onfidential matters.

The history of Urquhart is this: William IV. was nearly mad upon
the subject of Russia, and Sir Herbert Taylor[20] either partook
of his opinions or ministered to his prejudices. Urquhart, who
had been in the East, published a violent anti-Russian pamphlet,
which made some noise and which recommended him to the notice of
Taylor, and through him to that of the King. His Majesty took up
Urquhart, and recommended him to Palmerston. Palmerston was not
sorry to have an opportunity of gratifying the King, with whom
the Ministers were never on cordial terms, and probably he was
not _then_ disinclined to act (as far as he dared) upon
Urquhart's views. Accordingly he appointed him--a very
extraordinary appointment it was thought at the time--Secretary
of Embassy at Constantinople. There can be no doubt that Urquhart
considered himself appointed to that station on account of the
opinions he professed, and for the express purpose of giving them
effect. He was very likely told so by the King, and left to infer
as much by Palmerston. The letter of Strangways, which has
appeared in the course of the correspondence, shows that the
communications from the Foreign Office were in this spirit. At
the same time Palmerston took care not to commit himself in
writing. When the death of the King was approaching, Palmerston
foresaw that he would have to change his tone with regard to
Eastern politics, and consequently that it would be convenient to
throw over Urquhart, which he proceeded to do. This man, first
his tool and then his victim, turned out to be bold,
unprincipled, and clever, and finding his prospects ruined and
his reputation damaged, he turned fiercely upon him whom he
considered as his persecutor and betrayer. It is fortunate for
Palmerston that the matter has broken out at the end of the
Session when people are all on the wing and there is not time to
sift anything to the bottom, but still the charges are so grave,
and they involve such serious consequences and considerations,
that it is absolutely necessary the truth should be manifested
one way or another.[21] The Foreign Ministers all believe that
Palmerston is guilty. Dedel told me last night that Pozzo had
said to him, 'Quant a moi, je ne dirai pas un mot; mais si tout
cela est vrai, il faut aller aux galeres pour trouver un pareil
forfait.' Graham said to me that he was sincerely sorry for it,
inasmuch as he had personally a regard for Palmerston;