Epistolary Specimen.

25

the most intelligent mind; he added (and the report is upon record), that he found her extremely well versed in all branches of English literature, suited to her age; and that her progress in moral and Christian studies far exceeded his expectation. We cannot give a more interesting proof of her intellectual advancement, than in the following copy of a genuine letter to the Countess of Albemarle,` written at a very early age.

"

My ever Dear Lady Albemarle,

"I most heartily thank you for your very kind letter, which I hasten to answer. But I must not forget that this letter must be a letter of congratulation; yes, of congratulations the most sincere. I love you, and therefore there is no wish that I do not form for your happiness in this world. May you have as few cares and vexations as may fall to the lot of man, and may you long be spared, and may you long enjoy the blessing of all others the most precious, your dear mother, who is not more precious to you than to me. But there is a trifle which accompanies this, which I hope you will like, and if it sometimes reminds you of me, it will be a great source of pleasure to me.* I shall be most

A bust of Mr. Fox.

26

Promise in Infancy.

happy to see you, for it is long since I have had

that pleasure.

"Adieu, my dear Lady Albemarle, and believe me

ever, your affectionate and sincere friend,

CHARLOTTE.”

We know not the precise year in which this was written; but we know that it was a very infantine period of life that produced this simple, elegant, and well-toned effusion of a child, whose early promise was fulfilled by her more ripened graces and virtues, too early snatched away from the hope and the admiration of a whole people, really united in their respect, as now unanimous in their deep regret and generous sympathy. May we not fervently hope, that she will long live in her example? In that pure hope, this real evidence of early faculty, and affectionate and good disposition, is offered, solely for the influence of its great, high, and good stimulus to emulation and imitation in all the wellborn youth of these kingdoms!

Change of Establishment.

27

CHAPTER II.

Early Developements-System of Education-Anecdotes of Benevolence—Excursion to Bognor-Taste in Art-Maternal Intercourse.

It is no part of our plan to enter upon the unhappy differences between her Royal Parents, where it can be avoided; passing on, therefore, to the year 1807, (C) we shall merely notice, that the investigations of the Privy Council into various defamatory reports, had induced his Majesty to receive the Princess of Wales as usual at Court; an event, however, retarded by some demur upon the part of her illustrious Consort, about which period the youthful Princess was removed from parental superintendence to the care of the good and accomplished Lady De Clifford, as her Governess, under whose venerable care, with the joint superintendence of Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Udney as subgovernesses, she remained until her advance towards maturity, when she was placed on a more extensive establishment. At the period alluded to, in 1807, her Royal Highness was just entering her twelfth year. To suppose that at so early a period the mental faculties of a child could be fully developed, would, indeed, be absurd; yet, even then, an attentive observer might have been able to form, and also

28

Dancing Anecdote.

justified in forming, a flattering conjecture with respect to her future bent; for, even then, to the subordinate accomplishments of polished education, she joined the more solid qualifications of fondness for, and acquaintance with, sound religious truth, and Christian virtue. How importantly this operated in teaching her early lessons of Christian humility, that would have been consisidered honourable though in a much humbler rank, may be estimated from the following anecdote.

While very young, the Princess conceived a dislike for some particular music which her dancing master had directed for her, and refused to dance. The master said he hoped her Royal Highness would think better of it, and that he had a particular wish she should allow the music to proceed, as it regarded her improvement materially; add ing, that unless she did so, he should be obliged to take his leave. She did not proceed, and suffered him to leave the room; but, the moment after, ran out begging him to return, and then she would go through her lesson. He returned, and she went through it very properly. By some means the Prince heard of the circumstance, and not wishing the presence of any person disagreeable to his daughter, desired the master to be dismissed: but the young Princess, when she understood what had taken place, was much chagrined, and ultimately successful in her application to have him

Acquirement of Taste.

29

replaced; stating, expressly, that she alone was

blamable.

We understand, that her Royal Highness had already laid the foundation of an extensive knowledge of the ancient arts and antiquities of her native country, which, at a later period, became most consummate for her years. Her great perfection in these pursuits was much aided by the influencing opinions of the accomplished Mrs. Udney; who, in 1809, by Mrs. Campbell's retirement and acceptance of the office of Privy Purse, became her sole sub-Governess; with whose name it is an act of justice to join that of the Rev. C. De Guiffardiere, and afterwards the Rev. Alex. Sterkey, appointed her instructors in the French language and in the Belles Lettres. Her subpreceptors were also assisted by the Rev. Mr. Kiper as German tutor: Mr. Bolton being, at the same period, her Writing and Geographical Professor. Amongst her male preceptors, a slight alteration took place in the office of sub-preceptor being resigned by Dr. Nott, who was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Short; whilst the musical department, hitherto filled by M. Von Esch, devolved upon Mrs. Jane Mary Miles, whose abilities as a performer on the piano-forte are perhaps superior to those of any other female professor; and are also fully equalled by her thorough scientific knowledge of that elegant art.