Llangodwin, Aug. 20, 1823.
My dear B——,
I certainly cannot conceive from what source the article in the Courier so tallying with my language can proceed, unless it should be from Phillimore or Courtenay; for there are no other persons besides you and the Duke of Wellington and Lord Liverpool, with whom I have had any communication on the subject; and the two latter are much too well inclined to Lord Hastings, or to anybody whom they think the King feels any interest for, to have expressed those sentiments to any one who might transfer them to the Courier.
I have had no politics since I have been here, and not one word even of news except a line from Robinson in answer to an inquiry respecting the last Cabinet, which he did not himself attend, but, as he tells me, was called at the instance of the D—— of W——, on the subject of the former one, held the day before I left town, on the Portuguese application for military assistance. However, no alteration was made in the determination.
I fear that I cannot supply you with much intelligence as to Austrian policy. The general language which she holds, tallies very much with Nugent's letter—great desire to draw her ties closer with this country—implied rather than positive approbation of our course, but great unwillingness in any respect to commit herself, I will not say in opposition, but even to any different views from those of Russia.
I am also quite unable to tell you whether Nugent be Prince or still only Count; I rather think the former.
It is now above a month since I have seen any Austrian despatches, and I doubt whether at the time they were written she could be aware of the probable course of events in Spain, and the different objects of French and Russian influence in that country.
I should not myself imagine that she can be favourably disposed to the extension of Russian influence in the Mediterranean, and therefore would be more likely to join in the views of France; but I have not the means of forming any opinion beyond mere speculation.
Pray tell me whether you hear anything respecting the Buck-hounds,[123] ] and, which is more material, what Neville gets by Lord Cornwallis's death.
Will it not be advisable that you should communicate Nugent's letter and your answer to it to be written to Liverpool?