The Sun.
London, England, 1853-03-01 00:00:00

LITERATURE.

Memoirs of the Court and Cabinets of George the
Third. From original Family Documents. By
the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, K.G.
2 vols. Hurst and Blackett.

The peculiar interest which attaches itself to
these volumes cannot be over estimated. Inas-
much as they contain the sentiments of those whose
place amid the stormy scenes of public life now
knows them no mote ; they are out of the range of
the critic's sneers, and beyond the power of preju-
dice and envy. Yet, though it is the past we are
led to contemplate, it is a past so closely connected
with the present, that its consequences are stiff
vividly apparent, and its influences are still extant
amongst us. It is impossible, by a mere summary
of the contents, to convey a clear idea of the vast
number of subjects here discussed, or to impart a
just impression of the light thus thrown on many
events of importance, that, till now, have been ob-
scured by imperfect information, or perverted by
false conjectures. The work must be studied to be
appreciated ; then, after an attentive perusal, the
most learned reader must have added to his store
of intelligence concerning those momentous times.
In the detailed account of a voluminous corre-
spondence, and in the collecting energy that passes
•by nothing remarkable, much may be made manifest,
problems by the politician hitherto unsolved mys-
teries which the historian has not as yet unravelled.
The twilight of uncertainty still hangs over many
of the passages of this epoch ; hence all knowledge
is welcome which tends to illumine the historic
scene, and irradiate the political atmosphere.
Lora
chief personages here introduced to usare the
d
Marquis of Buckingham (formerly Lord Temple),
and William Wyndham Grenville, afterwardso rmer
are,
Grenville. The letters of the latter to the
in truth the subject matter of the work, but nu-
merous correspondents of the Marquisa appear before
ltorD Duke of Pilogrttillidij,coLd.
us—Sheridan, Pitt, Fox, Morni
Bulkeley, Lord Sydney,
The Marquis of Buckinghamu
wduring
his residence in that island
Lord-
Lieutenant of Ireland, and wasit twiceas
vile stationed in London,
_at
first
tt
to represent
prGesreennt-
but afterwards as
tieme-
what was passing,
ber of the Government,
particular information
The chwenocnevrilei
docu-
ments is enhanced b
of notice. wor-
thyynegd to him most
everything
force and the
By this means,
in-
teresting,talentsy the vigour
while the striking
.of the epistolary_
_ vigour which tem
, ._thee
simplest
ts
eventsheda l uasrter er
egonlvdveeesrrtehdem
before us in a manner befitting the oco4s
de • in • ion, and
described language of commensurate•eloquen9e. ,
The comparatively few replies of
incidents l're'
wrought
the Aitirquiswhwh
are met with evince a singular deterraina t. n)n of
Purpose, and denote great knowledge of affairs,

particularly in Irish concerns. His endeavours to
benefit that unfortunate country were unceas-
ing, but it was not so easy to carry out his
plans, as will be seen froth the many communica-
tions that passed between him and those in high
places at home. It was during his_ second stay in
Ireland that the most interesting crisis here met
with took place. The King's health was for some
months the sourceof unspeakable anxiety. A tem-
porary derangement of his reason supervened, and
during that time a fierce and determined contest
was carried on. The Prince was proposed as Re-
gent. Mr. Pitt, then Minister, contended against
his exercising entire control,—the friends of his
Royal Highness were unyielding, and hence a most
confused era ensued. The Irish Parliament espous-
ing the cause of the Prince, passed a resolution to
that effect, and desired the Lord-Lieutenant
to present it. He, Lord Buckingham, after
mature deliberation, refused, on the ground
of its illegality, thus paving the way for
an unparallled opposition to himself, and pre-
paring countless annoyances. At lad, however, he
triumphed over every obstacle, supported by the
unfailing countenance of the ministers, and upheld
by his own determined spirit. He a third time
went to Ireland in a new character. During the
Restoration, he commanded sonic English troops
there, and thus became of essential service in pre-
serving order, owing to his intimate knowledge of
the country, and its inhabitants' peculiar disposi-
tions. At the conclusion of the work the war with
France is described, and the many difficulties that
Mr. Pitt and his Government encountered in the
undertaking. At first the popular voice was with
him ; many of the influential members of
the Opposition crossed the House to support him,
but as time wore on many became impatient, and
offered repeated resistance to the carrying out of
the preparations. The ministers asserted, that,
having once commenced hostilities, to draw back
with honour was impossible. At the dawn of
a new century the curtain falls on the exciting
drama, but those who exercise so vast a sway over
their own age do not pass away with its existence.
Theirs is a mission extending beyond the grave ;
their words speak to unborn statesmen ; their ac-
tions may influence events not yet germinated.
The sequel of their labours is with the things to
come, the result of their exertions none living
may perhaps witness. It is this which gives to
public life awful responsibility, and to public actions
sublime importance. Those distinguished brothers,
whose careers are indicated in the pages before us,
are inseparably linked with the earthly immortality
that surrounded them, and none, after reading of
their works, can designate theirs as a conquest
easily won, or as laurels lightly earned. Whatever
may be the difference of political opinion in its
varying hues and in its changing forms, theirs is
the merit due to perseverance, and theirs is the
claim that talent has to homage. The exalted
titles and high positions that were accorded to
them have now passed away into the possession of
others, but the ability and worth of which they were
the guerdon remain their own exclusive property
for ever. Through the fame of these they have left
memories to be the pride of the generations of their
family, and names to shine among the ornaments
of their country's history. The new part of the
composition is well arranged, no superfluous
opinions are put forward, and no invidious com-
parisons are deduced ; the great actors are left to
speak for themselves, and the only information
volunteered is strictly necessary for the right com-
prehension of the subjects. One of the epistles
is of surpassing interest, that which the king
wrote to the Lord Temple, on the latter tendering his
resigiation at the formation of the,Coalition Minis-
try. Again, Mr. Pitt's communication to the same
illustrious individual exemplifies his unchanging
purpose and his resolute courage at a time of
immense difficulty.
From the extent and value of its revelations,
this work will form an addition to' our standard
publications. The master-spirits of a mighty race,
who riled a tumultuous age, are here seen face to
face. We here hold communion with their
" thoughts that breathe" of the fate of nations,
and their " words that burn" with the eloquence
of immortality. They live again before us in these
animated sketches, and, " speaking of the' past
unto the present," inform us how the battles of
political, parliamentary, and ministerial careers
were planned, fought, and won in their time.
Such intercourse is always elevating, such know-
ledge can never come amiss. Our days see differ-
ent doings, and our statesmen have other modes of
managing ; but no alteration from the "ancient
regime," however desirable or necessary, can pre-
vent the records of departed greatness from being
of service. They show us in what undertakings of
trial, trouble, and danger they passed their lives ;
and should such not stimulate their successors
to be worthy of their high calling, and be to
the present what they were to the past 7--for
through all chance and change they serve a com-
mon country.

Here folljws the letter from the King. The his-
torical interest of this confidential communication
cannot be overrated.

"THE ICING TO LOUD TEMPLE.

"Queen's House, April 1, 1783.
"My Lord,—l had the pleasure, on the 26th of last
month, to receive from your truly amiable and right-
headed brother and secretary your very able letter of the
23d on the state of Ireland, couched in terms that also
conveyed the warmest attachment to my person and
government, which makes me not deem among the least
of public misfortunes that the want of resolution in some,
and of public zeal in others, will oblige you to quit a
station which you fill so much to the satisfaction of all
honest men as well as to mine.
"Since the conversation I had with Mr. William
Grenville, on the 16th of last month, I have continued
every'possible means of forming an Administration ; an
experience of now above 22 years, convinces me that it
is impossible to erect a stable one within the narrow
bounds of any faction, for none deserve the appellation '
of party • and that in an age when disobedience to law
and authority is as prevalent as a thirst after changes in
the best of all political constitutions, it requires temper
and sagacity to stem these evils, which can alone be
expected from a collection of the best and most calm
heads and hearts the kingdom possesses.
" Judge, therefore, of the uneasiness of my mind at
having been thwarted in every attempt to keep the admi-
nistration of public affairs out of the hands of the most
unprincipled coalition the annals of this or any other
nation can equal. I have withstood it till not a single
man is willing to come to my assistance, and till the
House of Commons has taken every step but insisting
on this faction being by name elected ministers.
"To end a conflict which stops every wheel of govern-
ment, and which would affect public credit if it conti-
nued much longer, I intend this night to acquaint that
grateful Lord North that the seven cabinet councillors
the coalition has named shall kiss hands to-morrow, and

then form their arrangements, as at the former negotia-
tion they did not condescend to open to me many of

their intentions.

" A Ministry which I have avowedly attempted to
avoid, by calling on every other description of men, can-
not be supposed to have either my favour or confidence;
and as such I shall most certainly refuse any honours

they may ask for. I trust the ekes of the nation will

soon be opened, as my sorrow may prove fatal to my
health if• I remain long in this thraldom. I trust

ouhroneastttacmhemnentin tome,
andyo u
readyw b eto steady
join
watch-
ing the conduct of this unnatural combination;
and I hope many, months will not elapse before
other y
the Grenvilles, the Pitts, and other men of abilities and
character will relieve me from a situation that nothing
could have compelled me to submit to, but the supposi-
tion that no other means remained of preventing the
public finances from being materially affected. It shall
be one of my first cares to acquaint-these men that you
decline remaining in Ireland.

" GXORGE R."
The following letter was written by the Prime
Minister to the Lord Lieutenant at the period
when the greatest excitement and confusio vailed in Ireland on the regency question. : n pre-
" (Private.) .
•
" Mr. Pitt to the Marquis of Buckingham.
Downing-street, Feb. 15, 1789.
of the
"My dear Lord,—The account received this morning
taken step which the Irish House of Commons have
has not " surprised me, as it seemed before
evident that the torrent was too strong to be stornamsea
by any exertion. Those who at the moment felt it
and will
triumph, perhaps-already begin to repent of it,day.
probably have more and more reason to do so_e_vreririends
It will be abundant satisfaction to you and your
h depended on
that you will have done everything that you
you, and, in the midst of so much Pwr°hliligacY' have experienced such a support af.,
- hest degree honour-
and a few others, which is in the tag
been
able and manly.
your ground has
te " I am fully aware how delicate
business,of which we have
the
. • not less so in
in all the proaress ofthat of Fitzgibbon
d that it is .
strange
hitherto learnt the result ;
the, spot
decided on
have
, have been
you may
address. Whatever
all the circumstances
you will not
will, I dare say, under all
the
ahem
atives,
support when-
right ; and in eithernrdialand
decided
A that I am
want here the
hope, superfluous ; but.
part the send-
what remitted relative to thentratismission of this
I
have
now
~,. 0.,, without
ould at any rate
the messeng—
I trusts you w
Lord, sincerely
meats,
for
which,
elieve me,
my dear
given me credit.—
ever
wthreitiiiniega
. tiowaely yours,
and die° discussion.
I could not let
Isst:rareoestomc es into

"W. Pirr."

NEAR
Grenadier LONDON.—Capt.
Guards,H
hasi ns
beenon,
for several days past in taking a survey of
engaged
Ascot-heath, for the purpose of selecting the most eligible
an encampment of 7,000 of the household
regiments of the line, which are to b, en-
campedCl battalionMP S
of
there in the months of May and June nnext•
Surveysl)PAorfolsMgtheiirniTa3fhAnoduarc have also been made in the Great Park, Howl-
low, and at Bagshot-heath, where it is intended td encamp at the same time as many regiments as can be
spared from all the military stations in this country.