La Fayette wanted to dissolve the Chamber.  The King rightly thought that to do so now would be to make a Convention. [Footnote:  I.e. as in 1792.]

Some persons are gone off to bring Napoleon II., but the Austrians will stop them on the way.

The Prussians on the first intelligence of the events at Paris sent orders to their Minister to come away, but he was directed not to do so without concert with his colleagues.  They met, and agreed to recommend him to stay.  The disposition of Metternich and Nesselrode, who met at Toplitz or Carlsbad, I forget which, was the same and reasonable—­to leave France to settle her own affairs quietly, and only to interfere if she invaded the peace of other States.

The Duke has left a memorandum on the Cabinet table showing clearly from treaties that this is not a case in which we are bound to interfere.  We engaged to support a constitutional monarch against revolutionary movements, but the monarch having violated the constitution has broken the condition.  France may still form a part of the Congress of Europe, in ‘Union or Pacific Concert,’ with the four great Powers.  The treaty of offensive alliance between those Powers is dormant, while France remains under a constitutional King.

The Duke properly thinks that the sooner, after having taken a decent time for deliberation, we can recognise the Duke of Orleans, the better for him and for us.

He expects at no distant period war, as the consequence of these events, and I fear he may be right.  It will arise by the imitation of the Spaniards and Portuguese, and the ambitious sympathy of the French.

It is evident that Russia means to indulge France with Algiers.

August 23.

Received a letter from the Duke respecting Rajpootana.  He thinks the cession of territory will only lead to new demands on our part, and advises that, unless it should be necessary to give some instruction, the letter should not be sent.  He thinks, too, that as no brevet has been given to King’s officers in Ava, none can be given to those of the Company.  I am to see him tomorrow upon these points.

Cabinet at 3.  Showed Herries the answer I proposed sending, respecting the Interest Bills, of which he entirely approved.

Peel was not at the Cabinet.

Read the Duke of Orleans’ letter to the King, which is proper.  He says he laments and wishes he could have prevented the fall of the eldest branch of his family.  He devoted himself to prevent misfortunes which would have endangered the peace of Europe.  He avows pacific intentions.

The King is to receive General Baudrand, who brought the letter in the Levee, which will be before the Council on Wednesday.

The King of the French will be acknowledged.  A letter will be written to our Ministers with the great powers stating our reasons for doing so.  This will be read to the Foreign Ministers here.