As
far as I can judge, I believe the _reaction_ now going on in the
public mind to be very strong against her, and that the parlour,
and even the shop, are becoming nearly as unanimous that way, as
the servants'-hall and alehouse the other.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

On the 20th December Mr. Canning resigned the Presidentship of the
Board of Control and his place in Council, as was alleged, in
consequence of dissatisfaction with the recent proceedings of the
Government in reference to the Queen.

It has been surmised that an instinct, of which he had already given
some examples, prompted him to desert what many considered a sinking
ship. The affair is thus described by one of his colleagues:--"The
interval since I last wrote to you has been an unpleasant one.
Liverpool went to Walmer in a very uneasy state of mind and spirits,
and during his absence I had some painful communications at C---- H----
[Carlton House]. C---- [Canning] followed him to Walmer, where he
stayed three or four days, and on Saturday he returned. On Tuesday,
C---- circulated a draft of a letter from himself to the King,
containing his resignation, and on Wednesday the letter was laid before
his Majesty. I was immediately sent for to C---- H----. The King,
however, I know, was taken by surprise. * * * It is a most unfortunate
circumstance, and involves us in very serious difficulties. He means to
go abroad. It appears to me to be very doubtful, from the irritability
of one great house, and the restlessness of a greater, whether the
Government will hold together."[58]

[58] Dean Pellew's "Life of Lord Sidmouth," vol. iii. p. 337.

MR. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Englefield Green, Dec. 26, 1820.

MY DEAR LORD,

Since I wrote to you last, I have dined with the K----, who was all
gracious and civil; but nothing passed on the subject of politics.
I thought him infinitely better in health and spirits for the few
days' quiet he had enjoyed in this neighbourhood. The party did not
break up till past twelve o'clock. The only persons besides the
Princess's families were, besides Mrs. Fremantle and Miss Hervey,
Lord and Lady Harcourt.--He eat a great quantity--but no meat--and
sang the whole evening, and was in much more cheerful spirits.--He
is gone to Brighton, where there is a little _snug_ party,
consisting only of his own men, La