May 13.

Recorder’s report.  The King not well.  He has a slight stricture, of which he makes a great deal, and a bad cold.  He seemed somnolent; but I have seen him worse.

Before the Council there was a chapter of the Garter.  The Duke of Richmond was elected.  The knights wore their ordinary dress under the robe, which was short, and had no hats.  The procession was formed by Garter.  The Chancellor and Prelate of the Order and the Dean were present.  It looked rather like a splendid funeral.  The Duke of Cumberland took a great deal upon him.

Cabinet dinner at Vesey Fitzgerald’s at Somerset House.

Much talk about Indian matters.  Both Peel and Fitzgerald seem to be for
Free Trade, and unreasonable towards the Company.

May 15.

In the House of Commons yesterday the motion for a Committee on East Indian affairs was negatived without a division, but promised for early next session, and papers promised immediately.

May 16.

Chairs at 11.  We spoke of the Charter.  They rather dislike the notion of using the King’s name, and I fear Mr. Elphinstone and all the Indians will give their evidence against the change.  I may be outvoted, but I shall not be convinced. [Footnote:  This change was effected in 1858.]

May 17.

Nothing political, except a grand dinner at the Duke of Norfolk’s, given to the Duke of Wellington, which was very fine and very dull.

The Duke told me he had read the Persian papers.  The Russians had brought it on themselves.

May 19.

In the House of Commons last night O’Connell was heard at the bar.  The debate seems to have been temperate.  It was decided on a discussion, 190 to 116, that he must take the Oath of Supremacy.

At the office had some conversation with Mr. Leach as to the plan of governing India in the King’s name—­the Directors being made ex officio Commissioners for the affairs of India.  He seems to have some prejudices against the plan, but he adduced no real objections.  I have begged him to put on paper all the objections which occurred to him.

Wrote a long letter to Lord W. Bentinck on all subjects connected with the renewal of the Charter, and the general government of India.

Dined at the Freemasons’ Hall with the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.  There were present 200 persons.  I thought they would be very hostile to a Minister.  However, when my name was mentioned by the Bishop of Durham, as a steward, there was much cheering.  The Bishop of London, who was in the chair, begged me to return thanks for the stewards, which I did.  I spoke of course of the wish entertained by the Ministers that a Society might prosper the interests of which were so much connected with those of the Established Church—­of their determination in their several departments to further its objects.  It was the duty of us all