Letter from Maria Fitzherbert, London, to George Dawson-Damer, 1831 October 3 : autograph manuscript signed with initials.

Expressing her happiness at hearing from him and at knowing how happy he and Minney continue to be; saying how fortunate he is "...in not coming in for Dorsetshire - there is at present a strong contest between Lord Ashley & Lord Ponsonby & really the state of things are in at this moment you are rather to be envied being a free person - & having nothing to do with either side of the Question. God only knows what will be the event of this Evening - great excitement prevails and both party's expects to be tryumphant - I feel very sorry for Lord Durham I understand he is distracted at the death of his son as he never could be made to believe he was in the dangerous state every body knew him to be in. Lord Munster is in rather better spirits but he looks ill & I really believe all owning to worry & anxiety - D'Este has instituted a suit in Doctor's Commons to prove his father's marriage which he has been foolish enough to do without either consulting the King or his Father [Duke of Sussex] both very angry with him & have put a stop to it & the K. has ordered a letter to be written to him to inform him he dispenses with his further attendance - FitzClarence says he cannot under these circumstances continue being Equerry in which case we hope it may be given to you but this is only our own Conjecture for you know we cannot exactly depend on what was intended some time ago - I pity him & my friend his Sister who has nothing to do with it, but naturally is desirous of having his birth right proved what she is entitled too;" relating news told her by Gurwood on his way back from Paris; saying "...Paris is quiet except now and then the mob makes confusion but they are soon put down by the National Guard & he thinks the K. will go on well provided they can manage their finances for the Winter - they are terrified to death at the thought of War - all the hotels are bankrupt for want of foolish English spending their money amongst them;" adding "Lord Ashley I have just been told has gain'd in Election and Ponsonby has resigned - The Ministers are in a very Uncomfortable state at this moment - Brougham it is thought is not very sincere & wishes to bring in a Reform of his own which he says by no means goes the length of the present Bill - there is certainly great dispute in the Cabinet - we are told if the Lords reject the Bill we are all in a wretched way & that we shall have the whole Country in Rebellion - I don't believe it & I trust it will not be the case;" apologizing for her scrawl but saying the letter "...has been written with Intervals to day having been constantly interrupted by people coming to me every one with a different account."