Part 59 (1/2)
I have had no politics since I have been here, and not one word even of news except a line from Robinson in answer to an inquiry respecting the last Cabinet, which he did not himself attend, but, as he tells me, was called at the instance of the D---- of W----, on the subject of the former one, held the day before I left town, on the Portuguese application for military a.s.sistance. However, no alteration was made in the determination.
I fear that I cannot supply you with much intelligence as to Austrian policy. The general language which she holds, tallies very much with Nugent's letter--great desire to draw her ties closer with this country--implied rather than positive approbation of our course, but great unwillingness in any respect to commit herself, I will not say in opposition, but even to any different views from those of Russia.
I am also quite unable to tell you whether Nugent be Prince or still only Count; I rather think the former.
It is now above a month since I have seen any Austrian despatches, and I doubt whether at the time they were written she could be aware of the probable course of events in Spain, and the different objects of French and Russian influence in that country.
I should not myself imagine that she can be favourably disposed to the extension of Russian influence in the Mediterranean, and therefore would be more likely to join in the views of France; but I have not the means of forming any opinion beyond mere speculation.
Pray tell me whether you hear anything respecting the Buck-hounds,[123] and, which is more material, what Neville gets by Lord Cornwallis's death.
Will it not be advisable that you should communicate Nugent's letter and your answer to it to be written to Liverpool?
I certainly agree with Burke in the propriety of the old practice of communicating to the King's Government any intercourse which you may hold with a foreign sovereign, whether direct or indirect, which in any way refers to public subjects; and as there are obvious and numerous reasons for not making this to Canning, who would naturally be the proper channel, I think Liverpool would be the fittest. If you do not like to do this personally, I should, of course, be happy to do it for you.
Ever affectionately yours,
C. W. W.
[123] Lord Maryborough succeeded the Marquis Cornwallis.
THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Englefield Green, Aug. 21, 1823.
MY DEAR DUKE,
I am just come from Windsor, where I was summoned to attend a Council. Nothing occurred worth telling you excepting that Lord Maryborough, I learnt from himself, had got the Stag-hounds vacant by Lord Cornwallis's death. This was given in the most gracious manner by the King in a letter written with his own hand. I think _Wellesley Pole_ has been pretty well paid altogether. The Mint, the Cabinet, a Peerage, and now the Stag-hounds. Lord Liverpool, Canning, Peel, Lord Maryborough, Charles Long, and myself, formed the Council. His Majesty looked really remarkably well, and walked up and down the large state stairs without a stick, and about the apartments after the Council extremely well, much better than I had the least idea he could have done. You may judge how he shuts himself up when I tell you that this was the first time I had seen him since I have been here--now upwards of a month, indeed, six weeks. I should say from what I observed that the Cabinet were in high spirits, but nothing pa.s.sed in private conversation to give me information.
Canning was on his way to Liverpool, and Peel made it in his way from Dorsets.h.i.+re to town, and he was to return in a few days.
The state of Ireland improves greatly, and I suppose till the long nights commence, we shall not have the full state of alarm renewed.
The Duke of Wellington is gone on his tour, and all business will be at a stand for the next six weeks.
Ever, my dear Duke,
Most faithfully yours,
W. H. FREMANTLE.
THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Englefield Green, Aug. 22, 1823.
MY DEAR DUKE,
Since my note of yesterday I find Lord Maryborough resigns the Mint and Cabinet, and takes the Stag-hounds as a retirement. I believe Wallace succeeds to the Mint, though some say Lord Granville; the former _I_ say, and either Lord Granville or Huskisson come into the Cabinet; I should suppose the latter. They are angry with A'Court for having gone to Gibraltar; he was afraid of the yellow fever. The consequence is that we have at present no British Minister with the King of Spain, and the difficulties arising from this in case of change or negotiation (which latter must be daily expected as actually proceeding) so obvious. They talk of Fitzroy Somerset going again, and Canning does not return from his excursion under three weeks.