Ever most affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

London, Aug. 21, 1822.

MY DEAR DUKE,

I have received your letter, which, according to your permission, I have communicated to Lord Liverpool. When the deplorable event occurred which gave reason for your writing it, Lord Liverpool requested the King not to consider of the measures to be adopted to fill the situation in H. M.'s Councils which had been held by Lord Londonderry, till H. M. should return to London, and he assured the King that he likewise on his part would take no step whatever on the subject till he should have the honour of seeing his Majesty. This matter then stands exactly as it did on the day of the fatal catastrophe, and so will remain till the King's return.

Lord Liverpool is very anxious that your Grace, and those who wish well to the Government, should take no step and make no declaration previously to his Majesty's return, which might embarrass the Government or themselves. He hopes that you will so far confide in him as to be certain that he will do what he ought upon this occasion, and you may rely upon his taking the earliest opportunity of making you acquainted with the steps which he will have taken.

Believe me, my dear Duke,

With the most sincere respect and affection,

Ever yours most faithfully,

WELLINGTON.

THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS, K.G., TO THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON.

MY DEAR DUKE,

I beg that you will assure Lord Liverpool that nothing could be further from my intention or my wishes, than to hasten forward any discussion or precipitate any decision respecting the steps to be taken to complete and strengthen the Government under existing circumstances: on the contrary, no one is more convinced than I am of the absolute necessity of the Government having most mature deliberation on this very momentous question. For this very reason I thought it due to Lord Liverpool that he should at as early a moment as possible be put in possession of the sentiments and feelings of those connected with his Government, provided you thought mine of sufficient importance to be transmitted to him.

Believe me always yours sincerely,

B. C.

Of Canning at this period one of his intimate friends thus speaks:—"Great as his talents for Parliament are, and great as is the want of them on the Ministerial side of the House, it is not without the utmost reluctance that the rest of the Cabinet will consent to receive him as an associate. If they make him any proposal, it will be only because they are forced to it by the opinion and wishes of their own friends, and if they make him a fair proposal, it will be a clear proof that they think that the Government cannot go on without his aid."[93]

[93] Lord Dudley's "Letters," p. 351.

A little later we learn from the same authority: "The delay that has taken place in filling up the very important station that was held by Lord Londonderry is itself a pretty good proof of the embarrassment of the King and his Ministers. Canning will be a bitter pill to them, and yet I am more inclined than I was at first to think that they will swallow it. I give Canning full credit for what he declared at Liverpool, that he knew nothing; and yet without imputing to him any Jesuitical reservation, I consider his speech to be that of a man who thought that he was more likely to come in than not."[94]

[94] Lord Dudley's "Letters," p. 356.

Canning knew well enough that he had only to wait, and the necessities of the Government, notwithstanding the aversion of the majority, would force him into the position his great rival had left vacant. Many persons of influence shared in this conviction, and though far from cordial in their admiration for this political leader, they were eager to adopt him as their colleague or superior, seeing no other assistance at hand so capable of advancing their particular policy.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Broadstairs, Aug. 24, 1822.

MY DEAR B——,

My letter of yesterday will have sufficiently put you in possession of my opinion, that although I agreed in the principle of your letter, yet the addressing it under the present circumstances to the D—— of W——, and through him to Lord Liverpool, was premature. They seem to have thought the same, though I wish they had expressed it in a manner less unambiguous.

It is difficult to make up one's mind whether it would, on the whole, be more desirable to see Canning at the Exchequer or in the Foreign Office. I rather believe that by Huskisson's assistance he would discharge the duties of the former office better than the latter, to which the disinclination of Carlton House and the very unconciliating style of correspondence in which he indulges himself (and of which the records of the Board of Control have shown me some specimens) are great objections. If, indeed, the arrangement which I chalked out in a former letter for the promotion of Lord Bathurst, Robinson, Huskisson, and either W. Lambe or C. Grant, could take place, I should have no doubt that it would be best to give Canning the Exchequer. But if the result should be, as many anticipate, to consign the Foreign Seals to your friend the D—— of W——, it is not easy to decide whether the inconvenience of that appointment would not counterbalance the benefit of removing Van.

From being in the first coach, I could see little of the behaviour of the mob at the funeral, but all that I saw or heard was perfectly proper till the moment of the removal of the coffin from the hearse to enter the Abbey, when a Radical yell was set up from St. Margaret's churchyard.

Lady Londonderry's wish that he should be interred in Westminster Abbey, and with the pomp of a private funeral, seems to me extraordinary, and under the unfortunate circumstances of his death, very ill-judged. I had myself proposed, in order to obviate the possibility of any expression of hostile or disrespectful feeling, that the body should at once have been brought on the preceding night to the Jerusalem Chamber, instead of to his house in St. James's-square, and that the procession should be formed from thence on foot.

Sunday, 25th.

A letter from town this morning tells me that the King is not to leave Edinburgh till the 28th, which will of course extend my stay at this place. Everything leads me to believe that the discussion will rather turn on the particular official situation to be held by Canning, than on the vesting in him the lead of the House of Commons, the necessity of which seems to be so generally and strongly felt, that opposition to it must be ineffectual. At the same time nothing is yet known of Peel's sentiments, and there will not be wanting those among his friends who will urge him to refuse serving under Canning.

Have you any ground for mentioning Harrowby as a decided opponent of C——'s admission? I should have thought that agreement on the Catholic question would have reconciled him to it.

Ever most faithfully yours,

C. W. W.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Whitehall, Sept 3, 1822.

MY DEAR B——,

My principal reason for doubting the expediency of your step was, that if, as I believed, the view which you yourself took was also entertained by those to whom you addressed it, the declaration which it contained might have been reserved, to be afterwards brought forward in support of them, when it might be better applied to the existing circumstances. My own inclination is to consider the offer of the lead to Canning as indispensable, and that no other proposition should be offered as an alternative. Yet, did he or any one else ever give a proof of worse judgment than his speech at Liverpool, in which he recommends a compromise, and that the question should be allowed to rest after "perhaps" one more general discussion? Admitting that the advice might be good if addressed to the Catholics, his bringing it into his Liverpool speech at the present moment is just the way to defeat his object, and to persuade the Catholics that he is ready to sacrifice them to his own objects of ambition.

Matters are but little advanced, that is to say, that Lord L—— has laid the proposition of an application to Canning before the K—— this morning, and desired him to take till Thursday to consider it, and to consult any others of his servants. This makes me feel strong hope that none of them have decidedly opposed it. Repugnance was expressed, but I see that L——[95] as well as W——[96] thinks that it will finally succeed. To-morrow we are to have a Cabinet, which, but for the delight of procrastinating everything, might just as well have been held yesterday or on Sunday.

L—— distinctly stated to me, that he felt that the country could not be satisfied unless a proposal were made to Canning, but referred to the possibility of his insisting on unreasonable conditions. Should this be the case, I can only say alors comme alors, and that the course to be pursued must depend on the peculiar circumstances which one cannot anticipate.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

[95] Lord Liverpool.

[96] The Duke of Wellington.

THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Englefield Green, Sept. 8, 1822.

MY DEAR DUKE,

Having had nothing to communicate I have not written to you; indeed now there seems nothing to discuss till you know the terms on which Canning is to come in; I have no doubt the offer is, the Chancellorship of the Exchequer and lead of the House of Commons, and Cabinet for Huskisson or any one other friend. Whether he will think this enough I doubt; I am rather confident from what I have heard, that he will not surrender the foreign seals to anybody but the Duke of Wellington. I have no doubt they are intended for Lord Bathurst. He must feel and know we cannot do without him, and having so good a thing in his present possession, he will of course not accept office but in such a way as shall fully meet his wishes. The King sent for the Duke of York, who, with the Chancellor, will, I am sure, throw every difficulty in the way, though they must know that nothing but his connexion can save and support the Government. The arrangement of getting rid of Van would certainly be the most eligible and satisfactory to the public that could be adopted. The Duke of Wellington has been seriously ill, but is now better. Whether this will impede his expedition to Vienna I know not, but should not think it would. The King is most delighted with his expedition to Scotland, preferring it infinitely to his Irish jaunt; this will not please Paddy.

I should be delighted to hear that Nugent got Ireland, but I am sure his rank is now too high, the station has been lowered to a commanding officer only, and a full General's staff is not allowed. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are come to Bagshot; they seem to think the Regnante is losing ground; I don't believe one word of it, indeed I am quite sure of the reverse.

Ever most faithfully yours,

W. H. F.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Sept. 10, 1822.

MY DEAR B——,

A communication to Canning was authorized on Sunday, and he may be expected in town I believe to-night. The proposal is to succeed Lord Londonderry in all respects, and there I fear it stops, and that there will be resistance to the stipulation which will probably be pressed for Huskisson's promotion.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Englefield Green, Sept. 12, 1822.

MY DEAR DUKE,

I find the offer is made to Canning for the full succession to Lord Londonderry in his office, and leader of the House of Commons; this, as far as it goes, is a measure that will strengthen the Government, but I was in hopes it would be followed up by the resignation of Van; however, if it should not now happen, the thing must ere long—it is not likely that Canning will do his business in the House of Commons as Londonderry did, and even if he were so inclined, I should think that Van with a grain of spirit would not allow him to do so. It will be curious to see how the Chancellor reconciles himself to his quondam associate, after the last speech of Canning. I am told it has been the most bitter pill for the K—— to swallow, and nothing but necessity has induced him. I have no idea that Canning can refuse such a proposal; he can never have a greater situation, for in fact he becomes at once the chief of the Government. Surely Van could be tempted by India, he would make an excellent Governor-General, and Robinson or Grant a much better Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Ever, my dear Duke,

Most faithfully yours,

W. H. FREMANTLE.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY DEAR B——,

Canning is just sworn in. The language of Lord Liverpool and others is that the consideration of any other changes is postponed, and that it was particularly desirable that Canning's appointment should not be clogged by any other discussion. The Chancellor did not attend the Council to-day—indeed, we had only Liverpool, Van, Lord Bathurst, Westmoreland, Robinson, Canning, and myself, all the rest being out of town.

Melville will have the offer of India if he wishes it, but he has before refused it when pressed, and if otherwise disposed at present, would hardly have started back for Scotland the moment Canning notified his acceptance. However, till he sends his answer, nothing further will be done, and by that time, if the Speaker wishes it, he will probably make it known.

I do not, however, hear anything of the Chancellor's resignation, but everything points, I trust, to Van. Lord Redesdale is quite superannuated, and nothing would seem to me so impossible as his appointment.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

London, Sept. 14, 1822.

MY DEAR DUKE,

You will be anxious to learn the result of the discussions with Mr. Canning, and I have great pleasure in informing you that he has accepted the Foreign Office, and is to lead in the House of Commons.

This was settled yesterday, but as I have been confined to my house, I did not hear it till it was too late to write to you by last night's post.

I hope to be able to set out for Vienna on Monday.

Believe me, my dear Duke,

Ever yours most sincerely,

WELLINGTON.

"The bitter pill" was at last swallowed by the King, and despite of both open and concealed hostility from persons of influence very near the Royal person, Mr. Canning filled the important position in the Cabinet left vacant by the late Marquis of Londonderry. The reader will presently see how soon he won powerful friends at Court; but superior as he may have been in some things, his subsequent career shows—what indeed his previous political life prominently indicates—that there were other qualifications, less brilliant but more useful, possessed in an eminent degree by his predecessor, in which he was singularly deficient.



CHAPTER X.

[1822.]

MR. CANNING AGAIN IN THE CABINET. RUMOURED MINISTERIAL ARRANGEMENTS. MR. CANNING OFFERS MR. WILLIAMS WYNN THE SPEAKERSHIP OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. A POLITICAL RUSE. THE KING AT WINDSOR. THE SPEAKER. FOREIGN AFFAIRS. PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONGRESS OF VERONA RESPECTING SPAIN. MR. HENRY WILLIAMS WYNN'S PROPOSED DIPLOMATIC CHANGE. MR. CANNING'S UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE. CONDITION OF IRELAND. M. VILLELE.



CHAPTER X.

The addition of Mr. Canning to the Government was regarded with different sentiments when looked at from different points of view. His brilliant talents and great popularity were recognised advantages, but then the necessity by which he might consider himself bound to put forward an original policy, made reflecting politicians regard his appointment with distrust. He appears to have exhibited a wish to serve some members of the Grenville family, though not in the required direction. Mr. Charles Williams Wynn was ambitious of filling the distant but lucrative post to which the new Foreign Secretary had been appointed before Lord Londonderry's death, but Mr. Canning suggested a position scarcely less honourable at home. How these and other negotiations proceeded, may be learnt from the following letters:—

THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Englefield Green, Sept 19, 1822.

MY DEAR DUKE,

Charles Wynn, I am told by my servant, called on me here yesterday, and was anxious to see me. Probably it was to communicate some change or probable change. I should be very happy to hear that he got India, if he wishes it; the situation to a younger brother with a family, is undoubtedly most valuable, and at his age would be a most flattering station. I doubt greatly, however, his success, for I am thoroughly aware that the Directors hated our appointment at the Board, and I see no reason to imagine that the President or the Board have made themselves more popular with them. I do not say the contrary, but there has been no opportunity, and the little discussions which have taken place have been rather of a controversial nature. Lord Maryborough wants it, but I think won't succeed: Lord Melville, I am almost certain, will not take it. Vansittart would be the best appointment (supposing Charles Wynn can't succeed), and by this means we should get rid of a great encumbrance to the Government. I understand Lord Liverpool will not have Huskisson, and the King does not approve of his being in the Cabinet; but this, however, would be easily got over by making Robinson or Grant Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Huskisson Board of Trade and Treasurer of the Navy. The King comes to the Cottage on Saturday, and has at present determined to stay five weeks. The Regnante comes also.

Ever faithfully yours,

W. H. F.

Lord Harrowby is the candidate for the Garter, which, if he don't get, I think will drive him from the Government. This would be the best opening for you, if the Admiralty or Ireland does not offer. Lord Hertford and the Duke of Portland are also talked of for the Garter.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Sept. 23.

MY DEAR B——,

I am, I think, at length perfectly au fait of the arrangement which is desired, and the motive for proposing it. Canning is most anxious, by any means, to procure my resignation of my present appointment, in order that it may fall to Huskisson, who particularly desires it. Last night I received the enclosed from C——, together with the letter from Lord G——, which I also send to you,[97] and this morning met L—— and C—— accordingly. The former told us that he had, as he anticipated, received a decided refusal from Scotland, and we then entered on the discussion of the different candidates. C—— said that in his conversation with the Directors, when he informed them of his resignation, he found that their first preference would be for Lord Melville; 2ndly, very strongly in favour of Lord W. B——;[98] 3rdly, Lord Amherst; that if none of these were offered to them they would accept the Speaker, but that it was clear that no other candidate would go down without a considerable struggle. I expressed my own opinion of the insufficiency of the Speaker for a post of so much importance, and my fear that a man naturally indolent, would in so indolent a climate be wholly inefficient, and rather recommended Lord W. B——. C——, in reply, dwelt not on Sutton's fitness for India, but his unfitness for the Chair. Perceiving his drift, I suggested the possibility for replacing him there by William Courtenay, but C—— immediately said, that unless it would lead to my accepting the Chair, he did not think that there was any reason to make it worth while to remove S——. I adverted to some of the reasons, which we have already talked over, which indisposed me to the change, and they then desired me to take a week to consider the subject, and if I liked it to talk to Lord Grenville after his return from Elton.

I hear from other quarters, that there is a strong party among the Directors disposed to object to me if I am proposed for India. It is, indeed, possible that if I held that out as the only condition upon which I would give up this office, Canning might, by the exertion of his personal influence among them, carry the question; but I doubt much whether, even supposing I was more anxious to obtain it than I am, it would be creditable to me or to any President of the Board of Control, to have his nomination the subject of a struggle, which, if it should succeed on the part of the Directors, and he should continue in office, must render all future intercourse acrimonious and unconciliating.

[97] The enclosures have not been preserved.

[98] Lord William Bentinck.

THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Englefield Green, Sept. 26, 1822.

MY DEAR DUKE,

The communication you have made to me is not a matter of surprise, for I own I expected this would be the result. The proposition, however, being now made by one Cabinet Minister to Lord Grenville, and communicated by another to you, see how I should stand committed if I were to meddle with it by asking an interview with Lord Liverpool. In the former case Lord Liverpool opened the proposition to me, and it was my duty to lay it before you, even before I spoke to Lord Grenville; but in this case Wynn has informed you of it, and he would have a right to demand why I presumed to communicate at all with Lord Liverpool without his authority or permission, on a subject so deeply involving his interests and wishes. By his communication to you, he has entitled you to write to Lord Liverpool, as you have done to Canning, expressly stating your views and feelings on the subject; and I am witness that a station in the Government was undoubtedly one of the primary objects of your contemplation in the former negotiation. I have no doubt that if I were to see Lord Liverpool, even under your authority, he would treat it as a Cabinet question, and refuse to enter into any discussion with me upon it, but I am quite sure I could not discuss it without touching upon the views and objects of Charles Wynn in a way that might offend him; it is an object of such moment and importance to him, that I cannot be surprised that he receives it so favourably. I heard from him the moment he came to town, telling me he was quite sure the Directors would not nominate him, but he says nothing of the new proposal, and probably it had not then been made, or if so, he did not choose to confide it to me. With regard to the advantages the Government derived from his efforts as a speaker on the Treasury Bench during last session, it must be obvious to you as it was to him, that he failed altogether. The difference which you point out, as to the effect this change would have on the Catholic question, may to a certain degree be past, but still I think, as a Speaker, his influence would have much more weight than even if he remained in Cabinet. The question is also one which materially affects Lord Grenville's support of the Government; and Canning, Lord Liverpool, and Wynn are now evidently treating with a view of connecting your uncles more closely with them; also you must consider that Plunket, who is also the organ of your party, still commands this question.

I know you will say, and feel naturally, that these considerations have nothing to do with your personal objects, and the claim which you have to Cabinet; but on the other hand the Government will feel that if they can more strongly and generally unite your family interests with theirs, it is the best course they can pursue. I cannot think that the public would view this transfer of Cabinet to the Chair as a sale of your support, originally contemplated, for this distinct object and your Dukedom; nobody could have calculated on anything occurring which would induce Manners Sutton to quit the Chair, and surely there is no trafficking on your part or that of your family for the object; the proposition comes to you, and is always to be so stated and avowed. I take it for granted the difficulty is opening a Cabinet office; Lord Wellesley could not be removed without disgracing him, unless he applies for recall, and I should presume Lord Harrowby has no disposition to retire.

I see how very difficult your situation is, for in resisting this arrangement you bar the anxious wishes and hopes of Charles Wynn, and in giving way to it you for a time put by your claim, but at the same time it is but for a time, for it makes it stronger whenever the vacancy occurs. I cannot, however, concur in thinking the public would condemn you, or think it was an excess of job if the proposition is acceded to, for it must always be Canning's job, and not yours. I trust you will give me credit for the motives which I have placed before you, as inclining me to hesitate in writing to Lord Liverpool; I really hope on reflection you will see them in the same point of view.

Believe me ever, my dear Duke,

With sincere attachment and affection,

Most faithfully yours,

W. H. FREMANTLE.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Sept. 26, 1822.

MY DEAR B——,

Enclosed I send you a letter which I yesterday received from Lord G——, together with the draft of my answer,[99] in which I have expressed myself fully. You will see that I had anticipated a part of your feelings upon the proposed plan, though I speak of them as likely to arise hereafter instead of at present. What has most struck me in all that has passed, is the manner in which Canning has assumed to himself, even in the presence of Lord Liverpool, the tone and authority of Premier.

You will see I mention in my letter to Lord G—— my opinion of the manner in which he has put off seeing me as a mark of disinclination. On Monday, the business was scarcely commenced when he expressed his wish to discuss foreign business with Lord L—— before he left town, in order to get rid of me. Knowing that the latter was not to return to town during the week, I expressed my wish for further discussion with C——, and asked him when he could see me. He said Tuesday was foreign post day, Wednesday he had several appointments, and then named to-day. Yesterday I had a note from him that he wished to shut himself up to-day, and to-morrow to write to the Duke of Wellington, and naming Saturday. Now, considering that we have as yet had no discussion whatever on the general state of things, I think this is, to say the best, unconciliating conduct. Still, on Saturday I will endeavour either to lead or to force him upon different subjects, and particularly on the Catholic question, which will naturally arise out of your letter. His want of judgment is such, that I really think it is an even chance that in the first session he gets into some difficulty from which he cannot extricate himself, and in which his friends will delight to leave him. If he survives that, I expect him to govern the House with a rod of iron, and fix his power absolutely. He seems to me fully aware of the weakness of character he has to deal with, and that the assumption of power will probably confer it. I am to see the Chairman of the E.I.C. alone to-morrow, and probably shall from him learn more of the feelings of the Directors than C—— has communicated to me.

Ever most truly yours,

C. W. W.

[99] Enclosures not preserved.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Sept 28, 1822.

MY DEAR B——,

I read part of your letter to C—— to-day, but did not show it to him, as there were parts of it which I thought referred rather too much to topics which are private to ourselves, and my uncle Tom had particularly entered his veto against communicating the reference to his letter. I saw it discomposed him extremely, and he agreed that it would be necessary for me to see Lord Liverpool and talk the matter over with him before it goes any further. He told me that previous to making this proposal, he had ascertained that the Directors would not be disposed to send me to India, and that their motive to accept the Speaker would only be with the view of making room here for Huskisson. That he had originally determined before he came to town to have stipulated for the promotion of Huskisson before he made himself "the immense sacrifice he did in accepting office," but that the concurrent opinion of his friends had deterred him from this, and that he was most especially moved to it by your letter to Lord Morley, which had peculiar weight with him, and that now, standing as he did single in the Cabinet, he felt that he was entitled to have every facility afforded him for that purpose, or that it might still be necessary for him to retire.

I have written to Lord L—— to offer to go down to Combe Wood to-morrow, as I am sure it is desirable to bring the matter to an upshot one way or the other. My uncle Tom comes up to town, and dines with me to-day. I must own it appears to me that C—— has completely got round both him and Lord G——. They are astonished that I can think he shows disinclination to me personally, &c. &c. I must say that I think your view of the question is a fit one, and such as you are thoroughly entitled to take, and have only to beg earnestly that no consideration of my interests may induce you to depart from what you feel to be due to yourself and your own consistency.

Ever most faithfully yours,

C. W. W.

THE RIGHT HON. THOMAS GRENVILLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Cleveland Square, Oct. 3, 1822.

MY DEAR DUKE,

Having learnt from Charles that you have expressed to him some uneasiness at not hearing from me in reference to the discussions which have, as he tells me, been going on between you and the Government upon the proposal of his taking the Chair, I do not hesitate to assure you that no man living can take a more cordial and affectionate interest than I do in everything which regards your happiness and gratifications, public and private, and that whatever could be done, on my very limited scale, that could in the least degree contribute to any of those objects, I should do with all the kind and ready feelings of warm and sincere affection. From political discussions, however, I have, as you know, entirely withdrawn myself for a very long time past, and the very little share which I took in the discussion respecting yourself and Charles, at the beginning of last winter, convinced me how much pain to myself and how little advantage to you, must arise from my renewing them. In truth, I am much too antiquated to enter into the councils of a mind as ardent as yours, and much too little conversant with the politics of these times to be a useful or safe adviser. I have the more readily adopted this negative course from the persuasion that you, who are in the prime of life for business, with more than forty years over your head, with good talents, and with no little experience of men and manners, are a much more reasonable judge of what is fit for you to do or not to do, than any other man can be for you. Who is there that can sufficiently adopt the thoughts and feelings and taste of another, to decide for him what is best for his own happiness? Why should it be required that I, who have one foot in the grave, should see the objects of public life or the means of attaining them, in the same points of view with yourself, who are in the prime of active life, and ardently alive to all those pursuits which are flat and unprofitable to my antiquated eyes? It is perhaps not unreasonable in me, who see you one of the first men in the country, with a Dukedom and the Garter, and having already all that the Crown can give, to consider you as standing upon very elevated ground, and as being one who ought not easily to be persuaded by any Government to accept of any office from them. On the other hand, it is quite natural for you or any man who has the ambition to be decidedly the one first man in the country, to take the course which in your judgment leads most directly to the object of your wishes; but how can I advise in this, who do not start from the same post or look towards the same goal? I am prouder, it seems, for you than you are for yourself, and while you seem anxious to establish a claim for office in the present Government, I am too proud to see you as that claimant, or to agree that any consideration should induce you to take official share in this Government, unless it were for the single act of dispensing to Ireland the blessing of Catholic emancipation? This different view of your situation from that which you entertain, leaves therefore no possibility of my old-fashioned eyesight adopting what your younger and stronger eyes see with an ardour of which mine are no longer capable. As long as I see my dear Duke, I do not see upon earth anybody in whose prosperity and happiness I take a warmer and more sincerely cordial feeling than I do in yours—and that is better in an old, decaying uncle, than discussions that he is no longer fit for.

This sensible communication anticipates the result of the overtures of Mr. Canning, who was already beginning to feel his strength, and did not hesitate to show it. What his object was is expressed in the next letter; it was foiled by the Duke of Buckingham placing it in a strong light before the observation of the now nominal Premier, Lord Liverpool.

THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Englefield Green, Oct. 7, 1822.

MY DEAR DUKE,

I thank you for your communication, and am glad to find the whole business, as far as it was connected with your party, is terminated; I received a letter from Charles Wynn yesterday morning, informing me of the result of your communication with Lord Liverpool.

No one can undoubtedly so well judge the question, as it may affect your honour and character, as yourself; the removal of Charles Wynn from the Cabinet, if done either by intrigue or force, was a measure which you could not submit to, and if you were satisfied that such was the intention, the steps you adopted were such as became you; I consider that it would have been impossible for any one of your party who had accepted office, to hold it one moment after you had come to the decision of separating yourself from all official connexion; nor do I think that under such a declaration Charles Wynn could doubt of the line which he so promptly and honourably adopted. Indeed, I must fully agree with you in applauding his feelings towards you and his friends. I am rejoiced that no new arrangements take place in your political relations with the Government, for I am persuaded the best, the most advantageous, and most popular state in which your interests can stand, for some time at least, is by remaining perfectly quiet, and suffering public discussion on men and parties and official situations to be diverted to other quarters. We had our full share last Session, and let Mr. Canning, if he chooses to commence his career by Cabinet intrigue, have the full benefit of it; no change would at this moment occur in your party without incurring (whether true or false) the charge of official rapacity on the one hand, or a want of common gratitude on the other.

The King is arrived at the Cottage with his usual party, and I understand remains about three weeks: he sees nobody as yet, but is reported to be very well and in good spirits; he was at chapel yesterday, and is driving in the Park every day.

Ever, my dear Duke,

Most faithfully yours,

W. H. FREMANTLE.

THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Brighton, Nov. 5, 1822.

MY DEAR DUKE,

Charles Wynn wrote to me to say he wished to come and lay before the King Lord Amherst's appointment to sign, thinking it would be a good occasion of presenting himself for an audience, and I strongly recommended him to do so, though it was uncertain how he might take it; however, nothing could have been better received. The King has not appeared since he has been here, now ten days, and has confined himself to his room under a slight affection of gout, for which he is taking Wilson's medicine, but he received him most graciously, talked for an hour and a half, and Wynn came away delighted. I am quite happy that he came down for the purpose. I can't make out exactly how matters stand at the Pavilion. The Regnante has not yet arrived. He has been quite alone, literally, with Lord Conyngham and Sir W. Knighton, and not another person. It is said she has taken an aversion to this place, and I rather give credit to it, for Lord Conyngham told me he was going to fit up the Castle at Windsor, as the King had taken a fancy to it, and now seemed to prefer it to the Cottage. What this means I know not; I do not think, notwithstanding, that she is out of favour, or even to have lost ground, but that the strangeness of his conduct daily increases.

Did you ever hear of anything half so absurd as the conduct of the Speaker? He first wrote to Lord Liverpool to ask his opinion about standing for the University, and having received a very cold answer, declaring his wishes to be in favour of Lord Hervey, he immediately declared himself with his reconsideration advertisement; afterwards Charles Wynn hit the blot which bad been overlooked, or probably never looked for, in the case of Charles Dundas when proposed by Sheridan, and who was objected to by Mr. Pitt, as not being capable on account of not having previously taken the oath at the table before the Speaker, which by the act is necessary in every case but at the commencement of a new Parliament. When Charles Wynn mentioned this, it set them all aback, and after requiring a day to consider it, it ended by his giving up; the consequences of all this has been that the Solicitor-General has been driven from a certain success, and the Government interest being divided between R. Grant and Lord Hervey, it is not improbable that Scarlett may succeed.

I should judge from the language of Tierney on general points, that he thinks the Government stronger and more likely to hold a firm and vigorous language and line of conduct by the introduction of Canning, than it was last year. I believe the latter is to name Frederick Lamb[100] his Under-Secretary, and Lord Clanwilliam to succeed Frederick Lamb.

The appointment of Lord Amherst, taking all things into consideration, is, I believe, as good a nomination as could have taken place; and as far as it regards our Board, I should think the best, for he has no intrigue, and will act straightforward with us. Canning is gone down to Walmer, and you may rest assured that it will very soon end in his leading Lord Liverpool; if he can persuade him to get rid of Vansittart, it would be the best exercise he could make of such an influence.

Ever, my dear Duke,

Most assuredly yours,

W. H. FREMANTLE.

Of course you know Sir Henry Wellesley is named to succeed Lord Londonderry; better accounts of the Duke of Wellington's health.

[100] Afterwards, in 1839, created Lord Beauvale; he was for some years Envoy-Extraordinary and Minister-Plenipotentiary at Vienna.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Nov. 6, 1822.

MY DEAR B——,

I thought it right to take down the approbation of Lord Amherst's appointment to Brighton myself on Sunday, and was most graciously received.

He [the King] complained much of flying gout, with which he had been extremely unwell during the last week, but was in excellent spirits, and kept me sitting with him more than an hour. He was lame, and moved with difficulty, and told me (at nine P.M.) that he had only been up for two hours. Not a soul in the palace but Lord Conyngham, Lord Francis, and Sir William K——n. His face was deeper sunk in the lines than I have yet seen it, but the colour was better than I expected—a dark brown, instead of the dead, tallowy colour which I have sometimes seen.

The Speaker has made the most stupid and unpardonable mess at Cambridge ever made by man. He wrote to Lord Liverpool, who answered him that he thought his situation created much difficulty, and advised his consulting Lord Sidmouth and Lord Colchester, both of them having, when in the Chair, been intended candidates for Oxford. He asked neither, but talked to the Attorney and Solicitor-General and his own clerks, declared himself a candidate without ever communicating with a single Minister in the House of Commons. As soon as I found that he had declared, I was convinced of the impossibility of his being re-elected Speaker if he vacated his seat, after the decision of the House in 1801 in favour of Pitt's objection to C. Dundas, and therefore went to Canning, who begged me to write to Liverpool, who in return wished Canning to write to the Speaker about it. Canning begged me to go to Peel. There I met the Speaker, who had not in the least adverted to this difficulty, but allowed that it would be unreasonable to expect the Government to fight his battle against such an authority, and finally agreed to retire from the contest!

Fremantle tells me that he is quite in the hands of a sister of Lady B——, with whom he passes all his time, so I suppose Miss H—— wears the willow.

Some suspicion had been excited by the numerous stacks burnt in Ireland, some of them the property of persons by no means obnoxious to the Rockites. A search was therefore made in a small district, in which no less than thirty were found prepared for the flames, the wheat having been threshed out and the straw re-stacked for the convenience of charging the barony for the bonfire.

You will see that Wellesley has, on the authority of the law officers, taken steps to prevent the dressing up Old Glorious on Monday at Dublin. I shall be curious to see the result, which I expect will be only some offensive speeches in the Quarterly Assembly, &c.

Lloyd of Aston, after declaring himself a candidate for Shropshire, has again retired. The only candidates now are Childe and mad Cresset Pelham. I trust that the former will carry it, and that then B. Thompson will come in on Watkins's interest for Wenlock.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Nov. 12, 1822.

MY DEAR B——,

There is little at present going on, as everything is reserved till the latter end of this week, when we are to have ten days of Cabinets to consider the various subjects for the next session. Among others we have the promise of a despatch from Lord Wellesley, on the subject of tithes, by the 15th. C—— is civil (which for him is a good deal), but I cannot say cordial. I seem not to find it out, and mean to allow time for the little irritation which has arisen from the failure of his plan, to subside. No allusion was made to the subject during my visit of last week, and indeed the conversation was chiefly on Stuart Papers, Horace Walpole, &c. &c.

Notwithstanding the panic on the Stock Exchange, our news from Congress is still of a decidedly pacific tendency. The Spanish insurrection, we are told, gains strength, and the Greek loses; but on the latter head we have found our informants somewhat partial.

Ever most affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Nov. 22, 1822, half-past five P.M.

MY DEAR B——,

Your apprehensions relative to the issue of what is passing at Verona certainly would derive more support from our last accounts than from the previous ones, and the way which had been made with France by exciting her political apprehensions, and with Russia by a representation of the military difficulties, seems now to be very much en retrograde.

Still, the language and assurances of Villele and the King of France are perfectly pacific; and Montmorenci, who has adopted the other line at Verona, still states the necessity of his returning himself to Paris before any communication even of the nature of a threat is held out to Spain. Meantime he wishes France should be allowed to manage the interference entirely herself, and protests against Russia having any share in it, or marching a single regiment through her territory.

The only real object of Alexander is to ward off the present and pressing danger from his army, for whom he wants employment, and has proposed this Spanish campaign merely as a substitute for the Turkish.

Wellesley's despatch has, as I told you, arrived, but is not yet circulated.

We are about to recognise the S. American Republics and Brazil, and at the same time to adopt measures of reprisal against Porto Rico and Porto Cabildo, unless the Royalist Governors of those places will give up the Lord Collingwood, and cancel their orders for impeding our trade.

I have just been at Council, and thought that the K—— looked worse than at Brighton, but still his colour was tolerably good.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

The proceedings of the French Government with relation to Spain, now began to excite a good deal of attention in this country; appearances being in favour of the supposition generally entertained, that the labours of Wellington in the Peninsula were about to be rendered nugatory by the presence there of a powerful French army, and the consequent return of Spain to the position she held as a French dependency before the war.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Tuesday evening.

MY DEAR B——,

I do not believe that the French Cabinet is mad enough to entertain any view of the conquest of Spain. Experience must have taught even to them more wisdom, but Monsieur and the Ultra-Royalist party dread the intercourse with a Republic on their frontiers, and besides, have revived the old notions of the family connexion, and their duty to protect a Bourbon monarch. This is fed by their communications with Spain, where for the last ten months they have been active in exciting, both by money and other means, the Royalist or insurgent party, and these designs are equally instigated by the Ultra-Royalist and Ultra-Liberal party in both countries. The former, with the view of re-establishing the authority of the beloved Ferdinand; the latter, of raising by any means a war, which they calculate must end in the overthrow of both thrones.

We have no wish ourselves to take Cuba, but are inclined to give her the fair option of either continuing Spanish, becoming independent, or uniting with Mexico, positively resisting, however, even if necessary with arms, her occupation by any third power, i.e., North America.

I continue most completely separated from the rest of the Cabinet. Whether they live at all together I know not, but believe they do. However, we have all been in town now for more than a week, and I never have seen anything of any of them except in Cabinet. No one dinner have I been asked to since the conclusion of the Session, excepting one in the beginning of September at Robinson's. Now we all know that business can never be really settled in the meetings of so numerous a Cabinet, but that it must be in fact arranged at more private meetings and dinners.

Canning is certainly not cordial, though there is nothing I have a right to complain of. Still I see that he is disposed to discuss the business of his own office, &c., with Lord Bathurst, Peel, or Robinson, but not with me. Peel is reserved in his natural manner, but I rather get on with him. What is Canning's object I cannot at all discover. His obvious policy would be to unite us to himself, but I am clear that is not in his view. His language to me on the Catholic question was in such a tone as to lead me to doubt extremely whether he can be relied upon. He dwelt to much on the disposition of the Duke of York, if he succeeded to the throne, to stake his Crown entirely upon opposition to it, and talked so much on the advantages of a compromise, which should secure everything except Privy Council and Parliament; professing willingness himself, if that was conceded, to oppose any agitation of the question for a considerable time, that I am myself convinced that he is disposed to consider it as a millstone, to which he is not absolutely pledged, and which he will for his own interest shake from off his neck. We have begun on Wellesley's plan, but as yet made no progress. Indeed it is so defective, that though it professes to rest upon two or three plain principles to be adopted or rejected, there are double that number not adverted to which must be previously understood and determined.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Dec. 7th, 1822.

MY DEAR B——,

I had yesterday a conversation with Canning, when he offered me either Copenhagen or Stuttgard for Henry, as a remove from Switzerland. I obtained from him that the question should be kept open till I heard from him, though I cannot feel a doubt that he will gladly accept the former, as though the business is in truth as little or less than that of his present situation, it is in the public eye a decided promotion, the salary is 1000l. a year higher, and whenever anything more desirable may become vacant, any Secretary of State will be better disposed to promote him than from Switzerland, the mission to which can never be vacant without again raising a question upon its suppression. The residence is certainly less desirable as well as the climate, but these are inconveniences which any man who wishes to rise in his profession must be disposed to overlook. The offer is also valuable, as I think it shows good disposition.

We have to-day the D—— of W——'s despatches from Verona of the 26th. He proposes setting off on the 30th, and coming home through Paris. He sends copies of the despatches of Russia, Austria, and Prussia to their Ministers at Madrid, which are to be communicated to the Spanish Government in extenso. They are couched in very strong, indeed, offensive terms, announcing their intention to make common cause with France in the event of the violent death of the King or any of the Royal Family, of his dethronement, or any alteration in the succession, or of any aggression on the territory of France. The note of Russia goes through a kind of history of the revolutionary steps of Spain. Meanwhile, Villele continues the assurance of his determination, supported by the King, and also by Monsieur (who I suppose now, as is his custom, has taken fright), to avoid a rupture, and expressing his hope of having the support of Sir C. S——[101] to resist Rozzo di Borgo. Metternich also, while he joins in the impulse which Russia has given to the Congress, begs the D—— of W—— that Sir William A'Court[102] may be instructed to mediate as far as possible with Spain, and to prevent her from resenting these extraordinary measures.

Altogether, if A'Court can succeed in persuading Spain that it is her interest to wait till she is attacked, and only to resent these words with words, I think it is very probable peace may still be preserved, as Villele has extremely increased his strength in the Legislative Assembly, and the danger of again bringing a French army into action is felt by every one but the Emperor Alexander, who, as usual, acts from his own feelings only, and particularly from aversion to the example of a successful military mutiny, to which Prussia also is most sensible.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

[101] Sir Charles Stuart, created in 1828 Lord Stuart de Rothesay.

[102] In 1828 created Baron Heytesbury.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Dec. 30, 1822.

MY DEAR B——,

You will probably have heard from other quarters of the intended appointment of Lord Francis Conyngham to be Canning's Under-Secretary of State. I only know it from report, but am disposed to believe it; and it is added that the King on his late visit to Brighton leant on his shoulder and patted his head.

I cannot conceive how Lord F. C—— can retain the Mastership of the Robes.

The next report is that the newly-erected pillar of orthodoxy, young Bankes, has to encounter an action for crim. con. from Lord Buckinghamshire, and that Scarlet is retained for the plaintiff.

Surely Wellesley is making too ridiculous a parade, even for the taste of Paddy, when he talks of the horror, the awful moment, &c.; and when we consider that the King and his father have both had to encounter bullets, it is but in proper subordination that the piece of a rattle and of a glass bottle should be directed against the occupant of "the throne on which he has been placed by the favour of his Sovereign."

Still it may be of use towards the suppression of the Orange Lodges, which I have great hopes will result from it. It has been proposed to extend the English Act against Secret Societies, to Ireland, with a view to some of the cases of conspiracy which they have been unable to deal with; and upon mentioning to Peel that that was the Act upon which the House of Commons in general agreed in 1813 to consider the Orange Association as illegal, I had much pleasure to see that he looked upon this as a recommendation rather than an objection.

The conduct of Villele is to me quite inexplicable, nor can I conceive his motive for resorting to so offensive and irritating a step as the publication of a despatch (in itself calculated to provoke a war) immediately after he had triumphed over the war party, and their expulsion from the Cabinet.

Ever most faithfully yours,

C. WILLIAMS WYNN.



CHAPTER XI.

[1823.]

CONTINENTAL AFFAIRS. DIPLOMATIC POSTS. PROPOSED MINISTERIAL CHANGES. MISSION OF LORD FITZROY SOMERSET TO SPAIN. STATE OF IRELAND. OBJECTS OF FRANCE. APPOINTMENT OF REGINALD HEBER. INCREASING POPULARITY OF MR. CANNING. THE KING'S SPEECH. TRIALS IN IRELAND. MR. PLUNKET. THE BEEFSTEAK CLUB IN DUBLIN. OBJECTIONABLE TOAST. THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. IMPRUDENCE OF LORD WELLESLEY. THE LORD-LIEUTENANT'S EXPLANATION.



CHAPTER XI.

Continental affairs were at this time attracting general attention throughout the British Empire, principally in consequence of the recently-published declaration from the Allied Sovereigns at the Congress of Verona, threatening interposition in the affairs of Spain, and the attitude of France with a view to the same object. To the new Foreign Secretary an opportunity presented itself for directing the policy of Great Britain in a manner worthy of the position she had acquired by her prodigious exertions in the last European war; and remembering the largeness of his professions when out of office, the political world waited with much eagerness the measures of this brilliant statesman to maintain the dignity of his country. Mr. Canning appeared sensible of the gravity of the threatened complication, but occupied himself much more in endeavouring to strengthen himself in the Cabinet than in developing a policy likely to realize the expectations of his admirers.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Jan. 3, 1823.

MY DEAR B——,

I am sorry to say that in consequence of William Hill altering his mind and declining the Under-Secretaryship, the intended promotion in the diplomatic line which was to have opened Copenhagen to Henry is stopped, and Canning now strongly presses his removal to Stuttgart with the same rank and salary, with a view to an arrangement by which the missions to Switzerland and Frankfort will be reduced to a Minister Plenipotentiary, with about half the present allowances.

This I think, though by no means pleasant to Henry, he ought to accede to, both for the public benefit and the gratification of his immediate superior, it being clearly understood that he is to be considered as entitled to promotion on the first occasion.

Canning is very gracious and confidential. He certainly wishes in no moderate degree to get his friend Huskisson into my particular office, but would be quite willing to give me any other I chose in exchange which he could obtain, but as I really prefer it to any other which could be given to me, except that of Secretary of State, or possibly the Admiralty, if there were no better claimant, I do not see any probability of his wishes being gratified a l'aimable.

It is most vexatious that, in spite of all admonition, the Courier persists in its warlike tone and justification of the interference of the Continental Powers in the internal affairs of Spain, in opposition to all the known views and declarations of the British Government.

Of this I have given a hint, and desired that it may be noticed in the next.

With respect to France, I can tell you hardly anything which you do not already know. They continue assurances of their pacific intentions to us, and it seems clear that Montmorenci resigned because his note was deemed too warlike; and yet one can scarcely conceive how it could have been more likely to create a rupture than that of Villele, particularly followed up as the latter has been by the very offensive step of giving it publicity in the Moniteur within forty-eight hours after it had left Paris.

It cannot be denied that this note so published is in itself a legitimate ground of war to Spain if she chooses to avail herself of it C—— believes that she is not yet sufficiently ready, and will prefer remaining at peace. Meantime she has made the greatest haste to grant all our demands which had been so long pending, and to promise immediate satisfaction on our different grounds of complaint.

Ever most affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

I agree with you in thinking that the Indian Juggler has disappointed expectation most lamentably, and I fear that we must say the same of our own friend, who seems to me a Diabolus Domini Vice Regis, tout comme un autre.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Jan. 6, 1823.

MY DEAR B——,

Canning not having come up to town, I have not been able to speak to him on the subject of your letter, but after communicating with Lord Liverpool, I can, I believe, say with certainty, that though of course no part of the King's speech has yet been framed or considered, you may depend upon its containing such a recommendation of relief from taxation as will satisfy the principle upon which Lord C—— wishes for information.

I have much pleasure in telling you that a change will, I trust, take place by the retirement of Bragge Bathurst, which will enable us to take the field with better auspices at the meeting of Parliament.

It is proposed that Vansittart shall succeed to the Chancellorship of the Duchy, with a Peerage; Robinson to the Exchequer; Huskisson, Board of Trade and Treasurer of the Navy, without Cabinet; Arbuthnot, Woods and Forests; Herries, Secretary to the Treasury. As yet, this is completely a secret even to the Cabinet, but as the King has approved it, it probably cannot long so continue. One consequence I apprehend will be, that Peel and I must stand the pelting of the first fortnight of the Session by ourselves, which probably your kindness will admit as an additional reason for my wishing C—— to listen favourably to Canning's request.

I really do not think that there is the least ground for your supposition of intentional neglect on the part of Government towards you. Nothing which I have seen looks at all like it. It is possible that you may think that you ought to have been written to oftener, but it has naturally been supposed, that as I was in constant communication with you, it was not necessary for anybody else.

I have to-day heard from Dublin that the Grand Jury has thrown out Bills preferred against the rioters for a misdemeanour, very much in consequence of the feeling originally excited by the first design of proceeding against them capitally for a conspiracy to assassinate. Plunket has, I understand, immediately declared that he would file an ex officio information against them. Whether this is wise or not depends, I think, wholly on the nature of his evidence; if he can produce sufficient to warrant a conviction it will be quite right, and expose the Orange spirit of Dublin; but if it is deficient, it will have a most mischievous effect to subject them to such a proceeding, after the Grand Jury has thrown out the Bill.

I am very sorry that you differ with me about Henry, but it really seems to me that after Canning has intimated this opinion in favour of the reduction of the mission, he has only the choice of leaving it or of carrying into execution his original offer of taking it with his own rank, but a reduced salary. In the event of a repetition of last year's attack, it would be no trifling change if the Secretary of State were in his heart against us, and if, perhaps, his intimates knew that he had proposed an arrangement for averting it. I will also fairly state that, after thwarting Canning's favourite plans for Huskisson, I am the more anxious not to interpose unnecessary difficulty in the way of this.

I have to-day heard from Lord Hastings, that he awaits his successor in India. The last Guardian is not quite as good as that of the preceding week, but the letter to Lethbridge is excellent, and the general tone and conduct quite right.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Audley End, Jan. 14, 1823.

MY DEAR B——,

The mission of Lord F. Somerset[103] is not of a nature to give any jealousy to A'Court, being rather despatched by the Duke of Wellington to Alava, and some of his old friends in the Spanish army, than by Canning to the King of Spain; besides, he having been at Verona, can more correctly state to them the means by which they may enable us to avert the war with which they are menaced.

Henry accepts Stuttgart, though extremely reluctantly. You have never made any observation on the changes which I announced to you before I left town, and which I thought would please you. An attempt was made to persuade me to take Robinson's succession, but I really was exactly of Mr. Huskisson's opinion, and thought 2000l., or rather 1800l. a-year, worth more than a house, coal and candles; besides which, I did not like the idea of a second time undertaking a new department of the business, of which I knew nothing, just at the outset of the Session.

I think Old Nick ought to be Viscount Van, for alliteration sake. I believe he trusts still to his own loins to perpetuate the peerage, and applies for no remainder. With this exception, I think the arrangement as far as it goes good. Indeed, I do not know why Arbuthnot should have the Woods and Forests, but that the diplomatic pension list is full. I wish Lushington would retire also, for I believe he does his work ill. I suppose you have had a due announcement of the marriage of M. F——. Poor man, with such a simpleton of a wife, and such a collection of radical brethren-in-law, I think he has a good thing of it. Lord Braybrooke has been ill, and was last week very largely bled; he is now better, but has not yet quite recovered.

Lord Liverpool positively asserts that he has neither directly nor indirectly pensioned Cobbett. I really think the Duke of Wellington not a little indebted to him for forcing the Whigs to declare county meetings a farce.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

[103] The late Lord Raglan.

East India Office, Wednesday.

Reginald Heber has, after much hesitation, to-day accepted the Bishopric of Calcutta; I grieve at losing him, but believe that the appointment will be most extensively beneficial. Our Brighton detachment reports the K—— to have been in excellent humour and spirits, and the general health good, but so lame as to occasion considerable doubt whether he may recover the use of his feet, which are much contracted.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Jan. 20, 1823.

MY DEAR B——,

I see the changes have at length got into the newspapers. I am only astonished that the secret has been preserved longer than any similar one which I recollect, as it has been in agitation ever since Canning came into office, and the hope of assisting it by inducing Van to take my office was one of the considerations most strongly urged upon me at the close of our discussion relative to the Speakership.

For the best possible reason I cannot tell you our finance plans, but I trust that considerable reduction of taxes must form a part of them, agreeably to Liverpool's assurances. In the course of two or three days I shall know more.

Robinson[104] will be a decided improvement on poor Van, both in manner and popularity with the House, but as to measures, Liverpool must of course give the orders, and he obey. Still he is a man of sense and judgment, though perhaps deficient in energy, and if (as I am told) Huskisson will draw well with him, it really is the best appointment, both ostensibly and in fact, that we have materials for.

Lord F. Somerset's instructions are decidedly to act under A'Court's orders, and only to make those communications from the D—— of W—— to Alava and other individuals, which could not with any propriety be conveyed through the accredited Minister, and which would in truth excite all the clamour against interference in the internal affairs of Spain, which we most desire to avoid.

With respect to the question of sugars, I am very far from having formed any definite opinion, and am disposed to go into the Committee which Van last year pledged himself to grant, with a most impartial spirit. The bias of my mind certainly is to believe that by no means in our power can the ruin of the old sugar islands be averted, and that the present plan only sacrifices the East Indies to the new ones, which in their turn will be obliged to give way to the S. American Continent.

The state of India is now certainly most critical, as by the successful introduction of the British muslins you have completely destroyed that which till within a very short time has been their great staple export, and which now they have ceased to use themselves. I doubt, however, whether Robinson will even consider himself bound by Vansittart's pledge to go into the Committee, as I know he disapproved extremely of its being given, and thinks that the East Indies ought rather to look for relief from encouragement to the silk trade, and consequently to their growth of raw silk, than to any other source.

The question, however, is one of which I am by no means master, and on which I am not in any way committed.

Ever most affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

[104] Afterwards created Viscount Goderich and Earl of Ripon.

The presence of a popular Lord-Lieutenant, as the Marquis Wellesley was considered on his first arrival in Ireland, did not eradicate that feverish spirit of disaffection in a certain portion of the population of the island, which had been the great difficulty of his predecessors. Indeed, his Lordship had lately become an object of open hostility, and an outrage had been perpetrated apparently against the vice-regal dignity, that was now undergoing investigation before the proper tribunal. This was only one indication of a mischievous spirit that had defeated the wisest intentions; in other places, the chronic disorder was so conspicuous as almost to make the friends of Ireland despair of being able to effect any permanent good in this unfortunate country.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Jan. 23, 1823.

MY DEAR B——,

I have scarce a moment to write to you, as between general business and that belonging to the office, which presses particularly at this moment, I am hard pressed. The depositions in the Dublin riot seem to me completely to establish the fact of a preconcerted disturbance, but rather directed against the Lord Mayor than the Lord-Lieutenant; but there is nothing to support the idea of a capital charge, unless some subsequent declarations that they should not so miss him another time, and that they were ready to sacrifice their lives for the object, should be so thought. We are to-morrow to consider the steps to be adopted.

On the first flush, the proceeding by information after an indictment has failed, certainly seems objectionable, but I believe it must certainly be legal, just as preferring a second indictment would. I am myself, however, most inclined to support this course, not because I approve it, but because after all that has happened, it would degrade both Wellesley and Plunket, and exalt the Orange faction in the public eye, to refuse our sanction to the measures which they have adopted.

The great object of France, in all her twisted course, has been to have the question of War and Peace left in her hands by the rest of Europe, then by a dexterous application of this power to produce a restoration of some portion of the King of Spain's authority, and on that ground to regain her ancient influence in his Court. In this, at all events, she has completely failed. Spain now promises payment of all our just claims, some of which she admits, and is willing to refer the remainder to a mixed commission. She also sends over a specific request for our good offices, to avert from her the calamities of war. Canning, I think, expects that peace will be preserved, and reasons much as you do. Both the King of France and Villele profess to see how prejudicial to the interest of France war must be.

I verily believe Lord Melville's conduct to you to be only the same by which he gives offence to everybody else. Hay, I believe, told Phillimore that Lord M—— had not answered one letter of all those which arrived during the time he was in Scotland. Canning retires from Liverpool, and succeeds to one of the seats for Harwich, vacated by B. Bathurst's retirement and Nick's peerage.

Ever most affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

There is some talk of Lord Maryborough quitting the Cabinet, and I believe that the Doctor only remains till he can appear to leave it without any reference to Canning's appointment.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Jan. 25, 1823.

MY DEAR B——,

There is much reason to fear that Chateaubriand is still more favourably disposed towards the War party than his predecessor, and is run away with a true French notion that the glory of success can only exist in connexion with the white cockade. Should he prevail, there is little doubt that Villele will retire, and then the Ultra-Royalists will drive to the Devil with a rapidity that nothing can check.

This is the gloomy side; on the other, Villele has certainly great strength, and even the Royalists will think twice before they allow the million (English) of surplus which is about to be applied to indemnify them, to go towards the frais of an armament, the recommendation of which is that it is to be levied without a loan and without an additional tax.

I quite agree with you in the necessity of supporting Wellesley and Plunket, though we may in private think they have acted absurdly. I am convinced that the Orange party will make a run against them with all the power they can, of which I already see symptoms which cannot be mistaken; but as far as I can judge, L—— will behave honestly.

The depositions have all been sent over, and I am not surprised that the English lawyers are unable to find among them any ground to maintain the committal for the capital charge. As, however, this was abandoned, the practical battle will be upon the propriety of a prosecution by information, after an indictment preferred by the Attorney-General has been ignored. Of this there is no example in England. Whether there is or not in Ireland I do not know, but at all events Plunket must be supported in it, and allowed to proceed. The Irish Government now stand publicly committed to that course, and if they were compelled to abandon it, must immediately resign, and afford a triumph to the Orange faction. It is no small misfortune that our law advisers should be so entirely in one interest, and under one influence, as to exercise no free agency of their own. I trust that we have put a stop to the practice of submitting Plunket's conduct and opinions to their revision, by treating their communication as one of a nature strictly private, and as one which it would be impossible to make known to any one individual without giving the justest offence both to Wellesley, Plunket, and Bushe.

The Speech will recommend considerable relief from taxation, and notice will be given of Robinson's intention to bring the subject forward as soon as he resumes his seat. It signifies little what we do. Lethbridge and the Squires will feel bound to go beyond us; but if we can extend the relief to 50 per cent. on houses and windows, carriages, horses, and servants, all reasonable men ought to be satisfied.

I have spoken to Lord Liverpool about Sir George Nugent, and he vows and protests nothing could be further from his intention than the slightest disrespect to a person towards whom no one can feel anything but regard, &c. &c. &c. In short, he says all that a man in the unfortunate situation of having done an awkward absent thing can say, and I know not what can be done further.

I believe my appointment of Reginald Heber is really the very best for India that the kingdom could have supplied. Henry is to be accredited to Baden and Carlsruhe, as well as to Stuttgart.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Jan. 27, 1623.

MY DEAR DUKE,

Of course Wynn has communicated with you upon the changes which have taken place; I was completely ignorant of them till the papers announced them, but think altogether it is a much improved administration; the weak point of Vansittart is strengthened, and though perhaps Robinson may not have been the fittest man for a Chancellor of the Exchequer, there is none other who would have done so well with Lord Liverpool, and he is a very popular man in the House of Commons. Wallace is most indignant at Huskisson being put over his head, and has resigned the Vice-Presidency of the Board of Trade; this has been offered to Vesey Fitzgerald,[105] who I have no doubt will take it, but should he not, I understand it is to be offered to Charles Grant;[106] and it is also said that Lord Maryborough goes out, and Wallace is to replace him at the Mint.

The change at the Treasury would certainly make it easy for Canning to take a jump at any future opportunity by the resignation of Lord Liverpool, by becoming First Lord and Chancellor of the Exchequer, and giving the Foreign Seals to Robinson; how far this may be in his contemplation, you have better means of judging than I have, but it is not very foreign to his character to entertain such a view.

Every human being seems to condemn in the strongest terms the conduct of Wellesley; there never was such an ass, and if he has hatched all this trumpery and made Plunket his dupe, the latter will never get over it; such is the belief, and it really looks like it. Plunket must of course come to the meeting, and we shall then see what he chooses to disclose to the public; for a justification he must make. The Opposition are not disposed to attack Lord Wellesley, and are of course in trammels on the question, but there are plenty of Orangeists who will not be wanting. The thing that I think looks most suspicious in all these measures, is the unmeasured applause which the Opposition papers give to Canning, and I hear that at Brookes's he is much the most popular man in the country; we know his avidity for popular applause, and I own I cannot but entertain some fears as to the abstainment on his part from all intrigue; the best security against this will be in the meeting of Parliament, when he will be soon brought in contact with those who are now upholding him. He does not come in for Liverpool, but for Harwich, as also Mr. Herries. Young Disbrowe comes in for Windsor, in the room of Sir Herbert Taylor, who resigns his seat. The Duke of York has been alarmingly ill, but is now much better; I understand you met him at the grand chasse at Ashridge.

Although it is very likely the French Government will be forced into a war, yet I am for my own part still disposed to think they will not, from all Lionel Hervey tells me on the subject; it is fraught with too much danger to France itself, and too certain a failure in the object for which the war is contemplated, to be persisted in, however they may bully and prepare for it. Canning has certainly recommended himself greatly to public opinion by the line he has adopted, and though we are given to understand there has been considerable differences in the Cabinet upon it, he has never changed his tone for one moment, and has carried his views.

Adieu, my dear Duke,

Ever most unfeignedly yours,

W. H. F.

[105] Created Baron Fitzgerald in 1826.

[106] Created Baron Glenelg in 1836.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Board, Jan. 31, 1823.

MY DEAR B——,

The die seems at length to be cast, and the throw cannot be altered, though the French continue to profess the same desire of avoiding war, and with as much sincerity as they have done throughout the discussion. They have taken the worst course, and in the worst possible way. I really am so much out of humour with the gros cochon, that I rather hope that his life may be prolonged, so as to taste a little of the evil which he is about to produce. Poor Liverpool is in a state of worry and dejection which exceeds anything I have yet seen, but I am assured by Lord Melville this is not for him extraordinary when hard-worked.

The Speech states the King, faithful to his principles, &c., to have declined any measure which could lead to a foreign interference in the internal affairs of France; his endeavours to prevent hostilities, and his determination if they should take place, to use every effort to put an end to them, maintaining in the mean time the strictest and most exact neutrality; pleasure at the state of the Revenue, and that Parliament will be enabled thereby to relieve the burthens without any violation of public credit; condolence to the agriculture, congratulation to the commerce.

We have plenty of business to bring forward: Irish tithes, Irish distillery, finance, &c. &c.

I heard this morning from Plunket, desiring me to fix with Canning an early day for the Catholic question, which he will bring forward accordingly. I think of Thursday, the 20th, or Tuesday, the 25th.

He waits for the trials, but hopes to be over, as I understand him, on the 10th. He is prepared for violent attacks from the lawyers on the filing of his information after indictment, but speaks confidently of his defence.

Liverpool, Bathurst, Robinson, the Duke, Harrowby, and Westmoreland, are gone down to Brighton to read the Speech.

I do not yet even know what Burdett's motion for to-morrow is to be, but I am told resolutions of moderate censure on the Sheriff; and still less do I know what the course of the Orange Party will be; and it is on the latter that ours must principally depend, as their only object will clearly be to inculpate Plunket either directly or impliedly.

I go on with very little intercourse with my colleagues in the House of Commons, but must say that they seem not to have any more one with another.

I must break off.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Feb. 1, 1823.

MY DEAR B——,

I have not myself the least idea that a wish for the admission of Lord Colchester into the Cabinet exists in any mind except his own, or that Lord Harrowby has any idea of retiring at present.

It is perfectly true that France still continues to say that it must be six weeks before any blow can be struck or a shot fired, and to beg us to continue our good offices, though she cannot admit any mediator between Princes of the House of Bourbon and near neighbours, but she still urges the necessity not so much of any real or efficient change being made, as of its emanating directly from the authority of the King—in short, that because they had a charte, two chambers, and an amnesty, Spain shall have them all likewise.

I have seen no symptom whatever of division among Ministers on this point.

The Lord Chancellor had viewed the introduction of Mr. Canning into the Cabinet with more discontent even than he had bestowed upon the admission of the Grenvilles; but an arrangement that brought him another popular statesman as a colleague, he regarded with so much ill feeling that it amounted to the expression of a desire to resign. "The Courier of last night," he writes, "announces Mr. Huskisson's introduction into the Cabinet. Of the intention or the fact I have no other communication. Whether Lord Sidmouth has or not, I don't know, but really this is rather too much. Looking at the whole history of this gentleman, I don't consider this introduction, without a word said about the intention, as I should perhaps have done with respect to some persons that have been or might be brought into Cabinet, but turning out one man and introducing another in the way all this is done, is telling the Chancellor that he should not give them the trouble of disposing of him, but should (not treated as a Chancellor) cease to be a Chancellor. What makes it worse is, that the great man of all has a hundred times most solemnly declared that no connexions of a certain person's should come in. There is no believing one word anybody says, and what makes the matter still worse is, that everybody acquiesces most quietly, and waits in all humility and patience till their [his] own turn comes."[107]

[107] Twiss's "Life of Lord Eldon," vol. ii. p. 76.

A recollection of Mr. Huskisson by another political cotemporary of eminence, may here be put forward by way of contrast to the preceding. "Besides possessing considerable abilities, and upon some subjects extensive knowledge, he is cheerful, good-natured, and obliging—a man of the world of the best sort. When you come to converse with him upon other topics than those to which the purpose of your first interview limited you, you will find that nothing can be more rational and agreeable than his conversation."[108]

[108] Lord Dudley's "Letters," p. 321.

Though an able man, his subsequent political career was short and unsatisfactory. His known devotion to Mr. Canning, who had long endeavoured to bring him forward, after the demise of that eminent statesman, exercised a prejudicial influence over his fortunes, and the first opportunity that presented itself was eagerly seized to get rid of him.

About the end of January, Lord Grenville had a serious attack of illness—a paralytic seizure—that caused considerable alarm among his relatives and friends; but Sir Henry Halford having been summoned to the assistance of the ordinary medical attendants at Dropmore, an improvement shortly took place, and in a few days he was pronounced out of danger.

The proceedings going on in Ireland, arising out of the alleged conspiracy and rebellion, were regarded with as much interest in England as the threatened invasion of Spain by France.

THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Four o'clock.

MY DEAR DUKE,

I am just come from the House, which was not made, owing to the horrid weather and fall of snow, therefore I cannot move the writ till to-morrow, when I shall certainly do so.

I saw Spring Rice,[109] who had just received letters from Dublin, giving an account of the first day's trial. His letters were from Maurice Fitzgerald, Mr. Goold, and another whose name he did not mention, but he read them all to me, and they perfectly agreed in stating that nothing could have been more favourable to the proof of the conspiracy than the first day's trial. The Sheriff evidently attempted to secure a good jury; there were six trials, and he had only collected sixty individuals for the formation of the juries; the Court directed him to enlarge his numbers, which he was obliged to do, and the jury was considered tolerably good, though not a single Catholic upon it, only one individual who they knew to be a sworn and decided Orangeman. Nothing could exceed the eloquence, temper, and firmness of Plunket, exceeding his acknowledged powers. One witness only examined as yet, but all agreeing that if he [Plunket] only proves half that he has stated himself prepared to bring forward, a conviction must follow. In the course of his speech he stated that Lord Wellesley was supported in all the steps he had taken by the Government in England, and by the personal sanction and approbation of his Sovereign. He laid it very heavily on the Sheriff, Thorpe, and others of the Corporation. Altogether, from these letters (which of course must be taken with some abatement, from the character and opinions of the writers), it would appear that Plunket will not only come out most triumphantly, but that the Orangeists are fallen beyond all belief in their triumphant expectation.

Fitzgerald's phrase is, "The case even exceeds the most sanguine statement which Lord Wellesley had made me the day before."

Ever truly yours,

W. H. F.

I merely add a few words, to say that our first day has been most favourable to the Government, and that we are all in tip-top spirits. No one can yet believe that France will be mad enough to march troops into the Peninsula. Brougham's certainly one of the most, if not the most eloquent speech he ever made, but most bitter and vindictive towards the allies and the magnanimous Alexander. Nothing can be better than the accounts from Dropmore.

W. H. F.

I forgot to say that Plunket has two Orange informers to produce as witnesses, who were parties to the conspiracy. There was no prevarication or difficulty with the only witness examined.

[109] In 1839 created Baron Monteagle.

THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

House of Commons, Five o'clock.

MY DEAR DUKE,

Nothing is talked of but Lord Wellesley's business; he really seems to have lost his head, though Plunket and Newport are come full primed and most loud in his defence; the Opposition, I have no doubt, will support him, and I have as little doubt that the Cabinet will do the same; but all the Orange part of the Government are trumpeting forth his misconduct, and folly, and madness. The real fact I believe to be, that he has been guilty of great imprudence, but that the Orange faction in Ireland were determined to drive him away, and Lord Manners was at the head of this faction. It is impossible that they can both now remain, and therefore I have not the least doubt that Lord Manners will be recalled. There is a story in town to-day, of a message having been sent by Lord Wellesley to Lord Manners, in which the former upbraids the latter with the most culpable, unfair, treacherous conduct towards him from the moment he set foot in Ireland, and letting him know if it were not for their public situations he should have resented it in another mode. I do not believe one word of this, though I give full credit for his indiscretion.

I have just seen Newport, who says it is impossible. He is just come from Dropmore, and gives a good account of Lord G——. Lord Liverpool I hear is quite firm about Wellesley; how the Chancellor will act upon it remains to be seen; the question must now come to an issue.

We expect much effect from Robinson's first essay on Friday. Canning has done remarkably well as yet, and gives great satisfaction. Nothing can prevent the mad war of the French.

Ever most faithfully,

W. H. F.

THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

House of Commons, Feb. 10, 1823.

MY DEAR DUKE,

The Dublin jury were out for six hours, and then requested the judge to dismiss them, for they could not come to a decision. They were of course remanded, and ordered to be locked up till the next morning. We shall probably next hear of their fighting among themselves. Lady Rossman, in her evidence (ninety years of age), says it must have been an older woman than herself to be frightened by such a proceeding at the theatre.

I heard to-day (quite private) that a demur arises as to Huskisson's appointment to the Board of Trade, he being agent to Ceylon, and in that capacity a continual suitor on the part of the island to the Board. The agency is 1200l., the Presidentship nil. He therefore of course will not hesitate, should it be found to be a vital objection. It makes no difference as to his election.

Banks stands for Dorsetshire, vice Portman, dead; it it not known yet if any other person stands. No further news.

Ever, &c.,

W. H. F.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Feb. 10, 1823.

Nothing more decisive has, I believe, arrived from France; and the latest account from Ireland is, that at eight o'clock on Friday night the jury were considering their verdict.

I shall not be surprised if the evening papers obtain the result, though it may not reach Peel till to-morrow.

The war-whoop of Opposition may possibly have some effect towards frightening old Louis, and in that case it may be useful, but I trust there is little chance of its communicating its effects either in the Cabinet or Parliament on this side the water. Canning will, I believe, return in time to take his seat to-morrow.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Feb. 11, 1823.

MY DEAR B——,

The newspapers will tell you the result of the Dublin trials, but we have had no letters, and know nothing of Plunket's intentions. The report is that the Orangemen are quite triumphant and insolent. What line C——g intends to take I do not know, but I have observed that he never omits an opportunity of quizzing the Bottle Plot, and that all his friends ridicule Wellesley on every opportunity.

Stocks are down to 73-1/2, but we have nothing new either from Paris or Madrid.

Ever yours affectionately,

C. W. W.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Feb. 13, 1823.

MY DEAR B——,

We are, I believe, going to augment our estimates from 21,000 to 25,000 seamen, which it is thought will be sufficient to protect our neutrality in the contest which now seems all but certain.

I am glad to say that the increase of the number of judges is consented to, and the measures of a third assize, the alteration of the Welsh Judicature, and the appointment of a Committee of Lords, with certain judges as assessors, are to be consequent upon it.

We are also to increase the efficiency of secondary punishments by sending convicts to different parts of our colonies, there to be employed in hard-labour; the worst to Sierra Leone; and to diminish the number of offences liable to capital punishment.

I expect Plunket every hour. He sailed from Dublin on Monday night, and I should think ought at latest to have been in town to-day. The remarks mentioned in my last have been general enough to have produced much observation, and they are, I am told, attributed rather to disinclination to the master than the man.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office, Feb. 15, 1823.

MY DEAR B——,

No one who does not reside the greatest part of his time in London, can possess real influence in public affairs. Lord Chatham at Hayes, and Lord Grenville at Dropmore, neither of them half your distance, are instances of the loss of political consequence at a time when from the extreme multiplication of correspondence, Parliamentary inquiries, &c., every single department was not over-worked and over-occupied to the degree they now are. There really now is no time even for communication among the different members of the Government, each member of which manages his own department almost without interference from his colleagues, except when he thinks it necessary to call a Cabinet on any point of peculiar importance.

Plunket arrived yesterday evening, and I have had a long conversation with him to-day. He is harassed and fatigued to a great degree by all he has lately been going through. The dismissals of Sir C. Vernon, St. George, and Stanhope, have taken place since he left Dublin, he having dissuaded Lord W——y strongly from the removal of the former before he went, and as he thought with success, he being just the good-natured, silly animal whom everybody would compassionate, and the women in particular.

The particular offence is their presence at the Beef-steak Club, where the Chancellor and Commander-in-Chief also dined, when the Lord-Lieutenant was drunk to the tune of "Now Phoebus sinketh in the west," with dead silence, and Lord Talbot with great applause; and afterwards the toast, which you will read in the Courier.

Now really, as the Dublin paper observes, for poor Charley Vernon to have got up, and in the presence of the Chancellor and Lord Combermere to have objected to the toast which they joined in because the Lord-Lieutenant was clearly the person who wished to "subvert the constitution," would have been rather a strong measure; and it seems pitiful to resent conduct in the Chamberlain, because he was part of his household, which the Lord-Lieutenant dare not notice in the Chancellor.

He [Plunket] has seen Liverpool, who, as is usual with him, dealt in generals, and avoided any particular conversation on the late events.

It seems to me that the proposition for extending the Act against secret and affiliated societies to Ireland (which has not yet been decided upon by the Cabinet) will probably bring the matter to an upshot. If that is agreed to, it will be evident that the Government are determined to support Lord Wellesley, and if not, that they are willing to resign Ireland to the tyranny of the lodges.

Plunket describes the flame in Dublin as beyond description, and regretted Wellesley being surrounded by a set of people totally incapable of assisting or advising him, and who merely carry rumours to irritate him.

I have no time to write more.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

The Duke of Buckingham having accepted a proposal made to him to preside at the anniversary meeting on St. Patrick's day, wrote to the Duke of Clarence to obtain for the festival the advantage of his Royal Highness's presence, who thus replied:—

H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CLARENCE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Bushey House, Feb. 10, 1823. Late at night.

DEAR DUKE,

I have this instant received your Grace's letter of yesterday, and can only observe that in general I decline dinners of the kind mentioned in that epistle; however, my profession has carried me to Ireland more than once, and particularly when I was in the sister kingdom in the year 1787 I experienced those attentions which time cannot obliterate from my memory. I esteem and value Ireland, and wish her well from the bottom of my heart. I am confident the meeting on St. Patrick's day ought to be one of charity and good humour, and totally void of those politics which unfortunately distract that unhappy country; in your Grace's hands, I am sure the business will be ably conducted to the utter exclusion of topics which might produce discord, and I shall be happy, as Earl of Munster, to assist your Grace in supporting the object of charity, and in preserving harmony and unanimity on the 17th of next March; till then adieu, and

Ever believe me, dear Duke,

Yours sincerely,

WILLIAM.

The imprudence of Lord Wellesley had become the subject of much comment even among his Lordship's friends, and somewhat embarrassed his colleagues in the English Cabinet. He excited in Dublin considerable opposition, in which more than one person in authority, with whom he ought to have cultivated the most friendly relations, made himself conspicuous.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Office Feb. 17, 1823.

MY DEAR B——,

I very much agree in the view which you take of the situation of Lord Wellesley, and what I intended to convey to you was a disapprobation of his having SWOOPED at such small birds, when the Chancellor and Commander-in-Chief crowed in his face. He had only to decide between the course of entirely overlooking the transaction, and that of requiring their dismission.