5 - Pillar of State

Summary

HAWKESBURY'S ROLE MANAGING relations with the king and business in the House of Lords made him a key figure in Portland's government. Cabinet rivalries, however, threatened its cohesion. Since Pitt left no obvious successor, his more ambitious followers refused to subordinate their own claims. Only a neutral figure like Portland, who never intended an active role, could mute jealousies by taking the nominal lead. With so many ministers of equal or near equal pretensions, as Perceval noted, the Portland administration inevitably became a “government of departments” vulnerable to a split. Poor coordination and differences on managing the war heightened tensions. Responsible for defending measures his colleagues initiated and directed, Hawkesbury gained stature by prudent counsel and loyalty. Besides yielding his own claims to facilitate arrangements, he managed to keep out of quarrels that split the cabinet. When the break came, Hawkesbury helped forge a new government from the wreckage. Taking over the War Department then gave him responsibility for managing the war at a critical stage.

What Louisa called their year of holiday ended in 1807. The hurry, bustle, anxiety, and worry brought by high office sharply contrasted with the tranquil séjour they had enjoyed. Although she did not rejoice at the change, Louisa hoped that Hawkesbury had not been spoiled by his brief escape from a minister's hectic life. It was Hawkesbury's only time out of office since his twenties, a fact that underlines how politics dominated his life. Liverpool's age and growing infirmity drew Hawkesbury into closer involvement with family matters, including arrangements for his half-sister Charlotte's betrothal to Lord Grimston's son James Walter Grimston. Negotiations over a settlement broke down, much to the young couple's dismay, when the elder Grimston insisted upon a more generous dowry. Since additional money for Charlotte would come from Hawkesbury's inheritance, Liverpool refused. He became more adamant on learning Grimston had more wealth than he had admitted. The story echoed Hawkesbury's earlier romance with Louisa. It ended with Charlotte taking her inheritance early so long as Grimston gave his son an additional £500.