Secret History of the Court of England Volume I Part 1

Secret History of the Court of England, from the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth.

Volume I.

by Lady Anne Hamilton.

"TO THE READER."

The source from whence this Work proceeds will be a sufficient guarantee for the facts it contains. A high sense of duty and honor has prompted these details which have for many years been on the eve of publication.

It will be worthy of the perusal of THE GREAT because it will serve as a mirror, and they who do not see themselves, or their actions reflected, will not take offence at the _unvarnished Picture_--it may afford real benefit to the Statesman and Politician, by the ample testimony it gives, that when _Justice is perverted_, the most lamentable consequences ensue; and to that cla.s.s of Society whose station is more humble, it may unfold the designing characters by whom they have so frequently been deceived. _They only_ are competent to detail the scenes and intrigues of _a Court_, who have been most intimately acquainted with it, and it must at all times be acknowledged, that it is a climate not very conducive to the growth of Virtue, not very frequently the abode of Truth--yet although its atmosphere is so tainted, its giddy crowd is thought enviably happy. The fallacy of such opinions is here set forth to public view, by one who has spent much of her time in _the interior of a Court_, and whose immediate knowledge of the then pa.s.sing events, give ability to narrate them faithfully. Many, very many, facts are here omited, which hereafter shall appear, and there is little doubt, but that some general good may result from an unprejudiced and calm perusal of the subjects subjoined.

"PREFACE."

How far the law of Libel (as it now stands) may affect is best to be ascertained by a reference to the declaration of Lord Abingdon, in 1779, and inserted, verbatim, at page 69--1st vol. of this "Secret History."

The following Pages are intended as a benefit, not to do injury. If the facts could not have been maintained proper methods ought to have been adopted to have caused the most minute enquiry and investigation upon the subject. Many an Arrow has been shot, and innumerable suspicions entertained from what motive, and by whose hand the bow was drawn, yet here all mystery ceases, and an open avowal is made:--Would to Heaven for the honor of human nature that the subjoined doc.u.ments were falsehoods and calumniations invented for the purpose of maligning character, or for personal resentments--but the unusual corroboration of _events_, _places_, times, and persons, will not admit the probability.

In the affair of the ever lamented Death of the Princess Charlotte, the three important Letters commencing at page 369, vol. 1st, are of essential importance, and deserve the most grave and deliberate enquiry--for _the first time_ they _now_ appear in print. The subjects connected with the Royal Mother are also of deep interest. The conduct of the English Government towards Napoleon is introduced, to give a true and impartial view of the _reasons_ which dictated such arbitrary and unjust measures enforced against that _Great Man_, and which will ever remain a blot upon the British Nation. These unhandsome derelictions from honorable conduct could alone be expressed by those who were well informed upon _private subjects_. Respect for the ill.u.s.trious Dead has materially encouraged the inclination to give publicity to scenes, which were as revolting in themselves as they were _cruel_ and _most heart-rending_ to the Victims: throughout the whole, it is quite apparent that certain Persons were obnoxious to the Ruling Authorities, and the sequel will prove, that _the extinction_ of such Persons was resolved upon, let the means and measures to obtain that object be what they might. During this period we find those who had long been opposed in Political sentiments, to all appearance perfectly reconciled, and adhering to that party from whom they might expect the greatest honors and advancement in the State. We need only refer as proofs for this, to the late "Spencer Percival," and "George Canning"--who to obtain preferment joined the confederations formed against an unprotected Princess, and yet who previously had been the most strenuous defenders of the same Lady's cause.--Well may it be observed that Vanity is too powerful,

"The Seals of Office glitter in their eyes, They leave the truth, and by their falsehoods rise."

These remarks are not intended as any disparagement to the private characters or virtues of those statesmen whose talent was great and well cultivated, but to establish the position which it is the object of this work to show that Justice has not been fairly and impartially administered when the requirement was in opposition to the Royal wish or the administration.

Within these volumes will also be found urgent remonstrances against the indignities offered to the people of Ireland, whose forebearance has been great, and whose sorrows are without a parallel, and who merit the same regard as England and Scotland.--Much is omited relative to the private conduct of persons who occupy _high stations_, but should it be needful, it shall be published, and all the correspondence connected therewith. It is true much honor will not be derived from such explanations, but they are forthcoming if requisite.

The generality of readers will not criticise severely upon _the diction_ of these prefatory remarks; they will rather have their attention turned to the truths submitted to them, and the end in view,--_that end_ is for the advancement of the best interests of Society--to unite more closely each member in the bonds of friends.h.i.+p and amity, and to expose the _hidden causes_ which for so long a period have been barriers to concord, unity, and happiness

"MAY G.o.d DEFEND THE RIGHT."

SECRET HISTORY,

_&c. &c._

The secret history of the Court of England, during the last two reigns, will afford the reflecting mind abundant matter for regret and abhorrence. It has, however, been so much the fas.h.i.+on for historians to speak of kings and their ministers in all the fulsome terms of flattery, that the inquirer frequently finds it a matter of great difficulty to arrive at truth. But, fearless of consequences, we will speak of facts as they _really occurred_, and only hope our readers will accompany us in the recital with feelings, unwarped by party prejudice, and with a determination to judge the actions of kings, lords, and commons, not as beings of a _superior order_, but as _men_. Minds thus const.i.tuted will have little difficulty in tracing the origin of our present evils, or of perceiving

"How many that _command_ should be COMMANDED!"

We commence with the year

1761,

about which period George the Third was pressed by his ministers to make choice of some royal lady, and demand her in marriage. They urged this under the pretext, that such a connexion was indispensably necessary to give stability to the monarchy, to a.s.sist the progressive improvements in morality and religion, and to benefit all artificers, by making a display at court of their ingenious productions. His majesty heard the proposal with an aching heart; and, to many of his ministers, he seemed as if labouring under bodily indisposition. Those persons, however, who were in the immediate confidence of the king, felt no surprise at the distressing change so apparent in the countenance of his majesty, the cause of which may be traced in the following particulars:

The unhappy sovereign, while Prince of Wales, was in the daily habit of pa.s.sing through St. James' street, and its immediate vicinity. In one of his favourite rides through that part of town, he saw a very engaging young lady, who appeared, by her dress, to be a member of the Society of Friends. The prince was much struck by the delicacy and lovely appearance of this female, and, for several succeeding days, was observed to walk out alone. At length, the pa.s.sion of his royal highness arrived at such a point, that he felt his happiness depended upon receiving the lady in marriage.

Every individual in his immediate circle, or in the list of the privy council, was very narrowly questioned by the prince, though in an indirect manner, to ascertain who was most to be trusted, that he might secure, _honorably_, the possession of the object of his ardent wishes.

His royal highness, at last, confided his views to his next brother, Edward, Duke of York, and another person, who were the only witnesses to the _legal_ marriage of the Prince of Wales to the before-mentioned lady, HANNAH LIGHTFOOT, which took place at Curzon-street Chapel, May Fair, in the year 1759.

This marriage was productive of _issue_, the particulars of which, however, we pa.s.s over for the present, and only look to the results of the union.

Shortly after the prince came to the throne, by the t.i.tle of George the Third, ministers became suspicious of his marriage with the quakeress.

At length, they were informed of the important fact, and immediately determined to annul it. After innumerable schemes how they might best attain this end, and thereby frustrate the king's wishes, they devised the "Royal Marriage Act," by which every prince or princess of the blood might not marry or intermarry with any person of less degree. _This act, however, was not pa.s.sed till thirteen years after George the Third's union with Miss Lightfoot_, and therefore it could not render such marriage _illegal_.

From the moment the ministry became aware of his majesty's alliance to the lady just named, they took possession of their watch-tower, and determined that the new sovereign should henceforth do even as their will dictated; while the unsuspecting mind of George the Third was easily beguiled into their specious devices. In the absence of the king's beloved brother, Edward, Duke of York, (who was then abroad for a short period) his majesty was a.s.sured by his ministers that no cognizance would be taken at any time of his late unfortunate amour and marriage; and persuaded him, that the only stability he could give to his throne was demanding the hand of the Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburgh Strelitz. Every needful letter and paper for the negotiation was speedily prepared for the king's signature, which, in due course, each received; and thus was the foundation laid for this ill-fated prince's _future malady_!

Who can reflect upon the blighted first love of this monarch, without experiencing feelings of pity for his early sorrows! With his domestic habits, had he only been allowed to live with the _wife of his choice_, his reign might have pa.s.sed in harmony and peace, and the English people now been affluent, happy, and contented. Instead of which, his unfeeling ministers compelled him to marry one of the most selfish, vindictive, and tyrannical women that ever disgraced human nature! At the first sight of the German princess, the king actually shrunk from her gaze; for her countenance was of that cast that too plainly told of the nature of the spirit working within.

On the 18th of September, the king was _obliged_ to subscribe to the formal ceremony of a marriage with the before-named lady, at the palace of St. James. His majesty's brother Edward, who was one of the witnesses to the king's first marriage with Miss Lightfoot, was now also present, and used every endeavour to support his royal brother through the "trying ordeal," not only by first meeting the princess on her entrance into the garden, but also at the altar.

In the mean time, the Earl of Abercorn informed the princess of the _previous_ marriage of the king, and of the then existence of his majesty's wife; and Lord Harcourt advised the princess to well inform herself of the policy of the kingdoms, as a measure for preventing much future disturbance in the country, as well as securing an uninterrupted possession of the throne to her issue. Presuming, therefore, that this German princess had hitherto been an open and ingenuous character, (which are certainly traits very rarely to be found in the mind of a German of her grade) such expositions, intimations, and dark mysteries, were ill calculated to nourish honorable feelings, but would rather operate as a check to their further existence.

To the public eye, the newly-married pair were contented with each other;--alas! it was because each feared an exposure to the nation. The king reproached himself that he had not fearlessly avowed the only wife of his affections; the queen, because she feared an explanation that the king was guilty of _bigamy_, and thereby her claim, as also that of her progeny, (if she should have any) would be known to be illegitimate. It appears as if the result of these reflections formed a basis for the misery of millions, and added to that number millions then unborn. The secret marriage of the king proved a pivot, on which the destiny of kingdoms was to turn.

At this period of increased anxiety to his majesty, Miss Lightfoot was disposed of during a temporary absence of his brother Edward, and from that time no _satisfactory_ tidings ever reached those most interested in her welfare. The only information that could be obtained was, that a young gentleman, named AXFORD, was offered a large amount, to be paid on the consummation of his marriage with Miss Lightfoot, which offer he willingly accepted.

The king was greatly distressed to ascertain the fate of his much-beloved and legally-married wife, the quakeress, and entrusted Lord Chatham to go in disguise, and endeavour to trace her abode; but the search proving fruitless, the king was again almost distracted.

Every one in the queen's confidence was expected to make any personal sacrifice of feeling whenever her majesty might require it; and, consequently, new emoluments, honors, and posts of dignity, were continually needful for the preservation of such unnatural friends.h.i.+ps.

From this period, new creations of peers were enrolled; and, as it became expedient to increase the number of the "privy cabal," the nation was freely called upon, by extra taxation and oppressive burdens of various kinds, to supply the necessary means to support this vile system of bribery and misrule!

We have dwelt upon this important period, because we wish our countrymen to see the _origin of our overgrown national debt_,--the real cause of England's present wretchedness.

The coronation of their majesties pa.s.sed over, a few days after their marriage, without any remarkable feature, save that of an additional expense to the nation. The queen generally _appeared_ at ease, though she seized upon every possible occasion to slight all persons from whom she feared any state explanation, which might prove inimical to her wishes. The wily queen thought this would effectually prevent their frequent appearance at court, as well as cause their banishment from the council-chamber.

A bill was pa.s.sed this year to fix the civil list at the annual sum of EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS, payable out of the consolidated fund, in lieu of the hereditary revenue, settled on the late king.

Another act pa.s.sed, introduced to parliament by a speech from the throne, for the declared purpose of giving additional security to the independence of the judges. Although there was a law then in force, pa.s.sed in the reign of William the Third, for continuing the commissions of judges during their good behaviour, they were legally determined on the death of the reigning sovereign. By this act, however, their continuance in office was made _independent_ of the royal demise.

Twelve millions of money were raised by loans this year, and the interest thereon agreed to be paid by an additional duty of three s.h.i.+llings per barrel on all strong beer or ale,--the sinking fund being a collateral security. The imposition of this tax was received by the people as it deserved to be; for every labourer and mechanic severally felt himself insulted by so oppressive an act.

The year

1762

was ushered in by the hoa.r.s.e clarion of war. England declared against Spain, while France and Spain became opposed to Portugal, on account of her alliance with Great Britain. These hostilities, however, were not of long duration; for preliminaries of peace were signed, before the conclusion of the year, by the English and French plenipotentiaries at Fontainbleau.

By this treaty, the original cause of the war was removed by the cession of Canada to England. This advantage, if _advantage_ it may be called, cost this country _eighteen millions of money_, besides the loss of _three hundred thousand men_! Every friend of humanity must shudder at so wanton a sacrifice of life, and so prodigious an expenditure of the public money! But this was only the commencement of the reign of imbecility and Germanism.

On the 12th of August, her majesty was safely delivered of a prince.

Court etiquette requires _numerous witnesses_ of the birth of an heir-apparent to the British throne. On this occasion, however, her majesty's _extraordinary delicacy_ dispensed with a strict adherence to the forms of state; for only the Archbishop of Canterbury was allowed to be in the room. But there were _more powerful_ reasons than _delicacy_ for this unusual privacy, which will hereafter appear.