portion of the public attention I have, for so long a time, enjoyed, it is a duty which I owe that public to make the attempt.
It is necessary further to premise, that this analysis will extend no further than the examinations of Friday, the 17th instant, inclusive, that being the period to which I am in possession of the evidence. It is possible, that, at a later date, fresh examinations may take place, touching cases, whereon it now appears the evidence is closed. If that should happen, and if any new facts, at all material, should transpire, I shall hereafter notice them, making at the same time, reference to the case, or cases, upon which they bear.
No desire was ever more clearly, or more strongly expressed, than the desire on the part of the Duke of York, that publicity should be given to all these proceedings; and so entirely do I agree in that wish, that, before I have done with the subject, my intention is, not only to communicate every fact of importance to the public, but also, to furnish a table of contents, and a complete index, to the whole; so that, with the least possible difficulty, the reader may, at any moment, refer to any part, whether of the evidence, the debates, or the comments. This is not a matter that ought to pass away like a summer’s cloud; it is not, and it ought not to be, the subject of a nine days’ wonder; it is an event, which, sooner or later, must lead to great consequences; it will, in short, form an epoch in the history of this nation; therefore, it ought to be put upon record with fidelity and clearness, in every publication wherein the mention of it shall find a place, and especially in a work professing to be a Political Register.
As to the manner of the Analysis, upon which I am about to enter, I shall endeavour to follow, as nearly as I am able, the example of an impartial judge, when he is what is commonly called summing up the evidence upon a trial; and, if I do strictly adhere to this most excellent example, neither party can possibly have reason to complain.
I shall not confine myself to such cases as are merely of a military nature; for, though Mr. Wardle’s charges were so confined, other matters have come out, and in all, the people are interested full as deeply as if they were matters solely connected with the office of the Commander-in-Chief. The first head, therefore, under which I shall enter upon this Analysis, is that of
The adulterous Intercourse.—The existence of this intercourse has not been attempted to be denied. Indeed, the whole proceeding is founded on the admission of it. But though those who have taken the part of the Duke of York; though both sides of the House of Commons seem to give up his moral character, as far, at least, as relates to his conjugal obligations, it will be right for us to draw to a point those parts of the evidence, which establish the fact of this adulterous intercourse.
First, then, Mrs. Clarke states, that she lived in the house in Gloucester-place, under the protection of the Duke of York; that he took the house in order to keep her there; that he made her a pecuniary annual allowance; that he bought her furniture and jewels; that he ate, drank, and lived with her.
The Duke’s own servant, Ludovick, states that he was the person who attended his master at Mrs. Clarke’s; that his master was frequently there, and that it was part of his employment to carry his master’s clothes in the morning.
Three servants of Mrs. Clarke state, that they saw the Duke there constantly; that they saw him at table with their mistress; and, at last comes Mrs. Favourite, Mrs. Clarke’s housekeeper, who, in speaking of one particular transaction, states that she saw the Duke and Mrs. Clarke in bed together.
Mr. Adam states, that Mrs. Clarke was under the protection of the Duke; that a separation took place upon his advice; and, that upon this separation, he (Mr. Adam) was, upon that occasion authorized by the Duke to tell her that he thought it his duty to give her an annuity of 400l. a year, provided her conduct should be correct.
Lastly, we have the written evidence of the Duke himself, who in the following two letters, addressed to Mrs. Clarke, and which letters have been proved to be in his hand-writing, enables us to form an unerring judgment as to the nature of the connection which existed between him and Mrs. Clarke.
“August 4, 1805.—How can I sufficiently express to my sweetest, my darling love, the delight which her dear, her pretty letter gave me, or how much I feel all the kind things she says to me in it? Millions and millions of thanks for it, my angel! and be assured that my heart is fully sensible of your affection, and that upon it alone its whole happiness depends.—I am, however, quite hurt that my love did not go to the Lewes Races; how kind of her to think of me upon the occasion; but I trust that she knows me too well not to be convinced that I cannot bear the idea of adding to those sacrifices which I am but too sensible that she has made to me.—News, my angel cannot expect from me from hence; though the life led here, at least in the family I am in, is very hurrying, there is a sameness in it which affords little subject for a letter; except Lord Chesterfield’s family, there is not a single person except ourselves that I know. Last night we were at the play, which went off better than the first night.—Dr. O’Meara called upon me yesterday morning, and delivered me your letter; he wishes much to preach before royalty, and if I can put him in the way of it I will.—What a time it appears to me already, my darling, since we parted; how impatiently I look forward to next Wednesday se’nnight!—God bless you, my own dear, dear love! I shall miss the post if I add more; Oh, believe me ever, to my last hour, yours and yours alone.”
Addressed: “Mrs. Clarke, to be left at the Post-office, Worthing.”
“Sandgate, Aug. 24, 1804.—How can I sufficiently express to My Darling Love my thanks for her dear, dear letter, or the delight which the assurances of her love give me? Oh, My Angel! do me justice and be convinced that there never was a Woman adored as you are. Every day, every hour convinces me more and more, that my whole happiness depends upon you alone. What a time it appears to be since we parted, and with what impatience do I look forward to the day after to-morrow; there are still however two whole Nights before I shall clasp My Darling in my arms!—How happy am I to learn that you are better; I still however will not give up my hopes of the cause of your feeling uncomfortable. Clavering is mistaken, My Angel, in thinking that any new regiments are to be raised; it is not intended, only second Battalions to the existing Corps; you had better, therefore, tell him so, and that you were sure that there would be no use in applying for him.—Ten thousand thanks, My Love, for the handkerchiefs, which are delightful; and I need not, I trust, assure you of the pleasure I feel in wearing them, and thinking of the dear hands who made them for me.—Nothing could be more satisfactory than the tour I have made, and the state in which I have found every thing. The whole of the day before yesterday was employed in visiting the Works at Dover; reviewing the Troops there, and examining the Coast as far as this place. From Folkstone I had a very good view of those of the French Camp.—Yesterday I first reviewed the Camp here, and afterwards the 14th Light Dragoons, who are certainly in very fine order; and from thence proceeded to Branbourne Lees, to see four regiments of Militia; which, altogether, took me up near 13 hours. I am now setting off immediately to ride along the coast to Hastings, reviewing the different Corps as I pass, which will take me at least as long. Adieu, therefore, My Sweetest, Dearest Love, till the day after to-morrow, and be assured that to my last hour I shall ever remain Yours and Yours alone.”
Addressed: “George Farquhar, Esq., No. 18, Gloucester-place, Portman-square.”
All that it is necessary to add to this evidence is, a statement of the well known facts, that the Duchess of York is living, that she is in England, and that there never has been any legal separation between her and her husband.
The Annuity.—Contracts, with whomsoever made, are binding upon the parties. To break a promise is a breach of moral duty; and, therefore, it becomes us to ascertain, as nearly as we can, the truth with respect to the Annuity, which Mrs. Clarke was to receive, as the cast-off concubine of the Duke of York.
She herself has stated, that Mr. Adam, in the name of the Duke, promised her an Annuity of 400l.
