Part 16

Rumours are afloat of the resignation of the Doctor, of the whole Ministry going out, of the Catholic Bill being abandoned, etc.; and Canning--the worthless Canning!--who was eight days ago actually in _terms_ with Ld. Grenville, actually treating with Ld. Grenville and holding with him a private correspondence for the purpose of being taken into office, is now thick with Perceval, and ready, they say, to oppose any Bill brought forward to relieve the Catholics. The behaviour of the Doctor is still problematical. Ld. Grenville is greatly exasperated with him, but Ld. Holland, with more indulgence than justice, is disposed to view his conduct more favourably, and to believe that his misconception of the measure was real, and his sorrow unfeigned when he discovered what was intended to be done. But Ld. Sidmouth certainly misrepresented Ld. Howick’s conversation with him to the King, and it is now said that he has been intriguing for the last ten days with Perceval. The D. of Cumberland was very busy in the H. of Lords communicating to his friends the joyful news of a change of Ministry.

The clauses were sent to Windsor on Tuesday, March 3rd, and returned by the King the same evening, without any animadversion or objection; on which they were instantly despatched by a messenger to Ireland. Very suspicious against the veracity of H.M.

_15th March._--(On Friday, the 13th, Ld. Sidmouth did offer to resign, but it was not accepted by Ld. Grenville.)

There was a Cabinet to-day at which neither Ld. Ellenboro’ or Sidmouth assisted. It was then determined to withdraw the Bill which had given His Majesty so much uneasiness, but to reserve to the members of the Cabinet as individuals to express their opinion on the Catholic claims if brought before Parlt. by the Catholics, which measure, however, the members of the Cabinet pledged themselves not to encourage or recommend the Catholics to adopt.

The reasons for giving up the Bill were as follows:--

1st. The K. considered himself as pledged to no more than ye Irish Act of ’93, and was determined to resist any further concession to the Catholics. But the mere extension of the Irish Act of 1793 would not tend in any degree to satisfy the C., nor to allay their discontent, while it would be unjust and unfair to the English Dissenters, whom it would place on a worse footing than the Irish Catholics.

[Sidenote: THE CATHOLIC QUESTION]

2nd. But if the Bill, modified and reduced as it is by the King, would be useless and objectionable, the prosecution of the original Bill could not be persisted in, without incurring the reproach of having taken advantage of the King; of having deceived him into acquiescence with a measure not properly explained to him; and when the mistake was cleared up, of having made use of the opportunity to commit the House of Commons on a measure so decidedly contrary to his opinion. If the Bill was dropped on acct. of those last considerations, the Ministry must either resign, or go on with the disadvantage of having abandoned a measure of so much importance, and of having been baffled by the K. and a most contemptible colleague. In their voluntary resignation there were many objections. It would preclude them from employing their present strength in the H. of Commons in addressing the King against the change of his confidential advisers, because whatever might be the cause of their resignation, the act, if voluntary, necessarily compelled the King to look for other advisers; and till those advisers were tried, it would appear factious to move addresses against them. Besides this reason for not resigning, the question of the C. was not popular in the kingdom, and a cry could be easily raised against it and its friends. It was therefore resolved to go on for the present, but as the King had now discovered his strength, and as little confidence or cordiality could longer exist between him and his present Ministers, it was determined to take the first popular ground of difference, and to resign upon it; and to take off the impression of having been baffled by Ld. Sidmouth, it was determined that he should be instantly turned out. Besides these reasons for the line taken upon this occasion by the Cabinet, there were several who persistently indulged the hope that the King would not be satisfied with this concession, but that he would demand some further pledge on which they might make a stand on better ground than they occupied at present. The event proved their sagacity.

_16th March_.--On Monday, 16th, Ld. Grenville went down to Windsor with the Minute which had been agreed to on the day before in the Cabinet. The K. required 24 hours to consider of his answer, and on Tuesday morning he sent the following to Ld. Grenville:--

17th March, Windsor Castle.

‘The King having fully considered what is submitted in the Minute of Cabinet which he received yesterday morning, desires Ld. G. will communicate to those who were present his sentiments and observations upon the contents of that Minute as hereafter explained.

‘His Majesty has learned with satisfaction that they have determined not to press forward any further the discussion of the Bill depending in Parlt., and he is sensible of the deference shown to his sentiments and feelings, but he regrets that while they have felt bound as his Ministers to adopt this line of conduct, they should as individuals consider it necessary to submit to Parlt. opinions which are known to be so decidedly contrary to his principles, at a moment too when it is the declared object of his Governt. not to encourage any disposition on the part of the R. Catholics of Ireland to prefer a Petition to Parliament.

[Sidenote: THE CATHOLIC QUESTION]

‘From the latter part of the Minute the K. must conclude, that altho’ the Bill which was depending is dropped, they have been unable to make up their minds not to press upon him in future measures connected with a question which has already proved so distressing to him, nor can H.M. conceal from them that this intimation on their part, unless withdrawn, will leave the matter in a state most embarrassing and unsatisfactory to him, and in his opinion not less to them. The K. therefore considers it due to himself and consistent with fair and upright conduct, which it has and ever will be his object to observe towards everyone, to declare at once most unequivocally that upon this subject his sentiments never can change, that he cannot ever agree to any concession which his confidential servants may in future propose to him; and that under these circumstances and after what has passed, his mind cannot be at ease unless he shall receive a positive assurance from them which shall effectually relieve him from all future apprehension.

‘(Signed) GEORGE R.’

The preceding note was enclosed in the following:--

March 17th, 1807.

‘The King has lost no time in dictating the answer to the Minute of Cabinet. Ld. Grenville will receive it enclosed, and H.M. desires he will communicate it to his colleagues, trusting at the same time that Ld. Grenville will see the propriety, with a view to the prevention of all future mistakes, that when they shall have duly considered the latter part of His Majesty’s answer, their determination should be stated on paper.

‘(Signed) GEORGE R.’

When these notes were received by Ld. Grenville the Ministry were in a very embarrassing situation, in consequence of having received the night before Ld. Spencer’s resignation, which he sent to Ld. Grenville the instant he was informed that the Bill in Parlt. was to be abandoned, thinking himself particularly pledged to it, as being the person through whom it had been communicated to the Irish Governt. and to the Catholics that such a Bill was determined upon. The King’s notes were therefore received with the greatest satisfaction, as it enabled the whole of the Ministry, Ld. Sidmouth and his friends excepted, to retire from office upon good and constitutional grounds, while their offer to abandon the Bill exempted them from any charge of having deceived or attempted to overreach the K. A respectful but firm answer was therefore sent, refusing to give the pledge for their future conduct which the King demanded.

_18th._--The answer of the Cabinet was given to the King this morning. He is to take, as before, 24 hours to think of his reply.

He was to-day (Wednesday) very civil to Ld. Howick, hoped that if they did part, they should part with a more favourable impression of each other than they had entertained before they met. Assured him that he had consulted with no one, not even with his own family, about forming a new Administration.

The Prince takes part with his father on this the present question, and he is full of complaints against Ministers for their conduct to him in his difference with the Princess. Lady Hertford has great influence with him at present, and she employs it. It is not many weeks since that he offered to write a letter to Ld. Howick for the purpose of its being shown to the Catholics, in which he would have pledged himself to the Catholics, provided they remained quiet at present. Ld. Holland did not encourage this measure, because as he had once broken his word to the Catholics, it was supposed that a promise from him would have little or no effect upon them. Ld. Moira is also extremely dissatisfied with the greater part of his colleagues; he told Ld. H. two nights ago that if this rupture had not taken place, he would have resigned shortly, and that when they went out he should resign his Staff appointments, and consider himself as no longer connected in party with his present colleagues. He complained that since Mr. Fox’s illness no one, except Ld. Holland, had treated him confidentially.[288]

[Sidenote: A NEW ADMINISTRATION]

Ld. H. this morning, through Ld. Granville Leveson, proposed a Cabinet place _immediately_ to Canning if they should remain in office, or return to it after a victory over the Court. Ld. G. Leveson received the overtures thus made rather coldly. He seemed to think that Canning would take the opposite side to Ld. Sidmouth, and in the evening he seemed disturbed by a speech of Bragge’s,[289] who had said when asked what part Ld. Sidmouth’s friends meant to take in the present differences, ‘Why, stick by the King, to be sure.’ It is not known that any person has as yet been sent for by the K. to consult with about a new Administration.

_19th._--Letters from the D. of Bedford and Ld. Ponsonby. It seems that the Catholics had been induced by the exertions of Ld. Ponsonby and representations from the Castle, aided by the proof given by Ministers of their unabated zeal in their cause by the clauses in the Mutiny Bill, to abandon the intention of petitioning Parliament this session. But when these letters were written, rumours had arrived of the difficulties in carrying through the Mutiny Bill, and that Ministers were suspected of an intention to give way upon that point.

Early to-day Lds. Eldon and Hawkesbury went to Windsor in consequence of a message from the King communicated to them by ye D. of Cumberland. In the course of the morning they called upon ye D. of Portland, with the King’s commands to form a new Administration and to consult on that subject with two of Mr. Pitt’s friends. Reports of the D. of Portland declining to act on acct. of his infirmities; others again that he declined acting if Ld. Melville was to be one of the Ministers, or if it was resolved to dissolve Parlt. Ld. C. Spencer came from Burlington House and reported them as being greatly alarmed. Ld. Hardwicke[290] called in the evening at Ld. Grenville’s, and having inquired into the truth of the pledge said to have been demanded by the King from his Ministers, Ld. G. showed him the King’s note, on which Ld. Hardwicke expressed himself perfectly satisfied with the conduct of Ministers and thought they could not have acted otherwise with honour, and that those who had advised the King to demand such a pledge were impeachable. He concluded by assuring Ld. Grenville of his support and of that of his brother, Mr. Yorke.[291] Wilberforce also called on Ld. Grenville, and expressed much concern for what had happened, as well as approbation of the conduct of Ministers.

It is said that with a view to shake the power of Ministers in order to get rid of Windham, whom he detests, the D. of York had originally some share in awakening his father’s scruples in the Catholic Bill. It is also said that he now heartily repents of what he has done, and would willingly assist to resettle matters. He justly fears a Ministry formed of the friends of the Pss. of Wales. Both he and the Prince, who has, but more strongly, the same fears, have offered to go down to Windsor to endeavour to accommodate matters. The D. of Cumberland has availed himself of the King’s insanity upon the C. Question to effect this change. He read to him Perceval’s speech agst. the Catholics as the sentiments of all good Protestants upon the subject, by which the K. was exceedingly agitated, as he always is when the subject is discussed.

[Sidenote: CHANGE OF MINISTRY]

When the King returned to Windsor on Wednesday,[292] he was exceedingly agitated, and after retiring for a short time alone, he desired that Col. Taylor might be sent for immediately, and upon his coming he dictated letters to Lds. Eldon and Hawkesbury. When Ld. Howick arrived on Thursday evening, the King told him that it was but fair to acknowledge that he parted with his present Ministers with regret, that he had hesitated long before he resolved upon it, that it was not till after re-perusing their communication and consulting with his family that he had determined upon it. That he had never had the slightest difference with them till now, and that it was only to get rid of a sword constantly suspended over his head that he now resolved to dismiss them from his service. All this was studiously told by the King’s friends, and of course the sentiments are entitled to little or no credit.

_20th._--The D. of Portland has consented to waive this objection founded on the bad state of his health, provided any arrangement can be devised which promises to last. They find great difficulties in forming their arrangements. Mr. Yorke has said to Chas. Long that he would take no part in their Administration, and that he disapproved of their intention of forming one. Tierney reckons 220 Members in the H. of Commons steady to the _late Ministers_, without including Ld. Wellesley’s members, Ld. Carrington’s, Mr. Eden, the Saints, or the Doctor’s.

_21st._--Ld. Hardwicke set off this morning to Windsor, and on his return went to Burlington House.

Lds. Grenville, Howick, and Holland had a very long conference. Ld. Grenville, averse to active measures; afraid ‘lest the tail should get the better of the head.’ Ld. Howick is to write to the King, urging the necessity of being prepared to explain the situation of Ministry in the H. of C., if called upon on Monday.

Letters from Ireland yesterday and to-day. It appears that if they had given up the Bill and remained in office, the D. of Bedford, Elliot, (and _probably_) the Chancellor Ponsonby, would have resigned; and Ld. Ponsonby, who has great influence over the Catholics, would have been incensed and gone into Opposition. Charles Long told Ld. Lauderdale that he had called upon him twice three days ago, to have talked over the state of affairs, but it was now too late. Canning told Ld. Holland that he doubted whether Ld. H. regretted more this break up than _he_ did!!! Ld. Spencer told the King on Wednesday last his determination to resign if the Bill was abandoned.

Windham, in a sudden fit of disgust, told Ld. Grenville that he desired he might no longer be considered as connected with _him_, as he meant to attach himself to Lds. Howick and Holland solely. This rash declaration was ill-timed, and nothing could be more ill-judged than to do this at a moment when unanimity is so requisite, and when all jealousies should be laid aside.

The event most to be feared at present is that the King should consent to withdraw the _pledge_ he demands of them; and to accept their offer to give up the Bill with the general reservation which accompanied that offer. This would change the public ground on which they stand, and very probably disunite them.

_22nd._--The Archbishop of Canterbury[293] is expressing everywhere the most rapturous joy at what has taken place. He says, ‘It is the _neatest_ done thing possible. Ministers have given up enough to forfeit the confidence of the Catholics, and will not therefore have the consolation of dying martyrs in the cause.’ ‘They have drawn their own teeth and cannot bite.’

[Sidenote: CHANGE OF MINISTRY]

Ld. Hardwicke dined yesterday with Ld. Grenville. His visit yesterday to Windsor was not in consequence of any message from the King, but originating from himself in order to express to His Majesty his opinion of the proposed alteration in his Governt. He arrived at Windsor about the same time as Ld. Eldon, and as the K. was gone out, both had some time to wait before they had an audience. The K. answered Ld. Hardwicke’s arguments by saying it was a matter of conscience, and in urging Ld. Hardwicke to take office he expressed great personal esteem for him, and added, ‘I know the Yorkes are not given to cabals.’ Ld. Westmoreland says this visit might have done some days ago, and served the Ministry, but that now it is too late. The report in town was that he was sent down by Ld. Grenville to accommodate matters.

Ld. Aberdeen says Ld. Melville is too infirm to accept offices; others that he expects to be high in the Administration. Ld. Auckland has written a very good letter to the King;[294] the worst, however, is that he did this upon a former change, and his resignation is not that of any office of emolument. His pension absorbs the salary of any place he holds.

_23rd._--King’s answer to Ld. Howick gives him permission to state to the House that he is employed in forming a new Administration. Dickenson, the member for Somersetshire, is to put a question to Ld. Howick this evening in order to lead to the explanation.

Dickenson did the business very ill, and so clumsily that he did no good by his query. His questions were whether Ministers were still in office, and whether the reports were true that they had attempted to surprise the King’s conscience? Ld. Howick answered the 1st question, but declined making any reply to the 2nd. A great attendance in the House, but usual coldness manifested to a falling Ministry. Great diversity of opinion as to the mode of conducting the Opposition. Ld. Grenville, of course, hampered in consequence of the part he took in 1784. All resigned on March the 25th. The Prince acted shabbily; what he called neutral.

The loss of all interest in public affairs was the natural effect of the change of Administration to me. The Dissolution took place in May. The elections turned out full as favourable as had been expected. Bedfordshire was closely run between Fitzpatrick and Osborne, and carried by a moderate majority. Yorkshire very triumphant in favour of Ld. Milton;[295] Wilberforce accused and suspected of coalescing with Lascelles, lost him greatly his popularity, and his shabby desertion of the late Ministry.[296] A petition against Milton was ready, and upon the point of being presented, but he judiciously procured one also against Wilberforce, which, being held _in terrorem_, inclined Wilberforce to exert and pledge himself on behalf of Ministers, who came forward and promised to drop the petition against Ld. Milton, if he in return would stipulate that the one against Wilberforce should be dropped.

On ye 1st of May we went with all our family, excepting Mary,[297] to Southampton. We lived in the Margravine’s house on the margin of the water. The weather was remarkably fine, the scenery agreeable, and the singularity of the arrangement of the houses and a terrace give it a foreign air, which transported me in imagination to happier localities.

[Sidenote: SOUTHAMPTON]

The Cowpers[298] made us a visit of a week; the Kinnairds took a house near to us and spent a fortnight. Lauderdale, Marsh, B. Frere, and Mr. Horner made us a visit for a few days. We went over to Portsmouth to take leave of Bartholomew, who was going with Sr. Arthur Paget[299] to Constantinople. He brought with him Mr. Morier,[300] a sensible, agreeable young man, who went in the capacity of interpreter; he is a nephew of Ly. Radstock’s, his mother being a Smyrnese. Made several excursions to Broadlands, the New Forest, and Titchfield Castle, &c. The latter is remarkable for having been the birthplace of the celebrated Ly. Russell; the last place in England where Charles I. took refuge. It is in a ruinous state, but even in its decay retains strong marks of its former splendour; the stables are spacious and grand.

Returned home about 17th June, 1807. Parliament very briskly attended; scandalous retaliation of each party upon the score of jobbing. Unfortunate Scotch business of Adam about Ld. Cullen.[301]

Ld. Granville Leveson set off upon his Embassy to Petersburg. An expedition fitted out to the Baltic. Treaty of Tilsit arrived.

* * * * *

After the delay of a fortnight, in consequence of my having a smart bilious fever, we set off on the 22nd of August for our Scotch tour. Our party consisted of ourselves, Charles, Mr. Allen, Marsh, Mr. Knapp, Amelie, Aleck, Baptiste, Wm., Antonio. Being rather weak, the journeys were to be short. The first night we slept at Dunstable. On Sunday went through Northampton to Welford. The road remarkably good and handsome, raised upon a _chaussée_, like the public roads in France, Italy, or Spain.

On Monday passed through Leicester and Loughboro’ to Nottingham, where we dined. It is a considerable town, well situated; the site of the ancient castle is very striking, tho’ it is greatly destroyed by the modern mansion which the bad taste of a Duke of Newcastle allowed to be erected within the old walls.[302] The Trent is rather a large river; the bridge we crossed was handsome and well built. Ld. H. called upon the Mayor and Recorder; the Corporation are chiefly Dissenters, and strongly attached to the Opposition. They testified their respect for the memory of Mr. Fox by sending a deputation from the town of Nottingham to walk at his funeral. In the evening we were overtaken by a storm of thunder and lightning just upon the outskirts of Sherwood Forest; I was terrified, and sought shelter in the house of a family of the name of _Lowe_. We proceeded on to Mansfield, where we slept. On Tuesday we set off at eleven, went about two miles out of the direct road to see Hardwicke, the prison for many years of the unfortunate Mary. The house in which she was confined is falling into ruins; the present house was built by the celebrated Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, after Mary had been withdrawn from her custody.