When he got poor, I presume the Prince cut him, for he ended his days as groom and coachman to the Earl of Anglesey.
The two following paragraphs from the _St. James's Chronicle_ for 1789 tell us something about the Prince's doings at Brighton:
_August 13-15._--'The Prince of Wales's birthday, on Thursday, was very splendidly celebrated at Brighthelmstone.--_St. George_, the famous fencing master, exhibited several trials of his skill, with two French masters, before the Prince and a large company, in a pavilion and marquees pitched about a mile from the town: an ox was roasted whole, and given to the populace. The Duke of Clarence gave prizes to several sailing boats, which afforded much diversion--the company dined in the pavilion, and the evening concluded with a supper and ball at the Castle Inn, given by the Dukes of York and Clarence.--The illuminations were universal and elegant.'
_September 5-8._--'The foundation for the Prince's dog-kennel was laid, last week, in the _North fields_ near Brighton.--Six or seven acres of these fields are to be inclosed as a paddock, with the building in the centre, which is to be finished in a month.'
Yes, the repentant prodigal had forgotten all his promises of never again running into debt. He was deeply dipped, and yet he kept altering his 'Marine Pavilion,' and now was building most expensive stables. He tried to borrow money on post-obits, and Weltje was the go-between with the money-lenders. A Mr. Cator lent £10,000 on condition of being repaid treble the amount, and about £30,000 was raised in £100 bonds, repayable in twelve years, which bonds were signed by the Prince, the Duke of York, and Prince William. They then tried to raise about £350,000 abroad on the security of the Duchy of Cornwall and the Bishopric of Osnaburg, and it is said they received over £100,000 in cash and jewels; but the story of this loan is a long one, and does not come within the scope of this book.
Here is a story of his dealings with his jeweller Jefferys, whom he eventually ruined by not paying him, told by himself.[55] He was appointed jeweller to the Prince in 1788 or 1789.
'About the period to which I allude, the Prince of Wales (upon Mr. Gray[56] requiring a settlement of the great demands he had upon his Royal Highness) was so much displeased at that circumstance, as to cease giving him farther employment. His Royal Highness then sent for me to Carlton House, and conferred upon me (most unfortunately) the favour which he had withdrawn from Mr. Gray. From this time, not a day passed, for several years, in which, neglecting any general business, I did not spend half my time at Carlton House; and in which some entries were not made in my books of large amounts for goods sold to his Royal Highness.