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murmurs of which had been heard for some time at a distance, now began to shew itself in all its direful effects. The nation was 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 midnight revel. Weak and futile were here 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 in a message by Countess Cholmondeley to her Royal Highness; but it was thought to be infinitely too important to rest merely upon a verbal communication, and therefore she desired that his Royal Highness's pleasure should be communicated to her in writing.

This lamentable separation of the royal pair had a decided influence on the future happiness and character of their daughter, the lamented object

of these Memoirs; and to which, in a great degree, may be ascribed the firmness of disposition, the promptness and decision of action, and the strength of filial duty, for which she was so eminently distinguished. It will be necessary to enter further into detail of the events which immediately succeeded the separation of the royal pair.

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 :---

MADAM,

Windsor Castle, April 30, 1797.

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. Tranquil and comfortable society is, 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 his mercy will avert, I shall not

Although her Royal Highness upon the receipt of the message alluded to, could not act in an other manner than to conform to the arrangement laid down by his Royal Highness, yet she desired it might beun equivocally understood, that any arrangement once made should be considered as final, and that his Royal Highness should not, under any plea, retain the right, under any circumstances whatever, of altering it.

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,
(Signed) GEORGE P.

The answer of the Princess of Wales to the above letter was at once dignified and respectful. She appeals to the King, as her monarch and her father; and to him, who knew from experience the acuteness of a parent's feelings, is to be ascribed the concession of the Prince of Wales in allowing his daughter to remain under the affectionate care and superintendence of her mother, during the first eight years of her life, which ingrafted in the bosom of the child an unalterable and unalienable affection for the mother.

Whilst these unfortunate dissensions were carrying on between her august parents, the young Princess grew up in loveliness and innocence. At a very early age she exhibited those distinctive traits of character, which afterwards, ripening to maturity, rendered her an object of universal admiration. The latent germs of intellectual ability were every day seen bursting forth in rich exuberance, and her mind appeared to aim at objects far beyond the study or attention of the majority of youth. To those who are accustomed to the training of the infant mind, the observation

must be trite, that every thing depends upon the early bias which is given to the powers of the mind, and to a just discrimination of the extent, and proper application of those powers. To discover and to fix upon the early bent and inclinations of the human character, is a task, the execution of which requires more than ordinary powers, and which can only be fulfilled by incessant study and application. To check the luxuriance of certain dispositions, and to encourage the growth of others, requires the skilful hand of the master; and, therefore, no little applause is due to the individual who trained and nurtured the infant mind of the Princess Charlotte; who discovered the talents which lay dormant in it, and which only required proper cultivation to exhibit her hereafter as a model of genuine virtue. Her mind appeared to be early imbued with a sense of religion, as the following extract from the journal of the late pious Bishop of London, Dr. Porteus, will testify.

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Yesterday, the 6th August, 1801, I passed a very pleasant day at Shrewsbury House, near "Shooter's Hill, the residence of the Princess "Charlotte of Wales. The day was fine, the

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prospect extensive and beautiful, taking in a

large reach of the Thames which was covered "with vessels of various sizes and descriptions. "We saw a good deal of the young Princess ; "she is a most captivating and engaging child, "and considering the high station she may here

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"after fill, a most interesting and important one.

She repeated to me several hymns with great "correctness and propriety, and on being told "when she went to South End in Essex, (as she "afterwards did for the benefit of sea-bathing,) "she would then be in my diocese, she fell down "on her knees and begged my blessing. I gave "it to her with all my heart, and with my earnest "secret prayers to God that she might adorn her "illustrious station with every Christian grace; and "that if ever she became the queen of this truly great and glorious country, she might be the means of diffusing virtue, piety, and happiness, through every part of her dominions."

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It is a pleasant task to the historian to trace the events of a short, but a well-spent life, when founded on the principles of virtue, piety, and religion. He feels conscious to himself that he is presenting a model to posterity, by which the youth of both sexes can so regulate their lives, that in this world they will meet with the approbation of their own conscience; and, in the next, that crown of glory, which there awaits the virtuous and the good.

The years of infancy, in whatever station of life the object may be, present few materials on which an interesting superstructure can be raised. The character is yet in the rough, as the clay in the potter's hands ready to be fashioned and decorated according to the will of the artist. The pursuits of children, will in general lead to a just

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