Brompton, and he then said that he felt relieved from great uneasiness by the promise I had given him.

to

His Royal Highness removed Brighton on the 14th of August, for the benefit of further change of air; and I learnt from Mr. Macgregor, on the 17th of that month, that a change had taken place in his general state, and that symptoms had appeared which rendered his situation one of danger.

This distressing information was confirmed to me from other quarters, and I determined immediately to go to Brighton, and to discharge my duty, but to be guided in the character and extent of the disclosure by such further communication as might be made to me by his Royal Highness's medical attendants, of the nature and pressure of the danger. I pleaded business rendering personal communication necessary for my visit to his Royal Highness, and I went to Brighton on the 19th of August. Upon my arrival I learnt from Mr. Macgregor that a favourable change had taken place, that his Royal Highness had gained strength, and that the most alarming symptoms had in a great measure subsided, that his Royal Highness's situation might therefore be considered far more encouraging than when he wrote to me, but that it was impossible to consider it free from danger, although that danger had ceased to be immediate, and although there was reason to hope that the cause of alarm might be removed. He added that, from observations which his Royal Highness had made to himself, he was convinced I would find him prepared for any communication I might feel it my duty to make to him, and that under all circumstances, I must exercise my discretion.

1 then saw the Duke of York, who entered fully into his situation, and told me that although much better then, and he believed, going on well, he had reason to think from the manner and looks of his medical attendants, that they had been alarmed, and felt much greater uneasiness than they had expressed, or might feel at liberty to express, and he wished to know what I had learnt.

I did not disguise from him that, bearing in mind the engagement I had contracted, I had determined to go to Brighton in consequence of the accounts I had received on the 17th which had alarmed me, but that I was happy to find on my arrival, that his Royal Highness's state had since been improving, and that much of the uneasiness which then prevailed had been removed; at the same time it was my duty to confirm the impression which he appeared himself to have received,

that his complaint had assumed a more serious character, although great confidence appeared to be felt that the extraordinary resources of his constitution, and the strength he had gained since his removal to Brighton, would enable him to struggle successfully with the disorder. Then, said he, I was not mistaken in my suspicions, and my case is not wholly free from danger; but I depend upon your honour, and you tell me there is more to hope than to fear.

Í assured him that such was decidedly the impression I had received from what Mr. Macgregor had said to me. He thanked me, and proceeded to look over and give directions upon some official papers with his usual attention and accuracy.

He saw Mr. Macgregor the same evening, and questioned him; and he told me on the following day that Mr. Macgregor had answered him very fairly, and had confirmed what I had said to him, as did Sir Matthew Tierney later in the day. On that same day he told me that he felt stronger, that his mind was relieved by what had passed, as he knew he should not be deceived or left to form his own conjectures, and draw his own conclusions, from the looks and manner of his medical attendants and others about him; and that he had not for months slept so well as the preceding night.

I repeated to him, that I had come to Brighton under considerable aların, and that I should leave it very much relieved. His Royal Highness was cheerful, and I heard from Mr. Macgregor and others that he continued so during the following days. Indeed he wrote to me himself in very good spirits, and assured me of the comfort and relief he had derived from the proof afforded to him that he would be fairly dealt with.

His Royal Highness returned from Brighton on the afternoon of the 26th of August, to the duke of Rutland's house, Arlington-street, having come in five and a half hours. He did not seem much fatigued, looked well in the countenance, and conversed cheerfully with Sir Henry Torrens and me, who were in waiting to receive him.

He afterwards told me that his strength, sleep, and appetite, had improved, but that the medicines he had taken had ceased to have the desired effect in checking the progress of the main disorder, and that he had therefore returned to town earlier than had been intended, in order, as he understood, to try some change of treatment, which he apprehended might be tapping. This was an unpleasant hearing, though it did not alarm him. He was

determined to keep up his spirits; he knew his situation was a serious one, but he had no doubt, please God, he should recover, though he feared his recovery would be a work of time.

In the course of conversation I told him that I understood Sir Henry Halford would be in town on the following day, and did not mean to return to the country. He observed it was very kind of him, but immediately added, by the by not a very good sign either."

66

He then proceeded very quietly to offi. cial business, but Mr. Macgregor coming in, he in the most calm and collected manner, questioned him before me very closely as to his state, beginning by these words, "Tell me honestly, do you consider me in danger?" Not in immediate danger, was the answer. "But," said his Royal Highness, 66 you do consider my situation to be one not free from danger?" Mr. Macgregor admitted it to be by no means free from danger, but proceeded to state the grounds which justified his medical attendants in indulging hopes that his Royal Highness might look forward to a favourable issue.

Mr. Macgregor's answer produced further questions, all put with a view to obtain positive and accurate information as to the extent of danger, and he concluded by thanking Mr. Macgregor for the fair manner in which he had met them, and by saying "I know now what I wished to know, and I shall be able to govern myself by that knowledge." During the whole of this conversation, which was of some length, his manner was firm aud collected, though very serious, his voice free from agitation, his questions were put quietly at intervals, as if well considered by a man who was determined to ascertain his own situation, and his words were measured.

He afterwards desired me to repeat what Mr. Macgregor had said, as I understood it, that he might be satisfied he had not mistaken him. I did so, and he observed that he also had so understood him, but that he did not augur from it that his case was hopeless, which impression I confirmed. He expressed an earnest hope that the symptoms of his disorder were not generally known or talked of.

I have been thus particular in the statement of what passed upon these three occasions, to show how anxious his Royal Highness was not to be kept in the dark, how fearlessly he met the communication of the existence of danger, and above all to show that he was early apprized of his critical state, from the contemplation of which he at no time shrunk, although he was at all times anxious to conceal from

the generality of those who approached him that he did not look forward with undiminished confidence to a favourable issue.

On the following day, Sunday, the 27th of August, his Royal Highness again spoke to me very quietly, in regard to his situation, and told me that although not alarmed, and although he had heard nothing that should shake his hopes of ultimate recovery, he could not conceal from himself that his situation called for serious contemplation. Whatever might be the result, there would be time for certain arrangements, and the settlement of his affairs, but there was one duty he did not wish to defer; he felt, indeed, that it ought not to be deferred until it should seem to be imposed by a conviction of immediate danger, and resorted to when hope had ceased to exist. He had, therefore, determined to take the sacrament upon an early day, and to request his friend the bishop of London to administer it to him; but he was anxious that this should not be known, as the alarm would be sounded, and various interpretations would be put upon an act, which was one of duty, resorted to on principle, and not from apprehension or affectation; he therefore directed me to see the bishop of London, and to request him to come to him on the following Tuesday, at twelve. He desired that I would explain to him his desire that the attendance should be quiet, and should not excite obervation; that he wished the service to be simply that of the communion, as he did not now apply to him for his attendance as upon a sick person. He also desired me to be present, and to take the sacrament with him.

He told me that he had well considered of this act. He was sure that, under any circumstances, it would tend to his satisfaction, comfort, and relief, and that he ought not to postpone it.

I went to the bishop of London (at Fulham,) who received the communication with great emotion, and spoke in the highest terms of the exemplary feeling which had dictated his Royal Highness's wish, and said that he would come quietly to Arlington-street on Tuesday, at twelve, without robes (as upon ordinary occasions) and without notice to any one, and I engaged to have all prepared.

I returned to Arlington-street to inform his Royal Highness, and it was agreed that his servant, Batchelor, should alone be apprized of the intention, and that I should take care to keep others out of the way. His Royal Highness again said that he should derive great comfort from thus early discharging his duty. He also

gave me instructions to clear his drawers in Audley-square of papers, and to bring them away, and seal up those of a private nature. He said he should by degrees look them over and attend to other matters, but repeatedly assured me that all this was done and thought of without any apprehension of a fatal issue of his disorder, and that he was confident he should

recover.

The Princess Sophia (who usually came every day at two o'clock) had been with him, and I asked him whether she was aware of his situation. He said he believed not, at least he had said nothing to alarm her; possibly, however, she might be to a certain extent, and he had therefore said nothing to undeceive her.

When I saw Batchelor I learnt from him (what I had never previously known) that his Royal Highness, when he did not go to church, never missed devoting some time to his prayers, which he read to himself, in general early, that he might not be disturbed, but if disturbed in the morning, in the afternoon or evening; and that when travelling on Sunday, he always took a Bible and Prayer-Book in the carriage, and was very particular as to their being placed within his immediate reach; and that although he did not object to a travelling companion on other days, nothing annoyed him more than any one proposing to be his companion on a Sunday.

His Royal Highness saw Sir Henry Halford on that day, and questioned him very closely as to his situation. Sir Henry told me that he had answered his questions fairly, and that he had found his Royal Highness in an excellent state of mind, and that he could not sufficiently admire the resolution and composure with which he sought for information, and dwelt upon the question of danger. He observed that there was no difficulty in dealing with such a patient.

His Royal Highness told me afterwards that Sir Henry Halford's conversation had confirmed the impression he had received from what Mr. Macgregor had said, and he expressed himself perfectly

satisfied with it.

His Royal Highness continued in good spirits, and in the same composed state of

mind on the 28th and 29th.

On the latter day the Bishop of London came at a little before twelve, and his Royal Highness was alone with him for a short time; after which I was called in, and his Lordship administered the

sacrament to us.

The Duke's deportment was serious as became the occasion, but firm and quite free from agitation. He did not appear

nervous or affected, although he must have perceived that neither the bishop nor I were free from either feeling.

The Bishop of London told me afterwards, that nothing could be more correct or satisfactory than all his Royal Highness had said to him when they were alone, and that his state of mind was that in which he would wish, under such circumstances, to find that of any person in whose welfare he felt interested.

When I returned to the Duke of York he appeared more affected, and he assured me that he felt a comfort and relief which he could not describe, and that whatever might be the issue of his illness, he had done what he ought to do. That he could now attend to other matters with increased composure.

In the afternoon, when I saw him again, he expressed to me how much he had been pleased with the Bishop of London's mild and encouraging discourse.

That he had stated to his Lordship unreservedly that he knew his situation to be a very serious, though he trusted not a hopeless one, but that he did not choose to postpone a duty which he conceived ought to be performed while he was in the full possession of his faculties, which might yield to disease sooner than he was aware of. That he had in the course of his life faced death in various shapes, and was now doomed to view its approach in a slow and lingering form. That he did not deny that he should resign his exist ence with regret, though he felt no alarm; he admitted that his life had not been pure, that there had been much in his course he wished had been otherwise. He had not thought so seriously on some subjects as he might have done; still he bad endeavoured to discharge his public duties correctly. He had forborne from injuring or deceiving any one, and he felt in peace and charity with all.

Under these circumstances he hoped he might look with confidence to mercy, through the merits of his Redeemer, and he had appealed to him (the bishop) on this occasion, not only to receive the confession of his unworthiness, but to admi nister that comfort which his situation required. That his reliance and his faith in the Christian Religion were firm and decided, and that his adherence to the pure doctrine, professed and established in this country, was unshaken as it had

ever been.

these sentiments in a political discussion That, as he had declared of the question, he was anxious that it should be understood, and that the Bishop of London should be enabled to state hereafter, if the occasion should call for it, that those sentiments were not professed

in a political sense and from prejudice and party feelings, but they were firmly fixed in his mind, and were the result of due consideration and conviction, and produced by an earnest solicitude for the continued welfare of his country.

After saying this his Royal Highness told me that he felt very comfortable, and that it it should please God to restore him to health, he was sure he should be a better man ever after. He considered this trial as a mercy for which he ought to feel grateful; it afforded him time for serious reflection, and he trusted that the time would not be ill applied. He then entered into some questions of military business with great composure.

His Royal Highness underwent the operation of tapping on the afternoon of the 3rd of September. It was performed by Mr. Macgregor, and it was borne by his Royal Highness with the same resolution and quiet composure which had marked his conduct under every stage of his illness. Colonel Stephenson and I saw him soon after. We found him a little exhausted, but cheerful, and quite free from nervous agitation.

About this period he received the communication of the death of Sir Harry Calvert, by which he was much affected, and he observed that he had deeply to deplore the loss of an old and attached friend, and a religious and good man.

For some days after the operation he was very weak, and his left leg was in a state which occasioned serious uneasiness, nor was the appearance of the other leg satisfactory. On the 10th, he examined the contents of some private boxes, and desired that they might be left in his room, but considered as consigned to my charge. His situation gave his medical attendants serious uneasiness, and his Royal Highness was perfectly sensible of it, nor indeed did I disguise it from him when he

questioned me.

Between the 12th and the 18th, his Royal Highness gained strength, and his appetite and sleep improved, but the state of his legs continued unsatisfactory. On the 19th, he began again to take his airings, but the improvement had not been such as to induce his medical attendants to consider his state otherwise than very critical. He continued to take daily airings until the 16th of October. During this interval he rallied occasionally, and his general health appeared, at times, to be improving, notwithstanding the state of the legs, which became gradually more unsatisfactory, and often occasioned excruciating pain throughout great part of the day. His Royal Highness frequently spoke to me of his own situation and feel.

ings, more especially on the 22nd of September, when he told me he did his best to submit with patience and resignation; that he tried to keep up his spirits, he met his friends cheerfully, endeavoured to go correctly through what he had to do, and to occupy himself at other times with reading; but when left to his own thoughts, when he went to bed and lay awake, the situation was not agreeable: the contemplation of one's end, not to be met at once, nor within a short given period, but protracted possibly for months, required a struggle and tried one's resolution. But after all he did not know that he regretted it, or that he regretted that time was given to him which had turned his mind to serious reflection, and which he was certain had been very beneficial to him. If it should please God that he should recover, he would become a better man; if he did not recover, he would have to thank God for the time afforded for reflection.

I have noticed what passed on this day, to show that his feelings had undergone no change.

On the 16th October, Mr. Macgregor desired that I should convey to his Royal Highness his wish that he would allow him to call in Sir Astley Cooper; that I would state that he had no reason to doubt his Royal Highness's confidence, but that a heavy responsibility was thrown upon him, and that it might be satisfactory to his Royal Highness: it doubtless would be to himself to resort to further aid and advice, as the state of the legs had unfortunately formed so prominent a feature of the case; at the same time he was persuaded that Sir Astley Cooper would concur in all that he had done. When I mentioned it to his Royal Highness, he objected, and assured me that he was perfectly satisfied with Mr. Mac. gregor's skill and attention, and that he would not, upon any account, appear to show a doubt which he had never felt, nor hurt Mr. Macgregor's feelings. I assured him that Mr. Macgregor was perfectly sensible of this; but that he owed it to his own feelings and to his character, as a professional man, to make this request. His Royal Highness then objected to the effect it might produce upon the public, to its getting into the newspapers, &c. I observed that measures might be taken to prevent this, and he finally agreed to Mr. Macgregor speaking to Sir Henry Halford, and settling it with him.

Sir Astley Cooper attended accordingly, on the 17th, and continued to do so during the remainder of his Royal Highness's illness. Notwithstanding every

precaution, it was impossible to prevent it being soon noticed in the papers, and when his Royal Highness learnt this, he observed that his chief motive for wishing it concealed was, the apprehension that it might excite unnecessary alarm, which, as connected with his station and situation, might embarrass the government, and possibly influence the public funds. It could not affect him personally.

His Royal Highness's state fluctuated again between this period and the 6th of November, when there was a marked improvement in the condition of the legs, which continued until the 20th, when they again assumed an unfavourable appearance, which was the more to be lamented, as his Royal Highness's strength and constitutional powers had been giving way, his appetite and sleep began to fail, and the increasing evil was therefore to be met by impaired resources.

Towards the beginning of December his Royal Highness again rallied, so far as the legs were concerned, but his frame and his constitution had evidently become weaker, and his Royal Highness himself expressed his apprehensions that his strength would not carry him through the protracted struggle.

Between the 8th and 17th of December there was again a sensible improvement in the legs, which might have raised the hopes of his Royal Highness's attendants, if the return of strength had kept pace with it; but he was visibly losing strength and substance, and on the 20th the legs resumed the appearance of mortification to an alarming extent, and the medical attendants agreed that his situation had become very critical.

Their apprehensions were still further excited on the 22nd; his appetite had totally failed him, and other symptoms were equally unfavourable. Still he kept up his spirits, and, although my language was anything but encouraging, he appeared to feel sanguine of recovery. This impression was not justified by the opinion of the medical attendants, and I became very anxious that his Royal Highness should be made aware of the increased danger of his situation. I urged this point with Sir Henry Halford and Sir Astley Cooper, assured them that they mistook his Royal Highness's character if they apprehended any ill effect from the disclosure, and represented that it was due to his character, and to his wish to discharge the duties which he still had to perform. In the course of the day they yielded to my representations, and authorised me to avail myself of any opening which his Royal Highness might give Ine to make him sensible of the increased

anxiety and alarm which I had observe in his physicians. I was to use my discretion as to the mode, the nature, and the extent of the disclosure; it would probably produce reference to them, and they would then confirm the impression conveyed by me.

I saw his Royal Highness at five o'clock, when I took my official papers to him. He gave me the desired opportunity at once, by asking what the doctors said of him. His servant being in the room I gave no immediate answer, and he waited quietly until he had left the room, and then repeated the question.

I spoke to him as had been agreed with Sir Henry Halford, adding, that my own anxiety and the uneasiness I had already expressed to him, had led me to watch the physicians, and to endeavour to extract from them what their real opinion was, but that they were cautious, and were evidently unwilling to authorise me to express their alarm. I could not, however, forget his Royal Highness. His appeal to me in Audley-square, nor the pledge I had given him; that I knew his Royal Highness did not wish to be taken by surprise; that I felt he ought not to be taken by surprise; and therefore I had considered it my duty to disclose to him the uneasiness I felt. He listened with composure, and without betraying any agitation, but asked me whether the danger was immediate, whether it was a question of days.

I repeated that I was not authorised to say so, and I trusted it was not. He said " God's will be done, I am not afraid of dying, I trust I have done my duty; I have endeavoured to do so: I know that my faults have been many, but God is merciful, his ways are inscrutable; I bow with submission to his will. I have at least not to reproach myself with not having done all I could to avert this crisis; but I own it has come upon me by surprise. I knew that my case had not ceased to be free from danger; I have always been told so, but I did not suspect immediate danger, and, had I been a timid or a nervous man, the effect might have been trying. I trust I have received this communication with becoming resolution." I observed that I had not for many days seen his Royal Highness more free from nervous agita tion, and that I had not been disappointed in my expectation that he would bear this communication as he did that which I had been called upon to make to him at Brighton. He desired me to feel his pulse, which was low, but even and steady.

He then put various questions to me, with a view to ascertain the causes of