George Ticknor, Life, letters and journals of George Ticknor
George Hillard, Ed.

[458] and choice, and, after Baron Zach left the Observatory at Gotha, was for several years the head of it. How he came at the head of affairs in Saxony I know not; but up to 1830, and indeed for some time after that revolution, he had the Portfolio of the Interior. He is liberal in his opinions, but still, not being satisfied with the course of affairs, he resigned his place two or three years ago. This, however, created so much uneasiness in the country, that he was induced to keep the place of President of the Council; and, in order to have something to do, chose the Public Libraries, the Collections in the Arts and Sciences, etc., and the Institutions for the Poor as his department, but took no portfolio. His salary is a thousand rix dollars, fixed by himself; but, being a man of good property, he subscribed the same day fifteen hundred dollars towards the support of the poor. He is about fifty years old; a bachelor, living very simply; goes into no company and receives little; studies mathematics in his fine library of about 10,000 volumes; and, though he has so little charge in the state directly, has the reputation of controlling its policy and its more general interests more than any other of the Ministry.

I found him prompt, ready, business-like. On the points where I wanted some information from him he was clear and precise, kind and useful. On the points where he was disposed to make conversation with me,—especially in all that relates to America,—he was acute and sagacious; the only person I have yet found who seemed to have right notions about De Tocqueville's book. His manner is very alert, and uncommonly agreeable.

Early in the week I delivered my letters from Lord Palmerston and Miss Edgeworth to the British Minister here, and we have, in consequence, been most kindly received. He is the son of Lord Granard, and nephew of the late Marquis of Hastings,—better known as the Prince of Wales's Earl of Moira and the South Carolina Lord Rawdon,—and he lives here in a very pleasant, hospitable, and comfortable style, as a bachelor. His sister, Lady Rancliffe,—now, I think, just about fifty,—pleasant and good-natured, is here on a visit to him. Mr. Forbes is, I should think, not far from the age of his sister, and has been for a great many years in the diplomatic service of England,—at Lisbon, Vienna, etc.,—but he has never been a full minister till he was sent as such to this Court, two or three years ago. He seems extremely good-humored, and much disposed to do what will be useful and agreeable to us, and came with Lady Rancliffe and spent part of last evening with us.

One evening he carried me to the house of General Watzdorff,—