Memoirs of Her late Royal Highness Charlotte-Augusta of Wales, and of Saxe-Coburg ... To which is prefixed, a concise history of the illustrious house of Brunswick, brought down to the present time ..

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MEMOIRS

OF HER LATE

CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA

OF WALES, AND OF S AXE-CO BOU RG ;

CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF

HER JUVENILE YEARS— EDUCATION— MARRIAGE WITH PRINCE
LEOPOLD— ACCOUCHEMENT— DEATH— AND FUNERAL.

TO WHICH IS PREFIXED,

A CONCISE HISTORY

OF THE

$Utt0tt'tott0 f*?0tt0t of 23rungtotr&,

BROUGHT DOWN

TO THE PRESENT TIME ;

SHEWING

The Actual State of the Succession to the Throne of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain.

BY THOMAS GREEN, ESQ.

" Loveliness was around her as light. She saw the Youth, and loved him. Her
blue eves roll'd on him in secret, and she blest the Chief."

" Thou hast left no Son, but thy name shall live in song. Narrow is thy dwelling
now, thou who wert so great before."

OSSIAM.

<£aj:r.on }0re0s(:

PRINTED BY HENRY FISHER, LIVERPOOL,

Printer in Ordinary to His Majesty.

Sold at hi3 Warehouse, 87, Bartholomew Close, London : and by the Bookseller:

of the United Kingdom.

PA

LIBRARY

UMTOWITY OF CALTFOKNU

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PREFACE.

The object of the Author of these
Memoirs has been, to present a correct
draught of the amiable character of the late
lamented Princess Charlotte. Whatever
defects the Reader discovers, he will not, it
is hoped, find any attempt to impose the
absurd idea, that the Princess was entirely
exempt from human weakness ; although the
noble and benevolent disposition which Her
Royal Highness manifested, the numerous
and interesting anecdotes, and, above all, the
excellence of her moral and religious ex-
ample, especially during the uninterrupted
felicity of her married life, will not only be
found worthy of perusal, but of imitation.
From the specimens of her more retired life,
and of her benevolence, which have been
suffered to transpire, the Reader will join
the Author in regretting that the wide chasms
of so interesting a history could only be closed

IU«*a* ktr-U Preface.

up with the less important details of fashion-
able life : but there is, at least, this consola-
tion, that — like the sun-beams breaking; forth
through the fluctuating clouds which conceal
the luminary from our eyes — these specimens
convince us, that the Princess Charlotte pur-
sued the same course when hidden, as when
revealed; and, had she lived to ascend the
Throne, would theu have issued with the
greater glory from those secluded shades to
which she delighted to retire. Since, how-
ever, the Divine Providence has been pleased
to destroy all these fair expectations, we next
turn our attention to the suddenness of her
removal from the very summit of earthly hap-
piness, and contemplate it as a signal proof
of the utter instability of earthly things. The
particulars of her illness, death, and funeral,
possess a peculiar interest; and, it may be
safely added, that so full and authentic an
account has not hitherto appeared.

The histories of the Houses of Brunswick
and Stuart are prefixed to these Memoirs;
and the present state of the Succession to the

PREFACE. V

Throne is subjoined, in order to dissipate the
universal alarm which naturally pervaded the
public mind on account of this unexpected
calamity. The former, also, is especially
intended to shew the principles upon which
the House of Brunswick ascended the British
Throne, and to mark the progressive advance-
ment of our general prosperity, as a nation,
since that happy event, which consolidated
the Constitution in Church and State. The
glorious reign, and private virtues, with many
anecdotes, of our present venerable Sove-
reign, (further interesting particulars of whom
will be found, among other valuable matter,
in the Appendix,) have been particularly re-
corded. The history of the House of Saxe-
Cobourg, and the Life of Prince Leopold,
with anecdotes of the Prince Regent, &c. are
also inserted in their proper order; together
with accounts of the universally sorrowful
sensation which the Death of the Princess
Charlotte produced, and of the solemn man-
ner in which the day of her Funeral was
observed.

VI PREFACE.

The Plates, and execution of this Work, are
now before the Public ; and, as the sale suffi-
ciently testifies that they have recommended
themselves, it is needless to say any thing in
their favour. The Author may also be at least
permitted to add, that as this Book con-
stitutes a literary monument to the memory
of the Princess Charlotte, beside being cal-
culated to promote the diffusion of loyal sen-
timents, and moral and religious truth, with-
out regard to sect or party; it forms a very
suitable present for those young Ladies and
Gentlemen upon whose opening minds their
friends desire to impress those important
principles, which equally conduce to individual
prosperity and to the security of the State.

CONTENTS.

Chap. I. — History of the House of Brunswick, to the time
of their Connexion with the Stuart Family; with a brief
Account of that Family, brought down to the Death of
Queen Anne P. 9.

Chap. II. — History of the House of Brunswick resumed,
from the Accession of King George I. to the Birth of
Her Royal Highness the late Princess Charlotte ; with
Anecdotes of His present Majesty.— Marriage of the
Prince and Princess of Wales, &c P. 38.

Chap. III. — Separation of the Prince and Princess of
Wales. — Education of the Princess Charlotte. — Juvenile
Anecdotes. — Result of the Delicate Investigation. —
Education, Habits, Anecdotes, &c. of the Princess
Charlotte continued P. 70.

Chap. IV. — Remarks on Constitutional Government. —
Eulogium on His present Majesty. — Regency Adminis-
tration.— Party at Carlton House. — Anecdotes. — Letter
of the Princess of Wales to the Prince Regent. —
Princess Charlotte's Residence at Windsor. — Musical
Anecdotes. — Birth-day observed on her coming of Age.
— Fete at Carlton House. — Resides at Warwick House.
-^-Further Anecdotes. — Removes to Cranbourn Lodge.
— Rejects the Prince of Orange. — Sudden Departure of
the Princess of Wales from England. — First Meeting
of the Princess Charlotte with Prince Leopold. — His
hasty Return to the Continent. — History of the House
of Saxe-Cobourg-Saalfeld. — Memoir of Prince Leo-
pold, &c P. 118.

CHAP. V. — Indisposition of the Princess Charlotte. — Resides
at Weymouth. — Judicious Benevolence. — Visits the Isle
of Portland, and Abbotsbury Castle. — Marine Excur-
sions.— Anecdote. — Returns to Cranbourn Lodge. —
Appears at the Queen's Drawing-room. — Visits her
Royal Father at Brighton. — Anecdote of the Prince
Regent. — Prince Leopold recalled. — Anecdote. — Par-
liamentary Provision. — Marriage Articles. — Account of
Claremont. — Preparation for the Nuptials. — The Wed-
ding Dresses. — Marriage Ceremony. — Addresses of Con-
gratulation.— Residence at Claremont. — The Nuptial
Drawing-room. — Visits the Places of Public Amuse-
ment.— Princess of Wales's Visit to Tunis. — The Prin-

Mil CONTENTS.

cess Charlotte's Indisposition. — Marriage of the Princess
Mary and the Duke of Gloucester. — Miscarriage of the
Princess Charlotte. — Further Account of Claremont. —
Religions Deportment and Domestic Felicity of the
Royal Pair. — Dame Bewley's Cottage. — Anedotes, &c.
— List of the Establishment at Claremont. — Celebration
of the Princess Charlotte's Birth-day. — Festivities at
Claremont. — Queen's Birth-day. — Notices of the Princess
of Wales. — Princess Charlotte's Pregnancy, and Anni-
versary of her Marriage. — Flitch of Bacon Anecdote. —
Queen's Entertainment at Fiogmore. — Anecdote of the
Princess Charlotte and Lady Albemarle. — Mrs. Griffiths,
the Nurse's, first Visit to Claremont. — Anecdote. — Her
Majesty leaves Town for Bath. — The Poem called the
" Quarrel of the Months/' P. 191.

Chap. VI. — Accouchement of the Princess Charlotte. — The
Royal Infant still-born. — Attempts to restore it to
Animation. — Authentic Account of what passed before.
— Patient Resignation of the Princess. — Her Sudden
Illness and unexpected Death. — Indescribable Distress
of Prince Leopold, and of the Prince Regent. — Uni-
versal Public Alarm and Mourning. — The Embalmment.
— The Prince Regents Visit of Condolence to Prince
Leopold, and Letter to Sir Richard Croft. — Real Cause
of the Princess Charlotte's Death — Country Accounts
of the deep Sorrow manifested on account of that
Calamity. — Preparations for the Funeral. — The Royal
Sepulchre. — The Coffins, Urn, &c. — Funeral Proces-
sion.— Account of the Manner in which the Day of the
Funeral was observed throughout the Kingdom. — Appli-
cation and Improvement of the awful Event. — Fortitude
and Munificence of Prince Leopold. — Description of
the Interior of Claremont House. — Benevolence of the
Prince Regent. — The Princess of Wales receives the
Intelligence of her Daughter's Death. — Addresses of
Condolence. — Intended Monument to the Memory of
the Princess Charlotte. — Conclusion. — Present State of
the Succession to the Throne P. 378.

Appendix. — Medical Reports. — Memoir of the late Sir
Richard Croft, with an Account of his Death. — Account
of tiie King's first Illness in 1788. — Of the Jubilee in
1809, &c— Letter of Queen Charlotte to the late King
of Prussia. — Poetical Effusions P. 535.

MEMOIRS

OF

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

THE LATE

PRINCESS 'CHARLOTTE=AUGUSTA.

CHAP. I.

History of the House of Brunswick, to the time of
their Connexion with the Stuart Family; with a.
brief Account of that Family, bj ought down to the
Heath of Queen Anne.

I HE origin of the illustrious House of Brunswick,
the Lunenbun>h branch of which has now filled
the British throne for more than a century with
such unrivalled glory, is entirely lost in remote
antiquity. The German genealogists suppose it to
have descended through females from the Saxon
family, so renowned in the early periods of our
History, and up to which most of the royal fami-
lies of Europe proudly trace their pedigrees ; but
they certainly have advanced little, except its pro-
bability, in behalf of that supposition. Most authors,
however, concur in deriving the House of Bruns-
wick from Albert Azo II. of Este; but from what
ancestors he himself came, they have not been able
to decide : some contending that he descended from
Charlemagne; others, from Hugh king of Italy;
and some again, deriving his origin from Hugh
1. k

10 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Marquis of Este, great-grandson of Azo I. who
they say descended from Caius Aetius, a relative of
the Emperor Augustus. This Caius Aetius being- a
Roman of note, is said to have resided at Ateste, or
Este; from which the family name is, in conse-
quence, derived.

There is, however, scarcely any doubt that Albert
Azo II. Marquis of Tuscany, and proprietor of
the Milanese, who was a very powerful prince in
Lombardy during the eleventh century, and lived
to the great age of 101 years, is the most remote
ancestor of the Brunswick family, of whom any
thing certain is known. About the year 1040, he
married Cunigunda, or Cuniza, heiress of the first
Welphs, or Guelphs, earls of Altorf in Suabia; and
their son, Welph or Guelph IV. of Este, obtained
the duchy of Bavaria of Henry IV. in 1071, and
is the acknowledged head of the ancient Guelph
family, which was so considerable in the German
empire; and a branch of which reigned in Bur-
gundy. Guelph IV. first married Ethelina, daugh-
ter of Otho, Duke of Bavaria, whom the Emperor
Henry IV. proscribed, and deprived of his title;
which he conferred upon Guelph. His second and
last wife was Judith of Elanders. After zealously
serving the cause of the Emperor against the Pope,
he espoused that of the Pope against the Emperor ;
undertook a voyage to the Holy Land, and died at
the island of Cyprus. "

His son Guelph V. Duke of Bavaria, though said
to have been a very pious, as well as a very valiant
prince, joined the Emperor Henry V. who had
revolted against his father. Whatever doubts, how-
ever, may exist as to his piety, he does not appear
to have been deficient in policy ; as by his marriage
with Matilda of Este, he concentrated all the scat-
tered possessions of the house of Este in his own
person ; and afterwards steadily opposed Pope
Paschal II. in the Emperor's behalf.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 1]

His successor Henry, surnamed the Black, by
his marriage with Wilfenden, daughter of Magnus
Billing, Duke of East Saxony, acquired the duchy
of Lunenburgh. Though the father of this princess
lost all his feudal possessions by proscription, to
her the royal families of Norway and Denmark, by
her father's side, and that of Hungary, by her mo-
thers, trace their origin. Her husband also was a
principal actor in the important scenes of that tur-
bulent time ; and one of the mediators between the
Emperor Henry V. and Pope Calixtus II.

He was succeeded by Henry the Superb: having
been deprived of his duchies of Bavaria and Sax-
ony, (the latter of which he inherited from the
Emperor Lothaire I. through his marriage with
Gertrude, heiress of Saxony and Brunswick,) he
raised an armv; with which he marched against
the Emperor Conrad III. who compromised the
difference, by restoring his Saxon dominions ; but
withheld Bavaria, which was given to Leopold of
Austria. This brought him to an early grave : but
after his decease, his brother Guelph VI. assisted
by the king of Sicily, made the most vigorous exer-
tions for the recovery of the confiscated duchy ; and,
after several indecisive engagements, was compelled
to surrender at discretion, after being closely be-
sieged by the Emperor in the Castle of Weinsberg ;
which is so deservedly celebrated for the conjugal
fidelity and affection of the ladies of the place, to
whom the Emperor granted permission to leave the
castle, and take with them whatever they deemed
most valuable, and were able to carry away : in
consequence of which, they marched out, each
bearing her husband on her back ; which so affect-
ed the Emperor, that he burst into tears, generously
forgave Guelph, and restored the duchy of Bavaria
to his family. In this war arose the two famous
factions of the Guelphs and Ghibelines, so much
referred to on the page of European history.

12 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Henry the Lion, the sixth duke of Bavaria,
though a minor at that time, took part in the above
war under the guardianship of his uncle Guelph ;
and at length beeame the most powerful prince in
the Empire. His possessions were bounded by the
German ocean on the north, the Elbe on the east,
on the south by Italy, and on the west by the
Rhine. This excited the jealousy of the Emperor
Frederick I. suruamed Barbarossa; who stripped
him of all his dominions, after putting- him to the
ban of the empire, because he refused to appear,
on being summoned to the diet, upon the pretext
of his having oppressed his subjects, and committed
many outrages against his neighbours. After some
time, however, he excited the compassion of the
Emperor, and prevailed upon him to promise that
the territories of Brunswick and Lunenburgh should
be protected, on behalf of his children. He had
two wives ; the first was Clementia of Zeninghen,
the second Matilda, or Maude, daughter of the
English King, Henry II. and after obtaining the
above assurance from the Emperor Frederick Barba-
rossa, he retired to England ; where he was hospi-
tably entertained by his father-in-law ; and where
his wife Matilda bore him a fourth son, Henry Otho,
who succeeded his father, and is often called the
first Duke of Brunswick-Lunenburgh.

This Prince, being^vigorously supported by the
English king Richard Cceur de Lion, and by Pope
Innocent III. was elected Emperor, in opposition to
Frederick II. sou of Frederick Barbarossa; while
Philip duke of Suabia, elected King of the Ro-
mans, who was a third competitor, found a powerful
patron in the King of Prance; and remained undis-
puted master of the empire, after many desperate
conflicts : which obliged Henry Otho to seek refuge
in England. Philip, however, was soon after basely
assassinated ; of which Otho was no sooner ap-
prized, than he hastened to Halberstadt, where his

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 13

election was renewed by the princes of Saxony,
Misnia, and Thuringia ; after which he conciliated
the adverse faction, by his marriage with Beatrice,
the daughter of Philip, the murdered Regent. This
prince was a native of England, being born at
Winchester in 1184 : he became one of the hos-
tages for his great friend and protector, Richard I.
of England, during the cruel imprisonment of that
prince by Leopold Duke of Austria; but was at
last solemnly deposed, at the Popes instigation,
and compelled to seek a retreat in Brunswick ;
where he died, after a short and unfortunate
reign. In William, his grandson, the son of Henry
the Lion, and Matilda, eldest daughter of
Henry II. of England, was united the Saxon
and Norman blood.

His son, Otho the Young, is generally called
the first Duke of Brunswick Lunenburgh, though
some say that his father, and others his grand-
father, was the first that bore that title ; nor
is it possible to decide which opinion is cor-
rect, though the probability seems to be, that
Henry, called Otho IV. afterwards Emperor, was
the first Duke of Brunswick-Lunenburgh, and re-
signed that title to his brother upon his own ele-
vation to the empire. On the death of Henry
Count Palatine, in 12*27, William, having died in
1213, his nieces, Agnes and Hermengarde, daugh-
ters of Henry, having sold Brunswick to the
Emperor Frederick III. ; Otho the Young seized
that duchy, and entered into an alliance with the
Danish king Waldemar II. against the Emperor,
but was defeated, and taken prisoner. He then
submitted to the Emperor, his former enemy, whom
he assisted so vigorously against the Pope, that,
being moved with the generosity of his conduct,
Frederick consented to acknowledge him Duke
of Brunswick ; on account of which, it appears
probable, he has often been supposed to have been

14 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

the first duke of Brunswick. His eldest son, John,
was the founder of the House of Lunenburgh.

Albert, called the Great, the son of Otho the
Young, succeeded his father in 1252. He was
twice married, first to Eliza of Brabant, and after-
wards to Adelaide of Montfort. This prince con-
quered Wolfenbuttle, and having taken Gerard,
Archbishop of Mentz, and Conrad, Count of
Eberstein, prisoners, barbarously commanded the
latter to be hung up by the feet. He is nevertheless
said to have been a valiant prince; and died of a
wound received in a battle which he fought against
the Marquis of Misnia.

He was succeeded by his three sons, who divi-
ded his dominions. Henry founded the House of
Grubenhagen ; William, that of Brunswick Wolfen-
buttel ; and Albert the eldest, surnamed the Fat,
who was the next duke of Brunswick-Lunenburgh.
This prince married Richsa of Mecklenburgh, by
whom he had five sons, Magnus the Elder, Otho
the Liberal, the friend of the Emperor Lewis of Ba-
varia, Albert Bishop of Halberstadt, Henry Bishop
of Hildesheim, and Ernest surnamed the Rich,
founder of the House of Gottingen. Otho govern-
ed, jointly with his brothers Magnus and Ernest,
who, when he died in 1334, divided their domi-
nions. Magnus the Elder acquired Land berg,
Sangerhausen, and Petersberg, by his marriage
with Sophia of Brandenburg. Albert, though a
bishop, was a celebrated warrior, and became in-
volved in great difficulties through a league formed
against him by the other princes of the empire.
To Magnus the Elder succeeded Magnus, called
Torquatus, from his wearing a silver chain round
his neck. He disputed the succession of Lunen-
burgh with Albert duke of Saxony ; and being put
to the ban of the empire, proved victorious, but
was afterwards slain in a single combat, by Otho,
Count of Schaucnburgh.

4

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 15

By his wife Catherine of Brandenburg, he left
four sons; Frederick, afterwards emperor, who was
murdered in 1400 ; Otho, Archbishop . of Bre-
men ; Henry, first duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttle ;
and Bernard his successor, who acquired the coun-
ty of Homberg : he married Margaret of Saxony,
united the city of Ultzer to Lunenburgh, and en-
gaged in many ruinous wars with the Moravian
Margraves.

After his death, in 1434, Frederick the Just
succeeded conjointly with Otho the Lame ; he
yielded the government to Bernard, his eldest son :
but the young prince dying in 1464, he was suc-
ceeded by his brother Otho the Magnanimous,
who married Anne of Nassau, and died in 1471,
leaving two sons, Henry Junior, and William, who
died a minor. This prince was universally beloved
for his bravery, and inflexible justice in punish-
ing bands of robbers, from which he cleared his
country.

Upon Othos death, his father Frederick the Re-
ligious was compelled to resume the government,
and was a blessing to his country, till he died, in
1478, when his grandson, Henry Junior, became
the ward of his mother; who, although she had,
after the death of Otto the Magnanimous, married
Philip, Count of Cortzen Elnbogen, returned to
Zell upon the death of her father-in-law, and
became regent for the young prince, Henry Junior;
who, when he came of age, engaged in several
wars, particularly in conjunction with John, bishop
of Hildesheim, against his two cousins, Henry
Senior, and Eric I. Duke of Calenberg, over whom
they obtained a complete victory, near the town
of Peine, in the year 1519; in which Eric and
the Bishop of Minden, together with William the
brother of Henry of Brunswick, were taken pri-
soners. The Emperor Charles V. interposed, and
commanded that all hostilities should cease, and

1(3 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

that the noble prisoners should be set at liberty ;
but the conquerors absolutely refused to comply
with the Emperors mandate. This refusal pro-
voked Charles to proscribe them : in consequence
of which, Henry Junior divided his possessions
among his children ; and, by voluntarily resigning*
the government, preserved the duchy from the
rapacious designs of his opponents, who were not
authorized, by the laws of the Empire, to carry the
severe sentence upon the father, into execution
against the sons, who had not incurred the dis-
pleasure of the Emperor.

He died at Paris in 1532, leaving three daugh-
ters and five sons; the fourth of which, Ernest the
Pious, of Zell, ultimately succeeded to the duke-
dom : he declared himself in favour of the Refor-
mation, and recommended the Lutheran doctrine
to his people, without the least attempt to compel
them to assent, for, being himself convinced by
reason, he thought it his duty to publish those
arguments which determined his opinion, that
every one of his subjects might have the same
opportunity of examining the weak foundation
upon which the pretensions of the Romish church
were built. His candour and moderation had the
desired effect, and men began to examine into the
rise and progress of the Romish ecclesiastical mo-
narchy ; a liberty from which they had before
been precluded. Reason soon prevailed, and
Ernest, with great satisfaction, saw the greatest
part of his subjects profess themselves Lutherans.
In consequence of this, the Pope procured a motion
to be made, in the diet held at Spires, in 1529, to
put the ban of the empire, which had been de-
clared against Luther, into execution, and also to
include in it all who had adopted his religious
principles. His Holiness, however, completely
failed : for Ernest, with many other members of the
Empire, protested against this extension of the ban,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 17

and opposed it with such vigour and intrepidity,
that the Emperor was afraid, though perfectly
willing, to gratify the vindictive Pontiff and his
bigoted adherents. At the famous diet held at
Augsburg, in 15.50, Ernest and the other princes
of the Empire, who were then first called Pro-
testants, from their famous protest against the exten-
sion of the ban, appeared, and delivered in an
account of their faith; which so completely exposed
the corruption of the Romish See, and the dread-
ful perversion of the doctrines of the Gospel, by its
adherents, that it became impossible for the oppos-
ing parties to join in the intended accommodation.
After the diet was closed, finding the Romish
party intended to have recourse to force, the Pro-
testants found it necessary to unite their forces, and
entered into the alliance, or League of Smalcald,
which was of so extensive a nature, that they
became firmly united, as one people, against their
insidious enemies ; this confederacy was to last
for five years, and when that time had elapsed,
it was prudently renewed for ten more. Ernest
was the soul of this union, and stands first among
the foremost of those illustrious Reformers, to
whose instrumentality the Protestant states of
Europe owe their happy emancipation from the
bondage and tyranny of papal Rome. This pious
and magnanimous prince died Jan. 11, 1546; leav-
ing, by his wife Sophia of Mecklenburg, four sons
and six daughters.

He was succeeded by his eldest son Francis ;
upon whose decease, in 1560, Henry II. having
been slain in battle seven years before, the two
survivors, Henry and William, reigned jointly for
ten years, with remarkable unanimity ; at the end
of that time, the former resigned his share of the
sovereignty to his brother William, who reigned
alone over Lunenburgh, for twenty-three years after
the resignation of Henry. The zeal of this prince for
1. e

13 MEMOIRS Or HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

the cause of the Reformation, in which his un-
daunted father had acquired so much real glory,
induct d him to compose and publish a creed,
which he entitled Corpus Doctrinae JLuneuburgicum,
to which it was necessary for every candidate for
holy orders, in his dominions, to subscribe. He
made considerable additions to his patrimonial
possessions, and acquired the character of a pious,
just, and pacific prince. By Dorothy, daughter of
Christian HI. of Denmark, he had seven sons and
eight daughters. Margaret, the sixth of which, mar-
ried John Cassimir, Duke of Saxe-Cobourg. His
seven sons nobly resolved not to degrade the dignity
of their ancient family, by partitioning their inherit-
ance, as was the common custom in Germany, and
agreed that the eldest should first take possession
of the duchy, and enjoy it during life, and that, at
his death it should descend to the next eldest sur-
viving brother. They also determined, that, to pre-
serve harmony among themselves, and to prevent
competition among their respective heirs, only one
should marry. For this last advantage, they cast
lots, and the lot fell upon the sixth son, George.
Ihese painful restrictions were adhered to by each
of the amiable brothers, with a firmness and punctu-
ality which excited the applause and commanded
the admiration of all Europe.

Ernest, the eldest, enjoyed the dukedom twenty-
nine vears, and died in 1011. Christian, the second
son, succeeded to Lunenburgh upon the death of
Ernest, and annexed to his other possessions the
duchy of Grubenhagen, which was adjudged to
belong to him by the Emperor. This brave prince,
though an experienced commander, Mas often de-
feated, through the insubordination of his own
officers; and, in a battle near Eloriac, when he was
marching to the relief of Bergen-op-Zoom, then
besieged by the Marquis Spinola, he lost his left
arm, and afterwards wore a silver one in its

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 19

stead. He died in 1633, and was succeeded by
Augustus, the next surviving- brother, who only
lived three years afterwards ; but before he died,
gave up the regency to his brother Frederick, the
fourth son, who was present at the famous siege of
Buda, in 1602, and was made Dean of Bremen
in the same year: he drove the Swedes out of his
duchy, in 1640, with the assistance of his brother
George ; and, upon the demise of William, the last
of the line of Harpurg, united that district to the
House of Lunenburgh. This prince died in 1648.

George, the sixth son, upon whom rested the lot
cast to determine which of the brothers should
marry, acquired a knowledge of the military art
under the celebrated general of infantry, Maurice,
Prince of Nassau, then engaged in a war against
Spain ; he afterwards entered into the service of
Christian IV. King of Denmark, during the war
between that monarch and Charles IX. of Sweden,
and became a general in the Danish army ; he
signed the confederacy of Leipzig against the
Emperor, in 1631, and gave two signal defeats to
the Imperial armies, one in each of the two follow-
ing years, besides subduing many of the strong
fortresses belonging to the Emperor. The Swedes,
however, afterwards disgusted him, and in 1635 he
signed the treaty of Prague, in favour of the Em-
peror, though, in a few years after, he was so fully
convinced of that potentate's tyrannical principles,
that, in 1640, he formed a second alliance with
the Swedes ; but when at Hildesheim, in the pre-
ceding year, where he was assisting at a banquet
with General Bannier, an execrable wretch, a monk,
contrived to administer poisoned wine to several of
the chiefs; and, although he only drank a little of
it, from that time his strength visibly abated, till a
fever carried him oft" on the 2nd of April, 1641, in
the midst of warlike preparations, which his death
rendered almost ineffectual. He married Anne*

20 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Eleanor, daughter of Lewis V. Landgrave of Hesse-
Darmstadt, and had issue four sons and four daugh-
ters. To preserve harmony among his sons, he
settled the order of succession by his will; and left
to Christian Lewis, his eldest son, the principalities
of Zell and Grubenhagen, and to George-William,
his second son, that of Calenberg ; and, provided
either of these should die without issue, the third
son, John-Frederick, was to supply his place; and
in case of his decease, Ernest-Augustus, the fourth
son. He further directed, that whenever death
produced a change in the succession, the eldest
surviving brother should have his choice of the two
governments.

Every one of the brothers successively enjoyed
these privileges ; but the three eldest dying without
issue, the principalities became reunited, and de-
scended to the posterity of the younger brother.
The eldest, and two youngest daughters, died in-
fants: Sophia- Amelia, the second daughter, was
married to Frederick III. king of Denmark, whom
she survived, dying a widow in 1685.

Christian-Lewis, the eldest son, succeeded his
father in the principalities of Calenberg and Gottin-
gen, and fixed his residence at the metropolis, Han-
over. Upon the decease of his uncle Frederick, he
chose the principalities of Zell and Grubenhagen,
and relinquished Calenberg and Gottingen to his
brother George-William. The bishopric of Walken-
reid was confirmed to the house of Lunenburgh, by
the peace of Westphalia, in 1648 ; and two years
afterwards, Neinberg, and several other places,
were recovered from the Swedes.

He died, in 1665, without issue by his wife Doro-
thy, daughter of Philip, Duke of Holstein-Glucks-
burg; and the family dominions then devolved
upon George-William, the next brother, who chose
the dukedom of Zell, agreeably to his fathers will.
He signally defeated the French army under Mar-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 21

vshal Crequi, in 1675, and reduced the city of Treves.
In the following year, he forced the Swedes to aban-
don Stade. He established peace in Hamburgh
in 1686, and three years afterwards acquired the
duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg, upon the death of Julius-
Francis. Between this prince and William Prince
of Orange, afterwards king of England, a perfect
friendship subsisted; indeed that monarch relied
so much upon the judgment and advice of this faith-
ful friend, that by it his conduct toward the English
nation was entirely regulated : so that in the glorious
reign of that distinguished warrior and statesmen,
William III. the British nation may trace the be-
nefits arising from the energy and wisdom of the
House of Brunswick, long before Divine Providence
saw fit to place them on the British throne. The
love and veneration which the inhabitants of his
duchy bore to this prince, were conspicuous during
his last illness ; when they thronged the churches,
to pray for his recovery, as if their happiness entirely
depended on the continuance of his reign. He died
August 28, 1705, in his 82nd year, leaving by his
wife, Eleanora d'Esmurs, daughter of Alexander
d'Olbreuse, one daughter, Sophia-Dorothy, of Zell,
afterwards the wife of his nephew George-Lewis,
who inherited his dominions ; and was the first
prince of his illustrious family that wore the British
crown.

John-Frederick, the third brother, then succeeded,
and reigned fourteen years: he died in 1679, and,
leaving only four daughters, his possessions fell to
his brother Ernest-Augustus, who became bishop
of Osnaburg in 1662, according to the terms of the
peace of Westphalia ; whereby the House of Bruns-
wick obtained the alternate succession to that bi-
shopric. It is remarkable, that the citizens of
Osnaburg, who had refused to acknowledge his
predecessors, and more than once disclaimed all
obedience to their prelates, immediately submitted

22 MEMOIRS OP HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

to him : which singular mark of their esteem in-
duced him to take up his residence at Osnaburg,
where he built a fine palace at his own expense :
but upon succeeding his brother John-Frederick in
the Hanoverian dominions, he appointed a regency
at Osnaburg, and went to reside at Hanover ; where
he soon afterwards abolished the impolitic custom
of dividing the patrimonial lands among the several
sons, and established the right of primogeniture ;
to which salutary regulation George-William, of Zell,
whose only daughter, Sophia, was married to the
next successor, under this settlement, readily con-
sented. He manifested great zeal for the Empire
in general ; and had already exposed his own per-
son, and lost two of his children in the wars ;
while three more were hazarding their lives
against the Turks and the French. These ser-
vices made such an impression upon the Emperor,
and upon many of the neighbouring princ.s,
that at a diet held at Augsburg in 1689, in order
to elect a King of the Romans, it was the opinion
of a majority of the members, that the house of
Lunenburgh had merited a seat in the Electoral
College. This honour would have naturally fallen
upon his elder brother George-William, had he
not declined it in favour of Ernest-Augustus :
and at the diet held in Ratisbon on Dec. 2. 1H9'2,
a majority of the electors resolved, that, in consi-
deration of the great merits of his Highness Ernest-
Augustus, and of his predecessors, his power and
rank in the empire, and the great succours he had
already granted, and was willing to continue for the
future, and for other great and weighty reasons,
the dignity of Elector of the Roman Empire should
be conferred on him, and on his heirs-inale.
Against this resolution the college of princes pro-
tested : but notwithstanding their protest, the Em-
peror solemnly invested the plenipotentiary of Ern-
est-Augustus with the electoral dignity, as proxy for

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 23

his master; and this was afterwards confirmed by
the three colleges of the Empire : at which confir-
mation, the office of arch-standard-bearer was also
added. Ernest- Augustus wisely embraced this fa-
vourable opportunity, to obtain the sanction of the
Emperor for his act of primogeniture, already men-
tioned ; in which he fully succeeded : for all par-
titions of the electoral estates were from that time
declared void. The estates belonging to the elec-
torate Mere expressly specified to be the principali-
ties of Zell, Calenberg, and Grubenhagen ; the
counties of Hoya and Diepholtz, including the ter-
ritories, cities, and bailiwicks ; together with all of
those possessions which the two brothers, George-
William and Ernest-Augustus, previously enjoyed.
In addition to the vote in the college of electors, to
which this new dignity entitled the House of Bruns-
wick, they at the same time retained three votes in
the college of princes, for the principalities of Zell,
Calenberg, and Grubenhagen. By his marriage
with the Princess Sophia, the youngest daughter
of Frederick, elector palatine, and king of Bohe-
mia, by Elizabeth the eldest daughter of James I.
of England, and VI. of Scotland, Ernest-Augustus
connected the House of Brunswick with the House
of Stuart, and ultimately seated his descendants on
the throne of Great Britain.

24 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

History of the Royal Family of Stuart.

The importance of the union of the two house*
renders it necessary here to introduce a succinct
account of the Royal Family of the Stuarts; which
will naturally lead to the resumption of the history
of the House of Brunswick : by whom they were
succeeded in the sovereignty of these realms.

The marriage of Margery Bruce, daughter of
Robert I. Bruce, with Walter III. Stuart, united
the male branch of the ancient royal family of Scot-
land, who descended from Malcolm I. slain in 958,
with the male branch or house of Stuart; who trace
their descent from Mogallus, son of that prince, and
father of (jirimus, who was deposed by Malcolm II.
and died in the year 1003. The issue of this mar-
riage was Robert II. the first Stuart who reigned in
Scotland : he succeeded his uncle David, who had
been deposed, and was crowned at Scone, March
26, 1371, at the advanced age of 55. Among the
first acts of his government was, the dispatch of
ambassadors to France, to negotiate a treaty; sti-
pulating, that neither the king of Scotland, nor the
king of France, should be obliged to make war
upon England ; that not even the dispensation of
the Pope should release either party from their
engagements to each other ; that in the event of a
competition for the crown of Scotland, the king of
France should take care to exclude English influ-
ence, and acknowledge the king who should be
elected conformably to the laws; and that no
Frenchman should serve against Scotland, nor any
Scotchman against France. This prince kept up a
friendly correspondence with Edward III. of Eng-
land, though the borderers of their respective king-
doms were engaged in perpetual hostilities. He
was succeeded by his eldest son, who assumed the
2

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. O-S

title of Robert III. and had commanded armies
and negotiated treaties in early life, with ability
and success ; but was living in retirement when his
father died. In his reign, a violent feud broke out
between the clans of Chattan and Kay ; which for
nearly three years raged with the most ruthless fury.
The Earl of Crauford was sent to restore peace ;
but fearing that the employment of force might
induce the contending parties to unite against the
government, he had recourse to an artifice, which
throws much light upon the character of the High-
landers, and the general state of society in that age.
He proposed, that their quarrel should be decided
by thirty champions from each clan, who should
fight with the sword only, in the presence of the king
and his court. This proposal, which was perfectly
agreeable to the spirit of the feudal laws, received
the sanction of both parties. A level spot, near
Perth, was fixed upon for the scene of action ; but
one of the Chattan combatants failed to appear. In
this dilemna, it was suggested that one of the Kay
clan should be withdrawn; but they all of them
indignantly refused to relinquish the honour of the
combat. Various other expedients were ineffec-
tually suggested, until Henry Wynd, a smith, en-
tirely unconnected with either clan, offered to sup-
ply the place of the cowardly absentee ; and was
readily accepted. The champions on both sides
now joined battle ; and, after a conflict of the most
unparalleled fury, the Chattan clan remained vic-
torious ; owing principally to the superior heroism
of Wynd, who, with ten of his comrades, all despe-
rately wounded, alone survived the deadly contest.
Of the Kay clan, one only was left alive, who, being
unhurt, threw himself into the Tay, and escaped.
This singular combat took place in the year 1396.
In 1402, Henry Percy, called Hotspur, defeated
the Douglas, in the celebrated battle of Homeldon-
hill. Three years afterwards, the king of Scotland
1. d

20 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

died ; and the states of that kingdom nominated the*
dnke of Albany regent, as James, tin' right heir, was
taken prisoner, and detained by the English. Uis
regency was distinguished by the foundation of the
University of St. Andrew's, the first institution of
the kind of which Scotland can boast. The Earl
of Athol died in 1420; and, as Prince James had
not yet obtained his liberty, the Scottish people,
who held the Earl's memory in great veneration,
conferred the regency on Murdoch his son. In
1424, James was released from his captivity, and
proclaimed King of Scotland. The whole reign of
this prince passed in peace till within a month of
his death. The seizure of the royal estates at once
created him many virulent enemies, and at length
proved the cause of his murder. He was a prince
of superior abilities, and may be justly ranked
among the greatest of the Scottish kings. If his
measures were sometimes too severe, he had to deal,
be it remembered, with a set of men who regarded
moderation as imbecility, and whose lawless habits
could only be restrained by the most summary
examples of justice.

James II. who next ascended the throne of Scot-
land, was only seven years old at his fathers assas-
sination, but denounced the severest penalties of
the law against the regicides. His minority ren-
dered a regency necessary : to which Archibald,
Earl of Douglas, was appointed; but unfortunately
died within the year. The states of the kingdom
afterwards divided the government between Sir
William Critchton, the chancellor, and Sir Alex-
ander Livingston, as keeper of the king's person,
with the title of Governor. They soon quarrelled;
and the former requested the young Earl of Douglas
to support him : but the Earl haughtily answered,
that he was an enemy to all parties, and had deter-
mined to assume the government himself. As soon
as James attained his fourteenth year, he declared

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. O7

himself of age, and took the government into his
own hands. Four years afterwards, he married
Mary, the daughter of Arnold, Duke of Gueldres.
The Earl of Douglas having engaged in treasonable
practices, and solicited the protection of England,
the king, who was informed of it, induced him to
visit the Court of Stirling, and had him conducted
into a secret chamber; where James suddenly en-
tered, and mildly told him, that he was apprized
of the league which he had made, and advised
him to annul such illegal engagements. Douglas
treated the proposal with his accustomed arrogance:
upon which, the monarch, in a transport of fury,
exclaimed, " If you will not break this league, by
God, I shall;" and, drawing a dagger, instantly
stabbed Douglas to the heart. This monarch af-
forded an asylum to Margaret of Anjou, dating the
captivity of Henry VI. in the war of the Roses ;
and was killed at the siege of the castle of Rox-
burgh, by the accidental bursting of a cannon, on
the 3rd of August, 1460. The nobility, who were
present, concealed his death, from the fear of dis-
couraging the soldiers : but the spirited conduct of
the queen soon made this precaution unnecessary.
Her younger son James, having arrived in the camp
a few hours after his father's death, she presented,
him to the army as their king, and declared she
would act the part of their general herself. He
married Margaret of Denmark ; which led to the
final annexation of Orkney and Zetland, or Shet-
land, to the Scottish crown. The pretended science
of judicial astrology, by which this prince was inla-
tnated, converted him into the mere tool of worth-
less men, and eventually led to his ruin. The
barons rebelled against his tyranny, and placed the
heir apparent at their head; who advanced to meet
the royal army : to which he gave battle, upon
nearly the same ground which had been already
consecrated by the victorv of Bannockburn. The

•±tt MEMOIRS OF BEB ROYAL HIGHNESS

king was compelled to retreat; and in passim:
through the village of Bau nock burn, was murdered
by one of the rebels, who, pretending to be a priest,
was conducted to him by a miller's wife. The
Earl of Rothsay succeeded, by the title of James IV.
and at length became a great favourite with the
Scotch, by his zeal for the improvement of the king-
dom. The arts of ship-building and of architecture
were the particular objects of his patronage; and
indeed to so high a pitch did he carry his anxiety
to establish a navy, that he brought himself into
serious financial difficulties. This distinguished
monarch closed his reign and his life in the bloody
battle of Flodden-field ; where most of his nobility
perished with him. His son, James V. succeeded
him, though only a year and half old.

James displayed an excellent capacity for govern-
ment: his friendship was anxiously sought by all
the great sovereigns of Europe ; and he received
from the Pope the same compliment with which
that pontiff regretted his having flattered the vanity
of Henry VIII. of England, in the title of " De-
fender of the Faith." This prince afterwards had
the misfortune so greatly to disgust his principal
nobles, that they forsook him in a critical juncture,
when he was about to attack the English ; to whom
they rather chose to submit, than to obey his orders :
which so affected him-, that he died of grief in his
31st year ; and was succeeded, in 1542, by the cele-
brated Mary of Guise, his infant daughter, then only
eight days old. During the war with England, for
her personal security she was sent to France ; where
she married the Dauphin, Francis. She became the
willing instrument of the bigoted house of Lorrain,
in their strenuous endeavours to crush the Reform-
ation in Scotland ; although she at first professed,
that, until she should take final orders concerning
religion, with advice of parliament, any attempt to
alter or subvert the Protestant religion, which she

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 29

found universally practised in the realm, should be
deemed a capital crime. She married Henry Earl
of Darnley; but his vices and ingratitude soon
alienated her affections from him : and the murder
of her secretary Rizzio, is said to have converted
her dislike into the most malignant hatred. After
Rizzio's death, she took up her residence in the
castle of Edinburgh ; where she was delivered of
her only son, James VI. the successor of Queen
Elizabeth. Her tragical history is well known : her
subjects rebelled against her ; she was obliged to
abandon her kingdom, and threw herself under the
protection of Queen Elizabeth ; who caused her to
be beheaded at Fotheringav-castle, after a cruel
imprisonment of eighteen years. This unhappy
princess, owing to her personal beauty and accom-
plishments, as well as to an excess of that cour-
tesy which is always due to her sex, has invariably
been called the unfortunate Mary : the epithet
imprudent might, however, have been more justly
applied, if historians had not manifested more re-
gard for her beauty and misfortunes, than for the
sacred rights of truth.

Although she was a most bigoted papist, James
her successor had been happily educated in the
Protestant Faith, during the regency of the Earl of
Murray; who was invested with that dignity after
Mary had been deprived of the crown, and her
infant son proclaimed in her stead. After the assas-
sination of Murray, the Earl of Morton became
regent, until he was basely put to death, as an
accessary to the murder of the young prince's father,
Lord Darnley, without sufficient proof of his guilt.
James himself then began to exercise the sovereign
authority ; and exerted himself on every occasion
to secure the Reformed Church from being over-
thrown by the Catholic party, which continued
very powerful while his mother lived. Upon the
condemnation of his exiled mother by Queen Eliza-

30 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGSNESS

brtli, James remonstrated strongly against the
proceeding; and after the barbarous execution of

the -sentence, he declared war against England:
but the English queen sooiirffound means to soothe
bis anger, and to regain his friendship ; which some
writers have pretended to account for, upon the pro-
bability of his having been fully convinced, that
Mary had at least connived at his father's assassi-
nation. During the whole of his reign, James's
life was in danger from the Popish lords, to whom
he was more lenient than the dictates of prudence
or sound policy could require. In return for this
lenity, many attempts were made to murder him
before his accession to the throne of Great Britain,
in 1603, when Queen Elizabeth died.

The character of this prince, says a celebrated
writer, has been greatly underrated. In the Hanip
ton Court Conference, concerning a New Transla-
tion of the Bible, he certainly shewed a clear and
ready comprehension of every subject brought before
him; extensive reading, and a remarkably sound
judgment. For the best Translation into any lan-
guage, we are indebted under God to King James,
who was called a hypocrite, by those who had no
religion; and a pedant, by persons who had not half
Iris learning. Both piety and justice require that,
while we are thankful to God for the gift of his
word, we should revere the memory of the man
who was the instrument of conveying the water of
life, through a channel by which its purity has
been so wonderfully preserved.* This, no doubt,
stimulated the partizans of that church, which
prohibits its members from reading the word of
God, and from possessing any copy of the Bible,
to the renewed exertions they soon afterwards
made, in order to destroy a monarch whom they

* See the Preface lo Dr. Adam Clarke's Commentary on the
Bible.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 31

consequently viewed as an incorrigible heretic. The
Gunpowder Plot was next formed; and the first
symptoms of its existence were discovered by the
king himself, with a degree of sagacity scarcely infe-
rior to the celebrated judgment of the "sapient
king," whose name has since been so insultingly
converted into an epithet of unmerited derision
against the pursuits, character, and penetration of
the British sovereign. The disappointment of the
Papists, at the failure of this plot, was no doubt
severe, and they ought perhaps on that account
to be tolerated in thus expressing their mortifica-
tion, especially as he who was to have been the
principal victim, was their providential detecter;
but it would be at least ungrateful in Protestants,
if they were to suffer his enemies thus to con-
vert their defeat into victory, by exaggerating the
private imperfections of a prince, who, considering
his real virtues, and the age in which he lived,
must still command the admiration and respect of
every impartial mind.

In 1612, the death of prince Henry, the heir
apparent, who was a youth of the greatest pro-
mise, the hope and darling of the nation, was a
severe blow to both king and people, and presents
several points of striking similarity with that se\ ere
loss which the British Empire now deplores, and
the melancholy details of which, together with
every thing connected with the painful subject,
in all its bearings, it is the object of the present
work to record.

The marriage of James's daughter, Elizabeth,
with Frederick V. Elector Palatine of the Rhine,
by which, through the subsequent union of their
youngest daughter, Sophia, with Ernest-Augustus,
Elector of Hanover, already noticed, the royal
family of Stuart became united with the House of
Brunswick, is to us the most interesting event of
the rei2:n of James I. as it at length resulted in the

32 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

elevation of the Protestant branch of that house
to the British throne.

Charles, the second son of James I. succeeded
his brother Henry, as Prince of Wales. He unfor-
tunately married Henrietta of France, and acceded
to the throne, with the impetuous and despotic
Buckingham for his minister ; both of which circum-
stances impressed on the palate of the nation a
foretaste of suspicion and disgust, and led to his
utter ruin. The events of the civil war, however,
had little connexion with the personal character of
the king: his conduct, whether in prison, at the
trial, or on the scaffold, was firm, unaffected, and
decent ; so that those, whose views of his political
and religious character are the farthest from award-
ing to him the palm of martyrdom, may creditably
feel a sentiment of commiseration, not unallied to
the sympathy excited by those who have really
suffered for the truth. He was passionately fond
of Shakspears writings, and patronized Ben Jon-
son, Rubens, Vandyke, and Inigo Jones.

He was succeeded, after an interregnum of eleven
years, by his son Charles II. during whose dissolute
reign vice seemed to triumph. He was unques-
tionably a man of superior sense, although the dis-
gusting details of his licentiousness are well known;
and his contradictory character has been admira-
bly drawn by the Earl of Rochester, in the cele-
brated verse, which was called the King's Epitaph :

Here lies our Sovereign Lord the King,
Whose word no man relies on ;
Who never said a foolish thing,
Nor ever did a wise one !

In answer to which, Charles shrewdly admitted that
it was true, Because, said he, my sayings are my own,
but my actions are those of my ministry ! He mar-
ried Catharine of Portugal, by whom he had no
children : his four mistresses, however, were abun-
dantly fruitful, and of course fathered them all upon

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 33

the king, who returned the compliment, by a grant
of earldoms and dukedoms, which their surviving
descendants still continue to enjoy. His brother,
James, Duke of York, therefore became heir
apparent; and having served in the French army,
under the celebrated Turenne, with great reputa-
tion, besides defeating the Dutch fleet in a dread-
ful battle, during his brothers reign, became
renowned for his prowess and spirit, as well as for
his high birth. He was, however, a rigid papist,
and was compelled to resign his command as Lord
High Admiral, by the Test Act, after the passing
of which, he exerted all his influence to restore
the popish religion in England. That the king
(Charles II.) though of no religion, was induced
by his suggestions to concur in favouring the
design, there can be little, if any doubt, when we
consider that Charles II. died an apparent convert
to the Church of Rome, since he treated the Church
of England ministers, who attended him in his last
illness, with total indifference, but received the
sacrament from the hands of the Catholic priests ;
and left two papers in his cabinet, written with
his own hand, and containing his arguments in
favour of the Romish communion. These papers
James II. immediately published, and, from the
moment of his succession to^ the throne, pursued,
with steady determination, the two objects — of ren-
dering himself absolute, and of restoring the Ro-
man Catholic Church to her original supremacy in
the British dominions.

He began his short career, by going openly with
the ensigns of his dignity to the Mass, which at
that time was an illegal meeting. The rebellion
of the Duke of Monmouth, the natural son of his
dissolute predecessor, by one Lucy Walters,
placed James's disposition in its true light. The
severity of his measures, and his sanctioning
the inhuman proceedings of the execrable Jeiferies,
2. e

34 MEMOIRS OF HEU ROYAL HIGHNESS

whom he raised to the peerage and chancellorship,

produced more hatred than terror. Notwithstand-
ing this, if he had not pursued with impolitic haste
Ins grand design of restoring popery, it is probable
all desire of resistance to his arbitrary conduct
would have died away; but his eagerness provi-
dentially excited all the zeal of the great body of
Protestants, and brought their united force into
action. The king hoped to lull their apprehensions
by his delusive declaration in favour of liberty of
conscience ; but they soon perceived that this was
only intended to operate in favour of Catholics.
He" next attacked the established church, and
appointed a commission, which cited before it
every clergyman whose actions had offended the
court. The rights of the Universities were in-
vaded, and, in particular, a mandate was issued to
Magdalen college, Oxford, commanding them to
elect as their president a person who had shown
a disposition to become a Catholic. He next
published a declaration of indulgences in matters of
religion, which the clergy were commanded to
read in all the churches throughout the kingdom.
Seven of the bishops met, and drew up a very loyal
petition against this royal ordinance; for which they
were committed to the Tower, prosecuted for
sedition, and brought to trial ; but were acquitted,
and hailed as the saviours of their country. The
general rejoicing on this occasion extended to the
regiments encamped on Hounslow-Heath, and in-
deed to almost the whole army. James had already
si nt an embassy to Rome, in order to reconcile
his kingdom to the Holy See ; and the birth of a
son and heir at this time supported his confidence :
but so unpopular was he become, that a general
persuasion prevailed of its being a supposititious
child, which was intended to be obtruded on the
nation.

The dangers which now threatened the liberties

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 35

and religion of the country, produced an union of
parties ; and many of the nobility and gentry con-
curred in an application to the Prince of Orange,
Stadtholder of the United Provinces, and the king's
own son-in-law, for assistance. William listened to
the prayer of their petitions, and, with great secrecy,
prepared a fleet and army for the invasion of Eng-
land. James at length became sensible of his errors,
and would gladly have retraced his steps, but all
confidence between him and his people was de-
stroyed ; so that his concessions were justly regarded
as the tokens of fear, not as the evidences of con-
trition. The Prince of Orange landed, and the
royal army began to desert by whole companies,
and even in entire regiments ; till the bigoted mo-
narch, forsaken by his subjects, and opposed by
the very man who had married his daughter, found
it best to retire. Even his favourite daughter,
Anne, afterwards the celebrated Queen of England,
who was then married to George, Prince of Den-
mark, joined the invaders; which so affected him,
that when the news was brought he exclaimed, in
an agony of grief, " God help me! my own children
have forsaken me."

In 1688, he fled to France, and was received
with the greatest hospitality by the French king,
Louis XIV. who enabled him to recover almost the
whole of Ireland, in the following year, where the
Catholics possessed the chief power. The city of
Londonderry, however, declared against him, and
sustained a most memorable siege by the combined
Irish and French army, commanded by the King
in person, from December 7, 1688, to July 31, 168.0 ;
on which latter day it was relieved by the arrival of
some provision ships from England, when the gar-
rison had been reduced to a handful of men, prin-
cipally through famine; all articles of life having
been expended, so that the inhabitants had been
obliged to subsist on the horses of the troops, while

36 MEMOIRS OF HKi: Iil)VAL HIGHNESS

any remained ; and afterwards on dogs, cats, rats,
mice, &c. all of which had failed before the arrival
of I lie British ships!

The siege being raised, King James drew oil" his
forces, and was hnally met by the English arm\,
commanded by King William, on the banks of the
river Boyne, near Drogheda, on the morning of
July 1, 1690. After a short conflict, the Irish army
was totally routed : — All Ireland was soon after
reduced ; and James effected his escape to France.

So infatuated was this man, notwithstanding
he had been driven from the throne on account
of his endeavours to subvert Protestantism, that
when lie shortly afterwards held a parliament in
Dublin, he there renewed the most violent mea-
sures against the Protestants; which demonstrated,
that neither his disposition, nor the principles upon
which he meant to govern, had undergone any radi-
cal change. All his other attempts to recover the
English crown miserably failed ; and he spent the
latter years of his life in the devotional practices of
the Romish church, at St. Germain's ; dying there
in 1701, aged 68 years.

His son James, commonly called the Pretender,
died at Rome in 1766: Charles-Edward, who in-
vaded Scotland in 1745, died in 1788 ; while Henry-
Benedict, cardinal of York, who was for some
years supported by the inuniHcence of this country,
died in 1806, and was the last surviving branch of
the ancient and celebrated Stuart family.

In the eleventh year of William III. and Mary II.
eldest daughter of King James II. the House of
Commons, (as no hope of the king's having issue to
succeed remained, and in order to prevent the Roman
Catholic branches of the house of Stuart from inhe-
riting the crown,) came, notwithstanding the protest
of the Duchess of Savoy, that she was next in the
order of succession to the .Princess Anne, to the
following resolution : " That, for the preserving the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 37

peace and happiness of this kingdom, and the secu-
rity of the Protestant religion, by law established,
it is^ absolutely necessary, a further declaration be
made of the limitation and succession of the crown,
in the Protestant line, after His Majesty, and the
Princess, and the heirs of their bodies respectively.
And, that further provision be first made for secu-
rity of the rights and liberties of the people." —
7 here is little doubt that William's great friendship
for Ernest- Augustus, the Elector of Hanover, hus-
band of Sophia, Countess Palatine, grand-daughter
of James I. of which we have already treated in
our notice of thai prince, led to that happy measure,
which has, in all probability, for ever precluded a
Papist from swaying the sceptre of these realms.

The resolution of the Commons led to the Act of
Settlement ; for an abstract of which the reader is
referred to the following chapter.

Anne, the second daughter of James II. ascended
the throne, at the death of Wiiiiam III. in 1702.
The splendour and importance of her reign were
more owing to the circumstances of the times, and
to her ministers and favourites, than to any talents
or exertion of her own; as she was of a meek and
timid disposition, and surrendered herself chiefly
to the direction of others. The brilliant victories
of the celebrated Duke of Marlborough, and
the important union with Scotland, were greatly
overcast by the disgraceful peace of Utrecht, and
the violent contention of parties. The deceitfulness
of grandeur, as a criterion of happiness, was remark-
ably verified in her person. AVhile signal success
attended her arms abroad, agriculture, commerce,
manufactures, and literature, advanced at hone ;
every thing concurred to distinguish her reign as
the most propitious and brilliant in our annals.
But when we follow this princess into private life,
we are struck with the distinction between external
grandeur and personal felicity. She was the last

38 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIOHNESS

sovereign of the house of Stuart; and her latter
days were irubittered by the jealousies of her peo-
ple, the turbulence of faction, and the contentions
and outrage of a distracted cabinet.

She survived a family of eighteen children; among
whom was the Duke of Gloucester, who was destined
by the act of settlement to succeed her, and who
exhibited, like our late lamented Princess, every
accomplishment that could elevate the hopes of the
nation, and delight the heart of a parent ; but he
was cut off in the twelfth year of his age, leaving the
Royal Family and the Empire overwhelmed with the
same grief for the irreparable loss they had sus-
tained, and the same anxiety concerning the suc-
cession to the crown, which has universally pre-
vailed since the death of her Royal Highness the
Princess Charlotte of Wales.

CHAP. II.

History of the House of Brunswick continued, from
the Accession of King George T. to the Birth of
Her Royal Highness the late Princess Charlotte.

IN the preceding chapter we have inserted the
resolution to which the House of Commons came
in the fifth parliament of King William, in obe-
dience to that part of the speech from the throne in
which his majesty thus addressed them : " My
Lords and Gentlemen, our great misfortune in the
loss of the Duke of Gloucester, hath made it abso-
lutely necessary, that there should be a further pro-
vision for the succession of the Protestant line,
after Me and the Princess.* The happiness of the

* Anne of Denmark, afterwards Queen Anne.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 3y

nation, and the security of our religion, which is
our chiefest concern, seem so much to depend
upon this, that I cannot doubt that it will meet with
a general concurrence : and I earnestly recommend
it to your early and effectual consideration."

The resolution which this important declaration
of the king produced, was immediately followed by
an act of parliament, entitled, " An Act forthe further
limitation of the crown, and better securing the
rights and liberties of the subject." This was the
famous Act of Settlement, the grand barrier
erected by our renowned forefathers, against the
civil and political usurpations of the Romish See.
This Act, cap. 3. sec. 1. enacted, " That the most
excellent Princess, Sophia, Electress and Duchess
Dowager of Hanover, daughter of the most excel-
lent Princess Elizabeth, late Queen of Bohemia,
daughter of our Sovereign Lord King James the
First, of happy memory, be, and is hereby declared
to be, the next in succession, in the Protestant line,
to the imperial crown and dignity of the said realms
of England, France, and Ireland, with the domi-
nions and territories thereunto belonging, after His
Majesty, and the Princess Anne of Denmark ; and
in default of issue of the said Princess Anne, and
of His Majesty, respectively : And that from and
after the deceases of His said Majesty our now
sovereign lord, and of Her Royal Highness the
Princess Anne of Denmark; and in default of issue
of the said Princess Anne, and of His Majesty,
respectively, the crown and regal government of
the said kingdoms of England, France, and Ire-
land, and of the dominions thereunto belonging
and appertaining, shall be, remain, and continue to
the said most excellent Princess Sophia, and the
heirs of her body, being Protestants: And there*
unto the said Lords spiritual and temporal, and
Commons, shall, and will, in the name of all the
People of this realm, most humbly and faithfully

10 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

submit themselves, their li.us •• ..I posterities; and
do faithfully premise, That after the deceases of
His M y, and Her Royal Highness, atid the

failure of the heirs of their respective bodies, to
stand to, maintain, and d( fend, the s-.tid Print
Sophia, and tiie heirs of her body, being Protes-
tants, according to the limitation and succession to
the crown in this Act specified and contained, to
the utmost of their powers, with their lives and
estates, against all persons whatsoever that shall
attempt any thing to the contrary."'

After this Act was passed, the king ordered it to
be finally engrossed, and sealed with the great seal
of England. His Majesty next appointed the Earl
of Macclesfield to go over to the court of Hanover,
and present this copy of the Act to Her Royal
Highness the Princess Sophia. The Earl was also
commissioned bv his Sovereign, to invest the Elector
George-Lewis, son of the Electress Sophia, and
afterwards King George I. with all the insignia of
the most noble Order of the Garter; and was most
splendidly entertained by Her Serene Highness, upon
his arrival at Hanover. In commemoration of this
great honour, the Princess Sophia caused a noble
medal to be struck, the face bearing the head of
Her Royal Highness, and the reverse that of Matil-
da, or Maud, daughter of Henry IJ. king of Eng-
land, who, we have already stated, was married to
Henry, surnamed the Lion, Duke of Saxony and
Bavaria; from whom the Lunenburgh and Palatine
families are both lineally descended.

In the same spirit of affection and veneration,
Queen Anne, soon after her accession, ordered the
Princess Sophia to be prayed for, in the Prayer for
the Royal Family, contained in the liturgy of our
church ; and, in the fourth year of her reign, gave
the royal assent to " an Act for naturalizing the
Princess Sophia, and the issue of her body;" and
also to " an Act for the greater security of Her

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 41

Majesty's person and government, and of the succes-
sion of the crown of England in the Protestant line."
In which last Act, among other things, it is enacted,
" That if it should happen that the next Protestant
successor be, at the time of the demise of Her
Majesty, out of the kingdom of England, and in
parts beyond the seas; It is therefore enacted, by
the authority aforesaid, That for continuing the
administration of the government in the name of
the said next Protestant successor, the seven officers
hereafter named, who shall be in possession of their
offices at the time of the said demise of Her Majesty,
(that is to say,) The Lord Archbishop of Canter-
bury for the time being; the Lord Chancellor, or
Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, for the time being;
the Lord Treasurer of England for the time being ;
the Lord President of the Council for the time
being ; the Lord High Admiral of England for the
time being; and the Chief Justice of the Queens
Bench for the time being, shall be, and are, by
virtue of this Act, constituted and appointed Lords
Justices of England ; and by virtue of the said Act,
shall have, and have power, in the name of the said
successor, and in his or her place, to exercise and
execute all powers, authorities, matters, and acts of
government ; and the administration of the govern-
ment, in as full and ample manner as the said suc-
cessor may do, if he or she was present in person
in this kingdom, until that the said successor arrives,
or that an end be otherwise put to their authority."

This Act also empowered the person who, by
the aforesaid limitations, was, or should be, next in
succession to the crown, after the demise of Her
Majesty, without issue of her body, to name and
constitute, during the Queens life, by three instru-
ments signed and sealed, (which instruments might
be revoked or changed at pleasure,) such and so
many other persons, natural born subjects of Eng-
land, as should be thought fit to be added to the
2. F

42 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

seven great officers before-named ; who should ha?e
power, by authority of this Act, to act with them as
Lords Justices of England, as fully, and in the
same manner, as if they had been particularly named
in this Act: which Lords Justices, or any five of
them, might execute the powers and authorities, by
this Act granted, in as full and ample manner as if
they had been all assembled.

To consolidate and confirm these most import-
ant legislative provisions, the second article of the
Treaty of Union between the two kingdoms of Eng-
land and Scotland, further enacted, " That the
succession to the monarchy of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain, and of the dominions thereunto
belonging, after Her most sacred Majesty, be, re-
main, and continue, to the most excellent Princess
Sophia, Electress and Duchess Dowager of Han-
over, and the heirs of her body, being Protestants;
upon whom the crown of England is settled, by an
act of parliament made in England in the twelfth
year of the reign of His late Majesty King William
the Third, intituled, An Act for the further Limi-
tation of the Crown, and better securing the Rights
and Liberties of the Subject : And that all Papists,
and 'persons marrying Papists, shall be excluded from,
and be for ever incapable to inherit, possess, or enjoy, the
imperial crown of Great Britain, and the dominions
thereunto belonging, or any part thereof: And in
every such case, the crown and government shall,
from time to time, descend to, and be enjoyed by,
such person, being Protestant, as should have inhe-
rited or enjoyed the same, in case such Papists, or
person marrying a Papist, was naturally dead, ac-
cording to the provision for the descent of the crown
of England, made by another act of parliament in
England, in the first year of the reign of their late
Majesties King William and Queen Mary, intituled,
An Act declaring the Rights and Liberties of the
Subject, and settling the Succession of the Crown/'

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 4,'i

This Act, as well as those which preceded it, have
been equally misrepresented by the friends of demo-
cracy on the one hand, and of despotism on the
other. The former contend, that by the Act of Set-
tlement, the Sovereign of Great Britain holds his
crown solely as the gift of the people, who may
depose him at their pleasure, and transfer the go-
vernment to whomsoever they shall think fit, in his
stead. The latter, with equal injustice, but more
effrontery, assert, the divine right of kings to tram-
ple under foot the liberty of their people, to coerce
their consciences, and wantonly sacrifice their lives
and properties upon the altars of luxury or of ambi-
tion. The immortal statesmen, who devised the
Act of Settlement, perceived the danger on both
hands, and avoided each extreme. We have seen
how careful they were to recognize the principle of
legitimacy, as far as was consistent with the rights
and liberties of the subject, by their settling the
descent of the crown upon the nearest Protestant
descendants of the Royal Family of Stuart, while
any Protestant of that family remained ; and with
what solicitude they provided for the maintenance of
genuine liberty, by the Exclusion Act, which made
it impossible for even a Protestant, who had married
a Roman Catholic, to inherit the crown ; which they
ultimately confined to the issue of the Electress So-
phia, with that express limitation. They were inti-
mately acquainted with the nature and tendency of
that ecclesiastical monarchy, whereof Papal Rome
is the regal seat ; under the galling yoke of which ail
Europe had long groaned, and from which England
herself had been but recently emancipated. They
foresaw the horrible consequences that must have
ensued, had they suffered the sworn disciples of
superstition, and' bigotry, and arbitrary power, to
have resumed the British sceptre. Through the
wisdom and vigour of their councils, under the
blessing' of Divine Providence, they avoided the

44 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

danger: and the illustrious House of Brunswick
ascended the throne.

The accession of George-Lewis, the son of the
Princess Sophia and of the Elector Ernest-Augustus,
took place in 1714, when he was in his 54th year.
This prince, who served three campaigns in the
Imperial army against the Turks, was an illustrious
warrior, and highly celebrated for the wisdom and
justice of his government. The ministry who, in
the latter reign, had concluded the disgraceful treaty
of Utrecht, were justly impeached, and many of
them driven into exile. In 171-5, the Earl of Man-
attempted to restore the Pretender, whom he pro-
claimed King ; but was soon overthrow n, and many
of his adherents lost their lives upon the scaffold.
The destruction of the Spanish fleet by Sir George
Byng; the discovery of the conspiracy against the
government, for which bishop Atterbury was ba-
nished ; the disastrous expedition to Portobello ;
and the first siege of Gibraltar by the Spaniards,
which had then been only a few years in our pos-
session, were among the most prominent events of
this reign. The kins: seemed latterly to have sur-
mounted all his political difficulties ; the toils and
dangers which he had undergone appeared about to
be rewarded with glory, happiness, and repose.
Thinking every circumstance favourable for revisit-
ing his electoral dominions, he embarked at Green-
wich, on the 3rd of June, 17*27, with that intention,
and landed in Holland on the 7th. In his journey
to Hanover, however, he was attacked with a para-
lvtic seizure: and feeling that he was near his end,
said to his attendant, C est fait de moi, " It is over
with me;"" and soon afterreached the house of his bro-
ther, the bishop of Osnaburg, where he expired in the
b'8th year of his age, and the thirteenth of his reign.

All Europe acknowledged George I. to have been
a prudent, able, and fortunate prince, and an un-
questionable friend to civil and religious liberty.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-ALG I STA. 45

His son, George-Augustus, who had been created
Prince of Wales in 1714, and was constituted
Regent, during the king's absence, in 1716', next
succeeded to the crown : he married Wilhelmina-
Carolina of Anspach, grandmother of His present
Majesty. Owing to some private differences exist-
ing between himself and his father, he had lived for
some time estranged from the court; but, upon his
ascending the throne, adopted the same ministers
and measures which had governed the nation during
the life of George I. \Vhen France and other
powers treacherously combined to deprive Maria-
Theresa of her inheritance, George II. sent an Eng-
lish army to the continent ; with which, joined by a
large body of Hanoverian troops, he espoused the
cause of the injured queen: he joined the army
under the Earl of Stair; and at the battle of Dettin-
gen displayed great bravery, fighting at the head of
bis own regiment the whole day. The next year, the
Duke of Cumberland fought and lost the bloody bat-
tle of Fontenoi; after which, the French acquired the
superiority in Flanders, during the remainder of the
war. This encouraged the Pretender to renew7 his
attempts: his son, the grandson of James II. was
accordingly landed on the Scottish coast, in the
month of July, by the assistance of the court of
France. The Duke of Cumberland at length arrived
from Flanders, brin^ins: over several Eno-lish re°i-
ments; with which he so completely defeated the
rebels, especially on April 15, 1745, at Culloden
Moor, that from that time the Pretender ceased to
be an object of terror or alarm. The government
of the House of Brunswick became firmly esta-
blished: for the great majority of the nation had
indissolublv connected the interests of religion and
liberty, with the support of those principles which
had called the illustrious family of the reigning
prince to the throne. In 1751, the king lost his
eldest son Frederick, who had lived a considerable

40 MEMOIRS OF IIKR ROYAL HIGHNESS

time at variance with his father ; but was reconciled,
after AValpole had been dismissed. This prince,
the father of our present venerable sovereign, was
exceedingly amiable, and well disposed : so that
the fondest hopes were entertained of the excellence
he would have exhibited on the throne, to which he
was heir; but of which he was deprived by an early
death. His Koyal Highness married the Princess
Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, mother of King George III.;
in honour of v. horn, and of Her present most gra-
cious Majesty, the late lamented Princess Charlotte-
Augusta received her baptismal names.

Kins: George II. had no sooner called the cele-
brated Earl of Chatham to his councils, than the
tide of success set full in upon the measures of his
government. The French power in the East Indies
was annihilated; their West Indian colonies were
reduced ; Canada was conquered ; and the famous
battle of Minden exalted the reputation of the Bri-
tish soldiery; while the English navy triumphed
upon the ocean, and reduced that of Prance to an
insignificance from which it never since entirely
recovered. In the midst of this success, the king
died suddenly, after having lived to see himself the
most successful of all the English monarchs. He
was a firm friend to the established laws and liber-
ties of the kingdom ; and even his enemies, highly
to his honour, were compelled to admit that the
civil and religious principles of his administration
were both liberal and just. That, although of an
irritable temper, his disposition was naturally good,
the following authentic anecdote, communicated by
an aged officer, who was present on the occasion,
will sufficiently show: An Irish lady of rank, who
had the honour of being presented to His Majesty,
greatly delighted him, by her beauty, and the native
wit and sprightliness of her conversation. The king
inquired if she had yet visited all the places of
public resort, and seen the various collections of

■ ■ ■ ■

l^/i '//,' ,-/ K/yyr/ _ /Jy//////. //•.

i ■ Sax ■//. 1. ivr/', ■!■/ /■',/

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 47

curiosities with which the metropolis abounded?
Her ladyship replied in the affirmative. His Ma-
jesty then observed, that she had perhaps seen
every thing- that she wished to see. To which she
inadvertently rejoined, " Every thing, please your
Majesty, except a coronation ?" The insulted mo-
narch instantly said, " Oh! very well; thank you,
thank you," with considerable emotion : but perceiv-
ing- the confusion and distress in which this uninten-
tional but crue! affront to her Sovereign had involved
the unfortunate Lady, he resumed his wonted jrood
humour, and took no further notice of a circum-
stance, which he did not long survive. On various
occasions, he gave signal demonstrations of personal
bravery ; nor did the general tenor of his conduct
afford less striking proofs of his rectitude and inte-
grity : and he will be long remembered for his noble
declaration, " That during his reign, there should
be no persecution for conscience sake."

Our present venerable sovereign, George III.
whose baptismal names are George-William-Frede-
rick, immediately succeeded his grandfather. He
was married on the 8th of September, 1761, to the
Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburgh-Strelitz, Her
present most gracious Majesty. At their nuptials,
Ed ward- Augustus, Duke of York, His Majesty's
younger brother, was chief supporter to the royal
bride, walking on her right hand; and at the coro-
nation, which followed on the 22nd of the same
month, he appeared in his robes as the first prince
of the blood ; but died in 1767, at the early age of
twenty-eight. It would be impossible, as well as
irrelevant, here to introduce notices of the great
historical events which have so closely followed
each other since His Majesty assumed the British
sceptre: it is also needless to dwell upon occur-
rences which are still fresh in the memories of most
persons, and the records of which are open to all ;
we shall, therefore, confine ourselves to the biogra-

1

48 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

phy of the Royal Family, and touch upon those
political circumstances only, which immediately
relate to them as either personal or characteristic.

The deep interest which must ever attend His
Majesty — as the father of his people — as the great-
est sovereign of his age — and, especially, as the
revered grandsire of our departed Princess — render
it necessary, in the progress of our work, particu-
larly to notice whatever relates personally to Him.
He is, says an elegant writer, the glory of his family,
the pride of his subjects: he is not dead, and yet
partakes not of the joys or the afflictions of his kin-
dred or people : withdrawn from all eyes, but those
which watch to supply his necessities — in silence,
and in darkness — to him there is neither sun, nor
moon, nor kingdom, nor wife, nor children, nor
subjects. He is alone, in the midst of the living;
and almost as far removed from them as the dead.
The little world in which he dwells is a solitude,
peopled only by imagination ; but the inhabitants
of it are not those that haunt the guilty mind, even
when reason is not overthrown. Yet he is not for-
saken in his hoary hairs, nor in his deep humiliation,
by that God, whose loving-kindness is better than
life, and all its pleasures, if all its pleasures could
be enjoyed for ever. The venerable Father of the
British people, we have reason to believe, whatever
else may have failed him, is happily conscious of
that presence Which is the hope of earth, and the
joy of heaven. The hand of Mercy may have shut
him up from the sight of evils that would have
grieved his eyes and wrung his heart, had reason
been preserved to him to the end of his lengthened
days.

His Majesty's first speech from the throne is truly
descriptive of the exalted character here drawn,
and which he has ever since sustained : — that part
of it which is most important, and which has been
universally admired, we here present to our readers.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 4[)

" My Lords and Gentlemen,

" The just concern which I have felt in my
own breast, on the sudden death of the late king,
my royal grandfather, makes me not doubt that
you must all have been deeply affected with so
severe a loss. The present critical and difficult
conjuncture has made this loss the more sensible;
as he was the great support of that system by
which alone the liberties of Europe, and the weight
of influence of those kingdoms, can be preserved ;
and gave life to measures conducive to those im-
portant ends.

" I need not tell you the addition of weight which
immediately falls upon me, in being called to the
government of this free and powerful country, at
such a time, and under such circumstances. My
consolation is in the uprightness of my own inten-
tions, vour faithfulness and united assistance, and
the blessing of Heaven upon our joint endeavours,
which I devoutly implore.

" Som and educated in this country, I glory in the
name of Briton ; and the peculiar happiness of my
life will ever consist in promoting the welfare of a
people, whose loyalty and warm affection to me I
consider as the greatest and most permanent security
of my throne ; and I doubt not, that their steadiness
in those principles will equal the firmness of my
invariable resolution to adhere to and strengthen
this excellent constitution in Church and State,
and to maintain the Toleration inviolable. The
civil and religious rights of my subjects are equally
dear to me with the most valuable prerogatives of
my crown: and as the surest foundation of the
whole, and the best means to draw down the Divine
favour on my reign, it is my fixed purpose to coun-
tenance and encourage the practice of true religion
and virtue."

Shortly after the coronation, His Majesty attended
divine service at St. James's; upon which, the
*> r.

50 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

preacher took the opportunity of eulogizing his
sovereign in his sermon. The next day, the minis-
ter received a message, informing him, that His
Majesty desired lie would not repeal such adulation ;
us the King went to church to hear God praised, and
not himself.

At Windsor, on a similar occasion, the King, who
had never failed to join in the responses, remained
entirely silent, as soon as the minister began to read
the Athanasian Creed. Observing this, the clergy-
man began it again with a louder voice. The King
still continued silent. The minister then began to
read the Apostles' Creed ; in which His Majesty
immediately followed him, in an audible tone, and
with his accustomed fervour.

Conversing with William, Duke of Cumberland,
his uncle, not long before the death of that prince,
in 1764, His Majesty observed, it was with concern
that he remarked the Duke's augmenting corpu-
lency. " I lament it not less," replied His Royal
Highness, " but it is constitutional ; and I am much
mistaken, if Your Majesty will not become as large
as myself, before you attain to my age." " It arises
from your not using sufficient exercise," answered
the King. " I use, nevertheless," said the Duke,
" constant and severe exercise of every kind : but
there is another effort requisite, in order to check
this tendency; which is much more difficult to
practise, and without which no exercise, however
violent, will suffice. I mean, great self-denial
and temperance. Nothing else can prevent Your
Majesty from growing to my size." The King made
no reply ; but the Dukes words sunk deep, and pro-
duced a lasting impression on his mind. From that
day, as he assured Lord Mansfield, he formed the
resolution of checking his constitutional inclination
to corpulency, by unremitting restraint upon his
appetite ; a determination which he carried into
complete effect, in defiance of every temptation.

3

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 51

It has been justly remarked, that no prince in
Europe has so munificently contributed to the
advancement of learning and science, and to the
reward of literary merit, from his own private purse,
as our present venerable and afflicted King-. His
interview with the celebrated Dr. Samuel Johnson,
who had long partaken of his bounty, also proves,
that His Majesty's judgment was equal to his libe-
rality. In reply to a question in which the King
asked, If he were then writing any thing? Dr. John-
son assured His Majesty that he was not ; for, added
he, " I have pretty well told the world what I knew,
and must now read to acquire more knowledge."
The King replied, " I do not think you borrow
much from any body." Johnson observed, that " he
thought he had written enough already." Upon
which, the Monarch elegantly rejoined, " I should
have thought so too, if you had not written so well."
This appropriate compliment to our great moralist
and lexicographer, who, with all his defects, was
one of the greatest men this island ever produced,
does as much honour to the discernment, as his
pension of £300. per annum from the privy purse,
did to the munificence of the King.

The following anecdote will show that His Ma-
jesty once voluntarily underwent, with great good
humour, something resembling that indignity which:
his great predecessor Alfred patiently submitted to
from necessity. In the month of July, 1773, riding
from Windsor, he was overtaken by a violent storm
of rain; and, being separated from his company,
made towards a cottage belonging to a man of the
name of Styles, near Stoke. Here he alighted, and,
going into the house, found no person but a girl
turning a goose, which was hanging before the fire
by a string. The King desired the girl to put his
horse under the shed ; which she consented to do,
at the same time requesting him to mind the goose !
While she was gone, Styles entered, and recog-

52 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

nizing the King, was greatly surprised to find him
so employed. He however had the presence of

mind to relieve His Majesty, who, with his wonted
good nature, conversed on this mode of cookery,
and the advantage of a jack : soon after which he
went away. When be was gone, the farmer per-
ceived a paper on the shelf ; and having opened it,
found five guineas, with these words written in
pencil, "To buy a jack I"

The following sketch of the mode of living,
adopted by Their Majesties during their summer
residence at the Royal Palace of Kew, in the
v< ar 1775, is highly interesting: "At six in the
morning they rise, and enjoy the two succeeding-
hours, which they call their own. At eight, the
Prince of Wales, Duke of York, the Princess
Royal, and Princes William and Henry, are
brought from their several houses to Kew House,
to breakfast with their illustrious relations. At
nine, their youngest children attend, to lisp or
smile their Good-morrows; and whilst the five
eldest are closely applying to their task, the little
ones, with their nurses, pass the whole morning hi
Richmond Gardens. The King and Queen fre-
quently amuse themselves with sitting in the room
while the children dine; and once a week, attend-
ed by the whole number in pairs, make the delightful
tour of Richmond Gardens. In the afternoon, the
Queen works, and the King reads to her: and what-
ever charm ambition or folly may conceive to await
so exalted a situation, it is neither on the throne,
nor in the drawing-room, in the splendour or toys
of sovereignty, that they place their felicity; it is
in social and domestic gratifications, in breathing
the free air, admiring the works of nature, tasting
and encouraging the elegancies of art, and in living
to the approbation of their own hearts. — In the
evening all the children again pay their duty at
Kew House, before they retire to bed ; and the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 53

same order is observed through each returning day.
The Sovereign is the father of his family; not a
grievance reaches his knowledge, and remains un-
redressed, nor a character of merit or ingenuity
disregarded : his private conduct is as exemplary as
it is amiable.

" Though naturally a lover of peace, his per-
sonal courage cannot in the smallest degree be
impeached; he exercises his troops himself, under-
stands every martial manoeuvre as well as any
general id his service, and has the articles of war
at his fingers' ends. Topography is one of his fa-
vourite studies ; he copies every capital chart, takes
models of all the celebrated fortifications, observing
the strong and weak sides of each, and knows the
soundings of the chief harbours in Europe.

" Exercise, air, and light diet, are the grand
fundamentals in the King's idea of health and
sprightliness : His Majesty feeds chiefly on vege-
tables, and drinks little wine. The tradesmen's
bills are regularly discharged once a quarter; and
the whole household is judiciously and happily
conducted.

" The Prince of Wales and Duke of York bid
fair, however, to excel the generality of mankind
in learning, as much as they are their superiors in
rank : eight hours close application to the lan-
guages and the liberal sciences, is daily enjoined
them, and their industry is unremitting: all the ten
are indeed fine children, and it does not yet appear
that parental partiality is known at Court."

Such is the picture drawn by an inmate of our
excellent Sovereign's household forty-two years
ago; wherein every attentive observer must instantly
trace the original draught of that finished picture
of domestic happiuess, which his beloved grand-
daughter has so recently exhibited to an admiring
people; and the sudden removal of whom we shall
long continue to deplore.

54 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

How nobly the other illustrious branches of the
Royal Family have since redeemed the pledges
lure given of their future excellence, notwith-
standing- the slanders and calumnies wherewith
they have been unjustly assailed, the course of
this memoir will afford us ample opportunities to
prove, upon the most undeniable kind of testimony
— that of their calumniators !

AVhen the late celebrated Dr. Richard Watson,
Bishop of Llandaft', in the year 1793, published
his excellent sermon entitled " The wisdom and
goodness of God in making both rich and poor ;"
with an appendix respecting the then circumstances
of Great Britain and France, a strong spirit of in-
subordination and discontent was prevalent in these
islands. The common people were in every village
talking about liberty and equality, like many of
their superiors, without understanding the terms.
The King, at his Levee, says the venerable prelate,
complimented me in the wannest terms, in the
hearing of Lord Dartmouth, on, he was pleased
to say, the conciseness, clearness, and utility of
this little publication ; and the then Archbishop of
Canterbury afterwards informed me, that His
Majesty had spoken to him of the publication in
the same terms, two months before. " On this
occasion, (continues the bishop,) when the King-
was praising what I iiad written, I said to him,
' I love to come forward in a moment of danger.'
His Majesty's reply was so quick and proper, that
I will put it down : — " I see you do, and it is a
mark of a man of high spirit !"

His Majesty one day observed to the late Col.
Price, that he had an intention of ordering a cer-
tain tree to be cut down, asking at the same time
the Colonel's advice, but evidently expecting an
entire acquiescence in the idea. Colonel Price
respectfully ventured to say that he was of a dif-
ferent opinion. " Aye," observed the King, some-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 55

what hastily, " that's your way ; you continually
contradict me." ' If your Majesty,' replied the
Colonel, ' will not condescend to hear the ho-
nest sentiments of your faithful servants, you
never can come at the truth.' After a short pause,
the monarch, laying his hand very kindly upon the
Colonel's shoulder, said, " You are right, Price,
the tree shall stand !"

The attempt of the maniac Hadfield, in the year
1800, to assassinate the King, afforded a remark-
able instance of that high and generous spirit
which was the peculiar characteristic of the Princess
Charlotte. It is well known, that attempts had
been previously made to dissuade His Majesty
from attending the theatre ; but the King fearlessly
declined to follow that advice. He had scarcely
entered the royal box, when Hadfield, who was in
the pit, cocked his pistol, which he levelled at the
King, and was in the act of firing ; when a gentle-
man, sitting next to him, perceiving his murderous
intention, attempted to seize the arm of the luna-
tic, and, in so doing, considerably raised it,
which caused the ball to enter the ceiling of the
royal box ; after which, Hadfield was immediately
seized, examined, and found to be a lunatic. The
Princess Charlotte, then very young, was informed
of these circumstances, and at first shewed great
indignation at the assassin, but relented into tears
of pity when informed that the unhappy man was
insane.

Every anecdote which relates to our revered
and afflicted Monarch, is highly interesting, and
worthy of preservation : the following are sub-
joined, from respectable authorities.

In the summer of 1814, the King had lucid
intervals ; the Queen desired to be informed when
that was the case : — she was so ; and, on entering
the room, she found him singing a hymn, and ac-
companying it on the harpsichord. When he had

50 MEMOIRS OF HER ROVAL HIGHNESS

finished it, lie knelt clown, and prayed aloud for
Her Majesty, then for his Family, and the Nation,
concluding- with a prayer for Himself, that it might
please God to remove bis heavy calamity from him,
but, if not, to give him resignation to submit to it:
he then burst into tears, and his reason again fled.

One morning, when the passing-be)] was tolling
at Windsor, His Majesty inquired who was dead :
his attendants did not at first answer him ; but on his
repeating the question, they answered, ' Please your

Majesty, Mrs. 8 ' "Mrs. S (rejoined

the King,) she was a linen-draper, and lived at

the corner of street, (naming the street) ;

aye, she was a good woman, and brought up her
family in the fear of God — she's gone to Heaven —
1 hope 1 shall soon follow her."

About two years ago, the King said, " I must
ha\e a new suit of clothes, I will have them in black,
in Memory of George tLe Third!"

His Majesty lately expressed a wish to have a
chair made of a peculiar shape, from an idea of
feeling more ease when sitting. The upholsterer
was directed to make a model agreeable to the
King's instructions: the model was produced, and
explained to His Majesty; who gave his approval,
and the chair was made. In December last, this
piece of furniture was sent to Windsor, placed in
the royal apartment, and the King expressed him-
self highly pleased with its construction, from the
ease and comfort he experienced it to afford.

From the above circumstance, it appears that our
venerable Sovereigu sometimes has lucid intervals :
in one of these, not quite three weeks since, he
mentioned the name of Bonaparte. The gentleman
m attendance ventured to tell His Majesty, that
Napoleon was confined ; when the King, with a
look of great indignation, immediately replied, "No
such thing; I should have known it, if he had ; no
such thing, no such thing."

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 57

The Inscription on the Pedestal of the Statue of
His Majesty, erected in the Council Chamber of
the Guildhall of the city of London, is as follows:

GEORGE THE THIRD,

born and bred a Briton,

endeared to a brave, free, and loyal People

by his public virtues,

by his pre-eminent example

of private worth in all the relations of domestic life,

by his uniform course of unaffected piety,

and entire submission to the will of Heaven.

The wisdom and firmness

of his character and councils

enabled him so to apply the resources of his Empire,

so to direct the native energies of his subjects,

that he maintained the dignity of his Crown,

preserved inviolate the Constitution in Church and State,

and secured the commerce and prosperity of his dominions,

during a long period of unexampled difficulty ;

in which the deadly contagion of French principles

and the domineering aggressions of French power,

had nearly dissolved the frame,

and destroyed the independence,

of every other government and nation in Europe.

The Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, of the City of London,

have erected this Statue,

in testimonv

of their undeviating loyalty, and grateful attachment

to the best of kings,

in the fifty-fifth year of his reign,

A. D. 1815.

The celebrated Dr. Beattie, who received a pen-
sion of £200 a year from the privy purse, as the
author of the Essay on Truth, in which the infidel
notions of Gibbon and Hume are controverted, irives
the following account of the interview with the King
and Queen, with which he and his friend Dr Majen-
die were honoured in the year 1773. " We were
3. H

58 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

received in the most gracious manner possible by
both their Majesties. I had the honour of a conver-
sation with them, nobody else being present but
Dr. Majendie, for upwards of an hour, on a great
variety of topics ; in which both the King and Queen
joined, with a degree of cheerfulness, affability, and
ease, that was to me surprising, and soon dissipated
the embarrassment which 1 felt at the beginning of
the conference. They both complimented me in
the highest terms on my Essay, which, they said,
was a book they always kept by them ; and the
King said he had one copy of it in Kew, and another
in Town; and immediately went and took it down
from a shelf. I found it was the second edition.
' I never stole a book but one,' said his Majesty,
speaking to me, ' and that was yours, which I
stole from the Queen, for Lord Hertford to read.'
After many questions concerning my works, we had
much conversation on moral subjects; from which,
both their Majesties let it appear that they were
warm friends to Christianity; and so little inclined
to infidelity, that they could hardly believe that any
thinking man could really be an atheist, unless he
could brino: himself to believe that he had made
himself; a thought which pleased the King exceed-
ingly, and he repeated it several times to the Queen.
He asked, if any thing had been written against me?
I spoke of a late pamphlet, telling him, that I had
never met with any man that had read it, except one
Quaker. This brought on some discourse about
the Quakers, whose moderation and mild behaviour
the King and Queen commended. I was asked
many questions about the Scotch Universities; the
revenues of the Scotch clergy, their mode of praying
and preaching; the Medical College of Edinburgh ;
Dr. Gregory, and Dr. Cullen; the length of our va-
cation at Aberdeen, and the closeness of our attend-
ance during winter; the number of students that
attend my lectures; my mode of lecturing, whether

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 59

from notes, or completely written lectures; about
Mr. Hume, and Dr. Robertson, and Lord Kinnoul,
and the Archbishop of York, &c. His Majesty also
asked what I thought of my new acquaintance, Lord
Dartmouth? I said, there was something in his air
and manner which I thought not only agreeable,
but enchanting, and that he seemed to me to he one
of the best of men : a sentiment in which both of
their Majesties heartily joined. ' They say that
Lord Dartmouth is an enthusiast,' observed the
King ; ' but surely he says nothing on the subject of
religion, but what every Christian may and ought
to say.'

" The King asked, whether I did not think the
English language on the decline at present? I an-
swered in the affirmative; and His Majesty agreed,
and named the Spectator as one of the best stand-
ards of the language. When I told him, that the
Scotch clergy sometimes prayed a quarter or even
half an hour at a time; he asked, whether that did
not lead them into repetitions? J said it often did.
1 That/ said he, 'I do not like in prayers; and,
excellent as our liturgy is, I think it somewhat faulty
in that respect.' Your Majesty knows, said J,
that three services are joined in one, in the ordinary
church service; which is one cause of these repe-
titions. ' True,' he replied, ' and that circumstance
also makes the service too long.' From this, the
King took occasion to speak of the composition of
the church liturgy; on which he very justly bestowed
the highest commendation : ' Observe,' bis Majesty
said, ' how flat those occasional prayers are, that
are now composed, in comparison with the old ones.'
We discussed a great many other topics ; for the
conversation lasted upwards of an hour: the Queen
bore a large share in it. Both the King and Her
Majesty showed a great deal of good sense, acute-
ness, and knowledge; as well as of good nature and
affability. At last, the King took out his watch,

60 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

(tor it was now almost three o'clock, his hour of
dinner,) which Dr. Majendie and I took as a signal
to withdraw : we accordingly bowed to their Majes-
ties ; and J addressed the King in these words,
" I hope, Sire, your Majesty will pardon me, if I
take this opportunity to return you my humble and
most grateful acknowledgments for the honour you
have been pleased to confer upon me." His Majesty
immediately answered, ' I think I could do no less
for a man who has done so much service for the
cause of Christianity : I shall always be glad of an
opportunity to show the good opinion I have of
you/

" The Queen sat all the while, and the King stood,
sometimes walking about a little. Her Majesty
speaks the English language with surprising ele-
gance, and little or nothing of a foreign manner; so
that if she were ouly of the rank of a private gentle-
woman, one could not help taking notice of her, as
one of the most agreeable women in the world.
Her face is much more pleasing than any of her pic-
tures; and in the expression of her eyes, and in her
smile, there is something peculiarly engaging."

The piety of our afflicted and beloved Sovereign
was always unquestionable; and of the liberality of
his religious sentiments, the following circumstances
are indubitable proofs. - It was His Majesty's cus-
tom, as far as possible, to employ an equal number
of tradesmen, of each particular religious profession,
in the neighbourhood of the Roval residences.
This rule also operated in His Majesty's choice of
domestics: so that the King's household exhibited
almost as great a variety of different sects, as his
dominions contained.

That the King, notwithstanding his exalted sta-
tion and great personal acquirements, entertained
very humble views of himself, is evident from the
following circumstance. Some years back, Kew
was one of His Majesty's favourite residences. A

°-7'/' ^/^/>

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 61

lady, on a visit at the palace there, was shown over
the apartments, and in His Majesty's bed-chamber
observed the good old book of Family Prayers, by
Melmoth, called "ANew Manual of Devotion."
The first prayer for the Lord's Day, in this book,
contains the following words : " Guide and defend
our most gracious Sovereign Lord King George:
let his days be many, his councils wise and reli-
gious, and his reign happy to himself and his
people." Upon this prayer the lady opened the
book, and could not help remarking, that the words
King George were struck out, and Thy Servant, in
His Majesty's hand-writing, interlined in their stead.

Many illiberal and disaffected persons have basely
attempted to decry the superior talents and sound
understanding, of which the anecdotes already re-
corded plainly prove His Majesty to have been pos-
sessed : but a single, and an incontrovertible fact,
which has transpired, will entirely defeat their male-
volent intentions. The King's taste for agriculture
would have been sufficiently known, had it never
been celebrated by the unprincipled writer, who, in
making it the main object of his ridicule, has penned
his own condemnation. A gentleman, well qualified
to judge of literary compositions, having read His
Majesty's letters on agriculture, in his own hand-
writing, declares that they contain not only inherent
proofs of a thorough acquaintance with the subject,
but of a mind abundantly stored with all kinds of
knowledge, conveyed in an elegant, but simple and
perspicuous style; such as could only be the pro-
duct of a person well versed in literary compositions.

It is generally believed that His Majesty's last
relapse into his former malady, was occasioned by
the loss of his favourite daughter, the Princess
Amelia. Among the many anecdotes of no autho-
rity which have appeared upon this subject, there
is, however, one of an interesting nature, which,
being indisputably authentic, we have much plea-

62 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

sure iii recording. Jn the cloisters of St. George's
Chapel, Windsor, there is a tablet which was erected
by His Majesty's command, four months after the
commencement of his present illness, at a time when
the weekly bulletins of the physicians was — " His
Majesty proceeds favourably in his recovery." The
inscription placed on the tablet, by the King's
direction, is as follows:

KING GEORGE THE THIRD

caused to be interred near this place

the Body of

Mary Gascoign,

Servant to the Princess Amelia,

and this Tablet to be erected

in testimony of his grateful sense of the

faithful services and attachment of an

amiable young Woman to his

beloved Daughter,

whom she survived only three months.

She died the 19th Feb. 1811,

Aged 31 years.

It has been often observed, that no one of the
present potentates of Europe has been blessed with
so fine a progeny as the British Sovereign. With
unspeakable delight he beheld them rising up to
maturity, and shone like a patriarch in the midst of
his charming family, with whom he passed most of
those hours which were not preoccupied by the
concerns of the state. Remarkable as all the Royal
Family are acknowledged to be for their personal
beauty and accomplishments, none were more sin-
gularly gifted, in every respect, than His Majesty's
eldest son, the present Regent. The proficiency
which his Roval Hisrhness made in his studies at
an early age, has been already observed ; nor did he
in the least fall short of that high degree of excel-
lence to which it was then predicted he would one

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 63

day arrive. In the person of the Prince of Wales,
the nation beheld the singular phenomenon of a
youthful heir to the throne addressing each of the
ambassadors at his Father's court in the languages
of their respective countries, at an age when other
young men could hardly speak with propriety in
their own ! " He is (said one of his earliest friends,
whose testimony cannot now be doubted,) a prince
not less replete with the most graceful charms of
person and manners, than with candour, liberality,
and high spirit; with every charm which our more
polished age can give: his heart warm, generous,
and benevolent; too noble to suspect, or by arts
to evade, his enemies, or to shew aversion to bad
men, otherwise than by being honourable himself."

The whole life of his Royal Highness has proved
the truth of these observations. When his superior
mind detected the snares laid by his professed
friends to procure his consent to measures which
he could not approve, the Prince of Wales (and it
Mas the first time he ever spoke in parliament) came
forward upon the motion of the Marquis of Aber-
corn, for an amendment to the address of the
Commons upon His Majesty's proclamation for
preventing seditious meetings and writings; and in
a manly, eloquent, and, we may truly add, persua-
sive manner, delivered his sentiments. He said,
that on a question of such magnitude he should be
deficient in his duty as a member of parliament,
unmindful of the respect he owed to the constitution,
and inattentive to the welfare, the peace, and the
happiness of the people, if he did not state to the
world what was his opinion on the present question.
He was educated in the principles, and he should
ever preserve them, of a reverence for the constitu-
tional liberties of the people; and, as on those con-
stitutional principles the happiness of that people
depended, he was determined, as far as his interest
could have any force, to support them. The matter

64 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

in issue was, in fact, whether the constitution was
or was not to be maintained; whether the wild
ideas of theory were to conquer the wholesome
maxims of established practice; and, whether those
laws, under which we have nourished for such a
series of years, were to be subverted by a reform
unsanctioned by the people. As a person nearly
and dearly interested in the welfare, and, he should
emphatically add, the happiness and comfort, of the
people, it would be treason to the principles of his
mind, if he did not come forward and declare his
disapprobation of those seditious publications which
had occasioned the motion now before their Lord-
ships: and his interest was connected with the
interest of the people; they were so inseparable,
that, unless both parties concurred, happiness could
not exist. On this great, on this solid basis, he
grounded the vote which he meant to give, and that
vote should unequivocally be for a concurrence with
the Commons in the address they had resolved
upon. His Royal Highness spoke in a manner that
called not only for the attention, but the admiration
of the House; and these words were remarkably
energetic—" I exist by the love, the friendship, and
the benevolence of the people; and their cause I
will never forsake as long as I live." The Prince
then concluded by distinctly saying, "I give my
most hearty assent to the motion for concurring
in this wise and salutary address."

It is a lamentable fact, that the important law
which is absolutely necessary to prevent members
of the Royal Family from intermarrying with sub-
jects, must almost necessarily prove destructive of
their matrimonial happiness. Royal marriages are
in consequence contracted without any possible pre-
vious choice, at least on the part of the heir appa-
rent, who is legally incapable of leaving the king-
dom, even for the momentous purpose of selecting
his future bride. A private individual, thus re-
5

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 65

stricted, would certainly prefer celibacy itself to
such a compulsory engagement ; but even that pri-
vilege is denied to the heir of the throne, who must
therefore marry, and seems born only to sacrifice
his personal comforts for the safety of the state. Jt
is state policy alone, not mutual affection, producing
voluntary choice, that forms most of the royal matri-
monial connexions in our own country: — who then

tr

can be surprised that the political marriage of the
Prince of Wales should have so soon produced
unhappiness, and terminated in separation?

This marriage had been long determined upon
before it was officially announced ; and the Princess
Caroline-Louisa, daughter of his late Serene High-
ness Charles-William-Ferdinand, Duke of Bruns-
wick-Wolfeubuttle, and of Her Royal Highness the
Princess Augusta, sister to our present venerable
Sovereign, was selected, it is said, by the King him-
self, to be the partner of his eldest son, and the
future Queen of Great Britain.

The British parliament granted a princely pro-
vision for the royal pair. Carlton House was
superbly furnished for their reception, and it was
stipulated, that the Prince, on his marriage, should
be exonerated from his debts; towards the liqui-
dation of which, however, £25,000 was to be de-
ducted from £125,000 per annum: His Royal High-
ness's annual income having been raised from £6*0,000
to that magnificent sum. In addition to this, £26',000
was voted for furnishing Carlton House, £27,000 for
the expences of the marriage, and £28,000 for jewels
and plate.

His Majesty's ship Juno, of 50 guns, four frigates,
two sloops of war, and two royal yachts, were
appointed to escort the Princess to the British
snores: and the 8th of April, 1795, was the day
appointed for the solemnization of the nuptials;
which took place on the evening, in the Chapel
Roval, at St. James's.— The Archbishop of Canter-
3. X

6'fl MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

bury officiated on the occasion ; and the procession
to and from the Chapel was in the following order:

THE PROCESSION OF THE BRIDE.

Drums and Trumpets.

Kettle Drums.

Serjeant Trumpeter.

Master of the Ceremonies.

Bride's Gentleman Usher between the Two senior Heralds.

His Majesty's Vice Chamberlain.

His Majesty's Lord Chamberlain.

THE BRIDE,

In her nuptial habit, with a Coronet, led by his Royal Highness

the Duke of Clarence.
Her train borne by four unmarried daughters of Dukes and

Earls, viz.
Lady Mary Osborne, Lady Caroline Villiers,

Lady Charlotte Spencer, Lady Charlotte Legge.

Her Royal Highness was also attended by the ladies
of her household.

On entering the Chapel, the Princess was con-
ducted to her seat, prepared for her near Her Ma-
jesty's chair of state, by the Master of the Cere-
monies and the Gentleman Usher, who afterwards
retired to the places assigned them.

The Lord Chamberlain and Vice Chamberlain,
with a Herald, then returned to attend the Bride-
groom ; while the senior Herald remained in the
Chapel, to conduct the several persons to their
respective places.

x

THE BRIDEGROOM'S PROCESSION,

In the same order as that of the Bride, with the addition of the
Officers of his Highness's Household.

- His Royal Highness the PRINCE OF WALES,

In his Collar of the Order of the Garter, supported by Two unmar-
ried Dukes, — Duke of Bedford, and Duke of Roxburgh.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 67

His Royal Highness having been conducted to his
seat in the Chapel Royal, the Lord Chamberlain,
Vice Chamberlain, and Two Heralds, returned to
attend His Majesty.

THEIR MAJESTIES' PROCESSION.

Drums and Trumpets, as before.

Knight Marshal.

Pursuivants.

Herald.

Treasurer of the Household.

Master of the Horse.

Two married Dukes,

Duke of Leeds. Duke of Beaufort.

Lord Steward of the Household.

Provincial King of Arms.

Lord Privy Seal. "\

Archbishop of York. /
Serjeant at J Lord president of the CounciI. I Serjeant at

Arms. ^ _ „. . .. C Arms.

Lord High Chancellor. W

Archbishop of Canterbury. J

Gentleman f Garter Principal King of Arms, j Gentleman ■

Usher. 1 with his Sceptre. j Usher.

The Earl Marshal with his Staff.

Princes of the Blood Royal.

Prince William.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.

His Royal Highness the Duke of York.

Vice Chamberlain of the Household.

Sword of State, borne by the Duke of Portland.

Lord Chamberlain of the Household.

HIS MAJESTY,

In the Collar of the Order of the Garter.

Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard.

Colonel of the Life Guard in waiting.

Captain of the Band of Gentlemen Pensioners,

The Lord of the Bedchamber in waiting.

Master of the Robes.

Groom of the Bedchamber.

08 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Vice Chamberlain to the Queen.
The Queen's Lord Chamberlain.

HER MAJESTY.

The Queen's Master of the Horse.

Their Royal Highnesses

Princess Augusta-Sophia,

Princess Elizabeth,

Princess Marv,

Princess Sophia,

Princess Amelia.

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York.

Princess Sophia of Gloucester,

Supported severally by their Gentlemen Ushers.

The Ladies of Her Majesty's Bedchamber.

Maids of Honour.

Women of Her Majesty's Bedchamber.

At the conclusion of the marriage ceremony, their
Majesties retired to their chairs of state under the
canopy, while the anthem vvas sung; and the even-
ing concluded with very splendid illuminations, and
other public demonstrations of joy, throughout the
metropolis. The City of London, and various other
places, presented addresses of congratulation ; — and
the Princess was shortly afterwards pronounced
pregnant, to the great joy of the nation, upon the
pleasing prospect of an uninterrupted succession to
the throne.

His Majesty manifested great anxiety on this
important occasion, by his continual inquiries con-
cerning the health of the Princess, his daughter-in-
law. The great Officers of State were summoned
to attend : and on the morning of the 7th of January,
179G, Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales
was safely delivered of a daughter, in the presence
of the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Gloucester,
the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor,
the Lord President of the Council, the Duke of
Leeds, the Lord Chamberlain, Earl Cholmondeley,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 69

Lord Thnrlow, and the Ladies of Her Royal
Highness's Bedchamber.

On the 1 1th of February following', in the evening,
the Royal Infant was baptized, according to the
form of the Church of England, and received the
names Charlotte-Augusta, to which we have
already alluded, the former being the name of her
paternal, and the latter of her maternal grandmother.
This ceremony, in which his Grace the Archbishop
of Canterbury officiated, was performed in the great
Drawing-room at St. James's. The sponsors were
their Majesties in person, and Her Royal Highness
the Duchess of Brunswick, represented by Her
Royal Highness the Princess Mary.

Congratulatory addresses were presented from all
parts of the kingdom ; and the Poet Laureat, in his
appropriate Ode for the New Year, thus elegantly
alluded to this happy event:

Now strike a livelier chord ! — this happy day,

Selected from the circling year,

To celebrate a name to Britain dear,
From Britain's sons demands a festive lay.
Mild Sov'reign of our Monarch's soul,
Whose eye's meek radiance can control
The pow'rs of care, and grace a throne
With each calm joy to life domestic known;
Propitious Heav'n has o'er thy head
Blossoms of richer fragrance shed,
Than all th' assiduous Muse can bring,
Cull'd from the honey'd stores of Spring.
For see amid wild Winter's hours,

A Bud its silken folds display,
Sweeter than all the chalic'd flowers

That crown thy own ambrosial May.
O ! may thy smiles, blest Infant, prove
Omens of concord and of love. —
Bid the loud strain of martial triumph raise,
And tune to softer mood the warbling reed of praise!

70 MEMOIKS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

CHAP. III.

Separation of the Prince and Princess of Wales. —
Education of the Princess Charlotte. — Juvenile
Anecdotes. — Result of the Delicate Investigation.
— Hints towards forming the Character of a young
Pri?icess. — Further Account of the Education,
Habits, fyc. of the Princess. — Anecdotes, fyc.

Notwithstanding the general joy which

prevailed throughout the country upon the auspi-
cious birth of our late most sincerely lamented
Princess, her august parents, who had been unhap-
pily bound together by mere state policy, without
any intimacy with, or affection for each other, soon
felt, and expressed their mutual dissatisfaction ; of
which the following letters bear testimony.

Windsor Castle, April 30, 1796.
Madam,

As Lord Cholmondeley informs me, that you
wish I would define in writing the terms upon which we are
to live, I shall endeavour to explain myself upon that head with
as much clearness, and with as much propriety, as the nature
of the subject will admit. Our inclinations are not in our
power, nor should either of us be held answerable to the
other, because nature has not made us suitable to each other.
Tranquil and comfortable society is, however, in our power ;
let our intercourse, therefore, be restricted to that, and I will
distinctly subscribe to the condition which you required
through Lady Cholmondeley, that, even in the event of any
accident happening to my daughter, which, I trust, Provi-
dence in his mercy will avert, I shall not infringe the terms of
the restriction, by proposing at any period a connexion of a
more particular nature. I shall now finally close this dis-

),/

'/'/>'/'//,

J

n -y >/'■",/.'// Y,

y.

,v

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 71

agreeable correspondence, trusting, that as we have com-
pletely explained ourselves to each other, the rest of our lives
will be passed in uninterrupted tranquillity.

I am, Madam,

With great truth, very sincerely yours,

(Signed) George P.

The following is a Translation from the French of the original
Answer of the Princess of Wales to the preceding Letter.

"The avowal of your conversation with Lord Cholmon-
deley neither surprises nor offends me. It merely confirmed
what you have tacitly insinuated for this twelvemonth. But
after this, it would be a want of delicacy, or rather, an un-
worthy meanness in me, were I to complain of those condi-
tions which you impose upon yourself.

" I should have returned no answer to your letter, if it
had not been conceived in such terms as to make it doubtful
whether this arrangement proceeds from you or from me; and
you are aware that the credit of it belongs to you aloue.

" The letter which you announce to me as the last,
obliges me to communicate to the King, as to my Sovereign
and my Father, both your avowal and my answer. You will
find inclosed, the copy of my letter to the King.* I apprise
you of it, that I may not incur the slightest reproach of dupli-
city from you. As I have at this moment no protector but
His Majesty, I refer myself solely to him upon this subject;
and if my conduct meets his approbation, I shall be, in some
degree at least, consoled. I retain every sentiment of grati-
tude for the situation in which I find myself, as Princess of
Wales, enabled by your means to indulge in the free exercise
of a virtue dear to my heart, — I mean, charity.

" It will be my duty likewise to act upon another motive,
— that of giving an example of patience and resignation under
every trial.

" Do me the justice to believe that I shall never cease
to pray for your happiness, and to be

Your much devoted

Mag 6, 1796. Caroline."

* No Copy of this Letter has ever yet appeared.

72 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Whatever was the original cause of this lamenta-
ble rupture, the Princess Charlotte passed the first
eight years of her life in the enjoyment of the fond
attentions of her mother, whom she usually accom-
panied in her carriage, sitting on her knee, or stand-
ing upon a stool ; when her smiling, healthful, and
intelligent countenance, universally delighted those
who saw her.

The following interesting account of Her Royal
Highness, when only five years old, is from the
Diary of the pious and justly celebrated Dr. Porteus,
late Lord Bishop of London :

" Yesterday, the Oth August, 1801, 1 passed a very
pleasant day at Shrewsbury House, near Shooter's
Hill, the residence of the Princess Charlotte of
Wales. The day was fine, the prospect extensive
and beautiful, taking in a large reach of the Thames,
which was covered with vessels of various sizes and
descriptions. We saw a good deal of the young
Princess ; she is a most captivating and engaging
child, and, considering the high station she may
hereafter fill, a most interesting and important one.
She repeated to me several hymns with great cor-
rectness and propriety ; and on being told, when
she went to South End, in Essex, (as she afterwards
did, for the benefit of sea-bathing,) she would then
lie in my diocese, she fell down on her knees, and
begged my blessing. 1 gave it to her with all my
heart, and with my earnest secret prayers to God
that she might adorn her illustrious station with
every Christian grace; and that if ever she be-
came the Queen of this truly great and glorious
country, she might be the means of diffusing vir-
tue, piety, and happiness, through every part of her
dominions."

It will not be thought irrelevant here to introduce
an authentic anecdote, which strongly marks that
exquisite sense of propriety with which His Royal
Highness the Prince Regent dignifies and adorns

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 73

his exalted station. When the Princess Charlotte
was about seven years old, a gentleman, who at
that time had the honour to be intimate with the
Prince of Wales, saw her Royal Highness at Carlton
House. The great flow of spirits which she pos-
sessed, her beauty, and the native frankness of her
manners, immediately attracted his attention, so
that, forgetting her exalted rank, and the wide dis-
tinction necessary to be observed between the
infant Heiress of the British throne, and other
children, he took her familiarly by the hand, in-
quired how she did, and then saluted her, in the
presence of the Prince; who immediately signified
his displeasure at the gentleman's presumption, by
desiring him, in the most dignified manner, instantly
to leave his presence.

Though the Princess, at this time, lived under
the personal inspection of her Mother, she appears
to have had a separate establishment at Shrewsbury
House, and was only permitted to receive the visits
of maternal fondness once a week, that those natural
endearments might not interfere with the course of
her education. The Dowager Lady Elgin, with
her assistants, Miss Garth and Miss Hunt, super-
intended her education till she attained the sixth
year of her age ; and the whole week, except the
day set apart for the visit of her august Mother,
was invariably devoted to study.

By the laws of the realm, His Majesty is the
guardian of all infants, and more especially of the
infants of his own family; and in the year 1806,
the Bishop of Exeter, afterwards translated to the
see of Salisbury, was appointed by his Sovereign
to the important office of private tutor to the
Princess. That the King could hardly have selected
a more proper person, is well known. The Rev.
Dr. Nott received the appointment of sub-preceptor;
and the Lady De Clifford, the important and respon-
sible situation of governess. Lnder their superin-
3. k

74 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

tendence, the Princess pursued her studies with
great assiduity, and with singular success.

A strong enthusiasm of character, which has been
construed into natural violence of temper, manifested
itself in Her Royal Highness at that early period,
when young prisons often give way to those sallies
of impetuosity, which require restraint and regula-
tion, but ought never to be entirely suppressed.
A remarkable instance, of this impetuosity of spirit
occurred one morning at Warwick House. As soon
as the Bishop of Salisbury arrived, he was informed
that the insolence and misconduct of a servant had
provoked his fair Pupil to indict a summary correc-
tion with her own hands. His Lordship, after
representing the impropriety of such a step to Her
Royal Highness, asked her why she did not take
his advice, and repeat the Lord's Prayer before she
proceeded to resent the provocation she had re-
ceived ? To which the Princess instantly replied, " 1
did, my Lord Bishop, or 1 should almost have
killed her."

On another occasion, having forgotten to perform
a task enjoined her by her reverend tutor, the
amiable Prelate jocularly desired that Her Royal
Highness would do penauee for the omission, by
wearing a charity-school girl's habit, which his
Lordship ordered to be provided for that purpose.
Next morning, when the Bishop attended the
Princess, he was most agreeably surprised by Her
Royal Highness's appearance in that homely garb,
and facetiously asking his Lordship how he liked
her in her new dress; passing her hand playfully
down each arm, and remarking, as she surveyed
herself, that it was as excellent a tit as if made on
purpose!

The time was now fast approaching when Her
Royal Highness was to experience the severe adlic-
tion of being removed from the society of her
Mother, and from circumstances which threw a

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 75

melancholy shade over the opening years of her
life; the nicest feelings of her affectionate heart were
to be lacerated by the unfortunate dissensions of
her parents, and, to her young and sensible mind,
a choice of evils presented itself, from which she
saw no immediate relief: the ardent love which she
felt for her Mother, impelled her to espouse her
cause; and the sincere affection which she justly
entertained for her Father, prompted her to exonerate
him from every imputation of harshness towards
her Mother.

The conduct of the amiable Princess towards each
of her august parents certainly conveys a strong cen-
sure upon the conduct of those, who, forgetting the
wholesome old English maxim, of non-interference
in family disagreements, widened the breach till it
became irreparable ; by basely availing themselves of
the existing disputes, to gratify their own private
pique and malignity. The accusation of the Princess
of Wales by Sir John and Lady Douglas, which led
to the Delicate Investigation in the year 1807, is not
of a proper nature to be here introduced : but the
occasion and result of that investigation will be suf-
ficiently explained, by the following copies of ori-
ginal Documents, which it would be injudicious to
withhold:

Minute of the Cabinet, Jan. 25, 1807.

Downiny-street, Jan. 25, 1807.

PRESENT,

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Viscount Howick,

Lord President, Lord Grenville,

Lord Privy Seal, Lord Ellenborougb,

Earl Spencer, Mr. Secretary Windham,

Earl of Moira, Mr. Grenville.
Lord Henry Petty,

Your Majesty's confidential servants have given the most
diligent and attentive consideration to the matters on which

7(> MEMOIRS OF HER ROVVL HIGHNESS

your Majesty lias been pleased to require their opinion and
advice. They trust your Majesty will not think that any
apology is necessary on their part, for the delay which has
attended their deliberations on a subject of such extreme
importance, and which they have found to be of the greatest
difficulty and embarrassment.

They are fully convinced that it never can have been His
Majesty's intention to require from them, that they should lay
before your Majesty a detailed and circumstantial examination
and discussion of the various arguments and allegations con-
tained in the letter submitted to your Majesty, by the law
advisers of the Prince of Wales. And they beg leave, with
all humility, to represent to your Majesty, that the laws and
constitution of their country have not placed them in a situ-
ation in which they can conclusively pronounce on any question
of guilt or innocence affecting any of your Majesty's subjects,
much less one of your Majesty's Royal Family. They have,
indeed, no power or authority whatever to enter on such a
course of inquiry as could alone lead to final results of such a
nature.

The main question on which they had conceived themselves
called upon, by their duty, to submit their advice to your
Majesty, was this: Whether the circumstances which had, by
your Majesty's commands, been brought before them, were
of a nature to induce your Majesty to order any further steps
to be taken upon them by your Majesty's government. And
on this point they humbly submit to your Majesty their opi-
nions as to the answer to be given by your Majesty to the
request contained in the Princess's letter ; and as to the man-
ner in which that answer should be communicated to Her
Royal Highness.

They have, therefore, hrdutiful obedience to your Majesty's
commands, proceeded to re-consider the whole of the subject,
in this new view of it; and, after much deliberation, they have
agreed humbly to recommend to your Majesty the draft of a
message, which, if approved by your Majesty, they would
humbly suggest your Majesty might send to Her Royal High-
ness, through the Lord Chancellor.

Having before humbly submitted to your Majesty their
opinion, that the facts of the case did not warrant their advis-
ing that any further steps should be taken upon it by your
Majesty's government, they have not thought it necessary to
advise your Majesty any longer to decline receiving the
Princess into your royal presence. But the result of the
whole case does, in their judgment, render it indispensable

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 77

that your Majesty should, by a serious admonition, convey to
Her Royal Highness your Majesty's expectation that Her
Royal Highness should be more circumspect in her future
conduct ; and they trust, that in the terms in which they have
advised that such admonition should be conveyed, your Ma-
jesty will not be of opinion, on a full consideration of the
evidence and answer, that they can be considered as having
at all exceeded the necessity of the case, as arising out of the
last reference which your Majesty has been pleased to make
to them.

A Copy of the Message alluded to in the above
Minute, was forwarded to Her Royal Highness the
Princess of Wales by the Lord Chancellor, in his
own hand writing; it is as follows:

" The King having referred to his confidential servants
the proceedings and papers relative to the written decla-
rations which had been laid before His Majesty, respecting
the conduct of the Princess of Wales, has been apprized by
them, that after the fullest consideration of the examinations
taken on that subject, and of the observations and affidavits
brought forward by the Princess's legal advisers, they agree
in the opinions submitted to His Majesty in the original
Report of the four Lords by whom His Majesty directed that
the matter should, in the first instance, be inquired into ; and
that in the present stage of the business, upon a mature and
deliberate view of this most important subject in all its parts
and bearings, it is their opinion that, the facts of this case do
not warrant their advising that any further step should be
taken in the business by His Majesty's government, or any-
other proceedings instituted upon it, except such only as His
Majesty's law servants may, on a reference to them, think
fit to recommend, for the prosecution of Lady Douglas, on
those parts of her deposition which may appear to them to b«
justlv liable thereto.

" In this situation, His Majesty is advised that it is no
longer necessary for him to decline receiving the Princess into
his royal presence.

" The King sees, with great satisfaction, the agreement of
his confidential servants, in the decided opinion expressed by
the four law lords upon the falsehood of the accusation of
pregnancy and delivery brought forward against the Princess
by Lady Douglas. On the other matters produced in the

70 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

course of (lie Inquiry, the King is advised, that none of the
facts or allegations stated in preliminary examinations, car-
ried on in the absence of the parties interested, are to be
considered as legally or conclusively established. But in those
examinations, and even in the answer drawn in the name of
the Princess by her legal advisers, there have appeared cir-
cumstances of conduct on the part of the Prim-ess, which His
Majesty could never regard but with serious concern. The
elevated rank, which the Princess holds in this country, and
the relation in which she stands to His Majesty and the Royal
Family, must always deeply involve both the interests of the
State, and the personal feelings of His Majesty, in the pro-
priety and correctness of her conduct; and His Majesty,
therefore, cannot forbear to express, in the conclusion of the
business, his desire and expectation, that such a conduct may
in future be observed by the Princess, as may fully justify
those marks of paternal regard which His Majesty wishes to
show to every part of the Royal Family.

" His Majesty has directed, that this message should be
transmitted to the Princess of Wales by his Lord Chancellor;
and that copies of the proceedings which have taken place on
this subject should also be communicated to his dearly beloved
son, the Prince of Wales."

In consequence of the remarks of the Princess of
Wales upon this Message, in her long letter to the
King, another Cabinet Council was held :

Minute of Council, April 2'2, 1807.

PRESENT,

Lord Chancellor, (Eldon) Earl Bathurst,

Lord President, (Camden) Viscount Casllereagh,

Lord Privy Seal, (Westmoreland) Lord Mulgrave,

The Duke of Portland, Mr. Secretary Canning,

The Earl of Chatham, Lord Hawkesbury.

Your Majesty's confidential servants have, in obedience to
your Majesty's commands, most attentively considered the
original charges and report, the minutes of evidence, and all
the other papers submitted to the consideration of your
Majesty, on the subject of those charges against Her Royal
Highness the Princess of Wales.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA- 71)

In the stage in which this business is brought under their
consideration, they do not feel themselves called upon to
give any opinion as to the proceeding itself, or to the mode
of investigation in which it has been thought proper to con-
duct it. But adverting to the advice which is slated by His
Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to have directed his
conduct, your Majesty's confidential servants are anxious to
impress upon your Majesty their conviction, that His Royal
Highness could not, under such advice, consistently with his
public duty, have done otherwise than lay before your Majesty
the statement and examinations which were submitted to him
upon this subject.

After the most deliberate consideration, however, of the
evidence which has been brought before the commissioners,
and of the previous examinations, as well as of the answer
and observations which have been submitted to your Majesty
upon them, they feel it necessary to declare their decided
concurrence in the clear and unanimous opinion of the com-
missioners, confirmed by that of all your Majesty's late con-
fidential servants, that the two main charges alleged against
Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, of pregnancy and
delivery, are completely disproved ; and they further submit
to your Majesty their unanimous opinion, that all the other
particulars of conduct brought in accusation against Her
Royal Highness, to which the character of criminality can
be ascribed, are either satisfactorily contradicted, or rest
upon evidence of such a nature, and which was given under
such circumstances, as render it, in the judgment of your
Majesty's confidential servants, undeserving of credit.

Your Majesty's confidential servants, therefore, concurring
in that part of the opinion of your late servants, as stated in
their Minute of the 25th of January, that there is no longer
any necessity for your Majesty being advised to decline receiv-
ing the Princess into your royal presence, humbly submit to
your Majesty, that it is essentially necessary, injustice to her
Rova! Highness, and for the honour and interests of your
Majesty's illustrious Family, that Her Royal Highness the
Princess of Wales should be admitted, with as little delaj as
possible, into your Majesty's royal presence, and that she
should be received in a manner due to her rank and station in
your Majesty's court and Family.

Your Majesty's confidential servants also beg leave to sub-
mit to your Majesty, that, considering that it may be neces-
sary that your Majesty's government should possess the means
of referring to the true state of the transaction, it is of the
1

80 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

utmost importance that these documents, demonstrating the
"-round on which your Majesty has proceeded, should be pre-
served in safe custody; aud that for that purpose the originals,
or authentic copies of all these papers, should be sealed up,
and deposited in the oflicesof your Majesty's principal Secre-
tin of State."

This distressing discussion here terminated for
the present, by Her Royal Highness's re-appearance
at court.

From these painful details, it is pleasing to turn
our attention to the interest which the person and
prospects of our young Princess had excited in the
mind of an author who is an honour to her country
and her sex. We allude to that important work of
the celebrated Miss Hannah More, entitled, " Hints
towards Forming the Character of a Young Princess;'
which she judiciously dedicated to the Bishop of
Exeter, Her Royal Highness's tutor. It has been
asserted, that this eminent and pious lady had pre-
viously been requested to undertake the education
of the infant Princess; which she is also reported
to have declined : but whether those statements be
well or ill founded, the publication, in which she has
treated with consummate ability upon the various
points connected with the important object of form-
ing the character of an heir to the throne of a great
Empire, entitles her to the esteem and gratitude of
the nation at large. There are strong reasons to
conclude this work did, in fact, largely contribute
to the growth and developement of those excellent
qualities which the Princess Charlotte subsequently
displayed: and as many passages tend materially to
illustrate her character,* and will lead the reader to
resume the thread of her short but brilliant career
with more comprehensive views of her character and
intentions, no apology can be necessary for their
insertion.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 81

I call, (says Milton, in the motto which Miss
More has prefixed to her work,) that a complete
and generous education, which fits a person to per-
form justly, skilfully, and magnanimously, all the
offices of public and private life, of peace, and of
war." This is an apt allusion to the enlarged view
of her subject, which this accomplished writer has
taken. The importance of which subject she thus
notices in her preface :

" if we were to inquire what is, even at the pre-
sent critical period, one of the most momentous
concerns which can engage the attention of an Eng-
lishman, who feels for his country like a patriot, and
for his posterity like a father ; what is that object, of
which the importance is not bounded by the shores
of the British islands, nor limited by our colonial
possessions; — with which, in its consequences, the
interests, not only of all Europe, but of the whole
civilized world, may hereafter be, in some measure,
implicated; — what Briton would hesitate to reply,
The Education of the Princess Charlotte of Wales ?"

In the second chapter the following observation
occurs: "A Prince should be ignorant of nothing
which it is honourable to know ; but he should look
on mere acquisition of knowledge not as the end to
be rested in, but only as the means of arriving at
some higher end. — Hemav have been well instructed
in history, belles lettres, philosophy, and languages,
and yet have received a defective education, if the
formation of his judgment has been neglected. For,
it is uot so important to know every thing, as to
know the exact value of every thing; to appreciate
what we learn, and to arrange what we know.

" But above all, there should be a constant, but
imperceptible habit, of turning the mind to a love of
truth, in all its forms and aspects; not only in
matters of grave morality, but in matters of business,
of common intercourse, and even of taste : for there
is a truth both in moral and mental taste little short
4. l

82 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

of the exactness of mathematical truth ; and the
mind should acquire an habit of seeking perfection
in every thing. This habit should be so early and
insensibly formed, that when the pupil comes after-
wards to meet with maxims, and instances of truth
and virtue, in historical and moral writings, she
may bring to the perusal tastes, tempers, and dis-
quisitions, so laid in, as to have prepared the mind
for their reception. As this mode of preparatory
and incidental instruction will be gradual and in-
woven, so it will be deep and durable; but as it
will be little obvious to ordinary judges, it will
excite less wonder and admiration than the usual
display and exhibition so prevalent in modern edu-
cation. Its effects will be less ostensible, but they
will be more certain."

Treating of the Education of a Sovereign, as a
specific education, the author says, " The formation
of the character is the grand object to be accom-
plished. This should be considered to be not so
much a separate business, as a sort of centre to
which all the rays of instruction should be directed.
All the studies, it is presumed, of the royal pupil,
should have some reference to her probable future
situation. Is it not, therefore, obviously requisite
that her understanding be exercised in a wider range
than that of others of her sex ? and that her princi-
ples be so established, on the best and surest foun-
dation, as to fit her at once for fulfilling the peculiar
demands, and for resisting the peculiar temptations,
of her station? Princes have been too often inclined
to fancy that they have few interests in common
with the rest of mankind, feeling themselves placed
by Providence on an eminence so much above them-
But the great aim should be, to correct the haughti-
ness which may attend this superiority, without
relinquishing the truth of the fact. Is it not, there-
fore, the business of those who have the care of a
royal education, not so much to deny the reality of

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 83

this distance, or to diminish its amount, as to
account for its existence, and point out the uses to
which it is subservient?

" A Prince is an individual being, whom the hand
of Providence has plnced on a pedestal of peculiar
elevation: but he should learn, that he is placed
there as the minister of good to others ; that the dig-
nity being hereditary, he is the more manifestly
raised to that elevation, not by his own merit, but
by providential destination ; by those laws, which
he is himself bound to observe with the same reli-
gious fidelity as the meanest of his subjects. It
ought early to be impressed, that those appendages
of royalty, with which human weakness may too
probably be fascinated, are intended not to gratify
the feelings, but to distinguish the person of the
Monarch ; that, in themselves, they are of little
value; that they are beneath the attachment of a
rational, and of no substantial use to a moral being;
in short, that they are not a subject of triumph, but
are to be acquiesced in for the public benefit, and
from regard to that weakness of our nature, which
subjects so large a portion of every community to
the influence of their imagination, and their senses.

*• While, therefore, a Prince is taught the use of
those exterior embellishments, which, as was before
observed, designate rather than dignify his station ;
while he is led to place the just value on every
appendage which may contribute to give him impor-
tance in the eyes of the multitude, who, not being
just judges of what constitutes true dignity, are con-
sequently apt to reverence the royal person exactly
so far as they see outward splendour connected with
it; should not a royal pupil himself be taught, in-
stead of overvaluing that splendour, to think it a
humbling, rather than an elevating consideration,
that so large a part of the respect paid to him, should
be owing to such extrinsic causes, to causes which
make no part of himself? Let him then be taught

84 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

to gratify the public with all the pomp and circum-
stance suitable to royalty; but let him never forget,
that though his station ought always to procure for
him respect, he must ever look to his own personal
conduct, for inspiring veneration, attachment, and
affection ; and ever let it be remembered, that this
affection is the strongest tie of obedience; that sub-
jects like to see their Prince great, when that great-
ness is not produced by rendering them less; and
as the profound Selden observes, " the people will
always be liberal to a Prince who spares them ; and
a good Prince will always spare a liberal people."
He will support, with his whole weight, an institu-
tion which the licentious fury of a revolutionary
spirit has rendered more dear to every Englishman.
On no consideration, therefore, would he pluck
even a feather from those decorations of royalty,
which, by a long association, have become intimately
connected with its substance. In short, every wise
inhabitant of the British Isles must feel, that he who
would despoil the crown of its jewels, would not be
far from spoiling the wearer of his crown. And as
nothing but democratic folly or phrenzy would de-
grade the Monarch from his due elevation, so demo-
cratic envy alone would wish to strip him, not only
of a single constituent of real greatness, but even of
a single ornamental appendage, on which the people
have been accustometTto gaze with honest joy.

" Nevertheless, those outrages which have lately
been committed against the sanctitv of the throne,
furnish new and most powerful reasons for assidu-
ously guarding Princes by every respectful admo-
nition, against any tendency to exceed their just
prerogatives, and for checking every rising propen-
sity to overstep, in the slightest degree, their well-
defined rights.

" At the same time, it should be remembered, that
there may be no less dangerous faults on the other
side, and that want of firmness in maintaining just

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA 85

rights, or of spirit in the prompt and vigorous exer-
cise of necessary authority, may prove as injurious
to the interests of a community as the most lawless
stretch of power. Defects of this very kind were
evidently among the causes of bringing down, on
tiie gentlest of the kings of France, more calamities
than had ever resulted from the most arbitrary
exertion of power in any of his predecessors. Fee-
bleness and irresolution, which seem to be little
more than pardonable weaknesses in private per-
sons, may, by their consequences, prove in Princes
fatal errors; and even produce the effect of great
crimes. Vigour to secure, and opportunely to exert
their constitutional power, is as essential as mode-
ration not to exceed it.

" May it not be observed, without risking the im-
putation of flattery, that perhaps never, in the his-
tory of the world, has any country been so unin-
terruptedly blessed with that very temperament of
government, which is here implied, as this empire
has been, under the dominion of the House of
Hanover? There has, on no occasion, been a want
of firmness: but with that firmness, there has been
a conscientious regard to the principles of the con-
stitution. Who can at this moment pretend to pro-
nounce how much we owe to the steady integrity
which is so obviously possessed by our present
Sovereign? And who does not remember with
what good effects his resolute composure and dig-
nified firmness were exerted, during a scene of the
greatest alarm which has occurred in his reign — the
riots of the year 1780?"

"At this tumultuous period, when we have seen
almost all the thrones of Christendom trembling to
their foundation, we have witnessed the British
constitution, like the British oak, confirmed and
rooted by the shaking of that tremendous blast,
which has stripped kingdoms of their crowns, le-
velled the fences and inclosures of law, laid waste

80 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

the best earthly blessings of mankind, and involved
in desolation a large part of the civilized world.
When we have beheld absolute monarchies, and
republican states, alike ravaged by the tempest,
shall we not learn still more highly to prize onr
own unparalleled political edifice, built with such
fair proportions, on principles so harmonious and
so just, that one part affords to another that sup-
port which, in its turn, it receives; while each lends
strength, as well as stability, to all?

"History is the glass by which the royal mind
should be dressed. If it be delightful for a private
individual, to enter with the historian into every
scene which he describes, and into every event
which he relates; to be introduced into the interior
of the Roman senate, or the Athenian Areopagus;
to follow Pompey to Pharsalia, Miltiades to Mara-
thon, or Marlborough to Blenheim ; how much
more interesting will this be to a Sovereign? To
him, for whom senates debate, for whom armies
engage, and who himself is to be a prime actor in
the drama! Of how much more importance is
it to him, to possess an accurate knowledge of all
the successive governments of that world, in a prin-
cipal government of which he is one day to take the
lead ! To possess himself of the experience of
ancient states, of the wisdom of every antecedent
age! To learn moderation from the ambition of
one, caution from the rashness of another, and pru-
dence, perhaps, from the indiscretion of both ! To
apply foregone examples to his own use; adopting
what is excellent, shunning what is erroneous, and
omitting what is irrelevant!

" Reading and observation are the two grand
sources of improvement; but they lie not equally
open to all. From the latter, the sex and habits of
a royal female, in a good measure, exclude her.
She must then, in a great degree, depend on the
information which books afford, opened and illus-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 87

irated by her preceptor. Though her personal ob-
servation must be limited, her advantages from his-
torical sources may be large and various."

Of Queen Elizabeth, whom the Princess Char-
lotte evidently selected as her model, Mrs. More
says, " Elizabeth's great natural capacity was, as
has been before observed, improved by an excel-
lent education. Her native vigour of mind had
been early called forth by a series of uncommon
trials. The circumspection she had been, from
childhood, obliged to exercise, taught her prudence.
The difficulties which beset her, accustomed her to
self-control. Can we, therefore, doubt, that the
steadiness of purpose, and undaunted resolution
which she manifested on almost every occasion
during her long reign, were greatly to be attributed
to that youthful discipline? She would, probably,
never have acquired such an ascendency over the
mind of others, had she not early learned so abso-
lute a command over her own.

" On coming to the crown, she found herself sur-
rounded with those obstacles which display great
characters, but overset ordinary minds. The vast
work of the Reformation, which had been under-
taken by her brother Edward, but crushed in the
verv birth, as far as was within human power, by
the bigot Mary, was resumed and accomplished by
Elizabeth ; and that, not in the calm of security,
not in the fulness of undisputed power, but even
while that power was far from being confirmed, and
that security was liable, every moment, to be shaken
by the most alarming commotions. She had pre-
judices, apparently insurmountable, to overcome;
she had heavy debts to discharge; she had an
almost ruined navy to repair; *he had a debased
coin to restore; she had empty magazines to fill;
she had a decaying commerce to invigorate ; she
had an exhausted exchequer to replenish, — All
these, bv the blessing of God on the strength of her

4

88 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

mind, and the wisdom of her councils, she accom-
plished. She not only paid her own debts, but,
without any great additional burdens on her sub-
jects, she discharged those also which were due to
the people from her two immediate predecessors.
At the same time, she fostered genius, she encou-
raged literature, she attracted all the great talents
of the age within the sphere of her own activity.
And though she constantly availed herself of all the
judgment and talents of her ministers, her acqui-
escence in their measures was that of conviction,
never of implicit confidence.

" Her exact frugality may not, by superficial
judges, be reckoned among the shining parts of her
character. Yet, those who see more deeply must
allow, that it was a quality from which the most
important benefits were derived to her people; and,
without which, all her great abilities would have
been comparatively inefficient. The parsimony of
her grandfather was the rapine and exaction of an
extortioner; hers, the wise economy of a provident
parent.

" The distinguishing qualities of Elizabeth appear
to have been economy, prudence, and moderation.
Yet, in some instances, the former was rigid, not to
say unjust.* Nor had her frugality always the
purest motive. She was, it is true, very unwilling
to trouble parliament for money, for which, indeed,
they were extremely unwilling to be troubled; but
her desire to keep herself independent of them,
seems to have been the motive for this forbearance.
What she might have gained in supplies, she must
have lost in power.

"To her moderation, and that middle line of con-
duct which she observed, much of her success may
be ascribed. To her moderation in the contests

* Particularly her keeping the see of Ely vacant nineteen years,
in order to retain the revenue.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 89

between Papists and Puritans, it is chiefly to be
attributed, that the Reformation issued in a happier
medium in England, than in any other country. —
To her moderation in respect to foreign war, from
which she was singularly averse, may be ascribed
that rapid improvement at home, which took place
under her reign. — If we were to estimate Elizabeth
as a private female, she would, doubtless, appear
entitled to but little veneration : if as an instrument
raised up by Divine Providence, to carry through
the most arduous enterprises, in the most difficult
emergencies, we can hardly rate her too highly.
We owe her much, as Englishmen. As Protestants,
what do we not owe her? If we look at the woman,
we shall see much to blame; if at the sovereign, we
shall see almost every thing to admire. Her great
faults, though they derogated from her personal
character, seldom deeply affected her administration.

"Our censures, therefore, must not be lost in our
admiration ; nor must our gratitude warp our judg-
ment. And it may be useful to inquire, how it
came to pass that Elizabeth, with so much power,
so much prudence, and so much popularity, should
at length be completely miserable, and die neg-
lected and forsaken, her sun setting ingloriously
after so bright a day of prosperity and honour?

"Vanity was, too probably, the spring of some of
Elizabeth's most admired actions; but the same
vanity also produced that jealousy, which termi-
nated in the death of Mary. It was the same vanity
which led her first to court the admiration of Essex,
and then to suffer him to fall a victim to her
wounded pride. Her temper was uncontrolled.
While we pardon her ignorance of the principles of
liberty, we should not forget how little she respected
the privileges of parliament, claiming a right of
imprisoning its very members, without deigning to
give any account of her proceedings.

" Policy was her favourite science, but in that
4. m

90 MEMOIRS OF HER ROVAL HIGHNESS

day a liberal policy was not understood; and Eli-
zabeth was too apt to substitute both simulation
and dissimulation, for an open and generous con-
duct. This dissimulation at length lost her the con-
fidence of her subjects, and, while it inspired her
with a distrust, it also forfeited the attachment, of
her friends. Her insincerity, as was natural, in-
fected those around her. The younger Cecil him-
self was so far alienated from his royal mistress,
and tainted with the prevailing spirit of intrigue, as
to be secretly corresponding with her rival, James.

"That such mortifying occurrences were too
likely to arise, from the very nature of existing cir-
cumstances, where the dying Prince was the last of
her race, and the nearly vacant throne about to be
possessed by a stranger, must assuredly be allowed.
But it may still be asserted, that nothing but defi-
ciency of moral character could have so desolated
the closing scene of an illustrious Princess. Real
virtue will, in every rank, draw upon it disinterested
regard ; and a truly virtuous Sovereign will net be
shut out from a more than ordinary share in this
general blessing. It is honourable to human nature
to see the dying William, pressing to his bosom
the hand of Bentinck ; but it will be still more con-
solatory, as well as instructive, to compare, with
the forsaken death-bed of Elizabeth, the exemplary
closing scene of the second Mary, as described by
Burnet, an eye-witness of the affecting event which
he relates."

In treating of the distinguishing characters of
Christianity, Miss More remarks, that " in forming
the mind of the Royal Pupil, an early introduc-
tion to the scriptures, the depository of every im-
portant truth, will doubtless be considered as a
matter of prime concern. And, as her mind opens,
it will be thought necessary to point out to her, how
one great event led to another still greater; till, at
length, we see a series accomplished, and an im-

3

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 91

movable foundation laid for our faith and hope,
which includes every essential principle of moral
virtue and genuine happiness."

Speaking of flattery, this judicious writer ob-
serves, that, " while every tendency to art or dis-
simulation should be reprobated, the most exact
caution should be inculcated, and the keenest dis-
cernment cultivated, in the royal education. All
that can improve the judgment, sharpen the pene-
tration, or give enlarged views of the human mind,
should be put in exercise. A Prince should possess
that sort of sight, which, while it takes in remote
views, accurately distinguishes near objects. To
the eye of the lynx, which no minuteness can elude,
should be added that of the eagle, which no bright-
ness can blind ; for whatever dazzles, darkens. He
should acquire that justness, as well as extent of
mind, which should enable him to study the cha-
racter of his enemies, and decide upon that of his
friends ; to penetrate keenly, but not invidiously,
into the designs of others, and vigilantly to scruti-
nize his own. His mind should be stored, not with
shifts and expedients, but with large and liberal
plans; not with stratagems, but resources; not with
subterfuges, but principles; not with prejudices, but
reasons. He should treasure up sound maxims, to
teach him to act consistently; be provided with
steady measures, suited to the probable occasion,
together with a pomptitude of mind, prepared to
vary them, so as to meet any contingency.

" In no instance will those, who have the care of
forming the Royal Pupil, find a surer exercise of
their wisdom and integrity, than in their endeavours
to guard the mind from the deadly poison of flattery.
'Many kings,' says the witty South, 'have beeu
destroyed by poison ; but none has been so effica-
ciously mortal as that drunk in by the ear.'

" Intellectual taste, it is true, is much refined
since the Grecian sophist tried to cure the melan-

0*2 MEMOIRS OF KER ROYAL HIGHNESS

choly of Alexander, by telling him, that 'Justice
•was painted, as seated near the throne of Jupiter,
to indicate that right and wrong depended on the
will of kings; all whose actions ought to be ac-
counted just, both by themselves and others.'

"Compliments are not now absurd and extrava-
gant, as when the most elegant of Roman poets
invited his imperial master to pick out his own
lodging among the constellations; nor, as when the
bard of Pharsalia offered to the emperor his choice,
cither, of the sceptre of Jupiter, or the chariot of
Apollo; modestly assuring him, that there was not
a god in the pantheon, who would not yield his
empire to him, and account it an honour to resign in
his favour. This meritorious prince, so worthy to
displace the gods, was Nero! who rewarded Lucan,
not for his adulation, but for being a better poet
than himself, with a violent death.

"The smooth and obsequious Pliny improved on
all anterior adulation. Not content with making
his emperor the imitator, or the equal of deity, he
makes him a pattern for it; protesting that 'men
needed to make no other prayers to the gods, than
that they would continue to be as good and propi-
tious lords to them as Trajan had been.'

"But the refined sycophant of modern days is more
likely to hide the actual blemishes, and to veil the
real faults of a Prince from himself, than to attribute
to him incredible virtues, the ascription of which
would be too gross to impose on his discernment.
There will be more danger of a modern courtier
imitating the delicacy of the ancient painter, who,
being ordered to draw the portrait of a Prince who
had but one eye, adopted the conciliating expedient
of painting him in profile.

" But if the modern flatterer be less gross, he will
be, on that very account, the more dangerous.
The refinement of his adulation prevents the object
of it from putting himself on his guard. The Prince

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 93

is led, perhaps, to conceive with self-complacency
that he is hearing the language of truth, while he is
only the dupe of a more accomplished flatterer.
He should especially beware of mistaking freedom
of manner, for frankness of sentiment; and of con-
founding the artful familiarities of a designing fa-
vourite, with the honest simplicity of a disinterested
friend.

" Where, in our more correct day, is the courtier
who would dare to add profaneness to flattery so
far, as to declare, as was done by the greatest phi-
losopher this country ever produced, in his letter
to Prince Charles, that, ' as the father had been
his creator, so he hoped the son would be his
redeemer?'* But what a noble contrast to this
base and blasphemous servility in the Chancellor of
James, does the conduct of the Chancellor of his
grandson exhibit ! The unbending rectitude of
Clarendon not only disdained to flatter, in his pri-
vate intercourse, a master to whom however his pen
is always too partial, but it led him boldly and
honestly to remonstrate against his flagitious con-
duct. A standing example for all times, to the
servants and companions of Kings, he resolutely
reproved his master to his face; while he thought it
his duty to defend him, somewhat too strongly,
indeed, to others. He boldly besought the King,
1 not to believe that he had a prerogative to declare
vice to be virtue.' And in one of the noblest speeches
on record, in answer to a dishonourable request of
the King, that he would visit some of His Majesty's
infamous associates; he laid before him, with a lofty
sincerity, ' the turpitude of a man in his dignified
office, being obliged to countenance persons scan-
dalous for their vices, for which, by the laws of God
and man, they ought to be odious and exposed to
the judgment of the church and state.' — In this

* See Howell's Letters.

94 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

instance superior to his great rival Sully, that no
desire of pleasing the King, no consideration of
expediency, could induce him to visit the royal mis-
tresses, or to countenance the licentious favourites.

" But the royal person whom we presume to advise,
may, from the very circumstance of her sex, have
more complicated dangers to resist; against which
her mind should he early fortified. The dangers of
adulation are doubled, when the female character is
combined with the royal. Even the vigorous mind
of the great Elizabeth did not guard her against the
powerful assaults of the flattery paid to her person.
That masculine spirit was as much the slave of the
most egregious vanity, as the weakest of her sex
could have been. All her admirable prudence and
profound policy, could not preserve her from the
childish and silly levity with which she greedily
invited the compliments of the artful minister of her
more beautiful rival. Even that gross instance of
Melvil's extravagance enchanted her, when, as she
was playing on Mary's favourite instrument, for the
purpose of being overheard by him, the dissembling
courtier affected to be so ravished by her skill, as to
burst into her apartment, like an enraptured man,
who had forgotten his reverence in his admiration.
It was a curious combat in the great mind of Eliza-
beth, between the offended pride of the queen, and
the gratified vanity of the woman ; but Melvil knew
his trade, in knowing human nature; — he calculated
justly. The woman conquered.

" But, in our happier days, as subjects (it is pre-
sumed) indulge no such propensities, so, under our
happier constitution, have they no such opportu-
nities. Yet powerful, though gentler, and almost
unapparent means, may be employed to weaken the
virtue, and injure the fame of a prince. — To degrade
his character, he need only be led into one vice,
idleness ; and be attacked by one weapon, flattery.
Indiscriminate acquiescence, and soothing adulation,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 95

will lay his mind open to the incursion of every evil,
without his being aware of it; for his table is not
the place where he expects to meet an enemy, con-
sequently he is not on his guard against him. And
where he is thus powerfully assailed, the kindest
nature, the best intentions, the gentlest manners,
and the mildest dispositions, cannot be depended
on for prese*ring him from those very corruptions,
to which the worst propensities lead ; and there is a
degree of facility, which, from softness of temper,
becomes imbecility of mind.

" For there is hardly a fault a Sovereign can com-
mit, to which flattery may not incline him. It impels
to opposite vices ; to apathy and egotism, the natural
failings of the great; to ambition which inflames the
heart, to anger which distorts it; to hardness which
deadens, and to selfishness which degrades it. He
should be taught, as the intrepid Masillon* taught
his youthful Prince, that the flattery of the courtier,
contradictory as the assertion may seem, is little
less dangerous than the disloyalty of the rebel.
Both would betray him ; and the crime of him who
would dethrone, and of him who would debase his
Prince, however they may differ in a political, differ
but little in a moral view : nay, the ill effects of the
traitor's crime may, to the Prince at least, be bounded
by time, while the consequences of the flatterer's
may extend to eternity."

After exposing the false reasoning of those who
suppose that religion is not necessary to the well-
being of states, Miss More thus proceeds: " It is
the more extraordinary that any writers, not deli-
berately hostile to the cause of religion and virtue,
should have given any degree of countenance to the
pernicious error, which we have been so long com-
bating; because the opposite opinion has been laid

* See Masillon's Sermons, abounding equally in the sublimest
piety and the richest eloquence.

96 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

down, as an incontestible axiom, by those who will
not be suspected of any extravagant zeal for the cre-
dit of religion, but, who speak the dictates of strong
sense, and deep observation. Hear, then, the able,
but profligate, Machiavel. — ' Those princes and
commonwealths, who would keep their governments
entire and uncorrupt, are, above all things, to have
a care of religion and its ceremonies, and preserve
them in due veneration; for in the whole world,
there is not a greater sign of imminent ruin, than
when God and his worship are despised.' — ' A
Prince, therefore, ought most accurately to regard,
that his religion be well-founded, and then his
government will last; for there is no surer way,
than to keep that good and united. Whatever
therefore occurs, that may auy way be extended to
the advantages and reputation of the religion they
design to establish, by all means they are to be
propagated and encouraged ; and the wiser the
Prince, the more sure it is to be done.' — « And if
this care of divine worship were regarded by Chris-
tian Princes, according to the precepts and instruc-
tions of Him who gave it at first, the states and
commonwealths of Christendom would be much
more happy aud firm.'*

" Machiavel, it will be said, was at once an infidel
and a hypocrite, who did not believe the truth of
that religion, the observance of which he solicitously
enforced. Be it so; it still deducts nothing from
the force of the argument as to the political uses of
religion. — For, if the mere forms and institutions,
1 the outward and visible signs' of Christianity,
were acknowledged to be, as they really are, of so
great value, by this shrewd politician, what might
not be the effect of its ' inward and spiritual grace?'

" When two able men, of totally opposite prin-
ciples and characters, pointedly agree on any one

* Machiavel's Discourses on Livy.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 97

important topic, there is a strong presumption, that
they meet in a truth. Such an unlooked-for con-
formity may be found, in two writers, so decidedly
opposite to each other, as our incomparable Bishop
Butler, and the Florentine Secretary above cited.
Who will suspect Butler of being a visionary enthu-
siast? Yet has he drawn a most beautiful picture
of the happiness of an imaginary state, which should
be perfectly virtuous for a succession of ages. ' In
such a state,' he insists, ' there would be no faction.
Public determinations would really be the result of
united wisdom. All would contribute to the general
prosperity, and each would enjoy the fruits of his
own virtue. Injustice, force, and fraud, would be
unknown — Such a kingdom would influence the
whole earth ; the head of it would indeed be a uni-
versal Monarch, in a new sense, and all people,
nations, and languages, would serve him."

Having proved that Integrity is the true Political
Wisdom, our author further states, that " It is,
therefore, the only safety, and the only wisdom, and
the only sure unfading prudence, instead of pur-
suing our own devious paths, to commit our con-
cerns to God; to walk in his straight ways, and
obey his plain commands. For, after all, the widest
sphere of a mere worldly politician is but narrow.
The wisdom of this world is bounded by this world,
the dimensions of which are so contracted, and its
duration so short, in the eye of true philosophy, as
to strip it of all real grandeur. All the enjoyments
of this world, says the eloquent South, are much
too short for an immortal soul to stretch itself upon :
a soul which shall persist in being not only when
honour and fame, but when time itself shall cease to
be. The deepest worldly projector, with the widest
views, and the strongest energies, even when flushed
with success, must, if his mind has never learned
to shoot forward into the boundless eternity of an
unseen world, feel his genius cramped, his wing
4. N

yU MEMOIRS OF HEK ROYAL HIGHNESS

flag, and his spirit at a stand. There seems to have
been a spark of the immortal fire even in the regrets
of Alexander. It is probable he would not have
wept, because he had no more worlds to conquer,
had he not deeply felt the sting of disappointment
at finding no joy in having conquered this, and
thence inferred a kind of vague and shapeless idea
of another. There will be always too vast a dis-
proportion between the appetites and enjoyments of
the ambitious to admit of their being happy. No-
thing can fill the desires of a great soul, but what
he is persuaded will last as long as he himself shall
last.

" To worldly minds it would sound paradoxical
to assert that ambition is a little passion : — to affirm
that if really great views, and truly enlarged notions,
were impressed upon the soul, they would be so far
from promoting, that they would cure this passion.
The excellent Bishop Berkeley, beholding the ra-
vages which ambition had made in his time in France,
could not help wishing that its encroaching Monarch
had been bred to the study of astronomy, that he
might learn from thence how mean and little that
ambition is which terminates in a small part of what
is itself but a point, compared with that part of the
uuiverse which lies within our view."

In her remarks on the true Arts of Popularity,
Miss More states, that " The desire of praise and
reputation is commonly the first motive of action in
second rate, and a secondary motive in first rate
characters. That, in the former case, men who are
not governed by a higher principle, are often so
keenly alive to human opinion, as to be restrained
by it from such vices as would disturb the peace of
society, is an instance of the useful provision made
by the great Governor of all things, for the good
order of the world.

" But in Princes, none of whose actions are indif-
ferent, who are ■ the observed of all observers,'
4

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 99

reputation cannot be too highly prized. A negli-
gence respecting public opinion, or a contempt for
the judgment of posterity, would be inexcusable in
those, whose conduct must, in no inconsiderable
degree, give, in their own time, the law to manners,
and whose example will hereafter be adduced, by
future historians, either to illustrate virtue, or to
exemplify vice, and to stimulate to good or evil
Monarchs yet unborn.

" * A Prince,' however, as a late eloquent states-
man* observed in his own case, * should love that
fame which follows, not that which is pursued.'
He should bear in mind, that shadows owe their
being to substances ; that true fame derives its exist-
ence from something more solid than itself; that
reputation is not the precursor, nor the cause, but
the fruit and effect, of merit.

" A desire of popularity is still more honest in
Princes than in other men. And when the end for
which it is sought, and the means by which it is
pursued, are strictly just, the desire is not only
blameless, but highly laudable. Nor is it ever cen-
surable, except where the affection of the people is
sought, by plausible means, for pernicious purposes.
On the part of the people, attachment is a natural
feeling, which nothing but persevering misconduct
in their rulers can ever wear out. A Prince should
learn not to listen to those flatterers who would
keep him ignorant of the public opinion. The dis-
contents of the people should not be stifled before
they reach the royal ear; nor should their affection
be represented as a fund which can never be drained.
It is a rich and precious stock, which should not be
too often drawn upon. Imprudence will diminish,
oppression will exhaust it. A Prince should never
measure his rights over a people by the greatness of
their attachment; the warmth of their zeal being a

* The first Earl of Mansfield,

100 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

call for his kindness, not a signal for his exactions.
Improvident rigour would wear out that affection,
which justice would increase, and consideration
confirm.

" Britons, in general, possess that obsequium erga
re&es. which Tacitus ascribes to the Swedes. While
they passionately love liberty, they also patiently
bear those reasonable burdens which are necessary
in order to preserve it. But this character of our
countrymen seems not to have been so well under-
stood, at least not so fairly represented, by one of
their own Sovereigns, as by a foreigner and an enemy.
The unfortunate James calls them ' a fickle, giddy,
and rebellious people.' If the charge were true, he
and his family rather made, than found them such.
Agricola had pronounced them to be a people, ' who
cheerfully complied with the levies of men, and the
imposition of taxes, and with all the duties enjoined
by government, provided they met with just and
lawful treatment from their governors.' — ' Nor have
the Romans,' continues he, ' any farther conquered
them, than only to form them to obedience. They
never will submit to be slaves'* It is pleasant to
behold the freest of nations, even now, acting up to
the character given them by the first of historians,
on such unquestionable authority as that of their
illustrious invader, near two thousand years ago."

On the Graces of Deportment, with direct refer-
ence to the Princess, Miss More observes, " Just
views of herself, and of what she owes to the world,
of that gentleness which Christianity inculcates, and
that graciousness which her station enjoins, will,
taking the usual advantages into the account,
scarcely fail to produce in the Royal Pupil a deport-
ment at once dignified and engaging. The firmest
substances alone are susceptible of the most exqui-
site polish, while the meanest materials will admit

* Tacitus's Life of Agricola.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 101

of being varnished. True fine breeding never be-
trays any tincture of that vanity, which is the effect
of a mind struggling to conceal its faults; nor of
that pride, which is not conscious of possessing any.
This genuine politeness, resulting from illustrious
birth, inherent sense, and implanted virtue, will
render superfluous the documents of Chesterfield,
and the instructions of Castiglione.

" But the acquisition of engaging manners, and
all the captivating graces of deportment, need less
occupy the mind of the Royal Person, as she will
acquire these attractions by a sort of instinct, almost
without time or pains. They will naturally be
copied from those illustrious examples of grace,
ease, and condescending dignity, which fill, and
which surround the throne. And she will have the
less occasion for looking to remote, or foreign ex-
amples, to learn the true arts of popularity, while
the illustrious Personage, who wears the crown,
continues to exhibit not only a living pattern by
what honest means the warm affections of a people
are won, but by what rectitude, piety, and patriotism,
they may be preserved, and increased, under every
succession of trial, and every vicissitude of circum-
stance."

The following instance of erroneous judgment, in
the person of Christina, Queen of Sweden, with
a parallel between that Princess and Alfred the
Great, concludes the chapter set apart for that
subject :

" We know not how better to illustrate the na-
ture, and confirm the truth of these remarks, than
by adducing, as an eminent instance of a contrary
kind, the character of Queen Christina of Sweden,
the memorable tale of her false judgment, and per-
verted ambition — Christina, a woman whose whole
character was one mass of contradictions! That
same defect in judgment, which, after she had, with
vast cost and care, collected some of the finest

i ■ -n - i

i j.

Nil - V '

102 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

pictures in Rome, led her to spoil their proportions,
by clipping them with shears, till they fitted her
apartment, appeared in all she did. It led her,
while she thirsted for adulation, to renounce, in
abdicating her crown, the means of exacting it. It
led her to read almost all books, without digesting
any; to make them the theme of her discourse, but
not the ground of her conduct. It led her, fond as
as she was of magnificence, to reduce herself to such
a state of indigence, as robbed her of the power of
enjoying it. And it was the same inconsistency,
which made her court the applause of men eminent
for their religious character, while she valued her-
self on being an avowed infidel.

"This royal wanderer roamed from country to
country, and from court to court, for the poor pur-
pose of entering the lists with wits, or of discussing
knotty points with philosophers: proudly aiming to
be the rival of Vossius, when her true merit would
have consisted in being his protector. Absurdly
renouncing the solid glory of governing well, for the
sake of hunting after an empty phantom of liberty,
which she never enjoyed, and vainly grasping at the
shadow of fame, which she never attained.

" Nothing is right, which is not in its right place.
Disorderly wit, even disorderly virtues, lose much
of their natural value.. There is an exquisite sym-
metry and proportion in the qualities of a well-
ordered mind. An ill-regulated desire of that
knowledge, the best part of which she might have
acquired with dignity, at her leisure hours; an un-
bounded vanity, eager to exhibit to foreign countries
those attainments which ought to have been exer-
cised in governing her own ; — to be thought a phi-
losopher by wits, and a wit by philosophers; — this
was the preposterous ambition of a Queen born to
rule a brave people, and naturally possessed of
talents, which might have made that people happy.
Thus it was, that the daughter of the great Gus-

THE PlilNCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 103

tavus, who might have adorned that throne fur
which he so bravely fought, for want of the discre-
tion of a well-balanced mind, and the virtues of a
well-disciplined heart, became the scorn of those,
whose admiration she might have commanded. Her
ungoverned tastes were, as is not unusual, connected
with passions equally ungovernable; and there is
too much ground for suspecting, that the mistress
of Monaldeschi, ended with being his murderer.
It is not surprising, that she who abdicated her
throne, should abjure her religion. Having re-
nounced every thing else which was worth pre-
serving, she ended by renouncing the Protestant
faith.

" It may not be without its uses to the Royal
Pupil, to compare the conduct of Christina with
that of Alfred, in those points in which they agreed,
and those in which they exhibited so striking an
opposition. — To contrast the Swede, who, with the
advantage of a lettered education, descended from
the throne, abandoned the noblest and wisest sphere
of action in which the instructed mind could desire
to employ its stores, aud renounced the highest
social duties which a human being can be called to
perform; with Alfred, one of the few happy instances
in which genius and virtue surmounted the disad-
vantages of an education so totally neglected, that
at twelve years old he did not even know the letters
of the alphabet. He did not abdicate his crown, in
order to cultivate his own talents, or to gratify his
faucy with the talents of others, but laboured right
royally to assemble round the throne all the abilities
of his country. Alfred had no sooner tasted the
charms of learning, than his great genius unfolded
itself. He was enchanted with the elegancies of
literature to a degree which, at first, seemed likely
to divert him from all other objects. But he soon
reflected, that a Prince is not born for himself.
When, therefore, he was actually called to the

104 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

throne, did he weakly desert his royal duties, to
run into distant lands, to recite Saxon verses, or to
repeat that classic poetry of which he became so
enamoured? No: Like a true patriot, he devoted
his rare genius to the noblest purposes. He dedi-
cated the talents of the Sovereign to the improve-
ment of the people. He did not renounce his learn-
ing when he became a King, but he consecrated it
to a truly royal purpose. And while the Swedish
vagrant was subsisting on eleemosynary flattery,
bestowed in pity to her real, but misapplied, abili-
ties, Alfred was exercising his talents like the father
of his country. He did not consider study as a
mere gratification of his own taste. He knew that
a King has nothing exclusively his own, not even
his literary attainments. He threw his erudition,
like his other possessions, into the public stock.
He diffused among the people his own knowledge,
which flowed in all directions, like streams from
their parent fountain, fertilizing every portion of the
human soil, so as to produce, if not a rapid growth,
yet a disposition both for science and virtue, where,
shortly before, there had been a barbarous waste,
a complete moral and mental desolation."

Miss More concludes her remarks on those
Princes who have obtained the name of the Great,
with the following interesting account:

" If ever Henry IV. of France peculiarly deserved
the appellation of great, it was after the victory at
Coutras, for that noble magnanimity in the very
moment of conquest, which compelled a pious
divine, then present, to exclaim — * Happy, and
highly favoured of Heaven, is that Prince, who
sees at his feet his enemies humbled bv the hand of

mi

God ; his table surrounded by his prisoners, his
room bung with the ensigns of the vanquished,
without the slightest emotion of vanity or inso-
lence! who can maintain, in the midst of such glo-
rious successes, the same moderation with which

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 105

he has borne the severest adversity!' — He deserved
it, when, as he was besieging Paris, which was
perishing with famine, he commanded the besiegers
to admit supplies to the besieged. — He deserved
it at the battle of Ivri, not when he gallantly ordered
his soldiers to follow his white plume, which would
be the signal of victory, nor afterwards, when that
victory was complete; but it was, when, just before
the engagement, he made a solemn renunciation of
his own might and his own wisdom, and submitted
the event to God in this incomparable prayer.

" 'O Lord God of hosts, who hast in thy hand all
events; if thou knowest that my reign will promote
thy glory, and the safety of thy people; if thou
knowest that I have no other ambition, but to ad-
vance the honour of thy name, and the good of the
state; favour, O great God, the justice of my arms.
But if thy good Providence has decreed otherwise;
if thou seest that I should prove one of those Kings
whom thou givest in thine anger; take from me,
O merciful God, my life and my crown. Make me
this day a sacrifice to thy will; let my death end
the calamities of my country, and let my blood be
the last that shall be spilt in this quarrel.' :

O si sic omnia !

O that all were such !

The esteemed authoress, from whom we have
taken these important extracts, thus notices the
succession of the House of Hanover, in the person
of George I. to the throne:

"A more remarkable event is scarcely to be
found in the annals of the world. Nothing could
be more essential to the interests of British liberty,
than that they, who were concerned for its main-
tenance, should be possessed of the promptest and
most unexceptionable means of filling the vacant
throne. No Prince was fitted to their purpose,
who was not zealously attached to the Protestant
5. o

10(5 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

religion; and it was desirable that he should, at the
game time, possess soch a title, on ground of con-
sanguinity, as lhat the principle of hereditary mo-
narchy might be as little departed from as the
exigencies of the case would admit. For the se-
curing of both these radical objects, what an ade-
quate provision was made in the Princess Sophia,
and her illustrious offspring! The connexion thus
near, was made interesting by every circumstance
which could engage the hearts of English Protes-
tants. The Princess Sophia was the only remain-
ing child of that only remaining daughter of James
the First, who, being married to one of the most
zealous Protestant Princes of the empire, became
his partner in a series of personal and domestic
distresses, in which his committing himself, on the
cause of the Protestants of Bohemia, involved him
and his family for near half a century. In her, all
the rights of her mother, as well as of her father,
were vested; and while by the electoral dignity (of
which her father had been deprived) being restored
to her husband, the Duke of Hanover, she seemed,
in part, compensated for the afflictions of her earlier
life, — her personal character, in which distinguished
wit and talents were united with wisdom and piety,*
both these last, probably taught her in the school of
adversity, procured for. her the admiration of all
who knew her, as well as the veneration of those
whose religious sentiments were congenial with her
own.

" Such was the mother of George the First!
She lived, enjoying her bright faculties to a very
advanced age, to see a throne prepared for her son,
far more glorious than that from which her father
had been driven ; or, what to her excellent mind

* See M. Chevreau's Character of the Princess Sophia, quoted
by Addison. Freeholder, No. 30. See also two of her own letters
to Bishop Burnet, in his Life, annexed to his Own Times.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 107

was still more gratifying, she saw herself preserved,
after the extinction of all the other branches of her
paternal house, to furnish, in the most honourable
instance possible, an invaluable stay and prop for
that cause, on account of which her parents and
their children seemed, for a time, to have 'suffered
the loss of all things.'

" Whether, then, we consider the succession of
the House of Hanover, as the means of finally
establishing our civil and religious constitution,
which then only can be regarded as having attained
a perfect triumph over every kind of opposition; —
or whether we view it as a most signal act of that
retributive goodness which has promised, 'that
every one who forsaketh house, or brethren, or
lands, for his sake, shall receive manifold more even
in this present life;' — I say, in whichsoever light we
contemplate it, — especially if we connect it with
the series of previous events in England, — and,
above all, compare it with the fate of the family
from which the parent Princess had sprung, — but
which, after being chastised to no purpose, was
rejected, to make room for those who had suffered
in so much nobler a cause, and with so much better
effect, — what can we say, but with the Psalmist,
' that promotion cometh neither from the east, nor
from the west, nor yet from the south : but God is
the judge; he putteth down one, and setteth up
another. For in the hand of the Lord there is a
cup, and the wine is red ; it is full mixed, and he
poureth out of the same. But as for the dregs
thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them
out, and drink them. All the horns also of the
wicked shall be cut off, but the horns of the righ-
teous shall be exalted.'

" Another less momentous, yet highly interesting
instance of providential remuneration, connected
with this great event, must not be passed over. It
shall be given in the words of a living and a near

108 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

observer. — 'A wife,' says Bishop Burnet, ■ was to be
sought for Prince Charles (the Emperor's brother,
whom the allies wished to establish on the Spanish
throne) among the Protestant courts, for there was
not a suitable match in the Popish courts. He had
seen the Princess of Anspach, and was much taken
with her, so that great applications were made to
persuade her to change her religion ; but she could
not be prevailed on to buy a crown at so dear a
rate. And soon after, she was married to the
Prince Electoral of Brunswick ; which gave a glo-
rious character of her to this nation. And her pious
firmness is like to be rewarded, even in this life, by
a much better crown than that which she rejected.*
Surely, this portion of our Queen Caroline's history
deserves to be had in perpetual remembrance!'

"The same Prelate, speaking of King William,
says, * I considered him as a person raised up of
God, to resist the power of France, and the progress
of tyranny and persecution. The thirty years, from
the year 1672 to his death, in which he acted so
great a part, carry in them so many amazing steps
of a glorious and distinguishing Providence, that in
the words of David he may be called, — The man
of God's right hand, whom he made strong for
himself

"But if there were just ground for this remark
respecting this particular period, and this individual
Personage, what shall we say of the entire chain of
providences which runs through our whole national
history, from the landing of our Saxon ancestors to
the present hour? May it not be confidently asked,
Is there at this day a nation upon earth, whose cir-
cumstances appear so clearly to have been arranged,
and bound together, by the hands of Him ' who
does whatsoever he pleases both in heaven and
earth ?'

"* Burnet's Own Times, 1707.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 109

" That the purposes of this great scheme have, as
yet, been most inadequately answered, as far as onr
free agency is concerned, is a deep ground for onr
humiliation, but no argument against the reality of
providential direction. The sacred history of the
Jews, the only people who have been more distin-
guished than ourselves, presents to us not only their
unparalleled obligations to the Almighty, but also a
series of such abuses of those mercies, as at length
brought upon them a destruction as unexampled as
their guilt. The great purposes of Heaven cannot
be frustrated; but the instrument which embarrassed
the process may, too surely, be excluded from any
share in the beneficial results, and be, on the con-
trary, the distinguished victim of indignation. Thus
Judea, in spite of all its apostasies, was made sub-
servient to its original object. In spite of the bar-
renness of the parent tree, the mystic branch was
made to spring from its roots; but this purpose
being once served, the tree itself, nourished as it
had been with the chief fatness of the earth, and
with the richest dews' of heaven, was ' hewn down
and cast into the fire.'

" Let England, let those especially of rank and
influence, and, above all, let the Personage whose
high, but most awful trust it may be, to have the
delegated oversight of this vineyard, which God has
1 fenced and planted with the choicest vine ;' let
all feel the weight of their responsibility, and avert
those judgments which divine justice may deem
commensurate to our abused advantages !"

It is impossible to have read these extracts with-
out lamenting that the illustrious Individual, for
whose benefit this wise and pious lady had collected
such a rich store of sound precepts and salutary
example, should only have lived long enough to
enable us to form some idea of the degree of excel-
lence to which she would have attained, beneath

]10 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

the care of such a preceptor as the Prelate to whom
Miss More dedicated her work, and by whom it
was most cordially approved.

The proficiency of Her Royal Highness, in her
studies, soon placed her far above the common
acquirements of merely fashionable females. Her
pious and venerable tutor happily succeeded in
forming her mind upon the judicious plan, advanced
in the able work already quoted. The principles of
the Christian religion were inculcated with exem-
plary attention ; and with such assiduity was the
important work of her education performed, that, it
is said, the tuition, which began at six in the morn-
ing, generally continued, with short intermission, until
the close of the day. The accomplishments of the
Princess comprehended not only the poetry and
classical writers of her own country, but a consi-
derable acquaintance with ancient literature. No
doubt can now exist of the truth of these facts,
since they are confirmed by the authority of the
late venerable Bishop of London ; who, in a conver-
sation which he states to have taken place at the
Princess of Wales's house, at Black Heath, reports
her not only to have been of the most inquisitive,
but of the most intelligent mind. He adds, that he
found her extremely well versed in all the branches
of English Literature suited to her age, and that
her progress in moral and Christian studies far
exceeded his expectation. Whilst the more solid
and serious pursuits of education were in the course
of acquisition, the elegant and refined parts were not
overlooked, nor neglected. Her Royal Highness
was an excellent musician; she performed on the
harp, the piano, and the guitar, with uncommon
skill. Her voice was not powerful, but sweet, and
scientifically modulated : she had a most excellent
ear, and a brilliant execution. She spoke French,
German, Italian, and Spanish, with considerable
fluency ; and the correctness of her ear enabled her

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. HI

to catch the correct pronunciation of the words, and
the inflexions of each language* with a precision
which rarely falls to the lot of any individual who
acquires the knowledge of a language in any other
country than that to which it naturally belongs.

It is well known, that in all her studies, the
Princess had a particular eye to that station to
which she knew she was born. The pages of history
were most carefully perused, and she extracted the
great and virtuous deeds of every illustrious female
who had signalized herself in the annals of civilized
nations. With the private and public character of
every Queen of England, she was intimately ac-
quainted : that of Elizabeth, as we have already
remarked, appeared to be her favourite study ; and
she seemed to have analyzed it with an uncommon
degree of acuteness. On being once asked how she
would have acted in the case of Elizabeth and the
Earl of Essex, she answered, " I should, perhaps,
have acted like Elizabeth ; I should have forgotten
the Queen, and acted like the woman."

Whilst her studies were thus pursued, the most
scrupulous attention was paid to her health; and a
temporary residence by the sea-side was recom-
mended, as likely to prove highly beneficial to her.
The mansion at Bognor, belonging to Mr. Wilson,
was taken for a certain number of years, and thither
Her Royal Highness repaired with her establish-
ment. She had not resided there above a fortnight,
when some fears were expressed of the dangerous
consequences which might result to Her Royal
Highness from the vicinity of her mansion to the
depot for soldiers afflicted with the ophthalmia ; and
a commission was appointed to investigate the possi-
bility of persons residing in the neighbourhood being
afflicted with the disease. Not one case of that
nature had ever occurred ; and the physicians
reported, that the contagion did not extend to per-
sons who were not in immediate contact with the

5

112 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

iufected, or who did not sleep upon the same pillow.
Without entering at this lime into the truth of that
report, it must, doubtless, be admitted, that a more
suitable place might have been selected for the tem-
porary residence of the Heiress presumptive to the
throne, than one, in the heart of which a depot for
diseased invalids was situated. Warwick House, at
Worthing, had been for some short time the resi-
dence of the Princess Charlotte; but, for private
reasons, that house was relinquished, and Bognor
was fixed upon as the future summer residence of
Her Royal Highness. It was, however, in this
retreat that she may be said to have enjoyed a posi-
tive degree of happiness, compared with that which
she experienced when subject more particularly to
the forms and etiquette of a residence in the metro-
polis. It was here that the native hilarity of her
disposition burst forth ; it was here that she felt
herself unfettered from the tiresome ceremonies
attendant on her elevated rank ; and her eye beamed
with sparkling lustre as she threw its glances over
that ocean on which the bulwarks of her nation
rode, bearing the thunder of their vengeance on her
country's foes, and triumphantly defending her
shores from everyr invader. The condescension of
her manners, the affability of her conversation, the
ease and freedom with which she received and
returned the visits of the neighbouring gentry, the
ready access to her presence on all occasions, when
suffering indigence or sudden misfortune had a claim
upon her bounty, endeared her to all ranks of people,
and laid the basis to that high esteem and veneration
for her virtues, which exists in that part of the coun-
try to the present hour.

Dressed like a plain lady, without the garnish
of exterior ornament, it was highly pleasing to see
her tripping down to Richardson's the baker's, about
the time when she knew his buns were ready ; and,
entering the shop, would sit and partake of them,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 113

and talk to the worthy baker about his business, as
if she took an active interest in his concerns. Then,
accompanied by Lady De Clifford, she would mount
her car, drawn by her beautiful grey ponies, and,
full of youthful mischief, she would drive into a field
belonging- to Sir Thomas Troubridge, which hap-
pened to be very uneven, and full of knolls and ruts,
over which she would drive with uncommon speed,
to the great annoyance of her companion, who made
many a wry face at the sudden jolts which she re-
ceived, and uttered many a shriek at the danger
to which she was exposed : to all of which, and to
her ardent expostulations, Her Royal Highness
exclaimed, " Nothing like exercise, my lady ; no-
thing like exercise."

The Princess took particular pleasure in frequent-
ing the beach, and collecting a species of sea-weed
which bears a hard black berry, of which she formed
some very beautiful necklaces. In one of her ram-
bles, about two miles eastward of Bognor, her atten-
tion was excited by some pieces of wood apparently
decayed, on which a kind of metal, bright as gold,
was thickly incrusted, and formed into configurations
similar to the metallic ores in their crude state. On
searching farther, a stratum of this apparently natu-
ral phenomenon was discovered in one of the banks,
and two labourers were procured, who, in a short
time, obtained some beautiful specimens, which Her
Royal Highness carried home with her. The heart
of the Princess was not of that stamp to allow two
labourers to work for her unrewarded, and she
ordered that two guineas should be given to them.
From some particular circumstances, the mystery
of which would not require a Delphic oracle to solve,
this bounty never reached the labourers; and so
prone is human nature, especially of the lowest
class, to attach a stigma to those of an elevated
station, that Her Royal Highness was immediately
denounced as mean and pitiful, and unworthy of the
5. P

114 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

name of a Princess. It happened about three weeks
afterwards, that the wife of one of these labourers
was brought to bed, which, on coming to the know-
ledge of the Princess Charlotte, she directed that a
necessary supply of linen and other articles should
be immediately conveyed to the woman. The bearer
of this bounty had no sooner delivered the Royal
gift, than the good woman exclaimed, * Ay, ay !
now let people say what they will, I will maintain
that she is a Princess ; and God bless her for ever.'
" And what reason (asked the messenger) have the
people to say, that Her Royal Highness is not a
Princess?" ■ Why, they say (answered the woman)
that it was mean and scandalous in her, when my
husband and Tom Farlingham digged those queer
things for Her Royal Highness out of the bank by
the sea-side, that she did not give them as much as
a sup of beer, though they sweated manfully for her/
" The accusation is false, (said the messenger,) for,
to my positive knowledge, Her Royal Highness
ordered two guineas to be given to your husband
and his companion: and were they not given?"
* Not one farthing,' answered the woman. The
messenger left the cottage, and the circumstance
was fully developed to Her Royal Highness, who
set an immediate investigation on foot; the culprit,
who had retained the two guineas for his own use,
was discovered, and immediately dismissed the Royal
service. The vane of public opinion changes with
the accidents of the day; and the individual, to
whom, in the morning, every opprobrious epithet has
been applied, may, before the evening sets in, be
extolled as one of the brightest patterns of moral
excellence and purity.

Another beautiful trait in the character of this
accomplished and truly virtuous female was exhi-
bited in the case of an officer, of long standing in
the army, who was arrested at Bognor for a small
sum ; and being unable, at a distance from his

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 115

friends, to procure sufficient bail, was on the point
of being taken away from his family to Arundel jail.
The circumstance came to the knowledge of the
Princess, who, in the moment of a high and generous
feeling, exclaimed, " I'll be his bail !" then suddenly
recollecting herself, she inquired the amount of the
debt; which being told her, "There," said she, " take
this to him : it is hard that he who has exposed his
life in the field of battle, should ever experience the
rigours of a prison."

Of the opinion which the Princess Charlotte enter-
tained of the preceptress which had been selected
for her, the following letter will convey a sufficient
proof, and it also opens to us a beautiful trait in
the character of Her Royal Highness. It was
written to the Countess of Albemarle, the daughter
of Lady De Clifford; and the interest of this letter
is particularly enhanced by a lamentable event,
the detail of which would be here prematurely
introduced.

" My ever dear Lady A ,

" I most heartily thank you for your very kind
letter, which I hasten to answer. But I must not forget that
this letter must be a letter of congratulation, yes, of congra-
tulation the most sincere ; 1 love you, and therefore there is
no wish that I do not form for your happiness in this world-
May you have as few cares and vexations as may fall to the
lot of man ; and may you long be spared, and may you long
enjoy the blessing of all others the most precious — your dear
mother — who is not more precious to you than to me. But
there is a trifle which accompanies this, which I hope you
will like ; and if it sometimes reminds you of me, it will be a
great source of pleasure to me. I shall be most happy to see
you, for it is long since I have had that pleasure.

" Adieu, my dear Lady A , and believe me ever

'* Your affectionate and sincere friend,

(Signed) " Charlotte."

11C) MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

The following anecdotes, which occurred about
this time, are strongly characteristic of tier Royal
Highness's high spirit, sensibility, discrimination,
and generous dispositions

The Princess conceived a dislike for some particu-
lar music, which her dancing master had directed
for her; and refused to dance. The master said, he
hoped Her Royal Highness would reconsider it, as
he had a particular wish she should allow the
music to proceed, because it materially regarded
her improvement; adding, that unless she did so,
he should be obliged to take his leave. Her Royal
Highness declined to proceed, and suffered him to
leave the room ; but, the moment after, ran out,
begging him to return, and hear her go through her
lesson. He returned, and she went through it very
properly. By some means, Her Royal Father heard
of the circumstance; and not wishing the presence
of any person disagreeable to his daughter, desired
the master to be dismissed : but the young Princess,
when she understood what had taken place, was
much chagrined, and successfully applied to have
him replaced ; stating expressly, that herself alone
had been to blame.

About this time also Her Royal Highness had
formed an acquaintance with some respectable young
ladies at Worthing. On meeting them one day, she
spoke to them very freely, and invited them to visit
her the day following. Lady De Clifford, however,
said to her, " Your Royal Highness condescended
too much to those young ladies — you were too fami-
liar with them — you must never forget your station ;
and I hope to-morrow you will be more careful."
On the morrow they came. The Princess was at
her piano-forte; and there she remained, with Lady
De Clifford at her elbow, and only bowed slightly
to her visitors, keeping her seat, and continuing to
play. Her visitors, of course, thought it was very
strange, to see the Princess so kind the day before,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 117

and so suddenly altered; till at last, all of a sudden,
Her Royal Highness left her seat, and joined them,
saying-, (with an arch look at Lady De Clifford)
"Well, my dear young ladies, 1 hope I have given
you enough of royal dignity — I have thrown that
aside, and now 1 act the part of a friend !"

During her three summers' residence at Bognor,
the Jubilee in honour of His Majesty was cele-
brated ; and Mrs. Wilson, in commemoration of
that event, established a school for the education of
poor children. Of this school, Her Royal Highness
became the patroness; and, under her auspices,
and the benevolent exertions of the foundress, aided
by the voluntary subscriptions of the inhabitants
and visitors, the Jubilee School flourished. The
promoters were at length encouraged to erect a new
school-house. The plan for this new school was
only a very short time ago presented to the Princess
for her approbation, and a very handsome sum was
immediately subscribed by Her Royal Highness,
towards defraying the expense of the building. The
Earl of Arran, a resident at Bognor, and one of the
earliest friends of Her Royal Highness, laid the first
stone, under the direction of the Princess; on which
occasion a public breakfast was given by his Lord-
ship.

This may be quoted as one of the many instances
of the manner in which this excellent Princess went
about doing good; but by her death the Bognor Ju-
bilee School, and many other excellent institutions,
have lost a munificent benefactress; and by that
lamentable event, some of the brightest hopes of the
nation have been suddenly, and perhaps irreparably
crushed.

118 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

CHAP. IV.

Remarks on Constitutional Government. — Eulogium
on His Majesty. — Regency Administration. —
Party at Carlton House. — Anecdotes. — Letter of
the Princess of Wales to the Prince Regent. —
Princess Charlotte's Residence at Windsor. —
3Iusical Anecdotes. — Birth-day observed on her
coming of Age. — Fete at Carlton House. — Resi-
dence of the Princess at Warwick House. — Fur-
ther Anecdotes. — Removes to Cranbourn Lodge.
— Rejects the Prince of Orange. — Sudden Depar-
ture of the Princess of Wales from England. —
First Meeting of the Princess Charlotte with
Prince Leopold. — Prince Leopold's hasty Return
to the Continent. — History of his Family, fyc. fyc.

.BEFORE we enter on the immediate business of
the Regency, it may be necessary to take a cursory
review of the ground over which we have passed.
Though we have not attempted to give an historical
detail of the Succession of the British Monarchs,
our plan having limited us only to a chronological
account of the Houses of Brunswick and Stuart;
yet, even in this short review, constitutional and
anti-constitutional Potentates and Government have,
more than once, been presented to our notice. On
the one hand, we have seen Kings acting contrary
to the Constitution, and thereby producing incal-
culable evils both to themselves and to the empire.
On the other hand, we have seen the subjects rising
up against the law; and, slighting every ordinance of
God, have whelmed the nation in anarchy and con-
fusion. In both these cases, the true principles of
government have been either kept out of sight or
forgotten ; rebellion has been justified on principles
which, if generally adopted, would unsettle, if not
destroy, all the governments in the universe ; and

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THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 119

cause therights, both divine and civil, which the Sove-
reign receives for the benefit of the people, to be ques-
tioned,, contradicted, ill defined, or misunderstood.

On the obligations under which a people are laid
to obey a constitutional Governor: — the essential na-
ture of the principles on which these obligations are
founded : — the utter sinfulness of rebellion against
any Prince who rules according to the laivs, — we have
met with nothing so full and satisfactory, as in the fol-
lowing observations of Dr. Adam Clarke, in which
the subject is handled with much precision and con-
stitutional argument; and as these observations are
closed with a forcible, but just eulogium on the
private and public character of our venerable Sove-
reign, and touch other points of no mean importance
to the peace of the nation, we shall, no doubt, have
the author's permission to give them a more extensive
degree of publicity, and shall, without hesitation,
anticipate the thanks of our Readers.

Speaking of the principles of all civil government,
Dr. Clarke observes :

" As God is the origin of power, and the Supreme
Governor of the universe, he delegates authority to
whomsoever he will ; and though, in many cases,
the Governor himself may not be of God, yet, civil
government is of him ; for, without this, there could
be no society, no security, no private property; all
would be confusion and anarchy ; and the habitable
world would soon be depopulated. In ancient
times, God, in an especial manner, on many occa-
sions, appointed the individual who was to govern,
and he accordingly governed by a Divine right; as
in the case of Moses, Joshua, the Hebrew judges,
and several of the Israelitish kings. In after times,
and to the present day, he does that by a general
superintending Providence, which he did before by
especial designation. In all nations of the earth,
there is what may be called a Constitution, a plan
by which a particular country or state is governed ;

120 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

and this constitution is less or more calculated to
promote the interests of the community. The civil
governor, whether he be elective or hereditary, agrees
to govern according to that constitution. Thus, we
may consider, that there is a compact and consent
between the governor and the governed; and, in
such a case, the potentate may be considered as
coming to the supreme authority in the direct way of
God's providence : and, as civil government is of God,
who is the fountain of law, order, and regularity; the
civil governor, who administers the laws of a state
according to its constitution, is the minister oj God.

" But it has been asked, ' If the ruler be an
immoral or profligate man, does he not prove him-
self, thereby, to be unworthy of his high office, and
should he not be deposed ?' 1 answer — No : if he
rule according to the constitution, nothing can jus-
tify rebellion against his authority. He may be
irregular in his own, private \ life ; he may be an im-
moral man, and disgrace himself by an improper
conduct: but if he rule according to the law; if he
make no attempt to change the constitution, nor
break the compact between him and the people ;
there is, therefore, no legal ground of opposition to
his civil authority ; and every act against him is not
only rebellion, in the worst sense of the word, but is
unlawful, and absolutely sinful.

"Nothing can justify the opposition of the sub-
jects to the ruler but ouvert attempts on his part, to
change the constitution, or to rule contrary to law.
When the ruler acts thus, he dissolves the compact
between him and his people; Lis authority is no
longer binding, because illegal ; and it is illegal,
because he is acting contrary to the laws of that con-
stitution, according to which, on being raised to the
supreme power, he promised to govern. This con-
duct justifies opposition to his government : but I
contend, that no personal misconduct in the ruler,
no immorality in his own life, while he governs

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 121

according to lata, can either justify rebellion against
him, or contempt of his authority. For his political
conduct, he is accountable to the constitution; for
his moral conduct, he is accountable to God, his
conscience, and the ministers of religion.

" A King- may be a good moral man, and yet a weak,
and indeed a bad and dangerous prince. He may be
<xbadman, and stained with vice in his private life, and
yet be a good prince. Saul was a good moral man,
but a bad prince; because he endeavoured to act con-
trary to the Israelitish constitution ; he changed some
essential parts of that constitution : he was therefore
lawfully deposed. James the Second was a good
moral man, as far as 1 can learn, but he was a bad
and dangerous prince ; he endeavoured to alter, and
essentially change, the British constitution, both in
church and state; therefore, he was lawfully deposed.
It would be easy, in running over the list of our own
Kings, to point out several who were deservedly
reputed good kings, who, in their private life, were
very immoral. Bad as they might be, in private life,
the constitution was, in their hands, ever considered
a sacred deposit; and they faithfully preserved it,
and transmitted it unimpared to their successors; and
took care, while they held the reins of government,
to have it impartially and effectually administered.

" It must be allowed, notwithstanding, that, when
a Prince, howsoever heedful to the laws, is unrigh-
teous in private life, his example is contagious:
moralitv, banished from the throne, is discounte-
nanced by the community; and public happiness is
diminished in proportion to the increase of vice. On
the other hand, when a King governs according to the
constitution of his realms, and has his heart and life
governed by the laws of his God, he is then a double
blessing to his people: while he is ruling carefully
according to the laws, his pious example is a great
means of extending and confirming the reign of pure
morality among his subjects. Vice is discredited
5. Q

122 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

from the throne ; and the profligate dares not hope
for a place of trust and confidence, (however in other
respects he may be qualified for it,) because he is a
vicious man.

" As 1 have already mentioned some potentates
by name, as apt examples of the doctrines I have
been laying down ; my Readers will naturally expect
that, on so fair an opportunity, I should introduce
another; one in whom the double blessing meets;
one who, through an unusually protracted reign,
(during every year of which he has most conscien-
tiously watched over the sacred constitution com-
mitted to his care,) not only has not impaired this con-
stitution, but has taken care that its wholesome laws
should be properly administered ; and who, in every
respect, has acted as the father of his people : and has
added to all this, the most exemplary moral conduct,
perhaps ever exhibited by a Prince, whether in
ancient or modern times; not only tacitly discoun-
tenancing vice, by his truly religious conduct, but
by his frequent proclamations, most solemnly for-
bidding sabbath- breaking, profane swearing, and
immorality in general : — more might be justly said,
but when I have mentioned all these things, (and 1
mention them with exultation, and with gratitude to
God,) I need scarcely add the venerable name of
GEORGE the Third, King of Great Britain; as
every Reader will at once perceive that the descrip-
tion suits no potentate besides.

" 1 may just observe, that notwithstanding his long
reign has been a reign of unparalleled troubles and
commotions in the world, in which his empire has
always been involved ; yet, never did useful arts,
ennobling sciences, and pure religion, gain a more
decided and general ascendancy: and much of this,
under God, is owing to the manner in which this King
has lived ; and the encouragement he invariably
gave to whatever had a tendency to promote the
best interests of his people, discountenancing reli-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 123

gious persecution in all its forms. Indeed, it may
be justly observed, that, tinder the ruling Providence
of God, it was chiefly owing to the private and per-
sonal virtues of the Sovereign, that the House of
Brunswick remained firmly seated on the throne,
amidst the storms arising from democratical agita-
tions, and revolutionary convulsions, in Europe,
during the years 1792—1794. The stability of his
throne, amidst these dangers and distresses, may
prove a useful lesson to his successors, and shew
them the strength of a virtuous character; and
that morality and religion form the best bulwark
against those great evils to which all human govern-
ments are exposed. This small tribute of praise to
the character and conduct of the British King, and
gratitude to God for such a governor, will not be
suspected of sinister motive; as the object of it is,
by an inscrutable Providence, placed in a situation
to which neither envy, flattery, nor even just praise,
can approach ; and where the majesty of the man, is
placed in the most awful, yet respectable ruins.

" But, to resume the subject, and conclude the
argument: I wish particularly to shew the utter
unlawfulness of rebellion against a ruler, who, though
he may be incorrect in his moral conduct, yet rules
according to the laws ; and the additional blessing
of having a Prince, who, while his political conduct
is regulated by the principles of the constitution,
his heart and life are regulated by the dictates of
eternal truth, as contained in that revelation which
came from God."

Our attention is now called to that important
event, the assumption of the Regency of these
realms, by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales,
in consequence of the recurrence of His Majesty's
alarming indisposition. This unexpected calamity,
which placed the reins of government in the hands
of the Heir apparent, seemed to promise his early

i'Jl MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

friends an immediate introduction into office; but
finding that His Royal Highness determined still to
retain those ministers who had shewn themselves
so faithful to our venerable and afflicted Sovereign,
and to adopt such measures as he conceived would
promote the best interests of the state, and meet
with his Father's approbation in case of His Ma-
jesty's recovery, which was not then despaired of,
they forgot, in their severe disappointment, that the
filial piety of the Prince, which had thus triumphed
over every other consideration, deserved their wann-
est praises, instead of those reproaches with which
he was immediately assailed.

Whether a change of His Royal Highness's poli-
tical views did or did not take place at this time,
upon no principles whatever can we justify the con-
duct of those who, notwithstanding the extremely
painful and delicate situation in which the Prince
was suddenly placed, could descend to the mean-
ness of invidious attacks upon his private character
and conduct. But though his old friends made
no allowance for those youthful indiscretions, in
which manyof themselves had willingly participated ;
though in expressing their resentment against His
Royal Highness, for not elevating them at once into
power, notwithstanding his Royal Parent's known
aversion, and while it was yet probable that the
King would soon recover; they seemed to over-
leap all the bounds of propriety and decorum, and
in effect to say,

" For now a time is come to mock at form I"

Yet the British nation has since done ample justice to
the moderate and dignified course which the Prince
thought proper to pursue, and which has issued in
results so truly honourable to the empire at large.

Finding it utterly impossible to avoid paying the
tribute of silent or involuntary applause to that
minute <and tender care for the feelings, and that

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 125

affectionate solicitude and reverence which the
Prince Regent has always manifested towards the
person, of the King, his afflicted Father, the enemies
of His Royal Highness have endeavoured to justify
their intemperate conduct, by charging him with
political vacillation. It is only necessary to remark
upon this, that it is an attack upon the indefeasible
right of private judgment, which belongs alike to
every man; and in which no man has the least right
to interfere with his inferior, much less with his
superior and his Sovereign. The idea, also, of
always holding the same opinion, is also as absurd,
as the interference with private judgment is unjust:
it implies, in the first instance, that infallibility to
which no mortal can pretend ; and, in the second,
that no alteration should ever take place in a man's
principles ; so that he,

"Who having once been wrong, must be so still!"

whatever circumstances may transpire, and however
he may feel convinced that his first opinions were
not unmixed with the unavoidable alloy of error,
which is the common lot of humanity.

There is, however, as the following anecdote will
prove, considerable reason to suppose, that had the
Prince been left wholly to his own judgment, or,
in other words, that had he not felt it to be his duty
to sacrifice his own opinion to that of his revered
and Royal Parent, the Regent woidd, at first, have
endeavoured to effect that union of all parties, in
the service of the state, during that critical junc-
ture, which he subsequently attempted, in conse-
quence of Mr. Perceval's assassination; and which
only failed through the distrust, bickerings, and
arrogance, of those persons, who then refused the
invitation of His Royal Highness to form a part of
the first Regency Administration.

Soon after that circumstance, the Prince Regent
had a large party at dinner, at Carlton Hawse. At

120 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

this party, the Princess Charlotte and the Duchess
of York, with their female attendants, were present;
as were the Dukes of York and Cambridge; Lords
Moira, Erskine, and Lauderdale; the late Mr. She-
ridan, Mr. Adam, and several other persons of dis-
tinction. The conversation soon turned upon the
late attempt to form an united administration ; and
the Prince is said to have expressed himself in
warm terms of disapprobation, of the joint letter of
Lords Grey and Grenville, in answer to the letter
from the Prince to the Duke of York, relative to
that important business. These expressions of dis-
approbation were naturally mixed with complaints,
of being deserted by his early friends. His Royal
Highness having more than once repeated his sur-
prise and mortiiication at the conduct of the two
noble Lords, and characterized it in terms which
such emotions would readily suggest; Lord Lau-
derdale, who considered himself as personally ad-
dressed on the occasion, entered into a justification
of his absent friends; and he declared, in a tone of
firmness, that the letter which returned their an-
swer, did not simply speak the sentiments of those
honourable Lords, but that it had the approbation
of the principal persons who held the same political
principles and opinions; and that for himself, he
was ready to say, that lie was present at, and assisted
in, the drawing up of that answer; and that not
only every sentence, but every word in it, had his
most cordial assent. Here, as might be expected,
the conversation became more warm, and the Prince
appeared to be so deeply affected by Lord Lauder-
dale's reply, that the Princess Charlotte, who was
still present, observing his agitation, burst into tears;
upon which the Prince turned round, and begged
the female part <>f the company to withdraw ; but
the noblemen and gentlemen remained till a late
hour. Mr. Adam is said to have entered, at the
request d)f His Royal Highness, into a friendly ex-.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 127

planation of what had passed with Lord Lauder-
dale; and His Royal Highness afterwards came up
to his Lordship, and, shaking him by the hand,
expressed his wish that there should be no differ-
ence between them.

Here the matter remained for that night; but on
the following day, Lord Lauderdale, fearful of mis-
understanding, or misrepresentation, reduced what
he had said to writing, and sent it in a letter to the
Prince.

It would be difficult to frame a more complete
justification of the conduct of the Prince Regent.
towards his early friends, than his avowed wish to
form a united administration, and the details of
the above authentic anecdote, afford. The public
opinion was almost universally pronounced against
their attempt to prescribe to His Royal Highness,
the precise terms upon which he might command
their services: for, as they declared, that without an
entire compliance on his part, with their requisi-
tions, they could not afford him their assistance and
support; that declaration certainly proved, that
they thereby voluntarily excluded themselves from
the Royal councils.

The' amiable sensibility which the Princess
Charlotte had manifested on this painful occasion,
was soon after converted into the vehicle of a most
indecent attack upon her Royal Father, which was
then considered likely to become a subject of par-
liamentary inquiry ; so strong a sensation had the
two following insulting Verses of Lord Byron's
produced in the minds of all lovers of decency and
order:

To a Lady weeping.

'Weep, daughter of a royal line,
A sire's disgrace— a realm's decay :—
Ah ! happy if each tear of thine
Could wash a father's faults away !

128 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Weep ! — for thy tears are virtue's tears,
Auspicious to these suffering isles ;
And he each drop, in future years,
Repaid thee by thy people's smiles !

We have too much respect for the perverted
genius of this accomplished nobleman, to join in
that mere personal abuse which the above Hues im-
mediately drew down upon him. It is sufficient for
us to remark, that his Lordship is a father: he has
an only daughter; since whose birth he has been
separated from his amiable Lady: and perhaps
Lord Byron might now feel more conscious of the
extreme impropriety of his conduct, by the feelings
which would probably be excited, were he to read
the following adaptation of his own verses to his.
and to his infant daughter's present circumstances :

Weep, daughter of a nohle line,
Thy sire's disgrace — thy hope's decay : —
Ah ! happy if each tear of thine
Could wash a father's faults away !

Weep ! — for thy tears are guiltless tears,
O'er him whom lawless love beguiles ;
And be each drop, in future years,
Repaid thee by thy mother's smiles !

It was about this time that the Princess Charlotte
began to appear more publicly ; for, on the 3rd of
October, she accompanied the Prince Regent, the
Queen, and the Princesses, to witness the ceremony
of depositing some of the French eagles and colours
in Whitehall Chapel: after which, the Royal Party
attended divine service. On the following day
Her Royal Highness also accompanied the Royal
Family to view the new Drury Lane Theatre, pre-
viously to its being opened for the entertainment of
the public; and both it, and the novel spectacle
which she had the day before witnessed at White-
hall, are said to have afforded the Princess much
1

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 129

gratification, which was evinced by the pertinent
inquiries and observations which the various re-
markable objects elicited from her inquisitive and
active mind.

Somewhere about this period a circumstance
took place which plainly proves the mind of Her
Royal Highness to have been deeply imbued with
those religious feelings, which it was ever the ardent
wish of her revered grandfather, and the constant
endeavour of her pious tutor, to inculcate and che-
rish. The Rev. John Wilcox solicited an audience
with Her Roval Highness, to obtain her interest in
behalf of a criminal under sentence of death. The
Princess not only granted Mr. Wilcox an audience,
but readily undertook to intercede in order to obtain
the Royal pardon for the unhappy culprit; in which
Her Royal Highness succeeded. And when Mr.
Wilcox again waited upon the Princess, in conse-
quence, to return thanks for her goodness towards
the person whose forfeited life was thus spared, and
for her condescending attention to his request, he
spent some time with the Princess, in the presence
of Lady De Clifford, during which he had the op-
portunity of speaking on some important subjects.
As he was about to retire, he apologized for the
freedom he bad used ; but Her Royal Highness
stopped him, and said, "J\o apology was requisite
for speaking to her on such a subject." Mr. Wilcox
said, " he should constantly remember her in his
poor prayers." The Princess replied, " Indeed,
indeed, Mr. Wilcox, I do not think any person's
prayers poor ; and I shall be much obliged to you
to remember me. 'The prayers of the righteous
man (you know) avail much:' adding, with some
emotion, I hope I know the value of prayer."

The birth-day of Her Royal Highness the Princess

Charlotte, in the year 1813, was observed with every

demonstration of joy. The Princesses Augusta and

Mary visited her in the morning, and afterwards

0. R

130 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

took Her Royal Highness to visit the Duchess of
Brunswick : after which, in the evening; the Princess
Charlotte, accompanied by Lady De Clifford, left
Town, to return to Windsor.

In the month following, during a ball given by the
Duchess of York, at Oatlands, the Princess, who
had lately begun to mix in general society, though
still under marked restrictions and a prudent reserve,
was dancing with her august father, when His Royal
Highness met with that accidental and troublesome
sprain in his ancle, which has been so ridiculously
misrepresented.

Soon afterwards, all the private documents (part
of which have been already recorded in the order of
time to which they refer) relating to the unhappy
differences between the august parents of the
Princess, were published ; and created the most
uneasy sensations in the public mind, which was
then in complete unison with the opinion expressed
in His Majesty's message to Her Royal Highness,
stating, that the elevated rank held by her in this
country, and the relation in which she stands to His
Majesty and the Royal Family, must always deeply
involve the interests of the state, as well as the
domestic comfort of her Royal relatives.

It has also been before stated, that the Princess
Charlotte had passed the years of infancy and child-
hood under her mother's immediate inspection, by
His Majesty's arrangement ; but an alteration having
taken place about the time of the Delicate Investi-
gation, the affectionate mother perhaps hastily
considered it as an injury both to her feelings and
character ; as it is but fair to state, that when the
Heiress Presumptive of the Imperial Crown was
removed from maternal superintendence to the more
formal etiquette of education, upon a public political
establishment, there were, most certainly, political
reasons for that step, in addition to any personal
ones that might have existed ; for the powers with

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 131

which' the Constitution of these realms invests the
Sovereign in the regulation of the Royal Family,
especially of those in the immediate line of succes-
sion, are ample and unquestionable, and would,
doubtless, have led to a similar separate establish-
ment, even under the happiest domestic auspices.

For a short period in 1806, all personal inter-
course had been prohibited ; but by the Minute of
Council, dated the 21st of April, 1807,* the whole
of the unpleasant affair being apparently settled, the
Princess of Wales again made her appearance at
Court, and was permitted to enjoy an occasional
intercourse with her daughter; but in this arrange-
ment, Her Royal Highness very reluctantly acqui-
esced, as the following correspondence, which took
place about this time, will shew.

Letter of the Princess of Wales to the Prince Regent.

" Sir,

" It is with great reluctance that 1 presume to
obtrude myself upon your Royal Highness, and to solicit your
attention to matters which may, at first, appear rather of a
personal than a public nature. If 1 could think them so — if
they related merely to myself— I should abstain from a pro-
ceeding which might give uneasiness, or interrupt the more
weighty occupations of your Royal Highness's time. I should
continue, in silence and retirement, to lead the life which has
been prescribed to me, and console myself for the loss of that
society and those domestic comforts to which I have so long-
been a stranger, by the reflection that it has been deemed
proper I should be afflicted without any fault of my own— and
that your Royal Highness knows it.

" But, Sir, there are considerations of a higher nature than
any regard to my own happiness, which render this address a
duty both to Myself and my Daughter. May I venture to
say — a duty also' to my Husband, and the People committed
to'his care?— There is" a point beyond which a guiltless woman
cannot with safety carry her forbearance. If her honour is

* See pag« 78,

132 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

invaded, the defence of her reputation is no longer a matter
of choice ; and it signifies not whether the attack be made
openly, manfully, and directly — or by secret insinuation, and
by holding such conduct towards her, as countenances all the
suspicions that malice can suggest. If these ought to be the
feelings of every woman in England, who is conscious that she
deserves no reproach, your Royal Highness has too sound a
judgment, and too nice a sense of honour, not to perceive,
how much more justly they belong to the Mother of your
Daughter — the Mother of her who is destined, I trust, at a
very distant period, to reign over the British Empire.

" It may be known to your Royal Highness, that during
the continuance of the restriction upon your Royal authority,
I purposely refrained from making any representations which
might then augment the painful difficulties of your exalted
station. — At tbe expiration of the restrictions I still was
inclined to delay taking this step, in the hope that I might
owe the redress I sought to your gracious and unsolicited con-
descension. I have waited, in the fond indulgence of this
expectation, until, to my inexpressible mortification, I find
that my unwillingness to complain, has only produced fresh
grounds of complaint; and I am at length compelled, either
to abandon all regard for the two dearest objects which I pos-
sess on earth, mine own honour, and my beloved Child, or to
throw myself at the feet of your Royal Highness, the natural
protector of both.

" I presume, Sir, to represent to your Royal Highness,
that the separation, which every succeeding month is making
wider, of the Mother and the Daughter, is equally injurious
to my character and to her education. I say nothing of the
deep wounds which so cruel an arrangement inflicts upon my
feelings, although I would fain hope that few persons will be
found of a disposition to think lightly of these. To see myself
cut oflf from one of the very few domestic enjoyments left me
— certainly the only one apon which I set any value, the
society of my Child — involves me in such misery as I well
know your Royal Highness could never inflict upon me, if
you were aware of its bitterness. Our intercourse has been
gradually diminished. A single interview weekly seemed suf-
ficiently hard allowance for a Mother's affections, — that, how-
ever, was reduced to our meeting once a fortnight; and I now
harn that even this most rigorous interdiction is to be still
more rigidly enforced.

" But while 1 do not venture to intrude my feelings as a
Mother upon your Royal Highness's notice, I. must be allowed

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 133

to say, that in the eyes of an observing and jealous world, this
separation of a Daughter from her Mother will only admit of
one construction — a construction fatal to the Mother's repu-
tation. Your Royal Highness will also pardon me for adding,
that there is no less inconsistency than injustice in this treat-
ment. He who dares advise your Royal Highness to over-
look the evidence of my innocence ; and disregard the sentence
of complete acquittal which it produced — -or is wicked and
false enough still to whisper suspicions in your ear, betrays
his duty to you, Sir, to your Daughter, and to your people,
if he counsels you to permit a day to pass without a further
investigation of my conduct. I know that no such calumniator
will venture to recommend a measure which must speedily end
in his utter confusion. Then let me implore you to reflect on
the situation in which I am placed — without the shadow of a
charge against me — without even an accuser — after an inquiry
that led to my ample vindication — yet treated as if I were
still more culpable than the perjuries of my suborned traducers
represented me, and held up to the world as a Mother who
may not enjoy the society of her only Child.

" The feelings, Sir, which are natural to my unexampled
situation, might justify me in the gracious judgment of your
Royal Highness, had I no other motives for addressing you
but such as relate to myself. But I will not disguise from
your Royal Highness what I cannot for a moment conceal
from myself, that the serious, and, it soon may be, the irre-
parable injury which my Daughter sustains from the plan at
present pursued, has done more in overcoming my reluctance
to intrude upon your Royal Highness, than any sufferings of
my own could accomplish ; and if, for her sake, I presume to
call away your Royal Highness's attention from the other
cares of your exalted station, I feel confident I am not claim-
ing it for a matter of inferior importance either to yourself or
your people.

" The powers with which the Constitution of these realms
vests your Royal Highness in the regulation of the Royal
Family, I know, because I am so advised, are ample and
unquestionable. — My appeal, Sir, is made to your excellent
sense and liberality of mind in the exercise of those powers ;
and I willingly hope, that your own parental feelings will lead
you to excuse the anxiety of mine for impelling me to repre-
sent the unhappy consequences which the present system must
entail upon our beloved Child.

" Is it possible, Sir, that any one can have attempted to
persuade your Royal Highness, that her character will not

LSI MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

be injured by the perpetual violence offered to her strongest
affections — the studied care taken to estrange her from my
society, and even to interrupt all communication between us ?
That her love for me, with whom, by His Majesty's wise and
gracious arrangements, she passed the years of her infancy
and childhood, never can be extinguished, 1 well know, and
the knowledge of it forms the greatest blessing of my existence.
Hut let me implore your Royal Highness to reflect, how
inevitably all attempts to abate this attachment, by forcibly
separating us, if they succeed, must injure my Child's prin-
ciples— -if they fail, must destroy her happiness.

" The plan of excluding my Daughter from all intercourse
with the world, appears to my humble judgment peculiarly
unfortunate. She, who is destined to be the Sovereign of this
great country, enjoys none of those advantages of society
which are deemed necessary for imparting a knowledge of
mankind to persons who have infinitely less occasion to Ieani
that important lesson; and it may so happen, by a chance
which I trust is very remote, that she should be called upon
to exercise the powers of the Crown, with an experience of
the world more confined than that of the most private indivi-
dual. To the extraordinary talents with which she is blessed,
and which accompany a disposition as singularly amiable,
frank, and decided, I willingly trust much ; but beyond a
certain point the greatest natural endowments cannot struggle
against the disadvantages of circumstances and situation. It
is my earnest prayer, for her own sake as well as her country's,
that your Royal Highness may be induced to pause before
this point be reached.

" Those who have advised you, Sir, to delay so long the
period of my Daughter's commencing her intercourse with
the world, and for that purpose to make Windsor her resi-
dence, appear not to have regarded the interruptions to her
education which this arrangement occasions; both by the
impossibility of obtaining the attendance of proper teachers,
and the time unavoidably consumed in the frequent journeys
to town, which she must make, unless she is to be secluded
from all intercourse, even with your Royal Highness and the
rest of the Royal Family. To the same unfortunate counsels
I ascribe a circumstance in every way so distressing both to
my parental and religious feelings, that my Daughter has
never yet enjoyed the benefit of Confirmation, although above
;i year older than the age at which all the other branches of
the Royal Family have partaken of that solemnity. — May I
earnestly conjure von, Sir, to hear mv entreaties upon this

1

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 135

serious matter, even if you should listen to other advisers
on things of less near concernment to the welfare of our
Child?

" The pain with which I have at length formed the reso-
lution of addressing myself to your Royal Highness is such as
I should in vain . attempt to express. If I could adequately
describe it, \ou might be enabled, Sir, to estimate the strength
of the motives which have made me submit to it. They are
the most powerful feelings of affection, and the deepest impres-
sions of duty towards your Royal Highness, my beloved Child,
and the country, which I devoutly hope she may be preserved
to govern, and to show, by a new example, the liberal affec-
tion of a free and generous People to a virtuous and Consti-
tutional Monarch.

" I am, Sir, with profound respect, and an attachment
which nothing can alter, your Royal Highness's most devoted
and most affectionate consort, cousin, and subject,

(Signed) Caroline Louisa."

Montague House, Jan. 14, 1813.

Soon after this letter was forwarded to the Prince
Regent, in the beginning of February, 1813, the
Princess Charlotte was confined by indisposition at
Warwick House, and consequently could not pay
the usual visits to her mother at Kensington Palace.
Owing to this, the Princess of Wales, through Lord
Liverpool, informed the Prince Regent of her inten-
tion of visiting her daughter at her own residence;
but received an answer, stating, that the Princess
Charlotte was so far recovered, that she would be
able to visit Her Royal Highness at Kensington
Palace on the 14th of that month. In consequence,
however, of the publication of the above letter of the
Princess to the Prince Regent, on the day preceding
the appointed visit, the Princess of Wales received
the following notification :

136 MEMOIKS OF HF.I! KOYAL H1GHNKS5

Lord Liverpool to the Princess of Wales.

" Fife House, Feb. 14, 1813.

1 Lord Liverpool has the honour to inform your Royal
Highness, that in consequence of the publication in Thm
Morning Chronicle of the 10th instant, of a letter addressed
by your Royal Highness to the Prince Regent, His Royal
Highness thought fit, by the advice of his Confidential Ser-
vants, to signify his commands, that the intended visit of the
Princess Charlotte to your Royal Highness on the following
day should not take place.

" Lord Liverpool is not enabled to make any further com-
munication to your Royal Highness on the subject of your
Royal Highness's note."

To this letter the Princess of Wales commanded
Lady Anne Hamilton, her Lady in Waiting, to reply
as follows to Lord Liverpool :

" Montague House, Black-heath, Feb. 15, 1813.

" Lady Anne Hamilton is commanded by Her Royal High-
ness the Princess of Wales to represent to Lord Liverpool,
that the insidious insinuation, respecting the publication of
the letter addressed by the Princess of Wales, on the 14th of
January, to the Prince Regent, conveyed in his Lordship's
reply to Her Royal Highness, is as void of foundation, and as
false, as all the former accusations of the traducers of Her
Royal Highness's honour in the year 1806.

" Lady .A. Hamilton is further commanded to say, that
dignified silence would have been the line of conduct the
Princess would have preserved upon such insinuation, (more
than unbecoming Lord Liverpool,) did not the effect arising
from it, operate to deprive Her Royal Highness of the sole
real happiness she can possess in this world — that of seeing
her only Child. And the Confidential Servants of the Prince
Regent ought to feel ashamed of their conduct towards the
Princess, in avowing to Her Royal Highness their advice to
the Prince Regent, that upon unauthorized and unfounded
suppositions, a Mother and Daughter should be prevented
from meeting — a prohibition positively against the law of

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 137

nature. Lady Anne Hamilton is commanded further to desire
Lord Liverpool to lay this paper before the Prince Regent,
that His Royal Highness may be aware into what error his
Confidential Servants are leading- him, and will involve him,
by counselling and signifying such commands."

Owing to this occurrence, the Princess Charlotte
spent the day appointed for this maternal interview
at Windsor; where she received a visit from her
Royal Father, to notify a change in her establish-
ment, in consequence of Lady De Clifford's recent
resignation. It was reported that there were no
less than three candidates for the vacant office — the
Duchess Dowager of Leeds, the Dowager Marchio-
ness Townshend, and the Dowager Marchioness of
Donnegal ; the first of whom was specially appointed,
for the space of two years, by the Prince Regent.

Several meetings of the Privy Council now took
place, upon the question, whether the intercourse
between the Royal Mother and her Daughter should
still be subject to restrictions and regulations or
not ; the result of which was the following Report :

" To His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, the Members of
His Majesty's most honourable Privy Council ; viz. his
Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, &c. &c. having been
summoned by command of Your Royal Highness, on the
19th of February, to meet at the office of Viscount Sid-
mouth, Secretary of State for the Home Department, when
a communication was made by his Lordship to the LonU
then present, in the following terms :

" My Lords,

"I have it in command, from His Royal Highness
the Prince Regent, to acquaint your Lordships, that a copy
of a letter from the Princess of Wales to the Prime Regent
6.

138 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

having appeared in a public paper, which letter refers to the
proceedings that took place in an inquiry instituted by com-
mand of His Majesty, in the year 1806, and contains, among
other matters, certain animadversions upon the manner in
which the Prince Regent has exercised his undoubted right
of regulating the conduct and education of his daughter, the
Princess Charlotte ; and His Royal Highness having taken
into his consideration the said letter so published, and advert-
ing to the directions heretofore given by His Majesty, that
the documents relating to the said inquiry should be sealed
up, and deposited in the office of His Majesty's principal
Secretary of State, in order that His Majesty's government
should possess the means of resorting tc them if necessary;
His Royal Highness has been pleased to direct, that the said
letter of the Princess of Wales, and the whole of the said
documents, together with the copies of other letters and
papers, of which a schedule is annexed, should be referred
to your Lordships, being members of His Majesty's most
honourable Privy Council, for your consideration ; and that
you should report to His Royal Highness your opinion, whe-
ther under all the circumstances of the case, it be fit and
proper that the intercourse between the Princess of Wales,
and her daughter the Princess Charlotte, should continue to
be subject to regulations and restrictions."

*' Their Lordships adjourned their meetings to Tuesday the
23d of February; and the intermediate days having been
employed in perusing the documents referred to them, by
command of your Royal Highness, they proceeded on that
and the following day to the further consideration of the
said documents, and have agreed to report to your Royal
Highness as follows :

" In obedience to the commands of your Royal Highness,
we have taken into our most serious consideration the letter
from Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales to your
Royal Highness, which has appeared in the public papers,
and has been referred to us by your Royal Highness; in
which letter the Princess of Wales, amongst other matters,
complains that the intercourse between Her Royal Highness
and Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte, has been
subjected to certain restrictions.

" We have also taken into our most serious consideration,
together with the other papers referred to us by your Royal
Highness, all the documents relative to the inquiry instituted

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 139

in 1806, by command of His Majesty, into the truth of cer-
tain representations, respecting the conduct of Her Royal
Highness the Princess of Wales, which appear to have been
pressed upon the attention of your Royal Highness, "in con-
sequence of the advice of Lord Thurlow, and upon grounds
of public duty ; by whom they were transmitted to His Ma-
jesty's consideration ; and your Royal Highness having been
graciously pleased to command us to report our opinions to
your Royal Highness, whether, under all the circumstances of
the case, it be fit and proper, that the intercourse between
the Princess of Wales, and her daughter, the Princess Char-
lotte, should continue to be subject to regulation and re-
straint :

" We beg leave humbly to report to your Royal Highness,
that, after a full examination of all the documents before us,
we are of opinion that, under all the circumstances of the
case, it is highly fit and proper,, with a view to the welfare of
Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte, in which are
equally involved the happiness of your Royal Highness, in
your parental and royal character, and the most important
interests of the state,— that the intercourse between Her
Royal Highness the Princess of Wales and Her Royal High-
ness the Princess Charlotte, should continue to be subject to
regulation and restraint,

" We humbly trust that we may be permitted, without
being thought to exceed the limits of the duty imposed on
us, respectfully to express the just sense we entertain of the
motives by which your Royal Highness has been actuated in
the postponement of the confirmation of Rer Royal Highness
the Princess Charlotte ; as it appeal _-, by a statement under
the hand of Her Majesty the Queen, that your Royal High-
ness has conformed in this respect to the declared will of His
Majesty; who had been pleased to <J r , that such ceremony
should not take place till Her Royal Highness should have
completed ber eighteenth year.

" We also humbly trust, that we may be further permitted
to notice some expressions in the lette- of He: Royal High-
ness the Princess of Wales, which may pos?. 'v be construed
as implying a charge of too serious a uature ho be passed over
without observation. We refer to the Avoids — 'suborned
traducers.' As this expression, from the manner it h intro-
duced, may, perhaps, be liable to misconstruction (however
impossible it may be to suppose that it can have been 90 in-
tended) to have reference to some part of the conduct of your
Royal Highness ; we feel it our bounden duty not to omit this

140

MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

opportunity of declaring-, that the documents laid before us,
afford tlie most ample proof, that there, is not the slightest
foundation lor such an aspersion.

(Signed)

C. Cantuar,

Kid on,

f\ Ebor,

II . \rmagh,

Tlarrowbg, P. C.

Westmoreland, C.

Buckinghamshire,

P.S.

Bathursl,
Liverpool,
Mulgrave,
Melville,
Sid mo nth,
J. London,
lillcnbo rough,

A true Copy,

('has. Ahbotl,
N. Vansiltart .
C. Bat hurst,
K. U. a rant,
A. Macdonald,
W. Scott,
J. rficnot.

SlDMOUTH.

As no official intelligence of this Report had
reached the Princess of Wales untill nearly a week
after its publication, on the morning <>f that day, in
the evening of winch it was officially notified, Her
Royal Highness, justly feeling for her character and
honour, addressed letters to the Lord Chancellor
and to the Speaker, to be communicated to both
Houses of Parliament; of which circumstance the
following is a correct account, containing also
genuine copies of the documents :

House of Commons, Tuesday, March 2, 1813.

The Speaker having required order in the House,
addressed it nearly as follows:

" I think it my duty to communicate to the
House, that Monday afternoon, while sitting in this
Chair, I received a letter without date or signature,
purporting to be a letter from Her Royal Highness
the Princess of Wales. As this letter bore neither
date nor signature, and was delivered to the door-
keeper by a person unknown, I conceived it to be

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 141

my duty, not only out of respect to this House, but
also out of respect to the Illustrious Person herself,
whose name was connected with it, to take no step
concerning it, without first ascertaining whether or
not that paper was authentic. I hope, that in so
far delaying to receive the pleasure of this House
upon the subject, till I learnt that it was what it
professed to be, I have discharged my duty, without
exposing myself to any accusation of having inter-
posed any barrier to prevent an individual from
laying a case before this House. (Hear, hear,
hear!) 1 have now ascertained that the letter was
authentic, and, if it is your pleasure that it should
be read, I will now proceed to read it, together
with another letter from Her Royal Highness,
which I have received this day, inclosing a dupli-
cate of that received on Monday, with a date affixed
to it."

(A general cry of " Read, read !")

The Speaker then read the letter, of which the
contents were nearly as follow :

" Montague House, Blackheath, March 2, 1813.

"The Princess of Wales, by her own desire, as well as
by the advice of her Council, did, yesterday, transmit to
Mr. Speaker, a letter which Her Royal Highness was anxious
should have been read without delay to the House of Com-
mons ; and the Princess of Wales requests that the same may
now be read this day to the House of Commons. Her Royal
Highness incloses a duplicate of the letter which she yester-
day transmitted."

The duplicate was as follows: —

" Montague House, Blackheath, March 1, 1813.

"The Princess of Wales informs [Mr. Speaker] the Lord
Chancellor, that she has received from the Lord Viscount
Sidmouth a copy of a Report made to His Royal Highness
the Prince Regent, by a certain number of the members of
His Majesty's Privy Council, to whom it appears, that His

142 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Royal Highness had been advised to refer the consideration
of documents, and other evidence, respecting her character
and conduct.

" The Report is of such a nature, that Her Royal High-
ness feels persuaded no person can read it without consider-
ing it as conveying aspersions upon her; and although their
vagueness renders.it impossible to discover precisely what is
meant, or even what she has been charged with ; yet, as the
Princess feels conscious of no offence whatever, she thinks it
due to herself, to the Illustrious Houses with which she is
connected by blood and by marriage, and to the people,
among whom she holds so distinguished a rank, not to acqui-
esce for a moment in any imputation affecting her honour.

" The Princess of Wales has not been permitted to know
upon what evidence the Members of the Privy Council pro-
ceeded, still less to be heard in her defence. She knew only
by common rumour of the inquiries which they have been
carrying on, until the result of those inquiries was commu-
nicated to her ; and she has no means now of knowing, whe-
ther the Members acted as a body, to which she can appeal
for redress, at least for a hearing, or only in their individual
capacities, as persons selected to make a Report upon her
conduct.

" The Princess is therefore compelled to throw herself
upon the wisdom and justice of parliament, and to desire that
the fullest investigation may be instituted of her whole con-
duct during the period of her residence in this country.

" The Princess fears no scrutiny, however strict, provided
she may be tried by impartial Judges, known to the Consti-
tution, and in the fair and open manner which the law of the
land prescribes.

" Her only desire is, that she may either be treated as in-
nocent, or proved to be guilty.

" The Princess of "Wales desires Mr. Speaker [the Lord
Chancellor] to communicate this letter to the House of
Commons."

Four days afterwards, the motion of the Hon.
Cochrane Johnston respecting the Princess of
Wales, came on in the House of Commons, and the
debate, which took place with closed doors, was
understood to have invalidated the charges brought
against Her Royal Highness ; between whom and
her beloved daughter, a most affecting interview

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 143

took place three weeks afterwards, when the
Princess Charlotte, by the permission of the Prince
Regent, dined with her Royal Mother, at Black-
heath, and the occasional maternal intercourse was
restored.

However powerfully these unpleasant circum-
stances at hist operated upon the ardent mind of
the amiable Princess, it is still evident that she
conducted herself with far more propriety than so
young a female could have been expected to dis-
play, in such a painful and delicate situation as that
in which Her Royal Highness was then placed.
While she invariably manifested the strongest affec-
tion for her mother, she resolved patiently to sub-
mit herself to those indispensable regulations which
the Prince Regent, her indulgent father, looking
forward to her high destiny, thought proper to pre-
scribe. It has, indeed, been since acknowledged on
all hands, that the lenient measures of His Royal
Highness were admirably adapted to prevent the
possibility of undue influence, and, at the same time,
to permit that affectionate intercourse, which, as the
parent of the Princess, he well knew how to appre-
ciate, and had only determined to exercise his salu-
tary right of regulating, but could never have de-
sired altogether to deny.

During her occasional residence at Cranbourne
Lodge, at the close of 1813, and the beginning of
1814, the Princess Charlotte received confirmation,
after having gone through the previous ceremony.
Her pious grandfather had desired that this rite
should not be solemnized until she should have
completed her eighteenth year ; and his commands
were almost implicitly observed. His Majesty had
always been extremely solicitous to have his lovely
grand-daughter thoroughly instructed in the prin-
ciples of the Christian religion ; and, in consequence,
there was no part of her education to which such
earnest attention had been paid. It was a source of

5

144 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

deep regret to the Princess, that His Majesty was
unable to he present on this important occasion ; and
subsequent events increased her sorrow: but we
have, at ieast, the melancholy consolation of know-
ing, that though he could not rejoice in her happi-
ness, he has remained equally unconscious of her
irreparable loss.

The rapid proficiency in the science of music,
which Her Roval Highness made during her abode
at Windsor, was very remarkable; indeed, at an
early age her musical talents had afforded so much
delight to her venerable grand sire, that he frequently
stopped to listen to her while performing on the
piano-forte: and thus, by his gracious notice, of
which she was justly proud, excited her to those
exertions which finally raised her to such distin-
guished excellence.

The following anecdotes distinctly mark the deter-
mination of the Princess to become a proficient in
that delightful science, and the just idea of the per-
nicious influence of flattery which she had formed.
A foreigner, not now resident in England, gave Her
Royal Highness lessons in singing and music; and
upon one occasion, she performed at Warwick House,
before a large party, by whom she was highly ap-
plauded, though conscious in her own mind that the
applause was undeserved. Turning round to her
teacher, she inquired his opinion ? he said, that
she sung delightfully, and played charmingly. The
Princess took no further notice of the matter then;
but when Signior called next, one of the household
was desired to pay him, and at the same time to say,
" That Her Royal Highness could not expect to
profit by the instructions of a person who was mean
enough to flatter her against his reason ; and who
had not candour enough to tell her when she was
wrong, but rather suffered her to expose herself."
Sitting at the piano-forte, on another occasion, when
the Bishop of Salisbury was present, the Princess

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 145

requested the attention of the reverend bishop, while
she attempted to perform a difficult sonata. This
she intentionally ran over in haste, mangling the fine
passages, and paying no attention to the time ; and
at last asked her tutor how he liked her execution?
The worthy prelate candidly said, he did not like it;
and Her Royal Highness, instantly seizing his hand,
exclaimed, " Now I am sure you do not flatter me
when you say that you approve."

Her Royal Highness was very precise in her
arrangements with her masters, expecting the same
exactitude from them, as she herself was always
accustomed to manifest. One of her instructors
being half an hour too late, she reproved him for it;
he, with a look and accent of great contrition,
pleaded in excuse, that he had been deceived by the
error of his watch, which was a very indifferent one.
— " Well, then," said Her Royal Highness, putting
her hand to a table drawer, and pulling out a handsome
one, " see if this will prevent a similar accident!"

The year 1814 having commenced, on the 7th
day of which Her Royal Highness completed her
eighteenth year; that being the age at which, by the
constitution of the realm, the Heir to the throne
becomes capable of the functions of Royalty, her
birth-day was kept with more marked distinction
than on former occasions. Warwick House was
thronged with persons of the first distinction, and
especially with those who had the honour of being
ranked in her private circle of friends; while their
numerous and splendid equipages waited for them
at the gates. Court etiquette, however, and formal
ceremonies, afforded the Princess no lasting plea-
sure; and she hastened in the evening, accompanied
by her governess the Duchess of Leeds, to visit her
Royal Mother at Connaught Place, where she was
received at the entrance with all the distinction that
properly belongs to the Heiress of a great empire;
but which was soon gladly relinquished for the reci-
6. t

146 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

procal endearments of a fond mother, and an only
and dearly beloved daughter.

On the 5th of February, the Prince Regent gave
a splendid fete at Carlton House, in honour of Her
Majesty's birth-day. On this occasion, Her Royal
Highness the Princess Charlotte was present. She
wore a superb dress of white lace richly embroi-
dered in lama, body and sleeves bordered to corre-
spond, worn over white satin. Her Royal Highness
wore a profusion of the finest diamonds. Her dress
had altogether a most brilliant and elegant effect.
The ball on this occasion was opened by the Duke
of Cumberland and the Princess Mary, to the tune
of " Gang nae mair to yon Town." The second
dance was " Miss Johnstone ;" which was led off by
the Duke of Clarence, and Her Royal Highness the
Priucess Charlotte.

It had been previously determined that Warwick
House should be the residence of the Princess Char-
lotte, whose baggage, saddle-horses, &c. were, in
the latter end of February, removed from Windsor;
and Her Royal Highness was often heard to express
her satisfaction at the change of her residence. Her
health was by no means established ; and the cold
which she caught at the fete at Carlton House,
tended to increase her malady.

A few days after tlie Princess of Wales had re-
ceived the intimation already noticed, from the Lord
Chancellor, signifying her visits must be discon-
tinued at AVarwick House, she was returning in her
carriage down Constitution Hill, when her Royal
Highness observed the Princess Charlotte in her
carriage, passing along Piccadilly towards Hyde
Park. The Princess of AVales immediately or-
dered her coachman to turn about, and, the horses
proceeding nearly at a gallop, overtook the Prin-
cess Charlotte's carriage in Hyde Park, near the
bridge. Their Royal Highnesses through the win-
dows of their carriages embraced each other in the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 147

most affectionate manner, and continued in earnest
conversation for about ten minutes. A consider-
able number of spectators were very soon collected
to the spot, and several ladies who were present
shed tears at the affecting nature of the interview.
When their Royal Highnesses had separated, the
Princess Charlotte was observed, in continuing her
ride, to be in high spirits, and apparently much
gratified at the opportunity she had enjoyed of an
affectionate interchange of endearments with her
royal mother.

The mind of the Princess of Wales had been long
drooping under every species of affliction, and it was
now doomed to experience an additional weight in
the death of her mother, the Duchess of Brunswick,
which took place on the 23rd of March, 1813. A
hope was at that time excited, that the event of the
death of the Duchess of Brunswick might be the
means of disposing the illustrious parties, most
nearly allied to the deceased, to come to an under-
standing, which would reflect honour on themselves,
and give the most lively satisfaction to the country.
A calamity, falling suddenly upon any particular
circle of society, often disposes the individuals
which compose it, to quell their personal resent-
ments, and, in one general effusion of sorrow, to
drown the recollection of private animosities.

Highly did it redound to the honour of the Prince
Regent, that he was no sooner apprised of the death
of the Duchess of Brunswick, than he immediately
hinted to his daughter, the propriety of a visit to her
mother, but, at the same time, left it to her own
judgment, whether it would not be more decorous
were the visit to be postponed until after the funeral.
The tender and affectionate feelings of the Princess
Charlotte would not, however, permit her to defer
her visit until the time mentioned by her august
father, and the intimation had not been received
many hours before Her Royal Highness, attended

148 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

by the Duchess of Leeds, and the sub-governess
Miss Knight, was in her carriage on her way to
Blackhealh. On her arrival there, the inhabitants
of that neighbourhood had assembled on the hill and
heath in great crowds, and received Her Royal
Highness with loud huzzas.

At this visit a circumstance occurred, which
exhibited the keen sense which the Princess of
Wales had of the treatment which she had received :
an opportunity presented itself of her expressing
the resentment, which she fostered, against the
illustrious father of her child. Her discourse in
the presence of her daughter's attendants is said
to have been of the most sarcastic nature, replete
"with pointed allusions to some late circumstances,
and exposing the foibles of every individual, who,
either from a sense of duty, or by positive autho-
rity, had acted in a manner contrary to her dig-
nity, and her personal interests. The Princess
Charlotte, with a look and gesture which would
have quelled almost the most stubborn spirit, and
softened the asperities of the keenest resentment,
solicited her mother to desist, aud expressed a hope,
that a short time would see her restored to happiness.
"There!" said the Princess of Wales, throwing a
glass of wine over the table, " you may as well
attempt to make that wine flow back into the bottle,
as to check my resentment towards those individuals
who have so grossly and maliciously traduced me."

The marked attention which the Princess Char-
lotte had paid to every member of the Bourbon
family, especially to the Duchess of Augouleme, had
previously excited a degree of grateful admiration
highly favourable to our best hopes of future na-
tional friendship.; and it was a very gratifying
sight to the public at large, to behold the open
and dignified manifestation of her participation in
the private aud political joy upon the change of
affairs, on the entry of Louis XVIII. into Lon-

4

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 149

don, which took place on Wednesday, April 20,
1814. The Prince Regent had proceeded to Stan-
more with his full state equipages, attended by a
numerous suite, where he remained, and at the door
of the Abercorn Inn, received and greeted the
French Monarch on this happy occasion. The
magnificent procession then proceeded towards Lon-
don ; and as the day was fine, with a serene air and
a temperate sun, and not a cloud to obscure the sky,
the effect was undescribable bv those who had the
gratification to witness it : wherever the eye ranged,
it fell on splendour and beauty, with countenances
of loveliness and joy. The procession advanced
down the Edgeware Road, and entered into Hyde
Park through Cumberland Gate. On its opening
into Piccadilly, the whole view was eminently strik-
ing. From the ascent near the Green Park, the
total pomp lay under the eye, and the continuation
of military splendour, stately movement, and count-
less multitude, gave a coup d'ceil of unrivalled rich-
ness, interest, and variety.

We must, however, observe, that the wearing of
the white cockade in compliment to the House of
Bourbon, was considered by well affected and sen-
sible people, as a disgrace to the British character.
Less than a century ago, this would have been con-
sidered treason against the state.

This splendid sight our amiable Princess en-
joyed from the Pulteney Hotel ; to which mansion
she had been invited, as also Her Majesty, the
Princesses Elizabeth and Mary, with Sophia of
Gloucester, &c. by the Grand Duchess of Olden-
burgh, whose residence it then was. As the pro-
cession moved pasi the house, Her Royal Highness
came forward to the balcony, mingling in the gene-
ral acclamations, and shewing herself but as one
amongst a mighty people. At this period, indeed,
Her Royal Highness mixed openly with the public,
without form or ceremony, often visiting and being

150 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

visited by the Grand Duchess, with whom she was
upon terms of the greatest intimacy.

The Princess Charlotte, while residing at War-
wick House, afforded a strong evidence of the ex-
cellent care which had been taken of her moral
principles, in the determination (which the former
of the two following anecdotes will shew) she had
then formed, not to exceed her income, except in
such acts of beneficence as those to which the latter
anecdote alludes. Her Royal Highness was, for so
young a person, an excellent judge of the value of
curiosities, and allowed herself to spend a certain
sum half yearly in the purchase of such articles, from
an eminent dealer in these things. At the time when
Her Royal Highness was accustomed to purchase,
she was much pleased with some choice articles of
this kind, but found, upon inquiring the price, that
it exceeded the half yearly sum which she had
allotted for such expences, and therefore declined
taking them. The Virtuoso with whom the Princess
dealt, perceiving the objection, proposed to pass the
excess to another half year's account; but Her
Royal Highness replied, "That she would not ex-
ceed her usual sum." The dealer then offered
to reserve them for her; but the Princess finally
replied, by desiring him on no account to think of
doing that, as she had determined not to purchase
them at any future period, and that she would be
very sorry to be the cause of his losing the sale!

Having shewn how firmly the Princess adhered
to those voluntary restrictions which she imposed
upon her personal gratifications, let us proceed to
survey this presumptive Heir to the first throne in
the world, employed in receiving and answering the
claims of the numerous victims of indigence and
wretchedness, who daily presented their petitions
at Warwick House. Her Royal Highness always
noticed every petition herself, relieving each appli-
cant by gratuities from a considerable amount, ac-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 151

cording to the state of her purse, down to so low a
sum as half-a-crown. One day, when an unusual
number of these petitions had found their way to
the Princess, just as she had arranged them in her
usual order, for the purpose of answering them, her
confidential attendant suddenly entered the apart-
ment, and, surprised at the great number of papers,
asked what they were? Her Royal Highness re-
plied, " Petitions, which 1 am about to answer."
Upon which Mrs. C, observed, " That if Her Royal
Highness continued to relieve all the petitioners
that came, she would soon be obliged to become a
petitioner herself." "Well, suppose I should."
•' Of whom would you beg," said Mrs. C.
" Why," rejoined Her Royal Highness, with viva-
city, "I would petition the House of Commons;
and am sure they would not refuse me any thing."

A few months now passed over the head of the
Princess Charlotte, marked by no occurrence wor-
thy of particular record. It must not, however, be
omitted to mention, that, in proportion as Her
Royal Highness advanced in life, her attention to
the performance of her religious duties increased;
and never did she allow a sabbath to pass by, ex-
cept in cases of indisposition, on which she did not
attend divine worship. She declared her intention
of constantly attending the Chapel Royal, St.
James's, during her stay in London: and she or-
dered that the admired quartetto anthem, by Dr.
Green, " God be our hope" should be sung every
sabbath.

To provide, as far as possible, for the Succession
to the Throne, it had now been determined that the
young Princess should marry. The person fixed
upon, as her husband, was the young Prince of
Orange ; who was recommended by his long resi-
dence in this country; by his acquaintance with
the genius of our government, and with the habits
and manners of the people; and by the connexion

152 MEMOIRS OP HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

between his House and the reigning Family of
Great Britain. In addition to these recommenda-
tions, he was favourably known to the British pub-
lic, by the courage which he had displayed in the
campaigns of the Peninsula, under Lord Wellington.
While the negociations for this union were in pro-
gress, and at the time when the allied Sovereigns
were in London, the Princess of Wales addressed
a second letter to the Speaker of the House of
Commons, containing the correspondence which
had then lately taken place between the Prince
Regent, the Queen, and Her Royal Hghness, con-
cerning the professed intention of the Princess of
Wales, to appear at Court upon the arrival of the
allied Sovereigns, and their long trains of attendant
Princes. The following are copies of these inter-
esting documents:

" Connaught House, June 3, 1814.

" The Princess of Wales desires Mr. Speaker will inform
the House of Commons, that His Royal Highness the Prince
Regent has been advised to take such steps as have pre-
vented her from appearing at Court, and to declare His
Royal Highness's fixed and unalterable determination never
to meet the Princess of Wales upon any occasion, either in
public or private.

"The proceedings of 1806 and 1807, and last year, are
in the recollection of the House, as well as the ample and
unqualified vindication of "the Princess's conduct, to which
those proceedings led.

" It is impossible for the Princess of Wales to conceal
from herself the intention of the advice which has now been
given to the Prince Regent, and the probability that there
are ultimate objects in view, pregnant with danger to the se-
curity of the succession, and the domestic peace of* the realm.

" Under these circumstances, even if the Princess's duty
towards herself could suffer her to remain silent, her sense
of what is due to her daughter, and to the highests interests
of the country, compels her to make this communication to
the House of Commons.

" The Princess of Wales encloses Copies of the Cor-
respondence which has passed, and which she requests Mr.
Speaker will communicate to the House."

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 153

The Queen to the Princess of Wales.

" Windsor Castle, May 23, 1814.

" The Queen considers it to be her duty to lose no time
in acquainting the Princess of Wales, that she has received
a communication from her son, the Prince Regent, in which
he states, that Her Majesty's intention of holding two
drawing-rooms in the ensuing month having been notified to
the public, he must declare, that he considers that his own
presence at her court cannot be dispensed with ; and that
he desires it to be understood, for reasons of which he alone
can be the judge, to be his fixed and unalterable determina-
tion, not to meet the Princess of Males upon any occasion,
either in public or private.

" The Queen is thus placed under the painful necessity
of intimating to the Princess of Wales, the impossibility
of Her Majesty's receiving Her Royal Highness at the
drawing-rooms.

" Charlotte R."

To this the Princess of Wales sent the following
answer :

" Madam,

<c I have received the letter which your Majesty has done
me the honour to address to me, prohibiting my appearance
at the public drawing-rooms, which will be held by your
Majesty in the ensuing month, with great surprise and
regret.

" I will not presume to discuss with your Majesty, topics
which must be as painful to your Majesty as to myself.

" Your Majesty is well acquainted with the affectionate
regard, with which the King was so kind as to honour me
up to the period of His Majesty's indisposition ; which no
one of. His Majesty's subjects has so much cause to lament
as myself; — and that His Majesty was graciously pleased
to bestow upon me the most unequivocal and gratifying
proof of his attachment and approbation, by his public
reception of me at his court, at a season of severe and
unmerited affliction, when his protection was most necessary
7. U

154 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

to me. There I have since, uninterruptedly, paid my
respects to your Majesty. I am now without appeal, or
protector; but I cannot so far forget my duty to the
King, and to myself, as to surrender my right to appear at
any public drawing-room, to be held by your Majesty.

" That I may not, however, add to the difficulty and
uneasiness of your Majesty's situation, I yield, in the pre-
sent instance, to the will of His Royal Highness the Prince
Regent, announced to me by your Majesty, and shall not
present myself at the drawing-rooms of next month.

" It would be presumptuous in me to attempt to inquire
of your Majesty, the reasons of His Royal Highness the
Prince Regent, for this harsh proceeding, of which his Royal
Highness can alone be the judge. 1 am unconscious of
offence ; and in that reflection, I must endeavour to find
consolation for all the mortifications I experience ; even for
this, the last, the most unexpected, and the most severe ; —
the prohibition given to me alone to appear before your
Majesty, to offer my congratulations upon the happy termi-
nation of those calamities with which Europe has been so
long afflicted, in the presence of the illustrious personages,
who will, in all probability, be assembled at your Majesty's
court, with most of whom I am so closely connected by birth
and marriage.

" I beseech your Majesty to do me an act of justice, to
which, in the present circumstances, your Majesty is the only
person competent, — by acquainting those illustrious strangers
with the motives of personal consideration towards your
Majesty, which alone induce me to abstain from the exer-
cise of my right to appear before your Majesty : and that I
do now, as I have done at all times, defy the malice of my
enemies to fix upon me the shadow of any one imputa-
tion, which could render me unworthy of their society and
regard.

f* Your Majesty will, I am sure, not be displeased that
I should relieve myself from a suspicion of disrespect to-
wards your Majesty, by making public the cause of my
absence from court, at a time when the duties of my station
would otherwise peculiarly demand my attendance.

" I have the honour to be, your Majesty's

" Most obedient daughter-in-law and servant,

"Caroline P."
Connauy hi -House, May 24, 1814.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 155

On the following day, the Queen replied thus
to the above letter :

" Windsor-Castle, May 25, 1814.

*

" The Queen has received, this afternoon, the Princess
of Wales's letter of yesterday, in reply to the communica-
tion which she was desired by the Prince Regent to make
to her ; and she is sensible of the disposition expressed by
her Royal Highness, not to discuss with her topics which
must be painful to both.

" The Queen considers it incumbent upon her to send a
copy of the Princess of Wales's letter to the Prince Regent ;
and Her Majesty could have felt no hesitation in communi-
cating to the illustrious strangers, who may possibly be
present at her court, the circumstances which will prevent
the Princess of Wales from appearing there, if Her Royal
Highness had not rendered a compliance with her wish, to
this effect, unnecessary, by intimating her intention of making
public the cause of her absence.

" Charlotte R."

To this Letter, the Princess of Wales replied
as follows :

" The Princess of Wales has the honour to acknowledge
the receipt of a note from the Queen, dated yesterday ;
and begs permission to return her best thanks to Her
Majesty, for her gracious condescension, in the willingness
expressed by Her Majesty, to have communicated to the
illustrious strangers, who will, in all probability, be present
at Her Majesty's court, the reasons which have induced
Her Royal Highness not to be present.

" Such communication, as it appears to Her Royal High-
ness, cannot be less necessary, on account of any publicity
which it may be in the power of Her Royal Highness to
give to her motives ; and the Princess of Wales, therefore,
entreats the active good offices of Her Majesty, upon an
occasion which the Princess of Wales feels it so essential to
her, that she should not be misunderstood.

" Caroline P."

Coimanght-Place, May 26, 1814.

156 MEMOIRS Or HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

The Queen replied on the following clay :

" Windsor- Castle, May 27, 1811.

" The Queen cannot omit to acknowledge the receipt of
the Princess of Wales's note of yesterday, although it
does not appear to Her Majesty to require any other
reply than that conveyed to Her Royal Highness's pre-
ceding- letter.

" Charlotte R."

On the same day, the 20th, on which the Princess
of Wales replied to the letter of the Queen, she also
transmitted a letter to the Prince Regent, which,
as far as it regards the Princess Charlotte, cannot
be perused without sympathizing with the feelings
of her afflicted mother. It is as follows :

" Sir,

" I am once more reluctantly compelled to address your
Royal Highness; and I enclose, for your inspection, copies
of a note which I have had the honour to receive from the
Queen, and of the answer which 1 have thought it my duty
to return to Her Majesty. It would be in vain for me to
inquire into the reasons of the alarming declaration made
by your Royal Highness, that you have taken the lixed and
unalterable determination, never to meet me upon any occa-
sion, cither in public or private. Of these your Royal
Highness is pleased to state yourself to be the only judge.
You will perceive, by my answer to Her Majesty, that I
have only been restrained, by motives of personal considera-
tion towards Her Majesty, from exercising my right of
appearing before Her Majesty at the public drawing-rooms,
to be held in the ensuing month.

" But, Sir, lest it should be, by possibility, supposed that
the words of your Royal Highness can convey any insinua-
tion from flinch I shrink, I am bound to demand of your
Ro*y al Highness, what circumstances can justify the proceed-
ings you have thus thought fit to adopt.

" t owe it to myself, to my daughter, and to the nation,
to which I am deeply indebted for the vindication of my
honour, to remind your Royal Highness, of what you know,
— that, after open persecution, and mysterious inquiries
upon undefined charges, the malice of my enemies fell

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 157

entirely upon themselves ; and that I was restored by the
King-, with the advice of his ministers, to the full enjoyment
of my rank in his court, upon my complete acquittal. Since
His Majesty's lamented illness, I have demanded, in the
face of Parliament and the country, to be proved guilty,
or to be treated as innocent. I have been declared innocent.
I will not submit to be treated as guilty.

" Sir, your Royal Highness may possibly refuse to read
this letter; but the world must know that I have written it,
and they will see my real motives for foregoing, in this
instance, the rights of my rank. Occasions, however, may
arise, (one, I trust, is far distant) when I must appear in
public, and your lloyal Highness must be present also.
Can your Royal Highness have contemplated the full extent
of your declaration I Has your Royal Highness forgotten
the approaching marriage of our Daughter, and the possibility
of our coronation? I wave my rights in a case where I
am not absolutely bound to assert them ; in order to relieve
the Queen, as far as I can, from the painful situation
in which she is placed by your Royal Highness, not from
any consciousness of blame, not from any doubt of the
existence of those rights, or of my own worthiness to enjoy
them.

" Sir, the time you have selected for this proceeding- is
calculated to make it peculiarly galling. Many illustrious
strangers are already arrived in England; amongst whom,
as I am informed, the illustrious heir of the House of
Orange, who has announced himself to me as my future
son-in-law: from their society I am unjustly excluded.
Others are expected, of equal rank to your own, to rejoice
with your Royal Highness on the peace of Europe. My
Daughter, will, for the first time, appear in the splendour
and publicity becoming the approaching nuptials of the
presumptive Heiress of the empire. This season your Royal
Highness has chosen for treating me with fresh and unpro-
voked indignity; and, of all His Majesty's subjects, I alone
am prevented by your Royal Highness from appearing in
my place, to partake of the general joy ; and, am deprived
of the indulgence in those feelings of pride and affection,
permitted to every mother but me,

" I am, Sir,

" Your Royal Highness's faithful wife,

" Caroline P."
Connauglil-Bouse, May 26, 1814.

158 MEMOIRS OF HEE ROYAL HIGHNESS

The celebrated drawing-room, of which so many
high expectations had been formed, and which, in
regard to the peculiar circumstances with which it
was attended, will form a conspicuous feature in
the annals of the Royal Family of England, was
at length held, and the Princess Charlotte of
Wales, for the first time, made her appearance in
public. Her Royal Highness arrived a few minutes
after one o'clock, accompanied by Miss Knight, in
an elegant and particularly neat and light state
carriage, with three footmen and the coachman in
new state liveries. She was received by the
Duchess of Leeds, and the dresser, who had pre-
viously arrived in her plain carriage, to atteud Her
Royal Highness, in dressing in a court dress, for
the first time. Her Royal Highness appeared in
an elegant petticoat of rich white satin, with a
superb border of the same, and a wreath of silver
laurel-leaves, tastefully intermixed with white roses;
draperies of rich embroidered patent lace, in silver
lama, with a superb border, formed in festoons, and
ornamented in an elegant style with wreaths of
silver cord and tassels; train of rich striped and
figured silver blond lace, ornamented with beau-
tiful diamonds ; head-dress, a profusion of the most
beautiful diamonds and ostrich feathers ; necklace,
ear-rings, armlets, and bracelets, to correspond.

At the close of the drawing-room, on Her Royal
Highness leaving the palace, the Prince of Orange
handed Her Royal Highness to her carriage, and
afterwards dined with the Royal Family at Carlton
House, upon the most familiar and friendly footing.

It does not, however, appear that the Prince of
Orange was ever very acceptable to his intended
consort; but as mutual attachment is not, as we
have plainly seen, an essential ingredient in royal
marriages, it was thought that the alliance would
proceed to its consummation. The real objections
of the Princess to her intended husband, remain

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 159

in obscurity, though many conjectures have been
formed, and assertions ventured, upon the subject.
She certainly expressed a strong unwillingness to
leave the country, especially at a time when her
mother required her countenance and consolation.
This objection it was endeavoured to surmount, by
a promise that her absence should be only for a
short time, and that, on her return from Holland,
she should never be asked again to leave the
country. In this arrangement Her Royal Highness
appeared to acquiesce, and the marriage settle-
ments were nearly ready to be executed, when
suddenly she expressed doubts as to the security
tendered her, that she should not be obliged to
reside longer in Holland than she wished, and
demanded that a clause should be inserted in the
marriage contract prohibiting her from ever quitting
the kingdom on any account, or for any time, how-
ever short. To this proposal the Prince of Orange,
who had pledged himself to the Dutch people to
take the Princess among them for a short time,
could not consent, and the matrimonial negociations
were at an end.

Her Royal Highness is, however, said to have
addressed a letter to her youthful lover, in which
she went so far as to assure him, that no personal
objections to the union had actuated her conduct.

Indeed, in this case, as in all others, decision
and frankness seem to have been the leading fea-
tures in the character of Her Royal Highness : she
never hesitated to avow her sentiments, and was
always above that disingenuousness which prompts
to concealment. One great source of her inde-
pendence of mind was, the conviction of truth and
rectitude upon which she formed her principles —
what she thought right, she was not afraid to con-
fess and maintain; and in the case in question,
where weaker minds would have yielded to per-
suasions founded on political suggestions, she had

1G0 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

the good sense to support her refusal upon consti-
tutional grounds, objecting to the proposed alliance,
because she might thence be obliged to reside in
a foreign country. She had often seen the Prince
of Orange, and did not feel for him the slightest
symptom of that species of affection for which her
heart and disposition have since shewn themselves
to have been so exquisitely formed ; to which we
might add a thousand little anecdotes, particularly
the disgust she is said to have expressed at her
Royal Lover, for visiting her badly dressed. In
short, it is now unnecessary to dwell upon the circum-
stances of her firm and steady refusal ; always ad-
mitting the character, courage, and amiable qua-
lities of this Prince, though she had resolved not to
receive him as her husband. Her Royal Highness
invariably expressed herself quite sensible to the
merits of His Highness; and when he was wounded
at the battle of Waterloo, her feelings and language
on that occasion were worthy of her candour. They
marked the tenderness of her heart, and the genera!
benevolence of her disposition.

This projected match had frequently been alluded
to in both Houses of Parliament; but the first public
notice of its breach took place on the 20th of June,
1814, when Sir Matthew White Ridley called upon
the ministers to make some communication, or at
least to say, whether they had any to make respect-
ing that event. To this Mr. Vansittart replied, that
he could give no other answer than stating the
simple fact, that ministers had received no autho-
rity to make any communication. Sir Matthew
then replied, that he understood the match had
been broken off, because it was required on the
part of her royal suitor, that the Princess should
reside in Holland. To this no answer was given,
and the conversation was dropped.

It was indeed very natural, that the youthful
Heiress should now begin to think for herself, as

3

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 161

she was fast advancing towards womanhood ; and,
though but recently formally introduced at the
Drawing-room on state occasions, yet she had been
gradually accustomed to mix in general society,
going sometimes, though seldom, to the theatres,
and visiting the various public exhibitions, where
she often displayed great originality of genius,
manifesting a delight in things not very apt to
attract female attention.

Her manners also, though not in the least mas-
culine, partook much of that open freedom which
prompts to cheerfulness, and a facetious turn of
mind, and sometimes descends to pleasant turn, or
equivoque. On one occasion, the only reply she
made to some very warm remonstrances was, that
she thought matters were getting very hot, and she
would let in a little fresh air to cool them : and
when some of the confidential personages about
her household remonstrated respecting her refusal
of the proposed match, she laughingly replied, that
she was afraid her Irish friends would accuse her
of keeping an Orange Lodge. These, and a variety
of other anecdotes, though apparently of little
interest in themselves, are introduced, the more
particularly to mark the bias of her character and
mind: — trifles often develope character, when
greater events are wanting.

For reasons which it is needless here to investi-
gate, her Royal Father now thought proper to break
up her establishment at Warwick House, and, in-
deed, to make a complete and total change in her
household; for which purpose Cranbourn Lodge
was chosen as a summer residence, with a house-
hold composed of the Countess Dowager of Ross-
lyn, the Countess of Ilchester, two Misses Coates,
and Mrs. Campbell, formerly her sub-governess.
This intention was for some time previously known,
but finally announced to her by His Royal High-
ness on the evening of the 12th of July, at Warwick
7. x

1(>2 MEMOIRS 01 HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

House, when, it is stated, he informed her of the
dismissal of her former household, and of his
desire that she should immediately take up her
abode at Carlton House, and afterwards retire to
Cranbourn Lodge, where she would be attended by
her new household, who were waiting for her in the
next apartment. She Mas thunderstruck for some
time, but soon thought it most proper to consult
her Mother, and, with all the ardour of a youthful
heart, determined upon instant flight. Accord-
ingly, at the moment when her Royal Father was
engaged in the adjoining apartment, giving instruc-
tions to those who had superseded her late dis-
carded attendants, she ran out of the house' into the
Hay market, and got, unsuspected, into a hackney
coach, for the purpose of proceeding to Conn aught
Place. Of this remarkable adventure, many stories
were told in the daily prints; but the following is
said to be the statement of Higgins, the coachman,
obtained from himself: — he expressly states, that
she called the coach in the Hay market, and ordered
him to drive towards Oxford-street, and she would
give him a guinea: when he arrived in Oxford-
.street, Her Royal Highness desired him to drive
faster, and take her to the Princess of Wales's, in
Conn aught Place. He then desired to know which
was the house ? she replied, " Drive, and you will
soon find itl" The man was still ignorant of whom
he wras driving. On their arrival, she inquired if
her Mother was at home? and the servant replied —
" No, your Iloyal Highness. '" The coachman was
then aware of the honour done him: and the
Princess ordered the servant to pay him three
guineas ; which she said he deserved.

Her Iloyal Highness then alighted : but the
Princess of Males not being in town, a groom was
instantly dispatched to Blackheath with a note,
requesting her immediate return; and he meeting
her on the way, and delivering the note, the Princess

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 163

first drove to the Parliament House, but could nei-
ther find Lord Grey nor Mr. Whitbread, whom she
wished to consult; proceeding afterwards lo Con-
naught Place, where her terrified daughter ac-
quainted her with the cause of her alarm. There,
also, she found Mr. Brougham, who had been sent
for, and who had already explained to Her Royal
Highness the necessity, as well as the propriety/ of
submitting to her Fathers authority, founded not.
only upon filial duty, but also upon the law of the
land. This advice produced its full effect upon the
youthful fugitive, who now had time for cool
reflection ; and was perfectly disposed to return to
Carlton House, when the Duke of York (at whose
house the Prince Regent was on a party when the
fact of her flight was known) arrived, and assured
her, that no ideas of severity or of personal seclusion
had ever formed part of her Royal Fathers plan.
Information of the occurrence had already been
sent to Her Majesty; but all further interference
was needless, as Her Royal Highness, at half-past
three in the morning, consented to return to Carlton
House, whither she was followed by Mrs. Lewis,
the only one of her establishment permitted to con-
tinue, and who was so confident of Her Royal
Highness's intention to remain at Connaught Place,
that she had followed her thither with her night-
clothes on first hearing the intelligence.

How little truth there was in the rumours of in-
tended severity, may be at once deduced from the
fact, that on the arrival of the Princess at Carlton
House, she was received by the Prince Regent
with the utmost kindness and affection, recom-
mended to retire to rest, and admitted in the even-
ing to a very long and affecting interview. The
fact was generally known, yet there seems to have
existed an unaccountable want of belief in a par-
ticular quarter; for on the 19th of July, His Royal
Highness the Duke of Sussex put some peremptory

6

164 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

queries to the cabinet ministers in the House of
Lords — Whether the Princess had the same oppor-
tunities of communication with her friends, since
she went to reside at Carlton House, as previous
to her change of residence? — Whether she was per-
mitted intercourse by letter? — Whether there was
any intention of forming for her a separate esta-
blishment?— and, filially, Whether recommenda-
tions had been made in a former vear, of the use
of sea-bathing for her health, as stated then to have
taken place ?

To these interrogatories Lord Liverpool an-
swered,— that the Prince Regent was the father of
Her Royal Highness, and it belonged to his prero-
gative to act as he thought proper. His Lordship
then added, that the Prince Regent had done
nothing in the affair except what was for his Daugh-
ter's beneiit : that he felt towards her as a father
ought to feel — with the strongest and warmest
affection ; and was only anxious to perform those
duties which God, nature, and the laws of the
land, had imposed upon him, and had always con-
ducted himself on grounds the best calculated to
promote her comfort, beneiit, and honour!

Although His Royal Highness the Prince Regent
had judged it necessary to pursue a painful line of
conduct towards the Princess of Wales, it is an
honour to his feelings, that he had also resolved to
omit no opportunity of contributing to promote her
comfort; and hence, having been informed that
Her Royal Highness was considerably in debt,
and that her establishment was not of that magni-
tude which her exalted rank in society demanded,
he caused a demi-official notice to be sent to the
Princess, announcing, that at the express wish and
desire of the Prince Regent, an application would
be made to the ensuing Parliament for an increase
to Her Royal Highness's income, to enable her to
enlarge her establishment, consistently with the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 165

exalted station which Her Royal Highness held in
the country.

Our readers well know that Parliament granted
£50,000 per annum ; which was reduced to £36,000,
at the request of the Princess of Wales. The coun-
try was both surprised and delighted at the readi-
ness with which all parties accommodated each
other in this transaction : but every one was still
more astonished at the determination to leave the
kingdom; which the Princess immediately after
announced in the following letter.

Letter from Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales to
Lord Liverpool, First Minister to the Prince Regent, dated
Connaught House, July 25, 1814.

" The Princess of Wales requests Lord Liverpool to lay
before the Prince Regent the contents of this letter.

" Actuated by the most urgent motive, that of restoring
tranquillity to the Prince Regent, as well as to secure the
peace of mind of which she has been for so many years de-
prived, the Princess of Wales, after mature reflection, has
resolved to return to the Continent. This resolution ought
not to surprise the Ministers of the Prince Regent, consider-
ing the trouble and disagreeable experience of the Princess,
for so long a time ; and still more, after the indignity and
mortification to which she has been exposed, by being with-
held from receiving her nearest relations, and the most inti-
mate friends of the late Duke of Brunswick, her illustrious
father.

" The Princess is extremely anxious that the Prince Regent
should be informed of the motives, and clearly comprehend
her past conduct as politically exhibited. — In exacting a justi-
fication from this noble nation, — her sole protection since the
unfortunate indisposition of the King, — she is to be under-
stood as solicitous only to maintain her rights and her honour,
which are dearer to her than life itself.

" The Princess of Wales would have undertaken ber pro-
jected tour long before, if she had not been prevented by the
breaking off the projected marriage of the Princess Charlotte
with the Prince of Orange. She could not resolve to leave
her Daughter without protection, at a period so critical. The
Prince Regent having planned to establish the new married

166 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

couple at the Hague, the Princess Charlotte, on that account.
principally, declined the match. Unwilling to prove any
obstacle to future arrangement favourable to the happiness of
her Daughter, the Princess of Wales has at length resolved
to return to Brunswick, her native country. She may after-
Wards travel into Italy and Greece, where she may probably
be able to select an agreeable abode, and live in it for some
years. The Princess flatters herself, that tbe Prince Regent
will have no objection to this design.

" The Princess of Wales requests Lord Liverpool to repre-
sent to the Prince Regent, that she resigns Montague House,
and the title of Ranger of Greenwich Park, in favour of her
Daughter, as also the house bequeathed to her by her Mother.
The Princess of Wales hopes the Prince Regent will grant
this favour, the last she will solicit.

" The Princess embraces this opportunity to explain the
motives which have induced her to decline the grant of
£50,000 voted to her by the nation in Parliament. She
expresses her most lively acknowledgment to this liberal and
generous nation for its willingness to grant her such a pen-
sion during life ; but she has only taken £35,000, because, as
the gift was intended to support her in her proper rank, and
to enable her to hold a Court, as became the Wife of the
Prince Regent, the receipt of it would interfere with her
views of travelling, and her purpose to quit England for a
season. — Such is the substance of her present communication
to Lord Liverpool, which the Princess would have made
before, but for the fear of producing new debates in Parlia-
ment. She has, therefore, waited the rising of Parliament,
and is now about to depart for Worthing, to embark, not
intending to return previously to London.

" The Princess of Wales is happy to assure Lord Liver-
pool, that she will ever be ardently solicitous for the prosperity
and glory of this generous nation."

Letter of Lord Liverpool to the Princess of Wales, Juhj 28,

1814.

" Lord Liverpool has had the honour to receive the letter
of Her Royal Highness. Having communicated it to the
Prince Regent, he has ordered him to inform Her Royal

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 167

Highness, that he can have no objection to the intentions of
Her Royal Highness to effect the design which she announces
to the Prince Regent, of returning to her native country, to
visit her brother, the Duke of Brunswick ; assuring her, that
the Prince Regent will never throw any obstacle in the way
of her present or future intentions as to the place where she
may wish to reside.

" The Prince Regent leaves entirely to Her Royal Highness
the liberty to exercise her own discretion as to her abode
in this country or on the Continent, as it may be convenient
to her.

" Lord Liverpool is also commanded, on the part of the
Prince Regent, to inform Her Royal Highness, that he will
not throw any obstacles in the way of the arrangements of
Pier Royal Highness, whatever they may be, respecting the
house at Blackheath, which belonged to the late Duchess of
Brunswick, or the rest of the private property of Her Royal
Highness. But that, for reasons perhaps rather too long to
explain, the Prince Regent will not permit the Princess
Charlotte to be Ranger of Greenwich Park, nor to occupy
any of the houses at Blackheath which Her Royal Highness
has hitherto occupied.

" Lord Liverpool has also been enjoined, on the part of the
Prince Regent, before he closes the letter which he has the
honour to send to Her Royal Highness, to inform her, in
relation to the two articles which Her Royal Highness has
inserted in her letter, concerning the rupture of the marriage
of the Princess Charlotte with the hereditary Prince of
Orange, as well as to the reason for which the allied Sove-
reigns did not, previously to their departure from England,
pay their visit to Her Royal Highness; that, as to the first
article, Lord Liverpool is commanded, by the Prince Regent,
to inform Her Royal Highness, that the Prince Regent is
not persuaded, that the private considerations of the circum-
stances in which the Princess is placed, can have been an
obstacle to the marriage of the Princess Charlotte. As to
the second article, Lord Liverpool is also enjoined, on the
part of the Prince Regent, to signify to Her Royal Highness,
that the Prince Regent never opposed himself to the allied
Sovereigns making a visit to Her Royal Highness during
their stay in London.

" Lord Liverpool has the honour to be, with all esteem,
and with the highest consideration."

" P. S. The Prince Regent can make no difliculties on the
subject of the directions which the Princess has the intention

168 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

of giving, as to the house at Blackheath ; neither will the
Prince Regent oppose Her Royal Highness's retaining the
apartments in the palace of Kensington, in the same manner
as she possessed them while in London, for the convenience
of herself and suite."

In consequence of the determination which the
Princess of Wales had thus announced, on the 9th
of August, 1814, Her Royal Highness embarked
for the Continent, on board the Jason frigate, after
bidding the last farewell, in an affecting interview, to
that beloved Daughter, whom, in this world, she
can now behold no more!

Whatever was the real cause of Her Royal High-
ness's sudden departure from England, it is obvious,
that the line of conduct she has pursued, since that
injudicious step, appears to be ill calculated to
remove unfavourable impressions from the minds of
those impartial observers, who may have been com-
pelled to admit, that the parental admonition which
His Majesty, by the advice of the four noble Com-
missioners, conveyed to the Princess in 1807, should
have had greater influence upon Her Royal High-
ness's subsequent proceedings.

The intimacy of the Princess Charlotte with the
Duchess of Oldenburgh, now Queen of Wirtem-
burgh, has been adverted to in a former part of this
chapter ; and it is now necessary to notice the re-
port, that the Duchess had availed herself of that
intimacy to prejudice the Prince of Orange in the
opinion of the British Princess : which report was
thought by some to receive a plausible confirmation,
when His Royal Highness afterwards married a
sister of the Duchess. It is also said, on the other
hand, that the Duchess had undertaken the task of
endeavouring to remove those objections to the
marriage with the Prince of Orange, which had

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THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 169

been advanced on the part of the Princess Charlotte;
but that her friendly interference wholly failed, from
causes which she was unable to control. In this
dilemma, it appears most safe to detail the real
occasion of Her Royal Highness the Princess Char-
lotte's first meeting with the Prince Leopold of Saxe-
Cobourg-Saalfeld, in connexion with the whole train
of succeeding circumstances, leaving each reader
to form his own comments upon the Duchess of
Oldenburgh's conduct, as far as she was concerned.
The negociations for the projected marriage of
Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte with
the Prince of Orange, had not finally terminated,
when the Princess went alone one morning to visit
the Duchess of Oldenburgh, at the Pulteney hotel.
When the Princess Charlotte came, she found a
gentleman with the Duchess ; at which she appeared
surprised, and, as was her custom with strangers,
surveyed him with fixed attention: upon which, he
bowed, and withdrew. When he had retired, the
Princess asked the Duchess who he was ? she re-
plied, " Prince Leopold, of Saxe-Cobourg, one of
the most amiable and accomplished Princes in
Europe/' adding, " and a Protestant beside ; — that's
the man for you." The Princess appeared much
struck with the observation, but made no answer,
and, on retiring at the conclusion of her visit, found
Prince Leopold had waited at the door of the anti-
chamber, to hand her to her carriage; where, just
before she drove off, in her usual frank and open
manner, Her Royal Highness shook hands with the
Prince, and said, " I shall be glad to see you at
Warwick House." Of this, however, it appears,
His Serene Highness thought no more, till Her
Royal Highness again met him some time after-
wards, and requested to know why he had neglected
her invitation ? The Prince scarcely knew what to
reply; and the Princess perceiving his embarrass-
ment, and conceiving the true cause, repeated the
7. Y

170 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

invitation; and desired that Prince Leopold would
not again neglect it. His Serene Highness became
thus involved in such delicate circumstances, that
he resolved to call upon the Duke of York, and
request his advice how to proceed. The Duke of
York advised Prince Leopold to consult the Prince
Regent; who informed him, that the intercourse
could not then be allowed: in consequence of
which, His Serene Highness instantly took his
departure for the Continent, without communicating
to any one the real cause of his journey.

The House of Saxe-Cohourg-Sadlfeld.

The following particulars of the illustrious House
of Saxe-Cobourg-Saalfeld will, no doubt, be found
sufficiently interesting, on account of- their direct
relation to the excellent Prince, who was soon to be
identified with the British nation, by his marriage
with the Heiress to the throne; especially as he has
since endeared himself to an admiring people, by
his entire devotion of himself to the promoting of
her happiness, and also by the extreme severity of
mental suffering, which he has been doomed to
undergo.

Most of the German Princes deduce their lineage
from the same origin as that already assigned to the
House of Brunswick, in the commencement of this
work. The principality of Cobourg appears to have
belonged to the House of Saxony, until it was ceded
to John-Ernest, half-brother to John-Frederick the
iVIagnanimous, Elector of Saxony, who died in 1554.
This half-brother of the Elector married a daughter
of Philip I. Duke of Brunswick-Grubenhagen, and
built the castle of Ehrenberg, the usual residence of
the Princes of Cobourg, but died without issue in

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 171

1553, when the principality reverted to the Elector;
upon whose death the Albertine and Ernestine
branches of the House of Saxony were united in
Maurice, the son of Duke Henry of Meissen, to
whom the electorate had been given by Charles V.
The Protestant religion owes the greatest obligations
to the Princes of the Ernestine line, as we have be-
fore seen.

Frederick, the elder son of Ernest, was Luther's
first patron and defender. John, the second son of
Ernest, was the chief promoter of the protestation
against the church of Rome; from which the Pro-
testants have derived their appellation. This John
was surnained " The Constant."

Maurice was killed by a silver ball in a battle
with Albert, Margrave of Brandenburg, near the
village of Sivenhausen, in the duchy of Luneburg;
but it was supposed, that as the ball perforated his
back, it was tired by one of his own people.

Augustus succeeded his brother Maurice, whose
first wife was Anna, daughter of Christian, King of
Denmark. On her decease he married, in his 60th
year, a daughter of Prince Joachim-Ernest of Anhalt,
who had not quite completed her 13th year. This
Prince was what would now be termed an eccentric
character. Alchymy was his favourite study ; and,
having impressed the idea upon the minds of his
subjects, that he was most profoundly skilled in the
transmutation of metals, no murmurs arose at the
apparent extravagance which he displayed in the
erection of his institutions; for, by the powers of
his art, he was supposed to possess an inexhaustible
source of riches, and therefore had no cause to
apportion the revenues of the state to the promotion
of his scientific pursuits. He died, notwithstanding,
immensely rich, being more the fruits of rigid eco-
nomy in his private affairs, than of his skill in the
science of alchymy. Wherever he went, he always
planted stones and seeds of the best and choicest

172 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

fruits, having always a bag full of them in his pocket.
He was succeeded by his son, Christian I. in 1586,
who died in 1591, in the 31st year of his age. Of
the succeeding branches of the Albertine line, a
very brief notice will be necessary, until the elevation
to the throne of Poland ; on which occasion Frede-
rick-Augustus I. to qualify himself for that dignity,
exchanged the Protestant for the Catholic faith, to
which his successors have ever since adhered.

Christian II. died in 1611, at the early age of
twenty-seven years, and was succeeded by his bro-
ther, John-George I.; during whose reign Saxony
was devastated by the contending armies, in the
thirty-years' war.

John-George II. succeeded his father in 1656,
and died in 1680. This Prince had three brothers,
Augustus, Christian, and Maurice. By these per-
sons the Houses of Saxe-Weissenfels, Saxe-Merse-
burg, and Saxe-Zeitz, were founded ; but which are
all now extinct, and their dominions reverted to the
electoral family.

John-George III. died in 1691; he was com-
mander-in-chief of the army of the empire employed
against the French.

John-George IV. in right of his mother, was de-
clared the heir-apparent to the throne of Denmark.
He was the first Saxon Prince who was honoured
with the order of the garter. He died in 1694, and
was succeeded by

Frederick-Augustus I. who, in 1697, was elected
King of Poland. Although successful in his wars
against the Turks, he experienced the most disas-
trous defeats in his campaigns against Charles XII.
of Sweden. Some most singular anecdotes are
related of the astonishing muscular strength which
this Prince possessed, and some of them certainly
border upon the miraculous. He broke an iron
bar like a stick ; he could take a silver or a copper
plate, and roll it up like a sheet of paper. He

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 173

calculated the solidity of his horses' shoes by the
facility with which he could break them; and he
once snapped the chains of a drawbridge which
opposed his entrance into a town. Glafy, in his
History of Saxony, designates him the German
Samson, and asserts, that his muscular feats were
witnessed by all classes of people. He died in 1733.

Frederick-Augustus II. succeeded to the throne
of Poland, and died in 1763. Frederick-Christian
survived his father but two months, and was suc-
ceeded by his son, Frederick-Augustus III. the
present Ring of Saxony, who, by his adherence to
the cause of Bonaparte, was deprived of his acqui-
sitions in Poland, and nearly of one half of his
hereditary dominions.

In order to obviate an error which has become
general, it is necessary to state, that the House of
Saxe-Cobourg, and that of Saxe-Cobourg-Saalfeld,
to the latter of which Prince Leopold belongs, were
two distinct and separate houses.

When the dominions of Ernest the Pious were
divided, Cobourg was allotted to Albert, who,
dying without issue, in the year 1697, this prin-
cipality became a subject of dispute between the
Houses of Gotha, Meinungen, Hilburghausen,
and Saalfeld. In the year 1735, the dispute was
brought to a favourable termination ; and the town
and district of Cobourg were adjudged to the
House of Saalfeld ; and Sonneuberg and Neuhaus
to Meinungen.

It is well known that all the ducal houses of
Saxony, are branches of the elder, or Ernestine
line, which, without regard to primogeniture, long
retained the custom of dividing the possessions
left by the father among all his sons. In process
of time, however, the law of primogeniture began
to be adopted, but it was not introduced into the
House of Saxe-Cobourg till the reign of Francis
Josias, in the middle of the 18th century.

174 MEMOIRS Or HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

This Prince, the great-grandfather of the reign*
ing Duke, was respected by his neighbours as a
man of the highest integrity, and beloved by his
subjects as an excellent sovereign. These quali-
ties caused him to be intrusted with the guardian-
ship of some of the Princes of the kindred houses
of .Saxony during their minority. He had four
sons. The eldest, who succeeded him, married
the Princess Sophie-Antoinette, sister to the cele-
brated Prince Ferdinand, of Brunswick, as also
to the Queen of Denmark, to the consort of
Frederick the Great, and to the grandmother of
the present King of Prussia. By this union, the
House of Saxe-Cobourg-Saalfeld became nearly
allied to most of the reigning families in Europe.

At the commencement of the French revolution-
ary war, and the troubles in the Netherlands, Leo-
pold, who had now ascended the imperial throne,
summoned the Prince of Cobourg to the chief
command of the allied army in the Netherlands,
on which occasion the Prince was also nominated
Field-marshal of the Empire. With this appoint-
ment no commander except the Archduke Charles
alone has since been invested. The campaign of
the Prince, though obstructed by various diffi-
culties, partly thrown in the way by the court of
Vienna itself, was nevertheless attended with the
best success against the French. The young
Emperor Francis II. honoured the Prince with
his confidence in a high degree; at the same time
the latter found means to keep up the best under-
standing with the rest of the allies — a circumstance
universally acknowledged at the time, and which
must still be remembered by the Duke of York,
and many English officers under his command.

Prince Frederick finding his plans and sugges-
tions disregarded, or even impediments opposed to
their executiou, resigned the command, to the
great mortification of the army, which was strongly

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 175

attached to him, because he treated it in every
respect like a father. Clairfait was appointed his
successor; but with the departure of the Prince,
fortune also seemed to have forsaken the banners of
the allien. He retired to his native citv, where he
attained to a serene old age, and terminated hi*
career in February, 1815, in his 76th year, deeply
lamented by his family, and sincerely mourned
by all those who were acquainted with his amia-
ble disposition and estimable qualities.

Duke Ernest-Frederick, his successor, had, by
his consort, Sophie-Antoinette, of Brunswick, three
children, two sons and one daughter.

Francis, his eldest son and successor, made the
science of government his peculiar study. With
a clear understanding he united a truly philan-
thropic heart and rare attainments, acquired in
the indulgence of an ardent passion for the sciences
and fine arts, of which, till his death, he was a
zealous patron and admirer.

He had three sons and four daughters by his
consort, a Princess of the ancient and celebrated
House of the Counts Reuss of Plauen. Gifted
with a superior understanding, and adorned with
rare accomplishments, this Princess unites all the
softness of her own sex with the firmness of the
other. Undaunted by the storms of fate, she never
lost sight for a moment of her destination as a
wife and a mother. Amid the various pursuits
to which her genius inclined, this extraordinary
woman made the most careful education of her
numerous family the business, the recreation, and
the happiness, of her life. The tender attachment
which subsists between all the surviving members
of the House of Cobourg is her work, her highest
glory, and at the same time the surest test of the
excellence of her own heart, and of those of her
children.

Bv the marriage of the third daughter of DnL<

1

176 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Francis, who was united by the name of Anna-
Feodorowna to the Grand-duke Constantine, eldest
brother of the Emperor Alexander, the House of
Cobourg became intimately connected with the
court of Russia. Iu consequence of this alliauce,
the Empress Catharine II. gave a military appoint-
ment to the hereditary Prince, Ernest, and destined
also Leopold, the youngest son of Duke Francis,
for the Russian service. The latter, to whom the
Emperor Leopold II. stood sponsor, had been
originally designed for the Austrian service, but
the early death of his majesty prevented the fulfil-
ment of these intentions.

The political convulsion, which, in 1806, in-
volved the whole north of Germany, was attended
with consequences peculiarly calamitous to the
House of Cobourg. When, in the autumn of that
year, the French approached the Saxon frontiers,
Duke Francis, who was in very ill health, retired
with his consort from Cobourg to Saalfeld ; which
latter town is situated beyond the very consider-
able range of mountains, known by the appellation
of the Forest of Thuringia, and forming the bar-
rier of North Germany. Prince Leopold, then but
fifteen years old, was the companion and the sup-
port of his infirm father : for Ferdinand was de-
tained by his duty in Austria, and the truly
noble spirit of Prince Ernest, had carried him
to the head-quarters of the King of Prussia, with
whom he had been for some years on terms of the
closest friendship. The French appeared before
Saalfeld ; the castle was stormed ; and the ducal
family which was in it, exposed to all the dangers
and horrors of that disastrous battle, which cost
Prince Lewis-Ferdinand of Prussia his life. This
was more than the constitution of Duke Francis,
already so much impaired by disease, was capable
of supporting; he sunk under the accumulation of
misfortunes, and died in the beginning of Decern-

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THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 177

ber, to the profound grief of his family and
country, which were left by his decease in a truly
disconsolate situation.

No sooner was Bonaparte informed that the
hereditary Prince Ernest, now Duke of Cobourg,
was at the Prussian head-quarters, than he issued
a proclamation declaring- him his particular enemy,
and caused formal possession to be taken of his
territories. A French intendant and commandant
were appointed exclusively for Cobourg; all the
property belonging to the ducal family was seized,
a very heavy contribution imposed upon the
country, which had already suffered most severely
from the passage of great part of the French
army, from the battle of Saalfeld, and from the
consequent plunder of the town and environs.

During this period of distress, Prince Leopold
remained with his afflicted mother, who, but for
him, would have been entirely deserted, attentively
watching over the interests of his family.

It was not till the peace of Tilsit, that, by a par-
ticular stipulation, the House of Saxe-Cobourg-
Saalfeld was reinstated in its possessions.

In 1808, Duke Ernest went to Russia, and
resided there for some time. During his absence,
Prince Leopold devoted his assiduous attention
to the administration of the duchy. Since that
period his brother has never failed to consult him
on all concerns, whether internal or external, of
the House of Cobourg; and whenever he has not
been himself absent on his travels, he has exclu-
sively superintended various branches of the admi-
nistration.

In the same year, Prince Leopold accompanied
the Emperor of Russia, and his brother-in-law
the Grand-duke Constantine, to the interview
which Napoleon had appointed at Erfurt.

As Napoleon became better acquainted with
the active exertions of the brothers against him, it
8. z

178 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

was no wonder that he should grow more jealous
of these Princes, and more attentive to their pro-
ceedings. In consequence of this mistrust, he
twice demanded that Prince Ferdinand should
retire from the Austrian service; and, in 1810, that
Pritice Leopold also should quit the Russian army,
in which he had been a General ever since the year
1803.

Whoever knows the power with which such
demands were calculated to operate at that time
on a German Prince, will not fail to admire the
firmness of Prince Leopold, who still hoped that
he should not be obliged to leave the Russian
service, and went to Paris to remonstrate on the
subject. He there found the government highly
incensed, and was bluntly assured, that in case of
his farther refusal to comply, Napoleon would be
necessitated to take the possessions of the House
of Cobourg from his brother, the reigning Duke.
The affections of the Prince were not proof
against this threat ; it produced the desired effect,
and Leopold sacrificed his own inclination and his
military prospects to the welfare of his family. The
Emperor of Russia granted his request, — that he
might tacitly retain his military rank, till better times
should permit him publicly to resume it.

When, towards the end of 1811, the political
horizon began to be once more overcast, and a
new prospect of a happier result was afforded,
Prince Leopold, unable any longer to endure his
constrained inactivity, again tendered his services
to the Emperor of Russia ; but Alexander, appre-
hensive lest a premature step might endanger his
family, begged to defer the fulfilment of his wish
to a more seasonable time.

In 1813, Prince Leopold went to Munich, to
pave the way for happy changes, and in February
proceeded to Poland, to the Emperor of Russia,
who received him with cordial friendship. Here

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 179

he communicated to Field-marshal Kutusoff much
important information respecting the state of things
in Germany, and the condition of the French army;
and thus acquired the honour of being the first
Prince of the then-existing Confederation of the
Rhine, who openly declared against France.

The allied army now marched from Poland to
Silesia and Saxony. On the 2d of May, Prince
Leopold was in the battle of Lutzen, and the
following day with the Russian cavalry formed
part of the rear-guard. The Prince was after-
wards sent in forced marches toward the Elbe,
to the support of the Prussian General Kleist ; but
his destination was changed, and he returned to
Lusatia.

On the 19th of May, the Prince marched to
the support of General Barclay, but was recalled
to assist on the 20th and 21st in the battle of
Bautzen. In this engagement he was employed in
supporting the line on various points, and in the
evening of the second day, he covered the retreat,
amidst the hottest fire, with that serenity which is
the property of genuine courage. After the battle,
he retired to Silesia, with the corps of cavalry to
which he was attached.

During the armistice, and the negociations at
Prague, Prince Leopold repaired, with the consent
of the Emperor of Russia, to that city, and was
the only stranger who was there admitted to several
interviews with the Emperor Francis.

On the expiration of the armistice, the Prince
proceeded with the army to Bohemia, and thence
to the frontiers of Saxony. The main force of the
allies was already before Dresden, while the
cavalry reserve was engaged in the more difficult
march across the mountains. On the- 26th of
August, Vandamme briskly attacked the corps
posted near the fortress of Konigstein to cover
the rear of the grand army, and the principal com-

J80 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

munications with Bohemia, and commanded by
Prince Eugene of \\ irtemberg. This General
urgently solicited a reinforcement of cavalry, that
be might be enabled to maintain his highly import-
ant position agaifist a very superior enemy ; and
about noon, Prince Leopold was in consequence
detached with his cuirassiers to his assistance.
Scarcely had the Prince joined the corps, when
the enemy commenced the attack. The infantry,
on account of its weakness, was posted on the
wings, and supported upon two villages; while
Prince Leopold and his cavalry formed the centre.
This precarious position did Leopold maintain,
during a contest of five hours against a foe three or
four times as numerous, and after the two wings
of the corps were almost completely surrounded,
wilh such unshaken intrepidity, that night came
on before the enemy had been able to gain any
decisive advantage, or force the position. Eugene
paid that tribute to the Prince which he amply
deserved ; for by his firmness he had not only
saved the whole corps, but rendered it impossible
for Vandannne to make an attack, either in flank
or rear, on the main army of the allies engaged
on the 27th of August with the assault of Dres-
dt n, which would necessarily have been attended
with the most disastrous consequences.

On the 27th of August, the corps took a position
on the other side of Pirna. As the importance of
the action of the 2o*th, and the possibility of a less
fortunate result was sensibly felt at the head-
quarters; the first division of the Russian guards,
under the brave General Yermolof, and the regi-
ment of hussars of the guard, were sent to reinforce
tin- corps at Pirna. The whole was placed under
the orders of Count Ostermann, who gave to Prince
Leopold the command of the cavalry of the com-
bined corps.

The enemy stormed Pirna, and sought with his

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE- AUGUSTA. 181

cavalry to extend himself upon the level ground
near the Elbe, when Prince Leopold met and drove
him back into the town, from which he did not
again attempt to debouch; as the dreadful weather,
which was one cause of the retreat of the grand
army, prevented any thing more decisive than an
incessant skirmishing.

Count Ostermann, being informed of the retreat
of the grand army towards Bohemia, found his
corps was in a very perilous situation ; he therefore
ordered Prince Leopold to proceed, if possible,
with his cavalry through the defile, upon which the
right wing was supported, and to occupy and main-
tain a plain near Great Cotta, which is traversed
by the main road to the woody range of mountains.
Leopold executed the movement with such rapidity,
that the enemy had not time to occupy this plain
in sufficient force ; he drove him from it, and main-
tained his position there till the main body of the
corps, with the infantry and ail the artillery, had
effected its retreat. The enemy had, meanwhile,
reached, by a shorter route, and occupied some of
the heights and passes in the mountains, and thus
almost intercepted the Prince and his cavalry; but
with great difficulty he forced his way through, and
on this occasion rescued , many wounded of the
infantry of the Russian guard, who had heroically
stormed the passes.

The position of Peterswalde was the last that
Ostermann's corps could take in the mountains, to
afford time for the retreat of the main army ; and
it was therefore successfully maintained, though
not without considerable effort. Here the assem-
bled Generals received intelligence that the main
army was still in the mountains, and that the grand
head-quarters of the allies were yet at Altenberg,
in Saxony. It was therefore determined to cover
the road to Toplitz, in order to gain the grand
army as much time as possible for debouching.

182 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

On the 29th of August the troops were accord-
ingly to have continued their march at a very early
hour ; but before they could break up, the French
cavalry, supported by a very considerable division
of infantry, attacked the village of Peterswalde,
which was occupied as the advanced guard of the
line of encampment, with infantry, pushed forward
through it, and was on the point of falling upon
the columns that were about to march, when Prince
Leopold came up with his cavalry, and drove back
the enemy into the defile. He then maintained the
little plain near Peterswalde, till the infantry and
artillery had retired to the position of Nollendorf,
and then caused his cavalry to fall back en echelons.
He was himself nearly taken, with the last division;
but he cut his way through, and rejoined the main
body of the corps, which, but for the successful
attack of the Prince, would probably have been
totally intercepted. This action, doubtless, gave
rise to the false report in one of Napoleon's bul-
letins, subsequent to the affairs near Dresden, that
Prince Leopold had been made prisoner by the
French.

Ostermann's corps, though considerably dimi-
nished, now proceeded in the best order down the
declivity of the mountains into the plains of Bo-
hemia. The left wing* which was supported upon
the mountains, was formed by the infantry ; in the
centre, through which ran the high road, was sta-
tioned the greatest part of the artillery ; and the
right wing, composed of Prince Leopold's cavalry,
occupied an open plain. As the chief object was
to gain time, every advantageous spot of ground,
which was capable of detaining the enemy ever so
little, was defended with the utmost obstinac)\
Prince Leopold therefore manoeuvred with his ca-
calry en ec/iiquier, and never withdrew to a new
position, which it was necessary to take every sixty
or a hundred paces, till the tirailleurs of the in-

5

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 183

fantry had fallen back into the intervals of his
order of battle. The enemy, who renewed his
attacks with increased impetuosity, made an extra-
ordinary effort to force the last position of the
corps near the village of Prisen, with a tremen-
dously superior artillery. The loss of this position
would have rendered the retreat of the main allied
army from the mountains in a great measure im-
practicable; it was therefore imperatively necessary
that it should be maintained to the very last man.
As the French General Corbineau was advancing to
attack Prince Leopold, with a corps of cavalry at
least thrice as numerous, the Prince went to meet,
and repulsed him. The French General, staggered
by the intrepidity of his opponents, though so
inferior in number, lost the decisive moment of
victory ; and as the Prince received a considerable
reinforcement of cavalry, and fresh troops conti-
nued to arrive from the mountaius, he was enabled
to maintain his position till night.

On the morning of the 30th of August, before
the conflict was renewed, Prince Leopold received,
on the field of battle, from the Emperor of Russia,
the cross of commander of the military order of
St. George, for his conduct during the preceding
days.

The other allied Sovereigns, as well as the Em-
peror Alexander, acknowledged with the greatest
satisfaction the important part which Prince
Leopold had contributed to the success of the
operations which led to the capture of Vandamme
with almost all his army, and he was presented
with the Austrian military order of Maria Theresa;
having before received many honourable distinc-
tions of the same kind from the Sovereigns of
Russia, Prussia, Bavaria, and other Princes.

In the beginning of October, the allied army
returned to Saxony.

On the 16th of October, the first day of the

184 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

battle of Leipzig, when the enemy had made a
general, and not. unsuccessful attack with cavalry
upon the centre of the main army posted near the
villages of Magdeborn and Cossa, the honourable
service of covering not only this important point,
but also the Russian batteries planted opposite
to those of the French, was allotted to Prince
Leopold, who on this occasion lost a great num-
ber of his men. On the J 7th he continued in the
same position, and had already received orders
for the attack of the enemy's batteries, when it
was deferred till the following day, on account of
the non-arrival of several corps which were ex-
pected. On the 18th, the last and decisive daj
of this gigantic conflict, the Prince pushed on
with his cavalry in the centre, to the environs of
Leipzig. Jn the afternoon, when the left wing,
under General Coloredo, was very furiously at-
tacked by the French, it was asked what cavalry
would go to the support of this wing? Though a
greater force was wanted than Leopold had with
him, he nevertheless offered himself, as there was
no Austrian cavalry at hand, and went to the
assistance of Coloredo. On the 19th he marched
to the support of General Giulay, and followed the
advanced guard and this corps to the vicinity of
Erfurt.

Prince Leopold then proceeded to Frankfort,
where he remained during the residence of the allied
Sovereigns in that city, and afterwards went through
Swabia and Switzerland to France. Here he was
detached on the 30th of January, 1814, to the sup-
port of field-marshal Blucher and General Rajefsky
to Rizaucourt, whence he returned on the 1st of
February to the grand army. From a bivouac near
Bar-sur-Aube he marched to the battle of Brienne,
and assisted on the 2d to pursue the beaten enemy
to Lesniout. The Prince then marched to Bar-sur-
Seine and Troves, and afterwards to Nogent-sur-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 185

Seine, Trainel, and Braye, whence the army again
retreated.

On the 12th of March, the Prince, as well as the
greater part of the Russian troops belonging to the
main army, advanced upon the road to Vitry.
After the French had recovered Rheims, and occu-
pied Chalons, the Prince formed the advanced guard
towards the roads leading to those places. In this
service the troops, already extremely fatigued by the
repeated night marches and incessant manoeuvres in
an exhausted and desolated country, and continually
harassed moreover by the armed peasants, who were
particularly troublesome in Champagne, had to en-
dure extraordinary hardships and inconveniences.

Till the 20th of March the enemy was daily
expected to make a general attack upon the right
wing of the army, which therefore occupied all its
positions in readiness for battle. When, however,
the enemy on the 20th suddenly retired from the
Marne to the Aube, the allied troops of the right
wing marched to the left upon Arcis, by which
movement the main army effected its junction. The
French now made a very impetuous attack, which
the allied army repulsed with the greatest firmness ;
on which occasion the Prince had to support the
right wing. On the morning of the 2 1st, Leopold
was sent forward with his cavalry, part of the Prus-
sian guard, and a reinforcement of horse artillery,
to form a communication with the corps of the
Prince-royal of Wirtemberg, which had not yet
come completely into line. The enemy, apparently
deterred from an attack upon the allies by their
excellent position, occupied Arcis as a rear-guard
position, and retired upon the road to Vitry. At
night-fall the allied army also marched again to the
left bank of the Aube, and then likewise directed
its course towards the Marne, when the Prince
formed the support of the advanced guard upon
Vitry.

8. 2 a

186 MEMOIRS Ol' HEfi li()\ ili HIGHNESS

On the 24th of March tlie allied army took the
road to Paris, and on the 25th its advanced guard
attacked Marshal Marmont at la Fere Champenoise.
The Prince beiog sent with his cavalry to the sup-
port of this advanced guard, attacked the enemy in
the right flank at Conuentrai, drove him from his
position, and took five pieces of cannon. Being-
joined by the rest of the allied cavalry, he followed
the Marshal from position to position, and did not
desist from the pursuit, even when the greatest part
of the allied cavalry was recalled against the corps
of General Pactod. Marshals Marmont and Mortier,
who had by this time formed a junction, profiting
by the consequent weakness of the pursuers, sent
their cavalry to attack the artillery of the Russian
guard. Prince Leopold took this attack in flank,
drove back the French cavalry to an elevated posi-
tion which the Marshals had occupied, saved the
Russian artillery, and, in spite of a very brisk fire,
maintained his post till night.

The troops of the grand army were not again
engaged till the battle of Paris. On the 31st of
March, Prince Leopold entered Paris with the
reserve cavalrv, and there remained in garrison.
He accompanied the Sovereigns to England, and
sailed with them in the Impregnable from Boulogne
to Dover. He continued here about a month after
the Sovereigns, and left England suddenly at the
end of July.

In the beginning of September he repaired to
Vienna, to the Congress, for the purpose of pro-
moting to the utmost of his power the independence
of his native land, and the interests of his family.

Leopolds politics, sound as his understanding
and his heart, could not chime in with all the max-
ims which were broached there. He could not,
above all, convince himself, that it was just to
sacrifice the right of one to the convenience and
power of another; and though he duly weighed the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 187

many clashing political interests, he found it im-
possible to admit the paramount cogency of those
reasons upon which the partition of Saxony was
decreed.

The Congress acknowledged the services which
the Princes of the House of Cobourg had never
ceased, during the last ten years, to render to
their cause, as well as the sacrifices that had been
made by them, and therefore granted an indemnity ;
which, though afterwards diminished by imperious
political considerations, was nevertheless not incon-
siderable. This business was exclusively con-
ducted by Prince Leopold during the last decisive
months, and to him alone is to be ascribed its happy
issue.

On the return of Bonaparte to France, Prince
Leopold hastened from Vienna to the grand allied
army on the Rhine, which soon afterwards reached
Paris. On the termination of the war, the affairs
of his family detained him for some time in the
French capital, after which he proceeded by way
of Coboursr to Berlin : and here it was that the invi-
tation of the Prince Regent (of which we shall treat
in the next chapter) intimated to him the honour to
which he was called.

In his early youth, this Prince manifested an
excellent understanding, and a tender and bene-
volent heart. As he advanced in years he displayed
a strong attachment to literary and scientific pursuits,
and even at that time all his actions were marked
with dignified gravity, and unusual moderation.
His propensity to study was seconded by the efforts
of an excellent instructor; and as he remained a
stranger to all those dissipations with which persons
of his age and rank are commonly indulged, his
attainments, so early as his fifteenth year, were very
extensive. His extraordinary capacity particularly
unfolded itself in the study of the languages, his-
tory, mathematics, botany, music, and drawing; in

188 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

which last he has made a proficiency that would be
creditable to a professor.

The vicissitudes to which his house was exposed
from French hostility, seem only to have contributed
to preserve the purity of his morals ; and they have
certainly had a most powerful influence in the deve-
lopement of that rare moderation, that ardent love
of justice, and that manly firmness, which are the
predominant traits in the character of this Prince.

Necessitated at so early an age to attend to a
variety of diplomatic business, he acquired partly
in this school, and partly in his extensive travels, a
thorough knowledge of men in all their relations ;
and though his experience has not always been of
the most agreeable kind, still it has not been able
to warp the kindness and benevolence of his nature.

In his campaigns, and in the field of battle, where
all false greatness disappears, Leopold has given
the most undeniable proofs of courage, and that
clear intelligence and unshaken fortitude which are
so essential in a warrior and a prince. With such
qualities of the head and heart, with a character
and principles that so completely harmonize with
the feelings, the notions, nay even the prejudices of
the British nation, this illustrious Prince authorized
ns to anticipate, from his union with the Heiress
to the throne, results equally conducive to the
welfare of the people at large, and to the happiness
of that distinguished family of which he became a
member.

Some ridiculous misrepresentations having ap-
peared concerning the extent of territory and pecu-
niary resources of the House of Cobourg ; it is
necessary to state, that previously to the treaty of
Congress, signed at Vienna in 1815, the possessions
of the House of Saxe-Cobourg-Saalfeld comprised
17' German miles, with a population, according to
the census taken in 1812, of 57,-266 souls. They

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 189

contain eight towns, and 270 villages and hamlets.
The revenues of the Prince amounted, in 1806, to
425,413 florins, or nearly £50,000 sterling. The
inhabitants, as well as the reigning family, belong
to the Lutheran Church ; and are chiefly employed
in trade and manufactures. The above mentioned
treaty secures to the Duke of Cobourg-Saalfeld an
additional territory of such extent, as to com-
prise 20,000 inhabitants ; so that his dominions
and resources will be thereby increased about one
third.

We subjoin the following Abstract from the Pedigree
of the House of Saxe-Cobourg-Saalfeld.

John-Ernest, seventh son of Ernest the Pious,
was the founder of this House, originally called
Saxe-Saalfeld, till, upon obtaining the principality
of Cobourg, it assumed the above title.

Christian-Ernest and Francis-Josias, governed
jointly after the death of their father in 1729; till
the decease of Christian Ernest, in 1757, left his
brother the sole possessor. He died in 1764.

Ernest-Frederick, died in 1800.

Francis-Frederick-Anthony, married, first, in
1776, Ernestina-Frederica-Sophia, daughter of Duke
Ernest-Frederick-Charles, of Saxe-Hildburghausen,
who died in the same year; and secondly, in 1777,
Augusta-Carolina-Sophia, daughter of Count Henry
XXIV. Reuss of Ebersdorf, by whom he had
issue :

Ernest-Anthony-Charles-Lewis, the reigning Duke,
born Jan. 2, 1784, succeeded his father, Dec. 3,
1806.

190 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

His brothers and sisters are; —

Sopbia-Frederica-Carolioa-Louisa, born Aug. 18,
1778, and married in 1804 to Count Mensdorf, a
Colonel in the Austrian service.

Antoinetta-Ernestina-Amelia, born Aug. 19, 1779,
married in 1798 to Charles- Alexander-Frederick,
brother to the King of Wirtemberg, a General in the
Russian service, and Governor of Livonia, Esthonia,
and Courland.

Juliana-Henrietta-Ulrica, born Sept. 23, 1781,
married in 1790 to the Grand-duke Constantine of
Russia, when she assumed the name of Anne-
Feodorowna.

Ferdinand-George-Augustus, born March 28,
1785.

Maria-Louisa- Victoria, born Aug. 17, 1786, mar-
ried in 1803 to Prince Emich-Charles, of Leiningen,
by whom she has been left a widow.

Leopold-George-Christian-Frederick, born
Dec. 16, 1790, married May 2, 1816, to Her Royal
Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 191

CHAP. V.

Indisposition of the Princess Charlotte. — Residence
at Weymouth. — Anecdotes. — Visits the Isle of
Portland and Abbotsbury Castle. — Marine Excur-
sions.— Returns to Cranboum Lodge. — Appear-
ance at the Queen's Drawing-room. — Visits her
Royal Father at Brighton. — Anecdote of the
Prince Regent. — Prince Leopold recalled. — Anec-
dote.— Parliamentary Provision for the Marriage.
— Claremont, Spe. — Preparations for the Nuptials,
Marriage Ceremony, SfC. — Residence at Clare-
mont, fyc. — Miscarriages and fined Pregnancy of
the Princess. — Poem, called, Hie Quarrel of the
Months for the Royal Infant.

ALTHOUGH the cause of Prince Leopold's
abrupt departure from London, could only be
conjectured, His Serene Highness having set out
for the Continent without acquainting any one
with his intentions ; the Princess Charlotte soon
perceived that her second invitation would not
have been thus left unnoticed, unless something
unusual had occurred ; and hence it was not long
before she informed herself of all that had taken
place. It has been said that an epistolary corre-
spondence was commenced from the time of the
first meeting of the Princess with Prince Leopold
at the Pulteney Hotel, and continued every fort-
night until their marriage; and some have even
asserted, that the Princess of Wales herself was
the bearer of a letter from her beloved Daughter
to Prince Leopold, who is also said to have had
an interview with Her Royal Highness, shortly
after she left this country : all this is however

5

102 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

irreconcileable with the circumstances attending
the departure of the Prince of Cobourg from
England, and with subsequent events which we
shall shortly have to detail. The improbable report
of the Princess of Wales having become the me-
dium of clandestine communication between the
Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold, so imme-
diately after the Prince Regent had signified that
he could not sanction the intercourse, is certainly
deserving of no credit; and the probability there-
fore appears to be, that the correspondence alluded
to, must have been that in which the illustrious
lovers were afterwards engaged.

No doubt, however, now remains, that the unex-
pected departure of the Prince for the Continent,
was the principal cause of that decline in her
health which Her Royal Highness soon after-
wards experienced. She had also about this
time to endure a painful succession of most harass-
ing circumstances. The unhappy dissensions of
her august Parents had been the source of conti-
nual sorrow to her affectionate heart; and even
the apparently amicable arrangement which ter-
minated those dissensions, became a fresh cause
of grief to her mind, when she found that her
Mother had finally resolved to leave the kingdom.
It has likewise been seen, that though the Princess
Charlotte was fully sensible of the distinguished
merits of the Prince of Orange, she did not feel
that decisive preference for His Royal Highness,
without which, she justly concluded, connubial
happiness cannot for a moment exist. No sooner,
therefore, had the Princess obtained information
of the true cause of Prince Leopolds hasty return
to the Continent, than she nobly determined to
dismiss the illustrious suitor, whom she found
herself unable to love, notwithstanding his acknow-
ledged high deserts. This necessary opposition
to the wishes of her august Father, who was

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 193

then entirely unacquainted with the secret inclina-
tion of his beloved Daughter in favour of her
destined husband, produced a great depression
of Her Royal Highness's spirits, especially as
every thing seemed then to wear a very unfavour-
able aspect : medical advice was therefore pro-
cured, after which the following certificate was
published;

" Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of
Wales, being still not altogether free from the
complaint in her right knee, and Her Royal High-
ness's general health being considerably impaired,
we recommend a residence on the sea-coast for
two or three months this autumn ; as the means
most likely to restore her general health, and to
cure what remains of the local affection,

July 6, 1314. (Signed) M. Baillie.

H. Cline.
R. Keate."

In consequence of this medical recommendation,
the Princess repaired to Weymouth, a place which,
in addition to its natural advantages, preferred a
strong claim to her attention and regard, in having
been the favourite resort of His Majesty; thither
Her Royal Highness immediately repaired : on
the 9th of September she left London, and arrived
at Gloucester Lodge on the following day ; a great
concourse of people were assembled on the
Esplanade awaiting her approach, who greeted
the amiable Princess with reiterated cheerings,
which she immediately returned with her usual
affability and condescension.

Early on the l*2th instant the royal standard
was displayed at the Custom House, while colours
were hoisted at Harvey's Library on the Espla-
nade, and on the shipping in the harbour. The
8. 2 b

194 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

worthy Mayor having announced that this day
the arrival of the Princess Charlotte was to be
celebrated, in the evening a general illumination
followed, which was the most brilliant that had
ever been seen at Weymouth,

Two days afterwards, the following loyal and
appropriate Address was presented to Her Royal
Highness, by the Mayor, Aldermen, and principal
Burgesses, of Weymouth :

" We, the Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, and principal Bur-
gesses, of the borough of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis,
entreat permission to address to your Royal Highness our
humble congratulations on your safe arrival here, and to
express our earnest wishes for the re-establishment of your
health.

" We regard the auspicious appearance of your Royal
Highness amongst us, not only as a happy omen of the
future prosperity of the town, but as a revival of the joy-
ful sensations we formerly experienced on the visits of your
august grandfather, the paternal Sovereign of a grateful
people.

" May the many public and private virtues which adorn
with peculiar lustre the character of our revered Monarch,
shine with undiminished splendour in the persons of his
illustrious descendants.

" Madam, we beg leave to assure your Royal Highness
of our strenuous exertions to preserve peace and good
order, and by every means in our power to anticipate
your wishes."

Her Royal Highness most graciously replied :

" Gentlemen, the Royal Family have so repeatedly ex-
perienced the loyalty and good-will of the inhabitants of
Weymouth, that they need no additional assurance of their
affection and duty.

" It will, however, I am sure, afford them very sincere
satisfaction to find, that time and absence have produced no
alteration whatever in their sentiments.

" To you, Gentlemen, who have shown me this parti-
cular mark of attention, and have so kindly expressed

2

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 195

your -wishes for the restoration of my health, I feel more
especially indebted ; nor can I, on this occasion, omit my
very sincere acknowledgments to all the inhabitants of this
town, for the very flattering- tokens of regard which they
have universally shewn me, and which I consider as a
proof of their undiminished attachment to my dear Father,
and the rest of the Royal Family.

" Believe me, Gentlemen, it will ever be my anxious wish
to merit your good opinion."

The Princess was exceedingly gratified by the
picturesque scenery with which the neighbourhood
of Weymouth abounds, and took her morning
rides upon the beautiful hills and downs in its
vicinity. Her favour'te drive is however said to
have been to the pretty village of Upway. These
excursions produced a visible improvement in her
health ; but the latent cause of her indisposition,
the disappointment which had occurred to delay,
if not wholly prevent, the completion of her wishes,
could not be thereby removed, though its un-
favourable effects upon her health were for a time
mitigated.

It appears that this was not the first visit Her
Royal Highness had paid to Weymouth ; for, not-
withstanding the burden which oppressed her own
mind, the amiable Princess, upon being requested
to extend her bounty to the family of a tradesman,
who had been removed by sudden death soon
after the second arrival of Her Royal Highness
at Weymouth, immediately recollected that he had
been employed by her during her first residence
at that place, and feeling deep concern for their
melancholy condition, made very particular in-
quiries concerning the circumstances of the widow
and her fatherless children ; and learning that one

196 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

of them was a promising lad, signified her gracious
intention of assisting his distressed relatives by
patronizing him. It is a very common and dan-
gerous, though certainly, on the part of benevolent
persons of high rank, a very amiable error, that, in
endeavouring to forward the interests of deserving
persons in low circumstances, they generally forget,
that by suddenly elevating them out of the humble
sphere of life in which they have been accustomed
to move, they expose the objects of their profuse
generosity to great hazards ; which have, in many
instances, entirely defeated their own kind inten-
tions. The youthful Princess appears to have been
perfectly aware of this general mistake; and pro-
vided for the advancement of the bov, whom she
had thus taken under her protection, with a depth
of judgment which would have done honour to riper
years, and of which the deserving object of her dis-
criminating charity is a living and a happy witness.
He was first put to school, by Her Royal Highness's
command, where he received an education adapted
to his station in life ; and after that was completed,
the Princess gave a premium of sixty guineas with
him, as apprentice to a most respectable tradesman,
with whom he now is ; having hitherto conducted
himself remarkably well, and affording, as his em-
ployer assures us, every reason to conclude that he
will continue to be an useful member of society,
and an honour to the benevolence and good sense
of his royal and lamented Patroness.

The Island of Portland, which lies to the south-
west of Weymouth, soon attracted the attention of
the Princess Charlotte, who undertook an excur-
sion, for the purpose of viewing its natural curiosities.
After a tedious passage, owing to an unfavourable
wind, she landed upon the island, and was surprised
to find it an immense mass of sterile rock ; abound-
ing, however, in quarries of freestone, ten thousand
tons of which are annually exported, for building

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA 197

the most magnificent structures ; such as the Cathe-
dral of St. Paul's, at London, which is all of Port-
land stone. The places where the Halsewell and
Abergavenny East Indiamen were lost, being pointed
out, the Princess requested to be informed of the
particulars of those dreadful shipwrecks: but it is
said, that none of her nautical attendants were able
to answer her inquiries ; but with how little proba-
bility of truth, the notoriety of all those distressing
circumstances makes it wholly unnecessary to state.
Her Royal Highness at length reluctantly quitted
the island ; and, owing to the rapidity of the tide,
which had turned against them, the Royal Party
did not arrive at Gloucester Lodge till late in the
evening.

Abbotsbury Castle, the seat of the Dowager
Countess of Ilchester, possessed great attractions
for Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte,
during her residence at Weymouth ; nor was the
politeness and kind attention of its noble possessor
the least of those attractions. The inquisitive mind
of the Princess soon led her to inquire the history
of this remarkable domain ; with the whole of which
she soon became acquainted. The village called
Abbotsbury, the Princess was informed, once be-
longed to a monastery of monks, of the Benedictine
order. These gentlemen, being lords of the manor,
and rather partial to good living, were particularly
tenacious of the rights and immunities attached to
the estate, and to those especially which tended to
procure a continual supply of delicacies for their
tables. In what manner their consciences disposed
of the austere rules of abstinence which they pre-
tended to observe, it would not be of much use to
inquire. All the fishermen, however, on this estate
were, by law, obliged to supply the monks every
morning with the first caught fish ; for which they
were promised a suitable price: but it appears that
the fixing of the price was left to the monks them-

108 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

selves, and that the poor fishermen were often very
scantily rewarded. This injustice awakened their
resentment, and gave such an edge to their ingenuity,
that one of them, more sagacious than his oppressed
;hbours, discovered that the ingenious lawyer,
) drew up their tenure, by inserting the evasive
words, first caught, had furnished the fishermen
with an excellent pretext for repaying the monks in
their own coin. Accordingly, one Friday, when
this devout brotherhood were accustomed to fast
on fish, instead of fine turbols and salmon, such as
the fishermen usually sent, three small pilchards
only were brought to the monastery ! Nothing could
exceed the consequent indignation of its famished
inmates. The fishermen were instantly called to
account for this unpardonable insult ; and with great
shrewdness and gravity replied, that the three pil-
chards were the first caught fish that day, and that
having delivered them, they had discharged their
legal obligation. This reasoning the monks could
not dispute, and were consequently compelled, by
the dread of altogether losing their supply, to come
to terms as to the price ; and they, therefore, agreed
to pay three-pence per pound for all the prime fish,
to be delivered every morning at the castle gate:
which ancient custom continues to the present day.

At Abbotsbury is a famous swannery ; with which
Her Royal Highness was much gratified, ami par-
ticularly desired to see in what manner the decoy
fowl enticed their own species to destruction. The
Princess is stated to have remarked, that she had
herself some knowledge of the manner by which it
s effected in human life; and she supposed the
devices were nearly the same in both cases, viz.
treachery and misplaced confidence; observing, that
the only difference she could trace in them was, that
the fowl were taught to deceive, while the baseness
of mankind appeared to proceed from their own cor-
rupted nature.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 199

Mr. Keate, an eminent surgeon, was sent down
from London to attend Her Royal Highness for the
local affection in her knee, which was the ostensible
cause of her journey to Weymouth, as it did not,
at this time, appear that an early cure could be
expected, and her general health was not entirely
established. About this time, Her Royal Highness
next embarked, on another aquatic excursion, on
board the Griper sloop of war, Captain M'Meekan.
The weather was exceedingly fine; the royal stand-
ard was hoisted, the yards manned, and a royal
salute fired ; which was returned by the Greyhound
revenue cutter, and greatly delighted the numerous
spectators, who greeted the Princess with loud accla-
mations, as she passed by to embark. After sailing
about many hours, and expressing the utmost grati-
fication, Her Royal Highness landed under a royal
salute from both men of war, amidst the joyful shouts
of a great concourse of people, who had assembled
to welcome her safe return. The band of the 13th
light dragoons struck up " God save the King," the
moment she disembarked ; at the same time, that of
the 39th foot continued playing " Rule Britannia,"
with the most admirable effect; while the royal
object of all these rejoicings returned the warm con-
gratulations of the admiring multitude in the most
affable and engaging manner.

Of her admirable conduct whilst at Weymouth,
an interesting anecdote has been recorded in the
public journals of that time, in the following words:
** During her residence on the coast, the Princess
took occasion to display one of those energetic
traits which have so distinguished her conduct.
Just before her departure from Weymouth, Her
Royal Highness being at sea in her yacht, the
Leviathan, of 74 guns, sailing near, brought to, and
fired a salute to the royal standard flying; and soon
after, Captain Nixon, who commanded her, rowed
on board the yacht, to pay his respects to the

200 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Princess. She received him on deck, and, after
the usual ceremonies, said, ■ Captain Nixon, your's
seems a very fine ship of war ; 1 should like much to
go on board her.' The Bishop* her aged preceptor,
standing by, asked whether she thought her illus-
trious Father might not disapprove of her passing in
an open boat through a rough sea? The immediate
answer to this was, ' Queen Elizabeth took great
delight in her navy, and was not afraid to go on
board a man of war in an open boat: then why
should I? Pray, Captain Nixon, have the good-
ness to receive me into your barge, and let me be
rowed on board the Leviathan ; for I am not only
desirous, but determined, to inspect her.' The
necessary preparations were made, and Her Royal
Highness passed down into Captain Nixon's barge,
followed by her two Ladies in attendance, with the
Bishop; and coming alongside the Leviathan, the
yards were instantly manned, and a chair of state
let down. The Princess desired it to be re-hoisted,
saying, * I prefer going up in the manner that a sea-
man does : you, Captain Nixon, will kindly follow
me, taking care of my clothes; and, when 1 am on
deck, the chair may be let down for the other
Ladies and the Bishop.' No sooner said than done ;
and Her Royal Highness ascended with a facility
that astonished the whole delighted crew. The
royal suite being upon deck, the ship's officers
were severally introduced. Her Royal Highness
expressed great surprise at the space and strength
of the ship, and remarked, ' Well might such noble
structures be called the Wooden Walls of Old Eng-
land !' She now told Captain Nixon, that she
should not be satisfied with an introduction to his
state cabin, as she was very anxious to see every
part of his ship between decks, and even below:
accordingly he accompanied Her Royal Highness
down, when she inspected every birth, the cockpit,
powder magazine, store-holds, &c. and, on her

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 201

return upon deck, gave her thanks to Captain Nixon
and the attendant officers in the most gracious
terms, assuring them, that they had afforded an
exhibition of more interest to her mind, than any
she had hitherto beheld. The Princess having pre-
sented a purse to Captain Nixon, desiring him to
apply it for the crew, as a token of her respect for
them, descended down the ship's side as she went
up, under a royal salute, and the more gratifying
cheers of the loyal and hearty crew of a British man
of war."

This anecdote entirely proves the truth of the
remark, that Queen Elizabeth was the model upon
which Her Royal Highness intended to form, her
political character : we shall, hereafter, have suffi-
cient occasion to show, that the Princess was aware
of the particular defects of that celebrated Sovereign,
and did not intend to imitate her indiscriminately,
but in those things onlv which constituted the real
glories of her reign.

The last marine excursion of the Princess Char-
lotte took place a few days before Her Royal High-
ness left Weymouth, on board the Zephyr ; in which
vessel she had often undertaken short trips to sea,
which, together with the frequent use of the sea-
bath, greatly promoted the gradual restoration of
her bodily health ; so that, at length, her expected
convalescence was announced by the medical at-
tendants, and her speedy departure from Weymouth
determined.

On her way from Weymouth to Cranbourn Lodge,
the Princess arrived at Salisbury, where the Lord
Bishop of the diocese received her at his palace,
and entertained Her Royal Highness in the evening
with a select vocal concert. She visited, and mi-
nutely inspected, every part of the beautiful cathe-
dral on the following morning; and on the same
day visited Wilton, the seat of the Earl of Pem-
broke, where she partook of a cold collation, and
9. 2 c

202 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

was exceedingly gratified with the curious and
valuable collection of fine sculpture and paint-
ings. On the following day, Her Royal Highness,
after inspecting and purchasing some specimens
of the Salisbury cloth manufactory, left that place,
expressing herself highly gratified with her re-
ception.

Two days afterwards the Princess arrived at
Cranbourn Lodge, and the day following that on
which she arrived, Her Royal Highness paid her
respects to her royal grandmother the Queen, and
to her aunts the Princesses. But the interview be-
tween the Princess and her Royal Father, which
took place a day or two afterwards, and lasted two
hours, was most affecting. On the one side, it pre-
sented a truly gratifying display of parental affection,
and of filial love on the other.

The necessity of repairing Cranbourn Lodge,
induced the Princess to leave that abode on the
11th of April, 1815, and take up her residence at
Carlton House. Her Royal Highness had not ap-
peared formally at court since the allied Sovereigns
were in London, but she suddenly made her appear-
ance at the Queen's drawing-room, on the 18th of
May, 1815, which being the only one that had
occurred for ten months, was, of course, unusually
crowded. The Princess arrived early at Bucking-
ham House, where the drawing room was held, and
was indulged in dressing there on the occasion.
Her dress was exceedingly beautiful, consisting of
gold lama and white draperies, over a rich white
satin petticoat, elegantly adorned with brilliant gold
tassels. A superb trimming of blond lace, headed
with a wreath of gold twisted trimming and rich
white satin, appeared beneath the draperies. Her
train was of white satin, richly figured, the body
exquisitely trimmed with rich gold and blond lace.
The head-dress consisted of an elegant plume of
ostrich feathers, above a beautiful diadem of bril-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 20S

Hants; while the necklace and ear-rings were of the
most costly and dazzling diamonds.

The Princess Charlotte having been informed, that
the Queen and Princesses were about to visit her
Royal Father, at the pavilion at Brighton, was
invited to accompany them. On her arrival at
Brighton, she is represented to have been in high
health and spirits, to the great joy of the Prince
Regent; with whom her meeting was exceedingly
affectionate. The Princess, though her health had
been apparently re-established, was, however, still
obliged to decline animal food, and confine herself
to a very strict regimen ; from which she had often
reaped the greatest benefits.

The death of the Duke of Brunswick at Quatre
Bras, two days before the tremendous conflict at
Waterloo, plunged the whole Royal Family into
mourning; but affected no one more than the Princess
Charlotte, who did not appear in public for many
days, and was long inconsolable for the loss of so
near a relative.

During the visit which the Princess paid to her
Royal Father at Brighton, the Austrian ambassador,
Prince Esterhazy, who was among the distinguished
visitors there, acquired her particular esteem. This
accomplished statesman is said to have conversed
with Her Royal Highness in German only, at her
particular desire, as she wished to obtain the correct
pronunciation of that language, and hear it spoken
in its utmost purity.

The birth-day of the Princess, Jan. 7, 1817,
falling on a Sunday, was not celebrated till the fol-
lowing day ; upon which it was observed with great
magnificence. After a sumptuous entertainment,
music succeeded, and the party did not separate
till a late hour, after having been highly gratified
with the gracious attentions of their illustrious host;
who, having been recently attacked with a fit Of 'he
gout, could not participate activ in tin >m

204 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

entertainments of his distinguished guests, but dis-
played the utmost hilarity; and speaking of his
troublesome disorder, jocularly said to his physician,
" The gout is to the constitution, what the weasel is
to a farmer's barn; the weasel keeps away minor
reptiles, the gout minor disorders : I have, however,
no appetite for the gout, Doctor; and therefore do
not wisli it in my stomach."

There is considerable reason to conclude, that
the affectionate intercourse which now happily sub-
sisted between the Princess and her illustrious and
Royal Father, led to the Prince Regent's discovery,
that his beloved daughter had irrevocably placed
her affections upon Prince Leopold ; since whose
unexpected departure, her health, principally owing
to the dejection of her mind, had generally been in
an unsettled state. It is of little consequence in
what manner the real cause of Her Royal Highness's
indisposition first became known to the Prince
Regent; for certain it is, that with all the tenderness
of the most indulgent parent, he immediately caused
a letter to be dispatched, inviting Prince Leopold
to return. Mr. Vick, the messenger, having ascer-
tained that Prince Leopold had left Cobourg for
Berlin, set out from Paris for the Prussian capital;
where he arrived at three o'clock in the morning,
and found the Princfr-ih bed, but insisted upon the
immediate delivery of the letter. His Serene High-
ness had no sooner risen, and read it, than he wrote
a letter to the Princess Charlotte; which he imme-
diately gave to Mr. Vick, saying, " You must not go
to bed, but set off instantly on your return. I shall
follow you in a few hours." The faithful messenger
accordingly did not stop another moment, but hur-
ried back to Calais with the letter; which, for secu-
rity, he placed in a small portmanteau, containing,
among other things, a bottle of genuine French
brandy ; by the assistance of which, he intended to
keep off the qualms and sea-sickness, while crossing-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 205

the Channel. The jolly tars belonging to the packet,
however, not knowing the brittle contents of this
portmanteau, used it so roughly, that they broke the
bottle ; and Prince Leopold's letter to the Princess
Charlotte was thus literally steeped in brandy!
Mr. Vick was, of course, greatly distressed at this
awkward accident, though neither he, nor a friend
who accompanied him from Paris, and to whom we
are obliged for the knowledge of this diverting inci-
dent, could help heartily laughing, while they alter-
nately relieved each other in the task of toasting the
letter before the fire, in order, if possible, to extract
the tell-tale fragrance of the intoxicating spirit, with
which it had been so thoroughly saturated ; and even
the good-humoured Princess herself, to whom the
whole of this merry affair was told, shortly after
her happy marriage, was exceedingly amused with
the ludicrous situation and apprehensions of the
parties concerned.

On the 21st of February, 1816, Prince Leopold
landed at Dover, where the inhabitants assembled
to see him, and greeted him with loud acclamations.
His Serene Highness instantly set off for Town;
where Lord Castlereagh, as principal Secretary of
State, waited upon the Prince at the Clarendon
Hotel, to congratulate him, and to learn his pleasure
as to his future arrangements. His Lordship imme-
diately afterwards dispatched a message, with the
result of the interview, to the Prince Regent, at
Brighton; and at ten o'clock the same evening,
Sir Benjamin Bloomfield arrived in London, from
the Pavilion, and waited upon Lord Castlereagh
with a communication from the Prince Regent at
Brighton, containing an invitation to Prince Leopold
to repair to the Pavilion, where, as he immediately
accepted it, he was soon domesticated ; and a few
days afterwards introduced to his destined bride.

It has been judiciously remarked, that the most
dangerous, as well as most important, action of

206 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

human life, to either sex, is that which determines
thfe choice of a husband or a wife. Common ob-
servation supplies us with abundant confirmation
of the truth of this remark, which applies in a great
de.irree to all ranks of society; though it is to be
deplored, that the majority of each rank disregard
it, and consequently furnish the unprincipled and
dissolute with the sorry plea of the frequency of
unhappy marriages, to countenance them in pre-
ferring a selfish, or even a profligate celibacy, to
that honourable state. To the minds of such per-
sons, the conduct of the Princess Charlotte must
carry home more forcible arguments than the most
cogent reasoner could adduce. The difficulty of
making a proper choice was, in her case, almost
increased to an impossibility ; and yet we find her
magnanimously declining an union which, to any
other female, might probably have proved an irre-
sistible temptation, in order to prefer the more
suitable object of her choice. This action was so
truly noble and princely, that had our lamented
Princess distinguished herself by no other striking
traits of a correct and virtuous disposition, com-
bined with that high spirit and energetic character
which well became the Heiress to the first throne
in the world, she would have thereby established a
lasting claim upon our gratitude and admiration.

Prince Leopold had not been long at the Pavilion
before he manifested how truly he deserved the
title of a Protestant Prince, by the decidedly reli-
gious turn of mind which he evinced upon receiving
the sacrament for the first time during his residence
at Brighton ; after which, he addressed a letter to
the Princess, informing her of his having commu-
nicated, and imparting to her the sentiments which
he then felt impressed upon his mind. His Serene
Highness also displayed the greatest anxiety to
acquire speedily a competent knowledge of English
history and literature; to which purpose he dedi-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE- AUGUSTA. 207

cated his leisure hours, in order to prepare himself
for the high destiny which he was called to enjoy.

The very interesting situation in which Prince
Leopold was placed at the Pavilion, made it unne-
cessary to observe the usual formalities ; and he
was therefore immediately received into the Royal
circle, as a member of the family who had for a
time been absent. Here the manly openness which
distinguished all his actions, and the elegance of
his manners, were universally admired. It does,
however, appear, notwithstanding the good-will of
all the parties concerned, some cause of demur
existed, which delayed the final arrangements for
the Royal nuptials. The following demi-official
bulletin, which appeared in the public prints, seems
to intimate, that the delay arose from the same
fixed determination of the Princess never to leave
England, even upon a visit to the native country of
her intended husband, which she always evinced
during the progress of the negociations for the
projected marriage with the Prince of Orange :

"There seems to be somewhat of a too confident
expectation entertained, that the union of Prince
Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg with the Heiress of the
British crown, will take place without any previous
ceremony or delay. We have heretofore expressed
our satisfaction at the prospect of a matrimonial
alliance, which might be agreeable to Her Royal
Highness's personal sentiments, and might lay the
foundation for her future happiness, private and
public ; but still we think it is proceeding a little
too fast to speak of Prince Leopolds being received
at the Pavilion ' with the most enthusiastic wel-
come by the Duke of Clarence;' nay, to denominate
him at once ' the favoured husband of the Princess.'
The truth, we have good reason to believe, is, that
Her Royal Highness, however favourable her
opinion of Prince Leopold may be, is not by any
2

208 MEMOIRS OP HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

means so blindly resolved on uniting her fate with
his, as to neglect the many important considerations
which are necessary to be first understood and
provided for on both sides, with a view to many
possible contingencies. We believe we hazard little
in saying, that the Princess entertains so firm an
attachment to her native country, that she would,
on no account whatever, incur the hazard of being
hereafter compelled to abandon it for a residence
with her husband on the Continent. Rumours
have prevailed, in some quarters, of an intention
to appoint Prince Leopold, Viceroy of Hanover;
but to this plan, it is understood, Her Royal
Highness has a decided objection. The people of
England cannot but enter warmly into any feelings
which mark an aversion in their future Sovereign
to be removed, for however short a period, from
English society, English manners, and English af-
fections : and if any parliamentary measure should
be necessary for the entire satisfaction of Her
Royal Highness's mind on this point, it would, no
doubt, be adopted with eagerness by both Houses."

This obstacle, however, was soon surmounted ;
and, on the 10th of March, a Privy Council was
convened at Brighton, for the express purpose of
considering the union , when His Royal Highness
officially signified his consent, and, in obedience to
his command, the Lord Chancellor sealed the
instrument, authorizing the nuptial ceremony, with
the Great Seal of England. Four days afterwards,
this important event was publicly notified to the
House of Lords, when the Earl of Liverpool
brought down the following message from the
Prince Regent:

" George P. R.

" His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, act-
ing in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 209

having given the royal consent to the marriage of
his daughter the Princess Charlotte-Augusta with
His Serene Highness Leopold-George-Frederick
Prince of Cobourg, has thought tit to communicate
his intentions to the House. His Royal High-
ness hopes, that it cannot but be gratifying to all
his faithful subjects ; and the many proofs he has
had of the attachment of this House, leave him
no doubt that they will enable him to make
such a provision for Her Royal Highness as
may be suitable to the honour and dignity of
these realms."

The Earl of Liverpool then addressed the House.
He had found upon investigation that it had been
the invariable practice, ou all occasions of deliver-
ing messages of this nature from the Crown, to
move an address upon it on the same day on
which it was delivered in ; and he was sure their
lordships would not be disposed now to pay less
respect to the royal message than had been paid
at former periods, and would be, therefore, anxious
to follow that course which had been uniformly
pursued on similar occasions. The object of the
message was of the highest importance, and must
be deeply interesting to their lordships, and to
all classes of His Majesty's subjects. Whatever
difference of opinion there might be among them
on political matters, they must all feel disposed
to concur in such measures as might be best calcu-
lated to promote the comfort and happiness of the
Royal Family. He was persuaded, therefore, that
he should be acting contrary to the feelings of the
House, if he were to detain their Lordships from
coming to a vote on the address which he was
about to propose, by entering into any detail of the
subject at present. But he felt it proper and due
to say, and he said so, not as using the words of
course, and expressions of mere compliment, but.
as having had an opportunity of ascertaining the
9. 2 d

210 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

fact from the best sources of information, that,
with respect to the illustrious Prince upon whom
His Royal Highness the Prince Regent had thought
proper to bestow his Daughter in marriage, he
believed there was on the continent of Europe but
one sentiment and opinion as to his personal merits
and respectability. He was not now speaking of
the opinion merely of the members of that illus-
trious Person's own house and family, but of the
general opinion and sentiment of all the courts of
Europe ; of the opinion of his equals and his infe-
riors ; all of whom agreed in bearing testimony to
the propriety of his conduct and the goodness of his
character. This was not the time to say any thing
as to the provision which it might be fitting to
make for these illustrious Persons on the occasion
of their marriage : this question would come regu-
larly before their Lordships at another time. He
would now only say, in reference to that point, that
he had paid the utmost attention to the subject,
and considered it both with a view to what was
due to the illustrious Parties themselves, and also
with a view to what would be creditable to the
country, without any improper extravagance. But
he would not let this part of the subject pass with-
out this observation, — that when their Lordships
came to consider what provision it would be proper
to make for this occasion, he trusted their Lord-
ships would take care that it should be made in
such a manner, that the illustrious Persons, of
Whom he had been speaking, might have the free
(iijovment, in the first instance, of their own
income. He said so, because he had observed,
that when a provision had been made, though it
was sufficient for its purpose, yet, from the want
of such a regulation as he had mentioned on the
part of Parliament, it had become altogether insuf-
ficient. Their Lordships, therefore, he was per-
suaded, would be disposed to place the illustrious

6

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 211

Persons in a situation where they would have the
free use of their own income. It was their wish,
he was authorized to say, to confine their expences
strictly within their income; and, in saying this,
he relied confidently on the liberality of Parlia-
ment, that with every proper attention to economy,
it would give that income and assistance which
would be worthy of a great nation, on the occasion
of a marriage of such importance. He should
therefore move —

That a humble address be presented to His
Royal Highness the Prince Regent, returning the
thanks of the House for his gracious communi-
cation, and to express their entire satisfaction with
the marriage of Her Royal Highness the Princess
Charlotte-Augusta to a Protestant Prince of so
illustrious a house ; an event which must be satis-
factory to all classes of His Majesty's subjects, and
conducive to the best interests of the country; and
to assure His Royal Highness that he might rely
with confidence on the concurrence of the House
of Lords, in such measures as might be necessary
to conclude this marriage, and to demonstrate the
affectionate zeal and dutiful regard of the House
towards His Royal Highness and the Royal Family,
as well as its disposition to pay every proper atten-
tion to what was due to the honour and dignity of
the Crown.

The question upon the address having been put
by the Lord Chancellor, it was agreed to without
a dissenting voice.

In the House of Commons, Lord Castlereagh
moved on the same day a similar address ; which
being agreed to, his Lordship then moved that the
House should, on the following day, go into a
committee, to consider the message of His Royal
Highness.

Accordingly, on the 15th of March, the House
resolved itself into a committee; and the Chancellor

212 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

of the Exchequer stated, that from the unanimity
with which the House had last night agreed to an
address of thanks to His Royal Highness the Prince
Regent, for his gracious communication, he could
anticipate no objection to the measure which he
had to submit to the House, relative to the auspi-
cious marriage of Her Royal Highness the Princes
Charlotte. He should have the honour of pro-
posing to the House an establishment for Her
Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte, and His
Serene Highness the Prince Leopold of Cobourg ;
and he was sure he should meet with no opposi-
tion, as he should propose making for them such
a provision, as, while it would be sufficient to main-
tain every domestic comfort and ease, and all the
splendour due to their high station, would be con-
sistent with every attention to public economy.
The object of his motion was two-fold ; first, an
annual allowance for their Royal Highnesses, and
then an immediate sum to enable them to set out
on the commencement of their establishment with
due comfort and splendour, and without subjecting
them to any of those embarrassments, which setting
up an establishment too often occasions. The
amount of the annual establishment which he
should propose for their Royal Highnesses, was
£60,000 a year; £10,000 of which was to be re-
served to Her Royal Highness for her private use,
and the remainder to go to the establishment of the
Royal Pair. This was the annual establishment he
should propose during their joint lives; and in case
of the death of Prince Leopold before the Princess,
the allowance of £60,000 a year to remain with
her; but if the Princess should die before the
Prince Leopold, his allowance to be £50,000 a
year during his life. It was to be observed, that,
on this establishment taking place, Her Royal
Highness's present establishment would cease,
which in all amounted to about £.30,000 a year;

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 213

so that there would be only an increase of about
£30,000 a year more than Her Royal Highness's
present expenditure. As much of the comfort of
life depended on a suitable establishment in the
setting out, and such an establishment would pre-
vent any future call on the generosity of that House,
he should propose, in the committee of supply, a
ready sum of money in assistance to the annual
provision for their outfit, for carriages, wine, &c.
The sum he should propose was £40,000, and for
dress to Her Royal Highness, £10,000, and £10,000
more for jewels. This establishment he was sure
there was no gentleman in that House would object
to. He had one point on which to offer an obser-
vation. It had been found impossible to select a
suitable residence for their Royal Highnesses as
yet; there would, probably, be an application for a
farther allowance for this purpose ; and he could
have no doubt of the concurrence of the House on
the occasion. He then moved, that there should be
an allowance from the consolidated fund of £60,000
a year for an establishment for Her Royal High-
ness the Princess Charlotte of Wales and His
Serene Highness Prince Leopold of Cobourg, to
commence on the day of their marriage.

After a few cursory remarks from several mem-
bers, the resolution was agreed to.

The following are the six Articles of the Mar-
riage Settlement; to which the Additional article
is subjoined :

ARTICLE I.

It is concluded and agreed that the marriage between
Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte-Augusta, and His
Serene Highness Leopold-George-Frederick, Duke of Saxe,

'214 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuriugia, Prince
of Cobourg of Saalfeld, See. &c. shall be solemnized in that
par! of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
called Great Britain, both being present, according to the
dm' tenor of the laws of England, and the rites and cere-
monies of the Church of the United Kingdom, as soon as
the same may conveniently be done.

ARTICLE II.

His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, acting in the
name and on the behalf of His Majesty the King of the-
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, promises
to secure to Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte-
Augusta, and to His Serene Highness Leopold-George-
Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave
of Thuriugia, Prince of Cobourg of Saalfeld, &c. &c. &c.
during their joint lives, and to the survivor of them, the
annual sums herein-after mentioned ; — that is to say, during
their joint lives, the annual sum of sixty thousand pounds,
to be paid quarterly; ten thousand pounds of which annual
sum, also to be paid quarterly, shall be granted unto com-
missioners, named for that purpose by His Royal Highness
the Prince Regent, acting as aforesaid, to be by them
received for the sole and separate use of the said Princess,
notwithstanding her marriage state, and without His Serene
Highness Leopold-George- Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Mar-
grave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringia, Prince of
Cobourg of Saalfeld, &c. &c. &c. having any power over
the same, and vhich annual sum of ten thousand pounds,
so payable quarterly, the said Princess shall not have power,
either separately or conjointly with His Serene Highness
Leopold-George-Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of
Meissen, Landgrave ol Thuringia, Prince of Cobourg of
Saalfeld, &c. &c. &c. to alienate, mortgage, or receive or
direct to be paid by way of anticipation ; but the same
shall, from time to time, as the same shall become due, be
paid and payable into the proper hands of the said Princess
alone, upon her own sole receipt, or to such person or
persons to whom she shall, by writing, signed by herself
alone, from time to time, as the same shall become due,
direct and order the same to be paid, or otherwise to
receive the same on her sole behalf.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 215

ARTICLE III.

His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, acting as afore-
said, engages to secure to Her Royal Highness Princess
Charlotte- Augusta, the annual sum of sixty thousand pounds,
to he paid to her during her life, in case Her Royal High-
ness shull survive His Serene Highness Leopold-George-
Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave
of Thuringia, Prince of Cobourg of Saalfeld, &c. &c. &c.
such annual sum, to commence in payment from the death
of His Serene Highnes Leopold-George-Frederick, Duke
of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringia,
Prince of Cobourg of Saalfeld, &c. &c. &c. in the lifetime
of Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte- Augusta, and
to be paid quarterly ; and the first quarterly payment is to
be made at the end of three calendar months, after such his
decease, when the said annuity, payable during their joint
lives, is to determine.

And His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, so acting
as aforesaid, further engages to secure to His Serene High-
ness Leopold-George-Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave
of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringuen, Prince of Cobourg
of Saalfeld, &c. &c. &c. the annual sum of fifty thousand
pounds, to be paid to him during his life, in case he shall
survive her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte- Augusta ;
such annual sum to commence in payment from the death
of Her Royal Highness, in the lifetime of his Royal High-
ness, and to be paid quarterly; and the first quarterly
payment to be made at the end of three calendar months
after such her decease, when the said annuity, payable during
their joint lives, is to determine.

ARTICLE IV.

The son or daughter, or descendant of the said marriage
for the time being, next in succession to the Crown of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, after the
Princess Charlotte-Augusta, shall be brought up in such
manner as His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland, or his successors, may be
pleased to direct ; and no children of this marriage shall be
allowed to marry without the consent of His Majesty the
King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
or his successors for the time being.

210 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

ARTICLE V.

It is understood and ogreetl that her Royal Highness
Princess Charlotte-Augusta shall not, at any time, leave
(In- I'nited Kingdom without the permission, in writing,
of His Majesty, or of the Prince Regent, acting in the
name and on the behalf of His Majesty, and without Her
Royal Highness's own consent.

And in the event of Her Royal Highness being absent
from this country, in consequence of the permission of His
Majesty, or of the Prince Regent, and of her own con-
sent, such residence abroad shall, in no case, be protracted
beyond the term approved by His Majesty, or the Prince
Regent, and consented to by Her Royal Highness. And
it shall be competent for Her Royal Highness to return
to this country before the expiration of such term, either
in consequence of directions for thai purpose, in writing,
from His Majesty, or from the Prince Regent, or at her
own pleasure.

ARTICLE VI.

This treaty shall be ratified by His Royal Highness the
Prince Regent, on the behalf of His Majesty, and by His
said Serene Highness, and the ratifications shall be ex-
changed in ten days, or sooner, if possible.

In witness whereof, the respective plenipotentiaries have
signed it, and have aflixed thereunto the seals of their
arms.

Done at London the thirteenth day of March, one thou-
sand eight hundred and sixteen.

(L. S.) C. Cantuar. (JL. S.) Baron de Just.

(L. S.) Eldon, C.

(L. S.) Harrowby, P.

(L. S.) Liverpool.

(L. S.) Castlereagh.

(L. S.) Sidmouth.

(L. S.) N. Vansittart .

ADDITIONAL ARTICLE.

It is hereby expressly declared, that no article or pro-
vision, contained in the treaty of marriage signed this day,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 217

shall, in any manner be taken, or deemed to affect, or pre-
judice, any right or prerogative of His Majesty, his heirs
or successors, touching or concerning the education or mar-
riages of any of the children or descendants of Her Royal
Highness Princess Charlotte-Augusta, or the education or
marriages of any of the Royal Family or their descendants.

The present additional Article shall have the same force
and effect, as if it were inserted, word for word, in the
treaty of marriage signed this day. It shall be included in
the ratification of the said treaty.

In witness whereof the respective plenipotentiaries have
signed the same, and have affixed thereto the seals of
their arms.

Done at London, the thirteenth day of March, one thou-
sand eight hundred and sixteen.

(£. S.) C Cantuar. (L. S.) Baron de Just.

{L. S.) Eldon, C.

(Z>. »S'.) Harroicby, P.

(L. 8.) Bathurst.

(L. iS.) Liverpool*

(L. S.) Castlereagh,

{_£. »S'.) Sidmouth.

(L. S.) N. Vmisittart.

On the 25th of March, the preceding measures
were followed up by a Bill for the Naturalization
of Prince Leopold, on which occasion the stauding
orders of the House were suspended, that the
progress of the Bill might not be retarded. This
Bill was passed with unprecedented dispatch : it
was read, debated upon, went through both
Houses, and received the Royal Assent, all in one
evening. The commissioners were the Lord Chan-
cellor, the Earl of Shaftesbury, and Lord Melville.

The naturalization of Prince Leopold was gene-
rally expected to be followed by some additional
dignity; and it was generally reported that the
extinct Dukedom of Kendal was to be revived for
his acceptance. His Serene Highness, however,
laudably declined the intended honour, partly at
the desire of the Princess Charlotte, wishing to
derive no rank but from his marriage with her,
9. 2 e SM&-

"218 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

mid partly because he had resolved not to mingle
id the jarring politics of the day.

The British Public now anticipated the speedy
solemnization of the nuptials; but the sudden illness
of Prince Leopold, who was attacked with severe
rheumatic pains in the head, rendered it necessary
to prolong his stay at Brighton, which place he
at length left for Windsor, where he arrived on
the 22nd of April, and had the happiness to dine
with his ailianced Bride, who had just arrived from
Cranbourn Lodge to pass the day with the Royal
Family. His Serene Highness resided at the
Castle during his stay at Windsor, and paid fre-
quent visits to the Princess, who invited him on the
28th to a sumptuous entertainment at Cranbourn
Lodge, whither he was accompanied by Her Ma-
jesty and all the Princesses.

The leisure hours of Prince Leopold were still
sedulously employed in the study of the English
language, history, manners, and customs: and
although His Serene Highness found considerable
difficulty iu acquiring the true pronunciation, lie
soon became sufficiently versed in the English idiom
to taste the beauties of our best prose writers, and
expressed his determination to persevere until he
should be able to peruse the works of Shakspeare
and Milton with equal facility, So completely,
indeed, was His Serene Highness immersed in his
studies, that when Her Majesty held a Drawing-
room on the 24th of April, at which it was rumoured
that Prince Leopold was to be introduced, and the
Princess Charlotte to be present ; a great concourse
of rank and fashion, who had assembled to view
the illustrious Pair, were greatly disappointed to
find that His Serene Highness did not attend ;
which, though it was at first attributed to indispo-
sition, was afterwards said to have arisen from his
unwillingness to create any chasm in those pursuits
which he was then prosecuting with uncommon
vigour.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 219

The preparations for the marriage went on in
the mean time with uncommon activity, and the
2nd of May was the day finally appointed for its
consummation. At this time it is said that no less
than five hundred and seventy-four applications
were made for the appointment of Lady to the
Bedchamber, and two hundred and seventy-nine
for that of Lady in Waiting! — The following Epi-
gram appeared in the public prints, in allusion to
these extremely numerous applications :

Eight hundred and fifty-three maidens fair,

To wait on the Princess their wishes declare:

Say, what other Court throughout Europe can boast,

Of virgins so noble and numerous a host?

If all in a body they should wait upon her,

No doubt they'll be styl'd — The Fair Legion of Honour!

The short excursion which Prince Leopold
undertook to Hampton Court, was in order to
inspect the beautiful domain of Claremont. It
was the decided wish of the happy pair to reside
in the country, as they preferred the rational enjoy-
ments of domestic life to the vapid and unsatisfac-
tory attractions of the dissipated town.

Claremont, or, as it was originally called, Clare-
mount, is situated iu the parish of Esher, and
hundred of Emley Bridge, in the county of Surry.
The Park forms part of the beautiful Vale of
Esher, of which Thompson in his Summer thus
rapturously sings :

" Inchanling Vale ! beyond whate'er the Muse

" Has of Achaia or Hesperia sung !

" O vale of bliss ! O softly swelling hills !

" On which the Power of cultivation lies,

" And joys to see the wonders of his toil.

" Heavens ! what a goodly prospect spreads around,

" Of hills, and dales, and woods, and lawns, and spires,

" And glittering towns, and gilded streams, till all

" The stretching landscape into smoke decays."

2'20 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Here Sir John Vanbrugh, the dramatic writer
and arcliitect, whose heavy style of architecture
was aptly censured in the satirical epitaph,

" Lie heavy on him earth, for he
" Laid many a heavy load on thee !"

built a house for his own habitation, but chose for
its site a low spot of ground, from which there was
no prospect. The estate was purchased from Sir
John by the Earl of Clare, afterwards Duke of
Newcastle, who made it his residence, and added
a magnificent room for the entertainment of large
companies whilst he was in administration. He
enlarged the grounds by farther purchases, and by
enclosing parts of the adjoining heath, so that
they now contain about four hundred and twenty
acres. The Duke also adorned the Park with
many plantations, under the direction of Kent.
On a mount which overlooks the Portsmouth
road, his Grace erected the building in the form
of a castle, and called it after his own name Clare
Mount, by which appellation the estate has ever
since been known. After the Duke of Newcastle's
decease, it was purchased by Robert Lord Clive,
the celebrated founder of our East Indian empire,
whose relict, Lady Clive, died in December 1817.
When setting out on Ins last voyage to Hindoostan,
his Lordship gave directions to Browne, so well
known for his taste in laying out grounds, but
who piqued himelf still more on his skill in archi-
tecture, to pull down the old, and build him a
new house, without any limitation in regard to
expence. Browne executed these commands to
the perfect satisfaction of his patron, but at an
expence of upwards of £100,000. He had often
been employed to alter houses, but this is con-
sidered the only complete mansion he ever built.
It forms an oblong square of forty-four yards by
thirty-four. On the ground-floor are eight spacious

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 221

rooms, besides the hall of entrance, and the great
staircase. In the principal front, a flight of thir-
teen steps leads to the great entrance, under a
pediment supported by Corinthian columns. The
situation is well chosen, commanding various views
of the water and plantations. The abundance of
game in the neighbourhood of the Park may be
judged of from the following fact: Bicker, Prince
Leopold's gamekeeper, during the month of De-
cember 1817, shot one hundred and twenty snipes
in the immediate vicinity.

After Lord Clive's sudden death in 1774, this
estate was sold for not more than one-third of
what the house and alterations had cost. It was
purchased by Viscount Galway, who again dis-
posed of it to the Earl of Tyrconnel, by whom
it was again sold to Charles Rose Ellis, Esq. from
whom it Mas lastly purchased for the Royal
Pair, whose nuptials were now about to be
solemnized.

Camelford House, the property of Lord Grenville,
having been selected for the town residence of the
Royal Pair; on the 9th of April, a very long discus-
sion took place in the House of Commons, concern-
ing the establishment of the Princess Charlotte. At
the beginning of this debate, the Chancellor of the
Exchequer was not in the House ; Mr. Lushington
however declared, that it would have been pre-
sumption in him to have proposed the business in
the absence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
had he not conceived that there would be an
entire unanimity on the subject ; from which it
appears, that ministers did not apprehend that
opposition to their proposed establishment for
the Princess Charlotte, which was manifested on
this evening. The opposition arose upon the allow-
ance which had been formerly granted to the
Princess Charlotte of £30,000 a year coming from
the civil list, and the £60,000 now to be voted

22*2 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

for her establishment, which was to come from
the consolidated fund, making a difference of
£30,000 a year in fa -.our of the civil list. This, as
it erased to he paid to Her Royal Highness, it
was thought, should revert to the civil list; and
Mr. Brougham contended, to introduce a clause
in the present bill, providing how the £30,000 was
to be disposed of, whether it was to go to the civil
list, or to cease altogether. In answer to this,
Lord Castlereagh stated, that one part of it
would go to the consolidated fund, and the other
to the civil list.

Mr. Tieruey replied, that he could oidy perceive
by the estimates, that part of Her Royal High-
ness's allowance was charged in the civil list,
and part in the consolidated fund. The depart-
ment of Lord Chamberlain and Lord Steward in
Her Royal Highness's establishment, was £12,000
a year, and he was not acquainted with all the
other items; the estimates only amounted to the
expenditure of £22,000. He thought that the
ceasing of Her Royal Highness's former establish-
ment ought to produce that deduction from the
consolidated fund. He maintained, that the
t'0,000 or £6', 500 a year, her settled establishment,
ought to be charged to the civil list, and paid
over to the consolidated fund. Another point he
wished to be informed on was, whether the rent of
the town-house, fixed on for Her Royal Highness,
was to be paid out of the establishment of £60,000
a vear?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer replied that
it was.

Mr. Tierney further stated, that he did not be-
lies e the House had such a residence, as the one
now taken for Her Royal Highness, in contem-
plation, when they had so readily agreed to the
establishment of £00,000 a year for her. They
considered, that such an establishment would

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 223

enable her to maintain a great degree of state ;
but the house now fixed on for her residence was
not equal to such a purpose, and was only fit for
a private gentleman. If Her Royal Highness was
to maintain only such a degree of state as this
house was fit for, £60,000 a year was too much.
It was entirely impossible that she should spend
such a sum as £60,000 a year in such a house.
It was with an expectation that she should main-
tain such a degree of state as was due to the
nation over which she was one day to rule, that
the House had unanimously consented to such an
establishment. But, for the same reason that he
was liberal where it was necessary, and due to the
dignity of the nation and its rulers, he would be
economical where liberality was not necessary. He
would at once ask, Whether it was, or was not
intended, that the Princess should hold drawing-
rooms after her marriage?

No answer being given to this question, Mr.
Tierney continued, that he saw to what a situation
they were reduced. Was it fit, that the future
Queen of England should live in such a state of
privacy, as she would be obliged to live in, if
Camelford House were to be her residence ? If
Her Royal Highness was to be immured, as she
must be in Camelford House, £60,000 a year would
be much too large an establishment.

Lord Castlereagh declared himself satisfied with
shewing his attachment to Her Royal Highness,
by a liberal establishment. His right honourable
friend was not authorized to propose any more for
her establishment than £60,000 a year ; and the
town-house was to be provided for out of this, with
a view that the liberality of the House might provide
a country residence for Her Royal Highness.

Mr. Tierney would not consent that the liberality
of the House should be imposed on, to provide a
country residence for Her Royal Highness, while

224 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

there were so many royal palaces unoccupied. As
for a country house, besides all the palaces, where
was Cran bourn Lodge? and where was the fanciful
cottage that had cost so much? £(30,000 a year
was too much for her, if she was to lead a life of
privacy. He considered it an indecent proposition
to provide a country house for her at the public
expence, when she had such an establishment, and
was to lead such a life.

Mr. Abercromby said, that though Her Royal
Highness was only presumptive Heiress to the
throne in point of law, she was, in point of fact
and of substance, Heiress apparent; and it was very
unbecoming, that after her marriage, with such an
establishment as £60,000 a year, she should lead
a life of privacy. If she was to lead such a life,
why was she allowed more than the Duchess of
Cumberland ?

Lord Castlereagh was not Her Royal Highness 's
adviser as to her future regulations.

Mr. Brougham contended, that the Princess
Charlotte should not be allowed £60,000 a year
for a life of privacy, when the King's own daughters
were allowed only £20,000 a year.

This unexpected discussion, though protracted to
a considerable length, terminated by tilling up the
blank in the bill, with- £00,000 a year; after which,
the report was received, and the Bill read a third
time and passed.

One morning, before the Princess finally left
Windsor upon her approaching nuptials, Her Royal
Highness appears to have indulged herself once
more in one of those sprightly sallies, which, though
the morose and saturnine may condemn, those who
have not forgotten the time when they were young
themselves, will smile at, if they cannot approve. It
certainly never occurred to the unsuspecting mind
of the Princess Charlotte, that her riding round the

1

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 225

country in the neighbourhood of Windsor, in the
uniform of a military officer, and taking an incog-
nito survey of those places where she was weil
known in her usual costume, could form any reason
for supposing that she was inclined to dispense with
the modesty peculiar to her sex. The fact is, that
in the exuberant hilarity and innocent gaiety of her
youthful heart, she overlooked every objection to
this humorous adventure, and executed the laugh-
able project almost as rapidly as she conceived it;
hence the circumstance in itself tends more to prove
the natural sprighlliness and fearlessness of her ex
cellent disposition, than that she was at all deficient
in real delicacy. Some have endeavoured to im-
press the public mind with an idea that the Princess
was a kind of puling nervous female, and as austere
as if educated in a nunnery ; and to support this
fictitious representation, some facts have been sup-
pressed, and others distorted. The Princess was
truly said to have been wholly English, since, in
addition to a high degree of energy, which seemedL
calculated to qualify her for the sovereign office to
which she was born, she unquestionably displayed
that unaffected modesty which generally charac-
terizes the British ladies.

On the 29th of April all the parties hastened to
Town ; the Princess Charlotte passed through the
Mall towards Carlton House, amidst a throng of
spectators, who received her with marked respect;
which she returned with her usual courtesy and con-,
descension. Her Royal Highness wore a purple
silk dress, trimmed with white, and a most beautiful
plume of white feathers. Prince Leopold soon
afterwards arrived at Clarence House, in St. James's
Palace, and was welcomed with loud acclamations
by a concourse of genteel persons, who remained
till a late hour in front of the house ; where His
Serene Highness politely gratified them, by showing
himself repeatedlv at the w indows, and appearing to
10. 2 f

'2'2(S MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

partake of the good humour and gaiety which per-
vaded the numerous spectators.

Tiie following day was wholly occupied by the
state visits of congratulation, which the youthful
couple received at their respective residences. In
the afternoon, towards the close of the Prince
Regent's levee, Prince Leopold was introduced to
His Royal Highness by the assistant master of the
eereraonies, and after a long private conference
proceeded with the Prince Regent to the Queen's
Drawing-room at Buckingham House; and was intro-
duced by His Royal Highness to Her Majesty, in
conformity with Court etiquette. Here Prince
Leopold met his lovely Bride, who was most ele-
gantly dressed upon the occasion. In the evening
the nuptial dresses were exhibited to the Queen, the
Prince Regent, and the Princesses ; all of whom
had made most liberal and splendid presents of
jewels to their lovely relative.

The following account of the wedding costume,
and of the dresses worn by the Royal Family, will
perhaps be very acceptable to our fair readers :

The Princess Charlotte's Dresses were,

1. The wedding dress, composed of a most mag-
nihcent silver lama on net, over a rich silver tissue
slip, with a superb border of silver lama embroi-
dery at the bottom, forming shells and bouquets
above the border; a most elegant fulness tastefully
designed, in festoons of rich silver lama, and fin-
ished with a very brilliant rollio of lama; the body
and sleeves to correspond, trimmed with a most
beautiful point Brussels lace, in a peculiarly elegant
style. The mantua of rich silver tissue, lined with
white satin, trimmed round with a most superb
silver lama border, in shells to correspond with the
dress, and fastened in front with a most brilliant
and costly ornament of diamonds. The whole
dress surpassed all conception in the brilliancy and

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 227

richness of its effect. Head dress, a wreath of
rose buds and leaves, composed of the most superb
brilliants.

2. A superb gold lama dress, with an elegant
border of lama over a white satin slip ; the body
and sleeves embroidered to correspond, trimmed
with an elegant gold blond net in vandyke ; also a
most magnificent gold tissue mantua, lined with
rich white satin, and trimmed with a beautiful gold
border, in net-work and shells.

3. A silver lama dress, richly embroidered on
net, with superb border, over a white satin slip;
body and sleeves elegantly trimmed with a rich
silver blond lace; the mantua to suit, composed of
a rich silver tissue, lined with white satin, and
trimmed round with a beautiful silver lama border,
fastened in front with diamonds.

4. A very superb blue and white figured silver
tissue dress, trimmed with a full elegant trimming
of lama on net, tastefully interspersed with silver,
orange blossom, and corn-flowers; the body and
sleeves elegantly trimmed with lama and silver
blond lace.

5. An embroidered gold muslin dress, with an
elegant Indian gold border, and above the border
two flounces of most beautiful Mechlin lace;
the body and sleeves richly trimmed with Mechlin
lace. This dress had a particularly beautiful effect.

6. A very superb Brussels point lace dress, ele-
gantly trimmed with point lace, over a slip of rich
white satin. This dress cost eight hundred guineas.

7. A rich white satin dress, elegantly trimmed
with blond lace, with a beautiful satin and net trim-,
ming above the blond. The body and sleeves very
full and handsome, with blond luce.

8. An elegant sprig book-muslin dress,, trimmed
with rich Mechlin lace, over a white satin slip.

9. A rich figured satin dress, elegantly trimmed
with blond lace,

228 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

10. A travelling dress of rich white reps silk,
elegantly trimmed with flounces at the bottom, of
superb Brussels point, with ruff and cuffs to corre-
spond.

11. A rich white satin wedding pelisse, trimmed
with most beautiful ermine, for the occasion.

1*2. An elegant white satin hat, tastefully trim-
med with blond lace, and a beautiful plume of
ostrich feathers.

Several other dresses, nearly similar, were pre-
pared; and the jewellery was of the most magnificent
description, consisting of a beautiful wreath for the
head, composed of rose-buds and leaves, of the
most superb brilliants; a necklace of a single row
of large brilliants of the tinest lustre, with large drop
ear-rings to correspond, and a brilliant cestus of
great value. Her Royal Highness had also a pearl
necklace, and bracelets with diamond clasps, equally
splendid. Her Royal Highnesss casket contained
other ornaments, consisting of coloured stones,
richly encircled with jewels; and she had also a
rich diamond armlet, presented by the Prince of
Cobourg-Saalfeld.

The Queen was dressed in a beautiful gold tissue,
trimmed with a mixture of gold and silver, having
two flounces of brilliant silver net-work, richly
embossed with stripes of gold lama, and a superb
head to the flounces of silver lama border. The
whole had a most novel, grand, and magnificent
appearance.

Princess Sophia of Gloucester wore an elegant
robe of gold tissue, superbly ornamented with silver
lama. Her Royal Highness wore a profusion of
diamonds and feathers.

It was at first intended to celebrate the roval
nuptials with considerable privacy, admitting the
Roval Family and the Great Officers of State only

3

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 229

to the ceremony; but this intention was relin-
quished, and the whole determined to be conducted
with the utmost publicity and splendour. Every
individual of the Queen's establishment was directed
to attend in full costume ; and this regulation was
subsequently extended to the other Royal establish-
ments, of the Prince Regent, the Commander-in-
Chief, the Princesses and Dukes of the Royal blood,
while the heads of each public department, and all
the Foreign Ambassadors, appeared to emulate each
other in splendour upon the joyful occasion.

The day preceding the marriage, Prince Leopold
met the Queen, the Princess Mary, and his consort
elect the Princess Charlotte, at Camelfoj d House,
which they proceeded to inspect, and soon found
to be very inconvenient, in many respects. The
Prince returned to Clarence House, amidst the
cheers of a concourse of people, who had collected
round the house to see him, and whom he often
gratified until seven o'clock, by appearing upon the
balcony ; aud then retired to entertain the Ministers
and Foreign Ambassadors, whom he had invited to
dinner.

It having been finally agreed, that the royal nuptials
should be as public as possible, the following were
the preliminary arrangements. — About sixty of the
most distinguished personages, besides the Royal
Family, were invited to attend. This number in-
cluded the members of the British Cabinet and their
Ladies, and also the Foreign Ambassadors, but no
other persons. The Cabinet and Foreign Ministers
were assembled in one of the Crimson State Rooms
at Carlton House, in auother the Queen and Prin-
cesses, and in the third the Prince Regent himself,
with his Great Officers of State. A grand dinner
was to be prepared at Carlton House ; after which
the marriage ceremony was to take place in the
State Chamber of the palace, where the Prince
Regent receives the addresses ; the Archbishop of

230 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Canterbury to perform the marriage ceremony,
which was, of course, to be attended with the usual
formalities. It was also arranged, that the Queen,
the Prince Regent, Bride, and Bridegroom, and the
Great Officers of State, were to return to the Coun-
cil Chamber; where they and the Foreign Ministers
would pay their compliments to the illustrious
Pair; who were soon afterwards to leave Carlton
House.

The 2nd of May, the day fixed for the union of
this interesting pair, at length arrived. The Princess
Charlotte, after sitting for her bust to Turnerelli, in
the early part of the day, set out at two o'clock in
her carriage, for the Queen's Palace. The glasses
were let down, to gratify the spectators, who
thronged Pall Mall; the number of whom was,
however, so great, that, fearful of accident, the
Princess desired her coachman to return and drive
through the Park. Shortly after seven o'clock the
Princess Sophia of Gloucester, joined Her Majesty
and the Princesses at Buckingham House, in order
to be present at the marriage ceremony.

Her Royal Highness dined, and afterwards
dressed, at the Queen's Palace; and a little before
eight o'clock in the evening was conducted down
the grand staircase by her royal aunt, the Princess
Mary, on her right hand, and Colonel Stephenson
on her left. At the entrance of the grand hall she
met the Queen Her Majesty, and the Princess Char-
lotte, with the Princesses Augusta and Elizabeth,
and immediately drove off in a carriage to Carlton
House, and were closely followed by the Princesses
Mary and Sophia of Gloucester in another carriage,
with an escort of the Life Guards. The Park was
filled with spectators, whose loud acclamations,
with their great numbers and respectability, at once
caught the attention of the Princess, who is said to
have exclaimed, " Bless me, what a multitude ! — the
Park is crowded." The clock struck eight as the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 231

royal ladies entered the garden gate, at Carlton
House, where they were most affectionately wel-
comed by His Royal Highness the Prince Regent,
upon the happy occasion.

The concourse of persons who assembled at an
early hour, in the hope of being gratified with a
sight of the happy Pair, was exceedingly great,
especially from Charing Cross, round Carlton
House, and even as far as the neighbourhood of
the Queen's Palace.

The band of the Coldstream regiment of Foot
Guards was stationed in the court-yard of Carlton
House, having been marched at an early hour from
the parade in St. James's Park, along with a full
guard of honour, composed of the Grenadier Regi-
ment of Foot Guards. A party of Foot Guards
were also posted in Pall Mall, where Sir Nathaniel
Conant and Mr. Birnie, the Bow-street magistrates,
attended with fifty active officers and constables.
That spacious street, with those adjoining it, was
entirely blocked up with pages most superbly
dressed, and with livery servants and equipages,
attending upon the vast throng of nobility and
gentry, who had come from all parts of the Empire
to see the Royal Pair set off from Carlton House ;
which, as the day declined, was most brilliantly
illuminated, in honour of this auspicious event.

While an immense crowd had thus enclosed
Carlton House and blocked up the Mall, the open
space opposite to Clarence House, where Prince
Leopold then was, exhibited a throng of spectators
never equalled upon any former occasion. His
Serene Highness showed himself repeatedly at the
balcony, to gratify the ardent curiosity of the multi-
tude ; at whose rejoicings the Prince bowed and
smiled very pleasantly, while they often amused
themselves with merry jokes in allusion to the hap-
piness which now awaited him. His Serene High-
ness wore a blue coat and star: he set off at two

'2:>> MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

o'clock in a curricle and pair for Buckingham
House, where he paid a morning' visit to his in-
tended Bride, with whom he remained more than
an hour; and then returned to Clarence House,
where the crowd had so increased in number, and
had become so anxious to see the husband of their
future Queen, that the poor footmen, who opened
the carriage door for His Serene Highness to alight,
were almost pushed under the wheels. The whole
assemblage was, however, very orderly, and readily
complied with the request of the Prince's attendants,
to form an avenue for His Serene Highness to pass
through; along which, Prince Leopold walked
across to York House, bowing to the populace, in
return for the loud huzzas with which they wel-
comed his return.

At half past eight o'clock Prince Leopold left
the house of the Duke of Clarence with two of the
royal carriages; the first of which contained Lord
James Murray, Lord in Waiting to Prince Leopold,
Baron Hardenbrock, and Colonel Addenbroke, His
Serene Highness's Secretaries, and Sir Robert Gar-
diner, his equerry. Prince Leopold followed in the
second carriage, accompanied by Baron Just, the
Saxon minister, who signed the articles of his mar-
riage with the Princess Charlotte, and Mr. Chester,
the assistant master of the ceremonies. When the
Prince alighted, the female spectators evinced the
greatest enthusiasm, patting him on the back, waving
their handkerchiefs, and invoking blessings to attend
upon him. This caused considerable delay; during
which, the populace attempted to take off the traces,
in order to remove the horses, and draw the car-
riage, nor were they easily prevailed to desist; for
after being once prevented, they repented the at-
tempt, and the Prince would have permitted them
to succeed, had he not been fearful that accidents
might happen; and on that account, the crowd
w ere persuaded to relinquish their object, while the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 233

sentinels replaced the traces, and the carriage soon
arrived at Carlton House, where the band instantly-
struck up " God save the King," amidst reiterated
acclamations.

Each member of the Royal Family, on arrival,
was conducted to the private Closet, and there
introduced to the Prince Regent, as were the
Duke and Duchess of Orleans, and His Serene
Highness Prince Leopold. The servants of the
royal household, in their most splendid state liveries,
lined the whole range of apartments, from the three
rooms next to the Throne Room, to the grand Crim-
son Saloon, in which the marriage ceremony was
performed. The great crimson room already men-
tioned, had been previously fitted up for the solem-
nization of the marriage service, with an elegant
temporary altar, covered with crimson velvet, which
was placed in front of one of the fire-places. The
crimson velvet cushions, and superbly bound prayer
books, set apart for the use of the Royal Family at
the Chapel Royal, with the superb candlesticks
belonging to the Chapel at Whitehall, were also
brought to Carlton House, where Mr. Howse, the
Serjeant of the Chapel Royal, attended with his

verge.

The whole of the Prince Regent's establishment,
including all his attendants, together with those
belonging to the junior branches of the Royal
Family, occupied the three rooms adjoining the
magniticent apartment of the Throne. The Queen's
family and attendants were conducted into the
west anti-room, where Lady John Thynne and
Lady Emily Murray, the Ladies of the Bedcham-
ber to the Princess Charlotte, were also stationed.

R. Chester, Esq. the Assistant Master of the
Ceremonies, in conformity with court etiquette,
had particularly invited all the Foreign Ambas-
sadors and Envoys, with their Ladies, to witness
the solemnization of the nuptials, that they might
10. 2 a

234 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

report it to their respective Courts ; they also pro-
ceeded direct to the great Crimson Saloon.

When the time appointed for Her Majesty to
leave the Royal Closet arrived, her attendants
were conducted across the Grand Hall, together
with the full attendants of the Prince Regent's
establishment, excepting those immediately in
waiting upon the Queen and the Prince Regent,
who, with the Princess Charlotte and Prince
Leopold, remained in the Closet after the proces-
sion began to move through the suit of rooms
towards the Altar in the following order:

The Lords of the Council who were in the Commission authorizing

the Marriage.

His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Lord Chancellor and Lady Eldon.

The Earl of Harrowby, President of the Council, and his

Countess.
The Countess of Liverpool, the Earl being absent on account

of indisposition.

Earl Baihurst, Secretary of State for the War and Colonial

Departments, and his Countess.

Lord Viscount Castlereagh, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs,

and his Viscountess.
Lord Viscount Sidmouth, the Secretary of State for the Home

Department.
The Right Hon. Nicholas Vansittarf, Chancellor of the

Exchequer.

The Earl of Mulgrave, Master-General of the Ordnance,

and his Countess.

The Earl of Westmoreland, the Lord Privy Seal.

Lord Viscount Melville, First Lord of the Admiralty, and his

Viscountess.

The Right Hon. W. W. Pole, Master of the Mint, and Mrs. Pole.

The Right Hon. Charles Bragge Bathurst, Chancellor of the Duchy

of Lancaster, (his Lady was absent, being unwell.)

The Marquis of Hertford, the Lord Chamberlain,

and his Marchioness.

Lord Viscount Jocelvn, Vice-Chamberlain.

v 9

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 235

The Marquis of Cholmondeley, the Lord Steward, and his

Marchioness.

The Marquis of Winchester, Grooni of the Stole, as the Lord in

Waiting, and his Marchioness.

The rest of the Lords of the Bedchamber.

The Right Hon. John M'Mahon, Keeper of the Privy Purse

to the Prince Regent.

Colonel Stanhope, the Groom in Waiting.

The Duke of Montrose, Master of the Horse, was absent

through indisposition ; the Duchess was present.

The Captain of the Band of Pensioners.

The Earl of Winchelsea, Groom of the Stole to the King, and

Comptroller-General of the Windsor Establishment.

Lord John Thynne, Deputy Comptroller of the Windsor

Establishment.

Lord Somervilie, and the Lords of the Bedchamber to the Kinw.

The Grooms of the Bedchamber to the Kin».

D

His Grace the Archbishop of York, Lord High Almoner.

The Dean of the Chapel Royal.

The Equerries to the King.

The whole of the Attendants of the Queen and Princesses, and

the Royal Dukes, the Duchess of Yoik, &c.

The Rev. F. W. Blomberg, the Clerk of the Closet.

The Rev. J. S. Clarke, Librarian to the Prince Regent.

The Bishops of Salisbury, London, and Exeter.

Lord Ellenborough, (Lady Ellenborough was absent through

indisposition.)

Earl of Harrington, Gold Stick ;

Earl of Yarmouth, Silver Stick in Waiting.

The Rev. Dr. Short.

Mr. C. Leach, Chancellor of the Duchy of Cornwall, in his full

new robes.

General Hulse, Master of the Household.

Mr. Watson, Assistant Private Secretary to the Prince Regent.

Viscount Keith, Deputy Earl Marshal.

Baron Best, Adjutant General, Quarter-master General.

Sir Benjamin Bloomiield, First Equerry to the Prince Regent.

Equerries. General Hammond, Sir R. H. Vivian, General Bayley,
Sir W.Congreve, Colonel Meliish, Honourable C. Percy,
and Colonel Palmer.

23G MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

A'nhs (Ic-Cmn,). Cdlonel Quen'in, Lord Forbes, Sir G. Wood,

Sir John Colbouru, Colonel A. H. Woodford, Honourable

F. ('. Ponsonby, Colonel J. C. Smitb, Sir 11. F. Bouverie,

Honourable B. Craven, and Lord Pitzroy Somerset.

Admirals. Sir G. Martin, Sir E. Nagle, Lord Amelius Beauclerc,

Sir E. Bailer, Sir G. Campbell, Sir Henry Blackwood,

Sir John P. Beresford, and R. W. Otway.

W liilo tlie procession Was moving in great
slate towards the superb Crimson Saloon, in which
the Altar was prepared, and at the moment when
the Lord Chamberlain entered the Royal Closet
to conduct the Queen to the chair of state which
had been provided for Her Majesty, close by the
Altar, a most remarkable circumstance occurred,
which has never yet been made known to the
British public, though we have the strongest
reason to believe the fact is perfectly well authenti-
cated. It is notorious, that owing to the lament-
able separation of her Parents, and the malignant
spirit which characterized the principal accuser of
the Princess of Wales, the Princess "Charlotte
most acutely felt any thing which tended in the
least to add to the mental sufferings of her Royal
Mother; and hence many circumstances already
detailed, tended to impress her young mind with
the supposition that Her Majesty had not
shown herself kindly disposed towards her unfor-
tunate Daughter-in-law. The peculiarly difficult
situation in which the Queen was placed between
her own .Son and the Mother of the Princess
Charlotte, ought certainly to be borne in mind,
and will perhaps afford a sufficient justification of
Her Majesty's apparent bias in favour of the Prince;
for, though it may be fairly asked, what reason
could prevent the Queen from standing neuter, still
it would have been much less excusable for Her
Majesty to have sided with those who meanly
availed themselves of the existing differences, to

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 237

cover the Prince Regent with calumny and reproach.
Neither is it surprising that the Princess Charlotte,
in the warmth of her filial affection, should suppose
that she was bound to resent the coolness and
disapprobation which her Royal Grandmother
might, in her own judgment, feel equally obliged
to manifest towards the Princess of Wales. Hence
the Princess Charlotte is known to have seized
every opportunity of manifesting her displeasure ;
and no faithful biographer could omit to record
the fact. It is exceedingly painful to detail private
disagreements, and we shall therefore only notice
one instance, in which the Princess Charlotte suf-
fered her resentment to influence her conduct, and
to overpower her better judgment. Her Majesty
happened to visit Carlton House one day while
her lovely granddaughter was there ; of which the
Princess was apprized, and, on being asked by
her confidential attendant whether she had any
objection to enter the apartment in which some of
her Royal Aunts then were, she sharply replied,
" Take me any where but where the Queen is."
As this anecdote will sufficiently explain the line
of conduct which the Princess Charlotte pur-
sued in reference to Her Majesty, that circum-
stance which we above alluded to, will indis-
putably prove, what has been repeatedly asserted
in the course of these Memoirs, that the Princess
Charlotte, however high-spirited, and warm in
what she thought her justifiable resentments, was
of a most placable and generous disposition.

The Lord Chamberlain had no sooner informed
the Queen that he waited to conduct Her Ma-
jesty to the chair of state near the Altar, than the
Princess Charlotte, who had till that instant pre-
served her usual formal distance, particularly re-
quested a private interview with Her Majesty before
the ceremony began. The Queen, who is remarkable
for her excellent understanding and the keenness

2.'J8 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

of her perception, fearing that the Princess
designed to renounce the intended alliance, and
that she wished to consult her concerning it,
replied, that she could not, according to etiquette,
grant an interview at that time. The Princess
Charlotte answered by repeating her application
with greater urgency ; but received the same an-
swer: upon which she insisted on it, declaring
that she would not be married without a private
audience; to which the Queen immediately con-
sented. The Princess then desired that all the
attendants might withdraw ; and when only the
Queen, the Prince Regent, and Prince Leopold,
remained, she addressed Her Majesty, and said,
" that she had required this interview for the pur-
pose of begging Her Majesty's forgiveness for the
many offences which she had given her, regretting
that she had not paid more attention and respect
to her; and adding, that she could not think of
becoming a wife until she had obtained her Royal
Grandmother's forgiveness and blessing." Her
Majesty instantly granted her pardon and her
blessing ; and we are informed that the Queen was
so affected by this unexpected reconciliation, that
it was some time before she was sufficiently com-
posed to be conducted by the Lord Chamberlain
to the chair of state -provided for Her Majesty's
accommodation, near the Altar in the great
Crimson Saloon.

The Queen and the Prince Regent having taken
their places, amidst the illustrious assembly who
were convened to witness the nuptials, the Lord
Chamberlain (the Marquis of Hertford) returned to
the Closet, and conducted Prince Leopold to the
Altar, and immediately returned to conduct the
Princess Charlotte, who, leaning upon the arm of
His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, ap-
proached the Altar, where the Duke resigned his
lovely charge to the Prince Regent, who took his

\ .

: R I

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 239

appointed place by the side of the happy Pair.
The Dukes of York, Clarence, Kent, and Cam-
bridge, were placed to the left of the Altar, behind
the Prince Regent, the Princess Charlotte, and
Prince Leopold; but the Dukes of Cumberland,
Sussex, and Gloucester, were not present; and
behind the Royal Dukes were, Lord Eldon, the
Chancellor, Lord Castlereagh, Lord Sidmoutb,
Lord Melville; the Earls of Westmoreland, Har-
rowby, Bathurst, and Mulgrave; together with
Mr. Vansittart, Mr. Bragge Bathurst, Mr. W. W.
Pole ; in short, all the Cabinet Ministers. On the
right hand of the Queen, in her state chair, were
their Royal Highnesses the Princesses Augusta,
Elizabeth, and Mary, with the Duchess of York,
and the Princess Sophia of Gloucester. The
Queen's Lord and Vice Chamberlain, and the
Ladies of Her Majesty's Household, were stationed
behind Her Majesty. The Archbishop of Canter-
bury stood close to the Altar; immediately behind
his Grace was the Archbishop of York. To the
right were the Bishops of London and Exeter, the
latter as Clerk of the Closet, together with the
venerable preceptor of the Princess Charlotte, the
Bishop of Salisbury. In front of the Altar, before
which two crimson velvet stools were placed, were
the Dukes of Orleans and Bourbon, the Foreign
Ambassadors, and all the principal Officers of the
Royal Household.

The service began a little after nine o'clock ; the
Archbishop of Canterbury officiated, and Mas
assisted by the Bishop of London. The Princess
Charlotte was given away by her Royal Father,
the Prince Regent, who appeared in most excellent
health, and performed the important part of the
ceremony assigned to him, with that dignified
delicacy and feeling which becomes the most
accomplished Prince of the present age.

Prince Leopold wore a British General's full

240 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

uniform, white kerseymere waistcoat and small
clothes, with a magnificent sword and costly bell,
adorned with diamonds and various other precious
gems. His Serene Highness also displayed the eni-
hl< msof the different orders of knighthood to which
he belonged, and which were conferred upon him for
his distinguished valour and conduct in the late con-
tinental wars. The insignia of the new Hanoverian
Order of the Guelphs, which he received from His
Royal Father-in-law, along with the Duke of Wel-
lington, Marshal Prince Blueher, the Marquis of
Anglesea, and Princes Hardenberg and Metternich,
were particularly observable.

The Prince Regent appeared in a scarlet Field-
Marshal's uniform coat, embroidered with gold ;
rich gold pearl aiguilette, with the stars of the Orders
of the Garter, Bath, Guelphs, Russia, Austria,
Prussia, France, Spain, Denmark, &c. &c. ; and had
on white kerseymere small clothes: His Royal High-
ness the Duke of York, wore a Field-Marshal's
uniform; and the Duke of Clarence, an Admirals
uniform.

When the Princess Charlotte descended the
grand staircase at Buckingham House, about an
hour before the ceremony, accompanied by the
Princess Mary and Colonel Stephenson, the Prin-
cess Mary was bathexl in tears, as if Her Royal
Highness had then foreboded the afflictive dispensa-
tion of Divine Providence which awaited her beloved
and Royal Niece. The Princess Charlotte, however,
though rather pallid, held up her iiead with dignity
throughout the day, advancing steadily up to the
Altar, where she answered the responses with great
clearness, so as to be heard by the whole of the
illustrious assembly. Prince Leopold, it is said,
exhibited much diffidence, and was therefore less
distinctly heard.

The ceremony was performed in the most solemn
and impressive manner, by the Archbishop of Can-

1

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 241

terbury ; and the whole produced the most interest-
ing scene which was ever witnessed at Carlton
House. The Bridemaids on this memorable occa-
sion were, Lady Charlotte Chblmondeley, Lady
Caroline Pratt, Lady Susan Ryder, the Honourable
Miss Law, daughter of Lord Ellenborough, and
Miss Manners, daughter of his Grace the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury. The completion of the nup-
tial knot was announced by a signal from Carlton
House; upon which the guns in St. James's Park,
and at the Tower of London, lired a double royal
salute, while all the bells throughout London struck
off together in joyful peals, to celebrate the auspi-
cious union.

The moment the ceremony was concluded, the
Princess embraced her august Father, and went up
to the Queen, and kissed Her Majesty's hand with
great respect and affection. The private interview
which we have already described being then
unknown, this circumstance was considered as a
happy omen of a future good understanding,
instead of the first-fruits of that most affecting
and happy reconciliation which had already taken
place.

The Princess next affectionately kissed her Royal
Aunts, the Princesses ; and, after shaking hands
with each of the Dukes, her Royal Uncles, retired
arm in arm with Prince Leopold, her husband,
amidst the heartfelt congratulations of all present.

Our readers will recollect that, when the Princess
ran away from Carlton House, all her servants,
except one, were discharged, upon suspicion of
having concurred to favour her flight. It would
be useless to inquire, whether they were or were
not privy to that juvenile indiscretion. Our present
object is to mark the praiseworthy kindness with
which the amiable Princess followed those who
had been accustomed to serve under her roof; for
while she certainly thought the dismissal of all her
10. '2 h

'242 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

servants, except one, was a harsh step, their faithful
services were so impressed upon her memory, that
slic never forgot them, and, looking forward to her
marriage, had taken care to ascertain where each
of them lived. As soon as the d;»y of her union
with Prince Leopold was fixed, Her Royal High-
ness summoned them all; and they were accord-
ingly assembled upon that day, in an apartment
through which the lovely Bride and her wedded
Lord purposely passed in retiring from the Altar;
where, addressing herself to Prince Leopold, as
she left him, to go round and shake each indi-
vidual by the hand, she said, "These are my old
and faithful servants;" and then resuming her hus-
band's arm, withdrew amidst their affectionate and
respectful, though unpolished, congratulations.

The Duke and Duchess of York had offered to
lend their charming residence, called Oatlands, as
a temporary retreat for the Royal Pair. They
staid but a very short time in Carlton House after
the ceremony was concluded, and arrived safely at
Oatlands a little before midnight.

Bride-cake, to be sent to all the individuals be-
longing to each of the royal establishment^, had
bet n long in preparation by order of the Queen :
upwards of five hundred persons partook of it, in
commemoration of the marriage of the Princess
Charlotte,

The Poet Laureat, Robert Southey, Esq. cele-
brated the Royal Nuptials in his elegant poem
called "The Lay of the Laureate;" from which the
following is a most interesting extract:

"Is \\n~> the Nuptial Song? with hrow severe,
Perchance, the votaries of the world will say :

Are these fit strains for royal ears to hear?
What man is he who thus assorts his lay,

And dares pronounce, with inauspicious breath,

In hymeneal verse, the name of Death!

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 243

Itemote from cheerful intercourse of men,

Hath he indulg'd in melancholy mood,
And, like the hermit in some sullen den,

Fed his distemper'd mind in solitude?
Or have fanatic dreams distraught his sense,
That thus he should presume with bold irreverence?

O Royal Lady, ill they judge the heart

That reverently approaches thee to-day,
And, anxious to perform its titting part,

Prefers the tribute of this duteous lay!
Not with displeasure should his song be read
Who prays for Heaven's best blessings on thy head.

He prays, that many a year may pass away
Ere the State call thee from a life of love;

Vex'd by no public cares, that day by day
Thy heart the dear domestic joys may prove,

And gracious Heav'n thy chosen nuptials bless

With all a Wife's and all a Mother's happiness.

He prays, that for thine own and England's sake,

The virtues and the household charities
Their favour'd seat beside thy hearth may take ;

That when the nation thither turn their eyes,
There the conspicuous model they may find
Of all which makes the bliss of human-kind.

He prays, that when the sceptre to thy hand
In due succession shall descend at length,
Prosperity and Peace may bless the land,
- Truth be thy counsellor, and Heav'n thy strength;
That ev'ry tongue thy praises may proclaim,
And ev'ry heart in secret bless thy name.

He prays, that thou may'st strenuously maintain
The wise laws handed down from sire to son ;

He prays, that under thy auspicious reign
All may be added which is left undone,

To make the realm, its polity complete,

In all things happy, as in all things great.
6

•214 MEMOIRS OF HER KOYAL HIGHNESS

Tliat through the will of" thy enlight'ned mind,
Brute man may be to social life reclaim'd :

That in compassion for forlorn mankind,
The saving faith may widely be proclaimed

Thro' erring lands, beneath thy fos'tring care:

This is his ardent hope, his loyal pray'r.

In ev'ry cottage may thy power be blest,

For blessings which should ev'rvwhere abound :

Thy will beneficent, from east to west,

May bring forth good where'er the sun goes round ;

And thus thro' future times should Charlotte's fame

Surpass our great Eliza's golden name.

Of awful subjects have I dar'd to sing;

Yet surely are they such, as view'd aright,
Contentment to thy better mind may bring :

A strain which haply may thy heart invite
To ponder well, how to thy choice is giv'n
A glorious name on earth, a high reward in heav'n.

Light strains, tho' cheerful as the hues of spring,
Would wither like a wreath of vernal flowers;

The amaranthine garland which I bring

Shall keep its verdure thro' all after-hours;

Yea, while the Poet's name is doom'd to live,

So long this garland shall its fragrance give.

" Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown ;"
Thus said the bard who spake of kingly cares;

But calmly may the Sov'reign then lie down

When grateful nations guard him with their pray'rs:

How sweet a sleep awaits the royal head

When these keep watch, and ward around the bed!"

The rejoicing was sxeneral throughout the king-
dom; Weymouth, Salisbury, and Doctor, however,
;•- the places which had been most immediately
under the patronage of the Princess, manifested the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 245

liveliest interest in the joyful event. The City of
London naturally took the lead, in congratulating
the Royal Family upon the auspicious marriage of
the Princess. Alderman Birch moved for addresses
of congratulation, upon the subject of the general
joy, to the Prince Regent, the Queen, the Princess
Charlotte, and the Prince Leopold. The Sheriffs
and Remembrancer, having waited upon those
exalted individuals to know upon what day the
addresses would be received, the following Monday
was named for their reception.

On the 4th of Mav, the London Gazette announced
the appointment of Prince Leopold to the rank of
General in the British army, and officially establish-
ed the precedency of His Serene Highness by a
roval ordinance. The same dav Lord Castlereagh
gave notice in the House of Commons, that he
intended to move for an address of congratulation
to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, on the
marriage of the Princess Charlotte and Prince Leo-
pold, on Monday the 6th instant.

Friday, the 3rd of May, was spent by the newly
married Pair, in surveying the delightful, but se-
cluded, grounds of the mansion at Oatlands. The
park is indeed so very retired, that many persons
have experienced considerable difficulty in finding
the entrance, although the stage-coach which runs
between London and Wey bridge is sometimes per-
mitted to pass through, to set down passengers, or
leave parcels, at the house. The view from the ter-
race is said to include nine counties, aud the large
grotto and bath have often excited the admiration
of strangers; as they are reckoned the finest in
Europe, and are reported to have cost more money
to construct, thau was paid, for the purchase of the
whole estate.

The next day, when the Royal Couple were just
about to set off on a visit to Claremont in their tra-
velling carriage, they perceived the Prince Regent

•J 16 MEM 01 ItS or HEK ROYAL HIGHNESS

approaching through the Park, and joyfully returned
to the house, where Her Royal Highness received
the visit af her beloved parent with all the ardour
of pure filial affection; and having staid an hour
and half, during which he partook of some refresh-
ment, His Royal Highness returned to London:
after which, the happy Pair set out for Claremont,
which they were now on the eve of purchasing from
Mr. Ellis.

On the Sunday the Prince and Princess rode to
Weybridge church, but walked to and from the
church, through the church-yard, to their carriage;
which is a considerable distance from the road,
where the carriage was left. At first thev were not
known, through the modest plainness of their habi-
liments ; but having occupied the Duchess of York's
pew, were soon discovered, and welcomed with
loud cheers, after the service was ended, and they
had arrived without the walls of the church. Prince
Leopold walked to the carriage bowing, and with-
out his hat, while the Princess courtesied and
nodded, in return for the respect which the inhabit-
ants of Weybridge and its vicinity so strenuously
endeavoured to show. They drove off, amidst
repeated huzzas, to Chertsey ; from whence they
returned through Shepperton over the bridge at
W alton, and dined at Oatlands, where they found
an affectionate letter from the Queen in London.

In the House of Lords, on the 8th of May, the
Earl of Liverpool moved for an address of congra-
tulation upon the Royal Nuptials, nearly in the
following words :

" That an address of congratulation on the marriage of
Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales with
J lis Serene Highness the Prince of Saxe-Cobourg, be pre-
sented severally to the Prince Regent, Her Majesty, and to
I he Princess Charlotte, and the Prince Cobourg."

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 247

The motion, distinctly put, was agreed to unani-
mously.

The following extract is from the Journals of the
House of Lords, dated the day following :

"The Lord Steward reported, that the Lords
with white staves had, according to order, waited
on His Royal Highness the Prince Regent with
their Lordships' address of Tuesday last; and that
His Royal Highness was pleased to return the fol-
lowing most gracious answer:

" My Lords,

" I receive with great satisfaction this loyal and dutiful
address, and I return my thank* to the House of Lords for
their congratulations on the present happy occasion."

Soon after this, the Princess and Prince Leopold
took up their residence at Camelford House ; which,
as soon as it was known they were in town, was
crowded with persons of all ranks and parties, who
felt anxious to leave their respectful congratulations.

A deputation from the House of Lords arrived
soon afterwards at Camelford House; where the
Earl of Harrowby, Lord President of the Council,
stated that it had been

" Ordered, nemine dissent ietite, by the Lords Spiritual and
Temporal, in Parliament assembled, that a Message be sent
from that House to congratulate Her Royal Highness the
Princess Charlotte-Augusta, and His Serene Highness
Leopold-George-Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of
Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringia, Prince of Cobouro- of
Saalfeld, on the late solemnization of their marriage."

To this Message the following Answer was

given :

" We are much gratified by the proof of attention and
regard which we have received upon this occasiou from the
House of Lords, and we return them many thanks for their
congratulations."

246 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

About half past four o'clock the deputation from
the House of Commons also arrived, when the
Marquis of Worcester read the Resolution of that
House, stating that it had been agreed to nemine
eontradicente,

" That a congratulatory Message be sent to Her Royal
Highness the Princess Charlotte-Augusta, and J I is Serene
Highness Leopold-George-Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Mar-
grave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringia, Prince of Coboorg
ofSaalfeld, on the happ) occasion ot their nuptials."

The following is the Princess Charlotte's answer :

" We receive with great satisfaction this proof of the atten-
tion and regard of the House of Commons, and return them
many thanks for their congratulations."

Prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg answered th<
House of Commons as follows:

" Gentlemen,

" I rejoice at the share the House of Commons take in my
happiness, and am sensible of their attention in making these
congratulations. — I am very much obliged to them for their
good wishes, and thank them for the assurances of their friend-
ship, which I shall always try to deserve."

The morning following was appointed by the
Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold to receive
the Address of the Corporation of London upon
their marriage. The Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Com-
mon Council, and City Officers, who were distin-
guished by a large white cockade on their left
breasts, and collars on each shoulder, decorated
with white ribbons, were first introduced in state
by the Lord Chamberlain, to the Prince Pegent
and the Queen ; the former of whom received their
add less, which was read by the Recorder, and
returned the following Answer from the throne:

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 249

" I thank you for this loyal and dutiful address. It is with
the most cordial satisfaction that I receive your congratu-
lations on an event no less grateful to my personal feelings,
thau important to the best interests of the Empire at large."

After having been very graciously received, and
having had the honour of kissing His Royal High-
ness's hand, the cavalcade moved on to the Queen's
Palace; where Her Majesty received the address
in great state, and returned the following gracious
answer :

" I receive your congratulations with heartfelt satisfaction,
and 'I am highly gratified by those sentiments of duty to the
King, and of attachment to the Royal Family, which you
have expressed on the present occasion."

They were all very graciously received, and had
the usual honour of kissing Her Majesty's hand.

The procession arrived at Camelford House
about a quarter past five o'clock ; they were a con-
siderable time alighting, when the hall became
extremely crowded. The Lord Mayor addressed
the gentlemen, and informed them he understood
the room in which the Princess was to receive them,
was not large enough to receive so numerous an
assemblage; probably it would only hold thirty at a
time, and requested they would allow some to leave
the room before others entered ; but he assured
them the Princess would see every gentleman. This
request was attended to.

Her Royal Highness received them in the Draw-
ing-room, and took her station at the centre of the
room from the entrance; her dress was of black
silk, agreeably to the directions of the court-mourn-
ing for the Empress of Austria. On her head she
11. 2 I

2")0 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

wore a beautiful and elegant plume of white feathers.
Mr. Percy, her equerry, was on her right. Lady
Emily Murray, Lady John Thynne, Mrs. Camp-
bell, and Miss Coates, also stood on her right.
The Lord Mayor and Aldermen entered, and the
Recorder read the following address:

" To Jlcr Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte- Augusta of
II dies and of Saxe-Cobourg of Saalfeld.

" Madam,

" We, His Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lord
Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, of the Cily of London, in
Common Council assembled, request permission to offer our
warmest congratulations upon the recent and auspicious mar-
riage of your Royal Highness with His Serene Highness the
Prince of Saxe-Cobourg.

" This very important union with an amiable and accom-
plished Prince, of a family long distinguished for its attach-
ment to the Protestant cause, we regard as an additional
proof of the anxious care of your Royal Father for the inte-
rests and welfare of His Majesty's subjects, and of his paternal
affection for your Royal Highness.

" The splendid dignity of your royal birth, as presumptive
Heiress to the British sceptre, creates peculiar sentiments of
affection and reverence in the hearts of all His Majesty's sub-
jects, accompanied by the full assurance and proud exultation,
thai the great acquirements, and endearing- qualities and
graces, of your royal mind, are so happily calculated to adorn
the exalted station of your Royal Highness ; and their pros-
pects are brightened by the affectionate regard to the interests
of these happy realms, which your Royal Highness, the pride
and hope of Britain, has manifested by this illustrious alliance.

M The Citizens of London are anxious to express the affec-
tionate solicitude they feel, that the joyful event may be
accompanied by the peculiar favour of Heaven, and that the
transcendent virtues which inhabit your royal bosom, may
descend to grace a line of Princes, who may be the pride of
their royal parents, and a lasting glory to the country."

Her Royal Highness was pleased to return the

hi

3

following answer

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 251

" My Lord Mayor, and Gentlemen,

" I receive your congratulations with the utmost satisfaction;
and I desire you to be assured, that it will be my constant
wish and endeavour to preserve the esteem of the City of
London."

The Lord Mayor and Gentlemen then approached
Her Royal Highness, and each had the honour to
kiss her hand.

The same ceremony was then observed to His
Serene Highness Prince Leopold, of Saxe-Cobourg,
who appeared in regimentals, with his order of
merit, attended by Sir Robert Gardiner, and Baron
Hardenbrock, who introduced them, and they were
conducted by Robert Chester, Esq. the master of
the ceremonies: upon which, Sir John Sylvester
read the following congratulatory address:

'« To His Serene Highness Leopold-George-Frederick, Duke
of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringia,
Prince of Cobourg of Saalfeld, &c.

" The Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, of the City
of London, in Common Council assembled, have great joy in
paying their compliments of congratulation to your Serene
Highness, on your safe arrival in this kingdom, and on your
auspicious nuptials with the virtuous and amiable Princess
Charlotte-Augusta of Wales, presumptive Heiress to the
throne of these realms.

" The dignity of your princely house, your high military
fame, the solid endowments of your mind, the graceful qua-
lities of your heart, demand our veneration and esteem, and
afford the most cheering prospect, that an alliance thus formed
will be productive of all the happiness that can attend the
married state.

" With the illustrious Princess, the fair promise of our Isle,
your Serene Highness has received all the graces and virtues
which afford a pre-eminent example to the daughters of Bri-
tain; the acquirements of her royal mind, fitted to her high
station, are equalled by the engaging female softness of her
character, to bless and display domestic life.

252 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

" May your Serene Highness long live to partake of the
blessing; and may \our Royal Bride crown your wishes with
a race of Princes, inheriting your respective graces, and
transmitting your names with glory to the remotest ages."

His Serene Highness was pleased to return the
following answer :

" My Lord Mayor, and Gentlemen,

" I return you my warmest thanks for your congratulations,
and for the sentiments so favourable and gratifying to myself,
with which they are accompanied."

The Queen and Prince Regent both visited
Camelford House on the 15th of May, and both
remained some time : after their departure the Royal
Pair visited the Princess Sophia of Gloucester, in
Curzon-street, May-fair, and were soon recognized,
notwithstanding the privacy of that neighbourhood ;
upon which they were saluted with the usual demon-
strations of respect and joy.

The day following, being that on which it had
been officially notified "that the Queen would hold
her Royal Nuptial Drawing-room, at Buckingham
House, where Her Majesty intended to receive
the congratulations of the English Nobility and
Gentry, as well as of the foreigners of distinction,
upon the happy event of the marriage of Her
Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte with His
Serene Highness Prince Leopold, a considerable
interest was excited upon the occasion among all
ranks of people. The anniversary of the King's
Birth-day used to be considered an annual Royal
Festival; but the Nuptial Drawing-room exceeded
any thing that has taken place m our recollec-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 253

tion ; even the Court after the King's Recovery
did not equal it; there was supposed to be present
between two and three thousand persons. The
different Guards were mounted in the morning in
white gaiters, and the preparations were similar
to a Birth-day Court. Although the Queen had
removed her Drawing-rooms from St. James's
Palace to her own Palace, the public were admit-
ted into the Great Hall by tickets, presented to
respectable persons, as was customary at St.
James's Palace. They began to arrive there soon
after ten o'clock, very elegantly dressed. A guard
of honour marched into the Court-yard, preceded
by the band of the 3d Regiment of Guards. A
crowd was collected round the Palace by eleven
o'clock, and soon after twelve it was so great, the
Palace was scarcely accessible, till a numerous
assemblage of Police officers arrived, under the
direction of Sir N. Conant, as well as the marshal-
men, the porters, &c.

Although the Drawing-room was not announced
to commence till two o'clock, the company began
to arrive a little after twelve, and continued lo
arrive till past four at all the different entrances.
Some of the distinguished characters who came to
Court were kept in their carriages in the regular
ranks ; some of them frequently reached to Oxford-
street, and some who resided in St. James's-square
had to go as far as Oxford-street before they could
get into the rank ; but notwithstanding the immense
collection of carriages, no very serious accident
occurred, every thing being extremely well regu-
lated. The entrance of the company at one time
was so extremely great, that there was a com-
plete stoppage under the covered colonnade for an
hour. The grand objects of attraction, the Royal
Pair, arrived at a quarter before two o'clock, in
state; their carriage being preceded by three
others, in which were Lady Emily Murray, Lady

254 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

John Thynne, Mrs. Campbell, Miss Coates, Sir
Robert Gardiner, Colonel Addenbroke, Baron
Hardenbrock, and Mr. Percy, escorted by a party
of the Life Guards, followed with the greetings
of the public. The Prince Regent, the Duke and
Duchess of York, and the Duke of Gloucester,
accompanied by his sister, the Princess Sophia
of Gloucester, came in state with their full suites,
with escorts of the Life Guards. The Duke of
Sussex came with his full suite of attendants.

A few minutes after two o'clock, Her Majesty
entered the Drawing-room, with her numerous and
distinguished Family, all looking remarkably well
in health. The Queen took her usual station ; her
Chamberlain, Vice Chamberlain, and other attend-
ants, standing on her left, and the Royal Family
to her right, &c. Her Majesty then proceeded to
receive the congratulations of the splendid, brilliant,
and highly distinguished throng. They passed on
from the Queen to the Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold, who stood on Her Majesty's right
hand ; and they all appeared to vie with each
other in their hearty compliments and good wishes.
Her Majesty received several addresses from
different places. The exterior of the Palace, as
well as the interior, had the most splendid and fasci-
nating appearance. The company, who had paid
their congratulatory respects to the Queen at the
commencement of the Drawing-room, were not able
to leave the Palace, as their carriages could not
draw up till all the company had been set down.
The windows of the Palace were filled with the
elegantes; others walked in the Palace Court-
yard, the grass-plot, and, with such an assemblage,
gave it more the appearance of a grand fete or gala
of rejoicing; such an assemblage, in such splendid
dresses, parading in the open air, probably was
never beheld before, the mildness of the weather
being extremely favourable to the occasion: the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 255

effect of the promenade was considerably height-
ened by the performance of some charming pieces
by the band. The assemblage consisted of Bishops
and Clergy in their full robes ; the Judges, and
Messrs. Warren, Scarlett, Harrison, Cooke, Raine,
Benyon, Agar, Bell, &c. who had lately been ap-
pointed to be King's Council, in their full-bottom
wigs and robes ; the Naval and Military Officers,
in their uniforms ; the Nobility, Ladies, and Gen-
tlemen, in their splendid court dresses; with the
Royal servants in their state dresses, and the
servants of a number of the Nobility in their state
liveries, — rendered the whole a scene not to be de-
scribed.

The top of the Queen's Guard-house was co-
vered with respectable persons. Several trees were
filled ; and the Parks were crowded with people
and carriages to an extraordinary degree. The
Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold left, with
their suites, in the same state as they came ; the
guard of honour saluting with military honours,
and the band playing ' God save the King,' as they
had received them on their arrival. The Bishops,
Judges, and other distinguished characters, formed
a line for them to pass through in the Court-yard,
they bowing and courtesying to the Royal Pair as
they passed, and the Prince and Princess bowing
in return; and, on their entering the Park, they
were received with loud huzzas by the Populace.
The company had not left the Palace till nearly
seven o'clock. The Regent remained to dine with
the Queen and Princesses.

The following account of the superb Dresses of
the Royal Family is worthy of preservation :

Her Majesty. — A petticoat of beautiful rich green
and silver tissue ; the whole of the draperies were
composed of superbly rich blond lace, elegantly

•2-3(3 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

and tastefully designed, ornamented with rich silver
bullion, confined with handsome silver ropes and
ta els, finishing at the bottom with full flounces of
ri< li hlond lace to correspond, interspersed with
silver tassels and bullion ; the mantua of green and
silver tissue to correspond, superbly trimmed with
handsome blond lace and silver. The whole had
a rikingly new, elegant, and magnificent effect.

Princess Elizabeth. — A petticoat of rich white
satin, superbly embroidered in stripes of bright and
dead gold, intermixed with shells; the draperies
very richly embroidered to correspond; which were
peculiarly elegant and tastefully designed, festooned
up and ornamented with rich gold ropes and tassels,
finishing at the bottom with double scollop jfloun-
eings of net, richly spangled, intermixed with em-
broidered bows and gold lace ; the mantua of rich
white satin, handsomely trimmed with gold ; body
and sleeves trimmed with Brussels point lace and
diamonds ; head-dress, feathers and diamonds.

Princess Mary. — A petticoat of rich blue spotted
silver tissue; the drapery of a pale blue, massy
silver tissue, very superbly embroidered, the dra-
pery confined on one side with superb silver ropes
and tassels, finishing at the bottom with an elegant
fulness of silver tissue, and ornamented with silver
lace; the mantua of rich spotted tissue to corre-
spond, trimmed with rich silver lace ; body and
sleeves elegantly trimmed with Brussels point lace,
and diamonds; Her Royal Highness's head-dress
Mas superbly beautiful.

Princess Charlotte of Wales. — A petticoat of
rich silver tissue, and draperies of net, most magni-
ficently embroidered in silver lama, with deep
borders, beaded with a costly silver rollio ; the
draperies elegantly supported with a most brilliant
cord of real silver bullion, and very superb silver

isels below the draperies ; the dress finished with
a most beautiful and elegant garniture iu silver

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 257

lama tulle, most tastefully designed; manttia of
rich silver tissue, with superb border of lama,
and the sleeves profusely trimmed with the most
beautiful Brussels point lace; rich silver band,
fastened in front with diamonds : head-dress, a
most superb wreath of the richest and most bril-
liant diamonds, forming roses and leaves, with a
most elegant ostrich plumage. The whole dress
surpassed all conception in the grandeur, magnifi-
cence, and brilliancy of its effect.

Her Royal Highness Princess Sophia of Glou-
cester.— An elegant white and silver lama dress ;
white satin petticoat, richly trimmed with silver-net
flounce and lama border; draperies of magnificent
silver lama, suspended with a profusion of jewels ;
train, lilac and silver tissue, superbly ornamented
with silver lama: head-dress, a profusion of dia-
monds and feathers.

On the 17th of May, the Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold received visits from the Dukes
of York, Clarence, and Gloucester, at Camelford
House. Soon after four o'clock Her Royal High-
ness and His Serene Highness took an airing in
their curricle. A great crowd was as usual col-
lected round the house to wait for their coming
out, who received the Roval Pair with loud
acclamations and every mark of respect, which
they condescendingly returned. They proceeded
through the Parks to St. James's, called upon
the Duchess of York, and remained about twenty
minutes with Her Royal Highness.

Two days after the Nuptial Drawing-room, Lord
Grantley, the High Steward for the borough of
Guildford, and Mr. Sergeant Onslow, one of the
members for the town, attended the Princess
Charlotte and Prince Leopold at Camelford House
with the following Address :
11. 2 K

258 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

" We, your Royal and Serene Highnesses' most affectionate and
devoted servants, the Mayor, High Steward, Recorder, and Magis-
trates, and approved men, together with the other inhabitants of
the town and borough of Guildford, in the county of Surry, beg
leave to offer to your Royal and Serene Highnesses our warmest
and most sincere congratulations on your auspicious union ; and to
assure you, that a union so calculated to ensure the domestic felicity
of your Royal and Serene Highnesses, is, in every view, a source
of satisfactory reflection to the English nation.

" We rejoice in the opportunity afforded us of addressing a
Prince for whom we entertain the highest and most profound regard
and respect; to assure your Serene Highness, how fully we partici-
pate in every happiness you can experience, and particularly in
your union with so illustrious a British Princess.

" May these nuptials, so pleasing to the nation, be productive of
permanent felicity to your Royal and Serene Highnesses; and may
you both live long in the esteem and affection of a free people."

To this Address the following- answer was re-
turned :

" Gentlemen,

" We return you our best thanks for your loyal address, and
the expressions of attachment towards us contained in it, which
are very gratifying to us."

Many persons who had been prevented by the
excessive crowd from seeing the Royal Pair at
the Nuptial Drawing-room, hoped to have their
desires gratified when the Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold announced their intention of
honouring the Opera House with their presence,
which was fixed for the 18th of May. The price,
however, demanded for boxes that night, rose, it
is said, in some instances to ten guineas, and the
pit was certainly crowded insufferably at an early

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 259

hour. The Royal Visitors did not arrive till past
nine o'clock; and on their entrance, " God save the
Kino" Was called for, and suns; with great effect
by the performers, with whom the whole audience
joined. This hearty welcome particularly affected
the Princess, who bowed in acknowledgment to all
parts of the house. Her Royal Highness almost
immediately recognized many of the nobility, and
several of the Ladies of Foreign Ministers, whom
she saluted with her accustomed affability; and
afterwards, with her Serene Consort, directed her
attention to the performance of the Ballet. At
midnight the Royal Visitors retired amidst the
repeated shouts and joyful acclamations of a
brilliant audience, who again joined the perform-
ers in singing " God save the King ;" to winch
some appropriate stanzas were prepared and added
for the occasion.

Nearly the same circumstances attended the visit
of the Princess Charlotte and her Serene Consort
to Drury-lane Theatre, as those already described
which took place at the Opera House. The new
tragedy of Bertram, in which Mr. Kean was per-
forming in the most trying scene at their entrance,
was the principal entertainment for that evening,
until the arrival of the august Pair interrupted the
progress of the performance. Her Royal High-
ness's dress was plain Court mourning, with a
chaplet of roses and lilies on her head. The
audience were so eager to see the amiable Pair,
that it gave Prince Leopold an excellent specimen
of the degree of freedom allowed in a British
Theatre. His Serene Highness not comprehending
the object of their hissings and cries of " Stage
Box" proceeding from the audience, was inform-
ed by the Princess Charlotte, that it was nothing
less than a positive demand that they should
show themselves more conspicuously to the impa-
tient but loyal multitude. The Princess and her

2C)0 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Serene Consort in consequence rose immediately,
and, with the most affable condescension, appeared
in the front of the box, where they stood some
time, to the great gratification of the whole audi-
ence, among whom quiet was instantly restored.
The whole of the Drury Lane Company, decorated
with white favours, in honour of the recent royal
nuptials, gave " God save the King," with the fol-
lowing additional stanzas, as sung at the Opera
House, in admirable style, both on the arrival and
departure of the august Visitors :

Oh ! Thou Omniscient Pow'r,
In this auspicious hour,

Bless Thou the Bride I
List to a nation's voice ;
Grateful it does rejoice,
And prays thee with one voice —

God bless the Bride !

Grant thy almighty aid,
Which ever grac'd the Maid,

Wait on the Bride.
Oh ! let thy precepts too
Ever her heart renew ;
Honour and grace endue
i Charlotte -the Bride.

Long may the Noble Line,
Whence she descended, shine

In Charlotte the Bride !
Grant it perpetuate,
And ever make it great ;
On Leopold blessings wait,

And Charlotte his Bride.

These verses, however respectable they may
appear for the spirit of affectionate loyalty which
they breathe, are, as a poetic composition, beneath
criticism, and totally unworthy of notice.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 261

The genuine affection which is known to have
united this amiable Pair, was strongly depicted
in several circumstances attending their visit to
this Theatre. It has been well observed, that by
coming alone, they tacitly condemned the detest-
able system which is too prevalent among persons
of rank, by which it has become unfashionable for
married persons to appear together in public,
and almost to live together in private. The illus-
trious subjects of this Memoir had nobly resolved
to revive the almost obsolete, but old English
custom, of husband and wife; they felt all the
force of Milton's beautiful apostrophe to Marriage :

Hail, wedded love, mysterious law, true source
Of hum an offspring, sole propriety
In Paradise of all things common else.
By thee adult'rous lust was driv'n from men
Among the bestial herds to range; by thee,
Founded in reason, loyal, just, and pure,
Relations dear, and all the charities
Of father, son, and brother, first were known.
Far be't that I should write thee sin or blame,
Or think thee unbefitting holiest place,
Perpetual fountain of domestic sweets,
. Whose Led is undefil'd and chaste pronounc'd,
Present, or past, as saints and patriarchs us'd.
Here love his golden shafts employs, here lights
His constant lamp, and waves his purple wings,
Reigns here and revels ; not in the bought smile
Of harlots, loveless, joyless, unendear'd.
Casual fruition ; nor in court amours,
Mix'd dance, or wanton mask, or midnight ball,
Or serenade, which the starv'd lover sings
To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain.

262 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Thursday the 2.3rd, the Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold had their first dinner party at Camel-
ford House, which was honoured with the presence
of the Prince Regent. His Royal Highness was
received at the door by Prince Leopold, who con-
ducted him to the drawing-room, at the entrance
of which lie was received by his affectionate
Daughter. The dinner was most sumptuous, and
consisted of every rarity and delicacy of the
season.

In the evening of the 24th, the Princess Char-
lotte and her Consort honoured Covent Garden
Theatre with their presence, to see the admirable
comedy of The Jealous Wife. They entered the
Prince Regents box before the play began, and
were received with the warmest acclamations. The
whole Company of the Theatre then came for-
ward (the ladies drest in white,) and sung " God
save the King;" to which were added, the stanzas
on the Royal Marriage, as sung at the Opera— the
spectators, all standing up during the performance
of the national air, presented a grand spectacle.
At intervals, in the course of the evening, their
Royal Highnesses stood up, and gave the assem-
bly an opportunity of paying their dutiful respects
to them, which they repaid with graceful con-
descension.

The Prince Regent having signified his gracious
intention of investing Prince Leopold with the
illustrious Orders of the Bath and the Garter;
on the 25th of May, a few minutes before two
o'clock, the Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold
arrived at Carlton House in a carriage, preceded
by another, in which were Sir Robert Gardiner,
Colonel Addenbroke, and Baron Hardenberg. The
Duke of Clarenc**came out to receive his Royal
Niece, attended by the Regent's household.

The Princess Charlotte, attended by Colonel
Addenbroke, Lady John Thynne, and Lady Emily

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 263

Murray, was conducted into the room adjoining
the Royal Closet, for the purpose of witnessing the
interesting ceremony, and expressed herself highly
delighted with the magnificent novelty of the scene
which she now, for the first time, beheld. It was,
no doubt, a most gratifying sight to her feelings,
to see her Royal Father conferring such high
honours upon the man of her heart, the husband of
her choice, independently of the natural pleasure
which such august spectacles as each ceremony
presented, must unavoidably afford to a youthful
and inquisitive mind.

After the usual ceremonies, Lord Lyndoch and
Sir George Beckwith, the two junior Knights pre-
sent, preceded by the Gentleman Usher, were
sent to introduce His Serene Highness the Prince
of Saxe-Cobourg; who, advancing into the presence
of the Prince Regent, with the usual reverences,
was invested by His Royal Highness with the
Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath ; immedi-
ately after which, the Princess Charlotte was con-
ducted into the Great Council Chamber, or Throne
Room, for the purpose of seeing the splendid
state spectacle of a Chapter of the Order of the
Garter for the first time. Her Royal Highness was
still attended by Colonel Addenbroke, Lady John
Thynne, and Lady Emily Murray. Her Royal
Highness took her station on the right of the state
chair, which was placed opposite the Throne for
her Royal Father.

The Knights Companions of the Garter, in their
mantles and collars, with the Officers of the Order
in their mantles, chains, and badges, attended His
Royal Highness the Prince Regent in his own
apartment, soon afjer two o'clock, and, as Garter
Principal King at Arms was absent from ill health,
were called over by Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, Black
Rod, and walked in procession, in the Chapter
Room, in the following order :

264 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Viscount Castlereagli. Earl of Liverpool.

Duke of Montrose.
^ Marquis Wellesley.

Earl of Lonsdale. Marquis of Hertford.

Marquis of Stafford.
Earl of Winchelsea. . Earl of Pembroke.

Duke of Beaufort.
Duke of Rutland.
Marquis Camden. Earl Spencer.

Earl of Westmoreland.
Marquis of Salisbury. Earl of Chatham.

His Highness the Duke of Gloucester.

His Royal Highness the

Duke of Cumberland.

His Royal Highness the

Duke of Clarence.

His Royal Highness the
Duke of Kent.

His Royal Highness the
Duke of York.

Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, Knight Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod.

The Bishop of Salisbury, Chancellor of the Order.

His Royal Highness the PRINCE REGENT.

The Prince Regent and Knights Companions
being seated, the Chancellor standing in his place
on the left hand of His Royal Highness, acquaint-
ed His Royal Highness that the Dean of Windsor,
the Honourable and Reverend Doctor Henry
Lewis Hobart, attended at the door of the Chapter
Room, and humbly prayed admittance to take the
oath of office of Register of the most noble Order.

Then, by command of His Royal Highness, the
Register in his mantle was conducted by Black
Rod into the presence ; Black Rod bearing (in the
absence of Garter) the Register's gold chain and
badge, and the book upon a crimson velvet cushion,
and the Register kneeling near the Prince Regent,
the oath was administered to him by the Chancellor,
Black Rod holding the Gospels ; whereupon Black
Rod kneeling, presented to His Royal Highness
the gold chain and badge, which His Royal High-
ness was pleased to put over the Register's neck.
Black Rod then presented also the book, which

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 265

the Prince Regent delivered to the Register, and
the latter having kissed His Royal Highness's hand
withdrew to the bottom of the table.

The Chancellor then, by command of His Royal
Highness, read a new statute, dispensing with exist-
ing statutes, in as far as may be required for the
especial purpose therein mentioned, and decreeing,
ordaining, and enjoining, that His Serene Highness
Prince Leopold -George-Frederick of Saxe-Cobourg,
Consort of Her Royal Highness the Princess Char-
lotte-Augusta, be declared elected a Knight of the
most noble Order.

The Chancellor thereupon declared to the Chap-
ter, that the said illustrious Prince had been elected
a Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter.

His Serene Highness was then, by command of
the Prince Regent, conducted into the Chapter
Room, between the Earl of Liverpool and Viscount
Castlereagh, the two junior Knights Companions
present; preceded by Black Rod, in the absence of
Garter, bearing the ensigns of the order upon a
crimson velvet cushion.

His Serene Highness kneeling near the Prince
Regent, and Black Rod presenting on his knee the
Garter; His Royal Highness, assisted by their
Royal Highnesses the Dukes of York and Clarence,
the two senior Knights Companions, buckled it on
His Serene Highness's left leg; the Chancellor
pronouncing the admonition.

Black Rod then presented the Ribband with the
George; and His Royal Highness, with the assist-
ance of the said two senior Knights Companions,
put the same over His Serene Highness's left shoul-
der; the Chancellor pronouncing the admonition.
His Serene Highness having kissed the hand of
the Prince Regent, His Royal Highness gave him
the accolade; and His Serene Highness having
severally saluted and received the congratulations
of the Knights Companions, withdrew.
11. 2 h

266 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

The Chapter ended, Black Rod, by the com-
mand of the Prince Regent, called over the Knights
Companions, who walked back in procession to the
private apartment of His Royal Highness, in the
same order as before ; the Register occupying his
place below the Chancellor of the Order.

The same day the happy Pair received an
address of congratulation on their marriage, from
Windsor; and, in the evening, when the Duke
of Clarence honoured Sadler's Wells with his pre-
sence, the following additional verses to the air of
" God save the King," were sung, in allusion to the
Royal Nuptials : and which we insert, not on
account of their merit, but of their loyalty.

From thy protecting grace,
To all our good King's race

May blessings spring !
Our good has been his care,
Grant him then to our pray'r;
Him in our hearts we wear;

God save the King !

Bless all the Brunswick Line ;
People to Prince incline,

Freedom's best spring:
Bless the new-wedded Pair,
Make them thy gracious care,
And hear, O hear our pray'r,

God save the King!

On Sunday morning, the 26th of May, the
Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold attended
divine service at the German Chapel, St. James's
Palace. On this occasion it was observed, that
Her Royal Highness joined in the responses in an
audible voice, and with the same devout earnestness
as Her Royal Grandfather. The happy Pair appear.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 267

ed to feel a deep interest in the solemn services in
which they were then engaged, and their example
appeared greatly to interest and affect the numerous
and fashionable congregation.

On Monday, May 27th, the Princess Charlotte
and Prince Leopold received Lord Viscount Cran-
bourne, and Mr. Masterton Ure, members of Par-
liament for Weymouth, at Camelford House, where
they presented the following very dutiful and loyal
Addresses from the inhabitants of the towns of
Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, on the happy
marriage of their Royal and Serene Highnesses :

*' To Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte-Augusta of

Saxe-Cobourg.

*' We His Majesty's most dutiful subjects, the Inhabitants -of
Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, beg that your Royal Highness
would condescend to accept the humble, but most sincere tribute
of our congratulations, on your Marriage with His Serene Highness
Prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg. From every point of view in
which it can be considered, the people of the United Kingdom may
cherish the happiest presages from this auspicious event. The in-
tellectual accomplishments, the moral principles, and the amiable
manners, of your illustrious Consort, acknowledged by the unani-
mous judgment of those who know him best, and by the report of
universal fame, evince the wisdom of the choice which your Royal
Highness has made.

" But when we contemplate the character of the distinguished
Princess, to whom he is now united, we are sure that we do not
deceive ourselves, in the ardour of an overflowing zeal, into an
unfounded anticipation of the most fortunate results from this con-
nubial alliance. Your Royal Highness has honoured and gratified
this town with your residence for two successive seasons ; and
therefore we are in some measure competent, from ocular evidence,
to form an estimate of those talents, virtues, and graces, which
have already opened with so bright a dawn. We have seen with
infinite delight the Heiress of the British throne, adorning her
high station with those exalted attainments of the mind, and those
tender sensibilities of the heart, which endear her to every rank in

268 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

life, and irresistibly attract the admiration of mankind. We have
remarked the pre-eminent example which you have held out to us
by your exact attention to those duties of Religion, and by your
unremitted exercise of that benevolence and charity, which are the
choicest ornaments of a Christian, and the most splendid jewels of
an earthly crown. We have felt the full impression of that dig-
nified affability, and of that condescending goodness, which uni-
versally characterized your deportment towards all the inhabitants
of this place.

" This fair assemblage of various excellence at such early years,
has drawn the warmest affections of our hearts to the person of
your Royal Highness. In the fervour of the unshaken loyalty,
manifested by us at all periods to that august Family from which
you are descended, we have reason to felicitate our country, and
be grateful to the Giver of every good gift, that a young Princess,
conspicuous for those endowments which are the true glory of
human nature, is destined to sway the sceptre of these realms. We
rejoice in the prospect, that when our beloved Monarch and your
illustrious Father shall have finished their course, (though late in-
deed may that day arrive !) you will, like them, be the defence and
security of the Protestant cause, the supporter of our Constitution
in Church and State, the Protectress of our religious and civil liber-
ties, and the proud boast of this great and high-spirited nation.

" We offer up our earnest supplications, that God would be
graciously pleased to shower down upon your Royal Highness, and
your august Husband, the most precious blessings of the conjugal
life ; and that, from this union, may spring a race of future Sove-
reigns, who, forming their principles and conduct on the model of
their progenitors, shall render this country flourishing and happy
under their mild and equitable government."

" To His Serene Highness Leopold, Prince of Saxe-Cobourg.

■ We, the Inhabitants of the Borough and Town of Weymouth
and Melcombe Regis, respectfully beg permission to offer your
Serene Highness our warmest congratulations, on your auspicious
union with our gracious Princess Charlotte-Augusta.

1 The long residence of Her Royal Highness at this highly favour-
ed place, has afforded us peculiar opportunities of witnessing those
amiable and endearing manners, those accomplishments and virtues,
which she so eminently possesses.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 269

" In her we are assured you will find whatever can delight the
soul and enchain the heart.

" The trump of fame has loudly sounded the heroic deeds of
your Serene Highness, in the recent awful conflicts which have so
happily given repose to Europe — they demand our esteem and
gratitude; but, Sir, we have still more to admire in you, those
other manly virtues and qualities of the heart, of which the general
voice speaks so highly.

" That your Serene Highness and your Royal Bride may long
live in mutual bliss, is our unfeigned prayer."

To these Addresses they were pleased to return
the following gracious answer:

" Gentlemen,
" You will be assured it affords us particular satisfaction to re-
ceive the addresses and congratulations of the Inhabitants of Wey-
mouth, so long distinguished in their firm and continued loyalty; and
we desire you will make known to the Inhabitants of Weymouth, the
pleasure we must feel in the assurances of their regard and attachment."

In the evening, their Royal and Serene Highnesses
revisited Covent Garden Theatre, to hear Mr. Bra-
ham, the celebrated singer, in the character of
Apollo, in the Burletta of Midas. They appear-
ed much delighted with his vocal powers; and
retired, as they came, amidst loud shouts of con-
gratulation from the audience.

On the 29th of May, the Prince Regent held
a Court at Carlton House, for the purpose of
receiving the address of the University of Oxford,
upon the recent royal marriage. It being known
that the members of the University of Oxford
were to walk in procession through Pall Mall, in
their robes, a great concourse of people assembled,
and the Mall was crowded with carriages. A
guard of honour, with the band of the Coldstream
Regiment of Guards, preceded them in their state
dresses, while a small party of the Life Guards
were stationed at the west gate.

270 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

The procession began to move a few minutes
after three o'clock, preceded by two Esquire
Beadles, two Yeomen Beadles, followed by the
Right Honourable Lord Grenville, Chancellor of
the University, in full and splendid robes; the Dele-
gates, Dr. Lendon, the Provost of Worcester ; Dr.
Hughes, Principal of Jesus College; Dr. Cole,
Rector of Exeter College; and Dr. Hodgson, Prin-
cipal of Brazen Nose College; attended by the
Earl of Yarmouth, the Rev. Dr. Holland, Mr. North-
cote, the Rev. W. Saunders, the Rev. Dr. Fly, Lord
Kenyon, the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of
London, the Bishop of Norfolk, Sir Christopher
Pegge, Mr. Wynne, the Rev. Dr. Breaden, Sir Wm.
Scott, Mr. King, Mr. Elliott, Sir J. Nicholls, Sir T.
Tyrwhitt, Mr. Round, the Duke of Portland, the
Marquis of Salisbury, Dr. Crotch, professor of music
to the University, Sir J. Throckmorton, the Rev. W.
Louth, Lord Delaware, Sir Henry Halford, and
others, to the number of three hundred, persons of
rank and fashion, who were conducted into a room
on the west side of the house.

The Regent being seated on his Throne, sur-
rounded by his Cabinet Ministers, the Lord Stew-
ard, the Vice Chamberlain, the Comptroller of the
Household, the Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard,
Lord Boston, in waiting; Sir John Craddock, the
Groom in waiting; Earl Harrington, Gold Stick; Sir
W. Congreve, Equerry ; and other state attendants ;
the Members of the University were then conducted
into the presence of His Royal Highness the Prince
Regent; upon which the Chancellor, Lord Gren-
ville, read the following Address :

" To His Royal Highness the Prince Regent.

" We, His Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Chan-
cellor, Masters, and Scholars, of the University of Oxford, beg leave
humbly to offer to your Royal Highness the expression of our
heartfelt joy, at the marriage of Her Royal Highness the Prinoess

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 271

Charlotte of Wales with a Protestant Prince, descended from an
illustrious race, and distinguished by personal virtues, worthy of that
august Princess who is the object of our dearest and proudest hopes.

" When we reflect on- the various blessings our country has de-
rived from the mild and equitable rule of the House of Brunswick,
we cannot but rejoice in an event which, by tending to perpetuate
the succession in that House, promises a continuation of the same
blessings. We not only rejoice in it as an event grateful to the
paternal feelings of your Royal Highness, but we see in it also a
pledge of our own happiness, an additional security to those civil
rights and religious establishments, which we firmly believe to be,
under Divine Providence, the foundation of all our greatness.

" That the sceptre may never depart from your Royal Line, is
our sincere and fervent prayer ; and we are confident that in this
prayer we speak the wishes of all His Majesty's subjects. With
them we unite in zealous and dutiful attachment to your Royal
Highness, to whom we are more especially bound by repeated acts
of munificence and kindness ; and we hope, by the careful discharge
of the trust committed to us, to prove that we are not undeserving
of your Royal Highness's favour and protection.

" Our constant purpose is to combine the pursuit of knowledge
with the formation of that character upon which the true glory of
a kingdom must ever depend ; and we are encouraged in the per-
formance of this duty by the firm persuasion, that no offering can
be more acceptable to a generous Prince, than the affection of a
religious and enlightened people."

To this Address the Prince Regent returned this
most gracious answer :

" I return you my warmest thanks for this loyal and affectionate
address.

" It is with the utmost satisfaction that I receive your congratu-
lations on an event which will, I trust, be found conducive to the
best interests of this country, by affording additional security to its
civil rights and religious establishments, which, under the favour of
Divine Providence, are the foundations of its prosperity and power;
and to the support of which I am persuaded that you will ever
contribute, both by your precepts and example.

" The University of Oxford may be assured of my invariable
favour and protection."

272 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Before the procession withdrew, the Chancellor,
Delegates, and several young Noblemen of the Uni-
versity, had the honour of kissing His Royal High-
ness's hand.

In the evening, the Princess Charlotte and Prince
Leopold honoured the Concert of Ancient Music
with their presence, for the first time, and sat in the
Director's box. The concert was under the direc-
tion of the Earl of Darnley. The first part was
principally from Dryden's Alexanders Feast; and
the language of the poet, in the chorus, was ob-
served to associate itself, with electrical effect in the
minds of all, with the interesting Visitors, who invo-
luntarily joined in singing,

Happy, happy, happy Pair.
None but the brave,
None but the brave,
None but the brave
Deserve the fair !

The next evening, the Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold paid a third visit to the Opera,
where they were again received with an enthusiastic
welcome; and both appeared highly delighted with
the congratulations of a most brilliant and numerous
audience.

At the Prince Regent's splendid Levee on the
30th of May, at Carlton House, twenty-three loyal
and affectionate addresses were presented from dif-
ferent parts of the country, expressive of loyalty
and affection upon the late happy marriage of the
Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold. It being a
collar day, the Court was particularly brilliant : all
those who possessed the different orders, English
and Foreign, wore their collars ; which produced a
most elegant and striking effect. The Dukes of
Clarence, Gloucester, and Prince Leopold, were
present; the two latter paid their respects to the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 273

Prince Regent, upon their appointment as Field
Marshals in the British Army. In consequence of
which, the Commander-in-Chief, by order of the
Prince Regent, notified to the army, that His Serene
Highness should, on all future occasions, receive
the same honours and compliments as prescribed in
His Majesty's regulations to Princes of the Royal
Family.

Next day, at three o'clock, the Austrian Ambas-
sador, the highly-accomplished Prince Esterhazy,
to whose instructive conversation the Princess Char-
lotte was extremely partial, together with his Royal
Consort, the Princess Esterhazy, were both intro-
duced to the happy Pair, at Camel ford House, upon
their recent arrival in England.

Having thus far conducted our narrative of the
Princess Charlotte, we shall now return to give a short
account of her roval Mother's travels on the Continent.

From the departure of Her Royal Highness the
Princess of Wales from England, in 1814, brief ac-
counts of her travelling over various parts of the Con-
tinent of Europe appeared from time to time in the
public papers ; but were only cursorily noticed, until
her visit to Tunis accidentally attracted the particular
attention of the British nation. Her Royal High-
ness arrived there on the 3rd of April, 1816, in an
English merchant vessel ; and the piratical govern-
ment instantly resolved to receive her with all possi-
ble honours. As soon as she landed, the forts of
Goleta Castle gave a royal salute ; and the Palace
of tho. Bashaw was reserved for her accommodation,
with a guard of Mamelukes, corresponding to her
dignity. On the 8th, Her Royal Highness went to
the Bardo to visit the Bashaw, the Princes, his sons,
and the Seraglio ; where they are said to have ex-
erted themselves so much, in showing her attention,
12. 2 m

k274 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

that the Princess was greatly satisfied with her
friendly reception, and very grateful for the respect
shewn to her in the liberation of several slaves.

On the 10th, Her Royal Highness visited the ruins
of Utica, took refreshment, and spent the night in
a handsome country seat there belonging to the son
of the Bashaw, Sadi Mustapha, who, condescending
to European usages, is reported to have endeavoured
to pay all due honours to the Princess. Two days
afterwards, Her Royal Highness was invited to a
splendid banquet in the Manuba Garden, belonging
to the Palace of the Bashaw ; where, by a most
remarkable coincidence, she descried the English
fleet, consisting of six ships of the line, one of which
was a first rate, two frigates, one corvette, five brigs,
one schooner, and three transports, under the com-
mand of Admiral Lord Exmoutli and Rear-Admiral
Penrose. The Princess, however, declaring that she
had nothing to do with political affairs, notwith-
standing the presence of the hostile armament, was,
to her great satisfaction, received and entertained
with the highest marks of consideration and respect
by all the sons of the Bashaw, and the whole of the
Corsair Court, who were dressed with the greatest
splendour and elegance.

Next morning, Admiral Lord Exmouth came on
shore, and, accompanied by the English Consul,
immediately proceeded to the Bardo, where he had
an audience of the Bashaw ; and during a conference
of two hours, insisted on the following demands :
1. That oil the slaves should be liberated. 2. That
the Tunisian captain, who had invaded and plun-
dered the island of Antioco under the British flag,
should be punished. 3. That they should not here-
after enslave their prisoners of war. 4. That they
should accept the mediation of England, to conclude
a peace with the King of Sardinia.

These demands naturally irritated the Barbarian
Chief, who haughtily answered, that he did not

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 275

fear threats, and that he would endeavour to repel
force; but after a moment's cooler reflection he said,
that he would refuse nothing to Her Royal Highness
the Princess of Wales ; and that he was disposed to
grant the release of the Sardinian slaves to her, if
she would accept them when released : in answer to
this insidious proposition, Lord Exmouth judiciously
insisted, that they should be surrendered to him,
and not to the Princess — and then cut short some
reasonings, which the Bashaw offered in reply, by
declaring, as he went away, that he would pursue a
more direct method to attain his purpose, if His
Tunisian Majesty did not comply before the end of
twenty-four hours.

Lord Exmouth having peremptorily signified his
final determination to the Bashaw, waited in the
interim upon the Princess of Wales, who had in-
tended to visit an ancient temple at Zaguan, about
thirty miles from Tunis, on the following day ; but
in consequence of the conference with the British
Admiral, she changed her determination, and or-
dered her baggage and attendants to be immediately
re-embarked. This sudden alteration surprised the
Bashaw, who sent Her Royal Highness word, that
whatever might be the result of his serious differ-
ences with her nation, they would have no influence
upon the attention due to Her Royal Person ; and
that she might, without the least fear, continue to
reside in that country, where she would always be
treated with the utmost distinction and respect.
The Princess could not, however, place confidence
in these assurances, and determined to go on board
the next morning at six o'clock ; which was at the
time Lord Exmouth had requested another audience
of the Bashaw; who signified, that he could not
receive his Lordship till eight: at which hour, the
Bashaw acceded, with slight alterations, to the terms
so resolutely demanded by the British Admiral.
In the mean time, however, the Princess of Wales

270 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

had departed, regretting very much that these poli-
tic al events should oblige her to embark so preci-
pitately, without being able to take leave of, and
express her thanks to, the Bashaw; who is said to
haw defrayed the entire daily expences of the Prin-
cess, from the time that she had deigned to inhabit
his palace: though there certainly appears more
reason to regret that Her Royal Highness was ever
induced to take up her residence in such a place,
than that the apprehended hostilities of a British
fleet, should have obliged her suddenly to quit those
horrible abodes of barbarity and licentiousness.

On Saturday morning, June 1st, the Princess
Charlotte and Prince Leopold received a visit from
the Duke of Gloucester at Camelford House, which
they left, soon after two o'clock, in their travelling
carriage, drawn by four beautiful greys, with out-
riders, for Oatlands, where they dined with the
Duchess of York ; and, in the evening, returned to
Camelford House. Next day, the august Pair
attended divine service at the Swiss Protestant
Chapel, in Moor-street, Soho; after which, they
drove to the Queen's Palace, and passed the re-
mainder of the day with Her Majesty and the
Princesses.

About this time, Prince Leopold sat to Turnerelli,
the celebrated sculptor, for another bust without dra-
pery ; the lirst for which His Serene Highness had
sat to tiiis artist, at Brighton, representing him in
regimentals. At the particular request of the Prin-
CMS6 Charlotte and Prince Leopold, who were alike
extremely partial to Shakspeare's dramas, the cele-
brated Mrs, Siddons was prevailed upon to appear
once MOM before the public, in the character of Lady
Macbeth, for the gratification of the Royal Pair;
but before the arrival of the time fixed for the per-
formance, the Princess Charlotte was attacked by

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 277

a severe cold, which she so far resisted, that, having
promised to attend a Concert at the Hanover-square
Rooms, on Wednesday, for the benefit of the Royal
Society of Musicians, Her Royal Highness resolved
to be present; but found herself so ill about the
middle of the performancej that she was obliged to
retire, and was, of course, accompanied by her
amiable and beloved Consort.

Dr. Baillie and Mr. Walker were sent for, and
pronounced that Her Royal Highness's indisposition
arose from a bad cold, accompanied by some fever ;
but added, that they did not apprehend the least
danger. The Princess found considerable relief,
after having had a vein opened in her arm, and soon
after enjoyed some comfortable sleep. The report
of her illness, however, rapidly circulated, and a
number of inquirers flocked to Camelford House,
where they left their names with the porter, and were
informed that Her Royal Highness was better ; but
none were admitted, except the Royal Family.

A communication of these circumstances was
immediately made to the Prince Regent; and Dr.
Baillie soon afterwards attended at Carlton House,
to report to His Royal Highness the state of his
royal and amiable Daughter. Sir Benjamin Bloom-
field attended at Camelford House, by command of
the Prince Regent; upon whom Prince Leopold,
attended by Sir Robert Gardiner, waited in the
afternoon, and staid a considerable time at Carlton
House. The Queen and the Princess Mary arrived
at Camelford House soon after two o'clock ; Her
Majesty remained with the Princess Charlotte up-
wards of an hour ; and soon after her departure, the
Duke of Cumberland called, to make inquiries after
his Royal Niece.

This sudden illness of the amiable Princess de-
prived Prince William of Gloucester of the happi-
ness of receiving Her Royal Highness at the grand
dinner party, which he gave to the Prince Regent,

•270 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

the Queen, and most of the branches of the Royal
Family, at Gloucester House, Piccadilly. Prince
Leopold, however, came, to soften the disappoint-
ment as far as possible; but retired at a very early
hour, to attend upon his Royal Consort. His Serene
Highness was soon after followed by the Prince
Regent, who sat with his beloved Daughter for about
an hour. The Princess, though announced as con-
siderably better to the numerous inquirers after her
health, was not free from fever ; and the physicians,
therefore, ordered more blood to be taken from her,
but stated, that they expected that her indisposition
was only likely to last a few days.

Though the health of the Princess was gradually
restored, she was troubled with a cough ; and as it
was the order of the medical gentlemen, that Her
Royal Highness should be kept very quiet, no visi-
tors, even of the Royal Family, being admitted into
the bedchamber of the Princess, upon whom Prince
Leopold remained in constant and affectionate at-
tendance : so that none of the vast number of nobility
and gentry, who attended to inquire after Her Royal
Highness's health, could have any admittance at
Cainelibrd House; and were only informed, by the
porter, that the Priucess was in a fair way of
recovery.

June 2nd, Her Royal Highness was consider-
ably better, but had felt the effects of her indispo-
sition so severely, that she was only up for a short
time; after the Princess had retired, the Duke of
^ ork called, and remained about an hour with
Prince Leopold: and the Prince Regent, and all the
Royal Family, sent to make their anxious inquiries.
The Archbishop of Canterbury also called ; and a
numerous assemblage of the Nobility and Gentry
renewed their applications, to know the state of Her
Royal Highness's health.

Aboul this time was published a new work,
entitled " Tlic Bride of the hies," a mask in cele-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 279

bration of the Royal Nuptials ; from which we select
the following passage, in which our celebrated King
Alfred the Great is represented as looking down
from the regions of blessedness, and addressing
England, saying,

" Oh, I have watch'd thy monarchs as they pass'd,

Now leaping upward to my tempting throne,

Now topling down in civil hateful strife,

Or sliding to the slumbers of the tomb;

But never saw I one who fill'd that seat

In rightful ministration, who might say,

■ This is my couch of ease, my chair of joy,

' This sceptre is a pleasure-charming rod,

' To call up ev'ry luxury around/

The lofty soul, with eye severe, would look

Upon the trappings of external state

As emblems of a fearful trust, that ask'd

* The smile of Heav'n on self-denying virtue/

Yes ! I will hover o'er those youthful hearts,

Unblighted yet by pow'r, and with a voice

Borne on the wings of ev'ry morning breeze,

Cry, ' Live not for yourselves.' "

Saturday, June the 15th, the Princess Charlotte
took her first ride out : she appeared convalescent ;
but had evidently suffered much by her recent ill-
ness. Her Royal Highness was accompanied by
Prince Leopold, who, after her return from the
airing, went out privately, attended by Baron Har-
denbrock, and walked in the Green Park, without
being recognized by the numerous pedestrians who
were collected there.

On the 19th of June, the Princess Charlotte having
recovered from her late severe indisposition, rode
out with Prince Leopold, in their curricle, for about
two hours, and then returned to Camelford House ;
after which, His Serene Highness rode out for a

*280 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

short time on horseback. The same day, the Prince
and Princess honoured the Duchess of Buccleuch
with s \ i^it, at her house in Privy Gardens; and at
two o'clock on the day following left Camelford
House, and drove over Barnes' Common to Rich-
mond Park, through Richmond, and returned to
Camelford House at half past four o'clock: soon
after which, attended by Sir Robert Gardiner and
Mrs. Campbell, they received an Address from Mon-
mouth on their marriage, which was presented by
the Marquis of Worcester; to which they were
pleased to return the following answer :

" We receive the congratulations of the Town and Borough of
Monmouth with the greatest satisfaction; and we are highly grati-
fied in their earnest assurances of regard."

i

Addresses from the Counties of Surry and North-
umberland, and from the towns of Litchfield and
Marlborough, were also presented on the next day ;
and on Saturday, the tragedy of Macbeth was per-
formed at Covent Garden, by the express desire
of the Princess Charlotte and her august Consort.
On this occasion, the Theatre was exceedingly
crowded ; but the audience were not disappointed,
as they had been on a former occasion, through Her
Royal Highness's indisposition. The illustrious
a isitors entered the box nearest the stage, and were
received with the most enthusiastic shouts that loyal
hearts and stentorian lungs could raise. " God save
the King" was immediately sung, the whole of the
spectators standing; and when this was finished,
the plaudits in honour of the Royal Pair were
renewed. The Princess condescendingly acknow-
ledged these greetings with all her wonted affability,
and the Prince bowed several times to the audience;
who were much gratified with the opportunity af-
forded them of contemplating the harmony which
evidently subsisted between these august personages.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 281

The tragedy was finely performed ; Mrs. Siddons,
in particular, displayed all her acknowledged excel-
lence in the important character of Lady Macbeth.
The Princess Charlotte appeared to feel great interest
in the performance. Her Royal Highness wore a
green dress, with a wreath of white roses, and
seemed in excellent health and spirits. At the end
of the play, " God save the King" was again sung ;
and " Rule Britannia" having been called for, was
performed by the whole vocal strength of the Thea-
tre ; and the happy Pair retired amidst the acclama-
tion of the numerous spectators.

It has been a stumblingblock to some pious per-
sons, who make no allowance for the etiquette of
high life, that this excellent Princess and her august
Consort should ever be found in an Opera House
or a Theatre. Except in the above instance, there
is no reason to believe that they attended any public
exhibitions for the sake of the performance; but
rather by the earnest request of interested persons :
and we have already seen, that the severe illness of
the Princess was aggravated by the effort Her Royal
Highness made to assist the funds of a charity, by
honouring a musical party with her presence. It
is impossible to deny that the Theatres are gene-
rally converted into the haunts of licentiousness and
vice; but that they are necessarily so, and could
not be directed to innocent and useful ends, none
but those who have never frequented them to judge
for themselves, or who have imbibed the most unrea-
sonable prejudices, will assert. But as they are now
conducted, no moral good can be derived from
them: and any attendance upon them would be
totally inconsistent with the spirit of true devotion.
It is extremely probable, that the Princess Charlotte
took this view of the subject, or rather, that she had
not even a suspicion of the profligacy which is still
too prevalent in most of our places of public resort ;
besides, her attention, and that of her illustrious
12. 2 N

202 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Consort, seem rather to have been occupied on each
other, than on the splendid scenes around them : and
we shall shortly have occasion to show, how glad
they were to escape from all the pleasures and vani-
ties of the dissipated and luxurious town.

On the following day, it being Sunday, the Prin-
cess Charlotte and Prince Leopold attended divine
service at Whitehall Chapel. It appears that the
real reason which induced them to frequent different
places of worship, was to disappoint the ill-timed
curiosity of those persons who came on such occa-
sions, merely to see the Royal Pair, and not to join
in the solemn worship of Almighty God.

The indisposition of the Princess Charlotte caused
the presentation of many Addresses of congratulation
to be postponed; and, among others, the following,
which was presented by a numerous and highly
respectable deputation from the bodies of the Dis-
senting Clergymen of the Three Denominations ;
who were introduced into the Royal presence in
due form.

" To Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte-Augusta of

Wales.

" May it please your Royal Highness,

" We the General Body of Protestant Dissenting Ministers of the
Three Denominations, residing in and about the Cities of London
and Westminster, beg leave to present to your Royal Highness our
sincere congratulations on the event of your alliance with His
Serene Highness Prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg, and to tender
our warmest wishes for your truest felicity, through every succeed-
ing period of your existence.

" Descended from an illustrious line of royal ancestors, who have
meritoriously and successfully laboured to advance the general im-
provement of the nation, and confirm our much valued liberties ;
we are persuaded that your Royal Highness will derive the highest
satisfaction, from emulating such laudable examples.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 283

" Should your Royal Highness be ever called to fill the arduous
and elevated situation of a Sovereign, we are confident that the
conduct of your Royal Highness will evince the unceasing convic-
tion, that a devoted attention to the intellectual and moral improve-
ment of a cultivated and loyal people, will afford your Royal High-
ness more solid gratification, and confer more real splendour, than
the outward ornaments of royalty."

A similar Address was presented by the same
Deputation to Prince Leopold. The answer of the
Royal Pair to both was as follows :

" Be assured that we receive the congratulations of the Protest-
ant Dissenting Ministers of the Three Denominations with every
cordial satisfaction and pleasure ; and we are well assured in those
fervent hopes they express for our mutual happiness, and for the
prosperity of His Majesty's kingdoms."

At the presentation of these addresses, the gentle-
man who superintended the ceremonies of Her Royal
Highness's household, was at some loss for prece-
dents of etiquette. At first, he wished to prevent a
personal interview ; but this he was told was indis-
pensable : and it was also intimated that the Dis-
senters, on such occasions, expected the honour of
" kissing hands." This was considered quite inad-
missible : however, after retiring, as was supposed
to consult Her Royal Highness, the Ministers were
introduced, and read to the Princess and Prince
Leopold their Addresses, which were most graciously
received ; but the honour to which they aspired not
being offered, the learned and venerable Dr. Rees,
(editor of the Cyclopedia,) being at the head of the
Deputation, addressed Her Royal Highness to the
following effect: " That the Dissenters greatly prized
their civil and religious privileges ; and particularly
that of access to Royalty on all public occasions,
in order to express their loyalty and fidelity to the
House of Brunswick : that on all such occasions
they had been permitted to kiss the royal hands;

•284 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

ami that they hoped in this instance the same favour
would be granted." — " By all means," replied the
Princess, " if it will be any gratification;' and with
that cheerful courtesy for which she was always
remarkable, instantly threw off her glove, held out
her hand, and went round the circle, without waiting
for their individual approach.

Soon after this, Prince Leopold inspected Cum-
berland House; from which, as it met with His
Serene Ilighness's approbation, the Ordnance Office
was removed to the new building in Cannon-street,
Westminster, preparatory to the occupation of the
former by the Princess Charlotte and her illustrious
Consort. This occasioned the following Epigram:

" To meet Prince Cobourg's wish, how Apropos,
To place the Ordnance Board in Cannon Row."

On Saturday, the 30th of June, the British public
were again gratified by the appearance of the Prin-
cess Charlotte and Prince Leopold at Co vent Garden
Theatre. It was an evening set apart for the benefit
of a Charitable Fund ; and Mrs. Siddons performed
the character of Queen Catharine, in Shakspeare's
exquisite drama of King Henry VIII. ; so that the
benevolence, curiosity, and taste, of the audience
Mere equally gratified. Their Royal Highnesses
were received with all the accustomed honours ;
which they acknowledged with their wonted affa-
bility. On entering the box, the Princess was ob-
served to throw back the lattice work, to gratify the
audience. The Duchess of York, who accompanied
her, took her seat between the Prince and Princess,
who paid great attention to the progress of the per-
formance ; Prince Leopold particularly appearing to
follow the actors, in a book. The greetings between
the public and the Prince and Princess were renewed

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 285

several times in the course of the evening; and every
passage of the play, which would bear a compli-
mentary construction towards the Royal Pair, was
eagerly seized by the audience. That part in Act II.
Scene 3. where the Lord Chamberlain says of Anne
Bullen, whom he has been sounding, concerning the
King's inclinations,

" Who knows yet,
But from this lady may proceed a gem
To lighten all our Isle,"

was instantly applied, with the most rapturous
shouts, to the lovely and Royal Bride.

The first grand and numerous party which the
Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold gave, was at
Camelford House, on the last day of June. The
dinner was most sumptuous ; every delicacy of the
season was served up in the splendid marriage ser-
vice of plate, which was made under the direction
of Her Royal Highness. The dinner service was
very superb, combining the most tasteful, elegant,
and appropriate devices, executed in the most
finished style; particularly the tureens and stands,
both as to their form and workmanship. The richly
chased ice pails were executed after the exact model
of the celebrated antique vase, brought from Italy
by Sir William Hamilton, only upon a reduced scale.
The dining room, which is the best room in Camel-
ford House, was extremely well fitted up ; and
was lighted in the evening by a new and elegant
lustre, with gilt stands for the burners. Among the
company were the Lord Chancellor, the Earl and
Countess of Harrowby, Baron Fagel, the Earl and
Countess of Mul grave, Viscount and Viscountess
Melville, Lady Murray, the Earl of Westmoreland,
the Spanish Ambassador, Baron Just the Saxon
Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. and
Mrs. W. W. Pole, the Count and Countess Lieven,
and the Marquis and Marchioness D'Osmond.

286 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

The following extract from a complimentary
Poem, entitled " Erin's Guardian Goddess," which
was published, inscribed to Her Royal Highness
the Princess Charlotte, by Mr. William Duckett,
about this time, derives great interest from the loss
we now deplore.

" The harp \uis mute a length of years;

No song was heard on Erin's shore !

Her daughters knew but sighs and tears,

And impious sons her bosom tore !

No more she weeps, to grief a prey ;

Her days of sorrow fleet away,

And brighter suns begin to rise.

On Thames' proud shores thus fate decreed,

A Royal Fair One shall succeed,

To soothe the breast that burns with sighs ;

The pride of Brunswick's regal line,

In whom united virtues shine,

The brightest gem of Britain's crown,

Deigns on her suff'rings to look down ;

And Erin guards amidst alarms.

Thus vine-clad Samos flourish'd high,

Beneath Jove's consort's guardian eye,

Though Carthage bound her valiant arms :

Thus Athens felt Minerva's sway;

Athens, the school of men and arts:

Thus Delos own'd the God of day,

Who round the world his influence darts.

Erin, rejoice in song arise,

And let thy praises shake the skies :
Let songs of love be heard around,
And all thy vales responsive smile :
Let Charlotte's name thy hymns resound,
Protectress of thy beaut 'ous isle !
To her thy bard devotes his lays ;
His lyre re-echoes Charlotte's praise :
To her both lyre and bard belong,
While now he tunes a genial strain,
And meditates the nuptial song 1"

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 287

The great distress ^hich at this time pervaded
the country, excited the commiseration of the
amiable Princess, who, in the most patriotic spirit,
announced to her establishment, that she expected
they would in future wear articles of British manu-
facture only. An order wo.s also sent to all her
dress-makers, desiring them not to introduce any
thing foreign into articles prepared for the wear of
Her Royal Highness, on pain of incurring her dis-
pleasure and being no longer employed.

The following is a correct copj of the reply of
Prince Leopold, on the Freedom of the City of
London having been presented to him by the Lord
Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council:

" My Lord Mayor and Gentlemen,

" I cannot sufficiently express to you my sense and feeling of
this new mark of the regard of the City of London. I hope I need
not declare with what happiness I see myself one among your
members, and with the privilege of making your interests my own.
Believe me, it will ever be my endeavour, as it will be my first
hope, to see the commerce of this City upheld with every prosperity
and continued greatness."

On Thursday July the 4th, at half past four
o'clock, an Address from the county of Kent was
presented to the Princess Charlotte and Prince
Leopold, upon their marriage; it was signed by
Jive thousand persons and measured about twenty
yards. It was presented at Camelford House
by Mr. Evelyn the High Sheriff, Mr. Brooke,
Lieut. Col. Shaw, Mr. C. Denny, Samuel Watson,
D. D. the Marquis Camden, Lord Clifton, Sir W.
Geary, Sir E. Knatchbull, Col. Harris, and Mr.
Wingfield Stratford. The numerous assemblage
were introduced into the presence of the Princess
and Prince by Sir R. Gardiner; and after delivering

'280 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

their Address, they received the following most
gracious answer:

" We must ever feel happiness in the regard and attachment of
the county of Kent. It affords us sincere pleasure to receive this
mark of their attention, and we accept their congratulations with
the highest and most cordial satisfaction."

On Saturday evening, July 6, the Princess Char-
lotte was taken ill at the Opera, yet was suffici-
ently recovered to attend Divine Service at White-
hall Chapel next day; but, on returning to Camel-
ford House, found herself so much worse, that Dr.
Baillie was sent for, who advised Her Royal High-
ness to remain perfectly quiet, and not to leave
the house. Next day Sir Benjamin Bloomneld
attended at Camelford House, by command of the
Prince Regent, to inquire after the state of his
Royal Daughters health ; and was informed that
the Princess, though much better, still kept her
room, by the desire of her Physician. Her Royal
Highness also received visits from the Duchess
of York, the Duke of Cumberland, and other
branches of the Royal Family.

The following particular account of the marriage
of the Princess Mary and the Duke of Gloucester,
on the 22nd of July, 1816, will no doubt be very
acceptable to our fair readers:

The marriage of the Princess Mary with the
Duke of Gloucester, was delayed in order to wait
the arrival of the Duke of Cambridge from Hanover,
and the completion of the necessary alterations at
the Royal Duke's house at Bagshot. The day

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 289

was only finally fixed on Wednesday. The cards
of invitation were issued from the Lord Chamber-
lain's office on Friday.

The persons invited were exactly those invited
to the marriage of the Princess Charlotte, with a
very few exceptions, it being considered a private
wedding. They consisted, in addition to the Royal
Family, of the Duke and Duchess of Orleans,
Mademoiselle d'Orleans, the Duke de Bourbon,
and several other Foreigners of distinction, the
Foreign Ambassadors and Ministers with their
Ladies, the Lord Chancellor with the Cabinet
Ministers and their Ladies, the Deputy Earl
Marshal of England, the Great Officers of State
and the Household ; the King's, the Queen's,
and those of the Windsor Establishment; the
suites of all the Royal Dukes, the Duchess of
York, the Princess Charlotte, Prince Leopold,
the Princesses, the Princess Sophia of Gloucester,
the Staff of the Duke of York as Commander in
Chief, the .Lord Chief Justice of the Court of
King's Bench, the Master of the Rolls, the Chan-
cellor of the Duchy of Cornwall, and other Law
Officers.

The new carriages, and those that had been
altered with the arms of the Royal Pair, were
sent home to Gloucester House, Piccadilly, from
the manufactory of Messrs. Holmes and Co. in
Long-acre, the Royal Duke's coach-maker. The
principal coach was painted a very handsome
bright yellow, with elegant mantles on the doors.
The ends with supporters, and the double arms
executed in a very masterly style. The Duke's
four different Orders were very finely executed,
as were the Crest and Garter, with the Red Ribbon
entwined on the rails. An elegant broad border
under the elbow, was most superbly executed, with
Coronets and Garter, and W. F. (William Frederic) in
the centre ; a beautiful oak leaf circle, with M. (Mary)
12. 2 o

25)0 MLMOlKS Uh HER ROYAL HIOHNESS

in the centre, an elegant running sprig entwining
each coronet. It was lined -with handsome green
cloth, ornamented with crimson and yellow silk lace.
A very handsome plate glass in the front. Plated
body, loops and joints. Double arms, crest, head
plates, and crimson and gold hammer-cloth.

The post chariot was painted yellow, with the
double arms on the doors only. The Garter, with
W. F. in the centre of the off side. On the near
side an oak leaf circle, with the letter M. in the
centre on the door rails. It was lined with green
cloth, ornamented with handsome worsted lace,
yellow silk squabs to the back and sides. It had
a barouche seat to take off occasionally.

It being determined that the solemnization of
the marriage should take place in the grand saloon
in the Queen's Palace, a most superb Altar was
finished there on the Saturday preceding. The
new throne which was put up there, directly over
the principal door to the grand entrance, for the
Queen to receive the Addresses under, upon the
marriage of the Princess Charlotte and Prince
Leopold, formed the back of the Altar, which
gave it an additionally splendid appearance. The
whole was formed of crimson velvet and gold lace,
principally from the Chapel Royal and Whitehall
Chapel, with the cushions and stools. The gold
Communion plate was the most massive and costly
that ever was displayed upon ©ne occasion. It con-
sisted of the Altar plate belonging to King William
from Whitehall Chapel, two uncommonly large
dishes, richly chased with appropriate devices of
our Lord's last Supper with his Disciples; the
compartments round the dishes having also appro-
priate devices Two immensely large flagons from
the Chapel Royal, beautifully eftased ; also a num-
ber of ewers; several chalices or cups of solid gold.
Each corner had most superbly gilt tripods for six
candles.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 201

The suite of rooms in the Queen's Palace were
judiciously arranged for the company, and for the
ceremony, by Colonel Stephenson, the Comptroller
of the Household of the Windsor establishment,
and Mr. Mash, of the Lord Chamberlain's Office.

Monday, July 22nd, at twelve o'clock, the Duke
of Gloucester went in his carriage from Gloucester
House to the Queen's Palace, to pay a morning
visit to his intended Bride, and the Queen, and Prin-
cesses Augusta and Elizabeth. The Royal Duke
returned to Gloucester House, and dined privately
at five o'clock. Owing to an unfounded state-
ment, that the wedding was to take place the
morning before, a great crowd collected during the
day in St. James's Park, but particularly round
the Queen's Palace, from ten o'clock in the morn-
ing. Her Majesty and the Princesses received
visits from the Royal Dukes, Princess Ester-
hazy, &c. &c.

A profusion of wedding cakes having been pre-
paring for some time by Mr. Barker, the Queen's
confectioner, they were most liberally distributed
to all the royal domestics. A guard of honour
inarched into the Court-yard in the front of the
Queen's Palace at seven o'clock, and a party of
the Foot Guards and Life Guards, with a numerous
body of the Police, were stationed in the Park, to
regulate the populace and the carriages. The com-
pany began to arrive soon after. The Palace was
additionally illuminated for the occasion. The
grand staircase was divided and arranged as on
the Drawing-room days. At the top of the first
flight of stairs, a Yeoman of the Guard was
stationed .

The company were shewn into an anti-room,
adjoining the grand saloon, except the Royal
Family, who turned to the right, and entered by
the Queen's dining-room. The grand hall was lined
with a party of the Yeomen of the Guard. The

202 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Royal Family were all received by the Guard of
Honour with military honours, the band playing
" God save the King." The Princess Sophia of
Gloucester came in state, in honour of her Royal
Brother's Marriage, and her servants in new state
liveries.

The Duke of Gloucester came in state, with his
suite in two carriages, at twenty minutes past
eight o'clock. The Royal Duke was dressed in
his Field Marshal's uniform, wearing the Order of
the Garter. The Prince Regent's Household re-
ceived His Royal Highness on his entering into
the Palace. The Duke and Duchess of York fol-
lowed directly after in state.

The Prince Regent arrived in state exactly at
half past eight, escorted by a party of Life Guards,
and accompanied by the Duke of Clarence and his
attendants.

Prince Leopold came at a quarter before nine,
attended by Sir Robert Gardiner, Baron Harden-
brock, and Col. Addenbroke. The Princess Char-
lotte was confined to her room, and could not
attend.

Soon after the arrival of His Serene Highness
the ceremony commenced.

The Foreign Ambassadors, with their Ladies,
entered the Saloon first ; followed by the Cabinet
Ministers and their Ladies, who proceeded to the
light. The Great Officers of State and those of
the Royal Households, except those in immediate
attendance, took their station to the left side. The
Queen took her station to the left side of the
Altar, where there was a state chair placed for
her. The Princesses Augusta and Elizabeth, the
Duchess of York, the Princess Sophia of Gloucester,
to her left ; and then their female attendants after
them. The Prince Regent took his station on the
ri-ht side of the Altar, with his Royal Brothers
near him. Even thing being properly arranged

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 293

for the ceremony to commence, the Lord Chamber-
lain retired, and introduced the Doke of Gloucester,
and presented him at the Altar. The Lord Cham-
berlain retired again, and, with the Duke of Cam-
bridge, introduced the Princess Mary; and the
Duke of Cambridge presented Her Royal Highness
to the Prince Regent, who gave her away in marriage
to the Duke of Gloucester.

The Ladies' dresses were very splendid ; blue was
remarked to be the prevailing colour of the trains.
The whole forming a most solemn and splendid Royal
assemblage, which was considerably heightened
by the spacious size of the Saloon ; but notwith-
standing which, the heat was extremely oppressive.
The ceremony was performed by the Archbishop of
Canterbury, assisted by the Bishop of London, and
the Responses by the Rev. Dr. Cookson, and the
Rev. W. F. Blomberg, the Clerks of the Closet.
The Verger of the Chapel Royal, and Mr. Provis,
the Verger of Whitehall Chapel, attended, who was
also present at the christening of the Princess,
when he held a situation in the Chapel Royal.

A signal was given from the third window in the
front of the Palace, which communicated by signals
of a white flag to Mr. Clegg, the Sergeant of the
Cannons, for a royal salute to be fired, which com-
menced at seven minutes past nine o'clock, in
which, however, there was a mistake, as the cere-
mony was not above half over, and it ought to
have finished before it began. The consent of the
Regent in Council to the marriage, with the Great
Seal of England affixed, was produced to the Arch-
bishop, to enable him to proceed with the marriage,
signed by the Lord Chancellor and other State
Officers.

After the ceremony had concluded, the Queen's
and Princesses' female attendants had the honour
to kiss the Bride's hand. The Royal Family, in-
cluding the Bride and Bridegroom, retired to the

'294 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Queens private apartments for some time, and
then the Queen, with most of the august Family,
except the Bridegroom, returned to the Saloon and
the Drawing-room, and received the congratulations
of the numerous and distinguished throng. A pro-
fusion of the most choice refreshments were served
to the company from the Japan room, upon an
elegant service of gold plate, supplied by Mr. Gil-
bert, the Kings jeweller. As the company depart-
ed, they were each presented with a large piece of
wedding cake.

At a quarter before ten o'clock, the Bride having
taken off her wedding clothes, and dressed for
travelling in a white satin pelisse and a white satin
French bonnet, the travelling post chaise of the
Duke drove up to the side door: the Princess,
leaning on the Regent's arm, and followed by the
Duke of Cambridge, was saluted by both, and
handed into her carriage; they then embraced
the Duke of Gloucester, and he followed into the
carriage ; the Prince and the Duke of Cambridge
bidding them good night, wishing God to bless
them, and then cautioned the drivers to go steadily,
and they drove off to Bagshot amidst the huzzas
of the multitude, the band playing " God save the
King."

Princess Mary s Wedding Dresses.— -The follow-
ing is a description of some of the rich and elegant.
dresses, &c. made for the Wedding of Her Royal
Highness the Princess Mary, and also of their
Royal Highnesses the Princesses Augusta and
Sophia of Gloucester:

1. The wedding dress, a very rich and elegant
silver tissue, with two superb borders of scolloped
lama flouncing, elegantly worked in pine-apple
pattern, each border headed with three weltings of
rich lama-work: the body and sleeves to eorres-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 295

pond, and tastefully trimmed with most beautiful
Brussels point lace ; the robe of rich silver tissue,
lined with white satin, and trimmed round with
superb scolloped lama pine-apple border, to cor-
respond with dress, and fastened at the waist with
a very brilliant diamond clasp. Head-dress, a
superb wreath of diamonds.

2. A very rich lama and net dress, elegantly
embroidered and bordered with rich lama flouncing',
trimmed with blond lace, over a rich white satin
slip ; body and sleeves embroidered to correspond,
and trimmed with rich blond lace, and plaitings
of the same.

3. An elegant sprigged silver tissue train dress,
bordered with rich Vandyke lama-work, above the
border, fullings of silver gauze, tastefully finished
with narrow silver vandyke trimming; the body of
silver tissue, the sleeves silver gauze, richly orna-
mented with silver roses and blond lace.

4. An elegant rich blue and silver tissue dress,
with two rich lama flouncings, each flounce headed
with broad borders of blue and silver trimming;
body and sleeves to correspond, and ornamented
with blond lace.

o. Elegant silver muslin dress, trimmed with
broad flounces of Mechlin lace, headed with silver
borderings ; body and sleeves richly trimmed, with
Mechlin lace to correspond, and superb embroider-
ed belt over a white satin slip.

6. A very superb Brussels point lace dress, of
the most superior pattern, with flounces of the most
elegant point lace, over a rich white satin slip.
The beauty of this elegant dress it is impossible
to describe.

7. An elegant rich pink satin dress, with flounces
of broad Brussels lace, headed by a border of rich
satin roses ; the body and sleeves composed of
Brussels lace tastefully looped up with roses to
correspond.

296 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

8. An elegant blond lace dress, of the most
beautiful pattern, with three broad flounces of the
Mime, each flounce headed with a handsome bor-
der; body and sleeves to correspond, with plaitings
of blond net, worn over a rich white satin slip.
This dress had a most beautiful appearance.

9. A rich white satin wedding pelisse, trimmed
round with broad Mechlin lace, and cape full
trimmed to correspond.

10.. A rich sarsuet dress to wear under the wed-
ding pelisse, with three broad flounces of Mechlin
lace, headed with white satin tulles ; sleeves and
ruff to correspond.

11. An entire Mechlin lace bonnet, elegantly
trimmed with bows of rich Mechlin lace and tulles
of white satin, with a superb plume of elegantly
rich white ostrich feathers.

12. A rich white satin dress, elegantly festooned
with broad blond lace, tulles of satin, and large
bows of white satin ribbon ; sleeves composed of
■full satin and blond lace; quillings of blond lace

round the top.

13. An elegant white figured satin dress, with a
broad flounce of blond lace, each flounce headed
with plaitings of blond net, and tulles of white
satin; body and sleeves to correspond.

14. An elegant lilac and white striped satin dress,
with three broad flounces of blond lace, each
flounce finished with a narrow heading to match ;
sleeves very full and handsome, tastefully orna-
mented with blond lace and rosettes of satin.

15. Elegant blue figured gauze dress, broad
blond flounce, with beautiful patent net and blond
trimming; sleeves striped with tulles of satin and
blond lace, and plaitings of blond net.

Jo". Elegant evening primrose satin dress, elegant-
ly trimmed with blond lace.

17 and 18. Two very fine beautiful thin India
muslin dresses, with Mechlin lace bodies, and

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 297

flounces of the most beautiful Mechlin lace — worn
over white and pink satin slips.

19 and 20. Two fine India sprig book muslin
dresses, let in with broad joining laces, and trim-
med with broad flounces of fine Mechlin lace:
bodies of Mechlin lace — over white satin slips.

21. A very fine bobbin lace morning dress, with
broad border of tucks, each tuck edged with fine
Mechlin lace: full frill and cuffs to correspond —
over white satin dress.

22. A very fine India sprig morning dress, taste-
fully let in with broad Valenciennes joining lace,
flounces of the same : body and sleeves of French
work and Valenciennes lace — worn over white
sarsnet slip.

23. A very elegant Japan muslin morning dress,
borders of broad French work, trimmed with broad
Valenciennes lace: body and sleeves composed of
French work, and rich Valenciennes lace — over
sarsnet slip.

24. Rich white corded sarsnet pelisse, trim-
med round with elegant broad Valenciennes lace.
Rich white satin bonnet, trimmed with elegant
Valenciennes lace, and beautiful plume of rich
ostrich feathers to wear with pelisse.

Also, the following elegant Dresses, &c. which
we cannot particularize.

Two superb lace dresses, elegantly trimmed, with
satin slips.

Six very elegant India muslin dresses, superbly
trimmed with Mechlin and Valenciennes laces.

Six elegant sarsnet dresses, morning and evening,
trimmed with laces and fine Moravian work.

Six fine sprig muslin morning dresses, elegantly
trimmed with French work and Valenciennes lace.

Six fine cambric morning dresses^ trimmed with
handsome laces.

Four very -elegant sarsnet pelisses, handsomely
trimmed ; and

13. 2 P

'2W MEMOIRS OK HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Eighteen fine cambric under dresses, trimmed
with \ alenciennes lace, French work, &c. with a
variety of elegant Millinery.

The following Dresses were also made for the
occasion :

Princess Augusta. — An elegant net and silver
lama dress, beautifully embroidered in bunches of
heartsease, with handsome scolloped flouncings,
over a rich white satin slip. Rody and sleeves to
correspond, trimmed with blond lace. A superb
lilac and silver tissue robe, with rich border of
heart's-ease lama trimming to correspond, and
fastened in front with rich diamond clasp. Head-
dress, a profusion of diamonds and feather>.

Her Royal Highness Princess Sophia of Glou-
cester, wore a most superb dress of embossed silver
tissue, elegantly ornamented with silver blond, and
large bouquet of silver flowers, magnificent silver
lama sleeves, tastefully ornamented with pink and
silver ; the mantua r;ch pink and silver tissue,
superbly bordered with silver-net spangled. Her
Royal Highness, as usual, wore a profusion of
diamonds and feathers.

This royal marriage gave great satisfaction. The
Duke of Gloucester is a most amiable character.
He is well known to the public at large, for the
patronage and the warm support which he gives to
a number of excellent institutions, tending to the
improvement of the morals, and general good of
society, which he not only supports with his pre-
sence, bnt also with his purse: but his liberality is
not confined to donations to societies, for his pocket
i- always open to relieve cases of private distress;
and in his domestic establishment, where he is best
known, he i- most belo\ed. The public and private
character of the Princess is best known at Windsor,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 299

where she has principally resided with the King
and Queen. There she was foremost in supporting-
schools for the education of the poor, and walked
a great deal, visiting and relieving indigent families
without ostentation. Many poor children were not
only educated, but maintained at her own expense;
in short, all her income seems to have been ex-
pended upon benevoleut objects. The poor at
Windsor deeply lamented her removal from the
Castle, and the parting from those with whom she
had been accustomed to live in so much happiness,
is said to have been affecting in the extreme ; not-
withstanding which, they rejoiced at her auspicious
marriage, and invoked every blessing to follow her
through life.

The Princess Charlotte continued to be confined
to her room for some time, and at length it was an-
nounced, that Her Royal Highness's indisposition
arose, as our readers will have already surmised, from
her having then been in a state which gave hopes
that she would, in a few months, have had the hap-
piness of giving birth to a royal heir. On the 16th
of July, she took an airing in her carriage, accom-
panied by Prince Leopold. They rode to the
Queen's Palace at one o'.clock, and went to honour
the Countess Dowager of Cardigan with a morning:
visit, at her Ladyship's house in Seymour Place,
where they partook of a sumptuous repast, and
returned to the Queen's Palace at half-past three
o'clock. This visit was, of itself, a sufficient con-
tradiction of those absurd rumours, current at the
time, which insinuated that a great degree of cool-
ness had taken place between Her Royal Highness
and her royal relatives.

300 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

The hopes which the nation had indulged, in
consequence of the public announcement of the
cause of the Princess Charlotte's indisposition,
■were first suddenly disappointed on the 30th of
July, "when it became publicly known, that Her
Royal Highness had experienced a miscarriage,
and ill consequence was still confined to her room.
Shortly afterwards, however, the public rejoiced to
learn that the Princess was sufficiently recovered to
have a small musical party at Camelford House, in
which Her Royal Highness displayed her taste,
skill, and affection, by singing a German air, \mffmm-
pliment to Prince Leopold, who is also a co jte
musician, and possesses a most melodious voice.
They were also joined by the Duke of Cambridge,
who sang two or three airs in his usual chaste
manner.

No sooner was the recovery of the Princess Char-
lotte made known, than the public were informed
that Prince Leopold had become indisposed. The
cause of his indisposition was a violent attack of
rheumatism, attended by the tooth-ache, such as
had compelled him once before to part with a tooth,
and now made it necessary again to undergo that
painful operation. A few days afterwards, the
Royal Pair were both sufficiently recovered to take
the air, in an open barouche, along the Harrow
road.

Having given our readers a fair opportunity of
judging of the nature of the public life which Her
Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte and her
illustrious Consort were for a while constrained to
had, in order to receive the Addresses of consratu-
ation upon their happy marriage, and to honour the
public places of amusement with their presence, we
shall now follow them to that privacy wherein they
delighted.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 301

On the 20th of June, Mr. Huskisson rose in the
House of Commons, and said, it would be unneces-
sary for him to detain the House long in what he
had to offer, respecting the purchase which had
been made of a residence for those illustrious
Persons. He apprehended there could be no dif-
ference of opinion as to the propriety of providing
some country house for their accommodation. There
were two modes by which that object might have
been accomplished; either by allotting a sum of
money for building a mansion, or by making the
purr'i-se of a suitable place. The latter had been
ad Vi as the preferable mode of proceeding. He
had to state to the House, that every precaution was
taken for securing a good bargain. An eminent
surveyor was appointed to value the land, timber,
&c. and another surveyor was sent down to value
the house, buildings, and other appurtenances
attached to them. Upon their joint report, the
basis of the negociation was laid ; and it was but
justice to add, that every part of the transaction
was conducted with that spirit of openness and
liberality which was known so peculiarly to belong
to the present proprietor of the estate. There were
380 acres of land. The house, together with the
buildings, &c was valued at £19,000. Now, Clare-
mont was known to be in a state of most perfect
repair, and with every necessary accommodation
belonging to it. The expense of building such a
house at the present day, with ordinary materials,
was stated, by a person employed to make an exact
estimate, to amount to upwards of £91,000. It
would be impossible, he would venture to say, to
tit up any one of the Royal Palaces, in a manner
suitable for the accommodation of those illustrious
Personages, at a less expense than was to be given
for Clareinont. The purchase of it, therefore, might
be regarded as a measure of strict economy; for, from
the moment the property passed into the hands of

302 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

the Prince of Cobourg and the Princess Charlotte, no
further expense would be incurred by the public,
while it continued in their possession. It had been
further agreed to take all the furniture now in
the house, and which was estimated at from 6 to
£10,000/.— £6,000, however, was to be given, so
that the whole amount of the purchase money, in-
cluding the £19,000 for the mansion, the £6,000
for the furniture, and the £41,000 for the land, &c.
would be £60,000. The next point he should
mention, was the mode of payment intended to be
adopted, and how the settlement was to be arranged,
so that it might revert to the Crown Estates after
the decease of His Serene Highness and that of his
august Consort. The payment was to be made in
five successive yearly instalments; £12,000 being
paid down at first It was proposed that the sum
should be paid out of the fund for the redemption
of the Land Tax, which would be attended with no
inconvenience ; and so much of the landed pro-
perty of the Crown should be sold, as would replace
what was drawn from that fund. The purchase
would then belong to the Crown, under the same
limitations and management as was attached to any
other part of its estates ; and it would, therefore, in
point of fact, be only- granting, during the lives of
the parties, the use of an estate which would ulti-
mately revert to the Crown. With regard to the
settlement, it was to be secured to His Serene
Highness the Prince of Cobourg and Her Royal
Highness the Princess Charlotte, during their joint
lives, with the benefit of survivorship. In the event
of the Prince of Cobourg dying, and the Princess
Charlotte coming afterwards to the throne of these
realms, it was then to revert to the general mass of
Crown property; if, on the other hand, Her Royal
Highness should ascend the throne before the
decease of His Serene Highness, then it would
not revert to the Crown until the death of the latter

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 303

took place. Having given those explanations, and
being* prepared to afford any further information
which might be required, he should conclude by
moving for leave to bring in a Bill to ratify the pur-
chase of the Claremont Estate, and for settling the
same as a residence upon Her Royal Highness
Princess Charlotte-Augusta and His Serene High-
ness Prince Leopold of Cobourg.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer seconded the
motion.

Mr. Baring stated, as a singular fact, though
without at all meaning to say that the price of
£00,000, which it was nowr proposed to give, was
exorbitant, that the same estate was actually sold,
a great many years ago, for £10,000. What his
Honourable Friend had stated to-night, of the
trifling produce of some of the Crown Lands,
afforded a proof of the waste that took place with
respect to them ; and he thought his Honourable
Friend conld not better employ his talents than by
devising a plan for disposing of such parts of the
Crown Lands as were not available to the main-
tenance of the dignity of the Crowrn.

Mr. Huskisson replied, that the course recom-
mended by his Honourable Friend was precisely
that which had been pursuing for some years.
He had never heard that Claremont had been sold
for £10,000; but he knew, that three or four years
ago, it had been put up for sale, and bought in at a
sum exceeding that for which the present contract
was made.

Leave was then granted, and Mr. Huskisson
brought in the Bill, which was read a first time, and
ordered to be read a second the next day.

The next evening, the Bill was read a second time;
and on the 24th of June, the Report upon the Bill
having been brought up, the amendments were
agreed to, after a short conversation between the
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Brooks, and

304 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Mr. Preston. On the 29th, the Bill was reported
in the House of Lords; and having passed through
both Houses, received the Royal assent.

Puring her illness, the Princess Charlotte signi-
fied her dislike to Camelford House, which is cer-
tainly dull, close, and inconvenient; but Her Royal
Highness and Prince Leopold resolved, that rather
than add to the burdens of the nation, they would
accept apartments in Kensington Palace. This
plan, however, was relinquished, and the Royal
Couple finally determined to retire immediately
from the dissipated town, and spend their happy
hours in the delightful vale of Esher. Preparations
were speedily commenced, by the removal of their
furniture, in the military waggons, from Camelford
House to the delightful villa of Claremont, near
Esher, the history of which we have already given.
Caravans and breaks were also employed in trans-
porting the household goods. On the 23d August,
1816', stage-coaches, specially engaged for the pur-
pose, started, laden inside and outside, with the
domestics and their luggage from Camelford House,
and were followed by Sir Robert Gardiner and
other attendants in carriages. The Princess Char-
lotte and Prince Leopold took their departure about
half-past three o'clock* in a travelling carriage, and
hastened on to dine, for the first time, at Clare-
mont; and it was publicly stated, that owing to the
sinallness and inconvenience of Camelford House,
the Royal Establishment would never occupy it
any more.

In page 219, of these Memoirs, our readers have
found a succinct account of the beautiful villa of
Claremont, which we shall now proceed to describe,
from observations made upon the spot shortly after
the death of the Princess Charlotte. On approach-
ing this princely domain from the village of Esher,
which is bounded by the Park on the south, the
Lodu. is die first object that arrests the attention.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA 305

It consists of two wings, which are inhabited by-
two families, but contain nothing peculiar to distin-
guish them from other buildings of the same kind.
We found, that it has been correctly stated, that
the only person who felt any uneasiness upon the
arrival of the Prince and Princess to reside here,
was an aged woman, residing in one of the Lodges,
who maintained her blind' husband by keeping a
little school, while the premises were unoccupied,
but who now expected to be dispossessed. The ser-
vants of the illustrious Pair, however, soon informed
her, that her fears were groundless, and arose from
utter ignorance of their character and dispositions.
The Princess Charlotte was no sooner informed of
her circumstances and apprehensions, than Her
Royal Highness informed her that she would be
suffered to remain ; and that as she had observed
the neatness of her person and apartment, and con-
sidered them to be an ornament rather than a dis-
grace to the Royal Mansion, in her she might ex-
pect to find a benefactress and a friend.

The carriage road, which leads in a winding-
course up to the house, is about half a mile long,
and passes through the most level part of the Park ;
the remainder of which is remarkable for the beau-
tiful swelling of the hills, upon one of the most
elevated of which the mansion is built. The ex-
quisite graduation of the intervening vales has a
most pleasing effect upon the eye, which is consi-
derably heightened by the great number of fine trees
with which the Park abounds. Upon entering the
Park at the Lodge, the first remarkable object (the
house being concealed by trees) is a considerable
piece of water, with a thickly-wooded island upon
it. On the right of the road, near this piece of
water, are the hot-houses and fruit gardens, sur-
rounded by a massy old brick wall. The greatest
part of these grounds were in a disordered state,
owing to the alterations and improvements then exe-
13, 2 Q

306 MEMOIRS 01 HEF ROYAL HIGHNESS

pn ting upon which some workmen were observed
to be still employed i

After passing the piece of water containing- the
thickly-wooded island, already mentioned, follow-
ing the course of the carriage road, a still larger
piece of water, in which there is no island, presents
itself, in front of the mansion, but rather inclining
to the left, and appears to be intended solely for
ornament, or for the preservation of fish. Nearly
opposite to this line piece of water, on the right of
the carriage road, are the coach house and stables,
which are entirely of brick, and appear to have un-
dergone some recent alterations. They consist of
compact buildings, forming a hollow square, the
entrance of which is under a lofty arch of massy
brick, over which an ivy has expanded itself in all
directions, with a very pleasing effect. The neat-
ness of the newly slated roofs, with the windows of
the hostlers sleeping apartments, which were ob-
servable on each side of this entrance, presented a
very pretty and orderly appearance.

Leaving these stables and coach houses on the
right, and continuing to approach the Mansion by
the carriage road which leads up in front of it, the
private entrance in the east wing, to which a foot-
path, striking off from, the carriage road, directly
bads, first strikes the attention. This entrance
passes between two walls, raised in the midst of a
little hill, which has been intersected for that pur-
pose, and appears exactly like a grotto, being over-
linn::- with shrubs that seem, on a nearer view, as if
placed there merely to produce that effect. The
Mansion itself, of which the accompanying Plate
gives a most accurate representation, is of brick,
and coloured so as to have the appearance of
stone. The building consists of a square mass;
the elegant portico in the front, being supported by
Corinthian columns, forming a very grand entrance,
much superior to the size and appearance of the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 307

rest of the house, and being the only object to
relieve the eye.

The door of the grand entrance is remarkably
small, being on the same scale as the windows ; on
ascending the flight of steps under the colonnade,
the flower-stands, on which that collection of fra-
grance and beauty, wherein the deceased Princess
so much delighted, had stood, were the first objects
that attracted particular notice. They were of
plain, and even unpainted fir, and presented a most
unsightly and desolate appearance, which perfectly
harmonized with those melancholy feelings under
which we passed through the narrow portal into
this charming abode of departed grandeur. The
spacious hall formed a striking contrast with the
diminutive size of the principal door ; and here we
noticed the billiard table, at which Prince Leopold
used to amuse himself, before the lamentable catas-
trophe which has destroyed his fairest hopes.

As a further description of the House in this
place would break in upon the order of our narra-
tive, and anticipate the particulars of the mourn-
ful event, which must shortly engage our atten-
tion, we shall here present our readers with a
concise account of the grounds in the Park. — ■
Passing from the front of the Mansion at a short
distance, inclining to the right, is the Gamekeeper's
Lodge ; in front of which lies a spacious valley,
consisting chiefly of an open common. Here we
were informed, that the quantity of game on the
estate is so great, that on that very morning the
Gamekeeper had seen above twenty pheasants
running along the Park, in front of his cottage.
Behind this cottage, at a small distance, we ob-
served the game-preserve ; and here the planta-
tion and rides, of winch the Princess Charlotte was
so fond, commence, leading, by a circuitous route,
over a great extent of gentle hills and declivities,
and issuing into the grounds at the back of the

308 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

House. Almost every kind of tree, in great pro-
fusion, adorns each side of this delightful walk.
The naked parts of the borders, between the trees,
li;n I been recently planted with the common laurel.
1 jx»ii a level spot, in the centre of this beautiful
wilderness, stands Dame Bewley's Cottage, of
which we took a Drawing to present to our readers,
and shall detail the anecdote to which it refers,
when we come to that part of the Princess Char-
lottes life to which the interesting incident belongs.
In front of tins Cottage is a most beautiful piece of
Mater, the largest on the estate; it contains an island,
apparently intended to shelter game, as it is too
thickly wooded for any other living thing to pene-
trate its solitary shades. On that side of the lake
nearest to the mansion, towards the right wing of
which Dame Bewley's Cottage fronts, a small shal-
lop was perceived, apparently intended for the pur-
pose of passing over to the island already mentioned,
or for fishing upon this beautiful and secluded lake,
upon which a great number of tame water-fowl of
different kinds were quietly enjoying themselves in
their favourite element. Leaving this lovely scene,
we fallowed the direction of the rides which lead
towards the Portsmouth Road, the northern bound-
ary of the park plantation, by which it is however
completely concealed; and upon the most elevated
part of the grounds, which we approached by a
gradual ascent, forming a kind of ridge, that con-
tinues for some distance, rather in front of the
Mansion, stands the Temple, or Summer House,
originally erected by the Earl of Clare, afterwards
Duke of Newcastle, who called it Clare Mount,
from which the whole estate has since derived its
present name. This Tower forms a prominent
object from the right wing of the house, as it over-
looks the trees with which it is surrounded, with a
v< iv pleasing effect; the view from it in clear wea-
ther includes the majestic dome of St. Paul's

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 309

Cathedral, and the loftiest spires of the metropolis
on the one hand, and Windsor Castle on the other ;
but these are trifling objects compared with the
vast extent of highly cultivated country, and most
beautifully variegated scenery, which it commands.
Surveying the enchanting vale of Esher from this
elevated point of view, it was impossible not to
acknowledge how happy a theme it presented for
Thomson's meek and philosophic muse, which has
done so much justice to the subject in the lines we
have already quoted.* Even the didactic poet, Garth,
who had not that exquisite sense of natural beauty
which distinguished the favoured Author of the
Seasons, in his poem called Claremount, addressed
to the Earl of Clare, seems to have been so far
warmed by a view from this Tower, that he almost
involuntarily admits this lovely domain to afford
the best asylum for those who would retire from
the shadowy vanities of external state ; and then
breaks out into an eulogy upon his patron, con-
cluding with the following lines, which, had it not
been for the untimely death of the Princess Char-
lotte, by changing the names, and making a few
alterations, might have appeared to be a prophetic
description of her taste and dispositions:

" Ere yet one century shall fleet away,
A Brunswick Prince shall Britain's sceptre sway;
No more fair Liberty shall mourn her chains,
The lovely Maid shall grace these fertile plains;
Here shall a Princess in her cause engage,
And by example, shame the graceless age:
Her brave contempt of stale shall teach the proud
None but the virtuous are of noble blood ;
Here shall she her refin'd retirement choose,
The glorious subject of some future muse,
Whose lays shall fill the trump of endless fame,
And this blest spot immortal Claremont name \"

* See page 219.

310 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Descending from the Mount, the first remark-
able object was a small piece of garden ground,
lying iu a sort of dell on the borders of the lake
already described, in the front of Dame Bewley's
Cottage. Striking again into the plantations, we
soon arrived at Woolger's Cottage, a neat and
commodious dwelling upon the border of the
Portsmouth road. From this cottage round to the
lodge where we first entered, the Park is bounded
by the western road and part of the village of Esher;
and the grounds which lie at the back of the
House, consist of the same kind of well-wooded
alternate hill and dale which has been already
described.

As soon as the happy Pair came to reside at
Claremont, the Princess chose to superintend her
domestic concerns in person. Several butchers
applied to have the supplying' the house with
meat. The Princess was particular in asking the
circumstances of all the tradesmen with whom she
dealt, and inquired concerning each of those who
\\ere competitors to furnish her household, asking,
as they were named, -whether they were persons of
substance and respectability? Finding that all who
had applied for the privilege of serving her were
persons in easy circumstances, she asked if there
Mere no other butchers in Esher. To which the
Steward at first answered that there was none ; but
correcting himself, replied that there was one
more, but that he was a man in such low circum-
stances, that it would be impossible for him to
undertake the contract. I should like to see this
man, said the Princess Charlotte. Of course the
man was sent for, came, and confessed that his
poverty made it so impossible for him to send in such
meat as he could wish to supply for Her Royal

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 311

Highness's household, that he had given up all
thoughts of endeavouring to obtain the contract.
The Princess then asked him what sum would be
necessary to enable him to go into the market upon
equal terms with his more opulent fellow-tradesmen?
The man, astonished at such a question, at length
named a certain sum, which the Princess instantly
advanced as a loan ; and which enabled this poor
man to undertake the contract for supplying the
household of Claremont with meat: this, in the
short period during which the amiable Princess
afterwards lived, has providentially enabled that
individual to make a comfortable provision for him-
self and his family.

The Prince and Princess had determined in all
situations to honour the Sabbath, and the ordinances
of public worship ; they accordingly attended on
Sunday mornings at the parish church at Esher,
and so continued, till they found that (Claremont
being an easy ride from town) such multitudes of
Sabbath-breakers flocked to church, not to worship
God, but from an idle curiosity to gaze at them;
that they considered it their duty to discontinue
their stated attendance, and had an apartment fitted
up in their own house for worship : still, however,
in the afternoon, whenever the church was open,
it was the order of the house for the servants
to attend, as they also did themselves occasionally.
On one occasion, when a menial servant had
not appeared in his usual place, during divine
service at Claremont, Prince Leopold asked the
individual what was the cause of his absence? and
on being told that the person in question had chosen
to attend a chapel in the neighbourhood, answered,
" Oh, very well, very well."

During the time the Royal Pair attended the
public service at Esher church, Her Royal Highness
introduced a book of Psalms and Hymns, adapted
to times by Mozart, Pleyel, and other celebrated

312 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

German composers, in compliment to her illustrious
husband. From this book the following Hymn,
not very remarkable for poetic elegance, is said
to have been taken; as it appears to have been a
favourite with the Princess, who is supposed to
have made the mark with a pen under the last line
of the first verse, to express her own devotional
feelings. We are not informed what tune was affixed
to this Hymn, but it may be sung to Haydn's cele-
brated tune of " God save the Emperor;" or, per-
haps with more propriety, to the beautiful Sicilian
Hymn already in use in many of our places of
worship.

HYMN.

Holy Ghost, inspire our praises,

Slice! abroad a Saviour's love ;
While we chaunt the name of Jesus,

Deign on ev'ry heart to move.

Source of sweetest consolation,

Breathe thy peace on all below;
Bless, O bless this congregation,

Bid our hearts with influence flow.

Hail, ye spirits bright and glorious,

High exalted round the throne;
Now with you we join in chorus,

And your Lord we call our own.

God to us his Son hath given :

Saints, your noblest anthems raise;

All on earth, and all in heaven,
Shout the great Jehovah's praise.

We have already noticed that this illustrious Pair
consecrated the Sabbath to the service of their
Maker, bj attending public worship, either at the
parish church, or in their own private chapel ; and

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 313

that the Princess, in particular, imitated her vene-
rable Grandsire, by repeating the responses, and
entering into the whole of the service, with that
seriousness and energy which sufficiently demon-
strated the personal interest she took in it, and the
pleasure she derived from this exercise. After the
public service, the Princess used to read to His
Serene Highness a Sermon of some of our " best
English divines," with which her library had, no
doubt, been liberally furnished by her reverend Pre-
ceptor: thus they made the Sabbath " a delight —
holy of the Lord, and honourable." This brings to
our recollection that beautiful stanza of Dr. Watts :

Across the road a seraph flew,

" Mark (said he) that happy Pair,
" Marriage helps Devotion there:
° When kindred minds their God pursue,
*' They break with double vigour thro'
" The dull incumbent air,"

Of the domestic enjoyments of the Prince and
Princess, the garden and the grove furnished a con-
siderable portion ; — little thinking, perhaps, while
they contemplated the opening rose and the new-
formed bud, that these objects were such striking
emblems of her approaching fate. The Princess
was particularly fond of flowers, and having been
instructed in the elements of Botany, would expa-
tiate with much complacency on their beauty and
exquisite construction ; and the Prince, with the
same natural taste, had a taste also to admire every
thing which she commended or admired.

The conjugal felicity of this happy Pair was so
complete, that they were never separated, except
when the Prince went out to take the exercise of
shooting in the morning ; and during his absence, it
was the constant custom of the Princess Charlotte,
13. 2 R

314 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

with her own hands, to take the Prince's linen out
of ill*- drawer to air it, and even to fold his cravat,
and see thai hot water was ready for his use; and
further, to prepare some little refreshment, such as
sl>. judged he would like, against his return; as she
well knew he would relish it the more, because
prepared by herself. In their social walks, whether
in the village or the garden, they generally walked
arm in arm, as represented in the plate, at Dame
Bewley's cottage; and if they stopped to rest, whe-
ther iit the arbour or the alcove — in the words
of Watts,

" There they would sit, and pass the hour,
" And pity kingdoms and their kings,
" And smile at ;ill their shining things,

" Their toys of state, and images of power.'*

When the weather or other circumstances kept
them within doors, they did not sit on opposite
chairs, or retire back, like fashionable couples,
who are afraid of being suspected of mutual love:
their in-door employment was chiefly reading; and
both these amiable personages took delight in stu-
dying the history and constitution of the country,
of which she might naturally expect to be one day
the Sovereign. In this study she is understood
strongly to have imbibed those liberal principles
which raised her family to the throne, and on which
alone it can be properly supported. History was
varied with poetry or miscellaneous subjects; and
the Princess appears to have taken peculiar pleasure
in perfecting the Prioce in a complete and critical
knowledge of the English language, which, it is
allowed, he speaks accurately, and more distinctly
and deliberately than is usual for a native.

But to n turn to Esher, — We have nothing to say of
the afternoou breakfasts, or evening card parties —
of the pantomimic shows, the gay carousals, or
the fashionable debaucheries, — of Claremont House.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 315

There, not only vice but folly was excluded ; and,
with a seriousness that would have done honour to
the parties at double their age, Religion was reve-
renced, and Virtue .caressed. Even but one descrip-
tion of luxury was tolerated, and that was " the
luxury of doing good."

Of the domestic virtues of the Princess Charlotte,
no doubt can be entertained ; and her conduct
reflects so much reproach on the generality of the
higher classes, that it gives our narrative as much
the air of satire as of history. If it was right at
Claremont to devote the Sabbath to devotion, it
must be wrong elsewhere to spend it in idleness and
revelry. If mutual love and delight in each other
were to be admired at Claremont, what shall we say
to the quarrels, the infidelities, the separations, and
the divorces, elsewhere exhibited ? Moral duty is of
that inflexible character, that it will not bend to
rank or power. What is sin in a cottage, cannot be
guiltless on a throne.

The Princess Charlotte displayed in all their
bloom those virtues of humanity and religion which
are so rare in the ranks of splendour and fashion.
In her own view, her establishment was princely;
and she maintained it with a dignity becoming her
station and her prospects. Her habits and her
tastes were English; her expenses corresponded
with her means, which she was resolved never to
exceed. She sought her pleasures in the field of
her duties. The health and virtue of every domestic,
she made her personal care. It was the daily-
practice of Her Royal Highness, every morning at
breakfast time, to ascertain that the whole of her
household were in health ; and if any were not, His
Serene Highness's medical attendant used to visit
them. The duties of piety were regularly performed
in her family ; and with her own hands she pro-
vided clothing and comfort to the neighbouring
poor. She thought it no degradation to be seen in the

.'ilrt MIMolKS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

house of miser) ; and the cottagers of Claremont will
jong !,!, ^ the augel of mercy i Imt visited them with
, condescension and kindness, li" anything
1„. added to this portrait, it must be in the words of
iqspiration, as they were accommodated in Handel's
sublime funeral anthem for Queen Caroline, which
was performed also for the Princess Charlotte:
" When i he ear heard her, then it blessed her; and
when the eye saw her, it gave witness of her. If
tin ic was any virtue, if there was any praise, she
thought on those things: kindness, meekness, and
comfort, were on her kougue,"

In pei son she was neither too tall nor short, about
the middle size, rather inclining to the eubonpouit ;
but not so nmeh as to impair the s}inmetry of her
form, tier complexion was beautifully fair, her
arms delicately rounded, and her head finely placed.
There was a mingled swe< tness and dignity in her
look. She had a full intelligent eye; and when she
was engaged in conversation, much liveliness ap-
peared in the expression of her countenance. She
pad verj little of the vanity which is said to be pecu-
liar to her sex ; that of exterior ornament and dress;
she never indulged in it, either before or after her
marriage. She aimed at little beyond neatness;
there was no encumbering superfluity of jewels to
be seen upon her person : in short, nothing that dis-
tinguished her from one of the female nobility, in
splendour of apparel, Always elegant, modest, and
refund, and pecnliarly chaste and circumspect in
her demeanour, she had nothing of fashionable life
about her; but a lofty and generous sense of the
duties imposed upon her by her elevated rank.

It has been incorrectly stated, that the Princess
was in the habit of visiting various cottages in the
neighbourhood of Claremont in person: but though
Her {loyal Highness and her Serene Consort were
in the habit o| -ending fifty and sixty pounds at a
time to the keeper of the Tost Office at Esher, who

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 317

informed us that he was desired to purchase flannel
and coals, and to distribute them at his discretion
among the poor of the village, to whom the broken
meat was also given every day in rotation; it is
certain that the Princess did not, in persou, visit
any cottages, except those upon her own domain.
These are, the Gamekeeper's, Dame Bewley's, and
Woolger's, cottages ; all of which have been already
noticed. The Gamekeeper's wife, a healthy good-
looking young woman, was to have suckled the
Koyal Infant; and stated, that though the happy
couple used often to stop, when riding or walking
past, and inquire after the health of the family, she
was so fully convinced of their desire to be as private
as possible, that she generally kept out of sight
when they passed, lest she might offend them, by
seeming to wish to be seen.

Mary, who is also called Dame and Goody
Bewley, stated, that she had resided in the cottage,
of which we have given a sketch, seventeen years.
She had obtained from the different proprietors of
the estate a promise, that she should continue to
enjoy it during life ; which the Prince and Princess
not only continued, but caused the cottage, which
was in a dilapidated state, to be put into thorough
repair ; and, in fact, almost rebuilt the old woman's .
dwelling. It has a thatched roof, and now contains
two very neat and commodious apartments; having
at first consisted of one only. Every thing appeared
exceedingly substantial, neat, clean, and comfort-
able. Dame Bewley said, that Mr. Ellis's* lady,
who resided fourteen years at Claremont, always
used to call her Goody: and she has ever since
retained that name. She remarked, that the Prince
and Princess generally rode past her cottage; Her

* It was publicly stated that Mrs. Ellis had previously died
at Claremont, in the same manner as the Princess Charlotte;
the fact however is, that she did not die in childbed, nor at
Claremont.

;}lft MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Royal Highness used to tap at the window with the
whip, and call "Goody, Goody, how are you?"
and stop talking with Dame Bewley, while Prince
Leopold went to feed the tame water-fowl, on the
lake in trout of the cottage, with food which he had
brought for that purpose in his pocket. Scarcely
a da) elapsed in which Her Royal Highness did
not condescend to call on the old woman as she
passed.

In the autumn of 1816, when walking with Prince
Leopold, the Princess Charlotte saw Goody Bewley
sitting at the cottage door reading a book, and
a>ked her what she was reading? she replied,
" Please, my Princess, a book that I am very fond
of." It was an old small-print Bible. The Princess
looked at it, and said, " The print is too small for
you: hut if you love reading, I have a book I will
give you." About a month afterwards, one cold
wet ♦ vening in December, Her Royal Highness
and Prince Leopold came again on foot, followed
by a single domestic carrying a large beautifully
bound Quarto Bible; the Princess herself brought a
Prayer Book, and gave both it and the Bible* to the
old woman, desiring, she would take care of and
read them. This, the astonished object of Her Royal
Highness's judicious beneficence, faithfully pro-
mised : and it appears that the Princess Charlotte
did not forget the promise; as Dame Bewley
observed, that she seldom passed afterwards without
Btopping to inquire whether " Goody took care to
" ad the books."

Die Princess did not, as the public have been led to suppose,
write in either of these books. They have been neatly written in by
son" '». at the desire of Dame Bewley, stating them to be her

property, and the gift of the Princess Charlotte; adding, that the
..Id woman wrishi t them to descend to her grandson at her decease.
The date is, December, 1816; not specifying any particular day.
'1 be acconnl of a pair of spectacles having been given with the
Bible and Prater Book, has no manner of foundation.

.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 319

The appearance of the old lady in deep mourn-?
ins; for her royal and lamented Benefactress, was
extremely interesting ; and the beauty and solitude
of the scene where her cottage stands, tended
greatly to increase the effect. She invited us into
her house in the most obliging manner; and, with
many a det\3 sigh, deplored the loss which was,
and still is, so universally lamented. On its being
remarked, that she had lost her great friend, she
said, " I have, indeed, Gentlemen ; I shall never
get such another ; she was the best friend that ever
I had." She then proceeded to describe the de-
cayed state in which the Princess Charlotte had
found her cottage, and pointed out the comforts
and conveniences of every kind with which the
departed Princess had since caused it to abound.
This naturally led to the detail of the interesting
anecdote above given ; and when we first men-
tioned the Bible, which we told her we had heard
that the Princess Charlotte had given her, — " The
Bible, (said the old woman,) ay, and the Prayer
Book too; I dare say you would like to see them; I
will shew you them both." During this conversation,
she had courteously insisted on our being seated,
in the inner apartment, before a warm fire, as the
morning was severely cold ; and proceeded to pro-
duce the Bible and Prayer Book with evident
satisfaction. Both were carefully laid up in cloth
covers, or cases, made to button over, to secure
them from dust and injuries; and which, the old
woman took care to inform us, were of her own
contrivance. When these cases were removed, she
displayed the royal gifts with great exultation ; and
expressed herself with more consequence than be-
fore, while they were the subjects of discourse:
which was not only excusable, but natural ; for
who would not be proud of such gifts from such a
giver? The largeness of the print was next ad-
verted to; and this, it was observed, made tne gift

320 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

of a pair of spectacles almost unnecessary, if the
old woman had not possessed a good pair before.
From her we also learned, that no Bible whatever
had been given to any other person by the Princess
Charlotte; and as to Her Royal Highness having
written in that given to Dame Bewley herself, that
it was all a tiction, as we have noticed in the preced-
ing note.

It would have been no difficult task to have ob-
tained, from Dame Bewley, the private history of
the several families who have resided at Claremont
for many years past, had not the melancholy event
that entirely occupied our thoughts induced us to
decline information of that kind, which she dis-
played ability to give, whenever the name of any
former resident was mentioned. The beneficence
of the Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold to
the inhabitants of the cottages upon their estate,
and to the poor of the neighbouring village, and
especially the daily notice with which they ho-
noured iter in their walks or rides, were, however, the
themes upon which Goody seemed proud to dwell ;
.tint we Were equally delighted to hear. She con-
firmed every previous account of their singular
goodness, and declared herself to have been one
of the most favoured objects of their discriminating
kindtiefis ; and when she had told us all, seemed
inclined to recapitulate the pleasing story, when our
time would not permit us to stay to hear her; and,
after compensating her for her trouble and polite-
ness, proceeded to bid her farewell ; upon which
sh« a i med anxious to afford us further assistance,
and voluntarily offered to accompany us to other
parts of the park, where — we thanked her, and ob-
served—we had already been. Finding that we
did not intend to return by the way we came,
Dame Bewley obligingly persisted in endeavouring
to assist us, by pointing out the nearest way to
Woolger's cottage, for which we had inquired.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 321

The cottage called Woolger's, already described
as lying- near the Portsmouth road, appears to have
been honoured with only one visit from the Princess
Charlotte, who called there after there had been a
sickness in the family, to inquire concerning their
health, and continued some time talking to the chil-
dren. It should be observed, that as this cottage
lies at the termination of the rides, and is rather
exposed to the western road, that may readily
account for the infrequency of Her Royal Highness's
visits to this part of the Park ; and will also tend to
confirm what has been already stated, that, wishing
to live as retired as possible, she was never known
to visit any cottages, except upon her own ground ;
and probably would never have visited Woolger's,
owing to its situation, had it not been for the sick-
ness in the family; concerning which, the object of
her first and only visit was to inquire.

During the time which the author of these
Memoirs spent at Claremont, and at the village of
Esher, every account agreed in testifying the exact
regularity that pervaded the Royal establishment,
although it consisted of more than an hundred indi-
viduals. The punctuality with which the demands
of every tradesman were discharged, is peculiarly
worthy of notice. Nothing is more common than
for the genteel inhabitants of villages in the neigh-
bourhood of London, and other great towns, to com-
plain of the want of shops for many of the comforts
and conveniences of life ; and yet, if, upon the faith
of these complaints, a tradesman opens a shop for
their supply, when he merely adds a trifle to his
charge for extra expense of carriage, &c. great num-
bers of the gentry will send their servants up to town
for almost every article, if they can but save the
merest trifle, or get only a protracted credit. Nv-t
so the Princess Charlotte : she felt it her duty to
encourage the village tradesmen. ai»*l was exact in
14. 2 s

323 MEMOIRS OP HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

ttling their account* at certain intervals — as the
fo'lowing anecdote will show:

A lady who had formerly held an office in the
household, and had a share in the education of the
Prim i 8g, called at Claremont, in order to pay her
respects to Her Royal Highness, whom she found
at a table covered with papers relating to household
accounts, bills, receipts, &c. She was instantly
admitted, most kindly and heartily received, and
reproached for having been so long absent. — " We
were speaking of yon the other day," said the
Princess, " and I was telling my husband how much
I was indebted to your care." She then spoke of
her marriage, her domestic affairs, and described
herself as the happiest woman, and her husband as
the best of men, in the kingdom. The Princess
asked her, " Have yon ever seen Cobourg?" Her
visitor replied, " that she had never yet had that
honour; which she regretted, and of which she was
very desirous." " Then yon shall have it directly,"
said Her Royal Highness; and going into an inner
room, she requested her Consort to come and re-
ceive her friend Mrs. H. whom she presented as the
person of whom she had often spoken to him with
esteem and affection. His Serene Highness ex-
pressed himself highly pleased at the introduction ;
and after conversing a few moments in the most
courteous and affable mn— dr, retired, regretting
that his occupations would not permit him to remain
longer, " He is very busy," said the Princess, " in
bis department, as I am in mine, looking over and
paying our monthly accounts; but I have been
quicker than him, and have quite done. — This is
the hr*t Monday in the month, and when you come
on thru day, you will always find us employed in the
Ulie manner; for we are determined to live within
our income, and not get into debt." She then
arranged her paper*, and attended her visitor round
the grounds of her charming residence,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 3*23

As a farther evidence of the humanity and bene-
volence of our lamented Princess, we give the fol-
lowing* testimony from a gentleman of the utmost
respectability : — " I have my residence in the neigh-
bourhood of Claremont, and am well acquainted
with much of the private life and charities of the
Princess. Scarcely a day elapsed in which she did
not perform some act of kindness to the neighbour-
ing poor. I have often witnessed food going to one
cottage, medicine to another, wine to a third, a bible
to a fourth, linen, and such like necessaries, to a poor
woman in a fifth, a prayer-book to a sixth, and so
on. I have often witnessed the joy that sparkled
in the countenances of the peasantry when passing
their doors, in her little country excursions. There
she goes! May God in heaven bless her! was the
general exclamation as she passed through the villa-
ges and by the cottages of the poor."

The following list includes the principal persons
attached to the Royal Establishment at Claremont:

Ladies of the Bedchamber, Lady Emily Murray,
Lady John Thynne.

Maid of Honour, Miss Coates.

Bedchamber and Privy Purse, Mrs. Campbell.

Aids-de-camp and Equerries to Prince Leopold,
Baron de Harden brock, and Sir Robert Gardiner.

Equerries to Princess Charlotte-Augusta, Colonel
Ad den broke, and Honourable Charles Percy.

Treasurer, H. N. Willis, Esq.

Chaplains, Rev. Dr. Short, Rev. N. N. Short,
Rev. F. Ricketts, Rev. Dr. Moor head.

Physicians in Ordinary, C. Stockmar, M. D.,
M. Baillie, M. D., and N. N. Rodham, M. D.

Physician Extraordinary, N. N. Morrison, M. D.

Physician Accoucheur, Sir R. Croft, Bart. M. D.

Surgeon in Ordinary, Robert Keates, Esq.

Surgeon Extraordinary, Thomas Harding, Esq.

Surgeon and Apothecary, W. H. Neville, Esq.

324 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Apothecaries, Mr. R. Walker, and Mr. E. Brande.

Household Secretary, Mr. Ammerschaber.

Pages, Messrs. James Sims, Thomas Poole,
IleniN Florshutz, and Pan Mechin.

I uiit-dc-cliambre, M. H. Florshutz.

Dresser, Mrs. L. Prior.

House Steward, Mr.W. Phillips.

Housekeeper, Mrs. Phillips,

Keeper of the Wine Cellar, Mr. Lyons.

Cooks, Mr. F. Grillon, E. Morell, J. Schellhdrn,
and Elizabeth Hands.

Confectioner, Mr. C. Hoeck.

Coffee Room, Hannah Parsons.

Gamekeeper, J. Bickers.

Gardener, T. Fairbairn.

Labourer, W. Woolger,

Silk Mercer, William King.

Linen Maker by special appointment, Mary Hill-
house.

The complete privacy in which the happy Pair
passed the remainder of the year 1816, will be best
understood by the following notices, with their re-
spective dates, which contain all that is publicly
known concerning them during that long interval :

Aug. 25. The Princess Charlotte and Prince
Leopold honoured Mr. John Piatt, of Oxford
Street, by inspecting his superior imitations of
marbles and woods; at which they were most
graciously pleased to express their high satisfaction,
and appointed him their painter.

Sept. 26. The name of the Prince of Saxe-
Cobonrg appeared in the list of the gentlemen of the
county «.i Surry, who had taken out licenses to
kill game. The establishment at Claremont was
announced to be very numerous, consisting of no
than one hundred persons. The day before, the
J)ukc and Duch<:ss of Gloucester left Frogmore in

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 325

the afternoon for Claremont, to spend a few days
with the Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold.

Windsor, Sept. 30. This morning, at two o'clock,
the Princess Charlotte and Prince Cobourg arrived
from Claremont House; their Royal Highnesses
staid for some time, and partook of some refresh-
ment, and afterwards returned to Claremont to
dinner.

Nov. 5. Prince Leopold and his Royal Consort
are both liberal encouragers of the Fine Arts, and
Claremont will soon be decorated with several
happy efforts of living artists.

Nov. 16. The Princess Charlotte, with her much
beloved Consort, are enjoying the most retired
domestic comforts at Claremont.

Monday, Nov. 17. The Duchess of York dined
with the Prince of Saxe-Cobourg and the Princess
Charlotte, on Friday, at Claremont. The amiable
Duchess was highly delighted with the general
appearance and demeanor of the numerous pea-
santry who are employed on the grounds of that
beautiful estate. The Princess Charlotte anticipates
every want among them ; and therefore we need
not be surprised that it excites admiration.

Nov. 22. The Princess Charlotte has been gra-
ciously pleased to nominate Mr. Vitalba, of No. 34,
Foley Street, Portland Place, for her Drawing
Master, that gentleman having had the honour of
teaching Her Royal Highness before her marriage.

Saturday, Nov. 23. Prince Leopold came to town,
paid his respects to the Prince Regent, and attended
the levee of the Grand Duke Nicholas ; he after-
wards visited the Duchess of Cumberland, to in-
quire after her health ; and then returned to Clare-
mont.

Dec. 10. The Lord Mayor, about this time, re-
ceived an order from the Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold for 2000 yards of silk from Spital-
fields ; and thus set the example, which, being gene-

336 MEMOIRS OP HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

rally followed, greatly relieved the sufferers in the
silk tra le. The same evening, at half-past six, they
arrived at the Pavilion, Brighton, from Claremont,
on a \ ir-ir to the Prince Regent, and were followed
l>v their attendants in a second carriage. Her Ma-
feety, and the Royal Parly at the Pavilion, waited
dinner for the Princess Charlotte and her Consort;
but the Princess begged they would not wait, as
they had to dress, and they joined the Queen and
Royal Party after dinner.

The next day, the Prince Leopold and Princess
Charlotte visited several parts of the town of Brigh-
ton ; but being recognized near the market, the
populace continued to augment until they increased
to a prodigious crowd, consisting chiefly, however,
of boys and girls. The Princess, unfortunately,
could not avoid feeling alarm at the multitude that
were gathered, though every look and expression
from the gratified throng, manifested the loyalty
they felt in thus unexpectedly meeting with Her
Royal Highness and her Serene Consort. It was
impossible to repress the popular enthusiasm, which
became so great to obtain a sight of the Princess,
that Townsend, the Police officer, was obliged to
be sent for to clear the way for the return of the
Royal Pair to the Pavilion. The officer, in his
hurry and anxiety, struck several forward obstinate
boys wiih his cane; upon which Prince Leopold
desired him to desist entirely from such severe
measures; when His Serene Highness and the
amiable Princess were greeted with loud exclama-
tions ,,f " God bless you both," and, " Long live
tlic Prince ami Princess," until they reached the
Pavilion, into which they went by me south en-
trance, and, passing out again soon afterwards at
the north gate, took a walk beyond Richmond
Place, and, after an absence of several hours, finally
returned over the Steyne to dinner at the Palace.

While the Princess Charlotte remained at Briirh-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 327

ton, an incident occurred which shows how deeply
the prevailing distresses of the poor, employed in the
British manufactures, had impressed her beneficent
and compassionate heart. — A beautiful cap, formed
of Brussels point lace, and other costly foreign
materials, from an eminent dress-maker residing at
Brighton, was presented at the Palace for the
Princess Charlotte's inspection. Her Royal High-
ness appeared much struck with the form and
elegance of the article, but at length ordered it to
be returned ; observing, that had the materials with
which it was composed been solely of British manu-
facture instead of foreign, she admired it so much,
that she would have been the purchaser.

The morning after, the Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold left the Pavilion for a walk to the
north, having ordered a chariot and pair to follow
them. This walk they repeated on the following
dav, and set off from the Pavilion about noon, on
their return to Claremont Park. The Princess
Charlotte declined prolonging her visit to Her Royal
Father at Brighton, and left it, in order to pass
Prince Leopold's birth-day, the 16th of December,
at Claremont, which was celebrated there with every
mark of respect. The Prince and Princess Ester-
hazv, and the Count and Countess Lieven, were of
the party. The town tradesmen of the Royal Pair
also illuminated their houses, and met together at
the Thatched House Tavern, to celebrate the dav;
which was also signalized by a grand entertainment
given to the domestics and friends of the establish-
ment at Claremont, and concluded with a ball and
supper.

Shortly before the last birth-day which the
lamented Princess Charlotte was permitted to see,
it was publicly announced, that that day would be
celebrated with great splendour at the village of
Esher, where, in addition to the brilliant and ex-

328 MI'.MdlKS OF HliR ROYAL HIGHNESS

t^sivc illuminations with which Claremont itself
waa to be distinguished, the poor inhabitants had
,lved to light up their humble habitations, to
teatif) their gratitude for the distinguished muni-
ficence of their Itoval Benefactors.

ln conformity with this notice, the birth-day ot
our truly amiable and beloved Princess was cele-
brated at fisher, the neighbourhood of the seat of
Her Royal Highness and her illustrious Consort,
l,\ a general festivity and joy on the part of the
grateful inhabitants, which has rarely been equalled,
and never surpassed. The morning was ushered in
with the ringing of bells, which repeated their merry
peals throughout the whole of the evening, when
th. illuminations were so universal and brilliant
that the village might be said to exhibit one general
blaze. All the tradespeople illuminated their dwell-
ings in the very fust style, nothing superior to them
having ever been witnessed even in London, ex-
cepting the transcendent splendour of some of the
public buildings; and the whole of the poor inha-
bitants, in testimony of their gratitude for the mani-
fold arts of munirtcence of their Royal Patrons,
vied with each other in their manner erf lighting up
then- n-spectne dwellings. Mr. Carter, Linen-
draper and Haberdasher, and Mr. Loveridge,
Grocer, shone, each, particularly brilliant on the
occasion, and both their houses were thronged with
admiring spectators. Mr. Carter had the letters
"C. V. verj large, with a most brilliant star, sur-
mounted by a still more brilliant crown, with a
variety <>t diamonds and other splendid ornaments
t<> till up* forming, on the whole, a spectacle of bril-
liancy that has perhaps never been surpassed. Mr.
Loveridge had also the letters " C. P.* very large,
with a brilliant crown, a number of diamonds, and
other <le( orations. Mr. Alder, Butcher, was very
finely lighted up with lamps; Mr. Judd, Saddler,
bad a brilliant star, and all the windows with candles*

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 329

Besides which, there were several very excellent
transparencies exhibited.

A numerous band of music paraded the street
during the whole of the evening, playing loyal and
patriotic tunes; and the whole of the village pre-
sented a common scene of happiness and ecstasy,
which it was truly delightful to witness.

The Princess gave an additional donation of £100
to the poor on this occasion ; and from her general
amiable and munificent conduct, Her Royal High-
ness and her illustrious Consort were almost adored
by the inhabitants of the village.

The festivities of Claremont were followed by a
musical entertainment. Her Royal Highness hear-
ing of Madame Fodor's return to this country, seized
the occasion to give a musical entertainment to
her illustrious relatives and friends, aud sent an
invitation to Madame Fodor to visit Claremont.
Mr. Naldi assisted their Royal Highnesses in form-
ing the selection, which was one of the choicest.
He introduced Signor Vercillini in one or two
pieces, which gave great satisfaction. He has a fine
tenor voice, and sung with taste. Mademoiselle
Naldi was prevented, by severe indisposition, the
honour of joining the party. Her absence was
much regretted, having given such pleasure on a
former occasion. Naldi was, as usual, full of mirth
and glee. He presided at the piano, and accom-
panied in his delightful style. Nothing could equal
the condescension and kindness shewn to Madame
Fodor by the Princess Charlotte. Every air sung;
by this accomplished singer called forth rapturous
applause. The Prince of Saxe-Cobourg has one of
the finest tenor voices ever heaiM, and sung several
pieces with great taste and effect. Besides their
Royal Highnesses' household, there were present
the Duchess of York, Duke of Cumberland, Duke
and Duchess and Mademoiselle Orleans, Marquis
and Marchioness of Worcester, Russian Ambassa-
14. 2 t

330 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

dor, Countess Lieven, Sir Robert and Lady Gar-
dener, Baron Pfeffel, Bavarian Minister; Baron
Just, Saxon Minister; Lord Erskine, &c.

Jler Koyal Highnesses birth-day was also kept
with great splendor at Brighton, where the bells
rang merrily, to announce the completion of her
twenty-first year. The dinner party, in addition to
their Itoyal Highnesses the Regent and the Duke
of Clarence, and the immediate suite of Noblemen
ami State Officers resident at the Palace, included
Lord and Lady Bathurst, Lord and Lady Castle-
reagh, the Austrian Ambassador Prince Esterhazy,
Lord St. Helen's, Lord Clive, the Earl of Aberga-
venny, Lord James Murray, Baron Wimpfeu, Sir
G. \Vood, &c. Covers were laid for thirty-six, and
not a seat was vacant.

At nine o'clock, the company invited, began to
assemble for the Ball, Sec. and before half-past nine,
there were also present, the Earl of Egremont, the
Countess of Caernarvon and Miss Wyndham, the
Earl and Countess of Mexborough, the Earl and
Countess of IN ew burgh, and the Ladies Ayre, the
Earl and Countess of Chichester, the Earl and
Countess of Sheffield, Lord Eardley, Lord and Lady
Say and Sele, and the Hon. Miss Twissleton, Lady
Grantham, Lady Augusta Charter, Lord and Lady
Hawarden, Lady Hyde Parker and the Hon. Miss
Onslow, Lady Warrender, Lady and the Misses
Jones, Lady Clonmell and Miss Scott, Lady Clan-
william and Lady Maria Meade, Lord Strangford,
Lord March, Lady Binning, Sir Godfrey and Lady
Webster, Genera] Sir W. and Lady Jane Houston,
Admiral Sir John Borlase and Lady Warren, Ad-
miral Sir David and Lady Gould, Sir W. Abdy,
Sir .1. and Mr. Graham, Sir Charles and Lady and
the llo„. W. Burrell, General Sir David and Lady
■ ird, I he Bishop of Exeter, Doctor and Mrs.
Tierney, the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Trevor, Captain
James Brisbane, the Hon. Miss Lake, Mr. and

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 331

Lady H. Ellice, Colonel and Lady H. Mitchell,
General and Mrs. Fuller, Captain and Lady Faul-
kiner, Mr. and Mrs. Patterson and the Misses
Catons, Mr. and Mrs. Wigram, the Hon. Mrs.
Sloane, Sir H. Ryecroft, the Rev. S. S. Clarke, and
nearly three hundred persons of rank and fashion-
able distinction.

The invitation tickets expressed " Out of Mourn-
ing ;" the Court sables, consequently, were laid
aside. The dresses of the Ladies were peculiarly
elegant, many of them splendid; diamonds, rubies,
and pearls, being in sparkling profusion.

The Prince Regent had issued a command, that
such articles only as were the immediate manufac-
ture of this country should be worn on the occasion ;
and this beneficent command appeared to be most
scrupulously attended to, for neither foreign silks,
nor even foreign lace, nor foreign materials of any
sort, were to be perceived ; the Ladies were British
from top to toe, and true British hearts seemed to
animate all present, and give lustre to every eye.
Without the aid of foreign frippery, the British fair
never appeared more fascinating.

The Ball commenced about ten o'clock, in the
magnificent new Ball Room, eighty feet long, on the
north side of the Palace, which was splendidly illu-
minated with cut glass lustres and globe lamps.
His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence led off
with the graceful Lady Charlotte Cholmondeley,
followed by

Lord Clive Miss J. Floyd.

Lord Castlereagh Hon. Miss Twisselton.

Mr. C. Percy Lady Emily Bathurst.

Capt. C. Whyte Miss Lucretia Shiffner.

Mr. Leach Lady Maria Meade.

Sir G. Wood Hon. Miss Seymour.

Sir Henry Ryecroft Miss Bowen.

Sir Tyrwhitt Jones Hon. Miss Onslow.

About twenty other Couple followed.

i-2 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIOHNES3

The R<>\al Duke danced, in the course of the
evening, lw,> other country dances with the accom-
plished Miss Seymour. In the evening, between
these national dances, several quadrilles were per-
formed by the beautiful Mrs. Patterson, (late Ma-
dame Jerome Bonaparte,) two Misses Caton, and
Miss Floyd, who danced in a manner to rivet the
attention of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent
ami his illustrious visitors.

Supper was served at two o'clock. Such eager-
ness Mas shewn to resume the mazy round, that few
sat down to partake of it.

Among the waltzers, were particularly observed —
Mr. Lloyd and the Hon. Miss Lake; Prince Ester-
hazy and Lady M. Meade; Sir Edmund Neagle
and Mrs. White; Sir Godfrey Webster and Miss
H. ShifTner; Lord Castlereagh and Lady C. Chol-
mondeley, &c.

Dancing was kept up with great spirit till five
oVlock, when the Ball terminated in the true old
English style, with the deservedly popular dance of
Sir Roger de Coverlet/, led oft* by the Duke of
Clarence and Miss L. Caton.

The company then retired, charmed with the con-
descension and hospitality of His Royal Highness,
who appeared to enter most fully into the amuse-
ments of the evening.

It is impossible to recal these festive scenes, and
not feel a deep interest in her awful lot, for whom
the admiring multitude then little thought (and as
uttle did the amiable Princess herself think,) they
Mould bo soon be called upon to mourn. Every-
thing that occurred on these joyful occasions, wears,
when retrospectively viewed, the most melancholy
Dues, and affords such a memorable instance of the
ntter insecurity and vanity of all earthly good, as
Perhaps was never known in these realms before.
10 follow the tram of thought which naturally arises

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 333

upon reading the accounts of the rejoicings upon
the last birth-day which our lamented Princess
lived to see, would be to anticipate the details
which will come in their due order before our
readers; but it is hardly possible to pass it over un-
noticed, and absolutely impossible to notice it with-
out feeling the most poignant regret.

On the 28th of January, Prince Leopold invited
the Russian Grand Duke Nicholas and the Duke
and Duchess of Orleans to a select party, at which
several delightful airs were sung, by some of the
most distinguished personages, with great effect;
and the celebrated Mr. Kalhbreuner performed his
variations on the Tyrolean waltz in such a masterly
style, as commanded the liveliest expressions of
delight and admiration.

Feb. 19. The Princess Charlotte and Prince Leo-
pold arrived at Camelford House from Claremont,
to be present at the celebration of the Queen's Birth-
day ; some months before which, on account of the
distressed state of the British manufactures, the
Prince Regent commanded notices to be given in
the Gazette, for the celebration of the Queen's birth-
day and his own, as public Court Festivals, from
the most laudable motive of encouraging the trade
and manufactures of the country ; and, that it might
be strictly national, directed, that those who attend-
ed the Courts should appear in dresses of British
manufacture only, to assist the industrious trades-
men. The Galas of Court Birth-days having always
been looked up to, and considered as sources of
encouragement for this numerous class, and to give
due and full effect to his gracious and considerate
intentions, in the most effectual way possible, by
example, His Royal Highness ordered all his State
Officers, and others of the Royal establishment, to
appear in new costly dresses, according to their
respective ranks and stations, in which every article,
not of British manufacture, was strictly prohibited.

334 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

This excellent example, as a pattern to the higher
orders generally* gave employment to numberless
industrious families; and employment is admitted
h\ all to be tin- best mode of relief.

The Regent not only exerted himself in every
w;i\ possible for the encouragement of the manufac-
ture of the country generally, but subscribed most
nobly and liberally to numerous charities that have
sprung np in consequence of the state of the
tunes. And, to crown all, he contributed, with a
princely munificence, £50,000, in one sum, for the
general good, in order to improve the blessings of
that pence so gloriously concluding the most despe-
rate war in which this country was ever engaged.

\< w Court uniforms were worn on this occasion,
tor the first time, by the Officers of State, and were
ill*' general admiration of the numerous and splendid
Court. They were divided into three classes: the
first consisted of the Lord Chamberlain, the Lord
Steward, and the Groom of the Stole. Their coats
of dark purple, with crimson velvet collars, both
richly embroidered with gold. The most distin-
guished Nobleman's dress, not attached to the
Court, was the Marquis of Exeter's, who wore a
Ik w dark blue velvet -coat, most magnificently em-
broidered with gold.

The directions issued, by command of the Prince
!i«-gent, from the Lord Chamberlain's Office, for the
company to appear in British manufacture, was ge-
nt rally attended to.

The day originally appointed for the celebration
of the Queen's birth-day (which is on the 19th of
May, was the 6th Feb.: but it was postponed to
the 20th, on account of Her Majesty not being suf-
ncientl] recovered from her recent indisposition to
undergo the fatigues of a Court, which, on account
their being held so very seldom, are always ex-

JSivelj crowded: Her Majesty was now, however,

m irood health.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 335

The morning was ushered in with the ringing of
bells. The King's Guard mounted, in white gaiters,
with the state colours ; the Band, in their state uni-
forms. A guard of honour marched into the court
yard of the Queen's Palace, equipped in a similar
manner.

At one o'clock, a double royal salute of cannon
was discharged in St. James's Park. Parties of
Life Guards were stationed in Pall Mall and St.
James's Park, to assist the police in keeping order,
regulating the carriages, &c. A great concourse of
people were assembled in the Park, and particularly
in the front of the Palace, although the weather was
unfavourable in the morning, and continued so till
past two o'clock, when it cleared up. The scene
was then truly splendid, on the outside as well as in
the interior, from the numerous displays of Royal
carriages and liveries, the State equipages of Fo-
reign Ambassadors and Ministers, English Nobility,
and Official Personages. The whole was enlivened
by the Band of the First Regiment playing in the
Court-yard, who received the Royal Family as they
arrived, and saluted with " God save the King."

The company began to arrive before one o'clock,
and continued till half-past three.

The Prince Regent came in state about half-past
three, his carriage preceded by three others, escorted
by a party of Life Guards. His Royal Highness
proceeded by Pall Mall, and was received with
marked respect, by hats being taken off, and fre-
quent huzzas.

The Duke and Duchess of York came in state
in two carriages ; in the first, were their attendants.
The Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold came in
state at half-past two ; their carriage, preceded by
two others, in which were Sir R. Gardiner, Colonel
Addenbroke, &c. The Duke and Duchess of Glou-
cester came in state, and rode in their uew state
carriage, for the first time, preceded by two other

MI.MOIK.S Oh HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

carriages, in which were Colonel Dalton, Colonel
Higgins, Lady J. Thymic, kc. : their Royal High-
nesses were escorted by a party of Life Guards.
The Duke of Sussex and Princess Sophia of Glou-
C( st< r were present, Tl>e Speaker of the House of
» immons went in his state carriage, accompanied
bj his full attendants. Prince Fsterhazy the Aus-
trian Ambassador, Baron Fagel the Ambassador
from the Court of the Netherlands, came in state,
as did other Foreigners.

The Cabinet Ministers, the Great Officers of
Male and the Household, Lord Delawar, the Lord
in Waiting; Sir Hilgrove Turner, Groom in Wait-
ing; Major Dance, Silver Stick in Waiting; the
Karl Marshal of England, the Lord Chancellor, the
Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench,
the Lord Advocate of Scotland, the A rch bishops of
Canterbury, York, and Tuam, the Judge of Arches
Court, the Dean of Windsor, the Attorney and
Solicitor Generals, the Lord Mayor of London, the
Lady Mayoress, the Sheriffs of London and Mid-
dlesex; Mr. Harrison, the Solicitor-General to the
Duchy of Cornwall ; Mr. Hart, the Solicitor-Gene-
ral to the Queen ; the Recorder of London ; the Se-
en Mary at War.

Her Majesty entered the Drawing-room a few
minutes alter two o'clock; the Foreign Ambas-
sadors had, as usual, the first privilege of congratu-
lating the Queen on the celebration of her natal day.
The Grand Duke Nicholas was present, for the first
time, and was introduced in due court-form to the
Queen; when his Imperial Highness paid his con-
gratulations to Her Majesty upon the celebration of
In r Birth-day. They were followed by the Cabinet
Ministers, the Officers of State, and those who have
the privileges of the Entre,

Hie g< neral assemblage of the Nobility, and per-
90nag< - of distinction, followed to pay their respects,
according as they arrived. The presentations were

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 337

very numerous, owing to Courts being held so very
seldom; it being eight months since there was a
Drawing-room. The great Hall was filled with per-
sons genteelly dressed, to view the company pass.

The following superb Dresses were worn by the
members of the Royal Family :

The Prince Regent. — A Field-Marshal's uniform.

The Duke of Gloucester. — A full dress Fie+d-
Marshal's uniform, superbly embroidered in gold.

Prince Leopold, of Saxe-Cobourg-Saalfeld. — A
full dress Field-Marshai's uniform, superbly em-
broidered.

Her Majesty — Wore a petticoat of beautiful ruby-
coloured striped satin velvet; the draperies entirely
formed of dark sable, very richly trimmed with
superb point lace, and elegantly ornamented with
handsome ropes and tassels to correspond ; below
the draperies, flouncings of rich point lace: the man-
teau of the same material as the petticoat, most
superbly and elegantly trimmed with a profusion of
point lace. Head-dress, feathers and diamonds.

The Princess Augusta. — A petticoat of rich white
satin, most magnificently embroidered with gold ;
the draperies were also superbly embroidered, de-
signed in a very new, elegant, and tasteful style,
confined on the right side with a rich embroidered
sash, ornamented and supported with very brilliant
and costly real gold ropes and tassels : the manteau
of rich gold tissue, superbly trimmed with rich gold
lace, the body and sleeves profusely trimmed with
point lace and diamonds. Head-dress, ostrich fea-
thers and diamonds.

Princess Elizabeth. — A petticoat of rich bright
geranium-coloured velvet, most elegantly embroi-
dered in silver of a very brilliant appearance round
14. 2 u

MQ MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

the bottom; the draperies were magnificently em-
broidered in various devices, in a very elegant and
peculiar form, caught together towards the right
Bide, and finished with an exceedingly rich embroi-
dered knot and sash with great taste, and orna-
mented with real silver bullion ropes and tassels:
the nianteau of a beautiful massy silver spotted
tissue, the body and sleeves profusely trimmed with
rich point lace and diamonds. Head-dress, feathers
and diamonds.

The Duchess of Gloucester — Wore one of the
most beautiful and graceful plumes at Court, con-
si^tin- of thirty feathers, arranged in a most elegant
Ityle, which shewed the shape of the head to great
advantage, and was particularly becoming.

Princess Charlotte of Saxe-Cobourg. — A rich
white satin petticoat, with most elegant gold lama
draperies, magnificently embroidered, and tastefully
looped with a very rich gold bullion cord and tassels,
and finished with two superb flounces of gold lama
border in festoons ; a manteau of gold tissue, most
beautifully embroidered in rosebuds, and trimmed
with very rich gold lace. Head-dress of the choicest
1 nil Hants, with rich ostrich plume.

Princess Sophia of Gloucester. — Superb silver
petticoat, gold border, silver lama drapery, elegantly
ornamented with silver; gold tissue robe, trimmed
with silver: Her Royal Highness wore a profusion
of diamonds and feathers.

It has been observed, that Camelford House being
« xtremely inconvenient, the Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold inspected Cumberland House; which
v ia found unsuitable, and relinquished, on account
<'t tli< great and expensive alterations that would
have been necessary, to adapt it for the town resi-
dence of the Royal Pair. After the death of the
Duke of Marlborough, they inspected Marlborough

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 339

House. The surveyors estimated this house to be
worth £4000 a year ; which rent the Duke accord-
ingly demanded from the Princess Charlotte, who
offered only £3000, which the Duke consented to
accept for a term of five years : but Her Royal
Highness declined taking it for a less term than
twelve years; which being a longer period than the
Duke wished to let it for, as his own unrenewed
term, held under the Crown, was only for eighteen
years, the negotiation there terminated for the
present.

The continued distresses of our manufacturers at
this period were not overlooked by the Princess
Charlotte and Her Serene Consort; an account of
whose former acts of beneficence, we have before
recorded. The deplorable condition of the poor,
who had been employed in the manufacture of
British lace, awakened their sympathies ; and an
effort being made in the spring of 1817, to re-estab-
lish that branch of trade at Honiton, in Devonshire,
they graciously condescended to become the Patron
and Patroness of the establishment; beside taking
other steps, in order to encourage and promote as
far as possible the revival of commerce, upon which
the lower classes of society so generally depend.
The order which they gave to Messrs. Chamberlain,
of Worcester, for a dinner-service, which was manu-
factured at their extensive establishment, is an
additional instance of the judicious manner in which
they endeavoured to promote the welfare of the
industrious poor, by furnishing them with employ-
ment. This dinner-service is said to have been the
most splendid ever seen in this kingdom. The
inimitable taste of the design, the beauty of the
colouring, and the correctness of the execution, are
represented to have been beyond all praise ; and cer-
tainly were much admired by competent judges,
who were permitted to view this chef-d'ceuvre of
British manufacture.

.'HO Ml MOIRS OF IIKR ROYAL HIGHNESS

THE PRf.\CESS OF WALES.

During tin- lorijg period which had now elapsed
sincr tin Priflcess of Wales took her departure from
Tunis, rtite British nation had only heard of Her
Hon ol Highness by the cursory notices of the public,
mid sometimes oi* foreign papers. Through these
channels it transpired, that Her Royal Highness
had purchased a beautiful villa on the Lake of Como,
and had taken up her abode in that delightful coun-
irv, with the apparent intention of making it the
pla< ■•• of her fixed residence. However, a few
months afterwards, the Paris journals announced,
that great preparations -were making at the Palace
or Villa of Her Royal Highness for a long journey ;
and that she intended to form a sort of caravan, in
which Draftsmen, Naturalists, Poets, and Scavans,
were to accompany her into Persia: in the capital
of winch empire she intended to remain a long time.
Shortly afterwards it was announced in the Vienna
papers, that Her Royal Highness had arrived in that
city, where she proposed to make some stay; and
afterwards to proceed to Odessa; from whence she
intended to visit Constantinople. On the 24th of
March, however, the Princess was at Augsburg;
and on the ensuing day, continued her journey for
Stutgard : at noon she arrived at Carlsruhe, and
alighted at the Hotel de la Poste, where she dined
with the Dowager Margravine of Baden; whom
she afterwards attended to the castle, where a select
company was assembled to meet her upon the occa
Bion. A letter, dated Munich, states, that Her
Royal Highness left that place on the -23rd of March,
in onto to a isit the Margravine of Baden, at Carls-
rnhe; and afterwards adds, that she intended from
thence to preceed to visit the Margravine of Bay-
i' nth, at Erlan-. l), and then to set out for Vienna,
on her return to Italy, having given up her intended

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 341

journey to Brunswick. The Princess having arrived
at Erlangen, the public papers soon after announced
the intention of Her Royal Highness to return
through Vienna, Trieste, and Venice, to her estate
on the borders of the Lake of Como.

In conformity with this notice, the Vienna Gazette
of the 14th of April, announced, that Her Royal
Highness arrived there on the 9th, under the title of
the Duchess of Cornwall, and alighted at the Hotel
called the Empress of Austria, keeping the strictest
incognito. From thence she intended to proceed,
on the 15th, towards the Lake of Como, by way of
Leybach, Trieste, and Venice; where she arrived
in the course of the following week. The governor
of that city gave a magnificent fete, in honour of Her
Royal Highness's arrival; at which the Princess,
with all her suite, attended.

Vienna, April 18. — It is generally asserted, that
the Princess of ^Vales sent one of her household
from Linz, to announce to Lord Stewart, that ac-
cording to the ideas of the Princess, she proposed
fixing her abode at the Hotel of the British Embassy,
and passing a fortnight at Vienna. In consequence
of this intimation, his Lordship instantly dispatched
an express, to offer his excuses at the impossibility
of receiving a Lady of the Royal Family, having
nothing to offer but a bachelor's accommodation ;
as he had been left without any advices from govern-
ment, as to the intention of Her Royal Highness.
That very day the Ambassador, with the Hanoverian
Minister and all his household, set out for Kirtsee.
Lord Stewart's courier came up with the Princess
at Morlez ; and, it is said, Her Royal Highness then
appeared resolved to remain in Vienna until arrange-
ments for her reception could be concluded as she
desired. So various and contradictory, however,
were the reports concerning the intentions of the
Princess, that towards the end of April, while some
journals announced that the Princess of Wales was

349 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

2010a to reside at Como, by Trieste and Venice,
private tetters from Munich assured us, that Her
Royal Highness would be at Paris before the 1st of
i\la\ ; and that she will stay some weeks in that

capital. .

The following curious particulars, extracted from
the foreign papers of this period, are here inserted,
without note or comment. The latter purports to be
an extract from the Journal of an English Traveller:
both will, no doubt, be read with great interest;
though we can by no means vouch for the truth of
all the statements they contain:

" Her Court is composed of the following persons:
The Countess Oldi, of Cremona; Dr. JVJochetti;
the Chevalier Schiavini, Master of the Horse ; Mr.
Haunam, an Englishman, Private Secretary ; several
footmen, servants, &c.

" The Princess bought of the Countess Pino the
country-house near the Lake of Como, in which she
resides. It has received, by her orders, a number
of expensive embellishments. Select company, ex-
cursions by land and on the water, a private theatre,
and evening concerts, form their innocent amuse-
ments,

" Several reports having been spread with respect
to two odious attempts on the Princess of Wales, she
has thought proper to publish the facts. At Genoa
several armed men penetrated during the night into
the Princess's apartments. They had nearly reached
her bedchamber, when her servants, being aroused,
tired on them. They escaped, and no trace of them
ha- ever been discovered.

The other affair happened in the country-house

of Como. A certain Baron , bribed a groom,

named Grade, to introduce him secretly, and by
means of false keys, into the Princess's closet. The
plot was discovered, and the groom dismissed.
Tins man afterwards wrote to the Chevalier Tomas-
Ma, confessing that he had been seduced by Baron

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 343

. The Princess communicated the affair to the

Governor-General, Count Saurau, who gave orders
to Baron to quit the Austrian territory.

" The Secretary Haunam challenged Baron ;

but the Baron has hitherto contrived, under various
pretences, to postpone the meeting.

" The Chevalier Schiavini is charged with the
arrangement of the travels of the Princess in the
East."

The Journal of an English Traveller; or, Remarkable
Events and Anecdotes of the Princess of Wales,
from 1814 to 1816.

" After an introduction, in which it is shewn that
the Princess of Wales did not leave England in con-
sequence of superior orders, and still less from any
motive dishonourable to Her Royal Highness, but
of her own free will, in pursuance of a plan which
she had long since formed ; some documents are
communicated which give evident proof of this.

" 1 . A letter from the Princess to Lord Liverpool,
dated 25th July, 1814. She announces to him her
resolution to leave England, in order to restore to
the Prince Regent and herself the peace of which
they had been so many years deprived, and declines
the income of £50,000 sterling which Parliament
had voted her, accepting only 35,000.

" 2. Lord Liverpool answers the Princess on the
28th July, that he has laid her letter before the
Prince Regent, and that his Royal Highness will
not oppose her journey.

11 3. A letter from the Princess to Mr. Whitbread
and his friends, dated 25th July, 1814. She informs
him of her resolution to leave England, and thanks
him and Mr. Brougham for the attention which they
have shewn her on all occasions. — * No person,'
says the Princess, * possessed of sensibility and
pride, could long endure the situation which is
below her rank as Princess of Wales : and even as

J44 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

a. mere private person, since she is so hated by the
Sovereign that lie will not bear her presence, either
fa public or private life. The Princess of Wales will
no longer bear such degradation and humiliation;
.she can no longer bear that the Prince and his family
should treal her as a criminal, though her innocence
was publicly recognized by the Ministers and the
Parliament, after the false accusations of her ene-
ma s and of traitors had been done away. Now
that the Princess has received this public satisfac-
tion, she can no longer, consistently with her con-
science, be a burden to her friends, &c.

"4. Mr. Whitbread answers the Princess, on the
1st of August. He says he is not surprised at her
determination ; but it is painful to him to be de-
prived for a time of her amiable society.

" These letters reply to all the false motives which
were ascribed to the departure of the Princess from
England. After what had passed, the Princess
could no more reside agreeably at a Court where
-he was forced to submit to the humour of the
Prince, which might have had an influence on the
happiness of her daughter. How could the Princess
live happily iu a place where obstacles were thrown
in the way of maternal tenderness, and where she
and tin* Princess Charlotte were scarcely allowed to
appear as mother and daughter? The Princess,
therefore, sailed on the 9th of August from England
for Hamburgh, and travelled from that place to
Brunswick. The suite that attended her consisted
of English gentlemen and ladies; but in the secmel
thej Left the Princess altogether, and she could not
obtain any more English, notwithstanding the trou-
ble *h< look to get her retinue wholly composed of
thai nation. Why did the English leave her Court?
Some from personal motives, but the most for fear
of drawing down upon themselves the displeasure of
the Court of London ; a fear which was but too well
founded, if the situation of the Prince and Princess

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 345

of Wales is considered. For this reason too, as she
was travelling through Italy, the English then in
that country did not pay their respects to her. The
Princess was therefore compelled to form another
household, for herself: this consists of Countess
Oldie, of Cremona, Dr. Mochetti, Chevalier Schia-
vini, the Chevaliers Tomassia, Pergami, &c. Only
one Englishman, her private secretary, of the name
of Haunam, remained true to her, and did not leave
her. Some discreditable reports were circulated in
regard to her first chamberlain, the Chevalier Per-
gami, a Knight of Malta ; but he is a respectable
man, who made the campaigns of 1812, 1813, and
1814, under Lieutenant-General Pino. Her estate
on the Lake of Como she purchased of the Countess
of Pino, and had it greatly improved. But the
Princess was calumniated even in Como, the inhabit-
ants of which she had loaded with benefits.

" Her way of living upon her estate is extremely
simple. A select society, a cheerful repast, music,
plays in her private theatre : these are her innocent
amusements.

" In the summer of 1815, a wicked secret plot
was formed against the Princess; the origin of which
it is not difficult to guess. The Princess was nar-
rowly watched, and attempts were made to seduce
her people; but only one, the Piqueur Crede was
so weak as to yield, and to promise Baron O # * to
conduct him into the apartments of the Princess by
means of false keys. The plot was however dis-
covered, and the Piqueur turned away. This man
wrote to the Chevalier Tomassia ; confessed that he
had let himself be seduced by Baron O * # to betray
his Mistress, and begged for mercy. The Princess
thought it proper to acquaint the Governor, Count
Sawran, with this event; and Baron O * * was forced
to leave the dominions of His Majesty the Emperor.
Haunam, the Princess's private secretary, chal-
lenged the Baron ; but the latter has hitherto put it
15. 2 x

;)l(j MOIRS OF UK 11 ROYAL HIGHNESS

pff. Since this affair, the Princess is very cautious,
particularly towards Englishmen, whom she does
ii. i kii<»\\ ; hut .she conceals herself from nobody,
ouh she will not be the object of calumny and of a
shameful espionage, of which she lias already been
the victim. What has already happened, gives
ground to fear still greater enormities.

" An event which took place at Genoa has more
the appearance of an attempt at assassination than
robbery. Some armed men penetrated during the
night into the house of the Princess, and almost into
lur bedchamber. An alarm being given, one of her
servants fired upon these people, and pursued them;
but in vain. It is not yet discovered what were
their intentions; but let a veil cover all this. — Her
first Master of the Horse, Schiavini, has kept a cir-
cumstantial account of her journey to the Holy
Land. The Princess went from Genoa to the island
of Elba, thence to Sicily and Barbary, then to Pales-
tine. She visited Jerusalem, Athens, &c. and was
every where received with the honours due to her
rank.

" By the assistance of several literati she obtained
a collection of valuable antiquities ; for which object
she spared no expense. Wherever the Princess ap-
peared, she left behind her grateful recollections of
her beneficence. At Tunis she obtained the freedom
of several slaves. The Princess is now employed in
writing the history of her life, which she will make
public in due time. By this she will throw a great
light on many facts which are now involved in
obscurity."

The Princess of Wales quitted her house at Como,

where we last left her, and proceeded to Rome:

m which it appears that she had given up her

tided journey to Germany. Her Royal High-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 347

ness, however, soon set out on another journey ; and
after having visited Parma, Bologna, and the little
republic of San Marino, took up her residence at
Ancona; soon after which she went to Rome, and
is said to have purchased the Frescati Palace,
intending to take up her permanent abode in that
celebrated city, where she had experienced a very
favourable reception. Her Royal Highness made
frequent excursions in the environs of that city,
with which she seemed so highly pleased, that
she soon after occupied a country house called
Scultheri, on the summit of mount Aventine. Here
in the evening of the 11th of July, Her Royal High-
ness gave a grand concert of vocal and instru-
mental music; when the whole of the road from
the city"; leading to her magnificent country house?
was lighted, and many persons of distinction were
present. A little while afterwards, however, not-
withstanding the intimation that she intended to
reside permanently at Rome, Her Royal Highness
quitted that famous city, and returned to her former
delightful abode, in the elegant villa upon the
banks of the Lake of Como.

But it is time to resume our narrative, aud pro
ceed with what is more immediately connected
with the chief subject of these Memoirs.

April 3. Prince Leopold was out shooting at
Claremont, accompanied by the Princess Charlotte.
Her Royal Highness's chaise, drawn by her favour
ite and beautiful ponies, followed, in which she
rode when tired, and drove it herself.

Tuesday, April 15. The Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold arrived in Town incogniti, and
dined for the first time in the season at Camelford
House. In the evening they visited their Royal
relatives the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland,

i|:; MEMOIRS OK HEK ROYAL HIGHNESS

n1 their apartments in St. James's Palace; and, on
the Thursday following, at four o'clock, left Camel-
ford House on their return to Claremont; where
tin \ gave a grand dinner party two days after-
wards.

The nation was now gratified by the happy intel-
1 i-_i-t in r, that the Princess Charlotte was in that
situation, which promised additional security in
the prospect of an heir to the House of Brunswick.
The prohability of this event tended to increase,
as far as was possible, the mutual attachment of
the happy Pair. — Alas! how soon were all these
flattering prospects withdrawn.

The Queen having beeu suddenly taken ill in
the night preceding Her Majesty's Birth-day, upon
which there was to have been a grand Drawincc-
room, expresses were sent off to the different mem-
bers of the Royal Family, and to the Nobility and
Gentry, informing them of the illness and consequent
inability of Her Majesty to receive the company.
Between three and four o'clock an express arrived
from the Princess Charlotte at Claremont, directed
to the Princess Elizabeth, requesting to be inform-
ed of the state of the Queen. The Prince Regent
and all the branches of the Royal Family in Town
went to the Palace. The morning was ushered in
with the ringing of bells. The Guards mounted
in white gaiters, and wore new clothes ; Carlton
House was thronged during the whole of the day
with all ranks, paying their respectful congratula-
tions; also various other manifestations of re-
specl :uid rejoicings; although vast numbers were
greatl} disappointed that the Birth-day Court did
not tak< pl.nr. The Tower guns were fired at
'"" "Vh.ek; but the firing of the Park guns was
dispensed with, owing to the illness of the Queen.
In thfl evening, the Theatres, Subscription Houses,
and dwelling of the Royal Tradesmen, were bril-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 349

liantly illuminated. The next day Her Majesty
was declared convalescent ; and on the day follow-
ing took an airing in her carriage, accompanied
by the Princess Elizabeth.

April 30, at one o'clock, Prince Leopold arrived
in his travelling carriage and four at Carlton
House; and after remaining a considerable rime
with the Prince Regent, proceeded in his town
carriage to Cainelford House.

The 2nd of May, the Anniversary of the happy
Marriage of Her Roval Highness the Princess
Charlotte with Prince Leopold, was observed with
great festivity at Claremont, where a great number
of the Nobility and Gentry were invited.

The return of this auspicious day was also sig-
nalized by a happy contrivance of their Chap-
lain, Dr. Short, who thereby found means to convey
an elegant intimation of the unalloyed felicity in
which the happy Pair had passed the first year of
their married life. — Before the brief particulars of
this anecdote are submitted to the reader, it is
necessary to premise, that the whole was an allu-
sion to the well-known ancient custom, which is
thus described in Grose's Antiquities : " Among
the jocular tenures of England, none have been
more talked of than the Bacon of Duumow in
Essex ; by whom, or at what period, this cus-
tom was instituted, is not certain, but it is generally
ascribed to one of the family of Fitzwalter. A
similar custom is observed at the Manor of
Wichenor in Staffordshire, where corn, as well as
bacon, was given to the happy pair." The parties
claiming the bacon were obliged to take the follow-
ing oath, kneeling on two sharp-pointed stones in
the Church-yard of the Priory of Dunmow, where
the monks of the convent attended, using many
ceremonies, and much singing, in order to lengthen
out the time of their painful situation :

350 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

" You shall swear by the custom of confession,
That vou ne'er made nuptial transgression ;
\c.i since you were married man and wife,
B) household brawls, or contentious strife,
Of otherwise, in bed or at board,
Offended each other in deed or in word ;
Or since the parish Clerk said Amen,
Wished yourselves unmarried again ;
Or in a twelvemonth and a day,
Repented not in thought any way,
But continued true in thought and desire
As when you joined hands in holy quire.
If to those conditions without all fear,
Of your own accord you will freely swear,
\ w holt gduunon of bacon you shall receive
And bear it hence with love and good leave;
For this is our custom at Duninow well known,
Though the pleasure be ours, the bacon's your own."

Bearing in mind the particulars of this ancient
custom, it will now be proper to state, that early
on the morning of the anniversary of their auspi-
cious nuptials, the Princess Charlotte and Prince
Leopold were surprised by the receipt of a large
parcel very neatly packed, which was brought to
Claremont by an unknown messenger, desiring
that it might be immediately presented to the
Prince and Princess; who, upon its being opened,
were greatly amused and delighted to find that it
contained a Flitch or Gammon of Bacon; referring
to the ancient usage already detailed, in a con-
gratulatory note from their pious and amiable Chap-
lain, the Rev. Dr. Short.

Between six and seven o'clock, in the evening of
the 15th of May, the Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold arrived at Camelford House from
Claremont, to dinner. Next, morning, they received
a visit from His Royal Highness the Duke of York,
and went in the afternoon in their new and elegant

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 3ol

state carriage to visit the Queen; after which they
received an evening- visit from the Duchess of
Gloucester, at Camelford House.

May 22nd, about one o'clock, the Prince Regent,
accompanied by Lord Keith, left Carlton House
for Claremont, on a visit to the Princess Charlotte
and Prince Leopold, and returned to Town in the
evening. On the 27th, the Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold rode out in their carriage from
Camelford House, and after their return, received
a visit from the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland.
Next day Her Royal Highness and Prince Leopold
visited the Duchess of Gloucester at Gloucester
House.

Saturday, June 7, the Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold had a select dinner party at
Claremont; and, on the Wednesday following,
another party also dined with the Princess and
Prince Leopold. The following week they came
to Town, and received visits from some select
friends; after which they visited the Queen and
the Princess Elizabeth at the Palace. On the
24th of June, the Princess, accompanied by
her Serene Consort, was present at the Opera,
and on that occasion looked remarkably well,
considering her delicate situation. Next day,
the Duke of Gloucester called upon the Princess
Charlotte and Prince Leopold, at Camelford
House. Soon after three o'clock, the Royal Pair
went in their carriage to Carlton House, where
they remained two hours with the Prince Regent.
From Carlton House, they proceeded to visit the
Duchess of York at York House; and after
remaining there an hour, returned to dinner at
Camelford House.

The Princess Charlotte being prevented by her
delicate situation from attending the Queen's
Drawing-room, on the 26th of June, received a
visit from the Duke of York, who, with Prince

352 HOiRJ OF Ml. II ROYAL HIGHNESS

Leopold, bad jusl quitted the Drawing-room; and
after dinni r the Royal Pair left Town for Claremont.
\ \,i\ great intimacy baring for some time sub-
sisted between the Princess Charlotte and Lady
Susan Ryder, the eldest daughter of the Earl of
Harrowbj ; on the marriage of that amiable lady
uiih discount Ebrington, Her Royal Highness pre-
sented ber with a most elegant Brussels lace dress,
valued at three hundred guineas.

On the fifth of July, it was announced in the
public papers that the accouchement of the Prin-
cess was expeeted to take place in October. On
tin 28th of the same month, it was stated that the
happy event was expected to take place a month
earlier, and that great preparations were then
Making at Claremont, to enliven the whole of the
country with extensive festivities in honour of the
expected heir: — but how deplorably have all our
hopes been since overthrown! — how has all our
anticipated joy been suddenly turned into mourning!

About this time, the public prints announced
the death, at Paris, of the celebrated Madame
de Stael, daughter of M. ISeckar, Finance Minister
to Louis \\ I. of France, which took place on the
1">th of July, 1817: it sensibly affected the Princess
Charlotte, Who was well acquainted with her merits
and her works. This will be a sufficient apology
lor here introducing an anecdote, which appeared
in all the public prints during that Lady's visit to
England, under the title of — Dignity Sustained.
Madame de Stael, who was, perhaps, justly sus-
pected of entertaining republican principles, had
the I n-li honour of being introduced to His Royal
Highness the Prince Regent, at Carlton House,
where she was most graciously received, and
eburteously entertained/ When the Lady with-
drew, th«- Prince himself handed her to the door,
and condescendingly invited her to breakfast with

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 353

him the next morning; which honourable invitation
the Lady inconsiderately declined, informing His
Royal Highness that she was pre-engaged at a
certain Nobleman's. The Prince, with that delicate
sense of propriety which he never failed to main-
tain— upon this, gently withdrew his hand from the
mortified Lady, turned round on his heel, and,
without uttering another word, withdrew : signify-
ing, in the most dignified manner, that the Ruler of
a great people has, at least, a right to expect, that
the honour of his invitation should not be put in
competition with even a previous engagement to
one of his subjects. — Nevertheless, Madame de Stael
should be applauded for her inviolable adherence
to her already pledged promise; and perhaps the
Regent would have consulted his dignity as much
by expressing his regret that any previous engage-
ment should have deprived him of the pleasure of
her company. We hope, for the honour of the Re-
gent, who is justly allowed to be the most polished
man in Europe, that this anecdote, very improperly
named " Dignity sustained" is not true.

The Princess Charlotte repeatedly expressed her
regret that she could not be present at the Queen's
entertainment at Frogmore, a description of which
is certainly well worth perusal :

On account of the unsettled state of the weather,
and the appearance of more rain, it was determined
to alter the arrangements made for the entertain-
ment of the company, by the Queen and Prince
Regent dining in the Frogmore House dining-room,
where they were accompanied by about sixty par-
ticular friends; and during the time of their par-
taking of refreshments, the Band of the First Regi-
ment of Foot Guards were stationed on the Lawn,
near the window of the dining-room. The party,
which the Queen and Prince Regent had invited on
this occasion, consisted of the Cabinet Ministers, the
15. 2Y

.-,.-, 1 mi Moms ok in:u koval highness

Foreigu Ambassadors and Ministers, Avith their
inc. The cards of invitation to the com-
pere for tw<M o'clock, at which lionr the com-
|)>lllV began <<» arrive, and they were calculated to
amount to upwards of a thousand persons, in-
cluding the Scholars of Eton School, to the number
« r pear five hundred, who were principally dressed
in blue coats, white waistcoats, and trowsers, and
unused themselves at cricket on the new-purchased
grounds attached to Frogmore Gardens. They
were accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Goodall, the
Provost of Eton, and other heads of the establish-
ment. The company invited began to arrive at the
same time, and continued setting down till the
whole had alighted from their carriages. On
account of the unsettled state of the weather, it
was altered from the original arrangement of the
Queen, &c, taking her refreshment in what is called
TippOP Saib's Tent, but which was converted into
a kind of State Drawing-room, it having undergone
Considerable alterations and improvements by Mr.
Girby, the Upholsterer, of Windsor, the English
Koval Arms having been substituted in the centre
Of the back, with an exalted Chair, in imitation of a
Thrpne, with national- ornaments; under which Her
{Majesty received the company. After which, she
was drawn about the grounds in her garden chair;
as were the Duchess of Gloucester, the Duchess of
Vorlt, the Princesses, the Countess and Countess
Dowagi i of llarcourt, the Countess of Pembroke,
vVc tor whom chairs drawn by ponies were pro-
vided. The Prince Regent attended his Royal
ther a great part of the time in her Chair; and,
1 ' • he walked with the Countess Lieven, the

I <ly ,,t the Russian Ambassador. The Queen
appeared in excellent health, and highly delighted
1,1 ll" Ption of her distinguished guests; for the

rtainnieiit <,r whom, no pains or expense had
b. .n spared, and every rarity was provided, con-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 355

sisting of every delicacy; all sorts of ices in the
highest perfection, pines, grapes, &c. in great pro-
fusion. Every thing was conducted with the great-
est regularity. — The three military bands were sta-
tioned to play on the grounds, so as to form a tri-
angle. No person was admitted into the tents till
five o'clock, when a signal announced that all was
in readiness, and the youths lost no time in leaving
their game of cricket, to resort to the tent prepared
for them, measuring about seventy yards in length,
with two tables to accommodate about five hun-
dred ; the cloth was laid for four hundred and
eighty; and for the whole company, for one thou-
sand and fifty four. The youths drank the healths
of the Queen, the Prince Regent, &c. with the most
electric effect of three times three, in the most en-
thusiastic manner, which was heard for a consider-
able distance, from such a numerous body, with
clear and sonorous voices.

There were two more Eastern tents, branching
out from the principal one belonging to Tippoo
Saib, in which cloths were laid. The Duke of
York presided at that on the right, and the Duke
of Clarence at the left table. On these tables
hot soups were served up ; all the rest were cold.
Mr. Desbrow, the Queen's Vice-Chamberlain, pre-
sided at an adjoining tent, and his particular friends.
Those who were invited had the privilege of intro-
ducing their friends. Such excellent regulations
were adopted, that the greatest order prevailed
during the whole of this extensive entertainment.

After the company rose from the tables, the spec-
tators, who had been admitted on the grounds by
tickets, were allowed to partake of the remaining
provisions, wines, 8tc. ; the company perambulating
to view them, the three bands playing, and the
whole scene was truly delightful and splendid. The,
Duke of York left a little before eight o'clock for
London. A heavy fall of rain coming on soon after,

336 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

caused some confusion and delay in getting tne
compaoj away, which, under the circumstances,
Mas extremely well managed by Townshend, Sayers,
Dowset, and Rivett, the Police Officers.

About fifty of the company were entertained with
supper in the house. At half-past eleven o'clock
the Queen and female branches of the Royal Family
left Windsor Palace, and, at the same time, the
Prince Regent set out for London.

Sunday, July 20. The Duke of York visited the
Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold, at Oat-
lands, on his way to London. The day following,
the Prince Regent set out from Carlton House,
attended by Sir Benjamin Bloomfield, on a visit
to his beloved Daughter, at Claremont, where
he had the happiness to find Her Royal High-
ness and her Serene Consort in good health,
enjoying themselves in their elegant retirement;
and after a long visit, returned in the evening
to Town. On the following Thursday, Her Royal
Highness gave a magnificent entertainment to her
august Father at Claremont, with a select party;
consisting principally of the Foreign Ambassadors
and their Ladies, Lord and Lady Castlereagh, the
Marchioness Cholmondeley, &c. In the evening
Her Royal Highness gratified the well-known
musical taste of her Royal Parent by a musical
party of the most charming description. The
Princess Charlotte evinced her judgment in the
election, which wras principally from Mozart, in
whose works she greatly delighted ; the Duo from
Cost Jan tulti, " Prendero quel Brunetino," the
Finale from the same Opera; and the Duo from
Agnese, were extremely well executed by Mes-
daincs Fodor and Camporese, Messieurs Crivelli,
Ambrogetti, and Naldi; accompanied by Liverati
on the piano-forte. The great treat of the evening
was the Trio of Fioravanti, executed by Madame

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 357

Fodor and Monsieur and Mademoiselle Naldi
in such an admirable manner, that thev called forth
repeated plaudits from the Prince Regent, who
appeared in excellent health and spirits upon this
occasion.

At the beginning of August, the Princess Char-
lotte and Prince Leopold had a select party to
dinner at Claremont. Among the company were,
the Duke of Leeds, the Marquis and Marchioness
of Abercorn, who went in the splendid equipage
of the ancient English nobility, a coach and six
with three outriders. The Count and Countess
Lieven also went in a curricle and pair, and dressed
at Claremont. The Princess appeared in excellent
health and spirits.

On the last Birth-day of the Prince Regent, the
Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold attended a
splendid fete given by the Countess Dowager of
Cardigan in honour of that day, at her house in
Richmond ; which the Prince Regent, the Prin-
cesses Augusta and Elizabeth, the Duke and
Duchess of Gloucester, the Duchess of York, and
the Princess Sophia of Gloucester, honoured with
their presence, amidst a concourse of Nobility and
Gentry, who came to pay their loyal respects and
congratulations. Little could our amiable Princess
then foresee, that it was the last Birth-day of her
beloved and Royal Father which she should ever
behold. The following account will no doubt be
acceptable to all our readers :

The Grand Fete given by the Countess Dowager
Cardigan, in honour of the anniversary of the birth
of the Prince Regent, at her house on Richmond
Hill, had been in preparation for six weeks, in
which artists and various other persons were em-
ployed, directed by the Noble Countess's taste;
and no expense or exertion was spared, to make
the entertainment the most splendid that could be
given, and worthy the honour of an individual who

HIMOlftfl Of HKK UOVAL HIGHNESS

,, .„, Ur.iV\, ,|„. whole Of the Royal Family under
,„.,. roof a| the same time, combined with the grati-
fication of celebrating the Birth-clay of the Regent

>.i England.

The Lord Mayor was about to give an entertain-
,,„.,,! :,t TeddingtOn, and also a silver cup to be
rowed tor, in honour of the day; but, to prevent its
interfering with her Ladyships Fete, he postponed
,i till the celebration of his son's birth-day, which
followed shortly afterwards. His Lordship gave
a dinner and a ball in honour of the day, on board
the City Barge, which went up from Kew to near
Richmond Bridge- and, being nearly opposite to
her Ladyship's grounds, considerably heightened
the effect of the Fete.

The Coontess obtained permission from Viscount
Sidmouth, the Ranger, for the carriages to drive
into Richmond Park, to prevent confusion.

Townshend and Savers, with other Police officers,
iiilctl ; as the premises and grounds Were sur-
rounded by a great number of people, who fre-
quently attempted to make their way in, and some
e\en procured a ladder to get over the paling.

A covered way was made, fitted up from the great
gates to the grand hall. One side was completely
inclosed with canvass, to guard against the wea-
ther; the other was decorated with laurel and
rariegated lamps; and on the outside, large orange-
trees, with an abundance o-f very fine fruit on them,
with various plants, flowers, and exotics. The floor
of this temporary entrance was covered with grey
clotli, and some loose at the end, to spread to the
carnages of the Queen, the Prince Regent, and the
»■• «1 of the Royal Family.

I he two large tents taken from Tippoo Sail) were

borrowed of the Queen for the occasion, and

pitched on the lawn, withont any of the royal or

other ornaments, in which the greater part of the

nipanv were regaled. The largest was on a

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE AUGUSTA. 359

boarded stage; the smallest was on the grass, ex-
cept matting to cover it. The pleasure-grounds
surrounding the lawn were most delightful ; clusters
of flowers, entire beds of geraniums, &c. — a view of
the Thames and the passing objects, and also the
opposite shore, rendered the scene most truly rural
and fascinating.

The largest tent had two tables, which were laid
for sixty-four each; and the smaller tent two tables,
for fifty each. In the centre of each table were
small plain plateaux, on which Avere temples and
pyramid ornaments, with G. P. R. as emblematical
of the day, with Waterloo trophies, and a profusion
of delicate fanciful bisquit ornaments. The tables
were covered, with the most choice colds, before the
arrival of the company.

The house was altered from its usual order : the
drawing-room was changed to the dining-room,
and the dining-room fitted up for the drawing-room ;
dressing-rooms were prepared for the Queen and
Prince Regent. The regular drawing-room was
extremely well calculated, it having three bow win-
dows looking on to the lawn, and the centre front-
ing the tents, opposite to which were two handsome
arm-chairs for the Prince Regent and the Queen,
and at their table forty were laid for ; and those
who were honoured with dining with them, and the
rest of the Royal Family, had a ticket given them,
written on it, " The Queen's Table." The royal
table was most splendidly decorated. In the centre
was a grand temple, with the arms of England sus-
pended by a lion and unicorn, with ornaments to
correspond, and a profuse display of fanciful bisquit
ornaments. The temple was supported by four
large gilt pillars ; the whole was over a large pla-
teau, the length of the table, of parterre, or ground-
work. That truly ingenious work was never seen
to more advantage, or better executed, exhibiting
the beautiful and variegated colours of which it

960 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

wm composed. In the centre, opposite to the
Qu< en's chair, Mas C. R.; over the letters the Crown.
On Her Majesty's left, and opposite to the Prince
Regent's chair, was G. P. R. the plume Ich dien,
with the Urn of Plenty, filled with the most choice
fruits. There were two beautiful landscapes, and
the trophies of Waterloo, the helmet cap of the
Life Guards, &c.

The company began to arrive soon after two
o'clock, and they continued arriving till past four.
The Royal Family were all set down* by half-past
three. The Prince Regent and the Queen came
last; they were received by the loud huzzas of the
populace, who were collected from the neighbour-
hood, and different parts of the country. The
Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold came in an
open carriage. The Countess Cardigan, and the
different principal attendants of the Royal Family,
were in waiting to receive them at the end of the
temporary covered way to the house ; and they were
conducted to the Drawing-room, which had till then
been kept closed. The general assemblage of the
company were now admitted, when they proceeded
to pay their respects to the Queen, and congratula-
tions to the Prince Regent, upon the return of the
happy day. After the Drawing-room had closed,
and the Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold
had paid their dutiful respects to their Royal
Father, they retired, not stopping to dinner, but re-
turned to Claremont. Her Royal Highness and
lli^ Serene Highness were only in the house about
an hour and a quarter. It was pleasing to observe
that the Duchess of Gloucester was recovered from
her lameness :— the Prince, the Queen, and all the
Royal Family, appeared in good health, and to enjoy
the festivities during the day. The Band of the
Firsl Regiment of Foot Guards, in their uniform,
attended, by command of the Duke of York
their Colonel, and played various pieces opposite

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 301

the door of the house. They saluted the Royal
Family with " God save the King." A garden
chair was provided for the Queen ; but on account
of the unfavourable state of the weather, Her Ma-
jesty did not ride out.

At a quarter past four o'clock, dinner was served
up on the royal table, in the greatest abundance of
luxuries, and in the first style, under the direction
of Mr. Mann, one of the Clerks of the Kitchen of
Windsor Palace, as were the dinners in the tents.
On the health of the Prince Regent being drunk, it
was announced by a signal, and a royal salute was
given by cannon, placed at the bottom of the plea-
sure-grounds ; after which, a royal salute was given
by the Lord Mayor's party, of small guns, on the
Thames. The dessert, confectionary ornaments,
and decorations of the tables, were by Mr. Barker,
the Queen's Confectioner, and did him the highest
credit, every thing being of the most choice descrip-
tion : pine-apples were in great abundance, most
delicious melons, and the finest peaches and grapes.

A general dismay prevailed between three and
four o'clock, owing to a heavy shower of rain which
fell ; and, it being very cold, it was feared the com-
pany could not resort to the tents : however, the
cheering rays of the sun soon dispelled the effects
of the rain, and matting being laid from the house,
the company walked to the tents.

After dinner, the company promenaded the de-
lightful walks ; and the Countess having obtained
permission to open a passage from her grounds to
those belonging to the Marquis of Wellesley, which
are on the bank, and close to the river Thames,
the Royal Party, and the company in general, pro-
ceeded thither. On the approach of the Regent
and the Queen on the bank, the Lord Mayor's
Band, on board his Lordship's barge, saluted them
with " God save the King." The Royal Family
having taken their station on the lower side of the
15. 2 z

y><'fl MKMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

ii 1 »;uik, inside tlie wall, and seats being pro-
vided for them, the Lord Mayor gave orders to
drt p In- barge down opposite to the Royal Party;
which being doue, his Lordship appearing on
deck, in the front of his company, with the Lady
Mayoress leaning on his right arm, took off his hat,
and bowed most respectfully. The Prince and the
Queen very condescendingly acknowledged this
marked attention and respect. The Lady Mayoress
and the females courtesied ; the Gentlemen of the
Lord Mayor's party then gave nine cheers, which
was repeated by those in the boats, and the nu-
merous and respectable assemblage on both shores,
which was acknowledged by the Queen courtesying,
ami the Regent taking off his hat and bowing.
The City Barge took its former station, and the
men*) dance commenced, with a most charming
country dance on deck. The delightful state of
the weather, and the beautiful and rural situation,
rendered the scene most enchanting; together with
the Sovereign of England, in the person of the
Prince Regent, accompanied by his mother the
Queen, and their beloved Family, assembled in the
open air, surrounded by their subjects, with the
Chief Magistrate of the Metropolis at their head,
\ icing with each other to shew their marks of re-
s|x ( t and zealous attachment, was the most feeling
and gratifying national scene that ever was beheld.

The Royal Family and the company remained
si. me time viewing the dancing, &c. They left the
delightful spot soon after seven o'clock, and re-
turned to the house.

I he 1/adns principally wore white satin hats or
caps; the Prince Regent and most of the Gentle-
,IM" wore the Windsor morning uniform; Earl
BathurBt won- his star, as a Kuight of the Order of
tbe Garter, for the tirst time. The Noble Earl
came from Chichester expressly to attend the cele-
hration of the Regent's Birth-day.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 363

It was intended that the company should have
danced in the largest tent, for which purpose it was
floored with a temporary stage ; but on account of
the stormy weather, the rain, wind, and cold, it was
differently arranged, and the room in which the
Royal Family dined was cleared and, adapted for
dancing.

On the Regent and the Queen's return from the
water-side, Mr. Paine, of Almack's Balls, with a
most excellent and numerous band, was in readi-
ness ; and as soon as Her Majesty had taken her
seat in an arm-chair prepared for her, dancing com-
menced by the junior branches of the distinguished
personages present, consisting of the Lady Stan-
hope, Lady Bathurst, and others ; they commenced
a quadrille, and the second and third were waltzes.
Tea, coffee, and a variety of refreshments, were
served up in great abundance. The Queen retired
to an adjoining room, to amuse herself at a game
at Commerce, where there were other card-tables.
None of the Royal Family danced ; but the Prince
Regent called for his favourite country dance,
" I'll gang nae mair to yon town." A quadrille
and a waltz followed ; which concluded the day's
entertainment soon after eleven o'clock.

The Royal Pair, who, as our readers have no
doubt remarked, only came occasionally to Town,
continued to pass the principal part of their time in
the most retired and domestic manner at Claremont;
where, truly happy in themselves, they continually
manifested their benevolence and liberality to the
neighbouring poor. In the middle of August, an-
other instance of their munihcence was exhibited,
in the person of a poor labouring man, who, by fall-
ing from a hay-stack, had dislocated one wrist, and
fractured one of his thighs. The accident was no

:if>4 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

MOM made known at Claremont, than the Prince
and Princess, with the greatest promptitude, dis-
Matched tlnir own servant and physician to attend
him ; and discovering that the poor man had no
bed to lie on, and was destitute of every comfort
thai might accelerate his recovery, they ordered
him to be furnished with a new bed, and every
necessary article, at their own expense: which was
not only continued till the grateful sufferer was
wholly recovered, and had thanked his royal Bene-
fa< tors for their munificence; but which he was
afterwards permitted to retain.

About this time Claremont and Kensington
Palaces were both named, as likely to be the des-
tined place of the Princess Charlotte's accouche-
ment. The former was known to be preferred by
Her Royal Highness; but the distance from Lon-
don presented a serious objection, particularly as it
would retard the approach of additional medical
aid, in case more assistance were found necessary;
and also occasion delay, in summoning the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of London, and
various Members of the Privy Council ; whose pre-
sence is notoriously necessary to attest a Royal birth.
It was stated in 'the- public prints, that for these
reasons Kensington Palace was likely to be pre-
ferred ; and that the convenient apartments, formerly
occupied by the Duke of Kent in that Palace, were
ofTered by His Royal Highness for the use of his
lovely Niece, before his departure from England.
Since that period, they had also undergone material
repairs: but the Princess Charlotte continued to
express so strong a preference for Claremont, that
it was finally judged advisable not to attempt to
counteract her inclinations.

I was at the same time announced, that Her
Koyal Highness enjoyed very good health, and
aaily took moderate exercise; usually riding in a
-mall chaise, drawn by ponies, through the beautiful

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 365

rides of Claremont Park, where she was invariably
accompanied by Prince Leopold : after which
excursions, the happy Pair were in the habit of
enjoying the company of the most distinguished
characters, whom they frequently invited to dinner
at Claremont.

At the latter end of August, Princess Charlotte
and Prince Leopold were again stated to be in treaty
with the Duke of Marlborough for Marlborough
House, in Pall Mall ; but both parties inflexibly
persisted in the terms before proposed, and the
negociation again terminated.

On Sunday, Sept. 21, 1817, their Royal and
Serene Highnesses, the Princess Charlotte and the
Prince Leopold, with all their royal establishment,
were present at divine service at Claremont; where
the Rev. M. Hammond officiated. It was stated,
about this time, that a stout healthy young woman,
then on the point of lying-in, was engaged as a wet-
nurse for the expected Royal Child ; and the person
thus said to be engaged was represented as the wife
of a respectable yeoman, near Claremont : the fact
is, as we have already shown, Her Royal Highness's
Gamekeeper's wife, Mrs. Bickers, who resides at a
lodge in Claremont Park, was the wet-nurse engaged
for the Royal Heir.

The extreme distress and misery which followed
the failure of the harvest in 1816, are still fresh in the
recollection of all ranks of people. This circum-
stance did not escape the observation of the Princess
Charlotte, whose benevolent heart was not only
always awake to the general interests of the com-
munity, but did not suffer even the remarkable
felicity which she now enjoyed in the delightful
privacies of Claremont, to exclude the remembrance
of any of her former friends ; of which, the following
fact affords a convincing proof: — Lady Albemarle,
with whom Her Royal Highness was intimate when
a child, and who had corresponded with the Princess

306 MF.MOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

]u. \iouslv to her marriage with Prince Leopold, hav-
ing since that period neglected writing to Her Royal
Highness; in the autumn of 1817, the Princess
Charlotte wrote to know the cause of her long
silence. Lady A. replied, " that she had desisted,
thinking that her letters could only be looked upon
as intrusions upon Her Royal Highness's leisure
and happiness; as she had nothing to communicate
worth] the attention of a Princess." In answer to
this explanation, the Princess Charlotte, whose
esteem for her former juvenile companion remained
unabated, and who had not failed to notice the
abundant supply of corn which then filled the fields,
i- stated to have addressed Lady Albemarle in these
remarkable words : " What, had you nothing to
write from that beautiful and fertile part of the king-
dom where you reside, that could have interested a
Princess ? Would it not, do you think, have inter-
ested me, to hear that Providence has covered the
hills with plenty, and that my Grandfather's subjects
are likely to have ' bread enough, and to spare?'"
It would be useless to dwell upon the evident ten-
dency of these striking interrogations ; though no
one can read them without feeling the pious pro-
priety with which the amiable Princess referred to
the promised plenty, as a providential bounty ; nor
to the manner in which she has introduced the name
of her revered Grandfather ; without lamenting that
both are now almost equally removed from the
desiring eyes of an admiring people.

Towards the latter end of September, Prince
Leopold presented his beloved and Royal Bride
with a beautiful box of tabinets, imported from Ire-
land by the express order of His Serene Highness.

rI"M /» o

ini8 is one of those numerous instances of tender
>rd, that prove it to have been the constant study
of this amiable couple to strengthen, by unceasing
and delicate attentions, the mutual affection in which
they were so happily united.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 367

But to return to the Princess, — Her affection was
not a public exhibition, to deceive the Prince, or
delude the multitude — it was uniform and univer-
sal— it was evidenced in a thousand little circum-
stances the world saw not ; and it met a full return.
Next to the service of God, it was their study to
make one another happy, and to treat each other
with affection and respect. On this subject the
following anecdote is worthy to be preserved.
About the middle of September, Her Royal High-
ness directed instructions to be sent to a German
artist, residing in this country, to execute a snuff-
box, composed of papier-mac Id, in which Her High-
ness's portrait, a bust, should be introduced in the
lid. The likeness, a copy of the one by Hayter,
was selected by the Princess herself. The box was
sent to Vienna to be finished', and when it returns,
in the interior the following lines, which we have
before inserted, will appear written on white satin.
They are altered from Thomsons " Summer," with
only a change of name ; and the box was intended
as a present to Prince Leopold :

" To Claremont's terrac'd heights, and Esher's groves,

Where in the sweetest solitude embrac'd,

By the soft windings of the silent Mole,

From Courts and Cities, Charlotte finds repose.

Enchanting vale ! beyond whate'er the Muse

Has of Achaia or Hesperia sung :

O vale of bliss ! O softly swelling hills !

On which the power of Cultivation lies,

And joys to see the wonders of his toil !"

A more touching picture of connubial felicity,
one more calculated to make the young and the
virtuous look forward with laudable solicitude to
the joyful period at which they may hope to partake
of equal happiness, can nowhere be found, than in
the following description, given by Mrs. Griffiths,
the Nurse, of her first interview with the Princess

368 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Charlotte. In it we find strong exemplifications of
Her Royal Harness's high-spirited, but generous
md condescending character. The predominant
tr;ut it, however, that of an ardent affection for him
who returned her disinterested affection with equal
ardour. This they neither wished to obtrude upon
the public, nor to conceal, in compliance with the
dictates of false delicacy and affected refinement;
and, happily for us, though the afflictive dispensation
of Providence has swept away the whole fabric of
their earthly hopes, their excellent example still
remains, like a fixed star in the firmament, to guide
the brave sons and fair daughters of Britain.

Mrs. Griffiths went first to Claremont in Septem-
ber, with a letter of introduction from Sir Richard
Croft. While she was waiting for a short time,
one of the Ladies that attended on Her Royal
Highness observing Mrs. Griffiths to be rather
agitated, said " Don't be alarmed ; you will not be
two minutes with the Princess before you will be
quite at home with her." In a few moments after-
wards, the Princess and her Serene Consort enter-
ed the room arm in arm, and in that position they
stood talking with the Nurse, in the most affable
manner, for more thap. half an hour. As they were
about to retire, the Princess said, " Now, Mrs.
Griffiths, you will procure the baby-linen wherever

you think proper, except from Mrs. , for

every person that has been to see me has so
tered me with recommendations in her favour,
that I am determined not to be persecuted into
any thing !" Her Royal Highness then wished
the Nurse to fix an early day to come and remain
at Claremont, saying, " I wish you to be here
»>me time before you will be wanted, that myself
and this dear love (looking at the Prince, towards
whom she turned her face and kissed him,) may
heroine friends with you." The Royal Pair then
retired as they came, arm in arm, never having

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 369

separated from each other a moment during this
long- conversation ; the last words of the Princess
Charlotte to Mrs. Griffiths at that time were, " Well,
Griffiths, you will remember to come here on the
first of October; I shall expect vou here on that
day."

Accordingly, on the first of October Mrs. Griffiths
went to Claremont, and had many opportunities,
during the five weeks preceding the confinement
of the Princess, of witnessing with astonishment
and delight, the remarkable conjugal felicity of
this happy Pair. She entirely confirms the remark
already made, that the Princess Charlotte was
extremely abstemious, and very rarely indulged
herself in solid food. Her Royal Highness,
however, certainly possessed an uniformly fine
flow of spirits, and never manifested any distress-
ing anxiety concerning her approaching accouche-
ment, or its consequences. The most complete
regularity prevailed in every part of the numerous
household ; and all the domestics appeared to par-
take of that cheerfulness and kindness towards
each other, which shone so conspicuously in the
amiable and Royal Pair at the head of the family.

That the Princess Charlotte held the splendour
of dress, and all exterior ornaments, in small esti-
mation, is well known. The gorgeous dresses in
which she is described to have been arrayed
upon public occasions, at the Drawing-rooms,
and on Birth-days, were only worn in compli-
ance with Court etiquette, and with those indis-
pensable distinctions necessarily kept up between
the different ranks and orders in the state. The
garb in which she usually appeared, much resem-
bled that of a respectable tradesman's wife; and
the principal peculiarity by which she was most
easily distinguished, appears to have been a fond-
ness for wreaths of artificial roses, with which
she generally adorned her head-dress. This cus-
16. 3 a

370 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

torn was very indicative of that love of flowers,
which h <l her to study botany, and to keep them
in her apartments throughout the year.

As the time of Her Royal Highness's accouche-
ment approached, patterns of articles suited for
tlit- expected infant were sent for her choice, some
of which were richly trimmed with lace, and
others with plain cambric. Upon inquiry, the
Princess found that the latter were much cheaper
than the former, and chose the whole of the least
ornamental kind, but of the best quality. It is,
however, a remarkable fact, that although the baby-
linen had been a considerable time in the house
before the Princess Charlotte's confinement, Her
Royal Highness never expressed any wish to see
it. Many persons would superstitiously conceive
this to have been an unfavourable omen; it is
enough for the biographer to record it as a singular
fact.

On the 2nd of October, Her Majesty and
the Princesses Augusta and Elizabeth, attended
by Lady Ilchester, left Windsor Castle in a coach
and four, and paid a visit to Her Royal Highness
the Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold, at
Claremont, where they arrived about two o'clock,
soon after which theT)uchess of York arrived from
OatTands. The Royal Visitors partook of a most
elegant refreshment, and afterwards left Claremont
aboul four o'clock, the Queen and Princesses re-
turning to the Castle at Windsor, and the Duchess
ol York to Oatlands.

On the 9th of October, the public prints an-
nounced that the accouchement of the Princess
Charlotte was expected in nine or ten days; and
on the following, it was signified that Her Royal
Highness's town tradesmen intended to illumi-
nate upon the joyful occasion. The intended
joiin.. \ ct the Queen to Bath was soon after made
public; and on the 16th of October, the Prince

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 371

Regent left Town on a visit to the Princess Char-
lotte and Prince Leopold at Claremont. On the
21st of October, owing to the anxiety of the
public mind concerning the Princess Charlotte,
whose accouchement was hourly expected to take
place, the following information appeared in the
daily papers :

" Claremont, Oct. 21, Four o' Clock.

" Up to the present time Her Royal Highness remains well: she
still continues to take her daily moderate exercise of riding, in a
low one-horse vehicle, and occasionally walking, attended by her
illustrious Consort, whose unvarying and affectionate attention gives
an example of every thing that can delight and dignify man. In
these varied excursions, Prince Leopold appears to be extremely
fond of shooting, and is considered a most excellent marksman ;
and, in the indulgence of this diversion, Her Royal Highness in-
variably accompanies His Serene Highness through their domains,
sometimes walking, and at others riding, by his side for hours.
The wish of uninterrupted health and happiness must be the offer-
ing of every heart to such exalted worth ; and it is pleasing to
know, that the Princess enjoys those blessings in their fullest extent,
and that she is surrounded by attendants who serve her from affec-
tion and esteem."

Two letters from Claremont reached Town next
day ; they are very interesting, and are as follows :

" Claremont, October 22.

" Her Royal Highness has occasionally suffered a little from
head-ache, for which it has been necessary, at different times, to
extract blood. On one occasion, Her Royal Highness submitted
to four incisions in the arm without effect, in consequence of the
veins being very deeply buried. On a consultation of the Physi-
cians and Surgeons, it was deemed improper to make any further
attempts, and the blood was ordered to be drawn from a vein at
the back of the hand, where the operation has several times been
successfully performed by Mr. Neville, with great relief to Her
Royal Highness.

372 MOIRS OI HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

" Throughout the whole of this day, the Princess Charlotte was
not so well as usual. Uuder the direction of Sir R. Croft, Her
I Highness was bled ih the hand.

"Yesterday afternoon, the Archbishop of Canterbury visited
ih.ir Royal and Serene Highnesses at Claremont."

" Claremont, Oct. 22. Five o'Clock, P. M.

" This morning, at nine o'clock, the Princess Charlotte rose in
the enjoyment of very good health. At ten o'clock, Her Royal
Highness breakfasted with her beloved Prince. The weather here,
during the night and this morning, has been very foggy and damp,
tstoned 1>\ the continued rains which fell during yesterday. At
eleven o'clock, the fog began to disappear, and, at twelve, it cleared
up, and was remarkably fine for the season of the year, scarcely
a breath of air to be felt. The favourable state of the weather
induced the Princess Charlotte to leave the bouse, to walk in the
delightful walks in the pleasure-grounds, parks, &c. Her Royal
Highness occasionally rode in her garden chair, and proceeded to
the garden, to view the improvements that are making there, under
Her Roval Highness's arrangement and direction. The Princess
remained out about an hour and a half; and, during the time, Her
Royal Highness was accompanied by His Serene Highness the Prince
of Saxe-Cobourg."

On the 23d of October it was announced, that
(the weather proving remarkably fine) Her Royal
Highness, who continues extremely well, left Clare-
mont House, for her usual exercise of walking, and
riding in her garden chair, accompanied by Prince
Leopold, and by several of their attendants. Her
Royal Highness proceeded to view the Gothic
Temple, which was building in the Park, as a sum-
mer-house tor her occasional retirement. The Prin-
cess left the house about half-past twelve o'clock,
when a shower of rain coming on, hastened her
return to the house, where she arrived at half-past
one, without experiencing much inconvenience from
the rain. At two o'clock, the shower having ceased,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 373

Prince Leopold went out to take the diversion of
shooting for a short time.

On Saturday the Princess Charlotte rode out in
her garden chair to the farm-yard, and inspected
the alterations going on there, accompanied by
Prince Leopold and several of her attendants.
Her Royal Highness proceeded from thence to the
garden grounds. During Her Royal Highness's
absence from the house, an inquiry after the Prin-
cess's health arrived from the Duchess of York
at Oatlands, who was prevented from paying her
personal respects by indisposition.

On Sunday, at twelve o'clock, the Princess
Charlotte, Prince Leopold, their attendants, and
the household generally, attended divine service
in the house, which was performed by the Rev.
Dr. Short, one of the Prebends of Westminster
Abbey. In a short time after, the Princess, accom-
panied by Prince Leopold, attended by Dr. Short,
walked in the shrubbery, to the grotto, &c. Her
Royal Highness occasionally rode in her garden
chair. The Princess continued to enjoy good health.

Monday, 27th October, the fog having cleared
away about ten o'clock, and the weather being
remarkably fine, at noon the Princess Charlotte
rode out in her small chaise, drawn by her favourite
pony, and accompanied by Prince Leopold ; they
proceeded through the charming rides and plea-
sure-grounds of Claremont Park, and remained out
nearly an hour and a half; after which, Prince
Leopold, attended by Baron Hardenbrock, went
out to take the diversion of shooting ; and, the
same day, at three o'clock, the Prince Regent left
Town on a shooting excursion into Suffolk.

Next day, the weather was remarkably fine and
clear till past eleven o'clock, when some clouds
appeared, and a shower followed, which delayed
the Princess Charlotte in taking her usual ride in
her chaise so early as she intended. The weather,

371 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

However, clearing up soon after twelve, Her Royal
Highness took her usual airing, and proceeded
towards the farm-yard, the pleasure-grounds, &c.
About half-past one the Princess returned to the
house, accompanied by Prince Leopold, having
been hastened in her return by another shower.
The rain continuing to fall during the afternoon,
pre vented His Serene Highness from taking the
diversion of shooting.

Thursday, October 30. A letter from Claremont
stated, that it had blown a strong gale the whole
of the last night, and during the morning: at twelve
o'clock it cleared up, and the sun shone remarka-
bly bright, which enabled Her Royal Highness the
Princess Charlotte to take her usual exercise of
walking and riding in the pleasure-grounds and
Park. Her Royal Highness remained out from
half-past twelve till within a quarter of an hour of
two o'clock. Prince Leopold, after accompanying
his beloved royal Consort, went out to take the
diversion of shooting, attended by Baron Harden-
lnock. The Princess was living completely retired,
and did not see any visitors, not even her most
intimate friends. Their names were left in the hall,
as was the case when. Lord and Lady Ashbrooke
called on Tuesday.

The day following, the windy weather continued,
and it rained incessantly till noon ; when the Prin-
cess Charlotte took an airing in the Park ; but the
rain returning, Her Royal Highness could only
remain out an hour, during which she was accom-
panied by Prince Leopold and several attendants.
rhe last Sabbath which the Princess Charlotte
T< rmitted to see, the weather being remarkably
nne, Her Royal Highness took her usual airing in
chaise, and continued out for about two hours ;
after wind, the Princess and Prince, for the last
ime, assembled their principal attendants, and all
"» domestics, to attend the morning service,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 375

which was performed by the Rev. Dr. Short. Soon
after the service, the Princess again took a ride in
her small chaise, in the Park, accompanied by
Prince Leopold. The next morning, at eight
o'clock, the Queen set out on her journey to Bath,
where Her Majesty had been long and anxiously
expected, in order to take the waters for the re-
establishment of her health.

Many illiberal and groundless censures have been
passed upon Her Majesty for leaving Town at the
time when the accouchement of her Royal Grand-
daughter was hourly expected to take place. It
is not, however, usual for any of the female
branches of the Royal Family to be present on
such occasions ; nor could it fail of being as un-
pleasant to themselves, as it would be useless, if not
detrimental, to the pregnant female, to add to the
already too great number of personages who are
obliged, by the laws of the realm, to be present at
and attest a royal birth. Had Her Majesty re-
mained in Town, it would have been difficult to
point out in what way her stay could have benefited
the lamented Princess, at whose own birth no
female whatever was present, except the Ladies of
her Royal Mother's bedchamber, and the neces-
sary attendants. It cannot, therefore, even be
fairly asked, whether Her Majesty's absence did
not imply an existing coolness, or at least some
degree of inattention ; for it is well known, that on
such occasions, the legal regulations must be impli-
citly complied with ; and they are such as would,
of course, deter any delicate female, except mere at-
tendants, from being present, except in such cases of
absolute necessity, as in all probability never occur.
Some, who are of course entirely unaware of the
excellent understanding subsisting between the
Queen and the Princess, since the marriage of the
latter, allege that Her Majesty's absence was a
proof of the continued misunderstanding : and that

r,7('t MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

the Qw en ought to hare been at hand on the occa-
sion: whereas, admitting their supposition, it is
plainly ridiculous to suppose, that the presence of
11 a relative, with whom she was not upon the
best terms, could have been at all acceptable to
tin- Princess Charlotte in so very critical a juncture.

A i noon, on the Same day upon which the Queen
lefl Town for Bath, Her Royal Highness the Princess
Charlotte took an airing in her open chaise, in Clare-
luont Park, for the last time; she remained out an
hour and a half, and was attended by Prince Leo-
pold, who afterwards took the diversion of shooting,
attended by Baron Hardenbrock; and then little
apprehended the dreadful shock, with which, in a
few hours afterwards, he was overwhelmed.

Before we proceed to narrate the painful particu-
lars of this most distressing dispensation, we shall
conclude this chapter with the following beautiful
Poem, from the elegant pen of Edmund L. Swift,
Esq. which was published on the very day on which
Her Royal Highness was taken ill, and alluded
to the long period in which the nation had been
anxiously waiting for the appearance of a Royal
Heir, under the title of " The Quarrel of the Months
for the Royal Infant:"^

Tliree Months had a Quarrel:— the first was September,
The next was October, the last was November ;
To old lather Time the dispute was referr'd,
And each for himself in his order was heard.

The demand was a bold one; no less than his leave,
The greatest of honours and joys to receive;
Which to some Month or other must come in the end,
And each to the favour did stoutly pretend.

They prayed, that his worship forthwith would assign
That long-wish'd for day, by permission Divine,
When Charlotte should give a young Heir to the Crown;
And say which among them should have the renown.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 377

September spoke first; and presum'd 'twas expedient,
Since August had cheated him but of the Regent,
He should have the next turn, and be recompens'd now,
By adding this wreath to the pride of his brow.

Besides — said poor Septy — the vintage of which

The growth is so needful in making me rich ;

Will all be required, your Worship's aware,

For drinking the health of Britannia's young Heir.

Stand back, cries October ; your foreign libation,
In taste or in principle, suits not the nation : —
Let the Infant be mine; and a Birth -day so dear
True Britons shall drink in my very best beer.

So posed was the Judge with the beer and the wine,
Which this way and that way the scale did incline,
That September, for judgment, no longer could stay,
And October was off with his thirty-first day.

Since my rivals can't wait for your final decree,
Says ancient November — the better for me : —
Few pleasures are mine : I am cheerless and old ;
And I want a fur-raautle to keep out the cold.

But if to my wish you this young one bestow,
My heart shall expand with the summer's warm glow ;
And though keen are my winds, and my storms are severe,
I'll not envy the most smiling Month of the year.

Judge Time sealed the writ, and ordain'd that the child,

Should be born in the winter, a Rose in the wild : —

But he promis'd, in case of delay in November,

For our best Christmas-box, it should come in December.

16. 3 B

■MP, MEMOIRS OF HEK ROYAL HIGHNESS

chap. vi.

Accouchement oj the Princess Charlotte.— The Royal
Infant still-bora. — Attempts to restore it to ani-
mation. Patient Resignation, sadden Illness, and

unexpected Death, of the Princess. — Indescribable
Distress of Prince Leopold. — Universal Public
Alarm and Mourning. — The Embalmment. — Pre-
parations for Interment. — Funeral Procession. —
Addresses of Condolence. — State of the Succession
to the Throne.

HAVING followed the illustrious and lamented
Subject of these Memoirs through the different
stages of infancy, childhood, and youth, up to
maturity, it now remains to survey the final scene.
The extremely interesting relation in which she
stood towards the nation at large, had excited the
public attention to such a degree, that information
concerning her was sought for with unexampled
avidity as the important crisis approached. It
would, indeed, be a great derogation from the
merits of the Princess, to ascribe the general
anxiety to any other cause; for though her genuine
worth and excellence were well known to her
friends and dependents, and to the objects of her
perpetual benevolence, it was not until the cold
hand of death withdrew the veil which she had
gracefully interposed, that the beautiful lineaments
of her lovely character were distinctly seen and
appreciated.

The Princess Charlotte having herself arranged
iv thing that related to her conhuernent, fixed
on Sir Richard Croft for her accoucheur; in addi-
tion to whom, she had the advice of the justly
celebrated Dr. Baillie, and of Dr. Stockmar, the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 379

resident Physician of Prince Leopold. She con-
sulted these Gentlemen on the management of her
health, and, by their direction, being of a plethoric
habit, was repeatedly bled, and advised to take
little animal food or wine. At the request of the
Queen, who visited the Princess a few days before
Her Majesty left Town for Bath, Sir Richard
Croft took up his residence at Claremont, three
weeks prior to the labour, and continually paid the
most sedulous and unremitting attention to his
lovely and interesting charge. The Nurse, Mrs.
Griffiths, who came to reside at Claremont, on the
first of October, by the particular desire of the
Princess Charlotte, had been just five weeks in
attendance when the labour commenced, which
was first announced by the following letter in the
public papers :

" Claremont, Tuesday, Nov. 4.

" At a late hour last night, the Princess Charlotte became indis-
posed, and, at three o'clock, Dr. Sir Richard Croft pronounced the
near approach of Her Royal Highness's accouchement. A number
of servants, who have been for some time kept in close attendance,
in their riding-dresses, and their horses in readiness for them to
mount, were, in consequence, dispatched at a quarter-past three
o'clock, in various directions, to summon the different Privy Coun-
sellors, who were, according to Court etiquette, to attend. Dr.
Baillie was also sent for, to give his advice, if necessary.

" Directions were given to the Messengers to make all possible
speed, which they strictly attended to; and those who went to
London, which is sixteen miles from Claremont, reached Town in
an hour and a quarter. The Footman even went to the Lord
Chancellor's, in Bedford Square.

" The first of the Privy Counsellors who arrived was Earl Ba-
thurst, who came from his seat at Putney, where the Noble Earl
had kept his carriage and horses in readiness to put to for some
time past. The Footman went to Putney, and returned in forty
minutes; and Earl Bathurst arrived at a quarter-past five o'clock.

" Viscount Sidmouth, who had also made every necessary pre-

380 MKMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

pa rat ion to be present at a short notice, arrived from Richmond
Park .it i quarter before six.

" Tiie Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London
arrived in the Bi.-hop of London's carriage and four, from Fulbam,
at six o'clock,

" The Archbishop of Canterbury had been waiting on a visit to
the Bishop of London during the last three weeks, in expectation
of being summoned to attend the Royal accouchement, Fulham
being so many miles nearer to Claremont than the residence of his
CJrace. The Chancellor of the Exchequer arrived in a chariot and
four from his house in Downing Street, at half-past seven o'clock.
The Lord Chancellor arrived in a chaise and four at a quarter be-
fore eight, from his house in Bedford Square. Dr. Baillie arrived
in his chariot and four, at a quarter-past seven o'clock, from his
house at Virginia Waters.

" Prince Leopold has passed the day in the greatest anxiety in
the house, as well as all the royal attendants and domestics, with
the State Officers and others in attendance. In the neighbouring
towns and villages the most lively interest has been excited, and
the most earnest inquiries have been made during the day. The
travellers through Esher have generally stopped to make their re-
spectful inquiries: the Bear Inn, where most of the stage-coaches
stop, has been thronged ; the first and principal object of their
inquiry was the welfare of the Princess. At Kingston, though only
five miles from Claremont, it was falsely rumoured and believed,
early in the morning, that the Princess had been safely delivered
of a son ; and the inhabitants were so elated on the occasion, that
the bells were about to be set a-ringing, and preparations were
made for illuminating to-night. The Mayor, however, prudently
interfered, and prevented the ringing of the bells till he received
a confirmation of the joyful event from authority; and dispatched
the High Constable for that purpose, on whose arrival at Claremont,
and making the necessary inquiry, he was informed the wished-for
event had not taken place."

Four o'clock, P. M.— The last report of Sir Richard Croft
to the Privy Counsellors, assembled upon the occasion, was, ' The
progreai of Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte's illness is,
in every respect, as favourable as he could possibly wish."

All the distinguished Personages above enurae-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 381

rated were assembled in the Library, a spacious
and elegant room adjoining- the apartment where
the Princess lay. In the course of Tuesday, as the
Princess made but little progress in her labour,
and manifested some symptoms of an alarming-
nature, in the evening, Sir Richard Croft and Dr.
Baillie agreed to send for Dr. Sims, the celebrated
accoucheur, who arrived at Claremont about three
o'clock on Wednesday morning, and, in conjunc-
tion with the other Physicians in attendance, issued
the following Bulletin, which all the Great Officers
of State there present, in their capacity of Privy
Counsellors, concurred in drawing up :

" Claremont, Wednesday Morning, Eight o'Clock.

" The labour of Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte is
going on very slowly, but we trust favourably.

(Signed) " M. Baillie,

" Richard Croft,
" John Sims."

The solicitude of the puoiic mind was exceed-
ingly great during the whole of Wednesday, which,
though no danger was distinctly apprehended, was
passed in a state of the most fearful anxiety; it
was, however, rather relieved by the following
Bulletins :

At four o'clock, the answer to the inquiries of

the Privy Counsellors was, — " Her Royal Highness

is going on in a much more favourable way." An

hour and a half afterwards another Bulletin was

ssued.

" Claremont, Nov. 5, 1817, Half-past Five, P. M.

" The labour of Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte has,
within the last three or four hours, considerably advanced, and

182 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

will, it i* hoped, within a few hours, be happily completed.

(Signed) " M. Baillie,

" Richard Croft,
" John Sims."

However* the short "learn of hope to which tliis
Bulletin immediately i^ave rise, was destroyed by
the announcement, that the Royal Infant was still-
liorn, five hours afterwards. This painful intelli-
gence reached Town about midnight, and was
dated

" Claremont, Nov. 5, Ten o'Clock, P. M.
" At nine o'clock this evening, Her Royal Highness the Princess
Charlotte was delivered of a still-born male child. Her Royal
Highness is doing extremely well.

(Signed) " M. Baillie,

" Richard Croft,
" John Sims."

This was instantly succeeded by the following
communication from Lord Sidmouth to the Lord
Mayor, for the gratification of a most anxious
Public :

" Claremont, Nov. 5, Half-past Nine, P. M.
" My Lord,

" I have the honour of informing your Lordship, that, at nine
o'clock this evening, Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte
was safely delivered of a still-born male child, and that Her Royal
Highness is going on favourably.

" Sidmouth."

" To the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor."

The testimony of the Nurse, who is a respectable
unman, and has been in the habit of attending the
first families in the country upon similar occasions,
for about thirty years, must here be of great weight.
She expressly states, that though the Princess

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 383

Charlotte began to be unwell early on Tuesday
morning, during the whole of that day and the
following night, and until three o'clock on the
Wednesday afternoon, about six hours before deliv-
ery, the labour pains were not of a decisive nature,
being very short, and with unusually long intervals
between. Among several other facts never before
made public, Mrs. Griffiths confirms the account of
the singular fortitude manifested by the suffering
Princess, by stating, that Her Royal Highness had
said, " I will neither bawl nor shriek ;" to which
resolution, there is reason to fear, she adhered with
a degree of firmness that proved very prejudicial,
if it really were not the unsuspected cause of
her subsequent and sudden dissolution. A married
Lady, upon whose statements we can implicitly
rely, informs us, that she has known several in-
stances, where a similar determination to repress
every expression of the severe pangs of parturition,
was attended with very fatal results, which seemed
equally unaccountable, upon any other supposition,
as those attending the death of the Princess Char-
lotte. If the plethoric habit of Her Royal High-
ness be also borne in mind, there is but too much
reason to fear, that the magnanimous resolution she
had taken, and to which she adhered with un-
shaken firmness, greatly tended to retard the
labour, and of course to exhaust her strength in
proportion. The Royal Infant, it should also be
remembered, had all the size and appearance of a
child ten days old.

It is impossible for language to convey any idea
of the solicitude manifested by Prince Leopold
upon this most trying occasion. Though he endea-
voured to repress his feelings, and seldom spoke,
His Serene Highness remained in constant attend-
ance, and several times exclaimed, as it were invo-
luntarily, " that the unrepining patient endurance
of the Princess, whilst it gave him great comfort,

384 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

coimminii afted also a deep affliction at her suftbr-
mvt being so lengthened." When Prince Leopold
wiv informed of the disappointment of his hopes,
and those of his beloved Princess, in the child's
being still-born, he immediately acquiesced, with
pious resignation, in the wise dispensations of
Divine Providence, and exclaimed, with great
emotion, " Thank God, thank God, the Princess
i- safe!" But, alas! there is nothing safe on earth.
To attempt to describe the feelings of such a man,
during the two long days preceding this event,
might provoke the ridicule of fashionable husbands,
who regard the marriage-state merely for its conve-
nience ; but men of feeling and reflection can judge
of the situation from their own sensibilities, when,
in the hours of anxiety, they have paced the cham-
ber, or thrown themselves on the couch, mingling
prayers and tears with their perpetual inquiries
of the attendants. Neither rank nor wealth can
afford any thing to relieve an agonized mind ; the
Prince's situation, therefore, cannot be considered
as less painful than that of persons under the like
circumstances in inferior stations. Indeed, when
\\« reflect how intimately the fate of the country
stood connected with that of the individual, we can
hardly conceive a situation of more painful anxiety.
In the held of battle, when death is dressed Up in
all the pomp of war, and reflection stunned by its
tremendous din, the mind has no time to think of
consequences, farther than regards the issue of the
contest in victory or defeat. But in the chamber
of affliction, and especially in " the hour of nature's
sorrow," the serious mind anxiously turns to Him
in whose hands are " the issues of life," to implore
deliverance and relief: and all our accounts of
this illustrious Pair, naturally dispose us to believe,
that the hearts of both were thus directed.

The deep sorrow which this severe disappoint-
ment had impressed upon every countenance.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 385

formed a striking contrast with the calm resigna-
tion shewn by the Royal Mother and her illustrious
Husband. The Princess, instead of requiring com-
fort from those around her, was the first to ad-
minister it to others. When she perceived Mrs.
Griffiths and her attendants weeping and lamenting
that the child was still-born, she earnestly begged
them by no means to distress themselves, and said,
" It is the will of God, and it is our duty to sub-
mit ;" adding, " this is the third* heir lost to the
British Throne."

It is really surprising, that insinuations of Her
Royal Highness having been neglected should have
been so widely circulated, when, so far from the
Princess herself having entertained any such idea,
she expressed herself in terms of the highest satis-
faction respecting the skill and management of Sir
Richard Croft, whom, as we have accurately
stated, she herself selected as her accoucheur, and
to whom she was very partial, on account of his
tenderness and assiduity: besides which, she re-
peatedly said to her immediate attendants, " God
bless you; I thank you for all your attentions."

During the whole time the Princess was in
labour, the Great Officers of State appointed to
certify a Royal birth, were in attendance in the
Library, adjoining the bedchamber of the Princess,
and had a constant communication with the medi-
cal Gentlemen, who reported the progress of the
labour. The moment the child was born, it was
plunged into a warm bath, in the adjoining room,
where every other means was used to promote its
resuscitation, but, unfortunately, without effect. It
was ascertained to have been alive on Tuesday
night, but was suspected to be in a state of sus-
pended animation on Wednesday morning; and

* The lamented Princess referred to two previous miscarriages,
only one of which had been publicly known.

16. 3 c

386 MEMOIRS 01 KEK ROYAL HIGHNESS

hence every means for its recovery was in prepara-
tion ;,i id, in.iiiiriii it was born. The Members of
tin- Privj Council then expressed their satisfaction,
i hat the protracted labour had not made it neces-
sar\ to nave recourse to extraordinary means;
which necessity Sir Richard Croft had anticipat-
ed, l>\ providing whatever could be wanted upon
such ;i perilous occasion. But as the Princess
appeared to be doing extremely well after the deli-
very, lliey certainly bad great reason to rejoice,
thai the accoucheur was not driven to such a des-
perate extremity. Indeed, it is now extremely pro-
bable, that had any artificial means of delivery
been employed, the fatal termination would have
been ascribed to those measures, however indis-
pensable; and, it must be admitted, that such an
opinion would, at least, have had more plausibility
t<> support it, than the malevolent assertion, that the
melancholy issue was owing, in both instances, to
the want of skill and attention on the part of the
medical attendants.

For more than three hours after the birth, the
Princess appeared to be doing extremely well;
which pleasing intelligence being communicated to
the Greaf Officers of State, the Archbishop of Can-
terbury and the Bishop of London left Claremont
about eleven o'clock; the medical attendants, of
course, all remained. J)r. Baillie and Dr. Sims
retired to rest; they had not seen the Princess
during the labour; and Sir Richard Croft, who is
erroneously stated never to have left the room, also
retired t«» his apartment, which was an adjoining
one, but did not take oft" his clothes. The amiable
Princess, ^<» far from being in an exhausted state,
appeared to be in excellent spirits, as the following
circumstances, for which we are indebted to Mrs.
Griffiths, the Nurse, will prove; — Prince Leopold
a reclining on the bed, by the side of his beloved
' osort, on whom his eyes were continually fixed,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 387

and Mrs. Griffiths, seeing' the Princess so composed,
had just gone into her own room, which opened into
that of the Princess, in order to change her gown ;
on her return, Her Royal Highness perceived the
change, and sai<i, very playfully " How smart you
are, Griffiths; why did you not put on the silk gown,
my favourite? And, looking on Prince Leopold,
added, in the same cheerful manner, " How long
do you think it will be before I shall again comb
Leopold's hair?"* Mrs. Griffiths had given Her
Royal Highness a little chicken broth after her
delivery, also a little gruel, and some toasted bread
and barley-water, which was all she had taken,
until between twelve and one o'clock, when the
Princess Charlotte said to Mrs. Griffiths, " I am
sure you must be quite exhausted ; pray go and
get your supper ; Leopold will take care of me in
the mean time." According to Her Royal High-
ness's desire, Mrs. Griffiths retired to her room for
that purpose, and, in about ten minutes, the Prince
came to her, and said, that the Princess did not
seem quite so well. The Nurse instantly returned,
to whom Her Royal Highness complained of a
singing in her head ; and Mrs. Griffiths directly
called Dr. Croft, who came in two minutes, and
was immediately followed by the other two medical
attendants. Sir Richard Croft found the Princess
as cold as a stone ; in consequence of which, brandy
and hot wine were administered internally, and
warm flannels and bottles of hot water externally ;
but not the least effect was produced, the Princess
still remained as cold as ice. About one o'clock,
the spasms came on, and Her Royal Highness,
placing both hands on her stomach, said, " Oh !
what a pain ; it is all here." Every possible means
was resorted to by the medical Gentlemen, without

* The Princess had taken great pleasure in combing her Hus-
band's hair on his return from his shooting excursions.

HOIKS OF HER KOYAL HIGHNESS

the least confusion or irregularity; but all their
efforts were entirely unavailing. She strove to
\, .mil. Imt could eject nothing except a little of the
medicine; and afterwards appeared rather more
I I. Prince Leopold remained by the bed-
side the whole time, endeavouring, as much as pos-
sible, to disguise from his suffering Consort the grief
and agony he felt at the unexpected turn that had
taken place; while the Princess Charlotte scarcely
ever removed her eyes from the face of her beloved
Partner, and frequently extended her hand to meet
his — that hand, which was in one short hour to be
old, insensible, and lifeless. As soon as the
spasms came on, Dr. Baillie dispatched expresses
to the Cabinet Ministers, expressing his doubts
with respect to the event; they arrived in London
at live in the morning, where they met other ex-
presses announcing the fatal result. A short time
previous to her dissolution, the Princess asked,
" Is there any danger?" and was desired to com-
pose herself. These were her last words: for
though apparently perfectly sensible, she could not
articulate; but sunk into a calm composure, until
half past two o'clock : when, with a gentle sigh,
•he expired !

Thus, in a few hours were the hopes of a whole
nation twice disappointed ; while youth, loveliness,
and grandeur, were swept away from the earth, and
the line of succession to a mighty throne entirely
changed. Nowhere, in the whole range of our history,
can we find a parallel to this sudden and awful cala-
mity : nor was any one ever known to be so univer-
sally and deeply deplored. The Princess Charlotte,
was a genuine English-woman; and had it pleased
Providence that she should mount the throne, she
would have brought to it the spirit of an English
Queen. Having been bred up in the knowledge of
pure political principles, from all that is known of

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 389

her opinions and conduct, it is evident that she
sincerely adopted the creed which she thought to
be founded in truth. Proud of her country, she
respected its manners ; she admired its constitution,
and venerated its religion. Warmth of feeling,
great elevation of spirit, and openness of heart,
marked her conduct through life : she was justly
beloved by all who had the happiness to know her ;
and when she found herself blessed with the hus-
band of her choice, (and that choice still reflects
great honour upon her memory,) she more than
once declared that she was the happiest woman in
her Grandfather's kingdom. Alas ! that happiness
was but too short-lived on earth ! we may firmly trust
that it has been exchanged for a blissful futurity.*

It would be perfectly futile to attempt a descrip-
tion of the scene which took place when Prince
Leopold found that his beloved Princess was no
more. No wonder that he at first appeared to sink
into a sort of stupor, bordering upon insensibility;
which hesitates to believe the scene passing before
the eyes, and for a moment induces us to conclude
that it is but a dream. He was, however, soon
awakened by reflection, to perceive the reality and
the magnitude of his loss ; and his grief then vented
itself in a manner that suggested alarm for his safety
— it was a sorrow " refusing to be comforted." Bui
though reflection at first filled his soul with unut-
terable anguish, at the thought that he had for ever
lost her who was dearer to him than life, it at length
brought Religion to his aid ; and recollecting that
this sudden separation is only, as it were, for a
moment, he sought consolation where alone it could

* Lady Albemarle, fourth daughter of Lord de Clifford, a com-
panion of the juvenile years of the Princess Charlotte, who at this
time was in an advanced state of the pregnancy, which she had
always said would prove fatal, no sooner heard of Her Royal
Highness's death, than the shock threw her into premature labour:
soon after which she died !

K) MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

l„. fonod, in humble resignation to His will who
the end from the beginning," and " doth not
willingly aillid or grieve the child reu of men!"

The Prince Regent had been for a week or ten
days at the seat of Lord Hertford, in Suffolk; but
receiving intelligence that the illness of the Princess
Charlotte had commenced, His Royal Highness
instantly hastened to Town, on his journey to Clare-
mont. During his journey up to Town, the Prince
in. t two messengers with dispatches, announcing
tin slow progress of the labour, and the apparent
absence of danger: a third express, with tbe ac-
count of the still-born child, passed him in the
night ; so that it was not till after his arrival in
Town that I lis Royal Highness became acquainted
with the full extent of his misfortune. The Prince
reached Carlton House about four o'clock on
Thursday morning-, and was about to proceed
immediately to Claremont, when his Royal Brother
the Duke of York, and Earl Bathurst, arrived, as
the official bearers of the melancholy intelligence.
The effect of the dreadful news was such as to
create apoplectic symptoms; which made it neces-
sary to bleed and cup His Royal Highness repeat-
idly, in order to avert the danger. As soon as the
Prince Regent had somewdiat recovered from the

ere and sudden stroke thus unexpectedly in-
flicted upon his parental feelings, His Royal High-
lit as wn.te to his illustrious and disconsolate Son-
in-law, expressing the highest satisfaction with his
conduct, and offering His Serene Highness an
immediate asylum in Carlton House, out of the

- "1 the afflictive preparations necessary for the

f his Consort. The Duke of York and

\ Bathurst were immediately dispatched in one

yal carriages to Prince Leopold, for

i apartments were immediatelv pre-

! ' His Serene Highness declined the

>uate offer of his Roval Father-in-law, and

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 391

refused to leave the mansion in which he had
enjoyed so much happiness, while it contained the
mortal remains of his beloved Princess.

The express which Prince Leopold himself in-
stantly sent off to the Queen, at Bath, found Her
Majesty at dinner. It was addressed to General
Taylor, who left the room to read it, and called
out Lady Ilchester to communicate the fatal news
in the tenderest manner. On Lady Ilchester's
return, Her Majesty changed colour, and said,
" I know some fatal event has happened." On
hearing the particulars, the Queen " covered her
face, gave a convulsive sob," and with the Princess
Elizabeth immediately retired.

The Duke of Clarence, who was also at Bath,
had just sat down to a grand dinner, given to him
by the City, when the dismal news was brought
him. A letter from Bath says, — " No word escaped
him. He seemed transfixed with horror. After a
short interval, recollecting himself, he handed the
note to Lord John Thynne, and instantly withdrew.
Lord John then communicated the dismal contents
to the company ; and the public were not surprised
to learn, that the whole immediately dispersed.
Every festive meeting in that loyal City shared the
same fate."

The following letter from Bath, dated Nov. 7, i»
particularly interesting :

" We feel ourselves inadequate to perform the painful task of
reporting the afflicting sensations that fill the heart of every in-
dividual in this City; and therefore we shall be pardoned in the
trial of our efforts to describe the general feelings of sorrow which
prevail among all classes at the melancholy tidings of the death
of the beloved Princess Charlotte. At this interesting period,
when Her Majesty was residing within the walls of a population,
whose loyalty and attachment to the Royal Family was only yes-
terday being manifested by the most public record of affection and
esteem, a few hours converted the progress of rejoicing into the
abyss of deep grief.

8 MEMOIRS <H' HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

" We cannot trti>t ourselves in the competency of describing the
delicate rad domestic afflictions of our venerable Queen, the Prin-
cess Elizabeth, and the Duke of Clarence, on this melancholy
occarion; but n an\ious public will require every information
that reguda the safety of the health, and the happiness, of the
illustrious Consort of our Monarch.

" Yesterday we stated the proceedings of the Mayor and Cor-
poration with an Address, and the Answer of Her Majesty to this
public memorial. Parsons, the Messenger, had previously arrived
with the afflicting result of the accouchement. Her Majesty had
only time to recover from her agitation and sorrow at the event,
before the Corporation, headed by the Marquis of Camden, as the
Recorder of Bath, were introduced into the Royal presence.

" At the Queen's house, the Royal party had just sat down to
dinner, when Fisher, the Messenger, arrived with a dispatch to Her
Majesty. The afflicting nature of this second letter was unexpected.
In fact, Her Majesty and the company might be said to have been
dining in public view. But, alas! when the Queen perused the
dispatch, she rose from her chair, and covering her face, uttered
a convulsive sob, and left the table. Her Royal Highness the
Princess Elizabeth likewise retired to her chamber. The windows
of the house were instantly closed, and for the remainder of the
night a mournful and sad silence prevailed throughout the whole
Household.

" This morning the City presented a spectacle which was truly
melancholy. Several of the principal shops were closed, and all
of them were partly shut. The bells of the three churches were
tolling their solemn knells throughout the day. The harpers at the
Pump Room dispensed with their music. Her Majesty was anxious
to depart, for retirement, to Windsor Castle ; and in this one in-
stance, we can only express pleasure that her affectionate attendants
prevailed upon the august Queen to defer her return until to-
morrow morning early.

The Princess Elizabeth continues in excessive grief at the
afflicting tidings. The Duke of Clarence was impatient to return
this day, but the contention of filial feelings and solicitude for his
revered Mother, has induced him to defer his journey till to-morrow.

* It is now five o'clock, and we hear at the Queen's house, that
Hfr Majesty is as well as can be expected under all the circum-
stances of domestic calamity."

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 393

Both Her Majesty and the Duke of Clarence,
after leaving handsome donations to the principal
Charities of Bath, left that City, and set out for
Windsor. — The following is an account of Her
Majesty's journey :

At six o'clock on Saturday morning, Major-Gen.
Taylor set off for Windsor ; after which hour the
bustle of preparation continued until the departure
of Her Majesty. Before eight, Ladies Melville and
Ilchester, Madame and Miss Beckendorff, Miss
Rice, Colonel Stephenson, Colonel Desbrowe, and
Lieutenant-General Sir. H. Campbell, respectively
entered their carriages, some of whom preceded,
and others followed the Royal carriage. Precisely
at eight, Her Majesty, accompanied by the Princess
Elizabeth, left their residence for Windsor Castle,
and were escorted by a party of the 15th Royal
Hussars, as far as the town of Reading. From
that place, Her Majesty pursued her journey with-
out any military escort: the dispensing with this
customary honour gave the Royal cavalcade a
more impressive consideration of the melancholy
catastrophe which hurried on the departure of
the Royal party. The Queen alighted for ten min-
utes at the Castle Inn, Marlborough, and would
not receive any refreshment. A great concourse of
spectators were assembled, not as on Monday last,
to welcome her arrival with rejoicings, but with
silence they paid their respectful obedience to the
illustrious personages, and their expressions fully
confirmed the deep-felt reign of sorrow which per-
vaded the hearts of the highest to the lowest of Her
Majesty's loyal subjects. The same observation
may be truly applied to the inhabitants of Speen-
ham-land, where Her Majesty again alighted from
her carriage at the Pelican Inn, and the Royal
Party partook of a morning's dejeunL During the
half hour the Queen remained at this spacious hotel,
scarcely a word was uttered by the populace ; and
17. 3 v

394 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

on the return of Her Majesty and the Princess
Elizabeth to their travelling carriage, they were so
much affected, that the royal attendants were
somewhat concerned for the security of the health
of their illustrious Queen.

It was half-past four o'clock on Saturday after-
noon, when the Royal cavalcade changed horses at
Reading, at which town a detachment of the Horse
Guards (Blue) escorted Her Majesty's carriage.
They afterwards changed horses at Knowle-hill, on
the road through the Forest, avoiding passing the
town of Maidenhead. Owing to the sudden return
of Her Majesty, there was no time to arrange relays
of horses ; consequently, several of the stages were
performed by post-horses to Her Majesty's car-
riage, rode by her own established postillions. The
mournful countenances of the people in this part of
the route, rather increased the dejection of Her
Majesty.

The Duke of Clarence immediately followed his
Royal Mother, and took the route to Chippenham,
for Lord Harcourt's seat, at Nuneham, near Ox-
ford, where the daughters of His Royal Highness
had been on a visit.

The Cabinet Ministers immediately dispatched
Messengers to the Royal Dukes abroad, and to all
the Courts of Europe. Lord Sidmouth wrote to
the Lord Mayor as follows :

" Whitehall, Nov. 6, Six o'Clock A. M.

" My Lord,

It is with the deepest sorrow that I inform your
Lordship, that Her Royal Highness the Princess
Charlotte expired this morning at half-past two
o'clock.

" I have the honour to be, &c.

(Signed) " Sidmouth,"

" The Right Hon. tht Lord Mayor "

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 395

The tale of grief was ended by the following
short, but expressive Notice, in the Gazette :

" Whitehall, Nov. 6.

" Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte-
Augusta, Daughter of His Royal Highness the
Prince Regent, and Consort of His Serene High-
ness the Prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg, was
delivered of a still-born male child at nine o'clock
last night; and about half-past twelve Her Royal
Highness was seized with great difficulty of breath-
ing, restlessness, and exhaustion, which alarming
symptoms increased till half-past two o'clock this
morning, when Her Royal Highness expired, to the
inexpressible grief of His Royal Highness the Prince
Regent, of her illustrious Consort the Prince Leo-
pold, and of all the Royal Family."

The Theatres, and all places of public amuse-
ment, were ordered to be closed until the Funeral ;
and the Drawing of the Lottery, which was to have
taken place on Friday, (Nov. 7.) was postponed, in
consequence of a warrant issued by the Lords Com-
missioners of the Treasury. When the melancholy
intelligence reached the Old Bailey, the Recorder
immediately adjourned the proceedings of the Court,
as a tribute of respect to the memory of Her Royal
Highness. The Lord Mayor took immediate mea-
sures for summoning an Especial Meeting of the
Court of Aldermen, which took place on Thursday
afternoon, Nov. 6. It was attended by his Lord-
ship, the Lord Mayor Elect, and seventeen Alder-
men, with the Recorder, Sheriffs, and City Officers;
when it was unanimously agreed, that the fitting-up
of Guildhall for Lord Mayor's Day should be im-
mediately discontinued, and that the preparations

.3f)<; MI.MOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

alremlv made tfiert should be removed, and the
following public Notice was issued:

" WOOD, Mayor.

" An ESPECIAL COURT of LORD MAYOR and ALDER-
MEN, holden in the Council Cliamber of the Guildhall of the
City of London, on Thursday, the 6th Day of November, 1817,
and in the 58th Year of the Reign of George the Third, of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, &c.

" This Court, being deeply affected with the loss of Her Royal
Highness the Princess Charlotte-Augusta, daughter of His Royal
Highness the Priuce Regent, and Consort of His Serene Highness
the Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg ; and considering how un-
seasonable any public rejoicing would be at a time when His Royal
Highness the Prince Regent, and the whole nation, are, on this
mournful occasion, so sensibly afflicted with the greatest sorrow
and concern, doth thereupon unanimously agree and order, That
the Livery Companies shall not walk or stand in the streets, or
pass in their barges on the water, on the next Lord Mayor's Day;
nor any tiring of guns on the land or water, ringing of bells, or any
other outward show or rejoicing heretofore accustomed, be per-
mitted or suffered to be made on that day, but that the same be
for this time wholly laid aside and forborne, and that public notice
be given thereof; and it is- further agreed and ordered, That,
waving all unnecessary pomp and state, the Lord Mayor Elect, in
his private coach, accompanied with the present Lord Mayor, the
Aldermen, and Mr. Recorder, and attended only by the Sheriffs,
and the principal Officers in coaches, the other Officers walking on
foot, preceded by the two City Marshals on horseback, shall pass from
the Mansion House to Westminster, and directly go up to the
Court of Exchequer, there to take his oath; which being done, his
LonLhip, attended as before, having entered Warrants of Attorney
in the Court of King's Bench and Common Pleas, as usual, is de-
aired to return in the same manner to the Mansion House.

" WOODTHORPE."

The -peat Bell of St. Paul's tolled from twelve
to one o'clock; the tradesmen of the Royal Family,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 397

and many others, put up their shutters ; and that
afternoon the Mercers and Haberdashers filled their
windows with the materials for a general mourn-
ing ; of which the following Notices appeared in
the London Gazette:

" The Deputy Earl Marshal's Order for a General Mourning
for Her late Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte- Augusta,
Daughter of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and
Consort of His Serene Highness the Prince Leopold of Saxe-
Cobourg.

" In pursuance of the commands of His Royal Highness the
Prince Regent, acting in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty,
these are to give public notice, that it is expected, that upon the
present most melancholy occasion of the Death of Her late Royal
Highness the Princess Charlotte-Augusta, Daughter of His Royal
Highness the Prince Regent, and Consort of His Serene Highness
the Prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg, all persons do put themselves
into decent mourning ; the said mourning to begin on Sunday next,
the 9th instant.

" Henry Howard Molineaux Howard,

Nov. 7, 1817. " Deputy Earl Marshal."

" Horse Guards, Nov. 7, 1817.
" His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, acting in the name and
on the behalf of His Majesty, does not require that the Officers of
the Army should wear any other mourning, on the present melan-
choly occasion, than a black crape round their left arms, with their
uniforms. — By command of His Royal Highness the Commander-
in-Chief.

" Harry Calvert, Adjutant-General."

" Admiralty Office, Nov. 7.
" His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, acting in the name and
on the behalf of His Majesty, does not require that the Officers of

398 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

the Fleet, or Royal Marines, should wear any other mourning, on
the present melancholy occasion, than a black crape round their
hit aim, with their uniforms,

" J. W. Croker."

We now return to Claremont, where every coun-
tenance wore the appearance of the deepest melan-
choly. The preparations which had been made
for rejoicing, only served to deepen the general
sorrow, by continually bringing to mind the loss
which had turned our joy into sadness, and our
rejoicing into lamentation. The preparations for
illuminating, which had been made at the village of
Esher and the town of Kingston, were reversed ;
the houses closed, and scarcely a light to be seen.
Prince Leopold, though overwhelmed with his
affliction, did not forget to provide for the wants of
the workmen employed in making the alterations
and improvements at Claremont, which were sus-
pended by the recent calamity: His Serene High-
ness munificently ordered fifty pounds to be distri-
buted among them; and this was soon after fol-
lowed by an order for them to resume their labours,
and compete the plans which had been for some
time going on by the desire of the lamented
Princess Charlotte. However, notwithstanding the
magnanimity with which Prince Leopold endea-
voured to bear up against this most severe visita-
tion, it bad, as was naturally expected, an irame-
diate and very unfavourable effect on his health.
From Monday night, when his beloved Consort
first became unwell, until the evening of the follow-
in- Saturday, His Serene Highness was wholly in-
capable of taking rest: this alone was a sufficient
catise of indisposition, had it not been accompanied

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 399

by that heart-breaking affliction which deprived
him of his rest. In consequence of his indisposed
state, the following Bulletins were issued :

" Claremont, Nov. 7. •

" The Prince Leopold has had a bad night, but
is more composed this morning."

" Claremont, Nov. 8.

" The Prince has had some sleep in the night,
and is as well as can be expected this morning."

" Claremont, Nov. 9.

" The Prince Leopold had a calm night, and is,
this morning, rather better than yesterday."

On the twelfth, however, it was announced that
His Serene Highness's indisposition hourly increas-
ed, that he refused consolation, and suffered no
one to approach him. He passed all his time
absorbed in thought, and seemed absent to every
thing, except such objects as recalled to memory his
departed Consort. The most inconsiderable articles,
once possessed by the lamented Princess, were
endeared to him by fond recollections. Hence,
her bonnet and cloak, which she wore in their
last pedestrian excursion, were kept constantly
before his eyes. They were hung by her dear
hands upon a screen in the sitting parlour, and
there they have remained ever since, as the Prince
has positively forbidden any person whatever either
to remove or even to touch them ! Her Royal
Highness's watch, for the same reason, still hangs
in the same place where herself placed it, upon
the mantle-piece, as Prince Leopold would not
suffer it to be touched or removed !

lit.) MBMOIBS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

s|„,rtlv after the death of the Princess, Prince
Leopold senl an express to Scotland, for the Earl
of Lauderdale, thai nobleman holding a high place
in His Serene Highness's esteem and confidence.
]|i> Lordship met the messenger in Northumber-
land, on his way to Town, and arrived at. Clare-
in.itit on the Friday Following. On his entering- the
room, His Serene Highness rushed into his Lord-
ship's arms, with all the violence of a heart-broken
man, and remained in that situation for some time,
while Ins grief found vent only in sobs and groans.
Lord Lauderdale, at last, gently tore himself away,
and endeavoured to lead the Prince's mind to the
consideration of minor objects. " How delightful
it is, (said his Lordship,) to breathe the sweet odour
of these flowers, so diversified, so rich ; it is a
terrestrial paradise." These observations aroused
the Prince, and he found himself momentarily
relieved. " I will," exclaimed he, " live and die
at Claremont. I will devote every moment of my
future life to carry into effect all the ideas of that
blessed angel whom I have lost for ever!" Here
he burst into a flood of tears. Lord Lauderdale
remained with him three hours, and was not per-
mitted to retire, until: he had given the Prince a
solemn promise to pay him frequent visits.

The next Bulletin of Prince Leopold's health was
U follows :

" Claremont, Nov. 10.

His Serene Highness the Prince Leopold has
passed rather a calm night, and is something better
this morning."

This Bulletin was signed by C. Stockmar, His
s rene Highness^ resident Physician, who accom-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 401

panied him to England, and has since constantly
resided with the Prince. The day before, the
Duchess of York arrived from Oatlands, to pay a
visit of condolence to Prince I eopold, with whom
the Duke of Gloucester also passed three hours,
having travelled all night from Weymouth, in the
most private manner. His Royal Highness had
arrived with his Duchess from Weymouth at Carl-
ton House at half-past seven that morning ; and the
Duchess was so overpowered upon seeing her
august Brother, the Prince Regent, in his deep
affliction, that the effect of her sensibility, added to
the fatigue of her journey, rendered it necessary for
Her Royal Highness to take some repose : an
apartment at Carlton House was therefore imme-
diately prepared, and Her Royal Highness con-
sented to retire to rest; on which, the Duke pro-
ceeded alone to Claremont, while the Prince Regent,
having been apprised of the effect this heart-rending
calamity had produced ou the mind of his Royal Mo-
ther, manifested his strong filial affection by paying
Her Majesty and the Princesses a visit of sympa-
thetic condolence at Windsor. His Royal Highness
went alone, and travelled with all the blinds of his
carriage up.

On the demise of any Member of the Royal
Family, it is the duty of the Serjeant Surgeon of
the King to embalm the body. Accordingly, Sir
Everard Home had an audience of His Royal
Highness the Prince Regent, on Thursday morning,
(Nov. 12.) and immediately after went to Claremont,
accompanied by Sir David Dundas and Mr. Brand,
to perform this melancholy task. At the same time,
17. 3 E

MI.MOIR8 OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

,,, order to satisfy the anxious and tortured feelings
, if all those who most tenderly loved the Princess,
w, II as to justify t ho Medical Practitioners, it
w;iv determined to ascertain the proximate cause of
her Midden demise. In order to this, the body
was opened; but no morbid appearance whatever
was found, to account for the sudden dissolution. In
the pericardium, or region of the heart, about two
ounces of serum were found: the medical Gentle-
nun, however, were unable to account for its pro-
dnetion, and remained of opinion, that the consti-
tution of the Princess had been exhausted by severe
and protracted pains, and, at length, had sunk be-
neath the struggle. The body having been neces-
sarily opened for this inspection, was afterwards
embalmed, as was also that of the Royal Infant:
for which purpose, not less than two sacksful of
odoriferous flowers, herbs, and ground spices, were
employed. The internal parts of each body were
deposited in Urns: that containing the heart, &c.
of the lamented Princess Charlotte, is of English
Oak, lined with lead, and covered with crimson
velvet. The body of Her Royal Highness was
enclosed in a great number of linen cloth wrappers,
which had been previously waxed, and will pre-
serve it for a great number of years: it was then
enclosed in rich blue velvet, and tied with white
satin ribbon.

The feelings of Prince Leopold were much
wounded by the embalmment, which he justly con-
sidered ;is indelicate and disgusting. We should
nave supposed that none of the Royal Family
Mould wish their bodies to be submitted to such
an operation, merely to preserve their features to
the view of posterity, which could be done in a
manner so much more agreeable and complete by
their busts or portraits. The public feeling upon
this point, was in perfect unison with the sentiments
expressed by His Serene Highness; and the follow-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 403

ing beautiful Verses, which were published upon

the melancholy occasion, were read with great
interest and approbation :

Hark ! that deep bell's sepulchral tone,
Which only speaks of Princes dead,

Bids list'ning anxious crowds bemoan
Their hope, their pride, for ever fled.

It tells of youth's untimely blight ;

Of virtues form'd a realm to save,
For ever lost in Death's dark night,

With all the patriot hopes they gave.

And was there aught of added woe,
To wound the Royal Husband's breasf,

Who saw Death's shadows veil the brow,
His lip of love so oft had prestl

Yes — Pagan rites in Christian land,
His soul with added anguish mov'd ;

For strangers, though with licens'd hand,
Profane the sacred form he lov'd.

The meanest hind by sorrow bow'd,
Who kneels the humblest bier beside,

At once the form he lov'd may shroud,
And e'en from Pity's glances hide.

And must the Royal dead alone
Distinctions that degrade possess?

Must England still such customs own,
As Feeling's nicest sense oppress?

No more let heathen customs tear

A Christian Husband's heart in twain ;

Nor, slumb'ring on her honor'd bier,
A Christian Princess' form profane.

KM MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Bid funeral robe of costly gold,

Or Hope, and Heaven's own beaming blue,

With proud distinction still enfold

Those forms which Sovereigns' splendors knew.

But be that robe, in future clos'd

O'er limbs which secret rest have known,

To mourning Love alone expos'd,

And touch'd b> Love's fond grasp alone.

Princess, most lov'd, when known the most,
With thee our brightest prospects close;

A people's joy, a nation's boast,
Will on thy early grave repose.

Blest was thy life ; oh ! soothing thought,

Beyond a royal charter blest :
He who thy heart Love's lesson taught,

Became the partner of thy breast.

Blest was thy lot ; for wedded bliss,

Earth's sweetest meed, to thee was giv'n ;

And, the sole gill, surpassing this,

We trust is thine, the bliss of Heaven !

On the very day of the embalmment, when
Prince Leopold was lumself so much in need of
consolation, when his feelings were outraged by
the preparations for that revolting process, he never-
theless manifested the greatest resignation ; and,
observing that Mrs. Griffiths was retiring to her
room overwhelmed with distress and agitation, he
followed, and endeavoured to comfort her; His
Serene Highness condescendingly sat down in her
apartment, and begged that she would not give
way to unavailing grief, adding, " It is the wiil of

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 405

God that we should be separated, and we must
submit to it: had the Princess lived, she would
have been your friend ; what she would have been,
that I will be to you ; you have done every thing
in your power."

How deeply His Serene Highness's condescend-
ing kindness was felt by Mrs. Griffiths, and how
sincerely he must have been beloved by all around
him, the reader may judge by the following relation :
After stating the various interesting facts which have
been detailed in the course of these Memoirs, during
which she often exclaimed, of the Princess," Oli !
she was such a woman !" Mrs. Griffiths declared that
" she could in no way account for the death of the
child, nor for that of its Royal Mother, nor yet
for the sudden change which preceded Her Royal
Highness's death ;" she observed, that " until that
fatal change, the Princess appeared to be doing as
well as any case she had ever attended." And, the
moment the Prince was named, added, " Poor
Prince Leopold, so mild and amiable, he is as near
a perfect man as any I ever saw ! No one of the
Household ever saw a frown upon his countenance
during the eighteen months of his married life !"

The above interesting facts are truly indicative
of the sterling character of this excellent Prince;
who, in the midst of such severe affliction, seems
to have sought consolation in endeavouring to
administer it to others. There certainly is no
surer method of ascertaining the disposition of any
individual, than by observing the conduct of that
individual when placed in difficult or distressing
circumstances, which either call forth or overwhelm
all the powers of the mind ; and, in either case,
rarely fail to expose to view the secret workings of
the heart. Prince Leopold has been thus put to
the test by an ordeal of the severest kind ; through
which he has hitherto passed with unshaken
magnanimity, but at the same time in every action

40' i MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

displayed that tenderness of feeling- which always

iftrndn true heroism, and which has deservedh
• \. ited the liveliest sympathy in his behalf.

The fast \i>it i»t' condolence paid by His Royal
Highness the Prinee Recent to hi< truly afflicted
S i-in-law. wai on tlie lirst Tuesday evening after
the melancholy event. This affecting interview, in
which the Husband and the Father were at hrst
alike overpowered with the emotions of their heart-
felt grieC lasted an hour; during which time such
profound secrecy and silence prevailed, that it was
a \ery considerable time before it was generally
known that His Roval Highness had visited Clare-
mont. It was observed, that the most restless
night that Prince Leopold had passed since his
irreparable loss was that which followed this pater-
nal interview. The Prince Regent could not bj
any means be restrained from seeing; the remains
of his beloved Daughter ; and the shock, upon this
extremely distressing occasion, was so great, that
it excited the utmost alarm and apprehension.
A Highness received such consolation as
the sincere sympathy of all who approached him
l<l afford; anions whom were his Royal Bro-
ther^ the Dukes of York and Cumberland, and
tlie Earl of Liverpool; and. on the same day, His
Highness received a letter of condolence
<i the King of Trance, which His Majesty had
written with his own hand.

1 Dderstanding that the unexpectedly fatal termi-
nation of the Princess Charlotte's 'labour, had
plunged Her Royal Highness's chosen accoucheur
; 'he deepest despondency; the Prince
t, who was well acquainted with the tender-
duity, and skill, which Sir Richard Croft
■M manifested in his late arduous and highly

ponsible Mtuation, graciou<I\ ordered the fol-
!owi uunendatory note to be conveyed to him.

m order to calm his distracted mind :

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AL'GUSTA. 407

" Sir B. Bloomfield is honoured by the commands of the Prince
Regent, to convey to Sir Richard Croft His Royal Highness's ack-
nowledgments of the zealous care and indefatigable attention mani-
fested towards his beloved Daughter, during her late eventful confine-
ment, and to express His Roval Highness's entire confidence in the
medical skill and ability which he displayed during the arduous
and protracted labour, whereof the issue, under the will of Divine
Providence, has overwhelmed His Royal Highness in such deep
affliction."

■ Carlton House, Nov, 8, 1817."

It is, however, an astonishing fact, that not even
the unqualified approbation of her Royal Parent,
nor the complete satisfaction so repeatedly expi
ed by the lamented Princess, could shield Sir
Richard Croft from the most illiberal aspersion*,
though there is incontestable evidence, that almost
the whole of the Royal Family are subject to
spasms of so violent a kind, that their lives have
been often placed in imminent danger : and we
advert to this subject, because it has been but
very slightly touched upon by some writers, and
unaccountably passed over by others. It certainly
is onlv rendering bare justice to the eminent
medical gentlemen who attended Her Roval High-
ness, to notice the existence of this hereditary pre-
disposition, since it ought in fairness to have been
universally and explicitly stated, that the unusually
protracted labour, and in all probability the noble
but unsafe resolution to repress her feelings, which
the Princess had taken, and to which she so
firmly adhered, were the causes of that increased
excitability which brought on the fatal spasmodic
attack.

Although the public were generally informed
of the patience and fortitude which the amiable
Princess displayed, no one of her biographers has
yet declared the fact of her having previously deter-
mined to utter no complaint, whatever sufferings

408 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

she might undergo; a resolution which, as we
hav. already Known, has been before followed by
Bimilar results, and that in cases where no predis-
position to spasm is known to have existed. When,
therefore, all these considerations are taken into
iii, account, they will form a sufficient refutation
,,l those insidious and partial statements, which
have been so widely circulated and believed, not-
withstanding the above letter of the Regent to Sir
Richard Croft ; nor have we any hesitation in avow-
ing our decided opinion, that had it not been for
tin groundless insinuations and atrocious calumnies
with which that unhappy gentleman was so cruelly
assailed, he might still have been a living honour
to his profession.*

It has been repeatedly observed, that the death
of the Princess Charlotte created an unparalleled
sensation, not only throughout the empire, but in
foreign countries: this assertion will be fully con-
firmed by the following accounts from the principal
cities and towns of Great Britain, Ireland, France,
&c. which are replete with interest; and especially
present a vivid picture of the effects of this awful
visitation, upon the people over whom the lamented
Princess was one day expected to reign.

Dover, Nov. 9.

Every preparation had been made at the Castle
and Heights, to announce, not only to our town-
folks. |,ut t<> our neighbours the French, by letting
ofl a considerable number of Congreve Rockets, the
birth of an Heir to the British dominions; and every
one was on the tiptoe of expectation for the arrival
ol tins epoch, which was to spread universal joy over
t!i<' land. Tin: first check to this effusion of glad-

thc account of the death of Sir Richard Croft in the
Appendix, page -3 10.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 409

ness was the arrival of a dispatch at four P. 31. on
Thursday, to the Earl of Liverpool, who was then
sitting as President to the Cinque Ports Anniver-
sary Bible Meeting, announcing the accouchement
of the Princess, and its attendant consequences ;
upon which, the Earl set off instantly for Walmer
Castle, and from thence to London. About seven
in the evening, another express arrived, addressed
to Lord Castlereagh, who was staving at the Go-
vernor's apartments at the Castle, with the dreadful
tidings of the decease of England's hope, the
Princess Charlotte ; and his Lordship, attended by
Mr. Planta, lost no time in proceeding to London.
Upon the confirmation of the distressing intelligence
the following morning, every soul was struck with
dismay and consternation, every vessel in the harbour
hoisted her colours half-mast high, and -the vessels
belonging to the French nation paid the same tri-
bute of respect, which has continued ever since.
As far as the shortness of time would admit, the
mourning to-day has been pretty general. A num-
ber of couriers, to the different Powers of Europe,
with the disastrous news, have embarked since
Friday.

Bristol, Nov. 9.

We were in the most awful suspense about the
dreadful news, till the arrival of the London Mail.
I was on the Exchange when it approached : the
sound of the horn seemed to strike terror into every
soul. A great crowd was collected, who then in-
stantly rushed round the mail, inquiring of the
Guard if the news were true? he replied, " Both are
dead." — " Both are dead," was reverberated by the
crowd, and the flash spread like lightning. Dejec-
tion marked every countenance; and, I think it is
not too much to say, that " tears gushed into every
eye." So eager was the demand for the news-
17. 3 f

410 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

papers, thai they sold at eighteen-pence each;
ami persons were seen in all directions devouring,
with the greatest avidity, their mournful contents.
During the remainder of the day, nothing but con-
dolence was heard. Every public " sign of woe"
thai could be made has been done, by the tolling of
the church bells, by the hoisting of flags half-mast
bigh <>ti public buildings and ships, and by the
other usual demonstrations.

Weymouth, Nov. 8.

The afflicting news of the death of our ever to be
lamented Princess Charlotte, was received here
terday, by especial express, to the Lodge, and
occasioned a general sensation of grief and sorrow,
more easily conceived than described. The Palace
became an immediate scene of general mourning;
and the (flict that it produced on the feelings of
the Duke and Duchess, were equal to the irrepara-
ble loss the Royal Family, as well as the country,
has sustained. In consequence of this direful
catastrophe, the Theatre, and all the public places,
were shut; and the grand rout, to which near one
hundred persons were -invited, to have taken place
at Mr. and Mrs. E. Hennings's, was immediately
put off. In short, all ranks joined in bestowing the
last tribute of respect to the memory of a Princess
whose public and private virtues were so well
known in this town.

This day, the Royal Party and attendants left us.
The Duke and Duchess will not stop on the road
before they reach Carlton House.

Canterbury, Nov, 11.

The funeral of the much lamented Princess
( harlotte, we learn, from authority, is fixed for
>\ ednesday next. In consequence of this deplored

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 411

event, the Mayor of this city has directed all exhi-
bitions and places of public amusement to be closed
till after that period. It will be seen also, that, with
a becoming sense of the moment, the President of
the Catch Club has suspended its meeting on Wed-
nesday next. All balls, assemblies, and public
places of amusement, are likewise universally post-
poned throughout the county.

Bury St. Edmunds, Nov. 11.

In consequence of the melancholy intelligence of
the death of the Princess Charlotte, the organs of
all the chapels and churches in this University and
town have been closed since Friday last; and a
general full mourning, even to caps, will take place
throughout the University. The great bell of St.
Mary's church tolled during near the whole day on
which the fatal news arrived.

Manchester, Nov. 11.

Under the pressure of an awful event, so deeply
afflicting to the Royal Family, and so universally
deplored, as the recent death of Her Royal High-
ness the Princess Charlotte of Wales, the Borough-
reeves and Constables of Manchester and Salford
could not fail to embrace the earliest opportunity of
giving effect to the sorrowful feelings which at this
moment pervade the inhabitants of these towns.

A Public Meeting is therefore appointed to be
held in the Large Room of the Police Buildings, in
King Street, Manchester, on Friday the 14th inst.
at eleven o'clock in the forenoon precisely, for the
purpose of preparing a dutiful, loyal, and affec-
tionate Address of Condolence to His Royal High-
ness the Prince Regent, and of adopting such other
local testimonies of sorrow and respect, as may best

J 12 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

accord with the solemnity and importance of this
mournful occasion.

T S WlTHINGTON, Borouglireeve^

Thomas Salteb, \ Constables S of Manchester.

\\m. Saw i'i CRD, ) 3

JoSBfB BUCKLEY, Borouglireeve^

i »EY LEES, j Constables [ofSalford'

N. Shelmbedine, > 3

Manchester Police Office, Nov. 10. 1817.

The expression of regret did not rest on the liquid
glaze of the eye, nor on the solemn aspect of the
race: it threw a damp on business, which, for the
daw was almost suspended. The stillness of the
sale-rooms throughout the town, afforded additional
proof of the deep impression which had been made
by the awful visitation.

Liverpool, Nov. 11.

The great bell of St. Peter's Church was tolled
on Saturday and yesterday, and " muffled peals"
ha\e been rung on the twelve bells of St. Nicholas;
which are to be continued each day from twelve to
one o'clock, by the direction of the Churchwardens,
till after the funeral of the much lamented Princess
Charlotte. All the vessels in the port, of all nations,
have their colours hoisted half-mast high, as were
also the colours upon all the private flag-staffs
throughout the town, in token of individual sorrow,
for the same lamented cause.

Gloucester, ATov. 11.

The dismal tidings were received in this city so
earlj as three o'clock on Friday morning, at which
hour an express arrived to Sir George Nayler, who
iiuuiediatel) afterwards set off from hence for Lon-
don. The arrival of the mail but too soon con-
firmed the fatal news, which was soon afterwards

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 413

announced by the tolling* of the great bell at the
Cathedral, and gloomy sorrow clouded every coun-
tenance, whilst unspeakable regret filled every
heart.

Sheffield, Nov. 10.

Death of the Princess Charlotte of Wales. — The
arrival of the above melancholy intelligence has
occasioned in this town a general impression of
sorrow and disappointment. As soon as the infor-
mation was brought by the last night's mail, it was
immediately announced by a dumb peal from the
parish church bells. It was also communicated to
the audience at the Theatre, by Mr. Fitzgerald, in
the following feeling Address :

" Ladies and Gentlemen,

" With heartfelt regret I appear before you to announce a melan-
choly event, in which the dearest interests of the whole nation are
involved: A Gazette Extraordinary has this night arrived, announc-
ing that the Princess Charlotte of Wales is no more. — ' Death lies
upon her like an untimely frost upon the fairest flower of the field ;'
and, to add to this most dreadful calamity, the event that we all
looked to with so much cheering hope, has been the cause of her
untimely fate ; and both the mother and the offspring ' press one
silent bed.' Under these unhappy circumstances, Ladies and Gen-
tlemen, I know of no better mode of discharging my duty, and ex-
pressing my real sorrow, than by closing the Theatre until after
the interment of our beloved Princess shall have taken place."

At the conclusion of the above Address, the com-
pany from all parts of the house retired, and the
doors were immediately closed.

Bristol, Nov. 13.

The calamity, which it was last week our melan-
choly office to announce to our readers, has over-

.]!! MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

spread the cation with a funereal and unabating
gloom. T<> speak of a whole people as literally
solved in tears, might be deemed exaggeration;
nor will we say, that we lament like the Egyptians,
wii«». stricken bj the Divine wrath, awoke in the
morning, and found the first-born dead in every
house : yet do we no more than justice to the public
feeling, in recording, that the death of the Princess
Charlotte is a chasm in the great British family,
which lias impressed upon every countenance the
mournful traces of a domestic affliction. Approach-
ing to it, perhaps, was the sensation occasioned by
the fall oi* INelson, at the moment of victory.

Brighton, Nov. 14.

The town continues to wear an air of sadness.
This sombre spirit has by no means been improved
l»\ the weather, which, almost without intermission,
has, throughout the week, been wet and gloomy.

\\ e had just written the above observations, when
we heard, from respectable authority, that the Re-
gent (with whose grief every manly heart sympa-
thizes) may be daily expected at the Pavilion, His
Royal Highness being anxious, for a while, to seek
consolation in the bosom of retirement.

Canterbury, Nor. 14.

The Chief Magistrate of this city has invited his
fellow citizens to unite with him in closing the win-
dows of their shops and dwellings, and abstaining
from all outward appearance of worldly concerns,
thai the city, in unison with the national feeling,
may appear what it really is, a house of mourning.

Andover, Nov. 14.

it gives us great pleasure to record the patriotic
and sympathetic feeling 0f this loyal town and its

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 415

vicinity, on the death of our lamented Princess
Charlotte. On the arrival of the melancholy
tidings, an universal gloom pervaded the whole
place, and every kind of business and gaiety was
in a moment at an end. The unwelcome news
was soon extended to the adjoining villages, and
among them that of Longparish was one of the
most conspicuous in anxiety to manifest its grief
on the mournful occasion : the minute bell there
tolled from six in the evening till midnight, and
an evening service was performed with appropriate
anthems. On the following Sunday, a well adapted
sermon was preached by the Rev. Robert Cole,
and the inhabitants (at the request of Major
Hawker, and the other principal residents) antici-
pated the general order, by appearing immediately
in mourning.

Oxford, Nov. 15.

In our retirement, we have painted to ourselves
what was, and what now is ; we have followed the
course of events ; the war successfully terminated;
trade and manufacture reviving ; a Heiress to the
Throne of our country, full of health and anima-
tion, married to the man she adored, and adored
by the man she married ; an English woman, born
amongst us, beloved by all; her character, both
religious and moral, unsullied — a few, a very few
days since, walking with her beloved consort in
the gardens of Claremont, and anticipating, what
all fondly anticipated, the appearance of the pledge
of their mutual love, the hope and the glory of
themselves and the country — their country, full of
anxiety, waiting with impatience for a confirmation
of their hopes and wishes ; preparing for public
rejoicings, and viewing, in the mind's eye, a long
line of splendid progeny — a long, long succession
of Sovereigns, descendants of our present beloved

4i<; mbmoibs of her royal highness

Monarch.— Alas I in the bitterness of anguish be
n spoken, all our hopes and all our wishes are
crushed, are annihilated; for our Princess is dead!

Every paper >'> the kingdom bears ample testi-
moii\ to the feelings of all resident within its
circuit; in almost every city and town, shops are
partly shut; the inhabitants are in deep mourning;
all places of amusement closed; the churches
bang with black ; even clubs and other convivial
neetiogs suspended, and sorrow depicted on every
countenance.

Sunday the Rev. Dr. Green, one of our City
Lecturers, preached before the Corporation; his
subject was appropriate, and taken from the 90th
I Nal m — " So teach us to number our days, that
we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." In his
discourse he feelingly addressed his auditors on
the melancholy subject of the deeply deplored loss
of our lamented Princess.

Cambridge, Nov. 14.

The melancholy intelligence of the ever to be
lam. lit. (1 .hath of Her Hoyal Highness the Prin-
s Charlotte of Males, was received in this place
\miIi thai sincere regret which has pervaded the
whole kingdom. The great bell at St. Mary's
Church was tolled for several hours on Friday last;
since which period there has been no organ played
;it the ( lollege chapels, as well as in various churches
i" the i„wii. The day of the funeral will be ob-
ijerved bcre with due solemnity. The following
Not* t has beet issued in the University:

" Clare- Hall Lodge, Nov. 11, 1817.

Hi. \ , . ( hancrllor begs leave to communicate to the Uni-

,llU "" "" '".lantholv occasion of the death of Her Royal

- "V Prince* Charlotte of Wales, a Sermon will he preach-

lauyt, on Wednesday next, hv the Regius Professor of

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 417

Divinity 5 and the Vice-Chancellor requests all Nohlemen and Mem-
bers of the Senate to meet him in the Senate House at a quarter
before eleven o'clock, in full mourning, and proceed from thence
to St. Mary's Church.

" The Vice-Chancellor requests the Tutors of Colleges to com-
municate to their pupils, that they are expected to appear at St.
Mary's on Sunday next with their caps at least in mourning."

Birmingham, Nov. 14. '

The shops in this town will be closed on the day
that the funeral takes place; the bells in the different
churches will toll the whole of the day ; all the pul-
pits, &c. are clothed in black : and nothing will be
omitted by the inhabitants of this loyal town to
endeavour, however faintly, to express the sense they
entertain of the loss the empire has sustained.

A requisition, signed by the magistrates, clergy,
and inhabitants, has been presented to the High-
Bailiff, William Cotterel, Esq. desiring him to call
a meeting of the inhabitants, to consider of an
Address of Condolence to His Royal Highness the
Prince Regent, upon the melancholy occasion,.
The High-Bailiff has appointed Friday next, the
21st instant, for that purpose. We have no doubt
the kingdom at large will follow so laudable an.
example.

We never witnessed so distressing a change of
countenance throughout a whole population, as we
did the day the news was received ; and we hope
never again to witness such a scene.

Sunderland, Nov. 15.

The afflicting news spread rapidly through this
town and neighbourhood ; and on almost every
countenance was depicted a melancholy gloom,
expressive of sorrow at the sad event. It absorbed
every other topic in almost all departments of life(
and the great bells of the churches tolled upwards
18. 3 g

418 MEMOIRS Of HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

of two hours. At a respectable meeting of the inha-
bitants, beld at Ibe Exchange, it was determined,
that the day of interment of the amiable Princess
and her infant son, should be observed with marked
sol. ■innity; " that the shops shall be closed, and the
usual occupations of business suspended the whole
d,i\ ; that the ships in the harbour do hoist their
colours halt-mast high ; and the minute bell toll
during the morning, distinguishing the hour of inter-
ment by a dumb peal."

Leeds, Nov. 15.

The death of the Princess Charlotte has filled
the whole British empire with grief, dismay, and
mourning. It has effected what few events could
product — an unanimity of feeling; but, alas! it is
the sad unanimity produced by an universal partici-
pation in the same irreparable calamity. It was
our mournful task to announce this heart-rending
intelligence to the greater part of our readers in our
last publication: and to few of them can it now
be necessary formally to commuuicate, that on
" Thursday morning, the 6th instant, at half-past
two o'clock, this illustrious Princess, after having
a few hours before been delivered of a still-born
male child, died, to the inexpressible grief of the
whole British people." — This mournful intelligence
spread with amazing rapidity through the whole
empire, and every where it was felt like the stroke
of death, and diffused more than grief. — At no
period, perhaps, in the whole compass of our history,
his the death of the presumptive heir (we may say
heirs) to the throne produced so poignant a sense
of grirf. so general a feeling of despondency. All the
kindhesl feelings of our nature had gathered round
thi^ illustrious female: there was in her a purity
ind a strength of virtue, a freedom from the fashion-
le vises and the heartless follies of the age, which

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 419

rendered her equally an object of love and vene-
ration ; and, though young, she was thoroughly
imbued with those just and constitutional principles
of government which could not fail, under the
blessing of Heaven, to have rendered her reign pros-
perous and happy. But the hopes of the nation
extended still further, and with prophetic view
seemed to behold a long line of patriot Princes,
continuing, to the remotest posterity, the Royal
diadem in the illustrious House of Brunswick.
But these fond anticipations, these towering hopes,
are dashed to the earth, and, instead of the joyful
anthem, " Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is.
given," we have to listen to the funeral dirge, and
join in the requiem for the death of two generations
of Princes in the short space of a few hours.

Truro, Nov. 15.

The Princess Charlotte is no more! — The hopes
of the nation have been blasted ; and, in place of
congratulating our readers on the birth of an heir to
the British Throne, we have to assume the cypress,
and join in the general expression of regret which
is at this moment felt by millions! — The Princess
Charlotte is no more; and her infant, for whose
birth a loyal and affectionate people watched with
a hope so anxious, has perished with her; thus
leaving us no other memorial of her we so highly
and so justly valued, than the melancholy remem-
brance of her virtues — a memorial, indeed, as ines-
timable as it is deathless; but which, at the same
time, serves to remind us of the value of what we
have lost, and thus adds poignancy to our regret.

Seldom has there occurred a circumstance so fully
calculated to call forth the sympathies of our nature.
Young, lovely, amiable, and happy; raised as the
landmark of a nation's hope, and, apparently, all
that its wishes could desire— just as she was ex-

|20 MEMOIRS <>i IKK KOVAL HIGHNESS

pected t<» crown Ihat hope, and to gee, at least, the
first pari of these wishes accomplished, by an event
which alone seemed wanting to till up the measure
of her h licit) as a woman and as a Princess, a
dispensation severe and inscrutable, though, we must
believe, wise and just, has snatched her from the
envied pinnacle <>u which she was elevated, and, in
a few, shorl hours, all that was left of the future
Sovereign of a mighty empire, the expected mother
of a line of Kings, the beloved Princess, and the
happy wife, was a lifeless corpse! Whilst dwelling
on this sad reverse, the admired lines of Pope recur
forcibly to our recollection:

" How lov'd, how valued once, avails thee not;

To whom related, or by whom hegot: —

A heap of dust alone remains of thee;

Tis all thou art, and all the proud shall be,"

Dublin, Nov. 10.

It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce
(he melancholy event of the decease of the Princess
Charlotte, which took place at Claremont at half-
past two o'clock on Thursday morning, after Her
Royal Highness had o-iven birth to a still-born infant
son. We must suffer our readers to collect the
particulars from the statements of the London
papers and the official documents, all of which we
copy in the fullest detail. The accounts of this
double calamity were received in town yesterday,
and certainly no circumstance which has" occurred
within our recollection ever caused to the public
t<< ling bo general and agonizing a shock. The sen-,
ration which was produced was not simply that of
disappointment, or pity, or grief— it had in it much
more oi consternation] livery countenance ex-
pressed astonishment and anguish— every individual
fell as it suddenly overwhelmed by some deplorable

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 421

misfortune : every family seemed as if it lost one of
its dearest members. We know, in short, no event
which could at this time produce such intense
emotion, as was exhibited in every quarter of this
city, from the moment at which the lamentable
tidings were made known. The people appeared
to be wholly unprepared for such a visitation. The
soundness of the Princess's constitution, the great
regularity of her life, the excellence of the arrange-
ments which it was believed had been made for
her confinement, and the high professional character
of her medical attendants, had nearly obliterated all
apprehension of the heart-rending catastrophe which
has happened. We will not attempt to express
what we feel upon this occasion ourselves. Inde-
pendent of the important political considerations to
which so heavy a national infliction must give rise,
it is impossible to contemplate a domestic calamity
of so affecting a description without sensations of
the profoundest regret. To see a sensible, amiable,
and accomplished female, with such brilliant pros-
pects, such endearing connexions, and such excel-
lent dispositions, snatched away from this life almost
as soon as she had begun to enjoy it — to see the
heiress of a throne, the hope of an empire, the
onlv child of a Prince, and the benevolent wife of
an affectionate husband, carried oft' at a moment's
warning, in the very morning of her days, in the full
possession of youth, and health, and happiness, is
a lesson too awful and too afflicting not to touch the
most obdurate heart ! — Freeman s Journal.

Distressing and melancholy as is this deeply to
be deplored event, we could scarcely have imagined
that it would have made such an impression on the
public mind as it appears to have done ; an impres-
sion which absorbs all other subjects, whether of
local or general interest. All places of public
amusement in this city have been, for the present,

1J-2 MIMOIKS OF HKK ROYAL HIGHNESS

dosed bv cider of the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor.
The opening of the Theatre is also deferred. — Car-
nek's Mmming Post.

[From the Dublin Journal.]

Dublin Castle, Sunday Morning.

My Lord,

I have the very painful task of informing your
Lordship, that a Messenger arrived this morning
with the melancholy intelligence of the Death of
tier Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte. I
< in lose a copy of the Gazette Extraordinary which
v\us published in London.

I have the honour to be, my Lord,

Your very faithful servant,

Robert Peel.

The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor.

Dublin, Nov. 12.

The Lord Chancellor has postponed to a future
day, on account of the. lamented death of Her Royal
Highness the Princess Charlotte, the grand enter-
tainment which his Lordship was to have given to-
morrow to his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant, the
Countess of Talbot, and several of the Nobility,
and two other personages of distinction now in
town. Several entertainments of the Nobility, and
others in high life, are deferred on this melancholy
occasion. The Clara Musical Association have
closed their Assembly-Rooms, and discontinue
public playing until further notice.

Office of Arms, Nov. 11.

It ii his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant's order,
that all persons who appear at His Majesty's Castle

The princess charlotte-augusta. 423

of Dublin do go into mourning on Wednesday next,
for Her late Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte-
Augusta, Daughter of His Royal Highness the Prince
Regent, and Consort of His Serene Highness the
Prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg.

In pursuance of the commands of His Excellency
the Lord Lieutenant, these are to give notice, that
it is expected that upon the present most melan-
choly occasion of the death of Her Royal Highness
the Princess Charlotte-Augusta, Daughter of His
Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and Consort of
His Serene Highness the Prince Leopold of Saxe-
Cobourg, all persons do put themselves into decent
mourning; the first mourning to begin on Wednes-
day the 12th instant.

William Beth am, Deputy Ulster
King of Arms of all Ireland.

Carlisle, Nov. 8.

The Mayor having notified to Mr. Ashley the
arrival of an express, with the melancholy and
afflicting intelligence of the death of Her Royal
Highness the Princess Charlotte, the preparations
for the concerts were immediately discontinued, and
the performances postponed. The party attended
divine service at the Cathedral the next morning;
and, at the request of the Rev. Mr. Goodenough,
the Canon in residence, sung an anthem from the
25th chapter of Matthew, " The Righteous are gone
to rest eternal," which was most highly appreciated
by the audience.

Glasgow, Nov. 10.

This city yesterday exhibited the most marked
feeling of kind affection and deep sorrow for our
departed Princess, accompanied at times with a

|24 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

dubious apprehension lest the event should have* an
unfavourable effect upon the future destinies of the
kingdom. Remote as we are in this part of the
country from the scenes which Her Royal Highness
graced, we have had no opportunity of witnessing
thai amiable condescension and those kind offices
which woo her the hearts of those around her; but
we can figure to ourselves a lovely young woman,
endowed with every virtue and with the most fasci-
nating manners, brought up with the expectation of
ruling over a mighty empire, and enjoying in fond
imagination the happiness she was to diffuse to her
people; contemplating this picture, we can enter
into the feelings of her sorrowing friends, and con-
sider ourselves as in some degree involved in the
calamity.

Edinburgh, Nov. 11.

The most melancholy tidings announced in a few
words have come upon us so suddenly and so un-
locked for, that, while we feel with our fellow-
citizens the extent of the public loss, we are as yet
unable to estimate the probable consequences or
remote results of this great national calamity. Our
n aders arc well aware, that the Princess was under-
wood to be on the eve of giving birth to another
heir to the British throne; and the medical bulletin
m our last publication announced, that in conse-
M'l.nce of the Princess being taken Unwell on
niesday last, messengers were sent to summon
the attendance of the Privy Counsellors; that the
medical gentlemen appointed to attend Her Royal
Highness were in close attendance, and that there
was every appearance of a safe and fortunate ac-
""'•'""'cnt. The subsequent details, and the
melancholy result, we need not rehearse; they will
'" ; found amply and feelingly narrated in another
column. rhe Princess and her oflspring— the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 42-3

grand -daughter and great grandson of our venerable
and beloved Sovereign, the presumptive heirs in
direct succession of his house and throne, are no
more. Our aged Monarch cannot feel or know the
loss : but there is a Father and a Husband, and there
is a loyal people, who feel it deeply and disconso-
lately. The shock which this afflicting event has
given to the feelings of the nation was very strongly
evinced when the news reached this city on Sunday
morning. Many persons who had crowded to the
post-office burst into tears, when the death of the
Princess was announced ; and an air of most sad.
and impressive seriousness appeared in the coun-
tenance of the crowds who thronged our streets
and places of public worship, to attend, as usual,
at this season, the great solemnity of the Christian
church. This expression of the public sympathy
(unlike the usual mourning for Princes) is, on the
present occasion, not less genuine than it is general.
The amiable virtues of this young Princess, the
bright promise of her early life, her connubial hap-
piness, the edifying picture of domestic economy
and of exemplary benevolence which she held out,
her well known constitutional principles, as well as
the high political considerations dependent on her
life, all combine to render the event of her death a
calamity that must involve the empire in universal
gloom. — Edinburgh Star.

Dumfries, Nov. II.

The Magistrates and Town Council of Dumfries
met this day, and unanimously agreed to go to
church in a body, in deep mourning, on account of
the lamentable death of the Princess Charlotte of
Wales. Most sincerely do we offer our humble tri-
bute of condolence to the Husband, who has lost
such a Consort ; to the Father, who has lost such a
18. 3 h

ijn MLMOIKS OF liEK ROYAL HIGHNESS

Daughter; and to the Nation, that has lost such a
Princess !— Never, «< has been duly said, did Eng-
land display such a scene of real sorrow.

Glasgow, Nov. 13.

S\V understand that the Lord Provost and
Magistrates propose to attend divine service in
St George'i church, on Sunday next, in mourning,
in consent nee of the much lamented death of Her
Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales;
win u it is expected the general mourning will com-
mence here. A correspondent suggests, that, as it
appcaro to be the general feeling and wish of our
fellow-citizens to shut up their places of business on
the day fixed for the funeral of our much lamented
Princess, it would tend greatly to their edification
if a funeral sermon was preached on that day in each
of our churches, the collections to ;be given to the
charitable institutions.

Carlisle, Nov. 15.

In this city mourning has become general ; and it

is imt only the outward garb of grief that has been

put on, sorrow dwells in the heart. All kinds of

public amusement have been suspended, by order

of the Mayor; the assemblies have been postponed,

as have also two concerts which were to have taken

place on Monday and Tuesday nights; and his

Worship lias called a public meeting to take place

• it tin Town Hall on Thursday next, the day after

<•"■ funeral, '; for the purpose of preparing a dutiful,

loyal, and affectionate Address of Condolence to

J lis Huyal Highness the Prince Regent, and of

adoptiug such other testimonies of sorrow and

uesped u may best accord with the solemnity of

the present mournful occasion." We highly applaud

> promptitude; it does honour to the Mayor, and

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 427

it will do honour to the City to be among the first
to approach the Throne in language of condolence
to the Father, who, in his beloved Daughter, has not
only lost a child dear to his heart, but an heiress to
whom he looked for a long extension of his line,
and on whom the best hopes of the nation were
reposed. We feel assured that this meeting will be
numerous and respectable. The flag at the Castle
has been hoisted half-staff high, since the death of
the Princess Charlotte was known, and will remain
so till after the funeral.

{From the Carlisle Patriot.]

Carlisle, Nov. 15.

We have this week the painful duty of recording
a national calamity, as melancholy as it was unex-
pected— the death of the Princess Charlotte of
Wales, and her Royal offspring !

The feelings of the whole community, from one
extremity of the kingdom to the other, will, ere
this, have been forcibly agitated by an event, which,
while it overwhelms every humane and loyal breast
with the deepest sorrow and regret, strongly mani-
fests the uncertainty of every human expectation,
and the instability and transitory nature of all
earthly greatness. Addresses of Condolence to the
Royal sufferers, prompted by the best feelings of
sympathy and attachment, will, no doubt, in proper
season, proceed from every town within the United
Kingdom.

Since the announcement of the distressing tidings,
a heavier gloom is stated to have been thrown over
the Metropolis than has ever been remembered ; the
windows of the shops are generally half closed, the
various places of public amusement are shut, the
civic festivities are dispensed with, the business of
the legal courts has been suspended, and a general

428 MEMOIRS OF HEK ROYAL HIGHNESS

mourning semis alone wanting, to complete the
appearance of a deep and universal affliction: and
do wonder; for, without reference to the dignity of
her birth, <>r the peculiarly tender circumstances of
her fate, Her Royal Highness gave the strongest
assurances, in case of her happily ascending the
throne of her fathers, of becoming a " nursing
mother" to a loyal people. She was, indeed, an
anchor of hope; to which the nation clung with all
their heart, and mind, and soul, and strength.
How agonizing, then, must be the pang that tears
them asunder!

The dreadful news arrived in Carlisle by the mail
on Saturday. All Mere on the tiptoe of expectation,
and with smiling faces awaited the announcement
of the birth of a son or daughter, as a kind of cer-
tainty; the soldiers quartered here stood in groups
in the streets, ready to welcome it with three times
three cheers; the flag was prepared at the Castle
to be hoisted on the instant: but as soon as the
fatal event was known, joy gave way to sorrow,
deep, heart-sickening sorrow; — the nation's loss
might have been read in every countenance.

[INTELLIGENCE FROM FRANCE.]

Paris, Nov. 10.

L< tters from Calais, arrived this day, announce
the dreadful news of the death of Her Royal High-
ness the Princess Charlotte, and of the Prince to
which she had given birth. This melancholy event
has plunged the whole empire of Great Britain into
grief. — Gazette de France.

telegraphic dispatch announced yesterday
;""' mm that the Princes Charlotte of England
Md spired, after being delivered of a still-born

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 429

child. This dreadful intelligence, which took place
in the night of the 5th and 6th instant, is confirmed
to-d ay. — Quotidienne.

At three o'clock this morning we received, by
express, the following official Bulletin, which it is
our melancholy duty to publish. Ibid. — [Here
follows the London Gazette Extraordinary .]

An extraordinary Courier, who arrived on Friday
evening at the Court, and a Messenger who, the
same night, alighted at the British Ambassador's,
have brought the sad tidings of the death of the
Princess Charlotte of England, and her son, after a
painful labour. It was on the night of the 5th that
this melancholy event took place : for the Bulletins
contained in the English journals of that day, and
which came down at six o'clock in the evening, do
not announce even the delivery. — Journal de Paris.

The hopes excited by the English papers of the
5th, with respect to the safe accouchement of the
Princess Charlotte, have been cruelly deceived ; we
have just received the following intelligence, which
it is our melancholy duty to communicate. — Journal
des Debats.

Here also follows the London Gazette.

Calais, Nov. 11.

The disastrous intelligence of the death of the
Princess Charlotte, excited the most poignant sen-
sations of sorrow amongst the English families resi-
dent here. On the arrival of the packet, crowds
rushed to the Library, to learn the particulars of
the heart-rending event, by a perusal of the London
Prints. The etiquette of introduction was sus-
pended ; and an unanimous expression of respect
for her virtues, and of painful apprehensions of its

|30 Ml MOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

public i-'-nIt *«> toe country, was the theme of every
tongue. The slups in the harbour lowered their
colours to the half-mast; and preparations were
mad. I>\ tlu' English for a general mourning.

Paris, Nov. 11.

The details which we have given in our article
in. m London, on the premature and unexpected
death of the Princess Charlotte, will be read with
tin in<»t touching- interest. There is, in the cala-
mities of the powerful of the earth, something* which
Mtoakfl at once to the imagination and the heart,
and whirh does not allow us to remain insensible to
\\\r spa tacle of these great and august misfortunes.
The regrets which they inspire are doubled, when,
to tin image of power swallowed up in the grave, is
joined the idea of youth, grace, and beauty, cut
down in their flower, brilliant hopes vanished, and
a royal posterity buried at once in a single tomb.
In this union of melancholy circumstances, pity,
that common tie of humanity, annihilates distance,
effaces limits, extinguishes recollections, and unites
all sentiments The mourning of one nation be-
eones that of all; and then, more than ever, they
remember that they are brethren.

Prance will not then be insensible to a death
which throws England into such profound conster-
nation. .Naturally generous and feeling, French-
man will not see, without emotion, the tears of a
I ather and a Husband. They will figure to them-
saWest ||nt without a participation in sorrow, that
Bngtdsh of a Royal Family, that grief of a whole
people, which has been manifested in a manner so
nniversal and so striking. Never did attachment
iMitutional principles of a monarchy take
1 n k i. i at once more general and more solemn
than on this sad conjuncture. At the funeral sounds
'I" betH of St. Paul's, all the inhabitants of

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 431

London spontaneously put ou mourning; marks of
grief and signs of mourning are impressed on the
very journals that announced the fatal event : the
theatres were closed ; and fasting and prayer super-
seded profane amusements and public pleasures.
Though, in the days of prosperity, power sometimes
experiences, in England, contradictions and resist-
ance; in those of misfortune, it only meets with
cousolation, with homage, and devoted loyalty. It
is then that, every thing concentrated in its true
affections, that nation feels only one wish — that of
softening, by the free expression of its sentiments,
the sorrow of the Chiefs whom it places its glory in
obeying. — Journal des Debuts.

[The other French papers insert additional ex-
tracts from the London papers, on the same melan-
choly subject, at greater or shorter length, but make
no comments.]

Brussels, Nov. 11.

Mr. Kerr, the Messenger, has arrived with the
afflicting intelligence to the Duke of Kent, of the
death of the Princess Charlotte. His Royal High-
ness was much affected ; his grief is described as
being boundless. The Prince and Princess of
Orange were likewise greatly affected by the melan-
choly tidings.

Paris, Nov. 14.

It was remarked, that there was not a single
Englishman at the last performance of the Opera.
Those whom we meet in the streets, are either in
mourning, or wear crape ou their arm.

England offers to us at this moment, the spectacle
of a nation deeply impressed with the salutary doc-
trines of Legitimate Succession. The general sor-
row which the death of the Princess Charlotte has

MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

, xcfted, is an example worthy the contemplation of
those turbulent and unquiet spirits, who affirm, that
persons should be reckoned as nothing, and that it
is only to things we ought to attach ourselves.
^ « s ; it may be so, according to a rash and arrogant
philosophy; but the friends of humanity, the friends
of their country, reason differently; and, indepen-
dent of the lofty character which Princes have in
their eyes, they view them as the protectors of
nations, and the surest guarantees of their insti-
tutions.

The English journals are filled with the most
affecting lamentation, inspired by their sorrow for
the loss which the country has sustained. She was
" the expectancy and rose of the fair state," they
exclaim ; thus uniting, in a single phrase, patriotic
affections with those which are produced by the
fate of youth and beauty, so unexpected. Happy
are the people, who thus appreciate the virtues of
their Princes ! Faction will strive in vain to pro-
due*' agitation among them ; and, in the sort of
union which now subsists between governments,
this circumstance is not indifferent to the repose of
the world.

"While the voice of heartfelt sorrow was thus
heard throughout the land, and operated powerfully
upon all ranks and conditions, to prevent the dan-
ous alarm that this melancholy event was likely
to produce in the minds of pregnant females, it was
verj properly observed, that the universal sensation
thereto} created, was greatly heightened by the well-
known tart, that scarcely more than one woman in
////// thousand dies in chiid-bed ; for it was obvious,
that not only the many excellencies of the Princess
Charlotte's amiable character, and the interesting
relation which she bore to an admiring people, but

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 433

the agonizing thought, that this unusual lot should
have fallen upon the lovely Heiress to the British
Throne, was one of the principal causes which so
sensibly agitated the public mind. — Had it not been
for this judicious observation, it is extremely pro-
bable, that the lives of many Ladies, in similar cir-
cumstances, might have been lost, through the same
nervous forebodings which proved so fatal to Lady
Albemarle, the youthful companion of the departed
Princess ; and the observation is therefore here in-
serted, as a powerful antidote to such groundless,
but too often fatal, apprehensions.

The melancholy preparations for the funeral inter-
ment were now in a forward state. The Royal
Sepulchre was again opened, to admit the remains
of the illustrious dead. This extensive and admir-
ably constructed receptacle, was chiefly from the
design, and in no small degree under the personal
superintendence, of our beloved, venerable, and
afflicted Sovereign himself. It is constructed in
the souterrain of a freestone building, attached to
the east end of St. George's Chapel, in Windsor
Castle, (somewhat in a similar way with the an-
nexation of Henry VIFs Chapel to the east end
of Westminster Abbey,) long known by the familiar
appellation of " Wolsey's Tomb-house." In point
of fact, the building was originally commenced by
the Prince above mentioned, who intended it as a
burying-place for himself and his successors ; but
afterwards altering his purpose, he built the more
noble structure at Westminster ; and this remained
neglected until Cardinal Wolsey obtained a grant
of it from Henry VIII., and, with a profusion of ex-
pense, (for the vanity and ambition of this arch-
favourite were unbounded,) began therein a sump-
tuous monument for himself, whence the building
18. 3 I

431 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

obtained the name of "Wolsey's Tomb-house."
This monument was so magnificently constructed,
that it far exceeded that of Henry VII.'s, in his

apel at Westminster Abbey; and at the time of
the Cardinal's disgrace, the Tomb was so far exe-
cuted, that Benedetto, a celebrated statuary of
Florence, received 4250 ducats for what he had
already done; and £380 18*. was paid for gilding
only half of this monument. The Cardinal dying
Bftortly after his disgrace, was buried in the Cathe-
dral at York, and the monument remained unfin-
ished. In 1640, the statues and figures, of gilt
copper, of exquisite workmanship, were sold.
James II. converted this building into a Popish
chapel, and mass was publicly performed here.
The ceiling was painted by Verrio, and the walls
were finely ornamented and painted. The whole,
however, was much neglected since the reign of
.'ames II.; and being no appendage of the Collegiate
Church, long waited the Royal favour, to rescue it
from a state of decay. This, however, has been
amply extended, by the munificence and solid taste
i I our present gracious Sovereign, who, during the
construction of the Royal .Sepulchre, is said, point-
ing to one of the superior niches, to have observed,
" lb re I shall lie; and I believe I shall not be one
of the worst of those who will occupy this vault."

In the year 1810, an excavation was formed of
the whole length and width of the building, to the
depth of fifteen feet from the surface, and in this
the Sepulchre was constructed. The dimensions of
tin- tomb are seventy feet in length, twenty-eight in
width, and fourteen in depth. The receptacle for
bodies on the sides of the tomb are formed by

wive Gothic columns, of an octagon shape, sup-
porting a range of four shelves, each of which, in
the space between the columns, will contain two
bodies: the whole range of each side admitting
thirty-two bodies. At the east end are five niches,

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA.

435

for the reception of as many coffins. In the middle,
twelve low tombs are erected for the Sovereigns :
and the Sepulchre will thus contain eighty-one
bodies. The columns are of fine Bath stone, and
the shelves of Yorkshire granite. A subterraneous
passage is formed from the vault under the choir
of St. George's Chapel, in which an aperture is
made, near the ascent to the Altar, for the bodies to
descend ; and from the columns springs a vaulted
roof, entirely over the tomb. In this cemetery are
deposited the bodies of the late Duke of Gloucester
and of one of his younger daughters ; and also the
remains of the Princess Amelia, who was interred
Nov. 13, 1810; and the Duchess of Brunswick,
interred March 31, 1813.

The above represents the external Coffin, destined
to contain all that was left on earth of what so lately
was life, and sprightliness, and generosity, and
affection; which, as well as the internal, was, in
every respect, corresponding to the rank of the
lamented occupant. The inner receptacle was of
mahogany, lined and pillowed with white satin, and

MBMOtBS OF H\ER KOYAL HIGHNESS

endoMd in lead. The magnificent Coffin surround
ing those, was of the finest Spanish mahogany, co-
, ,| with crimson Genoa velvet, and decorated
with the asual taournful and heraldic insignia; the
massive bandies, cVc. were of silver, gilt; and the
■ides divided into compartments by many thousand
nails of the same costly materials. A large silver
Plate on the lid bore the following Inscription:

DEPOSITUM,

ILLl'STRISSIM.E PRINCIPISSJE CHARLOTTE AUGUSTJE,

ILLl'STRISSIMT PRINCIPIS GEORGII AUCUSTI FREDERIC!,

PRINCIPIS WALLIiE, BRITANNIARUM REGENTIS,

FILIiE UNICE:

CONSOHTISQUE SERENISSIMI PRINCIPIS LEOPOLDI GEORGII

FREDERICI,

DICIS SAXONIJE, MARCHIONIS MISNIjE,

LANDGRAVII THURINGIJE, PRINCIPIS COBURGI

SAALFELDENS1S,

EXERCITUUM REGIS MARESCHALLI MAJESTATE REGIJE

A SANCTIORIBUS CONSILIIS NOBILISSIMI

ORDINIS I'KRESCELIDIS, ET HONOR ATI SSIMI ORDINIS

M1I.1TAR1S DE BALNEO ECH'ITIS :

OBIIT SEXTA DIE NOVEHBRIS, ANNO DOMINI MDCCCXVII.

JETATIS SUiE XXII.

The following is a literal translation:

The Remains

Of the Most Illustrious Princess Charlotte-Augusta,

The only Daughter of George-Augustus-Frederick,

Prince of Wales,

Regent of Great Britain;

Con>ort of His Serene Highness Prince Leopold-George-Frederick,

Duke of Saxony, Margrave of Misnia,

Landgrave ol'Thnringia, Prince of Cobourg-Saalfeld,

Marshal in His Majesty's Army,

Prifj Counsellor, Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter.

and the Bath, &e.
Died on the Gth of November, in the Year of our Lord 1817,
and in the 22d Year of her Age.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 437

This is engraven in a simple plain manner, and in
no respect distinguished by adventitious ornament.
It is of an oblong shape, and is surrounded with a
plain border. Upon the whole, the Coffin, although
extremely elegant, exhibits none of those gaudy
ornaments which have been so floridly described,
and which, if adopted, would have evinced very little
taste in those who had the direction of the cere-
monies. The Coffin itself is lined with white satin.

At the angle of each panel were corner plates,
on which was engraved a coronet encircled with
palm branches, and the letters P. C. A. the initials
of Princess Charlotte-Augusta. — A transcript of the
preceding Inscription was also engraved on a silver
Plate, inserted on the lid of the interior leaden Coffin.

The Urn, containing the heart of Her Royal
Highness, was of English oak, lined with lead, and
covered with crimson velvet, the sides and top of
which were formed into panels, with corner plates,
&c. decorated as the Coffin. A gold medallion on
the lid contained

P. C. A.
November 6th, 1817.

The above is a representation of the Urn, and the
Coffin of the Infant. This Coffin, like that of the

|38 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Royal Parent, was of mahogany, covered, &c. the
same, with only the difference of while nails. On a
Plate oq the lid was engraved the following Inscrip-
tion :

THE STILL-BOFN MALE INFANT

OF THEIR

ROYAL AND SERENE HIGHNESSES

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA

AND

PRINCE LEOPOLD OF SA XE-COBOURG.

NOVEMBER 5til, 1017.

Late in the evening, of the 15th of November, the
interior Coffins arrived in a hearse from London,
and, to avoid every unnecessary excitement to the
still inconsolable sorrow of Prince Leopold, were
conveyed through a private entrance of the Lodge,
to the Royal Chamber, where the last mournful duty
of consigning the body of the Princess to that
narrow home was performed by the Surgeons, &c.
and witnessed by the superior attendants of the
Household. It is needless to add, that the spec-
tators were dissolved in tears, and that not a word
was uttered to disturb the deathlike silence of the
awful scene; of which the following extract of a
letter, dated Claremont, Sunday, Nov. 16, 1817,
affords an affecting description :

' Last evening was the time appointed for the final enclosure
of the body of the most exalted and beloved of Princesses, in her
( tin., &c. Mr. Marsh, of the Lord Chamberlain's Office,
■rroed early, to superintend the proceedings, which were arranged
so to take place, that the feelings of Prince Leopold might not be
banned by the right or knowledge of any thing that was going on ;
•'lid, at m ven o'clock, when His Serene Highness retired to his pri-
vate room, the Rev. Dr. Short, and Dr. Slockmar his resident Phy-
•iciau, accompanied him; and it was so arranged, that they were

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 439

to remain constantly with him, to engage his attention. Soon after
the retirement of the Prince, the Plumhers, attending for that
purpose, proceeded to solder the lead Coffin. The removal of the
State Coffin from London to this place, had been very judiciously
arranged : it left the house of Messrs. France and Banting, in Pall
Mall, between five and six o'clock, in a hearse, drawn by four
horses, followed by a mourning coach, in which was the outside
Urn, and the outside Coffin for the Infant; another mourning coach
followed, in which was Mr. Banting, one of the Royal Undertakers,
and his assistants. They proceeded on the road in a private man-
ner, unnoticed, and only halted for a short time at Kingston Bottom,
to rest and feed the horses. They arrived a little before ten o'clock,
and entered the Park and the House by the back entrance, in the
most solemn silence. The State Coffin was then conveyed to the
bed-room, where the remains of the Princess were deposited in the
inner mahogany Coffin, enclosed in a lead Coffin, which have al-
ready been described ; they were lifted into the State Coffin, which
is of mahogany, covered with the richest crimson velvet, ornament-
ed in the most splendid and elegant style, and far surpassing any
thing of the kind that has ever been executed. The handles, which
have, on former occasions, been only resembling those of trunks,
have been executed in a manner to have the effect of very handsome
ornaments, highly finished, and embossed with very superior work-
manship. The Urn is ornamented in a similar manner. The
Coffin^of the Infant is covered with crimson velvet, the ornaments
of silver; those of the Princess's Coffin and Urn are highly gilt.
The Plate on the Princess's Coffin was engraved by Mr. Gilbert,
the King's Goldsmith, in Cockspur Street. The spectators of this
mournful and heart-rending performance were — The Baron Har-
denbrock, Sir R. Gardiner, Colonel Addenbroke, Lady J. Thynne,
Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Papenbourg, &c.

" The great object in facilitating this solemn performance, was
to have the whole completed before eleven o'clock, that being
the hour at which His Serene Highness has nightly visited the
remains of his beloved Princess since her decease, to weep over
them, previous to his retiring to bed. Happily, the whole was ac-
complished before the clock struck eleven ; and the persons era-
ployed in the operations retired from view, so that when the Prince
entered the room, he would only behold one coffin substituted for
another."

440 MKMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

On Wednesday the twelfth, His Royal High-
- the Prince Regent visited Claremont, to
behold, lor the last time, the beloved remains of
his departed Daughter. The shock was intense,
and all tin- feelings of the Parent were awakened
to a degree, which for a considerable time it was
found impossible to tranquillize. An unfinished
Portrait of Her late Royal Highness, from the
pencil Of Sir Thomas Lawrence, was immediately
ordered to Carlton House, where it has ever since
been the companion of a Father's solitude, and
almost the only apparent consolation to a Father's
heart.

As the day approached which was to consign all
that could perish of our once lovely Princess to
the hist cerements of mortality, every exertion,
both public and private, was used to give due
effect to the solemnity of the occasion. Arrange-
ments were made for the entire suspension of all
public business in the Metropolis, and for the
performance of Divine Service in all Churches
and Chapels throughout the kingdom. Amongst
numerous other announcements, the following was
issued by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor:

" SMITH, Mayor.

" Mansion House, Nov. 15, 1817.

The Lord Mayor begs to inform the public, that the Mansion

House, and Guildhall, will he closed, and no business will be tran-

I it < ulier place on Wednesday next, being the day appointed

fat tbc Funeral of Her late Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte

of Wales.

The Lord Mayor does not presume to dictate to his fellow-
i itimu what line of conduct they should pursue, as he is persuaded
they will do what is suitable to that melancholy occasion."

" By order of the Lord Mayor,
(Signed) "Francis Hobler."

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 441

It will be an era in the history of our country:
the period announced for the interment of the
Princess Charlotte, was a day of most solemn
and devout observance, not only throughout the
vast Metropolis, and amongst all sects and denomi-
nations of Christians, but throughout the whole
realm of Britain. The Churches were generally
opened as on Sunday, and were crowded in a
remarkable degree; appropriate discourses were
delivered ; and, wherever the Preacher alluded
personally to the deceased object whose Funeral
was the occasion of their assembling, the feelings
of the hearers, as well as his own, were but too
promptly indicated by their gushing tears.

No awful ceremony of this kind, on the demise
of any of our rulers, or of any branches of their
illustrious families, has ever, we believe, been
marked by so general and unequivocal a testimony
of unfeigned sorrow and regret. The Parochial
Churches and the different Chapels, both of the
Establishment and of Dissenters, exhibited the
signs of public grief, by the covering of their pulpits,
desks, and galleries, with the sad emblems of
mourning. Beside the shops being shut up with
a strictness equal to the observance of the sacred
Sabbath; the ordinary business of the town was
suspended, and most private houses had their
window shutters entirely closed. All that custom
ordains as the signs of external sorrow, were to be
seen every where, in the public streets, in the
parks, and in the most retired and obscure parts
of the Metropolis. Unconfined to those with whom
a change of dress is no consideration, the same
sentiment operated with equal effect upon thousands
whose condition approaches closely to difficulty
and poverty. Among those inferior classes, there
were few who could find the means of procuring
any black, that did not eagerly put on the visible
demonstrations of their unaffected sorrow. The
19. 3 k

442 MF.MOIKS OP HER IIOYAL HIGHNESS

Charity children in several parishes bore the signs
of mourning. The Courts of Law, the Custom
[loose, the Public Offices, the Royal Exchange, &c.
if ere closed. Orders were sent to all the Dock-
yards, to prohibit the usual transaction of business.
British vessels, and those of all other nations,
hoisted their colours only half mast high ; and on
the river Thames, and at the different sea-ports,
minute-guns were tired all night. Even the Gam-
bling houses, which are a disgrace to our Nobility
and to the National Legislature, thought it neces-
sary to suspend their debasing work on the day of
the Funeral of the Princess Charlotte: the master
of one of the most famous of these infamous
houses of ruinous resort, issued the following order
on that melancholy occasion :

" Gentlemen are informed, that, in consequence of this

being the day appointed for the burial of Her Royal High-

thc Princess Charlotte, as a proper mark of respect to

her beloved memory, play will not begin till to-morrow at

ten o'clock."

The tolling of the great bell of St. Paul's, ac-
companied by the bells of all the other Churches,
excited much feeling in the evening, when the
mourning crowds were assembled on Blackfriar's-
brtdge; and when the solemn effect was increased
by the stillness of the river, and by the soft clearness
of the moonlight.

The removal of the bodies of the Princess and
the Royal Infant from Claremont being fixed for
biz o'clock on Tuesday evening, the 18th, a nume-
rous party of the 10th, or Prince's Own Regiment,
arrived at. five. Several of them were stationed in
the Park, near the paling, to prevent disorder;
and, at the appointed time, a mourning coach and
drove up to the grand entrance of the house;
soon after which, the coffin, containing the corpse of

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 443

the Infant, and the Urn, were brought out and
placed in the coach; directly after, Sir Robert
Gardiner and Colonel Addenbroke followed, and
entered the coach. The hearse then drove up ;
and the state coffin, containing the remains of the
Princess, borne by ten men, was brought out and
placed within it. The hearse, drawn by eight horses,
was then driven completely out of sight, to prevent
the Prince seeing it when he came out. The coach
which was to convey him being announced to be
in readiness, His Serene Highness then came out
and entered it, attended by the Rev. Dr. Short,
in his full robes. The Baron Hardenbrock,
two Gentlemen Ushers, Lady J. Thynne, Mrs.
Campbell, Mrs. Lewis, and Mrs. Phillips, went in
the other mourning coaches. Every thing was
conducted with the greatest regularity and solem-
nity, and no sounds were audible but the deep
sighs of the few afflicted spectators who were
admitted into the Park. Before half-past six
o'clock the Procession began to move, preceded by
upwards of thirty horsemen, three a-breast, in full
mourning ; and the whole was followed by a party
of the 10th dragoons. Both Walton and Hampton
Court bridges were mentioned confidently as roads
for the procession, but it was finally determined to
go over Walton-bridge, in consequence of the
Commander-in-Chief having ordered Gen. Bolton
to direct a party to ride over the two roads, and
report which was the best.

Great numbers of horsemen and pedestrians fol-
lowed, and the bells of the different churches in
the towns and villages through which it passed
tolled their solemn sounds. The roads were
thronged with weeping spectators, and every house
was closed. At Egham, the escort of the 10th
regiment was relieved by the Royal Horse Guards
Blue, and the Funeral Procession arrived at Wind-
sor shortly after midnight, at a slow foot pace,

4J4 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

and without flambeaux, or any other lights. The
remains of the Princess were then received at
the Lowei Lodge, by the Yeornen of the Guard,
who carried the coffin; and a Guard of Honour,
from the 3d Regiment of Foot Guards, was station-
ed outside.

The Corpse of the Infant, and the Urn, were then
immediately conveyed to St. George's Chapel, and
there received by the Hon. and Rev. Dr. Hobart,
the Dean, the Rev. Mr. Northey and the Rev.
Dr. Cooksoo standing beside him ; with T. B.
Marsh, Esq. of the Lord Chamberlain's depart-
ment, and eiuht Yeomen of the Guard standing
round : the Coffin of the Royal Infant was borne
from the coach by four, and the Urn by two
Yeomen of the Guard. The Body and the Urn were
then gradually lowered by a windlass into the
Royal Cemetery ; where two of the Yeomen descend-
ed to receive them. They were then deposited tem-
porarily on a shelf, previously to their being placed
on the Coffin of the Princess. No service took
place ; and the most awful stillness was preserved
throughout. The hearse then proceeded into the
front court of the Lower Lodge, where the body
of the Princess Charlotte was placed, under a
canopy prepared for its reception. His Serene
Highness Prince Leopold was received and con-
din ted to his apartments by Sir George Nayler,
Knight, and Hale Young Wortham, "Esq. ' the
King's Gentleman Usher in Waiting, attended by
the Officers of the Lord Chamberlain.

The rooms that the Corpse passed through were
covered in every part, walls, ceiling, and floor,
with black cloth; and the adjoining "room, where
it was placed, was fitted up in a style of melancholy

the Coffin,

the ground,

also covered

was placed a

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 445

canopy, with plumes, shadowing the Princess's
coronet, and against the wall was a large escut-
cheon of Her Royal Highness's arras, emblazoned
on satin. Three large candelabras were on each
side of the Coffin, and numerous small wax candles
on all sides of the room. Prince Leopold, his
attendants, &c. alighted at the Lower Lodge, His
Serene Highness having expressed his intention
to sit up all night with the Corpse of the Princess,
or at least to visit it. He did so during the night,
and again at eight o'clock on the Wednesday morn-
ing, when some few persons attached to the House-
hold were afterwards permitted to enter the awful
chamber.

During the whole route from Esher, it was a
fine night, and the moon shone brightly all the
way from Claremont till the Procession reached
the town of Windsor; when, in a most remarkable
manner, the sky became overcast, the moon was
hidden with clouds, and darkness ensued : — this
sudden change visibly affected thousands of specta-
tors, and seemed to spread an additional and
unexpected gloom over the scene of sorrow.

Shortly after eight o'clock, on Wednesday even-
ing, the mournful cavalcade proceeded to the last
abode of departed Royalty. In St. George's Cha-
pel, every preparation had already been made to
add solemnity to the awful scene, by lining the
whole of its interior with black cloth, and by
making every other arrangement that could give
effect to the mournful solemnity.

The Procession of this Sepulchral Pageant, was
in the following order:

Servants and Grooms of Her late Royal Highness and of

His Serene Highness, on foot, in deep Mourning.

Servants and Groom,s of the Royal Family, the Prince Regent,

and their Majesties, on foot, in full State Liveries, with

crape hat-bands, and black gloves, four and four,

bearing flambeaux.

A U> MEMOIRS OF HEU ROYAL HIGHNESS

The full band of the Royal Horse Guards Blue.

THE HEARSE,

Drawn by eight of His Royal Highness

the Prince Regent's Q

Black Horses, fully caparisoned,
~ fa Horse attended by a Groom in full State Livery.

- .: His Majesty's Body Carriage

(Drawn by a full set of His Majesty's Horses, g» £.

■» each Horse attended by a Groom in full State Livery), &* '

conveying 2 ©

3

C <^

His Serene Highness the Prince Leopold, ? go_

__ Chief Mourner, *.

a and g

O their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of York and Clarence,
Supporters to the Chief Mourner.

The Carriages of the Prince Regent, the Royal Family, and the
Prince Leopold, each drawn by six Horses, closed the Procession.

The whole Procession from the Lower Lodge, to St. George's
Chapel, was flanked by the Military, every fourth man bearing a
flambeau.

Upon arrival at St. George's Chapel, the Servants, Grooms, and
Band, filed oft' without the south door.

At the entrance, the Dean and Canons, attended by the Choir,
received the Body; and the Procession, (which had been formed
under the direction of Sir George Nayler, Knt. York Herald,
executing this part of the duty on behalf of Garter), being flanked
by the Foot Guards, every fourth man bearing a flambeau, moved
down the south aisle, and up the nave, in the following order:

Poor Knights of Windsor.

Pages of their Royal Highnesses the Princesses Augusta, Elizabeth

and Sophia,
Mr. Harding. Mr. Moore. Mr. Gollop.

Pages of His Serene Highness Prince Leopold,

Mr. Ammershuber. Mr. Phillips.
Mr. Lyons. Mr. Fairbairn. Mr. Hewett.

Mr. Heock. Mr. Bagster.

Mr. James Sims. Mr. Thomas Poole.

Mr. Henry Florschutz. Mr. Paul Mechin.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 447

Pages of His Highness the Duke of Gloucester,

Mr. Hart. Mr. J. Moss.

Mr. J. Venables.

Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge,
Mr. Urlin. Mr. Sams.

Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex,
Mr. Reblourne. Mr. Blackman.

Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland,

Mr. Salisbury. Mr. Gaspar Perelion.

Mr. J. Ball. Mr. Paulet.

Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence,

Mr. Redwood. Mr. Jeminett.

Mr. Hutt. Mr. Robinson.

Pages to His Royal Highness the Duke of York,
Mr. Luraley. Mr. Silvester. Mr. Gibbon.

Mr. Worley. Mr. Kendal. Mr. Frantz.

Mr. Goodes. ' Mr. Shell. Mr. Patte.

Pages of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, viz.

Pages of the Back Stairs,

Samuel Wharton.

Charles Beckt. Benjamin Lucas.

Pages of the Presence,
Joseph Ince. Thomas Messenger.

John Dobell. George Wedgberrow.

Pages of the Bed-Chamber,
Jenkins Stradling, Joseph Norden,

Robert Jenkins, Samuel Bow tell,

John Wood, Charles Downes, Esqrs.

Pages of Her Majesty,
Christopher Papendick, H. F. Grobecker,

William Duncan, Daniel Robinson, Esqrs.

Pages of His Majesty,
Joseph Bott, John Clarke.

Anthony Healey, William Baker,
John Bott, Henry Cooper, W. Suart, Esqrs.

Solicitor to Her late Royal Highness,
John Smallpiece, Gent.

448 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Apothecaries of Her late Royal Highness,

Mr. Richard Walker. Mr. E. Brande.

Surgeons of Her late Royal Highness,

Mr. Neville. Mr. Robert Keate.

Rector of the Parish of Esher,
Reverend J. Dagle.

Serjeant Surgeons to the King,
>.r David Dundas, Bart. Sir Everard Home, Bart.

Physician to the Prince Leopold,
Christian Stockmar, M. D.

Physicians who attended Her late Royal Highness,

John Sims, M. D. Matthew Baillie, M. D.

Sir Richard Croft, Bart. M. D.

Chaplains to Her late Royal Highness, and to His Serene Highness

the Prince Leopold,
The Rev. Alex. Starkey. The Rev. William Kuper.
The Rev. J. Hammond. The Rev. Dr. Short.

Equerry to Her late Royal Highness,
Lieut. Col. the Hon. Henry Percy.

Equerries to His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester,
Edmund Currey, Esq. Lieut. Col. Samuel G. Higgins.

Equerries to His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge,
Captain White. Lieutenant-Colonel Count Linsingen.

Equerry to His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex,
H. F. Stephenson, Esq.

Equerries to His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland,

Captain Jones.
Major Frederick Poten. Colonel Charles Wade Thornton.

Equerries to His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent,

Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Henry Carr, K. C. B.

Major-Gen. James Moore. Lieut.-Gen. Fred. -Augustus Wethcrall.

Equerries to His Royal Highness the Duke of York,
Lieut.-Col. the Hon. J. Stanhope. Lieut.-Col. Delancy Barclay.

Equerries to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent,

Colonel Seymour. Major-Gen. Sir R. Hussey Vivian, K. C. B.

Sir William Congreve, Bart.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 449

Clerk Marshal and First Equerry,
Lieutenant-General Francis Thomas Hammond.

Military Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief,
Majov-Gen. Sir Henry Torrens, K. C. B.

Quarter-Master-General, Adjutant-General,

Sir J. Willoughby Gordon, K. C. B. Sir Harry Calvert, G. C. B.

Officers of the Duchy of Cornwall, viz.

Solicitor-General, Attorney-General,

William Harrison, Esq. William Draper Best, Esq.

Lord Warden of the Stanneries,
The Earl of Yarmouth.

Chancellor and Keeper of the Great Seal,
John Leach, Esq.

Chamberlain to the Great Steward of Scotland,
Admiral Lord Viscount Keith, G. C. B.

Grooms to the Bedchamber to the Prince Regent,
Admiral Lieutenant-General

Sir G. Campbell, K. C. B. the Hon. Sir Edward Paget, G. C. B.
Lieuteuant-General General

Sir T. Hilgrove Turner, Knt. Sir William Keppel, G. C. B.

General Lieutenant-General

Sir John F. Cradock, G. C. B. the Hon. Edward Finch.

Pursuivants of Arms.

Portcullis,

G. F. Beltz, Esq.

Rouge Dragon, Bluemantle,

C. G. Young, Esq. F. Martin, Gent.

Treasurer of the Prince Regent's Household,
Lord Charles Bentinck.

Heralds of Arms,
Somerset, Richmond,

J. Cathrow, Esq. J. Hawker, Esq.
Lancaster, Chester,

E. Lodge, Esq. G. M. Leake, Esq.

Privy Purse and Private Secretary to the Prince Regent,
The Right Honourable Sir Benjamin Bloomfield.
19. 3 L '

MfcMOIBfl OF HB1 KOYAL HIGHNESS
Lords of the Prince Regent's Bedchamber,
The Right Hon. Lord Amherst The Right Hon. Lord Graves-
Tin- Earl ofDelawam Lord Viscount Lake.
I , i llm s Murray Lord Viscount Melbourne.
The M.ii<|uis of ilcadford. Lord Charles Spencer.

1'. Townsend, Esq. Windsor Herald,

acting for

Norroy King of Arms.

The Rt. Hon. Lord Ellenborough. The lit. Hon. Lord Grenville.

The Lord Bishop of Exeter. The Lord B. of Salisbury.C.G.

The Lord Bishop of London.

The Minister of State of Hanover, and the Minister of Saxony,
Count Munster. Baron de Just.

The Deputy Earl Marshal,
Lord Henry T. Howard Molyneux Howard.

The Earl of Chichester.

The Marquis Cornwallis. The Marquis of Salisbury, K. G.

His Majesty's Ministers, viz.

The Right Hon. Charles Bathurst. The Bight Hon. W. W. Pole.

The Bight Hon. George Canning. The Right Hon. N. Vansittart.

Lord Viscount Sidmouth. Lord Viscount Melville.

Lord Viscount Castlereagb, K.G. The Earl of Mulgrave.

The Earl of Liverpool, K. G. The Earl Bathurst, K. G.

The Karl of Westmoreland, K.G. The Earl of Harrowby,

Lord Privy Seal. Lord President of the Council.

The Right Honourable Lord Eldon,

Lord High Chancellor.

His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Choir of Windsor.

Canons of Windsor.

Dean of Windsor.

Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard,

The Earl of Macclesfield.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 451

The Lord Steward of x _,. i

„. ,, . . , J I he Kings Master of

His Maiestv s / , ri

,T 111 v the Horse,

Household, > ™ ri.i f

„ »r ™ I The Duke of

_ne Marquis of \ _A v n

Winchester. OI , , , 7 Montrose, Jv. Lr.

The Groom of the
Stole,
The Marquis of i

f

Ralph Bigland, Esq. Norroy, acting for Clarenceux King of Arms

.The Coronet of Her
late Royal High-
ness, borne, upon
a black velvet cu-
shion, by Colonel

Addenbroke,
Equerry to Her late
Royal Highness.

Garter Principal King
of Aims, Sir Isaac
Heard, Knt. bear-
ing his Sceptre.

/'The Lord Chamber- "x
Secretary to the Lord \ lain of His Majes-/

"\ ty's Household, /■
/ The Marquis of Hert- \

Supporter,

H. Y.Wortham, Esq.

one of

His Majesty's

Gentlemen Ushers.

Supporter,
W. Woods, Esq.

Chamberlain,
John Calvert, Esq.

ford, K. G.

Supporter,

Robert Chester, Esq.

Gentleman Usher

of the
Privy Chamber.

Supporter,
J. Pulman, Esq.

The
Vice Chamberlain,
Viscount Jocelyn.

Supporter of

the Pall,

the

Right Hon. Lady

Elleuborough.

Supporter of

the Pall,

the

Right Hon. Lady

Grenville.

THE BODY,

Covered with a black
velvet pall, adorned
with eight escut-
cheons of Her late
Royal Highness's
arms, the cothn car-
ried by eight Yeo-
men of the Guard,
under a canopy of
black velvet, borne
by eight Gentlemen
Ushers.

Supporter of

the Pall,

the

Right Hon. Lady

Arden.

Supporter of

the Pall,

the

Right Hon. Lady

Boston.

452

MEMOIRS OF HER ROVAL HIGHNESS

iiis

Royal Highness

llu-
Duke of Clarence,
in a long black
cloak, lli— train
borne bi Rear-Ad-
miral the llonnur-
nlil<> >ir Henry
Blackwood, Bart.
and the Hon.
Courtney Boyle.

The

CHIEF MOURNER,
His Serene Highness

The Prince Leopold,
in a long black cloak,
His train home by Baron
de Hardenbrock, and
Lieutenant - Colonel Sir
Robert Gardiner, K. C. B.
Aides-de-Camp and E-
querries to His Serene

Highness.

His
Royal Highness

the
Duke of York,
in a long black
cloak, His train
borne by Lieut.-
Col. Armstrong,
andLieut.-Colonel
Cooke, Aides-de-
Camp to His Royal
Highness.

His Royal Highness the
Duke of Sussex,
in a long black cloak, his train
borne by Major-General Sir
G. Townshend Walker, G.C.B.
Groom of the Bedchamber, and
Major Perkins Magra, Equerry
to His Royal Highness.

His Royal Highness the
Duke of Cumberland,
in a long black cloak, his train
borne by General Vyse, Comp-
troller of the Household, and
Lieutenant-General Henry Wyn-
yard, Groom of the Bed-cham-
ber of His Royal Highness.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, in a long black cloak,
his train borne by Colonel Dalton, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Cotton, Grooms of the Bedchamber of His Royal Highness.

Lady Gardiner. Lady John Thynne, one of the Ladies of the

Bedchamber of Her late Royal Highness.

Women of the Bedchamber of Her late Royal Highness,
Miss Charlotte Cotes. Mrs. Campbell.

His Majesty's Establishment at Windsor, viz.

Groom of the Stole,

The Earl of Winchelsea, K. G.

Master of the Robes, Vice-Chamberlain,

The Right Honourable Lord Vernon. Lord John Thynne.

Lords of the Bedchamber,
The Right Hon. Lord Rivers. The Right Hon. Lord Somerville.
The Right Hon. Lord Arden. The Right Hon. Lord St. Helen's.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 453

Grooms of the Bedchamber,
Vice-Admiral The Honourable

the Hon. Sir A. K. Legge, K.C.B. Robert Fulk Greville.

Lieutenant-General Vice-Admiral

Sir Henry F. Campbell K. C. B. Sir Harry Neale, Bart. K. C. B,

Clerk Marshal and First Equerry,
General Robert Manners.

Equerries,

General George Garth. Gen. Francis-Edward Gwynn,

Lieut. -Gen. Sir B. Spencer, G.C. B. Lieut.-General W. Cartwright.

Lieut. -Gen. William Wynyard.

Master of the Household,
Benjamin Charles Stephenson, Esq.

Her Majesty's Establishment at Windsor, viz.

Master of the Horse,
Earl Harcourt.

Treasurer of the Household, Vice-Chamberlain,

Major-General Herbert Taylor. Edward Disbrowe, Esq,

Equerries,
Major-Gen. Hon. Sir E.Stopford, K.C.B. Col. Hon. A. P.Upton,

Ladies of Her Majesty's Bedchamber,
The Countess of Ilchester. The Countess of Macclesfield.

Viscountess Melville.

Women of Her Majesty's Bedchamber,

The Hon. Mrs. A. M. Egerton. The Right Hon. Lady Radstock,

The Hon. Mrs. Courtney Boyle.

Gentlemen Ushers,
George N. Vincent, Esq. Charles Rooke, Esq. T. Gore, Esq.

Ladies of the Bedchamber of Their Royal Highnesses the Princesses,
Lady Mary Powlet. Lady Mary Taylor. Lady Eliz. Montague.

Women of the Bedchamber of Their Royal Highnesses the Princesses,
Miss Disbrowe. Lady Campbell. Miss Vyse.

Attendants on Her late Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte,
Mrs. Cronberg. Mrs. Lewis. Mrs. Phillips.

Attendants on Her Majesty and the Princesses,

j.-, I ah. mm IKs OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

l poo entering the choir, the Bo.lv was placed on a platform,
..,,,1 ,|,. Coronet and Cushion laid upon the Coffin. The Chief
Mourner sal on ■ chair placed for His Serene Highness at the
bead of the Corpse, and their Royal Highnesses, his Supporters,
on chain on either side: the Supporters of the Pall sat in their
places near the Body, and the Lord Chamherlaiu of His Majesty's
Household onachairal the feet of the Corpse. The Royal Dukes,
and tli«' Nobility, Kniirhts of the Garter, occupied their respective
Stalls: and tlie Ministers of State, Officers of the Household, and
Others of the Procession, were conducted to their respective
places.

This procession was conducted with the utmost
solemnity, and when it arrived in the choir, the
deepest interest was evinced by a solemn and mourn-
ful silence. The choristers, on their entrance to
the chapel, began to chant the solemn service of
"I know that my Redeemer liveth:" the canopy
followed moving- at a very slow pace : under this
was the Royal coffin, carried by eight Yeomen of
the Guard, and enveloped by the magnificent pall
which was supported by four Baronesses. Prince
Leopold followed the corpse as chief mourner ; and
Ins appearance created the utmost interest; — his
countenance was dejected; and though he made
evident efforts to preserve calmness and fortitude,
yet be frequently burst into a flood of tears. His
Serene Highness walked along with unsteady steps,
and took the seat provided for him at the head of
the coffin. During the whole time of the funeral
Bervice, he preserved one fixed but downcast look
towards the coffin of his beloved Wife; and never
<»nce raised his eyes to the congregation : so totally
was he absorbed in his grief. The Royal Dukes
who sat or stood beside him, watched with much
solicitude, as if they were afraid he would sink
under his affliction. His distress, however, was
tolerably subdued till the moment when the coffin
was gradually lowered into the grave; at this awful

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 455

crisis he was alarmingly moved, though by a strong
effort lie seemed also to conquer even this emotion ;
and the rest of the service passed on without requir-
ing any particular notice. The usual anthems were
chanted with proper solemnity; and the Dean of
Windsor read the awful ceremony with dignity and
pathos.

The music was generally the same as is usually
performed at public funerals in St. Paul's Cathedral
and Westminster Abbev, with the addition of Dr.
Blake's favourite anthem, from the 16th Psalm —
" I have set God always before me." That part of
the service before the interment being read, the
body was again raised on the shoulders of the
Yeomen, and followed by the procession in its origi-
nal order: the whole proceeded up the side aisle to
the mouth of the vault immediately behind the altar,
where the body being lowered into the vault, and
the mourners standing around, the burial service
was completed. Sir Isaac Heard, Knight-Garter,
Principal King of Arms, in a voice more broken
with grief than age, then proclaimed the style of
Her late Royal Highness as follows:

" Thus it hath pleased Almighty God to take out of this
transitory life unto his Divine Mercy, the late most illustrious
Princess Charlotte-Augusta, Daughter of His Royal High-
ness George Prince of Wales, Regent of this United King-
dom ; Consort of His Serene Highness Prince Leopold
George-Frederick, Duke of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen,
Landgrave of Thuringia, Prince of Cobourg of Saalfeld ; and
Grand-daughter of His Most Excellent Majesty George the
Third, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith,
whom God bless and preserve with long life, health, and
honour, and all worldly happiness."

In delivering this, Sir Isaac Heard was deeply
affected. His voice faltered, and he wept; and at
that moment there was not, perhaps, a dry eye in
the Chapel.

l',i; MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

After this lasl sad rite. His Serene Highness the
CM. i Mourner, the Princes of the Blood Royal,
il,t Great Officers, Nobility, and others who had
.1 the procession, retired; having witnessed
that » \ tv part of the most mournful and afflicting
ceremony had hern conducted with great regularity,
decorum, and solemnity. They all returned back
without the state accompaniments, the organ play-
ing the " Dead March in Saul."

The melancholy solemnity was terminated about
eleven o'clock, but tlifc Chapel and the avenues were
not completely cleared until after twelve. At that
hour the whole town of Windsor was full of bustle
:md confusion. The carriage-ways were all blocked
up with vehicles of every description, and the foot-
paths u ere impassable for the multitude of spectators.
rrince Leopold was supposed to have returned to
Claremont almost immediately after the mournful
ceremonial : but it is certain, that an hour after the
other mourners were withdrawn, His Serene High-
; i 98 was found in the vault of death weeping over
the dear remains of his beloved Charlotte; and that
it was only by a friendly violence that he could be
removed. When removed from the vault, and
requ( Bted to pass the rest of the night at Windsor,
His Serene Highness declared his determination
of immediately setting out for Claremont, saying,
" I must return to-night, or I shall never return !"
He had made in the morning a short call at the
Queen's Lodge, and walked for a short space in the
Little Park with the Duke of Clarence. The Queen
and Princesses kept themselves closely confined to
their chambers, as did the Prince Regent at Carlton
House.

All persons admitted into St. George's Chapel
appeared in deep mourning; and no officer was
admitted in uniform who was not on military duty
within the Chapel.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 457

When the hearse reached the entrance of the
Chapel, the crowds of spectators whose tickets of
admission were restricted to the Castle-yard, in the
agony of feeling gave the homage of their hearts.
Sighs, tears, and ejaculations, responded from one
side of the square to the other. Peace to her
manes ! was the language of affliction. — Virtues such
as her's may " walk through the valley of the sha-
dow of death, and fear no evil" — the Stay and
Staff of Israel was with her.

The procession entered by the gate on the south
aisle, through which it proceeded, and moved up
the nave into the Chapel. The aisle on each side
was lined by a detachment of the Foot Guards,
three deep; and it is but justice to the assembled
soldiery to say, that they conducted themselves
with the most exemplary conduct, and evinced their
full participation in the anguish and distress of their
fellow-citizens.

It is rare to see the bosom of a great country so
deeply agitated, and the heart of a noble nation
moved, by a burst of emotion, at once so generous,
so powerful, and so various. But that manly heart,
and those warm emotions, ought now to be relieved
from too intense a pressure. Sensibility was given
by the wise Creator, not merely for the ornament",
but for the use of man; and our best affections are
often wounded, that we may be roused more forcibly
to a sense of our duties — to think, to resolve, and
to reform. This national movement has assumed a
character unexampled in the history of nations.
Foreigners, indeed, may well stand amazed, when
we are alarmed at the solemnity of our own impres-
sions. Esteem, affection, pity, for the illustrious
object, who vanished like a spirit, while the eye
still gazed upon her form ; disappointment of her
own ardent hopes; solicitude for our future, though
not immediate prospects; the combined operation
J9. 3 M

MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

<>l* all these feelings it is difficult, perhaps, to under-
stand. The grief arising out of them is a graceful
sentiment in the breast of any individual: when it
pervades an entire nation, it becomes elevated and
majestic. The English have now displayed an
ardour of temperament, in its nature always noble;
but if abused or perverted, not at all times safe.
They have shewn such attachment to the virtues of
the Royal House, as must shame and repudiate the
charge of unprovoked or general disaffection. Let
their Sovereigns cherish this ardent people; they
are an impregnable defence of a constitutional and
lawful throne: — let their enemies beware of such a
people; for whatever course their passions take,
their vigour will reuder them irresistible. They
have wept over the memory of their Princess with
that ardency with which they loved her, and
though time will calm the agony of their regret,
<the purity of its affection will remain unmoved and
undiminished.

It was a most affecting scene to contemplate a
whole nation, by voluntary consent, without any
command divine or human, without even a recom-
mendation from authority, spontaneously and with
one consent laying aside their ordinary occupations,
and repairing to the temple of God, to testify their
sorrow at this great national bereavement, their
affectionate regard for the memory of the Princess;
and to humble themselves under the mighty hand
of God.

History does not afford us an instance of such
unequivocal, heartfelt, and universal tribute, to the
shade of any Prince or Potentate. For fourteen
successive days the nation presented the affect-
ing picture of one united family mourning over a
favourite child. No courtly sentiment,— no adu-
lation of the great mixed with the feeling that thus
imitated every breast,— for it was thoroughly un-
derstood, and the edifying truth was not even

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 459

disguised, that the mourning for the deceased
was mingled with an admonition to the living.
In looking back on the life of the Princess, they
could not suppress the recollection of the delightful
example she had given in her whole deportment,
and particularly in the sweetness of temper with
which she yielded to the arrangement that was
prescribed as the means of avoiding the splendid
intercourse to which her rank entitled her, and which
might have created jealousy by the political influ-
ence to which it might lead. She lived, therefore,
in the most perfect retirement, and with the most
scrupulous abstinence from all party. Yet such was
the result of this uncomplaining submission, that
the very means chosen to prevent comparison led
to it, and her party became the whole people of the
United Kingdom! Every eye was turned to her,
and to her conjugal tranquillity — she was pointed
out by the matrons as a model to their daughters —
and every patriot heart rejoiced in the prospect,
that a Princess so amiable was next in succession
to the Prince Regent of the realm.

The natural independence of the British char-
acter, and the freedom with which an Englishman
expresses himself on all subjects connected with
his government or their governments, has induced
foreigners to think that we do not feel the same lively
and personal attachment to our Sovereign and his
Family, that used to mark the behaviour of Conti-
nental people. But though our affection is less
ostentatious, it is not the less sincere: and he who,
on the day of the Princess Charlotte's funeral, cast
his eyes over the Europeon face of the British
empire, and who saw the whole people prostrated
before the altars of the Creator, in spontaneous
mourning and sorrow, which had no motive for af-
fectation, will see abundant proof of how sincerely
we are attached to the present Royal Family.

Certainly a greater public calamity has been

•

itfO MIMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

seldom felt, and do individual ever quitted a more
exalted station, with more claims to the affection,
and more incentives to the sorrow, of a whole

nation.

The Grand-daughter of the best of Sovereigns,
v,!,,, ,il character has given a religious bright-

ness to his diadem; the Child of a Prince, who, in
l»i> short reign, has added more to the glory of the
British name, than any of his predecessors; and the
Heir of the Crown, thus embellished by moral
virtue, and by national glory; could not depart
from the conspicuous scene in which she was
placed, without exciting the patriotic sorrow of a
well-judging and affectionate people. But when
these high considerations were brought home to
our own domestic feelings, by the circumstance of
the loss we have suffered, the public sorrow took a
tender tone, and the national feeling Was softened
down into a family affliction, which assumed, in
each individual, the colour which was most con-
genial to each: — One mourned as for a wife, another
lamented as for a sister; parents felt their own
wounds re-open, and their sorrow for their own chil-
dren returned upon their souls: mothers, who recol-
lected at once the throes of their travail, and the
maternal ecstasy which followed them, lamented
that even the consolation of seeing the face of her
child was denied to the Royal and unhappy Mo-
ther; and that she must, before her departure, have
fell some of the pangs which we now feel for her.
— But from all such pangs she is now i'vee.

The tomb has thus closed upon two generations,
from whom we expected a long line of patriot
Princes, continuing to the remotest posterity the
royal diadem in the illustrious House of Brunswick,
lint these fond anticipations, these towering hopes,
are dashed to the earth, and, instead of the joyful
Anthem k Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is
given," we have had to listen to the funeral dirge.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 461

and join in the requiem for the death of two gene-
rations of Princes, in the short space of a few hours.
" O Death, where is thy sting? O Grave, where is
thy victory?" Great, indeed, has been the victory
the Grave has gained ; and deeply do the universal
British family feel this sting of Death.

In contemplating the character of this virtuous
Princess, we may say, with the pious and eloquent
Flechier, " She was worthy of being praised in the
face of the altars of the Lord, by the ministers of
the gospel. When, in these funeral orations, we
have to contemplate those worldly lives of which
we can only praise the end, and the Christian
practices of which are reduced to some acts of
religion done in the course of sickness, it is difficult
not to flatter vanity, to confound fortune with
virtue, and to scatter some of those grains of
incense which we owe to God, upon the world,
which is but an idol. Woe to us, if we praise what
God has not approved — if we consecrate, without
discernment, those virtues purified in haste, on the
point of breathing the last sigh — and if we excuse
years of vanity, because of some days of penitence.
But thanks to Jesus Christ, I am now relieved from
such difficulties and fears. I speak of a Princess
whose virtue was never either relaxed or belied.
Her life was a preparation to die well : and her
death is to us an exhortation to live well. What-
ever action we touch upon is virtuous and pious.
Court intrigues, affairs of the world, state reasons,
are strangers here ; and it is the grandeur of my
subject to be confined to a life all Christian.

" The history of this Princess is not connected
with that of the age : she has no part in the wars or
the peace of nations. Her actions have no greater
eclat than that which virtue gives. The Providence
of God has not made so much use of her to do
great works, as to set great examples. However
honoured she was, she had less reputation than

MM MIMOIRS Of HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

■

merit, and we may literally say of her, what the
Prophet Kin- said, ' that the whole glory of the
King's Daughter was within herself.'— Omnis gloria
FtUti / gis abintus"

The Princess was, indeed, a personage so inter-
esting, i mi sex and age, and circumstances pecu-
liar to li rself, that on no one of the Royal House
could tli hand of death have fallen with a force
that would have been more appalling, or inflicted a
wound that would have seemed more difficult to be
healed. But there are two upon whom the wound
it has inflicted can be healed only in the grave — the
Father and the Husband ; of the Father, whom the
fatal blow has rendered childless ; of the Husband,
exalted, by her preference, from a nominal German
princedom, to reign in her heart, if not upon her fu-
ture throne, and hereafter to hold the hand that held
the sceptre of her hereditary realm, now widowed
both of his love and his hopes, and cast back
into society from an elevation to which, in early
life, even his ambition could not have dared to
aspire ; — of those elder branches of Royalty, to
whom her sudden translation to the invisible world
has <»jx ned a vista of gradual succession to their
Father's Crown; — of Her, who shares that Crown,
and who, at the crisis of this calamity, had just
removed to Bath, for the restoration of her health,
full as she is of years, and rich in honours: — of
these, and of their feelings, we shall only say,
Sacred be their sorrows, and hallowed to their

f resent and eternal interests, the death of their
ovely and lamented relative!

But as in great national calamities men learn,
or ought to learn, great and salutary lessons, we
trus! that no man has since failed to derive benefit
fn.in this awful visitation. It is in the nature of
-I affliction to bring man closer io his Maker, to
revive his slumbering conscience, to give a voice to
hi^ iniquities, and make them pom- themselves in

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 463
v

repentance and prayer at the feet of Him who
alone has power to punish and to forgive — he must
have felt the melancholy event as a visitation from
on high. This salutary impression is enforced from
the pulpit; and in all churches, the death of the
young, the virtuous, and the loved, is the theme of
religious consideration. Men are called upon to
acknowledge the chastening hand of the Almighty,
and not only to bow in humble resignation to his
will, but to search out in their own hearts the
causes of his wrath, and attempt, with sincerity,
to propitiate Him by the most pleasing of all sacri-
fices, the offering of a contrite spirit. If the general
calamity lead to this effect, the Princess Charlotte
will not have died in vain.

We now proceed more particularly to notice the
remarkably solemn manner in which the memorable
day of the Princess Charlotte's interment was ob-
served by the British nation. — At an early hour^
the bells throughout the vast city of London
tolled the funeral knell, which was resumed at
intervals during the day, and continued until twelve
o'clock at night. Among them, the deep and
melancholy tone of St. Paul's struck upon the ear
with a force and effect greatly exceeding all its
melancholy associates. The Standard on the Tower
was hoisted at day-break, half-staff high ; and the
example was followed by every vessel in the river
that had an ensign or union jack to display. In
the different sea-ports, minute guns were to be fired
at night ; and every ship of every nation was to hoist
their colours half-mast high. In all the parishes,
the parochial children were partly dressed in mourn-
ing— black collars and cuffs, instead of red, or blue,
or green, and black bindings round their caps and
badges : the females, with black ribbons on their
gowns and caps. The scene around us was one of
universal mourning. All the upper classes were in

4M MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

full suits of Mack, and persons even in humblest

lit,- were not without some mark or emblem of

Divine service was performed in all the

and Chapels of every religious sect and

ft. Eleven o'clock was iu general the hour

of its commencement.

A few minutes before that hour, the crowd tha*t
hctd ;i> tinbled about St. Paul's, waiting for the
opening of the doors, was more than sufficient to
fill that spacious edifice. It blocked up the streets
mi as to render thorn almost impassable. The fold-
ing doors were closed when the body of the Cathe-
dral was tilled; which was a great disappointment
to those waiting on the outside, as they could not
gain admittance. At the time appointed for the
commencement of the service, those on the outside,
in a numerous body, made a rush iu, to the immi-
nent danger of those in the inside; they injured the
windows and doors, but happily no accident oc-
curred. This caused great confusion and alarm
throughout the Cathedral, and the stalls appointed
in g< m -ral for the choristers were completely filled.
The congregation waited a considerable time for
the seraoe i begm. At length, one o'clock arrived,
and a report was current over the place that -the
service was to be suspended; which report spread
a ^sii>!o gloom on all the congregation, who were
highly respectable, and who appeared to be deeply
sensible of the great loss the nation had sustained.
In const -qucii' e of the great tumult, and leaving
some danger might accrue, the city officers were
sent for, who, after some time arrived, and they
\\>re directed to keep the place quiet, and, if pos-
sil.l. , i » clear the body of the Cathedral.

lne report of the suspending the service being
spread, ii v. as thought prudent to send for the
Lord yor, who was at the time in company writh
Sir >\ iliiam Curtis at another church. He came
mimed lately, and paid the strictest attention to the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 465

comforts of the congregation ; but being incapable
of succeeding, he left the Cathedral. The Cathe-
dral was appropriately fitted in black, the Altar
and Pulpit being covered therewith, and the Coat
of Anus of the Prince of Saxe-Cobourg placed
on the front of the latter. Here Mr. Atwood ap-
peared in the gallery by the organ, and announced,
that in consequence of the Stalls being so very full,
the Service must inevitably be suspended, as they
could not hear it with any pleasure. The Lord
Mayor again appeared, who, we suppose, not hear-
ing the former announcement, expressed his grati-
fication at witnessing so numerous a congregation,
and that the Service should commence as soon as
possible.

They waited in suspense till some time after
the appointed hour, for the Service to commence,
but in vain. Here the Officers attempted to clear
the body of the Cathedral, but to no purpose.
The Lord Mayor then addressed the Congregation,
and said, that the Clergymen had left the Cathe-
dral, and likewise the Choir, and, although he
lamented it as much as any one present, the Service
must naturally be suspended, as there was no Cler-
gyman present to celebrate it; and he hoped they
would retire in a peaceable manner. Here a burst
of indignation, mingled with a degree of feeling,
burst forth from the disappointed multitude, with a
cry of " The Service." A gentleman from one of
the Stalls said, " My Lord, if the Service wili com-
mence when the Stalls are cleared, let somebody
unlock the doors, and I am sure it will be compiled
with, if that was what prevented the Service from
commencing."

The doors being opened, they all left the Stalls,
but the Service did not begin, and the Officers
proceeded to clear the body of the Cathedral ;
some persons they turned out, but others were
more obstinate, and kept their stations ; at the
90 3 n

L66 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

right of the Officers the Congregation seemed
enraged. Some cried out for the Clergyman to
apologize, others for the Lord Mayor, and others
In the seats in the gallery, "Why have we paid our
money.*' A Gentleman in the body of the Cathe-
dral rose, on the Officers ottering to turn him and
his company from their seats; he said, he was sur-
prised that so numerous an assemblage of persons,
collected together to solemnize so melancholy au
event, after waiting so long a time, to have it
announced they could not hear Divine Service: it
was degrading to the feelings of all present, he was
sure. He did not see what right the Lord Mayor
had to use his interference in the case. The Lord
Mayor had told them it was with great pleasure he
witnessed so numerous an assemblage on the occa-
sion, and the Service would commence as soon as
possible ; and he did not see for what reason it
should not begin, as many persons, perhaps, were
prevented from attending other places, in order to
attend there. They had come there — he hoped all
present had — with an intention to pay that respect
to the memory of the departed Princess — [Here the
(■cutlcman was quite overcome by his feelings] —
but, instead of indulging them with what they ex-
pected, they were robbed of that entitled respect
which was due to their country, their Prince, and
their departed Princess. — (Applause.) He thought
the Lord Mayor, instead of preventing the Service
taking place, ought to be the very person who
should cause its commencement. In his opinion,
everj place of worship throughout the United
Kingdom, should unite in deploring the loss which
they had at this time sustained, even the humblest
Of them, and it would be noticed if they did not:
what must it then be for the head of all Churches
to abstain from it, that of the Metropolitan Church?
He woidd advise that the Service should begin im-
mediately, and said, for God's sake do not send

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 467

people home to their dinner without satisfying that
feeling of affection due on the occasion.

At this time Alderman Sir W. Curtis entered the
Cathedral, and addressed the Congregation. He
had just left the place of worship where the Lord
Mayor had been sent for; he enquired what caused
the confusion? On being told, he made a long
speed) to them, and in tears exhorted them to act
like Christian people, and leave the place, as the
Clergy had done, in a quiet and peaceable manner.
[Here many cries were heard against the Lord
Mayor, and for the Service.] He said, neither him
nor the Lord Mayor had any power there; it all
lay with the Heads of the Church, &c. and im-
plored them to act like people that loved their
God, and retire peaceably.

Another Gentleman rose and said, he hoped
their feelings would not be aggravated to that de-
gree, to send them home after waiting so long; he
thought it wrong in the Clergyman to leave in the
manner he did.

Sir W. Curtis assured them the Lord Mayor had
done every thing a good man ought to do; and he
hoped they would leave the Church.

The latter Gentleman said, he had been mis-
guided ; he was now convinced he had accused
the Lord Mayor without just grounds; and was
conscious his Lordship had done every thing that
was right.

The former Gentleman rose, and requested the
Lord Mayor, as the regular Clergyman was not
there, to be so obliging as to send his own Chap-
lain, to satisfy the Congregation. With this request
the Lord Mayor complied; but not being able to
find the Chaplain, or the regular Clergyman, re-
turned, and informed them, that if they would have
patience till three o'clock, Service would commence
without fail; and then left the Cathedral.

The Service commenced accordingly at three

408 lltMOJBS <>F HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

0 ', lock, kill which time all kept their places. A

v iilh' -in, composed for the occasion by Mr.

A i wood, Organist, immediately preceded the

; tin- words are taken from the 90th Psalm,

!.;,;■ terse, "Turn thee again, O Lord, at the last,

I be gracious unto thy servant." The Psalms from

the Se for the Burial of the Dead were used

instead of those appointed for ,the day. The Te

Deuui and Jubilate, composed by Richard Patrick,

. by the Choir; the Litany, composed by

Tallin was chanted by the Choir, accompanied

Organ. In the course of the Service, the

following selection from Handel's Anthem, com-

posed for the Funeral of Queen Caroline, was

performed :

QUARTETTO.

When the ear heard her, their it blessed her,
And when the eye saw her, it gave witness of her.

CHORUS.

She delivered the poor that cried, the fatherless, and

him that had none to help hini.
Kindness, meekness, and comfort were in her tongue :
If there was any virtue, and if there was any praise,
She thought on those things.

QUARTETTO.

Her body is buried in peace.

CHORUS.

But her name liveth evermore.

At an early hour, all the avenues leading to the
Choii in Westminster Abbey were crowded to an
• oever before witnessed on any occasion,
an • ii was with the greatest difficulty the Dean and
Clergj gained admission. The prayers were read
by the Kev. Messrs. Shelton and Webb, two of

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 469

the minor Canons; and the Psalms in the Funeral
Service were used instead of those appointed for
the day of the month. Two lessons suitable to
the. melancholy occasion were especially selected
by the Dean, and read accordingly; after which
Dr. Green's celebrated Anthem, " Lord, make me
to know mine end, and the measure of my days,"
was sung in an exquisite manner by the gentle-
men belonsrina: to the choir. The Dean then de-
livered an impressive Sermon from 1 Cor. xv. 49.
" As we have borne the image of the earthly, so
we shall bear the image of the heavenly." The
happiness of departed spirits, the certainty of
their entering on immediate possession of that
happiness, and the consolation thereby presented
to surviving relatives, were described in a very
able and judicious manner, as were also those
great moral instructions which the late melancholy
occurrence suggested. A considerable number
of Peers and Members of the House of Commons
were present. — The great bell in the Abbey tolled
the greatest part of the morning, and also the
whole of the afternoon and evening.

The Rev. Mr. Blomberg performed Divine Ser-
vice before the Prince Regent, at Carlton House.
His Royal Highness did not quit his room the
whole day, and received no society, except that
of the Duchess of Gloucester.

At the Royal Military Chapel, Whitehall, there
was a company of the Guards at the door to keep
a clear passage to the entrance, the crowd being
very great; the Chapel was filled with Nobility
and Gentry; the altar, pulpit, desk, and the Royal
pew, were covered with the finest black velvet.
A most impressive Sermon was preached by the
Rev. Mr. Howlett, one of the readers, who took
his text from the 90th Psalm, 12th verse; " So
teach us to number our days, that we may apply
our hearts unto wisdom."

170 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

St Margaret's Church was also extremely crowd-
,,|: an excellent Sermon was delivered by the
I; , . William Groves, from 1 Thess. iv. 18. " Com-
fori yr one another." The Speaker of the House
of ( 'ominous was present, attended by several of

the Members.

1 n St George's, Hanover Square, there was a
numerous congregation of the Nobility and Gentry,
to whom a most impressive Sermon was preached
on tin- mournful occasion, by the very Rev. the
|)( an of Chester.

In the German Lutheran Protestant Church, in
the Savoy, the pulpit was placed near the altar,
and covered with black, as well as the canopy
over it; on one of the side walls were two escut-
cheons of the arms of the lamented Princess
Charlotte and her Consort. The discourse was
delivered in the German language.

After the Evening Services were concluded, the
ulterior object of thousands was to hear the deep
and awful tones of the great bell of the Metropo-
litan Cathedral. At eight o'clock either side of
St Paul's Church Yard was nearly impassable.
At that hour, being the moment at which it was
arranged the sad buU magnificent Funeral Proces-
sion should set out from the Lower Lodge, for the
place of Royal interment, the great bell began
its solemn requiem, which vibrated to the hearts,
as well as on t\i^ ears, of the mournful and atten-
tive auditors. It was not, however, mvffltd, and
the intervals of the strokes were less than minutely.
I lie mode of producing the sound was not
through the ordinary process of rotatory motion,
but by means of a rope attached to the clapper
to strike therewith the side of the bell; which
mode has lopg been practised, with the largest
hell in the world, viz. that in the Patriarchal

urch of Moscow, which is called "St. Anne,"
being a present from the Empress of that name

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 471

to the great Church of the ancient capital of
Russia. Next to this in solemn and imposing
tones, vibrated the great bell in the Church of
St. Mary-le-Bow, familiarly known by the appel-
lation of "Bow Bell." Its tones, which are sono-
rous, and not much inferior in strength, though
not so striking a bass, attracted numbers: and
we venture to say, that never on any former occa-
sion, at such an hour of the night, were such
myriads assembled : — they choked up the progress
from the bottom of Ludgate Hill to the eastern
extremity of Cheapside, clad in the sable garb of
woe, and mourning within, as well as in external
shew.

The following interesting extract from the Ser-
vice of the People of the Jews, shews the deep
interest excited by the Princess's death :

" O Lord God ! behold us confessing our sins and transgres-
sions, and presenting our supplications before Thee, O Lord our
God ! — Thou hast put us to silence, and given us water of gall to
drink, because we have sinned against Thee, O Lord ! Alas ! in
secret do our souls weep, and our eyes pour down streams of tears,
for the loss of the Daughter of Britannia's people; every heart is
melted, and all the spirit within us is darkened, for the delight
of our eyes is taken from us, the Princess is departed ! she who
was of the most excellent conduct a virtuous woman, a crown
to her husband, an only child, sole hope of the kingdom, its
pride ! its glory ! and its praise ! the Princess of the kingdom !
Princess Charlotte ! While yet in its greenness, was this rose cut
down. We hoped for peace, and there is no good ; for a time of
health, and behold trouble — dust, in the place of a crown — for in
our expectation we hoped to beho'd the branch of a very glorious
stem ; but now, alas ! the exultation of our heart is destroyed, our
joy is turned into mourning : Vain is the hope of miserable man, if
Thou art angry with him; and vain all his thoughts, if Thou hidest
thy countenance from him \"

The Chapel of the Portuguese Ambassador, was

472 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

attended bj several of the English and Foreign
Nohilitv, to whom high mass was celebrated in a
nost solemn and magnificent manner. The singing
and mafic were excellent. Also, high mass was
celebrated at the Sardinian Chapel, Lincoln's Inn
Fields, in the same magnificent manner.

At Drnry Lane Theatre, which was re-opened
on Friday 21st, and Saturday 22d November, for
a charitable purpose, the greatest respect was paid
to the memory of the illustrious dead, by allow-
ing no performance to take place, except a most
solemn and appropriate selection of music, which
was entitled to the warmest praise. The free-list
was suspended, and not an order admitted : never-
theless, every seat in the pit and galleries was occu-
pied long before the rising of the curtain; and
before the conclusion of the first act, the boxes
were equally full. Upon this occasion the theatre
was hung with funeral emblems ; the pillars were
entwined with bands of black cloth, which were
secured at the capitals by knots of white ribbons.
The box usually occupied by the Princess Char-
lotte was hung with black, the draperies and
front being of the same; and over it was an
escutcheon, with the arms of the Prince Leopold
and his Consort, the latter in a sable field, and
ornamented with true lovers' knots in white ribbon.
The effect of the whole was extremely affecting,
and operated very perceptibly upon the company,
who, during the whole evening, manifested a
state of mind highly creditable to the national
character.

The music selected by Sir George Smart, and
performed under his direction, was most judiciously
chosen, every part of it being exactly adapted to
the occasion. It consisted chiefly of Mozart's
Requiem, (one of the noblest efforts of human
gemus,) the sublime Funeral Anthem of Handel,
and the last act of the Messiah, with the " Dead

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 473

March in Saul," and a few sacred songs intermixed.
The performers who excited the chief attention
were Mrs. Salmon and Miss Goodall. The former
seemed resolved to exert all her astonishing and
delightful powers, to heighten the effect of this per
formance; and her success was undisputed. Miss
GoodalPs unaffected simplicity, her correct taste,
and melody of voice, were never more apparent.
She sang with great pathos, and seemed to be im-
pressed by a recollection of the notice which she
received at Claremont upon one of the very last
occasions that music and cheerfulness resounded
within the walls of that now melancholy mansion.
After the " Dead March in Saul," the following
Monody, written by Thomas Campbell, Esq. was
spoken by Mrs. Bartley:

Britons ! although our task is but to show
The scenes and passions of fictitious woe,
Think not we come this night without a part
In that deep sorrow of the public heart,
Which like a shade hath darken'd every place,
And moisten'd with a tear the manliest face.
The bell is scarcely hush'd in Windsor's piles,
That toll'd a requiem through the solemn aisles,
For Her, the Royal Flow'r low laid in dust,
That was your fairest hope, your fondest trust.

Unconscious of the doom, we dreamt, alas!
That e'en these walls, ere many months should pass,
(Which but return sad accents for her now)
Perhaps had witness'd her benignant brow,
Cheer'd by the voice ye would have rais'd on high
In bursts of British love and loyalty.
But Britain, now thy Chief, thy people, mourn,
And Claremont's home of love is left forlorn;
There, where the happiest of the happy dwelt,
The 'scutcheon glooms — and Royalty hath felt
A grief that every bosom feels its own —
The blessing of a Father's heart o'erthrown —

20. 3o

474 MPMOTRS Of BIH ROYAL HIGHNESS

Tin iii-.-t lx luv.l Mini most devoted Bride
Ton fr*»ni an agonized Ilnsl)and's side,
\\ lio, Ions >»s Memory holds lier seat, shall view
Tluii ipeechlew, more than spoken, last Adieu !
When the (ix'<J eye long look'd connubial faith,
And beam'd affection in tlie trance of death.

Sad was the pomp that yesternight beheld,
As with the mourner's heart the anthem swell'd,
\\ hile torch succeeding torch illuni'd each high
And banner'd arch of England's chivalry —
The rich-plum'd canopy — the gorgeous pall —
The sacred march — and sable-vested wall —
These were not rites of inexpressive show,
But hallow'd as the types of real woe.
Daughter of England ! for a nation's sighs,
A nation's heart went with thine obsequies;
And oft shall Time revert a look of grief
On thine existence, beautiful and brief.

Fair Spirit ! send thy blessing from above
To realms where thou art canoniz'd by love!
Give to a Father's, Husbaud's, bleeding mind,
The peace that angels lend to human kind ; —
To us, who in thy lov'd remembrance feel
A sorrowing, yet a soul-ennobling zeal,
A loyalty that touches all the best
And loftiest principles of England's breast; —
Still may thy nanve speak concord from the tomb,
Still in the Muse's breath thy memory bloom —
They shall describe thy life, thy form pourtray :
But all the love that mourns thee swept away
'Tis not in language or expressive arts
To paint — ye feel it, Britons, in your hearts.

The following accounts, dateH on the day of the
Funeral, from different parts of the United King-
doms, form an interesting supplement to the above
description of the manner in which that day was

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 475

observed in London ; and they will unquestionably
form a glorious and lasting monument to the virtues
and the memory of the departed Princess; and also
to the religious feeling and affectionate loyalty of
the whole British Nation :

Liverpool, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 1817.

The day of the Princess Charlotte's interment
was observed by the population of this town with a
solemnity suited to an occasion so mournful. The
shops, counting houses, and warehouses, were, with
few exceptions, shut up ; the window-shutters of the
private abodes of the inhabitants were closed, and
the blinds down, as if the fairest flower of every
individual family had been struck by the impartial
lance of death : and secular concerns were absorbed
in the awful thoughts which engrossed the attention
of every mind. At an early hour of the day, the
streets were thronged by persons pressing with pen-
sive looks and mien to their respective places of
worship ; all habited in the types of woe, and all
exhibiting on their countenances the most unequi-
vocal proofs of grief. In all this there could be no
affectation.

" A grief like this proprietors excludes :

Not friends aloue such obsequies deplore;

They make mankind the mourner ; carry sighs

Far as the fatal Fame can wing her way,

And turn the gayest thoughts of gayest age

Down the right channel, — through the vale of death."

Gloom, universal and palpable, seemed to brood
over the town ; and a silence so profound, that it
was broken only by the solemn tones of the bells in
different regions of the town ; particularly by those
of the muffled bells of the two Parish Churches,
which tolled their doleful knells till past midnight;
forming an awful contrast to the stillness which

476 M I.MOIKs OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

reigned all around. All the Churches of the Esta-
blishment, ai well as the Chapels of every Denomi-
nation of Dissenters, were opened for Divine
Worship: and an eloquent and very appropriate
address was delivered on the occasion, at St. Mark's,
by the Rev. R. Blacow ; which had a visible and
powerful effect upon a crowded and respectable
auditory. A very excellent sermon was also
preached in the evening at St. Andrew's, by the
Rev. T. Bowstead, to a large and respectable con-
gregation. In the Chapels, eloquent discourses,
adapted to the solemnity of the day, were delivered.
Every temple was crowded with auditors, who testi-
fied their grief by their tears. Every individual
mourned over the widowed hopes and darkened
prospects of the nation ; every heart seemed con-
scious of the public loss. Imagination carried them
forward to the tomb, whose portals would in a few
brief hours close for ever upon the object of their
loyal regard; and so overwhelming was the contem-
plation, that the mind shrunk from it with repug-
nance and dread, as it would have shrunk from the
contemplation of its own dissolution.

Cambridge, Nov. 19.

In consequence of a notice from the Vice-Chan-
cellor, the Noblemen, Heads of Colleges, Profes-
sors, and other Members of the Senate, assembled
at an early hour in the Senate House; and, preceded
by the Vice-Chancellor, Proctors, and Esquire
lit dells, went in procession to the University
Church, (St. Mary's). The Bachelors of Arts, and
Undei Graduates, (in number about 1100,) had pre-
viously occupied the galleries appropriated to them.

On the entrance of the procession, a funeral dirge
commenced, which was succeeded by the heartfelt
and appropriate anthem, " I know that my Redeemer
liveth." An able and impressive Sermon was deli-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 477

vered by the Rev. Dr. Kaye, Master of Christ's
College, and Regius Professor of Divinity, from
Psalm 119. ver. 71. — " It is good for me that I have
been afflicted." After a feeling exposition of the
irreparable loss sustained by the nation, and an
animated tribute to the virtues of the lamented
Princess, the learned preacher adverted to the
benefits which may be derived from a contemplation
of the awful event, and concluded by a forcible and
pathetic appeal to the younger part of his audience,
which evidently found its way to the hearts of all
present. The church was hung with black, and
the universality of the mourning added to the solem-
nity of the scene.

The anthem and music, by its impressive power
over the heart, excited a pious melancholy, and
left the imagination and the senses in a state of
chastened ecstasy : every part of the ceremony was
most solemn and impressive; and what contributed
to the effect was, the orderly demeanour, and silence,
of the immense concourse of people which were
assembled.

" 'twas as the general pulse

Of life stood still, and nature made a pause."

All contemplating with silent sorrow the last sad
duty paid to the memory of England's brightest,
fairest hope; every countenance expressed the
deepest regret felt at the loss ; the different churches
and dissenting-houses were also hung with blacky
and funeral sermons were preached in every place
of worship. In the evening, a dumb peal was rung
at St. Mary's. The respect which a faithful people
were anxious to show to the memory of departed
worth, was here conspicuous, and was manifested
by the corporate body, and inhabitants of the town,
as well as the University, in a manner the most
solemn and the most affecting.

"MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Among the distinguished personages present
were: the Bishops of Ely» Bristol, and Llandaflf,
Marquis Graham, Lord Brecknock, Lord George
Thyone, anil the other Noblemen, Members of the
I Diversity.

All disputations, lectures, and other public exer-
cises, have been suspended for the remainder of the
k. — During the day, muffled beds have been
tollrd at intervals of a minute throughout the town;
nor ha- any mark of respect been omitted, either in
their public or private capacities, by the members
of the University, winch could testify their sincere

ret, and at the same time demonstrate their
ardent attachment to the illustrious Family on the
Throne.

Ramsgate, Nov. 19.

Ever since the intelligence of this heavy calamity
has reached us, our town, at other times so gay
and so animated, has been a house of mourning.
To-day all kind of employment seems, by universal
consent, to be suspended ; the Baths, the Libraries,
and shops, are shut: the Promenade is deserted.
The Churches have been opened. Several hundred
vessels at present in the harbour have their flags in
mourning, and among them ships of all nations.

Americans, French, Russians, Danes, Swedes, &c.
join in paying this last tribute of respect to departed
greatness, In the evening, at the hour when it was
Understood the body of our lamented Princess would
be consigned to the everlasting silence of the tomb,
minute guns were fired from the Pier. The silence
and beauty of the night, broken only by ihe distant
sound of the waves breaking on the shore, added
sublimity, if possible, to the solemnity of the
-n.

As charity and benevolence to mankind is the
best proof, and ought always to accompany our
humbling ourselves before God, a fund has been

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 479

raised for the relief and comfort of such poor females
of this town as may be subjected to the " great pain
and peril of childbirth." Ladies Smith and Frazer,
and Mr. and Mrs. Gundry, are the benevolent indi-
viduals who have taken the lead in this appropriate
tribute, so peculiarly consoling to the feelings of the
living, and honourable to the memory of the dead.

Canterbury.

The Mayor of this place, in consequence of a
previous notification to the Dean, went on Wednes-
day in procession with the Corporation, in deep
mourning, to the Cathedral, to attend Divine Service,
when the Church was filled with a very crowded
audience assembled on the melancholy occasion,
which was as deeply felt in that city as in any part
of England. To the general surprise, the sermon
preached by the Dean made no allusion to the cala-
mity with which the nation had been afflicted :
and what is more remarkable, none of the parish
churches were opened. This has given rise to
much animadversion, and the people in general are
at a loss to account for this singularity.

Lynn, Nov. 22.

Wednesday last being the day appointed for the
funeral of the much lamented Princess Charlotte of
Wales, it was observed at Lynn with the solemnity
due to such a melancholy occasion. Divine Service
was performed at the Church in the morning, and
at the Independent Chapel iu the evening, the pul-
pits, &c. being covered with black cloth ; and most
numerous and respectable congregations attended.
A funeral peal was rung at night on the bells of
St. Nicholas Chapel, during an hour, after which
the great bell, and that of St. Margaret's, tolled
so.lem:ilv another hour, and ceased at elrven. The
shops were shut throughout the day, and all busi-
ness suspended.

480 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Peterborough.

The ^reat bells of the Cathedral and Town Church
irere tolled at intervals during the day. Divine
Service was performed at both places in the morn-
ing and in the evening a most excellent and pathetic
discourse was delivered by the Rev. J. S. Pratt, our
vicar, from the 4th chapter of the Prophet Jonah,
6th and 7th verses — " And the Lord prepared a
gourd, and made it come up over Jonah, that it
mMit be a shadow over his head to deliver him
from his grief. But God prepared a worm when
the morning rose the next day, and it smote the
gourd that it withered," — which caused the tears to
flow as spontaneously from the eyes of our unusually
large congregation, as if they were hearing the
funeral sermon of a near and beloved relation.

Penzance.

The shops were closed, the colours of the vessels
in the pier were raised half-mast high; the bells
tolled, and there was service in every place of public
worship in the town. In the evening the Corpo-
ration, accompanied by W. A. Harris, Esq. High
Sheriff of the county, and a number of naval and
military officers, walked in procession to St. Mary's
Chapel, preceded by a band of music, playing the
M Dead March in Saul:" a number of persons car-
rying flambeaux surrounded the procession. A
most appropriate and pathetic discourse was deli-
vered by the Rev. C. V. Le Grice, from 2 Chron.
wxv. 24. " And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned."
The Chapel was hung with black, and the greatest
solemnity was every where visible.

Northampton.

The day was observed here with unusual solem-
nity; minute bells were tolled during the whole

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 481

*1ay, and the several places of worship were thronged
beyond precedent, since the King's Jubilee : appro-
priate sermons were preached, by which uncommon
interest was excited, and many sympathetic tears
were shed by the auditors ; the shops were closed,
and business was suspended ; and never was so
universal a regret expressed as on this melancholy
occasion. — Oh, lamented Charlotte! "the loveliest
dower of Britain's gay parterre," whose virtues ex-
cited universal admiration, and who already reigned
in the hearts of Englishmen! — Farewell, dear shade!
our great loss is thy greater gain ; nor will we mur-
mur at the inscrutable decrees of Providence, but
"kiss the rod, and silently adore."

Deal

Not only were all the shops, banks, and other
places of business, closely shut, but a great number
of private houses closed their windows; and the in-
habitants, with one accord, gave themselves up to
religious exercises: appropriate, affecting, and truly
pious discourses, were delivered by the respective
Ministers of the Parish Church and Chapel of Ease,
to congregations crowded to excess : nor were the
Protestant Dissenters less forward in testifying
their grief and respect ; their Meeting Houses were
clothed in the garb of woe, and the solemn services
of the day were performed in the midst of lamenta-
tions fervent and sincere. The Mayor and Corpo-
ration, in full but mournful procession, attended
Divine Service at the Chapel of St. George. The
ships in the Downs, and the flag-staffs on shore,
hoisted their colours half-mast high; and, from eight
till nine o'clock in the evening, minute guns were
fired from Sandown Castle, the church bells were
muffled, and, in short, the demonstrations were so
general and so genuine, that the remembrance of
them, and of the occasion which gave rise to them,
will live in this town to the latest posterity.
20. 3 p

MCirOIKB OT HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Weymouth, Nov. 20.

\ tstrnlay, being the day appointed for the Funeral
of the ever to be regretted Princess Charlotte of
Wales, it was observed here with the most mourn-
ful solemnities. The clay was set apart for Divine
worship; and on this melancholy occasion every
shop was shut, every house was closed, and the
Church and different Dissenting Chapels were hung
with black cloth. The Church, both morning and
evening, was crowded to overflowing: all joined
in one devotional tribute of respect to the memory
of the illustrious and lamented dead. The very
Reverend the Dean of Salisbury read prayers with
the most awful sanctity. The Rev. Dr. England,
Archdeacon of the Diocese, preached a most affect-
ing sermon, from the following text — Psal. lxxxix.
ver. 48. "What man is he that liveth, and shall not
see death ?" And in the evening, the Rev. G. Cham-
berlain, Rector of Wyke and Weymouth, delivered
a most excellent discourse from the 75th verse of
the 1 19th Psalm — u 1 know, O Lord, that thy judg-
ments are right, and that thou of very faithfulness
hast caused me to be troubled."

If the rest of the British people bewailed deeply
the loss of this amiable Princess, it may be allowed
to us to indulge in agonizing grief — to us, who have
been accustomed to see this endearing Princess
form a part of that congregation which yesterday
heard the Reverend Divines point out, in true and
eloquent colours, her incomparable virtues. We
had witnessed, during two successive seasons which
she passed among ns, those charitable dispositions,
those affable and endearing manners, those elegant
attainments, which formed her bright character.
T'1H nents of her mind and accomplish-

• an ornament to any station ;
put wh looked forward to the period when,

in the course of events, she was to rule a mighty

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 488

■empire, we contemplated them with feelings of the
greatest satisfaction — but, alas ! our hopes have been
disappointed ! She, who a few days ago, (in the
words of the late Mr. Burke,) was "full of life, of
splendour, and joy," young in years, rich in wisdom,
adored and beloved by her Royal and affectionate
Father, inexpressibly endeared to the best of Hus-
bands, an example of every virtue, a nation's pride
and hope, has been suddenly taken from us] The
all-wise Disposer of events has, for the purposes of
his unerring wisdom, thus chastised the people;
and it is not for us to arraign the ways of Provi-
dence.

By the numerous charitable institutions in this
town, which she patronized and promoted, her loss
will be long and severely felt. By the inhabitants,
her death is universally and deeply lamented, as if
all had been deprived of a near relative. Perhaps
in no part of the British empire has our venerable
Sovereign and his Family been better known ; nor
can any be more endeared to their nearest de-
pendant, than the Family of our gracious Sovereign
has been to the inhabitants of this town.

Birmingham, Nov. 21.

A numerous and highly respectable meeting
assembled this day, for the purpose of addressing
the Prince Regent on the melancholy event which
has robbed him of a Daughter, and the nation of a
future Sovereign. The solemn occasion was dis-
tinguished by a perfect unanimity of sentiment.
The Address was moved by the Rev. Dr. Outram,
of St. Philip's Church, who dwelt with mournful
fondness upon the rare and estimable qualities of
the Princess, as a bright example of social and
domestic virtues.

After the Address had been agreed to, and or-
dered to be transmitted by the County Members to
the Secretary of State for presentation, the Rev.

4>U mi KOIRS 01 HER ROYAL HIOHM

» Q(irn r0s( I.) move a similar Address of Condo-
lence to the afflicted Consort of Her Royal High-
Altbough such a proceeding was not con-
iplated in the Summons to the Meeting, yet he
fell he should stand excused before the Meeting- for
deviating a little from the strict forms of proceeding
on public occasions. The Reverend Gentleman
then expatiated upon the virtues of Prince Leopold,
and remarked, that in the dreadful interruption
which his happiness and his prospects had sus-
tained, he must feel as though the world had sunk
under him, and he was left an insulated being. But
in the midst of this overwhelming and comprehensive
grief, Providence had permitted some good to spring
up. The sentiments which had been uttered from
every part of the empire, on this mournful event,
proved that, however men might differ upon points
of doubtful disputation, there still existed an attach-
ment to the House of Brunswick, which the collision
of opinions could not shake; that the stamina of
loyalty were unimpaired; and that the reverence and
love for those institutions, which were the sources
of our glory, and the safeguards of our liberties,
were fixed in the hearts of the people. The Address
was voted with the greatest cordiality; and, after the
usual routine of business, the Meeting broke up.

Stamford.

The day on which the mortal remains of the ever
to be lamented Princess Charlotte were consigned
to the tomb, was observed in this place with pro-
found respect. The ordinary occupations of life
were wholly suspended, and the shops of the trades-
men remained shut from Tuesday night until Thurs-
day morning. Divine Service was performed on
Wednesday at three of the Churches of the town:
the Corporation attended at St. Mary's in the morn-
ing, where the Mayor's Chaplain, the Rev. Mr.
Butt, delivered an impressive discourse from Pro-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 485

verbs, chap, xxvii. ver. 1. "Boast not thyself of
to-morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may
bring forth." — In the evening, from seven to eight
o'clock, half-minute bells were tolled at all the six
Churches of the town; and there was Divine Service
at the Independent Chapel, where the Rev. George
White preached an eloquent and pathetic Sermon
to a crowded and attentive congregation, from the
15th chapter of Jeremiah: "She hath given up the
ghost ; her sun is gone down while it was yet day."

Grantham.

The day was observed in the following manner: — •
The minute bell commenced ringing at nine in the
morning, the whole of the shops were closed at
twelve, and, at three in the afternoon, the Alder-
man, and other members of the Corporation, (with
scarcely an exception) proceeded in respectful form
to Church, a dumb peal of half an hour having
been rung previously to the assembling of the con-
gregation, which was the largest remembered for a
long time. The Service was performed by the Rev.
W. P. Thackray, Sequestrator, whose selection of
the Lessons was very judicious, and whose Sermon
(from the 19th verse of the 3d chapter of Genesis)
was appropriate to the solemn occasion. When the
Service was over, another dumb peal was rung,
which was followed by the minute bell's striking
twenty-two times, (the years of the Princess's age,)
'succeeded by twenty-two changes on the dumb
bells, which was again followed by twenty-two
blows on the minute bell ; changes and minute bell
continuing to succeed each other till eight o'clock ;
afterwards, the minute bell alone till ten in the
evening.

Ely.

Wednesday, the 19th of November, 1817, being
the day on which the remains of our beloved and

-JHO MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS ,

much lamented Princess Charlotte were committed
to Ihe silent tomb, the Rev. William Kellett, of
March, in the Isle of Ely, preached an affectionate
and impressive discourse, from the 10th, 11th, and
1 2th verses of the 88th Psalm, to a very numerous
and highly respectable congregation in that place.
The Pulpit, Reading-desk, Altar, and Singing Gal-
lery, were respectively hung with black cloth :— the
shops of the different tradesmen were completely
closed ; and the inhabitants seemed to vie with each
other in shewing every mark of respect to their
deceased Friend. There was scarcely a person
to be seen who did not evince their attachment to
her by their external appearance; and all classes
of people appeared most sensibly depressed by the
loss they had sustained.

Bury St. Edmunds.

Although it was found impracticable timely to
alter the day of our market, yet the request of the
Alderman of this Borough to suspend all business
soon after noon on Wednesday last, was generally
complied with; indeed the shutters of numerous
private houses and many shops were half closed
early in the morning, and wholly so at the time
appointed, when the markets were quickly cleared.
The great bell had been kept tolling from morning-
dawn : — In short, no mark of respect was wanting
which could add to the solemnity of the day, and**
the thoughts of every one seemed directed towards
the approaching ceremony. In the evening, the
bells gave notice of Service in the Churches by a
most awful muffled peal, which, added to the still-
s of a clear moonlight night, had a peculiarly
solemn effect. Never was known in this town
so large a congregation as attended St. Mary's
Church. For some time before the doors were
opened, the crowd was so excessive as to render

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 487

the street almost impassable, and when admit-
tance was gained, the rush was so great as to
excite some alarm in the females, and a few cause-
less screams were heard. The aisles and all the
pews were immediately filled indiscriminately, and
the regular parishioners, after reaching their own
seats with the utmost difficulty, had the mortifica-
tion of finding many of them occupied. During
the whole of the Service, the aisles were thronged,
and the pressure against the pews was extreme.
In the usual Evening Service, most appropriate
psalms and hymns were introduced ; and the
lessons were extracted from the Burial Service.
But we want words to describe the beautifully
pathetic sermon so feelingly delivered by the Rev.
Henry Hasted, from Job xix. 25, 26. " I know
that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand
at the latter day upon the earth : and though,
after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my
flesh shall I see God." The Service at St. James's
Church commenced with Martin Luther's Hymn,
sung in good style by Master Westrop, of Lavan-
ham, and others, whom Mr. Harrington, (the or-
ganist) had engaged for that purpose. After the
first lesson, the " Dead March in Saul" was per-
formed, and afterwards the Anthem, the same
which was sung at Windsor, from Psalm xvi.
" I have set God always before me." The Rev.
Mr. Mills delivered a very able and appropriate
discourse from 1 Cor. xv. 19. " If in this life only
we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable." After the Sermon, the following
Hymn, taken from chap. iii. of the Book of Wis-
dom, was sung at both our parish Churches:

The right'ous souls that take their flight,

Far from this world of pain,
tn God's paternal bosom blest,

For ever shall remain.

48H iEMOlRfl 01 m.li ROYAL HIGHNESS

To mindfl unwise they seem to die,

All joyful hope to cease;
Whilst, they, secur'd by faith, repose

In everlasting peace.

For at the great, the awful day,

When Christ descends from high,
With myriads of angelic Saints,

They'll meet him in the sky.

Their God, their Judge, their mighty Lord,

Shall pour redeeming grace,
And call them ever to behold,

The brightness of his face.

After Service, the muffled peal was continued till
after midnight ; rendering it altogether a more im-
pressive and solemn commemoration of public cala-
mity than has ever before been witnessed in this
town.

Divine Service was also performed at the Rev.
Mr. Dewhirst's Independent Meeting, which was
extremely crowded in all its parts ; and where a
very apposite discourse was delivered by that
respected Minister, from Hebrews ix. 27. " It is
appointed unto men -once to die." A very affect-
ing Sermon was likewise preached by the Rev.
Mr. Scargill, at the Unitarian Chapel, (the pulpit,
&c. of which were hung with black,) from Jer. xv. 9.
11 Her sun is gone down, while it was yet day." —
The Wesleyan Chapel was also fully attended :
indeed, but one sentiment of grief prevailed with
til sects of Christians!

Lincoln.

It having been announced from authority that
the Funeral of our lamented Princess Charlotte
would take place on Wednesday, the inhabitants
of this city have shown that they fully sympathize

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 489

with their fellow subjects in every part of the
United Kingdom, in the feelings of respect and
sorrow on the occasion. The Mayor issued a few
days before a request that all shops might be
closed during Divine Service on the 19th, which
was complied with by a general and close shutting
up during the whole day. At the cathedral, the Dean
preached, to an unusually crowded congregation, a
very suitable and excellent Sermon, from Psalm
Ixxxix. 48. " What man is he that liveth, and shall
not see death?" The composition was highly
honourable to the very Reverend Preacher: in dwell-
ing upon the painful occasion of the solemnities of
the day, he added, to a correct and judicious strain
of eloquence, a portion of pathos that was strongly
felt by a great part of his audience ; and he con-
cluded by a very excellent practical appeal to his
hearers, which, to use his own words, went directly
home to their " business and bosoms," by incul-
cating a sense of the shortness and vanity of this
life, and our obligations to prepare for another.
The service was performed without organ or sing-
ing except the appropriate anthem.

There was Divine Service and a Sermon at each
of the eight parish Churches. The three compa-
nies of the 95th Regiment, and the Staff of the
North Lincoln Militia, marched to Church by the
beat of muffled drums. Great Tom in the after-
noon sent out his mighty toll, and in the evening
alternate peals of muffled bells were rung from
the Cathedral and St. Peter's. The churches were
hung with black, every individual appeared in sable
habiliments, and this ancient city displayed every
possible mark of affectionand regret.

Sheffield, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 1817.

Wednesday last, having been appointed for the
interment of the remains of the lamented Princess
21. 3q

Mr.MOlKS OF HKK ROYAL HIGHNESS

Charlotte, and her l>al)c, the whole nation, by a
consentaneous impulse, seemed of one heart and
one mind, to solemnize the same as a day of public
mourning and humiliation, at the footstool of that
righteous, and just, and merciful Being, by whose
unsearchable counsels, the cion and the bud, the
blossom and the fruit, the promise and the pledge
of Royalty, had been removed from the eyes and
the hopes of a desiring and expecting people. No
sabbath in our remembrance, nor any day of fast-
in.; and prayer commanded by public authority,
was ever more apparently observed with serious-
ii« >s of thought, and devotion of feeling, than was
this voluntary consecration of that day to religious
exercises, and to mournful, yet tenderly soothing,
and awfully sublime contemplations of what she
tens, of what she is, of what she may be, who lately
lived, and breathed, and moved amongst us, — who
lives, and hreathes, and moves on earth no longer,
— but a spirit among spirits ; whose very infant,
amidst the realities of eternity (unseen, unheard,
and unconceived, by eye, or ear, or mind of mortal
man) already knows more than all the wise, the
good, or even the inspired, have ever known in
the body, of that state into which souls are born
in death.

Divine Service was performed in all the Churches
and Chapels, in the presence of crowded and
deeply affected audiences, to whom faithful and
very seasonable exhortations were delivered by the

pective Ministers ; including at once the most
awful warnings, and the most delightful consola-
tions of the gospel, — persuasion by the terrors of
the Lord, and constraint by the love of Christ.

The children of the National Schools, and the
Church Sunday Schools, attended at the several
Churches ; where their young voices, mingling with
those of the congregation in the occasional psalms
nnd hymns, produced a very sweet effect.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 491

The children of the Lancasterian Boys' and
Girls' Schools were assembled, in the large room,
in Gibraltar Street, nearly to the number of 1*250,
where they were suitably addressed on the mourn-
ful occasion, both in the forenoon and afternoon,
by friends who were present. A number of other
boys having assembled in the yard, and manifest-
ing; a desire to be admitted, it was found on inquir-
ing that they had formerly been scholars there
themselves. Of course they were immediately and
cordiallv welcomed to the School Room.

A Meeting of the Independent Congregations
was held in the evening, at Queen Street Chapel,
when Messrs. Docker, Richards, Smith, and Boden,
discussed with great pathos and reverence to the
subject, the variety, mystery, and equity, of the dis-
pensations of Divine Providence.

After all the places of worship had been closed,
minute guns were fired for two hours from the
Barrack ground, by order of Lieut.-Col. Fenton,
announcing the last ceremonial ever to be perform-
ed on earth, in honour of the deceased Princess,
in St. George's Chapel, Windsor. These deep-
toned heralds of the closing tomb, and the muffled
bells, slowly pealing, or striking their mournful and
solitary sounds, (at intervals of the long protracted
knell,) awakened sensations consonant to the duties
and solemnities of the day.

Edinburgh, Nov. 20.

Last night, being the time appointed for the
Funeral of the Princess Charlotte of Wales, the
same was observed in this city with becoming
solemnity. On Monday, a notice was issued by
the Magistrates, informing the inhabitants that the
Churches would be opened for Divine Service
at two o'clock yesterday afternoon, and suggest-

MOWS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

ins to their fellow citizens the propriety of clos-
ing thnr Bhops, &c. at that hour; which was fully

(I upon. At one o'clock the bells began to
t,,||, and before half past, every office and shop
shut up, and all business suspended. At
four o'clock the bells again tolled till five; again
at >i\, and continued till right. The streets were
remarkably quiet throughout the evening.

In the High Church an excellent and appro-
priate Sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr.
David Ritchie, of St. Andrew's Church, from
Job iii. v. 19. "The great and small are there,"
before the Lord Provost and Magistrates, the
Lords of Session, the Lord Advocate, the Com-
mander of the Forces, the Officers of the North
British Staff", and a number of other Military
Officers, and one of the most crowded audiences
we ever saw in that Church. All persons seemed
deeply affected. Sermons suitable to the solemn
occasion, were preached in the different Establish-
ed Churches and Episcopal Chapels of this City,
with the exception of St. Cutbbert's, St. George's,
and St. Andrew's (the latter under repair), and in
almost every other place of public worship; and all
were well attended.

The vessels in Leith harbour and the ri ads had
their flags hoisted half-mast high, and the flags on
the Castle and Nelson's Monument were displayed
in the same manner. The bells in the different
steeples were tolled at intervals from one to eight
o'clock: and a very solemn and striking effect was
produced by the tiring of minute guns from the
Hag-ship in the roads, which continued from eight
to ten o'clock, and which, heard through the
silence and darkness of our deserted streets, recalled
to mind, in ;i very impressive manner, the funeral
rites which in a distant quarter were at that moment
closing over the grave of our beloved Princess and
her Child.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 493

Glasgow, Nov. 20.

The day of interment of the Princess Charlotte
was yesterday kept with a solemn expression of
the deep sorrow that so severe a national calamity
has impressed upon the hearts of the people.
Business was universally deferred ; and the gloom
of the inhabitants was marked by all the habili-
ments of deep mourning. The churches were
imusally crowded, and a willing sympathy was
every where expressed with the pathetic sentiments
delivered from the different Established and Dis-
senting pulpits. It fell to our lot to witness the
brilliant, affecting, and admirably eloquent dis-
course of our great Preacher the Rev. Dr. Chal-
mers ; several passages of which were spoken with
such fervour, energy, and pathos, as have probably
never been surpassed, if they have ever been
equalled, in modern times. In particular, when
he painted the death of the lovely sufferer, and
sculptured out, with such fidelity to nature, the
bitter and forlorn and desolate condition of her
surviving Husband, every eye gushed with tears.

In the course of a long sermon, he was led to
discuss some political questions with a firmer tone
of independence than be has used since he came
to Glasgow. He severely reprimanded those who
complied with the solemnities of the Court, while
they neglected the ordinances of Christianity. He
signified the strongest disapprobation towards those
creatures of Ministers, whose servility was ready
on every occasion ; and who, provided peace and
obedience were maintained by the poor, were
altogether reckless of their temporal or eternal
happiness. In the last division of his discourse
he enforced the necessity of new Churches, and
mentioned twenty as the number required for
Glasgow.

Appropriate sermons were also delivered in the

4f>4 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

M Churches, Chapels, and Meeting-boo*
c!i were well attended: and the bell- tilled
from three to ri\e. and again from nine to ten at
\ jh the shopkeepers had been reqw

shut their shops onlj from tv\o to rive o'clock,
rally continued them shut the whole
afternoon; even! (fee-room, that place of per-

petual buzz. e\en on a Sunday, was nearly deserted.

Dublin.

\ esterd is a dav of mourning in Dublin. All

the Public Oinces. Law I Custom House,

Post Office, Boa; Is, Instituti- I, Libraiies, and
Sho;»s. wire closed. No newspapers, (a thins: un-
precedented, we believe, in the annals of the diurnal
press, were published yesterday. No carriages
were seen in the street-, except a few taking the
elder branches of the gentry to and from public
worship. Also the Churches, Protestant, Carbolic,
ami Dissenting, "f all denominations, were crowded
with thrir i - tive members: and. for the first
time in Iielaml. not a single individual appeared in
the street Out of mourning. National joy is a verv
lively and striking i xhibition. We are sure that
onal sorrow, as it is more touching, i< calcu-
lated, in a still greater degree, to shew the character
of a people in a more amiable and interesting point
of new. The first partakes, in some respect, of
fisbnees and pride: the latter manifests gratitude
and affec . ititude too of the purest kind, and

affection which has a tincture of the Divinity. Those
who have witnessed the exhibition of yesterday,
tho>e who have participated in the solemn rites
the day, (and who i s will newer forget the

impression it has left behind.

===== Paris.

The English at Paris celebrated a Funeral Ser-
vice on Sunday last, for the Prince-s Charlotte, in

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 45-J

the Temple de TOratoire, Rae de Saint Honore :
an English [Minister preached a Funeral Sermon.
And it was particularly observed by the French
journalist- at on that evening not a single
Englishman was seen at any of their places of public
amusement.

Brussels, Nm\ 19.

A Funeral Service was performed this morning
in the Protestant Church of the ancient Chapel of
the Court, on account of the death of Her Roval
Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wale- All the
English who were present at this pious ceremony
were in deep mourning : a part of the Church was
hung with black, fitted up with crape. The silence
and devout grief of all who were present, gave to
this ceremonv an air of gloom and solemnitv.

The following application and improvement of
this awful event, we extract from one of the most
admired Sermons* to which it gave rise: in which,
tir-t addressing himself to those who are the inhe-
ritors of rank and power, and speaking of their
delusive and fascinating tendencies, the Preacher
proceeds with this impressive admonition:

•■ Let their ± rs remember, however, that they most

shortly be divested of the brilliant appendages and splendid
distinctions of rank and station, and enter into a world where
they are unknown; where they will carry nothing but the
essential elements of their being, impressed with those inde-
lible characters which must sustain the scrutiny of Omni-
science. These artificial decorations, be it remembered, are
not, properly speaking, their own : the elevation to which

Sermon by tLe Rev. Robert Hall, of Leicester, pc -

406 MEMOIRS OF HEB ROYAL HIOHNESS

ili.-v belong is momentary; and as the merit of an actor is
not estimated bj the part which he performs, hut solely by
the troth and proprietj of his representation ; and the peasant
is often applauded where the monarch is hissed ; so when the
,i drama of life is concluded, Me, who allots its scenes,
and determines its period, will take an account of his ser-
vants, and assign to each his punishment or reward, in his
proper character. The existence of a perfect and eternal
Maid, renders such an order of things necessary; for with
whatever skill society may he organized, still it will make
hut a faint approximation to our limited conceptions of
justice: and since there is an original Mind, in which these
ideas subsist in their utmost perfection, whence the finite
conception of justice is transcribed, they must, at some
period or other, be realized. That they are not so at present,
is obvious. Merit is often depressed, vice exalted ; and,
with the best regulations of human wisdom, executed with
the utmost impartiality, malevolence will ever be armed with
the power of inflicting a thousand nameless indignities and
oppressions, with perfect impunity. Though the efficacy of
human laws is far more conspicuous in restraining and punish-
ing, than in rewarding, in which their resources are ex-
tremely limited, it is only those flagrant offences that disturb
the public tranquillity to which they extend; while the silent
stream of misery, issuing from private vice, which is inces-
santly impairing the foundations of public and individual hap-
piness, by a secret and invisible sap, remains unchecked.
The gradations even of rank, which are partly the cause, and
partly the effect of the Jiighest social improvements, are
accompanied with so many incidental evils, that nothing but
an enlarged contemplation of their ultimate tendency and
effect, could reconcile us to the monstrous incongruities and
deformities they display, — in wealth, which ruins its possessor;
titles, which dignify the base; and influence, exerted to none
but the most mischievous purposes. The enlightened ob-
server of human affairs is often struck with horror at the
consequences incidentally resulting from laws and institutions
which, on account of their general utility, command his un-
feigned veneration. These are the unequivocal indications
"I a fallen state ; hut since it is also a state of probation, the
irregularities by which it is distinguished, in the frequent
exaltation of the wicked, and the humiliation and depression
of the righteous, are such as furnish the fittest materials for
trial. What state, let me ask, is better calculated than the
present, to put it to the test, whether we will suffer ourselves

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 497

to be swayed by the dictates of reason, or the fascinations of
pleasure ; whether we will allow the future to predominate
over the present, the things that are invisible over those that
are seen, and preferring an eternal recompense with God, to
the transitory objects of concupiscence, submit to be con-
trolled by his will, and led by his Spirit.

" Whatever reception these views may meet with, one
thing is certain, that it is invariably the most necessary they
should be impressed on those to whom they are most unwel-
come ; and that if there be any one description of persons
more in danger than another of being- lulled into a forgetful-
ness of future prospects, it is to them especially the warning
voice should be directed, the eternal world unveiled. And
who but will acknowledge, that this danger is especially
incident to such as bask in the smiles of fortune, and pos-
sessing an unlimited command over the sources of enjoyment,
are bound to the world by the most vivid associations of plea-
sure and of hope. ' Give me neither poverty nor riches,'
said one of the wisest of men, ' lest I be full, and deny thee,
and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and
take the name of God in vain.' While riches exempt their
possessors from the temptation of meaner vices, his obser-
vation taught him their peculiar exposure to practical impiety,
and to that forgetfulness of God which is the root and core
of all our disorders.

" Let them turn their eyes then for a moment to this illus-
trious Princess ; who, while she lived, concentrated in herself,
to the utmost degree, whatever distinguishes the higher orders
of society, and may now be considered as addressing them
from the tomb.

" Born to inherit the most illustrious monarchy in the
world, and united at an early period to the object of her
choice, whose virtues amply justified her preference, she
enjoyed (what is not always the privilege of that rank) the
highest connubial felicity, and had the prospect of combining-
all the tranquil enjoyments of private life, with the splendour
of a royal station. Placed on the summit of society, to her
every eye was turned, on her every hope was centred, and
nothing was wanting to complete her felicity, except per-
petuity. To a grandeur of mind, suited to her illustrious
birth and lofty destination, she joined an exquisite taste for
the beauties of nature, and the charms of retirement ; where,
far from the gaze of the multitude, and the frivolous agitators
of fashionable life, she employed her hours in visiting, with
her illustrious Consort, the cottages of the poor, in improving-

21. 3 R

I! MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

her villus, in perfecting her reason, and acquiring the know-
ledge besl adapted td qualify licr for the possession of power,
and the carefi of empire, One thing- only was wanting 1o
oar satisfaction complete, in the prospect of the act

rion of snfch a Princess: it was, that she might become the
living mother of children; an event which the nation passion-
ately desired.

•• Hie long wished for moment at length arrived ; but, alas !
the eVent, anticipated with such eagerness, will form the most
Fancholy page in our history.

" It is no reflection oh this amiable Princess to suppose,

that in her early dawn, with the * dew of her youth so fresh

upon her,' she anticipated a long succession of years, and

acted to be led through successive scenes of enchantment,

ig above each other in fascination and beauty. It is

natural to suppose she identified herself with this great people

whom she was destined by her birth to govern, and that while

she contemplated her pre-eminent lustre in arts and in arms,

her commerce encircling the globe, her colonies diffused

through both hemispheres, and the beneficial effects of her

institutions extending to the whole earth; she considered

them as so many component parts of her grandeur. Her

heart, we may well conceive, would often be milled with

emotions of trembling ecstasy, when she reflected that it was

her province to live entirely lor others, to compose the felicity

of a great nation, to move in a Sphere which would afford

Scope for the exercise of philanthropy the most enlarged,

of Wisdom the most enlightened; and that while others are

doomed to pass through the world in obscurity, she was to

supply the materials of history, and to impart that impulse to

(\, which was to decide the destiny of future generations.

'1 with the ambition 6f equalling, or surpassing, the most

distil led of her predecessors, she probably did not despair

of reviving the remembrance of the brightest parts of their

story, and of once more attaching the epoch of British glory

l" the annals of a female reign. It is needless to add, that

the nation went with her, and probably outstripped her in

elightful anticipations. We fondly hoped, that a life

so inestimable, would be protracted to a distant period, and

that after diffusing the blessings of a just and enlightened

administrati n, and being surrounded by a numerous progeny,

she would gradually, in a good old age, sink under the hori-

t the embraces Of her family, and the benedictions

try. Rut, alas! these delightful visions are fled,

and vl.-.i do we behold in their room, but the funeral pall

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 499

and shroud, a palace in mourning, a nation in tears, and the
shadow of death, settled over both like a cloud! O the
unspeakable vanity of human hopes ! the incurable blindness
of man to futurity! ever doomed tog-rasp at shadows, to seize
with avidity what turns to dust and ashes in his hand, ' to sow
to the wind, and reap the whirlwind.'

" How must the heart of the Royal Parent be torn with
anguish on this occasion : deprived of a Daughter, who com-
bined every quality suited to engage his affection, and elevate
his hopes ; an only Child, the Heir of his Throne, and doomed,
apparently, to behold the sceptre pass from his posterity into
other hands ! his sorrow must be such as words are inadequate
to pourtray. Nor is it possible to withhold our tender sym-
pathy from the unhappy Mother, who, in addition to the
wounds she has received by the loss of her nearest relations,
and still by more trying- vicissitudes, has witnessed the extinc-
tion of her last hope, in the sudden removal of one in whose
bosom she might naturally hope to depose her griefs, and find
a peaceful haven from the stormS' of life, and the tossings of
the ocean. But, above all, the illustrious Consort of this
lamented Princess is entitled to the deepest commiseration.
How mysterious are the ways of Providence, in rendering
the virtues of this distinguished personage, the source of his
greatest trials. By these he merited the distinction to which
Monarchs aspired in vain ; and by tbese he exposed himself
to a reverse of fortune, the severity of which can only be
adequately estimated by this distinguished sufferer. These
virtues, however, will not be permitted to lose their reward.
They will find it in the grateful attachment of the British
Nation, in the remembrance of his having contributed the
principal share to the happiness of the most amiable and
exalted of women; and above all, we humbly hope, when the
agitations of time shall cease, in a reunion with the object of
his attachment, before the presence of Him who will ' wipe
every tear from the eye.' "

Had we not taken the same consolatory view of
this afflictive event, with which the above pious and
elegant writer closes this part of his admirable ser-
mon upon the mournful subject, our visit to Clare-

500 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

moot, of which we are again about to speak, would
have been distressing in the extreme. Even with
this preparation it was impossible to behold, with-
out emotion, the place which had so lately been the
favoured seat of the highest mortal felicity, trans-
formed into the abode of deep, and silent, and
unavailing sorrow ! In the cursory conversation of
the inhabitants of Esher, we were struck with an
undesigned coincidence with the preceding details
of the singular domestic happiness, the amiable
dispositions, and the continual beneficence of the
lamented Princess and her disconsolate Husband.
Indeed, as every day of the Princess Charlotte's life
was marked bv her bounteous distribution of food

m

among the neighbouring poor ; His Serene Highness
seems to have determined that the day of her final
removal from the sphere of her enlarged benevolence
should be signalized by one of those acts of princely
and appropriate munificence, in which, throughout
fife, his beloved Consort had delighted to engage.
The day preceding that on which her mortal re-
mains were consigned to the untimely tomb, Prince
Leopold sent fifty pounds to the Postmaster at
Esher, to be distributed among the poor upon the
day Of the Funeral : of this, that gentleman himself
informed us just before .we proceeded through the
Park; and as we slowly approached the Mansion,
fixing our eyes upon the mournful ensign of death, the
escutcheoo, which now appeared conspicuously over
the grand entrance. There we ascended the steps
of the beautiful portico, and having entered, inquired
for the Baron de Hardenberg, who has apartments
in the House; and were informed that he was at
that time in Town: but that Colonel Addenbroke,
who resides in the neighbourhood, and goes daily
to Claremont, was at leisure in the adjoining apart-
ments. The condescending politeness and affability
of this gentleman, demand our warmest acknow-
ledgments. Having stated the first object of our

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 501

application to be, that of obtaining the permission
of His Serene Highness Prince Leopold to take a
drawing of the House, and to survey the grounds
that so delightfully surround it; while the answer
to this application was necessarily delayed by His
Serene Highness being that morning engaged with
Turnerelli, to whom he was at the moment giving
directions for finishing a bust of his beloved Princess,
Colonel Addenbroke kindly engaged us with a most
interesting conversation upon the late distressing
events. The affectionate zeal and assiduity with
which Prince Leopold had devoted himself to his
grand design of perfecting the noble and truly Bri-
tish character of his late illustrious Partner, were
particularly noticed. His Serene Highness, it was
observed, centered his whole happiness in the deve-
lopement of the excellent qualities of his lamented
Princess; while she was equally anxious to accept
of her beloved Husband's assistance ; and so effec-
tual are the operations of sincere love, that the
pleasing consequences had already exceeded his
most sanguine expectations, when death anticipated
the rich harvest of his hopes. It is a positive, but
hitherto disregarded fact, that no person ever ac-
quired that, salutary influence over the ardent mind
of our youthful Princess, which she willingly con-
ceded to her truly wise and affectionate Consort ;
whose sole aim and delight was to promote her
permanent felicity, and unfold the latent excel-
lencies of her energetic character.

The sitting-room, to which we were first intro-
duced, contains every thing necessary for domestic
comfort, without the least appearance of profusion.
The furniture is neat, but at the same time elegant.
We particularly remarked the large handsome chan-
delier in the centre ; and the time-piece, ornamented
with a female figure about to clip the wings of a
little cupid, whom she has detained for that purpose.
On one side appeared the beautiful half-length like-

-2 Ml ..VIOl US OF HEK ROYAL HIGHNESS

u.-ss of Prince Leopold, by Dawe;* directly oppo-
site to which hung a corresponding frame, which
once contained the pictured semblance of his
lamented Princess; but was mow empty, and
awakened the most heart-rending recollections.
There too were the piano and the harp, upon which
she was accustomed to play, with a large collection
of music, by the best masters, for both instruments,
neatly bound, and lying in the same order as she
herself had placed them. The Princess Charlotte
had inscribed her initials in several of the music
books ; but unfortunately these precious mementos,
as well as some sketches of the Princess's drawing,
had entirely disappeared, and the initials were sup-
posed to have been erased since her decease; as
not an iota of the Princess's hand-writing could
be found either here or in the library. Much has
been said upon this subject; and we have hereto
add, from the authority of Colonel Addenbroke,
that Her Royal Highness was very little in the habit
of writing, although from some pretended fac-similes
the public might be led to suppose that the Princess
never employed an amanuensis, but wrote every
petty note herself; and another gentleman also
attempts to persuade us, that Her Royal Highness
devoted much of her time to the composing of child-
ish forms of prayer, and drawing up critical compa-
risons between classical authors ; with not a few
other absurdities — all of which the discerning public
will, no doubt, readily detect. Near the vacant
frame which had contained the likeness of the
Princess Charlotte, appeared that of her pious and
venerable preceptor the Bishop of Salisbury, to

In the correct Likeness of His Serene Highness, which accom-
panies this work, Prince Leopold is represented wearing his mus-
bicb, at the desire of the Princess Charlotte, he suffered
to grow, and will probably retain until the anniversary of her
decease; after which, it is supposed that the Prince's well known
deference for English cu/toras and feelings will again induce him
to remove them.

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 503

whom Her Royal Highness always delighted to
express her gratitude. On each side of the mantle-
piece hung small water-coloured paintings of the
Duke of Cumberland and the Princess Elizabeth;
and in another part of the room, of the Duke of
Wellington at the battle of Vittoria. The dining-
room, into which a door from the sitting-room opens,
is very large, and exceedingly plain ; the principal
object there being an elegant glass chandelier sus-
pended from the centre. From the dining-room we
passed to the library, which was remarkably full of
books, and principally consisted of the standard
authors in English Literature. A full length like-
ness of Prince Leopold, at the upper end of the
room, immediately attracted attention, as also did
some superior prints ; among which were likenesses
of Lieutenant-General William Stewart, the late
Sir John Moore, and Lord Castlereagh. In this
spacious and elegant apartment, all the Great Offi-
cers of State were assembled during the labour.
Every thing at this time remained in the exact state
in which it had been left at the Funeral ; and a most
beautiful green parroqnet, that once enjoyed the
notice of the departed Princess, and which we here
found in mournful solitude among the disarranged
furniture of the room, occasioned a sudden melan-
choly sensation, which it was impossible to resist.
The poor desolate bird seemed to have forgotten its
natural loquacity, and hardly turned its head to
notice us; while we admired its beauty, and re-
marked, that even it appeared to participate in the
universal sorrow. It seemed a fit and touching
emblem of him who is most personally concerned in
our great national loss ; and who has ever since with-
drawn himself, as far as possible, from the world.

In our account of the accouchement and death
of the Princess Charlotte, it i-s Observed, that the
library adjoins the bed-room where Her Royal
Highness died. This apartment, we presume, no

604 MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Englishman could enter without a mingled feeling
of profound awe and inexpressible regret. In this
room, which has thus acquired an unhappy cele-
brity, the brightest prospects of the British nation
were in a few hours doubly disappointed ; and the
whole fabric of their expected happiness levelled
with the dust. He that could survey this since
celebrated scene of patient suffering, where hope
and fear alternately triumphed, where the scale of
death twice preponderated against the fond antici-
pations of the youthful Husband, the Royal Parent,
and the admiring people, without emotion, must
be incapable of all the charities of civilized life.
Every object here seemed replete with interest, and
the whole indicated a combination of delicacy, taste,
and comfort. The room is not large, and extremely
plain. A very large unornamented cedar wardrobe
is the chief piece of furniture; and the dressing
tables and utensils remained in the exact and
admirable order in which they were last left by the
Princess Charlotte. At the foot of the bed was a
sofa, apparently for the convenience of sitting to
dress. The bed itself is of a full size; it was hung
with British chintz of a neat pattern, in festoons,
having the head-boaril above covered with plaited
blue silk, and converging to a gilded ornament in
the centre, behind the heads of the sleepers. On
entering this memorable room, it was instantly
discovered that, on the preceding night, His Serene
Eliglmess Prince Leopold had occupied it for the
first time since the loss of his august Partner;
though it appeared that up to the day following that
time he had not been able to collect himself suffi-
ciently to resume his wonted domestic custom, of
dining with the principal persons of the Household.
His feelings upon returning to the widowed bed
cannot be described ; but some idea of them may
be formed from the comparative state of seclusion
in which he has since lived, and especially from the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 505

misrepresented circumstance attending his visit to
Windsor after the funeral. His Serene Highness
did not, as was stated in the public papers, a
second time enter the Royal Vault ; but went into
the Chapel, and remained there some time at his
devotions.* This sufficiently evinces the decidedly
religious turn of mind, which has been justly
attributed to Prince Leopold in the preceding
pages of these Memoirs; and without which, he
could hardly have conducted himself with such
singular propriety, fortitude, and delicacy, as he
has never failed to manifest, and to which we may
fairly attribute the universal sympathy and esteem
by which he is attended.

His Serene Highness, being at length disengaged,
graciously signified that we were at liberty to take
a view of the House ; and while the able Artist, to
whom this Work is indebted for much valuable
information, as well as for his appropriate designs,
proceeded to take that faithful and elegant View
of the Building which is attached to these Me-
moirs, we ascertained, that for many weeks after
the decease of the Princess, Prince Leopold sel-
dom walked out for more than an hour each day;
and that he shortly intended removing to the sea-
side for the recovery of his health, and would
embark for the Continent in the spring, having
resolved to pay a last visit of filial affection to his
aged Mother, who could not possibly come to see
him ; and after spending two months at Cobourg,
to return to England, and pass the remainder of
his days at Claremont. In pursuance of this pri-
vate determination, His Serene Highness's indispo-
sition was soon announced in the public prints,
which gave the following account of his illness and
removal :

* For this correction, we are indebted to Colonel Addenbroke,
who attended the Prince upon that occasion.

21. 3 s

500 MftMOlKJ Oh HKK ROYAL HIGHNESS

Claremont, Dec. 30.
" We are eopcemed to state, that Prince Leopold has
experienced a renewal of those rheumatic attacks, which
originated in his last visit to this country, aggravated by the
misen thai he cherishes for the afflicting death of his Con-
tort, which circumstances have induced him to remove to
the village of Came, about five miles distant from Wey-
mouth, lor the benefit of the air. He himself has determined
to retain all those domestics who attended the Princess;
and accordingly Mrs. Lewis, who waited on Her Royal High-
ness from her infant years, and in whose arms the Princess
died, is to be continued in His Serene Highness's House.
Nothing is allowed to be even touched, that belonged to the
wardrobe of the Princess ; all is held sacred by her Prince ;
even the large black bonnet, and gray cloth coat, which she
wore when taking an airing in the Park, the morning of that
Monday, on the evening of which Her Royal Highness was
taken ill, are still objects of her widowed Husband's uneasy
regard. He sent on Friday last, 23d inst. for Mr. Da we,
portrait painter, to Her late Royal Highness, to examine
the likenesses which were taken of her. Claremont is also
undergoing those improvements which were contemplated by
the Princess. Mr. Hardenberg, the sculptor, of Windsor,
was also sent for, on the same day, to make a bust of the
Princess Charlotte, which he had been proceeding with
under the direction of the Prince, and Mr. Dawe, who was
so well acquainted with the formation of her features, she
baring sat to him frequently for about fifteen months. After
the bust was finished and approved, yesterday morning,
Prince Leopold, attended by Colonel Addenbroke, left
Claremont in a coach and four, for Windsor, on a visit to
the Queen and Princesses."

Claremont, Jan. 6, 1818.

" Prince Leopold having determined on going from
Claremont to Came, for the recovery of his health, in the
course of yesterday ; he rose between four and five in the
morning, and left Claremont with his suite in three coaches
and tour, arrived at the Bush Inn, at Staines, about seven
o'clock, and passed through Egham about half an hour after-
wards. They proceeded on their journey, changing horses
at the following places: the King's Arms, at Bagshot; the
White I. ion, at Hartford Bridge; Ponson's Arms, at Over-
ton ; the Star, at Andover ;the Antelope, at Salisbury ; and
\\ oodvert's Inn, Blandford ; from thence they proceeded to

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 507

Came, the seat of Mrs. Lionel Damer, where His Serene
Highness was expected to arrive at nine in the evening."

That evening His Serene Highness accordingly
arrived at Came, and visited Weymouth next day.
The following is an extract of a letter from that
place, dated Jan. 17, 1818.

" Last Sunday His Serene Highness Prince Leopold, and
the whole of his establishment, observed the solemnities of
the sabbath in a private manner, at Came House, where the
Rev. Dr. England, Archdeacon of the diocese, officiated.
On Monday, the Prince and his attendants took a ride on
horseback, over Bincombe Down, through the village of
Preston, and from thence through the turnpike gate leading
to this town ; here he stopped for a considerable time, survey-
ing the distant bays, esplanade, and different buildings. His
Serene Highness appeared in deep thought, and it was observ-
ed that he did not communicate his ideas of the different
prospects either to Sir Robert Gardiner or Baron Harden-
brock, but quitted the scene in a state of mind absorbed in
melancholy."

On the Thursday following, Prince Voroniesky
and Gen. Count D'Ojarowsky, two Russian No-
blemen, arrived at Came House, charged with
Letters of Condolence from the Emperor Alex-
ander. The Earl of Ilchesler, and several other
Noblemen, and persons of distinction in this
Country, have lately paid morning visits of
inquiry ; but Prince Leopold's continued depres-
sion of spirits has prevented the honour of their
personal introduction. The hot and cold baths at
the King's Lodge are kept in constant readiness for
the accommodation of the Prince, who is expected
to use them for the rheumatic attacks in bis head.

The following is the Address of Condolence that
was transmitted by the inhabitants of Weymouth,
to this exalted character:

" To His Serene Highness Prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobour a.

" We, His Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the
Inhabitants of Weymouth and Melcomb- Regis, approach

608 MEMOIRS OF HLR ROYAL HIGHNESS

Mi S. -ri-ne Highness, at this most afflicting hour, with the
expression of our inconsolable grief for the loss of that in-
comparable Princess, who was the object of your tender love,
and the delight of all hearts. The people of this land,
who bo latt !\ rejoiced in her, as their ornament and boast,
;irr now. by this sad and fatal reverse, plunged in universal
mourning and sorrow. The stroke is felt by the nation
through all its classes, and ranks, and orders; from the
highest elevation of life, to the lowest station of poverty.
Never was grief for the privation of any blessing so general ;
never was it so bitter and so deep.

" But in no part of His Majesty's dominions is the severe
aud unexpected event more sensibly lamented than it is by
0ie Inhabitants of Weymouth. She condescended to reside
among us at two different periods of time ; and, therefore,
our judgment of her exalted virtues depends not altogether
upon thf voice of report, but upon the witness of our own
personal experience. To see her was, indeed, to love her !
Never can we forget — but, alas ! the recollection aggravates
our sorrows ! — never can we forget those religious and moral
qualities, which adorned her youth; that benevolence and
goodness, which made the sufferings of others her own ; that
charity, which was ever ready to hear, and to relieve the
miseries of her fellow-creatures ; that feeling heart, which
was never more gratified than in an opportunity of doing a
kind office; that look of benignity, which she cast upon all
when she appeared abroad ; but particularly, that bright ex-
ample of piety and devotion which she held out to us in the
hours of divine worship. But, if she had so early raised
her public character to the highest degree of estimation, she
was also, as the voice of the world attests, prominent in the
meeker, but no less useful virtues of the conjugal and
domestic life. Hence she was inexpressibly dear to the
Nation ; and now, after death, she is embalmed in its heart.

u From this rare and happy union in her of every endow-
ment truly valuable in the human character, we confidently
looked that when, in God's own time, she should ascend the
throne, she would rule to the felicity of a willing and grate-
ful people; and be, like the Princes of her illustrious Family,
Ihe stead) protectress of our civil and religious liberties,
which are dearer to this great country than life itself. But
Providence has determined otherwise: to its awful decrees,
always wise, we bow the knee with humble, but mournful
resignation.

fWe beg that your Serene Highness woxild condescend to

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 509

accept this tribute of oar cordial sympathy, and permit us
to mingle our sorrows with your's in this irreparable cala-
mity. Your own most distinguished and exemplary virtues,
the tender conjugal affection which you bore to our ever
lamented Princess, who shewed the wisdom and clearness of
her judgment by selecting you as the Husband of her love,
have infinitely endeared you to the British Nation.

** We ardently pray the Almighty Disposer of good and
evil, of life and death, to be present with you in this day of
severe trial."

From the date of the above account, to the pre-
sent time, we lament to state, that the health of
Prince Leopold appears to have undergone no
favourable change; but on the contrary, has de-
clined still farther; in consequence of which, and
the air of Came not being sufficiently mild, His
Serene Highness has been advised to remove to
Weymouth, where Gloucester Lodge has been pre-
pared for his reception.

The loss of his beloved Daughter still continued so
much to affect His Royal Highness the Prince
Regent, that he found himself wholly unequal to
the opening of the next session of Parliament per-
sonally, especially as the death of the Princess
Charlotte unavoidably formed a prominent topic
in the Speech from the Throne. Just before the
opening of the session, while His Royal High-
ness was at Brighton, where his visits are invari-
ably distinguished by acts of charitable munifi-
cence, Phoebe Hassel, a poor old woman, born in
1715, attracted his notice, while following her
usual occupation of retailing fruit and gingerbread,
on the steps of a lodging house near the south end
of the Steyne. Her venerable figure interested the
Prince, to whom she told some curious particulars
of her history. She was present, as a soldier, at
the battle of Bunker's Hill, in America; and served
under Lord Heathfield at the siege of Gibraltar,

510 MEMOIRS Or HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

where she received several wounds, but contrived
to conceal her sex, until she was stripped to be
punished Tor some misdemeanor: she had been
admitted into the Brighton Workhouse, but she
did not feel easy in such a situation, and preferred
to follow her humble employment, aided by a
small allowance from the parish. The Prince
Regent commanded half-a-guinea weekly to be
paid to her as long as she lives, and that as much
more should be added as her wants may require.
It would be impossible to detail the innumerable
instances of similar beneficence which have marked
His Royal Highness's residence at the Pavilion ;
but it would be unpardonable to omit, that he
very lately ordered five hundred stone of beef, at
one time, to be distributed among the neighbour-
ing poor.

While Mr. Dykes, the Messenger, was on his
journey with dispatches addressed to Her Royal
Highness the Princess of Wales, advices were re-
ceived that Her Royal Highness, on the first of
Si ptember, gave a grand Ball at her residence of
Pesaro, where all the Nobility, and persons of dis-
tinction in the neighbourhood, attended; and that
on the fourth of November, the first day of the
Princess Charlotte's labour, her Royal Mother gave
another fete, with the addition of a comic ballet, in
which she herself danced the principal character.
On the 20th of November, the Kino's Messenger
found her Royal Highness at Milan, and commu-
nicated the deplorable news of the death of her be-
loved Daughter; which so shocked her, that she
fainted away several times successively. On the sixth
of December, Her Royal Highness's beautiful villa
of Este, on the lake of Como, where she formerly
resided, was stated to be on sale, with all its de~

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 511

pendencies: and the most important communica-
tion which has since been received, is, that the
Princess has finally resolved never more to revisit
England.

On the 27th of November, a Court of Common
Council was held in the Guildhall of the city of
London, at which a resolution was unanimously
passed, expressive of the deep sorrow of the Court
at the afflicting event of the death of the Princess
Charlotte, which has deprived the nation of its
brightest ornament and future hope; but that they
duly appreciated the motive, that of not harassing
the feelings of the surviving relatives, which led
the Court to abstain from presenting Addresses of
Condolence upon the death of any of the Royal
Family. — This, however, did not prevent other Cor-
porate Bodies from presenting such Addresses: —
indeed, some of them had anticipated this resolu-
tion, particularly the Corporation of Kingston-upon-
Thames, which, on the 9th of November, was
the first to present an Address of Condolence to
Prince Leopold, through the Baron Hardenbrock ;
from whom their Address, which is as follows, re-
ceived a most respectful answer :

** My Lord,

** The Corporation of Kingston, deeply impressed with feel-
ings of sorrow and regret at the great loss sustained by this
Country by the recent calamities at Claremont, and fully sensi-
ble of the trying and most painful situation in which His Serene
Highness the Prince of Saxe-Cobourg is now placed, most re-
spectfully beg leave to inquire after the state of His Serene
Highness's health, to sympathize in his misfortunes, and to
unite their hopes and wishes with those of the country at
large, that His Serene Highness will be enabled to yield,
with fortitude and resignation, to the awful visitation of Pro-
vidence, and that His Serene Highness may yet live to enjoy

ftlf MI.MOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

mam years of lieallh and happiness, in the merited esteem
a|l(1 | 0f a nation endeared to him by the strongest ties

of affection.

" I am, my Lord,

"Your Lordship's humble Servant,

"C. Jemmett, Town Clerk."
" Kingston, Nov. 9, 1817."

It would extend this volume beyond all reasona-
ble limits, were only a tenth part of the Addresses
of Condolence presented to the Prince Regent and
to Prince Leopold to be inserted ; but as it would
be unpardonable to pass them by wholly unnoticed,
the following are subjoined as specimens of the
whole:

To His Royal Highness the Prince Regent.

"We, His Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the
Chancellor, Masters, and Scholars, of the University of
Oxford, lament that the peculiar circumstances of the present
melancholy occasion, preclude us from availing ourselves of the
accustomed and honourable distinction of personal access to
the Throne, which we have enjoyed under the favour of His
Majesty and his Royal predecessors.

But we humbly entreat that we may be permitted to sub-
mit, in this manner, (as best suited to the feelings of your
Royal Highness, under so heavy a calamity,) the dutiful ex-
pression of our heartfelt grief on the death of a Princess,
who was alike endeared to us by her personal virtues, and by
the relation in which she stood to your Royal Highness.

It is impossible that we should not, under all circum-
stances, mourn over the loss of any member of a Family, to
which we are indebted for the preservation of our civil and
religious liberties; but that loss is now doubly afllicting, when
the visitation is also of a nature to wound your Royal Hi gh-
ness's parental feelings.

We do not presume to suggest considerations of duty,
or topics of consolation ; but we cannot forbear to express
the hope, that it will afford relief to your Royal Highness to
reflect, that the Hand which has afflicted you, is the Hand
of Providence ; and that although the illustrious object of our
regret has been summoned from this scene of probation too
soon for our wishes, and for the happiness of your Roval

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 513

Highness, she yet was spared until her private virtues had
conciliated the love of the whole nation, and until her cha-
racter was so far developed, as to justify the universal expec-
tation of future greatness.

We indulge too the further hope, that it will alleviate the
grief of your Royal Highness, to witness the unanimity with
which all ranks of our fellow subjects press forward to pay
the tribute of their sorrow to the memory of our departed
Princess, and to tender, at the same time, the homage of
their condolence.

And while on this sad occasion we mingle our tears with
the tears of the country, permit us to offer the renewed de-
clarations of our attachment to your Royal Highness's Person,
Family, and Government, which we acknowledge to be the
source of the greatest public and private blessings, and to
which we feel ourselves unalterably bound, by every tie of
loyalty, affection, and gratitude.

Given at our House of Convocation, under our common
Seal, this 11th day of December, in the Year of Our
Lord 1817.

[Transmitted by Lord Grenville, Chancellor of the Univer-
sity, and presented by Viscount Sidmouth.']

The Loyal Address of the Mayor, Aldermen, Common
Councilmen, and Burgesses, of the Town of Cambridge.

To His Royal Highness George Prince of Wales, Regent of

the United Kingdom.

Most Gracious Prince ; may it please your Royal
Highness.

We, His Majesty's faithful subjects, the Mayor, Aldermen,
Common Councilmen, and Burgesses, of the town of Cam-
bridge, deeply sympathizing in the keen anguish of suffer-
ing with which your Royal Highness, Her Majesty the
Queen, His Serene Highness Prince Leopold, and all the
Royal Family, are overwhelmed, beg leave most respectfully
to offer the tribute of our condolence upon the melancholy
event, which, occurring at a moment, and under circum-
stances so peculiarly mournful and heart-rending, has filled
both the Palace and the Cottage with lamentation and
sorrow.

22. 3 T

-,M MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

V I the union of Her Royal Highness, your de-

part, a Daagbteri as an event most auspicious to the future
and glory of England.

Y\ e followed In r into the tranquil, yet dignified scenes of

domestic life, and beheld in her faithful discharge of

s filial rod conjugal duty, in her silent unostentatious

\ Christian charity, and in her entire devo-

to all the sacred obligations of religion, the bright pro-

e of an example, -which could not have failed, under the
Divine blessing, to have diffused its influence most extensively
and powerful!] for the happiness of these kingdoms; nor in
the contemplation of Her Royal Highness's domestic virtues,
did we fail to mark, and admire, in the proofs of her ardent
attachment to the principles of our Constitution, the surest
pledge of her anxiety to maintain the liberties, and promote
the welfare, of her future people.

But it has pleased God, in his inscrutable wisdom, to blight
the prospect in which we had too fondly indulged, and to
awaken us, by a signal infliction of his power, to a recollec-
tion of our entire dependence upon his mercy.

M v\ \our Royal Highness, may His Serene Highness, (in
whose unbounded devotion of himself to the happiness of his
Royal Consort while living, and in whose manly, though

rt-broken sorrows and pious resignation to her loss, your
Ro\al Highness, in common with all ranks of His Majesty's
subjects, must find an ample source of mournful gratification,)
ma) yon both find consolation in this agony of grief, where
alone it is to be found ; and may we all be enabled to convert
this national calamity individually to our moral and religious
improvement.

Given under our common Seal, this 4th day December,
1817.

[Transmit t< (I by the Duke of Rutland, K. G. High Steward
of the Borough, and presented by Viscount Sidmoulh.~\

To His Royal Highness George Prince of Wales, Regent of
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

May it please your Royal Highness,

We, His Majesty's most faithful subjects, the Mayor,
Aldermen, Bailiffs, and Common Council, of the Borough
of LIVERPOOL, in Special Council assembled, humbly beg
leave to offer to your Royal Highness our unfeigned condo-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 515

leoce, upon the melancholy and afflicting loss sustained by
the nation, in the death of Her Royal Highness the Princess
Charlotte- Augusta.

As in common with our fellow subjects, we exultingly anti-
cipated that proud day, in which we sought to hail the Royal
Princess mother to an illustrious line of Kings, in common
with our fellow subjects we now deplore that calamitous event
which has bereaved the country of one of its brightest orna-
ments, and called forth the mournful tribute of genuine uni-
versal sorrow.

Forbearing to repine at the decrees of that Almighty
Being, who, in his wisdom, has thought fit to visit us with
this affliction, and grateful for the many blessings conferred
upon us, we submit with resignation to his Divine will.

Deprived of that Succession which, in due time, our fond-
est hopes had vainly pictured, it is still our earnest prayer
that your Royal Highness may be long preserved to sway the
sceptre of these realms, and that the illustrious House of
Brunswick, for ages yet to come, may fill the British Throne,
and prolong to the British people that solid and substantial
happiness, which the exalted virtues of the Royal race have
hitherto so eminently contributed to secure.

Given under our common Seal, this 29th day of November,
1817.

[ Transmitted by the Right Hon. George Canning, and Lieut.
General Gascoyne, and presented by Viscount Sidmouth.]

To His Royal Highness George Prince of "Wales, Regent of
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

May it please your Royal Highness,

We, His Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the
Gentry, Clergy, Merchants, and other Inhabitants, of the
town of Liverpool, beg leave to offer to your Royal High-
ness our most sincere and heartfelt condolence on the late
melancholy event, which has overwhelmed the United King-
dom with the deepest sorrow, and deprived your Royal
Highness of an only and beloved child.

Under this afflicting dispensation of Providence, we trust
that your Royal Highness will derive some consolation from
the general sympathy in your Royal Highness's grief, which
has been so feelingly expressed by all ranks of His Majesty's

HG memoirs 01 nr;n uoyal highness

subjects; and t lint \<>u will consider a nation's tears as the
most irratifytog and affectionate tribute to the memory and
t|u. of your late illustrious Daughter.

Disappointed in your loudest hopes, your Royal Highness
will »et Save tKe satisfaction in reflecting, that the life of her
M|,nui \< i lo deaefvedlj loved, was a life of innocence, and
thai the moral qualities with which she was adorned, and the
kind dispositions which endeared her to the whole nation,
while she remained on earth, have now, we humbly trust,
obtained for her a crown of glory in the heavens, that will
never fade.

We are anxious, upon this occasion, to renew to your
Royal Highness our strongest assurances of attachment and
fidelity to your Itoyal Highness's person, and your illustrious
House, and to express our earnest hope that your Royal
Highness may long be spared to a loyal and affectionate
peopto.

Thomas Case, Mayor, Chairman,

; Transmitted by the Right Hon. George Canning, and Lieu f.
General Gascoyne, and jjresented by Viscount SidmouthJ]

To FFis Royal Highness George Prince of Wales, Regent
of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

Mag it plm.se your Rvyaf Highness,

We, His Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the
Mayi/r, Aldermen, and Common Council, of the City of
Bristol, in Common Council assembled, beg to approach
your Itoyal Highness, under feelings of deep affliction, to
r our heartfelt t-ibute of condolence at the recent death
of the Princess Charlotte-Augusta, your Royal Daughter,
and the Consort of Leop. id-George-Frederick, Prince of
Sa\. ■CoboUrff.

In ".:;• h-imhlc expressions o\' sorrow, we should in vain
mpt to draw the character of the illustrious Dead : — dis-
ced was her life by graces aud virtues, which opened
brightest prospects to a nation's love — a melancholy
p& 0V«f he;- tomb, which is consecrated by a
• tears.

Id bOW with submission to the awful dispensation

'* '• D • will, which Skis thus bereaved the kingdom of

'•niainen!, and its future hope. Great and irrepa-

le is tin: loss sustained— but, amidst the general mourning

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 517

of the nation, Ave flatter ourselves that your Royal Highness
will derive consolation from its sympathetic feeling, and satis-
faction in witnessing its strong and increasing attachment
towards your Royal Person, Family, and Government.

"We trust, under Divine Providence, that the sovereignty
and glory of these realms may be perpetuated in the illus-
trious line of the House of Brunswick ; and that the founda-
tions of the British Throne may remain long fixed in the
affections of a loyal people.

[Transmitted by John Hay f home, Esq. the Mayor, and pre-
sented by Viscount Sidmouth.]

To His Serene Highness Leopold-George-Frederick, Duke
of Saxe, Margrave of Meissen, Landgrave of Thuringia,
Prince of Cobourg of Saalfeld.

We, His Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Magis-
trates, Gentry, Clergy, Merchants, Manufacturers, and other
Inhabitants, of the town and neighbourhood of Birmingham,
approach your Serene Highness with our sincere expressions
of condolence, on the melancholy decease of your Royal
Consort the Princess Charlotte.

Lamenting as we do, on our own account, the loss of a
Princess to whom we had looked up with delight, as the
pride of the House of Brunswick, and the future hope of our
country ; we assure your Serene Highness that we deplore,
with equal truth, the deep affliction in which your Serene
Highness has been plunged by this mournful event. We
deeply sympathize with the sorrows of a Husband, deprived,
by this mysterious dispensation, of a Consort so justly, so
dearly beloved; and we earnestly hope, that the same Al-
mighty Power which has ordained the calamity, will also
administer support and comfort under its infliction.

We entreat your Serene Highness to believe, that your
affectionate conduct to our beloved and lamented Princess,
has excited in our minds the liveliest emotions of respect
and attachment; and that, under all circumstances, and in
all situations, your Serene Highness will ever be attended by
the affections and the prayers of a grateful people.

In the name and on the behalf of the Inhabitants of the
Town and Neighbourhood of Birmingham,

Wm. Cotterill, High Bailiff.

,ia MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

I o which Address His Serene Highness was pleased to
return tin* following" Answer.
"Sib,

« | have this <lav luid the honour of presenting to the
Prince Leopold the Address of the Magistrates, Gentry,
Clergy, Merchants, .Manufacturers, and other Inhabitants, of
the Town and Neighbourhood of Birmingham, on the re-
< mt deplored events at Claremont.

"The Prince Leopold in His own sorrows, shares in com-
mon with tin' country, its deep and irreparable loss; and, as
ii> interests, its happiness, and welfare, were ever first in
Nik thoughts and hopes, so He receives, in its sympathy
and condolence, the only consolation He can now know.

" 1 am commanded by the Prince Leopold to request you
will convey to the Inhabitants of Birmingham and its neigh-
borhood, His fullest acknowledgments for their earnest
and affectionate participation in His distress.

" I have the honour, &c.

" Robert Gardiner.
" Claremont, Nov. 28, 1817."

To His Royal Highness the Prince Regent.

May it please your Royal Highness,

We, the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Town-Council, of
EDINBURGH, the most loyal and dutiful subjects of His
Majesty, beg leave to approach your Royal Highness with
profound respect ; and to present the expressions of our
unfeigned and deep condolence with the heavy affliction
which has fallen on your Royal Highness and the Family
of our beloved and venerable Sovereign, by the death
°f Tour illustrious Daughter the Princess Charlotte-Augusta.

uie talents, the accomplishments, the principles, the vir-
and the piety, of that distinguished personage, had de-
servedly endeared her with peculiar tenderness to the affec-
tionate feelings of her Royal Father; while we, in common
with the whole British people, had marked these eminent
qualities in her character with the utmost respect, admira-
tion, and love, and had fondly indulged the flattering antici-
pation, that a Princess so accomplished, Was destined, by a
gracious Providenc e, to promote, in her august person, the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 519

lustre of the Royal House, the dignity of the Throne, and
the prosperity and glory of the empire ; objects which we
know have ever been most dear to the heart of your Royal
Highness.

Deign then, Sir, to receive our humble assurance, that
we deplore, with the most poignant sympathy, this cala-
mitous dispensation, which has agonized and disappointed,
by so fatal and mournful a reverse, at once the private pater-
nal affections, and the public patriotic hopes, of your Royal
Highness.

Signed, in our name, and by our appointment, and the
Seal of the City affixed hereto, at Edinburgh, the 10th
day of December, 1817.

Kincaid Mackenzie, Lord Provost.

[Transmitted by the Lord Provost, and presented by

Viscount SidmouthJ]

To His Royal Highness the Prince Regent.

We, His Majesty's most dutiful and loya subjects, the
Merchant's House of the City of Glasgow, beg leave to
approach your Royal Highness, and to mingle with the gene-
ral grief on the late awful and melancholy event, which has
so deeply agitated the bosoms, and affected the hearts, of
your Royal Family and the British Empire.

We sympathize with your Royal Highness on the un-
timely loss of all that is lovely, and amiable, and engaging
to a tender parent. We sympathize with His Serene High-
ness the Prince Leopold, in that sorrow which admits of no
sublunary cure. We sympathize with the Nation at large,
on the sudden and eventful stroke which has disappointed
the dearest wishes, and blighted the fairest promises, for
the peace, the happiness, and the greatness of the country.

If there can be any consolation to your Royal Highness —
if there can be any alleviation to the British Nation for
this irreparable loss — it will be in that universal burst of
loyalty and lamentation which has identified your sufferings
with our own, and which evinces the stability of the Throne
in the hearts of the people ; and in the recollection of the
virtues which endeared, the graces which adorned, and the
accomplishments which ennobled, the elevated character of
the Princess Charlotte- Augnsta ; and which, now that their

','12. MEMOIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

relation I the tie fPM a domestic one. She loved the country
of her ancestors, and refused the marriage which would have
made her half a foreigner. There was something in the style
of ber sentiments and habits that partook strongly of a period
anterior to the new principles which had their origin in the
revolutionary epoch of France. The old and faded English
mind, with its indigenous properties and national enthusiasm,
seemed to be restored in her to its original freshness and pri-
mitive lustre. Local affections, home delights, unstudied
care, decorous familiarity, hospitable intercourse with neigh-
bours, and charih that came in contact with its object, how-
ever humble, or old, or poor, were the pledges of her future
greatness, the earnest of a magnanimous reign and beneficent
sway, secure in its natural titles to the homage of gratitude,
and of the free subjection of the heart. Something so warm
and womanly, something so natively noble, so much soul, so
much reality, so much natural relish, and such heartiness of
sentiment, have rarely been coupled with so many artificial
accomplishments, or survived a culture so studious and elabo-
rate. Her part, indeed, was difficult to sustain with all eyes
upon her conduct; from this fiery ordeal, nevertheless, she
came out blameless, not by management, or artifice, or study,
bnt a conduct above display, and even superior to her great
station, — by making the Bible her monitor, and. living in the
cheerful discharge of the duties of an elevated Christian.
The crown of all this felicity was her Husband's love; a
foreigner, but more like an English gentleman than Englisii
gentlemen themselves ; a mild, virtuous, and intelligent Prince;
fully sensible of the friendship and distinction with which this
« ountry has received him, and giving back a full equivalent;
ay, and how much more ! by the noble pattern he has dis-
played before the eves of the nation, of a rational, domestic,
and useful life. Such was the happiness which this Princess
had procured for herself by her own free and well-directed
choice, and such the hopes of the nation dependent upon the
continuance of this happy union.

" Such has been the personal loss: and in this personal loss
the nation participates with the highly respectable Husband,
and the illustrious Family of the deceased. The nation loved
hi r for her oun sake. But greater still has been the moral
loss. Would China open to us all the benefits of her com-
merce, would the southern America give us the exclusive
possession of her mines, were all the powerful states of the
universe to meet in congress, and settle upon us in mortmain
the entire dominion of the ocean, or to agree to liquidate for

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 523

us as much of our national debt as we might deem expedient,
either, or any, or all of these events, would be little in com-
parison of the happiness of having the throne filled by a
-Sovereign of moral and religious habits, ruling in the fear of
God, and training up children to uphold the succession, and
to become the bright and Christian ornaments of the empire,
the pledges of perpetuity and internal peace. The source of
all substantial security in this country, the vital spring of
government itself, is the moral principle which pervades the
public, and determines the preponderancy of feeling and
opinion as to laws, and measures, and men ; and the primary
paramount source of this moral principle is to be found in the
Prince upon the throne, and his family. He is the fountain
of morality as much as he is the fountain of honour; and, in a
qualified sense, the maker of good as well as of great men.
The law by a metaphor supposes him to put new and noble
blood into the veins : and in this moral sense and spirit of the
phrase he may be said to put new life into the hearts of his
people. The whole system rests upon a moral fulcrum.
Every man in the country now fcolds an opinion of some sort
or other, and is ready to act upon it as opportunity occurs.
It is the natural effect of all the numerous institutions now
actively on foot throughout the land, to stimulate into exercise
and efficiency these reasoning, intermeddling, and deciding
habits of the people. There is no undoing, no unravelling
all this. It is become a part of the order of things, holding
as determined a course as any of the physical appointments
by which the natural destinies of the world are evolved. The
thing has been set a-going, and even if it could be proved to
be subversive in its tendencies, still no constitutional efforts
of man can arrest its progression. The truth, however, is
simply this — that all this fermentation of mind is only danger-
ous, if neglected. If Princes, and rulers, and honourable
and rich men, will but consider that while they promote uni-
versal instruction they are setting up critics upon their own
conduct, and giving an irresistible moral momentum to the
multitude; if they will but consider that they virtually under-
take to live according to that standard whose authority the
institutions which they patronize profess to inculcate ; if they
will but determine upon affording room for Christian worship
to those on whom they bestow so much Christian education;
if they will act like sincere men, by adopting what they
recommend, and illustrating by example what they enforce
by precept; there is no danger in all this stir given to the
public mind. All then will be proportioned, natural, and

MEMOIRS Ol HE* ROYAL HiiillNEsS

, ii, i.il. lint il i> ;iv. I'"l to think of llic consequences, if
all Litis change in Bocietj is treated as bringing with it no
n- u duties or relations. All must be new, or it will be like
putting "newwine into old bottles." No new theories, but
a Dew practice is requisite. And that the mental effer-
ence of the people may not find its vent, and vent it will
dition or infidelity, or revolutionary madness, all
men of light and reading, that love their country or them-
selves, are called upon to live soberly, and circumspectly,
and < onsisfc ntly.

" It this be a just view of things, as we think will hardly
be denied, it is scarcely possible to rate too highly the im-

tortance of the religious and moral character of our rulers.

t is every thing. Neither monarchy nor magistracy can
afford to he for one day without it. There is no repose upon
the rum h of preferment, no dignity in the staff of office, no
terror in the sword of justice, no sanctity in the crosier, and
no majesty in the diadem, unless opinion, religious and moral
opinion, administer to them respectfully its unseen and gra-
tuitous support. Without this alliance,

" The strong statutes

I

Stand, like the forfeits in a barber's shop.
As much in mock as mark."

" Km mi in •< mrences in our Courts of Justice may serve
t.i i onvince as how dangerous it is for men of rank and station
to tamper with those gceal truths and solemn sanctions on
which the security of the nation must ultimately rest. Their
example is sure to be quoted against them: and however
illogical and fallacious such a ground of defence or resistance
must Ik- admitted to be, human infirmity and human prejudice
will never patiently endure punishment from the hands of
those whose example has partly led to the commission of the
crime."

"For these live and twenty years past our country has
been exposed to far greater danger than at any other former
period. Partial changes of the constitution, the transitions
of power, the struggles for empire, the agitations of faction,
or even the convulsions of intestine war, are events involving-
mure or less of evil; hut they have their measure and their
boundary, and sometimes their compensations. But the
•Mimii in Cod from Ins throne in the heart, is an evil of
which no thou -lit of man can calculate the amount, or mea-

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 525

sure the extent. To the verge of this evil we were brought,
together with the rest of Europe, by the moral contagion of
French principles, especially in the first years of the revolu-
tionary sera. The source of Britain's safety through that
menacing period was the moral and religious example of the
King. He was, more than his own great minister, the pilot
that weathered the storm. While all around was vacillating,
and Europe was sinking fast into the vortex — while a vain
and visionary philosophy was divorcing man from his Maker,
and writing her decrees with the blood of her votaries, Great
Britain's King, armed with intrepid moderation and steady
purpose, pursued his right honest course, through good and
evil report ; rose early, visited first the house of God, and,
after the regular dispatch of business, divided the day between
manly amusements, frugal repasts, and peaceable, pure, and
home delights. Old, and infirm, and bereaved of sight, he
yet preserved a heart unchanged — a moral courage unsub-
dued. Still at the sun-rise, though it rose not for him, he
was at his orisons. Still his duty to his people came next to
that which belonged to his Maker and his Saviour. Still his
Family felt his tender care, and yielded him his usual solace.
The ornament of his domestic circle, his gentle and pious
Daughter, was taken from him, and his reason lasted oidy to
receive her last farewell, and mingle his blessings with her
dying accents. Half in heaven, and separated from the taint
of all earthly communion, he lives in the deep retirement of
his palace, solitary, sequestered, silent, — but not forgotten.
The remembrance of him still rules, his example is still pro-
fitable, and the nation still hears, and is edified by hearing,
that his grey hairs do not descend in sorrow to the grave,
that his very aberrations are holy, and high, and happy ; and
that God, avIio has taken from him reason, has, in exchange,
given him peace. There is not a thinking being among his
subjects that does not feel it a consolatory reflection, that the
Royal Grandfather is iucapable of feeling the pang of his
last privation."

The present state of the Succession to the Throne
having now become an object of paramount interest,
we shall show, from Blackstone, what are the

MI.MOIK* OF HER ROYAL H1GHNI£S>

DOWen vested in Parliament; which we conceive,
at the present juncture, will be particularly interest-
hm 10 our readers :

'• The grand fundamental maxim (says he) upon which the
orona, or right of .succession to the throne of these king-
doms, depends, is, — that the crown is, by common law, and
constitutional custom, hereditary, and that in a manner pecu-
liar to in. If; but that the right of inheritance may from time
In time be changed ot limited Inj Act of Parliament.

" 1st. It is in general hereditary, or descendible to the
next heir, on the death or demise of the last proprietor.

_M. 4l to the particular mode of inheritance, it in general

responds with the feodal path of descent chalked out by
flu- common law in the succession to the landed estates, yet
with one or two material exceptions. Like estates, the
Crown will descend lineally to the issue of the reigning
Monarch, As in common descents, the preference of males
to females, and the right of primogeniture among the males,
an siri( tl\ adhered to. Like lands or tenements, the Crown,
on failure of the male line, descends to the issue female; but
among the females, the Crown descends by right of primo-

iiuiv in the eldest daughter only and her issue, and not,
a> in common instances, to all the daughters at once. The
doctrine of representation prevails in the descent of the
Grown, as it does in other inheritances, whereby the lineal
di>cendants of any person deceased stand in the same place,
a> thr ancestor, if livings would have done.

" Lastly; on failure of lineal descendants, the Crown goes
to the next collateral relations of the late King, provided
they are lineally descended from the Blood Royal, that is,
from that Royal stock which originally acquired the Crown.
But herein there is no objection (as in the case of common
(h >rents) to the succession of a brother, an uncle, or other
collateral relation, of the half blood, that is, where the
relationship proceeds not from the same couple of ancestors,
iv.hu h constitutes a kinsman of the whole blood) but from a
•ingle ancestor only, as when two persons are derived from
tht ii, father, and not from the same mother, or vice versa:
provided only, that the one ancestor from whom both are
descended be the one ancestor from whose veins the Blood
Royal i- communicated to each.

'Lie doctrine of hereditary right does not imply an inde-
• rigty to the Throne. It is unquestionably in the

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 527

breast of the supreme legislative authority of this kingdom,
(the King and both Houses of Parliament,) to defeat this
hereditary right; and by particular entails, limitations, and
provisions, to exclude the immediate heir, and vest the inhe-
ritance in any one else.

" But however the Crown may be limited or transferred, it
still retains its descendible quality, and becomes hereditary
in the wearer of it. And hence in law the King is said never
to die in his political capacity, though in common with other
men he is subject to mortality in his natural. For the right
of the Crown vests, eo instanti, upon his heir, either the hares
natus, if the course of descent remains unimpeached, or the
hares f actus, if the inheritance be under any particular settle-
ment. So that there can be no inter regnum, but the right
of sovereignty is fully invested in the successor by the very
descent of the Crown."

The death of the Princess Charlotte of Wales
renders it a matter of great political interest, to take
a short review of the present condition of the Royal
Family of England, and, therein, to reflect a moment
upon what may be the probable course and order of
the descent of the Crown of Great Britain.

In our history of the Houses of Brunswick and
Stuart, we have shown that towards the end of the
reign of William the Third, upon the impending
extinction of the Protestant posterity of King Charles
the First, it became necessary to have recourse to
the descendants of James the First, the father of
that Prince. The throne, upon the accession of
King William, being limited to Protestants, the
Princess Sophia, Electress, and Duchess Dowager
of Hanover, was fixed upon as the root of a Royal
stock. The Princess Sophia was the youngest
daughter of Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia, who
was the daughter of James the First. This Princess
was the nearest of the ancient Blood Royal, who
was not incapacitated by professing the Popish reli-
gion. On her, therefore, and the heirs of her body,
being Protestants, the remainder of the Crown,

ai8 MLMOIKS OF HE! ROYAL HIGHNESS

pedant on the death of King William and Queen
lone, without issue, was settled by 12 and 13
\\ illiara III. She is the common ancestor, through
whom alone the Crown of Great Britain can descend.
This is the last limitation made by act of Parliament.
The Princess Sophia dying before Queen Anne, the
iitlii ritance, thus limited, descended on her son and
In ir King George the First: and having, on the
death of Queen Anne, taken effect in his person,
from George the First it descended to His late
Majesty, King George the Second. And from him
to his grandson and heir, our present Gracious
Monarch, George the Third.

The following is a list of all the descendants now
living of the Electress Sophia, to whose issue, being
Protestants, the succession is limited : they are
arranged in the legal order of succession; annexed
are their respective ages ; and the relationship of
each to the head of the branch, through which they
derive their title, is marked by letters signifying
son, grandson, great-grandson, daughter, grand-
daughter, &c: as some individuals derive by more
than one title, they are enumerated as often as their
rights occur, a reference being made to their former
place :

/. Descendant* of George III. eldest Son of Frederick Prince
of Wales, who was yreat-grandson of the Electress Sophia.

Ages

1 George Prince Regent, S 55

'2 Frederick Duke of York, S 54

3 William-Henry Duke of Clarence, S 52

4 Edward Duke of Kent, S 50

5 Ernest Duke of Cumberland, S 46

0 Augustas Duke of Sussex, S 44

7 \<l«»l|)luis Duke of Cambridge, S 43

8 Charlotte of England, Queen Dowager of Wurtemberg, D... 51
:» Augusta of England, D 49

lit Elizabeth of England, D 47

11 M;n\ of England, Duchess of Gloucester, D 41

L9 Sophia of England, D 40

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 529

Ml. Descendants of William Henry, Duke of Gloucester,
younger Son of Frederick Prince of Wales.

Ages

13 William Duke of Gloucester, S 41

14 Sophia of Gloucester, D 44

III. Descendants of Augusta of England, Duchess of Bruns-
wick, elder Daughter of Frederick Prince of Wales, [she
died 1813.]

15 Charles Duke of Brunswick, G. S 13

16 William of Brunswick, G. S 12

17 Augustus of Brunswick, S 48

18 Frederick King of Wurtemberg, G. S 36

19 Mary of Wurtemberg, G. G. D 1

20 Paul of Wurtemberg, G. S 32

2L Frederick-Charles of Wurtemberg, G. G. S 9

22 Frederick-Augustus of Wurtemberg, G. G. S 4

23 Frederica of Wurtemberg, G. G. D 10

24 Pauline of Wurtemberg, G. G. D 7

25 Frederica- Catherinaof Wurtemberg, wife of Jerome Buona-

parte, G. D " 34

26 Jerome Napoleon, G. G. S 3

27 Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales, D 49

IV. Descendants of Matilda of England, Queen of Denmark,
younger Daughter of Frederick Prince of Wales, [she died
1775.]

28 Frederick King of Denmark, S 49

29 Caroline of Denmark, G. D 24

30 Wilhelmina of Denmark, G. D 9

31 Louisa of Denmark, Duchess of Holstein, D 46

32 Christian Duke of Holstein, G. S 19

33 Caroline of Holstein, G. D 21

V. Descendants of Anne of England, Princess of Orange,

eldest Daughter of George II. [she died 1759].

34 William King of the Netherlands, G. S. ... 45

35 William Prince of Orange, G. G. S 25

30 William of Orange, G. G. G. S 1

37 Frederick of Orange, G. G. S 20

38 Wilhelmina of Orange, G. G. D 17

39 Frederica of Orange, Duchess Dowager of Brunswick, G. D. 47
40No.l5,G.G.S.fj

41 No. 16, G. G. S. J lier SOnS#

42 Frederick-William, Count Nassau Weilbourg, G. S 49

43 George-William of Nassau Weilbourg, G. G. S 25

22. a x

MEMOIRS <»1 KM ROYAL HIGHNESS

I I I), m , ,ih,iis of Mary of Enyland, Landyravine of Hesse-
i it Dnuyh'ter of Georye II. [she died 1772].

Ages

44 ( William, Elector of Hesse-Cassel, S 74

46 William Prinee of Hesse, G. S 4a

46 Frederick of Hesse, G. G. S 15

17 Cm dline of Hesse, G. G. D 18

1;; Mai v Louisa of Hesse, G.G.D 16

1«> Charles of Hesse, S 73

;')() Frederick of Hesse, G. S * 46

6 1 Christian of Hesse, G. S 4G

52 Mary of Hesse, Queen of Denmark, G. D 50

;'!i|o;?VGVG-S1| her children.
51 No. 30, G. G. D.J

55 Julia of Hesse, G. D 44

56 Louisa of Hesse, G. D 28

57 Frederick of Hesse, S 70

58 William of Hesse, G. S 30

59 Frederick of Hesse, G. S 27

GO George of Hesse, G. S 24

61 Louisa of Hesse, G. I"). 23

62 Mary of Hesse, G. D 21

63 Augusta of Hesse, G. D 20

VII. Descendants of Louisa of Enyland, Queen of I>enmarkt
next Dauyhtcr of Georye II. [she died 1751].

64 No. 28, G. S.

65 No. 53, No. 29, G. G. D.

66 No. 54, No. 30, G. G. D.

67 No. 31, G.D.

68 Sophia of Denmark, Queen of Sweden, D. . . 71

69 Gustavus King of Sweden, G. S 39

70 Gustavus of Sweden, G. G. S 18

71 Sophia of Sweden, G.G.D 16

72 Amelia of Sweden, G.G.D 12

73 Wilhelmina of Denmark, Electress of Hesse-Cassel, D... . 70

74 No. 45, G. S. ^

73 No. 46, G. G. S. ( , . ., .

76 No. 47, G. G. D. > her chlWren'

77 No. 48, G. G. D. J

78 Louisa of Denmark, wife of Charles of Hesse-Cassel,

[No. 48] D 67

79 No. 50, G. S.
80

81 No. 52, G. D. V her descendants.

82
83

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA. 531

VIII, Descendants of Sophia of England, Queen of Prussia,
only Daughter of George I. [she died 1757].

Apte

84 Frederick-William III. King of Prussia, G. G. S 46

85 Frederick- William, Prince of Prussia, G. G. G. S. . . 22

86 Frederick-Lewis of Prussia, G. G. G. S.. ............. . 20

87 Frederick- C bailee of Prussia, G. G. G. S.. , 16

88 Frederick-Henry of Prussia, G. G. G. S 13

89 Wilhelmina of Prussia, G. G. G. D . 14

90 Louisa of Prussia, G. G. G. D 9

91 William-Frederick of Prussia, G. G. G. S 23

92 Frederick of Prussia, G. G. G. D. 21

93 Frederick-Charles-Henry of Prussia, G. G. S 36

94 Frederick-William-Charles, G. G. S 43

95 Henry of Prussia, G. G. G. S 6

Q6 Mary of Prussia, G. G. G. D. ..... . 2

97 Frederica of Prussia, Duchess of York, G. G. D. 50

98 Wilhelmina of Prussia, Queen of the Netherlands, G. G. D. 43

99 No. 35, G. G. G. S. ")

^»S:S:S:l:f*^-

102 No. 38, G. G. G. D. J

103 Christina of Prussia, Princess of Hesse-Cassel, G. G. D. . 40

104 No. 46, G. G. G. S.-l

105 No. 47, G. G. G. D. > her children.

106 No. 48, G. G. G.D.J

107 Frederica of Prussia, Princess Dowager of Orange, G. D.

108 No. 34, G. G. S.

109 No. 99, No. 35, G. G. G. S.

110 No. 100, No. 36, G. G. G. G. S.

113 No. 39, G. G. D.

114 No. 40, No. 14, G. G. G. S.

115 No. 41, No. 15, G. G. G. S.

1 16 Frederick-William of Prussia, G. S 37

117 Frederica-Dorothea of Prussia, Princess Radzivil, G. D.. . 47

118 No. 69, G. G. S.

119 No. 70, G. G. G. S.

120 No. 71, G. G.G. D.

121 No. 72, G. G. G. D.

122 Charles XIII. King of Sweden, G. S 69

123 Sophia of Sweden, Abbess of Quedlenberg, G. D 64

From the foregoing account it will be seen, that
the three persons nearest the throne, being married
<md having children, are the King of Wurteuiberg-,

M, 01 ,n:r; ROYAL HIGHNESS

Prince I "it it I his brother, and the Princess Trederica
Buonaparte, their sister. This would be a grievous
prosp < i ii «*< did not recollect, that although there
i^ now no grandchild of George III. yet all his sons,
| probablj more than one of his daughters, are
still <»i' an age, at which a proper marriage might
be hoped to produce offspring. The Duke and
Duchess of Gloucester are little more than forty
years of age, and have been not much above a year
married. It must, however, be confessed, that until
a\- have a more certain prospect of issue from the
British Branch, the public attention will be turned
to the two young Princes of Brunswick, the sons
and urandsons of the two illustrious Dukes of
Brunswick who lost their lives in the fields of Jena
and Waterloo. These young Princes were educated
in England : but that is but a small alleviation of
the repugnance we feel at having a foreign King:
and this is a consideration which enhances and em-
bitters all the regrets which the loss of our own
lovely and excellent Princess excites.

The reader cannot fail to observe with interest,
the state of the Electoral Family of Hesse, the
venerable age of the Elector, and his two brothers,
and their numerous "children and grandchildren ;
and the circumstance, that the three wives of
the three elder Princes are still living (two of them
being in their own right, as well as their husbands,
in succession to the British Crown,) will not be
easily paralleled.

The attention of the public has been much di-
rected to the state of the Succession to the Throne.
The only inconvenience seriously to be appre-
hended, if we can banish from our minds the loss
of a Princess whose virtues justified a hope that
she would indeed have been a British and a Con-
stitutional Monarch, is, that which would arise

THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE-AUGUSTA, 533

from a rapid succession of short reigns. A curious
calculation has been made on this subject: it is
rather amusing, than of any real value. There are
fourteen English Princes and Princesses, who stand
in the order we have already given. The following
Table is formed on a medium between the North-
ampton Table of Observations, and the probability
of life in London. The females are marked (F.):

Age . Probability of Life. Length of Reign*

~-~ r*'^\ ^^"\

Years. Y. M. Y. M.

No. 1 56th 14 4 14 4

2 55th 14 10 0 6

3 53d 15 8 0 10

4 51st 16 6 0 10

5 47th 18 3 1 9

6 45th 19 2 Oil

7 44th 19 7 0 5

8(F.) 52d 16 1 0 0

9(F.) 50th 17 0 0 0

10(F.) 48th 17 10 0 0

11(F.) . , . . .42d 20 5 0 10

12(F.) 41st 20 10 0 5

13 42d 20 5 0 0

14(F.) 45th 19 2 0 0

20 10

From this Table it appears, that on the common
probability of life, as applied to each individual,
supposing none of them to have issue, there would
be in the next twenty-one years, nine reigns, two of
them female ones ; and that after the first, there
would be no reign longer than twenty-one months, and
two as short as five months. This, however, is mere
speculation; for admitting the above Table to be
correct, and that all the English Princes and Prin-
cesses were to die without leaving issue, it is pro-
bable, that the British people and Parliament
would not permit any of the family of Buonaparte
to ascend the Throne of these realms, even if there
were no young Princes of the illustrious House of

o34

MTMoIRS OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

BnUMwick to whom they could look in suclian ex-
tremity. The apparent ground of our present hope,
certainly is the probability of issue upon the ap-
proacbiog marriage of His present Majesty's young-
est sou, the Duke of Cambridge, with a young
Princess of the Protestant House of Hesse-
O'Annstadt; to which the attention of the whole
nation is now directed, with the ardent and reason-
able expectation, that from it may spring the future
Heirs of the British Crown.

FAC-SIM1LE OF HIS MAJESTY'S SIGNATURE, FEB. 12, 180G.

THE REGENT'S SIGNATURE, JULY 24, 1817.

APPENDIX.

MEDICAL REPORTS.

Case of the late Princess Charlotte of Wales.

FROM THE LONDON MEDICAL REPOSITORY.

1 HE Editors, having been sufficiently apprised
that the profession expected from them some ac-
count of this case, the lamentable termination of
which has spread such a settled gloom over the
British Empire ; immediately, on learning that the
Physicians who attended it did not mean to pub-
lish any statement, (a resolution, in the propriety of
which, under the circumstances, they perfectly co-
incide,) strenuously endeavoured to obtain every
information respecting it, from such sources as
could be depended on, Their exertions have been
successful, and they are now enabled to present a
report to their readers, which may be regarded as
strictly authentic.

In prefacing their narrative, in this place, it is
not for them to attempt to paint the simultaneous
and wholly unprecedented expression of unfeigned
sorrow, which the death of this excellent person,
not less elevated by her virtues than by her rank,
visibly imprinted on the countenance of the inha-

j in \PIM.\m\

bitants of this extended realm. It spoke a Ian
iliii could not be misconstrued. The pro-
ion have participated in this feeling, in common
with their fellow subjects; and have borne a part in
thai extraordinary demonstration of respect for the
departed, which, perpetuated in the page of history,
will be contemplated by posterity as the most dig-
nified tribute to individual worth, and the sublimest
triumph of virtue, which mankind have ever wit-
nessed ; a tribute honourable to the object of it, in
a degree fitted to excite the envy of the proudest
monarchs, and an eternal memorial of the ardent
feeliugs of an honest-hearted, brave, and generous
people. But as they are incapable of doing justice
to this part of the subject, they shall leave it to
abler commentators; and proceed to detail the facts
they have collected, as far as regards the case in a
medical point of view.

The Princess Charlotte, previously to her confine-
tnent, was in good health, and immediately under
tin eye of her accoucheur, Sir Richard Croft, who
resided at Claremont for three weeks, up to the
moment in which she was taken ill. Dr. JBaillie,
also, was in attendance, chiefly, Ave have been in-
formed, on account of a promise exacted from him
l»\ the Princess, that he would be near her on this
occasion. Her spirits were excellent, and she anti-
cipated only the most favourable issue of the event
which was hourly expected.

She was first made sensible of her approaching
delivery at seven o'clock on Monday evening, the
third of November; but the labour pains were so
inefficient, although acute, as scarcely to evacuate
tin- water, which had ruptured the membranes at
the commencement of the labour; a circumstance,
however, which every accoucheur knows, prognos-
ticates nothing either uncommon or untoward. In
'his manner the labour proceeded, slowly, for
tw< Qty-six hours; the Princess being frequently up

APPENDIX. 537

5?ind walking about, from finding that the pains
almost left her when she was in the recumbent
posture. About this time, also, judging from the
inefficiency of the pains, and the little progress made
in the labour, we understand Sir Richard Croft
suspected that there were either twins, or that there
existed some irregular action of the uterus ; and, as
it was probable a consultation might ultimately be
required, he wrote to Dr. John Sims, requesting his
immediate attendance. He had, in the mean time,
provided whatever could be wanted, should it be
found expedient to have recourse to artificial deli-
very.

Dr. Sims arrived at Claremont at two o'clock in
the morning of Wednesday, but did not then see
the Princess ; and, as the cause of this has been
grossly mis-stated, we think it proper, in justifica-
tion of an honourable man, and so highly respected
a member of the profession as Sir Richard Croft is
well known to be, to state, that we have been in-
formed, from a quarter which we must credit, that
it was proposed by Sir Richard to Dr. Sims, that
he should then be introduced to the Princess ; but
both Dr. Sims himself and Dr. Baillie thought his
presence, at that time, could not be productive of
any benefit, but might agitate the patient. Dr. Sims,
therefore, declined entering the lying-in room. No
consultation was at this period necessary, as the
labour was evidently advancing, although slowly:
but on hearing the statement of the situation of the
Princess from Sir Richard Croft, Dr. Sims con-
curred in the opinion that every thing should be
left to nature.

About noon, on Wednesday, it was first sus-
pected that the child might be dead, or that it
might be born in a state of suspended animation ;
and every known means of recovery were immedi-.
ately prepared. Still, the labour continued to be
scarcely progressive ; the pains being such as tend
23. 3 v

4,3ft 4PFENDII

to forward birth rather by moulding the head so as
to admit of its easy passage, than by forcible ex-
pulsion. When this was completed, the pains be-
more efficient; and, at the termination of
fifty hours from the commencement of the labour,
Princess was delivered, by natural efforts, of a
still-born male child. No great discharge followed
the birth; but it was soon discovered that the
uterus was acting irregularly, and taking on the
hour-glass contraction 5 and an unfavourable sepa-
ration of the placenta was anticipated. This, like-
wise, in some degree, accounted for the protracted
character of the labour.

At half-past niue o'clock, a discharge of blood
occurred. Dr. Sims, who was then employed in
an adjoining room, in endeavours to re-animate the
infant, was instantly informed of this occurrence ;
and, in consultation with Sir Richard Croft, agreed
that the immediate separation and removal of the
after-birth was necessary. It was effected with
little difficulty, and was followed by a very trifling
discharge either of fluid or coagulated blood.

The Princess was now as well and composed as
ladies usually are immediately after delivery, and
continued so until aquarter before twelve o'clock,
taking frequently small supplies of nourishment;
but at this time she became restless, and rather
talkative, and complained of being sick. She vo-
mited, but nothing was ejected, except a little cam-
phor julep, which she had taken; and at this mo-
ment her pulse was firm, steady, and under a hun-
dred. She again was composed. About half-past
twelve, however, the breathing became impeded ;
the respiratory organs were evidently under the in-
fluence of spasm, and continued in that state until
she breathed her last, at half past two o'clock?
exactly five hours and a half after her delivery.

In this afflicting state of the case, Dr. Baillie and
Dr Sims, who had been called into the room whei*

APPENDIX. 539

fhe breathing first became affected, united their
judgment and their skill with that of Sir Richard
Croft, but in vain, to avert the impending calamity.
Art proved unavailing, although every thing which
it could devise, and which experience could sug-
gest, was attempted.

On the seventh of November the body was
opened by Sir Everard Home, assisted by Sir
David Dun das, Mr. Brande, and the Apothecary
of Prince Leopold's household ; and we believe the
following is a pretty accurate statement of the ap-
pearances these Gentlemen observed :

The membranes of the brain presented their na-
tural aspect. The vessels of the pia mater were less
distended with blood than was to be expected after
so severe a labour. The ventricles of the brain con-
tained very little fluid. The plexus choroides was
of a pale colour, and the substance of the brain
had its natural texture.

The pericardium contained two ounces of red-
coloured fluid. The heart itself and the lungs were
in a natural state. The stomach contained nearly
three pints of liquid. The colon was distended
with air. The kidneys and other abdominal viscera
were in a natural state.

The uterus contained a considerable quantity of
blood, and extended as high up in the abdomen as
the navel ; and the hour-glass contraction was still
very apparent.

The foregoing narrative throws very little light
upon the immediate cause of the death of the
Princess. The fluid found in the pericardium
might have obstructed the due action of the heart;
but it is not easy to account for its presence there,
nor to conceive how so large a quantity could have
been effused during the short space of time that
supervened to delivery, before the breathing be-
came impeded. The quantity of the blood which

540 i'KNDIX.

lrM i, .mid 111 tin- uterus might have induced ex-
haustion; but this opinion can only be conjectural,
M a is impossible to draw any certain inference from
the rather indefinite expression "considerable," con-
lained in the Report of the Surgeons. Imagination,
indeed, has been busy, and a phalanx of casual
circumstances have been arranged to account for
the dissolution; some of which are ungenerously
and too unguardedly, not to say maliciously, cal-
culated to attach blame to her attendants; but we
must deprecate such expositions, as unjust to the
individuals concerned, and in no degree honourable
to the profession.

We have been informed, that the whole of the
Koyal Family are liable to spasms of a violent
description; and to this hereditary predisposition,
and the increased excitability of the amiable Suf-
ferer; owing to the tedious nature of the labour, are
\\i- left to ascribe an event which has destroyed the
flattering hopes of the nation, and lopped off the
fairest branch from the stem of its monarchal suc-
cession.

1;kom the London Medical and Physical Journal,

There is a certain Court etiquette which prevents
an authenticated account after the demise of an
illustrious female. This is not confined to the
lloyal Family : — when the late Duchess of Devon-
Bhire died, the examination of the body was de-
livered, sealed, to her widowed consort. Like
most other secrets, however, the important events
gradually transpire; and, though for the reason
abo\< -mentioned, we can plead no direct authority,
yet the various sources from which the whole of
the following history has been confirmed, are suffi-

i ut to satisfy qS that they are generally true.

APPENDIX. 541

Nor does it lessen the validity of our report, if
after all the circumstances we have collected, the
cause of the fatal issue should not be perfectly
ascertained. Every medical man is aware that the
same difficulty occurs daily, more commonly in the
most elevated ranks. It was an observation of
the learned and ingenious Dr. Denman, that the
inferior animals suffer less by parturition; and that
females, the nearer they approach to a state of
nature, for the most part suffer the least. A
lively illustration he offers of this, in the differ-
ence which the Egyptian midwives remarked be-
tween those females about the court of Pharaoh,
and the Israelitish women in a state of bondage.

Let us now consider the situation of Her Royal
Highness. Just relieved from all the trammels of
state, and from the apprehension of an union
repugnant to her wishes, and even associated with
the further apprehensions of expatriation, she found
herself united to the husband of her choice — a
felicity rarely experienced by females, and least
of all in that exalted rank. At first a temporary
gloom prevailed, lest her own hopes, the hopes
of her husband, of her family, and of the empire,
should be disappointed. At length she became
" as those who love their lords would wish to be ;"
and, as this became more and more confirmed,
• all her prospects of earthly happiness seemed
completed. Retired from the busy world, she
had leisure to indulge this happiness in all its
fulness. Her whole society, the females of her
choice; and, when she thought proper, the inter-
course of one to whose presence on an approach-
ing period it was desirable that she should be
familiarised. To complete this felicity, the resi-
dence was on a spot rendered classical by two oi
our celebrated poets in their best performances.
The beauties of Esher and of the Mole, (report
informs us,) had been selected to embellish a pre-

12 IPPENDIX.

,i i,, ber Hatband; and, in the morning exer-
< ises, ne«r the banks of the Thames, how often
must she have reminded her companion of those
lines which prove that the language she was
teaching him is susceptible of all the music, if not
4 .(II th. softness, of the Italian.

" Oh ! could I make thy sweetly-flowing stream
Mv bright example, as it is my theme ;
Though deep, yet clear— though gentle, yet not dull,
Strong, without rage — without o'erflowing, full."

Such appears to have been the uninterrupted
lenor of a life too felicitous perhaps to be per-
manent in this transitory state of existence. It
seems to bear a resemblance to that preternatural
state of health from which the great father of
physic teaches us to apprehend so much. But
this is not all : — the whole period of gestation and
parturition, it is well known, is a state of preter-
natural power and action. It is not difficult to
guess what it must have proved with these addi-
tional excitements. We have reason to believe,
though we know nothing from authority, that pains
were taken to repress as much as possible a mor-
bid excess of animal spirits, the effects of which
were apprehended: but it is well known, that this
is not only out of the power of the physician, but
often of the patient herself.

Her Royal Highness may be said to have been
fifty hours in labour, but with no dangerous symp-
toms, not being confined to bed during the greater
part of that time. At length, the slow progress
induced Sir Richard Croft to wish the sanction of
another physician-accoucheur, probably lest it
should liecome doubtful whether instruments should
l»e used. Dr. Sims arrived about two o'clock on
Wednesday morning, (November 5th), and from
that time the intercourse between him and Sir

APPENDIX. 543

Richard was perpetual ; but nothing occurred, in
the opinion of either, to justify any thing beyond
the ordinary means. The length of time, and
other events, induced the apprehension of a still-
born child ; and under this impression, the neces-
sary apparatus for re-animation was in readiness.

At nine o'clock on Wednesday evening, Her
Royal Highness was delivered of a still-born
child, which, as far as we can learn, Drs. Sims
and Baillie were endeavouring to re-animate,
whilst Sir Richard remained with the Royal Mo-
ther. During the whole period, and for some
time after, no unfavourable symptom occurred f
excepting that Her Royal Highness was less ex-
hausted than might have been expected by so
tedious a labour and the subsequent events.
Sir Richard, suspecting the hour-glass contrac-
tion from the tediousness of the subsequent pro-
cess, thought it right to give some assistance,
having of course first consulted and obtained the
concurrence of his coadjutors. All this was ac-
complished without difficulty, and with no apparent
danger, excepting what arose from the almost
unnatural composure, not to say cheerfulness, of
Her Royal Highness.

In this manner things remained for nearly three
hours after the birth. At this time Her Royal
Highness was sick, and threw up part of a cardiac
medicine she had taken ; and, with the advice of
Drs. Baillie and Sims, we have heard that an
opiate was administered. Her Royal Highness
remained quite composed for some time after this,
and got some sleep ; but about a quarter before
twelve great restlessness came on ; and Sir Richard
Croft found it necessary to call in the other physi-
cians. From that time the fatal issue advanced
rapidly ; a slight difficulty in swallowing, which
soon subsided, added to the sickness, was all that
had previously occurred. But from this time pain

14 APPENDIX

tu the chest, difficulty in respiration* and

sed, with a rapid, irre-
.iud weak pulse, till the vital spark was
extinguished. It is scarcely necessary even to
hint, thai every means of support was administered.
Al two o'clock on Thursday morning, Her Royal
High] (1 to breathe !

The appearances after death are pretty well
known. On examining the contents of the cranium,
the dura mater was found natural, the vessels of
rlic pia mater were less loaded with blood than
often occurs, and the plexus choroides somewhat
pale; in (he ventricles was a small quantity of
water; the substance of the brain natural. The
pericardium contained two ounces of red fluid ;
the stomach, a good deal of fluid, probably most
of wh.it had been taken after the sickness. The
abdominal viscera were quite natural. The uterus
v\;t- so little contracted as still to reach as high
as the umbilicus ; the hour-glass form was still
apparent, it contained a considerable quantity of.
coagula within its cavity — from what we can learn,
about a pound.

To what then are we to impute a death which
has filled the whole nation with distress? A
labour much longer protracted has often ended
happily for mother and child ; the slow contrac-
tion of i he uterus, however unfavourable in itself,
was unattended with any consequences which
should excite alarm. The fluid in the pericardium
might readily explain the severe pain in the chest,
the irregularity of the pulse, and might even pre-
vent the heart from recovering its vigorous action.
\\;i< this extravasated during the pains, and were
ili. consequent sensations suspended for a time
by the composure of the Royal Patient, during so
long, so tedious, and, without doubt, often so pain-,
"'I ;• labour? Where all is conjecture, we may bt;
d lowed to offer ours.

APPENDIX. 545

Memoirs of the late Sir Richard Croft, JBart. M. X).

Sir R. Croft served an apprenticeship to Mr.
Chevasse, an apothecary, at Burton-upon-Trent,
where he evinced marks of a comprehensive mind.
On the expiration of the term of his servitude, his
parents sent him to London, to complete his medi-
cal education. Here he became a pupil of the cele-
brated Dr. Hunter; and by the recommendation of
Dr. Baillie (a fellow pupil) he boarded and lodged
with Mr. Denman, an apothecary, then living in
Queen-street, Golden-square, being contiguous to
Hunter's theatre in Windmill-street; whose chief
dependence was on boarding and lodging the pupils
of Hunter. In this family, he and his friend Baillie
met with that kind of rational amusement from the
society of Denman and his two daughters (twins),
which studious characters require to relax their
minds, in order to enable them more effectually to
prosecute their inquiries. The Duchess of Newcastle,
who was then pregnant, and in a bad state of health,
being advised by Hunter to go to Portugal, engaged
Mr. Denman, on the recommendation of Dr. Hunter,
to accompany her, chiefly for the purpose of super-
intending her labour. Her Grace having a uood
time, and the climate having greatly improved her
general health, she and the doctor returned to Lon-
don. Soon after their arrival, Hunter discharged
his debt to nature, and her Grace exerted all her
interest to secure to Mr. Denman Hunter's midwifery
practice. Mr. Denman finding that, through her
Grace's interest, he should be established as the
fashionable accoucheur in London, relinquished his
shop and boarding-house, purchased a diploma,
and started as a physician-accoucheur; and, to
g-ive an importance to his professional character,
23 3 z

, j., APPENDIX.

commenced lectures on the science of midwifery,
and the diseases of children; for all which he was
well qualified. Fortunate as this occurrence was
for .Mr. Debman, it was no less so for the medical
profession ; for it was the means of bringing forward
talents which would otherwise have been lost to the
world; and in the Metropolis many are the prac-
titioners who obtain a scanty livelihood by the trade
of an apothecary, who only want the same good
fortune to bring diem into notice. Mr. Denman,
by his lectures, proved himself to be a man of strong
intellect, great ingenuity, and scientific attainments;
and to him we are indebted for the best general
treatise <»n midwifery that has appeared in this or
any other country. Sir Richard Croft commenced
his career as a surgeon, apothecary, and man-mid-
wife, at Tudbury, where a predilection for the sports
of the field introduced him to Lord Vernon. From
Tudbury he went to Oxford, which he quitted for
London. Dr. Denman being in great practice,
Sir Richard and Dr. Baillie now renewed their
acquaintance with his daughters, whom they soon
afterwards conducted to the altar. Denman having
acquired an independence by his practice and the
liberality of the Duchess of Devonshire, he gradu-
ally withdrew from the fatigue of it, in order to
introduce his sons-in-law; and this he managed
with so much dexterity, that Sir Richard in a short
time acquired the whole of his practice.

On the death of Sir Herbert Croft, a gentleman
well known in the literary world, he then, Mr.
Richard Croft, succeeded to the Baronetcy; and
v. a.s at length appointed principal accoucheur to
the Princess ( 'harlotte : when the unexpected death
of Her Royal Highness plunged him into a state
of deep dejection, which could not, unhappily, be
removed by the exceedingly kind and gracious
letter of the Prince Regent; nor by that which
Prince Leopold afterwards caused to be addressed

APPENDIX. 547

to him in his name, by Sir Robert Gardiner ; of
which the following is an accurate copy :

" Claremont, Nov. 23, 1837.
" My dear Sir,

*' The Prince Leopold was unable, previous to his return
from Windsor, to attempt any offer of His Serene Highness's
thanks to you, for all your care, your indefatigable zeal and
attention, during your late arduous attendance at Claremont.

" His Serene Highness avails himself of the earliest possi-
ble moment to convey to you his assurance, that throughout^
those dreadful circumstances we deplore, he must always
remember with what earnest endeavours you fulfilled your
professional duties ; and in the general sorrow, which circum-
stances have rendered peculiarly an affliction to you, to assure
you of his unalterable sense and confidence in all your efforts
to avert it. Believe me, with unfeigned regard,

" My dear Sir,

**■ Your most faithful and obedient Servant,

" Robert Gardiner.

" To Sir Richard Croft, Bart, Old Burlington-street ."

The subjoined account of the Coroner's inquest,
which sat upon the body of this unhappy gentleman,
affords the most accurate details of that deplorable
catastrophe which terminated his life.

Friday morning, the 13th of February, an inquest was held
on the body of Sir R. Croft, who shot himself that morning
in Wimpole-street. The Rev. Dr. Thackeray, one of His
Majesty's Chaplains, stated, that in consequence of his lady
being taken ill, Sir R. attended her from Tuesday till Thursday
night about eleven o'clock, when, conceiving that he was much
fatigued, they prevailed on him to retire to rest; which he
did, after many entreaties. Witness retired to bed about the
same hour, and Sir R. appeared anxious to get up at any time
they might call him. About two o'clock in the morning-, wit-
ness heard a noise, which he thought was like the falling of a
chair, but took no further notice, and went to sleep again ;
and in about an hour afterwards he was awoke bv the servant

548 APPENDIX.

maid, who told linn his wife was in labour. He went imme-
diately t" the room the deceased slept in, and opened the
door, went in, and found him on the bed, on his back, with a
pistol i" each hand : the muzzles of both were at either side
<>! bis head. He was quite dead. He could have no inten-
tion of destroying himself when he went to bed, as he did not
close the door of the apartment. Witness observed to the
deceased before he went to bed, that he, witness, was in
great agitation. Sir Richard answered, " AVhat is your agi-
l at ion compared to miner' and witness supposed at the time
thai lie was suppressing his emotions. The deceased bled at
the nose several times during his attendance. — Mr. Hollings,
Burgeon, of Green-street, Grosvenor-sqtiare, said, that he had
observed a considerable alteration in the deceased's state of
mind and his manners for some time past; he had frequently
seen him so melancholy, that it was quite distressing; his
mind was so absorbed, that he would not give answers to
questions which were put to him: for the last ten days the
deceased had been attending a patient who was in a danger-
ous state ; and on witness conversing with him respecting her,
deceased threw himself on the bed, and struck his forehead,
as if his brain wras very much agitated. He noticed him par-
ticularly on Tuesday night, as he was attending a lady ; he
so agitated, that Dr. Warren asked him if he was ill?
He answered in an incoherent manner, " T\o." Witness is
of opinion, that had a person been present when he had the
! - ol, he could have obtained no control over hira; indeed,
lit- should have thought it very dangerous to have left such
v. eapoos within his reach." A short time ago, witness was in
company with the deceased, when he exclaimed abruptly,
" Good God, what will become of me!" Witness positively
believes he «as in a stale of derangement when he committed
the act. [Here one of the jurymen asked Mr. Hollings,
whether, in his opinion, the death of the Princess had been
the exciting cause of his derangement? or whether he had
observed his mind to be diseased previous to that, melancholy
at? Mr. Hollings replied, he had no doubt whatever of
the insanity of the deceased having been caused bj the unfor-
tunate events al Claremont; that, previous to that time, he
had never observed his mind to be disturbed.] — Drs. Baillie
and Latham, and Vv. Finch, proved that the deceased had,
since the death oi the Princess Charlotte, laboured under
mental distress. He had repeatedly been heard to say, that
iliis lamentable circumstance weighed heavy upon his mind,
and he should never get over it. — The Jury then went to view

APPENDIX. 549

the body. On a table lay the play of " Love's Labour Lost,"
which was open at a page in which appeared the words,
" Good God ! where is the Princess ?" The Jury remarked
this as a singular coincidence, and returned to the jury-room,
where the Coroner summed up the evideuce, and the Jury,
after a short consultation, returned a verdict of " Died by his
own act, being, at the time he committed it, in a state of
mental derangement."

Sir Richard was in his 57th year. Lady Croft,
who survives him, is in a very delicate state of
health. Her Ladyship is daughter of the late Dr.
Denman, and sister of Mr. Denman, the barrister.
He has left three sons and a daughter. One of the
sons is in the Army, and served in the late war on
the Continent.

Mrs. Thackeray, the lady whom Sir Richard was
attending, was safely delivered about eight o'clock
on the following morning: she was kept in total
ignorance of the dreadful event, but only survived
a few days.

Account of His present Majesty's Jirst Illness in the

Year 1788.

Owing to the severe disorder with which it had
pleased Divine Providence to afflict our gracious
Sovereign, all ranks of people were filled with con-
sternation. The first symptoms of the disorder
were observed in the early part of October, 1788,
and increased so much, that on the 17th of that
month it was thought necessary to postpone the
Levee at St. James's. It appears that His Majesty
had caught cold by walking over some wet grass,
which brought on a rheumatic pain, that fixed in
his stomach ; but was soon removed into the extre-
mities : and on the 24th His Majesty was so much
recovered, that he appeared at the Levee ; but on

,0 APPENDIX.

the nh of November had a relapse, attended with
a violent pain in bis bowels; and on the 6th the
symptoms were so very alarming, that the most
, mill, iif Physicians were called in, and all the great
Officers of State summoned; upon which the dis-
order was pronounced to be of a most complicated
nature. On the 11th it was thought necessary to
send a daily official account of His Majesty's situ-
ation to the Lord in Waiting, at St. James's. These
reports were couched in general terms, such as,
that His Majesty had passed a quiet, or more rest-
less, night; that he was more, or less, composed ;
that his fever had abated, or increased ; or that he
continued in the same state.

On the 13th of November, a Form of Prayer for
His Majesty's recovery was ordered by the Lords
of the Privy Council, to be prepared by the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury; and the Dissenters of all
persuasions united in the most fervent prayers for
the preservation of a life so dear to all his subjects.

In consequence of the new and singular situation
of the Government, circulars were addressed to the
Members of both Houses of Parliament, requiring
their attendance on the 20th of November, the day
to which they had lx en prorogued. On that, both
Houses of Parliament accordingly met, and each
unanimously resolved, 1. That this House do, on
its rising, adjourn to this day fortnight; 2. That
this House be called over on this day fortnight;
3. Thai the Speaker do send circular letters to the
Sheriffs of every County, requiring the attendance
of Members.

On the 4th of December the Houses again met,
and being resolved into Committees, after a long
debute, agreed to the following Resolutions: 1. That
it iv the (.pijiion of this Committee, that His Majesty
is prevented, by his present indisposition, from com-
ing to his Parliament, and from attending to public
business ; and that the personal exercise of the

APPENDIX. &>1

Royal authority is thereby, for the present, inter
rupted ; 2. That it is the right and duty of the Lords,
spiritual and temporal, and Commons of Great Bri-
tain, now assembled, and lawfully, fully, and freely
representing all the estates of the people of Great
Britain, to provide the means of supplying the
defect of the personal exercise of the Royal autho-
rity, arising from His Majesty's said indisposition,
in such manner as the exigency of the case may
seem to require ; 3. Resolved, That for this pur-
pose, and for maintaining entire the constitutional
authority of the King, it is necessary that the said
Lords spiritual and temporal, and Commons, of
Great Britain, should determine on the means,
whereby the Royal assent may be given in Par-
liament to such Bill as may be passed by the two
Houses of Parliament, respecting the exercise of
the powers and authorities of the Crown, in the
name and on behalf of the King, during the con-
tinuance of His Majesty's present indisposition.

After this followed long debates upon the famous
question of the Regency, which still occupied
the attention of the Senate until February ; when
the daily official accounts of His Majesty's health,
sent from Kew to St. James's, began to be more
uniformly favourable; and at length afforded, on
the 17th of that month, to a loyal and affectionate
people, the pleasing intelligence, that His Majesty
was in a state of convalescence. On the 27th, the
report of the Physicians ceased, and the Lords
of the Council ordered a Form of Prayer and
Thanksgiving to Almighty God, for His Majesty's
happy Recovery. The Park and Tower guns were
fired; illuminations, and all sorts of public rejoic-
ings, followed throughout the kingdom; His
Majesty went in procession to St. Paul's; loyal
addresses were presented ; and His Majesty's Birth-
day was celebrated with every demonstration of
heartfelt jo v.

552 APPENDIX.

tccouni of the Jubilee observed througfiout the United
Kingdom, on October 25, 1809, in honour of the
Fiftieth Anniversary of the Coronation of our
beloved and revered Sovereign King George the
Third.

This happy day was announced at the earliest
dawn by the joyful ringing of the bells of the Metro-
polis: guns were fired at intervals, from an early
hour, from the wharfs upon the banks of the Thames,
and from the vessels on the river, which were gaily
decorated with the flags and standards of the
friendly nations. The morning opened with a
splendour and mildness that seemed to recal the
finest period of summer : it was hailed by the peo-
ple of all ranks and classes, who poured forth, as
soon as it was day, and hastened in every direction
on foot, on horseback, and in carriages of every
description, from east to west, and from west to
east; from the town to the country, and from the
country to the town. Never on any former occasion
were such immense throngs beheld; sounds of joy
and happiness marked the way of all ; and through-
out the whole day and night it was impossible to
listen or look without perceiving that every Briton
heartily concurred in celebrating the Jubilee of
George the Third. At one o'clock a grand salute
of fifty guns was fired from the Park and Tower.
The regiments of Guards in Town attended divine
service at the Royal Chapel, Whitehall, which had
been repaired for their use, under the direction of
i lis Royal Highness the Duke of York. The Life
< iiiarda were also out, as were also all the Volunteer
J orps of the Metropolis, many of whom, after hear-
in u" di\ine service, had a grand field day in Hyde
Park, where each fired a feu dejoye in most capital
style. At half past ten o'clock the Lord Mayor
proceeded from the Mansion House to Guildhall,

APPENDIX. 553

in the City State Coach, drawn by his set of beau-
tiful gray horses, splendidly adorned with ribbons,
and attended by the usual Officers, preceded by
the trumpets sounding, and the band of the West
London Militia playing " God save the King." At
Guildhall his Lordship was joined by the mem-
bers of the Corporation, and the Procession moved
to St. Paul's in the following order :

Constables with New Staves.

River Feucibles with new Uniforms.

West Regiment London Militia.

Twelve Trumpeters.

Band playing " God save the King."

Under Marshal.

Marshalmen.

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor in State,

The horses adorned with purple ribbons.

Two Sheriffs in State.

Under Sheriffs with their Officers, two and two.

Aldermen in their scarlet gowns, according to seniority.

The Common Councilmen in their Carriages, and violet

mazarine gowns, one hundred and sixty in number,

closed the procession.

In the large space between the iron gate and
great west door of the Cathedral, the West Lon-
don Militia received the Lord Mayor and the
rest of the procession with presented arms. Oji
entering the great west door of the Cathedral, his
Lordship was received by the Dean and Chapter.
The central aisle to the choir was lined on each
side by the River Fencibles in full uniforms. A
most appropriate and excellent Sermon was preach-
ed by his Lordship's Chaplain, from 2 Kings viii. 66.
" And they blessed the king, and went unto their
tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness
the Lord had done for David his servant, and for
Israel his people." Before the Sermon, the Corona-
tion Anthem was performed with great effect by
the full choir. The procession returned about
23. 4 a

ATPENDIX.

three o'clock in the same order. At five o'clock,
the Corporation were introduced up the grand
staircase unto the Mansion House; the trumpets
sounding during their entrance through the vestibule.
The building had been previously decorated with
a splendid illumination, consisting of elegant devices
of the oak, thistle, and shamrock, in coloured
lamps; in the centre a radiant display of G. R.
and the Crown, with "Long may he reign." The
pillars of the portico were tastefully ornamented
with wreaths of lamps ; and the whole was much
admired from its general grandeur and effect. On
entering the grand saloon, which was lined by the
band of the \\ est London Militia playing " God
save tin' King," " Rule Britannia," &c. the com-
pany were individually received by the Lord
Mayor, and at half-past five o'clock the floors of
the magnificent Egyptian Hall were thrown open,
illuminated by the blaze of innumerable lamps,
tastefully arranged round the pillars, and from
elegant lustres and chandeliers suspended from
the roof. The tables were laid out with the great-
est taste, and covered with an elegant and hospi-
table dinner, the whole of which was served up
upon plate; the band- continuing all the time to
play various delightful airs. After the cloth was
removed " Non nobis Domine" was charmingly
sung by Messrs. Taylor, Tyrol, Doyle, &c. and
after an appropriate speech the Lord Mayor gave
" The King, God bless him, and long may he reign
overafree and united people;" which was drank
with three times three, and with exulting en-
thusiasm, amid thunders of applause, which un
abatedly continued for a great length of time.
After this effusion of loval feeling had subsided,
the grand National Anthem of "God save the
King' Mas performed by the professional Gentle-
men present, with appropriate additional verses for
the occasion, the whole company standing, and

APPENDIX. 555

joining- with the most heartfelt zeal, accompanied
by the animating sounds of the military band.
The worthy Chief Magistrate then gave "The
Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the
rest of the Royal Family," and " The Wooden
Walls of Old England;" after which, " Rule Britan-
nia" was sung, accompanied in full chorus by the
band and company present; then followed "The
Army of the United Kingdom," and " Prosperity
to the City of London ;" after which, many other
loyal and constitutional toasts were drank : and the
company, consisting of upwards of two hundred
persons of the first respectability, did not separate
till a late hour.

About four hundred of the most respectable
Merchants, Bankers, &c. of the City of London,
sat down at six o'clock to an elegant dinner at
Merchant Tailors' Hall. They were joined at
table by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the
Earls of Liverpool, Bathurst, Chatham, Camden,
Harrowby, Lord Erskine, the Attorney and Solici-
tor Generals, &c. with Beeston Long, Esq. in the
Chair. After the cloth was removed, " The King,
and long may he reign," was given with three times
three, and received with the loudest acclamations ;
then followed " The Queen, the Prince and Prin-
cess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family,"
" The Navy, Army, and Prosperity to Commerce."

The illuminations were exceedingly beautiful ; the
Admiralty, and Horse Guards, were particularly
splendid ; the grand colonnade at the entrance of
the hall of the former, being ornamented with
spiral rows of different colours, from the ground
to the top, amounting, it is said, to 3000 for each
pillar. The Bank of England exhibited coloured
lamps, every where covering its walls ; there was,
beside, not a pillar or niche in that immense pile,
that did not display some brilliant and loyal device.
The Post Office seemed like a beautiful promenade

APPKNDIX.

formed mt<> an arbourwith variegated lamps. The
India House had a most dazzling appearance, and
was profusely ornamented with elegant devices.
Ml the Theatres were illuminated with a vast
number of lamps; and the shops of the Strand,
Piccadilly, and the City of London generally,
w<iv brilliant beyond any former example. The
British Museum was also illuminated in the first
style of classical splendour.

These rejoicings in London were accompanied
by similar fetes all over the kingdom. At seven
o'clock on the morning of the 25th October, at
\\ indsor, the bells were rung, fifty pieces of artil-
lery discharged, and the bands of the Royal
Blues, and the King's Own Stafford Militia, assem-
bled in the Market-place, striking up "God save
the King;" after which they paraded the town,
playing all the time. An ox and two fat sheep
were roasted in Bachelor's Acre. The apparatus
made use of on this occasion consisted of two
ranges set in brick-work, and was so con-
trived that a fire should be made on each side of
the ox, and on the outer side of each fire was the
necessary machinery for roasting the sheep. A
sort of scaffolding had been erected, consisting of
six poles, three of which were fixed in the earth
at each extremity, and uniting at the top, bore a
seventh, from which descended the pulley by
means of which the ox was placed between
the ranges, when put down, and raised again
when roasted. Over the animal, a long tin dish
was placed, into which large quantities of fat were
thrown, which melting, the beef was basted with
it, a ladle at the end of a long pole being used
for that purpose. An immense spit was passed
through the body of the animal, the extremities of
which worked in a groove at each end: a bushel
and half of potatoes were roasted in his belly.

M ten o'clock, the- Windsor Volunteers and the

APPENDIX. 557

Mayor and Corporation went to Church in pro-
cession ; shortly after which His Majesty took his
ride in the Park and down the Long Walk, attended
by several of the Royal Dukes. The roasted ox
was scrambled for in the presence of their Majes-
ties, and afforded a great deal of amusement to
the lovers of fun. The animals were placed on
dishes to be carved, and persons appointed for
that purpose immediately set to work. Shortly
after the carving had commenced, the pudding
began to be distributed, and the crowd could be
restrained no longer; they burst in through the
enclosure, and, after the nearest were served, the
pudding was thrown to those who were at a dis-
tance, which created a hundred scrambles in a
very short time. The bread was distributed the
same way; and the crowd were finally regaled with
what is significantly called " Sop in the Pan," that
is, with having the mashed potatoes, with gravy, &c.
thrown over them.

The grand arch, erected by the Town-hall, was
adorned by figures emblematical of the four sea-
sons, Likenesses of their Majesties, and other de-
vices ; the whole surmounted with the King's Arms
beneath, which, on one side, was inscribed, " God
save the King," and on the other, " The King and
Constitution." The Town Hall was adorned with
several transparencies, and a great number of
lamps. There was another grand arch erected by
Mr. Tippet, the King's Carpenter, in Fleet Street :
it was more lofty than the former, and exhibited a
grand transparency; in the centre of which was a
Likeness of His Majesty, as exhibited in the town,
inscribed beneath,

"May he live
Longer than I have time to tell his years ;
Ever beloved an J loving may his rule be ;
And when old Time shall lead him to his end,
Goodness and He fill up one monument."

558 APPENDIX.

The splendid fete given by Her Majesty at Frog-
more, surpassed the expectations of every one. In
t h<- midst of an immense sheet of water, on an
island, appeared a magnificent temple, dedicated
to Britannia; within which, an appropriate device
met the eye: from the summit of this, a beautiful
star, exhibiting a bust of His Majesty, ascended.
]n the front of the temple, and close to the margin
of the water, appeared a transparency, with these
words,

" BRITANNIA CELEBRATES THE FIFTIETH YEAR OF
A REIGN SACRED TO VIRTUE AND PIETY."

On the left of the temple a temporary bridge was
erected over the lake, brilliantly illuminated, and
inscribed, " Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the
Waves," which had a beautiful and magnificent
effect. Behind this, the fire-works were exhibited ;
and a more striking spectacle was never witnessed,
as may easily be conceived from the following enu-
meration of them, in the order in which they were
fired :

First Division. A salute battery of fifty maroons ; two
pyramids Bengal fire ; twenty-four half pound rockets, two
at a time ; two double triangle wheels, illuminated with dia-
mond pieces ; two planks saucissons ; two air balloons ; two
large mines; two regulated pieces of three mutations; two
plunks pots de brins.

Second Division. Twenty-four half pound rockets ; two
horizontal pieces with rayonant fire; two air balloons; two re-
gulated pieces of three mutations ; two large mines ; two figure
pieces, with spiral and scrole wheels; two planks pots de brins.

Third Division. Twenty-four half pound rockets; one
grand figure piece of three mutations ; two air balloons ; two
balloon wheels with Roman candles, rockets, &c. ; two flight*
of rockets ; two grand regulated pieces with globe wheels ;
tWO planks pots de brins.

Fourth Division. Twenty-eight one pound rockets; two
figure pieces, with spiral wheels and rayonant fire ; two flights
of rockets; two pyramids Bengal fire; a grand illuminated
temple, with decorations, fixed sun, diamond pieces, and

APPENDIX. 559

pots d'aigrets ; one plank pot de brins ; two planks saucissons ;
three flights of rockets ; one large air balloon ; one battery
of maroons. The rockets, balloons, &c. were in their ascent
again refracted by the lake in a thousand directions, and
heightened inconceivably the splendour of the scene.

Two cars or chariots drawn by sea-horses, in one of which
was a figure representing Britannia ; in the other, one de-
signed for Neptune, both of which majestically moved on the
bosom of the lake, followed by four boats filled by persons
dressed to represent Tritons, &c. ; these last were to have been
composed of choristers to sing "God save the King," but the
assembled crowd was so immense, that those who should
have sung could not obtain admittance. To the right of the
temple, a long range of tents in various forms met the eye,
in which the company were regaled with wines, sandwiches,
tea and coffee. About twelve o'clock, some heavy rain
forced the greater part of the company into the tents for
shelter, but as it did not last long, the company again
promenaded through the beautiful walks illuminated by
gauze lanterns of various colours. Her Majesty, the Prince
of Wales, and others of the Royal Family, were present ;
they supped at the Palace, and did not retire until the com-
pany broke up at a very late hour.

His Majesty's ships at the Nore distinguished
themselves by every mark of loyalty : a double
allowance was ordered to the men by the Admiral
commanding; there, whose ship, the Hermione, fired
fifty guns; and all the rest a royal salute. Every
vessel displayed her colours throughout the day.
The Nymphen appeared like a triumphal arch,
she was so highly decorated, and her flags so inge-
niously disposed. When the evening gun fired, the
Hermione frigate returned it by a feu dejoye of the
Marines, while blue lights were exhibited at the
mast head in an instant, and some beautiful rockets
dispatched into the air, just rose above the smoke
so as to shew an illumination on board the Her-
mione, by lamps from the jib-boom end to that of
the spanker boom; beside which, her yards and
masts were crowded with brilliant lights. Every
ship exhibited splendid fire-works; a very large

French rocket was sent up about nine o'clock,
and added greatly to the brilliancy of the scene.

The private festivities on this occasion were
innumerable; balls and fetes were every where
given, illuminations and exhibitions of fire-works
every where displayed, and the whole empire
seemed united to celebrate this memorable aera.

His Majesty did not however long' enjoy his accus-
tomed health and serenity, but was seized by an at-
tack similar to that with which he had been afflict-
< d in the year 1788; and, as the particulars of the
relapse are well known, we extract the following
interesting account of His Majesty's walks upon
the Terrace at Windsor, from an eye-witness, who
saw what he relates a few months only before the
lamented recurrence of the grievous calamity.

" I had," says this Gentleman, " the singular feli-
city to visit Windsor just before His Majesty (on
account of his present lamentable indisposition,)
had retired from public view: I witnessed his evening
indies on the Terrace, not more than three months
previous to the event; the scene was truly interest-
ing, its vivid impression continues and will continue
to the latest period of life; little, however, did I
imagine, that the emblazoned though setting orb of
Majesty was so soon to be withdrawn from that
horizon which it had irradiated and gladdened for
upwards of half a century.

"We entered Windsor about six o'clock, and
having refreshed ourselves at the inn with a cup of
tea, hastened to the Terrace, where we found a
considerable number of genteel company : intent
on the gratification of a laudable curiosity, we
felt peculiarly happy in joining them on this occa-
sion ; it was seven o'clock, and the good old King
soon made his appearance with his accustomed
punctuality. A little door in the Castle was thrown
open, when two attendants were seen leading this

APPENDIX. 561

venerable Personage with great care down a flight
of steps, then the Princesses Elizabeth and Augusta,
who were present, accompanied him, one on each
side, or rather took hold of his arm; theypaced back-
wards and forwards for an hour; two bands of
music playing alternately, the fine tones of the
several instruments being heightened by the still-
ness of the closing day.

" The King was dressed neatly : blue coat with
gilt buttons and star, white waistcoat and small-
clothes, white stockings, and gold buckles in his
shoes ; his hat somewhat resembled that worn by
the clergy, with the addition of a gold button and
loop, mounted by a black cockade, which marks
him out conspicuously from the rest of the com-
pany. His Majesty looked ruddy and full, his
voice sonorous, and he converses with cheerfulness,
though, when he attempts to speak rather hastily,
it is with hesitation. His want of sight is very ap-
parent, for his hat is drawn over the upper part of
his face, and he feels about with his cane, especi-
ally ascending or descending a step ; it is affecting
to see him, though he appears cheerful when he
speaks, and seems as if nothing was the matter
with him.

" He now and then stops to converse either with
the Officers or with the Nobility and Gentry ; we
saw him several times on the Terrace, but on this
first evening there was a more than ordinary
degree of conversation : he was full of inquiries
respecting the installation of Lord Grenville as
Chancellor of the University of Oxford, which
had taken place during the week ; he inquired
also about the balloon in which Mr. Sadler had
ascended on the occasion, and was particularly
anxious to know how long it continued in the
air, and where it had alighted ? Harrow-on-the-
Hill was mentioned, though the spot had not then
been ascertained. He conversed at all times on a
24. 4 b

662 APPENDIX.

variety of topics with the utmost freedom and
hilarity.- -This daily promenade must benefit both
mind and body; while the presence, as well as
the attention, of so many of* his subjects, some
coming from distant parts, must yield him no in-
considerable gratification.

" The countenances of the Princesses are replete
with good nature, and most exemplary is their
attention to their aged Parent; this indeed is their
best praise, their noblest recommendation: filial
piety is the characteristic attribute of humanity, it
sheds a lustre upon all the other virtues which enrich
and adorn the great family of mankind.

" It should be mentioned, that the King, in re-
turning back to his apartments in the Castle, passing
by the band of musicians on the steps, always
touched his hat, and said in an audible voice,
" Gentlemen, good night, I thank you :" indeed,
His Majesty during the whole time seemed in per-
fect good humour with all the company. The only
etiquette observed on the Terrace, is, that when
the King passes, the Ladies and Gentlemen with-
draw on either side, the latter merely uncovering
the head ; bows and courtesies being dispensed
with on this occasion. A Police officer is in at-
tendance, who, with a little switch, keeps indi-
viduals from pressing too much on the King when
he stops to converse; but this is done with the
greatest urbanity."

The following Letter of Her present Majesty,
written before her marriage, and from which the
King is said to have received the first intimation
of her extraordinary endowments, was addressed
to the King of Prussia, on his entering the terri-
tories of her Cousin, the Duke of Mecklenbunr

APPENDIX. 503

Schwerin. It was transmitted to King George II.
as a prodigy of patriotism and good sense in so
young a Princess :

" May it please your Majesty,

" I am at a loss whether I shall congratulate or condole
with you on your late victory ; since the same success that
crowns you with laurels has overspread the country of Meck-
lenburgh with desolation. I know, Sire, that it seems unbe-
coming my sex, in this age of vicious refinement, to feel for
one's Country, to lament the horrors of war, or wish for the
return of peace. I know you may think it more properly
my province to study the arts of pleasing, or to turn my
thoughts to subjects of a more domestic nature; but however
unbecoming it may be in me, I cannot resist the desire of
interceding for this unhappy people.

" It was but a few years ago that .this territory wore tbe
most pleasing appearance ; the country was cultivated, the
peasants looked cheerful, and the towns abounded with riches
and festivity. What an alteration at present from such a
charming scene ! I am not expert at description, nor can
my fancy add any horrors to the picture ; but sure even con-
querors themselves would weep at the hideous prospect now
before me. The whole country, my dear country, lies one
frightful waste, presenting only objects to excite piry, terror,
and despair. The business of the husbandman and the shep-
herd is quite discontinued ; the husbandman and the shepherd
are become soldiers themselves, and help to ravage the soil
they formerly occupied. The towns are inhabited only by old
men, women, and children ; perhaps here or there a warrior,
by wounds or loss of limbs rendered unfit for service, left at his
door ; his little children hang round him, ask a history of every
wound, and grow themselves soldiers before they find strength
for the field. But this were nothing, did we not feel the alter-
nate insolence of each army as it happens to advance or re-
treat. It is impossible to express the confusion which even
those who call themselves our friends excite. Even those
from whom we might expect redress, oppress us with new
calamities. From your justice, therefore, it is that we hope
for relief; to you even children and women may complain,
whose humanity stoops to the meanest petition, and whose
power is capable of repressing the greatest injustice.

" I am, Sir, &c."

;,fij APPENDIX.

POETICAL EFFUSIONS.

MONOLOGUE

ON THE DEATH OF

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.

BY W. L. MONCRIEFF, ESQ.

As some soft star, which cheering- high and bright.

Sheds all around a sweetly guiding light,

Our joyous hope through paths of doubt and gloom,

As slow we journey onwards to the tomb,

Will oft when most its light seems promise-fraught,

Dart into darkness with the speed of thought,

And leave the pilgrim feet, which bless'd its ray

To tread their sorrowful and darksome way :

So Charlotte shone, our beacon near and far,

So lov'd, so bless'd — as England's saviour star !

So, at the moment when she beam'd most fair,

Did she, too, fleet and leave us to despair !

Scarce Egypt's parents when the black night fled,

Which saw throughout the land their first-born dead

In punishment for Pharaoh's bondage yoke ;

Scarce they, when first that death-fraught morning broke.

Knew more swift horror, nor more darken'd grief,

Or felt than we more hopeless of relief,

When first we heard that both were from us torn,

Mother and Child ; — and each alike first-born !

Ah ! for what hidden purpose was it sent,

Our admonition, or our punishment I

\Y hat e'er it be, we own the hand of God,

^ tt weep the blow, although we kiss the rod !

Well may we weep, her loss we priz'd too late.

Mourn, but not murmur, at her early fate ;

Since tears may ease our bosoms through our eyes,

As gentle showers relieve the clouded skies.

APPENDIX. 566

Nor does the nation mourn in her alone,

Our future Queen, and present Princess, gone ;

To her, rank seem'd the slightest gift to be,

Her's was the inherent mind's nobility !

She shunn'd the Court's broad glare, and Folly's arts,

To rear her throne within the people's hearts.

We mourn the pattern of domestic life,

The duteous Daughter, and the faithful Wife !

In her, pure virtues strength was proudly shown,

She charm'd each jarring feeling into one ;

For adverse parties that the world might stir,

Found their best hopes still centering in her ;

And so unconscious of her merits too,

She blush'd to find they charm'd the public view ;

Pass'd in her garden bow'rs the live-long day,

Tending her flow'rs, herself more sweet than they,

With Him, her young heart's lord, her heart's free choice,

Who only liv'd to make that heart rejoice,

To make her happiest of her sex below.

Oh ! gallant stranger ! how we feel thy woe !

How bless thy tenderness, deplore thy grief,

A nd vainly wish we could afford relief.

Long, long may'st thou a living witness be

Of Charlotte's wisdom, in her choice of Thee !

ON THE SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED

DEATH OF THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.

FROM THE YOUTH'S MAGAZINE.

BY T. GREEN.

Frail Earthly Hope, thou fleeting breath,

What mortal now can trust thee more ?
Since ev'ry moment Time and Death
Despoil thee of thy vaunted store !
Since she, to whom thy faithless smiles
Had proinis'd all thou could'st bestow,
The destin'd Queen of Britain's Isles
Now slumbers with the dead below !
Delusive phantom, from this awful hour,
Shall not mankind disdain thy fascinating pow'r .'

1

'(3(3 APPENDIX.

•>

Oh ! can that he Her requiem lay,

Which fear-strnck England groans to hear;
The triumphs of whose bridal day,

^ ,i s.Tins to fill the gladden'd ear:
Whom chaste affection call'd her own,

And with her hallow'd gifts endu'd ;
The Heiress of the British Throne,

The young, the beautiful, the good ;
Whom Expectation, on expanded wing,
Waited, with joy, to hail the Mother of a King?

Let Claremont's widow'd scenes reply ;
Let Windsor's regal tow'rs declare ;
Where fun'ral torches blaze on high,

Sad gleaming through the midnight air:- —
Oh ! look amid that sable train,

On Him that stands Chief Mourner there;
And say, whose earthly joys again
So high can rise, and shine so fair,
As His, who to the last by Hope beguil'd,
Now in the tomb must leave his Princess and his Child!

Weep, Albion, weep, each kingly Heir

Gut off beneath th' afflictive rod ;
Yet, like thy Royal suffering Fair,

Confess " It is the will of God ! "—
And thou, O Youth, whose joyous heart

Now calculates on years to come,
Beware, lest Deaths forgotten dart

Be soon dispatch'd to call thee home :—
Oh ! mark how soon this unexpected blow
Has laid the fairest hopes of mightiest mortals low !

Would this world's goods thy soul engage?

Build not on her unstable sands ;
Fix on the rock, ere tempests rage,

Thy " house above not made with hands :"
Then, should affliction's tloods descend,

Hell roar, or sudden Death assail ;
The monster Death must prove thy friend ;

Nor can the gates of Hell prevail :
Then shalt thou heav'nly peace on earth ensure,
And in th' eternal world eternal bliss secure!

APPENDIX. 567

On the DEATH of the late PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.

BY MRS. RYVES,

Author of the Cambrian Legends, &c. which had heen dedicated to tha

lamented Prinoess.

Spirits of Britain! all ye brave,

Who seek the wreath, and dare the grave;

Spirits of Britain ! all ye wise,

Who teach the trembling' soul to rise ;

Champions ! who prove the Christian plan,

Mercy on earth, — and peace to man;

Children of Britain ! wheresoe'er

Her proud and boasted name ye bear :

Or to the free, or to the slave,

Borne o'er the land, or o'er the wave ;

Sorrow now mingles with your fame,

And settles on the British Name.

Spirits of Britain ! all ye fair,
Chaste beauty, — to the brave most dear;
Is there a heart, that does not feel ?
Is there an eye, that does not swell?
Is there a tongue, that falters not I
A voice, — to speak the fearful thought?
A bosom, all so dull and chill,
Which shrinks not with resistless thrill ?
A breath, not wafted to the sky?
A hand, not lifted piously? —
No ! for the breath, the hand, the heart,
Of Britain, live in every part.

Spirits of Waterloo ! who late
Keceiv'd the mighty meed of Fate;
What murmur thrills your grassy bed,
Heroes who sleep, — where late ye bled ?
What is that gust, so wild, so wide,
Which seems to burst some distant tide ?
Who rides upon the whirlwind-breath,
Which shakes your plain, — oh ! field of Death ?
Who sounds that trumpet-voice from far ? —
'Tis not the victor-voice of war,
It shrinks, — it shudders on the gale, —
It fails, — as life's last moments fail :
It is the waitings of that land
Which bows beneath th' Almighty Hand.

6^0 APPENDIX.

The debt is paid;— the pang is o'er;

('[I VRLOTTE OF ENGLAND, — IS NO MORE1.

Her people mourn, — the loss their own,
Tbe lowliest virtues of the Throne !
The noble smile, which gave the prize,
Ennobled by her bright'ning eyes ;
The sadden'd beam of shaded blue,
Which gave the tear its heav'nly hue ;
These are no more on Earth, — in Heav'n
Their mingled majesty is giv'n.
This Nation late the boast of lame,
Honor'd and blest, by ev'ry name ;
In ev'ry gift, which Heav'n could give,
Without which, t'were but death to live.
This Nation bows beneath the blow,
Which lays united kingdoms low.
Fathers ! — ye know what fathers feel ;
His' griefs, a father best can tell :—
Husband ! — ah pause on his despair,
Twere sacrilege his griefs to share : —
Mother! — but how that veil unclose,
Which may conceal a mother's woes ?

Charlotte of England! leaves a Throne,
But hopes in Heav'n a brighter one;
Death spreads his with'ring hand abroad,
But all the spirit — is with God.

Kffremonl, Cumberland, Nov. 10, 1817.

THE ROYAL INFANT

BY J. MONTGOMERY.

A THRONE on earth awaited thee;

A nation long'd to see thy face ;
Heir to a glorious ancestry,

And father of a mightier race.

*

Vain hope ! — that throne thou must not fill ;

Thee shall that nation ne'er behold;
Thine ancient House is heirless still ;

Thy line will never be unroll'd.

APPENDIX. 569

Yet while we mourn thy flight from earth,

Thine was a destiny sublime :
Caught up to Paradise in birth ;

Snatch'd by Eternity from Time.

The Mother knew her offspring dead :

Oh ! was it grief or was it love
That broke her heart? — the spirit fled

To seek her nameless Child above.

Led by this natal star, she trod

His path to Heav'n ; — the meeting there,

And how they stood before their GOD,
The day of judgment shall declare.

A TRIBUTE

TO THE MEMORY OF THE BELOVED AND LAMENTED

PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.

Weep for the Fair, in youth and beauty's hour
Faded in death, mid hallow"' y jasure's bow'r,
Where peace and virtue smii'd on g ami love,
And all was bright with blessings from above.

Weep for the widow'd heart that fainting bends
O'er the drear vault where all it lovd descends,
And feels in ev'ry throb the o'erwhelming doom
That makes the world to it a wilderness of gloom.
Yes ! weep for these, where'er the tear is claim' d,
Weep for thy fellow man — and weep unblam'd.

But oh ! for Her, whose softly drooping eye
A nation watch'd with fond anxiety ;
Whose kindling graces England's bosom warm'd,
As all the Princess, all the woman, charm'd : —
Offspring of Kings, beneath whose chasten'd sway,
Our Isle look'd up to Freedom's hright'ning day;
Exulting Consort of a Prince belovM, —
Husband and Friend, and all her heart approv'd ; —
The promts d parent of a kingdom's heir,
Whose sacred sceptre tyrants cannot bear : —
For Her, the country's hope, and love, and pride, —
For Her, oh weep aloud ! with Her how much hath died
24. 4 c

'';70 APPENDIX.

Oh deeply 'vail willi litr illustrious Sire,

Reft oi his fondest hope, his last desire:

(■'n Beek, with Sympathy's balm-dropping hands,

Her Royal Mother, sad in distant lands :

And with all Bin NSWICK's regal kindred, pour

The wide lament, that mourns from shore to shore.

Sfet chief the agon) of sorrow dwells

Where Conoi km;'s widow'd heart with anguish swells;

Recals the hours, so lovely and so fleet,

Of home-bred joys, in Claremont's lov'd. retreat,

Where late connubial charms of purest ze$t,

With mild and constant ardour cheer' d his breast; —

That breast whose ev'ry wish his Princess knew, —

And all his pleasures were her pleasures too.

O happy interchange of tender thought,

And all that duty, that affection taught!

These bless'd th' exalted Pair: their life we view'd —

It was a calm of blissful quietude,

Where social charities, with air serene,

And taste, and virtue, mark'd the rising Queen.

O, agonizing thought ! that life is o'er,

For she who made it blissful is no more ! —

His eye hath drunk the last warm beam that fell

From her's, and glanc'd her faithful heart's farewell ; —

His hand hath felt the parting clasp that gave

Token of love, tho' wedded to the grave: —

And he hath how'd his stricken heart in woe.

Which only answering love like his can know.

Spirit of Mercy ! hear a .Nation's pray'r —

Oh make that kind and bleeding heart thy care !

Who hath not seen beneath an April sky,
The queen of flowers, in fragrant majesty,
Unfurl her petals to the southern beam : —
The nymph's delight— the poet's darling theme?
When, lo! the blighting East his gale unbinds,
And all her beauties vanish on the winds! —
Oh weep for England's Rose, thus torn away,
And its fair bud, joint victim of decay !
Weep for the land, whose Eden thus despoil'd,
Mourns, where expectant hope so long had toil'd,
Till, e'en while smiling on fruition's morn,
The blast swept by, and left the stem forlorn !

APPENDIX. 571

Mysterious Power ! by awful clouds conceal' J,-
Whose will is wisdom, tho' in storms reveal'd —
Trembling we bow to that Supreme behest,
Which smites where late thy radiant mercy blest.
The blow, that bids all Britain mourn, may heal,
And e'en such woe as this may work her weal.

But one short moment, doubtful still, we see,
While unborn years unfold their scenes to Thee.
Then, while from sainted Charlotte's royal bier
We rise, and check the Unavailing tear ;
Resign'd, yet sorrowing, reverent we stand,
Waiting new mercies from thy sov'reign hand ;
Tho' rayless clouds may bound our feeble sight,
Assur'd that all beyond is love, and holy light.

Vale of math. £. W G.

THE BRIDES DIRGE.

The Western Islanders imagine that an Apparition resembling a Mer-
maid, called Flora, or the Spirit of the Green Isle, always precedes
the death of a young and lovely Bride. This Apparition has been
lately seen.

*?? *R* -Tt" -JP tF

A voice said from the silver sea,

" Woe to thee, Green Isle ! — woe to thee !"

The Warden from his watch-tow'r bent,

But land, and wave, and firmament,

So calmly slept, he might have heard

The swift wing of the mountain-bird. —

Nor breeze nor breath his beacon stirr'd,

Yet from th' unfathom'd caves below,
Thrice came that drear, death-boding word,

And the long echoes answer'd, " Woe !"

The Warden from his tow'r looks round,
And now he hears the slow waves bringing:

Each to the shore a silver Sound. —
The Spirit of the Isle is singing,

In depths which man hath never found !

— When she sits in the pomp of her ocean-bed,

With her scarf of light around her spread,

The mariner thinks on the misty tide,

He sees the moon's soft rainbow glide i

/J72 APPENDIX.

Her song in the noon of ni^bt he hears,
And trembles while his bark he steers.

Flora's Song.

I come iu the morn ! — I come in the hour

When the blossoms of beauty rise,
I gather the fairest and richest flovv'r
Where Keav'ns dew purest lies. —
Ten rest thee, Bride!
In thy beauty's pride,
Thou wilt rest to-night by Flora's side !

The eye I touch must be soft and blue,

As the sky where the stars are gleaming ;
And the breast mast be fair as the fleecy clouds

Where the ungels of biiss lie dreaming:
And the spirit within as pave and bright

As the stream that leaps among tufts of roses,
And sparkles along, all life and light,

Then calm in its open bed reposes.
Ah ! — rest thee, Bride !
By thy true love's side,
To-morrow a shroud his hope shall bide !

I saw them wreathing a crown for ihee,

With the riches of empires in it ;
But thy bridal robe was a winding-sheet,

And the loves that crown'd thee sat to spin it.
They heap'd with garlands thy purple bed,

And ev'ry flow'r- on earth they found thee,
But ev'ry flow'r in the wreath shall fade,

Save those thy bounty scatter'd round thee.
Yet sweetly sleep ;
While my hour I keep,
For angels to-night shall watch and weep.

O Green Isle! — woe to thy hope and pride!

To-day thy rose was bright and glowing;
The bud was full, the root was wide,

Am! the stream of love around it flowing1 :—
To-morrow thy tow'r shah stand alone,

Thy hoary oak shall live and flourish ;
But the dove from its branches shall be gone,

The rose that deck'd its stem shall perish.

* # * * #

Nov. 6th, 1817, V,

APPENDIX. 573

A FUNERAL WREATH.

■ **■*-+ + *■■* —

The sun had set, — tire stars were shinina-.

And not a cloud betoken'd sorrow ;
Where youthful Hope her brow was twining,
To hail the promis'd joy to-morrow.
And fair as Heaven's own holiest light,

Were the visions of bliss that illumin'd the night ;
And pure as Cherubim's golden dreams,

Were the wishes and pray'rs on that eve ascending ;
And soft as a Summer sun's parting beams,
The rainbow of promise its tints was blending :

All lovely and still, — as if Earth and Air
Were waiting the birth of an Empire's heir.
For the Rose-bud of England bloom'd bright in its bower,
And Happiness smil'd on the princely flower;
Yet a Nation's pride, and a Nation's power,
Were fix'd on the fate of that midnight hour !

The sun is set, — the stars are shining,
But all their loveliest beams are clouded ;

And Grief her cypress wreath is twining,
To deck the bier where bliss lies shrouded.

For there beneath the coffin lid,

An Empire's fondest hopes are hid;

The bridal pomp and garlands sweet,
. Are veil'd in pall and winding-sheet;

— The spell is burst! — the charm is sever'd,

Like mountain-pine by lightning shiver'd ;

The Island Crown has lost a gem,

Torn from its regal diadem,
And the lonely bud on its parent bough,
Shall never again in beauty blow !

A Kingdom's Heiress yields her breath,
On earth her radiant course is ended ;

Her seraph form is pale in death,
To the deep and dreary grave descended.

And there a Peopled tears are shed

O'er the Sufferer's last and lowly bed,

And there unearthly tongues are singing,

Unearthly hands her knell are ringing.

,74 APPENDIX.

— Where the sainted Bride is sleeping-,
Sister \ngels watch are keeping,
Am Spirits lmg*rrag nigh,
Walt her Requiem's melody.

Thb Spirit's Dirgr.

Peaceful and still is the sleep of the dead,

When they rest from the sorrows that circle them here
And soil the repose of the sepulchre's bed,

Where the Angels of [nnocence watch round its bier.
Then rest thee, fair Princess ! — all tranquilly sleeping1,

Though sceptre and sway from thy lineage are riven;
Thy memory on earth shall be hallow'd with weeping,

Thy brows shall be bound with the garlands of Heaven.

Farewell, sweetest Blossom of Albion's renown!

Tho' sad are the tears that a Kingdom weeps o'er Thee ;
Yet the stars of the sky form the gems of thy crown,

And the pearl gates of Paradise open before Thee*
Then peace to Thee, fair One ! — so tranquilly sleeping,

AH soft be the slumber that pillows thy rest;
The Land of thy love now embalms Thee with weeping,

And Angels enthrone Thee in realms of the blest!

Thursday, Nov. 6, 1817. T.

On the DEATH of the PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.

The following Stanzas, by Lord Byron, are from the
fourth Canto of his Chikle Harold, just published.

Hark ! forth from the abyss a voice proceeds,
A long, low, distant murmur of dread sound,
Such as arises when a nation bleeds
With some deep and immedicable wound;
Through storm and darkness yawns the rending ground,
The gulf is thick with phantoms, but the chief
Seems royal still, though with her head discrown'd,
And pale, hut lovely, with maternal grief
She clasps a babe, to w horn her breasts yield no relief.

Scion of chiefs and monarchs, where art thou 1
Fond hope of man j nations art thcu dead \
Could not the grave forget thee, and lay low
Some less majestic, less beloved head?

APPENDIX. 575

In the sad midnight, while thy heart still bled,
The mother of a moment, o'er thy boy,
Death hush'd that pang for ever ; with thee fled
The present happiness and promis'd joy
Which fill'd the imperial isles so full, it seem'd to cloy.

Peasants bring forth in safety. — Can it be,
O thou that wert so happy, so ador'd !
Those who weep not for kings shall weep for thee,
And Freedom's heart grown heavy, cease to hoard
Her many griefs for One ; for she had pour'd
Her orisons for thee, and o'er thy head
Beheld her Iris. — Thou, too, lonely Lord,
And desolate Consort — vainly wert thou wed !
The husband of a year! the father of the dead !

Of sackloth was thy wedding garment made ;
Thy bridal's fruit is ashes : in the dust
The fair-hair' d Daughter of the Isles is laid,
The love of millions ! How we did entrust
Futurity to her ! and, though it must
Darken above our bones, yet fondly deem'd
Our children should obey her child, and bless'd
Her and her hop'd-for seed, whose promise seem'd
Like stars to shepherds' eyes : — 'twas but a meteor beamd.

Woe unto us, not her ; for she sleeps well :
The fickle reek of popular breath, the tongue
Of hollow counsel, the false oracle,
Which from the birth of monarchy hath rung
Its knell in princely ears, till the o'erstrung
Nations have arm'd in madness, the strange fate
AVhich tumbles mightiest sovereigns, and hath flung
Against their blind omnipotence a weight
Within the opposing scale, which crushes soon or late, —

These might have been her destiny ; but no,
Our hearts deny it : and so young, so fair,
Good without effort, great without a foe ;
But now a bride and mother — and now there!
How many ties did that stern moment tear!
From thy Sire's to his humblest subject's breast
Is link'd th' electric chain of that despair,
Whose shock was as an earthquake's, and opprest
The laud which lov'd thee so that none could love thee best.

576 APPENDIX.

MORAL REFLECTIONS

ON THE

DEATH OF THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.

The deadliest poisons and the rankest weeda,
The learned chemist, by his skill, succeeds
To change to life-invigorating balm,
The anguish of the suffering wretch to calm : —
So may the man of philosophic mind,
In Charlotte's fate, an useful lesson find ;
And as he deeply feels the sad event,
Which Freedom's sons unfeignedly lament,
Should for a while suppress the starting tear,
To point this moral for the Peasant's ear : —

" Ye who with patient and unceasing toil
" Still ply the loom, or cultivate the soil;
" Ye unambitious tenants of the cot,
" Taught by her fate, repine not at your lot ;
" But e'er ye murmur at your humbler state,
" Think, to be happy is not to be great:
" No priv'leg'd rank claims Heav'n's peculiar care;
" And earthly dignity's an empty snare ;
" That pomp, and luxury, and wealth, and pow'r,
" Embitter Death's inevitable hour:
" Then, whilst your vigour and your health are spar'd,
" Grateful for life, but still for death prepar'd,
" With cheerfulness await that last event
" Which has no terrors to a life well spent."

FINIS.

Henry Fisher, Printer, Caxton, Liverpool,

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