The Diary and Letters of Gouverneur Morris, vol. 2 - Online Library of ...

Online Library of Liberty: The Diary and Letters of Gouverneur Morris, vol. 2
“M. le Comte Gasparé called this morning [August 9th]. He dashed into politics; is
very desirous that Prussia should take part in the contest. He dines every day with
Haugwitz; was scandalized at a conversation the other day with Prince Louis, when
Haugwitz, Major Walker, and himself formed the whole of the society. The ministers
here do not want ability nor intelligence, but the weakness of the monarch prevents
them from acting a decisive part. Haugwitz and Bischofswerder are very well
together, and it is understood that all propositions not made to the former must fall to
the ground.”
Again, on the 10th, Morris sent to Lord Grenville a budget of suggestions and hints,
as follows:
“Lord Elgin tells me that he shall send a messenger this evening. I will, therefore,
trouble your lordship with some loose thoughts respecting this Court. You know that
ever since the accession of his present Majesty? there have been endless intrigues to
possess him, and through him the power of the State. These still exist, and are pursued
with unceasing attention, so that no great plan of conduct can be adopted, from the
fear that some untoward incident should disgust the monarch before things could be
brought to issue, in which case the advisers and supporters of the plan would be
overturned. It is from this very circumstance that I think it possible to obtain from
Russia the complete direction of this Cabinet. To that effect it would be proper to
understand perfectly with Bischofswerder and his right-hand man, Haugwitz, so that
their greatness should be intimately combined with your interests. Furnish them
money when the success of their intrigue may require it, and let them feel that it is
better, as well as safer, to put themselves into the hands of a monarchy instead of a
republic. The Cabinet of Petersburg combined with you in such a plan, the King will
be made to understand that both his interest and his quiet require a full confidence in
those ministers. Then an efficient Cabinet will at once exist, and after, it begins to act
and feel (to its astonishment, perhaps) that every great movement must be guided by
your will. Observe that it is at present understood between Bischofswerder and
Haugwitz that proposals not primarily addressed to the latter shall be unsuccessful. If
I have a just view of the ground it will be in vain to try (by showing only public
advantage) to lead this Court into the measures you might wish, and that for the
reasons already mentioned. I do not conceive it possible to do anything if you wait for
the assent of Austria, unless you have a complete direction and, indeed, dictation
there. But, if I am rightly informed, this is not so much the case as it ought to be, all
things considered. I will not say anything on that subject, for evident reasons.
Propositions from England, supported by Russia, will meet with a readier attention
than if the voice of the Emperor should be heard. This fact your lordship is well
apprised of. I think the contents of this letter will try, if not tire, your patience, so I
will proceed no farther.”
“To-day [August 11th] I write a while, then walk to Madame de Nadaillac’s, where I
waste some time. In consequence I reach Lord Elgin’s later than I expected and
intended, so that I have not a view of some letters he was to show me containing
intelligence of the Austrian army. While we are at dinner the Prince de Reusse comes
in, reads a letter brought by estafette which announces a victory gained over the
French at Brescia by General Quasdanowiche, with some small advantages, under
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