ABSTRACT
As one of the many who had the pleasure and the privilege of a personal acquaintance with Lord Palmerston, and one of the more limited number of those who had the honour of serving under him for very many years, the author has thought that some personal reminiscences, such as can properly be recorded without any violation of official confidence, may help the formation of a true judgment of this really great and illustrious man. It may be well to inquire by what means Lord Palmerston was enabled to steer his course so steadily amidst all the disturbing elements around him. No bygone differences of opinion, no former controversies, however sharp and serious, ever prevented his availing himself of the services or seeking the co-operation of those who seemed to him the best instruments for carrying on the administration of the country in its varying phases.
