Lord Winchelsea was very mad, wished to expel the bishops, to prevent translations, equalise their sees, &c.  We had 139 to 19.  The minority were—­Dukes:  Cumberland, Gloucester, Brandon, Richmond, Newcastle; Marquises—­Salisbury, Clanrickarde; Earls—­Winchelsea Malmesbury, O’Neil; Lords—­Falmouth, Penrhyn, Boston, Grantley, Glenlyon; Earl Digby, Earl Romney.

The Duke goes to Windsor on Saturday to get the King to consent to give the Royal assent on Thursday, the day before Good Friday.  The Duke of Cumberland has been mischievous at Windsor.  The King fancies he is in the situation of Louis XVI.  That he shall run down by Liberalism.  The Duke of Cumberland swears he will turn us out, let who will be Ministers.

April 7.

Lord Eldon and others opened afresh the question as to the principle of the
Bill on the first clause.  We divided with more than 2 to 1.

The Bishops and Lord Eldon got into a theological discussion.

The Chancellor made a strong attack upon Lord Eldon, who really spoke very childishly.

We had as many women as ever, but a new set, and some of the prettiest girls in London—­Miss Bagot, Miss Sheridan, and others.

At Windsor, last Sunday, the Duke of Cumberland spoke very warmly indeed to Aberdeen about the Duke of Wellington.  He said he had sat by us as our friend, till the King’s Ministers joined in the hoot against him. (This was particularly Lord Bathurst, who shook his head at him and cheered offensively.) He seems in speaking of the Duke of Wellington to have used terms hardly to be expected.

He told the Chancellor to-day that he should, before the Bill passed, declare he never could again feel confidence in His Majesty’s Ministers; that the country was ruined; and that he should leave it and never return.

The Chancellor told him he advised him not to make the last promise.  I hope he will make it and keep it.

I observed him afterwards address the Chancellor very warmly, after he had attacked Eldon.

A man of the name of Halcomb has advertised for a meeting on Friday, on the road to Windsor, to carry petitions to the King.

April 8.

Committee on Relief Bill.  No division.  Several amendments.  Those of Lord
Tenterden very silly.

I said a very few words twice.

The third reading is fixed for Friday.  When the Duke of Cumberland heard the third reading fixed he left the House like a disappointed fiend.  He did not take his hat off till he had got half-way down.

Lord Eldon seems quite beaten.

April 9.

Lord Eldon went to Windsor to-day with petitions.  Yesterday Lord Howe and three others went.  I believe these peers have been:  Duke of Newcastle, Kenyon, Rolle, Howe, O’Neil, Bexley, Winchelsea, Farnham, and six bishops.

Cabinet at 2.  A meeting is advertised for to-morrow, to take place at Apsley House.  Then to proceed to Slough or Salt Hill, or to Eton, to deliver there a petition to the Duke of Cumberland, who is then to present it to the King, and the people are to wait for an answer.