The Creevey Papers
Maria Copley to Thomas Creevey, [1823]
“Sprotbrough, Saturday, 1823.
“. . . The Taylors are still with us and we are within an ace of a schism
about politics at least three times a day. Though I cordially agree with you
about the Three Gentlemen of Verona, I cannot think your friend Mr. Brougham’s speech prudent. At this
time, when one must sincerely wish peace to be preserved in Europe, it has a
most inflammatory tendency. I will not, however, dare to say a syllable about
politics to you: a safer line of conduct for me
![]()
![]()
| 1823-24.] | A YOUNG LADY’S LETTERS. | 61 |
![]()
is to agree with
Michael [Taylor]. I am painfully
striving to inform myself about Spain, and have just read Blaquiere’s book. Comme
il fait de la prose. I never read so dull a book made
out of so interesting a subject. Las
Casas’ book is the most delicious effusion of a sentimental old French
twaddle that ever was read; but as far as it goes appears to be very authentic
He paints Bonaparte in the brightest
colours, and evidently leaves out all spots and dark shades, or softens and
explains them away, so that nothing remains but the most admirable hero de roman that ever existed. . . . I
am in horror at the thought of the King’s dying. In the first place (though I am no
respecter of his), I think he does as well for us, or better than the Duke of York: secondo—we should have a horrid
radical Parliament chosen: terzo—London wd. be spoilt
this year. There speaks the young lady!”
Edward Blaquiere (1779-1832)
After serving in the Royal Navy he published
Letters from the
Mediterranean, 2 vols (1813); with John Bowring he founded the London Greek
Committee in 1823.
Henry Peter Brougham, first baron Brougham and Vaux (1778-1868)
Educated at Edinburgh University, he was a founder of the
Edinburgh
Review in which he chastised Byron's
Hours of Idleness; he
defended Queen Caroline in her trial for adultery (1820), established the London University
(1828), and was appointed lord chancellor (1830).
Thomas Creevey (1768-1838)
Whig politician aligned with Charles James Fox and Henry Brougham; he was MP for Thetford
(1802-06, 1807-18) Appleby (1820-26) and Downton (1831-32). He was convicted of libel in
1813.
Frederick Augustus, Duke of York (1763-1827)
He was commander-in-chief of the Army, 1798-1809, until his removal on account of the
scandal involving his mistress Mary Anne Clarke.
Emmanuel, comte de Las Cases (1766-1842)
French historian who followed Napoleon to St. Helena; he was author of
Mémorial de Sainte-Hélène (1822-23).
Emperor Napoleon I (1769-1821)
Military leader, First Consul (1799), and Emperor of the French (1804), after his
abdication he was exiled to Elba (1814); after his defeat at Waterloo he was exiled to St.
Helena (1815).
Michael Angelo Taylor (1757 c.-1834)
Educated at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, he was MP (1784-34) for a variety of
constituencies; originally a Tory he gravitated to the Whigs over the course of his long
career.
Sir John Warrender, fifth baronet (1786-1867)
The son of Sir Patrick Warrender of Lochend, third baronet; he fought in the Peninsular
War and served as Grenadier Guards before succeeding his brother George in the title in
1849.
