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The “Pope” of Holland House
John Whishaw to Thomas Smith, 1 July 1815
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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July 1, 1815.

It is impossible not to be a little mortified by the complete triumph of the legitimate Monarchs and of

1 Benjamin Constant, 1767-1830. Distinguished French writer and statesman.

100
Waterloo
the war faction in this country. The restoration of Ferdinand of Spain, Ferdinand of Naples, the King of Sardinia, Louis XVIII., and the Pope (all of them in the full vigour of their bigotry, prejudices, and resentments) is a most inauspicious event for the liberty and happiness of Europe; to say nothing of its obvious effects upon our own country. But the prospect of a constitutional Monarchy under Buonaparte was very unpromising, and could not have been attended with any beneficial consequences to Europe or France. The latter has shown herself utterly unfit to be trusted with prosperity or even with moderate success. Having long abandoned all sanguine hopes of general improvement, I console myself, like you, by looking forward to the certain blessings of peace and tranquillity.

I conclude with an extract from a letter of Colonel Abercromby1 (our friend’s brother) which you may find interesting. He was in the thickest of the late battle, but escaped miraculously with only a slight wound. He has seen much service in Spain.