Secret History of the Court of England, from the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth, Volume 1 (of 2): Including, Among Other Important Matters, Full Particulars of the Mysterious Death of the Princess CharlotteHamilton, Anne, Lady
History
Secret History of the Court of England, from the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth, Volume 1 (of 2): Including, Among Other Important Matters, Full Particulars of the Mysterious Death of the Princess Charlotte
Hamilton, Anne, Lady
Caroline, Queen, consort of George IV, King of Great Britain, 1768-1821; George III, King of Great Britain, 1738-1820 -- Relations with courts and courtiers; George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830 -- Relations with courts and courtiers; Great Britain -- Court and courtiers -- History -- 18th ce
Mr. Pitt, at this time, through a private channel, communicated his
desire to see Mr. Canning, who of course promptly attended. The premier
complimented Mr. Canning on his reputation as a scholar and a speaker,
and stated, that, if he concurred in the policy which government was
then pursuing, arrangements would be made to bring him into parliament.
These few words will briefly explain to future generations the manner of
introducing members to parliament by this minister.
Previous to this _honourable_ offer, Mr. Canning belonged to what was
then termed "the opposition faction," and among those who were the _most
violent_ in their opinions, _he_ had been considered and spoken of as
their _protege_. But a seat in parliament from the hands of a prime
minister, who, however haughty and reserved in his general manners, had
perhaps, for that very reason, a peculiar power in fixing himself in the
minds of those whom he wished to please, was a tempting offer to a young
man, conscious of superior talent, but rendered by his situation in life
agreeably alive to such flattering and powerful notice. Our readers will
hardly feel surprised, then, at his after vacillating conduct, which we
shall have occasion frequently to notice.
The Prince of Wales now veered in his political expressions, and
deserted his former acknowledged principles, in obedience to the wishes
of the _queen_. The other male branches of the royal family were
revelling in the vortex of voluptuousness; and so expensive were their
amours and gallantries, in addition to their gambling transactions, that
they were continually involved in debt, and, for momentary relief,
borrowed sums of every person willing to run the risk of a loan, or
afraid to incur the royal displeasure.
The king was ignorant of the most dishonorable transactions in which his
sons were so deeply involved; what he did know was sufficient to make
him miserable. Their supplies and income were to an enormous extent; yet
his majesty was aware that the Duke of York's horses and carriage were
seized, while going down Piccadilly, and his royal highness obliged to
walk home!
Declaration of hostilities was announced between Great Britain and
France, and the year's supply amounted to TWENTY MILLIONS. To provide
this enormous sum, extra taxes were again levied upon the people.
We enter upon the year
1794,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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