The Enquirer

THE ELOPEMENT.

There is no truth in the report that was universally circulated on Wednesday, that lord Paget had been killed in a duel, in consequence of his elopement with lady Charlotte Wellesley. We did not state the rumor because we had ascertained it to be unfounded. The injured husband is confined to his chamber by indisposition; and it would be a degree of ferocity inconsistent with civilization, for any other gentleman to interfere. We have no doubt but that the criminal couple are themselves the most miserable of the human race. They have abandoned 12 or 15 children; and have reduced three noble families to the most poignant distress! The elopement took place on Monday afternoon. Mr. Henry Wellesley, who is secretary of the treasury, had spoken, it seems, more pointedly than ever to lady Charlotte, on the very marked and constant attentions of lord Paget, which, (though from the long and confidential friendship which had subsisted between the families, he did not apprehend to be dishonorable,) might affect her reputation in the world. Lady Charlotte was indignant at the idea of reproach; and hurried out with her servant to take the air in the Green Park. She desired him to remain at the gate, as she should walk for a short time: and it appears that her ladyship took a hackney-coach, and sent a note to lord P. at Uxbridge house. They met, and in this state of irritated feelings, and probably on the consciousness of guilt, they set off together. As she did not return to dinner, enquiries were made. The servant had continued at the gate of the Green Park till a late hour; and on his return home, being questioned, he gave the above account. The melancholy truth was confirmed by a letter, which, as we have mentioned, lord P. wrote to his father, in which he acknowledged his trespass--& that he had in vain, in the heat of battle, sought a refuge from the agonies of a distracted mind. It is certain that on every occasion, in Spain, he exposed himself in a way which got him the reputation of rash and adventurous gallantry; as it could not be imagined that a nobleman apparently gifted with all the means and objects of happiness could be little so wretched. The two sisters, lady Charlotte and lady Emily Cadogan, married two brothers, Henry and William Wellesley. Lord F is married to one of the beautiful daughters of Jersey, by whom he has a numerous family. Lord Paget, it is understood, has resigned his commissions in the British army, and is about to repair as a volunteer to the Austrian service.-- There has been no trial in consequence of the unhappy elopement.