Memoirs of the Court of George IV | Page 8

LORD B----,
I met my brother this morning, to take our new oaths at the Council
Office, and showed him your letter. I was glad to see in it that you are
gradually getting strength, and was surprised to see that the two old
uncles had both written to you at the same time, on the same subject,
without any previous communication had between us.
Lord Harrowby told my brother that it was the intention in every

respect to follow the same ceremonial at this Coronation that took place
at the last, and this should be good authority; but, on the other hand, so
general a rumour and expectation prevails of the banquet being
curtailed, that one scarce knows what to believe. But my own, opinion
is, that Lord H. is correct, and that it will be neither more nor less than
the last. Public conversation supposes four Dukes--viz., my neighbour,
yourself, Lord Hastings, and Lord Winchester. The only Commoner, I
hear, is Sir ---- Liddell, who, I am well assured, says that it is promised
to him. The other names, I presume, grow out of public talk only; at
least, my neighbours told me they had heard nothing of it two or three
days ago.
To give the reader an idea of the state of our public streets in the
metropolis at this period from turbulent mobs, we quote the following
anecdote:--"A very large family party happened to be assembled in the
house, and the garrison being thus strong, it sallied forth, headed by
Lord Exmouth, and attacked the assailants, who, disconcerted possibly
by this unusual system of tactics, instantly dispersed. One prisoner was
taken--a juvenile printer--who, by his insolence, which was
consummate, obtained for himself the glory of a night's imprisonment
instead of a lecture." The third attack occurred on a Wednesday ensuing,
while Lord Sidmouth was attending the Cabinet dinner. It was feeble,
and of brief duration; and as no further annoyance was anticipated by
the police officers, the narrator, who had been left in charge, retired to
his lodgings in the same street. Shortly afterwards he heard the mob
returning, and hastened back to his Lordship's door, against which the
watchman had placed himself. Before, however, they could gain
admittance, the Philistines were upon them, filling the whole doorway,
and hemming them up in the entrance. At this moment a carriage
dashed rapidly down the street, drew up at the door, and Lord Sidmouth
exclaimed from within it, "Let me out--I must get out!" But another and
a commanding voice replied, "You shall not alight--drive on!" and
instantly the carriage bounded forward and disappeared, but not before
the glass of the window nearest the speaker had been shivered to atoms
by a stick or stone. In a moment afterwards, at a signal given, the mob
dispersed, leaving the watchman and his companion the only occupants
of the street. In a few minutes the same carriage returned, escorted by a

small party of the Life Guards. It was that of the Duke of Wellington,
and contained his Grace, Lord Eldon, and Lord Sidmouth.[19]
[19] Pellew's "Life of Lord Sidmouth," vol. iii. p. 328.
The next communication, from a member of the Royal Family, refers to
a much-valued distinction which was conferred on his Royal
Highness's correspondent. It shows also the kind feelings which this
amiable Prince entertained for him:--
THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER TO THE MARQUIS OF
BUCKINGHAM.
Gloucester House, Sunday Evening, May 28.
MY DEAR LORD,
I hasten to return your Lordship my best thanks for your friendly
attention in immediately notifying to me an event that, I trust, you are
well assured must afford me the truest gratification. To the Garter you
are so justly entitled that I have real satisfaction in seeing you receive
that Order; but it is particularly gratifying to me to know that it comes
direct to you from the King, and that this distinction is conferred upon
you unsolicited, the spontaneous act of his Majesty. Of my sentiments
towards yourself I hope you are so well convinced that I need not add
that I shall attend the
Chapter to-morrow
with the sincerest pleasure.
In offering to you my warmest congratulations, I am happy to renew to
you an assurance of the very great regard and high esteem with which
I am always, my dear Lord,
Very sincerely yours,

WILLIAM FREDERICK.
The following refers to the same subject, and is equally creditable to
the writer:--
THE MARQUIS WELLESLEY TO THE MARQUIS OF
BUCKINGHAM.
Richmond, Monday, May 29, 1820.
MY DEAR LORD,
I went to Carlton House to-day to attend a Chapter of the Garter, at
which I understood that I should have had the satisfaction of seeing the
King invest your Lordship with his own Garter, vacated by his
accession to the Crown.
Upon