Note 230 — BOOK THE FOURTH 1815-1821

I once asked an East Indian, who knew the details of the transaction, if his brother, Lord Wellesley, had not raised him from the ground. “The ground?” replied he, “the mire, the filth. He was lost but for Wellesley.” The phrase was no doubt too strong, but there must have been great favour shown to give a colour to such expressions. Subsequent differences between the brothers may and have occurred, and the conduct of the elder has probably been offensive and almost intolerable to the younger; but can it have entirely cancelled such obligations, or justify the neglect with which he has occasionally been treated? The Duke had resumed intimate and even cordial habits with him when out of office, but on his appointment to the Premiership he dropped them entirely.—V.H.