1811
was not marked by any very particular events of much interest, either to
kings or kingdoms; yet we must differ from them in this opinion,
inasmuch as, at its commencement, the Prince of Wales was appointed
_Regent_, and the king's person confided to the care of the queen,
conjointly with archbishops, lords, and other adherents of her majesty.
The session was opened on the 12th of February; and the speech,
delivered by commission, in the name of the regent, expressed _unfeigned
sorrow_ at the king's malady, by which the exercise of the royal
authority had devolved upon his royal highness. It also _congratulated_
parliament and the country on the success of his majesty's arms, by
land and sea, and did not forget to beg for further SUPPLIES,--_so much
required_.
Let us here inquire the cause that prevented the _amiable_ regent from
opening the session in person. Had his mistresses detained him too late
in the morning? or had they played a _designed part_ with him, to prove
their superior domination? or had he been in his most privately-retired
apartments, _conversing with a few of the male favourites of his
household in_ ITALIAN? If either of these do not give the true reason of
his absence, we may be sure to ascertain it upon inquiry of the vintner
or faro-table keeper. Here the different _degrees_ of morality,
contrived by custom and keeping the people in ignorance, are well
illustrated!
The queen was much at Windsor at this period, she being obliged, by
etiquette, to hear the bulletins issued by the physicians concerning his
majesty's health, or her _affection_ for the afflicted king would not
have produced so great a _sacrifice_ on her part.
In this year, the disgraced Duke of York was restored to his former post
of commander-in-chief; although, but a short period before, he was found
guilty of being privy to, if not actually and personally, disposing of
situations in the army, by which traffic, very large amounts had been
realized by one of his royal highness' mistresses.
The money required for this year's supply amounted to _fifty-six
millions_! The distress in all the manufacturing districts,
notwithstanding, was of the heaviest nature; while, instead of
ministers devising means to relieve the starving poor, oppressive
enactments were substituted.
Let it not here be supposed that we are condemning any constitutional
enactment of government. We only wish to see the interests of the poor a
little more regarded, instead of laws being made solely with a view of
aggrandizing the wealthy, whose eyes already stand out with fatness. Is
it not evident that the men at this period in power were resolved to
continue their system of corrupt administration, in despite of all
remonstrance and opposition? A long course of oppression had apparently
hardened them, and so far steeled their hearts against the petitions of
the suffering nation, that they actually seemed to delight in increasing
the heavy burdens which already preyed upon the vitals of the community.
Our readers may probably be aware that the visits of the Princess
Charlotte to her mother were always "few and far between;" but at this
period, the interviews became so uncertain and restricted, that they
could not be satisfactory either to the mother or the daughter. Some of
the attendants always remained in the apartment with them, _by the
regent's command_, to witness the conversation. For some time, the
princess contrived to write _privately_ to her mother, and obtained a
confidential messenger to deliver her communications. This was
ultimately suspected, and, after a close scrutiny, unfortunately
discovered, and immediately forbidden. Her royal highness was now in
her fifteenth year, in good health, and possessing much natural and
mental activity. It was not very probable, therefore, that the society
of FORMAL LADIES, every way disproportionate to herself in years and
taste, could be very agreeable to her, more especially when she knew
that these very ladies were bitter enemies to her adored mother. If the
Princess Charlotte had been allowed to associate with natural and
suitable companions, the very decisive feature of her character would
have rendered her the brightest ornament of society; but this was not
permitted, and England has great cause to mourn that she was not more
valued by her father and grandmother.
The elegant and accomplished Dr. Nott was now selected for the Princess
Charlotte's preceptor, and he ardently exerted himself to improve the
mind of his royal pupil. The very superior _personal_, as well as
mental, qualifications of the reverend gentleman, however, soon rendered
him an object of _peculiar interest_ to the youthful princess. The
ardency of her affections and the determinate character of her mind were
well known to her royal relatives. They, therefore, viewed this new
connexion with considerable uneasiness, and soon had occasion to suspect
that her royal highness had manifested too much solicitude for the
interest of her friend and tutor!
The Duke of York first communicated his suspicions on this subject to
the regent, and the prince immediately went to Windsor (where the queen
then was) to inform her majesty of his fears, and to consult what would
be the most proper and effectual measures to take. Her majesty was
highly incensed at the information, and very indignantly answered, "My
family connexions will prove my entire ruin." Her majesty, accompanied
by the prince, drove off directly for London, and the Princess Charlotte
was commanded to meet her grandmother in her chamber. With her usual
independent readiness, the princess obeyed the summons, and was ushered
into the presence of the haughty queen.
After some considerable period of silence, her majesty began to ask what
particular services Dr. Nott had rendered, or what very superior
attractions he possessed, to engage the attentions of her royal highness
in such an unusual degree, as was now well known to be the case. Her
royal highness rose up, and in a tone of voice, not very agreeable to
the queen, said, "If your majesty supposes you can subdue me as you have
done my mother, the Princess of Wales, you will find yourself deceived.
The Reverend Mr. Nott has shown me more attentions, and contributed more
to my happiness in my gloomy seclusion, than any person ever did, except
my mother, and I ought to be grateful to him, and I WILL, whether it
pleases your majesty or not!" The queen saw her purpose was defeated in
the attempt to intimidate her grand-daughter, and therefore, in a milder
manner, said, "You must, my dear, recollect, I am anxious for your
honour and happiness; you are born to occupy the highest station in the
world, and I wish you to do so becoming the proud character of your
royal father, who is the most distinguished prince in Europe." The queen
had scarcely concluded her sentence, when her royal highness burst
forth, in the most violent manner, and with an undismayed gesture, said,
"Does your majesty think I am always to be under your subjection? Can I
believe my royal father _so great and good_, when I have so long
witnessed his unremitted unkindness to my neglected mother? Neither do I
receive much attention from the prince; and my uncle of York is always
preaching to me about virtue and submission, and your majesty well knows
_he does not practise either_! Mr. Nott practises every amiability which
he enjoins, and I esteem him exceedingly _more than I do any other
gentleman_!" The queen was quite vexed at the unbending disposition
manifested by the princess, and desired her to retire, and reflect upon
the improper conduct of which she had been guilty, and, by humility and
contrition, to make a suitable atonement.
While walking out of the room, the princess appeared in deep thought,
and more tranquil; her majesty, imagining it to be the result of her own
advice, said, "The Princess Charlotte will never want a friend if she
abide by her grandmother's instructions, and properly maintain her
dignity of birth." Her royal highness returned to her former situation
before the queen, and exclaimed, "What does your majesty mean?" "I
mean," replied the queen, "that you must not condescend to favour
persons in _low life_ with your confidence or particular respect; they
will take advantage of it, and finally make you the tool to accomplish
their vile purposes." "Does your majesty apply these remarks to the Rev.
Mr. Nott?" hastily replied the princess. "I do," said the queen. "Then
hear me, your majesty; I glory in my regard for Mr. Nott. His virtues
are above all praise, and he merits infinitely more than I have to give;
but I resolve, from this moment, to give him all the worldly goods I
can; and your majesty knows that, by _law_, I can make a will, though I
am but little more than fifteen; and my library, jewels, and other
valuables, are at my own disposal! I will now, without delay, make my
will in his favour, and no earthly power shall prevent me. I am sorry
your majesty prefers _vicious and wicked characters, with splendid
titles_, to virtuous and amiable persons, destitute of such empty
sounds!" The princess left the room, and the queen was more disturbed
than before the interview.
The regent was soon made acquainted with the result, and recommended
that no further notice should be taken of the matter, hoping that the
princess would change her intention upon a more deliberate survey of the
subject. But in this opinion, or hope, his royal highness was
disappointed; for the princess that day signed a _deed_, whereby she
gave _positively_ to her friend and preceptor, Dr. Nott, her library,
jewels, and all private property belonging to her, and delivered this
instrument into his hand, saying, "I hope you will receive this small
token as a pledge of my sincere regard for your character, and high
estimation of your many virtues. When I am able to give you greater
testimonies of my friendship, they shall not be withheld." We need
hardly say that the divine was _delighted_ at the great attention and
unexpected generosity of her royal highness. He was more; for his heart
was subdued and affected.
A considerable period elapsed after this circumstance, when the queen
was resolved to recover the _deed_ at all hazards, as she feared, if the
validity of such an instrument were ever acknowledged, royalty would
suffer much in the estimation of the public. All the queen's deceptive
plans, therefore, were tried; but failed. The prince, at length, offered
a large amount as a remuneration, and finally persuaded the doctor to
give up the deed! Of course a good living was also presented to him, on
his retiring from the situation in which he had so long enjoyed the
smile and favour of his royal pupil.
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, 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
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!