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Subject Area: Political Theory

GALLATIN TO HENRY CLAY. - Albert Gallatin, The Writings of Albert Gallatin, vol. 2 [1879]

Edition used:

The Writings of Albert Gallatin, ed. Henry Adams (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1879). 3 vols.

Part of: The Writings of Albert Gallatin, 3 vols.

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GALLATIN TO HENRY CLAY.

No. 111.

London, 30th August, 1827.

Sir,—

The suggestion that Mr. Tierney had pretensions to the Chancellorship of the Exchequer, contained in my despatch No. 109, was unfounded. This Cabinet was formed and the accession of the Whigs was founded on the principle of amalgamation between them and the moderate tories, with whom they do not differ on any practical important question; but in this was implied the exclusion from the Ministry, though not from office, of the high Tories. Mr. Herries, who is one of these, was designated as Chancellor by the King without having, it is said, consulted the Cabinet. This nomination had its origin either in bias for the ultra Tory or rather High-Church party, or in indirect influence, perhaps in both. A majority of the Cabinet was highly dissatisfied, and objected; the Marquis of Lansdowne intimated that he would resign; others are said to have held the same language; the King was irritated; a question arose how far his power to form a Ministry extended; and everything was kept in suspense, waiting for Mr. Huskisson.

This gentleman, hearing at Innsbrück of Mr. Canning’s illness and danger, immediately took his departure, without waiting for official or further advices. He arrived at Paris much fatigued, and was obliged to rest there some days. His return to England has been accelerated by the pressing solicitations of his colleagues; and he arrived here on the 28th. He had yesterday a long interview with the King, and is to return to-day to Windsor. The easiest way to get rid of the difficulty would be for him to accept the office in question; in which case Lord Palmerston would probably be transferred to the Colonial Department, and no new person be introduced in the Cabinet. But this would be a great personal sacrifice; the difference of salary is, I believe, £2000, and Mr. Huskisson is not rich; what is a still more important consideration, and not to him alone, is that, with his precarious health, he wants in the House the assistance of a Chancellor, instead of being burdened with the duties of the office. Whether this will take place, or either of the parties will yield, or the Administration be new-modelled, must be decided incessantly, but is as yet quite uncertain. Till this is settled, everything that relates to us remains suspended, and I cannot move a single step. I have only taken the necessary measures to have an interview with Mr. Huskisson on the subject of the colonial intercourse as soon as their own matters shall have been arranged. . . .

Your despatch No. 24, in favor of Messrs. Howland, has been received this morning; Mr. Brent’s letter of 20th July, enclosing sundry papers relative to the rolled-iron question, is also received. Though too late for the discussion, I have been gratified to find that I had in the course of the negotiation taken no ground, either as to facts or argument, that did not entirely accord with the language formerly held and with the view that had been entertained of the subject.

I have the honor, &c.