Monroe has had a conversation with Ld. H. about Spanish America; he wishes nothing to be attempted without a concert with the United States, the country to be declared independent, and free ports to be opened to both the invading powers. His accounts from Armstrong[281] represent that there are great differences among the French generals, and that this alone has prevented Bonaparte’s return to Paris where his presence was also required. _March 8th._--The Princess has not published her defence, but it is said she has got it printed at a private press belonging to Perceval, and she threatens to publish it next Friday, if not previously received at Court on Thursday. It is said that her coarseness of language disgusts even her partisans. [Sidenote: CABINET CHANGES] The overtures of Canning are taken into consideration, and have been the subject of conversation between Lds. Grenville, Howick, and Holland. There is an idea that Lauderdale, Whitbread, and Canning may be introduced into the Cabinet. Canning now requires Charles Long,[282] Huskisson, and old G. Rose[283] to have places. Some of these and Ld. Camden are only named _pro forma_, and would be sacrificed if he could be taken in. How room can be made does not very readily appear. When the Doctor was told of Canning’s proposals, he said, that in the present stage of the business, he was not called upon to interfere, but that if it was proposed to bring Canning into office, his line was taken.[284] There is no reason whatever for any change at present, except the alleged necessity of dismissing Windham on account of his great mismanagement in his office and his conduct as War Secretary, and the reduction of strength in the H. of Commons, especially should Windham go with Opposition. But the real cause is said to be Lord Grenville’s restlessness of disposition, which makes him dissatisfied at the end of six months with every arrangement he forms. Ld. H. is averse to these changes on the score of unfairness to Addington, who must be made the sacrifice, especially as they conducted themselves (_apparently_, a cautious saving always necessary, however, for the Doctor’s conduct) well in the late discussions with the King, and because he is naturally averse to the return of so many of the Pitt-ites to power; and also that Canning’s introduction to the Cabinet is the elevation of a rival to Petty. The latter opinion, however, is more my own, and has inspired me with great distrust to the proceedings. Petty, who at my earnest desire has been apprised of the affair, as the injunction was that it was not to transpire, is, of course, against it. Therefore if Ld. Howick (over whom Ld. Grenville has acquired great influence) is of the same mind, there will be little or no difficulty in counteracting it. Whitbread’s impatience for office, and Ld. Howick’s extreme desire to have no political difference with him, makes him lend a readier ear to such a plan than he would otherwise do.