October 23.
Cabinet room. Read the despatches from Petersburg and Paris. All the hints of the Emperor of Russia's intention of not retaining his army in Turkey come through Paris, Nesselrode having on September 29 spoken thus specifically to the Duke de Mortemart, and merely talked about taking less money and making some change in the guarantees to Lord Heytesbury. I did not see Aberdeen, who was engaged with the Spanish Minister.
I do not depart from my original idea that Russia does all this to gain time, and with as much perfidy as she has shown throughout.
Polignac would take a loyal view if he durst.
I cannot see the Duke till Monday, as he does not return to London till
Sunday evening.
I saw Hardinge and had a long talk with him about Batta, &c.
October 24.
Chairs at 11.
The Chairs say the Court have the matter entirely in their hands as to Batta. They wish to have the opinion of the Cabinet, and to be governed by that. I have written to the Duke to tell him so.
I am glad there is to be a Cabinet, because I think a Cabinet will take a more popular view of the question than the Duke, and, as I think, a juster view. I am for standing firm.