India and the War against Napoleon 1802–9

Abstract

In the leisurely manner of the early nineteenth century, several weeks elapsed before the transfer of power from Pitt to Adding-ton was completed. Castlereagh was able to use this interval to make a favourable impression as a government spokesman; when he subsequently spoke as a private member he was already a marked man, and few were surprised when Addington offered him the Presidency of the Board of Control in June 1802. Although Pitt was still encouraging his supporters to assist the government, Castlereagh’s acceptance represented a considerable change from his original attitude to the new ministry. With Pitt committed to the postponement of the Catholic question during the King’s lifetime, Castlereagh was not disposed to waste time in idle opposition on behalf of distant and speculative objectives.¹ He did propose state endowment of the Catholic clergy of Ireland to Addington, but did not press the matter.