The Massachusetts Spy, And Worcester County Advertiser

Extract of a letter to the Editor of N. Y. American, dated London, August, 29, 1827.

The councils of this country will long feel the absence of Mr. Canning, who if he does not deserve, (and I am not sure that he does not) to rank among the greatest men of the age, had the merit of understanding the spirit of that age, and the ambition of leading, in what its increasing light demands, and will insist upon—a system accommodated to the increasing wants of men in a higher state of civilization than was ever before attained. The effort that is now making to force upon the present ministry a colleague offensive to them, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, will, it is to be hoped, end in the more complete exclusion of the ultra Tory and high Church party from a chance of power. I think the acceptance, by Wellington, of the command of the army, without a seat in the cabinet, is a pretty strong proof that he deemed their prospects very gloomy.

This step has strengthened the ministry, both with the King and the people. With the King, who can't live without "Arthur," as he calls him, and with the nation, not that he is popular, in a general sense,(for his vote on the corn bill made him very odious) but after all, they attach so much interest to the military renown acquired by his victories, that his name is "a tower of strength" to the government. He is nothing in point of mind, out of his profession, and in debate or conversation very light. Nobody ever heard him say any thing worth remembering. But in the ministerial arrangements made by Mr. Canning, it was thought a fatal omission that the Duke was left out with the other tories, because his society was so necessary to the comfort of the king. The Marchioness of Conyngham, (who exercises here an influence similar to that of the Pompadours and Du Barry's in the decline of the French Monarchy,) told Mr. Canning that she could not undertake to keep him (Canning) in office, unless he could contrive to bring back Wellington, after whom the King was pining. These arrangements were all made through the said chère amie, who is the wife of the Steward of the royal household; and Canning availed himself very dexterously of the powers of this Armida over her lover. The Duke of Clarence, speaking to the Duke of Norfolk, (who, you are aware, is excluded from his seat in the House of Lords, by his adherence to the religion of his ancestors) said. "Well. my Lord Duke, your Grace will soon take your seat; York is dead—my brother, the King, can't survive long"—and then alluded to his own opinion in favor of the Catholics, which might become decisive in case of the succession being opened to him. This prudent speech was reported to the King, who declared in a great passion that he would get married, and disappoint Clarence's hopes. This alarmed the Marchioness, and she set to work with Canning. to bring about a reconciliation between the royal brothers, which was cemented by reviving the antiquated office of Lord High Admiral, in favor of the Duke of Clarence, taking care however to enlighten his royal wisdom by a council to assist in administering the Navy Department.

I think it would be very much to be regretted, if the Ultra Tories should again get into power here, not that I think there is much to choose, between them, as to American interest. A very gross ignorance and prejudice on our subject is almost universal here. They are full of envy and jealousy of our growing shipping, and other naval resources. But I think the continuance of Mr. Canning's friends in office, affords the only chance that the councils of this country will not be thrown into the scale of despotism, both in Europe and America.