P.S.-I told you at the time, that when I quitted the Post Office it was signified to me that His Majesty had approved of my having an income equivalent to what I was losing; and that I had written, and had received an answer gracious on that point, and very confidential on another point. I must now do Mr. Pitt the justice to say that he has completed that business in a way that places me independent of political chances and changes, and is also more beneficial to my family. It is, however, Mr. Long, and not our old friend George Rose, who has made to me all the communications on these points, and who has shown a very friendly disposition. I have been, and am, passive in all these matters; for I cannot reconcile myself to some circumstances in Mr. Pitt's conduct towards me, although I have that sort of affection for him which is maintained by recollections of a long intimacy. All well here. I much fear that the Archbishop is going. Believe me, my dear Beresford, ever yours, AUCKLAND. a a John Moore, Archbishop of Canterbury, originally tutor in the family of the Duke of Marlborough; Dean of Canterbury 1770; consecrated Bishop of Bangor 1775; translated Archbishop of Canterbury 1783; married, 1770, Catherine Eden, daughter of Sir Robert Eden; died 1805. : LORD AUCKLAND TO MR. BERESFORD. Eden Farm, Dec. 1st, 1804. MY DEAR BERESFORD,-I think I mentioned to you that the good Archbishop of Canterbury is in a declining state so far as I can judge from observation, and from a conference with his physician, the vital powers are become irreparably too weak for their functions; in which case his life may be prolonged a few days or weeks, more or less, by cordials and stimulants, but the last scene cannot be far off. In the meantime, he has occasional cheerfulness, and is without pain. The Bishops of Lincoln and Norwich are talked of for the eventual succession: and it is supposed that Mr. Pitt will recommend the former, and that the King wishes for the latter. b I know nothing of Lord Harrowby's accident beyond what the newspapers state, but I am very sorry for Lady Harrowby, to whom it will be a terrible shock. I think it likely, at all events, that Lord Harrowby will a George Pretyman, Bishop of Lincoln, tutor to Mr. Pitt at Cambridge, Dean of St. Paul's; consecrated Bishop of Lincoln 1787; translated, 1820, to Winchester; assumed the name of Tomline; died 1827. b Dr. Manners Sutton. с Dudley Ryder, first Earl of Harrowby, son of Nathaniel, first Lord, and Elizabeth Terrick; born 1762; appointed Commissioner of India Board and Vice-President of the Board of Trade 1790; Treasurer of the Navy 1800; Secretary of State 1804; President of the Board of Control 1809; Lord President 1812; 1803, succeeded as Baron; created Earl 1809; M.P. for Tiverton; married, 1795, Lady Susan Gower, daughter of Granville, first Marquis of Stafford; died 1847. not continue in his office; but I have not a guess as to the successor. The Royal reconciliation is coming to a short end. The Prince has written two very angry letters to the Chancellor, respecting the proposed arrangements which are making by the King for the removal of the Princess Charlotte to Windsor, and for her new establishment. I understand that the King and his Ministers have decided to carry the plan into effect; and Bishop Fisher,* who is to be the preceptor, is arrived at Windsor. It is not yet known who is to be the governess: some people talk of your friend Lady Townshend, who, though an excellent woman, does not seem to me to be peculiarly suited to such an undertaking; nor can I conceive that she would so much separate herself from Lord Townshend. I am only fearful that, between the two very nervous points of family disagreements and the approaching discussion of the Catholic question, the King's mind may be again unhinged. We have most gloomy weather. The fogs are so thick that they seem quite palpable. But the people of London are made very happy, and are beyond all example occupied by a childish enthusiasm respecting the young Roscius. Our love to Miss Beresford. Yours ever most sincerely, AUCKLAND. a John Fisher, son of the Vicar of Teignmouth, in Devon, Archdeacon of Exeter; consecrated Bishop of Exeter 1803; translated to Salisbury 1807; died 1825. |