1795,

preparations were made, upon a moderate scale, to receive the Princess of Brunswick as the intended wife of the heir-apparent.

The prince was still as dissolute as ever, and associated with the very dregs of society, of both sexes. Yet this same personage was about to be allied, according to the outward usages of the church,

[[116]]to a princess of the most opposite principles and sentiments! Many times has he become the father of innocent victims, who were doomed to perish in a workhouse, or be consigned to a premature grave! How improbable then was it, that his heart would ever feel affection for the issue of an honourable connexion,—if it may be so called in this case,—more particularly when that was the last resource to extricate him from debt and disgrace! Well, indeed, might his companions say, "the princess may hear, in the joyful peal, (after her vows) the surer knell of her happiness." Too well the result proved the truth of their prophetic announcement!

Previous to the arrival of Caroline, it was arranged by the queen that persons of distinction, upon whom her majesty could depend in this instance, should attend her highness, and a selection was made accordingly. The notorious Lady Jersey was one; of her character and intriguing disposition, we need not say more than announce the fact, that her favours had been at the command of the prince for a considerable time. Her disposition was artful and cruel; indeed, unless such qualities had been invested in her ladyship, the queen would not have given her orders in a manner so undisguised and bold. Cruelty and Vice are always inseparable companions.

At length, the princess arrived on these (to her) inhospitable shores. On the 8th of April, the formality of a marriage ceremony took place, at the palace of St. James. The king was particularly attentive to the princess; but not so the queen, who

[[117]]manifested an unbending haughtiness, and sometimes lost sight of etiquette so far, that sarcasm was too evidently visible. The princesses were in too much fear of their mother to bestow any particular attentions on the Princess of Wales, except one of them, who, however, dare not publicly avow her sentiments.

On retiring for the night to Carlton House, the princess was attended only by those invidious characters who had deliberately planned her ruin. Several historians have recorded, that, by some inaccuracy or defect in demeanour, the prince received an unexpected impression unfavourable to her royal highness; but such was not the case. It is true, that the conduct of the prince was any thing but gentlemanly; though of this little notice was taken. Her royal highness resolved to forbear from any unpleasant complainings, as she was now separated from her much-beloved home and friends. She plainly saw the disadvantage of her change; and, in the disappointment of her heart, frequently deplored her cruel destiny. Many times has she been obliged to witness the various favourites of the prince receiving those attentions and enjoying those smiles which ought to have been her's only.

In a conversation with the prince, shortly after their nuptials, (if such an appellation may be used) her royal highness said, "that, after the candour with which I have explained myself, I certainly feel entitled to the respectful attentions of your highness, and I cannot endure the insults I am continually receiving from your mistresses and coarse associates."

[[118]]This gentle remonstrance was repeated by this "all-accomplished gentleman" when he next met his half-drunken companions, and their infamy was heightened by maliciously abusing this much-injured lady.

The prince's yearly income was augmented at his marriage with his cousin to one hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds, besides having all his debts discharged.

The princess now seldom saw her husband. His nights were spent in debauchery, and he was frequently carried to bed, totally unconscious of all around him. Gaming supplied his leisure hours, and scenes of immorality were the common routine of each succeeding day. Such were the deportment and character of the man, or monster, who was to be invested with power over millions of brave, generous, and industrious people! It was impossible for such an one to have retained in his confidence a single upright and conscientious person. The soul sickens at the retrospect; but we must pursue the revolting subject.

The king was, at this time, the only friend in whom the Princess of Wales could repose any confidence, and to him she unburdened herself unreservedly. His majesty was much incensed at the indignation heaped upon the daughter of his sister, and, but for the apparent situation of his niece, he would have recommended severer measures than he then thought prudent.

In opposition to all remonstrance and advice, the prince gradually sunk deeper into the vortex of

[[119]]sensuality, and very frequently expressed himself in high hopes that the princess would soon "BE GOT RID OF." He still remained ignorant of the confidence the princess had reposed in her uncle; and well was it for her he was ignorant of it, as his passion was extreme, and rage might have gained such a pre-eminence as to have induced him to add another FOUL DEED to his number.

This fatal year, more than twenty-nine millions were required, eighteen of which were raised by loans! Here may be observed how progressively the "national debt" was incurred, partly for the immoderate extravagance of those who ought to have acted as models for imitation at home, and partly by unjust and destructive wars abroad! until Englishmen became any thing and every thing but a free people. The discontents of the tax-payers were loud and deep; but the ministers heeded them not!

On the 7th of January,