LORD  BYRON  and  his  TIMES
Byron
Documents Biography Criticism
The “Pope” of Holland House
John Whishaw to Thomas Smith, 2 July 1816
INTRODUCTION & INDEXES
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
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Preface
Contents
Introduction
Chapter I: 1813
Chapter II: 1814
Chapter III: 1815
Chapter IV: 1816
Chapter V: 1817
Chapter VI: 1818
Chapter VII: 1819
Chapter VIII: 1820
Chapter IX: 1821
Chapter X: 1822
Chapter XI: 1824-33
Chapter XII: 1833-35
Chapter XIII: 1806-40
Chapter XIV: Appendix
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July 2, 1816.

There are great reports afloat of ministerial changes and of Lord Liverpool quitting office, ostensibly on account of his health. If he retires, it will be difficult for Lord Eldon to remain. But I do not think there is, at present, any sufficient ground for believing in such changes, and I should be sorry to see Lord Liverpool quit the Government, since he would undoubtedly be succeeded by Lord Castlereagh, and the former is certainly much superior to the other in prudence, moderation, and deference for public opinion.

The Duke of Wellington’s sudden and unexpected arrival is very extraordinary; and I have heard no
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Duke of Wellington
sufficient reason for it. It seems to be something political, possibly to represent to the Ministers the present state of France and to concert new measures.

You have perhaps heard that Lord Byron has taken a house near Geneva for two or three months; but is very little noticed or visited by the English or the natives. He was very nearly drowned by the upsetting of a boat on the lake.

We have a most beautiful day, and the weather is very inviting for the country.
“Jam mens prætrepidans avet vagari,
Jam læti studio pedes vigescunt.”
Catullus, xlvi. 7.