--
Mr. Disraeli's First Speech--Lord Brougham's Isolation--Radical
Politics--Lord Melbourne and Lord Brougham--The Canada
Debates--The Use of a Diary--Duke of Wellington on Canada--On
his own Despatches--On the Battle of Salamanca--King Ernest in
Hanover--English Manor Houses--Festivities at Belvoir Castle--
Life at Belvoir--Reflexions--Beaudesert--Death of Lord Eldon.

June 25th, 1837 {p.001}

I remember when George IV. died, seven years ago, having been
struck by the small apparent sensation that his death created.
There was, however, at that time a great deal of bustle and
considerable excitement, which were caused by the activity of the
new Court, and the eccentricities of the King; but in the present
instance the Crown has been transferred to the head of the new
Queen with a tranquillity which is curious and edifying. The
first interest and curiosity to see the young Queen and observe
her behaviour having passed off, there appears nothing more to do
or to think about; there are no changes, and there is no talk of
change. Her Majesty has continued quietly at Kensington, where
she transacts business with her Ministers, and everything goes on
as if she had been on the throne six years instead of six days.
Animated panegyrics were pronounced upon the late King in both
Houses of Parliament by those who had served him; and Peel
repeated in the House of Commons, in more set phrases, the
expressions of his admiration of the conduct of the Queen on her
first public appearance, which he uttered to me when I saw him
after the Council on Tuesday. Melbourne's funeral oration over
William IV. was very effective because it was natural and hearty,
and as warm as it could be without being exaggerated. He made the
most of the virtues the King undoubtedly possessed, and passed
lightly over his defects.

[Page Head: CHARACTER OF WILLIAM IV.]

King William IV., if he had been born in a private station, would
have passed unobserved through life like millions of other men,
looked upon as possessing a good-natured and affectionate
disposition, but without either elevation of mind or brightness
of intellect. During many years of his life the Duke of Clarence
was an obscure individual, without consideration, moving in a
limited circle, and altogether forgotten by the great world. He
resided at Bushey with Mrs. Jordan, and brought up his numerous
children with very tender affection: with them, and for them, he
seemed en