corroboration which Ball here gave of the excellent character of
+Sellis had been sufficient, one would think, for any jury to have
+acquitted the poor fellow of any participation in the attempt upon the
+duke, or with being his own murderer. In Ball's evidence, also, the
+dislike which Sellis entertained towards Neale is again set forth, and
+which, in our opinion, goes far to prove the occasion of it, which we
+have before explained. Neale, in his evidence, attempted to turn this
+dislike to his own advantage, by charging Sellis with the attack upon
+his master, and with endeavouring to fix the crime upon him (Neale) out
+of revenge! "A guilty conscience needs no accuser,"--a saying perhaps
+never better exemplified!
+
+     "Thomas Creedy, a private in the Coldstream Regiment of
+     Guards, who was on duty, and the _first man who entered the
+     room of Sellis_. The servant being afraid, he trembled so much
+     that he let the _candle fall_, but he caught it up, and
+     prevented it from _going out_. After seeing Sellis' throat
+     cut, and hearing robbers were in the house, he looked under
+     the bed. _He did not see a coat in the room_, (which is very
+     small) although there _was a blue one belonging to Sellis,
+     with blood on the left cuff, and blood on the side_. He
+     observed a wash-hand basin _with blood on the sides, and blood
+     in some water_. The deceased did not appear to have struggled
+     with any one; _his head was against his watch at the head of
+     the bed_."
+
+This was one of the soldiers who accompanied Sergeant Creighton; but
+whether the sergeant or this man was the "first who entered the room of
+Sellis," is not exactly clear. Creighton, in his evidence, says "IT WAS
+BROAD DAY-LIGHT," and, therefore, why CANDLES were required is rather
+difficult to comprehend! Yet, notwithstanding the _smallness of the
+room_, "he did not see a coat, although (as he himself confidently
+states) there was a blue one, belonging to Sellis." How could this
+witness know it belonged to Sellis, whom he probably never saw alive? As
+to "_blood being on the left cuff and on the side_," what proof did he
+adduce of this, for _he himself never saw the coat at all_? He, however,
+observed a wash-hand basin, in the very suspicious state described by
+other witnesses, and gave the additional evidence of Sellis' head being
+"against his watch at the head of the bed;" indeed, the poor man's head
+only HUNG BY A SMALL PIECE OF SKIN, and his murderers had therefore
+placed it in _that position_ to keep it from _falling off altogether_!
+Is it not monstrous, then, that men could be found so lost to honor as
+to record a verdict of _felo de se_?
+
+     "John Probert and John Windsor, two privates in the Guards,
+     said they were on duty opposite the duke's house at the time
+     of the alarm, and were _positive no person went out of the
+     house after the alarm was given_."
+
+The evidence of these men merely shew, _THAT SELLIS WAS MURDERED BY SOME
+ONE BELONGING TO THE HOUSE_, which we see no reason to dispute.
+
+     "Thomas Strickland, under butler to his Royal Highness the
+     Duke of Cumberland, said he saw the deceased in the duke's
+     bed-room about ten minutes before eleven o'clock on Wednesday
+     night; _he was surprised at seeing him there_, supposing him
+     to be in close waiting upon the duke. The deceased appeared to
+     have a _shirt in his hand_; he looked very earnest at him, but
+     had a _smile on his countenance_. _He went to take a cupfull
+     of light drink for the duke to take in the night, which it was
+     his duty to do. He never heard Sellis speak disrespectfully of
+     the duke._"
+
+No satisfactory reason is here given _why_ this man should have felt
+_surprised_ at seeing Sellis in the bed-room of his master; for Sellis
+was there only in the performance of his _duty_, which the _witness
+acknowledged_. How ardently have those connected with this black affair
+endeavoured to fix the odium upon the murdered man! Yet how futile, to
+all _reasonable men_, must appear their observations! Sellis, with a
+"shirt in one hand," and "a cup of light drink" in the other, in the
+Duke of Cumberland's bed-room, ought not to have created surprise in any
+one, knowing the peculiar _situation which Sellis filled in the
+household of his royal highness_! Did Strickland _really_ feel
+_surprised_, or was he _anxious to say so_? But, it will be observed,
+that even this witness confessed "he never heard Sellis speak
+disrespectfully of the duke." Can it, then, be believed, _he_ was guilty
+of the attack upon his royal master?
+
+     "Sarah Varley, housemaid to the Duke of Cumberland, said she
+     put two bolsters into the closet in the second anti-little
+     room adjoining on Wednesday night, they being only put upon
+     his royal highness' bed for ornament in the day-time; there
+     was _no lantern in the closet at the time she put them there,
+     and the dark lantern found in the closet is like one she had
+     seen on the deceased's dressing table. There was no sword or
+     scabbard when she put the bolster there._"
+
+The dark lantern, sword, &c., were not in the closet when this woman
+went there to put away the bolsters. Well, what of that? Might they not
+have been put there _afterwards_? As to "the dark lantern found in the
+closet being like one she had seen on the deceased's dressing table,"
+proves nothing against Sellis, even if this lady had _positively sworn_
+to its being _the same_. It were very easy to place a lantern in
+_Sellis' room_, and _afterwards remove it to the aforesaid closet_! But
+we have little doubt that _more than one_ dark lantern might have been
+found on premises where so many _secret_ deeds had been done! To have
+made this matter better evidence, why did not some kind friend write
+_the name of Sellis on the lantern_, similar to the _plan adopted with
+the slippers_? Such a scheme might have brought the _very_ scrupulous
+jury to their verdict _three hours sooner_, at least!
+
+     "James Paulet, a valet to the duke, first saw his royal
+     highness in his room with Neale holding him up. The duke told
+     him he was murdered, and the murderers must be in his room.
+     The witness replied, he was afraid they should be all
+     murdered, on seeing all the doors opened. The duke insisted
+     they should both stay with him. _His royal highness repeatedly
+     called for Sellis._ In a short time after, some person called
+     at the door that _Sellis was found murdered_. _The duke
+     appeared very anxious for the safety of Sellis_, and as soon
+     as Surgeon Home had dressed _his_ wounds, he sent him to
+     attend to _Sellis_. Mr. Home _soon_ returned, and said _there
+     was no doubt but that the man had killed himself_. _Sellis
+     cautioned him not to be friends with Neale._ He complained to
+     him of the duke's making him ride in a _dickey_, as it shook
+     him much, and riding backwards made him ill. Sellis, however,
+     had the carriage altered to go easier, without asking the
+     duke's leave, at Windsor, and he had appeared content with it
+     ever since. Sellis often talked about leaving the duke's
+     service, saying, _he could not remain in the family if Neale
+     did_. He urged him to the contrary, reminding him how kind the
+     duke was to him and his family."
+
+The duke's anxiety for the services of his faithful valet, Sellis,
+manifested itself by his royal highness _repeatedly calling for
+him_. "Some person called at the door that Sellis was found
+_murdered_,"--another proof that the _first_ impression of the servants
+was the _true one_! Indeed, TRUTH is ever uppermost in the mind; but
+ARTIFICE requires _time to mature its plans_. We are sure that our
+readers WILL ADMIRE, with us, the "ANXIETY of his royal highness for the
+SAFETY of Sellis;" for, as soon as his wounds were dressed, the duke
+sent HIS OWN SURGEON to attend Sellis! Where shall we look for greater
+CARE or CONDESCENSION than this? How truly fortunate was the duke in
+being blessed with so _expeditious_ and so _penetrating_ a surgeon! "Mr.
+Home _soon_ returned, and said there was no doubt that the man had
+killed himself!" Oh, talented man! who could perceive, _at a glance_,
+that "the man had killed himself!" Dr. Carpue must never more pretend to
+a knowledge of surgery, when his opinion can be set aside by a _single
+glance_ of a man of such eminence in his profession as Mr. Home! As to
+the joint in his neck being cut through, Mr. Home easily accounted for.
+What! a man cut his own head off, and wash his hands afterwards! The
+further testimony of Paulet only proves the dislike which Sellis
+entertained for Neale, and the caution he gave to all the other servants
+to avoid him.
+
+     "The widow of the deceased was examined. Her appearance and
+     evidence excited the _greatest compassion and interest_; it
+     tended to _prove he was a good husband, not embarrassed in his
+     circumstances, and that he had parted with her in the usual
+     way, without any suspicion on her part of what he had in
+     contemplation_."
+
+Well, even this admission of the substance of the poor woman's evidence
+is sufficient to throw discredit upon the jury, who, "after deliberating
+for upwards of an hour, returned a verdict of _felo de se_." As Mrs.
+Neale's evidence, however, "excited the greatest compassion and
+interest," "The Post," acting impartially, ought to have printed it at
+length, as tending to prove how little the _interest_ of Sellis was
+involved in his master's murder, and how wholly unprepared the poor
+woman must have been to find her husband accused of committing such a
+deed. For instance:
+
+     "She never heard him complain of the treatment he received
+     from his royal highness; but, on the contrary, was highly
+     gratified by the kindness he and other branches of the royal
+     family had shewed him, particularly the present of muslin
+     which witness had received from the queen, and Princess
+     Augusta, standing godmother to his child. He was not
+     embarrassed in his circumstances, for she did not know of any
+     debt he owed, but one to the apothecary. Since the birth of
+     their last child, about eight months ago, he never spent an
+     evening out, but was always with his family, when not employed
+     with the duke. He belonged to no club or society. During his
+     illness, he was sometimes giddy, but never took the medicines
+     that were prescribed him by the surgeon, saying that regular
+     living was the best medicine. He sometimes talked of leaving
+     the duke's service, on account of his disputes with Neale; but
+     she remonstrated with him on his imprudence in entertaining
+     such a wish, when they had a good house and plenty of coals
+     and candles allowed them. The subject was not mentioned within
+     the last two years. After supper on Wednesday, he mixed a
+     glass of brandy and water, which he made her drink, as she was
+     troubled with spasms in the stomach. He partook of a little of
+     it, shook hands, and wished her a good night, and _she never
+     saw him more cheerful_. He took some clean linen away with
+     him, and said he would bring home the dirty linen _on the
+     following morning_. She said he was a tender father and an
+     affectionate husband."
+
+Let every unbiassed individual read this, and then judge of the
+monstrous and unnatural verdict returned by the jury! Some further
+statements were given to us by a gentleman who received the
+communication, a few years back, from Mrs. Sellis herself:
+
+     "The heart-broken widow said, that she had been brought up
+     from a child in the service of the Princess Augusta, and that
+     he had been many years in that of the Duke of Cumberland.
+     Their marriage had, therefore, taken place under the special
+     sanction of their royal master and mistress. They had one
+     child, a daughter, to whom the princess condescended to stand
+     godmother, and it was the practice of the parents, on the
+     return of every birth-day, to present the child in her best
+     array to her royal godmother, who always distinguished her by
+     some little present as a token of recognition. The birth-day
+     of the child was a few days _after_ the death of the father;
+     and the widow represents the conversation which occurred
+     between her and her husband on the evening of his death as
+     consisting, among other things, in consultations as to the cap
+     and dress in which the child should be presented to the
+     princess; so little did he appear to have in view the event
+     which followed. He was accustomed to spend all the time not
+     required on his attendance on his master with her, to whom he
+     was in the habit of communicating every little incident in
+     which he was concerned that he thought might be interesting to
+     her. On the night in question, he was just as usual, nothing
+     in his conversation or manner betokening the _least
+     agitation_, much less the contemplation of the _murder of his
+     master_, on whose favour, as she says, their whole hopes for
+     subsistence and comfort depended. According to her account, he
+     was habitually civil, sober, frugal in his little expenses,
+     and attentive to his duties. His wife and his child appeared
+     the whole world to him; and the poor woman declared, that when
+     he parted from her, but a few hours before the dreadful
+     catastrophe occurred, _the committal of a wrong towards the
+     duke appeared as improbable a proceeding from him as the
+     destruction of her and her child_. In fact, the one was
+     involved in the other; for when these circumstances came to
+     our knowledge a few years ago, she represented herself as in
+     temporary want and distress."
+
+It was, however, thought PRUDENT to pension Mrs. Sellis and her
+_mother_, who offered her remarks _very freely_ about this mysterious
+transaction. They were both privately sent out of the country, (it is
+believed to Germany) but, with all our efforts, we have not been able to
+ascertain where they now reside, as their evidence had much assisted us
+in proving the statements made in our work, entitled "The Authentic
+Records," &c.
+
+The public appeared much dissatisfied with the verdict of the jury, and
+one or two publications spoke rather openly regarding the impropriety
+and suspicious nature of the whole proceeding, throwing out some dark
+insinuations against the royal duke. In order to counteract this, Sir
+Everard Home, the _extraordinary man_ whose _perceptive_ faculties are
+described on the inquest by the name of _Mr. Home_, published the
+following declaration relative to it:
+
+     "Much pains having been taken _to involve in mystery the_
+     MURDER _of Sellis_, the late servant of his royal highness the
+     Duke of Cumberland, I feel it a public duty to record the
+     circumstances respecting it that came within my own
+     observation, which I could not do while the propagators of
+     such reports were before a public tribunal.
+
+     "I visited the Duke of Cumberland upon his being wounded, and
+     found my way from the great hall to his apartment by the
+     traces of blood which were left on the passages and staircase.
+     I found him on the bed, still bleeding, his shirt deluged with
+     blood, and the coloured drapery, above the pillow, sprinkled
+     with blood from a wounded artery, which puts on an appearance
+     that cannot be mistaken by those who have seen it. This could
+     not have happened had not _the head been lying on the pillow
+     when it was wounded_. The night ribbon, which was wadded, the
+     cap, scalp, and skull were obliquely divided, so that the
+     pulsation of the arteries of the brain were distinguished.
+     While dressing this and the other wounds, report was brought
+     that _Sellis was wounded, if not_ MURDERED. His royal highness
+     desired me to go to him, as I had declared his royal highness
+     out of _immediate danger_. A second report came, that Sellis
+     was dead. I went to his apartment, _found the body lying on
+     his side on the bed_, without his coat and neckcloth, the
+     throat cut _so effectually_ that he could not have survived
+     _above a minute or two_. _The length and direction of the
+     wound were such as left_ NO DOUBT _of its being given by his
+     own hand. Any struggle would have made it irregular._ He had
+     not _even changed his position_; his hands lay as they do in a
+     person who has fainted; they had _no marks of violence upon
+     them; his coat hung upon a chair, out of the reach of blood
+     from the bed; the sleeve, from the shoulder to the wrist, was
+     sprinkled with blood, quite dry, evidently from a wounded
+     artery_; AND FROM SUCH KIND OF SPRINKLING, THE ARM OF THE
+     ASSASSIN OF THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND COULD NOT ESCAPE!
+
+     "In returning to the duke, I found the doors of all the state
+     apartments had marks of bloody fingers on them. _The Duke of
+     Cumberland, after being wounded, could not have gone any where
+     but to the outer doors and back again, since the traces of
+     blood were confined to the passages from the one to the
+     other._"
+
+                                                  "EVERARD HOME."
+
+We regret, with Sir Everard Home, that "so much pains should have been
+taken to involve in mystery the murder of Sellis," but such pains were
+taken in the PALACE, AND NOT BY THE PUBLIC! Sir Everard's description of
+the matter, however, is only calculated to involve it in still greater
+mystery and contradiction! For instance, "he found the body lying on his
+_side_ on the bed, the throat so _effectually_ cut that he could not
+have survived above a _minute or two_!" How a man could cut his throat
+so _effectually_, when _lying on his side_, for "HE HAD NOT EVEN CHANGED
+HIS POSITION," is rather a puzzling matter to people of common sense!
+yet Sir Everard says, "_the length and direction of the wound were such
+as left_ NO DOUBT OF ITS BEING GIVEN BY HIS OWN HAND!" In a conversation
+we had with Mr. Place, the foreman of the jury, a few weeks since, that
+gentleman informed us "_the man lived_ TWENTY MINUTES _after his throat
+was cut_!!!" We do not mean to say that Mr. Place's knowledge of this
+matter is to be put in competition with that of Sir Everard Home; but
+Mr. Place urged this circumstance to us as CONFIRMATORY OF SELLIS HAVING
+MURDERED HIMSELF. It is, therefore, very extraordinary that Sir Everard
+Home did not set the talented foreman right upon this all-important
+point, as it might have been the means of producing a _widely-different
+verdict_! With regard to "the hands having no marks of violence upon
+them," we can only say that such an account is contrary to the report of
+other persons who _saw them_ as well as Mr. Home; for both his hands and
+wrists BORE EVIDENT MARKS OF VIOLENCE! The desire which Sir Everard
+manifests, in this account, to bring proof against Sellis for an attempt
+to assassinate his master has more of _zeal_ than _prudence_ in it; for,
+in speaking of the blood said to be found upon Sellis' coat, the learned
+doctor asserts it to be "just such kind of sprinkling, the arm of the
+assassin of the duke could not escape!" How ridiculous must such an
+observation as this appear to any man, possessed of common
+understanding! Sellis was reported to have used a SWORD in this
+pretended attempt upon his master's life, _the length of which and the
+position of the duke_ would render it next to impossible for _any blood
+of the duke's to reach him_! The worthy knight further says, when
+speaking of the matters in Sellis' room, "his coat hung upon a chair,
+_out of the reach of blood from the bed_;" but several witnesses upon
+the inquest stated that "blood was found all over the room, and the
+hand-basin appeared as if some person had been washing blood in it."
+What is the reason, then, why blood might not have been sprinkled upon
+the _coat_ of the murdered man as well as "upon the curtains, on several
+parts of the floor, and over the wash-basin?" _Why_ did Sir Everard Home
+omit to mention these important particulars in his attempt to explain
+away the "mystery of the murder of Sellis?" His description of the
+dreadful wounds of his royal master are also rather at variance with the
+idea the _duke himself gave of them_, "THE BEATING OF A BAT ABOUT HIS
+HEAD!!" The skilful surgeon concludes his statement by saying, "The Duke
+of Cumberland, after being wounded, could not have gone any where but to
+the outer doors and back again, since the traces of blood were confined
+to the passages from the one to the other;" when it will be observed in
+_Neale's evidence_, that "the duke and witness went to alarm the house,
+and got a light from the porter!!!" Now we may naturally suppose the
+_porter slept at some distance from the duke_, and therefore either Sir
+Everard Home or Neale must have made a _slight mistake_ in this
+particular; for we cannot accuse two such _veritable_ personages with
+_intentionally contradicting each other_!!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Having now carefully and dispassionately examined all the evidence
+brought forward to prove Sellis an assassin and a suicide, we proceed
+to lay before our readers a few particulars tending to confirm an
+opposite opinion.
+
+Mr. Jew, then in the household of the duke, and who probably is now
+alive, (information of which fact might be ascertained by application to
+the King of Belgium) _was inclined_ to give his deposition upon this
+subject, in the following terms, alleging, as his reason, the very
+severe pangs of conscience he endured, through the secrecy he had
+manifested upon this most serious affair.
+
+
+DEPOSITION.
+
+"I was in the duke's household in May, 1810; and on the evening of the
+31st, I attended his royal highness to the opera;--this was the evening
+previous to Sellis' death. That night it was my turn to undress his
+royal highness. On our arriving at St. James', I found Sellis had
+retired for the night, as he had to prepare his master's apparel, &c.,
+and to accompany him on a journey early in the morning.
+
+"I slept that night in my usual room; but Neale, another valet to the
+duke, slept in an apartment very slightly divided from that occupied by
+his royal highness. A few days previous to this date, I was commanded by
+my master to lay a sword upon one of the sofas in his bed-chamber, and I
+did so. After undressing his royal highness, I retired to bed. I had not
+long been asleep, when I was disturbed by Neale, who told me to get up
+immediately, as my master the duke was nearly murdered! I lost no time,
+and very soon entered his royal highness' bed-room. His royal highness
+was then standing nearly in the middle of the chamber, apparently quite
+cool and composed, his shirt was bloody, and he commanded me to fetch
+Sir Henry Halford, saying, 'I am severely wounded.' The sword, which a
+few days before I had laid upon the sofa, was then lying on the floor,
+and was very bloody. I went with all possible haste for Sir Henry, and
+soon returned with him. I stood by when the wounds were examined, none
+of which were of a serious nature or appearance. That in his hand was
+the most considerable.
+
+"During this period, which was _nearly two hours_, neither NEALE nor
+SELLIS had been in the _duke's room_, which appeared to me a very
+unaccountable circumstance. At length, when all the bustle of dressing
+the wounds (which were very inconsiderable) was over, and the room
+arranged, the duke said, 'CALL SELLIS!' I went to Sellis' door, and,
+upon opening it, the most horrific scene presented itself: Sellis was
+lying perfectly straight in the bed, the head raised up against the
+head-board, and nearly severed from the body; his hands were lying quite
+straight on each side of him, and upon examination I saw him weltering
+in blood, it having covered the under part of the body. He had on his
+shirt, his waistcoat, and his stockings; the _inside_ of his hands were
+perfectly clean, but on the outside were smears of blood. His watch was
+hanging up over his head, _wound up_. His coat was carefully folded
+inside out, and laid over the back of a chair. A razor, covered with
+blood, was lying at a distance from his body, but too far off to have
+been used by himself, or to have been thrown there by him in such a
+mutilated condition, as it was very apparent death must have been
+immediate after such an act.
+
+"The wash-basin was in the stand, but was _HALF FULL OF BLOODY WATER_!
+Upon examining Sellis' cravat, it was found to be cut. The padding which
+he usually wore was covered with silk and quilted; but, what was most
+remarkable, both THE PADDING AND THE CRAVAT WERE CUT, as if some person
+had made an attempt to cut the throat with the cravat on; then, finding
+the woollen or cotton stuffing to impede the razor, took it off, in
+order more readily to effect the purpose.
+
+"During the time the duke's wounds were being dressed, the deponent
+believes Neale was absent, in obedience to arrangement, and was employed
+in laying Sellis' body in the form in which it was discovered, as it was
+an utter impossibility that a self-murderer could have so disposed of
+himself.
+
+"Deponent further observes, that Lord Ellenborough undertook to manage
+this affair, by arranging the proceedings for the inquest; and also that
+every witness was previously examined by him; also, that the FIRST JURY,
+being unanimously dissatisfied with the evidence adduced, as they were
+not permitted to see the body in an undressed state, positively refused
+to return a verdict, in consequence of which, they were dismissed, and a
+SECOND jury summoned and empannelled, to whom, severally, a special
+messenger had been sent, requesting their attendance, and each one of
+whom was directly or indirectly connected with the court, or the
+government. That, on both inquests, the deponent had been omitted, and
+had not been called for to give his evidence, though it must have been
+known, from his personal attendance and situation upon the occasion,
+that he must necessarily have been a most material witness. THE SECOND
+JURY RETURNED A VERDICT AGAINST SELLIS, and his body was immediately put
+into a shell, and conveyed away _a certain distance_ for interment. The
+duke was _privately_ removed from St. James' Palace to Carlton House,
+where his royal highness manifested an impatience of manner, and a
+perturbed state of mind, evidently arising from a conscience ill at
+ease. But, in a short time, he appeared to recover his usual spirits,
+and being hurt but in a very trifling degree, he went out daily in a
+sedan chair to Lord Ellenborough's and Sir William Phipps', although the
+daily journals were lamenting his very bad state of health, and also
+enlarging, with a considerable expression of sorrow, upon the magnitude
+of his wounds, and the fears entertained for his recovery!"
+
+
+The further deposition of this attendant is of an important character,
+and claims particular consideration. He says,
+
+
+"I was applied to by some noblemen shortly after this dreadful business,
+and very strongly did they solicit me to make a full disclosure of all
+the improper transactions to which I might have been made a party upon
+this solemn subject. I declined many times, but at length conceded,
+under a binding engagement that I should not be left destitute of
+comforts or abridged of my liberty; and, under special engagements to
+preserve me from such results, I have given my deposition."
+
+                                                  (Signed) "JEW."
+
+
+The fact of _two juries being summoned_ has been _acknowledged by the
+coroner_, in his affidavit before the Court of King's Bench in April
+last. The affidavit of this gentleman, however, contains so many
+_errors_, that we here introduce an exposition of it, as given by the
+talented D. Wakefield, esq., in shewing cause against the rule being
+made absolute in the case of "Cumberland _v._ Phillips."
+
+     "Mr. Wakefield said it would be in the recollection of the
+     court, that this was a rule obtained by Sir Charles Wetherell,
+     for a libel contained in a publication relating to his royal
+     highness the Duke of Cumberland. He would not read the alleged
+     libel in detail now, but confine himself first to the
+     affidavit of Samuel Thomas Adams, the coroner who had held the
+     inquest on Sellis. It was necessary that he should read the
+     affidavit, as he had to offer several remarks upon it."
+
+The learned counsel then read the affidavit, as follows:
+
+
+     =In the King's Bench.=
+
+     "Samuel Thomas Adams of No 9 Davis street Berkeley square in
+     the County of Middlesex solicitor maketh oath and saith that
+     he hath seen a certain book or publication entitled "The
+     Authentic Records of the Court of England for the last
+     Seventy Years" purporting to be published in London by J.
+     Phillips 334 Strand 1832 and that in the said book or
+     publication are contained the following statements or passages
+     which this deponent has read that is to say--"
+
+[Here the deponent, _lawyer-like_, set out the whole of the pretended
+libel, as published in the "Authentic Records," for the purpose of
+putting us to all the expense and trouble possible.]
+
+     "And this deponent further saith that he was coroner for the
+     verge of the King's Palace at St. James's in the month of June
+     one thousand eight hundred and ten before whom the inquest on
+     the body of Joseph Sellis referred to in the aforesaid
+     passages extracted from the said book or publication was held
+     and that it is not true as stated in the aforesaid passages
+     that Lord Ellenborough undertook to manage the affair by
+     arranging the proceedings upon the said inquest or that every
+     witness or as this deponent believes any witness was
+     previously examined by the said Lord Ellenborough or that the
+     first jury for the reasons in the aforesaid passages alleged
+     or for any other reasons refused to return a verdict in
+     consequence of which they were dismissed and a second jury
+     summoned and empannelled to whom _severally a special
+     messenger had been sent_ requesting their attendance and each
+     of whom was directly or indirectly connected with the court or
+     the government. And this deponent further saith that it is not
+     true that any person was omitted as a witness whose evidence
+     was known or could be suspected to be material but on the
+     contrary this deponent saith that when the death of the said
+     Joseph Sellis was notified to him he as such coroner as
+     aforesaid was required to hold an inquest on the body of the
+     said Joseph Sellis and that it being required by a statute
+     passed in the twenty-third year of Henry the Eighth chapter
+     twelve that in case of death happening in any of the king's
+     palaces or houses where his majesty should then happen to be
+     and in respect of which death an inquest should be necessary
+     that the jury on such inquest should be composed of twelve or
+     more of the yeoman officers of the king's household to be
+     returned in the manner therein particularly mentioned he this
+     deponent in the first instance issued as such coroner as
+     aforesaid an order that a jury should be summoned composed of
+     the said yeoman officers of the king's household pursuant to
+     the directions of the said statute. But this deponent saith
+     that believing it to be important that the cause and
+     circumstances of the death of the said Joseph Sellis should be
+     investigated in the most public and impartial manner _he took
+     upon himself the responsibility of not complying with the
+     strict letter of such statute as aforesaid and countermanded
+     the first order as aforesaid for summoning such jury in
+     conformity to the said statute and instead thereof directed a
+     jury to be summoned consisting of persons not being yeomen
+     officers of the king's household_ but living at a distance
+     from and totally unconnected with the palace of St. James's
+     And this deponent further saith that thereupon his agent as
+     this deponent has been informed and believes took the
+     summoning officer to Francis Place of Charing Cross man's
+     mercer and that the said Francis Place then mentioned to the
+     agent of this deponent the names of many persons fit and
+     eligible to compose such jury and out of such persons so
+     summoned by the officer as aforesaid an impartial jury was
+     formed of which jury the said Francis Place was foreman And
+     this deponent saith that before such jury so summoned and duly
+     sworn he as coroner proceeded on the first day of June one
+     thousand eight hundred and ten to hold an inquest on the body
+     of the said Joseph Sellis And this deponent further saith that
+     the court which under other circumstances would have been a
+     close one he this deponent directed to be thrown open to the
+     public and all persons without distinction And this deponent
+     believes the same was done and that all persons without
+     distinction were admitted into such court amongst whom were
+     many reporters for the newspapers who attended for the purpose
+     of taking and did take notes of the proceedings and of the
+     depositions of the witnesses examined upon such inquest And
+     this deponent further saith that at the commencement of the
+     said inquest the several informations on oath of the principal
+     witnesses taken on that and the preceding day by John Reid
+     Esquire the then chief magistrate of the police were read over
+     and handed to the said jury to enable them the better to
+     examine such witnesses respectively and such witnesses were
+     respectively resworn before this deponent as coroner and
+     permitted to make any addition to their evidence so given
+     before the magistrate as aforesaid and that each and every of
+     such witnesses had full opportunities of making any addition
+     to such testimony which they thought proper And this deponent
+     further saith that all the circumstances of the case as far as
+     they could be collected were carefully and impartially
+     scrutinized by the said jury and that all the evidence which
+     could be collected and brought forward and that every person
+     was called before the said jury and examined as a witness and
+     no person was omitted to be called and examined who would
+     have been or who it could be supposed would have been a
+     material witness And this deponent further saith that in the
+     course of the inquiry the said jury proceeded to the apartment
+     where the body of the said Joseph Sellis had been first
+     discovered and was then lying and did then carefully view
+     examine and inspect the body of the said Joseph Sellis and all
+     the other circumstances deemed by them necessary to be
+     examined into and ascertained in any way touching the death of
+     the said Joseph Sellis And this deponent further saith that he
+     locked the doors of the apartment in which the body of the
+     said Joseph Sellis was found and did not permit the same to be
+     inspected nor the state and position of the said body to be
+     disturbed, from the first discovery of such body in the
+     aforesaid apartment until the same was inspected by the said
+     jury And this deponent further saith that on the conclusion of
+     the investigation the said jury immediately and unanimously
+     returned a verdict that the said Joseph Sellis voluntarily and
+     feloniously as a _felo de se_ murdered himself And this
+     deponent further saith that the proceedings upon the said
+     inquest were in all respects regular _except_ as to the jury
+     not consisting of the yeoman officers of the king's household
+     and that such proceedings were themselves conducted in the
+     most fair open and impartial manner and that the verdict so
+     found by the jury as aforesaid was a just true and honest
+     verdict and that there is not the smallest ground for
+     supposing or alleging any thing to the contrary
+     thereof[192:A]
+
+                                         "SAM{L}. THO{S}. ADAMS."
+
+     "_Sworn in Court the eighteenth
+         day of April 1832--By the Court._"
+
+     [192:A] Whatever our readers may think of this jumble of
+     words, we assure them it is _verbatim_ from the ORIGINAL
+     affidavit, which is WITHOUT POINTS, as lawyers consider such
+     matters unnecessary.]
+
+     "The first remark he had to submit to the court in this case
+     was, that a person who applied for an extraordinary remedy by
+     criminal information, must deny all the charges contained in
+     the libel. The rank of the illustrious individual in this case
+     made no difference with respect to that point. Now the court
+     would find, by the affidavit of Mr. Adams, the coroner, that
+     one of the main parts of this alleged libel, so far from being
+     contradicted, was SUBSTANTIATED,--he alluded to the fact of
+     there having been TWO JURIES summoned to inquire into the
+     circumstances relating to the death of Sellis. He did not mean
+     to say that that fact formed any justification for the
+     publication of the libel; but the fact itself was certainly
+     extremely important, and Mr. Adams' affidavit contained the
+     reasons why the mode pointed out by the act of parliament for
+     summoning juries in such cases had been departed from. The
+     fact of there having been two juries summoned was no doubt
+     sufficient to induce any person to believe that there was some
+     reason for that proceeding, which was not apparent on the face
+     of it. Mr. Adams had described the manner in which the jury
+     were summoned. He said he sent the summoning officer to Mr.
+     Place, man's mercer, of Charing-cross; but Mr. Place was not
+     the coroner for the verge of the King's Palace, and had no
+     authority to act. He would leave it to the court to form their
+     own opinion, whether or not this departure from the usual
+     course was or was not for the purpose of obtaining an
+     IMPARTIAL TRIAL. The affidavit showed that Mr. Adams had flown
+     in the face of the act of parliament, and the statement in the
+     Authentic Records, that there had been a second inquest, was
+     CORROBORATED by that affidavit. Mr. Adams had referred to the
+     act of parliament, as being that of the 23rd of Henry VIII.,
+     whereas it was that of the 33rd of Henry VIII.: that was no
+     doubt a trifling circumstance, but it tended to show the
+     manner in which Mr. Adams performed the duties of his office.
+     Mr. Adams had stated that summonses had been drawn up for
+     summoning TWO JURIES, but those for summoning the FIRST were
+     not used; but the reason he gave was most unsatisfactory. He
+     had no right to send to Mr. Place, and Mr. Place had no right
+     to act as coroner; and he (Mr. Wakefield) submitted that the
+     court ought to require an affidavit from Mr. Place to
+     corroborate what Mr. Adams had stated. He believed it would
+     not be difficult to show that the inquest might be quashed, as
+     being illegal; and it certainly might have been quashed if
+     Sellis had had any goods, which would have been subject to an
+     extent at the suit of the crown. At all events, Mr. Adams
+     might have been prosecuted for a breach of duty. There was
+     another point which, though of a trifling nature, he would
+     take the liberty of adverting to, in order to show that the
+     inquest was illegal. By the 28 Henry VIII. c. 12, the jury in
+     cases of this description were to be summoned from the verge
+     of the court. Now this applied to the court sitting at
+     Whitehall; but at the time in question the court was sitting
+     at St. James'. The summoning, therefore, was clearly not good,
+     and the jury, consisting of Mr. Place's junta, could not
+     legally hold an inquest on the body of Sellis."
+
+Four other mistakes, also, in the coroner's affidavit were pointed out
+by _Mr. Place_ himself in a letter to the public.
+
+     1. Mr. Adams says, "he issued an order to summon a jury of
+     persons of the king's household, but that he rescinded the
+     order, and summoned a jury of persons who lived at a distance,
+     and were wholly unconnected with St. James' Palace." Mr. Adams
+     must by these words mean that he summoned a jury from the only
+     place to which his power extended; namely, "the verge of the
+     court,"--a small space, and from amongst the few tradesmen who
+     resided within its limits. _I never before heard that he had
+     issued any order to summon a jury of persons of the king's
+     household._
+
+     2. Mr. Adams says, that his "summoning officer applied to
+     Francis Place, of Charing Cross, for the names of persons who
+     were eligible to compose a jury, and that out of such persons
+     an impartial jury, of which Francis Place was the foreman,
+     assembled on the 1st of June, 1810." Mr. Adams probably speaks
+     from memory, and is, therefore, incorrect. He might, to be
+     sure, have instructed his officer to apply to me; but, if he
+     did, it was a STRANGE PROCEEDING. The officer was in the habit
+     of summoning juries within the verge, and must have known much
+     better than I did who were eligible. The jurors could not have
+     been indicated by me, since, of seventeen who formed the
+     inquest, five were wholly unknown to me, either by name or
+     person; and amongst the seven who did not attend, there were
+     probably others who were also unknown to me. The number of
+     persons liable to be summoned is so small, that it has been
+     sometimes difficult to constitute an inquest, and there is no
+     room either for choice or selection.
+
+     3. Mr. Adams says, "the depositions of the witnesses were
+     taken by John Read, the then chief police magistrate, and were
+     read to the witnesses, who were severally asked if they had
+     any thing to add to them." This, if left as Mr. Adams has put
+     it, would imply negligence on the part of an inquest which was
+     more than usually diligent and precise. The depositions were
+     read, but not one of them was taken as the evidence of a
+     witness. Every person who appeared as a witness was carefully
+     and particularly examined, and the order in which the evidence
+     was taken, and the words used, differ from the depositions;
+     the evidence is also much longer than the depositions. Both
+     are before me. The inquest examined seven material witnesses,
+     who had not made depositions before Mr. Read.
+
+     4. Mr. Adams says "the jury _immediately_ and _unanimously_
+     returned a verdict that the deceased, Joseph Sellis,
+     voluntarily and feloniously murdered himself." The jury of
+     seventeen persons were every one convinced that Sellis had
+     destroyed himself, yet two of them did not concur in the
+     verdict,--one, because he could not believe that a sane man
+     ever put an end to his own existence; and another, because he
+     could not satisfy himself whether or no Sellis was sane or
+     insane.
+
+                                                   FRANCIS PLACE.
+
+     _Charing Cross, April 19, 1832._
+
+The very morning this letter was published, we called on Mr. Place, who
+repeated the substance of it to us, adding that Sir Charles Wetherell
+had sent a person to him for his affidavit, which he REFUSED in a letter
+to the learned knight, condemning the whole proceeding of criminal
+information. Mr. Place read a copy of this letter to us, and promised he
+would publish it if ever a _sufficient reason_ presented itself. It was
+an admirable composition, and did credit to the liberality of the
+writer's opinions.
+
+As to the affidavits of the Duke of Cumberland and Neale, they contain
+nothing but what other people in similar situations would say,--_they
+deny all knowledge of Sellis' murder, and of unnatural conduct_. Whoever
+thought of requiring them to _criminate themselves_? But affidavits,
+from interested persons are not worth much. The notorious Bishop of
+Clogher, for instance, exculpated himself in a criminal information by
+an affidavit, and the result was, the man who published the _truth_ of
+that _wretch_ groaned in a jail!!! Sir Charles, therefore, had no
+occasion to boast of the Duke of Cumberland's _charitable_ mode of
+proceeding against us by _criminal information_, instead of commencing
+an _ex-officio_ action; for in neither of these modes of procedure does
+the _truth_ or _falsehood_ of the charge form an object of
+consideration. We are, therefore, _prevented_ by the Duke of Cumberland
+and his adherents from proving the _truth_ of the statements we made in
+"The Authentic Records" _in a court of law_; but where resides the
+_power_ that shall rob us of the glorious LIBERTY OF THE PRESS? We are
+the strenuous advocates of the _right to promulgate_ TRUTH,--of the
+right to scrutinize public actions and public men,--of the right to
+expose vice, and castigate mischievous follies, even though they may be
+found in a _palace_! The free exercise of this invaluable privilege
+should always be conceded to the HISTORIAN, or where will posterity look
+for _impartial information_? In this character only did we publish what
+we believed, and _still believe_, to be the _truth_ in our former work
+of "The Authentic Records," and which we have considerably enlarged upon
+in our present undertaking, merely for the purpose of fulfilling our
+sacred duty, and not with the idea of slandering any man! If the Duke of
+Cumberland had proved our statement _false_, we would have freely
+acknowledged our error, as every man ought to do who seeks fairly and
+honorably to sustain a noble function in the purity of its existence. We
+know there are writers who seek, not to enlighten, but to debase; not to
+find amusement, but to administer poison; not to impart information,
+either political, moral, or literary, but to indulge in obscenity,--to
+rake up forgotten falsehoods, and disseminate imputed calumnies! To
+such, the sanctuary of private life is no longer inviolable; the
+feelings of the domestic circle are no longer sacred; retirement affords
+no protection, and virtue interposes no defence, to their sordid
+inroads. Upon offences like these, _we_ would invoke the fiercest
+penalties of the law. The interests of society demand it, and the rights
+of individuals claim it! But our strictures and exposures are of a
+widely-different character,--not if they were _false_,--but because
+their TRUTH must be apparent to every unbiassed individual in this
+mighty empire! With this conviction alone we stated them, and even Sir
+Charles Wetherell himself said we "seemed to have no other motive in
+stating them only for the purpose of stating them!" We are not disposed
+to comment upon this part of the learned counsel's speech, as it proves
+all we want to prove regarding our motives.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This year was not less remarkable for the king's family sorrows than for
+public grievances. His majesty was nearly childish and blind. The queen
+dreaded the ascendency of the popular voice in favour of the Princess of
+Wales, and the Princess Charlotte exhibited a resolute spirit, which it
+was feared would end to the unhappiness of the puissant queen. The
+Princess Amelia suffered under indescribable sorrows, both bodily and
+mental, which ultimately terminated her earthly career on the 2nd of
+November.
+
+Many representations were made to the public of the numerous visits
+made to the Princess Amelia by the king, and their affecting final
+interview. We believe we may, with truth, say those representations were
+erroneous; for the king's malady was of too serious a nature to admit of
+any new excitement, and the peculiar regard he entertained for this
+daughter would not allow his hearing of her sufferings in any shape,
+without feeling the most acute pain.
+
+The Prince of Wales also still pursued the most dissipated rounds of
+pleasure, making his very name hateful to every virtuous ear. The house
+of royalty, indeed, seemed divided against itself.
+
+
+General historians say that the year
+
+     1811
+
+was not marked by any very particular events of much interest, either to
+kings or kingdoms; yet we must differ from them in this opinion,
+inasmuch as, at its commencement, the Prince of Wales was appointed
+_Regent_, and the king's person confided to the care of the queen,
+conjointly with archbishops, lords, and other adherents of her majesty.
+
+The session was opened on the 12th of February; and the speech,
+delivered by commission, in the name of the regent, expressed _unfeigned
+sorrow_ at the king's malady, by which the exercise of the royal
+authority had devolved upon his royal highness. It also _congratulated_
+parliament and the country on the success of his majesty's arms, by
+land and sea, and did not forget to beg for further SUPPLIES,--_so much
+required_.
+
+Let us here inquire the cause that prevented the _amiable_ regent from
+opening the session in person. Had his mistresses detained him too late
+in the morning? or had they played a _designed part_ with him, to prove
+their superior domination? or had he been in his most privately-retired
+apartments, _conversing with a few of the male favourites of his
+household in_ ITALIAN? If either of these do not give the true reason of
+his absence, we may be sure to ascertain it upon inquiry of the vintner
+or faro-table keeper. Here the different _degrees_ of morality,
+contrived by custom and keeping the people in ignorance, are well
+illustrated!
+
+The queen was much at Windsor at this period, she being obliged, by
+etiquette, to hear the bulletins issued by the physicians concerning his
+majesty's health, or her _affection_ for the afflicted king would not
+have produced so great a _sacrifice_ on her part.
+
+In this year, the disgraced Duke of York was restored to his former post
+of commander-in-chief; although, but a short period before, he was found
+guilty of being privy to, if not actually and personally, disposing of
+situations in the army, by which traffic, very large amounts had been
+realized by one of his royal highness' mistresses.
+
+The money required for this year's supply amounted to _fifty-six
+millions_! The distress in all the manufacturing districts,
+notwithstanding, was of the heaviest nature; while, instead of
+ministers devising means to relieve the starving poor, oppressive
+enactments were substituted.
+
+Let it not here be supposed that we are condemning any constitutional
+enactment of government. We only wish to see the interests of the poor a
+little more regarded, instead of laws being made solely with a view of
+aggrandizing the wealthy, whose eyes already stand out with fatness. Is
+it not evident that the men at this period in power were resolved to
+continue their system of corrupt administration, in despite of all
+remonstrance and opposition? A long course of oppression had apparently
+hardened them, and so far steeled their hearts against the petitions of
+the suffering nation, that they actually seemed to delight in increasing
+the heavy burdens which already preyed upon the vitals of the community.
+
+Our readers may probably be aware that the visits of the Princess
+Charlotte to her mother were always "few and far between;" but at this
+period, the interviews became so uncertain and restricted, that they
+could not be satisfactory either to the mother or the daughter. Some of
+the attendants always remained in the apartment with them, _by the
+regent's command_, to witness the conversation. For some time, the
+princess contrived to write _privately_ to her mother, and obtained a
+confidential messenger to deliver her communications. This was
+ultimately suspected, and, after a close scrutiny, unfortunately
+discovered, and immediately forbidden. Her royal highness was now in
+her fifteenth year, in good health, and possessing much natural and
+mental activity. It was not very probable, therefore, that the society
+of FORMAL LADIES, every way disproportionate to herself in years and
+taste, could be very agreeable to her, more especially when she knew
+that these very ladies were bitter enemies to her adored mother. If the
+Princess Charlotte had been allowed to associate with natural and
+suitable companions, the very decisive feature of her character would
+have rendered her the brightest ornament of society; but this was not
+permitted, and England has great cause to mourn that she was not more
+valued by her father and grandmother.
+
+The elegant and accomplished Dr. Nott was now selected for the Princess
+Charlotte's preceptor, and he ardently exerted himself to improve the
+mind of his royal pupil. The very superior _personal_, as well as
+mental, qualifications of the reverend gentleman, however, soon rendered
+him an object of _peculiar interest_ to the youthful princess. The
+ardency of her affections and the determinate character of her mind were
+well known to her royal relatives. They, therefore, viewed this new
+connexion with considerable uneasiness, and soon had occasion to suspect
+that her royal highness had manifested too much solicitude for the
+interest of her friend and tutor!
+
+The Duke of York first communicated his suspicions on this subject to
+the regent, and the prince immediately went to Windsor (where the queen
+then was) to inform her majesty of his fears, and to consult what would
+be the most proper and effectual measures to take. Her majesty was
+highly incensed at the information, and very indignantly answered, "My
+family connexions will prove my entire ruin." Her majesty, accompanied
+by the prince, drove off directly for London, and the Princess Charlotte
+was commanded to meet her grandmother in her chamber. With her usual
+independent readiness, the princess obeyed the summons, and was ushered
+into the presence of the haughty queen.
+
+After some considerable period of silence, her majesty began to ask what
+particular services Dr. Nott had rendered, or what very superior
+attractions he possessed, to engage the attentions of her royal highness
+in such an unusual degree, as was now well known to be the case. Her
+royal highness rose up, and in a tone of voice, not very agreeable to
+the queen, said, "If your majesty supposes you can subdue me as you have
+done my mother, the Princess of Wales, you will find yourself deceived.
+The Reverend Mr. Nott has shown me more attentions, and contributed more
+to my happiness in my gloomy seclusion, than any person ever did, except
+my mother, and I ought to be grateful to him, and I WILL, whether it
+pleases your majesty or not!" The queen saw her purpose was defeated in
+the attempt to intimidate her grand-daughter, and therefore, in a milder
+manner, said, "You must, my dear, recollect, I am anxious for your
+honour and happiness; you are born to occupy the highest station in the
+world, and I wish you to do so becoming the proud character of your
+royal father, who is the most distinguished prince in Europe." The queen
+had scarcely concluded her sentence, when her royal highness burst
+forth, in the most violent manner, and with an undismayed gesture, said,
+"Does your majesty think I am always to be under your subjection? Can I
+believe my royal father _so great and good_, when I have so long
+witnessed his unremitted unkindness to my neglected mother? Neither do I
+receive much attention from the prince; and my uncle of York is always
+preaching to me about virtue and submission, and your majesty well knows
+_he does not practise either_! Mr. Nott practises every amiability which
+he enjoins, and I esteem him exceedingly _more than I do any other
+gentleman_!" The queen was quite vexed at the unbending disposition
+manifested by the princess, and desired her to retire, and reflect upon
+the improper conduct of which she had been guilty, and, by humility and
+contrition, to make a suitable atonement.
+
+While walking out of the room, the princess appeared in deep thought,
+and more tranquil; her majesty, imagining it to be the result of her own
+advice, said, "The Princess Charlotte will never want a friend if she
+abide by her grandmother's instructions, and properly maintain her
+dignity of birth." Her royal highness returned to her former situation
+before the queen, and exclaimed, "What does your majesty mean?" "I
+mean," replied the queen, "that you must not condescend to favour
+persons in _low life_ with your confidence or particular respect; they
+will take advantage of it, and finally make you the tool to accomplish
+their vile purposes." "Does your majesty apply these remarks to the Rev.
+Mr. Nott?" hastily replied the princess. "I do," said the queen. "Then
+hear me, your majesty; I glory in my regard for Mr. Nott. His virtues
+are above all praise, and he merits infinitely more than I have to give;
+but I resolve, from this moment, to give him all the worldly goods I
+can; and your majesty knows that, by _law_, I can make a will, though I
+am but little more than fifteen; and my library, jewels, and other
+valuables, are at my own disposal! I will now, without delay, make my
+will in his favour, and no earthly power shall prevent me. I am sorry
+your majesty prefers _vicious and wicked characters, with splendid
+titles_, to virtuous and amiable persons, destitute of such empty
+sounds!" The princess left the room, and the queen was more disturbed
+than before the interview.
+
+The regent was soon made acquainted with the result, and recommended
+that no further notice should be taken of the matter, hoping that the
+princess would change her intention upon a more deliberate survey of the
+subject. But in this opinion, or hope, his royal highness was
+disappointed; for the princess that day signed a _deed_, whereby she
+gave _positively_ to her friend and preceptor, Dr. Nott, her library,
+jewels, and all private property belonging to her, and delivered this
+instrument into his hand, saying, "I hope you will receive this small
+token as a pledge of my sincere regard for your character, and high
+estimation of your many virtues. When I am able to give you greater
+testimonies of my friendship, they shall not be withheld." We need
+hardly say that the divine was _delighted_ at the great attention and
+unexpected generosity of her royal highness. He was more; for his heart
+was subdued and affected.
+
+A considerable period elapsed after this circumstance, when the queen
+was resolved to recover the _deed_ at all hazards, as she feared, if the
+validity of such an instrument were ever acknowledged, royalty would
+suffer much in the estimation of the public. All the queen's deceptive
+plans, therefore, were tried; but failed. The prince, at length, offered
+a large amount as a remuneration, and finally persuaded the doctor to
+give up the deed! Of course a good living was also presented to him, on
+his retiring from the situation in which he had so long enjoyed the
+smile and favour of his royal pupil.
+
+The Princess Charlotte was mortified, beyond expression, at this
+unexpected conduct on the part of her father and grandmother, and was
+not very sparing in her expressions of dislike towards them. Mr.
+Perceval (who was then premier) was requested by the prince to see her
+royal highness, and to suggest _any_ terms of reconciliation between the
+princess and the queen; but he could not succeed. "What, Sir!" said her
+royal highness, "would you desire me to _appear what I am not_, and to
+meet her majesty as if I believed her to be my sincere friend, when I
+know I am hated for my dear mother's sake? No, Sir! I cannot do as you
+desire; but I will endeavour to meet her majesty at all needful
+opportunities with as much gentleness of manners as I can assume. What
+indignities has not the queen offered to my persecuted mother? You well
+know, Sir, they have been unmerited, and if her majesty insults the
+Princess of Wales again in my presence, I shall say, 'your majesty
+should regulate your family affairs better, and teach lessons of virtue
+to your _daughters_, before you traduce the characters of other ladies!'
+You, Sir, are the regent's minister, and in his confidence, so I may
+venture to give you my candid opinion, and I do not consider that, by
+doing so, I exceed the bounds of propriety. Will you, therefore, oblige
+me by announcing to the prince, my father, that I am unalterably devoted
+in heart to my mother, and while I wish to be a dutiful child to my
+father, I must not even be that at the expense of principle and
+honourable sentiments. My grandfather always had my respect and pity."
+
+It is scarcely necessary to say, that Mr. Perceval retired with evident
+symptoms of disappointment and chagrin. He immediately communicated the
+result of his interview to the regent and the queen, who declined making
+any further remonstrance, lest the princess should imagine they feared
+her, or were at all intimidated by her bold decisions.
+
+In this year, Lord Sidmouth moved to bring in a bill to alter the
+"Toleration Act." His lordship stated, that this bill was calculated to
+serve the interests of religion, and promote the prosperity of the
+Church of England! But Lord Sidmouth, for once, was disappointed. The
+sensation excited throughout the country was of an unprecedented
+description; for, within forty-eight hours, no less than three hundred
+and thirty-six petitions against it were poured into the House of Lords!
+and the House was presented, on the second reading, with five hundred
+more! It was consequently abandoned.
+
+The supplies voted for the public and _private_ services were FIFTY-SIX
+MILLIONS!
+
+At the close of this year, the poor were perishing for want; yet the
+court became more splendid than ever! The ill-fated sovereign was as
+imbecile and as weak as an infant, and his representative a profligate
+ruler. What a condition for England!
+
+
+War still raged at the commencement of
+
+     1812.
+
+We will not, however, record the scenes of devastation and horror
+consequent from it; neither will we eulogize Lord Wellington for the
+_victories_ he obtained. Much rather would we shed a tear at the
+remembrance of the slaughtered victims to kingly or ministerial
+ambition. Who that believes in the immortality of the soul can think of
+these horrid engagements without shuddering at the immense and
+inexpressible accountability of the destroyer? It would be utterly
+impossible to give an idea of the number of WIDOWS and ORPHANS who have
+had to mourn the consequences of _splendid_ victories, as a _wholesale
+murdering of soldiers_ are denominated. How many _ducal coronets_ have
+been purchased at the expense of human existence! Rather should our
+brows never be encircled than at such an unnatural price!
+
+On the 13th of February, the restrictions formerly in force against the
+prince regent terminated; and, properly speaking, it may be declared,
+_he then assumed the kingly power_. One hundred thousand pounds were
+voted for him, _professedly_ to meet the expenses attendant upon his
+assumption of the regal authority.
+
+This was a moment of triumph to the queen, and the sequel will prove
+that her majesty took especial care to turn it to her own account. The
+Duke of York was fully reinstated as "Commander-in-Chief," and,
+therefore, ready ways and means presented themselves to her majesty. The
+regent engaged that the queen should have the continued sanction of his
+name and interest, in all the various ways she might require.
+Accordingly, it was soon arranged, that _her majesty should receive an
+additional sum of ten thousand pounds per annum_ FOR THE CARE OF HER
+ROYAL HUSBAND'S PERSON!
+
+We cannot pass by this shameful insult to the nation without making an
+observation upon so _unnatural_ an act. If the queen were the kind and
+affectionate wife she had so very frequently been represented to be,
+could she have allowed herself to receive an immense payment for merely
+doing her _duty_? But a more selfish woman, and a more unfeeling wife,
+never disgraced humanity, as this wicked acceptance of the public money
+fully testifies.
+
+An additional nine thousand pounds annually were also granted to each of
+the princesses, whilst places and pensions were proportionally
+multiplied. In the case of Colonel M'Mahon, upon whom a private
+secretaryship had been conferred, much very unpleasant altercation took
+place in the House of Commons; but _bribery_ effected that which
+argument proved to be _wrong_. It was a well-known fact, indeed, that
+this individual was nothing more than a pander to the regent's lust, to
+which infamous engagements and practices we shall hereafter refer.
+
+On the 11th of May, as Mr. Perceval was entering the lobby of the House
+of Commons, he received a shot in his left breast, and, after staggering
+a few paces, fell down and expired. The assassin was tried on the 15th
+and executed on the 18th of the same month. He defended his conduct on
+the ground of having received much injury from the government, who had
+denied redress of his grievances, and, therefore, thought he had only
+done an act of justice in taking away the life of a member of so callous
+an administration.
+
+Agreeably to the regent's message, fifty thousand pounds were voted for
+the use of Mr. Perceval's family, and two thousand annually to be paid
+to his widow. In case of her demise, however, the same amount was to be
+continued annually to such male descendant as might at that time be the
+heir, for the term of his life.
+
+Let us here inquire into the services which Mr. Perceval had rendered
+his country to warrant ministers in this lavish expenditure upon his
+family, one of whom now frequently intrudes his crude notions in the
+House of Commons. Mr. Perceval had been for a long period the _pretended
+friend_ of the ill-fated Princess of Wales. "The Book" which he
+arranged, and which had been printed, but not published, in 1807, giving
+the particulars of the "Delicate Investigation," improperly so called,
+_was bought up_ in 1809, and as much as fifteen hundred pounds GIVEN
+_for a single copy_. The rancour and malice of the unprincipled enemies
+and calumniators of the open-hearted Princess of Wales had been much
+exposed by Mr. Perceval, and by his apparent generous and manly defence
+in her royal highness' favour, the storm materially abated. After a long
+period, she was again received at court, and acknowledged _innocent_ of
+the charges preferred by her assailants. Apartments were given to her at
+Kensington Palace, and it appeared very probable that her wishes would
+finally be completed, in the restoration of her beloved daughter to her
+society. But mark the ensuing change. Mr. Perceval was chosen by the
+regent to assist in his councils; and as no man can serve two causes at
+the same time, Mr. Perceval deserted the princess, and became the
+servile minister of the prince! Surely there must be something
+supernatural in the smile of royalty, when, in some instances, principle
+and conscience have fallen subdued before it! We know for an
+_incontrovertible_ fact, that but a few months before Mr. Perceval's
+acceptance of office, he delivered his sentiments concerning the
+Princess of Wales to a particular friend, in these words: "I am
+decidedly friendly to the Princess of Wales, because I am well satisfied
+and assured her royal highness is a much-injured lady. I am also
+convinced her mother-in-law had conceived an inveterate dislike to her
+before she arrived in this country, on account of the objections
+preferred by the prince against any connexion, except that which his
+royal highness had already formed. From these unhappy circumstances, I
+am obliged to believe, that the sufferings of her highness are unmerited
+on her part, and very much increased by the dictatorial behaviour of her
+majesty." At another interview with the same person, the following
+question was put, unreservedly, to Mr. Perceval: "Do you, Sir, think her
+royal highness has been deserving of the persecutions she has endured,
+by any deviation from virtue and propriety?" "I do not think the
+princess guilty," earnestly rejoined Mr. Perceval, "and I am fully
+satisfied, in my own mind, that if there had not existed ungenerous
+intentions on the part of the royal family, the affair would long since
+have sunk into silence. There is a gaiety and levity about her royal
+highness which is not usual with the _English_ ladies generally; but,
+with all the exterior frivolity of the princess, when she chooses to be
+lively, _I would prefer her infinitely to the professedly-modest and
+apparently-reserved of the sex in high life_. I believe the princess to
+be playful, and incautiously witty, in her deportment; but _I prefer
+that to secret intrigue and infamous practices_."
+
+We leave our readers to judge whether this simple declaration was not
+honourable to the princess, and whether it does not correspond with
+every speech delivered by this gentleman in his public and private
+defence of her royal highness. Humanity, however, is weak, and the
+ingratiating attentions of the prince were too powerful to be resisted
+by Mr. Perceval. At his royal command, Virtue, Goodness, and Truth,
+assumed the garb of Vice, Infamy, and Falsehood. "Oh, blasting privilege
+of sovereignty! The bare scent of thy perfume spreads desolation to
+society; changes man, the noblest of God's works, into a monster; and
+the consequences of thy _unnatural existence_ will most probably produce
+the engine to be used for _thine own destruction_!"
+
+Shortly after the untimely death of Mr. Perceval, Lord Liverpool was
+appointed first lord of the Treasury; Mr. Nicholas Vansittart,
+chancellor of the Exchequer; and Lord Sidmouth, secretary of state for
+the home department.
+
+On the 17th of June, Mr. Vansittart brought forward his budget,--the
+amount of the supplies required being more than sixty-two millions.
+Certainly this was not a very exhilirating or agreeable prospect to the
+nation of the retrenchments intended by the new ministry; but
+notwithstanding the divisions on the subject, it finally received the
+sanction of parliament. Had it not been for the corrupt state of the
+representation, can we suppose it possible that such a sum would have
+been permitted to be drawn from the starving multitudes, when there
+existed such pecuniary distress in the manufacturing and commercial
+districts, unequalled in former years?
+
+The new parliament met for business on the 30th of November, and one of
+its first acts was, to grant the sum of one hundred thousand pounds to
+Lord Wellington for the part he had taken in legal slaughter!
+
+It may, with propriety, be submitted here, how large a grant would have
+been made to any man who should have presented a _plan for the
+comfortable and honourable maintenance of the perishing millions_? We
+fear any patriot, who had dared to press such a scheme would have soon
+been consigned to a damp and dreary dungeon, charged with disaffection
+to the monarch, or commanded, under _certain protection_, to set sail
+for another country; and, if permitted to reach the destined shore,
+there to be received and treated as one of the most infamous of the
+human race! But in these days, the _will_ of the regent, supported by
+the queen, was supreme law. There was not one who ventured to _insult
+his dignity_ by speaking to him TRUTH!--not one _dared_ to stem the
+torrent of his royal displeasure! It is true that, when Lord Liverpool
+first entered office, he once _hinted_ to his royal master the general
+voice of dissatisfaction which the people expressed; but the imperious
+regent commanded silence upon all such subjects, and desired Lord
+Liverpool never again to meet his highness, unless under a positive
+resolve not even to give the most distant hint at matters so very
+disagreeable to the royal ear, and which were of _no considerable
+importance_! His lordship proved himself wanting in fortitude to set an
+example to courtiers, and the principle of his mind was, consequently,
+bartered for the _pleasure_ of being the _slave_ of a haughty prince,
+who had "relinquished Justice, and abandoned Mercy!"
+
+We must here refer to a most interesting circumstance with respect to
+the Princess of Wales. Her royal highness was well aware of the bonds,
+_still in existence_, given by the Princes George, Frederick, and
+William, to the firm of Perigoux and Co., of Paris, which were to the
+amount of several hundred thousand pounds, as we have before named; and,
+in an open and friendly conversation with Messrs. Whitbread and
+Perceval, the princess said, "The regent and the royal dukes engaged in
+those bonds are perfectly aware they deserve severe exposure. Their
+action was not only wicked, but their intention also; as every person in
+any way acquainted with their concerns must be sure they undertook to
+pay more than their means would ever permit, seeing how deeply the
+country was in debt, and that the revenue did not then meet the annual
+amount required. And," emphatically added the princess, "if the world
+did but _know of the_ LIVES SACRIFICED _in this affair, to preserve the
+good reputation of these princely brothers, I suppose royalty would not
+gain much in the estimation of good people by the exposure_!"
+
+The substance of this conversation soon afterwards transpired to the
+Prince of Wales. There cannot be a doubt that his royal highness was
+_afraid_, but he resolved not to _appear so_; and from that period, he
+and the queen were the unalterable and bitterest enemies of the
+princess, both publicly and privately. So, then, for the simple
+expression of _truth_, to those who were already in possession of the
+whole affair, was an injured princess to be pursued by the hounds of
+destruction until her capture should be accomplished. The prince sought
+an immediate divorce; but as the former attempts on this ground, in
+the year 1806, had failed, there appeared great difficulty in the
+attainment of his object. The former charges and gross calumnies were
+declared false, and Lady Douglas had been shunned by all good and
+strictly-honourable society; for, except where she was received in
+compliment to the queen, her invitations were, indeed, but very few. The
+old story was again resorted to, and as Mr. Perceval was now no more, a
+bold attempt was resolved on, as the last resource, to obtain the
+desired end.
+
+Mr. Whitbread communicated to the Princess of Wales the scheme then
+forming against her honour, and that the ministry were favourable to the
+wishes of the regent. Her royal highness stood amazed at this unexpected
+information. "What!" said the princess, "is not the Prince of Wales
+satisfied with the former abuses he has poured upon me? Is he so
+abandoned, being heir-apparent, as to risk his life, or engage the
+vengeful disposition of the nation, in the punishment due to the crimes
+he has committed against me? _If the generous English people were
+informed of half the sufferings I have endured since my arrival in this
+country, they would never be induced to yield obedience to the commands
+of a prince whose virtues are not the least balance to his_ VICES! But,"
+continued her royal highness, "I will go down to Windsor, and request an
+interview with the queen." Mr. Whitbread remonstrated, and at last the
+princess consented to write, and ask an audience. A courier was
+despatched with it, and the _verbal_ reply of her majesty was, "She
+would see the Princess of Wales, provided her royal highness was at
+Windsor Castle by _eight o'clock in the evening_."
+
+Not a moment was to be lost; the carriage was announced in a few
+minutes, and the princess, attended by only one lady, entered it. "Drive
+quickly," said her royal highness. It was only half-past seven when the
+princess was announced. Her royal highness was received in courtly style
+and unbending manner by her majesty, who, in her usual way, inquired
+"the cause which gives me the pleasure of a visit, so very unexpectedly,
+from the Princess of Wales?"
+
+"Madam," answered her royal highness, "I am quite sensible of your
+surprise at my hasty request and appearance; but as I am tired of
+hearing the false reports in such general circulation in the court, I am
+resolved to ask your majesty in person, if I am likely to experience any
+renewal of those bitter persecutions which, in former years, were
+agitated to my horror and surprise. I am well aware the regent would
+not enter upon such a business, unless he had your majesty's sanction
+and countenance, as well as assistance. Is it because Mr. Perceval is
+dead, that your majesty thinks me so unprotected as to fall immediately
+a prey to my base enemies?--if so, your majesty will be in the wrong;
+for although Mr. Perceval forsook my interest when he engaged himself in
+confidence to the regent, my husband, I never shall forget the gratitude
+I owe him for former benefits, and his letters speak volumes of truths,
+which it was entirely impossible for him to name or attest, unless his
+mind had been duly influenced by the solid foundation upon which his
+opinion was fixed."
+
+Her majesty appeared vexed and astonished; then, assuming that hauteur
+for which she was so remarkable, said, "I do not know, princess, that I
+am under any necessity to answer your question, as it seems to me
+improper to do so. The prince regent has an unquestionable right to
+choose his ministers and counsellors, and also to engage their
+attentions and services _for any purpose his royal highness may
+please_,(?) and therefore I decline to answer any interrogatory upon the
+subject. Your royal highness must be aware this interview and
+conversation is very unpleasant to me, and I hope, in future, you will
+not put me to the very disagreeable task of refusing you an audience, or
+of permitting one, under similar circumstances. I must, therefore,
+desire your royal highness will take some refreshment in the adjoining
+room, and I wish you a very good evening."
+
+It hardly need be told that the insulted Caroline did not stay to
+partake of the proffered _hospitality_ of this German princess. To be
+injured by the son, and insulted by the mother, was as much as human
+feeling could endure, and the princess reached her home in a state of
+mind little short of distraction. On the following morning, one of the
+royal dukes called upon the princess, and told her, he was informed of
+her journey to Windsor by an express from his mother, and also stated
+his opinion that no measures of an unpleasant nature were in agitation.
+The princess hastily answered, "Do you think I was not fully satisfied
+of the regent's intention upon the subject before I resolved to visit
+the queen? You forget, prince, that I am an injured lady. You know I was
+brought into this country to afford money to pay my intended husband's
+enormous debts, and to give him means to live in the greatest splendour
+with his numerous mistresses! I am deprived of the society of my only
+child! Injurious reports are circulated and received against my honour,
+and I am not even permitted to exonerate myself from these vile and
+slanderous imputations, because I am injured by the reigning authority."
+
+The royal duke said, "I beg, my dear cousin, you will not permit the
+harsh and unfeeling conduct of the queen to operate on your mind. _We
+all know she is revengeful in the extreme_, but she always _favours
+George_ in every thing; and, from her very bitter conduct to you, we are
+well assured George is meditating some new scheme against you. One thing
+I promise you: I will abide by you, even presuming any thing
+_disreputable is proved_; and I only beg you will give me your _private_
+confidence, that I may be prepared for the worst."
+
+Her royal highness, hastily rising, said, "Sir, if you intended to
+insult me, I feel it such; but if, from unguarded or not well-considered
+language, you have so very improperly expressed yourself, then I am not
+captious to place any ungenerous meaning upon your words! If my
+rectitude did not rise higher in the scale of truth and uprightness than
+that of your family, including _both sexes_, I should not have ventured
+the close and determinate inspection into my conduct at the will or
+command of my avowed foes! If it were not for my child's sake, I would
+_satisfy you all_ that I am privy to TRANSACTIONS which one day or
+another will be punished with the vengeance of heaven, and which I
+solemnly believe to be my duty to explain, though it may even cause 'the
+cloud-capp'd towers and gorgeous palaces' to fall into one general heap
+of ruins!"
+
+The duke was almost petrified with the language and manner of the
+princess, and strongly urged the necessity of _silence_ upon any and all
+of the unfortunate or dishonourable transactions in which the family had
+been engaged, observing, "Your own welfare depends upon their's, and
+that is a consideration of positive importance, which I hope your royal
+highness will justly appreciate!"
+
+This suggestion of the cowardly duke produced the opposite effect to
+that which was intended; the princess declared that the mean sentiments
+of the queen had also found way into the minds of her sons, and instead
+of proving their royal descent by greatness of mind and action, they
+condescended to suggest self-preservation and self-enjoyments in
+preference to an open avowal of truth, and an honourable meeting with an
+enemy. "And," hastily said her royal highness, "is this, Sir, a specimen
+of the character of the English royal family? What would my ever dear
+and lamented father have thought of such principles and opinions?
+Doubtless, he would rather have followed his daughter to the tomb, and
+have seen her remains deposited with his ancestors, than have had her
+associated with persons who could sacrifice HONOUR for mean and paltry
+conveniences. Your royal highness must be well assured, that I am not a
+stranger to the unfounded and most abominable assertions or suggestions
+issued against my child's legitimacy; certainly, if I am only the
+Princess of Wales _nominally_, then my daughter bears a surreptitious
+title, and if either of us is considered as an obstacle to the interests
+of the nation, why are not the assertions upon that point made in an
+honourable and open manner. You well know, Sir, that I would sacrifice
+any thing and every thing for the happiness and future prosperity of my
+child; but I must be fully convinced, that _my_ destruction of rights
+or enjoyments of privileges would not produce the entire annihilation of
+_her's_ also. I must be made to understand that the mother and child
+have separate interests, and that insults received by one are not
+dishonourable to the other. I have also another powerful objection to
+keep silence upon these heart-rending and distracting subjects, which
+is, Charlotte's deep-rooted aversion to those persons who have insulted
+me most. This feeling assures my mind that I ought not to shrink from
+any avowal of truth which I may in justice to this generous nation be
+called upon to make, and nothing less than my child's safety shall keep
+me from making a disclosure of the unmerited and most incomparable
+wicked conduct manifested towards me. If I find that likely to operate
+against my daughter's happiness, I will forbear; but not upon any other
+ground."
+
+The determined manner of her royal highness fully satisfied the abashed
+duke that the sentiments thus boldly expressed were the unalterable
+principles entertained by the princess, and would only gather energy and
+force by opposition and remonstrance; he therefore very soon afterwards
+took his leave, and gave the outline of the conversation to his _august_
+mother, BY WHOSE EXPRESS WISH THE INTERVIEW HAD TAKEN PLACE.
+
+The queen was posed by the firmness her royal highness had displayed;
+and, in reply to the communication, said, "I will not be disappointed by
+this seeming boldness; the princess shall _feel my_ POWER. She shall see
+Charlotte still less; the restrictions shall be enforced with greater
+severity, and she shall repent of her stupidity. Does the Princess of
+Wales imagine that I am to submit to _her_ opinions upon my conduct, or
+to _her_ abuse of any of my family? _My only fear is that the daughter
+will prove_ AS UNBENDING AND AS DETERMINATELY RESOLUTE _as the mother
+is_, and I am therefore resolved to separate them as much as possible."
+
+The result proved the queen's indignation and resentful disposition; as,
+immediately, a council was held upon the subject, and her majesty was
+positive in her instructions, that the restrictions between the Princess
+of Wales and her daughter should be more rigidly enforced.
+
+
+At the commencement of the year
+
+     1813,
+
+the princess found her situation more irksome than ever; and she
+resolved, therefore, to inform the prince regent of the hardships of her
+case, soliciting his royal highness to inform himself of all or any part
+of her behaviour or demeanour, to which the queen had made such heavy
+objections. The following is an exact copy of the letter of her royal
+highness to the prince:
+
+
+                                               _27th Jan., 1813._
+
+"SIR,
+
+"On the 14th of this month, I transmitted to the hand of your royal
+highness a letter relative to the cruelty and injustice of my
+situation, in reference to my beloved child's separation from me, the
+most heart-rending point upon which you could so severely afflict me.
+Why does your royal highness refuse to answer my simple, but honest and
+honourable inquiry? What have I not endured since the moment I became
+your princess and wife? Heaven only knows, and heaven only can avenge my
+wrongs. It is now more than seventeen years since I gave birth to your
+lovely daughter, Princess Charlotte of Wales, at which time I did most
+certainly hope and also believe, that her royal father's affectionate
+recollections of her mother would not only revive, but be exemplified.
+Yet to this time, your royal highness has not evinced one spark of
+regard to the consort you vowed 'to love and cherish.'
+
+"More than this, my lord and husband, you permit her majesty to usurp
+such extreme authority over me, and insult me in every possible way.
+Why, my lord, I ask, do you allow these indignities to be imposed upon
+your cousin and wife, (so called) the mother of the heiress to the
+throne of these united kingdoms? If I had deserved such treatment, I
+should most naturally have avoided all scrutiny; but, that I have
+endeavoured to obtain all possible investigation into my conduct, I need
+only refer to my several correspondencies with your august father, your
+brother of York, privy council, &c. &c.
+
+"I cannot conclude without saying, if you refuse me justice, I will
+leave indisputable proofs to this insulted nation that its generosity
+has been abused, though, at the same time, I would save _you yourself_
+from IGNOMINY at the hazard of my liberty. To the queen, I never will
+bow. Her majesty WAS, IS, and EVER WILL BE, A TYRANT to those she may
+imagine obstacles in her path. Perhaps her majesty presumes I am not an
+object of material consequence; but time will develop all these things.
+If this letter meet not with your royal approbation, I can only regret
+it, and waiting your reply,
+
+                            "I am, ever,
+                                     "Your faithful and devoted
+                                                      "CAROLINE."
+
+"P.S. I entreat your royal highness to inform yourself of every part of
+my conduct which may at any time have been esteemed derogatory; and,
+while I beg this favour, I trust your royal highness will never again
+submit to the unprincipled, slanderous, and abominable aspersions cast
+upon my character. Let me suggest, my lord, that TRUTH MUST PREVAIL,
+SOONER OR LATER. After the most deliberate, careful, and scrutinizing
+investigations, I only beg to be punished with the most extreme rigour,
+if I am found GUILTY; but if free from guilt, I ought to say, I have an
+indisputable right to be ACKNOWLEDGED SO!"
+
+     "_To his Royal Highness,
+       the Prince Regent._"
+
+
+This letter was not noticed when the commissioners sat on the 23rd of
+February; and Lord Liverpool never even mentioned it when communicating
+with the princess, or when he had the private interview with her royal
+highness, by the regent's request.
+
+We should not act with justice or honour if we neglected to state this
+_omission_; because the letter reflected much credit upon the princess,
+and ought to have been the first read when the council assembled. The
+result of this new inquiry, however, was what the vindictive queen
+intended it should be; for the almost-distracted Princess of Wales was
+refused the natural privilege of intercourse with her only daughter!
+
+In the mean time, every opportunity was gladly embraced to detract the
+character of the princess. Base inuendos and malicious remarks were
+incessantly poured forth against her, until her life became one
+continued scene of sorrow and abuse, caused by those from whom she ought
+to have experienced protection. Under these imputations, the princess
+again appealed, by an address to the Speaker of the House of Commons;
+and, after many inquiries and replies, the subject was dismissed with an
+acknowledgment, that "_Her royal highness is declared free from all
+imputation._"
+
+We must not here forget to mention, that Mr. C. Johnstone submitted a
+motion, on the 5th of March, "to request the prince regent will permit
+the copy of a certain report, made in 1806, to be laid before the
+House;" but Lord Castlereagh opposed it, as being _unnecessary_, and
+the document was consequently refused.
+
+Notwithstanding the disgust manifested by every honest Englishman at the
+base conduct of Sir John and Lady Douglas, when they preferred their
+abominable charge against the character of the Princess of Wales in the
+year 1806, they had the hardihood to present a petition to the House
+this year _to re-swear to the truth of their former depositions
+concerning the conduct of the Princess of Wales_! No proceedings, of
+course, took place in consequence of this attempt still to propagate
+their calumnies; but a motion was made by Mr. C. Johnstone, a few days
+afterwards in the House of Commons, "That the petition of Sir John and
+Lady Douglas ought to be regarded as an audacious attempt to give a
+colour of truth, in the eyes of the nation, to evidence which they had
+delivered touching the conduct of her royal highness the Princess of
+Wales, and which evidence was a foul and detestable endeavour to bring
+the life and honour of her royal highness into danger and suspicion."
+This resolution, however, could not be passed, in consequence of the
+House _not being in possession of the evidence_, which was refused, as
+we have just stated, by Lord Castlereagh; but many members expressed
+their agreement with the _sentiments_ of the resolution.
+
+What was the _real_ reason for not _prosecuting_ Sir John and Lady
+Douglas, after the House had rejected their petition with such
+indignation, on the motion of Mr. Johnstone, it is not very easy to
+divine; that alleged by Lord Castlereagh is most certainly not a
+_satisfactory_ one. It has been often insinuated, that if the conspiracy
+against the life and honour of the Princess of Wales did not originate
+with her royal relatives, it was certainly fostered and brought to
+maturity by persons connected with the queen and the prince regent; and
+the evidence of Bidgood and Cole very much favours that opinion. If the
+Douglases, and Bidgood and Cole, were the "suborned traducers," to which
+her royal highness alluded in one of her letters to the prince about
+this time, the impunity with which the knight and his lady were suffered
+to continue at large cannot excite surprise. This impunity, the report
+that Bidgood had received a pension of one hundred and fifty pounds a
+year, and the direct interference of the Prince of Wales in promoting
+the inquiry, and in entering his caveat to prevent the princess being
+received at court, have thrown a suspicious veil around this part of the
+proceedings, which will not be very soon removed.
+
+On the 23rd of March, the Princess of Wales had to bear another severe
+stroke of fortune, in the death of her mother, the Duchess of Brunswick,
+who was interred with much funeral pomp, at Windsor, on the 31st. This
+melancholy event, following so closely after her late persecutions, was
+as much as the princess could endure; and had it not been for the
+sympathetic attentions of one confidant, her royal highness would, no
+doubt, have sunk under her immense load of sorrow.
+
+In July and August, the princess devoted the greater portion of her time
+to correspondence with the prince, her husband. Very many of the letters
+could not, we think, have met the eye of the regent, or answers must
+have been sent, if only in common courtesy, as the prince knew _his_
+honour, and also that of his family, were at stake. We have _transcripts
+of all these letters_; but shall content ourselves with only introducing
+_the last she wrote to his royal highness previous to her going abroad_.
+The following is a literal copy of it:
+
+
+                                           "_23rd of Aug., 1813._
+
+"SIR,
+
+"I have waited, with most anxious feelings, to receive an acknowledgment
+of the safe receipt of several important communications which I
+addressed to you as 'private and confidential.' To this hour I have not
+received a reply, and I therefore take up my pen for the last time upon
+this most disagreeable business. To you it is well known, that the good
+king, your father, has invariably treated me with the most profound
+respect, and proper attention; and his majesty would have done me more
+essential service long since, had it not been for the oath he gave to
+Lord Chatham, to preserve from all _public_ investigation the connexion
+formed in 1759 with the Quakeress.
+
+"I am aware, Sir, that you may say I intrude myself upon your royal
+notice very frequently; but I think and feel it to be my indispensable
+duty and privilege. I have lately had an interview with Lord Liverpool;
+but his lordship cannot serve your royal highness and the persecuted
+Princess of Wales. I, therefore, shall not submit myself to any further
+interviews with his lordship, by my own request. As I intend this letter
+as a _final appeal_ and _explanation_ to your royal highness, I beg to
+ask your forbearance and lenity on account of its length and detail.
+
+"Your royal highness has not forgotten how strangely I was allured from
+my father's court to receive your hand in marriage (the letters of 1794
+bear me witness). You cannot have forgotten the kind reception of the
+king, your father, on my arrival in the metropolis of this empire, and
+the sarcastic manners of the queen. Two days had scarcely passed after
+our marriage, when you commanded me to receive Lady Jersey upon all
+occasions, although your royal highness was too well acquainted with the
+deep-laid schemes formed by her majesty against me, which were to be put
+into execution by Lady Jersey; and when I most humbly requested of you,
+that I might be secluded from all society rather than endure that which
+was so hateful to me, your royal highness cannot have forgotten the
+inhuman reply you made me, '_The Princess of Brunswick has answered
+every purpose I desired, inasmuch as my debts are to be settled, and my
+income augmented, and I will provide an heir to the throne more worthy
+of popular regard than any descendant of my father's family could ever
+prove._' These, Sir, were words of so heavy and doubtful a character,
+that from that moment I never forgot them; and from the hour in which my
+Charlotte was born, I have feared for her health and happiness. How your
+royal highness could thus insult me, you can best imagine.
+
+"Another most material grievance imposed upon me was, your unnatural
+remark to Lady Jersey, in my presence, '_that you thought the king_ TOO
+FOND _of the Princess of Wales; and if her royal highness had any
+children, his majesty would no doubt be the_ FATHER, INSTEAD OF THE
+GRANDFATHER.' Lady Jersey's reply will never be effaced from my memory,
+while reason holds her empire: '_Yes, my prince, and you deserve it, if
+ever you notice the Princess of Wales again in the character of a
+husband or lover._' Your royal highness may remember I instantly left
+the room, more deeply insulted and wounded than language can describe.
+From that time, I was aware of my cruel fate, and I did deeply deplore
+the necessity which had forced me from the much-loved scenes of my
+infancy and youthful years.
+
+"The very remarkable request of Mr. Pitt, in 1800, for a private
+interview with me, was another cause for disquiet to my mind; but I
+acceded immediately, and he accordingly was admitted. The object of that
+minister's visit was to solicit my silence upon the subject of the
+_bondholders, whose fate had caused so great an interest in several
+countries_, and whose families had been the _victims_ of their ready
+acquiescense to the wishes of the royal princes. '_But_' said Mr. Pitt,
+'_these affairs are of as much consequence to your royal highness as
+they are to the other members of the royal family; and if matters of
+this kind are to be canvassed publicly, your royal highness may rest
+assured that ere long your family will not be permitted to occupy the
+exalted rank and station they now enjoy. I therefore most earnestly
+recommend that your royal highness does not name these subjects to any
+of the anti-ministerial party, who are not at present in possession of
+the circumstances._' I do not doubt but Mr. Pitt laid the whole of this
+conversation before your royal highness, and he must have noticed the
+very cool and guarded reception I gave him. To have behaved openly to
+Mr. Pitt was impossible, as I knew too well his avowed hostile feelings
+against me. But a few days had elapsed after this interview, when I had
+the pleasure of seeing the good king. I now take the liberty of laying
+before your royal highness the substance of our conversation. 'My dear
+daughter,' said his majesty, 'I hear Pitt has paid you a confidential
+visit,' 'Yes, Sire, he has,' I replied. 'What was the object of it?'
+'Upon the subject of the bondholders, your majesty.' '_I hope you made
+no rash promise?_' said the king; 'None, Sire.' '_Why could not Pitt
+have called upon you at a more suitable hour, Caroline?_' 'I do not
+know, Sire; but I plainly saw Mr. Pitt did not think much etiquette was
+necessary to the Princess of Wales, as _he well knew it was my dinner
+hour_; and yet I was determined not to refuse myself, as I was perfectly
+sure the whole of the affair would be reported to the queen.' 'CAROLINE,
+MY NIECE,' said the king, 'DO NOT, PRAY DO NOT, FEAR PITT, OR ANY OF MY
+FAMILY. I WILL PUT YOU IN POSSESSION OF SOME AFFAIRS WHICH WILL SOON
+SILENCE THEM ALL; AND BEFORE THE END OF THIS WEEK I WILL SEND YOU A
+SMALL PARCEL OF IMPORTANT PAPERS, BY THE HAND OF A TRUSTY MESSENGER.'
+
+"Your royal father most scrupulously kept his word, and enclosed me the
+PROOFS he had named, and promised to send. Many times since then have I
+informed your royal highness that I was in confidence upon those
+subjects; but you have never condescended to acknowledge those
+communications, or expressed one sentiment of obligation for the strict
+silence I have observed. I have been restrained only from the most
+ARDENT AND PARENTAL AFFECTION TO MY LOVELY DAUGHTER, or long ere this I
+WOULD HAVE PROCLAIMED THE EXTENT OF THE WRONGS I HAVE ENDURED FROM SOME
+OF THE ILLEGAL AND UNJUST IMPOSITIONS PRACTISED UPON ME AND THE BRITISH
+NATION. Your royal highness knew at the moment you met me at the altar
+in the palace, that you were already the affianced husband of Mrs.
+Fitzherbert, and you were well aware that if my uncle, the king, had
+known of that former circumstance, he would have prevented the
+left-handed marriage taking place. In this his majesty was deceived, and
+I have been the victim of your intentional imposition. It has generally
+been supposed by your royal highness' family connexions, that there was
+some impropriety or defect by which you received an unfavourable opinion
+of me in the early part of our fatal marriage; and, in my presence, your
+royal highness has insulted me by such insinuations, though you well
+know I was not the OFFENDER, but the OFFENDED!!! Up to this period, I
+have buried your royal highness' UNNATURAL CONDUCT to me in my own
+bosom; but if I am to be so injured, and if my character is to be so
+vilified, I shall EXPLAIN MYSELF TO THE NATION, and think I am
+performing an imperative duty. Your royal highness cannot have forgotten
+_THE OUTRAGE YOU COMMITTED BY ENTERING MY CHAMBER AT MONTAGUE HOUSE, AND
+YOUR DENIAL OF IT TO THE QUEEN, YOUR MOTHER, FOR THE AVOWED PURPOSE OF
+TRADUCING MY HONOUR_. Had I not then been restrained from explanation
+upon those base designs, by an unalterable love to my _child_, I should
+have exposed the infamous conduct you manifested towards me.
+
+"I name these things, Sir, to prove to you the inviolable honour I have
+observed, in despite of all the insults and provocations I have received
+from your royal highness and the queen, and also from the creatures
+employed to ruin me in the estimation of this generous English nation. A
+_time will come when the secrets of my life will be_ PUBLISHED TO THE
+WORLD; _then let the unprejudiced judge_.
+
+                          "I remain, Sir,
+                                 "Your royal highness' most
+                                       "Faithful wife and cousin,
+                                                 "CAROLINE P."
+
+     "_To his Royal Highness,
+       the Prince Regent._"
+
+
+It is more than probable that the confidentially-private and notorious
+secretary (M'Mahon) was the receiver of these appeals and documents,
+who, possessing the most unbounded assurance in the ability of his royal
+master's coadjutors to carry any plan into execution, or to prevent
+vexatious trouble to any extent, _suppressed them_ at the moment when
+they might have proved of the greatest consequence to her royal
+highness. We cannot wonder at this, when we take into account the
+character of this private secretary, who dared to violate the rights of
+friendship, and break through the most sacred ties of conjugal
+affection, treating the honourable engagements of persons in general as
+matters of minor consequence! Were this depraved man now an inhabitant
+of the earth, we would ask him if his recollection could furnish the
+_number_ of inroads he had made upon the abodes of innocence and beauty,
+to gratify his royal patron. We could ourselves name several instances;
+but one will suffice, which we copy from the manuscript of a friend, and
+the substance of which has been before published.
+
+The private secretary of the prince (M'Mahon) was accustomed to retire
+for _recreation_ to Bath, at certain periods. At the time to which we
+now advert, he was travelling to that city, and, at Marlborough, a
+respectable and venerable gentleman, accompanied by two young ladies,
+took their seats in the stage coach. The courtier was not wanting in
+attentions, and, in reply to his numerous questions, he soon received
+the information, "that the gentleman was a _poor_ clergyman, residing
+near Marlborough; that the two young ladies were his daughters, whom he
+then was accompanying to visit a relation at Bath." M'Mahon's polished
+manners, added to the fixed determination of sacrificing these ladies to
+his royal master's desires, had the hoped-for effect, and the deluded
+party was anxious to cultivate further acquaintance with the stranger.
+Two days after their arrival, the intriguing secretary wrote and
+despatched the following letter to the prince:
+
+
+     "(MOST PRIVATE.)
+
+                                         "_Bath, Sunday Evening._
+
+     "SIR,--Ever alive to the obtaining possession of any object
+     which may contribute to your royal pleasures, I hasten to
+     inform your royal highness, that chance has thrown me into the
+     company of two most lovely girls, the daughters of an indigent
+     curate, and who, from their apparent simplicity and ignorance
+     of the world, may be soon brought to comply with the wishes of
+     your royal highness. I shall immediately devise some plan by
+     which they may be induced to visit the metropolis, and the
+     remainder of my task will then not be difficult of execution.
+     The prize is too valuable to be lost sight of; the elder of
+     the girls bears some resemblance in her form and make to
+     Hillisberg, although it is evident that the whole fullness of
+     her growth has not yet developed itself. The younger is more
+     of a languishing beauty; but, from the knowledge which I
+     possess of your royal taste, the elder will be the object of
+     your choice.
+
+                    "I have the honour to remain, &c. &c.
+                                                  "JOHN M'MAHON."
+
+     "To his Royal Highness the
+       Prince Regent, &c. &c."
+
+
+The intimacy at Bath was cultivated. M'Mahon promised to intercede for
+the interest of the worthy clergyman, and afterwards engaged to ensure
+him promotion.
+
+In the midst of explanations, promises, and engagements, M'Mahon was
+summoned to town by the royal order. Ere he departed, he promised,
+instantly upon seeing the prince, to lay their case before him, and
+dwelt in vivid terms upon the effects of such a representation. Within
+the ensuing fortnight, the clergyman received a letter from him,
+announcing "that a vicarage was vacant, in the gift of the crown, to
+which he should receive the presentation." M'Mahon again visited Bath,
+and recommended the clergyman and family to take up their abode in the
+metropolis. For this purpose, he had engaged apartments in the house of
+Mrs. General Hamilton, in Gloucester-place, to which they soon resorted.
+In the mean time, M'Mahon informed the clergyman that his induction
+would shortly take place, and that, in the interim, he must employ
+himself in the most agreeable manner, as also his daughters, in such
+amusements as the town afforded. Mrs. Hamilton was also pleased to say
+she would be their conductor and companion upon all occasions. The lady
+just named was a gay, though _unsuspected_, character. Shortly after
+this period, at an evening party, M'Mahon introduced Colonel Fox, "a
+gentleman," he said, "allied to the noblest families, and of an immense
+fortune."
+
+If our readers should here inquire, _who_ was Colonel Fox? we
+answer,--the Prince of Wales.
+
+We hasten to the conclusion of this most infamous history. The deceived
+clergyman was informed that he must proceed to a village in
+Leicestershire, where his induction would instantly take place; and he,
+therefore, hastily took leave of his daughters, with an assurance that
+they were in the best society. Indeed, Mrs. Hamilton had evinced such
+interest and apparent solicitude in their happiness, that his heart was
+relieved from any doubts for their safety. This amiable father took
+leave of his children in the most affectionate manner; but little did he
+imagine that embrace would be the last he should ever receive from
+them,--yet so it proved. A short time after, early in the day, M'Mahon
+called upon Mrs. General Hamilton, expressing the necessity of her
+seeing her solicitor upon some affairs relative to the estate of her
+deceased husband.
+
+The carriage was ordered, and the secretary promised to remain with the
+younger, while the elder sister accompanied Mrs. Hamilton. "We will
+first drive to Taylor's, in Bond-street," said Mrs. Hamilton, "he has
+some commissions to execute for me," and accordingly they were set down
+there.
+
+The obsequious shoe-maker requested them to walk into the drawing-room,
+which they did; and in a few minutes Mrs. Hamilton said, "I will now
+step down, and transact my business with Taylor." In a short time she
+returned, saying, "How truly fortunate we are; Colonel Fox has just
+entered the shop, and, being informed _you_ are here, has solicited
+permission to keep you company until I return from my solicitor's; _you_
+cannot refuse the request;" and then, without waiting a reply, she left
+the room. The _pretended_ Colonel Fox entered; he professed _eternal
+love_ and _unalterable constancy_; and, within one hour, this lovely,
+but most unfortunate, female was added to the infamously-swelled list of
+the prince's debaucheries and cruel seductions. The younger sister
+_still lives_--a melancholy proof of outraged and insulted honour.
+
+We have given this detail to satisfy the scrupulous portion of society,
+that the prince merited a thousand-fold more exposure and execration
+than he ever received.
+
+At this period, Mr. Whitbread was very pressing with the Princess of
+Wales, advising her to make a tour upon the continent, in order to
+divert her mind from the provocations she was so frequently called upon
+to endure. Upon one occasion, he urged the subject with considerable
+warmth, and his great earnestness surprised her royal highness. With her
+usual readiness, she said, "I feel sure Mr. Whitbread does not intend
+any thing disagreeable in these remarks; but, Sir, are you aware that
+Mr. Canning has been pressing the same opinion upon my notice? and I do
+not comprehend _why_ this suggestion is made by you also. If I go away,
+shall I not leave my beloved child exposed to the determinate will and
+caprice of the queen, and others, who, doubtless, will vex her as much
+as possible? Are you, Sir, _requested_ to represent this to me, or is it
+your private opinion?" Mr. Whitbread replied, "It is _my personal
+opinion_, and solely to provide against any unhappy effects arising from
+the queen's displeasure, which," he added, "I well know is unbounded."
+
+On the 27th of May, the princess went to the Opera House. It was her
+first appearance in public since her triumphant acquittal. Her royal
+highness was received with considerable acclamations, while even her
+enemies were compelled to acknowledge "the dignity, delicacy, and
+feeling, pre-eminently displayed in her behaviour."
+
+On the 30th, the regent gave a grand supper and ball, but the princess
+was not invited.
+
+The supplies required for the service of this year amounted to upwards
+of one hundred and twenty millions!
+
+
+Endless vexations and anxieties attended the Princess of Wales up to the
+year
+
+     1814;
+
+but the public voice cheered her to the ultimate defeat of her base
+enemies.
+
+The transactions of this year do not reflect much credit upon certain
+mis-named _illustrious_ individuals, and can never fail to excite
+contempt in the minds of the British people. The Douglas party were
+promised _rewards_, which they could not obtain, except in a less
+degree, as it was alleged they had failed in a principal part of their
+unworthy undertaking; namely, the degradation of the princess, by a full
+and unlimited verdict against her royal highness, agreeable to the
+charges they had preferred.
+
+The disappointed queen was indignant, beyond bounds, at the honourable
+acquittal of the Princess of Wales. "What!" said her majesty, "am I for
+ever to be disappointed by the adroit talents of the princess, whose
+very name I hate! It must not be. If she be recognised as an unblemished
+character, I am well satisfied the odium of the whole proceeding will
+fall upon _me_; and rather would I prefer death than suffer her royal
+highness to triumph over me!"
+
+Lord Castlereagh was then consulted by the queen, and he engaged to do
+his utmost against the princess; and the regent again suggested the idea
+of her going abroad, when steps, more effectual, might be taken to ruin
+her character. Lord Castlereagh, therefore, the next day informed the
+princess, by a note, "that for the present time all interviews with the
+Princess Charlotte must cease."
+
+On the 7th of January, the Princess of Wales gave an entertainment at
+Montague House, where a select party was invited, in honour of the
+Princess Charlotte's birth-day, who had now attained her eighteenth
+year.
+
+An unexpected event, about this period, gave the Princess Charlotte an
+interview with her mother for nearly two hours, in which these
+affectionate relatives enjoyed an undisturbed conversation. The Princess
+Charlotte was very explicit in her communications to her dear mother on
+the severity of the queen, during the time she had lately spent with her
+majesty at Windsor; and, among other observations, remarked, "HER
+MAJESTY IS A TYRANT TO ALL AROUND HER. If you walk out with the queen,"
+continued the charming and noble princess, "you are sure to be told your
+pace is disagreeable,--either too quick or too slow. If you feel
+pleasure in seeing any sweet pretty plant, and express admiration of its
+several beautiful colours, and its various delicate appearances, you are
+sure to be told, such observations prove your _want of taste and
+judgment_. Indeed, my dear mother, I like anybody better than my
+_disagreeable grandmother_, and I can never permit myself to remain with
+her so long again. When I am at the castle, I am seldom _allowed to see
+my grandfather_, the king; and, when I do, he scarcely looks at me, and
+seems extremely unhappy. When my royal father goes to the castle, he is
+always with the _queen alone_, and very rarely pays a visit to the
+king." Such was the ingenuousness of the Princess Charlotte. She would
+immediately speak the _truth_, and defy all results, rather than act
+with dissimulation to please or conciliate any one. This was the longest
+interview which was to fall to the lot of these high-spirited and
+generous-minded personages. Alas! their destiny might have been
+pourtrayed by the pen of cruelty, and traced in characters of blood! At
+parting, the princess most tenderly embraced her mother, and that parent
+for the moment forgot all her sorrows. But what was her agitation, when
+her ONLY HOPE was saying, "Farewell!" Agonizing--beyond all
+expression--agonizing! We must sympathize with such sorrows, and admit
+the propriety of the remark of the Princess of Wales at this separation,
+"My life has already been too long, since it has been one continued
+scene of misfortune!"
+
+The prince regent now paid a visit to the Duke of Rutland, for the
+avowed purpose of standing sponsor to the young marquis, the duke's son
+and heir. The preparations for the reception and accommodation of his
+royal highness were upon the most magnificent scale, which, we are sorry
+to relate, were little else than thrown away. In the evening, the
+sparkling goblet was so freely emptied by the royal guest, that he was
+obliged to be _carried_ to the chamber prepared for him. Do not imagine,
+gentle reader, that we are disposed to dwell ill-naturedly on the
+mischances of this luckless night; but the prince was unfortunate, and
+committed such sins and transgressions in this ducal apartment, and IN
+_the bed_ prepared for him, that, at a very early hour, his carriage was
+ordered, and his royal highness was on the road to London! The domestics
+at Belvoir Castle were left to relate this very disagreeable incident,
+and testify that the means required for the _purification_ of their
+master's premises were of no common quality!
+
+However facetiously we may have spoken of this "untoward occurrence,"
+yet we recoil with disgust and indignation from such scenes. How
+revolting is the reflection that this was the prince invested with
+_kingly authority_, and to whom so many millions of intelligent beings
+were looking for the redress of their grievances, and the amelioration
+of their many miseries!
+
+The king's indisposition increased in the early part of this year, and
+the over-bearing tyranny of the queen consequently knew no bounds. In
+May, she addressed several notes to the Princess of Wales to forbid her
+appearance at the drawing-room, to which her royal highness replied very
+spiritedly. Some of these letters were afterwards published, but several
+were suppressed. It was at this time that the prince expressed his
+unalterable determination "never again to meet the princess, either in
+public or private," and the queen was the person who communicated his
+royal highness' unmanly vow to the princess.
+
+About three weeks after this announcement, some illustrious foreigners,
+who were formerly intimate with the family of the princess, paid her
+royal highness a visit; and, on the ensuing day, they received her royal
+highness' invitation to dine with her on that day se'nnight. It was
+accepted with pleasure; but, only about an hour previous to the
+appointed time for dinner, an apology was sent, asking pardon for the
+delay, which was said to be _unavoidable_, as the impediments arose from
+the COMMANDS OF THE REGENT, which had only been communicated to them a
+few hours before! Upon Mr. Canning's next visit to the princess, he
+explained the reason of this shameful conduct, by saying, "that Colonel
+M'Mahon desired, as a compliment, they would dine at Carlton House that
+day, and expressed an apology for the _shortness of the invitation_, as
+the regent had some days before given him his instructions to invite
+them, but that he (the colonel) had FORGOTTEN IT IN THE HURRY OF
+BUSINESS. Now," added Mr. Canning, "I know this story to be an
+invention; for it was only on the very morning of the day appointed by
+your royal highness that a brother of the regent heard of their intended
+visit, and informed him of it; and the prince then commanded M'Mahon to
+invite the party to dine at Carlton House, which they could not refuse,
+as etiquette would forbid their accepting any engagement in preference
+to that of the regent." Was there ever a more artful and vindictive
+piece of business concocted? How worthy was the master of such a
+scheming servant as M'Mahon!
+
+In June, the allied sovereigns arrived in London, and fetes and
+festivals followed in close succession. New honours were conferred upon
+several persons, who had been leaders in the late war. Lord Wellington
+was created Marquis of Douro and Duke of Wellington. To support this new
+dignity, four hundred thousand pounds were granted to him by the
+boroughmongering majority!
+
+In consequence of the queen's edict, the Princess of Wales was excluded
+from the drawing rooms, held in honour of the illustrious guests; and
+this extra piece of persecuting malice sufficiently attested the
+_littleness_ of the minds of her too powerful enemies.
+
+Under these trying circumstances, Mr. Canning and Mr. Whitbread again
+urged their advice, that it would be better for all parties if the
+princess absented herself for a period, as the queen was so severe to
+the Princess Charlotte, in consequence of her regard for her mother.
+This consideration was enough for the fond parent. "Yes," said her royal
+highness, "for the sake of my child, I will leave England; I feel
+assured that my afflicted father-in-law, the king, cannot long survive;
+he is falling very gradually. But the crisis may be sudden; in that
+case, you know my situation; and what has been refused to the Princess
+of Wales cannot, I presume, be refused to the Queen of England! In
+making this reference, I merely and only mean, that I have hitherto been
+treated with the most unmerited severity, and the greatest injustice;
+this, I hope, will not be permitted in the event of my being queen. I
+name this to satisfy you, as my friends, that whenever I can return to
+this country with safety to my child, and honour to my few zealous
+friends, I shall not lose one moment in answering the summons."
+
+On the 4th of June, Lord Castlereagh moved in the committee of the
+House, that fifty thousand pounds be annually paid to her royal highness
+the Princess of Wales. Mr. Whitbread offered some very correct and
+spirited remarks upon the subject, and the motion was agreed to. The
+princess, in the most generous manner, wrote to the Speaker on the 5th,
+declining to receive more than thirty-five thousand, adding, as a reason
+for this, her dislike to increase the already heavy burdens imposed upon
+the nation.
+
+The ill-natured manner in which this most honourable act was received is
+best explained in the words of Lord Castlereagh, who, on the 8th, called
+the attention of the House to the letter of the princess, and concluded
+by saying, "It is not my duty to vote the public money to a _subject_
+who is not inclined to receive it." Her royal highness certainly was not
+much indebted to Lord Castlereagh for his very elegant and noble mention
+of her name, thus made; and the most dim-sighted person might have
+easily seen that "if the vessel came safe to shore," a _marquisate_
+would be the reward of the pilot.
+
+The Princess of Wales at length requested leave of the ministers to go
+abroad. This was very readily granted; and, after some arrangements for
+correspondence, her royal highness prepared to depart. A very short
+interview was permitted with the child of her hopes and affections,
+while even that was attended by the ladies in waiting. They separated
+_then--TO MEET NO MORE IN THIS WORLD_!
+
+It was during this affecting interview that her royal highness committed
+some letters of importance to the care of her noble-minded daughter;
+and, as it appeared impossible for any _private_ conversation to pass
+between them, a letter accompanied the others, addressed to the
+Princess Charlotte by her afflicted mother, of which the following is a
+transcript:
+
+
+"_Copy of a letter to my dear Charlotte, Princess of Wales._
+
+                                               "_1814, June 7th._
+
+"MY DEAREST CHILD,
+
+"I deposit to your keeping a small parcel, of letters for my
+much-esteemed friend, Lady *******. I well know her generous disposition
+will cause her to endure a vast load of sorrow on my account, and, from
+these documents, the nation may one day _be bold_. I must tell you, my
+dearest child, that in conformity to my father and mother's opinion, I
+became the wife (so called) of your father. Well do I remember the time
+when my dear father, the Duke of Brunswick, entered my library, (holding
+in his hand a letter) saying, 'Caroline, my love, I desire you will give
+your attention to the request of your most excellent uncle, the King of
+England, and, without any demur, engage to marry your cousin George. He
+is undoubtedly the most _elegant man_ and the most ACCOMPLISHED
+GENTLEMAN in Europe. Very unfortunately, this prince has been captivated
+by the many beautiful ladies surrounding the court; but although he may
+have committed himself in _formal engagements_, yet the prince is the
+most ready, desirous, and expectant supplicant for your hand!' I
+started, and exclaimed, 'What, my dear sire?' The sequel, however, is
+sufficient. I came to England. I was received heroically by the people,
+flatteringly by the persons deputed to attend me, and sarcastically by
+the queen, my aunt; but most pleasantly by the king, my uncle, and the
+prince, my destined husband. After my marriage with the prince, your
+father, I soon had occasion to regret my change of situation. However, I
+strove to conceal my disappointment and chagrin, and appeared as lively
+as if I had no cause for regret. Speedily after my marriage, I was
+informed that the prince was not my _legal_ husband; that, some time
+previous to our marriage, he had been united to Mrs. Fitzherbert, and
+therefore our engagement was null and void! I opened the sorrows of my
+heart to the good king. 'Ah! Ah!' said his majesty, 'I will befriend
+you, but my family will prove my ruin. They care not for any thing
+beside their own ease, and they, sooner or later, will _lose the crown_
+by such improper conduct. The disposition of my son George is
+_unrelenting_; but I will tell you, my dear niece, that you may subdue
+his public injurious mention of your character, if you make use of
+proper means. My son is so lascivious, that if you would attempt to hide
+his defects, they would speedily become more apparent.' In the course of
+conversation, his majesty informed me of the untimely end of his BROTHER
+EDWARD, and also of the MARRIAGE and ISSUE of that brother, who, he
+stated, had been educated for the _church_; and also, that he had
+frequently seen him during his residence at Eton with no small degree of
+affection and regret, and had even appointed interviews with the
+individual under whose care he was placed, to adopt plans for his
+welfare. I confess, my dear Charlotte, I was quite unprepared for this
+exposition, and I answered with much warmth, 'Does your majesty mean to
+say, that his royal highness left issue which has never been
+acknowledged?' 'I do, indeed,' replied the king, 'and though the affair
+has been hitherto kept from the public, yet I fancy it will, one day or
+another, be made known.' My dear Charlotte will conceive how much I felt
+upon these singular explanations. I long to tell you more upon the
+subject, but as our confidential messenger is waiting, I must conclude
+by subscribing myself
+
+                                "Your very affectionate mother,
+                                                      "CAROLINE."
+
+
+The persecuted wife of the heir-apparent now prepared to leave England.
+Her royal highness went to Worthing on the 2nd of August, and on the 9th
+embarked for the Continent, with a heart heavily charged with the most
+poignant feelings.
+
+The evening of her departure was spent in rioting and drunkenness by the
+inhabitants of Carlton House, as they had now attained a portion of
+their dishonourable object, and, in a great measure, relied upon final
+success. The entertainments given at this period by the "unparalleled
+prince" were of the most dazzling and costly description. The massive
+services of richly-chased gold, and the viands served upon them, in
+addition to every luxurious appendage, were daily superseded by others,
+still more rare and expensive than the preceding ones. Hundreds of
+thousands were thus lavished on useless pomp, while, perhaps, a poor
+tradesman, who had received _the honour_ of an order by command of the
+prince, and had borrowed the larger portion of the means to enable him
+to execute it, solicited, in the most humble manner, a portion of his
+debt; but, alas! solicited in vain; and, after daring to press his
+destitute and ruined condition several times, is probably forbidden ever
+to ask for the settlement again, but to wait the royal pleasure. His
+impatient creditors, in the interim, arrest him; he is carried to a
+prison, and, in the agony of his soul, commits suicide. Many a wife and
+family of children have thus been reduced to a workhouse, and the
+greater number of them afterwards thrown upon the town! But--these are
+some of the privileges of royalty!
+
+The reminiscences of the queen were sometimes rather painful; and,
+shortly after she had driven her daughter-in-law from the country,
+symptoms of melancholy were observed. Her physicians, therefore,
+recommended a change of air; and, in order to amuse her majesty, it was
+proposed that she should repair to Brighton for a short time,
+accompanied by the princesses.
+
+The Princess Charlotte, after the departure of her much-beloved mother,
+appeared very unhappy, and, from that time, saw her father and
+grandmother as seldom as possible. They well knew she was favourable to
+her mother's cause, in opposition to their's, not only from the very
+great affection which she naturally felt for her mother, but also from
+the numberless proofs she had observed of the honourable motives by
+which the conduct of the Princess of Wales had been influenced. To these
+might be added the opinion of the virtuous part of the nation upon the
+subject, and the very great respect at all times paid to her royal
+highness by those persons who were _independent_ of the royal family and
+the government.
+
+Upon her majesty's return to Windsor, she found the king something
+improved in natural spirits, but desirous not to be troubled with
+unnecessary visiters. This slight improvement was, however, but of short
+duration; for, in a few days afterwards, this distressingly-afflicted
+sovereign relapsed into insensibility, and frequently became very
+boisterous in his conduct.
+
+The amount required for this year's service was upwards of one hundred
+and sixteen millions, twenty-seven of which were raised by loans.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1815
+
+commenced under numerous public and private difficulties. The regent
+found himself in a very unpleasant situation, being under a necessity of
+increasing the number of the various orders of knighthood, in order to
+preserve himself a sufficiency of adherents. A strange concatenation of
+events had also placed the rest of the royal family in an uneasy
+position. The Duke of Kent, some considerable time before, entered into
+a positive engagement with a foreign princess, by solemnly promising her
+marriage; yet, upon requesting his mother's approbation of the choice he
+had made, how great was his surprise and indignation to find that she
+would not listen to it! But, hastily snatching up the letter a second
+time, she said, "It is impossible such things can be permitted; we need
+money too much in our own family to squander it upon these
+miserably-poor connexions." This indignant lady quite forgot, or did not
+wish to remember, her own origin, and the _great wealth_ she had brought
+to this country. Ere this self-important personage had said so much, she
+should have called to mind the many _noble_ acts by which she had been
+distinguished above all other royal ladies, and ought to have reflected,
+how many thousands had suffered privations and want to permit her royal
+self and family to live in splendour, and how many had been privately
+disposed of to satisfy her inordinate ambition and insatiable thirst for
+power!
+
+Her majesty had also another mortification to endure in the marriage of
+her hopeful son, the Duke of Cumberland, with the Princess of Salms.
+Lord Castlereagh, always happy to take from the people, had the audacity
+to propose an additional grant to the Duke of Cumberland upon his
+alliance with a lady so congenial to the taste and talents of his royal
+highness! The House of Commons, however, opposed this grant, and several
+members made the most severe, though _just_, remarks upon the character
+of Ernest Augustus on this occasion.
+
+     "Mr. R. GORDON rose, and declared that he could not reconcile
+     it to his sense of duty to allow this motion to pass with a
+     silent vote against it. He was astonished at the observation
+     of the noble lord (Castlereagh) who brought forward this
+     motion last night, that he did not apprehend any opposition,
+     while he agreed with the noble lord that it must be painful to
+     hear any reflections upon the character of the individual
+     referred to, or any comments whatever at all likely to
+     depreciate the consequence of the illustrious family to whom
+     that individual belonged. But ministers alone were to blame in
+     _dragging_ the Duke of Cumberland before that House. If any
+     reflections were thrown out against that individual, it was
+     the fault of ministers in _forcing_ him upon the consideration
+     of that House. _After what had_ NOTORIOUSLY PASSED WITH
+     RESPECT TO THIS INDIVIDUAL, _and his connexions,--after the_
+     RUMOURS _that were afloat upon the subject,--he could not, by
+     any means, concur with the noble lord, that this was not to be
+     regarded as a_ PERSONAL _question!_"
+
+     "Mr. BENNET said, the Duke of Cumberland, of all the branches
+     of the royal family, was the _only one_ who could come to that
+     House, and make an application for money, which he should feel
+     _compelled to oppose_! He appealed to every person in the
+     committee, whether they did not hear, out of that House,
+     _every individual in the country express_ ONE UNIFORM FEELING
+     _with respect to that personage,--a feeling decidedly averse
+     from any disposition to concur in such a grant as was now
+     proposed_. It was impossible even to go to what was called
+     _fashionable_ society, without hearing the _same feeling of
+     disrespect expressed_!!!"
+
+     "Lord NUGENT disapproved of the grant proposed, with reference
+     to the time in which, to the manner in which, and to the
+     _person_ for whom, the grant was proposed. He differed with
+     his honourable friend who spoke first in the debate, not in
+     his vote, but in that he did not admit public rumour to
+     influence his vote. For his own part, he voted mainly on
+     evidence which could come before the House only by public
+     rumour,--public rumour uncontradicted and unencountered!!!"
+
+     "Lord A. HAMILTON thought the House was called upon to
+     consider the _merits of the individual_ before it assented to
+     this proposition, unless it were assumed that, upon the
+     marriage of any branch of the royal family, the House was
+     bound to grant an additional allowance, without any
+     consideration of the nature of the marriage, which was a
+     proposition too preposterous to be maintained! The intimation,
+     too, which he understood to be authentic, that it was the
+     intention of the Duke of Cumberland not to reside in this
+     country, furnished another argument against the present
+     measure; nay, it was stated that the grant was brought forward
+     upon the _settled condition that his royal highness should fix
+     his residence_ ELSEWHERE!"
+
+     "Mr. METHUEN contended that the House ought to shew, by its
+     vote that night, that it was not inattentive to the _morals_
+     of the country, and that therefore he should oppose the grant,
+     not from the slightest personal motives, but merely in the
+     conscientious discharge of what he conceived to be his duty."
+
+     "Sir H. MONTGOMERY said, that when the present bill was first
+     brought into the House, he voted for it, because he thought
+     the proposed sum was no more than what was necessary; but,
+     from what he had heard since, he almost fancied he had done
+     something very wrong! In the present case, however, he really
+     saw nothing which would warrant the House in putting such a
+     _stigma_ upon his royal highness as _would be conveyed by
+     refusing the grant_!"
+
+The House of Commons DID REFUSE THE GRANT, though only by a small
+majority. But this majority was sufficient, according to Sir H.
+Montgomery, one of his royal highness' _admirers_, to cast a STIGMA on
+the Duke of Cumberland!
+
+As soon as the Princess of Wales was known to have left Brunswick, and
+while proceeding to Geneva, persons were despatched from the British
+Court to watch all the movements and pursuits of her royal highness, and
+to report accordingly, through agents appointed for the mean purpose.
+Our country's money was used upon this base business with no sparing
+hand. Mr. Whitbread, being perfectly aware that these secret
+contrivances were put into execution, felt more in fear of some evil
+result to the princess than if she had remained in England. He, as well
+as many others, knew that assassination was of very frequent occurrence
+in Italy, and more than once expressed himself anxious to see the
+princess safely landed again on our shores. But this was not permitted;
+for, on the 6th of July, this patriot committed suicide, while in a
+state of mental aberration. He fell a sacrifice to the intensity of his
+feelings upon several most important subjects.
+
+As a man of firm principles, Mr. Whitbread was justly entitled to the
+praise of his countrymen. He never allowed himself to be bribed into
+dishonourable actions; and we cannot, therefore, attribute his unhappy
+end to the stings of conscience. The man whose life, or a principal
+portion of it, has been spent in furthering the wily schemes and
+treacherous plans of others may, very probably, in the midst of enjoying
+the reward of his villanous conduct, be struck by memory's faithful
+reflection, and, afraid of exposure, prefer instant death; but the
+patriot who loves his country, and has largely contributed to the
+defence of justice and liberty, finding his exertions of no available
+use, and sick at heart at the insults levied against the oppressed, may
+be driven by despair to rush into the presence of his Maker by his own
+act. This latter case, no doubt, applies to the patriot whose untimely
+end we are now lamenting. It was Mr. Whitbread's glory to be an
+Englishman,--it is his country's boast that he used his energies for her
+general benefit. He actively and fearlessly investigated the cause and
+nature of abuses, was the ready advocate of the oppressed, and the
+liberal friend of all mankind!
+
+The amount required for the service of this year was one hundred and
+sixteen millions, which was obtained from the heavily-taxed people,
+earned by the sweat of their brow, and consequently by robbing their
+starving families of comforts!
+
+From such oppressive exactions, the present _domineering_ TORY
+ARISTOCRACY has reared its unblushing and hydra head. It was engendered
+in Deception, brought forth by Infamy, nursed by Indolence, educated by
+Sovereign Power, and has long lived the life of an Impostor--daring and
+hardy! We venture to predict, however, that its reign is drawing to a
+close; for the eyes of the whole nation are now fixed upon it, and its
+excrescences are discovered! Yes, the monster has outwitted itself, and
+from its seat will speedily shoot forth the TREE OF LIBERTY. May its
+fruits prove healing to nations! Merit will then be rewarded, Industry
+recompensed, Commerce revive, and Tranquillity reign in society. Kings
+will learn to do justice, sanguinary laws will be abolished; and thus
+the millennium of Peace and Joy will be established on a basis
+illustrious and impregnable!
+
+
+At the commencement of the year
+
+     1816,
+
+the intended marriage of the Princess Charlotte of Wales with Prince
+Leopold of Saxe Cobourg was announced, which had received the sanction
+of the regent. This intended union appeared to us, for many reasons,
+highly improper, and too closely allied to the circumstances of George
+the Third. We knew, for a considerable period before this announcement,
+that Leopold had been paying the most devoted attentions to a lady of
+great merit and accomplishments; and, also, that marriage had been
+promised. We likewise did not believe the prince was a Protestant from
+conviction, if he professed so to be; and feared that, if finally the
+husband of the princess, he would only be a convert to our "established
+religion" from _convenience_, but really and in truth, by inclination
+and education, a _Catholic_. We do not name the religious sentiments of
+the prince as any degradation or disqualification to his character as a
+man or as a prince, but simply to shew that his principles prohibited
+his entrance, by marriage, into the English royal family; for the royal
+marriage act expressly declares "such marriages shall be null and void."
+
+While staying at the city of Augsburgh, in the early part of this year,
+we heard various reports upon the subject in question, and the paper of
+the day having met our eye, what were our feelings when we read the
+annexed paragraph!
+
+
+                                      "_Augsburgh, January 10th._
+
+     "The Gazette of this city contains the following article, from
+     Vienna, of January 3rd: 'Yesterday was celebrated, in the
+     Cathedral Church of St. Stephen, in the presence of the
+     reigning Duke of Saxe Cobourg, the MARRIAGE of his brother,
+     _Prince Leopold_, with the young and beautiful Countess of
+     Cohaky, according to the rites of the _Catholic_ church.'"
+
+In contemplating this circumstance, every honest man must view the
+conduct of Leopold with indignation. Example is generally considered
+preferable to precept, and Leopold embraced this opportunity of shewing
+himself a convert to such doctrine. George the Third committed BIGAMY;
+his son George did the same; and the remaining Hope of England was
+destined to be a victim to similar wickedness!
+
+After some formal correspondence, the regent sent a message to both
+houses of parliament, on the 14th of March, to announce the marriage
+contract of his daughter, the Princess Charlotte, with his serene
+highness the Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg. Sixty thousand pounds were
+voted to the illustrious couple, annually; and, in case of _her royal
+highness' demise_, FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS PER ANNUM were to be paid to
+the PRINCE _for his life_. Sixty thousand pounds were also granted for
+their outfit.
+
+Well may foreigners exclaim, "How generous are the great English
+people!" Alas! it was not the act of the _people_; but the absolute will
+of Imbecility, Ignorance, and Impudence, which we shall have further
+occasion to illustrate.
+
+We must now refer our readers to the former expectation of marriage
+between the Princess Charlotte and the Prince of Orange. That union was
+much desired by the regent, because the Prince of Orange had promised
+unrelenting opposition to the Princess of Wales. As soon as the Princess
+Charlotte, however, became aware of this, she determinately refused to
+see the prince again; and we well know that the Duchess of Oldenburgh
+took every possible opportunity to press Prince Leopold upon her notice.
+Up to the moment of the marriage, the Princess Charlotte did not hear or
+know a single word about the _former_ serious engagement of her
+affianced husband, except the mean and paltry report, that "he had been
+very voluptuous in his gratifications, and was then desirous of bidding
+an eternal adieu to those who had formerly led him _astray_!" On the
+other hand, Charlotte was tired of the overbearing and indiscriminate
+conduct of her grandmother, the queen; and therefore resolved to free
+herself from such restraint.
+
+Previous to the marriage, Prince Leopold solemnly promised to fulfil
+every iota of the Princess Charlotte's wish, with respect to her abused
+and insulted mother; and further engaged, that he never would permit or
+allow himself to be made a party, directly or indirectly, to injure the
+Princess of Wales, or to prevent any correspondence between the daughter
+and mother, of which her royal highness the Princess Charlotte might
+approve. But of what signification were the promises of such a faithless
+man!
+
+The former marriage of the prince was not considered by the queen a
+sufficient impediment to his union with her grand-daughter; and she used
+her utmost ability to suppress any representation contrary to the
+interest of his serene highness. "The Augsburgh Gazettes" were,
+therefore, bought up at an immense expense, to save the character of
+this prince from public animadversion, and consequent contempt and
+hatred.
+
+On the 21st of February, Prince Leopold arrived at the Clarendon Hotel.
+Lord Castlereagh waited upon his serene highness, and, on the following
+day, Sir B. Bloomfield arrived from Brighton, with the regent's command
+to invite the prince to the Pavilion.
+
+Early on the ensuing morning, the prince and Sir B. Bloomfield left town
+for Brighton; and his serene highness was received with as much warmth
+and friendship by the regent as if he had been an old acquaintance, or
+an especial friend in iniquity!
+
+On the 27th, the queen, accompanied by the Princess Charlotte and two of
+the princesses, arrived at the Pavilion, from Windsor Castle; the
+interview was short between Leopold and his intended bride. The family
+resolved that the marriage should take place as soon as possible. The
+royal ladies returned to Windsor, and the prince remained at Brighton
+with the regent.
+
+At the time such immense sums were voted for this intended marriage and
+outfit, large means were also required for the support of our expensive
+establishments at home, which ought to have prevented any squandering of
+money upon _foreigners_, for we could never consider Prince Leopold as
+one of the royal family of _England_.
+
+Mr. Vansittart, however, was very eloquent, _in his way_, in setting
+forth "the great, the incomparably great" station occupied by this
+country amongst the nations of the earth! In truth, we will tell the
+precise state of our _then greatness_. Our jails were crowded with
+farmers and the best of our tradesmen; our streets and roads swarmed
+with beggars, nearly dying from filth and want; agriculture languished,
+and commerce was paralyzed!
+
+After some delay, caused by circumstances not very _honourable_ to
+Prince Leopold, the marriage took place on the 2nd of May; and a very
+general report obtained credit that Prince Leopold pronounced his
+responses very tremulously, scarcely articulating his portion of the
+ceremony. This could hardly be wondered at, as he well knew the
+sacrifice of honour he was then making, and the inconstancy of his
+former sacred vows!
+
+We pass over the time between the marriage and when the Princess
+Charlotte was declared _enceinte_. This occurred twice; but, after one
+disappointment, the accouchement was expected with all the ardour of
+English anticipation.
+
+The princess had generally expressed her opinion, that mankind, in
+reason, policy, philosophy, and religion, were all of one great family;
+and hence arose her extreme aversion to the pomp and magnificence of the
+court. Indeed, the princess shewed herself very frequently to the
+public, and was so free and gracious in her manners, that she appeared
+in a natural English character, far opposed to the German pompous style.
+
+A circumstance of no inferior import occurred at this period, which gave
+suspicion to the inquiring spirit of the liberal part of the English
+nation. This was--the return to office of George Canning! By the Tories,
+the event was regarded as a last resource; by the Whigs, his accession,
+under royal favour, was considered a token of victory. Each party was
+positively assured of an undeviating principle in this gentleman's
+character; but each one had to learn that the opinion was erroneous.
+
+In this year, died two individuals, who had formerly been the bosom
+companions of royalty. One of these, Mrs. Jordan, expired on the 5th of
+July, near Paris, and was buried in the cemetery of St. Cloud; her body
+was put into a _thin shell, stained black_, with no ornament whatever.
+Mrs. Jordan had lived in Paris for some time in great privacy and
+poverty, under the assumed name of Mrs. James. Is not the newly-created
+Earl of Munster, and one or two other _great_ personages, the issue of
+this unfortunate lady's singular engagement with the prince of some
+great nation? The other character was Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the
+favourite companion and devoted servant of the Prince of Wales. Let his
+scanty means of subsistence be remembered whenever the name of the
+prince regent is mentioned. Yes, reader, the man who had devoted his
+highly-improved and naturally-eloquent abilities to the cause of this
+regent was permitted to die in the course of an arrest!
+
+The sorrows and disappointments which Mrs. Jordan underwent in this
+world were of the most agonizing description. Oh! why is it tolerated
+that royalty should be allowed to exercise the prerogative of inflicting
+the deepest wounds without the possibility of the injured party ever
+receiving redress? Is it not contrary to all laws, both human and
+divine, to suppose "the king can do no wrong?" If a prince commit an act
+of injustice, ought he not to be equally amenable with the peasant to
+the laws of his country? _We_ think so, and hope to see the day when the
+whole world will acknowledge its justness, and _act_ upon its principle.
+
+Upon the retrospect of Mr. Sheridan's life, we are forcibly struck by
+the ingratitude practised towards him by his royal master. The vices he
+had contracted were the results of his acquaintance with this
+"all-accomplished prince," and during the period of his successive
+debaucheries with him, he frequently added his name to notes of hand,
+upon sight, or at a longer date, for the prince's extravagancies, or to
+meet any demand that might be required upon a run of ill luck at the
+gaming-table. Even the debt for which he was arrested was contracted
+under the last-mentioned circumstances, and had been paid by a note
+given _solely_ for the regent's use by this unfortunate courtier. As
+soon as the country became informed of the unkindness Sheridan had
+experienced, they saw the character of the prince in its true light,
+forming their opinions from FACTS only, and not from the sophistical
+meaning given to his actions by the absolute prince himself, or by the
+parasites in his service. Honest men could not help grieving at the
+reflection, that the money produced by their labour, and even at the
+expense of depriving their families of comforts, was being squandered
+away at gambling-tables, upon unworthy characters, and in unwarrantable
+undertakings. The indignation caused by the base treatment of Mrs.
+Jordan and Sheridan manifested itself in several publications of the
+day, and many facts were elicited relative to these two unfortunate
+individuals; indeed, there was scarcely a subject in the realm, at all
+acquainted with their shameful desertion, who did not indulge in some
+bold expression of disgust and abhorrence at the disgraceful conduct of
+certain _illustrious_ individuals, as being the causes of their
+multiplied sorrows and sufferings.
+
+There was a time when monarchs and peers would have lived on the meanest
+food, merely sufficient to sustain human nature, in order to discharge
+the debts of a faithful servant; and it is well known, that, to reduce
+the pressure of taxation or impost upon the poorer classes of society, a
+certain sovereign even pawned his jewels! But, alas! this reign and
+regency did not present such an endearing feature to the nation; on the
+contrary, "the regent of blessed memory" would rather have pawned his
+subjects than have relaxed in his extravagant pleasures!
+
+The marriage of the Princess Mary with her cousin the Duke of
+Gloucester took place in July, and gave "general satisfaction;" though
+his royal highness never benefitted the people in any other way than
+_honouring_ them by accepting their bounty!
+
+About this time, a considerable sensation was produced by the
+re-appearance of Mrs. Fitzherbert in the gay circles of fashion. The
+public journals noticed such an unexpected circumstance with timid
+expression, and professed that delicacy prevented any explanatory
+remarks! Ignorance and Avarice were more probably the obstacles in the
+way; but it would have better become writers, who pretended to
+patriotism and independence of character, to have stated unhesitatingly
+what they _did know_ of the intentions of the royal plotters; they
+certainly might have paid a fine, or endured some imprisonment for
+speaking the _truth_; yet he who faulters when his country's weal is at
+stake is unworthy the name of--- Briton!
+
+The regent appeared now more determined than ever to procure a divorce
+from the Princess of Wales, and the means how this might be accomplished
+were put in active preparation. All the ungenerous and mean expedients
+hitherto used had been unavailing to produce the desired end. Spies had
+not succeeded, and a bolder invention had therefore become necessary. At
+the various courts connected with the "Holy Alliance," the princess had
+received very little attention; but in every circle where her royal
+highness appeared, which was uninfluenced by the crown, she was
+received rapturously, and treated most respectfully.
+
+Previous to the conclusion of this year, a naval captain was offered ten
+thousand pounds if he could, by any stratagem, obtain PROOF of
+adulterous intercourse between the princess and any person of rank
+whatever. The _personage_ who made this offer is NOW ALIVE, and if this
+statement of simple truth meet his eye, surely the blush of shame will
+die his hardened cheek.
+
+The Baron Ompteda was also employed in this foul and diabolical plot,
+and, as a reward for his services, he has received a sufficiency from
+the hard-earned money of the tax-payers of this kingdom. We suggest that
+it had been quite in character to have presented the same in a purse,
+with "THE REWARD OF VILLANY" inscribed upon it.
+
+We will here lay before our readers a plain statement of facts, relative
+to the persecutions which the unfortunate Princess of Wales endured
+abroad, and which is extracted from an original letter now in our
+possession:
+
+"For some days past, there have been inserted in several of the papers
+various pretended extracts of letters from Milan, Munich, and other
+places, respecting the Princess of Wales, and giving a most erroneous
+statement of an affair that occurred some months since in her royal
+highness' family. You may depend upon the following, as being an
+authentic narrative of the transaction alluded to. An Hanoverian baron
+was observed to follow the princess' route wherever she went. He was
+always received by her royal highness with the attentions due to his
+rank. On the princess' return to Milan from her long voyage, the baron
+was still there, and paid his respects to her royal highness as usual;
+but reports having come to the ears of her household, that the baron had
+made use of expressions in society highly injurious to her royal
+highness, one of the gentlemen in her suite, an English officer, sent
+the baron a challenge, and this conveyed, in terms too plain and
+unequivocal to be misconstrued, that he accused him of 'a most infamous
+and unmanly return for the kindnesses he had received from her royal
+highness,' and called upon him to 'meet him at eight o'clock the next
+morning at Bartassima, (half way between Milan and Como) there to answer
+for this sacred charge against his honour as a gentleman and a man, who
+had ever received the most marked hospitality at the hands of the
+princess, and who had committed the greatest act of hostility against
+the very first of virtues.'
+
+"This challenge was delivered to the baron by the hands of the Baron
+Cavalotti, a friend of the English officer. The answer to this direct
+challenge was an attempt to explain away the charge imputed to him; but
+an acceptance of the challenge, claiming his right to the choice of
+weapons, and saying that he would fight in Switzerland, but that his
+intended second was absent; in two days he would send him to settle the
+time and place.
+
+"Just at this period, a discharged servant of her royal highness wrote a
+letter to the chief magistrate of Como, saying that his conscience
+touched him, and that he was desirous of making a confession of the part
+he had acted in a treacherous confederacy with the Hanoverian, in whose
+pay he had been for the preceding ten months, to disclose to him every
+transaction of the household, to procure false keys to her royal
+highness' apartments and drawers, &c. &c. This was made known to her
+royal highness. She treated all that he could have obtained by such
+insidious means with contempt; and actually took the footman, who had
+thus acted as a spy upon her actions, again into her service, on his
+imploring her pardon; but another accomplice was delivered over to the
+police, to be tried and punished.
+
+"The very next day after this discovery, her royal highness gave a grand
+entertainment, at which the Governor of Milan and all the principal
+nobility were present. When the princess communicated the whole affair
+to the governor, he expressed his indignation at the scandalous conduct,
+and having learnt that a challenge had passed from one of her gentlemen
+to the baron, said that certainly that person was unworthy to be treated
+as a gentleman. The Hanoverian knew nothing of all this; but, according
+to his promise, sent Count Cantenogh, one of the chamberlains to the
+Austrian Emperor, to Como, who, having met the British officer, said he
+was not much acquainted with the Hanoverian who had requested him to be
+his second in an affair of honour; that he was anxious to have the
+matter fully investigated; and trusted that, if the baron should prove
+his innocence of the language imputed to him, the British officer would
+be satisfied that he had acted hastily. But, in case he was not
+satisfied, he was further instructed to say, that the baron wished the
+meeting to be in Germany, on the confines of France, instead of
+Switzerland, and time could not be convenient to him sooner than three
+weeks, a month, or more, from that time, as he had to go to Hanover to
+settle his affairs in the interim. The Englishman then related to Count
+Cantenogh the disclosures that had been made the day before, and
+submitted to him whether such behaviour did not render his principal
+unworthy the support of a man of honour, or to be met as a gentleman.
+The count declared that he could not be the second of such a person;
+that he must justify himself from this infamous charge, or choose
+another friend. With this, the count returned to Milan, and a message
+was soon after delivered to her royal highness, from the governor, to
+say that the Hanoverian baron had received orders to quit the Austrian
+dominions, which he had accordingly done.
+
+"This curious affair made a considerable noise at the time, which was
+the beginning of November last, and is, we suppose, the foundation of
+the stories which have lately been circulated and misrepresented."
+
+"In the summer of 1815, another wicked secret plot was formed against
+the princess, the origin of which it is not difficult to guess. The
+princess was narrowly watched, and attempts were made to seduce her
+people; but only one, Piqueur Crade, was so weak as to yield, and to
+promise Baron O** to conduct him into the apartments of the princess by
+means of false keys. The plot was, however, discovered, and the piqueur
+turned away. The man wrote to the Chevalier Tommassia, confessed that he
+had let himself be seduced by Baron O** to betray his mistress, and
+begged for mercy. The princess thought it proper to acquaint the
+governor, Count Sawrau, with this event, and Baron O** was forced to
+leave the dominions of his Majesty the Emperor. Hownham, the princess'
+private secretary, challenged the baron, but the latter has hitherto put
+it off. Since this affair, the princess is very cautious, particularly
+towards Englishmen whom she does not know; but she conceals herself from
+nobody, only she will not be the object of calumny, and of a shameful
+_espionage_, of which she has already been the victim. What has happened
+gives ground to fear still greater enormities.
+
+"An event, which took place at Genoa, has more the appearance of an
+attempt at _assassination_ than robbery. Some armed men penetrated,
+during the night, into the house of the princess, and almost into her
+bed-chamber. An alarm being given, one of the servants fired upon these
+people, and pursued them, but in vain. It is not yet discovered what
+were their intentions. But let a veil cover all this. Her first master
+of the horse, Schiavini, has kept a circumstantial account of her
+journey to the Holy Land. The princess went from Genoa to the island of
+Elba, thence to Sicily and Barbary, then to Palestine. She visited
+Jerusalem, Athens, &c., and was every where received with the honours
+due to her rank.
+
+"By the assistance of several _literati_, she obtained a collection of
+valuable antiquities, for which object she spared no expense. Wherever
+the princess appeared, she left behind her grateful recollections by her
+beneficence. At Tunis, she obtained the freedom of several slaves. The
+princess is now employed in writing the history of her life, which she
+will make public when the time comes.
+
+"By this, she will throw great light on many facts which are now
+involved in obscurity."
+
+We need hardly offer a remark upon the vindictive measures, so fully set
+forth in this narrative, exercised against the unfortunate Princess of
+Wales. It will not be difficult for our readers to recognize the REAL
+INSTIGATORS of the many annoyances she endured; _their names_ will be
+handed down to future generations as the "Oppressors of Innocence,"
+while the finger of Scorn will mark the spot where lies their "SORDID
+DUST."
+
+The calamitous situation of the nation at this time became truly
+appalling. Subscriptions were entered into for the purpose of relieving
+the distresses of the poor, and her majesty's name was put down for the
+insignificant sum of three hundred pounds! If we were to be prolix in
+our account of this German lady's _discretionary_ liberality, the
+details, we fear, would not interest our readers. She was only liberal
+when her own interest was at stake!
+
+
+Early in
+
+     1817,
+
+the queen became indisposed, so much so as to cause alarm amongst her
+partisans for the issue. It was deemed expedient that the prince regent,
+who was then at Brighton, should be informed of the circumstance, and
+the Duke of York set off in the night to convey the intelligence to him.
+Why a courier could not have been forwarded, we do not pretend to say;
+but deception and mystery always attended the royal movements. Shortly
+afterwards, however, her majesty was declared convalescent, and the
+family were gratified by her recovery, being well assured that her
+assistance would be of the most essential consequence to the completion
+of the regent's wishes in the intended divorce.
+
+In February, the "Habeas Corpus Act" was suspended, and, upon _suspicion
+only_, were Mr. Evans and his son seized and committed to prison on a
+charge of treason. They observed at the time, with great truth, "Poor
+devoted England! she cannot be called our country, but our grave!" This
+was confirmed by Lord Sidmouth, who rendered his every service in this
+disgraceful business, and was at all imaginable pains to prove, that his
+master, the regent, was the "Vicegerent of heaven, and had all power
+upon earth."
+
+The country was now elated by the information that the Princess
+Charlotte was likely to give an heir to the throne; because the people
+hoped that her progeny would prove more worthy of a crown than some of
+the sons of her austere grandmother. Upon this amiable princess, indeed,
+the English people had long placed their hopes, and they lived in
+anxious expectation to see the then existing tyranny superseded by a
+better form of government, under her auspices. In the mean time, every
+member of the royal family appeared more interested for the health of
+the queen than for the Princess Charlotte. Her majesty had experienced
+several relapses; but, after each attack, when she appeared in public,
+no symptoms of previous indisposition were visible.
+
+Lords Liverpool, Castlereagh, and Sidmouth, and the _accommodating_
+George Canning, were now the arbiters of the fates of nations; their
+will was no sooner expressed than it passed into a law; and, while
+revelling at the festive board with their puissant prince, the country
+was writhing in the most pitiable condition. Even bread and water were
+not always within the poor man's grasp, and the starved peasantry of
+Ireland, in open defiance of military power, were living by stealing and
+eating raw potatoes, to enable them to eke out their most miserable
+existence! Under this humiliating condition, their rights and liberties
+were suspended, and it was made "treason and sedition" to murmur or
+complain.
+
+When the tyrannical King John oppressed his subjects, and endeavoured to
+usurp despotic power, the barons assembled around him, and, unsheathing
+their swords, swore, "The laws of England shall not be changed!" But the
+days of chivalry were past! Lord Castlereagh was now our dictator, and a
+standing army of one hundred and forty thousand men, to enforce his vile
+and unconstitutional measures, destroyed even the chance of
+emancipation. We may add, in the words of our immortal bard, that his
+lordship was a _man_,
+
+     "Ay, and a _bold_ one, that dare look on that
+      Which might appal the devil!"
+
+The galling distresses of the people, at this period of national
+calamity and misrule, drove them to the commission of violent acts, and
+the diligence of well-chosen officers and prosecutors, with the
+partiality of judges, supplied the defect of evidence needful for
+punishment. The law was actually made a snare, while vice received
+encouragement and rewards, when on the side of the oppressors. This was
+not solely confined to the higher tribunals, but was also apparent in
+almost every inferior court. Indeed, Lord Sidmouth sent a circular
+letter to all lieutenants of counties, recommending even "justices of
+the peace to hold to bail persons publishing alleged libels!!!" The
+whole ministry proved themselves to be uninfluenced by the dictates of
+_equity_, or those principles of _moderation_ which distinguished some
+of our noble ancestors. Power was every thing with Castlereagh and his
+associates, assisted by the MITRED HEADS of the "established church,"
+who were ever his zealous friends in the cause of tyranny! Be it, then,
+our duty to tear the mask of hypocrisy aside, and exhibit the deformity
+of Power, more especially when disguised under the specious form of
+PIETY. He who can assume the sanctity of a SAINT, and perform the deeds
+of a RUFFIAN, will not be spared in our explanations of TRUTH! The title
+of "Right Reverend Father in God" shall not cause us to be dismayed, if,
+by their _reverend_ works, they prove themselves to be the children of
+the devil! We are not what _pretended pious_ people term INFIDELS; but
+we detest to see the tools of power endeavour to subdue the nation in
+the garb of godliness, insulting the _poor_ with orders for "general
+fasts," while they themselves are indulging in the most riotous
+excesses!
+
+We must now, as honest and fearless historians, record the most
+cold-blooded and horrible CRIME that was ever perpetrated in this or any
+other Christian country!
+
+               "'Tis a strange truth. O monstrous act!
+     'Twill out, 'twill out!--I hold my peace, sir? no:
+     No, I will speak as liberal as the air!"
+
+We are almost ready to murmur at Providence for permitting some of the
+assassins to escape from this world without meeting the punishment they
+merited. One or two, however, still remain to pollute the earth, and
+upon whom we yet hope to see justice administered!
+
+Every honest heart was full of bitterness and anguish, when it was
+announced, "The PRINCESS CHARLOTTE is DEAD!" The heavy-tolling bell, the
+silence of the streets, and the mute astonishment of all who met and
+parted, exhibited signs of unfeigned sorrow. In an _unexpected_ moment,
+the hopes of this great nation were brought to nought! Her royal
+highness was England's star of promise,--the beacon which it was
+expected would light the traveller to escape the quicksands of
+destruction!
+
+On the 5th of November, at nine in the evening, this exemplary princess
+was safely delivered of a male child, said to be still born; and
+although pronounced at that time, by her accoucheur, to be doing
+extremely well, yet, at half-past two on the morning of the 6th, her
+royal highness expired! Sir Richard Croft announced to Prince Leopold
+the heart-rending intelligence; and a messenger was instantly sent to
+the prince regent (to whom a former communication of fearful import had
+been made) and also to the queen at Bath. All the royal family then in
+England hastened to London, _report said_, "nearly destroyed with
+grief."
+
+Special messengers were also despatched with the melancholy information
+to the Duke of Kent, who was at Brussels, and to the Duke of Cambridge,
+at Hanover; but the MOTHER of the late princess was entirely
+_neglected_. Etiquette and respect were attended to in the cases which
+least required notice, and omitted in the situation which really
+demanded, in common decency and justice, the most prompt consideration.
+
+The prince regent arrived at Carlton House at four o'clock on the fatal
+morning, and was informed by Lord Bathurst and the Duke of York of the
+event. The regent had been, for ten or twelve days, sojourning with the
+Marquis, or _Marchioness_, of Hertford, at their seat near Sudbury. In
+contradiction to several either servile or ignorant historians, we
+fearlessly say that it was not unexpected news to his royal ear! In the
+course of the ensuing day, a letter was written and delivered to Dr. Sir
+Richard Croft, announcing the prince regent's offer of thanks for the
+attention paid to the Princess Charlotte, and assuring the doctor that
+the prince was fully satisfied with his skill and superior merit;
+concluding with these words: "As it is the _will of Divine Providence_,
+his royal highness is in duty bound to submit to the decree--_of
+heaven_."
+
+Prince Leopold was not so hasty in returning his thanks for the
+attentions of Dr. Croft, though much better able to judge of the matter
+than the regent; for _he_ was many miles off, and could not _personally_
+know any thing of the matter.
+
+Notwithstanding the professed deep sorrow and grief of the prince
+regent, however, we can announce that his royal highness did not permit
+himself to relax in any pursuit of pleasure, except that of openly
+exhibiting himself; for, on the ensuing evening, we ourselves were not
+very distant from Carlton House, and can testify to this fact. He and
+his brother of York were not in _very great_ anguish upon the occasion;
+they pledged each other in quick succession, until the circumstance
+which had caused their meeting was entirely forgotten by them. "I drink
+to the safety of the regent," said the duke, "and _I_ to the safety of
+_York_," retorted the prince. These remarks created irritability, and
+the prince very warmly replied, to an interrogation of his brother,
+"What would _you_ think if the ghost of Edward Augustus stood at your
+elbow?"
+
+How very different was the report issued to the world! The daily papers
+stated that "the extreme sorrow of the regent had produced an unusual
+sensation of pain in the head of his royal highness." We were not
+surprised at this announcement; though we had hoped to have heard the
+royal _heart_ was affected upon a review of his past enormities!
+
+We regret to say, that when the Princess Charlotte was in daily
+expectation of her accouchement, she was not soothed by the attentions
+of any of her female relatives. It is true they had not, by any former
+acts of kindness, given her occasion to expect it; but the disrespect
+shewn to her royal highness was chiefly owing to the affection for, and
+defence of, her persecuted mother, which, though perfectly _natural_ and
+praiseworthy, displeased certain high and powerful personages. The
+_queen_ (that boasted paragon of goodness!) was one hundred and eight
+miles distant, and the hearts of all the family seemed as if estranged
+from virtuous and honourable feelings. Her majesty, with the Princess
+Elizabeth, left Windsor Castle for Bath, on the morning of the 3rd of
+October, for the avowed purpose of drinking the waters. On the 27th of
+the same month, the prince regent, accompanied by Sir B. Bloomfield,
+left London for the seat of the Marquis of Hertford, at Sudbury, in
+Suffolk. The Duke of Clarence was also absent. It is true that the
+cabinet ministers, whose presence was required by precedent and state
+necessity, were in waiting; but how far their services could be
+agreeable or beneficial to a young female in such a situation, we are at
+a loss to discover. Alas! _that parent_ who ought to have been present,
+and who would most joyfully have flown on the wings of maternal
+affection, was denied the privilege. But while the daughter was
+struggling in the agonies of a cruel death, the mother was a wanderer in
+a foreign land, and beset with snares laid for her destruction also!
+
+During the pregnancy of the Princess Charlotte, the prince, her husband,
+was chiefly her companion. Her choice of an accoucheur fell upon Dr. Sir
+Richard Croft, as he was considered the most able and skilful man in his
+profession. The ladies in attendance upon her royal highness were unfit
+to render advice or assistance upon any emergency, as neither of them
+had been a mother. The princess, when in an advanced state of pregnancy,
+was kept low, and scarcely allowed animal food, or wine, to both of
+which she had previously been accustomed. Between the fifth and seventh
+months, her royal highness was bled several times, and still kept upon
+very low diet. Claremont, the place chosen for the eventful period, was
+sixteen miles from town, and when any pressing occasion required the
+attendance of a surgeon or physician from London, the distance caused a
+considerable delay. Her royal highness' confinement was expected to take
+place about the end of October, and the period between that time and the
+final issue was strongly marked by symptoms of approaching labour. Her
+royal highness was in extreme pain for more than forty-eight hours, yet
+each bulletin declared, "The princess is doing extremely well." At
+half-past twelve, A.M. her royal highness became uneasy and very
+restless; she exhibited much difficulty of breathing, and at half-past
+two--EXPIRED!
+
+The substance of this detail found its way into the daily journals, and
+excited, as it was naturally calculated to do, much remark and inquiry.
+The generally-received opinion was, that the lamented heiress to the
+crown had been _wantonly_ suffered to perish, from the folly of
+etiquette, or some other unnatural and unexplained cause. We, however,
+are not bound to surrender our judgment to a journalist, or to subscribe
+to the opinion of any man less acquainted with a particular subject than
+ourselves; and, upon this melancholy and tragical event, therefore, we
+shall dare to give utterance to TRUTH. In doing so, we beg to state that
+we are not influenced by personal resentment, but, in the discharge of
+our task, are determined only to award "honour where honour is due."
+
+The labour of the princess was commenced under extreme debility; and, at
+an early period, it appeared very probable that _surgical_ assistance
+would be finally requisite; yet no provision was made for such
+assistance! The bulletin of Wednesday morning, eight o'clock, signed by
+the attending practitioners, was rather doubtfully expressed. The second
+bulletin, at ten in the evening, was confidently affirmative of the
+_well-doing_ of the royal patient. Dr. Sims affixed his signature to
+these bulletins, but he had not seen her royal highness since the first
+pang she had experienced. How this gentleman could allow his name to be
+thus affixed to a declaration, of the truth of which he was totally
+ignorant, we know not; but it was said, by the time-serving press, "that
+Dr. Sims being unknown to the princess, his appearance in her chamber
+might have alarmed her." The folly of this excuse is best exposed by
+supposing that if, at this trying moment, Dr. Croft had been ill, and
+unfit to attend the princess, would she have been left to perish for
+lack of assistance? We think not; for this would have given too plain an
+idea of the expectations of certain parties. The public papers announced
+that the letter summoning Dr. Sims to Claremont was written on Tuesday
+morning, yet he did not arrive until Wednesday morning at three o'clock.
+It was further stated, that the nurse discovered the dreadful change in
+her royal highness by the difficulty manifested in swallowing her gruel,
+and that she was so alarmed by this appearance of spasm, that she
+immediately called the faculty out of their beds, as well as Prince
+Leopold. Another journalist stated a contrary case. But _we know_ that,
+although some beverage was administered to the princess, it was NOT
+GRUEL; for her royal highness had a great aversion to gruel, and could
+never be prevailed on to take it. Soon after her royal highness took the
+liquid, she was afflicted in a most _unusual way_, though only for a
+short time. The low state of muscular strength, to which the princess
+had gradually been reduced, certainly required greater nourishment than
+was given to her; and in this professional treatment, therefore, the
+accoucheur acted unwisely as well as unskilfully, to say the least of
+it. That most eminent practitioner, Dr. Thynne, made it an invariable
+rule, after a protracted birth, to revive the mother, by giving a
+tea-spoonful of egg, beat up with wine, from time to time. The symptoms
+of not being able to swallow, and the convulsive action of the body,
+were plainly indicative of a dying patient; but the real cause of the
+patient's dying was then a mystery, except to two or three individuals.
+
+The public journals of the day called loudly upon the gentlemen who
+attended the Princess Charlotte, as her accoucheurs, to give all
+facility for an investigation of their whole mode of treatment, adding,
+that "if they be conscious that they have acquitted themselves well,
+they will have no objection to an investigation of their conduct, and
+cannot consider themselves placed in a worse situation than the captain
+of a king's ship, who, in the event of the loss of his vessel, is
+obliged to undergo a trial by court martial." To this and similar
+appeals, the ministers promptly replied, "that it was _impossible_,
+after the prince regent had been pleased to express his approbation and
+award his thanks, as it would seem to _reflect_ upon the prince, who
+alone was endowed with the sovereign power to act in the case." This
+royal cant-phraseology, however, failed to lull suspicion; for the
+attending circumstances were of a nature too horrible to be buried in
+oblivion! If all had been correct, why refuse inquiry, particularly when
+it was solicited by nine-tenths of the nation?
+
+The queen left Bath on Saturday, the 8th of November, and arrived at
+Windsor in the evening. The next day, the prince regent went from
+Carlton House to Windsor to see the queen; but the privacy of the visit
+did not permit it to be of long duration. We are able to give the
+particulars of this interview.
+
+Her majesty's mind had been disturbed by the receipt of a letter, from a
+medical gentleman, upon the subject of the _untimely_ death of the
+Princess Charlotte. No time was to be lost. The prince was requested
+immediately to see his royal mother; and, on his arrival, her majesty
+presented him with the letter, the contents of which proved, beyond
+doubt, that the writer had been an _eye-witness_ to some particular
+events connected with the dissolution of the much-lamented and
+tenderly-beloved princess.
+
+The letter commenced with the most respectful dedication to royalty, and
+prayed for an extra extension of candour and patience by her majesty,
+while the facts of which it was composed were examined and duly
+considered. The writer then proceeded,--"I am perfectly satisfied your
+majesty could not be _personally_ aware of the case, because of the
+distance your majesty then was from Claremont; but I submit it to your
+majesty's good feeling and judgment, if the particulars attendant upon
+this most lamentable loss ought not immediately to be most strictly
+inquired into. Refusal to do this, or to permit it being done, will only
+aggravate the matter, instead of setting the question at rest for ever.
+The public well know that all was not as it ought to have been,--that
+something had been neglected or imprudently attempted, that ought to
+have received a widely-different attention. As a proof that I do not
+intrude my remarks and remonstrances improperly, or without information
+upon the nicest points of the case, I will give reasons for my
+dissatisfaction. From the first moment Sir Richard Croft was placed in
+attendance upon her royal highness, there was no reason to anticipate or
+fear any unhappy results. The natural appearances were unequivocally
+satisfactory. Previous to the delivery, the infant was not supposed to
+be dead. It was quite unnecessary and unnatural to inform the princess
+that the child was still-born; such a communication is very seldom made
+to any female at such a moment. Camphor julaps are very seldom
+administered to a healthy patient, or where the stomach is sound,
+immediately after delivery, as the effect would generally be to produce
+irritation, sickness, and convulsion. Dr. Croft ought not to have
+retired to bed, presuming that her royal highness was so indisposed as
+to cause her incessant moaning, _which was really the case_. More than
+this, your majesty, about noon of the Wednesday, Dr. Croft said, 'I
+believe the princess might very quickly be delivered by having recourse
+to an _operation_; but I dare not perform it without the _presence_ and
+_sanction_ of her royal father, the prince regent.' I hope (continued
+the writer) that your majesty will see this plain statement in its own
+character, and that you will save all future disclosures of an
+unpleasant nature, by your timely recommendation of the subject to the
+prince regent, your son. Your majesty may believe I am induced by
+vindictive motives to offer these remarks; but that would prove an
+incorrect opinion; and unless your majesty causes a very prompt inquiry
+to be permitted upon the facts of this case, I fear yourself and family
+will finally have cause to regret the delay."
+
+The prince was much displeased that any subject should have dared to
+take such a liberty as to speak or write an unpleasant TRUTH to any of
+his _noble_ family,--more especially to the _queen_. It was an
+unpardonable transgression; yet, as the gentleman had given his name and
+address, it was a very delicate affair. The queen had so often witnessed
+the prostration of the multitudes of fashion's votaries, that she
+imagined much might be accomplished by commanding an interview, and
+subduing the voice of inquiry and truth by the splendour of pageantry,
+and the intoxicating smile of royalty. By her majesty's command,
+therefore, an interview took place. With her general air of confidence,
+the queen said, "I presume, Sir, you are the author of this letter?" "I
+am, please your majesty." "And what," said the queen, "am I to
+understand from such an unaccountable appeal to me and my family?" "I
+beg your majesty's pardon personally, as well as previously by letter,
+but I deemed it my duty to inform your majesty of my information upon
+the subject in question, and I am very sorry if your majesty does not
+think it necessary to have the most prudent means used to satisfy the
+public inquiry." The queen was very gracious, and smiling, said, "I will
+name your good intentions to the prince regent, and I will not forget
+them myself; but I can satisfy you, that your opinions upon the subject
+of your communication to me are incorrect." The gentleman rose, and was
+about to retire; but the queen had not attained her object. Her majesty,
+therefore, hastily said, "I trust you are convinced of the impropriety
+of your former opinions?" "No, please your majesty, I never can change
+my opinions upon this subject until I lose my principles, and I trust
+sincerely that I shall never endure such an humiliation while I retain
+my reason. But," added the gentleman, "your majesty must be well assured
+that I am acquainted with the greater portion of your family; yea, very
+intimately acquainted, not indecorously so, but in the discharge of my
+professional engagements. Your majesty well knows that I saw the
+lamented Princess Charlotte just before the unhappy event, and also am
+not ignorant of the constitution of your majesty's _daughters_. I
+therefore am bold to assert, that the death of her royal highness was
+not, and is not to be, naturally accounted for! It is true, that I am
+not known to the world in the capacity of accoucheur to your family; but
+your majesty knows, I have been your trusty and confidential servant
+upon more occasions than one; and I am now resolved to relinquish the
+royal favour, if it must be purchased at such an unknown expense."
+
+The queen retired, and so did the heart-stricken gentleman; but their
+ruminations and consequent determinations were very dissimilar. Her
+majesty was endeavouring to evade explanation; the gentleman, meditating
+upon the most prudent plan for adoption to put a period to the agitated
+feelings of the public.
+
+The reader may imagine that this professional person had been previously
+selected to render his services to some members of this illustrious
+family, which was actually the case. He had travelled more than twenty
+miles in the royal carriage, and had performed the most delicate
+offices. He knew royalty was not exempt from frailty, and that rank did
+not preserve its possessors from the commission of crime. Denial of this
+would prove abortive, for the gentleman LIVES, and would, if called
+upon, assert the same even at the expense of life. He does not fear the
+interdiction of a crowned head! neither would he shrink under "a special
+commission." He wields the two-edged sword of _truth_, and therefore
+defies the strong arm of power. He has seen enough of the wily snares of
+courtiers, and has retired from the unhallowed association with
+feelings of disgust, contempt, and detestation. The adulation of the
+parasites of royalty is odious to his ear; and, to save the increasing
+stings of an offended conscience, he is now publicly explicit upon this
+hateful subject. Despising secrecy and infamy, he openly avows enmity to
+such characters as are leagued against the peace and happiness of
+society; and their intentions to perpetuate their unjust, partial, and
+devastating system, must be checked by the information of those persons
+who are privy to the cause, as well as to the effects, of their
+overgrown power.
+
+The day after this unpleasant interview, the queen paid a visit to the
+king; and, as nearly two months had elapsed since her majesty visited
+her husband, it was productive of great anxiety on the part of the royal
+sufferer. The daily papers stated that "his majesty was much improved,
+and very tranquil, in consequence of the queen having paid him a visit."
+Does not this neglect of the poor afflicted king reflect disgrace upon
+her majesty? The wife who forgets her duty to the man she has espoused
+is undeserving the respect of society. _Who_ was Queen Charlotte, that
+the eyes of the public should be blinded, or their tongues mute, upon
+this apathy and unfeeling demeanour to the king, her husband, who had
+raised her from comparative poverty to affluence and greatness? Had
+similar inattention been manifested by the wife of a peasant, her
+neighbour's reproach would not have been wanting; but every one seemed
+afraid of impugning the character of a _queen_, so celebrated for
+_amiability_ and _virtue_! A few days after the interment of the
+Princess Charlotte and her infant, the queen again went off for the city
+of Bath! and we assert, without fear of contradiction, that her
+majesty's eye was never observed to be dim upon this most melancholy
+occasion. Let the world judge if such unfeeling deportment agreed with
+her majesty's reported sorrow.
+
+On the 19th of November, the Princess Charlotte and her infant were
+consigned to the tomb. The Dukes of York and Clarence were supporters to
+the chief mourner, Prince Leopold; and, after the ostentatious parade of
+funeral pomp, they retired without much appearance of sorrow. It was
+said that a king, or prince invested with royal power, could not attend
+the ceremony, or join in the cavalcade of a funeral. The regent,
+therefore, was not present at the closing scene of his child's hard
+destiny. But royalty has many privileges; distinct from the common herd
+of mankind. It must not, for instance, reside in the same habitation
+with a corpse, lest its delicately-refined nerves should sustain injury,
+or be excited to an extreme point of agony!
+
+The body of the unfortunate Charlotte was reported to have been
+embalmed, but the heart only was extracted; THE INTESTINES WERE NOT
+REMOVED! This was an unprecedented circumstance, as upon all former
+occasions this barbarous custom had been permitted. The surgeon who
+accompanied Prince Leopold from Germany was solicited to say _why_ this
+form had been omitted; and his suspicious reply was, "Neither now, nor
+at any future time, shall any power on earth induce me to speak one word
+upon the subject." He was then requested to give into the hand of Prince
+Leopold a sealed letter upon the subject; this he also positively
+refused to do, adding, at the same time, "the prince would not receive
+it." Very shortly afterwards, a letter _was_ conveyed into the prince's
+hand, offering "to communicate certain facts relative to the demise of
+the late princess, his consort, if he pleased to express his willingness
+to receive the same." His serene highness never paid attention to that
+letter.
+
+It was said, at the time of her royal highness' death, that Prince
+Leopold was so angry with the nurse (Mrs. Griffiths) that he turned her
+out of the house, without permitting her to stay to attend the funeral.
+One thing, however, is certain, that she has several sons in different
+public offices. To one of these, her favourite, she said, (when
+labouring under the effects of a dreadful illness she had shortly after
+the princess' death) "I have never kept but one HORRID SECRET from you,
+which has always weighed upon my mind; but I cannot communicate it,
+unless I am sure of death the next minute!"
+
+This Mrs. Griffiths certainly knows more about the death of her late
+royal mistress than she has yet thought proper to communicate; though,
+in one of her moments of compunction, she confessed to a friend of
+our's, that the Princess Charlotte had actually been POISONED, and
+related the way in which she found it out. Mrs. Griffiths stated, that,
+"after giving her royal highness some BROTH (not gruel) she became
+dreadfully convulsed; and, being struck with the peculiarity of the
+circumstance, she examined the cup from which her royal highness had
+drank. To her astonishment, she there perceived a _dark red sediment_,
+upon _tasting which_, HER TONGUE BECAME BLISTERED!!!" Mrs. Griffiths
+immediately asked Dr. Croft what he had administered to the princess;
+but she received no satisfactory answer. A few hours after this,
+however, the doctor said sufficient to prove that the princess had been
+MURDERED! As Mrs. Griffiths is now alive, we challenge her to deny this
+statement, if incorrect.
+
+The lamented princess was treated most cruelly by all around her, and
+one of the higher household asserted, that he believed her royal
+highness was left "two hours in the agonies of death, without any person
+going near her!" Mrs. Lewis, her waiting woman, has denied this
+statement; but it is well known, that Mrs. Lewis was placed as a _spy_
+about her royal highness even from her infancy.
+
+The last time the prince regent was at Claremont, not long before the
+princess' confinement, a most respectable gentleman heard him say, "A
+child of the Princess Charlotte shall never sit upon the throne." Did
+not this speak volumes as to her intended destruction? Surely no one can
+doubt, after these disclosures, that the Princess Charlotte fell a
+victim to a vile conspiracy.
+
+The murder of the Princess Charlotte proved the signal for letting loose
+the hounds of destruction upon her heart-broken mother. On the morning
+of the second day after her majesty's return to Bath, a lady had a
+private audience with her. The object of the interview was, to offer the
+services of her husband (an officer in the navy) in the impeachment and
+intended destruction of the honour of the Princess of Wales. "What
+situation does the person occupy?" said the queen. "He is a lieutenant,
+please your majesty." "What would be deemed a sufficient recompense for
+his attentions?" said her majesty. "Your majesty's good opinion is all
+my husband aspires to," said the lady; and, after a few unmeaning
+expressions of civility, she retired. Lord Liverpool was consulted, and
+gave his opinion that the person in question could not be implicitly
+relied on; and a messenger was therefore sent to the gentleman,
+according to the address left by his wife, declining the offered
+service; and stating that "her majesty had no unkind or ungenerous
+feelings towards the Princess of Wales, and had quite misunderstood the
+offer, having supposed it to be made under very opposite circumstances."
+The lady was recommended to the queen's notice by Lord Castlereagh,
+though doubts were entertained whether the lieutenant might be trusted,
+as he was believed to be anti-ministerial.
+
+We here relate another fact, relative to the Princess of Wales'
+persecutors:--A certain personage sought for an interview with an
+individual whom we will disguise under the name of Captain Rock. "Well,"
+said his royal highness to the captain, "I wish to engage your
+services; you are well acquainted with Italy; we expect the Princess of
+Wales will be at Pisa in about three months, and as you have served us
+before, we suppose you will have no objection to do so again; you shall
+not want for cash." The offer was accepted, and his royal highness
+_wrote_ this offer upon paper, and a sum was advanced on the evening of
+the same day. This mean slave of power departed; but, before following
+the instructions of his royal employer, went off to London, and
+communicated to Lord Castlereagh his mission, requiring five hundred
+pounds more, declaring the _written_ promise should strictly be
+enforced, as he had been a loser by his former services. The amount
+demanded was given. "I assure you, my lord," said the captain, "I will
+execute my commission well; but I must also be paid well." Lord
+Castlereagh assented, and this unmanly spy took his leave of England to
+wait the expected arrival of the princess at Pisa.
+
+These proceedings against her royal highness soon manifested themselves
+in a commission being appointed at Milan; and rumours were circulated in
+this country that her conduct was at variance with propriety.
+
+Mr. LEECH, a Chancery barrister of some eminence, and who was
+subsequently elevated to the situation of Vice-Chancellor, and is now
+Master of the Rolls; Mr. COOK, also a barrister, and a writer of great
+eminence on the subject of bankruptcy; Mr. POWELL, a gentleman of
+private fortune and connected with the court; a Colonel BROWN, the
+impropriety of whose conduct met with general disapprobation; and Lord
+STEWART, the cowardly lordling who had repeatedly vilified the character
+of the princess, and had even personally insulted her, were selected as
+the individuals proper to conduct an inquiry into the character and
+conduct of her royal highness, during her residence on the Continent. To
+Milan they repaired. A person by the name of Vimercati was selected as
+the Italian agent. Colonel Brown was stationed to assist him. Salaries
+were of course attached to their respective offices, and each individual
+had his post assigned him. Vimercati was invested with the greater part
+of the management of this affair, and the nature of his conduct and
+proceedings cannot but excite mingled feelings of surprise and horror.
+
+By this commission, witnesses were first obtained, then examined, and
+re-examined; exorbitant prices were offered to them for their testimony,
+and threats were made to those who shewed, or pretended to shew, any
+dislike subsequently to appear to verify their statements. Rastelli,
+afterwards a witness, was employed as _courier_, and to him was
+delegated the all-powerful argument of a _long purse_. Dumont, while in
+the hands of this commission, carried on a correspondence with her
+sister, (who was still in the queen's service) through the medium of
+Baron D'Ompteda, (the villain we mentioned a few pages back) for the
+purpose of obtaining information from her majesty's servants. And Omati
+was paid by D'Ompteda for stealing papers, for the use of the
+commission, from his master, who was her majesty's professional agent at
+Milan. These are facts proved by witnesses whose characters are
+irreproachable, and whose evidence is as well written as parole.
+
+
+The year
+
+     1818
+
+was a dark and troubled period,--a period of great private distress,--so
+that the minds of men were bent with more acerbity than usual upon the
+redress of public grievances. The country, borne down by debt, harassed
+by taxation, which had no longer for its excuse a monopoly of commerce,
+looked naturally enough to the source from which these calamities had
+flowed. They found the theory and the practice of the constitution at
+variance, and hearing they had a right to be taxed by their
+representatives, they thought it hard and unjust that over the great
+majority of those who taxed them they had no controul. Retrenchment and
+economy were what they required. They considered parliamentary reform
+would be the means of producing economy and retrenchment. Public
+meetings in favour of parliamentary reform were, therefore, held,
+resolutions in favour of it passed, and petitions in favour of it
+presented to the two houses of parliament; the energies of a free people
+were roused, and great excitement prevailed. When a country is thus
+agitated, a minister must resist with vigour, or yield with grace.
+Unjust and violent demands should be met with resistance; but sober and
+legitimate requests, with concession. When weakly opposed, they are
+obtained by immediate violence; successfully refused, they are put off
+for a day, or postponed for a week or a year; but they are not got rid
+of. Lord Castlereagh and Mr. Canning, however, were vain enough to think
+otherwise.
+
+Parliament was opened by commission in January. The speech referred to
+the continued indisposition of his majesty, and the death of the
+Princess Charlotte; but without promising an inquiry into the _cause_ of
+her untimely end! An address was voted in the Commons' House, according
+to custom, though Sir Samuel Romilly was not wanting in his expressions
+of severe opposition to the course ministers were pursuing. He stated,
+"that the despotic conduct of the ministry had produced in the minds of
+the people a determination to withstand any further infringement upon
+their rights and privileges."
+
+Totally regardless of the sufferings of an over-burdened people,
+however, and during the very heavy and calamitous sorrows of the middle
+and lower classes, the chancellor of the Exchequer had the effrontery to
+move "that one million of money be raised for the purpose of supplying
+the deficiency of places of worship belonging to the establishment, by
+building new churches and chapels of ease, where the increase of
+population rendered it needful." How applicable are the words of
+Tartuffe to the advocates of this measure! "With one hand, I have
+encouraged spies, suborned perjury, and committed murders; and with the
+other, built churches,--_but not with my own money_!" The bill passed,
+and an extra "plume of worldly-mindedness" was consequently placed in
+the cap of hypocrisy! Oh! that the pure religion of our Saviour should
+be thus perverted! His kingdom was not of this world, neither did he
+luxuriate in the "good things" of the earth. Did he wear lawn sleeves
+and a mitre? Did he loll in gaudy carriages, and look down with
+supercilious contempt on his poorer brethren? Did he require _theatres_
+for his churches, or _perfumed_ divines to preach his gospel? Did he
+interfere with political matters, and exert his energies to enslave the
+people? We leave these questions to be answered by those locusts of the
+land, commonly called _bishops_ of the _established_ church; at the same
+time we call upon them to reflect, whether, if hereafter they should
+feel inclined to recall the opportunity of conciliating the respect of
+the country, they will not have the misfortune of finding it much too
+late!
+
+If our readers were to look over the singular parliamentary proceedings
+at this gloomy period of our history, they would be forcibly struck with
+the littleness, servility, and the utter want of intellectual calibre,
+so fully set forth in the characters of those who conducted the solemn
+mockery of legislation. The most unjust and arbitrary laws were put in
+force, and the public money allowed to be squandered, without the least
+inquiry. As a proof of this last remark, we need only mention the fact
+of _ninety thousand pounds_ being voted for the department of the
+"Master of the Horse," who kept thirty saddle and twenty-eight carriage
+horses for the use of his majesty, yet the king had never been out of
+the castle for more than seven years! This disgraceful squandering of
+money was carried on, too, when honest citizens and affectionate fathers
+were incapable of providing bread for themselves and families! Indeed,
+Lord Liverpool seemed resolved to push the country to its utmost verge,
+by proposing and sanctioning every expensive outlay. He was, with Lords
+Castlereagh and Sidmouth, the author of many plans to perplex,
+impoverish, and subdue the people, in which plans the _bishops_ most
+zealously assisted. Every contrivance that had the sanction of the queen
+was sure to be _well-managed_, till Justice herself was set at open
+defiance.
+
+Our readers will recollect our former statements respecting the Princess
+Charlotte, and we think the circumstance we are now about to relate will
+not operate against the proofs we have adduced concerning her untimely
+end.
+
+Dr. Sir Richard Croft, the accoucheur of that lamented princess, had
+been engaged to attend the lady of the Rev. Dr. Thackeray, at her house,
+86, Wimpole-street, Cavendish-square. Sir Richard went there on Monday,
+the 9th of February, and remained in attendance until Thursday morning,
+at eleven o'clock, when, finding his continued presence unnecessary, he
+went out for a short time to fulfil his other engagements. An apartment
+on the floor above that occupied by Mrs. Thackeray was appointed for
+the residence of Sir Richard. In this chamber, there were two pistols
+belonging to Dr. Thackeray, hanging within the reach of Dr. Croft. Sir
+Richard retired to bed at half-past twelve, and about one, Dr. Thackeray
+heard a noise, apparently proceeding from the room occupied by Dr.
+Croft, and sent a female servant to ascertain the cause; she returned,
+saying, "the doctor is in bed, and I conceive him to be asleep." A short
+time after, a similar noise was heard, and the servant was sent again.
+She rapped at the door, but received no answer. This circumstance
+created alarm; in consequence of which, the door of his apartment was
+broken open. Here an awful spectacle presented itself. The body of Sir
+Richard was lying on the bed, shockingly mangled, his hands extended
+over his breast, and a pistol in each hand. One of the pistols had been
+loaded with slugs, the other with ball. Both were discharged, and the
+head of the unfortunate gentleman was literally blown to pieces.
+
+On the inquest, Doctors Latham and Baillie, and Mr. Finch, proved that
+the deceased had, since the death of the Princess Charlotte, laboured
+under mental distress. He had frequently been heard to say, that "this
+lamentable occurrence weighs heavily on my mind, and I shall never get
+over it." Mr. Finch said, he was well aware that the deceased had been
+labouring under derangement of intellect for a considerable time past;
+and he should not have reposed confidence or trust in him on any
+occasion since the lamented catastrophe alluded to. The jury returned a
+verdict, "that the deceased destroyed himself while in a fit of
+temporary derangement."
+
+During the inquest, the newspaper reporters were denied admission, which
+circumstance gave rise to various rumours of a suspicious tendency. This
+was certainly an unconstitutional act; but we will, as honest
+historians, speak candidly upon the subject. Delicacy to surviving
+friends must not prevent our detail of facts.
+
+It will appear evident, then, that Sir Richard had not been perfectly
+sane since the ever-to-be-regretted fatal event at Claremont. Was it not
+therefore astonishing, that his professional as well as other friends,
+who were _suspicious_, if not _fully aware_, of the doctor's
+derangement, should have been silent upon this important point, and have
+allowed Sir Richard to continue in the exercise of his professional
+practice? Did they not, by such silence, contribute to the peril of
+females in the most trying moment of nature's sorrow? The
+_disinterested_ reader will, doubtless, join us in our expressions of
+indignation at such wanton and cruel conduct.
+
+The letter written to Sir Richard, by order of the prince, proves
+nothing but the folly of those who advised it. That letter was not
+calculated to remove any of those suspicions respecting the untimely
+death of the Princess Charlotte, which rolled like heavy clouds over the
+intelligent minds of the greater portion of the nation; neither was it
+likely to hush the spirit of _inquiry_, because its details were
+evidently meant to prevent any special explanation. The Marquis of
+Hertford, chamberlain to the regent, well knew, at this period, how to
+estimate _medicinal cause and effect_!
+
+Presuming my Lord Bloomfield to have been an actor in "the tragedy," we
+cannot help thinking that his reward was more than adequate to the
+_services_ performed. His pension of twelve hundred pounds per annum was
+dated December, 1817. What extraordinary benefits had he rendered to
+this oppressed nation to merit such an income? We ought also to mention,
+that, after this period, we find his lordship named as "envoy and
+minister-plenipotentiary in Sweden," for which he received the annual
+sum of four thousand, nine hundred pounds, and, as colonel of artillery,
+one thousand and three pounds, making in all the enormous annual sum of
+seven thousand, one hundred, and three pounds!
+
+These remarks are not intended to wound the feelings of private
+families; but are made with a view to urge a strict investigation into
+the cause of the Princess Charlotte's death. We are well aware that many
+_great_ persons have reason to fear the result of such an inquiry, yet
+the injured ought to have justice administered, even at the "eleventh
+hour," if it cannot sooner be obtained. Many a murderer has been
+executed twenty, or even thirty, years after the commission of his
+crime!
+
+Though at this time ministers had a parliament almost entirely devoted
+to their wishes, there were a few members of it who vigorously opposed
+unjust measures, and they could not always carry their plans into
+execution. The amount solicited for the Duke of Clarence upon his
+intended marriage with the Princess of Saxe Meiningen is a proof of
+this; for, although the regent sent a message to the House to accomplish
+this object, it was at _first_ refused, and the duke did not gain his
+point till a considerable time afterwards.
+
+In this year, the Duke of Kent was united to a sister of Prince Leopold.
+
+In September, while most requisite to her party, the queen was taken
+ill. Bulletin followed upon bulletin, and the disorder was reported to
+increase. Some of the public papers announced, that her majesty had
+expressed an ardent desire to witness a _reconciliation_ between the
+Prince and Princess of Wales, as she imagined her dissolution was now
+near at hand. The report, however, was as false as it was unlikely; for,
+only a month before this period, _spies_ had been despatched to obtain
+witnesses, _of any description_, against the honour of the princess, by
+which means her enemies hoped to accomplish their most ardent desires.
+Queen Charlotte's _conscience_ was not of a penetrable nature as her
+bitter enmity to the Princess of Wales continued even to her death!
+
+With her majesty, it had ever been an invariable maxim, that "might
+constitutes right;" but the reflections of her mind, while surveying the
+probability of a speedy dissolution, must have been of a complexion too
+dreary to be faithfully pictured. She,--who had been the arbitress of
+the fates of nations, whose commands none dared dispute or disobey, and
+at whose frown numberless sycophants and dependents trembled,--was now
+about to face the dread enemy of mankind! The proud heart of Queen
+Charlotte must have been humbled at the thought of meeting HER Judge,
+who is said to be "no distinguisher of persons."
+
+During her indisposition, the queen seemed much impressed with the idea
+that she should recover, and it was not till the 2nd of November that
+the physicians deemed it requisite to acquaint the queen of her danger.
+The intelligence was given in the most delicate manner possible; yet her
+majesty exhibited considerable alarm at the information. It was
+pressingly hinted by the princesses to their mother, that the sacrament
+ought to be administered; but the queen positively refused the "holy
+rite," saying, "It is of no use, as I am unable to take it." One of the
+princesses immediately said, "You do not mean to say that you MURDERED
+THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE?" "No," faintly answered the queen, "BUT I
+CONNIVED AT IT!" We pledge ourselves to the truth of this statement,
+however incredible it may appear to those who have considered Queen
+Charlotte as "a pattern to her sex." When the general servility of the
+press to royalty is taken into consideration, it is hardly to be
+wondered at that people are misinformed as to the real characters of
+kings and queens. Take the following false and most inconsistent
+eulogium, copied from the "Atlas" newspaper, as an example of this
+time-serving violation of truth:
+
+     "Queen Charlotte's _constant attendance on the king_, and her
+     GRIEF FOR THE LOSS OF HER GRAND-DAUGHTER, gained ground on her
+     constitution; and her majesty expired at Kew, on the 17th of
+     November, 1818. _In all the relations of a wife and mother_,
+     the conduct of the queen had been EXEMPLARY. Pious, without
+     bigotry; virtuous, but not austere; serious, yet capable of
+     the most perfect enjoyment of innocent pleasure;
+     unostentatious, economical, adorned with all domestic virtues,
+     and not without the charities of human nature, the queen had
+     lived respected, and she died full of years and honour,
+     regretted by her subjects, and most by those who knew her
+     best. If her talents were not shining, nor her virtues
+     extraordinary, she never employed the first in faction, nor
+     bartered the second for power. She was occasionally accused of
+     political interference, by contemporary jealousy; but history
+     will acquit her of the charge. She was a strict moralist,
+     though her conduct to one part of her family (the heroic
+     Caroline, we suppose) was perhaps more RIGOROUS than JUST. Her
+     proudest drawing-room was the hearth of her home. HER
+     BRIGHTEST GEMS WERE HER CHILDREN, (heaven save the mark!) _and
+     her greatest ambition to set an example of_ MATRONLY VIRTUE
+     _and feminine dignity to the ladies of her adopted country_!"
+
+We should absolutely blush for the writer of this paragraph, did we
+think that he really _meant_ his panegyric to be taken _literally_. For
+the sake of _common honesty_, however, we will not suppose he so
+intended it; he must be some severe critic who adopted this style as the
+_keenest kind of wit_, for
+
+     "Praise undeserved is satire in disguise!"
+
+The _august_ remains of this royal lady were, on the 2nd of December,
+deposited in the vault prepared for their reception, with all the
+parade usual on such expensive occasions. We will not detain our
+readers by describing the funeral pomp, though we cannot avoid noticing
+that the body was not opened, but immediately enclosed in prepared
+wrappers, and very speedily deposited in the first coffin, which was a
+leaden one. Indeed, her majesty was not in a fit state to undergo the
+usual formalities of embalming, &c. Her body was literally a moving mass
+of corruption.
+
+Let us now sum up the mortal train of evils which were so _generously_
+nourished "by the departed," for virtues she had none. The power of
+royalty may intimidate the irresolute, astonish the uninformed, or bribe
+the villain; but, as we do not claim affinity with either of these
+characters, we honestly avow, that her majesty did not deserve the title
+"of blessed memory." At the commencement of her alliance with the
+much-to-be-pitied George the Third, she took every advantage of his
+weakness, and actually directed the helm of government _alone_, which
+untoward circumstance England has abundant cause to remember!
+
+The next brother to the king, (Edward) whom we have before mentioned,
+was most unexpectedly and unaccountably sent abroad, notwithstanding his
+being next in succession. His royal highness' marriage with a descendant
+of the Stuarts, though strictly legal, was never acknowledged by Queen
+Charlotte, and his only child, soon after its birth, was thrown upon the
+compassionate attention of strangers. As there is something so horrible
+relative to the death of this amiable duke and duchess, and something
+so heartless and cruel in the treatment to which their only son has been
+subjected, we are induced, for the sake of truth and justice, to lay a
+brief statement of the matter before our readers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Historians have either been treacherous or ignorant of the circumstances
+connected with the case of this Duke of York, who was the second son of
+Frederick, Prince of Wales, and next brother of George the Third. Most
+writers have represented "that he died in consequence of a malignant
+fever," as we have before mentioned; but one historian ventured to
+assert that "Edward, Duke of York, was ASSASSINATED in September, 1767,
+near Monaco, in Italy!" This statement, we are sorry to say, is but too
+true, which caused the book containing it to be bought up at an immense
+expense. The unhappy widow of his royal highness was then far advanced
+in pregnancy, and very shortly after this melancholy, and (to her)
+irreparable loss, she came over to England, and took up her residence at
+Haverford West, in South Wales. At this place, her royal highness gave
+birth to a son, whose baptism was duly entered in the register of St.
+Thomas' parish. What afterwards became of this illustrious lady,
+however, is not known; but her infant was, shortly after its birth,
+conveyed to London, and placed, by George the Third, under the immediate
+care and protection of a tradesman and his wife, by whom he was
+represented to be their own son. This tradesman, although only
+twenty-seven years of age, enjoyed the particular confidence of his
+majesty, and has been known to walk with the king by the hour, in the
+gardens adjoining Buckingham House, conversing with all the familiarity
+of an old acquaintance or an especial friend, and who at all times could
+command an interview with his majesty, or with the ministers. When about
+twelve years old, this ill-fated offspring of the duke was placed at
+Eton, upon which occasion his majesty took especial notice of the youth,
+and was in the habit of conversing very freely with him. He had not been
+long at Eton when his majesty allowed him to go with his _reputed_
+father to see the hounds throw off at Taplow Heath; a chaise was ordered
+for this purpose, and they arrived just before the deer were let out.
+Upon their alighting, the king rode up to them, and expressed his very
+great satisfaction at the appearance of the youth; and, after asking
+many questions relative to the arrangements made for him at school,
+said, "Well, my little fellow, do you be a good boy, and you shall never
+want friends. Good bye, good bye; the deer will soon be out!" His
+majesty then rode back to his attendants. Whenever George the Third
+passed through Eton, it was his invariable practice either to speak to,
+or inquire after, this youth, in whose welfare he ever appeared deeply
+interested. From Eton, he was removed to college; and after this period,
+vexations of an unpleasant nature were experienced by this orphan: his
+income was too limited, and unkindness and illiberality were too
+frequently his portion; even during severe indisposition, he was
+permitted to languish without being supplied with sufficient means to
+procure the needful restoratives. His life now became little else than
+one continued scene of unhappiness; his associates at the university
+were well acquainted with these facts, and appeared deeply interested in
+his welfare, regretting that the mind and talent of such an amiable and
+promising youth should be enervated by the severity or inattention of
+his connexions. But as he had been severely rebuked for making a
+complaint, and offering a remonstrance, he resolved to suffer in "silent
+sorrow," much to the injury of his mental enjoyments. During a vacation,
+and previous to his removal from college, a dispute arose amongst the
+members of his reputed father's family upon the subject of religion. The
+debate at length assumed a formidable appearance, and bigotry plainly
+supplied the place of sound reasoning. The family separated in the
+evening, each displeased with the other, and all, except one individual,
+at issue with the royal protege. Early in the ensuing morning, this
+dissentient member of the family requested the favour of an interview
+with the illustrious youth, and remarked, that the occurrence was not a
+matter of surprise, as the very peculiar circumstances connected with
+the reputed father of the young gentleman were of a most serious
+description. "To what do you allude?" said the youth. "You ought to
+know," answered this honourable friend, "that you have no right to
+submit to insult here. You are the highest person in this house, and
+are, by your rank, entitled to the greatest respect from every one. Your
+_pretended_ father forgets his duty and his engagements, when he permits
+you to be treated with disrespect; and if his majesty knew these
+circumstances, your abode would soon be changed; and your profession
+would be abandoned. The king never would allow an indignity to be
+offered to you in any way, much less by the person into whose care he
+has so confidingly entrusted you." "What!" said the young prince, "am I
+not the son of Mr. ******? but, if I am, why should his majesty take so
+much interest in my case?" "No," answered his informant, "you are not
+the son of Mr. ******. But ask no more; my life might probably pay for
+my explanation!" From this period, the subject of our memoir was treated
+with the greatest unkindness and personal indignity by almost every
+member of his reputed father's family. Indeed, the imperious behaviour
+of the elder branches was such as could not be passed over in silence;
+in consequence of which, the high-spirited and noble victim was sent
+back to college for the remainder of the vacation, with little more in
+his purse than would defray the expenses of the journey; but the command
+was peremptory! After remaining some time in utter destitution, the
+royal protege wrote to request an early supply of cash, naming for what
+purposes. This appeal was considered as the effect of extravagance and
+profligacy, and, instead of being properly complied with, was answered
+with acrimony, every thing the reverse of parental feeling. Under these
+heart-rending circumstances, did this ill-fated son of Prince Edward
+labour for nearly four years at the university,--not daring to make any
+further appeals to the austere, impatient, and arbitrary person, to
+whose care the king had so fully, though _secretly_, entrusted him. At
+length, however, a severe illness was the consequence; and censure, in
+no very measured terms, was heaped upon the unfeeling character who had
+so cruelly immolated a promising and worthy young gentleman, and who, he
+well knew, was of the most illustrious descent. Those who were
+acquainted with the particulars of the case were most incensed against
+such heartless conduct. Mr. ****** had undertaken the important charge
+of seeing this protege able to realize the ardent wish of his majesty,
+either as a legal or clerical character, and thereby, in some degree,
+provided for. But, while his majesty's nephew was refused means to live
+respectably, and excluded from all youthful amusements, the real sons of
+his reputed father were allowed all the pleasures and enjoyments of
+life. At his final removal from college, this ill-treated prince
+represented to his unfeeling guardian that he should take greater
+pleasure in pursuing legal to clerical engagements; but his wishes in
+this, as in most other matters, were totally disregarded, and the church
+was destined, by arbitrary will, to be his profession. He, therefore, at
+the proper age, was compelled to take orders, and enter upon a
+profession he had not chosen. As the home of his reputed father was
+scarcely to be endured, a curacy was eagerly accepted, and the son of
+the Duke of York, the nephew of George the Third, was transformed into
+"a clergyman of the church of England!!!" Here he toiled in an obscure
+village, scarcely receiving sufficient means to discharge the small
+demands required for his maintenance!
+
+Shortly after this, the principal of the living died insolvent, and the
+little remuneration due to the curate could not be obtained. In this
+distressing state of affairs, the persecuted prince could obtain no
+settlement from his guardian; yet from comparative nothingness, this man
+was raised to affluence, and was then living in much style, keeping his
+carriage and horses, inhabiting a mansion of very superior description,
+and the whole of his family enjoying every superfluity of life. _He_,
+however, on whose sole account this sumptuous appearance was bestowed,
+was "eating the bread of Carefulness, and reposing upon the couch of
+Sorrow!" We need not enter more fully into the case of this unfortunate,
+but worthy, descendant of Prince Edward, than say, that, from the
+commencement of his studies to a very recent period, he has been the
+VICTIM OF POWER! His sufferings and his sorrows have been too great for
+language to describe; and, but for the blessings of a fine constitution,
+he must have fallen under them. But, if he be called upon in a suitable
+manner, we doubt not that he has yet preserved to him sufficient of his
+natural courage, though in his 65th year, to make "False Accusation
+blush, and Tyranny tremble at Patience!"
+
+We claim the attention of our readers while we offer PROOF that our
+assertions are founded upon the glorious principle of TRUTH. We have
+ourselves, to elucidate this matter, examined all the registers of the
+various parishes in Carnarvonshire and Carmarthenshire, and found every
+register complete from 1760, until we came to that of St. Thomas,
+Haverford West, at which place we could not find a single register
+before the year 1776. To substantiate this fact, we subjoin the
+following certificate of the parish clerk:
+
+
+                                              "Haverford West,
+                                           "Parish of St. Thomas.
+
+"There are no registers in the possession of the present rector of the
+above parish, prior to the year 1776.
+
+                               (Signed) "JOSEPH LLOYD MORGAN,
+                                                  "Parish Clerk."
+
+"13th Sept., 1831."
+
+
+Here, then, is a BLANK for which no apology can be received,--no
+obsequious profession of sorrow or regret can compensate. We presume to
+declare that if the parish registers throughout the whole of the United
+Kingdoms be investigated, a similar defect will not be found. We are,
+therefore, justified in supposing that this defect arose _solely_ and
+_entirely_ from concerted measures, to keep the subject of our memoir
+from ever having it in his power to bring _legal_ proof of his noble
+descent.
+
+The time will probably arrive when we may be permitted to enter more
+fully into this atrocious business, and then we shall not spare the
+"Oppressors of Innocence," for truth is bold, and not always to be
+defied! It would have been better for such oppressors to have never seen
+the light than to have gained their wicked purposes by such an unmanly
+sacrifice of the rights of nature. Every individual ought to feel
+interested in the full and fair explanation of this chicanery; for if
+such misdeeds are suffered to remain unpunished, a safeguard is offered
+to future tyrants! Startling facts like these speak volumes, and any
+honest and upright member of the community will not need more than their
+simple avowal to rouse his indignation. Such encroachments on the rights
+of individuals call aloud for retributive justice, and we trust the call
+will not long be made in vain. Surely there is yet sufficient virtue
+left amongst us to prevent this once great nation from being sacrificed
+to the fluctuating interests or wayward prejudices of ministers, or even
+of a monarch! It is high time to shake off all lethargy! This, as well
+as many other subjects, which we have exposed,--_deserve_,--nay,
+DEMAND,--_parliamentary investigation_. Hitherto, some dreadful
+infatuation seems to have presided over the councils of this country.
+Insatiable ambition has caused all the horrors imposed upon the United
+Kingdoms, and has plunged a professedly free and great people into debt
+and disgrace. Indolence now, therefore, is only comparable with the
+conduct of a prodigal, who has wasted his estate without reflection, and
+then has not the courage to examine his accounts; far be this from
+Britons!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+From this digression, we return to the consideration of Queen
+Charlotte's character. The open and virtuous conduct of the Earl of
+Chatham, and his rebuffs from the queen in consequence thereof affords
+another proof of the domination which her majesty endeavoured to
+exercise over all advisers of the crown. The imbecility of the king,
+owing to circumstances formerly noticed by us, as well as the horrors of
+a ruinous war, must also be ascribed to the dictatorial conduct of Queen
+Charlotte. The unjustifiable hatred her majesty imbibed against the
+Princess of Wales, and the consequent unfeeling demeanour she exhibited
+to that victim, would of itself be sufficient to refute the praises of
+her minions, and stamp her name with everlasting infamy. But many other
+convincing proofs are upon record. Her majesty well knew that the
+country was bending under an enormous load of debt, which encumbered its
+inhabitants; she knew of their sufferings and complaints; but the
+appealing voices of reason and supplication were never deemed worthy of
+her attention. What traits of "matronly" goodness or natural affection
+did she exhibit for the Princess Charlotte, when advancing to the hour
+of her peril? And what proofs have we of "her grief for the loss of her
+grand-daughter" so satirically ascribed, by the writer quoted a few
+pages back, to be one of the causes of her majesty's last illness? Alas!
+her majesty's abject, though horrible, confession on her death-bed,
+relative to this unfortunate princess, too fatally corroborated the
+infamy of her general conduct! We need not proceed farther with her
+majesty's character; this, this unnatural act is enough to chill the
+blood in the veins of every human being!
+
+At this time, very little was said of the afflicted king; indeed the
+bulletins assumed such a sameness of expression, that the country
+thought there was not satisfactory evidence to prove the sovereign was
+_really alive_. His majesty's disorder did not require that close and
+solitary confinement so arbitrarily imposed upon him. If he had been a
+private gentleman, associated with an affectionate wife and dutiful
+children, would he not have frequently been persuaded to take an airing
+in an open carriage? But how infinitely superior were the facilities
+attendant upon the situation of the king than could possibly be
+possessed by any private gentleman! His majesty had long been
+languishing, and was, at the commencement of
+
+
+1819,
+
+insensible to all around him. Death was evidently making rapid strides,
+and yet the bulletins continued of the same general expression.
+
+At this time, we had the honour of being personally acquainted with one
+of the king's sons, whose integrity has ever been considered
+unimpeachable, both in his public and private character. The information
+we received relative to the KING'S DEATH came directly from his royal
+highness.
+
+It will be remembered, that much doubt prevailed upon the reality of the
+king's existence, and numerous bets were entered into upon the subject
+by persons in the higher circles. Notwithstanding this, on the 25th of
+January, the Earl of Liverpool introduced a motion to the House of Lords
+for the purpose of nominating the Duke of York to the office of
+"guardian to the king," as, in consequence of the demise of her majesty,
+that trust had become vacant. Much altercation ensued. The duke's former
+delinquencies had not been forgotten, and the country was tired with the
+subjection they then endured from the IMPOSING privileges of royalty.
+But, in despite of all opposition and remonstrance, the care of the
+king's person was committed to the Duke of York, for which his royal
+highness had the unblushing effrontery to receive TEN THOUSAND POUNDS A
+YEAR FOR VISITING HIS DYING FATHER TWICE A WEEK!!! What an unprecedented
+example of avarice and undutifulness was here manifested by a son to his
+parent, who would have travelled the same distance any time to have
+gratified his passions! Oh, Shame! where is thy blush? Oh, Infamy, art
+thou not now detected? A few weeks after this motion had received the
+approbation of the agents of corruption, the long-afflicted and
+disappointed GEORGE THE THIRD DIED! but the event was carefully
+concealed from the public. PRAYERS WERE STILL READ IN CHURCHES FOR HIS
+RECOVERY, though the bishops knew they were _mocking heaven_, by praying
+for the life of one who was _already dead_! Ye sticklers for upholding
+the present impious system of church government, what say ye to this?
+Could Infamy and Blasphemy go any farther? And yet those at the head of
+this system are still allowed to insult the country by proposing general
+fasts to people already starving, as well as impiously accusing the
+Almighty with spreading distress and pestilence over the land which they
+themselves have laid waste by their rapacity and worldly-mindedness!
+While the clergy were praying for the life of the _deceased_ king to be
+preserved, the apartments formerly in the occupation of his majesty were
+kept in the same state as when the monarch was alive, and the royal
+body, after being embalmed, was placed in a leaden coffin of needful
+substance. Our royal informant went on to state, that these impositions
+were practised upon the public to give time for selecting proper persons
+to be despatched to Milan, or elsewhere, to gain intelligence what the
+Princess of Wales intended upon the demise of the king, as, in that
+event occurring, her royal highness would become queen consort.
+
+Notwithstanding all this cunning and trickery, her royal highness was
+informed of the death of her father-in-law many months before it became
+publicly known. A junior branch of the royal family wrote to her, "The
+king is now dead, but this event will not be made known to the nation
+till certain arrangements are made, on behalf of the prince regent, _to
+degrade you_; and either keep you abroad for the remainder of your life,
+void of your title as Queen of England, and with other restrictions, or
+to obtain witnesses, and, giving you the _form_ of a trial, insult and
+destroy you!" Her royal highness, however, was precluded from _acting_
+upon this information by her correspondent, who enjoined her to the
+strictest secrecy till the event should be made known to her by the
+ministers of the crown.
+
+In the mean time, every opportunity to suppress unpleasant inquiries or
+investigations upon subjects connected with royalty and the time-serving
+ministry were carefully embraced. That unparalleled junto, Liverpool,
+Castlereagh, Sidmouth, and others of the same profession, not forgetting
+our dear venerable Lord Eldon and the _pious_ bishops, were well aware
+of George the Third's death, at the time it happened. They had, indeed,
+been expecting it for some time; yet these were the persons who assisted
+to deceive the public mind, and prevent the straightforward
+acknowledgment of TRUTH! The evidence we have adduced of this fact is so
+palpable and strong, that he who can resist its force must be strangely
+void of perception, or else have made a previous resolve not to suffer
+himself to be the subject of conviction.
+
+In the early part of May, several persons were introduced at court, and
+received the royal smile, on being appointed to investigate the private
+conduct of the Princess of Wales. Their _purses_ were also amply
+supplied by the royal command, and if further sums were found needful,
+they received letters of credit upon the principal banking houses named
+in the route they had to take. If any person in the common ranks of life
+gives away that which is not his to give, he renders himself liable to
+transportation; but it is said, a "king can do no wrong!" The most
+disreputable of society were solicited to give information against the
+Princess of Wales, either with regard to any public or private
+intelligence they might have received; the most liberal offers were also
+made to remunerate the persons so inquired of. After an immense expense,
+information, though of a doubtful character, against the princess was
+obtained, ONLY BY PURCHASE; and various were the despatches sent over to
+this country, and answered by the ministerial plotters, who exerted all
+their energies to bring the business to a consummation.
+
+During such disreputable transactions, the princess knew the _real_
+cause of all the attempts to insult and degrade her character; and she,
+therefore, without delay, advised with her legal friends what steps were
+most proper to take. Alas! the princess was doomed only to receive fresh
+insults; delay followed delay; excuses of the most palliative
+description were used, instead of sound advice and positive opinion, and
+it appeared as if every hand were raised against her! Indeed, the
+perplexed and mortifying situation of the princess was attended with
+such dangerous consequences, that, had she not been a most _courageous_
+woman, and supported by her _innocence_, she must have sank under her
+fears. Driven into exile, abandoned by the ministry, deserted by her
+friends, through the bribery of her enemies, attacked by her _nearest
+relations_, the only resource she had left was in committing her person,
+her sceptre, her crown, and her honour, to the care of the
+representatives of the British people. For our own parts, we cannot
+forget that when she was accused before parliament on a former occasion,
+the whole nation was melted into tears, or inflamed with rage; and,
+except those princes and their minions, who should have felt for her the
+most, there was found but one heart, one will, and one voice, on the
+subject throughout the kingdoms! Nor can it have escaped the observation
+of our countrymen, that all those persons, originally employed in
+bringing to trial this illustrious and virtuous woman, have been
+munificently rewarded; while those who advocated her cause, and stood
+between her and the axe uplifted for her destruction, have experienced
+nothing but the blackest calumny and detraction.
+
+Lord Moira, the author of the first investigation, was made Marquis of
+Hastings, and Governor-General of India. This individual, however,
+desired his _right hand might be amputated immediately after his
+decease, as an expiatory judgment against himself, in having signed
+dishonourable deeds to injure the happiness of the princess_. Conant,
+the poor Marlborough-street magistrate, who procured the attested
+evidence for impeachment, was created Sir Nathaniel, with an increase of
+a _thousand pounds_ a year, as chief of all the police offices. The
+Douglases were all either elevated to wealth, office, or rank. The
+Jerseys stood in the sunshine of the court; and the Rev. Mr. Bates, then
+editor of the "Herald," and her bitterest enemy, was created a baronet,
+and promoted high in the church! Such was the fortune of her accusers;
+but how different was that of her supporters!
+
+In June, the Chancellor of the Exchequer submitted his plan of finance.
+It proved that the revenue was reduced eighteen millions, to meet which,
+extra loans were proposed to be raised and new taxes enforced. In doing
+this, the Speaker of the House of Commons, in the address to the regent,
+said, "In adopting this course, his majesty's faithful Commons do not
+conceal from themselves that they are calling upon the nation for a
+_great exertion_; but, well knowing that honour, character, and
+independence have at all times been the first and dearest objects of the
+hearts of Englishmen, we feel assured that there is no difficulty that
+the country would not encounter, and no pressure to which it would not
+_cheerfully_ submit, to enable us to maintain pure and unimpaired that
+which has never yet been shaken or sullied,--our public credit, and our
+national good faith." Now let us ask the reason why an extra immense
+burden of taxation was to be levied upon the people. The queen was
+_acknowledged_ to be dead, and certainly could not be chargeable to the
+nation by her personal expenditure or allowance. The king was also
+_dead_, though _his income was received as usual_! as well as the Duke
+of York's _ten thousand pounds for attending him_!!! Royal and
+ministerial extravagance likewise caused the useless outlay of twenty
+thousand, five hundred pounds, for SNUFF-BOXES, besides twelve hundred
+guineas as presents to three GERMAN BARONS. The gift of _an axe_ or _a
+halter_ would have better accorded with the financial state of the
+empire!
+
+The prince regent closed the session in person on the 13th of July; and,
+at the conclusion of his speech, adverted to the _seditious spirit_
+(what sensible man could feel surprised at it?) which was evident in the
+manufacturing districts, and avowed a firm determination to employ the
+powers provided by law for its suppression, instead of promising the
+people redress of grievances!
+
+In Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, and Stockport, the meetings of the
+inhabitants now became very numerous, while all means were taken by the
+local authorities to provoke general confusion.
+
+On the 16th of August, the MEMORABLE MEETING at Manchester took place,
+for the purpose of petitioning for a reform in the representation. The
+assembly consisted of from sixty to one hundred thousand persons, who
+conducted themselves in the most peaceable manner. The assembled
+multitude, however, were suddenly surprised by the arrival of the
+Manchester yeomanry cavalry; to which were afterwards added a regiment
+of the Cheshire yeomanry, and a regiment of huzzars,--the outlets being
+occupied by other military detachments. The _unarmed_ thousands were now
+driven one upon another, and many were killed and wounded, while others
+were ridden over by the horses. The number ascertained to have been
+killed were eight men, two women, and one child; but the wounded were
+about six hundred! How well the words of a celebrated author apply to
+this diabolical proceeding: "A kingdom for a stage, princes to act, and
+to behold the grand effect; but at their heels, leashed in like hounds,
+may not sword, famine, fire, crouch for employment?" Numerous
+imprisonments followed, and many poor families were consequently
+deprived of support.
+
+Historians are at issue whether or not the riot act was read before the
+scene of carnage commenced, as it is unconstitutional to send a military
+force _to act_ before so doing. We, however, confidently assert IT WAS
+NOT READ in the hearing of any of the populace, neither was it at all
+likely that the soldiers could have come so suddenly and unexpectedly
+upon the multitudes, unless by previous order and arrangement. Further
+than this, an hour ought to have transpired after such reading before a
+soldier or civil officer could be authorised to interfere in dispersing
+the meeting. As a proof of the corresponding features of this unexampled
+and murderous business, a letter was written by the _pious_ Lord
+Sidmouth, _in the name of the regent_, to the Earl of Derby, presenting
+thanks for the vigorous and able conduct of the magistracy and military
+of Manchester on the 16th. Thus were the lives and liberties of the
+open-hearted population of these kingdoms allowed to be at the controul
+of an impotent and heartless statesman; for it appeared that the regent
+was not at hand to have given his assent to this unparalleled piece of
+barefaced audacity. Lord Sidmouth should have been more careful of
+dates, as the "royal dandy" was at that time taking a little pleasure
+near the Isle of Wight. But the following particulars will explain the
+_systematic_ plan of this cold-blooded massacre:
+
+Mr. H. N. Bell, before this period, was confidentially employed at the
+office of the secretary of state, in the capacity of genealogist, under
+the immediate controul of Lord Sidmouth. Some considerable period before
+the melancholy butchery, he was engaged to proceed to Manchester, in
+company with two other persons, for the avowed purpose of inflaming the
+public mind against the ministry. He went, and the result was as his
+patron and employer, Lord Sidmouth, desired it. Mr. Bell and his
+associates expressed to the people of Manchester, that they need not
+remain in their then starving condition, if, in an orderly and peaceable
+manner, they were to assemble on some convenient spot, and unanimously
+resolve to petition for a reform, so much needed, in the representation.
+These tools of the secretary of state told the famishing multitudes,
+that if they pleased to enjoy happiness and plenty, together with civil
+liberty, they had now an opportunity of accomplishing their most earnest
+wishes. Under their influence, clubs and unions were soon formed, and
+public notices were ultimately given, that a general meeting would take
+place on the 16th of August.
+
+These preliminary arrangements being completed, the _soldiery_ had
+instructions to be ready. The result was as before stated; and Mr. Bell
+and his accomplices returned to London as soon as their object was
+attained. The Duke of York acted a prominent part in this plot, from his
+military facilities; but the besotted prince was persuaded to get out of
+the way until the affair should be concluded.
+
+Mr. Bell proved very useful in the office of the secretary, and as he
+had once forfeited his own good opinion, by lending himself to the
+diabolical plot just mentioned, he made no further scruple, but became a
+passive engine, directed in his actions by the command of ministers and
+state empirics. Lord Sidmouth was dissatisfied with the Manchester
+business; he had hoped that many more might have been brought to suffer
+the extreme penalty of the law, thereby affording an awful example to
+deter others from daring to question the excellency of the government
+under which they lived, and the generous disposition of the governors.
+We are aware that some people attributed this affair to the magistracy;
+but they would not have dared to interfere in such a manner as they did,
+unless sanctioned and supported by the higher powers. The cause of a
+selfish, cruel, and despotic ministry, required the assistance of
+corresponding heartless servants, and they obtained it. Lord
+Castlereagh, however, threw out many insinuations that the Manchester
+plot was a very bold and desperate undertaking; but the _pious doctor_
+"laid the flattering unction to his soul of its _expediency_," believing
+some such infamous procedure needful to rivet the iron sceptre of
+despotism. How well does the repentant language of a certain wicked king
+apply here!
+
+     "My fault is past. But, O, what form of prayer
+      Can serve my turn? Forgive me my foul murder!--
+      That cannot be, since I am still possess'd
+      Of those effects for which I did the murder!
+
+            *       *       *       *       *
+
+      In the corrupted currents of this world,
+      Offence's gilded hand may shove by justice;
+      And oft 'tis seen, the wicked prize itself
+      Buys out the law!"
+
+This has proved but too true, as well in the Manchester affair as in
+many other diabolical state proceedings. The little value, indeed, which
+the ministers of this period entertained for human life ought never to
+be pardoned. Property, if seized or lost, may be restored; or if not,
+man may enjoy a thousand delightful pleasures of existence without
+riches. The sun shines as warmly on the poor as on the rich; the gale of
+health breathes its balsam into the cottage casement on the heath no
+less sweetly and salubriously than in the portals of the palace. But can
+the lords of this world, who think so little of the lives of their
+inferiors in wealth, with all their boasted power, relume the light of
+the eye once dimmed by the shades of death? "Accursed despots!" as a
+talented author well observes, "shew the world your authority for
+taking away that which ye never gave, and cannot give; for undoing the
+work of God, and extinguishing the lamp of life which was illuminated
+with a ray from heaven! Where is your CHARTER TO PRIVILEGE MURDER?" All
+the gold of Ophir, all the gems of Golconda, cannot buy a single life,
+nor pay for its loss,--it is above all price. Yet when we take a view of
+the proceedings of Lord Sidmouth's junto, we are led to believe any
+thing of more value than human life. Crimes which had very little moral
+evil, if any, and which, therefore, could not incur the vengeance of a
+just and merciful God, were unceremoniously punished with death by this
+minister. Men, for instance, were liable to be shot for meeting
+peaceably together and making speeches, though proceeding from the
+purest and most virtuous principles, from the most enlarged benevolence,
+from wisdom and unaffected patriotism; or for such speeches as might
+proceed from mere warmth of temper, neither intending nor accomplishing
+any mischief. Was not such the case in that horrible affair which we
+have just related? But despots are ever frightened at their own shadows;
+they tremble and become offended at the least alarm, and nothing but the
+blood of the accused can expiate the offence. It is, however, from such
+savage acts of barbarity that the Goddess of Liberty is aroused; it is
+from the tyranny of her jailors that she eventually makes a progress
+irresistible, and carries with her fires destined to consume the throne
+of every despot that cannot bear the light! Various motions have been
+made since that accursed day to bring the _surviving_ actors in the
+Manchester tragedy to condign punishment. Amongst the foremost in this
+laudable endeavour stands Mr. Hunt; but his efforts have hitherto proved
+unavailing. Although we disapprove of the general conduct of the member
+for Preston, the meed of praise ought not to be withheld from him for
+the admirable speech he delivered, relative to this subject, in March,
+1832, as follows:
+
+     "Mr. HUNT said the grossest misrepresentations had been made
+     in parliament respecting that occurrence; and he felt that it
+     was a matter deeply to be regretted, that there was not in the
+     House of Commons, at the time, some person who had witnessed
+     the transaction, and who could put the House in possession of
+     the real facts. There was a hope, however, that the present
+     government would grant an inquiry for which he was about to
+     apply, in conformity with the prayer of the petitions which he
+     had just presented, and with the desire of his constituents.
+     He proceeded to detail the circumstances under which the
+     meeting of the Manchester reformers, at which he presided,
+     took place. He described the horrible scene which ensued upon
+     the dispersion of the meeting by an unprovoked and unresisted
+     charge of the yeomanry cavalry. The House would have some
+     notion of the violence and cruelty of the military from this
+     fact, that when a number of men, women, and children had
+     crowded into a small court, from which there was no
+     thoroughfare, one of the yeomanry drove them out, whilst
+     another struck at each of them with his sabre, as they came
+     out. The number of persons killed on that day amounted to
+     fifteen, while the maimed and wounded were no fewer than four
+     hundred and twenty-four. It was true that it might be said
+     that some of these did not suffer from the sabres of the
+     yeomanry, but a very large proportion, he would take on
+     himself to say, were wounded in that manner; and, at all
+     events, it was quite certain, that no accident whatever would
+     have occurred but for the outrageous attack that had been made
+     on the peaceable multitude. Nor was it men alone that
+     suffered. Women were cut down also. And were these men to be
+     called soldiers? Was this their way of showing their high
+     courage and their honour by cutting down _inoffensive
+     females_? He would ask any man of humanity in that House,
+     whether such disgraceful acts ought to be passed by unnoticed
+     and unpunished, merely because it could be said that twelve
+     years had elapsed since the transaction had taken place? But
+     another excuse that perhaps might be made was, that the
+     meeting was an illegal one. In answer to that, however, he
+     would take on himself to say, that in his opinion, and in the
+     opinion of those who constituted the meeting, they were as
+     legally, aye, and as meritoriously assembled, as that House
+     was assembled; and for as useful a purpose. No one was
+     insulted--no tumult took place--no symptoms of riot were
+     evinced; and yet was it for a moment to be said, that in such
+     a country as this, where there was a continual boast of the
+     _omnipotence of justice_, such things were to be passed over
+     _without notice and without censure_? He could assure the
+     House, that if this inquiry was not granted, there would be
+     thousands of hearts rankling dissatisfied and discontented,
+     and which could never be set at ease till _justice was
+     awarded_. The petitioners, in whose name he was speaking,
+     recollected that _Earl Grey_, and many of his _colleagues_,
+     expressed, _at the time of this outrage_, a desire for an
+     investigation into the matter. And how was that inquiry then
+     resisted? First, by the production of official documents,
+     emanating from the guilty party themselves; and next, by
+     allusion to the trial at York; and the cry that the courts of
+     justice were open to those who had any complaint to make. But
+     the courts of justice were _not_ open; for the relations of
+     those that were killed had gone to those courts of justice,
+     and even there _all retribution had been denied them in the
+     most cruel and indifferent manner_! Nor was this all. All
+     sorts of calumnious statements were allowed to be made in the
+     House of Commons as to the conduct of the mob, by paid spies
+     of the government. The general presumption was, that it was
+     the intention of the Manchester meeting, had it not been
+     interrupted, to pass resolutions similar to those passed at
+     Smithfield, declaratory that without a reform in parliament,
+     taxes ought not to be paid; and he believed that that
+     presumption was the main reason why he had been found guilty.
+     But now, what an alteration had taken place! It was only the
+     other day that 150,000 persons had met at Birmingham, and
+     actually made a declaration to the same effect; and yet they
+     were not cut down--the yeomanry had not been called out to act
+     against them. This motion for a select committee had, in a
+     manner, become absolutely necessary; for when he had moved for
+     the correspondence that had taken place between Lord Sidmouth
+     (then the secretary of state) and the lord lieutenant of the
+     county, that correspondence had been refused; and, therefore,
+     he had no other course to pursue than to ask for a committee
+     for general inquiry into the whole question. Some part of Lord
+     Sidmouth's correspondence, however, was before the public; for
+     he had in his hand that letter of his lordship's in which he,
+     in the name of the prince regent, thanked the magistracy for
+     the way in which they had acted--yes, actually thanked them
+     for having directed the execution of these COLD-BLOODED
+     MURDERS,--by which name he must call those deeds, and by which
+     name they were ever designated in that part of the country
+     where they had been committed. The consequence of this letter
+     was, that the parties, so far from shrinking abashed as they
+     ought, actually gloried in the share they had taken in the
+     transaction; and, in particular, he might mention that an
+     Irishman of the name of Meagher, who was the trumpeter on that
+     occasion, had boasted, when he returned to Ireland, that he
+     had in one day spilled more Saxon blood than had ever been
+     spilled by any one of his countrymen before! The real truth of
+     the matter was, in spite of the false colouring that
+     interested parties had endeavoured to put on it, that the
+     meeting at Manchester was neither more nor less than a reform
+     meeting, that every thing was going on peaceably, that not
+     even so much as a pane of glass was broken, and though the
+     government took the trouble to send Messrs. Oliver and Castles
+     among the people to corrupt them, they were not able to
+     succeed in their virtuous endeavours. As to his own personal
+     feeling on the subject, he was quite willing to remember that
+     twelve years had elapsed, and in that recollection to drown
+     the memory of all he had himself suffered in consequence of
+     the transactions of that day. It was enough for him, when he
+     recollected the object of that meeting, to see the noble lord
+     introduce such a measure of reform as he had never expected to
+     see any government in this country introduce; and which,
+     though it did not go the length that he could have desired,
+     fully admitted the allegation, that the present House of
+     Commons was not chosen by the people,--the allegation on which
+     he had all along built his own proposition of reform. This, he
+     repeated, was quite enough to wipe away any personal
+     resentment that he might ever have felt. But if not--if he
+     still were vindictive--what revenge might he not find in the
+     events that had since taken place! Who was the prime minister
+     of that day? The Earl of Liverpool! And where was the Earl of
+     Liverpool? Who were the principal officers of state of that
+     day? Lord Sidmouth, Mr. Canning, and Lord Castlereagh! Of
+     these, Lord Sidmouth alone remained; and where was Mr.
+     Canning? Where Lord Castlereagh, and how did he go out of the
+     world? A remarkable fact it was, that two years afterwards,
+     on the very anniversary of that fatal 16th of August, while he
+     was lying in prison, the very first letter that he opened
+     detailed to him the end of that minister. Who was the reigning
+     prince of that day?--George the Fourth--where was he? They had
+     all gone to answer for their deeds at a tribunal where no jury
+     could be packed, where no evidence could be stifled, and where
+     unerring justice would be meted out to them! To carry this
+     further, if it needed it, he might mention that two of those
+     very yeomanry committed suicide on the very anniversary of the
+     16th of August, and many were now to be seen walking about the
+     streets of Manchester, objects of a horrid pity. He would not
+     say that all this was a just judgment on these participators
+     in the murders of Manchester: but one might almost fancy, that
+     though a House of Commons could not be found to deal out
+     impartial justice, there was still a wise Providence over all,
+     which, by its interference, had taken care not to let the
+     guilty escape; and, as a climax to the whole, he hoped to live
+     to see the day when the noble lord who yet lived should be
+     brought to the bar of justice for having sent Castles, and
+     Edwards, and Oliver, as spies, for the purpose of instigating
+     the peaceful people to revolt. Nor was this all. Other
+     retribution had taken place; the government of that day and
+     its friends had not only countenanced this destruction of the
+     people for the sake of shewing their enmity to reform, but had
+     actually undertaken a continental war with the same objects in
+     view; and yet now those very persons saw a reform taking place
+     in spite of themselves, and had even been condemned
+     unsuccessfully to battle its progress night after night in
+     that House. He would say this too, that if this committee of
+     inquiry should be refused, and if he should live a few years
+     longer, he did not doubt that he should see the day arrive
+     when a much heavier retaliation, in another way, would take
+     place. He himself desired no such thing; but was it in the
+     character of human nature that persons who had been so deeply
+     injured should sit down quiet and satisfied, when every thing
+     in the shape of redress was denied them? But he trusted that
+     the government would not refuse this motion for inquiry;
+     should, however, such a refusal be given, he should feel it to
+     be his duty to bring the question again and again before the
+     country, as often as the forms of the House would allow. In
+     making his proposition to the House, he had not provided
+     himself with a seconder; but, after what had taken place, he
+     would call on the noble Chancellor of the Exchequer to second
+     the motion. The noble lord had, twelve years ago, pretty
+     freely expressed his opinion as to the transaction; and, he
+     presumed, that that opinion had not been altered by the lapse
+     of time. The laws of England and of every country had always
+     been unanimous in expressing their abhorrence of the crime of
+     murder; and it was because he charged those parties with being
+     guilty of a deliberate and cold-blooded murder that he
+     demanded an inquiry, in the name of justice and retribution."
+
+We offer no apology for introducing this eloquent and manly appeal in
+behalf of long-delayed justice. The popularity or unpopularity of Mr.
+Hunt forms no consideration in our minds; nay, even if the Duke of
+Cumberland himself (much as we loathe his character!) had been its
+author, it should still have found a place in our volume. How the
+ministers could reconcile it with their duty, both to God and man, to
+_refuse_ the inquiry, we are at a loss to determine, particularly as
+each of them formerly expressed a desire for it! It is really
+astonishing with what different eyes men see things when in office and
+when toiling to get in!
+
+In the October of this year, the Princess of Wales removed to
+Marseilles, weary of the attempts to traduce and insult her character by
+hirelings from the English court. A friend of our's had the pleasure of
+enjoying her royal highness' confidence at this period, and, after her
+removal to Marseilles, the persecuted Caroline made the following
+observations: "What could I do, when I found such base attempts made to
+destroy my reputation by the most disreputable characters? I left Milan,
+and I have carefully preserved a journal of each day's history, which,
+upon perusal, will do much more than _merely satisfy_ the nation, to
+which my heart so fondly clings." "I wished," added the princess, "very
+ardently to have gone to England in the early part of this year, and I
+had resolved to do so; but my legal advisers prevented me, expressing
+their opinion that they should see me first." It is a fact that the
+interview with Mr. Brougham, so much desired in April, 1819, was not
+granted until a later period in 1820! Might not an earlier arrangement
+than this very probably have put the enemy to flight? The princess was
+not ignorant of the demise of the king, as we have before stated; and
+the source from which her royal highness received that information was
+too worthy of reliance to be doubted. Yet, being bound in honour to
+conceal the information and informant, both were kept in profound
+silence. It was generally supposed, however, that this event had taken
+place, because no man, afflicted as his majesty was said to be, could
+possibly exist for any lengthened period. But in the then art of
+governing, there were frequently many circumstances which were highly
+necessary to be concealed from the knowledge of the people. That
+precious trio, Sidmouth, Castlereagh, and Canning, environed the throne,
+and their dictatorial will was soon converted into law. Under their
+auspices, the already enormous standing army was still increased; while,
+like the tyrannical son of Philip, when he reprimanded Aristotle for
+publishing his discoveries, they whispered to their myrmidons, "Let us
+diffuse darkness round the land. Let the people be kept in a brutal
+state. Let their conduct, when assembled, be riotous and irrational as
+ignorance and _our spies_ can make it, that they may be brought into
+discredit, and deemed unfit for the management of their own affairs. Let
+power be rendered dangerous in their hands, that it may continue
+unmolested in our own. Let them not taste the fruit of the tree of
+knowledge, lest they become as wise as ourselves!" Such were the
+political sentiments of those at the head of affairs at this
+period;--how successfully they acted upon them is too well known.
+
+The session opened in November, and never did ministers commit
+themselves more than by the speech then put into the mouth of the
+regent. It contained little else than vindictive sentiments, breathing
+vengeance on all who dared oppose the "powers that be," but seemed
+utterly forgetful of this good advice, "It is the sovereign's duty to
+ease with mercy's oil the sufferer's heart."
+
+The infamous and notorious "Six Acts" were introduced this session by
+"the Oppressors," the principal object of which was to impose further
+restrictions on the freedom of the press. This plan was considered
+likely to be the most successful, as well as the most insidious, mode of
+abolishing the few liberties remaining to Englishmen. Ministers thus
+thought to leave the FORM of our dearest safeguard untouched, and so
+gradually annihilate its ESSENCE. The voracious worm eats out the kernel
+completely, while the husk continues fair to the eye, and apparently
+entire. The husbandman would crush the insect, if it commenced the
+attack on the external tegument; but it carries on the work of
+destruction with efficacy and safety, while it corrodes the unseen
+fruit, and spares the outside shell. At this despotic period, the press
+was erected as a battery by the people to defend the almost vanquished
+citadel of their liberty; but, by these acts, Castlereagh, instead of
+attacking this citadel, opened the dams, locks, and flood-gates, so that
+the waters might secretly undermine its foundation, when he hoped to see
+it fall ingloriously into the hands of its enemies. While these base
+deeds were being accomplished, no thoughts were bestowed upon the
+people's wretchedness, which stood in dread array against ministerial
+imbecility. Indeed, the servile papers in the pay of government not only
+stoutly denied that such distress existed, but made the grossest
+attempts to impose on the public credulity. Let any one read such papers
+of the period we are speaking, if the employment be not too nauseous,
+and they will there see KNOWN FACTS, if they militated against the
+credit of the voluptuous regent, or his government, either DOUBTED or
+DENIED; uncertain victories extolled beyond all resemblance to truth;
+and defeats, in the highest degree disgraceful and injurious, artfully
+extenuated. Notwithstanding all this effrontery and falsehood, the "Six
+Acts" were still thought necessary to gag that which corruption and
+bribery could not render quite inefficient in the cause of truth. While
+contemplating such acts of tyranny, we are led to exclaim with Cato,
+when seeking out the little barren spot of Utica, "Wherever there is a
+regard for LIBERTY, JUSTICE, and HUMANITY, there will we gladly take up
+our abode; for there we shall find a country and a home!"
+
+
+The extraordinary events that occurred in the year
+
+     1820
+
+are so closely interwoven with the weal and wo of the British people,
+that it may be considered as one of the most serious periods in English
+history.
+
+On the 15th of January, the Duke of Kent became indisposed with a severe
+cold. On the 17th of the same month, it was reported, "that his royal
+highness' illness had assumed most alarming symptoms;" and Sir David
+Dundas went off expressly to Sidmouth to attend his royal highness. The
+duke's disorder increased, and at half-past one, P. M., January 23rd,
+this prince was deprived of his mortal existence, in the fifty-third
+year of his age. But a few days before, his royal highness was in good
+health, and in the prime of life! The public will one day be made
+acquainted with the particulars of the REAL CAUSE of his death. At
+present, we shall only observe, that his royal highness was too virtuous
+to be allowed to live long in a vicious court!
+
+The public journals dwelt with much force upon the kind attentions and
+tender offices performed by the duchess, which, if true, were only what
+every good wife ought to have done. Who can be nearer to a wife than her
+husband? and what lady of feeling and integrity would not blush to be
+negligent in the best services and the most unwearied attentions to the
+ordained partner of her life? Royalty, however, has so many and such
+peculiar privileges, that what is considered _wonderous grace_ with them
+is merely thought _common decency_ in the vulgar part of Adam's
+offspring.
+
+About this time, the king's health was stated to be "very much on the
+decline," (hypocrisy!) and the journals announced "that George the Third
+expired without a struggle, on the 29th of January, in the eighty-second
+year of his age, and the sixtieth of his reign." But we have the
+gratification of setting history right in this particular. Of course,
+the letters and notices of this intelligence were immediately forwarded
+by the appointed messengers to the several foreign courts. It would be
+unnecessary for us here to offer any remark upon the character of George
+the Third, as we have previously noticed the origin of that unhappy
+disease which so lamentably afflicted him during the latter years of his
+truly unfortunate life. His majesty bequeathed a sum of money to each of
+his sons; but George the Fourth thought proper to withhold the Duke of
+Sussex's portion. This unjust act was the primary cause of the quarrel
+between these royal brothers, which lasted till the death of George the
+Fourth. But, as "kings can do no wrong," little was thought of his
+majesty's dishonesty. Monarchs are aware of their privileges, and have,
+therefore, in many instances, not scrupled to commit the most heinous
+crimes. His late majesty was one of this kind, and yet he was called
+"His most gracious, religious, and benevolent majesty!" What a
+profanation of terms were these!
+
+As a necessary preliminary to a new reign, George the Fourth was
+proclaimed in London on the 31st of the same month.
+
+In February, a _pretended_ mysterious political plot was publicly
+adverted to, by the name of "The Cato-street Conspiracy." It was said
+that information having been received at Bow-street, that a meeting of
+armed persons was to be held at a house in Cato-street, Mary-la-bonne,
+and, as the magistrates feared something serious would be the result,
+they forwarded a formidable body of their officers to the place. On the
+arrival of these persons, they found the number of men amounted to
+thirty, armed with guns, swords, daggers, and other weapons, and
+appeared ready to leave the place, which was a hayloft at the top of the
+house. The officers demanded an entrance, which was refused. Captain
+Fitzclarence then arrived, with a party of the guards, and a scene of
+much violence ensued. Some of the party were taken to Bow-street, which
+was lined with soldiers. The result proved serious to a police officer,
+named Smythers, who was stabbed in the affray, which produced his death;
+and it was sworn, that Arthur Thistlewood inflicted the wound.
+
+This heart-rending tragedy was generally thought to have been produced
+by _government spies_; indeed, several newspapers stated as much at the
+time. We, however, KNOW such to have been the case, and that the
+characters of "blood-hounds" were but too well performed. Our bosoms
+swell with indignation at the recollection of such monstrous plots
+against the lives and liberties of our countrymen, and we regret that
+the plotters did not fall into their own snares.
+
+On the morning after this lamentable occurrence, a "Gazette
+Extraordinary" was issued, signed "SIDMOUTH," offering one thousand
+pounds for the detection of Arthur Thistlewood, who stood charged with
+the crime of high treason. The reward had the desired effect, as he was
+soon apprehended. Three of his companions were afterwards taken, and
+FIVE MARTYRS, in all, suffered as traitors on the 1st of May.
+
+Let us not, in common with hirelings, talk of the "wisdom of ministers,"
+and the "bravery of the guards," combined with the several loathsome
+execrations on artificers and agriculturists; but let us inquire, is
+there no resemblance to be observed between this conspiracy and the
+Manchester massacre? The intelligent reader will not find the similarity
+difficult to trace.
+
+The queen's return to England being now expected, Mr. Canning resigned
+his place in the cabinet as president of the Board of Controul, and
+retired to the Continent. One of his biographers says, "His conduct on
+this occasion, according to universal consent, was marked by the most
+perfect correctness and delicacy of feeling." Perhaps it might be so
+considered by some people; but to us it does appear that a man of sound
+public principles, of high and honourable private feelings, had no
+middle course to take at this juncture. Either the Queen of England was
+GUILTY, or she was the MOST PERSECUTED AND AGGRIEVED OF WOMEN. Will any
+one say that, in the _first_ instance, it was the duty of a minister of
+high station to desert the painful, but responsible, situation in which
+he stood, from any feeling of esteem or attachment to an individual so
+unworthy? In the other case, if Queen Caroline, as almost every body
+believed, and as Mr. Brougham _solemnly swore he believed_, was
+INNOCENT, was there any circumstance or consideration upon earth,--the
+wreck of ambition, the loss of fortune, or the fear of even death
+itself,--which should have induced an English gentleman, a man of
+honour, a man who had the _feelings of a man_, to leave a FEMALE, whom
+he called "FRIEND," beneath the weight of so awful an oppression? To us,
+we must confess, Mr. Canning's conduct on this occasion appears one of
+the greatest blots we are acquainted with upon his public and private
+character, the almost unequivocal proof of a mind unused to the habit of
+taking sound and elevated views of the human action. Mr. Canning had,
+during a long career,--a career continued through nearly thirty
+years,--been the forward and unflinching opponent of popular principles
+and concessions. He had never once shrunk from abridging the liberties
+of the subject; he had never once shown trepidation at any extraordinary
+powers demanded by the crown. With his arms folded, and his looks erect,
+he had sanctioned, without scruple, the severest laws against the
+press; he had advocated the arbitrary imprisonment of the free citizen;
+he had eulogized the forcible repression of public meetings; and he had
+constantly declared himself the determined enemy of parliamentary
+reform. The only subject on which he professed liberal opinions (the
+Catholic question) was precisely that subject to which the great bulk of
+the community was indisposed. Such had been the career, such was the
+character, of Mr. Canning up to the time of his cowardly desertion of
+the injured Caroline, Queen of England!
+
+Her majesty was now daily expected to land upon our shores; and powerful
+as was the arm of tyranny, her arrival was much feared by her husband
+and his ministers.
+
+We have before mentioned that the queen desired several times, _most
+particularly_, to see Mr. Brougham. It is true that various places for
+meeting had been appointed; but some apology or other was invariably
+made by the learned gentleman. Her majesty finally wrote that she should
+be at St. Omers on a certain day, ON HER WAY TO ENGLAND, in the
+metropolis of which she was resolved to arrive as soon as possible. Her
+majesty had previously appointed Mr. Brougham her attorney-general,
+desiring he would choose a solicitor to act with him, and he named Mr.
+Denman. One excuse for not attending to his appointment with the queen,
+Mr. Brougham ascribed to his electioneering business in Westmoreland;
+and another was, Mrs. Brougham's being in a situation too delicate for
+him to leave her. Such excuses ought not to have prevented Mr.
+Brougham's giving his attention to the important business of the queen;
+indeed, he was once within four leagues of her majesty's abode, with a
+CERTAIN LETTER in his pocket from the _highest authorities_; but Mr.
+Brougham did not venture to lay it before the queen, nor did he seek for
+an interview. The commission thus entrusted to this learned gentleman
+was the same which Lord Hutchinson undertook some time afterwards.
+
+The queen felt very indignant at Mr. Brougham's so repeatedly declining
+his engagements, and wrote to Lord Liverpool to request his lordship
+would send a frigate to convey her to England. Fearing, however, that
+this might be against the state projects then in contemplation, the
+queen, by the same post, wrote to her former friend and lady in waiting,
+Lady Anne Hamilton, to repair to her immediately at St. Omers, and
+attend her in her former capacity; and also, to Alderman Wood, that if
+Lord Liverpool refused or delayed to send a frigate, the Alderman would
+hire a vessel for the purpose of bringing her to this country
+immediately.
+
+Little time was lost in obeying these commands of the Queen of England.
+In the mean time, Mr. Brougham wrote to her majesty, requesting leave to
+meet her at Calais; to which the queen replied, she should choose to see
+him at the inn at St. Omers. Shortly after the arrival of her majesty's
+lady in waiting and the alderman, Mr. Brougham was announced, and
+informed her majesty that he was accompanied by Lord Hutchinson, (now
+Lord Donoughmore) the KING'S PARTICULAR FRIEND, who was the bearer of a
+message to her majesty from the king, and asked leave when he might have
+the honour of introducing him to her majesty. "No, no, Mr. Brougham,
+(said the queen) no conversations for me; he must put it in writing, if
+you please; we are at war at present." "But, madam, it is impossible
+that so many scraps of different conversations can be properly
+arranged." "Then, I don't see Lord Hutchinson," said the queen. "Madam,
+if you insist upon it, it shall be done; and when will your majesty be
+pleased to receive it?" "To-morrow morning you may bring it me; and so
+good evening to you, as I suppose you are fatigued with your journey."
+
+The next morning, Mr. Brougham arrived with Lord Hutchinson's letter,
+which the queen opened and read in Mr. Brougham's presence; in the
+conclusion of that letter, her majesty was earnestly entreated to wait
+the return of a courier from Paris. "PARIS! PARIS!" said the queen,
+"what have I to do with PARIS?" Mr. Brougham, in _much confusion_, said,
+"Your majesty MUST HAVE MISTAKEN; it must mean _Calais_; my friend is
+too honourable to mean any thing of that kind, or to do any thing
+wrong." "No, no, Mr. Brougham; Paris, Paris! Look there!" pointing the
+sentence out to him. Then added the queen, "You will come and dine with
+me to-day." "May not I bring Lord Hutchinson with me, please your
+majesty?" "Certainly not." "But I hope you will see Lord Hutchinson?"
+"Yes; let him come directly." The queen then assembled her whole
+household, and received his lordship in the midst of a _formal circle_,
+talked upon indifferent subjects for about a quarter of an hour; then
+rose, and, gracefully courtesying, left the room. Most of the household
+followed; and Mr. Brougham, with his friend, Lord Hutchinson, did not
+remain long behind. Mr. Brougham afterwards returned; but appeared
+exceedingly disconcerted. Lady Hamilton was present, and tried to draw
+him into conversation upon various subjects; but he answered, rather
+abruptly, "You and the alderman are leading the queen to her
+destruction." The lady replied, that was a mistake; she did not
+interfere in political affairs. Mr. Brougham begged pardon, and the
+subject was ended by the queen entering the room to dinner. The dinner
+passed off very well; her majesty appeared in good spirits, as did Mr.
+Brougham. It was the queen's general practice not to sit long after
+dinner; she, therefore, soon retired with her lady; and the gentlemen
+adjourned to the drawing-room to await the serving of coffee. By her
+majesty's orders, her maids were waiting with her travelling dress, with
+the carriages all ready in the court-yard, in the first of which her
+majesty immediately seated herself, as also Lady Hamilton and Alderman
+Wood. The moment before her majesty drove out of the yard, she desired
+her maitre d'hotel to inform Mr. Brougham "that the queen would drink
+coffee with him _in London_;" yet five minutes had not elapsed from
+leaving the dinner-table to her driving out from the inn, as fast as
+four post-horses could convey her. This was the only time her majesty
+was ever known to show fear; but, at the appearance of any horseman, she
+became very much agitated from the supposition that she should be
+detained in France, under a PRETENCE of not having a correct passport,
+the want of horses, or some such trivial excuse. The queen was aware
+that the King of England had, not long before, placed Louis the
+Eighteenth upon the throne of France; therefore he could not object to
+_any_ proposition her husband thought proper to require. Her majesty
+also KNEW that a courier had been despatched to PARIS, and that that
+courier was one of _Mr. Brougham's brothers_! Mr. Brougham himself
+actually joined with Lord Hutchinson in trying to persuade her majesty
+to remain in France till the return of the courier. The queen's active
+and intelligent mind saw every thing at a glance, and she _acted_ with
+the promptitude of her character. Alderman Wood proposed that her
+majesty should rest that night at D'Estaing's fine hotel at Calais,
+instead of sleeping on board a common packet, which would not sail till
+the morning. "No, no," said the queen, "drive straight to the shore;"
+and out she got like a girl of fifteen, and was in the packet before any
+one else. "There," said her majesty, "now I can breathe freely--now I am
+protected by English laws." The queen was hardly seated, when Alderman
+Wood presented her with a note from Mr. Brougham, entreating her
+majesty to return, if only for the night, to D'Estaing's, and promising
+that no harm should happen to her. "No, no," replied the queen, "I am
+safe here, and I WILL NOT TRUST HIM;" and then threw a mattress in the
+middle of her cabin, with some blankets, and slept there all night. In
+the morning, when her majesty was about to land at Dover, she seemed a
+little intimidated, in consequence of the dense multitude through which
+she had to pass. Her majesty's fears, however, were entirely groundless,
+as she soon found the hearts of Britons were friendly to her cause,
+though they exemplified it rather roughly; for her feet were never
+permitted to touch the ground from the time her majesty left the vessel
+till her arrival at the inn, which she availed herself of with feelings
+of the most gratifying description, at the sympathy manifested in the
+cause of persecuted virtue.
+
+As soon as her majesty could procure horses, she set forward to
+Canterbury, where she was received with similar acclamations. The
+populace insisted upon drawing her majesty out of the town, and then
+would not suffer the horses to be put to without her personal
+entreaties. Thousands of blessings were poured on her head, without one
+dissenting voice; and in this manner did her majesty proceed all the way
+to London.
+
+The queen took up her abode at 77, South Audley-street, until another
+more suitable residence could be provided for her. The family of
+Alderman Wood, who previously inhabited this house, left it immediately
+after receiving intelligence that her majesty would make a temporary use
+of it, and they occupied apartments at Flagdon's hotel.
+
+On the ensuing day, several of the nobility and members of the House of
+Commons called to inquire after her majesty's health. On the ninth of
+this month, her majesty removed from South Audley-street to 32,
+Portman-square, the residence of the Right Honourable Lady Anne
+Hamilton, by whom the queen was attended. Her ladyship's servants were
+continued, and her majesty was much pleased with the respectful and
+generous attentions rendered.
+
+On the 16th, the queen received an address from the common council of
+the city of London, to which she returned an answer, so feelingly
+expressed, as to excite the sympathy and admiration of all present.
+
+On the afternoon of the sixth day of the queen's entry into London, a
+message was delivered from the king to both houses of parliament,
+communicating certain reports and papers respecting the queen's
+misconduct while abroad. On the following Thursday, a committee was
+appointed in the House of Lords; but the queen transmitted a
+communication to the House of Commons, protesting against the reference
+of her accusations to a SECRET TRIBUNAL, and soliciting an open
+investigation of her conduct.
+
+Thus was commenced a prosecution in principle and object every way
+calculated to rouse the generous and constitutional feelings of the
+nation; and the effects were without a parallel in the history of all
+countries! Could a more outrageous insult possibly have been offered to
+her dignity, to the honour of her husband the king, or to the morality
+and decency of the community at large?
+
+Up to this time, Prince Leopold had not tendered his respects to her
+majesty; yet he was the widowed husband of the queen's only and
+dearly-beloved daughter! His serene highness had been raised from a
+state of comparative poverty and obscurity to be honoured with the hand
+of England's favourite princess, from whose future reign was expected a
+revival of commerce and an addition of glory. Though this prince was
+enjoying an annual income of FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS from the country;
+though he had town and country residences, of great extent and
+magnificent appearance; though he abounded with horses and carriages;
+yet not one offer did he make of any of these superfluous matters to the
+mother of his departed wife, by whose means he had become possessed of
+them all! Gratitude, however, is generally esteemed a _virtue_, and
+therefore a German prince could not be supposed to know any thing about
+it.
+
+About this period, her majesty received numerous communications, tending
+to prove the infamous proceedings against her to have been adopted
+without reference to honour or principle, and to warn her from falling
+into the snares of her mercenary and vindictive enemies. We lay before
+our readers the following, as sufficient to establish this fact.
+
+
+"An officer of the frigate which took her majesty (when Princess of
+Wales) to the Continent averred, in the presence of three
+_unimpeachable_ witnesses, that a very few days before her majesty's
+embarkation, CAPTAIN KING, while sitting at breakfast in his cabin with
+the surgeon of the frigate, received a letter from a _brother of the
+prince regent_, which he read aloud, in the presence of the said
+surgeon, as follows:
+
+"DEAR KING,
+
+"You are going to be ordered to take the Princess of Wales to the
+Continent. IF YOU DON'T COMMIT ADULTERY WITH HER, YOU ARE A DAMNED FOOL!
+You have _my_ consent for it, and I can assure you that you have that of
+_MY BROTHER, THE REGENT_.
+
+                                         "Your's,
+                                               (Signed) ********.
+
+"The officer who made the above statement and declaration is a most
+CREDITABLE PERSON, and the witnesses are all in this country."
+
+                                        "_London, May 7th, 1820._
+
+"Furnished to supply the queen with PROOF that the _royal duke_ in
+question is leagued against her, in accordance with the WISHES OF THE
+KING!"
+
+     "PRIVATE DOCUMENT.
+
+"Captain King's agent is Mr. STILLWELL, 22, Arundel-street, Strand,
+London; and the surgeon, who was present during the period the royal
+duke's letter was read, is JAMES HALL. The witnesses were--Mr.
+FRESHFIELD, 3, Tokenhouse-yard; Mr. HOLMES, 3, Lyon's-inn; and Mr.
+STOKOE, 2, Lancaster-court; as also before BARRY O'MEARA.
+
+                                     (Signed) "BARRY E. O'MEARA."
+
+
+On the 24th of June, a deputation of the House of Commons was appointed
+to wait upon her majesty with the resolutions adopted by the House on
+Thursday, the 22nd. They arrived at a quarter past one o'clock. Mr.
+Wilberforce and Mr. S. Wortley occupied the first carriage. At their
+appearance, strong symptoms of displeasure were indicated. They were
+then introduced to the queen, Mr. Brougham standing at her majesty's
+right hand, and Mr. Denman at her left. They severally knelt and kissed
+her majesty's hand. Mr. Wilberforce then read the resolutions, and her
+majesty replied to them. On their departure, Mr. Brougham accompanied
+the deputation to the door; and, after they had taken their seats in the
+carriages, Mr. Brougham returned to shake hands with them, although the
+multitudes assembled outside hissed them exceedingly.
+
+Her majesty's answer to the before-mentioned resolutions was superior to
+the tricks of her enemies. In it the queen refused terms of
+conciliation, unless they accorded with her duty to her own character,
+to the king, and to the nation! "A sense of what is due to my character
+and sex," said the queen, "forbids me to refer minutely to the REAL
+CAUSE of our domestic differences!" Indeed, her majesty's reply was an
+appeal to those principles of public justice, which should be alike the
+safeguard of the highest and the humblest individuals. Mr. Wilberforce
+exposed himself to much censure upon the part he had taken in the House;
+and, as he so unhesitatingly hinted at the awful contents of the "Green
+Bag," he said, "by suppressing her own feelings, the queen would endear
+herself to the country." We suppose Mr. Wilberforce meant, that, by
+suppressing her own feelings of honour, she would gratify the honour of
+the country; and, by again quitting it, demonstrate her gratitude for
+its unshaken loyalty; but the queen was firm in her resolve to _claim
+justice_, whether it was given or withheld.
+
+In considering these base endeavours to injure innocence, in order to
+raise the _noble_ character of a voluptuous prince, we cannot help
+remarking that POWER was the _only_ weapon of the vitiated monarch,
+while RIGHT and JUSTICE formed the shield of the oppressed Queen of
+England! Indeed, every man, glowing with the sincere love of his
+country, and actuated by that honourable affection for its welfare,
+which takes a lively and zealous interest in passing events, must have
+considered such proceedings against her majesty fraught with inevitable
+evil. If her innocence, according to the prayers of millions of her
+subjects, should be made manifest, the public indignation would be sure
+to be roused, and probably prove resentful. The evidence was known to be
+of a description on which no magistrate would convict a common
+pickpocket, and therefore if the legislature should even be induced to
+consider her majesty guilty of the charges preferred against her, public
+opinion would certainly refuse to ratify the sentence, and turn with
+disgust from those promulgating it. In either case, those venerable
+tribunals, consecrated by our forefathers, must lose that beautiful,
+that honourable, that unbought, homage which a free people have ever
+been proud to pay them. No Englishman, we say, accustomed to reverence,
+with a prejudice almost sacred, the constitution of a parliament,
+_majestic even in its errors and infirmities_, could contemplate,
+without pain, the possibility,--nay, the almost certainty,--that the
+hour was not far distant when the whole nation would look with cold
+indifference, or gloomy distrust, on the acts of a senate, their
+generous obedience to which (though it had been accompanied with
+suffering, and followed by privation) had been "the admiration of the
+whole world."
+
+On the 6th of July, Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, usher, of the black rod, waited
+upon her majesty with a copy of the "Bill of Pains and Penalties"
+against her, presented the previous day to the House of Lords, and which
+was forwarded by order of their lordships. Her majesty went into the
+room where the deputation were waiting, and received a copy of this bill
+with great calmness. Upon an examination of the abominable instrument,
+her majesty said, "Yes, the queen who had a sufficient sense of honour
+and goodness to refuse the base offer of fifty thousand pounds a-year of
+the public money, to spend it _when, where, how, and with whom she
+pleased_, in banquetings, feastings, and excesses, providing it were in
+a foreign country, and _not at home_, has sufficient resolution to await
+the result of every investigation power can suggest." Like another
+Cleopatra, our insulted queen might have played "the wanton" with
+impunity; her imperial bark might have displayed its purple streamers,
+swelled with the softest Cyprian breezes. It might have sailed
+triumphantly down the Adriatic, to meet some highly-favoured lover! Yes,
+by desire of the king, her husband, the queen was requested to accept
+any terms beside those of a legitimate character. But her majesty
+preserved her usual firmness and serenity of mind during the unequalled
+proceedings instituted against her, and frequently repeated the
+unequivocal expression, "Time will furnish sufficient proof of my
+innocence."
+
+On the 5th of August, the queen took possession of Brandenburgh House,
+formerly the residence of the Margravine of Anspatch, situated near the
+Thames, and in the parish of Hammersmith. Her majesty left Lady
+Hamilton's house at four o'clock, attended by her ladyship, and
+accompanied by Dr. Lushington, in an entirely new and elegant open
+carriage, drawn by four beautiful bay horses. They drove off amidst
+united shouts of applause from the assembled people.
+
+Will future generations believe the historian's tale, that a
+queen,--yes, a brave and virtuous Queen of England too!--was refused a
+house and a home by the sovereign, her husband? That she, who was lured
+from her princely home, arrived in the centre of England, and was denied
+a resting place by the king and his ministers! In consequence of which,
+she was necessitated to take up her abode in the mansion of a late lord
+mayor for the space of three days, and then to accept the use of the
+house of her lady in waiting for nearly two months; while there were
+palaces totally unoccupied, and even mouldering into decay for want of
+being inhabited! This statement will, doubtless, appear overdrawn to
+future generations; but there are thousands now living who can testify
+to its accuracy. Ministers, indeed, entered into compact with Deception,
+and so glaringly committed their sentiments and characters, that, to
+preserve their own pretended _consistency_, they would have even
+uncrowned the king himself! A feverish sensation now pervaded the whole
+public mind, and from the highest to the lowest, the case of the queen
+was one universal theme of conversation.
+
+On the 6th of August, her royal highness the Duchess of York died. Up to
+a very late hour of the day on which this occurred, no official
+communication had been made to the queen; but, in consequence of the
+event, her majesty requested to postpone several addresses which she had
+previously appointed to receive.
+
+On the 7th, the queen sent a letter to the king, but it was returned
+from Windsor unopened, with a communication that "Such a letter
+addressed to the king cannot be received by his majesty, unless it
+passes through the hands of his minister." Why, after the refusal to
+receive this letter, should the princess be blamed for permitting its
+contents to be published? If the king were under obligations of such a
+description as to incapacitate him from exercising his own judgment, and
+giving his own opinion, was he fit to administer the laws, or ought he
+to have sanctioned the appeal of miscreants who sought their own, and
+not their country's, good? Let us consider the delays attending this
+letter. It was sent to Windsor, directed _expressly for the king_,
+accompanied with a note, written by the queen, to Sir B. Bloomfield,
+desiring it might be immediately delivered into the king's hand. Sir B.
+Bloomfield was absent, and Sir W. Keppell, as the next in command,
+received it, and forwarded the same to Sir B. Bloomfield, at Carlton
+House, immediately, who returned the letter on the 8th to her majesty,
+saying, "I have received the king's commands and general instructions,
+that any communications which may be made should pass through the hands
+of his majesty's government." The queen immediately despatched a letter
+to Lord Liverpool, enclosing the one she had addressed to the king, by
+the hands of a messenger, in which her majesty desired the earl to
+present it. Lord Liverpool was then at Coombe Wood, and wrote in reply,
+that he would "lose no time in laying it before his majesty." Up to the
+11th, no reply had been received; and the queen wrote to Lord Liverpool
+again, to know if further communication were needful. Lord Liverpool
+replied, that he had not received the king's commands upon the subject,
+and therefore could not give any positive answer relative to it. How
+does this strange and incomprehensible conduct appear to any unbiassed
+Englishman? Was the king, who ought to be the dispenser of the laws, to
+be free from imputation, when he thus exposed his unrelenting temper and
+unbending determination, wherever his private inclinations were
+concerned? We dare avow, if that letter could have been answered, it
+would; but its contents were unanswerable! "Aye," said the hireling
+Castlereagh, "it is no matter what the conduct of the Princess of Wales
+has been; it is the king's desire that he may no more be obliged to
+recognise her in her former character of Princess of Wales." Oh! most
+sapient speech of a most sapient lord; truly this was a bold doctrine to
+broach, that kings have a right divine to subdue, injure, oppress, and
+govern wrong!
+
+We pass by the number of addresses presented to her majesty at this
+period, and also the not-to-be-mistaken expression of public opinion
+against the projector of her injuries. Were they not concocted by the
+authority of the monarch, her husband? Was it not by his _divine_ decree
+that his consort's name was erased from the liturgy? Did he not send
+down to parliament that message which denounced his queen a criminal?
+Yet, after all this, Lord Liverpool said, "The king has no _personal_
+feeling upon the subject." Very true, his majesty could not have any
+_personal_ feeling towards the queen; his royal feelings had always been
+confined to the libidinous and the most obnoxious of society! Had he
+been a worthy and upright plaintiff against the most unfortunate of
+defendants, would he have scrupled to have shewn himself in his regal
+chair upon the continued debates arising from this most important
+question; and would not a sense of greatness and virtue, _had he
+possessed either_, after hearing the infamous statements of _false
+witnesses_, have influenced him to _decline further proceedings_, though
+his pride might have withheld an acknowledgment of error? This line of
+honest conduct was not followed, and we are therefore obliged to brand
+him as one of the most despicable and mean of the human race!
+
+During the disgraceful proceedings against the queen, such was the
+public feeling in her favour, that the peers actually feared for their
+personal safety in going to and returning from the House. This
+threatened danger was, as might be expected, properly guarded against by
+the _military_, who poured into London and its environs in vast numbers.
+The agitated state of the public mind probably was never more decidedly
+expressed than on the 19th of August, the day on which the trial
+commenced. At a very early hour in the morning, workmen were employed in
+forming double rows of strong timber from St. Margaret's church to the
+King's Bench office on the one side, and from the upper extremity of
+Abingdon-street on the other, so as to enclose the whole area in front
+of the House of Lords. This was done to form a passage to the House,
+which was devoted exclusively for the carriages of the peers, to and
+from the principal entrance. Within this extensive area, a large body
+of constables were stationed, under the controul of the high bailiff and
+high constable, who were in attendance before seven o'clock. A very
+strong body of foot-guards were also posted in the King's Bench office,
+the Record office, and in the other apartments, near or fronting the
+street. Westminster Hall was likewise appropriated to the accommodation
+of the military. All the leading passages from St. Margaret's church
+into Parliament-street were closed securely by strong partitions of
+timber. The police-hulk and the gun-boats defended the river side of
+Westminster, and the civil and military arrangements presented an
+effectual barrier on the opposite side. At nine o'clock, a troop of
+life-guards rode into the palace yard, and formed in line in front of
+the principal gate of Westminster Hall; they were shortly afterwards
+followed by a detachment of the foot-guards, who were formed under the
+piazzas of the House of Lords, where they piled their arms. Patrols of
+life-guards were then thrown forward, in the direction of
+Abingdon-street, who occasionally formed near the king's entrance, and
+at intervals paraded.
+
+At half-past nine, a body of the Surrey horse-patrol rode over
+Westminster-bridge, and for a short time paraded Parliament-street,
+Whitehall, and Charing-cross; they afterwards drew up near the barrier
+at St. Margaret's church. The peers began to arrive shortly afterwards;
+the lord chancellor was in the House _before eight o'clock_. The other
+ministers were equally early in their attendance.
+
+At a quarter before ten, an universal cheering from a countless
+multitude, in the direction of Charing-cross, announced to the anxious
+spectators that the queen was approaching. Her majesty, attended by Lady
+Anne Hamilton, had come early from Brandenburgh-house to the residence
+of Lady Francis, St. James' Square, and from thence they departed for
+the House of Lords, in a new state carriage, drawn by six bay horses. As
+they passed Carlton Palace, the Admiralty, and other such places, the
+sentinels presented arms; but, at the Treasury, this mark of honour was
+omitted.
+
+When the queen arrived at the House, the military stationed in the front
+immediately presented arms. Her majesty was received at the door by Sir
+T. Tyrwhitt and Mr. Brougham; and the queen, with her lady in waiting,
+proceeded to an apartment prepared for their reception. Shortly
+afterwards, her majesty, accompanied as before, entered the House by the
+passage leading from the robing-room, which is situated on the right of
+the throne.
+
+During this initiatory part of the trial, and until nearly four o'clock,
+her majesty was attended by Lord Archibald Hamilton and his sister Lady
+Anne, who stood close to the queen all the time.
+
+Upon returning from the House in the same state in which her majesty
+arrived, she was greeted by the most enthusiastic acclamations and
+shouts of applause from every class of society, who were apparently
+desirous to outvie each other in testimonies of homage to their
+ill-fated and insulted queen.
+
+Each succeeding day of the pretended trial, her majesty met with a
+similar reception; and, during the whole period, addresses were lavishly
+poured in upon her, signed by so many persons, and testifying such
+ardent regard and devotion, that every moment of time was necessarily
+occupied with their reception and acknowledgment. Thus, though the queen
+was insulted by the king and the majority of the peers, it must have
+afforded great consolation to her wounded feelings, while witnessing the
+enthusiasm and devotion manifested in her cause by all the really
+honourable of the community. We say _really honourable_, because her
+persecutors were either actuated by "filthy lucre," or by a desire to
+recommend themselves, in some way or another, to the favour of the king
+and his ministers.
+
+To justify these remarks, we here present our readers with a list of
+those time-serving creatures who voted against the queen, with the
+annual amounts they were then draining from the country:
+
+     The Duke of York,[360:A]with immense patronage, nearly
+     100,000_l._; and the Duke of Clarence, 38,500_l._; but we must
+     not suppose her majesty's BROTHERS voted through _interest_;
+     their _virtuous minds could not tolerate her iniquities_!!!
+
+     DUKES.--Wellington, 65,741_l._, including the interest of
+     700,000_l._, which he received to purchase estates;
+     Northumberland, possessing immense patronage and family
+     interest; Newcastle, 19,700_l._; Rutland, 3,500_l._; Beaufort,
+     48,600_l._; and Manchester, 16,380_l._
+
+     MARQUISES.--Conyngham(!) 3,600_l._, but the exact sum his wife
+     received, we have not been able to ascertain; Thomond,
+     13,400_l._; Headfort, 4,200_l._; Anglesea, 11,000_l._;
+     Northampton, 1,000_l._; Camden, 4,150_l._; Exeter, 6,900_l._;
+     Cornwallis, 15,813_l._; Buckingham, 5,816_l._; Lothian,
+     4,900_l._; Queensberry, great family interest; and Winchester,
+     3,200_l._
+
+     EARLS.--Limerick, 2,500_l._; Ross, governor of an Irish
+     county; Donoughmore, 4,377_l._; Belmore, 1,660_l._; Mayo,
+     15,200_l._; Longford, 7,369_l._; Mount Cashel, 1,000_l._;
+     Kingston, 6,400_l._; St. Germains, brother-in-law to Lord
+     Hardwicke, who received 7,700_l._; Brownlow, 4,400_l._;
+     Whitworth, 6,000_l._; Verulam, 2,700_l._; Cathcart,
+     27,600_l._; Mulgrave, 11,051_l._; Lonsdale, 14,352_l._;
+     Orford, 6,700_l._; Manvers, 4,759_l._; Nelson, 15,025_l._;
+     Powis, 700_l._; Liverpool, 33,450_l._; Digby, 6,700_l._; Mount
+     Edgecumbe, 400_l._; Strange, 13,988_l._; Abergavenny,
+     3,072_l._; Aylesbury, 6,300_l._; Bathurst, 15,423_l._;
+     Chatham, 13,550_l._; Harcourt, 4,200_l._; Warwick, 6,519_l._;
+     Portsmouth, _non compos mentis_; Macclesfield, 3,000_l._;
+     Aylesford, 6,450_l._; Coventry, 700_l._; Abingdon, 2,000_l._;
+     Shaftesbury, 6,421_l._; Cardigan, 1,282_l._; Balcarras,
+     46,050_l._; Winchelsea, 6,000_l._; Stamford, 4,500_l._;
+     Bridgewater, 13,700_l._; Home, 2,800_l._; and Huntingdon,
+     200_l._ We must not here omit Lord Eldon, whose vote would
+     have been against her majesty if it had been required; his
+     income amounted to 50,400_l._, with immense patronage.
+
+     VISCOUNTS.--Exmouth, 10,450_l._; Lake, 7,300_l._; Sidmouth,
+     17,025_l._; Melville, 18,776_l._; Curzon, 2,400_l._; Sydney,
+     11,426_l._; Falmouth, 3,578_l._; and Hereford, 1,200_l._
+
+     ARCHBISHOPS.--Canterbury, 41,800_l._; Tuam, 28,000_l._; both
+     with immense patronage.
+
+     BISHOPS.--Cork, 6,400_l._, besides patronage; Llandaff,
+     1,540_l._, with twenty-six livings in his gift; Peterborough,
+     4,140_l._, with an archdeaconry, six prebends, and thirteen
+     livings in his gift; he had also a pension granted him by the
+     king's sign manual, in 1804, of 514_l._-4,654_l._;
+     Gloucester, 3,200_l._, twenty-four livings, besides other
+     patronage, in his gift; Chester, 4,700_l._, with six prebends
+     and thirty livings in his gift; he has also a son in the
+     _secret_ department in India, 2,000_l._, and another a
+     collector in India, 2,500_l._, as well as sons in the church
+     with benefices to the amount of 2,750_l._-11,950_l._; Ely,
+     21,340_l._, and the patronage of one hundred and eight
+     livings; St. Asaph, 6,000_l._, his son has two livings in the
+     church, 1000_l._, and he has ninety livings in his
+     gift,--7,000_l._; St. David's, 6,260_l._, besides one hundred
+     livings, prebends, and precentorships in his gift; he has also
+     a relation in the church, with two livings,
+     1,000_l._-7,260_l._; Worcester, 9,590_l._, besides the
+     patronage of one archdeaconry and twenty-one livings; London,
+     10,200_l._, with ninety-five livings, twenty-eight prebends,
+     and precentorships in his gift.
+
+     LORDS.--Prudhoe, 700_l._; Harris, 3,800_l._; Meldrum, of the
+     Gordon family, who annually devour about 30,000_l._; Hill,
+     9,800_l._; Combermere, 13,500_l._; Hopetoun, 15,600_l._;
+     Gambier, 6,800_l._; Manners, 21,500_l._; Ailsa, _expectant_;
+     Lauderdale, 36,600_l._; Sheffield, 3,000_l._; Redesdale,
+     5,500_l._; St. Helens, 1,000_l._; Northwick, 1,500_l._;
+     Bolton, 4,000_l._; Bayning, 1,000_l._; Carrington, 1,900_l._;
+     Dunstanville, 1,500_l._; Rous, _motive unknown_; Courtown,
+     9,800_l._; Galloway, 9,845_l._; Stuart, 15,000; Douglas,
+     2,500_l._; Grenville, 4,000_l._; Suffield, brother-in-law to
+     the _notorious Castlereagh_,--need we say more to point out
+     _his_ motive for voting against the queen? Montagu, 3,500_l._;
+     Gordon, 20,990_l._; Somers, 2,000_l._; Rodney, 6,123_l._;
+     Middleton, 700_l._; Napier, 4,572_l._; Gray, 200_l._, with
+     great family interest; Colville, 4,600_l._; Saltoun,
+     3,644_l._; Forbes, 8,400_l._; Lord Privy Seal, 3,000_l._; and
+     Lord President, 4,000.
+
+     [360:A] The Duke of Sussex excused himself from taking part in
+     the proceedings against the queen on the plea of being so
+     nearly related to her majesty. When this was stated in the
+     House of Lords, the Duke of York said, "My lords, I have as
+     much reason, and, _heaven knows_, I would as anxiously desire
+     as my royal relative to absent myself from these proceedings;
+     but when I have a DUTY imposed upon me, of _such magnitude as
+     the present_, I should be _ashamed_ to offer such an EXCUSE!"
+     It is astonishing how any man, who had _outraged virtue_ and
+     violated HIS DUTY in a thousand ways, could, unblushingly,
+     thus insult the English nation!
+
+Notwithstanding this phalanx of corruption being arrayed against one
+virtuous female, after an unexampled multiplication of abuse and
+perjury, on the fifty-first day of the proceedings, the infamous bill
+was LOST, and, with it, the pretensions to uprightness and manly feeling
+of every one who had voted for it! What was the dreadful, the
+overwhelming, responsibility of those who had ventured to prosecute, of
+all others, a great, a noble, a glorious woman, (we speak
+unhesitatingly, for we speak from the EVIDENCE OF HER OWN PUBLIC ACTS)
+by a "Bill of Pains and Penalties," which was so far from being a part
+of our common law, that that was necessarily sacrificed in order to give
+effect to this? The mock trial was supported by the evidence of
+witnesses who, day after day, perjured themselves for the sake of
+wealth, and by the ingratitude of _discarded_ servants, treacherous
+domestics, and cowardly calumniators; evidence, not only stained with
+the infamy of their own perfidy to their generous benefactress, but
+polluted with the licentious and gross obscenity of their own debased
+instincts, for we cannot call their cunning by any other name. This,
+Englishmen! was the poison, this the vast and sweeping flood of
+iniquity, which was permitted by the government to disseminate itself
+into the minds of the young, and to inundate the morals of the whole
+country! A great moral evil was thus done; but the antidote luckily went
+with it. The same press, upon which the absurd, foolish, and dangerous
+imbecility of incompetent and unmanly ministers imposed the reluctant
+office of becoming the channel for the deluge of Italian evidence, also
+conducted the refreshing streams of national sympathy and public
+opinion! The public sustained their own honour in upholding that of
+Caroline, Queen of England! When that public beheld her intelligent
+eyes, beaming with mind and heroism; when they heard of her pure
+beneficence, holy in its principle, as it was unbounded in its sphere;
+when they felt her glowing affection for a devoted people; when they
+observed her, scorning alike the weakness of her sex and the luxury of
+her station,--actuated solely by the mighty energies of her own
+masculine sense and powerful understanding,--braving fatigue and danger,
+traversing the plains and mountains of Asia, the sands and deserts of
+Africa; and contemplating the living tomb of ancient liberty in modern
+Greece; when they heard of this dauntless woman sailing over foreign
+seas with a soul of courage as buoyant and as mighty as the waves that
+bore her; but, above all, when they knew of her refusing the glittering
+trappings and the splendid price of infamous security, to face
+inveterate, persecuting, and inflexible enemies, even on their own
+ground, and surrounded by their own strength and power, they felt
+confident that such a woman must be at once a favourite of heaven, a
+great queen, and a blessing to the people, who fervently offered up
+their prayers for her safety and her triumph! It will readily be
+supposed, then, with what joy the result of this important and
+unprecedented investigation filled the hearts of thousands, which
+manifested itself by shouts of exultation from the centre of the
+metropolis, and was re-echoed from the remotest corners of the land, by
+the unbought voices of a brave and generous people, who considered the
+unjust proceedings alike "derogatory to the dignity of the crown and the
+best interests of the nation."
+
+From the very commencement of the queen's persecution, her majesty's
+counsellors appeared more in the capacity of MEDIATORS in the cause of
+_guilt_ than as _stern, unbending, and uncompromising champions of
+honour and truth_! In one of Mr. Brougham's speeches, he declared the
+queen had no intention to _recriminate_; but Mr. Brougham cannot, even
+at this distance of time, have forgotten that, when her majesty had an
+interview with him after this public assertion on his part, she declared
+herself INSULTED by such a remark, as her case demanded all the
+assistance it could possibly obtain from every legal quarter. Another
+peculiar trait of defection was conspicuously displayed during this
+extraordinary trial. The letter we gave a few pages back, written by an
+illustrious personage to the captain of the vessel in which the princess
+went in the memorable year 1814, offering him a reward to procure any
+evidence of improper conduct on the part of her royal highness, was
+submitted to Mr. Brougham, and shortly afterwards, at the supper table
+of the queen, he said aloud, that he HAD SHEWN THAT LETTER TO THE
+OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE COURT; and when remonstrated with for such
+extraordinary conduct, his only reply was, "Oh, it will do very well;"
+and soon after left the room. This and many other singular acts of the
+learned gentleman will seem surprising to his admirers. Such suspicious
+conduct, indeed, is hardly to be accounted for; but we could not dispute
+the evidence of our own senses!
+
+At this period, a lady of her majesty's household received a note from a
+young person, stating the writer to be in possession of some papers of
+GREAT CONSEQUENCE TO THE QUEEN, which she wished to deliver to her
+majesty. A gentleman was sent to the writer of the note, and her
+information to him was, in substance, as follows:
+
+
+That certain property, of a large amount, had been bequeathed to her;
+but that for many years she had been deprived of all interest arising
+from it. That Dr. Sir Richard Croft, accoucheur to her late royal
+highness, the Princess Charlotte, was an attendant witness to the will
+of her mother, by whom the property had been willed,--her father having
+engaged, upon his return from abroad, to put his daughter in possession
+of her rightful claims, proving her descent, &c. That, during her
+unprotected state, her guardian had caused her to sign bonds to an
+enormous amount; and, in consequence, she had been deprived of her
+liberty for nearly twelve months. As Dr. Sir Richard Croft was her
+principal witness and friend, she frequently consulted him on different
+points of her affairs, and also gave him several private letters for his
+inspection; but these letters not being returned to her when she applied
+for them, she reproached the doctor with his inattention to her
+interests. In consequence of this, Dr. Croft called upon her, and
+promised to send the letters back the next day. The doctor accordingly
+sent her a packet; but, upon examination, she found them to be, _not the
+letters alluded to_, but letters of VAST IMPORTANCE, from the HIGHEST
+PERSONAGES in the kingdom, and elucidating the most momentous subjects.
+Some time after, she sealed them up, and sent a servant back with them,
+giving him strict injunctions to deliver them ONLY into Sir Richard's
+hand. While the servant was gone, the doctor called upon her, and, IN
+GREAT AGITATION, inquired if she had received any other letters back
+besides her own. She replied she had, and said, "Doctor, what have you
+done?" He walked about the room for some time, and then said, abruptly,
+"I suppose you have read the letters?" She replied, "I have read enough
+to make me very uncomfortable." After some further remarks, he observed,
+"I am the most wretched man alive!" He then said he would communicate to
+her all the circumstances. Sir Richard commenced his observations by
+stating, that he was not the perpetrator of the deed, but had been made
+the instrument of others, which the letters proved. He then alluded, by
+name, to a NOBLEMAN; and said the circumstance was first discovered by
+the NURSE'S observing that a SEDIMENT WAS LEFT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CUP
+IN WHICH THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE TOOK HER LAST BEVERAGE, and that Mrs.
+Griffiths directly charged the doctor with being privy to the act. He
+examined the contents of the cup, and was struck with horror at finding
+that it was the SAME DESCRIPTION OF MEDICINE WHICH HAD BEEN OBTAINED
+FROM HIS HOUSE, A FEW DAYS PREVIOUS, BY THE NOBLEMAN BEFORE ALLUDED
+TO!!! However, he endeavoured to persuade the nurse that she was
+mistaken; "but," said the doctor, "the more I endeavoured to persuade
+her, the more culpable, no doubt _I_ appeared to her."
+
+
+Sir Richard said he was farther strengthened in his suspicions of the
+said nobleman by a conversation he had had a few days before with his
+lordship, who said, "If any thing should happen to the princess,--IF SHE
+WERE TO DIE,--it would be a melancholy event; yet I consider it would,
+in some considerable degree, be productive of good to the nation at
+large." Dr. Croft asked him how he could say so. "Because," said the
+nobleman, "every body knows her disposition sufficiently to be
+convinced, that she will ever be blind to her mother's most unequalled
+conduct; and I think any man, burdened with such a wife, would be
+_justified_ in using ANY MEANS in seeking to get rid of her! Were it my
+case, the friend who would be the means of, or assist in, releasing me
+from her shackles, I should consider would do no more than one man ought
+to do for another so circumstanced." Dr. Croft then said, he went to
+this nobleman directly after the death of the princess, and charged him
+with committing the crime. He at first denied it; but at length said,
+"It was better for one to suffer than that the whole country should be
+put into a state of confusion, which would have been the case if the
+princess had lived," and then alluded to the Princess of Wales coming
+into this country. The nobleman exonerated himself from the deed; but
+said "IT WAS MANAGED BY PERSONS IMMEDIATELY ABOUT THE DOCTOR'S PERSON."
+At this part of the narrative, the doctor became very much agitated, and
+the lady said, "Good God! who did do it?" To which question he replied,
+"_The hand that wrote that letter without a name, in conjunction with
+one of the attendants on the nurse!_" The lady further stated, that the
+doctor said, "Certain ladies are depending upon me for my services as
+accoucheur, and I will not extend life beyond my attendance upon them."
+This conversation took place just after the death of the Princess
+Charlotte.
+
+Before Dr. Croft left the lady, she informed him of her anxiety to
+return the letters as soon as she discovered their importance, and
+mentioned that the servant was then gone with them. Sir Richard quickly
+exclaimed, "You bid him not leave them?" and inquired what directions
+had been given to the servant. Having been informed, he said, "Don't
+send them again; keep them until I come and fetch them, and that will be
+to-morrow, if possible." But the lady never saw him afterwards, and
+consequently retained the letters.
+
+The gentleman then received exact copies of all the letters before
+alluded to. We here present our readers with three of the most
+important, which will substantiate some of our former statements.
+
+
+COPY OF A LETTER FROM SIR B. BLOOMFIELD TO DR. SIR RICHARD CROFT.
+
+"MY DEAR CROFT,
+
+"I am commanded by his royal highness to convey to you his solicitude
+for your health and happiness; and I am to inform you, that the aid of
+so faithful a friend as yourself is indispensable. _It is by her
+majesty's command I write this to you._
+
+"We have intelligence by the 20th ult. that the Princess of Wales is to
+take a road favourable to the accomplishment of our long-desired wishes;
+that we may keep pace with her, there is no one upon whose fidelity we
+can more fully rely than you yourself.
+
+"A few months relaxation from the duties of your profession will banish
+all gloomy ideas, and secure the favour of her majesty.
+
+"Come, my boy, throw physic to the dogs, and be the bearer of the happy
+intelligence of a divorce, to render ourselves still more deserving the
+confidence of our beloved master, whose peace and happiness we are bound
+in duty to secure by every means in our power.
+
+"Remember this: the road to fortune is short; and let me see you to-day
+at three o'clock, without fail, in my bureau.
+
+                                         "Yours faithfully,"
+                                                      **********.
+
+         "Carlton House,
+     "Monday, 9th November, 1817."
+
+
+COPY OF A LETTER FROM DR. CROFT TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE REGENT.
+
+"The gracious assurance of his royal highness for my happiness was this
+day conveyed to me, by _the desire of her most gracious majesty_.
+
+"The many former favours and kindnesses bestowed by my royal benefactor
+is retained in my mind with the deepest sense of gratitude.
+
+"That I regret, with heartfelt grief, the invisible power that
+determined my inevitable misery, and marks the hand that gave the blow
+to my eternal peace. Could no other arm inflict the wound than he who,
+in happier moments, indulged me with the most apparent unfeigned
+friendship? That I shall not, to my latest breath, cease to complain of
+such injustice, heaped upon me in the eyes of the world, and before the
+nation, who at my hands have lost their dearest hopes.
+
+"My conscious innocence is the only right I plead to a just and Almighty
+God! That I consider this deed of so foul a nature as to stamp with
+ignominy, not only its perpetrators, but the throne itself, now to be
+obtained by the death of its own offspring, _and that death enforced by
+the Queen of England_, whose inveterate hatred is fully exemplified, by
+heaping wrongs upon the unfortunate partner of your once happy choice,
+who now only impedes your union to another.
+
+"To remove now this only remaining obstacle, I am called upon by the
+ministers. With a view of tranquillizing my mind, every restitution is
+offered me. But, no doubt, many will be found amongst them, who can,
+without a pang, enjoy the reward of such services--_as her majesty will
+most liberally recompense_.
+
+"It has ever been my highest ambition to fulfil the arduous duty of my
+situation; to be rewarded by upright encomiums; and to merit, as a
+subject and a servant, the approbation of my most gracious benefactor,
+as conveyed to me on the 9th of this month by Sir B. Bloomfield, would
+have been a sufficient recompense to me under any circumstances of life.
+
+"I can, therefore, only assure his royal highness, with unfeigned
+sincerity, that I should feel happy upon any occasion to forfeit my life
+for his peace and happiness; nor can I more fully evince the same than
+by assuring his royal highness, that this melancholy circumstance shall
+be eternally buried in my mind.
+
+                                        (Signed) "RICHARD CROFT."
+
+"November 10th, 1817."
+
+
+COPY OF A LETTER FROM QUEEN CHARLOTTE TO DR. CROFT.
+
+"We are sensible how much it were to be desired that the obligations
+provided for could have been traced without the necessity of our
+writing. But we are yet more sensible how much it is our duty to promote
+the happiness of our most dear and most beloved son, who so justly
+deserves the efforts which we make for him. Whatever price will cost our
+tender love, we shall at least have the comfort, in the melancholy
+circumstance of this juncture, which our kingdom most justly laments
+with us, to give to our subjects a successor more worthy of the
+possession of our crown, either partly or wholly, than the detested
+daughter of our dearest brother, who, by her conduct, has brought
+disgrace upon our royal house, and whom now we will, for us, and our
+descendants, without difference of the substance of blood and quality,
+that she shall at all events be estranged from us and our line for ever.
+To this end, we believe the method concerted by our faithful friends at
+Trieste is the most effectual to ensure it, not by divorce; be it by
+whatever means which may seem effectual to our friends, to whom we
+grant full power in every thing, as if we ourselves were present, to
+obtain the conclusion we so much desire; and whosoever shall accomplish
+the same shall be placed in the immediate degree with any peer of our
+kingdom, with fifty thousand pounds, which we guarantee to our worthy
+friend, Sir Richard Croft, on whom we can rely in every thing,--his
+services being considered unavoidable on this occasion. And for the
+better security of all, we promise the bearer hereof, being in every
+part furnished with sufficient power to write, sign, and secure, by
+letter or any other obligation, in our name, and which is to be
+delivered to Sir Richard Croft before his departure from
+London,--reminding him of his own engagements to the secrecy of this
+also,--whereunto we put our name, this 12th day of November, 1817.
+
+"Let him be faithful unto death.
+
+                                                 (Signed) "C. R."
+
+
+Who can peruse these letters, and the particulars with which they are
+accompanied, without being shocked at the dark and horrible crime proved
+to have been committed, as well as those deep-laid plans of persecution
+against an innocent woman, which they unblushingly state to have had
+their origin in the basest of motives,--to gratify the vindictive
+feelings of her heartless and abandoned husband! It must appear
+surprising to honourable minds that these atrocities did not find some
+one acquainted with them of sufficient virtue and nerve to drag their
+abettors to justice. But, alas! those who possessed the greatest
+facilities for this purpose were too fond of place, pension, or profit,
+to discharge such a duty. Queen Caroline, at this period, resolved to
+ask for a public investigation of the causes and attendant circumstances
+of the death of her daughter, and expressed her determination to do so
+in the presence of several noblemen. Her majesty considered these and
+other important letters to be amply sufficient to prove that the
+Princess Charlotte's death was premeditated, and procured unfairly. Her
+majesty also knew that, in 1817, a most respectable resident of
+Claremont publicly declared that the regent had said, "_NO HEIR OF THE
+PRINCESS CHARLOTTE SHALL EVER SIT UPON THE THRONE OF ENGLAND!_" The
+queen was likewise _personally_ assured of the truths contained in the
+letter signed "C. R." dated 12th of November; for the infamous Baron
+Ompteda, in conjunction with another similar character, had been
+watching all her movements for a length of time, and they were actually
+waiting her arrival at Trieste, at the time before named, while every
+one knew they had a coadjutor in England, in the person of Souza Count
+Funshall!!!
+
+Her majesty was also well acquainted with the scheme of the king or his
+ministers, that the former or the latter, or both conjointly, had caused
+a work to be published in Paris, the object of which was "to set aside
+the succession of the Princess Charlotte and her heirs, (under the plea
+of the illegality of her father's marriage) and to supply the defect by
+the DUKE OF YORK!" Lord Moira offered very handsome terms to an author,
+of some celebrity, to write "Comments in favour of this book;" but he
+declined, and wrote explanatory of the crimes of the queen and her
+family. This work, however, was bought up by the English court for seven
+thousand pounds! In this book of comments was given a fair and impartial
+statement of the MURDER OF SELLIS, and, upon its appearance, a _certain
+duke_ thought it "wisest and best" to go out of this country! _Why_ the
+duke resolved to seek safety in flight is best known to himself and
+those in his immediate confidence; but to uninterested and impartial
+observers, such a step was not calculated to exonerate the duke's
+character. This took place at a very early period after the murder had
+been committed in the palace of St. James, and all the witnesses were
+then ready again to depose upon the subject, as well as those persons
+who had not been permitted to give their evidence at the inquest.
+Another examination of the body of Sellis might have been demanded,
+though doubtless in a more public manner than before, as it was not
+supposed to be past exhumation! The people reasoned sensibly, when they
+said, "The duke certainly knows something of this awful affair, or else
+he would cause the strictest inquiry, rather than suffer such a stain
+upon his royal name and character, which are materially injured in
+public opinion by the royal duke's refusal to do so, and his sudden
+determination to go abroad." The duke, however, _did_ go abroad, and did
+not return until inquiry had, apparently, ceased.
+
+Such were the remarks of Caroline, Queen of England, upon these serious
+subjects, of which she felt herself competent to say more than any other
+subject in the realm. The secret conduct of the government was not
+unknown to her majesty, and her sufferings, she was well aware, had
+their origin in STATE TRICK; while fawning courtiers, to keep their
+places, had sacrificed _truth_, _justice_, and _honour_. "Then," said
+the queen, "can I wonder at any plan or plans they may invent to
+accomplish the wish of my husband? No; I am aware of many, very many,
+foul attempts to insult, degrade, and destroy me! I cannot forget the
+embassy of Lord Stewart, the base conduct of that most unprincipled man,
+Colonel Brown, and other unworthy characters, who, to obtain the favour
+of the reigning prince, my husband, condescended to say and do any and
+every thing prejudicial to my character, and injurious to my dignity, as
+the legitimate princess of the British nation; and for what purpose is
+this extraordinary conduct pursued? Only to gratify revengeful
+inclinations, and prevent my full exposures of those odious crimes, by
+which the honour of the family is and will ever be attainted! But,"
+added her majesty, "the untimely, unaccountable death of my Charlotte
+is, indeed, heavy upon my heart! I remember, as if it were only
+yesterday, her infant smile when first I pressed her to my bosom; and I
+must always feel unutterable anguish, when I reflect upon the hardships
+she was obliged to endure at our cruel separation! Was it not more than
+human nature was able to endure, first to be insulted and deceived by a
+husband, then to be deprived of an only and lovely child, whose fondness
+equalled her royal father's cruelty? Well may I say, my Charlotte's
+death ought to be explained, and the bloodthirsty aiders in the scheme
+punished as they really merit. Who are these proud, yet base,
+tyrants,--who, after destroying the child, still continue their plans to
+destroy her mother also? Are they not the sycophants of a voluptuous
+monarch, whose despotic influence has for a long period destroyed the
+liberties and subverted the rights of the people, over whom he has
+exercised such uncontrouled and unconstitutional power? And what is the
+MORAL character of these state hirelings, (continued the queen) who
+neither act with judgment, or speak with ability, but who go to court to
+bow, and cringe, and fawn? Alas! is it not disgraceful in the
+extreme?--are they not found debasing themselves in the most infamous
+and unnatural manner? From youth, have not even some of the late queen's
+sons been immoral and profane? Was not one of them invited to dinner, by
+a gentleman of the first rank, during his stay in the West Indies, and
+did he not so conduct himself before one of the gentleman's daughters,
+that his royal highness was under the necessity of making a precipitate
+retreat? Yet this outrage upon decency was only noticed by one fearless
+historian! And amongst the courtiers, where is morality to be found? Yet
+these individuals are the judges, as well as the jury, and are even
+empowered to assault, insult, and reproach the consort of the first
+magistrate, their sovereign the king! But he is in their power; guilt
+has deprived my lord and husband of all ability to set the perfidious
+parasites at defiance! If this were not the case, would his proud heart
+have allowed him to be insulted by my Lord Bloomfield, or Sir W.
+Knighton? No; the answer must be obvious. Yet such was actually the
+fact, as all the _private_ friends of his majesty can testify. My honour
+is indeed insulted, and yet I am denied redress. I suspected what my
+fate would be when so much equivocation was resorted to during my
+journey to this country. I was not treated as any English subject,
+however poor and defenceless, ought to expect; far otherwise, indeed. I
+waited some months to see Mr. Brougham, and was disappointed from time
+to time, until I determined to return to England in despite of all
+obstacles. I reached St. Omers on the 1st of June; Mr. Brougham did not
+arrive until the evening of the 3rd; he was accompanied by his brother
+and Lord Hutchinson; and I judged from their conversation, that my only
+safety was to be found in the English capital. Propositions were made
+me, of the most infamous description; and, afterwards, Lord Hutchinson
+and Mr. Brougham said, 'they understood the outline of those
+propositions originated with myself.' How those gentlemen could indulge
+such an opinion for one moment, I leave the world to judge. If it had
+been my intention to receive fifty thousand pounds per annum to remain
+abroad, UNQUEENED, I should have reserved my several establishments and
+suite. I was requested to delay my journey until despatches could be
+received; but my impatience to set my foot once more on British ground
+prevented my acquiescence. I had been in England a very short time, when
+I was most credibly informed the cause for soliciting that delay;
+namely, that this government had required the French authorities to
+station the military in Calais, at the command of the English consul,
+for the express purpose of seizing my person, previous to my
+embarkation! What would not have been my fate, if I once had been in the
+grasp of the Holy Alliance!! This fact will satisfy the English people,
+that the most wicked plans were organized for my destruction. The
+inhabitants of Carlton House were all petrified upon my arrival, having
+been assured that I never should again see England, and that my legal
+adviser had supported the plan of my remaining abroad, and had expressed
+his opinion that I should accept the offer. It is also a solemn fact
+that, at that period, a PROCESS OF DIVORCE, in the Consistory Court in
+Hanover, was rapidly advancing, under the direction of Count Munster;
+and, as the king is there an arbitrary sovereign, the regal will would
+not have found any obstacle. When the day of retribution shall arrive,
+may God have mercy upon Lords Liverpool, Castlereagh, and their vile
+associates,--even as they wished to have compassion upon their insulted
+and basely-treated queen! Had I followed my first opinion after these
+unhandsome transactions, I should have changed my counsel; but I did not
+know where to apply for others, as I too soon found I was intended to be
+sacrificed, either privately or publicly. Devotion in public characters
+is seldom found to be unequivocally sincere in times of great trouble
+and disappointment! What is a defenceless woman, though a queen, opposed
+to a despotic and powerful king? Alas! but subject to the rude
+ebullition of pampered greatness, and a mark at which the finger of
+scorn may point. Well may I say--
+
+     "Would I had never trod the English earth,
+      Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it!
+      Ye have angels' faces; but heaven knows your hearts.
+      What will become of me now, wretched lady?
+      I am the most unhappy woman living.
+      No friend, no hope, no kindred, weep for me;
+      _Almost no grave allowed me_! Like the lily,
+      That once was mistress of the field, and flourished,
+      I'll hang my head, and perish!"
+
+A very few weeks after making these remarks, her majesty, in
+correspondence with a friend, wrote as follows:
+
+
+"I grow weary of my existence. I am annoyed upon every occasion. I am
+actually kept without means to discharge my honourable engagements. Lord
+Liverpool returns the most sarcastic replies (if such they may be
+called) to my notes of interrogation upon these unhandsome and unfair
+delays, as if I were an object of inferior grade to himself. I think I
+have sufficient perception to convince me what the point is to which the
+ministers are now lending their ready aid, which is nothing less than to
+FORCE ME TO RETURN ABROAD! This they never shall accomplish, so long as
+my life is at all safe; and in vain does Mr. WILDE press upon my notice
+the propriety of such a step."
+
+
+Illuminations and other rejoicings were manifested by the people at the
+queen's acquittal; but the state of her majesty's affairs, as explained
+in the above extract, were such as to preclude her receiving that
+pleasure which her majesty had otherwise experienced at such testimonies
+of the affectionate loyalty of the British people.
+
+
+We must now proceed to the year
+
+     1821,
+
+in which pains and penalties supplied the place of kindness, and the
+sword upheld the law! while men who opposed every liberal opinion
+hovered around the throne of this mighty empire. In the hardness of
+their hearts, they justified inhumanity, and delighted to hear the clank
+of the chains of slavery. They flattered but to deceive, and hid from
+their master the miseries of his subjects! This was base grovelling
+submission to the royal will, and not _REAL LOYALTY_; for loyalty does
+not consist in a slavish obedience to the will of a tyrannical chief
+magistrate, but in a firm and faithful adherence to the law and
+constitution of the community of which we are members. The disingenuity
+of Lord Liverpool and his coadjutors, however, who were impelled by high
+church and high tory principles, wished to limit this comprehensive
+principle, which takes in the whole of the constitution, and therefore
+tends to the conservation of it all in its full integrity, to the
+_person_ of the king, because they knew he would favour their own
+purposes as well as the extension of power and prerogative,--the
+largesses of which they hoped to share in reward for their sycophantic
+zeal, and their mean, selfish, perfidious adulation. With such views,
+the king's ministers represented every spirited effort in favour of the
+people's rights as originating in _disloyalty_. The best friends to the
+English constitution, in its purity, were held up to the detestation of
+his majesty, as being disaffected to his person. Every stratagem was
+used to delude the unthinking part of the people into a belief that
+their only way of displaying loyalty was to display a most servile
+obsequiousness to the caprices of the reigning prince, and to oppose
+every popular measure. The ministers themselves approached him in the
+most unmanly language of submission, worthier to have been received by
+the Great Mogul or the Chinese emperor than the chief magistrate of a
+professedly free people. In short, George the Fourth only wished to be
+feared, not loved. The servile ministry fed this passion, though they
+would have done the same for a Stuart, had one been in power. It was not
+the man they worshipped, but the _power_ he possessed to add to their
+_own dignity and wealth_! Let us not here be misunderstood. We are
+willing to award honour to the person of a man invested with kingly
+power, provided his deeds are in accordance with his duty, though not
+otherwise. A good king should be regarded with true and sincere
+affection; but we ought not to pay any man, reigning over a free
+country, so ill a compliment as to treat him like a despot, ruling over
+a land of slaves. We must, therefore, reprobate that false, selfish,
+adulatory loyalty, which, seeking nothing but its own base ends, and
+feeling no real attachment either to the person or the office of the
+king, contributes nevertheless, by its example, to diffuse a servile,
+abject temper, highly injurious to the spirit of freedom.
+
+Though "the bill" was now ingloriously abandoned by Lord Liverpool, the
+queen received but little benefit. Her majesty was even refused means to
+discharge debts unavoidably contracted for the bare support of her table
+and her household. As a proof of the economical style of her living, we
+witnessed one evening a party of friends sitting down to supper with her
+majesty, when a chicken at the top and another at the bottom of the
+table were the _only dishes_ set before the company. What a contrast
+this would have presented to the loaded tables, groaning under the
+luxurious display of provisions for gluttony, in the king's several
+residences, where variety succeeded variety, and where even the veriest
+menial lived more sumptuously than his master's consort!
+
+On the 5th of May, the Emperor Napoleon Buonaparte expired at St.
+Helena, having endured captivity, under the most unfavourable
+circumstances, and with a constitutional disease, more than six years
+and a half. As we shall have occasion, in our second volume, to speak of
+this illustrious man and his cruel treatment by our government, it would
+be unnecessary to say more in this place than merely give an outline of
+his extraordinary career. Napoleon was born at Ajaccio, the capital of
+Corsica, August 15, 1769; and was, consequently, fifty-two years of age,
+wanting three months, when he died. He was the eldest son of a lawyer,
+of Italian descent, and his family had pretensions to ancestry of high
+birth and station in Italy. He was educated in the _royal_ military
+school; and first attracted notice when, as an officer of engineers, he
+assisted in the bombardment of Toulon in 1793; next signalized himself
+by repressing an infuriated mob of Parisians in 1795, which caused his
+promotion to the command of the army of Italy; was made first consul in
+1799; elected emperor in 1804; "exchanged" the sceptre of France and
+Italy for that of Elba (so it was expressed in the treaty of
+Fontainbleau) on the 11th of April, 1814; landed at Cannes, in Provence,
+on the 1st of March, 1815; entered Paris triumphantly, at the head of
+the French army, a few days afterwards; fought the last fatal battle of
+Waterloo on the 18th of June in the same year; abdicated in favour of
+his son; threw himself upon the generosity of the English, through
+promises made to him by Lord Castlereagh; was landed at St. Helena on
+the 18th of October, 1815; and died as before stated, a victim to the
+arbitrary treatment of our government, which we shall presently prove.
+
+Leopold now (in July) called upon her majesty, for the first time since
+her return to this country. His serene highness was announced and
+ushered into the presence of the mother of his late consort. The queen
+appeared exceedingly agitated, though her majesty did not urge one word
+of complaint or inquiry at the delay of the prince's visit. Previous to
+the departure of Leopold, the queen appeared much embarrassed and
+affected, and, addressing the prince, said, "Do you not think that the
+death of my Charlotte was too sudden to be naturally accounted for? and
+do you think it not very likely that she died unfairly?" The prince
+replied, "I also have my fears; but I do not possess any PROOF of it."
+He then said, "My suspicions were further excited by the _EXCESSIVE JOY_
+the royal family shewed at her death; for the Regent and the Duke of
+York got DRUNK upon the occasion." These, we pledge ourselves, were his
+highness' OWN WORDS, _verbatim et literatim_.
+
+About this time, when the coronation was expected to take place in a few
+days, her majesty, in writing to one of her firmest friends, said,
+
+
+"I do not foresee any happy result likely to ensue from my attempting to
+get into the Abbey; for my own part, I do not think it a prudent step.
+My enemies hold the reins of power, and _most_ of my professed friends
+appear rather shy; so I fear the advice I have received upon the
+subject. Alderman Wood intends to go in his civic capacity, which, to
+me, is very unaccountable indeed; for certainly, if I ever required the
+assistance and presence of my _real_ friends, it is most probable I
+shall need both at such a period. I can unbosom myself to you, for _I
+know you to be my real friend_; believe me, I do not assure myself that
+I have another in the whole world! To _you alone_ can I speak freely
+upon the death of my child and her infant, and I dare tell _you_, I yet
+hope to see the guilty murderers brought to condign punishment. I say,
+with Shakespeare,
+
+     "'Blood will have blood!
+      Stones have been known to move, and trees to speak,
+      To bring forth the secret man of blood.'
+
+"Such is my earnest hope; may it yet prove true in the case of my lovely
+departed daughter. While her remains are dwelling in the gloomy vault of
+death, her father and his associates are revelling in the most
+abominable debauchery, endeavouring to wash that,--THE FOUL STAIN, THE
+ETERNAL STAIN,--from their remembrance. Still I live in expectation
+that the dark deed will be avenged, and the perpetrators meet with their
+just reward.
+
+"The deep-rolling tide of my enemies' success against me will find a
+mighty barrier, when all shall be explained, in the simple and
+unaffected language of truth. Weak and presumptuous as my Lord Liverpool
+is, I did not believe he would dare to promise one thing, and act the
+reverse before the world. I did think he was too anxious to retain A
+NAME for honour, if he merited it not; but I am deceived, and very
+probably not for the last time. You will sympathize with me; I labour
+under the pressure of many heavy misfortunes, and also under the
+provocation of great and accumulated injustice. Yes, and though so
+unfortunate, I am scarcely at liberty to lament my cruel destiny. These
+things frequently hang heavy, very heavy, upon my heart; and I sometimes
+reflect, with inexpressible astonishment, upon the nerve with which I
+still bear up under the trying burden. For more than fourteen years I
+have been a victim to perjury and conspiracy; my enemies were in ambush
+in the shade, but they aimed at me poisoned arrows; they watched, most
+eagerly watched, for the moment in which they might destroy me, without
+its being known who drew the bow, or who shot the shaft. You, my friend,
+know that I delight in disseminating happiness. My bliss is to diffuse
+bliss around me; I do not wish misery to be known within the circle of
+my influence. I covet not the glory arising from the carnage of battle,
+which fills the grave with untimely dead, or covers the earth with
+mutilated forms. I wish you distinctly to understand me upon these
+several subjects. I have not any personal feelings against the king, in
+my own case. I do assuredly pity his majesty, that he should allow
+himself to be a tool in the hands of a wicked ministry; but my cause for
+sorrow is, that he should leave this world without exposing the base
+schemes formed against the SUCCESSION and LIFE of his royal daughter. If
+his majesty will make restitution upon this point, my anxieties would be
+in some degree relieved, although nothing on this side the grave will
+ever make any atonement for the loss of such an amiable and well-formed
+mind. Well indeed may his majesty be afraid to be left alone; well may
+he discharge all persons from naming the departed child he ought to have
+protected; at this I do not wonder, for guilt produces terror and
+dismay.
+
+"I cannot conclude this without adverting again to the pecuniary
+difficulties I have to endure. For nearly eight years, I have given up
+fifteen thousand pounds per annum out of the annuity allowed me by
+parliament. This amounts now to above one hundred thousand pounds; yet,
+notwithstanding this, I am refused means to live in a respectable style,
+to say nothing of regal state. All the royal family have had their debts
+paid, and the Duke of Clarence received his _arrears_. The chancellor of
+the Exchequer promised I should receive an outfit, if the prosecution
+against me failed. It did fail; but I have received no outfit at
+all,--not even the value of one shilling,--so that, of necessity, I am
+involved in debt to the amount of thirty thousand pounds. How
+differently was the late Queen Charlotte situated; and, since her
+demise, more than twenty thousand pounds per annum have been paid in
+pensions to her numerous and already wealthy household! while I am
+incapable to acknowledge my real sentiments to those who have been
+generous to me, even at the expense of being unjust to themselves,
+unless I do it from borrowed resources.
+
+"You will not feel surprised at these remarks. Alas! I wish it were not
+in my power to make more serious ones; but I will await, with firmness,
+the coronation.
+
+                       "Believe me ever,
+                              "Your faithful and grateful friend,
+                                                   "C. R."
+
+
+Nearly at the same time, the following letter was forwarded to the same
+friend of the queen, by a professional gentleman, who had for some time
+been employed to arrange some of her majesty's affairs:
+
+
+"You may indeed rest assured that no consideration shall induce me to
+give up 'The Documents' I hold, relative to the queen and her lost,
+though lamented, daughter, unless you require me to return them to her
+majesty, or to entrust them into your own care. For, as I obtained them
+from no other motive than to serve the queen, so I will certainly retain
+them and use them in this noble cause, without regard to any personal
+consideration, or convenience, until that object be fully accomplished;
+and feeling (as you do) the very great importance of such proofs, I will
+defy all the power of the enemy to dispute the matter with me. Yet, at
+the same time, I am very candid to acknowledge, that it is my confident
+opinion every effort will be used to suppress all testimony which may
+have a tendency to bring THE FAMILY into disgrace. With whom to trust
+this business, I am at a loss to determine, as it would no doubt be
+considered rather a ticklish affair. I have thought of Dr. Lushington;
+but, as you are better acquainted with this learned gentleman's
+sentiments and opinions upon her majesty's case than I am, I beg to
+submit the suggestion for your serious deliberation. No time ought to be
+lost; every thing that CAN be done OUGHT to be done, without delay. The
+queen is placed in the most serious situation. You ought not to forget,
+for one moment, that her enemy is her sovereign; and such is the utter
+absence of principle manifested to this illustrious lady since her
+left-handed marriage with the son of George the Third, that every person
+must fear for her safety, unless their hearts are hard as adamant, and
+themselves actors in the villanous tragedy.
+
+"I give my opinion thus boldly, because I know your fidelity to the
+queen to be unshaken, even amidst all the rude and unmanly clamours
+raised against her friends by the agents of her tyrannical husband. This
+is, and ought to be, your satisfactory reflection,--that you have been
+faithful to this innocent and persecuted queen, from _principle alone_.
+'Honourable minds will yield honourable meed,' and to such you are
+justly entitled. To-morrow evening, I intend to give you further
+intelligence, as I am now going out for the purpose of meeting an
+especial enemy of her majesty, by whose rancour I may judge the course
+intended.
+
+                                  "I have the honour to be,"
+                                              &c. &c. &c. ******.
+
+
+Continuation from the same to the same, two days after the foregoing.
+
+
+"I am sorry to say my fears were not groundless, as I learn, from the
+first authority, that the king has changed his opinion, and the queen
+will not be allowed to enter the Abbey. The seat provided is otherwise
+disposed of. If her majesty's attorney and solicitor generals would
+_now_, without any loss of time, press 'The Documents' upon the notice
+of the ministers, either by petition or remonstrance, I think the
+ceremony would be postponed, and justice be finally administered to the
+queen. But if they delay this, they may assure themselves the cause of
+their royal mistress will be lost for ever. Her majesty's proofs are too
+astounding to be passed over in silence; they would forcibly arouse the
+guilty, and SUCH FACTS at SUCH A TIME ought to be instantly published. I
+should not express myself with such ardour upon these solemn points, if
+I had not made myself most minutely acquainted with every bearing of the
+subject; and I give you my decisive _legal opinion_, that 'The
+Documents' in question contain a simple statement of facts, which no
+judge, however instructed, and no jury, however selected, or packed,
+could refute. If, however, fear should get the better of duty, I do not
+doubt sooner or later the country will have cause to repent the apathy
+of those individuals who were most competent to do, or cause justice to
+be done to this shamefully injured queen.
+
+"I have not entered upon these opinions from interested views, and I am
+well convinced your motives do not savour of such baseness; but as
+disinterestedness is a scarce virtue, and so little cultivated in this
+boasted land of liberty, I warn you to avoid the ensnaring inquiries of
+those by whom you may most probably be assailed.
+
+"I also must remind you that, at the present moment, her majesty is
+watched in all directions. Major Williams is employed by the government
+to be a spy upon all occasions, and drove his carriage with four grey
+horses to Epsom last races, and remained upon the ground until the queen
+drove away. At this time, he occupied an elegantly furnished house in
+Sackville-street. P. Macqueen, M. P., a protege of Lord Liverpool's, was
+doubtless the person who arranged the business with the premier. If this
+be considered dubious information, I will forward you PROOFS which will
+set the matter at rest.
+
+"I scarcely need tell you that the case of her majesty is one
+unprecedented in history, and unheard of in the world. The king and his
+ministers have resolved upon her destruction, and if the royal sufferer
+be not destroyed by the first plans of attempt, I indeed fear she will
+fall a victim to similar plans, which, I doubt not, are in a forward
+stage of preparation against her; and how can the queen escape from the
+grasp of such powerful and dishonourable assailants? All their former
+arrangements and stratagems, to which they subscribed, failed, decidedly
+failed; but the malignity which instigated those plans will, without any
+question, furnish materials for new charges, and supply the needful
+reserve to complete the destruction of a lady, whose talents are envied,
+whose knowledge of affairs in general is deemed too great, and whose
+information upon FAMILY SECRETS render her an enemy to be feared.
+
+"I see in this mysterious persecution against the queen, the intended
+annihilation of the rights and privileges of the nation at large; and I,
+therefore, protest against the innovation. I argue, that which was
+unconstitutional and unprincipled in William the Third is equally
+dangerous and unconstitutional in George the Fourth! If such
+unprecedented injustice be allowed in the case of her majesty, where
+must we look for an impartial administration of justice? and how may we
+reasonably expect that violence will not be offered, if other means
+fail, to accomplish the intended mischief? In case of indisposition,
+what may not occur! May not the life of her majesty be in the greatest
+jeopardy, and may not a few hours terminate her mortal existence? These
+are questions of vital importance; they do not only materially affect
+the queen, but, through the same medium, they most seriously relate to
+every individual of the community; and, if the constitution is not to be
+entirely destroyed, the queen must be honourably saved from the
+overpowering grasp of her relentless oppressors. Her majesty reminds me
+of the words of Seneca: 'She is struggling with the storms of
+Adversity, and rising superior to the frowns of Persecution; this is a
+spectacle that even the gods themselves may look down upon with envy.'
+
+"I verily believe that bold and energetic measures might set this
+question at rest for ever, but time lost is lost for ever; and, in my
+opinion, retribution can only slumber for a short period. I beg and
+entreat you not to be subdued or deterred by the arrogance of
+inconsistent power. The nation is insulted, the independence of the
+country is insulted; its morality and patience have been outraged!
+
+"What could I not add to this page of sorrow, this blot upon our land?
+But I have acted openly and honourably to you in this unparalleled case,
+and have, in so acting, only done my duty.
+
+"Excuse haste, and allow me the honour to remain
+
+                      "Your most obedient and respectful servant,
+                                                     ******.
+
+"July 12th."
+
+
+Such are the recorded sentiments of a professional gentleman, who
+volunteered his services to the queen at this period of anxious
+expectation. He hailed, or affected to hail, the appearance of the star
+of liberty, whose genial rays should dispel the gloom of the desolating
+power of her enemies. But, alas! how soon were such opinions changed by
+the _gilded_ wand of ministerial power! _Pension_ reconciled too many to
+silence upon these all-important subjects; even he, who wrote thus
+boldly in defence of an injured queen and her murdered daughter, shortly
+afterwards acted the very reverse of his duty for the sake of paltry
+gain! But, independent of the lavish means which ministers then
+possessed of bribing those who felt inclined to bring these criminal
+matters before a public tribunal, an unmanly fear of punishment, as well
+as an obsequiousness to the king and some of his _particular_ friends,
+operated on the dastardly minds of pretended patriots and lovers of
+justice. There is also an habitual indolence which prevents many from
+concerning themselves with any thing but that which immediately affects
+their pecuniary interest. Such persons would not dare to inquire into
+the actions of a sovereign, however infamous they might be, for fear of
+suffering a fine or imprisonment for their temerity. The legal
+punishments attending the expression of discontent against the king are
+so severe, and the ill-grounded terrors of them so artfully
+disseminated, that, rather than incur the least danger, they would
+submit to the most unjust and tyrannical government. They would even be
+content to live under the Grand Seignior, so long as they might eat,
+drink, and sleep in peace! Had the lamented Princess Charlotte been the
+daughter of a cottager, the mysterious circumstances attending her death
+would have demanded the most public investigation. But, because a
+powerful prince had expressed his SATISFACTION at the treatment she
+received, it was deemed impertinent, if not treasonable, for any other
+individual to express a wish for further inquiry! Yet such is the effect
+of political artifice, under the management of court sycophants, that
+the middle ranks of people are taught to believe, that they ought not to
+trouble themselves with matters that occur in palaces; that a certain
+set of men come into the world like demigods, possessed of right, power,
+and intellectual abilities, to rule the earth without controul; and that
+free inquiry and manly remonstrance are the sin of sedition! Thus many
+people are actually terrified, through fear of losing their wealth,
+their liberty, or their life, into silence upon subjects which they
+ought, in duty to their God, under the principles of justice, fearlessly
+to expose. "Better pay our taxes patiently, and remain quiet about state
+crimes," say they, "than, by daring to investigate public measures, or
+the conduct of great men, risk a prison or a gibbet!" But let us hope
+that such disgraceful sentiments are not _now_ to be found in the breast
+of any Englishman, however humble his condition. Our noble ancestors
+were famed for seeing justice administered, as well to the poor as to
+the rich. If, therefore, we suffer _personal_ fear to conquer duty, we
+are traitors to posterity, as well as cowardly deserting a trust which
+they who confided it are prevented by death from guarding or
+withdrawing. We know that this justice has been lamentably neglected,
+though we do not yet despair of seeing it overtake the guilty, however
+lofty their station may be in society.
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
+
+
+Printed by W. H. STEVENSON, 5, Whiskin Street, Clerkenwell.
+
+
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+
+The following corrections have been made to the text:
+
+     Page i: Of meaner vice and villains[original has villians]
+
+     Page iii: climate not very conducive[original has condusive]
+
+     Page 51: the forms observed[original has oberved] by courts
+
+     Page 99: result was prejudicial[original has prejudical] to
+     the rights
+
+     Page 110: I have endeavoured to excite[original has exite]
+
+     Page 131: French Consul possessed[original has possesed]
+     himself
+
+     Page 204: "I do," said the queen.[original has comma]
+
+     Page 209: voted for the use of Mr. Perceval's[original has
+     Peceval's] family
+
+     Page 249: "[quotation mark missing in original]Your very
+     affectionate mother
+
+     Page 249: "[quotation mark missing in original]CAROLINE."
+
+     Page 257: such marriages shall be null and void.[period
+     missing in original]
+
+     Page 261: Charlotte was declared _enceinte_[original has
+     enciente]
+
+     Page 299: awful spectacle presented itself.[period missing in
+     original]
+
+     Page 316: duke's[original has dukes] former delinquencies
+
+     Page 329: where[original has were] there was a continual boast
+
+     Page 361: Edgecumbe,[original has semi-colon] 400_l._
+
+     Page 362: with two livings, 1,000_l._[original has extraneous
+     comma]-7,260_l._
+
+     Page 366: [original has extraneous quotation mark]That certain
+     property, of a large amount
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SECRET HISTORY OF THE COURT OF
+ENGLAND, FROM THE ACCESSION OF GEORGE THE THIRD TO THE DEATH OF GEORGE THE
+FOURTH, VOLUME I (OF 2)***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 37570.txt or 37570.zip *******
+
+
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
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