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Full text of "Leaves from the diary of Henry Greville"

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LEAVES FROM THE DIARY 



OF 



HENKY GKEVILLE 




THIRD SERIES 



LONDON 

SMITH, ELDEE, & CO., 15 WATEELOO PLACE 
1904 

[All rights reserved] 



3 



PEE FACE 

TWENTY years having elapsed since the publication of 
my uncle Henry Greville's Journals, I now propose 
to bring out the remaining volumes, as I think they 
will prove of much interest, both from a public 
and social point of view. The Diaries of his brother 
Charles Greville have almost become a classic, and 
they are quite a book of reference, and quoted as 
such by those who study the politics of the last 
century. 

Henry Greville's Journals, on the other hand, 
though written in a lighter vein, contain much in- 
teresting matter on the Second Empire, and on the 
events in Italy which culminated in the rise and pro- 
gress of the new Kingdom of Italy, which gathered 
together in one all the different Grand Duchies and 
Kingdoms of that divided country, under the rule of 
their first Sovereign, Victor Emmanuel I. 

It may perhaps be desirable that I should add a 
few words to the short memoir of my uncle which I 
prefixed to the first volume of the series, as people 
are so soon forgotten, and there are hardly any left 
now of his own generation. He lived what I suppose 



VI PKEFACE 

would be called now a very cosmopolitan life. He 
was intimately acquainted with most of the leading 
politicians of his day, and his genial manners and 
eminently sympathetic nature secured to him the 
friendship, and even affection, of all those with whom 
he came in contact. 

The Granvilles, Sydneys, Abercorns, Hollands, 
were amongst his most intimate friends, not to 
mention innumerable foreign statesmen and leaders 
of society in France and Italy. Being very fond 
of music, and a charming singer at drawing-room 
concerts, he also knew intimately Mario, Grisi, Bosio, 
Ciabatta, and many other stars of the Italian Opera 
who would gladly sing for him and refuse all 
remuneration. His house was one where Santley 
made his appearance in very early days, and 
Frederic Leighton, long before he attained to fame, 
was a constant guest at my uncle's house and 
received many kindnesses from him. My uncle was 
in some senses of the word unconventional, which 
added to his charm. His power of throwing himself 
heart and soul into the interests and troubles of his 
friends was very remarkable and uncommon in a 
self-absorbed society, and made him welcome wher- 
ever he went. 

I might add to the names I have mentioned those 
of the Kemble family, especially the gifted sisters 
Fanny and Adelaide, afterwards Mrs. Butler and 
Mrs. Edward Sartoris. He also lived much with 
the Palmerstons, the Cowpers, Lady Jocelyn and her 



PREFACE Vll 

children, to whom he was most especially devoted, 
while the early deaths of the last named, of that 
dread malady consumption, were a life-long sorrow 
to him. Among his lighter accomplishments, he 
was a delightful amateur actor, being wholly with- 
out self-consciousness or mauvaise honte, the result, 
I believe, of his having always lived much with 
foreigners. I do not think I need say more to 
remind those of the present generation who may 
read this book of the main characteristics of Henry 
Greville, the author of these pleasant and agreeable 
Journals. 

A. H. F. STKAFFOKD. 

October, 1904. 




OF 



1857 

January 4, Sunday. The Paris Conference has sat 
twice, and everything is said to have passed off 
satisfactorily. 

Eussia definitively relinquishes her pretensions 
to Belgrade, the Isle of Serpents, and the Delta of 
the Danube, and in compensation is to have a larger 
allowance of land towards the north of Moldavia. 

It is averred that Switzerland agrees to accept 
the mediation of the Emperor Napoleon. Several 
members of the Wiirtemberg Parliament have pub- 
lished a positive and judicious protest against the 
passage of Prussian troops through that State to 
make war on Switzerland, on the ground that the 
point in dispute is of no interest to Germany, that 
the passage of troops is a great inconvenience, and 
that already the military preparations have injured 
the trade of the conterminous provinces, and that 
war would lead to complications of which no one 
could see the end. It is not improbable that this 
protest may induce the King of Prussia to desist 

III. B 






2 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

from plunging Europe in war, for the sake of an 
' antiquated feodality.' 

The details of the Canton affair seem to justify 
the Admiral in the course he has pursued. The 
Chinese still hold out, and it is by no means impro- 
bable that this war, which appears to have originated 
in a petty quarrel between some Chinese soldiers and 
smugglers, may lead to very grave and important 
results. 

January 5. The Archbishop of Paris was assassi- 
nated on Monday evening, when celebrating the 
Tete of St. Gene vie ve at the Church of St. Etienne 
du Mont, by a man named Verger, a priest who had 
several times been suspended for immoral conduct. 
The Archbishop was proceeding with great pomp to 
the sacristy, when Verger, stepping from out of the 
crowd of bystanders, took him by the hand and 
stabbed him to the heart. The Archbishop immedi- 
ately fell dead. He was by name Sibour, and was 
appointed to the See of Paris by General Cavaignac. 
He was a worthy man of Ultramontane opinions, and 
remarkable for his obsequiousness to the Emperor. 
Great respect has been shown to his memory by 
H. M., who ordered a ball that was to take place to 
be postponed. 

January 8. Sir Michael Seymour's despatch to 
the Secretary of the Admiralty giving details of the 
operations at Canton has been published, and it 
appears to me that it is conclusive as to the propriety 
of the course the Admiral thought it fit to take, and 
that he showed great temper and moderation through- 
out the affair ; but I believe that these events are 
considered * untoward ' by the Government. The 
Cabinet has been assembled to deliberate on our 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 3 

future course. It is reported that France and Eng- 
land are to make a joint expedition to Pekin, which 
America is to be invited to join. France is to take 
the opportunity of demanding redress for the murder 
of a French missionary, whilst we are to exact a 
revision of our treaties and a guarantee for their 
more strict observance. 

Lord Napier is appointed Minister to the United 
States, all our differences being adjusted. The choice 
is judicious. He is a clever man, and they will like 
4 a lord.' 

The Paris Conference signed a protocol on Tues- 
day which puts an end to the difficulties in the way 
of the execution of the treaty of March. The 
boundary line is to be completed by March 30, and 
at that date the Principalities and the Black Sea are 
to be evacuated. 

The last Paris gossip is that Moray is to marry 
a Princess Troubetskoy, to resign the Embassy, to 
be succeeded by Walewski, at the express desire of 
the Emperor Alexander, and the Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs to be given to Marshal Vaillant. 

January 17, Saturday. Of the above gossip, the 
only part which is true is Moray's marriage, with 
which interesting subject Paris is entirely occupied, 
to the exclusion of that of Neuchatel, the Conference, 
or the murdered Archbishop. 

Our public tribunals have for the last two or 
three days been occupied with two very curious 
trials. One, of a great bullion robbery on the South- 
Eastern Eailway, and the other for extensive frauds 
on the Great Northern. On the night of May 15, 
1855, gold to the value of 12,000. was stolen from 
the van of a train between London and Folkestone. 



4 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

When the boxes which were supposed to contain 
the gold were opened, bags of shot were found 
instead. The surprise was of course great, and the 
search for the offenders diligent, but for eighteen 
months the pursuit had been in vain, and the dis- 
covery seemed hopeless, when an unexpected revela- 
tion threw light on the matter. A man named Agar 
was convicted in October of uttering a forged cheque 
and was sentenced to transportation for life. This 
man stated to the authorities, some time ago, that he 
could give information respecting the gold robbery. 
On being examined, he at once stated that he was 
one of the robbers, and named as his accomplices 
Pierce, formerly in the service of the S.-E. Kail way, 
Burgess, a guard, and Tester, a clerk in the traffic 
department. Agar is 41 years old, and by his own 
confession has lived by crime for nearly twenty years. 
His evidence is, that Pierce suggested the crime, but 
that he (Agar) believed it to be impracticable. It 
was proposed to be effected by means of false keys 
to the Chubb locks, and nothing is more curious 
than the details of the means by which they got 
possession of the keys so as to make impressions of 
them. Agar was at first much disheartened, but not 
so his colleague Pierce. He knew a young man, by 
name Tester, who was employed in the office of the 
superintendent of traffic, and this man would have 
the means of getting possession of the keys. In 
August, Pierce discovers that the locks are about to 

o ' -- 

be altered, and that the new keys will be in Tester's 
hands. Tester was in correspondence with Mr. 
Chubb on the subject, and by his means the impres- 
sion of a key which opened one lock of each box was 
obtained ; but, as each box had two locks, it was 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 5 

necessary to procure the impression of another key, 
and to effect this the following plan was adopted. 
Agar was in possession of a sum of no less than 
3,000/. It was arranged that a box of bullion worth 
200/. should be conveyed in the iron safe in the 
usual way, and that it should be delivered to him 
under the name of Archer. Agar goes to this box, 
which is delivered to him by Chapman, who opens 
the safe with a key which he takes from a cupboard, 
Thus Agar learns where the second key is kept. 
How is an impression of this second key to be ob- 
tained ? Two months have elapsed since they had 
got that of No. 1. This is October, and they are still 
without No. 2. Pierce and Agar go down to Dover, 
walk over to Folkestone, and arrive just as the train 
is coming in. In the confusion of the arrival the 
attendants leave the office for a few moments. 
Pierce, seizing this opportunity, goes boldly in, opens 
the cupboard which contains the key, hands it to 
Agar, who takes an impression of it, and then replaces 
it. They thus have surmounted the first difficulty. 
The next thing to be done is to make keys from the 
impressions. They take lodgings in Lambeth and 
Kennington, and the next two months are spent in 
filing keys. Having completed these to a probable 
similarity with those of Chubb, it was necessary to 
try them, and for this purpose Agar went down 
several times in the van, and, by degrees, they were 
fiffed to the locks, and the deed was then resolved 
upon ; but they were determined to postpone accom- 
plishing it until a large sum was to be sent. Two 
chests would hold about 12,000/., and this sum they 
heard was shortly to be sent. They buy shot to 
replace the gold ; Agar and Pierce are admitted into 



6 LEAVES FJROM THE 1857 

the van by Burgess, and on May 15, just twelve 
months after the robbery was first planned, the chests 
are securely rifled. 

Nineteen months after the crime is committed, 
and more than two and a half years after its first being 
planned, justice overtakes the delinquents. Their 
crime is chiefly interesting from the extraordinary 
ingenuity which they displayed in accomplishing it ; 
but what is somewhat alarming is the fact that men 
so determined and so skilful should be possessed for 
so long a time of the means of subsistence. Agar 
with his 3,000/., and Pierce with his house at 
Kilburn, all of them driving about in cabs for a year, 
and travelling up and down the S.-E. Railway with 
first-class tickets, form a picture of criminal prosperity 
we had hardly looked for. Agar was the first detected. 
He had invested the proceeds of his many crimes for 
the benefit of a woman he lived with. Pierce was 
his trustee, and, like a true thief, betrayed his trust ; 
the woman was left destitute, and Agar denounced 
the half-forgotten robbers from his cell in Portland. 

I have abridged the above narrative from an 
article in the ' Times.' 

Baron Martin summed up very strongly against 
the prisoners, and most particularly so against Pierce. 
He was sentenced to two years 1 imprisonment with 
hard labour, the first, fourteenth, and twentieth 
month to be kept in solitary confinement. The other 
two are sentenced to transportation for fourteen years. 
Agar is undergoing sentence in Portland Gaol. 

Eedpath l was found guilty at once, and sentenced 
to transportation for life. 

1 Leopold Redpath was concerned with some commercial fi'auds 
which made a sensation at the time Ed. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 7 

The public press and society have been much 
scandalised by a lecture given by Sir Eobert Peel at 
Birmingham, in which he treated of his expedition to 
Moscow as Attache to Granville's Embassy, and of 
the principal people he met there, in a manner so 
extraordinarv as almost to reach the libellous. The 

tt 

principal members of the Government are much dis- 
gusted that these frequent exhibitions from the same 
quarter should be passed over in silence by the head 
of the Government, and by which they are in some 
measure compromised. He attacked Morny in un- 
measured terms, and turned the Prince de Ligne into 
especial ridicule ; so much so, that the Minister 
for Foreign Affairs at Brussels made a formal com- 
plaint to Howard de Walden of such language ema- 
nating from a member of the Government, which he 
said would produce a very unpleasant feeling at 
Brussels against the English. This was subsequently 
proved to be correct, for all the English residents 
who were usually invited to a ball given by the town, 
and called the ' Bal Noble,' were on the last occasion 
omitted. 

I hear from Mrs. Craven that the accounts from 
Naples are deplorable. Disaffection exists in the 
army, and three attempts have been made to excite 
confusion by great explosions, one of which took 
place near the Palace, where the King and Eoyal 
Family narrowly escaped being blown up, another of 
a great steamship, and a third of a manufactory of 
tobacco. The King now acts independently of his 
Ministers of Police, whom he no longer trusts, and it 
is clear that a Government carried on in this spirit 
must render its own safety impossible, 

January 21, Wednesday. Verger, the assassin of 



8 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

the Archbishop of Paris, has been found guilty, but 
has appealed to the Court of Cassation. His conduct 
during the trial was outrageously violent and in- 
decorous. He is proved to have been a worthless 
fellow from his earliest youth, and to have been 
much better treated by the Archbishop on various 
occasions than he deserved. 

The appeal to the Court of Cassation gives Verger 
a delay in his sentence of fifteen days. He has 
written an able paper to the Emperor complaining of 
his sentence, and reminds H. M. that twice in his life 
he had not scrupled to sacrifice human life to attain 
great ends (alluding to the sentinel at Boulogne, and 
to the 2nd of December), and that he, Verger, had 
killed the Archbishop in the interest of religion, 
and to save Catholicism from degenerating under the 

O O 

priesthood into paganism. 

I heard to-day from Paris that Princesse Lieven 
is dangerously ill. If this attack should terminate 
fatally, a great social loss will be sustained a great 
intelligence extinguished. 

The Archduke Maximilian, brother of the Emperor 
of Austria, who is to marry Princess Charlotte of 
Belgium, is appointed Viceroy of Lombardy, vice 
Eadetzky. He is a very distinguished young man, 
and, if permitted, will govern those provinces with 
liberality and judgment. 

The Persian War has begun in earnest. We took 
possession of Bushire on December 9, after a smart 
resistance. In the meantime the Persian Ambas- 
sador has arrived at Paris, and been received by the 
Emperor, who in his speech expressed his regret that 
war should have broken out, and his hope that this 
mission might tend to the return of a lasting peace. 



J857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 9 

The last news from China is not favourable to the 
hope of a settlement of the dispute. Yeh continued 
obdurate, and Bowring has applied to the Indian 
Government for more troops. 

The Prince de Ligne received a deputation the 
other day from the English at Brussels to declare 
their reprobation of the vulgar personalities uttered 
by Sir Eobert Peel. The answer of the Prince was 
couched in such ill-judged terms as to put it on a 
par with the speech of Sir Eobert, whom he designates 
as ' un ivrogne and vaurien.' The Prince never had 
the reputation of being a clever man, but I should 
have thought would have had good taste enough not 
to lose his vantage-ground by descending to such 
vulgar recrimination. 

There was an Investiture of the Bath at the 
English Embassy at Paris the other day, and a great 
dinner afterwards, at which Prince Napoleon was 
present, and a vast deal of flummery de part et 
d* outre, to make up (on the French side) for the 
apparently marked omission at the dinner, lately 
given by Prince Napoleon to the French officers of 
the Crimean army, of any mention whatever of their 
English comrades, which had been much commented 
upon here. 

January 27. Lady Holland writes to me that 
Princesse Lieven is entirely given over. She had 
asked for a clergyman and had gone through her 
religious duties with great composure. Her head 
was clear, and she remembers all details and settles 
everything. Lady Holland says : ' I knew her mind 
could be relied on and that she would do all that 
was right. She dies grandly, and all about her is 
well ordained.' 



10 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

January 28. The telegraph announces that 
Princesse Lieven died on Monday night. 

January 31. Princesse Lieven died with great 
courage and tranquillity. She has named the Dues 
de Noailles and Montebello her executors, and leaves 
many legacies to her friends ; also, a curious injunc- 
tion respecting her remains and the funeral. She 
desires the former may be attired in the black velvet 
gown she wore at her soirees and in her blonde cap ; 
that a sachet containing her children's hair should 
be tied round her neck, and a ring she wore on her 
finger should not be displaced. That her body 
should be embalmed and sent to Eussia to be interred 
in a chapel on the property of one of her sons. She 
left a letter for Guizot, to be given to him after 
her death. He was in great affliction, but went the 
following day to the Academy, where he was 
appointed to read a discourse. Great curiosity is 
felt as to the directions she may have left regarding- 
her letters, journal, &c., and as to whom will be en- 
trusted these curious documents. 

February 2. The Duke of Eutland died ten days 
ago and was buried at Belvoir. He, in some degree,, 
imitated the Duke of Portland respecting his funeral, 
having by will fixed the sum it was not to exceed. 
But his remains lay in state for two days and were 
visited by many thousands of people. He was 
popular in his county and a good landlord. 

February 5. Parliament was opened on Tuesday 
by commission. Lords Cork and Airlie moved and 
seconded the Address in the Lords ; in the Commons 
Sir John Eamsden and Sir Andrew Agnew. Grey 
moved an amendment on the Persian War and Lord 
Aberdeen voted with him. The Duke of Newcastle 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GIIEVILLE 11 

went away. Government made a good case for the 
Chinese business, but were weak on the Italian 
question. John Eussell, who is just arrived from 
Florence, made a good speech, which was much 
cheered by both sides of the House. He spoke 
without any bitterness, but entirely condemned the 
course we have pursued on the Naples question, 
which he considers to have been exactly calculated 
to strengthen the King and to weaken those whose 
cause we have at heart. 

It is supposed, from certain compliments which 
were bandied about between Gladstone and Disraeli, 
that a junction between these two men is not far 
distant, and there is a facetious article on the subject 
in the ' Times ' of to-day. Gladstone's friends, how- 
ever, stoutly deny that he has any such intention. 

February 11. Somerset Calthorpe, a son of Lord 
Calthorpe and nephew and A.D.C. to Lord Eaglan, 
has lately published a book on the Crimean War 
with the title of ' Letters from Headquarters : or 
the Eealities of the War in the Crimea, by a Staff 
Officer.' 

In this book Cardigan is alluded to in no flatter- 
ing terms, and he has very absurdly as I think 
brought the matter before the House of Lords in the 
form of a question. He said his character had been 
maligned in a work published anonymously by a staff 
officer who was known to be Major S. Calthorpe ; that 
formerly when the character of a man was assailed 
he could defend himself by an appeal to the laws of 
honour, but duelling was no longer practised ; that 
he had in the first instance applied to the Com- 
mander-in-Chief to bring the officer to a court-martial, 
who had declined to do so, on the ground that it 



12 LEAVES FROM THE 1867 

would be inconvenient ; that he then applied through 
a friend to Major Calthorpe to withdraw his mis- 
representations ; that Major Calthorpe admitted two 
of the statements to be untrue, but refused to with- 
draw them on the ground of inconvenience to himself 
and to his publisher. Under these circumstances 
Cardigan asked Lord Panmure if he deemed it right 
and proper that a junior officer, holding a staff 
appointment, should be permitted to malign his 
superior officer and continue to hold an honourable 
staff appointment in Ireland. 

Panmure replied that the Commander-in-Chief 
did not consider it was his province to take notice of 
anonymous military publications, and that he thought, 
as he did himself, that Cardigan had a course open 
to him in an appeal to the civil tribunals, that 
H. E. H. did not intend to bring the officer to a 
court-martial, and he advised, Lord C. to rest upon 
the high testimonials in his profession to refute the 
injustice to which he had been exposed. 

This book, though amusing, is condemned for the 
indiscreet manner in which it deals with individuals, 
and even in Cardigan's case there has been much 
exaggeration, and the author has been obliged to 
admit it. But the world is weary of Cardigan and 
his fanfaronnades and of Crimean accusations and 
recriminations, and it is time this subject should be 
allowed to drop. 

Nothing, has as yet transpired as to the mode in 
which Princesse Lie veil has disposed of her papers. 
Her sons are anxious that public attention should not 
be directed to the subject, but it is one in which so 
many people are interested (her correspondents being 
.very numerous and conspicuous), it will be difficult 
to prevent its discussion. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 13 

February 15. Dined yesterday with the Clan- 
ricardes. A gay and pleasant party. Greys, Bess- 
boroughs, Ailesburys, and Pahlen. Grey made me 
laugh by an anecdote of King William. When the 
Bishop of Durham did homage to H. M. and knelt 
down for the purpose, the King, instead of raising 
him up as usual, kept him on his knees, and point- 
ing at him with his finger, said : ' Dr. Maltby, I know 
no harm of you.' His Lordship looked surprised, 
and the ministers standing by were convulsed by 
restrained laughter. 

Grey said that King William, who, as Duke of 
Clarence, was a great liar, 1 entirely changed in this 
respect on coming to the throne, and was remark- 
ably true and straightforward. 

William IV. had a horror of public executions, 
and on the occasion of Greenacre's condemnation he 
insisted (contrary to the usual practice, which was to 
read to the King in Council a summary of the evi- 
dence on each case) on the whole trial being read 
to him, which Denman did, most conscientiously, 
consuming four hours in the recital. His Majesty 
was fast asleep before the first half-hour had 
elapsed. 

February 16. I saw Mrs. Augustus Craven on 

1 My uncle used to tell a droll story of the King which bears on 
this peculiarity. A lady sitting next to him at dinner one day was 
entertained by some most extraordinary anecdote which H. M. related 
to her, and which she found it impossible to swallow. She therefore 
answered, ' Oh, sir, I beg your pardon, but I really do not think that 
can be true.' To her surprise he instantly replied, '.You are quite 
right, marm, there is not a word of truth in it. It is a lie, warm, a 

d d lie. In fact, marm, we all lie, we can't help it. We had it 

from our mother ! ' 

This, my uncle used to say, was the biggest lie of all, for Queen 
Charlotte was a very truthful person, never given to lying. Ed. 



14 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

Saturday, who read to me such a graphic account of 
an accident which befell Eistori when acting at Naples 
for the last time, written by the Duchess of Rava- 
schiere (Filangieri's daughter) and which exhibits 
such a ludicrous instance of the belief in Jettatura, 
which, although not avowed, is entertained by nearly 
all Neapolitans, that I asked her to give me a copy 
of the letter,- which is as follows : 

'* Naples, 7 Janvier. J'ai a vous center le trait 
le plus affreux de la puissante Jettatura des Venti- 
gnanos (corni.) Notre chere Ristori donnait jeudi 
sa derniere representation. Bouquets, poesies, cou- 
ronnes devaient pleuvoir a foison des Loges et du 
Parterre et joncher les planches sous les pieds de la 
magnifique Medee Phedre. Mais le public et 1'Actrice 
comptait sans le dard mephitique du Roi des Jettatori, 
qui venait pour la premiere fois, dans toute sa puis- 
sance de Sous-Intendant des Spectacles, prendre la 
place de Satriano, 1 absent ce jour-la. La Ristori parut 
done dans Phedre, plus belle quejamais. Flattee de 
I'accueil du public elle se monta, et se sent jouer 
mieux que jamais. Le delire commence, ce beau 
delire qui finit le 4ieme acte. Au moment de tomber, 
un vertige lui prend. Ses yeux se ferment tout de 
bon, et ne mesurant plus la distance qui la separa de 
la Rampe, elle tomba evanouie sur les quinquets ! 
Ceci au moment oil Ventignano (j'ose a peine ecrire 
son nom) debout dans sa loge, ses lunettes braquees 
sur elle, s'ecriait " Divina, Divina ! e impareggiabile 
questa Donna ! " Le Marquis (qui se trouvait le plus 
pres de In scene) a arrache la Ristori de dessus les 
lampes, et a ainsi sauve sa figure, qui commeii9ait a 

1 Don Gaetano, Prince de Satriano, brother of the Duchesse de 
Eavaschiere. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 15 

bruler, inais le bras droit, sur lequel etait tombe tout 
le poids de son corps, avait ete horriblement blesse 
par les verres brulants des quinquets. La douleur 
de la blessure 1'a fait revenir a la vie. On 1'a trans- 
porte dans son cabinet, oil tout le monde s'est 
precipite. La chair de son bras droit (de ce beau 
bras digne de la Phedre antique) pendait sous le 
coude. La blessure etait profonde jusqu'a 1'os. 
Heureusement, notre bon chirurgien Festa, celui qui 
a si bien soigne mon pere, etait dans la salle, et a pu 
preter le secours de son art a notre Muse ensan- 
glantee, qui belle et courageuse sous son costume de 
1'heroine de 1'antiquite demandait k reparaitre sur la 
scene. L'operation a ete longue et douloureuse, car 
avant de fermer la profonde blessure il a fallu s'assurer 
qu'il n'y avait pas de morceau de verre dans la plaie. 
Pour empecher rinflammation on lui a fait au bras 
gauche une large saignee, et accompagnee du Comte 
de Syracuse et de beaucoup d' appassionati eplores la 
pauvre chere blessee a ete reconduite chez elle dans la 
voiture meme de poste qui 1'attendait a la porte du 
Fondo, pour la conduire a Eome. Le public desole 
s'est retire, 11011 sans jeter des regards de haine sur le 
maudit Jettatore, qui etait reste immobile a sa place, 
terrific lui-meme, je le crois, de sa fatale puissance. 
(Test avec ce meme bras droit et cette main que la 
Eistori avait ocrit des vers dans 1'album de cet 
homme terrible deux heures auparavant. Vous 
concevez que ceci a ete le sujet de toutes les conver- 
sations, et je ne puis m'empecher de rire lorsque j'en- 
tends deplorer parmi les malheurs qui accablent 
notre pauvre pays, celui d'avoir a lutter centre le 
fleau de la Jettatura ! ' 

February 18, Wednesday. This day, at twelve 



16 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

o'clock, poor Francis 1 expired. The regret produced 
by this event will be widely spread, for his life was 
one of constant usefulness and benevolence, and his 
extreme sweetness of temper (never evinced more 
than during his last distressing illness) endeared him 
to all who knew him. 

February 20, Friday. Expressions of sympathy 
and regret are pouring in from all sides. A most 
touching letter from the Queen to the Duchess of 
Sutherland, full of everything most kind and flatter- 
ing to his memory, was sent over for my sister's 
perusal, and the universal testimony to his worth 
and sympathy in her bereavement seem to soothe and 
comfort her. 

February 27, Friday. Poor Francis's remains 
were removed on Tuesday morning, and on that day 
Harriet and her girls went to Hatchford, and the three 
younger sons 2 to Worsley, the Brackleys to Burwood. 

On Wednesday morning, Algy 3 and I, Enfield, 4 
George Byng, Cawdor, and Westminster started for 
Worsley, where we slept. Yesterday the funeral 
took place. It was attended by his sons and those I 
have named, and in addition the Duke of Sutherland, 
Stafford, 5 Grosvenor, 6 K. Grosvenor, 7 George Loch, 
and Clanwilliam. 8 There was no unnecessary pomp. 
A hearse preceded by a long file of tenantry, followed 
by his family, friends, and agents, all on foot, passed 
along the terrace into the road leading to the church, 

1 My father, the first Earl of Ellesmere. Ed. 
~ My eldest brother was a great invalid and imable to attend his 
father's funeral. Ed. 

3 Algernon Greville. 4 Afterwards second Earl of Strafford. 
5 Marquis of Stafford, afterwards third Duke of Sutherland. 
" The present Duke of Westminster (1857). . t 
1 The late Lord Ebury. 8 Third Earl of Clanwilliam, died 1879. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 17 

which, together with the churchyard, was crowded 
by an orderly and reverential multitude, amounting 
to many thousands. As the body passed every head 
was uncovered, and the procession passed amidst a 
profound silence which was very striking. At the 
conclusion of the ceremony, the agents of the estate 
and tenantry assembled at the Worsley Inn, and then 
and there subscribed 500/. for a testimonial to their 
benefactor. 

We returned to town by the express train. 

The motion brought on by Lord Derby con- 
demning the Chinese affair was lost by a majority of 
thirty-six. Granville, who spoke very well, took the 
opportunity of paying a graceful tribute to poor 
Francis's memory, which was very well received by 
the House. 

In the Commons, Cobden's motion on the same 
subject was adjourned. John Eussell made a very 
telling speech, and one likely to influence the division, 
quite in his old form, and the Government is alarmed 
for the result to-night. 

March 5, Thursday. I went to Burwood 1 on 
Sunday afternoon. Every day I have passed some 
hours at Hatchford a melancholy visit. I came 
back to London to-day. 

The debate was again adjourned on Monday. 
Every one was in a fever of excitement as to the 
division. The Government expected a defeat, but 
that the numbers on either side would be very 
small. On Tuesday, Cobden's motion was carried by 

1 Burwood was first hired and then bought by my eldest brother, 
as the soil and climate of Surrey suited his health better than those 
of Lancashire. It is three miles from Hatchford, where my mother 
resided for the remaining years of her life. Ed. 

III. C 



18 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

a majority of sixteen. All the Derbyites and all the 
Peelites voted against the Government, and some of 
their usual supporters left them in the lurch ; for 
instance, Francis Baring and Eobert Grosvenor. 
Alexander, the Q.C., told me to-night that Hayter 
and Lord Monck, after carefully going over the votes, 
had made out that the division would be 258 on each 
side ; subsequently, on receiving further information, 
they thought the cypher would be different in its 
quantity, but that the numbers would still be equal. 
To-night Palmerston announced that Parliament 
would be dissolved as soon as the public business 
would admit, and that a new Parliament would be 
assembled in May. In a second speech made in 
reply to questions put by J. Eussell, Cobden, Glad- 
stone, and Graham, as to what was to be the policy 
of the Government with regard to China, Palmerston 
said there would and could be no change in that 
policy, which was to maintain in China, as elsewhere, 
security to the lives and property of British subjects, 
and the rights of the country arising out of treaty 
obligations, and to improve our relations with China. 
That it was the intention of the Government, in con- 
junction with that of France and of the United States, 
to place these relations on a permanent footing, and 
that it would be a matter of very serious deliberation 
to whom so grave and important a function should 
be entrusted. 

The news of the signature of a treaty of peace with 
Persia reached the Government on Tuesday night. 

March 7, Saturday. Granville has the Garter 
vacant by the Duke of Eutland's death. It was 
offered to the Duke of Norfolk, who refused it. 

March 11. Dined with the Duchess of Norfolk, 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVJLLE 19 

Lady Cowley, the Baillie Cocliranes, Cecil Forester, 
&c. Wlierever one goes the conversation turns 
exclusively on the forthcoming elections, and very 
tiresome it is. The particular subject of curiosity is, 
whether John Eussell will or will not stand for the 
City. Afterwards I went to the Granvilles', where 
Edward Ellice was very eloquent on the gross blunder 
of the Opposition, John Eussell, Gladstone and 
Co., who had contrived to place Palmerston on a 
pinnacle, and most probably to give him a strong 
Liberal-Conservative Government. 

The Speaker having announced his intention to 
retire, a vote of thanks to him was passed last night. 
He was very much affected in acknowledging it, 
and it must be admitted that no Speaker ever 
resigned the chair more universally regretted. All 
sides of the House were anxious to mark their sense 
of his merits, and on his rising to speak, every one 
uncovered, which is only done when a message from 
the Queen is brought to the House. 

March 12. A pleasant dinner at Sydney's. 
Lady Shaftesbury, Lady Mary Labouchere, Evelyn 
Denison, Bessboroughs, Bonham Carter, &c. The 
latter seems as keen as ever on the elections, with 
which, formerly, he had so much to do. In the 
morning I met Tom Ashburnham, who told me he 
was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese 
Expedition. I believe him to be well chosen. 

John Eussell has addressed the electors of the 
City of London. It is a long and skilful document. 
I fully expect he will be returned, but opinions are 
much divided upon the subject. 

March 14. Dined yesterday with Jerseys and 
met Lord Stanhope, who is busily employed in the 



20 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

establishment of a National Gallery of Portraits, for 
which he has obtained a grant from Parliament and 
a Commission. No portrait of any living person or 
of one who has died within ten years can be admitted 
but by the unanimous consent of the Commission. 
The portraits of criminals are not to be admitted,, 
although Macaulay wished those of Felton, Belling- 
ham, and others of that stamp should be included. 
He told me what I was not aware of, that Ellesmere 
had given to the Gallery his famous portrait of 
Shakespear. 1 

Elgin is appointed Plenipotentiary to China, and, 
to judge by his previous success in pacification, no 
better selection could have been made. 

March 17. Dined with the Sydneys. Stanley of 
Alderley, Jem Macdonald, Mrs. Anson, and Tom 
Ashburnham. These two latter were very amusing in 
endeavouring to outdo each other in Indian Flams. 

Derby made last night a great oration which 
lasted two hours on the present state of affairs and 
the circumstances which are supposed to have led to 
the coalition on China and our foreign policy in 
general. Granville answered him and spoke skilfully. 
The Derbyites say that Palmerston may probably 
gain twenty votes. In Ireland it is not expected 
that the elections will be favourable to the Govern- 
ment. In some places the Tories and Eadicals have 
made common cause. 

March 20, Friday. John Eussell met his constitu- 
ents yesterday and made a very successful speech, 
full of capital hits. His chances of success seem to 
be increasing. He was droll about the ' Coalition,' 
or ' Combination.' Burglars, he said, combine to 

1 Known as the Cliandos ShaJces2)ear. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 21 

enter a house and rob it. A jury combine to con- 
demn the act. This illustration amused his audience 
very much. 

The Government is angry with Enfield l for not 
allowing George Byng to stand for Middlesex, where 
he would have come in without a contest. The seat 
is going a-begging, and up to last night there were 
no candidates. 

I hear from Paris, on the authority of the Due de 
Noailles, that the friends of Princesse Lieven who knew 
that her letters and journal made the occupation of 
her life, especially of late, are at a loss to account 
for her having left no instructions respecting them, 
whilst so many are to be found upon other and more 
trifling matters. She had told the Due de Noailles 
that it was her intention to leave them to him to 
arrange, and had mentioned this intention to others 
who have applied to him on business connected with 
these papers. But there is not a line forthcoming 
on the subject. The Duke had all these papers in 
his possession just before her death, with the consent 
of Paul Lieven, for fear of any claim being made on 
them by the Russian Embassy ; but he has now, of 
course, delivered them up to Paul Lieven. It is 
possible that her son may have dissuaded her from 
leaving them to any one but himself, and that she 
may have given him her instructions by word of 
mouth. It is quite impossible to believe that she did 
not trouble herself with the subject, when she knew 
she was dying, which had so much occupied her 
during her whole life ; and as 110 written instructions 
are to be found, no other solution of this mystery 
remains than the one above alluded to. 

1 Afterwards second Earl of Strafford. 



22 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

I am reading some old letters from the Marquise 
de Coigny to my mother, written in 1802, 1803, and 
at later dates, full of Paris gossip of that time, in 
which figure several English ladies of celebrity of 
that day. Madame de Coigny was very witty, and 
her letters are very sparkling and amusing. I came 
across a sentence relating to Georgiana, Duchess of 
Devonshire, which is so pretty that I must transcribe 
it. 

' Que fait la Duchesse par excellence ? 

' Est-ce 1'amour de tous par sa bonte, comme elle 
fait I'admiratioii de chacun pour sa beaute ? C'est 
une consolation plutot qu'un dedommagement mais 
que faire ? Le temps est impitoyable, et il detruit 
tous les empires, meme celui des charmes.' 

I can just recollect Madame de Coigny (nee de 
Connans), having been occasionally taken to see her 
by my father, when quite a boy, in Paris. She was 
famous for her avarice as well as her wit, and of 
which there are many droll anecdotes. One was 
that when not invited out to dinner she was often to 
be seen on her staircase, with little bits of bread in 
her hand, which she endeavoured stealthily to sop 
into the dishes that were being taken to the table of 
the people who lodged above her. It must, how- 
ever, be said that with these penurious habits she 
was not without generous instincts, and has been 
known to do kind and even noble things. Her letters 
were very entertaining, and, to make them so, she 
kept a scrapbook by her side, and when any ban mot 
occurred to her she immediately wrote it down, and 
contrived to insert it into any letter she might have 
to send to a friend. 

March 24, Hatchford. I came here yesterday. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 23 

How one misses ' the familiar face in the accustomed 
places ' ! 

March 27, London, Friday. I returned here 
yesterday. Dined with the Sydneys. Lady Shelburne, 
her sister, Tom Ashburnham, and Stanley of Alderley. 
During dinner Stanley received an official box con- 
taining the news that the Emperor of China had 
ordered Yeh to make terms with the English. Tom 
Ashburnham thinks this will not prevent the expedi- 
tion to China, as it is not improbable that the Can- 
tonese may decline obeying the Celestial commands. 

We heard to-day of the total defeat of the Persian 
army near Bushire. 

It is expected John Eussell will be elected for the 
City. 

March 29, Sunday. John Eussell's triumph is 
complete. I met him to-day in high spirits. 

The result of the elections is curious. The 
members of the Manchester School are defeated by 
large majorities. Layard, much to his own surprise, 
loses his seat at Aylesbury. By all accounts the con- 
tests cost as much as at any time before the Eeform 
Bill. That of Lord Althorp for the county will cost 
Lord Spencer at least 10,000/. 

Adelaide Sartoris has come over from Paris in 
consequence of the death of her brother John, which 
took place a few days ago at Dublin. He was a man 
of much learning, but of improvident habits, and his 
archaeological and Anglo-Saxon lore, which was very 
remarkable, was not a lucrative line of literature. 
He has left his family in a state of destitution, and 
their maintenance will fall entirely upon his sisters, 
who are by no means able to bear so heavy a 
burden. 



24 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

Cowley has been raised to an earldom, an honour 
he declined last year, but which, being again pressed 
upon him, he thought it would be ungracious to re- 
fuse. 

April 7, Paris, Tuesday. I left London on Friday 
in company with the Sydneys, Lady Granville, and 
Mrs. Craven. The two latter went on to Paris, and 
we remained at Boulogne and came on here on 
Saturday the 4th. I have nothing to record of the 
journey but the excessive disgust one feels, on arriving 
at Boulogne, at being obliged to present oneself with 
one's passport in a stinking, crowded hole, jostled 
and squeezed by a herd of dirty people, for no purpose 
that I can make out, since formerly one was not 
subjected to this vexation, and I am not aware that 
any evil has arisen from the exemption. 

Paris is much as usual, the weather mild and 
agreeable. I went last night with Ffrench to the 
Theatre Lyrique to hear 'La Eeine Topaze,' which is 
on the whole tiresome, though worth seeing. Madame 
Miolan is always wonderful, but her voice appeared 
tired, which is not surprising, since it was the fifty- 
second representation, and the music she has to sing 
is all but impossible. 

There seems to be a dearth of political news. 
Eeports are as usual rife of plots against the 
Emperor's life, and of arrests being made, but no 
attention is paid to them. 

The other day, M. de Falloux the Academician 
went, according to custom, to the Tuileries to pre- 
sent his oration in honour of the late Count Mole to 
the Emperor, accompanied by Messieurs Cousin, 
Villemain and Bouffant. They were very civilly re- 
ceived by His Majesty, who said to Falloux, cleverly 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 25 

enough, and with a smile, ' II y a quelque temps, 
Monsieur, que le desordre nous a reunis. Je regrette 
que 1'ordre nous separe.' The Emperor alluded to 
the time when M. de Falloux, who was a Legitimiste, 
made a famous speech in the Legislative Assembly 
against the Ateliers and Socialism, the suppression of 
which led to the revolt of June which was crushed 
by Cavaignac, and after which M. de Falloux joined 
the President. He has kept aloof since the coup 
d'etat. 

April 8, Wednesday. Last night I went to see 
Eistori in ' Ottavia.' The play is awfully tedious, but 
there are some fine opportunities for acting, of which 
she made the most ; indeed I never saw her to greater 
advantage than in the third act. The enthusiasm for 
her here appears as great as ever. An old French 
lady and gentleman who sat next to me, who had 
never seen her before, were comparing her constantly 
to Eachel and at the end of the play said, ' Ah, 
Monsieur, elle est sublime, elle est bien plus etheree, 
plus ideale, plus complete que la Eachel.' They 
were in an ecstasy of delight. 

April 12, Sunday. As far as outward appear- 
ances go, Paris is a very devout town. The churches 
are crowded to suffocation to hear the various 
preachers, amongst whom Le Pere Felix is the most 
attractive for eloquence. He preaches every evening 
at Notre-Dame in the presence of many thousand 
men. There are hardly any women to be seen there. 
At the Tuileries, the Padre Ventura attacks the 
vices of the Court and society with much pretension 
of independence, but his sermons are said to be 
devoid of talent of any kind. The Easter ceremonies, 
and particularly those celebrated at the Madeleine, 



26 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

are attended by such crowds that it is almost a 
service of danger to attempt to gain admittance. 

The Grand Duke Constantine is to be here on 
the 30th. The Emperor wishes Prince Napoleon to 
go arid meet him at the frontier, but His Imperial 
Highness positively declines. His Majesty accused 
his cousin of 'voulant toujours contrarier sa poli- 
tique,' to which Plon Plon replied, ' Eh bien, Louis, 
envoyez-moi en exil cochonnerie de plus.' It is 
said that Prince Napoleon speaks his mind pretty 
freely to the Emperor, and, some years ago, when 
His Majesty was returning from the provincial tour 
during which he made the famous speech concluding 
with ' L'Empire c'est la Paix,' H. M. was bent upon 
making a triumphal entry into Paris, which Prince 
Napoleon thought so ridiculous that he tried all he 
could to dissuade him from it. ' Allons, Louis,' he 
said, ' je t'en prie, ne fais pas 1'Empereur a la Fran- 
coni, tu n'as pas la taille a cela.' I believe that 
notwithstanding these occasional tiffs, the Emperor 
is attached to his cousin, and is aware of his clever- 
ness, and (when his passions are not en jeu] of his 
good sense and judgment. 

I sat some time to-day with (Lord) Holland. 
The conversation turned upon his great-grandfather, 
the first Lord Holland. Lord Shelburne promised 
him a peerage, but, not wishing to lose his assist- 
ance in the House of Commons, he evaded fulfilling 
his promise. On Lord Holland reproaching Lord 
Shelburne with thi^, the latter said, ' Well, I own 
I did promise it to you, but under the circumstances 
my not giving it to you was a " pious fraud." : To 
which Lord Holland replied, ' I see the fraud, but 
I don't observe the piety.' His wife was created 



1857 DIARY OF HENHY GREVILLE 27 

Lady Holland in order that Mr. Fox might remain 
in the House of Commons. He had been very 
anxious to be created Earl of Eochester, because 
his rival was made Earl of Chatham. The title was 
taken from Holland House, which had once belonged 
to Eich, Earl of Holland. 

April 13, Monday. Guizot and his son and Mr. 
Senior dined here yesterday in order that the first- 
named might see the Countess Castiglione, who was 
invited to meet him. She was in her best good 
looks, and attired in her most fanciful manner, with 
a cage, a sort of round hoop, and her hair coiff'e, like 
in an old portrait of Sir Joshua, slightly powdered, 
with a veil of gauze floating from her head all over 
her figure. She was in high good humour, which is 
not always the case (although I have ever found her 
very civil and good-humoured), but she looks blasee 
and ennuyee, and to see a beautiful woman who only 
completed her twentieth year four days ago in a 
state of profound apathy, and amused and interested 
by nothing, fills me with melancholy. There are 
all sorts of stories about her, which for various 
reasons I don't believe. Guizot was much struck 
by her beauty, which is certainly out of the common 
way. 

A thunderstorm on Friday has spoilt our weather, 
which has become cold and disagreeable. 

April 29, Wednesday. People of all sorts, of all 
nations and of every hue of politics flock to this 
house. To-day, for example, M. de Maupas, who 
was Prefet de Police when the coup d'etat was 
made, met in Lady Holland's Salon M. Duvergier 
d'Hausanne, whom he arrested ! The other day 
Mr. Yillemain called here. He is extremely lively 



28 LEAVES FROM THE 

and original, and amused me very much, but is, 
I think, the ugliest human creature I ever met. 

On Sunday Madame Eistori called, looking so 
handsome, and her manners are so very good and 
natural. I saw her act last night, for the second 
time, in a new but bad play, called ' Gamma,' in 
which however she is sublime ; her death especially 
is the most poetic thing of the kind I ever saw on 
the stage. If one may judge from the full houses and 
frantic applause, her success here must be on the 
increase, but they do more than applaud, they dis- 
criminate. We in London do neither. 

May 1, Friday. The Grand Duke Constantine 
arrived here yesterday. Prince Napoleon met him 
at the station, and he proceeded, escorted by Guards, 
to the Tuileries, through a great crowd of people 
who made no demonstration. The streets had been 
decorated with French and Eussian flags for the 
occasion, of course by orders from the police. I 
understand he is considered brusque in his manners, 
and has not made a very favourable impression. 

The news of the death of the good old Duchess 
of Gloucester reached Cowley in the evening, which 
will prevent Cowley from taking part in the fetes 
given to the Grand Duke. She died on Thursday 
without suffering, after a long illness. She was a 
kind-hearted woman, and a perfect lady in mind 
and manners, and will be regretted deeply by a large 
circle of attached friends and dependents. 

There is a curious and interesting letter in the 
* Times ' written by Sir James Brooke, giving an 
account of the insurrection of the Chinese at Sarawak, 
by which he nearly lost his life. By extraordinary 
courage and presence of mind, he succeeded in 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 29 

crushing the revolt and in revenging the horrors 
committed. The attempt of the Chinese was very 
nearly being successful, and as it was they destroyed 
all the property of the Eajah, besides murdering 
several settlers and their families. 

Elgin, who has been here the last few days, has 
proceeded on his mission. The ' Times ' newspaper has 
been violently attacking Elgin's appointment, and 
still more virulently that of Tom Ashburnham ; no 
one knows why, unless on the chance of their both 
failing, and that the ' Times ' may take credit for 
having foretold that they would do so. 

I went the other day to an exhibition of the 
works of the late Paul Delaroche, now being held at 
the Beaux- Arts. There are some admirable things 
there. The finest of his finished pictures appeared 
to me to be the death of the Due de Guise, and the 
Girondins. But what charmed me the most, and 
struck me as exquisite in conception and design, are 
four unfinished pictures representing scenes from 
the life of the Virgin, one of which, and the only 
finished one, was painted for poor Francis 1 (or at 
least he was given the refusal of it), but he thought 
the price too large and declined buying it. It 
represents the Virgin and the ' Saintes Femmes ' at 
the entombment. The others are ' The Eeturn of the 
Virgin after the Crucifixion,' which I prefer to all the 
others, ' The Contemplation of the Crown of Thorns,' 
in the dead of night a wonderful representation of 
stillness and grief; and the interior of the Virgin's 
house whilst the procession of the Crucifixion is pass- 
ing by the windows. I would rather possess these 
four pictures than all Delaroche's other works. 

1 The first Earl of Ellestnere. 



30 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

May 3, Sunday. I went last night to hear 
4 Joconde ' at the Opera Comique. This charming- 
opera by Euolo was one of the delights of my youth, 
and I was so pleased to find the same enjoyment of 
this clever and fresh music, and in the sprightly story, 
as forty years ago. It was capitally acted and sung 
by all. 

May 5, London. I left Paris yesterday at twelve 
in company with the Sydneys, and, after a cold and 
rough passage, reached London at twelve at night. 
At the station we heard of the death of Lady Ash- 
burton, which shocked us the more that, although we 
had left her at Paris ill, and more unwell than usual 
on Sunday and unable to receive her friends, Lady 
Sydney before leaving Paris heard from her doctor 
that she was better, and no immediate danger was 
apprehended. We crossed Ashburton on the road, 
and he arrived too late. I have not seen much of 
her of late years, although at one time I lived a great 
deal with her. She was, I think, the quickest woman 
I ever met in society, perhaps too much addicted 
to persiflage, but she could be grave, and she had 
a fund of information which, added to her natural 
gifts, made her a remarkable person. She was not 
generally popular, but had many attached friends, 
and she will be a great loss in a social point of view. 

London is dark, cold, and as dismal as it generally 
is in the ' merry month of May.' 

May 8, Hatchford, Friday. I came here on 
Wednesday and found all well. On Tuesday Prince 
Albert went to Manchester to open the Exhibition 
and to inaugurate the statue of the Queen by Noble, 
erected in Peel Park in commemoration of her visit 
to that place in 1851. The two ceremonies went off 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 31 

well, but the Prince is abused for attending them in 
consequence of the Duchess of Gloucester's death, as 
he would have been had he not gone ! Considering 
the occasion, I think he was right to go, and he took 
the opportunity of making a most graceful allusion 
to the memory of the Duchess, in answer to an 
address of condolence presented by the authorities of 
the town. 

May 10, Sunday. On Thursday the new Par- 
liament was opened by Commission. Palmerston 
announced a Eeform Bill for the beginning of next 
session, which stopped Eoebuck's mouth. I was 
glad to see that Clanricarde called the attention of 
the Government to the shameful manner in which 
Tom Ashburnham had been anonymously attacked 
by junior officers, who had waited until his departure 
to assail him with calumny. Lord Panmure defended 
him very handsomely, and carried the House with 
him. 

Sir Eobert Peel has resigned his post at the 
Admiralty Board. 

May 22, Friday. There is very little stirring 
socially or politically. Lord Cranworth brought in 
his Divorce Bill the other night, on which occasion 
Lord Lyndhurst, who yesterday completed his eighty- 
fifth year, made a long and vigorous speech. He is 
without doubt one of the most remarkable men of 
our time. 

I passed Sunday and Monday at Panshanger with 
the Sydneys. This, my first visit, could not be other- 
wise than melancholy. 

A Council was held the other day at Osborne, in 
which Her Majesty declared her approval of the 
marriage of the Princess Eoyal. A Eoyal message 



32 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

was accordingly sent to both Houses, announcing the 
event, and demanding a provision for the young 
Princess. Loyal answers were returned, and the 
Eoyal message is to be taken into consideration 
to-night. 

May 24, Sunday. The sum proposed for the 
Princess Eoyal is a dower of 40,000. and 8,000/. 
per annum for life. This latter annuity was much 
objected to by the House, and 1 Lewis was so slow in 
proposing the grant, and bored them so much, that 
they were nearly irritated into a division. I believe 
the leaders of the Opposition had been privately 
communicated with, and consequently J. Eussell 
and Disraeli both supported the grant, and urged 
unanimity. A sum of money once paid would have 
found more favour than an annuity, to which, what- 
ever may be the precedents for it, there are obvious 
objections. 

Henry Herbert 2 is appointed Irish Secretary ; an 
excellent man, but an indifferent speaker. 

May 30, Hatchford, Saturday. I came here on 
Wednesday. This garden is a lovely sight, a perfect 
blaze of rhododendron and azalea, like a horticultural 
show. 

During this week an interesting and amusing 
debate has been going on in the House of Lords on 
the Chancellor's Divorce Bill, and some sharp spar- 
ring between Lords Campbell and Wensleydale on 
the clause abolishing actions for crim. con. The 
Bishop of Oxford, who has taken an active part in 
these discussions, was beaten on an amendment 
which he proposed to the effect that it should be 
optional with the clergy to marry or to refuse to 

1 Sir George Lewis. 2 Of Muckross. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 33 

marry any persons who, having been married and 
divorced, should seek to be married again, during the 
life of the husband or wife from whom they have been 
divorced. This was considered to be a wily, and 
therefore characteristic, attempt to give increased 
power to the Church ; it was negatived by a majority 
of fifty-two. 

Jem Wortley, I regret to say, is obliged to resign 
his office owing to his continued ill-health. Mr. 
Keating is appointed Solicitor-General. 

The Derby and Oaks have been won by the same 
mare, ' Blink Bonnie.' This double success has not 
occurred since 1801. 

June 11, Thursday. I returned here on the 4th. 
I was in waiting 'at an interminable Drawing-room 
on Saturday. The whole Court, with the exception of 
the Princess Royal, who was in white, were attired 
in deep mourning. The crowd was tremendous, and 
the squeezing and pushing disgraceful. Something* 
must be done to put an end to this unseemly scuffle 
which occurs each time the Queen holds a Drawing- 
room, and the ' Times ' having taken the matter up, I 
do not doubt a remedy will be found for this un- 
necessary state of things. 

I went on Monday to see Eistori, who is acting at 
the Lyceum in Medea. I don't know which was the 
most wonderful, her acting, or the apathy of the 
genteel audience (always the stupidest) which filled 
the theatre. Last night a remarkably good speech 
was made by a Mr. Hardy, 1 on moving the second 
reading of the Beer Bill. I believe it was his debut 
in Parliament, and it was very successful. He was a 
leader on the Northern Circuit, but on inheriting a 

1 Gathornc Hardy, now Lord Cranbrook. 
Ill D 



34 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

large fortune retired, and has lately come into 
Parliament. He is a great acquisition to the ranks 
of the Derby ites. 

June 13, Saturday. The subject of the bad 
accommodation at the Drawing-rooms was brought 
before the two Houses of Parliament last night, and it 
was announced that plans for the improvement of St. 
James's Palace would be submitted to Parliament. 

June 17, Wednesday. I was in waiting yesterday 
at the christening of the new-born Princess Beatrice. 
It took place at Buckingham Palace as usual. The 
Prince Frederick William of Prussia, the Princess 
Eoyal, and the Duchess of Kent were the sponsors. 
The Archduke Maximilian of Austria, who arrived 
the day before on a visit to the Queen, was present. 
He is said to be very intelligent, and has a bright 
intelligent eye, but the Austrian lip strongly 
developed. After the christening there was a 
banquet in the new ball-room, to which about one 
hundred and sixty people sat down. It was very 
handsome. The table was in the form of a horse- 
shoe, and the Eoyalties sat in the centre. Toasts 
were given to the Archduke and to the Prince of 
Prussia, as also, of course, to the Queen, to Prince 
Albert, and the infant Princess. I sat next to Mr. 
Gibbs, who told me that his pupil, the Prince of 
Wales, is to go early in July to Konigswartha, 
with a suite of ten persons, and to be absent about 
three months, during which he is to make excursions 
into Switzerland, and to meet the Queen on her 
return from Scotland. 

June 24, Wednesday. I had a musical party here 
on Monday, at which Mario, Grisi, the two Pynes, 
and Ciabatta sang. The Duchess of Cambridge and 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 35 

Princess Mary came, and about a hundred people. 
The singing was very good, and though the night 
was very hot, the rooms were not inconveniently 
so, as I was able to keep all the windows open, and 
every one seemed pleased. 

Yesterday there was another Drawing-room, 
which was full, though less crowded than the last, 
and a new arrangement was made to prevent the 
crushing which has hitherto taken place. All the 
ladies not having the entree were seated in rows of 
chairs in all the rooms, where they awaited their 
turn for entering the Pen. No carriages were 
allowed to set down in company until there were 
seats vacant. In. this manner all confusion was 
prevented, but such is the love of a grievance that 
many ladies complained of the bore and dulness of 
being confined to their chairs, and would have much 
preferred the chance of a squeeze and a push, so that 
they retained their liberty. 

The Divorce Bill, much amended, passed the 
House of Lords last night. 

The Emperor and Empress of the French are to 
pay the Queen a visit in August. 

These Eoyal intimacies strike me as being very 
unnecessary, and calculated to lead, sooner or later, 
to inconvenience and embarrassment. 

June 25, Thursday. I went last night to see 
Eistori in the part of Bianca in Dr. Milman's play 
of ' Fazio.' It has been well translated, and she 
was as fine as usual. Dr. Milman was present and 
satisfied with the translation and in great admira- 
tion of the actress. I think the play tedious and 
monotonous. 

June 27, Holland House, Saturday. Yesterday 

D 2 



36 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

the Queen distributed the Victoria Cross to the 
officers appointed to receive it in Hyde Park. She 
proceeded to the ground on horseback, attended by 
a brilliant cortege, and delivered the cross to each 
person from her horse. The crowd was immense. 
Large inclined boards were erected, which enabled 
many thousands to witness the ceremony, which, 
owing to the intense heat, was somewhat curtailed. 
The Queen wore a red tunic and purple petticoat, 
and a hat with a red and white plume. 

The news by telegraph from India is very bad. 
The Mutiny among the Sepoys is widely spreading, 
and Delhi was in the hands of the insurgents, who 
had proclaimed the deposed prince King, and all 
the Europeans had been massacred without regard 
to age or sex. 

Frank Courtenay, who came to see me to-day, 
told me much harm had been done by an Order in 
Council sent out from home, and which had been 
laid before Parliament, granting public money to 
missionaries for purposes of education, but which 
the natives believed was in fact for proselytising, 
and that great discontent had arisen in the army 
in consequence ; but he thinks that other influences 
must also be at work to produce so deplorable 
a state of things. An idea, he says, is prevalent 
in India (than which nothing can be more erroneous) 
that Lord and Lady Canning are bent upon convert- 
ing the Hindoos. 

June 28, Holland House, Sunday. A day of the 
most intense heat I can remember at this season. 
A great many people came here during the day, all 
occupied with the bad news from India, Mrs. Anson 
amongst others, and very anxious for letters. It was 



]857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 37 

known that the General had marched from Simla, 
and also that the Arsenal at Delhi had been blown 
up by Lieutenant Willoughby, to prevent its falling 
into the hands of the Mutineers. Mrs. Anson is 
much acquainted with many of the people who have 
been massacred, and particularly deplores a Mr. 
Fraser, who was an excellent servant of the Govern- 
ment. The newspapers are filled with details of the 
horrors committed at Meerut and Delhi. Women 
and children ruthlessly murdered ! 

There was a large dinner here. The Lynd- 
hursts (he in astonishing force and spirits), Lord 
Lansdowne, very gay and full of zest. Macaulay, 
Senior, Hayward, Quin, Merimee, and Lesseps. 
All these beaux esprits talked a great deal. After 
dinner M. de Tocqueville came. He has a fine eye 
and a soft mild expression of countenance. I did 
not hear him- talk. 

June 29, Monday. I have seen letters from 
Canning and Lady Canning. The latter gives details 
of the horrors perpetrated at Meerut and Delhi, and 
alludes to the reports which had been industriously 
circulated, of Canning's desire to convert the natives, 
which are, she says, as unfounded as they are 
mischievous. He, while admitting that the state of 
things is very serious, writes in good heart as to the 
ultimate result, and hopes that we in England shall 
not give way to unnecessary alarm. He does not 
expect the Mutiny to spread, and says the insurgents 
at Delhi are in a trap and wiU meet with condign 
punishment, and he declares himself particularly 
satisfied with the manner in which he has been 
served in the provinces, and expresses his perfect 
confidence in the ability of George Anson ; but he is 



38 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

not equally pleased with the conduct of certain 
parties in Calcutta. 

The Queen went to Worsley to-day in order to 
view the Manchester Exhibition. She travelled by 
an evening train to avoid the intense heat, the 
thermometer having stood yesterday at 92 in the 
shade. The sudden change in the hour of her 
departure caused fifty trains to be altered. 

July 4, Saturday. I went last night to see Eistori 
in 'Lady Macbeth.' The play has been well con- 
densed, and, as far as I am able to judge, fairly 
translated. She was particularly fine in the tempta- 
tion and murder scenes, and quite appalling in the 
sleep-walking. I never saw a greater effect produced 
upon an audience. 

The Queen returned from Worsley yesterday. 
The visit to Manchester in spite of wet weather went 
off well. There were no guests invited to meet her. 1 
Prince Frederic-William of Prussia accompanied Her 
Majesty, and he received an address from the Cor- 
poration on his approaching marriage. Neither the 
Prince of Wales nor Prince Alfred appeared in the 
evening. 

Douglas Jerrold died the other day. I remember 
meeting him once at dinner (but cannot recollect 
where) and thinking him very disagreeable, although 
he was very droll. He once said to Thackeray (who 
is remarkably ugly) on his telling him he had been 
standing godfather to a child, ' I hope you did not 
give it your mug.' 

A series of concerts and theatrical performances 
for the benefit of his family have been got up by 
Dickens. The Queen and her Court attended a 

T We were in deep mourning. Ed. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 39 

representation of a play written by Collins (I think) 
called ' The Frozen Deep,' acted by Dickens and his 
friends at the Gallery of Illustration. 

King Leopold is come over with the Princess 
Charlotte. She is shortly to be married to the 
Archduke Maximilian, and the whole Orleans family 
are to be present at the marriage at Brussels. 

The Montpensiers, who are here, received the 
Diplomatic Corps the other day, as Infants of Spain, 
the Persignys amongst the number ! 

July 7, Tuesday. Granville and Westminster were 
invested with the Garter yesterday ; that of the latter 
was offered first to Lord Eadnor, who refused it. 

Eoebuck moved a resolution to-night for the 
abolition of the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland. Govern- 
ment opposed it on the ground that it was an abstract 
resolution which, if adopted, ought to be followed 
by a practical measure to carry it into effect, and 
none being proposed by Mr. Eoebuck, and the task 
being left for others, Palmerston said he should vote 
for the previous question, which meant that the 
motion was not one which it was desirable Parliament 
should entertain. Disraeli spoke in the same sense, 
and the resolution was negatived by 266 to 115. 
Notwithstanding this result, I think the abolition of 
the Lord-Lieutenancy is likely to be effected before 
very long. The Press advocates it very strongly, 
and public opinion is certainly inclining in that 
direction. 

July 10, Friday. A very curious trial, and one 
which has for a long time engrossed public attention, 
was concluded yesterday at Edinburgh. That of 
Miss Madeleine Smith for the murder, by poison, of 
a man named Angelier. After nine days' trial she 



40 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

was found ' not guilty of the first charge,' the attempt 
to poison ; and on the second charge, to the same 
effect, and the actual murder, the verdict was 'not 
proven.' 

The prisoner, who left her boarding school at 
Clapham or Clapton in 1853 at the age of 17 to join 
her family at Glasgow, formed two years afterwards 
a connexion with the deceased, and in the spring of 
1856 was seduced by him, and from that period until 
the end of the year she wrote to him the most 
passionate love-letters. At the beginning of 1857 
her passion had cooled, and a certain Mr. Minnock, 
who was much better off than Angelier, proposed to 
marry her. Angelier, however, declined to give her 
up. He did not insist on marrying her, but had no 
mind that any one else should do so. She entreated 
him to restore her letters, but he threatened, on the 
contrary, if the marriage with Minnock were not 
given up, to show her letters to him as well as to her 
father. Hence the motive for the crime. Under 
these threats she writes to Angelier on February 9 
that the match is a false report, implores him not to 
bring her to open shame, and (although she had 
promised her hand to Minnock on the 28th of the 
previous month) assures him that she is under no 
other engagement. She then, for some unexplained 
reason, feigns a renewal of her attachment to Angelier, 
and tries to renew the liaison, in order, as the prosecu- 
tion says, to poison him, but as she asserts with the 
hope that she might coax him into returning to her 
her letters. Angelier tells a Miss Perry on the 17th 
that he is to see Miss Smith on February 19. It is 
not certain that he did see her on that day, but it is 
proved that he was on the night of that date seized 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 41 

with violent illness such as arises from taking arsenic. 
The prisoner was acquitted of administering arsenic 
on this occasion, which was the first charge. The 
books of all the chemists in Glasgow were examined, 
and no purchase of arsenic was proved prior to the 
19th, so that with respect to this particular occasion 
there was sufficient doubt to justify a verdict of 
full acquittal. On the 21st, however, she purchased 
arsenic at the shop of a Mr. Murdoch openly ; 
desired that it might be charged to her father's 
account, and said she required it for a cosmetic. 
On the night of the 21st, Angelier is again ill, but 
again recovers. Time passes on, and it is supposed 
that negotiations for the return of the letters are still 
going on, as Miss Smith still holds to her engagement 
with Mr. Minnock. 

On March 6 she again buys arsenic ; this time in 
company with a school friend, a Miss Buchanan. 
Angelier goes to the Bridge of Allan for the recovery 
of his health, and not, as Miss Smith advised him, to the 
Isle of Wight. From the Bridge of Allan he writes 
to Miss Smith to say that he believes her to be still 
under an engagement to Mr. Minnock, and demands 
direct answers to several questions on the subject. 
He is proved to be very anxious for the answer to 
this letter, and on the receipt of it to have returned in 
high spirits, saying that he had come back in con- 
sequence of it. On March 22 he is seen sauntering 
near Miss Smith's house at twenty minutes past 
nine ; he afterwards is known to have called 011 a 
friend whom he did not find, and for two or three 
hours afterwards he is lost sight of, and the question 
is, did they meet during that time? The prisoner 
.says no, as their interview was fixed for Saturday 



42 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

and not Sunday. At all events Angelier is found 
four hours afterwards at his own door in agonies 
of pain, and soon dies ; and on being opened, it is 
found that arsenic killed him. Miss Smith suggested 
that he probably committed suicide in a fit of 
jealousy, and evidence is adduced that he was vain 
and foolish, constantly talking of his love affairs, 
and often threatening to put an end to himself when 
disappointed. If, however, this was the case, Angelier 
must be a singular man, for he not only makes two 
attempts to poison himself unsuccessfully, and goes 
into the country to recover his health, but relates 
how he was made ill by chocolate administered to 
him by Miss Smith, saying jokingly, that even if she 
were to poison him he should forgive her, and a 
month afterwards, just before he is supposed to 
poison himself, he tells a friend he is going to 
Blytheswood Square, and actually loiters there, that 
it may be believed he is poisoned there. This 
supposition is quite inadmissible, but the affair is 
enveloped in mystery, and the jury, by their verdict, 
declared their inability to decide. The demeanour 
of the girl was marvellously composed throughout. 
She is said to be rather good-looking and was proved 
to be licentious. The announcement of her acquittal 
was received with loud cheers both within and with- 
out the court. 

July 11, Saturday. Dined last night at Stafford 
House. Lord Wensleydale came there from the 
House of Lords after the division on the Oaths 
(Jew) Bill, which was thrown out by a majority of 
thirty-four. He told me Lord Lyndhurst spoke 
for an hour, and that his speech was one of the 
best he ever heard in his life, although, only a week 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 43 

ago, he had a bad fall which had confined him to 
his room. 

When walking home this afternoon from St. 
John's Wood I met Arbuthnot, who told me a 
telegraphic despatch had brought bad news from 
India, and what, above all the rest, afflicted me the 
most, the account of the death of George Anson 
by cholera on May 27. Eeports are rife of further 
disaffection amongst the native troops. An action 
had been fought outside Delhi in which the in- 
surgents were defeated, and when the mail left, the 
town was about to be assaulted. 

I dined at Holland House, but felt so low I 
could hardly speak. Madame de Meyendorff and the 
Castigliones, who are staying in the house, Lady 
Marian Alford, Mrs. Norton, Edward Cheney, and 
Quin were the party. Madame de Meyendorff recited 
scenes and verses after dinner, rather well, but y 
though by no means in a merry mood, I could hardly 
help laughing when she told me that she studied 
declamation three or four hours a day, and devoted 
the rest of her time to painting, ' dans laquelle,' she 
said, 'j'ai fait d'immenses progres.' She is a huge 
fat woman of fifty-five at least, and poured forth a 
quantity of the most sentimental verses which would 
better have become the figure and voice of a girl of 
sixteen. She asked me if I had seen her portrait by 
Winterhalter, and if I did not think she was changed. 
' N'est-ce pas que je suis affreuse ? oui, je me trouve 
tout a fait laide,' &c. To which I could only reply, 
' Yous savez, Madame, que nous poursuivons tons 
la meme route.' I could not anyhow squeeze out a 
compliment. 

July 16, Thursday. Yesterday at the Holland 



44 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

House fete, Lady Clanricarde read to me a very in- 
teresting letter from Lady Canning. She believed that 
the worst was over, and that the speedy fall of Delhi 
would produce a beneficial effect all over India. She 
gives some curious details of the loyalty of some of 
the Sepoy regiments, who had actually asked that 
the very cartridges which had been made the pretext 
for the Mutiny should be dealt out to them. 
Details have also come of poor George Anson's 
death, which ensued from exhaustion after his attack 
of cholera. He repeatedly expressed his thankful- 
ness that Mrs. Alison had left him and was safe in 
England. 

I went to a concert at Lansdowne House at which 
the Queen of Holland was present. Having heard 
much of her charms her appearance disappointed me. 
She has a bony square figure, and her face is by 
no means handsome. She is said to be clever and 
agreeable. 

Burghersh 1 was married this morning to Lady 
Adelaide Curzon. 

July 17, Friday. I went yesterday to Strawberry 
Hill to a breakfast (the most dreary of all pastimes) 
given by Lady Waldegrave. She showed me all over 
the house, which she has entirely renovated, decorated, 
and furnished with great splendour and good taste, 
endeavouring to preserve some of the traditions of 
the place. She is a sharp woman and has the merit 
of not being ashamed of her origin, and showed me 
(besides a full-length portrait in one of his operatic 
characters) a picture done of her father after his 
death, and models of his hands, which were remark- 
able for their beauty. She told me he was a very 

1 Eldest surviving son of the Earl of Westmorland. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY C4REV1LLE 45 

clever man, and had educated himself in a very 
zealous manner, and amongt other acquirements had 
mastered six languages so as to speak them fluently. 
During his career he had made 300,000/., and had 
left nothing but debts. 

Ely l died suddenly yesterday. 

July SO, Monday. Mde. de Flahault told me the 
Lord Advocate was persuaded of Miss Madeleine 
Smith's guilt, and that since the trial the link want- 
ing in the evidence to prove the meeting of the 
parties on March 22 had been supplied, although too 
late to be produced. He said the girl's demeanour 
was marvellous for its composure and seeming 
indifference to all that was passing in court. 

The French poet Beranger died a few days ago 
at Paris and was buried immediately. The State 
defrayed the expenses of his funeral and seems to 
have been so apprehensive that it might be made the 
pretext for some popular demonstration, that unusual 
precautions were resorted to, and large masses of 
troops were placed ah 1 along the line of the procession ; 
besides this, a clause in his will, or a paragraph of a 
letter written to his executor, deprecating any such 
demonstration, was published in all the newspapers. 
Everything passed off in the most tranquil manner. 
Beranger was the poet of the people, and is said to 
have been a man of independent mind, which had 
prompted him to refuse all favours proffered him by 
the Government. He subsisted entirely on a small 
pension paid to him by the proprietor of the copy- 
right of his works. His portrait is to be placed in 
the Gallery at Versailles. 

July 28, Tuesday. For the last week I have 

1 Second Marqiiis of Ely. 



46 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

been staying on and off at Holland House. The 
weather during this month has been entirely perfect, 
very hot, but without oppression, and the nights have 
been as fine as the days. There are several French 
people staying in the house, and every day there 
have been various people at dinner, and also two 
large fe~tes in the garden. At the last there was a 
host of Eoyalties : the Queen of Holland, who is 
everywhere ; the Duchess of Orleans and her two 
sons, who are tall youths with civil manners ; the 
Princess of Salerno ; the Aumales ; the Cambridges ; 
all which Eoyal Highnesses seemed to be very ' cheek 
by jowl' literally, for they were constantly kissing 
each other. 

Last night I was at a concert at Apsley House, 
which has lately been newly furnished and decorated, 
and with good taste. The gallery is hung with red 
damask and is lighted with gas from the outside, 
and the pictures are seen to better advantage than 
formerly. There had been a discussion on Indian 
affairs brought on very inopportunely by Disraeli. 
Every one is on tenterhooks and nervously awaiting 
the next accounts, the mail being overdue. 

Dined to-day at Holland House. The Dowager 
Lady Grey and Lady Georgiana, and Lord Brougham, 
who was in one of his most agreeable moods. He 
told us that when he was Chancellor, he brought in 

7 o 

a bill to abolish thirteen places in the gift of that 
official, one of which was worth 7,000/. per annum. 
Brougham thinks there will be great difficulty in 
meeting the demand of the French Government for 
the extradition of certain refugees, amongst whom is 
Ledru Eollin, accused of a conspiracy against the 
life of the Emperor Xapoleon. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 47 

Prince Albert went on Sunday to Brussels to 
assist at the Princess Charlotte's marriage with the 
Archduke Maximilian. He was to return the moment 
the marriage was over. 

August 2, Sunday. The Indian letters which 
came yesterday show that the revolt still keeps its 
ground, and the details of the atrocities committed 
surpass all description. Notwithstanding this, Lady 
Canning, who is a stout-hearted, sanguine woman, 
writes to Lady Shelburne, who read to me the letter, 
that she has no fears for the ultimate result. The 
force of the rebels at Delhi is said to amount to 
30,000 men, 4,000 being encamped outside the town, 
whilst Barnard, although victorious in two conflicts, 
had only 6,000 disposable troops, and was awaiting 
reinforcements to attack the town. She mentions 
that all direct communication between Calcutta and 
Delhi was broken off, the rebels having cut the 
electric wires, so that they were, in fact, ignorant of 
what was passing there. She speaks in high terms 
of the manner in which Canning is served both by 
the military and civil officers, and especially she 
mentions Elphinstone's good judgment and active 
support, which gives me great pleasure. 

Lord Ellenborough has been indulging in unfair 
and unseemly attacks upon the Indian Government, 
offering absurd advice, and advancing facts without 
foundation. He was well answered by Granville. 
Malmesbury backed up Ellenborough in these ill- 
timed onslaughts, which did not come with a good 
grace from the personal friend of the Governor- 
General. It is, however, satisfactory to know that 
his energy and judgment are duly appreciated by 
those best able to judge in India. In consequence 



48 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

of the monstrous abuse of the native Indian press, I 
am happy to hear it has been placed under a censor- 
ship. 

The weather for the last month has been enchant- 
ing. I never remember any summer to compare in 
beauty with the present one. 

Dined with the Jerseys. She is certainly, physi- 
cally speaking, the most wonderful woman of seventy- 
three I ever beheld. Afterwards to the Granvilles, 
where Eistori had dined. She was looking superb. 

There is an account in the newspapers of the 
Atlantic cable or wire having been tested. A mes- 
sage went through the coiled cable 2,500 miles in 
less than a second ! It is about to be placed in its 
bed. This is surely the most wonderful discovery of 
our times, and the most inconceivable. 

August 10, Hatchford, Monday. I came here to 
my mother on Thursday. My sister is gone with 
A. to Schwalbach. The European end of the At- 
lantic wire was fixed on the shore at Valentia on 
Wednesday with great ceremony. Carlisle * was 
present, and at a dejeuner which followed made a 
pretty speech in which, after expatiating on the uses 
of the new link between the two countries, he pro- 
posed as a toast, ' The lasting friendship of the 
British Islands with America, and the health of the 
President of the United States.' 

The Italians Tibaldi, Bartolotti, and Grilli, charged 
with the attempt to assassinate the Emperor Napoleon, 
have been found guilty, the two latter with extenu- 
ating circumstances. The first is condemned to 
transportation for life, the other two to fifteen years' 

1 The Eavl of Carlisle, then Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 49 

imprisonment. The trial created little interest, and 
there was no evidence to prove the complicity of 
Ledru Eollin ; but, according to the French press, 
Mazzini is much suspected of having been concerned 
in the plot. 

The House of Commons has been occupied nearly 
all the week with the Divorce Bill. Gladstone made 
a very eloquent speech in favour of an amendment 
proposed by Henry Drummond, intended to place 
the two sexes on a footing of equality with regard to 
the causes of divorce. On a division it was negatived 
by 126 to 65. 

August 12, Wednesday. The weather continues- 
heavenly. The Emperor Napoleon took his depar- 
ture from Osborne on Monday. The visit is by way 
of being extremely unpolitical, but it is believed that 
the opportunity was taken of coming to an under- 
standing with our Government on the question of 
the union of the Danubian Provinces, which had 
assumed rather a disagreeable aspect, the French, 
Eussian, Prussian, and Sardinian Embassies having 
struck their flags in consequence of the refusal of 
the Porte to annul the elections which have lately 
taken place. It is supposed that, by the desire of 
the Emperor Napoleon, this matter will be referred to 
the Conference which is to be reassembled at Paris 
for the purpose. 

The Committee of the House of Commons to 
which John Eussell's proposition relative to the 
admission of Jews, and founded on an Act of 
William IV., was referred, having reported that the 
said Act was inapplicable to parliamentary oaths, 
he has withdrawn his Bill in consequence of the 
lateness of the session, and has given notice that he 

III. E 



50 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

will renew his labours in the cause early in the 
ensuing session. 

A curious trial has just terminated at Dublin, 
that of Spollen for the murder of Mr. Little at the 
Broadstairs Terminus in November last. For some 
time it was supposed that no robbery had been 
committed in conjunction with this crime, but later 
it was ascertained that this was an error. For many 
months no trace of the murderer could be discovered, 
until at last a curious incident occurred which threw 
light upon the affair. One of the workmen employed 
at the station for the last twelve years, and who 
bore an excellent character, lived within full view of 
Mr. Little's office. Suspicion had fallen upon him 
as upon many others in the employ of the company, 
but nothing tended to confirm it, until one day the 
wife of Spollen came forward and declared her 
husband to be the murderer. She described in exact 
terms where the plunder had been deposited, and on 
searching the place the police found it there. On a 
further search a razor was found in an adjoining 
canal with the name of Spollen scratched upon it. 
A railway hammer was already in the hands of the 
police. Spollen was familiar with all the approaches 
to Mr. Little's room, and was acquainted with all his 
habits and knew that at certain times he had large 
sums of money lying on his table. The chief 
evidence, on the trial, against the prisoner, was that 
of his son and daughter, and in this lay the weakness 
of the case for the prosecution, as it was in direct 
contradiction with their informations before the 
magistrates. However, the facts remained the same 
the discovery of the stolen money, and also that 
of the razor. The case for the defence was that the 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREV1LLE 51 

whole thing had been got up by the mother, son, and 
daughter, in order to touch the reward offered for 
the apprehension of the murderer. This idea strikes 
me as preposterous, but whether it was entertained 
by the jury, or whether they were inspired with 
horror by the accusation brought against a husband 
by -his wife and children, Spollen was acquitted after 
a consultation of three-quarters of an hour. After 
the verdict was given Spollen fainted, and on recover- 
ing made a speech in which he said, ' I will not 
condemn a woman, but it is a terrible thing to be 
in the hands of a female tigress.' He thanked the 
Court, and then said he should try and retire to some 
colony in the hope of eking out a trifling subsistence. 
The excitement in court during this scene was very 
great. 

August 14, Friday. I had a letter from Eistori 
to-day, thanking me for some letters of introduction 
I had procured for her to various persons at Madrid. 
She writes from Liverpool and says, ' L' altra sera 
ho fatto Fazio. II pubblico, pareva, venisse d' Italia, 
tanto era entusiasta.' l Every audience seems to be 
less stupid than that composed of London fashion- 
ables. 

I see with regret that the Atlantic telegraph has 
been injured, and a length of about 300 miles has 
been lost for the present. 

August 16, Sunday. John Wilson Croker died 
the other day in his seventy-fifth year. He had long 
been in bad health and had lived in retirement. 
He will be chiefly remembered for his battles for 

1 ' The other evening I gave Fazio. It would seem that the 
audience came from Italy, so enthusiastic were they.' 

K 2 



52 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

Toryism in the ' Quarterly Eeview.' On the triumph 
of Eeform, he retired from the field. His style was 
lively and pungent, occasionally scurrilous, and his 
articles in the Eeviews were certainly extremely 
entertaining. 

The Palace of the Louvre, being externally 
completed, was inaugurated by the Emperor with 
great pomp on the 14th. In the speech which 
he delivered, he congratulated the nation on the 
political order which had permitted the realisation 
of a project which had been contemplated by every 
dynasty in France, thereby connecting himself with 
the name of the first Napoleon, who had specially 
determined to complete the work, as well 'as with 
those of the old monarchs of France, an association 
he takes care shall not be lost sight of. 

August 20, Thursday. I have passed two nights 
at St. Anne's, which little place in such weather as 
we have had lately and during all this summer is a 
little Paradise. 

The Divorce Bill, which has been dragging its 
slow length along, seems to have advanced many 
stages since yesterday. The greater part of the 
debate was given to certain pretensions advanced 
in favour of the tender consciences of the clergy. 
Those priests who consider marriage to be indis- 
soluble, and who consequently object to perform the 
.ceremony when the parties have been divorced, are 
now at liberty to decline doing so, but the House of 
Commons has thought fit to confine this inconvenient 
scruple :to the person who holds it, and to deprive 
it of territorial sway. A clause has been introduced 
which provides that whenever the incumbent of a 
parish has a scruple on this point, the persons to be 



1857 DIAKY OF HENRY GREVILLE 53 

married may have the ceremony performed by a 
clergyman of their own choice. This clause was 
stoutly opposed, but carried by a majority of forty, 
the numbers being seventy-three to thirty-three. 
This appears to me to be a concession to the clergy 
likely to be attended with much inconvenience and, 
as the ' Times ' observes, is calculated to introduce 
the quicksands of caprice into our strong parlia- 
mentary system, and to weaken and invalidate the 
decision of the great council of the nation. 

August 22, Saturday. Spollen, who was lately 
acquitted of the murder of Mr. Little, has been 
endeavouring to 'raise the wind' by announcing 
that he would give a personal narrative of his trial. 
He probably counted upon the sentimentalism and 
interest which in these days great and atrocious 
criminals excite in the public of this country, but, 
if so, he reckoned without his host. Very few 
persons attended this disgraceful exhibition, and the 
few that were present, and the mob outside the 
theatre, treated the whole affair with disgust and 
indignation. 

The Queen has been cruising off the Channel 
Islands and touched at Cherbourg. She was sup- 
posed to be incognita, but was nevertheless saluted 
by all the guns in the place. She landed and drove 
into the country in a char a banes, the harness of 
which, being of the most primitive description, 
broke, and she was obliged to return to the yacht 
on foot. She was recognised and followed by a 
great crowd of people, and amused by this little 
adventure. 

The telegraph via Cagliari brings sad news from 
India. The dates are, Calcutta, July 21st ; Madras, 



54 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

25th ; Galle, 28th ; and Aden, August 8th. Poor 
Barnard 1 had died of dysentery, Lawrence 2 of 
wounds received in a sortie from Lucknow. Delhi 
was not taken. Cawnpore had been taken by the 
rebels, and a dreadful massacre had been committed. 
More mutinies in Oude. 

A sad budget ! Lawrence was a first-rate man 
and is an incalculable loss. Poor Barnard, too, was 
doing well. 

The Duke of Bedford and Lady Georgiana 
Bathurst are here ; the weather continues to be 
divine. The nights are exquisite, so hot, and the 
air so sweet. Eobert Grosvenor is created Baron 
Ebury. 

Palmerston made a very good speech a few 
nights ago in answer to various enquiries especially 
relating to our actual position and reinforcements 
in India. He declared that recruiting was progress- 
ing prosperously, that after the harvest we might 
expect to make good the deficiency created at home 
by the demand for troops in India. Government 
would raise more regiments of militia if. necessary, 
and he added that, if expedient, a small force might 
be sent through Egypt ; that screw steamers are not 
sent out in greater numbers in order that our coasts 
may hot be denuded of their proper defence. As an 
excuse for the too great reduction of our forces 
immediately after the conclusion of the Eussian War, 
he pleaded the compulsion put upon an Executive 
amid representative institutions, a disadvantage, 
however, compensated for by the extraordinary 
support which representative institutions enable a 
Minister to rally round him in times of difficulty. 

1 Sir Andrew Barnard. 2 Sir Henry Lawrence. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREV1LLE 55 

This speech was extremely well received by the 
House. 

A dukedom has for the second time been offered 
to Lord Lansdowne and declined. 

This is certainly the finest summer I ever re- 
member. 

August 27, Thursday. George Byng is to stand 
for Middlesex and will not be opposed. 

The deaths of Barnard and of Sir Henry Lawrence 
are confirmed by a telegram, as also is the massacre 
of a vast number of people by order of Nana Sahib. 
A meeting in the City has taken place to raise sub- 
scriptions for the sufferers by the Mutiny ; 20,000 
rupees were sent off to the Governor-General by the 
mail last night. 

August 29, Saturday. Parliament was prorogued 
yesterday by Commission, the Queen having started 
in the morning for Scotland. The Speech informs 
Parliament and the country that no means will be 
omitted which are calculated to quell the grave dis- 
orders in India, which have filled Her Majesty with 
deep concern, as at the same time the conduct of 
many civil and military officers, who have been 
placed in circumstances of the greatest difficulty, 
has excited Her Majesty's warmest admiration. 

August 30, Sunday. General Havelock is pursuing 
a most brilliant career ; he has three times defeated 
the monster Nana Sahib. On the 17th he attacked 
him with about 2,000 Europeans at Futtehpore, 
captured eleven guns and scattered the enemy in 
utter confusion in the neighbourhood of Cawnpore, 
and, after a tremendous action, reoccupied that 
place. The Nana had retreated on Bithoor, which is 
strongly fortified. 



56 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

After the victory on the 13th, General Havelock 
issued the following Order of the Day to his troops : 

' Moveable Column, July 13. 

' Brigadier-General Havelock thanks his soldiers 
for their arduous exertions yesterday which pro- 
duced, in four hours, the strange result of a whole 
army driven from a strong position, eleven guns 
captured, and their whole force scattered to the 
winds, without the loss of a single British soldier. To 
what is that astonishing effect to be attributed ? To 
the fire of the British artillery, exceeding in rapidity 
and precision all that the Brigadier-General has ever 
witnessed in his not short career ; to the power of 
ihe Enfield rifle in British hands ; to British pluck, 
that good quality which has survived the Eevolution 
of the hour, and to the blessing of Almighty God 
in a most righteous cause, the cause of Justice, 
Humanity, Truth, and good Government in India.' 

September 1, Tuesday. The elevation of Macaulay 
to the Peerage gives universal satisfaction. His 
knowledge of India, whenever the Mutiny is crushed 
and the future policy of the Indian Empire is con- 
sidered, will be of great value to the Government and 
to the nation. 

The young Lords Balgonie and Hinton, only sons, 
have just died in the prime of life. The former had 
gone through the Crimean campaign without illness 
or casualty, but soon after his return home broke a 
blood-vessel, from the effects of which he had never 
quite rallied. 

September 2, Wednesday. Mrs. Locke writes to 
me from Naples that the Prince Eoyal is to marry a 
Princess of Bavaria, sister of the Empress of Austria, 



1857 DIAKY OF HENRY GREVILLE 57 

when it is believed the King will grant a general 
amnesty, which will lead to the return of the English 
and French missions. 

Mr. Monro, 1 a clergyman friend of my sister's, 
is here. His wife's brother has been murdered at 
Bareilly. The latter was married to a lady whose 
brother shared the same fate. She and her children 
only escaped from being accidentally absent for 
change of air. The atrocities detailed in the news- 
papers beggar all description. 

September 4, Friday. I saw a letter to-day 
from Lady Canning, dated July 20, in which she 
says, ' Lucknow holds out bravely, and we have every 
hope that General Havelock is in time to relieve it, 
but Sir Henry Lawrence is dead ! He was severely 
wounded, and very soon died. He was a real hero ! 
one of the bravest, finest characters I have heard of. 
I hope his sons will be provided for as a mark of 
gratitude to his memory. He was so magnificent in 
his charities that he can have saved nothing. He 
gave 1,000/ per annum to the Lawrence Asylum 
for Soldiers' Children. What would any one in 
England say to such a subscription from a private 
individual ? ' 

Tom Ashburnham writes from Hong-Kong the 
following description of the place : ' Hong-Kong is 
not half so bad as is represented. The scenery is quite 
sublime. All that sea, rocks, mountains, light, and 
shade can do is before me. Below me, the harbour 
is full of shipping, and besides, all is so new, so 
quaint. The same with the birds and butterflies, 
and there is a clump of pineapples growing on the 

1 Rev. Edward Monro, author of ' Sacred Allegories ' and many 
other works. He was a remarkable man in many ways. 



58 LEAVES FROM THE 

lawn like thistles. My head servant is so like 
Aladdin that I always look out for his lamp.' 

September 13, Holland House, Sunday. I came 
here on the 4th. The Lord Mayor has set on foot a 
subscription for the Indian sufferers, which is pro- 
gressing very satisfactorily. The Emperor of the 
French has sent through Persigny 1,000/. as his 
personal subscription, and 400/. contributed by the 
Imperial Guard now assembled at the camp at 
Chalons, and saying that the English subscriptions 
for the relief of the sufferers from the inundations- 
in France had not been forgotten. 

The newspapers are full of the approaching 
meeting of the Emperor of Eussia and the Emperor 
Napoleon appointed to take place at Stuttgard. 

September Id, Tuesday. By the last account 
Havelock had twice signally defeated the monster 
Nana Sahib, and burnt Bithoor, which was evacuated T 
and he was on his way to.Lucknow to relieve the 
garrison. 

Lords Lausdowne and Macaulay, Lady William 
Eussell and Lady Tankerville, dined here. It -is- 
impossible to be more agreeable than Lord Macaulay, 
He talked much of India, is inclined to believe that 
the Mutiny arises from an original Mahommedan 
conspiracy, and that the Hindoos are mere tools in 
the hands of the Mussulmans. Nana Sahib had been 
reported to have committed suicide, and he thought 
it was very probably true. The Hindoos often 
put their wives and children to death, and then 
destroyed themselves rather than that they should 
fall into the hands of their enemies, or of those by 
whom they knew they would be degraded from their 
caste. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 59 

Speaking of Dickens and Thackeray, he considered 
them both men of undoubted genius, but regretted 
that Dickens wrote so much and did not lie fallow 
for a time, and cease to eternally use fresh combina- 
tions of the same material, which reminded him of a 
saying of Johnstone's [Johnson's ?], ' When the cow 
will give no more milk they try the bull.' He thinks- 
Dickens will live with posterity by his ' Pickwick 
Papers,' and Thackeray by his ' Vanity Fair.' It was- 
remarkable, he said, by how few works very volu- 
minous writers are remembered. Cervantes by ' Don 
Quixote ' for instance ; Bunyan by ' The Pilgrim's 
Progress ; ' Defoe by his ' History of the Plague.' Sir 
Edward Lytton is to get 20,000/. for the small edition 
of his works ; a prodigious price, if one considers 
how highly he has already been paid. 

September 16, Wednesday. Delicious weather I 
Vernon Smith dined here. He speaks in the highest 
terms of Canning and of Elphinstone. The former, 
he admits, is ill supported by his council, and his 
military secretary is inefficient. He has advised 
Canning to leave Calcutta as soon as possible, so as 
to get free of his council, and has promised him all 
support from home. 

I was delighted to hear that by the next mail 
honours are to be sent out to Havelock and Neill, 
and to the numerous men who have so nobly distin- 
guished themselves. He told us of one officer who 
was suddenly attacked by his men and scalped, but 
by dint of extraordinary nerve and energy he 
contrived to get the better of the villains and had 
them hung ! and he was sufficiently recovered to- 
write himself to Yernon Smith. 

He told us also of a poor young cadet of sixteen, 



60 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

whom lie had sent out and who was murdered whilst 
sitting at mess the very day he arrived at his quarters. 
The wretches offered to spare his life if he would 
abjure his faith ; he resolutely refused, and they 
butchered him. He says it is dreadfully harrowing 
to receive, as he does, visits and letters from parents, 
wives, and children, asking for authentic details 
respecting their belongings, which it is impossible 
to give them. There are many children left here by 
their parents, for education or health, at various 
places, who are of course without remittances and in 
the most deplorable state of suspense, from which he 
has no means of relieving them. 

September 18, Hatchford, Friday. I came here 
yesterday. The news from India continues to be 
bad. Havelock has been obliged to retreat to 
Cawnpore, after having marched thence on Luck- 
now, owing to cholera being rife in his small army. 
The population in many parts of India is showing 
hostility. Elgin has gone to Calcutta, as he is un- 
able to do anything in China without a force. 1 

September 23, Wednesday. Lady Sydney has 
sent me a letter from Lady Canning, written from 
Calcutta, in which she expresses great anxiety for the 
relief of Lucknow by Havelock. 

There is to be a day of humiliation for the Indian 
disasters, to be appointed in council at Balmoral. 

September 26, Saturday. It is a curious sign of 
the times that the Sultan has sent a subscription of 
1,100/. for the relief of the Indian sufferers. This 
donation has been forwarded to the Lord Mayor, 
through Musurus. The meeting of the Emperors of 

1 On his own responsibility Lord Elgin diverted the contingent on 
its way to China and thereby saved India. Ed. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 61 

Russia and France at Stuttgard occupies the exclusive 
attention of the foreign press. Some people believe 
that the Emperor Napoleon (apart from personal 
motives for wishing for the interview) is desirous of 
advocating the general disarmament of the European 
Sovereigns, whilst others fancy the 'isolation of 
Austria ' to be the object of both Emperors, and the 
German press have adopted this view of the case. 
I am not disposed to believe this to be correct. 

The Duke of Cambridge has been to the camp at 
Chalons, and was treated very hospitably by the 
Emperor, and shown everything in the greatest detail. 
He returned yesterday with his mother, who has 
taken advantage of the Emperor's absence to pass 
three weeks incognita at Paris. 

September 30, London. Havelock is threatened 
on all sides at Cawnpore, and no reinforcements 
could reach him for a fortnight. It seemed by the 
last accounts very doubtful if Lucknow could hold 
out, and should it fall, a repetition of the dreadful 
tragedy of Cawnpore might be expected! Dis- 
affection has reached both the Madras and Bombay 
armies. The only good news is that some reinforce- 
ments had reached Delhi, and great disunion is sup- 
posed to prevail between the Hindoos and Mussulmans. 

I met Clarendon at the Travellers', whom I so 
seldom see, but, when I do, he is as cordial as when 
in former days we lived so constantly together. He 
is as free from the pomp and mystery which most 
men acquire in high office as he was then. He said 
he believed the sympathy of Europe was with us, as 
was shown by all the respectable part of the Conti- 
nental press, and Buchanan, the President of the 
United States, had written to him to say that the 



62 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

States from one end to the other were enthusiastic for 
our cause in India, as one of humanity and civilisa- 
tion, and also for the wonderful heroism displayed 
by all parties and both sexes in this most dreadful 
business. 

October 4, HUUngdon, Sunday. The newspapers 
are filled with details of the interview of the two 
Emperors at Stuttgard, and they hint that their 
Majesties were not very cordial in their manner to 
each other, which is attributed to the unexpected 
presence of the Empress of Eussia, who at first 
declared that, not being well, she should not accom- 
pany the Emperor, and in consequence of which the 
Empress Eugenie stayed away. It is now insinuated 
that when the Empress of Eussia ascertained that the 
Empress Eugenie would not be there, she changed 
her mind and went to Stuttgard. This may be news- 
paper gossip. 

The Emperor of Austria was to meet the Emperor 
Alexander at Weimar yesterday, which puts an end 
to the rumour that the ' isolation of Austria ' was 
one of the objects of the meeting at Stuttgard. 

Lady Canning writes that nothing can be more 
cordial than the relations of Canning and Sir Colin 
Campbell, which is a flat contradiction to the rumour 
that they were on bad terms one which has been 
industriously spread, and of course believed. 

Charles Mills l tells me small bodies of troops, 
principally Sappers, Miners, and Engineers, are being 
sent by the overland route, but by stealth, out of 
uniform, and like ordinary passengers. The East 
India Company give 21. for a suit of clothes for each 
man. 

1 Afterwards created Lord Hillingdon. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 63 

Notwithstanding what Palmerston said on the last 
day of the Session respecting the transport of troops 
through Egypt as being under consideration, and 
objected to by no one, it appears that he spoke with- 
out authority on a matter not within his province. 
Clarendon, whose business it is, declares the political 
objections to sending any large force through Egypt 
are all but insurmountable, and the material obstacles 
so great that (besides the enormous expense of their 
conveyance) very little, if any, time would be gained 
by the overland route. 

October 5, Monday. Lord Fitzwilliam died yester- 
day morning at Went worth. The Queen was to 
have gone there on her return from Scotland. By 
his death, a Garter becomes vacant. 

By a letter published in the newspapers from 
Mde. Eistori to a Mr. Strauss, her agent in London, 
it appears that her success at Madrid, which from 
the first was very great, had reached an unprece- 
dented height, owing to the following singular cir- 
cumstances which she thus recounts : 

' A few days ago, a soldier was condemned to be 
shot for having attempted to kill a sergeant who had 
struck him. The execution was appointed to take 
place on the morrow of the day on which we gave 
' Medea.' The Queen and all the Court were at the 
representation. A deputation of Spanish and Italian 
gentlemen came to me, telling me that I alone could 
save the life of this unhappy man, and that all the 
efforts which they had that day made to induce the 
Queen to spare him had been fruitless. I accepted 
the mission and after the first act I went to the 
Queen's box and threw myself at Her Majesty's feet, 
imploring her to spare the wretched criminal. The 



64 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

Queen yielded to my prayers, and at once signed the 
pardon of the poor man. I leave you to imagine 
what an ovation awaited me when I reappeared on 
the stage in the second act. During at least twenty- 
five minutes it was impossible for me to speak a 
word, and the applause was continued throughout 
the evening until I reached home. From that day 
the receipts have augmented more and more, and 
my residence here is one continued /<?fe.' 

Whilst the Kistori is thus flourishing in Spain, 
her Sister Muse, poor Eachel, is lingering on her 
death-bed at Cannes, in a decline. 

The last mail took out the rank of Major-General 
in the army and that of K.C.B. to Havelock, and 
C.B. to several officers. Many people think that his 
is such an exceptional case, that he ought at once to 
have been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant- 
General and have been given the Grand Cross of the 
Bath. 

October 12, Hatchford. I returned here on 
Monday. News from India reached London yester- 
day of rather a more favourable nature. Havelock 
had gained a ninth victory near Bithoor and was 
safe at Cawnpore. Lucknow was in no immediate 
danger. The rebels had been beaten by Nicholson 
before Delhi, in an attempt to interrupt our battery 
train, and we had taken fifteen guns. 

The King of Prussia is dangerously ill of conges- 
tion of the brain. 

The weather, after some gales, is again delightful. 

October 18, Sunday. The newspapers are full 
of Indian letters. One from an officer of the 78th 
Highlanders records that, after the attack on Bithoor 
on August 19, when Havelock rode up to compliment 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 65 

the regiment on its gallantry, they gave him three 
cheers, and he called out, ' Don't cheer me ; you have 
done it all yourselves.' 

The ' Athenseum ' of yesterday says Havelock was 
educated at the Charterhouse, and went under the 
name of ' Old Phlos.' He was a thoughtful and 
meditative boy, and used to stand looking on whilst 
others played, which procured for him the name of 
Philosopher, subsequently diminished to Phlos, and 
occasionally applied as Old Phlos. 

Lord Fitzhardinge died last week after a linger- 
ing illness. He was a clever man, and notorious for 
his profligacy, and his elevation to the peerage and 
his subsequent promotion to an earldom were owing 
to his vast territorial possessions and his parlia- 
mentary influence, rather than to any personal merit. 
He has bequeathed his vast property to his next 
brother, Frederick, who was likewise illegitimate, but 
the peerages, of course, become extinct. His funeral 
took place yesterday, and on his coffin was the 
following inscription : 

WILLIAM FITZHARDINGE, EARL FITZHARDINGE 

OF BEBKELEY CASTLE, 

CLAIMING AS OF EIGHT TO BE 

EABL OF BERKELEY BY DESCENT, 

AND BABON DE BEBKELEY BY TENUBE. 

Two statues have lately been erected to two 
persons of very different merit. One in France to 
Mde. de Sevigne at Grignan, in the presence of an 
immense multitude of enthusiastic people. The other 
in Ireland to Moore on College Green, in Dublin, in 
the presence of the Lord-Lieutenant, who made a 
speech full of poetical quotations and allusions to the 
poet's happiest passages. 

III. F 



66 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

October 21, Frognal. On coming here yesterday 
I found a letter from Edward Sartoris from Paris, 
who says -nothing can be worse than the spirit of 
the upper classes there respecting our Indian affairs, 
which is just what I should have expected. 

October 27, Tuesday. The telegraph brings the 
news of the fall of Delhi, with great loss on both 
sides. Ours is said to be 40 officers and 610 men 
killed or wounded. The assault was made on 
September 14, and we were not in possession of the 
whole city until the 20th. Outram had joined Have- 
lock, and they were on the march to Lucknow. 

The newspaper of to-day announces the death of 
Lady Graham. She was, as Miss Callender (sister 
to Mrs. T. Sheridan), one of the great beauties when 
I first came into the London world as a very young 
boy, and she preserved her looks up to a very recent 
time. 

In consequence of the inability of the King of 
Prussia, owing to mental weakness, to attend to 
public affairs, the Prince of Prussia has been ap- 
pointed Eegent, ' until His Majesty is able to resume 
the government,' which, by all acounts, is not likely 
ever to occur, as he has a softening of the brain. 

October 29, Thursday. We have got some details 
of the capture of Delhi. Wilson, who had the chief 
command there, issued an admirable order of the 
day, previous to the assault, praising the troops for 
the cheerful way in which they had supported their 
past toil, and warning them that greater labours 
were still to come, which must be borne as cheer- 
fully. He feels assured that British pluck and 
determination will carry everything before them, and 
that the bloodthirsty and murderous mutineers will 



1867 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 67 

be driven headlong out of their stronghold, or be 
exterminated. 

A proclamation recently issued by the Governor- 
General in Council to all the civil authorities in the 
Upper Provinces respecting the treatment of the 
mutineers has called forth much controversy, and 
even indignation, as tending to hamper the generals 
in command, and to disgust the army, as being a 
needless interference with their action at a time when 
the prestige of our rule so much depends upon the 
confidence it inspires in its friends, and the awe with 
which it is regarded by its enemies. 

Wilson's ' Order of the Day ' is of course favour- 
ably contrasted with this proclamation, and the more 
so as the latter is supposed to have had for result 
the liberation at Cawnpore of 150 prisoners taken by 
Neill, by order of Mr. Grant, who, being one of the 
members of the Supreme Council, has been sent up 
to the disturbed districts, with power, as it is alleged, 
to control the generals in command in the execution 
of martial law. 

The ' Times ' has a strong article against the 
proclamation, which concludes thus : ' Each work 
has to be performed in its own season ; there is a 
time to kill, says the wise man, and a time to heal. 
Sir Colin must execute his mission before we can 
listen to the philanthropic proposals of Mr. Grant. 
When the Duke of Wellington was asked what 
martial law meant, he replied, 4 No law at all but 
the will of the Commander-in-Chief.' That is the law 
which is now wanted for India. 

I have so much faith in the wisdom and justice 
of Canning, that I am loth to think he is mistaken, 

F 2 



68 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

and I wait anxiously for further explanation of this 
matter. 

October 31, Saturday. General Cavaignac died 
a few days ago, suddenly, of aneurysm of the heart, 
when out shooting at a friend's house at Tours. His 
widow immediately brought up his remains by special 
train to Paris, and by order of the Emperor (who 
was sure not to lose the opportunity of what the 
newspapers call generosity to his former rival) they 
were interred with great pomp at Montmartre in 
the presence of an immense concourse of people. 
Cavaignac was the son of a man who figured pro- 
minently in the first great French Eevolution, and 
was himself a real and fervent republican. He 
served during Louis Philippe's reign with signal 
success in Africa, and after the Eevolution of 1848 
he was made a general and appointed Minister of 
War by the Provisional Government, and in the 
following June it fell to his lot to crush the famous 
Socialist insurrection. For this great service 
Cavaignac was confirmed in his position as Chief of 
the State, and after the promulgation of the con- 
stitution he became a candidate for the Presidency 
of the Eepublic, It is probable that the very energy 
which he showed in crushing the insurrection in- 
duced many to vote against him and in favour of 
the present Emperor, who was then unknown and 
supposed to be a man of mild and inoffensive dis- 
position, who would not hold the reins of power too 
tightly, or check the ambition of others. On the 
result being known, Cavaignac at once retired into 
private life. After the Coup d'etat he was imprisoned 
for some short time, from the fear that he might 
offer a resistance, which from his popularity in the 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 69 

army might be dangerous ; but when the Emperor 
found that his attempt had been crowned with com- 
plete success, the general was released, and from 
that time unto the present year, when, after a close 
contest, Cavaignac was elected one of the deputies 
for Paris, he has not appeared on the political stage. 
I have heard from Mde. de Gontaut, who, owing 
to his having married a friend of hers, saw a great 
deal of him, that he was frank and honest, and, 
although soldierly in appearance, he was remarkably 
gentle and attractive in his manner. The ' Times,' in 
an article on his funeral, from which I have taken 
much of the substance of the above, says : ' If the 
Government had visions of disturbance, it was an 
idle fear ; a character like that of the dead man does 
not symbolise popular riot without an aim, a prin- 
ciple, or a chance of success, nor were the friends 
who attended him to the tomb likely to excite a 
Parisian mob to violence. They are for the most 
part disenchanted, disappointed, sorrowing men. 
Their lives have been cotemporary with the revolu- 
tionary period, and now their grey hairs and their 
withered hopes coincide with its close. All that they 
are likely to desire is freedom to live in quiet, and 
to cherish in each other's society the memories of the 
past. Why should not General Cavaignac's funeral 
pass through crowded streets, his life be a theme 
for journalists, and his qualities a subject of public 
eulogy for his friends? He belongs to a past age 
and represents feelings that are irrevocably gone. 
The throne of a Eoman Cassar had little to fear 
though a bust of Brutus should be carried in pro- 
cession, or schoolboys should dilate on the virtues 
of Cato.' 



70 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

November 3, London, Tuesday. I returned to-day 
from Frognal. This morning the first attempt was 
made to launch the famous steamship, the ' Great 
Eastern,' now called the ' Leviathan.' This attempt, 
from various causes, some known and some unknown, 
entirely failed, and the renewed attempt is deferred 
until December. That this first trial should have 
failed is not wonderful, when the statistics of the 
ship are taken into consideration. The largest 
steamer in existence is less than 400 feet in length. 
The 'Leviathan' is 680 feet. The principal saloons 
form a suite of 400 feet in length ; the burden is 
nearly 23,000 tons, nearly five times that of any 
other vessel afloat. The nominal horse-power of 
the screw engine is 1,600, that of the paddle 1,000 
horses. She carries two steam-propelled boats, as 
large as a good-sized Thames steamer. She is to 
carry 4,000 passengers, and, should it be necessary, 
could convey 10,000 troops to India in little more 
than a month. Of course (as in all new things) many 
people, indeed the majority, believe the speculation 
will be a failure ; but it may be some consolation to 
reflect that the same thing was foretold of the electric 
telegraph, locomotives, and even of the large steamers 
now successfully plying. 

November 5, Thursday. Yesterday afternoon a 
sword was presented by the City of London to the 
Duke of Cambridge, with much solemnity, in the 
presence of a large concourse of people at Guildhall. 
The Duke made a sensible straightforward speech, as 
he often does when called upon to do so. Granville 
returned thanks for the Ministers' health, and took 
the opportunity of defending Canning, whose con- 
duct, he said, ' had sometimes been fairly weighed, 



1857 DIAKY OF HENRY GREVILLE 71 

but at others, he thought, had been assailed with 
such wholesale censure and condemnation as it was 
almost impossible for any one to have deserved.' He 
entered into various matters in which he conceived 
Canning to have been misrepresented, and showed 
much tact, as he generally does, throughout his 
speech, though he did not succeed in removing my 
impression, and that of many others, that it would 
have been better to proclaim martial law in the dis- 
affected provinces, and so prevent the possibility of 
any clashing between the civil and military authori- 
ties. As, however, martial law was not proclaimed, 
it is clear Canning was right to issue his directions 
for the treatment of mutineers and prisoners by the 
civil authorities, as conveyed by the Order in Council 
which has subjected him to so much abuse. 

November 7, Saturday. Met Clarendon at the 
Travellers' yesterday. He was very droll about the 
presents brought to the Queen by the Siamese 
Ambassadors. Her Majesty was very curious to 
know of what they consisted, and rather surprised on 
hearing that amongst them were a cigar case, a spit- 
toon (an implement she had never heard of), and a 
pair of trousers. The Embassy is to be received in 
State at Windsor on Wednesday. 

November 10, Tuesday. At the Lord Mayor's 
dinner yesterday, Palmerston passed a high eulogium 
on Canning, which will go out by this mail, and 
produce a good effect in India. It was coldly re- 
ceived at the Mansion House. 

November 11, Wednesday. The telegram report- 
ing the relief of Lucknow, and confirming the fall 
of Delhi, reached London to-day. The first was 
effected with considerable loss (General Neill was 



72 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

killed), and not a moment too soon, for the enemy 
had advanced their mines, and were about to blow 
up the Eesidency. The second was accomplished on 
the 21st with the loss of 1,200 killed and wounded 
and 61 officers . 

These great casualties occurred almost entirely 
on the first day of the assault, September 14. 
General Nicholson, a most valuable officer, has died 
of his wounds, received on that day. He and Neill 
were two of the most distinguished officers of the 
Indian army. The King of Delhi, his wife, two sons, 
and a grandson, were taken, and the three latter were 
shot. The King, being ninety, was spared. Nana 
Sahib is supposed to be forming a junction with the 
Gwalior rebels, and may still give some trouble. 
The conduct of the Lucknow garrison from May 
to September has been one of the greatest instances 
of heroic endurance of this or any other time. 

The Duchesse de Nemours, who was confined 
twelve days ago at Claremont, died suddenly yester- 
day. It is curious that the Queen of the French 
had said to Lady Acton, who told me, and also to 
the Queen, how glad she was that the safe accouche- 
ment and the well-doing of the mother and child 
put an end to the legend which attached to Clare- 
mont, that no similar event could occur there with- 
out being fatal to one or the other. 

November 13, Friday. Owing to the financial 
crisis, which is now at its height (the Western Bank 
of Scotland and the Great City of Glasgow Bank, 
besides other large mercantile houses, having stopped 
payment for many millions), a letter has been 
addressed to the governor and deputy governor of 
the Bank of England by Palmerston and Lewis, 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 73 

suggesting an extended issue of notes, which is the 
suspension of the Bank Charter Act. They convey 
this suggestion in the form of a promise to ask from 
Parliament a Bill of Indemnity, and it is accompanied 
by the opinion that during the extension the rate of 
discount should be maintained at its present height. 
The consequence of this move on the part of the 
Government is, that Parliament is to meet early 
next month. 

The news brought by the mails is not so reassur- 
ing as we had hoped. Lucknow is still in extreme 
jeopardy. The force under Havelock and Outram 
is not sufficient to attack the town, which is larger 
than Delhi, and with a population of 300,000 souls. 
Outram writes that he is unable to do more than 
strengthen the Eesidency and to await further rein- 
forcements. Wilson has been obliged by ill health 
to resign his command to General Pinney. 

November 15, Sunday. Last night I had a letter 
from Lady Canning, dated October 9. She says : 
' I never in my life was so delighted as to know we 
had no longer that horrid siege weighing on us, and 
still more that Lucknow was safe, and we had no 
longer to dread a repetition of the horrors of Cawn- 
pore. The relief of Lucknow seemed at the time 
hardly possible without a miracle, and certainly it 
has been most providentially timed, for mines were 
actually found stretching far under, and quite ready 
to be loaded and blow up all these poor victims, or 
else to threaten to annihilate their defences. The 
force was so small that it could only have been 
employed for such a desperate service, and it did 
its work nobly ; but it is not sufficient to occupy 
and take the town, and keep open the road ; and the 



74 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

poor garrison cannot get away from that Eesidency 
until more troops arrive, and they are going towards 
them fast. Generals Havelock and Outram had 
never, I think, 4,000 men of all arms, and they lost 
a good many. There is a good deal of fighting and 
successful pursuing of the Delhi fugitives going on, and 
the new arrivals will have work enough. We shall 
be very glad for our poor overworked troops to rest.' 

General Wilson's despatch detailing the capture of 
Delhi is considered an admirable account of the affair. 

By a letter from Brackley 1 received yesterday 
I heard that a fire had broken out at Worsley in one 
of the bedrooms at 4 A.M., and at one time there was 
very little hope of saving the house. At nine o'clock 
the fire was got under. Most of the attics were 
completely gutted and the roof much burnt. The 
chief damage, however, arises from the precautions 
that were necessary. One of the maids was nearly 
burnt. She did not wake till her escape by the 
passage was cut off, so she appeared at the window. 
Arthur went up a ladder to assist her to descend, 
but overcome by the smoke and giddiness was 
obliged to come down. The maid showed great 
courage, and was eventually rescued by Algy's 
servant Peacock. It is supposed the insurance will 
cover the damage done. 2 

November 16, Monday. The funeral of the 
Duchesse de Nemours took place on Saturday. The 

1 My eldest brother, then Lord Ellesmere. 

2 This account is very accurate on the whole. The maid was 
roused with the others, but returned in order to save her property. 
My brother Algy's servant had been a sailor and was therefore used 
to climbing up ladders, A thick November fog impeded operations 
very much. My husband and I were on a visit to my brother at the 
time. Ed. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 75 

mass was celebrated at the chapel at Claremont, and 
the interment was at Weybridge, where the remains 
of Louis Philippe lie buried. The post-mortem ex- 
amination showed that no disease of any kind existed. 
The only thing that could possibly account for her 
death was a little coagulated blood, of the size of 
a pin's head, in one of the veins, which may have 
stopped the circulation. 

A council was held to-day to call Parliament 
together. 

November 19, Hillingdon, Thursday. Came here 
yesterday. C. Mills very uneasy at the monetary 
crisis, which he considers to be the most serious of 
any that have occurred in his time, and he is of 
opinion that the Government had no other course 
than to intervene, as it has done, in the case of the 
Bank of England. During the week preceding the 
intervention, the advances and loans from the Bank 
amount to 5,000,000/., a rate of exhaustion which 
threatened the complete emptying of the Bank reserve, 
unless the establishment were endowed with the 
power of calling up fresh resources. Matters are 
beginning to mend, but still there is great distress. 
In Scotland the panic has subsided. 

A melancholy event has occurred this week, the 
death of Augustus Stafford, M.P. for Northampton- 
shire, which took place at Dublin under circumstances 
which caused a coroner's inquest to be held. It was 
supposed that his death was -caused by an overdose of 
opium administered by a Dr. Griffin of Limerick, where 
he was first taken ill. He was opened, and, though 
it is possible he may have been treated without much 
skill, sufficient natural causes were found to account 
for his death. I did not know him, though I have 



76 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

often met him in society, of which he was considered 
a very agreeable and lively member, and particularly 
was considered as a great card in a country house, 
having great facilities for acting and writing in 
burlesque. But he will be more honourably remem- 
bered for his great exertions in the Crimea in favour 
of the sick and wounded soldiers, to whom he was 
unremitting in his attentions, and where he caught 
the fever of the place which, no doubt, hastened 
his death. 

November 26, Thursday. The reception of the 
Siamese Embassy, which had been postponed on 
account of the death of the Duchesse de Nemours, 
took place at Windsor last Thursday. Abercorn told 
me he had never seen anything so ludicrous. They 
entered Her Majesty's presence on all fours, and 
delivered their harangue in that posture. The Queen 
was on the point of bursting into laughter. The 
presents, which were more tawdry than valuable, were 
displayed in the room where the reception took place, 
and the Embassy were regaled with a great banquet 
in the Waterloo Gallery, and were delighted. 

Lord Spencer, who is obliged to resign on account 
of bad health, officiated for the last time, and is suc- 
ceeded by St. Germans. 

Every one is pleased that Wilson and Havelock 
are created baronets. The one Sir Archdale of Delhi, 
the other Sir Henry of Lucknow. The East India 
Company has granted a pension of 500/. per annum 
to the widow of General JSfeill, who, by the Queen's 
direction, is to assume the title of Lady Neill, as 
though her husband had lived to wear his insignia. 

December I, Hinchingbrook. I came here on the 
27th, found the Sydneys, Capels, Frederic Cadogans, 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 77 

Colonel Knox, Mr. Vane, and Charles. The Man- 
chesters joined us to-day, straight from Compiegne, 
of which they gave some edifying details, and a 
droll anecdote of Marshal Pelissier. The Duchess 
of Manchester, Countess Hatzfeldt, Count Kisseleff, 
the Eussian Minister, and the Marshal went in the 
same carriage to a picnic, and as they passed 
through some small town, the populace called out, 
' Vive Pelissier ! ' Madame de Hatzfeldt in joke said, 
' Ces gens ne sont gueres polis ; ils pourraient au moms 
dire, " Vive Monsieur Pelissier ! " ' ' Mais non, Madame,' 
said the Marshal, ' est-ce qu'on dirait Monsieur Cesar?' 
The inordinate vanity of the speech can only be 
equalled by the mal a propos of it. 

One of the most flagrant cases of defection from 
the ranks of the constitutionalists in France has 
occurred in the person of old Dupin, who, besides 
having served that cause in high positions, was the 
personal friend and the testamentary executor of 
Louis Philippe, and has now thought it worth his 
while, at 7o years of age, and with 100,000 francs per 
annum, and without children, to ' se rallier ' to the 
Imperial regime, and to dishonour himself by accept- 
ing the place of senator and a high judicial office. 
What a people they are ! 

December 2, London. On arriving in London I 
was greatly shocked to hear of the death of Norman 
Macdonald. He was perfectly well at Stafford House 
at five in the afternoon, and at six he went to Lady 
Hope Vere's to see Lady Ely. He said he felt faint, 
begged that the window might be opened, fell into a 
fit, and never spoke again, and having been removed 
to his apartment, he died at ten in the evening. The 
awful suddenness of this event is enough to create 



78 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

a deep impression, but Norman was an amiable, gay, 
and obliging member of society, and particularly 
identified with all the amusements of what is vulgarly 
called fashionable life, and he will be as much missed 
and regretted as any one ever is or can be by a 
thoughtless, thankless, and callous world. He 
deserves to be regretted, for he was a good and kind 
friend, and never lost an opportunity of obliging 
those who came in contact with him. 

Euston marries Francis Baring's 1 daughter, to the 
great satisfaction of all parties concerned. 

The Queen is come to town to hold the council 
for the Speech. 

December 6, Sunday. The opening of Parliament 
went off very smoothly. The Speech (which is more 
than usually remarkable for its bad grammar) in- 
cludes the commercial crisis (which is the cause of 
its being prematurely called together), India of 
course, and ' measures for amending the representa- 
tion of the people.' Portman and Lord Carew moved 
the Address in the Lords, and Messrs. Martin and 
Akroyd in the Commons. Derby made a rambling 
speech with some clever hits, but has often pro- 
duced more effect. Ellenborough spoke shortly, 
accusing the Government of want of foresight, and 
of dilatoriness in sending out troops, and gave 
notice that he should enter more fully into the Indian 
question next Monday. Granville observed that it 
had been said that Canning ought to have foreseen 
all that had occurred, but the speech of Lord Ellen- 
borough on the 8th of June showed that he, as 
well as Lord Canning, and General Hearsay (?) 

1 He used to be called " French Francis,' from having lived much 
in France. 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 79 

thought that these events were at an end when two 
regiments had been disbanded. Palmerston took the 
opportunity of denying that he had any intention of 
saying anything disrespectful to the French Govern- 
ment in his Mansion House speech ; on the contrary, 
he felt nothing but gratitude at the handsome manner 
in which the Government of the Emperor had offered 
every facility for the transportation of our troops 
through France. 

It is thought that Parliament will be up on 
the 20th. 

I heard yesterday with great regret of the hopeless 
state of the Dowager Lady Morley. She will be a real 
loss to her friends, and to society, of which she was 
certainly one of, if not the, most brilliant ornaments. 
She was endowed with rare intelligence, and a wit 
always free from malignity, and though full of 
buoyant spirits, and delighting in fun and gaiety, 
she had a heart full of sympathy for those who were 
in affliction. I should imagine she never could have 
made an enemy in her life. There is no one in 
society who can at all fill the void she will have left. 

December 5, Tuesday. One of the deepest orange 
fogs I have seen for years. Lord Ellenborough made 
his motion last night for a copy of the Arms Bill 
lately passed by the Legislative Council in India, and 
for a return of the licensed native and European news- 
papers of India. He spoke, as he always does, with 
great eloquence and fluency, but in his arguments 
and course of reasoning often contradicted himself, 
and Granville had the best of it in his reply. The 
speech of the night was Grey's. He cordially agreed 
with the impartial policy of the Arms Act, which had 
been resorted to to prevent a trade which would have 



80 LEAVES FROM THE 

been carried on by the natives in India, for the days 
of our empire there would be numbered if ever its 
vast population should know that our rule was incon- 
sistent with their interests. This speech was most 
statesmanlike, and quite free from all the defects 
which have sometimes marred the effect of some of 
Grey's former speeches. 

Lady Morley expired on Sunday night. 

December 9, Wednesday. Last night, Palmerston 
moved a resolution granting Sir Henry Havelock 
a pension of 1,000. per annum. Several members 
threw out the suggestion that the grant should be 
extended to his son, and considering Sir Fenwick 
Williams got the same pension for losing Kars, and 
Lord Gough 2,000/. per annum for two successive 
lives, and that Sir Henry Havelock is sixty-two, this 
suggestion should decidedly be adopted. 

Dined at the Flahaults' ; met Lord Lansdowne, 
Ashburton, Ladies Tankerville and William Eussell, 
and M. Delessert, to whom T sat next. He gave me 
an interesting account of the part he was obliged to 
take as PreTet de Police on the occasion of the murder 
of the Duchesse de Praslin. He was summoned 
to the house almost immediate!} 7 - on the discovery of 
the crime, and he said that, of the many dreadful 
scenes it had been his misfortune to witness, no one 
ever equalled the horrible spectacle of the bedroom 
which had been the scene of the crime. It was evi- 
dent, by the state of Madame de Praslin's body, that 
a violent resistance had been made and every possible 
attempt at escape. Delessert, on first seeing the 
Due de Praslin, was at once convinced of his guilt, 
as was the Procureur General. He affected great 
horror at the event ; and on its being ascertained 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 81 

that no attempt at robbery had been made, he said 
to Delessert, ' Alors, M. le Prefet, 1'affaire prend un 
aspect des plus graves.' He soon perceived by the 
manner both of M. Delessert and of the Procureur 
General that they were convinced of his guilt, and 
he was seen to proceed to his bureau, from which 
it is believed he took some arsenic pills, with 
which he poisoned himself; for on his way to the 
Conciergerie he was taken very ill, and got gradually 
worse until he died. Delessert treated as perfectly 
absurd the popular belief that he was still alive, 
which Lady Tankerville evidently believed, and 
which Delessert admitted was credited by some of 
the lower orders in France. He had not seen his 
corpse (as in capacity of Prefet he ought to have 
done) by an accident ; but those in whom he placed 
perfect confidence had done so, and he had had 
every official detail of his death and funeral. A 
belief in the existence of great criminals after their 
public execution has often been entertained, as, for 
instance, in the case of Dr. Dodd ; so that there is 
nothing very extraordinary in such credulity with 
regard to the Due de Praslin, who died in prison 
under such extraordinary circumstances, and when 
it might be suspected that the authorities would be 
willing to spare the life of a criminal of such 
high estate. The chief ground for this belief is that 
the brother, and I believe the mother, of the Due 
de Praslin make an annual journey to Scotland, 
where it is supposed he is living under a feigned 
name. 

Lord Lansdowne spoke in high terms of Grey's 
speech on Monday ; he generally found much to 
admire, but at the same time much to object to in his 
in o 



82 LEAVES FEOM THE 1857 

speeches, but he said the one in question was that of 
a real statesman. 

December 14, Monday. Havelock's pension is 
continued to his son. 

Brunnow is to succeed Creptowitch here, an ap- 
pointment which will not be popular. 

December 20, Hatcliford. Parliament adjourns 
on Saturday until February 4. A remarkable memo- 
rial has been presented to Palmerston, containing 
the proposal of not only an educational franchise, 
but of an educational constituency, separate from 
other constituencies, though spread all over England. 
Certain members of incorporated and registered 
professions, clerical, legal, medical, artistical, and 
learned, to form a new constituency, to be divided 
by topographical not professional bounds. All the 
professional freemen to vote for a member in each 
of the districts. It is proposed thus to add seventy 
members to the House, and not the least part of the 
proposal is that it suggests prospectively the revival 
of the scot and lot voting in order to a proper 
representation of the mechanic and artisan. Eminent 
men of all parties and almost all professions have 
affixed their signatures to this memorial ; amongst 
them are the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief 
Justice, and the last two Speakers of the House of 
Commons, also Shaftesbury and others. 

Land in Ireland is still increasing in value. The 
remainder of the Locke estate in Kerry, of which I 
am a trustee, and part of which was sold a year ago 
most advantageously, was put up to auction last 
week. The highest value put upon the estate was 
66,000^., or about twenty-four years' purchase, and 
the price realised was 88,000^., or 22,OOOZ. above the 



1857 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 83 

highest, or 24.000/. above the general value of the 

O 7 O 

property. It is curious that at each sale 24,000/. 
was realised above the price expected. 

December 22, Tuesday. Palmerston has an- 
nounced to the Chairman of the East India Company 
that their doom is sealed, and a Bill is to be brought 
into Parliament to bring India under the direct con- 
trol of the Queen's Government. It is said there is 
to be a Secretary of State for India, with a Council 
which is to be invested with all the patronage. 

Harrowby has resigned, owing to bad health, and 
Palmerston has offered the Privy Seal to Clanricarde, 
which, considering all that passed two years ago, is 
rather a bold measure. 

The long vexed question of the Hanover jewels 
has been decided against the claim of Queen Victoria 
by the Commission appointed to enquire into the 
matter. Lord Wensleydale, who was one of the 
judges, told Charles he thought the case was perfectly 
clear, and ought to have been settled long ago. It 
probably would have been had not Chief Justice 
Tyndall died just as the judgment was about to be 
delivered. 

December 23, Wednesday. The relief of Lucknow 
after six days' hard fighting is announced by telegraph 
in the ' Globe ' of this evening. 

Christmas Day. The most lovely day for the 
season I ever saw. We have as yet had no frost at 
all. 

December 29, Tuesday. Algy Egerton brought 
the news last night of the almost sudden death of 
Lord Spencer at Althorp on Sunday. He was an 
excellent man, with a kind heart, though somewhat 
abrupt in manner. It is curious that the owners of 



84 LEAVES FROM THE 1857 

those two palaces 1 should have died within a twelve- 
month of each other in the prime of life. 

December 31, Thursday. Here ends a year 
especially marked by death, disasters, and afflictions, 
both public and private. It is closed by a glorious 
day ; let us hope an omen of a brighter year to 
come. 



1858 

January 7, Bowood, Thursday. I went to town 
on Saturday from Hatchford, and came here on 
Tuesday. The first wintry day we have had, and 
piercingly cold. I found the Flahaults, who went 
next morning, Granvilles, Jem Howard, and Lady 
Louisa, Lady Mary Fitzmaurice, Alexander Gordon, 
and Lacaita. More people were to have been here, 
but Lord Lansdowne put them off on account of Lord 
Hchester's death. 

Yesterday, telegrams from Milan and from 
Cannes announced the deaths of Marshal Radetzky 
at the former place, aged ninety-two, and of Mdlle. 
Rachel at the latter, in her thirty-seventh year, of 
decline. The first had run his career that of a 
zealous and devoted servant of his country, to whom 
Austria owes the preservation of her rule of Lom- 
bardy. Mdlle. Rachel is cut off in the prime of life 
and in the very fulness of her talent, and she leaves no 
one on the French stage capable of filling her place. 

This morning, at breakfast, the Indian telegraph 
was handed to Granville, bringing the sad news of 
the death of Havelock from dysentery on November 25, 
brought on by exposure and great anxiety of mind, 

1 Bridgewater House and Spencer House. 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 85 

This is a real national loss, to be added to the long 
list of heroes who have perished in this disastrous 
war. Lord Lansdowne said he could not recollect 
any career of any military man in ancient or modern 
history which, in the same short space of time, had 
been so brilliant, or had been attended by greater 
results. Whilst the House of Commons was discussing 
the continuance of Havelock's pension to his son, 
the father was already in his glorious grave. 

The telegraph also tells us of Windham's defeat 
by the Gwalior Contingent, and of Sir Colin Campbell's 
subsequent brilliant victory over them, inflicting 
immense loss, and sustaining but few casualties. 
The Lucknow women and children had reached Alla- 
habad in safety. 

I walked all about this place with Lord Lansdowne 
and Mr. Lacaita, which, if not one of the finest, is 
certainly one of the most enjoyable. Lord Lansdowne 
is wonderful for his age, walking (although apparently 
with a feeble gait), but without fatigue, up and down 
steep hills for two hours at a time, whilst talking 
agreeably all the time on various subjects. Few 
men will have left such a monument of their taste 
and industry as Lord Lansdowne in Bowood. On 
succeeding to his property, he found it a dilapidated 
empty house, so destitute of furniture and the common 
comforts of life, that on coming here for the first 
time, he was obliged to borrow furniture from a 
neighbouring farmhouse. He will leave it filled with 
all that is valuable or refined in art : books, statues, 
chosen and purchased by himself with excellent 
judgment. Besides which the house is replete 
with every kind of luxury and comfort, and there 
is no establishment which strikes me as so well 



86 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

conducted, with so much generosity and so little 
ostentation. I asked Lord Lansdowne if there was 
any catalogue of his pictures and effects, and he said 
he had often intended to make one with a short 
history of each picture, and how it had been acquired,, 
but that, Mrs. Jamieson having come here when 
engaged on her work on private picture galleries,, 
he had answered all her questions, and as she had 
availed herself of the information, he thought he 
might save himself any further trouble. Lacaita 
(who is full of all sorts of knowledge) regretted that 
it had not occurred to him to propose to Lord 
Lansdowne to employ the time he has spent here in 
beginning this work. 

January 9, London, Saturday. I returned here 
to-day. The newspapers, as might be expected, are 
filled with biographies and eulogiums on poor 
Havelock, and all my private letters teem with 
expressions of regret for the great loss, and speak 
of it as though it were a domestic sorrow. As he 
had already passed from amongst us at the time that 
the patent for his baronetcy was made out, a new 
arrangement must be come to, and it is to be hoped 
the Government will take the opportunity of providing 
for his widow as well as for his son. 

The Queen has kindly granted a pension of 200/.. 
per annum to Mrs. Anson out of her privy purse. 

A sad event has happened in the death of Mrs, 
Arthur Bentinck on the ninth day of her confinement 
of a boy. 1 Arthur B. was ordered to India two months' 
ago, and he will hear of both events at once. 

Mrs. Locke writes to me from Naples, that at 

1 The present Duke of Portland. 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 87 

the lowest computation 15,000 people have perished 
in the late earthquake in the Neapolitan dominions. 
Several shocks had occurred since, and an eruption 
of Vesuvius was looked for with anxiety as a safety- 
valve. 

I had a charming letter from Ristori yesterday 
from Paris, where she is reposing after her triumphs 
in Spain, where her success was prodigious. She 
gives me a short account of the affair of the condemned 
soldier whose pardon she obtained, and sends me 
a newspaper published at Florence, containing a long 
and genuine report of the whole story, written, as 
Lacaita tells me he feels sure, by one Balboni, an 
old friend of hers, who, when Eistori first went on 
the stage, was of great assistance to her, and who 
is now enjoying a comfortable competency from her 
generosity, and is always treated by her with the 
affection of a daughter. Eistori alludes to the death 
of Mdlle. Eachel in the following terms : 

' leri ho passato una bruttissima giornata, a causa 
della morte di Eachel. Non vedo in lei la Donna, 
ma una grande intelligenza che si perde, e che, come 
Talma, non sark cosi facilmente sostituita. Sono 
talenti che non appariscono due volte nello stesso 
secolo. Oh ! la Francia ha fatto una perdita incal- 
colabile.' l 

Eachel (who was not converted to Christianity, 
as has been asserted) was embalmed at Cannes, and 
her body transported to Paris, where the Jews mean 

1 Which might be translated thus : ' Yesterday I passed a most 
miserable day in consequence of the death of Eachel. I cannot see in 
her the Woman, but a magnificent genius which is lost to us, and 
who like Talma will not be easily replaced. These are talents which 
do not appear twice in the same century. Ah ! France has sustained 
an incalculable loss.' Ed. 



88 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

to inter her with great pomp. She is said to have 
left a large sum of money to her son by Walewski. 

January 12, Tuesday. Eachel's funeral, which 
was conducted with great pomp after the Jewish 
ceremonial, was attended by all the literary and 
dramatic celebrities of France, and followed by an 
immense concourse of people. The chief mourners 
were her father and brother, and her two sons. 
Jules Janin pronounced an oration over her tomb. 
After the conclusion of the ceremony the crowd 
dispersed without disturbance. Troops of cavalry 
were on duty to keep the ground and to preserve 
order. 

January 14, Hatchford, Thursday. This has 
been the most gloriously fine day I ever saw in 
England at this season. My mother gathered some 
jonquils and roses in full bloom in the garden. 

Yesterday the Overland Mail brought the Indian 
official despatches, and on my way here I read 
Colonel Inglis's sublime account of the siege of 
Lucknow, and its relief on September 25. It 
is impossible to conceive a more harrowing tale 
more simply or more beautifully told, and I was 
never more affected by any narrative. The incom- 
parable heroism of the garrison is only equalled by 
their sublime endurance of every possible moral and 
material suffering, of which I doubt if history can 
produce the parallel. Canning's ' Order of the Day ' 
upon this subject is remarkably well written. There 
is also a most interesting despatch from Sir Colin 
Campbell, giving the details of his proceedings when 
marching and fighting his way to relieve the be- 
leaguered garrison, and of his subsequent meeting 
with Sir James Outram and General Havelock, who 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREYILLE 80 

died but a few days afterwards at Altimbagh. Sir 
Colin appears to be at loss for terms strong enough 
with which to eulogise officers and men of all ranks 
and grades. He speaks of Captain Peel as having 
performed ' feats unexampled in war.' It is melan- 
choly to think that, according to Colonel Inglis's 
account, Sir Henry Lawrence appears to have lost 
his valuable life by his own imprudence, and in spite 
of the entreaties of his friends and comrades ; a shell 
having burst one day in the room where the other 
officers were sitting, in the Eesidency at Lucknow, 
he was urged to quit the apartment for fear of the 
same thing happening again ; but he disregarded the 
advice. The very next day a second shell fell, burst, 
and wounded him mortally, and he died in great 
agony on July 4. Inglis speaks of him as a great 
and good man, whose loss every one in the Eesidency 
deplored, and felt as a personal calamity. 

January 15, Friday. A telegram brings the 
news of an attempt having been made on the life of 
the Emperor Napoleon last night when proceeding 
to the Opera, by means of some explosive machine. 
The Empress accompanied him. They both escaped 
without injury, but some of the escort were wounded 
and one of the carriage horses was killed. 

January 16, Saturday. A letter from (Lord) 
Holland received this morning states that the 
Emperor showed great presence of mind, and was 
enthusiastically cheered on his return home, and the 
boulevards were really spontaneously illuminated. 
The Empress was scratched by an eclat of broken 
glass, and a part of the shell went through the 
Emperor's hat. Five persons are said to be killed 
and forty or fifty wounded. It would appear that a 



90 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

large hand-grenade was hurled at the carriage just 
as it stopped at the peristyle of the theatre, which 
was quickly succeeded by two others, which fell on 
the roof of the carriage. It is reported that a man 
named Pietri was arrested near the opera house with 
hand-grenades and a poniard in his possession, 
together with some other Italians belonging to a 
well-known sect of assassins. This monstrous at- 
tempt can only have the effect of strengthening the 
Emperor's government. 

I rejoice to see that the Victoria Cross has been 
sent to young Havelock, and that an order of the 
Commander-in-Chief raises Colonel Inglis to the rank 
of Major-General. 'Bis dat qui cito dat.' 

There is a most touching letter from Mrs. Banks, 
in the 'Times,' the wife of Major Banks, whom 
Lawrence on his death-bed appointed to succeed 
him, and who was soon afterwards shot. She gives a 
short account of what they had gone through during 
that dreadful siege, and she writes in a tone of the 
most admirable and exemplary resignation. 

January 19, Tuesday. Heard this morning of 
the sudden death of the Duke of Devonshire, which 
took place on Monday last at Hardwicke. He had 
been more than usually well of late, and on that 
account had remained at Hardwicke instead of going 
to Brighton. On going to bed on Sunday night, he 
complained of a slight pain at the back of his head, 
which the doctor thought was merely muscular, and 
he gave him a sleeping-draught. An hour later he 
went to the Duke's room, found him composed, and 
remained with him till he went to sleep, and for three 
hours sat by his bedside, when he was relieved by 
his usual night-attendant. During the night he was- 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREYILLE 91 

only heard to cough once, and at seven in the morn- 
ing, when the servant went to his bedside, he found 
him dead, a vessel at the back of the head having 
probably burst. He will be a great loss to many, for y 
with many faults and weaknesses, he had some great 
and sterling qualities. The former were engendered 
by the circumstances of his birth and position, and 
were increased and fostered by the adulation of his 
family and the world. The latter sprang from a 
naturally kind heart, which prompted him to do 
generous acts without ostentation. He was remark- 
ably shrewd and observant, and but for his infirmity 
(deafness), he would probably have played a more 
conspicuous part in the political world, and whenever 
he was called upon to come forward in any public 
capacity, he always acquitted himself with ability. 
Both in conversation and in writing he was humorous y 
and had a mode of expression peculiar to himself. 
At one time of my life I lived in habits of great 
intimacy with him, and received many acts of kind- 
ness, but of late years, from circumstances over 
which we had no control, and from some little caprice 
which was one of his failings, I had seen less of him ; 
but this did not, I am sure, on either side lessen our 
mutual regard. No man was more looked up to by 
his own adherents and his family, and few men in 
the same position will have left a more kindly recol- 
lection. 

Addresses from the constituted bodies of the 
State have been presented to the Emperor congratu- 
lating him upon his late escape. The speeches of 
Troplong, the President of the Senate, and of Morny, 
the President of the Corps Legislatif, allude in strong- 
terms to the refuge given in England to these 



92 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

assassins and disturbers of the peace in France, and 
express their surprise that we do not find some means 
of expelling them from Europe. In reply to this 
somewhat indiscreet language (with which, it is said, 
the Emperor was much annoyed and embarrassed), 
the ' Times ' writes an excellent article, full of dignity 
and moderation, but saying that such language is 
not well calculated to facilitate any measures to 
which we might be disposed to have recourse, in 
order to meet their wishes. I am told that in Paris 
no abuse is too strong for England, and that in the 
cafes the attentat is openly ascribed to Palmerston 
and le perf.de Albion. What inconceivable rubbish ! 

January 20, London. I came here to-day. The 
Emperor Napoleon, on opening the legislative session 
the other day, made a long and clever speech, 
proclaiming in the first instance the extraordinary 
prosperity of the country, and his faith in the duration 
of the Empire and of his dynasty ; his conviction that 
such attempts as the one that had lately taken place 
would only strengthen them ; because, if he fell by 
the hand of an assassin, the country and the army 
would stand by his son. He announced that, though 
his wish was to govern with moderation, further 
measures of repression would be necessary, and that 
he counted upon the support and devotion of the 
legislative bodies. He was, of course, hailed with en- 
thusiasm. 

There is an Order of the Day of Marshal Magnan, 
commending the lancer who, on the evening of the 
attentat, although mortally wounded, sat on his horse, 
and remained at his post until he dropped down 
dead. 

January 21, Thursday. The town is swarming 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 93 

with German princes. There are five or six Prussians, 
the Saxe-Coburgs, a Prince of Baden, and the King 
of the Belgians with his two sons. The Queen took 
them in sixteen carriages to the old Opera House, 
where the tragedy of ' Macbeth ' was drawled out by 
some third-rate actors, and last night gave a ball to 
which I was invited, but did not go. It was less 
crowded than usual, and I am told that every one 
was greatly pleased with the graceful manners of the 
Princess Eoyal. It is curious that the only person 
connected with the approaching ceremony who is 
absent is the bridegroom. He is to arrive on 
Saturday. 

January 23, Saturday. Met at dinner yesterday, 
at the Flahaults', M. et Mde. de Cadore, and M. and 
Mde. de Labedoyere, the former very pretty ; the 
latter, who is Dame du Palais to the Empress, told 
me that her mistress had presented to the Princess 
Eoyal, as cadeau de noces, the finest Gobelin tapis- 
serie de salon, and a magnificent garniture of point 
d'Alenqon. 

The Prince Frederick William of Prussia arrived 
to-day. The weather is very propitious. 

January 25, Monday. The marriage ceremony 
of the Princess Eoyal went off remarkably well to- 
day. The weather, though foggy in the early morn- 
ing, became brilliantly fine by eleven o'clock. 

I went by order to St. James's Palace at eleven. 
At twelve the Princess of Prussia, and the other 
Prussian princes, passed through the throne room 
and proceeded to the chapel. The Princess was 
admirably dressed, and has a very grand but civil 
manner. 

Soon after the Queen reached the palace in great 



94 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

state, amidst tremendous cheering from a dense 
crowd, which filled not only all the avenues, but 
even the trees of the Mall. Her procession being 
formed, we started, preceded by drums, trumpets, 
and heralds, and marched with great solemnity 
through the presence chamber, Queen Anne's room, 
tapestry room, and armoury, all of which were 
filled from floor to ceiling with ladies in full dress, 
which had a very good effect. I walked behind the 
Lord Chancellor, on the side of ' Garter,' and before 
the Earl Marshal, who was immediately followed by 
Princess Mary, who, for the occasion, had put on 
a very royal manner, and, covered with the poor 
Duchess of Gloster's diamonds, and beautifully 
dressed, looked superb. After her came the other 
princesses, their trains borne by their respective 
ladies. Then came the Queen, with her usual state, 
leading the two little Princes Arthur and Leopold, 
and followed by the Princesses Alice, Helena, and 
Louise. In the corridor below arid in the flag 
court an amphitheatre of seats was erected, which 
was filled with ladies in morning dress, and which 
most of the smart people of society preferred occupy- 
ing rather than those in the interior of the palace. 
On arriving at the chapel, the Queen was conducted 
to a chair of state, Palmerston standing by her side 
bearing the sword of state. 

The bridegroom's procession then entered, ushered 
in with delightful pomp by Sir A. Gust, who was 
like the Lord Chamberlain of a King Busty Fusty 
in a pantomime. Prince Frederick William was 
supported by his father and another prince, instead 
of the Grand Duke of Baden, who, with the Duke 
of Saxe-Coburp-, was prevented attending by the 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 95 

death of his brother-in-law, the Grand Duke of 
Baden. Lastly the bride was ushered in, escorted 
by her father and the King of the Belgians, her train 
borne by eight pretty girls, all dressed alike. Her 
demeanour was calm, modest, graceful, and dignified. 
At the end of the ceremony, she kissed her parents 
and her new relations, and the Queen kissed her 
son-in-law. The married couple then left the chapel, 
and the Queen's procession was reformed, and re- 
turned in the same order. The Eoyal Family and 
the great officers of State proceeded to the throne 
room for the registry, and it was my especial duty 
to prevent the different suites and others from going 
into the room. This being concluded, the Eoyal 
parties returned to the palace in thirty-six carriages, 
and breakfasted together, the suites being conducted 
to another apartment. All the French Eoyal Family 
were invited to the breakfast, which was very right. 

The Queen seemed very much moved during the 
ceremony, but commanded herself admirably. The 
whole affair was well managed and there was no 
hitch. The chapel is small, dark, and ugly, but 
everything was done to make the best of it. There 
was room for everybody, and what with the blaze of 
jewels, of coloured uniforms and good-looking people, 
and the occasion for which they were assembled, the 
spectacle was imposing, and I am glad to have seen 
it. The cheering was prodigious as the cortege 
returned to Buckingham Palace, and equally hearty 
when the bride and bridegroom left it for the Pad- 
dington station. The Eton boys telegraphed to ask 
if they might be allowed to draw the married couple 
from the Windsor station to the Castle, and, per- 
mission being given, a certain number harnessed 



96 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

themselves to the carriage and drew them in triumph, 
the remainder surrounding the vehicle, and cheering 
as only Eton boys can cheer. 

January 26, Tuesday. I went last night with the 
Flahaults to the state concert at Buckingham Palace. 
It took place in the new ball-room. An immense 
orchestra was erected, and some dull German music 
performed, besides a cantata written for the occasion 
by Costa. The Queen and her guests sat in a circle 
in front of the singers, and in spite of the hideous 
decoration of the room, the coup d'ceil was hand- 
some. There was great mismanagement about the 
carriages, and I did not get home till three o'clock. 
There was a general illumination, and the crowds 
are said to have been greater than on any former 
occasion, and all in the best humour. The Queen 
has certainly every reason to be gratified by the 
very marked and hearty sympathy evinced towards 
her by her subjects of all classes throughout the 
country. 

Charles Phipps was gazetted on Saturday a C.B. 
of the Civil Order of the Bath, and unfortunately for 
him his appointment appeared in company with that 
of several of the Indian heroes, which called forth a 
most savage article upon him in the ' Times ' to-day. 
There could be no objection to this mark of the 
Royal favour being conferred upon him after twenty 
years' services at Court, but it was very injudicious 
to couple his name with that of men who had done 
such glorious deeds, and odious and unmerited com- 
parisons were sure to be made. 

I received to-day from Madame Eistori a charm- 
ing statuette of herself in the character of Mirra. 

January 30, Saturday. The Queen went in state 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 97 

last night to the theatre with the young couple, and 
to-day held her congratulatory Drawing-room. It 
was immensely full, and would have been very pretty 
but for the wet and gloomy weather. The Princess 
stood by the Queen, and appeared entirely at her 
ease in her novel position. Previously to the Draw- 
ing-room she, with the Prince, received an address 
from the City of London, and the reply she made (I 
know not by whom written) was so very prettily 
expressed, and, as I am told, so well delivered, that 
I copy it here : 

' My Lord Mayor, Your very kind address calls 
for my warmest acknowledgments. I especially 
thank you for alluding to the heavy debt of gratitude 
I owe to my Eoyal parents. To show myself at all 
times worthy of their past tender solicitude, and to 
emulate their example, will, through life, be the 
object of my ambition. It cannot but afford me the 
greatest satisfaction to find in the sentiments ex- 
pressed by you an additional and important proof 
that an alliance formed with a view to my happiness, 
and in accordance with the choice of my heart, meets 
with the joyous approbation of my beloved country, 
to which I shall ever remain faithfully and devotedly 
attached. While I confidently follow my beloved 
husband to a distant country, where the esteem and 
love which he so deservedly enjoys will be a security 
for my kind and cordial reception, your assurance 
that you will sometimes think of me when departed 
will lessen the pangs of separation.' 

I was much surprised to hear to-day of Tom 
Ashburnham's arrival from India, and fear it will 
give rise to disagreeable comments. 

February J, Monday. The question of the ex- 

III. H 



98 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

pulsion of refugees from this country has been the 
subject of much and rather angry discussion by the 
press of France and of this country during the last 
week, and considering the language held by the 
former, and also a speech delivered by M. de 
Persigny, full of ignorance and impertinence, in 
reply to a congratulatory address from the City of 
London on the Emperor's escape from the late 
attempt on his life, and considering also the 
publication in the ' Moniteur ' of the addresses from 
certain colonels of the French army, holding offen- 
sive and menacing language towards this country, 
I must say I think the articles in the papers here, 
and particularly in the ' Times,' have been fair and 
moderate. Despotism in France appears to have 
availed itself of the opportunity of the attentat to 
run riot, and measures of extraordinary repression 
are now being enacted by the French Government. 

I hear to-day from Lady Holland that great con- 
sternation prevails in all classes, although there has 
been some modification of the laws as at first proposed. 
So violent were they in their original form that the 
Conseil d'Stat was divided on them, the majority 
being thirty-one to twenty-eight ; four Ministers 
having voted who had no right to do so. They 
placed all those who since 1848 were condemned to 
exile under the surveillance of the haute police, and 
if in their salons they talked against the Government, 
they were to be ' internes ' and if they escaped were 
liable on recapture to be sent to Algeria or Cayenne. 
Thiers and eighteen others fell under this liability, 
and nothing was to be heard but ' C'est la Terreur, 
c'est la Convention,' and the effect has been very bad 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 99 

and the moderate men or the present regime dis- 
approve the measures entirely. 

It is supposed that our Government is about to 
propose to Parliament a Bill which will declare it 
to be felony to conspire against the life of a foreign 
sovereign, as well as against our own. This may be 
a wise enactment, but it will not answer the purpose, 
and is sure to be very unpopular, because it will 
have the effect of being, and will be, done at the 
instigation of a foreign Power. 

February 2, Tuesday. This morning the Princess 
Eoyal and her husband departed in the midst of a 
violent snow-storm, making a progress through the 
City to the Bricklayers' Arms, and thence by 
rail to Gravesend to embark. The severe weather 
did not prevent immense crowds from assembling 
throughout the whole length of the route, who 
greeted the Eoyal pair with the most enthusiastic 
cheers. The parting at Buckingham Palace was a 
very lugubrious affair. Lady Desart, who was 
present, said she never saw the Queen break down 
before, and that the whole household, attendants 
and servants, were absolutely drowned in tears. 
They were to arrive at Brussels to-morrow. 

February <5, Panshanger, Friday. I came here 
yesterday with Lady Sydney. Parliament met on 
Thursday. Derby attacked the Government for 
their silence on the first meeting of Parliament 
after momentous events, and in alluding to the 
supposed intention of Government to alter the 
Alien Bill, he declared that not for the safety of 
the sovereign of France, nor of all the sovereigns 
of Europe, twenty times over, would he consent to 

H 2 



100 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

violate or retrench the asylum given to foreigners, 
which sentiment was loudly cheered by the Peers. 

Brougham and Campbell stated their opinions as 
to what Ministers might and might not do to change 
our criminal law, on foreign requisition. 

The Emperor Napoleon has altered the Eegency 
law, and has appointed the Empress Eegent, with a 
Council composed of his immediate personal adherents ; 
Prince Jerome is to be President of the Council in 
the Emperor's absence. 

A sort of apology, or rather an explanation, has 
been offered respecting the addresses of the Colonels 
of the army, before alluded to, viz. that they had 
not appeared in the official part of the ' Moniteur,' 
which of course amounts to nothing. 

February 6, Saturday. Sydney, who is accom- 
panying Prince and Princess Frederick William, 
writes to Lady Sydney that the latter gains all 
hearts, and that nothing can be more perfect than 
her demeanour at all the fetes and receptions on 
her route to Berlin. 

February <9, London. I returned to-day. Dined 
with Flahault. Grey came from the House of Lords, 
where (as in the Commons) a vote of thanks to the 
Indian Civil and Military Government had been 
proposed. Derby and Disraeli both opposed the 
association of Canning's name with those of the 
military and naval officers, on the ground that there 
were considerations which made it questionable 
whether it were entitled to the honour of such an 
award. Derby made an odious speech with a vein 
of ' candour ' running through it, which made it more 
offensive. He was answered remarkably well by 
Argyll, who disproved the charges brought against 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 101 

Canning, to the entire satisfaction of the House. 
There was no division in either House. There are 
those who think that it would have been better to 
postpone the vote of thanks ; that the policy of 
Canning may have been right or wrong, but that it 
is difficult for the most impartial man to pronounce 
yet upon the various matters on which he has been 
assailed. I am rather inclined to share this opinion. 
In the House of Commons they were rather taken 
by surprise at the civil government being included 
in the vote of thanks, Palmerston having limited his 
notice to the ' Thanks to the Army and Navy.' He, 
however, insisted that he had followed the usual 
practice, and the Speaker held that there had been 
no irregularity. This was rather unfortunate and 
displeased the House, and, all things considered, I 
think it was imprudent to ask for a vote of approbation 
of a policy which is still in progress, and on which 
no fair judgment can yet be formed. The resolution 
was passed, but with the proviso that it was not to 
preclude the House from censuring hereafter, if they 
thought fit, the government of the man whose 
merits they were now called upon to recognise- 
thus reducing the compliment to a matter of 
form. 

Previously to this discussion a question was 
asked by Mr. Warren respecting the return from 
India of Tom Ashburnham, which Palmerston 
answered by justifying the act, and subsequently 
General Peel read a statement put into his hands by 
Tom Ashburnham, which the House received very 
well. The mistake he appears to have committed 
was not waiting until he could hear from Eng- 
land whether the Commander-in-chief approved his 



102 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

leaving India and which he admitted in the state- 
ment. 

After the discussion on the vote of thanks, 
Palmerston introduced the Bill for amending the 
Law relating to Conspiracy for the Commission of 
Murder. On examining the state of the law, it 
appeared that conspiracy to commit murder is 
treated as a misdemeanour only, whilst in Ireland it 
is a capital offence. Palmerston therefore proposed 
to make the law uniform throughout the United 
Kingdom, and to make this offence punishable at the 
discretion of the court by penal servitude for life, or 
for not less than five years with imprisonment, with 
or without labour. The Bill to apply to all parties, 
whether British subjects or foreigners, resident in this 
country or abroad. 

Palmerston took this opportunity of announcing 
that a despatch had been received from Paris, 
written by command of the Emperor Napoleon, 
stating that the insertion of the officers' addresses 
had arisen from inadvertence, and expressing H. M.'s 
regret at their publication. This made a consider- 
able effect on the House, and is expected to have 
much influence in favour of passing the Bill. 

February 10, Wednesday. The Queen received 
addresses on the throne to-day from the two 
Universities and various other bodies, congratulating 
Her Majesty on the marriage of the Princess Eoyal. 
I was in waiting. Prince Albert presented and read 
the address of the University of Cambridge as 
Chancellor. It was amusing to see him walk up to 
the throne with three bows, in his black and gold 
gown (his train borne), and to hear him read a 
' Loyal Address ' full of ' Your Majesty.' The 



1858 DIAEY OF HENRY GREVILLE 103 

Queen, who received all other addresses seated, rose 
from the throne on the Prince's entry, and remained 
standing whilst he read the address. 

The adjourned debate on the Conspiracy Bill 
was resumed, and the House divided upon the original 
motion, which was carried by a majority of two 
hundred against ninety-nine. John Russell spoke 
strongly against the Bill, objecting to it on principle, 
and because it would not effect its object. He said 
it was a cunning artifice by which it was hoped 
to please the Emperor of the French without dis- 
pleasing the people of England. He believed it 
would have been far wiser to say frankly that the 
asylum which was styled a den of assassins must 
remain, and that we did not intend to alter our law ! 

General Espinasse has been appointed Minister of 
the Interior, ' et de la surete publique,' vice Billaut, 
who was invited to resign. Espinasse is the man 
who shut up the Chamber of Deputies on December 2, 
and who paid a visit to General Duflo, wheedled out 
of him that he had a secret exit from his house, 
and then at once arrested him. This appointment is 
exceedingly unpopular. 

Morny writes to Flahault that Billaut has left 
his office in a dreadful state of confusion and 
disorder, and had been a very bad Minister of 
the Interior, and says it is proved jusqua I evidence 
that the late conspiracy to murder the Emperor 
extended to all the Socialists in France, who were 
ready to rise on the success of the attentat. This 
information must of course be received with caution, 
considering the quarter whence it comes. There 
is without doubt great uneasiness in France, and 
considerable irritation against this country. 



104 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

February 12, Friday. Dined yesterday at 
Stafford House. The Duke of Argyll joined us after 
having made a good speech in reply to Grey, who 
presented a petition from the East India Company 
against its abolition. Argyll is much improved in 
speaking ; his matter was always good, and his 
manner, which was not popular, has gained weight. 
Lord Ellenborough spoke ; he considers the moment 
inopportune for change, but advocates the simple 
transfer of the government of India to the Crown, 
with some subsidiary, though not sweeping, altera- 
tions. 

February 13, Saturday. Last night Mr. Stirling 
of Keir asked Palmerston whether the legacy 
bequeathed by the Emperor Napoleon to Cantillon, 
who shot at the Duke of Wellington, by a codicil to 
his will approving and justifying the act, had been 
paid by the Emperor of the French. He wished to 
know whether this mischievous doctrine had been 
endorsed by the present Emperor. Palmerston, 
after rebuking Mr. Stirling for bad taste and want 
of candour in his mode of putting this question, 
declared that there was no foundation for the state- 
ment that the Emperor had paid the legacy. 
Advances, he said, had been made to the family of 
Cantillon in 1823 and in 1826, but a refusal to pay 
the remainder had been given since the accession of 
Louis Napoleon. This is curious ; for, on looking 
back to my journal, I find that the ' Moniteur ' of 
May 6, 1855, contains the Eeport of the Committee 
appointed to carry out the will of the late Emperor 
Napoleon, and it was then positively asserted and 
believed that, just before leaving Paris to come to 
England, the present Emperor signed the decree, 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 105 

ordering payment to be made to the heirs of 
Cantillon of this legacy, and the apology offered at 
the time was, that H.M. being determined to carry 
out the will, no exception could be made in execut- 
ing its details. 

The East India Bill was introduced by Palmerston, 
and will pass. The Government, which was con- 
sidered very shaky a short time ago, appears to be 
' all alive ' again. 

Canton was bombarded and taken by the Allies 
on December 28. Clanwilliam's son Gilford was 
wounded. 

February 17, Ash Wednesday. With regard to 
the affair of Cantillon, I believe the fact to be that 
the executors, Bertrand and Montholon, paid most of 
the legacies in full in 1826, and allowed interest up 
to a certain amount. The sum they had in hand not 
sufficing for all the legacies, the Emperor Napoleon 
set aside a certain sum for that purpose, but refused 
all interest and deducted 15 per cent, from all the 
bequests. The widow of Cantillon applied for the 
remainder of the interest due to her, and it was this 
that was refused by the commissioners, because the 
Emperor had decided that no interest was to be allowed 
on any of the legacies, and not, as Palmerston stated 
(in reply to Stirling), because the legacy was left by 
the Emperor Napoleon when insane, and therefore 
that payment of it had been indignantly refused by 
the present Emperor of the French. 

February 19, Friday. I was in waiting at the 
Levee yesterday, when a Chinese flag from Futchan 
was delivered to the Queen by Captain Codrington 
Forsyth. 

Last night the adjourned debate on the East 



106 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

India Bill was brought to a close, and the motion 
carried by a majority of 145, the numbers being 318 
to 173. 

February 20, Saturday. An eventful day. On 
taking up the ' Times ' this morning, my surprise was 
great to see that the Government had been beaten by 
a majority of nineteen, on an amendment proposed 
by Milner Gibson to the following effect : 

' That this House hears with much concern that it 
is alleged that recent attempts upon the life of the 
Emperor of the French have been devised in England 
and expresses its detestation of such guilty enterprises, 
that this House is ready at all times to assist at 
remedying any defects in the criminal law which 
after due investigation are proved to exist, yet it 
cannot but regret that H.M.'s Government, previ- 
ously to inviting the House to amend the Law of 
Conspiracy at the present time, have not felt it to be 
their duty to make some reply to the important despatch 
received from the French Government, dated Paris, 
January 20, 1858, and which has been laid before 
Parliament. .' 

I had, accidentally, not been in the way of hear- 
ing of this amendment, and was taken entirely by 
surprise at finding what had occurred. I believe the 
issue had been very uncertain up to the last moment, 
and the whip on the Derbyite side had been very 
incomplete, as is shown by the absence at the 
division of March 1 and other equally zealous parti- 
sans of that hue. It is said that on Derby's being- 
consulted as to the course he wished the party to 
take, he said, " If Milner Gibson's speech is a 
moderate one, support him ; if not, vote against his 

1 Eldest son of the Duke of Richmond. 



1868 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 107 

amendment.' Milner Gibson spoke remarkably well, 
and without violence, though he made a smart attack 
on Palmerston for his spirited foreign policy. Glad- 
stone delivered one of his splendid orations in 
favour of the amendment, and all the Peelites voted 
against Government, and of course John Eussell. 
The numbers were 234 to 215, the announcement of 
which was received with tremendous cheering. 

After a Cabinet, Palmerston went to the Palace 
and resigned, and the Queen sent for Lord Derby. 

It is curious that this amendment might have 
been stopped, as being out of order, it being contrary 
to the usages of the House to propose, on the reading 
of any measure, anything irrelevant to the matter 
before the House. It is perhaps fortunate that the 
Government went out on this defeat, since a much 
more disagreeable attack was in store for them, in 
the shape of a motion by Mr. Wise to abolish the 
office of Privy Seal, proposed ostensibly in virtue of 
the recommendation of a Committee of the House of 
Commons, made some years ago, but which was now 
directed mainly against the appointment of Clan- 
ricarde, and on which all sorts of disagreeable 
subjects might have been brought forward. 

February 22, Monday .Derby suggested to the 
Queen to take a few hours to consider of the course 
she might think it best to adopt, and proposed to 
return to the Palace yesterday morning, when, if 
H. M. still wished it, he would be prepared to under- 
take the commission to form a Government. All 
that day was occupied in this task, and of course in 
surmises and conjectures on the part of the public as 
to the component parts of the new administration, 
and as usual in queries and doubts as to whether or 



108 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

no the Peelites would join it. It was believed that 
all these gentlemen had positively declined office but 
Gladstone, who had not quite determined what he 
would do. 

A telegram announced yesterday the capture of 
Commissioner Yeh in the disguise of a coolie on 
January 5, and of his being safely lodged on board 
the ' Inflexible.' 

February 23, Tuesday. The Peelites all refuse 
office. Parliament is adjourned till Friday. 

I heard yesterday of the death of the Duchesse 
de Mouchy. In how short a space has that brilliant 
family of Noailles been swept away, the only mem- 
bers left being poor Sabine, who began life with such 
fair prospects, and who is left now in great poverty 
and separated from a worthless husband, with the 
sad occupation of attending upon an imbecile mother, 
and her brother Louis, who, in the prime of life, is 
paralysed both in body and mind ! 

February 24 , Wednesday. Called on the Duchess 
of Eichmond, who told me the Duke had by the 
express desire of the Queen been invited to come to 
town to advise Derby (!), who had offered him the 
Ministry of War, or any other office he might prefer. 
He would accept nothing, but had come to town and 
would remain until Derby's statement, which stands 
for Monday next. 

February 26, Friday. The Government is thus 
constituted : 

First Lord of Treasury . . Derby 
Chancellor of Exchequer . . Disraeli 
Chancellor .... Thesiger (Lord 

Chelmsford) 



1858 



DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 



109 



President of Council . 

Privy Seal 

Foreign Affairs 

Home Office 

Colonies 

War 

India 

Board of Trade 

Admiralty 

Works 



Duchy of Lancaster 

Postmaster 

Secretaries of Treasury . 

Secretary to the Admiralty 
V. P. of Trade 
Under Sec. of Home Office 
,, Colonies 

War . 
President of Poor Law Board 

Education . 

Judge Advocate 
Attorney-General . 
Solicitor-General 
Lord Advocate 



Mistress of Eobes 

Lord Steward 
Lord Chamberlain 
Master of Horse 



Salisbury 

Hardwicke 

Malmesbury 

Walpole 

Lord Stanley 

Jonathan Peel 

Ellenborough 

Henley 

Pakington 

John Manners 



Not in Cabinet 



. Montrose 
. Colchester 
. Jolliffe and 
Hamilton 
. H. Corry 
. Donoughmore 
. Hardy 
. Carnarvon 
. Hardinge 
. Estcourt 
. Adderley 
. Mowbray 
. Fitzroy Kelly 
. Cairns 
. Inglis 



Duchess of 

Manchester 
Exeter 
De la Warr 
Beaufort 



110 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

C. of G. at Arms . . Talbot 

Yeomen . . De Eos 



Ld. Lt. of Ireland . . . Eglinton . 
Chancellor .... Napier 
Secretary .... Naas 

Most of these gentlemen are to be sworn in 
to-day. Bulwer could not afford to vacate his seat 
for Herts. Stanley's appointment surprises people, 
as he is known to differ on some important questions 
with his father. The minor appointments are gene- 
rally approved, and are chiefly filled by rising and 
intelligent men. Hardy, Cairns, and Seymour Fitz- 
gerald are all men of promise. 

The appointment of the Duchess of Manchester 
is much carped at, on account of her youth, and 
being a foreigner, I think this is absurd. 

From all I hear the House of Commons was not 
so much displeased with the particular matter in 
debate the other evening, n as with the whole course 
which had been pursued by the Government with 
regard to the Eefugee question. They had been 
disgusted with the insolence and impertinence of 
Persigny, Morny, and Co., and with the insertion of 
the addresses of the Colonels in the ' Moniteur,' and 
although they had been satisfied on this last matter 
by the apology of the Emperor, which had in fact 
led to the large majority on the introduction of the 
Conspiracy Bill, they were disgusted to find that, 
whilst all that was most offensive to us had been 
blazoned forth in the ' Official Journal,' the French 
Government had omitted to publish what was intended 
to be a reparation. Then came Walewski's despatch, 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 111 

laid on the table of the Houses of Parliament, to 
which the Prime Minister had declared no satisfactory 
reply could be made. This somewhat astounding 
assertion (the more strange because it was suspected, 
and, as it afterwards appeared, on good grounds, that 
an answer had been sent) added to other circum- 
stances, not connected with this affair, and certain 
appointments made in defiance of public opinion, and, 
as I am told, a tone of insolence lately adopted by 
Palmerston towards his opponents, all these combined 
circumstances served to exasperate the House, and 
to bring about the catastrophe. 

On Monday night, a despatch written by Cowley 
to Clarendon was laid on the table after the debate, 
and had much the appearance of a concoction,, and 
was in no way calculated to remove the impression 
that there has been a want of proper firmness and 
dignity throughout these transactions, and all the 
friends of Clarendon and Cowley regret that such 
a document should have been published. 

February 27, Hatchford, Saturday. I came here 
to-day. The cold for the last month has been 
intense. The trial of Orsini and Co. concluded on 
Friday night, and they were all condemned to death. 
The assertion in the 'Acte d'accusation,' that these 
men had chiefly resided in England was not borne 
out by the evidence. They appear, on the contrary, 
to have led a wandering life, and to have passed 
more time in Belgium, Germany, and France than 
here, so that the case of the French Government 
against us is not strengthened. 

The Public Safety Bill has been carried in the 
Corps Legislatif by 2^9 to 24, as it was sure to be, 
however, without some bold opposition, particularly 



112 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

on the part of a M. Ollivier, one of the members for 
Paris, who made a speech of prodigious energy, 
remarkable as a display of oratory, and still more 
as a symptom of liberal feeling emanating from 
one attached to the Imperial dynasty. It is remark- 
able that this speech was allowed to appear in the 
' Moniteur.' 

Lablache, who had for some time been in declining 
health, died a short time ago at Naples. He was 
one of the greatest lyrical actors the world ever saw, 
excelling equally in tragic and comic delineation. 
He had a voice of prodigious power, though of no 
great extent, but his articulation and his inflection 
were marvellous for their truth His remains were 
brought to France to be interred near those of his 
wife, and a funeral service was performed by his old 
comrades, Grisi, Mario, Tamburini, &c., at the 
Madeleine Church in the presence of Eossini and an 
immense concourse of the artistic world of Paris. 
The only artist I ever saw who could be compared 
with Lablache is Ronconi, who, inferior in physical 
qualifications, is, I think, a man of even more genius, 
and of marvellous versatility. 

March 2, Tuesday. Last night Derby made his 
statement in the House of Lords. His speech was 
temperate and conciliatory. He recounted what had 
passed between himself and the Queen, and entered 
fully into the future course of the Government. He 
announced that a despatch had been written by him, 
and that, on a satisfactory reply being received, the 
Government would resume the Conspiracy Bill. An 
Indian Bill would be proposed, and a Eeform Bill 
would be considered, and brought in next Session. 
He expressed his satisfaction at the state of the army, 



1858 DIARY OF HEXRY GREVILLE US 

for which he gave the outgoing Government great 
credit. Granville replied to Derby and spoke well. 
Clarendon entered into a long explanation of what he 
had done as to the Walewski despatch, but all he said 
went to prove how easy it would be to answer it 
publicly. 

On the whole the discussion was conciliatory and 
creditable to all parties. 

Cowley is to remain at Paris. Lord Stratford has- 
resigned the Turkish Embassy. 

The Duchess of Wellington has resigned her place 
at Court, owing to bad health. 

March 4, Thursday. A bitter north-east gale ha& 
prevailed during the last week, and to-day a heavy 
fall of snow covers the ground. 

The addresses of the new Ministers are echoes of 
Derby's speech, excepting that of Lord Stanley, which 
is laconic, and declares that his opinions are the same 
as when he last addressed them. The ' Times ' has an 
article on this subject and foretells that there must be 
a compromise somewhere ; but that paper is evidently 
disposed to support the new Government, and already 
there seems a change in public opinion in favour of 
this attempt. 

March 7, London, Sunday. I returned here 
yesterday, dined with Granville to meet the 
Cambridges ; two round tables of ten people each, 
which I don't think answers. The party consisted 
of three Cambridges, Apponyis, SchouvalofFs, Gros- 
venors, Sidney Herberts, &c. 

March 12, Friday. A pamphlet called 'L'Em- 

pereur Napoleon III et 1'Angleterre ' has appeared, 

written, it is said, by La Gueronniere, the chief 

writer in the ' Constitutional,' and one of L. N.'s 

in. i 



114 LEAVES FEOM THE 1858 

4 ames damnees.' This opuscule is probably dictated 
by H.I.M. ; it is specious and plausible, recapitulates 
the sincerity and assiduity with which the Emperor 
has maintained the alliance with us, magnifies the 
many obligations we are under to him, reminds 
us of the many plots which have been got up 
here under the shelter of our laws, and, in short, 
going over again the ground already trodden by 
Morny, Persigny, and Co. This pamphlet, if it 
have any result at all, will not be that of removing 
irritation. 

Parliament met to-night, when Disraeli announced 
that ' those painful misconceptions which had for some 
time subsisted between the French and English Govern- 
ments had entirely terminated in a spirit friendly and 
honourable, and in a manner which will be as satis- 
factory to the feelings as it will be conducive to the 
interests and the happiness of both nations ; and that, 
within the preceding hour, Malmesbury had received 
a despatch in reply to that written by him to the 
French Government, and that the whole correspon- 
dence would be laid before Parliament on Monday. 
Kinglake moved for papers on the ' Cagliari ' case. 
Disraeli objected to their production, and said the 
late Government had recognised the jurisdiction of 
the Government of Naples, and the question was one 
of law and not of policy, and the British Government 
could do no more than obtain prompt justice for the 
English engineers ; that we had sent Mr. Lyons from 
Eome ' to sustain and comfort them.' 

Eoebuck said that 'instead of Mr. Lyons we 
should have sent Lord Lyons,' and Horsman said the 
question would not remain in the position in which 
Disraeli had left it. Gladstone and Lord Eussell both 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 115 

thought the statement unsatisfactory, and that the 
Sardinian Government, who had claimed the vessel 
as not having been taken in Neapolitan waters, 
ought not to be allowed to fight the battle single- 

O o o 

handed ; in the meantime one of the engineers 
is gone mad, and the other is sick from long 
confinement. 

March 13, Saturday. Orsini and Fieri were 
executed at seven o'clock this morning. Eudio was 
respited. The Empress did all she could to get the 
lives of these men spared. Arrests continue to be 
made both at Paris and in the provinces. 

March 15, Monday. Mr. Atlee and Mr. Monson 
of the English Embassy were amongst the few per- 
mitted to approach the scaffold on which Orsini and 
Fieri were executed. The crowd was driven back 
by the military so far as to be unable to see or hear 
anything that passed. They said Orsini looked 
splendid. He walked to the scaffold with the greatest 
composure and dignity, calling out ' Vive la liberte, 
Vive 1'Italie, Vive la France ! ' and, while Fieri was 
being executed, sang the 'Marseillaise' at the top 
of his voice. Fieri, on. the contrary died without 
courage. 

Walewski has addressed a despatch to the 
Government of Switzerland, couched in somewhat 
insolent terms, demanding the removal into the 
interior of ' these dangerous men, the refugees,' and 
ending with the following menace : 

4 In case the Federal Government declines to take 
the necessary means for satisfying the just demands 
of France, it will incur a grave responsibility, and 
must take only to itself the consequences which its 
-determination may involve.' 

I 2 



116 LEAVES FROM THE ]858 

This is in imitation of what occurred in the time 
of Louis Philippe, when the Due de Montebello, by 
order of Count Mole, demanded the expulsion of 
Louis Napoleon from Thuringia, after his return from 
America. The question was referred to the Swiss 
Diet, but, before any definite decision was adopted, 
France followed up its diplomacy by moving an 
army of 25,000 men on the Swiss frontier, and the 
Swiss cantons, on their side, called out their volun- 
teers. The quarrel was, however, cut short by Louis 
Napoleon intimating to the Government of Thuringia 
that he would quit Switzerland. This despatch of 
Walewski has been very severely dealt with by our 
press. 

March 16, Tuesday. Dined yesterday with Lady 
Jersey ; heard there that Persigny had resigned the 
Embassy, and had had some sharp discussions with 
Derby and Co. respecting the Conspiracy Bill, and had 
accused them of false play in this matter. It is said 
to-day that the Emperor had not yet decided on 
accepting his resignation. The Government will not 
regret his departure. 

The correspondence between Walewski and 
Malmesbury was laid on the table of the House last 
night. The concluding despatch of the former is 
merely a recapitulation of the contents of his former 
despatch to Clarendon. The tone is sore, and it 
ends by a request that the discussion may cease. 

March 19, Friday. A telegram announces that 
the *Ava,' bringing the mail from Calcutta, as also 
Lady Inglis and others of the Lucknow sufferers, has 
been totally lost. The crew and passengers were 
saved, but the mails were lost. This is particularly 
unfortunate, as letters from Canning were most 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 117 

anxiously expected, as it was supposed they would 
report his impression of the state of the provinces he 
has visited. By the last mail he was at Allahabad. 
All his friends here are anxious that he should 
consent to remain in India, if handsomely invited 
to do so by the Government. 

March 23, Tuesday. Persigny resigns his 
Embassy. He considers himself to have been unfairly 
treated by Walewski and the Emperor, who, after 
ordering him to insist upon our Government carrying 
through the Conspiracy Bill, came to a different 
arrangement with Derby and Co., without any 
reference to him. The Emperor asked him to remain, 
but he said his doing so under Walewski was im- 
possible, and could in no way conduce to the 
Emperor's interest. He is an honest man ; not without 
cleverness, but indiscreet and impressionable, and too 
plain spoken for a diplomatist. She [Madame de 
Persigny] is a merry childish little woman, and, I 
believe (I know neither of them), both are popular in 
London society, for which they do a great deal. I met 
them at dinner on Friday, at a large party at Lady 
Molesworth's ; Apponyi, Azeglio, Clanricardes, 
Shaftesburys, Palmerstons, Thackeray, Hayward, 
Milnes, Delane, &c. ; a very good dinner, well served. 
The position of Lady Molesworth (the daughter of a 
writing-master, Mr. Carstairs, educated for the stage), 
when one considers her birth and antecedents, is 
very curious, and only to be compared with that of 
Lady Waldegrave (who also dined there) in its 
singular incidents. Both these ladies, however, 
must have considerable tact as well as perseverance, 
or they could hardly have succeeded in placing 
themselves so high in what is called ; the first 



118 LEAVES FROM THE 185& 

circles,' by their mere wealth, however hungry these 
may be ! 

March 26, Brocket, Friday. I came here on 
Tuesday. On Wednesday the Shelburnes called 
here on their way to Panshanger, and told us that 
Marshal Pelissier is appointed ambassador here. 
This is supposed to be a sop to us, and the French 
press proclaim that we shall receive with joy the 
appointment of the man who has shared our glories 
and our perils, &c. It is to be hoped we may be 
pleased on these grounds, for on any other no worse 
appointment could be made. Pelissier is a rough 
and vulgar man, totally devoid of usage du monde. 

Brunnow returned here as Eussian Minister a few 
days ago, and was received at Dover with cheers and 
addresses. Two years ago they would have torn him 
to pieces with equally good reason. 

I had letters from Naples to-day. Watt, the 
engineer of the ' Cagliari,' has been liberated and sent 
to England by special decree, on the ground of 
insanity. Park, the other engineer, has been let out 
on bail, and is living in the Consul's house. Bicker- 
ton Lyons was sent from Florence to superintend the 
trials and to see that justice was done. 

March 28, Sunday. Eeturned to town yesterday. 
Every one is occupied with the India Bill, introduced 
last night by Disraeli, which has rather surprised 
people by its liberal tendencies, and did not meet 
with much favour, particularly the clause relating to- 
the election of Members of Council, by the constitu- 
encies of Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Belfast,, 
which excited laughter. The bill was utterly con- 
demned by Koebuck and Bright, and called a sham 
by the first, and by the latter a claptrap. The 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 11 9 1 

second reading is fixed for the 19th, and it is supposed 
that the Government will consent to any alteration 
that may be proposed in committee. 

There are several new diplomatic appointments ; 
that of Augustus Loftus to be Minister at Vienna is 
approved of, whilst that of Chelsea to be Secretary 
of Embassy at Paris is universally considered to be 
a job. 

St. Petersburg and Vienna were offered to Stan 
hope, who declined them. 

March 31, Hatchford, Wednesday, I came here 
on Monday. I found the Duke of Bedford, who 
went away this morning, much troubled in his mind 
at the state of our home politics, and at the utter 
confusion of parties, and the want of union amongst 
our public men. The India Bill is so universally 
condemned, that it is improbable it will pass a 
second reading, and already the ' Times,' at first 
tolerably favourable to the Government, wages war 
against the men who could propose such a measure. 
This is the more deplorable because it may lead to 
the downfall of this Government before any new one 
could be formed which, for the reasons above 
stated, would have the least chance of stability. The 
Duke of Bedford told me he saw no way to such a 
reconciliation between Palmerston and John Eussell 
as would enable them to act together with any 
cordiality; that John would not consent to serve 
under Palmerston, and had no sufficient following of 
his own to admit of his attempting to form a govern- 
ment, whilst his isolated position was an obstacle to 
any strong administration being formed. If Derby's, 
fall could be delayed, it was just possible that all 
these conflicting elements might be brought into 



120 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

concord by combined action in opposition ; any other 
attempt, at present, to bring the parties together 
would only prove abortive. 

Lord Aberdeen, who has long been very ill, is 
gone on a visit to Windsor, with the intention of 
speaking frankly to the Queen on public affairs, and 
of endeavouring to induce H.M. to forget and forgive 
John Eussell for his conduct to Lord Aberdeen, for 
which John Eussell had already expressed his regret, 
and had admitted that he had behaved ill, though 
unwittingly. The Duke of Bedford said, nothing 
could be more noble than Lord Aberdeen's conduct 
on this subject. 

It is said, I know not with what truth, that the 
clauses in the East India Bill giving votes to the 
large towns, and which have excited such hostility 
as to prove fatal to the Bill, emanate from Lord 
Stanley, who is one of the greatest reformers of his 
time. It is certain that if such a measure had 
been proposed by the Whigs, they would have 
been designated as nothing short of Chartists. 
It is now thought by some people that, in the event 
of the Bill being abandoned by the Government, that 
of Palmerston will be read a second time, whilst 
by others it is considered likely that both Bills may 
be referred to a Select Committee ; but this course 
would be a dangerous one, as it would take from the 
hands of the Executive the responsibility of legislat- 
ing for India, and would be a great humiliation to 
the Government. 

London, April 6, Tuesday. I returned here on 
Saturday. Lord Aberdeen's visit to Windsor did not 
come off, owing to the death of his brother-in-law. 
Lord Morton. 



1858 DIAKY OF HENRY GREV1LLE 121 

On Monday I dined with the Jerseys to meet 
the Charles Thynnes, 1 whose pretty daughter is about 
to be married to Castlerosse. Mr. and Mrs. Disraeli 
came in the evening from the Lord Mayor's feast, at 
which Lord Derby made a speech which would lead 
to the conclusion that the Government, if beaten on 
the East India Bill, will not resign, but are willing 
to accept any modification of the measure which may 
be advised by the House of Commons. 

The fine ladies of the London society are making 
themselves troublesome and ridiculous by soliciting 
subscriptions for a testimonial to Madame de Persigny. 

April 9, Friday. The official correspondence on 
the ' Cagliari ' affair is published, and whilst it proves 
a course of inhumanity and illegality on the part of 
the Neapolitan Government, it shows considerable 
carelessness and want of vigour on that of our own. 
There has been a misunderstanding between our 
Government and that of Sardinia, owing to an almost 
inconceivable mistake of Mr. Erskine's (Secretary of 
Legation) in carrying out the instructions of his 
chief, who had been desired by Clarendon to enquire 
whether the Sardinian Government intended to object to 
the Neapolitan proceedings in the case of the ' Cagliari. 1 
Instead of this, Mr. Erskine took upon himself to 
inform the Sardinian Government that H.M.'s Govern- 
ment is disposed to object, &c., whereas Clarendon 
considered himself debarred from objecting, by the 
opinion of the law officers of the Crown, and Mamies- 
bury wrote a despatch disclaiming the ' inexcusable 
conduct of Mr. Erskine,' and the unsatisfactory 

1 Lord Charles Thynne, youngest brother of the late Duchess of 
Buccleuch ; after his wife's death he entered the Roman Catholic 
priesthood. 



122 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

explanation of Sir James Hudson, who signed Mr. 
Erskine's note without reading it over. In the 
meantime Watt has been sent to England, and Park, 
who has been liberated on bail, has published a 
detailed statement of the affair, which is sure to 
rouse the indignation of the English public, and we 
shall hear a great deal more of this business. The 
case as respects the legality of the seizure is now 
before the new officers of the Crown, and cannot 
certainly rest where it is. 

The Hollands write from Naples that Bickerton 
Lyons is doing very well there, although there is a 
strong party against him. 

April 11, 'Sunday. True bills have been found 
against Bernard by the special jury on an indictment 
charging him with being a principal in the attempt 
on the Emperor's life, and also as an accessory before 
the fact. The trial is to take place to-morrow. 

April 13, Tuesday. Last night a curious scene 
was enacted in the House of Commons. It had been 
expected that a decisive attack would have been 
made immediately after the recess by the Liberal 
party on the Treasury bench ; but an unexpected 
manoeuvre on the part of John Eussell caused the 
whole state of things and the position of parties to be 
entirely changed. On a report of the Committee of 
Supply John Eussell rose and proposed to Disraeli 
that he should not proceed at once with the 
East India Bill of the Government, nor with that 
of Palmerston, but that certain ' Resolutions ' should 
be taken in committee of the whole House, so as 
practically to obtain a consultation between the 
Executive and the representatives on the bases and 
principles of the future government of India. 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 123 

Disraeli jumped at the offered loophole, and went 
so far as to propose that John Russell should himself 
propose the resolutions ; but this he declined, on the 
ground that it was the business of the Government 
to originate them. The members of the late Govern- 
ment, as well as many of that party, loudly protested 
against this course, and Brooks' s Club is in a state 
of frenzy at this trick of John Russell, which will 
certainly defer the crisis which appeared imminent, 
and which they of course attribute to personal motives 
of his own. They even go so far as to suspect and 
accuse him of having prearranged this manoeuvre 
with Disraeli, but which I do not believe. John 
declares that he had informed Macaulay and Lewis- 
of his intentions, and that they both had approved 
them. Lewis, however, denies this. 

Nothing, however, more clearly demonstrates the 
entire disunion of parties than this transaction, if any 
new proof were wanting. 

April 15, Thursday. News of the capture of 
Lucknow has reached London. 

The trial of Bernard began on Monday and excites 
great interest. The case is tried by Lord Campbell 
at the Old Bailey. 

April 18, Sunday. Bernard was acquitted 
yesterday. The defence set up was that the gre- 
nades were intended to be used in an Italian insurrec- 
tion, and not to assassinate the Emperor. Edwin 
James made a very powerful speech in which the 
political element largely predominated, and where 
he poured forth a torrent of invective against the 
Empire, its chief, and its principles, which was 
received with enthusiastic cheering. 

The Chief Justice charged strongly for a verdict 



124 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

against the prisoner, some people think too strongly, 
but to no purpose. The jury was prompt and 
unanimous, and so eager to pronounce an acquittal 
that they were with difficulty prevented from at once 
giving it without retiring. It was hailed with 
rapturous cheering both within and without the 
court, and which the judge in vain tried to repress. 
This result is sure to produce great irritation at 
Paris, but it cannot be helped, and was almost sure 
to occur after the series of mistakes that have been 
committed on both sides since the attentat. 

April 20, Tuesday, Nothing is spoken of but 
the acquittal of Bernard. The Bar is said to be 
much divided in opinion as to the propriety of the 
verdict as founded upon the evidence, which is by 
many considered to prove the intention to murder 
the Emperor. It is probable that other considera- 
tions weighed on the jury, and I am inclined to 
think the ' Times ' is right in its article of yesterday, 
which concludes with the following words : 

' The fact is men are made up of passions as well 
as judgment, and that after such a bitter controversy 
as has marked the beginning of the present year, we 
may well expect juries to look beyond the evidence 
to the consequences of their verdict, and spectators to 
shout their sympathy with a conspirator, although 
they may detest assassination.' 

Disraeli produced his Budget last night, and it 
seemed to find favour with the House. 

We have demanded compensation for Watt and 
Park from the Neapolitan Government on the 
ground that their imprisonment and arrest were 
illegal, but on the question of illegality of the 
capture of the ' Cagliari ' Malmesbury declared last 



1858 DIARY OF HEXRY GREVILLE 

night that the law officers were divided in opinion, 
two being of opinion that it was legal and one 
illegal. The law officers of the late Government 
were also divided in opinion, and on this part of the 
proceeding it subsequently became impossible to 
take any strong measures. Lord Wensleydale sug- 
gested that the question of the seizure should be 
referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy 
Council, and Malmesbury said he would consider the 
suggestion. 

April 22, Thursday. The Duke of Malakhoff is 
being entertained by the various military clubs, 
whilst the fashionable world is being diverted by 
the somewhat crude and garrison-like manners of 
the Marshal. When sitting by the Queen at dinner, 
and on H. M. (for something to say) enquiring after 
the health of Marshal Bosquet, and expressing her 
regret that he was suffering, the duke replied, ' Voyez- 
vous, Madame, il mange trop, il abime son estomac, 
et puis il court apres les danseuses.' Her Majesty 
(rather surprised) then tried another topic, and 
asked the Marshal whether the Zouaves were not a 
very fine and useful body of men, to which he 
replied, ' Us ne sont pas mal, mais ils s'occupent trop 
des cuisinieres.' The Queen, half shocked and half 
diverted, then made another attempt, and said that 
when at Paris she had been much struck by the 
Cent Guides, upon which Malakhoff said, 'Ah, 
voyez-vous, ils ne s'occupent que des couturieres.' 
This was told by H. M. in fits of laughter to the lady 
who repeated it to me. 

I hear from Paris much discontent is created by the 
Emperor having added a large piece of the Tuileries 
Garden to the part allotted to his private use. The 



126 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

joke made upon this spoliation is, ' Que 1'Empereur, 
apres avoir confisque les biens de la famille d'Orleans, 
prend " Le Notre " ' (the Tuileries Gardens were laid 
out by the famous Lenotre). 

May 3, Monday. The weather is abominable, 
and has been so for a long time. I had a pleasant 
musical party here on the 30th, consisting of Miss 
Kemble (John Kemble's daughter) and young 
Santley, a good bass singer, and four of Leslie's 
Choir. On Sunday I heard at Chorley's some of 
Mendelssohn's music played divinely by Halle, who, 
besides being an artist of the first class, is a clever 
and agreeable man. Dined yesterday at Bess- 
borough's with a large party. People seem to think 
the days of the Government are numbered. They 
are expected to be defeated on an amendment to the 
elective resolution, proposed by Palmerston with the 
concurrence of John Eussell. It is probable that 
they will not resign on this, but wait for a second 
defeat, which will probably ensue on a vote of want 
of confidence, which it is said Eoebuck will propose. 

The House of Commons is in a very chaotic state. 
Last night Lewis, Gladstone, Cardwell, and Wilson 
all spoke on the budget in different senses. When 
Disraeli rose to speak many of his own party left the 
House, and old Tories do not disguise the disquiet 
they feel at the course pursued by the Government 
in general and by Disraeli in particular, which they 
deem not only injudicious, but wanting in dignity 
and honesty. In the meantime the House of 
Commons is virtually become the executive, and 
such a state of things is beginning to be viewed with 
considerable alarm by men of moderate opinions. 
.Such however is the state of parties, that no govern- 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 127 

ment which may succeed the present one has any 
chance of stability, and if Palme rston comes back to 
power, and that John Eussell (as is most likely) pre- 
serves his present attitude, this Government will not 
last a year. 

May 7, Friday. There appeared yesterday in 
the ' Times ' correspondence from India a proclama- 
tion proposed to be issued by Canning on the capture 
of Lucknow, giving instructions as to how the rebels 
were to be treated, and amongst other things con- 
taining a declaration that the territorial hereditary 
property of Oude is confiscated to the British state, 
and with the exception of certain lands, which are 
to remain in the possession of certain individuals who 
have been loyal to us, will all be dealt with as the 
Governor-General in Council may think fit. 

Last night, Bright, in the House of Commons, 
inquired if this proclamation had been issued in 
accordance with instructions from England, and if 
not, whether the Government has issued any instruc- 
tion with respect to it. Disraeli replied that the 
papers on this subject should be laid on the table, 
and stated that, as soon as they had received notice 
of the intended proclamation, they at once took the 
subject into their consideration, and the result was 
that they had sent out a despatch to the Governor- 
General, * disapproving the policy which he indicated 
in every sense? 

In the House of Lords, Granville, in reference to 
this answer, asked if it had been given after com- 
munication with Lord Ellenborough, to which the 
latter replied that no communication had taken place 
between himself and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, 
but that lie had; read the despatch alluded -to. 



128 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

Ellenborough gave a copy of his despatch to Gran- 
ville, who asked leave to show it to his friends. It 
is believed that Bright had had possession of it some 
days, and had shown it to members of the Eeform 
Club, and it is suspected that he put the question to 
Government by their own desire. Granville there- 
fore did not scruple to read the despatch to us 
to-night in Bruton Street. It is a well-written 
document, and enters into matters relating to Oude, 
for which Lord Dalhousie, and not Canning, is 
responsible. Its chief purpose, however, is to con- 
demn, in very strong terms, the policy of the latter 
on this occasion, in the decree of confiscation, and 
the whole tone of the despatch is so insolent and 
discourteous, that I consider it highly probable that, 
coupled as it will be with Ellenborough's and Disraeli's 
speeches last night, Canning will, on its receipt, at 
once resign. The town is much excited on this 
subject, and the publication of the despatch is 
generally considered to be quite unwarrantable, and 
very offensive to Canning, who has as yet not had 
any opportunity of explaining his reasons for the 
proclamation, of which he has only sent home the 
rough draft. There is to be a discussion on the sub- 
ject to-night in the House of Lords. 

May 8, Saturday. Ellenborough laid the 
despatch on the table. Granville censured the 
Government for sending through the secret com- 
mittee a despatch condemning the conduct of the 
Governor-General, and then publishing it, and asked 
if Ellenborough intended Canning to retire, and 
whether any preparation had been made to replace 
him. Derby said Granville had demanded the 
instant production of the papers, that Canning's 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 129 

policy was calculated to drive the people of Oude 
(whose offence was comparatively trifling) to despe- 
ration, that Oude ought to be dealt with as a country 
conquered in legitimate war ; and he hoped that 
Canning had mitigated his edict, and had thereby 
obviated some of its injurious consequences. 

Ellenborough said, ' No Government would 
deserve to survive twenty-four hours that did not 
mark with its strongest reprobation the confiscation 
of the proprietary rights of a whole people.' Grey, 
who spoke remarkably well, expressed no opinion on 
the policy of Canning, but disapproved strongly the 
conduct of the Government in making their censure 
of him public. Were he inclined (he said) to put an 
unfavourable construction on the conduct of public 
men, he might almost believe that this hasty censure 
and the premature and ill-advised declaration of 
the views of the Government, those rounded periods 
appealing to the principles of justice and humanity, 
were dictated by a desire to gain a little popularity. 
He rejected that supposition, but if their conduct 
had not arisen from extraordinary inadvertence, he 
was at a loss to account for it. 

At the palace, at a great dinner for the Queen of 
Portugal, Derby said to Clarendon, ' You beat us hollow 
to-night.' 

The Queen is here for a few days on her way to ^ ^T 
join her husband, whom she has not yet seen, having 
been married by proxy to her own brother ! 

May 9, Sunday. A splendid sermon by Brook- 
field this morning. He is one of the few preachers 
whose sermons never weary me, however long. That 
of to-day was on the conversion of St. Paul. 

The town is much excited on the subject of 

III. K 



130 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

Canning's proclamation and Ellenborough's despatch. 
A meeting was held yesterday at Palmerston's, at 
which it was decided that a resolution on the 
subject shall be moved in the House of Commons on 
Thursday, which will have the concurrence of John 
Russell and the Peelites. There seems to be no 
reasonable doubt but that it will be carried. A 
similar move will be made in the Lords, but with 
a more doubtful issue. People are very hot upon the 
subject. 

May 10, Monday. Shaftesbury is to move the 
resolution in the Lords and Cardwell in the 
Commons. John Eussell is to dine with Palmerston 
on Wednesday, and sanguine people hope much from 
this rapprochement. John is very indignant at this 
last exploit of the Government. 

May 11, Tuesday. The young Queen of Portu- 
gal appeared at the palace ball last night, and goes 
this morning to Plymouth, where she is to embark 
to-night. Bath accompanies her in an English ship, 
to carry the Garter to the King. Stanhope was offered, 
but refused, the mission. 

On going to the Granvilles to-night, I heard that 
Ellenborough had announced in the House of Lords 
that he had resigned. He defended his conduct in 
the most emphatic manner, and said that he had 
heard no condemnation of his despatch, and took 
upon himself the sole responsibility of its publication. 
He declared the proclamation to be in direct opposi- 
tion to the policy the Government had determined 
to pursue, and that the despatch would be regarded 
in India as a message of peace. He might, he said, 
have shown the despatch to his colleagues, but he 
had not done so, and they ought not to be visited 



18P8 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 131 

with any censure in the matter. In England it was 
only a question of party, but in India it would be 
considered as a conflict between the principles of 
confiscation and clemency. As that decision might 
be swayed by personal considerations, he had resolved 
to remove them as far as he was concerned, that the 
question might be considered on its own merits. 
Grey protested against the question being considered 
as a contest between the principles of confiscation 
and clemency, and finally Derby pronounced a pane- 
gyric on Ellenborough, though he admitted that the 
Secretary of the Board of Control had, without previous 
communication with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, 
stated that such a despatch had been written, and 
should be produced. Bright admitted, both to 
Stanley of Alderley and to Granville, that he had 
had cognisance of the despatch a week ago, though 
he had not seen it. He had only seen it at the same 
time that Granville had. 

May 12 ', Wednesday. The joke on Ellenborough's 
resignation is, that the Government is dying of 
4 Elephantiasis.' 

The Chancellor said the other day, 'We no 
sooner get to the top of the ladder than we get 
" Dizzy " and down we go again.' 

It is now doubtful if Cardwell's motion will come 
on. People are very excited just now. 

May 14, Friday. Shaftesbury's motion came 
on last night. I went to the Granvilles, and stayed 
there till he came home from the debate at 1 A.M. 
The House was immensely full, and prodigiously 
excited. Shaftesbury spoke remarkably well, dwelt 
upon the responsibility of the whole Cabinet for the 
publication of the despatch, and showed that they 

K 2 



132 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

had put an unjust interpretation on the proclamation, 
and had most improperly entered into the question 
of the annexation of Oude, whilst the country was 
still in rebellion, and for which Canning was in no 
way responsible. Ellenborough took upon himself 
the sole responsibility of writing and of publishing 
the despatch, which, he said, removed the rope 
from the necks of the people of Oude, and gave them 
hope of returning home, and said that if the policy 
recommended in it were neglected, there would be 
a social war in India, in which we must fail. Grey 
spoke admirably in defence of Canning. Derby's 
speech was weak, and although he condemned the 
proclamation, he did not attempt to defend the 
publication of the despatch. The House divided on 
the ' previous question,' and not, as is usual on votes 
of censure, on a decided negative, and the numbers 
were : Content (present), 93 ; Proxies, 65-158 ; 
Non-content (present), 116 ; Proxies, 49-165 ; 
Majority for Government, 7. This defeat was con- 
sidered almost a triumph by the Opposition, and 
loudly cheered. 

Canning's friends were much vexed and surprised 
that Lord Aberdeen should have declined to vote, 
and have carried away two proxies in his pocket. 
He and others consider that Ellenborough's resigna- 
tion alters the whole case, but I cannot understand 
how it exonerates the Cabinet. In the Commons, 
where Cardwell's motion on the same subject came 
on, the great speeches of the night were that of 
Cairns the Solicitor-General, which was extremely 
effective, though of course a splendid piece of special 
pleading, and that of John Eussell, which was 
admirable in its way, and for its purpose, and quite 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 133 

in his old form. It concluded the debate, and was 
tumultuously cheered, and it was much wanted to 
remedy all the mischief Vernon Smith had done by 
his extraordinary want of tact, and the clumsiness 
of his explanation to the House of the incident, 
of which the other side, in both Houses, had made 
so much, viz. his withholding from Ellenborough 
a letter he had received from Canning some time 
ago, saying that he had not then time to send his 
explanation of his proclamation, and which the 
Government declared, if they had known of it, would 
have made all the difference in their dealing with the 
proclamation, and they attributed its being withheld 
to bad faith and party spirit on the part of V. Smith. 
They say his speech lost several votes to the 
Opposition. 

May 15, Saturday. The Queen's birthday was 
celebrated to-day. I gave myself a holiday from 
both the Drawing-room and the dinner. 

A meeting was held yesterday at Palmerston's, 
at which about 280 members were present. John 
Eussell was not there, but he sent his ' Tail,' and 
he had previously declared his intention of support- 
ing Cardwell's amendment. On the whole, harmony 
prevailed. Mr. Divett attacked Palmerston on being 
surrounded by flatterers and fine ladies, whereat, 
of course, he laughed heartily. He also reproached 
him with ' Clanricarde's monstrous appointment.' 
Dunkellin was standing next to him, and asked 
George Byng ' who the excitable old gentleman 
was.' 

There are all kinds of rumours flying about as 
to the result of the division, and as to the intentions 
of Government in case of a defeat. The general 



134 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

opinion is, that if the majority be below fifty, they 
will ask the Queen's consent to a dissolution, but 
Ellenborough's resignation and Vernon Smith's 
blundering speech will very much diminish the 
majority against Government ; indeed, some of their 
hangers-on pretend that they shall win by a small 
majority. I never saw people more eager and excited 
than the two parties are just now. 

May 16., Sunday. Last night the new Covent 
Garden Theatre was opened to the public, having 
been built in the incredibly short time of six months. 
It is a handsome theatre, vast in its proportions, but 
rather bald smdflat in its internal decoration. Very 
good for sound. 

A great many people to-night at Lady Granville's, 
all much excited by passing events, and by the 
reports that are flying about of letters having 
reached the Government from various military 
authorities in India, disapproving of Canning's policy, 
and stating that the proclamation had already had 
the worst effect. It is remarkable that Granville has 
had a letter from Canning, which makes no mention 
of the proclamation, and I suspect these rumours to 
be unfounded. 

The Due d'Aumale and the Due de Malakhoff met 
at dinner to-day at Lady Waldegrave's. She had 
ascertained that both parties wished it, and arranged 
this dinner, which went off very well. They embraced 
on meeting, and conversed with much eagerness 
upon Algeria, and old stories connected with their 
campaigns. Sneyd, who was present, told me 
this. 

May 19, Hatchford, Wednesday. I came here 
yesterday to meet the Duke of Bedford, Duchess 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 135 

of Norfolk, and Sneyd. The latter told me of the 
sudden death of the Duchess of Orleans, which took 
place yesterday morning at Richmond. 

Although opinions differ much as to her judg- 
ment, she cannot but be a great loss to her sons, to 
whom she entirely devoted herself. Those who knew 
her best had a high opinion of her understand- 
ing and strength of mind, and her bearing has 
certainly been most dignified in her adversity. In 
speaking to a friend of hers lately of her son's chance, 
she said, ' II n'a pas de droits, mais il a des titres et 
des chances.' 

Prince Albert, on hearing of the event, went 
immediately to Claremont. 

The Duke of Bedford is much out of heart at the 
present state of political affairs, and it must be con- 
fessed that nothing can be less satisfactory in every 
respect. 

May 23, Sunday. I returned to town on Friday 
and dined with the Abercorns, where I met 
Ossulston, 1 who told me that Cardwell had with- 
drawn his motion ! In the afternoon I had met 
Charlotte Denison, 2 who said that the Speaker thought 
the division would be so close that he very likely 
would have to give the casting vote, that Graham's 
speech, so strong against the motion on Thursday, 
had made a great effect, that the fear of a dissolution, 
and then despatches from India, with Outram's objec- 
tions to the proclamation, and to Canning's arguments 
which had been laid before Parliament, had all tended 

1 The present Earl of Tankerville, A.D. 1896. 

2 Lady Charlotte Denison, wife of the Speaker, afterwards Lord 
Ossington. She was the Duke of Portland's daughter, and therefore 
first cousin to the author. 



136 LEAVES FEOM THE 1858 

to the dwindling of the majority. Card well had been 
appealed to from all sides of the House, and ulti- 
mately by Palmerston and John Eussell, to withdraw 
his motion. The rout, therefore, of the Opposition 
was complete, and the only satisfactory occurrence of 
the evening was the general confidence expressed in 
Canning, not only by the various opponents of the 
Government, but also by members of the Govern- 
ment, which appeared by the statement of Disraeli 
that a telegram had been sent to Canning declaring 
their continued confidence in him. Government is 
of course triumphant beyond measure, and it must 
be confessed that the Opposition, after their vapour- 
ing and boasting that the Government was at their 
mercy, and the extreme impatience they showed to 
occupy their places, cut rather a poor figure. All 
one can hope is, that, as ' sweet are the uses of 
adversity,' the Liberal party may learn a lesson and 
perceive that, as long as all their animosities and 
jealousies continue, they may be good for all factious 
purposes, but powerless for those of a good, enduring, 
or even a possible government. 

Canning's despatch, in answer to that of Outram, 
is admirable, and I am persuaded that when people 
can see things calmly, his policy on this matter will 
meet with general approbation. Already I see signs 
of a reaction in his favour. 

The Duchess of Orleans was buried yesterday 
at Weybridge. Prince Albert attended the funeral, 
and an immense concourse of French adherents of 
the family and party, of all classes, came over from 
France on purpose to be present. 

Lady Margaret Leveson-Gower, having given birth 
to a boy on Wednesday, died on Saturda} r of the 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREV1LLE 

measles, which made their appearance in a very 
virulent form the day after her confinement, and 
which, it is believed, she caught from her brother 
ten days before. No two people were ever better 
suited, or more attached, and this sad event excites 
universal sympathy. 

May 26, Wednesday. I went last night to the 
new theatre in Co vent Garden, which is handsome, 
from its size, and commodious. The opera was ' La 
Traviata,' sung to perfection by Mario and Bosio, 
who is more charming than ever. 

May 27, Thursday. Alfred Potocki and his wife 
arrived yesterday, to my great satisfaction. 

It is strongly reported that Gladstone has joined 
the Government. Disraeli has made a speech at an 
agricultural meeting at Slough which is remarkable 
for its audacity, not to say mendacity, in its boasting 
of the feats of the present Government since its 
advent to office, and designating as a cabal all 
that has lately occurred in Parliament on Cardwell's 
motion. We shall hear more of this, no doubt, 
by-and-by. 

This has been the coldest month of May I ever 
remember. 

May 30, Cliveden. The weather at last changed 
yesterday, from cold gloomy east wind to real summer 
heat, and I have seen this place, which appears to 
be hardly short of a terrestrial paradise, to the greatest 
advantage. 

The Duchess, Sneyd, and I came here yesterday 
evening, and I am quite emerveille with the natural 
beauty of the place, and the taste and luxury of the 
whole internal arrangement of the house. 

The drawback is seeing the privation of the Duke 



138 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

of all social enjoyment, owing to his infirmity 1 and 
which he bears with such angelic temper. 

On Friday, Lord John Eussell, on going into 
Supply, called attention to Disraeli's speech at 
Slough. He did not make the most of his case, 
but Disraeli made a lame defence, and quibbled 
away all his former statements. 

May 31, Monday. The Indian mail brings news 
of the death of Sir William Peel of small-pox. An 
immense loss, for he really was ' de 1'etoffe dont sont 
faits les heros.' 

The telegram states that Canning's policy appears 
to be proceeding, and the province of Oude was in 
course of pacification. 

Gladstone had declined joining Derby's Govern- 
ment, chiefly owing, it is supposed, to his distrust and 
dislike of Dizzy. 

Lady Theresa Lewis said drolly of the Peelites, 
that they were ' always putting themselves up to auction, 
and buying themselves in? 

Lord Stanley goes to the India Board, and is 
succeeded by Bulwer Lytton at the Colonies. 

May 31, London, Monday night. Palmerston 
attacked Disraeli to-night for his Slough speech, 
and did it better than John Eussell on a former 
occasion. Clarendon also in the Lords made an 
elaborate speech in contradiction of all Disraeli's 
statements, which I presume will ' close the 
account ' of this wonderful escapade. 

The weather is deliciously hot. 

The great Shrewsbury case has been decided, as 
far as the title goes, in favour of Lord Talbot. The 
Duke of Norfolk, however, intends making another 

1 My uncle was stone deaf. 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREYILLE 139 

attempt to claim the estate, which, at present, it is 
supposed, must go with the title. 

June 13, Sunday. Indian legislation has been 
resumed during the last week. Gladstone submitted 
a resolution that until the end of next session the 
Council should consist of the present Court of 
Directors, the President of the Board of Control 
assuming the head of that new Council. This pro- 
posal was defeated by a large majority, both the last 
and present Government voting against it. I believe 
it would have been a wise measure, but the House 
thought that, after all that had passed of late, it 
would be stultifying itself to pass it. A Church Eate 
Bill has passed, and is gone to the Lords. Locke 
King's Bill for assimilating the Borough and County 
Franchise has passed, and was supported by Palmer- 
ston, and the same member's bill for abolishing the 
property qualification has passed a second reading in 
the Lords, under protest from Grey, who denounces 
it as a bit by bit concession to democracy, and with 
the support of Derby (!), who described the measure as 
just and unimportant. 

Malmesbury announced in the House of Lords 
last night that the King of Naples had agreed to 
pay 3,000/. to the engineers Watt and Park, as 
indemnity, and has given up the ' Cagliari ' and the 
crew to the English Government to hand over to 
that of Sardinia. It remains to be seen whether Sar- 
dinia will be satisfied with this act of condescension 
to us, and desist from further demands. I should 
expect she will not. 

In answer to Sir Charles Napier, Disraeli stated 
that the Government was not aware that there was 
any foundation for the reports of largely increased 



140 LEAVES FEOM THE 1858 

armaments by France, both naval and military. He 
made a sensible and moderate speech, such as becomes 
a minister, and it would be well if he more often spoke 
in that fashion. 

I hear from Paris that the alterations making 
in the Tuileries Gardens for the convenience of the 
Imperial Family are as unpopular as was a measure 
lately instituted by the Government for taking pos- 
session of the hospices, and which gave rise to the 
following quatrain : 

' Dans leurs grandeurs Imp6riales 
Les deux Empereurs sont 6gaux ; 

Si 1'un prenait les capitoles 
L'autre prend les capitaux.' 

June 17, Thursday. I never recollect any heat to 
compare with what we have had the last ten days, at 
this early stage of the summer. 

The Sardinian Government is satisfied with the 
indemnity given by Naples, and takes back the vessel. 
The Government has gained popularity by its manage 
ment of this affair, and are gaining ground in the 
House of Commons. 

Eistori made her rentree last night in Lady Mac- 
beth, and acted finely to a thin and stupid audience. 
There is too much going on now. Three Italian 
operas, concerts day and night, besides all the 
English theatres. Balls, dinners, and parties every 
night leave no time for an Italian theatre, and 
Eistori's audience is, of course, chiefly composed of 
the higher orders. 

June 18, Friday. I took the Alfred Potockis 
to-day to Kensington Gardens, and brought them 
home by Eotten Eow, which at six o'clock is really 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 141 

a most curious scene. The Eide is literally crammed 
with equestrians, male and female, and the walk 
lined with chairs filled by women in their gayest 
attire, whilst the road is one mass of brilliant 
equipages. I do not think any other town can 
present such a spectacle of wealth, and the beauty 
of the scene is much enhanced by the fine verdure 
and the beautiful trees which are peculiar to this 
country. They were immensely struck by it. 

June 20, Sunday. Lord Stanley gave notice that 
he should proceed no further with the Indian 
resolutions, but bring in a bill at once, which 
seemed to please the House. 

The Neapolitan correspondence relative to the 
i Cagliari ' affair is published. The Government of 
King Ferdinand through Carafa conclude the dispute 
by declaring that as they have no means of resisting 
the force which His Majesty's Government has to 
dispose of, they have no further arguments to adduce, 
or opposition to make. The indemnity would there- 
fore be paid, and the ' Cagliari ' and crew be at once 
restored. It is probable that this concession will 
sooner or later conduce to the restoration of our 
diplomatic relations, though such a result would be 
quite illogical, since the rupture had nothing to do 
with this question. 

June 23, Wednesday. Dined yesterday with the 
Apponyis. Waited for the Palmerstons until near nine ; 
twenty-four people, a handsome banquet. Heard 
there of Glengall's death, 1 which occurred suddenly 
at Cowes in the morning. None of his family were 

1 Lord Glengall left an only surviving daughter, Lady Margaret, 
who married Colonel Charteris and inherited the whole property and 
estates. The title is extinct. 



142 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

with him. Grey de Wilton's marriage with Lady 
Elizabeth Craven declared. 

This evening to see Eistori in ' Adrienne Lecou- 
vreur.' The part suits her less than most others. 
The play loses by translation, and is tedious, but her 
last act is marvellous. 

June 25, Friday. The foul state of the Thames, 
and the effluvia arising from it, cause alarm. The 
members of the House of Commons complain that 
the stench is intolerable, and families who reside near 
the banks of the river are removing from London 
for fear of cholera. Various remedies are suggested, 
but nothing is decided upon. 

The heat continues to be excessive. 

The India Bill was read a second time last night. 
Bright made a long speech, not in opposition to 
the second reading, but setting forth his views on the 
government of India, past, present, and to come, 
the chief point of which was that the Empire should 
be divided into five different presidencies. 

The Hollands returned on Monday. The house 
has been greatly improved in their absence by 
terraces extending from the library to the con- 
servatory. 

July <3, Saturday. Lord Lucan's ' compromise ' 
Bill for the admission of Jews to Parliament passed 
the second reading by a majority of 143 to 97. 
Derby, still objecting to the admission of Jews, 
consents to the passing of Lucan's Bill as the only 
possible compromise. 

Lord Lyndhurst, whose wider measure was before 
the House, expressed his disappointment with ' bitter 
courtesy,' but gave his hearty assent to Lucan's 
Bill, which will enable Jews to sit in the House of 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 143 

Commons by a resolution of the House. Derby's 
own adherents read him severe lectures. 

July 24, Saturday. The question of the Jews 
is at last settled, although not in a manner very 
creditable to the House of Lords. The Commons 
have passed the two Bills sent down to them, the one 
embodying a refusal to admit Jews into Parliament, 
the other embodying the assent to that measure ! 
The House of Commons jeered at the Lords, but the 
Bills were passed amidst loud cheers, and then Lord 
John completed his arrangement, declaring simply 
that the House would not examine the reasons offered 
by the Lords for mutilating the Oaths Bills, since 
they had provided by a separate measure for the 
admission of Jews into Parliament. Rothschild 
accordingly took his seat, .and has been feasting his 
friends in honour of his victory. I expect we shall 
hear little more of the Jews, in or out of Parliament. 

The press has been much occupied with the 
Queen's visit to Cherbourg, and the invitation of the 
Emperor is generally thought to have been unwise, 
and a manque de tact. I fancy Her Majesty at first 
liked the idea of it, but is now sorry that she is 
obliged to go. It was at first settled that she was to 
be escorted by a large squadron of line-of-battle- 
ships, but this has wisely been abandoned, and she 
will only be attended by some steamers and a small 
flotilla of yachts. 

July 26, Sunday. I met Eistori to-day at Lady 
Frederick's, 1 the only time I have seen her in private 
this season. She acted the other night for her benefit 
in an absurd play called ' Elisabetta d' Inghilterra,' at 
Co vent Garden. Her personation of the old age of the 

1 Lady Frederick Bentinck. 



144 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

Queen, wherein all her vanity and coquetry are made 
to appear still predominant, even on her deathbed, a 
wretched object of physical decay, is nothing short 
of marvellous. She has a remarkable talent for 
dressing herself to the best advantage, but in this 
part she has evidently tried and succeeded in depict- 
ing what, one feels sure, must have been the exact 
likeness of Elizabeth (judging from the pictures one 
has seen of her), when feeble and toothless, and yet 
craving for admiration. It was a wonderful repre- 
sentation of senility. I am afraid this is the last 
time we shall see her here. She goes to Edinburgh 
and Glasgow, and then to Italy. 

August 9, Monday. Parliament was closed by 
commission on the 2nd. 

The Queen returned from Cherbourg on Friday. 
The fetes went off very well. The Emperor, at the 
dinner he gave H. M. on board the ' Bretagne,' 
made a speech, on proposing her health, in which he 
said : ' En portant ce toast en leur presence, a bord 
du vaisseau de I'Amiral Frangais, dans le port de 
Cherbourg, je suis heureux de montrer les sentiments 
qui nous animent envers eux. En effet, les faits 
parlent d'eux-memes, et ils prouvent que les passions 
hostiles, aidees par quelques incidents malheureux, 
n'ont pu alterer ni 1'amitie qui existe entre les deux 
couronnes, ni le desir des deux peuples de rester en 
paix. Aussi ai-je le ferme espoir que si on voulait 
reveiller les rancunes et les passions d'une autre 
epoque, elles viendraient echouer devant le bon sens 
publique, comme les vagues se brisent devant la 
digue qui protege en ce moment contre la violence 
de la mer les escadrons des deux empires.' Prince 
Albert replied in a similar spirit. 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 145 

I see no use in this intimacy between Sovereigns. 
It may lead to great inconvenience and cannot be of 
any real value to either party. I hear from a person 
in attendance, that both Sovereigns were tres genes 
and ill at ease the whole time of the visit, which I 
think natural. 

The populace was very cold towards the Queen, 
evincing neither empressement nor curiosity, which 
evidently struck. 

Poor dear Lady Carlisle died on Saturday at 
Castle Howard, where she had been living for two or 
three years in very feeble health. She was one of 
the gentlest and most loveable of human creatures, 
and will be deeply mourned by her children, who 
were all devotedly attached to her. 

The news of the success of the attempt to lay the 
Atlantic cable reached London on Thursday. The 
two vessels bearing the cable had reached their 
respective destinations in Trinity Bay, Newfoundland,, 
and Valentia Bay, Ireland; the cable all the time 
speaking for its continuity by the transmission of 
signals. The news of this wonderful event reached 
Cherbourg in the midst of the fetes, and was hailed 
with acclamations from the English vessels. With 
the exception of one day, the weather had been 
unfavourable to the enterprise the whole time. 

August 16, Sunday. Yesterday, about three 
o'clock, a most extraordinary and almost sudden dark- 
ness spread itself over the town ; so dense and black 
was it as to render it quite impossible to see without 
candles. This lasted about twenty minutes and was 
the more curious from there being no appearance of 
fog, the atmosphere remaining clear all the time. A 
deluge of rain succeeded this eclipse, and came down 

III. L 



146 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

with such violence that it broke into my roof and 
ceilings. 

There have been some remarkable speeches made 
lately on the subject of Cherbourg by Eoebuck, and 
Lindsay the shipowner, who is a clever man. He 
admits that, on first seeing the works at Cherbourg, 
he felt some degree of alarm, but that, on further 
examination and comparison of the relative strength 
of the Powers represented at Cherbourg, he finds 
that, while France now immensely outweighs England 
in the power of her arsenal for creating and equip- 
ping fleets, while she can bring 100,000 men by rail 
from Paris, and in six hours throw them on the 
coast of England from the great port whence ships 
can depart at all hours of the tide, France still 
exhibits no conspicuous power of breeding sailors. 
Her marines cannot man yards like Englishmen, 
and her shipbuilders cannot turn out so powerful 
a vessel. The Channel, therefore, according to Mr. 
Lindsay, is the safe and natural wall of Great 
Britain. Eoebuck considers Cherbourg an immense 
armament for defence, but useless for aggression. 

August 21, Hinchingbrook, Saturday. After pass- 
ing two nights at Panshanger, I came here on 
Wednesday. No one here but the Blackwoods. 

The Atlantic cable is now in full play. A 
message was sent yesterday from Newfoundland, 
stating that there had been a collision at sea 
between the ' Europe ' and the ' Arabia.' A question 
was then put from this side as to the damage done. 
The message was despatched at five yesterday, 
and the answer was received at half-past seven, 
stating that no lives were lost. This (though by no 
means so quick as it will be) seems the acme of all 



1858 DIAEY OF HENRY GREVILLE 147 

that is wonderful. Almost the first use of the cable 
was made in transmitting messages of congratulation 
between the Queen and the President of the United 
States. 

Marshal MalakhofF, who has of late made himself 
ridiculous in society, and conspicuous for his coarse 
and vulgar manners, which appear to be a mixture 
of those of a calicot and a corporal, is about to 
marry a Mdlle. Panieja, who lives with the Countess 
Montijo, and whom I saw with her at Paris. 

Henry Blackwood, 1 who is just returned from 
Berlin, says the Princess Eoyal has won all hearts 
there. The Queen has been very well received by 
all classes there. The King does not make any pro- 
gress towards recovery, and it is supposed that, on 
the expiration of his present term of office, his 
brother will be declared Eegent. 

August 25, Tunbridge Wells, Wednesday. I left 
Hinchingbrook yesterday, passed through London, 
and came here on a short visit to Lady Abercorn. I 
had not seen this place for thirty-five years, when I 
came with John and George Bentinck 2 from London 
to pass the day and ride with Lord Grey and his 
daughters. Since that time the place has become 
three times as large, but has lost none of its beauty. 
To-day we drove to South Park and passed some 
hours with the Hardinges. Lady Hardinge, nee 
Bingham, 3 has inherited the beauty of her parents, 
and the charm of it is enhanced by her apparent 

1 He was a queen's messenger ; married Lady Amelia Capel, who 
survived him many years. 

2 John the fifth Duke of Portland, and the famous Lord George 
Bentinck, my uncle's first cousins. 

3 Lady Lavinia Bingham, second daughter of the celebrated Earl 
of Lucan. 

T, 2 



148 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

unconsciousness of it. The Abercorns (she awaiting 
her confinement of her fourteenth child) are esta- 
blished in a lovely place called ' Chancellor House/ 
once occupied by the famous Judge Jeffreys. 

August 27, Brighton, Friday. A remarkable 
speech has just been pronounced by Persigny on the 
opening of the Conseil General of his department, in 
which, after seeking to prove that France has no 
choice but between Bourbon and Buonaparte, and 
that the former is to France what Stuart was to 
England, he enters into the foreign policy of France 
and the alliance with England, speaking of it in a 
manner which, as having regard to the circumstances 
under which he left England, is both true and 
gracious. He states that England, at the close of 
the last war with France, had completed the conquest 
of the maritime and colonial supremacy which was 
the object of her desires, that she now enjoys that 
supremacy beyond dispute, and that if she were 
again to terminate a successful war with France, the 
only result would be the maintenance of what she 
already has that the two nations are now bound 
by common interests, that the destruction of London 
or Paris would be felt in private pecuniary losses ; 
whilst a catastrophe occurring at St. Petersburg, 
Berlin, or Vienna, would excite in France but senti- 
ments of commiseration ; in London, on the contrary, 
French interests would suffer almost as much as in 
Paris itself. 

Persigny had also the courage and fairness to 
confess that, in making peace with Eussia, England 
was influenced rather by the situation of France 
than by her own. This is a very bold avowal for 
a Frenchman to make, and (if permitted) will call 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 149 

forth much abuse on the head of Persigny from the 
French press. Such fair sentiments are so rare in 
the mouths of Frenchmen towards England, that it is 
suspected that Persigny, anxious to pave his return 
to the London Embassy, has condescended to be 
prompted by Palmerston and Clarendon, who have 
both been lately at Paris. The former is still there, 
and has been received at St. Cloud by the Emperor 
with great urbanity. 

I came to Brighton yesterday to see Mrs. Brad- 
shaw, who with her children and grandchildren is 
passing the winter here. I have not seen her since 
the calamity which befell her two years ago in the 
total loss of sight. She bears it with a resignation 
and cheerfulness beyond all praise. This place is not 
more agreeable to me than it ever was. Noise, glare, 
wind, dust, a perpetual grinding up and down the 
crowded cliffs the only pastime. I never can sleep 
here. 

September 4, Hatchford, Saturday. I spent two 
nights at St. Anne's, 1 and came here on Monday last. 

Persigny's speech at the eleventh hour has 
appeared in all the principal French papers, and for 
the most part has been dealt with in a fair spirit. 

The Queen returned from Germany by Dover, on 
Tuesday last. A petition signed by all the principal 
men of Canada has been sent over to H. M. praying 
that she will be pleased to visit those provinces on 
the occasion of the opening of a Crystal Palace at 
Toronto, or, if this be impossible, that she would 

1 The pretty place near Chertsey, full of memorials of Charles 
James Fox, who lived there and planted the fine cedar in the garden, 
brought thither by Mrs. Fox in her carriage. The place descended to 
Lord Holland, who married Lady Maria Coventry. 



150 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

send one of the members of the Eoyal Family to 
represent her. It might be well if she could, and 
were disposed to accede to this request, but the 
moment for making it is not well chosen, since the 
Canadian Legislature has just thrown out the project 
for making Ottawa the seat of government, after 
having spontaneously submitted the decision to the 
Queen. A ministerial crisis was the consequence, 
and an attempt to form a new government, which 
having failed, the former government is reinstated, 
but they are obliged to give up the point as 
determined upon by the Queen, which, after having 
agreed to abide by her decision, borders on an 
insult. 

September 5, Sunday. Walked to Cobham this 
morning to hear Mr. Eowsell, incumbent of Stepney l 
(now here on a holiday, and doing Mr. Loring's duty), 
preach. He is a remarkable man, and his great 
merit as a parish priest, and his admirable tact in 
dealing with the people committed to his charge, 
may be judged of by the evidence he gave before 
a committee of the House of Lords, instituted to 
enquire into the spiritual destitution of the metro- 
polis. I thought his sermon excellent, and admirably 
adapted to his congregation. 

Lord Stanley was sworn in Secretary for India on 
Thursday. 

Prince Alfred has passed a good examination as 
naval cadet, and is about to join the ' Euryalus/ 
Captain Tarleton. 

September 7, Tuesday. I have read letters from 
Lady Canning stating that Canning was determined 
to remain at his post, to defend and pursue 

1 St. Peter's. Stepney. 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 151 

steadily his own policy, and to leave it to the 
Government to recall him if they thought fit. She 
hopes that long before this his answer to Lord 
Ellenborough's despatch had been made public, and 
that his friends would be convinced that he had 
taken the right view of matters there. She believed 
that he would be found as right in this matter as on 
the ' clemency ' question, and she is convinced that 
nothing will so effectually neutralise the doings of 
Lord Ellenborough as that Canning should remain at 
his post, steadily pursuing his present course. It 
is needless to record that the Government has not 
made public Canning's answer. An amended pro- 
clamation (in Lord E.'s sense) had appeared in the 
Bombay papers, which .has since been declared to 
be a forgery. 

An amusing letter from Fanny Kemble, dated 
Nahant (U.S.), 1 received to-day, says: 'How you 
would open your eyes and stop your ears if you 
were here ! This enormous house is filled with 
American women, one prettier than the other, who 
look like fairies, dress like duchesses or femmes 
entretenues, behave like housemaids, and scream like 
peacocks.' 

The will of the Duchess of Orleans, having been 
proved at Doctors' Commons, has found its way into 
the English newspapers. It is a touching and 
remarkable document, and is a sort of echo of that 
of her husband. One effect it will inevitably 
produce, and that is to put an end to the fusion, if 
that project still retained any life. The French press 
has been forbidden to insert or to allude to the will. 

September 18, Frognal, Saturday. I came here 

1 A favourite sea-bathing place near Boston. 



152 LEAVES FKOM THE 1858 

on Tuesday. When in London I went to the Hay- 
market, and was disgusted with the gross vulgarity of 
the actors and actresses. Our stage makes no pro- 
gress in this respect or any other. 

I found the Eokebys, Miss Foley, and Pat Talbot. 
Mr. 1 and Mrs. G. Glyn dined here one day, and I 
was much struck by her beauty and her natural and 
agreeable manner. 

John Fortescue came yesterday, in a very un- 
satisfactory state of health, and going shortly to 
Madeira. 

The newspapers are full of amusing accounts of 
the signature of the Chinese Treaty, which has been 
brought home by Frederick Bruce. 2 Elgin seems to 
have conducted this affair with considerable skill, 
and not without having encountered difficulty and 
impediments thrown in his way by the languid 
assistance of the Admirals, details of which I read 
in a very interesting letter written by Henry Loch to 
Tom Ashburnham. 

The weather has been splendid for the last 
fortnight, attributed by some to the comet 3 which 
has lately made its appearance. 

The Atlantic cable has come to a standstill, a 
breakage having occurred, where it is not ascertained, 
but feared to be irremediable. The shares have 
accordingly fallen enormously. In the meanwhile 
great banquets and rejoicings are going on in the 
United States to celebrate the submarine communi- 
cation between the New and the Old World, at one of 
which our Minister, Lord Napier, made a very good 

1 The second Lord Wolverton. He married Miss Tufnell. 

2 Brother of Lord Elgin. 

3 Donati's cornet, of marvellous splendour and brilliancy. 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 153 

speech, which was rapturously applauded. He 
is doing very well in the II. States and is very 
popular. 

September 23, ffatchford, Thursday. I came 
here on Monday. 

This day's second post brought the sad news of 
Lady Clanwilliam's death, which has shocked and 
grieved us more than I can say, and all the more 
that on Monday last my mother received a letter 
from Clanwilliam to say that, as perhaps she might 
hear that his wife was ill, he wrote to tell her she had 
been attacked by a bilious symptomatic fever, and 
had been obliged to halt at an inn in a place called 
Taynuilt, on the road from Dunrobin to Inverary ; that 
this illness had been attended with great prostration 
of strength, loss of appetite, and depression, but 
that, by the report of the doctor, she was progress- 
ing favourably in all respects, and if we did not 
hear again we might consider no news as good news. 
This letter was closed at 6 P.M. on Saturday. On 
Monday evening she expired. 

I am sincerely grieved to know of an event which 
will affect so many of my friends. Clanwilliam and 
I have always been on terms of friendship, but this 
year I have seen much of them both, and have been 
able to appreciate her charming nature. I have 
never met with a more frank, open-hearted woman, 
one more full of sympathy, and with these solid 
qualities she had much cultivation, and was full 
of knowledge of all sorts, and took interest in many 
things which women in general do not care for, and 
which gave a charm to her intercourse. 

It is now proposed that the * Great Eastern,' which 
has been offered for sale to the Government, shall be 



154 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

finished, and the necessary funds are to be raised by 
an issue of more shares, which the present holders 
will have the option of taking at par, and in the 
prospectus put forth a dividend of fifteen per cent, is 
confidently held out as probable ! A gross delusion, 
I suspect. 

Sailors, in general, do not doubt the success 
of the ship in a sea point of view, though their 
faith in its paying the original shareholders is not 
so strong. The proposal made to the public is the 
formation of a new company to be called ' The Great 
Steamship Company, Limited/ with a capital of 
300,000/., in shares of II. each 21. [2.] to be paid at 
once, 31. [3s.] on the completion of the contract for the 
purchase of the ship, and the remainder in three calls 
of five shillings each, at intervals of two months. She 
is to trade with America. 

September 26, Sunday. Mrs. Austin 1 was here 
the other day, and told me Lord Brougham had 
written to her that the will of the Duchess of 
Orleans had made a great sensation in France, 
wherever it had been read, not only for its noble 
sentiments, but also for the admirable French in which 
it was written. 

Lord Brougham was occupied last week in inau- 
gurating a statue of Sir Isaac Newton at Grantham, 
the seat of his early education. He made a very 
fine speech, containing a survey of Newton's career, 
and of all that it suggests in a collateral sense, with 
a vigour and lucidity marvellous for a man in his 
eightieth year. 

Frederick Bruce has been to Balmoral to take the 

1 Mother of Lady Duff-Gordon, whose ' Letters from Egypt ' are so 
well known. 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 155 

Chinese Treaty for the signature of Her Majesty. 
The commercial world is indignant that the text has 
not officially been communicated to the public, and 
the more so because the terms of the French Treaty 
have been published in the ' Moniteur.' 

Colonel Bruce, 1 Elgin's brother, is appointed 
governor to the Prince of Wales. 

October 11, Worsley. I came here from Hil- 
lingdon on the 5th. 

Canning's answer to Lord Ellenborough has at 
last been published. It combines personal dignity 
with strong argument. It meets with universal 
success. 

Charles Wellesley, 2 who has been for the last 
year gradually declining, died on Saturday of brain 
fever. 

October 27, London, Wednesday. I returned to 
London on the 25th. There were some scientific 
meetings at Liverpool and Manchester, at which John 
Eussell, Shaftesbury, and Carlisle spoke. There was 
a special soiree for John Eussell at the Athenaeum 
at Manchester, merely for the purpose of hearing 
him speak, and for no specific object. He was 
listened to, but other speakers who were invited 
were exceedingly tedious and diffuse, and the public 
hissed. 

Sir James Brooke, 3 who was one of the invited, 
had an attack of paralysis. 

1 The Hon. Robert Bruce, who married Sir Michael Shaw Stewart's 
sister. 

'* Lord Charles Wellesley, only brother of the second Duke, and 
father of Henry third Duke of Wellington. He had been blind for 
some years before his death, and bore this affliction with the greatest 
cheerfulness and resignation. 

8 The first Rajah of Sarawak in Borneo. 



156 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

Yesterday I attended Valletort * and Katie 
Hamilton's wedding at St. James's, and a breakfast 
after it at Chesterfield House. She looked beautiful, 
and I was struck by the perfect demeanour of both 
bride and bridegroom. There was a great display of 
presents. Those of royalty were not remarkable for 
magnificence or good taste. 

Lord Eglinton marries Lady Adela Capel, and 
Ashburton, Miss Stewart Mackenzie. 

November 2, Tuesday. Prince Alfred has sailed 
in the 'Euryalus.' He is treated like every other 
midshipman when on board, and great pains have 
been taken to ensure the appointment of a good set 
of officers. 

November 5, H&tchford, Wednesday. I came 
here to-day. The papers are filled with letters from 
Japan, giving very amusing details of Elgin's expedi- 
tion to Jeddo, and of the place and its inhabitants. 
The city is said to be larger than London, to consist 
of 2,000,000 inhabitants, to be beautifully situated, 
and to be remarkable for the enormous size of its 
buildings, many of which, in the aristocratic dis- 
trict, can contain 10,000 people. The palace of the 
Emperor is situated on an eminence surrounded by a 
moat eighty yards wide, and by a cyclopean wall, 
beyond the precincts of which he never emerges, and 
it is capable of containing 40,000 souls ! Some good 
fortifications were discovered, and ships were lying 
in the harbour. The people seem to be courteous, 
and extremely clean, forming in this respect a 
remarkable contrast to the Chinese. They appear to 

1 Lord Valletort, eldest son of the Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe, and 
Lady Katherine Hamilton, fourth daughter of the (then) Marquis of 
Abercorn. 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 157 

be a droll mixture of high civilisation and primitive 
simplicity. As a proof of the former, the power of 
steam, the electric telegraph, telescopes, thermometers, 
and barometers are known, and in use, while the 
latter is shown by ladies being constantly seen tubbing 
themselves at the doors of their houses. The officers 
who excursed into the interior were everywhere civilly 
treated, and found charming residences with beautiful 
gardens and the land very much cultivated. The 
authorities, at first, requested Elgin to retire, but 
on his refusing, and insisting on carrying on to 
Jeddo the steam yacht he was charged to present 
to the Emperor, they acquiesced with a good grace, 
and showed him every respect, and concluded the 
treaty between Japan and Great Britain without 
difficulty. 

November 5, Friday. I hear from Paris that 
public attention there is entirely engrossed by a trial 
about to come on, in which Montalembert is the 
defendant against the Government. 

In the monthly periodical called the * Corre- 
spondant ' there has appeared an article on England 
and India, written by Montalembert (' Un Debat sur 
1'Inde '), which caused the immediate seizure of the 
pamphlet on the ground that it attacked the principle 
of universal suffrage, the right of authority with 
which the Emperor is invested by the constitution, 
and the respect due to the laws. The author and 
publisher are further charged with attempting to 
excite the people to hatred and contempt of govern- 
ment, and endeavouring to disturb the public peace. 
Some of the sentences run thus : ' Finding the foul 
marasma sweeping over me, and my ears tingling 
with the low tittle-tattle of anti-chambrery, and the 



158 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

yells of fanatics who think themselves our masters, 
or hypocrites who think we are their dupes, suffocated 
by the servile and corrupting miasmata of a loathsome 
atmosphere, I left France for England, to take a bath 
of fresh air. After attending a debate on India, 
I came forth from this august spectacle, full of 
emotion, as might any man, who looks to a Govern- 
ment as something above a lackey's waiting-room, 
and who seeks in a civilised nation something better 
than a flock of sheep, only fit for the shears, or to 
be led to nibble in silence, under the shadow of 
an enervating security.' 

4 And returning to France ' (after contrasting the 
colonial policy of England with that of Spain, he 
goes on to say :) ' Happy country and happy clergy, 
whose organ gives such sound information in such 
decorous phraseology,' and he then attacks the 
ignoble theories now in vogue among the scribes, 
' who interlard visions of the Virgin with scurrilous 
invectives against the grandeur of Great Britain.' 

Every exertion has been made to buy up every 
copy of this pamphlet. The indictment against 
Montalembert and his publishers consists of three 
counts : (1) for impeaching the results of universal 
suffrage, (2) for exciting hatred amongst classes of 
Frenchmen, (3) for seeking to change the constitution 
of France. 

Montalembert has been summoned to Paris, to 
appear before the Court on the preliminary proceed- 
ings. If found guilty, he may be imprisoned, or even 
(it is said, but I doubt it) he may be sent to Algeria 
or elsewhere. He intends to defend himself. 

Gladstone, to every one's surprise, has accepted 
the appointment of Lord High Commissioner Extra- 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 159 

ordinary of the Ionian Islands, and is to proceed there 
on Monday, with the mission of endeavouring to 
settle the differences between the Ionian Parliament 
and the British Government. It is said that Gladstone 
has been chosen from his known love of Greece, its 
language, poetry, and history (all very bad reasons, 
as it appears to me). The more likely cause of the 
selection is the hope that Derby by this side wind 
may attach Gladstone to his car. 

I suspect the appointment not to be a wise one, 
and that Gladstone has not the tact and knowledge 
of the world which are so necessary for managing 
men. 

November 10, Wednesday. The Prince of Wales's 
birthday was celebrated at Windsor yesterday. He 
was gazetted colonel in the army. His tutor Gibbs 
retired, and Bruce entered into his service. 

Lord Derby made a very clever and moderate 
speech at the Mansion House last night. He declined 
entering upon the future policy of the Government, 
and confined himself to contrasting the present 
prosperous state of the country at home and abroad 
with that of this time last year, but without taking 
credit for it to the Government. He also passed 
a warm eulogy on Elgin. This speech has been 
described not inaptly by the ' Spectator,' a paper 
not prone to praise anything emanating from Derby, 
as ' manly in tone, lucidly simple in expression, 
courteous, independent, playful at times, serious for 
the most part, cheerful, frank and modest ; and yet 
few compositions that have flowed from the same 
mouth, with all the evidence of unrehearsed eloquence, 
have more accurately hit the mark at which they 
were aimed.' 



160 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

Gladstone has departed on his mission, and is 
accompanied by Mr. Lacaita, as his private secretary. 
Some light has been thrown on this affair by a 
despatch which has been published of Sir John 
Young, the present Lord High Commissioner, who 
suggests that England should abandon all the Ionian 
Islands except Corfu, which we should retain and 
colonise, and render it one of the stations which we 
require in various parts of the world for the protec- 
tion of English soil, which is for ever wandering on 
the seas, viz. our commercial shipping. He says 
that he has to a certain extent by great exertion and 
with infinite difficulty succeeded in obviating anarchy 
and sedition in the Ionian Parliament, but without, 
in fact, having settled any of the difficulties of the 
Ionian Islands. They complain, he says, of no con- 
stitutional grievances or abuse of power on our part, 
but -they detest the English protectorate, and wish 
to be transferred to the kingdom of Greece. Corfu 
alone does not share in this desire, and as the other 
islands do not pay their expenses, and are of no 
material benefit to England, Sir John is come to 
the conclusion that we had better retire from the 
protectorate and deal with Corfu in the manner 
above alluded to, the permanent possession of which 
would be an effectual check to any project of conquest 
of the neighbouring Turkish provinces by Austria, 
as the possession of Gibraltar and Malta was formerly 
found to be to the conquest of Spain and Sicily 
respectively by France. 

All this may be very true, but it is an extra- 
ordinarily unfair and ill-judged proceeding to have 
published this despatch, which, when its purport 
becomes known at Corfu, must enormously add to 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 161 

the difficulty of Gladstone's mission, if not make it 
hopeless. It is impossible to imagine the motive for 
publishing this despatch at this moment. 

November 15, Monday. The cold surpasses all 
I ever felt before at this season ; a hurricane of 
N.E. wind has blown unceasingly for the last three 

O / 

days. 

I went to the play with Lady Elizabeth BulteeL 
Charles Mathews, lately returned from America, very 
droll in a piece called ' He would be an Actor.' All 
the others vulgar and exaggerated. Edward Sartoris, 
just come from Paris, tells me that Montalembert's 
trial is to be a huis clos, which is of a piece with 
all the rest. The pamphlet is wonderfully eloquent 
and gives a most graphic account of the famous 
' Debat sur 1'Inde.' 

November 17, Wednesday. Lunched with Mrs. 
Anson, who told me of the dreadful accident which 
had befallen Lord Bradford's daughters, of which 
she had received the details this morning from Lady 
Newport. They were standing by the fire in Lady 
Newport's room whilst she was undressing to go to 
bed ; the muslin gown of one of them caught fire, 
and in a moment she was in a blaze. The other 
sister, in endeavouring to extinguish the flames,, 
caught fire, and they were both so fearfully burnt 
before Lady Newport could assist them that their 
lives are despaired of. Lady Newport would pro- 
bably have been burnt also but for a lace shawl 
which she wore, and which did not catch fire so 
quickly, and she escaped with a few burns. New- 
port on hearing the cries rushed into the room, and 
in endeavouring to put out the flames was much 
burnt in the hands, hair, and eyelashes. 

III. M 



162 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

The Palmerstons and Clarendons are gone to 
Compiegne. 

November 18, Thursday. I took leave to day of 
Karolyi, who is ordered to Vienna, and is to be pro- 
moted to a mission. He is an excellent fellow ; in 
many ways resembling his poor brother, 1 which 
would be quite reason enough for my feeling a 
regard for him, did not his own good qualities 
attach me to him. I regret his departure very 
much. 

November 19, Friday. The Bishop of London 
(Dr. Tait) delivered his primary charge in St. Paul's 
on Wednesday last, to an immense congregation of 
the clergy and laity assembled in the dome, which 
has lately been fitted up for special afternoon service. 
The charge took five hours in delivery. The topics 
which it specifically considers are remuneration of 
the clergy, Church rates, training of curates, 
authority of the priest, confession; the case of Mr. 
Alfred Poole ; the Bishop's own view of confession, 
dangers of the young clergy, sermons, extent of the 
metropolitan parishes, home diocesan missions, special 
services in Exeter Hall, services for the poor, the 
opening of St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey, and 
many others. On all these subjects he took a broad 
and, above all, a practical view, and nothing could 
be more firm, and at the same time more moderate, 
than his tone throughout, and the charge has been 
universally commended. 

Dr. Tait, in reference to the authority of the 
priest, confession, &c., pointed out the unwisdom 
of an extreme rigour, as opposed to the excessive 

1 Count Laszlo Karolyi, who died of consumption, one of my 
uncle's greatest friends. Ed. 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 163 

observance of the ritual, and to the retention of the 
cathedrals by the Eeformed Church, as an evidence 
that the reformers, in abolishing the redundant 
furniture of the corrupted Church, still desired to 
retain the sublime ornaments of religion. He how- 
ever condemned floral decorations, bowings, and 
genuflexions, and the burning of candles in the day- 
time, and reminded his hearers that clergymen who 
strayed into these observances might be con- 
scientious, but were weak, and needed to be advised. 
In investigating the authority of the priest, he 
represented him as the interpreter of the Word, 
but condemned that kind of teaching which would 
convert the sacraments into superstitious charms, 
and make the clergy spiritual despots over the laity. 
He contrasted isolated passages of our great divines, 
upholding the priests' ' absolving power,' with the 
tenor of those more moderate sentiments which we 
find breathing through the works quoted, when we 
view them as a whole. He was ready to advise all 
who would consult him frankly, but intimated that 
no advice could be obtained from him which could 
sanction practices which were unfaithful to the 
whole spirit of the Church of which he is minister ; 
such as exaggerated attention to sacred vestments 
and ceremonies and the like. He believed the 
upholders of such things to be exceptional in their 
number, and declining in their influence, and he 
looked to public opinion and to the feeling of the 
great body of the clergy as the best counteractive of 
these encroachments. 

November 21, Sunday. I met Clarendon to-day, 
just arrived from Compiegne, about which he was 
very amusing. The Emperor was particularly cordial, 

M 2 



164 LEAVES FEOM THE 1858 

and talked very openly to him on all matters. 
Walewski and Co. thought it ' tres interessant, et 
meme curieux,' that Clarendon and Palmerston 
should hold the same language out of office as 
when they were in power ! Very different no doubt 
from their own practice under similar circumstances. 
Clarendon was much struck by the extreme magnifi- 
cence of the establishment, and at the ' Chasse.' For 
the latter, it was clear that game had been sent from 
some of the other imperial preserves. Clarendon had 
seen Malmesbury and had told him everything that 
had passed between himself and the Emperor, which 
had pleased M. very much. 

I went to take leave of Miss Foley, 1 who is going 
abroad for her health, and heard there that a telegram 
had brought the news of Lady Hastings's 2 death at 
Eome of paralysis. Her son is a minor. Lord Howe 
is his guardian. 

November 22, Monday. Called on Lady Wharn- 
cliffe, where I met Henry Loch, who was with Elgin 
in China and Japan, and brought over the treaty from 
the latter. He appears to be a very intelligent and 
agreeable man, and his account of his sojourn at 
Jeddo was very curious and amusing. The mixture 
of gross barbarism and of high civilisation is most 
remarkable. He was particularly struck by the 
courtesy of the people, which was never transgressed 
but on one occasion, when they were pelted with 
stones by a few people during a ride through the 
suburbs. This circumstance was reported to the 

1 The Hon. Adelaide Foley, sister of Lord Foley, a most charming 
and popular member of society. She died at the age of thirty-nine, 
deeply regretted. She had then been married for a short time to the 
well-known General ' Tom ' Ashburnham. 

2 Barbara Yelverton. Baroness Grey de Buthin in her own right. 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 165 

Government, an inquiry instituted and apology made. 
Loch thinks them a shrewd and intelligent people, 
and that this was evinced in all their dealings with 
the Embassy. He believes that they will adhere to 
the provisions of the treaty, because they see clearly 
how advantageous it will be to them, and also be- 
cause they entertain a great jealousy of Eussia, and 
think we may be a protection to them against that 
Power. Frederick Bruce is appointed Ambassador to 
Pekin. 

November 25, Thursday. Dined yesterday with 
the Sartor is'. She told me a droll story of Miss 
Marsh (a lady who occupies herself in attempting to 
convert navvies) and of Mr. Spurgeon, the celebrated 
dissenting preacher. The lady was about to get into 
a railway carriage to proceed on a journey when the 
guard whispered to her that the famous Mr. Spurgeon 
was seated in the same carriage. He soon entered 
into conversation with Miss Marsh, and on passing a 
distant village, and pointing to it, he said, ' Perhaps, 
Madam, you are not aware that that small spot is 
remarkable as being the birthplace of the celebrated 
Mr. Spurgeon.' ' Indeed ! ' she replied. ' Pray, sir, may 
I ask you, do you think that if St. Paul happened to 
be travelling with us and had passed the place where 
he was born, that he would have pointed out the 
fact to us ? ' A capital reproof adroitly bestowed. 

Montalembert's case was tried yesterday at the 
Correctional Police. The pleading lasted six hours 
and a half, and the tribunal deliberated for an hour 
on the verdict, which sentences Montalembert to six 
months' imprisonment and to a fine of 3,000 francs. 
The editor of the ' Correspondant ' is condemned to one 
month's imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 francs. No 



166 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

shorthand writers were allowed in court, and there is 
a stinging article on the subject in the ' Times ' of 
to-day. 

Lord Lyons died yesterday at Arundel Castle in 
his sixty-seventh year. He was a man of enterprise 
and dash in his profession, with a considerable amount 
of administrative ability, which was shown by the 
manner in which he carried out the naval expedition 
to the Crimea, and I believe it was mainly owing 
to his advice that Balaklava was made the basis of 
all our operations. After the Balaklava charge, the 
engineers considered that the loss of our redoubts in 
our own rear, and which had lately been held by the 
Turks, made it advisable that we should abandon that 
position and concentrate our strength on the plateau. 
Lord Lyons however was of a contrary opinion, and 
considered that the evacuation of Balaklava meant 
the evacuation of the Crimea, and, after a discussion 
with Lord Eaglan, he obtained his consent to 
countermand the order, and there is no doubt that in 
doing so he saved the army from a great disaster. 

November 27, Saturday. Lady Charlotte Bridg- 
man died of lockjaw yesterday, caused by her 
burns. 

November 28, Sunday. A magnificent sermon 
from Brookfield. The chapel was half empty. He 
lately said to a friend of mine, ' Believe me, that in 
our church there is a large demand for dulness.' I 
think he is quite right. 

Our newspapers, of all parties, comment severely 
on the infamy and folly of the prosecution of 
Montalembert. The 'Spectator' justly says: 'The 
body of the offences charged consisted mainly, if not 
exclusively, in certain passages applauding England, 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 16 < 

her parliamentary system, and her manner of con- 
ducting public business. There were indeed many 
passages in the pamphlet which comprised strictures 
on the English, more or less correct, but no doubt 
the mere drift of his composition was to applaud our 
parliamentary system, especially for affording the 
people the means of governing their own affairs, 
for securing a complete disclosure of all conflicting 
sentiments, and for producing, by the exhaustion of 
differences, a general concord in society, with a strong 
convergence of public opinion and action in support 
of the actual Government. The Count has in turn 
been in favour of Jesuitism, of the Emperor, in fact 
of any cause which, at the moment, bore a romantic 
aspect, and was not exactly accepted by the con- 
stitutional authorities. His lucubration, therefore, 
was eminently calculated to pass without more notice 
than any other clever essay. The effect of the 
threatened prosecution was to give his paper a 
greatly stimulated circulation in France, and to 
procure for it, in four several forms, universal 
circulation in England.' 

November 30, Tuesday. The Ionian despatch 
which has made so much noise, and the publication 
of which was so mischievous, turns out to have been 
stolen from the Colonial Office by a Mr. Wellington 
Greville Guernsey, who has been committed for trial. 
He is a rejected applicant for a Government office, 
and was in the habit of visiting Mr. Miller, the librarian 
to whose charge this important despatch had been 
entrusted, and who, instead of locking it up, merely 
placed it on his table under a weight. Guernsey, 
according to the evidence, came and saw the papers 
lying on Miller's table, remained sometimes an hour, 



]G8 LEAVES FKOM THE 1858 

sometimes more, and was frequently left alone in the 
room ! It is only wonderful that more disclosures 
of State affairs do not occur, if these are the loose 
habits of the officials to whose care State papers are 
confided. Mr. Miller has been twenty-three years in 
the Colonial Office. 

December 5, Friday. The other daughter of 
Lord Bradford, who was so much burnt, died this 
morning after much suffering. 

Lord Haddington died on Wednesday last at 
Teyningham in his seventy -eighth year. He was an 
excellent, kind-hearted man, with rather a sharp 
manner. I used to meet him often at the Wharncliffes' 
and liked his society. Without brilliant talents, he 
was endowed with good sense and judgment, and 
partly owing to this, and still more perhaps to his 
former close intimacy with and worship of Mr. 
Canning, he was at different times appointed to 
several important offices. He filled those of Lord- 
Lieutenant of Ireland, First Lord of the Admiralty, 
and Privy Seal, and I believe was offered the govern- 
ment of India. He had no children, and is succeeded 
by a cousin, Mr. Baillie, who married Miss Georgiana 
Markham, a great Yorkshire beauty in my dancing 
days. 

Montalembert's sentence has been remitted, and 
the pardon of the Emperor been given on the 
occasion of December 2. Montalembert, however, 
declines to accept it until the result of the appeal be 
known. I met Lord Lansdowne at dinner to-day at 
Flahault's. Both he and F. considered the whole 
affair as an egregious mistake. There is a clever 
article in the ' Times ' attributing the annulling of 
the sentence to the influence of the press of this 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 169 

country on the mind of the Emperor. ' Why,' it says, 
' should the Emperor regard the opinion of England ? 
why should he condescend for a moment to listen to 
the voice of the English press ? Simply because he 
cannot help it. He has dwelt among us. He knows 
the independence with which English feeling is 
formed, and the openness with which it is expressed. 
He has striven to make his own will the only rule 
and guide of his actions, but he cannot do it. He is 
driven by a tendency which he cannot master, to 
seek for a standard of right and wrong external to 
himself. And that standard, the man who has 
carried despotism over a civilised nation to an extent 
which the world has never witnessed before, finds, 
after all, in despite of himself, in the honest voice of 
a free people.' 

The ' Times,' containing reports of the trial, has 
been suppressed for some days in Paris ; but the 
Emperor, of course, reads it regularly every morning. 

December 6, Monday. Called on Lady Shaftes- 
bury, who told me that Clementina Villiers had died 
last night at six o'clock. Lady S. had met Ferguson 
in the train on his way to Middleton on Saturday, 
when she asked him if he considered the case hope- 
less. He said no, but that it presented some mys- 
terious features, and he was anxious to watch it 
throughout a whole day. She had been mending the 
last three days, but on Sunday morning she was 
seized by a sudden paroxysm of pain, under which 
she rapidly sank. It is miserable to think of those 
two old people thus bereft of the pride and joy of 
their life. 

December 7, Tuesday. The Indian proclamation 
is a very well-written document, in a clear and 



170 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

simple style, and, as far as we know, has been well 
received. Lady Canning writes cheerfully on the 
general aspect of affairs. 

December 9, Thursday. Dined with the Sartoris. 
In the evening Dr. Bence Jones came. He was 
asked if he had any faith in homoeopathy. None 
whatever, he replied, in honest homoeopathy. There 
is, and can be, no efficacy in infinitesimal doses ; 
where the doses take effect, they must contain as 
large doses as are generally given in allopathy. 
However, it is a harmless delusion, except that 
often valuable time is lost, because nature is left to 
itself. 

Bence Jones is in high repute, and seems to be a 
kind and intelligent man. He married a daughter of 
the late Lord Grosford. 

I met to-day at dinner at the Flahaults', M. de 
Malaret, first Secretary of the French Embassy. He 
gave us some interesting details of the death of 
Eossi, with whom he was at Eome. He said he 
considered him to be a man of extraordinary intelli- 
gence, and to be intimately acquainted with the 
defects of the Papal Government, and with the real 
wants of the people, and, had his life been spared,, 
he had no doubt but that he would have rendered 
eminent service to the Pope. On this account, it 
had long been determined that he should not live. 
Malaret said, ' Quant a sa belle mort dont on a tant 
parle, il 1'a volee ! ' meaning that, although he had 
been warned of the intended attempt, on the very 
day it happened, so also he had been at least ' dix 
fois par jour,' by anonymous letters, to which, not 
believing them, he paid no attention. 'D'abord,' 
said Malaret, ' il etait poltron comrne une vache,' and 



1858 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 171 

certainly, if he had had the least idea of danger, he 
would not have exposed himself to it. The murder 
was committed with wonderful skill and rapidity, 
so much so that Eossi's secretary, who was with him, 
and got out of the carriage immediately after Eossi, 
first perceived what had happened by stumbling over 
his corpse. Three men were concerned in it. One 
man presented a petition, which made Eossi draw 
his head on one side, whilst another put his fist in 
his face, which made Eossi draw back, whilst the 
third stuck a dagger into his neck. There were 
several people standing near, who saw the act 
committed in perfect silence. 

The news soon spread, and reached Eossi's two 
sons, who immediately rushed to the spot, and as 
they passed through the crowd they were hissed and 
hooted ! One of the young men, who had served in 
the Pope's army, had a decoration, which he tore off 
his breast and flung in the faces of the standers-by, 
in a state of grief and rage not to be described. M. 
de Malaret said they had discovered the assassin, but 
that he was now dead. 

December 16, Frognal, Thursday. I came here 
on Monday, 

Yesterday, Mr. Hudson 1 Guernsey was tried for 
purloining the Ionian despatch. He was described as a 
song- writer, late a captain in the Turkish Contingent, 
and until his apprehension a candidate for employment 
under Government. There was not the least doubt 
that he had stolen the document, but his counsel, 
while admitting that he had taken it ' through error, 
passion, or folly,' denied that there was any proof 

1 Mr. Greville a few pages back calls him Wellington Greville 
Guernsey. I do not know which is right. Ed. 



172 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

of the animus furandi, and on this plea, monstrous to 
relate, they acquitted the prisoner. The prosecution 
is said to have been unpopular because instituted by 
the Government. 

December 17, Friday. I heard by last night's 
post from Mrs. Anson, with infinite regret, of the death 
of Lady Wilton, which took place yesterday morning 
from typhus, which had supervened on an attack of 
rheumatic fever. She had suffered much, but died 
peacefully in the presence of all her children. Few 
people will be more universally regretted. She was 
endowed with a strong mind and excellent sense, 
which had enabled her to preserve an even and 
dignified course in a very difficult and often painful 
position. She was also full of admirable moral 
qualities, and of active and judicious benevolence, 
and had a particular talent for gaining the affections 
of the poor, and of winning their confidence. Her 
loss at Heaton will be irreparable. She was in her 
fifty-eighth year. 

December 20, Monday. Mrs. Anson and Alice, 
Charles Baring, Dunkellin, and Tom Ashburnham 
have formed our party here. We break up to-day. 

December 21, Tuesday. I came to town yester- 
day ; dined with Lady Elizabeth Bulteel, whose three 
daughters have a great attraction for me. They 
are so natural, clever, and well-bred. In the evening 
Miss Browne (daughter of the late General Browne) 
came and sang better than any English amateur 
I ever heard. 

To-night I went to hear an opera by Balfe called 
4 Satanella,' at Covent Garden. Sad rubbish. 

December 28, Hatchford. I came here yesterday. 
I was very sorry to see the death of Countess Lavradio 



1868 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 173 

in the newspapers. She was wife to the Portuguese 
Minister, and a very amiable woman ; universally 
liked here, and who had attached herself very much 
to this country. 

The appeal of Montalembert was heard on Tuesday 
by the Imperial Court. The judges, after deliberating 
for two hours and a half, delivered their judgment, 
which sentences M. de Montalembert to three months' 
imprisonment and a fine of 3,000 francs. The term 
of imprisonment awarded by the Police Correction- 
nelle is thus reduced from six to three months, the 
fine remaining unchanged. In France it is asserted 
that this trial has excited little or no interest except 
amongst the adherents of the Orleans family, and 
that it is only here that it has made any sensation. 
If this be so,, it is not creditable to France, but as 
no reports of the trial or any comments upon the 
matter have been allowed to circulate, it is probably 
owing to the ignorance of the facts that this is the 
case. 

Berryer made a very effective speech, particularly 
when defending his client for refusing the pardon of 
the Emperor, in which, he said, he only had imitated 
the Emperor himself, who had declared to M. 
Berryer, when he defended H. M. in 1845, and when 
he visited him in the fortress of Ham, that he should 
not accept an amnesty from the Government of Louis 
Philippe. He said it was not an act of clemency, 
but an insult, and he rejected it. Montalembert, 
and the printer of the ' Correspondant,' in which the 
article appeared, have again been pardoned by decree 
of the Emperor. 

December 31, Friday. I have no words to express 
what my feelings were on receiving the following 



174 LEAVES FROM THE 1858 

note from Charles, by second post, dated yesterday 
evening : ' Conceive my grief and horror when Dick 
Curzon came in just now to tell me that Mrs. Anson 
is dead. All I know is, that she was taken ill 
yesterday, and suffered great pain, and that she took 
by mistake a great dose of laudanum, of which 
she must have died almost immediately. Cecil l was 
telegraphed for, and went down, and he brings this 
account. Isabella 2 heard it on arriving in town 
this afternoon. This finishes the dreary catalogue 
of calamities that have happened this year, and it is 
the very last thing I should have expected.' 

The last thing indeed ! I never can forget what 
I felt on reading this note. The calamity is so 
aggravated by the circumstances under which it has 
occurred. I think continually of what those poor 
girls must have suffered during their poor mother's 
last moments. I think of her as I saw her just before 
starting for this place (Mr. Isted's) last Wednesday 
week, full of life and vigour. I recall to mind our 
long intimacy, and how she was associated with all 
my early youth ; and how, latterly, we have been 
constantly meeting, sometimes twice a day, and can 
hardly believe I shall never look upon that sweet 
and cheerful face again. There was such a natural 
gaiety and cordiality about her, something so 
attaching, that I hardly ever have seen the like in 
any other woman. I feel entirely prostrated by this 
event, and impatiently await details. 

1 Cecil Forrester, her brother. 

- Isabella, the eldest daughter, afterwards Countess Howe. 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 175 

1859 

January 7, Saturday. It appears that poor 
Mrs. Anson had an attack of gout in her hand, that 
she was lying on her sofa and put out her hand to 
take a draught from the drawer of the table without 
looking. There were three of Meryon's draughts 
which she was in the habit of taking, and one of 
laudanum. This latter (not being aware that it 
was in the drawer) she took by mistake, bolted it 
down, and had no sooner swallowed it than, perceiv- 
ing what she had done, she went downstairs and 
informed some one sitting in the library what had 
taken place, and asked for antidotes and assistance. 
Every species of emetic was soon administered, but 
without effect, and when the doctor arrived, the 
stomach-pump was used, but all in vain. The poison 
having been taken on an empty stomach was quickly 
imbibed into the system. They tried by every 
imaginable means to keep her awake, but nothing 
was of any avail ; at 9 A.M. on Thursday morning she 
expired ! My mind dwells upon the agony those poor 
girls must have endured whilst these unavailing 
attempts were making to save their poor mother's life ! 
The great anxiety now is for Lady Newport, who is 
near her confinement, and who must be already nearly 
worn out by the dreadful scenes she has gone through 
at Weston. The telegram, addressed to Newport, 
was taken to her, he being out. She opened it, and 
her state may well be imagined ! 

January 5, London, Wednesday. I came here on 
Monday. Every one, as may be supposed, is occu- 
pied with this dreadful event. A coroner's inquest 
was held at Ecton, but nothing new was elicited. 



176 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

A speech made by the Emperor Napoleon on the 
first day of the year to Baron Hiibner, the Austrian 
Ambassador, at the reception of the Corps Diploma- 
tique, has created a great sensation. The purport of 
this speech, I believe, was that H. M. regretted that 
the relations between Austria and France were not so 
cordial as they had been, but he wished Mr. Hiibner 
to assure his master that his personal feelings for 
H.M. had undergone no change. The French Funds 
immediately fell one per cent., and the feeling on our 
Exchange is very uneasy. There is no doubt but 
that a strong impression prevails that a crisis in Italian 
affairs is at hand. Whether or no it will be hastened 
by the Emperor Napoleon for his own objects, it is 
quite impossible to say, but it is believed by many 
who should be competent to form an opinion, that he 
will not be sorry to find an opportunity of diverting 
public attention in France from home subjects, by 
presenting himself as the champion of Italy against 
Austria. Many persons have long been persuaded 
that he has been holding this card in reserve. In 
Piedmont great excitement undoubtedly prevails, 
and in Lombardy the detestation of Austria seems, if 
possible, to increase. It is probable, therefore, that 
before long a conflict will arise between Piedmont 
and Austria, and if this be the case it is hardly to be 
expected that the war will be confined to those two 
Powers. The French Emperor, foreseeing this state 
of things, which he has been mainly instrumental in 
bringing about, has already interfered actively. He 
has proposed to Austria to join with him in an attempt 
to induce the Pope to make reforms in his States. 
Austria, however, considering that this suggestion is 
probably the beginning on the part of France of a 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 177 

system of interference in Italy, and never having 
recognised France as an Italian Power, and feeling 
considerable jealousy of her occupation of Eome, has 
declined to join in any alliance whatsoever with her 
for interference in Italian affairs. This explains the 
Emperor's speech to Hiibner. Austria is persuaded 
that this proposal as regards Eome is a mere blind, 
and that the manner in which France has allowed her 
aid to be invoked by the Piedmontese and disaffected 
Lombards shows that she cannot count upon her 
good- will generally. 

Persigny, who is now in England, does not conceal 
that the Emperor is hatching some projects in this 
direction, nor does he make any secret of his disap- 
proval of such policy. 

Prince Napoleon is also averse to French inter- 
ference in Italy or to anything likely to weaken 
the English alliance, which a French invasion of 
the Austro-Italian States, under whatsoever pretence, 
could not fail to do. 

January 9, Sunday. After the French Funds had 
already fallen nearly three per cent., in consequence 
of the Emperor's speech to Hiibner (and perhaps 
also in consequence of a communication sent by 
our Government to Paris, of which John Bidwell 
was the bearer), the ' Moniteur ' of yesterday issued the 
following paragraph : 

' For some days public opinion has been agitated 
by alarming reports to which it is the duty of the 
Government to put an end, by declaring that no- 
thing in our diplomatic relations authorises the fears 
which these rumours tend to excite.' 

The Funds, which had risen on the report that the 
'Moniteur' was about to speak, immediately fell when the 

in. x 



178 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

above paragraph appeared, and although our Exchange 
is not in so feverish a state, still considerable uneasi- 
ness prevails. 

I met Lady Chesterfield to-day, who gave me 
many details of her sister's death. Her courage, 
resignation, and energy were wonderful during those 
fourteen hours. Lady C. appears quite broken down 
by this calamity. 

On Friday I went to consult White Cooper for 
my eyes. He told me of the safe accouchement of 
his wife, for the first time, after fourteen years' 
marriage, during which time she had never shown 
any symptoms of pregnancy, and after having 
consulted every doctor of eminence, who all assured 
him that it would be impossible for her to have a 
child, or that, if it did happen, it must be fatal to her 
life. He attributes this result to the Ems waters, 
which have wrought a complete change in her con- 
stitution. 

January 10, Hatchford, Monday. I returned 
here to-day. Before leaving London Charles told me 
that he had determined upon resigning office. He 
had long meditated doing so, and had only waited 
until his period of service should entitle him to the 
full retiring pension. His emoluments were 2,500/. 
per annum, and he is to receive a retiring pension of 
1,800. per an. I regret this determination, as I think 
the office interested him more than he is aware of, by 
bringing him in contact with men and subjects of 
importance, and the office shackled him very little, 
not nearly so much, in fact, as his racing, which he 
is sure not to give up. 

The ' Times ' has put forth some admirable 
articles of late on the Emperor's speech to Hiibner 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 179 

and on 'his suspected policy towards Austria and 
Italy. The article of to-day is wonderfully vigorous 
and hits all the right nails on the head, showing up 
the hollowness of the pretexts put forth, and utter- 
ing some home truths which will be far from 
palatable. 

January 11, Tuesday. The King of Sardinia 
opened his Parliament yesterday. He thanks them 
for their concurrence with his government during 
the last session, and which had contributed to the 
consolidation of the national policy, and of progress. 
After alluding to various home matters, he concludes 
by saying that, although there was uncertainty in the 
political horizon, one must await the future with 
firmness ; for the future could not fail to be auspicious, 
with a policy founded on justice and on a love of 
liberty and of country. ' Piedmont is smallj he added, 
4 but it is great in the councils of Europe, as well by 
virtue of her principles ivhich it represents, as of the 
sympathies which it inspires. Respect for treaties does 
not render us insensible to the cry of grief in Italy. 
We must await with resolution the degrees of pro- 
vidence' 

This speech, or rather the extracts from it, as given 
by the telegraph, are both vague and aggressive. 

Another fact that has come to light is the 
marriage of Prince Napoleon with Prince Clothilde 
of Sardinia, who in her sixteenth year is to be 
sacrificed on this altar of political crime. It is 
reported that on the occasion of the Prince Eoyal 
of Naples' marriage, political prisoners are to be 
liberated. Poerio and Settembrini are to be exiled. 
This tardy act of justice may perhaps enable our 
Government to resume diplomatic relations. 

w 2 



180 LEAVES FKOM THE 1859 

Sir Charles Trevelyan succeeds Lord Harris as 
Governor of Madras. Elphinstone has been re- 
quested, and has consented, to remain another year 
at Bombay, which I much regret on his account. 
He has been too long in that Indian climate. The 
accounts of poor John Fortescue from Madeira are 
far from satisfactory. I have always had a gloomy 
view of his case. 

The Prince of Wales has gone to Italy attended 
by Colonel Bruce, Captain Grey, and Mr. Tarver, his 
chaplain. On his road he stopped at ShornclifFe to 
present the colours to the Canadian regiment, and he 
made a little speech. I was glad to hear from one 
who was present that he acquitted himself well, and 
made a very favourable impression. It was almost 
his first public appearance. 

January 19, Wednesday. Nothing can be better 
than the tone of our leading newspapers on the 
present aspect of political affairs. The ' Times,' the 
' Economist,' the ' Saturday Eeview,' have all put 
forth powerful articles exposing the hollowness of 
the pretexts advanced by the paid organs of the 
French Government for going to war with Austria, 
and for the last few days there seems to be a 
revisement, and a desire on the part of the French 
press (and of course the Government) to calm the 
public mind. It is asserted that Austria has sent a 
satisfactory note regarding Servia, and this affair 
may be considered settled. In the meantime 
Austria is pouring troops into Lombardy, and pre- 
paring herself for all eventualities. The French 
funds have risen in consequence. 

The King of Naples has insisted upon the 
political prisoners being transported to Cadiz and 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 181 

from thence to America. Poerio has refused his 
pardon on these conditions, being in such a state of 
health as to render it impossible he can make the 
voyage. 

January 21, Friday. A letter from Mrs. Craven 
this morning says : ' My delight at hearing that all the 
Montesarchio prisoners were to be set free was not 
at all checked by learning also that they were to be 
sent to New York first, as that is evidently giving 
them their liberty to all intents and purposes, and it 
is besides what our Government suggested, so that 
now, I hope, the relations will soon be renewed, and, 
considering the state of affairs in the north of Italy, 
and the very suspicious attitude of Louis Napoleon, 
it certainly seems desirable that we should have a 
representative here.' 

In a postscript dated the 15th she adds : 

' The foolish decree which has followed the 
amnesty, and which has the appearance, at least, of 
putting the whole country under martial law to 
guard against the imaginary danger that may be the 
result of this long-delayed act of justice, has con- 
siderably damped the satisfaction which that measure 
had produced, and has given weight to the opinion 
of those who doubted the King's generosity at 
first.' 

I had hardly read the above, when the ' Morning 
Post ' arrived, containing a telegram from Vienna 
stating that accounts had been received there of the 
death of the King of Naples having occurred yester- 
day morning. This is a very important event at 
this present juncture, and may add to the complica- 
tion of affairs. It was a grave mistake on our part 
to withdraw our minister, and we shall now reap the 



182 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

inconvenient results of that measure. I have always 
understood that there is little to be hoped or expected 
from the Prince Koyal, who has been brought up in 
seclusion and purposely been debarred from all inter- 
course with any one who could in any way enlighten or 
educate his mind. The Princess of Bavaria, to whom 
he was married by proxy a few days ago at Munich, 
must have arrived at Trieste (whither she was to be 
accompanied by her sister, the Empress of Austria) 
on the 19th, and was to embark the following day 
for Naples. 

January 22, Saturday. The above news is not 
confirmed, but there is no doubt that the King 
is seriously ill. 

The French Funds continue to be in a most 
agitated state ; the journals under the direction of 
the Government blow hot and cold, but there can be 
little doubt that public opinion in France is decidedly 
against war. 

The marriage of the Princess Clothilde is very 
unpopular amongst the higher classes at Turin, and 
the suspicion is gaining ground that the Emperor 
has been ' humbugging ' the King, in order to bring 
about this mesalliance. The ' Times ' correspondent 
at Turin asserts that the King very reluctantly con- 
sented to the marriage, which, however, strengthens 
the belief that it was given as part of the bargain by 
which H. M. is to receive some equivalent for the 
sacrifice of his wretched daughter. It is a very ugly 
affair, and shocks public opinion and good feeling. 

January 28, London, Friday. I returned here 
on Monday. To-night I dined with Adelaide Sartoris, 
who gave me some curious details of the birth, 
education, and adventures of her mother, who, by 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 183 

the way, was one of the most agreeable women I ever 
met. 

Marie Therese de Camp was the legitimate 
daughter of the Comte de Fleury, grandson of the 
Marquis de Fleury, an Alsatian nobleman. The 
father of the Comte de Fleury and grandfather of 
Marie Therese, having married the daughter of an 
aubergiste of Strasburg, was disinherited, and, after 
struggling hard to educate his sons, was obliged, 
when they attained to manhood, to send them forth 
to seek their fortunes as best they might. Young 
Fleury was fortunately a very sharp youth, and had 
a remarkable talent for music, and was a first-rate 
player on the flute, by means of which, and by the 
influence of a German nobleman, a friend of his, he 
obtained admittance into the private band of the 
Empress Marie Therese. He was soon remarked by 
Her Majesty and treated with so much favour that 
she signified her intention of being godmother to his 
infant daughter, who was named Marie Therese. 
After remaining at Vienna some time, Lord Maiden, 
afterwards Lord Essex, who happened to be there, 
made the acquaintance of young Fleury (who had 
assumed the name of de Camp, which was also one 
belonging to his family), and was so struck by his 
playing on the flute that he advised him to come 
and try his fortunes in England, promising that he 
would give him his aid and protection. Tempted by 
this advice, Fleury started for England, and on 
arriving in London enquired for Lord Essex, who 
received him civilly, asked him to dinner, and then 
left him to his fate ! After infinite difficulty, however, 
Fleury got appointed first flute in the Drury Lane 
Theatre : and thus, with the aid of his wife, who, 



184 LEAVES FROM THE 1869 

though not nobly, was respectably born, and was 
moreover a very thrifty and excellent woman, lie 
contrived to bring up his children tant Men que mal, 
and of these Marie Therese was the most clever and 
precocious, and soon evinced an extraordinary love 
and talent for acting, fostered probably by being 
often brought by her father to the orchestra of the 
theatre, in order to relieve his wife, who had many 
other young children to look after. At this time 
there was residing in London one Tessier, who was 
famous for reciting French proverbs and had formed 
a troupe of children who acted little French plays. 
Marie Therese was soon enlisted therein, and im- 
mediately distinguished herself, especially in the 
male parts, dressed (as she often told our children) 
in pink satin breeches, and an embroidered coat and 
bag wig and powder ! These children frequently 
performed before the Prince of Wales, at Mrs. Fitz- 
herbert's house, and they took a great fancy to Marie 
Therese and constantly sent for her. She remembers 
one day being nearly suffocated by the Prince putting 
her under the bell glass of a clock, for fun, as he 
was extremely amused by her very diminutive stature 
and comical appearance. Little by little she grew 
up, and with her stature her dramatic talent de- 
veloped itself and procured for her an engagement 
on the English stage, where she continued to be a 
great favourite until her final retirement. The last 
time she appeared in public was as Lady Capulet 
when Fanny Kemble first came out at Covent Garden 
Theatre, but she had withdrawn from the stage some 
years before Fanny's debut. Adelaide recounted all 
this to her sister-in-law, the Marquise de 1'Aigle, and 
on her repeating the story to the old uncle of her 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 185 

husband, the Marquis Victor de FAigle, he told her 
that he perfectly recollected the Marquis de Fleury 
in question. 

A person who professes to describe character 
from handwriting gave the following analysis of that 
of my brother Charles, which, in most respects, is 
curiously true. The person is a lady who resides 
in Scotland, and is a friend of a friend of Adelaide 
Sartoris', and has never seen Charles, nor did she 
know it was his handwriting. 

' Intellectual more in a newspaper and pamphlet- 
reading way than in that of pure literature. Likes 
to act, and to agitate. Though earnest in partisan- 
ship is not bitter or prejudiced. Has more strong 
friendliness and active kindness than tender sensi- 
bility. A generalising kind of mind, altogether 
masculine, prompt and active. Clever in a business- 
like, statistical, arguing way. Does not profess 
enthusiasm, but has animated interests. Is popular 
in society from thoroughgoingness, straightforward- 
ness, and vivacity, but does not especially take pains 
to please. Moves about a great deal, acts with 
firmness and decision.' 

On Wednesday I dined with the Flahaults en 
famille. He is very uneasy at the private accounts 
he gets from Paris. The feeling against the war is 
so strong in Paris that many people believe that, if 
the Emperor persists in his supposed intentions, it 
may cost him his throne ! 

The Granvilles came back yesterday. He saw 
the Emperor at Paris in a private audience. His 
Majesty complained bitterly of the 4 Times ' news- 
paper and of its determined hostility to himself. Prince 
Napoleon is to be married on Sunday. Nothing can 



186 LEAVES' FROM THE 1859 

exceed the disgust which this alliance and its hasty 
conclusion excite all over Europe. 

The Princess Koyal's accouchement of a prince l 
took place yesterday afternoon at Berlin, and was 
known by the Queen six minutes after its occurrence. 
The event was proclaimed to the audiences at the 
theatres, and was hailed with tumultuous cheering. 

February 3, Thursday. The Queen opened Parlia- 
ment to-day. I was in waiting, and I never saw 
so many people in the streets, the weather being 
beautiful. 

The speech, which is a long one, gave general 
satisfaction, and the Queen read it very distinctly. 
Her voice is become stronger, without having lost its 
fresh silvery tone. The paragraph on foreign affairs 
is skilfully composed. I met Clarendon afterwards, 
who was of this opinion. He is, I think, uneasy at 
this state of affairs, and said the Emperor had 
allowed himself to be so entangled by the craftiness of 
Cavour and to be placed in so false a position that it 
would be extremely difficult for him to recede from it. 

Edward Ellice told me the other day that Thiers 
and all his Parisian correspondents coincide in the 
opinion that the Emperor means to go to war. 
Karolyi writes to me from Vienna that much will 
depend upon the attitude assumed and the language 
held by our Government and Parliament, but that 
Austria is prepared for all eventualities. 

Prince Napoleon was married on Sunday, and 
went to Genoa the same day, where there was to 
be a public reception. They are to make a public 
entry into Paris to-day. This marriage disgusts 
everybody of all parties. 

1 The present Emperor "William II. 



1869 DIARY OF HENftY GREVILLE 187 

I met Dr. Lushington, for the first time, at dinner 
at Lord William Powlett's, and was much struck by 
his agreeableness. A propos of the changes which 
occurred in people's politics and circumstances, he 
made us laugh by an anecdote relating to Sebastian! 
and Alava whom he met at dinner at Palme-rston's. 
Before they went into the dining room Palmerston 
said to Dr. L., ' Watch the demeanour of these two 
men, and I will tell you why afterwards.' They had 
hardly sat down, before Sebastiani very courteously 
asked Alava to drink wine with him, which the latter 
as politely accepted, On coming into the drawing 
room, Dr. L. asked Palmerston what he meant, when 
the latter told him : ' The last time Sebastiani and 
Alva met, the former gave orders that Alva should 
te hung.' This was during the Spanish War. 

It appears that the Princess Eoyal had a very 
bad confinement and that at one time it was feared it 
might be necessary to' sacrifice the child. 

A journal written by Mrs. Elliot, mother' to the 
first Lady Charles Bentinck, during the Eeign of 
Terror, is exciting interest, and is amusing. It was 
written sheet by sheet for the amusement of King 
George III., and carried to him by his physician, Sir 
David Dundas, who was also attending Mrs. Elliot. 
The manuscript with other papers was inherited by 
her granddaughter Georgiana Bentinck, who by the 
advice of Mr. Levien of the British Museum sold it 
to Bentley for 25/. An absurdly small sum, particu- 
larly when compared with that lately paid to Lady 
Morgan for some passages from her autobiography, 
viz. 600/., and which for the most part contain 
uninteresting gossip and fulsome praise of herself. 
Mrs. Elliot's journal has a great deal of detail of the 



188 LEAVES'FKOM THE 1859 

daily incidents of that time, and is curious from her 
having been intimate with Egalite. 

I remember, when a little boy, being taken by 
Lady Charles to see her mother, who was a tall, hand- 
some, much-rouged old lady, dressed in white muslin 
draperies. 

February 4, Friday. At Granville's last night 
there were Carlisle, Charles Howard, Monckton 
Milnes, and others. In both Houses a strong desire 
for the maintenance of peace was manifested on all 
sides. Granville spoke very well, and discussed the 
Italian question. He bore testimony to the odious 
government of the Pope's dominions, and said that 
the hatred of the French was nearly as great as that 
of the Austrians, but that in Italy there was no unity 
or agreement, and he hoped that our Government 
had not bound themselves to any party, and that 
Sardinia would not desert the policy which had raised 
her to her present position in the councils of Europe. 
Derby replied, and said the Ministry had entered into 
no engagement with any Power which could hamper 
it, but that on all Powers alike had been impressed 
the fact that England had no direct concern in the 
matter beyond that of a great maritime and com- 
mercial state. That whatever the Austrian Govern- 
ment might be in Lombardy, we had nothing to do 
with it. That Eome was, in fact, the cause of these 
disturbances, where the feeling towards the papal 
rule was so hostile that nothing but the presence of 
foreign armies could save it from destruction. We 
had earnestly entreated that France and Austria 
should unite in demanding reforms. The course of 
Sardinia should be to busy herself with internal 
reforms and improvements, and not to act as an 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 189 

example of aggression to the rest of Italy, and he 
believed that the Emperor of the French would 
support her morally or materially as long as Austria 
confined herself to her own limits. Derby then read 
a lecture to the Emperor of the French, grounded on 
his famous Bordeaux speech. In the Commons much 
the same language was held on all sides. Palmerston 
hoped that foreign armies would be removed from 
the Papal States, and the reforms so long promised be 
made, and said that, although he thought Lombardy 
was a source of weakness rather than of strength to 
Austria, she held it by virtue of the solemn treaty 
of 1815, and he earnestly deprecated war. Disraeli 
admitted the state of things to be critical, but not 
such as to induce him to believe the maintenance of 
peace to be hopeless. Eeform was by no means in 
the ascendant last night. Disraeli said a measure 
was prepared, but would not be brought forward 
until ' the urgent business of the country ' was put 
into 'proper train,' which I conclude means after 
Easter. John Eussell advocated the immediate eva- 
cuation of the Eoman States ; that provision for the 
safety of the Pope should be made by the Catholic 
Powers, but that the people should be left to frame 
their own laws. He considered Disraeli's declaration 
on Eeform very vague, and saw no reason for delay- 
ing the production of the measure. 

Nothing could be more pacific than the tone of 
both Houses. It remains to be seen what effect this 
will have on the Emperor, who is to open his session 
on February 7. 

February 6, Sunday. The reception of the 
Prince Napoleon and his bride on their public entry 
into Paris was cold in the extreme ; hardly was any 



190 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

common courtesy shown to them on the part of the 
people. She is said to be plain, but to have good and 
graceful manners. 

I am informed by letters from Naples received 
to-day that the fear of war is there at its height, and 
considered certain. The King had recovered, and the 
Princess Eoyal was expected to arrive at Bari any 
day. The young prince is said to be a cretin, and to 
have been immured like a monk and taught nothing. 
It is believed there that the Emperor of Eussia 
has signified to the Emperor Napoleon that it 
is a matter of indifference to him what he does 
with the Austrian possessions in Italy, but that he 
cannot view his interference with Naples in the 
same light. The Emperor considers himself as under 
obligations to the King for the part he took in the 
Crimean war. 

A pamphlet, entitled ' L'Empereur Napoleon et 
1'Italie,' has just been published at Paris, which 
excites universal attention. If not actually written 
by the Emperor himself, there can be no doubt that 
it has been issued with his sanction, and may be 
considered as an imperial manifestation ; indeed, this 
is half admitted by the 'Moniteur,' which directs 
public attention to it. It is a decided menace to 
Austria, and on its publication the funds went down 
like a shot, and unless the speech to be delivered by 
the Emperor to-morrow should be of a very pacific 
tendency, the impression produced by this pamphlet 
will not easily be effaced, and not only the belief in 
war being imminent will be entirely confirmed, but 
the pride of Austria and the national feeling of 
Germany will be roused, and (as the ' Times ' justly 
observes) the French Emperor will have performed 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 191 

the wonderful feat of converting nine-tenths of the 
English Liberals into sympathisers with the Power 
which was their favourite object of denunciation. 

Apponyi declares that his Government is entirely 
satisfied with the language of ours, and of Parlia- 
ment. 

February 7, Monday. The Emperor's speech 
pronounced this morning is a splendid verbiage, 
which, on first reading it, would seem to be pacific, 
but on further inspection is full of ambiguity and loop- 
holes ; and the funds, which had risen on the report 
that it was to be pacific, fell immediately after it 
was delivered. It contains no mention of upholding 
the faith of treaties ; whilst there is a menacing 
paragraph against Austria. On the whole, the speech 
disappoints, by its general tenor, those who had 
fondly hoped for a plain intimation of a peaceful 
issue to the present complication. 

February 10, Thursday. Morny's speech as 
President to the Legislative Assembly is decidedly 
pacific, and was received with great approbation by 
that assembly. All accounts agree in the statement 
that France is decidedly averse to war. 

February J5, Sunday. A splendid sermon from 
Brookfield this morning on Christ's prophecy on the 
end of the world. Nothing could be more eloquent 
than his language or more ingenious than his argu- 
ments, and the elocution perfect. 

In the evening I went to the Flahaults. The 
Apponyis and Cothek were there. I see they are con- 
vinced that war is inevitable and imminent. There 
is to be a renewal of the conference on the Danubian 
Provinces, owing to the election of Conjas to be 
Hospodar of two of them, and to settle other points 



192 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

in dispute ; but Italy is positively not to be mentioned 
therein. There is a report that England and Prussia 
are about to make a joint proposal to France and 
Austria for the evacuation of the Legations, which 
will probably lead to no result. Austria, it is believed, 
being convinced that war is quite inevitable sooner 
or later, would rather have it now, when (as she 
believes herself to be) she is well prepared, than 
remain in a constant state of preparation and sus- 
pense, ruinous to her finances. 

Apponyi told me that the Emperor's famous speech 
to Hiibner had been evidently prepared, both in its 
substance and its ' effect,' and was pronounced in a 
calm tone, but so loud as to be overheard by all who 
were present. 

February 15, Tuesday. I met Vernon Smith l 
to-day, just returned from Turin, where he had 
assisted at one of the debates in the Chamber, and 
was much struck by the order which prevailed, and 
by the general ability of the speakers. Cavour is 
very warlike, and said to Vernon Smith, that in our 
desire to maintain peace we overlooked the fact that 
Piedmont as a constitutional Government was ipso 
facto a standing offence to Austria, and must con- 
tinue to be so until one party or the other were 
victorious. 

There is a very interesting account in the ' Times ' 
of this debate in the Piedmontese Chamber on the 
projected loan, in which Messrs. Sola della Margherita, 
Eevel, Beauregard, and Cavour took part. The 
speeches were all good ; those of the opponents of 
the war by far the best. That of Cavour, however, 
appears to have made a great sensation, but it is to 

1 Afterwards Lord Lyveden. 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 193 

be hoped that he overstated the ' position ' when he 
said, ' The hour of the stmggle has struck ; it is too late 
for Savoy ' (which was represented by its deputy to 
be hostile to what Cavour calls the Italian policy) 
' to expostulate? 

February 16, Wednesday. Lord Bristol died 
yesterday after a very short illness. He paid some 
visits on Saturday, and, not feeling well, called on his 
apothecary, Chilver, who advised him to go home 
and take care of himself. He had no particular 
complaint, but said 'he felt the machine was worn 
out.' He was in his ninetieth year, and of all men 
I have ever met with, was the one over whom time 
had passed the most lightly. He had no infirmities, 
except a slight lameness, and when I last met him 
three weeks ago, at Lady Wharncliffe's, he was as gay 
and bright as ever, and taking the same lively interest 
in his friends and in passing events. His loss to his 
family is irreparable, for his generosity was bound- 
less. He was my father's oldest friend, and always 
kept up an affectionate intercourse with my mother. 
He and she were born the same day of the month, 
October 2, and on his last birthday she sent him 
some muffatees of her work, which he wore out 
shooting, when he killed fourteen pheasants ! No- 
thing could be more easy than his death, and he was 
surrounded by all his children. 



1859 

February 17, Thursday. I have letters from 
Eome and Naples to-day. The former mention the 
Prince of Wales having visited the Pope, and as 
actively pursuing his studies, but preserving a strict 

in. o 



194 LEAVES FKOM THE 1859 

incognito. The belief in war prevails strongly at 
Eome. 

From Naples I hear that the hereditary Grand 
Duchess of Tuscany, who had come there for the 
Prince Eoyal's marriage, had died. She was very 
young and very pretty daughter of the King of 
Saxony. This event, together with the continued 
illness of the King, has put an end J^o the projected 
fetes and is considered a bad omen for the marriage. 

The Conference on the Danubian Principalities is 
about to assemble at Paris to deliberate on the double 
election of Conjas as Hospodar, which, although not 
contrary to the letter of the law, is inconsistent with 
the spirit of the convention. Conjas has added to 
the complication by having on his entry into Bucha- 
rest published an edict decreeing the union of the 
Principalities, with one National Assembly, which is 
to be held at Fochsham. Austria will only send a 
representative to this conference provided England 
and Prussia will guarantee that the Italian question 
shall not be mooted therein. 

February 23, Wednesday. Palmerston gave notice 
that on Friday, before the Navy Estimates were 
moved, he should make a direct interpellation of 
Ministers on the present state of foreign affairs and 
on the policy of Government. As leader of the 
Opposition he has a right, and perhaps good reason, 
for taking this course, but the general opinion 
seems to be that no good can, and much harm may, 
arise from it. 

We hear to-night that Cowley is going on .a 
mission to Vienna, and on this being known the 
Funds both here and at Paris rose. 

February 26, Saturday. Palmerston spoke re- 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 195 

markably well last night, in a tone entirely free 
from party spirit or faction. He said he did not 
blame Ministers for not volunteering information, but 
he asked for it in the interest of commerce. There 
were everywhere signs of war, and he wished to 
know what it was all about. He could nowhere see 
any grounds of difference which could justify an 
appeal to arms. No Power could wish to break the 
treaties of 1815 not France, whom they left a great 
naval and military Power ; not Austria the treaties 
are her title-deeds not Sardinia, who holds her 
territories under them. The ancient jealousies of 
Austria and France had been brought into activity 
by the joint occupation of the Papal States, and the 
remedy is the simultaneous retirement from that 
occupation". Austria may hesitate in the fear that a 
revolution may ensue a very bad reason. Instead 
of putting out your neighbour's fire, look to your 
own house. Eeform the temporal government of 
Eome ; modify the treaties which authorise Austria 
to interfere in the Italian States, let the Powers con- 
cur in reforms for Italy, and save Europe the 
calamities of war. 

John Eussell echoed Palmerston. Disraeli, after 
complimenting Palmerston on the moderation of his 
speech, announced that the Government had not been 
idle, and that he had the satisfaction of informing 
the House that they had received communications 
which gave grounds for the belief that both Austria 
and France would evacuate the legations with the 
consent of the Pope (which was loudly cheered), and 
that Cowley had been sent to Vienna on a mission of 
peace and conciliation. 

I dined with the Granvilles a large party. 

o 2 



196 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

Every one agreed that Palmerston had spoken ad- 
mirably. 

In the morning I met C. Wood, who said Palmer- 
ston, he was sure, would be very moderate, and that 
it was only because the Government sat with its arms 
folded and doing nothing that Palmerston thought it 
absolutely necessary to call the serious attention of 
Parliament to the present state of affairs, inasmuch 
as we were the only Power who could bring France 
and Austria together in this business, Cowley's 
mission was entirely an afterthought, and had been 
suggested by Cowley himself. 

Grey, who had given notice of a motion on the 
Ionian affair, has consented to postpone it at the 
earnest request of Lord Derby until Gladstone's 
return, which is to be on the 9th. The Ionian 
Parliament has rejected the reforms proposed by 
Gladstone, and he had left the island. Sir H. Storks 
had arrived and assumed the government. 

It is generally considered that Gladstone has 
lowered himself as a statesman both in having 
accepted this mission and in his mode of carrying 
it out. There is an idea that on his return Lytton 
Rulwer is to retire from office with a peerage, and 
that Gladstone is to step into his place. I doubt 
his wishing this, or that the Government would be 
strengthened thereby. He is so detested by the whole 
party. 

February 27, Sunday. I am confined to the 
house by rheumatic pains in chest and back. Charles 
called and told me he had met Delane, who has seen 
the Reform Bill, which he thinks clever, well drawn 
up and very temperate, and such as is likely to pass 
the House of Commons. The Government sent it 



1859 DIARY OF HENHY GREVILLE 197 

to the ' Times.' However mild it may be, it is too 
strong for Walpole and Henley, who have resigned 
their offices much to the annoyance of the Govern- 
ment and its supporters. 

February 28, Monday. The ' Times ' speaks 
favourably of the Eeform Bill nevertheless the 
Tories are very indignant that it was communicated 
to that journal. Walpole is succeeded by d'Estcourt 
at the Home Office, and March replaces the latter as 
President of the Poor Law Board. 

The ' Moniteur ; states that on the 22nd Cardinal 
Antonelli informed the French and Austrian Ambas- 
sadors that the Pope was ready to make arrangements 
for the simultaneous evacuation of his territory by 
the French and Austrian armies. 

Cowley reached Vienna yesterday. It is believed 
that part of his mission is to endeavour to induce 
the Austrians to modify their separate treaties with 
the Italian States, which were concluded after 1815. 
The French Funds do not rise as expected. 

March _Z, Tuesday. After dining with Lady 
Newburgh, I went to the Granvilles. A great many 
people were there, all a good deal excited by the 
explanations of Henley and Walpole, which are 
thought damaging to the Government. They were 
both rather sore in consequence of Lord Derby 
having given it to be understood, at his meeting this 
morning, that they had resigned because the Bill did 
not go far enough. They had wished to resign some 
time before Parliament met, on account of their 
objection to the uniform franchise, but on the urgent 
entreaty of Derby that they would remain in office 
until the Bill came before Parliament, they had very 
reluctantly consented to do so. Henley said he felt 



198 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

like a man walking about with a mask on his face, 
and Walpole read a letter he had written to Derby, 
in which he said that ' if such a clause had been 
proposed by Lord John Eussell, every member of the 
Conservative party would vote against it.' 

Notwithstanding this drawback, the meeting at 
Derby's, which was attended by two hundred people, 
went off very harmoniously. 

March <5, Torquay, Saturday. I came here on 
a visit to the Ellesmeres yesterday, having slept at 
Bath, and much enjoyed a walk all over that 
beautiful city before leaving it for this place. 

Yesterday was such a day as I have seldom if 
ever seen in England at this season a cloudless sky 
and deep blue sea and the thermometer at sixty-four 
in the shade. This lovely place is looking its very 
best. The Es. live in Southhill House. 1 

March 6, Monday. An official article has appeared 
in the ' Moniteur ' disclaiming all desire on the part 
of the Emperor to provoke war, denying that he is 
making warlike preparations or such as exceed the 
effective force France is accustomed to maintain in 
time of peace, and after declaring it to be absurd to 
cast on the Emperor alone the responsibility of having 
aroused uneasiness and of having caused warlike 
preparations in Europe, it ends by saying, ' H.M. is 
examining the various reasons of the present com- 
plications, not as a provocative to war, but in a 
diplomatic way, and nothing authorises the belief that 
the issue will not be favourable to the consolidation 
of peace.' 

This is the article every one has been so long 
calling out for as the means of reassuring people's 

1 Now the Imperial Hotel. 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 199 

minds. It has come too late, and inspires so little 
confidence that the rise in the funds has been quite 
unimportant. 

March 10, Mount Edgcumbe, Thursday. I came 
here yesterday. My expectations have been far 
surpassed in the beauty of this renowned place. 
The day was splendid, and in a long walk I took 
with the Valletorts the sun was so hot, the sea so 
blue, and the towns in the distance so white, the 
vegetation so southern, ilexes, Scotch firs, cork and 
even camellia trees dipping into the sea, I might 
easily have imagined myself on the Corniche. To- 
day we took a long drive to Earn Head, Penterth by 
the Folly, Kingsands and Cawsands, which presented 
every kind of beauty. We climbed up Earn Head, 
which commands a magnificent sea view, and some 
fine cliffs of rock in Whitesands Bay. The drive 
home along the sea, twisting and turning, constantly 
presenting new lovely little pictures, Italian in their 
form and colour, is such as I do not believe any other 
gentleman's place in England can boast of. I was 
perfectly delighted. 

I believe there is no doubt but that John Eussell 
and Palmerston have come to an agreement to act 
together for the purpose of defeating this Eeform 
Bill, and that the whole Liberal party will join in this 
attack. Whether these two men will hereafter so 
adjust their differences and their pretensions as to 
admit of them sitting in the same Cabinet remains 
to be seen at present the alliance is confined to this 
particular action. It was at first proposed to allow 
the Bill to be read a second time, but on a more 
minute examination they discovered it to be so 
objectionable in its main provisions and so dishonest 



200 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

in man} 7 " of its details, that they consider it impossible 
to permit the principle of it to be affirmed, and the 
whole Liberal party are unanimous in the resolution 
to oppose it in toto. The Eadicals are willing to 
throw out this bill, but want the Whigs to pledge 
themselves to certain measures to which they will 
not consent and to which J. Eussell will not listen, 
so that in future projects, there is not likely to be 
any concert between him and Bright. 

It is said that the Government is inclined to 
withdraw the clause against which J. Eussell's 
resolution is directed (and which would be nearly 
tantamount to withdrawing the bill itself), but this 
would be very hazardous and the Opposition would 
only become more savage, and the question would 
probably arise whether they could not be turned out 
on a vote of want of confidence. 

March 12, Saturday. On Thursday J. Eussell 
announced his resolution, when Disraeli informed 
the House that they had resolved on withdrawing 
the disfranchising clause, and that previous to the 
second reading he should lay on the table new clauses 
which would make the retaining the present franchise 
of the forty shillings Freeholders of Boroughs con- 
sistent with the principle of uniformity which is in 
fact a surrender to J. Eussell. 

March 15, Torquay, Tuesday. I returned here 
yesterday before leaving Mount Edgcumbe I paid 
a visit to its owner at the Winter Villa. I had not 
seen him for many years and he is a sad object 
of human infirmity, which he bears with admirable 
patience. On my way here I passed two nights 
at Pamflete, a small cottage where J. Bulteel is living, 
on the confines of his own place Flete, now let to 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 201 

Mr. Bibb. It is a pretty and snug little abode. 
Flete is a charming place, and a capital house, but 
too large for the property. The road from Flete 
to Ivy Bridge, the railway station, is beautiful, and 
the place itself strikingly so ; but the day was awfully 
bad rain falling in torrents and a perfect hurricane 
blowing. 

Letters from London state that the hope of peace 
daily becomes more faint, and the only question now 
seems to be when the war will break out and what 
pretext the French will put forward for declaring it. 
I hear from Paris that the shopkeepers are in despair 
at this state of suspense, which is ruinous to trade. 

The opposition to the war party in the Chambers 
is becoming very unmanageable. 

Every one is looking forward with great curiosity 
to the battle on the Eeform Bill which is to come on 
on Monday. John Russell is sanguine about carrying 
his resolution, and he will be supported by Palmer- 
ston and nearly all the Whigs. Great difference of 
opinion, however, exists as to the propriety and 
expediency of the course he is taking, and many of 
his supporters would much prefer that the second 
reading of the bill should be carried. No one knows 
what the Government will do in case of defeat much 
must of course depend upon the numbers of the 
majority if there be one. By some it is believed 
that they will accept the resolution and go on with 
the bill, and that they ' will be ready to give up 
everything but the ghost.' 

A letter from Grey to Elcho has been published, 
pointing out all the objections to John Russell's 
course, and it has had considerable effect, and may 
possibly influence some votes. 



202 LEAVES FROM THE 18-59 

March 17, Thursday. A letter from Charles, who 
has seen Cowley. He told him he never believed 
there would be war, and he did not believe it now. 
The Emperor had repeatedly assured him that he 
had not and never had had an idea of going to war, 
nor had he ever said more to Cavour than that, if 
Sardinia were attacked by Austria, he would go to 
their assistance. At Vienna, however, the belief in 
war was general, and considered so inevitable sooner 
or later, that the desire was strong that it should 
take place now, when the Austrian army is considered 
to be in such an efficient state of force and prepara- 
tion that they never would fight on more advantageous 
terms. Cowley, however, succeeded in making the 
Government take a more pacific view, and brought 
away with him assurances from Buol which Cowley 
thinks ought to be satisfactory to France, and are 
quite as much as Austria can be expected to give. 
Cowley went to Vienna without any definite proposal, 
and he brought nothing definite back except their 
willingness to give any security that might be required, 
that they would neither threaten nor attack Piedmont, 
nor interfere with her internal affairs, and also their 
readiness to concert with France the evacuation of 
central Italy, and their entire acquiescence in any 
such internal improvements in the several states as 
may satisfy the people, and take away inducements 
to break out in insurrections. 

Cowley is now going to try to prevail on the 
Emperor Napoleon to issue an unambiguous declara- 
tion of his pacific intentions, and to announce to 
Sardinia that as there is not a shadow of a pretext 
for suspecting the intentions of Austria, or for fearing 
an attack from her, Sardinia may at once desist from 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 203 

her warlike preparations and demonstrations, and 
that in this case Austria would, at once, again with- 
draw her troops and resume the attitude she held 
before all this agitation began. This, he said, and 
meant to say to the Emperor, would satisfy the world, 
and nothing short of this would do so, because all 
faith in the veracity of the French Government being 
at an end, no one will attach any credit to assertions 
which are in the teeth of patent facts. 

Incidents are continually springing up to com- 
plicate matters. The Pope seems to have withdrawn 
his requisition for the evacuation of his territory, 
which, he says, was made only in the hope of pre- 
venting a collision, and he now confines himself to 
' putting up prayers to Providence for the maintenance 
of peace.' Besides this, the French Government has 
put forth a long article in the * Moniteur,' giving a 
lecture to Germany in a tone sure to give offence. 
Indeed it has already produced agitation, and is 
declared to be insolent and perfidious, as endeavour- 
ing to prove that Germany is menacing France, for 
which the French Government knows there is not 
the slightest foundation. 

Lord Stanley's answer to Canning's despatch, 
which explained his famous proclamation in Oude, is 
just published. It is an offensive document disguised 
in courteous terms and will not satisfy C.'s friends. 

The Neapolitan exiles, Poerio, Settembrini, and 
about sixty others, landed at Cork the other day, 
having compelled the captain of the vessel chartered 
by the Neapolitan Government to convey them to 
America, to steer for that port. They were received 
with great ovations, and a subscription for their 
relief has been set on foot headed by Shaftesbury. 



204 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

I am rejoiced that they are free, but I dare say we 
shall make ourselves ridiculous in our mode of 
receiving them, and overdo it all as we generally 
do. ' Le defaut de notre qualite,' I suppose. 

March 19, Saturday. I am happy to see that 
J. Eussell asked the Government (last night) if they 
did not intend to move a vote of thanks to Canning 
and Lord Clyde and that both he and Granville in 
the House of Lords commented very severely on Lord 
Stanley's sneering, taunting, and ironical despatch. 
Derby defended his son's production, but both he and 
his son were obliged to eulogise Canning's general 
policy, and stated that, besides sending out the Bath 
to him, advice had been tendered to the Crown to 
raise him a step in the peerage. The copy of a letter 
from Lord Clyde to Lady Canning is in circulation, 
wherein he offers her his warmest congratulations on 
her husband's policy and conduct, on the complete 
success of both, and on the glory which attaches to 
his name. 

March 21, Monday. I have an amusing letter 
from Cartwright from Borne. He says : ' The truth 
is, the Pope's Government is mortally alarmed at its 
own act, and with good reason, for the real evacuation 
of the country by foreign garrisons is the signal for 
rising, which the Government will be quite powerless 
to put down. The condition of the Pope's dominions 
is disaffection. It is moderate enough in character, 
free from Eepublicanism in the majority, but it is 
universal. 

' It is believed that the French are not going to 
evacuate. The best-informed persons are of this 
opinion, and yet I am not ready to share it with 
confidence. The French General says he will go 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 205 

away, and I believe it would be eminently wise policy 
on the part of his Government to do so. It would 
put the Austrians manifestly in the wrong if they 
refused to do the same, and it would exhibit the 
wretched incompetence of the Government here, in the 
revolution certain to come about. The Municipality 
of Bologna addressed to the Cardinal Legate the 
question what he intended to do for the maintenance 
of the public peace in the event of the Austrians going 
away ; the Cardinal replied that he had the Papal 
garrison to rely on. The council thereupon protested 
against trusting the lives and property of the com- 
munity to such a rabble and demanded the formation 
of a National Guard. 

' At a Congregation presided over by the Pope a 
few days ago, it was resolved to raise a new foreign 
regiment, besides 2,000 more native troops. You 
may depend upon it that the Piedmontese feeling is 
now dominant throughout Italy Mazzini is defunct 
just now, and nothing will occur imprudently to com- 
promise the success of a war against Austria, if it 
should come so far. The other night, on Massimo 
Azeglio coming into the room at a ball given by Queen 
Christina, all the cardinals rose and turned their backs 
upon him. The imbecility of this Government is 
beyond remedy.' 

All this may be true but in what class, whether 
of the nobility or mezzo ceto, are materials now to be 
found in Italy competent to deal with the great prob- 
lems of government and legislation ? They do not 
exist, and this is the essential truth which Liberals of 
all shades entirely overlook. 

London is just now exclusively engrossed with the 
coming battle on the Reform Bill. Palmerston and 



206 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

John Eussell are entirely united on this resolution, 
and are so far politically reconciled that in the event 
of either of them being called upon by the Queen to 
form a government, the one selected will consider it 
indispensable that the other should be joined with 
him. Their reconciliation has been brought about by 
the mediation of common friends, followed up by 
repeated personal interviews, and they are now acting 
cordially together. 

March 4, Thursday. The Eeform debate began 
on Monday, the chief feature of which was a speech 
of Gerard Sturt's, which amused the House very much 
and was very good in its way. It was very plain- 
spoken and pleased the Opposition more than his own 
side of the House. John Russell's speech was cheered 
by Bright and Co., and generally by his party, when 
he said he should consider it unworthy of him to be 
deterred from throwing out the bill by a threat of 
dissolution. He complained of Grey's letter to Elcho 
as wanting in candour and fairness. Horsham spoke 
capitally against the resolution. It was the speech 
of the night. 

On Tuesday Sir E. Bulwer and Cairns were 
magnificent and if votes depended on speeches, the 
Government would be triumphant, for really good 
speaking is all on their side. Cairns made a tremen- 
dous and telling philippic against John Eussell. On 
Monday night Lord Stanley gave it to be understood 
that, if beaten, the Government would abandon the 
bill and dissolve Parliament ; but Bulwer and Cairns 
endeavoured to remove this impression, and it 
is now thought they will go on with the second 
reading. 

The ' Moniteur ' of March 22 has announced that 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 207 

Eussia has proposed the assembling of a Congress to be 
constituted of plenipotentiaries from France, Austria, 
Eussia, Prussia, and England, to prevent the complica- 
tions to which the state of Italy might give rise, and 
which would naturally disturb the peace of Europe. 
The French Government has given its assent to the 
proposal of the Eussian Cabinet ; the Cabinets of 
Austria, Berlin, and London have not yet returned 
official replies. 

This is probably a dodge got up by the Emperor 
Napoleon and the Emperor of Eussia to get the former 
out of his scrape. I hope we shall not encourage any 
such project, because Eussia has nothing to do with 
Italy, and has no right to call upon Austria to enter 
into any discussions of matters involving her rights 
and her status in Italy, and if nothing be required 
of her but the adjustment of her differences with 
Sardinia, this may be effected without a Congress. 
The two Emperors probably think that by proposing 
this Congress, and in the event of Austria declining 
to assent to it, they will put her in the wrong before 
Europe ; but in this they will, I hope, reckon without 
their host. 

March 28, London., Monday. I returned here on 
Saturday and dined with Madame de Flahault on 
that day and Sunday, and last night I went to the 
Granvilles.' The question of peace and war is for the 
moment entirely forgotten, and no one speaks of any- 
thing but the Eeform debate, which, again adjourned 
on Friday, is not likely to be concluded before 
Monday. Palmerston spoke on Friday, and his 
speech has been praised and criticised for all sorts of 
different qualities. It has strengthened the belief 
that, beyond voting for the resolution, there is no 



208 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

further concord between him and John Eussell. He 
told the Government that they ' must go on with their 
bill and that they ought not to resign or dissolve.' 
The position of the Opposition is much complicated 
by Owen Stanley's l notice of a motion for ' want of 
confidence, if the bill is proceeded with' given 
without any concert or consent of the party ; it has 
met with so much opposition that it will probably 
not be presented, but it may prove a planche de salut 
to the Government. 

The prevailing opinion last night was that the 
resolution will be carried by a small majority and 
that Derby will resign ; but the hangers-on of the 
Government maintain that he will, in the event of a 
defeat, dissolve. 

It is difficult to form an opinion of what they 
will do, for no two men in office hold the same 
language in Parliament. 

In the meantime it is difficult to find anybody 
who approves of the resolution, or who does not 
consider it a mistake, both in a party and patriotic 
point of view. Sir James Graham has the credit of 
having suggested it to J. Eussell. 

March 29, Tuesday. Last night Sir J. Graham 
acknowledged that he had consulted with J. Eussell 
on the resolution after the Bill was first laid on the 
table, not, however, for the purpose of defeating the 
Government, but to afford them the opportunity of 
withdrawing a measure which was distasteful to 
nearly all parties. Pakington followed Graham, and 
in a tone of virtuous indignation declared in reply to 
Palmerston that he had arrogantly recommended 
them to take a line which no gentleman would adopt, 

1 Lord Stanley of Alderley's twin brother. 



1859 DIAHY OF HENRY GREVILLE 209 

and which Palmerston, if it were suggested to him- 
self, would spurn with indignation. He denied that 
Government had used any threat of dissolution ; all 
they had said was, that in the event of a defeat 
which rendered it impossible for them, consistently 
with their honour and the principles of the constitu- 
tion, to proceed with the public business, they should 
tender such advice to the Crown as they should con- 
sider consistent with their duty. Gladstone moved 
the adjournment. 

March 31, Thursday. Every one rushed to hear 
Gladstone's speech against the resolution. It was 
a very fine oration, moderate in tone and strongly 
deprecating either a resignation or a dissolution or 
an abandonment of the bill, which he thought might 
be amended in Committee and thus that the matter 
should be settled with as little delay as possible. 

Peacocke told me to-day that he had gone over 

the lists with , that Government would be beaten 

by about thirty-four that they would not resign, but 
dissolve immediately. The debate will end to-night. 

April 1, Friday. The division took place at 
1 A.M. last night amidst tremendous excitement, the 
numbers being 

Against the resolution . . 291 

For the resolution . . 330 

Majority 39 

Disraeli, who spoke remarkably well, and whose 
attack on John Eussell told immensely, adjourned 
the House till Monday, and this evening in the House 
of Lords, Derby said he should postpone until 
Monday the statement of what had passed and the 
advice he had tendered to Her Majesty in conse- 

iii. P 



210 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

quence of the adverse vote of the previous evening, 
' and of the course she had permitted them to pursue.' 
This of course told nothing positively, but left an 
impression that they mean to dissolve. Curiosity is 
intense, but the general desire of sensible people is 
that the Government should go on and try to bring 
in a new bill without a dissolution. But the speeches 
of Pakington especially, and of Stanley, have made 
this all but impossible. 

April 5, Sunday. It is believed that Derby 
resigned that the Queen declined to accept his 
resignation and that he ultimately consented to 
remain on condition that he might dissolve at his 
pleasure. 

Austria and Eussia have protested against the 
admission of Piedmont to the Congress. France is 
so increasing her armaments that there can be no 
hope, even if the Congress should meet, that peace 
will be maintained. 

Lord Waterford was killed by breaking his neck 
out hunting last week. He was an excellent land- 
lord and a first-rate sportsman. 

April 5, Tuesday. Derby and Disraeli made their 
statements last night and announced the dissolution 
of Parliament. The former made a personal attack 
on John Eussell in the form of a biographical sketch, 
which, although containing some truths, was more 
full of inaccuracies, and gave Granville an oppor- 
tunity of distinguishing himself, of which he took 
advantage. It was generally admitted that Derby 
spoke much less effectively than usual, whereas 
Disraeli showed both moderation and tact. The 
dissolution is very unpopular with all parties, and 
considered a hazardous step by which no one but 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 211 

the extreme Eadicals will gain. Government declare 
their belief in a gain of thirty seats but no one 
really thinks so. 

April 6, Wednesday. We have the most extra- 
ordinary weather. On this day last week it snowed 
the whole day, and the ground was covered with it 
until the following morning, and all the cherry trees 
were blighted by the frost. On Friday there were 
ten degrees of frost. On Sunday the weather sud- 
denly became warm, and on Monday, Tuesday, and 
to-day intensely hot. The gardener at Holland 
House told me to-day that the thermometer yesterday 
and to-day stood at 100 in the sun and 80 in the 
shade ! 

The other night John Eussell gave an outline of 
the Eeform Bill he intended to suggest. To-day at 
the morning sitting Palmerston, who answered the 
attack Pakington had made upon him for having used 
language inconsistent with respect for the prerogative 
of the Crown, whilst declaring his perfect concurrence 
with John Eussell in the resolution and in the 
principles of his outline of Eeform, said that, with 
regard to the limits suggested in his sketch, he 
retained the opinions he had expressed on former 
occasions so that perfect union between these two 
men is not to be counted upon in the future any 
more than in the present Parliament. 

April 11, Monday. Yesterday I met Poerio and 
his fellow-exiles and prisoners at dinner at Gran- 
ville's. The Stanleys of Alderley, St. Germans, and 
Panizzi were the other guests. Poerio is a middle- 
aged man with nothing remarkable in his appear- 
ance, but appears intelligent. He spoke little of his 
imprisonment, and was more anxious to obtain than 

p 2 



212 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

to impart information. These men are much feted in 
society, but are desirous of politically eclipsing them- 
selves for the present. 

April 12, Tuesday. The news from Vienna and 
Paris is, and has been for the last few days, very 
warlike, and letters which I have received from both 
places state that the crisis is at hand and that there 
is no hope of the Congress meeting. Last night, 
however, at Lady E. Bulteel's, I heard that Austria, 
who had declined agreeing to the Congress unless 
Sardinia disarmed, now will consent that it shall be 
held, provided that France and Sardinia disarm 
simultaneously with herself. To this France replies 
' that as she has never armed she cannot be called on to 
disarm? 

I am told Cowley still believes in peace, and does 
not think France is prepared sufficiently for war at 
present. 

The Government have been pressed to say when 
they will dissolve, but decline to do so why, no 
one knows. 

April 14, Thursday. A letter from Lady Holland 
from Naples says that the King grows worse and 
worse and is in a hopeless state, his body being con- 
sumed by open tumours. 
Tumore 
Umore 
More 
Ee 

e e poi ? 

Numerous intrigues are carried on with such mystery 
that there is no knowing what will happen. The 
Princess married to the successor is pretty, petulant, 
and full of life, but without education, and only 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 213 

liking riding, driving, and smoking, but has a will of 
her own, which if well directed might be of use to 
the country ; but she is a child with no one to guide 
her. What, then, can be expected ? 

I met Lord and Lady Eglinton at dinner yester- 
day at the Blackwoods'. He told me that the change 
for the better in Ireland within the last five years is 
marvellous. Crime is diminished at least half, and 
everything else had improved in even greater pro- 
portion. 

April 16, Saturday. News of the death of Bosio 
reached London by telegraph on Thursday at St. 
Petersburg, an event which will make a painful 
sensation in the musical world. Besides being with- 
out doubt the most charming singer, in her line, of 
the day, she was a graceful and attractive woman, 
free from the vulgarity and iU-nature one so often 
sees in her profession. She is a great loss to me 
individually, for ever since I made her acquaintance 
she has been most kind in coming to sing at my 
house, whenever I have had my little musical 
reunions, and which she declined doing elsewhere 
and always without any remuneration. I delighted in 
her clear high soprano voice and in her brilliant and 
effortless execution, and her looks were particularly 
pleasing to me. There is no one at all capable of 
replacing her. 

I had some amateur music last night executed by 
the Bulteels, three Sartoris', Woodford, and Mitford, 
and Miss Browne, who sang at my house for the first 
time, and has a delightful talent. 

In the morning Cothek (Austrian Secretary of 
Legation) paid me a visit to tell me that Karolyi had 
been summoned from Copenhagen to Vienna, from 



214 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

whence he was to start on a special mission where 
he did not know but probably to Eussia. Cothek 
has no hope of peace, because he does not doubt 
that France, or rather the Emperor, has long been 
bent on war. He believes that Cowley is much 
disgusted now with H.I.M. and has changed his mind 
as to the chance of peace being preserved, since the 
interpretation the Emperor has chosen to put on the 
fifth point of Buol's note to Augustus Loftus, relating 
to the simultaneous disarmament of the Great Powers, 
and which our Government had supported. I asked 
him if the accounts from Hungary were satisfactory, 
and he answered ' Entirely so, and Prussia has behaved 
admirably throughout.' 

The ministerial statement on foreign affairs was 
put off yesterday until Monday, it is supposed, on 
account of the announced arrival of Massimo Azeglio 
on a special mission from Turin to Paris and 
London. 

April 19, Tuesday. If anything can yet conduce 
to the maintenance of peace, it ought to be the tone 
of all our chief statesmen in their speeches last night 
in both Houses. Malmesbury was rather confused in 
his statement, which presented no new fact but that 
our Government had proposed to France to join with 
her in guaranteeing Sardinia from attack by Austria, 
on condition of her disarming, which France had 
declined, fortunately, as such an engagement might 
have entangled us very inconveniently. Clarendon 
replied to Malmesbury, and nothing could be better 
than the tone of his speech throughout. Derby com- 
plimented him individually, and the Opposition 
generally, on the forbearance they had shown on 
foreign affairs he took the House by surprise when 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 215 

he declared that, if war ensued, ours must be an 
armed neutrality, ' enabling us to take our part on 
that side, whatever it might be, which the honour, 
the dignity, and the interests of the country may 
indicate as best deserving our support.' 

Disraeli spoke less despondingly of peace than 
Derby and expressed a hope that a good result 
might ensue from the mission of Massimo Azeglio, who 
had arrived in London on that morning. Palmerston 
and John Eussell seemed agreed on all the main 
points, and the discussions in both Houses were 
eminently creditable to Parliament, and, if anything 
will now avail, must have good effect towards avert- 
ing war. 

April 21, Thursday. To-night at Flahault's I 
heard that there was un Eclairci in the political 
horizon, and to-day the ' Moniteur ' states that our 
Government has made to the four other Powers the 
following propositions : 

1. To effectuate, previous to the Congress, a 
general and simultaneous disarmament. 

2. The disarmament to be regulated by a civil or 
military commission independent of the Congress. 
This commission to be composed of six commissioners, 
one for each of the five Powers and the sixth for 
Sardinia. 

3. As soon as the commissioners shall have com- 
menced operations, that the Congress shall assemble 
and proceed to the discussion of political matters. 

4. That the representatives of the Italian States 
should be invited by the Congress, immediately after 
its assembling, to take their seats with the repre- 
sentatives of the Great Powers, absolutely as at the 
Congress of Laybach in 1821. 



216 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

France, Eussia, and Prussia have given in their 
adhesion to the proposals of the British Government. 

The answer of Austria has not yet been received, 
but some hope is entertained that the proposals may 
be accepted and that peace will be maintained. I 
cannot say that I have any such expectations, either 
that they will be accepted, or, even if they are, and 
that the Congress should meet, that peace will be 
the result ; my belief is that the Emperor Napoleon 
is resolved to go to war, and that his object is to 
gain time, and in the meanwhile to exhaust Austria. 
Nous verrons. 

April 22, Good Friday. On going to the 
Travellers' yesterday I found the second edition of 
the ' Times,' which announced ' that by orders of the 
Emperor of Austria, General Giulai had sent an aide- 
de-camp to Turin to present an ultimatum to Sardinia, 
demanding a disarmament and the dismissal of the 
volunteers. If refused, war was to be declared in three 
days. The English proposal for a Congress on the 
same conditions as that at Laybach had been refused} 

An additional corps of 80,000 men was to repair 
to the Ticino. 

After a Cabinet our Government sent off by tele- 
gram a remonstrance to Vienna. War may now be 
considered certain, and Austria is already accused by 
our press and by that of France of precipitancy, just 
as matters had taken such a turn as to afford hopes 
of accommodation. 

The public, however, is ignorant of the dessous des 
cartes, and does not take into consideration the false 
position of Austria, and that whilst all these pour- 
parlers are giving time to France to complete her 
armaments, they serve to exhaust her, and that it is 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 217 

necessary for her salvation that this state of things 
should not be prolonged. 

April 23, Saturday. In the midst of this tremen- 
dous foreign crisis, Parliament is dissolved to-day. 
The ' Moniteur ' states that England and Eussia have 
protested against the ultimatum of Austria, and that 
French troops are ordered to march on the Sardinian 
frontier, and a large force which is to embark at 
Toulon for Genoa. 

The French Funds have fallen nearly three per 
cent, and the uneasiness is described as extreme. All 
the French papers lay the whole blame on Austria of 
the outbreak of war. 

The ' Moniteur ' contains the appointment of all 
the generals to the various divisions of the army, 
but of no Commander-in-chief, so it is presumed the 
Emperor intends to take this charge upon himself. 
Prince Napoleon is appointed to that of the Pioneers, 
which is sure to call forth many jokes. It has 
already been said that since he knew he was to have 
a command, his opinion on the propriety of France 
going to war had entirely changed ! 

No answer has been yet returned by the Sardinian 
Government, but no one expects that the terms asked 
will be agreed to. It is said that Austria, when she 
sent her ultimatum, did not know that Piedmont had 
agreed to disarm, and it is thought just possible she 
may withdraw the ultimatum. I do not expect this. 

To-day I dined at dowager Lady Grey's and met 
Count Streletzki, who is a very intelligent man, and 
would be a very agreeable one if he talked half the 
quantity. He amused me by an account he gave of 
MalakhofFs narrative to him of his first interview 
with the Emperor Napoleon on his return from the 



218 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

Crimea, the drollery of which was much heightened 
by his dramatic way of telling the story. As soon 
as Malakhoff landed he was ordered by telegram to 
join the Emperor at Plombieres. On his arrival ' cet 
autre,' as M. calls H.I.M., rushed into his arms. 'II 
m'a embrasse et re-embrasse, et puis il m'a dit, " Je 
vous ai bien taquine, n'est-ce pas, Marechal ? " " Mais 
non, Sire V.M. sait que le succes couvre tout." 
"Mais si, Marechal" (dit cet Autre), "je vous ai 
taquine." " Ah ! mais n'en parlons plus, Sire " et 
il m'a de nouveau embrasse.' 

' Enfin quand je devais partir, et que la voiture 
etait a la porte, et que je mettais mon paletot sur 
mes epaules, en laissant flotter les manches, et 
comme je montais en voiture, voili que je sentais 
quelqu'un me prendre par le pan de mon habit, et en 
retournant je voyais I'empereur, qui me disait encore 
une fois : " Pas vrai, marechal, je vous ai bien 
taquine, vous me pardonnez, n'est-ce pas ? " " Mais, 
Sire, pour 1'amour de Dieu, n'en parlons plus," et 
enfin il me laissa partir.' 

Nothing could be droller than Streletzki's mimicry 
of the two men. He thinks the loyalty of the 
Marshal hangs by a very slender thread, and that 
H.I.M. suspects this may be the case. He is appointed 
to the army of observation (which does not please 
him), the head-quarters of which are at Nancy. 

April 25, Monday. At the Club to-day I dined 
next to Vitzthum, the Saxon minister, who has just 
returned from Paris. I asked him what they said there 
on the present crisis. He replied, ' They are laughing 
in their sleeve at you.' ' Why ? ' said I. ' At the 
simplicity of your belief that Sardinia is the Emperor's 
object in going to war, whilst it is you he intends 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 219 

to quarrel with. They say you have been joues 
throughout, and have shown neither dignity nor 
courage in your negotiations. All Germany is 
aroused and preparing for any eventuality, and in 
four or five months will have a force of 900,000 
men.' Austria, he said, had good right to complain 
of us, since we had made the proposal of disarma- 
ment to them, without ascertaining previously and 
privately, as by all rules of courtesy and diplomacy 
we were bound to do, whether such a proposal 
would be agreeable to them. He said it was not 
true, as stated in the ' Moniteur ' of to-day, that 
Prussia had remonstrated with Austria on the pre- 
sentation of the ultimatum, and that she was now 
entirely $ accord both with that Power and with 
Germany. ' What about Eussia ? ' said I. ' She will 
observe a strict neutrality,' he answered. 

To-night at the Drury Lane Opera I observed 
Brunnow and Azeglio sitting alone in a conspicuous 
box together. This is a trine, but I do not feel so 
sure that Eussia is as neutral as Yitzthum says. 

April 26, Panshanger, Tuesday. Last night 
Derby made a speech at the Mansion House dinner, 
and took the opportunity of explaining the conclusion 
of the one he had delivered in the House of Lords, 
which he said John Eussell and others had mis- 
understood. His words then were, ' that it was 
the intention of Government to maintain a strict 
neutrality, but that when a million or more of men 
were in arms, when the contest already was engaged 
in, when war was not only imminent, but in actual 
existence, and that moreover in Italy and on the 
shores of the Mediterranean, it was incumbent upon, 
and absolutely necessary for us, looking to the great 



220 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

interests we have involved there, looking to our 
great possessions and the military positions we 
occupy there, that we should be in such a state as to 
maintain and defend the security of those possessions 
and preserve the British flag and British arms from 
the possibility of insult, from the many contingencies 
which might arise in the conflict/ All he meant by 
this was, that if unhappily war should break out, 
England will maintain a watchful and observant 
attitude, observant, not for the purpose of profiting 
by the weakness and calamities of others, but for 
the purpose of discovering the slightest gleam of 
light that should break forth amidst the gloom of 
war, and should disclose a reasonable probability 
of the dispersion of the clouds, and afford a ground 
or opportunity for the pacific interposition of England. 
With regard to the ultimatum he was severe upon 
Austria, and said there was nothing in his opinion to 
justify the hasty, the precipitate, and (because involv- 
ing the horrors of war) the criminal step which had 
been taken by Austria, and he added, ' that within 
twelve hours they had despatched to Vienna and 
Paris a joint representation, offering to take up on 
the part of England alone, the mediation at the 
point at which it had been left by Lord Cowley, and 
to endeavour to arrange the differences between the 
two Grreat Powers, subject to one of these two condi- 
tions, either an immediate, absolute, and simultaneous 
disarmament of the three Powers, France, Austria, 
and Sardinia, or a consent on the part of all the three, 
pending the result of the mediation, to retain their 
armies precisely in their present conditions, and to 
maintain a position, if not of peace, at all events of 
inaction.' 

I came here to-day. 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 221 

April 27, Wednesday. I was much startled by 
an announcement in to-day's 'Times,' by telegram 
from Vienna, that an alliance offensive and defensive 
has been concluded between France and Eussia. 
The ' National Gazette ' of Berlin states that this 
treaty was signed on Friday last, according to which 
Russia is to make her first mobilisation of four corps 
d'arme'e, two of which are to be advanced to the 
Austrian and two to the Prussian frontier. 

If this be true, ' the unwarrantable precipitancy ' 
of Austria and her criminal conduct in sending the 
ultimatum are explained and justified, and the whole 
case is altered, and, as the ' Times ' observes, ' not 
only Italy, but the East and the Rhine, are menaced 
by the contingencies of the war.' 

Yesterday the Corps Legislatif met to receive 
a communication from Government, which was a 
demand for a loan of 20,000,000/. sterling and the 
levy of 140,000 men. Walewski, who made the 
communication, had the impudence to say : ' The 
whole negotiations prove that France has shown 
excessive moderation, but if in the present state of 
affairs Sardinia is threatened, if, as everything raises 
the presumption, her territory is invaded, France will 
not hesitate to respond to the appeal of a nation 
with which she is allied. The Government of the 
Emperor awaits with calmness the course of events, 
feeling confident that its conduct during the different 
phases of the negotiations, as they have followed one 
another, will meet with the unanimous approval of 
France and Europe.' 

We heard yesterday that Austria had accepted 
the last proposal of our Government and was ready 
to postpone the declaration of war for a day or two, 



LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

but that France had rejected it. Hostilities will 
therefore begin at once. 

May 1, Sunday. There are conflicting accounts 
as to the truth of the existence of a treaty between 
Eussia and France. Gortchakoff denied to Crampton 
that any treaty ' perilous to England or Europe was 
in existence,' but he admitted that there ' was an 
understanding between the two countries.' The 
' Times ' has been assailed by the Government candi- 
dates and press for publishing what they call a 
' stock-jobbing report,' and because they declined 
inserting a t contradiction on authority ' because 
they persist in believing that a treaty or something 
equivalent to it is in existence. 

A council was held at Windsor yesterday to 
issue an order for the offer of bounty to sailors who 
will enlist before June 15. This is considered by 
most naval men as an unwise measure, and one 
likely to disgust the men who are now serving, and 
to produce desertion. 

This was the day of thanksgiving for the pacifi- 
cation of India. Brookfield preached a beautiful 
sermon, in the course of which he pronounced a fine 
eulogium on Canning, by name, and also on that 
' noble army of martyrs ' who fell in that dreadful 
rebellion. It was most striking and affecting. 

May 2, Monday. The Austrians crossed the 
Ticino on the afternoon of the 19th. It is supposed 
that they mean to act on the defensive. The French 
cannot be in force for ten or twelve days. 

The Tuscan army has declared its union with 
that of Piedmont, and the Grand Duke, declining to 
abdicate, has left his dominions, and a provisional 
government has been formed. The same thing has 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 223 

happened at Parma, which the Duchess has left, but 
not without first appointing a Council of Eegency. 

All this of course must render the position of 
Austria more critical, and I think we may consider 
their eventual expulsion from Lombardy as certain, for 
the Emperor Napoleon could never return to France 
with anything short of this being accomplished. 

It is said that Prince Napoleon is to command 
a separate force which is to march upon Florence, 
that city being destined to form the capital of a new 
kingdom over which he is to reign ! 

The Emperor of Austria has published a manifesto 
to his people, explaining the causes of the war, the 
salient point of which is an appeal to Germany to 
come to his aid and to recollect that ' it is in Italy 
where the crafty enemies of Germany have generally 
begun their game when they have wished to break 
her internal power.' 

Emma Loftus 1 writes from Vienna that the 
Emperor will go to the army, but not take the 
command. 

Palmerston's speech at Tiverton on his election 
has had a bad effect. It is full of unfair statements, 
and is in its tone so openly hostile to Austria as is 
sure to excite universal indignation in Germany, and 
consequently a very impolitic speech from one who 
is so likely to be prime minister. 

The borough elections are nearly over, and up 
to the present moment the Government has gained 
at least eleven seats. 

May 6, Friday. Dined last night with Granville. 
Azeglio came in the evening. I thought he did not 
seem very triumphant, and said the Emperor Napoleon 

1 Lady Augustus Loftus, wife of our Ambassador, nee Greville. 



224 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

had been- quite undecided up to the last moment 
whether he would declare war. 

Malmesbury had sent to Apponyi a telegram 
which he had received from Hudson, stating that 
90,000 Austrian infantry and 13,000 cavalry were 
opposite the allies, who numbered 60,000 infantry 
and a lesser number of cavalry, and that an engage- 
ment was expected to take place immediately, near 
the plains of Marengo. 

The South Lancashire election terminated to-day 
in the triumphant majority of Algy Egerton and the 
other Tory, Mr. Legh. This result has taken the 
Whigs rather by surprise, and is attributed in some 
degree to the name of Ellesmere, but still more to 
the detestation in which the League is held. 

John Acton was elected for Carlow, to the great 
joy of his mother. I shall not be surprised if when 
he has gained some parliamentary experience he 
should distinguish himself, for he has all the elements 
for making a great career except those which can 
only be acquired by mixing with his fellow-men. 

May 7, Saturday. The rains which have fallen 
in torrents in the plains of Piedmont have retarded 
any great action there. 

E. Sartoris writes to me from Paris that the 
Ministry is changed. Fould is to retire, and to be 
succeeded by Walewski as Ministre d'Etat who, in 
his turn, is to be replaced by Drouyn de 1'Huys. 
Marshal Vaillant is replaced by Eandan as Minister 
of War, the former having been found deficient in 
administrative ability. Delangle makes room for 
the Due de Padoue, and Persigny is to come here 
instead of Malakhoff, who is to have charge of the 
army at Paris. It is reported that Canrobert and 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 225 

Baraguay d'Hilliers are both going home, their fat 
bodies having broken out into all sorts of things 
from the sudden change from Paris gormandising 
and dissipation to active life. 

At Paris it is believed that the Austrians will 
retreat into Lombardy, and there defend themselves 
to the utmost, but that there may be a pause and 
another attempt at mediation before the French 
endeavour to turn them out. 

The Government has gained several seats within 
the last day or two, and on the whole will win about 
twenty-five, which is what they really expected, 
though they affected to believe they should gain 
more. This result will leave them with about 305 
adherents on whom they can count, and the Opposi- 
tion with about 315 the rest being composed of 
doubtful and floating votes. This makes it next to 
impossible for any Government to carry on the busi- 
ness of the country, and proves how unjustifiable 
the dissolution was. 

May 10, Tuesday. I heard to-night from Cowley, 
whom I met at Granville's, that Walewski and Fould 
both remain at their present posts. 

The Government here is annoyed at the appoint- 
ment of Persigny to the London Embassy, which they 
attribute to a Palmerston intrigue. It is said that 
the French Government wrote to ours to ask if it 
would be agreeable to them to receive Flahault as 
Ambassador, but that before they could send the 
answer, which was in the affirmative, it was notified 
that Persigny was appointed. 

I hear to-day from Paris that the coquetterie 
between France and Eussia has somewhat subsided, 
in consequence of an assurance from our Government 

in. Q 



226 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

of our strict neutrality in the war, as long as it is 
limited to Italy. 

In a few days 120,000 Frenchmen will have been 
assembled in Italy, which, together with 40,000 
Piedmontese, will make a formidable force. 

No one can make out the strategy of the Austrians; 
at Paris they say : ' II valait peu la peine d'entrer 
en Piemont pour y laisser seulement une carte de 
visite.' Paris is ringing with calembours on the 
present state of affairs the last is not bad : 

Eandan Plon Plon Vaillant, 
Eendons Plon Plon Vaillant 

(on the names of the French generals). 

May 11, Wednesday. The Emperor left Paris 
last night for the front, accompanied by Prince 
Napoleon and by the Empress as far as Montereau. 
She had been appointed, the day before, Eegent by 
decree : ' To execute the functions of the Govern- 
ment during our absence, in conformity with our 
instructions and orders such as we shall have made 
known in the general order of the service which we 
shall establish, and let it be known that cognisance 
shall be given to our uncle, Prince Jerome, to the 
Presidents of the great bodies of the State, to the 
members of our Privy Council, and to the Ministers, 
of such orders and instructions, and that in no case 
can the Empress deviate from their tenour in the 
exercise of the functions of Eegent.' 

The Emperor was much cheered on his way to 
the railway station by an immense crowd of people. 

I met Kilmansegge last night. He fears the war 
may be of long duration, as he considers it to be 
impossible that either party can abide by a defeat, 
supposing such to occur. The Emperor could not 



1869 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 227 

show himself in France were any disaster to befall 
his army the Emperor of Austria, if defeated, would 
retire to his strongholds in Lombardy, and it would 
take a long time to drive him out. 

Kilmansegge thinks Germany will not suffer the 
expulsion of Austria from any of the States secured 
to her by the treaties of 1815. The best thing that 
could happen would be a drawn battle, which would 
afford a new opportunity for the mediation of the 
Great Powers and a fresh attempt to settle the 
Italian question. The news of Russia are very 
uncertain and she cannot be depended upon, but 
K. thinks that united Germany, and with 1,300,000 
men in arms, Eussia will hesitate before she openly 
joins with France. 

The belief at Paris is that the Austrian tactics, 
which to the ignorant appear stupid and unin- 
telligible, are dictated from Vienna rather than on 
the spot ! . 

May 14, Saturday, It was known last night at 
the Queen's concert that Buol had resigned, and that 
Count Eechberg, President of the Diet, is appointed 
in his place. This news excites curiosity and interest, 
and it is supposed that Buol is dismissed in order to 
curry favour with Gortchakoff (who hates him), and 
a symptom of rapprochement between Eussia and 
Austria. 

The Queen has issued a proclamation enjoining 
strict neutrality in the war. At the same time a 
letter from the War Office has been addressed to the 
Lords Lieutenants of Counties, recommending them 
to organise corps of volunteer riflemen. The act 
of 44 George III. is recited and applied to the 
present times, and we are now invited to do as 

Q 2 



228 LEAVES FROM THE 

we did in 1804, when invasion of these shores was 
threatened by France. 

The Emperor Napoleon has published an order 
of the day to the army, full of bombast and exactly 
on the model of the old Napoleonic effusions. The 
' Times ' has an excellent article upon this document, 
which it says would seem to indicate that the enemy 
is to be swept completely out of Italy in the first 
campaign, and if Germany waits three months before 
coming to the assistance of Austria, there will no 
longer be an Austrian army to assist. 

At dinner to-day at Granville's I met Eeeve, who 
is inclined to think that our troubles may begin in 
the East that a rising in Turkey is being fomented 
by Eussia and likely to take place, and of which she 
will avail herself to recover all she has lost by the 
Crimean War. 

The elections end to-day. Government claim a 
gain of twenty-eight, making a difference of fifty-six 
votes, and rendering the strength and stability of any 
Government by the near balance of parties quite 
impossible. It is calculated by the other side that,. 
on the whole, and including all the disputed votes,, 
they will muster on any great division 303 votes. 

May 20, Hatchford, Friday. I came here on 
Wednesday. Two significant facts as to the intimate 
relations of France with Eussia are, first, that just 
before leaving Paris the Emperor conferred the 
Grand Cordon of the Legion of Honour on Kisseleff; 
the other is that the Grand Duchess Catherine has 
come to Paris and is lodged at the Tuileries. 

Clanwilliam, who is here, does not believe that 
Eussia, whatever may be her present relations with 
France, will ever draw the sword with her against 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 229 

Austria and Germany moreover that Russia is not 
prepared for war. He is just returned from Germany 
and says nothing can exceed the enthusiasm prevailing 
there against France. At the tables-d'hote patriotic 
songs are sung and the strongest language held. 

Flahault writes from Paris that intense anxiety is 
felt there as to the result of the first battle. The 
Legitimists and Orleanists say that, if successful, the 
Emperor will have the coalition against him ; if the 
reverse, all France ! 

Our naval men are much struck by the extra- 
ordinary ease and despatch with which the French 
forces have been landed in the port of Genoa. In 
three hours ten thousand men were disembarked, 
and the steamers which brought them already out 
of sight. 

May 24, London, Tuesday. I returned here 
yesterday. The newspapers of yesterday contained 
the account of an action fought at Casteggio and 
Montebello. Fifteen thousand Austrians attacked a 
combined force of French and Sardinians whom they 
met when making a reconnoissance. The battle 
lasted five hours, and each side lost a large number 
of men. The French own to about seven hundred 
killed and wounded and the Austrians compute their 
loss at the same amount. They retired on the Po, 
but were not pursued. A large French division, 
commanded by Prince Napoleon, has landed at Leg- 
horn and is to occupy Florence. 

A telegram from Eome announces the death of 
the King of Naples as having taken place at 1 P.M. 
on Monday. Clarendon told me to-day that the 
King had advised the Duke of Calabria to grant a 
constitution and a general amnesty, and to renew 



230 LEAVES FEOM THE 1859 

diplomatic relations as soon as possible after his- 
accession, which he said he could not do, as his 
sincerity would be doubted; he also recommended 
him to put himself into Filangieri's hands and above 
all to take no advice from the Queen. 

Lady Holland writes to me from Naples on the 
17th: 'A conspiracy has been discovered and 
arrests made of men paid by the Queen to proclaim 
her son, instead of the King's by his first wife. The 
Prince has had the chiefs of this plot arrested and 
exiled proprio motu. This has reassured the honest 
people, and the lies in circulation about him have 
done him good and turned to his advantage.' 

John Eussell and Palmerston have met and are 
agreed upon the course to be pursued at the meeting 
of Parliament. They mean to follow the precedent 
of 1835 and 1851, and to propose an amendment to 
the Address, or a vote of want of confidence. This, 
however, is to depend upon their numbers, and the 
inclinations of the Opposition when they assemble in 
London. The Government think they can count on 
315 who will not vote for the amendment to the 
Address. 

Princess Frederick William is come over to 
Osborne to see her mother, without her husband, who 
is detained by public affairs. The Duchess of Kent is 
seriously ill and unable to meet her grand-daughter. 

The last new riddle : 

Quelle est la difference entre 1'Empereur Napoleon 
et le Eoi de Sardaigne? L'un est t6te montee, 
1'autre Pieds montais. 

June 12, Sunday. All this week has been con- 
sumed in the debate on the amendment to the 
Address, moved by Hartington. who spoke remark- 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 231 

ably well, and which ended in being carried by a 
majority of thirteen, and in the resignation of the 
Ministry. The Queen sent for Granville in the first 
instance and subsequently for Palmerston. 

The war is proceeding, and has gone entirely 
against the Austrians, who have been defeated in a 
great battle at Magenta, owing to the blunders of 
Giulai, and which has opened the road to Milan, 
where the Emperor Napoleon and Victor Emmanuel 
are now established. The Austrians have evacuated 
Pavia and Piacenza, and have retired on the Adda. 

I saw Cothek at the Drawing-room. He con- 
siders their affairs as in a desperate state, and 
attributes this in a great measure to the in- 
efficiency of Giulai. There is also some fear that 
the Hungarian regiments are disaffected ; for in 
no other way than by their laying down their 
arms can the large number of prisoners taken be 
accounted for. 

It seems clear now that Germany will not assist 
Austria, unless attacked in the States of the Con- 
federation, which will be a severe disappointment 
to the petite diplomatie here, who have talked big 
on this subject. 

June 15, Wednesday. Prussia has decided on 
mobilising her army. Kilmansegge told me to-day he 
thought this was very ominous of war. Cetto (the 
Bavarian) said this step should have been taken a 
month ago to be of any use. It is, however, they 
said, the answer of Germany to an insolent circular 
of Gortchakoff published a few days ago, declaring 
the line Eussia means to pursue. In the meantime, 
the Austrians have retreated to the line of their great 
fortresses and are hotly pursued by the French. 



232 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

June 16, Thursday. I met Malmesbury to-night 
at Lady Jersey's. He told us he had heard from the 
Austrian head- quarters that the Austrian generals 
had demanded of the Emperor that Giulai should be 
brought to a court-martial. He had been relieved 
from his command. The Emperor Napoleon is gone 
to the front of his army, and a battle is expected 
to take place on the 18th as Malmesbury said, 
E. N. is so superstitious and always thinking of 
anniversaries. I suppose he is confident of wiping 
out that day of disaster by another victory, or he 
would rather avoid than seek to fight on that 
day ! 

The Italian correspondence is at last laid before 
Parliament. I cannot think why it has been so long 
delayed, for there can be no doubt that, had it been 
produced earlier, it would have been favourable to 
Malmesbury and have removed the suspicion of his 
strong Austrian bias. Everything that could be 
done to avert the war appears to me to have been 
done, and the language to Austria to dissuade her 
from war was as strong as possible. This corre- 
spondence, however, proves that from the beginning 
both parties, though actuated by different motives, 
were determined to go to war, and that any and all 
efforts to prevent it would have been hopeless. The 
Emperor of the French, by trick and cunning and 
by the obstinacy of the Emperor Francis Joseph, 
succeeded in putting the latter, ostensibly, in the 
wrong, and in casting upon him the odium of being 
the aggressor. 

I hear Eoebuck is going to give notice of a 
motion of approbation of Malmesbury's conduct in 
this business. 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 233 

June 30, Thursday. The bloody battle of Sol- 
ferino was fought within the last fortnight, the details 
of which are still but imperfectly known. The defeat 
of the Austrians was total and complete the loss on 
both sides enormous. The French have crossed the 
Mincio, and Peschiera is invested. 

The new Government and Household are formed. 
Spencer succeeds Abercorn, and Sydney has been 
especially selected by the Queen as Chamberlain. 
Ailesbury succeeds Beaufort as Master of the Horse 
Cobden declined the seat in the Cabinet offered to 
him. 

Koebuck did not bring on his motion. 

July 28, Holland House, Thursday. I have 
found it impossible to keep a journal during these 
last two months. Events have succeeded each other 
so rapidly, and of such magnitude, the details of 
which have almost invariably been of so doubtful 
and contradictory a character, that to chronicle them 
would have been a mere waste of time. The peace 
so hastily and unexpectedly concluded by the two 
Emperors (by the Emperor of Austria, as he states in 
his Manifesto, because Germany, or rather Prussia, 
would not consider his cause as theirs, and by the 
Emperor Napoleon because there was the danger of 
the war spreading beyond its present limits and 
becoming out of proportion with the interests of 
France). This peace is quite as unpopular in this 
country as was the war, and still more so, of course, 
in Italy, and everything is in doubt as to how its 
terms can be carried out. The question just now 
pending is whether or no there shall be a Congress, 
and whether, if there be one, we are to take part in 
it. It is believed that Palmerston, John Eussell, and 



234 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

Gladstone are in favour of our doing so, whilst the 
rest of the Cabinet and the House of Commons are of 
opinion that we should act more wisely in keeping- 
aloof and in avoiding all responsibility. 

In the meantime Italy seems determined not to 
submit quietly to the arrangements made for her by 
the two Emperors, and it looks as if a war of in- 
dependence would soon break out, or at all events of 
resistance, and the question is, are these terms of 
peace to be imposed by force, and if so, who is to do 
the work ? France, or Austria ? 

The Emperor Napoleon has perhaps by this time 
found out his mistake in rushing into this war in 
spite of the friendly warnings of all Europe ; for he 
can hardly be said to have effected the objects he 
professed to have in view, and the result of which 
has been little more than to give him a little military 
glory (much disputed by many), and dearly bought 
at the expense of the lives of 100,000 men de part 
et cCautre. In his speech in reply to the congratu- 
lations of the Corps Diplomatique there are evident 
signs of ill-humour, as he complains of ' the injustice 
of Europe towards him.' 

He is to make a public entry into Paris on 
August 14. 

I had a musical party on the 22nd for the Cam- 
bridges. Mario never at any time sang more divinely. 
His voice was in beautiful order, and the charm and 
finish of his execution surpassed any of his former 
efforts. It was delightful. 

The state of our national defences has occupied 
Parliament unceasingly since the meeting. There 
was the other day an angry article in the ' Moniteur,' 
pretending that the army and navy estimates of 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 

France were much less than those of England, and 
therefore that the increase in ours must be attributed 
to other causes than those assigned. All which is 
easily answered. 

A large dinner here yesterday. Argylls, Shel- 
burnes, Woods, Lord Macaulay, C. Villiers. The 
heat was so intense that enjoyment of society was 
out of the question. 

July 29, Friday. John Eussell made his state- 
ment on foreign affairs last night. He began by 
expressing his satisfaction at an article in the 
' Moniteur ' which announced the intention of the 
Emperor to place his land and sea forces on a peace 
footing. The peace had been sudden and unexpected. 
Austria had since said that the terms of peace 
suggested to her by the neutral Powers had been far 
worse than those she had obtained from the Emperor 
of the French. He had to observe that the neutral 
Powers had had no concert, and therefore could not 
have agreed upon any terms to be submitted to the 
belligerents, and at all events this country had not 
been party to any such proposition. He believed 
one great reason, although not the avowed one, for 
the hasty peace was the horror of both parties at the 
awful slaughter that had taken place. 

With respect to the Treaty of Villafranca, which 
ceded Lombardy to Sardinia, he did not think it 
was for this country, which had taken no part in 
the war, to comment on or to criticise it. Another 
portion of that treaty, however, related to the 
future of Italy, for which it proposed a new organi- 
sation. It was now proposed that there should be a 
Congress to which the neutral Powers should be 
invited, to consider the details of a peace, but there 



236 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

were some matters relative to a new organisation 
of Italy which rendered a preliminary understanding 
necessary before this country could become a party 
to the conference. 

The French Government had been informed that 
before England could engage in such a Congress two 
things were indispensably necessary. One that they 
should see the Treaty of Zurich, for on that treaty 
it would depend whether they would agree to that 
conference, and the other, that the Emperor of 
Austria should be a party to it, without which they 
felt it would be useless. The Treaty of Yillafranca 
contained no settlement of the affairs of Italy ; it 
only stated that two great Sovereigns were in favour 
of a Confederation of the Italian States. He doubted 
if the time were come for such confederation. 

With regard to the Duchies, he did not believe 
that the two Emperors would use force to restore 
their respective Sovereigns, and if Tuscany, for 
instance, declared for one government, it would be 
impossible for this country to be a party to impose 
upon her any other form of government. He also 
alluded to the difficulty for Sardinia, which was for 
religious toleration and a constitutional government, 
sitting in the confederation with Austria and the 
Pope. He thought it would be unwise, under all 
these circumstances, to come to a decision regarding 
the proposed Congress. 

Palmerston and Gladstone spoke in the same 
sense and both with moderation. 

July 30, Saturday. Panizzi, Brougham, and 
Madame Blaise de Bury, an Englishwoman mar- 
ried to a Frenchman, who has a literary salon at 
Paris of an Orleanist hue, dined here to-day. 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 237 

Madame de Bury is supposed to be the Paris corre- 
spondent of the 'Manchester Guardian.' She ap- 
peared to be lively and intelligent. 

July 31, Sunday. Panizzi brought the Marchese 
Lagatuo Corsini to dine here to-day. He was the 
man who was deputed by the insurgent Tuscans to 
propose to the Grand Duke to abdicate, and has 
now been sent by the Provisional Government on a 
mission to this country, but I am not sure if he is to 
be received officially. Panizzi is much alarmed lest 
the deposed Dukes of Tuscany and Modena should 
be brought back by force to their respective Duchies. 
Eomagna has adopted the Code Napoleon and is 
organising troops to resist those of the Pope. 

The heat during the whole of this month has 
been unexampled very delightful by day, but at 
night almost intolerable. 

August _Z, Hatch/ ord, Monday. I came here 
to-day. It is much believed that the Emperor 
Napoleon's chief reasons for concluding so hasty a 
peace were the already enormous losses, the bad 
sanitary state of the army owing to the extreme 
heat, and the probability of its becoming worse in the 
marshes of Mantua. Ophthalmia had already broken 
out to a fearful extent. H. M. was also aware that 
the Pope was meditating his excommunication, which, 
though a matter of personal indifference to himself, 
he knew would be dangerous to his position in 
France, and would at once cause him to lose the 
support of the parti pretre. The army is much dis- 
gusted at the abrupt termination of the campaign and 
at being sent home without spoils of any kind. The 
Due d'Aumale, who knows the army well, thinks they 
will be very impatient of their repose, and eager to 



238 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

proceed to further conquests and of a more profitable 
nature. 

August 5, Monday. The Zurich Conference began 
on the 6th. Colloredo represents Austria, Bour- 
queney France Sardinia sends Mr. Desambris. In 
the meantime the Piedmontese Government has re- 
called their commissioner from Parma. The King 
has made his public entry into Milan. To-night 
Elcho brought on a motion for an address to the 
Crown, stating it to be the opinion of the House that 
it would be inconsistent with the honour and dignity 
of this country to take part in any conference for 
the purpose of settling the details of a peace the 
preliminaries of which had been arranged by the 
Emperors of France and Austria. Kinglake moved 
the previous question, because he thought Elcho's 
motion could not appropriately be met by a negative 
or affirmative vote. Gladstone made a long speech 
denying that Government had any intention of taking 
part in a conference. The details of the peace would 
be settled by the two belligerents, and what remained, 
not the details of the peace, but great questions 
of European policy vitally affecting the happiness 
of Italy. The Government wished to see Austria 
flourishing and happy, but it did not follow that they 
might not have their conviction that she might, by 
another policy, better discharge her duties, and 
consult her own separate and individual interests. 
Austria might be stronger out of Italy than in it, 
but the true policy of this country was non-inter- 
vention. 

John Eussell said that the preliminaries ot 
Villafranca did not propose to regulate definitively 
the settlement of Italy. That country might be 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 239 

threatened by a bloody revolution or a foreign 
intervention, and if Eussia, Prussia, and England, 
by joining the Congress, could agree to the terms 
upon which a confederation might be formed, we 
were not to say that we had registered a vow not 
to enter into a conference. The responsibility on 
this question, as in others, should be left to the 
minister of the Crown at present he was so far 
from being an advocate for a conference that he saw 
more objections against than reasons for it. 

Palmerston said that the Government was not 
proposing to go into a conference at all, but if they 
did, it would not be to upset the arrangement of 
1815. He was of opinion that Austria would be 
stronger if she had no Italian possessions, but it was 
one thing to hold that opinion and another to enter 
into measures to change arrangements that were 
founded upon treaties which were the basis of a great 
European settlement. Elcho withdrew his motion. 

The completion of the ' Great Eastern ' ship was 
celebrated yesterday by a great banquet on board 
the vessel to members of both Houses of Parliament. 
The engineers were toasted, and everything seems to 
have passed off satisfactorily. Lord Stanley, in pro- 
posing the toast of the day, told the company that 
the ship had been built to make the voyage to Cal- 
cutta in twenty-five days that she is intended to 
carry her coals for the outward and inward voyages, 
and is calculated to carry a population of not much 
less than 10,000 including her crew. 

She is to make an experimentary trip on the 
Atlantic. Great doubt is felt as to the success of 
the ship in a commercial point of view. 

August 14, Holland House. Parliament was 



240 ' LEAVES FKOM THE 185t> 

prorogued by commission yesterday. There is a 
paragraph in the speech to the following effect : 

' Various overtures had been made to Her Majesty 
with a view to ascertain whether, if conferences should 
be held by the Great Powers of Europe for the purpose 
of settling arrangements connected with the present 
state and future condition of Italy, a plenipotentiary 
would be sent by Her Majesty's Government to assist 
at such conferences ; but H. M. has not yet received 
the information necessary to enable her to decide 
whether she may think fit to take part in any such 
conferences.' 

There was a large dinner here to-day. Palmer- 
ston, Lagatuo, and Bargazli, the ex-Governor of 
Leghorn, and devoted to the Grand Ducal dynasty, 
whom I formerly knew at Paris when charge 
d'affaires of Tuscany ; Panizzi, Corti, Lady William 
Eussell and her two sons Arthur and Odo the latter 
just returned with his mother from his post at Eome, 
and about to go back immediately. Lady William, 
by whom I sat at dinner, told me all the Eoman 
aristocracy, almost without exception, were for leav- 
ing things alone, the populace ignorant and indifferent, 
but the middle classes, who were enlightened, ardently 
desired reform. She said Cardinal Antonelli was 
very indignant with Granville, of whom he had seen 
something at Eome, for his speech on the opening of 
Parliament on the Papal Government, and said the 
only way he could account for it was ' que la goutte 
dont il souffrait lui etait montee & la tete.' 

Marliani, formerly Consul-General of Spain at 
Paris, but who has for many years abandoned Spanish 
politics and retired to Bologna, is come here on a 
mission to our Government from the Legations. 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 241 

In the meantime the 'Moniteur' announces the 
intention of the Emperor to leave ' momentanement ' 
50,000 men in Italy ! 

It is believed that he does not intend Tuscany 
and the other Duchies shall be annexed to Piedmont, 
and that he has promised the Pope to restore the 
Legations to his ' paternal rule.' 

On the last day of the session, Elcho asked 
Sidney Herbert if the Government considered the 
formation of volunteer, rifle, and artillery corps 
as an important and permanent element of our 
national defence, and if they were really desirous 
that such a force should be established. Sidney 
Herbert replied that every encouragement had been 
given to the formation of these corps, and that ninety 
were already in process of formation. These corps 
would soon constitute a considerable force, but he 
thought they should not be regarded as substitutes 
for any portion of the regular army ; but great 
advantages might result from the existence of 
auxiliary corps of this description, consisting of 
persons who went through a regular drill, and made 
themselves masters of the weapons with which they 
were to be armed. He then produced the report 
of General Hay of the results of the performances 
of the noblemen and gentlemen of the rifle volunteer 
corps, which was in favour of the volunteers as 
compared with that of parties of officers, the highest 
figure of the former being 46 -94 of the latter, 
47-07 points. 

The election petitions have gone almost all 
against the Government members, and it is predic- 
ted that in the next Session their small majority 
will have dwindled into a minority. Labouchere's 

III. R 



242 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

elevation to the peerage 1 causing a vacancy at 
Taunton, George Bentinck has come in by a majority 
of fifty. The first time a Conservative has been 
elected there for fifty years ! 

August 18, Frognal, Thursday. I came here on 
Monday. The Sidney Herberts, G. Byngs, John 
Acton, Miss Foley and Claremont are our party. 
The latter gave us some very interesting details of 
what preceded and succeeded the armistice between 
the French and Austrians. Colonel Fleury was sent 
with a letter from the Emperor Napoleon to the 
Emperor of Austria, whom he found in bed. H. M. 
got up, read the letter, and demanded the night to 
consider of its contents, and ordered supper and 
a bed to be prepared for Fleury. Every one was 
taken by surprise at the French headquarters. 
Prince Alexander of Hesse brought the Emperor of 
Austria's letter agreeing to an interview, and which 
was appointed to take place the following morning 
at nine, at Villafranca. The Emperor Napoleon, 
having a shorter way to go, arrived at the place 
of rendezvous before the appointed time, and rode 
forwards to meet the Emperor Francis Joseph, with 
whom, when they met, he shook hands, and they 
rode back together. When they dismounted, the 
Emperor Napoleon gave the pas to the Emperor 
Francis Joseph, who, however, refused to take it, 
and the former, on entering the apartment prepared 
for the interview, said : ' Enfin, puisque votre Majeste 
1'exige ; du reste, vous etes chez vous,' which the 
bystanders considered a bad omen for Venetia. 

Two rooms had been prepared for the occasion,- 
one within the other, but the two Emperors did not 

1 Created Lord Taunton. 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 243 

go beyond the first room, which had a glazed door, 
and where they remained entirely alone for one hour. 
There was a French officier de service outside, with 
whom Claremont is very well acquainted. He told 
him he did not like to look much at what was passing 
within, but that he could not help seeing that both 
Emperors were ' tres emus,' and the Emperor of 
Austria the most so. 

At the conclusion of the interview they came out 
and each inspected the escort of the other, and then 
remounted their horses. The Emperor of Austria 
accompanied the Emperor of the French about as far 
on his way back as the latter had come to meet him. 
Claremont said that, on the whole, the French were 
glad of the peace, although they were full of confi- 
dence, and did not doubt but that the great Quadri- 
lateral would fall in a very short time. Solferino was 
lost entirely by the Austrian general failing to call 
into action a force of 10,000 cavalry which must have 
decided the day in favour of the Austrians. He has 
since been disgraced. I heard his name, but forget it. 

The French army made its triumphal entry into 
Paris on Sunday. Frank Egerton was there, and said 
it went off very well, without any drawback but a 
few showers of rain. The Emperor preceded his 
troops from the Bastille to the Place Vendome, 
surrounded by the captured standards of the enemy. 
He took up his position on the Place, which was 
converted into one vast amphitheatre containing 
20,000 people admitted by tickets, and the troops 
defiled before him. Great enthusiasm was shown, 
and more particularly for the wounded, and for a 
vivandiere who was drawn bv in a carriage. 

t< O 

The Grand Duke of Tuscany has come to Paris to 

E 2 



244 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

plead his cause with the Emperor Napoleon, who 
received him very graciously, but said ' it was a pity 
he had come by so circuitous a road.' Meantime, 
the question of the restoration of the Princes 
becomes more difficult and complicated by the 
National Assemblies of Florence and Modena having 
pronounced the decheance of the families of Lorraine 
and d'Este, and their desire to be annexed to Piedmont. 
The elections to these assemblies were effected without 
any disturbance, and both at Florence and Modena 
the men most eminent for ability and representing 
the largest amount of property have been returned. 

I took a long walk with John Acton yesterday. 
He strikes me as being a very remarkable young 
man. His knowledge on all subjects, political, philo- 
sophical, literary, and scientific, is immense, and he 
has an ease of expressing himself, and a charm of 
manner of communicating what he knows, rarely to 
be met with. He ought to play a part in the political 
world, and no doubt will do so, if the great disad- 
vantage of being a Roman Catholic does not stand in 
his way. 

Lord and Lady Cranworth, who live near here, 
dined here to-day. He is very pleasant. 

Sidney Herbert, who is taking up in earnest 
the subject of our national defences, has appointed 
the author of the very able article in the ' Quar- 
terly Eeview ' to act in the commission appointed to 
enquire into the organisation of our national defences. 

A propos of this, J. Acton had a letter from 
Montalembert the other day, who says there is not a 
sensible or well-informed man in France who does 
not believe that the invasion of England is the fixed 
determination of the Emperor, and that, with the 



1869 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 245 

exception of himself and perhaps five hundred other 
liberal men, there is not a Frenchman who would 
not applaud him for making the attempt. When the 
bounty was offered, in order to raise 10,000 sailors 
for our reserve force, the Emperor quietly gave 
orders for the raising of the same number in France. 

August 16, Brocket, Tuesday. On coming here 
yesterday I was greeted by the pleasant news that 
Dalkeith had proposed and been accepted by Tiny 
Hamilton, 1 the day before. I think it may be safely 
said that each has drawn the gros lot in the matri- 
monial lottery. 

August 28, Sunday. Went to the church erected 
at the gate of Brocket to the memory of poor Cowper 
by his widow and children. It is a very pretty one. 

Of all the innumerable letters of congratulation 
which have been received by Lady Abercorn, none 
is more cordial and affectionate than that of the 
Queen. It is couched in terms of the warmest 
friendship, and really seems to come from her heart. 
I never knew a marriage which afforded such uni- 
versal satisfaction. 

August 30, Panshanger, Tuesday. I came here 
yesterday. William Cowper is here, and tells me the 
Cabinet summoned yesterday is to deliberate on our 
joining the Congress. It is believed that Palmerston, 
J. Kussell, and Gladstone are in favour of it against 
all the rest of the Cabinet. 

The Queen travelled to Scotland this evening, for 
the first time by a night train. 

Lord Henry Seymour, brother to Hertford, died a 
few days ago at Paris. He has left his vast wealth 
to the hospices of Paris, with the exception of 50/. 

1 Lady Louisa Hamilton, present Duchess of Buccleuch (1904). 



246 LEAVES FEOM THE 1859 

per annum to his natural children. Nothing to his 
mistresses, one of whom lived with him, nursed him 
day and night, and was his slave. He had never been 
in England, having a great terror of crossing the sea, 
and was entirely French in his tastes and habits. Had 
he survived his brother, it is probable he would not 
have succeeded to the title without opposition, and 
he would have found it next to impossible to prove 
his claim to the peerage ; for, although born in wed- 
lock, the fact of ' non-intercourse ' would have been 
easily proved. 

August 31, Wednesday. The Duke of Bedford 
and Lady Abercorn came over to luncheon. The 
Duke told me a characteristic story of Lord Mel- 
bourne. We were speaking of the opposition now 
being made by the Eoman Catholic bishops to the 
system of national education, and of the ingratitude 
of that body, which reminded him of Lord M. saying 
on a similar occasion that ' every man who was 
liberal and enlightened had advocated Catholic 
emancipation, and that only the damned fools had 
been against it, and now he began to think the 
damned fools were quite right.' 

September 6. The Tuscan deputation offering the 
annexation of the Duchy was received by the King of 
Sardinia on Saturday, September 3, Signer Gherardesca 
addressing his Majesty in the following words : 

4 If the wish of Tuscany for annexation with 
Piedmont only served for the aggrandisement of 
your Majesty's States, we should entertain doubts 
as to the acceptance of our wish by your Majesty, 
but our wish being inspired by the love of Italian 
nationality, we hope that the thought of Italy will 
decide your Majesty to accept it.' 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 247 

To this address the King made a vague but 
adroit answer, and which was probably suggested to 
him from Paris ; it is in the following terms : 

' I am deeply sensible of the wish of the Tuscan 
Assembly. I thank you in my own name and in 
that of my people. We have received your visit as a 
solemn manifestation of the will of the Tuscan people, 
who, after having made the last vestige of foreign 
domination to cease, desires to contribute to the 
constitution of a strong kingdom which shall defend 
the independence of Italy ; but the Tuscan Assembly 
will have comprehended that the accomplishment of 
its wish can only take place by negotiations which 
are about to begin on the affairs of Italy. I will 
second your desire, becoming myself strong by the 
rights which are given me by your wishes. I will 
.support the cause of Tuscany before the Powers in 
which the Assembly places its hopes, and especially 
before the magnanimous Emperor of the French, 
who has done so much for the Italian nation. I hope 
that Europe will not refuse to practise towards 
Tuscany that work of redeeming grievances which 
it has, under less favourable circumstances, practised 
towards Greece, Belgium, and the Danubian Princi- 
palities. Your noble country gives an admirable 
example of moderation and concord. You wih 1 add 
those virtues to that one which ensures the triumph 
of all honest undertakings and which overcomes all 
obstacles, namely, Perseverance.' 

September 7, Wednesday. The ' Great Eastern ' 
has at last cast off her moorings, and yesterday 
morning was towed down the Thames on her first 
short trip to Portland. 

September 10, Hatch/ ord, Saturday. An elaborate 



248 LEAVES FKOM THE 1859 

article, evidently from the pen of the Emperor 
Napoleon, has appeared in the ' Moniteur,' throwing, 
however, but little light on the ultimate solution of the 
great problem of Italy, but stating one or two facts 
which, though before surmised, were not entirely 
established. It is announced that one of the condi- 
tions of the Treaty of Villafranca, not only a condition, 
but a sine qud non, was the return of the Archdukes ; 
and large concessions were promised to Yenetia by 
the Emperor of Austria as the equivalent of this 
engagement. The Emperor Napoleon states that the 
destinies of Italy were confided not to him, but to 
men who had more at heart little partial successes 
than the future of their common fatherland. These 
bad citizens and paltry politicians, by objecting to 
the restoration of the Archdukes, have obstructed 
instead of developing the consequences of the Treaty of 
Villafranca. The result of their efforts is boldly stated 
to be the perpetuation of the right of Austria to do as 
she pleases with Venetia, which, under happier auspices, 
might have been placed in the proud position which 
Luxembourg enjoys in regard to the King of Holland. 
This article concludes with the following words : 
Let not Italy be deceived, there is but one Power in 
Europe that wages war for an idea ; that Power is 
France, and France has accomplished her task.' Upon 
this the ' Times ' most truly remarks : ' Certainly, if 
ever there were required a proof demonstrative of 
the wisdom of the injunction to do no evil that good 
may come of it, we may see it in the state of affairs 
which has arisen out of the war of France for " an 
idea," and out of the treaty with which that war was 
brought to a close. France has indeed made war for 
her idea, but when the " Moniteur " tells us she has 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 249 

accomplished her mission, we must hesitate ere we 
can believe that she sacrificed so many millions of 
money, and expended so much noble blood, for the 
sorry satisfaction of gaining some barren victories, 
or for the brief existence of a lame and impotent 
treaty.' 

September 11, Sunday. Lady Holland writes that 
Italy is the great problem upon which the article of the 
' Moniteur ' throws no light. The Emperor, as usual, 
is playing a double game. The Congress is now 
believed in at Paris, and he hopes there to settle 
matters in some way, so as to get out of the scrapes 
he has got into. 

There is a breach between young Napoleon and 
the Emperor since .the peace, and the former has no 
hope of any kingdom being given to him. 

King Leopold of Belgium is gone to Biarritz it 
is not known for what purpose. 

It is believed at Paris that the Emperor wrote 
the King's answer to the Tuscan deputation. 

September 12, Monday. The ' Times ' of to-day 
contains the startling intelligence, brought by tele- 
gram, of the renewal of the Chinese War. Admiral 
Hope arrived off the Peiho river on June 17, and 
found that the fortifications had been rebuilt and the 
entrance to the river barred by booms and stakes. 
The Plenipotentiaries joined the squadron on the 
20th, and no notice having been taken of their 
arrival, an attempt was made to force the passage, 
when, on a sudden, batteries supported by a mongrel 
force of, apparently, 20,000 men were unmasked and 
opened a destructive fire, and after a severe action 
the squadron was obliged to withdraw with the loss 
of the ' Cormorant,' the ' Leo,' and the ' Plover,' and 



250 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

64 killed and wounded a most disastrous affair, and 
one sure to entail a further vast sacrifice of human 
blood and treasure. 

The ' Great Eastern ' has met with a serious 
accident by the explosion of one of the boilers ; 
several people were killed and injured, but by extra- 
ordinary good fortune the great saloon, close to the 
boiler which exploded, which had just before the 
explosion been full of people, had been emptied of 
its guests, and thus a terrible loss of life was pre- 
vented. Stafford l and Alfred Paget were on board 
at the time, but escaped unhurt. 

December 15, Thursday The ' Moniteur ' an- 
nounces that the Government of the Emperor will 
combine with our Government a joint expedition to 
avenge the treachery of China. 

Charles writes to me on this subject : 

'The Chinese affair is likely to be as great an 
embarrassment to us as the Italian question to the 
Emperor. We may remember that the remote cause 
of it is our own folly and injustice, and it is curious 
that this Government should again be in a difficulty 
about China which was the cause of those other 
difficulties which subsequently led to its downfall. 
There is no way of treating such a question at all 
satisfactory. To make war on such a people is 
nothing but slaughtering a defenceless rabble, and 
like shooting on a farmyard. To make peace with 
them is still more difficult, since they will not keep 
any terms and no stipulations can bind them. You 
cannot get at the Government, and the Government 
does not care how many thousands of its subjects 
you kill. What is human life in a population of 

1 Afterwards Duke of Sutherland. 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 251 

200,000,000 souls ? You can't occupy the country, 
and to wrest from them territory would be to punish 
ourselves more than them.' 

Charles remarks on the article in the ' Moniteur ' 
on the Italian affair : 

' The querulous document in the " Moniteur " 
reveals the embarrassment and ill-humour of Louis 
Napoleon, and it can be no consolation to him, in 
his present yw?, to reflect that it is all his own fault, 
and that his own folly and obstinacy are the cause 
of his dilemma.' 

September 16, Friday. I hear from Paris that 
the visit of King Leopold to Biarritz, which excites 
so much curiosity, is on the following business. 
Some years ago there was a siege of Antwerp, for 
which the French furnished several millions of 
money. Then came King Leopold's marriage with 
Louis Philippe's daughter, and the interest of the 
debt was paid, but not the capital. The other day, 
the Emperor Napoleon, on hearing of the rebuilding 
of the fortifications, sent word to the King that he 
was delighted to hear he was so rich and had so 
much money to throw away, but suggested to his 
Majesty that he should be glad if he would begin by 
paying off the debt to France. Off Leopold has 
posted to see how he can best arrange this little 
business. 

September 32, Thursday. The ' Fox ' screw dis- 
covery vessel (Captain McClintock), which was sent 
to the Arctic Eegions at the expense of Lady Franklin 
to try and discover some trace of the missing expedi- 
tion, arrived off the Isle of Wight on Wednesday. 
Captain McClintock, in his interesting despatch to the 
Admiralty, states that their efforts to ascertain the 



252 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

fate of the Franklin expedition were crowned with 
complete success. Eecords dated April 21, 1848, 
signed by Captain Crozier and Fitzjames, were found, 
by which it is ascertained that H.M.S. ' Erebus ' and 
'Terror' were abandoned on April 24, 1848, in the 
ice, five leagues to the north-west of Point Victory, 
and that Sir John Franklin had died on June 11, 
1847. It must be some consolation to his widow to 
know that he was spared the subsequent hardships 
and privations to which his crew were exposed and 
under which they perished. 

October 14, Friday. The Emperor Napoleon has 
paid a visit to Bordeaux on his way from Biarritz, 
and in reply to a fulsome harangue from the Arch- 
bishop made a very significant speech, which may 
lead to important results, and, if anything can, will 
induce the Papal Government to ' set their house 
in order.' The following is the substance of the 
speech : 

' Your Eminence does justice to my intentions 
without overlooking the difficulties which obstruct 
them, and show that you comprehend your high 
mission when you seek to strengthen confidence 
rather than scatter vain alarms. 

' I thank you for having recalled my words to 
mind, for I have the firm hope that a new era of 
glory will arise for the Church, as soon as all share 
my conviction that the temporal power of the Holy 
Father is not opposed to the liberty and independence 
of Italy. I cannot now enter into explanations 
which the grave questions you have raised would 
require. I will merely say that the Government 
which was the means of restoring the Holy Father 
to the pontifical throne will only give utterance to 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 253 

such respectful counsels as are dictated by a sincere 
devotedness to the interests of his Holiness, but it 
cannot but be alarmed about the day, which is not 
far distant, when Eome will be evacuated by our 
troops ; for Europe will not allow that the occupation 
of Eome by the French troops, which has lasted for 
ten years, should be prolonged indefinitely. 

' When my army shall be withdrawn, what will 
it leave behind ? Anarchy, terror, or peace ? These 
are questions the importance of which cannot escape 
any one. But, believe me, in the times in which we 
live, in order to resolve these questions, it is neces- 
sary, instead of appealing to ardent passions, to 
search with calmness for the truth, to pray to Provi- 
dence to enlighten both the people and the Sove- 
reigns upon the wise exercise of their rights, as well 
as upon the extent of their duties. I doubt not that 
your prayers will continue to draw down the blessing 
of Heaven on the Empress, my son, and me ! ' 

In the meantime his Holiness has betaken him- 
self to Castel Gandolfo, where it is said the young 
King of Naples is to meet him. The latter is sending 
troops to the Neapolitan and Eoman frontier. 

October 16, Sunday. The Queen went to Loch 
Katrine on Friday to open the Glasgow waterworks. 
The effect of the ceremony was marred by a con- 
tinuous downpour. She was to proceed to Colonel 
Douglas Pennant's, at Penrhyn Castle, yesterday, on 
her way, or rather out of her way, to Windsor. 

October 20, London, Thursday. The treaty of 
peace was signed at Zurich on the 17th, and an 
analysis of it is published in the ' Times ' to-day. 
Sardinia has to pay ten millions sterling as her share 
of the Lombard debt to Austria 2,500,000 for 



254 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

moneys and materiel lent to France. The other 
clauses will be about as satisfactory to the rest of 
Italy as the above-mentioned one is to Sardinia ! 

Went last night to see Miss Amy Sedgwick, an 
actress now somewhat in vogue, in a play called ' The 
Unequal Match.' I thought her very vulgar and very 
bad, and, though the play has some cleverness, it is 
very long and tedious. 

October 21, Friday. I went to Sadler's Wells 
to-night to see a play adapted from ' Le Eoi s'amuse,' 
by Tom Taylor. It was well and evenly acted, and 
beautifully got up. The theatre is dark and dirty, 
but large, and was crowded to suffocation by a 
very attentive and far more discriminating audience 
than those which generally fill our more aristocratic 
theatres; the highest price of entrance is three 
shillings. 

October 22, Hatchford, Saturday. In the train 
was a gentleman who was returning from attending 
Stephenson the engineer's funeral in Westminster 
Abbey. He said at least two thousand people were 
present, and that nearly every literary or scientific 
body was represented on this occasion, and the sight 
very solemn and impressive. He is buried in the 
nave of the Abbey near Telford. 

Lord Westmorland died on Sunday of pleurisy. 
He was a good-natured social man, not without 
considerable shrewdness, and as he had lived in 
very remarkable times and with very remarkable 
people, he was a very pleasant as well as a very 
hospitable member of society. 

We have suddenly jumped into intense cold. 

October 25, Tuesday. My fifty-eighth birthday is 
painfully marked to me by the deplorable intelligence 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 255 

of poor Lady Granville being at the point of death 
at Herresheim, where she had halted on her road 
from Carlsbad. Her health has been a subject of 
much anxiety for the last two months. This news 
came by telegram, without details. 

October 26, Wednesday. Fred Leveson went off 
to Herresheim last night, having received a tele- 
gram dictated by Lady Granville in the following 
terms : ' J'ai ete k la mort Je le suis encore Si 
votre enfant se porte bien, venez rejoindre votre 
frere.' 

A terrific gale blew last night, preceded by a fall 
of snow. 

Count Colloredo, formerly minister here, and now 
holding the same office at Zurich Conference, was 
attacked by apoplexy immediately after signing the 
treaty and expired yesterday. Karolyi is to replace 
him. 

War is declared by Spain against Morocco, under 
the patronage of France, who, it is stated, is to supply 
Spain with materials of war and to aid her by ad- 
vancing money, as she did to Piedmont during the 
late war. 

October 27, Thursday. A telegram reached 
Bruton Street last night stating that Lady Granville 
had received the last sacraments and, after a tem- 
porary amendment, was suffering from ' empechement 
dans la circulation du cceur.' I have ceased to in- 
dulge any hope. 

October 29, Saturday. The gale of Tuesday night 
produced the most disastrous effects all along the 
coast and inland. A frightful wreck took place of 
the ' Eoyal Charter,' the finest merchant ship afloat. 
She was lost at Moelfra, in the Menai Straits, and out 



256 LEAVES FROM THE 1869 

of 450 persons on board only twenty-five were saved. 
She was on her voyage home from Melbourne, full 
of returning emigrants, and a large amount of specie, 
and within a few hours' reach of Liverpool ! 

The ' Great Eastern ' appears to have been in 
great jeopardy during this gale, and she received 
much damage in various ways. 

Lady Peel was found dead in her bed two days ago. 
Villiers 1 died last Sunday morning at Brighton. 

The principal topic of interest just now is the 
letter of the Emperor Napoleon to the King of 
Sardinia, which seems to be an ultimatum on Italian 
affairs. He writes : ' The question is not now 
whether I have done well or ill in making the peace 
at Villafranca, but how the King of Sardinia can 
best assist the Emperor Napoleon in getting the best 
terms for Italy out of that treaty.' H. M. then puts 
forth his programme, the most striking feature of 
which is, that the diet of the proposed confederation 
is to sit at Eome, under the honorary presidency of 
the Pope, and is to be composed of representatives 
named by the Sovereigns from a list proposed by 
the elected chambers of each State, in order that 
the influence of the reigning families suspected of 
partiality to Austria may be balanced by the in- 
fluence produced by election. He also demands the 
restoration of the Grand Duke of Tuscany with some 
addition to his States, and that Modena shall be 
given to the Duchess of Parma, whose present State 
is to be annexed to Piedmont. His Majesty's tone 
towards Victor Emmanuel is rather peevish, and 
he concludes by saying : ' I shall neglect nothing 

1 Lord Villiers, father of the present Earl of Jersey. Lady Jersey 
married later Mr. Brandling. Ed. 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 257 

for the attainment of this great result. Let your 
Majesty be convinced of it, my sentiments will not 
vary, and as far as the interests of France are not 
opposed to it, I shall always be happy to serve the 
cause for which we have combated together.' 

It seems to me this letter makes our joining in 
the Congress impossible. 

November 1, London, Tuesday. On coming here 
to-day I was greeted by the delightful news that 
Lady Granville was out of danger. 

November 14, Hatchford, Monday. I returned 
here on the 2nd. On the 6th I went to town to attend 
Dalkeith's marriage, which had been fixed for the 
10th, but was postponed on account of the melan- 
choly death of Lady Harewood, which took place on 
Tuesday night at Goldsborough. This event is the 
more sad that, after a year's illness, she had so much 
recovered as to give every hope that her life would be 
prolonged. A sudden bilious attack brought back all 
the worst symptoms of her old complaint, and she sank 
from exhaustion. 

She was one of my earliest and most intimate 
associates, and a charming, frank, lively girl she was. 
Circumstances under the control of neither of us, 
of later years, entirely separated us without lessening 
our mutual regard. 

During her illness, as these circumstances had 
changed, our former intimacy was renewed, and I 
looked forward with much satisfaction to my future 
intercourse with so old a friend, and with whom were 
connected so many happy recollections of my early 
youth. She leaves three unmarried daughters just 
at the age when a mother's care is most needed. 

Victor Emmanuel has answered the Emperor's 
in. s 



258 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

letter civilly, and expressed his confidence that H.I.M. 
is full of sympathy for the Italians. 

The National Assemblies of Tuscany, Parma, 
Modena, and Bologna having offered the regency 
of their States to the Prince de Carignan, the King 
of Sardinia, at the earnest request of the Emperor 
Napoleon, has refused to permit the Prince to accept it. 
The reason given is that it would be to forestall the 
decision which the Congress about to be assembled is 
alone competent to form. 

William Cowper tells me nothing is settled as to 
the Congress. We have not yet been formally invited 
to attend it, and shall not receive the invitation unless 
it be certain beforehand that we shall accept it. We 
have not yet agreed upon the basis of its delibera- 
tions, and neither Eussia nor Prussia will consent to 
a Congress, unless we form part of it. 

November 18, London, Friday. I came here 
yesterday for a few days. Lord de Grey died on 
Monday last after a short illness. He had been ailing 
for some time, but no danger was apprehended until 
two days before his death. 

The Volunteer Rifle movement is just now the rage 
of the day. Wherever one goes the sole topic is dritt. 
Westminster Hall is used as a drilling ground and all 
the smart young men of London are to be seen going 
through the exercise with great zeal. It remains 
to be seen whether this martial ardour will last 
it appears to be taken up very much in earnest at 
present. 

The 'Times' newspaper has lately been calling 
attention in some excellent articles to the singular 
position which the Government and people of France 
occupy with regard to this country. Whilst we are 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 259 

not only at peace, but, nominally at least, on terms of 
cordiality and close alliance with the Emperor, every 
instrument that can work on public opinion is 
employed to raise a violent spirit of animosity against 
us. The clergy denounce us the press libels us, 
with an inconsiderate fury and rancour which breaks 
down under the weight of its own exaggerations and 
its own ignorance. Whence has arisen this sudden 
fury ? What provocation have we given to account 
for the strange phenomenon that a nation but lately 
devoted to the happy arts of peace should suddenly 
turn its ploughshare into a sword, and give the loudest 
and plainest intimation of its desire to plunge that 
sword into our breast ? 

These articles which enter into a review of the 
past and present relations between the two countries 
endeavour to discover any cause of provocation in 
our conduct, anything which, if we were to act other- 
wise than we do, might scatter the tempest with which 
we are threatened, and the gradual approach of which 
we cannot regard with indifference. After showing 
that there is no cause of disagreement or mistrust, 
though difference of opinion on certain subjects such 
as the propriety of the war, the peace, the Lesseps 
Canal they declare that without any serious question 
at issue between the two Governments, with the most 
sincere wish on our part to maintain the most friendly 
relations, we find ourselves involved in a course of 
expensive preparations, which already inflict on both 
countries many of the burdens and evils of war. No 
such desperate madness and wickedness as of menacing 
France was ever thought of in this country, whatever 
any of the French statesmen may pretend to believe 
on this subject. 'It is ' (they conclude by saying) ' in 

s 2 



260 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

the power of the Emperor of the French alone to put 
an end to this state of things, which is becoming 
day by day more serious, and which makes it a less 
danger to peace to speak out plainly than to carry 
on the fiction of an alliance, one party of which 
appears to be arming for the attack, and the other 
for the defence. It is in the power of the Emperor to 
allay all this trouble and suspicion, and if he does 
not do so, we may not unreasonably draw the most 
gloomy inference from his silence.' 

The Staffords l have lately been at Compiegne on 
a visit to the Emperor, and were very graciously 
received. His Majesty alluded to the ' invasion ' 
panic and expressed regret that any one in England, 
where he had lived so long and been so kindly 
treated, could imagine that he could have any hostile 
feeling towards this country ; but, he said, of course 
if the French nation was goaded on by the English 
press, he could not be responsible for the con- 
sequences ; the fact being that, though our press 
occasionally criticises the acts of the Emperor, the 
' goading on ' entirely proceeds from the other side 
of the Channel. 

November 23, Wednesday. Dalkeith was married 
yesterday at St. George's in a thick fog, which 
cleared just before their departure, and which took 
place under a shower of ' old shoes.' 

The Granvilles arrived in town on the 19th. 

The Prefects of the French provinces, in order to 
obviate the bad effect produced in England by the 
violence of the language of a portion of the provin- 
cial press, have received a confidental communication 

1 Marquis of Stafford, afterwards Duke of Sutherland, and his 

wife. Ed. 



159 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 261 

from the Minister of the Interior, expressing his 
regret at the exaggerated language of the journals, 
when speaking of the English people, both on 
account of the disquietude which it must create 
amongst them, and because it tends to destroy the 
confidence and embitter the feelings of those of 
whose opinions the English press is the channel. 
The Prefects therefore are requested to invite the 
journalists in question to be more circumspect, and, 
while they are at liberty to refute errors, to protest 
against injustice and calumny, and to defend en- 
ergetically the rights of the country, they might 
easily avoid offending the susceptibilities of a great 
people, and rather promote friendly relations be- 
tween the two countries. 

This communication has drawn forth a concilia- 
tory and sensible article from the ' Times,' accepting 
it gratefully as a graceful and appropriate response 
to their remonstrances and in the same spirit in 
which it has been offered. It concludes by saying : 
' Could not the same hand which has just quieted 
the wild enthusiasm of the French press put an end 
to those vast preparations for war which, whilst they 
naturally excite the warlike spirit of the French, 
as naturally stimulate the suspicions of the English 
people ? ' 

It would be well if this subject were allowed to 
drop. 

November 29, Tuesday. Edward Sartoris writes 
from Paris that the Congress is at last decided upon, 
the Emperor having yielded to all the material con- 
ditions upon which England would consent to assist 
at it, and he adds that all the people the best 
informed and who live the most with the Emperor, 



262 LEAVES FKOM THE 1859 

are persuaded that there is nothing further from his 
wish than to quarrel with us, or that he holds in 
greater value than the goodwill of England. This 
corresponds with a letter which Flahault told me he 
had received from the Emperor a month ago. 

November 30, Wednesday. To-day I saw Lady 
Granville for the first time since her return, and 
I was pleased to find her so hopeful and cheerful. 

December $, London. I returned to Hatchford 
on the 1st and came here on the 6th. 

I regret to say the accounts of Holland : from 
Naples are very alarming. I have for some time 
thought ill of his health, and he has been growing 
worse ever since he left England. She [Lady Holland] 
writes in great distress of mind. 

The public has been much amused lately by a 
letter written to the Emperor of the French by four 
Liverpool merchants, requesting H. M. to state what 
his real views are as regards this country, and 
whether he has any intention of making war with 
us ! One should have thought that such an imperti- 
nent, ridiculous, and useless communication would 
have been treated with the contempt it deserves, but 
the Emperor has thought fit to send a reply through 
his secretary, M. Mocquard, of course disclaiming 
any hostile intentions, and treating as absurd and 
inconceivable the suspicions, now rife in this country, 
and asking what act or word can possibly justify 
or account for them. The ' Times ' handles both the 
foolish letter and the reply to it with even-handed 
justice in a very clever and pungent article. 

The invitations to the Congress have been re- 
ceived here. It is still very doubtful whether the 

1 Lord Holland. 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 263 

Pope will send a representative to it. Cowley is to 
be ours. The press here, and the ' Times ' in par- 
ticular, has been urging that Palmerston should go 
to it, but as Parliament meets on the 24th this is 
obviously impossible. 

December 30, Boivood, Friday. I was detained 
in London by a bad attack of lumbago, but returned 
to Hatchford on the 20th, and on Wednesday 21st 
I received the news of Holland's death with deep 
regret, but no surprise, for I had the conviction that 
when we parted in the summer he was in so broken 
a state of health it was improbable we should ever 
meet again. He is a great social loss, and a very 
irreparable one to me, as any friend of forty years' 
standing must be at my time of life. 

The great subject of political interest of late has 
been the publication of a pamphlet called ' Le Pape 
et le Congres,' treating of and advising the separa- 
tion of the temporal from the spiritual power of the 
Pope. It is written by La Guerouniere, and, although 
in some measure very absurd, is full of cleverness, 
and is supposed to be the exposition of the Emperor's 
views on this difficult subject. There can be no 
doubt that it is published with his consent, and 
pre-discussion on it by the French press has been 
permitted and is generally favourable to the proposed 
solution of this seemingly impossible question. In 
the meantime the Pope declines sending an envoy to 
the Congress, not only if this pamphlet be not pre- 
viously disavowed by the French Government, but 
also unless he is guaranteed against any discussion 
in Congress of the dismemberment of the papal 
dominions. It is also believed that Eussia goes with 
Austria, and it is- believed that the latter Power, with 



264 LEAVES FROM THE 1859 

Spain and Naples, stand by the Pope and back him 
up in his above-mentioned resolution. 

I feel certain the Congress will never take 
place. 

I heard yesterday that Holland has left his whole 
property to Lady Holland absolutely, having made 
a short will to this effect, on the plea that his former 
will was complicated, and that he had full confidence 
that his wishes would be carried out by Lady H. to 
the letter. 

I came here on Tuesday the 27th. The weather 
has been abominable, and to-day most extraordinary. 
It rained in torrents the whole morning, and at one 
o'clock the darkness was so great I was obliged to 
light candles. A tremendous thunderstorm accom- 
panied by the largest hailstones I ever saw came on, 
which I fear must have done great mischief. 

The Flahaults, J. Howards, Higginsons, Pahlen, 
Lacaita, and Westmacott are here. 

At breakfast this morning I was shocked by the 
news of the death of Lord Macaula}^ which occurred 
yesterday, almost suddenly. Another great social 
and literary luminary extinguished. He was as- 
sociated with my pleasantest days at Holland House, 
where I constantly met him at dinner, and was 
astonished and delighted by his wonderful knowledge 
and eloquence, and delighted by his good humour 
and courtesy. This latter quality was shown by the 
way he had of putting one on an equality with him, 
as it were, by assuming that one was familiar with 
the extraordinary variety of facts which he im- 
parted instead of parading his wonderful superiority 
in this respect to any one living. 

Count Lavradio joined our party to-day, and 



1859 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 265 

when sitting by him at dinner, and speaking of his 
master the King of Portugal, he told me Macaulay 
had been so much struck by his ability, and had told 
Count L. he had never met any young man who at 
his age knew so much or who showed more capacity. 
Lavradio is much alarmed by the state of the young- 
King's health. He has never recovered the death of 
the Queen. 

Lavradio told me that his great-grandmother lived 
to the age of ninety-nine, and when she died her 
youngest son was eighty ! 

I had a letter from Fanny Kemble a few days ago. 
She says : 

' I met C. Lawrence the other day, on his way to 
Washington, where there is every prospect of a most 
stormy session. The terrible and inevitable Slavery 
question is beginning to weigh like an incubus upon 
the whole country, pressing, every day, nearer and 
nearer to some solution, which threatens to be 
a hideous catastrophe. An unfortunate fanatic who 
emigrated from New England to Kansas and had his 
two sons killed there by the slave party, has just 
been hanged in Virginia for attempting to excite a 
rising amongst the slaves. His attempt and the 
means he employed were equally abortive and 
insane, but it has thrown the whole South into a 
frenzy of terror, which has drawn forth the con- 
temptuous indignation of the North. The poor 
wretch is hanged, but from his grave a root of bitter- 
ness will spring, the fruit of which at no distant day 
may be disunion and civil war between the North and 
the South of the country. They seem to me to want 
some great national trial or trouble. Their material 
prosperity has turned the head of the whole people. 



266 LEAVES FROM THE I860 

The Government is despicable and despised, public 
and private morality at a miserable ebb, and the 
whole country presenting the portentous aspect of 
the most rapid superficial progress, and retrogression 
in all that makes the true glory and safety of a 
people.' 

1860 

January $, London, Sunday. I returned here on 
Monday. 

The great event of the day is the downfall from 
office of Walewski, which was announced officially 
in the ' Moniteur ' two days ago. Thouvenel, now 
Ambassador at Constantinople, is to replace him. He 
is a man who has considerable ability as a ' redacteur 
de depeches.' It had been believed for some time 
that Walewski's days were numbered, and since the 
assurance he gave the Pope and the other Catholic 
Powers that the famous Pamphlet, ' Le Pape et le 
Congres,' was not the ' programme ' of the Emperor 
for the ensuing Congress, his fall became certain. 
He had identified himself entirely with the retrograde 
policy, and it is so far creditable to him that he 
resigned, or suffered himself to be dismissed, rather 
than change it. His fall is made easy by gifts of 
estates, pensions, &c. &c. 

This event has caused great consternation at 
Eome, and will probably put an end to the Congress, 
as neither the Pope nor any of the Catholic Powers 
will consent to form part of it. I saw Lavradio to- 
night he considers the Congress as at an end, and 
is of opinion that the Italian question must sooner 
or later be solved by a war, and a general one. He 
thinks there are too many principles en jeu for any 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 267 

other issue to be possible, ' le principe religieux, le 
principe d'autorite, le principe de la liberte,' and he 
foretells, that on one side or other we shall eventually 
be engaged. 

It is reported that the Emperor of the French in 
order to buy the active support of England of his 
Italian policy is about to pass some comprehensive 
measures of free trade. The rumour is also revived 
that the King of Sardinia is to give up Nice and 
Savoy to France, in return for her consent to the 
annexation of Central Italy. 

January 11, Ilatchford, Wednesday. I came 
here on Monday and had the great joy of finding my 
mother greatly improved in health, and having 
resumed her habit of dining with the family. 

On Monday morning Lord Macaulay was buried 
in Poets' Corner, in Westminster Abbey. The funeral 
was attended by a large concourse of his political 
and literary friends. The pall was borne by the 
Chancellor, the Speaker, Lord John Eussell, the Duke 
of Argyll, Dean Milman, &c. It is remarkable that 
there was not one Conservative of any eminence 
present at the ceremony. Lord Macaulay's will has 
been proved, and his personalty sworn under 80,000/. 
He has left copious diaries, and matter enough to form 
another volume of his history, but nothing can be 
decided as to their publication until the return of his 
sister, Lady Trevelyan, who is about to start for India 
for two years. 

January 12, Thursday. The ' Moniteur ' of the 
10th publishes two very important documents. One 
is the Pope's speech to General Goyon, in reply to 
the congratulations of the latter on New Year's Day, 
in which his Holiness pronounces a strong philippic 



268 LEAVES FROM THE I860 

against the famous pamphlet ' Le Pape et le Congres,' 
stigmatising it as a ' monument insigne d'hypocrisie, 
et un tissu ignoble de contradictions,' and he 
expresses his conviction that the Emperor Napoleon 
' condamnera ces principes, d'autant plus que nous 
possedons quelques pieces, qu'il y a quelque terns 
que S. M. a eu la bonte de nous faire parvenir, et qui 
sont une veritable condamnation de ces principes.' 

The ' Moniteur ' remarks that this allocution 
would probably not have been pronounced if H. H. 
had received the letter addressed to him by the 
Emperor on December 31, which they publish. 

This epistle, of course, makes a very great sensa- 
tion, and is considered to be a proof that the 
Emperor has at last ' pris son parti.' All sorts of 
rumours are afloat as to supposed negotiations with 
this country to induce us to enter into guarantees, 
&c., &c., but which are too vague and uuauthenticated 
for any great weight to be attached to them. Cowley 
is here and supposed to be charged with a mission 
on this subject, but I do not believe it. All the 
press, whilst applauding the Emperor's line of con- 
duct, unanimously advocate our standing aloof, and 
entering into no engagements, a course they will 
pursue and which will be ratified by Parliament. 

January 19, Thursday. The free trade measures 
which, when in London, I heard were about to be pro- 
mulgated by the Emperor, have made their appear- 
ance in the ' Moniteur ' of Saturday, in the shape of a 
letter from His Majesty to M. Fould. I hear by 
letters from Paris that this bold measure has excited 
the fury of the protectionists in society, who are as 
about nine to one against free trade. The secret has 
been well kept, and I believe there is no doubt 



1660 DIARY OF HENRY GREV1LLE 269 

but that the measure has been decided on chiefly 
owing to the persuasive arguments of Cobden, who 
has had frequent intercourse with the Emperor and 
Fould during the winter. There may be some hope 
that this proposition, which is to go through the 
farce of being submitted to the legislature, will 
strengthen the chance of the maintenance of peace, 
and, as the ' Times ' observes, England and France 
will, when this system is inaugurated, become aware 
how necessary they are to each other, and will 
appreciate the full extent of that suicidal folly which 
would waste in mutual conflict resources designed 
for their own good and for the benefit of the world. 
1 Here is indeed an idea that was worth fighting for, 
an idea, not barren or one-sided, but fruitful and 
cosmopolitan, giving confidence for the present and 
hope for the future, and sure to realise an amount of 
good which it is rarely granted to a ruler of mankind 
to dispense to his fellow-creatures.' 

January 38, Saturday. The Queen opened Par- 
liament on the 26th with a speech of unusual 
length, the chief topics of which were the commercial 
treaty with France, the Italian Congress, and the 
Reform Bill. The debates on the Address were very 
flat in both Houses, and the attendance small. The 
leaders of the Conservative party disavowed all 
hostile intentions, but little reliance can be placed 
on such peaceful professions, and already, since the 
provisions of the commercial treaty and the lowering 
of the town franchise by the new Eeform Bill have 
become known, it seems probable that Government 
will be attacked by the whole force of the Conserva- 
tive party, who, for this object, has merged all its 
differences and will enlist under the leadership of 



270 LEAVES FEOM THE 1860 

Disraeli. They were prepared and even anxious to 
assist in passing a moderate Eeform Bill, but will not 
hear of so low a franchise as 61. The Cabinet, I am 
told (a majority at least), would have preferred a 
higher figure, but John Eussell considered himself 
bound, for consistency's sake, to the QL, which he 
had advocated last session, and the Cabinet was weak 
enough to yield. 

This clause is sure to be thrown out, and it 
remains to be seen whether the Cabinet will resign 
en masse, or allow John Eussell to do so, and choose 
another Foreign Secretary, which would be the wisest 
course. A dissolution would be useless in the present 
temper of the country. 

The treaty between France and Sardinia for the 
annexation of Savoy and Nice to France, which was 
suspected to have been signed, or at least agreed 
upon, at the time of Prince Napoleon's marriage, is 
now openly admitted to exist by the journals which 
support the Government in France, and there is a 
long article in the ' Patrie ' strongly advocating the 
measure. The attention of Government to this 
subject was called by Normanby last night in the 
House of Lords. Granville replied that the Govern- 
ment had no official knowledge of any such intention, 
and that the Government of the Emperor had long 
been made acquainted with the opinion of the English 
Cabinet upon any such arrangement. One does not 
quite see why, if no such arrangement was in con- 
templation, our Government should have thought it 
necessary to express any opinion upon the subject. 

January 31, London, Tuesday. I came here 
yesterday. 

A question was asked in the House of Commons 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 271 

as to how the Government had heard of the reported 
annexation of Savoy to Prance, and John Eussell 
answered that the British Minister in Switzerland 
had informed Cowley that such an arrangement was 
supposed to exist. 

February 1, Wednesday. The Emperor Napoleon 
is going what is vulgarly called ' the whole hog ' 
against the violent clerical party in France, and has 
by decree suppressed the ' Univers,' and has, more- 
over, issued a long article through the channel of the 
* Constitutional,' a semi-official paper, in answer to 
the Pope's encyclical letter to the bishops of France, 
by which he gives them clearly to understand that 
the present question is not a spiritual but a political 
matter, and observes that the days of heresy and 
schism are clearly past, and there is no reason to 
suppose that a temporary protest is in these en- 
lightened times likely to produce any such results. 
He laments that in so grave a document the eternal 
cause of the Church should be identified in a partner- 
ship of profit and loss with those paltry Italian 
princes who rely on the arms of Austria and can only 
return to Italy in her train. In the same spirit, the 
Pope is taunted with allowing himself to be made the 
tool of Austria, whilst putting forward pretensions 
which, by absorbing the temporal into the spiritual, 
would place him above all the sovereigns of the 
earth. The article concludes by assuring the Pope 
that he has no cause to apprehend that the Emperor 
Xapoleon, who, for ten years, has maintained H. H. 
on his throne, bearing patiently the rejection of his 
counsels, and the gradual increase of the evils against 
which he protested, will now lose either temper or 
patience. The Emperor has offered advice to the 



272 LEAVES FROM THE 1860 

Pope, which H. H. has rejected, as he had every right 
to do. H. M. has therefore taken his course. He 
will not suffer the head of the Church or his subjects 
to be molested in Eome, but if, through his wilful 
obstinacy, the Pope chooses to alienate from himself 
the rest of his dominions, he must look for 110 foreign 
aid to assist him to carry the sword of Perugia 
through the streets of his other cities. 

All this is plausibly put, but the simple meaning 
of it is that the Emperor has no intention to lacker 
prise of Eome, and intends to keep the Pope virtually 
a prisoner there. 

From what I hear from the few people I have 
met, the Commercial Treaty is by no means popular, 
and is considered so great a political and commercial 
blunder as to have made its passing the House of 
Commons quite impossible but for the ardent wish of 
all parties that no impediment should be thrown in 
way of the settlement of the Eeform question this 
session. 

The Prince of Orange is at Windsor a shy and 
awkward youth. The courtiers are instructed to 
give out that his visit is unconnected with any 
matrimonial projects. I have no doubt, however, 
but that it has been a question of an alliance between 
him and Princess Alice, and I have reason to believe 
that the young Prince shows no disposition for it, 
and that the Queen has heard stories about him 
which have made her less anxious for the marriage. 
Princess Alice is an intelligent girl, with pleasing 
manners and much improved in looks. 

February 6, Monday. Gladstone was to have 
brought on his Budget to-night, but is obliged to 
defer it owino- to a bad sore throat. There is 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 273 

immense curiosity as to the details of the Commer- 
cial Treaty, which, considering the weakness of the 
Government, is considered a very adventurous pro- 
ceeding on the part of Gladstone. 

February 8, Wednesday. A capital debate last 
night in the House of Lords on the annexation of 
Savoy and Nice to France. The speeches of Derby, 
Grey, and Brougham were excellent, and form a, 
striking contrast with the low and undignified tone 
of our Government. 

I consider the annexation as certain, but believe 
it to be a mistake on the Emperor's part, as it can 
only add to the suspicion which his tortuous ways 
excite amongst the Powers of Europe. He will be 
much provoked by the strong manifestation of 
public opinion against his conduct. It is becoming 
extremely difficult to carry on diplomatic business 
with such a Government. The Emperor never 
speaks a word of truth, and his promises and 
assurances go for nothing, and as his Minister 
for Foreign Affairs seldom, if ever, is acquainted 
with the real intentions and opinions of his master,, 
it matters very little what he may say to our 
ambassador. 

February 11, Saturday. Gladstone, though still 
unwell, managed to bring on his Budget last night,. 
and made a marvellously clear statement of four and 
a half hours' duration. Ellice came to the Flahaults' 
in great admiration of his speech, and he thinks the 
French Treaty will not meet with much opposition, 
and, as far as he could see, from the way in which it 
was received, he thinks the Budget will do. It is. 
like Gladstone complicated and ingenious. 

February 19, Sunday. During the week that has 

III. T 



274 LEAVES FROM THE 1860 

elapsed since Gladstone's speech, a change has come 
over the spirit of public opinion, and the Budget is 
discovered to be full of unsound finance. The French 
Treaty, too, is far from being universally popular. 
It is thought the same thing might have been better 
and more safely done without any treaty at all. It is 
indeed believed in many quarters to be a political trick, 
partly on the part of France, to induce us to wink 
at the annexation of Savoy, and partly on that of 
our own Government, to curry favour with the 
Manchester party. The article which binds us for 
ever neither to prohibit the exportation of coal, 
nor to impose any duty on it, whatever may be our 
financial wants or political extremity, is especially 
condemned. Coal, in fact, is one of the great 
defences of the country, and at the same time the 
means by which it can be most readily assailed. 

The Derbyites have determined to oppose the 
Budget with their whole force, and notice has been 
given by Mr. Ducane that on the motion for going 
into Committee of Supply on the Customs Act, he 
should move, that ' the House, recognising the neces- 
sity of providing for the increased expenditure of the 
coming financial year, is of opinion that it is not 
expedient to add to the deficiency by diminishing the 
ordinary revenue, and is not prepared to disappoint 
the legitimate expectations of the country by largely 
increasing the income tax.' There is much doubt 
whether this will be carried. 

Yesterday at dinner at Flahault's I met Lord 
Lansdowne and Edward Ellice. The latter con- 
siders the Budget as very dangerous, inasmuch as it 
takes five millions from the revenue, without substi- 
tuting any equivalent, and he considers the treaty 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 275 

with France as a very adventurous feat on the part 
of a Government which has barely a majority in 
Parliament, and which therefore should act with 
double caution. 

The annexation of Savoy and Nice has again been 
the subject of discussion in both Houses. John 
Eussell on Friday evening corrected the statement 
he had made. Cowley, he said, had addressed the 
Emperor of the French on the subject and had been 
assured that H. M. would not proceed to any final 
decision on this subject without consulting the Great 
Powers of Europe, and that under no circumstances 
would these provinces be annexed to France against 
the wishes of the inhabitants. 

On a previous evening both Houses were informed 
that the Sardinian Government had made no engage- 
ment and had no intention of giving Savoy and Nice 
to France. Walewski, in a private conversation with 
Cowley, had informed him that, if Central Italy were 
annexed to Piedmont, France would not consider 
her frontier safe without some annexation of Savoy 
to France bosh ! 

February 27, Monday. The Government has been 
very triumphant during the last week. Disraeli's 
motion for postponing the discussion of the Budget 
until the French Treaty was disposed of, and that 
of Ducane, before alluded to, were lost by large 
majorities. On the latter motion a great many 
Conservatives voted with Government, and on the 
announcement of the numbers several of them cried 
out, with evident satisfaction, ' What a facer for 
Dizzy ! ' Their detestation of him knows no bounds. 

Gladstone has been speaking wonderfully well, 
but his speeches savour much of democracy, and are 

T 2 



276 LEAVES FROM THE 1860 

loudly praised by the Eadical members and their 
press. 

There have been statements and counter-state- 
ments from Elgin and Sir Michael Seymour, and the 
lie direct, though politely given to each other, on 
the accusation brought against the Admiral by Mr. 
Oliphant, Elgin's private secretary, in the narrative 
he has published of the Japanese mission. The corre- 
spondence since published is, I think, unfavourable, 
and generally considered so, to Elgin's version of 
the affair. I believe Elgin is again to go to China. 

March 7, Thursday. At Flahault's last night I 
heard the new proposal made by the Emperor 
Napoleon for the settlement of the Italian question 
Modena and Parma to be annexed to Sardinia. 
The autonomy of Tuscany to be maintained under a 
prince chosen by universal suffrage the Eomagna 
to be held by Sardinia under the nominal suzerainete 
of the Pope Sardinia to pay a tribute of 3,000,000 
francs and to occupy it with their army. I doubt 
this arrangement suiting anybody, but it is said to 
be accepted by Cavour. 

France is to annex the ' versants Fran^ais des 
montagnes de la Savoie.' 

Poor Lady Granville has been a Vextremite the 
last few days. 

March 2, Friday. John Eussell introduced his 
Eeform Bill last night. It was received without 
enthusiasm or disgust, but with so much indifference 
as rather to increase its chance of passing with some 
few modifications. 

The Emperor's speech to the Legislative Assembly, 
pronounced yesterday, shadows forth the above- 
mentioned arrangement for the settlement of the 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 277 

Italian question ; including the annexation by 
France of part of Savoy. This ' Kevendication 
d'un territoire de peu d'etendue n'a rien qui doive 
alarmer 1'Europe ou donner un dementi a la 
politique de desinteressement que j'ai proclamee 
plus d'une fois, car la France ne veut proceder a 
cet agrandissement, quelque faible qu'il soit, ni par 
une occupation militaire, ni par une insurrection 
provoquee, ni par de sourdes manoeuvres, mais en 
exposant franchement la question aux grandes 
puissances. Elles comprendront sans doute, dans 
leur equite, comme la France le comprendrait pour 
chacune d'elles en pareilles circonstances, que 
1'important remaniement territorial qui va avoir 
lieu, nous donne le droit a une garantie indiquee 
par la nature elle-meme.' 

It is justly observed by the ' Times ' in its article 
on this speech, that 'the most important part of 
this most important speech is the declaration of the 
Emperor of the French that he intends to annex to 
France a portion of the dominions of a neighbouring 
and friendly Power. It is no longer a rumour, it is 
now an avowed fact, that Napoleon intends to take 
to himself all that portion of the Savoy Alps which 
slopes from the watershed line towards the French 
frontier.' 

March 5, ffatchford, Monday. I came here on 
Saturday. In this morning's ' Times ' are published 
(from the ' Moniteur ') two despatches from Thou- 
venel one to the Baron de Talleyrand, the French 
minister at Turin, the other to Persigny, in which, 
after stating, and desiring these gentlemen to state 
to the respective Governments to which they are 
accredited, the solution which the Emperor of the 



278 LEAVES FROM THE 1860 

French considers the only possible one to the Italian 
affairs, he announces to the Sardinian Government 
that they must either accept it, and on their doing 
so, count upon having ' France avec elle et derriere 
elle,' or refuse it on their own responsibility, as 
' whatever may be the sympathies of His Majesty for 
Italy and especially for Sardinia, which has mingled 
its blood with ours, His Majesty would not hesitate 
to evince his firm and decided resolve to take the 
interests of France as his sole guidance.' The exact 
solution proposed in these despatches is as follows : 
' Complete annexation of the duchies of Parma and 
Modena to Sardinia, temporal administration of the 
legations of Eomagna, Ferrara, and of Bologna, under 
the form of a Vicariate (Lieutenancy) exercised by 
his said Majesty, in the name of the Holy See re- 
establishment of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in its 
territorial and political independence.' 

The Emperor likewise tells the King of Sardinia 
that the popular feeling in Italy is not to be trusted 
by him, that it does not mean loyalty to him, but 
hostility to Austria. The aspirations of the Italians, 
he says, involve the conquest of Venetia and menace 
the States of the Church and the Kingdom of the Two 
Sicilies. They also involve two probabilities equally 
to be avoided, war and revolution. ' If, therefor e y 
Sardinia should go alone onwards, she must be 
prepared for the consequences into which these 
popular desires must force her. She must undertake 
a work out of proportion with her ordinary means, 
and she must become the agent of a policy which 
will 110 longer receive its impulse from Turin. This 
is what must happen if Sardinia does not accept the 
proffered solution.' 



I860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 27 & 

What is Sardinia to do ? France has an army in 
Italy of sixty thousand men Austria twice as many 
in Venetia. 

The correspondence of the Nice and Savoy 
annexation is published, and I am happy to see that 
our language has been consistent, and that no com- 
munication respecting this affair has reached our 
Government without producing a prompt remon- 
strance ' Mais, c'est si comme on chantait ! ' 

March 12, Monday. Cavour's reply to Thou- 
venel's despatch is remarkably bold and able, and 
he at once accepts the responsibility pointed out to 
him, and declares the determination of Sardinia to 
abide by the result of the vote of the provinces 
of Central Italy, whatever it may be. It is much 
suspected that there is an understanding between 
the Emperor and Cavour I said so to Flahault last 
night, who replied that the ' supposition was mon- 
strous, and that, as it was, every one would believe 
in spite of strong evidence to the contrary that 
the Emperor was playing a deep and secret game 
that the Emperor detested Cavour, and had caused 
his dissmissal from office after the Peace of Villa- 
franca, and which had falsely been said to be 
Cavour's own spontaneous act that nothing could 
be more ' les cartes sur la table ' than the whole of 
the Emperor's game, which had varied, it was true, 
according to the circumstances as they occurred, and 
this, Flahault maintained, the published correspon- 
dence proved. 

The Address to the Queen thanking Her Majesty 
for the treaty was moved by George Byng (who 
spoke well) and was carried by a large majority. 

March 74, Wednesday. Poor Lady Granville 



280 LEAVES FROM THE 1860 

died last night at Brighton, having passed the last 
fortnight between life and death, and showing, as the 
doctors say, a remarkable vitality. She is an im- 
mense loss to him in all ways. He was extremely 
attached, and the peculiarities of her character, which 
were many and great, and which to many men would 
have been irksome, if not intolerable, seemed to have 
an especial charm for him. She was quick, frank, 
and discreet with much general kindness, she was, 
I think, destitute of warm affection, except for her 
husband, whom she idolised, and her son, and for the 
advancement of the former in his public career her 
ambition knew no bounds, and to conduce to this 
object there was no sacrifice she would have been 
unwilling to make. She was an admirable hostess 
gay and courteous, and with much discernment and ap- 
preciation of character. Her foreign extraction, and 
her knowledge of foreign languages, enabled her to 
receive and converse with people of all countries, 
and her large connection was of use to Granville, 
who, wherever he went on the Continent, found him- 
self en pays de connaissance, and there can be no doubt 
but that her social qualities have been of great use 
to him in his public life. I made acquaintance with 
her in 1833 in London, where she came directly after 
her marriage, and saw much of her at Naples the 
following winter, where her first husband had a fine 
house and lived remarkably well ; ever since that 
time I have lived on terms of great intimacy with 
her, and there are few people whom, socially, I shall 
regret and miss more. 

On Wednesday last the Queen held a Court for 
the purpose of receiving the officers of the Bifle 
Corps 2,500 attended, and passed before Her Majesty 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 281 

without any confusion in two hours. It is said the 
Queen complained of a bad smell, and desired to 
know from whence it proceeded. The answer was 
' que c'etait Pesprit du corps' 

In the evening a ball was given at the' Floral Hall 
adjoining Covent Garden Theatre, at which 6,000 
people attended, the tickets being 25s. apiece. 

March 17, Hatchford, Saturday. Letters from 
Naples give a deplorable account of the state of 
affairs there, and it seems impossible but that a crisis 
of some sort must be at hand. Lady Holland tells 
me that endless arrests in every class are constantly 
made. From Prince Torcello, Marquis Virleano, 
Duke Prolo, down to Lawyers, men of Letters, keepers 
of hotels, to the lowest orders, all and every one 
have been dragged into prison or sent into exile, on 
twenty-fours' notice, merely on suspicion of having 
liberal tendencies. Prince Torcello is one of the 
King's chambellans, an unambitious man, devoted 
to scientific pursuits and a quiet life. He has since 
been liberated, and no reason has been given for his 
passing a night shut up but that it was a mistake of 
the police. The French and English ministers have 
remonstrated with the King, but nothing is obtained. 

I met Lacaita this afternoon. He told me the 
accounts were dreadful and by no means exaggerated, 
that everything was playing into the Emperor Napo- 
leon's hands, and that before two years had elapsed 
the Neapolitans, in despair, would take a Murat for 
their king. When the late King was dying, Lacaita 
went to Hardwicke, who was then in office (and 
because he was unacquainted with Malmesbury), and 
told him what the state of things was at that time, 
and of the great importance it was that England 



282 LEAVES FROM THE I860 

should have some one on the spot, at the moment of 
the King's death, so as to get the ear of the new 
King, before other bad influences could have time to 
get hold of him. Lacaita suggested that some one 
should be sent to Eome who might wait there until 
the event happened, and proceed to Naples as soon 
as the telegraph could announce it. Hardwicke 
promised to speak to Malmesbury, who, however, 
paid no attention to the suggestion, the consequence 
of which was that the Austrian Government sent 
Hiibner to Naples, who got possession of the King 
a full month before Elliot was sent there. Lacaita 
says the young Queen and the Queen Mother are 
acting in complete union under the dictation of 
Austria, and that sooner or later the Government 
will be upset, and as Europe probably would not 
consent to the absorption by Sardinia of the Neapoli- 
tan Kingdom, and that the Neapolitans would not 
take any of the Queen Mother's children, it is pretty 
sure that France will step in and establish a Murat 
or a Buonaparte, who would be accepted with joy as 
the sole escape from the present state of things. The 
Count of Syracuse is Liberal, but has no children, and 
he will probably soon be sent into exile. 

Last night, on the motion for the adjournment of 
the House, Kinglake urged the production of John 
Russell's answer to Lord Bloomfield's despatch of 
March 3, respecting the overture of the Prussian 
Government, on the annexation of Savoy and Nice, to 
France. Sir E. Peel quoted a declaration of Baron 
Schleinitz, that the absorption of Savoy was viewed by 
Germany with the greatest distrust, and he reiterated 
with emphasis his denunciation of the measure as 
well as the policy of France, which he said was daily 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 283 

outraging public opinion, and he characterised the 
language of Cavour in the matter as ambiguous. 
John Eussell replied that he had not answered Lord 
Bloomfield's despatch, the subject of which was a 
communication between Baron Schleinitz and the 
French minister, but he stated that Prussia agreed in 
the view taken by England on the subject of the 
annexation, that he had expressed both at Vienna and 
St. Petersburg the strong objection of the English 
Government to the annexation of Savoy, leaving to 
them to take whatever part they might think fit on 
this subject of European interest that the British 
Government had no satisfactory account from Vienna 
as to any steps that the Austrian Government will 
take in this matter. There were reasons why Austria, 
who had herself lost Lombardy, should not be 
particularly anxious in a matter of this kind when 
the King of Sardinia's dominions were affected. It 
was a month since John Eussell had communicated 
with the Austrian Government, and a week afterwards 
he had written to St. Petersburg, and it certainly 
was a disappointment to Her Majesty's Government 
that, considering so long a time had elapsed, and that 
annexation has, as it were, been suspending all this 
time, we have not any notice or intelligence that any 
strong remonstrances against the annexation are 
intended to be made by these Governments. 

John Eussell admitted that Cavour's language 
had certainly a good deal of the character ascribed 
to it by Sir E. Peel. ' If, however,' J. Eussell con- 
tinued, ' the Great Powers of Europe, which were 
to be consulted if Austria and Eussia felt no great 
interest in this question, if Prussia and Great Britain 
are the only Powers that do feel any interest in it, 



284 LEAVES FROM THE 1860 

and if the King of Sardinia is (according to Cavour) 
willing to yield this territory to France, it certainly 
becomes very difficult to make any opposition to 
the Act but,' he said, ' there is another matter which 
I am going to state to the House, because, after the 
questions which were addressed to me by a Noble 
Lord not now present, I think I ought to state to the 
House what is my impression, as soon as I have 
received a decided impression on the subject. There 
was delivered to me yesterday a despatch from M. 
Thouvenel to M. de Persigny, laying the case of the 
annexation of Savoy before Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment for their consideration the despatch is a very 
temperate one. It abjures altogether the notion of 
natural boundaries, and states the case as one of 
special interest, arising from special circumstances : 
that the position of Italy is changed, that the posi- 
tion of France is thereby made worse, and therefore 
that this is a special case which deserves the special 
consideration of Europe. But, although it is stated 
in the despatch that this question is submitted to 
the wisdom and equity of Europe, I must say that, 
taking the whole despatch together, France can 
hardly be justified in saying that the Powers of 
Europe are to be consulted, and that by their verdict 
the French Government means to abide. / have not 
yet laid this despatch before my colleagues. I am 
telling the House at once all I know on the subject. 
The whole of this despatch, and especially that part of 
it which relates to the question of Faucigny and Cha- 
blais, is one of such gravity and importance that I will 
say no more about it at present than that it requires 
the most serious consideration.' 

This statement made a great sensation in the 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 285 

House. The propriety of imparting the information 
to the House of Commons before his colleagues had 
been made acquainted with the contents of the 
despatch is much questioned. 

Sir Eobert Peel has of late laid aside his usual 
buffoonery, and has been speaking with very remark- 
able ability and gravity. 

March 19, Monday. Heard to-day with great 
regret of the death of Lady Dover. She was a most 
amiable woman, with much strength of character and 
good judgment. She had long been suffering from a 
complication of disorders, but her death was at last 
very sudden. 

March 22, London, Thursday. I came back 
on Wednesday. Yesterday the Emperor Napoleon 
received at the Tuileries a soi-disant deputation 
from Savoy. He stated that the arrangement had 
already been resolved upon in principle ; that the 
assent of Piedmont and of the populations had 
already been obtained to this rectification of the 
frontiers, and the negotiation with the Powers who 
signed the treaty of 1815 permitted the hope of 
a favourable examination of the question by the 
greater part of them. He then added : ' Friendship 
for Switzerland had almost caused a cession of 
territory to be promised which he believed would 
not be contrary to the wishes of Savoy, but as soon 
as it was known that the population refused that 
Savoy should be dismembered, France renounced 
this cession, although wishing to protect the interests 
of Switzerland.' 

The impudence of this answer certainly surpasses 
all belief particularly when one recollects all that 
H. M. has been saying on the subject. 



286 LEAVES FROM THE 1860 

March 25, Sunday. Dined yesterday with Lady 
Jersey and met the Lyndhursts. He was, as usual, 
quite charming, but very desponding on public 
affairs, both foreign and domestic. With regard to 
the former he said it was painful for one who, like 
himself, had lived in the glorious days for England 
of Nelson and Wellington, when we were able and 
courageous enough to uphold our dignity, to have 
fallen upon those of Cobden and Bright, and to be 
governed entirely by considerations of the more or 
the less of cotton and wool. The Emperor Napoleon, 
he said, had contrived to disunite all the Great 
Powers and to render them powerless against any- 
thing he might choose to do. He had seen a letter 
from Guizot, who stated his conviction that a course 
of aggression was meditated by the Emperor, and 
that there were emissaries at work on the Ehenish 
and Belgian frontiers to try and get up a cry for 
annexation. 

Lord Lyndhurst considered this last Eeform Bill 
as the most dangerous one that had yet been intro- 
duced, and said that, although he should not live to 
see it, we might depend upon it that, if it passed in 
its present shape, England would, before long, de- 
scend to the rank of a second-rate Power. He spoke 
very highly of Grey he considered him to be a man 
of first-rate ability and as honest as he was able. He 
thought him a very fine speaker, who always showed 
a profound knowledge of his subject. 

I called on the Greys in the afternoon. Grey 
told me Van de Weyer was quite aware of the truth 
of what Guizot had written with respect to French 
intrigues in Belgium. Grey has a motion on the 
27th for the purpose of bringing on a discussion on 



1860 DTAEY OF HENRY GREVILLE 287 

the Eeform Bill, and told me lie was getting up his 
case with great care. 

March 27, Tuesday. Last night, in reply to 
Horsman, who had called attention to foreign affairs, 
and especially to the annexation of Savoy, and had 
complained that the recent despatch of M. Thouvenel 
was still kept back, John Eussell made a speech 
which has produced a great sensation. He said the 
House knew what was the opinion of Austria and 
Eussia on this subject, and that with regard to the 
reply of our Government to Thouvenel's despatch, he 
could assure the House they were not ashamed of at. 
4 There were other important matters connected with 
this subject, distinct from that of Savoy. The inde- 
pendence of Switzerland had been guaranteed by the 
Great Powers of Europe, and as a part of Savoy had 
been declared to be neutral, it was obvious that its 
transfer to France was a great change in the con- 
dition of that territory, and Switzerland had applied 
to the Great Powers to preserve its neutrality intact. 
This subject required, in the opinion of Her Majesty's 
Government, that the sentiments of the Courts of 
Berlin, Vienna, and St. Petersburg should be ascer- 
tained whether the neutrality of Switzerland would 
be safe after this transfer, and this was a negotia- 
tion which could not be carried on by the House of 
Commons. 

' With regard to the Emperor of the French, the 
course he had pursued had, as he had predicted, 
caused great distrust in the House, and he believed 
it would produce great distrust in Europe. He 
believed the annexation of Savoy to be such an 
act as would lead a nation so warlike as France to 
call, from time to time, for other similar acts, and he 



288 LEAVES FROM THE I860 

felt that if it was our wish to keep on friendly terms 
with France, as it was his wish, we ought not to 
keep ourselves apart from the other nations of 
Europe, in order that when future questions might 
arise, we might be ready to act with them, and to 
declare in the most moderate and friendly terms, 
but firmly, that the peace of Europe could not be 
secure if it was liable to perpetual interruptions, 
and the Powers of Europe, if they wished to main- 
tain peace, must respect each other's rights and 
limits.' 

This speech was vociferously cheered on all sides 
of the House. Bright answered it, but was not 
listened to. This speech may be considered as the 
knell of our exclusive and intimate alliance with 
France, and it is much to be regretted that we have 
not sooner bethought ourselves of putting an end to 
our isolated position. 

I have since heard that the answer to Thouvenel's 
despatch laid before Parliament was written by 
Palmerston and submitted to the Cabinet. John 
Eussell having written one which Palmerston dis- 
approved, the former left it to Palmerston to write 
one himself. 

There is a saying, a propos of the Savoy annexa- 
tion, attributed to the Princesse Clotilde : ' Que le 
roi, non content d' avoir vendu sa fille a la France, 
maintenant lui vend le Berceau.' 

April 9, Hatch/Orel, Easter Monday. I came 
here on Saturday and found the Greys. Parliament 
adjourned on Thursday until the 17th. The chance 
of passing the Eeform Bill this year is daily becoming 
less. The Budget and French Treaty are fast fall- 
ing in public estimation, and Gladstone growing more 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 289 

and more unpopular and distrusted in the House of 
Commons. 

April 16, London, Monday. I returned here 
on Thursday, and never recollect such deplorable 
weather as we have had of late darkness, fog, rain, 
and an intensely cold wind. 

Dined yesterday with Lady Jersey. Kilmansegge 
came in the evening. He had met M. de la Eive, 
who is come on a mission from Switzerland. He is, 
K. said, a clever man, and intimately acquainted 
with the Emperor Napoleon and Cavour as also 
with Garibaldi, and all the persons who have played 
prominent parts in the late war, and with the 
circumstances arising from it. He has no doubt but 
that in two years' time the Sardinian Government, 
which is now actively intriguing to bring about 
revolutions in the Neapolitan and Eoman States as 
well as in Venetia, will openly proclaim that Eome 
must be the capital of a United Italy. This must 
of course depend upon their previous success in 
their attempt to drive the Austrians out of Yenetia, 
and that France does not make volte-face and 
protect the Pope. La Eive, who is a Conservative, 
says there can be no doubt but that all Italy is for 
Unita. 

The Queen's half-brother-in-law, the Prince of 
Hohenlohe, is dead, and the Court goes into mourning 
for a fortnight, although he had no royal blood in 
his veins. 

April 21, Saturday. Snow. N.E. wind. Damp 
has prevailed during the last fortnight. 

Since I last wrote, attempts at revolution have 
been made in Spain and Sicily. The former have 
been put down, and Ortega, who was captain of the 
in. u 



290 LEAVES FROM THE I860 

Balearic Isles, and holding the Queen's commission 
when he invaded the country, declaring Charles VII., 
has been seized and is to be shot. He and some 
other persons implicated in this plot are connexions 
of the Empress Eugenie, who wrote to the Queen 
of Spain to ask her to spare their lives. Her Majesty 
replied that she was a constitutional sovereign, and 
that these persons must be tried according to the 
laws of Spain, and that she could only act by the 
advice of her responsible ministers. A fancy ball 
the Empress was about to give has been deferred 
for a week in consequence of this affair. Her Majesty 
is to appear as Diane Chasseresse, and her chief cloth- 
ing is to consist of diamonds ! ! 

The public has been much occupied during the 
last week with the fight between the British champion 
Sayers and Heenan the American boy. It came off 
on Friday last, in spite of the police, in a field near 
Aldershot, and was a long and bloody business ending 
in a drawn battle. Heenan, as compared with Sayers, 
is a giant, and nothing but the extraordinary pluck 
and address of the latter could have brought him 
through. At one time it was supposed they were 
to fight over again, but the affair has been settled 
amicably a large collection has been made for 
Sayers, whose indomitable pluck has gained for him 
great sympathy, and especially from the ladies, who 
have interested themselves very much in this contest. 
They fought for the champion's belt, which, if beaten, 
he is obliged to give up within three vears. 

O O JL / 

May Id, ffatchford, Tuesday. I came here 
yesterday. In these days one lives in such a whirl 
and quick succession of events, that unless one is 
diligent and writes every day, it is next to impossible 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 291 

to keep pace with the variety of public and private 
events which daily occur. To begin with the weather. 
It has been desperately cold and disagreeable until 
two days ago, when the wind at last changed, but 
we have had as yet nothing like spring. 

Since I last wrote, the Eeform Bill passed the 
second reading, and stands committed for June 4. 
It has been reported and contradicted that the 
Government intended to withdraw the Bill its un- 
popularity goes on increasing, and no one that I meet 
believes it can pass into law. 

During the debate, Walpole, when referring to 
Grey's speech (on moving for a committee to enquire 
into the probable effect of lowering the franchise), 
charged J. Eussell with having reopened the question 
of Eeform, when Premier, without the knowledge of 
his colleagues, which J. Eussell said was not true. 
This denial has led to a very animated and angry 
correspondence between Grey and John Eussell, of 
which I think no one has the best. In the meantime 
a committee of the House of Lords is collecting 
evidence proving the inaccuracy of the returns on 
which the Government found the new franchise, 
of which, nevertheless, they still maintain the cor- 
rectness. 

Derby has announced his intention of rejecting 
the clause of the Budget which repeals the Paper 
Duties, and it is reported that, in the event of his 
success, Gladstone and Milner Gibson will retire 
from the Government. 

The Sicilian insurrection has assumed a serious 
aspect, in consequence of Garibaldi having fitted 
out an expedition and sailed thither to assist the 
insurgents. France is indignant, or pretends to be 



292 LEAVES FROM THE 1860 

so, with Sardinia for having connived at this breach 
of international law. Cavour replies to the remon- 
strances of France that the Sardinian Government 
deplore the matter as much as France can do, but 
that they had no means of preventing it, which, of 
course, no one believes. 

I met Lacaita the other night. He thinks that 
if Garibaldi can land in Sicily he will succeed, but 
if in Calabria he will commit a fatal blunder. The 
French press, which began by violently attacking 
Garibaldi, Sardinia, and England (accusing us of 
helping the insurrection), has now subdued its tone, 
and is making out that if Sicily be annexed to 
Sardinia it will be necessary for the dignity of France 
that she should have compensation. 

Flahault writes from Paris uneasily on foreign 
affairs, and speaks of the cajolery of Eussia and 
Austria and their attempts to weaken the French and 
English alliance. 

The London world has been much occupied 
with the marriage of Lady Susan Clinton and Lord 
Adolphus Vane, which had long been forbidden by 
the Duke of Newcastle. As soon as she was of 
age she walked out of her father's house and was 
married ; was received at Holdernesse House and 
proceeded to Brighton, where a few days after his 
marriage Lord Adolphus was seized with a fit of 
insanity. There was no end of the details, true and 
false, given and believed of this wretched affair. 
Whatever may have been the exact truth, the ' happy 
couple ' may now be seen flourishing up and down 
Eotten Eow every day, and people are beginning to 
occupy themselves with other things. 

I had a party on Thursday evening at which 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREV1LLE 293 

Mario sang delightfully, notwithstanding that he was 
anxious and unhappy about his youngest child, who 
is dangerously ill of a fever. He took the trouble to 
come all the way from Sydenham and to return at 
night, rather than disappoint me. 

May 18, London, Friday. Eeturned to town 
yesterday dined with Abercorn, who is Volunteer 
mad went in the evening to Madame de Flahault, 
where Lady Shelburne came from meeting the new 
Neapolitan Minister, Liidolf, who is son of the Count 
Liidolf I knew at Kome in 1832. He arrives at an 
unpleasant moment, when every one is occupied with 
and eager for the success of Garibaldi. Liidolf did 
not speak much of this, but said it was evidently a 
parti pris in this country to listen to and believe 
only one side of the subject. The man who preceded 
Liidolf remained here a very short time, having been 
frightened, it is said, by a sortie of Palmerston's one 
day (the first, I believe, on which he had appeared 
at Court), when he told him ' que tout allait au plus 
mal a Naples, que le Eoi perdrait sa couronne et le 
meritrait,' or something to that effect. After such a 
debut as this the minister thought his post would 
not be an enviable one, and he telegraphed to Naples 
asking to be recalled. His resignation was accepted, 
and Liidolf was sent in his place. 

Last night there was a good deal of conversation 
in the House of Commons on the Sicilian affair, more 
particularly with reference to an advertisement in 
the ' Times ' for raising money for the insurgents, and 
as to the legality of the proceedings. The Attorney - 
General said there could be no doubt as to the 
principle of the common law, and that it was illegal 
to interfere in the domestic concerns of another State, 



294 LEAVES FROM THE I860 

but there was a difference between the enunciation 
of the principle and its application. John Eussell 
satisfactorily explained what had occurred at Marsala, 
when two English ships were reported to have pro- 
tected the landing of Garibaldi, and he stated that 
Captain Marryatt was there to protect English 
subjects and English property, and had in no way 
exceeded his duty. His instructions were to observe 
a strict neutrality, and he had obeyed them. With 
regard to the legality or illegality of the subscrip- 
tion, he said it was one thing for the Attorney- 
General to state the general purport of the law, and 
another to advise the Government that, if a prose- 
cution were instituted, there was a probability of 
obtaining a conviction. It would require a great 
deal of consideration before the Government under- 
took such a prosecution, and he would not pledge 
them by any declaration to do so. 

The French Funds have fallen considerably and 
the public mind is much disquieted, as it is impossible 
to foresee the probable fate of Garibaldi's expedition, 
and still more so the course France may choose to 
pursue. 

May 22, Tuesday. Last night there was a great 
field day in the House of Lords, on the repeal of the 
Paper Duty. The principal point of debate was the 
constitutional question of the right of the House to 
reject a money bill, or, as the case was stated, a 
money bill of this important and critical character, 
forming part of the Budget. Lord Lyndhurst, who 
yesterday completed his eighty-eighth year, took this 
branch of the question in hand, and made a clear and 
luminous speech, adducing precedents in favour of 
the right of the House of Lords, and which had been 



1860 DIAKY OF HENRY GREVILLE 295 

disputed by Lord Cranworth and other peers. The 
rejection of the motion was carried by a majority of 
eighty ; thirty had been the number expected. 

Garibaldi, by the last account, was carrying all 
before him in Sicily. John Eussell answered a ques- 
tion last night, put to him by Kinglake, as to the 
reported interference of Austria and Spain in the 
affairs of Sicily, that there was no such intention on 
the part of those Governments. 

May 24, Thursday. Yesterday was the Derby 
day, and it is said so great a concourse of people 
was never known. An American horse belonging to 
Mr. Ten Broeck, called Umpire, had for a length of 
time been first favourite, and shoals of Americans 
had come over on purpose to see the race. They 
were, however, destined to be disappointed, for the 
Derby was won by a horse called Thormanby, 
belonging to Mr. Merry, a Scotch merchant, who 
won more than 90,000/. 

Palmerstori had a horse in the race which at one 
time was a good deal backed. He rode to and from 
the course from London, which was pretty well for a 
man of seventy-five, on a hot and dusty day, and 
afterwards appeared quite fresh at a large dinner at 
his own house ! 

May 30, Wednesday. The ' Moniteur ' of Tuesday 
published a speech of M. Fould's, delivered at an 
agricultural meeting at Tarbes, which for cool 
impudence surpasses all former discourses of the 
kind delivered by the officials of the Emperor. After 
recalling the moderation of the Emperor after the 
late war, M. Fould said : ' This moderation in the 
past is a certain guarantee for the future. The 
Emperor has several times proclaimed that he only 



296 LEAVES FROM THE 1860 

wished to ensure to France the rank which belonged to 
her.' M. F. advises people not to ' be led away by 
the feelings of uneasiness which parties are strenu- 
ously endeavouring to spread. Notwithstanding the 
events which disturb some States, notwithstanding 
the agitation and mistrust which those parties 
attempt to excite in the public mind, France, quiet 
and prosperous, can devote herself with safety to 
public works. She knows the Emperor to be strong 
enough to inspire all with respect for her rights, and 
to be too loyal a neighbour and too faithful an ally 
to menace the rights of others.' 

On this production the ' Times ' of to-day writes 
an article of great excellence ; powerful in its irony 
and stinging in its truth. 

June Id, Friday. There was never so miserable 
a summer as this. With the exception of the Derby 
day, we have not yet had one fine day. It rains, 
blows, and occasionally thunders nearly every day, 
and is very cold. 

Public events have marched rapidly during the 
last three weeks. At home, after manifold discus- 
sions, the Eeform Bill was finally withdrawn on 
Tuesday, to the great satisfaction of all parties, but 
not without John Russell again promising another 
Bill for next session. The report on the national 
defences has been presented to Parliament and 
recommends an outlay of 12,000,000^., which does 
not include any works for the safety of the metro- 
polis ! 

Abroad, the liberation of Sicily is an accomplished 
fact, but what is to be its ultimate fate is very 
uncertain. Palmerston made a very strong speech 
(too strong even as against the Neapolitan Govern- 



1860 DIA.RY OF HENRY GREVILLE 297 

ment), in which he said that Austria had refused 
to interfere, and he believed France had also 
signified the same intention. The King of Naples 
has sent the Chevalier de Martino on a special 
mission to the Emperor Napoleon to try and induce 
him to come to his assistance. I remember this 
gentleman in London as a lively, pleasant little 
fellow. 

Liidolf, whilst deploring his false and disagreeable 
position here, declares himself entirely satisfied with 
his personal reception. 

I was at a dull concert at Court on Wednesday. 
The King of the Belgians was present with his two 
sons, and also young Prince Lichtenstein, who is 
treated by our Court with all the honours of royalty. 
He is a well-looking youth. 

Elphinstone returned from India on Tuesday, much 
out of health, but not more changed in appear- 
ance than might be expected after an absence of six 
and a half years. 

June 16, Saturday. The world is just now much 
occupied with the interview which is taking place 
between the Emperor Napoleon and the Prince of 
Prussia at Baden one by no means sought for by the 
latter, who, in order to prevent any suspicion or 
jealousy on the part of the other Sovereigns of 
Germany, invited them all to assemble at Baden at 
the same moment, which, it is suspected, was by no 
means what the Emperor wished or intended. Accord- 
ingly, the Kings of Bavaria, Saxony, Wiirtemberg, and 
Hanover, and several of the Grand Dukes are now at 
Baden, where the Emperor was to arrive yesterday. 
Flahault told me he had asked Morny what was the 
object of the Emperor's visit, and had told him he 



298 LEAVES FROM THE 1860 

thought that such proceedings were always objection- 
able and gave rise to jealousy, fear, and suspicion. 
Morny replied that the object of the Emperor was to 
calm and reassure the German nation, and that he 
knew positively that it was the earnest desire of the 
Emperor to maintain peace. 

June 17, Sunday. The weather beggars all 
description. It never ceases to rain in torrents. 
Dined to-day at Lady Molesworth's to meet several 
musical artistes Madame Merlan, Catherine Hayes, 
the Halle's, Gardoni. In the evening some agreeable 
singing and some exquisite playing by Halle. 

June 18, Monday. Dined with Wilton. It made 
me sad to see the gap. It was the first time I had 
been in the house since poor Lady Wilton's death. 
How quickly people forget ! 

At Lady Jersey's, in the evening, I found the 
Saxon and Austrian Ministers, who were in great 
spirits at the good results of the Baden conference, 
where they said the most perfect unanimity prevailed 
amongst the German Sovereigns, and that, although 
Austria was not represented there, she had declared 
her entire accordance with all that had been agreed 
upon. The Saxon inferred from this that the 
Emperor Napoleon had been baffled in his hopes of 
cajoling the Prince of Prussia. 

All London is occupied with the forthcoming 
review of the Volunteers in Hyde Park on Saturday 
next. There was a sort of rehearsal in the Eegent's 
Park on Saturday, and it is said there could not 
have been fewer than fifty thousand spectators 
present ! 

June 21, Thursday. This is the longest day of 
the year and a more gloomy one was never seen 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 299 

thunder, lightning, and rain and we have not 
yet had one real summer day. Serious alarm is 
beginning to be felt for the crops and for, what is 
of minor importance, the game, which is being 
drowned. 

I went last night to a concert at Apsley House, 
given to the Queen a very brilliant fete, the 
most striking feature of which was the appearance 
of the Duchess, so handsome, and doing the honours 
so well. 

June 26, Tuesday. The Volunteer review on 
Saturday was a complete success the day, though 
gloomy, was dry. There were 21,000 Volunteers on 
the field, many of whom had come up to town from 
distant parts of the country. They went through 
their evolutions with great precision, and astonished 
everybody. The crowds of people present, of all 
classes, were prodigious. The shops were all shut 
and the afternoon was a general holiday. At the 
conclusion of the review the Volunteers gave a cheer 
for the Queen, which was re-echoed with great 
enthusiasm by the populace, and produced a sublime 
effect, and the Queen was much overcome by it. 

At Strawberry Hill, where I went on Saturday 
and stayed till Monday, I met at dinner both days 
the Aumales, and he told me he had been much 
struck by the extreme regularity with which they 
marched. The two corps which most distinguished 
themselves were the Lawyers and the Artists. The 
first are nicknamed ' the Devil's Own,' retained 
for the defence, the others ' Stand at Easles ' (easels). 

At Strawberry Hill I met the Apponyis, Clan- 
ricardes, Stratford de Redcliffes, Bulteels, Lady Ailes- 
bury, the Somers', Sneyd, Charles Villiers, and Charles 



300 LEAVES FROM THE 1860 

Fortescue. I think Lady Somers one of the most 
beautiful women I ever saw, and the charm of her 
beauty is much enhanced by her apparent uncon- 
sciousness of it and by the simplicity of her manners. 

I heard yesterday that Elgin had been wrecked off 
the Point de Galle, but the passengers and crew had 
been saved. 

I was seized to-day with a sudden attack of 
giddiness which prevented my dining with the 
Duchess of Cambridge. 

Old Prince Jerome died yesterday at his place 
near Paris, after a long illness. 

June 30, Hatchford. I came here yesterday. 
The weather is so cold and wet that we sit by the fire 
as in the middle of winter. 

Prince Jerome, by a codicil to his will made ten 
days before his death, desires that he should be 
buried by the side of his brother Napoleon and 
surrounded by his generals, in the Invalides. This 
may possibly induce the present Emperor to abandon 
his project of removing the remains of the first 
Napoleon to St. Denis, where, it is said, prepara- 
tions are now being made to receive them as well as 
his own. 

When Jerdme was embalmed, a ball was found in 
the cartilage of the breast which he had received in 
a duel fought, forty years ago, with the brother of 
Marshal Davoust. 

The wretched King of Naples has at the eleventh 
hour, in an agony of terror, proclaimed a constitution 
and an amnesty, and has hoisted the Italian flag, 
and announced his intention of contracting an alliance 
with Sardinia but all this comes too late. 

July 3, Tuesday. I slept at St. Anne's last night. 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREVILLE 301 

Lady Holland hears from Naples that no one puts 
any trust in the good faith of the King, and that 
annexation is the only chance of securing them a free 
government without the fear of the reaction to which 
they have hitherto always been subjected when any 
liberal measures have been resorted to. 

The Queen opened the proceedings of the Eifle 
Association on Saturday at Wimbledon by firing ofi 
a Whitworth gun, in the presence of an immense 
crowd. The prizes are to be shot for this week. 

July 25, Wednesday. The weather continues to 
be bad beyond all precedent. 

I have seen private letters from Naples stating 
that no one will hear of the Constitution, and it is 
believed that Victor Emmanuel has sent an aide-de- 
camp to Garibaldi to beg him not to attack the main- 
land ; but it is not probable that Garibaldi will 
listen to this, as he considers it to be his mission 
to liberate the whole of Italy, and on that account 
he would not proclaim the annexation of Sicily to 
Sardinia. 

La Greca, the Neapolitan Envoy Extraordinary, 
who has been at Paris, and, as he asserts, well received 
by the Emperor, is come to London but we shall 
give him no encouragement. 

The massacres in Syria, and the intervention of 
the Great Powers, and particularly of France, who is 
sending an army to those parts, have for the moment 
put Italian affairs into the background. We are to 
send ships, and possibly may lend marines for the 
protection of the Christians on the coast, but nothing 
more. This is a serious business, and may not im- 
probably lead to future complications. 

Palmerston stated to the House the Government's 



302 LEAVES FROM THE i860 

plan for the national defences and the sum that would 
be required. His speech was very good and very 
well received, although it was considered somewhat 
warlike in tone, and as intended to back up the 
German Powers. There did not appear to me to be 
anything offensive in it to any one ; but he spoke 
plainly as to the necessity of putting ourselves in a 
state of defence as against France. 

The Prince of Wales sailed for America on the 
10th, attended by the Duke of Newcastle and St. 
Germans. In this day's newspapers, the invitation 
of the President of the United States to the Prince 
and the Queen's reply are published. The former 
is couched in cordial terms, and the Queen replies in 
the same spirit, beginning her letter l My good friend.' 
She says, 'The Prince will drop all royal state on 
leaving my dominions, and will travel under the name 
of Lord Eenfrew, as he has before, when travelling on 
the Continent." 

The Princess Eoyal was delivered of a daughter 
yesterday morning. 

The ' Great Eastern ' has reached New York 
safely. She has not excited the curiosity there 
that was expected, and she is a failure in point of 
speed. 

On Wednesday 18th I had a concert for the 
Duchess of Cambridge, when I learnt for the first 
time that poor Elphinstone was dangerously ill, nay, 
in a hopeless state. I had called there on Monday, 
-when he sent me word he felt too weak to see me, 
and asked me to return another day. I was aware 
that he had had an attack of his Indian fever and 
that it had left him weak, but I hoped he would rally, 
as he had so often done before. I was therefore 



1860 DIARY OF HENRY GREV1LLE 303 

much shocked on hearing of his state, and greatly 
grieved by a note written to me by Lady Willoughby 
stating that he had expired on Thursday morning at 
five o'clock. A more perfect gentleman never existed, 
or one more full of sterling qualities. He had done 
so well in India that the Government had determined 
on proposing to him to succeed Canning if his health 
should permit it. But even had hi