MISS KNIGHT TO LORD ST. VINCENT.
Saturday, December 3.
My dear Lord,—I am just returned from Fife House, whither I went by appointment at twelve. I said that my first motive was to thank his Lordship for his obliging attention to my request in laying my letter before the Prince Regent, and my next to show him a letter from Lord Moira, which I had preserved, as, although it contained no specific promises, it implied much. He read it attentively, and I then showed him that from Sir H. Halford, with the intention of giving me the rank of Honourable, and the certainty of my remaining in the family, &c. He read that also attentively. I added that I had several letters from the Princesses to the same effect, if not still more explicit, but that I considered them as sacred. He was silent for a little while, and then said the Prince had directed that what I had from the Queen should be given to me; that he had laid my letters before his Royal Highness, and had no further power. I answered that I should not dispute with my Sovereign, nor refuse whatever he chose to give me, but that it was not a compensation for what I left, as, besides the salary, I had apartments and other advantages adequate at least to the 500l. I received at Warwick House. I subjoined that I had hoped his Royal Highness would have continued my salary, as, when he dismissed me, he said he did not complain of anything; since which, however, I had written him a letter in my justification, which, not being answered, I concluded there was no complaint to make. Lord L. bowed assent. I then said I neither wished to trouble his Lordship nor to refuse the pension, but was anxious to put him in the possession of facts. He said the pension was clear of all expenses but the property tax, and inquired what was the time of my last payment of salary. I said the 5th of July, and that I was dismissed on the 12th. He could not exactly tell, he said, when the pension might begin, as it depended on what money was in the Exchequer. I rose to wish him a good morning. He asked if I had a carriage, and I hoped Lady Liverpool was well. So we parted.
I am glad I saw him, as I think my visit has answered two purposes; one, to solicit accusation, or at least to prove to him, as I had before done to the Chancellor and Lord Ellenborough, that I had urged the Prince Regent to make complaints, if any were to be made, and none were; secondly, that I have made known, though respectfully, to the Prince Regent my dissatisfaction as to what is called remuneration or compensation, which leaves my claim open for future times if I live to want an addition to my income.
Pray tell Miss Brenton that I have called in Bryanstone-street, and saw Lady Brenton, but Sir Jahleel was in his bed. Many thanks for your Lordship’s letter, and the enclosure from Lady Jane Loftus, who has at length given me her Dublin direction. I saw Prince Castelcicala this morning; he augurs well of Naples.
Ever, my dear Lord,
Your much obliged and affectionate,
E. C. Knight.