'He was capable of serious exertions of friendship, not by pecuniary sacrifices, for, of such, his situation hardly ever admitted, but by persevering zeal when he was likely to effect a beneficial purpose. He was well acquainted with military duty, and was never wanting in courage, or the spirit of enterprise. He is generally acknowledged to have been a very handsome man in early life, but his person was disguised by the singularity of his dress. Though disposed to participate in all the dissipations of higher life, he yet contrived to devote much of his time to reading, and was generally well provided with topics for the usual conversations of the table, even in the most convivial circles. He was so marked a character that he might be considered as one of the prominent features of his time, and he was courted as well for the peculiarity, as for the harmless tendency of his humour.' [Illustration: Decorative motif] FOOTNOTES: [27] Vol. i., p. 97, etc. [28] Huish, vol. i., 164. [29] _Gentleman's Magazine_, 1824, part i., 457, 458. [Illustration: Decorative panel] CHAPTER VI. The Prince goes to Brighton for his health--Description of Brighton in 1784--Royal visitors--The Prince takes a house--Weltje--Sam House--Fox and the Prince--Brighton in 1785. In 1784 the Prince of Wales had a somewhat serious illness, and we read in the _Morning Herald_ of July 16 that 'His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, having been advised by his Physicians to sea bathing, we are informed from good authority, that his Royal Highness will set out on Monday next for Brighthelmstone. Mr. Weltje, the Clerk of the Kitchen, and Mr. Gill, the Purveyor of the Stables, are now at Brighthelmstone, preparing everything for his Royal Highness's reception.' He left London on the evening of July 22, and the following are some newspaper cuttings which describe his visit and the general gaieties of that season at Brighton: '_Brighthelmstone_ will certainly prove the summer residence of the _loves_ and _graces_, on account of the temporary residence there of the Heir apparent: not a cock loft but what is taken by some _expectant fair_, who means to make an _innocent conquest_, or an _illicit sacrifice_!--The _Knights of the Dice box_ are collecting there from all quarters, hoping for a plentiful harvest in so singular a season for universal _gul-_ as well as _cul-libility_! A pretty sprinkling of Princes of the _Gallic blood_ is, likewise, hourly expected to complete the curious _dramatis personæ_.'[30] '_Extract from a letter from Brighthelmstone, July 25._ The Prince of Wales is here quite as a private gentleman, attended by Colonel Leigh, etc. He walks frequently upon the Steine, and behaves with great affability and politeness.'[31]