1805. of that distinguished nobleman were high spirited lous endeavours to promote the welfare of Ireland. The influ- He manifesting his unequivocal intent to force that tare, (of which this is but a faint outline of the indignity this patriotic family sustained) no sooner was the late Marquis departed, than the office of Lord Lieutenant and Custos of the county of Down, so ably and honorably filled by him and his ancestors for many generations was bestowed-upon whom? upon the Earl of Londonderry! the father of Lord Castlereagh, the patricide of his country's independance. Lord Castlereagh vainly fancied, that every feather plucked from the Downshire interest would enrich the still shooting plumage of the Stewart's (or rather McGregors.) * This patriotic legacy was sacredly administered. And Ireland has the happiness of seeing the honors of the Downshire family vested in a youth, who seems consciously proud of holding rank and fortune for his country's welfare. The delicate and important charge of implanting the true principles of loyalty and patriotism in the mind of a young nobleman of such national 1805. 1805. Colonel Meade proposes to stand for County No sooner was it known to the public, that Lord Castlereagh was about vacating his seat, consequence, could not have been more fortunately delegated. The Marchioness his mother was supereminently qualified and sympathetically zealous to perform the injunctions of her martyred Lord. She was the niece and heiress of the late Lord Sandys and to the princely fortune of her husband, the second Marquis of Downshire, she added the ample possessions of her uncle, as well as the concentrated patrimonies of several other noble and illustrious families. Beyond the possession of fortune and personal attractions, she brought into the Downshire family every quality and attainment, that can adorn and elevate the female mind. The names of her eldest son denote the sources of his maternal as well as his paternal inheritances, Ar. thur Blundell Sandys Trumbull Hill Marquis of Downshire. Ireland is largely indebted to her for numerous services, national and particular: above all for the successful culture of the minds of the noble issue, with which her short enjoyment of the mar riage state was blest. In their early bloom of virtue does their country hold an earnest of their sterling and inflexible patriotism. In the destinies of Ireland it is of no trivial import, that her transcendent excellencies have been justly appreciated by the illustrious personage most interested in the welfare and prosperity of that country. The Prince of Wales' repeated visits to Omberly Court, her Ladyship's residence in the country, speak without comment the estimation, in which she was holden by her Royal guest. As Ireland has begun to be cheered into animation by the glow of that political virtue, which Lady Downshire with such judgment and perseverance infused into her rising generation, what expectant extacies will attend the contemplation of her patriotism, sanctioned by the congenial conduct of the exalted personage, to whom this country looks up with confidence for every blessing. At a Gala dinner on his Royal Highness' birth day in August 1810, after the health of the Princess Charlotte of Wales had been proposed, the Prince addressed his company in a short, eloquent, and impressive speech, which was more of a national than than those, who had the honor and interest of the county of Down most at heart, sought for 'some steadfast and experienced enemy to the corrupt principles of Lord Castlereagh, who would come forward to oppose him. The Marchioness had certainly anticipated this anxiety. Lord Castlereagh had presumptuously solicited her interest. But his application is said to have met with a most spirited rebuke. At length the Hon. Colonel Meade, a son of the late Earl of Clanwilliam, a young gentleman of high military ardor, though of slight political experience, was encouraged to announce his intention of offering himself a candidate for the representation of that county. On that occasion the Marchioness of Downshire published a short address* to the freeholders of the convivial purport. His Royal Highness said, that he had made it his first care to instil into the mind and heart of his daughter the knowledge and love of the true principles of the British constitution: and he had pointed out to her young understanding as a model for study the political conduct of his most revered and lamented friend Mr. Fox, who had asserted and maintained with such transcendent force the just principles, upon which the government under this excellent constitution ought to be administered, for the true and solid dignity of the Crown, and the real freedom and happiness of the people. Hanover Square, July 16, 1805. The Hon. Colonel Meade having offered himself as a candidate for the county of Down, the prosperity of which we may be supposed to have much at heart, I beg leave for myself and dear son the Marquis of Downshire, to solicit your votes and interests in his favor. And I am fully persuaded, that should he be elected, his best endeavours will be used in promoting the 1805. Lord Cas tlereagh canvasses his friends and ultimately fails. county of Down. She went over with her two m fant sons to stimulate and witness in person the triumph over corruption in the defeat of Lord Castlereagh, which was principally owing to her indefati gable exertions. Although Lord Castlereagh had not apprehendprivately ed any serious opposition, it was afterwards discovered, that he had for some time before his intention of vacating his seat was known, privately canvassed, through his brother, the chief supporters of his interest in that county. They consisted of six or seven noble and other families of congenial principles with his own, most of the Orangemen and terrorists, and the dependants and connections of those clergymen and others, whose sons he had provided for at home or in India, or who relied upon his promises for appointments or promotions. His family interest in the county was comparatively very trifling. His own was merely personal, having no estate in it. He converted therefore the whole government patronage, as far as he could, to his election purposes. So powerful however had been the late change of political feeling in the county of Down, that even the treasury purse, influence and patronage could not on this occasion overcome the general execration of the principles of Mr. Pitt, and the servile perfidy of true interests of Ireland in general, and those of our county particular. I am, your faithful and obedient humble servant, M. DOWNSHIRE SANDYS. in |