Part 17 (1/2)
MR. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.
Stanhope Street, June 4, 1821.
MY DEAR LORD,
The coronation is fixed (_decidedly so_) by the Government to take place previous to his going to Ireland, and a fortnight after the close of the Session: two days afterwards he starts for Ireland, and embarks at Portsmouth; and on his return from Ireland, he goes to Hanover. This is all arranged at present, and the Ministers have agreed to it. With the exception of the coronation, all the rest may be subject to change; but I am quite sure the coronation is determined on. Prince Leopold was to have started for Germany on Friday, to see his mother; but has put it off, in consequence of this decision, as he could not be back in time.
Canning leaves Paris this day for London. Parliament--that is, the House of Commons--is expected to be up on the 25th; and I think it may. There is no other news.
Ever yours truly,
W. H. F.
There are to be two Parliamentary Commissioners--Frankland Lewis and Wallace--for this Irish examination, and three other Commissioners; salary, 1500 (to Parliamentary Commissioners) per annum. I don't think it would be a bad appointment (one of the others) for Tom Fremantle, if I could have a chance of getting it.
I suppose their salary is much less.
RIGHT HON. THOMAS GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.
Cleveland Square, June 5, 1821.
MY DEAR LORD B----,
It is evident that something has for the moment interfered to prevent the immediate announcement of Lord Sidmouth's resignation, which on Sat.u.r.day and Sunday was reported upon the best authority.
Lord G---- told me that Lord S---- was suddenly sent for by the King on Sat.u.r.day, and it seems probable that it was to tell him to delay his resignation; indeed, as the Session will end with this month, that period would be the natural one for change.
Lady Liverpool was yesterday reported to be dead, but she still lives, though she is considered as being at death's door; and I believe the Ministers are much alarmed, from their doubting whether, in that case, Lord L---- will not retire altogether.
The coronation is now again afloat, and is expected to take place before the journey to Ireland. The Court of Claims is resumed; and having a ticket to-day to see the preparations in the Hall and the Abbey, I am convinced from what I saw that they are now in earnest, and that there is nothing which may not be quite completed in six weeks, except the tower at the Great Gate of Westminster Hall. The Hall is beautiful and magnificent; but in the Abbey, the appearance of the great aisle is much hurt by the projecting galleries on each side for the spectators.
Yours affectionately,
T. G.
MR. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.
Stanhope Street, June 10, 1821.
MY DEAR LORD,
I only returned to town this morning, having gone on Sunday. I am very glad you were so satisfied with my last, but think you rather went beyond my meaning in your construction of its contents; however, I saw the Duke of Wellington this moment, and put your letter into his hands, which he read with great attention. We were on horseback, and many persons pa.s.sing in the Park, and therefore he had little means of conversing upon it; however, his observation to me was--”I am glad he is satisfied with my explanation; I am quite sure he may depend on what I said. You have heard, no doubt, of the event of this morning” (meaning Lady Liverpool's death, which took place at six o'clock), ”this for the moment, of course, stops all proceedings. Does Lord Buckingham remain in the country?
I am glad he does; he would be more fidgetty here, with all the reports, but a few days probably will give him information.” By this you will perceive, for I really think I have quoted every word he said (as we were interrupted by Mr. Singleton's presence), that the communication is beyond doubt intended, and I shall think it your own fault if you let the opportunity slip.
Without meaning in any manner to embarra.s.s any views which you may have, I think it fair to state my wish, which is to be placed at any one of the Boards of Treasury, Admiralty, or India. It was the situation which I was to have when Lord Grenville was to come in, and I should hope both my pretension of former office and my talents would ent.i.tle me to it, but be a.s.sured I mean not to interfere with your arrangements in any way.
I send you a list which is made out at White's of the new Peers, and which is said to be correct; it is expected out immediately.
Irish: Roden, Kingston, Conyngham, Longford, and Ormond.