SECRET HISTORY, &c. &c. (continued 4)

The Princess Charlotte was mortified, beyond expression, at this unexpected conduct on the part of her father and grandmother, and was not very sparing in her expressions of dislike towards them. Mr. Perceval (who was then premier) was requested by the prince to see her royal highness, and to suggest any terms of reconciliation between the princess and the queen; but he could not succeed. "What, Sir!" said her royal highness, "would you desire me to appear what I am not, and to meet her majesty as if I believed her to be my sincere friend, when I know I am hated for my dear mother's sake? No, [206]Sir! I cannot do as you desire; but I will endeavour to meet her majesty at all needful opportunities with as much gentleness of manners as I can assume. What indignities has not the queen offered to my persecuted mother? You well know, Sir, they have been unmerited, and if her majesty insults the Princess of Wales again in my presence, I shall say, 'your majesty should regulate your family affairs better, and teach lessons of virtue to your daughters, before you traduce the characters of other ladies!' You, Sir, are the regent's minister, and in his confidence, so I may venture to give you my candid opinion, and I do not consider that, by doing so, I exceed the bounds of propriety. Will you, therefore, oblige me by announcing to the prince, my father, that I am unalterably devoted in heart to my mother, and while I wish to be a dutiful child to my father, I must not even be that at the expense of principle and honourable sentiments. My grandfather always had my respect and pity."

It is scarcely necessary to say, that Mr. Perceval retired with evident symptoms of disappointment and chagrin. He immediately communicated the result of his interview to the regent and the queen, who declined making any further remonstrance, lest the princess should imagine they feared her, or were at all intimidated by her bold decisions.

In this year, Lord Sidmouth moved to bring in a bill to alter the "Toleration Act." His lordship stated, that this bill was calculated to serve the interests of religion, and promote the prosperity of the [207]Church of England! But Lord Sidmouth, for once, was disappointed. The sensation excited throughout the country was of an unprecedented description; for, within forty-eight hours, no less than three hundred and thirty-six petitions against it were poured into the House of Lords! and the House was presented, on the second reading, with five hundred more! It was consequently abandoned.

The supplies voted for the public and private services were FIFTY-SIX MILLIONS!

At the close of this year, the poor were perishing for want; yet the court became more splendid than ever! The ill-fated sovereign was as imbecile and as weak as an infant, and his representative a profligate ruler. What a condition for England!

War still raged at the commencement of

1812.

We will not, however, record the scenes of devastation and horror consequent from it; neither will we eulogize Lord Wellington for the victories he obtained. Much rather would we shed a tear at the remembrance of the slaughtered victims to kingly or ministerial ambition. Who that believes in the immortality of the soul can think of these horrid engagements without shuddering at the immense and inexpressible accountability of the destroyer? It would be utterly impossible to give an idea of the number of WIDOWS and ORPHANS who have had to mourn the [208]consequences of splendid victories, as a wholesale murdering of soldiers are denominated. How many ducal coronets have been purchased at the expense of human existence! Rather should our brows never be encircled than at such an unnatural price!

On the 13th of February, the restrictions formerly in force against the prince regent terminated; and, properly speaking, it may be declared, he then assumed the kingly power. One hundred thousand pounds were voted for him, professedly to meet the expenses attendant upon his assumption of the regal authority.

This was a moment of triumph to the queen, and the sequel will prove that her majesty took especial care to turn it to her own account. The Duke of York was fully reinstated as "Commander-in-Chief," and, therefore, ready ways and means presented themselves to her majesty. The regent engaged that the queen should have the continued sanction of his name and interest, in all the various ways she might require. Accordingly, it was soon arranged, that her majesty should receive an additional sum of ten thousand pounds per annum FOR THE CARE OF HER ROYAL HUSBAND'S PERSON!

We cannot pass by this shameful insult to the nation without making an observation upon so unnatural an act. If the queen were the kind and affectionate wife she had so very frequently been represented to be, could she have allowed herself to receive an immense payment for merely doing her duty? But a more selfish woman, and a more unfeeling wife, never [209]disgraced humanity, as this wicked acceptance of the public money fully testifies.

An additional nine thousand pounds annually were also granted to each of the princesses, whilst places and pensions were proportionally multiplied. In the case of Colonel M'Mahon, upon whom a private secretaryship had been conferred, much very unpleasant altercation took place in the House of Commons; but bribery effected that which argument proved to be wrong. It was a well-known fact, indeed, that this individual was nothing more than a pander to the regent's lust, to which infamous engagements and practices we shall hereafter refer.

On the 11th of May, as Mr. Perceval was entering the lobby of the House of Commons, he received a shot in his left breast, and, after staggering a few paces, fell down and expired. The assassin was tried on the 15th and executed on the 18th of the same month. He defended his conduct on the ground of having received much injury from the government, who had denied redress of his grievances, and, therefore, thought he had only done an act of justice in taking away the life of a member of so callous an administration.

Agreeably to the regent's message, fifty thousand pounds were voted for the use of Mr. Perceval's family, and two thousand annually to be paid to his widow. In case of her demise, however, the same amount was to be continued annually to such male descendant as might at that time be the heir, for the term of his life.

[210]Let us here inquire into the services which Mr. Perceval had rendered his country to warrant ministers in this lavish expenditure upon his family, one of whom now frequently intrudes his crude notions in the House of Commons. Mr. Perceval had been for a long period the pretended friend of the ill-fated Princess of Wales. "The Book" which he arranged, and which had been printed, but not published, in 1807, giving the particulars of the "Delicate Investigation," improperly so called, was bought up in 1809, and as much as fifteen hundred pounds GIVEN for a single copy. The rancour and malice of the unprincipled enemies and calumniators of the open-hearted Princess of Wales had been much exposed by Mr. Perceval, and by his apparent generous and manly defence in her royal highness' favour, the storm materially abated. After a long period, she was again received at court, and acknowledged innocent of the charges preferred by her assailants. Apartments were given to her at Kensington Palace, and it appeared very probable that her wishes would finally be completed, in the restoration of her beloved daughter to her society. But mark the ensuing change. Mr. Perceval was chosen by the regent to assist in his councils; and as no man can serve two causes at the same time, Mr. Perceval deserted the princess, and became the servile minister of the prince! Surely there must be something supernatural in the smile of royalty, when, in some instances, principle and conscience have fallen subdued before it! We know for an incontrovertible fact, that [211]but a few months before Mr. Perceval's acceptance of office, he delivered his sentiments concerning the Princess of Wales to a particular friend, in these words: "I am decidedly friendly to the Princess of Wales, because I am well satisfied and assured her royal highness is a much-injured lady. I am also convinced her mother-in-law had conceived an inveterate dislike to her before she arrived in this country, on account of the objections preferred by the prince against any connexion, except that which his royal highness had already formed. From these unhappy circumstances, I am obliged to believe, that the sufferings of her highness are unmerited on her part, and very much increased by the dictatorial behaviour of her majesty." At another interview with the same person, the following question was put, unreservedly, to Mr. Perceval: "Do you, Sir, think her royal highness has been deserving of the persecutions she has endured, by any deviation from virtue and propriety?" "I do not think the princess guilty," earnestly rejoined Mr. Perceval, "and I am fully satisfied, in my own mind, that if there had not existed ungenerous intentions on the part of the royal family, the affair would long since have sunk into silence. There is a gaiety and levity about her royal highness which is not usual with the English ladies generally; but, with all the exterior frivolity of the princess, when she chooses to be lively, I would prefer her infinitely to the professedly-modest and apparently-reserved of the sex in high life. I believe the princess to be playful, and incautiously witty, in [212]her deportment; but I prefer that to secret intrigue and infamous practices."

We leave our readers to judge whether this simple declaration was not honourable to the princess, and whether it does not correspond with every speech delivered by this gentleman in his public and private defence of her royal highness. Humanity, however, is weak, and the ingratiating attentions of the prince were too powerful to be resisted by Mr. Perceval. At his royal command, Virtue, Goodness, and Truth, assumed the garb of Vice, Infamy, and Falsehood. "Oh, blasting privilege of sovereignty! The bare scent of thy perfume spreads desolation to society; changes man, the noblest of God's works, into a monster; and the consequences of thy unnatural existence will most probably produce the engine to be used for thine own destruction!"

Shortly after the untimely death of Mr. Perceval, Lord Liverpool was appointed first lord of the Treasury; Mr. Nicholas Vansittart, chancellor of the Exchequer; and Lord Sidmouth, secretary of state for the home department.

On the 17th of June, Mr. Vansittart brought forward his budget,—the amount of the supplies required being more than sixty-two millions. Certainly this was not a very exhilarating or agreeable prospect to the nation of the retrenchments intended by the new ministry; but notwithstanding the divisions on the subject, it finally received the sanction of parliament. Had it not been for the corrupt state of the representation, can we suppose it possible that [213]such a sum would have been permitted to be drawn from the starving multitudes, when there existed such pecuniary distress in the manufacturing and commercial districts, unequalled in former years?

The new parliament met for business on the 30th of November, and one of its first acts was, to grant the sum of one hundred thousand pounds to Lord Wellington for the part he had taken in legal slaughter!

It may, with propriety, be submitted here, how large a grant would have been made to any man who should have presented a plan for the comfortable and honourable maintenance of the perishing millions? We fear any patriot, who had dared to press such a scheme would have soon been consigned to a damp and dreary dungeon, charged with disaffection to the monarch, or commanded, under certain protection, to set sail for another country; and, if permitted to reach the destined shore, there to be received and treated as one of the most infamous of the human race! But in these days, the will of the regent, supported by the queen, was supreme law. There was not one who ventured to insult his dignity by speaking to him TRUTH!—not one dared to stem the torrent of his royal displeasure! It is true that, when Lord Liverpool first entered office, he once hinted to his royal master the general voice of dissatisfaction which the people expressed; but the imperious regent commanded silence upon all such subjects, and desired Lord Liverpool never again to meet his highness, unless under a positive resolve not even to [214]give the most distant hint at matters so very disagreeable to the royal ear, and which were of no considerable importance! His lordship proved himself wanting in fortitude to set an example to courtiers, and the principle of his mind was, consequently, bartered for the pleasure of being the slave of a haughty prince, who had "relinquished Justice, and abandoned Mercy!"

We must here refer to a most interesting circumstance with respect to the Princess of Wales. Her royal highness was well aware of the bonds, still in existence, given by the Princes George, Frederick, and William, to the firm of Perigoux and Co., of Paris, which were to the amount of several hundred thousand pounds, as we have before named; and, in an open and friendly conversation with Messrs. Whitbread and Perceval, the princess said, "The regent and the royal dukes engaged in those bonds are perfectly aware they deserve severe exposure. Their action was not only wicked, but their intention also; as every person in any way acquainted with their concerns must be sure they undertook to pay more than their means would ever permit, seeing how deeply the country was in debt, and that the revenue did not then meet the annual amount required. And," emphatically added the princess, "if the world did but know of the LIVES SACRIFICED in this affair, to preserve the good reputation of these princely brothers, I suppose royalty would not gain much in the estimation of good people by the exposure!"

[215]The substance of this conversation soon afterwards transpired to the Prince of Wales. There cannot be a doubt that his royal highness was afraid, but he resolved not to appear so; and from that period, he and the queen were the unalterable and bitterest enemies of the princess, both publicly and privately. So, then, for the simple expression of truth, to those who were already in possession of the whole affair, was an injured princess to be pursued by the hounds of destruction until her capture should be accomplished. The prince sought an immediate divorce; but as the former attempts on this ground, in the year 1806, had failed, there appeared great difficulty in the attainment of his object. The former charges and gross calumnies were declared false, and Lady Douglas had been shunned by all good and strictly-honourable society; for, except where she was received in compliment to the queen, her invitations were, indeed, but very few. The old story was again resorted to, and as Mr. Perceval was now no more, a bold attempt was resolved on, as the last resource, to obtain the desired end.

Mr. Whitbread communicated to the Princess of Wales the scheme then forming against her honour, and that the ministry were favourable to the wishes of the regent. Her royal highness stood amazed at this unexpected information. "What!" said the princess, "is not the Prince of Wales satisfied with the former abuses he has poured upon me? Is he so abandoned, being heir-apparent, as to risk his life, or engage the vengeful disposition of the nation, in [216]the punishment due to the crimes he has committed against me? If the generous English people were informed of half the sufferings I have endured since my arrival in this country, they would never be induced to yield obedience to the commands of a prince whose virtues are not the least balance to his VICES! But," continued her royal highness, "I will go down to Windsor, and request an interview with the queen." Mr. Whitbread remonstrated, and at last the princess consented to write, and ask an audience. A courier was despatched with it, and the verbal reply of her majesty was, "She would see the Princess of Wales, provided her royal highness was at Windsor Castle by eight o'clock in the evening."

Not a moment was to be lost; the carriage was announced in a few minutes, and the princess, attended by only one lady, entered it. "Drive quickly," said her royal highness. It was only half-past seven when the princess was announced. Her royal highness was received in courtly style and unbending manner by her majesty, who, in her usual way, inquired "the cause which gives me the pleasure of a visit, so very unexpectedly, from the Princess of Wales?"

"Madam," answered her royal highness, "I am quite sensible of your surprise at my hasty request and appearance; but as I am tired of hearing the false reports in such general circulation in the court, I am resolved to ask your majesty in person, if I am likely to experience any renewal of those bitter persecutions which, in former years, were agitated to [217]my horror and surprise. I am well aware the regent would not enter upon such a business, unless he had your majesty's sanction and countenance, as well as assistance. Is it because Mr. Perceval is dead, that your majesty thinks me so unprotected as to fall immediately a prey to my base enemies?—if so, your majesty will be in the wrong; for although Mr. Perceval forsook my interest when he engaged himself in confidence to the regent, my husband, I never shall forget the gratitude I owe him for former benefits, and his letters speak volumes of truths, which it was entirely impossible for him to name or attest, unless his mind had been duly influenced by the solid foundation upon which his opinion was fixed."

Her majesty appeared vexed and astonished; then, assuming that hauteur for which she was so remarkable, said, "I do not know, princess, that I am under any necessity to answer your question, as it seems to me improper to do so. The prince regent has an unquestionable right to choose his ministers and counsellors, and also to engage their attentions and services for any purpose his royal highness may please,(?) and therefore I decline to answer any interrogatory upon the subject. Your royal highness must be aware this interview and conversation is very unpleasant to me, and I hope, in future, you will not put me to the very disagreeable task of refusing you an audience, or of permitting one, under similar circumstances. I must, therefore, desire your royal [218]highness will take some refreshment in the adjoining room, and I wish you a very good evening."

It hardly need be told that the insulted Caroline did not stay to partake of the proffered hospitality of this German princess. To be injured by the son, and insulted by the mother, was as much as human feeling could endure, and the princess reached her home in a state of mind little short of distraction. On the following morning, one of the royal dukes called upon the princess, and told her, he was informed of her journey to Windsor by an express from his mother, and also stated his opinion that no measures of an unpleasant nature were in agitation. The princess hastily answered, "Do you think I was not fully satisfied of the regent's intention upon the subject before I resolved to visit the queen? You forget, prince, that I am an injured lady. You know I was brought into this country to afford money to pay my intended husband's enormous debts, and to give him means to live in the greatest splendour with his numerous mistresses! I am deprived of the society of my only child! Injurious reports are circulated and received against my honour, and I am not even permitted to exonerate myself from these vile and slanderous imputations, because I am injured by the reigning authority."

The royal duke said, "I beg, my dear cousin, you will not permit the harsh and unfeeling conduct of the queen to operate on your mind. We all know she is revengeful in the extreme, but she always [219]favours George in every thing; and, from her very bitter conduct to you, we are well assured George is meditating some new scheme against you. One thing I promise you: I will abide by you, even presuming any thing disreputable is proved; and I only beg you will give me your private confidence, that I may be prepared for the worst."

Her royal highness, hastily rising, said, "Sir, if you intended to insult me, I feel it such; but if, from unguarded or not well-considered language, you have so very improperly expressed yourself, then I am not captious to place any ungenerous meaning upon your words! If my rectitude did not rise higher in the scale of truth and uprightness than that of your family, including both sexes, I should not have ventured the close and determinate inspection into my conduct at the will or command of my avowed foes! If it were not for my child's sake, I would satisfy you all that I am privy to TRANSACTIONS which one day or another will be punished with the vengeance of heaven, and which I solemnly believe to be my duty to explain, though it may even cause 'the cloud-capp'd towers and gorgeous palaces' to fall into one general heap of ruins!"

The duke was almost petrified with the language and manner of the princess, and strongly urged the necessity of silence upon any and all of the unfortunate or dishonourable transactions in which the family had been engaged, observing, "Your own welfare depends upon their's, and that is a [220]consideration of positive importance, which I hope your royal highness will justly appreciate!"

This suggestion of the cowardly duke produced the opposite effect to that which was intended; the princess declared that the mean sentiments of the queen had also found way into the minds of her sons, and instead of proving their royal descent by greatness of mind and action, they condescended to suggest self-preservation and self-enjoyments in preference to an open avowal of truth, and an honourable meeting with an enemy. "And," hastily said her royal highness, "is this, Sir, a specimen of the character of the English royal family? What would my ever dear and lamented father have thought of such principles and opinions? Doubtless, he would rather have followed his daughter to the tomb, and have seen her remains deposited with his ancestors, than have had her associated with persons who could sacrifice HONOUR for mean and paltry conveniences. Your royal highness must be well assured, that I am not a stranger to the unfounded and most abominable assertions or suggestions issued against my child's legitimacy; certainly, if I am only the Princess of Wales nominally, then my daughter bears a surreptitious title, and if either of us is considered as an obstacle to the interests of the nation, why are not the assertions upon that point made in an honourable and open manner. You well know, Sir, that I would sacrifice any thing and every thing for the happiness and future prosperity of my child; but I must be fully convinced, that my destruction of [221]rights or enjoyments of privileges would not produce the entire annihilation of her's also. I must be made to understand that the mother and child have separate interests, and that insults received by one are not dishonourable to the other. I have also another powerful objection to keep silence upon these heart-rending and distracting subjects, which is, Charlotte's deep-rooted aversion to those persons who have insulted me most. This feeling assures my mind that I ought not to shrink from any avowal of truth which I may in justice to this generous nation be called upon to make, and nothing less than my child's safety shall keep me from making a disclosure of the unmerited and most incomparable wicked conduct manifested towards me. If I find that likely to operate against my daughter's happiness, I will forbear; but not upon any other ground."

The determined manner of her royal highness fully satisfied the abashed duke that the sentiments thus boldly expressed were the unalterable principles entertained by the princess, and would only gather energy and force by opposition and remonstrance; he therefore very soon afterwards took his leave, and gave the outline of the conversation to his august mother, BY WHOSE EXPRESS WISH THE INTERVIEW HAD TAKEN PLACE.

The queen was posed by the firmness her royal highness had displayed; and, in reply to the communication, said, "I will not be disappointed by this seeming boldness; the princess shall feel my POWER. She shall see Charlotte still less; the [222]restrictions shall be enforced with greater severity, and she shall repent of her stupidity. Does the Princess of Wales imagine that I am to submit to her opinions upon my conduct, or to her abuse of any of my family? My only fear is that the daughter will prove AS UNBENDING AND AS DETERMINATELY RESOLUTE as the mother is, and I am therefore resolved to separate them as much as possible."

The result proved the queen's indignation and resentful disposition; as, immediately, a council was held upon the subject, and her majesty was positive in her instructions, that the restrictions between the Princess of Wales and her daughter should be more rigidly enforced.

At the commencement of the year

1813,

the princess found her situation more irksome than ever; and she resolved, therefore, to inform the prince regent of the hardships of her case, soliciting his royal highness to inform himself of all or any part of her behaviour or demeanour, to which the queen had made such heavy objections. The following is an exact copy of the letter of her royal highness to the prince:

27th Jan., 1813.

"Sir,

"On the 14th of this month, I transmitted to the hand of your royal highness a letter relative to [223]the cruelty and injustice of my situation, in reference to my beloved child's separation from me, the most heart-rending point upon which you could so severely afflict me. Why does your royal highness refuse to answer my simple, but honest and honourable inquiry? What have I not endured since the moment I became your princess and wife? Heaven only knows, and heaven only can avenge my wrongs. It is now more than seventeen years since I gave birth to your lovely daughter, Princess Charlotte of Wales, at which time I did most certainly hope and also believe, that her royal father's affectionate recollections of her mother would not only revive, but be exemplified. Yet to this time, your royal highness has not evinced one spark of regard to the consort you vowed 'to love and cherish.'

"More than this, my lord and husband, you permit her majesty to usurp such extreme authority over me, and insult me in every possible way. Why, my lord, I ask, do you allow these indignities to be imposed upon your cousin and wife, (so called) the mother of the heiress to the throne of these united kingdoms? If I had deserved such treatment, I should most naturally have avoided all scrutiny; but, that I have endeavoured to obtain all possible investigation into my conduct, I need only refer to my several correspondencies with your august father, your brother of York, privy council, &c. &c.

"I cannot conclude without saying, if you refuse [224]me justice, I will leave indisputable proofs to this insulted nation that its generosity has been abused, though, at the same time, I would save you yourself from IGNOMINY at the hazard of my liberty. To the queen, I never will bow. Her majesty WAS, IS, and EVER WILL BE, A TYRANT to those she may imagine obstacles in her path. Perhaps her majesty presumes I am not an object of material consequence; but time will develop all these things. If this letter meet not with your royal approbation, I can only regret it, and waiting your reply,

"I am, ever,

"Your faithful and devoted

"CAROLINE."

"P.S. I entreat your royal highness to inform yourself of every part of my conduct which may at any time have been esteemed derogatory; and, while I beg this favour, I trust your royal highness will never again submit to the unprincipled, slanderous, and abominable aspersions cast upon my character. Let me suggest, my lord, that TRUTH MUST PREVAIL, SOONER OR LATER. After the most deliberate, careful, and scrutinizing investigations, I only beg to be punished with the most extreme rigour, if I am found GUILTY; but if free from guilt, I ought to say, I have an indisputable right to be ACKNOWLEDGED SO!"

"To his Royal Highness, the Prince Regent."

[225]This letter was not noticed when the commissioners sat on the 23rd of February; and Lord Liverpool never even mentioned it when communicating with the princess, or when he had the private interview with her royal highness, by the regent's request.

We should not act with justice or honour if we neglected to state this omission; because the letter reflected much credit upon the princess, and ought to have been the first read when the council assembled. The result of this new inquiry, however, was what the vindictive queen intended it should be; for the almost-distracted Princess of Wales was refused the natural privilege of intercourse with her only daughter!

In the mean time, every opportunity was gladly embraced to detract the character of the princess. Base inuendos and malicious remarks were incessantly poured forth against her, until her life became one continued scene of sorrow and abuse, caused by those from whom she ought to have experienced protection. Under these imputations, the princess again appealed, by an address to the Speaker of the House of Commons; and, after many inquiries and replies, the subject was dismissed with an acknowledgment, that "Her royal highness is declared free from all imputation."

We must not here forget to mention, that Mr. C. Johnstone submitted a motion, on the 5th of March, "to request the prince regent will permit the copy of a certain report, made in 1806, to be laid before the House;" but Lord Castlereagh opposed it, as [226]being unnecessary, and the document was consequently refused.

Notwithstanding the disgust manifested by every honest Englishman at the base conduct of Sir John and Lady Douglas, when they preferred their abominable charge against the character of the Princess of Wales in the year 1806, they had the hardihood to present a petition to the House this year to re-swear to the truth of their former depositions concerning the conduct of the Princess of Wales! No proceedings, of course, took place in consequence of this attempt still to propagate their calumnies; but a motion was made by Mr. C. Johnstone, a few days afterwards in the House of Commons, "That the petition of Sir John and Lady Douglas ought to be regarded as an audacious attempt to give a colour of truth, in the eyes of the nation, to evidence which they had delivered touching the conduct of her royal highness the Princess of Wales, and which evidence was a foul and detestable endeavour to bring the life and honour of her royal highness into danger and suspicion." This resolution, however, could not be passed, in consequence of the House not being in possession of the evidence, which was refused, as we have just stated, by Lord Castlereagh; but many members expressed their agreement with the sentiments of the resolution.

What was the real reason for not prosecuting Sir John and Lady Douglas, after the House had rejected their petition with such indignation, on the motion of Mr. Johnstone, it is not very easy to [227]divine; that alleged by Lord Castlereagh is most certainly not a satisfactory one. It has been often insinuated, that if the conspiracy against the life and honour of the Princess of Wales did not originate with her royal relatives, it was certainly fostered and brought to maturity by persons connected with the queen and the prince regent; and the evidence of Bidgood and Cole very much favours that opinion. If the Douglases, and Bidgood and Cole, were the "suborned traducers," to which her royal highness alluded in one of her letters to the prince about this time, the impunity with which the knight and his lady were suffered to continue at large cannot excite surprise. This impunity, the report that Bidgood had received a pension of one hundred and fifty pounds a year, and the direct interference of the Prince of Wales in promoting the inquiry, and in entering his caveat to prevent the princess being received at court, have thrown a suspicious veil around this part of the proceedings, which will not be very soon removed.

On the 23rd of March, the Princess of Wales had to bear another severe stroke of fortune, in the death of her mother, the Duchess of Brunswick, who was interred with much funeral pomp, at Windsor, on the 31st. This melancholy event, following so closely after her late persecutions, was as much as the princess could endure; and had it not been for the sympathetic attentions of one confidant, her royal highness would, no doubt, have sunk under her immense load of sorrow.

[228]In July and August, the princess devoted the greater portion of her time to correspondence with the prince, her husband. Very many of the letters could not, we think, have met the eye of the regent, or answers must have been sent, if only in common courtesy, as the prince knew his honour, and also that of his family, were at stake. We have transcripts of all these letters; but shall content ourselves with only introducing the last she wrote to his royal highness previous to her going abroad. The following is a literal copy of it:

"23rd of Aug., 1813.

"Sir,

"I have waited, with most anxious feelings, to receive an acknowledgment of the safe receipt of several important communications which I addressed to you as 'private and confidential.' To this hour I have not received a reply, and I therefore take up my pen for the last time upon this most disagreeable business. To you it is well known, that the good king, your father, has invariably treated me with the most profound respect, and proper attention; and his majesty would have done me more essential service long since, had it not been for the oath he gave to Lord Chatham, to preserve from all public investigation the connexion formed in 1759 with the Quakeress.

"I am aware, Sir, that you may say I intrude myself upon your royal notice very frequently; but I think and feel it to be my indispensable duty and privilege. I have lately had an interview with [229]Lord Liverpool; but his lordship cannot serve your royal highness and the persecuted Princess of Wales. I, therefore, shall not submit myself to any further interviews with his lordship, by my own request. As I intend this letter as a final appeal and explanation to your royal highness, I beg to ask your forbearance and lenity on account of its length and detail.

"Your royal highness has not forgotten how strangely I was allured from my father's court to receive your hand in marriage (the letters of 1794 bear me witness). You cannot have forgotten the kind reception of the king, your father, on my arrival in the metropolis of this empire, and the sarcastic manners of the queen. Two days had scarcely passed after our marriage, when you commanded me to receive Lady Jersey upon all occasions, although your royal highness was too well acquainted with the deep-laid schemes formed by her majesty against me, which were to be put into execution by Lady Jersey; and when I most humbly requested of you, that I might be secluded from all society rather than endure that which was so hateful to me, your royal highness cannot have forgotten the inhuman reply you made me, 'The Princess of Brunswick has answered every purpose I desired, inasmuch as my debts are to be settled, and my income augmented, and I will provide an heir to the throne more worthy of popular regard than any descendant of my father's family could ever prove.' These, Sir, were words [230]of so heavy and doubtful a character, that from that moment I never forgot them; and from the hour in which my Charlotte was born, I have feared for her health and happiness. How your royal highness could thus insult me, you can best imagine.

"Another most material grievance imposed upon me was, your unnatural remark to Lady Jersey, in my presence, 'that you thought the king TOO FOND of the Princess of Wales; and if her royal highness had any children, his majesty would no doubt be the FATHER, INSTEAD OF THE GRANDFATHER.' Lady Jersey's reply will never be effaced from my memory, while reason holds her empire: 'Yes, my prince, and you deserve it, if ever you notice the Princess of Wales again in the character of a husband or lover.' Your royal highness may remember I instantly left the room, more deeply insulted and wounded than language can describe. From that time, I was aware of my cruel fate, and I did deeply deplore the necessity which had forced me from the much-loved scenes of my infancy and youthful years.

"The very remarkable request of Mr. Pitt, in 1800, for a private interview with me, was another cause for disquiet to my mind; but I acceded immediately, and he accordingly was admitted. The object of that minister's visit was to solicit my silence upon the subject of the bondholders, whose fate had caused so great an interest in several countries, and whose families had been the victims [231]of their ready acquiescense to the wishes of the royal princes. 'But' said Mr. Pitt, 'these affairs are of as much consequence to your royal highness as they are to the other members of the royal family; and if matters of this kind are to be canvassed publicly, your royal highness may rest assured that ere long your family will not be permitted to occupy the exalted rank and station they now enjoy. I therefore most earnestly recommend that your royal highness does not name these subjects to any of the anti-ministerial party, who are not at present in possession of the circumstances.' I do not doubt but Mr. Pitt laid the whole of this conversation before your royal highness, and he must have noticed the very cool and guarded reception I gave him. To have behaved openly to Mr. Pitt was impossible, as I knew too well his avowed hostile feelings against me. But a few days had elapsed after this interview, when I had the pleasure of seeing the good king. I now take the liberty of laying before your royal highness the substance of our conversation. 'My dear daughter,' said his majesty, 'I hear Pitt has paid you a confidential visit,' 'Yes, Sire, he has,' I replied. 'What was the object of it?' 'Upon the subject of the bondholders, your majesty.' 'I hope you made no rash promise?' said the king; 'None, Sire.' 'Why could not Pitt have called upon you at a more suitable hour, Caroline?' 'I do not know, Sire; but I plainly saw Mr. Pitt did not think much etiquette was necessary to the Princess of Wales, as he well knew [232]it was my dinner hour; and yet I was determined not to refuse myself, as I was perfectly sure the whole of the affair would be reported to the queen.' 'Caroline, my niece,' said the king, 'do not, pray do not, fear Pitt, or any of my family. I will put you in possession of some affairs which will soon silence them all; and before the end of this week I will send you a small parcel of important papers, by the hand of a trusty messenger.'

"Your royal father most scrupulously kept his word, and enclosed me the PROOFS he had named, and promised to send. Many times since then have I informed your royal highness that I was in confidence upon those subjects; but you have never condescended to acknowledge those communications, or expressed one sentiment of obligation for the strict silence I have observed. I have been restrained only from the most ARDENT AND PARENTAL AFFECTION TO MY LOVELY DAUGHTER, or long ere this I would have proclaimed the extent of the wrongs I have endured from some of the illegal and unjust impositions practised upon me and the British nation. Your royal highness knew at the moment you met me at the altar in the palace, that you were already the affianced husband of Mrs. Fitzherbert, and you were well aware that if my uncle, the king, had known of that former circumstance, he would have prevented the left-handed marriage taking place. In this his majesty was deceived, and I have been the [233]victim of your intentional imposition. It has generally been supposed by your royal highness' family connexions, that there was some impropriety or defect by which you received an unfavourable opinion of me in the early part of our fatal marriage; and, in my presence, your royal highness has insulted me by such insinuations, though you well know I was not the OFFENDER, but the OFFENDED!!! Up to this period, I have buried your royal highness' UNNATURAL CONDUCT to me in my own bosom; but if I am to be so injured, and if my character is to be so vilified, I shall EXPLAIN MYSELF TO THE NATION, and think I am performing an imperative duty. Your royal highness cannot have forgotten the outrage you committed by entering my chamber at Montague House, and your denial of it to the queen, your mother, for the avowed purpose of traducing my honour. Had I not then been restrained from explanation upon those base designs, by an unalterable love to my child, I should have exposed the infamous conduct you manifested towards me.

"I name these things, Sir, to prove to you the inviolable honour I have observed, in despite of all the insults and provocations I have received from your royal highness and the queen, and also from the creatures employed to ruin me in the estimation of this generous English nation. A time will come when the secrets of my life will [234]be PUBLISHED TO THE WORLD; then let the unprejudiced judge.

"I remain, Sir,

"Your royal highness' most

"Faithful wife and cousin,

"Caroline P."

"To his Royal Highness, the Prince Regent."

It is more than probable that the confidentially-private and notorious secretary (M'Mahon) was the receiver of these appeals and documents, who, possessing the most unbounded assurance in the ability of his royal master's coadjutors to carry any plan into execution, or to prevent vexatious trouble to any extent, suppressed them at the moment when they might have proved of the greatest consequence to her royal highness. We cannot wonder at this, when we take into account the character of this private secretary, who dared to violate the rights of friendship, and break through the most sacred ties of conjugal affection, treating the honourable engagements of persons in general as matters of minor consequence! Were this depraved man now an inhabitant of the earth, we would ask him if his recollection could furnish the number of inroads he had made upon the abodes of innocence and beauty, to gratify his royal patron. We could ourselves name several instances; but one will suffice, which we copy from the manuscript of a friend, and the substance of which has been before published.

[235]The private secretary of the prince (M'Mahon) was accustomed to retire for recreation to Bath, at certain periods. At the time to which we now advert, he was travelling to that city, and, at Marlborough, a respectable and venerable gentleman, accompanied by two young ladies, took their seats in the stage coach. The courtier was not wanting in attentions, and, in reply to his numerous questions, he soon received the information, "that the gentleman was a poor clergyman, residing near Marlborough; that the two young ladies were his daughters, whom he then was accompanying to visit a relation at Bath." M'Mahon's polished manners, added to the fixed determination of sacrificing these ladies to his royal master's desires, had the hoped-for effect, and the deluded party was anxious to cultivate further acquaintance with the stranger. Two days after their arrival, the intriguing secretary wrote and despatched the following letter to the prince:

"(Most Private.)

"Bath, Sunday Evening.

"Sir,—Ever alive to the obtaining possession of any object which may contribute to your royal pleasures, I hasten to inform your royal highness, that chance has thrown me into the company of two most lovely girls, the daughters of an indigent curate, and who, from their apparent simplicity and ignorance of the world, may be soon brought to comply with the wishes of your royal highness. I shall immediately devise some plan by which they may be induced to visit the metropolis, and the remainder of my task will then not be difficult of execution. The prize is too valuable to be lost sight of; the elder of the girls bears some resemblance in her form and make to Hillisberg, although it is evident that the whole fullness of her growth has not yet developed itself. The younger is more of a languishing beauty; but, from the knowledge which I [236]possess of your royal taste, the elder will be the object of your choice.

"I have the honour to remain, &c. &c.

"JOHN M'MAHON."

"To his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, &c. &c."

The intimacy at Bath was cultivated. M'Mahon promised to intercede for the interest of the worthy clergyman, and afterwards engaged to ensure him promotion.

In the midst of explanations, promises, and engagements, M'Mahon was summoned to town by the royal order. Ere he departed, he promised, instantly upon seeing the prince, to lay their case before him, and dwelt in vivid terms upon the effects of such a representation. Within the ensuing fortnight, the clergyman received a letter from him, announcing "that a vicarage was vacant, in the gift of the crown, to which he should receive the presentation." M'Mahon again visited Bath, and recommended the clergyman and family to take up their abode in the metropolis. For this purpose, he had engaged apartments in the house of Mrs. General Hamilton, in Gloucester-place, to which they soon resorted. In the mean time, M'Mahon informed the clergyman that his induction would shortly take place, and that, in the interim, he must employ himself in the most agreeable manner, as also his daughters, in such amusements as the town afforded. Mrs. Hamilton was also pleased to say she would be their conductor and companion upon all occasions. The lady just named was a gay, [237]though unsuspected, character. Shortly after this period, at an evening party, M'Mahon introduced Colonel Fox, "a gentleman," he said, "allied to the noblest families, and of an immense fortune."

If our readers should here inquire, who was Colonel Fox? we answer,—the Prince of Wales.

We hasten to the conclusion of this most infamous history. The deceived clergyman was informed that he must proceed to a village in Leicestershire, where his induction would instantly take place; and he, therefore, hastily took leave of his daughters, with an assurance that they were in the best society. Indeed, Mrs. Hamilton had evinced such interest and apparent solicitude in their happiness, that his heart was relieved from any doubts for their safety. This amiable father took leave of his children in the most affectionate manner; but little did he imagine that embrace would be the last he should ever receive from them,—yet so it proved. A short time after, early in the day, M'Mahon called upon Mrs. General Hamilton, expressing the necessity of her seeing her solicitor upon some affairs relative to the estate of her deceased husband.

The carriage was ordered, and the secretary promised to remain with the younger, while the elder sister accompanied Mrs. Hamilton. "We will first drive to Taylor's, in Bond-street," said Mrs. Hamilton, "he has some commissions to execute for me," and accordingly they were set down there.

The obsequious shoe-maker requested them to walk into the drawing-room, which they did; and in [238]a few minutes Mrs. Hamilton said, "I will now step down, and transact my business with Taylor." In a short time she returned, saying, "How truly fortunate we are; Colonel Fox has just entered the shop, and, being informed you are here, has solicited permission to keep you company until I return from my solicitor's; you cannot refuse the request;" and then, without waiting a reply, she left the room. The pretended Colonel Fox entered; he professed eternal love and unalterable constancy; and, within one hour, this lovely, but most unfortunate, female was added to the infamously-swelled list of the prince's debaucheries and cruel seductions. The younger sister still lives—a melancholy proof of outraged and insulted honour.

We have given this detail to satisfy the scrupulous portion of society, that the prince merited a thousand-fold more exposure and execration than he ever received.

At this period, Mr. Whitbread was very pressing with the Princess of Wales, advising her to make a tour upon the continent, in order to divert her mind from the provocations she was so frequently called upon to endure. Upon one occasion, he urged the subject with considerable warmth, and his great earnestness surprised her royal highness. With her usual readiness, she said, "I feel sure Mr. Whitbread does not intend any thing disagreeable in these remarks; but, Sir, are you aware that Mr. Canning has been pressing the same opinion upon my notice? and I do not comprehend why this suggestion is made [239]by you also. If I go away, shall I not leave my beloved child exposed to the determinate will and caprice of the queen, and others, who, doubtless, will vex her as much as possible? Are you, Sir, requested to represent this to me, or is it your private opinion?" Mr. Whitbread replied, "It is my personal opinion, and solely to provide against any unhappy effects arising from the queen's displeasure, which," he added, "I well know is unbounded."

On the 27th of May, the princess went to the Opera House. It was her first appearance in public since her triumphant acquittal. Her royal highness was received with considerable acclamations, while even her enemies were compelled to acknowledge "the dignity, delicacy, and feeling, pre-eminently displayed in her behaviour."

On the 30th, the regent gave a grand supper and ball, but the princess was not invited.

The supplies required for the service of this year amounted to upwards of one hundred and twenty millions!

Endless vexations and anxieties attended the Princess of Wales up to the year

1814;

but the public voice cheered her to the ultimate defeat of her base enemies.

The transactions of this year do not reflect much credit upon certain mis-named illustrious individuals, [240]and can never fail to excite contempt in the minds of the British people. The Douglas party were promised rewards, which they could not obtain, except in a less degree, as it was alleged they had failed in a principal part of their unworthy undertaking; namely, the degradation of the princess, by a full and unlimited verdict against her royal highness, agreeable to the charges they had preferred.

The disappointed queen was indignant, beyond bounds, at the honourable acquittal of the Princess of Wales. "What!" said her majesty, "am I for ever to be disappointed by the adroit talents of the princess, whose very name I hate! It must not be. If she be recognised as an unblemished character, I am well satisfied the odium of the whole proceeding will fall upon me; and rather would I prefer death than suffer her royal highness to triumph over me!"

Lord Castlereagh was then consulted by the queen, and he engaged to do his utmost against the princess; and the regent again suggested the idea of her going abroad, when steps, more effectual, might be taken to ruin her character. Lord Castlereagh, therefore, the next day informed the princess, by a note, "that for the present time all interviews with the Princess Charlotte must cease."

On the 7th of January, the Princess of Wales gave an entertainment at Montague House, where a select party was invited, in honour of the Princess Charlotte's birth-day, who had now attained her eighteenth year.

An unexpected event, about this period, gave the [241]Princess Charlotte an interview with her mother for nearly two hours, in which these affectionate relatives enjoyed an undisturbed conversation. The Princess Charlotte was very explicit in her communications to her dear mother on the severity of the queen, during the time she had lately spent with her majesty at Windsor; and, among other observations, remarked, "Her majesty is a tyrant to all around her. If you walk out with the queen," continued the charming and noble princess, "you are sure to be told your pace is disagreeable,—either too quick or too slow. If you feel pleasure in seeing any sweet pretty plant, and express admiration of its several beautiful colours, and its various delicate appearances, you are sure to be told, such observations prove your want of taste and judgment. Indeed, my dear mother, I like anybody better than my disagreeable grandmother, and I can never permit myself to remain with her so long again. When I am at the castle, I am seldom allowed to see my grandfather, the king; and, when I do, he scarcely looks at me, and seems extremely unhappy. When my royal father goes to the castle, he is always with the queen alone, and very rarely pays a visit to the king." Such was the ingenuousness of the Princess Charlotte. She would immediately speak the truth, and defy all results, rather than act with dissimulation to please or conciliate any one. This was the longest interview which was to fall to the lot of these high-spirited and generous-minded personages. Alas! their destiny might have been pourtrayed by the pen [242]of cruelty, and traced in characters of blood! At parting, the princess most tenderly embraced her mother, and that parent for the moment forgot all her sorrows. But what was her agitation, when her ONLY HOPE was saying, "Farewell!" Agonizing—beyond all expression—agonizing! We must sympathize with such sorrows, and admit the propriety of the remark of the Princess of Wales at this separation, "My life has already been too long, since it has been one continued scene of misfortune!"

The prince regent now paid a visit to the Duke of Rutland, for the avowed purpose of standing sponsor to the young marquis, the duke's son and heir. The preparations for the reception and accommodation of his royal highness were upon the most magnificent scale, which, we are sorry to relate, were little else than thrown away. In the evening, the sparkling goblet was so freely emptied by the royal guest, that he was obliged to be carried to the chamber prepared for him. Do not imagine, gentle reader, that we are disposed to dwell ill-naturedly on the mischances of this luckless night; but the prince was unfortunate, and committed such sins and transgressions in this ducal apartment, and IN the bed prepared for him, that, at a very early hour, his carriage was ordered, and his royal highness was on the road to London! The domestics at Belvoir Castle were left to relate this very disagreeable incident, and testify that the means required for the purification of their master's premises were of no common quality!

However facetiously we may have spoken of this [243]"untoward occurrence," yet we recoil with disgust and indignation from such scenes. How revolting is the reflection that this was the prince invested with kingly authority, and to whom so many millions of intelligent beings were looking for the redress of their grievances, and the amelioration of their many miseries!

The king's indisposition increased in the early part of this year, and the over-bearing tyranny of the queen consequently knew no bounds. In May, she addressed several notes to the Princess of Wales to forbid her appearance at the drawing-room, to which her royal highness replied very spiritedly. Some of these letters were afterwards published, but several were suppressed. It was at this time that the prince expressed his unalterable determination "never again to meet the princess, either in public or private," and the queen was the person who communicated his royal highness' unmanly vow to the princess.

About three weeks after this announcement, some illustrious foreigners, who were formerly intimate with the family of the princess, paid her royal highness a visit; and, on the ensuing day, they received her royal highness' invitation to dine with her on that day se'nnight. It was accepted with pleasure; but, only about an hour previous to the appointed time for dinner, an apology was sent, asking pardon for the delay, which was said to be unavoidable, as the impediments arose from the COMMANDS OF THE REGENT, which had only been communicated to them [244]a few hours before! Upon Mr. Canning's next visit to the princess, he explained the reason of this shameful conduct, by saying, "that Colonel M'Mahon desired, as a compliment, they would dine at Carlton House that day, and expressed an apology for the shortness of the invitation, as the regent had some days before given him his instructions to invite them, but that he (the colonel) had FORGOTTEN IT IN THE HURRY OF BUSINESS. Now," added Mr. Canning, "I know this story to be an invention; for it was only on the very morning of the day appointed by your royal highness that a brother of the regent heard of their intended visit, and informed him of it; and the prince then commanded M'Mahon to invite the party to dine at Carlton House, which they could not refuse, as etiquette would forbid their accepting any engagement in preference to that of the regent." Was there ever a more artful and vindictive piece of business concocted? How worthy was the master of such a scheming servant as M'Mahon!

In June, the allied sovereigns arrived in London, and fêtes and festivals followed in close succession. New honours were conferred upon several persons, who had been leaders in the late war. Lord Wellington was created Marquis of Douro and Duke of Wellington. To support this new dignity, four hundred thousand pounds were granted to him by the boroughmongering majority!

In consequence of the queen's edict, the Princess of Wales was excluded from the drawing rooms, held [245]in honour of the illustrious guests; and this extra piece of persecuting malice sufficiently attested the littleness of the minds of her too powerful enemies.

Under these trying circumstances, Mr. Canning and Mr. Whitbread again urged their advice, that it would be better for all parties if the princess absented herself for a period, as the queen was so severe to the Princess Charlotte, in consequence of her regard for her mother. This consideration was enough for the fond parent. "Yes," said her royal highness, "for the sake of my child, I will leave England; I feel assured that my afflicted father-in-law, the king, cannot long survive; he is falling very gradually. But the crisis may be sudden; in that case, you know my situation; and what has been refused to the Princess of Wales cannot, I presume, be refused to the Queen of England! In making this reference, I merely and only mean, that I have hitherto been treated with the most unmerited severity, and the greatest injustice; this, I hope, will not be permitted in the event of my being queen. I name this to satisfy you, as my friends, that whenever I can return to this country with safety to my child, and honour to my few zealous friends, I shall not lose one moment in answering the summons."

On the 4th of June, Lord Castlereagh moved in the committee of the House, that fifty thousand pounds be annually paid to her royal highness the Princess of Wales. Mr. Whitbread offered some very correct and spirited remarks upon the subject, [246]and the motion was agreed to. The princess, in the most generous manner, wrote to the Speaker on the 5th, declining to receive more than thirty-five thousand, adding, as a reason for this, her dislike to increase the already heavy burdens imposed upon the nation.

The ill-natured manner in which this most honourable act was received is best explained in the words of Lord Castlereagh, who, on the 8th, called the attention of the House to the letter of the princess, and concluded by saying, "It is not my duty to vote the public money to a subject who is not inclined to receive it." Her royal highness certainly was not much indebted to Lord Castlereagh for his very elegant and noble mention of her name, thus made; and the most dim-sighted person might have easily seen that "if the vessel came safe to shore," a marquisate would be the reward of the pilot.

The Princess of Wales at length requested leave of the ministers to go abroad. This was very readily granted; and, after some arrangements for correspondence, her royal highness prepared to depart. A very short interview was permitted with the child of her hopes and affections, while even that was attended by the ladies in waiting. They separated then—TO MEET NO MORE IN THIS WORLD!

It was during this affecting interview that her royal highness committed some letters of importance to the care of her noble-minded daughter; and, as it appeared impossible for any private conversation to pass between them, a letter accompanied [247]the others, addressed to the Princess Charlotte by her afflicted mother, of which the following is a transcript:

"Copy of a letter to my dear Charlotte, Princess of Wales.

"1814, June 7th.

"My dearest Child,

"I deposit to your keeping a small parcel, of letters for my much-esteemed friend, Lady *******. I well know her generous disposition will cause her to endure a vast load of sorrow on my account, and, from these documents, the nation may one day be bold. I must tell you, my dearest child, that in conformity to my father and mother's opinion, I became the wife (so called) of your father. Well do I remember the time when my dear father, the Duke of Brunswick, entered my library, (holding in his hand a letter) saying, 'Caroline, my love, I desire you will give your attention to the request of your most excellent uncle, the King of England, and, without any demur, engage to marry your cousin George. He is undoubtedly the most elegant man and the most ACCOMPLISHED GENTLEMAN in Europe. Very unfortunately, this prince has been captivated by the many beautiful ladies surrounding the court; but although he may have committed himself in formal engagements, yet the prince is the most ready, desirous, and expectant supplicant for your hand!' I started, and exclaimed, 'What, my dear sire?' The sequel, however, is sufficient. I came to England. [248]I was received heroically by the people, flatteringly by the persons deputed to attend me, and sarcastically by the queen, my aunt; but most pleasantly by the king, my uncle, and the prince, my destined husband. After my marriage with the prince, your father, I soon had occasion to regret my change of situation. However, I strove to conceal my disappointment and chagrin, and appeared as lively as if I had no cause for regret. Speedily after my marriage, I was informed that the prince was not my legal husband; that, some time previous to our marriage, he had been united to Mrs. Fitzherbert, and therefore our engagement was null and void! I opened the sorrows of my heart to the good king. 'Ah! Ah!' said his majesty, 'I will befriend you, but my family will prove my ruin. They care not for any thing beside their own ease, and they, sooner or later, will lose the crown by such improper conduct. The disposition of my son George is unrelenting; but I will tell you, my dear niece, that you may subdue his public injurious mention of your character, if you make use of proper means. My son is so lascivious, that if you would attempt to hide his defects, they would speedily become more apparent.' In the course of conversation, his majesty informed me of the untimely end of his brother Edward, and also of the MARRIAGE and ISSUE of that brother, who, he stated, had been educated for the church; and also, that he had frequently seen him during his residence at Eton with no small degree of affection and regret, and had even appointed [249]interviews with the individual under whose care he was placed, to adopt plans for his welfare. I confess, my dear Charlotte, I was quite unprepared for this exposition, and I answered with much warmth, 'Does your majesty mean to say, that his royal highness left issue which has never been acknowledged?' 'I do, indeed,' replied the king, 'and though the affair has been hitherto kept from the public, yet I fancy it will, one day or another, be made known.' My dear Charlotte will conceive how much I felt upon these singular explanations. I long to tell you more upon the subject, but as our confidential messenger is waiting, I must conclude by subscribing myself

Your very affectionate mother,

Caroline."

The persecuted wife of the heir-apparent now prepared to leave England. Her royal highness went to Worthing on the 2nd of August, and on the 9th embarked for the Continent, with a heart heavily charged with the most poignant feelings.

The evening of her departure was spent in rioting and drunkenness by the inhabitants of Carlton House, as they had now attained a portion of their dishonourable object, and, in a great measure, relied upon final success. The entertainments given at this period by the "unparalleled prince" were of the most dazzling and costly description. The massive services of richly-chased gold, and the viands served upon them, in addition to every luxurious appendage, [250]were daily superseded by others, still more rare and expensive than the preceding ones. Hundreds of thousands were thus lavished on useless pomp, while, perhaps, a poor tradesman, who had received the honour of an order by command of the prince, and had borrowed the larger portion of the means to enable him to execute it, solicited, in the most humble manner, a portion of his debt; but, alas! solicited in vain; and, after daring to press his destitute and ruined condition several times, is probably forbidden ever to ask for the settlement again, but to wait the royal pleasure. His impatient creditors, in the interim, arrest him; he is carried to a prison, and, in the agony of his soul, commits suicide. Many a wife and family of children have thus been reduced to a workhouse, and the greater number of them afterwards thrown upon the town! But—these are some of the privileges of royalty!

The reminiscences of the queen were sometimes rather painful; and, shortly after she had driven her daughter-in-law from the country, symptoms of melancholy were observed. Her physicians, therefore, recommended a change of air; and, in order to amuse her majesty, it was proposed that she should repair to Brighton for a short time, accompanied by the princesses.

The Princess Charlotte, after the departure of her much-beloved mother, appeared very unhappy, and, from that time, saw her father and grandmother as seldom as possible. They well knew she was favourable to her mother's cause, in opposition to their's, [251]not only from the very great affection which she naturally felt for her mother, but also from the numberless proofs she had observed of the honourable motives by which the conduct of the Princess of Wales had been influenced. To these might be added the opinion of the virtuous part of the nation upon the subject, and the very great respect at all times paid to her royal highness by those persons who were independent of the royal family and the government.

Upon her majesty's return to Windsor, she found the king something improved in natural spirits, but desirous not to be troubled with unnecessary visiters. This slight improvement was, however, but of short duration; for, in a few days afterwards, this distressingly-afflicted sovereign relapsed into insensibility, and frequently became very boisterous in his conduct.

The amount required for this year's service was upwards of one hundred and sixteen millions, twenty-seven of which were raised by loans.

The year

1815

commenced under numerous public and private difficulties. The regent found himself in a very unpleasant situation, being under a necessity of increasing the number of the various orders of knighthood, in order to preserve himself a sufficiency of adherents. A strange concatenation of events had [252]also placed the rest of the royal family in an uneasy position. The Duke of Kent, some considerable time before, entered into a positive engagement with a foreign princess, by solemnly promising her marriage; yet, upon requesting his mother's approbation of the choice he had made, how great was his surprise and indignation to find that she would not listen to it! But, hastily snatching up the letter a second time, she said, "It is impossible such things can be permitted; we need money too much in our own family to squander it upon these miserably-poor connexions." This indignant lady quite forgot, or did not wish to remember, her own origin, and the great wealth she had brought to this country. Ere this self-important personage had said so much, she should have called to mind the many noble acts by which she had been distinguished above all other royal ladies, and ought to have reflected, how many thousands had suffered privations and want to permit her royal self and family to live in splendour, and how many had been privately disposed of to satisfy her inordinate ambition and insatiable thirst for power!

Her majesty had also another mortification to endure in the marriage of her hopeful son, the Duke of Cumberland, with the Princess of Salms. Lord Castlereagh, always happy to take from the people, had the audacity to propose an additional grant to the Duke of Cumberland upon his alliance with a lady so congenial to the taste and talents of his royal highness! The House of Commons, however, opposed this grant, and several members made the [253]most severe, though just, remarks upon the character of Ernest Augustus on this occasion.

"Mr. R. Gordon rose, and declared that he could not reconcile it to his sense of duty to allow this motion to pass with a silent vote against it. He was astonished at the observation of the noble lord (Castlereagh) who brought forward this motion last night, that he did not apprehend any opposition, while he agreed with the noble lord that it must be painful to hear any reflections upon the character of the individual referred to, or any comments whatever at all likely to depreciate the consequence of the illustrious family to whom that individual belonged. But ministers alone were to blame in dragging the Duke of Cumberland before that House. If any reflections were thrown out against that individual, it was the fault of ministers in forcing him upon the consideration of that House. After what had NOTORIOUSLY PASSED WITH RESPECT TO THIS INDIVIDUAL, and his connexions,—after the RUMOURS that were afloat upon the subject,—he could not, by any means, concur with the noble lord, that this was not to be regarded as a PERSONAL question!"

"Mr. Bennet said, the Duke of Cumberland, of all the branches of the royal family, was the only one who could come to that House, and make an application for money, which he should feel compelled to oppose! He appealed to every person in the committee, whether they did not hear, out of that House, every individual in the country express ONE UNIFORM FEELING with respect to that personage,—a feeling decidedly averse from any disposition to concur in such a grant as was now proposed. It was impossible even to go to what was called fashionable society, without hearing the same feeling of disrespect expressed!!!"

"Lord Nugent disapproved of the grant proposed, with reference to the time in which, to the manner in which, and to the person for whom, the grant was proposed. He differed with his honourable friend who spoke first in the debate, not in his vote, but in that he did not admit public rumour to influence his vote. For his own part, he voted mainly on evidence which could come before the House only by public rumour,—public rumour uncontradicted and unencountered!!!"

"Lord A. Hamilton thought the House was called upon to consider the merits of the individual before it assented to this proposition, unless it were assumed that, upon the marriage of any branch of the [254]royal family, the House was bound to grant an additional allowance, without any consideration of the nature of the marriage, which was a proposition too preposterous to be maintained! The intimation, too, which he understood to be authentic, that it was the intention of the Duke of Cumberland not to reside in this country, furnished another argument against the present measure; nay, it was stated that the grant was brought forward upon the settled condition that his royal highness should fix his residence ELSEWHERE!"

"Mr. Methuen contended that the House ought to shew, by its vote that night, that it was not inattentive to the morals of the country, and that therefore he should oppose the grant, not from the slightest personal motives, but merely in the conscientious discharge of what he conceived to be his duty."

"Sir H. Montgomery said, that when the present bill was first brought into the House, he voted for it, because he thought the proposed sum was no more than what was necessary; but, from what he had heard since, he almost fancied he had done something very wrong! In the present case, however, he really saw nothing which would warrant the House in putting such a stigma upon his royal highness as would be conveyed by refusing the grant!"

The House of Commons DID REFUSE THE GRANT, though only by a small majority. But this majority was sufficient, according to Sir H. Montgomery, one of his royal highness' admirers, to cast a STIGMA on the Duke of Cumberland!

As soon as the Princess of Wales was known to have left Brunswick, and while proceeding to Geneva, persons were despatched from the British Court to watch all the movements and pursuits of her royal highness, and to report accordingly, through agents appointed for the mean purpose. Our country's money was used upon this base business with no sparing hand. Mr. Whitbread, being perfectly aware that these secret contrivances were put into execution, felt more in fear of some evil result to the [255]princess than if she had remained in England. He, as well as many others, knew that assassination was of very frequent occurrence in Italy, and more than once expressed himself anxious to see the princess safely landed again on our shores. But this was not permitted; for, on the 6th of July, this patriot committed suicide, while in a state of mental aberration. He fell a sacrifice to the intensity of his feelings upon several most important subjects.

As a man of firm principles, Mr. Whitbread was justly entitled to the praise of his countrymen. He never allowed himself to be bribed into dishonourable actions; and we cannot, therefore, attribute his unhappy end to the stings of conscience. The man whose life, or a principal portion of it, has been spent in furthering the wily schemes and treacherous plans of others may, very probably, in the midst of enjoying the reward of his villanous conduct, be struck by memory's faithful reflection, and, afraid of exposure, prefer instant death; but the patriot who loves his country, and has largely contributed to the defence of justice and liberty, finding his exertions of no available use, and sick at heart at the insults levied against the oppressed, may be driven by despair to rush into the presence of his Maker by his own act. This latter case, no doubt, applies to the patriot whose untimely end we are now lamenting. It was Mr. Whitbread's glory to be an Englishman,—it is his country's boast that he used his energies for her general benefit. He actively and fearlessly investigated the cause and nature [256]of abuses, was the ready advocate of the oppressed, and the liberal friend of all mankind!

The amount required for the service of this year was one hundred and sixteen millions, which was obtained from the heavily-taxed people, earned by the sweat of their brow, and consequently by robbing their starving families of comforts!

From such oppressive exactions, the present domineering Tory Aristocracy has reared its unblushing and hydra head. It was engendered in Deception, brought forth by Infamy, nursed by Indolence, educated by Sovereign Power, and has long lived the life of an Impostor—daring and hardy! We venture to predict, however, that its reign is drawing to a close; for the eyes of the whole nation are now fixed upon it, and its excrescences are discovered! Yes, the monster has outwitted itself, and from its seat will speedily shoot forth the TREE OF LIBERTY. May its fruits prove healing to nations! Merit will then be rewarded, Industry recompensed, Commerce revive, and Tranquillity reign in society. Kings will learn to do justice, sanguinary laws will be abolished; and thus the millennium of Peace and Joy will be established on a basis illustrious and impregnable!

At the commencement of the year

1816,

the intended marriage of the Princess Charlotte of [257]Wales with Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg was announced, which had received the sanction of the regent. This intended union appeared to us, for many reasons, highly improper, and too closely allied to the circumstances of George the Third. We knew, for a considerable period before this announcement, that Leopold had been paying the most devoted attentions to a lady of great merit and accomplishments; and, also, that marriage had been promised. We likewise did not believe the prince was a Protestant from conviction, if he professed so to be; and feared that, if finally the husband of the princess, he would only be a convert to our "established religion" from convenience, but really and in truth, by inclination and education, a Catholic. We do not name the religious sentiments of the prince as any degradation or disqualification to his character as a man or as a prince, but simply to shew that his principles prohibited his entrance, by marriage, into the English royal family; for the royal marriage act expressly declares "such marriages shall be null and void."

While staying at the city of Augsburgh, in the early part of this year, we heard various reports upon the subject in question, and the paper of the day having met our eye, what were our feelings when we read the annexed paragraph!

"Augsburgh, January 10th.

"The Gazette of this city contains the following article, from Vienna, of January 3rd: 'Yesterday was celebrated, in the Cathedral Church of St. Stephen, in the presence of the reigning Duke of Saxe [258]Cobourg, the MARRIAGE of his brother, Prince Leopold, with the young and beautiful Countess of Cohaky, according to the rites of the Catholic church.'"

In contemplating this circumstance, every honest man must view the conduct of Leopold with indignation. Example is generally considered preferable to precept, and Leopold embraced this opportunity of shewing himself a convert to such doctrine. George the Third committed BIGAMY; his son George did the same; and the remaining Hope of England was destined to be a victim to similar wickedness!

After some formal correspondence, the regent sent a message to both houses of parliament, on the 14th of March, to announce the marriage contract of his daughter, the Princess Charlotte, with his serene highness the Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg. Sixty thousand pounds were voted to the illustrious couple, annually; and, in case of her royal highness' demise, FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS PER ANNUM were to be paid to the PRINCE for his life. Sixty thousand pounds were also granted for their outfit.

Well may foreigners exclaim, "How generous are the great English people!" Alas! it was not the act of the people; but the absolute will of Imbecility, Ignorance, and Impudence, which we shall have further occasion to illustrate.

We must now refer our readers to the former expectation of marriage between the Princess Charlotte and the Prince of Orange. That union was much desired by the regent, because the Prince of Orange [259]had promised unrelenting opposition to the Princess of Wales. As soon as the Princess Charlotte, however, became aware of this, she determinately refused to see the prince again; and we well know that the Duchess of Oldenburgh took every possible opportunity to press Prince Leopold upon her notice. Up to the moment of the marriage, the Princess Charlotte did not hear or know a single word about the former serious engagement of her affianced husband, except the mean and paltry report, that "he had been very voluptuous in his gratifications, and was then desirous of bidding an eternal adieu to those who had formerly led him astray!" On the other hand, Charlotte was tired of the overbearing and indiscriminate conduct of her grandmother, the queen; and therefore resolved to free herself from such restraint.

Previous to the marriage, Prince Leopold solemnly promised to fulfil every iota of the Princess Charlotte's wish, with respect to her abused and insulted mother; and further engaged, that he never would permit or allow himself to be made a party, directly or indirectly, to injure the Princess of Wales, or to prevent any correspondence between the daughter and mother, of which her royal highness the Princess Charlotte might approve. But of what signification were the promises of such a faithless man!

The former marriage of the prince was not considered by the queen a sufficient impediment to his union with her grand-daughter; and she used her [260]utmost ability to suppress any representation contrary to the interest of his serene highness. "The Augsburgh Gazettes" were, therefore, bought up at an immense expense, to save the character of this prince from public animadversion, and consequent contempt and hatred.

On the 21st of February, Prince Leopold arrived at the Clarendon Hotel. Lord Castlereagh waited upon his serene highness, and, on the following day, Sir B. Bloomfield arrived from Brighton, with the regent's command to invite the prince to the Pavilion.

Early on the ensuing morning, the prince and Sir B. Bloomfield left town for Brighton; and his serene highness was received with as much warmth and friendship by the regent as if he had been an old acquaintance, or an especial friend in iniquity!

On the 27th, the queen, accompanied by the Princess Charlotte and two of the princesses, arrived at the Pavilion, from Windsor Castle; the interview was short between Leopold and his intended bride. The family resolved that the marriage should take place as soon as possible. The royal ladies returned to Windsor, and the prince remained at Brighton with the regent.

At the time such immense sums were voted for this intended marriage and outfit, large means were also required for the support of our expensive establishments at home, which ought to have prevented any squandering of money upon foreigners, [261]for we could never consider Prince Leopold as one of the royal family of England.

Mr. Vansittart, however, was very eloquent, in his way, in setting forth "the great, the incomparably great" station occupied by this country amongst the nations of the earth! In truth, we will tell the precise state of our then greatness. Our jails were crowded with farmers and the best of our tradesmen; our streets and roads swarmed with beggars, nearly dying from filth and want; agriculture languished, and commerce was paralyzed!

After some delay, caused by circumstances not very honourable to Prince Leopold, the marriage took place on the 2nd of May; and a very general report obtained credit that Prince Leopold pronounced his responses very tremulously, scarcely articulating his portion of the ceremony. This could hardly be wondered at, as he well knew the sacrifice of honour he was then making, and the inconstancy of his former sacred vows!

We pass over the time between the marriage and when the Princess Charlotte was declared enceinte. This occurred twice; but, after one disappointment, the accouchement was expected with all the ardour of English anticipation.

The princess had generally expressed her opinion, that mankind, in reason, policy, philosophy, and religion, were all of one great family; and hence arose her extreme aversion to the pomp and magnificence of the court. Indeed, the princess shewed herself very frequently to the public, and was so [262]free and gracious in her manners, that she appeared in a natural English character, far opposed to the German pompous style.

A circumstance of no inferior import occurred at this period, which gave suspicion to the inquiring spirit of the liberal part of the English nation. This was—the return to office of George Canning! By the Tories, the event was regarded as a last resource; by the Whigs, his accession, under royal favour, was considered a token of victory. Each party was positively assured of an undeviating principle in this gentleman's character; but each one had to learn that the opinion was erroneous.

In this year, died two individuals, who had formerly been the bosom companions of royalty. One of these, Mrs. Jordan, expired on the 5th of July, near Paris, and was buried in the cemetery of St. Cloud; her body was put into a thin shell, stained black, with no ornament whatever. Mrs. Jordan had lived in Paris for some time in great privacy and poverty, under the assumed name of Mrs. James. Is not the newly-created Earl of Munster, and one or two other great personages, the issue of this unfortunate lady's singular engagement with the prince of some great nation? The other character was Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the favourite companion and devoted servant of the Prince of Wales. Let his scanty means of subsistence be remembered whenever the name of the prince regent is mentioned. Yes, reader, the man who had devoted his highly-improved and naturally-eloquent abilities to [263]the cause of this regent was permitted to die in the course of an arrest!

The sorrows and disappointments which Mrs. Jordan underwent in this world were of the most agonizing description. Oh! why is it tolerated that royalty should be allowed to exercise the prerogative of inflicting the deepest wounds without the possibility of the injured party ever receiving redress? Is it not contrary to all laws, both human and divine, to suppose "the king can do no wrong?" If a prince commit an act of injustice, ought he not to be equally amenable with the peasant to the laws of his country? We think so, and hope to see the day when the whole world will acknowledge its justness, and act upon its principle.

Upon the retrospect of Mr. Sheridan's life, we are forcibly struck by the ingratitude practised towards him by his royal master. The vices he had contracted were the results of his acquaintance with this "all-accomplished prince," and during the period of his successive debaucheries with him, he frequently added his name to notes of hand, upon sight, or at a longer date, for the prince's extravagancies, or to meet any demand that might be required upon a run of ill luck at the gaming-table. Even the debt for which he was arrested was contracted under the last-mentioned circumstances, and had been paid by a note given solely for the regent's use by this unfortunate courtier. As soon as the country became informed of the unkindness Sheridan had experienced, they saw the character of the prince in its true light, [264]forming their opinions from FACTS only, and not from the sophistical meaning given to his actions by the absolute prince himself, or by the parasites in his service. Honest men could not help grieving at the reflection, that the money produced by their labour, and even at the expense of depriving their families of comforts, was being squandered away at gambling-tables, upon unworthy characters, and in unwarrantable undertakings. The indignation caused by the base treatment of Mrs. Jordan and Sheridan manifested itself in several publications of the day, and many facts were elicited relative to these two unfortunate individuals; indeed, there was scarcely a subject in the realm, at all acquainted with their shameful desertion, who did not indulge in some bold expression of disgust and abhorrence at the disgraceful conduct of certain illustrious individuals, as being the causes of their multiplied sorrows and sufferings.

There was a time when monarchs and peers would have lived on the meanest food, merely sufficient to sustain human nature, in order to discharge the debts of a faithful servant; and it is well known, that, to reduce the pressure of taxation or impost upon the poorer classes of society, a certain sovereign even pawned his jewels! But, alas! this reign and regency did not present such an endearing feature to the nation; on the contrary, "the regent of blessed memory" would rather have pawned his subjects than have relaxed in his extravagant pleasures!

The marriage of the Princess Mary with her cousin [265]the Duke of Gloucester took place in July, and gave "general satisfaction;" though his royal highness never benefitted the people in any other way than honouring them by accepting their bounty!

About this time, a considerable sensation was produced by the re-appearance of Mrs. Fitzherbert in the gay circles of fashion. The public journals noticed such an unexpected circumstance with timid expression, and professed that delicacy prevented any explanatory remarks! Ignorance and Avarice were more probably the obstacles in the way; but it would have better become writers, who pretended to patriotism and independence of character, to have stated unhesitatingly what they did know of the intentions of the royal plotters; they certainly might have paid a fine, or endured some imprisonment for speaking the truth; yet he who faulters when his country's weal is at stake is unworthy the name of—- Briton!

The regent appeared now more determined than ever to procure a divorce from the Princess of Wales, and the means how this might be accomplished were put in active preparation. All the ungenerous and mean expedients hitherto used had been unavailing to produce the desired end. Spies had not succeeded, and a bolder invention had therefore become necessary. At the various courts connected with the "Holy Alliance," the princess had received very little attention; but in every circle where her royal highness appeared, which was uninfluenced by [266]the crown, she was received rapturously, and treated most respectfully.

Previous to the conclusion of this year, a naval captain was offered ten thousand pounds if he could, by any stratagem, obtain PROOF of adulterous intercourse between the princess and any person of rank whatever. The personage who made this offer is NOW ALIVE, and if this statement of simple truth meet his eye, surely the blush of shame will die his hardened cheek.

The Baron Ompteda was also employed in this foul and diabolical plot, and, as a reward for his services, he has received a sufficiency from the hard-earned money of the tax-payers of this kingdom. We suggest that it had been quite in character to have presented the same in a purse, with "THE REWARD OF VILLANY" inscribed upon it.

We will here lay before our readers a plain statement of facts, relative to the persecutions which the unfortunate Princess of Wales endured abroad, and which is extracted from an original letter now in our possession:

"For some days past, there have been inserted in several of the papers various pretended extracts of letters from Milan, Munich, and other places, respecting the Princess of Wales, and giving a most erroneous statement of an affair that occurred some months since in her royal highness' family. You may depend upon the following, as being an authentic narrative of the transaction alluded to. An [267]Hanoverian baron was observed to follow the princess' route wherever she went. He was always received by her royal highness with the attentions due to his rank. On the princess' return to Milan from her long voyage, the baron was still there, and paid his respects to her royal highness as usual; but reports having come to the ears of her household, that the baron had made use of expressions in society highly injurious to her royal highness, one of the gentlemen in her suite, an English officer, sent the baron a challenge, and this conveyed, in terms too plain and unequivocal to be misconstrued, that he accused him of 'a most infamous and unmanly return for the kindnesses he had received from her royal highness,' and called upon him to 'meet him at eight o'clock the next morning at Bartassima, (half way between Milan and Como) there to answer for this sacred charge against his honour as a gentleman and a man, who had ever received the most marked hospitality at the hands of the princess, and who had committed the greatest act of hostility against the very first of virtues.'

"This challenge was delivered to the baron by the hands of the Baron Cavalotti, a friend of the English officer. The answer to this direct challenge was an attempt to explain away the charge imputed to him; but an acceptance of the challenge, claiming his right to the choice of weapons, and saying that he would fight in Switzerland, but that his intended second was absent; in two days he would send him to settle the time and place.

[268]"Just at this period, a discharged servant of her royal highness wrote a letter to the chief magistrate of Como, saying that his conscience touched him, and that he was desirous of making a confession of the part he had acted in a treacherous confederacy with the Hanoverian, in whose pay he had been for the preceding ten months, to disclose to him every transaction of the household, to procure false keys to her royal highness' apartments and drawers, &c. &c. This was made known to her royal highness. She treated all that he could have obtained by such insidious means with contempt; and actually took the footman, who had thus acted as a spy upon her actions, again into her service, on his imploring her pardon; but another accomplice was delivered over to the police, to be tried and punished.

"The very next day after this discovery, her royal highness gave a grand entertainment, at which the Governor of Milan and all the principal nobility were present. When the princess communicated the whole affair to the governor, he expressed his indignation at the scandalous conduct, and having learnt that a challenge had passed from one of her gentlemen to the baron, said that certainly that person was unworthy to be treated as a gentleman. The Hanoverian knew nothing of all this; but, according to his promise, sent Count Cantenogh, one of the chamberlains to the Austrian Emperor, to Como, who, having met the British officer, said he was not much acquainted with the Hanoverian who had requested him to be his second in an affair of honour; that he [269]was anxious to have the matter fully investigated; and trusted that, if the baron should prove his innocence of the language imputed to him, the British officer would be satisfied that he had acted hastily. But, in case he was not satisfied, he was further instructed to say, that the baron wished the meeting to be in Germany, on the confines of France, instead of Switzerland, and time could not be convenient to him sooner than three weeks, a month, or more, from that time, as he had to go to Hanover to settle his affairs in the interim. The Englishman then related to Count Cantenogh the disclosures that had been made the day before, and submitted to him whether such behaviour did not render his principal unworthy the support of a man of honour, or to be met as a gentleman. The count declared that he could not be the second of such a person; that he must justify himself from this infamous charge, or choose another friend. With this, the count returned to Milan, and a message was soon after delivered to her royal highness, from the governor, to say that the Hanoverian baron had received orders to quit the Austrian dominions, which he had accordingly done.