‘None at present, for want of a commercial treaty.’
‘A commercial treaty would suit you?’
‘Certainly, but I do not think we shall get it.’
‘I did your commerce much mischief.’
‘Not so much as was supposed. Our trade found outlets out of Europe which were very profitable.’
‘The troubles in Spain will open up their colonies to you?’
‘Yes, but at first they will be jealously closed.’
‘Your licence system was bad. It was semi-robbery.’
‘This kind of conversation’ (says Richard), ‘lasted about an hour, and then turned on France.... He asked me whether I was in Paris during the Peace of Amiens. “Yes.” “You found it now much altered?” “Yes, much larger than in 1802.” “It is a fine city,” he added.... I took the opportunity of reminding him of my sister, but he took no notice. He then conversed for a few minutes, making altogether half an hour. On getting up to leave he asked me to introduce my sister, whom he received with the greatest affability, keeping up a conversation with her till a carriage was heard coming, when he bowed and we retired.... He frequently put his fingers into a small snuff-box, but did not seem to take much notice of its contents. He asked me whether I thought the Bourbons were really popular in France. He told me he had found the heat more trying in Russia in the month of August than in any other part of Europe, and he explained the reason. I remarked evident signs of interest and inquisitiveness when speaking of the Bourbons. He twice asked me whether they were popular in France and what was said of them, and was not satisfied with a vague reply.’[292]
Frederick Douglas, M.P., son of Lord Glenbervie, on his way home from Athens had a courteous reception, which did not however prevent him from speaking and voting in 1815 for the renewal of the war.