Part 5
was ushered in under some peculiar circumstances of distress and alarm. The king was evidently declining in health, and strong signs of imbecility were apparent. He positively refused to see the prince upon the subject of his debts, and was otherwise much distracted at the recollection of various impositions upon the public, which might have been avoided, if, in the moment of necessity, he had explained himself fully to the nation, and pressed for an amelioration of all _unnatural_ and _uncivilized_ acts of parliament, detrimental to the peace, welfare, and happiness of the sovereign and the subject.
In July, the prince was so beset with appeals from his numerous creditors, that, partly to silence them, and partly to induce the House to pay his long-standing arrears of borrowed money, he announced his intention to give up his establishment, and, out of his annual income of fifty thousand pounds, to reserve ten thousand, and appropriate forty thousand for the benefit of his creditors.
In the early part of this year, the prince _was married_ to Mrs. Fitzherbert. Messrs. Fox, Sheridan, and Burke were present upon the occasion, as also were some of the relatives of the bride. After the ceremony, Mr. Fox handed them into a carriage, and they drove to Richmond, where they spent some days. In the interim, the queen was made acquainted with the marriage. Her majesty requested an audience with the prince, which was immediately complied with. The queen insisted on being told if the news of his marriage were correct. "Yes, madam," replied he, "and not any force under heaven shall separate _us_. If his majesty had been _as firm_ in acknowledging _his marriage_, he might _now_ have enjoyed life, instead of being a misanthrope, as he is. But I beg, further, that _my_ wife be received at court, and proportionately as your majesty receives her, and pays her attention, from this time, so shall I render my attentions to your majesty. The lady I have married is worthy of all homage, and my very confidential friends, with some of my wife's relations, only, _witnessed_ our marriage. Have you not always taught me to consider myself _heir_ to the first sovereignty in the world? where then will exist any risk of obtaining a ready concurrence from the House in my marriage? I hope, madam, a few hours reflection will satisfy you that I have done my duty in following this impulse of my inclinations, and therefore I wait your majesty's commands, feeling assured you would not wish to blast the happiness of your favourite prince." The queen presumed it would prove her best policy to signify her acquiescence to the prince's wishes, and the interview terminated without any further explanation or remonstrance; nevertheless, the substance of the interview was immediately communicated to Mr. Pitt. The extravagant expenditure of the prince, at this period, was so increased, that he frequently promised _cent. per cent._ for advances of cash!
The Duke of Richmond, this year, proposed to erect _fortifications_ all over England! Monstrous as this attempt to enslave the country must appear, the power of Pitt brought the division of the House of Commons on the bill exactly _even_, so that the speaker was obliged, by his conscience, to give his casting vote _against_ so traitorous an affair! The establishment of a sinking fund was next brought forward; and, on a surplus of taxes appearing, amounting to NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS, new taxes were levied on the plea of making up this sum _ONE MILLION_, which, with compound interest, was to be invariably applied to the _reduction of the national debt_.
In the year
1787,
the queen received the wife of the prince (Mrs. Fitzherbert) _in the most courteous manner in public_! The mental illness of the king became now apparent to those around him, but it _was not spoken of publicly_.
In April, Mr. Newnham, member for the city of London, gave notice that he should bring forward a motion, the intent of which was, "To address the king, in order to procure his approbation to relieve the Prince of Wales from all embarrassments of a _pecuniary_ nature," to which he hoped the House would _cordially_ agree. This announcement created much conversation, as well it might; and Mr. Newnham was earnestly solicited to withdraw his motion, lest its results should do injury to the state, and be productive of other inconvenience and mischief. The minister (Pitt) said, "_that if Mr. Newnham persevered in pressing his motion upon the notice of the House, he should be driven to make disclosures of circumstances, which otherwise he believed it to be his imperative duty to conceal_." Mr. Rolle (member for Devonshire) considered that an investigation of this matter involved many questions of consequence, which would affect both church and state. Messrs. Fox and Sheridan, with some other _private_ acquaintances of the prince, were bold in their language, and replied, that "the prince did not fear any investigation of his conduct; and that respect or indulgence, by an affected tenderness or studied ambiguity, would be disagreeable to the wishes and feelings of his royal highness!"
A few days after this debate, Mr. Fox called the attention of the House to the strange and extraordinary language used by Mr. Rolle, saying, "that he presumed those remarks were made in reference to the base and malicious calumny which had been propagated out of doors by the enemies of the prince, in order to _depreciate_ his character, and injure him in the opinion of the country!" Mr. Rolle replied to this by saying that, "though the marriage could not have been accomplished under the formal sanction of the law, yet if it existed _as a fact_, it ought to be satisfactorily cleared up, lest the most alarming consequences should be the result." Mr. Fox, in reply, said, "that he not only denied the calumny in question, with respect to the effect of certain existing laws, but he also denied the _marriage in toto_," adding, "though he well knew the matter was illegal under every form of statute provided, yet he took that opportunity to assert, _it never did happen_." Mr. Rolle again asked, "Do you, Sir, speak from DIRECT OR INDIRECT AUTHORITY?" Mr. Fox replied, "FROM DIRECT AUTHORITY." The House was now anxious that Mr. Rolle should express his satisfaction; but he positively and determinately refused, "as he wished every member of the House to JUDGE for himself!" Now mark the result. Mr. Sheridan (the bottle-companion of the prince) rose and declared warmly, "that if Mr. Rolle would not be satisfied, or put the matter into some train for his further satisfaction, his opinion was, the House ought to resolve, that it was seditious and disloyal to propagate reports injurious to the prince." But notice Mr. Pitt's reply, who rose, and protested against an attack upon the freedom of speech in that House. Mr. Pitt, indeed, could do no less than _stop the inquiry_; for if it had proceeded to any greater length, the LEGITIMACY of the prince might have been _doubted_!!!
The prince again sought advice to shield himself from his various opponents, whose impertinent, yet honest expressions, might prove an alloy to his character, and render void all his pretensions to even _common honesty_! His royal highness _deigned_ to consult some persons of consequence, but he could not receive any advice equal to his wishes. At length, he saw the queen, and partly explained his difficulties and debts, concluding his remarks by these _threatening_ words: "Unless the king suggests _HIS DESIRE_ for the payment of these debts, I will _EXPLAIN_ all this STATE MYSTERY; and I would receive a shot from a musket, in preference to the galling insults which I well know the _kingdoms_ infer _from these shameful arrears_." Again the _state secrets_ operated! Again was TRUTH to be hidden in a napkin! The prince retired from the audience; but the queen was no sooner disengaged than Mr. Pitt was announced and introduced. The interview was short, but decisive, and the minister departed on a mission to the prince at Carlton House. There he promised that his royal highness should immediately receive means to discharge his debts, and accordingly, on the very next day, a message was laid before the House, and an address voted to the king, to request him to grant out of the "civil list" the sum of one hundred and sixty-one thousand pounds, to discharge the debts of George, called Prince of Wales, with an additional sum of twenty thousand pounds to finish the repairs of Carlton Palace. When this infamous proposition was made, distress and wretchedness were at an alarming height! But the king was more an object of pity than of blame. Royalty, to him, was a deceitful bauble. Those who beheld it at a distance saw nothing but greatness, splendour, and delight; but, could they have examined it closely, they would have found toil, perplexity, and care, its constant companions.
The king was now fast exchanging the bloom of youth for the languor of age. He knew his duty was to repress calumny and falsehood, and to support innocence and truth; and not only to abstain from doing evil, but to exert himself in every way to do good, by preventing the mischiefs evil counsellors might devise. Yet the _state secrets_ kept him from acting as his heart dictated, and his mind soon lost all its vigour!
The prince, from this time, was sure of the attainment of his wishes, if within the power of the queen to bestow; and, from this conquest, he gave loose rein to the impetuous desires of his wayward inclinations. Splendid fêtes were given, money was lavished upon the most insignificant and indecorous occasions; virtue openly insulted, in every possible shape; and the man, who was expected shortly to reign over the destiny of millions, was frequently exhibited to his friends as an UNPRINCIPLED LIBERTINE, a NOTORIOUS GAMESTER, and an UNGRATEFUL SON! But the rank of royal distinction, and the means he possessed to gratify his lusts (being devoid of all positive integrity upon many points) were sufficient causes of excuse in the estimation of himself and his minions! His graceful bow and ensnaring address led many good-natured people into a belief that he was really an honest man and a gentleman!
From the commencement of the year
1788,
the king's health again declined. His mind appeared full of gloomy apprehensions and forebodings; sometimes he uttered the most incoherent language; then, dissolving in tears, would ask after the health of the several members of his family, and especially of his youngest daughter, to whom he was more particularly attached. This state of aberration was, however, strictly concealed from the public as long as possible by the queen. Here, again, mark her German policy! Fearing she could not much longer conceal the king's indisposition, she determined to consult her favourite minister, and they resolved upon a proposition to give to the _queen's_ care the charge of his majesty's person, presuming that step was finally needful, as by its adoption _only_ could she retain an opportunity of exercising _complete controul over her afflicted husband_! On the reassembling of parliament, therefore, the project of the queen was brought forward by Pitt, who, possessing a decided majority, passed what resolutions he pleased. He contended, in opposition to Fox, that the Prince of Wales had no more right to the regency _than he had_! The debates upon this subject were long and warm; but Pitt and the queen finally triumphed. The care of the king's person and the disposition of the royal household was to be committed to her majesty, who would, by this means, be vested with the patronage of _four hundred places_, amongst which were the great offices of lord-stewart, lord-chamberlain, and master of the horse! These "loaves and fishes" offered the queen a fine opportunity of exercising her tyranny, and further increasing her power!
Let us here digress a little, to reflect upon the _enviable_ state in which her majesty was placed at this period.
Behold, then, the Queen of England, in the enjoyment of health, surrounded with all the luxuries of life, knowing the _intricacies_ of STATE INFAMY, and anxious to hold the reins of government in her own hands, constantly closeted with the minister--ALONE! his years not half so many as those of his royal mistress! See her confiding in his secrecy, submitting her opinions for his decision, and knowing that herself and her family are in his power! The man, who, after this retrospect, pronounces there never was a _false step_, or a _deviation from rectitude_, we venture to say is but very little acquainted with humanity! It is also well known to more than one or two individuals, that the Prince of Wales dared to _jest_ with her majesty upon the occasional _private_ interviews she held with this minister; and his royal highness was once seriously sent from her presence, in consequence of a TRIFLING DISCOVERY he made. It therefore seemed the more requisite that the _appearance_ of a rigid decorum must exist at court; consequently, if any lady had been known to violate those bounds, she must be excluded from royal favour, and never again enter the precincts of the palace! Her majesty, it will be perceived from this, knew how to put on the garb of virtue, if she possessed it not! Our love of impartiality, however, obliges us to give an instance contrary to the general edict of the queen. Her majesty was made fully acquainted with Mrs. Fitzherbert's history, and therefore knew that this lady had been left a widow--twice; and that she afterwards accepted the _protection_ of the Marquis Bellois, which intimacy was of considerable duration. Yet, as soon as the prince _married her_, she was a general visitant at court, and received the most especial and unlimited polite attentions from the queen. Let this example suffice to shew her majesty's _scrupulous_ delicacy!
In March,
1789,
the king was declared convalescent, so as to be able to resume his duties, and defeat those air-drawn schemes of power, which his queen was about to assume.
The insulted sovereign thus freed the people, for a time, from the artful stratagems and devices arising from the charnel house of oppression.
It is certain, that his majesty was free from all _violent_ paroxysms, and generally manifested a quiet and unobtrusive disposition in all things. But then this was the _utmost_ of his improvement. Reason's empire was fatally shook, and the recollection of the past incapacitated him for forming an opinion either upon the present or the future.
The queen, in the mean time, resolved not to be entirely debarred of her prospects of patronage; for, under the specious disguise of kingly authority, her majesty gave appointments and honours to the hirelings around her, and carried "majorities" whenever she pleased.
It was not deemed prudent that the king should open the House in person; therefore, the chancellor delivered the speech in the name of his majesty.
During this session, Mr. Wilberforce pleaded ably for the abolition of West Indian slavery, though to very little advantage.
Some excesses of an unhappy description were practised by the Duke of York; but they were passed over without any public punishment or parental rebuke, although a family of high respectability suffered the loss of their only daughter, a most beautiful and accomplished girl, nearly twenty years of age! She was a victim of the duke's sensuality, and destroyed herself by poison soon afterwards,--such were the extreme sentiments of honor and virtue entertained by her. Some of her family yet live to mourn her loss and regret the privileges of royalty!
In this year a revolution broke out in France, and innumerable lives were lost. The opposite views which Burke and Fox took of this event dissolved the friendship that had so long existed between them.
In February,
1790,
the printer of "The Times" newspaper was fined ONE HUNDRED POUNDS for a libel on the Prince of Wales, and the like sum for a libel on the _equally-illustrious_ seducer, the Duke of York. If a verdict had been given otherwise, royalty would have been humbled!
In this year, also, a most remarkable occurrence transpired. A very respectable clergyman was induced to marry two persons upon an extreme emergency, without their obtaining a license or the publishing of banns. The clergyman was tried at Leicester for this offence, and sentenced to be _transported for fourteen years_! Many appeals were made, in a quiet and peaceable manner, to the judge. Expostulations upon the disproportion of the punishment were also made by various classes of society; but, alas! _the happiness of the subject was destroyed_, while the higher authorities remained not only unimpeached, but defended!
During this session, the House was solicited to supply extra sums for the expenditure of the _secret service_, to which, however, many voices were raised in opposition. The prince and his former friends and companions were now apparently in a state of disunion, as each one appeared dissatisfied with the other.
Mr. Fox proved the most unremitting member of the House in the discharge of his duties, opposing the increase of the national debt, and the imposition of new taxes. The salary of the speaker of the House of Commons, however, was advanced to six thousand pounds, remonstrance proving of no avail.
About this time, the prince and two of his brothers became so embarrassed by their imprudent conduct, that they found it expedient to resort to some measure for the attainment of means to satisfy the clamorous demands of their creditors. Jews and money-brokers were tried, but to no effect; and their last resource seemed to be by obtaining the amount desired upon their respective or joint bonds. Every likely person was solicited to grant the loan; yet, after a long and mortifying attempt, all their endeavours proved fruitless. A large interest was offered, and had the parties been persons of indubitable integrity, many of their countrymen would have gladly lent their money upon such terms; but former inaccuracies paved the way for future misgivings. At length the sum was furnished, from foreign houses chiefly,--the amount of which was ONE MILLION!!! The princes received nearly half a million immediately, and the other portion was to be paid according to the stipulation,--the interest being fixed at _six per cent._ This interest, however, was not paid upon its becoming due; consequently there was a suspicion of unfair dealing; but of this subject we must treat anon.
A trifling dispute with Spain this year cost the country THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS!
The year
1791
was a period of continual debate and of harassing vexation, both at home and abroad. In the mean while, the prince was engrossed in his pursuits of pleasure, ever searching after variety in every possible shape. Such also were the pursuits of his royal brothers.
It now becomes our painful duty to speak of the FEMALES of this "_ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY_."
It is one of the unnatural distinctions of royalty, and which is often fatal to the happiness of society, that _their ways are not the ways of the other sons and daughters of humanity_. Though royal blood is not of itself considered a barrier against marriage, the very few persons that are eligible to marry a king's daughter, besides the unsurmountable difficulties which religion opposes to such unions, makes them almost amount to absolute exclusion.
It would argue a callous heart not to feel the force of the above reflection, while speaking of the royal daughters of Queen Charlotte. They were at this period in the bloom of youth, in all the glowing exuberance of health, but from the real enjoyment of which the miserable etiquette of regal splendour, and the feigned prudery of their mother, debarred them. In the full meridian of their state, possessing every exterior advantage calculated to excite vulgar envy and admiration, these royal ladies were less blessed, in reality, than the daughters of peasants, who were free to marry the men of their choice. When this secluded state of royalty is considered, the reflecting mind will feel disposed to exercise charity and forbearance; but the subjects of our present notice partook of _rather more_ of female frailty than ought to have been allowed. We have heard, indeed, of the most desperate excesses committed by _royal_ ladies, and are ourselves acquainted with an _accoucheur_, who officiated under a circumstance of a lamentable kind,--INDEPENDENT OF THE BIRTH OF CAPTAIN GARTH! Alas! were the crimes of the court of Charlotte but painted in their true colours, how would Virtue blush!--how would Honesty be abashed!--how would Credulity be staggered! The slightest deviation from honor in a tradesman's daughter is generally punished by eternal disgrace! For the present, we must leave these very painful reflections; though we fear _truth_ will compel us to renew the subject.
The revenue was, as usual, unequal to meet the extravagancies of the royal family, and so was added every succeeding year an increase to the already immense "NATIONAL DEBT."
The queen became now much disturbed by the dissatisfaction so generally expressed by all classes of society, and she therefore resolved to give the minister her opinion upon the subject. Mr. Pitt accordingly presented himself, and was received with courteous attention. The queen expressed her fears of an ill _ultimatum_, unless some plan could be proposed to satisfy the desires of the people. After various propositions were made and rejected, it was deemed prudent to resist any and every motion which might be made in the Commons for reform in the state of the representation, and to rule over the people by _force_, if found needful.
The House met early in the year
1792,
and the king announced the marriage of his second son, Frederick, with a daughter of the King of Prussia. In March, Mr. Pitt proposed to settle thirty thousand pounds per annum upon their royal highnesses! The Opposition remonstrated, but the motion was finally carried.
Much interest was excited upon the subject of the slave trade; and Mr. Wilberforce urged the abolition of it in very warm and generous language. Mr. Pitt was eloquent on this occasion, and pleaded, most animatedly, in favour of its entire abolition; but the minister _was not sincere_. A series of resolutions were ultimately agreed upon, and sent up to the Lords for their concurrence.
The Duke of Clarence now commenced his parliamentary career, by violently declaiming against the abolition of slavery and its advocates. This caused it to be delayed, and the guilt of Britain increased.
The queen _appeared_ vexed at this circumstance, as she had imagined such a concession would have given great satisfaction, without decreasing her influence at home.
In a private conversation with an illustrious person, some days after this defeat, Mr. Wilberforce said, "He did not believe the queen or the minister were _truly desirous_ of the abolition of slavery; for, if it had been intended by them to be carried, they would have secured it in the Upper House."
After thus trifling with the wishes of the people, it appeared probable that dissatisfaction might arise amongst the middle classes of society; to provide against which, the establishment of a new police for Westminster was proposed and carried.
The year
1793