The Creevey Papers
Thomas Creevey to Elizabeth Ord, 29 January 1836
“17, St. James St., 29 January, 1836.
“. . . There never was such a coup as this Municipal
Reform Bill has turned out to be. It marshals all the middle classes in all the
towns of England in the ranks of Reform; aye, and gives them monstrous power
too. I consider it a much greater blow to Toryism than the Reform Bill itself;
tho’ I admit it could never have been effected without the latter passing
first. It is a curious thing to be obliged to admit, but it is perfectly true,
that Melbourne and
* Now the Marble Arch in Hyde Park. † Now at the entrance to Constitution
Hill. ‡ The Countess of Sefton. See vol. ii. p. 212. |
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| 1835-36.] | “BEAR” ELLICE. | 309 |
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the leavings of Lord Grey’s Government are much stronger
than Lord Grey’s Government was when it was at its
best. Altho’, as old Talleyrand
observed, Melbourne may be trop
camarade for a Prime Minister in some things, yet it is
this very familiar, unguarded manner, when it is backed by perfect integrity
and quite sufficient talent, that makes him perfectly invaluable and
invulnerable.”
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).
William Lamb, second viscount Melbourne (1779-1848)
English statesman, the son of Lady Melbourne (possibly by the third earl of Egremont) and
husband of Lady Caroline Lamb; he was a Whig MP, prime minister (1834-41), and counsellor
to Queen Victoria.
