The Creevey Papers
Thomas Creevey to Elizabeth Ord, 4 November 1834
“Howick, Nov. 4th.
“A nicer little dinner and a happier one I never
had—the ex-Prime Minister and
lady, two boys (Frederick and Harry), Lady Georgiana
and Nummy* all the company, with dumb
waiters. Only think of Downing Street! . . . Last July two and thirty years ago
was the first time I ever was in this house. I had just then become M.P. for
the first time, and was here early enough from my own election to be present at
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| 1834.] | LORD GREY IN RETIREMENT. | 293 |
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Lord Grey’s for this county. I well remember going
with him to the county meeting at Alnwick—a very crowded one in the Town
Hall. After Lord Grey* had proceeded some way in his
address, he said there was one subject on which they would naturally be anxious
to know whether his former opinions had undergone any change—namely,
Parliamentary Reform. I never shall forget the excitement which this question
produced in the audience; still less can I ever forget that thunder of applause
and delight when he announced that the result of his experience had been to
convince him more than ever of the indispensable necessity of that great
measure. Well then, here he is, and this great measure carried: aye, and
carried exclusively by himself; for without his character and talents, no man
or men could have done, or even attempted it; nor would any Sovereign have
trusted any other man to do it. . . . And yet, here he is after all—stranded, compelled by the conduct of his own Government
to abandon the concern, and to retire into private life. As far as he is
concerned—the prolongation of his life and the enjoyment of the remaining
part of it, no one who sees him and has known him before, can doubt his good
fortune in being placed in this situation. . . . No continuance in power could
add an atom to his fame. He stands the only ex-Minister, certainly in this
country and perhaps in any other, entirely spotless. . . . You remember as well
as myself the natural anxiety and desponding character of his disposition. Now
that he has closed his political life, that early fever has not a trace of it
left, and a more perfect picture of contentment and even playfulness I defy the
world to produce.”
Thomas Creevey (1768-1838)
Whig politician aligned with Charles James Fox and Henry Brougham; he was MP for Thetford
(1802-06, 1807-18) Appleby (1820-26) and Downton (1831-32). He was convicted of libel in
1813.
Charles Grey, second earl Grey (1764-1845)
Whig statesman and lover of the Duchess of Devonshire; the second son of the first earl
(d. 1807), he was prime minister (1831-34).
Sir Frederick William Grey (1805-1878)
The third son of Earl Grey; he pursued a naval career and was first sea lord (1861-66)
and admiral (1865).
Henry George Grey, third earl Grey (1802-1894)
The son of the second earl; he was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge and was a Whig
MP (1826-45) when he succeeded his father. He was secretary for the colonies
(1846-52).
