being composed by, the
latter. The Cabinet of Lord Melbourne discussed the proposals of
that of Sir Robert Peel, and they dictated to the Queen the reply
in which she refused to consent to the advice tendered to her by
the man who was _at that moment_ her Minister, and it was this
reply which compelled him to resign the office with which she had
entrusted him.

[1] Melbourne explains away this objection by alleging that
the negotiation with Peel was over at six on Thursday;
that the Queen sent for him to tell him so; that he was
again become her Minister; and that he and his
colleagues properly advised the terms in which she
should convey her final decision. This explanation
seems to have gone down, but I can't imagine how: the
decision to persist in refusing Peel's demands became
_their_ decision, when they advised the letter in which
it was conveyed. I know not why more was not made of
this part of the case.

May 13th, 1839 {p.210}

[Page Head: THE DEBATE ON THIS TRANSACTION.]

Lord Tavistock went on Saturday to Buckingham Palace; found
Melbourne was not there, and followed him to his house, where the
Cabinet was sitting. He wrote him a letter, in which he said that
he had seen the Duke, and that his impression was that there had
been a misunderstanding between Peel and the Queen; and suggested
to Melbourne that he should see the Duke, who was very willing,
if he pleased, to talk the matter over with him. This letter was
taken in to the Cabinet, and they discussed its contents.[2]
Melbourne was not indisposed to see the Duke; but, after a
careful consideration of Peel's letter, they came to the
conclusion that there was no difference between the Queen's
statement to them and Peel's to her, and, therefore, no
misconception to correct. The Chancellor accordingly gave his
opinion, that there was no ground for an interview between
Melbourne and the Duke; so then ended the last hope of a
readjustment.

[2] Lord Grey was at Melbourne's house; Melbourne sent for
him, and consulted him, and he remained in another room
while the Cabinet was in deliberation. Lord Grey took
it up very warmly, and was strongly for supporting the
Queen, saying they could not do otherwise.

The question (they say) was all along one of _principle_, and
never of the _application_ of the