on's Opinion of Mr. Canning. His Grace a Peace-maker.
Boastful Speech attributed to Mr. Pitt pp. 437-461

CHAPTER XIII.
[1823.]

Important Debates. Expenses of the Coronation. State of the Peninsula.
Mr. Plunket's Disappointment. Condition of Ireland. Despatch from
the Lord-Lieutenant. The King of Spain and the Cortes. Mr. Canning
in the House of Commons. Lord Nugent's Bill for Restoring the
Franchise. Festivities at Carlton House. The Marquis of Hastings.
The French in Spain. Lord Eldon. Canning. Peel and Robinson. The
Press in India. The King at "The Cottage". Irving and the Heavenly
Pavilion. Policy of Austria. The King in Council. Schisms in the
French Cabinet pp. 463-480

MEMOIRS OF THE COURT OF GEORGE THE FOURTH.

CHAPTER I.

[1820.]

ALARMING ILLNESS OF THE HEIR APPARENT AT THE DEATH OF GEORGE THE
THIRD. DISTURBED STATE OF PUBLIC OPINION. PROJECTED ASSASSINATION OF
MINISTERS. CATO STREET CONSPIRACY. DEATH OF THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH.
RUMOURED MINISTERIAL CHANGES, AND THREATENED RETURN OF QUEEN CAROLINE.
ELEMENTS OF DISCORD. LIBELS AND LIBELLERS. ORDER OF THE GARTER
CONFERRED ON THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

CHAPTER I.

A little before the decease of George III., the heir apparent was in a
state of health that made his chance of succession problematical--of
long possession of the crown more doubtful still. He was attended by
Sir William Knighton, who was in his chamber when intelligence arrived
from Windsor of his venerable parent's demise; and we are assured that
"The fatal tidings were received by the Prince with a burst of grief
that was very affecting."[1] He was quite unable to be present at the
funeral, and the Duke of York acted as chief mourner.[2]

[1] Knighton's "Memoirs," p. 88. Edited by his Widow.

[2] Alison's "History of Europe, from the Fall of Napoleon,"
vol. ii. p. 421.

The skill and solicitude of George IV.'s confidential physician were
rewarded, and the new Sovereign recovered sufficiently to apply himself
to the business of government with his customary attention; but from
that time Sir William so completely fixed himself in the affections of
his patron, that the latter was uneasy if he remained away from the
Palace, and was sure to send pressing messages for his return. A letter
has been preserved,[3] which indicates that services were rendered by
him that were not strictly profes