If the interest I feel in your unhappiness gives me any claims upon your attention, you must allow me to make a few remarks on what I am sorry to hear is about to take place—the bringing Monsieur G. to a sort of trial respecting his unsuccessful treatment of your poor wife. I shall speak of it under two heads: first, that of your being wanting in humanity and generosity towards a young man coming into the world, and, secondly, that of the great probability of your being nonsuited, which will make you appear very ridiculous, as well as be the means of bringing forward many unpleasant and unusual circumstances, which would excessively shock the delicacy of the English.
1. In Mr. Pitts last illness I expressed, as my opinion, that Sir Walter Farquhar did not understand the nature of his complaint, and begged him to call in other physicians. He replied, “Perhaps you are right, and such may be likewise my own opinion; but, if it is the will of God, I shall recover; and, if not, I shall be sorry that one of the last actions of my life should be that of injuring the character of a man who has acted to the best of his knowledge, and hitherto manifested the greatest interest about my health upon all occasions;”—therefore, nothing could be done with him: but Farquhar was himself persuaded to call in Doctor Bailey. Would it not be better to follow the example of that noble-minded man, than cast a slur upon the character of one who, unprepared for so difficult an accouchement, had neither sufficient self-confidence nor judgment to extricate himself in such a predicament? And all this will not recall Mrs. K—— again to the world.
2. I enclose a paragraph from the papers last come to hand, which, in addition to my knowledge of law, strengthens my opinion that you may very likely prove unsuccessful.[28] You will then have to reproach yourself for not having acted—I will not say with the missionaries—with Christian charity, but with that feeling which ought to belong, and does belong, to many individuals, of whatever religion they may profess.
Do not understand by this that I am making you any reproaches; for the state of irritation you are in proceeds from the frame of mind which this unfortunate circumstance has caused, and which it is the duty of all those who call themselves your friends or your well-wishers to point out to you, that you may avoid future remorse when you see things more calmly.
H. L. Stanhope.
Saturday, June 2.—I rode down to the duke’s tents, to see him. The army surgeon in attendance on the black had reconsidered the case, and given in an opinion to the government secretary that it was one of typhus fever, supervening on a syphilitic taint, and, in consequence, his highness’s quarantine had been shortened to a fortnight. One must have lived in Turkey to know how such things are conducted there. The conversation with the duke and his suite turned for a while on Prince Pückler Muskau.
Sunday, June 3.—A letter was written by Lady Hester to Lord Brougham. Whilst considering what she should say, previous to dictating it, she observed that she was sorry she did not write to him before; “for,” added she, “he loves to have something to talk about that will make a noise, and he will take it ill, when he was so civil to me formerly, if I seem to forget him. An Englishman, who was here, and who knew him, one day said to me—‘What do you think of Lord Brougham’s principles?’—‘Why,’ answered I, ‘I think they are like mine—none at all.’ How he stared, doctor, until I added, ‘He has peculiar ones made for himself, as I have.’”
To the Right Honourable Lord Brougham and Vaux.
Jôon, June 4th, 1838.