The _codicil_ referred to in these letters proved to be, or at least
to include, that memorable document which the Earl suppressed, when he
produced the will, lest it should curtail his own share of the amount
of favour which a grateful country would be anxious to heap on the
representative of the departed hero. By this unworthy conduct the
fortunes of Lady Hamilton and her still surviving daughter were at
once blighted.
The Earl as tightly held all he had, as he grasped all he could
get. It was expected that he would resign his stall at Canterbury
in favour of his brother's faithful chaplain and when he "held on"
notwithstanding his peerage and riches, he was attacked in the
newspapers. The following letter is the last communication with which
Dr. Scott was honoured, for his work was done:--
Canterbury, May 28, 1806.
Sir,--I am glad to find, by your letter, that you are not
concerned in the illiberal and {38} unfounded paragraphs which
have appeared and daily are appearing in the public prints.