On the 18th December, 1841, Varnhagen writes in his diary: “I heard
to-day the quite incredulous, mysteriously-whispered story, that the
King would go to England for the baptism of the Prince of Wales; that it
had been agreed upon quite secretly, and that this flattering
communication had contributed a great deal to make Bunsen’s appointment
as Ambassador agreeable to the Court of St. James. The latter part of
the story makes me suspect the truth of the whole. This is by no means
the real diplomatic state of things. Should, however, the journey have
been decided upon, or even only be under discussion, there can be no
doubt that Bunsen had a hand in it; and then important events would
result therefrom, and very dangerous events, too, in my opinion. A near
alliance with England would in itself be hazardous; but to enter into
close connexion with the Anglican Church and the Tories, sure ruin! And
all Prussia, all Germany, all Europe would take it for granted that such
a connexion was really established, even if it were not; and the
supposition alone would damage us in a thousand ways; the king would
lose more in the loyal attachment of his subjects than he can now
afford. I hope the whole story will turn out a fable. Humboldt says the
spirit of discontent, which he calls the howling mania, has largely
increased here. When he left, a few were howling; but now they all howl.
His sharp and witty remarks are really refreshing in our spiritless
society.”
Before his departure for England Humboldt called on Varnhagen to take
leave. On this occasion the following entry was made in the diary, on
the 14th of January, 1842: “Humboldt called to take leave,—he starts
to-morrow night. He came from Count Maltzan’s of whose life but little
hope is left to-day. ‘His death will bring Canitz here—not Buelow’, said
Humboldt dolefully. I comforted him with the suggestion, that Canitz too
might be dropped, ‘And whose turn would it then be?’ ‘Bunsen’s.’ ‘That
would be too frightful! But as it is, he accompanies the King on his
return. That is already decided upon.’ Humboldt dislikes Canitz and
cannot understand how I am not more afraid of him—of this
arch-aristocratic, utterly bigoted—(and consequently preposterous, nay,
stupid)—fanatically anti-French Canitz, with his malicious and vulgar
sneers. ‘But then you are a Tory yourself!’ he added. ‘As to that,’ I
replied, ‘that is still somewhat doubtful—but as for Canitz, he is
honest, strict, and straightforward; he will do much, and as for the
rest, business and circumstances will control him.’”
After Humboldt’s return, Varnhagen writes on the 24th of February, in
his diary: “Humboldt gave me some very interesting descriptions of
England. At court the greatest magnificence; the mode of living,
however, plain and easy; conversation unrestrained; the tone very
pleasant and cheerful, even between gentlemen and ladies of adverse
parties. Peel pleases him as little as ever; looks like a Dutchman; is
more vain than ambitious, and narrow in his views. Lord Aberdeen is
invincibly taciturn, without being able to convince people that his
taciturnity covers anything worth saying. Bunsen has shown the greatest
want of tact; every one is against him, except the King, who likes him
better than ever.” The whole visit of the King was an intrigue of
Bunsen, and was so understood even by Englishmen.
“Our affairs here are the subject of much conjecture. As minister of
foreign affairs the pious Arnim will, for the present, be recalled from
Brussels; at some later day Canitz will be appointed,—or Bunsen, say I.
Count Alvensleben is to go to Vienna; Radowitz first to Carlsruhe, until
the embassy to the German Diet become vacant. Perhaps there is hardly
courage enough as yet to take Bunsen and remove Buelow. Every month,
however, every week must improve the courage, and then both these
appointments will be done. There is no hope that Maltzan can recover;
the better days have again been followed by the worse, and light gives
way to renewed darkness. Sad state of things.”
62.
HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.
BERLIN, MONDAY, _28th February, 1842_.