BIRTHDAY REJOICINGS
26th May 1837.
... The demonstrations of affection and kindness from all sides towards me on my birthday, were most gratifying. The parks and streets were crowded all day as though something very extraordinary had happened. Yesterday I received twenty-two Addresses from various places, all very pretty and loyal; one in particular was very well written which was presented by Mr. Attwood45 from the Political Union at Birmingham.
I am delighted to hear Stockmar is at length arrived; he reached London on Wednesday, and we shall see him to-day.
How distressed I am that poor dear Ernest46 has been so ill! Thank God! that he is now better.
The Spanish affairs have turned out better than you had expected; the triumphant capture of Irun47 was a great thing for the Christinos.
The King is much better.
Footnote 45: Thomas Attwood founded in 1829 the Birmingham Political Union, which helped to pass the Reform Act. Previously he had been known for his opposition to the Orders in Council, and the resumption of cash payments. Birmingham elected him without opposition in 1832, and he sat till 1840.
Footnote 46: Prince Ernest of Saxe-Coburg.
Footnote 47: The frontier town of Spain, near St Sebastian, captured, 16th May, by the Christinos, supported by British troops.