The Duke was requested by the physicians and the people about the King not to mention Shiel’s proposed appointment; to make it, if he thought it essential, but to spare the King all discussion.  Of course, as it is thought the King would be agitated, the Duke has neither mentioned it nor done it.

There was in circulation a letter from the Duke of Northumberland expressing his extreme satisfaction at the decision of the Government with respect to the putting down of the new associations, and likewise with respect to the making of the Catholic silk gowns.

The bulletins are to be now shown at St. James’s; a lord and groom-in-waiting will be there.

Received a letter from Sir J. Dewar [Footnote:  Chief Justice of Bombay and a colleague of Sir W. Seymour.  They were the two judges referred to in the letter to Sir J. Malcolm.] to inform me of the death of Sir W. Seymour.  He died more of the fear of dying than of fever.  His apprehension for Lady Seymour affected him very much.  She was confined the day he was taken ill.

April 29.

Halford thinks worse of the King.  There have been other attacks of embarrassment of breathing.  I do not myself think he will live a fortnight.

There was an excellent division on Terceira about 2-1/2 to 1.  Hardinge was not wanted.

April 30.

Cabinet.  The King very ill yesterday.  The least exertion brings on an attack.  Halford thinks he has water in the abdomen and chest.  He had some sleep, and was better in the morning when they issued the bulletin, which says his symptoms were alleviated.  However, the bulletin so little corresponds with his real state that they think he saw it.  It seems to be now more an affair of days than of weeks.  It may happen at any moment.

Peel suggested the possible case of both Kings dying before an Act appointing a regent, and we may be called upon to provide for it.  The Duchess of Clarence would be Queen Regent.

We talked about a Bill for enabling the King to give authority for the affixing of the Sign Manual.

To avoid delay and the examination of physicians Rosslyn proposed that, if the King would sign it, there should be a message.

It will be arranged that there shall be two Ministers present-one to countersign, the other to affix the stamp.

The Attorney- and Solicitor-General were called in.  They evidently thought the King’s mind was gone as well as his head, for they proposed a delegation of the Royal authority.

Planta called upon me to ask more particulars as to the office of Signer of the Writs.  It seems it comes in lucky time to oblige Lord Chandos, who has long wanted something for a Mr. Wentworth, and nothing could have happened more conveniently for the Government.

May 1.

Met Lord Rosslyn, who told me he and Lord Bathurst met every committee day Lord Londonderry and Lord Durham on the Coal Committee.  Sometimes they could not get a fifth, and then they adjourned joyfully.  Both Lord Londonderry and Lord Durham continued most wrong-headed upon the question.