LONDON:
PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM HENRY STEVENSON,
13, WELLINGTON STREET, STRAND.
1832.
"TO THE READER."
The source from whence this Work proceeds will be a sufficient guarantee
for the facts it contains. A high sense of duty and honor has prompted
these details which have for many years been on the eve of publication.
It will be worthy of the perusal of THE GREAT because it will serve as a
mirror, and they who do not see themselves, or their actions reflected,
will not take offence at the _unvarnished Picture_--it may afford
real benefit to the Statesman and Politician, by the ample testimony
it gives, that when _Justice is perverted_, the most lamentable
consequences ensue; and to that class of Society whose station is more
humble, it may unfold the designing characters by whom they have so
frequently been deceived. _They only_ are competent to detail the scenes
and intrigues of _a Court_, who have been most intimately acquainted
with it, and it must at all times be acknowledged, that it is a climate
not very conducive to the growth of Virtue, not very frequently the
abode of Truth--yet although its atmosphere is so tainted, its giddy
crowd is thought enviably happy. The fallacy of such opinions is here
set forth to public view, by one who has spent much of her time in _the
interior of a Court_, and whose immediate knowledge of the then passing
events, give ability to narrate them faithfully. Many, very many, facts
are here omited, which hereafter shall appear, and there is little
doubt, but that some general good may result from an unprejudiced and
calm perusal of the subjects subjoined.
"PREFACE."
How far the law of Libel (as it now stands) may affect is best to be
ascertained by a reference to the declaration of Lord Abingdon, in 1779,
and inserted, verbatim, at page 69--1st vol. of this "Secret History."
The following Pages are intended as a benefit, not to do injury. If the
facts could not have been maintained proper methods ought to have been
adopted to have caused the most minute enquiry and investigation upon
the subject. Many an Arrow has been shot, and innumerable suspicions
entertained from what motive, and by whose hand the bow was drawn, yet
here all mystery ceases, and an open avowal is made:--Would to Heaven
for the honor of human nature that the subjoined documents were
falsehoods and calumniations invented for the purpose of maligning
character, or for personal resentments--but the unusual corroboration of
_events_, _places_, times, and persons, will not admit the probability.
In the affair of the ever lamented Death of the Princess Charlotte, the
three important Letters commencing at page 369, vol. 1st, are of
essential importance, and deserve the most grave and deliberate
enquiry--for _the first time_ they _now_ appear in print. The subjects
connected with the Royal Mother are also of deep interest. The conduct
of the English Government towards Napoleon is introduced, to give a
true and impartial view of the _reasons_ which dictated such arbitrary
and unjust measures enforced against that _Great Man_, and which will
ever remain a blot upon the British Nation. These unhandsome
derelictions from honorable conduct could alone be expressed by those
who were well informed upon _private subjects_. Respect for the
illustrious Dead has materially encouraged the inclination to give
publicity to scenes, which were as revolting in themselves as they were
_cruel_ and _most heart-rending_ to the Victims: throughout the whole,
it is quite apparent that certain Persons were obnoxious to the Ruling
Authorities, and the sequel will prove, that _the extinction_ of such
Persons was resolved upon, let the means and measures to obtain that
object be what they might. During this period we find those who had long
been opposed in Political sentiments, to all appearance perfectly
reconciled, and adhering to that party from whom they might expect the
greatest honors and advancement in the State. We need only refer as
proofs for this, to the late "Spencer Percival," and "George
Canning"--who to obtain preferment joined the confederations formed
against an unprotected Princess, and yet who previously had been the
most strenuous defenders of the same Lady's cause.--Well may it be
observed that Vanity is too powerful,
"The Seals of Office glitter in their eyes,
They leave the truth, and by their falsehoods rise."
These remarks are not intended as any disparagement to the private
characters or virtues of those statesmen whose talent was great and well
cultivated, but to establish the position which it is the object of this
work to show that Justice has not been fairly and impartially
administered when the requirement was in opposition to the Royal wish or
the administration.
Within these volumes will also be found urgent remonstrances against the
indignities offered to the people of Ireland, whose forebearance has
been great, and whose sorrows are without a parallel, and who merit the
same regard as England and Scotland.--Much is omited relative to the
private conduct of persons who occupy _high stations_, but should it be
needful, it shall be published, and all the correspondence connected
therewith. It is true much honor will not be derived from such
explanations, but they are forthcoming if requisite.
The generality of readers will not criticise severely upon _the diction_
of these prefatory remarks; they will rather have their attention turned
to the truths submitted to them, and the end in view,--_that end_ is for
the advancement of the best interests of Society--to unite more closely
each member in the bonds of friendship and amity, and to expose the
_hidden causes_ which for so long a period have been barriers to
concord, unity, and happiness
"MAY GOD DEFEND THE RIGHT."