D A 536 M7 G75 UC-NRLF B 3 117 laa U'MV.. '■!■■ J'f; THE HILOSOPfflCAL RADICALS PS 'Ifi.-V*'-': OF 18-32. ;sr,:^ T1 I-' 'i' ERART ••■VERSITY C* ■,oiA THE, PHILOSOPHICAL RADICALS OF 1832. COMPRISING THE LIFE OF SIE WILLIAM MOLESWOETH, AND SOME INCIDENTS CONNECTED WITH THE EEFORM MOVEMENT FROM 1832 TO 1842. For private circulation. • » « ' i 1 1 LONDON : SAVILL AND EDWARDS, PEINTERS, CIIANDOS STREET, COVENT GARDEN. 1866. /V17 INTRODUCTION. This memoir has been composed partly with a view to enable a younger generation to understand the events of the period to which the narrative relates. Having been in a position to observe the working of the political forces during that singularly interesting passage — the passing of the Reform Bill — I felt myself moved to write some account of the personal agency exercised by certain individuals in directing the course of public opinion. It is not a history of the Reformed Parliament : I wish it were ; for so vigorous and healthy an eflPort to amend our political machinery would form a worthy subject for any pen. My sketch is, for the most part, a personal one; yet whilst it will do justice to the merits of a departed statesman, it may also assist future students of English domestic history to acquire a more complete view of the character of a memo- rable movement, from its energetic commencement in 1832, to its decline in 1842. Q1 5.i -Q2 IV INTRODUCTION. The elections which took place at the end of 1832 called into the political arena a considerable number of new men, amongst whom many were qualified by their intelligence and capacity to play an important part in the business of legislation. Of these, two figures may, by persons of mature age at least, be recalled to memory, as forming perhaps the most prominent members of the section known as the " Philosophical Radicals.'' The one was Mr. George Grote, member for the City of London ; the other was Sir William Molesworth, who represented his native county of Cornwall. The first was then approaching the meridian of life, having reached his thirty-eighth year. He had been trained to political studies in the severe school of Bentham and Mill and other profound thinkers, and had also possessed the advantage of personal intimacy with David Ricardo, whilst cultivating the (at that time nascent) science of Political Economy. The second, yet in the flower of youth, and des- tined soon to become the disciple of his elder col- league, was but slightly indebted to others for the instruction he had acquired. He had laid up, chiefly by private study, no inconsiderable store of learning and scientific knowledge, but, in regard to mental philosophy and political doctrine, he might be said to bring into public life as it were a virgin intellect. It is to these two figures that the following pages are principally devoted. The character and history INTRODUCTION. V of Sir William Moles worth will be found portrayed with a full pencil — his untimely disappearance from amongst us admitting of this comparatively free treatment. Of the other subject of this fragmentary memoir, so much as is personal has been advisedly touched with a more sober tone of colour, in harmony with the reverence due to one still living, and to the relation in which the writer has the honour and happiness to stand towards him. March, 1866. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. 1833. First Session of the Reformed Parliament . . pp. 1 — 8 CHAPTER II. The second general election, December, 1834. — London Review started, 1835. — Sir Robert Peel's Government succeeds to power pp. 9 — 15 CHAPTER III. Sir W. Molesworth determines on relinquishing his seat for the county, but intends trying some other constituency. pp. 16—23 CHAPTER lY. 1836. The Radical party on the decline in the House of Com- mons. — Correspondence on political affairs . . . pp. 24 — 30 CHAPTER V. 1837. General election on death of King William the Fourth. — Letters concerning election. — City of London contest. — Mr. Grote's election carried by six votes only. . pp. 31 — 38 CHAPTER YI. 1837, 1838. Mr. Grote's yiew of the "situation" of political affairs. — The Canada rebellion. — Sir William Molesworth proposes to edit the works of Thomas Hobbes. — Paris project. Abandoned on account of illness. — Letters from Mrs. Grote to Sir William Molesworth pp. 39 — 48 Vlll CONTENTS. CHAPTER YII. 1840, 184:1. Visit to Pencarrow. — Disappointment in love suit. — Correspondence pp. 49 — 64 CHAPTER VIII. The Philosophic Radicals retire into private life. — Historical and other studies resumed. — The Whig Government forced to make way for that of Sir Robert Peel. — Second visit to Pen- carrow — Sketch of the party assembled there. — Return to London. — Estimate of Sir William Molesworth's actual position in 1843 pp. 65 — 69 CHAPTER IX. 1844. Visit to Paris in March. — Return to London. — Sir William Molesworth contracts matrimonial engagement. — London season. — Mendelssohn. — Return to Burnham Beeches — Conversation there respecting Sir William's marriage. — Journey to the North of England pp. 70 — 74 CHAPTER X. 1844. December. Unlooked-for termination of the friendship between Sir William Molesworth and the writer — Letter on this subject from Mr. C. Austin, quoted . . , pp. 75 — 77 CHAPTER XL 1845. Journey to the Waters of Kissengen. — The meeting with Jenny Lind on our way home. — Sir W. Molesworth once more enters Parliament. — Change in his social habits. — The " Life of Hobbes" makes no progress. — Sir William obtains a seat in the Cabinet. — His declining health. — His death. — Reflections. pp. 78—83 CHAPTER XIL Sir William Molesworth's marriage unfavourably regarded. — Measures adopted to counteract this view. — Their final success. — Cost of these indicated. — Explanations respecting the altera- tion of Sir William's course after marriage. — Conclusion. pp. 84—89 1 I * J CHAPTER I. FIRST SESSION OF THE REFORMED PARLIAMENT. 1833. On the meeting of the first Reform Parliament, in February, 1833, Mr. Grote took his seat as Member for the City of London, having (I may be allowed to add) come in at the head of the polL As we had no residence in London, except our house in Thread- needle-street, adjoining the banking house, we took lodgings at Mr. Oakley's, the grocer's, corner of Parliament-street and Bridge-street, in order to be nearer to the scene of business on the commence- ment of so very interesting and auspicious an era in political affairs. Some weeks elapsed, when one evening Mr. Grote said to me, " H. there is a young man who sometimes talks to me on our side of the House, of whom I have formed rather a good opinion ; he is a Cornish baronet, of the name of Sir William Molesworth, and sits for his native county. I should like to bring him here, and intro- duce him to you." Shortly afterwards Mr. Grote accordingly brought Sir William home to tea with us, and he made a very favourable impression on us both. After this introduction, as he knew scarcely anybody else except the BuUer family (also Cornish by race), he naturally frequented our lodgings when- B ever liis public duties allowed of it. In the month of May, 1833, he offered himself to accompany us on a little rural tour into the county of Surrey and into Hampshire duriii-g ^he A\^hitsuntide recess. Mrs. Austin had engaged herself to he of the party. Sir William and Mr. Grote rode on horseback, and Mrs. Austin went with me in my phaeton, which I drove myself. Molesworth was just then three-and- twenty ;* he had a pleasant countenance, expressive blue eyes, florid complexion, and light brown hair ; a slim and neatly made figure, about ^ve feet ten in height, with small well-shaped hands and feet. He rode well ; and his manners were, when he took the trouble, those of a man accustomed to good company and assiduous to please. This tour naturally threw us into relations of familiar intimacy, which were sustained by frequent visits to us afterw^ards at our residence near London ; Molesworth often staying the Saturday and Sunday at Dulwich Wood. During the Parliamentary sessions of 1834, '35, '36, Molesworth was a regular habitue of our society. He contracted an earnest admiration and esteem for Mr. Grote, to whom he looked up as a disciple might to a master, whilst in myself he found an indulgent friend and monitress. I liked and esteemed his noble, frank, and chivalrous character, and took pleasure in affording him the privilege of unreserved and con- fidential intercourse. His political character, during the first years of our intimate communion, was that of a determined and unflinching Reformer. It appeared by his own statement, that he had not intended to enter into political life so soon as he actually did. f He was residing in Italy in 1830-'31, where he blended intellectual pursuits and studies with a love of pleasure in a somewhat remarkable * His twenty-third birth-day occurred during this excursion, t See Sir William's own statement made to me in 1840, p. 52. degree. A near relative of mine, who formed one ox a small knot of intimate friends around Sir William Moleswortli at this period, has more than once related to me (not without remarking upon the singularity of the fact), tliat although Molesworth willingly joined in the frolics, the fun, tlie follies, and I may add, the vices, of his light-hearted companions, he never failed to consecrate the whole of his morning to serious study. Indeed he was in 1831 actually employed in acquiring more than one of the Oriental languages, with a view to undertaking more extensive travels in Turkey and Asia. The science which, however, most fascinated and interested him, was that of Pure Mathematics, of which he had, I have reason to believe, made himself a complete master: so much so, that, many years subsequent, he told me that the study had lost its interest in some sort for him, since he now comprehended the limits of its exercise, and that the pursuit therefore had ceased to stimulate his intellectual curiosity. Molesworth Avas indeed, at this time, surprisingly accomplished for his age. Deeply imbued with a love of letters and of intel- lectual science in general, he had acquired more knowledge in the lield of literature, both ancient and modern, than is commonly possessed by young men in his position. It happened that, partly from the circumstances of his education, partly from the native strength of his understanding, he had formed his political opinions in a sense diametrically opposite to those of his contemporary acquaintances and the gentry of his county. He had studied theology, and repudiated the Christian mysteries, refused to attend church, and laughed at those who did. He disliked aristocratic institutions, detested ecclesiastical government, felt earnestly the injustice and wrongs under which the bulk of the English people suffered, and longed to assist in bringing about a healthier and more just scheme of domestic administration. B 2 Entertaining these opinions, he could not resist the call which was made upon him by certain Reformers in his native county, to come back to England and to put himself at the head of the movement which was stirring England to its centre, and which vibrated to her remotest provinces. He was returned for the county without difficulty, although personally little known and that little not favourably; but as being a large landowner, and coming of an ancient Cornish family, he fulfilled the conditions which, in 1832, were principally required in a candidate for a county representation. I have already said that he knew scarcely any one, and, what is singular, he desired to know none, re- fusing all advances from other quarters, and confining his society almost entirely to the Bullers and our- selves. In the summer of 1833, he talked to me of the probability of his settling in life. Since he had come into Parliament, he said, it would be necessary to live in England, and, living in England, it would be desirable for him to marry. I said that I agreed in his views, and presently asked him whether he had anybody in his eye. He replied that he had ; that, as a youth, he had contracted a feeling of preference for Miss Julia Carew, the daughter of a country- gentleman of that name, who lived at a seat called "Antony," not far from Plymouth. To this house Molesworth had been in the habit of riding over, with his servant carrying his saddle-bags (about thirty miles), and spending a couple or three days at a time, prior to his journey to Italy, when he was indeed very young and susceptible. To return : he said that Miss Julia Carew would be the object of his matrimonial aims. Accord- ingly, on returning into Cornwall, and during the recess, he renewed his visits to Antony, and strove to recommend himself to the lady. I am justified in the belief that the young lady was not indifierent to 5 his attentions, and Sir William's suit might probably have been attended with success, but for the opposi- tion raised against it by Miss Carew's family. This opposition stuug him to the quick, whilst it farmed the flame of his attachment. When Parliament met in 1834, he endeavoured to eno^a^^^e Mrs. C. Buller's ' or? good offices in bringing about opportunities for meet- ing the young lady. I remember well seeing Moles- worth talking to Miss Carew at one of Mrs. Buller's parties, on which occasion his manner and the ani- mation of his countenance lent a singular charm to his whole appearance. He obtained permission to visit at the house of the Countess of St. Germans (half-sister to Miss Julia Carew), in Park-crescent, Portland-place; and so far advanced in his hopes as to obtain from the young lady the assurance that she would leave the decision to her kinsman. Lord Lyttelton. If that nobleman, to whom she referred Sir Williann for his sanction, should give his consent to their union, she would no longer withhold her own. Accordingly, without a moment's loss of time, to Hagley flew the impatient lover, as fabt as four post- horses could convey him. Lord Lyttelton received him with polite hauteur; Molesworth addressed him in very earnest language, beseeching him to terminate his anxieties by a favourable reply. His lordship said that he understood him to be both a Radical in politics and an infidel in religion. Molesworth rejoined that he did not see what that could have to do with his conduct or character, upon which he challenged scrutiny. Lord Lyttelton then dryly said that he could never advise his niece to unite herself wdth a man of such obnoxious opirdons. h. some- what animated discussion ensued, but his lordship was inflexible. Molesworth left the liouse, and re- turned to London, travelling all night. The first thing he did after alighting at his own lodgings and refreshing himself, was to jump into his tilbury and 6 drive down to Dulwich Wood, with a view to relate the history of the last twenty-four hours to his sym- pathizing friend, who had all along kept au courant of the whole affair ; but it happened that I had gone up to London that morning to be present at a concert at the Opera House Concert-room in the Haymarket. Thither poor Sir William tracked me, and, paying his half-guinea at the door, soon found himself by my side, to my astonishment. As soon as the piece then singing was over, he whispered me, " Pray come out into the ante-room, I have much to tell you." When we got by ourselves he narrated what was given above, only with more detail. He was in a perfect fever, his eyes flashing fire and fury, his voice full of emotion ; and when at length we parted, he exclaimed, using a vehement gesture with his arm, " I vow to pull down this haughty aristocracy of ours, or perish in the attempt !" From this time, finding hope well nigh extin- guished, and that Miss Carew feared to brave the displeasure of her kindred — I may add the world's opinion — he began to lose heart in regard to this pursuit, and flung himself into study and politics with additional zeal. He now passed most of his leisure time at our place near Dulwich, where he used to meet Roebuck, C. Buller, Warburton, Prescott, Charles Austin and his sister, and others, in whose company he always shone. I remember driving my phaeton to London one morning, with Molesworth by my side, C. Buller and Roebuck in the seat behind. During the whole six miles, these three vied with each other as to who should make the most outrageous Radical motions in the House, ihQ two behind standing up and talking, sans inter- mission^ all the way, to Molesworth and myself. He retired to Pencarrow after the recess, and occupied himself for a space in county gaieties and in making his own house agreeable; but he was never well looked upon by the Cornish families, for the same reasons which had prompted Lord Lyttel- ton's rejection. It must be added that the terrible wound to his self-love, involving also the extinction of his hopes of a hap[)y murriage, both soured and indisposed him to court the good opinion of the neiglibouring gentlemen. At the Plymouth races and balls Sir William again met the lady of his heart, and not long afterwards received, through her brothers (who paid him a visit at Pencarrow of a week's duration,) a general and cordial invitation to Antony from Mr. Carew. He went, of course ; was attentive, but did not make much progress, being somewhat embarrassed by the presence of an obser- vant and stiff family circle. He met her again at Mr. and Mrs. C. Buller's, at Polvellan, and there re- ceived, through his hostess, an intimation that he might possibly succeed, on condition of his renounc- ing, or at any rate modifying, his sceptical opinions. As he was far too honourable to dissemble on this subject, even to gain so wished-for a prize, he retired with a wounded spirit from the vain pursuit in the autumn of 1834, writing me a long account of his summer's adventures in a letter, part of which I here subjoin. "Pencarrow, October, 1834. " I have not seen her for a month, and another ^vill elapse ere I have the shghtest prohability of meeting her again. In- deed, what het^Yeen the various alternations of hope, fear, and anxiety, I have been so annoyed and vexed that I am com- pletely disgusted with myself and irritated at my folly. I would do anything, not dishonourable, to gain the lady. I have softened down my opinions to the verge of falsehood ; but that barrier I will not pass. " 1 have been living a great deal on the wide world and on horseback. Years have elapsed since I have led so reckless a life. In spite of it — in spite of the deepest potations — in spite 8 of the severest fatigue — I never was so well in my life ! Some time will elapse, I am afraid, ere your prognostic will be ful- filled that I shall not live long. Indeed, I have just com- menced* Plato, in the Greek, though I have not opened a Greek book for ten years ; and intend to peruse Aristotle and him previous to my departure to the land of shades. I have not been idle, however, I have an article, Deo (John Mill) volente, for the Review, which is, I hope, prospering. John is in such spirits that he says he would make it succeed single-handed. Old Mill will write, consequently we shall be res^pectahle. Wilson, I believe, rules the Globe ; Charles Buller assists him, and has written some excessively good articles lately upon the Church and Dissenter questions. I have contributed some on secondary punishments, transportation, &c. Mrs. A. is in town. I received a letter some days ago from her, in which she asked certain questions, which I do not intend and which I hope you will not answer. {Sic in orig.) Ask Grote what interesting new German works he has got. I have been reading a life of Alex, the Great by Drohsen, with which I am much pleased; likewise a history of Greek Philosophy, by Ritter. Write soon, and believe me, dear Mrs. Grote, ** Yours, most sincerely obedient, (Signed) "William Moles worth." \) CHAPTER 11. THE SECOND GENERAL ELECTION, DECEMBER, 1834 LONDON REVIEW STARTED, 1885 — SIR ROBERT PEEL'S GOVERNMENT SUCCEEDS TO POWER. During the autumn of 1834 Sir William occupied himself much with his new duties as proprietor and manager of the London and Westminster Review^ of which he now undertook the pecuniary responsi- bility, having for his London editor a young man whose talents were then dawning upon the world of intellect — Mr. John Stuart Mill. Sir WiUiam was himself composing more than one article for this periodical, and studying various subjects in prepara- tion for the coming session. Part of a letter which I received from him in October, 1834, is here in- serted, and will be read with interest. "Pencarrow, October, 1834. • ••••• "You are desirous of knowing something of our Review. Each account seems to be more favourable, and so heartily have all — almost all, I mean — of those similar in principles to ourselves, taken up the subject, that I am most sanguine of success. The prospectus will soon (I hope early next month) be issued, and I will take care you receive one. We shall be delighted if you approve of it, and if you should like to write, we will, I dare say, have much pleasure in inserting your article, provided you are not too violent. The first number will be out in January ; the list of articles and of the writers 10 is such as to promise much. What between those who have promised to be regular and certain contributors, and those who are to be occasional ones, the prospect for the subsequent numbers is excellent I believe I told you that, in order that the conductors may merely be answerable for the general principles advocated, not for the particular development of them, and in order to attach a certain degree of responsi- bility to each writer, some signature is to be affixed to each article. We intend, not merely to keep to politics, but to attempt to develop the philosophy of society — of the human mind — of imaginative literature and ethics — at least so the prospectus states Give my best regards to Grote, and entreat him to write the article on Swiss Politics : it w^ill be most interesting. " Believe me ever yours, " Most sincerely obedient, (Signed) "Wm. Molesworth." A new Parliament was elected in the winter of 1834 — '35 — a most exciting struggle it was, seeing that the Tory party played their strongest, having possession of the Government. I append, as a sample of the proceedings of the period, a letter written to a friend ( also engaged in a contest for a seat in Par- liament) about the election for the City of London, always among the earliest at a general election. Sir William took the warmest interest in Mr. Grote's success, looking to him as his lawful leader in politics, and adjusting his own line of conduct by that of his older friend.* * I may cite an instance. On one occasion, during the session of, I think, IS'SG, the repeal of the malt-tax being hotly debated, Molesworth voted for keeping up the tax — contrary to the views of most of the Iladical members. One of these, discovering soon after that the vote he himself had given was an injudicious vote, asked Sir WilHam " how it was that he had been able to see so clearly what was the wise course ?" " Well, but 1 did not see it," replied Sir William. " Did you not ? Why, then, did you vote as you did?" " ]5ecause I saw Grote going out, and I followed him — because I was afraid to vote otherwise than he did ; but I own to you that I did so with fear and trembling." 11 The letter will furnish an idea of the active and zealous efforts made by the Liberals, or, as they were then willing to be termed, the Radicals, of the City of London. " Mouday, 29th December, 1834. '*' My dear Mrs. Gaskell, " One line is all I liave time or power to write, but such a piece of luck as I have to tell must be sent to you for participation. Our City *Kads' have been working most as- siduously, and striving to obtain a fourth man, in case, and only in case, the Tories called forth Mr. Ward. You cannot conceive a finer set of hearty, yet wise and judicious men, than we boast among our middle class in London ! Mr. Grote is daily, and almost hourly, in comaiuuication with them, and aiding, by his personal exertions, the great object of giving a signal example to the country at our coming election. Well, my dear friend, after many anxious conferences, after trying the temper of the Tories, and finding Ward w^as actually going to provoke a contest (which, observe, we wished to avoid, for fear of mischief), we actually have prevailed on no less a per- sonage than tlie Governor of the Bank of England to start as our fourth Keformer ! I ! " 1 assure you I think it is the proudest day of my husband's life. He never had so great a consciousness of being useful, even though we have had our trials and eke our triumphs, and he is in better spirits than I ever saw him ; and this, after being, all last w^eek, so agitated and careworn that I am sure you would have been quite pained to see him : so apprehensive was he about getting a good fourth man, and if not * a good one,' he feared defeat. " Mr. Pattison, the new candidate, is one of the oldest and most intimate friends of Mr. Grote's family, and he has become liberalized by communion with him, as well as by Grote's "writings and speeches in Parliament. He had no wish, nay, even a repugnance, to enter public life, (he is about forty-five years of age I think,) but, pressed by the citizens in the first place, he was won finally by Grote's earnest entreaty to step forward and fight by his side, and he could not refuse to do so, feeling a confidence that Grote would support him and set him a wise lead. He is Reformer enough to satisfy our * movement,' and his station and personal character command the votes and confidence of the timid rich voters ; so that it is 12 impossible to over-estimate the importance to Reformers of this step on his part. We imagine the Tories will be planet-struck at the firing of this our great gun ! " We are all agitation and fervour in London. T only pray you may be doing half as well in your parts. Excuse my conjugal vanity, but you can't think how I run over with emotion when I reflect that Grote has, by courageously standing in the van, encouraged less bold and wise patriots to step out of the crowd, and has thus, in his person, redeemed the repre- sentation of his city, the first in the empire, by attracting to it men of station and honour, instead of the despicable corpo- ration nominees of ancient times. You see how he has dragged on his colleague Crawford, who now goes the full length with him. The fact is Grote leaves them no choice but to keep pace with him in public opinion. We shall have a * Four Reformers' Consolidated Committee,' and canvass accordingly, no individual asking for himself. Ours will be among the earliest elections, and, I trust, ' a hghtto lighten the Gentiles.' Hurrah ! God bless you, my dear Mrs. G., I embrace you cordially as a faithful sympathizer in the sentiments of " Yours alFectionatelv, (Signed) "H. Grote." For two years or more Molesworth had frequented the society of Mr. Mill (the elder), deriving much instruction from communion with that gentleman's sagacious and powerful mind. He continued to gain on the esteem and friendship of Mr. Grote and myself, proving himself indeed a well-informed, zealous, and effective partizan of political progress. At Mrs. C. BuUer's house (who had now taken a house next door to Jeremy Bentham's in Queen-square, Westminster) Sir William was a frequent guest, and habitually found there her niece, Miss Jane Strachey, a very pretty young person, of good understanding, and by no means devoid of talent. After a certain time the young baronet found himself becoming strongly attracted towards this lady, and about the 13 end of June he made her an offer of his hand :* a step which, it may be observed, produced evident satisfaction in the mind of the aunt. Nevertheless this suit was also destined to be unprosperous ; for the mother (a widow of Mr. Edward Strachey, a brother of Sir Henry Strachey, Bart. — father there was no longer,) demurred to the proposal on the ground of Sir William's undisguised scepticism. This lady was a rigorous Calvinist, who regarded with horror and aversion the notion of her daughter marrying a man who, as it was said, questioned the divinity of Jesus Christ. After many jwurparlers, and some rather acrimonious correspondence. Sir William retired from the position of an aspirant ; the young lady being under age, and the mother inexorable. His regard and affection for Miss Strachey appear to have been very sincere ; and many passages in his letters to me about that period reflect much credit on his behaviour throughout this, to him, painful affair. That Miss Strachey, if left to herself, would have accepted him I had reason to believe probable, as also that Mrs. BuUer would have been well pleased to number him amono;st her relations. I insert here portions of a letter received from Sir William in the autumn of 1835. They show with how much earnest devotion to serious studies he at this time employed his leisure. His mind had been disturbed by the love affair above mentioned, and he seemed desirous of banishing the recollection of it by plunging into books and work. After giving * Sir William was, with Mr. Grote and myself, a guest at tha house of our friend James Mill, during a Saturday and Sunday in June, 1835. We all strolled in the meadows under Norbury Park after dinner, and, during the walk, Molesworth disclosed to me his intention of proposing to Miss Strachey. He obviously felt deeply anxious as to his chance of success, but was far from anticipating the resistance which his suit was destined to encounter. 14 me a list of the articles in hand for the London and Westminster Review^ he goes on to say — "You ask what I am about? Studying Epicurus, reading everything I can find in innumerable authors with regard to him. Object I have in view is, the history of j^hilosophy during the time of Thomas Hobbes. Gassendus, who was an intimate friend of Hobbes, and from whom, I believe, the latter derived much, was an Epicurean philosopher, and has written a large folio volume upon the subject, which I am in the act of perusing. Now I want to know what in reality were the opinions of Epicurus I intend, as the imme- diate result of my labours, some time or another to write two articles : one on the Metaphysics of Epicurus, the other on the Ethics. The first one I think I have nearly mastered, and you may expect to see it some six or nine months hence in ' The London.' The Ethics will be more troublesome. How- ever 1 shall set to soon A yropos de hottes — did you see my speech against the Lords and conciliation? The accursed reporters said my speech was so violent that they could not report it, and altered it most considerably." Molesworth came to town at Christmas, 1835-6, and I have an entry in my note-book of his dining with us on January 3rd, 1836, at Dulwich Wood. The recent change of administration and the advent of Sir Robert Peel caused a good deal of excitement among political circles, whilst the momentous mea- sures in respect of domestic legislation, passed in 1835, viz., the Poor Law Act and the Municipal Corporations Bill, occasioned no small gratulation among the members of the Radical camp. The fourth number of the London Review came forth in January, 1836, and well sustained its repu- tation, Mr. James Mill and his son, Mr. Charles BuUer, Mr. Peacock, and other able writers furnishing a paper each. Indeed it is worthy of note here that the elder Mill was at this time a dying man, yet felt it a pleasure to assist Sir William with his latest powers. The first number of this periodical, after it 15 took the title of the London and Westminster Review^ appeared in April of this year, and contained an article the fame of which has survived to the present day, viz., A View of the Political Condition of France," by M. Alexis de Tocqueville. There was likewise in this number a capital history of Oran^^e lodges from the pen of Sir William himself. On this subject, too, he made a spirited and effective speech or two in the House of Commons."^ * In the early part of the summer of 1836, Sir William had a severe attack of illness, the nature of which was erysipelas in the region of the brain. In fact, the premonitory symptoms were dis- cerned by myself, late on one afternoon, at our rooms at Fendall's Hotel, in Westminster — Sir William having called on me there. I persuaded him to go home to his lodgings, close by, and to send for his doctor at once. He did so, and was fortunately able to get through the attack without worse consequences than a certain amount of debility, caused by the treatment adopted. It will be seen, later, how this unlucky illness affected his arrangements for passing the months of September and October. 16 CHAPTER IIL SIR W. MOLESWORTH DETERMINES ON RELINQUISHING HIS SEAT FOR THE COUNTY, BUT INTENDS TRYING SOME OTHER CONSTITUENCY. During the Session of 1836, wMcli ended by the Whigs driving Sir Robert Peel from the Government, Sir William had, as I have already stated, sustained his reputation, and justified the expectations of his friends, by the exhibition of growing capacity and added knowledge, as well as by the perfect consistency and courage of his political course. But neither he nor Mr. Grote had taken any lively interest in pro- moting the return to power of the Whig party, having found, by the experience of four years of their reign, how much less of good was to be expected from them than was at first hoped for by their Radical allies. After their reinstatement, in fact. Sir William cherished a certain longing for the resumption of a studious and leisurely existence ; towards which ten- dency his doubts about retaining his seat for East Cornw^all in some measure contributed. He used to talk in this strain with me, not unfrequently, and urged, in support of his wishes to quit Parliament, that he should be more useful and influential by concentrating his talents and energies upon the London Review^ now confessedly the ablest periodical, on the Liberal side, going. Although I could not but comprehend the feeling which would lead a man of Molesworth's fortune and independent habits of 17 thought to withdraw from politics, and enjoy his comfortable seat in Cornwall, surrounded by books, and free from the conflict of hostile opinions, I could not bear the idea of his quitting the small band of "Philosophical Radicals" (as we were termed) so early in the course of the Reform movement. Never- theless we left England at the close of the Session, without seeing our way to Molesworth's future with any certainty ; the only thing we seemed to know being that his re-election for East Cornwall was extremely doubtful. Mr. Grote and I went in August on a tour in France, through Normandy, returning by the banks of the Loire, and during this journey I wrote a letter to Sir William, pressing upon him the duty of continuing to assist us in Parliament, not- withstanding his growing disinclination to its labours, and suoffifestino; that he should look out for another CO o seat, &c. &c. I pause a moment here to mention an affair unconnected with politics, in which Sir William was anxiously interested. The sentiments which he had early entertained towards Miss Carew revived in 1836, to so strong a degree that Sir William again endeavoured to over- come her scruples, and to induce her to accept his homage. During the London season of this year he even made certain concessions, on the score of his opinions, in the view of gaining her favour and dis- arming the objections of her uncle. These sacrifices were attended with much pain to his conscience, but they did not bring about the effect aimed at. Writing to me in August, he uses these expressions : — " I hope Mrs. Buller has not the slightest idea of what I was about before I left London Now that I can coolly reflect, I think the whole of tliat business must now be over, and I am glad to have bound myself so solemnly to avoid her presence The manner of her uncle to me will remain ever in my memory, with a feeling of deep and lasting re- venge May we meet some day on even terms, and he C 18 shall know that one who once crouched to him in humility can and will repay contempt with bitter and biting scorn. . ." Sir William had felt the necessity of a little change and recreation, and he accordingly set forth, in July, on a tour in Germany,* accompanied by his mother and his surviving sister (the eldest having died a few months before this), taking up Mr. Francis Moles- worth at Frankfort. This young man had been for some years under the care and tuition of a Dr. Bekker, A.M., at Offenbach; Sir William deeming a German education preferable to an English one for his brother : moreover Sir William had himself been placed with Dr. Bekker for a time, after leaving Edinburgh. A letter, which I had written in August to Sir William, found him at Prague, it would seem, on the 4th Sept. 1836, and he replied on the same day. I give here the greater portion of his letter, which reached me on 14th Sept., at Paris. "Prague, September 4, 1836. " My dear Mrs. Grote, *'Many tbauks for your kind letter, which I received to-day along with that of Grote, to which I shall first reply. I wrote, about a fortnight before I left England, to my agents, Mr. Leach and Mr. Woollcombe, with regard to my prospects for Cornwall in the event of a dissolution. Both of them are intimately acquainted with the state of affairs there. I told them my apprehensions — my unwillingness to incur any con- * He wrote me a letter of adieu, just before leaving England (dated July, 1836), of which the following are extracts :— " My brother and I are going to read Greek together on the outside of the carriage, and we have got a brace of Thucydides in order to study history John Mill was here this morning, and we settled certain preliminaries for next year's campaign. I told him of no less than five motions which I intend to originate, and the speeches for which I trust will be finished ere I again see you — and in thus saying, deep is my grief when I contemplate the long period of separation, and in bidding adieu for some months to you, who have truly been to me since I first knew you my kindest and sincerest friend Pray write to me soon ; if you will direct to me, at Frankfurt, a.m., Koch the banker will forward it to me. " W. MOLESWOETH." 19 siderable expense ; at the same time I said that I had not the slightest objection to expend a thousand pounds. Their answer, on mature consideration, was, that I should fight with a strong probability of defeat, on account of the present defec- tion of the Whigs ; that I was certain of defeat whenever a decided separation between Whigs and Radicals took place ; and, lastly, I should incur a very considerable expense, which it was absurd to think of limiting to a thousand pounds. Their advice was, that it would be most consistent with my honour and principles to immediately state my intention of not standing again for Cornwall " Before I received the letters of Mr. Leach and Mr. Wooll- combe, I was far from thinking of the step which they pro- posed, though 1 had been previously informed by the leader of the Whigs that he would not support me, and my colleague ad- vised me not to register, as I should find the Whigs against me. " Upon the cool and deliberate advice of my agents, I de- termined to act. Unfortunately, I was very ill, and my places were taken for the Continent. Buller came to my rooms. I wrote my address in haste, and left it with him to correct, and to ask the opinions of my friends. He wrote to me to say they approved of my giving up Cornwall (which is likewise Grote's opinion under the circumstances of the case), and sent me a corrected copy of my address, which, long ere this, must have been printed. " I am much obliged to him for the trouble which he has taken I was, in truth, excessively glad to find any one to aid me. Now, with regard to the rest of your letter, I think you are wrong in accusing me of an absolute wish to shrink from the combat ; on the contrary, I stated my anxious hope of being of service to the cause through the London* ; and as long as that Review is carried on with energy, you cannot accuse me of deserting the party. I did certainly in- dulge in a feeling of pleasure at the idea of being once again free from the trammels of Parliament, and sought out reasons for justifying this feeling in your eyes; but, in truth, I will do exactly as you like, for you are the only person who is in- variably kind to me whenever I commit follies or errors, and whose reproofs even sound to me more pleasing than the praises of others. I will come into Parliament again, if you wish it, and if I can get a constituency that will take me with a clear declaration of my opinions. I am glad that I am free * The Review. c 2 20 from Cornwall, for I was in a most painful situation there, with hardly a gentleman to support me. " With regard to Westminster, I don't care at all for Ward, if the Westminster men are such as I take them to he ; and I have not the slightest hesitation or scruple with regard to him (Ward). I am much obliged to Place for his offer to organize Westminster for me. I will write to him upon the subject. I wish you would write to him likewise. You say, how^ever, you do not recommend me to stand for W^estminster, but that I * must use my own discretion.' Now, ' my discretion' would be this : if well-informed persons think there would be a good, chance of my succeeding, I would stand in opposition to the devil, more especially if he had any Whig inclinations, and will come to England as soon as it would be necessary. Pray consider for me, and write to me, post restante, Berlin. Do not be offended at my asking you to assist me so much ; and remember that the conclusion of your letter contained a com- mand not to desert you. " I am much obhged to you (and if I were not I should be a most ungrateful scoundrel) for your having performed my request with regard to Miss Strachey, though I am grieved at your denying my position 'that she never cared forme;' this position I am determined to believe, so pray don't contradict it again, otherwise I should have to reproach myself with doing what I trust I have never done, and never will do, viz., playing with a young woman's affections. I don't feel so clear in my conscience as not to cling earnestly to the belief I have stated. I do not much approve of your likening me to Victor Alfieri, for though there be but little really to esteem in him, nevertheless there is a feeling of romance about him which is apt to catch a woman's fancy ; and though I should not wish to be thought ill of by her, I wish never to be present to her mind : more especially if any feelings of liking ever did exist, and romance keeps that ac- cursed sentiment alive which has made such a fool of me, I hope for the last time. You do not understand that it is the Corn-laws and my votes on agricultural questions which affect my seat, and which afford a plea for deserting me : my staunchest supporters are in the habit of saying that I should be an excellent member for a city, but that I have not sufficient regard for the agricultural interest. You would not have wished me to compromise those questions, nor could I have done it with my Revieiv ; indeed, I knew it (the Ilevietv) would lose me my seat, and it was the first pretext against me. I was called upon to deny certain opinions in one of John's 21 political articles. I refused to do so, and the leader of the Whigs, Sir Colman Rashleigh, immediately wrote to me that he would not support me. " I am afraid tliat the egotism which pervaded the last letter will be found in this ; for it entirely concerns ' what will suit W. M.'s particular views and objects.' I am afraid that I am terribly egotistical, and am becoming more and more so. I am horribly seltish — not that I care what becomes of me, but everything turns upon * I ;' and if it were not for you disturbing every now and then the reveries upon ' I,' I should be all '/.' " Would you like to know what is going on here ? The cholera, they say, is raging fearfully. Mary says we are a family who laugh at death, and have no fears, thanks to me ; so we do not mind it. Great care is taken to conceal the ravages, and the people are buried during the night. The ceremonies for the coronation commenced on the first (Sept.) with the solemn entry of the emperor ; a pretty sight, but nothing remarkable. [Here follows a description of Prague, the opera, music, &c.] To-morrow I am to be presented to the emperor Thus we intend to see all the sights, and then depart for Dresden. My youngest brother, whom you saw at Offenbach, is with me. He is an excessively fine boy, and speaks German like a German. He will fill my shoes well, for T feel my career will be a short one, and my second brother's not much longer. I like the system I have pursued in educating Francis abroad; it gives him an independent feeling and self-reliance, which is most valuable. Prescott is with you, I suppose. Pray give my best regards to him. There are few persons for whom I have a sincerer esteem than for him. With best regards to Grote, and thanks for his letter, which I have answered in Avriting to you, believe me, my dear Mrs. Grote, " Yours most truly and sincerely, (Signed) " William Molesworth." The following letter serves to throw light upon Sir William Molesworth's political status at this period : — Extract of Letter from Jos. Parkes to Mrs. Grote. " With respect to Molesworth — and no one can more heartily admire and honour him than I do — I have long said that he is the only leading public mind in the House of Commons, thrown up by the Reform Bill : that is to say, the only pro^ pelting mind there who did not participate in the glorious pull 22 we had for the modicum of Parliamentary Reform gained in 1832. Though not wholly concurring in Molesworth's Cornish * deploy,' don't think I am such a fool as not to see the immense shove he has given, and is giving the Ballot, and the holder front and ground he is ' general-ing' the R.eformers of the empire to take in the approaching contest with the aristocracy ; but Molesworth is only one. He has much apprenticeship yet to serve, and much temptation yet to resist. That experience will make him a much more powerful public man, and that his principles will protect him against political seductions, I do not doubt ''I know all about Molesworth's 'Cornish hug' of the Whigs from himself months since : from the Cornish and Devon corporate deputies up here about ' charities,' and from Molesworth's agent, &c." I felt it a duty to sound some of the influential London Reformers about Westminster for Molesworth. Parkes gave it as his opinion that Ward must not be opposed, though he regarded Ward as certain to pass into office ere long; yet he had a sort of Radical reputation, and it would be impolitic to obstruct his election by starting another Radical. Mr. John Travers, who whilst he lived exercised considerable power over the metropolitan electors, wrote to me thus : — Extract of Letter from the late John Travers, of Sivithin's-lane. " Of Sir William Molesworth I think there can hardly be two opinions that he would suit such a constituency as W^est- minster well. I should be delighted to see him there ; but, unless Evans retires, may it not be wanted for Mr. Hume ?" Francis Place, the tailor, of Charing Cross, deemed it best for Sir William to keep his eye upon Maryle- bone (which borough he considered it probable would readily elect him) until the Westminster seat should seem more certainly open to his candidature than just then it could fairly be said to be. 23 Before Sir William returned to England, we had been hurried home by the alarming illness of Mr. Prescott, senior partner of the banking-house of which Mr. Grote was a member ; and it was after our entering upon the occupation of our new residence (in Eccleston Street, Belgrave Square,) that I re- ceived a letter from Molesworth, dated Berlin, Oc- tober 15, 1836. Extracts from this letter will be given in the next chapter. 24 CHAPTER IV. 1836. THE RADICAL PARTY ON THE DECLINE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. CORRESPONDENCE ON POLITICAL AFFAIRS. Sir William Molesworth to Mrs, Grote, " October 15th, 1836. " I SHALL probably have the pleasure of seeing you at the end of this month (October), as I intend to leave this place for Hamburgh on the 20th, on my road to England. I am, as you may suppose, well pleased with the success of my address. .... From the extracts in the papers sent by my friends my conduct seems to have created a deep sensation ; and, if report speaks true, Leeds and Bath both intend to offer me a seat. I wrote to Place and Roebuck about Westminster. Thompson* has an intention to stand for that place, and I could not think of interfering with him. Perhaps, however, two seats will be required, in which case I should prefer t-aking my chance for Westminster, to being certain of a seat else- where. I received a communication, in which it was stated that Marylebone was anxious to have me. That, if I would assent, a requisition would be got up, signed by three thousand electors, who would bring me in free of expense I should like very well, if I can't get Westminster, to come in for Marylebone, and I should relish defeating Henry Bulwer, for his Whigism. *' You may suppose I am somewhat flattered by these com- plimentary intentions, which will leave me but little chance of that retired and philosophic life after which I longed, but the impropriety of which you so clearly demonstrated. . . . " The Whigs, I presume, now abuse me like a pickpocket. They have not done with me, and they may be assured that no love is lost between us. They would have been delighted to have seen me defeated in Cornwall, and are furious at 77iy turning upon them first. I intend to do them more harm yet; and, on the first opportunity, to tear to pieces that accursed * Perronet Thompson. 25 cry of * Union amongst Reformers !' by which they have dis- graced the Radicals into the dishonoured followers of their debasing policy *' I presume you will see such of our friends as are in town, and I shall expect to learn from you a succinct account of the state of things in general. Pray see Place. " I received a letter from Mrs. Buller a few days ago. She wrote from Manheim. She talks of Charles taking office under the Whigs — foolish woman ! They will never give him any- thing ; and if they would, he would only damage himself for the sake of that which can only be of the most temporary dura- tion. ... " I wrote thus far a week ago, when I took it into my head to commence a Political Article for the next London ; having finished all I intend to write of that at the present, I return to my letter to you. Pray use your influence over our friends, not again to attempt to raise the cry of ' Union amongst Reformers !'— so far from its producing * union,' it will produce * disunion ' — as destroying all unity of purpose. Ballot, Triennial Parliaments, Extension of the Suffrage, and Reform of the House of Lords, are the only means by which the quiet progress of Reform can be secured. . . The cry of ' Union among Reformers !' can never be again raised with success. The people are indifferent to the Whigs, whilst the Radicals in the House, by their timidity, are losing their hold over the nation. By acting boldly, without reference to the existence or non-existence of the ministers, they will regain their influence, and rally round them a party which will be irresistible. Pray stir them up ! See Rintoul. I read one of his articles, in which he talked of the Tories being in before Easter — most probably, and no harm either. Consider — the Whigs wont take the only means of doing anything, the Tories wont do anything. What is gained or lost by the one or the other in power? The prejudice of ' Union' must be attacked. When we meet, however, I expect to hear the feelings of our leaders. We ought to assemble to see if we can devise any line of policy, or are we to continue aimless and purposeless, doing nothing ? I wish I were ten years older, and a ready and fluent orator. However, if thev wont act, one must wish them adieu. . . I will dine with you on Sunday, the 30th. Ask some Rads. to meet me — honest men and true. " Yours sincerely, (Signed) '' W^illiam Molesworth." 26 Thomas Falconer to H, Grote. " Gray's Inn, 31st December, 1836. " Dear Mrs. Grote, " I am greatly obliged to you for the loan of the articles upon the Ballot, that appeared in the Morning Chronicle. I will return them at the earliest moment, but as I propose to copy a considerable part of them, I hope you will permit me to keep the book a few days. Miss Hale, by an accident, personally delivered the treasure to me — for which good act I am indebted. In return, I have promised to pre- sent the third number of The London, but I have not at present any but my own copy, and I believe that Macrone has not got copies. I will obtain a copy and send it. Parkes has written to me a most plaintive tale, and threatens the occur- rence of terrible political disasters to Liberals. The ship must be in a bad state when he puts out signs of distress. He thinks Molesworth is to blame. Molesworth is not the aggressor. The Whigs threw the first stone, and endeavoured to exclude him from Parliament. He therefore insists upon the only measure which can in future prevent the success of such an attempt. He took two years' faithful apprenticeship to the Whigs, performed his servitude well — ready to continue — but time being considered ' up,' and being ill-treated by his masters, he * opened shop' upon his own account. But, seriously, it appears to me to be exceedingly unjust to attack Molesworth for what he has done. He has had no choice ; nor have the Kadicals any choice. He and they must submit to be extinguished, or take a bolder lead than they have done. They have demonstrated to the Whigs that imperfect and very moderate political measures cannot be carried. The farce has continued long enough, and may now require better measures than have been offered for their acceptance. " Parkes says that the constituencies are corrupt, and that we miscalculate our strength. If public opinion is against us, there ought not to be a Liberal ministry. But this is not the only reply. Is the honest portion of sincere and zealous Keformers to be disgusted, and to be deprived of the greatest incentive to exertion, by seeing their leaders, and those whom they are willing to trust, inactive, and silently following in the train of the Whigs at the moment when they expect from 27 them the sincere and unmodified assertion of their principles ? There is no wish to turn out tlie Whigs, but if they fall to pieces from want of union, or vigour of purpose, there is no reason why we should be covered with the rubbish. " Very sincerely yours, (Signed) "Thomas Falconer." A letter addressed to myself (in 1836) by Mr. Warburton, M.P., will be read with interest here in connexion with Sir William's affairs. Mr. Warburton had been aware of Sir William's growing disinclina- tion to continue in public life, and of the endeavours I had used to counteract it. The following extract relates to a letter of Sir William to myself : — " What you say about Molesworth, or rather what he says about himself, is so far satisfactory that he has not deserted pohtics, though there is an absurd morbid feeling about him, as being for this world for but a short period, and speaking of his brother as a ' promising successor.' What is this language in the mouth of a young fellow in the flower of youth ? He must have been courting and disappointed in love, or he would never talk after this fashion. . . ." That there was more foundation for this conjecture than Mr. Warburton knew of, has been sho^vn already. Between the vexation arising from dis- appointment in love, and displeasure at the untoward course of Liberal politics. Sir William's mind became tinctured with a bitterness which ])rompted him to write in a tone such as I deemed it necessary to reprove him gently for employing. In reply, he wrote thus, in December, 1836 : — " I see the Spectator and Constitutional are going very strtiight. You are one of the 'valued correspondents' of the former. I am sure I recognised you in the pother about the Globe. But what do you mean by saying that I am the only respectable Radical who was attacking ministers ? I am not one of the respectables. " I was much pleased with your last letter. I should be a 28 brute indeed if I could willingly do anything to grieve you, after your much kindness to me. It is true what you say about j)ublic life destroying a man for the kindlier relations of social life. I told you this would be the case with me. I hesitated some time on the threshold. I am now embarked and hesitate no longer ; no social feelings, nor friendships, nor anything else, shall stand in the way of my pushing my principles. . . . You have compared me to Victor Alfieri. I think there is some justice in the comparison. ... I intend to prosecute a Newcastle paper for saying I am a * wretch without a God;' that is, if the rascal in question does not comply with the humiliating terms I have prescribed to him. . . .1 feel it is a duty I owe to society to prevent people falling foul of one's religious opinions. " Leeds wont do. Too many Whigs there. I will play the devil there however; but probably will come to Westminster. " Yours affectionately, (Signed) " William Molesworth." I find in my " Notes " of this period the following entry : — " The upshot of the last six months is neither more nor less than the total extinction of the Parliamentary Kadical party. They are absorbed into that of the Whigs Mr. Grote and about five others find themselves left to sustain the Radical opinions of the House of Commons, the Whigs becoming more and more ' Conservative,' relying on the Irish members to maintain them in office." One evening, after all other guests had departed, Sir William Moles worth and Charles Buller remained late at our house, talking of the present aspect of affairs. " I will tell you what we are coming to, Grote," said Charles Buller. "In no very long time from this, you and I will have to 'tell' Molesworth."* * In the month of March, Sir William Molesworth brought forvrard a motion of censure on the whole tenour of our Colonial administration. To this an amendment was moved by Lord Sandon, censuring the entire cabinet, though it was asserted that Sir Kobert Peel disapproved of the step. The house divided on the amendment, and rejected it by 29 To fill in the picture which in the foregoing pages has been sketched, I will here insert a letter which, coming from an eminent city merchant, affords evi- dence of the " out-of-doors " Reformers holding the same opinions as those of Sir William Molesworth and ourselves, relative to the useless cry of " Union among Keformers!" The writer, Mr. John Travers, well known as a leading political worker in the Radical interest, alludes in the letter to the projected grand dinner in Drury Lane Theatre, at which all Liberals were expected to appear. " January 19th, 1S37. ''Dear Madam, " I shall endeavour to wait upon you on Saturday, but if unable to do so, I hope to be able to find you out, and to pay my respects to you at Drury Lane Theatre on Monday. " Of course I feel much interested about public affairs at this moment. , . Sir William Molesworth has done great good — Raikes Currie also. ... I am sure you will forgive me, and so will Mr. Grote, when I say that Mr. Grote is a little too passive. A good stirring speech from him on Monday, however short, would do the cause and himself much good. I trust the opportunity will be afforded. If the meeting be not ' more Kad. than Whig,' it will do harm. I am not as yet satisfied of its propriety. I cannot give my support to Mr. Byng, or tolerate the thought of anything like cordial union (which this meeting seems to imply), if it be not one of more equality than in times past. And it is what we are entitled to, for I am sure that Radical opinions are spreading, and that the Whigs are getting weaker year by year. . . But the Radicals must, as soon as possible, form a party. They will be nothing without it. Take care that Mr. Hume is kept well in advance. He has great power in the country. I think sometimes I see him temporizing a little. Sir William Molesworth will else put him in the shade, and this should not be. With some agreed-upon plan, between a few such men (in which Mr. Grote is perfectly indispensable), a majority of 29. Of the Radical Band, three individuals alone quitted the House without voting either way — viz., Mr. Grote, Sir William, and Mr, Leader j the two last being the mover and seconder of the original motion. 30 we must move on ; but we must not be deterred by the thought of Tory invasion — this is a mere Whig cry to keep themselves in place, and it is a risque — though hardly worth the name of a risque — which we must encounter. Believe me, " Very respectfully yours, (Signed) *'John Travers." The grand demonstration took place on tlie stage of Drury Lane, in January. It proved a mere Whig affair, as was anticipated, and no more need be said about it. 31 CHAPTER V. 1837. GENERAL ELECTION, ON DEATH OF KING WILLIAM THE FOURTH. — LETTERS CONCERNING ELECTION. CITY OF LONDON CONTEST. MR. GROTE'S ELECTION CARRIED BY SIX VOTES ONLY. In the early part of this year (1837) I received a letter from Molesworth, dictated with some acerbity it is true, but replete with hearty zeal for " the good cause," as it used to be termed amongst our party. I wish I could insert the whole letter here, but it is too long — the following are extracts : — " Telcot (North Devon), January, 1837. *'I do uot like Leeds — the Whigs want to make conditions with me about supporting ministers. I shall go there, how- ever, if the roads are practicable. I think I can do good, and can rally round me a fierce party. . . " I assure you I am becoming very tired of Politics, and shall be heartily glad when I can get a little rest. . . . *' It is wished that I should be at the dinner to Morpeth, and that I should not fall very foul of ministers. I can do this tolerably well by talking about Ireland — feeling in England towards that country, &c., and conclude witli ' Ballot.' What think you ? . . . " Parkes, Eintoul, &c., are for my standing for Westminster on my own bottom. They think I could be returned. What say you ? If you should see Place, talk to him *' My political conduct in the House next session will suit the Westminster Bads. Let me hear your opinion, and those of Warburton, &c., upon all subjects. Parkes's letter was truly a la Parkes. T like his comparing the Whig Government to tho boiler of a steam-engine ! In truth, it is 32 more like a tin-kettle with a hole in its bottom — fit neither to boil fish nor flesh. " Keep Charles Buller straight. He acted like a man last session at the close. I put him four times into my ' Article.' ^ I like puffing my friends when I can. William Molesworth." (( Politics grew rather worse than better, from the Eadical point of view, during the first half of 1837. The endeavour to form, what we termed a Radical *' brigade," of which the direction was destined for Mr. Grote, failed, and in this manner: The names of the members who had agreed to enrol themselves in this section had been gradually collected, by the active promoters of the movement, in a quiet way; and the scheme was ripe for completion, when Mr. Joseph Hume indiscreetly let out the secret to O'Connell. That acute politician was instantly alive to the danger to which such an organization of the " philosophical Radicals" would lead, by withstanding the Whig ministry, which he in his heart desired to maintain in power. He adroitly adopted an efiPectual means of tripping us up, by proposing to join the " brigade," along with his Irish followers. Hume fell into the trap, and exultingly communicated the wish of O'Connell to the Radical chiefs. These wiser men at once saw, in the suggestion, a death-blow to the plan. They knew full well that if O'Connell came into the party he would stultify its iitility, assume the management, and, by the numerical force of his " contingent," turn the brigade into a powerless, per- haps a discredited, fraction of the House of Connnons. Messrs. Strutt and Hawkins were the first to " declare off;" and this scheme, which, in its original form, promised to strengthen the influence of sincere Re- formers, fell through altogether. I have by me a list of the members' names who were to have com- * In the London Review, 33 posed the brigade ; it comprises almost all the inde- pendent and pronounced Liberals then in Pailiament. The Session of 1837 came to a somewhat pre- mature close by the death (in June) of the king, William IV. We had established our residence in Eccleston Street in the autumn of 1836 ; and our first season in London, in 1837, was a very hospitable one, many interesting foreign visitors coming over, to whom we felt bound to show attentions. Sir William Molesworth was a constant guest at our house, dividing his serious occupations between at- tendance at the House of Commons, and sharing in the conduct of his " Review," along with its editor, John S. MiU. In July, 1837, Lord Durham judged it expedient to put forth a sort of confession de foi in a letter to a friend, Mr. Bowlby. It had the effect of entirely dissipating such hopes as his previous connexion with the Radicals had given birth to, of his willingness to put himself at the head of that party. At the same time, Lord Durham pretty surely closed the door of the cabinet against himself, because he Avas, now, formidable no longer. When he broke with his Radical "follomng," he could easily be kept out, and no one of the ministers was sorry that he should be kept out. Most of the Radicals felt hurt and angry at Lord Durham's "bid" for place, but neither Mr. Grote nor I were of this mind, not having expected any real or consistent support to Radical Politics from that wayward nobleman.* One day, early in * I insert here letter from Francis Place to Mrs. Grote in connexion with this passage : — 16, Charing Cross, January 2, 1839. "... Lord Durham is a ' lost mutton.' He had a chance such as few men have had, but he was all a lord and none a man, and could not take the high station offered to him. He has found his place, which is indeed low enough, even among men who are far from high. . . . " He is defunct as a public man, for henceforth no public man can D 34 July, I received a note from Sir William which ran thus : — " You cannot but suppose that I am in the deepest despair at not having seen you for so long. Will you ride to-day, and at what time ? I must go to the House, and can't get away till about four o'clock. Or shall I drive you in my Tilbury ? I want to talk to you about Lord Durham's infamous letter. *' Yours, " W. M." In connexion with the conduct of the Radicals at this juncture, I append here an extract from a letter of Mr. John Stuart Mill to myself, dated May, 1837 : — "What you say of W. accords with my expectations. I consider him, with his crotchettiness, and his fussiness, and his go-between inclinations, to be the evil genius of the Radical party. . . . He is * out of my books,' as completely as Strutt and the rest of the pseudo-Radicals who voted for the ex- tinction of popular government in Canada." 1837. — Parliament was dissolved in July. The " rout " of the Liberals at the elections was signal, but Sir William managed to obtain a seat for Leeds. Mr. Grote carried his election for the City of London by a majority of six votes only; a dead set having been made against him by the Tories, who split votes for the other Liberal candidates, and thereby threw him to the bottom of the poll.* be eminent who has not the people at his back. . . . I am upon tlie whole well pleased that the people of Devonport addressed him, as this led to the proceedings in Westminster, which brought him out, and showed that he could not occupy the place he was expected to fill. I am sorry he is so utterly incompetent, but it is well to know the fact at once. Not one body has addressed him, I believe, since the pub- lication of the Westminster correspondence ; he was let fall quietly — and there he lies. It is a very good symptom that the people so readily and so fully understand such things. . . ." * Here is a portion of a letter written by me to Sir William (then at Leeds), dated City, 24th July, 1837, 5 p.m., being the final day of polling for the City election. " I fear all is up with your friend Grote, this turn. Our committee afiect to say we have a majority of 23 over Horsley Palmer. But, as 35 Whilst Mr. Grote and myself were on a tour in Switzerland, I received a letter from, a friend closely mixed up with the political world. I extract a few passages. August ] 7tli. — " You will have seen bow tlie Counties have been gained by the Tories, to such an extent, and with such facility, as if an epidemic had infected them all. The return of 'Old Glory' (Sir F. Burdett) for Wiltshire was especially disgraceful. But indeed, throughout all EngLind, the spectacle has been disgraceful. Such venality and corruption in the old Boroughs, and intimidation in the Counties ! Good must come out of evil however, and the necessity for the ballot has been made apparent to many men who have been hitherto opposed to it. . . . '*It is a melancholy prospect, but there are rays of hope which pierce through the gloom. The Radical band, although deprived of some of its chiefs, is not diminished in numbers, aud the Government will be dependent on the English ' Rads,' who may therefore stipulate for conditions of alliance favour- able to freedom. . . . My private opinion is that they (the Whigs) will lean to Toryism rather than to Radicalism. In truth there is little difference between the two aristocratic parties as to the principles of government, and the possession or place is almost the only ground of strife. We are then, I think, destined to ' grovel on' for a period, &c. . . . What a farce it is ! Oh the contemptible rage for titles and ribands which I see ! Thanks for the good laugh you gave me about Lord B. What an impostor he is ! Why, last year he exerted ' himself with the Government to prevent the ballot being left an open question. . . . &c. &c. "(T. Y.)" we always find the sheriff's reckoning below that of the candidates' committees, we can hardly build upon it. At two o'clock to-day Palmer was 74 ahead of Grote. At three o'clock we had pulled this down to 30. To-morrow, at one o'clock, we shall know our fate. " Everybody is ' consternated !' 1 am composed and resigned, and, bearing in mind your strenuous objections, I did not cry at seeing G. just now address the enormous crowd in Guildhall, dubious whether he was their representative. I now look to your return as the only one I feel much interest in. Parkes is in the city, looking horribly ' down,' and croaking like an old hoarse crow. Good-bye ! (Signed) " H. G. «* Sir W. Molesworth, Bart., Leeds." D 2 36 1837. — Sir William did not come up from Cornwall to attend the meeting of the new Parliament, which took place in November. In those days a journey from Pencarrow to London was a serious affair ; no railway communication being established on the western line, posting was Sir William's customary mode of travelling to and from the metropolis. I received a letter from him in October, 1837, of which that which follows is a copy. "Pencarrow, Oct. 1837. , , . *' I have been leading a hfe of placid repose and tran- quillity — devoid of all worldly cares. Leader came here about the beginning of September; so did Trelawny, &c., and we have in consequence had a very agreeable and sensible party. Charles BuUer was here likewise. He is more AVhiggish than ever. A pamphlet, once puffed by ChronicU, as of ministerial authority, then abused by that paper as being too servile, is said by some to be written by Charles. I only know that he agrees with it. . . . Your political gloom I don't share in. I think the Whigs are miserable wretches, and shall rejoice when I hear their death shriek, and shall look with pleasure on their death agony. I have a firm faith in the progress of the human mind, and in the steady advance of democracy, a*nd don't believe the Whigs can keep us back. We, who are in immediate contact with them, and see how loathsome they are, are revolted and disgusted. . . . The people are mode- rate Radicals, and their eyes can't and wont be opened to the acts of the Whigs. ** You ask what I have been about for the cause ? why, I -have been very lazy, and reading only for pleasure. Leader brought me a work on Probabilities, by Poisson, and I could not resist the temptation of reading it and returning for a time to my mathematical lore. I am now busily engaged digesting my report upon Transportation, which is hard work ; but I hope it wont take above a hundred folio pages, as I can say a great deal in a little space. I have at last established a secre- tary, and find him most useful. . . . We shall not return to town till just before the meeting of Parliament, when we shall commence our establishment in your vicinity, if our house is ready. ... I have nothing further to say except that Mill writes me a capital account of the next number of the London. There are to be two articles by himself; one on * Armand 37 Carrel and French Politics,' whioli he tliinks is the best thing he ever wrote ; and one on our * Politics.' I cordially agree with him in the opinions he has stated to me on tlie subject. " Best regards to Grote. Write to me soon. " W. MOLESWORTH." My letters to Sir William, in return, were of a varied character. Along Avith the political news and gossip I permitted myself, as the privileged friend, to administer therein many a good scold for his rude and uncourteous habits. Here is one extract from a letter of mine dated Oct. 1837. 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