[140]. Sir Henry Halford’s very interesting account of the opening of the coffin of Charles the First is given in the Appendix.
[141]. Daughter of Dr. Roberts, Provost of Eton, then deceased some years.
[142]. Lady Charlotte Campbell says in her Diary: “Her (the Princess’s) legs and feet are very pretty; her Royal Highness knows that they are so, and wears extremely short petticoats. Her face would be pretty, too, if the outline of her cheeks was not so full.”
[143]. The following is the letter referred to in the text. It is addressed to the Duchess of Leeds:
“Jan. 16, 1813.
“Madam,—Nothing can exceed my gratitude to the Prince Regent for the confidence he has been pleased to place in me. It will be imprinted deeply on my mind while I have life.
“My attachment to the Princess Charlotte is very great, and there is nothing I would not do to prove it. I am also most sensible of your Grace’s kindness; but, although her Majesty has been graciously pleased to say that she leaves me unbiased as to my decision, duty and gratitude oblige me to consider myself as belonging to her, and therefore not at liberty to accept what would have otherwise been my ambition.
“As this is my only cause for declining the honour offered me, I will entreat your Grace to communicate it to the Prince, and to believe me, madam,” &c.
[144]. The following is the Prince’s letter:
“Carlton House, July 3, 1813.