Aberdeen will be in the position of the manager of a country theatre who, just as the curtain is about to be drawn up, is obliged to come forward and announce that the amateur gentleman who had solicited the part of Macbeth, who had attended all the rehearsals, and whose only difficulty, which was about money, seemed to be in a fair way of adjustment, had unexpectedly intimated his intention to withdraw in a printed address to the galleries.

Forsooth there should have been an appeal to the people of Greece on the subject of their Government!  An appeal to the people of Newgate on the subject of the new police! [Footnote:  This sentiment, however severe, represents the feeling about the Greeks of many Englishmen at that time, and especially of those who, as in the case of naval officers employed in Greek waters, had seen much of them during the war.  Their struggle for independence was undoubtedly disgraced, not only by cruelty, but by a treachery and disregard of faith which, though perhaps attributable to past subjection and oppression, was peculiarly odious to English observers.  Lord Ellenborough adopted this view.]

By a letter of C. Capo d’Istria’s, dated 25 M., April 6, written immediately after his receipt of one from Leopold (after his acceptance), it appears that Leopold had intimated his intention to change his religion.  He must have had about forty-eight hours to consider the point.

Lord Melville had heard that Leopold had consulted Lord Grey and Lord Lansdowne without acquainting one that he had seen the other.

May 24.

Rode to the office at four to receive the manufacturers.  Mr. Crawford was there, Finlay being ill.  I told them of my plans as to the Indus.  I directed their attention to the point of bringing out in evidence the effect the stoppage in China had upon the general trade of the East.  I again desired them to show, if they could, why British manufactures did not go to China by the country trade.

Met Aberdeen.  Told him I thought, on consideration, that a reply to Leopold would lead to an answer from him, to which the Plenipotentiaries could not reply without entering into an undignified discussion with Palmerston, who would be the real controversialist.

There should be an answer, but it should be addressed to the Residents, and what could not be addressed to them might be stated in Parliament, that is, all relating to letters, conversations, &c.

I dare say Leopold will publish to-morrow.  It is unlucky the French have troops in the Morea.  If they had not, I should be disposed to leave the Greeks to settle their affairs as they pleased, giving them no money.  They would soon become reasonable.

The bulletin had ‘The King had a sleepless night.’

House at five.  The message and address.  The Opposition made no objection to the address, which was carried nemine dissentiente.  Lord Grey seems to expect a delegation of the royal authority.  I told Lord Holland I thought he would be satisfied.