Part 39 (1/2)
_June 15._
The King much better. He has been in good spirits about himself, and has expectorated, which is thought a good sign.
In the House of Commons Goulburn's altered plans seem to have succeeded with all parties as far as first impression goes.
_June 16._
At the Cabinet dinner spoke to Lord Melville and Goulburn about the embarra.s.sments of the civil servants. Both are very much indisposed to grant the papers asked for by Hume on the subject. I shall write to Arbuthnot to do what he can to prevent their being given.
The Duke got a number of papers stamped--indeed all the arrears, about 400.
The King paid more attention to them than he ever did while he was well. He recollected everything.
The Duke did not think him so well as when he last saw him. The physicians do not like this catarrh. The Duke thought his hand was hotter than usual, that he was larger, and that altogether he was not so well. His judgment has. .h.i.therto been so correct that I attach much importance to it.
Peel spoke after dinner with much _ennui_ of his position in the House of Commons. He complained that it really was not worth a man's while to be there for so many hours every night. The sacrifice was too great. He said the Radicals had brought the House into such a state that no man could do business but themselves. He seemed not well, and thoroughly out of humour.
We had some discussion about the Forgery Bill. We are to see the Governor and deputy-governor of the Bank, &c. The Duke is much indisposed to acquiesce in the Commons' amendment.
Peel thinks that after the vote of the House of Commons no verdicts will be obtained; but may not a contrary vote of the House of Lords turn public opinion into its former course? I think it may.
_June 17._
In French newspaper a bad report of the French fleet, which is very much dispersed. One division was in sight of the sh.o.r.e on May 30 when it came on to blow, and they ran to Majorca. The other divisions will have gone to the rendezvous on the African sh.o.r.e, where they will have met no men-of-war and much bad weather. The star of Napoleon is set.
Lord Combermere has written another letter to the Duke, in which he acknowledges his error as to the compact in 1796 and 1801, and says he was led into it by Col. f.a.gan. He restates all he before said on the other points, and still wishes his letter to go to the King.
The King seems to have had a good night. I did not hear the private account.
_June 18._
Received last night from Astell a letter in which he speaks of an intended address of his respecting the Nagpore letter. I have told him he has already privately told me his opinion--that the Act of Parliament has made no provision for a representation on the part of the Secret Committee if they disagree with the Board, and I cannot receive any such representation officially. I have further told him that I think any more delay will be injurious to the public service.
Wrote a letter to Runjeet Singh to go with the horses. Showed it to Lord Amherst, Clare, and Auckland. Lord Amherst and Clare were delighted with it. Showed it to the Duke, who approved. Saw the Duke.
The King alarmed the princesses yesterday, but the Duke of Clarence did not think him so ill. I saw the Duke of Clarence's letter to the Duke of W.
Halford thinks the expectoration is an additional evil.
_June 19._
At 11 Privy Council to hear the appeal of Elphinstone (that is, East India Company) against Ameerchund Bidruchund, a case of booty. Remained till half-past two, when I was obliged to come away, having a dinner at Roehampton. Indeed I do not think that upon a point affecting the revenues of India I ought to vote as a judge.
Brougham ridiculed the Directors who sat there in a ma.s.s, nine of them.
Fergusson spoke of ”the Court.” Brougham said he was not surprised he should make that mistake seeing such an array of directors. Brougham put it _ad verecundiam_ to the directors whether they would vote upon a question in which they were directly interested, and in which they had already appeared by Counsel.