EXPEDITION TO CONSTANTINOPLE
There is every reason to fear that we shall be forced into war with Turkey by the violence of Russia, though the Turks have made every possible concession.[280] It is feared that we have already taken possession of the Turkish fleet, and bombarded Constantinople. Arbuthnot has orders to give the Turks the alternative of dismissing Sebastiani, or having a war with England. Windham and T. Grenville have, between them, given orders without the knowledge of their colleagues, in the event of a war with Turkey, for 5000 men to be taken from the army of Sicily, and employed in taking and garrisoning Alexandria. Craufurd has been overtaken, and stopped from going to Valparaiso.
Monroe has had a conversation with Ld. H. about Spanish America; he wishes nothing to be attempted without a concert with the United States, the country to be declared independent, and free ports to be opened to both the invading powers. His accounts from Armstrong[281] represent that there are great differences among the French generals, and that this alone has prevented Bonaparte’s return to Paris where his presence was also required.
March 8th.—The Princess has not published her defence, but it is said she has got it printed at a private press belonging to Perceval, and she threatens to publish it next Friday, if not previously received at Court on Thursday. It is said that her coarseness of language disgusts even her partisans.
CABINET CHANGES
The overtures of Canning are taken into consideration, and have been the subject of conversation between Lds. Grenville, Howick, and Holland. There is an idea that Lauderdale, Whitbread, and Canning may be introduced into the Cabinet. Canning now requires Charles Long,[282] Huskisson, and old G. Rose[283] to have places. Some of these and Ld. Camden are only named pro forma, and would be sacrificed if he could be taken in. How room can be made does not very readily appear. When the Doctor was told of Canning’s proposals, he said, that in the present stage of the business, he was not called upon to interfere, but that if it was proposed to bring Canning into office, his line was taken.[284] There is no reason whatever for any change at present, except the alleged necessity of dismissing Windham on account of his great mismanagement in his office and his conduct as War Secretary, and the reduction of strength in the H. of Commons, especially should Windham go with Opposition. But the real cause is said to be Lord Grenville’s restlessness of disposition, which makes him dissatisfied at the end of six months with every arrangement he forms. Ld. H. is averse to these changes on the score of unfairness to Addington, who must be made the sacrifice, especially as they conducted themselves (apparently, a cautious saving always necessary, however, for the Doctor’s conduct) well in the late discussions with the King, and because he is naturally averse to the return of so many of the Pitt-ites to power; and also that Canning’s introduction to the Cabinet is the elevation of a rival to Petty. The latter opinion, however, is more my own, and has inspired me with great distrust to the proceedings. Petty, who at my earnest desire has been apprised of the affair, as the injunction was that it was not to transpire, is, of course, against it. Therefore if Ld. Howick (over whom Ld. Grenville has acquired great influence) is of the same mind, there will be little or no difficulty in counteracting it. Whitbread’s impatience for office, and Ld. Howick’s extreme desire to have no political difference with him, makes him lend a readier ear to such a plan than he would otherwise do.
There is an expedition to be undertaken, which on acct. of Erskine’s extraordinary imprudence in talking, is to be kept a secret from the Cabinet, and only known to a few. Bad accounts from Drummond[285] of the Court of Sicily; strong measures are to be resorted to without delay to bring them to a more reasonable line of conduct. All Frenchmen in the service of Sicily to be dismissed; none but Sicilians to be employed in the service of the State; nominations of all officers in the army to be left to the British Commander-in-Chief; grievances to be redressed by the convocation of the Sicilian Parlt. If these terms are not complied with, we are to declare we cannot defend the island, and if refused, force employed to effectuate them. General Fox, Sr. John Moore, and Drummond are to be associated in a joint Commission for this important object.[286] Sr. Sidney Smith, who has been gained over by the Queen and is completely subservient to her, is ordered on a different service. The fury and violence of the Queen’s character have not abated by age, and her other passions have as little diminished. Ld. Ellenboro’ said, in the discussion of this business, that our Sicilian Alliance seemed to him to cost £600,000 pr. ann., for no other purpose than to maintain a —— house at Palermo.
Overtures for negotiations between France and Russia. Our Governt. have expressed through Ld. Douglas[287] our readiness to become parties to a negotiation for peace, and have expressed our wish that if a Congress is to be held for that purpose, it should be appointed at Copenhagen; but it has been distinctly explained to Russia, that the French Colonies shall not be restored in return for the restitution of the conquests made from Prussia.
THE CATHOLIC QUESTION
There are hopes that the Irish Catholics may be induced to postpone their Petition till another session. Ld. Ponsonby’s letters are favourable to this expectation, and Mr. Butler has expressed the same hopes to Ld. Holland.