!. ...t'l|l| " The Queen considers it to be her duty to lose no time in acquainting the Princess of Wales, that she has received a communication from her son, the Prince Regent, in which he states, that her Ma- jesty's intention of holding two drawing-rooms in the ensuing month having been notified to the public, he must declare, that he considers that his PRINCESS CHARLOTTE, 133 own presence at her court cannot be dispensed with; and that he desires it to be understood, for reasons of which he alone can be the judge, to be his fixed and unalterable determination, not to meet the Princess of Wales upon any occasion, either in public or private. " The Queen is thus placed under the painful ne- cessity of intimating to the Princess of Wales, the impossibility of her Majesty's receiving her Royal Highness at the drawing-rooms. Charlotte H " The answer : "Madam, " I have received the letter which your Majesty has done me the honor to address to me, prohibit- ing my appearance at the public drawing-rooms,, which will be held by your Majesty in the ensuing month, with great surprise and regret. " I will not presume to discuss with your Majesty, topics which must be as painful to your Majesty, as to myself. " Your Majesty is well acquainted with the affec- tionate regard, with which the King was so kind as to honor me up to the period of his Majesty's indisposition ; which no one of his Majesty's sub- jects has so much cause to lament as myself; — and that his Majesty was graciously pleased to bestow 134 LIFE OF THE upon me the most unequivocal and gratifying proof of his attachment and approbation, by his public reception of me at his court, at a season of severe and unmerited affliction, when his protection was most necessary to me. There I have since, unin- terruptedly, paid my respects to your Majesty. I am now without appeal, or protector ; but I can- not so far forget my duty to the King, and to my- self, as to surrender my right to appear at any public drawing-room, to be held by your Majesty. " That I may not, however, add to the difficulty and uneasiness of your Majesty's situation, I yield, in the present instance, to the will of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, announced to me by your Majesty, and shall not present myself at the drawing-rooms of next month. " It would be presumptuous in me to attempt to inquire of your Majesty, the reasons of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, for this harsh pro- ceeding, of which his Royal Highness can alone be the judge. I am unconscious of offence; and in that reflection, I must endeavour to find consolation for all the mortifications I experience; even for this, the last, the most unexpected, and the most severe ; — the prohibition given to me alone to ap- pear before your Majesty, to offer my congratu- lations upon the happy termination of those cala- mities with which Europe has been so long afflict- v. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 135 ed, in the presence of the illustrious personages, who will, in all probability, be assembled at your Majesty's court, with whom I am so closely con- nected by birth and marriage. "I beseech your Majesty to do me an act of justice, to which, in the present circumstances, your Ma- jesty is the only person competent,- — by acquaint- ing those illustrious strangers with the motives of personal consideration towards your Majesty, which alone induce me to abstain from the exercise of my right to appear before your Majesty : and that I do now, as I have done at all times, defy the malice of my enemies to fix upon me the shadow of any one imputation, which could render me unworthy of their society and regard. "Your Majesty will, I am sure, not be displeased that I should relieve myself from a suspicion of disrespect towards your Majesty, by making public the cause of my absence from court, at a time when the duties of my station would otherwise peculiarly demand my attendance. " I have the honor to be, your Majesty's Most obedient daughter-in-law and servant, Caroline P." Connaught-House, May 24, 1814. *36 hfe OF THE The Queen, in return : "Windsor Castle, May C Z5, 1814. "The Queen has received, this afternoon, the Princess of Wales's letter of yesterday, in reply to the communication which she was desired by the Prince Regent to make to her ; and she is sensible of the disposition expressed by her Royal Highness, not to discuss with her topics which must be pain- ful to both. * The Queen considers it incumbent upon her to send a copy of the Princess of Wales's letter to the Prince Regent ; and her Majesty could have felt no hesitation in communicating to the illustrious strangers, who may possibly be present at her court, the circumstances which will prevent the Princess of Wales from appearing there, if her Royal Highness had not rendered a compliance with her wish, to this effect, unnecessary, by intim- ating her intention of making public the cause of her absence. Chaklotte R." The Princess of Wales returned : "The Princess of Wales has the honor to ac- knowledge the receipt of a note from the Queen, dated yesterday; and begs permission to return her best thanks to her Majesty, for her gracious condescension, in the willingness expressed by her PRINCESS CHARLOTTE 137 Majesty, to have communicated to the illustrious strangers, who will, in all probability, be present at her Majesty's court, the reasons which have in- duced her Royal Highness not to be present. " Such communication, as it appears to her Royal Highness, cannot be Jess necessary, on account of any publicity which it may be in the power of her Royal Highness to give to her motives ; and the Princess of Wales, therefore, entreats the active good offices of her Majesty, upon an occasion which the Princess of Wales feels it so essential to her, that she should not be misunderstood. Caroline P." Connaught-Place, May 26, 1814. The Queen's answer : "Windsor Castle, May 27, 1814. * The Queen cannot omit to acknowledge the receipt of the Princess of Wales's note of yesterday, although it does not appear to her Majesty to re- quire any other reply than that conveyed to her Royal Highnesses preceding letter. Charlotte R /* This correspondence led to the following letter to the Prince : " Sir, M I am once more reluctantly compelled to address t 188 LIFE OT THE your Royal Highness ; and I enclose, for your in- spection, copies of a note which I have had the honor to receive from the Queen, and of the answer which I have thought it my duty to return to her Majesty. It would be in vain for me to inquire into the reasons of the alarming declaration made by your Royal Highness, that you have taken the fixed and unalterable determination '.never to meet me upon any occasion, either in public or private. Of these your Royal Highness is pleased to state yourself to be the only judge. You will perceive, by my answer to her Majesty, thai I have only been restrained, by motives of personal consideration towards her Majesty, from exercising my right of appearing before her Majesty at the public draw- ing-rooms, to be held in the ensuing month. " But, Sir, lest it should be, by possibility, suppos- ed that the words of your Royal Highness can con- vey any insinuation from which I shrink, I am bound to demand of your Royal Highness, what circumstances can justify the proceedings you have thus thought fit to adopt. " I owe it to myself, to my daughter, and to the nafion, to which I am deeply indebted for the vin- dication of my honor, to remind your Royal High- ness, of what you know,- — that, after open persecu- tion, and mysterious inquiries upon undefined charges, the malice of my enemies fell entirely upon PRINCESS CHARLOTTE \39 themselves ; and that I was restored by the King, with the advice of his ministers, to the full enjoy- ment of my rank in his court, upon my complete acquittal, Since his Majesty's lamented illness, I have demanded, in the face of Parliament and the country, to be proved guilty, or to be treated as innocent. I have been declared innocent. I will not submit to be treated as guilty. " Sir, your Royal Highness may possibly refuse to read this letter ; but the world must know that I have written it, and they will see my real motives for foregoing, in this instance, the rights of my rank. Occasions, however, may arise, (one, I trust, is far distant) when I must appear in public, and your Royal Highness must be present also. Can your Royal Highness, have contemplated the full extent of your declaration ? Has your Royal Highness forgotten the approaching marriage of our daughter, and the possibility of our coronation ? I wave my rights in a case where I am not absolutely bound to assert them ; in order to relieve the Queen, as far as I can, from the painful situation in which she is placed by your Royal Highness, not from any consciousness of blame, not from any doubt of the existence of those rights, or of my own worthiness to enjoy them. " Sir, the time you have selected for this proceed- ing is calculated to make it peculiarly galling. 140 LIFE OF THE Many illustrious strangers are already arrived in England; amongst whom, as I am informed, the illustrious heir of the house of Orange, who has an- nounced himself to me as my future son-in-law ; from their society I am unjustly excluded. Others are expected, of equal rank to your own, to rejoice with your Royal Highness on the peace of Europe. My daughter will, for the first time, appear in the splendour and publicity becoming the approaching nuptials of the presumptive heiress of this empire. This season your Royal Highness has chosen for treating me with fresh and unprovoked indignity ; and, of all his Majesty's subjects, I alone am pre- vented by your Royal Highness from appearing in my place, to partake of the general joy ; and am deprived of the indulgence in those feelings of pride and affection, permitted to every mother but me. I am, Sir, Your Royal Highness's faithful wife, Caroline P." CcmnaughUHouse, May 26, 1814. On the 3d of June, the Speaker stated to the House of Commons that he had received a letter from the Princess of W ales, containing the correspondence that had passed between her Majesty and her Royal Highness, and a copy of the address which mnccEss charlotte. 14 i she had sent to the Regent; desiring that the Speaker should communicate them to the parlia- ment, and also those sentiments of indignation ex- pressed in her letter to the chairman, which im- pelled her to lay the whole affair before the as- sembly of the nation. After the letters were read, one of the opposition members entered into the grievances of her Royal Highness, and referring to her justification, declare ed the treatment of the Princess far different from what she deserved. He thought her appeal to the public sufficiently excused by the want she labour- ed under of any other means of redress for hardships which bore so heavily upon her, particularly at a time when her connections, and those in the eyes of whom she naturally wished to appear respectable, were to witness her degrading circumstances. Was she to be excluded from the common privilege of all British subjects, and to be regarded as guilty before her innocence was disproved? The conclu- sion of the speech was a proposal, " That an humble address be presented to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, to pray his Royal Highness that he will be graciously pleased to acquaint the House, by whose advice his Royal Highness was induced to form the fixed and unalterable determination never to meet her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales upon any occasion, either in private or 142 LIFE OF THE public, as eommtmicated by his Royal Highness to her Majesty ; together with the reasons submit- ted to his Royal Highness, upon which such ad- vice was founded." It was denied, on the other side, that any neces- sity called for parliamentary interference, since no actual prohibition was offered to the Princess, nor other hindrance, except that the Prince signified his intention of not meeting her there. The mo- tion was at length withdrawn ; but the member who made it, notified his design of resuming the subject at a future period; and, agreeably to his in- timation, he rose on the 23d of June, and in defer- ence to the judgment of the House, avoided a dis- cussion of the tender points which he had broached on the former occasion. The object of his application merely related to the Princess's revenue ; and the mover expressed his determination to confine himself wholly to that topic. He could not, however, forbear to express his regret and astonishment that no measures had been adopted to alleviate the distressing circum- stances in which he before introduced her Royal Highness to their notice. He reported the income of the Princess, as it was, independent of the plea- sure of her Royal consort, at five thousand a year, a sum inadequate to enable her Royal Highness to hold the splendour of such an exalted station, and PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 143 although the Prince's grant might be both liberal and ready, the obligation was itself a grievance, when coming with all its relative circumstances ; and he therefore proposed, that the House should take into consideration the correspondence com- municated to the Speaker. It was hereupon observed by Lord Castlereagh, that the friends of her Royal Highness had now for the first time explained their wishes to have an addition made to her income, and that conceiving the purport of the motion to go no farther, and that it was not contemplated to ground the cause upon matters of a secret description and unpleasant in their nature, he felt rejoiced ; but that taking occasion from the present introduction of the Prin- cess, he would leave the dry and bare consideration of the case, and touch upon those subjects, which, roughly handled already, had been productive of uneasiness and distraction in the mind of the peo- ple. His Lordship, in a very long discourse, ex- patiated upon the letter of the Princess to her Ma- jesty, and denied any right being inherent in her Royal Highness to demand admission into drawing- rooms held by the Queen. The cause of her Royal Highness, he said, had been turned into an engine for aspersing the character of the Prince Regent ; but let any man come forward and testify 144 LIFE OF THE to those actions of his Royal Highness which could be construed into vindictive malice. His Lordship then entered into the pecuniary settlements which had been made betwixt the parties, and showed the stipend granted by the Princess as fully commensurate to the income of the Prince. He strongly deprecated that spirit of keen hostility with which some persons were actu- ated, and sought to bring into contempt the mem- bers of a family whose accession to the British throne produced freedom to the British people. With respect to the desire of encreasing the Prin- cess's allowance, he had no difficulty in declaring the forwardness of ministers to meet the inclinations of the mover; but his Lordship nevertheless looked upon his methods of procedure as ill calculated to effect the object which he seemed to have in view. His Lordship noticed a fact worthy of consideration, and that was an instrument, dated in 1809, signed by the Prince and Princess, and approved by his Majesty (to whom it was submitted,) whose signature it bore, and also the signatures of the men at that time in office. This paper provides for a distinct pension to her Royal Highness, and sets forth the irreconcilable state of mind wherein the parents of the Princess Charlotte were affected to- wards each other. Then Mr. Whitbread began. (The intelligent PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 145 reader will perceive the drift for giving parliamen- tary disquisitions at all to be an observance of the most strict impartiality, nor will he think it any deviation from that principle, when he is told that the person now going to speak, was an honest man.) Mr. Whitbread disclaimed on his own part and for his friends, any objects which they would not venture to avow, and particularly the intention of merely getting money ; nor, as far as he had oppor- tunities of collecting the sentiments of her Royal Highness, was it the scope of herself. He compli- mented Lord Castlereagh upon the honourable and manly interposition which he used the foregoing year to rescue the Princess from the dangers which threatened both her honor and her life ; that his Lordship did not discover a vindictive disposition to impel those who urged the charges against royal fidelity, was a source of pleasurable reflection to every individual of worth in the empire. But with respect to himself, a sense of the indignities and marks of indifference, or something worse, which were shown to the Princess, alone induced him to become an active agent in her concernments. If, he continued, the House will think proper to make to her Roya) Highness a grant of money, I shall rejoice in it as a testimony of its approbation, but the grant shall not silence me, if upon any future occasion I shall think the Princess aggrieved* u * . 146 LIFE OF THE It appeared to be the wish of the House that the proposal of an augmented income to her Royal Highness should come from the crown, and when the minister hinted as much as that such a step was contemplated, the motion was withdrawn. And on the 4th of July, the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer moved the order of the day for going into a committee to deliberate upon the documents laid before the House respecting the Princess of Wales; and in a disputation upon a matter of form, it was asserted by Mr. Whitbread that the motion did not originate with her Royal Highness, who had made her arrangements with such economy, that she was not indebted a single shilling, and that no application for an increase of fortune was necessary to her, or authorized by her Royal Highness. When the committee was formed, and the business of it entered into, Lord Castlereagh expressed himself anxious to clear up some doubts and misapprehen- sions which had arisen respecting the revenue of the Princess of Wales, and in the course of his speech proved the liberality of the Prince, who was solicitous to provide for her Royal Highness's com- fort ; and moreover well pleased that her pension was about to be made adequate to the maintenance of rank accordant to the elevated station which she held in the country. He thought the most eligi- ble measure would be to raise it to that point to PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. %4ff Which it must reach upon the demise of the Prince. His Lordship suggested therefore a net annual al- lowance of £50,000 and that the £5,000 and the £17,000 then enjoyed by the Princess should be deducted from the income of the Regent. When the report of the committee was brought up, Lord Castlereagh called the attention of the House to a letter which he had received from her Royal Highness, stating her inclination to accept a smaller sum from the country than had been so liberally offered, and that the vote would be more satisfactory if, instead of fifty thousand pounds, it were reduced to thirty-five thousand. The honour- able views expressed by her Royal Highness were accomplished, and the diminution accordingly made; but the minister hoped that no occasion would be thenceforward taken to revive the discus- sion of her Royal Highness's affairs ; to this Mr. Whitbread replied, that the enlargement of her income did not place her above the reach of injury, and that if she ever felt aggrieved again, the House,- he expected, would not decline to give her protec- tion. Now since we have settled the condition of the Princess of Wales in as agreeable a way as it could be in, by leave of unhappy circumstances incapable of removal or mitigation, let the attention be turned to the employments of her interesting daughter. 148 LIFE OF THE Her years were attended with proportional pro- gress in the several things to which her mind was directed, and the closeness of her application to books excluded, in a great measure, the harassing reflections which might have otherwise preyed upon her feelings, and by consequence upon her health, although her Royal Highness, as we have noticed her, was not dead to the afflicting regret with which the separation between her beloved parents was calculated to inspire her. The beauties of classic authors grew more entertaining and striking to her as she advanced in age; and that sort of relish for them, and nicety in finding them out, called taste, was in her Iloyal Highness uncommonly early, though not premature. The first productions of Greece and Italy were the chief objects which engaged her care, nor was any continental tongue neglected, but pursued with ardour and precision, especially the German, which was communicated to her Iloyal Highness by the Rev. Mr. Kuper, a Lutheran clergyman from one of the Hanseatic towns, whose only recommendation was the repute in which his talents and learning were held; nor is this an ordinary occurrence, for although it may seem a tiling to be expected, a mere matter of course that the masters selected for an exalted pu- pil should possess a perfect knowledge of the art or science over which he was to preside, yet little PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 149 examination that way is minded in general, but a good address, and the looks of gentility, furnish the best means of coming into notice and favour, It had been the desire of his Majesty that the Princess was not to be confirmed until she had entered into her eighteenth year, and on this ac- count she did not partake of that sacrament at the time when all the other members of the Royal Family took upon themselves the awful responsi- bility of directing their own wills and actions. But on the 24th of October, 1813, she was con- firmed at Windsor, in the chapel there, by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and before the Quee.n, the' Prince Regent ; and it is supposed the Prin- cess of Wales being present by the invincible wish of the Princess Charlotte was the reason why the confirmation was not made a subject of public solemnity. The Archbishop of York, the Bishop of Salisbury (her tutor), and two or three more dignitaries, witnessed the ceremonial. From the time of her Royal Highness's confir- mation, she was regarded more than formerly mis- tress of her own place, in all respects, except the uncontrouled intercourse with her mother. War- wick House was fitted up in a style of moderate elegance, and a regular establishment was attached to her person. She had often met the Prince of Orange, but he had not been before this time in- 150 LIEE OF THE troduced to her Royal Highness formally. On the 14th of December, the Regent saw the young Prince to Warwick House, and presented his Se- rene Highness to the accomplished young female intended for his bride. • The conversation is of course unknown, and probably did not embrace any thing beyond the common place subjects of talk, but this may easily be imagined that the Prince expressed little of the fervid lover. Had he attended less to prudent preliminaries, he might have stood a better chance for ultimate success — the utmost wisdom in these cases often proves to be consummate folly. The day before, her Royal Highness was permitted to pay a visit to her mo- ther at Connaught House, a journey not very fa- vourable to the suitor, who had never treated the Princess of Wales with that degree of respect and reverence fitted to make her a party in his cause, but the slights he manifested towards her, the fear shown lest she should retain her maternal authority over the Princess Charlotte, added considerably to the alienation of her mother from the match, which, as already hinted, was likely to bereave her of her daughter's company and consequent protec- tion in this country. The Prince of Orange having now received the countenance of the Regent, was at liberty to go frequently to see the Princess Charlotte. But the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE 151 repetition of his overtures, containing no mark of indulgence towards the Princess of Wales, nor rendered captivating by those sweetnesses and little attentions which imperceptibly gain over the af- fections, did not promote the great point he aimed at. When the Duchess of Brunswick paid the debt of nature, the Princess was allowed to spend some part of a day in solacing the afflictions of her mother, who seemed to be stripped of all re- sources to maintain her rights and honors, and was therefore a claimant for her daughter's care and support in a greater measure than before, and is said, by the expression of her sorrows upon that oc- casion, to have made the deepest impression on the sensible mind of her beloved and dutiful child. It is not extraordinary, therefore, that when his Serene Highness went to work artfu.lly, his only plan was a sympathy declared for the condition of the Prin- cess of Wales, but in place of doing so, he seldom hesitated to insinuate his contempt for her character, and the reluctance with which he would suffer his consort to hold correspondence with the unhappy Princess. Besides the want of judgment exhibited in this instance, he laboured under the misfortune and disadvantage of all supplicants for favour, who make a too early declaration of their wishes. The very helps that are used upon such occasions have the contrary effect from the one intended. There 152 LIFE OF THE was indeed a personage who had great interest with the Princess Charlotte ; this was the Duchess of Oldenburgh ; she had come into this country merely for the sake of seeing whatever curious it contained, and becoming acquainted with the inha- bitants, whose character she was prepared to ad- mire. Her personal graces, embellished by a re- fined understanding, gained her admission into the hearts of all who had the happiness of her acquaint- ance, and in a special degree won the confidence and attachment of her Royal Highness, How far she urged the claims of the Prince of Orange is uncer- tain, but it does not comport with our ideas of her moral principles, to suppose that she interfered further than discretion suggested. The exalted opinion entertained of her brother, the Emperor of Russia, gave much interest to every thing the Duchess did, and established the reputation for wisdom and accomplishments which she herself most fully deserved. While the Duchess of Oldenburgh lodged at the Pultney Hotel in Piccadilly, it was resorted to by all of great rank and eminence in the kingdom, who vied with one another in courting her esteem and intimacy, and the Princess Charlotte went often there to see her respected friend. Upon one of these occasions she found Prince Leopold at the tavern, and was apparently much gratified by the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 153 openness of his manners, and the unassuming dig- nity of his deportment. In the meantime she delighted to unbend her mind by drawing and sculpture, arts which her Royal Highness showed early indications of being a proficient in. Upon the confirmation of her Royal Highness more attention was paid to the state and splendour of her household than before it ; and suitable ar- rangements were made to correspond with the step towards womanly independence which the ceremony was destined to form. And when her birthday arrived, the 7th of January 1814, great marks of regard and general estimation were ex- hibited. The principal nobility and gentry called at Warwick House, and offered their respectful felicitations. All the persons ever concerned in her education attended, and were introduced to her, while she, standing beside the Rev. Doctor Short, her classical instructor, received them with looks of kindness and love, and presented a proud fulfilment of their hopes in her person, and each, very probably, pleased himself by the contemplation of some attainment which she owed to his assiduity and pains. The drawing-rooms came on; and her Royal Highness made her appearance. The Duchess of Leeds arrived at her Majesty's house first, to put x 154 LIFE OF THE all things in readiness for dressing the Princess. Her shoes were beautifully studded with sparkling crescents, or half moons, (the decoration worn upon the short boots of the Roman Senators), her petti- coat was of white sattin, of the finest texture and richest quality, it was bordered with laurel leaves interspersed with roses done in silver; the body was in a like degree tasteful and elegant. Bracelets and armlets, necklace and fancy earrings were pro- perly disposed. Ostrich feathers were of course the chief part of the Princess's head-dress, and dia- monds shed their brilliant powers between them, illustrating the ornament which had the royal hero seen disposed as now it was, he scarcely could have grudged the toils he won it with, upon the field of Cressy. The whole company were struck with admiration of the dignity and ease appearing in her Royal Highness. She passed through the croud saluting her friends with the most engaging affability and condescension. When she was going to her car- riage the Prince of Orange followed, and attending her to the carriage door gave his hand as the Prin- cess was entering it. The Prince had been paying his compliments to her Royal Highness, and upon his departure looked with more than usual complacency, more than usual, for his Serene Highness was always steady and col- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 155 lected, and seldom overcome by the momentary eb- ullitions of feelings which young men in such cir- cumstances frequently disclose; but one of the under governesses, better acquainted perhaps, than himself, with the real posture of his affairs, cast a very serious eye upon him as he was taking leave. This Lady was naturally sedate, but her Royal Highness thought her countenance more grave than at other times, and determined not to let it pass unnoticed ; Why, said she, do you appear so pensive, I hope you are not in love, indeed I don't think you ever were — God help you ! come now, tell me were you ever teazed with suitors dangling after you ; but you are too modest to say you were, and I suppose you are too proud to say you were not, so I'll not press the subject, though it does not seem to be a very disagreeable one neither. Matters, however, were advanced so far that the measures consequent to the nuptials began to be determined, and among other things it was fixed that the married couple should take up their resi- dence at the Hague. The fondness of the royal native for the place of her birth furnished a decent excuse for refraining to enter into so serious a com- pact of intimacy and devotion with a man not en- tirely approved of in her heart. That an absence from Britain must have injured the Princess of Wales, was an aggravation of the objection the Prin- 158 LIFE OF THE cess had against leaving home. Her aversion was certainly real; every act and expression of her Royal Highness relative to the country, incontrovertibly established it, and surely there was no sin in using for a pretext what was a real cover, one that had an actual existence, for her conduct; and if any im- propriety there was, the occasion for its use fully justified the adoption of the assignment of such a reason. She might have esteemed the man very highly, but that was not sufficient to authorise the gift of her hand. Yet it does not follow, that be- cause her Royal Highness did not love the Prince, he should be devoid of merit in her eyes ; for al- though esteem leads often to love, still when an af- fair of this kind is too importunately urged, scruples may arise in the mind which cannot consistently with true delicacy, (and with all her sprightliness the Princess Charlotte was truly delicate,) which scruples cannot be categorically defined. Non amo te, Sabidi, nee possum dicere quare; Hoc tantum possum dicere ; non amo te. They who understand not the tongue in which this distich is written, will not be excluded from the conception of its force, by the following para- phrase which very closely renders it English : I cannot like thee, Doctor Fell, The reason why I may not tell ; PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 157 But this indeed I know full well, / do not like thee, Doctor Fell. But over and above this indescribable something which wrought upon the feelings of the Princess, besides the objection of forsaking her native land, besides the magnet which attracted her, formed by the condition of her parent ; she had now gained, unknown, may be to herself, a cause more positive 'to withhold her from consenting to the proposed connection. The allied sovereigns of the continent, whose exertions in freeing Europe, indeed all the world, from the intrusions of the French Emperor, had been so powerfully aided and forwarded by the liberality of the British government, accepted an invitation sent them to come and live awhile among their benefactors. The foremost in public opi- nion, the Emperor of Russia, put up at the same hotel with his sister, whom the Princess Charlotte, we have seen, used often to visit, and had the hap- piness to meet at her apartments the Prince Leo- pold, who was united by marriage with the house of Russia, for his sister was espoused to the Arch- duke Constantine. This Archduke Constantine, unlike the Emperor, was a perfect boor, insensible to all the softer emotions of the human kind, a beast that long used to revel in sensuality and gross voluptuousness, knew not to appreciate the worth 158 LIFE OF THE of a virtuous wife, or to cherish the delicacies of a refined woman. The result of his brutality was an appeal for other protection by his consort, and she was accordingly received again into the bosom of her kindred. But the misunderstanding did not affect the rest of the two families, who still con- tinued their mutual attachment for each other, and the promising virtues of the amiable young Prince Leopold acquired for him the friendly regard of the Russian Monarch, and of his accomplished sister. Since every body, from her residence here, took an interest in the concerns of the Duchess, as creditable to their own feelings as it was honourable to the person distinguished, for to approve merit is almost akin to having it ; and because some may not have heard of her exaltation, the reader is informed that a short time after she left England, she became the Queen of the sovereign of Wirtemburg. The Prince was so much esteemed by the Duchess of Olden- burgh that his character did not sustain any loss from her conversation respecting him, and the liking of the Princess Charlotte towards his Serene High- ness'was countenanced by the high notion formed of him by a judge so competent to do it wisely. But this was not the only way in which the Prince Leopold came recommended to the notice of her Royal Highness. The Duke of Brunswick was well acquainted with him, and entertained PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 159 such respect for his character, that understanding the Prince's purpose to repair to England, he com- missioned him to cany a letter to his niece the Princess Charlotte. This furnished the Prince with an occasion of doing what was an act of civility, and modestly called for a genteel return, and nothing of this kind could be more handsome than an in- vitation to drink tea. His Serene Highness was therefore requested to attend the small evening parties at Warwick House; and his company was pleasing to all the ladies of the establishment, and so met with their unqualified approbation. In broad day-light, the spirits are supposed to be the most clear and lively, and under this idea we are advised to transact our business while the sun keeps up ; now although in the ordinary pursuits of life, the advice is judicious and proper, because much consideration ought to be intermixed with the briskness of dispatch, nevertheless the heart is oftener opened when evening has come on, when the day's bustle is over, when the tea things are laid, and the person is attired with a view to neat- ness as well as comfort, the dress fitted rather to adorn and grace the wearer, than put on to ex- clude the cold ; — such moments must be the pliant ones of the female mind, especially when music im- proves the soft disposition of the bosom, and attunes all the soul to melodv and social love. Thus the 160 LIFE OF THE very time of his visits appears to have been a lucky adjunct to the many propitious circumstances which attended the Prince in his progress to engage the favour of her Ttoyal Highness. W ith regard to dominion and family greatness, the Prince of Orange had far the advantage of Prince Leopold, not but that the Coburg race can run their genealogical tablet very distant, but the house of Nassau has been esteemed much more considerable, because the people under its guidance were numerous and powerful, and exalted by com- mercial industry and spirit beyond any common state of Germany ; and this difference in the respec- tability of families, more than the power of tracing back till the view is sunk in the gulf of antiquity, ought to decide the question. A knowledge of ancestry is good presumption in favour of the illus- trious line that has it, but it only tends to raise their consequence, so far as it implies that the pro- genitors were worth remembering, but no farther ; for as to the fact of ancestors having existed, that might be claimed for himself, by the meanest wretch of human shape, whose assurance of descent from Noah may be equal to his who holds the highest station in the world : the grandeur of the immediate precursors is the criterion. The Nassau house have, many of them, figured with great reputation and eclat, upon the page of PRINCESS CHARLOTTE 161 history ; neither did the Coburg house pass on to the present generation undistinguished. The Prince of Coburg, who was eminent in the revolu- tionary wars, was the gr^at-uncle of our Leopold. Amongst his forefathers was Charles Duke of Lor- raine, the last claimant of the Carlovingian line to the throne of France, at the time it was mounted by Hugh Capet, the founder of the Bourbons. From Charles of Lorraine descended the Count of Thuringuen, a celebrated warrior and politician, and whose fame was maintained by his sons. Ca- tharine, a daughter of Henry Duke of Brunswick, was married into the Thuringuen family in the beginning of the thirteenth century, but the Prin- cess Charlotte and Prince Leopold did not unite their lineage in the house of Brunswick from this connection, for Leopold is sprung from a brother of him who married Catharine of Brunswick. When the heroes fired with religious ardour had entered into the combination to expatriate the settlers of the Holy Land, the Saxon Princes eagerly embraced that opportunity to display their prowess, and attest their faith, and joining the league performed prodigies of valour that made all the ballads of the times ring with their renown. But after they had bled and exhausted themselves in the fruitless expedition, and had returned to their native land, they found their possessions 162 LIFE OF THE seized by the neighbouring grandees, and their swords were drawn again. Various were the bat- tles fought on these occasions, victory inclining sometimes to one side then to another, till by the individual exertions of Frederic the Swarthy, (so called from the tanned complexion he had contract- ed in Palestine,) the invaders were finally expelled and the family restored to their original dominions, which decreasing more or less, have been reduced to their present limits. The territory of Coburg, as it stands at this day, may be thus described ; it extends on either side the river Saal, in Franconia, forming an irregular figure in the very heart of Germany. The capital is rendered famous by the residence of Martin Luther in it during all the troubles of the incipient reformation, and while the diet of Augsburg sat, he kept a close resident in the town. The Duke of Coburg was one of the most strenuous supporters of the protestant cause, and on his account, I sup- pose, the chief town in his territory was selected for the protection of the reformist. Before the last arrangements made at Vienna, the Coburg estate contained eight towns, and two hundred and eighty hamlets, and was peopled by about sixty thousand souls, the whole yielding an annual re- venue not exceeding £50,000. Not long before the families of Coburg and Bruns- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 163 wick intermarried, the Coburg family was elevated to the electoral rank. Two princes of conspicuous merit, both dying without heirs, the electorate was passed over to Harbec, a stripling, belonging to a younger branch ; he had given early prognostics of future greatness, but the sudden transition from precarious dependence to grandeur and dignity, overcame his virtuous disposition, and he gave a loose to licentiousness and dissipation, smothering the rising talents, which promised to cut a name for himself on the records of German story. He, however, left a son, that in a great measure atoned for the father's delinquency, and being a man of excellent principles, was regarded as a mediator, when two potentates disagreed; and upon these oc- casions he acted with so much decision, that the party dissatisfied was afraid to murmur, knowing the determination and firmness of the umpire's spirit, and obedience was the more readily yielded, for the common opinion held of his strict justice and sagacity to discover the merits of a disputed case, and of this a very interesting example has been related. A certain family under the Coburg jurisdiction, had by great industry and thrift, for two or three generations, acquired considerable wealth. Their substance was universally known to be great, and they who in imitation of their example, had en- 164 LIFE OF THE deavoured to collect a store, thought their property always secure, when intrusted to the care of such a responsible house. Now, two men, who had vast possessions in the beginning of life, squandered away the principal part, and, as too often happens with men in their condition, freed themselves from all moral sanctions. They agreed together, to leave all they had between both in the hands of the worthy people, with the mischievous intent which the sequel will disclose. A bond for the repayment of the treasure was given, according to the laws of the country, stipulating, that since neither had a right to what belonged to them conjointly, the amount should be given to the depositers together. Not long after, one of them, representing the other to be dead, claimed the liquidation of his bond. But the Prince, pleased with the prosperity of his dependents, and delighting in their honest exer- tions to get forward in the world, used among others to visit this family, and while he was with them, the business now alluded to was going on. It reached the Prince's ears, who suspecting what was intended to be done, ordered things to rest as they were for a little, till further inquiry took place, and thereupon, he dispatched one of his followers to the man's lodgings to learn the truth of the re- port, where the person represented as dead, was found, expecting his friend's coming. The Prince, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 165 uncertain whether the claimant intended to play his fellow false, or that it was only a concerted scheme, by means of which the other might exact his sum too in his turn ; although uncertain of this, he knew at least, that some villany was contemplated, and that neither was unconcerned ; ordering, therefore, the bond to be immediately discharged in conform- ity with the stipulations of it, he banished both the persons who left the money, for ever from his ter- ritories. Two sons, Ernest and Albert, equally enjoying the paternal love, were left in possession of the divided estate, and lived in the greatest harmony with each other. Their descendants were distin- guished respectively by these two patriarchs' names, the issue of the one was called the Ernestine, that of the other, the Albertine. In the former, the protestants found cordial and resolute supporters, and their religion was rendered the more engaging by the amiable qualities of many of them, for they did not adopt it through motives of mere vanity, or for the sake of singularizing themselves, but under the conviction of its tendency to make men pass through things temporal, so as to stand a good chance for gaining the things that are eternal. Luther is copious in his acknowledgments of patronage and support from the family of Ernest, with respect to their own benevolent intentions ; 166 LIFE OF THE but even that is no deduction from their praise, if it be considered, that it came not from a parasite, from a man fond of his ease, and eager to obtain the comforts of this life, but from Martin Luther ; it was Martin Luther, who paid the encomium, a man who had the courage to defy the Pope in all his power, and was the most regardless being in the world of whatever administered to terrestrial enjoyments alone, and consequently, he could never be in such circumstances as to oblige himself to receive the good offices of others beyond what the furtherance of the cause he undertook seemed to require. When Martin Luther, therefore, used the word intentions, he must be understood to say, that he owed a favour to the Ernest family, which he did not seek, nor cared much whether he obtain- ed or no. Guellum, one of the members of the house of Ernest, is said to have gone into the woods, and associating with men of great hardihood, and law- less mind, to have long carried on a predatory war- fare upon all whom necessity compelled to pass that way. Strange stories are told of this wonder- ful man, but they are so far removed from the course of human actions and events, that the most credulous reader in modern times would only be disgusted by their absurdity. Indeed, the whole Ernestine family have suffered PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 167 very much in the records of historians, who belong- ing in general to the Roman Catholic Church, Je- suits or other orders, have treated with little re- gard a house which proved so bold in its efforts to counteract the promulgation of their doctrines. But the Albertine branch is better known, either because the faith was changed from the protestant, or because in the year 1697, Frederic Augustus, one of the members of it, having succeeded to the throne of Poland, attached greater interest to his genealogy. It was for the purpose of becoming eligible to the Polish crown that Frederic Augus- tus renounced the religion of his fathers, and ad- hered to the doctrines of Catholicism. His mind, however, was occupied in the affairs of this world rather than concerned about futurity ; and it must be owned that nature had qualified him to shine as a conqueror. In all his engagements with the Turks, he performed prodigies of courage and dar- ing, and was always victorious, and seldom sustained any serious loss, for the soldiers who fought under his standard were roused to energy and vigour by the example before their eyes of him whom they served, and were of themselves persevering and used to toil, while the Turks long accustomed to the gratification of luxury and ease, wanted the firmness and resolution that fit men to undergo the hardships of warfare. The powers of his mind 168 LIFE OF THE only corresponded with the strength of his body, which he often exhibited to the surprise of every beholder. A sheet of copper he could twist round his finger, and the largest oak stick he could snap across his knee ; and he has frequently pulled up a tree by the root which a beast of burthen was un- able to move. When a soldier was disorderly, his punishment, and a very severe one it was, did not require any infliction more terrible than to be taken by the hand and squeezed by the offended king. Bui notwithstanding his successes against the Turks, he found a dreadful opponent in Charles XII, by whom he was finally subdued, but his throne was not taken away from him ; the defeat, however, made such a deep impression upon his haughty spirit, that he grew melancholy and despondent, which brought on, or precipitated at least, his dis- solution. Whatever may have been his barbarities to other people, his own was most probably used with liberality and kindness, for his death seems to have been very sincerely deplored by his subjects, who elected his son, Frederic Augustus II. to suc- ceed him in the government of Poland. The cha- racter of Frederic Augustus was rather pacific, but intestine broils made his situation very uncomfort- able, and being either prevented by domestic troubles, which required all his time and force to quell them, or naturally a lover of ease, and slow PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 169 to make reprisals, he suffered his territories to dwindle considerably, and his authority to sink, till after a yawning reign of thirty years, he was taken off from all his earthly cares, and succeeded by his son Frederic Christian. Frederic Christian did not live many months, and his son, Frederic Augustus III. came into his room. This Frederic Augustus, the Bonapartean king of Saxony, enter- tained either an uncommon fear of the French Emperor, or the most exalted admiration of him, for he cleaved to his fortunes with such desperate pertinacity that it was accounted unsafe for the repose of Europe to leave him undisputed master of his entire dominions. As to this suggestion, it is only a conjecture, but it is by no means impro- bable, since some cause of that kind must account for the treatment he met with from the other po- tentates of Europe assembled at the congress of Vienna, or there represented by their delegated ministers. Of those who boast their foundation in Ernest, there are now several distinct branches, but the most eminent appears to be the house of Saalfeld, to which Prince Leopold pertains. The Coburg territory was nearly forty years a bone of contention to several brothers' children ; and each was furnished with strong pretensions to z 170 LIFE OP THE gain its possession. The house of Saalfeld succeed- ed, and the others quietly withdrew their claims. The grandfather of Prince Leopold was anxious to aggrandize his family by high matrimonial con- nections, and was much averse to the growing at- tachment of his son towards the accomplished daughter of the Reuss d'Ebersdorf, Count Henry. Her name was Augusta Carolina Sophia, and that of her lover, Francis. Their regard advanced apace, and consent was at length given to the match. They lived together in mutual happiness and com- fort, and had a numerous offspring ; these are their names and their state in society : Ernest Frederic Anthony, now Duke of Saxe- Coburg Saalfeld, who was born on the 2d of Janu- ary 1784. Sophia Frederica Carolina Louisa, married to Emanuel, Count de Mansdorf and Poully, a colonel in the service of Austria ; she was born on the 10th of August 1778. Antoinetta Ernestina Emelia, married to Duke Charles Alexander Frederic, brother to the king of Wirtemburg, a general in the Russian service, Governor of Livonia, Esthonia and Courland ; she was born on the 28th of August 1 779. Juliana Henrietta Ulrica, married in 1796, and soon after obliged to leave, the Grand Duke Con- stantine of Russia, and upon occasion of her mar- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 171 riage, (conformably to the rules of the imperial family, and the ordinances of the Greek church, becoming now a member of it,) she took the name of Anne Feodoroffna in place of her own ; she was born on the 23d of September, 1781. Ferdinand George Augustus ; he was born on the 28th of March, 1785. Maria Louisa Victoria, married to Ernest Charles Louis, Prince of Leinengen, and has been left by him a widow ; she was born on the 17th of August, 1786. Leopold George Christian Frederic, married to Charlotte Augusta of Britain, on the 2d of May, 1816, who was snatched away from him by the grasp of mortality on the 6th of November, 1817; he was born on the 16th of December, 1790. All the individuals of this family are endowed with the best dispositions, and distinguished for urbanity of manners, steadiness of principles, and decision of character. The attracting graces of Carolina, which won the affections of Duke Francis, were accompanied by a sound understanding that directed the management of her consort discreetly, and she was highly accomplished, moreover, in the different parts of female education, which could render her an agreeable companion and an useful parent. To her Serene Highness therefore is to be attributed some portion of applause for the 172 LIFE OF THE finished and admirable qualities that adorn her sons and daughters. Duke Francis, being of a mild and gentle cast, and his mind unfit to bear calamity, had a sweet comforter in his amiable wife, and when his own spirits failed him, and a sense of disappointments threw a gloom over his soul, he was often relieved by the endearments of conjugal love, and taught by the example of his cheerful and pious consort to fix his attention upon the hap- piness in store, and look with humble resignation and thankfulness on whatever Heaven was pleased to bring about. The kings of France were mightily fond of gain- ing not merely a preponderating influence over the affairs of the continent, but also an arbitrary power of dictating to the councils of the different states which composed it, and of making such divisions and arrangements among the German Princes as forwarded their national interests ; nay the grati- fication of their fancies and pride was often deemed a sufficient motive for bringing the firebrand of war upon the humble habitation of the continental peasant, witness the open avowal of Lewis XIV, by whom a singular reason was found for the inva- sion of Holland, and indeed the only one assigned, to wit, The King's glory. It was hereditary in the Coburg race to meet with indignatiop, this grasping and intemperate PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 173 ambition of the French kings. The historical student has often had his attention engaged by the splendid services which the Duke of Saxe- Coburg rendered to the German endeavours to re- sist encroachment and subdue the tyrannical pride and national arrogance of the French. He in the most straitened circumstances held his mind un- bridled and never gave way to the influence of ca- lamitous attempts, but nobly persevered in the cause which he had undertaken, and gained at once the love of his men, and the perfect approbation of those who entrusted him with command. The same spirit which animated the French cabinets in former times, was in the more recent, equally active to blow down the continental greatness, or ingulf it in its own vortex. The government of the Germanic territories was subdivided amongst a number of petty rulers, each possessing an extensive power and authority over the tract which owed him obedience, but they were all subject to the jurisdiction of the empire. So that in order to crush the imperial power, it was needful first to annihilate all the little states which depended upon it, or were ready to take up arms in its defence. To accomplish the overthrow of these, the annexation of one to another seemed to be the most likely means, because the jealousy of several would be apt to rise at the aggrandize- 174 LIFE OF THE ment of any in particular, and discord being intro- duced, reciprocal injuries would expose all of them to the grasp of a powerful invader. The augmen- tation besides, by lessening the numbers, tended to make the machinery of the thing less complicated. When therefore the emperor of France expanded his views, and embraced in idea the subjugation of Europe, he proceeded by apparent acts of kindness and friendship to a few, to bring upon them the hatred and antipathy of their neighbours, who were themselves either despoiled or apprehended that they should. The overtures of amity and re- gard which Bonaparte made, were always worded with exceeding pathos and seeming sincerity. His style was brief and pithy, and by its hurried cha- racter conveyed a sort of assurance; for every period of his was not only full of meaning, but much was apparently left to be understood, as if it were need- less to employ parade, and therefore his honesty was seldom doubted by whomever he addressed himself to, such showy benevolence was well suited to entrap the implicit belief and engage the friend- ship of the German grandees, and with that ingre- dient he fitted his cordial to their palate, an opiate administered with the appearance of a soothing and sweet beverage, but it turned out a mortal poison, when their faculties of caution destroyed, he found himself at liberty to execute his purposes. Bonaparte PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 175 was a subtle and captivating politician as well as a very fine general, and had the art to make the per- sons whom he duped, prove themselves more in- fatuated than he was crafty. Now against men of his stamp it is always dangerous to struggle, as to hold connection and commerce is calculated to make victims of those who do, or at all events leaves them at the mercy of the wily friend ; for if the designs of such an one prosper, then there is an end of it, and mercy and favour are dealt out in place of gratitude and requital to them who assist ; but if success attend the designs, they who made the opposition have good cause to be alarmed, since nothing can more provoke an adept in any art, than to be crossed in it, when doing so was but an act of Virtue. Consequently the house of Co- burg, which never yielded to the allurements of this intriguing and wonderful man, except when dire necessity compelled them to submission, had no forbearance to expect on the part of the victor. The Princes of Germany in general were afraid to express their private sentiments, and approved of the measures for diminishing the number of the duchies, and increasing the power of those that re- mained ; but the members of the Coburg race, true to the temper of their forefathers, cried out against the innovations, declaring, that whereas now the different principalities being too small for warlike 176 LIFE OF THE operations to infest each other with, could, by unit- ing their strength, give security to the great body, but if the contemplated system were carried into effect, the consequence must be, that insolence on the one part, and independence on the other, would involve the states in reciprocal hostilities, or if a foreign power should introduce itself among them, one of the governments might be reduced* while the remainder kept an alliance with the in- truder, sacrificing safety for the bauble of a nomi- nal relationship to greatness. That these opinions boldly advanced, had weight with the contiguous sovereigns, is not to be doubted ; nor can any question be made that indignation and resentment were foster- ed towards the Coburgs for this cause in the bosom of him, whom such conduct did injury to. Their possessions were of course then treated un ceremoni- ously, and even upon one occasion overrun with de- predators, and all opportunities were eagerly caught up to do them individual disservice or in- dignity. According to the plans of partition devised by the Emperor of France, the duchy of Brunswick was made over to Prussia, and every petty state began to tremble for its integrity, warned by so striking a specimen of what they mi[ ht expect to happen to themselves. The whole therefore of the north of Germany was thrown into the greatest PROCESS CHARLOTTE. 177 consternation and alarm at the close of 1 806 ; and among the other objects of arbitrary despoliation, it was with good reason that the house of Coburg considered itself to make a part. The sentiments of the whole line had been always in opposition to the projects of altering the mode of government throughout the empire, and this aversion was at- tended now with gloomy apprehensions of what was about to be done when the changes were made. Little hopes of indulgence could be entertained, when the triumphant arms of Bonaparte reached the confines of their district. As the French drew nearer and nearer, Duke Francis, for greater safety, quited Coburg, and repaired to Saalfeld, with those of his family that were not engaged in active service. Ernest, the heir of his domain, was busily employ- ed under the Prussian government, which, through fear, resentment and pride, knew not how to direct itself, and so following no steady course of conduct, but vacillating and fickle, was unable by its exer- tions to do much harm to the invaders, but rather indeed hurt the cause of the neighbouring circles, since an instance of tergiversation, after the solemn promises entered into, set a bad example, and it was accordingly natural to expect that Bona- parte would use his best endeavours to see that no need would be for placing confidence in any, but to save that necessity by clipping their power, A A 178 LIFE OF THE preventing the breach of their word, by not requir- ing it to be given — such was his thoughtfulness for a tender conscience. The man has cost this country so much happiness and money, to reduce him, that a Briton is loth to admire any of his qualities, or he might find room to think highly of his skill and penetration, the art of his arrangements, the vastness of his propositions, and the consummate fortitude, with which he strode forward to their execution. Thus the eldest son was occupied ; the second Ferdinand bore arms in the service of Aus- tria, a general of respectable abilities, and unsullied honour. Meantime the Prince Leopold, who was scarcely fifteen years old, was kept by his father's side, and there endeavoured by all the means which filial piety suggested, to soothe his sorrowing parents. Sitting at the hearth stone of his beloved sire, he performed every little office of kindness, which is so very acceptable to the feeling bosom of a distres- sed father. The horrors of war spread in all direc- tions, and the French, irritated by the oppug- nation of some, from whom tame submission and good service were expected, and enraged at the perfidious desertion of friends, vented their full rage against their professed enemies, confounded all things in general ruin, and indiscriminate slaughter. At length reaching Saalfeld, a battle PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 179 was fought, terminating in favour of the French, but they did not gain an easy or bloodless victory ; the success was for a time wavering, each party contending with fierceness and ardour, the one was fired with native fury, and prompted by the hope of plunder, the other side animated with indignation, sustained themselves with firm resolution, as men do when they know their cause to be good, and that it is for their wives, their children, and their properties they fight. When the action was over, possession was taken of the Duke's territories ; he was himself and his family unmolested in person, but the ailings which attack us in the happiest conditions of life, gathering poignancy and force from outward disorders, brought Duke Francis to his end, and he expired in the ensuing winter, lamented by his kindred, subjects, and acquaintance. When Ernest succeeded to the title and rights of his father, he was engaged in forwarding the eause of opposition, and could not therefore expect to have his dominions restored; nor was he in this mistaken. All the possessions of the late Duke were seized on, and an oppressive contribution laid upon the country. Under the load of evils which bore down upon that distinguished house, it were only vain to struggle with the character and quality of an ally to any of the other powers resisting Bonaparte. Ernest was obliged to x& 180 LIFE OF THE main in the employment of Prussia, Ferdinand, who had been in the employment of Austria, still held his rank in it, after the peace, and Leopold, who was connected, by his sister's marriage, with the imperial house of Russia, was received into the Russian army, where he had an opportunity of making himself well known to the emperor, and the good fortune and merit to win his favour and esteem. To Alexander's friendship and interfer- ence, the Coburgs were indebted for the restoration of their territory. As soon as the quarrel broke out between France and Russia, the magnanimous autocrat very consi- derately advised the Prince Leopold to withdraw himself from his service, and remain inactive, lest the French Emperor, provoked by his bearing a command, would punish him in the possessions of his brother, who was then permitted to enjoy them undisturbed, and recognized by Napoleon as right- ful owner of them. According to this very discreet counsel, and in consideration of his family's good, the young Prince put up his sword ; but that he might not remain a peaceful spectator of troubles which he was fain to do his best to suppress, hap- pily, he determined to travel southward, and im- prove his mind by an acquaintance with the cus- toms and modes of life that existed among a foreign people* PRINCESS CHARLOTTE 181 Full of this laudable scheme, he cast his eyes about him for a suitable companion, and meeting with an intelligent and enlivening friend in the person of Baron Hardenbrock, he began his journey. By the experience and information of his attendant, he was enabled to familiarize himself with the nations he visited, entering at once into their pas- times and pursuits, and thereby he acquired a greater insight into their manners and dispositions than otherwise he could have attained. Indeed the chief means of improvement are commonly sacrificed by travellers to the indulgence of pride and vain glory, eager as they are to be thought great ones, they miss the opportunities of unfolding the plaits of the human heart, which, although in the main universal and alike, are diversified accor- ding to the country, no less than the apparel, and the tongue that is used ; how much then must the despicable ambition of shining for a time to the extent of the sojourner's rank and wealth, prevent the knowledge which might be gained by minute attention to the various occupations of the people visited ? Besides this hindrance, a notice of strange habits is impeded by the rapidity of passing the country through, not suffering the mind to dwell a sufficient length of time for fixing the impres- sions in the memory, if some observations will obtrude themselves upon us, which is seldom the 18£ LIFE OF THE case where men are in ti hurry, and seem afraid of catching the wisdom which they profess to pursue, no otherwise than dexterous persons move their palms over a red hot bar without being at all sensi- ble of the heat it is adapted to convey, because of the quickness with which the motion is performed. But it w r as not so with Prince Leopold and his fellow traveller. Every other consideration was however postpon- ed to the calls of his country ; and in 1813 he re- sumed his usual place in the Russian army, when no motives of his relative's welfare interposed be- tween his inclinations and the indulgence of them. The Emperor received him now with open arms. He continued in that service until the termination of the contest, and discharged his duties with the promptness and sagacity which might be looked for in a Prince of his accomplishments, spirit, and good parts. The leisure hours of his military career were devoted to the conversation of the Baron Hardenbrock, who was well qualified to im- part at once entertainment and instruction; he knew the world well, he had been for a consider- able period of his life a general merchant, and his character for integrity and discretion was never called into doubt, but his exertions were not crowned with the success of his speculations ; or all his acquisitions were sunk in the common de- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 183 struction, and in these forlorn circumstances he be- came a soldier ; but his superior merit and respecta- bility of carriage did not escape recognition in the quarters where rested the power of requiting them, and he was promoted accordingly. From his first intimacy with the Prince, the greatest cordiality and most unbounded confidence took place. To him therefore much commendation must always be im- plied in the Prince's praises, since he had so effec- tual a hand in directing his conduct, and forming him to the practices of virtue and honour, at a time of existence when the passions are warm, and the affections lie exposed to mischievous contortion from natural appetite, and a foul dye from the tincture of bad company, for who sits over the fire all day and measles not his shins? — He very early discovered talents for negotiation and the manage- ment of state affairs; for when in the year 1808, his brother Ernest had occasion to go to Russia to con- cert with Alexander, the likeliest means of estab- lishing himself in the full possession of his duchy, which was by this time restored but partially, he held so high an opinion of his brother's good sense and prudence, that he committed to his hands the management of things in his absence. Nor had the Duke Ernest any reason to repent him of his choice, for at his return he found his concerns at- tended to with assiduity, and the interests of his 184 LIFE OF THE subjects furthered with astonishing discernment for so young a statesman. The situation of the people was then truly deplorable; war had raged with violence, and ruined all the little con- veniences of the tenements they held, whilst the pinching contributions laid upon them, had swal- lowed up the only wherewithal mortals have now of repairing any thing, that is to say, their money. Under this severe pressure, both public and private, the considerate care of the Prince went far to re- lieve ; and they who were not substantially bene- fited, had their sufferings in a great measure light- ened by the kind inquiries and sympathetic expres- sions of him who was set over them, and was him- self injured as well as they. And afterwards at the congress of Vienna he devoted himself to the service of his brother, and was perhaps instrumental to the generous treatment which Duke Ernest experienced at the hands of the distributive con- vention assembled there. Not but that the claims of Duke Ernest were strong enough intrinsically to merit attention, but his principality was a small one, and he might be considered in the light of a petitioner rather than an independent ruler ; and it was very wisely done to send his brother, whose personal acquaintance with the Russian Emperor quickened those friendly dispositions of that sove- reign towards the Duke, which affinity had already PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 185 produced, and he advanced by his own general in- fluence the cause of his brother most materially. His circumstances were now exceedingly happy. He had enjoyed during his stay in England all the pleasures which a mortal being can propose to himself; he stood high in the good graces of the Emperor Alexander; he was gaining the full esteem and favour of the Regent, and all whom he associ- ated with found happiness in his company, but more to him than all, an amiable, polite and mighty Princess. When the Prince perceived the progress he had made in the regards of her Royal Highness, he did not attempt to take any unfair advantage of his good fortune, but considering that the attachment was only in its beginning, and the flame blazed not yet so high but it might be got under ; he in the most noble and spirited manner, sought an interview with the august parent, and disclosed to him the foundation he had for building his hopes upon of engaging his illustrious daughter to encourage his pretensions to her favour, and trusting to merit by his future eonduct, the distinction he aspired to, humbly craved the permission of the Regent to carry on his suit ; or that, however distressing the alternative, he would forego his fond expectations, and take himself out of the country. The Prince Regent was surprized at the extraordinary candour B B 186 LIFE OF THE and liberality of his Serene Highness ; he admired him for it, and confirmed in the opinion which he had at the first formed of his principles, did not hesitate to assure him, that although he would not interfere in his behalf, nor press the measure upon his child, notwithstanding he could have no objec- tion to the proposal of a man who was so very- deserving. But this did not occur till the definitive answer of her Royal Highness to the overtures made to her by William of Orange. The Prince of Orange, although frequently baffled in his efforts to draw matters to a complete decision, did not think the many rejections he had encountered a sufficient warrant for despairing al- together. The great point of difference was at first the delicate case of her mother, whose happiness she could not think to give up, in composition for a husband. The Prince had several estimable quali- ties, and his bravery and spirit shown upon the peninsula, bad given him an exalted place in the esteem of the Regent, who therefore endeavoured to promote his interests with all his weight and power; the more readily no doubt, because the Prince of Orange did not seem born to make love, but from the integrity of his life, the steadiness of his conduct, bid fair, whatever he might be in courtship, to discharge his married duties with PRINCESS CHARLOTTE, 187 constancy and a willing mind. It was not there- fore a strange thing that his Royal Highness should interest himself in the matter with anxious impor- tunity, his daughter too young as she was to form a discreet judgment for herself, her suitor unfit to inspire tenderness though deserving of it; and to these private motives as a father, were superadded his Royal Highness's concern to bind by a com- munion of interests the presiding family of Britain with the house of Nassau, a connection that pro- mised most confidently reciprocal benefit to both. His wish on these accounts to forward the addresses of William of Orange was not very possibly so strong an incentive to the exercise of paternal authority that he would have persevered against the mani- fest inclination of her Royal Highness, had he not thought the influence of the Princess of Wales would be employed to the utmost for the retarda- tion of the affair, and the final disappointment of it; and for this conjecture he had strong inducements, the apparent interest of the Princess of Wales her- self, and her declared wishes. Although the intended marriage had been ru- moured about in general conversation and the Public Papers, yet no authentic character was sup- posed to have been given to the report, and there- fore on the 21st of April 1814, a member of the Mouse of Commons, asked, in his place, whether 188 LIFE OF THE the advisers of the Prince Regent were empowered to make any communications iipon the subject ; for it could not fail to interest the minds of the people, and was well deserving of the attention and consideration of parliament, involving as it did the essential concerns of the whole country. But the matter was not either denied or confirmed ; so the uncertainty still continued till it was formally and publicly announced by the king of the Netherlands to his subjects, and then of course it was laid down as a determined thing. The nation was in conse- quence much surprized to learn, that good found- ation existed for supposing that after all it would not take place, and was, far from advancing success- fully, in a state that promised its renewal to be an impossible event. The anxiety of every individual was awakened to be fully acquainted with the causes of the rupture, whether the union was ever likely to happen, tinder what circumstances it was begun, why it was broken off, and so forth. A fair opening seemed now to be for some parliamentary man to elicit in- formation respecting the affair from the ministers, and as opportunities of this kind are seldom passed over, the hope was entertained that questions would be put, nor was that hope unanswered. On the 20th of June 1814, Sir Matthew White Ridley began ; Seeing the Chancellor of the Ex- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 189 chequer in the House, he expected to learn whether or not there was a negotiation afoot to unite the two families of Britain and Holland. That the importance of such a measure justified the notice he took of it, and called upon the ministers to give a satisfactory answer to the question ; detailing the commencement of the suit, its progress and attend- ing circumstances. A record being entered on the Journal book, a sort of claim was laid upon the di- rectors of the state to impart a knowledge of it to the House, and allay the ferment of doubt and speculation which it was natural for every man who had the good of his country at heart to feel with lively sensibility. Whenever the discussion came before them, it would be necessary to sift the matter, and decide upon it with discretion and care, and since the sitting of parliament was drawing to a close, he thought an intimation should now be given, if it was contemplated to do so at all, and to take the sense of the House upon it. The Chancellor of the Exchequer begged to say, that to communicate what they were not authorized to state, would be reprehensible in his Majesty's ministers, all then that he could answer was, that no command had been delivered of notifying the business alluded to in any manner, It was commonly thought by the people out of doors that more complaisance and satisfactoriness 190 LIFE OF THE might have been evinced by the ministers upon this important subject, but considering the extreme delicacy of it, the dissensions which it might per- maturely excite, and above all the great uncertainty of the event itself, they are not so very much to be censured, as is suggested upon the first survey of the matter. It was urged, however, with considerable pertinacity by the members of the opposition, and both sides grew warm in the contest. Mr. Whit- bread, after the Chancellor of the Exchequer had declined giving any hints that could set public anxiety at rest, arose and declared ; It ought not to be expected that the answer given to the Baronet's interrogatory could be ac- ceptable to the representatives, or those who were represented by them. In the first place, (he said,) it was publicly and solemnly announced by the King of the Netherlands to his subjects, that a marriage was about to take place between the Prince of Orange and the Princess Charlotte; a report of the alliance was stated in the house some time back, and the statement was standing on the Journal book ; and the Princess of Wales in her communication to the House had acquainted them, that the Prince of Orange declared himself to her as a suitor for her daughter's hand, and her Royal Highness had intimated, moreover, that it was no unlikely thing but the match would be made. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 191 Questions had frequently been put to ministers, but they were uniformly evaded, he thought such evasions should be indulged no longer, and that the time was arrived for the House to look with confidence for information upon the subject. Mr. B. Bathurst called him here loudly to order ; for he conceived it improper to force a discussion upon the House respecting a matter in which the servants of the crown had represented themselves unauthorized to give any satisfaction, and unable to indeed to give it. Such conduct was in his opinion very irregular, as much so as it was inconvenient. Mr. Whitbread believed that no irregularity would be found in his proceedings; for he intended to conclude his observations with a motion, and ac- cording to the usages of parliament, a motion would would render his appeal to the good sense of the House altogether regular, and he hoped that the servants and advisers of the executive would then find it convenient also to treat the inquisitive dis- positions of himself and his honourable friends, with attention and courtesy. If, after so long a time, when the business must have made some progress or retrocession of a decided nature, if no manner of notice should be taken about questions of such importance, then it became the duty of the House to use their interference, and address the Prince Regent, to pray that his Royal Highness 192 LIFE OF THE would commission a reply to be given to the anxious and commendable inquiries of the House. He had mentioned the information imparted by the Prin- cess of Wales, and hereby occasion was afforded for a refutation or assent to the belief warranted from such an authentic source, but of these neither was signified ; now it was circulated that the affair was totally at an end ; and even the very grounds and particulars of the rupture were distinctly stated; and notwithstanding all this, no parliamentary light was thrown upon the case, but they were left to form varying conjectures, whereas a certainty with respect to some of the reported objections on the side of the Princess Charlotte was absolutely required to be fully known and understood, in order to make a question then before the House, or pro- posed to be brought before it, thoroughly and duly comprehended and determined. It was not per- mitted the members on a recent affair coming on, to enter into its merits, as being too delicate and nice a point for public debate to be exerted upon, and yet it was appearing that considerations of the kind were about to render abortive the marriage projected and so very desirable and full of national benefit and advantage: since the rumour had it that the situation of the Princess of Wales, was the grand cause operating an aversion in the mind of the Princess Charlotte towards the alliance. And PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 193 if that was really the cause, how much must the young Princess add to her popularity, and establish the good opinion of the people which they had already formed of the excellent qualities with which her Royal Highness was adorned ; her generosity in foregoing selfish views for the purpose of for- warding the happiness and tranquillity of another, and her filial piety and devotion, since that other was her mother. (Hear Hear.) In order to gather information of such importance, and which it concerned them to have, his honour- able friend, the Baronet, had put his question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who evaded it, or rather refused to answer : but he expected that the consequence attached to it, would induce a reply before, the session drew towards a close, as it might be considered after the week ensuing, for after that week it was rare to have a full attendance. Under the impression that he was doing an act of public duty, and that the utmost should be used by him of his endeavours, he proposed " That an humble address be presented to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, praying that he would be graciously pleased to acquaint the House, if there be a treaty of marriage on foot between her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales, and the Hereditary Prince of Orange." Sir M. W. Ridley seconded Mr. Whitbread's c c 194 LIFE OF THE motion. He felicitated himself and those who heard him, that the subject was taken up by a gentleman of such good parts, and so far abler to do it justice than he could himself have done. He hoped that Mr. Whitbread's reasons would not fall ineffective to the ground, and that the satis- faction would be yielded to his arguments and eloquence, which he had humbly anticipated to have been granted to his own first simple inquiry. Added to the reasons given by his honourable friend, another might be found in the important consider- ation of the propriety of the Princess Charlotte quitting the country, it having been confidently stated, that should the intended nuptials take place, the first consequence from it would be her Royal Highness's departure for Holland, and the stay of her Royal Highness there ; and surely a circumstance which involved, as it did, so many serious consider- ations, ought not to be slightly passed over, or re- garded as undeserving the notice of parliament. A ministerial member; The honourable gentle- man who seconded and pressed the questions of the Baronet had been detected in a breach of order. From this he had set himself free, by turning his speech into the form of a motion. If whatever was not calculated to transgress the regulations of the House, could be put forth consistently with decorum, delicacy and decency, the expressions PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 195 made use of, and urged forward by him, might be irreprehensible ; but this was a case exposed to in- decorum, indelicacy, and indecency, and the ho- nourable member seemed desirous to give a loose play to their influenc3 over his mind. (Order, Order.) He would be understood to advert to the honourable gentleman's proposition, and not to make any personal allusions. Not only the motion was itself unfit to be entertained, but the very cir- cumstances adduced in support of it, were fraught with impropriety and indiscretion ; for as to the transaction existing at all or not, it was only as- sumed, and that assumption by no means would bear out the House in debating it, nor was it sup- ported by arguments of any weight, or in unison with the sentiments of respect which ought to ac- company the consideration of the female character, exalted by rank and individual merit, he himself admitting that the affair was improbable, nay about to be entirely dissolved. Would it be acceptable to his own feelings, if such treatment were given to his sister or daughter, or would he regard its public canvassings, upon the intended nuptials of a female friend of his, compatible with the tender- ness which subjects of that description most justly required to have extended to them. Mr. Whitbread's viewing the matter with concern* both on account of the distinguished personage her- 196 LIFE OF THE self, and as it nearly affected the highest interests of the state, was perfectly agreeable to the late Mr. Horner's opinions also; but he nevertheless coin- cided with the advice given to postpone for a while his intentions, in order that a reasonable time should be allowed, in which the marriage would exhibit a decided aspect of one sort or other, and so minis- ters might be enabled, to give the information to the House, which they at the present time professed themselves unqualified to do. He had said of one sort or other, because when such a period had transpired, if the alliance was to take place with the free consent of her Royal Highness's private inclinations, these inclinations must have disclosed themselves ; but otherwise, he should think a par- liamentary notice called for, and he doubted not, but on that occasion, he would feel himself disposed to enter wholly into the views of his honourable and respected friend. Mr. W hitbread, convinced that no ulterior benefit could immediately attend the motion introduced by him, however consistent with propriety that motion might be, and swayed by the judgment of Mr. Horner, he would, with permission of the House, withdraw the motion. All parties were earnest in assigning causes for the procrastinating behaviour of the Princess Char- lotte, if it ought to be deemed procrastinating, when PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 197 in truth her Royal Highness never encouraged the advances made to her upon that head. According to the respective politics followed, were the various opinions stated and substantiated in the Journals; and with so much confidence did they think that their conjectures were right and properly grounded* that the remotest consequences were pursued, and particularized and diversified, as chance directed the several results which might attend the decision of the thing either way. The private influence of the Princess of "Wales was rendered needless, by the substitution of other adequate causes, in the dissertations of those who strenuously maintained her rights. The principal objection assigned by such, was, the disinclination of the Princess Charlotte to leave the kingdom, and their arguments were strengthened by the letter written by her to the Earl of Liverpool, in which that point is made a very material difficulty, but this letter betrays in its general complexion; no regret that obstacles stood against the contem- plated alliance. It was suggested by the writers on this side of the question, that to go to Holland would be derogatory to the exalted condition of her Hoyal Highness ; born to the inheritance of the British empire, was it suitable to her own dig- nity, and the glory of the realm, that she should fly from among us, and run after the company of a 198 LIFE OF THE Prince of secondary consideration. His Serene Highness was admitted to be brave, but he had certainly, though that may have been for want of opportunities, never shown the magnanimity and height of spirit which Englishmen expect to be found in persons distined to rule over others ; he fought with intrepidity, but fighting characters do not always possess the noble attributes which are heaped upon them, especially in modern times, warfare having been reduced to a mere system, the physical strength and firmness of the soldiery in general determining the issue of the day, and now there is a glaring absurdity in laying down every man to be good and generous who comes out of the field of battle with unsullied reputation. The very tinsel with which a person is decorated who has got any command at all* is frequently a suf- ficient motive for entering into the military service In former years indeed, when the country was just emerging from savage wildness, and the in- habitants began to glow with the heat of noble and warm emotions, they who were readiest to stand forth in defence of the injured were highly thought of, and they deserved the good opinions of mankind in many signal instances; but then the arm was extended unadorned with lace, and the conscious- ness of achieving a noble exploit, of rescuing feeble innocents from the brutal embrace of lawless PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 199 vagabonds, in other terms, the deeds of chivalry, formed a worthy object of the people's admiration, and the tribe of bards and ballad makers, men of soaring but unschooled fancies, delighted to cele- brate their gallant actions. Thence the champion and the man of honour grew sinonymous. But mere courage, unassociated with gentleness and high sentiment, was not in those ages the constituent of heroic virtue ; had it been, the free-booters, the savage ruffians who hurried away the defenceless virgins, would in such case have had equal claims to praise with him who adventured his life to set them at liberty. No. It was the union of ardent and dauntless mental prowess with the feel- ings of humanity and a sense of justice, that formed the character of the hero, and forbade his name to sink into forge tfuln ess. Nor while Britons boast their emblem in a Lion 5 will they be prone to sever generosity and courage, or think that he must be gentle and good, who had resolution enough to stand his ground while dangers threaten- ed and admonished him to fly ; for although nothing impedes the soldiers more than other persons, from having principles of greatness about them, yet they may be devoid of these principles, as articles of commerce may not be good at the same time that they are dear ; and nothing more is intended to be sought ; certainly therefore no aspersion can 200 LIFE OF THE deservedly be cast upon the Princess Charlotte for not finding out in her wooer the amiable qualities which his bravery had only made suppositional. Of his discretion he had given as many proofs as any lover need ever give, but something was re- quired more captivating still to induce the Princess to overlook the inconvenience that was hinged to the match, the desertion of her country, and very possibly the augmentation of her beloved mother's sorrow, the widening of the breach in her married happiness, which some lamentable cause or other hindered from being ever repaired again. Rash must be the judge who, under such considerations, can pronounce her Royal Highness guilty of indis- cretion, and a total disregard to national interests, in her eagerness to gratify her private choice. But the Princess of .Wales was reckoned the sole bar in opposition to the wished- for occurrence, by the writers who liked not Mr. Whi thread nor any of his friends. They insinuated the pains which the mother was at to estrange her daughter's affections from a deserving young Prince to whom no rational objection could be made. But it was going too far to hint an alienation of attachment, when none was demonstrated to have been formed; unless they supposed the Princess Charlotte to be of a constitution not so incapacitated for the recep- tion of pleasing ideas but that she might cherish PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 201 some tenderness towards a suitor whom she was engaged in contemplating a long time, and was permitted to love him if she could. But whatever the motives may have been, is questionable ; nor is it; improbable that all said on both sides by different political men, was perfectly true, and if any error rests with either, it is in giv- ing one reason an only weight, while none in the scale was without its power, although some grounds of objection may have furnished a superstructure with wider space for extending the disinclination of the Princess. This, however, is past' a doubt, that her Royal Highness's heart was not fixed upon the transaction, and with a firmness commendable both as a Christian, a rational being, and a person of dignity, she would not consent to it. The Prince of Orange having renewed his ap- plications, she held it most advisable to give such a positive assurance of never encouraging his ad- dresses, and put him so far out of suspense, by writing to him a letter, that the subject would not be pressed any more upon her. In this definitive and determined statement to his Serene Highness, she thanks him, it is said, with great feeling and strength of manner, (for she had an expressiveness peculiar to herself,) for the distinction he had ho- noured her with ; but sincerely advised him to direct his good intentions to another object, as it d r> C ZQ% LIFE OF THE was not in her gift to make him the expected re- turn. And that the matter might be set at rest for ever, she forwarded transcripts of what she had written, to her royal father, and the Queen. The Prince of Orange, therefore, seeing no pro- spect of attaining the end of his stay in England, set off soon after to his own country, deeply affec- ted with the unsuccessful issue of the affair he had so long pursued. But the Prince of Orange was not left without a consort, and the praise- worthy properties that he possessed, deserved he should not ; a negociation was entered into between the Stadtholdery and the Imperial house of Russia, and the treaty was favourably concluded. A sister of the Emperor Alexander, a young Princess of fine accomplishments, and of great personal beauty, granted her hand to his Serene Highness, and neither, as far as accounts have reached us, has had occasion to regret the alliance. When the absolute and final rejection of the Prince of Orange was confirmed to the Prince Regent, he very naturally supposed that sentiments taken up inconsiderately from some of her female friends and confidants, had influenced the mind of the Princess Charlotte, and in consequence, he wished above all things to work a change in the persons who waited upon her, and place in their room ladies of wider survev and more extensive PRINCESS CHARLOTTE, 203 knowledge of the world. An intimation to this effect is reported to have- given great pain to her Royal Highness, and to have aggravated the un- easiness which perplexed her mind. Strongly at- tached to ladies with whom she had long associated, she was loth to part from them, and on her own account she entertained apprehensions that she could not be so much her own mistress with strangers to her, and she greatly feared that being appointed for the direction of her conduct, they might be readier to controul her views than comported with the openness and candour of her disposition. Being at a public party in Carlton House, the Princess caught a severe cold, and this produced a general derangement of the system, added to which the little crosses and troubles she met with, rendered her Royal Highness altogether indiposed, and it was deemed necessary to inquire of the physicians about the properest mode to be followed for the restoration of her health, and the composure of her spirits. A slight complaint in the knee had al- ready visited the Princess ; but that did not con- tinue long, nor appeared at any time of serious moment. On the 6th of July a consultation was held between Doctor Baillie and two eminent surgeons; and they agreed upon the following pre- scription : «?'Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte, not 204 LIFE OF THE yet entirely rid of the attack in the right knee, and the general health of her Royal Highness needing refection, we are of opinion that her Royal High- ness ought to repair for two or three months to the sea-side ; the means most likely to renovate the general health of her Royal Highness, and to expel whatever may remain of the disorder in the knee." It was in pursuance of this direction that the Princess went to Weymouth in the beginning of September. While in town, the ceremonies and intercourse necessary to be maintained by her, were thought sufficient to employ all the moments she could spare from her studies, which she was still prosecuting with earnestness and voluntary assidu- ity, and had now added deep researches into Greek literature to the other attainments which she had made. Little time was left upon her hands for the indulgence of her native thoughts, and these, as just hinted, were supposed to be fully occupied in paying and receiving visits, in attending parties, and making preparations for them ; but before she went to Weymouth, where more leisure was to be allowed her, the Regent conceived the intended alteration in her establishment ought to be made, if it were to be made at all. On the 12th day of July, his Royal Highness drove to Warwick House, wished to see, and was shown the Princess Charlotte. He without preface PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 205 or dubious hesitation, acquainted her frankly that the time was now come for carrying into effect the change he had long proposed in the attendants of her Royal Highness ; that Miss Knight and her whole family were to be immediately dismissed, that she herself was forthwith to goto Carlton House, and abide in it until she departed for Cranbourne Lodge; that the Countess Dowager of Rosslyn, the Countess of Ilchester, the two Miss Coteses, and Mrs. Campbell were in the adjoining apartment ready to wait upon her. The Princess endeavoured most strenuously to counter-persuade her revered father upon the step he was taking, and made the most devout supplications to him for a suspension of his purpose, hoping that the conduct of her pre- sent companions would be found upon strict inves- tigation as conformable to rigid propriety and prudence as to the kindness they had always treat- ed her with. But these remonstrances were un- availing ; the Prince, conscious of the wisdom and fitness of the change, positively refused to comply with her Royal Highness's entreaty, and expected dutiful submission to the measures he wanted to accomplish. The Prince offering to introduce the ladies, the Princess requested to be suffered to withdraw for a little, and accordingly left the room. The Regent stopped, and long waited for her entrance again; but no Princess was forthcoming — 206 LIFE OF THE every thing grew now into hurry and bustle ; the Princess was not any where to be found. At length, it was laid down for matter of fact that she was really gone, fled away, absolutely gone off, escaped. A message was dispatched by the Prince to her uncle, the Duke of York ; the Duke of York was her favourite uncle. Jt appears the Princess in her agitation, not know- ing what to do, stole away from Warwick House; and getting into Charing Cross, took a coach for Connaught House, the residence of the Princess of Wales. She desired the coachman to drive with all the speed possible, and she should readily make up to him for his trouble. The driver went on most rapidly, and soon reached Connaught House; but the Princess Charlotte did not find her mother there. She then resolved to seek her at Black- heath ; and addressing, the coachman, asked if she could rely upon his protection : "Madam," cried the fellow, " I'll protect you to the last drop of my blood." Changing her mind, however, she sent off a messenger to her mother's house at Blackheath, to acquaint her with the journey she had taken. The intelligence met the Princess of Wales upon the road to town ; and after receiving it, she desir- ed the carriage to be drawn with the utmost haste to the parliament house, and arriving at it, enquired with great anxiety for Mr. Whitbread, who was PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 207 not attending that day ; then she asked to see Earl Grey, who was also absent, having left London a a few days before. She instantly, hearing this, hurried to Connaught House, where she received the affectionate embraces of her dear child, and divided for a time her own sorrows with the winds; for the filial attachment of the Princess Charlotte could not have proved itself with equal force, had the Princess of Wales enjoyed the favour of the great ; but to fly to her mother's arms under dis- tress, was in the Princess Charlotte a testimony of her regard and fondness than which nothing could be more strong, nor coincident with the mind of human beings in misery, who betake themselves not where they can find relief, but where compassion for their sufferings is always to be found. Mr. Brougham was already with the Princess Charlotte, and her Royal Highness had unfolded the whole matter to him. He advised her to obey the summonjs of her royal' parent, and return to his protection as soon as he should send after her; that this was incumbent upon her as the case stood in the law of the land, and as a duty she owed to an indulgent father, who, although harsh it might be in her opinion, could have no other motive for his conduct than love and attention to her interests. The Duke of York arrived. He behaved to her Roval Highness with his wonted marks of attach- 208 LIFE OF THE ment and true affection. He begged her to look upon him as her real friend ; and in the most posi- tive manner assured her that she might expect from her father the tenderest reception, that he was amazed at the step she had taken, but not in the leagt offended, that he loved with sincerity and longed to see her — his only child and the fair ex- pectancy of all his hopes. She delivered herself up into the hands of her uncle, and repaired along with him to Carlton House, accompanied also by Mrs. Lewis, who had come after her Royal High- ness with night clothes, where she was kindly met by her fond parent, and in the evening of the day, had a special interview with him. In an affair of this sort, there are constantly persons busying themselves to make their inquiries, and to shew the deep concern they feel for the fa- mily's happiness. This in private conditions is often seen ; much more then was it to be expected that intermeddlers would not be wanting in the present instance. The dutiful inquiries of many were treated upon this account, perhaps, with less attention than their disinterested anxiety warrant- ed, and in consequence, various rumours were afloat respecting the way the Princess was used in, at Carlton House ; although even her being there was not a certain thing, there was only conjecture for it ; and surmises of all kinds began to spread PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 209 about. They who neglecting their private business, went to satisfy their disturbed minds, had the mortification to receive commonplace answers to the questions they put, and from the presence of her Royal Highness they were totally excluded. Public solicitude was wrought up to its highest pitch ; and the people turned their eyes to the patriotic Duke of Sussex, for obtaining an eclaircisse- ment of the mysterious transaction. He, in con- formity with what was expected from him, got up in the House of Lords upon the 19th of July, and thus addressed that assembly : My Lords, I rise under a considerable degree of embarrassment, and hope to have on this account your Lordships' indulgence, nor am I capable of describing to you the anxiety which presses on my mind. I shall think it sufficient relief to my agi- tated feelings to state certain queries to the noble Lord at the head of the treasury, unaccompanied with collateral notices, and 1 trust that his Lord- ship will consider a satisfactory answer to be his official duty, and an act of becoming deference to the House ; as to me, it is enough to have the painful necessity of proposing them to him. His Lordship will easily perceive, that in seeking the present in- formation, I carry myself altogether separately from party feeling, and he may rest assured that no in- dividual has influenced my conduct, that the situ- E E 210 LIFE OF THE ation in which I stand, calls upon me to make a sacrifice of my private sentiments which have usual- ly directed my parliamentary proceedings, that a sense of rectitude alone has induced me, unauthor- ized by the advice of any. My questions relate to what has recently occurred, and are well known to the public, but the persons consulted upon the oc- casion must doubtless be still more intimately ac- quainted with them. As to other persons, I must always express myself with dutiful respect. With this prefacing, I proceed to lay down my questions, and if the noble Lord have difficulties in compre- hending them precisely, then will 1 repeat them. In the first place I desire to know, "Whether, since the removal of her Royal Highness, the Prin- cess Charlotte, to Carlton House, her Royal High- ness has been allowed that communication and in- tercourse with her friends and connections which she previously enjoyed?" Here the Duke of Sussex waited for an answer from the Earl of Liverpool ; but none being re- turned, his Royal Highness went on. If the noble Earl do not think proper to give an answer to this question, I shall proceed to my second, his Lordship may wish to answer them altogether. I have pro- posed to myself no entangling plans, but simply want to be made acquainted with the circumstan- ces of an occurrence which has perplexed the pub- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 211 )ic mind, and given to me particular uneasiness. My second question is, " Whether Princess Char- lotte, since her going to Carlton House, has been permitted the free exercise of her pen, and to com- municate without let or controul with whatever friend she may choose to write to ; and has been given the same liberty of using and disposing her papers according to her own inclination, as she had while residing in Warwick House ?" In the third place I am fain to know, " Whether her Royal Highness has been allowed the same personal freedom which she had before coming to Carlton House, and such as people not in confine- ment are used to ?" Fourth, " Whether the same advice with respect to sea bathing was given to her Royal Highness in the course of last year, which was suggested in the present ?" Fifth, "Whether her Royal Highness having exceeded by a half year the eighteenth year of her age, (the period after which parliament has ac- knowledged the fitness of members of the royal family to preside over the government of the coun- try) there is any intention of making for her Royal Highness such a provision as might enable her to mix with the high ranks of the land, she that is destined to possess a situation of the first eminence and power which the constitution of Great Britain recognizes ?" 212 LIFE OF THE A considerable pause ensued when the Duke. of Sussex had sat down ; and with visible reluctance Lord Liverpool addressed himself to the House. He hoped he might safely leave their Lordships to consider whether or not such questions ought to be started, and, when started, whether they could with propriety be answered? The Prince Regent was the father of his family, and to his prerogative it belonged to direct the concerns of it as he might himself suppose to be advisable. With respect to her Royal Highness, the Prince Regent had done nothing that could excite his regret or sorrow ; he was affected with great tenderness and love towards his child, and he prudently adopted such measures in her education as appeared to him most conducive to her benefit and happiness, agreeably to the duties which God, nature, and the laws of the country im- posed upon him. The attachment of the Prince towards his daughter was most sincere and devo- tional ; nor could the slightest shade of indifference ever be perceived in him towards her. He, under the present circumstances, confidently trusted that their Lordships would be forward to believe that his Royal Highness did all in his power to promote the comfort and ultimate happiness of his daughter, and the more his Royal Highness's conduct to her was known, the greater opinion must they entertairi of his desire for her honour and prosperity, notwith- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. • 213 Standing to raise questions on the subject, would bear by implication a disagreeable appearance, as unmerited as it was unnecessary. The Duke of Sussex said he had listened with extreme attention to what had fallen from his Lordship, but he did not clearly understand him ; he seemed to suppose that some disrespect was of- fered to a great character in what he had propound- ed, if such were his meaning, he could most truly aver that his Lordship had fallen into a mistake, that nothing could be more remote to his intention. Had he, contrary to his wish, expressed himself in that manner, he must have violated the rules of decorum established in the house, and there were present noble Lords who could have set him right, ifj in their sense, he had been wrong. Such a design, he altogether disclaimed; but his Lordship, while he obliged him by letting his thoughts transpire upon this point, had by no means replied to his questions in a satisfactory manner, and he should introduce a formal motion to gain the necessary knowledge, on the Friday next. The Lord Chancellor conceived that the duty he owed to the Prince and the people, required him to notice the proceedings of the evening. The il- lustrious Duke had declared that no improper or disingenuous principles had swayed his conduct, and he was quite certain that the Duke entertained 214 LIFE OF THE no disrespectful sentiments towards the quarter involved in the consideration of the case, but he was fully persuaded, that if his noble friend had given direct replies to the demands made of him, his Lordship would have been guilty of irreverence, where the contrary was justly due, and his good opinion of his wisdom and prudent understanding would have been forfeited for ever, nor could he think himself supported by discretion, if he consult- ed with his Lordship afterwards at any time. For what was the tendency of the questions ? When it was asked if her Royal Hignness had free recourse to her pen, liberty to correspond with her friends, and hold communication with them, did not a charge immediately arise that the Prince managed his daughter without due attention to her comforts and innocent pastime ? an imputation of harshness, in- stead of admiration for the exemplary manner in which his Royal Highness had continually dis- charged his paternal obligations. In the present alteration made in the Princess's household, the advice of ministers was conscientiously given, and laudably followed by the Prince Regent, whose province comprehended the direction of the royal family. Whatever fault was found with the re- cent mode her Royal Highness was treated in, ought to have been objected solely to the responsi- ble advisers of the Prince, who, in unison with the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 215 wisest plan that could be devised, had acted with greater claims to their Lordships' entire approbation and praise, than the interrogatories had to the seri- ous consideration of their Lordships, which could not be well bestowed upon them but to the incul- pation of his Royal Highness's commendable con- duct. Although the Duke had signified his resolution to move the business in due form on the 22d, it was not till the 25th of July that he called the at- tention of the House of Lords again to it. He on that evening declared that he had come through mere courtesy before their Lordships, in conse- quence of his motion, which he was not now dis- posed to forward ; as he had learned from the news- papers that her Royal Highness had been in town, after her removal to Cranbourn House, and was in all respects unconfined in the exercise of her personal will, and he trusted the most lenient and kind means would be used in the treatment of her Royal Highness for the time to come. Severity and exact discipline ill comported with the natural temper of the Princess ; and it was probably owing to agitations of mind that her indisposition had advanced upon her: but since there was every likelihood that benefit would be derived from a re- sidence by the sea coast, and that was now pre- scribed by persons eminent in the faculty, he did 216 LIFE OF THE not doubt but the earliest opportunity would be taken to provide a suitable place, and that her re- tirement would be free from the interruptions of trouble and anxieties, her mind now requiring to be soothed. He was quite convinced that nothing could induce her Royal Highness to change the resolution she had come to upon a certain matter, and he pleased himself with the hope that no attempts would be made to renew the primary cause of her late mental sufferings. But before the illustrious Duke sat down, he could not abstain from furnishing some useful hints to the noble and learned Lord upon the woolsack. "Lord Bacon (he said) judged of reading that it rendered men erudite, that writing made correct men, and that conversation tended to make men ready ;" thus concluded the Duke's interference. Lord Liverpool highly approved of the deter- mination of the Duke, and he was very happy to find that the subject was not to go through any tedious debate, nor be submitted to an unnecessary investigation. In justification of himself and his colleagues he must be permitted to observe, that no design was ever entertained, or has been, of treating her Royal Highness in a manner unsuited to her rank, improper for her age, or hurtful to her feel- ings. There are indeed no grounds for supposing any PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 21? design to be held for renewing the overtures of the Prince of Orange ; and very probably the condition of the Princess of Wales, slighted by the several great families of the kingdom, gave the only source of uneasiness to her affectionate daughter. But the time was now arrived for the Princess of "W ales to engage her mind in travelling through the coun- tries of Europe ; and this was apparently a measure best fitted to restore her tranquillity and brighten up her spirits. As soon as the project was rumoured* parliamentary notice was taken of it in the House of Commons, where on the 30th of July, Mr. Tierney observed that a report having prevailed of the Princess of Wales being on the eve of depar- ture for the continent, he would embrace that his earliest opportunity to express his regret. If her Royal Highness intended only to make an absence of a year or two, even so, he must feel vexed at her quitting England under her present circum- stances, unrestored to the full dignity of her exalted station, and because, in a national regard, it was also subject to the greatest inconveniences, the contin- gency of her succession to the rank of majesty made it a very solemn and lamentable resolution ; but if the residence was to be perpetual abroad, then he- contemplated the matter with the most serious con- cern. He expected to learn that no understanding subsisted between the ministers and the Princess F F 218 LIFE OF THE that she should receive an addition to her pension, and upon that account look to her journey as a necessary consequence; what would that be but to have paid for the going off, to have sent her Royal Highness into mercenary exile. The honourable member was not then in his place, who, in conjunc- tion with him, had been so active in procuring an enereased allowance, but he would boldly answer for him and all his other friends, that no idea was ever entertained by them that she was to leave the country, when the augmentation of her income might enable her to travel. He begged to assure the house that it was quite foreign to their views to make such arrangements with that end, and he trusted no stipulations of the kind had been agreed upon by the servants of the crown and the Princess of Wales. Lord Castlereagh, in answer to what had been spoken by Mr. Tierney, said, that all he could acquaint the honourable member with was only this — her Royal Highness had signified her intention to quit the country ; and requested per- mission to do so, which was of course most readily acceded to, convinced that, when the en crease was made to her Royal Highness's fortune, it was not at the same time designed to incarcerate her person, but that her Royal Highness might consider herself at perfect liberty to take up her residence where her pleasure or conveniency soever might suggest. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 219 Mr. Tierney then declared that such a step was positively counter to the advice which Mr. Whit- bread, and all the sincere wellwishers of that person- age had submitted to her consideration and accept- ance. To talk of regret and sorrow, as applicable to the private enjoyments and peace of her Royal High- ness, when she took the visit to foreign parts into her mind, and enrolled it among her wishes, were surely to combat with ordinary reason, for it was the best expedient she could possibly hit upon, according to the experience of every body who has been placed in the like circumstances. The political consideration of it is another affair. But she most truly desired to go abroad, and wrote to Lord Liverpool respecting that longing to see her brother, and the land of her birth, which she hoped to be permitted to accomplish. This is the published copy of her Royal Highness's letter to Mis Lord- ship : " The Princess of Wales requests Lord Liverpool to lay before the Prince Regent the contents of this letter. " Actuated by the most urgent motive, that of restoring tranquillity to the Prince Regent, as well as to secure the peace of mind of which she has been for so many years deprived, the Princess of Wales, after mature reflection, has resolved to re- 220 LIFE OF THE turn to the continent. This resolution ought not to surprize the ministers of the Prince Regent, con- sidering the trouble and disagreeable experience of the Princess for so long a time; and still more, after the indignity and mortification to which she has been exposed, by being withheld from receiving her nearest relations, and the most intimate friends of the late Duke of Brunswick her illustrious father. " The Princess is extremely anxious that the Prince Regent should be informed of the motives, and clearly comprehend the tenor of her past conduct as politically exhibited. In exacting a justification from this noble nation, her sole pro- tection since the unfortunate indisposition of the King, she is to be understood as solicitous only to maintain her rights and her honour, which are dearer to her than life itself. " The Princess of Wales would have undertaken her projected tour long before, if she had not been prevented by the breaking off in the projected marriage of the Princess Charlotte with the Prince of Orange. She could not resolve to leave her daughter without protection, at a period so critical. The Prince Regent having planned to settle the new married couple at the Hague, the Princess Charlotte on that account principally declined the match. Unwilling to prove any obstacle to future arrangements favourable to the happiness of her PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 221 daughter, the Princess of Wales has at length re- solved to return to Brunswick, her native country. She may afterwards travel into Italy and Greece, where she may probably be able to select an agree- i able abode, and live in it for some years. The Princess flatters herself that the Prince Regent will have no objection to this design. " The Princess of Wales requests Lord Liver- pool to represent to the Prince Regent, that she resigns Montague House, and the title of Ranger of Greenwich Park, in favour of her daughter, as also the house bequeathed to the Princess of Wales by her mother. The Princess of Wales hopes the Prince Regent will comply with these requests, the last that her Royal Highness intends to offer. " The Princess embraces this opportunity to ex- plain the motives which have induced her to decline the grant of £50,000 a year, voted to her by the nation in Parliament, She expresses her lively ac- knowledgment to this great people for their readi- ness to make to her so liberal a pension during her life ; but she has only taken £35,000, because as the gift was intended to support her in her proper rank, and to enable her to hold a court as became the wife of the Prince Regent, the receipt of it would interfere wdth her views of travelling, and her pur- pose to quit England for a season. Such is the substance of her present communication to Lord 222 LIFE OF THE - Liverpool, which the Princess would have made before, but for the fear of producing new debates in parliament. She has therefore awaited the rising of that august body, and is now about to depart for Worthing to embark, not intending to return pre- viously to London. " The Princess of Wales is happy to assure Lord Liverpool, that she will ever be ardently solicitous for the prosperity and glory of this generous nation." " Connaught- House, July 25th, 1814." Lord Liverpool's answer to the communication of the Princess of Wales : u Lord Liverpool has had the honour to receive the letter of her Royal Highness. Having acquaint- ed the Prince Regent with its contents, he is desired to state that her Royal Highness can meet with no hindrance to the design she has intimated, of returning to her native country, to visit her brother the Duke of Brunswick, assuring her that the Prince Regent will never throw any obstacle in the way of the present or future intentions of her Royal Highness as to the place where she may wish to reside. " The Prince Regent leaves it entirely to the liberty of her Royal Highness to exercise her own PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 22S discretion as to her abode in this country or on the continent, as it may be convenient to her. " Lord Liverpool is also commanded, on the part of the Prince Regent, to inform her Royal High- ness, that he will not throw any obstacles in the way of the arrangements of her Royal Highness, whatever they may be, respecting the rest of the private property of her Royal Highness. But that, for reasons rather too long to explain, the Prince Regent will not permit the Princess Charlotte to be Ranger of Greenwich Park, nor to occupy any of the houses at Blackheath, which the Princess of Wales has hitherto occupied. " Lord Liverpool has also been enjoined, on the part of the Prince Regent, before he closes the letter which he has the honour to send to her Royal Highness, to inform her, in relation to the two articles which her Royal Highness has inserted in her letter concerning the rupture of the mar- riage of the Princess Charlotte, with the Hereditary Prince of Orange, as well as to the reasons for which the Allied Sovereigns did not, previously to their departure from England, pay their visits to her Royal Highness, that, as to the first article, Lord Liverpool is commanded by the Prince Regent to inform her Royal Highness, that the Prince Regent is not persuaded that the private considerations of the circumstances in which the £24 LIFE OF THE Princess of Wales is placed, can have been an ob- struction to the marriage of the Princess Charlotte.— As to the second article, Lord Liverpool is also enjoined, on the part of the Prince Regent, to in- form her Royal Highness that the Prince Regent never opposed himself to the allied Sovereigns making a visit to the Princess of Wales during their stay in England. " Lord Liverpool has the honour to be, with profound esteem and consideration, respondent to her Royal Highness. " P. a£ The Prince Regent can make no difficul- ties on the subject of the directions which the Prin- cess has the intention of giving as to the house at Blackheath; neither will the Prince Regent oppose her Royal Highness retaining the rooms in Kensington Palace, in the same manner as she possessed them while in London, for the conveni- ence of herself and her suite." "July 28th, 1814." Her Royal Highness wrote likewise to Mr. Whitbread, about the same time, explaining to him the reasons for which she did not intend to remain longer in this country. The letter is what follows : " The Princess of Wales has the pleasure to in- form, and frankly to avow to Mr. Whitbread, that PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. <225 she is about to take the most important step in her life. She has embraced the resolution of quit- ting this country for a time ; and has written to Lord Liverpool to inform the Prince Regent im- mediately with her intention. The Princess in- closes a copy of this letter to Mr. Whitbread, to make him and his friends understand the plan of conduct which she has adopted. " The Princess is so fully persuaded of the well known integrity of Mr. Whitbread and Mr. Brougham, that she cannot doubt but they would have proposed such a step, if motives of delicacy had not prevented them. The Princess is deeply penetrated with gratitude for the attentions which they have shown her, at all times and on all occa- sions. This kindness on their part has withheld her from asking their advice on the present occa- sion ; in every other instance she assures them, she has always followed the suggestions of her advisers and friends, and conformed to their superior intel- ligence. " Her conscience tells her, that her conduct is worthy of her character and of her sentiments, and will always remain so. She has had sufficient leisure to reflect maturely before she adopted her present resolution. People who know not the character of the Princess may be disposed to believe, that she has been induced to adopt this measure in G G 226 LIFE OF THE a moment of ill humour; but she takes the Almighty to witness, that she has been intending to travel ever since 1806, although reasons too long for ex- planation have prevented her. No person possess- ed of pride and feeling, could endure to be degrad- ed below her rank in this kingdom, as Princess of Wales, or even as a simple individual, bear to be so hated by its ruler, as to be debarred from his presence both public and private. The Princess of Wales knows not how to support so much debase- ment and mortification. She cannot allow herself to b3 treated as a culprit by the Prince and his family, while her innocence has been acknowledged by ministers and by Parliament, after an investi- gation which has done away the accusations of traitors and enemies. " The Princess having obtained this public satis- faction, cannot in conscience remain a burden to her friends any longer. Events are continually occurring, which oblige her zealous and generous advocates to step forward in her defence. " The Princess of Wales is deeply penetrated with the generosity of this brave nation, which, after having taken so lively an interest in her misfortunes, and in her afflicting condition, so willingly affords to her the means of living peaceably in future. She hopes that her gratitude, which will only cease with her existence, will be one day renewed in the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 227 Princess Charlotte, and that her daughter will give proofs of it by her zeal for the glory and happiness of this kingdom ; by defending the rights of her people; and proving by her conduct, that great and powerful as she may be, she will not tyrannise over any one, merely because they have not the good fortune to please her. "The Princess of Wales would probably not have departed so soon, had not the marriage of the Princess Charlotte with the Prince of Orange been broken off at her own instance. Dear as her daughter is to her, she could not resolve to leave her without protection in a situation so critical. The Princess aware that the match was ardently desired by the people, wished neither to impede the happiness of the nation, nor that of her daughter. On this account she is solicitous to depart at once, for it is jpitiable to see a child rendered on all occa- sions a source of dispute between her parents. " The Princess of Wales is assured that in future the Princess Charlotte will be more happy and tranquil, and she is led to make this sacrifice, that if she remains some time longer unmarried, there may be fewer obstacles to her appearance in public. Her father the Prince Regent may thus choose the most suitable of her nearest relations to introduce her into society, that she may enjoy the pleasures congenial to her age, and become acquainted with 228 LIFE OF THE the character of the most distinguished persons in the nation, of which knowledge she has hitherto been deprived. " The Princess Charlotte will the less feel the privation of her mother's society, as she has not had it for the two last years. During that time five or six months in succession have passed away without the mother being allowed to see her daughter. She has even been refused the consolation of receiving any of her letters, and thus her regret at leaving her is lessened ; for although living in the same capital, they were not allowed to speak, even when they met in their airings. Her daughter's coachman was forbidden to stop, and directed to act as if he knew not the carriage of the Princess of Wales. Thus to quit her will but be the grief of a day, whilst to remain were only to continue the sorrows of both mother and child. The Princess cannot rest in a situation so unfortunate for herself, and so uneasy to others, and is sure that Mr. Whitbread and his friends will be affected by these consider- ations ; that their sentiments will accord with her own, and that they will approve of her resolution. " The Princess, before she ends this long letter, is solicitous to explain to her advisers the most urgent reason for her quitting England, and to show them that delicacy has obliged her to put her- self under the protection of this great and generous PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 229 nation, having no other refuge since the indisposi- tion of the King. How much has it cost her to make public this declaration — that is to say, that his Royal Highness has been strangely biassed and imposed upon by false accusers and enemies to her honour, M That which renders her situation still more em- barrassing is, that this generous nation has shown more devotion towards herself than to its ruler, who ought to be the blessing and glory of his people. The Princess hopes, that when she quitted England, the Prince Regent will make public his conviction, that her conduct and character have not merited reproach ; and thereby regain that po- pularity which is due to him, and to which his many excellent qualities entitle him in other re- spects. " The Princess of Wales most devoutly assures Mr. Whitbread and his friends of the immutable sentiments of lively gratitude and perfect esteem towards them, which shall have the same ending with her existence only." The Princess of Wales might have known that her comfort and happiness would always be ardent- ly wished for by the upright individual whom she honoured with her confidence and friendship ; but it does not appear a certain thing that her Royal Highness's intention to leave the country was ac- 230 LIFE OF THE ceptable to 'him and his political associates, although, when proposed, it would not have been proper or becoming in them to thwart her inclinations. Feel- ings of regret for the measures entered into, were not suffered to transpire, yet they almost discovered themselves. And even the following reply of Mr. Whitbread to her Royal Highness's letter has a little of the hinted uneasiness in it ; it does not evi- dence itself, but still there is a certain shade of dis- appointment that notwithstanding runs over it. * August 1st, 1814. " Mr Whitbread assures her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, that he has not been at all sur- prised at the resolution with which she has been pleased to acquaint him : it cannot but give him much pain to think that he will not be able to enjoy the amiable society of the Princess for some time. Even in her absence, his zeal for her future happiness will be at all times, and in every place, his only object : he will prove it by his cares and his activity, and by his unalterable attachment ; in contributing to the happiness of the Princess Char- lotte, whose integrity of character should suffice to form bis motive. " In concluding, Mr. Whitbread must beg per- mission to reiterate his sentiments of devotion, and PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 231 of zeal for her re-establishment in all the rights of the empire over which she is one day to reign." " Samuel Whitbread." All the needful preparations being made for her journey, the Princess of Wales turned her thoughts to the parting embrace of her dutiful and beloved child. She wrote to the Earl of Liverpool, stating her intention to go to see the Princess Charlotte at Cranbourn House, and expressed her hopes that no objection would be made to her doing so. The answer to this application was not however such as could gratify the feelings of the Princess of Wales, but it was not altogether repulsive ; she was informed that the Princess Charlotte would be per- mitted to make her Royal Highness a visit on the Saturday following. Upon that day, the young Princess, attended by her usual retinue, drove to Connaught House in a carriage of the Prince Regent, and was received with rapturous fondness by the expecting mother. They retired for nearly one hour by themselves; and in that secret interview many affecting, deeply affecting expressions were no doubt used ; and they who witnessed the last look which each cast the other at separation, could hardly refrain from tears. It was indeed a very solemn and a touching sight. They who have been to see dear relatives or \ 232 LIFE OF THE friends, will call to their recollection how, after staying much beyond the time at first designed to limit their journey, and all has been said that seemed possible for them to say, notwithstanding, just as they are taking leave, there is occasion for them to stopj some last, some important commission is to be delivered ; so after the Princess of Wales had received her daughter's farewell, Miss Mercer was sent to Cranbourn Lodge, and remained in it the whole of the subsequent day in close conference with the Princess Charlotte. On the 2d of August the Princess of Wales reaching Worthing, where Captain King, of the Jason, was directed to be in readiness for her ; but not expecting her Royal Highness on the 2d, he was not in attendance, and therefore she remained longer. Meantime a great concourse of men, women, and children, of coaches and horses, had crowded along the beach at Worthing, which (privateness best suiting her state) induced the Princess to go to South Lancing, about a couple of miles distant, where she embarked. But when the people understood that her Royal Highness had gone to South Lancing, they all hastened away thither, and they who were not in time to behold her countenance, had only the satisfaction of seeing a white handkerchief which her Royal Highness waved till she gained the ship in answer to similar PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 233 tokens of attachment, made her by the ladies ; the men were for the most part lost in silent meditation, or lothto be obstreperous, lest their regrets should be misconstrued into unbecoming exultation. The greater portion of her female attendants went on board at Worthing. But the Princess herself, atten- ded by Lady Charlotte Lindsay, and young Mr. Austin, (who was taken from hiscradle under the pro- tection of her Royal Highness,) arrived at the Jason in the barge of Captain King. Her Royal Highness wore a dark cloth pelisse with large gold clasps, her cap was of velvet and green satin, after the Prussian fashion, with a green feather in it. Among her articles was a large tin case, with these words painted in white letters: "Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, to be always with her." On leaving the English shore she was greatly affected ; she looked upon the land in silent earnest- ness for a time, then bursting into tears was much relieved, but still her sorrow continued visible for a few days. On the 12th of August, as the vessel was passing the Tex el, she desired that a royal salute should be given in compliment to the day ; (it was the anniversary of the Regent's birth,) and after dinner she drank a glass of wine to the health, prosperity, and glory of his Royal Highness. The Princess of Wales, determined to adopt her sphere of life in Some measure to the distresses of H H 234 LIFE OF THE her mind, did not assume the rank of Princess, but travelled under the name of the Countess of Wolfen- butel, receiving, however, all the tokens of respect and attention which are commonly paid to illustrious characters. In her journey through the continent, an interview is reported to have taken place be- tween her Royal Highness and the Prince Leopold; and it has been confidently said, that the motive for Miss Mercer's visit to Cranbourn Lodge was to give the Princess Charlotte an opportunity of writ- ing to his Serene Highness a letter, of which the Princess of Wales was to be the bearer, and this letter was delivered to the Prince at the meeting on the continent. The Princess Charlotte remained at Cranbourn Lodge till the 9th of September, and then she set out for Weymouth, and arriving at it on the day following, a great multitude went to meet her Royal Highness, and celebrated her coming with loud and reiterated shouts. The mayor of Weymouth, Mr. Henry Hayes Tozard, directed that the 12th should be passed by the inhabitants with every demonstration of joy, and such exhibitions as might best evince the grate- ful sense of the people for the honour done them by the promising and exalted young female. Ac- cordingly the flags were displayed in the several ships that lay in harbour, the Custom House was PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 235 adorned with suitable embellishments, and in the evening a general illumination took place, fire- works, and all the other circumstances of public gladness. On the 14th, a congratulatory address was pre- sented to her Royal Highness by the mayor and corporation of Weymouth, running in the following words : " We, the mayor, aldermen, bailiffs, and principal burgesses of the borough of Weymouth and Mel- combe Regis, entreat permission to address to your Royal Highness our humble congratulations on your safe arrival here; and to express our earnest wishes for the re-establish ment of your health. " We regard the auspicious appearance of your Royal Highness amongst us, not only as a happy omen of the future prosperity of the town, but as a revival of the joyful sensations we formerly ex- perienced on the visits of your august grand-father, the paternal sovereign of a grateful people. "May the many public and private virtues which adorn with peculiar lustre the character of our re- vered monarch, shine with undiminished splendour in the persons of his illustrious descendants. "Madam, we beg leave to assure your Royal Highness of our strenuous exertions to preserve peace and good order, and by every means in em- power to anticipate your wishes." 236 LIFE OF THE The answer of her Royal Highness was in these words : "Gentlemen, the Royal Family have so repeatedly experienced the loyalty and good will of the in- habitants of Weymouth, that they need no addi- tional assurance of their affection and duty. " It will, however, I am sure, afford them very sincere satisfaction to find, that time and absence have produced no alteration whatever in their senti- ments. " To you, gentlemen, who have shown me this particular mark of attention, and have so kindly expressed your wishes for the restoration of my health, I feel more especially indebted ; nor can I, on this occasion, omit my very sincere acknowledg- ments to all the inhabitants of this town, for the very flattering tokens of regard which they have universally shown me, and which I consider as a proof of their undiminished attachment to my father, and the rest of the royal family. "And as to myself, believe me, gentlemen, it will ever be my anxious wish to merit your good opinion." Taking the aggregate of the young Princess's affairs into our consideration, we must suppose that she was now far from being unhappy. Her royal mother had left England with an ample provision for her travels, scarcely any indulgences of kingly PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 237 persons lay beyond the reach of her fortune, and moreover her Royal Highness was pretty well as- sured of the fixed and unalterable attachment of her beloved Prince Leopold; she held a regular correspondence with him, and had by this means the opportunities of interchanging sentiments of mutual regard and esteem. She found her name highly considered by all ranks and descriptions of people ; the great and affluent were pleased with her condescension ; the poor were supplied by her with the necessaries of life ; the fasting were made full; the naked were clad; the religious were kept in countenance by her pious demeanour and punc- tual attendance upon divine service every sabbath day, whilst she illustrated the integrity of her faith by the zealous and steady performance of the christ- ian duties ; showing, in her example, that a tree was to be known by the fruit of it. The happy propensities of her natural disposition were intermixed with the liveliest and most cheer- ful spirits imaginable; religion and virtue were not with her matters of gloom and austerity, but virtue and religion were with her the basis and helps of her self-complacency and delightful merri- ment. The Countess of Rosslyn, the Countess of II- chester, Mrs. Campbell, the two Miss Coteses, General Garth, and the Rev. Doctor Short, were S23S LIFE OF THE her attendants at W eymouth, and happy partakers of her pleasant society. Although so far advanced in years, she did not think herself beyond instruction, or that she had outgrown the cares of a tutor. Every day she read with Doctor Short, sometimes Latin, sometimes Greek, and her progress was at once rapid and sweet, probably no one has at any time had a more agree- able pupil than had Doctor Short, for her lessons were not only accurately prepared, but it was her singular felicity to put her preceptor in constant good humour, whereas most learners put their teachers out of it. But few lessons passed away with- out some pleasantries, some happy effusions of her Royal Highness's smartness and drollery ; but it was not that vulgar sort of facetiousness neither, which at the time makes the hearer laugh, and for- get it after, it was a deep, a sentimental species of acute observation and genuine wit, that left a de- lightful impression of it behind : the following is a little anecdote of her Royal Highness to exemplify these observations, that seems not unworthy inser- tion. Having now got into the 4th book of the JEneid, she appeared greatly interested in Didos story, and now and then declared she pitied her; as they were finishing one of the lessons, the Doctor, in his engaging manner, half by way of criticism, and half as if he felt for the unhappy Queen, said PRINCESS CHAKLOTTE. 239 with great solemnity and archness, Poor Dido! Poor Dido, say I too, Doctor ; but ah ! Sir, the man was Mneas. Not satisfied with blunting the edge of the satire by compassion for the Queen's sufferings, she went, it may be seen, further, and excused as much as she might the folly itself which brought it on. The neighbourhood of Weymouth is highly pic- turesque, abounding in all the formations of nature, which can enchain the fancy, or enlarge the narrow conceptions of man, expanding them from the confines of the little world we live in, till the soar- ing mind loses itself in the immensity of creation. There were consequently strong inducements fur- nished in this place to her Royal Highness for making excursions into the surrounding parts, and of these some are of great and ancient celebrity, the isle of Portland, too well known, the winding sheet of many noble fellows, hardy and sincere sailors, who there have met destruction ; and divers castles, hills, and so forth; but above all the village of Abbotsbury, the famous residence of the mon- astic order of St. Benedict. A fine day offering, the Princess with her re- tinue sailed for Portland Island, but the wind not being sufficiently brisk, the passage was long ; it was not tedious, for it afforded to her Royal High- ness leisure for contemplating the fine scenery of 240 LIFE OF THE the parts along the coast; and she appeared to con- template all she saw with extreme earnestness and pleasure. Having reached the island, the party all debarked, and spent two or three hours in ramb- ling over it, and surveying the ships, which in vast numbers were seen from it floating along the im- mense sea. She viewed the ships with great satis- faction, and watched their motions for a long time in silence; but perceiving her attendants to be growing fatigued with the sight, she left the spot and along with them entered the barge again. It was late in the evening before they got home, but they were all greatly pleased with the trip. The Countess of Ilchester happened to have her country residence in the vicinity of Weymouth, and it was often the resort of her Royal Highness. The name of the seat is Abbotsbury Castle, and her Royal Highness listened with exceeding delight to the stories which are told of the persons who used to live there, and she had the means of grati- fying fully her inquisitive turn, for of course the different traditions were kept in remembrance bv the present inhabitants, so prone are we to take merit to ourselves for the antiquity of the place where we live, and this vanity is often just as high, as ancestorial pride, nor is it perhaps of a much more ridiculous nature. But proud as the Countess may have been to have the tales listened to, the royal PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 241 auditor was equally affected with pleasure to hear them told. When a person is in a country far distant, he may look at the moon, and rejoice in beholding it, considering that the same object en- gages the notice of the people at home. So like- wise we might receive satisfaction from hearing the same stories which the Princess used to hear, but her short life is now drawing tp a period, arid too much remains to be related, for indulging in matters not immediately connected with the personal inci- dents of her Royal Highness. Yet the tale of the Abbot's cook being but a short one, may be given. When England was inhabited by people univer- sally devoted to the drudgery of life, excepting the great lords and the ecclesiastics, little attention was paid to the cultivation of knowledge, the calls of appetite demanded the cares of men, and excluded the political speculations and watchfulness which in later times secured the privileges of the subject from the inroads of royal usurpation. In those days the kings issued their edicts and expected obedi- ence to their orders without scruple or examination into the justice they rested upon, for few indeed were capable of weighing the measures of the court with intelligence ; not even the learned men were unchained from ignoble views and paltry opinions, and the historiographers themselves record for facts, details of what it were now absurd to sup- i I 242 LIFE OF THE pose had any existence. Of this class is the anec- dote of the abbot's cook, but it has certainly a greater air of truth in it, notwithstanding, than the early legends commonly exhibit. The king, having run his coffers very low, and his barons being reluctant to afford him any aid, he was at a loss for an expedient to retrieve his affairs : it struck him at length, that a monastery would be a very likely place to find plenty of specie, and once the source was discovered no difficulty ap- peared to him of drawing copiously from it. Ac- cordingly a blustering message was sent to the Provost of the monastery, instantly requiring his attendance on the King. When the abbot arrived, What, said his Majesty, What, Mr. Abbot do you and your fellow students advance human know- ledge in, I desire to be informed, could you not make as great a progress at a less expence ? No, may it please you, my Liege, No; it were impossible, retirement is absolutely wanted to give the ease and freedom to the mind necessary for making profound researches, our labours have already been crowned with the utmost success, and we have deeply penetrated into the secrets of nature, and possibly your Grace may be reckoned of glorious memory with our far distant posterity, if it were only for the refined speculations we have made in Metaphysics and Entology. As to these same PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 243 matters, replied his Majesty, more may be talked about them than is understood of them ; but this 1 can tell you, and be sure that I will have it ac- complished ; Go to your closet, and return in ten days and have a full and perfect solution drawn up of these three questions, first, I want to know of what compass the world is of, second, how deep the sea, third, what are my thoughts ; have these clearly and entirely resolved for me against your next ap- pearance before me ; or the alternative must be sub- mitted to, namely the dissolution of your society, for if you have got any knowledge at all among you, I think you will have no difficulty in making out my questions. As to Metaphysics and En- tology, I know little about such affairs, but your resolution of what I put, will enable me to judge of your merits ; be sure to return at the time ap- pointed. The poor Abbot went away in extreme perplex- ity, and on his arrival grew every, hour more thoughtful and disconsolate. His faithful friend, John the cook, observing his master's low spirits, and, the greatest proof of all proofs that he was deep in the meagrims, he was growing quite in- different to whatever was laid before him on the table. John begged most sincerely to be made ac- quainted with his grief, and gave back to the Abbot divers of his own wise and philosophical 244 LIFE OF THE maxims, to render the mind contented. Troubles make people loving and humane ; the Abbot, re- gardless of the distance between them, when the day of his departure approached, and no prospect of help was afforded by the cloister, unbosomed to his trusty servant the cause of his secret sorrowing. God bless you, cried John, if that be all, I'll myself put all to right ; do you be but easy in your mind, leave all the rest to me. The difference of condi- tion between the Abbot and the cook was not more wide than the inequality of their persons. John resolved to personate his master, and by the aid of some pillows effected a similitude. On the required day John set out to the King's Palace, followed by the hearty prayers of the whole bro- therhood. Being now introduced to the King, his Majesty asked with great rapidity, and with pleasant hope beaming in his eye, for the answers to his queries. Have you got them ? he cried. O yes, my Liege, indeed I have. Your first question was of what compass the world is about ; I take it then to be but the journey of a day, and if any man should travel as quick as the sun, I think, my Liege, he might accomplish it in that space. Well, well, exclaimed the King hastily, well, what say you to my second question ? Your second was, my Lord, How deep is the sea ? I account the depth of the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 245 sea to be only the measure of a stone's cast ; fling a stone into the deepest part of it, and I fancy it will find the bottom : and now as to your Grace's third question, which belike you reckon to be the most abstruse ; it is really the most easy, as to what your Grace thinks, you suppose me, no doubt, to be the very Abbot himself, whereas in earnest I am only John, the Abbot's cook. The King was com- pletely overborne by the smartness of the fellow, and thrown into a fit of good humour, established and sanctioned the foundation. John returned with the joyful news to the anxious college. An eulogy was pronounced upon John's services and skill, and the cook ever after was reckoned the usefullest man in all the mon- astery. The Sunday after she arrived in Weymouth, her Royal Highness went to church, accompanied by the Countess of Rosslyn, the Countess of Ilchester, the two Miss Coteses, General Garth, and the Rev. Doctor Short. Melcombe was the name of the church ; and the minister, Mr. Gordon, drew a full attendance, encreased by the expected presence of her Royal Highness of course. The text was taken from the 13th chapter of St. Paul's first Epistle to the Corinthians, the words of it were, " Charity never faileth." The churchmen have been time immemorial disposed to accommodate as much as 246 LIFE OF THE possible the severity of virtue and godliness to the earthly satisfaction of an illustrious hearer ; instead of softening down in reconciliation with human felicity, the practice of the moral duties required by the beneficent framer of the universe, and set to our example by his adorable Son, it is not unfre- quently declared to us, when a great person hap- pens to be attending worship, that we need not trouble ourselves, nor put ourselves out of our way, as it were, about strict conformity with the divine precepts, that there is no necessity for our being very good. Short sighted man, whose views, while they reach but a scanty distance, seem to regard with more important concern the objects that are near, weak as he is, and subject to pre valency of his passions, often seeks and gropes in imagination for happiness where it is not to be had, and is fain to recommend himself to the powerful, by incul- cating the veniality of error, and the toleration of moderate failings — When trivial offences have become fashionable, they ought to be sure to have a gentle hand applied to their cure. But, for the honour of human nature, we sometimes find that the sharper the cut, the less the pain is. To the considerate and well tempered mind of her Royal Highness, the reverend gentleman needed no re- course to disingenuous arts, and his character speaks him a man who, if they might be used agreeably, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 24? would not use them. He took for his subject the admirable doctrine of Christian charity, 'the noblest of the sentiments which inspire the breasts of created beings. There abideth for us in this our pilgrimage the exercise of faith, hope, and charity ; these three ; " but the greatest of these is charity." Every succeeding Sabbath, her Royal Highness, accompanied by her establishment, attended divine service at Melcombe church, where many were edified by her attention to the worship, and the cheerful piety that shone in her delighted counte- nance. The Princess being completely re-established in health, a longer stay at the sea-side became unne- cessary, and the different branches of the royal house longing for her company, she hastened to re- turn to the embrace of her friends ; and about the middle of November she left Weymouth. As soon as the departure was fixed upon, her Royal High- ness lost not a moment to avail herself of all oppor- tunities to promote the great object of her visit to the place, and at the same time gratify the inquisi- tive desire she felt for seeing all that was rare and curious. The Griper, a sloop of war, and the Greyhound, a revenue cutter, lying off Weymouth, they paid their honours to her Royal Highness when she made her little voyages, which she did with ex- 248 LIFE OF THE treme delight and satisfaction, and much to the benefit and exhiliration of her spirits. The people upon these occasions assembled on the beach, re- ceiving the illustrious navigator with loud cheers, whilst the Princess, highly pleased with the rough indications of genuine love, duty, and respect, saluted the crowd with courtsies, smiling as she courtsied. Her peregrinations were often repeated. A day was fixed for visiting the antique residence of Mr. Henry Bankes, Corfe Castle ; but it proved so very unfavourable, that the ladies advised her Royal Highness to put off going to another more pleasant time* the Princess Charlotte appeared ex- ceedingly vexed to give up what her mind was bent to in previous expectation, and this observed by one of the attendants, it was suggested that they might go after all. No sooner was the acceptable intim- ation .given than a heavy shower came beating furiously against the windows : The Princess Charlotte. Why, it rains, it rains like the very devil. One in the company. Your Royal Highness, I trust, will never reign so. The lovely culprit bridled instantaneously ; she saw the unbecoming levity which had slipped from her tongue, and was alive to the rebuke. She stood riveted, motionless. Down dropped her conscious eye. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 249 Contemplate the figure ; who would not wish to grasp the little charmer in his arms, and to fold her to his bosom ? — If, for such is the frailty of the best of us, she ever were led into measures unpro- pitious to the state, coming to the management of its vital concerns, was she likely to turn deaf when the remonstrances of her people urged her to desist? On her departure from Weymouth, the same feel- ings were shown by the inhabitants, an equal gloom overspread the countenance of all, as when of any a near and dear relative had left the world. The good wishes of the gentry and their love pursued her, nor was she unattended with the solemn bless- ings of the widow, and the lisping gratitude of the orphan. She made Salisbury her course, and stop- ped for a night at the palace of the bishop ; for the bishop's daughters she entertained the most ani- mated fondness, and for the bishop himself she had reverence, attachment, and esteem ; his pontifical appointment excited her veneration, he was her tutor, and therefore she loved him; she esteemed him because of his goodness. Reaching Cranbourn Lodge, she only rested a single day, and then repaired to pay her duty to the Queen. The Regent, who had been impatient to see the darling of his heart, she whom he loved in his soul, the fond hope and expectancy of his posthumous honours, arrived at Cranbourn Lodge K K 250 LIFE OF THE , four days after her Royal Highness had come to it, he would have been there sooner, but was detained by the important affairs of the nation, and as quickly as these were dispatched, he hastened to embrace her. On Christmas day, her Royal Highness received the sacrament, in communion with her Majesty and the Princesses, from the hands of the Arch- bishop of Canterbury, assisted by the bishop of Salisbury, and the Dean of Windsor. The mutual affection between the Princess and the deserving object of her choice still continued ; and the circumstance was suffered to transpire. But the unsuccessful endeavours used in behalf of the Prince of Orange, gave the people a good found- ation for their belief that the report of a new matri- monial negociation ought to be received with cir- cumspect and careful scrupulosity, and the business was regarded by the majority of the speculative as the mere offspring of conjecture. In general true it is, that in this country the falsification of one intelligence does not take away credibility which another is intended to gain, and like unto wave succeeding wave, story after story dupes the facile supposition of an honest Britannian. In this matter they were all deceived, but yet the deviation from the general run of our ideas had an adequate cause to produce the eccentricity ; and the cause was no PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 251 other than this ; the people had formed generally the highest opinion of the discretion and judgment of the Princess Charlotte, and it seemed to them incompatible with such notions that she should ac- cept the addresses of a man in humbler circum- stances than his were whom she had refused. The hints, however, which were thrown out, at- tracted to her Royal Highness more than ordinary attention, and made her own wishes combine with the direction of her medical advisers, to go to see Weymouth again. At the battle of Waterloo, the Duke of Brunswick fell ; and his death greatly af- fected her Royal Highness, adding to the pertur- bation of mind which her condition naturally pro- duced otherwise. Upon the same occasion, the Prince of Orange was wounded ; her Royal High- ness manifested for him the strongest feelings of friendship and concern. She owned with readiness the sorrow she felt at his misfortune; she called him by names of all names the most tender, saving the one of husband ; she called him her friend. And afterwards heard, with the highest pleasure, the ac- count of his Serene Highness's convalescence. She was attended to Weymouth by her usual retinue. The inhabitants seemed delighted by the visit. Her spirits were relieved and brought back to their customary play. The Bishop of Salisbury came to the town to stay and converse with his 252 LIFE OF THE illustrious scholar, who, desirous of doing all that she could to make him happy, insisted upon his taking with her a short trip to sea, in her beautiful yacht. They were out for some time, and seeing a ship of 74 guns at a distance, her Royal High- ness was eager to come along-side. The ship was the Leviathan, commanded by Mr. Nixon. When they had drawn near, Captain Nixon went on board of the yacht to pay his obedience to the Princess. She expressed much admiration of the appearance his ship made on the water, and said she must go and narrowly inspect, her. Accordingly she entered Captain Nixon's barge, attended by the Bishop and two ladies. About to ascend into the Leviathan, a chair was lowered for her Royal Highness to sit upon, while she was drawn up by ropes. O no, said she, seeing the chair descend, that would never do, I shall go up as a sailor does, yes, 1 must ; pray Captain Nixon excuse my liberties with your ship; let the chair be used by the ladies and the Bishop ; and saying no more, she actually took hold of a rope, and climbed the ship's sides in the very man- ner, to use her own words, that a sailor does. Ar- riving on deck she exerted the greatest condescen- sion and affability to all that paid duty to her, and there was not one that did not ; she was desirous of seeing the various parts of the vessel, and so Captain Nixon conducted her Royal Highness to- ' PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 253 gether with the Bishop and ladies over the chief apartments. Leaving a present for the men, she left the Leviathan, amidst the loud and hearty huz- zas of the admiring and delighted crew. It was about New Year's Day that her Royal Highness returned to Cranbourn Lodge, where, as soon as she had arrived, her Majesty and the Princesses visited her. They were urgent with her to accompany them to Brighton, to which they were going in a few days. Her Royal Highness complied with the invitation. The evening before they set out for Brighton, her Royal Highness went to Windsor : having to start so very early in the morning after, it was thought best that she should have a bed in the Queen's house, sc that the less delay might be taken up in preparation, and the days were very short, requiring a departure betimes, to reach Brighton in proper hours. The Prince was uncommonly rejoiced to see his daughter; the meeting was most ardent and tender. A great draw-back upon her Royal Highness's gratifications was, that she was under a necessity of eating no animal food, she had a cold. Not that the privation was itself a grievance, the Princess never was de- voted to the pleasures of the palate by any means, she never was singular either way ; but being ob- liged to live differently from our messmates has an unsociableness about it, that was not just to the 254 LIFE OF THE liking of the Princess, who, all life and spirits now was fond of entering into the convivialities of her company. After passing a few days at the Pavilion^ as agreeably as people might, the Queen and the Princesses returned. The report was still in circulation that the Prince Leopold had a very exalted place in the opinion of the Princess Charlotte, still it was believed very slowly. But no doubt could remain after the 20th of February 1816, for his Serene Highness on that day landed at Dover. His Serene Highness had been for some time at Paris, adjusting some matters for his brother, the reigning Duke; or he might only have stopped there, because if he went farther off, he could not have been so near the fond object of his affections, his respect, and his ambition. It was most likely on business that he left Paris, and proceeded to Berlin, where the joyous news reached him of the Regent's wish that he should return and claim the hand of his beloved Princess. The message was hardly delivered when he posted away, and got to London on the 21st of February, putting up at the Clarendon Hotel Lord Castle- eagh, apprized of his Serene Highness being come, hastened to the Clarendon to pay his compli- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 255 ments, and hear from him what the measures were he might wish to adopt. The Regent was then at Brighton, therefore he could not immediately see his son elect ; but the instant the noble visiter had fixed with Lord Castlereagh what course he ought to pursue, a messenger was sent to the Pavilion to acquaint his Royal Highness with the result. His Royal Highness forthwith dispatched Sir Benjamin Bloomfield to congratulate Prince Leopold upon his safe arrival, and to invite him to the Palace at Brighton. Sir Benjamin proceeded with so much haste, that he reached London the very day the intelligence came to the Prince of his Serene High- ness's arrival ; and this celerity must have been (it showed no lukewarmness) exceedingly gratifying to the young stranger, who was, at Sir Benjamin's coming, engaged at Lord Castlereagh's hospitable board, w T here he had now eat a hearty dinner, which his Lordship had, as his manner is, copiously and elegantly provided for his guest. Every place, moment, and person, and thing, was all hurry, bustle, perplexity, joy and confusion, nobody was so incurious or phlegmatic but he longed to see the Prince ; the nobles sought the honour of his acquaintance, the common people were anxious above all things to have the pleasure of cheering and huzzaing him, and thereby making themselves almost as happy quite, as the Prince could be hia> 256 LIFE OF THE self. The hotel was crowded with grandees, and besieged with the less exalted ; compliments passed within, while merriment was going forward on the outside, obstreperous mirth, and giggling faces made up a scene unbeclouded with the gloom or careful aspect of a single character; a spectator would suppose that no one of the throng had any thing at all to do for himself, so general was the interest and concern taken in the affairs of Prince Leopold, directed, as his affairs seemed to be, by the laughter loving Goddess Venus. On the 22d, his Serene Highness set off with Lord Castlereagh for Brighton ; and was straight- way ushered into the presence of the Regent, who gave him a reception most kind, affectionate and cordial. The Regent is well known to be one of the most agreeable men of the day, and determined in the prosecution of the matter, showed his pater- nal regard in the most open and undisguised man- ner; treating him as his relative and friend, the way indeed he was considered by all the nation. The Princess Charlotte arrived on Monday, the 27th of February, accompanied by the Queen and the Princesses. On the 10th of March, a cabinet council was held at Brighton, for the purpose of determining the settlements and stipulations to be observed in the advancing marriage. The consent of the Regent PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 257 was formally given, and to it wa£ appended the Great Seal of the realm. Three days after, a council was convened in Lon- don, consisting of members of the cabinet, and the Baron Just, who was the Saxon minister at the court of St. James's, and they drew up the following articles: Art. i. It is concluded and agreed that the mar- riage between her Royal Highness Princess Char- lotte Augusta, and his Serene Highness Leopold George Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringuen, Prince of Co- bourg of Saalfeld, &c. &c. shall be solemnized in that part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, called Great Britain, both being present, according to the due tenor of the laws of England, and the rites and ceremonies of the church of the United Kingdom, as soon as the same may conveni- ently be done. A rt. ii. His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, acting in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, promises to secure to her Royal High- ness Princess Charlotte Augusta, and to his Serene Highness Leopold George Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringtren, Prince of Cobourg of Saalfeld, &c. &c. &c. during I, L 258 LIFE OF THE their joint lives, and to the survivor of them, the annual sums herein-after mentioned; — that is to say, during their joint lives, the annual sum of sixty thousand pounds, to be paid quarterly; ten thousand pounds of which annual sum, also to be paid quar- terly, shall be granted unto commissioners, named for that purpose by his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, acting as aforesaid, to be by them received for the sole and separate use of the said Princess, notwithstanding her marriage state, and without his Serene Highness Leopold George Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringuen, Prince of Coburg of Saalfeld, &c. &c. &c. having any power over the same, and which annual sum of ten thousand pounds, so payable quarterly, the said Princess shall not have power, either separately or conjointly with his Serene Highness Leopold George Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringuen, Prince of Cobourg of Saalfeld, &c. &c. &c, to alienate, mortgage, or receive, or direct to be paid by way of anticipation ; but the same shall, from time to time, as the same shall become due, be paid and payable into the proper hands, of the said Princess alone, upon her own sole receipt, or to such person or persons to whom she shall, by writing, signed by herself alone, from time to time, as the same shall become due, direct and order the same to be paid, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 259 or otherwise to receive the same on her sole behalf. Art. hi. His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, acting as aforesaid, engages to secure to her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Augusta, the annual sum of sixty thousand pounds, to be paid to her during her life, in case her Royal Highness shall survive his Serene Highness Leopold George Fre- derick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Land- grave of Thuringuen, Prince of Cobourg of Saalfeld, &c. &c. &c, such annual sum to commence in pay- ment from the death of his Serene Highness Leopold George Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringuen, Prince of Co- bourg of Saalfeld, &c. &c. &c, in the lifetime of her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Augusta, and to be paid quarterly ; aud the first quarterly payment is to be made at the end of three calendar months, after such his decease, when the said annuity, pay- able during their joint lives, is to determine. And his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, so acting as aforesaid, further engages to secure to his Serene Highness Leopold George Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thu- ringuen, Prince of Cobourg of Saalfeld, &c. &c. &c, the annual sum of fifty thousand pounds, to be paid to him during his life, in case he shall survive her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Augusta ; such 260 LIFE OF THE annual sum to commence m payment from the death of her Royal Highness, in the lifetime of his Serene Highness, and to be paid quarterly ; and the first quarterly payment to be made at the end of three calendar months after such her decease, when the said annuity, payable during their joint lives, is to determine. AitT. iv. The son or daughter, or descendant of the said marriage for the time being, next in succes- sion to the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, after the Princess Charlotte Augusta, shall be brought up in such manner as his Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, or his successors may be pleased to direct ; and no children of this marriage shall be allowed to marry without the consent of his Ma- jesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, or his successors for the time being. Art. v. It is understood and agreed that her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Augusta shall not, at any time, leave the United Kingdom with- out the permission, in writing, of his Majesty, or of the Prince Regent, acting in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, and without her Royal Highness's own consent. And in the event of her Royal Highness being absent from this country, in consequence of the per- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 26l mission of his Majesty, or of the Prince Regent, and of her own consent, such residence abroad shall, in no case, be protracted beyond the term approved by his Majesty, or the Prince Regent, and consent- ed to by her Royal Highness. And it shall be competent for her Royal Highness to return to this country before the expiration of such term, either in consequence of directions for that purpose, in writing, from his Majesty, or from the Prince Regent, or at her own pleasure. Art. vi. This treaty shall be ratified by his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, on the behalf of his Majesty, and by his said Serene Highness, and the ratifications shall be exchanged in ten days, or sooner, if possible. In witness whereof, the respective plenipoten- tiaries have signed it, and have affixed thereunto the seals of their arms. Done at London the thirteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and sixteen. (L. S.) C. Cantuar. (L. S.) Baron de Just. (L. S.) Eldon, C. (L. S.) Harrowby, P. (L. S.) Bathurst. (Ei. S.) Liverpool. (L. S.) Castlereagh. (L. S.) SlDMOUTH. (L. S.) 1S T . Vansittart. 262 life of the Additional Article. It is hereby expressly declared, that no article or provision, contained in the treaty of marriage signed this day, shall, in any manner, be taken, or deemed to affect, or prejudice any right or prerogative of his Majesty, his heirs or successors, touching or concerning the education or marriages of any of the children or descendants of her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Augusta, or the education or marriages of any of the Royal Family or their de- scendants. The present additional Article shall have the same force and effect, as if it were inserted, word for word, in the treaty of marriage signed this day. It shall be included in the ratification of the said treaty. In witness whereof the respective plenipoten- tiaries have signed the same, and have affixed there- to the seals of their arms. Done at London, the 13th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and sixteen. (L. S.) C. Cantuar. (L. S.) Baron de Just. ' (L. S.) Eldon, C. (L. S.) Harrowby, P. (L. S.) Bathurst. (L. S.) Liverpool. (L. S.) Castlereagh. (L. S.) Sidmotjth. (L. S.) N. Vansittabt. PRINCESS CHAHLOTTE. 263 On the same day that the marriage articles were settled, Lord Liverpool, with the usual politeness on matters of this sort taking place, apprized the House that he should very soon be commissioned to bring down a message to their Lordships on the coming event. He redeemed his promise the next day, and submitted the paper to their Lordships' consideration. The Clerk of the House, reading, spoke as follows : " George, Princeps Regens. " His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, acting in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, hav- ing given the royal consent to the marriage of Prin- cess Charlotte Augusta, his Royal Ilighness's daughter, to Prince Leopold George Frederick, of the House of Cobourg, has deemed it fit to com- municate the same to the Peers of this realm. His Royal Highness has at all times received from them such proofs and indications of regard for the King's family that he doubts not but their Lordships will grant that provision for the parties, which may en- able them to live with the splendour and appearance of their high rank, and worthy the greatness of the British nation." The message having been read, his Lordship went on. He had examined the ac- counts of a nature corresponding to the present af- fair, and found it the invariable rule that an address 264 LIFE OF THE was moved on the very day the message was de- livered. Feeling convinced that the alliance now before their Lordships was deserving of perfect satisfaction as much as any that had preceded it, and assured that their Lordships were disposed to equal their respect with former practice, he would move an answer to the address of his Royal Highness. This was what he proposed it to be. That the House thanked his Royal Highness for the gracious communication his Royal Highness had honoured it with, and begged to express their full satisfaction with the marriage of Princess Char- lotte to a protestant Prince of the illustrious House of Cobourg. That the event could not fail of being acceptable to all the members of the community, and tended to secure the main interests of the British people. That their Lordships would most readily, as far as in them lay, contribute to the hap- piness of the distinguished persons about to be united ; to evince the dutiful attachment and affec- tionate respect for the Royal Family in their zeal to uphold the dignity of the crown, and sovereign juris- diction of the country. The minister's proposal being referred to the sense of the House, it was agreed to without a dis- puting voice. Independent of the character displayed by Prince Leopold during his visit in England, the strictness PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 265 of his morals, and the excellency of his private life, were inquired into by the government, and the statements of all the courts of the continent agreed in representing his Serene Highness a young man of irreproachable morals and undeviating honour. The inquiry was not confined, it was sought not merely from those connected with his family, but in every quarter where Prince Leopold was per- sonally known, and the result was most favourable to his Serene Highness, confirming the good cha- racter which had been before given of him. When the thanks were returned by the Peers for the in- formation imparted to them by the Prince' Regent, no particular arrangement was mentioned for a pecuniary evidence of their Lordships' approbation. That would not have been a proper or becoming line of conduct ; for it would have presented an ap- pearance of dry formality and deliberate acquies- cence with the circumstance announced, inconsis- tent with the due hastiness of applause, and cordial consent called for by the nature itself of the matter: besides, such things fell more fitly within the pro- ' vince of the lower House, where a like royal inti- mation was given officially, and a similar expression of thanks voted with equal promptitude and un- animity. But the following day, the House of Commons having entered into a committee, the Chancellor of MM %66 ' LIFE OF THE the Exchequer addressed them. He could not (he said) anticipate that the slightest objection or demur would be made to the execution of the measures he was about to propose, judging from the alacrity and zeal, manifested the day before by the House in agreeing to thank the Prince Regent for the communication he had been graciously pleased to make them. In defining the sum to be granted for the esta- blishment of the illustrious couple, he hoped to satisfy all who heard him, since he was entirely in- fluenced by the junction of two considerations only; the comfort and easy independence of their Royal and Serene Highnesses, and an economical attention to the national outlayings. £60,000 he conceived to be a very proper and ade- quate allowance every year ; of this £50,000 a year was to go to the united maintenance of both, and the residue of £10,000 was to form an annual re- venue for the private use and disposal of Princess Charlotte. Upon this grant being made the present revenue of £30,000 a year which went to the Prin- cess's establishment would expire; so that the £60,000 would be only the addition of £30,000. But as money must be wanted previous to the day of payment for carriages and furniture and other matters, the Chancellor of the Exchequer moved that £60,000 should be given out of hand to enable , PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 267 the illustrious pair to provide what they might stand in immediate need of, £10,000 being set apart of this sum for the purchase of clothes, and for jewels £10,000 more, and so of the remainder as their wants or their inclinations might dictate. And all was assented to readily. But wlien on the 9th of April, the Chancellor of the Exchequer being absent, Mr. Lushington renewed the business for its final settlement, an unexpected opposition was made, arising from the wish of several members to be informed whether her Royal Highness was to hold Drawing Rooms or not. No explanation of her future way of life either could not be given by the ministers, or they were not disposed to commit themselves by any pledge of theirs which the after conduct of her Royal Highness might depart from. When some very animated sallies had been used by both parties, the bill for settling upon their Royal and Serene Highness the annuity of £60,000 was passed ; going through the House of Lords likewise, and meeting there with the same delay that had oc- curred among the Commons, on account of similar interrogatories about the intentions of Princess Charlotte to hold a court and Drawing Rooms. The next in order of consanguinity to the sove- reign of Britain will in all likelihood be constantly opposed to administration, and a protection against arbitrary and dangerous plans of the servants of £68 LIFE OF THE the crown will be by this means greatly envigorat- ed and advanced. However well meaning and worthy the men may be in whose hands shall be re- posed the management of our affairs, yet to keep a watch over them can never be useless or improper. Indeed such vigilance, although not needed in other respects than as precautionary, will be serviceable, and tend to the security and confirmation of the political greatness of the British empire; for all beings are swayed by self-love and interestedness from the time of boyhood to the latest period of existence, the fondness of having shows itself in our cries for the coral when another has it, and in place of additional days* wearing out the sordid cravings of our nature, duration of time hardens infantile curiosity into fondness, and as we grow up desire takes hold of us, which is again improved and becomes avarice, and of this there is a species, di- recting its views to political power, called ambition. Added to the eagerness of aggrandizement there is in our constitutional affections the proneness to keep whatever we get that makes men act as con- trarily to the dictates of their conscience as at first they might have done for the sake of acquisition. Under these circumstances a sharp and observant eye is needed for our public men ; and since by our most admirable charter and national laws certain classes are made to feel an interest in resisting the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 269 powerful, it falls to the lot of Britons to have this vigilance duly exerted upon those that are placed in authority over them. Now since the opposing party must ever be the weakest, they are the most likely to engage our pity, and since the inhabitants of this island are open to those soft impressions, for there is no way of gaining our love more ready than to be in want of help, it follows therefore that the opposition members will stand the best venture for popular esteem and admiration ; and because of the natural wish of Princes about to reign to win the affections of their destined subjects, it may be laid down for a general expectation that the pre- sumptive heirs to the British throne will attach themselves steadily (till they come at the inhe- ritance) to those that are unfriendly to the men in power. This is the road to the favour of the peo- ple, who, over and above the generous sympathy for the more feeble in society which has been noticed as incentive to their regard, are sometimes impelled to bestow their favour upon opposition through motives of a less glorious character. For every one that is not happy in himself, or contented with his condition, is prone to assign or imagine an external cause for his infelicity, every body does not suppose that he wants money because he wants it, some think the misconduct of their rulers is the privative, and by an easy exertion of national feeling, indenti- 270 HFE OF THE fying themselves with the state, they look upon the managers of public affairs with very jealous and misgiving eyes ; and the great bulk of man- kind in all countries being liable to misery and dis- tress, the plurality of course belongs most common- ly to the opposition interest. Let these things be duly weighed, and the reason is apparent for Mr. Tierney and his friends wishing the heir apparent to keep the ceremonial of a court. In short he and they (and why should they not?) would like to have an opportunity of going to a court themselves, if it were only for the honour of the thing, and indeed, to say the truth, little substantial benefit, beyond the consciousness of virtue (that is much certainly), can be rationally proposed to himself by any man who places his exertions in the way to resist the authority and projects of the leading men. No wonder then, that dear as her Royal Highness was to the whole na- tion, some little stoppage should take effect when this consideration stood against the privacy of life which there was strong foundation for believing that Princess Charlotte would adopt. A part of the time that intervened between his Serene Highness's arrival in England, and his mar- riage, was spent at Brighton, the latter part of it was chiefly beguiled in Windsor Castle, where he dined every day, and met at table, with the Queen, Princess Charlotte. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 271 On the 25th of March Lord Liverpool intro- duced a proposition for naturalizing Prince Leo- pold, which was finally passed into a bill on the following day, and to prevent its retardation the usual practice of the House was dispensed with, either for proving the eager fondness of their Lord- ships to have as soon as possible the exalted and worthy stranger one of themselves ; or the 26jth day of March, being the 1 4th of March according to the old style, it w T as intended to go as near as could be, to make an Irishman of his Serene High- ness, conducting his civil nativity under the au- spices of St. Patrick. His time was made agreeable to him by all the means of gratification which splendour and state can afford, but without them he had happiness enough — for he enjoyed the frequent company of Princess Charlotte. The Lord in waiting, and the master of the cere- monies, Lord James Murray, and Mr. Robert Chester, left town on the 29th of April for Small- berry Green, the mansion of Sir Joseph Banks, there to remain for the purpose of escorting publicly and in form his Serene Highness to London from thence. The same day the Prince started from Windsor soon after breakfast in one of the Regent's travelling coaches, and arriving at Smallberry Green Sir Joseph was there to receive him, and demon- 272 LIFE OF THE strated his hearty welcome, by a plentiful repast prepared with the sumptuousness the occasion sug- gested. Leaving Smallberry Green the same day at two o'clock, his Serene Highness proceeded in state to London ; his suite were in a carriage that closely followed a grand coach of the Prince Regent's, in which was the illustrious Prince. About a quarter to four, the whole arrived at St. James's Palace, and Prince Leopold entered the apartments of the Duke of Clarence. The Regent being ap- prized by Lord James Murray of his Serene High- nesss arrival, sent the Marquis of Winchester to compliment his Serene Highness, and felicitate him in the name of the Regent. Similar congratulations were made him by the other branches of the Royal Family ; Mr. Desbrow, the Queen's Vice Chamber- lain, delivered the kind wishes of her Majesty, and Sir Edward Stopford made the remembrance of the Princesses. The great officers of the empire went on the 30th to Clarence House and paid their homage to the Prince ; the Lord Chancellor with his mace and judicial ensigns, the Master of the Rolls called the same day, so did the Bishop of Salisbury, and other characters of distinction. The day appointed for the solemnization of the wedding was the 2d of May. The sky in the morning was clear and brightened with the dazzling PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 297 Royal Highness remained, she had frequent oppor- tunities of recognizing some of her private friends, and these she greeted with her usual condescension and cordial affability. She had all eyes fixed upon her while she stopped, and imparted to the house a due sense of the kind attentions which should accompany private friendship, in her manner of accosting her acquaintances; and upon withdrawing courtsied to the whole crowded theatre with much visible satisfaction at the joy which was shown by the audience at her entrance, and the well meant stare with wbich she was gazed upon the time she remained. The day after, her Royal Highness attended divine service at the chapel of Whitehall, and \ r as accompanied thither by the Prince and the iichess of York. Such attractions did the illus- trious pair hold forth for the gathering of immense crowds, that a police magistrate, in precaution, went to Whitehall, followed up by a party of the peace officers, that order might be maintained amongst the expected multitude. No riot, however, was made. On Monday, the 20th of May, their High- nesses and the Duchess of York went to see the British Gallery, before the room was opened for public exhibition. The Marquis of Stafford, a nobleman who has encouraged the art of painting with peculiar activity, the Earl of Aberdeen, Earl Brownlow, Lord Dundas, the Right Honorable QQ 298 LIFE OF THE Mr. Charles Long, Sir George Beaumont, Sir Thomas' Bernard, Sir Abraham Spencer, and the Reverend Mr. Carr, who are all directors of the institute of painting, were present, and attended the Prince and Princess, explaining the several pictures that were to form the approaching display of British art and taste. The royal party were highly grati- fied, and continued to examine the paintings with critical minuteness a long time ; then driving to York House, they alighted for a few minutes, and thence proceeded direct to Camelford House, whither the Duchess of York very soon followed to partake of their Highnesses, dinner. The managers of Drury Lane theatre having been apprized that the Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold intended to honour the representa- tion of Bertram with their presence this day, mat- ting was laid from the flag stone before the entrance door, all along to the Regent's box, where they were to sit. The expectation of their company had brought that evening a crowded attendance, and on the outside such a vast concourse of peo- ple had assembled, that it was almost impracti- cable to make way through them. A little before nine, the Prince and Princess arrived, having in their retinue Baron Hardenbrock and General Tay- lor. Mr. Dibdin and Mr. Rae waited to escort them to their seat, dressed in the court mourning. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 299^ At the moment they entered, Mr. Kean was just finishing the catastrophe of the play; but the audience interrupted the progress, and called for u God save the King," which was chaunted by the whole dramatic corps decorated with white knots, in compliment to the visiters. When the tune was end^d her Royal Highness bowed in acknow- ledgment of the attention shown her and his Serene Highness ; and the box she sat in being ill con- trived to exhibit those that occupy it at any time, the Princess in the most considerate and indulgent manner leant forward that she might be seen. On the 23d of May, their Highnesses entertained the Prince Regent and a party of his friends. Prince Leopold awaited his Royal Highness at the door of Camelford House; and thence led him into the drawing room where he was affectionately re- ceived by his beloved daughter. In the preceding part of this day a chapter was held of the Bath Knighthood, at which his Serene Highness was en- rolled among its members ; a chapter of the Garter was also convened to confer its honour upon the same exalted personage. A laudable curiosity in- duced Princess Charlotte to witness the ceremonies; she was attended by Colonel Addenbroke, Lady J. Thynne, and Lady E. Murray. The first busi- ness gone through was swearing in the Dean of Windsor to be the Registrarius of the order. The 500 LIFE OF THE Bishop of Salisbury, in his capacity of Chan- cellor, read an act dispensing with that already fra- med, which by its provisions excluded one in Prince Leopold's circumstances from the enjoyment of the dignity ; and after settling the eligibility of his Serene Highness, he was introduced formally by the Earl of Liverpool and Lord Castlereagh. His Ify>yal Highness thereupon, assisted by the Duke of York, confirmed the enrolment of the Prince, whilst the Chancellor pronounced a solemn admonition respecting the course of living and honourable conduct which were to be expected from the wearer of a badge put on in commemor- ation of the patron Saint of England, St. George. His Serene Highness, after his election was com- pleted, advanced to the Prince Regent, and kissed his hand ; then paying his compliments to all the members present, he withdrew, and was followed by Princess Charlotte. In the evening of the 24th, their Highnesses went to Covent Garden Theatre to see the play of the Jealous Wife. They reached the house before seven o'clock ; Mr. Harris, and two gentlemen of the theatre, conducted them to the Prince Regent's box, and presented them with the plays of the Jealous Wife, and lists of the persons who w r ere to sustain the characters. Their reception was very animated and hearty, the house rung with the ac- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 301 clamations of the spectators ; and all the ladies, in honour of their Highnesses' happy nuptials, were dressed in white ; her Royal Highness was still in mourning, but her attire was most splendid notwith- standing, and her hair was ornamented with wreaths and a chaplet of ostrich feathers. The city of Bath having framed a congratulatory offering to their Highnesses, the Marquis of Camden, Lord John Thynne, and Colonel Palmer waned upon them on the 25th and delivered it, containing similar sentiments and professions of regard with those that had been already presented, and both Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold returned their acknowledgments with equal warmth and kindness, which it is unnecessary therefore to put to press, for the general expression of gratitude was all that could be employed upon such occasions, and a specimen has been given sufficient to convey the tenour of all the rest. Indeed few places of any note or consideration neglected to make their best wishes to her Royal Highness at this the most interesting juncture of her life of any from the time she first received it. Politeness and fine breeding are really needed among us, impelled as we all are by nature to behave with narrowness and surly manners to those we expect to get nothing from : but their employment is much deplored when an instance offers in which the common place phrases 302 LIFE OF THE of agreeable and pleasing things are made use of without in the least violating truth, or doing wrong to the rgour of good sense, because in this case it is a very great pity that the commended person should havetheencomiums bestowed upon him liable to the vast drawbacks which are evermore supposed admissible from the universal application of the bland words, that are more than usually strained to impart a high opinion of himself to one exalted beyond the attacks of an ordinary providence. But Princess Charlotte had so endeared herself to the whole nation by the virtues that began in her childhood, and acquired growth with the encrease of her stai ire; the frankness of her disposition, the sensibility of her soul, the fearlessness she used upon every crisis ihat called for steady re- solution, her charity, and for whatever else she had pf goodness, the public had made their judg- ment, and were prepared to admit with a ready ear the grateful and elevated compliments that were paid her upon the auspicious nuptials of her Royal Highness with a man whom she had selected with a discernment and propriety becoming and suit- able to the possessor of those very qualities which she noticed wuh special favour in Prince Leopold. Their Royal Highnesses, in order to gratify the affectionate fondness of the people for looking at them, went occasionally to places of public resort, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 303 the opera and the theatres. Mrs. Siddons was an- nounced to perform on the 31st, the part of Queen Catharine in Shakespear's play of King Henry VIII. and they repaired to Covent Garden in 1 he evening of that day with the additional enduee- ment of witnessing the exhibition of that accom- plished and noble actress. The very reappearance of Mrs. Siddons itself was an attraction hard to be withstood, and must have brought to the house an overflow of spectators, but the intimation of Prin- cess Charlotte and Prince Leopold's attendance made the collection countless. More came to the door than obtained admission. .(Here let us pause for a while, and as the sweet object of our curiosity was always known to be ehearfu] amidst her piety, so we shall indulge the awful a little, in the centre of our gay contemplations; and reflect how a view of her may be obtained when the farce of this world is ended, and we have quitted the busy stage of it : then that very modesty and diffidence in ourselves which hindered several from getting into Covent Garden may, it is trusted, if directed to christian concerns, form a passport to her presence for ever.) There are in the play of Henry VIII. many passages that pointedly touch the lamentable sepa- ration between the distinguished parents of her Royal Highness, These passages of course were eagerly embraced by the auditory, to testify to the 304 LIFE OF THE illustrious child the true regard they bore her af- flicted mother, and the sincerity with which they entered into her sufferings, or, to say the least of it, her disappointments. It happens to lie altogether without the province of the biographer to make any comments on this matter, or to offer an opinion about its propriety and judiciousness, and he is glad of it ; if indeed he were assured within himself that it is his duty to express his sentiments, that the reader will- expect, since, from the papers he must needs have perused for the purposes of his work, he ought, as being well qualified to do it, to say something : he could only declare that he be- lieves the Princess of Wales did not deserve to be ill treated, nor on the other hand does he think she has been so badly used as the bulk of the kingdom are fond of imagining, so that we should make our- selves easier than most of us do upon this head. There is an honest but a most sincere bluntness in a British native that hurries him away from the re- gard of minor things, and he must be either on one side or the other positively, and he becomes himself a party in the business that is agitated. In the affair indeed new alluded to, there is no room for a half judgment, for the nature of it does not admii: of that ; yet one may find a view of the case which represents the disapproved conduct in no unamiable light ; when for instance the handsome PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 273 sun, and nature wore the same aspect throughout the whole day, imparting additional chearfulness and gaiety to the grandeur exhibited upon it. Princess Charlotte dined with her Majesty at Buckingham House, in company with her Royal aunts. Prince Leopold had a few of his private friends with him at his table in Clarence House. The Regent had the Duke of Clarence to partake of his dinner, also the Lord Chancellor, the Bishop of Exeter, the late Mr. MacMahon, the Reverend Mr. Blomberg, and the lawyer Mr. Leach, besides two or three other gentlemen of wit and polite ac- complishments, who have been honoured with re- peated invitations to his Royal Highness's hospi- table and easy board. About eight o'clock her Royal Highness de- scended the grand staircase, attended by the Print cess Augusta on her right, and on her left Colonel Stephenson, and was met by the Queen in the hall, where, after an affectionate salutation had passed, they came down to the carriage in which her Majesty and most engaging grand-daughter, having entered it, sat together; and opposite to them Princess Augusta and Princess Elizabeth, Princess Mary and Princess Sophia of Gloucester going after them in another coach, and soon reached Carlton House. Prince Leopold left Clarence House at half past eight, in a coach with Baron Just, the Saxon pleni- NN 87^ LIFE OF THE potentiary, and Mr. Chester, the assistant master of the ceremonies, and proceeded to the Prince Regent's, followed by Lord James Murray, Colonel Adenbroke and Sir Robert Gardner. The shouts and cheering acclamations of the throng he had to pass, rent the great canopy as he went, and had it not been for the interference of one or two that accompanied him, the people would have unyoked the horses and drawn him to his journey's end with their own hands. Meantime a body of the Horse Guards were placed at Carlton House, with Sir Nathaniel Conant and Mr. Birnie for preserving order ; civil officers were likewise distributed here and there to the same purpose. The Prince Regent was in his private closet ready to meet the illustrious visiters, the Queen was formally introduced, all the Princesses and his Serene Highness. The domestics in their superb liveries formed two parallel lines between the closet and the crimson room where the ceremonial was to be performed. An altar was fitted up for the oc- casion with great elegance and magnificent decor- ations. The Prayer Books of the Chapel Royal >vere brought for the present use, and the church plate was taken from Whitehall. Her Majesty and her royal daughters entered an adjoining apartment ; soon after they, and the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 275 cabinet ministers also with their ladies, attended in a room close to the one destined for the ceremonial; The Ladies specially waiting on the Queen were Lady J. and Lady E. Murray. But the Prince Leopold and Princess Charlotte remained in the closet after the Queen withdrew to the chamber near the marriage saloon, and before them also moved the Procession, containing these persons ac- cording to their order of location : The Primate. The Lord Chancellor and Lady Eldon.. The President of the Council and Countess H arrowby. The Countess of Liverpool, (his Lordship was indisposed.) The Secretary of State for the War Department and Countess Bathurst. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Viscountess Casllereagh. The Secretary of State for the Home Department. The Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Master General of Ordnance and Countess of Mulgrave. The Lord Privy Seal. First Lord of the Admiralty and Viscountess Melville. The Master of the Mint and Mrs. Wellesley Pole. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. The Lord Chamberlain and the Marchioness of Hertford. The Vice Chamberlain. The Lord Steward and the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. The Groom of the Stole and the Marchioness of Winchester. Lords of the Bed Chamber. The Private Secretary to the Prince Regent, (Mr. MacMahon.) The Groom in Waiting. The Duchess of Montrose, (the Master of the Horse was not well.) The Captain of the Band of Pensioners. The Comptroller of the Windsor Establishment, (the Earl of Wmchelsea.) The Deputy Comptroller, of the Windsor Establishment, (Lord John Thy nne.) 270 LIFE OF THE The Lord High Almoner, (the Archbishop of York.) The Dean of the Chapel Royal. The King's Equerries. The Attendants of the Queen and Princesses. The Clerk of the Closet, (the Reverend Mr. Blomberg.) The Regent's Librarian, (the Reverend Mr. Clark.) The Bishop of London, the Bishop of Salisbury, and the Bishop of Exeter The Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, (Lady Ellenborough was unwell.) The Gold Stick, (the Earl of Harrington.) The Silver Stick, (the Earl of Yarmouth.) The Reverend Dr. Short. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Cornwall, (Mr. Leach.) The Master of the Household. The assistant Private Secretary to the Prince Regent, (Mr. Watson.) The Deputy Earl Marshal, (Viscount Keith.) The first Equerry and Clerk Marshal, (Sir Benjamin Bloomfield.) The Regent's Equerries, including Sir William Congreve. The Regent's Aides-de-Camp. Several Admirals, and Military Officers were joined to the Procession. When things were in readiness for the com- mencement of the ritual, the Marquis of Hertford, in his capacity of Lord Chamberlain, repaired to the closet, and led his Serene Highness thence to the altar, and afterwards the Marquis was accompanied by the Duke of Clarence to the closet, and escorted the Princess, reclining on the arm of her royal uncle ; when she had come near, the Regent seated himself beside the Prince and Princess, arrayed in a suit of gorgeous regimentals, and shining with his various orders. Immediately after the Regent the Royal Dukes PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 277 were all standing, and behind them were the Lord Chancellor, the Earl of Harrowby, the Earl of Westmoreland, the Earl Bathurst, and the Earl of Mulgrave, Lord Castlereagh, Lord Sidmouth, and Lord Melville, Mr. Vansittart and Mr. Pole, mem- bers of the cabinet. Opposite to the Regent the Queen sat in a chair of state, having on her right the Princesses Augusta, Elizabeth, Mary, Sophia of Gloucester, and the Duchess of York. The Archbishop of Canterbury stood close to the altar, having on his right the Bishop of London, and behind him the Archbishop of York; the Bishop of Exeter, as clerk of the closet, was also present, and her Royal Highness's tutor, the Bi- shop of Salisbury; and in front of the altar, at a little distance, were the Foreign Ministers. Two velvet stools of crimson colour were placed to be knelt upon by the Princess and her Bride- groom, and before the clock sounded for nine, they approached together, the Princess treading with a firm and easy step. The marriage form was read by the Archbishop of Canterbury, relieved occa- sionally by the Bishop of London. The Princess was given away by her royal father of course, and had for Bridemaids the Lady Charlotte Cholmon- deley, the Lady Caroline Pratt, the Lady Susan Ryder, the Honorable Miss Law, and Miss Manners. 278 LIFE OF THE She followed the reader with becoming assurance and without airs, or the least affectation, though not with so much confident forwardness as if she had made the matrimonial ceremony the chief part in the Prayer Book to engage her study. The Prince himself was not half possessed of her steady and deliberate manner, but seemed to be overwhelm- ed and weighed down by the magnitude of the blessing showered upon him ; for he delivered his replies and the expression of his dearest wishes both slowly and in faulted ng and embarrassed accents. When the service was over, she flew into the arms of her father, and clinging to him for a time, made the most affecting acknowledgment of his great and indulgent kindness in consulting the dictates of her heart, and giving to her the Man of her Choice. She then bowed respectfully to the Queen, and kissed her Majesty's hand ; she kissed with fervent warmth her royal aunts, and going up to her uncles, she took their hands and gratefully received their felicitations. Turning to Prince Leopold, she caught him by the arm, and in the most engaging and amiable way, retired along with him, followed by the admiration of every one pre- sent, and about eleven o'clock left Carlton House for Oatlands, the seat of the Duke of York, which was given up to the accommodation of the exalted, or to use a better word, the happy couple for a few weeks. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 279 Her Majesty was highly pleased with the husband her Royal Highness had chosen ; and the Regent was equally gratified with the match, showing his satisfaction by splendid and sumptuous entertain- ments, as the Queen did her's by a distribution of Bride Cakes amongst the persons attached to her Majesty's establishment, amounting, in all, perhaps, to the number of five or six hundred. Nor was joy confined to the relatives of the be- loved Bride ; it was manifested in all the corners of the empire. Balls were numerous over the entire country, and attended by the greatest con- course of young ladies wherever they were held. The day after the wedding a Common Council was assembled to take into consideration the fitness of presenting the good wishes and prayers of the city of London, that the circumstance might prove answerable to the sanguine hopes entertained of their mutual comfort and happiness, founded on the firm base of the virtues and admirable dispo- sitions of both Princess and Prince. When the object of their meeting was formally stated, one of the members requested to be informed whether any regular communication on the affair had been made to the Lord Mayor : and his Lordship re- plied that he had intimated to Lord Sidmouth the propriety of the corporation sending a person of their body to witness the celebration of the nuptials, 280 LIFE OF THE and that Lord Sidmouth having concurred with him in opinion, a person was accordingly sent, and that he was looking on during the solemnity. His Lordship added, that an official information was given to him besides, and that he had in conse- quence issued summonses which he trusted would be attended to, the occasion requiring a full assem- blage to give to their resolves due lustre and im- portance. But a worthy alderman conspicuous for loyalty or more properly speaking for his ability of showing it, for all the members of that court are very possibly equally sincere friends of the house of Brunswick, and alike impressed with a consci- ousness of the benefits their accession to the throne has secured to us : he got up and declared that the address must be instantly drawn out and voted for, that it might be seen how the Common Council of London hastened to mark with the declaration of their hearty gladness the event that held forth such confident pledges of future happiness to the royal family. He therefore proposed that congra- tulations should be made directly; to the Queen one, one to the Regent, one to the Princess her- self, and one to Prince Leopold. The motion was carried unanimously, and the Sheriffs were directed to wait upon the distinguished indi- viduals, and know their pleasure as to the day they might be disposed and at leusure to attend to PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 281 them. Monday the ISth of May was appointed by his Royal Highness, and the same day was fixed upon by the Queen and Princess Charlotte and his Serene Highness. It was this very day that the Sheriffs indeed first waited upon the Prince and Princess, who had only come from Oatlands the day before, after they had attended divine worship in Wey bridge church as they also did the preced- ing Sabbath and were joined in prayer by a crowd- ed congregation, some of whom, it is charitable enough to say it, might have come to see rather than to hear. Camelford House was their town mansion. There the address of the London corporation was received and replied to. But first the city procession repaired to Carlton House to pay their dutiful respects to the Prince Regent, who was on this occasion, and all his house- hold, dressed as for a levee day. A little before three o'clock the party arrived, the Lord Mayor was appareled in his official robes, on his left breast was a large knot of white ribbons, and on each shoulder were smaller ones. The aldermen like- wise, and all of the procession wore cockades, and their appearance on the whole was exceeding chear- ful and gay. Being introduced to the presence of his Royal Highness, who sat upon the throne surrounded by the great officers of state, the Recorder delivered o o 282 LIFE OF THE the address in fine tone ; and produced altogether a very delightful and grand effect. The Regent appeared to feel a secret joy as the address was read over, and at its conclusion he returned the following answer : " I thank you sincerely for this loyal and atten- tive expression of your sentiments. I receive with the most cordial satisfaction your congratulating speech ; it is grateful to my private feelings, and pleasing to my wishes, that a matter has your full approbation which promises felicity to my daughter, and has attached to it the best and true interests of the realm." i\fter paying this visit to his Royal Highness, whose hand they had the honour of kissing, they next proceeded to Buckingham House, and were greeted at their entrance by a military guard. When introduced to the Queen's presence they found her seated upon a chair, and behind the chair was a throne, attended by Princess Elizabeth and Princess Mary, the Ladies of her Majesty's Bedchamber, and the Earl of Morton. The address was delivered by the Recorder as spokesman for the city, and her Majesty was evidently pleased with the dutiful and kind expressions it contained, delivering her reply in the words following : "I receive your congratulations with heartfelt satisfaction, and I am highly gratified by those PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 283 sentiments pf duty to the King, and of attachment to the royal family which you have shown upon this occasion." When the ceremony with the Queen was over, the Lord Mayor and his party went to Camelford House, Sir Nathaniel Conant was attending with peace officers, that order might be maintained on the outside of the mansion, for vast crowds had gathered round it, forming a theatre for pick-pockets and tumultuous characters to act their parts in. The Princess, in gratification of this good will mani- fested towards her by the people, showed herself frequently at the windows, and was saluted with loud and hearty peals of applause, and admiration. The Mayor's retinue entered Camelford House by the court leading into Hertford street ; and were received with much distinction ; the royal servants all of them were in their new state liveries. The concourse of persons entitled to enter the Princess's presence had considerably encreased by this time, the hall indeed was expressively crowded, in so much that the Lord Mayor seeing how great the gathering was, requested the gentlemen to restrain themselves and not squeeze violently forward into the apartment of the Princess which was not more than large enough for thirty ; but his Lordship assured them at the same time they should all have the pleasure of beholding her Royal Highness in* %84t , LIFE OF THE their turn : they accordingly lay back and behaved with perfect order and moderation, meeting the reward which the Mayor had promised to them. Her Royal Highness dressed in black, on account of the death of the Austrian empress, received them in the drawing room with great affability and sweetness ; she placed herself in the centre, and was attended by Lady Emily Murray, Lady John Thynne, and Mrs. Campbell and Miss Cotes, The Recorder, as soon as the first compliments were done, addressed her in these terms ; " Madam, "We his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commoners of the city of London, in Common Council assembled, request permission to offer our warmest congratu- lations upon the recent and auspicious marriage of your Royal Highness with his Serene Highness the Prince Leopold. " This very important union with an amiable and accomplished Prince, of a family long distin- guished for its attachment to the protestant cause, we regard as an additional proof the anxious care of your royal father for the interests and welfare of his Majesty's subjects, and of his paternal affec- tion for your Royal Highness. "The splendid dignity of your. royal birth, as PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 285 presumptive heiress of the British sceptre, creates peculiar sentiments of affection and reverence in the hearts of all his Majesty's subjects, accompanied by the full assurance and proud exultation, that the great acquirements and endearing qualities and graces of your royal mind are so happily calculated to adorn the exalted station of your Royal High- ness ; and their prospects are brightened by the af- fectionate regard to the interests of these happy- realms, which your Royal Highness, the pride and hope of Britain, has manifested by this illustrious alliance. w The citizens of London are anxious to express the affectionate solicitude they feel, that the joyful event may be accompanied by the peculiar favour of Heaven, and that the transcendent virtues which inhabit your royal bosom, may descend to grace a line of Princes, who may be the pride of their royal parents, .and a lasting glory to the country." The Princess appeared highly sensible of, the sincere and ardent wishes of the corporation of London for her happiness, and thus replied: " My Lord Mayor, and Gentlemen, " I receive your congratulations with the utmost satisfaction and comfort, and I trust you will be fully assured that to preserve the esteem of the city of London will be an object of my perpetual " T »sh, and constant endeavours." 286 LIFE OF THE Those then present, and all the members of the body had the honour of kissing the hand of her Royal Highness. The address to Prince Leopold was then pro- ceeded upon ; his Serene Highness was standing beside Baron Hardenbrock when the company was introduced by Mr. Chester. To him the Re- corder spoke as follows : " May it please your Serene Highness. "We, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Com moners of the city of London, in common council assembled, have great joy in paying their compli- ments of congratulation to your Serene Highness on your safe arrival in this kingdom, and on your auspicious nuptials with the virtuous and amia- able Princess Charlotte Augusta, presumptive heir- ess to the throne of these realms. "The dignity of your princely house, your dis- tinguished fame, the solid endowments of your mind, the excellent qualities of your heart, demand our veneration and esteem, and afford the most cheering prospect that an alliance thus formed will be productive of all the happiness that can attend the married state. :i With the illustrious Princess, the fair promise of our isle, your Serene Highness has received all the graces and virtues which furnish our British PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 287 daughters with an eminent example of female con- duct and manners, and the attainments of her mind are equalled by the engaging softness of her dis- position, fitted alike to adorn the elevated sphere of life in which she is destined to move, and to sweeten and embellish the privacies of domestic retirement. " May your Serene Highness live long to enjoy the blessing ; and may your royal bride crown your wishes with a race of Princes, inheriting your re- spective graces, and transmitting your names with glory and honour to the children of our descen- dents." His Serene Highness could not forbear to ex- hibit evident marks of his joy and gratification at this pledge of public esteem and reverence offered him by the city of London. In the most captivat- ing manner he smiled upon the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, and delivered himself to this effect in very good modes of pronunciation : "My Lord Mayor, and Gentlemen, "I return to you my warmest and very sincere thanks for the flattering and agreeable instance you give cf the interest you take in my happiness, and in the hope of proving not unworthy of it, I ac- cept the expression of your loyal and kind senti- ments, with the highest liveliness of feeling " 288 LIFE OF THE The Princess and Prince left Camelford House to take an airing for a short time before dinner, and on their way were noticed by the populace in their usual methods of manifesting their regard and admiration by loud and reiterated cheers. They came back amidst the same marks of general esti- mation which were bestowed upon them at setting out, and returned them in the most agreeable manner. Congratulatory addresses were likewise moved and unanimously agreed upon in both houses of parliament, to be presented to the heads of the royal family, the Prince Regent and the Queen, and also the Prince and Princess themselves. On the 9th of May these addresses were duly read to his Royal Highness and her Majesty, and were re- plied to in the most condescending and gracious terms, the Queen held a special court for the pur- pose of receiving the committee deputed to wait upon her, having upon this occasion the Duke of York, the Duke of Clarence, and the Duke of Sussex along with her : and the Prince according to custom held a levee. Owing to the stay of Princess Charlotte and her beloved husband at Oatlands, and they would have stopped longer perhaps, had it not been for the pur- pose, the Houses of Parliament had not an oppor- tunity of paying their respect and devotion to the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 239 illustrious pair as early as they did to her Majesty and his Royal Highness. It was the Peers who first arrived at Camelford House ; they were intro- duced into the presence of her Royal Highness and Prince Leopold in the usual way by Mr. Chester, and the Lord President of the Council delivered himself as follows : " Ordered, nemine contradicente, by the Lords spiritual and temporal in parliament assembled, that a message be sent from that House to congra- tulate her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Au- gusta, and his Serene Highness Leopold George Frederick, on the solemnization of their marriage." Her Royal Highness's answer was, " We are much gratified by the proof of atten- tion and regard which we have received upon this occasion from the House of Lords, and we return them many thanks for their congratulations." His Serene Highness replied to the same effect to their Lordships' compliments. The party delegated by the House of Commons consisted of the Marquis of Worcester, Earl Gower, Lord Elmley, Lord Clive, Sir Thomas Acland, Mr. Jenkinson, Mr. Law, and Mr. Hill. The ad- dress was read by the Marquis of Worcester. " Agreed to, nemine contradicente, that a congra- tulatory message be sent to her Royal Highness p P 290 LIFE OF THE Princess Charlotte Augusta, and his Serene High- ness Prince Leopold George Frederick, in attest- ation of the friendly sense of the House respecting that auspicious event, of the concern they take in the welfare of the Royal Family, and their wishes that felicity may always attend their Royal and Serene Highnesses." The Princess in reply. " We receive with great satisfaction this proof of the attention and regard of the House of Commons, and return them many thanks for their congratu- lations." And his Serene Highness answered thus : " I rejoice, Gentlemen, at the share the House of Commons take in my happiness, and am sensible of their attention in making the congratulations. I am very much obliged to them for their good wishes, and thank them for the assurance of their friendship, which I shall constantly endeavour to deserve." The inhabitants of the whole kingdom had re- course to the same means for the declaration of their joy and pleasure at the marriage, which being formed upon the pure principles of mutual attach- ment, and each of the parties endued with the virtues that secure the happiness and lasting com« PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 291 fort of the connubial state, a reasonable expectation was indulged, that in the conduct of Princess Char- lotte and his Serene Highness, an example would be given to the members of the empire, restraining the levity and giddiness which were by degrees growing into use between husband and wife ; the judicious observer of the ways of the world, perceiv- ed the readiness that was likely to exist among the inferior classes to practise themselves to a course of obliging behaviour and attention to one another shown in the carriage of the exalted individuals. The moral character of a court does more to esta- blish the people in virtue than can be achieved by wisdom and address of legislators, for to borrow a rule of action from those who are lifted up far above us, is at once gratifying to our vanity and conducive to our interest, the shame of a virtuous life is often a great disheartner of persons with honest views, but when they observe in superiors a specimen of the goodness they would follow, a sort of sanction is gained, and the scoffs of the worthless lose their effect. In order to meet the wishes of several exalted persons to see the Princess and Prince, her Majesty issued notice of holding a Drawing-room on the 10th. This assembly was attended by the major part of our nobility and gentry, making a collection of distinguished cha- racters to upwards of three thousand, so that ail 292 LIFE OF THE who had not space to be introduced at the begin- ning of the ceremonies, and those who retiring after their introduction could not get at their vehicles, formed a most enchanting sight for the many- hundreds gathered before the Queen's palace, as they either appeared at the windows, or walked upon the grass plat. The festivity of the day, not- withstanding the great bustle and numbers of coaches, and people on foot, passed off without any damage. The Queen made her entrance a little after two, and was followed by the members of the Royal Family. Her Majesty received the congra- tulations of the company given in the warmest terms, having the Princes and Princesses on her right, and the Chamberlain and other officers at- tached to her person standing by her left, according to the practice that is always observed. When the numerous visitants had made their duty and joyous respects to the Queen, they proceeded to salute in a similar way Princess Charlotte and her distin- guished consort. A particular address was present- ed to her Majesty from the borough of Guilford by Lord Grantley, High Steward of the place, accom- panied by the Recorder. Many addresses of a like nature were delivered upon this occasion. The illustrious couple left the Drawing-room in the same equipage they came in, and were noticed by the usual military honours ; the Bishops also, the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 293 Judges, and the eminent official individuals who had been to make their compliments, ranging into rows, formed a lane for the royal pair to pass, and bowed most profoundly to them as they proceeded, which their Highnesses returned with engaging and graceful courtsey : and upon entering into the park were noticed by the crowd with general ap- plause. Her Royal Highness's attire was exceed- ingly magnificent. Her petticoat was of silver tissue of the richest quality, silver lama embroider- ed the splendid net work which made the Roman garments thrown over the shoulders of her Royal Highness, the borders of the same were widely sparkled with shining drops of silver, they were made fast by a silver cord fringed with glossy tassels. Her mantua was of rich tissue, bordered with lama, and edged with the finest Brussels' point. Her head was garnished with numerous refulgent diamonds, cast into florets of roses, and thistles and shamrocks, and set off with three most beautiful ostrich feathers. And notwithstanding the bril- liancy and elegance of her attire, the Princess had all she wore, fashioned entirely by British factors ; save in the laces, native industry alone had been employed in the adorning and splendour of her ap- pearance. It is worthy of remark that our beloved Princess Charlotte made a more showy figure at this Drawing-room than at the preceding ones, and 294 LIFE OF THE that she never attended with greater pains to the neatness of her apparel before her marriage than she did after it ; a hint, which presented by an ex- ample so admirable, may reasonably be looked upon to prove full of good results to the ladies of this kingdom, who influenced by the best principles, and confident of their deserts, think to retain the affections of their husbands without any regard to those little trivial elegances which they used suc- cessfully in making captives of them. Doubtless they imagine with much propriety and reason that having spent a great deal of their time aforehand in such matters, they have a good right to enjoy a relaxation, and are justified in asserting it on the ground of familiarity, and by the visible falling off in the ardours the husbands abounded in before they made them ones. But they ought to be in- formed that little attentions added all together make a great favour, and inspire a sense of consider- able obligation, though separately taken they may be very trifling and foolish : and even in this case they should not be wholly neglected, for man him- self in his utmost elevations is trifling and foolish in his own nature, and perhaps through all creation no vanity in animals out-does the vanity of him who boasts himself to be the lord of it. An argu- ment, and it is a very strong one, arises also from the pride and good sense of letting the world see PRINCESS CHARLOTTE* 295 that the man of their choice was worth the choos- ing ; but after all it must be owned that arguments are not of much avail to counteract the estrange- ment of affection, and there are no examples, I be- lieve, of people that fell in love, and remained in it according to the rules of logic. The borough of Guilford, which had made their address to her Majesty the day of the Drawing- room, had settled a joint epithalamium for the Princess and Prince, which their Highnesses signi- fied their intention of receiving on the 18th, two days after, at which time the High Steward, one of the members, and the usual officers repaired to Camelford House, when the following was de- livered: * We your Royal and Serene Highnesses' most affectionate and devoted servants, the Mayor, High Steward, Recorder, Magistrates, and approved men, together with the other inhabitants of the town and borough of Guilford, in the county of Surrey, beg leave to offer to your Royal and Serene Highnesses our warmest and most sincere congratulations on your auspicious union ; and to assure you, that a union, so calculated to ensure the domestic felicity of your Royal and Serene Highnesses, is, in every view, a source of satisfactory reflection to the in- habitants of the British empire. " We rejoice in the opportunity afforded us of £96 LIFE OF THE addressing a Prince for whom we entertain the highest and most profound respect and esteem ; to assure your Serene Highness how fully we parti- cipate in every happiness you can experience and particularly in your union with so illustrious a British Princess. " May these nuptials, so pleasing to the nation, be productive of permanent felicity to your Royal and Serene Highnesses, and may you both live long in the esteem and affection of a free people." A joint answer was made in these words : " Gentlemen, we return you our best thanks for your loyal address, and the expressions of attach ment and regard towards us which are contained in it after a way so highly gratifying." The expected appearance of the Princess and her consort at the opera, gathered of course a very nume- rous audience. Indeed no vacancies at all were left. The first act of the representation being ended, and their Royal Highnesses not arrived, great dis- quietude was beginning to appear in several persons who had gone to the opera for the sole purpose only of seeing the Prince Leopold and Princess Charlotte. But at last entering the Regent's box, they were greeted with the loudest acclamations, and " God save the King" was immediately struck, sung by the full band of performers. While her PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 305 provision made for the Princess of Wales is taken into consideration, it is highly unjust to give way to that vehemence of declamation which is excited in many by the generous concern taken in her mis- fortunes, and again, who is not indignant and dis- gusted when he runs over the gross and unmanly insinuations which are applied to the prejudice of an unbefriended Princess. But to return to the play. Henry VIII contains in it many lines in reference to Catharine, which, without a great deal of violence, might be turned to use in the present times. In the second act Catharine pleads for herself in these words : " Sir I desire you to do me right and justice ; And to bestow your pity on me : Tor I am a most poor woman, and a stranger, Born out of your dominions; having here No judge indifferent, nor no more assurance Of equal friendship and proceeding. Alas, Sir, in what have I offended you ? What cause Hath my behaviour given to your displeasure, That thus you should proceed to put me off, And take your good grace from me ? If in the course and process of this time> !fou can report and prove it too, Against mine honour aught, my bond to wedlock, Or my love and duty toward your sacred person, In God's name turn me away ; and let the foul'st contempt Shut door upon me, and so give me up To the sharpest kind of justice." R R 306 LIFE OF THE In the fourth act, Catherine and a person attached to the court, hold this dialogue : Catk. How does his Highness ? Capucivs. Madam, in good health. Cath. So may he ever do, and ever flourish, When I shall dwell with worms, and my poor name Banished the kingdom. Sir, I most humbly pray you to deliver This to my Lord the King. Capucius. Most willingly. Madam. Calh. In the which I have commended to his goodness The model of our chaste loves, his young daughter ; — (The dews of Heaven fall thick in blessings on her !) Beseeching him to give him virtuous breeding ; And let him a little love her for her mother's sake, That loved him, Heaven knows how dearly. Again, u She little thought, when first she touched this isle, She should have bought her dignities so dear." The auditors demonstrated in the most open and undisguised way the deep impression on their minds that the Princess of Wales was foully sland- ered. Of this, I fancy, no upright charitable person will hesitate to allow the truth ; nor is there any question but her situation was worthy the compass- ion of a feeling people, for however comfortable her pecuniary circumstances might be, other causes were certainly adequate to produce deep vexation in the breast of the poor Princess of Wales, accus- tomed as she had ever been to abundance, she could not be alive to the miseries of actual want, or to PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 307 the troubled thoughts of the head of a family who apprehends ruin to be at hand, and whose grand pursuit is therefore the acquisition of a maintenance for himself and those that are dear to him, and hav- ing thus provided, he commonly regards himself as happily conditioned. In all the gradations of society the same accidents do not produce the same effects indiscriminately, the pleasure that some men take in retirement, is death to others j nor do the causes that invariably lead to results of the like stamp operate without their different degrees of influence. To remove uneasiness affords us a sense of pleasure, and brings on a train of delightful ideas, and in general this is the chief instrument to our gratification and comfort : a source that we can hardly ever expect to fail us, for there will always exist some secret cause, at least, of anguish that will put us upon struggling to get rid of it, there will be misery enough to keep up the Parthian system of seeking happiness ; such being our lot, in the most prosperous fortune, the sighing heart will ac- knowledge its imperfection, nor if all the happiness that is scattered through the earth were to be col- lected and tied up in the possession of a single man, is it by any means clear that the sum total would make a very happy being, though it is quite true on the contrary that if the woes of every sort that pervade the species were to be gathered and heaped 308 LIFE OF THE upon some particular creature, they would make a very miserable one. We are aptly counselled then to try for ease and content here, and prepare our- selves for happiness hereafter, and, (as the great moralist and penetrating metaphysician Mr. Locke has it,) finding imperfection and want of complete enjoyment in whatever the creatures can afford, we should betake ourselves to the Creator, and look to him, " with whom there is fulness of joy, and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore." The reader must not take offence at the seriousness I have fallen into, nor be ready to construe it into impertinence ; for it is hard to resist the intrusion of grave thoughts into one's mind, when he sees the instability of that greatness all the world contend for : elevated rank is open to secret sorrowings, and they perhaps are just as acute and painful to the af- flicted person as are the grosser and more vulgar troubles which perplex and infest beings of the lowest condition. An affront to a man of honour is no less mortifying and severe than the visitation of a real calamity, and yet nobody would fain de- scend beneath himself, and take up the meaner cha- racter in human action that might strip him 4>f all imaginary distress ; but every man strives to push forward and overleap the heads of such as stand before; and indeed so ill suited would the first option prove to our nature and ways of thinking, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 309 that he should be reckoned a mad wrong headed reasoner who adopted it with philosophic deter- mination ; and certainly if an insane person desig- nates him that strays from the common paths, it is very rational to lay him down for such. Neither does any cause appear for deeming a practice of this sort proper to advance the business of the world happily. People of this high set imagination raise their views too far to partake in the affairs of others or turn serviceable to the rest of the species by the self-denial shown in them selves, for it is odds but the fortune of these comes into hands not so Well trained or prompt as their own to acts of goodness, since whatever mistake or distorted judg- ment may influence them, they are not the worst description of mankind that have recourse to methods of this nature ; they evince indeed a native excellency of temper and disposition which might be improved to the very great advantage of those within their reach, and much to their own internal satisfaction. In short, good men behave most un- advisedly in running away from the world in order to do it service : even self-interest might be more eligible, self-interest to be sure is the groundwork of crime and iniquity, but nevertheless its influence for meritorious purposes might now and again be connived at, it is at least an active principle, and keeps a man from growing indolent and heedless, of 310 LIFE OF THE necessary concerns, and it may be looked upon per- haps in the light of a thing combining the unin- tended cause and actual consequence in one ; a mo- mentum in some manner akin to what actuates a person that is going to be married, — he is purely led by the personal regard he bears the fair one, and upon this account longs very much to make her his wife ; then, as a matter of course, her fortune falls in along with the lady. And yet it is wrong to do evil that good may come of it. We have seen Princess Charlotte quite happy in her beloved husband, and letting other people see that she was not discontented with the man she had favoured at the beginning ; for she declined no share of genteel and discreet entertainment which could manifest the pleased habitude of her mind. In the early part of June, however, the charming spirits she had maintained so long, began to fail, and morbid gravity at last overspread her chearful countenance. She was gradually growing more sickly, and on Saturday the 9th of that month was in an alarming state of fever and general indisposi- tion. Doctor Baillie was called in, Surgeon Keate and Mr. Walker attended her Royal Highness like- wise ; and on the Sunday morning a bulletin was issued to inform the numerous inquirers that " the Princess had a good night's rest. The fever was some- what abated. But notwithstanding the refreshment PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 311 her Royal Highness had gained by sleep, she still lay under a very irritating cough." For two or three days after this, Princess Charlotte wa6 at one time worse, then better again, but to- wards the 15th her ailing assumed a most serious aspect, and on the 15th itself, the affliction was at its utmost height, from that day her Royal Highness made rapid strides to be well and on the 23d was in a state to go to the theatre. On account of the expected visiters, and the intention of Mrs. Siddons to appear in her chief character, Lady Macbeth, a crowded audience was gathered there. Lady Macbeth may not constitute Mrs. Siddons' most admirable personification, it may only be on a level with other parts in which Mrs. Siddons is always seen with rapture ; but it is gen- erally esteemed the best fitted for the development of her powers, especialty because it gives a full scope to the exercise of that dignified and noble energy which is the leading stroke of her gifted mind, and furnishes the actress with an opportunity of displaying her exceeding fine person and com- manding countenance ; other heroines may contri- bute a great deal in this way too as well as Lady Macbeth, but at any rate it may be safely advan- ced that Mrs. Siddons' representation of the aspiring woman, and the daring sallies of her thoughts, gives a sort of reality to the delusion, and is a perfect 312 LIFE OF THE masterpiece in its kind. Some days previous, al- though the Princess did not venture outside the precincts of Camelford House, yet she was suf- ficently recovered to receive visits, and on the 18th addresses were read to her Royal Highness which had been postponed on account of her sickness. While she was confined, the Royal Family did not go into her chamber, but satisfied themselves with making inquiries, because of the recommendation the doctors gave that her Royal Highness should be kept as quiet as possible, and not discomposed by the exertions required for speaking to her friends. It was particularly noticed of her Majesty that she did not go into the apartments of her grand- daughter, nor show any of those symptoms of over anxiety which in common life are usually seen in the manner of a relative advanced in years, when- ever the safety or health of a descendant is concern- ed. Universal positions ought not to be laid down as the certain foundation for individual conduct, the chequered inclinations and tempers of the hu- man species, do not comport with such forcible and straining maxims, but notwithstanding there are few exceptions to the rule of moral philosophers who hold that the affection runs downwards, and seldom ascends with a power equal to what it de- scends with. Yet in the matter of the grandmo- ther and her grandchild no very great difference PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 313 was obviously noticed in this respect, for Princess Charlotte always showed a deference and submis- sion to the Queen; proportioned to theiondness expressed by her Majesty towards he^rThe pub- lic opinion is much divided upon this head, some feeling with severe sensibility the prudent adhe- rence to the advice of the doctors, and others re- garding the considerate behaviour of the Queen as in perfect unison with discretion and propriety. This affair being left undecided, for who indeed shall determine a point that can only be settled ac- cording to prejudice and supposition? no liberal, nor honest man can take pride in the aspersions or low whispers that tend to bring down the good name of a personage set far above the rest of the world by the station she holds in the country, and whose sphere of action does not so properly lie in the execution of the duties attendant upon consan- guinity as in the discharge of national obligation, and if a cool dispassionate mind will weigh the decorum that has marked the domestic behaviour of her Majesty, and place it against the little inattention to private occurrences in her own family, consider- ing also the importance of a good example in a nation, permitted by affluence to indulge folly and giddiness, of noxious results to the repose of the * - fire-side, no room will be found for the entrance of dislike, or it will be swallowed up in the content s s 314 LIFE OF THE plation of qualities that are truly useful. The con- stitutional excellencies which imparted lustre to Princess Charlotte, promised to make her a sove- reign that could conciliate the affections of her people, without deteriorating their moral principles, a certain happy mixture of right instinct with sound reason distinguished her actions and demea- nour, nor did the latter seem to operate so much as the first, she appeared to be led into what was at once noble, philanthropic, and virtuous ; she loved as it were to be kind and good, and often gave way to the rising impulse of her humane propensities before she inquired into their cause : why she knew not, nor did she care much wherefore. But such persons are very sparingly sent into the world, and only that it is an impious thing to yield to the no- tion, one might look upon providence as repenting itself of the favour intended to a worthless race of creatures, and therefore it often occurs that they are of very short existence. I believe there are not many parents from whom a child has been cut off in the dawn of infancy or the bloom of youth, but delights to dwell upon the captivating graces and praiseworthy properties that showed themselves in that child in particular, whether the reminis- cence starts up in the recesses of the solitary mind, or an occasion offers to make any mention of the deceased. HtlNCESS CHARLOTTE. 315 The nature of her Royal Highness's complaint is understood to have been a blight to the country's expectation. This was the received opinion of the best informed persons at the time, and delicacy does not suffer a more curious examination into all the circumstances of the case, but there appear, upon a broad survey, and by congregating one thing with another, strong grounds for assenting to the truth of the suggestion. The establishment of the Princess's health was thought to be most readily effected by a residence in the country, that there engaged in the innocent pursuits of rural affairs, employed upon the further- ance of the earth's productions, her spirits would improve by the progress of the soil's cultivation, till at last smiling nature only kept in countenance the complacency of her mind. A sequestered way of spending one's time, is pro- bably the most congenial to a virtuous turn of thinking, which does not require to go abroad in the search of contentment, but can find it always within itself, and be happy at home. This disposal of her Royal Highness was adopted in the early part of her existence, and was now perhaps grown into a pleasing habit with her. Her comforts were no doubt very much heightened by the recent change of her state, but they were not refined so exceedingly either as to exclude the perception of 316 LIFE OF THE natural enjoyments, like what happens to many- persons of rank and figure, who cannot live but in a crowd. True happiness has always been fond of solitude and the shade, and that sort of it in parti- cular which fell to the share of the Princess Char- lotte, whom providence had allotted an amiable and accomplished partner, and his society would have been to her a good, indeed a very preferable sub- stitute to large parties : with him she had company enough ; " we two make up a multitude," is a pro- verbial saying which her Royal Highness's conduct and inclinations gave complete illustration to. That artificial pleasure which is hung upon foreign cir- cumstances was altogether uncongenial to her turn of mind, she was incapable of narrowing the extent of her felicity to such strait and fleeting limits; and long after it ceased to be gazed at, her happiness continued to exist, for pomp and splendour did not form its chief ingredients, although doubtless they must have gratified her a good deal, and she could not but feel delightful reflections in regarding the approbation of the world to the alliance she had made. Independent of the recess meditated by their Highnesses from the bustle of the town, Ca- melford House would have been given up at all events, for it was found ill adapted for them, afford- ing too little room for the accommodation of the persons that were annexed to their household. The following is a list of their Highnesses' servants* PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 317 Ladies of the Bed Chamber, The Lady Emily Murray and Lady John Thynne. Bed Chamber women, Mrs. Campbell and Miss C. Cotes. Keeper of the Privy Purse, Mrs. Campbell. Equerries and Aid-de-camps to his Serene High- ness, Baron Hardenbrock and Sir Robert Gardiner. Equerries to the Princess, Colonel Adden broke, and Colonel Percy. Treasurer, Mr. H. N. Willis. Chaplains, Rev. Doctor Short, Rev. Doctor Moorhead, Rev. Mr. Short, and the Rev. Mr. Ric- ketts. Physicians: in ordinary, Doctor Stockman, Doctor Baillie, and Doctor Rodham ; extraordinary, Doctor Morrison ; Accoucheur, Doctor Sir Richard Crofts, Bart. Surgeons : in ordinary, Mr. Robert Keate ; ex- traordinary, Mr. Thomas Harding. Apothecaries, Mr. W. H. Nevile, Mr. Walker and Mr. Brande. Household Secretary, Mr. Ammerschaber. Pages, Mr. James Sims, Mr. Thomas Poole, Mr. Henry Florshutz, and Mr. Pan Mechin. Valet-de-chambre, Mr. M. Florshutz. Dresser, Mrs. Prior. House Steward, Mr. Philipps, and House Keeper, Mrs. Philipps. S18 LIFE OF THE Clerk of the Wine Cellar, Mr. Lyons. Cooks, Mr. F. Grillon, Mr. E. Morel and Mr. J. Schellburn, and Mrs. Elizabeth Hands. The con- fectioner, Mr. C. Hoeek ; and for the Coffee Room Mrs. Hannah Parsons. Gardener, Mr. T. Fairbairn. Silk Mercer, Mr. W. King. Linen Maker, Mrs. Mary Hillhouse. &c. kc. &c Now for all these, and the menial attendants, Ca- melford House could not furnish apartments to hold more than one half, even though they should not live in the place, whose office did not require them to attend constantly. Camelford House was at the first thought to be a very commodious and proper seat in town for their Highnesses to live in. Previ- ous indeed to the negotiation for this residence, the mansion in Cavendish Square, which belongs to the Earl of Harcourt, was treated for by the President of the Board of Works, but upon a more intimate survey of that mansion, it was found to be in so bad a state, and so far from the comforts and magni- ficence of a royal abode, that to render it suitable a vast sum of money must have been expended upon it, not less, according to the usual charges of an architect, than £100,000, which might be enough to purchase a house altogether in complete readi- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 319 ness for their Highnesses' reception. It was then that Lord Grenville was applied to for Camelford House, of which his Lordship was owner. He consented to let it for a certain period, with the option of renewing the lease ad libitum, and like- wise to give the furniture upon a moderate and fair valuation. But added to the smallness of the house, there arose many inconveniences to be undergone by the distinguished inmates ; it had only one stair case, and that was close ; there did not appear any way of enlarging the entrance from Oxford street, which was narrow and disagreeable; it was not besides furnished with other apartments than those on the first floor and under it, for there is not a second story worthy of the name; externally its appearance was striking, and it looked like a princely mansion, but its court-yard was not spacious, and such as it was the people in Hereford street could look into it at pleasure, and see all that was going forward : now although it might not be the wish of the in- habitants to shrink from the prying eye of the pub- lic, still it could not be very pleasant to the domes- tics to be watched by every curious body who would be so bold as to indulge his inquisitive pro- pensities; we do not live in an age that admits of few attendants, or a forbearance of sumptuous fare and splendour in our grandees, and therefore many house servants are actually wanted, and justly and 320 LIFE OF THE discreetly kept by them, and so long as they are re- tained, it is honourable and demonstrative of hu- manity to treat them with consideration and indul- gence. In the early times of Roman greatness, much simplicity prevailed, and we are to!4 of Drusus one of the most eminent persons of his day, that he had his house formed of so many windows that the people in the streets could see the family at their meals, and that instead of this in- spection giving offence to Drusus, it was quite agreeable to him. Now there is nobody of a good and upright mind, who can delight to show the in- firmity of honest men and the weakness of virtue, but vet the present case admits of a doubt whether some vanity was not at the bottom of the conduct pursued by Drusus. However this observation ap- plying itself to every good practice that lies out of the road of other persons, does not merit much serious regard ; if Drusus were now upon the earth, and in his old circumstances, he might keep up his splendour without impairing the greatness of his reputation, and if he did, hardly any doubt can be made, at least not rationally, but that he would have consulted the wishes of his servants, and per- mitted them to conceal what they did not think fit that all the world should see. Sober people can receive no pleasure, and the considerate do not re- quire, to trace any action of Princess Charlotte and PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 321 Prince Leopold to the bottom, and try whether it rest upon a good and virtuous foundation or no ; for there are several transactions through which men must pass without any claim to either censure or applause, those that are in themselves altogether in- different, and to fail in which is not always attend- ed with any crimination, but on the other hand sometimes imparts a sort of malignant gratification, inasmuch as we get a better opinion of ourselves by finding out imperfection in others, and are the more easily reconciled to bear the recollections of folly that start up in the memory by discovering something to keep ourselves in countenance. The only matter of course connected with giving up Camelford House that had any thing to do with the nation was the additional expenses the public would have to defray by procuring another resi- dence. But as their Highnesses were now bent upon going into the country no great anxiety was shown by them to suit themselves better in town. The object that engrossed their care was the pos- session of a proper and agreeable place out of town. Claremont House was selected ; and on the 20th of June, Mr. Huskisson in the House of Commons apprized the members that he was going to bring before them the consideration of making for Prin- cess Charlotte and her illustrious consort the pur- chase of a country residence. The business itself TT 322 LIFE OF THE did not present any difficulties, nor was likely to meet with much resistance, the point in Mr. Hus- kisson's opinion alone worthy debate, was the way in which a habitation in the country was to be pro- vided, and whether for that purpose one of the houses forming Kensington Palace might not be used. It was, however, apparent to him that the needful dignity and show to be maintained by the distinguished individuals, could not be so well con- sulted as by procuring a country seat of large di- mensions, and with a corresponding quantity of lands annexed to it. Claremont offered strong claims to attention, not only by the superbness of the house, but the uncommon grandeur of the cir- cumjacent grounds. A regard to the prudent ex- penditure of the public revenue induced the mini- sters to send down an experienced surveyor to val- uate the house and lands of Claremont, as soon as it was determined that Claremont should become the future residing place of their Highnesses in the country ; to him there was an assistant ; and the owner made the most full and candid disclosure of all things that could affect the bargain. £19,000 was the sum reckoned to be a fair allowance for the property of the house alone, but others had already estimated it at a rate much higher, and if it were now to be built, four times that would scarce cover the expenses. Thus while few modern edifices, if PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 323 any, were to be compared to it, the outlaying would be a great deal under what any of the royal palaces must cost for repairings to be put in a fit state for the reception of the illustrious couple. The furni- ture was estimated at £6,000, and the whole con- cern, farm, plantation grounds, house, and furni- ture would come to £56,000. Mr. Huskisson then proceeded to inform the members of the mode in which this sum was to be raised. There was in the three per cents a sum of nearly £300,000, deposited for the crown by the commissioners for selling the land tax redemption, and also the sale of crown lands had left a balance of £66,000 ; now he con- ceived it very proper to avail themselves of this fund upon the present occasion. All that was taken from the redemption of the land tax would be returned by the sale of lands appended to the crown; and this would be in fact only giving to them the enjoyment of what belonged to the royal possession. The observations of this member ended with a motion for bringing a bill in to settle the purchase of the Claremont estate, and obtain it for the use of Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold. Mr. Bar- ing remarked upon what Mr. Huskisson had men- tioned as to the saving to be gained for the public by the mode of meeting the expense^ that the fallacy was hardly specious of supposing it, for if such sales of crown manors otherwise unproductive could be 324 LIFE OF THE turned to good account, the matter should be looked to carefully, and it amounted to the same with public money unused. He likewise said that, al- though he conceived the bargain was no bad one, yet fifty years ago he knew that the place was sold for £10,000. The other in explanation stated, that lately a greater sum was paid for the estate, than what was now agreed upon. It is indeed true that Mr. Ellis purchased it for £53,000, but then Mr. Ellis had some very excellent farms annexed to it that went into the Claremont property, and he still retains them, as landlord ; Prince Leopold has rented from h:m two or three which are copi- ously stocked with game, and one of them was got for a residence to accommodate his Aid-de-camp, Sir Robert Gardiner. We are informed that not long before, an offer of £30,000 would not have been refused for the estate, and notwithstanding its abundance of timber, and a most delightful park of three hundred acres, still the contract made with Mr. Ellis does not evince that the ministers impos- ed upon him. Claremont received its name from the Earl Clare above a century ago, in exchange for Esher Park or Esher House, by which it was previously known. The antiquities of Claremont are very curious; there exist proofs that aboriginally it was a place of considerable note, and probably a religious conventicle. To favour the last opinion PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 325 might be mentioned the hillocks and circular piles that time has not yet entirely levelled. The misle- toe grows abundantly along with nearly every species of the arboreal kind. Among the natural wonders may be reckoned a very loud and clear echo in a part of the demesne, that seemed to be a spot so well calculated for making love, that an entire composition of lovers' poetry has been written, which makes it the seat of the sweet hearts ; now with due deference to the poet's genius, a little sa- gacity will find the ill judgment of taking a place that had so great an echo in it for the recess of a loving pair to pour out their hearts in, since no place in the world was so likely to tell upon them. Esher common lies off in bleak perspective, but it in a measure gives the nosce te ipsum to the be- holder, long enchanted with a survey of the better cultivated grounds, and of the house itself, which is a truly noble mansion, although posited in a situ- ation that is not the fittest for showing itself at a distance, and much higher and more conspicuous is a tower ; this may have originated in times of tu- mult and disturbance in an observatory for viewing an enemy's motions, for which it is wel] adapted by its great elevation. We shall now to the end, to which w T e are going apace, beguile our time almost entirely here, and we have for the present consider- ed Claremont premises enough. But the place 326 LIFE OF THE comes associated with such a press of importance upon the mind, that the reader will be glad to learn all about it. This disposition is not very philosophi- cal, but it has something in it quite consentaneous to the soul of man. As little good has been done by it, so are besides the generous sentiments of our nature thwarted by the frigid philosophy which would conduct us unconcerned over regions cele- brated for wisdom, bravery, or virtue ; the person indeed is but little to be envied, whose patriotism would not grow warm in treading the plain of Marathon, or whose resignation to the will of Heaven does not gather strength as he meditates among the bushes of Claremont. Her Royal Highness being now sufficiently re- covered to undergo a little fatigue, the departure to the country was fixed for the 24th of August. But the worthy corporation of London did not feel happy that the Prince should leave town before he became a citizen, and accordingly it was determined in council that he should be enrolled among them, and become one of themselves. A deputation was sent to Camelford House to inquire the time his Serene Highness might wish for the inauguration to take place; he appointed the 11th of July, upon which day likewise their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Kent, the Duke of Sussex, and the Duke of Gloucester were to receive the honours of the city. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 327 The Lord Mayor, and all his retinue were adorned in the highest style of civic magnificence, and the horses too were caparisoned in the most splendid gorgeous manner. Upon reaching the hall, his Lordship and the leading men of the corporation escorted his Serene Highness and the Dukes to the election stand ; and thereupon their places being taken, the Chamberlain addressed them in suitable terms, first the Duke of Kent, and so on according to their rank. In complimenting his Serene High- ness, the chamberlain concluded to this effect: " Allow us, Sir, to express our true and cordial wishes that you may long enjoy the comforts of your wedded life. That your royal bride may crown our hopes with a circle of sons and daughters inheriting those amiable traits of character by which their parents are distinguished. That they may be willing and able to guard the City of London from infringement of the privileges they have the happiness now to hold, privileges which their an- cestors have procured them, and that are at once needful to the preservation of the state, and dear to the hearts of those whom your Serene Highness has been pleased to consort with and graciously to make them your fellow citizens." This address, which was at least an honest one, the Prince re- ' ceived with marks of high satisfaction and pleasure, and returned in these words : w My Lord Mayor, 328 LIFE OF THE and Gentlemen, I cannot adequately describe my sense and grateful idea of this additional mark of regard shown me by the city of London. I hope it is altogether needless for me to tell the happiness I see in myself at becoming one of its members. With the privilege to make your prosperity my own, rest assured that it will always be an object of my anxious wish to find the commerce of this great city go forward successfully and with safety." The august personages having taken the customary oaths, were presented with boxes for keeping the testimonials of their freedom in, these were written in the first manner of ornamental writing, adorned with beautiful devices, and all the show that pen- manship could give was given to them ; the boxes were formed of the wood that had borne the great bulwarks of our country's integrity and honour, the victorious seamen of Britain. Prince Leopold did not put his up immediately, but held it in his hand, and closely examined it, as well on account of the neatness of the workmanship, as for a compliment to the great service which the wood of it had passed through. The box was truly uncommon, the figures on it were done with exquisite taste and difficulty, the roses, thistles, and shamrocks were the figures easiest to be made that appeared upon it, for the emblematical productions were not only designed in a bold and engaging manner, but exe- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 329 cuted with necessary delicacy on account of the grain of the wood. The distinction of citizenship being duly gone through, and all the ceremonials over, the illustrious fishmongers partook of a dinner prepared at the Mansion House with the customary savouriness and plenty which have ever been to be found at that hospitable board. When the ban- quet was over and they had done feasting, the healths of the most distinguished persons of the nation were proposed and drunk with great enthu- siasm and eagerness, nor were the toasts confined to individual healths, collective toasts were given and warmly noticed, such as the Parliament and the like, not omitting of course the Citizens of London. Some time also before their Highnesses left town, a grand entertainment was made at Carlton House, to which the whole circle of fashion had been invited, and most all of them came, so that the party was exceeding brilliant and numer- ously attended, but it was not in the power of Princess Charlotte to go, as her health was not yet capable of sustaining much fatigue, although greatly amended. But what indeed was still a more pro- voking thing to her Royal Highness, she could not pay her personal respects and love to her Royal Aunt, Princess Mary, upon her auspicious marriage with the Duke of Gloucester, an event which every body was delighted at, for both were u u 320 LIFE OF THE of the most mild and worthy temper, and gave every assurance that they would prove an amiable ex- ample of conjugal happiness and proper carriage, and their high and conspicuous rank in the country must draw in many of the great to follow the pat- tern ; and these being copied by the next in degree, and so down the links of society, a general good effect is produced by a circumstance of this kind, yielding far greater benefits and advantage than those trophies of glory which make a louder noise. The calm but slow effects of morality and good conduct in the better sort of people is beyond question of more durable and solid use than whole campaigns of victory and honour from beginning to end; for the glory and fame gained by these to a nation may be tarnished by a single age, and all its former grandeur make up a show in the triumphal train of some foreign conqueror, and give insolence only to the murderers of our children's children, not but that such things are deservedly matters of national joy and gratulation, and so far as they tend to keep foes at a distance, or to animate the people by a remembrance of them, whenever they are at- tacked, in so much the glory of the realm identi- fies itself with the security of it ; but of domestic influence the usefulness is not so exposed to chance, nor is it indeed in its quality so mutable, and such is the spread of morals in a nation, that enemies and PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 331 friends are profited by them when they come re- commended by genteel or celebrated names. The sacred compact was entered into by Princess Mary and the Duke of Gloucester on the 22d of July, although it might have taken place at an earlier period, had there not been a wish to see Princess Charlotte in a happier condition of health ; and an- other cause was said to be the great desire Princess Mary had to be given away by the Duke of Cam- bridge who had not sponer arrived. The Queen's palace was the place the royal pair were married in, due preparations having been made for the purpose by altar pieces, &c. the Archbishop of Canterbury performed the service, aided by the Bishop of Lon- don, as in the case of Princess Charlotte's marriage. The first visit paid by the Duke and Duchess to Camelford House was on the 7th of August ; their time was previously passed away at Bagshot, the Duke of Gloucester's country seat. Meantime the furniture that was intended to be added to the furniture already at Claremont was taken away daily in waggons ; and on the 24th, a stage coach left Camelford House in the morning with the do- mestics and their baggage. The personal attendants of their Highnesses set out soon after in their car- riages, and were followed at three o'clock by the Prince and Princess, who reached Claremont time enough for making different plans and regulations before the day was spent, and dined there. LIFE OF THE Camelford House was now left altogether by the illustrious couple, and upon returning to town, it was determined to select another residence. Cum- berland House was talked of, and thought to be a very suitable place, affording ample accommodation, but finally Marlborough House was chosen. Being now in the country, and freed from the troubles and perplexity of company, the fond pair enjoyed themselves in a way of life innocent and virtuous and agreeable. Minds that are undisturb- ed by guilt, and fond of ruminating the ideas that rise up in them, whether those ideas be retrospec- tive or directed to future ends, are alone known to seek a retirement from the world, when the world is within the reach of their enjoyment To repair into the groves for the purpose of escaping the pleasures of sense, denotes a voluntary goodness of principle which can bear to be reflected on. Indeed it is very improper to call the retreat of persons conditioned as their Highnesses were by any term that implied an abandonment of worldly concerns, for in truth it was only to enjoy the world with more relish and less aberration from true purity, and the term world therefore stands here for the turmoils, the bustle, and the madness of it. An absolute and total dereliction of all the affairs and employments of life is just as reprehensible to the full as that senseless avidity with which we run PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 333 after the gaieties of it, and spend all our time in preparing for them, To mix in society with com- fort to ourselves, and benefit to others, should con- stitute the scope of our endeavours, but the way to do this is by no means obvious ; he is much de- ceived whose idea of society can only reach to a crowd, and who thinks that it may not exist in a village, or in the companionship of a friend or two. Neither is it consistent with the general observation which a man may form of himself to suppose that in the wide range which the eye may cover the thoughts are scattered and hard to be called home, and that so the natural feelings of the heart become indolent and cold. Experience shows the contrary. The affections tied down to few objects are kept in proper exercise, and neither dissipated by variety, nor distracted by the guilty indulgences that creep unawares upon the diversions of revelry. The mind of Princess Charlotte was elevated beyond the anxieties for trifles which young persons in her sphere of life commonly feel in the pursuits of gay and light entertainment. To take away the little relaxations which company affords to persons ^en- gaged in the active affairs of the world is very -cruel, and militates perhaps against the public good ; for nothing so much opens the heart of a man of busi- ness, weakens the influence of selfish passions that are improved by his toiling for gain, or tends to 334 LIFE OF THE make him more actively useful in the concerns of other people, than the little nocturnal assemblies of different characters, where the transactions of the day and the direction of the state fall under cogni- zance, and are duly weighed and examined. In this way the cares are banished from the tortured brajn^and if a song be added upon occasion, neither is that amiss. The danger is lest from innocent playfulness we fall into criminal indulgence, and instead of unbending the mind, the spirits are sunk in drunkenness, and the fortune squandered away in useless gratifications, which it may have cost us some conscientious remorses to raise. Common in- stinct will act sufficiently as a monitor to promote this virtuous disposition to society, which all men unsouredby heavy disasters must be sensible of in a greater or a less degree ; the province of the ab- stract moralist is to provide against the excess of it, and keep an excellence innate in our constitutions from running into viciousness. But however ad- visable such recreations are when there is discretion enough to guide them, the splendour and the cap- tivating charms which fashionable parties employ to become pleasing to their votaries, ought to be guarded against with all the care and pains which philosophy can exert. Therefore in review- ing the course of life which her Royal Highness led, there is no trait in her character more earnestly PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 335 sought to be proposed as worthy the reader's ad- miration and applause than the fondness she showed to withdraw from giddy routs and luxurious con- ventions, and to indulge her senses in the sweets of rural sport, and in the still calm duties of thfe country house. As a person of cultivated taste is disgusted with some books, and declines to peruse them, yet it were not proper thence to infer uni- versally that he dislikes reading, and is a l&ter of books ; neither ought the Princess Charlotte to be held as one that had any aversion to society. The common mode of a numerous assembly's waste of the time that they are together, and the circumstances of the meeting was what gave rise to her Royal High- ness's objections to launch out into extravagancies. From the delicacy of texture, and the neatness of the mould which the British ladies exhibit in their persons, a stranger, if asked his mind, how a great number of them passed their time away when as- sembled together, would certainly think of their eating meat to be the last way of all others, and yet dinner parties or parties to supper have place on all occasions, any thing else can hardly be reck- oned polite or genteel, unless it be a musical party, which is also not just the desideratum. In those districts of the empire where the Goddess of sim- plicity has not been expelled by foreign refinements but arrayed in her genuine attractions, continues to 836 LIFE OF THE rule it over the conduct of the people, that class in the community which lies equally remote from sordid poverty and superfluous affluence, are known to have a great relish for evening parties to tea. At these little congregations the young ladies are permitted to talk freely to the other sex and with each other, they imbibe a consciousness of shame, the acquaintance that is hereby contracted with their equals and admirers naturally stirs up this principle within them, aware that their friends take note of their actions, and that their friends are nu- merous, they are not very likely to err from the paths of rectitude, or do any thing unworthy the dignity of their characters. With respect to the salutary and strong influence which such a system enables virtue to spread far and near in those happy spots of the world, it were improper to spin it out too great a length here, but I cannot forbear to say, that from all the accounts we have of Princess Charlotte and from what her character ever dis- closed in any part of it to those who had the oppor- tunities of examining it closely, it seems to me to be very plain, that if her Royal Highness had been born in the middle order of life, and her birth place cast into one of the regions such as we have been speaking of, she would, it is my opinion, have been exceedingly fond of these little evening tea parties. Prince Leopold was vain of the country schemes PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 337 which her Royal Highness was disposed to, as much perhaps as she could be herself. The Prin- cess had given him a hand, the like in point of re- versionary power all the potentates in the world whether emperors or kings could not come up to in a marriage dowry to a daughter of theirs ; we bear a name of national importance that seems to have been only rivalled, and never outdone by any country, whose exploits have been supposed to de- serve historic preservation. Besides the conviction of its fitness, Prince Leopold was led to the desire of living retired by the very nature of what consti- tuted his happy condition. To enjoy unmolested by the constant intrusion of visiters, the charming and instructive society of Princess Charlotte must have formed a strong inducement with his Serene Highness to embrace with avidity the projected re- cess. It is said that when they came down, the house not being completed in all its parts, the workmen did a little on Sunday ; and that as they were busy her Royal Highness inquired what noise was mak- ing; being told that the carpenters were under the necessity of going forward with their work on Sunday because of the several things that yet re- *s mained to be done, the Princess appeared much hurt at the circumstance, and instantly directed that they should desist, nor upon any future oc- X X 336 LIFE OF THE casion that the Sabbath day should be occupied in a way unbecoming the respect which ought to be shown it. She said nothing could excuse the pur- suits of business upon that day, except there was an urgent cause, a very urgent cause indeed; but in the case before us, I am sure, said she, no one reason of importance exists for transgressing the decorum that is due to a season set apart for God's service more especially than the rest of the week. Whether there be guilt in doing certain offices that appear necessary on the Sabbath, some have doubted; but the matter resolves itself into the need that there is for having the business done, and the urgency of it. Our blessed Redeemer did him- self perform an office of humanity on the seventh day, and this has been often perverted to serve the purposes of careless persons, who dwell too much on the literal reproof he gave the people of Jerusalem without regarding the spirit and general drift of what he said, which did not go farther than expostulation, for although he made the comparison between what gave employment to them and the object of their condemnation, at the same time he by no means justified the practice of doing things more suitable to another day ; for he expressly and actively op- posed such conduct as the pious reader must have observed ; but this little remark may perhaps be of service in taking away the excuse that is set up by PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 33$ Sunday workers ; however the usefulness of the re- mark is circumscribed, it must be acknowledged, since people of that stamp, whatever they may pre- tend, are at bottom very unsolicitous about having scripture on their side, but either through vivacity or a vain ambition they merely show their skill in argument, and for this end care not to scoff at de- cency and order. The regard borne by her Royal Highness to the day more particularly claimed by the Creator for praise and adoration to be paid hinx by his creatures, did not lie only in the punctilio of observance, but she showed the personal interest that ought to be taken by all directors of families, in seeing a due attention to religious reading and prayer amongst the domestics. The pew which her Royal Highness sat in along with her illustrious consort, was a good while oc- cupied in part by a respectable family in the neigh- bourhood. But this joint tenement was so mana- ged that no forwardness appeared in the family who had used it before her Royal Highness's arrival, nor any restraints imposed upon the exalted couple from the company of persons beneath them, for her Royal Highness did not go in the forenoons, and the others never came in the afternoons, though both the family alluded to, and the princely pair attended service every Sunday with uninter- rupted regularity, except in case of indisposition. 340 LIFE OF THE The elevated piety of Princess Charlotte rose be- yond the common distinctions of degree ; the union of several hearts, whether they who offer their prayers up be well dressed or not, has been ordain- ed as a mean of obtaining heavenly grace, and is consonant with our common sense notions of the way to give pleasure to the Supreme Mind. At the same time, many inferior creatures entirely de- void of christian principles are fond of taking such occasions for associating with those who in the lan- guage of the world, are better people than them- selves, and much philosophy is needed to bear with them, yet it becomes a duty to refrain from con- tempt, although they may deserve it, as well as to deprive them of the familiarity elsewhere which they so improperly seek, but even this should be done with great caution, for we cannot read the secret thoughts, and may be therefore grossly de- ceived, the wisest as it is the surest way then is to abstain from haughtiness altogether. In the present matter there can be little doubt that the respectable family who possessed a claim to a part of the Claremont pew, were more earnest to avoid any apparent advances than her Royal Highness eould be to decline them. The pew was much im- proved in the Duke of Newcastle's time, and an entrance was made to it altogether private. Opposite the pew stands the pulpit, and consequently there PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 341 is every facility of hearing well. The latter con- veniency was much valued by her Royal Highness, who marked always with extreme heedfulness the doctrines of the ministers that officiated before her, and being, in a high acceptation of the phrase, an excellent biblical scholar, was in a good measure competent to judge the propriety of what she heard. Her common practice was to meditate upon the illustrations of the preacher, to sift and examine them, and make her comparisons with some ap- proved commentary on the same part which printed books afforded, or to lay up his thoughts by way of food for her to ruminate, for there are numerous passages too plain for elucidation in holy writ, and yet so very comprehensive as to give rise to delight- ful speculations in a mind that is seriously turned. When Prince Leopold and Princess Charlotte en- tered the yard of the church, all the poor people, and they who admired unaffected religion in the great, collected and surveyed them as they passed along, pouring blessings upon their heads, and had their kindly salutations noticed with the marks of goodness and free condescension which distinguish- ed this happy couple. In most authors who give up their thoughts to the consideration of the human affections, by which we are bound to one another in different degrees, whether of the fondness that is shared by equals, 342 LIFE OF THE or mingled with respect where there is a disparity of fortune, it is generally observed that the attach- ment will commence with the earliest knowledge the parties may have of each other, almost at the first sight, and so continue throughout : such is the ordinary ways wherein the working of the soul dis- plays itself; but this is not a rule without its excep- tions; for it very often happens that two people who bore a grudge or enmity at least have sunk the bitterness of their reciprocal humours and grown into friends of great firmness and sincerity. None therefore who appear at the beginning of our ac- quaintance with them to be undeserving our love, ought to be excluded from our tender regard so far as to make us shun them altogether, unless a positive and substantial cause arise to prove their criminality. The observation in general made re- specting first impressions is not gainsayed by the case of the neighbouring people with Princess Charlotte and his Serene Highness, for they were hardly arrived at Claremont when the inhabitants of the place began to conceive a high opinion of them, and heartily to rejoice at their living amongst them ; a disposition of good will and respectful esteem was maintained afterwards. Her Royal Highness, immediately after her arrival, rode through the entire demesne, and surveyed the little cottages, of which there are many scattered about, and seem- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 343 ed to look at them with the interest of a true friend. By degrees the little children grew so familiar that they would accost the Princess with uncommon boldness and unconcern, and she took their innocent freedoms, as one might expect from her estimable character, in a way that encouraged them to per- severe in their familiarities. When on these oc- casions the mothers would strive to prevent them being so troublesome, the Princess would cast a smile of benignant pleasure upon them, as much as if she spoke, Let them do as they will. She continued to ride 01 perambulate about every day in company with the Prince, sometimes she stopped to examine a particular shrub or other object with nice attention, sometimes she went forward with rapidity, while few days escaped her that she did not finish by happy nights, laying up as she did for herself by the deeds of the day a source of com- fortable reflections when sable night came on, en- robing all things in darkness and silent awe, arid preparing the mind for the exercise of sober back- ward contemplation. The results of virtue are found to be of so much advantage to all men, that the right idea of what virtue is has remained since the beginning pretty well established in the opin- ions of mankind of what sect soever, on account of this general tendency it has to make all happy. As it gives expulsion to the short sighted views 344 LIFE OF THE that are often engendered in the breast under the influence of a selfish spirit, and therefore most frequently recommends itself to the respect of others ; so that indeed every body finding it for his benefit to employ and deal with virtuous peo- ple, it is an ordinary consequence of a virtuous life, provided it be at the same time an active one, to receive a temporary reward in the affluence which follows in the train of it ; but even should this re- quital to honest industry and beneficence be want- ing, he that has an unsullied honour and uninjured conscience will be free from the agonizing vexations which harrow up the breast of the guilty as soon as reflection overtakes them. The delightful converse of an honest heart with itself is certainly not the lowest of the sublunary blessings that are attendant upon the due discharge of our duties in life. No one can judge properly the conduct of another, unless it be a case that regards the shade of crimination or applause that ought to be assigned any palpable and open action, for to measure the proper merit of a man's exploit there is a necessity to have be- fore us the intention with which it was formed, and this lies beyond the inspection of a mortal eye, the great Author of being and animation, who trieth the reins of men, can alone pry into their secret thoughts, and rinding their intentions at once, he is able to judge aright the thing that is done. We PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 345 who are aware of the propriety of taking into the account the end proposed to himself by a person whose behaviour we examine, the most that can be achieved by us is to guess at the principles of action by the deeds only. But in our calculations we must be frequently in error, and of this there can be no proof stronger than the great diversity of opinion which exists relative to the same matter. That which renders a man a hero or a saint in the mind of some, will seem to others a designing or hypocritical scheme, artfully wrought up to meet the sinister views of the contriver himself. It remains therefore that we should act as if solicitous to obtain the approbation of our own hearts more than the applause of all the world, and directing our whole course of proceedings to the ministry of the duties approved by our Maker, seek the favour of Him, whose best spokesman is our own conscience, and then look up with patient hope and humble zeal to the coronation of all our efforts, when he shall utter the glad words : " Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter now into the joy of thy Lord." From these considerations it were impious to decide upon the actual and proper merits of the beloved young Princess, but if any clue can be af- forded by a chearful countenance and a beneficent hand, to trace out the private emotions of the heart, we may justly reverence the memory and deplore YT M 346 LIFE OF THE the loss of so admirable a person, and treasure up her name in the depository of our most sacred re- collections, a theme alike of pleasure and of pain. Her time was occupied in that agreeable manner that it could not sit heavy on her hands, or require to be softened by the compliments and civilities of courtly friends. Yet her elevated situation, the great powers that seemed to be in store for her Royal Highness, added to the personal charms of her company and conversation, drew of course a list of the distinguished to pursue her with noise and bustle. The retirement into the country could not exclude the salutations of those who, from disinter- ested motives, sought her friendship, or were at- tached to her by the ties of consanguinity. Neither perhaps was it the wish of her Royal Highness to lead the life of a perfect secluse. Open in her af- fections, and naturally warm in the constitution of her mind, she loved her relatives with great ardour and sincerity, and was always happy to see them. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester drove to Claremont to make a visit to the Prince and Princess on the 24th of Septem- ber, and passed a few days with them. Other mem- bers also of the Royal Family came to Claremont among them were the Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess of York. The day was filled up in the most agreeable manner by rational conversation PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 347 and such observations as must naturally be raised in the familiar discourse of persons nearly allied to each other. The weather being at this time in- tensely heated by the long continuance of a cloud- less sky, through which the sun permitted to dart his beams with the entire force of the commanding situation he now moved in, and seconded by the warmth the earth herself retained, made a retreat beneath the shade highly pleasant and refreshing. All opportunities were therefore taken to enjoy the green canopy and the little gusts of wind that oc- casionally played among the trees. They frequent- ly took luncheon in the bower, and her Royal High- ness delighted in drawing them to distant parts of the demesne, so that the guests had no reason to make complaints for want of exercise. After spend- ing some time with the Princess, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester made their Highnesses pro- mise to go to Bagshot for a few days, and would not depart until they were assured of the visit. Prince Leopold and Princess Charlotte accord- ingly went to the country residence of the Duke and Duchess, and received much gratification in the amiable and engaging society of their beloved relatives. The morning was generally devoted to riding and walking, and in the close of the day; music was resorted to, and free talk was inter- mingled, a sort of music no less pleasing than the 348 LIFE OF THE instrumental. But the stay was of short continu- ance, and her Royal Highness hastened back to enjoy the pleasures which she had made for herself in the plans of improvement that she had struck out, and in looking over the condition of the labour- ing tenantry, There are some people who have the knack of gaining upon us all in an instant, and growing at once into a familiarity that never is increased, but frequently diminished by coldness and reserve. A selfish turn is to be served at the time, and the per- son that can administer to the satisfaction that is pursued, finds himself in a moment happy with his new acquaintance, and builds divers fallacious and weak hopes upon the continued friendship, Artizans, and such as live principally by the exertion of their talents, have frequently had to do with fine ladies of quality, whose overpowering sweetnesses have enraptured them so far that they seemed for some days elevated above the common occupations and affairs of the world ; the captivating graces of the ladies delighted them to think upon by day, and their visions teemed with phantoms of rank and beauty all the night through. But let the needed business be but executed, or the operator prove unfit, and then, alas ! how altered, how woefully changed appears the countenance to which the joy was altogether owing, at first so kind, so free, so al* PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 349 luring, it was quite absurd to think to withstand it : but when the poor dupe becomes useless, he feels his blood run cold, such dismal icy looks are east and hardly cast upon him. Sufferers of this class deserve a little pity, for inexperience is the groundwork of the error that leads them on, but they notwithstanding merit the punishment ; it is due to their folly, and the artifice itself should not be entirely banished the commonwealth, for it may do society the same sort of service that tinsel does an Indian Queen upon a London stage, it may support good appearances, yet no honest nature can view it without abhorrence and disgust, and it can only^at best be allowed the toleration of a necessary evil, which, if there were no benefit to be found from it, ought to be hooted and marked with a stigma the more disgraceful as it eludes the grasp of any legal redress. The vice now spoken of is by no means confined nor particularly fixed to the fair, the other sex act similarly too, but to make the case more pointed beauty has been employed to give additional fascination to the powers of arti- ficial dealing; and in passing along it may not be amiss to draw this moral, that if nature has qualifi- ed the female world to shine without integrity, how studious ought they to be for adhering to right principles, then would they captivate substantially and creditably, then would they indeed be all over ■ 350 LIFE OF THE charms. Princess Charlotte possessed not only that openness and freedom of manner which let a stranger without difficulty into her disposition, but the purity and goodness of her Royal Highness's heart seemed to grow upon her friends more and more, the more they saw of her. The little chil- dren of the poor people who lived scattered over the face of Claremont, began to take great liberties, and hearing their parents dwell with constant pleasure upon the name of her Royal Highness, they conceived it an object of their puerile ambition to be noticed by the Princess's encouraging smiles, with which we have seen her already gratifying the young admirers. By means like these she added to her other enjoyments, and thence no doubt arose the steady complacency that always beamed in her good natured countenance. \ The father and the mother were not the worse for her regard to their offspring, she attended to their com- forts and spread ease and content in all directions. The projected alterations and improving designs for the garden, the house and other parts of the Claremont residence, were carried on beneath her own eye with much vigour and assiduity, and she had the satisfaction to find the results generally correspondent with the good appearance they pre- sented to her fancy before their execution was begun. Her taste was deservedly held in high re- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 351 pute, she had made a considerable progress in drawing landscapes, in likenesses and perspective, and the neatness with which she worked them up appeared to be lost in the grandeur and majesty that she infused into her works generally. Her imagination soared above the petty niceties of art, and she seemed better calculated to the production of pieces that had meaning and effect in them, than to the little beautiful sketches a lady is supposed to excel in. Not that her soul was in susceptive of the soft emotions which things fair and excellent arouse in the mind, but she regarded such matters in a light comparatively trivial to the attention she paid to what caught the notice and the thought? of an observer. The Princess acknowledged beauty, but considered it a secondary affair, she preferred whatever yielded food to the imagination to that which lulled the eye into a sweet but nerveless apathy. Even living objects did not reach in this respect farther than a bare, innocent, and some would term it, a childish, gratification. Of this I heard a very curious corroboration from a re- spectable woman of discreet and thoughtful habits, which confirms me in the opinion I give. I shall set down the story in the precise words that the lady used herself in telling it, as well as I can re- collect them. The circumstance took place before her Royal Highness was married, and so a little 352 LIFE OF THE anachronism may be discovered in my introduction of the anecdote here, but as it tends to illustrate her idea of what is called the Beautiful, the gram- matical impropriety will be excused. The story was told by the gentlewoman thus: "A certain young officer," we need not mention the corps, " who was employed on his duty at Windsor, struck the eye of the Princess by his very delicate features and well turned person. The Princess in a manner perfectly free and unconcerned, went up to the youthful soldier and catching him by the forelock, asked him where he came from ; then still holding his hair in her hand, she wheeled him about from right to left, and declared that he was a very pretty fellow, and let him go. The lad, for he was nothing more, told his mother when he came home, that he thought Princess Charlotte a very odd young wo- man." If this narrative be viewed with fit regard to all the circumstances of it, the admiration her Royal Highness evinced of beauty, the unimport- ant consideration that she at the same time bestowed upon it, her freedom, and the impression it made with the young gentleman, the whole being col- lected into one single idea, we shall get a true notion of what is understood by the word " trait ;' as when we say of any body that is a good trait or a bad trait in his character. From a taste so highly refined, and an imagination raised beyond the level PRINCESS CHARLOTTE 353 so far, one may easily suppose that the improve- ments set on foot by the Princess at Claremont were such as to impart a novel appearance to a spot that was already favoured with the lavish gifts of nature, and embellished with art in a superior degree. Whilst the attention of her Royal Highness was thus innocently and nobly employed in turning into the grandest forms the plantation and flower grounds of her country abode, and the Prince was occupied in a similar way, the fall of the year came on apace, and was gradually undermining the rural pleasures of the illustrious cultivators. Their thoughts were now called off by the visit of her Majesty and Princesses Augusta and Elizabeth, who came to Claremont on the 24th of October. This was the first time that her Majesty had been to see the Prince and Princess. The royal party were attended from Windsor by a guard of honor ; and reached Claremont at two o'clock. Their stay however was but a short one; soon after dinner the Queen and Princesses left Claremont and returned to Windsor Palace. What may have been the cause that prevented a longer continuance is only to be conjectured, but this, however, is certain, that the Queen was not expected to remain over night, since the Prince had promised to dine the day fol- lowing with the Fishmongers' Company, and Prin- z z 354 LIFE OF THE cess Charlotte left their country seat for London along with him ; and as Camelford House was in their possession still, although not frequented by the royal pair, they made it their place of rest upon coming to town. For six weeks following they passed their time at Claremont, enjoying all the comforts that a re- fined state of private life is capable to afford. Their rank and grandeur seemed to be swallowed up in the copiousness of those endearing joys which Heaven has permitted to fall to the share of the lowest as well as most exalted people. A poet whose imagination roved across human nature un- controuled by the critical rules of his art, but di- rected merely by his own observations upon hu- man life, has declared the happiest of conditions to be that of a couple connected together in wedlock, when the sentiments of each beat in harmony, and both are innocent. It is not surprising that such should be the mind of a person educated as he had been, and it will be strange if an experienced and unprejudiced man will not give into the justice of his remark. No wonder then their Highnesses were anxious to shut the world out and withdraw into themselves. Had it been their wish to main- tain great show and splendour, they could have had the gratification of taking the lead over all the nobility. Prince Leopold was enrolled among the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 355 Peers of the realm, and his rank was settled next after the Dukes of royal blood ; so that in all assem- blies of subjects, he could have had no man except these, superior to himself. It had been very confident- ly stated that his Serene Highness was to bear the title of Duke of Kendal, and that the Princess was to descend from her principissal station to the level of ordinary individuals. Whether this was ever seriously intended or not some have doubted, but certain it is the method finally pursued was better calculated to give respectability and importance to the illustrious person who was promised to hold the sceptre of the kingdom. The Duke and Duchess of Kendal sounds well enough, but Prince Leopold and Princess Charlotte has more of the national love and acquaintance in it ; when Prin- cess Charlotte is mentioned, one is apt to think upon the same familiarity as he runs over the name of his sister or his daughter with, but Duchess of Kendal, although a title of inferior consequence, is much more distant and dry, and while it does not surpass the other in the dignity of it, that other is much less forbidding. Had the form of address been changed, a short time no doubt would have reconciled us, and made the name of Kendal fa- miliar and dear to us by the conduct and character of those who bore it. Kendal is a town of West- moreland, distinguished for its antiquity, but in $56 LIFE OF THE other respects of no great account. The title of Duchess of Kendal was bestowed in 1715 upon a German Lady, the Duchess of Munster, her who is said to have stood so high in the favour and es- teem of George I. But the reputation of this wo- man was more creditable to her comeliness than her principles of honour, and however failings of this nature are regarded in exalted life as unde- serving of serious notice, yet such slight account of impropriety by no means lessens the utter contempt which a woman truly virtuous, like the Princess Charlotte, must have conceived for whatever be- longed to her. Prince Leopold not only ranked next in order to the Princes of the blood, but had been created a Marshal, a dignity conferred upon his Serene Highness two days after his happy mar- riage. But what ought these fantastic pleasures to weigh against the true enjoyment which it was in his power to obtain, conversing with a lovely young woman, whose mind was highly cultivated and al- together worthy the admiration and esteem of a sensible and accomplished husband. The person of her Royal Highness was rather below the middle size than above it, inclining to be fat, (as good hu- moured people are often said to be,) and yet was her figure thoroughly qualified to make no con- temptible appearance upon occasion of state, in a PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 357 drawing-room assembly, or at a ball. In the lineaments of her face might be read the extreme goodness of her heart and the openness of her entire soul ; the general expression of it was highly agree- able, and betokened a chearful and contented mind, every vein seemed to possess intelligence to the spectator who suffered himself to be influenced riot only by the personal charms of her Royal Highness, but looked at her with all the awe and respect that her eminent condition on earth was fitted to inspire. Those indeed who never saw the Princess might suppose that this portrait of her was overdrawn, but whoever has had the opportunity of witnessing the truth of the image, will feel disposed to ac- knowledge its justice, and perhaps go so far as to think that the author might have spent a little more time upon this subject. But the contem- plation of the human figure is an affair so trivial and unimportant compared to the excellencies of the soul that gives animation to it, we cannot en- gross any needless attention in that way, without paying a poor compliment to nobler qualities. Prince Leopold had the freedom in the beau ideal of his figure which was conspicuous in his cor.sort's; and his features indicated deep thought, simplicity, and what is more valuable still, his countenance beamed with good nature. His carriage and man- ners impressed the persons in his company not only 358 LIFE OF THE with an admiration of the Prince himself, but every body was enabled to entertain a good opinion of his own merits and worth ; and this way of a great man's conducting him towards others is very much to be valued. There is no method by which we come to the knowledge of the noble disposition that an exalted character maintains within, so ready or more suited to the truth than by considering how he bears his greatness. Persons of high quali- fications, with sentiments corresponding, are anxi- ous always to shew the world that they have no- thing beyond the reach of the rest of mankind. Haughtiness and vanity most usually fail of gain? ing the end that is sought after, whereas diffident behaviour is calculated to win over many admirers who otherwise would bear envy, and to authorize us as it were in the gift of our approbation, and just as the Roman Historiographer said of Cato, that by trying to escape from the commendation and applause of men, he gained his glory, so it is generally the custom in all countries and ages to allow much where there is but little arrogance. If one were to be shown Prince Leopold, and were only informed that he was simply a gentleman, he must lay him down for a person that appears to have much modesty and merit ; and when acquaint- ed with his actual circumstances, he must only add his good will to the respect he would naturally PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 359 bear him, A couple so happily joined together were always certain to find too much real felicity by themselves to risk their happiness at routs and assemblies. The intelligent mind of the Princess had been instructed in the different branches of useful and ornamental science, but the Prince hav- ing a peculiar bent to horticulture and botanical knowledge, her Royal Highness, with that admir- able disposition which distinguishes the loving wife, accommodated her own to the taste of her consort, and became a botanist herself. Before his Serene Highness had arrived in England, while he was yet under his father's roof, his time being much at his own disposal, his inclination led him to stalk through the nower Garden, as fancy impels other young gentlemen in the beginning of life, to run after the groom, and make horse racing the grand ultimatum of their anxieties ; not that the Prince was just so very perfect as not to indulge m this conceit a little also, but his whole desire was uncon- fined by such pursuits, and his turn of mind had a more solid direction. People who are able to please themselves with natural delights should feel happy and congratulate themselves on their susceptibilities, for the gratification is in such a case more within the possibility of attaining it, and gardening is more pure than most artificial recreations, and there- for it excels them in real pleasure ; for the nature 360 LIFE OF THE of guilt throws a gloom over all the enjoyments that it enters into. The Prince having laid out a considerable portion of his time in the perusal of English books, from his retentive memory, and the eagerness he bestowed upon gathering a knowledge of the tongue, he was quickly master of a good flow of those words that are made use of in con- versation, and consequently he was soon able to hold arguments and dispute with his beloved ad- versary. To determine the plant to a species, it was not always enough to have the printed refer- ence agreeable to either's opinion, but it cost much time and ingenuity to show by a string of close deductions and authorities the class to which the plant might belong. Upon these occasions they used to differ not unfrequently, and strenuously maintained the first assertion, while the common harmony of others had nothing in it half so de- lightful as these little variances in argument which this happy and ingenuous pair used to keep up for whole* days together with great warmth and ob- stinacy. A relish and good savour was imparted by this means to the ordinary table civilities, which otherwise are cold and tasteless ; but the pleasant vivacity and contradiction now and again that they artfully made use of towards one another, rendered them evermore chearful and joyous companions. What a contrast does a life spent this way, pro vid- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 361 ed it be innocent likewise, form to the dull, un- meaning sameness that reigns often in the connu- bial state ! It must, however, be owned, that as a couple advance in years, this gay temper must be softened in proportion ; but the seriousness which becomes old age is apt to grow of itself without the aid of any lectures, for between the loss of friends and the other casualties of mortal existence, the human heart is weighed down and oppressed ; or rather the different fond objects of regard are as so many strings that confine our views to the earth, which cut one after another, leave the unfettered mind at rest to pursue the sober anticipations of an after world, or if the soul be not solaced with such felicitous meditations, it becomes still and abstract- ed, so that in all cases the longer we stay in this sublunary scene, the more likely are we to throw off sprightliness and good humour, and upon this account there is a glaring inhumanity in stripping youth of its chearful relaxations, for these dissolve quickly of themselves. When an aged person is able to divest himself of all his gloomy cares, and enter into the amusements of the young, at least to take pleasure in contemplating them, he shows an open and benevolent nature, and very justly draws upon him the regard and love of the com- pany, for if he were a selfish being bound up in his own sorrows, he could not do so ; nothing there- 3 a 362 LIFE OF TKE fore bespeaks a happy and virtuous temper more strongly, and one that is in a manner fit for the reception of those heavenly joys which the Lord will give to " all that love him," nor can a much more confident pledge of divine favour be afforded to our dark understandings, than this propensity of the aged to take an active part in the pleasures and festivities of those entering upon life. It would therefore be unacceptable to the intelligent, morose- ly to discant upon the playfulness and affectionate whims of this illustrious, exemplary, and virtuous pair. But we were engaged upon the plants. In a critical disputation respecting the secret properties of some, when the Princess found that the Prince was gaining it over her, she with consummate art and address, would put the question off at the time, and the very first moment she could obtain to her- self, she would steal into the library, ransack all the places till she got at the desired subject, and then supposing herself quite mistress of it, would take the earliest opportunity of renewing the argument again, but having been ingenuous enough upon one occasion, after a complete victory, to ac- knowledge the means that enabled her to show with so much advantage, the Prince ever after- wards would for no pretence suffer her Royal High- ness to leave him until she had either given in, or he was himself obliged to submit. These pur- princess charlotte; 365 suits were not barely speculative; they both at- tended to the practical use of what they knew of herbs ana* flowers in the garden, as well as the ex- ercise they made of their skill for the mere purpose of quarrelling through the fulness of their mutual love. In order to forward their gardening schemes their usual time for rising was very early, when the rosy fingered Aurora, the eldest daughter of the day first appeared and tinged with splendid colours the skirts of the horizon, this couple might be seen stepping into the garden, and watching with a solicitude almost parental the growth and progress of their flower beds. When the lark is aloft in the air, and proclaims a new day to the busy world, and all nature, if one might use the ex- pression, seems to be unsoiled, not yet tarnished by the labours and work of the ensuing hours, while the dew is frigid upon the blade, and the gentle breeze has a delicious freshness in it, how much pleasure do they forfeit who slumber in bed, whose torpid faculties are exempt from feeling, and their limbs like dead matter lie unemployed, or he who is but just withdrawing to seek repose for the re- fection of his disordered frame and crazy head, the consequences of last night's revelry? It is a common remark that few epicures, or any indeed that trans- gress the rules of living which consist with decency, ever meet the enjoyment they had promised them- 364 LIFE OF THE selves to arrive at ; if no consideration that involves principle and integrity can reach men of hardened intemperance, this one reflection at least ought to bring them to a sense of what is due to the good order of society, and their own peace of mind. They almost continually fly for relief to deeper draughts of intoxication, and by augmenting the fire, they would fain escape from it altogether, but they come off losers by the expedient, one they had not ever resorted to indeed, but from want of resolution to pursue a more effectual one, the reformation of their manners. To rise like the fair and accomplished Princess early in the morning, and pay a visit to the vegetable world all fragrant and breathing their agreeable influence in the freshening breeze, would do good to the health, animate the spirit, and spread a general glow of chearfulness and pleasure over the whole man. Perhaps, we cannot take into cur fancy a more captivating object than what is presented in the contemplation of so much virtue and innocent delight as fell to the share of Prince Leopold and Princess Charlotte. As their pastime became confined to the very house by the approach of bleak winter, an invita- tion to Brighton was made them by his Royal Highness the Regent. A great meeting took place then of the principal, indeed one might say the entire of the Royal Family in the beginning of De- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 365 cember, and much talk was needlessly afloat re- specting the occasion of it. Some base and grovel- ling minds would have the thoughts that started up in them delivered with all the pomp and con- sequence of political parade, and that unintelligible gabble that so often prevails in the parts of an essay where the author would fain be uncommonly deep, or rather penetrating, this is a term more suitable ; when a writer loses himself in obscurity it is wrong to call him deep, for depth implies a bottom, but penetrating is a modest epithet that is enough to warn a man, who has got something more profitable to employ his time with, that his author descends too far to give any hopes that he who follows shall be apt to overtake him. But they who consider political subjects, are generally the plainest in their works, although the circum- stances, the proofs, and the like, may not be brought within the compass of a reader's understanding, yet the matter itself is coarsely stated. All the world knew that her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales had been visiting at foreign courts of doubtful honour, but this was nothing more than all female travellers of distinction had done before her ; it was therefore very absurd to suppose that any thing censurable was attached to her conduct. But so it was reported, that grounds existed for the justi- fication of a divorce, and that to this purpose the 366 LIFE OF THE chief members of the Royal Family assembled to- gether. There are so many other more probable motives, that without further evidence, this reason should not be admitted. It is much more likely that the illustrious personages came together with no other view than the mutual satisfaction to be expected from one another's company. The first arrival was made in the person of the Duke of Clarence, followed closely by the Queen. Her Majesty was escorted into the town by a troop that had been sent to meet her, and received at the entrance into the palace, with military honours. A vast crowd had gathered round about to witness the royal grandeur, and after waiting for above an hour, were gratified with the sight of the Duke of Clarence, and soon after of the Queen ; and while the people were engaged in contemplating or rather catching a view of them, for there was too much stir and bustle to allow contemplation, the horns and trumpets noticed the approach of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent himself. The party did not travel after the same manner ; his Royal Highness came direct, but her Majesty stopped with Princess Augusta and Lady Macclesfield for a little by the way at Lord Arden's beautiful mansion near Epsom, and took some refreshment there. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester came next. Prince Leopold and Princess Charlotte PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 367 did not arrive for five days after ; but during their stay behind, a new pledge was given by them to the country of what might be rationally expected from the sweet Princess, if she ever should take upon her the management of our public affairs. Every reader, and indeed even those Britons who could not read, must be aware that about this time many tumultuous meetings were held, and great disorder and indecency prevailed amongst the members of them, being poor, needy, ignorant creatures in general, who believing that some in- stant change in the administration of public affairs would bring about a favourable turn in their own fortunes, had come together with all those crabbed feelings which people naturally are seized with when keen hunger takes hold of the stomach, and no method appears of allaying its importunity, even the disgraceful one of an almshouse was not within attainment, which, if it were, could afford little comfort to persons of independent minds. Thus were these men wrought up to a high state of poli- tical intoxication, and scandalous disrespect to their superiors was the consequence. It is however cer- tain that there was hardly any employment for handicrafts of different descriptions, but the silk w r eavers underwent peculiar privations. The cala- mities and sufferings of this class of men having reached the ears of Prince Leopold and Princess 368 LIFE OF THE Charlotte, 2000 yards of silk manufactured by the tradesmen of Spitalfields were ordered by them ; and the example was regarded as carrying a sub- stantial influence throughout the gentry, especially when it was understood that the Prince Regent had given his commands that additional silk should be used in the decorations of some of the rooms at Carlton House, in order to promote the same laud- able end. Their hearts being lightened and made chearfnl by these means, they went to Brighton better qualified to receive the joys of the intended festivities with truer zest than otherwise they could have done. Previous to their setting out, the Arch- duke Nicholas of Russia, who was perfectly inti- mate with Prince Leopold, went to Claremont to make a visit. In the morning the Grand Duke had been to see the Queen's Riding House, and appeared delighted with the agility and execution that the horses used in their several evolutions, and after breakfast, he went to Esher, attended by the Russian Ambassador and a Russian Count ; his re- ception was warm and cordial. A dinner was made ready, and his Imperial Highness spent the day with his friend Prince Leopold, sleeping at Claremont that night. He returned to town early the next day and went in the evening to Coven t Garden Theatre, where he sat in the Regent's box. The object of this illustrious visiter's journey to PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 369 England was to see its curious manufactories and the progress made in the arts, with which sort of diversions his Imperial Highness gratified himself every day, viewing the different machineries and institutions of the country, attended by the ingeni- ous Sir William Congreve, a gentleman fully com- petent to elucidate the most intricate of machinal structures. With the satisfaction and regard shown him the Grand Duke was highly pleased, and bore away with him hence the good opinion and wishes of the nation, having endeared himself exceedingly by his condescending manners, and the propriety that he conducted his behaviour under, during his stay in England ; and soon after his return to the continent he obtained the hand of a Prussian Prin- cess, and met in her an amiable and accomplished consort. In the meantime, her Majesty had been prevented by the great heaviness of the atmosphere from taking at Brighton her accustomed airings, but notwithstanding dull and cold mornings, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Clarence, and Princess Sophia of Gloucester, ac- companied by the Lady Isabella Thynne, gave im- portance to the Steyne promenade by their presence The two first attracted great numbers to the spot of the most distinguished, who were desirous to pay every token of respect to the virtuous pair. In the afternoons his Royal Highness the Prince 3 B 370 LIFE OF THE would take a walk without any attendants, to ex- amine the improving plans that were carrying for- ward ; and would go over the pleasure grounds of the Pavilion apparently in excellent health and good spirits. The Regent having considered the many cases of extreme distress that were communi- cated, or that he might have witnessed, in the most humane and charitable manner, he directed that all the spare provisions should be applied to the re- lief of the indigent people near, and to the credit of the royal household no waste was made, but every the most trifling article looked after, and the kind and benevolent intentions of his Royal Highness were fulfilled as closely as possible, taking care of those bits and scraps which, however insignificant and unworthy notice in the eyes of one that is not pressed by hunger, have a quite different effect with those that are, and frequently substantial relief is administered by such means as cost nothing, merely by seeing that what commonly is thrown away, should be kept and given to an object that may crave it. Out of the bones soup was made, and by this the fountains of succour were enlarged greatly. The domestics ought to be much commended for the readiness and zeal with which they set about retrenching as soon as Sir Benjamin Bloomfield had communicated the Prince's wishes : they did certainly form a speedy change of manner, and PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 871 dropping the former carelessness of management, economized with uncommon nicety, and went as far as they could to forward the laudable scheme of his Royal Highness. By this means the Regent gave lustre to his dignity more satisfactory to his own feelings than all his splendour otherwise was able to impart Prince Leopold and Princess Char- lotte did not reach the Pavilion till near seven o'clock, when a large party of nobility sat down to dinner with the Queen and the Royal Family who were at Brighton; the Regent himself was occupied in London upon public business, and did not ar- rive among them till night. The next morning the Queen and Princess Elizabeth, she came from Windsor to take the turn of Princess Augusta, en- joyed an airing in a carriage ; Princess Charlotte and her royal consort went afoot along the East and West Cliffs, and generally during their stay had recourse to exercise of the same description. Their feelings must have received no common gra- tification upon the loud and enthusiastic cheers which were heaped upon them when they were re- cognized by the crowd. Added to the universal tokens of attachment and esteem that her Royal Highness met in her perambulations, her heart must have been in a particular manner cheered and delighted by the joyous intelligence that she re- ceived of her mother's condition, which foreign 372 LIFE OP THE scenes and changes of place rendered in a great de- gree comfortable, and perhaps pleasant. Not long before tins time, the Princess of Wales had been to see the Ex-Empress of France, Maria Louisa, and report had it that a partial fondness was conceived by each of them at their first meeting. Such pleasing accounts must have given extraordinary pleasure to the Princess, whose constant and warm affection for her parent had always glowed in her virtuous bosom, and she was thereby prepared to enter with her whole mind into the sportive glee and festivity of the Regent's court. But this mode of spending her time did not banisli the more agreeable concerns that were connected with her happy circumstances as a wife. Prince Leopold's birth day was to fall on the 16th of December, and his faithful consort determined to keep it in a way that would evince her domestic happiness, and con- tent In order to this, no inducement could prevail upon her to continue at her illustrious father's longer than the 15th; and no sooner was this intimation made public, than all the curiosity that the people had already shown to see their Royal Highnesses was redoubled, and every body was anxious of adding to the happy feelings of the dis- tinguished pair, by testifying their good wishes in loud and continued acclamations. On Wednes- day the 11th, as Princess Charlotte and Prince PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 373 Leopold were making through the streets of Brigh- ton, the crowd that gathered about them, consist- ing chiefly of young men and young women, be^ came so very great, that a police officer, who was in attendance, struck several with his cane, being obliged to do so in order to effect a passage for the Prince and Princess. The Prince in a very ener- getic manner desired the officer to forbear molesting the people, whereupon they cried out with one voice, " God bless you both ! Long live the Princess and the Prince!" This unbounded applause was con- tinued with encreasing ardour, on the following days whenever their Highnesses made their appearance. They reached Claremont House on the evening of the 15th, and all was in great hurry and motion to celebrate the following day. The assembly was by no means numerous, for although many of the first rank and quality would of course be proud of such a friendship, their Highnesses were very parti- cular in their wish to live with the utmost privacy possible, and but seldom extended their intercourse amongst the great, beyond the precincts of their own establishment. The natal holiday was spent with much fulness of true joy at their own house, the domestics all were cheered with plentiful draughts, and elegant dishes; nor are the poor neighbours to be omitted among those who rejoiced upon this occasion, each of the women had a 374 LIFE OF THE quantity of flannel allowed her, equal to make a petticoat for the widest of them, and every house member of the cottages was given a quartern loaf, and a leg of mutton to one, another part to another, and so on, each getting a joint of meat. Thus merrily and pleasantly was the day spent in mirth, and that higher sort of happiness which rises beyond the satisfactions of the palate, and intermingles a delightful reflection, in thinking of the object that makes us glad, with the ordinary pleasures of sense. At the table of the Prince and Princess themselves were persons who from the intimate acquaintance they had with his Serene Highness must have felt as if they were celebrating the very day of their own birth, so much had this amiable young Prince gained over the love and admiration of every one that knew him, and yet a part of the esteem and affec- tion was no doubt owing to Princess Charlotte, for who, of what political party soever he might have been, did not admire and regard with sincere de- votion, the frank and good natured Princess ? The birth-day of her Royal Highness was kept at Claremont after the same way as that of her eonsort. There had been a wish expressed by the Regent that their Highnesses would repair to Brighton that day, and give interest to the splendid manner in which his Royal Highness intended to celebrate it. But Princess Charlotte would not PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 375 consent to leave her own house and domestic friends* and continuing at Claremont presided, as it were, over a family table, where nothing appeared but joy and gladness. If there did not exist the same social cheer in the Pavilion, more elegancy and sumptuousness marked the festival in that princely mansion. No doubt can be rationally entertained as to the beneficial results that constantly arise from the exertions that are made by tradespeople in con- sequence of royal entertainments ; those who have occupations that produce the conveniences and or- naments fit to be purchased by the great, are im- mediately set to work, and on account of the in- dustry thereby promoted, vice has not the room for reception which it readily finds in the breast of the idle, and from that source too the honest family of the artist are often materially benefited, and al- ways done some service. That this good effect might be the more widely and substantially brought about, his Royal Highness had commanded ex- pressly a notice to appear upon the cards of invi- tation that all would be expected in dresses of British fabric. Now upwards of three hundred cards were circulated ; the bustle and briskness im- parted to Brighton were of course truly wonderful, for out of the families who were asked few declined coming. The day before the celebration arrived, vast crowds of nobility and persons of high con- 376 LIFE OF THE sideration came pouring into the town, coaches and vehicles of every sort, horses, and footmen were passing back and forward, and made the entire place a very tumultuous and busy scene. The company who were invited to the ball began to come in about nine o'clock, and were joined in a most splendid apartment by those who had dined and spent the day at the Pavilion, and all now par- took of refreshments of tea or coffee, to which was added a quantity of the richest cakes, sweet bread, and each of the most tasteful accompaniments that can go to the tea equipage. When by these re- freshing and wholesome liquids the party had duly regaled themselves, the delights of Terpsichore were courted by the exalted guests. The room appointed for dancing was done off in the richest style of magnificence and grandeur. The? couple that led the first country dance were the Lady Charlotte Cholmondeley and the Duke of Clarence. Prince Esterhazy danced with the accomplished Miss Seymour, Lord Castlereagh danced with great agility, skill, gracefulness, and spirit, to the Honor- able Miss Twisselton, and his Lordship's partner proved herself worthy altogether of dancing with so finished a performer. Miss Jane Floyd danced with Lord Clive ; Lady Maria Meade danced with Mr. Leach, the lawyer; Lady Emily Bathurst danced with Mr. Charles Percy; Miss Lucretia PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 377 Schiffner danced with Mr. Charles Whyte; Sir Henry Rycroft had the honor to conduct the hand of Miss Raven ; and Sir Tyrwhitt Jones that of the Honorable Miss Onslow. The whole evening passed in the most agreeable way imaginable; scarcely had the Duke of Clarence finished one sett till another was started, except a short interval that was taken up in fancy dancing, and this was mark- ed by the unbounded admiration of the spectators, bestowing the highest and most richly deserved compliments upon the execution of all the ladies that performed, who did so extremely well each of them that it were improper to name any one in particular, indeed it were difficult to say which ought to be selected for notice, for there was not any one of them to whom, on the score of merit, a spectator could deny that full applause was due ; such was the gay and festive emulation that appear- ed to go through the younger ladies, and their partners also seemed eager to outdo one the' other in the dancing, in point both of accuracy and dex- terous motion. Soon after two o'clock the distin- guished party sat down to a grand and delicious repast, which had been got ready specially for the purpose of this night's festivity ; it consisted of cold meats of all kinds and species, of the various sorts of jelly and ice preparation, of liquors refrig- erating and healthful of every quality, and what made 3 c 378 LIFE OF THE the supper additionally agreeable the Prince Regent was in high and cheerful health and spirits, and de- lighted every body with his extreme condescension and refined and pleasant discourse, for, although to say it in all points of speaking, were open adulation and untrue, there is no gentleman in England superior to his Royal Highness in that sort of con- versation that admits of the agreeable ; as to the higher turns and the sublimity of impetuous elo- quence that glows with the heat of a warm genius, or with regard to the cold and subtle disputations and provings of the philosopher, there seem to be several now alive that have reached a high perfec- tion, to these and in such respects his Royal High- ness yields ; but all who have the honor and the happiness of his society report his manners to be the most engaging and his talk delightful, brilliant, and fraught with meaning. Great allowances must be made of course for the impressions unavoidably stamped upon the mind by that sense of power and consequence which the presence of his Royal High- ness cannot fail to produce. But what must be regarded as a very strong pledge that the Prince possesses a lively and deep understanding is the quality of those persons whom he takes for his friends and companions, who are all of them gentle- men of excellent parts, of wit and polite demeanour, and some of them do reallymherit good pretensions PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. $79 to the name of genius. Whilst the Prince exerted himself with so much cordiality and zeal to delight and gratify the company, there can be no question but they were affected with much pleasure. As soon as they had devoted their time a little to the indulgence of their exhausted frame, and recruited themselves with the copious and rich banquet, they one and all returned with glee and alacrity to the merry dance, and kept up the gyric pastime till five o'clock, when in the spirit of honest sociality the whole was closed by the agreeable dance of Sir Roger de Coverley, led by the Duke of Clarence and Miss Sarah Caton. The company separated pleased with themselves, gratified with each other, and full of respectful love and thankfulness to their exalted entertainer for the kind reception and generous behaviour to them all. At Claremont, but we have seen how the day was celebrated there already, the poor man's heart was made glad and the sick forgot their infirmities ; while throughout the British empire, few were so insensible to the blessings of divine providence in giving so promis- ing and virtuous an heir to the kingdom, as not to reflect with gratitude, with self-complacency and all good wishes upon the subject of the day. The approach of winter had been divested of its gloom by the visits paid to her Royal Highness and by her returned, and likewise her spirits were greatly 380 LIFE OF THE enlivened and animated by the journey she had taken to Brighton, and the occasions of making merry in her own house had not a little contributed to give a sportive and serene disposition to her thoughts. But let us not be understood as tracing to physical causes the scfftness of her nature, the humane cast which her bosom appeared to have been given at its first formation. Her Royal High- ness was the daughter of a Prince whom all ac- knowledge to possess a warm and open heart, and her royal mother was distinguished above her station for the kindness of her affections, a laudable propensity, that brought upon the Princess of Wales the slander and sly insinuations of dark and blighted, paltry and despicable wretches, who in place of admiring that noble property of her's would fain have turned it to her utter ruin. Was it bar- ren and congealed humanity that induced the Prin- ' cess of Wales to love and show kindness by the little children of the poor in her neighbourhood ? The adoption of one child was made under circum- stances that bespeak her favour in the eye of those who are alive to the merit of such charitable im- pulses. They who haye passed away their time in courts of litigation, who take cognizance of the the black side of man's character, are prone to carry with them into society, the rigid notions that all persons are driven to each particular action by a PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 381 desire of gaining some end that holds forth to them the attainment of happiness. Now if a charitable or a generous doing be offered to the consideration of men of this mind, it of course assumes the black shape of self-interest, for a narrowness in their own souls prevents them acknowledging the wider com- pass that bound the actions of others. Certainly to a fair and unprejudiced examiner the conduct of the Princess of Wales towards those who were de- pendent upon her, must appear to be worthy our admiration and esteem. Born of such parents then, Princess Charlotte brought into the world with her a kind and humane temper ; she was rightly quali- fied to become an indulgent mistress and a useful friend. As one day she was driving in the little car along the skirts of the demesne, she perceived a cottage apparently in a ruinous condition, she stopt and looked very earnestly upon it, and then desir- ing the servant to call out the owner of it, she put some questions to the woman, who happening to be a great grammarian, delighted her Royal High- ness by the strangeness of her discourse and the fanciful English she made use of, as well as inspired with tenderness by her situation, a heart always open to the softest affections. Her husband, an honest diffident man, was coming to speak with her Royal Highness and to acquaint her with the condition of the house, but his consort prevented 382 LIFE OF THE him, and must needs address the august inquirer, as being much better qualified to put the story into statable language. Pray, said her Royal Highness in her usual affable and engaging manner, Pray, let me know the state of your dwelling, I dare say from the outside it cannot be very comfortable with- in ; nor do you seem yourself (she was covered with snuff) to be in the happiest circumstances. Why, replied the other, again it please your Royal Highness we once were people of possibility and means, but misfortunes which befal the deserving and the unworthy alike have suppressed us ; but this I can clearly averse your Royal Highness, our poverty is not owing to indigency or corpulence, for we have always worked hard and attended to business. The Princess afraid of turning the sim- plicity of the poor woman into a theme of merri- ment to the disadvantage of her kind intentions ; aware that levity tends to supplant compassion, she turned off, and driving directly to Claremont House, left directions with the Steward to send carpenters and fit persons to repair the dwelling of the poor cottagers. Three days after, in going the same round she was induced to stop at the house, and inquire about the accommodation that was now procured the inmates of it. The woman appeared again before her Royal Highness, vastly improved in her dress, for it seems that from the time of her PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 383 speaking with Princess Charlotte, she thought her- self amply entitled to better apparel, and that no impediment might lie in the way of her gentility, she had actually quit the snuff, and with a magna- nimity, that possessed by a general would gain the name of heroism, if by a philosopher of firmness, she formed a determination never to take to it any more, and such was the strength of her resolve that she did not afterwards indulge herself with any — an example of a steady mind which they would do well to imitate who are attached to any practice that is not so criminal as to be discountenanced by com- punction of the conscience, and yet improper or unbecoming, this description of habits has generally been found the most arduous to overcome. How- ever gallantly the cottager had subdued her pro- pensity to one trick, she could not entirely leave herself unrewarded ; she conceived that some re- turn was due to her genius for the abstinence she had used in the article of snuff; whether on these principles of human action, or through some un- known motive, for she was a great oddity, it does not belong to us to ascertain, and therefore this may be left undecided ; but so it was, she made a great many trips in this conversation more than at the first interview, and her Royal Highness beginning to suspect that all was not right, asked her if that was any particular day in her family providences. 384 LIFE OF THE O yes, may it humbly please your Royal Highness ; say Ma'am, said her Royal Highness. Ma'am, re- turned the woman, This is the thirty second time that our wedding-day has come round. With that the Princess merely smiled, and slipping the woman a pound, went away ; but the next morning return- ed again and presented a bible to her, which was productive of the greatest good to the honest crea- ture, who thence forward led an exemplary life, she was diligent at her business, and never noticed to be afterwards in the least subdued by liquor, but on the contrary became an example of industry, thrift, and soberness, and she and her husband con- tinued to prosper, and acquire the esteem of all their neighbours. A similar case, as far as related to the house occurred soon after to her Royal Highness, and with an equal degree of promptitude she di- rected the workmen to set about making the re- pairs that were needed. The shooting season was one of great occupation to his Serene Highness, who was always upon those occasions, or almost constantly attended by his af- fectionate and obliging consort. Her Royal High- ness thought nothing of going helter skelter over an entire bog, without suffering the Prince to lift her, and was frequently covered with mud above her boots, but such was her activity and chearful spirits that this did not give her any cold or incon- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 385 venience at all ; she seemed quite delighted in the amusement. But by some particular regard that her Royal Highness had formed for the blackbird, she never could bear any of them to be fired at, and on the days that she did not go along with the Prince, she would lay upon him a heavy injunction that he was not to molest " her own birds ;" and perpetually as the Prince would be taking aim, if he happened to look with particular depth of eye, as if he had something in contemplation which he did not wish to disclose, her Royal Highness would instantly seize his arm, and alarmed for the black- birds, thinking it was them he meditated, begged that he would forbear to level against the lives of those poor things. The Prince, though an excellent marksman, used to miss sometimes, and upon these occasions the Princess would not fail to redicule his pretensions, and to tell him that the next time she would hold his arm for him herself. The days that the Prince and Princess were con- fined to the house by the severity of the weather were not those which they spent with the lowest degrees of satisfaction and enjoyment. The Library became the place of their resort, and there they gave themselves up to the gratification of intellectual inquiries. The Princess, who was a most accom- plished and elegant reader, would entertain his Serene Highness with the choicest works in travels 3 D 386 life or THE or history; and as the Prince himself read, she marked the mistakes he made in the pronunciation, and took particular pains in correcting and leading him into the quantity and accent of the word he went astray in. After passing the day in this manner, how well were they fitted in their minds to enjoy the close of it. An intelligent being is not otherwise conditioned, mentally, than as he is with respect to his limbs and the ligatures of his body. If he do not make use of these, and prepare them by fatigue for the enjoyment of ease, he can receive but little satisfaction from reposing upon beds of down, so with regard to the mind, however delighted men's thoughts may feel while engaged briskly in the contemplation of any subject, it can hardly be doubted but that total inertion diffuses a calm, if not more transporting, indeed transport- ing it cannot be, for that would require activity, yet is the pleasure of indolence a most agreeable state but its power of pleasing extends not to the idle; a man must have his brain well versed and exer- cised in order to enjoy it in perfection. What is more provoking, more dissatisfactory, than to lie all the evening and throughout the night restless in bed, just thus it is always with the mind unoccu- pied, a thousand disagreeable notions, too blunt to engage the attention and yield pleasure to it, pre- vent it from sinking into absolute inanity, and at PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 387 the same time no progress is made in any specula- tion that can turn to good account. Of all enter- tainments those of the imagination are the most pleasant, and likewise the most obvious ; they lie within the reach of every body's grasp : He that cannot call himself the master of an acre, may nevertheless usurp the enjoyment of a large estate, by merely casting his eye over it, and taking in the pleasures of his sight abstracted from the desire of being possessed of the property ; he may even in a dungeon please his fancy with the most sublime pictures, and converse with superior beings to him- self, and if he direct his whole heart towards the Divine Father, how gloriously may he be attended, in what exalted company may his time be passed, who shut out from the world is deemed by man- kind a stranger to the enjoyments of life. But if these sweet delusions can so strongly prevail over a person, debarred of the social delights, how much more efficacious in the production of felicity must the understanding be rendered, when, like that of Prince Leopold, an object of admiration and of love, of dignity and respect, and one that bears his in- terests next her heart, stays in his company and keeps an intellectual fellowship with him. In per- using the journals of sensible navigators or travel- lers, this happy pair were carried over dangerous seas, dashed upon rocks, shipwrecked, and left 388 LIFE OF THE naked and miserable upon a savage coast, and all this without leaving their room, the story being finished, all their sufferings and jeopardy over, awakening from their trance, they found themselves safe and comfortable, entwined in each other's arms. If in this vale of sorrow and of pain, and ray of brilliant hope, that happiness may be found in it, can be afforded the weak and longing eyes of one that is just entering upon life, that ray can only dart through such a crevice as is opened by a lot like this ; where in the bloom of youth and in the stage of existence most fit for the reception of real enjoyment, a pair are united together in the bonds of mutual affection. In these diversions of literature much of their time was spent, and that the place of their constant resort might be as agreeable as possible and elegantly fitted up, her Royal High- ness bestowed a great deal of pains in forming and making decorations for the library. She had the busts of Homer, Virgil, and Milton, over the case that was sacred to the muses, those of Euclid, Archimedes, and Newton, adorned the divisions set apart for works upon the mathematics. The divisions for general science had appropriate heads attached to them, such as Aristotle's, Bacon's Locke's, and so forth. History was not left with- out its Xenophon, its Livy, Sallust, Robertson. But the miscellaneous department was particularly PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 38$ splendid, the venerable head of Doctor Johnson, and the honest one of Goldsmith were both there* The tapestry was very gorgeous, and magnificently embroidered, her Royal Highness having herself either superintended the work in person, or con- tributed with her own hands to embellish and enrich it. The paper of the room was not gau- dy, but beautiful, and the hangings to the win- dows corresponded with the paper. The chairs were covered with velvet, of a yellowish cast, and added to a tasteful table formed of cherry tree and ma- hogany, gave an air of uncommon grandeur to the entire apartment. ; The books were chosen with great judgment, it not being the humour of Prin- cess Charlotte to collect a number of useless volumes, but to lay up all such as might be truly useful. That her own selection might be the more ac- curate, she took the opinion of competent and judicious persons upon the books that she thought of purchasing, and looked with much deference to the opinion of Doctor Short, a gentleman who well merited the idea her Royal Highness had formed of him, and was quite able to direct her Royal Highness's choice, not only from the just decision that such a person was likely to come to, but also on account of the knowledge that he had of her taste and way of reading, so far as her natural in- clination might lead her. He was highly esteemed by the Princess, she regarded him as a sort of father 390 LIFE OF THE having been virtually brought up by him, it was to this amiable and accomplished gentleman that the Princess owed a great portion of her general knowledge, it were improper to say all of it, for her inquisitive mind, was evermore in the search of information and wisdom, and there were few things from which she was not able to elicit instruction, but to him she owed her Greek and Latin, and having passed in its attaining the agreeable pleasant hours of her youth, she was his debtor also for a large portion of her early happiness. Except in regard to works of fancy she did not seem very studious about the superbness of the binding, though she had them all very neat and genteely covered. The collection of books at Claremont is supposed to be of considerable value, and it is thought to rival any private collection in the king- dom, not for the rareness and scarcity of the books, but the usefulness of them. The Princess adorned the room that they were kept in by frequent sitting in it herself, and reading, what is not always done by the owners of fine libraries. The fictitious deities who are fabled as presiding over the destiny of man might be conceived to have taken their residence in the peaceful and joy- ous mansion of Claremont* We have considered already the operation of love for her husband that appeared in many parts of Princess Charlotte's con- i - i PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 391 duct, but the great and general token of her con- jugal attachment was the retired and sequestered life that she was eager to lead. Withdrawing from bustle and tumult, she gave a speaking demonstra- tion of the sincere and unaffected love she bore and continued to have for the worthy object of her choice, the man whom she took from no consider- ations of ambition, but who made impression by the goodness of his character, and the private vir- tues with which he was distinguished. She who might have had all the rank and grandeur of Eng- land ornamenting her abode with their constant presence, preferred the pleasures of retirement and home, that she might enjoy the company of her beloved and amiable Prince, who to the natural excellencies of a good temper and disposition, add- ed the charms of a refined understanding and a proneness to oblige. Her taste was for the more simple enjoyments of the world, to water her flowers was a source of greater happiness to her pure bosom, than the splendour and brilliancy of large assemblies. Several of our noble countrymen, like Prince Leoppld, have turned away from the follies and perturbations of a town life, and have withdrawn into the country, and to themselves. But no one can fail to notice the general cause of this recess that they form to their minds as a foun- tain of pleasure; we may commonly discover, upon 392 LIFE OF THE a" close inspection into their character, that their souls were not fashioned by nature for solitary joys, but having been sufferers in gaming houses, or after losing the protection or the hopes of their sub- lunary greatness in the death of a minister or an only son, they turn away grim and sullen, and go- ing down into their country places follow with ob- stinate severity a course of temperance that has no virtue in it, or a virtue that is very unamiable; and although they attend to business in their estates, yet it is to the misery and terror of those who have any business to transact with them. In discharg- ing the duties of the magistrate, one may often see people of this stamp, go through their examinations as if they hoped to convict the wretched culprits that appear before them, and when found guilty these creatures can indulge but faint expectations of a mitigated punishment. Their countenances pursed up and severe bespeak them executioners rather than the expounders of the law. Far, far different was the case of Prince Leopold, it was not in the hope of repairing a shattered constitution that he had retired to the country ; in place of re- gretting domestic misfortunes he had full reason to exult in his happy circumstances, and his accom- plished mind was entirely calculated to estimate with thankfulness to Heaven the favours that had been given him, and to join in sincere and grateful PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 393 adoration to his Maker with the sweet sharer of all his joys and the source of them. Yet they did not mould their life of privacy upon such stern principles as never to abate in their fond- ness for being alone. Such a line of conduct could not comport with the expectations of the people, nor tally with the high and authorative rank they held in society. On the 23d of January, a numer- ous dinner party were entertained at Claremont, consisting of Earl Liverpool, Viscount Castle- reagh, Viscount Sidmouth, Mr. Huskisson, and several other public men. The observers of poli- tical action regarded this dinner as having con- nected with it certain matters of consequence, and nearly affecting the private happiness of her Royal Highness. But the interpretation dissolved away in obscure hints, doubts and conjecture, and no grounds at all seem to have existed for the invita- tion of the party, save what private friendship sug- gested. That there were no reasons for opposing without proof the private nature of the meeting, is pretty clear from the circumstance that Lady Cas- tlereagh was of the party ; although it must be owned that her Ladyship's presence did not mili- tate against the furtherance of political measures, for she was with her Lord at Vienna, and not deemed worthy of being secluded from that grand scene of state business and public treaty. This was 3 E 394 LIFE OF THE however owing to her unwillingness to part with his Lordship for so long a time, having gloried in her wedded condition for many years and received all the marks of love and friendship from that noble- man which it is within the power of a husband to show, they are by all parties allowed to be a happy couple. They both stayed over night with the Prince and Princess, so did Mr. Huskisson, and left Claremont the day following soon after break- fast, and returned to town. About the latter part of January, Prince Leo- pold and Princess Charlotte did what must exceed- ingly endear them to the Irish people. The times were growing worse and worse every day, business seemed to be quite stagnant, nothing was under- taken in building, or those operations that give em- ployment to the industrious poor. It has long been customary for sturdy or adventurous persons to but so much cheering information was at the same time given as laid the people open to the reception of similar ones : for Sir Richard declared that the labour pains were as favourable as possibly they could be. Sir Richard, however, wrote to Doctor Sims, a medical gentleman of high reputation, re- questing his presence at Claremont, that thus he might, seconded by so able a man, do all for the precious trust that he had to discharge, which hu- man skill and practice were adequate to accomplish. On Wednesday before two o'clock a. m. Doctor Sims arrived at Claremont. Sir Richard wished Doctor Sims to enter the Princess's apartments along with him as soon as he came, but Doctor Baillie and Doctor Sims were of opinion that her 3q 482 LIFE OF THE Royal Highness might be thrown into agitation by the appearance of a stranger, and so Mr. Sims would not go into the chamber. Sir Richard was all anxiety, and his mind on the alert every moment, but no artificial methods appeared to him requisite, because however slowly the Princess was going on, still some progress was making ; and till twelve o'clock, noon, of Wednesday, this appeared to be the case so evident that Doctor Sims, whom Sir Richard often advised with, agreed that it were most proper to give nature its own way. About five, a bulletin was issued, signed by the three doctors. This was it. " Claremont, Nov. 5. Half past 5. p. m. " The labour of her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte has considerably advanced within the last three or four hours* and will it is hoped within a few hours be happily completed. M. Baillie. R. Croft. J. Sims." At half past nine, the next report was given thus. " Claremont Nov. 5. Quarter past 9- Evening. " At nine o'clock this evening her Royal High- ness the Princess Charlotte was safely delivered of a still born male infant, and her Royal Highness is going on favourably. M. Baillie. R. Croft. J. Sims." PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.- 483 The child was given immediately to Mr. Baillie and Mr. Sims, and they with all the powers of art that in them lay attempted the reanimation of it. But all their efforts proved ineffectual. While Sir Richard continued with the Princess he did not see any thing that was calculated to awaken"] alarm, but her Royal Highness appeared perfectly composed except in that she talked a great deal. Matters however stood so promisingly, that another bulletin was issued at ten, worded in the following enheartening manner. " Claremont, Nov. 5. 10 o'clock p. m. "At nine o'clock this evening her Royal High- ness the Princess Charlotte was delivered of a still born male child. Her Royal Highness is doing extremely well. M. Baillie. J. Sims. R. Croft." Lord Sidmouth, according to the customary po- liteness, acquainted the Lord Mayor with the result in this letter : " Claremont, Nov. 5 half past Q. p. m. " My Lord, " I have the honour to inform your Lordship, that at nine o'clock this evening, her Royal High- ness the Princess Charlotte was safely delivered of 484 LIFE OF THE a still born male child, and that her Royal High- ness is going on favourably. I have the honour to be, my Lord, Your most obedient Servant, Sidmouth. '"* The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor." Such was to this time the dissatisfactory, yet not lamentable issue of the business. It was discovered manifestly that the infant was alive till the period of its birth, and it was found to be of complete and excellent shape. What the feelings of the tender parent were when she was informed of the sad news that her child lived, not it is hard to conceive, it may indeed be doubted whether the feelings maternal are not in such a case as powerful as any that could regard the existence of a parent herself, that is to say, whether she would be more deeply afflicted by the certain knowledge that her own dissolution was immediately to follow the birth of her living child, or, although she might become well again after all her pains that the infant which caused them was dead ; this it were hard to de- termine, doubtless the excellent spirit and resolu- tion of the Princess was put to a severe test, when the gloomy communication was made to her that the child was still born : she is said to have turned her eyes up to Heaven, and in pious agony to have PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 485 exclaimed — " 1c h th will of God !" — As to the poor Prince, he was not so much cut down by the cala- mitous intelligence that he had no son alive, as he was consoled by the assurances of the favourable state of his beloved consort ; " Well," he cried, " I am thankful that the Princess is safe, God be prais- ed for that." When his mind was fully satisfied that his beloved consort was in a favourable way, he retired to rest, his spirits indeed were exhausted, and his limbs were as much overcome as if he had been after a long journey ; for during the preceding days he had not enjoyed any refection, constantly up and agitated for the safety and ease of her Royal Highness. When the symptoms of a dangerous nature were announced, he was ready to attend among the first. About eleven o'clock, the Princess seemed in- clined to sleep, and as nothing serious had occurred to give any uneasiness, it was thought that a little sleep would prove exceeding beneficial to her ; and under all the circumstances, the Archbishop of Canterbury and others of the State Officers left Claremont. The physicians also lay down in the perfect confidence of her Royal Highness being in a favourable way. But wakening up about twelve, some gruel was offered to her, which the Princess in attempting to swallow found herself unable, and instantly became very uneasy and discomposed. 486 LIFE OF THE Immediately Mrs. Griffiths the nurse desired that the medical gentlemen should be apprized of it ; they instantly dressed, and Sir Richard Croft dis- covered upon going into the room that her Royal Highness was seriously unwell; he desired Mr. Baillie and Mr. Sims to join him in consultation : thus three of the most eminent of the faculty unit- ing all their powers of judgment, attended her Royal Highness, but human ability is weak, the Princess not only grew not more tranquil, but her disorder encreased; at first it was supposed that the difficul- ty of swallowing was to be attributed to some tem- porary obstruction that would be presently removed, but the pain in her chest was now added, and a pledge of coming mortality, a still more certain and alarming sign, her Royal Highness complained of being chilly, and of all the indications of sickness that of shivering has something in it which affects a person that looks on much more than any other. What then must the feelings of the poor Prince have been, who, before he had closed his eyes in sleepless repose, summoned again to the bedside of his dearest earthly possession, his true and lovely • wife, loving him and beloved of him, what a woe- ful scene had the poor Prince to witness now, ag- gravated as his grief was by the previous hopes of being doubly blessed, blessed with a living promis- ing son, and blessed again because the Princess was PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 487 blessed. He was now to hover in rueful condol- ence over the sweet countenance of his angel wife, implant the kiss of sorrow, yet of consolation upon her trembling lips, and speak comfort to her soul, an office not without some mixture of happiness and enjoyment, for the very pain that we endure at the sight of misery in those that are dear to us imparts a fulness of sorrow that has the pleasure in it of satisfied woe, of perceiving that the distress we feel is due; such transient gleams of happiness might thus have passed over him in the midst of his afflictions, his grief was the grief of disappoint- ment, there was not in it the acuteness of anguish; for why, because she lived, she lived in whom was bound up his mortal happiness, he hoped to console her mind and apply lenitives to her distress, and the task was a solemn and a sorrowful one, but not without its portion of felicity, and his endea- vours were sure to be assisted with the Princess's own thoughts, and although lamentation might for a while be indulged by the fond mother, still her christian fortitude was very strong, and she had before her every prospect of a happy life in the company of the husband that was dear to her heart, The Prince's anxiety was equalled by the return of affectionate condolence shown him by her Royal Highness, who seemed to feel as if on his account above all others the dreadful calamity that had 488 LIFE OF THE visited them. Her eyes were kept steadfastly fixed upon the Prince, she looked at him as if it was with him she would wish to be well and happy, she gave him frequently her hand, and seemed to gather some relief from the circumstance of uniting his hand with her's; I feel, she said upon the first in- timation she had of the child being still born, I feel, she said, this affliction, because the people will be vexed and distressed generally at it. I am sorry, deeply so as a mother may well be. But, raising her sinking voice, I feel it heavily. Oh I feel it for my husband's sake. Her Royal Highness continu- ed to speak a great deal, more indeed than the medical attendants supposed advisable. She became however more composed towards her latter end, and uttered many delightful ejaculations, which gives us cause to believe that she felt a conscious- ness of God's tender mercy through Christ, for never could a mortal being more strongly testify his faith than the sweet Princess Charlotte did con- tinually. A few seconds before her Royal High- ness expired, she grasped with extreme earnestness the hand of her beloved Prince, she held it for a while, regarding him with mute attention, then lifting her eyes up towards Heaven, her head sink- ing on her bosom, the Princess drew a gentle sigh and was no more. Let the man now who proposes to himself a chain PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 489 of happiness extending to the end of life, contemplate the havoc which a single day sufficed to bring about in the happiness of Claremont, and how im- portant in the comparison must appear that resting place for men's eternal happiness, where there is no comfort to be taken away, but where joy abideth for ever and ever. Those who throw prostrate, as unworthy of their notice and pains, all the graces recommended to us by the blessed pattern that was set us near two thousand years ago by him who united in himself the divine and human nature, a man after the substance of his mother, born into the world that he might only expire through an inglorious mode of punishment, and had all the severities of the world to encounter, and yet too holy and sinless to give into vice, and study to es- cape the suffering, he whom men rejected with scorn and indignation, and yet took upon him the very guilt of his bitterest enemies, surely he will feel mercy, and zealously strive to pacify justice, if we will but turn to him and crave his protection and favour. In the happy region of those who have no more of their pilgrimage to make, no hostile hands to do them injury, where the arrow of death does not fly in the night, we may enjoy their felicity without the fear of losing it ; but in this world be- twixt the envy of the little, and the craft of persons whose minds are contracted, he that indulges the 3 R 490 LIFE OF THE hope of a prosperous life is sure to be disappointed ; it therefore is the part of every being to conciliate the approbation of his own conscience, which is the best force there can be used to counteract malice and suppress discontent, and to crown his worldly expectations let him build up for himself a mansion in the state to come, this no man can do for himself but he may pursue the hope of it being done for him; the mercies of Heaven are proportioned to the sins of the earth, and the great Author of the Uni- verse, who was prompted by his love towards men to send down his own son from the divine residence to sojourn in misery here, will deal indulgently towards the truly pentitent and contrite spirit, comfort the broken hearted, and fill with his grace abundantly those that pant after it. It being the custom to speak solace to the wretched, they would advise well who directed the mourner to turn his views and hopes to the never failing spring of happiness and joy, thence he may draw copiously, and never fear that the fountain will be dried up. Meantime the afflicted father having had intelli- gence that the illness of the Princess had com- menced, hastened to Carlton House, that he might be at band for the earliest news. He arrived in town about four o'clock on Thursday morning, and there he learned the heart rending tidings that his amiable child was no more, that she was now no PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 491 more from whom he expected all that ambition and love could admit amongst their blessings, independ- ent of the glory and honour of having kings to reign after him the issue of himself, the strong hold which his daughter had taken of his affections, the many charms and graces that adorned her, all lost, perished for ever. The crown officers reached tow nabout five o'clock in the morning, and expresses were sent about in all directions announcing the melancholy occurrence. In his note to the Lord Mayor, Lord Sidmouch thus unfolded the sad catastrophe. "Whitehall Qth Nov. " My Lord, " It is with the deepest sorrow that I inform your Lordship, that her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte expired this' morning at half past two o'clock. I have the honour to be, &c» Sidmouth. " The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor." And in the Gazette Extraordinary published on the 4th, was the following concise but touching an- nouncement of the lamentable affair. " Whitehall Nov. 6. "Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte Augusta, daughter of his Royal Highness the 492 LIFE OF THE Prince Regent, and consort of his Serene Highness the Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg, was deliver- ed of a still born male child at nine o'clock last night, and about half past twelve her Royal High- ness was seized with great difficulty of breathing, restlessness, and exhaustion, which alarming sym- ptoms encreased till half past two o'clock this morn- ing; when her Royal Highness expired, to the in- expressible grief of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, of her illustrious consort the Prince Leo- pold, and of all the Royal Family." When these accounts reached the ears of the people, they were astounded with grievous sorrow, many, as is natural in such cases, disbelieved the re- port for a long time, people could not persuade them- selves that the Princess Charlotte was gone, raised to the highest pinnacle of terrestrial happiness and bliss, her comforts equalling her grandeur, and above all the sweet and noble disposition that she had al- ways discovered in her actions, tended to make her an object that we dreaded to contemplate the losing of. There was no being but felt, or had the grace to feign feeling true distress and wonder at the calamitous issue of the promises to the kingdom that had been given by the very circumstances which led ultimately to plunge it in lamentation. The Lord Mayor, immediately after receiving the intimation of Lord Sidmouth, summoned a special PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 4Q3 meeting of Aldermen, which convened at Guild- hall ; and there the dreadful news being certified, the Aldermen determined unanimously to stop the preparations that were making in the hall against the approaching Lord Mayor's Day, and that the structures put up already should be remov- ed. A notice was moreover framed for the sup- pression of all rejoicings and merriment upon the Lord Mayor's Day. And by direction of his Lord- ship the great bell of St. Paul's tolled. The trades people of the Royal Family simultaneously shut to their shop windows. The lottery was npt to be drawn till the interment was over ; nor were the theatres to open, nor any public amusements take place while the corpse of the lamented Princess remained un buried. Thus a black mantle was thrown as it were over the whole country, there was no joy, no gladness to be seen any where, every countenance bore the marks of deep sorrow as if some near friend of his own had paid the debt of nature. It will be no improper transition to pass over to a cursory notice of these like calamities in the Royal Family which hitherto afflicted the nation; but where shall we find the measure of our sorrow so full, where such an amiable and useful existence to deplore the loss of? for she possessed whatever could elevate the mind to admiration of her without 494 LIFE OF THE sinking the beholder into nothing, it being the force of her great condescension to make those about her Royal Highness love as well as respect her, and be equally distant from servility and pre- sumption. So that amongst all the disasters which have befallen the family of the Monarchs of Eng- land, it were hard to select an instance where the loss was more acutely felt than in the dissolution of Princess Charlotte. Henry 1. sustained a deep wound in his affections by the death of his son, who was shipwrecked on his way to England; this Prince however is reported to have been but a doubtful character, his aversion to England he was at no pains to conceal, and although a promising youth in all respects but this, the exception against him herein must have suppressed the extension of the king's sorrow, and fixed it with himself, for al- though Englishmen are not so much enslaved by nationality but that they are ready to admit into their out-stretched arms a foreigner that is worthy of their embrace, yet they certainly have no well grounded affection towards those that evidently hate them because they are English ; how could they like such persons? But the wishes of the whole community were for the safety and honour of the son of Edward III. him that is commonly called " The Black Prince." For his premature death all the nation was immersed in unaffected grief and PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 495 melancholy, but yet in his case, one comfort at the time arose that he had left a son behind him who might inherit the virtues of his father, for it was thought then that he who was afterwards Richard II. would approve himself worthy of his illustrious parentage, and although he did not, still the vir- tues of the father led men to hope all things fav- ourable of his son, and the strength of this pleasing anticipation was sufficient to allay the rising de- spair that was gaining upon the people. As to the eldest son of Henry VII. ; he was certainly a young Prince of great sense and merit, but loved military power too much to prove a monarch of service to his successors, for it is a lamentable fact than when once an attachment to the army has been permanent in the affections of a sovereign to the other objects of his people's benefit that should claim his con- cern, it is seldom, or ever that the spirit is abated; on the contrary we see by the history of other na- tions that the flame of martial glory is ever prone to become higher and higher. We should observe however, that the parsimoniousness of Henry VII. had so far reduced this military tendency by the abolition of useless commands, that the people longing for a return of parade and bustle, were for- ward enough to admire the heroic properties of this Prince, and consequently their grief was very acute when he was taken awav from them ; it was how- 496 LIFE OF THE ever assuaged in no small degree by the pledges of future greatness which his brother, afterwards Henrv VIII. presented the nation with in his per- son. This young Prince was highly accomplished, and master of a large stock of deep knowledge which he graced with the most comely make and appearance that the human form could have, and however ill he turned out, his rising virtue augur- ed most fair, and had it not been for the impetuo- sity of his passions, indulged and cherished by a servile tribe of flatterers, he might have proved as great a blessing to those he governed, as he had been remarked for an eccentric wickedness among governors. So that the persons then who had the discernment to see through character, and not weak or credulous to be dazzled out of their discretion, did .not regret the departed Prince much more than they reckoned upon all things favourable from the merits of the one that was preserved to them. Upon the demise of Edward VI. all hearts were sorely touched, but the national grief was consider- ably mitigated by the length of time that he was apparently hastening to the sepulchre, he was not cut off in the bloom of youth, but in the precocity of old age, his October began in the Spring of his existence; and when he did quit the theatre of this mortal life, the happy reign of Elizabeth ren- dered it a questionable point whether it was not all PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 497 for the best, he might have lived to an advanced period, and the able and sound female monarch that came after him might have been thereby precluded from benefiting the country by her glorious admi- nistration. The eldest son of James I. who died early, had engaged the good will and admiration of all his contemporaries, but like the son of Henry, and indeed in a still greater degree, he was given up to military notions, that might have illustrated the power of the kingdom more than promoted its happiness and liberties. But in these instances the loss was in no case so well calculated for public re- gret, and lamentable, as in that of our beloved and dear Princess Charlotte. They had severally their merits and excellent properties, but her Royal Highness possessed every thing that was noble, christian and humane, her spirit was high, and humble were her prepensions, her charity was un- common for one reared up in plenty and a stranger to want, and yet there was no ostentation, no vain glory in her, she had good qualities, but was never in pain to set them off, she was virtuous without the incentive of obtaining praise, and yet she was fully alive to commendation, and always seemed to be pleased with any encomiums, that were be- stowed upon her when she thought herself deserv- ing of them. Such transcendent virtues could not fail to attach very close a people like the British to 38 498 LIFE OF THE those who possessed them, but when these proper- ties were affixed to a lovely young woman a sort of private affection, as she was a virtuous female, was mixed up in our respect for her as she was a royal person, and thus no death in Europe could have come within many degrees of the deep impression which the untimely end of Princess Charlotte made upon the minds of all. The first thing done by the Prince Regent after the woeful news was told him, he dispatched tne Duke of York and Lord Bathurst to Claremont to offer the afflicted husband apartments in Carlton House, that his feelings might be spared the sad pain of seeing all the dismal remembrances of his recent happiness before him, so soon after that hap- piness was crushed eternally. This was the con- siderate thought which struck his Royal Highness when the tidings were brought to him that all was over. He was then just setting out for Claremont, having been assured that the Princess was doing as well as possibly could be expected, and however devoid of perfect satisfaction the whole communi- cation might have been, still there was much com- fort in the state of her Royal Highness's health, and there was room for indulging hope : but now what remained of that sweetner of human calami- ty ? nothing. No more the pleasant countenance of the charming daughter was to give a cheerful PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 499 salutation at the father's visiting, there was at once an end of her and of her issue. His Royal High- ness behaved in a manner that showed the feelings and the fortitude of a man ; he struggled to hide the violence of keen affection, but he laboured in vain, his thoughts agitated his entire frame and threw him into a paroxysm of agony, but his Royal Highness being cupped and having had some blood let, grew much better, or rather composed the tu- multuous raging of his distressed mind. Her Majesty was very speedily apprized of the delivery of the Princess, and although the tidings were far from being matter of joy, yet the consol- ation that her Royal Highness was going on so happily relieved the anxiety of the Queen, and made the disappointment tolerable. It was but a quarter of an hour after the messenger arrived that the Queen had appointed the time for receiving the address of the corporation of Bath. When the de- putation, headed by the Marquis of Camden, had paid their compliments, they repaired to the public hall to dine together ; the party consisting of the most distinguished persons at that time in Bath, and among others of the Duke of Clarence, who had come along with his royal mother, of Sir Henry Halford, and of all the chief attendants upon her Majesty ; but as they were engaged at the enter- tainment, impressed by the late news they had 500 LIFE OF THE heard without pleasure or much pain, a letter, a mortal letter was delivered into the hands of Sir Henry Halford, he after reading it over, gave it to the Duke of Clarence, and his Royal Highness with looks of ineffable grief, rose up and departed from the assembly, When the Duke was seen thus suddenly withdrawing, all present feared the worst ; and they quickly received a confirmation of what they apprehended from the faltering lips of the Marquis of Camden, who proposed an im- mediate stop to the festivities of the day, and, actu- ated by one mind, they got up all, deeply absorded in silent distress, and quitted individually the room, as if each had been summoned to behold the corpse of his wife or of his child. The express of the dreadful circumstance was dispatched for her Ma- jesty at Bath, by Lord Sidmouth before six o'clock on Thursday morning, as soon as his Lordship had reached town, but with great prudence the letter was to be given to General Taylor, and he was to be made acquainted with the melancholy nature of it before it was put into her Majesty's hand, that whatever favourable incident might occur to pro- mote the breaking off, should not lose its influence by a forward way of making the dismal communi- cation. Upon the coming of the messenger, her Majesty was at dinner with Princess Elizabeth, the Dowager Countess of Ilchester and several other PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 501 attendants. One of the pages was requested to call out the General, but he knowing such a thing to be contrary to etiquette was unwilling to do it at first ; be was at length prevailed upon to tell the General that he was wanted upon some urgent business, he complied, and went into the room and told him. General Taylor, himself over- powered by the distressing information, was at a loss for means to impart it to her Majesty ; but adopting the best plan he could think of, he desired that the Countess of Ilchester should by called out. As soon as her Ladyship re-entered the room, the Queen changed colour ; Oh ! cried her Majesty, I know, I know some fatal thing has happened, and looking with extreme penetration and agonizing- earnestness at the Countess, heard the direful news, and for a while was without motion, then she placed her hand before her eyes, and heaved a convulsive sigh. Princess Elizabeth shrieked, and all was every where deep sorrow and lamentation in this house of mourning. Her Majesty and the Princess retired to bed. I know that people have some of them, it is hoped a few only, considered the grief of |the Queen to be very moderate, but there is a pleasure in cruelty which leads us to indulge it, and is apt to transport us beyond reason and truth: let it be so, but charity will always accompany a good mind, and dispose it to favour. Her Majesty :502 LIFE OF THE was desirous of setting out immediately from Bath, but was really unable to go till the following day ; she took no breakfast till a late hour, and even then eat hardly any thing, but was much relieved by the letters that she wrote to Prince Leopold, and the afflicted father. \Taken from a respectable Newspaper.^ " The Prince Regent was relieved in body by the operation of cupping, but his mental sufferings appeared to be as acute as ever. On the 9th, at half past seven, his Royal Highness received a visit from the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who, on receiving the lamentable information, immedi- ately set off for town. The Duchess, on her arrival at Carlton House, partly on account of the shocking event of the death of the Princess, partly on wit- nessing the deep affliction which seemed almost to overwhelm her royal brother, was so dreadfully agi- tated, that it became necessary to detain her Royal Highness ; and, after some time, she was prevailed upon to retire for the purpose of repose. The Duke of Gloucester then proceeded to Claremont. The Prince Regent, in the mean time, having been ap- prized of the effect which their mutual calamity had produced on the Queen and Princesses at Windsor, determined to repair thither, in the hope, perhaps of finding some alleviation, however slight, for hk affliction, by sharing it with those scarcely PRINCESS CHABLOTTE. 503 less interested in it than himself. His Royal High- ness went alone, and travelled with the blinds of his carriage down. "In the more immediate vicinity of Claremont, the symptoms of sorrow were most strongly marked. The houses of Esher and Kingston, where prepa- rations had been made for bonfires, on the safe de- livery of the Princess, were actually shut, as if a death had happened in almost every family there. Her safe delivery had been announced at Esher, and the bells immediately set up a merry peal, and they were actually ringing when the dreadful news of her decease arrived. It came upon the inhabitants of Esher like a thunderbolt, or like the sudden ravage of an earthquake; — it was felt the more as it came unlooked for and unexpected. Grief and consternation were imprinted upon every counte- nance — the mother looked as if she had lost her child, — -the husband as if he had lost his wife, — the brother as if he had lost a sister, — and all looked as if they had lost a friend. It was in the immediate vicinity of Claremont that her virtues were best known ; it was there that her real worth was duly appreciated. The eminence of her station while she lived, was such as to attach the utmost importance to her minutest actions. How much more then must her death fix attention; and if, as there is every reason to believe, the qualities of 504 LIFE OF THE her heart, and the powers of her understanding were calculated to adorn the station for which she appeared destined, and to promote the happiness of those whom she was to govern — how must her loss exact sorrow and regret ! One of our best historians, in speaking of the premature death of an heir-apparent to the British throne, says, " Con- temporary historians are fond of dwelling on the virtues of this Prince." It is, indeed, only from contemporary writers, or contemporary opinion, that the characters of persons born to high rank, but who have not been spared to act their parts in the theatre of public life, can be known to pos- terity. That the station of the Princess was the most eminent to which mortals are born, or can aspire, is undeniable; and, it is therefore fitting for posterity to know, that the promise and earnest which she had afforded of a capacity to fill that sta- tion with usefulness and honour, was evinced by the unqualified grief of all her countrymen for her loss. Such a period of sorrow and dismay has but rarely occurred in the history of the nation. Some events are magnified by those among whom they take place, for the same reason that objects appear greater in proportion as they are near; but the present, lamentable as it is, being still more likely to affect in its consequences, than in its immediate occurrence, cannot well be overvalued by contem- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. , 505 poraries. Let the nation well consider how pos- terity may have to speak of the event in their nar- ratives. Among any people, with whom the lav/ of primogenture prevails in the claims to the crown, an uninterrupted succession from father to son, or from father to daughter, in direct descent, is of great importance to public order. At all events then, a turn in the succession must here occur. May the new one, from whomsoever it springs, still lead to national honour and prosperity ! But it is interesting to know, that she to whom we have for twenty years looked for a continuation of the old line, was not likely to fall below its most valu- able antecedent members in solid virtue and worth; and, that the British nation, both personally and politically, loved her whilst living, and lament her when dead. " From these reflections (and similar ones that crowd upon the mind on every view of this melan- choly subject), we turn to that now desolate man- sion, where perhaps the most hopeless — hapless man in the country at the present moment, the wretched Prince Leopold, lies in all the agony of his grief. Let not the disappointment be mentioned of that hope and promise of being the root from which the future sovereigns of the freest nation upon earth were to proceed — " Thou shalt have Kings of thine own, tho' thou be none" — but of the utter defeat 3 T 506 LIFE OF THE and destruction of all those prospects of domestic happiness, which not a month since appeared so bright and unclouded. On that day three weeks we find him accompanying the Princess in one of those rides she took about the grounds of Claremont, con- versing, as we may easily conceive, upon the future — sketching plans of domestic happiness in their new characters of father and mother — fancying them- selves already surrounded by their offspring — pur- suing the story of their happy lives long into the future — and promising themselves * That which should accompany old age, A3 honour, love> obedience, troops of friends/ All these things we may well imagine to have been the subject-matter of their converse. And now, three weeks only elapsed — nay, not so much ! " His Serene Highness was beginning to assume a settled kind of composure when the circumstance of the embalming of the body of the Princess so horrified him, that he appeared to shun every con- solation which was offered to him. The body of the Princess was indeed embalmed before Prince Leopold was aware of the operation ; for it was supposed, that he might be the more affected by it, as the ceremony, though observed from time im- memorial, with respect to the corpses of the Eng- lish Royal Family, is unknown in most of the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 507 foreign courts, and is, in fact, under all its circum- stances of manglinsr, as well as useless indecorum, revolting to the heart. When his Highness was at last informed of it, he heard it with much agita- tion ; and from that moment he regained not the composure which he had at least seemed to acquire. " It has been stated that his Majesty gave di- rections, on the demise of his beloved daughter Amelia, that the barbarous practice of embalming, a relic transmitted to us from the age of the grossest barbarism, should be dispensed with, considering it as indecent and absurd. " It might have been useful at a period when the body was kept for several weeks in state, and with- out being enclosed in lead. But now it can be re- tained only on the score of precedent. "On the demise of any member of the Royal Family, it is the duty of the Serjeant Surgeon of the King to embalm the body. Accordingly Sir Everard Home had an audience of the Prince Regent, on the Thursday morning ; and on the following day he repaired to Claremont, accompanied by Sir David Dundas and Mr. Brande, to perform the melancholy task, in which they were assisted by Mr. Neville the surgeon to the household at Claremont. At the same time it has been understood that to sa- tisfy the anxious and tortured feeling of all those who most tenderly loved the Princess, as well as 508 LIFE OT THE to justify the medical practitioners, it was deter* mined to ascertain the proximate cause of her sud- den demise. The following is an accurate statement of the appearances these gentlemen observed : — " The membranes of the brain presented their na- tural aspect. The vessels of the pia mater were less distended with blood than was to be expected after so severe a labour. The ventricles of the brain contained very little fluid. The plexus cho- roides was of a pale colour, and the substance of the brain had its natural texture. " The pericardium (the region of the heart) con- tained two ounces of red-coloured fluid. The heart itself and the lungs were in a natural state. The stomach contained nearly three pints of liquid. The colon was distended with air. The kidneys and other abdominal viscera were in a, na- tural state," The foregoing narrative throws very little light upon the immediate cause of the death of the Prin- cess. The fluid found in the pericardium might have obstructed the due action of the heart; but it is not easy to account for its presence there, nor to conceive that so large a quantity could have been effused during the short space of time that super- vened to delivery, before the breathing became im peded. The quantity of the blood which was found in the womb might have induced exhaustion; PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 509 but this opinion can only be conjectural, as it is impossible to draw any certain inference from the rather indefinite expression "considerable? con- tained in the Report of the surgeons. Conjecture, indeed, has been busy, and a number of casual cir- cumstances has been brought forward to account for the dissolution ; some of which are ungenerous- ly and unguardedly, not to say maliciously calcu- lated to attach blame to the medical attendants ; but we must consider such expositions as unjust to the individuals concerned, and in no degree ho- nourable to the profession. We have been inform- ed that the whole of the Royal Family are liable to the spasms of a violent description ; and to this hereditary predisposition, and the increased excit- ability of the amiable sufferer, owing to the tedious nature of the labour, are we left to ascribe an event which has destroyed the flattering hopes of the nation. Such being the statement of the case, let us ex- amine how far it justifies the proceedings of those to whom the management of it was confided. In pursuing this inquiry, we follow, as the best guide, the two eminent professional gentlemen who edit the " London Medical Repository ;" and if this be censurable in the opinion of some, a counter balance to the dissatisfaction of these will be found in the certain assurance that all judicious men will be well 510 LIFE OF THE pleased to see us take such competent peisons to direct us. We are told in the first place that her Royal Highness was in perfect health previous to her confinement ; that her spirits were excellent, and her mind anticipating no evil. Here then there was nothing to dread, nor can we discover any reason for such an anxiety on the part of Sir Richard Croft, as should have made him foresee the necessity of a consultation. The high rank of the patient did not render her situation the more precarious ;* and although a matter of mere pru- dence, and to lessen his own rr sponsibility, Sir Richard might have had some of the principal ac- coucheurs in attendance; yet, if such a circumstance had been known to the Princess, it would undoubt- edly have diminished her confidence in her ac- coucheur ; and probably have produced a state of mind, unfavourable at all times in her situation. In the case of any other female, Sir Richard would have felt himself fully adequate to his task ; and why, it may rationally be demanded, should the confidence of a man in himself be diminished, be- cause the person he has to attend holds the most elevated rank in society? The progress of the * It is reported of the crafty Napoleon, that when he saw the accou- cheur of the Empress Maria Louisa begin to be nervous, he clapped him on the shoulders, with this admonition, " You have a woman in your hands." PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.. 511 labour, after it commenced, was slow, but it pro- ceeded regularly ; and, although Sir Richard Croft found it necessary to call Dr. Sims into attendance in case a consultation should have been found to be requisite; yet, so little was it then required, that Dr. Sims was not introduced into the lying-in room. The animadversions that have been made upon this part of the proceedings, have been loud and severe* but surely the opinions of Dr. Baillie and Dr. Sims, and that of Sir Richard Croft also, who were upon the spot, and thoroughly acquainted with every circumstance connected with the case, must be re- ceived with more confident trust than the opinions of persons wholly ignorant of the particulars, and misled by their imaginations or the floating rumours of the moment. Every one, although not of the the profession, who has been frequently in lying-in rooms, must be satisfied that no prognostic of danger can be founded on the tardiness alone of a labour, unless the period it occupies far exceed the length of Princess Charlotte's. After the birth, when the irregularity in the process of nature, which had supervened, was discovered, the separation of the after-birth was undertaken according to Dr. Sim's advice, and the propriety of the measure was evi- dent from the consequences. The labour was ter- minated without any untoward circumstance. The sickness and spasm upon the respiratory organs 512 LIFE OF THE which succeeded, could not have been foreseen, nor can their appearance be accounted for by any thing immediately connected with the accouchment. When they unfortunately made their appearance, the state of the case was of a nature which required the most prompt assistance ; and accordingly we find Dr. Baillie and Dr. Sims at the bed-side of the patient; and can it be supposed, as we have before said, that whatever skill, judgment, and experience could accomplish was not attempted. It is true, we have not been informed of the remedies which were employed ; but can w r e doubt of their having been the most proper, when the patient was in such hands ; Let us suppose, for the sake of argu- ment, that the Princess had been in other hands, that the same circumstances had occurred, and that further advice had been deemed essential, who of the profession was the most likely person to have been called in ? Does not the idea of Dr. Baillie instantly present itself to the mind t and if his ad- vice, when so demanded, would have been consi- dered as the best, whatever might have been the re- sult, was it less valuable because he was upon the spot; and can we admit, what almost involves an absurdity, that he would be less energetic in this case than in others ? Thus we must admit, that the best assistance was procured that the country could afford ; that every thing was done which the PRINCESS CHXULQTTE. 513 skill of the physicians could dictate ; and will any member of the profession who regards candour take "upon him to say, that in a similar case, were it now before him, and the result equally uncertain, he could positively save the patient ? That the better informed and the reflecting part of the com- munity will be satisfied with the plain statement of the facts, there can be little doubt : but to sup- pose that the prejudiced and the ignorant shall be silenced, would be to hope for what has never yet occurred. But if the ability and attention of the physicians be admitted, is the profession itself to be undervalued ? That may be the case with those who consider the science of medicine, as consisting merely of a catalogue of specifics, each of which is capable of removing some particular disease : but it ought to be generally known, that the more able and experienced a physician is the less reliance does he place upon the specific effects of remedies. The great object of the real physician is to discover the proper indications that suggest the use of the re- medies ; it is this which the science teaches him, and in which the excellence of the art is fixed. But, although the remedy which is administered may be the best adapted to secure the intention of the pre- scriber, and the symptoms agreeably to which it is applied be clearly and unequivocally ascertained ; and, although success may have followed its use in 3u 514 LIFE OF THE every other case, in which it has been as clearly in- dicated, yet, no physician can venture positively to assure the patient of the certainty of the same re- sult in his particular case. But the art of medicine is not to be disparaged because it wants perfection, the benefit which mankind have received from it should not be concealed. It often averts approach- ing evils ; it often turns aside the fatal dart already levelled at the victim; and when it does fail, no- thing more is proved than that the highest efforts of human skill come infinitely short of infallibility. It is of great importance to impress upon the fe- male mind that the state of pregnancy is not a state of disease ; that the process of childbirth is a natural operation, very rarely attended with danger in a healthy and well-formed woman ; and that even in cases of deformity, the resources of nature are cap- able of meeting obstacles, apparently insurmount- able. The case of the Princess cannot be quoted in opposition to these truths. It is an anomalous case, which goes for nothing, when weighed against those which have been illustrated by the experi- ence of centuries. But, at the same time, those about to be mothers should be informed, that im- patience and irritation may render an operation otherwise safe in itself, critical and uncertain, where- as nothing contributes so much to facilitate it and ensure the safety of both mother and child, as PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 515 patience, fortitude and composure of mind, second- ed by entire confidence in the medical attendant. And yet it must be acknowledged that it is not in the power of a woman, particularly one that is de- licately brought up, to overcome the terrors and starts of apprehension that will rise whether she will or no in her mind ; every person therefore round her ought to be cheerful, and never look at her with a desponding or awful eye, for the confi- dent expectation that others entertain or seem to entertain, gives her the best prop to rest upon and strengthens her spirit, whereas a gloomy counte- nance evidently put on for her precious sake by her relatives or friends is enough to frighten her into dreadful anticipations, and make her quite nervous, and nervousness is a cruel enemy to the safe passage through her travail. Gentlemen of all professions are so fond of mystery making, that we are not generally to look for a free and unfettered behaviour in a physician, but when a carelessness of manner happens to be associated with a real thoughtful ess in him, every body ought to cry up his fame and recommend him to practice, not only as a thing that is due to individual merit, but through the laudable motives besides of preserving lives of worth, or even such as are of little value, because the worst of us may in time be good for something. Let us take notices of this kind with caution not- 516 LIFE OF THE withstanding, for a physician may be a very able man in his line, and yet have no marks of his skill in his manner of behaving himself, that indeed is possible. An urn was made for the reception of those parts which were separated from the body for the purpose of embalming. When the operation was over, the body was enclosed in several wrappers made stiff with w r ax, and these were covered with an invelop of blue velvet tied with white ribbands. The peo- ple were in general very much dissatisfied with the process resorted to of embalming the Princess, and the obvious reason was the violation of that decent respect for the body of a deceased person which the common flock of mankind feelingly wish to be shown it. The great industry employed in search- ing out the time it was first practised in seems to be altogether unnecessary to prove the folly and weakness of keeping up the custom. The earliest traces are to be found amongst the Goths, a bar- barous tribe or rather race of mortals who over-ran the civilized world, and turned the refinements of ages into utter barbarism and confusion, and formed abject slaves out of the dainty characters that had made in those days very splendid appearances. Altho' nothing sanctioned by such a people can be much to the credit of it, what it may be soever, notwith- standing we should not be hasty in consigning all PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 517 things to the score of reprehensibility which were done by these Goths, for they were a rough and manly generation, and consequently may have possessed some shining virtues among them, or at least their customs might be taken in a light that evinced them to have one good property or other : as in the present case to embalm a body was to preserve the earthly relic of a friend, and rescue his tabernacle from ruin and decay. But the nature of the operation is itself sufficient to make the act odious in the eyes of the discerning and sober, for the spark of animation being once out, all that re- mains for us to do is to commit dust to dust, we, revering the mind of the dead, will naturally ab- stain from showing indifference to the sepulchre of the body, but it is hard to conceive the benefit that can arise from any artificial preservation of it. Extremes are nearly allied, that is, a high degree of refinement and an absolute grossness of manner; politeness smooths the words of a speaker* and imparts a gloss even to his vices, the bending of one's opinion to the opinion of another, or the flex- ibility of an overstrained courtesy seems to imply this adaptation of a refined understanding to be at once cruel and engaging, to be brutal without having any fierceness, and to be pleasing and yet pernicious. So that it is with this fashion of embalming as it is with other things, it may be 518 LIFE OF THE good or bad, for ail the arguments that the usage of it among barbarians can afford us either way ; only indeed if it be meant by the frightful name of Goths, and by an artful association of the practice and the Goths going together, that there is betwixt them a kind of prescriptive union, that is ingenious enough, we must admit, for an additional detestation against it is thereby framed in our minds, and al- though we may want the impulses of a humane disposition, and feel not displeased with the rite in itself, yet being alive to what is terrible, the word Goths may have its use; but it is not however likely to become a usual practice, and will in all probability be confined to persons of the Royal Family. On the continent they seldom or never embalm, and therefore the Prince Leopold was quite shocked by the circumstance. The feelings of the Prince had already sustained such a deep and heavy pressure, and it being well understood in certain quarters that an embalment would take place, it is said, with much considerateness a mes- sage of a most pressing and kind turn was sent to him to come to Carlton House till the corpse was entirely ready to proceed to the interment ground; but the Prince preferred remaining. His royal father-in-law penned and dispatched a most affecting letter to him, assuring his Serene Highness of his full conviction that he had always behaved to his PRINCESS CHABtOTTE. 519 beloved daughter in such a manner as to call down his most cordial approbation and esteem, and to fix his paternal affection deep in his heart towards him. This was of course soothing and pregnant with many thoughts that tended to abate a little the dreadful calamity he had met with. The Prince Regent carried his solicitude beyond the precincts of his own family, and the unhappy gentleman who was employed in the affair of such untoward issue, had the consolation of receiving the same day a note from Sir Benjamin Bloomfield written in these terms : "Sir R. Bloomfield is honoured by the com- mands of the Prince Regent to convey to Sir Richard Croft his Royal Highness's acknowledg- ments of the zealous care and indefatigable attention manifested towards his beloved daughter during her late eventful confinement, and to express his Royal Highness's entire confidence in the medical skill and ability which he displayed during the arduous and protracted labour; whereof the issue, under the will of Divine Providence, has over- whelmed his Royal Highness in such deep afflic- tion." " Carlton House, Nov. 8tk, 1817." It was very laudable in those who made known to the Regent the melancholy that Sir Richard 520 LIFE OF THE Croft suffered to come upon him from the moment of his patient's dissolution, and which continued till his own pitiable yet dreadful end with very little interruption. He left Claremont however on Thursday night, and recommenced his former en- gagements amongst the higher classes of society, but his spirits were evidently much depressed. At the time people were taken up too wholly with the affliction of Claremont House to mind the sighing heart that heaved in anguish elsewhere Prince Leopold justly deserved the sympathetic curiosity that existed, to know in what manner he was likely to carry his grief, whether he would sink totally under it was even a question, and the circumstances of exalted rank and immense income were looked upon as inadequate to work out for him any effectual solace. Inquiries were constantly made after him and bulletins were signed by his physician to satisfy the fond inquisitively of those who came to Claremont. This was the first : "November 8(h. " The Prince had some sleep in the night, and is as well as c^n be expected this morning." And although his Serene Highness walked out into the garden attended by Doctor Short, yet he was hardly able to support himself all the following day. In the evening Mr. Banting, who belongs to PRINCESS CHAELOTTE. 521 the house of France and Banting of Pall Mall, arrived at Claremont to begin the needful arrange- ments for the burial. That every thing might be kept from the eye of the Prince which by any means could, the implements of sepulture were brought in the back way, and as little confusion and noise made as possible. The coffins, for there were two, the inside one of mahogany, the outer one of lead, these the men carried with the utmost gentleness into the chamber of death, but a while ago ringing with the voice of chearfulness and felicity, now a cold and dreadful silence reigned in it throughout, and the lifeless body of a young woman of the greatest merit as of the highest rank, into this room the coffins being carried and laid upon tressels the men that had borne them with drew, and then began the solemn office performed by poor Mrs. Griffiths, Mr. Neville, one of the surgeons attached to the household, and Mr. France, the undertaker; and others were besides present, ak though they did not take any part in the last act of personal attention they could ever show their sweet mistress, namely to close her up in her last mansion against the resurrection of all mankind^ when we hope that she who always had her affec* tions placed on things above, will rise to a glorious eternity through the infinite mercies of God and the grace of his blessed Son. It is unnecessary to 3x 522 LIFE OF THE say that some of those present were overwhelmed in the deepest affliction and misery, the tears that copiously flowed down their cheeks attested the reality of their sorrow, and it is to be supposed that if they hearken to the voice of instruction, and turn their hearts to him by whose decrees every thing shall be done, they may hereafter enjoy the amiable society which now they deplore the loss of. On Sunday morning his Serene Highness heard divine worship, which was performed by Doctor Short, and attended by all the household. The Duke of York likewise called this day to see his afflicted friend, and remained with him for a considerable time. The Duke of Gloucester like- wise called upon the Prince. The Duke had come to London that morning accompanied by the Duchess from Weymouth, where they had been when the disastrous news reached them, and having received it, they immediately set out for town, arriving at half past seven. When the Duchess first saw the Prince Regent (it was to Carlton House they drove,) her feelings were altogether subdued, and she sank down in a state of insensi- bility; so that it was judged advisable that her Royal Highness should withdraw to bed and en- deavour after some repose ; for this end his Royal Highness urged her very much to stop* and she consented, while* as we have seen, her illustrious eonsort repaired to Claremont, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 523 The Prince Regent went to visit the Queen and Princesses, travelling all the way to Windsor with his carriage darkened. In the meantime vast numbers of persons of distinction called at Carlton House to inquire after the Regent's health and the general answer was that his Royal Highness was as well as could be expected. After the Duke of Gloucester, who had staid with the Prince Leopold for three hours, was gone away, the Duchess of York arrived from Oatlands, and remained with his Serene Highness a long while, condoling with him for the loss they had in common sustained. The Prince retired to bed on Sunday night in a more tranquil state of mind than since his calamity, and was rather more settled through the sleep he took than yet he had been. A bulletin was issued on Monday morning signed by Doctor Stockmar. "November 10th. " His Serene Highness the Prince Leopold has passed the night rather calm, and is somewhat better this morning." It was this day that the Prince Regent, after condoling with his royal mother and the aunts of the Princess Charlotte, went to Claremont to see his bereaved son-in-law; his Royal Highness was strongly advised to put his journey off for a few davs, but he thought it as well to go then, and be- 524i LIFE OF THE sides longed to pay that mark of regard to the Prince which he knew would be peculiarly acceptable and beneficial to him at this critical time. He remain- ed for several hours in privacy; they vented their mutual griefs. One member of the Royal Family, the Duke of Sussex, from the line of politics which he had long pursued, was not on those terms of friendly inter- course with the customary visiters at Claremont, as to think it becoming to hasten thither in perso?), knowing besides that numerous calls must be made now upon his Serene Highness, he sent his name and most affectionate inquiries after the illustrious mourner; and indeed the Duke himself was a very distressed one, for he w r as always known to bear the greatest esteem and love for his engaging niece. It is a most difficult thing to handle a matter of this kind with the needed delicacy, some how or other the dry and vexatious disputes of politics having effect upon such occasions is apt to excite a harsh and crude idea in a reader's mind, but there are those nice shades of punctilio which they only know that feel them, and without the least obdur- ateness determine a man's actions in the most deli- cate cases. As to |he Princess of Wales it were better to leave her feelings to the conception, than to intrude upon her sorrow by describing the outward evi- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 525 dences she showed of it when her disaster was un- folded to her; it is said that she fainted away several times, well indeed she might. From the great distance that this unfortunate, or at least unhappy Lady is at, and the suspicion that ought to be at- tacked to tiiose accounts of her that reach us, he that suspends his judgment on his own sensations will be as near the true impression which the tidings made upon her, as he could be by any of the state^ ments come to hand. Poor woman, she has lost her daughter, her only child and hope in this world ; and, if the little airiness of disposition laid to her charge be correctly represented, unless she be con- stitutionally weak and unreflecting, this heavy af- fliction must expel that giddiness for ever from her mind. As soon as accounts of the dreadful calamity reached Ireland and Scotland, public grief burst out in the same degree as in the capital and else- where in England, These extracts from two papers of each nation paint the distress that was felt, and it is becoming to present them, Dublin Nov. 10th. It is with the deepest sorrow that we have heard of the death of her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte. We never remember to have seen a heavier gloom than this sad catastrophe has thrown over the public countenance in this metropolis. The 526 LIFE OF THE chief topic of discourse, or object of attention, seems to be the national loss. Shortly after the arrival of the dismal news of the Princess's death, the Right Hon. Robert Peel sent the following letter to the Lord Mayor, to communicate the occurence :— "MY LORD "Dublin Castle, Sunday Morning. " I have the very painful task of informing your Lordship, that a messenger arrived this morn- ing with the melancholy intelligence of the death of her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte. I enclose a copy of the Gazette Extraordinai^y which was published in London. I have the honour to be, my Lord, your very faithful Servant, R. Peel. " To the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor. 15 It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the melancholy event of the decease of the Princess Charlotte, which took place at Claremont at half past two o'clock on Thursday morning, after her Royal Highness had given birth to a still born infant son. We must suffer our readers to collect the particulars from the statements of the London papers, and the official documents, all of which we copy in the fullest detail. The accounts of this double-headed calamity were received in town yesterday, and certainly no circumstance which has PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 527 occurred within our recollection ever caused to the public feeling so general and agonizing a shock. The sensation which was produced was not simply that of disappointment, or pity, or grief — it had in it much more of consternation ! Every countenance expressed astonishment and anguish — every indi- vidual felt as if suddenly overwhelmed by «some deplorable misfortune — every family seemed as if it lost one of its dearest members. We know, in short, no event which could at this time produce such intense emotion, as was exhibited in every quarter of this city, from the moment at which the lamentable tidings were made known. The people appealed to be wholly unprepared for such a visit- ation. The soundness of the Princess's constitution, the great regularity of her life, the excellence of the arrangements which it was believed had been made for her confinement, and the high professional character of her medical attendants, had nearly obliterated all apprehension of the heart-rending catastrophe which has happened. We will not at- tempt to express what we feel upon this occasion ourselves. Independent of the important political considerations to which so heavy a national inflic- tion must give rise, it is impossible to contemplate a domestic calamity of so affecting a description without sensations of the profoundest regret * To see a sensible, amiable, and accomplished female, 528 LIFE OF THE with such brilliant prospects, such endearing con- nexions, and such excellent dispositions, snatched away from this life almost as soon as she had begun to enjoy it — to see the heiress of a throne; the hope of an empire, the only child of a Prince, and the benevolent wife of a doating husband, carried off at a moment's warning, in the very morning of her days, in the full possession of youth, and health, and happiness, is a lesson too awful and too afflicting not to touch the most obdurate heart Distressing and melancholy as is this deeply to be deplored event, we could scarcely have imagined that it would have made such an impression on the public mind as it appears to have done; an impression which absorbs all other subjects, whether of local or general interest. All places of public amuse- ments in this city have been, for the present, closed by order of the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor. The opening of the theatre is also deferred. Freeman's Journal. Never, we are persuaded, had the journals of the empire a more melancholy task to perform than that which the decree of an inscrutable Providence inflicts, in compelling them to announce the death of the Princess Charlotte of Wales. We do not lay claim to more feeling or sensibility than our contemporaries, but we certainly never put together an article with such a sinking of spirit as we feel PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 529 at this moment. The death, indeed, of this Prin- cess is a circumstance which, whether considered as a Divine visitation upon the charities, and hopes, and prospects of domestic life, or as a more extend- ed and awful dispensation upon a mighty and most powerful people, in the complete and peaceful possession, and in the ample exercise of all the at- tributes of empire and command, is such a one as must make an impression as general and as me- lancholy, as it is likely to prove lasting and event- ful, even far beyond the period of the existing ge- neration. As a private calamity there is no event, in the range of those sorrows to which human nature is devoted, so deeply calculated to bow down the heart with heaviness, and to impress upon the mind the absolute vanity of our frail existence. A young woman, in the early prime of life, and in the possession, hitherto, of uninterrupted health and high spirits, snatched from her family and friends at that most interesting crisis, when it might reasonably be hoped she was about to augment her own happiness, and to bestow a pledge that would guarantee, as it were, the permanence of the bless- ing upon herself and upon them, is surely, without contemplating any external adjunct, an affliction that transcends the ordinary miseries which flesh is heir to. — Dublin Evening Post 3 Y 530 LIFE OF THE Edinburgh, Nov. llth. The most melancholy tidings announced in these few words have come upon us so suddenly and so unlooked for, that, while we feel with our fellow citizens the extent of the public loss, we are as yet unable to estimate the probable consequences or remote results of this great national calamity. Our readers are well aware, that the Princess was un- derstood to be on the eve of giving birth to another heir to the British throne ; and the medical bulletin in our last publication announced, that in conse- quence of the Princess being taken unwell on Tuesday last, messengers were sent to summon the attendance of the Privy Counsellors ; that the medical gentlemen appointed to attend her Royal Highness were in close attendance ; and that there was every appearance of a safe and fortunate ac- eouchment. The subsequent details, and the me- lancholy result, we need not rehearse : they will be found amply and feelingly narrated in our other columns. The Princess and her offspring — the grand-daughter and great-grandson of our venerable and beloved Sovereign, the presumptive heirs in direct succession of his house and throne are no more. Our aged Monarch cannot feel or know the loss : but there is a father and a husband, and there is a loyal people, who do feel it deeply and disconsolately. The shock which this afflicting PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 531 event has given to the feelings of the nation was very strongly evinced when the news reached thi city on Sunday morning. Many persons who had crowded to the post-office, burst into tears when the death of the Princess was announced ; and an air of more sad and impressive seriousness appeared in the countenance of the crowds who thronged our streets and places of public worship, to attend, as usual at this season, the great solemnity of the Christian church. This expression of the public sympathy (unlike the usual mourning for Princes) is, on the present occasion, not less genuine than it is general. The amiable virtues of this young Princess, the bright promise of her early life, her connubial happiness, the edifying picture of do- mestic economy, and of exemplary benevolence which she held out, her well-known constitutional principles, as well as the high political considerations dependent on her life, all combine to render the event of her death a calamity that must involve the empire in universal gloom . — Edinburgh Star, Glasgow, Nov. ilth. "This lamentable catastrophe has already excited in every part of the country so severe emotions of sorrow as to divest our details of the proper interest of news ; but as our regular method is to relate in this place the leading facts of every memorable event, we cannot surely, in the piesent most mo- 532 LIFE OF THE mentous instance, wave our customary historical sketch. The character of the Princess stands very- high in every relation. Her piety, benevolence, kindness to the poor, and affection for her friends, obtained her universal love and respect. She was eminently fortunate in her marriage, and was ac- customed to call herself the happiest of women. Though her pleasures and amusements were hither- to all domestic, she gave sufficient promise, by her attachment to just principles of politics, that when higher aims came within her reach, she would have been delighted to forward the happiness of her people. In political respects her loss is peculiarly lamentable. There is not a child to any British branch of the Brunswick family ; and it is impos- sible to avoid apprehension for the succession. A marriage was some time ago rumoured between the Duke of Kent and one of the Princesses of Saxe- Cobourg, the sister of Prince Leopold ; and it is much to be wished that so promising an union should be consummated.— ^Glasgow Chronicle. On Tuesday the 18th the corpse was to be re- moved to Windsor, previous to the interment of it the day after in St. George's Chapel ; and prepar- ations were made accordingly. The great coffin had a large plate upon it inscribed with this me. rriorandum of its regretted contents. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 533 " Depositum Iliustri.ssimae Principissaa Charlottae Augustas, Illustrissimi Principis Georgii August! Frederic! Principis Walliae, Britanniarum Regentis, Filiae Unicae, Consortisque Serenissimi Principis Leopoldi Georgii Frederici Ducis Saxonse, Marchionis Misnite, Landgravii Thuriugiae, Principis Coburgi, Saalfendensis, Exercituum Regis Marescalii, Majestati Regiae a sanctioribus Consiliis Nohilissimi Ordinis Periscelidis et Honoratissimi Ordhus Militaris.de Balneo Equitis : ObMt Sexta Die Novembris, Anno Domini 2UDCCCXVII. jEtatis Suae XXII." (The English.) " The Remains Of the most Illustrious Princess Charlotte Augusta, The only Daughter of Frederick Prince of Wales, Regent of Great Britain, Consort of his Serene Highness Prince Leopold George Frederick Duke of Saxony, Marquis of Misnia, Landgrave of Thuringia, Prince of Cobourg and Saalfeld, Marshal in his Majesty's army, Privy Counsellor, Knight of the Noble Order of the Garter and the Bath, &c. She died on the 6th of November, in the year of our I^ord 1817, And in the 22d year of her age. There were besides corner plates bearing the" initials of the Princess's name, and the coffin was decorated with suitable emblems, as also was the 534* LIFE OF THC urn containing the heart. The small coffin for the infant had a plate with these words upon it : The Still-born Male Infant of their Royal and Serene Highnesses The Princess Charlotte Augusta, and Prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg ; November 6, 1817. From the London Gazette, Nov. 22d. On Tuesday evening the 18th inst, at half-past 5 o'clock, the remains of her late Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte Augusta and of the Royal infant were privately conveyed from Claremont to Windsor, escorted by a detachment of the 10th, or Prince Regent's own, Royal Hussars, which was relieved at Egham by a party of the Royal Horse Guards (Blue), in the following order: — A mourning coach, drawn by 6 horses, in which were the remains of the Royal Infant and the Urn, attended by Colonel Addenbrooke, Equerry to her late Royal Highness, and Sir Robert Gardiner, K. C. B., Aide- de-Camp and Equerry to the Prince Leopold. The HEARSE, drawn, by eight horses. A mourning coach, drawn by 6 horses, conveying his Serene Highness the Prince Leopold, attended by Baron de Haidenbrock, Aide-de- Camp and Equerry, and Dr. Stockman, Physician to his Serene High- ness. A mourning coach, drawn by 4 horses, conveying Lady John Thynne, one of the Ladies of the Bedchamber to Her late Royal Highness ; Mrs. Campbell, one of the Women of the Bedchamber to Her late Royal Highness ; and Lady Gardiner. PRINCESS CHARJLOTTE 535 A mourning coach, drawn by 4 horses, conveying Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Cronberg, Attendants on Her late Royal Highness, and Mrs. Phillips, Housekeeper. A mourning coach, drawn by 4 horses, conveying Dr. Short, Chaplain to His Serene Highness, His Majesty's Gentleman Usher, and two Officers of the Lord Chamberlain's Department. Upon the arrival of the procession at Windsor, the first coach, convey- ing the remains of the Royal Infant and the urn, proceeded direct to St, George's chapel, were the same as were received by the Dean of Windsor and T. B. Mash, Esq. of the Lord Chamberlain's department, and de- posited in the royal vault : the coffin of the Royal Infant being born* from the coach to the vault by four, and the urn ~by two, Yeomen of the Guard. The hearse proceeded into the front Court of the Lower Lodge, and the body was placed under a canopy in the apartment pre- pared for its reception. His Serene Highness was received and conducted to his apartments by Sir George Nayler, Knight, and Hale Young Wortham, Esq. the King's Gentleman Usher in Waiting, attended by the officers of the Lord Chamberlain. On Wednesday evening the 19th inst. soon after 8 o'clock, the remains of her late Royal Highness were removed from the lower Lodge to St George's chapel, in the following order : — Servants and Grooms of her late Royal Highness and of his Serene Highness, on foot, in deep mourning. £ Servants and Grooms of the Royal Family, the Prince Regent, £ 2. and their Majesties, on foot, in full state liveries, with S. ~ crape hat-bands, and black gloves, four and four, so bearing flambeaux. * £ The full band of the Royal Horse Guards Blue. * f THE HEARSE. 5 © (Drawn by eight of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent's £ gL black horses, fully caparisoned, §■• | each horse attended by a groom in full state livery.) f 9. 586 LIFE OF THE | His Majesty's body carriage 9 2- (Drawn by a full set of his Majesty's horses, each horse attended B j? by a groom in full state lirery,) £ 2? conveying g" £j His Serene Highness the Prince Leopold, g Chief Mourner, 2 and I £ Their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of York and Clarence. S Supporters to the Chief Mourner. The carriages of the Prince Regent, the Royal Family, and the Prir.ce Leopold, each drawn by six horses, closed the procession. The whole procession from the lower Lodge to St. George's Chapel was flanked by the military, every fourth man bearing a flambeau. Upon arrival at St. George's chapel, the servants, grooms, and band, filed off without the south door. At the entrance the Dean and Canons, attended by the choir, received the body and the procession, (which had been formed under the direction of Sir George Nayler, Knt. York Herald, executingythis part of the duty on behalf of Garter), being flanked by the Foot Guards, every fourth man bearing a flambeau, moved down the south aile, and up the nave, in the following order : Poor Knights of Windsor. Pages of their Royal Highnesses the Princesses Augusta, Elizabeth, and Sophia, Mr. Harding, Mr. Moore, Mr. Gollop. Pages of the Prince Leopold, Mr. Ammershtiber, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Lyons, Mr. Fairbairn, Mr. K*wett, Mr. Heock, Mr. Bagster, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 537 Mr. James Sims, Mr. Thomas Poole, Mr. Henry Forschiitz, Mr. Paul Mechin. Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester , Mr. Hart, Mr. J, Moss, Mr. J. Venables. Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, Mr. Urlin, Mr. Sams. Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, Mr. Rebloume, Mr. Blafckman, Pages of His koyal Highness the Duke of Cumberland; Mr. Salisbury, Mr. Gasper Psrelion, Mr. J. Ball, Mr. Paiilet. Pages of his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, Mr. Redwood, Mr. Jemmett, Mr. Hutt, Mr. Robinson. Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of York. Mr. Lumley, Mr. Silvester, Mn Gibbon, Mr. Worley, Mr. Kendal, Mr. Frantz, Mr. Goodes, Mr. Shell, Mr. Patte. Pages of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, r\z. Pages of the Back Stairs, Samuel Wharton, Charles Becht, Benjamin Lucas. Pages of the presence, Joseph Ince, Thomas Messenger, John. Dobell, George Wedgberrow. Pages of the Bed-Chamber. Jenkins Stradling, Joseph Norden, Robert Jenkins, Samuel Bowtell, John Wood, Charles Downes, Esqrs. Pages of Her Majesty. Christopher Papendick, H. F. Grobecker, William Duncan, Daniel Robinson, Esqrs, Pages of His Majesty, Joseph Bott, John Clarke, Anthony Healey, William Baker, 3 z 538 LIFE OF THE John Bott, Henry Cooper, W. Snart, Esqrs* Solicitor to her late Royal Highness, John Smallpeice, Gent. Apothecaries of her late Royal Highness, Mr. Richard Walker, Mr. E. Brande. Surgeons of her late Royal Highness, Mr. Neville, Mr. Robert Keate. Rector of the Parish of Esher, Reverend J. Dagle. Sergeant Surgeons to the King, Sir David Dundas, Bart. Sir Everard Home, Bart. Physician to the Prince Leopold, Christian Stockmar, M. D. Physicians who attended her late Royal Highness, John Sims, M. D. Matthew Baillie, M. D. Sir Richard Croft, Bart. M. D. Chaplains to her Royal Highness and to His S. H. the Prince Leopold* The Rev. Alex. Starkey, The Rev. William Kuper, The Rev. J. Hammond, The Rev. Dr. Short. Equerry to her late Royal Highness, Lieut. Col. the Hon. Henry Percy. Equerries to His Boyal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, Edmund Currey, Esq. Lieut. Col. Samuel G. Higgins. „ Equerries to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, Captain White, Lieut. Col. Count Linsingen. Equerry to his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, H. F. Stephenson, Esq. Equerries to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland; Captain Jones, Major Frederick Poten, Colonel Charles Wade Thornton, Equerries to his Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Henry Carr, K. C. B. Major Gen. James Moore, Lieut. Gen. Fred. Augustus WeatheraJL Equerries to his Royal Highness the Duke of York, Lieut.-Col. the Hon. James Stanhope, Lieut.-Col. Delancy Barclay, Equerries to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, Colonel Seymour, Major General Sir R, Hussey Vivian, K. C. B, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 539 Sir William Congreve, Bart. Clerk Marshal, and First Equerry, Lieutenant General Francis Thomas Hammond, Military Secretary to the Commander-iu-Chiei Major-General Sir Henry Torrens, K. C. B. Quarter Master-General, Adjutant-General, Sir J. Willoughby Gordon, K. C. B. Sir Harry Calvert, G. C. B. Officers of the Duchy of Cornwall, viz. Solicitor-General, Attorney-General, William Harrison, Esq. William Draper Best, Esq. Lord Warden of the Stannaries, The Earl of Yarmouth. Chancellor and Keeper of the Great Seal, ' * ' tFohn Leach, Esq. Chamberlain to the Great Steward of Scotland, Admiral Lord Viscount Keith, G. C.B. Grooms of the Bed-Chamber to the Prince Regent, Admiral Sir George Campbell, Lieut.-Gen. the Hon. Sir Edward K. C. B. Paget, G. C. B. Lieut.-Gen. Sir T. Hilgrove General Sir William Keppel, Turner, Knt. G. C. B. General Sir John F. Cradock, Lieut.-General Hon. Edward G. C. B. Finch. Pursuivants of Arms. Portcullis. G. F. Beltz, Esq. Rouge Dragon, Bluemantle, C. G. Young, Esq. F. Martin, Gent. Treasurer of the Prince Regent's Household, Lord Charles Bentinck. Heralds of Arms. Somerset, Richmond, J. Cathrow, Esq. J. Hawker, Esq, Lancaster, Chester, E. Lodge, Esq. G. M. Leake, Esq. Privy Purse and Private Secretary to the Prince Regent, The Right Hon. Sir Benjamin Bloomfield. LIFE OF THE Lords of the Prince Regent's Bedchamber, The Right Hon. Lord Amherst, The Right Hon. Lord Graves, The Earl Delawarr, Lord Viscount Lake, Lord James Murray, Lord Viscount Melbourne, The Marquis of Headfort, Lord Charles Spencer. E. Townsend, Esq. Windsor Herald, acting for Norroy, King of Arms. The Rt. Hon. Lord Ellenborough, The Rt. Hon. Lord Grenville, The Lord Bishop of Exeter, The Ld. Bp. of Salisbury, C. G. The Lord Bishop of London. The Minister of State of Hanover, and the Minister of Saxony, Count Munster, Baron de Just. The Deputy Earl Marshal. Lord Henry T. Howard Molyneux Howard. The Earl of Chichester. The Marquis Cornwallis. The Marquis of SaJOisbury, K. G. His Majesty's Ministers, viz. The Right Hon. Charles Bathurst, The Rt. Hon. W. Wellesley Pole, The Right Hon. George Canning, The Hight Hon. N. Vansittart, Lord Viscount Sidmouth, Lord Viscount Melville, Lord Viscount Castlereagh, K. G. The Earl of Mulgrave, The Earl of Liverpool, K. G. The Earl Bathurst, K. G. The Earl of Westmoreland, K, G. The Earl of Harrowby, Lord Privy Seal. Lord President of the Council The Right Honourable Lord Eldori. Lord High Chancellor. His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury. Choir of Windsor. Canons of Windsor. Dean of Windsor. Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard, The Earl of Macclesfield. The Groom of the fThe Lord Steward of His~J The Kirk's Master Stole, J Majesty's Household, f of the Horse, Ths Marquis of J The Marquis of Cholmon- (The Duke of Mon- Winchester. (^ deley. J trose, K, B. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE, 541 Ralph Bigland, Esq. Norroy, acting for Clarenceux King of Arms. Supporter, f The Coronet of her late Royal H. Y. Wortham, Highness, borne upon a black Esq. one of his. velvet cushion, by Col. Adden- Majesty's Gen- brooke, Equerry to Her late tlemen Ushers. [ R°> ,al Highness. Supporter, f Garter Principal King of Arms/ W. Woods, Esq. 3 Sir Isaac Heard, Knt. V bearing his sceptre. Secretary to the Lord/ The Lord Chamberlain of i The Vice Chamber- I Supporter, R. Chester, Esq. Gentleman lisher of the Privy Chamber. Supporter, J. Pulman, Esq. Chamberlain. J. Calvert, Esq. Supporter of the pall, the Right Honourable Lady EUenborough. Supporter of the pall, the Right Honourable Lady Grenville. H. R. Highness The D. of Clarence, in a long black cloak, his train borne by Rear Ad- miral the Hon. Sir Henry Blackwood, Bart, and the Hon. Courtenay Boyle. Hiis Majesty's Household^ (The M. of Hertford, K. G.J THE BODY, Covered with a black velvet pall, adorned with eight escocheons of her late Royal Highness's arms, the Coffin carried by eight Yeomen of the Guards, under a canopy of black velvet, borne by eight Gen- tlemen Ushers. lain, Viscount Jocelyn. Supporter of the pall, the Right Honourable Lady Arden. Supporter of the pall, the Right Honourable Lady Boston. the H. Royal Highness CHIEF MOURNER, The Duke of Yom, H. Serene Highness, in a long black cloak, The Pkince Leopold, his train borne by in a long black cloak, Lieutenant Colonel his train borne by Armstrong, and Lieut. Baron de Harden- Colonel Cooke, Aides- brock, and Lieutenant de-Camp to his Royal Colonel Sir Robert Highness. Gardiner, K. C. B. Aides-de-Camp, and Equerries to His Serene Highaess, 542 LIFE OF THE H. R. H. The Duke op Sussex, H.R.H. TheD. or Cumberland, in a long black cloak, his train in a long black cloak, his train borne by Major-General Sir borne by General Vyse, Comp- George Townsend Walker, G. C. troller of the Household, and B. Groom of {he Bedchamber, Lieutenant General Henry and Major Perkins Magra, Wynyard, Groom of the Bed- Equerry to his Royal Highness. chamber of his Royal Highness. His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, in a long black cloak, his train borne by Colonel Dalton, and Lieut.-Col. Cotton, Grooms of the Bedchamber of his Royal Highness. Lady Gardiner. Lady John Thynne, one of the Ladies of the Bed- chamber of her late Royal Highness. Women of the Bedchamber of her late Royal Highness. Miss Charlotte Cotes, Mrs. Campbell. His Majesty's Establishment at Windsor, viz. Groom of the Stole, The Earl of Winchilsea, K. G. Blaster of the Robes, Vice-Chamberlain. The Right Hon. Lord Vernon. Lord John Thynne. Lords of the Bedchamber, The Rt. Hon. Lord Rivers, The Rt. Hon. Lord Somerville, The Rt. Hon. Lord Amen, The Rt. Hon. Lord St. Helen's. Grooms ot tne Bedchamber, Vke-Admiral the Hon. Sir A. K. The Hon. Robert Folk Greville, Legge, K. C. B. Vice- Admiral Sir Harry Neale, Bart. Lieut.-Gen. Sir Henry F. Camp- K. C. B. bell, K.C.B. Clerk Marshal, and First Equerry, General Robert Manners. Equerries, General George Garth, General Francis Edward Gvvynne, Lieut.-Gen. Sir B. Spencer, G. C. B. Lieut.-Gen. W. Cartwright Lieut.-Gen. William Wynward. Master of the Household, Benjamin Charles Stephenson, Esq. Her Majesty's Establishment at Windsor, v'u Master of the Horse, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 543 Earl Harcourt. Treasurer of the Household, Vice-Chamberlain, Major-General Herbert Taylor, Edward Disbrowe, Esq. Equerries, Major-Gen. Hon. Sir Ed. Stopford, K. C. B. Col. Hon. A. P. Upton. Ladies of her Majesty's Bedchamber. The Countess of Ilchester, The Countess of Macclesfield, Viscountess Melville, Women of her Majesty's Bedchamber, The Hon. Mrs. A. M. Egerton. The Right Hon. Lady Radstock, The Hon. Mrs. Courtenay Boyle. Gentlemen Ushers. George N. Vincent, Esq. Charles Rooke, Esq. Thomas Gore, Esq. Ladies of the Bedchamber of their Royal Highnesses the Princesses. Lady Mary Powlett, Lady Mary Taylor, Lady Elizabeth Montagu, Women of the Bedchamber of their Royal Highnesses the Princesses^ Miss Disbrowe, Lady Campbell, Miss Vyse. Attendants on her late Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte, Mrs. Cronberg, Mrs. Lewis., Mrs. Phillips. Attendants on her Majesty and the Princesses. . Upon entering the choir, the Body was placed on a platform, and the Coronet and Cushion laid upon the Coffin. The Chief Mourner sat on a chair placed for his Serene Highness at .the head of the Corpse, and their Royal Highnesses, his Supporters, on chairs on either side : the Supporters of the Pall sat in their places near the Body, and the Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household on a chair at the feet of the Corpse. The Royal Dukes, and the Nobility, Knights of the Garter, occupied their respective Stalls ; and the Ministers of State, Officers of the Household, and others of the procession, were conducted to their respective places. The part of the Service before the Interment, and the Anthem, being performed, the Body was deposited in the Royal Vault. The Office of Burial' being concluded, after a short pause, Sir Isaac Heard, Knight. Garter Principal King of Arms, proclaimed the style of her late Royal Highness as follows : THUS it hath pleased Almighty God to take out of this transitory life unto his Divine Mercy, the late most illustrious Princess CHARLOTTE 544 Life of the AUGUSTA, daughter of his Royal Highness George Prince of Wales, Regent of this United Kingdom ; consort of his Serene Highness Leo- pold George Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of Misuia, Landgrave of Thuringia, Prince of Cobourg of Saalfeld ; and grand-daughter of his Most Excellent Majesty George the Third, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, whom God bless and preserve with long life, health, and honour, and all worldly happiness. All Wednesday was a day of most solemn and devout observance, not only in this vast metropolis, throughout all sects and denominations of Chris- tians and even Jews, but throughout the whole realm. The Churches were generally opened as on Sunday, and were crowded in a remarkable de- gree; appropriate discourses were delivered; and in the few instances where these were omitted, the cause was, that the sermon had been already preached on the preceding Sunday. In one or two instances, where only the ordinary service for Wednesday was performed, the churches were still filled in the expectation of a discourse. The Lessons and Psalms were in general suited to the melancholy occasion ; and affecting lectures were delivered on the instability of human greatness, the uncertainty of human life, and the duties to be dis- charged, or the conduct to be observed, under the severest of human calamities. Wherever the preacher alluded personally in his discourse to the deceased object whose funeral was the occasion of PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 545 their assembling together, the minds of the hearers, as well as his own, were but too promptly indicated by their tears. The parochial churches and the different chapels under the establishment exhibited the signs of public grief, by covering pulpits, desks, and galleries, with the sable emblems of mourning. Beside the shops being shut up with a strictness equal to the observation of the sabbath, the coffee- house keepers and victuallers united in the public expression of feeling. The far greater part of the ordinary business of the town was suspended. Private houses had their window shutters closed in the same way as if the master, or a near family re- lation, had been lost. The day proving very fine for the season of the year, vast numbers were walk- ing out after the expiration of morning service ; a circumstance which, instead of lessening, added to the appearance of national gloom. All that custom ordains as the signs of external sorrow, was to be seen every where, in the public streets, in the parks, and not only there, but in the more retired and obscure parts of the metropolis. Unconfined to those whom a change of dress is either no consider- ation, or a trifling one, the same sentiment operated with equal effect upon thousands whose condition approaches closely to difficulty and poverty.— Among those inferior classes* there were few who had by them a scrap of black, or who could find 4 a 546 LUTE OF THE' the means of procuring it, who did not eagerly put on the visible demonstrations of unaffected sorrow. The bells of the churches tolled at intervals during the whole day. The charity children in several parishes bore the signs of mourning; such as the substitution of black collars or cuffs, for those of other and gayer colours ; some had sable bindings sewed round their caps and their badges. Many of the female children wore black ribbands. — The Courts of Law, the public-offices, the Royal Ex- change, &c. were closed. Orders were sent to all the dock-yards to prohibit the usual transaction of business. British vessels, and those of all other nations hoisted their colours only half mast high. In the different sea-ports, minute guns were direct- ed to be fired at night. * In the Cathedral of St. Paul no sermon was de- livered. It is with great regret we have to ob- serve, that here, in the metropolitan church, from some unfortunate circumstances, Divine worship was not performed in the morning. The body of the Cathedral was filled early in the forenoon by an unprecedented number of persons of both sexes, the greater part of them of a very respectable ap- pearance. The crowd became extreme ; but the folding doors at the grand entrance under the organ into the choir, and the iron gates opening into the side aisles of the choir, were not opened. The PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 54? crowd, who probably expected something particular at St. Paul's, were much disappointed at finding their admission into the choir thus obstructed. As there was a delay in the usual time of commencing Divine service, great impatience arose, and of course some confusion occurred. Some of the people, thus for a while excluded, endeavoured to force the central doors, and broke some panes of glass, and by shaking the iron gates of the aisles opened them, and then rushed through the different avenues into the choir, which they speedily filled, taking pos- session of all the seats — not only those intended for private individuals, and those in the recesses under the galleries, but also those belonging to the Canons and the choristers, as well as the stalls. The floor was soon quite crammed. It. would certainly have been more advisable for the officers of the Cathedral to have opened the doors earlier, so as to allow a gradual filling, and thereby to have prevented, or lessened, the pressure consequent on a sudden rush. However, this unusual occurrence occasioned some agitation among the clergy and the choir, and the service was yet delayed for a con- siderable time. At half past twelve it did not ap- pear more likely to begin. The report then being generally spread, that it was not likely to take place, a general disappointment became evident. From the fear of the consequences of any disturb- 548 LIFE OF THE ance, the city officers were sent for, and were di- rected to clear away the crowd in the body of the Cathedral, and make room in the choir if possible. The officers conducted themselves with much mo- deration, but their endeavours were ineffectual, and, of course, it was not deemed prudent to attempt any coercive measure. The people now began to show many signs of dissatisfaction. The intention to suspend the service being known, it was con- sidered prudent to send to the Lord Mayor, who was attending at the Mansion-house parish church. His Lordship immediately came in his private carriage to St. Paul's. He was followed by Sir William Curtis and John Green, Esq. of Walbrook. His Lordship expressed his wish to pay attention to the comforts of the congregation. He passed into the choir, and went up to the west gallery. About this time, a gentleman (Mr. Atwood, we understood) announced from the organ gallery the suspension of the service, owing to the inconveni- ent circumstances which had unexpectedly occurred, particularly the filling of the stalls. He observed, that under these circumstances, the service could not be heard with satisfaction. Then the Lord Mayor (probably not having heard the preceding gentleman) spoke from the organ gallery, express- ing his gratification at seeing a numerous congre- gation, and his hope that the service would begin PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 549 as soon as possible. A fter a considerable suspense, the Lord Mayor rose and observed, that the clergy and the choir had left the church, which must sus- pend the service ; and therefore he hoped the con- gregation would retire peaceably. Here the mul- titude renewed their disapprobation. A gentleman from one of the stalls said, that if the central doors were opened, the stalls would be left clear. When the doors were opened, the stalls were mostly quit- ted. An attempt now made by the officers to clear the body of the church was to little purpose, most persons refusing to withdraw. Some cried out for the Clergymen to apologise, some for the Lord Mayor, and some in the galleries said they had paid for their seats. A gentleman then complained of the disappointment of such a number of persons in not hearing Divine service after waitipg so long, which was very improper. He did not see the Lord Mayor's right to interfere. He urged strongly the propriety of the service being yet commenced, as due to the congregation and the memory of the Princess. Sir William Curtis said, he had just left another place of worship with the Lord Mayor. He earnestly exhorted them all to act like Christian people who feared God, and leave the church quiet- ly and peaceably. Another gentleman said, he thought it was wrong in the clergyman to leave the church in the manner he had. Sir William 550 LIFE OF THE Curtis assured him that the Lord Mayor had done every thing in his power to promote the general wishes. Some gentlemen called for the Lord Mayor to send for his own chaplain, hut he was not forthcoming. The congregation was then in- formed that service should certainly begin at three in the afternoon. Many remained in the church till that hour, and when the doors were opened, great numbers entered. The service was then ce- lebrated. A funeral anthem of Handel's, and a dirge by At wood, were performed by Messrs. Clarke, Hawes, and the choristers. The pulpit was cover- ed with black velvet, on which was the escutcheon of the Princess Charlotte. There was no interrup- tion to the afternoon service. The tolling of the great bell of St. Paul's, from eight till nine, accompanied by the bells of the other churches, excited much feeling in the even- ing, when crowds in mourning assembled on Black- friar's bridge ; and the solemn effect was increased by the stillness of the river, and by the moonlight. A Funeral Dirge written on the occasion by J. Dovaston Esq. Toll, Britain, toll Thy knell the deepest, Peace to thy soul, Fair Saint, that sleepest. Veil thy valour-blazon'd throne, Where olive rich with laurel shone, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE/ 551 Its glory's now with willows strown, United nations spread them, Cambria's triple plume of snow, That danc'd in Joys elastic flow, With heavy tear-drops glimmers low, United nations shed th<»m. O'er Albion's bier Mourn, while you show*r it, Her rose is there, Both flow'r and flow'ret. Thistle, bend thy blossoms red ; Thy pearly dW drops, Shamrock shed ; And, neighbour Lily, bow thy head, "With long, long farewel greet hex ; Drooping wail her obsequies, Then up, and hail her to the skies, And hope another bud may rise, But never hope a sweeter. Oh ! England's rose, Oh ! Hope's presuming ; Both thee and those Now we're entombing. Mind of Freedom, Heart of Worth, To glow at Altar, Helm, or Hearth, With all that promis'd Peace on earth, To thee was largely given. When on high, in happier day, We left the laudatory lay, Or blessings on thy people pray, Well think on thee in Heaven. The cemetery in which the earthly remains of Princess Charlotte were deposited, was built in 1810, by order of the King, for the reception of him- 55% LIFE OF THE self and other members of his house. This indeed had been designed once for a burial place by Henry VII. in which his body and the corpses of his family were to be laid, and the structure was actual- ly commenced : but he changed his mind, and had a more magnificent mausoleum erected for himself in Westminster. Cardinal Wolsey obtained a grant of the old one from Henry VIII. and proceed- ed to raise an enshrining edifice to hold his own person when his spirit had left it, with a grandeur of design, and excess of cost unknown to even the churchmen of preceding times, and from this cir- cumstance it used to be called " Wolsey's Tomb House ;" although it was never inhabited by that Cardinal. The death of our departed Princess grew every hour upon the hearts of the community. Time, which effaces common griefs, often adds strength to powerful emotions, and renders them more fixed and painful. The object however, which we la- ment most tenderly, is not always that, the loss of which inflicts upon us the most durable sorrow ; since reason sometimes heals the wounded affections, by enabling us to calculate and measure more just- ly the value of the being whom we deplore. But such was not the influence of reason or reflection on the minds of the people of England. Those who felt most acutely on the present occasion, were PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 553 they who thought most deeply upon the excellence of what we have lost, and on the probable conse- quences of this great public calamity to the highest interest of the nation. Among the many points of view under which it would have been our pride and study to contemplate the Princess Charlotte, and to point her out to the admiration of the peo- ple of England, was that of her character in do- mestic life. A King or Queen as such, may diffuse a vast portion of happiness throughout society, by the just and conscientious exercise of power ; but upon mankind at large the Sovereign cannot act as an example, except through the medium of those qualities which are applicable to private life, and use- ful in humbler stations. The dissolute manners of some among the upper classes in this country require no ordinary antidote to their corrupting force. The law, though armed with peculiar terrors, is evaded by artful vice, or defied by audacious infamy. Fashion tolerates and upholds her disciples ; and timid virtue withdraws into herself, or ventures on the stream to struggle, yield, and perish. Our un- spotted Princess, in the lovely purity of her con- jugal and maternal character, and in the splendour and pre-eminence of her constitutional throne, might, with the partner of her virtuous affections, have herself supplied the defects of law, and reclaimed the licentiousness of fashion. Every wife would 4 B 554 LIFE OF THE have gazed upon her as a bright example of those duties whose performance rewards itself, and con- stitutes the chief blessing of society. The loss of such a model, in such an age, may be a subject of lamentation to our children's children. Turning from the painful recollection of her whom we have lost, to the consideration of the ex- ecutive administration affected by the sad event, the first, in political importance, is the succession to the Throne. In a monarchy like ours, the cir- cumstance is worthy our interested speculations. We had fondly expected that the promising union of the hopeful pair had removed all apprehensions on that head. We had pictured to ourselves a family of English Princes, brought up under our eyes, in English habits and principles ; succeeding, without doubt or disturbance, to the throne of their an- cestors ; and wielding the sceptre, as we have seen it wielded for above half a century, by our vener- able Monarch, and his son the Regent. But now that the mother and child are both at once taken from us, the prospect is, we regret to say, by no means clear and satisfactory. The common an- cestor of all the heirs, whom it is at all necessary to include in this calculation, is Frederick Prince of Wales, the father of our revered Sovereign George III., and of the late Duke of Gloucester, the late Duchess of Brunswick, and the late Queen of PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 555 Denmark; all of whom have left representatives still surviving. The act of settlement, it is well known, limits the succession to the heirs, being 1 protestant, of the Electress Sophia of Hanover, grand-daughter of King James I. Her son George I. came to the throne in virtue of this act ; and from him it descended to George II., father of the Prince of Wales, whom we have mentioned. The crown descends lineally to the issue of the reigning monarch, with a right of primogeniture; first, among sons, and then among daughters ; and the lineal descendant of any person deceased stands in the same place, as their ancestors, if living, would have done. With this short explanation, it is ap- prehended, that the subjoined scheme will be easily understood, as bringing, under one view, the ex- isting individuals in succession to the throne. They are arranged in the legal order of succession ; annexed are their respective ages ; and the relation- ship of each to the head of the branch through which they derive their title, is marked by letters signifying son, grandson, great grandson, daughter grand-daughter, &c. As some individuals derive by more than one title, they are enumerated as often as their rights occur, a reference being made to their former places. 556 LIFE OF THE Descendants of George III., eldest son of Frederic, Prince of Wales, who was great grandson of the Electress Sophia. Aired 1 George Prince Regent, S. ... ... 55 2 Frederick Duke of York, S 54 3 William Henry Duke of Clarence, S. ... 52 4 Edward Duke of Kent, S 50 5 Ernest Duke of Cumberland, S. ... 46 6 Augustus Duke of Sussex, vS 44 7 Adolphus Duke of Cambridge, S. ... 43 8 Charlotte of England, Queen Dow. of Wur- temburg, D 51 9 Augusta of England, D. 49 10 Elizabeth of England, D 47 11 Mary of England Duchess of Gloucester, D, 41 12 Sophia of England, D / 40 //. Descendants of William Henry, Duke of Gloucester, younger son of Frederick Prince of Wales. 13 William Duke of Gloucester, S. ... 41 14 Sophia of Gloucester, D. ... .„ 44 III. Descendants of Augusta of England, Duch- ess of Brunswick, elder daughter of Frederick, Prince of Wales, [She died in 1813.] 15 Charles Duke of Brunswick, G. S. ... 13 I PH1NCESS CHAKLOTTE. 557 Aged 16 William of Brunswick, G. S 12 17 Augustus of Brunswick, S 48 18 Frederick King of Wurtemburg, G. S. 36 19 Mary of Wurtemburg, G. G. D. ... 1 20 Paul of Wurtemburg, G. S 32 21 Frederick Charles of Wurtemburg, G. G. S. 9 22 Frederick Augustus of Wurtemburg,G.G.S. 4 23 Frederick of Wurtemburg, G. G. D. ... 10 24 Pauline of Wurtemburg, G. G. D. ... 7 25 Frederica Catb. of Wurtemburg, wife of J. Buonaparte, G. D 34 26 Jerome Napoleon, G. G. S 8 27 Carol, of Brunswick, Princess of Wales, D. 49 IV. Descendants of Matilda of England, Queen of Denmark, younger daughter of Frederick Prince of Wales, [She died in 1775.] 28 Frederic King of Denmark, S 49 29 Caroline of Denmark, G. D 24 30 Wilhelmina of Denmark, G. D. ... 9 31 Louisa of Denmark, D, of Holstein, D. 46 32 Christian Duke of Holstein, G. S. ... 19 33 Caroline of Holstein, G. D 21 V. Descendants of Anne of England, Princess of Orange, eldest daughter of George II. [She died in 1759.] 34 William King of the Netherlands, G. S. 45 558 LIFE OF THE Aged 25 William Prince of Orange, G. G. S. ... 52 36 William of Orange, G G. G . S. ... 1 37 Frederick of Orange, G. G. S 20 38 WilheJmina of Orange, G. G. D. ... 17 39 Frederica of Orange, Duchess Dowager of Brunswick, G. D, ... ... ... 4 40 No. 15, G. G. S. ) 4lNo.l6,G.G.S.i herSOnS ' 42 Frederick William, Count Nassau Weilbourg. G.S 49 43 George W of Nassau Weiibourg, G. G. S. 25 VI Descendants of Mary of England, Landgravine of Hesse- Cassel, next daughter^ of George II, [She died in 1772.] 44 George W illiam, Elector of Hesse-Cassel, S. 74 45 William Prince of Hesse, G. S. ... 40 46 Frederick of Hesse, G. G. S 15 47 Caroline of Hesse, G. G. D 18 48 Mary Louisa of Hesse, G. G. D. ... 16 49 Charles of Hesse, S 73 50 Frederick of Hesse, G.S 46 51 Christian of Hesse, G. S. 48 52 Mary of Hesse, Queen of Denmark, G. D. 50 53 No. 29, G. G. 2* .her children. 54 No. 30, G. G 55 Julia of Hesse, G. D 44 PRINCESS CHARLOTTE, 559 56 Louisa of Hesse, G. D. 57 Frederick of Hesse, S. . 58 William of Hesse, G. S. 59 Frederick of Hesse, G. S. 60 George of Hesse, G. S. . 61 Louisa of Hesse, G. X). . 62 Mary of Hesse, G. D. . 63 Augusta of Hesse, G. D. Aged 28 70 80 .27 21 23. 21 20 VII Descendants of Louisa of England, Queen of Denmark, next daughter of George II. [She died in 1751.] 64 No. 28, G. S. 65 No. 53, No.. 29, G. G. D. 66 No. 54, No. 30, G. G. D. 67 No. 31, G. D. 68 Sophia of Denmark, Queen of Sweden, D. 69 Gustavus King of Sweden^S." S. 70 Gustavus of Sweden, G. G. S 71 Sophia of Sweden, G. G. D f2 Amelia of Sweden, G. G. D. ... •T3 Willi elm in a of Denmark, Elect ress of Hesse Cassel, D. 74 No. 45, G. S. 71 39 18 .16 12 70 75 No. 46, G. G. S, 76 No. 47, G. G. D. 77 No. 48, G. G. D. }-her children. 560 LIFE OF THE Aged 78 Louisa of Denmark wife of Charles of Hesse-Cassel, [No. 48] D 67 79 No. 50, G. S. 80 No. 51, G. S. 81 No. 52, G. D. her descendants. 82 Nos. 65, 53, 29, G. G. D. 83 Nos. 66, 54, 30, G. G. D. VIII. Descendants of Sophia of England, Queen of Prussia, only daughter of George I. [She died in 1757.] 84 Frederick William III. King of Prussia, G.G. S 46 85 Frederick William, Prince of Prussia, G. G.G. S 22 86 Frederick Lewis of Prussia, G. G. G. S. 20 87 Frederick Charles of Prussia, G G. G. S. 16 88 Frederick Henry of Prussia, G. G. G. S. 13 89 Wilhelmina of Prussia, G. G. G. D. ... 14 90 Louisa of Prussia, G. G. G. D. ... 9 91. Will. Fred, of Prussia, G. G. G. S. ... 23 92 Frederica of Prussia, G. G. G. D. ... 21 93 Frederick Charles Henry of Prussia, G.G. S 36 94 Frederick William Charles, G. G. S. .. 34 35 Henry of Prussia, G. G. G. S 6 96 Mary of Prussia, G. G. G. D. ... ... 2 PRINCESS CHAHLOTTE. 561 97 Frederica of Prussia, Duchess of York, G.G.D .. ... ... 98 Wilhelmina of Prussia, Queen of the Netherlands, G. G. D 99 No. 35, G. G. G. S.^ 100 No. 36, G. G. G. S. I >her children. 101 No. 37, G. G. G. S. J 102 No. 38, G. G.G.D. J 103 Christina of Prussia, Princess of Hesse- Cassel, G.G.D 104 No. 46, G.G. G.S.I 105 No. 47, G. G. G. S. j>her children. 106No.48,G.G.G.D.j 107 Frederica of Prussia, Princess Dow. of Orange, G. D. 108 No. 34, G. G. S. 109 No. 99, No. 35, G. G. G.S. 110 No. 100, No. 36, G. G. G. G. S. 111 No. 101, No. 37, G. G. G. S. US No. 102, No. 38, G. G. G. D. 113 No. 39, G.G.D. 114 No. 40, No. 14, G. G.G.S. 4 c 50 43 40 >her descendants. 562 LIFE OF THE 115 No. 141, No. 15, G. , her descendants. Or. G. S. y Aged 116 Frederick William of Prussia, G. S. ... 87 117 Frederica Dorothea of Prussia, Princess ofRadzivil, G. D ... 47 118 No. 69, G.G.S. . 119 No. 70, G.G.G.S. 120 No. 71, G. G. G. D. 121 No. 72, G. G. G. D. 122 Charles XIII. King of Sweden, G. S. 69 123 Sophia of Sweden, Abbess of Quedlen- berg, G.D 64 From the List it will be seen, that the three persons nearest the Throne, who are married and have children, are the King of Wurtemburg, Prince Paul his brother, and the Princess Frederica Buonaparte, their sister. Although, however, there is now no grandchild of George III. yet all his sons, and probably more than one of his daughters, are still of an age that might be expected to have off- spring. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are little more than 40 years of age, and have been not much above a year married ; but until a more cer- tain prospect of issue from the British Branch, the public attention will be turned to the two young Princes of Brunswick, the sons and grandsons of the two Dukes of Brunswick, who lost their lives PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 56S in the fields of Jena and Waterloo. These young Princes were educated in England : yet that is but a small alleviation of the repugnance we feel at having a foreign King ; and this is a consideration which enchances and embitters all the public re- grets which the loss of our own lovely and excellent Princess excites. The first wife of Frederick King of Wurtem- burg, was Caroline of Brunswick. Their daughter, the Princess Catherine, and the late Princess Char- lotte of Wales, were of the same kin to Frederick, Prince of Wales, the father of his present Majesty; both being his great grandchildren. The Princess Catherine was married to Jerome Buonaparte, king of Westphalia, and had a son by him. If the male line of succession to the Crown of Great Britain should fail,, by the Prince Regent and the Royal Dukes dying without issue, then the sovereignty would vest in the female line ; and in that case, as by the Act of Settlement of 11 &c 12 William III. c. 3, the heirs of the Princess Sophia, being Pro- testants, are entitled to the Crown in succession, and the series would be thus : — First the Duke of Brunswick, son of the Duchess ; and if he had no issue, the Prince of Wurtemburg, grandson of the Duchess ; and if he had no issue, the wife of Jerome Buonaparte, the Princess Catherine, as great grand- child of Frederic, Prince of Wales ; who would, 564 LIFE OF THE by the Act of Settlement, be Queen, and her son, young Jerome Buonaparte, Prince of Wales. Thus, after his mother's death, and professing the Pro- testant religion, he would claim the throne by here- ditary right, being as nearly related by the female line to the reigning family, as any other claimant ; since he is descended from Frederick, the common ancestor to all the heirs of the British crown. But if we carry our attention to a period more near, the sudden dissolution of our promised sove- reigns, according to the course of the common des- tinies of mortal nature, must be calculated to give the people injury and profit; injury — for the un- avoidable consequence of the rapid succession is a corresponding increase of the expenditure of na- tional money, not merely for the purposes of coro- nations but to pension the servants of the preced- ing sovereigns respectively, and this we should esteem a serious evil, for if the deserving only were maintained in a degree of splendour beyond what their own exertions in the world could have raised them unto, it were perhaps not simply an innocu- ous thing but also laudable, as by such means a spur would be given to the activity of the virtuous, but in this low estate, blinded as we are by caprices the best of us must be led to our attachments more by whim and incidental circumstances than by other considerations ; added to the cost which the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE 565 nation must be at in such a case, the successor may have different political notions from the deceased whom he succeeds, and thus may confusion be produced in the administration. The advantages however are not a few, but of them all this one stands pre-eminent, the hasty dispatch which is made of sublunary exaltation may inform the sur- vives that earthly happiness cannot secure men in the possession of it, and presenting to our view the ravages of death may enable us to lay up a treasure that we may gain by when that life arrives to which the end of this life provides the beginning. To see how futurity is likely to work will be grati- fying to those who are capable of any curiosity ; and therefore I set down the first fourteen princely persons that are to come to the crown in their order of rightful nativity, calculating the probabili- ties of accession and demise according to the most approved biological tablets : Age. Length of Life. Length of R YEARS. Y. M. Y. M. No. 1 56 14 4 14 4 2 55 14 10 6 3 53 15 8 10 4 51 16 6 10 5 47 18 3 1 9 6 45 19 2 11 7 44 19 7 5 ewn. S66 LIFE OF THE Age. Length of Life. Length of Reign YEARS. Y. M. Y. M. 8 52 9 50 10 48 11 42 12 41 13 42 14 45 16 1 17 17 10 20 5 10 20 10 ..:.... 5 20 5 19 2 20 10 Thus it is not impossible but the next one and twenty years may be passed under no fewer than nine reigns, and of these we shall have two female ones. There was a time when the event which we now deplore would have put every restless spirit into motion, and set a guilty ambition upon its mur- derous devices, and brought powerful pretenders with their opposing hosts of vassalage into the field, and enlisted towns and families under the rival banners of. a most destructive fray of contention, and thus have broken up the whole peace and con- fidence of society. Let us bless God that these days of barbarism are now gone by. But the vessel of the state is still exposed to many agitations. The sea of politics is a sea of storms, on which the gale of human passions would make her founder, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 567 were it not for the guidance of human principle ; and, therefore, the truest policy of a nation is to Christianize her subjects, and to disseminate among them the influence of religion. The most skilful arrangement for rightly governing a state, is to scatter among the governed, not the terrors of power, not the threats of jealous and alarmed au- thority, not the demonstrations of sure and ready vengeance held forth by the rigour of an offended law. These may, at times, be imperiously called for. But a permanent security against the wild outbreakings of turbulence and disaster, is only to be attained by diffusing the lessons of the gospel throughout the great mass of our population, even those lessons which are utterly and diametrically opposed to all that is criminal and wrong in the spirit of political disaffection. The only radical counteraction to this evil is to be found in the spirit of Christianity ; and though animated by such a spirit, a man may put on the intrepidity of one of the old prophets, and denounce even in the ear of royalty the profligacies which may disgrace or de- form it, though animated by such a spirit, he may lift his protesting voice in the face of an unchris- tian magistracy, and tell them of their errors, though animated by such a spirit, he, to avoid every ap- pearance of evil, will never stoop to the flattery of power, nor to the solicitations of patronage, and 568 LIFE OF THE though all this may bear to the superficial eye, a hard, and repulsive, and hostile aspect towards the esta- blished dignities of the land, yet forget not, that if a real and honest principle of Christianity lie at the root of this spirit, there exists within the bosom of such a man, a foundation of principle, on which all the lessons of Christianity will rise into visible and consistent exemplification. And it is he, and such as he, who will turn out to be the salvation of the country, when the hour of her threatened danger is approaching, and it is just in proportion as you spread and multiply such a character, that you raise within the bosom of the nation the best security against all her fluctuations, and, as in every other department of "human concerns, so will it be found, that, in this particular department, Christians are the salt of the earth, and Christianity the most copious and eman- ating fountain of all the guardian virtues of peace, and order, and patriotism. The judgment under which we now labour, sup- plies, I think, one touching, and, to every good and Christian mind, one powerful argument of loyalty. It is the distance of the prince from his people which feeds the political jealousy of the latter, and which by removing the former to a height of inaccessible grandeur, places him, as it were, beyond the reach of their sympathies. Much of that political rancour, which festers, and agitates, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 569 and makes such a tremendous appearance of noise and of hostility in our land, is due to the aggravat- ing power of distance. If two of the deadliest political antagonists in our country, who abuse, and vilify, and pour forth their st3rmy eloquence on each other, whether in parliament or from the press, were actually to come into such personal and familiar contact, as would infuse into their contro- versy the sweetening of mere acquaintanceship, this very circumstance would disarm and do away al- most all their violence. The truth is, that when one man rails against another cross the table in an assembly, or when he works up his fermenting im- agination, and pens his virulent sentences against another, in the retirement of a closet, he is fighting against a man at a distance, he is exhausting his strength against an enemy whom he does not know, he is swelling into indignation, and into all the movements of what he thinks right and generous principle, against a chimera of his own apprehen- sion ; and a similar re-action comes back upon him from the quarter that he has assailed, and thus the controversy thickens, and the delusion every day gets more impenetrable, and the distance is ever widening, and the breach is always becoming more hopeless and more irreparable ; and all this between two men, who, if they had been in such accidental circumstances of juxtaposition, as could have let 3 D 570 LIFE OF THE them a little more into one another's feelings, and to one another's sympathies, would at least have had all the asperities of their difference smoothed away by the mere softenings and kindlinesses of ordinary human intercourse. It has been observed by a distinguished clergyman,* that among the rich, there is apt at times to rankle an injurious and un- worthy impression of the poor, and just because these poor stand at a distance from them, just be- cause they come not into contact with that which would draw them out in courteousness to their persons, and in benevolent attentions to their fa- milies. Amongst the poor, on the other hand, there is often a disdainful suspicion of the wealthy, as if they were actuated by a proud indifference to them and to their concerns, and as if they were placed away from them at so lofty an elevation as not to require the exercise of any of those cordi- alities, which are ever sure to spring in the bosom of man to man, when they come to know each other, and to have the actual sight of each other. However separated they long may have been from the poor, let those that have abundant wealth and Kve in splendid mansions, and with all the pomp and greatness corresponding, fall into some direful misfortune which shall bring them down to a level • Dr. Chalmers. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 571 with the humblest, suppose the sudden death of an only child, and the sluices of kindly feeling are im- mediately raised in the breasts of persons who be- fore seemed to be a species distinct from the suf- ferers. If in such a case as the trying illness of either head of an exalted family, the help of a skilful and an experienced cottager should be re- quired, with what eagerness this cottager will run to impart aid and comfort to the afflicted grandee ! When in full health and vigour, and honours, and all that is known in the world of exaltation and luxury attend the great, the people who are with- out these adventitious adjuncts are commonly in their eyes beneath the regard of which afterwards they prove themselves to be deserving. It is in- deed the lamentable separation, the bar of dignity and rank that renders the exalted — objects of awe alone without any heartfelt attachment. To coun- teract this unhappy remoteness in the mutual in- terests of the great and the lowly I know not of any expedient so admirably adapted as the dissemi- nation of Christian wisdom, the precepts that are blessed with God's grace come under the best of recommendations, and it is therefore very astonish- ing that men should feel the reluctance they do in advancing their influence over the minds of the bulk of the people. But there is a cause. In the first outset of such a plan whoever sits at the 572 LIFE OF THE helm of affairs naturally turns to the episcopal dig- nitaries for advice upon it, and they, being no more than men, have so much mortal frailty mixed up in the constitution of their religious sentiments, afraid of submitting themselves to a discipline too rigid as they must through a respect for public opinion if the nation were universally informed upon the duties of christian bishops, fond of those indulgences which indeed it may not be criminal to enjoy, but which they certainly could not do with the same ease and self complacency if the scrutinizing eyes of enlightened millions were upon them, or some other imbecility incident to the most worthy of human beings, they do not approve with all the might of their authority in general the spread of gospel information. Now although this be a severe observancy upon the venerable directors of the ehurch, yet let it be considered that the princi- pal censure which has been attached to them is not a primary guilt upon their part, it is only a second- ary one, a consequence merely oi' supineness, and no doubt can be made, but if the instant result of a careless administration of ecclesiastical matters were to strike them, as it does some of them in its foil force, their charitable and humane tempers would be deeply affected by it ; nevertheless the public writers ought, as the servants of the Almighty, as the subjects of a revered sovereign, and as well- PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 573 wishers to the human race, to urge the necessity of abolishing church traffic, and the fitness of prefer- ring such teachers as deserve to be preferred by superior piety and learning. A regulation such as this would be productive of extremely good effects in bringing the people to a due sense of the im- portance attached to the country by their wealthy fellow citizens, and these on the other hand would be easily inclined to look with esteem towards the great mass of the population, assuring themselves that from them were to proceed not only persons of genius for the conduct of the weightiest affairs, but that their low circumstances would be most apt to stimulate such to exert whatever talents they might be possessed of to the glory and prosperity of the empire; and the general consequence must be an approximation of the different classes, and therefore a sympathy produced betwixt them. Whereas should the system of negotiating parishes be continued and patronized, then all the comforts which men of honest ambition might have other- wise aspired to with much toil, and to the public utility, appear inaccessible ; and few are disposed to busy themselves without some benefit for their trouble, since at least the public impression must in such a case be hostile to the industry and vigour of struggling worth, rendering despicable what ought naturally to claim our utmost respect and 574 LIFE OF THE admiration. If the sweet Princess had been only spared for some years longer, we might have wit- nessed some changes introduced to this effect, used as her Royal Highness was to interrogate the clergymen that came before her, and although it was for information rather than curiosity's sake that she put her question, her Royal Highness notwith- standing was well instructed in her duty, and could no doubt discover incompetent persons, although her charitable and prudent mind was not of a cast to expose any when there was no urgent need of do- ing so. One of the most attracting graces which reflected lustre upon the royal condition of Prin- cess Charlotte was the attention that she showed indiscriminately to all ranks of the people, and tended to spread a good report of her all over the entire nation. She was always ardent in the cause of Christianity, the true and unfailing source of every virtue that can impart strength to loyalty and make the realms quiet and happy. Had she been a haughty supercilious character, the manner of her death and the time of it, the consignment of so much grandeur and lofty hope to utter despair and the idea of a beautiful and elegant young wo- man being snatched away from ail the pleasures and joys of the world must have excited the public concern, but when Princess Charlotte expired, a sort of incredulous horror diffused itself, nobody PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 575 could reconcile the image of beauty and the pattern of virtue, and all princely accomplishments with the dismal habitation of a cemetery ; to contemplate the lovely promise of future glory and power aided by the disposition to scatter happy faces where she approached soever, this was an exercise of the mind ill exchanged for the annihilation of them. But as in life she was useful to the interests of piety and learning, so in her death some benefit may accrue to them, and pointing our attention to affairs more serious than the grandeur and exaltation of the world superinduce an attachment to the dictates of the wise and upright. Especially when by so esti- mable an example of regard to religion and human- ity, our hearts are warmed by a love of virtuous thoughts and actions as often as we call up in our memories the doings and the sayings of the Prin- cess : many of them we have given already, and there are more that will gradually be made known by those round her once, who, now that she is no more, will take a delight in recording what they observed of her, and tell it over to their young friends. Not long before her Royal Highness's confinement, the Rev. Mr. Wilcox begged to have an interview with her, and easily obtained it : he acquainted the Princess with the distressing circum- stances of a young man that lay under condemn- ation, and declared his case to be such as excited 576 LIFE OF THE his most ardent wish for his pardon and that con- sidering it the best expedient, he had taken the freedom of soliciting her Royal Highness's inter- cession for the young man. The Princess assured Mr. Wilcox that she would not fail to take the earliest opportunity of submitting the petition to the Prince Regent, and do her best endeavours to ob- tain a remission of the sentence. Mr. Wilcox was of course extremely grateful to the Princess, and expressed his concern that the only return it would be in his power to make was his poor prayers on her Royal Highness's behalf. Mr. Wilcox, inter- rupted the Princess, do not call your prayers poor prayers, for the prayer of a righteous man availeth much. It was by means like these that while the amiable young heiress to the British Throne was mingling with none whom she did not attach to her person and engage their warmest affections, it was by valuing and respecting the great instructors of the people that her Royal Highness is treasured up in the minds of all sensible men as the best promise of a happy sovereign that ever yet appear- ed in England. The many admirable properties which distinguish the illustrious monarch who is now labouring under the infirmities of mortal ex- istence, are all well known and prized by his devot- ed subjects, and if the government of the country *©uld be farther improved, who w r as more likely TRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 577 to accomplish it than she who had next her heart the proper management of the church, which is the very tie and bandage of tranquil society and moral excellence of every sort, whether it be the noiseless honesty that a tradesman uses in the affairs of his merchandize, or the noble daring of a soldier in the field of battle. Apart altogether from the essential character of the gospel, and keeping out of view the solemn re- presentations of Christianity, by which we are told that each individual of countless myriads carries an undying principle in his bosom, and that it is the duty of the minister to cherish it, and to watch over it, as one who must render, at the judgment-seat, an account of the charge which has been commit- ted to him, though it is of paramount importance over all that can be alleged on the inferior ground of political expediency, yet, on this ground alone, there is argument enough for the serviceableness of such men, devoted to the labours of their own se- parate and peculiar employments, giving an atten- tion to the office of dealing with the hearts and principles of the thousands who are around them, coming forth from the preparations of an unbroken solitude, armed with all the omnipotence of truth among their fellow-citizens, and who, rich in the resources of a mind which meditates upon these things and gives itself wholly to them, are able to 4 E 578 LIFE OF THE suit their admonitions to all the varieties of human character, and to draw their copious and persuasive illustrations from every quarter of human experi- ence. Give to each (but let those appointed be persons of as much merit as interest) a manageable extent of town, within the compass of his personal exertions, and where he might be able to cultivate a ministerial influence among all its families— put it into his power to dignify the very humblest of its tenements by the courteousness of his soothing and benevolent attentions, let it be such a district of population as may not bear him down by the multiplicity of its demands ; but where, without any feverish or distracting variety of labour, he may be able to familiarize himself to every house, and to know every individual, and to visit every spirit- ual patient, and to watch every death-bed, and to pour out the sympathies of a pious and affectionate bosom over every mourning and bereaved family. Bring every city of the land under such a moral re- gimen as this, and another generation would not pass away, ere righteousness ran down all their streets like a mighty river. That sullen depravity of character, which the gibbet cannot scare away, and which sits so immoveable in the face of the most menacing severities and in despite of the year- ly recurrence of the most terrifying examples, could hot keep its ground against the mild, but re- PRINCESS CHAKLOTTE. 579 sistless application of an effective Christian ministry. The very worst of men would be constrained to feel the power of such an application. Sank as they are in ignorance, and inured as they have been from the first years of their neglected boyhood, to scenes of week-day profligacy and Sabbath profan- ation, these men, of whom it may be said, that all their moralities are extinct, and all their tender- nesses blunted — even they would feel the power of that reviving touch, which the mingled influence of kindness and piety can often impress on the souls of the most abandoned — even they would open the flood-gates of their hearts, and pour forth the tide of an honest welcome on the men who had come in all the cordiality of good-will to themselves and to their families. And thus might a humaniz- ing and an exalting influence be made to circulate through all their dwelling-places : and such a sys- tem as this, labouring as it must do at first, under all the discouragements of a heavy and unpromis- ing outset, would gather, during every year of its perseverance, new triumphs and new testimonies to its power. And all that is ruthless and irre- claimable in the character of the present day, would in time be replaced by the softening virtues of a purer and a better generation. This I know to be the dream of many a philanthropist ; and a dream as visionary as the very wildest among the fancies 580 LIFE OF THE of Utopianism it ever will be, under any other ex- pedient than the one now pointed to ; and nothing within the whole compass of nature, or of experi- ence, will ever bring it to its consummation, but the multiplied exertions of the men who carry in their hearts the doctrine of the New Testament. And, if it be true that towns are the great instru- ments of political revolution — if it be there that all the elements of disturbance are ever found in busiest fermentation, if we learn, from the history of the past, ihat they are the favourite and the frequented rallying-places for all the brooding violence of the land — who does not see that the earnest pleading of the Christian minister is at one with the sound- est maxims of political wisdom, and that it should be urged upon the rulers and magistrates of the land, that this is indeed the cheap defence of a nation — tins the heart's blood of all its strength and of its greatness ; and now that She is no more who was likely to forward such commendable and glori- ous measures, may the recollection of her manifold and considerate beneficence advocate their promo- tion. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 581 A Monody on the Death of Princess Charlotte. Of visitations in this vale of woe, That claim the sigh, and bid the tear to flow O'er Joy's fresh cheek — that spread the sudden gloom, And tempt to question Heaven's mysterious doom ; — Say, is there aught of keener touch to try The sentient nerve of generous Sympathy, Than when in life's fair morn in beauty's flower, When Hope's gay sunbeam gilds the flattering hour, Each grace expanding, beaming every ray With vernal promise of the jocund day, Malignant Fate the shaft insidious aims, And the cold grave its lovely victim claims? Oh ! yes — there is a sorrow more severe, That claims from Sympathy a sadder tear ; 'Tis when the victim of the fateful strife, To youth — to beauty, adds the name of wife-— Of wife ! — O ! sacred sound ! whose potent charm Wakes ev'ry thought that manhood's breast should warm; And, well defin'd, to female ear conveys Whate'er can bliss bestow, or merit praise ! — The wife ! — ah, more I still dearer to the soul That feels of Nature's law the blest control I The expectant mother — teeming for the birth — Our promis'd immortality on earth ! If, then, when hope in every pulse beats high, And every thought anticipates the joy — The father's joy— which thro' the anxious hour Sustain'd his spirit with a buoyant power ; If, then, long lingering pangs (0 ! worst of woes !) Not in new life, but mortal anguish close ; If Fate averse, to equal blight condemn The promised blossom and the beauteous stem, With twofold aim wing the envenom'd dart, And yield to childless woe the widow'd heart; 582 LIFE OF THE 'Tis not in human sufferance to supply A deeper claim to social Sympathy. And such the doom that claims a nation's tear To bathe illustrious Charlotte's early bier. Nor mourn we thus an individual woe, Nor tears alone of sympathy bestow ; A Nation's fears, a Nation's sorrows swell, And hear an omen in the passing knell. For, oh ! on thee, thou blossom early shorn ! Britain had gazed — as on the star of morn The night- worn traveller ; and deem'd thy ray The genial promise of a blissful day : Well pleas'd in fond similitude, to trace Eliza's image soften'd in thy face. And when she saw thee blend the spirit high, That beam'd imperial in thy conscious eye, With the mild lustre of that genial ray That gilds domestic duty's peaceful way, Fond Hope was busy (Hope, alas ! how vain !) To paint the patriot glories of thy reign, And hail the sainted virtues of the Isle, Warm'd to new life in thy benignant smile. But, ah ! farewell the day-dreams of delight ! The Boreal dawn is clos'd in thickest night ; Nor aught remains, but 'mid the rayless gloom, To pour our sorrows o'er a silent tomb. Elegiac Stanzas to the Memory of Princess Charlotte. BY MRS. ELIZA SMITH. The Seraph was not form'd for living here ; No — she was kindred with a brighter sky ; Angels beheld — and to their starry sphere, On glitt'ring pinions wafted her on high. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 583 Now in the realms of love, of light, and joy, Serenely blest in her divine abode, She smiles enraptured on her cherub boy, And humbly yields the Angel to its God. "Fair Spirit!" from thy radiant throne look down, Behold thy people with a pitying eye ; Say thou hast chang'd for an immortal Crown, And bid our griefs be hush'd, our murm'rings die. And o'er thy much lov'd Consort's drooping head, Shed from thy roseate wings the balm of peace ; Whisper him soft, in Heaven thou'rt happy made, And bid his fond regrets, his sorrows cease. Westmoreland-Street. CLAREMONT. It was the loveliest evening of the year, My chamber's casement, op'ning to the west, Reveal'd, in light subdued, the orb of day, Now verging to repose. I mark'd his slow Descent ! A moment more, and all his rays, In all their splendor, sunk beneath the ware ! Yet shone the sky with many a glowing tint Of gold and purple, glorious to the eye, Yielding fair promise of the coming day. 'Twas beautiful ! 'Twas soothing to the soul Of Contemplation ! Long did I gaze, and muse, And, all unconscious of th' approach of night, Ador'd the God of Nature in his works. The moon had risen, and, with milder beam, Illum'd the arch of Heaven. Her tender light Diffus'd a soft and balmy spell around :— All nature slept in quietness and peace. How tranquil, how delightful was the view ! h LIFE OF THE How bright, yet how serene, the firmament ! See how those worlds of light pursue their course, In trackless radiance, through the vast expanse; What speaking silence, what mute harmony, To soothe, to charm, to elevate the soul ! Night's orison I paid, and sank to rest, Sweet were my dreams, for sweet the waking hour, And sweet the gentle close of day had been. Rose to my view, in Fancy's fairy round, Claremont, thy woods and groves, thy lawns and mounts, Thy gay parterres, and all thy rich demesne ! Thy stately mansion, with its rising fanes, The seat of royal worth, and wedded love — Of Britain's pride, and Britain's fondest hope — Stood full before my eyes. 'Twas Nature's time Of mirth, and love, and warm delight — the Spring — When all is fresh and joyous to the sense; When circulates the blood in fuller streams ; When every being owns a livelier thrill ! — Blithe was the note that burst from ev'ry spray! Blithe the response from ev'ry warbler there ! The bounding deer sprang frolic o'er the plain ; The horse, loud neighing, snuff'd the breeze of health, Joy'd not the lovely mistress of the scene, As, with her Lord, she sped the morning walk, And saw that all was happy in her care ? Joy'd not that favour'd youth, as on his arm His soul's delight in wedded rapture hung ? O, yes ! their full eyes rais'd to Heaven declar'd The heart's rich feeling — nature's purest glow I Honour'd in age, a venerable Oak, The forest's stately King, rear'd high his head, And widely spread his noble branches round. A thousand summers might have thrown their beams, PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 585 A thousand winters might hare shed th^ir snows, On his unbending strength ; but firm he stood, As though unnumber'd ages yet might roll, And leave him still, rejoicing in his pride !-— Beneath this ancient tree, in sweet repose — The heart's lov'd converse— sat the royal pair, And hail'd, and bless'd, its dear delightful shade ! Swift, as in dreams full oft, the scene was chang'd, Summer's o'erpowering splendor blaz'd around ; The sun's fierce influence checked the song of love ; And nature flagg'd beneath the heat intense. But still dear Claremont, still thy groves were green ; And still the princely dwellers happy rov <* Amongst thy cool retreats. Thy lordly Oak, In fuller verdure cloth'd, of deeper, hue, Marking the season, darker umbrage cast. Another change ; and, lo ! autumnal airs*, And ripen'd fruits, and Harvest's jocund train, And golden foliage, shew th' advancing year. How rich the scenery glows ! But, ah, it tells Of chilling blasts, an4 wintry hours to come ! Claremont, how sweet thy vales at this mild hour! How sweet beneath thy time-proud Oak to sit, When nature's minstrels trill the evening lay, And soothe, with unbought melody, the soul ! O, envied, honour'd pair ! how swift the hours Of bliss, of love, of bland affection fly ! A few short years, and every graceful smile— Those now so full of life, and bounding health, And young ambition ! — all shall sink in death- Shall moulder in the darkness of the gTave ! While moralizing thus a sable cloud, In night's deep gloom involv'd the peaceful scene, And silenc'd every minstrel of the grove. 4 F 536 LIFE OF THE Peal'd the electric shock upon my ear, And all the vision fled ! — Sudden, I 'woke, And heard the beating rain, and howling wind, Assail my roof. The lightning flash'd, and roll'd The distant thunder through the concave dark, As though the elemental strife would rend Earth fabric to the centre I Where was now The promise given — night's golden promise— of A loveiy day t — So, perish oft the hopes Of man, and all his fairest prospects fade ! At length, the storm pass'd o'er ; again I slept ; Again, O Claremont, I beheld thy groves, That, rich in Autumn's foliage charm'd the eye ; And there, beneath the honoured Oak were seen, Each loving and beloved, the gentle pair. Her head reclining on her Leopold's breast, She seem'd with all earth's happiness replete. Hope smil'd, and tender expectation beam'd, From forth her speaking eye. That eye met his, And both expressive shone, in bliss supreme. Rapid as thought's transition burst the storm ! The lurid lightning glar'd ; the thunder roll'd ; Darkness and desolation roam'd abroad ; The night-bird scream'd; the troubled watch-dog howl'd; And shudd'ring nature groan'd beneath the shock !«— Shelter'd that ancient Oak the princely pair ? Ah, no ! I saw them flee ! The lightning's flash Disclosed the dire event I Heaven's fiercest bolt Had struck the dear belov'd one to the earth, And all that erst was gen'rous, kind, and good, And all that erst was lovely, breath'd no more I O, dread calamity ! Unmeasured woe ! — A father's joy, in all its pride was crush'd ! A husband's hopes were wither'd in their bloom 1 A satin's glory blasted by the shook I PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 587 Claremont ! thy walli resounded with affright- One shriek of agony, and all was mute I Another flash !— I saw that honour'd Oak ; The bolt of Heaven had reft his fairest limb, And hurl'd the beauteous ruin o'er the plaia. His aged trunk was all that now remain'd ; Branchless, and bare, and shatter'd to the stem. With loneliness and devastation crown'd, Winter, in deepest horror, reign'd supreme. — In anguish I awoke, and slept no more. Park Cottage, Ipswich. T. HARRAL. VERSES delivered by Mrs. Hartley, Upon the re-opening of Drury Lane Theatre after the Interment of her Royal Highness : they were written by Mr. Thomas Campbell. Britons ! although our task is but to shew The scenes and passions of fictitious woe, Think not we come this night without a part In that deep sorrow of the public heart, Which like a shade hath darken'd every place. And mcisten'd with a tear the manliest face. The bell is scarcely hush'd in Windsor's piles, That toll'd a requiem through the solemn aisles For her, the Royal Flow'r low laid in dust, That was your fairest hope, your fondest trust. Unconscious of the doom, we dreamt, alas 1 That e'en these walls, ere many months should pass,. (Which but return sad accents for her now,) Perhaps had witness'd her benignant brow. Cheer'd by the voice ye would have rais'd. on high In bursts of British love and loyalty. 588 LIFE OF THE But Britain, now thy Chief, thy people, mourn, And Claremont's home of love is left forlorn ; There, where the happiest of the happy dwelt, The scutcheon glooms — and Royalty hath felt A grief that every bosom feels its own — The blessing of a father's heart o'erthrown — The most belov'd and most devoted bride Torn from an agonized husband's side, Who, long as Memory holds her seat, shall vie^r That speechless, more than spoken, last adieu ! When the fixed eye long look'd connubial faith, And beam'd affection in the trance of death. Sad was the pomp that yesier night beheld, And with the mourner's heart the anthem swell'd,. While torch succeeding torch illum'd each high And banner'd arch of England's chivalry — The rich-plum'd canopy — the gorgeous pall, . The sacred march — and sable-vested wall— These were not rites of inexpressive shew, But hallow'd as the types of real woe. Daughter of England ! for a nation's sighs, A nation's heart went with thine obsequies ; And oft shall Time revert a look of grief On thine existence, beautiful and brief. — Fair Spi i ! send thy blessing from above, To realms where thou art canoniz'd by love ; Give to a father's, husband's bleeding mind, The peace that Angels lend to human kind; — To us, who in thy lov'd remembrance feel A sorrowing, yet a soul ennobling zeal, A loyalty that touches all the best And loftiest principles of England's breast;— Still may thy name speak concord from the tomb, Stiil in the Muse's breath thy memory bloom— PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 589 They shall describe thy life, thy form pourtray ; But all the love that mourns thee swept away 'Tis not in language or expressive arts To paint — ye feel it. B)~itons, in your hearts. LINES on the Lamented Princess Charlotte. And must the Bard r/ith' sighs responsive tell The fate of her whom England lov'd so well; Write with his tears that Altioa's brightest star No more with splendid beams shall shine afar : That youth nor h>auty could avert the doom, Nor stay the summons to the lonely tomb ? O, Sun ! who once, by mortal accents stay'd, Thy swift wheels check'd, and Joshua's voice obey'd, With Britain mourn this dire — this dreadful day, And shine o'er Europe with a fainter ray. Thou, Moon, resplendent planet of the night, Curb thy pale car, and hide thy beamy light; Shed starry tears for one so great, so good, And mourn the fall of innocence in blood. Could riot the regal pomp, the scepter'd power, Stay the dread tyrant for one transient hour ; No weeping friends call back the fleeting breath, Nor save one victim from the dart of death? No, though the Court its stateliest pomp display, And shouting myriads throng the guarded way, Though the tall palace pierce the lofty sky, 5Tet must the Monarch as the Peasant die. Thrice fatal hour for Brunswick s Royal Race — No more fair Charlotte's form their Courts shall grace, No more her voice shall charm the list'ning ear, Nor ease the child of penury and care. Oh ! when this tale far distant millions hear, Who will not shed the sympathizing tear ? 590 LIFE OF THE E'en barren cliffs some dewy drops shall spill, And the bleak rock its rusty tears distil.- And thou, fair Infant, whom no cares molest,. From sorrow free, in Heaven's eternal rest; Thy future fame the Bard had hop'd to sing, And tell the glories of his embryo King ; How distant isles thy mandates should obey, -And either India own thy godlike sway. Delusive hope ! no tarrying here below, Tho' born to reign — snatch'd from this vale of woe ; Spurn'd at a throne, a bright clad cherub thou, A nobler crown adorns thy circling brow ; Thy beauteous form, on wings of seraph borne, Knelt at the centre of the Eternal Throne ; With lisping voice and zephyrs silvery lays, Join'd in the general theme of lofty praise ; With trembling tongue pray'd the dear face to see Of her that bore a Mother's pangs for thee ; Pray'd to conduct her through the deeps of air, To join with thee the bright assembly there. Pity prevailed, the good, the gracious God, Benignant smil'd, and gave th' assenting nod. Thy coral lips, with grateful rapture fir'd, To chaunt a nobler song of praise aspir d ; With rapt'rous joy on the kind errand sped, Heaven's glories shedding o'er the dying bed ; With splendor deck'd, with seraphs' glories fraught, The will of Heaven's eternal Ruler brought; With gentlest breath the heavenly summons sighed Thy parent smiled, obey'd her God, and died ! Oh, blissful hour ! Oh, child supremely blest ! To waft thy Parent to eternal rest ; Guide the new Angel to her native home, And bid her Welcome to a nobler throne ; While round her head Heaven's vivid splendors play, And star-wreathed angels line the dazzling way. PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 591 And tho' full oft our trickling tears may lave, With many a bitter sigh, their early grave, Their favour'd barks have gain'd a happier shore, Around whose halcyon shades no thunders roar.— Then cease to groan, nor yield to dark despair, For brighter courts and fairer worlds are there. Faringdon. J. jj. On the Death of Princess Charlotte. Sad by the couch, o'er which his bride reelin'd, O'erwhelm'd with grief and agony of mind, Her Consort stands — and gazing o'er her face, Still hopes in every look and glance to trace Something like life returning — still to see Some faint expression of reviving energy. But, ah ! his hopes are vain — his throbbing heart Too keenly feels the pang—" W3 must for ever part !" Her eyes were fix'd where all her joys had been, And his, returning every look, were seen Still bent to her, while leaning o'er her side He watch'd the painful struggles of his bride. In vain the effort to suppress his grief, To check the tear, that, starting, brings relief! His the sad fate to see her sink in death, And,, fainting in his arms, resign her breath : In vain she tries to speak — she softly sigh'd, And, breathing gently, in his bosom died. AN ODE, To the Memory of Princess Charlotte. Daughter of Joy ! with Spirit pure, And beauteous Royal Form— Thy loveliness might not endure Affection's tender storm J 592 LIFE OF THE And Thou must feed the humble worn*- Thyself, how humble then ! For Death shall lay the Victor's arm As low as those he's slain. And Monarchs sink like other men, When life's poor dream is o'er ! But Thou, Beloved Child of Pain, In Death shall bind us more ! A Nation's sighs thy loss deplore — The tear cf grief is shed — And all thy Spirit wooed before, Thy Memory hath wed ! Ere yet Thou fill thy narrow bed, That should'st have fill'd a Throne .' In cheerless State, we see thee laid, That yesterday but shone. But Heaven's Almighty Will be done ! We grieve — while Seraphim rejoice— For Thou eternally art one In Adoration's voice. — And Leopold was thy maiden choice— Unbiass'd by control ; He shunn'd with thee unmeaning toys, For Sympathy of Soul ! — A weeping Nation may condole His lamentable plight — But Suns of Joy to Him can roll No sunshine of delight. Thau wert the Charmer of his night— The Beauty of Ins day ! — And he may weep, indeed, thy flight, That ravish'd all away ! Oh ! Thou wert fair as smiling May, With goodness all thine own — And Spirit, Time may truly say — What Royalty hath shown ? PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 595 Still do we doubt— and art Thou flown For ever from the Earth — With heavenly glory round thee thrown To memorize thy worth ! Lov'd Majesty, that blest thy Birth, Thine exit may not know — For God hath closed Aw eye on mirth, And rapt his mind from woe ! But oh ! their bosoms' restless throe, Save Parents — who can feel — Their Child hath left a wound below . That time may never heal I ._ LINES on the Death of Princess Charlotte. Fair smil'd the prospect under skies serene,- And vernal beauty brighten'd every scene— Her magic influence Music pour'd around, Whilst Joy sat listening to the soothing sound ; And Love, enraptur'd, lent his potent charm, Chaste Feeling's fond impassion'd breast to warm— Banish'd, amid the universal glow Of pleasure, seem'd each sullen shade of woe, And the completion, in its utmost. scope, Of promis'd bliss, was realiz'd by Hope. Such lately, Claremont, in thy blooming shade, Such was the prospect we beheld display 'd, When last returning Spring's prolific powers In renovated beauty cloth'd the bowers ; And all of happiness man here can share, With Heaven's permission, crown'd the Princely Pair, Who deign'd, from cares of regal state yet free, To fix their royal residence in thee : Where they, indeed, did bright examples prove Of wedded faith, and harmony, and love— 4 G 594 LIFE OF THE While their beneficence around thee shed Its cheering beams on Want's declining head ; And widows — orphans, rescu'd from distress, Pour'd ceaseless prayers to Heaven ,for their success. But ah, mysterious Fate ! involv'd in gloom Impenetrable is man's future doom ;— The smiling morn, that no dark clouds deform, Ere noon may lour and burst into a storm: And all Spring's flowery pride, in beauty's glow, A wintry gale may suddenly o'erthrow. Such awful change misfortune often brings, To blast the hopes of Nations and of Kings. Lamented Princess ! such the dread decree, That snatch'd from our fond expectations — Thee I That left a doating Husband plung'd in grief; No words can paint — no medicine yield relief! Who hurl'd from happiness — bereft — forlorn — Affection's tenderest ties asunder torn ! His brightest prospects blasted — comforts fled— « In speechless agony now bows his head, Struggling beneath Affliction's heaviest load, To learn submission to the will of God ! Dromore. THE CONSOLATION. Ascend, bright Orb, and take your flight To the blissful realms of light ; Behold your Saviour and your God To Seraph Angel gives the nod, Fly and and receive her in your breast, Waft her to her heavenly rest. Rising from her earthly dome To her blest, eternal home, Heaven's golden clouds now open wide, From worldly eyes her form to hide ; PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 595 The" Spirits bless'd all gaz'd to see Her mortal frame immortal be. Now Angels and Archangels sing A Hallelujah to their King ; Celestial harps, by Cherubs strung, Reverb'rate to their Saviour's song; The voice of God now sounds the strain, Come, Charlotte, to your God again. THE CELESTIAL ROSE ; OR, BRITISH SIGHS; An Elegiac Tribute, to the Memory of Princess Charlotte, The pride of British Flowers no more In splendor rears its head : Ah ! no : Britannia's hopes are o'er, Her Royal Charlotte's dead. Dead is the sweetest, brightest Rose E'er grac'd or hill or dell; Whilst Britons vent, in grief, their woes, And sighing, cry— "Farewell!" Is death eternal ? Oh ! no, no, Such flowers can never die ; They're wafted from a soil below, To bloom in realms on high. Hark ! Hark ! divine seraphic tones The heav'nly chorus swell The welcome to etherial thrones, Whilst Britons sigh—" Farewell 1" 596 LIFE OF THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. Such bliss in a celestial sphere Must give us sweet relief Must tend to check our sorrows here, And soften poignant grief, Must melt those tender hearts who hear The deep funereal knell, Who, whilst they drop the pearly tear, Sigh—softly sigh—" Farewell." Then calm, Oh! calm such fond despair}; Britons ! no more repine ; Your Flower is His peculiar care, Whose pruning hand's divine. No more let grief your souls weigh down, Your sighs and tears repel, Celestial Joys your Charlotte crown, Resign'd, then, say—" Farewell." Belle Vue Place, J. BISSET. Leamington Spa, &th Nov. 1817. FINIS, Stereotyped tad Printed by J. M'Qowao, Grest Windmill Street, Hajnn*rict. ■ xd by R.EA&E. 3^ J ' j'.> ;//,>/<:>/// o^an OP // 2^a?7^> //r ZZf. // ■ / I w&L tyllj. ' m I ^>^* ^*%< ItibUsTudtylMrvurslaj. .Engraved by KEA.GE. Q aaz jr^/ny J^bliskedh/Xl i-.iti;- ^ J, ^ TutfuieJ h-T-Knu. SHE X1EJFT THE MORTAL FOM A3" JMMOIiXAIL (CJR01CT"- If III i ,- r r n - m HONE'S EDITION / AUTHENTIC PARTICULARS OP *&%t Seat!) PRINCESS CHARLOTTE AND HER INFANT. dFottiiS tEfattfon* LONDON : PRINTED BY AND FOR WILLIAM HONE, €7, OLD BAILEY, THREE DOORS FROM LUDC&TE HILL. 1817. Price Sixpence, x:.. AUTHENTIC PARTICULARS, &e Her Royal highness Princess Charlotte isno more. This young, beautiful, and interesting Princess died at half-pest two o'clock in the morning of Thursday, November the Sth, 1817, having survived the delivery of a still-born child but a few hours. The shock which the unexpected and afflicting event gave to the inhabitants of the metropolis, cannot be adequately described, and it will equally be felt throughout every part of his Majesty's dominions. The recollection of her amiable virtues— the bright promise of her early life her connubial happiness— the edifying picture of domestic economy, and of exemplary benevolence, which she held out — her presumed constitutional principles, as well as the high political considerations dependant on her life, all combine to involve the empire in universal gloom. The circumstances of the death of the only two presumptive heirs to the Crown in direct succession, the mother and her child, are as affect- ing to private feelings, as the event itself may be esteemed publicly calamitous : for if there is an occasion on which the infliction of the universal doom excites peculiar sorrow, it is that wherein the more tender sex is alone exposed to pain and hazard ; and if there is a station to which man might wish to be born, for the purpose of promoting the happiness of his fellow-creatures, it is that of the Constitutional Sove- reign of theBritish Empire. The Prince of Saxe-Cobourg, the husband of the amiable Princess, paid her Royal High- ness unremitting attentions. His sufferings are inconsolable, and his anguish unutterable. Her Royal Father is also in the deepest affliction, which must, no doubt, be aggravated by the reflection of his own abseuce, and that of all the- Royal Family, at the time. Before recording the particulars of the melancholy event, it will be as well to give all the recent official notices, as they have appeared. The first relates to the period just pre* ceding the delivery, and is as follows;— " Claremont, Nov. 5, half-past 5, p. m. fC The labour of her Royal Highness the Princess Char- lotte has within the last three or four hours considerably advanced, and will, it is hoped, within a few hours be hap* pily completed. « M.BAILLIE, " RICHARD CROFT, « JOHN SIMS/' B ^ a qrarter r>a?t nine, the hope thus encouraged was d< sucyed by the following annunciation : — Claremont, Nov. 5, quarter past 9 in the evening. cf At nine o'clock this evening her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte was safely delivered of a still-born, male child. Her Royal Highness is going on favourably. " M. BAILLIE, <■« RICHARD CROFT, « JOHN SIMS." At ten, another bulletin was issued, which at least seemed to remove all apprehension as to the personal danger of her Royal Highness. It is as follows ; — " Claremont, Nov. 5, 10 o Clock p. ;??, < ; At nine o'clock this evening, her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte was delivered of a still-born male child. Her Rova^ Highness is doing extremely well. " M. BAILLIE, " J. SIMS, " R. CROFT." Lord iSidmouth's letter to the Lord Mayor contained a similar mixture of disappointment on one hand, and hope jw the other. The following is a literal copy s — LOUD SIDMOUTH TO THE LORD MAYOR. " CJaremont) Nov. 5, half-past 9,p. m. V My Lord, — -I have the honour to inform your Lordship, that at nine o'clock this evening, her Royal Highness the princess Charlotte was safely delivered of a still-born male child, and that her Royal Highness is going on favourably. " I have the honour to be, my Lord, *' Your most obedient Servant, « SIDMOUTH. " To the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor." But the public disappointment was doomed to be un- mixed ; for at half-jiast six; yesterday morning, the following mournful letter was despatched by Lord SiDiviouTii to the Lord Mayor : — ••'. Whitehall, Nov. Q, 6 a. m. "■ My LoRp,--It is with the deepest sorrow that I inform your Lordship, that her Royal Highness the Princess Char- lotte expired this morning at half-past two o'clock. ". 1 have the honour to be, &c. (Signed) « SIDMOUTH, V To the Right Hon, the Lord Mayor," Tbe fatal tale was ended by the following short, but ex* pressive notice in the Gazette :--- LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY, THURSDAY, NOV. C. « Whitehall, Nov. 6, " Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte Augusta, Daughter of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and Consort of his Serene Highness the Prince Leopold of Saxl-Cobourg, was delivered of a still-born male child at nine o'clock last night, and about half-past twelve, her Royal Highness was seized with great difficulty of breathing, rest- lessness, and exhaustion, which alarming symptoms in- creased till half-past two o'clock this morning, when hey Royal Highness expired, to the inexpressible grief of his Royal Highness the Pkince Regent, of her illustrious consort, the Prince Leopold, and of all the Royal Family." From the time her Royal Highness was seized with the pains incident to her situation, and which indicated her ap- proaching delivery, nature proceeded sluggishly. The long protracted time of the Princess's suffering, induced Ministers to send an express to town for Dr. J. Sims, of Guildford Street, whose long experience and high character, as an Accoucheur, peculiarly recommended him on an occa- sion so important, and he arrived at Claremont early on Wednesday morning. During the whole of Wednesday Her Royal Highness's labour proceeded very slowly, but without apparent diffi- culty. The medical attendants stated, that they considered it too slow, but at six o'clock in the afternoon the throes of child-birth had become more decisive ; and the child was then, and even up to a few minutes before its birth, ascer- tained to be living, At its birth it was found a perfect fine- formed male infant. There is something extremely affecting in the consideration, that the mother should outlive her offspring but little longer than to receive the painful tidings of its death ; and it may be difficult to ascertain, whether a parent's emotions would be more acute (were she aware of her coming fate) on embracing a living infant which she must soon leave, or viewing a breathless one as the only reward of her pains; but during this trying scene, and throughout the whole of her tedious labour, the Princess maintained the utmost firmness and resignation. After the birth, her Royal Highness appeared so tranquil and com- posed, that between twelve and one the medical gentlemen retired to rest. The Cabinet Ministers, also, having fuH reason to believe that all danger was over, had left Claremont soon after eleven o'clock, but were afterwards recalled. The gist symptom of approaching danger is said to have been on 6 some gruel being presented to her, which she fo^md a frtftflTiculty in swallowing; cold and spasms succeeded. -• The physicians were called up, but their aid was vain. For the last half-hour hejr spasms are said to have subsided ; she sunk into calm composure, speechless, but apparently not insensible; and at half-past two o'clock she was no more. His Serene Highness the Prince of Saxe-Cobourg felt all the anxieties natural to an affectionate husband, during the whole labour. When the death of the child wag announced he consoled himself with the survival of the mother; under the loss of both, he will, if he is a wise man, lis he has evinced himself an amiable one, look for support and consolation, further than in human sympathies and perishable relations. On the report that the Princess was " doing well,'* he had retired to rest in the adjoining chamber, and was among the first of those who attended the summons on the fresh appearance of indisposition. The following letters from Claremont, where her Royal Highness' s delivery and death took place, contain *he pain- fully interesting details of these afflicting occurrences : f the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, &c. This Court being deeply affected with the loss of her Royal Highness the Pftneesa Charlotte Augusta, Laughter of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, 11 and Consort of bis Serene Highness, Prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg, and considering how unseasonable any Public Rejoicings would be at a time when his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and the whole Nation, are on this mournful occasion so sensibly afflicted with the greatest sorrow and concern, doth thereupon unanimously agree and order, that the Livery Companies shall not walk or stand in the streets, or pass in their barges on the water, on the next Lord Mayor's Day, nor any firing of guns on the land and water, ringing of bells, or any other outward show or rejoicings, heretofore accus- tomed, be permitted or suffered to be made on that day, but that the same be for this time wholly iaid aside and forborne, and that public notice be given thereof. And it is further agreed and ordered, that, waving all unnecessary pomp and state, the Lord Mayor elect, in his private coach, accompanied with the present Lord Mayor, the Aldermen, and Mr. Recorder, and attended only by the Sheriffs and the principal officers in coaches, the other officers walking on foot, preceded by the two City Marshals on horseback, shall pass from the JVJansion-house to Westminster, and directly go up to the Court of Exchequer, there to take his oath, which being done, his Lordship attended as before, having entered warrants of attorney in the Courts of King's Bench and Common Pleas, as usual, is desired to return in the same manner to the Mansion-house. YVOODTHORFE. There are recent precedents for swearing in the Chief Magistrate of the City without splendour, and, of course, for Lord Mayor's Day being spent without festivity. In 17Sf5, the elder Princess Amelia having died early in No- vember, Alderman Sainsbury, the Lord Mayor of that year, went in a chair to Guildhall, and thence in his private carriage to Westminster. The following Notices were issued from the Royal Aca- demy and by the Society of Antiquaries:— Royal Academy, Nov. 6, 1817. In consequence of the public calamity announced this day, the SCHOOLS of the ROYAL ACADEMY are for the present closed, and the LECTURES p£ Professor Carlisle POSTPONED till further Notice. HENRY HOWARD R. A., Sec. Apartments of the Society of Antiquaries, Somerset Place, November G, 1817. Notice is hereby given, that in consequence of the deeply lamented demise of her late Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales, the Meetings