all its direful effects. The nation had been for some time lulled into the pleasing reflection, that the heir apparent to the throne, would, like his venerable sire, be surrounded by a numerous progeny, and that in the endearments of his children, in the sweets of domestic life, and in the practice of parental duties, he would find a solace from the cares of royalty, and enjoy that unsophisticated, heartfelt satisfaction, which is never to be found in the noise and turmoil of the mid night revel.

Weak and futile were, however, the hopes of the nation. In April 1796, exactly twelve months after the marriage, and three after the birth of the Princess Charlotte, the first decisive proof was given of the interruption of the connubial happiness of the royal pair, by a choice of separate dwellings. The rupture was too fatally confirmed by a letter sent from the Prince to the Princess of Wales, dated Windsor-castle, April 30, 1796, the substance of which had been previously conveyed to her royal highness, in a message by Countess Cholmondeley; but it being considered infinitely too important to rest merely upon a verbal communication, the princess, therefore, desired that his royal highness's pleasure should be communicated to her in writing.

In conformity to the desires of the Princess of Wales, that the wishes of his royal highness should be communicated in writing, the following letter was written:

London, Published by Tho Kelly. 47. Paternoster Row, Feb 24, 1821.

MADAM,

Windsor-Castle, April 30th, 1796.

As Lord Cholmondeley informs me that you wish I would define, in writing, the terms upon which we are to live, I shall endeavour to explain myself upon that head with as much clearness, and with as much propriety as the nature of the subject will admit. Our inclinations are not in our power, nor should either of us be held answerable to the other, because nature has not made us suitable to each other. Tranquillity and comfortable society are, however, in our power: let our intercourse, therefore, be restricted to that, and I will distinctly subscribe to the condition* which you required, through Lady Cholmondeley, that even in the event of any accident happening to my daughter, which I trust Providence in its mercy will avert, I shall not infringe the terms of the restriction by proposing, at any period, a connexion of a more particular nature. I shall now finally close this disagreeable correspondence, trusting that, as we have completely explained ourselves to each other, the rest of our lives will be passed in uninterrupted tranquillity.

I am, Madam,

With great truth, very sincerely yours,
GEORGE P.

Her royal highness took nearly a week before she wrote an answer to the above extraordinary

*Upon the receipt of the message here alluded to, her royal highness, though she had nothing to do but to submit to the arrangement which his royal highness might determine upon, desired it might be understood, that she should insist that any such arrangement, if once made, should be considered as final; and that his royal highness should not retain the right, from time to time, at his pleasure, or under any circumstances, to alter it.

letter; and on the 6th of May, the following was sent, written originally in French, as on so delicate a subject she did not wish to submit her sentiments to any of her secretaries or ladies:

L'aveu de votre conversation avec Lord Cholmondeley, ne m'étonne, ni m'offense. C'étoit me confirmer, ce que vous m'avez tacitement insinué depuis une année; mais il y auroit après cela, un manque de délicatesse, ou pour mieux dire, une bassesse indigne de me plaindre des conditions, que vous vous imposez à vous-même.

Je ne vous aurois fait de réponse si votre lettre n'étoit conçue de manière à faire douter, si cet arrangement vient de vous ou de moi; et vous savez que vous en avez seul l'honneur. La lettre que vous m'annoncez comme la dernière, m'oblige de communiquer au roi, comme à mon souverain, et à mon pere, votre aveu et ma réponse. Vous trouverez ci-incluse la copie de celle que j'écris au roi. Je vous en préviens pour ne pas m'attirer de votre part la moindre reproche de duplicité. Comme je n'ai dans ce moment, d'autre protecteur que sa majesté, je m'en rapporte uniquement à lui. Et si ma conduite mérite son approbation, je serai, du moins en partie, consolée.

Du reste, je conserve toute la connoissance possible de ce que je me trouve par votre moyen, comme Princesse de Galles, dans un situation à pouvoir me livrer sans contrainte, à un vertu chère a mon cœur,-je veux dire la bienfaisance. Ce sera pour moi un devoir d'agin de plus par un autre motif; savoir, celui de donner l'exemple de la patience, et de la résignation dans toutes sortes d épreuves. Rendez-moi la justice de me croire, que je ne cesserai jamais de faire des vœux pour votre bonheur, et d'être votre bien devouée