Part 57 (2/2)
Thank heaven, to-morrow the House of Commons adjourns, and we conclude with my E.I. Mutiny Bill, which Bobus Smith is to oppose violently.
Ever affectionately yours,
C. W. W.
Lord Grenville sets out on Sunday on a tour to the Lakes.
THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
East India Office, July 18, 1823.
MY DEAR B----,
As I am to dine the Lion of the East, Commander of the Faithful, &c. &c., the most exalted Caliph Hastings, on this day sevennight, you will extremely oblige me by contributing towards the gorging of his royal jaws.
I have asked sundry of my _confreres_ to meet him, but I do not think he appears graciously inclined towards us.
We had a very grand party at Carlton House on Thursday last, and a gay ball for the children last Tuesday; so I suppose we are either in favour, or, which is more likely, that the people in attendance have found out the blunders and omissions which they made last year. I hear the absence of all Grenvilles, either in person or proxy, from the division on the Elective Franchise Bill, is much commented upon, and considered as a retaliation for the desertion of Plunket in the House of Commons.
Much apprehension is entertained of the Cortes being driven into desperation by the violence of the Madrid Regency, and bringing the beloved Ferdinand to trial, for which proofs certainly are not wanting.
The French profess the greatest disapprobation of the persecuting spirit of the Regency, but seem to take no steps to control it; and it seems to be encouraged by the other members of the Holy Alliance.
Ever most affectionately yours,
C. WILLIAMS WYNN.
The Prorogation will be on Sat.u.r.day, notwithstanding a blunder about the Commission, by which we lose to-day in the House of Commons.
Westmoreland is so extremely pleased with his own speech on Nugent's Bill, and so angry with the Chancellor for opposing it, that he only wants a little flattery to make him a good Papist.
Sundry of my colleagues are also angry with said n.o.ble and learned Lord, for throwing out the Slave Trade Consolidation Bill, which had been approved and settled by Lord Bathurst, and for leaving out the disputed parts of the Silk Bill.
THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
East India Office, July 21, 1823.
MY DEAR B----,
I agree with you that my stairs are somewhat narrow for the whole full-blown dignity of the Caliph to ascend. If he would engage to remain in England till the autumn, I would receive him in a better house, and would provide a grander a.s.sortment of company to meet him; but, unfortunately, I have found all my colleagues engaged, and must make my table up with directors, military men, and such like _second chop_.
The Chancellor's[119] language is exactly the same as he held in 1808, and has continued to hold at the close of every Session since. He certainly has been obliged to swallow some pills _contre coeur_, but has his own way infinitely too far. I am not surprised that he is somewhat angry at the silence with which Brougham's attack upon him was received by the Treasury Bench in the House of Commons. Peel continues very glum and sulky.
As to Spain, if one can judge from our accounts, the French are more embarra.s.sed than ever. They are obliged to find money for everything, for not a single dollar can the Spaniards muster, and they find that they have less weight, notwithstanding, with the Regency than the Russian Minister, who encourages them in all their violent measures. The Regency have actually refused to treat with Cadiz, though there are many there who are much disposed to it. The force which occupies it is almost entirely militia, and, therefore, cannot be expected to hold out long when there shall be a naval force to co-operate.
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