seemed to await her final doom from the parricide hands of her own children, the monarch might have been involved in the general ruin. But the numerous family of the sovereign, his private virtues and domestic character, drew a veil even in the opinion of his enemies across the errors of his government and administration. These reflections have been forced upon us, in consequence of some particular circumstances which took place during the year 1787 in the royal family, and in which the popularity of the king, and the unpopularity of his eldest son, formed a singular contrast. were not able to bear the enormous expense of transporting such a number of felons, and he immediately ordered that 5,000l. should be advanced from his privy purse towards a fund for removing the convicts, which by the exertions of some other philanthropists soon exceeded the sum of 10,000l., and his majesty had ultimately the satisfaction of knowing, that every felon had been removed on whom the sentence of transportation had been passed. My Lords and Gentlemen, You are entitled to all the gratitude I can express for the testimony of approbation you have intended me; and I am truly sensible of the honour done me; but at the same time you must permit me to inform you, that I cannot, without violating all my feelings, consent to it, and that the execution of your design would be a cruel punish It was in consequence of the truly christian and philanthropic exertions of Howard, at this particular period, in regard to the improvement It was in the beginning of the year 1787 that of the gaols, that a subscription was set on foot, his majesty directed his attention to the ame- at the head of which stood his majesty's name, lioration of prison discipline, to which he was for erecting a statue to the great philanthropist. in a great degree actuated by the remonstrances The honour was, however, declined in the folof the philanthropist Howard. A most repre-lowing letter: hensible delay had for a long time existed in the transportation of the convicts, by which the gaols were so much crowded that the most infectious maladies prevailed, and moral contamination was imparted to the young and inexperienced offender. It was at an interview which Howard had with his majesty at Windsor, that the state, not only of the metropolitan prisons but also of the country ones, was sub-ment to me. It is therefore my earnest request that those mitted to his majesty, and a plan was immediately drawn up, by which the evils, so justly complained of could be removed. His majesty notified this plan to parliament in his speech, on the 23d of January, when he says, "A plan has been formed, by my direction, for transporting a number of convicts, in order to remove the inconvenience which arose from the crowd-fund which in my absence, and without my consent, hath ed state of the gaols, in different parts of the kingdom; and you will, I doubt not, take such further measures as may be necessary for this purpose." It was subsequently submitted to his majesty that the finances of the country friends who wish my happiness and future comfort in life, would withdraw their names from the subscription, and that the execution of your design may be laid aside for ever. I shall always think the reforms now going on in several jails of this kingdom, and which I hope will become general, the greatest-honour, and the most ample reward I can possibly receive. I must further inform you, that I cannot permit the been called the Howardian Fund, to go in future by that name, and that I will have no concern in the disposal of the money subscribed, my situation and pursuits rendering it impossible for me to pay an attention to such a general plan, which can only be carried into due effect in particular districts, by a constant attention, and a constant residence. I am, my lords and gentlemen, This letter being shewn to his majesty, he exclaimed, "True, true, Howard wants no statue, his actions will live when every statue is crumbled into dust." His majesty always testified particular anxiety to examine whatever was curious in mechanism or the arts, and having frequently heard of the extensive brewing establishment of Mr. Whitbread, he determined to visit it, and accordingly due notice was sent to the proprietor of the honour intended him. The visit took place on the 26th of May. The early hour of ten in the morning was appointed, but his majesty in this respect exceeded his usual punctuality, for he was in Chiswell-street with her majesty and three of the princesses, a quarter of an hour before the appointed time. The illustrious visitors were received by Mr. Whitbread and his daughter, and were invited to partake of an elegant breakfast, which had been provided, but which their majesties politely declined, and proceeded immediately to inspect the works. The great steam-engine first attracted the attention of the royal visitors, the motion and powers of which were explained to the queen and princesses by his majesty in his own hurried manner, turning round every now and then to ask a question himself, but scarcely ever waiting for an answer. The great store, containing three thousand barrels of beer, was next examined, and the queen and princesses were so much amused with the store cistern, that they went into it, though the aperture was so small as scarcely to admit their entrance into a cavity capable of containing four thousand Mr. Whitbread, at this time, was possessed of a horse remarkable for its height, and the horsekeeper, who had charge of eighty horses employed in the works, was so elated with the presence of royalty and the vanity of office, that he boldly told the king he would shew his majesty the highest horse amongst his subjects. His majesty, in the most good natured manner smiled to see the vaunting groom on his high horse, and examined the animal in the most critical manner. It was above seventeen hands high, and was allowed to be one of the noblest animals of the stud. His majesty next examined the cooperage, where Mr. Whitbread was assailed by such a number of questions from his majesty, that Peter Pindar, in his humourous description of this visit of his majesty, makes him exclaimNow said the brewer, may I be curst, If I know which to answer first. His majesty first asked how far the brewer's barrels would extend if placed side by side; which the brewer not being able to answer, his majesty then asked how far they would extend if placed end to end, to which Mr. Whitbread answered, " Perhaps to Kew." And this the wond'ring king But the most ridiculous question which his majesty is made to ask is the following: Grains? grains?-grains come from hops? No, please your majesty, said the brewer with a smile, Grains come from malt-aye, aye, malt, malt,—I meant malt all the while. The most minute pains had been taken to render this visit of their majesties a comfortable one, as every part of the route that was wet or dirty was covered with matting, and lamps were fixed in all those places where there minutely examined every part of this immense | most poignant affliction to his royal father. establishment, repaired to the house, where a magnificent cold collation was served up on a beautiful service of plate; the most costly wines abounded on the table, but his majesty, with a truly English spirit, would taste no other beverage than porter, which was poured out to him from an immense bottle. The connexion also which he had formed with the party in opposition to his father's ministers, and the votes which he gave in the house of lords, contrary to the dignity and propriety of his great political character, did not tend by any means to allay the parental displeasure, but on the contrary, served rather to increase it. It is far from our intention to intimate that an heir apparent to the crown of this kingdom should hide himself as it were behind The royal party cheerfully partook of the collation, and laying aside all the forms of etiquette, invited the duchess of Ancaster and lady Harcourt to join them, the gentlemen a curtain, or only present himself to public taking their refreshment in an adjoining apart-attention as a character of mere negative qua ment. At two o'clock his majesty rose, and expressed the highest satisfaction at the day's exhibition and entertainment, and most particularly at the elegance and urbanity of his hosts, from whom he took leave in the most condescending manner, expressing a wish to see Mr. Whitbread and his family at Windsor, His majesty offered to confer the honour of knighthood upon Mr. Whitbread, but it was declined. Circumstances of a very particular nature disturbed at this time the harmony of the royal family, and which became the general topic of public conversation. It is the nature of vigilant malice, and consonant to the bitterness of party, to pick up with eagerness, and to circulate with wicked celerity every fugitive whisper that floats within the infected horizon of a court. Idly insignificant at first, it might die away like other vapours; but a sort of courtly chamelions, who hover round a palace, soon change its inoffensive spirit, and corrupt its very nature, till the empire breathes-for the contagion spreads with more than electrical quickness-amidst poison and putridity. The intemperance and extravagance of the heir apparent had been long a source of the lifications and insipid virtue; but of this we are confident, that he would do well to preserve himself in calm and tranquil dignity, taking no violent part in public measures, and living in a continual state of preparation to exercise the sovereign authority when he should be called to the inheritance of it. He should not waste his strength in premature and petty efforts, but preserve it for the great trial that awaits him; nor should he oppose his mind to the danger of contracting the habits and prejudices. of a party, which will certainly prevent him when he attains the crown, from being the king of more than half his people. The breach, however, which existed at this time at Buckingham-house, was however more of a private than a political nature, and obliged the heir apparent not only to absent himself from the royal presence, but to retire to the Pavilion at Brighton, until a reconciliation could be effected. In the mean time every engine which Faction or Party could invent was set in motion, to rouse the parent against the son, and the son against the parent. Every plain fact was fraudulently distorted; nor the peace of families, nor the soft bonds that unite child and parent, or which sustain the hope and pride of a nation, could stand secure. Every hour gave rise to some improbable and mon- |cated malice, varnished by the outward shew strous tale, every moment had its slander, of piety, and bearing on the surface the welland the court insect was for ever on the wing, imitated gloss of loyalty and patriotism, be not collecting venom. As a specimen of the vitu- establishing the rival factions of the father and perating spirit of the times, we shall only state the son-we know not under what terms to one instance. describe it. 1 The financial embarrassments of the Prince of Wales had been laid before his majesty, and excited his keenest indignation, and it was at last determined to bring the matter before parliament. Accordingly on the 20th of April, previous to the usual motions relative to the finances of the nation, Mr. Alderman Newnham addressed the house of commons, on the embarrassed circumstances of the prince of Wales. The prince coming one day to town, accidentally met his father, who was driving in his carriage along Pall-Mall, and the former immediately stopped, and saluted his father in the most respectful manner. The salute was returned by his majesty in an equally respectful manner; but on the following day, the town rang with the abuse of his majesty in meanly refusing to return the salute of his son, and turning away with indignation from him. Other reports of the most pestilential nature were circulated; and many there were who could think it possible, that our late gracious sovereign, educated in palaces, and of necessity passing his life in the habitual ceremonies of an exalted station, could so far forget the usual and indispensible forms of every prince and of every gentleman in public, as not only to refuse, but to spurn at and turn indignant from a due mark of reverence and filial obedience shewn him by his royal son in the streets of the metropolis. To admit such detractions for a moment as facts, would be to combine all that is great and supreme in situation, with all that is low and inferior in manners. If such insinuations do not endanger both the public and private tranquillity-if they do not tend to The only expedient, therefore, that remained, loosen and snap asunder the most inviolable was to throw himself upon the generosity of and tender ties-if they do not exasperate the the nation; and on this principle, Mr. Alderestranged heart, and close yet more fast the man Newnhan demanded of the chancellor of alienated hand-if they are not in themselves a the exchequer, whether it was the intention of departure from that sacred and primeval law, his majesty's ministers to bring forward any written by the finger not only of Nature but proposal for rescuing the heir apparent from his of Nature's God, which has promised blessed-present distressed and embarrassed situation? ness to the peace-makers-if, in fine, such depre- To this question the chancellor of the exchequer Notwithstanding the allowance of 50,000l. per annum from the civil list, it appeared, that in the year 1786 the prince had contracted debts to the amount of 100,000l., exclusive of 50,000l. and upwards, expended upon Carltonhouse. In this embarrasssed state, his first application was to his royal father; but "a direct refusal to afford him any relief, was conveyed to his royal highness through one of his principal officers of state." It is reported, that the duke of Orleans, who was at this time on a visit to England, pressed him in the strongest manner to make use of his fortune to whatever extent he might find necessary, till some favourable change should take place in his circumstances; but this offer the prince declined. Brunswick are supposed to have ceased from among the nation.” Several desultory conversations ensued in the house, at different times, upon the subject; and on the 30th of April, Mr. Fox came down to the replied, that it was not his duty to introduce a subject of that nature, without his majesty's special command; and he could only say at present, that he had not been honoured with any such command. Mr. Newnham, therefore, gave notice of his intentions to bring the sub-house, with immediate authority from the prince ject regularly, by motion, before the house, on the 4th of May. The activity of the opposition party, in this affair, created, in the mean time, no inconsider able anxiety and uneasiness to the ministers. On the 24th of April, Mr. Pitt, after requesting that Mr. Newnham would inform the house more particularly of the nature of the intended motion, adverted to the extreme delicacy of the subject, and declared that the knowledge he possessed of many circumstances relating to it made him desirous of persuading the house to avoid, if possible, the discussion. Mr. Rolle, an adherent of the minister, declared, at the same time, that the question involved matter by which the constitution, both in church and state, might be essentially affected; and that if the friends of the price persisted in their intention, it would be necessary to inquire into those circumstances also." of Wales, to assure them, that there was no part of his conduct that he was afraid or unwilling to have investigated in the fullest manner. The firmness of the prince's friends, on this occasion, appears to have gained him an entire victory over the ministry; for “ on the 3d of May, Mr. Pitt had an audience at Carlton-house; and the same night the prince was informed by his majesty's command, in general terms, that if the motion intended to be made the next day in the house of commons, should be withdrawn, every thing might be settled to his royal highness's satisfaction." The motion was accordingly withdrawn; and on the 23d of May, in consequence of a message from his majesty, the sum of 161,000l. was voted for the relief of the prince of Wales, and 20,000l. on account of the works at Carltonhouse. It was on the 21st of May that the reconciliation took place between his majesty and the prince of Wales; on which day, the former sent a message to his royal highness, desiring to see him at Buckingham-house. His royal highness hastened to pay his duty to the king, and the two great personages continued in conference together for nearly three hours. The prince had the honour of being introduced by the king to his royal mother and sisters; and perhaps a scene of purer or more tender congratulations was hever exhibited than on this occasion. The circumstances adverted to by Mr. Rolle, have been said to relate to some supposed connexion between the prince and Mrs. Fitzherbert, a lady of a very respectable Roman Catholic family, to whom he had for some time manifested a strong attachment. For (as a cotemporary author remarks) notwithstanding the possibility of a marriage between these two parties was effectually guarded against by the royal marriage-act, great pains had been taken, and not entirely without success, to mislead and inflame the minds of the vulgar upon that subject; with what view, it would have been more After this meeting with the king, the prince easy to conceive in former times than at pre- re-delivered the key of office to lord Southampseht, when all the enemies of the house of ton, and messages were sent to all the members |