found him greatly subdued this morning, but
that after a little conversation he recovered and began upon
business. Adieu.

Ever truly yours,

W. H. F.

MR. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Stanhope Street, July 2, 1821.

MY DEAR LORD,

I am quite persuaded there is no person more anxious on the subject
than C---- W----; and however sulky he may have been, he was not
the less delighted at the steps you took, by which the prospect
appeared to be so much opened.

I am quite at a loss now to account for the _non_-communication.
Your conjecture is, most probably, that the party who do not feel
the weight of the Government are too strong at present to enable
the efficient members to accomplish their object: at the same time,
it is quite clear something _must_ be done. If they get both
Canning and Peel, they may do; but I don't look to this. The former
claims too much, and there is a great portion of the Cabinet who
hate him. He certainly was walking with Lord Lichfield for an hour
previous to his making his speech; but his friends (I mean Lord
Binning, who told me so) say it was to dissuade him from making it.
He paired off himself on the question, which is a clear
demonstration of his ill-humour. I will endeavour to throw myself
in the Duke of Wellington's way, but I should think it unwise to
call upon him; and, if I have an opportunity, will open the
subject. After his declarations, if the business is off, he will
and must feel very awkward; but at the same time, I think he must
also feel called upon to give you some explanation. The truth is,
that the Government is so extremely weak, and so dis-united in
itself, and upon such terms with the King, that they don't know
from day to day, or from hour to hour, what will be their next
proceedings. I understood last night, the Council were to hear an
argument on the claim set up by the Queen to be crowned. The
Chancellor was to see the King upon it yesterday. This will add
disgust and ill-will from the King, who cannot listen to common
forms on her subject. Nobody can account for the Peerages not
having appeared, as also the Brevet in Army and Navy. Lord Talbot
was to return this week.

Whenever I hear anything, or can procure information, you shall
know immediately. I leave town on Saturday.