THE PRINCESS’S BIRTHDAY—SUSPECTED INTRIGUES—LETTER TO THE QUEEN—THE YEAR
1815—JOURNAL CONTINUED.
ON Princess Charlotte’s birthday, 7th January, 1815, I wrote to Princess
Mary,[7] enclosing a few lines for Princess Charlotte, merely to express
my sentiments on the day. Princess Mary answered that the Prince had
desired that his sisters should not deliver any letter or message to his
daughter, but that when she had an opportunity she would ask his leave.
I have heard nothing more of it, and I am now writing on the 24th
February. Miss Mercer Elphinstone has been allowed to visit Princess
Charlotte since her return from Cranbourne, and is in constant and
undisturbed correspondence with her. I am told she continues to be very
intimate with the Russian Ambassadress, Madame de Lieven,[8] and most
people think the latter a great intriguante, whether truly or not I
cannot say. Miss M. is also accused by many of playing a double part. I
believe her to be desirous of governing Princess Charlotte without a
rival, but I cannot think she would deal treacherously by her, though
she may not be aware of the use made of her by her uncle, Mr. Adam, who
is the Prince’s Chancellor for the Duchy of Cornwall, and is supposed to
be devoted to the Duke of York. Miss Mercer is in her politics strongly
attached to the Opposition, and very intimate with many of them. The
motion made by the Duke of Sussex (or rather, I should say, announced,
for by the advice of Lord Grey he withdrew it), relative to an inquiry
into the measures pursued with respect to Princess Charlotte, was
disapproved by many of the Opposition[9] as well as Ministers, but His
Royal Highness gives as a reason for it, his wish to clear his
character. It is supposed that Mr. Brougham was sent to meet Lord Grey
on the road to persuade him to give the advice he did to the Duke of
Sussex. All this involves matters in much mystery, and naturally raises
suspicion in the minds of many; but it is to be remembered that Miss
Mercer is an heiress, and very clever, and will, therefore, always
excite jealousy. Time alone can show what her real intentions are, and
consequently what her real conduct has been.
Lady Downshire, whose intimacy with the Prince Regent ceased when he
left his old associates for the present Ministry, has been particularly
kind to me since I left Warwick House, and very anxious about Princess
Charlotte. Another affair has interested her warmly, the dismissal of
twenty-five officers of the Prince’s own regiment of Hussars (the 10th),
for their complaint against Colonel Quentin. Lord Arthur Hill being one
of these, it was natural that his mother should feel it acutely, and
Colonel Palmer (who was obliged to be the prosecutor, and who had
already suffered great anxiety on account of his father’s affair, which
the Regent first patronised warmly, and afterwards opposed) is not only
her friend, but also a protégé of Lord St. Vincent and Lord Moira.
Peace with America (at least, the preliminaries) was signed at Ghent in
the beginning of January, I think, and there was much talk of a change
of Ministers. I came to Rochetts on the 23rd January, and soon after
heard of Colonel Quentin challenging Colonel Palmer at Paris. The
friends of the latter had heard of this intention some time before he
did, as he was gone to Bordeaux to see an estate he had bought in that
neighbourhood, and they advised Colonel Palmer not to accept the
challenge. However, he did, but would not cock his pistol till Quentin
had fired at him and missed, when he did, and fired it into the air.
After his return he went and spent a day and night at Rochetts.
Parliament met on the 9th February, but the Prince did not arrive till
the Monday following.
I wrote to inquire about the time of payment of my pension, when I heard
of it from Lord Liverpool the last time I was at Rochetts. I was advised
by Lord St. Vincent to explain to Lord Liverpool how inadequate it was
as a compensation to what I had with the Queen, as, besides the 300_l._
a year, I had apartments, &c. I saw Lord Liverpool on this subject, and
showed him letters which contained great promises: but nothing more was
done, and I am tired of the subject, being at the same time truly
thankful to Providence that I am in the situation in which I am. I have
received for answer to my last inquiries, that it is dated 28th October,
and that the first quarter will not be paid for some time.
Princess Charlotte finds means of writing to me when she can; and her
letters are always kind and confidential, but we are obliged to keep
this correspondence secret.
Lord St. Vincent, though kindly anxious to keep me here, is of opinion
that when I go to town I ought to go to the drawing-room, and mix in
society as much as possible, that I may not have the appearance of
shunning public observation. The very kind attentions of all my friends,
and of many who were before only common acquaintance, facilitate this
plan; and I have also received the most friendly invitations from my
friends in France, and very gracious messages from the Duchess
d’Angoulême.
[In consequence of this suggestion, the following letter was addressed
to Queen Charlotte:]
MISS KNIGHT TO THE QUEEN.
4th March, 1815.
MADAM,—Since I had the misfortune of losing your Majesty’s favour,
it has been my earnest wish not to increase the displeasure I
incurred. I therefore take the liberty of once more addressing your
Majesty, as I am greatly embarrassed on a point which no other human
being can settle agreeably to my feelings.
I understand your Majesty intends holding a drawing-room next
Thursday,[10] and respect as well as inclination prompt me to appear
at it; but I know not whether this would be construed as an act of
respect or of presumption. Rather than incur the suspicion of the
latter, I am willing to relinquish an intention, which, in the
opinion of all my friends, I ought to fulfil; rather than offend
your Majesty, I would abstain from it at the risk of satisfying the
malevolent, who might attribute my absence to a consciousness of not
having done my duty at Warwick House, although, in answer to my
urgent solicitation on the subject, the Prince Regent, when he
dismissed me, never brought forward any accusation; and although my
own conscience acquits me of all design or even thought incompatible
with my dutiful respect for his Royal Highness. This my friends
feel, and it is one of the reasons why they wish me to appear; but
the attachment I must ever feel for your Majesty will not allow me
to intrude myself into your Majesty’s presence without knowing that
I am right in so doing.
I do not presume to expect an answer; but, should your Majesty,
unfortunately for me, disapprove my joining the crowd to pay my
respects, I humbly entreat Madame Beckersdorff may be allowed to
inform me.
E. C. K.
[The following extracts from Miss Knight’s journals continue the record
of the eventful year 1815:]
Feb. 27th.—Returned to town from Rochetts. The weather beautiful. On the
way saw the walls in various places chalked with invectives against the
Corn Bill.[11]
Received a letter from ——,[12] contradicting the reports in the _Morning
Chronicle_ respecting his supposed marriage. It came enclosed in one to
the Duke of Sussex, which he sent me to read, and it was to the same
effect, declaring the story to be absolutely false, and without
foundation.
I went at half-past three to Lady Downshire’s, where I met the Duke,
and heard that the Princess of Wales had written to Lord Liverpool to
ask for a frigate to bring her home, but had been refused by the
Prince, saying there were none disposable.[13] Dined at Prince
Castelcicala’s.[14] At ten he and his youngest son set off for Paris,
whither he is ordered to go on an important mission for his own Court.
28th.—Saw Dr. Baird and Mrs. Balfour, who was an intimate friend of poor
Lady Day. Afterwards walked to Weymouth-street, to inquire after Mrs. C.
B. Egerton’s little girl, who is dangerously ill; only saw the General.
Called on Miss Mercer Elphinstone, who said she had been at Cranbourne,
and that Princess Charlotte was to come to the drawing-room on the 9th,
but that she had been suffering with bad headaches.
March 1st.—I called in the evening on Lady Aylesbury, Lady Neave, &c.
The people are discontented with the Corn Bill, and write horrid things
on the wall, such as “Bread or blood,” “More Bellinghams,” “Bread, or
else the Regent’s head.” It is, however, said, and I believe with truth,
that the Regent is against the bill. There was a sort of riot yesterday
in the Borough,[15] and the Horse Guards were sent to quell it. I dined
with Princess Castelcicala, and met Count Woronzow there in the evening.
He said Lord Castlereagh would be at Paris on the 3rd.
In the evening I went to Lady Charleville’s, where two Spaniards, one
named Rosquillos, and Naldi’s daughter sang. There was a large party,
though, I believe, not what is called large in London. Very good
company. Mrs. Perceval,[16] now Lady Carr, was there, looking gay and
handsome, and followed by some of her daughters.
Thursday and Friday I spent chiefly with poor Mrs. C. B. Egerton, whose
little girl died this week, and on the second of those days I heard from
Princess Charlotte, who informed me of Cranbourne Lodge having been
given to her “en propriété,” and of the intention of Ministers to give
her 8000_l._ a year on the Civil List, for her Windsor expenses and
“menus plaisirs,” at her own disposal. She believes she is to come to
town for a day or two whenever anything is going forward, and to be on
those occasions at Carlton House until Warwick House is converted into a
wing of that building. She mentions the Queen being gracious, and even
affectionate to her, and says her Majesty has in a late transaction
stood forward fairly and humanely as her friend. She complains of
headaches, but says she occupies herself as much as possible to abstract
her mind from its cares. Her letter is expressive of much considerate
tenderness towards me, and some of her friends and dependents.
I called and left a box of trinkets (belonging to her Royal Highness,
which was in my possession) at Miss Mercer Elphinstone’s, who had given
me a message from Princess Charlotte to desire I would send it by her.
The drawing-room was announced for the 9th, but it is postponed,
probably on account of the discontent of the people with respect to the
Corn Bill.[17]
The Duke of Sussex sent me word that he had a message from Princess
Charlotte, to say that she had been desired by her father to write to
her mother that she would never see her more, but had declined it. It is
said the Princess of Wales will return in May.
March 4th.—I made several visits in the evening, and heard much of the
discontent about the price of bread. I also heard that the paper sent to
Congress by the Prince of Benevento (Talleyrand), was the best state
paper which had been seen for ages. It has restored great part of Saxony
to the King of that country, and it is thought may have a good effect
with respect to the recovery of the kingdom of Naples, two hundred
thousand men restlessly anxious to be employed on any service forming
the great argument which France can easily urge. In the evening I went
to Mrs. Egerton’s, to a party at Lady Neave’s (which she gave in honour
of the return of Lady Sarah and Mr. Lyttleton), and to Lady Downshire’s
box at the Opera, just in time for the ballet “Le Prince
Troubadour.”[18] The dancers are said not to be better than figurantes
at Paris, but Mademoiselle Mélanie is certainly graceful in many of her
attitudes, and Madame Leon is a pretty little figure. Vestris, father
and son, are of the number.
5th.—I dined at Lady Downshire’s, and Lord and Lady Aylesbury came in
the evening. I heard that Lord Proby intends to move for the reformation
of courts-martial. Lord Castlereagh arrived yesterday from Vienna _viâ_
Paris. The discontent about the Corn Bill continues.
6th.—I walked out in the evening, but heard nothing particular. I dined
with Miss Tisdall[19] and her brother, and passed the evening with Lady
Aylesbury, where I heard much, as I had likewise at dinner, of the mob,
which had been attacking houses[20] in different parts of the town, on
account of the Corn Bill. A loaf steeped in blood had been placed on
Carlton wall. The Horse Guards were out all day. I heard from Mr. ——,
who has lately returned from Brussels, that the Flemings by no means
like the Dutch—rather despise them; that the nobility and commonalty are
for their old government, and the middle class for the French; that the
Prince of the Netherlands has only been able to get together an army of
five thousand Dutch, and must trust entirely to English and Hanoverians,
who, in fact, command the country; that the only thing which reconciles
the Flemings to the business is the prospect of having a Court of their
own, and that they are, therefore, still looking forward to the marriage
of the Princess Charlotte. The Sovereign, they hear, is to divide his
time between the Hague and Brussels, and the Hereditary Prince to live
constantly at the latter place. He is good humoured and civil, but has
no dignity. When the Flemings come in with proper etiquette, and stand
near the door, they are surprised to see his English aides-de-camp run
up to him and slap him on the back—all but Lord March, who preserves his
good breeding. The Hereditary Prince at first took no notice of any but
English, which offended the people of the country. He now invites two or
three of them every day to dine with him, but he is evidently partial to
the English. He has a bad cook, and his dinners are dull.
7th.—The riots still continue. My servant tells me he has just come from
Old Burlington-street, where they are pulling up the iron rails before a
house which he heard was that of the Chancellor’s private secretary, but
which was Mr. Robinson’s,[21] and they were only finishing the work they
began last night. In the evening they knocked at Prince Castelcicala’s
door, where I dined, and asked who lived there, inquiring for some
person whose name I could not learn. They went away quietly after this;
but I have since heard they did much mischief to a house in
Harley-street, and to Lord Bathurst’s, in Mansfield-street. The Horse
Guards are on constant duty, and I hear the 16th Light Dragoons are
ordered into town from Hounslow.
8th.—I heard that Lord Uxbridge has the command of the military
force,[22] which increases hourly, but does not seem to prevent the
people from doing what they like. Two persons were, however, killed at
Mr. Robinson’s by officers, as it is said, firing from the house: one, a
young midshipman, lies to be owned. In the evening, about eight, I went
to Weymouth-street, to Mrs. Egerton’s, and met with no mob going or
coming from thence to Lady Charleville’s, in Piccadilly, where, however,
the party was rather small, many being afraid to venture out, and others
uneasy on account of their relations or friends in America, despatches
having been received from thence with an account of the failure of Sir
Alexander Cochrane and Sir Edward Pakenham’s expedition,[23] the death
of Sir Edward, and that of General Sir Samuel Gibbs, with great loss of
officers and men. Mrs. Egerton had happily received intelligence from
Sir John Malcolm, that her brother, Sir Thomas Troubridge, was safe, and
that he had distinguished himself on shore, where, following the steps
of his father, he had fought with the land forces. Sir Pulteney Malcolm,
Sir John’s brother, being second in command of the fleet, wrote this
home to him. When I returned home, I heard that the people had broken
the windows of Mr. Ponsonby,[24] in Curzon-street, and had apologised
for breaking one window by mistake in the adjoining house. Lord Yarmouth
had a strong guard of soldiers to prevent anything happening where he
lives, at no great distance from Mr. Ponsonby’s. I saw written on the
walls on Tuesday, “Guy Faux for ever!”
9th.—I saw Dr. F., who brought me a message from the Duke of Sussex, to
say that he heard Princess Charlotte had been prevailed on to write a
letter to her mother, but not one so strong as was wished, and that it
had, therefore, not given satisfaction at Carlton House. I went out to
call on Lady Aylesbury, the Duchess of Leeds, and a few others, and came
home round by the Park, but did not meet any rioters. I dined at Baron
Montalembert’s, where I met the French Ambassador, Count de la Châtre, a
worthy old nobleman, who had been for many years serving his master
faithfully, though secretly, in that capacity at our Court, and was,
therefore, justly placed in the ostensible situation, with a salary of
10,000_l._ a year, as soon as Louis XVIII. recovered his throne, in
preference to others of more weight and of more brilliant talents. He
had been introduced to me one evening at Carlton House by the Count de
Blacas. M. and Madame de Rayneval also dined there; a Colonel Murphy, a
Spaniard of an Irish family; and a Mr. Cheverix, a celebrated chemist.
Rayneval is a young man of great talents; he was secretary to
Caulincourt[25] in Russia, where he married a modest and amiable Polish
lady. Previous to this he was secretary of embassy and chargé d’affaires
at Lisbon, when Lord St. Vincent was there in 1806, and though attached
to the French Government of that time, acted always in an honourable
manner. He is now one of the secretaries of embassy and consul-general.
In the evening there was a very good party, and a man named
Kalkbrenner[26] played very finely on the pianoforte. Baron Montalembert
and M. de Rayneval sang an Italian and a French duet. They are both
excellent musicians, and sing particularly well. I saw no riot in the
streets, going or coming, but met many soldiers, and all night I heard
the trampling of cavalry. The 10th Hussars, as well as several other
regiments, are come to guard the metropolis. Madame de Lieven told me
Miss Mercer Elphinstone returned this morning from Cranbourne, where she
had been staying some days. She left Princess Charlotte by no means
well.
10th.—I saw Lady Cardigan, Miss Rainsford, Mrs. Anderson, and others.
Reports are spread of coalheavers coming in large bodies to town, of
Bonaparte having escaped from the island of Elba[27] with eleven hundred
followers, and going to the south of France, with other alarming
stories, for which there is probably no foundation. London is full of
soldiers. The depôt is in Manchester-square, and Bedford-square[28]
looks like a “place d’armes.” People are so full of these riots that
very little mention is made of the failure at New Orleans.
11th.—The account of Bonaparte landing at Frejus is confirmed; and it is
added that he has been joined by Masséna and Augereau, but the only
official intelligence is his landing. The King has published an edict
declaring him a traitor and a rebel,[29] and the Duke de Berri and the
Duke d’Orleans are gone against him.
12th.—It appears that Bonaparte landed at Cannes, near Antibes, and that
he has not been joined by any one; that the great towns have shown the
most loyal spirit; and that Masséna has written a letter to Paris in the
same sense; that Bonaparte is now (or was when the last accounts came
away) taking the road of Digny and Gap in Haut Dauphiné. The King of
France has written a very satisfactory letter to the Regent. I dined at
Lady Downshire’s, where I met the Macclesfields, Talbots, and some more,
all of whom seemed to be of opinion that Bonaparte’s invasion was not to
be considered of serious consequence.
13th.—I called on Lady Louisa Stuart, and dined early at Mr. Hallam’s,
after which we went to Drury Lane Theatre, to see the performance of
“Richard the Second,” a play which has just been revived after not
having been acted for a hundred years. Kean[30] is greatly admired, but
his figure and voice are so bad that his mode of speaking and
gesticulations suffer considerable disadvantage.
He is, however, a great actor: in all sarcastic and bitter passages very
great; never pleasing, though undoubtedly sometimes affecting. But this
might be owing to the play itself, which unquestionably has in it some
heartrending passages to excite compassion in favour of the frivolous,
insolent Richard. The genius of Shakspeare is peculiarly manifest in the
change of sentiment you cannot fail experiencing between the first and
last act of this extraordinary drama. It has been altered so as to
terminate with something like a dénouement, making the Queen and
Bolingbroke come and lament over the dead Richard, which does very well
for the gallery, but does not coincide with history or Shakspeare’s
delineation of character. Mrs. Bartley, formerly Miss Smith, ranted the
Queen, and is rather a fine-looking woman. Many passages allusive to
present times seemed to be spoken with peculiar emphasis, and _silence_
was vociferated on these occasions.
The accounts from France are more alarming. Bonaparte was telegraphed as
approaching Lyons, and it was supposed he entered that city on the 11th.
14th.—It is said that Bonaparte professes no desire to trouble the
lawful heir of the crown of France, but claims his rights and those of
his wife and son. Reports are in town of the Marshals Soult and Marmont
being assassinated, and of an insurrection at Paris, but it is difficult
to obtain certain intelligence from them. The King received the
ambassadors and foreigners on the 7th with his usual propriety;
remarked[31] that they saw him suffering, but that it was with the gout,
and that they might inform their respective Courts that he hoped that
the peace of Europe would not be disturbed. Lord Arthur Hill was at this
levee, and has, as well as others, written it home. I dined at Princess
Castelcicala’s, who had been making diligent inquiries into the story of
the _Moniteur_ said to be arrived with a telegraphic account of
Bonaparte having reached Bourgoin, and being expected at Lyons, but
could not find any one who had seen this _Moniteur_.
15th.—Baroness Montalembert called with Mrs. C. B. Egerton. She had been
at the Foreign-office, and found more _Moniteurs_ of the 11th were
arrived, and of course the vicinity of Bonaparte to Lyons confirmed.
Rayneval says the game is up, but Montalembert is going to fight for his
King. At the public offices the business is considered in as bad a light
as possible. Reports are spread of our cruisers being bribed, &c. &c. I
dined at General Egerton’s, where I met Mr. and Mrs. Philip Egerton, and
Captain Finlay, who commanded the _Harrier_, and brought to the Cape, in
1807, the fatal news of the storm in which the _Blenheim_ and _Java_
disappeared.
The French Ambassador had received no despatches from Paris. In a second
edition of the _Courier_ the intelligence contained in the _Moniteur_
appeared.
16th.—The accounts from Paris are very bad. Monsieur was well received
at Lyons, and the troops promised to stand by him; but the next day,
when they were ordered to march, they refused to a man, saying, they
wished no harm to Monsieur, and would not do him any, but they would not
march against their former general. Monsieur left Lyons, but stopped on
the road for orders from the King. The Duke of Orleans returned to
Paris, saw the King, and set off again for Lyons. Soult is discovered to
be a traitor, and the King has appointed General Clarke[32] in his
stead.
There has been no insurrection at Paris. Plays and operas go on as
usual; but it is said Bonaparte will be there on the 17th. The King has
declared he will not leave Paris while there is a hope of the troops
fighting, and if they will not, he will retire with his family to the
Netherlands. The Duke de Berri will stay to the last moment; five
hundred English are arrived at Dover, or waiting for a passage from
Calais. The Duchess of Wellington, Lord Arthur Hill, and Colonel Roberts
were amongst the first. I dined at Mrs. Green’s, Bedford-place, where
Mr. Gipps, Member for Ripon, arrived from the House, and said Lord
Castlereagh’s language was warlike. He had heard Macdonald, Augereau,
and some others had declared for the King.
17th.—Received a note from Princess Castelcicala to say that her son is
arrived in England with the Duchess de Blacas, who is near her
confinement, and the news is very bad. Prince Castelcicala still remains
at Paris. I went to Lady Rolle’s, who is just arrived from Devonshire,
and seems to have left much discontent there with respect to the Corn
Bill. Afterwards I called on Princess Castelcicala. M. de Joinville came
from the French Ambassador’s. He said Bonaparte was not at Paris on the
14th, but that the troops all went over to him. The generals are few of
them in his favour.
18th.—At nine, Prince Castelcicala arrived, having conducted the Duchess
d’Orleans and her children safely to Dover. I went out with Lady
Aylesbury, who had been with Madame de Blacas. She said Soult had not
been dismissed, but had resigned, as it was not known whether he was a
traitor or not. She seemed rather to think he was not. When I came home
I saw Charles Ruffo and the Abbé de Longuemain, his tutor, who told me
that Prince Castelcicala had his audience on Sunday, and that as he went
to Court the people cried “Vive le Roi!” “Vive le Souverain légitime de
Naples!” Only one man cried “Vive l’Empereur!” and was taken by the
collar and thrown out of the crowd. Affairs do not appear to be as
desperate as they were represented. Madame de Talleyrand (Princess de
Benevento) and Madame Moreau are arrived in England. The latter is said
to be engaged to Marshal Macdonald. He appears to be very zealous in the
royal cause.
19th.—The accounts from France are serious, but certainly have a better
complexion than they had. Marshal Ney is said to be on his march to meet
Bonaparte, and a battle is expected. Much will depend on the event of
it.
20th.—Various reports of an engagement in France, but without official
authority. The only certain news seemed to be that Bonaparte was
advancing without interruption. I dined at Mr. Hallam’s. Mr. W. Spenser,
the poet; M. de Pfeffel, the Bavarian Minister, and his secretary of
embassy, were among the company.
21st.—No certain accounts from France. I dined at Lord Rolle’s. In the
evening had two letters from Princess Charlotte, who has had great
worries, but the Orange business is at last really given up; she
corresponds with her father, who seems to have something in view which
will please all parties. I may be sure she will do for the best. Very
amiable in her anxiety about the Royal Family of France, and in her wish
that they should be informed of it if possible.
22nd.—I called on Lady Ashbrook, and made other visits. She was very
sad. Bonaparte near if not in Paris. I dined at Prince Castelcicala’s,
and was at Lady Charleville’s in the evening. The Colonel had just heard
that the King had left Paris, but did not think he would come to
England. The Duchess of Orleans, with her four children and their
governor, and the Countess de Visac, is at the hotel at Dover. The
Regent offered her the Castle, which she declined, and also excused
herself from receiving his visit and that of the Duke of Kent. Yesterday
Lord Cochrane walked into the House of Commons and took his seat there,
whence he was _carried_[33] back to prison in the King’s Bench. Lady
Castlereagh said the news from Paris was not official.
23rd.—The papers say Bonaparte entered Paris without the slightest
obstacle on the 20th;[34] that the King had left it the day before, and
slept at Abbeville on the 21st, on his way to Calais.
24th (Good Friday).—Princess Castelcicala wrote me that no certain news
had been received of Bonaparte’s being at Paris; that the King had
certainly left that city, but that he was not coming to England; and
that the accounts, though bad enough, were not so desperate as the
papers represented them; that the Duchess of Orleans had not heard from
her husband, and would probably come to Town; that the Princes were
dispersed, and were gone to their armies, and that more news was
expected.
25th.—Everybody fearful of a new war, for which great preparations seem
to be making by sea and land. The common people sadly discontented, and
very seditious in their expressions. In the evening I received a note
from Lady Mary Hill to say that they had seen the Duke de Sérent in good
spirits; that the King of France would remain at Lille; that the Duke
d’Angoulême was going about collecting troops, and that La Vendée was
favourably disposed towards the Royal cause.
26th (Easter Sunday).—I dined at Lord Rolle’s. He had been at White’s,
and brought very bad accounts of the reports in town. It was said the
King could not remain at Lille, but was gone on to Tournay, and would go
to Mittau, in Courland, where he was before; that Mr. Bagot was gone
with him; but that Lord Fitzroy Somerset was detained at Paris. Lord
Exmouth is going off immediately to take the command of the fleet in the
Mediterranean, and arming by sea and land is the order of the day.
27th.—The papers mention Lord Fitzroy Somerset’s detention[35] at Paris,
or at least his stay there, but nothing about Tournay. I dined at Lord
Ashbrook’s; heard of the enormous tribe of people who are living at
Cranbourne Lodge, and the confused, expensive manner in which they are
going on.
26th.—Dined with Mrs. C. B. Egerton. General Egerton asked an audience
of the Duke of York, to offer his services. He was the forty-second
person who had one this morning, and seven or eight more were waiting in
the ante-room.
29th.—Dined at Prince Castelcicala’s, and went in the evening to the
Duchess of Orleans (Princess Maria Amelia of Naples). She received me
with great kindness, and appears more amiable than ever, but is very
thin, and has a dreadful cough. She has with her four children, the Duke
de Chartres, the Duke de Nemours, and the Princesses Louise and Marie.
The Count de G. is governor to the Duke, and the Countess de Visac, of
the Vintimille family, is with her. The King of France is at Ostend;
Monsieur at Namur. The Duchess d’Angoulême was at Bordeaux on the 19th,
and meaning to stay there, as it was the anxious wish of the inhabitants
that she should; but what their opinion may be when they hear of Paris
being in the hands of Bonaparte, is not known. An emigrant, who left
Paris on Easter Sunday, says that the strong manifesto published by the
Allied Sovereigns at Vienna, of which two or three copies have been
circulated at Paris, has occasioned great alarm there, and also that
Bonaparte has excited jealousy between the old Imperial Guards at Paris
and those he brought from Elba, by placing the latter, with a fine
inscription, as to the bravest of soldiers, in the Hôtel des Cent
Suisses. In the evening I saw the good old Duke de Sérent, whose
resignation, under all his misfortunes, at eighty years of age, is truly
admirable.
30th.—I heard nothing new, except that orders have been despatched to
the Transport Board for sending out stores, &c., to Ostend. M. de
Rayneval went last night to the King with letters from our Government.
When Louis XVIII. found how much the troops were disposed to join
Bonaparte, he dismissed them, saying he did not wish to commit any one;
that he was obliged to withdraw himself for the present, but hoped to
see them again. One regiment of Chasseurs fell on their knees and begged
to follow his fortunes, an offer which he accepted.
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