The suicide of . . . . on account of his wife’s seduction by the Duke of Cumberland, will drive the Duke of Cumberland out of the field.

February 9.

Called on the Duke.  He advised a very narrowed statement in moving for the committee.  I rather doubt his judgment upon this point.  I fear the opinion of the country will become settled, and that when the strength of our case is brought forward it will be found unequal to the driving back of the stream.  However, I made a speech as he desired.  Lord Lansdowne said a few words.

Lord Durham then questioned me as to the authenticity of my letter to Sir J. Malcolm.  I acknowledged it was substantially correct, and declared I could not have entertained any other sentiments without a dereliction of duty.  He expressed disapprobation, considering the letter as evincing a determination to control the independence of judges.  The Duke replied—­then Lord Melville—­then Lord Holland—­I last.  I declared that, as my father’s son, I was the last man capable of harbouring a thought against the independence of judges; but I would resist their usurpation, more especially when they usurped powers withheld from them by Parliament as dangerous to the peace of India and to the stability of the British power.

I said India could not bear the collision of the Supreme Court and the Local Government.  If we did not support the Government we should lose India.

I was determined to maintain the integrity, the dignity, the authority, and the unapproachable power of the Local Government, and especially to support a man who, at that distance from England, acting in the faithful discharge of his public duty, incurred the highest responsibility and the greatest personal risk in defence of what he considered essential to the stability of the British power in India.  I believe I did well.  They all told me I should hear no more of it.

February 10.

Saw Bankes.  He says the House of Commons is loose indeed; but he thinks Ministers will have a majority on the East Retford business.  The worst of it is that those who ought to be the friends of Government will not stay out a debate.  Last night Peel and Goulburn were left with a decided minority, but the House was counted out.

Saw Hardinge.  He seems to think there is no great danger, and he thinks the House is in so loose a state that the accession of an individual or two would not draw others; that Brougham may be quieted, and that the others do not much signify.

In the meantime Abercromby has been made Chief Baron of Scotland.  Another Whig gone.  A very valuable intimation to those who remain.

Lord Lansdowne brings in Zachary Macaulay, son of the old saint. [Footnote:  The late Lord Macaulay.  He is erroneously described by his father’s Christian name.] They say a very clever man indeed, at least as a writer.

Hardinge told me the Duke told Mrs. Arbuthnot I spoke very well last night.  At dinner the Chancellor and Sir George Murray congratulated me on what had taken place.