The Creevey Papers
Thomas Creevey, Journal entry, 12 November 1809
“Sunday, 12th.—I meet Abercromby in my
walk. He is as artificial as the devil—will scarcely touch
politicks—thinks, however, the Wellesleys will now
be beat if they are attacked properly; upon which I fire into our leaders for
their meanness in not having attacked them long ago. He is very sore at such
observation, and when I tell him that Wardle is on his legs again, all he can say
is—‘Wardle is the agent of the
Duke of Kent.’ Was there
ever such nonsense? C. Warren the lawyer
dines with us, and, as usual, full of sensible observations. He predicts the
present reign will end quietly from the popularity of the King, but that when it ends, the profligacy and
unpopularity of all the Princes, with the situation of the country as to
financial difficulties, and the rapidly and widely extended growth of
Methodism, will produce a storm.
James Abercromby, first baron Dunfermline (1776-1858)
The son of Lt.-Gen Sir Ralph Abercromby; he was MP for Midhurst (1807), Calne (1812-30)
and Edinburgh (1832), judge-advocate general (1827) and speaker of the House of Commons
(1835-39); he was raised to the peerage in 1839.
Edward Augustus, duke of Kent (1767-1820)
The fourth son of George III, who pursued a military career and acquired a reputation as
a martinet; he was governor of Gibraltar (1802-03).
Gwyllym Lloyd Wardle (1762-1833)
Military officer and MP for Okehampton (1807-1811); with the assistance of the courtesan
Mary Anne Clarke he forced the resignation of the Duke of York as commander-in-chief. She
later turned on Wardle, who retired to Italy where he died.
Charles Warren (1764-1829)
Educated at Westminster School, he was chief justice for Chester and MP for Dorchester
(1819-26).
