26th.—Went to the barracks of the Staffordshire Militia to see the men at dinner. Their wives and children were also entertained at tables in the middle of the room—the men on each side. Tasted their pudding. Many ladies and most of the officers were there. A bull was baited this morning, and a ball this evening at the Town Hall. The company of the town and the chief attendants at the Castle were in the upper rooms at Frogmore last night with Madame Beckersdorff. Thirteen hundred tickets were issued for the gardens. The Queen’s party was about ninety, consisting, for the most part, of the ladies and gentlemen of the neighbourhood who visit their Majesties at the Castle, or those who are in the habit of spending a few days with them. The Archbishop of Canterbury was at chapel in the morning. The Queen desired I would write an inscription[125] for the illuminated building, and I gave the following one: “Britannia, grateful to Providence, celebrates the fiftieth year of a reign sacred to piety and virtue.”
November 7.—Princess Amelia returned from Weymouth about three, in the Prince of Wales’s carriage, in which a cot had been slung by Sir H. Neale. The Duke of Clarence, Princess Mary, and Lady George Murray with her. The Duke of Cambridge rode in before them. She is in a sad state of weakness and suffering.
October 30.—Bulletins given out of the King’s illness, which it is, however, hoped will be more favourable than formerly, as he submits to whatever is ordered. Mr. Perceval and the Chancellor came down, but could not see him: they saw the Queen. He is attended by Sir H. Halford and Dr. Baillie; and Messrs. Dundas and Battiscombe.
November 2.—Parliament met yesterday, and only adjourned for a fortnight, as Ministers could not obtain a signature from the King. I went to the Queen at eleven; about twelve, dear Princess Amelia expired, after a confinement of a year and eight months, and the most dreadful sufferings, of which her exemplary piety alone afforded any alleviation. Mr. Charles Digby often read prayers by her side, and she received the Sacrament three times within the last month. The Prince of Wales and all his brothers have been here constantly for the last three weeks.