1794,
with sorrow and indignation, as it was the commencement of an
all-important era in national affairs. The king beheld the critical
state of the empire with much sorrow and disquietude. The extravagant
and imprudent conduct of his sons also acted as a canker upon his heart.
In vain did he endeavour to represent to them, that to be worthy of
holding their rank in such a great nation, they ought to lay aside the
follies which had so long been practised by them; and as earnestly, yet
as vainly, did he press them to retire from the society of voluptuous
acquaintances, with whom he too well knew they were so deeply involved,
in various ways.
At this period of our history, we are grieved to record the tyrannical
acts of government, in apprehending a number of persons on the charge of
_treason_. Some of our readers will, doubtless, recollect the glorious
acquittal of Hardy, Tooke, and Thelwall; but there were others, less
fortunate. We would rather have been Claudius or Caligula, Nero,
Tiberius, or the _Christian_, blood-stained Constantine, than the man
who, in cold blood, could deliberately sign a warrant against those
patriotic martyrs, MUIR, SKIRVING, MARGAROT, PALMER, and GERALD, whose
only _crime_ consisted in having _SUPPORTED MR. PITT'S OWN ORIGINAL
SYSTEM OF REFORM_!
Our readers, at this distance of time, will reflect with amazement and
indignation, that on the 8th of February, 1794, the four first-named
citizens, without a moment's previous notice, were surprised in their
beds by the Newgate ruffians, chained and handcuffed like the vilest
felons, and thus conveyed to Woolwich, where they were sent on board a
transport ready to receive them. A few hours afterwards, the vessel
dropped down the river; but, during the short interval it remained at
Woolwich, all communication was cut off between them and their friends!
Even the wife of Margarot was denied admission to him! Such were the
positive orders of that illiberal and corrupt minister,--Mr. Henry
Dundas.
Let us hope that the day is for ever past when men can be thus treated
for merely giving vent to their complaints and sufferings. It is the
prerogative of affliction to complain, more sacred and natural than any
titles or immunities which _privileged_ persons enjoy! And whenever
_force_ is employed against _argument and reason_, though the contest
may be unequal, depend upon it that the cause of _TRUTH_ will
_ULTIMATELY PREVAIL_!
At this period, the Prince of Wales was involved in more than SIX
HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS, beside bonds and bills, signed by him, to a
very enormous amount; and, finding himself unable to procure any further
sums, he applied to the queen for assistance in this extremity. Her
majesty referred him to his father, and pressed him to yield to any
advice which the king might suggest, or any plan he might recommend.
A time was appointed for an interview, and the father and son entered
upon these very distressing and dishonorable transactions. After much
deliberation, the king observed, "that it was utterly impossible to ask
parliament for any relief, as it was all the minister could now do to
keep the wheels of state in motion; and, even to do that, it required
_immense loans_ to be raised, to make up the deficiency of the year's
current expenses." As a last resource, the king proposed that the prince
should MARRY, and that a lady of royal birth be selected, as agreeable
to the inclinations of the prince as possible. Upon such an event, the
minister would, no doubt, furnish means for his liberation, and a
sufficient income for the additional expenses attendant upon such an
alliance. The prince received the opinion of his father with varied
sensations, and requested time to think upon the proposition, when he
would announce the result of his cogitations.
Alas! how much are kings to be pitied! If their principles and
intentions be virtuous, what difficulties have they to surmount, what
sorrows to endure! This was a trying period for George the Third: on the
one hand, he saw the impropriety and cruelty of marriage merely for
state policy, and more particularly so in the present instance, as he
considered the prince's marriage with Mrs. Fitzherbert solemn and
binding in the sight of heaven, though certainly in direct opposition to
the _law_ of the country, which was _in operation at the time it was
solemnized_. On the other hand, it appeared that a royal marriage was an
event that would give great satisfaction to the people, and might,
perhaps, reclaim the prince from those considerable errors and obnoxious
pursuits in which he was so deeply entangled; for he associated with
some of the most unprincipled characters, of whom any person of
morality or _common decency_ would certainly have been ashamed.
Here again the gewgaw of royal parade was intended to entrap the
admiration of the ignorant. The vain pomp and pageantries of courts and
the splendour of fortune have ever been an _ignis fatuus_ to seduce the
people to their ruin. They have, alas! too often served as an useful
shelter to every excess of folly, every enormity of crime; while the
deepest distresses and the most urgent wants have not been allowed as an
extenuation for the slightest transgression, though committed to satisfy
the craving exigencies of famished nature! Had a _private_ individual
acted as this prince was about to do, would he not have become an
outcast from his family, and would not the whole world have abandoned
him? Yet, although the prince's example was ten thousand times more
contagious, all the breaches of faith of which he had been guilty
scarcely received the slightest animadversion! But so it was; common
interest united even those who were disunited by particular
discordances, and the _seeming_ harmony of the royal family may
undoubtedly be inferred to have arisen from their equal interest in the
success of the piece. Their private differences were apparently lost in
the immensity of the SECRETS by which the state chain was rivetted, as
if it were by adamant.
We must not suppose his majesty was all this time ignorant of the
situation of his nephew, the only child of his brother Edward; so far
from that being the case, he had caused him to be brought up privately,
and was regular in the discharge of the yearly expenses incurred on his
account at Eton. The queen presumed that her children were safely
seated, so long as the king's _first_ marriage should be concealed, and
therefore did not bestow many thoughts upon the happiness or misery,
fortune or misfortune, life or death, of this MUCH-INJURED YOUTH! Does
not nature revolt at this barbarity, this secret unfeeling conduct of
the queen? What mother could know a similar case, and not afford all the
generous tenderness of sympathy to mitigate the losses this _orphan_ had
sustained, not only of fortune, but of the fostering care of both his
parents?
The complicated wickedness of the court seemed now nearly approaching
its climax. Deception had been added to deception, until, to complete
the delusion, another victim must necessarily be added, in the person of
the Princess Caroline of Brunswick!
After conferences with Mrs. Fitzherbert, the queen, and a few others,
closely interested in the affair, had taken place, the prince acquainted
his father with his submission to the royal will, and requested to know
whom his majesty would recommend for his bride. The king suggested his
niece, the daughter of his sister, the Duchess of Brunswick, for whose
acceptance he urged the prince to send his miniature, and other
formalities, usual on such occasions. _The prince, with apparent
vivacity, acquiesced_; but his majesty thought that his son's language
wanted sincerity.
The evening was spent in revelry and debauchery by the prince and his
companions, and his royal highness swore "I will marry the Princess of
Brunswick, which," said he, "will be no marriage at all, and desert her,
of which I will give her timely notice." The miniature was painted
_flatteringly_, and the following letter from the prince accompanied it
to his intended wife:
_Copy of a letter written to the Princess Caroline of Brunswick, by
George Prince of Wales._
"1794.
"MADAM,
"The king my father, whom I highly respect and esteem, has just
announced to me that your hand is destined for me. I am obliged, by the
imperious force of circumstances to own, that this intelligence has
thrown me into despair, and my candour does not allow me to conceal my
sentiments from you. I hope that when you are acquainted with them, you
will aid me in breaking the ties which would unite us only to render us
unhappy; and which will be in your power to oppose, since _I_ am unable
to do so. You, Madam, are adored by your parents; I am aware that they
have allowed you the liberty of refusing all the princes who have been
proposed to you in marriage; refuse _me_ also, I conjure you in the name
of pity, to which I know you are no stranger. You do not _know_ me,
Madam; you therefore can have no cause to lament my loss. Learn, then,
the _secret_ and _unhappy_ situation of the prince whom they wish you
to espouse. I cannot love you; I cannot make you happy; my heart has
long ceased to be free. She who possesses it is the only woman to whom I
could unite myself agreeably to my inclinations. _You_ would find in me
a husband who places all his affections upon another. If this _secret_,
which I name to you in _confidence_, does not cause you to reject me; if
ambition, or any other motive of which I am ignorant, cause you to
condescend to the arrangements of my family, learn that, as soon as you
shall have given an heir to the _throne, I will abandon you_, never to
meet you more in public. I will then attach myself to that lady whom I
love, and whom I will not leave. Such is, Madam, my last and irrevocable
resolution; if you are the victim of it, you will be a _willing victim_,
and you cannot accuse me of having deceived you.
"I am, Madam,
"With great truth,
"Your's sincerely,
"GEORGE P."
After reading this very curious epistle, the reader may presume that the
princess was _indiscreet_ in her acceptance of the hand of a prince who
so _boldly_ professed himself averse to the union; but the following
letters of George the Third to herself and her mother, (the king's
sister) which accompanied the one of the prince, will afford some
explanation of her conduct:
_Copy of a Letter to Caroline, Princess of Brunswick, from her uncle,
George the Third._
"1794.
"My dearest Niece Caroline,
"It has afforded me very much pleasure to hear, by the means of my son
Frederick of York, that you merit my very best regard. I have no doubt
you have frequently heard of my very great and affectionate regard for
your dear mother, my sister; and I assure you I love her daughter for
her sake. I am well persuaded that my dear niece will not refuse the
pressing request of myself and her mother with respect to an alliance
with my son George, Prince of Wales, which I earnestly desire may be
arranged to take place as speedily as possible. I promise, most solemnly
promise, that I will be your friend and father upon every occasion, and
I entreat you to comply with this ardent desire of my heart, that my
agitated mind may once more be composed.
"I have explained to my sister the probable difficulties which my son
George may mention; but they must not have any weight in your mind and
conclusions. I beg you not to refuse this pressing petition of your most
"Sincere and affectionate
"Uncle,
"GEORGE R."
"P. S. Do not delay a reply an hour longer than can be avoided."
"_To Caroline, Princess of Brunswick,"
&c. &c. &c._
_Copy of a Letter to the Duchess of Brunswick, from her Brother, George
the Third._
"MY DEAR SISTER,
"I have endeavoured to excite and promote in the mind of my son George a
desire to espouse my dear niece Caroline. _This_, I am aware, he will
only consent to as a prudent step, by which his debts may be paid. I
will trust to your influence with Caroline that she may not be offended
with any thing he pleases to say. He may please to plead that he is
already married!--and I fear he will resort to any measures rather than
an honorable marriage. But as, in my former letters, I have explained my
wishes upon this subject, I therefore need not now repeat them. Tell my
dear niece she must never expect to find a mother or friend in the
queen; but _I will be her friend to my latest breath_. Give me your
support, my sister, and prevail upon my niece Caroline at all hazards.
"Your's affectionately,
"GEORGE R."
A courier was despatched with these preliminaries of a royal marriage,
and the prince again sank into the depths of vice. The queen saw her
path was rather difficult, and feared for the consequences; but she
resolved to exert every thought to devise the surest plan for future
safety. Her majesty did not assist the prince to any extent, because her
purse was of the greatest utility to her personal safety, and therefore
_promises_ were chiefly given to the clamorous and ruined creditors,
that, as soon as the prince was MARRIED, all debts would be discharged!
The reasons which prompted the parsimony of the queen were obvious to
those who knew her plans, though not to the public. She was aware of the
slight tenure she held, and the illegality of her marriage; the
unaccounted-for death of the king's eldest brother; the uncertainty of
the fate of his issue; fears for his future public appeals, and her
knowledge of the validity of his claims! Beside all this, the relatives
of the legally-married wife of the Duke (Edward) were of more
illustrious descent than even the queen herself; and from them she stood
in doubt, lest the untimely death of this lady and her husband, the
unfortunate Duke of York, as well as the privacy of their offspring,
should be brought forward in a public manner, or in any way which might
reflect dishonour upon the influence of the crown!
How much has guilt to fear from exposure by TRUTH! _Secrecy_ was the
ministerial watch-word then in vogue, and though fallacious and
destructive, as experience has demonstrated the principle to be, yet the
nation was cajoled by its influence, and even induced indirectly to
sanction measures the most desperate and ruinous that imagination can
depict!
The hireling part of the press, notwithstanding, strove to eternize this
awful and barbarous system, and thus assisted the minister to cherish
the growth of Ignorance. Indeed, it is an undeniable fact, that
the corruption of government pervaded every branch of Mr. Pitt's
administration; but surely this minister must have been sometimes afraid
that the people would discover the frauds and impositions practised upon
them, and demand satisfaction. Mr. Pitt, indeed, was an _apostate_, who,
at the beginning of his career, stood forth as the CHAMPION OF THE
PEOPLE'S RIGHTS; but no sooner had he gained possession of power, than
he at once threw off the mask, deserted his benefactors, who had trusted
and exalted him, maintained, with all his might, the utmost stretch of
the royal prerogative, owned himself the unblushing advocate of
influence and corruption, and the decided enemy of the human race! When
we reflect on the obduracy, perfidy, and ingratitude of "this pilot that
_gathered_ the storm," in whose breast neither shame nor pity seldom
found a residence, but as if dead to every noble passion of the soul, he
first exhausted the resources of the nation by his imposition of taxes,
and then enslaved it by his politics; when we reflect, we say, on the
conduct of this man, Sejanus and Rufinus, profligate and cruel as they
were, appear angels of light, and we cannot help feeling disgusted with
the age that tolerated such a minister! Secure in his parliamentary
majorities and the favours of his queen, he imagined the people at large
mere nonentities, and set them at defiance, while he must have laughed
at their tameness and stupidity! Did he not warmly commend the sentences
of proscription, imprisonment, and transportation, passed against his
countrymen solely for attempting to procure a reform of grievances, by
the very same means which he had himself previously employed? Did he
not, when every really-loyal subject in the realm was deploring the
disgraces and defeats of the British arms, insult the people with
affected serious congratulations on the successes that had been obtained
by the allied powers, and the happy change that had taken place in their
favour? Yes, reader, these acts may be taken as specimens of the policy
of the "heaven-born minister, that weathered the storm," as a certain
chancellor once imprudently designated Mr. Pitt.
The courier, bearing the despatches to the Princess of Brunswick,
arrived at the court of her father in October, where he delivered his
packet, and was entertained with generous and courteous attention. The
duke and duchess retired to peruse its contents, which they read with
agitation; and Hope and Fear strove tumultuously to gain an ascendency.
The king's letter was considered, in a certain degree, explanatory of
the follies of the prince, though it did not name any vices; and as it
also expressed a _confident opinion_, that, united to a person of
amiability and worth, like the princess, all good would ensue, the
parents of the princess were inclined to hope for a favourable result
from the alliance. The good opinion of the king, their brother, was an
extra inducement to the fond and indulgent parents of Caroline to plead
in behalf of her acceptance of this offer; and all must admit their
conduct to be natural and affectionate.
The letter of the prince was soon after delivered by the duke to his
daughter, accompanied by the remark, "I hope my dear Caroline will one
day be the happy queen of a free and happy nation. Retire, my child,
and, after thinking seriously, decide prudently." The princess retired,
and read the strange epistle written by the prince. She knew not, for
some considerable time, what to think, or how to decide. At length,
after a few hours of rest and enjoyment, the courier departed. He
arrived safely at St. James', and delivered the following reply to the
Prince of Wales:
_Copy of the Reply to George, Prince of Wales, from Caroline, Princess
of Brunswick._
"MY LORD AND COUSIN,
"I cannot express to your royal highness the feelings of surprise which
your letter has afforded me, neither can I rely _entirely_ upon what it
contains; because the accompanying letter of the good king, your father,
is so very opposite to its meaning. I thought that the ties of
relationship which exist between us would have obliged your royal
highness to treat with delicacy and honor the princess whom your king
destines for you. For my own part, my lord, I know my duty, and I have
not the power or the wish to break the laws which are wished to be
imposed upon me. I, therefore, have decided upon obeying the wishes of
those who have the right to dispose of my person. I submit, at the same
time, to the consequences with which your highness threatens me. But, if
you could read _that heart_ to which you impart such anguish, you would
perhaps have feelings of remorse from this barbarous treatment, in which
your royal highness appears to boast. I am now resolved to await from
_time_ and our _union_ the just regard I will endeavour to merit; and I
trust that your regret for what you have written will, in some measure,
avenge the wrongs you have so wantonly committed. Believe me, my lord,
that I shall not cease to offer my prayers for the happiness of your
royal highness; _mine_ will be perfect if I can contribute to your's.
"I am, for life, your most devoted Cousin,
"CAROLINE AMELIA OF BRUNSWICK."
We have given this and the preceding letters solely with a view of
forwarding the cause of truth, and shall leave our readers to draw their
own inferences as to the propriety or impropriety of the conduct of the
parties concerned.
Early in the ensuing year,
1795,
preparations were made, upon a moderate scale, to receive the Princess
of Brunswick as the intended wife of the heir-apparent.
The prince was still as _dissolute_ as ever, and associated with the
very dregs of society, of both sexes. Yet this same personage was about
to be allied, according to the outward usages of the church, to a
princess of the most opposite principles and sentiments! Many times has
he become the _father_ of innocent victims, who were doomed to perish in
a workhouse, or be consigned to a premature grave! How improbable then
was it, that his heart would ever feel affection for the issue of an
honourable connexion,--if it may be so called in _this_ case,--more
particularly when that was the last resource to extricate him from debt
and disgrace! Well, indeed, might his companions say, "the princess may
hear, in the joyful peal, (after her vows) the surer knell of her
happiness." Too well the result proved the truth of their prophetic
announcement!
Previous to the arrival of Caroline, it was arranged by the queen that
persons of distinction, upon whom her majesty could depend in this
instance, should attend her highness, and a selection was made
accordingly. The notorious Lady Jersey was one; of her character and
intriguing disposition, we need not say more than announce the fact,
that her favours had been at the command of the prince for a
considerable time. Her disposition was artful and cruel; indeed, unless
such qualities had been invested in her ladyship, the queen would not
have given her orders in a manner so undisguised and bold. Cruelty and
Vice are always inseparable companions.
At length, the princess arrived on these (to her) inhospitable shores.
On the 8th of April, the formality of a marriage ceremony took place, at
the palace of St. James. The king was particularly attentive to the
princess; but not so the queen, who manifested an unbending
haughtiness, and sometimes lost sight of etiquette so far, that sarcasm
was too evidently visible. The princesses were in too much fear of their
mother to bestow any particular attentions on the Princess of Wales,
except one of them, who, however, dare not publicly avow her sentiments.
On retiring for the night to Carlton House, the princess was attended
only by those invidious characters who had deliberately planned her
ruin. Several historians have recorded, that, by some inaccuracy or
defect in demeanour, the prince received an unexpected impression
unfavourable to her royal highness; but such _was not the case_. It is
true, that the conduct of the prince was any thing but gentlemanly;
though of this little notice was taken. Her royal highness resolved to
forbear from any unpleasant complainings, as she was now separated from
her much-beloved home and friends. She plainly saw the disadvantage of
her change; and, in the disappointment of her heart, frequently deplored
her cruel destiny. Many times has she been obliged to witness the
various favourites of the prince receiving those attentions and enjoying
those smiles which ought to have been her's only.
In a conversation with the prince, shortly after their nuptials, (if
such an appellation may be used) her royal highness said, "that, after
the candour with which I have explained myself, I certainly feel
entitled to the respectful attentions of your highness, and I cannot
endure the insults I am continually receiving from your mistresses and
coarse associates." This gentle remonstrance was repeated by this
"all-accomplished gentleman" when he next met his half-drunken
companions, and their infamy was heightened by maliciously abusing this
much-injured lady.
The prince's yearly income was augmented at his marriage with his cousin
to one hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds, besides having all his
debts discharged.
The princess now seldom saw her husband. His nights were spent in
debauchery, and he was frequently carried to bed, totally unconscious of
all around him. Gaming supplied his leisure hours, and scenes of
immorality were the common routine of each succeeding day. Such were the
deportment and character of the man, or _monster_, who was to be
invested with power over millions of brave, generous, and industrious
people! It was impossible for such an one to have retained in his
confidence a single upright and conscientious person. The soul sickens
at the retrospect; but we must pursue the revolting subject.
The king was, at this time, the only friend in whom the Princess of
Wales could repose any confidence, and to him she unburdened herself
unreservedly. His majesty was much incensed at the indignation heaped
upon the daughter of his sister, and, but for the apparent situation of
his niece, he would have recommended severer measures than he then
thought prudent.
In opposition to all remonstrance and advice, the prince gradually sunk
deeper into the vortex of sensuality, and very frequently expressed
himself in high hopes that the princess would soon "BE GOT RID OF." He
still remained ignorant of the confidence the princess had reposed in
her uncle; and well was it for her he was ignorant of it, as his passion
was extreme, and rage might have gained such a pre-eminence as to have
induced him to add _another FOUL DEED to his number_.
This fatal year, more than twenty-nine millions were required, eighteen
of which were raised by loans! Here may be observed how progressively
the "national debt" was incurred, partly for the immoderate extravagance
of those who ought to have acted as models for imitation at home, and
partly by unjust and destructive wars abroad! until Englishmen became
any thing and every thing but a free people. The discontents of the
tax-payers were loud and deep; but the ministers heeded them not!
On the 7th of January,
1796,
the Princess of Wales was safely delivered of a daughter, whose birth,
in some measure, assuaged the miseries of her forlorn condition. The
Duke of Clarence might have very frequently repeated his expressions,
delivered in the House of Lords in the preceding June, when he said,
"Unless suitable provisions were made for the prince, the Princess of
Wales, A LOVELY AND AMIABLE WOMAN, must feel herself torn from her
family, (although her mother was the king's sister) removed from all her
early connexions," &c. Ah! William Henry, were you prepared to prove
this to be a speech in favour of your cousin and sister-in-law? Was it
not _only_ for the aggrandizement of your spendthrift brother?
To oblige her majesty, the young princess was named CHARLOTTE. But what
a different character did the younger Charlotte prove from the elder!
Oh! that so sweet a disposition and so noble a mind should have been
crushed in the bud, and that, too, by one nearly allied to her by the
ties of nature!
Those more immediately about the person of the Princess of Wales were
best capable to form an opinion of her maternal tenderness, and of the
prince's negligence. The proofs of affectionate solicitude on the part
of the mother, contrasted with the indifference of the father, deserve
public explanation. The first time the prince saw his child, his
countenance was not in the least illuminated by any ray of pleasure, as
he contented himself by merely observing, "It is a fine girl." The
princess afterwards acknowledged her disappointment, as she had hoped
his heart was not entirely debased, or his sense of virtue altogether
lost; but this fond, this very natural, hope was doomed to
disappointment, and while this desolate lady was nursing her
tenderly-beloved child, the prince was walking and riding out, openly
and shamelessly, with Mrs. Fitzherbert and Lady Jersey! Would not the
poor cottager have felt abashed to hear of his fellow-labourer's
similar conduct, even in the most humble station of life, who must, of
necessity, be devoid of ten thousand advantages this personage had
derived from birth and education? Yes, doubtless; and he who could so
act deserved no other appellation than that of a VOLUPTUOUS BRUTE.
It was much to be regretted at this time, that all the very heavy
taxation and increase of debt were said to be in consequence of the
"king's great predilection for the lavish expenditures of the royal
family, and his anxious determination to continue the disastrous war."
Such were not his majesty's desires, but exactly the reverse; though,
unfortunately, his opinions were always overruled by the queen.
A formal separation took place this year between the Prince and Princess
of Wales, and certainly her royal highness deserved much more general
sympathy than she then experienced. The nobility appeared uncertain
which side to espouse, and therefore, for want of _principle_ to do that
which their consciences said was right, they fell imperceptibly into
error; besides which, it was indispensably necessary, that those who
wished to stand well with the queen and prince must withdraw from all
intimacy with the Princess of Wales!
The immense amount for the supply this year was above THIRTY-EIGHT
MILLIONS!--about twenty of which were raised by loans!