1813,
the princess found her situation more irksome than ever; and she
resolved, therefore, to inform the prince regent of the hardships of her
case, soliciting his royal highness to inform himself of all or any part
of her behaviour or demeanour, to which the queen had made such heavy
objections. The following is an exact copy of the letter of her royal
highness to the prince:
_27th Jan., 1813._
"SIR,
"On the 14th of this month, I transmitted to the hand of your royal
highness a letter relative to the cruelty and injustice of my
situation, in reference to my beloved child's separation from me, the
most heart-rending point upon which you could so severely afflict me.
Why does your royal highness refuse to answer my simple, but honest and
honourable inquiry? What have I not endured since the moment I became
your princess and wife? Heaven only knows, and heaven only can avenge my
wrongs. It is now more than seventeen years since I gave birth to your
lovely daughter, Princess Charlotte of Wales, at which time I did most
certainly hope and also believe, that her royal father's affectionate
recollections of her mother would not only revive, but be exemplified.
Yet to this time, your royal highness has not evinced one spark of
regard to the consort you vowed 'to love and cherish.'
"More than this, my lord and husband, you permit her majesty to usurp
such extreme authority over me, and insult me in every possible way.
Why, my lord, I ask, do you allow these indignities to be imposed upon
your cousin and wife, (so called) the mother of the heiress to the
throne of these united kingdoms? If I had deserved such treatment, I
should most naturally have avoided all scrutiny; but, that I have
endeavoured to obtain all possible investigation into my conduct, I need
only refer to my several correspondencies with your august father, your
brother of York, privy council, &c. &c.
"I cannot conclude without saying, if you refuse me justice, I will
leave indisputable proofs to this insulted nation that its generosity
has been abused, though, at the same time, I would save _you yourself_
from IGNOMINY at the hazard of my liberty. To the queen, I never will
bow. Her majesty WAS, IS, and EVER WILL BE, A TYRANT to those she may
imagine obstacles in her path. Perhaps her majesty presumes I am not an
object of material consequence; but time will develop all these things.
If this letter meet not with your royal approbation, I can only regret
it, and waiting your reply,
"I am, ever,
"Your faithful and devoted
"CAROLINE."
"P.S. I entreat your royal highness to inform yourself of every part of
my conduct which may at any time have been esteemed derogatory; and,
while I beg this favour, I trust your royal highness will never again
submit to the unprincipled, slanderous, and abominable aspersions cast
upon my character. Let me suggest, my lord, that TRUTH MUST PREVAIL,
SOONER OR LATER. After the most deliberate, careful, and scrutinizing
investigations, I only beg to be punished with the most extreme rigour,
if I am found GUILTY; but if free from guilt, I ought to say, I have an
indisputable right to be ACKNOWLEDGED SO!"
"_To his Royal Highness,
the Prince Regent._"
This letter was not noticed when the commissioners sat on the 23rd of
February; and Lord Liverpool never even mentioned it when communicating
with the princess, or when he had the private interview with her royal
highness, by the regent's request.
We should not act with justice or honour if we neglected to state this
_omission_; because the letter reflected much credit upon the princess,
and ought to have been the first read when the council assembled. The
result of this new inquiry, however, was what the vindictive queen
intended it should be; for the almost-distracted Princess of Wales was
refused the natural privilege of intercourse with her only daughter!
In the mean time, every opportunity was gladly embraced to detract the
character of the princess. Base inuendos and malicious remarks were
incessantly poured forth against her, until her life became one
continued scene of sorrow and abuse, caused by those from whom she ought
to have experienced protection. Under these imputations, the princess
again appealed, by an address to the Speaker of the House of Commons;
and, after many inquiries and replies, the subject was dismissed with an
acknowledgment, that "_Her royal highness is declared free from all
imputation._"
We must not here forget to mention, that Mr. C. Johnstone submitted a
motion, on the 5th of March, "to request the prince regent will permit
the copy of a certain report, made in 1806, to be laid before the
House;" but Lord Castlereagh opposed it, as being _unnecessary_, and
the document was consequently refused.
Notwithstanding the disgust manifested by every honest Englishman at the
base conduct of Sir John and Lady Douglas, when they preferred their
abominable charge against the character of the Princess of Wales in the
year 1806, they had the hardihood to present a petition to the House
this year _to re-swear to the truth of their former depositions
concerning the conduct of the Princess of Wales_! No proceedings, of
course, took place in consequence of this attempt still to propagate
their calumnies; but a motion was made by Mr. C. Johnstone, a few days
afterwards in the House of Commons, "That the petition of Sir John and
Lady Douglas ought to be regarded as an audacious attempt to give a
colour of truth, in the eyes of the nation, to evidence which they had
delivered touching the conduct of her royal highness the Princess of
Wales, and which evidence was a foul and detestable endeavour to bring
the life and honour of her royal highness into danger and suspicion."
This resolution, however, could not be passed, in consequence of the
House _not being in possession of the evidence_, which was refused, as
we have just stated, by Lord Castlereagh; but many members expressed
their agreement with the _sentiments_ of the resolution.
What was the _real_ reason for not _prosecuting_ Sir John and Lady
Douglas, after the House had rejected their petition with such
indignation, on the motion of Mr. Johnstone, it is not very easy to
divine; that alleged by Lord Castlereagh is most certainly not a
_satisfactory_ one. It has been often insinuated, that if the conspiracy
against the life and honour of the Princess of Wales did not originate
with her royal relatives, it was certainly fostered and brought to
maturity by persons connected with the queen and the prince regent; and
the evidence of Bidgood and Cole very much favours that opinion. If the
Douglases, and Bidgood and Cole, were the "suborned traducers," to which
her royal highness alluded in one of her letters to the prince about
this time, the impunity with which the knight and his lady were suffered
to continue at large cannot excite surprise. This impunity, the report
that Bidgood had received a pension of one hundred and fifty pounds a
year, and the direct interference of the Prince of Wales in promoting
the inquiry, and in entering his caveat to prevent the princess being
received at court, have thrown a suspicious veil around this part of the
proceedings, which will not be very soon removed.
On the 23rd of March, the Princess of Wales had to bear another severe
stroke of fortune, in the death of her mother, the Duchess of Brunswick,
who was interred with much funeral pomp, at Windsor, on the 31st. This
melancholy event, following so closely after her late persecutions, was
as much as the princess could endure; and had it not been for the
sympathetic attentions of one confidant, her royal highness would, no
doubt, have sunk under her immense load of sorrow.
In July and August, the princess devoted the greater portion of her time
to correspondence with the prince, her husband. Very many of the letters
could not, we think, have met the eye of the regent, or answers must
have been sent, if only in common courtesy, as the prince knew _his_
honour, and also that of his family, were at stake. We have _transcripts
of all these letters_; but shall content ourselves with only introducing
_the last she wrote to his royal highness previous to her going abroad_.
The following is a literal copy of it:
"_23rd of Aug., 1813._
"SIR,
"I have waited, with most anxious feelings, to receive an acknowledgment
of the safe receipt of several important communications which I
addressed to you as 'private and confidential.' To this hour I have not
received a reply, and I therefore take up my pen for the last time upon
this most disagreeable business. To you it is well known, that the good
king, your father, has invariably treated me with the most profound
respect, and proper attention; and his majesty would have done me more
essential service long since, had it not been for the oath he gave to
Lord Chatham, to preserve from all _public_ investigation the connexion
formed in 1759 with the Quakeress.
"I am aware, Sir, that you may say I intrude myself upon your royal
notice very frequently; but I think and feel it to be my indispensable
duty and privilege. I have lately had an interview with Lord Liverpool;
but his lordship cannot serve your royal highness and the persecuted
Princess of Wales. I, therefore, shall not submit myself to any further
interviews with his lordship, by my own request. As I intend this letter
as a _final appeal_ and _explanation_ to your royal highness, I beg to
ask your forbearance and lenity on account of its length and detail.
"Your royal highness has not forgotten how strangely I was allured from
my father's court to receive your hand in marriage (the letters of 1794
bear me witness). You cannot have forgotten the kind reception of the
king, your father, on my arrival in the metropolis of this empire, and
the sarcastic manners of the queen. Two days had scarcely passed after
our marriage, when you commanded me to receive Lady Jersey upon all
occasions, although your royal highness was too well acquainted with the
deep-laid schemes formed by her majesty against me, which were to be put
into execution by Lady Jersey; and when I most humbly requested of you,
that I might be secluded from all society rather than endure that which
was so hateful to me, your royal highness cannot have forgotten the
inhuman reply you made me, '_The Princess of Brunswick has answered
every purpose I desired, inasmuch as my debts are to be settled, and my
income augmented, and I will provide an heir to the throne more worthy
of popular regard than any descendant of my father's family could ever
prove._' These, Sir, were words of so heavy and doubtful a character,
that from that moment I never forgot them; and from the hour in which my
Charlotte was born, I have feared for her health and happiness. How your
royal highness could thus insult me, you can best imagine.
"Another most material grievance imposed upon me was, your unnatural
remark to Lady Jersey, in my presence, '_that you thought the king_ TOO
FOND _of the Princess of Wales; and if her royal highness had any
children, his majesty would no doubt be the_ FATHER, INSTEAD OF THE
GRANDFATHER.' Lady Jersey's reply will never be effaced from my memory,
while reason holds her empire: '_Yes, my prince, and you deserve it, if
ever you notice the Princess of Wales again in the character of a
husband or lover._' Your royal highness may remember I instantly left
the room, more deeply insulted and wounded than language can describe.
From that time, I was aware of my cruel fate, and I did deeply deplore
the necessity which had forced me from the much-loved scenes of my
infancy and youthful years.
"The very remarkable request of Mr. Pitt, in 1800, for a private
interview with me, was another cause for disquiet to my mind; but I
acceded immediately, and he accordingly was admitted. The object of that
minister's visit was to solicit my silence upon the subject of the
_bondholders, whose fate had caused so great an interest in several
countries_, and whose families had been the _victims_ of their ready
acquiescense to the wishes of the royal princes. '_But_' said Mr. Pitt,
'_these affairs are of as much consequence to your royal highness as
they are to the other members of the royal family; and if matters of
this kind are to be canvassed publicly, your royal highness may rest
assured that ere long your family will not be permitted to occupy the
exalted rank and station they now enjoy. I therefore most earnestly
recommend that your royal highness does not name these subjects to any
of the anti-ministerial party, who are not at present in possession of
the circumstances._' I do not doubt but Mr. Pitt laid the whole of this
conversation before your royal highness, and he must have noticed the
very cool and guarded reception I gave him. To have behaved openly to
Mr. Pitt was impossible, as I knew too well his avowed hostile feelings
against me. But a few days had elapsed after this interview, when I had
the pleasure of seeing the good king. I now take the liberty of laying
before your royal highness the substance of our conversation. 'My dear
daughter,' said his majesty, 'I hear Pitt has paid you a confidential
visit,' 'Yes, Sire, he has,' I replied. 'What was the object of it?'
'Upon the subject of the bondholders, your majesty.' '_I hope you made
no rash promise?_' said the king; 'None, Sire.' '_Why could not Pitt
have called upon you at a more suitable hour, Caroline?_' 'I do not
know, Sire; but I plainly saw Mr. Pitt did not think much etiquette was
necessary to the Princess of Wales, as _he well knew it was my dinner
hour_; and yet I was determined not to refuse myself, as I was perfectly
sure the whole of the affair would be reported to the queen.' 'CAROLINE,
MY NIECE,' said the king, 'DO NOT, PRAY DO NOT, FEAR PITT, OR ANY OF MY
FAMILY. I WILL PUT YOU IN POSSESSION OF SOME AFFAIRS WHICH WILL SOON
SILENCE THEM ALL; AND BEFORE THE END OF THIS WEEK I WILL SEND YOU A
SMALL PARCEL OF IMPORTANT PAPERS, BY THE HAND OF A TRUSTY MESSENGER.'
"Your royal father most scrupulously kept his word, and enclosed me the
PROOFS he had named, and promised to send. Many times since then have I
informed your royal highness that I was in confidence upon those
subjects; but you have never condescended to acknowledge those
communications, or expressed one sentiment of obligation for the strict
silence I have observed. I have been restrained only from the most
ARDENT AND PARENTAL AFFECTION TO MY LOVELY DAUGHTER, or long ere this I
WOULD HAVE PROCLAIMED THE EXTENT OF THE WRONGS I HAVE ENDURED FROM SOME
OF THE ILLEGAL AND UNJUST IMPOSITIONS PRACTISED UPON ME AND THE BRITISH
NATION. Your royal highness knew at the moment you met me at the altar
in the palace, that you were already the affianced husband of Mrs.
Fitzherbert, and you were well aware that if my uncle, the king, had
known of that former circumstance, he would have prevented the
left-handed marriage taking place. In this his majesty was deceived, and
I have been the victim of your intentional imposition. It has generally
been supposed by your royal highness' family connexions, that there was
some impropriety or defect by which you received an unfavourable opinion
of me in the early part of our fatal marriage; and, in my presence, your
royal highness has insulted me by such insinuations, though you well
know I was not the OFFENDER, but the OFFENDED!!! Up to this period, I
have buried your royal highness' UNNATURAL CONDUCT to me in my own
bosom; but if I am to be so injured, and if my character is to be so
vilified, I shall EXPLAIN MYSELF TO THE NATION, and think I am
performing an imperative duty. Your royal highness cannot have forgotten
_THE OUTRAGE YOU COMMITTED BY ENTERING MY CHAMBER AT MONTAGUE HOUSE, AND
YOUR DENIAL OF IT TO THE QUEEN, YOUR MOTHER, FOR THE AVOWED PURPOSE OF
TRADUCING MY HONOUR_. Had I not then been restrained from explanation
upon those base designs, by an unalterable love to my _child_, I should
have exposed the infamous conduct you manifested towards me.
"I name these things, Sir, to prove to you the inviolable honour I have
observed, in despite of all the insults and provocations I have received
from your royal highness and the queen, and also from the creatures
employed to ruin me in the estimation of this generous English nation. A
_time will come when the secrets of my life will be_ PUBLISHED TO THE
WORLD; _then let the unprejudiced judge_.
"I remain, Sir,
"Your royal highness' most
"Faithful wife and cousin,
"CAROLINE P."
"_To his Royal Highness,
the Prince Regent._"
It is more than probable that the confidentially-private and notorious
secretary (M'Mahon) was the receiver of these appeals and documents,
who, possessing the most unbounded assurance in the ability of his royal
master's coadjutors to carry any plan into execution, or to prevent
vexatious trouble to any extent, _suppressed them_ at the moment when
they might have proved of the greatest consequence to her royal
highness. We cannot wonder at this, when we take into account the
character of this private secretary, who dared to violate the rights of
friendship, and break through the most sacred ties of conjugal
affection, treating the honourable engagements of persons in general as
matters of minor consequence! Were this depraved man now an inhabitant
of the earth, we would ask him if his recollection could furnish the
_number_ of inroads he had made upon the abodes of innocence and beauty,
to gratify his royal patron. We could ourselves name several instances;
but one will suffice, which we copy from the manuscript of a friend, and
the substance of which has been before published.
The private secretary of the prince (M'Mahon) was accustomed to retire
for _recreation_ to Bath, at certain periods. At the time to which we
now advert, he was travelling to that city, and, at Marlborough, a
respectable and venerable gentleman, accompanied by two young ladies,
took their seats in the stage coach. The courtier was not wanting in
attentions, and, in reply to his numerous questions, he soon received
the information, "that the gentleman was a _poor_ clergyman, residing
near Marlborough; that the two young ladies were his daughters, whom he
then was accompanying to visit a relation at Bath." M'Mahon's polished
manners, added to the fixed determination of sacrificing these ladies to
his royal master's desires, had the hoped-for effect, and the deluded
party was anxious to cultivate further acquaintance with the stranger.
Two days after their arrival, the intriguing secretary wrote and
despatched the following letter to the prince:
"(MOST PRIVATE.)
"_Bath, Sunday Evening._
"SIR,--Ever alive to the obtaining possession of any object
which may contribute to your royal pleasures, I hasten to
inform your royal highness, that chance has thrown me into the
company of two most lovely girls, the daughters of an indigent
curate, and who, from their apparent simplicity and ignorance
of the world, may be soon brought to comply with the wishes of
your royal highness. I shall immediately devise some plan by
which they may be induced to visit the metropolis, and the
remainder of my task will then not be difficult of execution.
The prize is too valuable to be lost sight of; the elder of
the girls bears some resemblance in her form and make to
Hillisberg, although it is evident that the whole fullness of
her growth has not yet developed itself. The younger is more
of a languishing beauty; but, from the knowledge which I
possess of your royal taste, the elder will be the object of
your choice.
"I have the honour to remain, &c. &c.
"JOHN M'MAHON."
"To his Royal Highness the
Prince Regent, &c. &c."
The intimacy at Bath was cultivated. M'Mahon promised to intercede for
the interest of the worthy clergyman, and afterwards engaged to ensure
him promotion.
In the midst of explanations, promises, and engagements, M'Mahon was
summoned to town by the royal order. Ere he departed, he promised,
instantly upon seeing the prince, to lay their case before him, and
dwelt in vivid terms upon the effects of such a representation. Within
the ensuing fortnight, the clergyman received a letter from him,
announcing "that a vicarage was vacant, in the gift of the crown, to
which he should receive the presentation." M'Mahon again visited Bath,
and recommended the clergyman and family to take up their abode in the
metropolis. For this purpose, he had engaged apartments in the house of
Mrs. General Hamilton, in Gloucester-place, to which they soon resorted.
In the mean time, M'Mahon informed the clergyman that his induction
would shortly take place, and that, in the interim, he must employ
himself in the most agreeable manner, as also his daughters, in such
amusements as the town afforded. Mrs. Hamilton was also pleased to say
she would be their conductor and companion upon all occasions. The lady
just named was a gay, though _unsuspected_, character. Shortly after
this period, at an evening party, M'Mahon introduced Colonel Fox, "a
gentleman," he said, "allied to the noblest families, and of an immense
fortune."
If our readers should here inquire, _who_ was Colonel Fox? we
answer,--the Prince of Wales.
We hasten to the conclusion of this most infamous history. The deceived
clergyman was informed that he must proceed to a village in
Leicestershire, where his induction would instantly take place; and he,
therefore, hastily took leave of his daughters, with an assurance that
they were in the best society. Indeed, Mrs. Hamilton had evinced such
interest and apparent solicitude in their happiness, that his heart was
relieved from any doubts for their safety. This amiable father took
leave of his children in the most affectionate manner; but little did he
imagine that embrace would be the last he should ever receive from
them,--yet so it proved. A short time after, early in the day, M'Mahon
called upon Mrs. General Hamilton, expressing the necessity of her
seeing her solicitor upon some affairs relative to the estate of her
deceased husband.
The carriage was ordered, and the secretary promised to remain with the
younger, while the elder sister accompanied Mrs. Hamilton. "We will
first drive to Taylor's, in Bond-street," said Mrs. Hamilton, "he has
some commissions to execute for me," and accordingly they were set down
there.
The obsequious shoe-maker requested them to walk into the drawing-room,
which they did; and in a few minutes Mrs. Hamilton said, "I will now
step down, and transact my business with Taylor." In a short time she
returned, saying, "How truly fortunate we are; Colonel Fox has just
entered the shop, and, being informed _you_ are here, has solicited
permission to keep you company until I return from my solicitor's; _you_
cannot refuse the request;" and then, without waiting a reply, she left
the room. The _pretended_ Colonel Fox entered; he professed _eternal
love_ and _unalterable constancy_; and, within one hour, this lovely,
but most unfortunate, female was added to the infamously-swelled list of
the prince's debaucheries and cruel seductions. The younger sister
_still lives_--a melancholy proof of outraged and insulted honour.
We have given this detail to satisfy the scrupulous portion of society,
that the prince merited a thousand-fold more exposure and execration
than he ever received.
At this period, Mr. Whitbread was very pressing with the Princess of
Wales, advising her to make a tour upon the continent, in order to
divert her mind from the provocations she was so frequently called upon
to endure. Upon one occasion, he urged the subject with considerable
warmth, and his great earnestness surprised her royal highness. With her
usual readiness, she said, "I feel sure Mr. Whitbread does not intend
any thing disagreeable in these remarks; but, Sir, are you aware that
Mr. Canning has been pressing the same opinion upon my notice? and I do
not comprehend _why_ this suggestion is made by you also. If I go away,
shall I not leave my beloved child exposed to the determinate will and
caprice of the queen, and others, who, doubtless, will vex her as much
as possible? Are you, Sir, _requested_ to represent this to me, or is it
your private opinion?" Mr. Whitbread replied, "It is _my personal
opinion_, and solely to provide against any unhappy effects arising from
the queen's displeasure, which," he added, "I well know is unbounded."
On the 27th of May, the princess went to the Opera House. It was her
first appearance in public since her triumphant acquittal. Her royal
highness was received with considerable acclamations, while even her
enemies were compelled to acknowledge "the dignity, delicacy, and
feeling, pre-eminently displayed in her behaviour."
On the 30th, the regent gave a grand supper and ball, but the princess
was not invited.
The supplies required for the service of this year amounted to upwards
of one hundred and twenty millions!
Endless vexations and anxieties attended the Princess of Wales up to the
year
1814;
but the public voice cheered her to the ultimate defeat of her base
enemies.
The transactions of this year do not reflect much credit upon certain
mis-named _illustrious_ individuals, and can never fail to excite
contempt in the minds of the British people. The Douglas party were
promised _rewards_, which they could not obtain, except in a less
degree, as it was alleged they had failed in a principal part of their
unworthy undertaking; namely, the degradation of the princess, by a full
and unlimited verdict against her royal highness, agreeable to the
charges they had preferred.
The disappointed queen was indignant, beyond bounds, at the honourable
acquittal of the Princess of Wales. "What!" said her majesty, "am I for
ever to be disappointed by the adroit talents of the princess, whose
very name I hate! It must not be. If she be recognised as an unblemished
character, I am well satisfied the odium of the whole proceeding will
fall upon _me_; and rather would I prefer death than suffer her royal
highness to triumph over me!"
Lord Castlereagh was then consulted by the queen, and he engaged to do
his utmost against the princess; and the regent again suggested the idea
of her going abroad, when steps, more effectual, might be taken to ruin
her character. Lord Castlereagh, therefore, the next day informed the
princess, by a note, "that for the present time all interviews with the
Princess Charlotte must cease."
On the 7th of January, the Princess of Wales gave an entertainment at
Montague House, where a select party was invited, in honour of the
Princess Charlotte's birth-day, who had now attained her eighteenth
year.
An unexpected event, about this period, gave the Princess Charlotte an
interview with her mother for nearly two hours, in which these
affectionate relatives enjoyed an undisturbed conversation. The Princess
Charlotte was very explicit in her communications to her dear mother on
the severity of the queen, during the time she had lately spent with her
majesty at Windsor; and, among other observations, remarked, "HER
MAJESTY IS A TYRANT TO ALL AROUND HER. If you walk out with the queen,"
continued the charming and noble princess, "you are sure to be told your
pace is disagreeable,--either too quick or too slow. If you feel
pleasure in seeing any sweet pretty plant, and express admiration of its
several beautiful colours, and its various delicate appearances, you are
sure to be told, such observations prove your _want of taste and
judgment_. Indeed, my dear mother, I like anybody better than my
_disagreeable grandmother_, and I can never permit myself to remain with
her so long again. When I am at the castle, I am seldom _allowed to see
my grandfather_, the king; and, when I do, he scarcely looks at me, and
seems extremely unhappy. When my royal father goes to the castle, he is
always with the _queen alone_, and very rarely pays a visit to the
king." Such was the ingenuousness of the Princess Charlotte. She would
immediately speak the _truth_, and defy all results, rather than act
with dissimulation to please or conciliate any one. This was the longest
interview which was to fall to the lot of these high-spirited and
generous-minded personages. Alas! their destiny might have been
pourtrayed by the pen of cruelty, and traced in characters of blood! At
parting, the princess most tenderly embraced her mother, and that parent
for the moment forgot all her sorrows. But what was her agitation, when
her ONLY HOPE was saying, "Farewell!" Agonizing--beyond all
expression--agonizing! We must sympathize with such sorrows, and admit
the propriety of the remark of the Princess of Wales at this separation,
"My life has already been too long, since it has been one continued
scene of misfortune!"
The prince regent now paid a visit to the Duke of Rutland, for the
avowed purpose of standing sponsor to the young marquis, the duke's son
and heir. The preparations for the reception and accommodation of his
royal highness were upon the most magnificent scale, which, we are sorry
to relate, were little else than thrown away. In the evening, the
sparkling goblet was so freely emptied by the royal guest, that he was
obliged to be _carried_ to the chamber prepared for him. Do not imagine,
gentle reader, that we are disposed to dwell ill-naturedly on the
mischances of this luckless night; but the prince was unfortunate, and
committed such sins and transgressions in this ducal apartment, and IN
_the bed_ prepared for him, that, at a very early hour, his carriage was
ordered, and his royal highness was on the road to London! The domestics
at Belvoir Castle were left to relate this very disagreeable incident,
and testify that the means required for the _purification_ of their
master's premises were of no common quality!
However facetiously we may have spoken of this "untoward occurrence,"
yet we recoil with disgust and indignation from such scenes. How
revolting is the reflection that this was the prince invested with
_kingly authority_, and to whom so many millions of intelligent beings
were looking for the redress of their grievances, and the amelioration
of their many miseries!
The king's indisposition increased in the early part of this year, and
the over-bearing tyranny of the queen consequently knew no bounds. In
May, she addressed several notes to the Princess of Wales to forbid her
appearance at the drawing-room, to which her royal highness replied very
spiritedly. Some of these letters were afterwards published, but several
were suppressed. It was at this time that the prince expressed his
unalterable determination "never again to meet the princess, either in
public or private," and the queen was the person who communicated his
royal highness' unmanly vow to the princess.
About three weeks after this announcement, some illustrious foreigners,
who were formerly intimate with the family of the princess, paid her
royal highness a visit; and, on the ensuing day, they received her royal
highness' invitation to dine with her on that day se'nnight. It was
accepted with pleasure; but, only about an hour previous to the
appointed time for dinner, an apology was sent, asking pardon for the
delay, which was said to be _unavoidable_, as the impediments arose from
the COMMANDS OF THE REGENT, which had only been communicated to them a
few hours before! Upon Mr. Canning's next visit to the princess, he
explained the reason of this shameful conduct, by saying, "that Colonel
M'Mahon desired, as a compliment, they would dine at Carlton House that
day, and expressed an apology for the _shortness of the invitation_, as
the regent had some days before given him his instructions to invite
them, but that he (the colonel) had FORGOTTEN IT IN THE HURRY OF
BUSINESS. Now," added Mr. Canning, "I know this story to be an
invention; for it was only on the very morning of the day appointed by
your royal highness that a brother of the regent heard of their intended
visit, and informed him of it; and the prince then commanded M'Mahon to
invite the party to dine at Carlton House, which they could not refuse,
as etiquette would forbid their accepting any engagement in preference
to that of the regent." Was there ever a more artful and vindictive
piece of business concocted? How worthy was the master of such a
scheming servant as M'Mahon!
In June, the allied sovereigns arrived in London, and fetes and
festivals followed in close succession. New honours were conferred upon
several persons, who had been leaders in the late war. Lord Wellington
was created Marquis of Douro and Duke of Wellington. To support this new
dignity, four hundred thousand pounds were granted to him by the
boroughmongering majority!
In consequence of the queen's edict, the Princess of Wales was excluded
from the drawing rooms, held in honour of the illustrious guests; and
this extra piece of persecuting malice sufficiently attested the
_littleness_ of the minds of her too powerful enemies.
Under these trying circumstances, Mr. Canning and Mr. Whitbread again
urged their advice, that it would be better for all parties if the
princess absented herself for a period, as the queen was so severe to
the Princess Charlotte, in consequence of her regard for her mother.
This consideration was enough for the fond parent. "Yes," said her royal
highness, "for the sake of my child, I will leave England; I feel
assured that my afflicted father-in-law, the king, cannot long survive;
he is falling very gradually. But the crisis may be sudden; in that
case, you know my situation; and what has been refused to the Princess
of Wales cannot, I presume, be refused to the Queen of England! In
making this reference, I merely and only mean, that I have hitherto been
treated with the most unmerited severity, and the greatest injustice;
this, I hope, will not be permitted in the event of my being queen. I
name this to satisfy you, as my friends, that whenever I can return to
this country with safety to my child, and honour to my few zealous
friends, I shall not lose one moment in answering the summons."
On the 4th of June, Lord Castlereagh moved in the committee of the
House, that fifty thousand pounds be annually paid to her royal highness
the Princess of Wales. Mr. Whitbread offered some very correct and
spirited remarks upon the subject, and the motion was agreed to. The
princess, in the most generous manner, wrote to the Speaker on the 5th,
declining to receive more than thirty-five thousand, adding, as a reason
for this, her dislike to increase the already heavy burdens imposed upon
the nation.
The ill-natured manner in which this most honourable act was received is
best explained in the words of Lord Castlereagh, who, on the 8th, called
the attention of the House to the letter of the princess, and concluded
by saying, "It is not my duty to vote the public money to a _subject_
who is not inclined to receive it." Her royal highness certainly was not
much indebted to Lord Castlereagh for his very elegant and noble mention
of her name, thus made; and the most dim-sighted person might have
easily seen that "if the vessel came safe to shore," a _marquisate_
would be the reward of the pilot.
The Princess of Wales at length requested leave of the ministers to go
abroad. This was very readily granted; and, after some arrangements for
correspondence, her royal highness prepared to depart. A very short
interview was permitted with the child of her hopes and affections,
while even that was attended by the ladies in waiting. They separated
_then--TO MEET NO MORE IN THIS WORLD_!
It was during this affecting interview that her royal highness committed
some letters of importance to the care of her noble-minded daughter;
and, as it appeared impossible for any _private_ conversation to pass
between them, a letter accompanied the others, addressed to the
Princess Charlotte by her afflicted mother, of which the following is a
transcript:
"_Copy of a letter to my dear Charlotte, Princess of Wales._
"_1814, June 7th._
"MY DEAREST CHILD,
"I deposit to your keeping a small parcel, of letters for my
much-esteemed friend, Lady *******. I well know her generous disposition
will cause her to endure a vast load of sorrow on my account, and, from
these documents, the nation may one day _be bold_. I must tell you, my
dearest child, that in conformity to my father and mother's opinion, I
became the wife (so called) of your father. Well do I remember the time
when my dear father, the Duke of Brunswick, entered my library, (holding
in his hand a letter) saying, 'Caroline, my love, I desire you will give
your attention to the request of your most excellent uncle, the King of
England, and, without any demur, engage to marry your cousin George. He
is undoubtedly the most _elegant man_ and the most ACCOMPLISHED
GENTLEMAN in Europe. Very unfortunately, this prince has been captivated
by the many beautiful ladies surrounding the court; but although he may
have committed himself in _formal engagements_, yet the prince is the
most ready, desirous, and expectant supplicant for your hand!' I
started, and exclaimed, 'What, my dear sire?' The sequel, however, is
sufficient. I came to England. I was received heroically by the people,
flatteringly by the persons deputed to attend me, and sarcastically by
the queen, my aunt; but most pleasantly by the king, my uncle, and the
prince, my destined husband. After my marriage with the prince, your
father, I soon had occasion to regret my change of situation. However, I
strove to conceal my disappointment and chagrin, and appeared as lively
as if I had no cause for regret. Speedily after my marriage, I was
informed that the prince was not my _legal_ husband; that, some time
previous to our marriage, he had been united to Mrs. Fitzherbert, and
therefore our engagement was null and void! I opened the sorrows of my
heart to the good king. 'Ah! Ah!' said his majesty, 'I will befriend
you, but my family will prove my ruin. They care not for any thing
beside their own ease, and they, sooner or later, will _lose the crown_
by such improper conduct. The disposition of my son George is
_unrelenting_; but I will tell you, my dear niece, that you may subdue
his public injurious mention of your character, if you make use of
proper means. My son is so lascivious, that if you would attempt to hide
his defects, they would speedily become more apparent.' In the course of
conversation, his majesty informed me of the untimely end of his BROTHER
EDWARD, and also of the MARRIAGE and ISSUE of that brother, who, he
stated, had been educated for the _church_; and also, that he had
frequently seen him during his residence at Eton with no small degree of
affection and regret, and had even appointed interviews with the
individual under whose care he was placed, to adopt plans for his
welfare. I confess, my dear Charlotte, I was quite unprepared for this
exposition, and I answered with much warmth, 'Does your majesty mean to
say, that his royal highness left issue which has never been
acknowledged?' 'I do, indeed,' replied the king, 'and though the affair
has been hitherto kept from the public, yet I fancy it will, one day or
another, be made known.' My dear Charlotte will conceive how much I felt
upon these singular explanations. I long to tell you more upon the
subject, but as our confidential messenger is waiting, I must conclude
by subscribing myself
"Your very affectionate mother,
"CAROLINE."
The persecuted wife of the heir-apparent now prepared to leave England.
Her royal highness went to Worthing on the 2nd of August, and on the 9th
embarked for the Continent, with a heart heavily charged with the most
poignant feelings.
The evening of her departure was spent in rioting and drunkenness by the
inhabitants of Carlton House, as they had now attained a portion of
their dishonourable object, and, in a great measure, relied upon final
success. The entertainments given at this period by the "unparalleled
prince" were of the most dazzling and costly description. The massive
services of richly-chased gold, and the viands served upon them, in
addition to every luxurious appendage, were daily superseded by others,
still more rare and expensive than the preceding ones. Hundreds of
thousands were thus lavished on useless pomp, while, perhaps, a poor
tradesman, who had received _the honour_ of an order by command of the
prince, and had borrowed the larger portion of the means to enable him
to execute it, solicited, in the most humble manner, a portion of his
debt; but, alas! solicited in vain; and, after daring to press his
destitute and ruined condition several times, is probably forbidden ever
to ask for the settlement again, but to wait the royal pleasure. His
impatient creditors, in the interim, arrest him; he is carried to a
prison, and, in the agony of his soul, commits suicide. Many a wife and
family of children have thus been reduced to a workhouse, and the
greater number of them afterwards thrown upon the town! But--these are
some of the privileges of royalty!
The reminiscences of the queen were sometimes rather painful; and,
shortly after she had driven her daughter-in-law from the country,
symptoms of melancholy were observed. Her physicians, therefore,
recommended a change of air; and, in order to amuse her majesty, it was
proposed that she should repair to Brighton for a short time,
accompanied by the princesses.
The Princess Charlotte, after the departure of her much-beloved mother,
appeared very unhappy, and, from that time, saw her father and
grandmother as seldom as possible. They well knew she was favourable to
her mother's cause, in opposition to their's, not only from the very
great affection which she naturally felt for her mother, but also from
the numberless proofs she had observed of the honourable motives by
which the conduct of the Princess of Wales had been influenced. To these
might be added the opinion of the virtuous part of the nation upon the
subject, and the very great respect at all times paid to her royal
highness by those persons who were _independent_ of the royal family and
the government.
Upon her majesty's return to Windsor, she found the king something
improved in natural spirits, but desirous not to be troubled with
unnecessary visiters. This slight improvement was, however, but of short
duration; for, in a few days afterwards, this distressingly-afflicted
sovereign relapsed into insensibility, and frequently became very
boisterous in his conduct.
The amount required for this year's service was upwards of one hundred
and sixteen millions, twenty-seven of which were raised by loans.