We had a discussion on a motion of Lord Londonderry’s whether we should proceed with East Retford or not.  I followed Lord Grey and spoke very quietly but, I think, reasonably, for going on.  I said if we were obliged to postpone any measure, the last we should postpone should be one deeply interesting to the House of Commons and affecting their privileges.

I think we did all Peel could require.  We had 45 to 13.  I remained till eight, but I could stay no longer.

Lord Londonderry attacked me again, and said instead of planting a dagger in the side of Lord Grey I should have applied a healing plaster! His comparative civility to the Government to-day was to conciliate their support to Sir R. Gresley for Durham.

The Duke told Hardinge yesterday I was always ready.  I was a little too lively, but I was of great use.

July 3.

The King has done two popular things.  He has allowed a passage to be made from Waterloo Place into the Park, and he has dismissed all the late King’s French cooks!  He will have no foreigners about him.

The foreign Ministers were all introduced to him to-day.  He was very gracious, Aberdeen said, but he did not choose his topics quite so well as the late King, who had much tact and grace, neither does the King speak French well.

Lord Combermere came and had an audience to present a picture of the King of Delhi, painted by an Indian artist.  It seemed not ill done, and had the appearance of an ordinary picture, but when placed against the light was a transparency.  Lord Combermere did not remain long with the King, and when he came out he seemed annoyed.  He remained some time, and the Duke was afraid he remained to be sworn in, in consequence of some incautious promise of the King.  It was arranged that Buller, who had a list of the Privy Councillors, should turn him out with the rest who were not so, when the Council began.  However, he went away a little before.

The Duke of Montrose has resigned, and the King has placed the office at the disposal of the Duke of Wellington.

Peel seems to think Lord Graham is dissatisfied and unfriendly.  It seems he has been heard complaining of vacillation, &c., on the part of the Government, and does not attend well.

The Queen has named Lady Wellesley and Mrs. Berkeley Paget as two Ladies of the Bed-chamber.  Valletort is to be in some high situation about the Queen.  Lord Errol, her Master of the Horse.

I conclude Lord Conyngham will resign, but it is not known.

The Duke goes to Windsor to-morrow respecting the late King’s papers, the
Duke of Cumberland having meditated an enlevement.

Peel thinks Brougham really rather mad, and would not be surprised to hear he was confined.  Last year he was melancholy, and his friends and he himself feared he might commit suicide.  Now he is in an excited state.  Peel speaks of him as a most wonderful man in ability.