endeavours of his servant on this desirable

point.

"I HEREBY authorise and direct Sir William Knighton, Bart., keeper of my privy purse, to give notice to our several tradesmen, that they are not to receive orders, or to furnish any articles of furniture, &c. &c. &c., or to incur any expense whatsoever from their different trades, where such expense is to be provided for by my said privy purse, without receiving a specific order in writing for that purpose from the said Sir William Knighton, Bart.; and I do also give my authority to the said Sir William Knighton, Bart. and order and direct him, during our will and pleasure, to undertake the entire management of my private affairs, with a view to the observance of the most strict and rigid economy, that we may have the opportunity of relieving ourselves from certain embarrassments which it is not necessary to mention further in detail. We do there

fore rely with confidence on the said Sir William Knighton for the strict performance and fulfilment of all our wishes on this head.

"Royal Lodge,

"October 26th, 1822."

"GEORGE R."

CHAPTER XI.

Sir William Knighton's Journey to Paris.-Letters from the Duke of Clarence, Sir Thomas Lawrence, Sir Walter Scott, the Bishop of St. David's, George Colman, the Duke of York, &c.

In the following year some uneasiness was excited as to the state of his Majesty's health; and rules of conduct were drawn up by his Majesty's physicians, which it was desirable should be strictly enforced. Under these circumstances, it is scarcely necessary to remark, that the constant and watchful attention of one qualified by medical experience to judge, and by respectful firmness to urge, the inconvenience likely to result from any deviation from what had been advised, was very important, and Sir William's services and attention

were fully appreciated by his Majesty. He had perfect confidence in the integrity and attachment of his servant; and no subject ever served a monarch with greater faithfulness and devotion. He was most zealous in every circumstance that could contribute to his Majesty's welfare or peace of mind, and was ready on all occasions to set off on confidential missions of interest to his royal master, however distant or however fatiguing, and often travelled many nights together without other rest than such as the carriage afforded.

In the month of August this year (1823) there is a fragment of one of these journeys.

"We left London at half-past three in the morning in the Navy Board steamvessel Comet, and reached Woolwich at twenty minutes past five.

"The weather was most tempestuous, very heavy rain, with high wind. We proposed to pass to Rotterdam; but at night it blew a gale, and we were obliged to put

back and run for Ramsgate; the weather dreadful throughout the night.

"The Duke of Cumberland and Prince George were on board. On the 15th we started from Ramsgate at eleven o'clock, and ran for Calais, which we reached at three. The sea was very high; but, thanks be to God, all was safe. We took leave of the Duke, Prince George, Mr. Jelf, and Colonel Poten: they went to Dessin's, and we to Rignole's. We travelled all night, and arrived at Gand about ten in the morning of the 16th. It took us seventeen hours, with a postilion en avant. The town of Gand, or Ghent, is very interesting; it seems of great antiquity. Louis the Eighteenth retired hither on Buonaparte's occupation of France during the Hundred Days.

"17th. We proceeded to Antwerp. We were delighted with our journey on this route every house looked comfortable and clean, the people humble and happy. We crossed the Scheldt about twelve