[277] Second Marquess. See ante, p. 98.
[278] Baron Christian Stockmar (1787–1863), physician to Prince Leopold, and subsequently his confidential agent. He abandoned medicine for statecraft, in which he became an expert. He was entrusted by King Leopold to superintend the education of Prince Albert and guide Queen Victoria, both of which services he performed with consummate tact and integrity. He was their devoted friend and counsellor to the end of his life. See ante, p. 154.
[279] William Lamb, Viscount Melbourne (1779–1848), was at this time Prime Minister and fifty-eight years old.
[280] Ernest Augustus (1771–1851), fifth son of George III. He was considered unscrupulous, and was certainly most unpopular in this country. He now succeeded William IV. as King of Hanover. Although of autocratic temperament, he granted his subjects a democratic constitution, much to their surprise.
[281] Augustus Frederick (1773–1843), sixth son of George III. His marriage to Lady Augusta Murray was declared void under the Royal Marriages Act. He had by her two children, Sir Augustus d’Este and Mlle. d’Este (afterwards wife of Lord Chancellor Truro). He married, secondly, Lady Cecilia Buggin (née Gore, daughter of the Earl of Arran), and to her was granted the title of Duchess of Inverness.
[282] Henry William Paget, first Marquess of Anglesey (1768–1854). Commanded the Cavalry at Waterloo. When a round shot tore between him and the Duke of Wellington, he turned to the Duke and said, “By God! I have lost my leg,” and the Duke replied, “By God! I believe you have.” This conversation sums up the two men. Lord Anglesey was a Field-Marshal and Viceroy of Ireland, where he displayed a tendency to liberal ideas that were not considered in accordance with his profession or station. There was never a more gallant soldier, and he “had not a fold in his character.”
[283] Chancellor of the Exchequer. An intelligent politician and responsible for the adoption of the penny post. He was anxious for the Speakership, but failed to win the fancy of the House of Commons. He passed to the House of Lords as Lord Monteagle in 1839 and died in 1866.
[284] James, first Lord Wharncliffe. A Yorkshire magnate and Member of Parliament. Created a Peer 1826. See ante, p. 54.
[285] Alexander Baring, first Lord Ashburton (1774–1848). President of the Board of Trade in Lord Grey’s Administration.
[286] Sir William Draper Best (1767–1845), first Lord Wynford, formerly Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.