Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-05-16


ED.-We owe an opology to a respected friend
Of ours, for not publishing at an earlier date, the
following necdote, told in the British Political
Magazine for the year l7sl, of Lord Falmouth
and Mr.. Pelham. Mr.. Pelham was then the
British Minister Of State and was applied to,
by Lord Falmouth, for the Office of Yeoman of
the British Guards, vacated by the demise of
the former incumbent. The anecdote and
it is authcntic--very happily illustrates, the
manner in which public Offices are bestowed
in England and it is not uncertain, that the
enjoyment OF them, is sometimes acquired
by the supposed weight of number seven"
In this country, however, they are obtained by
means far less exceptionable. Among us. Of
fees are generally awarded to mcrit-and 10
merit only. The anecdote is worthy of pe
rusal, and is Recommended to the especial
attention Of the particular friends, ofthe sever
al aspirants, for the Office Of Clerk Of our Court
Of Common Pleas
The place which this nobleman occupies is
well known, and the manner in which it was
obtained, will afford true picture of that power
winch, IN certain times, attends upon parlial
mentary influence and, if such a subject were
admissible upon the stage, might be worked up
INTO very laughable scene. II was as follows
Upon vacancy of the Yeoman of the guards
by death, this nobleman applied to Mr.. Henry
Pelham, the then minister, to be appointed TO
it and something very like the following sim
gular conversation, to which | have given
colloquial form, is said to have taken place
upon the occasion.
Lord Falmouth. Upon the information I
have just received Of the death of the Earl of
Berkly, am come, Mr. Pelham, to ask for the
Yeoman of the guard.
Mr.. Pelham. Indeed my Lord, it gives me
the greatest concern that l should be obliged
to deny you any thng-but upon my word it
is already promised to Lord Ashburnham In
any thing else your Lordship may command my
very best services.
Lord Falmouth. To be candid with you
Mr.. Pelham, and to come to the point at once,
] must acquaint you, that have long set my
heart upon this post, and you very we'll know
that in my family and by my influence, you
have seven good parliamentary friends There
are seven of us, Nr. Pelham.
Mr.. Pelham. l am truly sensible my Lord
of your powerful and numerous come ctions
am also equally sensible how much government
is indebted to you for a very firm, continued,
and most respectable support. Yet what can
be done "A promise is gone forth, and can
not be recalled
Lord Falmouth. Mr.. Pelham, there are
seven Of u.s.
Mr.. Pelham. If an absolute promise had
not been given, matters might have been ac-
commodated to your Lordship's wish and
nothing, am sure, could equal the safisfac-
tion should have had in showing a most ready
compliance with your Lordship's request.
Lord Falmouth. There are seven of us.
Mr.. Pelham. II is, really, most unfortu-
nate business ! If you had done me the favour
to have written TO me as soon as you had no.
tice of the vacancy, l might have been pre-
pared to put aside the proposal which my
brother, the Duke Of Newcastle, made to me
in favour Of Lord Ashburnham, when the va
cant place was absolutely given to him.
Lord Falmouth. There are seven Of us.
Mr. Pelham. trust your Lordship, who is
known to have so just and so nice sense Of
honour, would never urge me to violate a sa-
cred engagement, which must not only injure
me as a Minister, but as a man (; and throw an
equal disgrace upon my political and moral
chara cter.
Lord Falmouth. There are seven Of us.
ly to point out to your Lordship, in what an
unrespectable light, to say no worse, | must
appear to the noble Lord to whom this post
has been promised, should forfeit my word to
him in your favour. hope, nay, 1 am sure,
Lord Falmouth is more my friend than to be
instrumental in placing me in so distressing
predicament
Lord Falmouth. Mr.. Pelham, there arc
seven Of us.
Mr.. Pelham. Indeed, my Lord, cannot
express my concern upon this occasion. Is
there no possibility Of obliging you in some
other shape Only do me the favour TO name
any other object of your Lordship's wishes, and
the whole power Of administration shall be
united to obtain it for you. Surely, there are
posts at Court equally worthy your Lordship's
ambition, with that which is the object of your
present solcitation.-Perhaps my Lord, the
profits Of the place would be equally satisfac-
tory, if it was disburdened of the trouble of at
tendance. If this should be the case, an
equivalent to the income of it is at your Lord
ships command I will venture to pronounce
that such desire Of Lord Falmouth's will be
Immediately gratfed.
Lord Falmouth. Mr.. Pelham, came to
solicit for the Yeoman Of the guard, and not
for pension IL again repeat, that there are
seven Of u.s.
Mr.. Pelham. hope you will reflect mo-
mcnt upon the disgrace which is thrown upon
his Majosty's servants, and the general pro-
ceedings Of governpcnt, by the manner in
which your Lordshfp has thought proper to
urge your request. If such a conversation as
this should get abroad into the world, the dig
nifty Of the chief officers of tho state would be
lowered in the opinion of the whole kingdom,
and they themselves would never be able TO
appear, without being insulted by the cry and
hooting Of the mob. Besides, my Lord, if
we're TO comply with your request at this time,
and the manner in which my consent was forced
from me should be known-the enemies Of adj