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Title: Cassell's History of England, Vol. V
From the Peninsular War to the Death of Sir Robert Peel.
The King's Edition
Author: Unknown
Release Date: November 26, 2018 [EBook #58358]
Language: English
Character set encoding: UTF-8
*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF ENGLAND ***
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CASSELL'S
HISTORY OF ENGLAND
FROM THE WARS OF THE ROSES
TO THE GREAT REBELLION
WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS,
INCLUDING COLOURED
AND REMBRANDT PLATES
VOL. V
THE KING'S EDITION
CASSELL AND COMPANY, LIMITED
LONDON, NEW YORK, TORONTO AND MELBOURNE
MCMIX
PAGE
1
32
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
REIGN OF GEORGE III. (continued).
Napoleon's Desire for an Heir—The Archduchess Maria Louisa—The Divorce determined upon—The
Marriage—Napoleon quarrels with his Family—Abdication of Louis Buonaparte—Napoleon's bloated
Empire—Affairs of Sweden—Choice of Bernadotte as King—He forms an Alliance with Russia and
Britain—His Breach with Napoleon—Insanity of George III.—Preparations for a Regency—Restrictions
on the Power of the Regent—Futile Negotiations of the Prince of Wales with Grey and Grenville—
Perceval continued in Power—The King's Speech—Reinstatement of the Duke of York—The Currency
Question—Its Effect on the Continent—Wellington's Difficulties—Massena's Retreat—His Defeat at
Sabugal—Surrender of Badajoz to the French—Battle of Barrosa—Wellington and Massena—Battles of
Fuentes d'Onoro and Albuera—Soult's Retreat—End of the Campaign—Our Naval Supremacy
continues—Birth of an Heir to Napoleon—Elements of Resistance to his Despotism—Session of 1812—
Discussions on the Civil List—Bankes's Bill—Assassination of Perceval—Renewed Overtures to Grey
and Grenville—Riots in the Manufacturing Districts—Wellington's Preparations—Capture of Ciudad
Rodrigo and Badajoz—Wellington and Marmont—Battle of Salamanca—Wellington enters Madrid—
Victor's Retreat—Incapacity of the Spaniards—The Sicilian Expedition—Wellington's Retreat—Its
Difficulties—Wellington's Defence of his Tactics—A Pause in the War
CHAPTER II.
THE REIGN OF GEORGE III. (continued).
Rancour of the Americans towards England—Their Admiration of Napoleon—The Right of Search and
consequent Disputes—Madison's warlike Declaration—Opposition in Congress—Condition of Canada
—Capture of Michilimachimac—An Armistice—Repulse of the Invasion of Canada—Naval Engagements
—Napoleon and the Czar determine on War—Attempts to dissuade Napoleon—Unpreparedness of
Russia—Bernadotte's Advice to Alexander—Rashness of Napoleon—Policy of Prussia, Austria and
Turkey—Overtures to England and Russia—Napoleon goes to the Front—His extravagant Language—
The War begins—Disillusion of the Poles—Difficulties of the Advance—Bagration and Barclay de Tolly
—Napoleon pushes on—Capture of Smolensk—Battle of Borodino—The Russians evacuate Moscow—
Buonaparte occupies the City—Conflagrations burst out—Desperate Position of Affairs—Murat and
Kutusoff—Defeat of Murat—The Retreat begins—Its Horrors—Caution of Kutusoff—Passage of the
Beresina—Napoleon leaves the Army—His Arrival in Paris—Results of the Campaign—England's
Support of Russia—Close of 1812—Wellington's improved Prospects—He advances against Joseph
Buonaparte—Battle of Vittoria—Retreat of the French—Soult is sent against Wellington—The Battles of
the Pyrenees—The Storming of San Sebastian—Wellington forbids Plundering—He goes into Winter-
quarters—Campaign in the south-east of Spain—Napoleon's Efforts to renew the Campaign—Desertion
of Murat and Bernadotte—Alliance between Prussia and Russia—Austrian Mediation fails—Early
Successes of the Allies—Battle of Lützen—Napoleon's false Account of the Battle—Occupation of
Hamburg by Davoust—Battle of Bautzen—Armistice of Pleisswitz—Failure of the Negotiations—The
Fortification of Dresden—Successive Defeats of the French by the Allies—The Aid of England—Battle of
Leipsic—Retreat of the French across the Rhine—The French Yoke is thrown off—Castlereagh
summons England to fresh Exertions—Liberation of the Pope—Failure of Buonaparte's Attempt to
restore Ferdinand—Wellington's Remonstrance with the British Ministry—Battles of Orthez and Toulouse
—Termination of the Campaign—Exhaustion of France—The Allies on the Frontier—Napoleon's final
Efforts—The Congress of Châtillon—The Allies advance on Paris—Surrender of the Capital—A
Provisional Government appointed—Napoleon abdicates in favour of his Son—His unconditional
Abdication—Return of the Bourbons—Insecurity of their Power—Treaty of Paris—Bad Terms to
England—Visit of the Monarchs to London
CHAPTER III.
REIGN OF GEORGE III. (concluded).
The Congress at Vienna—Napoleon's Escape from Elba—Military Preparations—England supplies the
[v]
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Money—Wellington organises his Army—Napoleon's Journey through France—His Entry into Paris—
The Enemy gathers round him—Napoleon's Preparations—The New Constitution—Positions of
Wellington and Blucher—The Duchess of Richmond's Ball—Battles of Ligny and Quatre Bras—Blucher's
Retreat—The Field of Waterloo—The Battle—Charge of the Old Guard—Arrival of the Prussians—The
Retreat—French Assertions about the Battle refuted—Napoleon's Abdication—The Allies march on
Paris—End of the Hundred Days—The Emperor is sent to St. Helena—The War in America—Events on
the Canadian Frontier—Repeated Incapacity of Sir George Prevost—His Recall—Failure of American
Designs on Canada—Capture of Washington by the British—Other Expeditions—Failure of the
Expedition to New Orleans—Anxiety of the United States for Peace—Mediation of the Czar—Treaty of
Ghent—Execution of Ney and Labédoyère—Inability of Wellington to interfere—Murat's Attempt on
Naples—His Execution—The Second Treaty of Paris—Final Conditions between France and the Allies
—Remainder of the Third George's Reign—Corn Law of 1815—General Distress—Riots and Political
Meetings—The Storming of Algiers—Repressive Measures in Parliament—Suspension of the Habeas
Corpus Act—Secret Meetings in Lancashire—The Spy Oliver—The Derbyshire Insurrection—Refusal of
Juries to convict—Suppression of seditious Writings—Circular to Lord-Lieutenant—The Flight of
Cobbett—First Trial of Hone—The Trials before Lord Ellenborough—Bill for the Abolition of Sinecures
—Death of the Princess Charlotte—Opening of the Session of 1818—Repeal of the Suspension Act—
Operation of the Corn Law—The Indemnity Bill—Its Passage through Parliament—Attempts at Reform
—Marriages of the Dukes of Clarence, Cambridge, and Kent—Renewal of the Alien Act—Dissolution of
Parliament and General Election—Strike in Manchester—Congress of Aix-la Chapelle—Raids of the
Pindarrees—Lord Hastings determines to suppress them—Malcolm's Campaign—Outbreak of Cholera
—Campaign against the Peishwa—Pacification of the Mahratta district—Apparent Prosperity of Great
Britain in 1819—Opening of Parliament—Debates on the Royal Expenditure—Resumption of Cash
Payments—The Budget—Social Reforms—The Scottish Burghs—Roman Catholic Emancipation
rejected—Weakness of the Government—Meeting at Manchester—The Peterloo Massacre—The Six
Acts—The Cato Street Conspiracy—Attempted Insurrection in Scotland—Trials of Hunt and his
Associates—Death of George III.
CHAPTER IV.
PROGRESS OF THE NATION DURING THE REIGN OF GEORGE III.
Growth of Material Wealth—Condition of the Working Classes—The Charity Schools—Lethargy of the
Church—Proposal to abolish Subscription to the Articles—A Bill for the further Relief of Dissenters—The
Test and Corporation Acts—The Efforts of Beaufoy and Lord Stanhope—Attempts to relieve the
Quakers—Further Effort of Lord Stanhope—The Claims of the Roman Catholics—Failure of the Efforts
to obtain Catholic Emancipation—Lay Patronage in Scotland—The Scottish Episcopalians—Illustrious
Dissenters—Religion in Wales and Ireland—Literature—The Novelists: Richardson, Fielding, Smollett,
and Sterne—Minor and later Novelists—Scott—Historians: Hume, Robertson, and Gibbon—Minor
Historians—Miscellaneous Literature—Criticism, Theology, Biography, and Science—Periodical
Literature—The Drama and the Dramatists—Poetry: Collins, Shenstone, and Gray—Goldsmith and
Churchill—Minor Poets—Percy's "Reliques," and Scott's "Border Minstrelsy"—Chatterton and Ossian—
Johnson and Darwin—Crabbe and Cowper—Poetasters and Gifford—The Shakespeare Forgeries—
Minor Satires—Burns—The Lake School: Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Southey—Scott, Campbell,
Byron, Shelley, and Keats—Poets at the close of the Period—Improvement of Agricultural Science—
Arthur Young—Drainage and Roots—Improvements in Road-making: Telford and Macadam—Brindley's
and Telford's Canals—Bridges and Harbours—Iron Railways—Application of the Steam-Engine to
Railways and Boats—Improvements in Machinery—Wedgwood—Manufacture of Glass—Collieries—
Use of Coal in Iron-works—Improvements in various Manufactures—Scientific Discoveries—Music—
Architecture—Painting—Sculpture—Engraving—Coins and Coinage—Manners and Customs
CHAPTER V.
THE REIGN OF GEORGE IV.
Accession of George IV.—Meeting of Parliament—General Election—Opening of the New Session—
Dulness of Affairs—Brougham on Education—Queen Caroline—Omission of her Name from the Liturgy
—She rejects the King's Proposals, and arrives in England—Attempts at a Compromise—The King
orders an Inquiry—The Secret Committee—The Bill of Pains and Penalties—Arrival of the Queen in the
House of Lords—Discussions on the Form of Procedure—Speeches of Denman and the Attorney-
General—Evidence for the Prosecution—Brougham's Speech—Abandonment of the Bill—General
Rejoicings—Violence of Party Feeling—Popularity of the Queen—Her Claim to be crowned refused—
The Queen's Attempt to enter the Abbey—Indiscretion of the Act—The Coronation and the Banquet—
The subsequent Scramble—Death of the Queen—Departure of her Body—The King's Visit to Ireland—
[vi]
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237
268
A Royal Oration and its enthusiastic Reception—The King and Lady Conyngham—Changes in the
Government—Discontent of Eldon—Wellesley in Ireland—Alarming State of the Country—Canning's
Speech on Catholic Emancipation—Parliamentary Reform—Agricultural Distress and Finance—Eldon's
Outbreak on the Marriage Bill—Suicide of Lord Londonderry—Scene at his Funeral—Visit of George
IV. to Scotland—Loyalty of Sir Walter Scott—Account of the Festivities—Peel's Letter to Scott—
Return of the King—Canning takes the Foreign Office and Leadership of the House of Commons—
Huskisson joins the Cabinet—The Duke of Wellington sent to Verona—His Instructions—Principles of
the Holy Alliance—The Spanish Colonies—French Intervention in Spain—The Duke's Remonstrances
with the French King—His Interview with the Czar—The Congress of Verona—Failure of Wellington to
prevent Intervention in Spain—Vindication of Canning's Policy in the Commons—He calls the New
World into Existence
CHAPTER VI.
REIGN OF GEORGE IV. (continued).
Prosperity of the Manufacturers—Depression of Agriculture—Resumption of Cash Payments—A
restricted Currency—The Budget of 1823—Mr. Huskisson—Change of the Navigation Acts—Budget of
1824—Removal of the Duties on Wool and Silk—Repeal of the Spitalfields Act and the Combination
Laws—Speculative Mania—The Crash—Remedial Measures of the Government—Riots and Machine-
breaking—Temporary Change in the Corn Laws—Emigration—State of Ireland—Efforts of Lord
Wellesley—Condition of the Peasantry—Unlawful Societies—The Bottle Riot—Failure to obtain the
Conviction of the Rioters—The Tithe Commutation Act—Revival of the Catholic Question—Peel's Views
—The Catholic Association and its Objects—Bill for its Suppression—Plunket's Speech—A new
Association formed—Rejection of Burdett's Resolution—Fears of the Moderates—General Election—Its
Features—Inquiry into the Bubble Companies—Death of the Duke of York—Canning's vigorous Policy
in Portugal—Weakness of the Ministry and Illness of Liverpool—Who was to be his Successor?—
Canning's Difficulties—Peel and the Old Tories resign—State of Canning's Health—His Arrangements
completed—Opposition to Him—His Illness and Death—Collapse of the Goderich Ministry—Wellington
forms an Administration—Eldon is omitted—The Battle of Navarino—"The Untoward Event"—
Resignation of the Canningites—Grievances of the Dissenters—Lord John Russell's Motion for the Repeal
of the Test and Corporation Acts—Peel's Reply—Progress of the Measure—Lord Eldon's Opposition—
Public Rejoicings
CHAPTER VII.
THE REIGN OF GEORGE IV. (concluded).
Opinions of the Irish Government on the Catholic Question—Renewal of the Catholic Claims by Burdett
—Vesey Fitzgerald accepts the Board of Trade—O'Connell opposes him for Clare—His Reputation—
His Backers—Father Murphy's Speech—O'Connell to the Front—The Nomination—O'Connell's
Speech—The Election—Return of O'Connell—Anglesey's Precautions—Peel's Reflections on the Clare
Election—Anglesey describes the State of Ireland—Peel wishes to resign—The Duke wavers—Anglesey
urges Concession—Insurrection probable—Wellington determines on Retreat—Why he and Peel did not
resign—The Viceroy's Opinion—Military Organisation of the Peasantry—The Brunswick Clubs—
Perplexity of the Government—O'Connells "Moral Force"—The Liberator Clubs—Dawson's Speech
—"No Popery" in England—The Morpeth Banquet—The Leinster Declaration—Wellington's Letter to
Dr. Curtis—Anglesey's Correspondence with O'Connell—The Premier censures the Viceroy—Anglesey
dismissed—He is succeeded by Northumberland—Difficulties with the King and the English Bishops—
Peel determines to remain—His Views communicated to the King—The King yields—Opening of the
Session—Peel defeated at Oxford University—Suppression of the Catholic Association—The
Announcement in the King's Speech—Peel introduces the Relief Bill—Arguments of the Opposition—The
Bill passes the Commons—The Duke's Speech—It passes the Lords by large Majorities—The King
withdraws his Consent—He again yields—His Communication to Eldon—Numbers of the Catholics in
Britain—The Duke's Duel with Winchilsea—Bill for the disfranchisement of "the Forties"—O'Connell
presents himself to be sworn—He refuses to take the Oaths—He is heard at the Bar—Fresh Election for
Clare—O'Connell's new Agitation—The Roman Catholic Hierarchy—Riots in the Manufacturing Districts
—Attempt to mitigate the Game Laws—Affairs of Portugal—Negotiations with the Canningites—Pitched
Battles in Ireland—Meeting of Parliament—Debate on the Address—Burdett's Attack on Wellington—
The Opposition proposes Retrenchments—The Duke's Economies—Prosecution of Mr. Alexander—
Illness and Death of George IV.
CHAPTER VIII.
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375
REIGN OF WILLIAM IV.
Character of the new King—Position of the Ministry—Discussion in the Lords on a Regency—
Brougham's Speech in the Commons—The King in London—Brougham's Slavery Speech—The
Dissolution—Sketch of the July Revolution—Its Effects in England—The Elections—Their Results in
England and Ireland—Death of Huskisson—Disturbances in England—The King's Speech—Declarations
of Grey and Wellington on Reform—Broughams Notice—Effect of the Duke's Speech—Agitation in
Ireland—And against the Police—Postponement of the King's Visit to the Mansion House—Resignation
of Wellington's Ministry—Grey forms a Ministry—Brougham's Position—The Ministry—Grey's
Statement—Agricultural England—Cobbett and Carlile—Affairs in Ireland—Lord Anglesey—His
Struggle with O'Connell—O'Connell's Prosecution dropped—The Birmingham Political Union—
Preparation of the Reform Bill—It is entrusted to Lord John Russell—The Budget—The Bill introduced—
The First Reading carried—Feeling in the Country—The Second Reading carried—Gascoigne's
Amendment—A Dissolution agreed upon—Scene in the Lords—The Press—The Illuminations and Riots
—The New Parliament—Discussions on the Dissolution and O'Connell—The Second Reform Bill—The
Second Reading—The Bill in Committee—It is carried to the Lords—Debate on the Second Reading—
The Bill rejected—Popular Excitement—Lord Ebrington's Resolution—Prorogation of Parliament—Lord
John Russell's Declaration—The Bristol Riots—Colonel Brereton
CHAPTER IX.
REIGN OF WILLIAM IV. (continued).
The Coronation—Fears of Eminent Men—The Cholera—The Waverers—Lord John Russell introduces
the third Reform Bill—Its Progress through the Commons—The Second Reading carried in the Lords—
Behind the Scenes—Feeling in the Country—Disfranchisement Clauses postponed—Grey resigns—
Ebrington's Resolution—Wellington attempts to form a Ministry—Popular fury—The Run on the Bank—
Wellington abandons his post—Grey exacts the King's Consent to the creation of Peers—The Opposition
withdrawn—The Bill becomes Law—The Irish Reform Bill—The Bill in the Lords—The Scottish Reform
Bill—Becomes Law—Result of the Reform Bills—Mr. Stanley in Ireland—The Tithe-proctor—The
Church Cess—Tithe Legislation of 1831—Irish Education—Wyse's Report—Stanley's Bill—Its
Provisions for Religious Instruction—General Election—New Parliament—The Coercion Bill—The
Church Temporalities Bill—The Poor Law Commission—Its Report—Sketch of the Poor Law System—
Provisions of the Poor Law Amendment Act—History of the Emancipation Movement—Mr. Stanley's
Resolutions—Provisions of the Act of Emancipation—The Dorsetshire Labourers—The Copenhagen
Fields Meeting—Other Meetings and Strikes—Sheil and Lord Althorp—O'Connell's Motion on the
Union—Baron Smith—Littleton's Tithe Bill—Mr. Ward's Motion—Resignation of Mr. Stanley and his
Friends—An Indiscreet Speech of the King's—The Debate on Mr. Ward's Motion—Final Collapse of
the Cabinet—Retrospect of Lord Grey's Ministry
CHAPTER X.
REIGN OF WILLIAM IV. (continued).
The Remainder of the Session—The Coercion Bill carried—Rejection of the Tithes Bill—University Tests
—Prorogation of Parliament—Brougham's Tour in Scotland—Burning of the Houses of Parliament—Fall
of Melbourne's Ministry—Wellington sole Minister—Peel forms a Ministry—The Tamworth Manifesto—
Dissolution and General Election—Mr. Abercromby elected Speaker—The Lichfield House Compact—
Peel defeated on the Address—Lord John Russell announces a Resolution on Appropriation—Lord
Chandos's Motion—Lord Londonderry's Appointment—The Dissenters and London University—
Hardinge's Tithe Bill—The Appropriation Resolution—The Debate—Peel resigns—Melbourne's second
Ministry—Conservative Successes—Lord Alvanley and O'Connell—The Duel between Alvanley and
Morgan O'Connell—O'Connell and Disraeli—Character of Lord Melbourne—Municipal Reform—
Report of the Commission—The Municipal Corporations Act introduced—Its Progress in the Commons
—Lyndhurst's Amendments—It becomes Law—Irish Corporations—Report of the Commission—The
Bill is mutilated in the Upper House, and abandoned—It becomes Law in 1840—Municipal Reform in
Scotland
CHAPTER XI.
REIGN OF WILLIAM IV. (concluded).
Prorogation of Parliament—Agitation against the House of Lords—O'Connell's Crusade—Inquiry into the
[viii]
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443
Orange Lodges—Report of the Committee—Mr. Hume's Motion—Renewed Attack in 1836—The
Lodges dissolved—Lord Mulgrave in Ireland—His Progresses—Wrath of the Orangemen—Prosperity of
the Country—Condition of Canada—A Commission appointed—Violence of the King—Lord Gosford in
Canada—His Failure to pacify the Canadians—Upper Canada—Pepys becomes Lord Chancellor—
Opening of Parliament—The King's Speech—O'Connell and Mr. Raphael—The Newspaper Duty—The
Irish Poor—Appointment of a Commission—Its numerous Reports—The Third Report—Private Bills on
the Subject—Mr. Nicholls' Report—Lord John Russell's Bill—Abandonment of the Measure—Debate
on Agriculture—Finance—The Ecclesiastical Commission—Its first Report—The Commission made
permanent—The Tithe Commutation Act—The Marriage Act—The Registration Act—Commercial
Panics—Foreign Affairs—Russian Aggression—Occupation of Cracow—Disorder in Spain—Revolution
in Portugal—Position of the Ministry—A Speech of Sheil's—The Church Rates Bill—Death of the King
—His Treatment of the Ministry
CHAPTER XII.
THE PROGRESS OF THE NATION DURING THE REIGNS OF GEORGE IV. AND WILLIAM IV.
Increase of Population—Nature of its Employment—Wealth of the Nation—The Cotton Trade—Hosiery
—The Silk and Woollen Trades—Linen Goods—Minerals and Coal—Hardware and Cutlery—Roads—
Railways—Steamboats—The Coasting Trade—Traffic between England and Ireland—Imports and
Exports—Coffee and Tea—The Revenue—Houses and Carriages—Real Property and Savings-banks—
Popular Education—Amelioration of Criminal Legislation—Effect of Education on Crime—The Religious
Bodies—The Irvingites—Religious Leaders in England, Scotland, and Ireland—Progress of Science—
Mathematicians—Astronomers: Herschel and Lord Rosse—Discoveries in Light by Brewster and others
—Irish Men of Science—Mrs. Somerville, Wheatstone, Daguerre, and Fox Talbot—Cavendish and
Dalton—Mechanicians: Sir Marc Brunel—Babbage—The Fine Arts: Turner—Lawrence and Wilkie—
Haydon—Sculpture—Architects: Soane, Barry, and the Pugins—Historians: Mackintosh, Lingard, and
Hallam—Napier and Gurwood—Biographers: Moore and Lockhart—Miscellaneous Writers—Cheap
Literature—Sir Walter Scott—Lady Blessington and Lady Morgan—Mrs. Hemans—L. E. L.—Pollok—
Professor Wilson ("Christopher North")—Sheridan Knowles and Bulwer Lytton—Manners and Morals
—Almack's—Other Amusements—English Cookery—Hyde Park—Male and Female Costume
CHAPTER XIII.
THE REIGN OF VICTORIA.
The Queen's Accession—Separation of Hanover from England—The Civil List—The General Election—
Rebellion in Lower Canada—Its prompt Suppression—Sir Francis Head in Upper Canada—The Affair
of the Caroline—Lord Durham's Mission—His Ordinance—It is disallowed—Lord Durham resigns—
Renewal and Suppression of the Rebellion—Union of the Canadas—The Irish Poor Law Bill—Work of
the Commissioners—Attack on Lord Glenelg—Compromise on Irish Questions—Acland's Resolution—
The Tithe Bill becomes Law—The Municipal Bill abandoned—The Coronation—Scene in the Abbey—
The Fair in Hyde Park—Rejoicings in the Provinces—Dissolution of the Spanish Legion—Debate on the
Intervention in Spain—Lord Ashley's Factory Bills—Prorogation of Parliament—The Glasgow Strike—
Reference to Combinations in the Queen's Speech—Remarks of Sir Robert Peel—Rise of Chartism—
The Six Points—Mr. Attwood's Petition—Lord John Russell's Proclamation—The Birmingham Riots—
Dissolution of the National Convention—The Newport Riots—Murder of Lord Norbury—Meeting of the
Magistrates—The Precursor Association—Debates in Parliament—Lord Normanby's Defence of his
Administration—The Lords censure the Government—The Vote reversed in the Commons—The Jamaica
Bill—Virtual Defeat of the Ministry—They resign
CHAPTER XIV.
THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (continued).
The Bedchamber Crisis—Peel's Explanation—The Whigs return to Office—Mr. Shaw Lefevre is elected
Speaker—Education Scheme—It is carried in a modified form—Post Office Reform—Rowland Hill's
Pamphlet—The Proposal scouted by the Authorities—Select Committee appointed—The Scheme
becomes Law—Cabinet Changes—Political Demonstrations—Announcement of the Queen's Marriage—
Lady Flora Hastings—The Queen's Speech—Insertion of the word "Protestant"—Debate on the Prince's
Precedence—His Income fixed by the Commons—Stockdale v. Hansard—Stockdale's second and third
Actions—Stockdale and the Sheriffs committed—His fourth and fifth Actions—Russell's Bill settles the
Question—Other Events of the Session—The Queen's Marriage—Oxford's Attempt on her Life—His
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Trial for High Treason—Foreign Affairs—the Opium Traffic—Commissioner Lin confiscates the Opium
—Debates in Parliament—Elliot's Convention—It is disapproved and he is recalled—Renewal of the War
—Capture of the Defences of Canton—Sir Henry Pottinger assumes Command—Conclusion of the War
—The Syrian Crisis; Imminent Dissolution of the Turkish Empire—The Quadrilateral Treaty—Lord
Palmerston's Difficulties—The Wrath of M. Thiers—Lord Palmerston's Success—Fall of Acre—
Termination of the Crisis—Weakness of the Ministry—The Registration Bills—Lord Howick's
Amendment—The Budget—Peel's Vote of Censure is carried—The Dissolution—Ministers are defeated
in both Houses—Resignation of the Melbourne Ministry
CHAPTER XV.
THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (continued).
Peel's Second Cabinet—Prorogation of Parliament—Growing Demand for Free Trade—Mr. Villiers—
His First Motion for the Repeal of the Corn Laws—The Manchester Association—Bright and Cobden—
Opposition of the Chartists—Growth of the Association—The Movement spreads to London—Renewal
of Mr. Villiers' Motion—Formation of the Anti-Corn Law League—Its Pamphlets and Lectures—
Ebenezer Elliott—The Pavilion at Manchester—Mr. Villiers' Third Motion—Want in Ireland—The
Walsall Election—Depression of Trade—Peel determines on a Sliding Scale—His Corn Law—Its Cold
Reception—Progress of the Measure—The Budget—The Income Tax—Reduction of Custom Duties—
Peel's Speech on the New Tariff—Discussions on the Bill—Employment of Children in the Coal Mines—
Evidence of the Commission—Lord Ashley's Bill—Further Attempts on the Life of the Queen—Sir
Robert Peel's Bill on the subject—Differences with the United States—The Right of Search—The
Canadian Boundary—The Macleod Affair—Lord Ashburton's Mission—The First Afghan War: Sketch
of its Course—Russian Intrigue in the East—Auckland determines to restore Shah Sujah—Triumphant
Advance of the Army of the Indus—Surrender of Dost Mohammed—Sale and the Ghilzais—The Rising
in Cabul—Murder of Burnes—Treaty of 11th of December—Murder of Macnaghten—Treaty of January
1st—Annihilation of the Retreating Force—Irresolution of Auckland—His Recall—Disasters in the
Khyber Pass—Pollock at Peshawur—Position of Affairs at Jelalabad—Resistance determined upon—
Approach of Akbar Khan—The Earthquake—Pollock in the Khyber—Sale's Victory—Ellenborough's
Proclamation—Votes of Thanks—Ellenborough orders Retirement—The Prisoners—They are saved—
Reoccupation of Cabul—Ellenborough's Proclamation—The Gate of Somnauth
CHAPTER XVI.
THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (continued).
Opening of 1843—Assassination of Drummond—The Quarterly on the League—Scene between Peel
and Cobden—Mr. Villiers's Annual Motion—Peel's Free Trade Admissions—Progress of the League
Agitation—Activity of its Press—Important Accessions—Invasion of the County Constituencies—The
Free Traders in Parliament—Disraeli attacks Peel—Lord John Russell's Attitude—Debate on Mr.
Villiers's Motion—Mr. Goulburn's Budget—The Sugar Duties—Defeat of the Government—Peel obtains
a Reconsideration of the Vote—Disraeli's Sarcasms—The Anti-League League—Supposed Decline of
Cobdenism—The Session of 1845—The Budget—Breach between Peel and his Party—The Potato
Disease—The Cabinet Council—Memorandum of November 6—Dissent of Peel's Colleagues—Peel's
Explanation of his Motives—Lord Stanley's Expostulation—Announcement in the Times—The Edinburgh
Letter—Resignation of the Ministry—Russell fails to form a Government—Return of Peel—Parliament
meets—Debates on the Queens Speech—Peel's general Statement—Mr. Bright's Eulogium—The Corn
Bill passes the Commons and the Lords—Defeat of Sir Robert Peel—Some scattered Facts of his
Administration
CHAPTER XVII.
THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (continued).
The Repeal Agitation—Debate in the Dublin Corporation—The Monster Meetings—O'Connell's Speech
at Tara—The Arms Bill—Dismissal of the Repeal Magistrates—Speeches of the Duke of Wellington—
The Arms Bill becomes Law—Proclamation of the Clontarf Meeting—O'Connell's Counter-Proclamation
—Arrest and Trial of O'Connell—The Sentence—It is reversed by the House of Lords—Rejoicings on
O'Connell's Liberation—The Excitement at Cork—Decline of O'Connell—His Breach with the Young
Ireland Party—Irish Debates in Parliament—Approach of the Irish Famine—The Devon Commission—
Its Report—Arrival of the Potato Disease—The Famine—The Relief Committee of the Society of Friends
—The Famine in Ulster—A Description of Cork and Skibbereen—Demoralisation of the Population—
525
548
560
574
Policy of the Whig Cabinet—Lord George Bentinck's Railway Plan—Failure of the new Poor Law and of
the Public Works—The Temporary Relief Act—Father Mathew—Private Benevolence—Munificence of
the United States
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (continued).
Insecurity of the Orleanist Monarchy—The Spanish Marriages—Lord Palmerston's Foreign Policy—
Meeting of the French Chambers—Prohibition of the Reform Banquet—The Multitude in Arms—
Vacillation of Louis Philippe—He abdicates in favour of his Grandson—Flight of the Royal Family—
Proclamation of the Provisional Government—Lamartine quells the Populace—The Unemployed—
Invasion of the Assembly—Prince Louis Napoleon—The Ateliers Nationaux—Paris in a State of Siege
—The Rebellion quelled by Cavaignac—A New Constitution—Louis Napoleon elected President of the
French Republic—Effect of the French Revolution in England—The Chartists—Outbreak at Glasgow—
The Monster Petition—Notice by the Police Commissioners—The 10th of April—The Special
Constables—The Duke of Wellington's Preparations—The Convention on Kennington Common—
Feargus O'Connor and Commissioner Mayne—Collapse of the Demonstration—Incendiary Placards at
Glasgow—History of the Chartist Petition—Renewed Gatherings of Chartists—Arrests—Trial of the
Chartist Leaders—Evidence of Spies—The Sentences
CHAPTER XIX.
THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (continued).
The General Election—Crime in Ireland—Increased Powers granted to the Executive—Ireland on the
Verge of Rebellion—Death of O'Connell—Viceroyalty of Lord Clarendon—Special Commission in
Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary—The Commission at Clonmel—Rise of the Young Ireland Party—The
Nation—Meagher and Smith O'Brien—They try to dispense with the Church—The Irish Confederation
—The United Irishman—News of the French Revolution—Panic in Dublin—Lord Clarendon and Mr.
Birch—The Deputation to Paris—Smith O'Brien in Parliament—Preparations for Civil War—Young and
Old Ireland at blows—Arrest and Trial of Mitchel, Smith O'Brien, and Meagher—Transportation of
Mitchel—Lord Clarendon's Extraordinary Powers—Smith O'Brien in the South—Commencement of the
Insurrection—Battle of Ballingarry—Arrest of Smith O'Brien—Collapse of the Rebellion—Trial of the
Conspirators—Trials and Sentences—The Rate in Aid—The Encumbered Estates Act—The Queen's
Visit to Ireland—Cove becomes Queenstown—A Visit to Cork—Kingstown and Dublin—Departure
from Dublin—An Affecting Incident—Belfast
CHAPTER XX.
THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (continued).
The Year of Revolutions—Lord Palmerston's Advice to Spain—It is rejected by the Duke of Sotomayor
—Dismissal of Sir H. Bulwer—The Revolution in Germany—Condition of Prussia—The King's
Ordinance—He disclaims a Desire to become German Emperor—The National Assembly dispersed by
Force—A New Constitution—The King declines the German Crown—The Revolution in Vienna—Flight
of Metternich and of the Emperor—Affairs in Bohemia—Croats and Hungarians—Jellacic secretly
encouraged—Revolt of Hungary—Murder of Lamberg—Despotic Decrees from Vienna—The second
Revolution in Vienna—Bombardment of Vienna—Accession of Francis Joseph—Commencement of the
War—Defeats of the Austrians—Quarrel between Kossuth and Görgei—Russian Intervention—Collapse
of the Insurrection—The Vengeance of Austria—Death of Count Batthyány—Lord Palmerston's Protest
—Schwarzenberg's Reply—The Hungarian Refugees—The Revolution in Italy—Revolt of Venice—Milan
in Arms—Retreat of Radetzky—Enthusiasm of the Italians—Revolution and counter-Revolution in Sicily
and Naples—Difficulties of the Pope—Republic at Rome—The War in Lombardy—Austrian Overtures
—Radetzky's Successes—French and British Mediation—Armistice arranged—Resumption of Hostilities
—Battle of Novara—Abdication of Charles Albert—Terms of Peace—Surrender of Venice, Bologna,
and other Italian Cities—Foreign Intervention in Rome—The French Expedition—Temporary Successes
of the Romans—Siege and Fall of Rome—Restoration of the Pope—Parliamentary Debates on Italian
Affairs—Lord Palmerston's Defence of his Policy
CHAPTER XXI.
[x]
589
602
THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (continued).
Our Relations with Scinde—Occupation of the Country—Napier in Scinde—Ellenborough's Instructions
—A New Treaty—Capture of Emaum-Ghur—The Treaty signed—Attack on the Residency—Battle of
Meeanee—Defeat of Shere Mahommed—Subjugation of Scinde—Napier's Government of the Province
—Position of the Sikhs—Disorders in Gwalior—Battle of Maharajpore—Settlement of Gwalior—Recall
of Lord Ellenborough—Sir Henry Hardinge—Power of the Sikhs—Disorders on the Death of Runjeet
Singh—The Sikhs cross the Sutlej—Battle of Moodkee—Battle of Ferozeshah—The Victory won—
Battle of Aliwal—Battle of Sobraon—Terms of Peace—Administration of the Lawrences—Murder of
Vans Agnew and Anderson—Renewal of the War—Battles of Chillianwallah and of Goojerat—Capture
of Mooltan—Annexation of the Punjab
CHAPTER XXII.
THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (continued).
Events in England—The Budgets of 1848—Repeal of the Navigation Act—The Jewish Disabilities Bill—
Election of Baron Rothschild by the City of London—He is refused the Oath—Election of Alderman
Salomons—He takes his Seat in Spite of the Speaker—Action in the Court of the Exchequer—The Bill
finally passed—Colonial Self-Government—Lord Palmerston's Foreign Policy censured by the House of
Lords—The Don Pacifico Debate—Testimonial to Lord Palmerston—Peel's Last Speech—His Death—
Testimony as to his Worth—Honours to his Memory
INDEX
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
The Garden at Hougomont
1
Napoleon I.
5
The Agents of Britain and Sweden signing the Treaty against Napoleon
8
Carlton House, London (1812)
9
Marshal Beresford
13
The Fusiliers at Albuera
17
The Conscription in France: recruiting for Napoleon's Wars
21
Assassination of Spencer Perceval
24
Marshal Soult
29
View of Washington from Arlington Heights
33
Invasion of Canada: Red Men on the War Path
36
Duel between the "Guerrière" and the "Constitution"
37
The Cossack's Challenge
41
The Retreat from Moscow
45
Retreat of the French from Russia
49
Napoleon abandoning his Army
53
Marshal Ney
56
Flight of King Joseph Buonaparte from Vittoria
57
Pampeluna
61
Bernadotte (King of Sweden)
65
Napoleon's Interview with Metternich
68
View in Dresden
69
The Palace of Fontainebleau
73
[xi]
Attempt of the Cossacks to capture Napoleon at Brienne
77
Alexander I.
80
Napoleon signing his Abdication
81
Elba
85
The Congress of Vienna
88
Sir Thomas Picton
93
Waterloo Views
96
Marshal Blucher
97
The Battle of Waterloo
101
James Town, St. Helena
105
Napoleon on Board the "Bellerophon"
109
New Orleans
113
Capture of Murat
116
Lord Castlereagh
117
The Mob of Spenceans summoning the Tower of London
121
The "Nottingham Captain" and the Agitators at the "White Horse"
125
William Cobbett
129
Old Bailey, London, 1814
132
Beaus and Belles of the Regency Period
133
Gibraltar
137
Surrender of the Peishwa
140
The Mint, London
144
Sir Samuel Romilly
145
The Peterloo Massacre: Hussars charging the People
149
View of Cato Street, London, showing the Stable in which the Conspirators were captured
153
Surprise of the Cato Street Conspirators
156
Charles, Third Earl Stanhope
161
Costumes at the Beginning of George III.'s Reign
164
St. John's Episcopal Church, Princes Street, Edinburgh
168
Rowland Hill preaching to the Colliers of Kingswood
169
Jane Austen
173
Laurence Sterne
173
Samuel Richardson
173
Oliver Goldsmith
173
Tobias Smollet
173
Dr. Johnson reading the Manuscript of the "Vicar of Wakefield"
176
Dr. Johnson
177
David Garrick as Richard III.
181
Exterior of the Cottage at Alloway in which Burns was born
185
Interior of Burns's Cottage at Alloway (two views)
186
William Wordsworth
189
John Keats
189
Robert Burns
189
Percy Bysshe Shelley
189
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
189
Waterloo Bridge, London
192
Menai Suspension and Tubular Bridges
193
James Watt
197
Costumes at the end of George III.'s Reign
200
Sir Joshua Reynolds
201
Great Seal of George IV.
205
Queen Caroline entering the House of Lords
209
The Pavilion, Brighton
213
George IV.
217
Landing of George IV. at Howth
220
Lower Castle-Yard, Dublin
221
Sir Walter Scott
225
Dalkeith Palace
228
George IV. holding a Levee in Holyrood Palace
229
Verona
233
The Admiralty, London
240
George III.'s Library, British Museum
241
Scene in Dublin: Painting King William black
245
Mr. Huskisson
249
Election Meeting in Ireland
253
Lisbon
257
Lord Liverpool
260
Devonshire Villa, Chiswick
261
Battle of Navarino: the "Asia" engaging the Ship of the Capitan Bey and Mohurrem Bey
265
Lord Byron
269
The Clare Contest: Father Murphy leading his Tenants to the Poll
273
Daniel O'Connell
277
The Four Courts, Dublin
281
The Flight of Lawless
285
Scene at the "Surrender" Banquet in Derry
288
The Marquis of Anglesey
289
Lord Anglesey leaving Ireland: Scene at Kingstown
293
Apsley House, Hyde Park Corner, London
297
The Duke of Wellington's Duel with Lord Winchilsea
300
Lord Eldon
301
Captain Walpole Intercepting the Duke of Saldanha's Ships
305
Mr. Alexander's Levee in King's Bench Prison
309
Virginia Water
313
Revolution in Paris: Capture of the Hôtel de Ville
317
Lord Grey
321
Mob burning a Farm in Kent
325
O'Connell's House in Merrion Square, Dublin
328
Arrest of O'Connell
329
William IV.
333
Jedburgh Abbey
336
Great Seal of William IV.
337
Attack on Sir Charles Wetherell at Bristol
341
[xii]
Clerkenwell Green, London
342
Earl Grey Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne
344
Lord Brougham
345
Coronation of William IV.: The Royal Procession
349
Scene in Ireland: Visit of the Tithe-Proctor
353
Mr. Stanley (afterwards 14th Earl of Derby)
357
The Cathedral, Tuam
360
Agricultural Labourers at the Period of the First Reform Parliament
361
Mr. (afterwards Lord) Macaulay
365
Slavery Emancipation Festival in Barbadoes
369
Kennington Common, London, about 1840
373
Burning of the Houses of Parliament
377
Lord Althorp (3rd Earl Spencer)
381
Lichfield House, St. James's Square, London
384
Sir Robert Peel
385
The Mansion House, London
389
Conference between the Houses of Parliament, 1835
393
Irish Prisoners liberated during Lord Mulgrave's Progress
397
Joseph Hume
401
Irish Tramps
405
British Line-of-Battle Ships (1836)
408
Ripon Cathedral
409
Deputation of Constitutionalists before the Queen of Portugal
413
Arrival of the Mail Coach
417
Bell's "Comet"
420
Sir James Mackintosh
421
The Overland Route: Scene at Boulak
425
Dr. Chalmers
429
Joseph Mallord William Turner
432
Abbotsford and the Eildon Hills
433
St. George's Cathedral, Southwark
436
Thomas Moore
437
The Duke of Wellington at Almack's
440
Rotten Row in 1830
441
Niagara Falls
445
The Capture of the Caroline
449
The Coronation of Queen Victoria
453
Chartists at Church
457
Buckingham Palace, from the Garden
461
Sir Rowland Hill, 1847
465
Marriage of Queen Victoria
473
Attack on the Chinese Junks
477
Queen Victoria
480
Dunford, near Midhurst, where Cobden was born
481
The Mob boarding the Grain Ship at Garry Kennedy
485
Richard Cobden
489
Seizure of Sir William Macnaghten
493
Arrival of Dr. Brydon at Jelalabad
497
Rescue of the British Prisoners from Akbar Khan
501
Whitehall Gardens, London
505
Capt. Thomas Drummond, Under-Secretary for Ireland
509
Free Trade Hall, Manchester
513
Charles Pelham Villiers
517
Maynooth College
521
The Great Seal of Victoria
525
O'Connell at the Meeting at Trim
528
Sir James Graham
529
O'Connell returning Home from Prison
533
Father Mathew and the Famine-stricken Poor
537
Father Mathew
540
On board an Emigrant Ship at the time of the Irish Famine
541
Fighting at the Barricades in Paris
545
Louis Philippe hears of the Revolution
549
Louis Blanc
553
Somerset House, London (River Front)
557
Trinity College, Dublin
561
Muster of the Irish at Mullinahone
565
Smith O'Brien
569
The Queen at Kilmainham Hospital
573
Frankfort
576
Louis Kossuth
577
Assassination of Count Lamberg
581
Giuseppe Garibaldi
584
Pius IX. quitting the Vatican in Disguise
585
The Chandni Chowk, Delhi
589
The Charge of the Cavalry at Meeanee
593
Thackwell at Sobraon
596
Arrival of the Maharajah Dhuleep Singh at the British Camp
601
Benjamin Disraeli
604
Arrest of British Sailors by Greek Soldiers
605
COLOURED PLATES.
THE FORLORN HOPE AT BADAJOS. (By Vereker M. Hamilton)
Frontispiece
PRISONERS OF WAR. (By W. F. Yeames, R.A.)
To face p.
18
MEN OF WAR OFF PORTSMOUTH. (By Clarkson Stanfield, R.A.)
"
34
THE FLIGHT OF THE FRENCH THROUGH VITTORIA, JUNE 21ST, 1813. (By Robert Hillingford)
"
58
MAP OF THE STATES OF EUROPE IN 1815.
"
87
QUATRE BRAS. (By Vereker M. Hamilton)
"
97
THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO: FRENCH CUIRASSIERS CHARGING A BRITISH SQUARE. (By P.
Jazet)
"
98
