I said I considered it to be a settled point that the patronage of India should be separated from the Government.  The necessity of making that separation led to one great difficulty.  The necessity of remitting home in goods 3,200,000L led to another difficulty, and to making the Government of India, wherever it might be placed, mercantile.  The East India Company would not, and could not, without the monopoly carry on the concern.

Neither Herries nor Rosslyn seemed to admit the necessary separation of the patronage of India from the Government.

I said that, if it might not be separated, it would be easy to make a better and a cheaper government.  I can see that Peel, Fitzgerald, Herries, Rosslyn—­perhaps Sir G. Murray—­will be against the Company.

The Duke said it was clear to him that the remittances must be made in goods, and could not be made by bills.  He is for the monopoly.

In a few days the papers will be printed.  A copy will then be furnished to each member of the Government, and I shall receive their observations.

The Recorder’s Report was a very heavy one.  All the cases bad, and seven ordered for execution.

The King seemed very well.

Stratford Canning and Lord Strangford were at the Court, to be presented on their return.

Before the report we read the last Irish papers.  The Duke of Northumberland and Lord F. Leveson seem to think rather favourably of the condition of Ireland.  The belief of Peel and Goulburn, and, I believe, of the Duke, is that one example would settle all.

Lord F. Leveson says that the Brunswickers are encouraged from St. James’s to expect that the Relief Bill will be repealed.  Many wish for an explosion, the Catholics less than the Protestants.

July 19.

Hardinge and Wood dined with me.  Hardinge says the Duke of Cumberland has determined not to leave England, but to send for the Duchess and his son.  The Duchess of Gloucester did not before, and will not now, receive the Duchess of Cumberland.  Old Eldon wants a guarantee that no more Whigs will be admitted.  I believe he would be satisfied with none but his own admission.

Hardinge seems to think we may not have a majority when Parliament meets.  I think he is wrong.  I trust to the Duke’s fortune and to ’the being a Government,’ which is much, and to the others not being able to form a Government, which is more.

July 22.

Had a letter from Loch.  He does not like the disbanding of the six regiments, but he says he brings it before the Court again on Monday, having promised every possible information.