was considered to be a Whig, and Sir
James Scarlett was better known for the Liberal
opinions he once professed than for the Tory opinions
he afterwards assumed.]

[Page Head: LORD PALMERSTON ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS.]

The event of last week was Palmerston's speech on the Portuguese
question, which was delivered at a late hour and in an empty
House, but which they say was exceedingly able and eloquent. This
is the second he has made this year of great merit. It was very
violent against Government. He has been twenty years in office
and never distinguished himself before, a proof how many
accidental circumstances are requisite to bring out the talents
which a man may possess. The office he held was one of dull and
dry detail, and he never travelled out of it. He probably stood
in awe of Canning and others, and was never in the Cabinet; but
having lately held higher situations and having acquired more
confidence, and the great men having been removed from the House
of Commons by death or promotion, he has launched forth, and with
astonishing success. Lord Granville told me he had always thought
Palmerston was capable of more than he did, and had told Canning
so, who did not believe it.

Yesterday the King had his racing dinner, which was more
numerously attended and just as magnificent as that he gave last
year, but not half so gay and joyous. I believe he had some gouty
feeling and was in pain, for, contrary to his usual custom, he
hardly spoke, and the Duke of Richmond, who sat next to him, told
me that the little he did say was more about politics than the
turf, and he fancied that something had annoyed him. He looked
well enough, and was very cheerful before dinner. When his health
was drunk 'as Patron of the Jockey Club, and many thanks to him
for condescending to accept that title,' he made a speech, in
which he said that 'he was much gratified by our kindness, and he
could assure us that in withdrawing himself as he had done from
the Jockey Club he was not influenced by any unkindness to any
member of it, or any indifference to the interests of the turf.'

[Page Head: THE COTTAGE.]

June 24th, 1829 {p.212}

Went to Stoke for the Ascot races. There was such a crowd to see
the cup run for as never was seen before. The King was very
anxious and disappointed. I bought the winner for Chesterfield[21]
two hours before the race, he having previously asked the King's
leave, which he gav