The Cabinet determined upon granting the first, but object to the second, as a point that involves the whole Catholic Question and is objectionable on the same grounds with their total exemption, without being attended with the same advantages to themselves. The 3rd must depend upon individual Corporations. The Ministry have already declared, and are ready to repeat their wish, that the Catholics should be in full possession of every advantage secured to them by the existing laws. Such the Government of Ireland has shown to be the wish of the Ministry, and it is only by continuing the same system, that the object of procuring the admission of Catholics into the Corporation can be attained. The sketch of a letter to the D. of Bedford was then read, and agreed to be submitted to the King. Besides the topics already mentioned, it referred to an understanding that prevailed in Ireland when the proposed clause of the Mutiny Bill was carried in the Irish Parliament by Lds. Clare and Hobart, that a similar clause would be inserted in the English Mutiny Bill. Very doubtful whether the K. would consent; also doubtful how far many of the members would continue to persevere in pressing it upon him. A proof of his indisposition towards Catholics:—in a private audience with Ld. Howick, he expressed surprise at the conduct of the Elector of Saxony, whom he had hitherto considered an honourable man, ‘tho’ nothing better can be expected of a Catholic, but a man must be greatly degraded to break an oath. I would sooner submit to be trampled upon and killed.’
Determined, if the others would not press the matter, that Lds. Howick, Henry Petty, and Holland should go out. Some think that the trifle required is sufficient to produce the relapse of insanity, and that it would be as well to have the burst upon the great point of all.
Feb. 10th.—Answer from the King. H.M. approves of what his Ministry have said on the subject of the application to have Catholic Sheriffs, but he, ‘Trusts the Parlt. would never under any circumstances agree to the clause in the Mutiny Act. H.M.’s objections do not result from any slight motive. They have never varied, for they arise from principles by which he has been guided thro’ life, and to which he is determined to adhere. He had hoped that the question would never again have been agitated.’ (A copy from the original.)
In consequence of this answer from H.M. there was a meeting of the Cabinet this eve. in which it was determined unanimously to persevere. A respectful answer to H.M. was accordingly prepared, stating at full length the reasons which induced the Cabinet to persist in their opinion and determined them to bring the question before Parlt. It is uncertain whether the K. will yield, dismiss them, or try to divide them. Ld. Sidmouth and Ld. Ellenboro’ have behaved well, and even stoutly. Erskine betrays great backwardness, tho’ he must go with the rest. Whilst the letter for the K. was read, he affected to be asleep, but Ld. Holland roused him and called his attention to this important paper.
The King very cordial and civil to the Ministers at the Levée. In his audience with Ld. Sidmouth he listened to the arguments for the measure, and even dropped a sort of acquiescence. Erskine held a most foolish, and even mischievous conversation with him. He told the K. that had he been in the Irish Parlt., the measures for the Catholics should not have passed without opposition: on which the K. complimented him, and said, ‘I believe indeed, my Lord Chancellor, that you are a good Protestant.’ ‘That, Sir, is my proudest title.’ The King is certainly tractable, but told Ld. Sidmouth that he should take 24 hours to consider of his answer to the Minute of the Cabinet. Ld. Grenville accompanied the Cabinet Minute with a private letter of his own, which pleased the K. mightily.
THE CATHOLIC QUESTION
Feb. 12th.—King’s answer (exactly copied):—‘The King has maturely considered what is stated in Ld. Grenville’s letter of the 10th inst., and the accompanying Minute of the Cabinet. He is disposed upon this, as upon all occasions, to do full justice to the motives which influence any advice which may be submitted to him by Ld. Grenville and his other confidential servants; and however painful His Majesty has found it to reconcile to his feelings the removal of objections to any proposal which may have even the most distant reference to a question which has already been subject of such frequent and distressing reflections, he will not, under the circumstances in which it is so earnestly pressed, and adverting particularly to what took place in 1791, prevent his Ministers from submitting for the consideration of his Parlt. the propriety of inserting the proposed clause in the Mutiny Bill. Whilst, however, the King so far reluctantly concedes, he considers it necessary to declare that he cannot go one step further, and he trusts that this proof of his forbearance will secure him from being at a future period distressed by any further proposal connected with the question. (Signed) G. R.’
Lds. H., Howick, and Hy. Petty had resolved upon going out, if the Cabinet had not brought forward the clause in question, or if they had afterwards given it up and without doing anything for the Catholics opposed their petition in Parlt. But Ld. Howick declared (as however he frequently does when in a passion) that he would retire from public life.
A Cabinet last night upon the subject of Buenos Ayres and S. America; there is much difference of opinion on these questions. Ld. Howick and Mr. Grenville are averse to the diversion of any part of our force to such distant objects, and think every part should be employed in Europe. Ld. Grenville looks to conquest in S. America as useful to our trade in war, and as objects of barter in making peace. He is therefore against the adoption of any system which would prevent us from reducing our conquests at the time of peace. Ld. H. objects to any attack upon S. America, except for the purpose of revolutionising, but is very desirous some such system should be adopted. Windham is eager for the attack anyhow; tho’ he would prefer a systematic plan, yet he will support any measure of that tendency. It was at length agreed that two general officers should be sent out to take command of the difft. bodies of troops re-united before Buenos Ayres, which make an effective force of 9000 men. General Whitelocke[268] is one, with discretionary powers to fortify or defend Maldonado, to take or destroy Monte Video, and to take Buenos Ayres or enter into terms with the inhabitants, as they shall judge best for the King’s service; but to send back to Spain all persons who took an active part against the English in the late transactions. The desire of effacing our recent disgraces there had its effect in determining this measure.
19th Feb.—Went to Brighton to see my children, who are living there for the sake of the good air, or rather to avoid the thick, bad air of London and its neighbourhood. Mr. Allen only went with us. We stayed Friday and Saturday; returned to town on Sunday.