LORD  BYRON  and  his  TIMES
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The “Pope” of Holland House
John Whishaw to Elizabeth Smith, 23 December 1830
INTRODUCTION & INDEXES
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
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Preface
Contents
Introduction
Chapter I: 1813
Chapter II: 1814
Chapter III: 1815
Chapter IV: 1816
Chapter V: 1817
Chapter VI: 1818
Chapter VII: 1819
Chapter VIII: 1820
Chapter IX: 1821
Chapter X: 1822
Chapter XI: 1824-33
Chapter XII: 1833-35
Chapter XIII: 1806-40
Chapter XIV: Appendix
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Dec. 23, 1830.

Mr. Mallet, who has heard of you through our Malmesbury friend Mr. Thomas, gives me a good account of your health, but I was very sorry to hear of the disturbances having extended to your neighbourhood, and of the visits that have been made to Easton Grey. I hope that you have not suffered in your property, and that tranquillity is restored in Wiltshire for the present. The state of the country, indeed, is very alarming; and it is no subject of congratulation to our friends that they have been admitted into office in such times. They are surrounded with difficulties, and after Christmas will have to encounter a very formidable Opposition; so that, though they have the King favourable, or

1 He was opposed by Goulburn, but was returned after a keen contest.

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Lord Grey’s Government
at least disposed to act fairly, it is doubtful whether they can retain office long enough to do much good. Objections may be made to some of the arrangements, but all circumstances considered, it is one of the best Governments this country has ever seen.1 We must hope for the best. All proper offers were made to Lord Holland and Lord Lansdowne, but they declined any active employment on the score of health. Lord L. had at one time accepted the Foreign Office, but female influence prevailed, and after twenty-four hours’ consideration he declined it. We may lament, but cannot blame his decision. I know that Lady Lansdowne strongly deprecated his taking office, and have often heard her say that the few months during which he was Secretary of State in 1827 were the most anxious and unpleasant she had ever passed.