ABSTRACT
There was an interval of ten days before the King and country could feel that there was a government to rely on. It was a season of anxious expectation to all; but few were aware how many and how serious were the causes of anxiety. The King sent first for Lord Grey, who declined office, but gave his best advice, – which was to send for Lord Melbourne. There was another poco-curante Minister in the Cabinet, though it might be felt that one was enough. Mr. Charles Grant, afterwards Lord Glenelg, was Colonial Secretary; and events were at hand which made his post as important as any in the Cabinet. He was regarded with universal good-will for his quiet steadiness in the advocacy of liberal principles; and he was respected as a man of large information and clear sagacity.
