The resignation of Sir Frederick Middleton: 'I think he was wrong throughout ... I may tell your Royal Highness privately, that of late Sir [Joseph Philippe Rene] A[dolphe] Caron, formerly an excellent minister, and at all times a most able man, has for various causes (it is said not unconnected with a lady) neglected everything, and practically brought the work of his department to a standstill. Middleton was made his finger and thumb - he knew too much of this unhappy fur business, and so between the two I could get absolutely nothing done'; the poor state of the Canadian militia; 'Crichton' a disgrace to the Grenadier Guards.