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_.