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 my arrival, I found that the Chapter had been postponed; and
as the King goes to Windsor this evening for the Ascot races, I
suppose some days will elapse before the Chapter can take place. I
was informed, however, from good authority, that the King will
offer the Garter to your Lordship.

Sincerely hoping that you will not decline the offer, I shall be
anxious to attend on the day of your investiture; and I should be
much obliged to you if you would apprise me of it as soon as you
know it. I shall, of course, receive the usual summons; but I
should grieve to be out of the way when it might reach this place.

Always, my dear Lord,

Yours most sincerely,

WELLESLEY.

CHAPTER II.

[1820.]

ARRIVAL OF QUEEN CAROLINE AT ST. OMER. HER DEMANDS. ABORTIVE
NEGOTIATIONS. INTERPOSITION OF MR. WILBERFORCE TO AVERT THE
THREATENED SCANDAL. QUEEN CAROLINE IN LONDON. SHE REFUSES THE
CONCESSIONS PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PROPOSALS OF THE
HOUSE OF COMMONS. UNPOPULARITY OF MR. WILBERFORCE. POLICY OF THE
QUEEN'S ADVISERS. PUBLIC EXCITEMENT. MOB ROUND THE QUEEN'S RESIDENCE.
DISSATISFACTION OF THE KING.

CHAPTER II.

On the 1st of June, Caroline of Brunswick arrived at St. Omer,
intending to embark at Calais without delay for England. At once she
showed her disposition to carry matters with a high hand. She wrote an
imperious letter to the Earl of Liverpool, to prepare a palace in
London for her reception; anot