[Biographical account of Lord Castlereagh] [19th century]Lieven, Dar'fa Kristoforovna (Benckendorff), kniaginia, 1785-1857Bibliographical file completely digitized.Manuscript, in a single hand, with numerous corrections, which records the deteriorating political life and mental state of Robert Stewart, 2nd marquis of Londonderry and viscount Castlreagh, from George IV's ascension to the throne in 1820 to Castlereagh's suicide in 1822. The document traces the adverse political relationship between Castlereagh and George IV's mistress Lady Conyngham, the feud between Lady Conyngham and Castlereagh's wife, Castlereagh's accusations against Lieven when she attempted to smooth over the quarrels, and his increasingly erratic behavior. She records a conversation in which he tells the king, "Je suis fou. Je sais que je suis fou. Je le sais depuis quelque temps, mais personne ne s'en doute." The document concludes with a description of Castlereagh's suicide by penknife.For information on the source of acquisition, consult the appropriate curator.Typewritten English transcript in bibliographical file.text