“. . . In the course of my political jaw with Grey I said that, altho’ I never expected the Beau to apply to him for assistance in the formation of his Cabinet, yet I did expect after all their friendly intercourse, and after all Lord Grey’s essential service, he would have communicated to him what was going on. He said very naturally that he did not think himself entitled to such communication, and proceeded to tell me what he did consider as meant from the Beau to him, and with which—little as it was—he seemed quite satisfied. It seems a letter came from the Beau to Lauderdale, directed to him at Howick, the Beau’s name being written in the corner, and this in the midst of the concern. When Grey forwarded it, he told Lauderdale it had been a severe trial to his virtue to resist opening it at such a time, so Lauderdale sent it back to him. Its contents were to tell him he had offered the Ordnance to Rosslyn, and to beg all Lauderdale’s influence with him to induce him to accept it and then he goes on to say he wishes his Government to be anything but an exclusive one, that his own wishes would make it even more comprehensive, but he finds considerable difficulties from preconceived prejudices. Grey is quite right, I have no doubt, in supposing the ‘comprehension’ meant him, but the poor fellow thinks the ‘preconceived prejudices’ were those of
* Buckingham Palace. |
| 152 | THE CREEVEY PAPERS | [Ch. VI. |
