Life and Times of Her Majesty Caroline Matilda, Vol. 3 (of 3): Queen of Denmark and Norway, and Sister of H. M. George III. of EnglandWraxall, Lascelles, Sir
History
Life and Times of Her Majesty Caroline Matilda, Vol. 3 (of 3): Queen of Denmark and Norway, and Sister of H. M. George III. of England
Wraxall, Lascelles, Sir
Caroline Mathilde, Queen, consort of Christian VII, King of Denmark, 1751-1775; Denmark -- History -- Christian VII, 1766-1808
As the Baron de Lichtenstein had left orders for me to wait on the
Hanoverian Envoy with what letters I might have for his Majesty, I waited
on him this morning. He received me with distinguished politeness. I gave
him three letters; one from the queen, one from the Danish nobility,
and a third from myself; all addressed to the king. He said he had
received his orders to forward them instantly to the queen's palace to
his Majesty, which he would not delay one moment. So, I suppose, in the
course of 4 or 6 days I shall receive some orders or message from _Him_.
'Tis a most delicate and difficult affair in which they have engaged me;
but, as I exactly and minutely know my instructions, and the genius of
the party, I fear nothing; but, on the contrary, am conscious of being
able so to act, as to approve myself to those who have honoured me by so
noble a deputation. As soon as I know anything, I shan't fail to inform
you; but I shan't be surprised if I should be sent back again to Germany
in less than 12 or 14 days. Yet I know nothing, and can draw no certain
inferences at present. All depends on his Majesty's replies and pleasure.
* * * * *
No. 8.
JERMYN STREET, _April_ 11, 1775.
I would willingly give you a little light into the exact situation I am
in, and the views I have at this time. The nobility who sent me back
this second time to represent their requests, and notify their desires
to his Majesty, all men of the highest rank and eminence in Denmark and
Holstein, but being at present in a species of exile, unpensioned and
unofficed, were by no means capable of raising a large sum of money, or
supplying me with anything beyond the "de quoi vivre." They only give me
600 ducats, or near £300 per an.:--I mean, after that proportion, during
my stay in England as their agent or envoy. It is not from them--I mean
strictly, and in their own persons--that my reward must ultimately come.
It is from her Majesty the queen. If she returns to her kingdom, she
can highly honour and reward me, herself. If she does not, she can yet
recommend me so powerfully to her brother, that I shall be at least in
some manner or way taken care of. I do not account the money they give
me to procure bread and wine, while employed in their immediate service,
as in the minutest degree rewarding me. Neither do _they_ esteem it so.
Fond as I am of travelling, I am not desirous of repassing the circle
of Westphalia, at the continual hazard of my life and limbs; nor would
I do it in any cause less honourable, less noble, than that of seeing a
young and charming princess, whose graciousness and condescension have
attached me more to her, than any hopes of interest or even ambition.
Whether his Majesty rejects or consents to their request, alters not in
any degree the intentions of the party. His consent will accelerate the
blow; his refusal may retard, but cannot, never will change the design.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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