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
2000_l._, or rather 1800_l._ 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 1200_l._, 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.

You will see the tone assumed by the _Courier_ to-night is
obviously with the intention of forcing the Orange part of the
Government into action. A Cabinet will be held to-morrow, when I
think the matter cannot fail to be brought forward.

Wellesley has played his cards wretchedly, particularly in not
communicating with anybody. I really believe that by a contrary
course he might have carried Peel with him. He has not even, I
understand, written to the King, whom he ought to have treated as
his sheet-anchor.

The information which you give me of the ascendancy of the Orange
faction in every department of Government, is strongly confirmed by
Plunket. His view is, that if the Act against secret and affiliated
societies is passed, it should be considered as the manifestation
of the resolution of Government, and be followed up by a private
communication that all persons in office who endeavour to evade it
and continue members of Orange Lodges, should be dismissed.

Canning appears engrossed in his own department, and certainly does
not seem to place confidence in any of his colleagues but
Liverpool. With Peel I have made much progress, and find him in
general more fair, more manly, and more statesmanlike in his views
than I had at all hoped.

I think it clear that either Lord Wellesley or Lord Manners must be
recalled. I still hope it will be the latter, but either way it
must decide what the future character and bearing of the
Administration is to be, and drive out one part of it.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. WILLIAMS WYNN.

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

House of Commons, Feb. 18, 1823.

MY DEAR B----,

In consequence of the very agitated state of Ireland, and the
certainty that the debate, instead of relating to the Catholic
question, would have wholly turned upon the late proceedings in
Dublin, it was generally thought at a meeting which this morning
was held at Plunket's, that it would be advisable to postpone it
till after Easter, and in consequence, Plunket, on the application
of Newport and Canning, has just deferred it till Thursday, the
17th of April.

The paragraph in the _Courier_ is disclaimed by everybody, and
will, I trust, lead to the breaking off of all connexion between
that paper and Government.

I have heard nothing more on the subject of Ireland, but have
talked with some of my colleagues, who seem to feel as strongly as
I do the necessity of the removal of the Chancellor. You shall hear
when I know anything more.

Ever yours,

C. W. W.

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

House of Commons, Feb. 19, Four o'clock.

MY DEAR DUKE,

The difficulties of Ireland are complicated in every way, but I am
quite sure the Government must stand firm to Lord Wellesley on the
present occasion. The recalling him would be such a complete
victory to Orangeism, that it would of necessity break up the
Government; but I understand the Cabinet have no difference on this
point, and in admitting "that in no instance has Lord Wellesley
exceeded his instructions." Whether he has fulfilled them
judiciously, is another question. Again, if Lord Manners is
recalled, the difficulty of fulfilling the engagement to Plunket,
of giving him the Seals, is almost insurmountable, for it would
then be a complete victory to the Catholic; and if any other man
were named, it would be a complete quarrel with Plunket; so that
altogether it is a fine mash; and in my opinion will only be got
over by leaving them both to reconcile their differences, and
giving Plunket a good opportunity, which he will not fail to avail
himself of, to make his statement of the whole of his proceedings
to Parliament. I have little doubt that this will set up Lord
Wellesley again. At present he is run down with the greatest
activity by every hanger-on and agent of the Protestant part of the
Government. I hear Peel behaves very well indeed, and is perfectly
moderate and well-judging upon the whole question.

We expect a desperate attack to-day, but I have no doubt we shall
have a good division. Notwithstanding, _entre nous_, it appears to
be an infernal job.

Ever most faithfully,

W. H. F.

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

East India Office, Feb. 19, 1823.

MY DEAR B----,

It gives me great pleasure to hear of your coming to town, but it
is fair to say that when I wrote on Monday, I attached an
importance to the article in the _Courier_ which I am since
convinced it was not entitled to, and that it is equally
disapproved by all the principal members of the Government.

Still this will not be known in Ireland, and its effect there will
be most mischievous. _I think_ the result will be the removal of
the Chancellor; but Peel, with whom I have had most conversation,
complains extremely of Wellesley's not having written to him a
line, or I believe to any other person, on the state of Ireland or
any of the late events. He says most truly, "The Lord-Lieutenant
has a clear right to dismiss any of his household with or without a
reason, but can we from that infer his feelings respecting the
Chancellor, or can the Government take any steps on mere newspaper
reports?" From Plunket's report I believe that the Lord-Lieutenant
and Chancellor are on as bad terms as possible, and that it is
notorious to all Dublin. The public good _demands_ that decisive
measures should be taken, but it is really hard upon the English
Ministers to expect them to originate them without a request or
intimation from the person in whose department they are, and who is
most directly responsible.

If anything is now done, he [Lord Wellesley] will, you well know,
make a merit of his not having complained against Lord Manners, and
declare that he never wished his removal.

Ever yours,

C. W. W.

The Duke of Buckingham thought it necessary to write to Lord Wellesley in a friendly spirit, on his recent proceedings, to which the Lord-Lieutenant made the following reply:--

THE LORD-LIEUTENANT OF IRELAND TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Phoenix Park, Feb. 21, 1823.

MY DEAR DUKE,

I received with the utmost degree of gratitude and satisfaction
your Grace's most kind and generous letter, which my long (but as
you know) involuntary silence did not merit.

Your Grace's reasoning is most just, and all your observations
judicious and useful. In a few days I hope to be able (by a safe
hand) to send a more full and explicit answer to your letter. In
the meanwhile, I will shortly state that I hope the extension to
Ireland of the provisions of the Act 38th George III. will not be
delayed: that the removal of some officers of the household was
absolutely necessary for the maintenance even of my _private_
honour. V---- is an old offender, and had received menaces of
dismission several times for disrespect to the King, Lord
Cornwallis, Lord Whitworth, Lord Wellesley, &c.

A great military commander made such explanations at a private
audience granted to him at his request, that it would be impossible
to complain of his conduct. He is not very quick of comprehension,
and probably was not apprised of the intention to insult. A great
law officer was with me, and _now_ declares that _he_ never
arraigned the _legality_ of any of the late proceedings from
October to the close of the trials, but did not approve the policy
of those proceedings.

It is not just now the moment for investigating his conduct. The
first objects are a full discussion and judgment on the conduct of
my Government during the time which has elapsed from 1st January,
1822, to the present hour, and an extension of the 38th of the late
King to Ireland.

I am most happy to hear that our dear and inestimable friend Lord
Grenville recovers so rapidly.

Ever, my dear Duke,

Yours with true affection,

WELLESLEY.

CHAPTER XII.

[1823.]

NEW APPOINTMENTS. LORD WELLESLEY'S REPRESENTATIONS RESPECTING THE STATE OF IRELAND. THE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT THE LORD-LIEUTENANT. MR. PLUNKET'S EXPLANATIONS. ILLNESS OF THE KING. THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON'S SUGGESTION. AN IRISH QUESTION. TRIUMPH OF MR. PLUNKET. PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES. QUARREL BETWEEN MR. CHARLES W. WYNN AND MR. PEEL. THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON'S OPINION OF MR. CANNING. HIS GRACE A PEACE-MAKER. BOASTFUL SPEECH ATTRIBUTED TO MR. PITT.