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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Letters of Queen Victoria, Vol 2 (of
+3), 1844-1853, by Queen Victoria
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Letters of Queen Victoria, Vol 2 (of 3), 1844-1853
+       A Selection from her Majesty's correspondence between the
+       years 1837 and 1861
+
+Author: Queen Victoria
+
+Editor: Arthur Christopher Benson
+        (Viscount) Esher
+
+Release Date: March 8, 2008 [EBook #24780]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS--QUEEN VICTORIA, 1844-1853 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Paul Murray, Lesley Halamek and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: H.M. QUEEN VICTORIA, 1843
+From the picture by F. Winterhalter at Windsor Castle
+_Frontispiece, Vol. II._]
+
+
+
+
+  THE LETTERS OF
+  QUEEN VICTORIA
+
+  A SELECTION FROM HER MAJESTY'S
+  CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE YEARS
+  1837 AND 1861
+
+  PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF
+  HIS MAJESTY THE KING
+
+  EDITED BY ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER BENSON, M.A.
+  AND VISCOUNT ESHER, G.C.V.O., K.C.B.
+
+  IN THREE VOLUMES
+
+  VOL. II.--1844-1853
+
+  LONDON
+  JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET, W.
+  1908
+
+
+
+
+  _Copyright in Great Britain and Dependencies, 1907, by_
+  H.M. THE KING.
+
+  _In the United States by_ Messrs LONGMANS, GREEN & CO.
+  _All rights reserved_.
+
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIII
+
+  1844                                                      PAGES
+
+    Duc de Bordeaux--Hanoverian Orders--Domestic happiness--Death
+    of the Duke of Coburg--Lord Melbourne on old age--Recall
+    of Lord Ellenborough--Uncle and niece--Lord Ellenborough's
+    honours--Prince de Joinville's _brochure_--The Emperor
+    Nicholas--A great review--At the Opera--The Emperor's
+    character--The Emperor and Belgium--Crisis in Parliament--The
+    King of Saxony--Lord Ellenborough and India--England,
+    France, and Russia--France and Tahiti--King Louis Philippe
+    expected--Arrangements for the visit--Queen Louise's
+    solicitude--Arrival of King Louis Philippe--A successful
+    visit--The King's departure--Opening of the Royal
+    Exchange--Gift to the Prince of Wales--Education in India 1-29
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIV
+
+  1845
+
+    The Spanish marriages--Position of the Prince--Title of King
+    Consort--Purchase of Osborne--Maynooth grant--Religious
+    bigotry--Public executions--Birthday letter--Princess
+    Charlotte--Vacant Deanery--Wine from Australia--King of
+    Holland--Projected visit to Germany--Question of Lords
+    Justices--Visit to the Château d'Eu--Spanish marriages--The
+    Prince criticised--Governor-Generalship of Canada--Corn
+    Laws--Cabinet dissensions--Interview with Sir Robert
+    Peel--Lord John Russell suggested--Attitude of Lord
+    Melbourne--The Queen's embarrassment--Attitude of Sir Robert
+    Peel--Lord Stanley resigns--The Commandership-in-Chief--Duke
+    of Wellington-- King Louis Philippe--Anxiety for the
+    future--Insuperable difficulties--Lord Grey and Lord
+    Palmerston--Lord John Russell fails--Chivalry of Sir Robert
+    Peel--He resumes office--Cordial support--The Queen's
+    estimate of Sir Robert Peel--Lord Stanley--The Prince's
+    Memorandum--Comprehensive scheme--The unemployed--Lord
+    Palmerston's justification--France and the Syrian War--Letter
+    to King Louis Philippe--Ministry reinstated             30-70
+
+
+  CHAPTER XV
+
+  1846
+
+    Sir Robert Peel's speech--Extension of Indian Empire--Bravery
+    of English troops--Death of Sir Robert Sale--Memorandum by
+    the Prince--Celebration of victory--Letter from King Louis
+    Philippe--Irish Crimes Bill--Attack on Sir Robert Peel--His
+    resignation--Intrigues--End of Oregon dispute--Sir Robert
+    Peel's tribute to Cobden--New Government--Cobden and the
+    Whigs--Parting with the Ministers--Whig jealousies--A
+    weak Ministry--Anxieties--French Royal Family--Spanish
+    marriages--Portugal--Prerogative of dissolution--Views of Lord
+    Melbourne--The Prince and Sir Robert Peel--Proposed visit
+    to Ireland--Government of Canada--Wellington statue--Lord
+    Palmerston and Spain--Instructions to Mr Bulwer--Don
+    Enrique--Sudden decision--Double engagement--The Queen's
+    indignation--Letter to the Queen of the French--View of
+    English Government--Letter to King Leopold--Baron Stockmar's
+    opinion--Letter to Queen Louise--Lord Palmerston and
+    the French--Princess of Prussia--England and the Three
+    Powers--Interruption of _entente cordiale_--Spanish
+    marriages--Peninsular medal--Duke of Wellington's
+    view--England and Portugal--The Queen's decision on Peninsular
+    medal--Cracow                                           71-114
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVI
+
+  1847
+
+    England and Portugal--Peaceable policy advised--Spain and
+    Portugal--Sir Hamilton Seymour--Septennial Act--Church
+    preferments--Jenny Lind--Wellington statue--Prosperity in
+    India--General election--Earldom of Strafford--Mission to the
+    Vatican--Portugal--Crisis in the City--Lord-Lieutenancy of
+    Ireland--Mr Cobden--Foreign policy--Queen of Spain--Queen
+    of Portugal--Hampden controversy--Lord Palmerston's
+    despatches--Civil war in Switzerland--Letter from King of
+    Prussia--The Queen's reply--The Bishops and Dr Hampden 115-140
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVII
+
+  1848
+
+    Death of Madame Adélaïde--Grief of Queen Louise--The
+    Queen's sympathy--England and the Porte--Improvements
+    at Claremont--Revolution in France--Flight of the Royal
+    Family--Letter from King of Prussia--Anarchy in Paris--Queen
+    Louise's anxiety--Revolution foreseen--England's
+    hospitality--New French Government--British Consul's
+    plan--Escape of the King and Queen--Graphic narrative--Plan
+    successful--Arrival in England--Reception at Claremont--Letter
+    of gratitude--Flight of Guizot--Royal fugitives--Orleanist
+    blunders--Letter to Lord Melbourne--The Czar on the
+    situation--State of Germany--Chartist demonstration--Prince
+    Albert and the unemployed--Chartist fiasco--Alarming state of
+    Ireland--Conduct of the Belgians--Events in France--Anxiety
+    in Germany--Italy--Spain--The French Royal Family--Affairs
+    in Lombardy--Sir Henry Bulwer--Lord Palmerston's
+    justification--Instructions to Sir H. Seymour--Lord
+    Palmerston's drafts--England and Italy--Lord Minto's
+    mission--Duchesse de Nemours--Commissions in the
+    Army--Northern Italy--Irish rebellion--Minor German states--An
+    ambassador to France--The Queen's displeasure--Opening the
+    Queen's letters--Lord Palmerston and Italy--Austria declines
+    mediation--Austria and Italy--In the Highlands--The Queen
+    and Lord Palmerston--Affairs in the Punjab--Hostility of
+    the Sikhs--Greece--State of Germany--Letter of the Prince
+    of Leiningen--Sir Harry Smith at the Cape--Governorship of
+    Gibraltar--Mediation in Italy--Death of Lord Melbourne--The
+    Orleans family--Letter from the Pope--The French
+    President--Relations with France--England slighted     141-207
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVIII
+
+  1849
+
+    Letter to the Pope--Letter from President of French
+    Republic--Lord Palmerston and Naples--The army in India--State
+    of the Continent--France and the President--Gaelic and
+    Welsh--Lord Gough superseded--End of the Sikh War--Courage
+    of Mrs G. Lawrence--Letter from King of Sardinia--Novara--The
+    Queen fired at by Hamilton--Annexation of the Punjab--Drafts
+    and despatches--Schleswig-Holstein Question--Proposed visit
+    to Ireland--Irish title for the young Prince--Cork and
+    Waterford--The Irish visit--Enthusiasm in Ireland--Brevet
+    promotions--New Coal Exchange--Critical position of
+    Germany--Death of Queen Adelaide                      208-230
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIX
+
+  1850
+
+    Grand Duchess Stéphanie--The Draft to Greece--Lord
+    Palmerston's explanation--Lord John Russell's plan--Suggested
+    rearrangement--_Status quo_ maintained--Baron Stockmar's
+    Memorandum--State of France--The Prince's speech--Lord
+    Palmerston and Spain--Lord Howden--The Koh-i-noor diamond--A
+    change imminent--Lord John Russell's report--Sunday delivery
+    of letters--Prince George of Cambridge--The Earldom
+    of Tipperary--Mr Roebuck's motion--Lord Stanley's
+    motion--Holstein and Germany--Lord Palmerston's
+    explanation--The Protocol--Christening of Prince Arthur--Don
+    Pacifico Debate--Sir Robert Peel's accident--Letter from King
+    of Denmark--Death of Sir Robert Peel--The Queen assaulted
+    by Pate--Death of Duke of Cambridge--Prince of Prussia--The
+    Foreign Office--Denmark and Schleswig--Sir Charles Napier's
+    resignation--Lord Palmerston--Lord Clarendon's opinion--Duke
+    of Bedford's opinion--Lord John Russell's report--Press
+    attacks on Lord Palmerston--Duties of Foreign Secretary--Death
+    of King Louis Philippe--Visit to Scotland--Illness of Queen
+    Louise--Attack on General Haynau--Note to Baron Koller--The
+    Draft gone--Lord Palmerston rebuked--Holstein--A great
+    grief--Mr Tennyson made Poet Laureate--Ritualists and
+    Roman Catholics--Unrest in Europe--England and
+    Germany--Constitutionalism in Germany--Austria and
+    Prussia--Religious strife--England and Rome--Lady Peel--The
+    Papal aggression--Ecclesiastical Titles Bill            231-282
+
+
+  CHAPTER XX
+
+  1851
+
+    Life Peerages--Diplomatic arrangements--Peril of the
+    Ministry--Negotiations with Sir J. Graham--Defeat of the
+    Government--Ministerial crisis--The Premier's
+    statement--Lord Lansdowne consulted--Lord Stanley sent
+    for--Complications--Fiscal policy--Sir James Graham--Duke
+    of Wellington--Difficulties--Lord Aberdeen consulted--Lord
+    Stanley to be sent for--His letter--Lord Stanley's
+    difficulties--Mr Disraeli--Question of dissolution--
+    Explanations--Lord Stanley resigns--His reasons--The Papal
+    Bill--Duke of Wellington--Appeal to Lord Lansdowne--Still
+    without a Government--Lord Lansdowne's views--Further
+    difficulties--Coalition impossible--Income Tax--Free Trade
+    --Ecclesiastical Titles Bill--Confusion of Parties--New
+    National Gallery--The great Exhibition--Imposing
+    ceremony--The Prince's triumph--Enthusiasm in the City--Danish
+    succession--The Orleans Princes--Regret at leaving
+    Scotland--Extension of the Franchise--Louis Kossuth--Lord
+    Palmerston's intentions--A dispute--Lord Palmerston
+    defiant--He gives way--The Queen's anxiety--Lord Palmerston's
+    conduct--The Queen's comment--Death of King of Hanover--The
+    Suffrage--The _Coup d'État_--Louis Bonaparte--Excitement
+    in France--Lord Palmerston and Lord Normanby--State of
+    Paris--Lord Palmerston's approval--Birthday wishes--The
+    crisis--Dismissal of Lord Palmerston--Inconsistency of
+    Lord Palmerston--The Prince's Memorandum--Lord
+    Clarendon--Discussion on new arrangements--Count Walewski
+    informed--Lord Granville's appointment--The Queen's view of
+    foreign affairs--Our policy reviewed--Difficulty of fixed
+    principles--Prince Nicholas of Nassau--_Te Deum_ at Paris
+                                                      283-355
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXI
+
+  1852
+
+    Denmark--Possible fusion of parties--Orleans family--Draft of
+    the Speech--Women and politics--New Houses of Parliament--Lord
+    Palmerston's discomfiture--M. Thiers--The Prince and the
+    Army--Pressure of business--Defeat on Militia Bill--Interview
+    with Lord John Russell--Resignation of the Ministry--The Queen
+    sends for Lord Derby--Lord Derby and Lord Palmerston--New
+    appointments--New Foreign Secretary--Interview with
+    Lord Derby--Louis Napoleon--Audiences--Ladies of the
+    Household--Lord Derby and the Church--Adherence to
+    treaties--The Sovereign "People"--New Militia Bill--England
+    and Austria--Letter from Mr Disraeli--"Necessary"
+    measures--Question of dissolution--Lord Derby
+    hopeful--Progress of democracy--England and Italy--Militia
+    Bill carried--France and the Bourbons--Louis Napoleon's
+    position--Excitement at Stockport--The Queen inherits
+    a fortune--Death of Duke of Wellington--Military
+    appointments--Nation in mourning--Funeral
+    arrangements--Anecdote of Napoleon III.--England and the
+    Emperor--National defences--Financial arrangements--Lord
+    Dalhousie's tribute--Funeral ceremony--Confusion of
+    parties--Lord Palmerston's position--Mr Disraeli and Mr
+    Gladstone--Recognition of the Empire--Budget speech--Letter to
+    the French Emperor--Secret protocol--Difficult situation--The
+    Queen's unwillingness to decide--Injunctions to
+    Lord Derby--Defeat of the Government--Lord Derby's
+    resignation--Lord Aberdeen sent for--His interview with
+    the Queen--Lord Aberdeen in office--Lord John Russell's
+    hesitation--Letter from Mr. Disraeli--The Queen's
+    anxiety--Christmas presents--Lord Derby's intentions--New
+    Government--Mr Gladstone at the Exchequer--The Emperor's
+    annoyance--Appointments--Protracted crisis--The Cabinet--Lord
+    Derby takes leave--Letter from Lady Derby--Change of
+    seals--Peace restored--A strong Cabinet               356-430
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXII
+
+  1853
+
+    The Emperor's annoyance--Headmastership of Eton--Marriage of
+    Emperor of the French--Mademoiselle Eugénie de Montijo--Baron
+    Beyens on the situation--Emperor of Russia and the Turkish
+    Empire--Lord John Russell and leadership of House of
+    Commons--Count Buol and refugees--Kossuth and Mazzini
+    proclamations--Want of arms for the Militia--Russian fleet at
+    Constantinople--French irritation--Russia's demands--Russia
+    and England--Liberation of the Madiai--Letter from Emperor
+    of Russia--Birth of Prince Leopold--Mr Gladstone's budget
+    speech--Congratulations from the Prince--India Bill--Emperor
+    of Austria--Church of England in the Colonies--Oriental
+    Question--Death of Lady Dalhousie--Lord Palmerston and Lord
+    Aberdeen--Russia, Austria, and Turkey--England's policy--The
+    Queen's views on the Eastern despatches--Proposed terms of
+    settlement--Lord John Russell's retirement--Letter from the
+    Emperor of Russia--Lord Stratford's desire for war--Letter to
+    the Emperor of Russia--France and the Eastern Question--Letter
+    from the Emperor of Russia--Reform Bill--Lord Palmerston's
+    position--Lord Lansdowne's influence--Resignation of Lord
+    Palmerston--Lord Stratford's despatch--Draft to Vienna--Return
+    of Lord Palmerston to office                          431-472
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+  H.M. QUEEN VICTORIA, 1843. _From the picture by
+  F. Winterhalter at Windsor Castle_      _Frontispiece_
+
+  H.M. MARIE AMÉLIE, QUEEN OF THE FRENCH, 1828.
+  _From the miniature by Millet at Windsor Castle_
+                                          _Facing p._ 104
+
+  "THE COUSINS." H.M. Queen Victoria and the
+  Duchess of Nemours, who was a Princess of
+  Saxe-Coburg and first cousin to the Queen and
+  the Prince Consort. _From the picture by F.
+  Winterhalter at Buckingham Palace_             "    168
+
+  BARON STOCKMAR. _From the portrait by John Partridge
+  at Buckingham Palace_                          "    240
+
+  Field-Marshal THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON, K.G.
+  Believed to be by Count d'Orsay. _From a
+  miniature at Apsley House_                     "    392
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XIII
+
+
+The new year (1844) opened with signs of improved trade, and a feeling
+of confidence, partly due to the friendly _entente_ with France. In
+Ireland, soon after the collapse of the Clontarf meeting, O'Connell
+and some of his associates were indicted for seditious conspiracy,
+and convicted. The conviction was subsequently quashed on technical
+grounds, but O'Connell's political influence was at an end. In
+Parliament, owing chiefly to the exertions of Lord Ashley (afterwards
+Earl of Shaftesbury), an important Bill was passed restricting factory
+labour, and limiting its hours. The Bank Charter Act, separating the
+issue and banking departments, as well as regulating the note issue
+of the Bank of England in proportion to its stock of gold, also
+became law. Meanwhile the dissensions in the Conservative party were
+increasing, and the Ministry were defeated on a motion made by their
+own supporters to extend the preferential treatment of colonial
+produce. With great difficulty the vote was rescinded and a crisis
+averted; but the Young England section of the Tory party were becoming
+more and more an embarrassment to the Premier. Towards the end of
+the year the new Royal Exchange was opened amid much ceremony by the
+Queen.
+
+The services rendered by Sir Charles Napier in India were the subject
+of votes of thanks in both Houses, but shortly afterwards Lord
+Ellenborough, the Governor-General, was recalled by the Directors
+of the East India Company: their action was no doubt due to his
+overbearing methods and love of display, but it was disapproved by the
+Ministry, and Lord Ellenborough was accorded an Earldom.
+
+During the year there was a recrudescence of the friction between this
+country and France, due partly to questions as to the right of search
+of foreign ships, partly to a _brochure_ issued by the Prince de
+Joinville, a son of Louis Philippe, partly to the assumption of French
+sovereignty over Tahiti and the seizure of the English consul there
+by the French authorities. Reparation however was made, and the
+ill-feeling subsided sufficiently to enable the King of the French to
+visit Queen Victoria,--the first friendly visit ever paid by a
+French king to the Sovereign of England. Louis Philippe was cordially
+received in this country.
+
+Another historic royal visit also took place in 1844, that of the
+Emperor Nicholas, who no doubt was so much impressed with his friendly
+reception, both by the Court and by Aberdeen, the Foreign Secretary,
+that nine years later he thought he could calculate on the support of
+England under Aberdeen (then Premier) in a scheme for the partition
+of Turkey. Lord Malmesbury, who a few years later became Foreign
+Secretary, states in his memoirs that during this visit, the Czar, Sir
+Robert Peel, the Duke of Wellington, and Lord Aberdeen "drew up and
+signed a Memorandum, the spirit and scope of which was to support
+Russia in her legitimate protectorship of the Greek religion and
+the Holy Shrines, and to do so without consulting France," but
+the Memorandum was in reality only one made by Nicholas of his
+recollection of the interview, and communicated subsequently to Lord
+Aberdeen.
+
+No events of special interest took place in other parts of Europe;
+the condition of affairs in the Peninsula improved, though the
+announcement of the unfortunate marriage of the Queen Mother with
+the Duke of Rianzares was not of hopeful augury for the young Queen
+Isabella's future; as a matter of fact, the marriage had taken place
+some time previously.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+1844
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _9th January 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the pleasure of receiving your kind letter of
+the 4th, which is written from Ardenne, where I grieve to see you are
+again gone without my beloved Louise.
+
+Charlotte is the admiration of every one, and I wish much I could have
+seen the three dear children _en représentation_.
+
+Our fat Vic or Pussette learns a verse of _Lamartine_ by heart, which
+ends with "le tableau se déroule à mes pieds"; to show how well she
+had understood this difficult line which Mdlle. Charier had explained
+to her, I must tell you the following _bon mot_. When she was riding
+on her pony, and looking at the cows and sheep, she turned to Mdlle.
+Charier and said: "_Voilà_ le tableau qui se déroule à mes pieds." Is
+not this extraordinary for a little child of three years old? It is
+more like what a person of twenty would say. You have no notion _what_
+a knowing, and I am sorry to say _sly_, little rogue she is, and
+so _obstinate_. She and _le petit Frère_ accompany us to dear old
+Claremont to-day; Alice remains here under Lady Lyttelton's care. How
+sorry I am that you should have hurt your leg, and in such a provoking
+way; Albert says he remembers well your playing often with a pen-knife
+when you talked, and I remember it also, but it is really dangerous.
+
+I am happy that the news from Paris are good; the really good
+understanding between our two Governments provokes the Carlists and
+Anarchists. Bordeaux[1] is not yet gone; I saw in a letter that it was
+_debated_ in his presence whether he was on any favourable occasion
+_de se présenter en France!_Do you think that possible? Then again
+the papers say that there are fortifications being made on the coast
+of Normandy for fear of an invasion; is this so? These are many
+questions, but I hope you will kindly answer them, as they interest
+me. With Albert's love. Believe me, ever, your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 1: The Duc de Bordeaux, only son of the Duc de
+    Berri, had by the death of Charles X. and the renunciation
+    of all claims to the French Throne on the part of the Duc
+    d'Angoulême, become the representative of the elder branch of
+    the Bourbons. He had intended his visit to England to have a
+    private character only.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+CLAREMONT, _10th January 1844_.
+
+The Queen understands that there is a negotiation with Sweden and
+Denmark pending about the cessation of their tribute to Morocco,
+likewise that Prince Metternich has sent a despatch condemning as
+unfair the understanding come to between us and France about the
+Spanish marriage;[2] that there is a notion of exchanging Hong Kong
+for a more healthy colony.
+
+The Queen, taking a deep interest in all these matters, and feeling it
+her duty to do so, begs Lord Aberdeen to keep her always well informed
+of what is on the _tapis_ in his Department.
+
+    [Footnote 2: _See ante_, vol. i. p. 487.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+CLAREMONT, _13th January 1844._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of the 10th, and returns
+him the papers which he sent her, with her best thanks. She does not
+remember to have seen them before.
+
+The Queen takes this opportunity to beg Lord Aberdeen to cause the
+despatches to be sent a little sooner from the Foreign Office,
+as drafts in particular have often come to the Queen a week or a
+fortnight after they had actually been sent across the sea.
+
+With respect to the Hanoverian Orders, Lord Aberdeen has not quite
+understood what the Queen meant. It was Sir C. Thornton and others
+to whom the Queen had refused permission to accept the favour, on a
+former occasion, by which the King of Hanover was much affronted. The
+Queen would not like to have herself additionally fettered by any new
+regulation, but Lord Aberdeen will certainly concur with the Queen
+that it would not be expedient to give to the King of Hanover a power
+which the Queen herself does not possess, viz. that of granting orders
+as favours, or for personal services; as the number of the different
+classes of the Guelphic Order bestowed on Englishmen is innumerable,
+it would actually invest the King with such a power, which,
+considering how much such things are sought after, might be extremely
+inconvenient.
+
+The Queen will not give a final decision upon this case until she
+returns to Windsor, where she has papers explanatory of the reasons
+which caused her to decline the King of Hanover's application in 1838.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A CARRIAGE ACCIDENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+CLAREMONT, _16th January 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your kind letter of the 11th.
+Louise can give you the details of the little upset I and Lady Douro
+had, and which I did not think worth while to mention.[3] It was the
+strangest thing possible to happen, and the most _unlikely_, for we
+were going quite quietly, not at all in a narrow lane, with very quiet
+ponies and my usual postillion; the fact was that the boy looked the
+_wrong_ way, and therefore did not perceive the ditch which he so
+cleverly got us into.
+
+We leave dear Claremont, as usual, with the greatest regret; we are
+so peaceable here; Windsor is beautiful and comfortable, but it is a
+_palace_, and God knows _how willingly_ I would _always_ live with my
+beloved Albert and our children in the quiet and retirement of private
+life, and not be the constant object of observation, and of newspaper
+articles. The children (Pussette and Bertie) have been most remarkably
+well, and so have we, in spite of the very bad weather we had most
+days. I am truly and really grieved that good excellent Nemours
+is again _not_ to get his _dotation_.[4] Really we constitutional
+countries are _too shabby_.
+
+Now, dearest Uncle, I must bid you adieu, begging you to believe me,
+ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 3: On the 5th of January the Queen's phaeton was
+    overturned at Horton, near Dachet, while driving to the meet
+    of Prince Albert's Harriers.]
+
+    [Footnote 4: On the occasion of the marriage of the Duc and
+    Duchesse de Nemours (1840), the proposal made by the Soult
+    Government for a Parliamentary grant of 500,000 francs had
+    been rejected.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FRANCE AND ENGLAND]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th January 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I must begin by thanking you for your kind letter
+of the 26th, and by wishing you joy that the fête went off _so_ well.
+I am glad Leo will appear at the next ball; he is nearly nine years
+old, and it is good to accustom children of his rank early to these
+things.
+
+Guizot's speech is exceedingly admired, with the exception of his
+having said more than he was justified to do about the right of
+search.[5] Our speech has been very difficult to frame; we should like
+to have mentioned our visits to France and Belgium, but it has been
+found impossible to do so; _France is_ mentioned, and it is the first
+time since 1834!
+
+To-morrow we go up to Town "pour ce bore," as the good King always
+said to me; whenever there were tiresome people to present he always
+said: "Je vous demande pardon de ce _bore_."
+
+I have had a tiresome though not at all violent cold which _I was_
+alarmed might spoil the _sonorousness_ of my voice for the speech on
+Thursday, but it promises well now.
+
+I own I always look with horror to the beginning of a Parliamentary
+campaign.
+
+With Albert's love. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 5: He insisted that French trade must be kept under
+    the exclusive surveillance of the French flag.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF THE DUKE OF COBURG]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th February 1844._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED UNCLE,--_You_ must now be the father to us poor
+bereaved, heartbroken children.[6] To describe to you _all_ that we
+_have_ suffered, all that we _do_ suffer, would be difficult; God has
+heavily afflicted us; we feel crushed, overwhelmed, bowed down by
+the loss of one who was so deservedly loved, I may say adored, by his
+children and family; I loved him and looked on him as my own father;
+his like we shall _not see again_; that youth, _that amiability_, and
+kindness in his own house which was the centre and rendezvous for the
+whole family, will never be seen again, and my poor Angel's fondest
+thought of beholding that _dearly beloved Vaterhaus_--where his
+thoughts continually were--_again_ is for ever gone and his poor
+heart bleeds to feel _this_ is for ever gone. Our promised visit,
+our dearest Papa's, and our fondest wish, all is put an end to. The
+violence of our grief may be over, but the desolate feeling which
+succeeds it is worse, and tears are a relief. I have never known real
+_grief_ till now, and it has made a lasting impression on me. A father
+is _such_ a _near_ relation, you are a _piece_ of him in fact,--and
+all (as my poor _deeply afflicted_ Angel says) the earliest pleasures
+of your life were given you by a dear father; that can _never be
+replaced_ though time may soften the pang. And indeed one loves to
+_cling_ to one's grief; I can understand Louise's feeling in her
+overwhelming sorrows.
+
+Let me now join my humble entreaties to Albert's, relative to the
+request about dearest Louise, which he has made. It is a sacrifice
+I ask, but if you _knew_ the sacrifice I make in letting and urging
+Albert _to go_, I am sure, if you _can_ you _will_ grant it. I have
+_never_ been separated from him even for _one night_, and the _thought
+of such_ a separation is quite dreadful; still, I feel I _could_ bear
+it,--I have made up my mind to it, as the very _thought_ of going has
+been a comfort to my poor Angel, and will be of such use at Coburg.
+Still, if I were to remain _quite_ alone I do not think I _could_ bear
+it quietly. Therefore _pray_ do send me my dearly beloved Louise; she
+would be _such_ a comfort to me; if you could come too--or afterwards
+(as you promised us a longer visit), that would be still more
+delightful. I may be indiscreet, but you must think of _what_ the
+separation from my _all and all_, even only for a _fortnight_, will be
+to me!
+
+We feel some _years_ older since these days of mourning. Mamma is
+calm, but poor Aunt Julia[7] is indeed much to be pitied. Ever,
+dearest Uncle, your devoted and unhappy Niece and Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 6: The Duke of Saxe-Coburg Gotha died on 29th
+    January.]
+
+    [Footnote 7: The Grand Duchess Constantine of Russia,
+    sister of the Duchess of Kent and of the deceased Duke of
+    Saxe-Coburg.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: BEREAVEMENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th February 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your dear, kind but sad letter of the
+8th on Sunday, and thank you much for it. God knows, poor dear Uncle,
+you have suffered _enough_ in your life, but you should think, dearest
+Uncle, of _that blessed_ assurance of _eternity_ where we shall _all
+meet again never_ to part; you should think (as we constantly do now)
+that those whom we have lost are far happier than we are, and _love
+us_ still, and in a far more perfect way than _we can_ do in this
+world! When the first moments and days of overwhelming grief are over
+these reflections are the greatest balm, the greatest consolation to
+the bleeding heart.
+
+I hope you will kindly let me have a few lines of _hope_ by the
+Tuesday's messenger. Ever your truly devoted Niece and Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+_P.S._--O'Connell's being pronounced guilty is a great triumph.[8]
+
+    [Footnote 8: He had been indicted with Charles Gavan Duffy and
+    others for seditious conspiracy.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
+
+SOUTH STREET, _3rd April 1844._
+
+Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, with many
+thanks for your Majesty's note of the 28th ult. Lord Melbourne
+believes that your Majesty is quite right in saying that Lord
+Melbourne has still some health left, if he will but take care of
+it. Lord Melbourne told Dr Holland, without mentioning your Majesty's
+name, that this had been said to him by a friend, and Dr Holland
+immediately said that it was very just and true, and very well
+expressed, and quite what he should have said himself. At the same
+time, the change from strength to weakness and the evident progress
+of decadence is a very hard and disagreeable trial. Lord Melbourne has
+been reading Cicero on old age, a very pretty treatise, but he does
+not find much consolation after it; the principal practical resources
+and alleviations which he recommends are agriculture and gardening, to
+both of which, but more particularly to the latter, Lord Melbourne has
+already had recourse. It is certainly, as your Majesty says, wrong to
+be impatient and to repine at everything, but still it is difficult
+not to be so. Lady Uxbridge's death[9] is a shocking event, a
+dreadful loss to him and to all. Lord Melbourne always liked her. Lord
+Melbourne is going down to Brocket Hall to-morrow, and will try to get
+Uxbridge and the girls to come over and dine.
+
+Lord Melbourne has felt very much for the grief which your Majesty
+must feel at a separation, even short and temporary, from the Prince,
+and it is extremely amiable to feel comforted by the recollection
+of the extreme pleasure which his visit will give to his and your
+Majesty's relations. It is, of course, impossible that your Majesty
+should in travelling divest yourself of your character and dignity.
+
+Lord Melbourne has just driven round the Regent's Park, where there
+are many almond trees in bloom, and looking beautiful.
+
+    [Footnote 9: Henrietta Maria, daughter of Sir Charles Bagot,
+    G.C.B.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: RECALL OF LORD ELLENBOROUGH]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _23rd April 1844._
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave to
+acquaint your Majesty that he has every reason to believe that the
+Court of Directors will _to-morrow_, by an unanimous vote, resolve on
+the actual recall of Lord Ellenborough.[10]
+
+    [Footnote 10: This anomalous privilege was exercised by the
+    Directors in consequence chiefly of what they considered Lord
+    Ellenborough's overbearing demeanour in communication with
+    them, his too aggressive policy, and his theatrical love of
+    display.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+Buckingham Palace, _23rd April 1844._
+
+The Queen has heard with the greatest regret from Sir R. Peel that the
+Court of Directors, after all, mean to recall Lord Ellenborough. She
+cannot but consider this _very_ unwise at this critical moment, and a
+very ungrateful return for the eminent services Lord Ellenborough has
+rendered to the Company in India. They ought not to forget so soon in
+what state Lord Ellenborough found affairs in 1842. The Queen would
+not be sorry if these gentlemen knew that this is her opinion.
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+Laeken, _3rd May 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Whenever you wish to make me _truly happy_, you
+will have the power of doing so by repeating expressions as kind and
+affectionate as those contained in your dear little letter of the
+30th. I have ever had the care and affection of a _real father_ for
+you, and it has perhaps even been freer from many drawbacks which
+occasionally will exist betwixt parents and children, be they ever
+so well and affectionately together. With me, even from the moment in
+January 1820, when I was called by a messenger to Sidmouth, my care
+for you has been unremitting, and never has there been a cloud between
+us.... A thing which often strikes me, in a very satisfactory manner,
+is that we never had any bitter words, a thing which happens even with
+people who are very lovingly together; and the little row which we
+had in 1838 you remember well, and do not now think that _I_
+was wrong.[11] _De pareilles relations sont rares; may they ever
+continue!_
+
+I cannot leave this more serious topic without adding that though you
+were always warm-hearted and right-minded, it must strike yourself how
+matured every kind and good feeling is in your generous heart. _The
+heart, and not the head, is the safest guide in positions like yours_,
+and this not only for this earthly and very short life, but for that
+which we must hope for hereafter. When a life draws nearer its close,
+how many earthly concerns are there that appear _still in the same
+light_? and how clearly the mind is struck that nothing has been and
+is still of _real_ value, than the nobler and better feelings of the
+heart; the only good we can hope to keep as a precious store for the
+future. What do we keep of youth, beauty, richness, power, and even
+the greatest extent of earthly possessions? NOTHING! ... Your truly
+devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 11: _See_ Letters of Queen Victoria and the King of
+    the Belgians, _ante_, vol. i. pp. 116-120.]
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: HONOURS FOR LORD ELLENBOROUGH]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _5th May 1844._
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, and believing
+that he is acting in accordance with your Majesty's own opinion,
+begs leave to submit to your Majesty that it may be advisable that he
+should by the present mail inform Lord Ellenborough that it is your
+Majesty's intention to confer on him, at a very early period, as a
+mark of your Majesty's approval of Lord Ellenborough's conduct and
+services in India, the rank of an Earl and the Grand Cross of the
+Bath.
+
+Lord Ellenborough may be at liberty (should your Majesty approve) to
+notify this publicly in India--and thus make it known that the general
+line of policy recently pursued has had the full sanction of your
+Majesty, and will not be departed from.
+
+These were the honours conferred upon Lord Auckland.
+
+If they were conferred _on the instant_, it might rather seem a rebuke
+to the East India Company than a deliberate approval of the conduct
+of Lord Ellenborough, but these honours might shortly follow
+the conclusion of the affair respecting the selection of Lord
+Ellenborough's successor, and any discussion that may arise in
+Parliament.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCE DE JOINVILLE'S _BROCHURE_]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+CLAREMONT, _24th May 1844._
+
+DEAREST UNCLE,--Though _not_ my day I must write you a line to say
+_how vexed_ we are at this _most unfortunate_ and _most imprudent
+brochure_ of Joinville's;[12] it has made a _very bad_ effect here,
+and will rouse all the envy and hatred between the _two Navies_ again,
+which it was our great effort to subdue--and this _all_ for _nothing!_
+I can't tell you how angry people are, and how poor Hadjy will get
+abused. And this _all_ after our having been on such intimate terms
+with him and having _sailed_ with him! If he comes here, _what_ shall
+we do? Receive with open arms one who has talked of ravaging our
+coasts and burning our towns? Indeed it is most lamentable; you know
+how we like him, and that therefore it must be very annoying to us to
+see him get himself into such a scrape. _We_ shall overlook it, but
+the people _here_ won't! It _will_ blow over, but it will do immense
+harm. We who wish to become more and more closely united with the
+French family are, of course, much put out by this return. We
+shall forgive and forget, and feel it was _not_ intended to be
+published--but the public _here_ will _not_ so easily, and will put
+the worst construction on it all.
+
+Pray, dearest Uncle, tell me what _could_ possess Joinville to write
+it, and still more to have it printed? Won't it annoy the King and
+Nemours very much? _Enfin c'est malheureux, c'est indiscret au plus
+haut degré_--and it provokes and vexes us sadly. Tell me _all_ you
+_know_ and think about it; for you _can_ do so with perfect safety by
+our courier.
+
+I have written dearest Louise an account of my _old_ birthday, which
+will please you, I think. The weather is very fine. Ever your _truly_
+devoted Niece and Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+[Footnote 12: The _brochure_ was entitled, _Notes sur les forces
+navales de la France_. The Prince de Joinville wrote as follows to the
+Queen: "Le malheureux éclat de ma brochure, le tracas que cela donne
+au Père et à la Reine, me font regretter vivement de l'avoir faite.
+Comme je l'écris à ton Roi, je ne renvoie que mépris à toutes les
+interprétations qu'on y donne; ce que peuvent dire ministre et
+journaux ne me touche en rien, mais il n'y a pas de sacrifices que je
+ne suis disposé à faire pour l'intérieur de la Famille."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR NICHOLAS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+_29th May 1844._
+
+If Lord Aberdeen should not have read the Prince de Joinville's
+pamphlet, the Queen recommends him to do so, as one cannot judge
+fairly by the extracts in the newspapers. Though it does not lessen
+the extreme imprudence of the Prince's publishing what must do harm
+to the various French Governments, it certainly is _not_ intentionally
+written to offend England, and on the contrary frankly proves _us_ to
+be immensely superior to the French Navy in every way.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _4th June 1844._
+
+MY BELOVED UNCLE,--I gave Louise a long and detailed description of
+the Emperor,[13] etc. The papers are full of the details. A great
+event and a great compliment _his_ visit certainly is, and the
+people _here_ are extremely flattered at it. He is certainly a _very
+striking_ man; still very handsome; his profile is _beautiful_, and
+his manners _most_ dignified and graceful; extremely civil--quite
+alarmingly so, as he is so full of attentions and _politesses_. But
+the expression of the _eyes_ is _formidable_, and unlike anything I
+ever saw before. He gives me and Albert the impression of a man who is
+_not_ happy, and on whom the weight of his immense power and position
+weighs heavily and painfully; he seldom smiles, and when he does
+the expression is _not_ a happy one. He is very easy to get on with.
+Really, it seems like a dream when I think that we breakfast and walk
+out with _this_ greatest of all earthly Potentates as quietly as if we
+walked, etc., with Charles or any one. We took him, with the dear good
+King of Saxony,[14] who is a great contrast to the _Czar_ (and with
+whom I am _quite_ at my ease), to Adelaide Cottage after breakfast.
+The grass here is just as if it had been burned with fire. _How_ many
+different Princes have we not gone the same round with!! The children
+are much admired by the _Sovereigns_--(how _grand_ this sounds!)--and
+Alice allowed the Emperor to take her in his arms, and kissed him _de
+son propre accord_. We are always so thankful that they are _not_ shy.
+Both the Emperor and the King are _quite_ enchanted with Windsor. The
+Emperor said very _poliment_: "C'est digne de vous, Madame." I must
+say the Waterloo Room lit up with that entire service of gold looks
+splendid; and the Reception Room, beautiful to sit in afterwards. The
+Emperor praised _my_ Angel very much, saying: "C'est impossible de
+voir un plus joli garçon; il a l'air si noble et si bon"; which I must
+say _is very_ true. The Emperor amused the King and me by saying he
+was so _embarrassé_ when people were presented to him, and that
+he felt so "_gauche_" _en frac_, which certainly he is quite
+_unaccustomed_ to wear. If we can do anything to get him to do what is
+right by you, we shall be most happy, and Peel and Aberdeen are very
+anxious for it. I believe he leaves on Sunday again. To-morrow there
+is to be a great review, and on Thursday _I_ shall probably go with
+them to the races; _they_ are gone there with Albert to-day, but I
+have remained at home.
+
+I think it is time to conclude my long letter.
+
+If the French are angry at this visit, let their dear King and their
+Princes come; _they_ will be sure of a _truly affectionate_ reception
+on our part. The one which Emperor Nicholas has received is cordial
+and civil, _mais ne vient pas du c[oe]ur_.
+
+I humbly beg that any remarks which may _not_ be favourable to our
+great visitor may _not_ go _beyond_ you and Louise, and _not_ to
+_Paris_. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 13: The Emperor Nicholas of Russia had just arrived
+    on a visit to England.]
+
+    [Footnote 14: Frederick Augustus II.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE REVIEW]
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S IMPRESSIONS]
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR NICHOLAS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+Buckingham Palace, _11th June 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your very kind and long letter of the
+7th on Sunday, and thank you very much for it. I am delighted that
+my accounts interested you, and I shall try and give you some more
+to-day, which you will see come from an unbiassed and impartial mind,
+and which I trust therefore _will_ be relied upon. The excitement has
+ceased as suddenly as it had begun, and I am still confused about it.
+I will go back to where I last left you. The _Revue_[15] on the 5th
+was really very interesting, and our reception as well as that of the
+Emperor _most_ enthusiastic. Louise tells me you had a review the
+same day, and that it also was so hot. Our children were there,
+and charmed. On the 6th we went with the Emperor and King to the
+races,[16] and I never saw such a crowd; again _here_ the reception
+was _most brilliant_. Every evening a large dinner in the Waterloo
+Room, and the two last evenings in uniforms, as the Emperor disliked
+so being _en frac_, and was quite embarrassed in it. On the 7th we
+took him and the King back here, and in the evening had a party of 260
+about. On Saturday (8th) my Angel took the Emperor and King to a very
+elegant breakfast[17] at Chiswick, which I for prudence' sake did
+_not_ go to, but was very sorry for it. In the evening we went to
+the Opera (_not_ in State), but they recognised us, and we were most
+brilliantly received. I had to force the Emperor forward, as he never
+would come forward when I was there, and I was obliged to take him by
+the hand and make him appear; it was impossible to be better bred or
+more respectful than he was towards me. Well, on Sunday afternoon at
+five, he left us (my Angel accompanied him to Woolwich), and he
+was much affected at going, and really unaffectedly touched at his
+reception and stay, the simplicity and quietness of which told upon
+his love of domestic life, which is very great. I will now (having
+told _all_ that has passed) give you _my_ opinion and feelings on the
+subject, which I may say are Albert's also. I was extremely against
+the visit, fearing the _gêne_, and bustle, and even at first, I did
+not feel at _all_ to like it, but by living in the same house together
+quietly and unrestrainedly (and this Albert, and with great truth,
+says is the great advantage of these visits, that I not only _see_
+these great people but _know_ them), I got to know the Emperor and he
+to know me. There is much about him which I cannot help liking, and
+I think his character is _one_ which should be understood, and
+looked upon for _once_ as it is. He is stern and severe--with fixed
+principles of _duty_ which _nothing_ on earth will make him change;
+very _clever_ I do _not_ think him, and his mind is an uncivilised
+one; his education has been neglected; politics and military concerns
+are the only things he takes great interest in; the arts and all
+softer occupations he is insensible to, but he is sincere, I am
+certain, _sincere_ even in his most despotic acts, from a sense that
+that _is_ the _only_ way to govern; he is not, I am sure, aware of the
+dreadful cases of individual misery which he so often causes, for I
+can see by various instances that he is kept in utter ignorance of
+_many_ things, which his people carry out in most corrupt ways, while
+he thinks that he is extremely just. He thinks of general measures,
+but does not look into detail. And I am sure _much_ never reaches
+his ears, and (as you observed), how can it? He asked for _nothing_
+whatever, has merely expressed his great anxiety to be upon the best
+terms with us, but _not_ to the _exclusion of others_, only let things
+remain as they are.... He is I should say, too frank, for he talks
+so openly before people, which he should not do, and with difficulty
+restrains himself. His anxiety _to be believed_ is _very_ great, and
+I must say his personal promises I _am inclined_ to believe; then his
+feelings are very strong; he _feels_ kindness deeply--and his love for
+his wife and children, and for all children, is _very_ great. He has a
+strong feeling for domestic life, saying to me, when our children were
+in the room: "Voilà les doux moments de notre vie." He was not only
+civil, but extremely kind _to us both_, and spoke in the highest
+praise of dearest Albert to Sir Robert Peel, saying he wished any
+Prince in Germany had that ability and sense; he showed Albert great
+confidence, and I _think_ it will do great good, as if _he_ praises
+him abroad it will have great weight. He is _not_ happy, and that
+melancholy which is visible in the countenance made me sad at times;
+the sternness of the eyes goes very much off when you know him,
+and changes according to his being put out (and he _can_ be much
+embarrassed) or not, and also from his being heated, as he suffers
+with congestions to the head. My Angel thinks that he is a man
+inclined too much to give way to impulse and feeling, which makes him
+act wrongly often. His admiration for beauty is very great, and put me
+much in mind of you, when he drove out with us, looking out for
+pretty people. But he remains very faithful to those he admired
+_twenty-eight_ years ago; for instance, Lady Peel, who has hardly
+any remains left. Respecting Belgium he did not speak to _me_, but to
+Albert and the Ministers. As for unkindly feeling towards _you_, he
+disclaims positively any, saying he knew you well, and that you had
+served in the Russian Army, etc., but he says those _unfortunate_
+Poles are the _only_ obstacle, and that he positively cannot
+enter into direct communication _with Belgium_ as long as they are
+_employed_. If you could only somehow or other get rid of them, I am
+sure the thing would be done at once. We all think he _need_ not
+mind this, but I fear he has pledged himself. He admired Charlotte's
+picture. _Pour finir_, I must say one more word or two about his
+personal appearance. He puts us much in mind of his and our cousins
+the Würtembergs, and has altogether much of the Würtemberg family
+about him. He is bald now, but in his Chevalier Garde Uniform he is
+_magnificent_ still, and very _striking_. I cannot deny that we were
+in great anxiety when we took him out lest some Pole might make an
+attempt, and I always felt thankful when we got him safe home again.
+His poor daughter is very ill, I fear. The good King of Saxony[18]
+remains another week with us, and we like him much. He is so
+unassuming. He is out sight-seeing _all_ day, and enchanted with
+everything. I hope that you will persuade the King to come all
+the same in September. Our _motives_ and politics are _not_ to be
+exclusive, but to be on good terms with _all_, and why should we not?
+We make no secret of it.
+
+Now I must end this very long letter. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+You will kindly not _speak_ of these details, but only in _allgemein_
+say the visit went off very satisfactorily on _both sides_, and that
+it was _highly pacific_.
+
+    [Footnote 15: In honour of the Emperor a Review was held in
+    Windsor Great Park.]
+
+    [Footnote 16: At Ascot.]
+
+    [Footnote 17: Given by the Duke of Devonshire.]
+
+    [Footnote 18: See _ante_, p. 12.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A PARLIAMENTARY CRISIS]
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING OF SAXONY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _18th June 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the happiness of receiving your dear and kind
+letter of the 13th on Sunday; your _parties_ at Ardenne must have been
+truly delightful; perhaps some day _we_ may enjoy them too: that would
+be delightful! I can write to you with a light heart, thank goodness,
+to-day, for the Government obtained a majority, which _up_ to the
+_last_ moment last night we feared they would not have, and we have
+been in sad trouble for the last four or five days about it.[19] It
+is the more marvellous, as, if the Government asked for a _Vote_
+of Confidence, they would have a _Majority_ of 100; but this very
+strength makes the supporters of the Government act in a _most_
+unjustifiable manner by continually acting and voting against them,
+_not_ listening to the debates, but coming down and voting against the
+Government. So that we were really in the greatest _possible_ danger
+of having a resignation of the Government _without knowing to whom to
+turn_, and this from the recklessness of a handful of foolish _half_
+"Puseyite" half "Young England"[20] people! I am sure you will agree
+with me that Peel's resignation would not only be for us (for _we
+cannot_ have a better and a _safer_ Minister), but for the whole
+country, and for the peace of Europe--a _great calamity_. Our present
+people are all _safe_, and not led away by impulses and reckless
+passions. We must, however, take care and not get into another crisis;
+for I assure you we have been quite miserable and _quite_ alarmed ever
+since Saturday.
+
+Since I last wrote to you, I spoke to Aberdeen (whom I should be
+equally sorry to lose, as he is so _very fair_, and has served _us
+personally_, so kindly and truly), and he told me that the Emperor has
+_positively pledged_ himself to send a Minister to Brussels the moment
+those Poles are no longer employed;[21] that he is quite aware of
+the importance of the measure, and would be disposed to make the
+arrangement easy, and that he spoke very kindly of _you_ personally.
+Aberdeen says it is not necessary to disgrace them in any way, but
+only for the present _de les éloigner_. The Emperor has evidently some
+time ago made some strong declaration on the subject which he feels
+he cannot get over, and, as I said before, he will not give up what he
+has once pledged his word to. _Then, no one_ on earth _can_ move him.
+_Au fond_, it is a fine _trait_, but he carries it too far. He wrote
+me a _very_ kind and affectionate letter from the Hague. The Emperor
+has given Bertie the Grand Cross of St Andrew, which the boy was quite
+proud of.
+
+Our kind and good King of Saxony leaves us to-morrow, after having
+seen more than anybody has done almost, and having enjoyed it of all
+things. He is quite at home with us and the children, whom he plays
+with much. Alice walks quite alone, and looks too funny, as she is so
+_very_ fat. Now, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 19: The Ministry had been defeated on Mr P. Miles's
+    motion in favour of giving an increased preference to colonial
+    sugar, but on the 17th this vote was rescinded by a majority
+    of twenty-two, Mr Disraeli taunting the Premier with expecting
+    that "upon every division and at every crisis, his gang should
+    appear, and the whip should sound."]
+
+    [Footnote 20: The name given to the group comprising Disraeli,
+    George Smythe, Lord John Manners, etc. See _Coningsby_, which
+    was published about this time.]
+
+    [Footnote 21: See _ante_, p. 15.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
+
+SOUTH STREET, _19th June 1844._
+
+Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks
+your Majesty much for the letter of the 14th inst. Lord Melbourne was
+very glad to have the opportunity of seeing the Emperor of Russia at
+Chiswick. Lord Melbourne humbly believes that the opinion, which your
+Majesty has formed and expresses of the Emperor's character is just,
+and he considers it extremely fortunate that a sovereign of such
+weight and influence in Europe, and with whom it is probable that
+Great Britain will have such near and intimate relations, should also
+be a man upon whose honour and veracity strong reliance may be safely
+and securely placed.
+
+Lord Melbourne is very glad to believe that the late political
+movements, with which the public mind has been agitated, have
+subsided, and are entirely terminated by the last vote of the House
+of Commons, and by the determination evinced to support the
+Administration.[22]
+
+This finishes for the present a business which at one moment seemed
+likely to be troublesome, and out of which there did not appear to
+present itself any hope or practicable escape.
+
+Lord Melbourne will not make any observation upon what is known and
+understood to have passed, further than to say that, as far as he is
+acquainted with the history of public affairs in this country, it is
+an entire novelty, quite new and unprecedented.[23] Many a Minister
+has said to the Crown, "My advice must be taken, and my measures
+must be adopted," but no Minister has ever yet held this language or
+advanced this pretension to either House of Parliament. However, it
+seems to be successful at present, and success will justify much.
+Whether it will tend to permanent strength or a steady conduct of
+public affairs, remains to be seen.
+
+Lord Melbourne begs to be respectfully remembered to His Royal
+Highness.
+
+    [Footnote 22: See _ante_, p. 16.]
+
+    [Footnote 23: Lord Melbourne refers to the House rescinding
+    its own vote.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ELLENBOROUGH]
+
+
+_The Earl of Ellenborough to Queen Victoria._
+
+_22nd June 1844._
+
+Lord Ellenborough, with his most humble duty to your Majesty, humbly
+acquaints your Majesty that on the 15th of June he received
+the announcement of his having been removed from the office of
+Governor-General of India by the Court of Directors. By Lord
+Ellenborough's advice, letters were immediately despatched by express
+to every important native Court to assure the native Princes that this
+change in the person at the head of the Government would effect no
+change in its policy, and Lord Ellenborough himself wrote in similar
+terms to the British Representatives at the several Courts.... Lord
+Ellenborough has written a letter to the Earl of Ripon with reference
+to the reasons alleged by the Court of Directors for his removal
+from office, to which letter he most humbly solicits your Majesty's
+favourable and attentive consideration. It treats of matters deeply
+affecting the good government of India.
+
+Amidst all the difficulties with which he has had to contend in India,
+aggravated as they have been by the constant hostility of the Court of
+Directors, Lord Ellenborough has ever been sustained by the knowledge
+that he was serving a most gracious Mistress, who would place the most
+favourable construction upon his conduct, and he now humbly tenders to
+your Majesty the expression of his gratitude, not only for those marks
+of Royal favour with which it has been intimated to him that it is
+your Majesty's intention to reward his services, but yet more for that
+constant support which has animated all his exertions, and has mainly
+enabled him to place India in the hands of his successor in a state
+of universal peace, the result of two years of victories, and in a
+condition of prosperity heretofore unknown.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND, FRANCE, AND RUSSIA]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _28th June 1844._
+
+MY BELOVED VICTORIA,--I have again to offer my warmest and best thanks
+for a very long and kind letter. I am truly and sincerely happy that
+a Ministerial crisis has been spared you; it is in all constitutional
+concerns an _awful_ business; but in such a colossal machinery as the
+British Empire, it shakes the whole globe. For your sake, for the
+good of England, and for the quiet of the whole earth, we must most
+devoutly pray that _Sir Robert may remain for many, many years your
+trusty and faithful Minister._ Parliaments and Chambers are
+extremely fond of governing, particularly as long as it does not bore
+themselves. We have had an instance of it recently. I was anxious
+to keep the Chamber longer, as there are still many important things
+which it ought to have finished; but they were hot, they got tired,
+voted twelve _projets de loi_ in one day, and disappeared afterwards,
+leaving one the trouble of managing the affairs of the State as best
+one may....
+
+As a general political event, the Emperor's visit in England can only
+be useful; it is probable that he would _not_ have made the visit if
+another had not been talked of. His policy is naturally to _separate_
+as much as possible the two great Western Powers; he is too weak to
+resist single-handed their dictates in the Oriental question; _but if
+they act not in concert_, it is evident that _he is the master_; in
+all this he acts wisely and in conformity with the great interests
+of his Empire. England has greater interests at stake at the mercy of
+Russia than at that of France. With France the questions are
+sometimes questions of jealousy, but, on the other hand, a tolerable
+understanding keeps France quiet and secures the peace of Europe, much
+more in the sense of the European policy of England than of that of
+France. The only consolation the French can find in it is that they
+are aware that _together_ with England they have a great position,
+but they always lament that they can _get nothing by it_. A bad
+understanding with France opens not only the door to a European war,
+but also to revolution; and that is perhaps the most serious and most
+awfully dangerous part of the business. England wants nothing from the
+Emperor than that he should leave the _status quo_ of Europe and
+great part of Asia alone. At Paris they are not so much moved at the
+Emperor's visit as perhaps they ought to be, but they have put the
+flattering notion into their heads that he had made _fiasco_, which is
+_not true_; as, in fact, he has so far been rather _successful_, and
+has convinced people in England that he is a mild and good-natured
+man, himself and his Empire, without any ambition. Now it is high time
+I should finish my immense scrawl, for which I claim your forgiveness,
+remaining ever your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: TAHITI]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th August 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your kind long letter, which I
+received yesterday, dated 23rd. I can report very well of ourselves.
+We are all well. The dear day of yesterday[24] we spent very quietly
+and happily and full of gratitude to Providence for so many blessings.
+I can only pray for the continuance of our present happiness.
+
+The impending political cloud, I hope and trust, looks less black and
+lowering. But I think it very unwise in Guizot not to have at once
+disavowed D'Aubigny for what you yourself call an "outrage,"[25]
+instead of letting it drag on for _four weeks_ and letting our people
+get excited. The Tangiers Affair[26] is unfortunate, and I hope that
+in future poor Joinville will not be exposed to such disagreeable
+affairs. What _can_ be done will be, to get him justified in the eyes
+of the public here, but I fear that at first they will not be very
+charitable. Those letters in the _Times_ are outrageous, and all that
+abuse very bad taste.[27] There is to be an investigation about the
+three officers, whose conduct is unworthy of Englishmen. Now, dearest
+Uncle, believe me always, your most affectionate Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 24: The Prince Albert's birthday. Prince Alfred was
+    born on 6th August of this year.]
+
+    [Footnote 25: The assumption of French sovereignty over
+    Tahiti.]
+
+    [Footnote 26: Hostilities had commenced between France and
+    Morocco, and Tangiers was bombarded.]
+
+    [Footnote 27: A series of letters had appeared in the _Times_,
+    written by British naval officers who had witnessed the
+    bombardment of Tangiers, and accused the French Admiral and
+    Navy of being deficient in courage. The _Times_ was much
+    criticised for its publication of these letters.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BLAIR ATHOL, _15th September 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your kind letter of the 6th the day we
+arrived here, and thank you very much for it. As I have written an
+account of our journey to Louise, I will _not_ repeat it here.
+
+The good ending of our difficulties with France is an immense
+blessing, but it is really and truly necessary that you and those
+at Paris should know that the danger was _imminent_, and that poor
+Aberdeen stood _almost alone_ in trying to keep matters peaceable.
+We must try and prevent these difficulties for the future. I must,
+however, clear _Jarnac_[28] of all blame, for Aberdeen does nothing
+but praise him....
+
+In Greece affairs look very black, and God knows how it all will end.
+
+    [Footnote 28: _Chargé d'Affaires_ in the absence of the French
+    Ambassador.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: VISIT OF KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
+
+
+_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _5th October 1844._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... I have not much to say about my
+father's _lodging habits_ and _likings_.[29] My father is one of the
+beings _most easy_ to _please_, _satisfy_, and to _accommodate_.
+His eventful life has used him to everything, and makes any kind of
+arrangements acceptable to him; there is only _one thing_ which
+he _cannot easily do_, it is to be _ready very early_. He means
+notwithstanding to try to come to your breakfast, but you _must insist
+upon his not doing it_. It would disturb him in all his habits, and be
+bad for him, as he would certainly eat, a thing he is not used to
+do in the morning. He generally takes hardly what may be called a
+_breakfast_, and eats _only twice_ in the day. It would be also _much
+better_ for him if he only appeared to luncheon and dinner, and if you
+kindly dispensed him altogether of the breakfast. You must not tell
+him that I wrote you _this_, but you must manage it with Montpensier,
+and kindly order for him a bowl of _chicken broth_. It is the only
+thing he takes generally in the morning, and between his meals. I
+have also no observation to make, but I have told Montpensier to speak
+openly to Albert whenever he thought something ought to be done for my
+father, or might hurt and inconvenience him, and you may consult him
+when you are in doubt. He is entrusted with all the recommendations
+of my mother, for my father is naturally _so imprudent_ and _so little
+accustomed_ to _caution and care_, that he must in some measure be
+_watched_ to prevent his catching cold or doing what may be injurious
+to him. About his _rooms_, a hard bed and a large table for his papers
+are the only things he requires. He generally sleeps on a horse-hair
+mattress with a plank of wood under it: but _any kind_ of bed will do,
+if it is not _too soft_. His liking will be to be entirely at _your
+commands_ and to do _all you like_. You know he can take a great deal
+of exercise, and _everything_ will _interest_ and _delight_ him, to
+see, as to do: this is not a compliment, but a _mere fact_. His only
+wish is, that you should not go out of your way for him, and change
+your habits on his account. Lord Aberdeen will be, of course, at
+Windsor, and I suppose you will ask, as you told me, the Royal Family.
+My father hopes to see also Sir Robert Peel, Lord Stanley, and your
+other Ministers. You will probably ask most of them during his stay.
+He wishes very much to see again those he already knows, and to make
+the acquaintance of those he does not know yet. In writing all this
+I think I _dream_, I _cannot believe_ yet that in a few days my dear
+father will have, God willing, the _unspeakable happiness_ to see you
+again and at _Windsor_, a thing he had _so much wished_ for and which
+for a _long time_ seemed so _improbable_. You have _no notion_ of the
+_satisfaction_ it gives him, and _how delighted_ he will be to see you
+again, and to be once more in England. God grant he may have a good
+passage, and arrive to you _safely_ and _well_. _Unberufen_, as you
+will soon, I trust, be able to see, he is, notwithstanding the usual
+talk of the papers, _perfectly well_.... Yours most devotedly,
+
+LOUISE.
+
+    [Footnote 29: The difficulty with France as to Tahiti having
+    been satisfactorily disposed of, King Louis Philippe was
+    enabled to visit England, the first French King to come on
+    a visit to the Sovereign of England. The King was
+    enthusiastically received in England, visited Claremont (which
+    he was destined to occupy in exile), was installed as a Knight
+    of the Garter at Windsor with great magnificence, and visited
+    Eton College and Woolwich Arsenal.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SOLICITUDE OF QUEEN LOUISE]
+
+
+_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _7th October 1844._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... I wrote to my mother, to quiet her,
+all you kindly tell me about my dear father. We are _quite sure_, I
+assure you, that you and Albert will _take care of him_, and that he
+is with you _in safe hand_. And what makes my mother _uneasy_ is the
+fear that, being at liberty without control, he will make _too much_,
+as she says, _le jeune homme_, ride, go about, and do everything as if
+he was still twenty years old. If I must tell you _all the truth_, she
+is afraid also he will _eat too much_. I am sure he will tell it to
+you himself, as he was so much amused with _this fear_; but to do her
+pleasure, being well assured by me that you would allow it, and that
+it was even _customary_, he has given up, of himself, all thought of
+attending your early breakfast: but I perceive I write as if _he was
+not already_ under _your_ roof. I will also only say, that though he
+has sent over his horses in case they should be wanted, my mother
+begs you to _prevent, if possible, his riding at all_. I wrote to her
+already that I supposed there would be _no occasion_ for riding,
+and that your _promenades_ would be either on foot or in carriage.
+I entrusted Montpensier with all my messages for you, my beloved
+Victoria and your dear children. He hopes you will permit him, during
+his stay at Windsor, to make _two_ excursions--one to London, and one
+to Woolwich--he is very curious to see, as an artillery officer. I
+mention it as he would be, perhaps, _too shy_ or _too discreet_ to
+mention it himself. He might very well do those two trips by the
+railroad and be back for dinner-time, and I am sure you will have no
+objection to them.... Yours most devotedly,
+
+LOUISE.
+
+I am very glad that Lord Charles Wellesley is one of those who will
+attend my father. Montpensier and him will have surely capital fun
+together, and he was, you know, a great favourite with every one at
+Eu. If by chance Lord Hardwicke was in waiting during my father's
+stay, you must kindly put my father in mind to thank him for the
+_famous cheese_, which arrived safely, and was found very good....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING'S ARRIVAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th October 1844._
+
+DEAREST UNCLE,--You will, I am sure, forgive my writing but a few
+lines as I am all alone in the agitation of the dear King's arrival,
+and I will leave my letter open to announce it to you. My _dearest_
+master is gone to Portsmouth to receive him. The excitement and
+curiosity to see the dear King, and the desire to give him a most
+hearty reception, is _very great indeed_.
+
+Many thanks for your kind letters of the 28th and 4th. I can't think
+who could have said that Peel, etc., would _not_ have been here; for
+he, Aberdeen, and the old Duke are to be here the whole time, and all
+the other Ministers will come _during_ his stay.
+
+I am very glad Joinville is arrived, and avoided his _entrées
+triomphales_. I hope he will take great care of himself.
+
+You will have heard from dear Louise of our voyage, etc. I cannot
+reconcile myself to be _here_ again, and pine for my _dear_
+Highlands, the hills, the pure air, the quiet, the retirement, the
+liberty--_all_--more than is right. The children are well. I am sorry
+to hear that you are not quite so yet.
+
+3.30.--The King and Montpensier arrived quite safely at two, and are
+both looking extremely well. We have just lunched with them. It seems
+like a dream to me, and a very pleasant one.
+
+Albert sends his affectionate love. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+Bertie has immediately taken a passion for Montpensier.
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
+
+BROCKET HALL, _9th October 1844._
+
+Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks
+your Majesty much for the letter of the 7th inst., which he has just
+received, and with very great satisfaction, as he had begun to think
+your Majesty's silence rather long. But he perfectly understands the
+reasons which prevented your Majesty from writing during your stay in
+the Highlands. Lord Melbourne is very glad to find that your Majesty
+enjoyed that country so much, and is so enthusiastically fond of it.
+Lord Melbourne believes that he was at the places which your Majesty
+mentions. In the year 1802 he stayed some months in Perthshire with
+the late Lord Kinnaird, and enjoyed it much. It annoys him sometimes
+to think how altered he is in strength since that time. Lord Melbourne
+has never yet thanked your Majesty for the pretty etchings of poor
+Islay and Eos, which your Majesty sent to Lord Melbourne when he was
+last at Windsor. Lord Melbourne has ordered them both to be framed,
+and will hang them up in his room here. They will afford Lord
+Melbourne most agreeable and pleasing souvenirs of the happiest period
+of his life, for he cannot say otherwise than that he continually
+misses and regrets the time when he had daily confidential
+communication with your Majesty. Lord Glenlyon[30] has one merit
+in Lord Melbourne's eyes, which is that he was a steady and firm
+supporter to the last of Lord Melbourne's Government. Lord Melbourne
+hopes and trusts that he feels no animosity against those who opposed
+him. But he does and always shall entertain a kindly and grateful
+recollection of those who supported him.
+
+Lord Melbourne begs to be remembered to His Royal Highness.
+
+    [Footnote 30: _See_ vol. i. p. 429.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _12th October 1844._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... I thank you very much for attending
+to all my recommendations about _my_ father: I only fear that they
+will lead you to believe that we consider him as a _great child_ and
+treat him like one: but he is so _precious_ and _dear_ to _us all_
+that I am sure you will _understand_ and _excuse_ our being _over
+anxious_... Yours most devotedly,
+
+LOUISE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A SUCCESSFUL VISIT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE HOUSE, _17th October 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had intended to have written to you on Monday,
+but you will since have heard of the great _confusion_ of that day
+which prevented me from doing so. The dear King's visit went off to
+perfection, and I much and deeply regret its being passed. He was
+_delighted_, and was _most_ enthusiastically and affectionately
+received wherever he showed himself. Our proceedings I wrote to good,
+dear Louise (whom you should not leave so long alone), who will no
+doubt have given you the details. What an extraordinary man the King
+is! What a wonderful memory, and how lively, _how sagacious!_He spoke
+very openly to us all, and is determined that our affairs should go on
+well. He wishes Tahiti _au fond de la mer_. He spoke also very openly
+about poor Hadjy's _brochure_ which seems to have distressed him more
+than anything. The King praised my dearest Albert most highly, and
+fully appreciates his great qualities and talents--and what gratifies
+me _so much_, treats him completely as his equal, calling him "Mon
+Frère," and saying to me that _my husband_ was the same as me, which
+it is--and "Le Prince Albert, c'est pour moi le Roi." The King is
+_very_ sad to go, but he is determined, he says, _to see me every
+year_. Another _very_ great thing is, that the officers of the two
+Navies staying at Portsmouth were on the best terms together and
+paying one another every sort of compliment. As Admiral La Susse (a
+very gentlemanlike man) and his squadron were sadly disappointed on
+Monday,[31] we thought it would please them if we went on board the
+_Gomer_, which we did, on Tuesday morning, and breakfasted there, and
+I drank the King's health. I am certain that the visit and everything
+connected with it can but do the _greatest good_.
+
+We stay here till Monday. It is a very comfortable little house, and
+the grounds and place are delightful, so private--and the view so
+fine.
+
+I must now conclude, begging you to believe me, ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+I forgot to say how much we liked good Montpensier, who got on
+extremely well.
+
+    [Footnote 31: It had been intended that the King should return
+    to France, as he had come, by way of Portsmouth, crossing in
+    the frigate _Gomer_, but, in consequence of the wet and stormy
+    weather, he returned by Dover and Calais.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEPARTURE OF THE KING]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._
+
+OSBORNE HOUSE, _le 17 Octobre 1844._
+
+SIRE, ET MON TRÈS CHER FRÈRE,--Votre Majesté m'a écrit deux bien
+bonnes lettres de Douvres pour lesquelles je vous remercie de tout mon
+c[oe]ur. Les expressions de bonté et d'amitié que vous me vouez ainsi
+qu'à mon cher Albert nous touchent sensiblement; je n'ai pas besoin
+de vous dire encore, combien nous vous sommes attachés et combien nous
+désirons voir se raffermir de plus en plus cette _entente
+cordiale_ entre nos deux pays qui existe si heureusement entre nous
+personnellement. C'était avec un vif regret que nous nous sommes
+séparés de votre Majesté, et de Montpensier, et ce sera une grande
+fête que de voir renouveler une visite dont le souvenir nous est si
+cher.
+
+Albert se met à vos pieds, Sire, bien sensible ainsi que moi-même de
+l'amitié et la confiance que vous lui avez témoignées.
+
+J'ose prier votre Majesté d'offrir mes plus tendres hommages à la
+Reine et à Madame votre S[oe]ur et de me rappeler au souvenir de
+Montpensier. Je suis pour la vie, Sire et mon cher Frère, de votre
+Majesté la bien affectionnée S[oe]ur et fidèle Amie,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: OPENING OF ROYAL EXCHANGE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th October 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the happiness of receiving your kind letter
+of the 26th while I was dressing to go to the City for the opening
+of the Royal Exchange.[32] Nothing ever went off better, and the
+procession there, as well as all the proceedings _at_ the Royal
+Exchange, were splendid and royal in the extreme. It was a fine and
+gratifying sight to see the myriads of people assembled--more than at
+the Coronation even, and all in such good humour, and so loyal; the
+articles in the papers, too, are most kind and gratifying; they say
+_no_ Sovereign _was more_ loved than I am (I am bold enough to say),
+and _that_, from our _happy domestic home_--which gives such a good
+example. The _Times_ you have, and I venture to add a _Chronicle_,
+as I think it very pretty; you should read the accounts. _I_ seldom
+remember being so gratified and pleased with any public show, and my
+beloved Albert was so enthusiastically received by the people. He
+is _so_ beloved by all the really influential people, and by _all_
+right-thinking ones. We came back here yesterday evening. The accounts
+from Paris are excellent too. How long are the good Joinvilles to
+remain in the south, and where? By-the-by, dearest Uncle, have
+you read the continuation of Consuelo,[33] called the "Comtesse de
+Rudolstadt"? It is _dreadfully_ interesting.
+
+The Knights of the Garter did _not_ wear the whole costume, but only
+the mantle. Being on this topic, shall tell you that I intend giving
+the Garter to Ernest, but pray do not mention it to E. or _any one_.
+
+With Albert's affectionate love. Ever your devoted Niece and Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 32: On the preceding day.]
+
+    [Footnote 33: The novel by George Sand (1804-1876), published
+    in 1842.]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+SAINT CLOUD, _le 15 Novembre 1844._
+
+MADAME MA BIEN CHÈRE S[OE]UR,--Mes souvenirs de Windsor sont de ceux
+dont aucun ne s'efface. Je n'oublie donc pas une petite question qui
+m'a été si joliment adressée, _Where is my gun?_ et à présent j'en ai
+trouvé un qui serait indigne de la destinée que je prie votre Majesté
+de me permettre de lui donner, si le regret que la disparition du
+premier fusil avait causé, ne m'avait pas appris que le second devait
+être d'un genre à supporter tous les accidents que l'enfance aime à
+infliger à ses joujoux. C'est donc tout simplement un très modeste
+fusil de munition adapté a sa taille que j'adresse á votre Majesté
+pour son auguste et charmant enfant le Prince de Galles, comme ma
+réponse à sa question.
+
+J'ai encore une autre dette dont je vous prie de me permettre de
+m'acquitter. Quelque vif que soit mon désir de revoir Windsor, ce
+serait un trop long retard que d'attendre cet heureux moment, pour
+offrir à la Princesse Royale cette petite boîte à ouvrage, de Paris,
+qu'elle m'a fait espérer lui serait agréable, et tout ce que je désire
+c'est que vos enfants se ressouviennent un jour d'avoir vu celui qui
+a été le fidèle ami de leur grand-père, comme il l'est et le sera
+toujours de leurs bien aimés parents.
+
+Que votre Majesté me permette encore d'offrir ici au Prince Albert
+l'expression de la vive et sincère amitié que je lui porte et que
+je lui garderai toujours, et d'accepter celle de l'inaltérable
+attachement avec lequel je suis pour la vie, Madame ma bien chère
+S[oe]ur, de votre Majesté, le bon Frère bien affectionné et fidèle
+Ami,
+
+LOUIS PHILIPPE R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: EDUCATION IN INDIA]
+
+[Pageheading: SIR HENRY HARDINGE]
+
+
+_Sir Henry Hardinge to Queen Victoria._
+
+_23rd November 1844._
+
+Sir Henry Hardinge[34] with his most humble duty to your Majesty,
+humbly submits for your Majesty's consideration the following
+observations on the state of affairs in this large portion of your
+Majesty's dominions.
+
+The return of peace has also increased the desire of the native
+population to receive the advantages of English education. The
+literature of the West is the most favourite study amongst the Hindoos
+in their schools and colleges. They will discuss with accuracy the
+most important events in British History. Boys of fifteen years of
+age, black in colour, will recite the most favourite passages
+from Shakespeare, ably quoting the notes of the English and German
+commentators. They excel in mathematics, and in legal subtleties their
+acuteness is most extraordinary.
+
+In order to reward native talent and render it practically useful to
+the State, Sir Henry Hardinge, after due deliberation, has issued a
+resolution, by which the most meritorious students will be appointed
+to fill the public offices which fall vacant throughout Bengal.
+
+This encouragement has been received by the Hindoo population with the
+greatest gratitude. The studies in the Mohammedan schools and colleges
+have hitherto been confined to Arabic, the Koran, and abstruse studies
+relating to their religion, having always shown a marked aversion to
+English literature. Since the publication of the Resolution they have
+at once determined to change their system in order to participate in
+the benefits held out to native merit of every sect.
+
+It is impossible throughout your Majesty's immense Empire to employ
+the number of highly paid European civil servants which the public
+service requires. This deficiency is the great evil of British
+Administration. By dispersing annually a proportion of well-educated
+natives throughout the provinces, under British superintendence,
+well-founded hopes are entertained that prejudices may gradually
+disappear, the public service be improved, and attachment to British
+institutions increased....
+
+Sir Henry Hardinge, in closing these observations, most humbly
+ventures to assure your Majesty that he anticipates no occurrence as
+probable, by which the tranquillity of this portion of your Majesty's
+dominions is likely to be disturbed.
+
+H. HARDINGE.
+
+    [Footnote 34: Governor-General of India, in succession to Lord
+    Ellenborough.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XIV
+
+
+The new year (1845) opened auspiciously, trade improving owing to the
+great impetus given to it by the many lines of railway then in
+course of promotion. Over two hundred schemes were prepared at
+the commencement of the session to seek legislative sanction, and
+speculation outran all reasonable limits. The Income Tax (which in the
+ordinary course would have expired) was renewed, and the Anti-Corn
+Law Leaguers were more persistent than ever in their assaults on
+Protection, while the attacks on the Ministry from a section of their
+own party were redoubled. The most remarkable measure of the year was
+the Government Bill for increasing the grant to the Roman Catholic
+College of Maynooth, which was strongly opposed from the Conservative
+and the Protestant points of view; Mr Gladstone, though he approved of
+the measure, retired from the Ministry, as he had a few years before
+written in the opposite sense. Towards the close of the year the
+condition of Ireland, owing to the failure of the potato crop, became
+very alarming, and the Ministry greatly embarrassed. Lord John Russell
+wrote from Edinburgh to the electors of the City of London, announcing
+his conversion to the Repeal of the Corn Laws, and the _Times_
+announced that such a Bill would be brought in by the Ministry. Peel,
+reluctant to accept the task, resigned office in December, and a Whig
+Ministry was attempted. Owing to dissensions, the attempt had to be
+abandoned, and Peel returned to office, without Lord Stanley, but
+with Mr Gladstone, who however did not seek re-election for the seat
+vacated by his acceptance of office.
+
+A dispute of great importance arose during the year with the United
+States, relating to the boundary line between English and American
+territory west of the Rocky Mountains. Twenty-five years earlier the
+same question had arisen, and had been settled on the footing of joint
+occupancy. The increased importance of the Pacific slope made the
+matter more vital, involving as it did the ownership of Vancouver
+Island and the mouth of the Columbia River; President Polk
+unequivocally claimed the whole, and said he would not shrink from
+upholding America's interests; the British Government was equally
+firm, and the matter was not adjusted till 1846.
+
+In India, which during nearly the whole year enjoyed peace, the Sikhs
+in December assumed the aggressive, and crossed the Sutlej, invading
+British India. They were signally defeated by Sir Hugh Gough at
+Moodkee and Ferozeshah. In Scinde Sir Charles Napier prosecuted
+operations against the mountain desert tribes.
+
+In New Zealand some disastrous collisions took place between the
+natives and the settlers; the former on two occasions either defeating
+or repulsing the British arms.
+
+In France the most important events were the Bill for fortifying
+Paris, the campaign waged against Abd-el-Kader in Algeria, and
+a horrible act of cruelty perpetrated there. In Spain Don Carlos
+abdicated his claims to the throne in favour of his son; the Queen's
+engagement to Count Trapani was rumoured. In other parts of Europe
+little that was eventful occurred.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+1845
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th January 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--What you say about Aquila[1] and Montpensier
+interests me. What madness is it then to force Trapani on Spain! Pray
+explain to me the cause of the King's obstinacy about that Spanish
+marriage, for _no_ country has a right to dictate in that way to
+another. If Tatane[2] was _to think_ of the Infanta, England would be
+extremely indignant, and would (and with right) consider it tantamount
+to a marriage with the Queen herself. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 1: Louis Charles, Comte d'Aquila, a son of Francis
+    I., King of the Two Sicilies, and brother of the Comte de
+    Trapani and of Queen Christina; he and his brother were
+    therefore uncles of Queen Isabella.]
+
+    [Footnote 2: The Duc de Montpensier.]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _18th January 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... The Spanish marriage question is really very
+curious; in fact, all the other Bourbon branches are hostile to the
+Orleans family, but the idea that makes the King so constant in his
+views about it, is that he imagines it would create in France a bad
+impression if _now_ any other than a Bourbon was to marry the Queen of
+Spain. That feeling they have _themselves created_, as in France
+they did not at all care about it; having, however, declared _quasi_
+officially in the French Chambers that they _will not have any but
+a Bourbon_, if circumstances should after all decide it otherwise it
+would now be a defeat, but certainly one of their own making.... Your
+devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th January 1845._
+
+...The feeling of loyalty in this country is happily _very_ strong,
+and wherever we show ourselves we are most heartily and warmly
+received, and the civilities and respect shown to us by those we visit
+is _most_ satisfactory. I mention merely a trifling instance to show
+_how_ respectful they are--the Duke of Buckingham, who is immensely
+proud, bringing the cup of coffee after dinner on a waiter to Albert
+himself. And everywhere my dearest Angel receives the respect and
+honours I receive.
+
+Many thanks for returning the list;[3] it was not Albert but _Tatane_
+who made the black crosses. Are not "Les 3 Mousquetaires," by Dumas,
+and "Arthur," by Eugène Sue, _readable_ for _me_?
+
+Now adieu, dearest, best Uncle. Ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 3: A list of French books which the Queen was
+    proposing to read.]
+
+
+
+
+[PAGEHEADING: STATE OF BUCKINGHAM PALACE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+PAVILION, _10th February 1845._
+
+Though the Queen knows that Sir Robert Peel has already turned his
+attention to the urgent necessity of doing something to Buckingham
+Palace, the Queen thinks it right to recommend this subject herself to
+his serious consideration. Sir Robert is acquainted with the state of
+the Palace and the total want of accommodation for our little family,
+which is fast growing up. Any building must necessarily take some
+years before it can be safely inhabited. If it were to be begun this
+autumn, it could hardly be occupied before the spring of 1848, when
+the Prince of Wales would be nearly seven, and the Princess Royal
+nearly eight years old, and they cannot possibly be kept in the
+nursery any longer. A provision for this purpose ought, therefore, to
+be made this year. Independent of this, most parts of the Palace are
+in a sad state, and will ere long require a further outlay to render
+them _decent_ for the occupation of the Royal Family or any visitors
+the Queen may have to receive. A room, capable of containing a larger
+number of those persons whom the Queen has to invite in the course
+of the season to balls, concerts, etc., than any of the present
+apartments can at once hold, is much wanted. Equally so, improved
+offices and servants' rooms, the want of which puts the departments
+of the household to great expense yearly. It will be for Sir Robert to
+consider whether it would not be best to remedy all these deficiencies
+at once, and to make use of this opportunity to render the exterior of
+the Palace such as no longer to be a _disgrace_ to the country, which
+it certainly now is. The Queen thinks the country would be better
+pleased to have the question of the Sovereign's residence in London
+so finally disposed of, than to have it so repeatedly brought before
+it.[4]
+
+    [Footnote 4: Peel replied that, as a renewal of the Income Tax
+    was about to be proposed, it would be better to postpone the
+    application to Parliament till the public feeling as to the
+    tax had been ascertained.]
+
+
+
+
+[PAGEHEADING: TITLE OF KING CONSORT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+PAVILION, _18th February 1845._
+
+The Queen has received Sir Robert Peel's letter, and is glad that the
+progress in the House of Commons was so satisfactory.
+
+The Queen was much hurt at Mr Borthwick's most impertinent manner of
+putting the question with respect to the title of King Consort, and
+much satisfied with Sir Robert's answer.[5] The title of King is
+open assuredly to many difficulties, and would perhaps be no _real_
+advantage to the Prince, but the Queen is positive that something must
+at once be done to place the Prince's position on a constitutionally
+recognised footing, and to give him a title adequate to that
+position.[6] _How_ and _when_, are difficult questions....
+
+    [Footnote 5: A paragraph had appeared in the _Morning
+    Chronicle_, giving credence to a rumour that this title was
+    about to be conferred on the Prince, but, in answer to Mr
+    Peter Borthwick, Sir Robert Peel positively contradicted it.]
+
+    [Footnote 6:
+
+    _Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert._
+
+    WHITEHALL, _15th February 1845._
+
+    SIR,--I received yesterday the accompanying note from Mr
+    Borthwick, and in conformity with the notice therein given,
+    he put the question to me in the House of Commons last evening
+    respecting the paragraph which appeared in the _Morning
+    Chronicle_ respecting the intention of proposing to Parliament
+    that your Royal Highness should assume the title of King
+    Consort.
+
+    I very much regret that the _Morning Chronicle_ inserted that
+    paragraph.
+
+    The prominent place assigned to it in the newspaper, and a
+    vague intimation that there was some authority for it, have
+    caused a certain degree of credit to be attached to it. It has
+    been copied into all the country newspapers and has given rise
+    to a good deal of conjecture and speculation, which it is far
+    from desirable to excite without necessity.
+
+    It appears to me that the editor of the _Morning Chronicle_
+    acted most unwarrantably in inserting such a paragraph with a
+    pretence of some sort of authority for it.
+
+    It has produced an impression which strongly confirms the
+    observations which I took the liberty of making to your Royal
+    Highness on Sunday evening.
+
+    I trust, however, that my decided contradiction of the
+    paragraph will put a stop to further surmise and discussion on
+    the subject.
+
+    To Mr Borthwick's note I add one of several letters
+    addressed to me, which shows the proneness to speculate upon
+    constitutional novelties.
+
+    I have the honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal
+    Highness's most faithful and obedient Servant,
+
+    ROBERT PEEL.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th March 1845._
+
+The Queen has received Sir Robert Peel's box containing his
+recommendation relative to the filling up of the vacant Bishopric of
+Ely. The Queen quite approves of the present Dean of Westminster[7]
+as the new Bishop. As Sir Robert has asked the Queen whether she
+would like to see Archdeacon Wilberforce succeed to the Deanery of
+Westminster in case the Dean should accept the Bishopric, she must say
+that such an arrangement would be _very satisfactory_ to us, and the
+Queen believes would highly please the Archdeacon. This would again
+vacate, the Queen believes, a stall at Winchester, which she would
+like to see filled by a person decidedly adverse to Puseyism.
+
+The Queen approves of the Bishop of Lichfield[8] being transferred to
+the See of Ely in case Doctor Turton should decline it.
+
+It would give the Queen much pleasure to stand sponsor to Sir Robert
+Peel's little grandson, and perhaps Sir Robert would communicate this
+to Lady Villiers.
+
+    [Footnote 7: Dr Thomas Turton (1780-1864), formerly Dean of
+    Peterborough.]
+
+    [Footnote 8: John Lonsdale (1788-1867) was Bishop of Lichfield
+    from 1843 till his death.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PURCHASE OF OSBORNE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th March 1845._
+
+... I copied what you wrote me about Peel[9] in a letter I wrote him,
+which I am sure will please him much, and a Minister in these days
+_does_ require a little encouragement, for the abuse and difficulties
+they have to contend with are dreadful. Peel works so hard and has so
+much to do, that sometimes he says he does not know _how_ he is to get
+through it all!
+
+You will, I am sure, be pleased to hear that we have succeeded in
+purchasing _Osborne_ in the Isle of Wight,[10] and if we can manage
+it, we shall probably run down there before we return to Town, for
+three nights. It sounds so snug and nice to have a place of _one's
+own_, quiet and retired, and free from all Woods and Forests, and
+other charming Departments who really are the plague of one's life.
+
+Now, dearest Uncle, adieu. Ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 9: See Peel's reply, _Life of the Prince Consort_,
+    chap. xiii.]
+
+    [Footnote 10: The purchase was suggested by Sir Robert Peel.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd April 1845._
+
+The Queen had intended to have written to Lord Melbourne from Osborne
+to thank him for his last note of the 19th, but we were so occupied,
+and so delighted with _our new_ and really delightful _home_, that
+she hardly had time for anything; besides which the weather was so
+beautiful, that we were out almost all day. The Queen refers Lord
+Melbourne to Mr Anson for particulars of the new property, which is
+very extensive, as she is not at all competent to explain about
+acres, etc. But she thinks it is impossible to imagine a prettier
+spot--valleys and woods which would be beautiful anywhere; but all
+this near the sea (the woods grow into the sea) is quite perfection;
+we have a charming beach quite to ourselves. The sea was so blue and
+calm that the Prince said it was like Naples. And then we can walk
+about anywhere by ourselves without being followed and mobbed, which
+Lord Melbourne will easily understand is delightful. And last, not
+least, we have Portsmouth and Spithead so close at hand, that we shall
+be able to watch what is going on, which will please the Navy, and be
+hereafter very useful for our boys.
+
+The Children are all well. The Queen has just had a lithograph made
+after a little drawing which she did herself of the three eldest, and
+which she will send Lord Melbourne with some Eau de Cologne.
+
+Fanny and Lord Jocelyn dined here last night; she is looking very
+well, and he seems much pleased at being in office, and being
+employed.
+
+The Queen hopes Lord Melbourne is enjoying this fine weather, and here
+concludes with the Prince's kind remembrance.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE MAYNOOTH GRANT]
+
+[Pageheading: RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th April 1845._
+
+MY BELOVED UNCLE,--Here we are in a great state of agitation about one
+of the greatest measures ever proposed;[11] I am sure poor Peel ought
+to be _blessed by_ all Catholics for the manly and noble way in
+which he stands forth to protect and do good to poor Ireland. But
+the bigotry, the wicked and blind passions it brings forth is quite
+dreadful, and I blush for Protestantism![12] A Presbyterian clergyman
+said very truly, "_Bigotry_ is more _common than shame_...."
+
+    [Footnote 11: The Bill to increase the grant to the Roman
+    Catholic College of Maynooth was carried by Peel in the teeth
+    of opposition from half his party: another measure was passed
+    to establish colleges for purely secular teaching ("godless
+    colleges" they were nicknamed) in Cork, Belfast, and Galway,
+    and affiliate them to a new Irish university.]
+
+    [Footnote 12: As Macaulay had said during the previous night's
+    debate: "The Orangeman raises his war whoop, Exeter Hall sets
+    up its bray, Mr Macneile shudders to see more costly cheer
+    than ever provided for the priests of Baal at the table of
+    the Queen, and the Protestant operatives of Dublin call for
+    impeachments in exceedingly bad English."]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd April 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Our Maynooth Bill is through the second reading. I
+think, if you read Sir Robert's admirable speeches, you will see how
+good his plan is. The _Catholics_ are quite delighted at it--full
+of gratitude, and behave extremely well; but the Protestants behave
+shockingly, and display a narrow-mindedness and want of sense on the
+subject of religion which is quite a disgrace to the nation. The case
+of Austria, France, etc., cannot be compared to this, as _this_ is a
+_Protestant_ country, while the others are Catholic; and I think it
+would never do to support a Roman Catholic Church with money belonging
+to the Protestant Church. The Protestant Establishment in Ireland
+must remain untouched, but let the Roman Catholic Clergy be well and
+handsomely educated.
+
+The Duc de Broglie[13] dined with us last night; his _travaux_ are
+going on satisfactorily; he asked when you were coming, and said you
+were "_beaucoup Anglais et un peu Français_," which is true, I think.
+
+With Albert's affectionate respects, believe me always, your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 13: Achille Charles, Duc de Broglie, ex-Minister of
+    Foreign Affairs.]
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Goulburn[14] to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _30th April 1845._
+
+Mr Goulburn submits with his humble duty to your Majesty that several
+representations have been made to the Treasury as to the convenience
+which the public would derive from the circulation of silver
+threepenny-pieces. Such pieces are lawfully current under your
+Majesty's Proclamation of the 5th July 1838. But as such pieces have
+been hitherto reserved as your Majesty's Maundy money, and as such
+especially belong to your Majesty's service, Mr Goulburn considers
+that a coinage of them for general use could not take place without a
+particular signification of your Majesty's pleasure.
+
+Mr Goulburn therefore humbly submits for your Majesty's gracious
+consideration the signification of your Majesty's pleasure as to the
+issue of such a coinage.
+
+    [Footnote 14: Chancellor of the Exchequer.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PUBLIC EXECUTIONS]
+
+
+_Sir James Graham to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _13th May 1845._
+
+Sir James Graham, with humble duty, begs to lay before your Majesty
+the enclosed Memorial.
+
+The proceedings in Newgate on the occasion of the last condemned
+sermon and on the morning of the execution have been fully
+investigated;[15] and the report established the necessity of
+legislative interference to prevent the recurrence of scenes so
+disgraceful and demoralising. The policy of depriving capital
+executions of their present publicity is well worthy of careful
+revision; and Sir James Graham, in obedience to your Majesty's desire,
+will bring the subject under the notice of his colleagues. He is
+disposed to think that the sentence might be carried into execution in
+the presence of a Jury to be summoned by the Sheriff with good effect;
+and that the great body of idle spectators might be excluded, without
+diminishing the salutary terror and awful warning which this extreme
+punishment is intended to produce on the public mind. In dealing,
+however, with a matter in which the community has so deep an interest,
+it is prudent not to violate public opinion, and caution is necessary
+before a change of the long-established usage is proposed.[16]
+
+Sir James Graham deeply regrets the part taken by the newspapers in
+seeking to indulge the general curiosity with respect to all details
+of the conduct, habits, and demeanour of these wretched criminals in
+their last moments; but he fears that the license of the Press cannot
+be checked by any act of authority; if the public be excluded from
+witnessing the executions, they will probably become still more
+anxious to obtain a printed report of all that has taken place; and
+Sir James Graham is so thoroughly convinced that the punishment of
+death in certain cases must be maintained, that he would consider any
+course inexpedient which was likely to lead the public to desire the
+remission of capital executions in all cases without exception....
+
+J. R. G. GRAHAM.
+
+    [Footnote 15: The attraction these executions had for the
+    general public was at this time a great scandal.]
+
+    [Footnote 16: Public executions were abolished in 1868.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A BIRTHDAY LETTER]
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _21st May 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST AND MOST BELOVED VICTORIA,--Receive my sincerest and most
+heartfelt good wishes on the happy reappearance of your birthday. I
+need not dwell on my sentiments of devotion to you; they began with
+_your life, and will only end with mine_. The only claim I make is to
+be remembered with some little affection. Thank heaven, I have little
+to wish you, than that your present happiness may not be disturbed,
+and that those who are dear to you may be preserved for your
+happiness.
+
+My gift is Charlotte's portrait. The face is extremely like, and the
+likest that exists; the hair is a little too fair, it had become
+also darker. I take this opportunity to repeat that Charlotte was a
+noble-minded and highly gifted creature. She was nervous, as all
+the family have been; she could be violent, but then she was full
+of repentance for it, and her disposition _highly generous_ and
+_susceptible_ of _great devotion_.
+
+I am the more bound to say this, as I understood that you had some
+notion that she had been _very imperious_, and not mistress of her
+temper. Before her marriage some people by dint of flattery had tried
+to give her masculine tastes; and in short had pushed her to become
+one day a sort of Queen Elizabeth. These sentiments were already
+a little modified before her marriage. But she was particularly
+determined to be a _good_ and _obedient_ wife; some of her friends
+were anxious she should _not_; amongst these Madame de Flahaut must be
+mentioned _en première ligne_.
+
+This became even a subject which severed the intimacy between them.
+Madame de Flahaut, much older than Charlotte, and of a sour and
+determined character, had gained an influence which partook on
+Charlotte's part a little of fear. She was afraid of her, but when
+once supported took courage.
+
+People were much struck on the 2nd of May 1816 at Carlton House with
+the clearness and firmness with which she pronounced "_and obey_,"
+etc., as there had been a _general belief_ that it would be _for the
+husband_ to give _these promises_. The Regent put me particularly on
+my guard, and said, "If you don't resist she will govern you with a
+high hand." Your own experience has convinced you that real affection
+changes many sentiments that may have been implanted into the mind of
+a young girl. With Charlotte it was the more meritorious, as from a
+very early period of her life she was considered as the heiress of the
+Crown; the Whigs flattered her extremely, and later, when she got by
+my intervention reconciled to the Tories, they also made great efforts
+to please her.
+
+Her understanding was extremely good; she knew everybody, and I even
+afterwards found her judgment generally extremely correct. _She had
+read a great deal and knew well what she had read._ Generous she was
+almost _too much_, and her _devotion_ was quite affecting, from a
+character so much pushed to be selfish and imperious.
+
+I will here end my souvenir of poor dear Charlotte, but I thought
+that the subject could not but be interesting to you. Her constancy in
+wishing to marry me, which she maintained under difficulties of every
+description, has been the foundation of all that touched the family
+afterwards. You know, I believe, that your poor father was the chief
+promoter, though also the Yorks were; but our correspondence from 1814
+till 1816 was entirely carried on through his kind intervention; it
+would otherwise have been impossible, as she was really treated as a
+sort of prisoner. Grant always to that good and generous Charlotte,
+who sleeps already with her beautiful little boy so long, where all
+will go to, an affectionate remembrance, and believe me she deserves
+it.
+
+Forgive my long letter, and see in it, what it really is, a token of
+the great affection I have for you. Ever, my dearest Victoria, your
+devoted Uncle.
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _12th June 1845._
+
+The Queen understands that the Deanery of Worcester has become vacant
+by some new arrangement. Believing that Sir Robert's brother, Mr John
+Peel, has a fair claim to such preferment, but being afraid that Sir
+Robert would perhaps hesitate to recommend him on account of his near
+relationship to him, the Queen wishes to offer herself this Deanery
+through Sir Robert to his brother.
+
+
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _12th June 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, hastens to
+acknowledge your Majesty's most kind and considerate communication,
+and to express his grateful acknowledgments for it.
+
+He must, in justice to his brother, assure your Majesty that he never
+has expressed, and probably never would express, a wish to Sir Robert
+Peel on the subject of preferment in the Church.
+
+Sir Robert Peel might have hesitated to bring the name of one so
+nearly connected with him under the notice of your Majesty, but as his
+brother was highly distinguished in his academical career at Oxford,
+and is greatly respected for the discharge of every professional
+duty, Sir Robert Peel could not feel himself justified in offering an
+impediment to the fulfilment of your Majesty's gracious intentions in
+his favour, if, when the vacancy shall have actually occurred in the
+Deanery of Worcester, no superior claim should be preferred.[17]
+
+    [Footnote 17: Dean Peel lived till 1875.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AUSTRALIAN WINE]
+
+
+_Lord Stanley to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _10th July 1845._
+
+Lord Stanley, with his humble duty, submits to your Majesty a despatch
+just received from the Governor of South Australia, enclosing the
+letter of a settler in the province, Mr Walter Duffield, who is
+anxious to be allowed the honour of offering for your Majesty's
+acceptance a case of the first wine which has been made in the colony.
+
+Lord Stanley will not venture to answer for the quality of the
+vintage; but as the wine has been sent over with a loyal and dutiful
+feeling, and the importer, as well as the colonists in general, might
+feel hurt by a refusal of his humble offering, he ventures to hope
+that he may be permitted to signify, through the Governor, your
+Majesty's gracious acceptance of the first sample of a manufacture
+which, if successful, may add greatly to the resources of this young
+but now thriving colony.
+
+The above is humbly submitted by your Majesty's most dutiful Servant
+and Subject,
+
+STANLEY.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING OF HOLLAND]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _29th July 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Accept my best thanks for your very kind little
+note of the 26th. As Albert writes to you about the King of Holland's
+visit[18] I will say but little, except that it really went off
+wonderfully well in our little house. We took him a sail in the
+_Victoria and Albert_ on Saturday, which he admired amazingly, and
+after luncheon he went away, Albert taking him over to Gosport. He
+intends, I believe, to come here one morning for luncheon to take
+leave. He is grown old, and has lost all his front teeth, but he is as
+talkative and lively as he used to be, and seems very happy to be in
+England again. He was very anxious that we should pay him a visit this
+year, but was quite satisfied when we told him that this year it was
+impossible, but that we hoped some other time to do so. He was much
+struck at seeing me now independent and unembarrassed, and talking;
+as when he was here in 1836[19] I was extremely crushed and kept
+under and hardly dared say a word, so that he was quite astonished.
+He thought me grown. Believe me, always, dearest Uncle, your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 18: This visit lasted ten days, and included a visit
+    to Goodwood races and a review of the Household troops in Hyde
+    Park. His Majesty was also appointed a Field-Marshal.]
+
+    [Footnote 19: _Ante_, vol. i. p. 47. He was then Prince of
+    Orange, and succeeded his father, who abdicated in his favour
+    in 1840.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
+
+OSBORNE, _31st July 1845._
+
+The Queen thanks Lord Melbourne very much for his last kind letter of
+the 11th, by which she was truly rejoiced to see he was better. We are
+comfortably and peacefully established here since the 19th, and derive
+the greatest benefit, pleasure, and satisfaction from our little
+possession here. The dear Prince is constantly occupied in directing
+the many necessary improvements which are to be made, and in watching
+our new house, which is a constant interest and amusement. We are most
+anxiously waiting for the conclusion of the Session that we may set
+off on our much-wished-for journey to Germany. The Queen is extremely
+sorry to leave England without seeing Lord Melbourne, and without
+having seen him all this season; but something or other always
+prevented us from seeing Lord Melbourne each time we hoped to do so.
+We only return the night before the Prorogation and embark that same
+day. We have the children here. We went to the Undercliff--Ventnor,
+Bonchurch, etc.--on Monday, and were much delighted with all we saw.
+We had a visit from the King of Holland last week, who is grown old,
+but otherwise just the same as he used to be.
+
+The Queen joins with Lord Melbourne in unfeigned satisfaction at the
+success of the Irish measures, after so much factious opposition. Lord
+Grey's death[20] will have shocked Lord Melbourne, as it has us. Poor
+Lord Dunmore's death is a very shocking event. The Prince wishes to be
+most kindly remembered to Lord Melbourne.
+
+    [Footnote 20: Charles, second Earl Grey, had been Prime
+    Minister, 1830-1834.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SOVEREIGN'S ABSENCE]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _6th August 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
+leave to acquaint your Majesty that in the course of a long speech
+made by Lord John Russell last night, reviewing the policy of the
+Government and the proceedings of the Session, Lord John expressed
+himself strongly on the subject of your Majesty's absence from
+the country, without provision made for the exercise of the Royal
+authority by the appointment of Lords Justices.
+
+Sir Robert Peel thinks it very probable that a motion will be made
+upon the subject in the course of the next Session--particularly in
+the event of any occurrence during your Majesty's absence, which might
+cause public inconvenience from the want of immediate access to the
+Royal authority, or compel any assumption of power on the part of your
+Majesty's servants of a questionable character.
+
+The present Law Officers of the Crown were rather startled at the
+intention of departing from the precedent of George IV.'s reign, on
+seeing the legal opinions of their predecessors; they did not differ
+from the _legal_ doctrines laid down by them, but were not very well
+satisfied on the point of discretion and policy.
+
+Sir Robert Peel feels it to be his duty to state to your Majesty
+what has passed on this subject, and to apprize your Majesty of the
+possibility of a question being hereafter raised in Parliament upon
+it.
+
+Sir Robert Peel thinks that in the case of a short absence, and
+a distance not precluding easy and rapid communication with your
+Majesty, the appointment of Lords Justices may be dispensed with; but
+he is humbly of opinion that were the distance greater or the period
+of absence longer than that contemplated by your Majesty, the reasons
+for the nomination of Lords Justices would preponderate.
+
+Should the subject be again mentioned in Parliament and a direct
+question be put upon it, Sir Robert Peel will, of course, assume
+the entire responsibility for the non-appointment of Lords Justices;
+vindicating the departure from the precedent of George IV. on the
+ground of the shorter period of absence and the more easy means of
+communication.[21]...
+
+    [Footnote 21: The Queen was accompanied by a Secretary of
+    State (Lord Aberdeen), so that an act of State could be
+    performed as well abroad as at home; see _Life of the Prince
+    Consort_, vol. i. p. 272.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: VISIT TO THE CHÂTEAU D'EU]
+
+[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGES]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+CHÂTEAU D'EU, _8th September 1845._
+
+MY DEAR PEEL,--We left Antwerp very early yesterday morning, and
+anchored for a few hours off Flushing.[22] We passing down the Channel
+during the night, and as the weather was perfectly bright and fine,
+found ourselves off Tréport before nine o'clock this morning. The King
+came off to the yacht, and took the Queen in his barge to land. I need
+not say how joyfully she was received by all the Royal Family.
+
+Although I shall have opportunities, both this evening and to-morrow
+morning, of speaking again with the King and Guizot, I have already
+discussed several subjects with each of them; and as the Queen
+particularly desires to send a messenger this evening, I will give you
+some notion of what has passed between us.
+
+I think the marriage of the Queen of Spain is the subject on which the
+greatest interest is felt at this moment. It was the first introduced,
+both by the King and Guizot, and treated by both in the same manner.
+They said, that having promised to support the King of Naples, they
+were bound not to abandon the Count de Trapani, so long as there was a
+chance of his being successful in his suit. I said in answer to
+their desire, that we would assist this arrangement, that we had no
+objection to Count Trapani, and that we would take no part against
+him; but unless it should be the decided wish of the Spanish
+Government and people, we could give no support to the marriage, as we
+were honestly of opinion that it was not desired in Spain, and that
+we saw nothing in the proposal to call for our support under these
+circumstances. Both the King and Guizot said they had no objection to
+the Duke of Saville[23] (Don Enrique), and that if it should be found
+that Count Trapani was impossible, they would willingly support him.
+
+With respect to the Infanta, they both declared in the most positive
+and explicit manner, that _until the Queen was married and had
+children_, they should consider the Infanta precisely as her sister,
+and that any marriage with a French Prince would be entirely out of
+the question. The King said he did not wish that his son should have
+the prospect of being on the throne of Spain; but that if the Queen
+had children, by whom the succession would be secured, he did not
+engage to preclude himself from the possibility of profiting by the
+great inheritance which the Infanta would bring his son. All this,
+however, was uncertain, and would require time at all events to
+accomplish; for I distinctly understood, that it was not only a
+marriage and a child, but _children, that were necessary to secure the
+succession_.
+
+I thought this was as much as we could desire at present, and that the
+policy of a marriage with a French Prince might safely be left to be
+considered whenever the contingency contemplated should arrive. Many
+things may happen, both in France and Spain, in the course of a few
+years to affect this question in a manner not now apparent.
+
+ABERDEEN.
+
+    [Footnote 22: Parliament was prorogued on the 9th of August,
+    and the Queen and Prince sailed in the evening for Antwerp
+    in the Royal yacht. Sir Theodore Martin gives a very full
+    description of the visit to Coburg. The Queen was especially
+    delighted with the Rosenau and Reinhardtsbrunn. On the morning
+    of the 8th of September the yacht, which had left the Scheldt
+    on the previous evening, arrived at Tréport, and a second
+    visit was paid to the King and Queen of the French at the
+    Château d'Eu.]
+
+    [Footnote 23: Younger son of Don Francisco de Paula, and first
+    cousin to Queen Isabella, both through his father and his
+    mother.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CHURCH APPOINTMENTS]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+OSBORNE, _15th September 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave to
+acquaint your Majesty that there remains the sum of £700 to be applied
+in the current year to the grant of Civil List Pensions.
+
+Sir Robert Peel humbly recommends to your Majesty that another sum
+of £200 should be offered to Mr Tennyson, a poet of whose powers of
+imagination and expression many competent judges think most highly.
+
+He was brought under the notice of Sir Robert Peel by Mr Hallam. His
+pecuniary circumstances are far from being prosperous.
+
+There is a vacancy in the Deanery of Lincoln, but the preferment is
+less eligible from there being no residence, and the necessity for
+building one at the immediate expense of the new Dean.
+
+Sir Robert Peel is inclined to recommend to your Majesty that an
+offer of this preferment should be made to Mr Ward, the Rector of St
+James's.
+
+Should Mr Ward decline, there is a clergyman of the name of
+Maurice,[24] of whom the Archbishop says: "Of unbeneficed London
+clergy there is no one, I believe, who is so much distinguished by his
+learning and literary talent as the Rev. Frederick Maurice, Chaplain
+of St Guy's Hospital. His private character is equally estimable."
+
+Should Mr Ward decline[25] the Deanery it might, should your Majesty
+approve of it, be offered to Mr Maurice. The Archbishop says that the
+appointment of Mr Maurice would be very gratifying to the _King of
+Prussia_.
+
+    [Footnote 24: Frederick Denison Maurice (1805-1872), the
+    friend of Kingsley, afterwards Chaplain of St. Peter's, Vere
+    Street.]
+
+    [Footnote 25: Mr Ward accepted the Deanery.]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST CLOUD, _10th October 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... All you say about our dear Albert, whom
+I love like my own child, is perfectly true. The attacks, however
+unjust, have but one advantage, that of showing the points the enemy
+thinks _weakest_ and best calculated to hurt. This, being the case,
+Anson, without boring A. with _daily_ accounts which in the end
+become very irksome, should pay attention to these very points, and
+contribute to avoid what may be turned to account by the enemy.
+To hope to _escape_ censure and calumny is next to impossible, but
+whatever is considered by the enemy as a fit subject for attack is
+better modified or avoided. The dealings with artists, for instance,
+require great prudence; they are acquainted with all classes of
+society, and for that very reason dangerous; they are hardly _ever
+satisfied_, and when you have too much to do with them, you are sure
+to have _des ennuis_.... Your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD METCALFE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _2nd November 1845._
+
+The Queen has read with great concern Lord Stanley's letter of the
+1st November. From private information she had been led to expect that
+Lord Metcalfe would not be able to continue at his irksome post.[26]
+He will be an immense loss, and the selection of a successor will be
+most difficult. The Queen hopes that there will not be too great a
+delay in making the new appointment, as experience has shown that
+nothing was more detrimental to the good government of Canada than the
+last interregnum after Sir Charles Bagot's death; it would certainly
+likewise be desirable that Lord Metcalfe should be able personally
+to make over his Government to his successor, whom he could verbally
+better put in possession of the peculiarities of his position than
+any instructions could do. It strikes the Queen to be of the _greatest
+importance_, that the judicious system pursued by Lord Metcalfe (and
+which, after a long continuation of toil and adversities, only
+now just begins to show its effect) should be followed up by his
+successor.
+
+The Queen knows nobody who would be as fit for the appointment as Lord
+Elgin, who seems to have given great satisfaction in Jamaica, where he
+has already succeeded Lord Metcalfe, whose original appointment there
+had _likewise_ taken place under circumstances of great difficulty,
+which his prudence and firmness finally overcame.[27]
+
+    [Footnote 26: He retired from the Governor-Generalship of
+    Canada through ill-health.]
+
+    [Footnote 27: Lord Stanley, in reply, submitted a private
+    letter from Lord Elgin, expressing a wish to return home; Earl
+    Cathcart was provisionally appointed Governor-General.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+OSBORNE, _28th November 1845._
+
+The Queen is very sorry to hear that Sir Robert Peel apprehends
+further differences of opinion in the Cabinet, at a moment of
+impending calamity; it is more than ever necessary that the Government
+should be strong and united.
+
+The Queen thinks the time is come when a removal of the restrictions
+upon the importation of food cannot be successfully resisted. Should
+this be Sir Robert's own opinion, the Queen very much hopes that none
+of his colleagues will prevent him from doing what it is _right_ to
+do.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CORN LAWS]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _4th December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave
+to acquaint your Majesty that a leading paragraph in the _Times_ of
+to-day, asserting that your Majesty's servants had unanimously agreed
+to an immediate and total repeal of the Corn Laws, is quite without
+foundation.[28]
+
+    [Footnote 28: See _Memoirs of the Life of Henry Reeve_, vol.
+    i. p. 175, for Lord Dufferin's refutation of the story that
+    Sidney Herbert confided the secret to Mrs Norton, and that she
+    sold it to the _Times_. The story has obtained a wide currency
+    through Mr Meredith's _Diana of the Crossways_. Lord Stanmore,
+    in his _Life of Sidney Herbert_, substantially attributes
+    the communication to Lord Aberdeen, but does not give the
+    details.]
+
+
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._[29]
+
+WHITEHALL, _5th December 1845._
+
+(_Friday evening._)
+
+Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and will
+wait upon your Majesty to-morrow evening, leaving London by the
+half-past twelve train.
+
+Sir Robert Peel will avail himself of your Majesty's kind proposal to
+remain at Osborne until Monday morning.
+
+He will come to Osborne with a heart full of gratitude and devotion to
+your Majesty, but with a strong conviction (all the grounds for which
+he will, with your Majesty's permission, explain to your Majesty) that
+in the present state of affairs, he can render more service to your
+Majesty and to the country in a private than in a public station.
+
+    [Footnote 29: Peel reported to the Queen the Cabinet
+    discussions on the Corn Law question. The Queen wrote that
+    the news caused her much uneasiness, and that she felt certain
+    that her Minister would not leave her at a moment of such
+    difficulty, and when a crisis was impending.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CABINET DISSENSIONS]
+
+[Pageheading: INTERVIEW WITH PEEL]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE, _7th December 1845._
+
+On receiving the preceding letter[30] ... we were, of course, in great
+consternation. Yesterday Sir Robert Peel arrived here and explained
+the condition of affairs.
+
+    [Footnote 30: From Sir Robert Peel, 5th December, _ante._]
+
+On 1st November he had called his Cabinet, and placed before its
+members the reports of the Irish Commissioners, Dr Buckland, Dr
+Playfair and Dr Lindley, on the condition of the potato crop, which
+was to the effect that the half of the potatoes were ruined by the
+rot, and that no one could guarantee the remainder. Belgium, Holland,
+Sweden, and Denmark, in which states the potato disease had likewise
+deprived the poorer class of its usual food, have immediately taken
+energetic means, and have opened the harbours, bought corn, and
+provided for the case of a rise of prices. Sir Robert proposed the
+same thing for England, and, by opening the ports, a preparation for
+the abolition of the Corn Laws. His colleagues refused, and of the
+whole Cabinet only Lord Aberdeen, Sir James Graham, and Mr Sidney
+Herbert voted with him. Sir Robert hoped that in time the opinions of
+the others would change, and therefore postponed a final decision.
+In the meanwhile the agitation of the Anti-Corn Law League began;
+in every town addresses were voted, meetings were held, the
+_Times_--barometer of public feeling--became suddenly _violently_
+Anti-Corn Law, the meetings of the Cabinet roused attention, a general
+panic seized on the mass of the public. Sir Robert called anew his
+Cabinet. In the midst of their deliberation Lord John Russell issues
+from Edinburgh an address to the City of London.[31]
+
+    [Footnote 31: Declaring for the Repeal of the Corn Laws.]
+
+The whole country cries out: the Corn Laws are doomed.
+
+Thereon Sir Robert declared to his Cabinet that nothing but unanimity
+could save the cause, and pressed for a decision.
+
+The Duke of Buccleuch and Lord Stanley declared they could not take a
+part in a measure abolishing the Corn Laws, and would therefore have
+to resign. The other members, including the Duke of Wellington, showed
+themselves ready to support Sir Robert, yet, as the latter says,
+"apparently not willingly and against their feelings." Thereupon Sir
+Robert resolved to lay down his office as Minister.
+
+When he arrived here he was visibly much moved, and said to me, that
+it was one of the most painful moments of his life to separate himself
+from us, "but it is necessary, and if I have erred it was from loyalty
+and too great an anxiety not to leave Her Majesty in a moment of such
+great difficulty. I ought to have gone when I was first left by my
+colleagues in a minority in my own Cabinet. I was anxious, however, to
+try my utmost, but it is impossible to retrieve lost time. As soon as
+I saw Lord John's letter I felt that the ground was slipping away
+from under me, and that whatever I might now propose would appear as
+dictated by the Opposition, as taking Lord John's measure. On the 1st
+of November the whole country was prepared for the thing; there had
+been no agitation, everybody looking to the Government, as soon as
+they saw this wavering and hesitating, the country decided for itself,
+and Lord John has the merit, owing to his most dexterous move and our
+want of unanimity."
+
+On my observing that Sir Robert has a majority of one hundred in the
+House of Commons, and asking whether it was not possible for him to
+continue the Government, he said:--
+
+"The Duke of Buccleuch will carry half Scotland with him, and Lord
+Stanley, leading the Protectionists in the House of Lords, would lead
+to great and immediate defections even in Her Majesty's household. The
+Duchess of Buccleuch, Lord Hardwicke, Lord Exeter, Lord Rivers,
+Lord Beverley, etc., would resign, and we should not be able to find
+successors; in the House of Commons I am sure I should be beat, the
+Tories, agriculturists, etc., in rage would turn round upon me and
+be joined by the Whigs and Radicals, who would say, 'This is _our_
+measure and we will not allow you to carry it.' It is better that
+I should go now, when _nobody has committed himself_ in the heat
+of party contest, when no factions have been formed, no imprudent
+declarations been made; it is better for Her Majesty and for the
+country that it should be so."
+
+After we had examined what possibilities were open for the Crown, the
+conclusion was come to that Lord John was the only man who could be
+charged with forming a Cabinet. Lord Stanley, with the aristocracy as
+his base, would bring about an insurrection [or riots], and the ground
+on which one would have to fight would be this: to want to force the
+mass of the people, amidst their great poverty, to pay for their bread
+a high price, in favour of the landlords.
+
+It is a matter of the utmost importance not to place the House of
+Lords into direct antagonism with the Commons and with the masses of
+the people. Sir Robert says very correctly:--
+
+"I am afraid of other interests getting damaged in the struggle about
+the Corn Laws; already the system of promotion in the Army, the Game
+Laws, the Church, are getting attacked with the aid of the league."
+
+After Victoria had in consequence [of the foregoing] decided in favour
+of Lord John, and asked Sir Robert: "But how is it possible for him
+to govern with so exceedingly small a minority?" Sir Robert said: "He
+will have difficulties and perhaps did not consider what he was doing
+when he wrote that letter; but _I will support him_. I feel it my duty
+to your Majesty not to leave you without a Government. Even if Lord
+John goes to the full extent of his declaration in that letter (which
+I think goes too far), I will support him in Parliament and use all
+my influence with the House of Lords to prevent their impeding his
+progress. I will do more, if he likes it. I will say that the increase
+of the estimates which will become necessary are my work, and I alone
+am responsible for it."
+
+Sir Robert intends to give me a memorandum in which he is to make this
+promise in writing.
+
+He was greatly moved, and said it was not "the loss of power (for I
+hate power) nor of office," which was nothing but a plague for him,
+but "the breaking up of those relations in which he stood to the Queen
+and me, and the loss of our society," which was for him a loss, for
+which there was no equivalent; we might, however, rely on his being
+always ready to serve us, in what manner and in what place it might
+be. Lord Aberdeen is said to feel the same, and very deeply so; and on
+our side the loss of two so estimable men, who possess our whole and
+perfect confidence in public as well as in private affairs, and have
+always proved themselves true friends, leaves _a great gap_.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD MELBOURNE INFORMED]
+
+
+_Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
+
+OSBORNE, _7th December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel has informed the Queen that in consequence of
+differences prevailing in the Cabinet, he is very reluctantly
+compelled to solicit from the Queen the acceptance of his resignation,
+which she has as reluctantly accepted.
+
+From the Queen's unabated confidence in Lord Melbourne, her first
+impulse was to request his immediate attendance here that she might
+have the benefit of his assistance and advice, but on reflection the
+Queen does not think herself justified, in the present state of Lord
+Melbourne's health, to ask him to make the sacrifice which the return
+to his former position of Prime Minister would, she fears, impose upon
+him.
+
+It is this consideration, and this _alone_, that has induced the Queen
+to address to Lord John Russell the letter of which she sends a copy.
+The Queen hopes, however, that Lord Melbourne will not withhold from
+her new Government his advice, which would be so valuable to her.
+
+It is of the _utmost importance_ that the whole of this communication
+should be kept a _most profound secret_ until the Queen has seen Lord
+John Russell.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD MELBOURNE'S ATTITUDE]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+_8th December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert helped us in the composition of the letters to Lord John
+and to Lord Melbourne. We considered it necessary to write to the
+latter, in consideration of the confidential position which he
+formerly enjoyed.
+
+Sir Robert Peel has not _resigned_, thinking it a matter of great
+strength for the Sovereign to keep his ministry until a new one can be
+got.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
+
+BROCKET HALL, _9th December 1845._
+
+Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he has just
+received your Majesty's letter of the 7th inst., which, of course,
+has astonished him by the magnitude of the event which it announces,
+although something of this sort has been long pending and to be
+expected. Lord Melbourne returns your Majesty many thanks for
+this communication, and more for your Majesty's great kindness and
+consideration for him personally at the present moment. He is better,
+but so long a journey would still not have been convenient to him,
+and he has such a horror of the sea, that a voyage from Southampton
+to Cowes or from Portsmouth to Ryde seems to him in prospect as
+formidable as a voyage across the Atlantic.
+
+Lord Melbourne will strictly observe your Majesty's injunction of
+secrecy.
+
+With respect to the kind wishes about office which your Majesty
+is pleased to express, Lord Melbourne will of course give to your
+Majesty's new Government, if formed under Lord John Russell, all the
+support in his power, but as to taking office, he fears that he would
+find some difficulty. He would be very unwilling to come in pledged
+to a total and immediate reform of the Corn Law, and he also strongly
+feels the difficulty which has in fact compelled Sir Robert Peel to
+retire, viz. the difficulty of carrying on the Government upon the
+principle of upholding and maintaining the present law with respect to
+corn.
+
+Lord Melbourne again thanks your Majesty for your great and
+considerate kindness.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL'S ATTITUDE]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _10th December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+influenced by no other motive than the desire to contribute if
+possible to the relief of your Majesty from embarrassment, and the
+protection of the public interests from injury, is induced to make
+this confidential communication to your Majesty explanatory of his
+position and intentions with regard to the great question which is now
+agitating the public mind.
+
+Your Majesty can, if you think fit, make this communication known to
+the Minister who, as successor to Sir Robert Peel, may be honoured by
+your Majesty's confidence.
+
+On the first day of November last Sir Robert Peel advised his
+colleagues, on account of the alarming accounts from Ireland and many
+districts of Great Britain as to the failure of the potato crop from
+disease, and for the purpose of guarding against contingencies which
+in his opinion were not improbable, humbly to recommend to your
+Majesty that the duties on the import of foreign grain should be
+suspended for a limited period either by Order in Council, or by
+Legislative Enactment, Parliament in either case being summoned
+without delay.
+
+Sir Robert Peel foresaw that this suspension, fully justified by the
+tenor of the reports to which he has referred, would compel, during
+the interval of suspension, the reconsideration of the Corn Laws.
+
+If the opinions of his colleagues had been in concurrence with his
+own, he was fully prepared to take the responsibility of suspension,
+and of the necessary consequence of suspension, a comprehensive review
+of the laws imposing restrictions on the import of foreign grain and
+other articles of food, with a view to their gradual diminution and
+ultimate removal. He was disposed to recommend that any new laws to be
+enacted should contain within themselves the principle of gradual and
+ultimate removal.
+
+Sir Robert Peel is prepared to support in a private capacity measures
+which may be in general conformity with those which he advised as a
+Minister.
+
+It would be unbecoming in Sir Robert Peel to make any reference to the
+details of such measures.
+
+Your Majesty has been good enough to inform him that it is your
+intention to propose to Lord John Russell to undertake the formation
+of a Government.
+
+The principle on which Sir Robert Peel was prepared to recommend the
+reconsideration of the laws affecting the import of the main articles
+of food, was in general accordance with that referred to in the
+concluding paragraph of Lord John Russell's letter to the electors of
+the City of London.[32]
+
+Sir Robert Peel wished to accompany the removal of restrictions on the
+admission of such articles, with relief to the land from such charges
+as are unduly onerous, and with such other provisions as in the terms
+of Lord John Russell's letter "caution and even scrupulous forbearance
+may suggest."
+
+Sir Robert Peel will support measures founded on that general
+principle, and will exercise any influence he may possess to promote
+their success.
+
+Sir Robert Peel feels it to be his duty to add, that should your
+Majesty's servants, after consideration of the heavy demands upon the
+Army of this country for colonial service, of our relations with the
+United States, and of the bearing which steam navigation may have upon
+maritime warfare, and the defence of the country, deem it advisable
+to propose an addition to the Army, and increased naval and military
+estimates, Sir Robert Peel will support the proposal, will do all that
+he can to prevent it from being considered as indicative of hostile
+or altered feeling towards France, and will assume for the increase in
+question any degree of responsibility present or retrospective which
+can fairly attach to him.
+
+ROBERT PEEL.
+
+    [Footnote 32: That paragraph urged that, with a revision
+    of taxation to make the arrangement more equitable, and the
+    safeguards suggested by caution and scrupulous forbearance,
+    restrictions on the admission of the main articles of food and
+    clothing used by the mass of the people should be removed.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY RESIGNS]
+
+
+_Lord Stanley to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _11th December 1845._
+
+... Lord Stanley humbly hopes that he may be permitted to avail
+himself of this opportunity to express to your Majesty the deep regret
+and pain with which he has felt himself compelled to dissent from the
+advice intended to have been tendered to your Majesty on the subject
+of the Corn Laws. He begs to assure your Majesty that he would have
+shrunk from making no personal sacrifice, short of that of principle,
+for the purpose of avoiding the inconvenience to your Majesty and to
+the country inseparable from any change of Administration; but being
+unconvinced of the necessity of a change of policy involving an
+abandonment of opinions formerly maintained, and expectations held
+out to political supporters, he felt that the real interests of
+your Majesty's service could not be promoted by the loss of personal
+character which the sacrifice of his own convictions would necessarily
+have involved; and that he might far more usefully serve your Majesty
+and the country out of office, than as the official advocate of a
+policy which he could not sincerely approve. Lord Stanley begs to
+assure your Majesty that it will be his earnest endeavour to allay,
+as far as may lie in his power, the excitement which he cannot but
+foresee as the consequence of the contemplated change of policy; and
+he ventures to indulge the hope that this long trespass upon your
+Majesty's much occupied time may find a sufficient apology in the deep
+anxiety which he feels that his regret at being compelled not only to
+retire from your Majesty's service, but also to take a step which he
+is aware may have had some influence on the course finally adopted
+by Sir Robert Peel, may not be still farther increased by the
+apprehension of having, in the performance of a most painful duty,
+incurred your Majesty's displeasure. All which is humbly submitted by
+your Majesty's most dutiful Servant and Subject,
+
+STANLEY.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley._
+
+OSBORNE, _12th December 1845._
+
+The Queen, of course, _much regrets_ that Lord Stanley could not agree
+in the opinions of Sir Robert Peel upon a subject of such importance
+to the country. However, Lord Stanley may rest assured that the Queen
+gives full credit to the disinterested motives which guided Lord
+Stanley's conduct.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington._
+
+OSBORNE, _12th December 1845._
+
+The Queen has to inform the Duke of Wellington that, in consequence of
+Sir Robert Peel's having declared to her his inability to carry on any
+longer the Government, she has sent for Lord John Russell, who is not
+able at present to state whether he can form an Administration, and is
+gone to Town in order to consult his friends. Whatever the result of
+his enquiries may be, the Queen has a _strong_ desire to see the Duke
+of Wellington remain at the head of her Army. The Queen appeals to the
+Duke's so often proved loyalty and attachment to her person, in asking
+him to give her this assurance. The Duke will thereby render the
+greatest service to the country and to her own person.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE'S ADVICE]
+
+
+_The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria._
+
+STRATHFIELDSAYE, _12th December 1845._
+
+(_11 at night._)
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty; he has just now received your Majesty's commands from Osborne
+of this day's date.
+
+He humbly submits to your Majesty that the duties of the
+Commander-in-Chief of your Majesty's Land Forces places him in
+constant confidential relations with all your Majesty's Ministers,
+and particularly with the one filling the office of First Lord of the
+Treasury.
+
+Under these circumstances he submits to your Majesty the counsel, that
+your Majesty would be graciously pleased to consult the nobleman or
+gentleman who should be your Majesty's first Minister, before any
+other step should be taken upon the subject. He might think that he
+had reason to complain if he should find that it was arranged that
+the Duke of Wellington should continue to fill the office of
+Commander-in-Chief, and such impression might have an influence upon
+his future relations with that office.
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington believes that Lord John Russell
+and all your Majesty's former Ministers were aware, that during
+the whole period of the time during which Lord Hill was the General
+Commanding-in-Chief your Majesty's Forces, the professional opinion
+and services of Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington were at all times
+at the command and disposition of your Majesty's servants, and were
+given whenever required.
+
+He happened to be at that time in political opposition to the
+Government in the House of Parliament, of which he was a member; but
+that circumstance made no difference.
+
+It is impossible for the Duke of Wellington to form a political
+connection with Lord John Russell, or to have any relation with the
+political course of the Government over which he should preside.
+
+Such arrangement would not conciliate public confidence, be considered
+creditable to either party, or be useful to the service of your
+Majesty.
+
+Nor, indeed, would the performance of the duties of the
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army require that such should exist; on the
+other hand, the performance of these duties would require that the
+person filling the office should avoid to belong to, or to act in
+concert with, a political party opposed to the Government.
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington has considered it his duty
+to submit these considerations, in order that your Majesty may be
+perfectly aware of the position in which he is about to place himself,
+in case Lord John Russell should counsel your Majesty to command
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington to continue to hold the office of
+Commander-in-Chief of your Majesty's Land Forces.
+
+He at once submits to your Majesty the assurance that he will
+cheerfully devote his service to your Majesty's command upon receiving
+the official intimation thereof, and that he will as usual make every
+effort in his power to promote your Majesty's service.
+
+All of which is humbly submitted to your Majesty by your Majesty's
+most dutiful Subject and devoted Servant,
+
+WELLINGTON.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
+
+
+_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST CLOUD, _le 16 Décembre 1845._
+
+MADAME MA TRÈS CHÈRE S[OE]UR,--J'ai à remercier votre Majesté de
+l'excellente lettre que ma bonne Clém m'a remise de sa part. Elle m'a
+été droit au c[oe]ur, et je ne saurais exprimer à quel point j'ai été
+touché de vos bons voeux pour ma famille, et de tout ce que vous
+me témoignez sur l'accroissement qu'il a plû à la Providence de lui
+donner dans mes _onze petits fils_.
+
+Je me disposais à dire à votre Majesté que, quoiqu'avec un bien vif
+regret, je comprenais parfaitement les motifs qui vous portaient à
+remettre à une autre année, cette visite si vivement désirée, et que
+j'espérais toujours trouver une compensation à cette privation, en
+allant de nouveau Lui offrir en Angleterre, l'hommage de tous les
+sentiments que je Lui porte, et qui m'attachent si profondément à
+Elle, ainsi qu'au Prince son Epoux, lorsque j'ai reçu la nouvelle de
+la démission de Sir Robert Peel, de Lord Aberdeen et de tous leurs
+Collégues. Je me flattais que ces Ministres qui s'étaient toujours
+si bien entendus avec les miens pour établir entre nos deux
+Gouvernements, cette heureuse _entente cordiale_ qui est la base du
+repos du monde et de la prospérité de nos pays, continueraient encore
+longtemps à l'entretenir, et à la consolider de plus en plus. Cet
+espoir est déçu!![33] Il faut s'y résigner; mais je suis empressé
+d'assurer votre Majesté, que quelque soit son nouveau Ministère, celui
+qui m'entoure aujourd'hui, et que je désire, et que j'espère conserver
+longtemps, n'omettra aucun effort pour cultiver et maintenir cet
+heureux accord qu'il est si évidemment dans notre intérêt commun de
+conserver intact.
+
+Dans de telles circonstances, il me devient doublement précieux d'être
+uni à votre Majesté et au Prince Albert par tant de liens, et qu'il se
+soit formé entre nous cet attachement mutuel, cette affection et cette
+confiance, qui sont au dessus et indépendants de toute considération
+politique; mais qui pourront toujours plus ou moins exercer
+une influence salutaire sur l'action et la marche de nos deux
+Gouvernements. Aussi, je le dis à votre Majesté et à son Epoux avec
+un entier abandon, j'ai besoin de compter sur cette assistance
+occasionnelle, et j'y compte entièrement en vous demandant d'avoir la
+même confiance de mon côté, et en vous répétant que cette confiance ne
+sera pas plus déçue dans l'avenir, qu'elle ne l'a été dans le passé.
+
+Votre Majesté me permettra d'offrir ici au Prince Albert l'expression
+de ma vive et sincère amitié. Je la prie aussi de recevoir celle de
+l'inviolable attachement avec lequel je suis, Madame ma très chère
+S[oe]ur, de votre Majesté, le bon Frère et bien fidèle Ami,
+
+LOUIS PHILIPPE R.
+
+    [Footnote 33: The return of Palmerston to the Foreign Office
+    was of course dreaded by the King and Guizot.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S ACCEPTANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _16th December 1845._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter of this day's
+date,[34] and considering that it is of great importance that no time
+should be lost, has immediately forwarded it to Sir Robert Peel.
+
+The Queen fully understands the motives which guide Lord John in
+using every effort to ensure the success of the great measure which is
+impending before he undertakes to form a Government.
+
+The Queen sees from Lord John's second letter that he has taken a copy
+of Sir R. Peel's letter of the 15th to her. As she does not feel to
+have been authorised to allow this, the Queen hopes that in case Sir
+Robert should have an objection to it Lord John will not retain the
+copy.
+
+    [Footnote 34: It is printed in the _Annual Register_, 1846, p.
+    17. Lord John considered the temporary suspension or repeal
+    of duties, with the prospect of their re-imposition, open to
+    grave objections.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: INSUPERABLE DIFFICULTIES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _18th December 1845._
+
+Lord John Russell returned at five this evening, and informed
+the Queen that after considerable discussion, and after a full
+consideration of his position, _he will undertake to form a
+Government_.
+
+As at present arranged, the Council is to be on Monday; the Queen much
+wishing to have a parting interview with Sir R. Peel, however painful
+it will be to her, wishes Sir Robert Peel to inform her when he thinks
+it best to come down here.[35]
+
+    [Footnote 35: Lord John Russell, however, found insuperable
+    difficulties in forming the Cabinet; and, to quote Disraeli,
+    "handed back with courtesy the poisoned chalice to Sir
+    Robert."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: GREY AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th December 1845._
+
+(_12 o'clock._)
+
+We just saw Lord John Russell, who came in order to explain why he had
+to give up the task of forming a Government. He had written to all his
+former colleagues to join him in his attempt, amongst others to Lord
+Grey, who answered, "that he could only belong to a Government which
+pledged itself to the principle of absolute free trade and abolition
+of all protection; that he had his own views upon the sugar question
+(as to which he advocated the admission of slave labour) and upon
+the Irish question (as to which his principle was to establish entire
+religious equality); that he hoped that in the formation of a new
+Government no personal considerations should stand in the way of a
+full attention to public Duty."
+
+Lord John replied that he advocated free trade, but as the immediate
+question before them was the _Corn Laws_, he thought it wiser not to
+complicate this by other declarations which would produce a good deal
+of animosity; that the sugar question and Ireland might be discussed
+in Cabinet when circumstances required it; that he agreed entirely in
+the last sentence.
+
+After this Lord Grey declared himself quite satisfied. Lord John
+considered now with his colleagues the peculiar measure to be
+proposed, and Mr Baring thought he could arrange a financial scheme
+which would satisfy Lord Lansdowne's demands for relief to the landed
+interest. They all felt it their duty to answer the Queen's call upon
+them, though they very much disliked taking office under such peculiar
+difficulties. Now Lord John undertook to apportion the different
+offices. He saw Lord Palmerston, and told him that the Queen had some
+apprehension that his return to the Foreign Office might cause great
+alarm in other countries, and particularly in France, and that this
+feeling was still more strongly manifested in the city; whether under
+these circumstances he would prefer some other office--for instance,
+the Colonies? Lord Palmerston declared that he was not at all anxious
+for office, and should much regret that his accession should in any
+way embarrass Lord John; that he was quite prepared to support him out
+of office, but that his taking another department than his former one
+would be a public recognition of the most unjust accusations that
+had been brought against him; that he had evinced throughout a long
+official life his disposition for peace, and only in one instance
+broke with France;[36] that that matter was gone by, and that nobody
+had stronger conviction of the necessity to keep in amity with that
+Power than himself. Upon this Lord John said that he could not form a
+Government without him, and showed himself quite satisfied with Lord
+Palmerston's declaration.
+
+    [Footnote 36: In reference to affairs in Syria in 1840.]
+
+Suddenly Lord Grey, who had heard of this, cried out: "This was an
+infringement of their compact"; that no _personal_ consideration
+should interfere with the discharge of public duty, and that he must
+decline entering the Government, as he considered Lord Palmerston's
+return to the Foreign Office as fraught with danger to the peace
+of Europe. Lord John could not, under these circumstances, form a
+Government. He read to us a long letter from Lord Grey, written with
+the intention that it should be seen by the Queen, in which Lord
+Grey enters more fully into his motives, and finishes by saying
+that therefore _he_ was not answerable for the failure to form an
+Administration.[37]
+
+    [Footnote 37: Lord Grey's attitude was condemned by Macaulay
+    in a letter to a Mr Macfarlan, who unwisely communicated it to
+    the Press.]
+
+Lord John gave the Queen a written statement[38] of the causes which
+induced him to relinquish the Government, and of the position he means
+to assume in Parliament. (He is most anxious that Sir R. Peel should
+re-enter and successfully carry his measures.)
+
+    [Footnote 38: Printed in _Annual Register_, 1846, p. 20.]
+
+The arrangements Lord John had contemplated have been--
+
+  Lord PALMERSTON,      _Foreign Secretary_.
+  Lord GREY,            _Colonial Secretary_.
+  Sir GEORGE GREY,      _Home Secretary_.
+
+(Sir George was anxious later to retire from Parliament, and willing
+to go as Governor-General to Canada.)
+
+  Mr BARING,            _Chancellor of the Exchequer_.
+  Lord CLARENDON,       _President of the Board of Trade_.
+
+(The Vice-Presidency was to have been offered to his brother, Mr
+Villiers, but finally, by his advice, to Mr Cobden!! (Lord Grey wanted
+Mr Cobden to be in the Cabinet!!!) This Lord John thought quite out of
+the question.)
+
+  Lord LANSDOWNE,       _President of the Council_.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CHIVALROUS ATTITUDE OF PEEL]
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL RESUMES OFFICE]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th December 1845._
+
+(_4 o'clock_ P.M.)
+
+We saw Sir Robert Peel, who had been apprised by Sir James Graham (to
+whom Lord John Russell had written) of what had passed. He was much
+affected, and expressed his concern at the failure of Lord John to
+form a Government, seemed hurt at Lord John's not having shown more
+confidence in the integrity of his (Sir Robert Peel's) motives. He
+would have supported Lord John in _any_ measure which he should have
+thought fit to introduce, and many would have followed his example. He
+blamed the want of deference shown to the Queen, by not answering
+her call with more readiness; he said it was quite new and
+unconstitutional for a man to take a week before he undertook to form
+a Government, and to pass that time in discussion with other people,
+to whom the Sovereign had not yet committed the task; and he had been
+certain it would end so, when so many people were consulted. He in
+1834 had been called from Italy, had travelled with all haste and
+had gone straight to the King, had told him that he had seen nobody,
+consulted nobody, but immediately kissed the King's hand as his
+Minister.
+
+He was now prepared to stand by the Queen, all other considerations
+he had thrown aside, he would undertake to deal with the difficulties,
+and should have to go down alone to the House of Commons. He had
+written to his colleagues that he would serve the Queen if she called
+upon him to do so, that he expected them to meet him at nine o'clock
+that evening, and that he would tell them what he meant to do. Those
+who would not go with him, he would dismiss at once. He did not wish
+to avail himself of any undue advantage, and therefore would not
+advise an Order in Council, but go at once to Parliament, laying his
+measure before it: "Reject it, if you please; there it is!"
+
+He called the crisis an alarming one, which determination alone could
+overcome.
+
+We showed him Lord John Russell's statement, with which he declared
+himself very much satisfied. He advised the Queen to write a letter
+to Lord John, announcing to him Sir Robert's consent to go on with the
+Government, and wrote a draft of it, which follows here.
+
+He had heard strange instances of disagreement amongst the men whom
+Lord John had assembled in town.
+
+Sir Robert seemed throughout much moved, and said with much warmth:
+"There is no sacrifice that I will not make for your Majesty, except
+that of my honour."
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel has just been here. He expressed great regret that
+Lord John Russell had felt it necessary to decline the formation of a
+Government.
+
+He said he should have acted towards Lord John Russell with the most
+scrupulous good faith, and that he should have done everything in his
+power to give Lord John support.
+
+He thinks many would have been induced to follow his example.
+
+Sir Robert Peel did not hesitate a moment in withdrawing his offer of
+resignation. He said he felt it his duty at once to resume his office,
+though he is deeply sensible of the difficulties with which he has to
+contend.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL CORDIALLY SUPPORTED]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _21st December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and proceeds
+to give your Majesty an account of what has passed since he left your
+Majesty at four o'clock yesterday.
+
+The Cabinet met at Sir Robert Peel's house in Downing Street at
+half-past nine.
+
+Sir Robert Peel informed them that he had not summoned them for the
+purpose of deliberating on what was to be done, but for the purpose
+of announcing to them that he was your Majesty's Minister, and whether
+supported or not, was firmly resolved to meet Parliament as your
+Majesty's Minister, and to propose such measures as the public
+exigencies required.
+
+Failure or success must depend upon their decision, but nothing could
+shake Sir Robert Peel's determination to meet Parliament and to advise
+the Speech from the Throne.
+
+There was a dead silence, at length interrupted by Lord Stanley's
+declaring that he must persevere in resigning, that he thought the
+Corn Law ought to be adhered to, and might have been maintained.
+
+The Duke of Wellington said he thought the Corn Law was a subordinate
+consideration. He was _delighted_ when he received Sir Robert Peel's
+letter that day, announcing to the Duke that his mind was made up to
+place his services at your Majesty's disposal.
+
+The Duke of Buccleuch behaved admirably--was much agitated--thought
+new circumstances had arisen--would not then decide on resigning.
+
+Sir Robert Peel has received this morning the enclosed note from the
+Duke.[39]
+
+He has written a reply very strongly to the Duke, stating that the
+present question is not one of Corn Law, but whether your Majesty's
+former servants or Lord Grey and Mr Cobden shall constitute your
+Majesty's Government. Sir Robert Peel defied the wit of man to suggest
+now another alternative to your Majesty.
+
+Lord Aberdeen will see the Duke to-day.
+
+All the other members of the Government cordially approved of Sir
+Robert Peel's determination not to abandon your Majesty's service.
+
+There was no question about details, but if there is any, it shall not
+alter Sir Robert Peel's course.
+
+    [Footnote 39: _See_ next letter.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Duke of Buccleuch to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+MONTAGU HOUSE, _20th December 1845._
+
+MY DEAR SIR ROBERT,--That which has occurred this evening, and that
+which you have communicated to us, the very critical state in which
+the country now is, and above all the duty which I owe to her Majesty
+under the present circumstances, has made a most strong impression
+upon my mind. At the risk, therefore, of imputation of vacillation
+or of any other motive by others, may I ask of you to give me a few
+hours' time for further reflection, before finally deciding upon the
+course which I may feel it to be my duty to pursue? Believe me, my
+dear Sir Robert, yours most sincerely,
+
+BUCCLEUCH.
+
+
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _22nd December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the
+utmost satisfaction in informing your Majesty that Mr Gladstone is
+willing to accept the Seals of the Colonial Office should your Majesty
+be pleased to confide them to him.[40]
+
+Sir Robert Peel thinks this of great importance, and that immediate
+decision in filling up so eminent a post will have a good effect.
+
+    [Footnote 40: Mr Gladstone, by accepting office, vacated the
+    seat at Newark which he had held through the influence of the
+    Protectionist Duke of Newcastle. He did not seek re-election,
+    and though a Secretary of State, remained without a seat in
+    Parliament.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S ESTIMATE OF PEEL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd December 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your two kind letters of the
+17th and 19th, which gave me much pleasure. I have little to add to
+Albert's letter of yesterday, except my _extreme_ admiration of
+our worthy Peel, who shows himself a man of unbounded _loyalty_,
+_courage_, patriotism, and _high-mindedness_, and his conduct towards
+me has been _chivalrous_ almost, I might say. I never have seen him
+so excited or so determined, and _such_ a good cause must succeed. We
+have indeed had an escape, for though Lord John's _own notions_ were
+_very_ good and moderate, he let himself be entirely twisted and
+twirled about by his _violent_ friends, and _all_ the moderate ones
+were crushed....
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert._
+
+WHITEHALL, _23rd December 1845._
+
+SIR,--I think Her Majesty and your Royal Highness will have been
+pleased with the progress I have made in execution of the great trust
+again committed to me by Her Majesty.
+
+It will be of great importance to conciliate Lord Stanley's support
+out of office, to induce him to _discourage_ hostile combinations.
+
+I would humbly recommend Her Majesty, when Her Majesty sees Lord
+Stanley to-day, to receive him with her usual kindness, to say that I
+had done full justice in my reports to Her Majesty to the motives by
+which he had been actuated, and to the openness and frankness of his
+conduct, to regret greatly the loss of his services, but to hope
+that he might be still enabled not to oppose and even to promote
+the accomplishment of what cannot now be safely resisted. I have the
+honour to be, etc., etc., etc.,
+
+ROBERT PEEL.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS]
+
+[Pageheading: THE CORN LAWS]
+
+[Pageheading: THE UNEMPLOYED]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th December 1845._
+
+We had a Council yesterday, at which Parliament was prorogued to
+the 22nd of January, then to meet for the despatch of business. Lord
+Stanley had an audience of the Queen before, and delivered up the
+Seals of his office. He was much agitated, and had told Sir Robert
+that he dreaded this interview very much. The Queen thanked him for
+his services, and begged he would do his best out of office to smooth
+down the difficulties her Government would have to contend with. At
+the Council Lord Dalhousie took his seat, and Mr Gladstone received
+the Colonial Seals. The Queen saw the Duke of Buccleuch and
+thanked him for the devotion he had shown her during these trying
+circumstances; the same to the Duke of Wellington, who is in excellent
+spirits. On my saying, "You have such an influence over the House
+of Lords, that you will be able to keep them straight," he answered:
+"I'll do anything; I am now beginning to write to them and to convince
+them singly of what their duty is."
+
+We saw afterwards Sir Robert Peel, who stayed more than three hours.
+He is in the highest spirits at having got Mr Gladstone and kept the
+Duke of Buccleuch; he proposed that the Duke should be made President,
+and Lord Haddington Privy Seal in his stead. (Lord Haddington had
+behaved very well, had given up his place to Sir Robert, and told him
+he should do with him just as he liked--leave him out of the Cabinet,
+shift him to another place, or leave him at the Admiralty, as would
+suit him best.)
+
+Sir Robert hinted to Lord Ripon that Lord Haddington had behaved so
+well, but got no more out of him, but "that he would _almost_ have
+done the same." Sir Robert proposes to see Lord Ellenborough in order
+to offer him the Admiralty, received the Queen's sanction likewise to
+Lord St Germans (the Postmaster-General) being put into the Cabinet. I
+said: "With your Government that has no inconvenience, and even if you
+had a hundred members in the Cabinet, as you don't tell them but
+what is absolutely necessary, and follow your own course." He said in
+reply, that he should be very sorry if he had to have told his
+Cabinet that he meant to send for Lord Ellenborough. We could not help
+contrasting this conduct with the subjection Lord John has shown to
+his people. It is to his _own_ talent and firmness that Sir Robert
+will owe his success, which cannot fail. He said he had been
+determined not to go to a general election with the fetters the last
+election had imposed upon him, and he had meant at the end of the next
+Session to call the whole Conservative Party together and to declare
+this to them, that he would not meet another Parliament pledged to the
+maintenance of the Corn Laws, which could be maintained no longer, and
+that he would make a public declaration to this effect before another
+general election came on. This had been defeated by events coming too
+suddenly upon him, and he had no alternative but to deal with the Corn
+Laws before a national calamity would _force_ it on. The league had
+made immense progress, and had enormous means at their disposal. If
+he had resigned in November, Lord Stanley and the Protectionists would
+have been prepared to form a Government, and a Revolution might have
+been the consequence of it. Now they felt that it was too late.
+
+Sir Robert has _an immense scheme in view_; he thinks he shall be able
+to remove the contest entirely from the dangerous ground upon which it
+has got--that of a war between the manufacturers, the hungry and the
+poor against the landed proprietors, the aristocracy, which can only
+end in the ruin of the latter; he will not bring forward a measure
+upon the Corn Laws, but a much more comprehensive one. He will deal
+with the whole commercial system of the country. He will adopt
+the principle of the League, _that of removing all protection and
+abolishing all monopoly_, but not in favour of one class and as a
+triumph over another, but to the benefit of the nation, farmers as
+well as manufacturers. He would begin with cotton, and take in all the
+necessaries of life and corn amongst them. The experiments he had
+made in 1842 and 1845 with boldness but with caution had borne out the
+correctness of the principle: the wool duty was taken off, and wool
+sold higher than ever before; foreign cattle were let in, and the
+cattle of England stood better in the market than ever. He would not
+ask for compensation to the land, but wherever he could give it, and
+at the same time promote the social development, there he would do it,
+but on that ground. For instance, one of the greatest benefits to
+the country would be the establishment of a rural police on the
+same principle as the metropolitan police. By taking this on the
+Consolidated Fund, the landowners would be immensely relieved in all
+those counties which kept a police. One of the heaviest charges on
+the land was the present administration of law and the carrying on of
+prosecutions. Sir Robert could fancy this to be very much improved
+by the appointment of a _public_ prosecutor by the State, which would
+give the State a power to prevent vexatious, illegal, and immoral
+prosecutions, and reduce the expenses in an extraordinary degree. Part
+of the maintenance of the poor, according to the Poor Law, might be
+undertaken by the State. A great calamity must be foreseen, when the
+innumerable railroads now in progress shall have been terminated,
+which will be the case in a few years. This will throw an enormous
+labouring population suddenly out of employment. There might be a
+law passed which would provide employment for them, and improve the
+agriculture and production of the country, by enabling the State to
+advance money to the great proprietors for the improvements of their
+estates, which they could not obtain otherwise without charging their
+estates beyond what they already have to bear.
+
+Sir Robert means to go with Mr Gladstone into all these details.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S JUSTIFICATION]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S POLICY]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Viscount Melbourne._[41]
+
+BOWOOD, _26th December 1845._
+
+MY DEAR MELBOURNE,--I return you with many thanks George Anson's
+letter, which was enclosed in yours of the 23rd, which I received just
+as we were setting off for this place. Pray, when next you write to
+George Anson, say how gratefully I appreciate the kind consideration
+on the part of H.R.H. Prince Albert, which suggested George Anson's
+communication. But I can assure you that although John Russell, in his
+Audience of the Queen, may inadvertently have overstated the terms in
+which he had mentioned to me what Her Majesty had said to him about
+my return to the Foreign Office, yet in his conversations with me upon
+that subject he never said anything more than is contained in George
+Anson's letter to you; and I am sure you will think that under all the
+circumstances of the case he could hardly have avoided telling me thus
+much, and making me aware of the impression which seemed to exist upon
+the Queen's mind as to the way in which other persons might view my
+return to the Foreign Office.
+
+With regard to Her Majesty's own sentiments, I have always been
+convinced that Her Majesty knows me too well to believe for an instant
+that I do not attach the greatest importance to the maintenance, not
+merely of peace with all foreign countries, but of the most friendly
+relations with those leading Powers and States of the world with which
+serious differences would be attended with the most inconvenience. As
+to Peace, I succeeded, as the organ of Lord Grey's Government and of
+yours, in preserving it unbroken during ten years[42] of great and
+extraordinary difficulty; and, if now and then it unavoidably happened
+during that period of time, that in pursuing the course of policy
+which seemed the best for British interests, we thwarted the views
+of this or that Foreign Power, and rendered them for the moment less
+friendly, I think I could prove that in every case the object which we
+were pursuing was of sufficient importance to make it worth our while
+to submit to such temporary inconvenience. There never was indeed,
+during those ten years, any real danger of war except on three
+occasions; and on each of those occasions the course pursued by the
+British Government prevented war. The first occasion was just after
+the accession of the King of the French, when Austria, Russia, and
+Prussia were disposed and preparing to attack France, and when the
+attitude assumed by the British Government prevented a rupture. The
+second was when England and France united by a Convention to wrest the
+Citadel of Antwerp from the Dutch, and to deliver it over to the
+King of the Belgians.[43] If England had not then joined with France,
+Antwerp would have remained with the Dutch, or the attempt to take it
+would have led to a war in Europe. The third occasion was when Mehemet
+Ali's army occupied Syria, and when he was constantly threatening
+to declare himself independent and to march on Constantinople; while
+Russia, on the one hand, asserted that if he did so she would occupy
+Constantinople, and on the other hand, France announced that if Russia
+did so, she, France, would force the Dardanelles. The Treaty of July
+1840, proposed and brought about by the British Government, and the
+operations in execution of that Treaty, put an end to that danger;
+and, notwithstanding what has often been said to the contrary, the
+real danger of war arising out of the affairs of Syria was put an end
+to, and not created by the Treaty of 1840.
+
+I am well aware, however, that some persons both at home and abroad
+have imbibed the notion that I am more indifferent than I ought to be
+as to running the risk of war. That impression abroad is founded upon
+an entire mistake, but is by some sincerely felt, and being sincere,
+would soon yield to the evidence of contradictory facts. At home that
+impression has been industriously propagated to a limited extent,
+partly by the legitimate attacks of political opponents, and partly
+by a little cabal within our own ranks. These parties wanted to attack
+me, and were obliged to accuse me of something. They could not charge
+me with failure, because we had succeeded in all our undertakings,
+whether in Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Syria, China, or elsewhere; they
+could not charge me with having involved the country in war, because,
+in fact, we had maintained peace; and the only thing that was left for
+them to say was that my policy had a _tendency_ to produce war, and I
+suppose they would argue that it was quite wrong and against all rule
+that it did not do so.
+
+But notwithstanding what may have been said on this matter, the
+transaction which has by some been the most criticised in this
+respect, namely, the Treaty of 1840, and the operations connected with
+it, were entirely approved by the leaders of the then Opposition, who,
+so far from feeling any disposition to favour me, had always made a
+determined run at the Foreign Policy of the Whig Government. The Duke
+of Wellington, at the opening of the Session of 1841, said in
+the House of Lords that he entirely approved our policy in that
+transaction, and could not find that any fault had been committed
+by us in working it out; and I happen to know that Sir Robert Peel
+expressed to the representative of one of the German Powers, parties
+to the Alliance, his entire approval of our course, while Lord
+Aberdeen said to one of them, that the course I had taken in that
+affair made him forgive me many things of former years, which he had
+thought he never should have forgiven.
+
+I am quite ashamed of the length to which this letter has grown, and
+shall only add, with reference to our relations with France, that
+I had some very friendly interviews with Thiers, who was my chief
+antagonist in 1840, and that although we did not enter into any
+conspiracy against Guizot and Peel, as the newspapers pretended, we
+parted on very good terms, and he promised to introduce me to all his
+friends whenever I should go to Paris, saying that of course Guizot
+would do me the same good office with his supporters. My dear
+Melbourne, yours affectionately,
+
+PALMERSTON.
+
+    [Footnote 41: Submitted to the Queen by Lord Melbourne.]
+
+    [Footnote 42: 1830-1834, and 1835-1841.]
+
+    [Footnote 43: The English and French came in 1832 to the
+    assistance of the Belgians, who some time before had entered
+    Antwerp, but failed to take the Citadel.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE MINISTRY REINSTATED]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._
+
+CH. DE W., _le 30 Décembre 1845._
+
+SIRE ET MON TRÈS CHER FRÈRE,--Votre Majesté me pardonnera si je viens
+seulement maintenant vous remercier de tout mon c[oe]ur de votre
+lettre si bonne et si aimable du 16, mais vous savez combien j'étais
+occupée pendant ces dernières 3 semaines. La Crise est passée et j'ai
+tout lieu de croire que le Gouvernement de Sir R. Peel va s'affermir
+de plus en plus, ce que je ne puis que désirer pour le bien-être du
+pays. Je dois cependant dire à votre Majesté que si le Ministère
+eût changé, j'ai la certitude que le nouveau se serait empressé de
+maintenir, comme nous le désirons si vivement, cette entente cordiale
+si heureusement établie entre nos deux Gouvernements.
+
+Permettez-moi, Sire, de vous offrir au nom d'Albert et au mien nos
+félicitations les plus sincères à l'occasion de la nouvelle Année,
+dans lequel vous nous donnez le doux espoir de vous revoir. Nous avons
+lu avec beaucoup d'intérêt le Speech de V.M., dans lequel vous parlez
+si aimablement du "friendly call" à Eu et des coopérations des 2
+pays dans différentes parties du monde, et particulièrement pour
+l'Abolition de la Traite des noirs.
+
+Ayez la grâce, Sire, de déposer nos hommages et nos félicitations aux
+pieds de la Reine et de votre S[oe]ur. Agréez encore une fois, les
+expressions d'amitié et d'attachement sincère avec lesquelles je suis,
+Sire et mon bien cher Frère, de votre Majesté, la bien bonne S[oe]ur
+et fidèle Amie,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th December 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your kind letter of the 27th,
+by which I see how glad you are at our good Peel being again--and I
+sincerely and confidently hope for many years--my Minister. I have
+heard many instances of the confidence the country and _all_ parties
+have in Peel; for instance, he was immensely cheered at Birmingham--a
+most Radical place; and _Joseph Hume_ expressed great distress when
+Peel resigned, and the greatest contempt for Lord John Russell. The
+Members of the Government have behaved extremely well and with much
+disinterestedness. The Government has secured the services of Mr
+Gladstone and Lord Ellenborough,[44] who will be of great use. Lord E.
+is become very quiet, and is a very good speaker.
+
+We had a very happy Christmas. This weather is extremely unwholesome.
+Now, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 44: Lord Ellenborough was one of the few
+    Conservative statesmen of the day who, after remaining
+    faithful to Sir Robert Peel till the middle of 1846,
+    subsequently threw in his fortunes with Lord Derby and Mr
+    Disraeli. He was President of the Board of Control with those
+    Ministers in 1858 for the fourth time.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XV
+
+
+The closing days of the year 1845 had been marked by startling
+political events, and Lord John Russell's failure to form a
+Government, and Sir Robert Peel's resumption of office, with Mr
+Gladstone substituted for Lord Stanley, were now followed by the
+Ministerial measure for the Repeal of the Corn Laws. Embarrassed as
+he now was by the attacks of his old supporters, led by Bentinck
+and Disraeli, Peel was supported whole-heartedly but in a strictly
+constitutional manner by the Queen and the Prince. Amid bitter taunts,
+the Premier piloted the measure through Parliament, but on the night
+that it finally passed the Lords he was defeated on an Irish Coercion
+Bill by a factious combination in the Commons between the Whigs and
+Protectionists, and resigned. Lord John Russell on this occasion was
+able to form an administration, though he failed in his attempt to
+include in it some important members of the outgoing Government.
+
+Thus, owing to the Irish famine, the Tory party which had come into
+power in 1841 with a majority of ninety to support the Corn Laws, was
+shattered; after Peel's defeat it became clear that no common action
+could take place between his supporters in the struggle of 1846
+and men like Bentinck and Disraeli, who now became leaders of the
+Protectionist party. For the remainder of the year Peel was on the
+whole friendly to the Russell Government, his chief care being to
+maintain them in office as against the Protectionists.
+
+In India the British army was successful in its operations against the
+Sikhs, Sir Harry Smith defeating them at Aliwal, and Sir Hugh Gough at
+Sobraon. Our troops crossed the Sutlej, and terms of peace were agreed
+on between Sir Henry Hardinge (who became a Viscount) and the Sirdars
+from Lahore, peace being signed on 8th March.
+
+On the continent of Europe the most important events took place in the
+Peninsula. The selection of husbands for the Queen of Spain and her
+sister, which had so long been considered an international question,
+came at last to a crisis; the policy of Great Britain had been to
+leave the matter to the Spanish people, except in so far as might be
+necessary to check the undue ambition of Louis Philippe; and neither
+the Queen, Prince Albert, Peel, nor Aberdeen had in any way supported
+the candidature of Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg.
+
+It was common ground that no son of Louis Philippe should marry the
+Queen, but both that monarch and Guizot had further solemnly engaged
+at the Château d'Eu that no son should marry even the Infanta until
+the Queen was married and had children. The return of Palmerston to
+the Foreign Office, and his mention of Prince Leopold in a Foreign
+Office despatch as one of the candidates, gave the King and his
+Minister the pretext they required for repudiating their solemn
+undertaking. In defiance of good faith the engagements were
+simultaneously announced of the Queen to her cousin, Don Francisco
+de Asis, and of the Infanta to the Duc de Montpensier, Don Francisco
+being a man of unattractive, even disagreeable qualities, and feeble
+in _physique_. By this unscrupulous proceeding Queen Victoria and the
+English nation were profoundly shocked.
+
+At the same time Queen Maria found some difficulty in maintaining her
+position in Portugal. She dismissed in a somewhat high-handed manner
+her Minister the Duc de Palmella, and had to bear the brunt of an
+insurrection for several months: at the close of the year her arms
+were victorious at the lines of Torres Vedras, but the Civil War was
+not entirely brought to an end.
+
+In February a Polish insurrection broke out in Silesia, and the
+Austrian troops were driven from Cracow; the rising was suppressed by
+Austria, Russia, and Prussia, who had been constituted the "Protecting
+Powers" of Cracow by the Treaty of Vienna. This unsuccessful attempt
+was seized upon as a pretext for destroying the separate nationality
+of Cracow, which was forthwith annexed to Austria. This unjustifiable
+act only became possible in consequence of the _entente_ between
+England and France (equally parties to the Treaty of Vienna) having
+been terminated by the affair of the Spanish marriages; their formal
+but separate protests were disregarded.
+
+There remains to be mentioned the dispute between Great Britain and
+the United States as to the Oregon boundary, which had assumed so
+ominous a phase in 1845. Lord Aberdeen's last official act was to
+announce in the Lords that a Convention, proposed by himself for
+adjusting the question, had been accepted by the American President.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+1846
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd January 1846._
+
+The Queen must compliment Sir Robert Peel on his beautiful and indeed
+_unanswerable_ speech of last night, which we have been reading with
+the greatest attention.[1] The concluding part we also greatly admire.
+Sir R. Peel has made a very strong case. Surely the impression which
+it has made must have been a good one. Lord John's explanation is
+a fair one;[2] the Queen has _not_ a doubt that he will support Sir
+Robert Peel.
+
+He has indeed pledged himself to it. He does not give a very
+satisfactory explanation of the causes of his failure, but perhaps he
+could not do so without exposing Lord Palmerston.
+
+What does Sir Robert think of the temper of the House of Commons, and
+of the debate in the House of Lords? The debates not being adjourned
+is a good thing. The crowd was immense out-of-doors yesterday, and we
+were never better received.
+
+    [Footnote 1: The Queen had opened Parliament in person; the
+    Prime Minister took the unusual course of speaking immediately
+    after the seconder of the Address, and in his peroration,
+    after laying stress on the responsibilities he was incurring,
+    proceeded: "I do not desire to be Minister of England; but
+    while I am Minister of England I will hold office by no
+    servile tenure; I will hold office unshackled by any other
+    obligation than that of consulting the public interests and
+    providing for the public safety."]
+
+    [Footnote 2: He explained that the attitude of Lord Grey made
+    the difficulties attending the formation of a Whig Ministry
+    insuperable.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: EXTENSION OF INDIAN FRONTIER]
+
+
+_Sir Henry Hardinge to Queen Victoria._[3]
+
+CAMP, LULLIANEE, 24 miles from LAHORE, _18th February 1846._
+
+The territory which it is proposed should be ceded in perpetuity to
+your Majesty is a fine district between the Rivers Sutlej and Beas,
+throwing our frontier forward, within 30 miles of Amritsar, so as
+to have 50 miles of British territory in front of Loodiana, which,
+relatively with Ferozepore, is so weak, that it appeared desirable to
+the Governor-General to improve our frontier on its weakest side, to
+curb the Sikhs by an easy approach towards Amritsar across the Beas
+River instead of the Sutlej--to round off our hill possessions near
+Simla--to weaken the Sikh State which has proved itself to be too
+strong--and to show to all Asia that although the British Government
+has not deemed it expedient to annex this immense country of the
+Punjab, making the Indus the British boundary, it has punished the
+treachery and violence of the Sikh nation, and exhibited its powers
+in a manner which cannot be misunderstood. For the same political
+and military reason, the Governor-General hopes to be able before the
+negotiations are closed to make arrangements by which Cashmere may be
+added to the possessions of Gholab Singh, declaring the Rajpoot Hill
+States with Cashmere independent of the Sikhs of the Plains. The Sikhs
+declare their inability to pay the indemnity of one million and a
+half, and will probably offer Cashmere as an equivalent. In this case,
+if Gholab Singh pays the money demanded for the expenses of the war,
+the district of Cashmere will be ceded by the British to him, and the
+Rajah become one of the Princes of Hindostan.
+
+There are difficulties in the way of this arrangement, but considering
+the military power which the Sikh nation has exhibited of bringing
+into the field 80,000 men and 300 pieces of field artillery, it
+appears to the Governor-General most politic to diminish the means of
+this warlike people to repeat a similar aggression. The nation is in
+fact a dangerous military Republic on our weakest frontier. If the
+British Army had been defeated, the Sikhs, through the Protected
+States, which would have risen in their favour in case of a reverse,
+would have captured Delhi, and a people having 50,000 regular troops
+and 300 pieces of field artillery in a standing permanent camp within
+50 miles of Ferozepore, is a state of things that cannot be tolerated
+for the future....
+
+The energy and intrepidity displayed by your Majesty's
+Commander-in-Chief, Sir Hugh Gough, his readiness to carry on the
+service in cordial co-operation with the Governor-General, and the
+marked bravery and invincibility of your Majesty's English troops,
+have overcome many serious obstacles, and the precautions taken have
+been such that no disaster or failure, however trifling, has attended
+the arduous efforts of your Majesty's Arms.
+
+    [Footnote 3: The Sikhs were defeated at Sobraon on 10th
+    February by the British troops under Sir Hugh Gough,
+    reinforced by Sir Harry Smith, fresh from his victory at
+    Aliwal. _See_ p. 71.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL'S ANXIETIES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _3rd March 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I hasten to thank you for a most dear and kind
+letter of the 28th, which I received this morning. You know how I
+love and esteem my dearest Louise; she is the dearest friend, after my
+beloved Albert, I have.
+
+I wish you could be here, and hope you will come here for a few days
+during your stay, to see the innumerable alterations and improvements
+which have taken place. My dearest Albert is so happy here, out all
+day planting, directing, etc., and it is so good for him. It is a
+relief to be away from all the bitterness which people create for
+themselves in London. Peel has a very anxious and a very peculiar
+position, and it is the force of circumstances and the great energy
+he _alone possesses_ which will carry him through the Session. He
+certainly acts a most disinterested part, for did he not feel (as
+_every one_ who is fully acquainted with the _real state_ of the
+country must feel) that the line he pursues is the _only right_ and
+sound one for the welfare of this country, he never would have
+exposed himself to all the annoyance and pain of being attacked by his
+friends. He was, however, determined to have done this before the next
+general election, but the alarming state of distress in Ireland forced
+him to do it now. I must, however, leave him to explain to you fully
+himself the peculiar circumstances of the present very irregular state
+of affairs. His majority was _not_ a _certain_ one _last year_, for on
+Maynooth, upwards of a _hundred_ of his followers voted against him.
+
+The state of affairs in India is very serious. I am glad you do
+justice to the bravery of our good people.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF SIR ROBERT SALE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Henry Hardinge._
+
+OSBORNE, _4th March 1846._
+
+The Queen is anxious to seize the first opportunity of expressing to
+Sir Henry Hardinge, her admiration of his conduct on the last most
+trying occasion, and of the courage and gallantry of the officers and
+men who had so severe a contest to endure.[4] Their conduct has been
+in every way worthy of the British name, and both the Prince and Queen
+are deeply impressed with it. The severe loss we have sustained in
+so many brave officers and men is very painful, and must alloy the
+satisfaction every one feels at the brilliant successes of our Arms.
+Most deeply do we lament the death of Sir Robert Sale, Sir John
+M'Caskill,[5] and Major Broadfoot,[6] and most deeply do we sympathise
+with that high-minded woman, Lady Sale, who has had the misfortune
+to lose her husband less than three years after she was released from
+captivity and restored to him.
+
+We are truly rejoiced to hear that Sir H. Hardinge's health has
+not suffered, and that he and his brave son have been so mercifully
+preserved. The Queen will look forward with great anxiety to the next
+news from India.
+
+    [Footnote 4: At Moodkee on 18th December, and Ferozeshah on
+    21st and 22nd December.]
+
+    [Footnote 5: Who had commanded a brigade under Pollock in the
+    second Afghan campaign.]
+
+    [Footnote 6: Major George Broadfoot, C.B., Political Agent on
+    the north-western frontier.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCE'S MEMORANDUM]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st April 1846._
+
+I saw this day Sir R. Peel, and showed him a memorandum, which I had
+drawn up respecting our conversation of the 30th.
+
+It filled six sheets, and contained, as minutely as I could render
+it, the whole of the arguments we had gone through. Sir Robert read
+it through and over again, and, after a long pause, said: "I was not
+aware when I spoke to your Royal Highness that my words would be taken
+down, and don't acknowledge that this is a fair representation of my
+opinion." He was visibly uneasy, and added, if he knew that what he
+said should be committed to paper, he would speak differently, and
+give his opinion with all the circumspection and reserve which a
+Minister ought to employ when he gave responsible advice; but he had
+in this instance spoken quite unreservedly, like an advocate defending
+a point in debate, and then he had taken another and tried to carry
+this as far as it would go, in order to give me an opportunity of
+judging of the different bearings of the question. He did so often in
+the Cabinet, when they discussed important questions, and was often
+asked: "Well, then, you are quite against this measure?" "Not at
+all, but I want that the counter argument should be gone into to the
+fullest extent, in order that the Cabinet should not take a one-sided
+view."
+
+He viewed the existence of such a paper with much uneasiness, as it
+might appear as if he had left this before going out of office in
+order to prepossess the Queen against the measures, which her future
+Minister might propose to her, and so lay secretly the foundation
+of his fall. The existence of such a paper might cause great
+embarrassment to the Queen; if she followed the advice of a Minister
+who proposed measures hostile to the Irish Church, it might be said,
+she knew what she undertook, for Sir R. Peel had warned her and left
+on record the serious objections that attached to the measure.
+
+I said that I felt it to be of the greatest importance to possess
+his views on the question, but that I thought I would not have been
+justified in keeping a record of our conversation without showing it
+to him, and asking him whether I had rightly understood him; but if
+he felt a moment's uneasiness about this memorandum, I would at once
+destroy it, as I was anxious that nothing should prevent his
+speaking without the slightest reserve to me in future as he had done
+heretofore. I felt that these open discussions were of the greatest
+use to me in my endeavour to investigate the different political
+questions of the day and to form a conclusive opinion upon them.
+As Sir Robert did not say a word to dissuade me, I took it as an
+affirmative, and threw the memorandum into the fire, which, I could
+see, relieved Sir Robert.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Gladstone to Queen Victoria._
+
+13 CARLTON HOUSE TERRACE, _1st April 1846._
+
+Mr William Gladstone presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+prays that he may be honoured with your Majesty's permission to direct
+that the Park and Tower Guns may be fired forthwith in celebration of
+the victory which was achieved by your Majesty's forces over the Sikh
+army in Sobraon on the 10th of February.[7]
+
+    [Footnote 7: In September 1882 Mr Gladstone quoted this as
+    a precedent for firing the Park Guns after the victory of
+    Tel-el-Kebir. See _Life of Right Hon. Hugh C. E. Childers_, by
+    Colonel Childers, C.B., R.E., vol. ii p. 127.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Henry Hardinge._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _6th April 1846._
+
+The Queen must write a line to Sir Henry Hardinge in order to express
+her extreme satisfaction at the brilliant and happy termination of
+our severe contest with the Sikhs, which he communicated to her in his
+long and interesting letter of the 18th and 19th February. The
+Queen much admires the skill and valour with which their difficult
+operations have been conducted, and knows how much she owes to Sir
+Henry Hardinge's exertions. The Queen hopes that he will see an
+acknowledgment of this in the communication she has ordered to be made
+to him relative to his elevation to the Peerage.
+
+The Prince, who fully knows all the Queen's feelings on this glorious
+occasion, wishes to be named to Sir Henry Hardinge.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
+
+
+_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+PARIS, _5 Mai 1846._
+
+MADAME MA TRÈS CHÈRE S[OE]UR,--Quand le 1^er de Mai, au moment où
+j'allais commencer les nombreuses et longues réceptions de mon jour
+de fête, on m'a remis la lettre si gracieuse que votre Majesté a eu
+l'aimable attention de m'écrire de manière à ce que je la reçoive ce
+jour là, j'en ai été pénétré, et j'ai pensé tout de suite aux paroles
+du Menuet d'Iphigénie comme exprimant le remercîment qu'à mon grand
+regret, je ne pouvais que sentir, et non exprimer par écrit dans un
+pareil moment. J'ai donc fait chercher tout de suite la partition de
+ce menuet, et celles du Ch[oe]ur du même Opéra de Glück "_Chantons,
+célébrons notre Reine!_" mais on n'a pu, ou pas su se les procurer, et
+j'ai dû me contenter de les avoir arrangés pour le piano dans un
+livre (pas même relié) qui a au moins pour excuse de contenir toute la
+musique de cet Opéra. Je l'ai mis dans une grande enveloppe adressée
+à votre Majesté et j'ai fait prier Lord Cowley de l'expédier par
+le premier Courier qui pourrait s'en charger, comme Dépêche, afin
+d'éviter ces postages dont Lord Liverpool m'a révélé l'étonnant usage.
+
+Que vous dirai-je, Madame, sur tous les sentiments dont m'a pénétré
+cette nouvelle marque d'amitié de votre part? Vous connaissez celle
+que je vous porte, et combien elle est vive et sincère. J'espère
+bien que l'année ne s'écoulera pas sans que j'aie été présenter mes
+hommages à votre Majesté....
+
+Tout ce que j'entends, tout ce que je recueille, me donne de plus en
+plus l'espérance que la crise Parlementaire dans laquelle le Ministère
+de votre Majesté se trouve engagé, se terminera, comme Elle sait
+que je le désire vivement, c'est-à-dire que Sir Robert Peel, Lord
+Aberdeen, etc., will hold fast, et qu'ils seront encore ses Ministres
+quand j'aurai le bonheur de Lui faire ma Cour. Je vois avec plaisir
+que ce v[oe]u est à peu près général en France, et qu'il se manifeste
+de plus en plus....
+
+Que votre Majesté me permette d'offrir ici au Prince Albert
+l'expression de ma plus tendre amitié, et qu'elle veuille bien me
+croire pour la vie, Madame ma très chère S[oe]ur, de votre Majesté, le
+bon Frère et bien fidèle Ami,
+
+LOUIS PHILIPPE, R.
+
+J'ai volé ces feuilles de papier à ma bonne Reine pour échapper aux
+reproches trop bien fondés que Lord Aberdeen a faits à la dernière
+fourniture dont je me suis servi.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: IRISH CRIMES BILL]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _12th June 1846._ (_Friday Night._)
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave to
+acquaint your Majesty that no progress has been made to-night with the
+Irish Bill.[8]
+
+On reading the order of the day Sir Robert Peel took that opportunity
+of defending himself from the accusations[9] brought forward by
+Lord George Bentinck and Mr Disraeli against Sir Robert Peel for
+transactions that took place twenty years since. The debate on this
+preliminary question lasted until nearly half-past eleven.
+
+Like every unjust and malignant attack, this, according to Sir Robert
+Peel's impressions, recoiled upon its authors.
+
+He thinks the House was completely satisfied. Lord John Russell and
+Lord Morpeth behaved very well.
+
+The vindictive motive of the attack was apparent to all but a few
+Protectionists.
+
+    [Footnote 8: In consequence of a serious increase of crime in
+    Ireland, a Coercion Bill had been introduced.]
+
+    [Footnote 9: This refers to the Catholic Emancipation
+    discussions of 1827, when Bentinck and Disraeli accused Peel
+    of having hounded Canning to death.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ATTACK ON PEEL]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _22nd June 1846._
+
+Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and assures
+your Majesty that he is penetrated with a deep sense of your Majesty's
+great kindness and your Majesty's generous sympathy with himself and
+Lady Peel.
+
+Sir Robert Peel firmly believes that the recent attack made upon him
+was the result of a foul conspiracy concocted by Mr Disraeli and Lord
+George Bentinck, in the hope and belief that from the lapse of time
+or want of leisure in Sir Robert Peel to collect materials for his
+defence, or the destruction of documents and papers, the means of
+complete refutation might be wanting....
+
+He hopes, however, he had sufficient proof to demonstrate the
+falseness of the accusation, and the malignant motives of the
+accusers.
+
+He is deeply grateful to your Majesty and to the Prince for the kind
+interest you have manifested during the progress of this arduous
+struggle, which now he trusts is approaching to a successful
+termination.
+
+
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _26th June 1846._ (_Two o'clock._)
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave
+to acquaint your Majesty that the members of the Government met in
+Cabinet to-day at one.
+
+Sir Robert Peel is just returned from this meeting.
+
+He stated to the Cabinet that after the event of yesterday (the
+rejection of the Irish Bill by so large a majority as 73) he felt
+it to be his duty as head of the Government humbly to tender his
+resignation of office to your Majesty. He added that, feeling no
+assurance that the result of a Dissolution would be to give a majority
+agreeing with the Government in general principles of policy, and
+sufficient in amount to enable the Government to conduct the business
+of the country with credit to themselves and satisfaction to your
+Majesty and the public at large, he could not advise your Majesty to
+dissolve the Parliament.
+
+Sir Robert Peel said that, in his opinion, the Government generally
+ought to resign, but his mind was made up as to his own course.
+
+There was not a dissenting voice that it was the duty of the
+Government to tender their resignation to your Majesty, and for the
+reasons stated by Sir Robert Peel, not to advise dissolution. If Sir
+Robert Peel does not receive your Majesty's commands to wait upon your
+Majesty in the course of to-day, Sir Robert Peel will be at Osborne
+about half-past three to-morrow.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL'S RESIGNATION]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE HOUSE, _28th June 1846._
+
+Sir Robert Peel arrived yesterday evening and tendered his
+resignation. He is evidently much relieved in quitting a post, the
+labours and anxieties of which seem almost too much for anybody to
+bear, and which in these last six months were particularly onerous.
+In fact, he said that he would not have been able to stand it much
+longer. Nothing, however, would have induced him to give way before
+he had passed the Corn Bill and the Tariff.[10] The majority upon the
+Irish Bill was much larger than any one had expected; Sir Robert was
+glad of this, however, as it convinced his colleagues of the necessity
+of resigning. He told them at the Cabinet that, as for himself
+personally, he had made up his mind to resign, and on being asked
+what he advised his Cabinet to do, he recommended them to do the
+same, which received general concurrence. The last weeks had not been
+without some intrigue. There was a party headed by Lord Ellenborough
+and Lord Brougham, who wished Sir Robert and Sir James Graham to
+retire, and for the rest of the Cabinet to reunite with the Protection
+section of the Conservatives, and to carry on the Government. Lord
+Ellenborough and Lord Brougham had in December last settled to head
+the Protectionists, but this combination had been broken up by Lord
+Ellenborough's acceptance of the post of First Lord of the Admiralty;
+Lord Brougham then declared for free trade, perhaps in order to follow
+Lord Ellenborough into office. The Duke of Wellington had been for
+dissolution till he saw the complete disorganisation of his party
+in the House of Lords. The Whigs, having been beat twice the evening
+before by large majorities on the Roman Catholic Bill, had made every
+exertion on the Coercion Bill, and the majority was still increased by
+Sir Robert's advising the Free Traders and Radicals, who had intended
+to stay away in order not to endanger Sir Robert's Government, not to
+do so as they would not be able to save him. Seventy Protectionists
+voted with the majority.
+
+    [Footnote 10: By a remarkable coincidence the Corn Bill passed
+    through the Lords on the same night that the Ministry were
+    defeated in the Commons.]
+
+Before leaving Town Sir R. Peel addressed a letter to Lord John
+Russell, informing him that he was going to the Isle of Wight in order
+to tender his and his colleagues' resignation to the Queen, that he
+did not the least know what Her Majesty's intentions were, but that in
+case she should send for Lord John, he (Sir Robert) was ready to see
+Lord John (should he wish it), and give him any explanation as to
+the state of public affairs and Parliamentary business which he could
+desire. Sir Robert thought thereby, without in the least committing
+the Queen, to indicate to Lord John that he had nothing to fear on his
+part, and that, on the contrary, he could reckon upon his assistance
+in starting the Queen's new Government. He hoped likewise that this
+would tend to dispel a clamour for dissolution which the Whigs have
+raised, alarmed by their defeats upon the Catholic Bill.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: END OF THE OREGON DISPUTE]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _29th June 1846._
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave to
+acquaint your Majesty that he has just concluded his speech notifying
+to the House the resignation of the Government.
+
+He thinks it was very well received.[11] Lord Palmerston spoke after
+Sir Robert Peel, but not very effectively, but no other person spoke.
+Sir Robert Peel is to see Lord John Russell at ten to-morrow morning.
+
+Sir Robert Peel humbly congratulates your Majesty on the intelligence
+received _this day_ from America. The defeat of the Government on
+the day on which they carried the Corn Bill, and the receipt of the
+intelligence from America[12] on the day on which they resign, are
+singular coincidences.
+
+    [Footnote 11: He expressed his hope to be remembered with
+    goodwill "in the abodes of those whose lot it is to labour,
+    and to earn their daily bread by the sweat of their brows,
+    when they shall recruit their exhausted strength with abundant
+    and untaxed food, the sweeter because no longer leavened with
+    a sense of injustice."]
+
+    [Footnote 12: The Convention for adjusting the dispute as to
+    the Oregon boundary had been accepted by the United States
+    Government.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL'S TRIBUTE TO COBDEN]
+
+
+_The Bishop of Oxford[13] to Mr Anson._
+
+61 EATON PLACE, _29th June 1846._ (_Midnight._)
+
+MY DEAR ANSON,--Your kind letter reached me half an hour ago whilst
+Sir T. Acland was sitting with me; and I must say a few words in reply
+by the early post. I went down to hear Peel in the House of Commons,
+and very fine it was. The House crowded, Peers and Ambassadors filling
+every seat and overflowing into the House. Soon after six all private
+business was over; Peel not come in, all waiting, no one rose for
+anything; for ten minutes this lasted: then Peel came in, walked up
+the House: colder, dryer, more introverted than ever, yet to a close
+gaze showing the fullest working of a smothered volcano of emotions.
+He was out of breath with walking and sat down on the Treasury Bench
+(placing a small despatch box with the Oregon despatches on the table)
+as he would be fully himself before he rose. By-and-by he rose, amidst
+a breathless silence, and made the speech you will have read long ere
+this. It was very fine: very effective: really almost solemn: to fall
+at such a moment. He spoke as if it was his last political scene: as
+if he felt that between alienated friends and unwon foes he could
+have no party again; and could only as a shrewd bystander observe and
+advise others. There was but one point in the Speech which I thought
+doubtful: the apostrophe to "Richard Cobden."[14] I think it was
+wrong, though there is very much to be said for it. The opening of the
+American peace was noble; but for the future, what have we to look to?
+Already there are whispers of Palmerston and War; the Whig budget and
+deficiency. The first great question all men ask is: does Lord John
+come in, leaning on Radical or Conservative aid? Is Hawes to be in the
+Cabinet? the first Dissenter? the first tradesman? the Irish Church? I
+wish you were near enough to talk to, though even then you would know
+too much that must not be known for a comfortable talk. But I shall
+hope soon to see you; and am always, my dear Anson, very sincerely and
+affectionately yours,
+
+S. OXON.
+
+    [Footnote 13: Dr S. Wilberforce.]
+
+    [Footnote 14: "Sir, the name which ought to be, and which will
+    be, associated with the success of these measures, is the name
+    of a man who, acting, I believe, from pure and disinterested
+    motives, has advocated their cause with untiring energy, and
+    by appeals to reason, enforced by an eloquence the more to
+    be admired because it was unaffected and unadorned--the
+    name which ought to be and which will be associated with the
+    success of these measures is the name of Richard Cobden."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW GOVERNMENT]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE HOUSE, _30th June 1846._
+
+Lord John Russell arrived here this afternoon; he has seen Sir Robert
+Peel this morning, and is prepared to undertake the formation of
+a Government which he thinks will stand; at least, for the present
+session he anticipates no difficulty, as Sir R. Peel has professed
+himself ready not to obstruct its progress, and as the Protectionists
+have held a meeting on Saturday at which Lord Stanley has declared
+that he would let this Government go on smoothly unless the word
+"Irish Church" was pronounced. About men and offices, Lord John has
+consulted with Lord Lansdowne, Palmerston, Clarendon, and Cottenham,
+who were of opinion that the Liberal members of Sir Robert's Cabinet
+ought to be induced to retain office under Lord John, viz. Lord
+Dalhousie, Lord Lincoln, and Mr Sidney Herbert. Sir Robert Peel at the
+interview of this morning had stated to Lord John that he would not
+consider it as an attempt to draw his supporters away from him (it not
+being his intention to form a party), and that he would not dissuade
+them from accepting the offer, but that he feared that they would not
+accept. We concurred in this opinion, but Lord John was authorised
+by Victoria to make the offer. Mr F. Baring, the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer under the late Whig Government, has intimated to Lord John
+that he would prefer if no offer of office was made to him; Lord John
+would therefore recommend Mr Charles Wood for this office. Lord Grey
+was still a difficulty; in or out of office he seemed to be made a
+difficulty. It would be desirable to have him in the Cabinet if he
+could waive his opinions upon the Irish Church. His speech in the
+House of Lords[15] at the beginning of the session had done much harm,
+had been very extreme, and Lord John was decidedly against him in
+that. Lord Grey knew that everybody blamed it, but said everybody
+would be of those (his) opinions ten years hence, and therefore he
+might just as well hold them now. Mr Wood having great influence with
+him might keep him quiet, and so would the Colonial seals, as he would
+get work enough. About Lord Palmerston, he is satisfied, and would no
+more make any difficulty.
+
+    [Footnote 15: On the 23rd of March, in the course of a long
+    speech on the state of Ireland, Earl Grey had contrasted the
+    poverty of the Roman Catholic Church in that country with the
+    affluence of the Establishment, diverted, as he said, by the
+    superior power of England from its original objects; adding
+    that the Protestant Church was regarded by the great mass of
+    the Irish people as an active cause of oppression and misery.]
+
+Lord John Russell told me in the evening that he had forgotten to
+mention one subject to the Queen: it was that Sir Robert Peel by his
+speech and his special mention of Mr Cobden as the person who had
+carried the great measure, had made it very difficult for Lord John
+not to offer office to Mr Cobden. The Whigs were already accused of
+being exclusive, and reaping the harvest of other people's work. The
+only thing he could offer would be a _Cabinet_ office. Now this would
+affront a great many people whom he (Lord J.) had to conciliate, and
+create even possibly dissension in his Cabinet. As Mr Cobden was going
+on the Continent for a year, Lord John was advised by Lord Clarendon
+to write to Mr C., and tell him that he had heard he was going
+abroad, that he would not make any offer to him therefore, but that
+he considered him as entitled once to be recommended for office to the
+Queen. This he would do, with the Queen's permission....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW MINISTRY]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+OSBORNE, _1st July 1846._
+
+The Queen returns these letters, with her best thanks. The settlement
+of the Oregon question has given us the greatest satisfaction. It does
+seem strange that at the moment of triumph the Government should
+have to resign. The Queen read Sir Robert Peel's speech with great
+admiration. The Queen seizes this opportunity (though she will see Sir
+Robert again) of expressing her _deep_ concern at losing his services,
+which she regrets as much for the Country as for herself and the
+Prince. In whatever position Sir Robert Peel may be, we shall ever
+look on him as a kind and true friend, and ever have the greatest
+esteem and regard for him as a Minister and as a private individual.
+
+The Queen will not say anything about what passed at Lord John
+Russell's interview, as the Prince has already written to Sir Robert.
+She does not think, however, that he mentioned the wish Lord John
+expressed that Lord Liverpool should retain his office, which however
+(much as we should personally like it) we think he would not do.
+
+What does Sir Robert hear of the Protectionists, and what do his own
+followers say to the state of affairs?
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: WHIG JEALOUSIES]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _6th July 1846._
+
+Yesterday the new Ministry were installed at a Privy Council, and the
+Seals of Office transferred to them. We had a long conversation with
+Sir Robert Peel, who took leave. I mentioned to him that his word
+of "Richard Cobden" had created an immense sensation, but he was not
+inclined to enter upon the subject. When we begged him to do nothing
+which could widen the breach between him and his party, he said, "I
+don't think that we can ever get together again." He repeated that he
+was anxious not to undertake a Government again, that his health would
+not stand it, that it was better likewise for the Queen's service
+that other, younger men should be brought forward. Sir Robert, Lord
+Aberdeen, and Sir James Graham parted with great emotion, and had
+tears in their eyes when they thanked the Queen for her confidence
+and support. Lord Aberdeen means to have an interview with Lord
+Palmerston, and says that when he (Lord A.) came into office, Lord
+Palmerston and the _Chronicle_ assailed him most bitterly as an
+imbecile Minister, a traitor to his country, etc., etc. He means now
+to show Lord P. the contrast by declaring his readiness to assist him
+in every way he can by his advice, that he would at all times speak to
+him as if he was his colleague if he wished it.
+
+The new Court is nearly completed, and we have succeeded in obtaining
+a very respectable and proper one, notwithstanding the run which
+the Party made upon it which had been formerly used to settle these
+matters, to _their_ liking only. The Government is not a united one,
+however, by any means. Mr Wood and Lord Clarendon take the greatest
+credit in having induced Lord Grey to join the Government,[16] and are
+responsible to Lord John to keep him quiet, which they think they will
+be able to do, as he had been convinced of the folly of his former
+line of conduct. Still, they say Lord Lansdowne will have the lead
+only nominally, that Lord Grey is to take it really in the House
+of Lords. There is the _Grey Party_, consisting of Lord Grey, Lord
+Clarendon, Sir George Grey, and Mr Wood; they are against Lord
+Lansdowne, Lord Minto, Lord Auckland, and Sir John Hobhouse,
+stigmatising them as old women. Lord John leans entirely to the
+last-named gentlemen. There is no cordiality between Lord John and
+Lord Palmerston, who, if he had to make a choice, would even forget
+what passed in December last, and join the Grey Party in preference to
+Lord John personally. The curious part of all this is that they
+cannot keep a secret, and speak of all their differences. They got
+the _Times_ over by giving it exclusive information, and the leading
+articles are sent in and praise the new Cabinet, but the wicked paper
+added immediately a furious attack upon Sir John Hobhouse, which
+alarmed them so much that they sent to Sir John, sounding him, whether
+he would be hereafter prepared to relinquish the Board of Control.
+(This, however, is a mere personal matter of Mr Walter, who stood
+against Sir John at Nottingham in 1841 and was unseated.) Sir John
+Easthope, the proprietor of the _Morning Chronicle_, complains
+bitterly of the subserviency to the _Times_ and treason to him. He
+says he knows that the information was sent from Lord John's house,
+and threatens revenge. "If you will be ruled by the _Times_," he
+said to one of the Cabinet, "the _Times_ has shown you already by a
+specimen that you will be ruled by a rod of iron."
+
+    [Footnote 16: In spite of the opposition of the latter to
+    Palmerston's re-appointment to the Foreign Office. See _ante_,
+    p. 60.]
+
+A Brevet for the Army and Navy is proposed, in order to satisfy Lord
+Anglesey with the dignity of Field-Marshal.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+The Protectionists, 150 strong, including Peers and M.P.'s, are to
+give a dinner to Lord Stanley at Greenwich, at which he is to announce
+his opinions upon the line they are to take. Lord George Bentinck is
+there to lay down the lead which the Party insisted upon. Who is to
+follow him as their leader in the Commons nobody knows.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A WEAK GOVERNMENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _7th July 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you for your kind letter of the
+3rd. It arrived yesterday, which was a very hard day for me. I had to
+part with Sir R. Peel and Lord Aberdeen, who are irreparable losses
+to us and the Country; they were both so much overcome that it quite
+overset me, and we have in them two devoted friends. We felt so safe
+with them. Never, during the five years that they were with me, did
+they _ever_ recommend a _person_ or a thing which was not for my or
+the Country's best, and never for the Party's advantage only; and the
+contrast _now_ is very striking; there is much less respect and much
+less high and pure feeling. Then the discretion of Peel, I believe, is
+unexampled.
+
+Stockmar has, I know, explained to you the state of affairs, which
+is unexampled, and I think the present Government _very_ weak and
+extremely disunited. What may appear to you as a mistake in November
+was an inevitable evil. Aberdeen very truly explained it yesterday.
+"We had ill luck," he said; "if it had not been for this famine in
+Ireland, which rendered immediate measures necessary, Sir Robert would
+have prepared them gradually for the change." Then, besides, the Corn
+Law Agitation was such that if Peel had not wisely made this change
+(for which the _whole_ Country blesses him), a convulsion would
+shortly have taken place, and we should have been _forced_ to yield
+what has been granted as a boon. No doubt the breaking up of the Party
+(which _will_ come together again, whether under Peel or some one
+else) is a very distressing thing. The only thing to be regretted, and
+I do not know exactly _why_ he did it (though we _can_ guess), was his
+praise of _Cobden_, which has shocked people a good deal.
+
+But I can't tell you how sad I am to lose Aberdeen; you can't think
+what a delightful companion he was; the breaking up of all this
+intercourse during our journeys, etc., is deplorable.
+
+We have contrived to get a _very_ respectable Court.
+
+Albert's use to me, and I may say to the _Country_, by his firmness
+and sagacity, is beyond all belief in these moments of trial.
+
+We are all well, but I am, of course, a good deal overset by all these
+tribulations.
+
+Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+I was much touched to see Graham so very much overcome at taking leave
+of us.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S ANXIETY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Hardinge._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _8th July 1846._
+
+The Queen thanks Lord Hardinge for his interesting communications.
+Lord Hardinge will have learnt all that has taken place in the
+Country; one of the most brilliant Governments this Country ever
+had has fallen at the moment of victory! The Queen has now, besides
+mourning over this event, the anxiety of having to see the Government
+carried on as efficiently as possible, for the welfare of the Country.
+The Queen would find a guarantee for the accomplishment of this
+object in Lord Hardinge's consenting to continue at the head of the
+Government of India, where great experiments have been made which
+require unity of purpose and system to be carried out successfully.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _10th July 1846._
+
+... The Queen approves of the pensions proposed by Lord J. Russell,
+though she cannot conceal from him that she thinks the one to Father
+Mathew a doubtful proceeding. It is quite true that he has done much
+good by preaching temperance, but by the aid of superstition, which
+can hardly be patronised by the Crown.[17]
+
+The Queen is sure that Lord John will like her at all times to speak
+out her mind, and has, therefore, done so without reserve.
+
+    [Footnote 17: The pension was, however, granted.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _14th July 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--We are very happily established here since
+Thursday, and have beautiful weather for this truly enjoyable place;
+we drive, walk, and sit out--and the nights are so fine. I long for
+you to be here. It has quite restored my spirits, which were much
+shaken by the sad leave-takings in London--of Sir R. Peel, Lord
+Aberdeen, Lord Liverpool, etc. Lord L. could _not well_ have stayed.
+Lord Aberdeen was very much overset.
+
+The present Government is weak, and I think Lord J. does not possess
+the talent of keeping his people together. Most people think,
+however, that they will get through this Session; the only question of
+difficulty is the _sugar_ question.
+
+I think that the King of the French's visit is more than ever
+desirable--now; for if he were to be shy of coming, it would prove
+to the world that this _new_ Government was hostile, and the _entente
+cordiale_ no longer sure. Pray impress this on the King--and I _hope_
+and _beg_ he will let the dear Nemours pay us a little visit in
+November. It would have the best effect, and be so pleasant, as we are
+so dull in the winter all by ourselves. I hope that in future, when
+the King and the Family are at _Eu_, some of them will frequently come
+over to see us _here_. It would be so nice and _so near_.
+
+Now adieu, dearest Uncle. I hope I shall _not_ have to _write_ to
+you again, but have the happiness of _saying de vive voix_, that I am
+ever, your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGES]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _16th July 1846._
+
+... With regard to the marriage of the Queen of Spain, Viscount
+Palmerston has received a good deal of general information from
+persons who have conversed with him on the subject, but he has learnt
+nothing thereupon which was not already known to your Majesty. The
+state of that matter seems, in a few words, to be that the Count
+of Trapani is now quite out of the question, that the Count of
+Montemolin, though wished for by Austria, and in some degree supported
+by the Court of the Tuileries, would be an impossible choice, and that
+the alternative now lies between Don Enrique and the Prince Leopold
+of Coburg, the two Queens being equally set against the Duke of Cadiz,
+Don Enrique's elder brother. In favour of Prince Leopold seem to be
+the two Queens, and a party (of what extent and influence does not
+appear) in Spain. Against that Prince are arrayed, ostensibly at
+least, the Court of the Tuileries and the Liberal Party in Spain; and
+probably to a certain degree the Government of Austria.
+
+In favour of Don Enrique are a very large portion of the Spanish
+nation, who would prefer a Spanish prince for their Sovereign's
+husband; and the preference, expressed only as an opinion and without
+any acts in furtherance of it, by your Majesty's late Administration.
+Against Don Enrique are the aversion of the Queen Mother, founded on
+her family differences with her late sister, and the apprehensions of
+the present Ministers in Spain, who would think their power endangered
+by the political connection between Don Enrique and the more Liberal
+Party. The sentiments of the King of the French in regard to Don
+Enrique seem not very decided; but it appears likely that the King of
+the French would prefer Count Montemolin or the Duke of Cadiz to Don
+Enrique; but that he would prefer Don Enrique to the Prince Leopold of
+Coburg, because the former would fall within the category of Bourbon
+princes, descended from Philip the Fifth of Spain, proposed by the
+King of the French as the limited circle within which the Queen of
+Spain should find a husband.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+_16th July 1846._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's interesting letter, and is
+very much satisfied with his parting conversation with Ibrahim
+Pasha, which she conceives will not be lost upon him. The view Lord
+Palmerston takes about the present position of the Spanish marriage
+question appears to the Queen quite correct. She finds only one
+omission, which is Queen Isabella's personal objection to Don Enrique,
+and the danger which attaches to marriage with a Prince taken up by a
+Political Party in Spain, which makes him the political enemy of the
+opposite Party.[18]
+
+The Queen thanks Lord Palmerston for his zeal about Portugal, which
+is really in an alarming state.[19] She sends herewith the last letter
+which she received from the King of Portugal. The Queen is sorry to
+have lost the opportunity of seeing Marshal Saldanha.
+
+    [Footnote 18: On the 18th of July Lord Palmerston wrote his
+    celebrated despatch to Mr Bulwer, and unfortunately showed
+    a copy of it to Jarnac, the French Ambassador in London. The
+    mention of Prince Leopold in it, as a possible candidate for
+    the Queen of Spain's hand, gave the French King and Minister
+    the opportunity they wanted, and brought matters to a crisis.
+    See _Life of the Prince Consort_, vol. i. chap. xvii.;
+    Dalling's _Life of Lord Palmerston,_ vol. iii. chaps. vii. and
+    viii.]
+
+    [Footnote 19: Owing to the insurrection, a run took place on
+    the Bank of Lisbon. The Ministry (in which Saldanha was War
+    Minister) had some difficulty in raising a loan.]
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PREROGATIVE OF DISSOLUTION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE HOUSE, _16th July 1846._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's communication of yesterday,
+and sincerely hopes that Lord John's sugar measure[20] may be such
+that the Committee of the Cabinet, as well as the whole Cabinet and
+_Parliament_, may concur in it, which would save the country another
+struggle this year. The Queen trusts, moreover, that late experience
+and good sense may induce the West Indians to be moderate and
+accommodating. As Lord John touches in his letter on the possibility
+of a Dissolution, the Queen thinks it right to put Lord John in
+possession of her views upon this subject _generally_. She considers
+the power of dissolving Parliament a most valuable and powerful
+instrument in the hands of the Crown, but which ought not to be used
+except in extreme cases and with a certainty of success. To use this
+instrument and be defeated is a thing most lowering to the Crown
+and hurtful to the country. The Queen strongly feels that she made
+a mistake in allowing the Dissolution in 1841; the result has been a
+majority returned against her of nearly one hundred votes; but suppose
+the result to have been nearly an equality of votes between the two
+contending parties, the Queen would have thrown away her last remedy,
+and it would have been impossible for her to get any Government which
+could have carried on public business with a chance of success.
+
+The Queen was glad therefore to see that Sir Robert Peel did not ask
+for a Dissolution, and she _entirely concurs_ in the opinion expressed
+by him in his last speech in the House of Commons, when he said:
+
+"I feel strongly this, that no Administration is justified in advising
+the exercise of that prerogative, unless there be a fair, reasonable
+presumption, even a strong moral conviction, that after a Dissolution
+they will be enabled to administer the affairs of this country through
+the support of a party sufficiently powerful to carry their measures.
+I do not think a Dissolution justifiable to strengthen a party. I
+think the power of Dissolution is a great instrument in the hands of
+the Crown, and that there is a tendency to blunt that instrument if it
+be resorted to without necessity.
+
+"The only ground for Dissolution would have been a strong presumption
+that after a Dissolution we should have had a party powerful enough in
+this House to give effect practically to the measures which we might
+propose. I do not mean a support founded on a concurrence on _one
+great question of domestic policy_, however important that may be, not
+of those who differ from us on almost all questions of public policy,
+agreeing with us in one; but that we should have the support of a
+powerful party united by a general concurrence of political opinions."
+
+The Queen is confident that these views will be in accordance with
+Lord John Russell's own sentiments and opinions upon this subject.
+
+    [Footnote 20: In pursuance of the policy of free trade, the
+    Ministry introduced and passed a Bill reducing the duties
+    on foreign slave-grown sugar, with the ultimate intention of
+    equalising them with those on Colonial produce.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD MELBOURNE'S VIEWS]
+
+
+_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
+
+SOUTH STREET, _21st July 1846._
+
+Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has just
+received your Majesty's letter of yesterday, and is much delighted at
+again hearing from your Majesty.
+
+What your Majesty says of the state of public affairs and of parties
+in Parliament is true. But in November last Sir Robert Peel had
+a party which might have enabled him to have long carried on the
+Government if he had not most unaccountably chosen himself to scatter
+it to the winds.
+
+Lord Melbourne is much gratified by the intimation that your Majesty
+would not have been displeased or unwilling to see him again amongst
+your confidential servants, but your Majesty acted most kindly and
+most judiciously in not calling upon him in November last, and John
+Russell has done the same in forbearing to make to Lord Melbourne any
+offer at present. When Lord Melbourne was at Brocket Hall during
+the Whitsuntide holidays he clearly foresaw that Sir Robert Peel's
+Government must be very speedily dissolved; and upon considering the
+state of his own health and feelings, he came to the determination,
+which he communicated to Mr Ellice, who was with him, that he could
+take no active part in the then speedily approaching crisis. He felt
+himself quite unequal to the work, and also to that of either of the
+Secretaries of State, or even of the more subordinate and less heavy
+and responsible offices. He is very subject to have accesses of
+weakness, which render him incapable for exertion, and deprive his
+life of much of its enjoyment. They do not appear at present to hasten
+its termination, but how soon they may do so it is impossible to
+foretell or foresee.
+
+Lord Melbourne hopes that he shall be able to wait upon your Majesty
+on Saturday next, but he fears the weight of the full dress uniform.
+He begs to be remembered to His Royal Highness.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCE AND PEEL]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert._
+
+DRAYTON MANOR, FAZELEY, _August 1846._
+
+SIR,--I shall be very happy to avail myself of your Royal Highness's
+kind permission occasionally to write to your Royal Highness. However
+much I am enjoying the contrast between repose and official life,
+I may say--I hope without presumption, I am sure with perfect
+sincerity--that the total interruption of every sort of communication
+with your Royal Highness would be a very severe penalty.
+
+It was only yesterday that I was separating from the rest of my
+correspondence all the letters which I had received from the Queen
+and your Royal Highness during the long period of five years, in order
+that I might ensure their exemption from the fate to which in these
+days all letters seem to be destined, and I could not review them
+without a mixed feeling of gratitude for the considerate indulgence
+and kindness of which they contained such decisive proofs, and
+of regret that such a source of constantly recurring interest and
+pleasure was dried up.
+
+I can act in conformity with your Royal Highness's gracious wishes,
+and occasionally write to you, without saying a word of which the most
+jealous or sensitive successor in the confidence of the Queen could
+complain.... Your faithful and humble Servant,
+
+ROBERT PEEL.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd August 1846._
+
+The Queen has just seen Lord Bessborough, who presses very much for
+her going to Ireland; she thinks it right to put Lord John Russell in
+possession of her views on this subject.
+
+It is a journey which must one day or other be undertaken, and which
+the Queen would be glad to have accomplished, because it must be
+disagreeable to her that people should speculate whether she _dare_
+visit one part of her dominions. Much will depend on the proper
+moment, for, after those speculations, it ought to succeed if
+undertaken.
+
+The Queen is anxious that when undertaken it should be a National
+thing, and the good which it is to do must be a permanent and not a
+transitory advantage to a particular Government, having the appearance
+of a party move.
+
+As this is not a journey of pleasure like the Queen's former ones, but
+a State act, it will have to be done with a certain degree of State,
+and ought to be done handsomely. It cannot be expected that the main
+expense of it should fall upon the Civil List, nor would this be able
+to bear it.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CANADIAN AFFAIRS]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Earl Grey._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd August 1846._
+
+MY DEAR LORD GREY,--The Queen wishes me to return you the enclosed
+letter. The subject of the Government of Canada is one which the Queen
+has much at heart. Canada has been for a long time, and may probably
+_still_ be for the future, a source of great weakness to this Empire,
+and a number of experiments have been tried. It was in a very bad
+state before the Union, continually embarrassing the Home Government,
+and the Union has by no means acted as a remedy, but it may be said
+almost to have increased the difficulties. The only thing that has
+hitherto proved beneficial was the prudent, consistent, and impartial
+administration of Lord Metcalfe. Upon the continuance and consistent
+application of the system which he has laid down and acted upon,
+will depend, in the Queen's estimation, the future welfare of that
+province, and the maintenance of proper relations with the mother
+country. The Queen therefore is most anxious that in the appointment
+of a new Governor-General (for which post she thinks Lord Elgin very
+well qualified), regard should be had to securing an uninterrupted
+development of Lord Metcalfe's views. The Queen thought it the more
+her duty to make you acquainted with her sentiments upon this subject,
+because she thinks that additional danger arises from the impressions
+which the different agents of the different political parties in
+Canada try to produce upon the Home Government and the imperial
+Parliament, and from their desire to mix up Canadian _party_ politics
+with general English _party_ politics.[21] Ever yours, etc.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 21: In the event, Lord Elgin was appointed.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _4th August 1846._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is
+greatly obliged to your Majesty for your Majesty's communication
+respecting a Royal visit to Ireland. He concurs in your Majesty's
+observations on that subject. He is of opinion that if the visit
+partook in any way of a party character, its effects would be
+mischievous, and not beneficial.
+
+He is also doubtful of the propriety of either incurring very large
+expense on the part of the public, or of encouraging Irish proprietors
+to lay out money in show and ceremony at a time when the accounts of
+the potato crop exhibit the misery and distress of the people in an
+aggravated shape.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE WELLINGTON STATUE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+_7th August_ [_1846_].
+
+With regard to the Statue[22] on the arch on Constitution Hill, the
+Queen is of opinion that if she is considered individually she is
+bound by her word, and must allow the Statue to go up, however bad the
+appearance of it will be. If the constitutional fiction is applied to
+the case, the Queen acts by the advice of her _responsible_ advisers.
+One Government advised her to give her assent, another advises the
+withdrawal of that assent. This latter position has been taken in Lord
+Morpeth's former letter to the Committee, and in the debate in the
+House of Commons; it must therefore now be adhered to, and whatever
+is decided must be the act of the Government. It would accordingly
+be better to keep the word "Government" at the conclusion of Lord
+Morpeth's proposed letter, and that the Prince should not go to Town
+to give an opinion upon the appearance of the figure, when up.
+
+    [Footnote 22: The equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington
+    at Hyde Park Corner was much criticised at the time of its
+    erection: it is now at Aldershot.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+[_9th August 1846._]
+
+MY DEAR LORD PALMERSTON,--The Queen is much obliged for Lord Howard
+de Walden's private letter to you, and begs you will never hesitate to
+send her such private communications, however unreserved they may
+be in their language, as our chief wish and aim is, by hearing all
+parties, to arrive at a just, dispassionate, and correct opinion
+upon the various political questions. This, however, entails a strict
+scrutiny of what is brought before us....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND SPAIN]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _17th August 1846._
+
+The Queen has received a draft to Mr Bulwer from Lord Palmerston. The
+perusal of it has raised some apprehensions in the Queen's mind,
+which she stated to Lord Palmerston she would communicate to Lord John
+Russell.
+
+The draft lays down a general policy, which the Queen is afraid may
+ultimately turn out very dangerous. It is this:
+
+England undertakes to interfere in the internal affairs of Spain, and
+to promote the development of the present constitutional Government of
+Spain in a more democratic direction, and this for the avowed purpose
+of counteracting the influence of France. England becomes therefore
+_responsible_ for a particular direction given to the _internal_
+Government of Spain, which to control she has no sufficient means. All
+England can do, and will have to do, is: to keep up a particular party
+in Spain to support her views.
+
+France, knowing that this is directed against her, must take up the
+opposite party and follow the opposite policy in Spanish affairs.
+
+This must bring England and France to quarrels, of which we can hardly
+foresee the consequences, and it dooms Spain to eternal convulsions
+and reactions.
+
+This has been the state of things before; theory and experience
+therefore warn against the renewal of a similar policy.
+
+The natural consequence of this is that Don Enrique would appear
+as the desirable candidate for the Queen of Spain's hand, and Lord
+Palmerston accordingly for the first time deviates from the line
+hitherto followed by us, and _urges_ Don Enrique, which in the eyes of
+the world must stamp him as "_an English Candidate_." Lord Palmerston,
+from his wish to see him succeed, does, in the Queen's opinion, not
+sufficiently acknowledge the obstacles which stand in the way of
+this combination, and which all those who are on the spot and in the
+confidence of the Court represent as almost insurmountable.
+
+The Queen desires Lord John Russell to weigh all this most maturely,
+and to let her know the result.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _19th August 1846._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that he has maturely considered, together with
+Lord Palmerston, Lord Lansdowne, and Lord Clarendon, your Majesty's
+observations on the draft sent by Lord Palmerston for your Majesty's
+approbation.
+
+Lord John Russell entirely concurs in your Majesty's wish that England
+and France should not appear at Madrid as countenancing conflicting
+parties. Lord John Russell did not attach this meaning to Lord
+Palmerston's proposed despatch, but he has now re-written the draft in
+such a manner as he trusts will obtain your Majesty's approval.
+
+Lord John Russell will pay the utmost attention to this difficult and
+delicate subject.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGES]
+
+[Pageheading: DON ENRIQUE]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _19th August 1846._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+endeavoured to modify and rearrange his proposed instruction to Mr
+Bulwer in deference to your Majesty's wishes and feelings as expressed
+to Lord John Russell; and with this view also Viscount Palmerston has
+divided the instruction into two separate despatches--the one treating
+of the proposed marriage of the Queen, the other of the possible
+marriage of the Infanta. But with regard to these new drafts, as well
+as with regard to the former one, Viscount Palmerston would beg
+to submit that they are not notes to be presented to any Foreign
+Government, nor despatches to be in any way made public; but that they
+are confidential instructions given to one of your Majesty's Ministers
+abroad, upon matters upon which your Majesty's Government have been
+urgently pressed, to enable that Minister to give advice; and Viscount
+Palmerston would beg also to submit that in a case of this kind it
+would not be enough to communicate drily the opinion of the British
+Government, without stating and explaining some of the reasons upon
+which those opinions are founded.
+
+It is quite evident from Mr Bulwer's communication, and especially
+from the postscript to his despatch of the 4th of this month, that
+Queen Christina, the Duke of Rianzares, and Señor Isturitz, are
+earnestly and intently bent upon marrying the Queen Isabella to Prince
+Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, and it is very difficult to find conclusive
+grounds for saying that such a match would not perhaps, on the whole,
+be the best for Queen Isabella and the Spanish nation. But still, all
+things considered, your Majesty's Government incline to the opinion
+that a Spanish Prince would be a preferable choice, and they are
+prepared to give that opinion to the Spanish Court.
+
+There is however but one Spanish Prince whom it would be creditable
+to the British Government to recommend as husband to the Queen, and to
+that Prince Queen Christina is known to feel objections, principally
+founded upon apprehensions bearing upon her own personal interests.
+Viscount Palmerston has endeavoured to furnish Mr Bulwer with such
+arguments in favour of Don Enrique as appeared likely to meet Queen
+Christina's fears, and he has occasion to believe, from a conversation
+which he had a few days ago with Count Jarnac, that the French
+Government, impelled by the apprehension that your Majesty's
+Government intend to support Prince Leopold of Coburg, would be
+willing, in order to draw the British Government off from such a
+course, to give at least an ostensible though perhaps not a very
+earnest support to Don Henry. But your Majesty will no doubt at
+once perceive that although the British Government may come to an
+understanding with that of France as to which of the candidates shall
+be the one in whose favour an opinion is to be expressed, it would be
+impossible for the British Government to associate itself with that of
+France in any joint step to be taken upon this matter, and that each
+Government must act separately through its own agent at Madrid. For
+the two Governments have not only different objects in view in these
+matters, England wishing Spain to be independent, and France desiring
+to establish a predominant influence in Spain; but moreover, in regard
+to this marriage question, Great Britain has disclaimed any right to
+interfere except by opinion and advice, while France has assumed
+an authority of dictation, and it is essential that your Majesty's
+Government should so shape the mode of co-operating with France as not
+to appear to sanction pretensions which are founded in no right and
+are inconsistent with justice.
+
+Viscount Palmerston is by no means confident that the joint advice of
+the British and French Governments in favour of Don Enrique will be
+successful, and especially because he fears that M. Bresson has taken
+so active a part in favour of other arrangements, that he will not be
+very eager in support of Don Enrique, and will perhaps think that if
+this arrangement can be rendered impossible the chances may become
+greater in favour of some other arrangement which he and his
+Government may prefer. But such future embarrassments must be dealt
+with when they arise, and Viscount Palmerston submits that for the
+moment, unless the British Government had been prepared to close with
+the offers of the Duke of Rianzares, and to follow at once the course
+recommended by Mr Bulwer, the steps suggested in the accompanying
+drafts are the safest and the best.
+
+Viscount Palmerston has great pleasure in submitting the accompanying
+private letter from Mr Bulwer announcing the withdrawal of the Spanish
+troops from the frontier of Portugal.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DOUBLE BETROTHAL]
+
+
+_Mr Bulwer to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+MADRID, _29th August 1846._
+
+MY LORD,--I have troubled your Lordship of late with many
+communications....
+
+I have now to announce to your Lordship that the Queen declared last
+night at twelve o'clock that she had made up her mind in favour of
+His Royal Highness Don Francisco de Asis.... Your Lordship is aware
+under what circumstances Don Francisco was summoned here, the Court
+having been, when I wrote on the 4th, most anxious to conclude a
+marriage with Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, and only induced to
+abandon this idea from the repeated intimations it received that it
+could not be carried out....
+
+The same night a Council was held of the Queen Mother's friends,
+who determined to bring matters forthwith to a conclusion. Queen
+Christina, I understand, spoke to her daughter and told her she
+must choose one of two things, either marrying now, or deferring the
+marriage for three or four years. That the Prince of Saxe-Coburg was
+evidently impossible; that Count Trapani would be dangerous; that Don
+Henry had placed himself in a position which rendered the alliance
+with him out of the question, and that Her Majesty must either make up
+her mind to marry her cousin Don Francisco de Asis, or to abandon for
+some time the idea of marrying.
+
+The Queen, I am told, took some little time to consider, and then
+decided in favour of her cousin. The Ministers were called in, and the
+drama was concluded....
+
+H. L. BULWER.
+
+_P.S._--I learn that directly the Queen had signified her intention
+of marrying her cousin, Count Bresson formally asked the hand of the
+Infanta for the Duke of Montpensier, stating that he had powers to
+enter upon and conclude that affair, and the terms of the marriage
+were then definitively settled between M. Isturitz and him.
+
+H.L.B.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S INDIGNATION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+On Board the _Victoria and Albert_, FALMOUTH HARBOUR, _7th September
+1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Though I have not heard from you for ages, you will
+perhaps be glad to hear from us, and to hear that our trip has been
+most successful. We left Osborne on the 2nd, at eight in the morning,
+and reached Jersey at seven that evening. We landed at St Heliers the
+next morning, and met with a most brilliant and enthusiastic reception
+from the good people. The island is beautiful, and like an orchard.
+
+The settlement of the Queen of Spain's marriage, _coupled with
+Montpensier's_, is _infamous_, and we _must_ remonstrate. Guizot has
+had the barefacedness to say to Lord Normanby that though _originally_
+they said that Montpensier should _only_ marry the Infanta _when_ the
+Queen _was married_ and _had children_, that Leopold's being named one
+of the candidates had changed all, and that they must settle it now!
+This is _too_ bad, for _we_ were so honest as _almost to prevent_
+Leo's marriage (which _might_ have been, and which Lord Palmerston, as
+matters now stand, regrets much did not take place), and the return is
+this unfair _coupling_ of the _two_ marriages which have nothing, and
+ought to have nothing, to do with one another. The King should know
+that _we_ are extremely indignant, and that this conduct is _not_ the
+way to keep up the _entente_ which _he_ wishes. It is done, moreover,
+in such a _dishonest_ way. I must do Palmerston the credit to say that
+he takes it very quietly, and will act very temperately about it.
+
+I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+Vicky and Bertie enjoy their tour very much, and the people here are
+delighted to see "the Duke of Cornwall."
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN OF THE FRENCH]
+
+
+_The Queen of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+NEUILLY, _8 Septembre 1846._
+
+MADAME,--Confiante dans cette précieuse amitié dont votre Majesté
+nous a donné tant de preuves et dans l'aimable intérêt que vous avez
+toujours témoigné à tous nos Enfants, je m'empresse de vous annoncer
+la conclusion du mariage de notre fils Montpensier avec l'Infante
+Louise Fernanda. Cet événement de famille nous comble de joie, parce
+que nous espérons qu'il assurera le bonheur de notre fils chéri, et
+que nous retrouverons dans l'Infante une fille de plus, aussi bonne
+et aussi aimable que ses Aînées, et qui ajoutera à notre bonheur
+intérieur, le seul vrai dans ce monde, et que vous, Madame, savez
+si bien apprécier. Je vous demande d'avance votre amitié pour
+notre nouvel Enfant, sûre qu'elle partagera tous les sentiments de
+dévouement et d'affection de nous tous pour vous, pour le Prince
+Albert, et pour toute votre chère Famille. Madame, de votre Majesté,
+la toute dévouée S[oe]ur et Amie,
+
+MARIE AMÉLIE.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Queen of the French._
+
+OSBORNE, _10 Septembre 1846._
+
+MADAME,--Je viens de recevoir la lettre de votre Majesté du 8 de ce
+mois, et je m'empresse de vous en remercier. Vous vous souviendrez
+peut-être de ce qui s'est passé à Eu entre le Roi et moi, vous
+connaissez, Madame, l'importance que j'ai toujours attachée au
+maintien de Notre Entente Cordiale et le zèle avec lequel j'y ai
+travaillé, vous avez appris sans doute que nous nous sommes refusés
+d'arranger le mariage entre la Reine d'Espagne et notre Cousin Léopold
+(que les deux Reines avaient vivement désiré) dans le seul but de ne
+pas nous éloigner d'une marche qui serait plus agréable à votre Roi,
+quoique nous ne pouvions considérer cette marche comme la meilleure.
+Vous pourrez donc aisément comprendre que l'annonce soudaine de ce
+_double mariage_ ne pouvait nous causer que de la surprise et un bien
+vif regret.
+
+Je vous demande bien pardon de vous parler de politique dans ce
+moment, mais j'aime pouvoir me dire que j'ai toujours été _sincère_
+envers vous.
+
+En vous priant de présenter mes hommages au Roi, je suis, Madame, de
+votre Majesté, la toute dévouée S[oe]ur et Amie,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: VIEWS OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON TERRACE, _12th September 1846._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+returns with many acknowledgments the accompanying letters which your
+Majesty has been pleased to send him, and which he has thought your
+Majesty would wish him also to communicate to Lord John Russell.
+
+The letter of the Queen of the French seems to Viscount Palmerston to
+look like a contrivance to draw your Majesty on to express, in
+regard to the Montpensier marriage in its character as a domestic
+arrangement, some sentiments or wishes which might be at variance
+with the opinions which your Majesty might entertain regarding that
+marriage in its political character and bearing. But your Majesty's
+most judicious answer has defeated that intention, if any such
+existed, and has stated in a firm, but at the same time in the
+friendliest manner, the grounds of complaint against the conduct of
+the French Government in this affair.
+
+Viscount Palmerston had yesterday afternoon a very long conversation
+with the Count de Jarnac upon these matters.
+
+Viscount Palmerston said that with regard to the marriage of the Queen
+of Spain, that was a matter as to which the British Government have
+no political objection to make. They deeply regret that a young Queen
+should have been compelled by moral force, and to serve the personal
+and political interests of other persons, to accept for husband a
+person whom she can neither like nor respect, and with whom her future
+life will certainly be unhappy at home, even if it should not be
+characterised by circumstances which would tend to lower her in the
+estimation of her people. But these are matters which concern the
+Queen and people of Spain more than the Government and people of
+England. But that the projected marriage of the Duke of Montpensier is
+a very different matter, and must have a political bearing that must
+exercise a most unfortunate effect upon the relations between England
+and France.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _14th September 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you for a most kind letter of the
+31st from Basle, by which I was sorry to see that your journey had
+been delayed, and that you were still not well.
+
+We are, alas! sadly engrossed with this Spanish marriage, which,
+though it does not threaten _war_ (for the English care very little
+about the Spanish marriages) threatens complications. Albert has told
+you all that passed between the dear Queen and me, and the very absurd
+ground on which the French make their stand. The details of the story
+are very bad--and I grieve to say that the good King, etc., have
+behaved _very dishonestly_.
+
+We have protested, and mean to protest very strongly, against
+Montpensier's marriage with the Infanta, _as long as she is
+presumptive heiress to the Throne of Spain_. The King departs from his
+principle, for _he insisted_ on a _Bourbon_, _because_ he declared he
+would _not_ marry one of his sons to the Queen; and now he effects the
+Queen's marriage with the worst Bourbon she could have, and marries
+his son to the Infanta, who in all probability will become Queen!
+It is very bad. Certainly at Madrid [Palmerston] mismanaged it--as
+Stockmar says--by forcing Don Enrique, in spite of all Bulwer could
+say. If our dear Aberdeen was still at his post, the whole thing would
+not have happened; for he would _not_ have forced Enriquito (which
+enraged Christine), and secondly, Guizot would not have _escamoté_
+Aberdeen with the wish of triumphing over him as he has done over
+Palmerston, who has behaved most openly and fairly towards France, I
+must say, in this affair. But say what one will, it is _he again_ who
+_indirectly_ gets us into a squabble with France! And it is such a
+personal sort of a quarrel, which pains and grieves me so; and I pity
+the poor good Piat,[23] whom we are very fond of. One thing, however,
+I feel, that in opposing this marriage, we are not really affecting
+his happiness, for he has never seen the Infanta--and she is a child
+of fourteen, and not pretty. The little Queen I pity so much, for
+the poor child dislikes her cousin, and she is said to have consented
+_against her will_. We shall see if she really does marry him.
+Altogether, it is most annoying, and must ruffle our happy intercourse
+with the French family for a time at least.
+
+I was obliged to write very strongly and openly to poor dear Louise
+too. You may rely upon nothing being done rashly or intemperately on
+our part. Lord Palmerston is quite ready to be guided by us. In haste,
+ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+We go into our new house to-day.
+
+    [Footnote 23: A name by which the Duc de Montpensier was
+    sometimes called in the family circle.]
+
+
+
+
+_Baron Stockmar to Queen Victoria._
+
+_18th September 1846._
+
+Baron Stockmar has been honoured with your Majesty's kind note of the
+17th instant. The very day the Baron heard of the Spanish news, he
+wrote to a man at Paris, whom the King sees as often as he presents
+himself at the palace. In this letter the Baron stated _fairly and
+moderately but without palliation_ in what light M. Bresson's conduct
+must necessarily appear _in London_, and what very naturally and most
+probably _must be the political consequences of such conduct_.
+
+The Baron's statement was read to the King, word for word, the very
+evening it reached Paris.
+
+His Majesty listened to it most attentively, and said after some
+pause: "Notwithstanding all this, the marriage will take place. I
+don't consider Montpensier's marriage an affair between nations, and
+the English people, in particular, care very little about it; it is
+much more a private affair between myself and the English Secretary,
+Lord Palmerston, _and as such_ it will not bring on important
+political consequences."
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LETTER TO QUEEN LOUISE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Queen of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _18 Septembre 1846._
+
+MA BIEN CHÈRE LOUISE,--Je te remercie pour ton retour de franchise;
+je ne désire pas que cette controverse entre de plus dans notre
+correspondance privée, comme elle est le sujet et le sera je crains
+encore davantage de discussion politique. Je veux seulement dire qu'il
+est _impossible_ de donner à cette affaire le cachet d'une simple
+affaire de famille; l'attitude prise à Paris sur cette affaire de
+mariage dès le commencement était une fort étrange; il fallait toute
+la discrétion de Lord Aberdeen pour qu'elle n'amenât un éclat plutôt;
+mais ce dénouement, si contraire à la parole du Roi, qu'il m'a donnée
+lors de cette dernière visite à Eu _spontanément_, en ajoutant à la
+complication, pour la _première fois_, celle du projet de mariage de
+Montpensier, aura mauvaise mine devant toute l'Europe.
+
+Rien de plus pénible n'aurait pu arriver que toute cette dispute qui
+prend un caractère si personnel....
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S INDIGNATION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _21st September 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you very much for your very kind
+letter of the 5th from Zurich. It is very unfortunate that you should
+be so far off at this moment. Since I wrote to you we have decided to
+remonstrate both at Madrid (this went a week ago), and at Paris, but
+this last not in a formal note but in a despatch to Lord Normanby,
+against this very unjustifiable breach of faith on the part of France.
+We have seen these despatches, which are very firm, but written in a
+very proper and kind tone, exposing at the same time the fallacy
+of what has been done; for the King himself declared that he would
+_never_ let _one of his sons marry_ the Queen, he _insisted_ on her
+marrying a descendant of Philip V. This has been done, and at the same
+moment he says his _son_ is to marry the _Infanta_, who may _become
+Queen to-morrow!_And to all this he says, "C'est seulement une
+affaire de famille"! The King is very fond of England, and still more
+of peace, and he never _can_ sacrifice this (for though it would
+not be immediate war it would cause coolness with us and with other
+Powers, and would probably lead to war in a short time), for a
+breach of faith and _for one of his sons'_ marriages. No quarrel or
+misunderstanding in the world _could be more disagreeable_ and to me
+_more cruelly painful_, for it is _so personal_, and has come into
+the midst of all our communications and correspondence, and is too
+annoying. It is so sad, too, for dear Louise, to whom one cannot say
+that her father has behaved dishonestly. I hope, however, another ten
+days will show us some _daylight_. I will not mention anything about
+Leopold's[24] answer, as Albert will, I doubt not, write to you all
+about it. It is very satisfactory, however.
+
+We are since this day week in our charming new house, which is
+delightful, and to-morrow we go, alas! to Windsor, where we expect the
+Queen-Dowager and the Princess of Prussia, who will remain a week with
+us. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+I received this afternoon your kind letter from Gais of the 12th. One
+word more I must just add. No doubt if Lord Aberdeen had been at his
+post what has happened would _not_ have taken place, and suspicion of
+Lord Palmerston _has_ been the cause of the _unjustifiable_ conduct of
+the French Government. But just as they _did_ suspect him, they should
+have been more cautious to do anything which could bring on a quarrel,
+which is surely not what the King can wish.
+
+    [Footnote 24: Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCESS OF PRUSSIA]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th September 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received last week your very kind and
+_satisfactory_ letter of the 16th. Your opinion on this truly
+unfortunate and, on the part of the French, disgraceful affair is a
+great support to us. Stockmar has, I know, communicated to you what
+has passed, and he will send you copies of the King's letter and my
+answer. Our conduct has been throughout _honest_, and the King's and
+Guizot's the contrary. _How_ the King _can_ wantonly throw away the
+friendship of one who has stood by him with such sincere affection,
+for a _doubtful_ object of personal and family aggrandizement, is to
+me and to the whole country inexplicable. Have _confidence_ in _him_ I
+fear I never can again, and Peel, who is here on a visit, says a
+_war may_ arise any moment, _once_ that the good understanding is
+disturbed; think, then, that the King has done this in his 74th
+year, and leaves this inheritance to his successor; and to whom--to
+a _Grandchild_, and a _Minor!_And for Nemours and Paris, _our_
+friendship is of the greatest importance, and yet he prefers the
+troubles of governing Spain, which will be a source of constant worry
+and anxiety, to the happy understanding so happily existing between
+our two countries! I cannot comprehend him. Guizot behaves shamefully,
+and so totally without good faith. Our protests have been presented. I
+feel more than ever the loss of our valuable Peel.
+
+I wish, dearest Uncle, you would not go to Paris at all at present.
+
+The Queen-Dowager and the Princess of Prussia[25] have left us this
+morning after a week's stay, and I have been delighted with the
+Princess. I find her so clever, so amiable, so well informed, and so
+good; she seems to have some enemies, for there are whispers of
+her being _false_; but from all that I have seen of her--from her
+discretion, her friendship through thick and thin, and to her own
+detriment, for Hélène, and for the Queen-Dowager who has known her
+from her birth, I _cannot_ and will not believe it. Her position is
+a very difficult one; she is too enlightened and liberal for the
+Prussian Court not to have enemies; but _I believe_ that she is a
+friend to us and our family, and I do believe that _I_ have a friend
+in her, who may be most useful to us. I must conclude, envying your
+being in Tyrol. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 25: Marie Louise Augusta, daughter of the Grand
+    Duke Charles of Saxe-Weimar, subsequently Empress of Germany,
+    mother of Prince Frederick William, afterwards the Emperor
+    Frederick, who in 1858 married the Princess Royal.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND THE THREE POWERS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _1st October 1846._
+
+The Queen wishes to express her approval of the step taken by Lord
+Palmerston in urging the Three Northern Powers to join in the protest
+against the Montpensier marriage on the ground of the Treaty of
+Utrecht and the Declaration of Philip V. She thinks, however, that it
+is necessary to do more, and wishes Lord Palmerston should send a note
+to the Cabinets of the three Powers, explanatory of the whole of the
+proceedings relative to the Spanish marriages, showing the attitude
+taken by us from the first, and disclosing the facts which led to this
+unfortunate termination. The three Powers ought to be enabled to see
+the whole of the transaction if we wish them to sympathise with us.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+_1st October 1846._
+
+Lord John Russell saw Count Jarnac to-day, and told him that your
+Majesty's displeasure had not been removed. He had in his hands a
+memorandum, which is apparently word for word the letter of the King
+of the French to the Queen of the Belgians.[26]
+
+Lord John Russell observed that it was admitted that the Duke of
+Montpensier was not to marry the Infanta till the Queen of Spain had
+children, and that voluntary engagement had been departed from. We
+might expect the same departure from the professions now made not to
+interfere in the affairs of Spain.
+
+Count Jarnac protested against this inference, and repeated that the
+promise with regard to the Infanta was only conditional.
+
+Lord John Russell expects that in consequence of the remonstrances of
+England, and the attention of Europe to the question, France will be
+cautious in her interference with the internal government of Spain,
+and may probably not be able to direct her external policy.
+
+M. Bresson has written a long letter to Lord Minto, defending his own
+conduct.
+
+    [Footnote 26: See Louis Philippe's long letter of the 14th of
+    September, printed in the _Life of the Prince Consort_, vol.
+    i. Appendix B. Queen Victoria's complete and unanswerable
+    reply will be found there also.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th October 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I thank you very much for your last kind letter
+from Gais of the 23rd. This unfortunate Spanish affair has gone on,
+heedlessly--and our _entente wantonly_ thrown away! I mourn over it,
+and feel deeply the ingratitude shown; for--without boasting--I must
+say they never had a _truer_ friend than we; and one who _always_
+stood by them. When Hadjy wrote that foolish _brochure_, who stood
+by him through thick and thin, but we? and our friendship for the
+children will ever continue, but how can we _ever_ feel at our ease
+with L. P. again? Guizot's conduct is beyond _all_ belief shameful,
+and so _shabbily_ dishonest. Molé and Thiers both say he cannot stand.
+It is the King's birthday to-day, but I thought it better _not_
+to write to him, for to say _fine words_ at _this_ moment would be
+mockery. For my beloved Louise my heart bleeds; it is _so_ sad....
+
+I must now conclude. Begging you to believe me, ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _17th November 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I yesterday received your long and interesting
+letter of the 14th. I would much rather not say anything more about
+this truly unfortunate and painful Spanish business; but in justice to
+myself I must make a few observations. You say that the King thinks
+me _resentful_; this is extraordinary, for I have no such feeling; my
+feelings were and are _deeply_ wounded at the unhandsome and secret
+manner (so totally, in _letter_ and _in meaning_, contrary to an
+_entente cordiale_) in which this affair was settled, and in which the
+two marriages were incorporated.
+
+What can I do?
+
+The King and French Government never _expressed regret_ at the sudden
+and _unhandsome_ manner, to say the _least_, in which they behaved to
+their _best ally_ and _friend_, and _we_ really _cannot admit_ that
+_they have to forgive us for duping us!_Why have they not tried to
+make _some_ sort of apology? What do I do, but remain silent _for the
+present_?
+
+It is a sad affair, but _resentment_ I have none whatever, and this
+accusation is a new version of the affair.
+
+With respect to Portugal, I refute most positively the unfounded
+accusations against us; we _cannot_ interfere in internal dissensions
+beyond ensuring the personal safety of the King, Queen, and Royal
+Family. The Constitution may be, and I believe is, an unfortunate
+thing in those Southern countries; but once it is established, the
+Queen must abide by it; but, unfortunately, the _coup de main_ in
+sending away Palmella's Government (which would inevitably have
+crumbled to pieces of itself), was both unconstitutional and unsafe,
+and I fear they are in a much worse position _vis-à-vis_ of the
+country than they ever were.[27]
+
+We are all going to-morrow to Osborne for four weeks. Ever your truly
+devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 27: The Duke de Palmella's Ministry was abruptly
+    dismissed by the Queen of Portugal on the 10th of October, in
+    consequence of their inability to raise money on loan. Civil
+    war broke out, Das Antas, Loulé, Fornos, and Sà da Bandeira
+    being the chief rebel leaders. The British Fleet was ordered
+    to the Tagus to support the Queen against her subjects, with
+    the ulterior object of restoring Constitutional Government.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ETON MONTEM]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _19th November 1846._
+
+... Lord John Russell breakfasted with Dr Hawtrey yesterday, and had
+much conversation with him. He finds Dr Hawtrey strongly impressed
+with the evils of Montem, and he declared himself as decidedly against
+its continuance. He thinks your Majesty would please the Etonians
+equally by going to the boats once a year, which he said the late King
+was in the habit of doing. The Chancellor of the Exchequer,[28] who
+was at Eton, wishes to see Montem abolished. Lord Morpeth would prefer
+seeing it regulated. Upon the whole, Lord John Russell thinks it would
+not be advisable for your Majesty to interpose your authority
+against the decided opinion of Dr Hawtrey, the Provost, and the
+assistants.[29]
+
+    [Footnote 28: Mr (who a few weeks later became Sir) Charles
+    Wood.]
+
+    [Footnote 29: Montem, the triennial Eton ceremony, the chief
+    part of which took place at Salt Hill (_ad montem_), near
+    Slough, was abolished in 1847.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A PENINSULAR MEDAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington._
+
+OSBORNE, _25th November 1846._
+
+The Queen has learned from various quarters that there still exists a
+great anxiety amongst the officers and men who served under the Duke
+of Wellington's orders in the Peninsula to receive and wear a medal as
+a testimony that they assisted the Duke in his great undertaking. The
+Queen not only thinks this wish very reasonable, considering that for
+recent exploits of infinitely inferior importance such distinctions
+have been granted by her, but she would feel personally a great
+satisfaction in being enabled publicly to mark in this way her sense
+of the great services the Duke of Wellington has rendered to his
+country and to empower many a brave soldier to wear this token in
+remembrance of the Duke.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE'S VIEW]
+
+
+_The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria._
+
+STRATHFIELDSAYE, _27th November 1846._
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty.
+
+He has just now received your Majesty's most gracious commands from
+Osborne, dated the 26th instant.
+
+He does not doubt that many of the brave officers and soldiers who
+served in the armies in the Peninsula under the command of the Duke
+are anxious to receive and wear a medal, struck by command of the
+Sovereign, to commemorate the services performed in that seat of the
+late war.
+
+Many of them have, upon more than one occasion, expressed such
+desire, in their letters addressed to the Duke, in their petitions
+to Parliament, and, as the Duke has reason to believe, in petitions
+presented to your Majesty.
+
+Although the Duke has never omitted to avail himself of every occasion
+which offered to express his deep sense of the meritorious services of
+the officers and soldiers of the Army which served in the Peninsula,
+he did not consider it his duty to suggest to the Sovereign, under
+whose auspices, or the Minister under whose direction the services in
+question were performed, any particular mode in which those services
+of the Army should be recognised by the State.
+
+Neither has he considered it his duty to submit such suggestion since
+the period at which the services were performed, bearing in mind the
+various important considerations which must have an influence upon
+the decision on such a question, which it was and is the duty of your
+Majesty's confidential servants alone to take into consideration, and
+to decide.
+
+Neither can the Duke of Wellington now venture to submit to your
+Majesty his sense of a comparison of the services of the Army which
+served in the Peninsula, with those of other armies in other parts of
+the world, whose recent services your Majesty has been most graciously
+pleased to recognise by ordering that medals should be struck, to
+commemorate each of such services, one of which to be delivered to
+each officer and soldier present, which your Majesty was graciously
+pleased to permit him to wear.
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington humbly solicits your Majesty,
+in grateful submission to your Majesty upon the subject of the last
+paragraph of your Majesty's most gracious letter, that, considering
+the favour with which his services were received and rewarded by the
+gracious Sovereign, under whose auspices they were performed; the
+professional rank and the dignity in the State to which he was raised,
+and the favour with which his services were then and have been ever
+since received, that your Majesty would be graciously pleased to
+consider upon this occasion only the well-founded claims upon your
+Majesty's attention of the officers and soldiers who served in the
+Army in the Peninsula; and to consider him, as he considers himself,
+amply rewarded for any service which he might have been instrumental
+in rendering; and desirous only of opportunities of manifesting his
+gratitude for the favour and honour with which he has been treated by
+his Sovereign.
+
+All of which is humbly submitted to your Majesty by your Majesty's
+most dutiful and devoted Servant and Subject,
+
+WELLINGTON.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _28th November 1846._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord Palmerston's draft to Mr
+Southern,[30] and must observe that she does not quite approve the
+tone of it, as it will be likely only to irritate without producing
+any effect. If our advice is to be taken, it must be given in a spirit
+of impartiality and fairness. Lord Palmerston's despatch must give
+the impression that we entirely espouse the cause of the rebels, whose
+conduct is, to say the least, illegal and very reprehensible. Lord
+Palmerston likewise takes the nation and the Opposition to be one and
+the same thing. What we must insist upon is a return to Constitutional
+Government. And what we may advise is a compromise with the
+Opposition. What Ministry is to be formed ought to be left to the
+Portuguese themselves. It being the 28th to-day, the Queen is afraid
+the despatch went already yesterday. The Queen hopes in future that
+Lord Palmerston will not put it out of her power to state her opinion
+in good time.
+
+[Footnote 30: Secretary of Legation at Lisbon, and Chargé d'Affaires
+in the absence of Lord Howard de Walden.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PENINSULAR MEDAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington._
+
+ARUNDEL CASTLE, _1st December 1846._
+
+The Queen has not yet acknowledged the Duke of Wellington's last
+letter.
+
+She fully appreciates the delicacy of the Duke in not wishing to
+propose himself a step having reference to his own achievements, but
+the Queen will not on that account forgo the satisfaction of granting
+this medal as an acknowledgment on her part of those brilliant
+achievements.
+
+The Queen has been assured by Lord John Russell that her confidential
+servants will be ready to assume the responsibility of advising such a
+measure.
+
+
+
+
+_The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria._
+
+ARUNDEL CASTLE, _2nd December 1846._ (_Morning._)
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty. He did not receive your Majesty's commands, dated the 1st
+instant, in this Castle, till seven o'clock in the afternoon; and
+being under the necessity of attending at [? Dover] in the evening,
+he has not had it in his power till this time to express his
+acknowledgment of the receipt of them.
+
+He submits to your Majesty that he has always been aware that it would
+be impolitic to confer upon the officers and soldiers who served in
+the Peninsula the wished-for distinction without the concurrence of
+your Majesty's confidential servants.
+
+They alone can give the orders to carry into execution the measure,
+and can adopt means to remedy any inconvenience which may result from
+it; and it is satisfactory to him to learn, from the perusal of
+your Majesty's note, that Lord John Russell is disposed to adopt it,
+notwithstanding that the Duke has no personal wish or feeling in the
+adoption of the measure, excepting to see gratified the wishes of so
+many gallant officers and brave soldiers, who have so well served.
+
+The few words which he addressed to your Majesty in his last letter
+of the 27th of November in relation to himself, referred to the
+expressions in that of your Majesty of the 26th November, to the Duke;
+from which it appeared to be your Majesty's intention "to empower many
+a brave soldier to wear this token, in remembrance of the Duke."
+
+Having stated to your Majesty that he would serve your Majesty, and
+would promote the objects of your Majesty's Government, to the utmost
+of his power, he has faithfully performed his engagement, as he
+believes, to the satisfaction of your Majesty's servants.
+
+His whole life being devoted to your Majesty's service, he is most
+anxious to deserve and receive your Majesty's approbation.
+
+But he wishes that it should be conveyed only when it may be
+convenient to your Majesty's Government. Your Majesty and your
+Majesty's servants must be the best judges upon this point, as well
+as whether the medal in question shall be struck and granted at all or
+not.
+
+If granted, or whatever may be the mode in which granted, or whether
+the Duke's name is recalled to recollection or not, the Duke will be
+equally satisfied, and grateful for your Majesty's gracious favour,
+and desirous to merit a continuance of it, by his devotion to your
+Majesty's service.
+
+All of which is humbly submitted by your Majesty's most dutiful
+Subject and most devoted Servant,
+
+WELLINGTON.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S DECISION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _14th December 1846._
+
+The Queen has still to acknowledge Lord John Russell's letter of the
+11th. She has carefully read the Duke of Wellington's letter to Lord
+John, which evinces all the Duke's honourable feelings. He should
+certainly be relieved from the appearance of having refused honours to
+others, but agreed to the granting of them the moment it was intended
+to couple the measure with an honour conferred upon himself. On the
+other hand, the Queen still wishes the step to be taken as a means
+of doing honour to the Duke. His name should, therefore, certainly be
+connected with it. The introduction of the names of other commanders,
+even of that of Sir John Moore, the Queen does not think advisable.
+She does not quite understand from Lord John's letter whether he
+proposes to adopt the Duke's recommendation to _re_-issue all the
+medals formerly granted, or to adhere to the original idea of striking
+a new one. In the latter case, which appears the most natural, the
+word "Peninsula" would cover all the campaigns, and in these the Duke
+of Wellington had by far so much the greatest share that his
+name being introduced on _all_ the medals cannot be considered as
+anomalous.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CRACOW]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _14th December 1846._
+
+The Queen returns the enclosed private letters.[31] The view Lord
+Palmerston takes of the affair of Cracow appears to the Queen a very
+sound one, and she would much wish to see the plan of a conference
+realised against which Lord Ponsonby does not bring any very relevant
+reasons. Prince Metternich's plan of a declaration "that the case is
+to be considered an exceptional one and not to afford a precedent to
+other powers" is too absurd. The Prince very justly compared it to the
+case of a person giving another a box on the ear and declaring at the
+same time that he is to consider it as exceptional, and that it is in
+no way to afford him a precedent for returning it. The Queen hopes the
+Cabinet will well consider the question, and contrive to find means to
+prevent the evil consequences of the unjustifiable step against Cracow
+by speaking out in time, before Russia or France may have decided on
+acts of further infraction of the Treaty of Vienna. It seems quite
+clear that Russia was at the bottom of the measure relative to Cracow,
+and it is therefore but reasonable to expect that she has an ulterior
+object in view.
+
+    [Footnote 31: The first ill fruits of the disruption of the
+    _entente_ between England and France were seen in the active
+    co-operation of Russia, Prussia, and Austria to destroy Polish
+    independence. See _ante_, p. 72.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XVI
+
+During the year 1847 the Parliament which had been elected in 1841
+with a great Tory majority was dissolved, and, as a result, the
+position of the Whig Ministry was slightly improved; but they were
+still dependent on the support of Sir Robert Peel. A Factory Act
+limiting the labour of women and children to ten hours a day was
+passed. An autumn session was rendered necessary by an acute financial
+crisis, the Ministry having authorised the Bank of England to infringe
+the provisions of the recent Bank Charter Act, and as a consequence
+being compelled to ask Parliament for an indemnity. The knowledge of
+the Bank's authority to issue notes beyond the prescribed limits was
+of itself sufficient to allay the panic. The Church of England was
+convulsed by the promotion of Dr Hampden, whom Lord Melbourne had made
+Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford, to the See of Hereford; his
+orthodoxy was impugned in a memorial presented by thirteen bishops to
+the Prime Minister, and an unsuccessful application was made to the
+Queen's Bench (the Court being divided in opinion) to compel the
+Primate to hear objections to Dr Hampden's consecration. The new House
+of Lords was used for the first time this year.
+
+Perhaps the most important event in France was the cold-blooded murder
+of the Duchesse de Praslin (daughter of Count Sebastiani, formerly
+French Ambassador in England) by her husband, an incident which, like
+the Spanish intrigue of 1846, contributed subsequently to the downfall
+of the Orleanist dynasty.
+
+Switzerland was torn by internecine strife, partly owing to the
+existence, side by side, of Catholic and Protestant cantons; the
+proposed expulsion of Jesuits and the formation of the "Sonderbund"
+were the questions of the day. The latter was an offensive and
+defensive confederation of seven cantons, and civil war raged round
+the question of its legality.
+
+In Italy the death of Pope Gregory XVI. and the election of a more
+liberal successor induced Lord John Russell to send his father-in-law,
+Lord Minto, the Lord Privy Seal, on a special mission to the new Pope
+Pius IX., to encourage him in the path of Reform. But more violent
+measures were in progress, and it was soon clear that Lombardy and
+Venetia were rising against Austria, and the way being paved for the
+Unity of Italy.
+
+Spain was in a ferment, frequent changes of Ministry taking place,
+and the miserable marriage of the Queen having all the evil results
+anticipated in England. Portugal continued in a state of civil war,
+the British attempting to mediate, but the revolutionary Junta refused
+to abide by their terms, and ultimately armed intervention became
+necessary.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+1847
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _7th January 1847._
+
+The turn which the Portuguese affairs are now likely to take is really
+very satisfactory. The Queen is sure that the Court will not allow
+violent measures of revenge to be taken against the vanquished party
+nor the overthrow of a Constitutional Government; but the Queen of
+Portugal will have to punish those who have broken their oath of
+allegiance, and will have to remove from the country those who would
+infallibly ere long plunge the country afresh into those _horrors_
+from which it is just emerging. The further infusion of democracy
+into the Charter would at this moment be quite misplaced, but this
+opportunity should be taken by the Queen of Portugal to _establish_ a
+_state_ of _legality_ and _security_, by compelling any new Ministry
+to lay the accounts every year before the Cortes (which has not been
+done for the last ten years, either by Progressistas, Septembristas,
+or others), by establishing irremovable judges, and appointing thereto
+incorruptible persons, by _honestly and fairly_ distributing the
+patronage in the Army--apart from the party--which will now be
+possible as the King has the command himself, and by adopting such
+measures of _internal_ improvement as will promote the _material_
+welfare of the people.
+
+_These_ are the principles which the Queen would wish to see _her_
+representative urge upon the Portuguese Court and Government, and
+she has no doubt that they are in perfect conformity with Lord John
+Russell's own views. The Queen cannot help repeating that the tone and
+bearing of Mr Southern are more those of a Portuguese Demagogue than
+of an English Representative.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A CONCILIATORY POLICY]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+TUILERIES, _15th January 1847._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I am truly happy to learn what you say about
+your feelings on those troublesome politics; I can assure you that
+many people who are, in fact, quite indifferent
+to politics, _renchérissent_ in expressions of dislike and contempt
+_seulement_, because they believe that you have those opinions. Many
+wise people repeat sayings which they assume to come from your
+own mouth, such, for instance, "that Louis Philippe could never be
+trusted, being, after all, an old fox," etc.
+
+The King's Speech was as unobjectionable as possible. I trust that
+there will be no _bitterness_ in yours. It is as much, if not more,
+in the interest of Great Britain to keep France quiet and continuing a
+peaceable policy than in that of France. France, as the old Duke once
+said with great truth, has been already _under water several times,
+what could be spoiled has been spoiled_, what remains _is pretty
+solid_. To attack France in France would lead to the most dangerous
+consequences. In general, if we get once a great war again you will
+be sure to have everywhere revolutions, and to imagine that you will
+escape in England all reactions would be a grievous mistake. When one
+looks to the changes, brought about in England in consequence of the
+Revolution of July, one is quite astounded. Here they changed nothing
+but the dynasty, in England _the very spirit of the old Monarchy
+has been abolished_, and what will be, in the course of time, the
+consequences, it is not easy to tell. A bad Constitution acts strongly
+on the people. Look to America, even to Belgium. Ever, my dearest
+Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND PORTUGAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _14th February 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell's memorandum contains two different questions. The
+one is this: how far the interests of England require an interference
+in the affairs of Portugal for the restoration of peace in that
+country and the preservation of its Throne, and how far England is
+bound by existing treaties to interfere.
+
+As to this question, it appears from Lord John's memorandum that
+the ancient treaties having reference to _foreign_ invasion only are
+inapplicable to the present case, that the Quadruple Treaty
+would revive on the appearance of Dom Miguel in Portugal, that an
+understanding with Spain ought to be come to for its execution, but
+Lord John does not make any specific proposal.
+
+The other question is, what wrongs the Queen, the Ministers, and the
+rebels may have done to bring about the present state of affairs. This
+the Queen conceives can only be decided by a _most minute, impartial,
+and anxious scrutiny_. She indignantly rejects the notion to leave
+this decision to Mr Southern.... Lord John's statement contains,
+however, nothing but the echo of his reports.
+
+Lord John will upon reflection admit that to say "that recent events
+exhibit a spirit of tyranny and cruelty in the Portuguese Government
+_without a parallel_ in any part of Europe," there, where not _one_
+execution has taken place, is rather a strong expression.
+
+That the cruelties and miseries inseparable from a Civil War are to
+be deplored, there can be no doubt of, and it is in order to stop a
+further continuance and perhaps aggravation of these horrors, that
+the Queen is so anxious to see the struggle brought to an early
+termination.
+
+The Queen hopes to see Lord John to-morrow at three o'clock, when she
+hopes that he will be able to submit a definitive step.
+
+
+
+
+[Page Heading: ENGLAND AND PORTUGAL]
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+_14th March 1847._
+
+The Queen wishes again to call Lord John Russell's serious attention
+to the state of Spain and Portugal, and to the policy which has been
+pursued with regard to them, and the result of this policy. In Spain
+we have taken up the cause of the Progressistas, and what has been the
+consequence? They desert us.
+
+We have no longer the slightest influence in that country; France has
+it all her own way, and we shall see the Cortes confirm the succession
+of the Infanta and her children without being able to prevent it. Of
+the Progressistas, on whom Lord Palmerston, Lord Clarendon, and others
+always placed their hopes, Mr Bulwer says _now_: "The fact is, that
+though they are the party least servile to France, they are the most
+impracticable party, and belonging to a lower class of society, who
+have not the same feelings of honourable and gentlemanlike conduct
+which sometimes guide a portion, though a very small one, of their
+opponents."
+
+In Spain therefore it is, the Queen fears, _too late_; but let us not
+throw away this lesson, and, if it is still possible, not also lose
+Portugal. Our influence there is fast going, and Sir H. Seymour[1]
+confirms what _every one_ but Mr Southern has stated for the last
+two months, viz. that we are believed to be favourable to the rebels;
+consequently, that no advice of ours will be listened to. Sir H.
+Seymour further says: "I should have been glad to have gained a little
+time, and not at the outset of my mission to be obliged to call the
+Government to account upon various scores. Your orders, however,
+leave me no option, and I shall be obliged to administer a series of
+reproofs which will, I fear, confirm the notion as to our unfriendly
+feelings." This is the course the Queen thinks so very unfortunate;
+trifles about two horses, the beating of a gardener of Lord Howard's
+by some soldiers on a march in times of Civil War, etc., are made
+topics of serious complaint. Most peremptory notes are written,
+threatening the Government with our men-of-war, whilst it is held to
+be unwise to threaten the insurgents.
+
+Then, the Court is told to believe _our feelings of attachment_ for
+them!
+
+Sir H. Seymour says that his position is rendered very difficult in
+consequence. We have now the results before us. Let us, therefore,
+before Portugal, our ancient ally, turns also away from us, and leans
+to France or Spain in preference, as she _must_, if we give her such
+doubtful support, try to pursue a more conciliatory course; these
+peremptory and dictatory notes, these constant complaints, produce the
+worst and most unfortunate effect.
+
+These very Septembristas have been always the greatest enemies
+of England, and would be the first to turn against us should they
+succeed.
+
+There should more latitude be given to the resident Minister not
+to press things at moments when they produce embarrassment to a
+Government already _tottering_, but to give him the option of waiting
+for a fit opportunity, and for the manner in which it is to be done,
+which a person on the spot can be a better judge of than we can in
+England.
+
+Once more the Queen earnestly warns Lord John of the imminent danger
+of England losing _all_ legitimate influence in Portugal, which ought
+now, more than ever, to be of the greatest _importance_ to us.
+
+The Queen has in all this _spoken_ solely of English influence, but
+this influence becomes of still greater importance to her when the
+Sovereigns of that country are her near and dear relations.[2]
+
+    [Footnote 1: Envoy Extraordinary at Lisbon.]
+
+    [Footnote 2: This letter at once bore fruit, a conference
+    being held in London between the representatives of Great
+    Britain, Spain, France, and Portugal, and armed co-operation
+    to enforce the acceptance of certain terms by the
+    Revolutionary Junta being decided upon.]
+
+
+
+
+[Page Heading: THE SEPTENNIAL ACT]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _19th March 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. Lord John
+Russell thinks it right to state to your Majesty that the prevailing
+opinion in the Cabinet is that when the necessary business in the
+House of Commons has been finished, a Dissolution of Parliament should
+take place.
+
+This course would be conformable to the usage from the passing of the
+Septennial Act till 1830. From 1830 to the present year no House of
+Commons has been allowed to continue six years. The Dissolutions of
+Lord Grey in 1831 and 1832, of Sir Robert Peel in 1834, the death of
+William the Fourth in 1837, Lord Melbourne's Dissolution in 1841, have
+all interrupted the natural life of Parliaments. But all Governments
+since the accession of the House of Hanover have been of opinion (with
+one or two exceptions) that it is hazardous to allow a Parliament to
+continue seven years, as circumstances may arise making a Dissolution
+very detrimental to the public welfare.
+
+These being general considerations, Lord John Russell would reserve
+any decision on the subject till the moment shall arrive when a
+Dissolution may appear to your Majesty's advisers to be the course
+most likely to secure moderate and fair elections.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+_25th March 1847._
+
+The Queen with pleasure approves the appointment of Lord Clarendon's
+brother to the vacant stall at St Paul's. The Queen would, however,
+draw Lord John's attention generally to the mode of filling up
+those Church sinecures. She is quite aware how necessary it is for a
+Minister to be able to recommend to such places persons of political
+connections, but she thinks that where it can be done, it would be of
+great use both to the Church and the country to give these places
+of emolument to Churchmen distinguished for their _scientific
+attainments_, who have neither the means nor the time to prosecute
+their researches, whilst their labours might be of the greatest
+importance to the country. Such person of this kind, for instance,
+the Prince thinks, is a Mr Cureton, who has just published the _real_
+epistles of St Ignatius, which he translated from the Syriac, and
+is about to produce a Gospel of St Matthew which is considered the
+undoubted original in the Coptic dialect, and other most important
+documents lately acquired for the British Museum.
+
+
+
+
+[Page Heading: FOREIGN OFFICE DRAFTS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _17th April 1847._
+
+The Queen has several times asked Lord Palmerston, through Lord
+John Russell and personally, to see that the drafts to our Foreign
+Ministers are not despatched _previous_ to their being submitted to
+the Queen. Notwithstanding, this is still done, as for instance to-day
+with regard to the drafts for Lisbon. The Queen, therefore, once more
+repeats her desire that Lord Palmerston should prevent the recurrence
+of this practice.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _18th May 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell has the painful duty of announcing to your Majesty
+the death of the Earl of Bessborough.[3] The firmness and kindness of
+his temper, together with his intimate knowledge of Ireland and his
+sound judgment, make this event a public misfortune.
+
+It appears to Lord John Russell very desirable that his successor
+should be named without loss of time, and as the Cabinet agreed
+yesterday that the Earl of Clarendon was the fittest person for the
+office, Lord John Russell would suggest that a Council should be held
+on Thursday next, at the hour your Majesty may appoint, for a Council
+for the purpose of the declaration of your Majesty's pleasure.
+
+It was the opinion of the Cabinet that although it is advisable
+finally to abolish the office of Lord-Lieutenant, it is not advisable
+to propose any measure, or make any announcement for the present.
+
+    [Footnote 3: John William, formerly Lord Duncannon, 4th Earl,
+    born 1781; Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: JENNY LIND]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _12th June 1847._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--We are here in terrible hot water, though _I_ think
+we shall get out of it.[4] But only think that the Radicals _and_
+Protectionists join to attack Government for our interference in
+Portugal! A change of Government on such a subject would be _full_
+of mischief for the future, independent of the great momentary
+inconvenience; but it would cripple all future Governments in their
+future conduct respecting Foreign Affairs, would create distrust
+abroad in our promises, and is totally contrary to England's ancient
+policy of upholding Portugal.
+
+In short, it would be _very_ bad. The old Duke will do _every_ thing
+to set matters right.
+
+To-night we are going to the Opera in state, and will hear and see
+Jenny Lind[5] (who is perfection) in _Norma_, which is considered one
+of her best parts. Poor Grisi is quite going off, and after the pure
+angelic voice and extremely quiet, perfect acting of J. Lind, she
+seems quite _passée_. Poor thing! she is _quite_ furious about it, and
+was excessively impertinent to J. Lind.
+
+To-morrow we go to a ball at Stafford House, and on Thursday to one at
+Gloucester House. Ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 4: The Government were severely attacked by
+    a coalition of Radicals and Protectionists for their
+    intervention in Portugal. A hostile motion of Lord Stanley's
+    in the House of Lords was opposed by the Duke of Wellington
+    and defeated, while one of Mr Hume's in the House of Commons
+    was talked out, Sir Robert Peel supporting the Ministry.]
+
+    [Footnote 5: She made her _début_ in London on the 4th of
+    May in _Roberto il Diavolo_. The Queen had heard her sing
+    previously at Stolzenfels. In May 1849, after singing for two
+    years to enthusiastic audiences, she retired from the stage,
+    and made extended concert tours in Europe and America.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE WELLINGTON STATUE]
+
+
+_The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _12th July 1847._ (_Five in the afternoon_.)
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty. He submits to your Majesty the expression of his sorrow and
+shame that your Majesty should be troubled for a moment by anything so
+insignificant as a statue of himself.
+
+When he first heard of the intention to remove the statue from the
+pedestal on which it had been placed, he was apprehensive that the
+measure might be misconstrued and misrepresented in this country as
+well as abroad.
+
+That feeling was increased when the probable existence of such
+misconstruction was adverted to in one of the printed papers
+circulated by the Committee for the erection of the statue; and still
+farther when the removal became the subject of repeated discussions in
+Parliament. His daily experience of your Majesty's gracious reception
+of his endeavours to serve your Majesty; and the events of every
+day, and the repeated marks which he received of your Majesty's
+consideration and favour proved clearly, as the Duke stated in his
+letter to Lord John Russell, that there was no foundation for the
+misconstruction of the intended act--which undoubtedly existed. The
+apprehension of such misconstruction had from the first moment created
+an anxious wish in the mind of the Duke that the removal should be so
+regulated and should be attended by such circumstances as would
+tend to relieve the transaction from the erroneous but inconvenient
+impression which had been created.
+
+The Duke apprehended that he might find it impossible to perform the
+duties with which he had been entrusted, and therefore, when Lord John
+Russell wrote to him, he deprecated the measure in contemplation;
+and he rejoices sincerely that your Majesty has been most graciously
+pleased to countermand the order for the removal of the statue.
+
+All of which is most humbly submitted to your Majesty by your
+Majesty's most dutiful Subject and most devoted Servant,
+
+WELLINGTON.[6]
+
+    [Footnote 6: The Duke of Wellington wrote to Croker, 19th
+    of December 1846:--"I should desire never to move from my
+    principles of indifference and non-interference on the subject
+    of a statue of myself to commemorate my own actions."
+
+    And again, on the 14th of June 1847, the Duke wrote to
+    Croker:--"It has always been my practice, and is my invariable
+    habit, to say nothing about myself and my own actions.
+
+    "More than forty years ago Mr Pitt observed that I talked
+    as little of myself or my own acts as if I had been an
+    assistant-surgeon of the army....
+
+    "I follow the habit of avoiding to talk of myself and of what
+    I have done; with the exception only of occasions when I am
+    urging upon modern contemporaries measures which they don't
+    like, and when I tell them I have some experience, and
+    have had some success in these affairs, and feel they would
+    experience the benefit of attending to my advice, I never talk
+    of myself.
+
+    "These are the reasons for which they think that I don't care
+    what they do with the statue.
+
+    "But they must be idiots to suppose it possible that a man who
+    is working day and night, without any object in view excepting
+    the public benefit, will not be sensible of a disgrace
+    inflicted upon him by the Sovereign and Government whom he is
+    serving. The ridicule will be felt, if nothing else is!"...]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _12th July 1847._
+
+The Queen has been informed by Lord John Russell that the Duke of
+Wellington is apprehensive that the removal of his statue from the
+Arch to another pedestal might be construed as a mark of displeasure
+on her part. Although the Queen had hoped that her esteem and
+friendship for the Duke was so well known to the public in general
+as not to render such a construction possible, and although she had
+thought that another pedestal would have been more suitable for _this_
+statue, and that the Arch might have been more becomingly ornamented
+in honour of the Duke than by the statue _now_ upon it, she has given
+immediate direction that the Statue should remain in its present
+situation, and only regrets that this monument should be so unworthy
+of the great personage to whose honour it has been erected.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: INDIAN AFFAIRS]
+
+
+_Viscount Hardinge to Queen Victoria._
+
+_27th July 1847._
+
+Lord Hardinge, with his most humble duty to your Majesty, humbly
+acknowledges the letter in which your Majesty has been graciously
+pleased to approve of his conduct in the Government of your Majesty's
+Eastern Empire, and to sanction his return to Europe the end of this
+year.
+
+It will always be a source of happiness to Lord Hardinge to have
+contributed his efforts towards maintaining the stability of your
+Majesty's Indian possessions committed to his charge, and he feels, in
+the performance of these duties, that the approbation of his Sovereign
+is the most grateful distinction to which honourable ambition can
+aspire.
+
+The Governor-General entertains the most sanguine expectations that
+peace has been securely established beyond the north-west frontiers,
+as well as throughout India, and in this confidence he has ordered
+nearly 50,000 men of the native force to be reduced, which reductions
+have caused no discontent, being for the most part voluntary on the
+part of the men and accompanied by gratuities in proportion to the
+service performed.
+
+As regards internal dangers, there is no native power remaining able
+to face a British army in the field. The people are very generally
+engaged in trade and agriculture, and to a great extent in the British
+Provinces no longer carry arms. Confidence in the protection of the
+Government has superseded the necessity. Formerly trade and wealth
+were concentrated in a few large cities--and Indian manufactures have
+been ruined by cheaper goods sent from England; but wealth and comfort
+have, under British rule, been more extensively diffused through the
+agricultural districts, and all classes, including the warlike tribes,
+are becoming more devoted to the happier and safer pursuits of peace.
+
+In this state of things Lord Hardinge entertains a very confident
+expectation that the Government of India, by judicious attention
+to the native army in time of peace--which may have its peculiar
+dangers--will maintain due subordination in its ranks; and by
+abstaining from all interference in the religious prejudices of the
+people, will secure their loyal attachment to your Majesty, and their
+willing obedience to the Governor acting in your Majesty's behalf.
+
+Lord Hardinge has the honour to subscribe himself your Majesty's most
+humble and dutiful Subject and Servant,
+
+HARDINGE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A GENERAL ELECTION]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _5th August 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that he considers the elections which have taken
+place since he last addressed your Majesty as satisfactory.
+
+The Liberal gains, upon the whole, have been upwards of thirty, and
+when the elections are concluded will probably be upwards of forty.
+
+The rejection of so distinguished a man as Mr Macaulay[7] is the most
+disgraceful act in the whole election. It has only a parallel in the
+rejection of Mr Burke by the city of Bristol.
+
+The result of the whole elections will be, even if Sir George Grey
+is defeated in Northumberland, that neither Lord John Russell or any
+other Minister will have the command of a regular party majority.
+
+But it is probable that Government will be sufficiently strong to
+resist both a reaction against free trade, and any democratic movement
+against the Church or the aristocracy.
+
+    [Footnote 7: In consequence of his vote on Maynooth. The poem
+    he wrote on the present occasion will be remembered.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE IRISH ELECTIONS]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _21st August 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that Lord Fitzwilliam writes that he shall feel
+hurt if the Earldom of Strafford should be given to Lord Strafford.
+
+To save his feelings on this subject (Lord Fitzwilliam having the
+first Wentworth Earl of Strafford's property), Lord John Russell
+would humbly propose that Lord Strafford should be created Earl of
+Middlesex.
+
+But as the relations of the late Duke of Dorset might also object,
+Lord John Russell will adhere to his original proposal if your Majesty
+should deem it best.
+
+In fact, many titles have been given in succession to different
+families. Leinster, Orford, Westmorland, are familiar instances.
+
+Lord John Russell has drawn up a paper respecting the Irish elections,
+on which the Prince wished to have his remarks. The subject is a dark
+and a dreary one....
+
+Changes of Ministry may occur, but it is to be hoped that your Majesty
+may be enabled to keep the present Parliament for five or six years.
+For nothing tends so much to favour such reformations, to impede
+sober improvements, and to make members stand in servile awe of their
+constituents, as frequent General Elections.
+
+Lord John Russell is happy to see in the newspapers the successful
+progress of your Majesty's journey. It has occurred to Lord John
+Russell that as the harvest is very promising, and the election heats
+will have subsided, it may be desirable that your Majesty should go
+for three days to Ireland on your Majesty's return. The want of notice
+might in some respects be favourable, and would be an excuse to many
+Irish peers, who might otherwise complete their ruin in preparations.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Earl Fitzwilliam._
+
+_3rd September 1847._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Fitzwilliam's letter of the 31st.[8] As
+she sees Lord Strafford's elevation to an Earldom already announced in
+the _Gazette_ of the same day, it will be impossible for the Queen to
+have the question of Lord Fitzwilliam's adverse claim reconsidered.
+She thinks it right, however, to say, that, knowing that the Wentworth
+property came to Lord Fitzwilliam, it was only after the Heralds
+College had proved that Lord Strafford was the representative of the
+Earl of Strafford of the Second Creation, whilst Lord Fitzwilliam
+was not properly considered the representative of the first, that the
+Queen approved the selection of the title of Earl of Strafford for the
+present Lord. The Queen is very sorry to find that this step should
+have been annoying to Lord Fitzwilliam, for whom she has ever
+entertained a sincere regard. She has sent his letter on to Lord John
+Russell.
+
+    [Footnote 8: On John, Baron Strafford, who as Sir John Byng
+    had been distinguished in the Peninsula and at Waterloo,
+    receiving the Earldom of Strafford, Lord Fitzwilliam had
+    written: "Your Majesty has, undoubtedly, the power of
+    conferring this, or any other titular dignity, according to
+    your good pleasure, but I venture to hope that, if it be your
+    Majesty's pleasure to revive the Earldom of Strafford, it will
+    not be bestowed upon any other person than the individual who
+    has now the honour of addressing your Majesty.
+
+    "The name and history of the first Earl of Strafford is, of
+    course, familiar to your Majesty, and I venture to conclude
+    that your Majesty is not unaware of my being his descendant,
+    his heir, and his successor. I own his lands, I dwell in his
+    house, I possess his papers, and, if neither my father nor
+    myself have ever applied to the Crown for a renewal of his
+    titles, it has not been because either of us was indifferent
+    to those honours or to the favour of the Sovereign, but
+    because we were well aware of the embarrassment which
+    such applications frequently occasion to the Crown and its
+    advisers."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MISSION TO THE VATICAN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+ARDVERIKIE, _3rd September 1847._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's two letters of the 31st
+and 1st inst., and is glad to find that the views expressed in the
+Prince's Memorandum coincide with those entertained by Lord John and
+Lord Palmerston, and also by Lord Minto, as she infers. As it seems
+difficult to find a person of inferior rank and position than Lord
+Minto, and of equal weight, the Queen sanctions his undertaking
+the mission on the understanding that the object of it will be
+communicated beforehand to the Courts of Vienna and Paris, and that
+both these Governments will be made fully acquainted with the position
+England thinks herself bound to take with regard to the Italian
+controversy.[9] After this shall have been done, the sending of Sir
+William Parker with his fleet to the West Coast of Italy strikes the
+Queen as a very proper measure to give countenance to the Sovereigns
+engaged in Liberal Reform, and exposed alike to the inroads of their
+absolutist neighbour, and to the outbreaks of popular movements
+directed by a republican party, and perhaps fostered by the Austrian
+Government.
+
+    [Footnote 9: Lord John Russell proposed that Lord Minto
+    should be sent on a special mission to the Vatican. _See_
+    Introductory Note for the Year, _ante_, p. 115.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+ARDVERIKIE, _7th September 1847._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I thank you much for your kind letter of the 28th.
+Mamma writes me _such_ a good report of you both, which gives us the
+greatest pleasure. I hope you like young Ernest? This horrid Praslin
+tragedy [10] is a subject one cannot get out of one's head. The
+Government can in no way be accused of these murders, but there is
+_no_ doubt that the _standard of morality_ is _very low_ indeed, in
+France, and that the higher classes are extremely unprincipled. This
+must shake the security and prosperity of a nation. In my opinion,
+nothing has gone on so well since the _unfortunate_ false move of the
+Spanish marriages, and I think you will admit _que cela n'a pas
+porté bonheur au Roi_. I am very anxious to explain that I was out of
+spirits, and, I fear, humour, when I wrote to you last, for I _love_
+this place dearly, and the quiet, simple and wild life we lead here,
+particularly, in spite of the _abominable_ weather we have had; and
+I _am not_ the enemy of _La Chasse_, as I expressed myself--on the
+contrary, I am very keen about it, and am only annoyed at being unable
+to see it all. Really, when one thinks of the _very dull life_, and
+particularly the life of constant _self-denial_, which my poor, dear
+Albert leads, he deserves _every_ amusement in the world, and even
+about his amusements he is so accommodating that I am deeply touched
+by it. He is very fond of shooting, but it is all with the greatest
+moderation. Do you know that you never wished Albert joy of his
+birthday?
+
+The state of politics in Europe is very critical, and one feels _very_
+anxious for the future.
+
+With my dearest Albert's love, and mine, to my beloved Louise. Believe
+me, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 10: The sensational murder in Paris of the Duchesse
+    de Praslin, daughter of the diplomatist, Sebastiani, by her
+    husband, who committed suicide. This event, as well as the
+    affair of the Spanish marriages, largely contributed to the
+    Orleanist catastrophe of 1848, for it was suspected that
+    the Court and the police had not merely connived at, but had
+    actually furnished the means for, the Duke's suicide, in order
+    to prevent certain exposures which would have resulted from
+    his trial.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PORTUGAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _9th October 1847._
+
+The Queen has just received these drafts, which she has read
+attentively, and thinks very proper; she only perceives _one_ omission
+which should be rectified, viz. the one in which Lord Palmerston
+directs Sir H. Seymour and the Admiral to remain perfectly neutral in
+case of a conflict, and that is that our Fleet should naturally give
+protection to the persons of the King and Queen and Royal Family in
+case of danger, for we cannot allow them to be _murdered_, even if
+we should not be able to prevent their losing their Crown (which God
+forbid).
+
+The Queen must _again_ observe that the drafts have since some weeks
+past been sent to her _after_ they were gone, so that she can make no
+remark upon them. The Queen wishes to have copies of these drafts.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CRISIS IN THE CITY]
+
+[Pageheading: MR COBDEN]
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _14th October 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has
+seen the Governor (Mr Morris) and Deputy-Governor (Mr Prescott) of the
+Bank, Mr Jones Loyd[11] and Mr Newman. Sir Charles Wood has seen many
+others connected with the City, and they have both made statements to
+the Cabinet.
+
+The general result is: That an unsound state of trade has prevailed
+for some time.
+
+More failures may be expected.[12]
+
+The funds may fall still lower.
+
+Any interference by Government in the way of issuing more notes might
+postpone but would aggravate the distress.
+
+The railway calls add much to the present difficulty.
+
+No forcible interference with railways would be justifiable, but
+a voluntary postponement of the execution of their Acts might be
+proposed to Parliament.
+
+It will be seen by this short summary that the persons who by official
+position, practical experience, and much reflection are most capable
+of giving an opinion think that little or nothing can be done by
+Parliament or by Government.
+
+It is one of those revulsions in trade which take place periodically,
+increased in extent by the expansion of commerce, but controlled in
+its operation by the sound principles of currency which have lately
+prevailed.
+
+The Act of 1844 is generally blamed, but without the least reason.
+The accommodation afforded by the Bank has been large, liberal, and
+continuous. The circulation of notes approaches nineteen millions.
+
+Upon fully considering the difficulty of finding a person of ability
+and experience to place at the head of the Poor Law Commission, Lord
+John Russell has come to the conclusion that the best course he can
+take is to propose to Mr Cobden to accept the Presidency with a seat
+in the Cabinet, and to propose to the Duke of Bedford at the same time
+a seat in the Cabinet without office.
+
+Various reasons for making this offer to Mr Cobden will occur to your
+Majesty. His ability, his popularity with the working classes, and his
+knowledge of sound principles of political economy are undoubted. Sir
+Robert Peel's tribute to him has raised him both on the Continent
+and in this country, so that his presence in the Cabinet would give
+satisfaction to many.
+
+On the other hand, the landed nobility and gentry would be glad to see
+the Duke of Bedford take part in the deliberations of the Government.
+
+With your Majesty's permission Lord John Russell will propose these
+arrangements to the Cabinet to-morrow.
+
+He has sent for Mr Lee[13] to offer him the Bishopric of Manchester.
+It is with great regret he states that Mr Stephen[14] is obliged from
+ill health to retire from the Colonial Office. He has asked Lord Grey
+to be made a Privy Councillor, having received an assurance from Lord
+Stanley that Sir Robert Peel would propose it to your Majesty on his
+retirement. Lord John Russell submits the proposal to your Majesty as
+an honour due to Mr Stephen's long, able, and calumniated[15] public
+services.
+
+Lord John Russell has the honour to submit a letter of Lord
+Clarendon's in reference to a Memorandum of His Royal Highness Prince
+Albert.
+
+Lord John Russell thinks that in the present state of affairs, the
+abolition of the Lord-Lieutenancy must not be thought of, and that
+with the exception noticed by Lord Clarendon, the suggestions made by
+the Prince would be the best measures for adoption, when that event
+takes place.
+
+It is possible the Prince may not have a copy of the Memorandum.
+
+    [Footnote 11: Afterwards Lord Overstone.]
+
+    [Footnote 12: There had been many failures in London,
+    Liverpool, and elsewhere.]
+
+    [Footnote 13: James Prince Lee, then Headmaster of King
+    Edward's School, Birmingham, Bishop of Manchester, 1847-1869.]
+
+    [Footnote 14: James Stephen, Under-Secretary for the
+    Colonies, 1836-1847, afterwards Professor of Modern History at
+    Cambridge.]
+
+    [Footnote 15: He had made enemies by supporting the abolition
+    of slavery.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th October 1847._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter, bringing several
+very important subjects before her. She regrets that the state of the
+Money Market should still be so uncomfortable, but is sure that the
+Government cannot by any interference do much to mend matters, though
+it might easily render them still more complicated, and make itself
+responsible for a crisis, which it has in no way either brought on or
+been able to avert.[16]
+
+As to Mr Cobden's appointment to the Poor Law Board, the Queen thinks
+that he will be well qualified for the place in many respects, and
+that it will be advantageous to the Government and the Country that
+his talents should be secured to the service of the State, but the
+elevation to the Cabinet directly from Covent Garden[17] strikes her
+as a very sudden step, calculated to cause much dissatisfaction in
+many quarters, and setting a dangerous example to agitators in general
+(for his main reputation Mr Cobden gained as a successful agitator).
+The Queen therefore thinks it best that Mr Cobden should first enter
+the service of the Crown, serve as a public functionary in Parliament,
+and be promoted subsequently to the Cabinet, which step will then
+become a very natural one.
+
+The Duke of Bedford's entrance into the Cabinet the Queen would see
+with great pleasure.
+
+The Queen returns the Prince's Memorandum to Lord John, whilst she has
+retained Lord Clarendon's letter upon it, which the Prince is anxious
+to keep if Lord John will allow him. The Queen must agree with Lord
+John and Lord Clarendon that the present moment is not a favourable
+one for the experiment of abolishing the Lord-Lieutenancy.
+
+Mr Stephen's elevation to the Privy Council will be a very proper
+reward for his long and faithful services. Would he not be a proper
+person for one of the new Civil degrees of the Bath?[18]
+
+    [Footnote 16: Matters, however, became worse, and Lord John
+    Russell and Sir Charles Wood wrote recommending that the Bank
+    should enlarge their discounts and advances, for which they
+    would propose a bill of indemnity. By degrees the panic
+    subsided.]
+
+    [Footnote 17: Free Trade meetings had taken place in Covent
+    Garden Theatre.]
+
+    [Footnote 18: He was made a K.C.B.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND'S FOREIGN POLICY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _18th October 1847._
+
+The Queen cannot resist drawing Lord John Russell's attention to the
+enclosed paragraph taken from the _Revue des Deux Mondes_, which gives
+an account of the late events in Spain. How little honourable our line
+of policy appears according to this version, which the Queen is afraid
+is so very plausible that it will be received as the truth by the
+whole French public and a great part of the European public at large!
+It is, no doubt, perverted, but still the Queen must admit that our
+policy, and especially Mr Bulwer's conduct at Madrid, lays itself
+open to similar construction. After the gross duplicity and immorality
+which characterised the conduct of France with respect to the Spanish
+marriages, though she had all the profit and we all the loss, still
+we had a very strong position on the side of integrity, morality, and
+honour. The Queen is afraid that the diplomatic intrigues and counter
+intrigues at Madrid have made us lose daily more of that advantageous
+position without _any_ compensation on the other side. The Queen
+entreats Lord John Russell not to underrate the importance of keeping
+our foreign policy beyond reproach. Public opinion is recognised as a
+ruling power in our domestic affairs; it is not of less importance in
+the society of Europe with reference to the conduct of an individual
+state. To possess the _confidence_ of Europe is of the utmost
+importance to this country. That is the reason why the Queen is
+uneasy about our dealings in Greece, and anxious that we should not
+be misunderstood with respect to Italy. The Queen is sorry to perceive
+that the French complain of unfair dealing on our part with reference
+to the negotiations in the River Plate.[19] Have they any right to do
+so? Have Lord Howden's private instructions been at variance in any
+way with the public instructions which had been agreed upon with the
+French Government? The Queen would consider any advantage gained at
+the expense of an ally as a loss.
+
+    [Footnote 19: Sir John Hobart Caradoc, second Lord Howden,
+    British Minister at Rio Janeiro, was, together with Count
+    Walewski, the French Minister there, engaged in a special
+    mission to the River Plate and Uruguay; Buenos Ayres was
+    blockaded by the British Fleet.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN OF SPAIN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th October 1847._
+
+The Queen has perused with eagerness Mr Bulwer's accounts of the late
+extraordinary events in Spain, but must confess that she has in
+vain looked for an explanation of the real motives and causes of the
+crisis. Has Lord Palmerston received any private letters throwing more
+light upon the matter? There seems to prevail the greatest mystery
+about the affair. Is the Queen reconciled with her husband? Has she
+sent for him? Have all the accounts of her hatred for Don Francisco
+and the Queen-Mother been false? All these questions are unanswered.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN OF PORTUGAL]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _30th October 1847._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+many apologies to make for not having attended your Majesty's Council
+to-day, and the more so as his absence arose from an inadvertence
+which he is almost ashamed to mention. But having got on horseback
+to ride to the station, with his thoughts occupied with some matters
+which he was thinking of, he rode mechanically and in a fit of absence
+to the Nine Elms Station,[20] and did not recollect his mistake till
+he had got there; and although he made the best of his way afterwards
+to the Paddington Station, he could not get there in time for any
+train that would have taken him early enough to Windsor.
+
+Viscount Palmerston received this morning your Majesty's remarks upon
+his proposed drafts to Sir Hamilton Seymour, and has modified some of
+the expressions in those drafts; but those drafts are only private
+and confidential answers in his own name to private and confidential
+communications from Sir Hamilton Seymour, and they express only his
+own personal opinions, and not those of the Government.
+
+Viscount Palmerston is sorry to say that the circumstances lately
+mentioned by Sir Hamilton Seymour, coupled with the course pursued
+at Lisbon almost ever since the successful interference of the Allied
+Powers, have brought Viscount Palmerston to the painful convictions
+expressed in the above-mentioned drafts, and he feels desirous, for
+his own sake, to place those convictions at least upon record in this
+Office. He will be most happy to find that he is mistaken, and will
+most truly and heartily rejoice if events should prove that the
+confidence which your Majesty reposes in the sincerity and good faith
+of the Queen of Portugal is well founded; but in a matter of this
+importance Viscount Palmerston feels that it is his bounden duty to
+your Majesty not to conceal his opinions, even though they should,
+as in the present case, unfortunately differ from those which your
+Majesty entertains.
+
+    [Footnote 20: The former terminus of the London and
+    South-Western Railway.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st October 1847._
+
+The Queen acknowledges Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday. She can
+have no objections to Lord Palmerston's putting on record his opinion
+that the Queen of Portugal is leaning to the Chartist Party, and
+exposing herself, her Throne and country, to great danger by so
+doing; but she would _much_ deprecate the putting on record the grave
+accusation "that the Queen of Portugal is in a secret and perfect
+understanding with the Cabrals,"[21] which is really not warranted by
+the facts of the case, and is likely to mislead both our Government
+and the Minister at Lisbon. Since the Queen wrote yesterday the Prince
+received a letter from the King of Portugal (which he sent to Lord
+Palmerston), and which quite explains the position and views of
+the Court: we must not forget either that Sir Hamilton Seymour
+acknowledges that a change of Ministry at this moment would provoke
+a fresh Revolution at Lisbon. Although this would come from the
+Cabralists, the Queen of Portugal very naturally may not feel inclined
+to run that risk to avoid a danger the existence of which she does not
+see or comprehend.
+
+    [Footnote 21: The Ministry in which Castro Cabral had been
+    Premier, and his brother, José, Minister of Justice, had
+    resigned in May 1846.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE HAMPDEN CONTROVERSY]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _10th November 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+after reflecting on the various reasons in favour of, and objections
+against, different Bishops for promotion to the Archbishopric of York,
+he humbly submits to your Majesty the name of Dr Musgrave, Bishop of
+Hereford, to be appointed Archbishop of York. The Bishop of Hereford
+is a man of sound information, good judgment, and business habits. It
+is of such consequence to have an Archbishop of York, who will, like
+the late Archbishop, avoid quarrels and crotchets, and live peaceably
+with all men.
+
+Should your Majesty approve, he would then submit the name of Dr
+Hampden to be the new Bishop, and that of the Bishop of Oxford[22] as
+Queen's Almoner.
+
+    [Footnote 22: Samuel Wilberforce.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Bishop of Oxford to Mr Anson._
+
+_16th November 1847._
+
+MY DEAR ANSON,--I enclose you a letter from Lord John Russell,
+offering me the Lord Almonership. I have ventured to write direct to
+Her Majesty, to express to her my grateful feelings at this notice of
+me. But I have been so afraid of offending by anything like freedom
+of expression that I much fear I have instead said coldly and formally
+what, if I had said it naturally, would have expressed the deepest and
+most exuberant feelings of what I trust I may venture to say is not an
+ungrateful heart. Ungrateful it would be most certainly if it did
+not feel to its deepest core the uniform and great kindness I have
+received now for so many years from Her Majesty and from the Prince. I
+wish I could better show them my feelings....
+
+You have read no doubt the _Times_ article on Dr Hampden. I am
+afraid it is too true. I cannot conceive _what_ was Dr Hampden's
+recommendation. He was not a persecuted man, for he had got a station
+far higher than he ever dreamed of already; he is not an able, or
+an active man, or one popular with any party, and unless Lord John
+Russell wished for an opportunity of shocking the young confidence
+of the Church in him, I cannot conceive why he should have made it.
+I deeply lament it. Pray let me hear of your health, if it be only
+a single line (to Cuddesdon), and believe me to be, ever your truly
+affectionate,
+
+S. OXON.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S DESPATCHES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+_17th November 1847._
+
+The Queen has been struck by the concluding passage of the
+accompanying draft to Mr Bulwer. It gives an official declaration of
+the views of England with respect to a point of the greatest gravity
+and importance, and upon which the Queen apprehends that the mind
+of the Cabinet is not yet made up. The Queen herself has come to no
+determination upon it, and it may involve the question of peace
+or war. Surely our line of policy under future and uncertain
+contingencies ought not to be pledged beforehand and in such an
+indirect way. The Queen wishes Lord Palmerston to speak to Lord John
+Russell upon the subject, and to show him the draft and these remarks
+of the Queen upon it.
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _17th November 1847._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in
+compliance with your Majesty's wishes he has omitted the whole of the
+latter part of the proposed despatch to Mr Bulwer.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+(_Undated._)
+
+The Queen has seen with surprise in the _Gazette_ the appointment of
+Mr Corigan,[23] about which she must complain to Lord John Russell.
+Not only had her pleasure not been taken upon it, but she had actually
+mentioned to Lord Spencer that she had her doubts about the true
+propriety of the appointment. Lord John will always have found the
+Queen desirous to meet his views with regard to all appointments and
+ready to listen to any reasons which he might adduce in favour of
+his recommendations, but she must insist upon appointments in her
+Household not being made _without_ her previous sanction, and least of
+all such as that of a _Physician to her person_.
+
+    [Footnote 23: Dominic John Corigan, M.D.,
+    Physician-in-Ordinary to Her Majesty in Ireland.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SWITZERLAND]
+
+[Pageheading: LETTER FROM THE KING OF PRUSSIA]
+
+
+_The King of Prussia to Queen Victoria._
+
+[_Translation._]
+
+_25th November 1847._
+
+... I hear with delight and thankfulness that it has pleased your
+Majesty to agree to a Conference for regulating the dreadful Swiss
+quarrels.[24] I took the liberty to propose my beloved and truly
+amiable town of Neuchâtel as the place for the Conference, not only
+because its position in neutral territory and in Switzerland
+herself qualifies it above every other place for that purpose, but
+_particularly_ because this meeting of the representatives of the
+great Powers there would protect it and the courageous and faithful
+country of Neuchâtel from indignities, spoliation, and all the
+_horrors_ which oppress at this moment the unfortunate and far from
+courageous Fribourg. I am afraid that your Majesty has not a full
+appreciation of the people and the partisans who fill Switzerland
+with murders and the miseries of the most abominable Civil War. Your
+Majesty's happy realms have centuries ago passed through the "phase"
+of such horrors, and with you the state of parties has been (as one
+says here) grown in bottles,[25] under the glorious Constitution given
+by God and History, but _not_ "made"; but there, in Switzerland, a
+party is becoming victorious!!! which, notwithstanding the exercise
+of Christian charity, can only be called "_Gottlos und Rechtlos_"
+(without God and without right). For Germany, the saving of
+Switzerland from the hands of the Radicals is _simply_ a _vital
+question_. If they are victorious there, in Germany likewise torrents
+of blood will flow; I will answer for that. The murder of Kings,
+Priests, and Aristocrats is no empty sound with them, and Civil War in
+song, writing, word, and deed, is their watchword. "Toute charité bien
+entendue commence par soi-même." So they begin with their own country,
+true to this "Christian" (!) motto. If they are allowed to proceed,
+surely they _won't stop there_. Thousands of emigrated malefactors
+wait only for a sign (which their comrades and allies in Germany will
+not be backward in giving) to pour forth beyond the German frontier.
+In Germany the PEOPLE are just as little fond of them as they were in
+Switzerland, but the experience of Switzerland teaches us that
+that alone cannot stem their victorious march, if circumstances are
+favourable to them. The German people rely upon their Governments, and
+do nothing, but Governments are weakened by the modern Liberalism
+(the precursor of Radicalism, as the dying of chickens precedes
+the Cholera) and will have to take the consequences of their own
+negligence. Notwithstanding people and princes, that godless band will
+march through Germany, because, though small, it is strong through
+being united and determined. All this I have pondered in my head and
+heart (led, so to say, by the hand of History), and that has prompted
+me now to propose that the German Confederation (which _en parenthèse_
+includes a population of more than forty millions) should appear
+as one of the great Powers of Europe at the settlement of the Swiss
+dispute, and should be admitted as such by the other great Powers.
+_Would your Majesty do justice, and give_ PROTECTION _to this
+idea_?...
+
+F. W.
+
+    [Footnote 24: _See_ Introductory Note for the year, _ante_, p.
+    115.]
+
+    [Footnote 25: As old wine improves by being kept in bottles.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S REPLY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of Prussia._
+
+OSBORNE, _5th December 1847._
+
+Since your letter was written events have followed each other so
+rapidly that at this moment the war in Switzerland may be considered
+as terminated; by the capitulations of the Cantons formerly
+constituting the Sonderbund, _two_ parties, between which a mediation
+of the great Powers could have taken place, have ceased to exist, and
+consequently mediation and the Conference resulting from it are in
+fact no longer necessary or possible. I had proposed London as
+the place of conference, but should with pleasure have waived this
+proposition to adopt the place which you have expressed a wish of
+seeing fixed for that purpose, viz. Neuchâtel, and I should have felt
+truly happy if by so doing I could have met your wishes, and given
+further protection to the principality against possible aggressions
+on the part of the Federal Government of Switzerland. As matters
+now stand, the only complication which might arise is that between
+Neuchâtel and the Diet. I have, in anticipation of any such event,
+instructed Sir Stratford Canning to exert himself to his utmost to
+dissuade the Diet from any plan of aggression on your territory, and
+he has been furnished with an able and elaborate state paper for his
+guidance, which Chevalier Bunsen had drawn up, discussing the legal
+merits of the case. Should events prove that Sir S. Canning did
+not arrive in time, or had not the power of averting a hostile step
+against Neuchâtel, you may rely upon my readiness at all times to
+put my good offices at your disposal. Should a conference upon Swiss
+affairs still become necessary, I conceive that the only plea upon
+which the great Powers could meet in conference would be their having
+guaranteed the independence and neutrality of Switzerland, and by
+implication the Federal Compact amongst the Cantons. This has not been
+the case with regard to the German Confederation, and I do not readily
+see in consequence how the Confederation could be admitted into this
+Conference, however much I confess I would like to see Germany take
+her place amongst the Powers of Europe, to which her strength and
+population fairly entitle her. I may say that my Government are
+equally impressed with me with the importance of German unity and
+strength and of this strength weighing in the balance of power
+of Europe; I am sure that the English public generally share this
+feeling, but I must not conceal from your Majesty that much would
+depend upon the manner in which this power was represented. Much
+as the English would like to see this power represented by the
+enlightened councils of your Majesty, they would be animated with very
+different feelings in seeing it in the hands of Prince Metternich ...
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th December 1847._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge the receipt of several letters from
+Lord John Russell. She was pleased to see that the Debates have been
+brought to such a satisfactory conclusion, all the propositions of
+the Government having passed with such good majorities. The Queen must
+mention to Lord John that she was a little shocked at Sir Charles Wood
+in his speech upon the Commission of Inquiry, designating the _future
+Government_, and selecting Lord George Bentinck, Mr Disraeli(!), and
+Mr Herries as the persons destined to hold _high offices_ in the next
+Government.
+
+The Bishops behave extremely ill about Dr Hampden, and the Bishop of
+Exeter[26] is gone so far, in the Queen's opinion, that he might be
+prosecuted for it, in calling the Act settling the supremacy on the
+Crown a _foul act_ and _the Magna Charta of Tyranny_.
+
+The Queen is glad to hear that Lord John is quite recovered. We are
+going to Windsor the day after to-morrow.
+
+    [Footnote 26: Henry Phillpotts, Bishop of Exeter, 1830-1869.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD MELBOURNE]
+
+
+_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
+
+BROCKET HALL, _30th December 1847._
+
+Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has
+received with great pleasure your Majesty's letter of this morning,
+and reciprocates with the most cordial heartiness your Majesty's good
+wishes of the season, both for your Majesty and His Royal Highness.
+Lord Melbourne is pretty well in health, perhaps rather better than he
+has been, but low and depressed in spirits for a cause which has long
+pressed upon his mind, but which he has never before communicated to
+your Majesty. Lord Melbourne has for a long time found himself much
+straitened in his pecuniary circumstances, and these embarrassments
+are growing now every day more and more urgent, so that he dreads
+before long that he shall be obliged to add another to the list of
+failures and bankruptcies of which there have lately been so many.
+This is the true reason why Lord Melbourne has always avoided the
+honour of the Garter, when pressed upon him by his late Majesty
+and also by your Majesty. Lord Melbourne knows that the expense of
+accepting the blue ribbon amounts to £1000, and there has been of late
+years no period at which it would not have been seriously inconvenient
+to Lord Melbourne to lay down such a sum.[27]
+
+    [Footnote 27: The Queen, through the agency of Mr Anson,
+    advanced Lord Melbourne a considerable sum of money, which
+    seems to have been repaid at his death. Apparently Lord
+    Melbourne's declining health caused him to magnify his
+    difficulties. The report which Mr Anson made shows that he was
+    in no sense seriously embarrassed.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XVII
+
+
+At the outset of the year 1848 great alarm was felt throughout England
+at the supposed inadequacy of her defences, a panic being caused by
+the indiscreet publication of a confidential letter from the Duke of
+Wellington to Sir John Burgoyne, to the effect that in his judgment
+the whole South Coast was open to invasion, and that there were no
+means of opposing a hostile force. The Government turned its attention
+to reconstructing the Militia, and raising the Income Tax for
+the purpose. But the outlook was completely changed by the French
+Revolution; Louis Philippe, who had just lost his sister and
+counsellor, Madame Adélaïde, impulsively abdicated, on a rising
+taking place, and escaped with his family to this country. England and
+Belgium were unaffected by the outburst of revolution which convulsed
+Europe: the Emperor of Austria was forced to abdicate, and Metternich,
+like Guizot, became a fugitive; Prussia was shaken to her foundation,
+and throughout Germany the movement in favour of representative
+institutions made rapid headway; a National Assembly for Germany was
+constituted, and Schleswig was claimed as an integral part of the
+German dominions. In Italy also the Revolution, though premature, was
+serious. The Pope, not yet reactionary, declared war against Austria;
+the Milanese rose against Radetzky, the Austrian Governor, and King
+Charles Albert of Sardinia marched to their assistance. A republic was
+proclaimed in Venice, but these successes were afterwards nullified,
+and a Sicilian rising against Ferdinand II. of Naples was suppressed.
+In France the revolutionary movement held steadily on its course, a
+National Assembly was elected, and national workshops established;
+Louis Bonaparte, who had been a fugitive in England, was allowed
+to return, and was elected President of the Republic by an immense
+majority of the popular vote.
+
+The friends of Revolution had no success in England; a very serious
+riot at Glasgow was dispersed, and the meeting convened by Feargus
+O'Connor for the 10th of April on Kennington Common, which was to
+carry a huge petition in favour of the People's Charter to the House
+of Commons, proved a ridiculous _fiasco_. Ireland was much disturbed
+during the year by what was known as the Young Ireland agitation,
+a movement organised by youthful, and for the most part cultivated,
+leaders, and utterly different from the sturdy Repeal movement
+of O'Connell. Smith O'Brien, brother of Lord Inchiquin, was the
+ringleader, and was backed by Mitchel, Duffy, Meagher, and others,
+as well as by the _Nation_ and _United Irishman_ newspapers. Like
+Chartism, the movement ignominiously collapsed and its leaders were
+convicted of treason. An Act was at the same time passed reducing
+some offences (till then legally defined as treason) to felonies, and
+improving the law as to offences against the person of the Sovereign.
+
+The treacherous murder of two Englishmen in the Punjab led to
+operations against the Sikhs, Lord Dalhousie--who had recently
+become Viceroy--after some hesitation, reinforcing Lord Gough, the
+Commander-in-Chief, and proceeding in person to the frontier; a
+British force sustained a reverse at Ramnuggur on 22nd November, and a
+decisive result was not arrived at till 1849.
+
+In South Africa, a proclamation by Sir Harry Smith, the Governor of
+the Cape of Good Hope, extending British sovereignty over the country
+between the Orange and Vaal rivers, led to a collision with the Boers,
+and ultimately to the founding of the Transvaal State. Sir Harry Smith
+defeated the Boers on the 29th of August at Boom Platz.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+1848
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _1st January 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--This is a most melancholy beginning of the
+year. Our poor Aunt Adélaïde,[1] so kind to us, has departed this life
+yesterday morning. Poor Louise feels it dreadfully, as nothing could
+be more affectionate and more motherly than she was for Louise. She
+was always very kind and friendly to me, and I must confess I feel the
+blow much. I am very much alarmed about the poor King; he must feel
+the loss of a sister and friend so entirely devoted to him deeply;
+it is the thing most likely to hurt and shake his health. You will
+forgive if I cut short here, as I am much disturbed by this melancholy
+event. I think you would act kindly in writing to the King. We are too
+nearly connected not to do it, and it will soothe him, who has been
+enough persecuted since last year. I trust you begin better than we do
+this most melancholy January. My best love to Albert, and believe me
+ever, my dearest Victoria, your truly and devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 1: Sister of King Louis Philippe.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF MADAME ADÉLAÏDE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._[2]
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd January 1848._
+
+The Queen sends Lord John Russell a letter from her Uncle, the King
+of the Belgians, which will show how dreadful a blow Mme. Adélaïde's
+death will be to the King of the French and Royal Family. The Queen's
+first thought was to write to the King, which she would not have done
+without first mentioning it to Lord John; but upon reflection
+she thought it quickest and best to write _at once_ to her cousin
+Clémentine (Princess Augustus of Saxe-Coburg), to convey in her name
+to the King her sincere sympathy at this melancholy event. The King of
+the Belgians' letter has, however, brought back to the Queen her first
+thought of writing to the King, and she wishes to know what Lord John
+thinks of it. The Queen thinks it as undignified as unfeeling to carry
+on political coolness at moments like these, when her own feelings of
+sympathy are so strong and so sincere. The Queen would certainly under
+other circumstances have instantly written to the King. On the other
+hand, her first letter to her cousin (the King's daughter) may be
+sufficient, as it conveys a direct message; and there may be people
+who will construe this into a political act, but the Queen thinks that
+this risk should rather be run than that she should appear unfeeling
+and forgetful of former kindness and intimacy.
+
+The Queen would be glad to have Lord John's opinion on this subject as
+soon as possible.
+
+    [Footnote 2: This letter is headed "Reproduction--Substance of
+    a letter to Lord John Russell, written from recollection."]
+
+
+
+
+_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _3rd January 1848._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--I thank you _most sincerely_ for your
+kind last letter, and all your good wishes for the New Year. Alas! the
+year _ended_ and _began_ in a _most painful_ and _heartrending way
+for us_. The loss of my good, excellent, beloved Aunt is an _immense
+misfortune_ for _us all_, and the most _dreadful blow_ for my poor
+Father. We are all broken-hearted by this, at last _unexpected_ event.
+Some years we were uneasy about my poor Aunt's health, and of late
+I had been particularly alarmed by what I heard of her increasing
+weakness; but I was very far from believing that her end was _so
+near_. I was only anxious for the winter. At least her end was
+peaceful. She went to sleep and did not wake more. She died without a
+struggle; the horror of death, and the still greater pang of the last
+farewell, of the last leave-taking of her beloved brother, was spared
+her. I thank God for _this_ proof of His mercy, and hope He will
+keep up my Father under _such a heavy affliction_. To him the loss is
+_irretrievable_. My Aunt lived _but_ for him; one may almost say
+that her affection alone had kept her alive these last years, and a
+devotion like hers--that devotion of all instants--so complete, so
+full of self-denial--cannot, will never, be replaced. A heart _like
+hers_, so true, so noble, so warm, so loving, so devoted, is _rarely_
+seen. To us also, independently of my Father, the loss is a _dreadful_
+one. My Aunt was a second mother for us; we loved her and looked up to
+her in this way, and certainly few mothers do for their children what
+she did for us, or loved them better. We are overwhelmed with grief by
+the sudden disappearance of a being _so dear_ and _so necessary_ to us
+all, and we go to-morrow to Paris, to mourn with the remainder of the
+family, and offer my poor Father the only consolation he can feel at
+this cruel moment, that of being surrounded by all those he loves.
+I have still so much to do previous to our melancholy journey that
+I cannot say more to-day. I am sure you will excuse me. I shall, God
+willing, write in a more proper way the next time. In the meanwhile I
+thank God that you are _unberufen_ all well, and, in sorrow or in joy,
+I am equally, my beloved Victoria, from the bottom of my heart, yours
+most devotedly,
+
+LOUISE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LETTER TO KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+WOBURN ABBEY, _4th January 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+no hesitation in saying that he thinks your Majesty will do well to
+follow your own kind impulse to write a letter to the King of the
+French. There will be some persons, and M. Guizot perhaps among the
+number, who will construe this into a political act; but it is better
+to be subject to such misconstructions than to leave undone any act of
+sympathy to the King of the French in his sore affliction.
+
+Should the King attempt to found upon your Majesty's letter any
+political intercourse, Lord John Russell has no doubt that your
+Majesty will explain to him that your present proceeding is entirely
+founded upon private regard, and past recollections of intimacy, and
+is not intended as an opening for political correspondence.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._
+
+CH. DE WINDSOR, _5 Janvier 1848._
+
+SIRE ET MON BON FRÈRE,--Je ne voulais pas suivre l'impulse de mon
+c[oe]ur, dans les premiers instants de la vive douleur de votre
+Majesté, en vous écrivant--mais maintenant où la violence de cette
+rude secousse peut-être sera un peu adoucie, je viens moi-même
+exprimer à votre Majesté la part sincère que nous prenons, le Prince
+et moi, à la cruelle perte que vous venez d'éprouver, et qui doit
+vous laisser un vide irréparable. Ayez la bonté, Sire, d'offrir nos
+expressions de condoléance à la Reine, et faisant des v[oe]ux pour le
+bonheur de V.M., je me dis, Sire et mon bon Frère, de V.M., la bonne
+S[oe]ur,
+
+V. R.
+
+A S.M. le Roi des Français.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND THE PORTE]
+
+
+_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+PARIS, _8 Janvier 1848._
+
+MADAME MA BONNE S[OE]UR,--Dans la profonde douleur où m'a plongé le
+coup cruel qui vient de me frapper, une des plus douces consolations
+que je pusse recevoir, est la lettre que votre Majesté a eu la bonté
+de m'adresser, tant en son nom qu'en celui du Prince son Epoux.
+L'expression de la part que vous prenez tous deux à mon malheur, et de
+l'intérêt que vous continuez à me porter, m'a vivement ému, et quelque
+douloureuse qu'en soit l'occasion, qu'il me soit permis, Madame, de
+vous en remercier, et de dire à votre Majesté que mon c[oe]ur et mes
+sentimens pour elle, sont et seront toujours les mêmes que ceux que
+j'étais si heureux de Lui manifester à Windsor et au Château d'Eu.
+
+Je prie votre Majesté de vouloir bien être, auprès du Prince son
+Epoux, l'interprète de toute ma sensibilité. La Reine est bien touchée
+de ce que votre Majesté m'a chargé de Lui témoigner, et je la prie
+de croire que je suis toujours, Madame, ma bonne S[oe]ur, de votre
+Majesté, le bon Frère,
+
+LOUIS PHILIPPE R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+CLAREMONT, _11th January 1848.[sic: 1843]_
+
+The Queen has this morning seen a draft addressed to Lord Cowley,
+in which he is desired to advise the Sultan to give Abd-el-Kader
+a command in his Army--a step which the Queen cannot approve, not
+because it is not good advice to the Porte, but because it is uncalled
+for on our part, and might be considered by France as a hostile step
+towards her. What would we say if the French were to advise M. Ali to
+give Akbar Khan the command of his army?[3]
+
+    [Footnote 3: See _ante_, vol. i. p. 254.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CLAREMONT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+CLAREMONT, _11th January 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I always write with pleasure to you from this _so_
+very dear old place, where we are safely and happily housed with our
+_whole_ little family since yesterday. The weather is very cold, and
+it is the third night of a black frost which is likely to continue
+for some days. Many thanks for your kind letter of the 7th, which,
+according to the new arrangement, I received already on the 8th.
+Your visit will, I fear, have been a very melancholy one. Poor Mme.
+Adélaïde's death was so extremely sudden, it must be a dreadful blow
+to the poor King. I _have_ written to him. Louise will have told you
+that poor Aunt Sophia[4] is decidedly sinking.
+
+I wish, dearest Uncle, if even Louise feels unequal to coming to us
+now (which would be a _sad disappointment_), _you_ would come to see
+us. Why not come while she is at Paris? It would be such a pleasure to
+us. You will of course have no balls, and you might come even sooner
+than you originally intended. Pray do see if you could manage this. I
+am sure you could. If Louise could come, of course that would be still
+better.
+
+Albert desires me to ask you the following favour, viz. if you
+would give us the picture that is here of Grand Uncle Frederic (the
+Field-Marshal), that we might hang it up in London, where we have made
+a fine collection of his contemporaries, and we would replace it by
+a faithful copy, which could be hung up in the frame here. Will you
+grant this?
+
+We are very desirous of getting the Woods and Forests to build a small
+_glass dome_ to the greenhouse here where the palm-trees are, and (if
+you approved) there could be no difficulty in getting this done; the
+palm-trees are beautiful, and will be quite stunted and spoilt if not
+allowed to grow. We shall stay here till Monday next. With Albert's
+love, ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 4: Fifth daughter of George III., born 1777. She
+    died in May 1848.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _12th January 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--A messenger of my own going to England, I take
+advantage of it to write you a few words. Your kind letter to the
+poor King was an act for which I thank you from the bottom of my soul,
+because it made him so happy. I was still in his rooms--where the
+family has been breakfasting and dining till now--when your letter
+arrived; he was so delighted with it that he _kissed it most
+tenderly_. I left him tolerably well on Monday, but with rather a
+severe cold. He had certainly at the end of December the Grippe,
+which perhaps was the immediate cause of poor Aunt's death, as from
+over-anxiety for her beloved brother, she got up in the night to find
+out how he was. His cold had been better when he went to Dreux, then
+he met the procession, and walked with it bareheaded to the church;
+this seems to have given him a new cold. His nerves are also a good
+deal shaken, and this renders him very irritable. He is much occupied
+about some of the arrangements connected with poor Aunt's fortune;
+she left her landed property to Nemours, Joinville, and Montpensier,
+charged with the various sums she left to nearly all the branches of
+her family. The King is to have, however, the enjoyment of the whole
+of this fortune for his life. His great wish would be to employ the
+revenues, from the whole of the succession legacies as well as landed
+property, to free the landed property of the mortgage of the various
+legacies. This will require a good many years, and I told him that it
+would force him to live till it would be arranged, which will easily
+require ten years. In France a good feeling has been shown on this
+occasion. I heard from trustworthy quarters that even people who were
+known to be personally not very kind to the King, expressed themselves
+most anxious for his preservation. Whenever that sad event will take
+place, the reaction in Europe will be great, as all the bad passions
+which are kept down by him will then of course try to get the over
+hand. The Queen is much affected by all this, and thinks much of her
+own end. The children, including good Hélène, have all behaved
+with the utmost affection to their parents, and nothing can equal
+particularly good Nemours' devotion and attention. My beloved Child,
+your truly devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: REVOLUTION IN FRANCE]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _12th February 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... From Paris the news are alarming;[5] the
+struggle of the Liberal Party leaning towards radicalism, or in fact
+merely their own promotion; principles are _out_ of the question. This
+state of affairs reacts in a very lamentable way upon the well-being
+of the great European community. Great complaints are made that the
+working classes are deprived of work and at the same time political
+agitation is kept up, which must have the effect of stopping
+transactions of every description. The human race is a _sad_ creation,
+and I trust the other planets are better organised and that we may get
+there hereafter.... Your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 5: The Republican movement had been making rapid
+    headway in Paris, and the leader of the Opposition, M. Odilon
+    Barrot, proposed Guizot's impeachment on the 22nd of February.
+    Louis Philippe, when it was unfortunately too late, consented
+    to a change of Ministry, but the formation of a new Government
+    proved impossible. The Revolution could have been quelled, had
+    it not been for the King's reluctance to shed blood in defence
+    of the Throne to which he had been elected; even to the
+    agitators themselves the completeness of the Revolution was a
+    surprise.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _23rd February 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+will have the honour of waiting upon your Majesty at three o'clock
+to-morrow.
+
+Lord Normanby's letters from Paris give a little information.[6]
+
+There has been some fighting in the streets, and some apprehension
+for the night. But it does not appear probable that any serious danger
+will be incurred, with the troops in such force in Paris.
+
+Hereafter there may be a serious struggle between the Government of
+the King, and the Republicans. But in that case such men as M. Odilon
+Barrot will shrink from the contest.
+
+    [Footnote 6: A letter from Lord Normanby on the 13th of
+    March to Lord Palmerston (published in Ashley's _Life of
+    Palmerston_, vol. i. chap. iii.) gives an account of the
+    situation on the eve of the 22nd of February. On the 25th of
+    February he wrote:--
+
+    "The National Guards, mixed with the people, were in full
+    march upon the Tuileries, and the latter threatening the life
+    of the King, when Emile Girardin, the editor of the _Presse_
+    newspaper, who was in advance as an officer of the National
+    Guard, hastily drew up an Act of Abdication, and placed it
+    before the King as the only means of safety. The King at
+    first refused, saying that he would rather die; but the Duc de
+    Montpensier urged him, not only for his own sake, but to save
+    his country from confusion. The King at last signed it,
+    and threw it impatiently at the Duc de Montpensier, who,
+    I believe, has been in favour of conciliatory counsel
+    throughout. The Royal Family then retired through the garden,
+    the King saying to every one as he passed, 'J'abdique,
+    j'abdique.'"]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _26th February 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I am very unwell in consequence of the _awful_
+events at Paris. How will this end? Poor Louise is in a state of
+despair which is pitiful to behold. What will soon become of us God
+alone knows; great efforts will be made to revolutionise this country;
+as there are poor and wicked people in all countries it may succeed.
+
+Against France we, of course, have a right to claim protection from
+England and the other Powers. I can write no more. God bless you. Ever
+your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FLIGHT OF FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY]
+
+
+_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+BRUSSELS, _27th February 1848._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--I understand by an account arrived this
+morning, and which seems to be correct, that my unfortunate parents
+arrived in England before yesterday evening: but I don't know _where_
+they are. (I don't know anything of them since the 23rd, evening!!!)
+But you will surely know, and kindly forward the letter to my poor
+mother. I have just received your kind letter of the 25th, but I
+am unable to say more to-day. You will easily conceive my agony and
+anguish. What an _unbelievable_ clap of thunder! I know still nothing
+of what Nemours and Montpensier are become. I rely on your interest
+and sympathy, and remain as ever, yours most devotedly,
+
+LOUISE.
+
+I hear this moment with an _extreme relief_ that my parents were to
+arrive yesterday at London, and thank God from the bottom of my heart
+for their safety! In my agony I did not wish for anything else.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING OF PRUSSIA]
+
+[Pageheading: ANARCHY IN PARIS]
+
+
+_The King of Prussia to Queen Victoria._
+
+[_Translation._]
+
+_27th February 1848._
+
+MOST GRACIOUS QUEEN AND SISTER,--Even at this midnight hour of the
+day, on the evening of which the awful news from Paris has arrived,
+I venture to address these lines to your Majesty. God has permitted
+events which decisively threaten the peace of Europe.
+
+It is an attempt to "spread the principles of the Revolution by
+_every_ means throughout the whole of Europe." This programme binds
+together both these individuals and their parties. The consequences
+for the peace of the world are _clear_ and _certain_. If the
+revolutionary party carries out its programme, "The sovereignty of
+the people," my minor crown will be broken, no less certainly than the
+mighty crowns of your Majesty, and a fearful scourge will be laid upon
+the nations; a century [will follow] of rebellion, of lawlessness, and
+of godlessness. The late King did not dare to write "by the Grace
+of God." _We_, however, call ourselves King "by the Grace of God,"
+because it is true. Well, then, most gracious Queen, let us now show
+to men, to the peoples threatened with disruption and nameless misery,
+both _that_ we understand our sacred office and _how_ we understand
+it. God has placed in your Majesty's hands, in the hands of the two
+Emperors, in those of the German Federation, and in mine, a power,
+which, if it now acts in union and harmony, with reliance on Heaven,
+is able humanly speaking, to enforce, with certainty, the maintenance
+of the peace of the world. This power is _not that of arms_, for
+these, more than ever, must only afford the _ultima ratio_.
+
+The power I mean is "the power of united speech." In the year 1830
+the use of this immeasurable power was criminally neglected. But now I
+think the danger is much more pressing than it was then. This power is
+divided among _us_ in equal portions. I possess the smallest portion
+of it, and your Majesty has by far the greatest share. That share is
+so great that your Majesty, by your powerful word, might alone carry
+out the task. But the certainty of victory lies, subject to the Divine
+blessing, solely in our utterance being united. This must be our
+message to France; "that all of us are cordial well-wishers to France;
+we do not grudge her all possible welfare and glory; we mean never to
+encroach on it, and we will stand by the new Government as by the old,
+_foi de gentils-hommes_. But the first breach of the peace, be it with
+reference to Italy, Belgium, or Germany would be, undoubtedly and at
+the same time, a breach with 'all of us,' and we should, with all the
+power that God has given us, let France feel by _sea_ and by _land_,
+as in the years '13, '14, and '15, what our union may mean."
+
+_Now_ I bless Providence for having placed Lord Palmerston at the head
+of your Foreign Office, and keeping him there at this very moment.
+During the last quarter of the past year I could not always cordially
+agree with him. His genuine British disposition will honour this open
+confession. All the more frankly may I now express the hopes which
+rise in me, from the very fact of _his_ holding that office at the
+present moment; for a more active, more vivid, more energetic Minister
+of foreign affairs, a man that would more indefatigably pursue great
+aims, your Majesty could probably never have. If at this grave hour
+he sets himself to proclaim that our forces are united; if he himself
+utters his message as befits St George, he will earn the blessing of
+millions, and the blessing of God and of the world will rest on your
+Majesty's sacred head. That I am your Majesty's and _Old England's_
+most faithful and most devoted brother and companion, you are aware,
+and I mean to prove it. On both, knees I adjure you, use, for the
+welfare of Europe, "_Engellands England_."
+
+With these words I fall at your Majesty's feet, most gracious Queen,
+and remain your Majesty's most faithfully devoted, most attached
+Servant and good Brother,
+
+FREDERIC WILLIAM.
+
+_P. S._--The Prince I embrace. He surely feels with me, and justly
+appraises my endeavours.
+
+_Post scriptum, 28th, in the evening._
+
+I venture to open my letter again, for this day has brought us news
+from France, which one can only call _horrible_. According to what
+we hear, there is no longer left a King in France. A regency, a
+government, and the most complete anarchy has ensued, under the name
+of the Republic--a condition of things in which, at first, there will
+be no possibility of communicating with the people, infuriated with
+crime. In case a Government should evolve itself out of this chaos, I
+conscientiously hold that the "united word" of the great Powers, such
+as I have indicated in the preceding pages, should be made known,
+_without any modification, to the new holders of power_. Your
+Majesty's gracious friendship will certainly not take amiss this
+addition to my letter, though it be not conformable to strict
+etiquette.
+
+The fate of the poor old King, of the Duchess of Orleans, of the whole
+honourable and amiable family, cuts me to the heart, for up to this
+time we do not know what has become of any of them. We owe Louis
+Philippe eighteen happy years of peace. No noble heart must forget
+that. And yet--who would not recognise the avenging hand of the King
+of kings in all this?
+
+I kiss your Majesty's hands.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LETTER FROM QUEEN LOUISE]
+
+[Pageheading: ANXIETY OF QUEEN LOUISE]
+
+
+_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+BRUSSELS, _28th February 1848._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--_What a misfortune! What_ an _awful,
+overwhelming, unexpected_ and _inexplicable catastrophe_. _Is it
+possible_ that we should witness _such events_, and that _this_ should
+be the end of nearly eighteen years of courageous and successful
+efforts to maintain order, peace, and make France happy, what _she
+was_? I have heard, I read hourly, _what has happened: I cannot
+believe it yet_; but if _my beloved parents_ and the remainder of
+the family are at least _safe_ I won't mind the rest. In the hours of
+agony we have gone through I asked God _only_ to spare _the lives_,
+and I ask still _nothing else_: but we don't know them yet _all_
+saved, and till I have heard of my unfortunate parents, of my unhappy
+brothers far away, of all those for whom I would lay my life at any
+moment and whose danger I could not even share or alleviate, I cannot
+exist.
+
+I was _sure_, my beloved Victoria, of all _you_ would _feel for us_
+when you would hear of these awful events. I received yesterday your
+two kind, warm, sympathising letters of the 25th and 26th, and thank
+you with _all my heart_ for them, and for yours and Albert's share and
+sympathy.
+
+_Our anguish_ has been _undescribable_. We have been _thirty-six hours
+without any news_, not knowing even if my parents and the family were
+still alive or not, and what had been their fate. Death is not worse
+than what we endured during these horrible hours. We don't know yet
+what to think, what to believe, I would almost say, what to wish; we
+are _stunned_ and _crushed_ by the awful blow. What has happened is
+_unaccountable, incomprehensible_; it appears to us like a _fearful_
+dream. Alas! I fear my dear beloved father was led away by his
+_extreme courage_; by that same courage which had made his success and
+a part of his strength; for it is strange to say that even those that
+deplored most his resolution never to yield on certain things gave him
+credit for it. The exaggeration of the system of peace and resistance,
+or rather _immobility_, lost him, as that of war lost Napoleon. Had he
+shunned less war _on all occasions_, and granted in time some trifling
+reforms, he would have satisfied public opinion, and would probably
+be still where he was _only eight days ago_, strong, beloved, and
+respected! Guizot's accession has been _as fatal_ as his fall, and
+is perhaps the _first cause_ of our ruin, though my father cannot be
+blamed for having kept him in office, as he had the majority in the
+Chamber, and an overwhelming one. _Constitutionally_, he could not
+have been turned out, and it was _impossible to foresee_ that when
+all was quiet, the country prosperous and happy, the laws and
+liberty respected, the Government strong, a _Revolution_--and _such
+a Revolution_--would be brought on by a few imprudent words, and the
+resistance (lamentable as it was) to a manifestation which, in fact,
+the Government had a right to prevent. _It was the Almighty's will:
+we must submit._ He had decreed our loss the day He removed my beloved
+brother[7] from this world. Had he lived still, all this would
+have turned otherwise. It has been also an immense misfortune that
+Joinville and Aumale were both away. They were both popular (which
+poor dear _never-to-be-sufficiently-respected_ Nemours was _not_),
+energetic, courageous, and capable of turning chance in our favour.
+Oh! _how I long_ to know what is become of them! I cannot live till
+then, and the thought of my unfortunate parents _annihilates_ me! Poor
+dear Joinville had foreseen and foretold almost all that has happened,
+and it was the idea of the crisis he apprehended which made him so
+unhappy to go. He repeated it to me several times six weeks ago. Alas!
+_nobody_ would believe him, and who _could believe_ that in _a day_,
+almost without struggle, _all would be over_, and the past, the
+present, the future carried away on an unaccountable storm! _God's
+will be done!_ He was at least _merciful_ to my dear Aunt, and I hope
+He will preserve all those dear to me!
+
+Here everything is quiet: the horror general, and the best feeling
+and spirit prevailing. There is still now nothing to fear: but if _a
+republic really established_ itself in France, it is impossible to
+tell what may happen. For this reason your Uncle thinks it right that
+we should remove to some place of safety what we have of precious.
+If you permit I will avail myself of the various messengers that are
+going now to send _under your care_ several boxes, which you will
+kindly send to Claremont to Moor, to keep with those your Uncle
+already sent. They contain your Uncle's letters and those of my
+parents--the treasure I most value in the world.
+
+_29th._--MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--This was written yesterday, in
+a moment of comparative quiet, when I thought my parents at least safe
+and in security in England. Albert's letter to your Uncle of the 27th,
+which arrived yesterday evening, says they were _not arrived yet_, and
+I am again in the most horrible agony. I had also yesterday evening
+details of their flight (_my father flying!!!_) by Madame de Murat,
+Victoire's lady, who has gone to England, which quite distracted me.
+Thank God that Nemours and Clém at least _are safe!_I am quite unable
+to say more, and I hope the Duchess and Alexandrine will excuse me if
+I don't write to them. Truly, I _can't_. I thank you only once more,
+my beloved Victoria, _for all your kindness_ and _interest_ for my
+unfortunate family, and trust all the anxiety you feel for us won't
+hurt you. God bless you ever, with all those dear to you. Believe me
+always, my beloved Victoria, yours most devotedly,
+
+LOUISE.
+
+I send you no letter for my mother in the present uncertainty.
+
+    [Footnote 7: The Duc d'Orléans, who was killed on 13th July
+    1842.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _29th February 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to transmit a short note from Lord Normanby, which is very
+satisfactory.
+
+Lord John Russell declared last night that your Majesty would not
+interfere in the internal affairs of France. But in repeating this
+declaration, in answer to Mr Cobden, he added that the sacred duties
+of hospitality would be, as in all times, performed towards persons of
+all opinions. Both declarations were generally cheered. In extending
+this hospitality to members of the Royal Family of France, it is only
+to be observed that no encouragement should be given by your Majesty
+to any notion that your Majesty would assist them to recover the
+Crown. In this light it is desirable that no _Prince_ of the House
+of Orleans should inhabit one of your Majesty's palaces in or near
+London.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW FRENCH GOVERNMENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+(_Undated._)[8]
+
+The Queen has perused the enclosed despatches and the proposed Minutes
+of a draft to Lord Normanby with Lord John Russell's remarks. She
+approves generally of the Minutes, but would like that amongst the
+laudable intentions of the new French Government, _that_ of keeping
+_inviolate_ the European Treaties should be brought in in some way.
+In the paper No. 2, the expression "_most cordial friendship_" strikes
+the Queen as rather too strong. We have just had sad experience of
+_cordial_ understandings. "Friendly relations" might do better or
+the whole sentence might run thus: "that not peace only but cordial
+friendship with France _had been at all times_ [instead of "is one
+of the," etc.] one of the first wishes of the British Government, and
+that this _will_ remain," etc., etc., etc.
+
+    [Footnote 8: Apparently written at the end of February.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ESCAPE OF KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st March 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Every hour seems to bring fresh news and events.
+Victoire and her children and Montpensier are at Jersey, and are
+expected to arrive to-morrow. About the King and Queen, we still know
+nothing, but we have some clue, and think _he may be_ somewhere on the
+coast, or even _in_ England. We do everything we can for the poor
+dear Family, who are indeed most dreadfully to be pitied; but you will
+naturally understand that we cannot _make cause commune_ with them and
+cannot take a hostile position opposite to the new state of things
+in France; we leave them alone, but if a Government which has the
+approbation of the country be formed, we shall feel it necessary to
+recognise it, in order to pin them down to maintain peace and the
+existing Treaties, which is of great importance. It will not be
+pleasant for us to do this, but the public good and the peace of
+Europe go before one's feelings. God knows what _one feels_ towards
+the French. I trust, dear Uncle, that you will maintain the fine and
+independent position you are now in, which is so gratifying to us, and
+I am sure you will feel that much as we all must sympathise with
+our poor French relations, you should not for that quarrel with the
+existing state of things, which however is very uncertain. There were
+fresh reports of great confusion at Paris, which is sure to happen.
+All our poor relations have gone through is worthy only of a
+_dreadful_ romance, and poor Clém behaves beautifully, courageously,
+and calmly, and is full of resignation; but she can get no sleep, poor
+thing--and hears the horrid cries and sees those _fiend-like
+faces_ before her! The children are very happy with ours, but very
+unmanageable. I saw the Duchesse de Montpensier to-day.
+
+Now, with every wish for _all_ going on well, believe me ever, your
+devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MR FEATHERSTONHAUGH]
+
+[Pageheading: A GRAPHIC NARRATIVE]
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Featherstonhaugh[9] to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+HAVRE, _3rd March 1848._
+
+MY DEAR LORD PALMERSTON,--It was a hair-trigger affair altogether, but
+thanks be to God everything has gone off admirably. I was obliged
+to abandon the plan of trusting the King in a fishing-boat from
+Trouville. The weather was very stormy; had he attempted to find the
+steamer, he might have failed, for the sea was in a furious state and
+the wind ahead. There was also the danger of the fishing-boat being
+lost, a contingency the very idea of which made me miserable.
+
+I therefore abandoned the plan altogether, and after much and careful
+reflection determined to execute one more within my control, and the
+boldness of which, though trying to the nerves, was its very essence
+for success. It was to bring the King and Queen into Havre itself
+before anybody could suspect such a dangerous intention, and have
+everything ready for their embarkation to a minute. To carry out the
+plan, I wanted vigilant, intelligent, and firm agents, and I found
+them as it turned out. It was known to me that the lower classes
+suspected it was M. Guizot concealed at Trouville, and as some
+sinister occurrence might reasonably be expected there, I sent a
+faithful person into Calvados. It was high time. The mob had assembled
+at the place where the King was, who had to slip out at the back door
+and walk two leagues on foot. At length he reached a small cottage
+belonging to a gardener at Honfleur, where the Queen was. This was
+half-past six o'clock A.M. yesterday. My agent saw the King and Queen,
+who, after some conversation, sent him back with this message, that
+they "would wait where they were until they again heard from me, and
+would carry out my final arrangements with exactitude, as far as it
+depended upon them." I now instructed Captain Paul to be ready at
+half-past seven P.M., when it would be dark, to have his water hot,
+ready to get up steam; to have only a rope moored to the quay with an
+anchor astern; to expect me with a party a little before eight P.M.,
+and as soon as I had got on board with my party and told him to push
+off, he was to let me go on shore, cut his rope and cable, get into
+the middle of the Basin, up with his steam and jib and push for
+England. Not a word was to be spoken on board.
+
+To get the King here from Honfleur the following method was adopted:
+M. Bresson, a loyal and intelligent officer in the French Navy and
+well known to the King, and Mr Jones, my Vice-Consul and principal
+Clerk, went in the steam ferry-boat a quarter before five P.M. to
+Honfleur. From the landing-place it is three-quarters of a mile to the
+place where the King and Queen were concealed. The ferry-boat was to
+leave Honfleur for Havre a quarter before seven o'clock. I had given
+M. Bresson a passport for Mr and Mrs Smith, and with this passport the
+King was to walk to the landing-place, where he was to be met by my
+Vice-Consul and be governed by him.
+
+If the _gens d'armes_ disputed his passport Mr Jones was to vouch for
+its regularity, and say that he was sent by me to conduct Mr Smith to
+Havre, who was my Uncle. M. Bresson was to follow with the Queen,
+and the rest of the suite were to come to the ferry-boat one after
+another, but none of the party were to know each other. The ferry-boat
+was to arrive in Havre about half-past seven, and I was to do the
+rest. A white pocket-handkerchief was to be twice exhibited as a
+signal that all was right so far. The difficulty of the _gens d'armes_
+being infinitely more to be provided against and apprehended here, I
+first confidentially communicated to the greatest gossips in the town
+that I had seen a written statement from an official person that the
+King had reached England in a fishing-boat from the neighbourhood of
+Tréport, and then got some persons whom I could rely upon, sons of my
+tradesmen here who are in the National Guard, to be near the steamer
+that was to receive the King, to give me their assistance if it should
+be necessary, on account of the turbulence of the crowd, to
+embark some friends of mine who were going to England. And if an
+extraordinary number of _gens d'armes_ were stationed at the steamer,
+and they hesitated about letting my Uncle go on board, then about one
+hundred yards off I had two persons who were to pretend a quarrel and
+a fight, to which I knew the _gens d'armes_ would all go as well as
+the crowd. In the meantime I hoped that as Captain Paul made no noise
+with his steam that the crowd would not assemble, and that we might
+find no _gens d'armes_. The anxiously expected moment at length
+arrived. The ferry-boat steamer came to the quay; it was almost dark,
+but I saw the white pocket-handkerchief. There was a great number of
+passengers, which favoured the debarkation. When half of them were
+out, the trembling Queen came up the ladder. I took her hand, told her
+it was me, and M. Bresson walked with her towards our steamer. At last
+came the King, disguised, his whiskers shaved off, a sort of casquette
+on his head, and a coarse overcoat, and immense goggles over his eyes.
+Not being able to see well, he stumbled, when I advanced, took his
+hand and said, "Ah, dear Uncle, I am delighted to see you." Upon which
+he answered, "My dear George, I am glad you are here." The English
+about me now opened the crowd for their Consul, and I moved off to a
+quiet and shaded part of the quay. But my dear Uncle talked so loud
+and so much that I had the greatest difficulty to make him keep
+silence. At length we reached the steamer; it was like a clock-work
+movement. The crowd was again opened for me. I conducted the King to
+a state-room below, gave him some information, and having personally
+ascertained that the Queen was in her cabin, and being very
+much touched with her tears and her grateful acknowledgments, I
+respectfully took my leave, gave the Captain the word to cut loose,
+and scrambled ashore. In twenty minutes the steamer was outside,
+steaming away for England. I drove down to the jetty, and had that
+last satisfaction of seeing her beyond all possibility of recall, and
+then drove home. Much has been said this morning about the mysterious
+departure of Captain Paul, and I have been obliged to confess that the
+gentleman I was seen conducting on board was a brother of the King
+of Naples, who was immensely frightened without cause, and that I had
+engaged the steamer for him and his family. Many think, however, that
+it was the King, but then again that could not be if he crossed over
+from Tréport in a fishing-boat. We have got everybody completely
+mystified, and there are only four persons in the secret, who will all
+remain in the same story.
+
+I have scribbled, amidst the most hurried engagements, this little
+narrative, believing that it would interest your Lordship. It has the
+interest of romance and the support of truth. I have the honour to be,
+etc.
+
+G. W. FEATHERSTONHAUGH.
+
+Information has just reached me that one hour after the King and Queen
+left their hiding-place last night, and just when I was embarking
+them, an officer and three _gens d'armes_ came to the place to arrest
+him. They were sent by the new Republican _Préfet_. It appears that
+the man who gave him refuge had confessed who he was as soon as the
+King had left Trouville, and had betrayed the King's hiding-place at
+Honfleur. What an escape! Your Lordship will see a paragraph in the
+enclosed newspaper not altogether false. We in the secret know nothing
+about Louis Philippe; we know something about the Count of Syracuse
+and something about Mr William Smith. If it leaks out, it must come
+from England. Here no one has any proof. In the meantime almost
+everybody here is delighted to think that he may have escaped.
+
+    [Footnote 9: British Consul at Havre. This letter was
+    submitted to the Queen by Lord Palmerston.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND]
+
+[Pageheading: RECEPTION AT CLAREMONT]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _3rd March 1848._
+(3 P.M.)
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
+to state that General Dumas has just been with him to announce that
+the King and Queen of the French landed this morning at Newhaven,
+having been brought over in the Steam Packet Express, in which they
+embarked at Havre yesterday evening about eight o'clock.
+
+General Dumas says that till the morning of their arrival at Dreux the
+King and the Queen imagined that the Comte de Paris had succeeded to
+the Throne, and that the Duchess of Orleans had been declared Regent;
+that when they heard that a Republic and a Provisional Government had
+been declared they thought it unsafe to remain at Dreux; and that they
+then separated in order to go by different roads to Honfleur, where
+they were to meet at a small house belonging to a friend of
+General Dumas. At that house they remained for some days, until Mr
+Featherstonhaugh opened a communication with them. The King then
+removed to Trouville in order to embark from thence in a manner which
+Mr Featherstonhaugh had arranged, and he remained there two or three
+days for that purpose; but the weather was too stormy, and prevented
+his departure. In the meanwhile the people of Trouville found out who
+he was, and their demonstrations of attachment became inconvenient.
+He therefore returned to Honfleur, and the arrangements were altered.
+Yesterday evening at seven o'clock the King, the Queen, and General
+Dumas came to the ferry-boat which plies between Honfleur and Havre,
+and were met by the Vice-Consul, who treated the King as uncle of
+the Consul. On landing at Havre the King walked straight down to the
+Express Packet, which was lying ready; the Queen went separately,
+and after making a slight round through the streets of Havre embarked
+also; the Packet then immediately started, and went into Newhaven in
+preference to any other port, because no Packets start from thence
+for the French coast. General Dumas says that the whole party were
+unprovided with anything but the clothes they wore, and he was going
+to the King's banker to provide funds to enable him to come to town,
+and said that the King begged him to apologise for his not having
+at once written to your Majesty to thank your Majesty for the great
+interest which your Majesty has taken in his safety, and for the
+assistance, which he has received for his escape, but that he would do
+so this evening.
+
+General Dumas said that the King's present intention is to remain in
+England in the strictest _incognito_, and that he and the Queen will
+assume the title of Count and Countess of Neuilly.
+
+Viscount Palmerston explained to General Dumas that your Majesty has
+made arrangements for the King's reception at Claremont, and that your
+Majesty intended to send down an officer of your Majesty's Household
+to communicate with the King.
+
+General Dumas said that the King would most gratefully avail himself
+of the arrangement as to Claremont, but that under all circumstances,
+and as the King wished to remain in entire privacy, he thought it
+would be better that no person from your Majesty's Household should
+go down to the King at Newhaven, and that he was sure the King would
+rather find his own way from the railway station at London Bridge to
+Claremont than attract attention by being met at the station by any of
+your Majesty's carriages.
+
+The King would remain to-night at Newhaven, and would come up
+to-morrow morning. General Dumas said that the King and the Queen had
+gone through much personal fatigue and mental anxiety, but are both
+well in health. The General was going to Count Jarnac before he
+returned to Newhaven.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING'S GRATITUDE]
+
+
+_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX, _3ème Mars 1848._
+
+MADAME,--Après avoir rendu grâces à Dieu, mon premier devoir est
+d'offrir à votre Majesté l'hommage de ma reconnaissance pour la
+généreuse assistance qu'elle nous a donnée, à moi et à tous les miens
+et que la Providence vient de couvrir d'un succès complet, puisque
+j'apprends qu'ils sont tous à présent sur la terre hospitalière de
+l'Angleterre.
+
+Ce n'est plus, Madame, que _le Comte de Neuilly_ qui, se rappelant vos
+anciennes bontés, vient chercher sous ses auspices, un asyle et une
+retraite paisible et aussi éloignée de tout rapport politique que
+celle dont il y a joui dans d'autres temps, et dont il a toujours
+précieusement conservé le souvenir.
+
+On me presse tellement pour ne pas manquer le train qui emportera ma
+lettre que j'ai à peine le temps de prier votre Majesté d'être mon
+interprète auprès du Prince votre auguste Époux.
+
+Ma femme, accablée de fatigue par la vie que nous venons de mener
+depuis dix jours! écrira un peu plus tard à votre Majesté. Tout ce
+qu'elle a pu faire, est de tracer quelques mots pour notre bien aimée
+Louise que je recommande à votre bonté. On me presse encore, Madame,
+je ne puis que me souscrire avec mon vieil attachement pour vous, de
+votre Majesté, très affectionné,
+
+LOUIS PHILIPPE.
+
+
+
+
+_The Queen of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+NEWHAVEN, _3ème Mars 1848._
+
+MADAME,--A peine arrivée dans cette contrée hospitalière après 9
+jours d'une cruelle agonie, mon premier sentiment, après avoir béni la
+Divine Providence, c'est de remercier, du fond de mon c[oe]ur, votre
+Majesté, pour les facilités qu'elle a bien voulu nous donner pour
+venir dans ce pays terminer nos vieux jours dans la tranquillité et
+l'oubli. Une vive inquiétude me tourmente, c'est d'apprendre le sort
+de mes enfants chéris desquels nous avons dû nous séparer; j'ai la
+confiance qu'ils auront trouvé aussi un appui dans le c[oe]ur généreux
+de votre Majesté, et qu'ils auront été également sauvés comme leur
+admirable Père, mon premier trésor. Que Dieu vous bénisse, Madame,
+ainsi que le Prince Albert et vos enfants, et vous préserve de
+malheurs pareils aux nôtres, c'est le v[oe]u le plus sincère de celle
+qui se dit, Madame, de votre Majesté, la toute dévouée,
+
+MARIE AMÉLIE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ARRIVAL OF GUIZOT]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _3rd March 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty: he has
+read with deep interest the affecting letter of the fallen King.
+
+After the vicissitudes of a long life, it may be no irremediable
+calamity if a Prince of great powers of mind and warm domestic
+affections is permitted by Providence to end his days in peace and
+tranquillity.
+
+Of course all enmity to his projects as a King ceases with his
+deposition.
+
+M. Guizot came to London from Dover at half-past six.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._
+
+PALAIS DE BUCKINGHAM, _3ème Mars 1848._
+
+SIRE ET MON CHER FRÈRE,--C'était une consolation bien vive pour moi de
+recevoir la bonne lettre de votre Majesté qui m'a bien touchée. Nous
+avons tous été dans de vives inquiétudes pour vous, pour la Reine et
+toute la famille, et nous remercions la Providence pour que vous soyez
+arrivés en sûreté sur le sol d'Angleterre, et nous sommes bien heureux
+de savoir que vous êtes ici loin de tous ces dangers qui vous ont
+récemment menacés. Votre Majesté croira combien ces derniers affreux
+événements si inattendus nous ont péniblement agités. Il nous tarde
+de savoir que vos santés n'ont pas été altérées par ces derniers jours
+d'inquiétude et de fatigue. Albert me charge d'offrir les hommages à
+votre Majesté, et je vous prie de déposer les nôtres aux pieds de la
+Reine, à qui je compte répondre demain. Je me dis, Sire et mon bon
+Frère, de votre Majesté, la bien affectionnée S[oe]ur,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Queen of the French._
+
+PALAIS DE BUCKINGHAM, _4ème Mars 1848._
+
+MADAME,--Votre Majesté aura excusé que je ne vous ai pas de suite
+remercié de votre bonne et aimable lettre de hier. C'est des fonds
+de mon c[oe]ur que je me réjouis de vous savoir en sûreté à Claremont
+avec le Roi. Mes pensées étaient auprès de votre Majesté pendant tous
+ces affreux jours, et je frémis en pensant à tout ce que vous avez
+souffert de corps et d'âme.
+
+Albert sera le Porteur de ces lignes; j'aurais été si heureuse de
+l'accompagner pour vous voir, mais je n'ose plus quitter Londres.
+
+Avec l'expression de l'affection et de l'estime, je me dis toujours,
+Madame, de votre Majesté, la bien affectionnée S[oe]ur,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE ROYAL FUGITIVES]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _5th March 1848._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+cannot see that there could be any objection to the King and Queen of
+the French coming to town to visit your Majesty, and indeed, on
+the contrary, it would seem under all the circumstances of the case
+natural that they should be anxious to see your Majesty, and that your
+Majesty should be desirous of receiving them.
+
+Viscount Palmerston was sure that your Majesty would read with
+interest Mr Featherstonhaugh's account of the manner in which he
+managed the escape of the King and Queen of the French. It is like one
+of Walter Scott's best tales, and the arrangements and the execution
+of them do great credit to Mr Featherstonhaugh, who will be highly
+gratified to learn, as Viscount Palmerston proposes to inform him,
+that your Majesty has approved his conduct. Mr Featherstonhaugh has
+also probably rendered a good service to the Provisional Government,
+who would have been much embarrassed if their Commissioner had
+arrested the King and Queen.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _7th March 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Albert has written to you so constantly that I have
+little to add; he just tells me this is not quite true. However,
+there is nothing very new except that we have seen the King and Queen;
+Albert went down to Claremont to see them on Saturday, and yesterday
+they came here with Montpensier. They both look very _abattus_,
+and the poor Queen cried much in thinking of what she had gone
+through--and what dangers the King had incurred; in short, humbled
+poor people they looked. Dearest Vic I saw on Sunday; _she_ has also
+gone through much, and is so dear and good and gentle. She looked
+wonderfully well _considering_. They are still _very_ much in want of
+means, and live on a very reduced scale.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S VIEW OF THE CRISIS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _11th March 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I profit by the departure of Andrews to write to
+you a few lines, and to wish you joy of the continued satisfactory
+behaviour of my friends, the good Belgians; fervently do I hope and
+really trust all will go on well; but what an extraordinary state of
+things everywhere! _"Je ne sais plus où je suis,"_ and I fancy really
+that we have gone back into the _old_ century. But I also feel one
+must not be nervous or alarmed at these moments, but be of good cheer,
+and muster up courage to meet all the difficulties.
+
+Our little riots are mere nothing, and the feeling here is good....
+_What_ is _your_ opinion as to the late events at Paris? Do you not
+think the King ought to have retired to Vincenness or somewhere else a
+day or two before, and put himself at the head of the army? Ought
+not Montpensier at least to have gone to Vincennes? I know Clém even
+thinks this--as also that _one_ ought to have foreseen, and ought to
+have managed things better. Certainly at the _very last_, if they had
+not gone, they would all have been massacred; and _I_ think they were
+quite right, and in short could not avoid going as quickly as they
+could; but there is an impression they _fled_ too quickly. Still the
+recollection of Louis XVI.... is enough to justify all, and everybody
+will admit that; but the Princes, they think, ought to have remained.
+_What_ do _you_ think of all this? I think the blunders were _all_ on
+the last three or four days--and on the last day, but were no longer
+to be avoided at last; there seemed a _fatality_, and _all_ was lost.
+Poor Nemours did his best till he could _no longer_ get to the troops.
+People here also abuse him for letting Victoire go alone--but he
+_remained_ to do his _duty_; a little more _empressement_ on her
+arrival here I would have wished. Albert told you all about the
+Montpensiers' journey. It would do the King irreparable mischief if
+they went now to Spain; the feeling of anger would all return. Poor
+people! they are all in a sad state of _want_ at present.
+
+I must conclude. Hoping to hear from you, and to have your opinion.
+
+Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S SYMPATHY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th March 1848._
+
+The Queen cannot let this day pass without offering Lord Melbourne
+hers and the Prince's best wishes for many happy returns of it in
+health and strength.
+
+Lord Melbourne will agree with the Queen that the last three weeks
+have brought back the times of the last century, and we are in the
+midst of troubles abroad. The Revolution in France is a sad and
+alarming thing.... The poor King and his Government made many mistakes
+within the last two years, and were obstinate and totally blind at
+the last till flight was inevitable. But for _sixteen_ years he did a
+great deal to maintain peace, and made France prosperous, which should
+_not_ be forgotten.... Lord Melbourne's kind heart will grieve
+to think of the _real want_ the poor King and Queen are in, their
+dinner-table containing barely enough to eat. And the poor Nemours
+hardly know which way to turn. If the private property be not restored
+God only knows what is to become of these distinguished young Princes
+and their little children. What will be their _avenir_? It breaks
+one's heart to think of it, and the Queen, being so nearly related
+to them and knowing them all, feels it very much. Surely the poor
+old King is sufficiently punished for his faults. Lord Beauvale will
+surely be shocked at the complete ruin of the family. Has he seen or
+heard from his old friend Madame de Montjoye, who is here with the
+Queen of the French? The poor dear Queen of the Belgians is quite
+broken-hearted, but, thank God, Belgium goes on admirably. In Germany
+also there are everywhere disturbances, but the good Germans are at
+bottom very loyal....
+
+The state of Paris is very gloomy; the rabble armed--keeping the
+Government in awe--failures in all directions, and nothing but ruin
+and misery. This is too gloomy a letter for a birthday, and the Queen
+must apologise for it. The Prince wishes to be kindly remembered to
+Lord Melbourne.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR'S VIEW]
+
+
+_The Emperor of Russia to Queen Victoria._
+
+                    22 Mars
+ST. PETERSBURG, _le ------- 1848._
+                    3 Avril
+
+MADAME MA S[OE]UR,--Veuillez me permettre, Madame, d'offrir à votre
+Majesté mes sincères félicitations de son heureuse délivrance.[10]
+Puisse le bon Dieu conserver votre Majesté et toute son auguste
+famille, c'est mon v[oe]u de tous les jours. Plus que jamais, Madame,
+au milieu des désastres qui renversent l'ordre social, l'on éprouve le
+besoin de relier les liens d'amitié que l'on a été heureux de former
+dans de meilleurs temps; ceux-là au moins nous restent, car ils sont
+hors de la portée des hommes, et je suis fier et heureux de ce que
+votre noble c[oe]ur me comprendra. En jettant les yeux sur ce qui se
+passe, peut-être votre Majesté accordera-t-elle un souvenir à ce que
+j'eus l'honneur de lui prédire, assis à table près d'elle: depuis, 4
+années à peine se sont écoulées, et que reste-t-il encore debout en
+Europe? La Grande-Bretagne et la Russie!
+
+Ne serait-il pas naturel d'en conclure que notre union intime est
+appelée peut-être à sauver le monde? Excusez, Madame, cet épanchement
+d'un c[oe]ur qui vous est dévoué et qui a pris l'habitude de souvenir
+à vous.
+
+J'ose avec une entière confiance compter sur l'amitié de votre
+Majesté, et la prie de recevoir l'assurance de l'inviolable
+attachement avec lequel je suis, Madame, de votre Majesté, le tout
+dévoué et fidèle bon Frère et Ami,
+
+NICOLAS.
+
+Veuillez, Madame, me rappeler au souvenir de son Altesse Royale
+Monsieur le Prince Albert.
+
+    [Footnote 10: The Princess Louise was born on 18th March.]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+BRUSSELS, _25th March 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... England seems quiet, and even the attempt in
+Ireland seems to have passed over. But Germany is in an awful state,
+beyond what I ever should have thought possible in that country, and
+with such a good nation. For years, however, all sorts of people had
+been stirring them up, and half measures, seeming dishonest, of the
+Sovereigns have done harm. Curious enough that I, who in fact was
+desirous of retiring from politics, should be on the Continent the
+only Sovereign who stood the storm, though I am at ten hours' distance
+from Paris. I trust we shall be able to go on with our money matters
+to enable us to keep up; our working classes are at this moment what
+occupies us most, and much has been done, and our Banks, which were
+much threatened, are now safe.
+
+We work hard, and with these few days I suffered a little, but I
+am better to-day. Louise is tolerably well; the poor children are
+attentive and amiable. Poor things! _their existence_ is a good deal
+on the cards, and fortunes, private and public, are in equal danger.
+
+Now I will leave you that you should not be tired. Ever, my beloved
+child, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CHARTIST DEMONSTRATION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th April 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you for three most kind letters, of
+the 18th and 25th March, and of the 1st. Thank God, I am _particularly
+strong_ and _well_ in _every possible respect_, which is a blessing in
+these _awful, sad, heart-breaking_ times. From the first I heard all
+that passed, and my only thoughts and talk were--Politics; but I never
+was calmer and quieter or less nervous. _Great_ events make me quiet
+and calm, and little trifles fidget me and irritate my nerves. But
+_I feel_ grown old and serious, and the future is very dark. God,
+however, will come to help and protect us, and we must keep up our
+spirits. _Germany_ makes me so sad; on the other hand, Belgium is a
+real pride and happiness.
+
+We saw your poor father and mother-in-law with the Nemours, Joinville,
+and Aumale yesterday. Still a dream to see them _thus, here!_They
+are well in health, and the young people's conduct most praiseworthy;
+really the three Princesses are astonishing, and a beautiful lesson to
+every one. They are so much admired and respected for it. My beloved
+Vic, with her lovely face, is perfection, and so cheerful. She often
+comes to see me, and this is a great pleasure to me, if only it was
+not caused by such misfortunes!
+
+Now good-bye. With fervent prayers for the continuation of your
+present most flourishing position, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _9th April 1848._
+
+SIR,--The Cabinet have had the assistance of the Duke of Wellington in
+framing their plans for to-morrow.
+
+Colonel Rowan[11] advised that the procession should be formed, and
+allowed to come as far as the bridge they may choose to pass, and
+should there be stopped. He thinks this is the only way to avoid a
+fight. If, however, the Chartists fire and draw their swords and use
+their daggers, the Military are to be called out.
+
+I have no doubt of their easy triumph over a London mob.
+
+But any loss of life will cause a deep and rankling resentment. I
+trust, for this and every reason, that all may pass off quietly. I
+have the honour to be, your Royal Highness's most obedient Servant,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+    [Footnote 11: Chief Commissioner of Police, afterwards Sir
+    C. Rowan, K.C.B. The Chartist meeting had been fixed for the
+    10th.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE UNEMPLOYED]
+
+
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _10th April 1848._
+
+MY DEAR LORD JOHN,--To-day the strength of the Chartists and all
+evil-disposed people in the country will be brought to the test
+against the force of the law, the Government, and the good sense of
+the country. I don't feel doubtful for a moment who will be found
+the stronger, but should be exceedingly mortified if anything like a
+commotion was to take place, as it would shake _that_ confidence which
+the whole of Europe reposes in our stability at this moment, and upon
+which will depend the prosperity of the country. I have enquired a
+good deal into the state of employment about London, and I find, to
+my great regret, that the number of workmen of all trades out of
+employment is _very_ large, and that it has been increased by the
+reduction of all the works under Government, owing to the clamour for
+economy in the House of Commons. Several hundred workmen have been
+discharged at Westminster Palace; at Buckingham Palace much fewer
+hands are employed than are really wanted; the formation of Battersea
+Park has been suspended, etc., etc. Surely this is not the moment for
+the tax-payers to economise upon the working classes! And though
+I don't wish our Government to follow Louis Blanc in his system of
+_organisation du travail_,[12] I think the Government is bound to do
+what it can to help the working classes over the present moment of
+distress. It may do this consistently with real economy in its
+own works, whilst the reductions on the part of the Government are
+followed by all private individuals as a sign of the times. I have
+before this spoken to Lord Morpeth[13] upon this subject, but I wish
+to bring it specially under your consideration at the present moment.
+Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 12: Alluding to the _Ateliers Nationaux_, to
+    be established under the guidance of a Council of
+    Administration.]
+
+    [Footnote 13: Chief Commissioner of Woods and Forests.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FEARGUS O'CONNOR]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _10th April 1848._
+(2 P.M.)
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that the Kennington Common Meeting has proved a
+complete failure.
+
+About 12,000 or 15,000 persons met in good order. Feargus O'Connor,
+upon arriving upon the ground in a car, was ordered by Mr Mayne[14] to
+come and speak to him. He immediately left the car and came, looking
+pale and frightened, to Mr Mayne. Upon being told that the meeting
+would not be prevented, but that no procession would be allowed to
+pass the bridges, he expressed the utmost thanks, and begged to shake
+Mr Mayne by the hand. He then addressed the crowd, advising them to
+disperse, and after rebuking them for their folly he went off in a cab
+to the Home Office, where he repeated to Sir George Grey his thanks,
+his fears, and his assurances that the crowd should disperse quietly.
+Sir George Grey said he had done very rightly, but that the force at
+the bridges should not be diminished.
+
+Mr F. O'Connor--"Not a man should be taken away. The Government have
+been quite right. I told the Convention that if they had been the
+Government they never would have allowed such a meeting."
+
+The last account gave the numbers as about 5,000 rapidly dispersing.
+
+The mob was in good humour, and any mischief that now takes place will
+be the act of individuals; but it is to be hoped the preparations made
+will daunt those wicked but not brave men.
+
+The accounts from the country are good. Scotland is quiet. At
+Manchester, however, the Chartists are armed, and have bad designs.
+
+A quiet termination of the present ferment will greatly raise us in
+foreign countries.
+
+Lord John Russell trusts your Majesty has profited by the sea air.
+
+    [Footnote 14: Mr Richard Mayne, Commissioner of Police,
+    created a K.C.B. in 1851.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _15th April 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell has a letter from Lord Clarendon to-day in better
+spirits, but somewhat fearing an outbreak in Dublin to-night. He
+speaks confidently of the disposition of the troops.
+
+Lord John Russell cannot wonder that your Majesty has felt deeply the
+events of the last six weeks. The King of the French has brought
+upon his own family, upon France, and upon Europe a great calamity.
+A moderate and constitutional Government at home, coupled with an
+abstinence from ambitious projects for his family abroad, might have
+laid the foundation of permanent peace, order, and freedom in Europe.
+Selfishness and cunning have destroyed that which honesty and wisdom
+might have maintained. It is impossible not to pity the innocent
+victims of the misconduct of Louis Philippe. Still less can one
+refrain from regarding with dread the fearful state of Germany, of her
+princes, her nobles, and her tempest-tossed people.
+
+The example of Great Britain, may, however, secure an interval of
+reflection for Europe. The next six months will be very trying, but
+they may end with better prospects than we can now behold. It was
+impossible that the exclusion of free speaking and writing which
+formed the essence of Prince Metternich's system could continue. It
+might have been reformed quietly; it has fallen with a crash which
+spreads ruin and death around.
+
+Lady John is deeply grateful for the congratulations of your Majesty
+and the Prince.[15] She is going on well to-day.
+
+    [Footnote 15: On the birth of a second son.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ALARMING STATE OF IRELAND]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _16th April 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter. The state of
+Ireland is most alarming and most anxious; altogether, there is so
+much inflammable matter all around us that it makes one tremble.
+Still, the events of Monday must have a calming and salutary effect.
+Lord John Russell's remarks about Europe, and the unfortunate and
+calamitous policy of the Government of the poor King of the French are
+most true. But is he not even most to be pitied for being the cause
+of such misery? (Though perhaps he does not attribute it to himself),
+for, to see all his hopes thus destroyed, his pride humbled, his
+children--whom he loves dearly--ruined--is not this enough to make a
+man wretched? and indeed much to be pitied; for _he_ cannot feel _he_
+could _not_ have prevented all this. Still Guizot is more to blame;
+_he_ was the responsible adviser of all this policy: he is _no_
+Bourbon, and he ought to have behaved differently. Had the poor King
+died in 1844 after he came here, and before that most unfortunate
+Spanish marriages question was started, he would have deservedly gone
+down to posterity as a great monarch. _Now_, what will be his name in
+history? His fate is a great _moral!_
+
+With regard to Germany, Prince Metternich is the cause of half the
+misfortune. His advice was taken by almost all the sovereigns of that
+country, and it has kept them from doing in time what has now been
+torn from them with the loss of many rights which they need not have
+sacrificed. We heard yesterday that the Archduke John[16] had arrived
+at Frankfort. This is a wise measure, and may do much good and prevent
+much evil, as he is a popular and most distinguished prince....
+
+    [Footnote 16: Uncle of the Emperor (Ferdinand I.) of Austria,
+    born 1782.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON AND THE QUEEN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _17th April 1848._
+
+The Queen not having heard anything from Lord Palmerston respecting
+foreign affairs for so long a time, and as he must be in constant
+communication with the Foreign Ministers in these most eventful and
+anxious times, writes to urge Lord Palmerston to keep her informed
+of what he hears, and of the views of the Government on the important
+questions before us.
+
+She now only gets the Drafts when they are gone.
+
+The acceptance of the mediation between Denmark and Holstein is too
+important an event not to have been first submitted to the Queen.
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _18th April 1848._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+regrets much that he has not lately had an opportunity of giving
+your Majesty verbally such explanations as your Majesty might wish to
+receive with respect to the progress of foreign affairs, but Viscount
+Palmerston hopes to be able to get down to Broadlands for a few days
+on Saturday next, and he could easily from thence wait upon your
+Majesty on any morning and at any hour your Majesty might be pleased
+to appoint.
+
+Although events of the greatest importance have been passing in
+rapid succession in almost every part of Europe, the position of
+your Majesty's Government has been one rather of observation than of
+action, it being desirable that England should keep herself as free as
+possible from unnecessary engagements and entanglements, in order that
+your Majesty may be at liberty to take such decisions as the state of
+things may from time to time appear to render most advisable.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOYALTY OF BELGIUM]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BARTON, _18th April 1848._
+
+DEAREST UNCLE,--Detained here by a heavy shower of rain, I begin my
+letter to you and thank you warmly for your dear and kind letter of
+the 15th, which I received yesterday.
+
+_Truly_ proud and delighted are we at the conduct of the Belgians,[17]
+and at their loyalty and affection for you and yours, which I am sure
+must be a reward for all that you have done these seventeen years.
+I must beg to say that you are wrong in supposing that no mention is
+made of what took place on the 9th in our papers; on the contrary, it
+has been _most gratifyingly_ mentioned in the _Times_, _Chronicle_,
+_John Bull_, _etc._ _You_ are held up as a pattern to the German
+Sovereigns, and the Belgians as a pattern to the German people.
+
+In France, really things go on _dreadfully_.... One does not like to
+attack those who are fallen, but the poor King, Louis Philippe,
+_has_ brought much of this on by that ill-fated return to a _Bourbon
+Policy_. I always think he _ought not_ to have abdicated; every one
+seems to think he _might_ have stemmed the torrent _then_ still. On
+the other hand, Joinville says it was sure to happen, for that the
+French want constant change, and were quite tired of the present
+Government. _Qu'en dites-vous?_ How is poor, dear Louise? I hope her
+spirits are better.
+
+Our weather is terribly rainy, though very fine between. We have got
+nightingales in the pleasure ground, and in the wood down near the
+sea. We are all extremely well, and expect the Prince of Prussia here
+to-day for two nights. Ever your devoted and attached Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 17: A party of French Republicans entered Belgium
+    with the intention of exciting an insurrection; the attempt
+    signally failed.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _1st May 1848._
+
+The Queen has this morning received Lord Palmerston's letter.[18] She
+cannot see any reason for deviating from the established rules, and
+inviting to Court Frenchmen who are not recognised in their official
+capacity, and have no natural representatives to present them as
+private individuals. As an invitation cannot be claimed by them, the
+omission of it ought not to lead to any misrepresentation; whilst the
+contrary, under the fiction of their being private individuals, might
+lead to misconstruction and to most inconvenient precedents.
+
+    [Footnote 18: M. de Tallenay had arrived in London with a
+    letter from M. Lamartine, accrediting him as provisional
+    _chargé d'affaires_ of the French Government, and Lord
+    Palmerston had suggested to the Queen that etiquette would not
+    be violated by inviting him to a Court Ball.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _9th May 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your very kind letter of the 6th.
+How delightful it is to hear such good accounts of Belgium! If only
+dear Germany gets right and if all our interests (those of the smaller
+Sovereigns) are not sacrified! I cannot say _how_ it distresses and
+vexes me, and _comme je l'ai à c[oe]ur_. My good and dear Albert is
+much worried and works _very_ hard....
+
+I had a curious account of the opening of the _Assemblée_ from Lady
+Normanby.[19] No _real_ enthusiasm, dreadful confusion, and the
+Blouses taking part in everything, and stopping the Speakers if they
+did not please them. The opinion is that it cannot last.
+
+I enclose another letter from Lady Normanby, with an account of the
+poor Tuileries, which is very curious and sad; but the respect shown
+for poor Chartres is very touching, and might interest poor dear
+Louise, if you think fit to show it her. But why show such hatred to
+poor Nemours and to the Queen? Montpensier's marriage may cause _his_
+unpopularity, possibly. I shall beg to have the letter back.
+
+I must conclude, as we are going to pay a visit at Claremont this
+afternoon. Ever your truly devoted Child and Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 19: The National Assembly commenced its sittings on
+    4th May, when the Oath of Allegiance was abolished, and the
+    Republic proclaimed in the presence of 200,000 citizens.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _16th May 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have just heard the news of the extraordinary
+confusion at Paris, which must end in a _Blutbad_. Lamartine has quite
+lost all influence by yielding to and supporting Ledru Rollin![20] It
+seems inexplicable! In Germany, too, everything looks most anxious,
+and I _tremble_ for the result of the Parliament at Frankfort.[21] I
+am _so_ anxious for the fate of the poor smaller Sovereigns, which it
+would be infamous to sacrifice. I feel it _much_ more than Albert, as
+it would break my heart to see Coburg _reduced_.
+
+Many thanks for your kind and dear letter of the 13th. Thank God! that
+with you everything goes on so well. I will take care and let Lord
+Normanby know your kind expressions. The visit to old Claremont was a
+touching one, and it seemed an incomprehensible dream to see them
+all there. They bear up wonderfully. Nothing can be kinder than
+the Queen-Dowager's behaviour towards them all. The poor Duchess of
+Gloster is again in one of her nervous states, and gave us a dreadful
+fright at the Christening by quite forgetting where she was, and
+coming and kneeling at my feet in the midst of the service. Imagine
+our horror!
+
+I must now conclude. The weather is beautiful, but too hot for me.
+Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 20: Lamartine and Ledru Rollin were members of the
+    Provisional Government, and subsequently of the Executive
+    Committee. The mob, holding that the promises of general
+    employment had been broken, invaded the Assembly _en masse_,
+    and attempted a counter-revolution.]
+
+    [Footnote 21: Out of the revolutionary movement in Germany
+    had grown their National Assembly, which after a preliminary
+    session as a _Vor-Parlament_, was to reassemble on 18th May.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AUSTRIA AND ITALY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+(_No date._)
+
+The Queen has carefully perused the enclosed papers, and wishes to
+have a copy of Baron Hummelauer's[22] note sent to her to keep.
+
+The basis laid down in it is quite inadmissible, and the Queen was
+struck by the light way in which the claims of the Dukes of Parma
+and Modena are spoken of (as disposed of by the events), whilst their
+position and that of Austria are in every respect identical.[23] The
+Queen thinks Lord Palmerston's proposition the one which is the most
+equitable, still likely to be attained, but it does not go far enough;
+the position which Austria means to take _in Italy_ with her Italian
+province ought to be explained, and a declaration be made that Austria
+will, with this province, join any Italian league which the other
+states of Italy may wish to establish. This will be useful to Italy,
+and much facilitate the acceptance of the Austrian proposal, as the
+Queen feels convinced that as soon as the war shall be terminated, the
+question of the political constitution of Italy (as a whole) will
+have to be decided. Why Charles Albert ought to get any additional
+territory the Queen cannot in the least see. She thinks it will be
+better to proceed at once upon the revised Austrian proposal, than
+to wait for Italian propositions, which are sure to be ridiculously
+extravagant.
+
+    [Footnote 22: The Austrian Government, in its efforts to
+    maintain its ascendency in Lombardy, had sent Baron Hummelauer
+    to negotiate with Lord Palmerston.]
+
+    [Footnote 23: The Dukes had both been driven from their
+    dominions, while the King (Charles Albert) of Sardinia threw
+    in his lot with the cause of United Italy as against Austria,
+    which then ruled Lombardy.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND SPAIN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _23rd May 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter respecting Spain and
+Italy this morning. The sending away of Sir H. Bulwer[24] is a serious
+affair, which will add to our many embarrassments; the Queen is,
+however, not surprised at it, from the tenor of the last accounts from
+Madrid, and from the fact that Sir H. Bulwer has for the last three
+years almost been sporting with political intrigues. He invariably
+boasted of at least being in the confidence of every conspiracy,
+"though he was taking care not to be personally mixed up in them,"
+and, after their various failures, generally harboured the chief
+actors in his house under the plea of humanity. At every crisis he
+gave us to understand that he had to choose between a "revolution and
+a palace intrigue," and not long ago only he wrote to Lord Palmerston,
+that if the Monarchy with the Montpensier succession was inconvenient
+to us, he could get up a Republic. Such principles are sure to be
+known in Spain, the more so when one considers the extreme vanity of
+Sir H. Bulwer, and his probable imprudence in the not very creditable
+company which he is said to keep. Lord Palmerston will remember that
+the Queen has often addressed herself to him and Lord John, in fear
+of Sir H. getting us into some scrape; and if our diplomatists are
+not kept in better order, the Queen may at any moment be exposed
+to similar insults as she has received now in the person of Sir H.
+Bulwer; for in whatever way one may wish to look at it, Sir Henry
+still is _her_ Minister.
+
+The Queen wishes Lord Palmerston to show this letter to Lord John
+Russell, and to let her know what the Government mean to propose with
+respect to this unfortunate affair.
+
+    [Footnote 24: Lord Palmerston had written a letter to Bulwer
+    (which the latter showed to the Spanish Premier), lecturing
+    the Spanish Queen on her choice of Minister. This "assumption
+    of superiority," as Sir R. Peel called it, led to a peremptory
+    order to Bulwer to leave Spain in twenty-four hours. His own
+    account of the affair appears in his _Life of Palmerston_,
+    vol. iii. chap. vii.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCE OF PRUSSIA]
+
+
+_The Prince of Prussia to Queen Victoria._
+
+[_Translation._]
+
+BRUSSELS _30th May 1848._
+
+MOST GRACIOUS COUSIN,--I obey the impulse of my heart in seizing my
+pen, without any delay, in order to express to you my warmest and most
+heartfelt thanks for the infinitely gracious and affectionate way with
+which you and the Prince have treated me during my stay in London.[25]
+It was a melancholy time, that of my arrival. By the sympathetic view
+which you took of my situation, most gracious Cousin, it became
+not only bearable, but even transformed into one that became
+proportionately honourable and dignified. This graciousness of yours
+has undoubtedly contributed towards the change of opinion which has
+resulted in my favour, and so I owe to you, to the Prince, and to your
+Government, a fortunate issue out of my calamities. So it is with a
+heavy heart that I have now left England, not knowing what future
+lies before me to meet--and only knowing that I shall need the
+strengthening rest and tranquillity which my stay in England and an
+insight into her institutions have afforded me in full measure.
+
+Offering my most cordial remembrances to the Prince, to whom I shall
+write as soon as possible, I remain, most gracious Cousin, your
+faithful and most gratefully devoted Cousin,
+
+PRINCE OF PRUSSIA.
+
+    [Footnote 25: The Prince of Prussia, afterwards the Emperor
+    William I., having become intensely unpopular at Berlin, had
+    been obliged in March to fly for his life, in disguise, _viâ_
+    Hamburg, to England.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE ROYAL EXILES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st June 1848._
+
+The Queen had not time the other day to talk to Lord John Russell on
+the subject of the French Royal Family, and therefore writes to him
+now. As it seems now most probable that they, or at least some of
+them, will take up their residence for a lengthened period in this
+country, and as their position is now a defined one, viz. that of
+_exiles_, their treatment should be defined and established.
+
+At first everything seemed temporary, and the public were much
+occupied with them, inclined to criticise all that was done or was
+omitted by the Court; all their movements were recorded in the papers,
+etc. The lapse of three months has a good deal altered this. They have
+lived in complete retirement, and are comparatively forgotten; and
+their poverty and their resignation to their misfortunes have met with
+much sympathy! The Queen is consequently anxious to take the right
+line; particularly desirous to do nothing which could hurt the
+interests of the country, and equally so to do everything kind towards
+a distinguished Royal Family in severe affliction, with whom she
+has long been on terms of intimacy, and to whom she is very nearly
+related. She accordingly wishes to know if Lord John sees any
+objection to the following: She has asked her Cousin, the Duchess of
+Nemours, to come for two or three nights to see her at Osborne when
+she goes there, _quite_ privately; the Duchess of Kent would bring her
+with her. The Duke will not come with the Duchess, as he says he feels
+(very properly) it would be unbecoming in him till their fate (as to
+_fortune_, for _banished_ they already are) is decided, to be even
+for a day at Osborne. The Duchess herself wishes not to appear in the
+evening, but to remain alone with the Queen and the Prince.
+
+The Queen considers that when she is _staying_ in the country during
+the summer and autumn, and any of the branches of the French Royal
+Family should wish to visit her and the Prince, as they occasionally
+do here, she might lodge them for one or two nights, as the distance
+might be too great for their returning the same day. They are exiles,
+and _not Pretenders_, as the Duc de Bordeaux and Count de Montemolin
+are (and who are _for that reason only not received at Court_). In all
+countries where illustrious exiles related to the Sovereign have been
+they have always been received at Court, as the Duc de Bordeaux, the
+Duchesse d'Angoulême, etc., etc., invariably have been at Vienna (even
+on public occasions), there being a French Ambassador there, and the
+best understanding existing between France and Austria. The Duke of
+Orleans (King Louis Philippe) in former times was constantly received
+by the Royal Family, and was the intimate friend of the Duke of Kent.
+Probably, if their fortunes are restored to them, the French Royal
+Family will go out into society in the course of time, and if the
+state of France becomes consolidated there may no longer exist that
+wish and that necessity for _extreme_ privacy, which is so obvious
+now. What the Queen has just mentioned, Lord John must well
+understand, is not what is _likely_ to take place (except in the case
+of her cousin, the Duchess of Nemours) immediately, but only what
+might occasionally occur when we are permanently settled in the
+country. Of course events _might_ arise which would change this,
+and which would render it inadvisable, and then the Queen would
+communicate with Lord John, and ask his advice again upon the subject.
+All she has suggested refers to the present state of affairs, and,
+of course, merely to _strictly_ private visits, and on _no state
+occasion_. This is a long letter about such a subject, but the Queen
+wishes to be quite safe in what she does, and therefore could not have
+stated the case and her opinion in a smaller space.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN LOMBARDY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th June 1848._
+
+The Queen returns the enclosed draft. She has written upon it,
+in pencil, a passage which she thinks ought to be added, if the
+draft--though civil--is not to be a mere refusal to do anything for
+Austria, and a recommendation that whatever the Italians ask for ought
+to be given, for which a mediation is hardly necessary.[26] The Queen
+thinks it most important that we should try to mediate and put a stop
+to the war, and equally important that the boundary which is to be
+settled should be such a one as to make a recurrence of hostilities
+unlikely. The Queen has only further to remark that Lord Palmerston
+speaks in the beginning of the letter only of the Cabinet, and adverts
+nowhere to the proposition having been submitted to her.
+
+    [Footnote 26: War was now raging in Lombardy between the
+    Austrians under Marshal Radetzky and the Piedmontese under the
+    King of Sardinia.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _14th June 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty, and thanks your Majesty
+for the perusal of this interesting letter.
+
+An Emperor with a rational Constitution might be a fair termination
+of the French follies; but Louis Napoleon, with the Communists,
+will probably destroy the last chance of order and tranquillity. A
+despotism must be the end.
+
+May Heaven preserve us in peace!
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SIR HENRY BULWER]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th June 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter explaining his views
+as to the reparation we may be entitled to receive from the Spanish
+Government. She considers them as quite fair, but does not wish to
+have Sir H. Bulwer again as her Minister at Madrid, even if it should
+be necessary that he should repair there in order to be received by
+the Queen of Spain. It would not be consulting the permanent interests
+of this country to entrust that mission again to Sir H. Bulwer, after
+all that has passed. When the Queen considers the position we had in
+Spain, and what it ought to have been after the constitution of
+the French Republic when we had no rival to fight and ought to have
+enjoyed the entire confidence and friendship of Spain, and compares
+this to the state into which our relations with that country have been
+brought, she cannot help being struck how much matters must have been
+mismanaged.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _16th June 1848._
+
+The Queen sends the enclosed draft,[27] and asks whether this note is
+what Lord John directed Lord Palmerston to send to Lisbon as a caution
+to Sir H. Seymour not to mix himself up with party intrigues to upset
+a particular Ministry?[28] ...
+
+    [Footnote 27: The draft ran:--"As it is evident that the Queen
+    and the Government of Portugal will listen to no advice except
+    such that agrees with their own wishes, I have to instruct you
+    to abstain in future from giving any longer any advice to them
+    on political matters, taking care to explain both to the
+    Queen and the Government your reasons for doing so. You will,
+    however, at the same time positively declare to the Portuguese
+    Government that if by the course of policy they are pursuing
+    they should run into any difficulty, they must clearly
+    understand that they will not have to expect any assistance
+    from England."]
+
+    [Footnote 28: Lord John Russell replied that he would write
+    immediately to Lord Palmerston respecting Portuguese affairs.
+    He added that he did not approve of the proposed draft.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _17th June 1848._
+
+MY DEAR JOHN RUSSELL,--The draft to Seymour was written in consequence
+of what you said to me, and what the Queen wrote to you; but my own
+opinion certainly is that it would be best to leave the things with
+him as they are. It must, however, be remembered that the Portuguese
+Government have not in reality fulfilled the engagements taken by the
+Queen in the Protocol of last year....
+
+PALMERSTON.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S FOREIGN POLICY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _17th June 1848._
+
+The Queen returns Lord Palmerston's letter. The country is at this
+moment suffering, particularly with regard to Spain, under the evil
+consequence of that system of diplomacy, which makes the taking up of
+party politics in foreign countries its principal object. This system
+is condemned alike by the Queen, Lord John, the Cabinet, and, the
+Queen fully believes, public opinion in and out of Parliament. Lord
+Palmerston's objection to caution our Minister in Portugal against
+falling into this fault brings it to an issue, whether that
+_erroneous_ policy is to be maintained to the detriment of the real
+interests of the country, or a wiser course to be followed in future.
+Does Lord John consider this so light a matter as to be surrendered
+merely because Lord Palmerston is not to add to such a caution a
+gratuitous attack upon the Queen and Government of Portugal? The Queen
+thinks it of the utmost importance that in these perilous times this
+question with regard to the basis of our foreign policy should be
+_settled_, and has no objection to Lord John showing this letter to
+Lord Palmerston.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _18th June 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he begs
+to assure your Majesty that if he was disposed to rest on the known
+discretion and temper of Sir Hamilton Seymour without specific
+instruction, it was not from regarding the matter lightly, but from a
+sense of the inconvenience which might arise to your Majesty's service
+from raising a question with Lord Palmerston in the present critical
+state of Europe which might induce a belief that he had not conducted
+foreign affairs to the satisfaction of his colleagues or of his
+Sovereign.
+
+Lord John Russell feeling, however, that on the particular point at
+issue your Majesty has just reason to expect that precautions should
+be taken against the chance of intrigue with foreign parties against a
+foreign government, with which this country is on terms of friendship,
+is ready to insist on an instruction to Sir Hamilton Seymour similar
+to that which was given to Sir Henry Bulwer to take no part in the
+struggle of parties, and to refrain from any interference with
+respect to which he has not specific directions from your Majesty's
+Government.
+
+But in this case he must take upon himself the whole responsibility of
+requiring such a note from Lord Palmerston. It would not be conducive
+to your Majesty's service, nor agreeable to the wholesome maxims of
+the Constitution to mix your Majesty's name with a proceeding which
+may lead to the most serious consequences.
+
+It is just to Lord Palmerston to say that his general course of policy
+has met with the warm approval of the Cabinet, and that the cases of
+difference of judgment have been rare exceptions.
+
+Lord John Russell submits to your Majesty the letter he proposes to
+write before sending it to Lord Palmerston. He would wish to have it
+returned as soon as your Majesty can do so.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _18th June 1848._
+
+The Queen returns to Lord John Russell his letter to Lord
+Palmerston,[29] which is excellent, and shows that the Queen's and
+Lord John's views upon the important question of our foreign policy
+_entirely coincide_. The Queen is sorry that the trouble of such an
+altercation should be added to the many anxieties which already press
+upon Lord John, but she feels sure that his insisting upon a _sound_
+line of policy will save him and the country from _far greater_
+troubles....
+
+    [Footnote 29: The letter was to the effect that Sir H. Seymour
+    was to take no part in the struggle of parties in Portugal,
+    and to refrain from confidential communications with members
+    of the Opposition.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _26th June 1848._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is
+sorry he is not able to submit to your Majesty the proposed draft to
+Sir Hamilton Seymour to go by to-night's mail, as he has not succeeded
+in settling the wording of it with Lord John Russell, and is therefore
+obliged to defer it till the next mail.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _26th June 1848._
+
+The Queen sends this letter, which she has just received from Lord
+Palmerston. No remonstrance has any effect with Lord Palmerston.
+Lord John Russell should ask the Duke of Bedford to tell him of the
+conversation the Queen had with the Duke the other night about Lord
+Palmerston.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND ITALY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st July 1848._
+
+The Queen has not yet answered Lord Palmerston's letter of the 29th.
+She cannot conceal from him that she is ashamed of the policy which we
+are pursuing in this Italian controversy in abetting wrong, and this
+for the object of gaining _influence_ in Italy.[30] The Queen does
+not consider influence so gained as an advantage, and though this
+influence is to be acquired in order to do good, she is afraid that
+the fear of losing it again will always stand in the way of this. At
+least in the countries where the greatest stress has been laid on that
+influence, and the greatest exertions made for it, the _least good_
+has been done--the Queen means in Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Neither
+is there any kind of consistency in the line we take about Italy and
+that we follow with regard to Schleswig; both cases are perfectly
+alike (with the difference perhaps that there is a question of right
+mixed up in that of Schleswig); whilst we upbraid Prussia, caution
+her, etc., etc., we say nothing to Charles Albert except that if he
+did not wish to take _all_ the Emperor of Austria's Italian Dominions,
+we would not lay any _obstacles_ in the way of his moderation. The
+Queen finds in Lord Palmerston's last despatch to Chevalier Bunsen
+the following passage: "And it is manifest and indisputable that no
+territory or state, which is not now according to the Treaty of 1815
+included in the German Confederation, can be added to that territory
+without the consent of the Sovereign of that territory or state." How
+does this agree with our position relative to the incorporation of
+Lombardy into the states of the King of Sardinia?
+
+    [Footnote 30: Lord Palmerston's sympathy had been with the
+    anti-Austrian movement in Northern Italy. For some time after
+    Radetzky's evacuation of Milan, the operations of the King of
+    Sardinia in support of the Lombards were successful, and he
+    had assistance from Tuscany, Naples, and Rome. The Austrians
+    suffered reverses at Peschiera and Goito, and the independence
+    of Northern Italy seemed to be accomplished. But the tide had
+    begun to turn.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD MINTO'S MISSION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _6th July 1848._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge Lord Palmerston's long Memorandum
+respecting our relations with Italy, the length of which, however, was
+fully justified by the importance of the subject.
+
+The mission of Lord Minto has had the Queen's approval at the time,
+and the policy pursued by him has never been called in question; but
+it certainly was prejudicial to the Austrians, and imposes upon us
+additional care not to appear now as the abettors of the anti-Austrian
+movement, and nothing in Lord Minto's mission can prevent our
+endeavouring to facilitate and forward a speedy settlement of the
+present Italian difference.[31] If, therefore, the Italians should be
+inclined to be moderate, there can be no dereliction of principle in
+encouraging them to be so. The danger of French interference increases
+with the delay and is equally great, whether the Austrians maintain
+themselves in the Venetian Territory or whether Charles Albert unite
+it to his proposed kingdom of Northern Italy; indeed, the French seem
+to be anxious for a cause of interference from the line they pursue
+even with regard to Naples.
+
+Lord Palmerston seeks to establish a difference between the case
+of Schleswig and of Lombardy, on the fact that Schleswig is to be
+incorporated into a confederation of States; but this makes the case
+of Lombardy only the stronger, as this is to be incorporated into
+the dominions of another Sovereign. With regard to the "Revue
+Retrospective," the perusal of it has left a different impression upon
+the Queen from that which it seems to have made upon Lord Palmerston.
+It proved to her, that while the retiring attitude which the late
+Government took with regard to the Spanish marriages, left the French
+Government to try their different schemes and intrigues and to fail
+with every one of them, the attempt of Lord Palmerston to re-organise
+the Progressista Party and regain the so-called _English influence_,
+brought Queen Christina and King Louis Philippe (who had before
+seriously quarrelled) immediately together, and induced them to rush
+into this unfortunate combination, which cannot but be considered as
+the origin of all the present convulsions in Europe.
+
+    [Footnote 31: Lord Minto, the Lord Privy Seal, and
+    father-in-law of the Prime Minister, had been sent to
+    encourage in the path of reform Pope Pius IX., who was halting
+    between progress and reaction: on the sanguinary risings
+    taking place in Lombardy and Venetia, his mission naturally
+    appeared hostile to Austria.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AN ANXIOUS PERIOD]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _11th July 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--For another kind and dear letter of the 8th, I have
+much to thank you. The prosperity of dear little Belgium is a bright
+star in the stormy night all around. May God bless and prosper you
+all, for ever and ever!
+
+Since the 24th February I feel an uncertainty in everything existing,
+which (uncertain as all human affairs must be) one never felt before.
+When one thinks of one's children, their education, their future--and
+prays for them--I always think and say to myself, "Let them grow up
+fit for _whatever station_ they may be placed in--_high or low_." This
+one never thought of before, but I _do_ always now. Altogether one's
+whole disposition is so changed--_bores_ and trifles which one would
+have complained of bitterly a few months ago, one looks upon as good
+things and quite a blessing--provided one can _keep one's position in
+quiet!_
+
+I own I have not much confidence in Cavaignac,[32] as they fear
+his mother's and brother's influence, the former being a widow of a
+regicide, and as _stern_ and severe as can be imagined.
+
+I saw the King and Queen on Saturday; he is wonderfully merry still
+and quite himself, but _she_ feels it deeply--and for _her_ there is
+here the greatest sympathy and admiration.
+
+Albert is going to York to-morrow till Friday; _how_ I wish you and
+Louise could be with me, as in '44 and '46! I have, however, got dear
+Victoire to come and spend a night with me; it does her always good,
+and we are just like sisters, and feel as we did in 1839, when you
+know how very fond we were of each other. She is a dear, noble, and
+still _beautiful_ child.
+
+I venture to send you a snuff-box with poor Aunt Charlotte's picture
+as a child, which also belonged to poor Aunt Sophia. Ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 32: General Cavaignac, Minister for War, had been
+    given _quasi_-dictatorial powers during the insurrection.
+    These powers, on the suppression of the revolt, he resigned,
+    and was thereupon almost unanimously made President of the
+    Council.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _13th July 1848._
+
+The Queen was glad to hear of the majorities the other night. She
+concludes Lord John Russell cannot at all say _when_ the Session
+is likely to end? Is it not much to be regretted that the measure
+relative to the Navigation Laws is given up, and was it unavoidable?
+The Queen sends Lord John Col. Phipps's report of the Prince's
+reception at York, which she thinks will interest him. Does Lord J.
+Russell think, if we should not go to Ireland, that we could go to
+Balmoral for ten days or a fortnight, without shocking the Irish very
+much? It strikes the Queen that to go to see _our own place_ makes a
+difference, and is in fact a natural thing; it is, however, impossible
+to say if we _can_ get away even for so short a time.
+
+The Queen concludes that there can be no possible objection to the Duc
+de Nemours bringing or fetching the Duchess to and from Osborne? He is
+the Queen's Cousin, and consequently in a different position to any
+of the others; moreover, he does _not_ wish _at present_ to spend one
+_night_ there even, but merely to pay a morning visit.
+
+Lastly, the Queen wishes to know if the King and Queen and the other
+Princes and Princesses _should themselves_ ask to come and pay the
+Queen a morning visit at Osborne, and return again the same day (as
+they do here), there would be any objection to it? The Queen merely
+wishes to know, in _case they_ should ask leave to do so, what she can
+answer.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: COMMISSIONS IN THE ARMY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir George Grey._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _14th July 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Sir George Grey's letter of yesterday, and
+has considered the proposed alteration in the mode of preparing
+Commissions for Officers in the Army. The Queen does not at all object
+to the amount of trouble which the signature of so many Commissions
+has hitherto entailed upon her, as she feels amply compensated by the
+advantage of keeping up a personal connection between the Sovereign
+and the Army, and she very much doubts whether the Officers generally
+would not feel it as a slight if, instead of their Commissions
+bearing the Queen's sign-manual, they were in future only to receive
+a certificate from the Secretary at War that they have been
+commissioned.
+
+She therefore prefers matters to remain on their old footing.
+
+The Secretary at War speaks in his Memorandum of his responsibility to
+Parliament with respect to allowing Appointments to go on; the
+Queen apprehends that his responsibility does not extend beyond the
+appropriation of the money voted by Parliament for the use of her
+Army.
+
+
+
+
+_The Princess Charlotte of Belgium to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _18th July 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST COUSIN,--I have received the beautiful dolls' house you
+have been so kind as to send me, and I thank you very much for it.
+I am delighted with it; every morning I dress my doll and give her a
+good breakfast; and the day after her arrival she gave a great rout at
+which all my dolls were invited. Sometimes she plays at drafts on her
+pretty little draft-board, and every evening I undress her and put her
+to bed.
+
+Be so good, my dearest Cousin, as to give my love to my dear little
+Cousins, and believe me always, your most affectionate Cousin,
+
+CHARLOTTE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ITALY AND FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _24th July 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter[33] reporting his
+conversation with M. de Tallenay. She can only repeat her opinion that
+a negotiation with France in order to agree with her upon a common
+line of policy to be followed with regard to the Italian question can
+lead to no good; it will make us the ally of a Government which is not
+even legally constituted, and which can accordingly not guarantee the
+fulfilment of any engagement it may enter into, and it will call upon
+the very power to judge the Italian dispute which it is the interest
+of Europe to keep out of it. M. de Tallenay seems to have admitted
+that the French Republic, if called upon to act, will neither allow
+Austria to keep the Venetian territory nor Sardinia to acquire it, but
+that she will strive to set up a Venetian Republic. It can really not
+be an object for us to assist in such a scheme, or even to treat upon
+it.
+
+Lord Cowley the Queen means to invite to dinner to-day, and she wishes
+Lord Palmerston to let her know the day on which he is to leave for
+Frankfort in order that she may prepare her letter for the Archduke
+accordingly.
+
+    [Footnote 33: Lord Palmerston had reported an interview with
+    de Tallenay, who sought the co-operation of England with France
+    in Northern Italy; the Austrian force in Italy to be withdrawn
+    or reduced, the union of Lombardy and Piedmont to be accepted
+    as a _fait accompli_, and Venetian territory erected into a
+    separate republic.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: NORTHERN ITALY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _25th July 1848._
+
+The Queen sends Lord John Russell the enclosed Despatch from Lord
+Normanby, with a draft in answer to it which was sent for her
+approval, but which she really cannot approve. The Queen must tell
+Lord John what she has repeatedly told Lord Palmerston, but without
+apparent effect, that the establishment of an _entente cordiale with
+the French Republic_, for the purpose of driving the Austrians out
+of _their dominions_ in Italy, would be a _disgrace_ to this country.
+That the French would attach the greatest importance to it and gain
+the greatest advantage by it there can be no doubt of; but how will
+England appear before the world _at the moment_ when she is struggling
+to maintain her supremacy in Ireland, and boasts to stand by treaties
+with regard to her European relations, having declined all this
+time to interfere in Italy or to address one word of caution to the
+Sardinian Government on account of its attack on Austria, and having
+refused to mediate when called upon to do so by Austria, because
+the terms were not good enough for Sardinia, if she should now ally
+herself with the arch-enemy of Austria to interfere _against her_ at
+the moment when she has recovered in some degree her position in the
+Venetian territory?
+
+The notion of establishing a Venetian State under French guarantee is
+too absurd. Lord Palmerston in his draft says that we believe that the
+French plan would be agreed to by Austria. Now this is completely at
+variance with every account, report, or despatch we have received from
+Verona, Innspruck, or Vienna; however, Lord Palmerston hints that the
+King of Sardinia might expect still better terms. The French Republic
+seems _not_ to be anxious for war, not able to conduct it, and the
+country appears to be decidedly against it; all M. Bastide says is:
+"There were two extremes which it would be very difficult for them
+to admit without opposition, viz. the restoration of Lombardy to the
+Dominion of Austria on the one side, and the union under one powerful
+state under Charles Albert of all the principalities into which
+the north of Italy has hitherto been divided." With this explicit
+declaration, it would surely be best for the interests of Europe that
+we should name _this_ to Charles Albert, and call upon him to rest
+satisfied with his conquest, and to conclude a peace with Austria,
+leaving her what he cannot take from her, and thus avoid calling in
+France as an arbiter. Why this has not been done long ago, or should
+not be done now, the Queen cannot comprehend.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _27th July 1848._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge Lord John Russell's two letters with
+respect to Italy. The alterations in the draft meet many of the
+Queen's objections, giving to the whole step another appearance. The
+Queen ... must acknowledge the advantage of our trying to bind [the
+French] to good conduct; only this must be done in a way not to appear
+as a league with them against a friendly Power, struggling to preserve
+to herself a territory granted to her by a Treaty to which we were a
+party.
+
+As the amended draft secures us against these appearances, and leaves
+us free for the future, the Queen approves it.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MINOR GERMAN STATES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _1st August 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had yesterday the happiness of receiving your
+kind letter of the 29th, for which I return my best thanks.
+
+There are ample means of crushing the Rebellion in Ireland,[34] and
+I think it now is very likely to go off without any contest.... Lord
+Hardinge is going over there to serve on the Staff, which is very
+praiseworthy of him.
+
+I do not think the fate of the Minor Princes in Germany is so
+completely decided as Charles[35] ... is _so_ anxious to make one
+believe. There is only a question of taking certain powers and rights
+away, and not at all of getting rid of them; and I think you will see
+that the _Ausführung_ of the Unity will be an impossibility, at least
+in the sense they propose at Frankfort. The Archduke John has spoken
+very reassuringly both to Ernest and the Duke of Meiningen, and the
+attachment in many of those smaller principalities is still extremely
+great, and I am sure they will never consent to being _ausgewischt_.
+Coburg, for instance, on the occasion of the suppression of a very
+small riot, showed the greatest attachment and devotion to Ernest; at
+Gotha the feeling of independence is _very_ great, and at Strelitz, on
+the occasion of Augusta's confinement with a _son_, the enthusiasm and
+rejoicing was universal. All this cannot be entirely despised.
+
+We are as happy as possible here, and would be perfectly so, if it was
+not for the sorrow and misfortunes of so many dear to us, and for the
+state of the world in general.
+
+I have always forgotten to tell you that we bought a fine marble bust
+of you quite by accident in London the other day. It is in armour and
+with moustaches, but quite different to the one the Gardners have at
+Melbourne; Albert saw it at the window of a shop, and heard it had
+been bought in a sale of a General Somebody. Now, with Albert's best
+love, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+We have just heard that there has been an _action_ in Ireland in which
+some of the insurgents have been killed; _fifty_ Police dispersed
+_four thousand_ people. Smith O'Brien is, however, not yet taken.
+
+    [Footnote 34: _See_ Introductory Note for the year, _ante_, p.
+    141.]
+
+    [Footnote 35: The Frankfort Assembly, in pursuance of the
+    policy of German consolidation, had placed the central
+    executive power in the hands of a Reichsverweser, or Vicar
+    of the Empire. The Archduke John, uncle of the Emperor
+    of Austria, was elected to this position, and the Queen's
+    half-brother Charles, Prince of Leiningen, was entrusted with
+    the Department of Foreign Affairs.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AN AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _8th August 1848._
+
+... The Queen has attentively perused the statement of Lord Palmerston
+in favour of accrediting an Ambassador at Paris. As the proposed
+arrangement for the present is to be only a _provisional_ one, the
+Queen thinks that the appointment of a _Minister_ now will leave it
+quite open to have an Ambassador hereafter, if it should be found
+necessary or advantageous, whilst it would set that matter at rest
+for the moment. Withdrawing an Ambassador and substituting a Minister
+hereafter, would be much more difficult. The French Republic would
+no doubt like to have an Ambassador here, and perhaps take immediate
+steps to secure that object if Lord Normanby were accredited
+Ambassador at Paris, against which we would be secured in having only
+a Minister there.... Lord Normanby's acquaintance with the public men
+at Paris is as much an inconvenience as it may be a convenience in
+some respects; his having been the great admirer and friend of M.
+Lamartine, for instance, etc., etc. The possibility of mixing freely
+with persons of various kinds, which Lord Palmerston adduces as an
+important consideration will, in the Queen's opinion, be more easy
+for a Minister than for a person of the high rank of Ambassador. All
+things considered therefore, the Queen will prefer to have temporarily
+a Minister accredited at Paris.
+
+M. de Tallenay the Queen would receive in London on Tuesday next at
+six o'clock, when the Queen will be in Town.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _11th August 1848._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday.
+The Queen was quite surprised to hear from Lord Palmerston in his last
+communication that he had written to Lord Normanby to offer him to
+stay as Minister at Paris, after his having before stated to the Queen
+that this would never do and could not be expected from Lord Normanby;
+Lord Normanby's answer declining this offer therefore does in no way
+alter the matter, and must have been foreseen by Lord Palmerston.
+By the delay and Lord Normanby's various conversations with M.
+Bastide[36] and General Cavaignac it has now become difficult to
+depart from the precedent of the Belgian and Sardinian Missions
+without giving offence at Paris. The Queen must, however, insist upon
+this precedent being fully adhered to. She accordingly sanctions Lord
+Normanby's appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary, on the _distinct
+understanding_ that there is to be no Ambassador sent in return to
+London now, and that a Minister is to be appointed to Paris when the
+diplomatic intercourse is permanently to be settled. The Queen
+wishes Lord Palmerston to bear this in mind, and to submit to her the
+arrangement which he thinks will be best calculated to carry this into
+effect.
+
+    [Footnote 36: Minister of Foreign Affairs.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD NORMANBY'S APPOINTMENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _11th August 1848._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge Lord John Russell's letter of to-day.
+The Queen is highly indignant at Lord Palmerston's behaviour now again
+with respect to Lord Normanby's appointment; he knew perfectly well
+that Lord Normanby could not accept the post of Minister, and had
+written to the Queen before that such an offer could not be made, and
+has now made it after all, knowing that, by wasting time and getting
+the matter entangled at Paris, he would carry his point. If the French
+are so anxious to keep Lord Normanby as to make any sacrifice for that
+object, it ought to make us cautious, as it can only be on account of
+the ease with which they can make him serve their purposes. They,
+of course, like an _entente cordiale_ with us at the expense of
+Austria;... but this can be no consideration for us....
+
+Threatening the Austrians with war, or making war upon them in case
+they should not be inclined to surrender their provinces at his
+bidding [Lord Palmerston] knows to be impossible; therefore the
+_entente_ with the Republic is of the greatest value to him, enabling
+him to threaten the Austrians at any time with the French intervention
+which he can have at command if he agrees to it.[37] The Queen has
+read the leading articles of the _Times_ of yesterday and to-day on
+this subject with the greatest satisfaction as they express almost
+entirely the same views and feelings which she entertains. The Queen
+hopes that Lord John Russell will read them; indeed, the whole of
+the Press seem to be unanimous on this subject, and she can hardly
+understand how there can be two opinions upon it....
+
+    [Footnote 37: The success of the Piedmontese in Northern Italy
+    had not continued through the summer, and the States whose
+    assistance they had hitherto received began to fall away from
+    them. The King of Naples, successful within his own dominions,
+    had withdrawn his troops; the Pope hesitated to attack
+    Austria; even undivided support from Venetia could no longer
+    be counted upon. After several reverses, Charles Albert, now
+    left virtually alone in the contest, was decisively defeated
+    by Radetzky, at Custozza, and retreated across the Mincio.
+    With what was left of his troops he entered Milan, which he
+    was eventually forced to surrender, being unable to maintain
+    himself there. Italy now turned to France for assistance, but
+    Cavaignac, virtually Dictator in Paris, would not go further
+    than combining with England to effect a peaceful mediation.
+    Austria was not in a frame of mind to relinquish any part of
+    the provinces she had had so severe a struggle to retain.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _20th August 1848._
+
+The Queen has received an _autograph_ letter from the Archduke John
+(in answer to the private letter she had written to him through Lord
+Cowley), which has been cut open at the Foreign Office. The Queen
+wishes Lord Palmerston to take care that this does not happen again.
+The opening of official letters even, addressed to the Queen, which
+she has _of late_ observed, is really not becoming, and ought to be
+discontinued, as it used never to be the case formerly.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _21st August 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of yesterday, but
+cannot say that she has been satisfied by the reasons given by Lord
+Palmerston. The union of Lombardy and Piedmont cannot be considered as
+a concession to France for the maintenance of peace, because we know
+that it is the very thing the French object to. The Queen quite agrees
+that the principal consideration always to be kept in sight is the
+preservation of the peace of Europe; but it is precisely on that
+account that she regrets that the terms proposed by Lord Palmerston
+(whilst they are not in accordance with the views of France) are
+almost the only ones which must be most offensive to Austria. Lord
+Palmerston _will_ have his kingdom of Upper Italy under Charles
+Albert, to which every other consideration is to be sacrificed, and
+Lord Normanby's alteration of the terms certainly serve _that_ purpose
+well; but it is quite independent of the question of mediation,
+and the only thing in the whole proceeding which is indefensible in
+principle.
+
+
+It will be a calamity for ages to come if this principle is to become
+part of the international law, viz. "that a people can at any time
+transfer their allegiance from the Sovereign of one State to that of
+another by universal suffrage (under momentary excitement)," and
+this is what Lord Normanby--no doubt according to Lord Palmerston's
+wishes--has taken as the basis of the mediation. For even the _faits
+accomplis_, which are a convenient basis to justify any act of
+injustice, are here against Charles Albert.
+
+Lord Palmerston's argument respecting Schleswig,[38] which the Queen
+quoted in her last letter, had no reference to the Treaty of 1720.
+
+    [Footnote 38: The first act of the _Vor-Parlament_, a body
+    which had existed temporarily at Frankfort, to pave the way
+    for the National Assembly of a Consolidated Germany, had been
+    to treat Schleswig, theretofore part of the Danish dominions,
+    as absorbed in the German Confederation, and Lord Palmerston's
+    objections to this proceeding had been treated by the Queen
+    in a letter of 19th August as inconsistent with his attitude
+    towards Austria.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PRUSSIA AND GERMANY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _29th August 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Most warmly do I thank you for your very kind and
+dear letter of the 26th, with so many good wishes for that _dearest_
+of days. It is indeed to me one of eternal thankfulness, for a purer,
+more perfect being than my beloved Albert the Creator could _not_ have
+sent into this troubled world. I feel that I could _not_ exist without
+him, and that I should sink under the troubles and annoyances and
+_dégoûts_ of my _very_ difficult position, were it not for _his_
+assistance, protection, guidance, and comfort. Truly do I thank you
+for your _great_ share in bringing about our marriage.
+
+Stockmar I do not quite understand, and I cannot believe that he
+_really wishes to ruin_ all the smaller States, though his principal
+object is that unity which I fear he will _not_ obtain.
+
+I do not either at all agree in his wish that Prussia should take the
+lead; his love for Prussia is to me incomprehensible, for it is the
+country of all others which the _rest_ of Germany dislikes. Stockmar
+cannot be my good old friend if he has such notions of injustice as
+I hear attributed to him. But whatever they may be, I do _not_ believe
+the _Ausführung_ to be possible.
+
+I have great hopes of soon hearing of something decided about the
+fortunes of the poor French family. You will have seen how nobly and
+courageously good Joinville and Aumale behaved on the occasion of the
+burning of that emigrant ship off Liverpool.[39] It will do them great
+good. I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 39: One hundred and seventy-eight persons perished
+    in the burning of the _Ocean Monarch_; the French Princes were
+    on board a Brazilian steam frigate, which saved one hundred
+    and fifty-six lives.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AUSTRIA DECLINES MEDIATION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _2nd September 1848._
+
+The Queen has read in the papers the news that Austria and Sardinia
+have nearly settled their differences, and also "that it was
+confidently stated that a French and _British_ squadron, with troops
+on board, _are to make a demonstration in the Adriatic_."
+
+Though the Queen cannot believe this, she thinks it right to inform
+Lord Palmerston without delay that, should such a thing be thought of,
+it is a step which the Queen could _not_ give her consent to.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th September 1848._
+
+The Queen since her arrival in Town has heard that the answer from
+Austria declining our mediation has some days ago been communicated
+to Lord Palmerston. The Queen is surprised that Lord Palmerston should
+have left her uninformed of so important an event. The Queen has
+received Lord Palmerston's letter respecting the proposal to mediate
+on the part of the central power of Germany,[40] and does not see why
+that power, which has a responsible Government, is to be precluded
+from taking part in a negotiation because the Archduke John might be
+friendly towards Austria--whereas the French republic, which had in
+public documents espoused the Italian Cause, is to be a party to it.
+
+Neither France nor England are neighbours to or directly interested in
+Lombardy, whereas Germany is both.[41]
+
+    [Footnote 40: See _ante_, p. 188, note 35.]
+
+    [Footnote 41: Lord Palmerston's object, in which he ultimately
+    succeeded, was, by obtaining the French Government's
+    co-operation in mediating between Austria and Piedmont, to
+    prevent the aggressive party in France from maturing any
+    designs on Italy.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AUSTRIA AND ITALY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+ON BOARD THE _Victoria and Albert,_
+ABERDEEN, _7th September 1848._
+
+The Queen must send the enclosed draft to Lord John Russell, with a
+copy of her letter to Lord Palmerston upon it. Lord Palmerston has as
+usual pretended not to have had time to submit the draft to the Queen
+before he had sent it off. What the Queen has long suspected and often
+warned against is on the point of happening, viz. Lord Palmerston's
+using the new _entente cordiale_ for the purpose of wresting from
+Austria her Italian provinces by French arms. This would be a most
+iniquitous proceeding. It is another question whether it is good
+policy for Austria to try to retain Lombardy, but that is for her and
+not for us to decide. Many people might think that we would be happier
+without Ireland or Canada. Lord John will not fail to observe how very
+intemperate the whole tone of Lord Palmerston's language is.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BALMORAL CASTLE, _13th September 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I yesterday received your dear and kind letter of
+the 9th (it having arrived in London only the day before), which
+is very quick, and I thank you much for it. The Schleswig affair at
+Frankfort is _very_ unfortunate, and there seems a lamentable want of
+_all_ practical sense, foresight, or even _common_ prudence.[42]
+
+The poor Austrians seem now to accept the (to me _very_ doubtful)
+mediation. It reminds me of the wolf in the lamb's skin. _Nous
+verrons_, how matters will be arranged....
+
+My letter to Louise will have informed you of our voyage and our
+arrival here. This house is small but pretty, and though the hills
+seen from the windows are not _so_ fine, the scenery all around is the
+finest almost I have seen anywhere. It is very wild and solitary,
+and yet cheerful and _beautifully wooded_, with the river Dee running
+between the two sides of the hills. Loch Nagar is the highest hill in
+the immediate vicinity, and belongs to us.
+
+Then the soil is the driest and best known almost anywhere, and all
+the hills are as sound and hard as the road. The climate is also dry,
+and in general not very cold, though we had one or two very cold days.
+There is a deer forest--many roe deer, and on the opposite hill (which
+does not belong to us) grouse. There is also black cock and ptarmigan.
+Albert has, however, no luck this year, and has in vain been after the
+deer, though they are continually seen, and often quite close by the
+house. The children are very well, and enjoying themselves much. The
+boys always wear their Highland dress.
+
+I must now wish you good-bye, and repeat how much delighted we are
+that everything goes on so well in Belgium. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 42: The incorporation of Schleswig had been forcibly
+    resisted, and Sweden determined on armed intervention; but a
+    temporary armistice was arranged in August. This the National
+    Assembly attempted to disavow, but a few days after this
+    letter was written it was ratified.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._
+
+BALMORAL, _19th September 1848._
+
+I said to Lord John Russell, that I must mention to him a subject,
+which was a serious one, one which I had delayed mentioning for some
+time, but which I felt I must speak quite openly to him upon now,
+namely about Lord Palmerston; that I felt really I could hardly go
+on with him, that I had no confidence in him, and that it made me
+seriously anxious and uneasy for the welfare of the country and for
+the peace of Europe in general, and that I felt very uneasy from one
+day to another as to what might happen. Lord John replied that he was
+aware of it; that he had considered the matter already, having heard
+from his brother (the Duke of Bedford) how strongly I felt about it;
+that he felt the truth of all that I had said, but that, on the other
+hand, Lord Palmerston was a very able man, entirely master of his
+office and affairs, and a very good colleague, never making any
+difficulties about other questions, but (certainly _unreasonably_)
+complaining of other people mixing with and interfering in the affairs
+of his office. I said that ... I fully believed that that Spanish
+marriage question, which had been the original cause of so many
+present misfortunes, would never have become so _embrouillé_ had it
+not been for Lord Palmerston. This led Lord John to say, that though
+he disapproved the length of Lord Palmerston's correspondence, still
+that we could not have done otherwise than object to the marriage.
+This is true enough. I repeated that all that had been done in Italy
+last winter had also done harm, as it was done by _Lord Palmerston_,
+who was distrusted everywhere abroad, which Lord John regretted. I
+said that I thought that he often endangered the honour of England by
+taking a very prejudiced and one-sided view of a question;... that his
+writings were always as bitter as gall and did great harm, which
+Lord John entirely assented to, and that I often felt quite ill from
+anxiety; that I wished Lord Clarendon (who, I had heard, was tired
+of Ireland) could come over and be Secretary of State for Foreign
+Affairs, and Lord Palmerston go to Ireland as Lord-Lieutenant. Lord
+John said nothing would be better, for that he was sure that Lord
+Palmerston would make an admirable Lord-Lieutenant, but that another
+thing to be considered was the danger of making Lord Palmerston an
+enemy by displacing him, that Lord Minto (who was formerly a great
+friend and admirer of Lord Palmerston's) had told Lady John when she
+spoke to him on the subject of placing Lord Palmerston in another
+office, that _he_ (Lord Palmerston) would certainly turn against the
+Government if displaced. I said that might be, but that sometimes
+there were great interests at stake which exceeded the danger of
+offending one man, and that this was here the case; Lord John said
+it was very true, but that at moments like these one of course was
+anxious not to do anything which could cause internal trouble.
+I admitted this, but repeated my anxiety, which Lord John quite
+understood, though he thought I a little overrated it, and said I was
+afraid that some day I should have to tell Lord John that I could
+not put up with Lord Palmerston any longer, which might be very
+disagreeable and awkward.
+
+It ended by Lord John's promising to bear the subject in mind, and I
+must say that he took it all just as I could wish.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN THE PUNJAB]
+
+[Pageheading: HOSTILITY OF THE SIKHS]
+
+
+_Minute by the Governor-General of India._
+
+_30th September 1848._
+
+... The course of events, as they have developed themselves, and long
+and anxious considerations of this important subject, have finally and
+immovably confirmed in my mind the conviction which the earlier events
+of the insurrection at Mooltan long since had founded, that there will
+be no peace for India, nor any stability of Government in the Punjab,
+nor any release from anxiety and costly defensive preparations on
+our frontier, unless the British Government, justly indignant at the
+unprovoked and treacherous aggression once again committed against
+them by the Sikhs, shall now effectually provide against future
+dangers by subverting for ever the Dynasty of the Sings, by converting
+the Punjab into a British province, and by adopting the only measure
+which will secure the observance of peace by the Sikhs, namely,
+depriving them utterly of all the means of making war. I continue as
+fully convinced as ever that the establishment of a strong, friendly,
+Hindoo Government in the Punjab would be the best settlement that
+could be made for the interests of British India, if it could
+be formed. But I am convinced that such a Government cannot be
+formed.[43]
+
+    [Footnote 43: _See_ Introductory Note for 1849, _post_, p.
+    208.]
+
+The Chiefs of the Punjab are utterly powerless and worthless. The
+great body of the nation is adverse to all control, and in no degree
+submissive to the authority of those who are professedly their rulers.
+
+Even admitting, which I am by no means prepared to do, that the
+Sirdars are not treacherously or hostilely disposed to the British
+Government, of what advantage, what defence to us is the fidelity of
+the Chiefs, if they are confessedly unable to control the army which
+is as avowedly hostile to us? That which we desire to secure is a
+peaceful and well-governed neighbour, and a frontier free from alarms,
+nor demanding a permanent garrison of 50,000 men. If their army are
+able to disturb and eager to disturb on every occasion the peace we
+seek to render permanent, of what profit to us is the assumed fidelity
+of the Chiefs, who cannot repress their soldiers' turbulence, or
+command their obedience?
+
+I discredit altogether the assurances of the fidelity of the Chiefs on
+the evidence of the facts before us....
+
+To all these recommendations my colleagues in the Council have yielded
+their ready assent.
+
+I have to the last sought to avert, or to avoid, the necessity, if it
+could prudently or fitly be avoided.
+
+The Sikh nation have forced the necessity upon us. Having resolved
+at once, and fully, to meet it, I shall proceed with all speed to the
+frontier, and shall endeavour by every exertion, and by all the means
+in my power, to carry into effect vigorously the measures on which
+the Government of India has resolved, and which, in my conscience I
+believe, are imperatively called for by regard to the peace of India,
+to the security of our Empire there, and to the happiness of the
+people over whom we rule.
+
+DALHOUSIE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S ITALIAN POLICY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _7th October 1848._
+
+The Queen sends Lord Palmerston's answer to her last letter, of which
+the Queen has sent a copy to Lord John Russell, and encloses likewise
+a copy of her present answer. The partiality of Lord Palmerston in
+this Italian question really _surpasses all conception_, and makes the
+Queen _very uneasy_ on account of the character and honour of England,
+and on account of the danger to which the peace of Europe will be
+exposed. It is now clearly proved by Baron Wessenberg that upon the
+conclusion of the Armistice with Sardinia, negotiations for peace
+would have speedily been entered into, had our _mediation_ not been
+offered to the King, to whom the offer of Lombardy was too tempting
+not to accept, and now that promise is by fair or unfair means to
+be made good. The Queen cannot see any principle in this, as the
+principle upon which Lord Palmerston goes is _Italian Nationality and
+Independence from a foreign Yoke and Tyranny_. How can the Venetian
+territory then be secured to Austria? and if this is done, on what
+ground can Lombardy be wrung from her? It is really not safe to settle
+such important matters without principle and by personal _passion_
+alone. When the _French_ Government say they cannot control public
+feeling, Lord Palmerston takes this as an unalterable fact, and as
+a sufficient reason to make the Austrians give up Lombardy; when,
+however, the _Austrian_ Government say they cannot give up Lombardy on
+account of the feeling of the Army which had just reconquered it
+with their blood and under severe privations and sufferings, Lord
+Palmerston flippantly tells the Austrian Government, "if that were so,
+the Emperor had better abdicate and make General Radetzky Emperor."
+When Charles Albert burned the whole of the suburbs of Milan to keep
+up the delusion that he meant to defend the town, Lord Palmerston
+said nothing; and now that the Austrian Governor has prohibited
+revolutionary placards on the walls, and prolonged the period at which
+arms are to be surrendered, at the end of which persons concealing
+arms are to be tried by court-martial, he writes to Vienna: "that this
+savage proclamation, which savours more of the barbarous usages of
+centuries long gone by than of the spirit of the present times,
+must strike everybody as a proof of the fear by which the Austrian
+Commander is inspired," etc., etc., etc.
+
+Venice was to have been made over to Austria by the Armistice, and
+now that this has not been done, Austria is not even to retake it, in
+order (as Lord Normanby says) to keep something in hand against which
+Austria is to make further concessions. Is all this fair? In the
+meantime, from the account of our Consul at Venice, the French agents
+are actively employed in intrigues against Austria in that town, and
+have asked him to assist, which he refused. Lord Palmerston merely
+approved his conduct, and did not write a line to Paris about it. Now
+the question at issue is not even to be submitted to a Conference of
+European powers, but to be settled by the French Republic and Lord
+Palmerston alone, Lord Normanby being the instrument who has pledged
+himself over and over again for Italian _independence_ (so called).
+If Austria makes peace with Sardinia, and gives her Italian provinces
+separate National Institutions with a liberal constitutional
+Government, _who can force_ upon her another arrangement?
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: GREECE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _8th October 1848._
+
+The Queen cannot refrain from telling Lord Palmerston what a painful
+impression the perusal of a draft of his to Lord Normanby referring to
+the affairs of Greece has made upon her, being so little in accordance
+with the calm dignity which she likes to see in all the proceedings of
+the British Government; she was particularly struck by the language in
+which Lord Palmerston speaks of King Otho, a Sovereign with whom she
+stands in friendly relations, and the asperity against the Government
+of the King of the French, who is really sufficiently lowered and
+suffering for the mistakes he may have committed, and that of all this
+a copy is to be placed in the hands of the Foreign Minister of the
+French _Republic_, the Queen can only see with much regret.[44]
+
+    [Footnote 44: Lord Palmerston replied that his observations on
+    the two Kings lay at the very root of his argument, and were
+    necessary to conciliate the present Government of France.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _10th October 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Our voyage yesterday was much saddened by a
+terrible accident at Spithead, which delayed us half an hour, and
+which still fills us with horror. The sea was running very high, and
+we were just outside what is called The Spit, when we saw a man in
+the water, sitting on the keel of a boat, and we stopped, and at that
+moment Albert discerned _many heads_ above the sea, including a poor
+woman. The tide was running so strong that we could only stop an
+instant and let a boat down, but you may imagine our horror. We waited
+at Gosport to hear if the people had been saved, and we learnt that
+three had, two of whom by our _Fairy's_ boat, and that four were
+drowned. Very horrid indeed.
+
+The state of Germany is dreadful, and one does feel quite ashamed
+about that once really so peaceful and happy people. That there are
+still good people there I am sure, but they allow themselves to be
+worked upon in a frightful and shameful way.... In France a crisis
+seems at hand. _What_ a very bad figure we cut in this mediation!
+Really it is quite immoral, with Ireland quivering in our grasp,
+and ready to throw off her allegiance at any moment, for us to force
+Austria to give up her lawful possessions. What shall we say if
+Canada, Malta, etc., begin to trouble us? It hurts me terribly. This
+ought to be the principle in _all actions_, private as well as public:
+"Was du nicht willst, dass dir geschieht, das thu' auch einem andern
+nicht." ...
+
+I must now conclude. With every good wish, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE BOERS]
+
+
+_Earl Grey to Queen Victoria._
+
+COLONIAL OFFICE, _25th October 1848._
+
+Earl Grey presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to inform
+your Majesty that no official accounts have been received of the
+engagement on the Cape Frontier between your Majesty's forces under
+Sir H. Smith and the insurgent Dutch farmers, of which an account
+is published in the newspapers.[45] Lord Grey has, however, seen a
+private letter, which mentions, in addition to what is stated in the
+Government notice in the Cape newspapers, that Sir Harry Smith exposed
+himself very much, and was slightly wounded; most fortunately, he was
+merely grazed in the leg; his horse was also struck by a bullet in the
+nose. A very large proportion of those who were hit by the fire of the
+rebels were officers, who appear to have been particularly aimed at.
+
+    [Footnote 45: In July, Pretorius, the Boer leader, had in
+    consequence of the British annexation of territory, expelled
+    the British Resident from Bloemfontein. _See_ Introductory
+    Note, _ante_, p. 142. Sir Harry Smith decisively defeated the
+    Boers on the 29th of August.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Earl Grey._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th October 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Grey's letter, and is glad to hear that
+Sir H. Smith's wound was not of a serious nature. The loss of so many
+officers, the Queen is certain, proceeds from their wearing a blue
+coat whilst the men are in scarlet; the Austrians lost a great
+proportion of officers in Italy from a similar difference of dress.
+
+As to the Medal for Major Edwardes, the Queen did not approve but
+disapprove the step, and wished the Bath to be given instead, which
+has been done. The medals for troops in general (given by the East
+India Company) are a new and doubtful thing, and now it is proposed to
+reward even a special case of personal distinction by the _Company's_
+conferring a mark of honour. Lord Grey will agree with the Queen that
+it will be better not to establish two fountains of honour in the
+Realm. If the East India Company wish to mark their approbation,
+perhaps they might send Major Edwardes a fine sword or something of
+that kind.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: GOVERNORSHIP OF GIBRALTAR]
+
+
+_Earl Grey to Queen Victoria._
+
+COLONIAL OFFICE, _26th October 1848._
+
+Earl Grey presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has just had
+the honour of receiving your Majesty's letter. Lord Fitzroy Somerset
+happened to be here when it arrived, and Lord Grey read to him that
+part of it which relates to the danger occasioned to officers in
+action from wearing a dress of a different colour from that of the
+men. Lord Fitzroy observed that although there can be no doubt of the
+objection to the blue coats worn by officers, in this instance their
+having suffered so much cannot be attributed to that cause, as it
+appears that all the officers who were wounded but one, belonged to
+regiments (the Rifle Battalion or the Cape Mounted Rifles) in which
+the officers are dressed in the same colour as the men....
+
+Lord Grey begs to submit to your Majesty that the usual time for
+relieving the present Governor of Gibraltar is now come, and that he
+thinks it very desirable to appoint a successor to Sir Robert
+Wilson, who now fills that situation. It appears to Lord Grey that,
+considering the nature of the appointment and also the great advantage
+which would result from affording greater encouragement to the
+officers serving under the Ordnance, it would be very proper to
+confer this government upon a General Officer belonging to the Royal
+Artillery or Engineers. There is some difficulty in making a selection
+from the officers of these Corps, because, from their retiring only by
+seniority, they seldom attain the rank of General Officer while
+they are still in possession of sufficient strength and activity for
+employment. Lord Grey, however, believes from the information he has
+been able to obtain, that Sir Robert Gardiner might, with advantage,
+be appointed to this command, which he therefore begs leave to
+recommend to your Majesty to confer upon him. Lord Grey has had no
+communication with Sir R. Gardiner, and is entirely ignorant whether
+he would accept this employment.[46]
+
+    [Footnote 46: Sir Robert Gardiner, K.C.B.. was appointed
+    Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar on the 21st of
+    November, and held that post till 1855.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ITALY AND AUSTRIA]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th October 1848._
+
+The Queen has not yet acknowledged the receipt of Lord John Russell's
+communication of the views of the Cabinet on the Italian affairs.[47]
+She is very glad that the Cabinet should have considered this
+important question, and that she should have received an assurance
+"that she will not be advised to have recourse to forcible
+intervention." The Queen understands this principle to apply to
+Lombardy as well as to Sicily, and that, of course, "forcible
+intervention" will not only be avoided as to British means, but
+likewise as to French means, with British consent and concurrence.
+Though Lord John Russell does not enter so much into particulars with
+regard to the opinions of the Members of the Cabinet as the Queen
+might have wished, she infers from the proposition that Lombardy
+should be constituted separately under an Archduke, that the idea of
+making it over to the King of Sardinia is finally abandoned.
+
+    [Footnote 47: Lord John had written to the effect that, while
+    no definite decision had been arrived at with regard to Italy,
+    it was thought by the Cabinet that every means should be used
+    to induce Austria to give up Lombardy to an Austrian Prince,
+    as most conformable to the interests of Austria herself. The
+    question of Sicily (he added) was more difficult, but if no
+    agreement could be arrived at by amicable negotiation, the
+    Cabinet would not be disposed to advise the Queen to have
+    recourse to forcible intervention.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _19th November 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+
+It will probably be necessary to send troops to India, who will then
+be no longer chargeable to this country. But Lord John Russell thinks
+it his duty to state that however unwilling he may be to diminish
+the Military and Naval force, it is still more essential to keep our
+income within our expenditure.
+
+The whole matter will be under the consideration of the Cabinet next
+week.
+
+The approaching election of a President in France must decide the
+question of the future Government of France. Louis Bonaparte may
+probably play the part of Richard Cromwell.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st November 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I write to thank you for your kind letter of the
+18th on your god-daughter's _eighth_ birthday! It does seem like an
+incredible dream that Vicky should already be so old! She is very
+happy with all her gifts.
+
+In Vienna things are much better. Louis Napoleon's election seems
+certain, and I own I wish for it as I think it will lead to something
+else.
+
+You will grieve to hear that our good, dear, old friend Melbourne
+is dying; there is _no_ hope, and I enclose a pretty letter of Lady
+Beauvale's,[48] which I think will interest you, and which I beg you
+to return. One cannot forget how good and kind and amiable he was, and
+it brings back so many recollections to my mind, though, God knows! I
+never wish that time back again.
+
+We go to-morrow for four weeks to our dear, peaceful Osborne.
+
+I will now take my leave. Begging you to believe me ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 48: See Greville's appreciative description of Lady
+    Beauvale in his Journal for the 30th of January 1853.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+BROCKET HALL, _23rd November 1848._
+
+Viscount Palmerston is here engaged in the melancholy occupation of
+watching the gradual extinction of the lamp of life of one who was not
+more distinguished by his brilliant talents, his warm affections, and
+his first-rate understanding, than by those sentiments of attachment
+to your Majesty which rendered him the most devoted subject who ever
+had the honour to serve a Sovereign.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF LORD MELBOURNE]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+BROCKET HALL, _25th November 1848._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+to state that Viscount Melbourne was released from further suffering
+at about six o'clock yesterday afternoon. His bodily strength had
+been rapidly declining during the last few days, and it was only at
+intervals that he retained any degree of apparent consciousness.
+The last transition took place quietly and with almost imperceptible
+gradation.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _26th November 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty: he sees no
+political objection to a visit to Osborne on the part of the Duke
+and Duchess of Nemours. The election of a President in France is so
+completely absorbing attention that any mark of regard to the Duke of
+Nemours may well pass unnoticed.
+
+Lord John Russell had the honour of seeing Louis Philippe in
+this house on Friday. He was in much better spirits, owing to the
+convalescence of the Queen; but the illness has been a very serious
+one.
+
+Lord John Russell had understood that the affairs of property
+belonging to the Orleans family were arranged, and that Louis Philippe
+would ultimately be possessed of more than a million sterling.
+
+Louis Philippe expressed his opinion in favour of Louis Bonaparte as a
+candidate for the Presidency. He feels confident that France cannot go
+to war on account of the state of her finances.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _21th November 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Thank God! that the news from Berlin are better. It
+is to be hoped that this may have a good effect elsewhere.
+
+In France there ought really to be a Monarchy before long, _qui que ce
+soit_.
+
+Our poor old friend Melbourne died on the 24th. I sincerely regret
+him, for he was truly attached to me, and though not a firm Minister
+he was a noble, kind-hearted, generous being. Poor Lord Beauvale and
+Lady Palmerston feel it very much. I wish it might soften the _caro
+sposo_ of the latter-named person.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LETTER FROM THE POPE]
+
+
+_Pope Pius IX. to Queen Victoria._[49]
+
+To the Most Serene and Potent Sovereign Victoria, the Illustrious
+Queen of England, Pius Papa Nonus.
+
+Most Serene and Most Potent Queen, Greeting! Your Royal Majesty has
+already learned what a subversion of public affairs has taken place
+at Rome, and what utterly unheard-of violence was, on the 16th of
+the late month of November, offered to us in our very Palace of the
+Quirinal, in consequence of a nefarious conspiracy of abandoned and
+most turbulent men. Hence, in order to avoid more violent commotions
+and more serious dangers, as likewise for the purpose of freely
+performing the functions of our apostolic Ministry, we, not without
+the deepest and most heartfelt sorrow, have been constrained to
+depart for a time from our Holy City, and from the whole state of our
+pontifical dominions; and in the meanwhile we come as far as Gaëta,
+where, as soon as we had arrived, our first care was to declare to
+our subjects the sentiments of our mind and will, by a public edict,
+a copy of which we transmit to your Royal Majesty, together with
+these our letters. Without doubt, through your own wisdom, you will
+perfectly understand, Most Serene and Potent Sovereign, that amongst
+the other most cruel difficulties by which we are pressed, we must be
+chiefly solicitous concerning those subject to our temporal rule and
+the rights and possessions of the Roman Church, which, moreover, your
+august Uncle and the other Princes of Europe protected with so much
+zeal. But we do not in the least doubt that, in conformity with your
+exalted magnanimity, your justice, and your known desire to maintain
+order in public affairs, you will by no means suffer this same to be
+wanting to us at this most lamentable time. Trusting indeed in this
+hope, we do not cease, in the humility and affliction of our heart,
+from earnestly beseeching God, the All Good and All Great, that He may
+heap upon your Royal Majesty and your whole House all true and solid
+prosperity, and that He may unite you with us in perfect charity.
+
+Given at Gaëta, the 4th day of December 1848, in the third year of our
+Pontificate.
+
+PIUS PP. IX.[50]
+
+    [Footnote 49: Official translation.]
+
+    [Footnote 50: This letter was suitably acknowledged in general
+    terms. _See_ p. 210.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _13th December 1848._
+
+MY BELOVED UNCLE,--Pray accept my warmest and _best_ wishes for _many,
+many happy_ returns of your birthday--a day so _dear_ to so many, and
+which will be hailed with such joy in Belgium. You have indeed reason
+to look with satisfaction on all around you, though it is a painful
+thing to think how many have been ruined and made miserable since this
+day twelvemonths. Let us hope that another year may bring many things
+round again.
+
+The weather is beautiful, and I wish much we could fly over to pay our
+respects to you on your dear birthday.
+
+The papers are just come, and I see there is no doubt of Louis
+Napoleon's election, which I am very glad of, as it is a sign of
+better times. But that one _should have to wish for him_ is really
+wonderful.
+
+Now good-bye, dearest Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th December 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST, KINDEST UNCLE,--Your dear letter, full of interesting
+topics, which I received yesterday, gave me great pleasure, and
+I thank you much for it. The success of Louis Napoleon[51] is an
+extraordinary event, but valuable as a universal condemnation of the
+Republic since February.
+
+It will, however, perhaps be more difficult to get rid of him again
+than one at _first_ may imagine. Nemours thinks it better that none
+of themselves should be _called_ into action for some time to come.
+I fear that _he feels_ now that they _ought_ to have _foreseen_ the
+dangers in February, and _ought not_ to have yielded; when I said to
+him that the Pope had declared that he would _never_ quit Rome, and
+_did so do_ the _very next day_, he said: "Ah! mon Dieu, on se laisse
+entraîner dans ces moments." Louise said to me that _her Father_ had
+so _often declared he would never quit Paris alive_, so that when she
+heard of his flight she always believed it was untrue and he must be
+dead....
+
+    [Footnote 51: He was elected President on the 10th of
+    December, by an immense majority.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd December 1848._
+
+The Queen has been waiting to receive an answer from Lord John Russell
+upon her last letter, and has therefore delayed sending the enclosed
+letter from Lord Palmerston.[52] But lest any further delay might
+cause future inconvenience, she sends it now without having received
+Lord John's answer. The Queen is sure Lord John will feel that neither
+Lord Palmerston nor Lord Normanby have shown a proper regard for the
+Queen's wishes and opinion in this matter. Lord Normanby's Despatch
+shows that the step to be taken with reference to an Ambassador to be
+sent here is avowedly for the purpose of controlling the future action
+of the Queen's Government, and to _oblige her_ to keep a _permanent_
+Ambassador at Paris in the person of Lord Normanby. It is not very
+delicate in Lord Normanby to convey such a message, nor in Lord
+Palmerston to urge it so eagerly. M. de Beaumont's departure from this
+country without taking leave of the Queen was neither very becoming.
+
+The Queen has already, on Lord Palmerston's account, received two
+public affronts: the one by her Minister in Spain having been sent out
+of that country,[53] the other now, by the new Emperor of Austria
+not announcing to her by special mission his accession to the Throne,
+which he did to all other Sovereigns, avowedly, as it appears, to mark
+the indignation of Austria at the inimical proceedings of the British
+Foreign Secretary. The Queen does not think that, in the face of such
+slurs, the dignity of England will be vindicated by a race between her
+representative and that of Spain, who is to present his credentials
+first to the new President of the French Republic, which Lord
+Palmerston considers of such importance as to render an _immediate_
+decision indispensable.
+
+Should Lord John think that we cannot do less now for Louis Napoleon
+than has been done in the case of General Cavaignac, the Queen
+will not object to renewing Lord Normanby's credentials as
+Ambassador-Extraordinary on a special mission.
+
+    [Footnote 52: Lord Palmerston had written to say that
+    Lord Normanby's credentials were provisional, and regular
+    credentials would become necessary. The new French Government
+    were sending Ambassadors to Vienna, Rome, and other capitals,
+    which in return would send Ambassadors to Paris, so that it
+    would be injurious for this country's representative to be of
+    inferior diplomatic rank. "It would," he wrote subsequently,
+    "be derogatory to the dignity of your Majesty, and to the
+    character of your Majesty's Government if, in the present
+    state of things between the British and Spanish Governments
+    the Spanish Ambassador should, by a dilatoriness on the part
+    of your Majesty's Government, be allowed to raise a question
+    about precedence with your Majesty's representative at Paris;
+    it would be very inconvenient if that question were decided
+    unfavourably to your Majesty's representative, and very
+    undesirable that he should appear to be under obligation to
+    the French Government for a decision in his favour."]
+
+    [Footnote 53: See _ante_, p. 175.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XVIII
+
+
+The opening of Parliament (1849) was noteworthy for the appearance of
+Mr Disraeli as leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons, in
+place of Lord George Bentinck, who had died suddenly in the recess;
+the Peelites, though influential, were numerically few, and they
+continued by their support to maintain the Whigs in office, the
+principal measure of the session being the Act for the repeal of the
+Navigation Laws, a natural corollary to Peel's free trade policy. A
+Royal visit was paid to Ireland in August, and at Cork, Waterford,
+Dublin, and Belfast, the Queen and Prince were received with great
+enthusiasm.
+
+Abroad, the cause of United Italy suffered a severe check. The
+Sicilian revolt came to an end, and Austrian ascendency was
+re-established in Northern Italy. King Charles Albert was defeated at
+Novara, and abdicated in favour of his son, Victor Emmanuel. The Pope,
+who had fled from Rome in disguise, in November 1848, and was living
+at Gaëta, was now under the protection of Austria and France, and
+General Oudinot occupied the Papal city on his behalf in June.
+Austrian influence restored Tuscany, Parma, and Modena to their
+rulers, and in Central Europe operated to prevent the acceptance by
+the King of Prussia of the Imperial Crown of Germany. Hungary, in
+consequence of the help rendered to the Viennese insurrectionists in
+1848, was reduced to submission, but only with Russian co-operation.
+Heavy retribution was inflicted on the Hungarians; Kossuth and other
+revolutionaries fled to Turkey, the Russian and Austrian Governments
+unsuccessfully demanding their extradition.
+
+The British operations against the Sikhs were brought to a successful
+termination; the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Gough, with inferior
+numbers, had engaged the enemy at Chillianwalla, with indecisive and
+virtually unfavourable results, and Sir Charles Napier was sent out
+to supersede him. Mooltan, where the outrage of the previous year
+had taken place, had been besieged, and fell on the 22nd of January.
+Dalhousie had established himself at Ferozepore. A week or two later
+the Sikhs and Afghans were overwhelmingly defeated at Gujerat, and on
+the 29th of March the Punjab was incorporated in the British Empire;
+the "Koh-i-noor" was, in token of submission, presented by the
+Maharajah to the Queen. Lord Dalhousie received a Marquisate, and the
+thanks of both Houses of Parliament were voted to all concerned.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+1849
+
+
+_Memorandum on Matters connected with the Form of addressing the Pope
+in Answer to his Letter to Her Majesty of 4th December 1848._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _5th January 1849._
+
+The accompanying draft of answer to the letter which the Pope
+addressed to Her Majesty from Gaëta on the 4th of December is in the
+same form as letters which were written to Pope Pius VII. by George
+the Fourth while Prince Regent, and after he came to the Throne. They
+address the Pope as "Most Eminent Sir," style him "Your Holiness," and
+finish with the mere signature after the date of the conclusion of the
+letter. Copies of those letters are annexed.
+
+Other forms of writing Royal letters are:--
+
+1st. Commencing "Sir my Brother" (or "Sir my Cousin," etc., as the
+case may be), and ending thus:
+
+  "Sir my _Brother_,
+  Your _Majesty's_
+  Good _Sister_."
+
+This is the form used between Sovereign and Sovereign.
+
+2nd. Commencing with the Queen's titles. In these letters the plural
+"we" and "our" are employed instead of "I" and "my," and the letters
+terminate thus:--
+
+  "Your Good Friend,
+  ...."
+
+This form is now used almost exclusively for Royal letters to
+Republics.
+
+In the State Paper Office there is, with only one exception, no record
+of any letter from a Sovereign of England to the Pope from the time of
+Henry VIII., when the State Paper Office records commence. The single
+exception is an original letter from Queen Mary in 1555 to Pope Paul
+IV. It seems that when the time of her expected confinement drew nigh,
+she caused letters to be prepared announcing the birth of a son, and
+signed them in anticipation of the event. When no birth took place,
+the letters were of course not sent off; but they have been preserved
+to the present day, and among them is the letter to the Pope. The
+accompanying paper contains a copy of the beginning and conclusion of
+it.
+
+There is no trace in the State Paper Office of any letter of credence
+having been given by James II. to Lord Castlemaine in 1685. The
+correspondence of the reign of James II. is, however, very defective,
+and much of it must either have been suppressed or have got into
+private hands.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: REPLY TO THE POPE]
+
+
+_Draft_] _Queen Victoria to Pope Pius IX._[1]
+
+MOST EMINENT SIR,--I have received the letter which your Holiness
+addressed to me from Gaëta on the 4th of December last, and in which
+you acquaint me that in consequence of the violent proceedings of
+certain of your subjects, you had felt yourself obliged to depart from
+Rome, and for a time to quit your dominions. I assure your Holiness
+that I have been deeply pained at the intelligence of the events to
+which your letter refers, and that I do the fullest justice to the
+motives which induced your Holiness to withdraw for a time from your
+capital. Your Holiness has given so many proofs of being animated by
+a sincere desire to improve the condition of the people whom, under
+Divine Providence, you have been chosen to govern, and the clemency of
+your heart and the rectitude of your intentions are so well known and
+so truly appreciated, that I cannot but hope that the trials which
+you have experienced in consequence of popular commotion will speedily
+come to an end, and will be succeeded by a cordial, good understanding
+between your Holiness and the Roman people. I request your Holiness to
+believe that it would afford me real pleasure to be able in any degree
+to contribute to a result so much to be desired; and I am happy in
+having this opportunity of assuring you of my sincere friendship, and
+of the unfeigned respect and esteem which I entertain for your person
+and character.
+
+Given at Windsor Castle the [    ] day of January 1849.
+
+    [Footnote 1: _See_ p. 204.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LETTER FROM PRINCE LOUIS NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_The President of the French Republic to Queen Victoria._
+
+ELYSÉE NATIONAL, _le 22 Janvier 1849._
+
+TRÈS CHÈRE ET GRANDE AMIE,--Une de mes premières pensées lorsque le
+v[oe]u de la nation Française m'appela au pouvoir fut de faire part à
+votre Majesté de mon avènement et des sentiments que j'apportais dans
+ma nouvelle position.
+
+Des circonstances particulières ont retardé le départ de l'ambassadeur
+qui devait porter ma lettre; mais aujourd'hui que l'Amiral Cécile
+se rend à Londres je désire exprimer à votre Majesté la respectueuse
+sympathie que j'ai toujours éprouvée pour sa personne; je désire
+surtout lui dire combien je suis reconnaissant de la généreuse
+hospitalité qu'elle m'a donnée dans ses états lorsque j'étais fugitif
+ou proscrit et combien je serais heureux si ce souvenir pouvait servir
+à resserrer les liens qui unissent les gouvernements et les peuples de
+nos deux pays.
+
+Je prie votre Majesté de croire à mes sentiments. Votre ami,
+
+LOUIS NAPOLÉON BONAPARTE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _22nd January 1849._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and would
+now wish to consult Lord Lansdowne on the propriety of offering
+to Lord Palmerston to exchange the Foreign Office for the
+Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland.[2]
+
+As Lord John Russell has always approved in the main of the foreign
+policy of Lord Palmerston, he could only make this offering in a
+mode honourable to Lord Palmerston--that is to say, for instance, by
+offering him at the same time an English Earldom, or an English Barony
+with the Garter. Nor could he proceed in the matter without Lord
+Lansdowne's concurrence.
+
+    [Footnote 2: Hostilities were in progress between the Sicilian
+    insurgents and their Sovereign. An agent for the former
+    came to England to purchase arms, but was informed by the
+    contractor to whom he applied that the whole of his stock had
+    been pledged to the Ordnance Office. Lord Palmerston, without
+    consulting the Cabinet, allowed this stock to be transferred
+    to the insurgents. The matter became public property, and the
+    Premier brought it before the Cabinet on the 23rd of January,
+    when, somewhat unexpectedly, the Foreign Secretary consented
+    to make an apology to the Neapolitan Government; so that the
+    crisis terminated for the time.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd January 1849._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter and enclosures,
+the contents of which have deeply grieved her, as the honour of her
+Government has always been nearest to her heart. She feels deeply the
+humiliation to have to make an apology to the Government of Naples,
+which stands so very low in public estimation, and she naturally
+dreads the effect this disclosure about the guns will have in the
+world, when she considers how many accusations have been brought
+against the good faith of this country latterly by many different
+Governments. Of course they will all consider their suspicions and
+accusations, however absurd they may have been, as justified and
+proved.
+
+The Queen supposes that the proposition Lord John makes to her about
+moving Lord Palmerston to Ireland is the result of his conviction that
+after this disclosure it will be no longer to the advantage of the
+public service to leave the direction of the Foreign Affairs in these
+critical times in Lord Palmerston's hands. The Queen will be anxious
+to see Lord John upon this subject. All she wishes for is, that
+matters may be so managed as to reflect the least possible discredit
+upon the Government and Lord Palmerston himself.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th February 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--We are well. All went off extremely well on
+Thursday, but the Government must expect difficulties upon their (very
+doubtful) Foreign Policy. I own I do _not_ feel reassured about peace.
+_Italy_ and the Pope, etc., are very ticklish subjects.
+
+Everybody says Louis Napoleon has behaved extremely well in the last
+crisis--full of courage and energy, and they say that he is decidedly
+straightforward, which is not to be despised. I will not admit that
+the _Gemüthlichkeit ist für immer begraben_ in Germany; it will surely
+return when this madness is over, but how soon no one can tell. Ever
+your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Dalhousie._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th February 1849._
+
+The Queen has not yet thanked Lord Dalhousie for his long and
+interesting letter which she received in the summer. Since that period
+many important events have taken place in India, and the last news
+have naturally made the Queen feel very anxious. She deeply laments
+the loss of General Cureton and Colonel Havelock, officers who will
+not be easily replaced. The Queen thinks that Lord Dalhousie has
+throughout acted most judiciously and has thwarted more mischief
+being done. She will abstain from remarking upon the conduct of the
+Commander-in-Chief, as she knows that the Duke of Wellington has
+written fully to Lord Dalhousie on this painful subject.[3] The Queen
+concludes with expressing her hopes that Lord and Lady Dalhousie are
+in good health, and with the Prince's kindest remembrances to Lord
+Dalhousie.
+
+    [Footnote 3: _See_ Introductory Note for the year, _ante_, p.
+    208.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: STATE OF EUROPE]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _10th February 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I have to offer my most affectionate thanks
+for your dear letter of the 6th. The state of the Queen seems better,
+though I fear not so solidly as to be beyond mischief; but the
+improvement is real, and will act as a moral support. They have been
+severely tried, those poor exiles, and Heaven knows what is still in
+store for them. I don't think that in Italy there will be war. The
+French cannot think of it for some months, probably not before June or
+July, and the Italians cannot make it alone without being licked; the
+better informed know that. The Pope ought to be replaced on his seat
+for the sake of every one; and his ultra-Liberal policy entitles him
+to be supported by all Governments and by all right-minded people.
+
+Louis Bonaparte has not ill-behaved, it seems; negatively he might
+have done much harm. The position continues to be abominable. There
+is for every one an _absence d'avenir_ which ruins everything and
+everybody--that is the real difficulty.
+
+_Die Gemüthlichkeit_ in Germany was the consequence of its political
+existence these last thousand years; that is now all going to ruin,
+and the _Gemüthlichkeit_ will be as little found again _que l'urbanité
+Française_ so much talked of formerly and now unknown.
+
+This part of February puts me always in mind of my dear little
+_séjour_ with you in 1841. How far that period is now, though but
+eight years from us; the very features of everything changed, I fear
+for ever, and _not_ for the better.... Now I must conclude, and remain
+ever, my dearest Victoria, your truly devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON.]
+
+
+_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _19th February 1849._
+
+Admiral Cécile, who dined here for the first time after the
+presentation of his credentials as Ambassador from the French
+Republic, with whom I spoke for some time after dinner, said: "Nous en
+avons fait de tristes expériences en France," but that he hoped "que
+les choses s'amélioraient"; that the Government was very firm and
+decided, and determined not to allow order to be disturbed; "Paris
+a maintenant fait quatre Révolutions que la France a subies; votre
+Majesté sait qui a proclamé la République au mois de Février? Une
+centaine de coquins! Personne s'en doutait, et cependant la France s'y
+est soumise!" That the Government was however determined, and so were
+all the Departments, that this should never happen again; no doubt the
+danger from the Socialists was great, all over the world; that _that_
+was the _real danger_, and that they would readily make another
+attempt like the fearful one in June (the result of which for three
+days was uncertain), but that they had not the power; that he was
+continually impressing upon all his friends in France the necessity of
+supporting _whatever_ form of Government there was _whose object_ was
+the _maintenance of order_, and to unite "contre cet ennemi commun."
+The President, he continued, had risen amazingly in the opinion of
+every one by his firmness, courage, and determination--which he had
+shown in those critical days a fortnight or three weeks ago--and that
+in these two months he had acquired "une grande aptitude pour
+les affaires; tout le monde est étonné, parce que personne ne s'y
+attendait." He spoke with great delight of Belgium--and how it had
+stood the shock of the events in France--and also of England. Italy,
+he considered, was by far the greatest object of danger.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: GAELIC AND WELSH]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne._
+
+OSBORNE, _3rd March 1849._
+
+The Queen sends Lord Lansdowne the book[4] she mentioned to him. It
+is an extraordinary production for people of the working classes, and
+there are a great many sound and good observations in it on education;
+the observations on the deficiency in the religious instruction and
+in the _preaching_ the Queen thinks are particularly true. It
+likewise shows a lofty and enlarged _view_ of education which is often
+overlooked.
+
+The Queen takes this occasion of repeating her hope that _Gaelic_ will
+be taught in future in the Highland schools, as well as English, as
+it is really a great mistake that the people should be constantly
+_talking_ a language which they often cannot read and generally not
+write. Being very partial to her loyal and good Highlanders, the Queen
+takes much interest in what she thinks will tend more than anything
+to keep up their simplicity of character, which she considers a great
+merit in these days.
+
+The Queen thinks equally that Welsh should be taught in Wales as well
+as English.[5]
+
+    [Footnote 4: This book was probably _Popular Education, as
+    regards Juvenile Delinquency_, by Thos. Bullock, 1849.]
+
+    [Footnote 5: Lord Lansdowne, in his reply, undertook "to
+    combine instruction in the Gaelic with the English language in
+    the Highland as well as the Welsh schools, and to have a view
+    to it in the choice of Inspectors."]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _6th March 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your dear letter reached me yesterday, and I thank
+you warmly for it. I wish you could be here, for I never remember
+finer weather than we have had since we came here; perfect summer, and
+so sweet, so enjoyable, and then with all the pleasures and beauties
+of Spring you have that beautiful sea--so blue and smooth as it has
+been these three days. If we have no mountains to boast of, we have
+the _sea_, which is ever enjoyable. We have camelias which have stood
+out two winters covered with _red_ flowers, and scarlet rhododendrons
+in brilliant bloom. Does this not sound tempting? It seems almost
+wrong to be at home, and Albert really hardly is.
+
+I wish you joy of your _twenty-four_ foxes. If there was a black one
+amongst them I should beg for one, as the skin you sent me last year
+was _not_ a black one.
+
+The news from India are very distressing, and make one very anxious,
+but Sir Charles Napier is instantly to be sent out to supersede Lord
+Gough, and he is so well versed in Indian tactics that we may look
+with safety to the future _after_ his arrival.
+
+The Italian Question remains very complicated, and the German one a
+very perplexing, sad one. Prussia must protect the poor Princes and
+put herself at the head, else there is no hope. Austria should behave
+better, and not oppose the consolidation of a central Power, else I
+know not what is to become of poor Germany.
+
+Pray use your influence to prevent more fatal mischief.
+
+Now adieu, dearest Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _16th March 1849._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+has the honour to state that the debate last night was brought to a
+close.[6]
+
+Mr Cobden and Mr Disraeli made very able speeches at the end of the
+debate.
+
+The debate has been a remarkable one, and the division shows tolerably
+well the strength of parties. The Protectionists, animated by the
+cry of agricultural distress, are disposed to use their power to the
+utmost. Mr Disraeli shows himself a much abler and less passionate
+leader than Lord George Bentinck.
+
+On the other hand, the friends of Sir Robert Peel and the party of Mr
+Cobden unite with the Government in resisting the Protectionist party.
+The House of Commons thus gives a majority, which, though not compact,
+is decided at once against the extreme Tory and the extreme Radical
+party. With such a House of Commons the great interests of the
+Throne and the Constitution are safe. An abrupt dissolution would put
+everything to hazard.
+
+    [Footnote 6: On Mr Disraeli's motion for payment of the half
+    of local rates by the Treasury, which was defeated by 280 to
+    189.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: END OF THE SIKH WAR]
+
+[Pageheading: MRS GEORGE LAWRENCE]
+
+
+_The Earl of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria._
+
+CAMP, FEROZEPORE, _24th March 1849._
+
+The Governor-General presents his most humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour of acknowledging the receipt of the letter which
+your Majesty most graciously addressed to him on the 5th of February.
+
+He is deeply sensible of your Majesty's goodness, and most grateful
+for the expression of approbation which it has conveyed.
+
+The Governor-General is not without fear that he may have intruded too
+often of late upon your Majesty's time. But he is so satisfied of the
+extreme pleasure which your Majesty would experience on learning that
+the prisoners who were in the hands of the Sikhs, and especially the
+ladies and children, were once again safe in the British camp, that he
+would have ventured to convey to your Majesty that intelligence,
+even though he had not been able to add to it--as happily he can--the
+announcement of the surrender of the whole Khalsa army, and the end of
+the war with the Sikhs.
+
+Major-General Gilbert pushed on rapidly in pursuit of the Sikhs, who
+were a few marches in front of him, carrying off our prisoners with
+them.
+
+At Rawul Pindee, half-way between the Jhelum and Attock, the Sikh
+troops, as we have since heard, would go no further. They received no
+pay, they were starving, they had been beaten and were disheartened;
+and so they surrendered.
+
+All the prisoners were brought safe into our camp. Forty-one pieces of
+artillery were given up. Chuttur Singh and Shere Singh, with all the
+Sirdars, delivered their swords to General Gilbert in the presence of
+his officers; and the remains of the Sikh army, 16,000 strong, were
+marched into camp, by 1000 at a time, and laid down their arms as they
+passed between the lines of the British troops.
+
+Your Majesty may well imagine the pride with which British Officers
+looked on such a scene, and witnessed this absolute subjection and
+humiliation of so powerful an enemy.
+
+How deeply the humiliation was felt by the Sikhs themselves may be
+judged by the report which the officers who were present have made,
+that many of them, and especially the grim old Khalsas of Runjeet's
+time, exclaimed as they threw their arms down upon the heap: "This day
+Runjeet Singh has died!"
+
+Upwards of 20,000 stands of arms were taken in the hills. Vast
+quantities were gathered after the flight of the Sikhs from Gujerat.
+As a further precaution, the Governor-General has ordered a disarming
+of the Sikhs throughout the Eastern Doabs, while they are yet cast
+down and afraid of punishment. He trusts that these measures may all
+tend to ensure the continuance of peace.
+
+The Sirdars will arrive at Lahore to-day, where they will await the
+determination of their future places of residence. The officers who
+were prisoners have also reached Lahore, together with Mrs George
+Lawrence and her children.
+
+It is impossible to speak too highly of the admirable spirit which
+this lady has displayed during many months of very arduous trial.
+
+By the kindness of others, the Governor-General has had the
+opportunity of seeing constantly the little notes which were secretly
+despatched by her from her prison. The gallant heart she kept up under
+it all, the cheerful face she put upon it, and the unrepining patience
+with which she bore the privations of captivity and the dangers which
+it threatened to her children, her husband, and herself, must command
+the highest respect and make one proud of one's countrywomen.
+
+General Gilbert, by the latest intelligence, had seized the fort of
+Attock, had crossed the Indus, and was advancing on Peshawur, whither
+the Afghans had retired.
+
+By next mail the Governor-General trusts that he will be able to
+announce that every enemy has been swept away by your Majesty's
+Armies, and that the Afghans have either been crushed like the Sikhs
+or have fled to Cabul again.
+
+He has the honour to subscribe himself, your Majesty's most obedient,
+most humble and very faithful Subject and Servant,
+
+DALHOUSIE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING OF SARDINIA]
+
+
+_The King of Sardinia_ (_Victor Emanuel_) _to Queen Victoria._
+
+TURIN, _le 30 Mars 1849._
+
+MA TRÈS CHÈRE S[OE]UR,--La participation officielle que je m'empresse
+de vous donner de mon avènement au trône m'offre une occasion que je
+suis heureux de saisir pour vous exprimer dans une lettre de ma main
+les sentiments de ma vive gratitude pour l'affection dont ma maison a
+reçu des preuves marquantes et réitérées de votre part, comme pour
+le bienveillant intérêt que votre Gouvernement a témoigné à ce pays
+particulièrement dans les graves événements qui ont eu lieu pendant
+cette dernière année.
+
+Je vous prie d'être persuadée que rien n'est plus sincère que
+la reconnaissance que j'en conserve, et de me laisser nourrir la
+confiance que je puis compter sur la continuation de ces dispositions
+si aimables.
+
+En vous renouvelant les sentiments d'amitié la plus parfaite, je suis,
+votre très cher Frère,
+
+VICTOR EMANUEL.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _10th April 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--You will, I am sure, share our joy at Ernest's
+_wonderful_ success at Eckerforde.[7] It is a marvellous piece of good
+fortune _pour son baptême de feu_, but it alarmed and agitated us all
+to think that he might have been wounded, _to say the least_, for he
+had his horse killed under him. At all events, he has done honour to
+the poor race to which he belongs, and it makes us both very happy.
+I think it will tend decidedly to shorten the war. Poor dear
+Alexandrine! in what anxiety she will have been.
+
+The victory of Novara[8] seems to have been one of the hardest fought
+and most brilliant battles known for years and years, and old Radetzky
+says that he must name every individual if he was to do justice to
+officers and men. But the loss was very severe. The regiment of Kinsky
+lost _twenty-four_ officers! The Archduke Albert distinguished himself
+exceedingly, which is worthy of his noble father. I could work myself
+up to a great excitement about these exploits, for there is nothing I
+admire more than great military exploits and daring.
+
+    [Footnote 7: In this engagement with the Danes, arising out
+    of the Schleswig-Holstein dispute, Prince Ernest greatly
+    distinguished himself.]
+
+    [Footnote 8: In which Marshal Radetzky defeated the
+    Piedmontese.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington._
+
+_1st May 1849._
+
+The Queen cannot let this day pass without offering to the Duke of
+Wellington her warmest and sincerest wishes for many happy returns of
+this day. She hopes the Duke will place the accompanying trifle on
+his table, and that it will recall to his mind _one_ who ever reflects
+with gratitude on the services he has rendered and always does render
+to his Sovereign and his country.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _8th May 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Alas! poor Germany, I am wretched about her;
+those news from Dresden are very distressing.[9] Really with such an
+excellent man as the poor King, it is too wicked to do what they
+have done. If only _some sort_ of arrangement could be made; then
+afterwards there might be modifications, both in the Constitution,
+etc., for that Constitution never will work well.
+
+Our Navigation Laws debate in the House of Lords began last night, and
+is to be concluded to-night. There seems to be almost a certainty that
+there will be a majority, though a very small one, and the danger of
+course exists that any accident may turn it the other way.
+
+Knowing your esteem for our worthy friend, Sir Robert Peel, you will,
+I am sure, be glad to hear that his second son, Frederick,[10] made
+such a beautiful speech--his maiden speech--in the House of Commons
+last night; he was complimented by every one, and Sir Robert was
+delighted. I am so glad for him, and also rejoice to see that there is
+a young man who promises to be of use hereafter to his country.
+
+Albert is again gone to lay a first stone. It is a delight to hear
+people speak of the good he does by always saying and doing the right
+thing....
+
+    [Footnote 9: The King of Prussia, finding Saxony, Bavaria,
+    Würtemberg, and Hanover opposed to the ascendency of Prussia
+    in the Confederation, declined the Imperial Crown of Germany;
+    fresh disturbances thereupon ensued, and at Dresden, the King
+    of Saxony had to take refuge in a fortress.]
+
+    [Footnote 10: Afterwards the Right Hon. Sir Frederick Peel,
+    who died in 1906.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd May 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I could not write to you yesterday, my time having
+been so entirely taken up by kind visitors, etc., and I trust you
+will forgive these hurried lines written just before our departure for
+Osborne.[11] I hope that you will not have been alarmed by the account
+of the occurrence which took place on Saturday, and which I can assure
+you did _not_ alarm _me_ at all. _This_ time it is quite clear that
+it was a wanton and wicked wish merely to _frighten_, which is very
+wrong, and will be tried and punished as a _misdemeanour_. The
+account in the _Times_ is quite correct. The indignation, loyalty, and
+affection this act has called forth is very gratifying and touching.
+
+Alice gives a very good account of it, and Lenchen[12] even says, "Man
+shot, tried to shoot dear Mamma, must be punished." They, Affie, and
+Miss Macdonald were with me. Albert was riding, and had just returned
+before me. Augustus and Clém had left us just two hours before....
+
+Many thanks for your kind letter of the 19th. _What_ a state Germany
+is in!--I mean _Baden_, but I hope that this violent crisis may lead
+to good.
+
+I must conclude. Ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 11: The Queen, while driving down Constitution Hill,
+    was fired at by one William Hamilton, the pistol being charged
+    only with powder. He was tried under the Act of 1842, and
+    sentenced to seven years' transportation.]
+
+    [Footnote 12: Princess Helena (now Princess Christian), born
+    25th May 1846.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ANNEXATION OF THE PUNJAB]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _26th May 1849._
+
+The Queen has to say, in answer to Lord John Russell's communication
+respecting India, that she quite approves the annexation of the
+Punjab, and is pleased to find that the Government concur in this
+view. The elevation of Lord Dalhousie to a Marquisate is well
+deserved, and almost the only thing that can be offered him as a
+reward for his services; but considering his want of fortune, the
+Queen thinks that it should be ascertained in the first instance
+whether the increase of rank will be convenient to him. Lord Gough's
+elevation to the dignity of Viscount has the Queen's sanction.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FOREIGN OFFICE BUSINESS]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _19th June 1849._
+
+SIR,--I have spoken to Lord Palmerston respecting the draft to Mr
+Buchanan.[13]
+
+It appears that he converted it into a private letter, as I suggested,
+but he thought fit to place it on record, as it contained information
+derived from authentic sources, and of importance.
+
+It appears the drafts are still sent to the Queen at the same time as
+to me, so that my remarks or corrections, or even the cancelling of
+a despatch, as not infrequently happens, may take effect after the
+Queen's pleasure has been taken.
+
+This appears to me an inconvenient course.
+
+Lord Palmerston alleges that as 28,000 despatches were received and
+sent last year, much expedition is required; but he professes himself
+ready to send the despatches to me in the first instance, if the Queen
+should desire it.
+
+It appears to me that all our despatches ought to be thoroughly
+considered, but that Her Majesty should give every facility to the
+transaction of business by attending to the drafts as soon as possible
+after their arrival.
+
+I would suggest therefore that the drafts should have my concurrence
+before they are submitted to the Queen, and in case of any material
+change, that I should write to apprise Her Majesty of my views, and,
+if necessary, submit my reasons, I have the honour to be, your Royal
+Highness's most obedient Servant,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+    [Footnote 13: Mr (afterwards Sir) Andrew Buchanan (1807-1882),
+    Secretary of Legation at St. Petersburg.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Lord John Russell._
+
+_20th June 1849._
+
+MY DEAR LORD JOHN,--Your proposal with respect to the mode of taking
+the Queen's pleasure about the drafts is perfectly agreeable to the
+Queen. She would only require that she would not be pressed for an
+answer within a few minutes, as is now done sometimes.
+
+Lord Palmerston could always manage so that there are twelve or
+twenty-four hours left for reference to you, and consideration, and
+there are few instances in which business would suffer from so short
+a delay. As Lord Palmerston knows when the Mails go, he has only
+to write in time for them, and he must recollect that the 28,000
+despatches in the year come to you and to the Queen as well as to
+himself.
+
+Should the Queen in future have to make any remark, she will make it
+to you, if that will suit you. Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+_21st June 1849._
+
+MY DEAR PALMERSTON,--I wrote the substance of what you wrote to me
+to the Prince, and proposed that the drafts should, in the first
+instance, be sent to me. You will see by the enclosed letter from the
+Prince that the Queen approves of this proposal.
+
+It may somewhat abridge the circuit if, when I have no remark to make,
+I forward the drafts with the Foreign Office direction to the Queen at
+once.
+
+I cannot pretend to say that I paid the same attention to the 28,000
+despatches of 1848 that you are obliged to do. Still I agree in the
+Prince's remark that directions to Foreign Ministers ought to be very
+maturely weighed, for the Queen and the Government speak to foreign
+nations in this and no other manner. Yours truly,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st June 1849._
+
+The Queen returns the enclosed drafts, which she will not further
+object to, but she feels it necessary to say a few words in answer to
+Lord Palmerston's letter. The union of Schleswig and Holstein[14] is
+not an ideal one, but _complete_ as to Constitution, Finance, Customs,
+Jurisdiction, Church, Universities, Poor Law, Settlement, Debts, etc.,
+etc., etc. It is _not established_ by the Kings-Dukes, but has existed
+for centuries. To defend Holstein against the attack made by Denmark
+upon this union, Germany joined the war. It is true that it is
+now proposed in the new Constitution for Germany to consent to the
+separation of Schleswig and Holstein, although last year the Frankfort
+Parliament had desired the incorporation of Schleswig into Germany
+with Holstein; but the question for Germany is now not to begin a war,
+but to close one by a lasting peace. In this she has, in the Queen's
+opinion, a right and a duty to see that the independence of Schleswig
+is secured before she abandons that country. The comparison with
+Saxony does not hold good for a moment, for the Schleswig Revolution
+was not directed against the Duke, but against the King of Denmark,
+who invaded the rights of the Duke of Schleswig-Holstein; the
+assistance of Prussia could therefore not be given to Denmark, but to
+Schleswig-Holstein. The case of Hungary has neither any similitude.
+Hungary is not to be torn from its connection with the German States
+by the Austrian Government, but just the reverse.
+
+Lord Palmerston cannot be more anxious for a speedy termination of the
+Danish war than the Queen is, but she thinks that the mediation will
+not effect this as long as the mediating power merely watches which
+of the two parties is in the greatest difficulties for the moment, and
+urges it to give way; but by a careful and anxious discovery of the
+rights of the question and a steady adherence to the recommendation
+that what is right and fair ought to be done. The cause of the
+war having been the unlawful attempt to incorporate Schleswig into
+Denmark, the peace cannot be lasting unless it contains sufficient
+guarantees against the resumption of that scheme.[15]
+
+    [Footnote 14: Schleswig had been claimed by Germany as an
+    integral part of her territory, and a war between Germany and
+    Denmark was in progress.]
+
+    [Footnote 15: In reply, Lord Palmerston expressed entire
+    concurrence in the justice of the principles which the Queen
+    indicated as being those which ought to guide a mediating
+    Power.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PROPOSED VISIT TO IRELAND]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Earl of Clarendon._
+
+_23rd June 1849._
+
+I have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency that I have received
+the Queen's commands to acquaint you that Her Majesty hopes to be able
+in the course of the present summer to fulfil the intention, which you
+are aware she has long entertained, of a visit to Ireland. The general
+distress unfortunately still prevalent in Ireland precludes the
+Queen from visiting Dublin in state, and thereby causing ill-timed
+expenditure and inconvenience to her subjects; yet Her Majesty does
+not wish to let another year pass without visiting a part of her
+dominions which she has for so long a time been anxious personally
+to become acquainted with. She accordingly will, at some sacrifice
+of personal convenience, take a longer sea voyage, for the purpose
+of visiting in the first instance the Cove of Cork, and from thence
+proceed along the Irish coast to Dublin. After remaining there a
+few days, during which time Her Majesty will be the guest of your
+Excellency, she would continue her cruise along the Irish coast
+northward and visit Belfast, and from thence cross to Scotland.
+Although the precise time of Her Majesty's visit cannot yet be fixed,
+it will probably take place as early in August as the termination of
+the session of Parliament will permit, and I feel assured that this
+early announcement of her intentions will be received with great
+satisfaction by Her Majesty's loyal and faithful subjects in Ireland.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th July 1849._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letters. She returns Lord
+Clarendon's, and the very kind one of the Primate.[16]
+
+With respect to Lord Clarendon's suggestion that the Prince of Wales
+should be created Duke, or rather, as Lord John _says_, _Earl_ of
+Dublin--the Queen thinks it is a matter for consideration whether such
+an act should _follow_ the Queen's visit as a compliment to Ireland,
+but she is decidedly of opinion that it should _not precede_ it.
+
+We are sorry that Lord John does not intend going to Ireland, but
+fully comprehend his wishes to remain quiet for three weeks. We shall
+be very glad to see him at Balmoral on the 20th or 22nd of August.
+
+We hope Lady John and the baby continue to go on well.
+
+    [Footnote 16: Lord John George de la Poer Beresford
+    (1773-1862) was Archbishop of Armagh from 1822 until his
+    death.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ARRIVAL IN DUBLIN]
+
+[Pageheading: THE IRISH VISIT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+LODGE, PH[OE]NIX PARK, _6th August 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Though this letter will only go to-morrow, I will
+begin it to-day and tell you that everything has gone off beautifully
+since we arrived in Ireland, and that our entrance into Dublin was
+really a magnificent thing. By my letter to Louise you will have
+heard of our arrival in the Cove of Cork. Our visit to Cork was very
+successful; the Mayor was knighted _on deck_ (on board the _Fairy_),
+like in times of old. Cork is about seventeen miles up the River Lee,
+which is beautifully wooded and reminds us of Devonshire scenery. We
+had previously stepped on shore at _Cove_, a small place, to enable
+them to call it _Queen's Town_; the enthusiasm is immense, and at Cork
+there was more firing than I remember since the Rhine.
+
+We left Cork with fair weather, but a head sea and contrary wind which
+made it rough and me very sick.
+
+_7th._--I was unable to continue till now, and have since received
+your kind letter, for which I return my warmest thanks. We went into
+Waterford Harbour on Saturday afternoon, which is likewise a fine,
+large, safe harbour. Albert went up to Waterford in the _Fairy_, but
+I did not. The next morning we received much the same report of the
+weather which we had done at Cork, viz. that the weather was fair but
+the wind contrary. However we went out, as it could not be helped,
+and we might have remained there some days for no use. The first three
+hours were very nasty, but afterwards it cleared and the evening was
+beautiful. The entrance at seven o'clock into Kingston Harbour was
+splendid; we came in with ten steamers, and the whole harbour,
+wharf, and every surrounding place was _covered_ with _thousands_ and
+thousands of people, who received us with the greatest enthusiasm. We
+disembarked yesterday morning at ten o'clock, and took two hours
+to come here. The most perfect order was maintained in spite of the
+immense mass of people assembled, and a more good-humoured crowd I
+never saw, but noisy and excitable beyond belief, talking, jumping,
+and shrieking instead of cheering. There were numbers of troops out,
+and it really was a wonderful scene. This is a very pretty place,
+and the house reminds me of dear Claremont. The view of the Wicklow
+Mountains from the windows is very beautiful, and the whole park is
+very extensive and full of very fine trees.
+
+We drove out yesterday afternoon and were followed by jaunting-cars
+and riders and people running and screaming, which would have amused
+you. In the evening we had a dinner party, and so we have to-night.
+This morning we visited the Bank, the Model School (where the
+Protestant and Catholic Archbishops received us), and the College, and
+this afternoon we went to the Military Hospital. To-morrow we have a
+Levée, where 1,700 are to be presented, and the next day a Review, and
+in the evening the Drawing-Room, when 900 ladies are to be presented.
+
+George[17] is here, and has a command here. He rode on one side of our
+carriage yesterday. You see more ragged and wretched people here than
+I ever saw anywhere else. _En revanche_, the women are really very
+handsome--quite in the lowest class--as well at Cork as here; such
+beautiful black eyes and hair and such fine colours and teeth.
+
+I must now take my leave. Ever your most affectionate Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 17: The late Duke of Cambridge.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Clarendon to Sir George Grey._
+
+VICE-REGAL LODGE, _14th August 1849._
+
+MY DEAR GREY,--If I had known where to direct I should have thanked
+you sooner for your two welcome letters from Belfast, where everything
+seems to have gone off to our hearts' desire, and the Queen's
+presence, as the Stipendiary Magistrate writes word, has united all
+classes and parties in a manner incredible to those who know the
+distance at which they have hitherto been kept asunder.
+
+The enthusiasm here has not abated, and there is not an individual
+in Dublin that does not take as a personal compliment to himself the
+Queen's having gone upon the paddle-box and having ordered the Royal
+Standard to be lowered three times.
+
+Even the ex-Clubbists,[18] who threatened broken heads and windows
+before the Queen came, are now among the most loyal of her subjects,
+and are ready, according to the police reports, to fight any one who
+dare say a disrespectful word of Her Majesty.
+
+In short, the people are not only enchanted with the Queen and the
+gracious kindness of her manner and the confidence she has shown in
+them, but they are pleased with themselves for their own good feelings
+and behaviour, which they consider have removed the barrier that
+hitherto existed between the Sovereign and themselves, and that they
+now occupy a higher position in the eyes of the world. Friend Bright
+was with me to-day, and said he would not for the world have missed
+seeing the embarkation at Kingston, for he had felt just the same
+enthusiasm as the rest of the crowd. "Indeed," he added, "I'll defy
+any man to have felt otherwise when he saw the Queen come upon the
+platform and bow to the people in a manner that showed her heart was
+with them." He didn't disguise either that the Monarchical principle
+had made great way with him since Friday. Ever yours truly,
+
+CLARENDON.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Seditious clubs had been an important factor in
+    the Irish disturbances of 1848.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: BREVET PROMOTIONS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _3rd October 1849._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's explanation respecting the
+brevet promotions on the occasion of her visit to Ireland, but cannot
+say that his objections have convinced her of the impropriety of
+such a promotion (to a limited extent). To Lord John's fears of the
+dangerous consequences of the precedent, the Queen has only to answer,
+that there can be only _one first visit_ to Ireland, and that the
+_first_ visit to Scotland in 1842 was followed by a few promotions,
+without this entailing promotions on her subsequent visits to that
+part of the country; that even the first visit to the Channel
+Islands was followed by a few promotions, and this under Lord
+John's Government. All the precedents being in accordance with
+the proposition made by the Duke, an opposition on the part of the
+Government would imply a declaration against all brevets except in the
+field, which would deprive the Crown of a most valuable prerogative.
+If such a brevet as the one proposed were to lead to great additional
+expense, the Queen could understand the objection on the ground of
+economy; but the giving brevet rank to a few subaltern officers is too
+trifling a matter to alarm the Government. Perhaps the number might be
+reduced even, but to deviate from the established precedents for
+the first time altogether in this case, and that after the excellent
+behaviour of the Army in Ireland under very trying circumstances,
+would be felt as a great injustice.
+
+The Queen therefore wishes Lord John to ask the Duke to send him
+the former precedents and to consider with his colleagues whether a
+modified recommendation cannot be laid before her.[19]
+
+    [Footnote 19: The Duke of Wellington had submitted a list
+    of Officers for brevet promotion, which received the Queen's
+    sanction; but the list was afterwards reduced.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+WOBURN ABBEY, _4th October 1849._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and will
+consider, in communication with the Duke of Wellington, whether any
+modified list can be proposed by him to your Majesty.
+
+The economy, as your Majesty truly observes, is not a matter of much
+consideration. But to reward Officers on the Staff, who are already
+favoured by being placed on the Staff in Ireland, is a practice which
+tends but too much to encourage the opinion that promotions in the
+Army and Navy are given not to merit, but to aristocratical connection
+and official favour.
+
+In the midst of the degradation of Thrones which the last two years
+have seen in Europe, it will be well if the English Crown preserves
+all its just prerogatives, and has only to relinquish some customary
+abuses, which are not useful to the Sovereign, and are only an
+equivocal advantage to the Ministers of the day.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A PUBLIC THANKSGIVING]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st October 1849._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter, and was much
+rejoiced at everything having gone off so well yesterday;[20] she was
+very much annoyed at being unable to go herself, and that the untoward
+chicken-pox should have come at this moment; she is, however, quite
+recovered, though still much marked.
+
+With respect to the proposition about the Thanksgiving, the Queen
+quite approves of it, and (_if it is generally preferred_) that it
+should be on a week-day. As to the Bishop of London's proposal,[21]
+the Queen thinks that Lord John may have misunderstood him; she
+supposes that he meant that she should attend _some_ place of _public
+worship_, and not in her domestic chapel, in order to join in the
+public demonstration. The Queen is quite ready to go with her Court
+to St George's Chapel here; but she would like it to take place on
+an earlier day than the 27th of November, when she would probably be
+already in the Isle of Wight, where we think of going as usual on the
+22nd or 23rd.
+
+    [Footnote 20: The ceremony of opening the new Coal Exchange,
+    at which, besides Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales and
+    Princess Royal were present.]
+
+    [Footnote 21: There had been a severe epidemic of cholera in
+    the country. In twelve months 14,000 deaths, in London alone,
+    were due to this malady. The 15th of November was appointed
+    for a general Day of Thanksgiving for its cessation, and the
+    Bishop of London had suggested that the Queen should attend a
+    public service at St Paul's. Lord John Russell was in favour
+    of Westminster Abbey.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: POSITION OF GERMANY]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+EATON SQUARE, _29th November 1849._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. In
+answer to your Majesty's enquiry, he has to state that a very short
+conversation took place in the Cabinet on the affairs of Germany upon
+an enquiry of Lord John Russell whether the Diet of Erfurt[22] might
+not be considered a violation of the Treaties of 1815. Lord Palmerston
+thought not, but had not examined the question.
+
+The affairs of Germany are in a critical position; Austria will
+oppose anything which tends to aggrandise Prussia; Prussia will
+oppose anything which tends to free Government; and France will oppose
+anything which tends to strengthen Germany. Still, all these powers
+might be disregarded were Germany united, but it is obvious that
+Bavaria and Würtemberg look to Austria and France for support, while
+Hanover and Saxony will give a very faint assistance to a Prussian
+League.
+
+The matter is very critical, but probably will not lead to war.
+
+    [Footnote 22: In order to effect the consolidation of Germany,
+    the King of Prussia had summoned a Federal Parliament to meet
+    at Erfurt.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _30th November 1849._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in
+reply to your Majesty's enquiry as to what the measures would be
+which Sir William Parker[23] would have to take in order to support Mr
+Wyse's[24] demands for redress for certain wrongs sustained by British
+and Ionian subjects, begs to say that the ordinary and accustomed
+method of enforcing such demands is by reprisals--that is to say,
+by seizing some vessels and property of the party which refuses
+redress,[25] and retaining possession thereof until redress is
+granted.
+
+Another method is the blockading of the ports of the party by whom
+redress is refused, and by interrupting commercial intercourse to
+cause inconvenience and loss. Viscount Palmerston, however, does not
+apprehend that any active measures of this kind will be required, but
+rather expects that when the Greek Government finds that the demand
+is made in earnest, and that means are at hand to enforce it,
+satisfaction will at last be given. The refusal of the Greek
+Government to satisfy these claims, and the offensive neglect
+with which they have treated the applications of your Majesty's
+representative at Athens have, as Viscount Palmerston is convinced,
+been the result of a belief that the British Government never would
+take any real steps in order to press these matters to a settlement.
+
+    [Footnote 23: Commanding the Mediterranean Fleet.]
+
+    [Footnote 24: British Envoy at Athens.]
+
+    [Footnote 25: _See_ Introductory Note for 1850, _post_, p.
+    231.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF QUEEN ADELAIDE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _11th December 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Thank you much for your kind letter of the 6th;
+you will have received mine of the 4th shortly after you wrote. I
+know _how_ you would mourn with us over the death of our beloved Queen
+Adelaide. _We_ have lost the kindest and dearest of friends, and the
+_universal_ feeling of sorrow, of regret, and of _real_ appreciation
+of her character is very touching and gratifying. _All_ parties, _all_
+classes, join in doing her justice. Much was done to set Mamma against
+her, but the dear Queen ever forgave this, ever showed love and
+affection, and for the last eight years their friendship was as great
+as ever. Ever yours affectionately,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XIX
+
+
+The Ministry were still (1850) able, relying on the support of Sir
+Robert Peel, to resist the attacks of the Protectionists in the House
+of Commons, though their majority on a critical occasion fell to
+twenty-one; but they were rehabilitated by the discussions on foreign
+policy. One Don Pacifico, a Portuguese Jew, a native of Gibraltar and
+a British subject, had had his house in Athens pillaged by a mob; he,
+with Mr Finlay, the historian, who had a money claim against the Greek
+Government, instead of establishing their claims in the local courts,
+sought the intervention of the home Government; Lord Palmerston, whose
+relations with the Court were even more strained than usual, resolved
+to make a hostile demonstration against Greece, and a fleet was sent
+to the Piræus with a peremptory demand for settlement. The House of
+Lords condemned this high-handed action, but a friendly motion
+of confidence was made in the Commons, and Lord Palmerston had an
+extraordinary triumph, by a majority of forty-six, notwithstanding
+that the ablest men outside the Ministry spoke against him, and that
+his unsatisfactory relations with the Queen were about to culminate in
+a severe reprimand.
+
+Sir Robert Peel's speech in this debate proved to be his last public
+utterance, his premature death, resulting from a fall from his horse,
+taking place a few days later; Louis Philippe, who had been living
+in retirement at Claremont, passed away about the same time. Another
+attack on the Queen, this time a blow with a cane, was made by one
+Robert Pate, an ex-officer and well-connected; the plea of insanity
+was not established, and Pate was transported.
+
+Public attention was being drawn to the projected Exhibition in Hyde
+Park, Prince Albert making a memorable speech at the Mansion House
+in support of the scheme; the popular voice had not been unanimous in
+approval, and subscriptions had hung fire, but henceforward matters
+improved, and Mr Paxton's design for a glass and iron structure was
+accepted and proceeded with.
+
+The friction with Lord Palmerston was again increased by his action
+in respect to General Haynau, an Austrian whose cruelty had been
+notorious, and who was assaulted by some of the _employés_ at a London
+brewery. The Foreign Office note to the Austrian Government nearly
+brought about Palmerston's resignation, which was much desired by the
+Queen.
+
+At the close of the year the whole country was in a ferment at the
+issue of a Papal Brief, re-establishing the hierarchy of Bishops
+in England with local titles derived from their sees; and Cardinal
+Wiseman, thenceforward Archbishop of Westminster, by issuing a
+pastoral letter on the subject, made matters worse. The Protestant
+spirit was aroused, the two Universities presented petitions, and the
+Prime Minister, in a letter to the Bishop of Durham, helped to fan
+the "No Popery" flame. Just at a time when a coalition of Whigs and
+Peelites was beginning to be possible, an Ecclesiastical Titles Bill,
+almost fatal to mutual confidence, became necessary.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+1850
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _5th February 1850._
+
+MY DEAR UNCLE,--We had the house full for three days last week on
+account of our theatrical performances on Friday, which went off
+extremely well. The Grand Duchess Stephanie was here, _très aimable_,
+and not altered. She spoke much of Germany and of politics, and
+of _you_ in the highest terms--"Comme le Roi Léopold s'est bien
+tenu"--and that she had mentioned this at Claremont, and then felt
+shocked at it, but that the poor King had answered: "Il avait mon
+exemple devant lui, et il en a profité!" She thought the whole family
+_très digne_ in their _malheur_, but was struck with the melancholy
+effect of the whole thing.
+
+Our affairs have gone off extremely well in Parliament, and the
+Protectionists have received an effective check; the question of the
+Corn Laws seems _indeed settled_. This is of great importance, as it
+puts a stop to the excitement and expectations of the farmers, which
+have been falsely kept up by the aristocracy....
+
+I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _15th February 1850._
+
+MY DEAR JOHN RUSSELL,--I have altered this draft so as I think to meet
+the views of the Queen and of yourself in regard to the continuance
+of the suspension.[1] I should not like to put into a despatch an
+instruction to accept less than we have demanded, because that would
+imply what I don't think to be the fact, viz. that we have demanded
+more than is due. If the demands were for the British Government, we
+might forego what portions we might like to give up, but we have no
+right to be easy and generous with the rights and claims of other
+people. Besides, if we get anything, we shall get all. The whole
+amount is quite within the power of the Greek Government to pay. Yours
+sincerely,
+
+PALMERSTON.
+
+    [Footnote 1: _I.e._ of hostilities against the Greek
+    Government, designed to extract compensation for the injuries
+    inflicted on British subjects. See _ante_, p. 231.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DRAFT TO GREECE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _17th February 1850._
+
+The Queen sent the day before yesterday the proposed draft to Mr
+Wyse back to Lord Palmerston, enclosing a Memorandum from Lord John
+Russell, and telling Lord Palmerston "that she entirely concurred with
+Lord John, and wished the draft to be altered accordingly." She has
+not yet received an answer from Lord Palmerston, but just hears from
+Lord John, in answer to her enquiry about it, that Lord Palmerston has
+_sent_ the draft off _unaltered_.[2] The Queen must remark upon this
+sort of proceeding, of which this is not the first instance, and
+plainly tell Lord Palmerston that this must not happen again. Lord
+Palmerston has a perfect right to state to the Queen his reasons for
+disagreeing with her views, and will always have found her ready to
+listen to his reasons; but she cannot allow a servant of the Crown
+and her Minister to act contrary to her orders, and this without her
+knowledge.
+
+    [Footnote 2: _See_ Ashley's _Palmerston_, vol. i. chap. v.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S EXPLANATION]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS. _17th February 1850._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in
+reply to your Majesty's communication of this day, he begs to
+state that upon receiving, the day before yesterday, your Majesty's
+Memorandum on the proposed draft to Mr Wyse, together with the
+accompanying Memorandum[3] from Lord John Russell, he altered the
+draft, and sent it to Lord John Russell, and received it back from
+Lord John Russell with the accompanying note in answer to that which
+he wrote to Lord John Russell. It was important that the messenger
+should go off that evening, and the time occupied in these
+communications rendered it just, but barely, possible to despatch the
+messenger by the mail train of that evening. The despatch thus altered
+coincided with the views of your Majesty and Lord John Russell as to
+the question in regard to the length of time during which reprisals
+should be suspended to give scope for the French negotiation. The
+other question as to giving Mr Wyse a latitude of discretion to
+entertain any proposition which might be made to him by the Greek
+Government was considered by the Cabinet at its meeting yesterday
+afternoon, and Viscount Palmerston gave Mr Wyse a latitude of that
+kind in regard to the claim of Mr Pacifico, the only one to which
+that question could apply, in a despatch which he sent by the overland
+Mediterranean mail which went off yesterday afternoon. That despatch
+also contained some instructions as to the manner in which Mr Wyse
+is to communicate with Baron Gros,[4] and those instructions were the
+result of a conversation which Viscount Palmerston had with the French
+Ambassador after the meeting of the Cabinet. Viscount Palmerston was
+only waiting for a copy of the despatch of yesterday evening, which,
+owing to this day being Sunday, he has not yet received, in order to
+send to your Majesty the altered draft of yesterday evening, with
+an explanation of the circumstances which rendered it impossible to
+submit them to your Majesty before they were sent off.[5]
+
+    [Footnote 3: Lord John Russell's opinion was that three weeks
+    should be allowed to Mr Wyse and Sir W. Parker to accept terms
+    as satisfactory as they could obtain, and that Sir W. Parker
+    should not be obliged to resume coercive measures, if the
+    concessions of the Greek Government should appear to afford a
+    prospect of a speedy settlement of the affair.]
+
+    [Footnote 4: Baron Gros was the Commissioner despatched by
+    the French Government to Athens to assist in arranging the
+    dispute.]
+
+    [Footnote 5: See subsequent correspondence between Lord John
+    and Lord Palmerston, Walpole's _Russell_, vol. ii. chap. xix.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: RE-ARRANGEMENT SUGGESTED]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S PLAN]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd March 1850._
+
+Before leaving Town yesterday we saw Lord John Russell, who came to
+state what had passed with reference to Lord Palmerston. He premised
+that Lord Palmerston had at all times been a most agreeable and
+accommodating colleague; that he had acted with Lord John ever since
+1831, and had not only never made any difficulty, but acted most
+boldly and in the most spirited manner on all political questions;
+besides, he was very popular with the Radical part of the House of
+Commons as well as with the Protectionist, so that both would be ready
+to receive him as their Leader; he (Lord John) was therefore most
+anxious to do nothing which could hurt Lord Palmerston's feelings, nor
+to bring about a disruption of the Whig Party, which at this moment
+of Party confusion was the only one which still held together. On the
+other hand, the fact that the Queen distrusted Lord Palmerston was a
+serious impediment to the carrying on of the Government. Lord John was
+therefore anxious to adopt a plan by which Lord Palmerston's services
+could be retained with his own goodwill, and the Foreign Affairs
+entrusted to other hands. The only plan he could think of was to give
+Lord Palmerston the lead in the House of Commons--the highest position
+a statesman could aspire to--and to go himself to the House of Lords.
+He had communicated his views to Lord Lansdowne, who agreed in them,
+and thought he could do nothing better than speak to Lord Palmerston
+at once. Lord Palmerston said that he could not have helped to have
+become aware that he had forfeited the Queen's confidence, but he
+thought this had not been on _personal_ grounds, but merely on account
+of his line of policy, with which the Queen disagreed. (The Queen
+interrupted Lord John by remarking that she distrusted him on
+_personal_ grounds also, but I remarked that Lord Palmerston had so
+far at least seen rightly; that he had become disagreeable to the
+Queen, not on account of his person, but of his political doings,
+to which the Queen assented.) Lord Palmerston appeared to Lord John
+willing to enter into this agreement.
+
+On the question how the Foreign Office should be filled, Lord John
+said that he thought his father-in-law, Lord Minto, ought to take
+the Foreign Office.... As the Queen was somewhat startled by this
+announcement, I said I thought that would not go down with the public.
+After Lord Palmerston's removal (who was considered one of the ablest
+men in the country) he ought not to be replaced but by an equally able
+statesman; the Office was of _enormous_ importance, and ought not to
+be entrusted to any one but Lord John himself or Lord Clarendon. On
+the Queen's enquiry why Lord Clarendon had not been proposed for it,
+Lord John said he was most anxious that the change of the Minister
+should not produce a change in the general line of policy which he
+considered to have been quite right, and that Lord Clarendon did
+not approve of it; somehow or other he never could agree with
+Lord Clarendon on Foreign Affairs; he thought Lord Clarendon very
+anti-French and for an alliance with Austria and Russia. The Queen
+replied she knew Lord Clarendon's bad opinion of the mode in which the
+Foreign Affairs had been conducted, and thought that a merit in him,
+but did not think him Austrian or Russian, but merely disapproving
+of Lord Palmerston's behaviour. I urged Lord John to take the Foreign
+Affairs himself, which he said would have to be done if the Queen did
+not wish Lord Minto to take them; he himself would be able to do the
+business when in the House of Lords, although he would undertake it
+unwillingly; with the business in the House of Commons it would have
+been impossible for him.
+
+The Queen insisted on his trying it with a seat in the House of Lords,
+adding that, if he found it too much for him, he could at a later
+period perhaps make the Department over to Lord Clarendon.
+
+I could not help remarking that it was a serious risk to entrust Lord
+Palmerston with the lead in the House of Commons, that it might be
+that the Government were defeated and, if once in opposition, Lord
+Palmerston might take a different line as leader of the Opposition
+from that which Lord John would like, and might so easily force
+himself back into office as Prime Minister. Lord John, however,
+although admitting that danger, thought Lord Palmerston too old to do
+much in the future (having passed his sixty-fifth year); he admitted
+that Sir George Grey was the natural leader of the Commons, but
+expected that a little later the lead would still fall into his hands.
+
+The arrangements of the Offices as proposed would be that Lord
+Palmerston would take the Home Office, and Sir George Grey the
+Colonial Office, and Lord Grey vacate this office for the Privy
+Seal. If Lord Minto, however, was not to have the Foreign Office, the
+arrangement must be recast. Lord Clarendon would become Secretary
+of State for Ireland, after the abolition of the Lord-Lieutenancy.
+Possibly also Sir George Grey might take the office, and Lord
+Clarendon take the Colonies, which Lord Grey would be glad to be rid
+of. On my observing that I had thought the Colonies would have done
+best for Lord Palmerston, leaving Sir George Grey at the Home Office,
+Lord John acknowledged that he would likewise prefer this arrangement,
+but considered it rendered impossible from its having been the very
+thing Lord Grey had proposed in 1845, and upon which the attempt to
+form a Whig Government at that time had broken down, Lord Palmerston
+having refused to enter the Cabinet on those terms. Lord John ended
+by saying that Lord Palmerston having agreed to the change, it was
+intended that nothing should be done about it till after the close of
+the Session, in order to avoid debates and questions on the subject;
+moreover, Lord Lansdowne had agreed to continue still this Session his
+labours as Leader in the House of Lords, and begged for the _utmost
+secrecy_ at present.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+Lord John Russell already last year had spoken to me of his wish to
+go to the House of Lords, finding the work in the House of Commons,
+together with his other business, too much for him, and Lord Lansdowne
+being desirous to be relieved from the lead in the Upper House.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S ULTIMATUM]
+
+
+_Memorandum by Baron Stockmar._[6]
+
+_12th March 1850._
+
+The least the Queen has a right to require of her Minister is:--
+
+1. That he will distinctly state what he proposes in a given case, in
+order that the Queen may know as distinctly to what she has to give
+her royal sanction.
+
+2. Having given once her sanction to a measure, the Minister who,
+in the execution of such measure alters or modifies it arbitrarily,
+commits an act of dishonesty towards the Crown, which the Queen has
+an undoubted constitutional right to visit with the dismissal of that
+Minister.
+
+STOCKMAR.
+
+    [Footnote 6: Compare this with the Memorandum ultimately drawn
+    up on the 12th of August.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _16th March 1850._
+
+The Queen wishes to remark to Lord Lansdowne, that his answer to Lord
+Stanley in the House of Lords last night might possibly lead to the
+misapprehension that Lord Palmerston's delay in sending the despatch
+to Mr Wyse had been caused by the time it took to get the Queen's
+approval of it. She must protest against such an inference being
+drawn, as being contrary to the fact, Lord Palmerston indeed having
+sent out in the first instance a different despatch from that which
+she had approved.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN FRANCE]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _25th March 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,-- ... King Louis Philippe seems better, but still
+he is evidently breaking; there is no wonder when one considers all
+he has gone through, and is still to suffer! No one can tell a day
+[ahead] what may happen in France, and if all the family have, which
+is but[7] in France, may not be confiscated. The thirst for spoliation
+is great; the people who lead have no other view, they are not
+fanatics, their aim is to rise and to enrich themselves; the remainder
+is mere humbug, exactly as you have it very near home. Never was
+there a nation in a worse and a more helpless state, and the numerous
+parties who will _not_ unite render all solutions impossible, and the
+republic will be maintained for that very reason. It is but a name
+and no substance, but that _name of_ _republic_ encourages every
+extravagant or desperate proceeding, and turns people's heads in the
+old monarchies; every doctor or magistrate sees himself president of
+some republic, and the ambitions of so many people who see all the
+impediments which existed formerly removed, and who, according to
+their _own opinion_, are wonderful people, will be insatiable and much
+more dangerous than you imagine in England. On the Continent every man
+thinks himself fit to be at the head of the Government; there is no
+political measure or scale, and the success of some bookseller or
+doctor or advocate, etc., turns the heads of all those in similar
+positions--_on ne doute de rien_. When you consider that a
+_banqueroutier_ like Ledru Rollin[8] ruled over France _for six
+months_ almost with _absolute power,_ merely because he took it, you
+may imagine how many thousands, even of workmen, cooks, stage people,
+etc., look to be taken to rule over their fellow-citizens; _toujours
+convaincu de leur propre mérite_. I am happy to see that you escaped
+a ministerial crisis; the peril was great, and it would have been
+dreadful for you at such a moment.
+
+Albert made a fine long speech, I see.[9] Did he read it? _ex
+tempore_, it would have been very trying. I trust we may come to that
+unity of mankind of which he speaks, and of universal peace which our
+friend Richard Cobden considers as very near at hand; if, however,
+the red benefactors of mankind at Paris get the upper hand, _universal
+war_ will be the order of the day. We are so strongly convinced of
+this that we are very seriously occupied with the means of defence
+which this country can afford, and we imagine that if we are not
+abandoned by our friends, it will be impossible to force our positions
+on the Schelde.
+
+I must now quickly conclude. Remaining ever, my beloved Victoria, your
+devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 7: _I.e._ "only."]
+
+    [Footnote 8: He was President in 1848.]
+
+    [Footnote 9: At the Mansion House banquet to the Commissioners
+    for the Exhibition of 1851. See quotation from it in Sir T.
+    Martin's _Life_, vol. ii, p. 247.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th March 1850._
+
+The Queen approves these drafts, but thinks that in the part alluding
+to M. Pacifico, should be added a direction to Mr Wyse to satisfy
+himself of the _truth_ of M. Pacifico's statements of losses before
+he grounds his demands upon them.[10] The draft merely allows a
+sub-division of the claims, but takes their validity for granted.
+
+    [Footnote 10: Don Pacifico claimed £31,500--£4,900 being for
+    effects destroyed, and £26,600 in respect of certain claims
+    against the Portuguese Government, the vouchers for which he
+    stated had been destroyed by the mob which pillaged his house.
+    His valuation of the various items was of the most extravagant
+    description.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SPEECH BY PRINCE ALBERT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th March 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Albert made a really beautiful speech the other
+day, and it has given the greatest satisfaction and done great good.
+He is indeed _looked up to and beloved_, as _I_ could _wish_ he should
+be; and the _more_ his _rare qualities_ of mind and heart are _known_,
+the _more_ he will be understood and appreciated. People are much
+struck at his great powers and energy; his great self-denial, and
+constant wish to work for others, is so striking in his character; but
+it is the _happiest_ life; pining for what one cannot have, and trying
+to run after what is pleasantest, _invariably_ ends in disappointment.
+
+I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th March 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I write only a few lines to-day, begging you to
+give the accompanying drawing of her little _namesake_ to dearest
+Louise _on_ her birthday.
+
+I shall duly answer your dear letter of the 25th on Tuesday, but am
+anxious to correct the impression that Albert read his fine speech.
+He _never_ has done so with any of his fine speeches, but speaks them,
+having first prepared them and written them down,--and does so _so
+well_, that no one believes that he is ever nervous, which _he is_.
+This last he is said to have spoken in so particularly English a way.
+
+We have still sadly cold winds. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _14th April 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter with the drafts,
+which he mentioned last night to her, and she has sent his letter with
+them to Lord Palmerston.
+
+Lord Palmerston's conduct in this Spanish question[11] in not
+communicating her letter to Lord John, as she had directed, is really
+too bad, and most disrespectful to the Queen; she can really hardly
+communicate with him any more; indeed it would be better she should
+not.
+
+    [Footnote 11: The question was the selection of a Minister for
+    Madrid.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD HOWDEN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _27th April 1850._
+
+In order to save the Government embarrassments, the Queen has
+sanctioned the appointment of Lord Howden[12] to Madrid, although
+she does not consider him to be quite the stamp of person in whom she
+could feel entire confidence that he will be proof against all spirit
+of intrigue, which at all times and now particularly is so much
+required in Spain. But she must once more ask Lord John to watch that
+the Queen may be quite openly and considerately dealt by. She knows
+that Lord Howden has long been made acquainted with his appointment,
+and has been corresponding upon it with General Narvaez; the
+correspondent of the _Times_ has announced his appointment from Madrid
+already three weeks ago, and all that time Lord Palmerston remained
+silent upon the matter to the Queen, not even answering her upon her
+letter expressing her wish to see Lord Westmorland[13] appointed. Lord
+John must see the impropriety of this course, and if it were not for
+the Queen's anxiety to smooth all difficulties, the Government might
+be exposed to most awkward embarrassments. She expects, however,
+and has the right to claim, equal consideration on the part of her
+Ministers. She addresses herself in this matter to Lord John as the
+head of the Government.
+
+    [Footnote 12: Lord Howden had been recently Minister at Rio
+    Janeiro.]
+
+    [Footnote 13: Minister at Berlin, 1841-51.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _28th April 1850._
+
+... Lord John Russell cannot but assent to your Majesty's right to
+claim every consideration on the part of your Majesty's Ministers.
+He will take care to attend to this subject, and is much concerned to
+find that your Majesty has so frequently occasion to complain of Lord
+Palmerston's want of attention.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KOH-I-NOOR]
+
+
+_The Marquis of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria._
+
+SIMLA, _15th May 1850._
+
+... When the Governor-General had the honour of addressing your
+Majesty from Bombay, the arrangements for the transmission of the
+Koh-i-noor were incomplete. He therefore did not then report to your
+Majesty, as he now humbly begs leave to do, that he conveyed the
+jewel himself from Lahore in his own charge, and deposited it in the
+Treasury at Bombay. One of your Majesty's ships had been ordered to
+Bombay to receive it, but had not then arrived, and did not arrive
+till two months afterwards, thus causing delay. The _Medea_, however,
+sailed on 6th April, and will, it is hoped, have a safe and speedy
+passage to England.
+
+By this mail the Governor-General transmits officially a record of all
+that he has been able to trace of the vicissitudes through which the
+Koh-i-noor has passed. The papers are accurate and curious.
+
+In one of them it is narrated, on the authority of Fugueer-ood-deen,
+who is now at Lahore, and who was himself the messenger, that Runjeet
+Singh sent a message to Wufa Begum, the wife of Shah Sooja, from whom
+he had taken the gem, to ask her its value. She replied, "If a strong
+man were to throw four stones, one north, one south, one east, one
+west, and a fifth stone up into the air, and if the space between
+them were to be filled with gold, all would not equal the value of the
+Koh-i-noor." The Fugueer, thinking probably that this appraisement was
+somewhat imaginative, subsequently asked Shah Sooja the same question.
+The Shah replied that its value was "good fortune; for whoever
+possessed it had conquered their enemies."
+
+The Governor-General very respectfully and earnestly trusts that your
+Majesty, in your possession of the Koh-i-noor, may ever continue to
+realise its value as estimated by Shah Sooja.
+
+He has the honour to subscribe himself, with deep respect, your
+Majesty's most obedient, most humble, and most faithful Subject and
+Servant,
+
+DALHOUSIE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S FOREIGN POLICY]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _18th May 1850._
+
+MY DEAR LORD JOHN,--I return you the enclosed letters which forbode
+a new storm, this time coming from Russia.[14] I confess I do not
+understand that part of the quarrel, but one conviction grows stronger
+and stronger with the Queen and myself (if it is possible), viz. that
+Lord Palmerston is bringing the whole of the hatred which is borne to
+him--I don't mean here to investigate whether justly or unjustly--by
+all the Governments of Europe upon England, and that the country
+runs serious danger of having to pay for the consequences. We cannot
+reproach ourselves with having neglected warning and entreaties, but
+the Queen may feel that her duty demands her not to be content with
+mere warning without any effect, and that for the sake of one man the
+welfare of the country must not be exposed....
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 14: Russia as well as France had been appealed to by
+    Greece against the pressure brought to bear upon her. On the
+    18th of April a Convention was signed in London disposing of
+    the whole dispute, and referring Don Pacifico's claims
+    against Portugal to arbitration. Lord Palmerston was remiss in
+    communicating the progress of those negotiations to Mr Wyse,
+    who persisted in his coercive measures, disregarding the
+    intelligence on the subject he received from Baron Gros, and
+    Greece accordingly submitted to his terms. France and Russia
+    were incensed, the French Ambassador was recalled, and on the
+    18th of May Baron Brunnow intimated the imminence of similar
+    action by the Czar.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _18th May 1850._
+
+SIR,--I feel very strongly that the Queen ought not to be exposed to
+the enmity of Austria, France, and Russia on account of her Minister.
+I was therefore prepared to state on Monday that it is for Her Majesty
+to consider what course it will be best for her and for the country to
+pursue.
+
+1. I am quite ready to resign my office, but I could not make Lord
+Palmerston the scapegoat for the sins which will be imputed to the
+Government in the late negotiations.
+
+2. I am ready, if it is thought best, to remain in office till
+questions pending in the two Houses are decided. If unfavourably, a
+solution is obtained; if favourably, Lord John Russell will no longer
+remain in office with Lord Palmerston as Foreign Secretary.
+
+These are hasty and crude thoughts, but may be matured by Monday.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S REPORT]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _20th May 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell came to-day to make his report to the Queen on
+his final determination with respect to the Greek question and Lord
+Palmerston. He said it was quite impossible to abandon Lord Palmerston
+upon this question, that the Cabinet was as much to blame (if there
+were cause for it) as Lord Palmerston, and particularly he himself,
+who had given his consent to the measures taken, and was justly held
+responsible by the country for the Foreign Policy of the Government.
+Admitting, however, that Lord Palmerston's personal quarrels with all
+Governments of foreign countries and the hostility with which they
+were looking upon him was doing serious injury to the country, and
+exposing the Crown to blows aimed at the Minister, he had consulted
+Lord Lansdowne.... Lord Lansdowne fully felt the strength of what I
+said respecting the power of the Leader of the House of Commons, and
+the right on the part of the Queen to object to its being conferred
+upon a person who had not her entire confidence. I said I hoped Lord
+Lansdowne would consider the communication of the letter as quite
+confidential, as, although I had no objection to telling Lord
+Palmerston anything that was said in it myself, I should not like that
+it should come to his ears by third persons or be otherwise talked
+of. Lord John assured me that Lord Lansdowne could be entirely relied
+upon, and that he himself had locked up the letter under key the
+moment he had received it, and would carefully guard it.
+
+The result of our conference was, that we agreed that Lord Clarendon
+was the only member of the Government to whom the Foreign Affairs
+could be entrusted unless Lord John were to take them himself, which
+was much the best. Lord John objected to Lord Clarendon's intimate
+connection with the _Times_, and the violent Austrian line of that
+paper; moreover, Lord Clarendon would be wanted to organise the new
+department of Secretary of State for Ireland. The Colonial Office
+was much the best for Lord Palmerston, and should Lord John go to the
+House of Lords, Sir George Grey was to lead in the Commons. Lord John
+would take an opportunity of communicating with Lord Palmerston, but
+wished nothing should be said or done about the changes till after the
+close of the Session.[15]
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 15: The question of the relations of Lord Palmerston
+    with the Crown had to be postponed owing to the debates in
+    both Houses on Foreign Policy. In the Lords, Lord Stanley
+    moved a vote of censure on the Government for enforcing by
+    coercive measures various doubtful or exaggerated claims
+    against the Greek Government.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SUNDAY POSTS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _9th June 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's two letters. If the
+Cabinet _think_ it impossible to do otherwise, of course the Queen
+consents--though _most reluctantly_--to a compliance with the vote
+respecting the Post Office.[16] The Queen thinks it a very _false_
+notion of obeying God's will, to do what will be the cause of much
+annoyance and possibly of great distress to private families. At any
+rate, she thinks decidedly that great caution should be used with
+respect to any alteration in the transmission of the mails, so that at
+least _some means_ of communication may still be possible.
+
+    [Footnote 16: Lord Ashley carried a resolution forbidding
+    the Sunday delivery of letters; a Committee of Inquiry was
+    appointed, and reported against the proposed change, which was
+    abandoned.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Cambridge._
+
+OSBORNE, _10th June 1850._
+
+MY DEAR UNCLE,--I have enquired into the precedents, and find that
+though there are none exactly similar to the case of George, there
+will be no difficulty to call him up to the House of Lords; and I
+should propose that he should be called up by the name of Earl of
+Tipperary, which is one of your titles. Culloden, which is your
+other title, would be from recollections of former times obviously
+objectionable. There are several precedents of Princes being made
+Peers without having an establishment, consequently there can be no
+difficulty on this point.
+
+I feel confident that George will be very moderate in his politics,
+and support the Government whenever he can. Princes of the Royal
+Family should keep as much as possible aloof from _Party Politics_, as
+I think they else invariably become mixed up with Party violence, and
+frequently are made the tools of people who are utterly regardless of
+the mischief they cause to the Throne and Royal Family. Believe me,
+always, your affectionate Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PRINCE GEORGE OF CAMBRIDGE]
+
+
+_The Duke of Cambridge to Queen Victoria._
+
+CAMBRIDGE HOUSE, _10th June 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I seize the earliest opportunity of thanking you
+for your very kind letter, which I have this moment received, and to
+assure you at the same time that I do most fully agree with you in
+your observations concerning the line in politics which the members
+of the Royal Family ought to take. This has always been my principle
+since I entered the House of Lords, and I am fully convinced that
+George will follow my example.
+
+I must also add that I have felt the great advantage of supporting the
+Government, and I have by that always been well with all Parties, and
+have avoided many difficulties which other members of my family have
+had to encounter.
+
+I shall not fail to communicate your letter to George, who will, I
+trust, never prove himself unworthy of the kindness you have shown
+him.
+
+With the request that you will remember me most kindly to Albert, I
+remain, my dearest Victoria, your most affectionate Uncle,
+
+ADOLPHUS.
+
+
+
+
+_Prince George of Cambridge to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S PALACE, _15th June 1850._
+
+MY DEAR COUSIN,--I have not as yet ventured to address you on a
+subject of much interest personally to myself, and upon which I am
+aware that you have been in correspondence with my father; but as I
+believe that the question which was brought to your notice has
+been settled, I cannot any longer deprive myself of the pleasure of
+expressing to you my most sincere and grateful thanks for the kind
+manner in which you have at once acceded to the anxious request of my
+father and myself, by arranging with the Government that I should be
+called up to the House of Lords. This has been a point upon which I
+have long been most anxious, and I am truly and sincerely grateful
+that you have so considerately entered into my feelings and wishes. I
+understand that it is your intention that I should be called up by my
+father's second title as Earl of Tipperary; at the same time I hope
+that though I take a seat in the House as Earl of Tipperary, I may be
+permitted to retain and be called by my present name on all occasions
+not connected with the House of Lords. As regards the wish expressed
+by yourself, that I should not allow myself to be made a political
+partisan, I need not, I trust, assure you that it will be ever my
+endeavour to obey your desires upon this as on all other occasions;
+but I trust I may be permitted to add, that even before this desire
+expressed by you, it had been my intention to follow this line of
+conduct. I conceive that whenever they conscientiously can do so, the
+members of the Royal Family should support the Queen's Government; and
+if at times it should happen that they have a difficulty in so doing,
+it is at all events not desirable that they should place themselves
+prominently in opposition to it. This I believe to be your feelings
+on the subject, and if you will permit me to say so, they are also my
+own.
+
+Hoping to have the pleasure soon of expressing to you my gratitude in
+person, I remain, my dear Cousin, your most dutiful Cousin,
+
+GEORGE.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Prince George of Cambridge._
+
+OSBORNE, _17th June 1850._
+
+MY DEAR GEORGE,--Many thanks for your kind letter received yesterday.
+I am glad to hear that you are so entirely of my opinion with respect
+to the political conduct of the Princes of the Royal Family who are
+peers, and I feel sure that your conduct will be quite in accordance
+with this view. With respect to your wish to be called as you have
+hitherto been, I do not think that this will be possible. It has never
+been done, besides which I think the Irish (who will be much flattered
+at your being called up by the title of Tipperary) would feel it as a
+slight if you did not wish to be called by the title you bear. All
+the Royal Peers have always been called by their titles in this and in
+other countries, and I do not think it would be possible to avoid it.
+Ever, etc.,
+
+VICTORIA R.[17]
+
+    [Footnote 17: The patent was made out, but not signed, a
+    memorandum of Prince Albert recording:--
+
+    BUCKINGHAM PALACE. _8th July 1850._
+
+    I kept this warrant back from the Queen's signature on account
+    of the Duke of Cambridge's illness. The Duke died yesterday
+    evening, without a struggle, after an attack of fever which
+    had lasted four weeks. So the summons of Prince George has
+    never been carried out.
+
+    ALBERT.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MR ROEBUCK'S MOTION]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _21st June 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to report that Mr Roebuck asked him yesterday what course
+the Government intends to pursue after the late vote of the House of
+Lords.[18]
+
+The newspapers contain the report of Lord John Russell's answer.
+
+Mr Roebuck has proposed to move on Monday a general approbation of the
+Foreign Policy of the Government.
+
+What may be the result of such a Motion it is not easy to say, but
+as Lord Stanley has prevailed on a majority in the House of Lords
+to censure the Foreign Policy of the Government, it is impossible to
+avoid a decision by the House of Commons on this subject.
+
+The misfortune is that on the one side every detail of negotiation is
+confounded with the general principles of our Foreign Policy, and on
+the other a censure upon a Foreign Policy, the tendency of which has
+been to leave despotism and democracy to fight out their own battles,
+will imply in the eyes of Europe a preference for the cause of
+despotism, and a willingness to interfere with Russia and Austria on
+behalf of absolute government. The jealousy of the House of Commons
+would not long bear such a policy.
+
+Be that as it may, Lord Stanley has opened a beginning of strife,
+which may last for many years to come.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Lord Stanley's Motion of Censure was carried by
+    a majority of 37 in a House of 301.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY'S MOTION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st June 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter and read his speech
+in the House of Commons. She regrets exceedingly the position in which
+the Government has been placed by the Motion of Lord Stanley in the
+House of Lords. Whichever way the Debate in the House of Commons
+may terminate, the Queen foresees great troubles. A defeat of the
+Government would be _most inconvenient_. The Queen has always
+approved the _general_ tendency of the policy of the Government to
+let despotism and democracy fight out their battles abroad, but must
+remind Lord John that in the execution of this policy Lord Palmerston
+has _gone a long way_ in taking up the side of democracy in the fight,
+and this is the "detail of negotiations" which Lord John is afraid may
+be confounded with the general principle of our Foreign Policy. Indeed
+it is already confounded by the whole of the foreign and the great
+majority of the British public, and it is to be feared that the
+discussion will place despotic and democratic principles in array
+against each other in this country, whilst the original question turns
+only upon the justice of Don Pacifico's claims.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _22nd June 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell deeply regrets that your Majesty should be exposed
+to inconvenience in consequence of Lord Stanley's Motion. He has
+copied Mr Roebuck's Motion as it now stands on the votes. The word
+"principles" includes the general policy, and excludes the particular
+measures which from time to time have been adopted as the objects of
+approbation.
+
+It is impossible to say at this moment what will be the result. Lord
+Stanley, Lord Aberdeen, Mr Gladstone, and Mr Disraeli appear to be in
+close concert.
+
+Lord Stanley can hardly now abandon Protection. Mr Gladstone, one
+should imagine, can hardly abandon Free Trade. The anger of the honest
+Protectionists and the honest Free-Traders will be very great at so
+unprincipled a coalition.
+
+Mr Roebuck's Motion: That the principles on which the Foreign Policy
+of Her Majesty's Government has been regulated have been such as were
+calculated to maintain the honour and dignity of this country, and in
+times of unexampled difficulty to preserve peace between England and
+the various nations of the world.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: HOLSTEIN AND GERMANY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd June 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday, but
+cannot say that his arguments in support of his former opinion, that
+the Germanic Confederation should be omitted from amongst the Powers
+who are to be invited to sign a protocol, the object of which is to
+decide upon the fate of Holstein, have proved successful in convincing
+her of the propriety of this course. As Holstein belongs to the
+Germanic Confederation and is only accidentally connected with Denmark
+through its Sovereign, a Protocol to ensure the integrity of the
+Danish Monarchy is a direct attack upon Germany, if carried out
+without her knowledge and consent; and it is an act repugnant to all
+feelings of justice and morality for third parties to dispose of other
+people's property, which no diplomatic etiquette about the difficulty
+of finding a proper representative for Germany could justify. The mode
+of representation might safely be left to the Confederation itself.
+It is not surprising to the Queen that Austria and Prussia should
+complain of Lord Palmerston's agreeing with Sweden, Russia, Denmark,
+and France upon the Protocol before giving Prussia and Austria any
+notice of it.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PROTOCOL]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _23rd June 1850._
+
+MY DEAR JOHN RUSSELL,--The Queen has entirely misconceived the object
+and effect of the proposed Protocol. It does not "decide upon the
+fate of Holstein," nor is it "an attack upon Germany." In fact, the
+Protocol is to _decide_ nothing; it is to be merely a record of the
+wishes and opinions of the Power whose representatives are to sign
+it....[19]
+
+How does any part of this decide the fate of Holstein or attack
+Germany?
+
+Is not the Queen requiring that I should be Minister, not indeed for
+Austria, Russia, or France, but for the Germanic Confederation?
+Why should we take up the cudgels for Germany, when we are inviting
+Austria and Prussia, the two leading powers of Germany, and who would
+of course put in a claim for the Confederation if they thought it
+necessary, which, however, for the reasons above stated, they surely
+would not?...
+
+As to my having _agreed_ with Sweden, Russia, Denmark, and France
+before communicating with Prussia and Austria, that is not the course
+which things have taken. Brunnow proposed the Protocol to me, and
+I have been in discussion with him about it. It is _he_ who has
+communicated it to the French Ambassador, to Reventlow, and to
+Rehausen; I sent it privately several weeks ago to Westmorland, that
+he might show it confidentially to Schleinitz, but telling Westmorland
+that it was not a thing settled, but only a proposal by Russia, and
+that, at all events, some part of the wording would be altered. I have
+no doubt that Brunnow has also shown it to Koller; but I could not
+send it officially to Berlin or Vienna till Brunnow had agreed to such
+a wording as I could recommend the Government to adopt, nor until I
+received the Queen's sanction to do so.
+
+The only thing that occurs to me as practicable would be to say to
+Austria and Prussia that if, in signing the Protocol, they could add
+that they signed also in the name of the Confederation, we should be
+glad to have the additional weight of that authority, but that could
+not be made a _sine quâ non_, any more than the signature of Austria
+and Prussia themselves, for I think that the Protocol ought to be
+signed by as many of the proposed Powers as may choose to agree to
+it, bearing always in mind that it is only a record of opinions and
+wishes, and does not decide or pretend to decide anything practically.
+Yours sincerely,
+
+PALMERSTON.
+
+    [Footnote 19: The Protocol was to record the desirability
+    of the following points:--(1) that the several states which
+    constituted the Danish Monarchy should remain united, and
+    that the Danish Crown should be settled in such manner that it
+    should go with the Duchy of Holstein; (2) that the signatory
+    Powers, when the peace should have been concluded, should
+    concert measures for the purpose of giving to the results
+    an additional pledge of stability, by a general European
+    acknowledgment.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S OPINION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th June 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter enclosing those of
+Lord Palmerston and Lord Lansdowne. The _misconception_ on the Queen's
+part, which Lord Palmerston alleges to exist, consists in her taking
+the essence of the arrangement for the mere words. Lord Palmerston
+pretends that the Protocol "does not decide upon the fate of Holstein
+nor attack Germany." However, the only object of the Protocol is the
+fate of Holstein, which is decided upon--
+
+(1.) By a declaration of the importance to the interests of Europe to
+uphold the integrity of the Danish Monarchy (which has no meaning, if
+it does not mean that Holstein is to remain with it).
+
+(2.) By an approval of the efforts of the King of Denmark to keep it
+with Denmark, by adapting the law of succession to that of Holstein.
+
+(3.) By an engagement on the part of the Powers to use their "_soins_"
+to get the constitutional position of Holstein settled in a peace
+according to the Malmoe preliminaries, of which it was one of
+the conditions that the question of the succession was to be left
+untouched.
+
+(4.) To seal the whole arrangement by an act of European
+acknowledgment.
+
+If the declarations of importance, the approval, the "_soins_" and
+the acknowledgments of _all_ the great Powers of Europe are to decide
+nothing, then Lord Palmerston is quite right; if they decide anything,
+it is the fate of Holstein.
+
+Whether this will be an attack upon Germany or not will be easily
+deduced from the fact that the attempt on the part of Denmark to
+incorporate into her polity the Duchy of Schleswig was declared by
+the Diet in 1846 to be a declaration of war against Germany merely on
+account of its intimate connection with the Duchy of Holstein.
+
+The Queen does not wish her Minister to be Minister for Germany, but
+merely to treat that country with the same consideration which is due
+to every country on whose interests we mean to decide.
+
+The Queen would wish her correspondence upon this subject to be
+brought before the Cabinet, and will abide by their deliberate
+opinion.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th June 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Charles will have told you how kindly and amiably
+the Prince of Prussia has come here, travelling night and day from
+St Petersburg, in order to be in time for the christening of our
+little _Arthur_.[20] I wish you could (and you will, for he intends
+stopping at Brussels) hear him speak, for he is so straightforward,
+conciliatory, and yet firm of purpose; I have a great esteem and
+respect for him. The poor King of Prussia is recovered,[21] and has
+been received with great enthusiasm on the first occasion of his first
+reappearance in public.
+
+We are in a _crisis_, no one knowing how this debate upon this most
+unfortunate Greek business will end. It is most unfortunate, for
+whatever way it ends, it must do great harm.
+
+I must now conclude, for I am quite overpowered by the heat. Ever your
+truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 20: The present Duke of Connaught, born on the 1st
+    of May, the birthday of the Duke of Wellington, who was one of
+    the sponsors, and after whom he was named.]
+
+    [Footnote 21: From an attempt to assassinate him.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DON PACIFICO DEBATE]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _26th June 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+has the honour to report that in the debate of last night Viscount
+Palmerston defended the whole Foreign Policy of the Government in a
+speech of four hours and three quarters.[22] This speech was one
+of the most masterly ever delivered, going through the details of
+transactions in the various parts of the world, and appealing from
+time to time to great principles of justice and of freedom.
+
+The cheering was frequent and enthusiastic. The debate was adjourned
+till Thursday, when it will probably close.
+
+The expectation is that Ministers will have a majority, but on the
+amount of that majority must depend their future course.
+
+    [Footnote 22: It lasted from dusk till dawn, and the Minister
+    asked for a verdict on the question whether, "as the Roman in
+    days of old held himself free from indignity when he could
+    say, _Civis Romanus sum_, so also a British subject, in
+    whatever land he may be, shall feel confident that the
+    watchful eye and the strong arm of England will protect
+    him against injustice and wrong." Peel, who made his last
+    appearance in the House, voted against Palmerston.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+_Chesham Place_, _27th June 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that the prospects of the division are rather more
+favourable for Ministers than they were.
+
+Ministers ought to have a majority of forty to justify their remaining
+in office.[23]
+
+Mr Gladstone makes no secret of his wish to join Lord Stanley in
+forming an Administration.
+
+Lord John Russell would desire to have the honour of an audience of
+your Majesty on Saturday at twelve or one o'clock.
+
+The division will not take place till to-morrow night.
+
+    [Footnote 23: In the result, Ministers succeeded by 310 to
+    264, although opposed to them in the debate were Mr Gladstone,
+    Mr Cobden, Sir Robert Peel, Mr Disraeli, Sir James Graham,
+    and Sir William Molesworth. Next to the speeches of Lord
+    Palmerston and Lord John Russell, the most effective speech
+    on the Government side was that of Mr Alexander Cockburn,
+    afterwards Lord Chief Justice of England.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL'S ACCIDENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _2nd July 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--For two most kind and affectionate letters I offer
+my warmest and best thanks. The good report of my beloved Louise's
+improvement is a great happiness. By my letter to Louise you will have
+learnt all the details of this certainly very disgraceful and very
+inconceivable attack.[24] I have not suffered except from my head,
+which is still very tender, the blow having been extremely violent,
+and the brass _end_ of the stick fell on my head so as to make a
+considerable noise. I own it makes me nervous out driving, and I start
+at any person coming near the carriage, which I am afraid is natural.
+We have, alas! now another cause of much greater anxiety in the person
+of our excellent Sir Robert Peel,[25] who, as you will see, has had
+a most serious fall, and though going on well at first, was very ill
+last night; thank God! he is better again this morning, but I fear
+still in great danger. I cannot bear even to think of losing him; it
+would be the greatest loss for the whole country, and irreparable for
+us, for he is so trustworthy, and so entirely to be depended on. _All_
+parties are in great anxiety about him. I will leave my letter open to
+give you the latest news.
+
+Our good and amiable guest[26] likes being with us, and will remain
+with us till Saturday. We had a concert last night, and go to the
+opera very regularly. The _Prophète_ is quite beautiful, and I am
+sure would delight you. The music in the _Scène du Couronnement_ is,
+I think, finer than anything in either _Robert_ or the _Huguenots_; it
+is highly dramatic, and really very touching. Mario sings and acts
+in it quite in perfection. His _Raoul_ in the Huguenots is also most
+beautiful. He improves every year, and I really think his voice is the
+finest tenor I ever heard, and he sings and acts with such _intense_
+feeling.
+
+What do you say to the conclusion of our debate? It leaves things just
+as they were. The House of Commons is becoming very unmanageable and
+troublesome....
+
+I must now conclude. With Albert's love, ever your most affectionate
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+I am happy to say that Sir Robert, though still very ill, is freer
+from pain, his pulse is less high, and he feels himself better; the
+Doctors think there is _no_ vital injury, and nothing from which he
+cannot recover, but that he must be for some days in a precarious
+state.
+
+    [Footnote 24: The Queen, as she was leaving Cambridge House,
+    where she had called to inquire after the Duke of Cambridge's
+    health, was struck with a cane by one Robert Pate, an
+    ex-officer, and a severe bruise was inflicted on her forehead.
+    The outrage was apparently committed without motive, but an
+    attempt to prove Pate insane failed, and he was sentenced to
+    seven years' transportation.]
+
+    [Footnote 25: On the day following the Don Pacifico debate,
+    Sir Robert Peel, after attending a meeting of the Exhibition
+    Commissioners, had gone out riding. On his return, while
+    passing up Constitution Hill, he was thrown from his horse,
+    and, after lingering three days in intense pain, died on the
+    5th of July.]
+
+    [Footnote 26: The Prince of Prussia.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING OF DENMARK]
+
+
+_The King of Denmark to Queen Victoria._
+
+COPENHAGUE, _4 Juillet 1850._
+
+MADAME MA S[OE]UR,--Je remplis un devoir des plus agréables, en
+m'empressant d'annoncer à votre Majesté que la paix vient d'être
+signée le 2 de ce mois à Berlin entre moi et Sa Majesté le Roi de
+Prusse, en Son nom et en celui de la Confédération Germanique.[27]
+
+Je sais et je reconnais de grand c[oe]ur combien je suis redevable
+à votre Majesté et à Son Gouvernement de ce résultat important, qui
+justifie mon espérance de pouvoir bientôt rendre à tous mes sujets les
+bienfaits d'une sincère réconciliation et d'une véritable concorde.
+
+Votre Majesté a par la sollicitude avec laquelle Elle a constamment
+accompli le mandat de la médiation dans l'intérêt du Danemark et de
+l'Europe, ajouté aux témoignages inappréciables de sincère amitié
+qu'elle n'a cessé de m'accorder durant la longue et pénible épreuve
+que le Danemark vient de nouveau de traverser, mais qui paraît, à
+l'aide du Tout-Puissant, devoir maintenant faire place à un meilleur
+avenir, offrant, sous les auspices de votre Majesté, de nouvelles
+garanties pour l'indépendance de mon antique Couronne et pour le
+maintien de l'intégrité de ma Monarchie, à la défense desquelles je me
+suis voué entièrement.
+
+Je suis persuadé que votre Majesté me fera la justice de croire que je
+suis on ne peut plus reconnaissant, et que mon peuple fidèle et loyal
+s'associe à moi et aux miens, pénétré de ces mêmes sentiments de
+gratitude envers votre Majesté.
+
+Je m'estimerais infiniment heureux si Elle daignait ajouter à toutes
+Ses bontés, celle que de me fournir l'occasion de Lui donner des
+preuves de mon dévouement inaltérable et de la haute considération
+avec lesquels je prie Dieu qu'il vous ait, Madame ma S[oe]ur, vous,
+votre auguste Époux et tous les vôtres, dans sa sainte et digne garde,
+et avec lesquels je suis, Madame ma S[oe]ur, de votre Majesté, le bon
+Frère,
+
+FREDERICK.
+
+    [Footnote 27: Denmark and the Schleswig-Holstein Duchies were
+    still at war. Germany was bent on absorbing the Duchies, but
+    Prussia now concluded a peace with Denmark: the enlistment of
+    individual Germans in the insurgent army continued.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF PEEL]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _5th July 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--It gave me the greatest pain to learn of the
+death of our true and kind friend, Sir Robert Peel. That he should
+have met with his end--he so valuable to the whole earth--from an
+accident so easily to be avoided with some care, is the more to
+be lamented. You and Albert lose in him a friend whose moderation,
+correct judgment, great knowledge of everything connected with the
+country, can never be found again. Europe had in him a benevolent and
+a truly wise statesman....
+
+Give my best thanks to Albert for his kind letter. I mean to send a
+messenger probably on Sunday or Monday to write to him. I pity him
+about the great Exhibition. I fear he will be much plagued, and I was
+glad to see that the matter is to be treated in Parliament. Alas! in
+all human affairs one is sure to meet with violent passions, and Peel
+knew that so well; great care even for the most useful objects is
+necessary.
+
+I will write to you a word to-morrow. God grant that it may be
+satisfactory.[28] Ever, my beloved, dear Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 28: The Princess Charlotte of Belgium was seriously
+    ill.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of Prussia._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _6th July 1850._
+
+SIRE, MY MOST HONOURED BROTHER,--I have to express to you my thanks
+for the pleasure which the visit of your dear brother has given us,
+who, as I hope, will remit these lines to you in perfect health. That
+things go so well with you, and that the healing of your wound has
+made undisturbed progress, has been to us a true removal of anxiety.
+You will no doubt have learnt that I too have been again the object
+of an attempt, if possible still more cowardly. The criminal is, _as
+usual_, this time too, insane, or will pretend to be so; still the
+deed remains.
+
+All our feelings are, in the meanwhile, preoccupied by the sorrow,
+in which your Majesty and all Europe will share, at the death of Sir
+Robert Peel. That is one of the hardest blows of Fate which could
+have fallen on us and on the country. You knew the great man, and
+understood how to appreciate his merit. His value is now becoming
+clear even to his opponents; all Parties are united in mourning.
+
+The only satisfactory event of recent times is the news of
+your conclusion of peace with Denmark. Accept my most cordial
+congratulations on that account.
+
+Requesting you to remember me cordially to the dear Queen, and
+referring you for detailed news to the dear Prince, also recommending
+to your gracious remembrance Albert, who does not wish to trouble you,
+on his part, with a letter, I remain, in unchangeable friendship, dear
+Brother, your Majesty's faithful Sister,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _9th July 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--We live in the midst of sorrow and death! My poor
+good Uncle Cambridge breathed his last, without a struggle, at a few
+minutes before ten last night. I still saw him yesterday morning at
+one, but he _did not see me_, and to-day I saw him lifeless and cold.
+The poor Duchess and the poor children are very touching in their
+grief, and poor Augusta,[29] who arrived just _five hours too late_,
+is quite heartbroken. The end was most peaceful; there was no
+disease; only a gastric fever, which came on four weeks ago, from
+over-exertion, and cold, and which he neglected for the first week,
+carried him off.
+
+The good Prince of Prussia you will have been pleased to talk to and
+see. Having lived with him for a fortnight on a very intimate footing,
+we have been able to appreciate his _real_ worth fully; he is so
+honest and frank, and so steady of purpose and courageous.
+
+Poor dear Peel is to be buried to-day. The sorrow and grief at his
+death are most touching, and the country mourns over him as over a
+father. Every one seems to have lost a personal friend.
+
+As I have much to write, you will forgive me ending here. You will
+be glad to hear that poor Aunt Gloucester is wonderfully calm and
+resigned. My poor dear Albert, who had been so fresh and well when we
+came back, looks so pale and fagged again. He has felt, and feels, Sir
+Robert's loss _dreadfully_. He feels he has lost a second father.
+
+May God bless and protect you all, you dear ones! Ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 29: See _ante_, vol. i. p. 437.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th July 1850._
+
+Before this draft to Lord Bloomfield about Greece is sent, it would be
+well to consider whether Lord Palmerston is justified in calling
+the Minister of the Interior of Greece "a notorious defaulter to the
+amount of 200,000 drachms,"[30] and should he be so, whether it is
+a proper thing for the Queen's Foreign Secretary to say in a public
+despatch!
+
+    [Footnote 30: The Convention of the 18th of April (see _ante_,
+    p. 242, note 1) had decided that £8500 should be distributed
+    among the claimants, and that Don Pacifico's special claim
+    against Portugal should be referred to arbitration. Ultimately
+    he was awarded only an insignificant sum.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE FOREIGN OFFICE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _28th July 1850._
+
+The Queen will have much pleasure in seeing the Duke and Duchess of
+Bedford here next Saturday, and we have invited them. She will be
+quite ready to hear the Duke's opinions on the Foreign Office. Lord
+John may be sure that she fully admits the great difficulties in the
+way of the projected alteration, but she, on the other hand, feels
+the duty she owes to the country and to herself, not to allow a man
+in whom she can have no confidence, who has conducted himself in
+_anything but_ a straightforward and proper manner to herself, to
+remain in the Foreign Office, and thereby to expose herself to insults
+from other nations, and the country to the constant risk of serious
+and alarming complications. The Queen considers these reasons as
+much graver than the other difficulties. Each time that we were in
+a difficulty, the Government seemed to be determined to move Lord
+Palmerston, and as soon as these difficulties were got over, those
+which present themselves in the carrying out of this removal appeared
+of so great a magnitude as to cause its relinquishment. There is no
+chance of Lord Palmerston reforming himself in his sixty-seventh year,
+and after having considered his last escape as a triumph.... The
+Queen is personally convinced that Lord Palmerston at this moment is
+secretly planning an armed Russian intervention in Schleswig, which
+may produce a renewal of revolutions in Germany, and possibly a
+general war.
+
+The Queen only adduces this as an instance that there is no question
+of delicacy and danger in which Lord Palmerston will not arbitrarily
+and without reference to his colleagues or Sovereign engage this
+country.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of Denmark._
+
+OSBORNE, _29 Juillet 1850._
+
+SIRE ET MON BON FRÈRE,--La lettre dont votre Majesté a bien voulu
+m'honorer m'a causé un bien vif plaisir comme témoignage que votre
+Majesté a su apprécier les sentiments d'amitié pour vous et le désir
+d'agir avec impartialité qui m'ont animée ainsi que mon Gouvernement
+pendant tout le cours des longues négociations qui out précédé la
+signature de la Paix avec l'Allemagne. Votre Majesté peut aisément
+comprendre aussi combien je dois regretter le renouvellement de la
+guerre avec le Schleswig qui ne pourra avoir d'autre résultat que
+l'accroissement de l'animosité et l'affaiblissement des deux nobles
+peuples sur lesquels vous régnez. Dieu veuille que cette dernière
+lutte se termine pourtant dans une réconciliation solide, basée sur
+la reconnaissance des droits et des obligations des deux côtés. Je me
+trouve poussée à vous soumettre ici, Sire, une prière pour un Prince
+qui s'est malheureusement trouvé en conflit avec votre Majesté, mais
+pour lequel les liens de parenté me portent à plaider, le Duc de
+Holstein-Augustenburg. Je suis persuadée que la magnanimité de votre
+Majesté lui rendra ses biens particuliers, qu'elle a jugé nécessaire
+de lui ôter pendant la guerre de 1848, ce que je reconnaîtrais bien
+comme une preuve d'amitié de la part de votre Majesté envers moi.
+
+En faisant des v[oe]ux, pour son bonbeur et en exprimant le désir du
+Prince, mon Epoux, d'être mis aux pieds de votre Majesté, je suis,
+Sire et mon bon Frère, de votre Majesté la bonne S[oe]ur,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DENMARK AND SCHLESWIG]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _31st July 1850._
+
+The Queen must draw Lord John Russell's attention to the accompanying
+draft[31] with regard to Schleswig, which is evidently intended to
+lay the ground for future foreign armed intervention. This is to be
+justified by considering the assistance which the Stadthalterschaft
+of Holstein may be tempted to give to their Schleswig brethren "as an
+invasion of Schleswig by a German force."
+
+Lord John seems himself to have placed a "?" against that passage.
+This is, after two years' negotiation and mediation, _begging the
+question_ at issue. The whole war--Revolution, mediation, etc.,
+etc.--rested upon the question whether Schleswig was part of Holstein
+(though not of the German Confederation), or part of Denmark and not
+of Holstein.
+
+    [Footnote 31: In this draft, Lord Palmerston was remonstrating
+    with the Prussian Government against the orders given by the
+    Holstein Statthalters to their army to invade Schleswig, after
+    the signature of the peace between Prussia and Denmark.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _31st July 1850._
+
+The Queen has considered Lord Seymour's memorandum upon the Rangership
+of the Parks in London, but cannot say that it has convinced her of
+the expediency of its abolition. There is nothing in the management of
+these parks by the Woods and Forests which does not equally apply to
+all the others, as Greenwich, Hampton Court, Richmond, etc. There is
+certainly a degree of inconvenience in the divided authority, but this
+is amply compensated by the advantage to the Crown, in appearance
+at least, to keep up an authority emanating personally from the
+Sovereign, and unconnected with a Government Department which is
+directly answerable to the House of Commons. The last debate upon Hyde
+Park has, moreover, shown that it will not be safe not to remind the
+public of the fact that the parks are Royal property. As the Ranger
+has no power over money, the management will always remain with the
+Office of Woods.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SIR CHARLES NAPIER RESIGNS]
+
+
+_The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _3rd August 1850._
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty. He regrets to be under the necessity of submitting to your
+Majesty the enclosed letter from General Sir Charles Napier,
+G.C.B., in which he tenders his resignation of the office of
+Commander-in-Chief of your Majesty's Forces in the East Indies.[32]
+
+Upon the receipt of this paper Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington
+considered it to be his duty to peruse all the papers submitted by
+Sir Charles Napier; to survey the transaction which had occasioned
+the censure of the Governor-General in Council complained of by Sir
+Charles Napier; to require from the India House all the information
+which could throw light upon the conduct complained of, as well as
+upon the motives alleged for it; the reasons given on account of which
+it was stated to be necessary.
+
+He has stated in a minute, a memorandum of which he submits the copy
+to your Majesty, his views and opinions upon the whole subject, and
+the result which he submits to your Majesty is that he considers it
+his duty humbly to submit to your Majesty that your Majesty should be
+graciously pleased to accept the resignation of General Sir Charles
+Napier thus tendered.
+
+Before he should submit this recommendation to your Majesty in
+relation to an office of such high reputation in so high and important
+a station, Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington considered it his duty
+to submit his views to your Majesty's servants, who have expressed
+their concurrence in his opinion.
+
+It is probable that the President of the Board of Control will lay
+before your Majesty the papers transmitted to the Secret Committee of
+the Court of Directors, by the Governor-General in Council, which
+are adverted to in the paper drawn up by the Duke, and of which the
+substance alone is stated.
+
+All of which is humbly submitted to your Majesty by your Majesty's
+most dutiful Subject and most devoted Servant,
+
+WELLINGTON.
+
+
+    [Footnote 32: This was in consequence of Sir Charles Napier's
+    action in exercising powers belonging to the Supreme Council,
+    on the occasion of a mutiny of a regiment of the Native Army.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S CONDUCT OF AFFAIRS]
+
+[Pageheading: A POSSIBLE RE-ARRANGEMENT]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE, _5th August 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell having lately stated that Lord Clarendon, who
+had always been most eager to see Lord Palmerston moved, had lately
+expressed to him his opinion that it would be most dangerous and
+impolitic to do so under present circumstances, we thought it right
+to see Lord Clarendon here.... In conversation with me, Lord Clarendon
+spoke in his old strain of Lord Palmerston, but very strongly also
+of the danger of turning him out and making him the leader of the
+Radicals, who were anxiously waiting for that, were much dissatisfied
+with Lord John Russell, and free from control by the death of Sir
+Robert Peel. I said that if everything was done with Lord Palmerston's
+consent there would be no danger, to which Lord Clarendon assented,
+but doubted that he would consent to giving up what was his hobby. He
+added, nobody but Lord John could carry on the Foreign Affairs, but he
+ought not to leave the House of Commons under present circumstances,
+where he was now the only authority left.
+
+We saw the Duke of Bedford yesterday, whom Lord John had wished us
+to invite. He is very unhappy about the present state of affairs,
+frightened about things going on as at present, when Lord John can
+exercise no control over Lord Palmerston, and the Queen is exposed
+year after year to the same annoyances and dangers arising from Lord
+Palmerston's mode of conducting the affairs; but on the other hand,
+equally frightened at turning him loose. The Duke was aware of all
+that had passed between us and Lord John, and ready to do anything
+_he_ could to bring matters to a satisfactory solution, but thought
+his brother would not like to leave the House of Commons now. He had
+very much changed his opinion on that head latterly, and the more so
+as he thought something ought to be done next year with the franchise,
+which he alone could carry through. On my questioning whether it was
+impossible to persuade him to take the Foreign Office and stay in the
+Lower House, with a first-rate under-secretary, at least for a time,
+the Duke thought he might perhaps temporarily, as he felt he owed
+to the Queen the solution of the difficulty, but expressed again his
+fears of Lord Palmerston's opposition. I replied that if Lord John
+would make up his mind to take the Foreign Office, and to stay in
+the House of Commons, I saw no danger, as Lord John would be able to
+maintain himself successfully, and Lord Palmerston would not like to
+be in opposition to him, whilst he would become most formidable to
+anybody who was to _gain_ only the leadership in the House; moreover,
+Lord John, having done so much for Lord Palmerston, could expect and
+demand a return of sacrifice, and a variety of posts might be offered
+to him--the Presidency of the Council, the office of Home Secretary,
+or Secretary for the Colonies, Chancellor of the Exchequer, etc.,
+etc., which places I was sure any member of the Cabinet would vacate
+for him. The Duke of Bedford added the Lieutenancy of Ireland, as Lord
+Clarendon had told him he was ready to give it up for the purpose, but
+only under _one_ condition, viz. that of not having to succeed to
+Lord Palmerston at the Foreign Office. Observing our surprise at
+this declaration, the Duke added that Lord Clarendon acted most
+considerately, that he was ready to have no office at all, and would
+support the Government independently in the House of Lords if this
+were to facilitate arrangements. The Queen rejoined that a peerage was
+of course also at Lord John's disposal for Lord Palmerston. We then
+agreed that Lord Granville would be the best person to become Lord
+John's Under-Secretary of State, a man highly popular, pleasing,
+conciliatory, well versed in Foreign Affairs, and most industrious;
+trained under Lord John, he could at any time leave him the office
+altogether, if Lord John should find it too much for himself. Lord
+Granville had a higher office now, that of Vice-President of the
+Board of Trade and Paymaster-General, but would be sure to feel the
+importance of taking a lower office under such circumstances and with
+such contingencies likely to depend upon it. I have seen a great deal
+of him latterly, as he is the only working man on the Commission for
+the Exhibition of 1851, and have found him most able, good-natured,
+and laborious. The Duke liked the proposal very much, and is going to
+communicate all that passed between us to Lord John on Tuesday.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S POSITION]
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S JUSTIFICATION]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE, _8th August 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell came down here yesterday in order to report to the
+Queen what had passed between him and Lord Palmerston the day before,
+on whom he had called in order to have an explanation on the Foreign
+Affairs.
+
+Lord John reminded him of former communications, but admitted that
+circumstances were much changed by the recent debates in both Houses
+of Parliament; still, it was necessary to come to an understanding of
+the position. The _policy_ pursued with regard to the Foreign Affairs
+had been right and such as had the approval of Lord John himself, the
+Cabinet generally, and he believed the greater part of the country.
+But the manner in which it had been executed had been unfortunate,
+led to irritation and hostility; although peace had actually been
+preserved, and England stood in a position requiring no territorial
+aggrandisement or advantage of any kind, yet all Governments and
+Powers, not only Russia and Austria, but also France and the liberal
+states, had become decidedly hostile to us, and our intercourse was
+not such as was desirable. Lord John could instance many cases in
+which they had been unnecessarily slighted and provoked by Lord
+Palmerston, like M. Drouyn de Lhuys in the Greek affair. Lord
+Palmerston's conduct towards the Queen had been disrespectful and
+wanting in due attention and deference to her, and had been much
+complained of.
+
+In consequence of all this Lord John had before proposed to Her
+Majesty that the Foreign Affairs should be entrusted to Lord Minto,
+he himself should go to the House of Lords, and Lord Palmerston
+should have the lead in the House of Commons. The Queen had, however,
+objected to this arrangement, [thinking] the lead in the Lower
+House to be more properly given to Sir George Grey, who had as Home
+Secretary conducted all internal business in the House. Now had come
+Sir R. Peel's death, which made it impossible for Lord John to leave
+the House of Commons without endangering the position of Government
+and of the parties in the House.
+
+Lord Palmerston was much pleased to hear of Lord John's intention to
+stay in the House of Commons, said all was changed now; there had been
+a great conspiracy against him, he had been accused in Parliament, put
+on his trial and acquitted. The acquittal had produced the greatest
+enthusiasm for him in the country, and he was now supported by a
+strong party; he owned, however, that his success had been chiefly
+owing to the handsome manner in which Lord John and his colleagues had
+supported him in the debate. That he should incur the momentary enmity
+of those states whose interests and plans he might have to cross was
+quite natural; he had never intended any disrespect to the Queen, and
+if he had been guilty of any he was quite unconscious of it and sorry
+for it.
+
+Lord John reminded him that although the Government had got a majority
+in the House of Commons in the Foreign debate, it was not to be
+forgotten that the fate of the Government had been staked upon it, and
+that many people voted on that account who would not have supported
+the Foreign policy; that it was remarkable that all those who had the
+strongest reason to be anxious for the continuance of the Government,
+but who could not avoid _speaking_, were obliged to speak and vote
+against the Government. Sir R. Peel's speech was a most remarkable
+instance of this.
+
+Lord Palmerston saw in Sir Robert's speech nothing but a reluctant
+effort to defend Lord Aberdeen, whom he was bound to defend. If he
+(Lord Palmerston) were to leave the Foreign Office, there must be a
+ground for it, such as his having to take the lead in the House of
+Commons, which was evidently impossible with the conduct of Foreign
+Department at the same time. (It had killed Mr Canning, and after
+that failure nobody ought to attempt it.) But without such a ground it
+would be loss of character to him, which he could not be expected
+to submit to. There was not even the excuse of wishing to avoid a
+difficulty with a foreign country, as all was smooth now. Those who
+had wished to injure him had been beat, and now it would be
+giving them a triumph after all. If the Queen or the Cabinet were
+dissatisfied with his management of the Foreign Affairs, they had a
+right to demand his resignation, and he would give it, but they could
+not ask him to lower himself in public estimation. Lord John answered
+that his resignation would lead to a further split of parties: there
+were parties already enough in the House, and it was essential that at
+least the Whig party should be kept together, to which Lord Palmerston
+assented. He (Lord Palmerston) then repeated his complaints against
+that plot which had been got up in this country against him, and
+urged on by foreigners, complained particularly of Lord Clarendon, Mr
+Greville of the Privy Council, Mr Reeve, ditto, and their attacks upon
+him in the _Times_, and of Mr Delane, the Editor of the _Times_,
+of Guizot, Princess Lieven, etc., etc., etc. However, they had been
+convinced that they could not upset him, and Mr Reeve had declared to
+him that he had been making open and honourable (?!!) war upon him;
+now he would make a lasting peace. With Russia and France he (Lord
+Palmerston) had just been signing the Danish Protocol, showing that
+they were on the best terms together.
+
+Lord John felt he could not press the matter further under these
+circumstances, but he seemed much provoked at the result of his
+conversation. We expressed our surprise that he had not made Lord
+Palmerston any offer of any kind. Lord John replied he had not been
+sure what he could have offered him....
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DUTIES OF THE FOREIGN SECRETARY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._[33]
+
+OSBORNE, _12th August 1850._
+
+With reference to the conversation about Lord Palmerston which the
+Queen had with Lord John Russell the other day, and Lord Palmerston's
+disavowal that he ever intended any disrespect to her by the various
+neglects of which she has had so long and so often to complain, she
+thinks it right, in order _to prevent any mistake_ for the _future_,
+shortly to explain _what it is she expects from her Foreign
+Secretary_. She requires: (1) That he will distinctly state what
+he proposes in a given case, in order that the Queen may know as
+distinctly to _what_ she has given her Royal sanction; (2) Having
+_once given_ her sanction to a measure, that it be not arbitrarily
+altered or modified by the Minister; such an act she must consider as
+failing in sincerity towards the Crown, and justly to be visited by
+the exercise of her Constitutional right of dismissing that Minister.
+She expects to be kept informed of what passes between him and the
+Foreign Ministers before important decisions are taken, based upon
+that intercourse; to receive the Foreign Despatches in good time, and
+to have the drafts for her approval sent to her in sufficient time to
+make herself acquainted with their contents before they must be sent
+off. The Queen thinks it best that Lord John Russell should show this
+letter to Lord Palmerston.
+
+    [Footnote 33: Compare the memorandum suggested by Baron
+    Stockmar, _ante_, p. 238. This letter was, after much
+    forbearance, written in the hope of bringing Lord Palmerston
+    to a proper understanding of his relation to the Sovereign.
+    Even when the catastrophe came, and its tenor had to be
+    communicated by the Premier to Parliament, the Preamble was
+    generously omitted; but in consequence of its description by
+    Lord Palmerston, in a letter published by Mr Ashley, as an
+    _angry_ memorandum, it was printed in full in _The Life of the
+    Prince Consort_.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _13th August 1850._
+
+MY DEAR JOHN RUSSELL,--I have taken a copy of this memorandum of the
+Queen and will not fail to attend to the directions which it contains.
+With regard to the sending of despatches to the Queen, they have
+sometimes been delayed longer than should have been the case, in
+consequence of my having been prevented by great pressure of business,
+and by the many interruptions of interviews, etc., to which I am
+liable, from reading and sending them back into the Office so soon
+as I could have wished. But I will give orders that the old practice
+shall be reverted to, of making copies of all important despatches
+as soon as they reach the Office, so that there may be no delay in
+sending the despatches to the Queen; this practice was gradually left
+off as the business of the Office increased, and if it shall require
+an additional clerk or two you must be liberal and allow me that
+assistance.--Yours sincerely,
+
+PALMERSTON.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF LOUIS PHILIPPE]
+
+
+_The Duc de Nemours to Queen Victoria._
+
+CLAREMONT, _26 Août 1850._
+
+MADAME MA CHÈRE COUSINE,--La main de Dieu vient de s'appesantir sur
+nous. Le Roi notre Père n'est plus.[34] Après avoir reçu hier avec
+calme et résignation les secours de la religion, il s'est éteint ce
+matin à huit heures au milieu de nous tous. Vous le connaissiez ma
+chère Cousine, vous savez tout ce que nous perdons, vous comprendrez
+donc l'inexprimable douleur dans laquelle nous sommes plongés; vous la
+partagerez même je le sais!
+
+La Reine brisée, malgré son courage, ne trouve de soulagement que dans
+une retraite absolue où ne voyant personne elle puisse laisser cours à
+sa douleur.
+
+Veuillez faire part à Albert de notre malheur et recevoir ici, ma
+chère Cousine, l'hommage des sentiments de respect et d'attachement,
+de votre bien affectionné Cousin,
+
+LOUIS D'ORLÉANS.
+
+    [Footnote 34: King Louis Philippe was in his seventy-seventh
+    year when he died: his widow, Queen Marie Amélie, lived till
+    1866, when she died at the age of eighty-four.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _26th August 1850._
+
+The Queen wishes Lord Palmerston to give directions for a Court
+mourning according to those which are usual for an abdicated King.
+She likewise wishes that every assistance should be given, and every
+attention shown to the afflicted Royal Family, who have been so
+severely tried during the last two years, on the melancholy occasion
+of the poor King of the French's death.
+
+The Queen starts for Scotland to-morrow.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _30 August 1850._
+
+... I have offered to the poor Queen of the French to remain at
+Claremont and _d'en disposer_ as long as Heaven does not dispose of
+myself. She, of course, dislikes the place, but will keep the family
+with her at least for some time.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+TAYMOUTH CASTLE, _5th September 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and was
+happy to receive your Majesty's gracious letter, which reached him the
+night before last.
+
+The proofs of attachment to your Majesty, which are everywhere
+exhibited, are the more gratifying as they are entirely spontaneous.
+
+It is fit and becoming that your Majesty should inhabit the royal
+Palace of Holyrood, and this circumstance gives great satisfaction
+throughout Scotland.
+
+Lord John Russell is glad to learn that the family of the late King of
+the French will continue to reside in England.
+
+The reflection naturally occurs, if Napoleon and Louis Philippe were
+unable to consolidate a dynasty in France, who will ever be able to
+do it? The prospect is a succession of fruitless attempts at civil
+Government till a General assumes the command, and governs by military
+force.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE POET LAUREATE]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DUNKELD, _7th September 1850._
+
+... Lord John Russell has had the honour of receiving at Taymouth a
+letter from the Prince. He agrees that the office of Poet Laureate
+ought to be filled up. There are three or four authors of nearly equal
+merit, such as Henry Taylor, Sheridan Knowles, Professor Wilson, and
+Mr Tennyson, who are qualified for the office.
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+OSTEND, _7th October 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I write a few words only to tell you how our
+dear patient is.[35] Yesterday was a most perilous, truly dreadful
+day; our dear angelic Louise was so fainting that Madame d'Hulst, who
+was with her, felt the greatest alarm. She afterwards was better, and
+her mother, Clém, Joinville, and Aumale having arrived, she saw them
+with more composure than could have been expected. Still, she would
+in fact wish to be left quiet and alone with me, and we try to manage
+things as much as possible so that their visit does not tire her too
+much.
+
+Her courage and strength of mind are most heart-breaking when one
+thinks of the danger in which she is, and her dear and angelic soul
+seems even to shine more brightly at this moment of such great and
+imminent danger. I am in a dreadful state when I am with her. She is
+so contented, so cheerful, that the possibilities of danger appear
+to me impossible; but the physicians are very much alarmed, without
+thinking the state absolutely hopeless. That one should write such
+things about a life so precious, and one in fact still so young, and
+whose angelic soul is so strong! You will feel with me as you love
+her so dearly. God bless you and preserve you from heart-breaking
+sufferings like mine. Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 35: The Queen of the Belgians died on the 11th of
+    October, at the age of thirty-eight.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: GENERAL HAYNAU]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+BROADLANDS, _8th October 1850._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+has had the honour to receive your Majesty's communication of the 4th
+instant, expressing your Majesty's wish that an alteration should be
+made in his answer to Baron Koller's[36] note of the 5th of September,
+on the subject of the attack made upon General Haynau;[37] but
+Viscount Palmerston begs to state that when Baron Koller was at this
+place about ten days ago, he expressed so much annoyance at the delay
+which had already taken place in regard to the answer to his note
+of the 5th September, and he requested so earnestly that he might
+immediately have the reply, that Viscount Palmerston could do
+no otherwise than send him the answer at once, and Baron Koller
+despatched it the next day to Vienna.
+
+Viscount Palmerston had put the last paragraph into the answer,
+because he could scarcely have reconciled it to his own feelings and
+to his sense of public responsibility to have put his name to a
+note which might be liable to be called for by Parliament, without
+expressing in it, at least as his own personal opinion, a sense of the
+want of propriety evinced by General Haynau in coming to England at
+the present moment.[38]
+
+The state of public feeling in this country about General Haynau and
+his proceedings in Italy and Hungary was perfectly well known; and
+his coming here so soon after those events, without necessity or
+obligation to do so, was liable to be looked upon as a bravado, and as
+a challenge to an expression of public opinion.
+
+Baron Koller indeed told Viscount Palmerston that Prince Metternich
+and Baron Neumann had at Brussels strongly dissuaded General Haynau
+from coming on to England; and that he (Baron Koller) had after his
+arrival earnestly entreated him to cut off those long moustachios
+which rendered him so liable to be identified.
+
+With regard to the transaction itself, there is no justifying a breach
+of the law, nor an attack by a large number of people upon one or two
+individuals who cannot resist such superior force; and though in the
+present case, according to Baron Koller's account, the chief injury
+sustained by General Haynau consisted in the tearing of his coat, the
+loss of a cane, and some severe bruises on his left arm, and though
+four or five policemen proved to be sufficient protection, yet a mob
+who begin by insult lead each other on to outrage; and there is no
+saying to what extremes they might have proceeded if they had not been
+checked.
+
+Such occurrences, however, have taken place before; and to go no
+further back than the last summer, the attacks on Lord Talbot at
+the Stafford meeting, and on Mr Bankes, Mr Sturt, and others at the
+Dorchester meeting, when a man was killed, were still more violent
+outrages, and originated simply in differences of political opinion;
+whereas in this case the brewers' men were expressing their feeling at
+what they considered inhuman conduct on the part of General Haynau.
+
+The people of this country are remarkable for their hospitable
+reception of foreigners, and for their forgetfulness of past
+animosities. Napoleon Bonaparte, the greatest enemy that England
+ever had, was treated while at Plymouth with respect, and with
+commiseration while at St Helena. Marshal Soult, who had fought
+in many battles against the English, was received with generous
+acclamation when he came here as Special Ambassador. The King of the
+French, Mons. Guizot, and Prince Metternich, though all of them great
+antagonists of English policy and English interests, were treated in
+this country with courtesy and kindness. But General Haynau was looked
+upon as a great moral criminal; and the feeling in regard to him was
+of the same nature as that which was manifested towards Tawell[39] and
+the Mannings,[40] with this only difference, that General Haynau's bad
+deeds were committed upon a far larger scale, and upon a far larger
+number of victims. But Viscount Palmerston can assure your Majesty
+that those feelings of just and honourable indignation have not been
+confined to England, for he had good reason to know that General
+Haynau's ferocious and unmanly treatment of the unfortunate
+inhabitants of Brescia and of other towns and places in Italy, his
+savage proclamations to the people of Pesth, and his barbarous acts in
+Hungary excited almost as much disgust in Austria as in England, and
+that the nickname of "General Hyæna" was given to him at Vienna long
+before it was applied to him in London.
+
+    [Footnote 36: The Austrian Ambassador.]
+
+    [Footnote 37: General Haynau had earned in the Hungarian War
+    an odious reputation as a flogger of women. When visiting the
+    brewery of Barclay & Perkins, the draymen mobbed and
+    assaulted him; he had to fly from them, and take refuge in a
+    neighbouring house. Lord Palmerston had to send an official
+    letter of apology to the Austrian Government, which, as
+    originally despatched, without waiting for the Queen's
+    approval, contained a paragraph offensive to Austria.]
+
+    [Footnote 38: See Lord Palmerston's letter to Sir G. Grey,
+    Ashley's _Life of Lord Palmerston_, vol. i. chap. vi.]
+
+    [Footnote 39: Executed for the Salt Hill murder.]
+
+    [Footnote 40: Marie Manning (an ex-lady's maid, whose career
+    is said to have suggested Hortense in _Bleak House_ to
+    Dickens) was executed with her husband, in 1849, for the
+    murder of a guest. She wore black satin on the scaffold, a
+    material which consequently became unpopular for some time.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DRAFT DESPATCHED]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _11th October 1850._
+
+The Queen having written to Lord Palmerston in conformity with Lord
+John Russell's suggestion respecting the draft to Baron Koller, now
+encloses Lord Palmerston's answer, which she received at Edinburgh
+yesterday evening. Lord John will see that Lord Palmerston has not
+only _sent_ the draft, but passes over in silence her injunction to
+have a corrected copy given to Baron Koller, and adds a vituperation
+against General Haynau, which clearly shows that he is not sorry for
+what has happened, and makes a merit of sympathising with the draymen
+at the brewery and the Chartist Demonstrations....
+
+The Queen encloses likewise a copy of her letter to Lord Palmerston,
+and hopes Lord John will write to him.[41]
+
+    [Footnote 41: Lord John insisted on the note being withdrawn,
+    and another substituted with the offensive passage omitted.
+    After threatening resignation, Lord Palmerston somewhat tamely
+    consented.
+
+    Lord John Russell wrote to the Prince Albert that he would be
+    "somewhat amused, if not surprised, at the sudden and amicable
+    termination of the dispute regarding the letter to Baron
+    Koller. The same course may be adopted with advantage if a
+    despatch is ever again sent which has been objected to, and
+    to which the Queen's sanction has not been given." See the
+    Queen's letter of the 19th of October.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON CENSURED]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _12th October 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter respecting the draft
+to Baron Koller. She cannot suppose that Baron Koller addressed his
+note to Lord Palmerston in order to receive in answer an expression of
+his _own personal opinion_; and if Lord Palmerston could not reconcile
+it to his own feelings to express the regret of the Queen's Government
+at the brutal attack and wanton outrage committed by a ferocious mob
+on a distinguished foreigner of past seventy years of age, who was
+quietly visiting a private establishment in this metropolis, without
+adding _his censure of the want of propriety_ evinced by General
+Haynau in coming to England--he might have done so in a private
+letter, where his personal feelings could not be mistaken for the
+opinion of the Queen and her Government. She must repeat her request
+that Lord Palmerston will rectify this.
+
+The Queen can as little approve of the introduction of Lynch Law
+in this country as of the _violent_ vituperations with which Lord
+Palmerston accuses and condemns public men in other countries, acting
+in most difficult circumstances and under heavy responsibility,
+without having the means of obtaining correct information or of
+sifting evidence.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _16th October 1850._
+
+The Queen is glad to hear from Lord Palmerston that he has given no
+countenance to the French and Russian proposal at the suggestion of
+Denmark, that England, France, and Russia should, after having signed
+the Protocol in favour of Denmark, now go further and send their
+armies to aid her in her contest with Holstein.[42] The Queen does not
+expect any good result from Lord Palmerston's counter proposal to urge
+Prussia and Austria to compel the Holsteiners to lay down their arms.
+The mediating power ought rather to make Denmark feel that it requires
+more than a cessation of hostilities, a plan of reconciliation, and a
+solution of the questions in dispute, before she can hope permanently
+to establish peace. The mediating power itself, however, should strive
+to arrive at some opinion on the matter in dispute, based, not on
+_its own_ supposed interests, as the Protocol is, but on an anxious,
+careful, and impartial investigation of the rights and pretensions of
+the disputing parties; and if it finds it impossible to arrive at such
+an opinion, to fix upon some impartial tribunal capable of doing
+so, to which the dispute could be submitted for decision. Common
+principles of morality would point out such a course, and what is
+morally right only can be politically wise.
+
+    [Footnote 42: A strenuous attempt was being made by the Danish
+    Government to bring pressure to bear on Austria and Prussia,
+    to put down the nationalist movement in the Duchies, either by
+    active intervention, or by reassembling the Conference
+    which had negotiated the Treaty of Berlin. Lord Palmerston
+    discountenanced both alternatives, but wrote to the Queen
+    that he and the representatives of France, Russia, and Denmark
+    thought that Austria and Prussia should be urged to take all
+    feasible steps to put an end to the hostilities.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF QUEEN LOUISE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _18th October 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--_This_ was the day I _always_ and for so _many
+years_ wrote to _her_, to _our adored Louise_, and I _now_ write to
+_you_, to thank you for that _heart-breaking_, touching letter of the
+16th, which you so _very kindly_ wrote to me. It is _so_ kind of you
+to write to us. _What_ a day Tuesday must have been! _Welch einen
+Gang!_ and _yesterday!_ My _grief_ was _so great_ again yesterday.
+To _talk_ of her is my _greatest consolation!_Let us _all try_ to
+imitate _her!_My poor dear Uncle, we wish so to be with you, to be of
+_any use_ to you. You will allow us, in three or four weeks, to go
+to you for two or three days, _quite quietly_ and alone, to Laeken
+without _any_ one, without _any_ reception anywhere, to cry with you
+and to talk with you of _Her_. It will be a great comfort to us--a
+_silent tribute_ of _respect and love to her_--to be able to mingle
+our tears with yours over _her_ tomb! And the affection of your
+two devoted children will perhaps be _some slight balm_. My _first_
+impulse was to _fly at once_ to you, but perhaps a few weeks' delay
+will be better. It will be a _great_ and melancholy satisfaction to
+us. _Daily_ will you feel more, my poor dear Uncle, the _poignancy_ of
+_your dreadful_ loss; my _heart breaks_ in thinking of _you_ and the
+poor dear children. _How_ beautiful it must be to see that _your whole
+country_ weeps and mourns _with_ you! For this country and for your
+children you must _try_ to bear up, and feel that in _so doing_ you
+are doing _all_ SHE wished. If only _we_ could be of use to you! if
+_I_ could do _anything_ for dear little Charlotte, whom our blessed
+Louise talked of _so_ often to me.
+
+May I _write_ to _you_ on _Fridays_ when I used to write to her, as
+well as on Tuesdays? You need _not_ answer me, and whenever it bores
+you to write to me, or you have no time, let one of the dear children
+write to me.
+
+May God bless and protect you ever, my beloved Uncle, is our anxious
+prayer. Embrace the dear children in the name of one who has almost
+the feelings of a mother for them. Ever your devoted Niece and loving
+Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th October 1850._
+
+The Queen is very glad of the result of the conflict with Lord
+Palmerston, of which Lord John Russell apprised her by his letter of
+yesterday's date. The correspondence, which the Queen now returns,
+shows clearly that Lord Palmerston in this transaction, as in every
+other, remained true to his principles of action.... But it shows
+also that Lord John has the power of exercising that control over Lord
+Palmerston, the careful exercise of which he owes to the Queen, his
+colleagues, and the country, if he will take the necessary pains to
+remain firm. The Queen does not believe in _resignation_ under almost
+any circumstances.
+
+The Queen is very anxious about the Holstein question, and sends a
+copy of her last letter to Lord Palmerston on the subject.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _21st October 1850._
+
+SIR,--I have just received this note from Lord Palmerston.[43]
+
+The French Ambassador, who has been here, confirms the news. We must
+consider the whole affair on Wednesday, and I shall be glad to learn
+what the Queen thinks can be done.
+
+Mr Tennyson is a fit person to be Poet Laureate.
+
+I have the honour to be, your Royal Highness's most obedient Servant,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+    [Footnote 43: The note was in reference to the affairs of
+    Hesse-Cassel, and to the rumours of a Conference to be held in
+    Austria for the settlement of German affairs.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE TRACTARIAN MOVEMENT]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+BISHOPTHORPE, _25th October 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he has
+read with attention the letter of the Duchess of Norfolk.[44] He
+has also read the Pope's Bull. It strikes him that the division into
+twelve territorial dioceses of eight ecclesiastical vicariats is not
+a matter to be alarmed at. The persons to be affected by this change
+must be already Roman Catholics before it can touch them.
+
+The matter to create rational alarm is, as your Majesty says, the
+growth of Roman Catholic doctrines and practices within the bosom of
+the Church. Dr Arnold said very truly, "I look upon a Roman Catholic
+as an enemy in his uniform; I look upon a Tractarian as an enemy
+disguised as a spy."
+
+It would be very wrong to do as the Bishop of Oxford proposed, and
+confer the patronage of the Crown on any of these Tractarians. But, on
+the other hand, to treat them with severity would give the whole party
+vigour and union.
+
+The Dean of Bristol is of opinion that the Tractarians are falling to
+pieces by dissension. It appears clear that Mr Denison and Mr Palmer
+have broken off from Dr Pusey.
+
+Sir George Grey will ask the Law Officers whether there is anything
+illegal in Dr Wiseman's assuming the title of Archbishop of
+Westminster. An English Cardinal is not a novelty.[45]
+
+    [Footnote 44: Two important events in the history of the
+    English Church had just occurred. The Bishop of Exeter had
+    refused to institute Mr Gorham to a Crown living in his
+    diocese, on the ground that his teaching on baptism was at
+    variance with the formularies of the Church. This decision,
+    though upheld in the Court of Arches, was reversed (though
+    not unanimously) by the Privy Council. High Church feeling was
+    much aroused by the judgment.
+
+    In September, Pius IX. (now re-established in the Vatican)
+    promulgated a papal brief, restoring the Roman Catholic
+    hierarchy in England, and dividing it territorially into
+    twelve sees, and in October Cardinal Wiseman, as Archbishop
+    of Westminster, issued his Pastoral, claiming that Catholic
+    England had been restored to its orbit in the ecclesiastical
+    firmament. The Duchess of Norfolk, writing from Arundel, had
+    criticised the proselytising action of certain Roman Catholic
+    clergy. _See_ the Queen's reply, _post_, p. 277.]
+
+    [Footnote 45: Lord John wrote on the 4th of November to
+    Dr Maltby, Bishop of Durham, denouncing the assumption of
+    spiritual superiority over England, in the documents issued
+    from Rome. But what alarmed him more (he said) was the
+    action of clergymen within the Church leading their flocks
+    dangerously near the brink, and recommending for adoption
+    the honour paid to saints, the claim of infallibility for the
+    Church, the superstitious use of the sign of the cross, the
+    muttering of the liturgy so as to disguise the language
+    in which it was said, with the recommendation of auricular
+    confession and the administration of Penance and absolution.
+
+    Lord John was pictorially satirised in _Punch_ as the boy who
+    chalked up "No popery" on the door and ran away.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: UNREST IN EUROPE]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+ARDENNE, _10th November 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I write already to-day that it may not miss
+to-morrow's messenger. I came here yesterday by a mild sunshine, and
+the valley of the Meuse was very pretty. I love my solitude here, and
+though the house is small and not what it ought to have been, still I
+always liked it. There seems in most countries danger of agitation
+and convulsions arising. I don't know how it will end in Germany. In
+France it is difficult that things should not break up some way or
+other. I trust you may be spared religious agitation. These sorts of
+things begin with one pretext, and sometimes continue with others. I
+don't think Europe was ever in more danger, _il y a tant d'anarchie
+dans les esprits_. I don't think that can be cured _à l'eau de rose_;
+the human race is not naturally good, very much the contrary; it
+requires a strong hand, and is, in fact, even pleased to be led in
+that way; the memory of all the sort of Césars and Napoléons,
+from whom they chiefly got blows, is much dearer to them than the
+benefactors of mankind, whom they crucify when they can have their
+own way. Give my best love to Albert; and I also am very anxious to
+be recalled to the recollection of the children, who were so very
+friendly at Ostende. How far we were then to guess what has since
+happened.... My dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Countess of Gainsborough._[46]
+
+_Thursday morning_ [_November ..._] _1850._
+
+DEAREST FANNY,--This is a case of positive necessity, and as _none_
+of the ladies are forthcoming I fear I must call upon you to attend
+me _to-night_. You did so once _in state_ before, and as it is not
+a _matter of pleasure_, but of duty, I am sure you will at once feel
+that you can have no scruple.
+
+Whenever the Mistress of the Robes does not attend, I _always_ have
+three ladies, as they must take turns in standing behind me. Ever
+yours affectionately,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 46: Frances, Countess of Gainsborough, daughter of
+    the third Earl of Roden, a Lady of the Bedchamber, and known
+    till 1841 as Lady Barham.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND GERMANY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _18th November 1850._
+
+The Queen is exceedingly sorry to hear that Lord Westmorland[47] is
+gone, as she was particularly anxious to have seen him before his
+return to Berlin, and to have talked to him on the present critical
+events in Germany; but she quite forgot the day of his departure. What
+is the object of his seeing the President at Paris? and what are his
+instructions with regard to Germany?[48]
+
+Having _invariably encouraged Constitutional_ development in other
+countries,... and having at the beginning of the great movement in
+1847, which led to all the catastrophes of the following years, _sent_
+a Cabinet Minister to Italy to _declare_ to all Italian states that
+_England_ would _protect_ them from Austria if she should attempt
+by threats and violence to debar them from the _attainment_ of their
+_Constitutional_ development, _consistency_ would require that we
+should _now_, when that great struggle is at its end and _despotism_
+is to be _re-imposed_ by Austrian arms upon Germany, throw _our
+weight_ into the scale of _Constitutional_ Prussia and Germany.... The
+Queen is afraid, however, that all our Ministers abroad,--at Berlin,
+Dresden, Munich, Stuttgart, Hanover, etc. (with the exception of Lord
+Cowley at Frankfort)--are warm partisans of the _despotic_ league
+against Prussia and a German Constitution and _for_ the maintenance
+of the old Diet under Austrian and Russian influence. Ought not Lord
+Palmerston to make his agents understand that their sentiments are at
+variance with those of the English Government? and that they are doing
+_serious mischief_ if they express them at Courts which have _already_
+every inclination to follow their desperate course?
+
+Lord Palmerston is of course aware that the old Diet once
+reconstituted and recognised, one of the main laws of it is that "_no
+organic change can be made_ without _unanimity_ of voices," which was
+the cause of the nullity of that body from 1820 to 1848, and will
+now enable Austria, should Prussia and her confederates recognise
+the Diet, to condemn Germany to a further life of stagnation or new
+revolution.
+
+    [Footnote 47: Minister at Berlin.]
+
+    [Footnote 48: Lord Palmerston may have had this letter of the
+    Queen's in mind when he wrote on the 22nd of November to Lord
+    Cowley: "Her (_i.e._ Prussia's) partisans try to make out
+    that the contest between her and Austria is a struggle between
+    constitutional and arbitrary Government, but it is no such
+    thing." Ashley's _Life of Lord Palmerston_, vol. 1. chap. vi.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CONSTITUTIONALISM IN GERMANY]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _18th November 1850._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty. With
+respect to the maintenance of Constitutional Government in Germany,
+Viscount Palmerston entirely subscribes to your Majesty's opinion,
+that a regard for consistency, as well as a sense of right and
+justice, ought to lead your Majesty's Government to give to the
+Constitutional principle in Germany the same moral support which they
+endeavoured to afford it in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and elsewhere; but
+though he is conscious that he may be deceived and may think better
+of the Austrian Government in this respect than it deserves, yet
+he cannot persuade himself that rational and sound Constitutional
+Government is at present in danger in Germany, or that the Austrian
+Government, whatever may be their inclination and wishes, can think it
+possible in the present day to re-establish despotic government in
+a nation so enlightened, and so attached to free institutions as the
+German people now is. The danger for Germany seems to lie rather in
+the opposite direction, arising from the rash and weak precipitation
+with which in 1848 and 1849 those Governments which before had refused
+everything resolved in a moment of alarm to grant everything, and,
+passing from one extreme to the other, threw universal suffrage among
+people who had been, some wholly and others very much, unaccustomed
+to the working of representative Government. The French have found
+universal suffrage incompatible with good order even in a Republic;
+what must it be for a Monarchy?
+
+Viscount Palmerston would, moreover, beg to submit that the conflict
+between Austria and Prussia can scarcely be said to have turned upon
+principles of Government so much as upon a struggle for political
+ascendency in Germany. At Berlin, at Dresden, and in Baden the
+Prussian Government has very properly no doubt employed military
+force to reestablish order; and in regard to the affairs of Hesse, the
+ground taken by Prussia was not so much a constitutional as a military
+one, and the objection which she made to the entrance of the troops
+of the Diet was that those troops might become hostile, and that they
+ought not, therefore, to occupy a central position in the line of
+military defence of Prussia.
+
+The remark which your Majesty makes as to unanimity being required for
+certain purposes by the Diet regulations is no doubt very just, and
+that circumstance certainly shows that the free Conference which
+is about to be held is a better constructed body for planning a new
+arrangement of a central organ.[49]
+
+    [Footnote 49: War was staved off by the Conference; but the
+    relative predominance of Prussia and Austria in Germany was
+    left undecided for some years to come.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: STATE OF THE CONTINENT]
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd November 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Accept my best thanks for your kind letter of the
+17th, and the dear little English one from dear little Charlotte,
+which is so nicely written, and shows such an amiable disposition.
+I send her to-day a little heart for the hair of our blessed Angel,
+which I hope she will often wear. Our girls have all got one. I have
+written to the dear child. You should have the dear children as much
+with you as possible; I am _sure_ it would be so _good and useful_
+for _you_ and _them_. Children ought to have great confidence in their
+parents, in order for them to have any influence over them.
+
+Yesterday Vicky was ten years old. It seems a dream. If she lives, in
+eight years more she may be married! She is a very clever child, and I
+must say very much improved.
+
+The state of the Continent is deplorable; the folly of Austria and the
+giving way of Prussia are lamentable. _Our_ influence on the Continent
+is _null_.... Add to this, we are between two fires in _this_ country:
+a furious Protestant feeling and an enraged Catholic feeling in
+Ireland. I believe that Austria fans the flame at Rome, and that
+the _whole movement_ on the Continent is _anti-Constitutional_,
+_anti-Protestant_, _and anti-English_; and this is so complicated, and
+we have (thanks to Lord Palmerston) contrived to quarrel _so happily_,
+separately with each, that I do not know _how_ we are to stand against
+it all!
+
+I must now conclude. Trusting soon to hear from you again. Ever your
+devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+My longing for dearest Louise seems only to increase as time goes on.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duchess of Norfolk._
+
+Windsor Castle, _22nd November 1850._
+
+MY DEAR DUCHESS,--It is very remiss in me not to have sooner answered
+your letter with the enclosure, but I received it at a moment of great
+grief, and since then I have been much occupied.
+
+I fully understand your anxiety relative to the proceedings of the
+Roman Catholic Clergy, but I trust that there is no _real_ danger to
+be apprehended from that quarter, the more so as I believe they see
+that they have been misled and misinformed as to the feeling of this
+country by some of the new converts to their religion. The real danger
+to be apprehended, and what I am certain has led to these proceedings
+on the part of the Pope, lies in _our own_ divisions, and in the
+extraordinary conduct of the Puseyites. I trust that the eyes of many
+may now be opened. One would, however, much regret to see any acts of
+intolerance towards the many innocent people who I believe entirely
+disapprove the injudicious conduct of their Clergy.
+
+Hoping that you are all well, believe me, always, yours,
+affectionately,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th November 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have no dear letter to answer, but write to keep
+to the dear day, rendered so peculiarly dear to me by the recollection
+of our dearly beloved Louise.
+
+We are well, but much troubled with numberless things. Our religious
+troubles are great, and I must just say that Cardinal Wiseman
+_himself_ admits that Austria not only approves the conduct of the
+Pope but is urging _on_ the _Propaganda_. I _know this_ to be so.
+Our great difficulty must be, and will be, to steer clear of both
+parties--the violent Protestants and the Roman Catholics. We wish in
+no way to infringe the rights of the Roman Catholics, while we must
+protect and uphold our own religion.
+
+We have seen General Radowitz,[50] with whom we have been much
+interested; his accounts are very clear and very able, and I must say,
+very fair and strictly constitutional. You know him, I suppose? Might
+I again ask, dearest Uncle, if you would like to have a copy of Ross's
+picture of our angel Louise or of Winterhalter's?
+
+Lady Lyttelton, who is returned, is very anxious in her enquiries
+after you.
+
+I must now conclude, my dearest Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 50: General Radowitz, who had been Minister for
+    Foreign Affairs in Prussia, had just arrived in England on a
+    special mission from the King of Prussia.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: STATE OF GERMANY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd December 1850._
+
+MY BELOVED UNCLE,--Two of your dear letters are before me, of the
+29th November and of yesterday. In the former you _give me a promise_,
+which I consider _most_ valuable, and which I shall _remind_ you of if
+you get desponding, viz. "I will to please you _labour on, and do all
+the good I can_." It is so pleasing to feel that one _does_ good and
+does one's duty. It sweetens so many bitter trials.
+
+The state of Germany is indeed a very anxious one. It is a mistake
+to think the _supremacy of Prussia_ is _what is wished for_. General
+Radowitz himself says that what is necessary for Germany [is] that
+she should take the lead, and should redeem the pledges given in '48.
+Unless this be _done_ in a moderate and determined way, a _fearful
+reaction_ will take place, which will _overturn Thrones_; to use
+Radowitz's own words: "_und nicht vor dem Thron stehen bleiben_."
+Prussia is the _only large_ and powerful _really German_ Power
+there is, and therefore she must take the lead; but her constant
+vacillation--one day doing one thing and another day another--has
+caused her to be entirely distrusted. You are quite right in saying
+things should be done _d'un commun accord_, and I think that the other
+great Powers ought to be consulted. Unfortunately, _Lord Palmerston_
+has contrived to make us _so hated_ by all parties abroad, that we
+have lost our position and our influence, which, considering the
+flourishing and satisfactory state of this country during all the
+European convulsions, _ought_ to have been _immense_. This it is
+which pains and grieves me so deeply, and which I have so plainly been
+speaking to Lord John Russell about. What a noble position we _might_
+have had, and how wantonly has it been thrown away!
+
+Good Stockmar is well, and always of the _greatest_ comfort and use to
+us. His judgment is so sound, so unbiassed, and so dispassionate. Ever
+your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND ROME]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th December 1850._
+
+The Queen received Lord John Russell's letter and the draft yesterday.
+He must be a better judge of what the effect of Mr Sheil's[51]
+presence in Rome may be than she can; but for her own part, she thinks
+it entirely against her notions of what is _becoming_ to _ask_ the
+_Pope_ for a _favour_ (for it is tantamount to that) at a moment when
+his name is being vilified and abused in every possible manner in
+this country. It strikes the Queen as an _undignified_ course for this
+Government to pursue.
+
+The Queen is glad to hear of what passed between the Archbishop and
+Lord John.[52] She trusts that something may be done, as the desire
+for it seems to be so great. On the other hand, the Queen deeply
+regrets the great abuse of the Roman Catholic religion which takes
+place at all these meetings, etc. She thinks it unchristian and
+unwise, and trusts that it will soon cease....
+
+    [Footnote 51: Minister at the Court of Tuscany.]
+
+    [Footnote 52: The Government were preparing for the
+    introduction of their Ecclesiastical Titles Bill.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LADY PEEL]
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _10th December 1850._
+
+MY BELOVED UNCLE,--My letter must, I fear, be a somewhat hurried and
+short one, for my morning has been taken up in receiving in state
+Addresses from the City and Universities about this _unfortunate_
+"Papal Aggression" business, which is still keeping people in a
+feverish state of wild excitement.[53] _One_ good effect it has had,
+viz. that of directing people's serious attention to the very alarming
+tendency of the _Tractarians_, which was doing _immense_ harm....
+
+_Many, many thanks_ for your two dear and kind letters of the 6th
+and of yesterday. All you _say_ about _Louise_, and about the
+disappearance _for ever_ of _all_ that _she loved_ and was _proud of_,
+is so true, so _dreadful_. One fancies (foolishly and wrongly, but
+still one _does_) that the lost one has been hardly used in no longer
+enjoying these earthly blessings, and one's grief seems to break
+out afresh in bitter agony upon _small and comparatively trifling_
+occasions. Poor Lady Peel (whom I saw for the first time yesterday at
+Buckingham Palace, whither I had gone for an hour) expressed _this_
+strongly. _Hers_ is indeed a _broken heart_; she is so _truly_ crushed
+by the _agony_ of _her_ grief; it was _very_ touching to see and to
+hear her. Poor thing! she _never_ can be happy again!
+
+What you say about _me_ is far too kind. I am very _often_ sadly
+dissatisfied with myself and with the little self-control I have.
+
+Your long letter interested us much. I fear the German affairs are
+very bad.... That everlasting "backwards and forwards," as you say,
+of my poor friend the King of Prussia is _calamitous_; it causes
+_all_ parties to distrust him, and gives _real_ strength only to the
+Republicans. Since '48 that has been his conduct, and the _misfortune_
+for Germany. A _steady_ course, _whatever_ it may be, is _always_ the
+best.
+
+What you say about poor Hélène[54] and France is true and sad. I
+really wish you would caution Hélène as to her language; she is much
+attached to you. I _pity_ her very much; her position is very trying,
+and her religion renders it more difficult even.
+
+I must now end my letter. I grieve to hear of your going _alone_ to
+Ardenne; it is BAD for you to be alone, and your poor children also
+ought not to be alone. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 53: These Addresses were presented at Windsor,
+    Prince Albert and the Duke of Wellington representing the
+    Universities of Cambridge and Oxford.]
+
+    [Footnote 54: The Duchess of Orleans.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _11th December 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that the Cabinet to-day considered at great
+length the question of the steps to be taken in respect to the Papal
+Aggression.
+
+The inclination of the majority was not to prosecute, but to bring
+a Bill into Parliament to make the assumption of any titles of
+archbishop, etc., of any place in the United Kingdom illegal, and to
+make any gift of property conveyed under such title null and void.
+
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: RITUALISM]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duchess of Gloucester._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _12th December 1850._
+
+MY DEAR AUNT,--Many thanks for your kind letter; you are quite right
+not to distress the Duchess of Cambridge by mentioning to her what I
+wrote to you about the Bishop of London.[55] I am glad that you
+are pleased with my answers to the Addresses; I thought them very
+proper.[56]
+
+I would never have consented to say anything which breathed a spirit
+of intolerance. Sincerely Protestant as I always have been and
+always shall be, and indignant as I am at those who _call themselves
+Protestants_, while they in fact _are_ quite the _contrary_, I much
+regret the unchristian and intolerant spirit exhibited by many people
+at the public meetings. I cannot bear to hear the violent abuse of the
+Catholic religion, which is so painful and cruel towards the many good
+and innocent Roman Catholics. However, we must hope and trust this
+excitement will soon cease, and that the wholesome effect of it on our
+own _Church_ will be the lasting result of it. Ever yours ...
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 55: The Bishop of London had taken the same view
+    as Lord John Russell of the Papal action, though they had
+    disagreed over the Gorham controversy.]
+
+    [Footnote 56: See _ante_, p. 279.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th December 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of yesterday. She
+sanctions the introduction into Parliament of a Bill framed on the
+principles agreed upon at yesterday's Cabinet, presuming that it will
+extend to the whole United Kingdom. What is to be done, however,
+with respect to the Colonies where the Roman Catholic bishoprics are
+recognised by the Government under territorial titles? and what is
+to be done with Dr Cullen, who has assumed the title of Archbishop
+of Armagh, Primate of all Ireland, which is punishable under the
+Emancipation Act? If this is left unnoticed, the Government will be
+left with the "_lame_" argument in Parliament of which we conversed
+here. Could the Government not be helped out of this difficulty by
+the Primate himself prosecuting the obtruder? The Queen hopes that the
+meeting of the archdeacons with Dr Lushington may do some good; she
+cannot say that she is pleased with the Archbishop's answer to the
+laity published in to-day's _Times_, which leaves them without a
+remedy if the clergymen persist in Puseyite Rituals! The Queen will
+return Lord Minto's letter with the next messenger.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd December 1850._
+
+The Queen now returns Lord Seymour's letter respecting the New Forest,
+and sanctions the proposed arrangement. Considering, however, that she
+gives up the deer, and all patronage and authority over the Forest,
+she wishes the shooting, as the only remaining Royalty, not to be
+withdrawn from her authority also. It will be quite right to give
+Deputations[57] to shoot over the various divisions and walks of the
+Forest to gentlemen of the neighbourhood or others; but in order that
+this may establish no right on their part, and may leave the Sovereign
+a voice in the matter, she wishes that a list be prepared every
+year of the persons recommended by the Office of Woods to receive
+Deputations and submitted for her approval.
+
+    [Footnote 57: A deputation, _i.e._, a deputed right to take
+    game.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XX
+
+
+The Ministry were in difficulties at the very beginning of the session
+(1851), being nearly defeated on a motion made in the interest of
+the agricultural party; and though the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill was
+allowed to be brought in, they were beaten in a thin House chiefly by
+their own friends, on the question of the County Franchise. A crisis
+ensued, and a coalition of Whigs and Peelites was attempted, but
+proved impracticable. Lord Stanley having then failed to form a
+Protectionist Ministry, the Whigs, much weakened, had to resume
+office.
+
+The Exhibition, which was opened in Hyde Park on the 1st of May, was a
+complete success, a brilliant triumph indeed, for the Prince, over six
+million people visiting it; it remained open till the Autumn, and the
+building, some time after its removal, was re-erected at Sydenham, at
+the Crystal Palace.
+
+The Ecclesiastical Titles Bill, much modified, was proceeded with,
+and, though opposed by the ablest Peelites and Radicals, became law,
+though its effect, while in operation, was virtually _nil_. It was in
+after-years repealed.
+
+Kossuth, the champion of Hungarian independence, visited England in
+October, and Lord Palmerston had to be peremptorily restrained
+from receiving him publicly at the Foreign Office. A little later,
+Kossuth's ultra-liberal sympathisers in London addressed the Foreign
+Secretary in language violently denunciatory of the Emperors of
+Austria and Russia, for which Lord Palmerston failed to rebuke them.
+The cup was filled to the brim by his recognition of the President's
+_coup d'état_ in France. Louis Napoleon, after arresting M. Thiers and
+many others, proclaimed the dissolution of the Council of State and
+the National Assembly, decreed a state of siege, and re-established
+universal suffrage, with a Chief Magistrate elected for ten years,
+and a Ministry depending on the executive alone. Palmerston thereupon,
+though professing an intention of non-interference, conveyed to the
+French Ambassador in London his full approbation of the proceeding,
+and his conviction that the President could not have acted otherwise.
+Even after this indiscreet action, the Premier found some difficulty
+in bringing him to book; but before the end of the year he was
+dismissed from office, with the offer, which he declined, of the
+Irish Lord-Lieutenancy and a British Peerage. Greatly to the Queen's
+satisfaction, Lord Granville became Foreign Secretary.
+
+At the Cape, Sir Harry Smith was engaged in operations against the
+Kaffirs, which were not brought to a successful termination till the
+following year, when General Cathcart had superseded him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+1851
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th January 1851._
+
+The Queen approves of the elevation of Mr. Pemberton Leigh[1] to the
+Peerage, which she considers a very useful measure, and not likely to
+lead to any permanent increase of the Peerage, as he is not likely
+to marry at his present age, and considering that he has only a life
+interest in his large property.
+
+With regard to the creation of Dr Lushington[2] as a Peer, without
+remainder, the Queen has again thoroughly considered the question, and
+is of opinion that the establishment of the principle of creation for
+life--in cases where public advantage may be derived from the grant of
+a Peerage, but where there may be no fortune to support the dignity in
+the family--is most desirable. The mode in which the public will take
+the introduction of it will however chiefly depend upon the merits of
+the first case brought forward. Dr Lushington appears to the Queen
+so unobjectionable in this respect that she cannot but approve of the
+experiment being tried with him.
+
+It would be well, however, that it should be done quietly; that it
+should not be talked about beforehand or get into the papers, which so
+frequently happens on occasions of this kind, and generally does harm.
+
+    [Footnote 1: Member of Parliament for Rye 1881-1832, and Ripon
+    1835-1843, afterwards a member of the Judicial Committee of
+    the Privy Council: he became a Peer (Lord Kingsdown) in 1858,
+    having declined a peerage on the present and other occasions.]
+
+    [Footnote 2: Dr Lushington was judge of the Admiralty Court:
+    he had been counsel for, and an executor of, Queen Caroline.
+    He declined the offer now suggested, and the subsequent
+    debates on the Wensleydale Peerage show that the proposed
+    grant would have been ineffectual for its purpose.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DIPLOMATIC ARRANGEMENTS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st January 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter of the 29th, in which
+he proposes a change in those diplomatic arrangements which she had
+already sanctioned on his recommendation, and must remark that the
+reasons which Lord Palmerston adduces in support of his present
+proposition are in direct contradiction to those by which he supported
+his former recommendation.[3]
+
+The principle which the Queen would wish to see acted upon in her
+diplomatic appointments in general, is, that the _good of the service_
+should precede every other consideration, and that the selection of
+an agent should depend more on his personal qualifications for the
+particular post for which he is to be selected than on the mere
+pleasure and convenience of the person to be employed, or of the
+Minister recommending him.
+
+According to Lord Palmerston's first proposal, Sir H. Seymour was to
+have gone to St Petersburg, Lord Bloomfield to Berlin, and Sir Richard
+Pakenham to Lisbon; now Lord Palmerston wishes to send Lord Cowley to
+St Petersburg.
+
+The Queen has the highest opinion of Lord Cowley's abilities, and
+agrees with Lord Palmerston in thinking that Russia will, for some
+time at least, exercise a predominating influence over all European
+affairs. She would accordingly not object to see that Agent accredited
+there in whom she herself places the greatest confidence. But
+according to the same principle, she must insist that the posts
+of Berlin and Frankfort, which in her opinion are of nearly equal
+importance, should be filled by men capable of dealing with the
+complicated and dangerous political questions now in agitation there,
+and the just appreciation and judicious treatment of which are of
+the highest importance to the peace of Europe, and therefore to the
+welfare of England.
+
+Before the Queen therefore decides upon Lord Palmerston's new
+proposals, she wishes to know _whom_ he could recommend for the post
+of Frankfort in the event of Lord Cowley leaving it, and thinks it
+but right to premise that in giving her sanction to the proposals
+Lord Palmerston may have to submit, she will be guided entirely by the
+principle set forth above.
+
+    [Footnote 3: Lord Palmerston had altered his mind as to
+    certain proposed diplomatic changes, and suggested the
+    appointment of Sir Hamilton Seymour to Berlin, Lord Bloomfield
+    to Lisbon, Lord Cowley to Petersburg, Mr Jerningham, Sir Henry
+    Ellis, or Sir Richard Pakenham to Frankfort.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DIPLOMATIC ARRANGEMENTS]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _12th January 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+has the honour to state that Mr Disraeli brought forward his Motion
+yesterday.[4] His speech was long and elaborate, but not that of a man
+who was persuaded he was undertaking a good cause.
+
+He proposed nothing specific, but said nothing offensive.
+
+The doubts about the division increase. Mr Hayter reckoned yesterday
+on a majority of three! Sir James Graham is of opinion Lord Stanley
+will not undertake anything desperate. He will speak in favour of
+Government to-morrow, when the division will probably take place.
+
+    [Footnote 4: On agricultural distress; the Motion was lost by
+    fourteen only in a large House.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th February 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday, and
+has to state in answer her decision in favour of the original plan of
+appointments, viz. of Sir H. Seymour to Petersburg, Lord Bloomfield
+to Berlin, and Sir R. Pakenham to Lisbon. The Queen quite agrees with
+Lord Palmerston in the opinion that the post at Petersburg is more
+important than that of Frankfort, and had Lord Palmerston been able
+to propose a good successor to Lord Cowley she would have approved
+his going to Petersburg; Sir R. Pakenham, however, would not take
+Frankfort if offered to him, as it appears, and the two other persons
+proposed would not do for it, in the Queen's opinion. It must not be
+forgotten that at a place for action like Petersburg, the Minister
+will chiefly have to look to his instructions from home, while at
+a place of observation, as Lord Palmerston justly calls Frankfort,
+everything depends upon the acuteness and impartiality of the
+observer, and upon the confidence with which he may be able to inspire
+those from whom alone accurate information can be obtained. Lord
+Cowley possesses eminently these qualities, and Sir H. Seymour has
+at all times shown himself equal to acting under most difficult
+circumstances. The desire of the Emperor to see Lord Cowley at
+Petersburg may possibly resolve itself in the desire of Baron Brunnow
+to see him removed from Germany.... The Queen had always understood
+that Sir H. Seymour would be very acceptable to the Emperor, and that
+Count Nesselrode called him a diplomatist "de la bonne vieille roche."
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SIR JAMES GRAHAM]
+
+
+_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE. _17th February 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell came at half-past three. He had had a long
+conversation with Sir James Graham, had stated to him that from the
+tone of his speech (which Lord John explained to us yesterday was of
+so very friendly a character and pointed directly to supporting the
+Government)--its friendliness, and the manner in which he advocated
+the union of those who opposed a return to Protection, that he
+proposed to him to join the Government; that Sir G. Grey had offered
+to resign his office in order that Sir J. Graham might have it. Before
+I go farther I ought to say that Lord John yesterday explained the
+importance of obtaining support like Sir J. Graham's in the Cabinet,
+and that he thought of proposing the Board of Control to him, which
+Sir J. Hobhouse was ready to give up--receiving a Peerage, and
+retaining a seat in the Cabinet or the Admiralty, which Sir F. Baring
+was equally ready to give up.
+
+Well, Sir J. Graham said that before he answered he wished to show
+Lord John a correspondence which had passed between him and Lord
+Londonderry. In the course of conversation in the country, Sir James
+had said to Lord Londonderry that parties never could go on as they
+were, and that they must ultimately lapse into _two_; this, Lord
+Londonderry reported to Mr Disraeli, who told it to Lord Stanley;
+and Mr Disraeli wrote to Lord Londonderry, stating that if certain
+advantages and reliefs were given to the landed interests, he
+should not cling to Protection; in short, much what he said in his
+speech--and that he was quite prepared to give up the lead in the
+House of Commons to Sir J. Graham. Sir James answered that he never
+meant anything by what he had said, and that he had no wish whatever
+to join Lord Stanley; that if he had, he was so intimate with Lord
+Stanley that he would have communicated direct with him.
+
+Sir James said that as soon as he heard from Lord John, he thought
+_what_ he wished to see him for, and that he had been thinking over
+it, and had been talking to Lord Hardinge and Mr Cardwell. That he
+did wish to support the Government, but that he thought he could be of
+more use if he did not join the Government, and was able to give them
+an independent support; that he had not attempted to lead Sir Robert
+Peel's followers; that many who had followed Sir Robert would _not_
+follow _him_; that he thought the Government in great danger; that
+the Protectionists, Radicals, and Irish Members would try to take
+an opportunity to overset them (the Government); that should the
+Government be turned out, he would find no difficulty in joining them;
+or should they go on, that by-and-by it might be easier to do so; but
+that at this moment he should be injuring himself without doing
+the Government any real service; besides which, there were so many
+measures decided on which he was ignorant of, and should have to
+support. Lord John told him that were he in the Cabinet, he would have
+the means of stating and enforcing his opinions, and that at whatever
+time he joined them, there would always be the same difficulty about
+measures which had already been decided on. He (Sir James) is not
+quite satisfied with the Papal Aggression Bill, which he thinks will
+exasperate the Irish; he also adverted to the report of our having
+protested against Austria bringing her Italian Provinces, etc., into
+the German Confederation. Lord John told him that this had not been
+done, but that we meant to ask for explanations.
+
+In short, Lord John said it was evident that Sir James thought the
+Government in great danger, and "did not wish to embark in a boat
+which was going to sink." Still, he was friendly, and repeated that
+it would be very easy when in opposition to unite, and then to come in
+together.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEFEAT OF THE GOVERNMENT]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _21st February 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to report that on a motion of Mr Locke King's[5] yesterday
+the Government was defeated by a hundred to fifty-two.
+
+This is another circumstance which makes it probable the Ministry
+cannot endure long. The Tories purposely stayed away.
+
+    [Footnote 5: For equalising the County and the Borough
+    franchise.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MINISTERIAL CRISIS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st February 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have only time just to write a few hasty lines to
+you from Stockmar's room, where I came up to speak to Albert and him,
+to tell you that we have got a Ministerial crisis; the Ministers
+were in a great minority last night, and though it was not a question
+_vital_ to the Government, Lord John feels the support he has received
+so meagre, and the opposition of so many parties so great, that he
+must _resign!_ This is very bad, because there is no chance of any
+other good Government, poor Peel being no longer alive, and not one
+man of talent except Lord Stanley in the Party;... but Lord John is
+_right_ not to go on when he is so ill supported, and it will raise
+him as a political man, and will strengthen his position for the
+future.
+
+Whether Lord Stanley (to whom I must send to-morrow _after_ the
+Government have resigned) will be able to form a Government or not,
+I cannot tell. Altogether, it is very vexatious, and will give
+us trouble. It is the more provoking, as this country is so very
+prosperous.
+
+On Tuesday I hope to be able to say more....
+
+With Albert's love, ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD LANSDOWNE CONSULTED]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY SUMMONED]
+
+[Pageheading: FISCAL POLICY OUTLINED]
+
+[Pageheading: PROTECTION]
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd February 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell having been for a few minutes with the Queen,
+in order to prepare her for the possibility of the Government's
+resignation (yesterday, at two o'clock), went to Downing Street
+to meet the Cabinet, and promised to return at four in order to
+communicate the decision the Cabinet might have arrived at. On his
+return he explained that after the vote at the beginning of the
+Session on the Orders of the Day, which went directly against the
+Government, after the small majority (only fourteen) which they had on
+the motion of Mr Disraeli on the landed interest, and now the defeat
+on the Franchise, it was clear that the Government did not possess
+the confidence of the House of Commons. He complained of the
+Protectionists staying away in a body on Mr King's motion, and he
+(Lord John) himself being left without a supporter even amongst
+his colleagues in the debate, but most of all of the conduct of the
+Radicals; for when Mr King, hearing Lord John's promise to bring in
+a measure next Session, wanted to withdraw his Motion, as he ought to
+have done on such a declaration by the head of the Government, Mr Hume
+insisted upon his going on, "else Lord John would withdraw his promise
+again in a fortnight"; and when the result of the vote was made known
+the shouting and triumph of the hundred was immense.
+
+Lord John had declared to the Cabinet that he could not go on, that
+the Income Tax would have to be voted the next day, and a defeat was
+probable; it were much better therefore not to hesitate, and to resign
+at once. The Cabinet agreed, although some Members thought with Lord
+Palmerston that the occasion was hardly sufficient. Lord John begged
+to be allowed till to-day, in order to see Lord Lansdowne, whom he
+had sent for from the country, and to be able to tender then his
+resignation; he would go down to the House to adjourn it, promising
+explanations on Monday.
+
+We agreed with Lord John that he owed to his station personally, and
+as the Queen's Minister, not to put up with ignominious treatment,
+praised his speech on the Suffrage, which is admirable, and regretted
+that his colleagues had prevented him from bringing in a measure
+this year. We talked of the difficulty of forming any Government, but
+agreed that Lord Stanley and the Protection Party ought to be appealed
+to; they longed for office, and would not rest quiet till they had had
+it if for ever so short a time only.
+
+We further went over the ground of a possible demand for a
+Dissolution, which might bring on a general commotion in the country.
+Lord John agreed in this, but thought the responsibility to be very
+great for the Crown to refuse an appeal to the country to the new
+Government; he thought a decision on that point ought to depend on the
+peculiar circumstances of the case.
+
+Lord Lansdowne, who had come from Bowood by the express train, arrived
+at twelve o'clock, and came at once to meet Lord John Russell here at
+the Palace.
+
+In the audience which the Queen gave him he expressed his entire
+concurrence with the decision the Cabinet had come to, as the
+resignation could at any rate only have been delayed. It was clear
+that the Cabinet had lost the confidence of the House of Commons; what
+had happened the other night was only the last drop which made the
+cup flow over, and that it was much more dignified not to let the
+Government die a lingering and ignominious death; he [thought] that
+Lord Stanley would have great difficulties, but would be able to form
+a Government; at least the Protectionist Party gave out that they had
+a Cabinet prepared.
+
+We then saw Lord John Russell, who formally tendered his resignation,
+and was very much moved on taking leave; he said that, considering
+Lord Stanley's principles, it would not be possible for him to hold
+out any hope of support to that Government, except on the estimates
+for which he felt responsible, but he would at all times be ready
+vigorously to defend the Crown, which was in need of every support in
+these days.
+
+At three o'clock came Lord Stanley, whom the Queen had summoned.
+
+The Queen informed him of the resignation of the Government, in
+consequence of the late vote, which had been the result of the
+Protectionists staying away, of the small majority which the
+Government had had upon Mr Disraeli's Motion, and of the many symptoms
+of want of confidence exhibited towards the Government in the House
+of Commons. The Queen had accepted their resignation, and had sent
+for him as the head of that Party, which was now the most numerous in
+Opposition, in order to ask him whether he could undertake to form a
+Government.
+
+Lord Stanley expressed great surprise. The impression had been that
+the Government had not been in earnest in their opposition to Mr L.
+King's Motion; in the minority had voted only twenty-seven members of
+the Government side, the rest had been of his Party. He asked if the
+whole Cabinet had resigned, or whether there had been dissension in
+the Cabinet upon it? The Queen replied that the resignation had been
+unanimously agreed upon in the Cabinet, and that Lord Lansdowne,
+who had only come up from Bowood this morning, had given his entire
+approval to it. Lord Stanley then asked whether anybody else had
+been consulted or applied to, to which the Queen replied that she had
+written to him a few minutes after Lord John's resignation, and had
+communicated with no one else. Lord Stanley then said that he hoped
+the Queen's acceptance had only been a conditional one; that he felt
+very much honoured by the Queen's confidence; that he hoped he
+might be able to tender advice which might contribute to the Queen's
+comfort, and might relieve the present embarrassment.
+
+In order to be able to do so he must enter most freely and openly into
+his own position and that of his Party. It was quite true that they
+formed the most numerous in Parliament after the supporters of what
+he hoped he might still call the _present_ Government, but that there
+were no men contained in it who combined great ability with experience
+in public business. There was one certainly of great ability and
+talent--Mr Disraeli--but who had never held office before, and perhaps
+Mr Herries, who possessed great experience, but who did not command
+great authority in the House of Commons; that he should have great
+difficulties in presenting to the Queen a Government fit to be
+accepted, unless he could join with some of the late Sir R. Peel's
+followers; that he considered, for instance, the appointment of a good
+person for Foreign Affairs indispensable, and there was scarcely any
+one fit for it except Lord Palmerston and Lord Aberdeen. Lord Aberdeen
+had told him that he had no peculiar views upon Free Trade, and that
+he did not pretend to understand the question, but that he had felt it
+his duty to stand by Sir R. Peel; this might now be different, but
+it ought first to be ascertained whether a combination of those
+who agreed in principle, and had only been kept asunder hitherto by
+_personal_ considerations, could not be formed; that Sir James Graham
+had in his last speech declared it as his opinion that the ranks of
+those who agreed ought to be closed; when such a combination had taken
+place, those of Sir R. Peel's followers who could not agree to
+it might not be unwilling to join him (Lord Stanley). As to his
+principles, he would frankly state that he thought that the landed
+interest was much depressed by the low state of prices; that an import
+duty on corn would be absolutely necessary, which, however, would be
+low, and only a revenue duty; such a duty, he thought, the country
+would be prepared for; and if they were allowed to state their honest
+opinion, he felt sure the greatest part of the present Government
+would be heartily glad of. He would require Duties upon sugar
+for revenue, but he could not conceal that if the revenue after a
+diminution in the direct taxation, which he would propose, should
+considerably fall off, he might be driven to raise the Import duties
+on other articles. He thought the present House of Commons could
+hardly be expected to reverse its decision upon the financial and
+commercial policy of the country, and that accordingly a Dissolution
+of Parliament would become necessary. Such a Dissolution, however,
+could not be undertaken at this moment for the sake of public
+business. The Mutiny Bill had not been voted nor the Supplies, and it
+would require more than eight weeks before the new Parliament could
+be assembled, and consequently the Crown would be left without Army or
+money. A Dissolution could accordingly not take place before Easter.
+He felt, however, that if he were to take office now, he would between
+this and Easter be exposed to such harassing attacks that he should
+not be able to withstand them; moreover, it would subject the members
+of his Government to two elections in two months. He hoped therefore
+that the Queen would try to obtain a Government by a coalition of the
+Whigs and Peelites, but that this failing, if the Queen should send
+again for him, and it was clear no other Government could be formed,
+he would feel it his duty as a loyal subject to risk everything,
+except his principles and his honour, to carry on the Government; and
+he hoped that in such a case the Queen would look leniently on the
+composition of the Cabinet which he could offer, and that the country
+would, from the consideration of the circumstances, give it a fair
+trial. He begged, however, that he might not be called upon to take
+office except as a _dernier ressort_, a _necessity_.
+
+I interrupted him when he spoke of his financial measures, and begged
+him further to explain, when it appeared that a duty of about six
+shillings on corn was the least he could impose to bring up the price
+to forty-five shillings, which Sir R. Peel had stated to the House of
+Commons was in his opinion the lowest price wheat would fall to after
+the abolition of the Corn Laws.
+
+We expressed our doubts as to the country agreeing to such a measure,
+and our apprehension of the violent spirit which would be roused in
+the working classes by a Dissolution for that purpose, which Lord
+Stanley, however, did not seem to apprehend; on the contrary, he
+thought the distress of the farmers would lead to the destruction of
+the landed interest, which was the only support to the Throne.
+
+I told him that the Queen and certainly myself had been under a
+delusion, and that I was sure the country was equally so, as to
+his intention to return to Protection. Sometimes it was stated that
+Protection would be adhered to, sometimes that it was given up,
+and that it was _compensation_ to the landed interest which the
+Protectionists looked to. His last speeches and the Motion of Mr
+Disraeli led to that belief, but that it was of the highest importance
+that the country should know exactly what was intended; the Queen
+would then have an opportunity of judging how the nation looked upon
+the proposal. I hoped therefore that the declaration of his opinions
+which Lord Stanley had now laid before the Queen would be clearly
+enunciated by him in Parliament when the Ministerial explanations
+should take place, which would naturally follow this crisis.
+
+Lord Stanley merely answered that he hoped that no explanations would
+take place before a Government was formed. He said he should wish the
+word "Protection" to be merged, to which I rejoined that though he
+might wish this, I doubted whether the country would let him.
+
+Before taking leave, he repeated over and over again his advice that
+the Coalition Ministry should be tried.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley._
+
+_22nd February 1851._
+
+In order to be able to be perfectly accurate in stating Lord Stanley's
+opinions, which the Queen feels some delicacy in doing, she would be
+very thankful if he would write down for her what he just stated to
+her--as his advice in the present difficulty. Of course she would not
+let such a paper go out of her hands.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SIR JAMES GRAHAM]
+
+[Pageheading: FOREIGN POLICY]
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd February 1851._
+
+Sir James Graham, who had been out of Town, came at six o'clock,
+having received my letter on his return. Lord John Russell had been
+here before that time.
+
+After having stated to him (Lord John) what had passed with Lord
+Stanley, we told him that Sir James Graham was here; Lord John seemed
+much surprised at Lord Stanley's refusal to form an Administration,
+declared himself ready to do what he could towards the formation of a
+new Government on an extended basis, but thought that Sir James Graham
+and Lord Aberdeen should have the first offer.
+
+I went accordingly over to my room, where Sir James was waiting. He
+was entirely taken by surprise by the announcement of the resignation
+of the Government, and begged to be able to state to me how he was
+situated before he saw the Queen and Lord John.
+
+I then communicated to him what had passed with Lord Stanley, upon
+which we had a conversation of more than an hour, of which the chief
+features were:
+
+1. Apprehension on the part of Sir James Graham lest the attempt on
+the part of Lord Stanley to re-impose Protective duties should produce
+universal commotion in the country, which would be increased by the
+Dissolution, without which Lord Stanley would not be able to proceed.
+
+2. His disbelief that Lord Aberdeen would be able to join in any
+Government abandoning Sir R. Peel's principles, as he had been
+consulted before and after Sir James's late speech in which he
+expressed his entire concurrence.
+
+3. His own utter weakness, calling himself the weakest man in England,
+who had lost his only friend in Sir R. Peel, and had for the last
+fifteen years not exercised an independent judgment, but rested
+entirely on his friend.
+
+4. His disagreement with some of his late colleagues--the Duke of
+Newcastle, Mr Gladstone, and Mr Sidney Herbert--in religious opinions.
+
+5. His disagreement with Lord John's Government upon some most
+important points.
+
+He could not take office with Lord Palmerston as Foreign Secretary,
+whose policy and mode of conducting business he disapproved, who
+was now protesting against the admission of Austria into the German
+Confederation; he disapproved the Papal Aggression Bill, finding it
+militating against the line which he had taken as Secretary of State
+with regard to the Roman Catholic Bishops in Ireland, and particularly
+the Bequest Act, and considering that after Lord John's letter the
+Bill would fall short of the high expectations formed in the minds of
+the English public.
+
+He disapproved of the abolition of the Irish Lord-Lieutenancy, and the
+making a fourth Secretary of State had been considered by Sir
+Robert Peel and himself as introducing into England all the Irish
+malpractices, while Ireland was still kept wholly separate from
+England.
+
+Lord John had raised a new difficulty by his declaration upon Reform.
+He had been thunderstruck when he read the announcement on the part
+of the chief author of the Reform Bill, who had stood with him (Sir
+J. Graham) hitherto upon _finality_, condemning his own work, and
+promising at a year's distance important alterations, in which
+interval great agitation would be got up, great expectations raised,
+and the measure when brought forward would cause disappointment. Sir
+Robert Peel had always been of opinion that it was most dangerous to
+touch these questions, but if opened with the consent of the Crown, a
+measure should at once be brought forward and passed.
+
+After my having replied to these different objections, that the Queen
+felt herself the importance of Lord Palmerston's removal, and would
+make it herself a condition with Lord John that he should not be again
+Foreign Secretary; that the protest to Austria had not gone, and that
+upon studying the question Sir James would find that the entrance of
+the whole Austrian Monarchy, while giving France a pretext for war and
+infringing the Treaties of 1815, would not tend to the strength and
+unity of Germany, which held to be the true English interest, but
+quite the reverse; that I did not think the Papal Aggression Bill
+touched the Bequest Act or militated against toleration; that the
+Lieutenancy would perhaps be given up, and a measure on the Franchise
+be considered by the _new_ Government and brought forward at once.
+I thought it would be better to discuss the matters with Lord John
+Russell in the Queen's presence, who accordingly joined us.
+
+The discussion which now arose went pretty much over the same ground,
+Lord John agreeing that Lord Palmerston ought to form no difficulty,
+that the Papal Aggression Bill would be further modified, that the
+Lieutenancy Bill might be given up, that he agreed to Sir James's
+objection to the declaration about reform, but that he had intended to
+bring forward a measure, if he had been able to get his colleagues to
+agree to it, that he would be ready to propose a measure at once. This
+Sir J. Graham thought important as a means of gaining at a General
+Election, which he foresaw could not be long delayed, whoever formed a
+Government.
+
+In order to obtain some result from this long debate I summed up what
+might be considered as agreed upon, viz. That there was _tabula rasa_,
+and for the new Coalition a free choice of men and measures, to which
+they assented, Lord John merely stating that he could not take office
+without part of his friends, and could not sacrifice his _personal_
+declarations. Dinnertime having approached, and Lord Aberdeen having
+written that he would be with us after nine o'clock, we adjourned the
+further discussion till then, when they would return.
+
+
+Whilst the Queen dressed I had an interview with the Duke of
+Wellington, who had come to dine here, in which I informed him of
+the nature of our crisis. He expressed his regret and his dread of a
+Protectionist Government with a Dissolution, which might lead to civil
+commotion. He could not forgive, he said, the high Tory Party for
+their having stayed away the other night on Mr Locke King's Motion,
+and thus abandoned their own principles; he had no feeling for Lord
+John Russell's Cabinet, measures, or principles, but he felt that
+the Crown and the country were only safe in these days by having the
+Liberals in office, else they would be driven to join the Radical
+agitation against the institutions of the country.
+
+After dinner we resumed our adjourned debate in my room, at a quarter
+to ten, with Lord Aberdeen, and were soon joined by Lord John and Sir
+James Graham. We went over the same ground with him. Lord Stanley's
+letter was read and discussed. Lord Aberdeen declared his inability to
+join in a Protectionist Ministry; he did not pretend to understand the
+question of Free Trade, but it was a point of honour with him not to
+abandon it, and now, since Sir R. Peel's death, a matter of piety.
+He thought the danger of a Dissolution on a question of food by the
+Crown, for the purpose of imposing a tax upon bread, of the utmost
+danger for the safety of the country. He disapproved the Papal Bill,
+the abolition of the Lieutenancy, he had no difficulty upon the
+Franchise, for though he was called a _despot_, he felt a good deal of
+the Radical in him sometimes.
+
+Lord John put it to Lord Aberdeen, whether _he_ would not undertake to
+form a Government, to which Lord Aberdeen gave no distinct reply.
+
+As Sir James Graham raised nothing but difficulties, though professing
+the greatest readiness to be of use, and as it was getting on towards
+midnight, we broke up, with the Queen's injunction that _one_ of
+the three gentlemen _must_ form a Government, to which Lord Aberdeen
+laughingly replied: "I see your Majesty has come into[6] the Président
+de la République." Lord John was to see Lord Lansdowne _to-day_ at
+three o'clock, and would report progress to the Queen at five o'clock.
+On one point we were agreed, viz. that the Government to be formed
+must not be for the moment, but with a view to strength and stability.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 6: _Sic._]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: COMPLICATIONS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+_23d February 1851._
+
+The Queen has seen Lord Aberdeen and Sir J. Graham, but is sorry to
+say that her doing so was premature, as they had no opportunity of
+seeing each other after they left Lord John Russell, and therefore had
+not considered the Memorandum[7] which Lord John had handed to them.
+Lord Aberdeen has in the interval seen Lord Stanley, and declared
+to him that he must undeceive him as to the possibility of his ever
+joining a Protection Government. What further resulted from the
+conversation the Queen would prefer to state to Lord John verbally
+to-morrow. Perhaps Lord John would come in the forenoon to-morrow, or
+before he goes to the House; he will be so good as to let her know.
+
+    [Footnote 7: With a view of uniting with the Peelites, Lord
+    John drew up a Memorandum, printed in Walpole's _Lord John
+    Russell_, vol. ii. chap, xxii., with the following points:
+
+    A Cabinet of not more than eleven Members.
+
+    The present commercial policy to be maintained.
+
+    The financial measures of the year to be open to revision.
+
+    The Ecclesiastical Titles Bill to be persevered in so far as
+    the Preamble and the first clause, but the remaining clauses
+    to be abandoned.
+
+    A Reform Bill for the extension of the Franchise.
+
+    A Commission of Enquiry into corrupt practices at elections in
+    cities and boroughs.]
+
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd February 1851._
+(_Sunday._)
+
+Lord John Russell came at half-past five, much fatigued and depressed.
+On the Queen's asking whether he could report any progress, he said
+he thought he could; he had met Lord Aberdeen and Sir James Graham,
+together with Sir George Grey (Lord Lansdowne being ill). That he
+had informed them that he had received the Queen's commands to form a
+Government (?) and handed to them a Memorandum which follows here and
+which they had promised to take into consideration.
+
+We asked him whether he had chalked out a Government. He said he
+had not thought of it yet; he added, however, that _he_ could not
+undertake the Foreign Affairs with the lead in the House of Commons
+and Government (which the Queen had pressed upon him); Lord Palmerston
+might be leader in the House of Lords; he would not like Lord Aberdeen
+at the Foreign Office; Lord Clarendon and Lord Granville were equally
+acceptable to him.
+
+I suggested that it might be well if the Queen were to see Sir James
+and Lord Aberdeen again, which he approved, but thought it better he
+should not be present himself, and that the Queen might tell Sir James
+that he might have any Office he liked; perhaps _he_ would take the
+Foreign Affairs.
+
+Lord John's relations and private friends evidently are distressed at
+his resuming office; the Radicals were very much pleased with the idea
+of Sir James Graham being in office.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN SUMMONED]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+_24th February 1851._
+_(Monday evening._)
+
+Lord John came at three o'clock before making his statement to the
+House of Commons. We communicated to him what had passed with Sir
+James Graham and Lord Aberdeen yesterday evening. He thought his
+Memorandum had been misunderstood: the nature of the Reform Bill
+was left open to discussion, and what he had said about filling the
+Offices only meant that the Offices should not be divided according to
+number, and each party left to fill up its share, as had been done in
+former Coalition Ministries. He had seen Lord Palmerston, who was not
+willing to give up the Foreign Office--spoke of retiring from business
+at his age, of his success in conducting Foreign Affairs, and of its
+being a self-condemnation if he accepted another Office. Lord John
+told him that he did not agree in this view, that the Lord-Lieutenancy
+of Ireland was to be maintained, and thought it best to leave it
+there. He thought Lord Palmerston had given up the idea of leading
+the House of Commons. We ascertained from him in conversation that he
+could not agree to Lord Aberdeen taking the Foreign Office nor that he
+could serve under Lord Aberdeen or Sir James Graham in case any one of
+these were to form a Government.
+
+At half-past six Lord John returned from the House of Commons, and
+reported that two very important events had taken place: the one that
+upon his making his statement to the House that the Government had
+resigned, that Lord Stanley had been sent for, had declared _his
+inability then to form a Government_ (words agreed upon between
+Lord Lansdowne, Lord John, and Sir George Grey), and that he was now
+charged with the formation of a Government, Mr. Disraeli got up, and
+denied that Lord Stanley had declined forming a Government, which was
+received with cheers from the Protectionists. Lord John had merely
+answered that when Lord Stanley would make his explanations, what he
+had stated would be found to be correct, relying entirely, not upon
+what the Queen had communicated, but on Lord Stanley's own letter. The
+second event was a letter from Lord Aberdeen and Sir James Graham,[8]
+which put _an end_ to all _thoughts_ of a Coalition. It stated that
+they could agree to no legislation whatever on the Papal Aggressions,
+and ended with a hint that Sir James Graham was prepared to go farther
+in reductions than Lord John was likely to consent to.
+
+Lord John had at once answered that although he did not understand the
+latter objection, the difference on the Papal Bill must put an end
+to their negotiation. We much lamented the result, and after some
+discussion agreed that the only thing to be done now was to send for
+Lord Aberdeen. Lord Stanley could not pretend to be consulted before
+every other means of forming a Government had been exhausted.
+
+    [Footnote 8: Published in Walpole's _Lord John Russell_, vol.
+    ii. chap. xxii.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN DECLINES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _24th February 1851._
+(_Half-past ten_ P.M.)
+
+The Queen returns these papers, as Lord John Russell wished. She has
+just seen Lord Aberdeen and Sir James Graham, who, though ready to do
+anything which could be of any use to the Queen and the country, have
+stated it as their decided opinion that Lord Stanley should be asked
+to form a Government. Under these circumstances the Queen intends to
+send to Lord Stanley to-morrow. The Queen did ask Lord Aberdeen if he
+could undertake to form a Government, but he said that he thought it
+would not be successful, and that the Papal Aggression would be an
+insurmountable difficulty for him and Sir James Graham.
+
+The Queen rejoices to hear from them, and from Lord John and Lord
+Lansdowne, the expression of cordiality of feeling, which it is so
+essential for the Crown and the country that there should be.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ABERDEEN AND GRAHAM]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25 February 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Through Van der Weyer, you will have heard what was
+the state of the _long_ and anxious crisis yesterday evening.
+
+Alas! the hope of forming a strong Coalition Government has
+failed--_for the present_. I say for the present, as they are all so
+entirely agreed on the Commercial Policy that another time they hope
+there will be no difficulty, when they have _fought together_.
+The _Papal Aggression_ has in fact been the only insurmountable
+difficulty. We sent to Lord Aberdeen last night (both he and Sir James
+Graham have been most kind to us), and asked if _he_ could not try
+to form a Government; but with the greatest readiness to serve me, he
+said he could not, on account of this self-same Papal Aggression. He
+equally declares that he cannot join Lord Stanley. Accordingly this
+morning I have seen Lord Stanley, and he means to try if he can form
+any fit sort of Government, but he has _no_ men of talent, and his
+difficulties are gigantic. I shall only know to-morrow _definitely_ if
+he _can_ form an Administration. I am calm and courageous, having such
+support and advice as my dearest Albert's; but it is an anxious time,
+and the uncertainty and suspense very trying. More details you will
+have later on. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY TO BE SUMMONED]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _26th February 1851._
+
+Lord Aberdeen and Sir James Graham came yesterday evening at nine
+o'clock; the Queen put it to them whether _they_ could form a
+Government, to which they replied that they had turned it in their
+heads a hundred times, that there was nothing they would not do to
+show their readiness to serve the Queen, but that they did not see a
+possibility of forming an Administration which could stand a day. They
+were most likely at that moment the two most unpopular men in England,
+having declared that nothing should be done in Parliament against the
+Papal Aggression, which the whole country clamoured for; the Whigs
+would be very angry with them for their having broken up the new
+combination; they might find favour with the Radicals, but that was
+a support upon which no reliance could be placed. There was a growing
+opinion that Lord Stanley ought to have a chance of bringing forward
+his measures; that it was perilous, but that it was an evil which must
+be gone through; that this opinion had been strongly expressed by Lord
+Lansdowne, whose moderation nobody could doubt; that it was shared by
+the Duke of Newcastle, Mr Sidney Herbert, and others of Sir James's
+friends whom he had had time to consult.
+
+Upon the Queen's expression of her great apprehension as to the
+consequence of such a step on the country, they said there would
+no doubt spring up a most violent opposition, that there would be
+attempts to stop the supplies and dissolve the Army, but that Lord
+John Russell and Sir James Graham together would do their utmost to
+preach moderation, and would refer the House of Commons to the Queen's
+example, who had taken strictly the Constitutional course throughout
+the crisis, whose opinions on Free Trade were well known (as far as
+subjects could allow themselves to pretend to know their Sovereign's
+_private_ opinions) from the hearty support she had given to Sir
+Robert Peel's and Lord John's Governments. That upon the first
+proposition of a Stanley Government the junction of Parties would
+be completed, and there would be only _one_ strong opposition. After
+having fought together, there would be no longer any difficulty about
+forming a strong Government out of their joint ranks, whilst now it
+was impossible not to see that every Minister displaced would feel
+personally aggrieved, that then they stood on a footing of perfect
+equality. Sir James had seen Lord John since he had tendered his
+second resignation, and found him quite altered; whilst he was
+embarrassed and _boutonné_ before, he was open and unreserved now, and
+they could speak on terms of private friendship. Lord Aberdeen would
+save his influence in the House of Lords, which he would probably have
+lost if he had joined the Whigs in office; in future all this would be
+different.
+
+Lord John Russell's letter with the Memoranda came and interrupted us.
+From these papers, and what Sir James and Lord Aberdeen said, it is
+clear that all parties are relieved by the failure of their attempt
+to form a Coalition Government, but determined to form a positive
+junction, which will be most salutary to the country. The Queen will
+therefore send for Lord Stanley.
+
+We discussed further the means Lord Stanley would have to form an
+Administration, for which the material was certainly sad. Disraeli's
+last scene in the House of Commons would render the publication of
+Lord Stanley's letter necessary. Mr Gladstone might possibly join him;
+at least no pains would be spared to bring him in. Lord Palmerston
+had often so much secret understanding with Disraeli that he might be
+tempted with the bait of keeping the Foreign Office, particularly if
+personally offended.
+
+Whether the Queen should allow or refuse a Dissolution was debated;
+the latter declared a most heavy responsibility for the Sovereign to
+undertake, but a subject upon which the decision should only be taken
+at the time, and on a due consideration of the circumstances.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _25th February 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that having seen the letter which Lord Stanley
+addressed to your Majesty, and feeling himself precluded from entering
+into any details, he announced to the House of Commons that Lord
+Stanley had in reply to your Majesty's offer declared "he was not
+_then_ prepared to form a Government."
+
+Mr Disraeli disputed the accuracy of this statement.
+
+Your Majesty's word cannot be called in question, but Lord John
+Russell now feels it due to his own honour humbly to ask your Majesty
+for a copy of Lord Stanley's letter. He does not propose to read the
+letter to the House of Commons, but to refer to it in the statement he
+is compelled to make.
+
+Lord John Russell humbly requests that this representation may be
+shown to Lord Stanley. He will feel what is due to the honour of a
+public man.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY ARRIVES]
+
+[Pageheading: MR DISRAELI]
+
+[Pageheading: DISSOLUTION]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+_25th February 1851._
+(_Tuesday._)
+
+Lord Stanley obeyed the Queen's summons at eleven o'clock, and seemed
+very much concerned when she informed him that Lord John Russell had
+given up his task, as differences of opinion, particularly on the
+Papal Bill, had prevented a junction between him, Lord Aberdeen, and
+Sir James Graham; that an appeal to Lord Aberdeen had been equally
+unsuccessful from the same cause, viz. their difficulty in dealing
+with the Papal Question; that consequently the contingency had arisen
+under which Lord Stanley had promised to undertake the formation of a
+Government.
+
+Lord Stanley said his difficulties were immense, and he could not
+venture to approach them unless he was sure of every support on the
+part of the Crown; that he would have arrayed against him a formidable
+opposition of all the talent in the country.
+
+The Queen assured him that he should have every Constitutional support
+on her part, of which Lord Stanley repeated he had felt sure, although
+the total change must be very trying to the Queen.
+
+On his question, whether there was any hope of Lord Aberdeen joining
+him and taking the Foreign Office, we had to tell him that he must
+quite discard that idea. He replied, with a sigh, that he would still
+try and see him; he had thought of the Duke of Wellington taking the
+Foreign Office _ad interim_, but felt that he could hardly propose
+that, considering the Duke's age and infirmity; he would make an
+attempt to see Lord Canning with the Queen's permission, and
+that failing, could only think of Sir Stratford Canning, now at
+Constantinople, which the Queen approved.
+
+He still hoped he might get Mr Gladstone to take the lead in the House
+of Commons, without which assistance he must not conceal that it was
+almost impossible for him to go on. Mr Gladstone was on his way
+home from Paris, and he had written to him to see him as soon as he
+arrived; till then he could not promise that he would succeed to
+form an Administration, and he only undertook it for the good of his
+country, but was afraid of ruining his reputation.
+
+To this I rejoined that who tried to do the best by his country need
+never be afraid for his reputation.
+
+The Queen showed Lord Stanley Lord John Russell's letter respecting Mr
+Disraeli's denial of the truth of Lord John's statement in the House
+of Commons yesterday.
+
+Lord Stanley said it had been a very unfortunate misunderstanding,
+that he had been sorry Lord John and Lord Lansdowne should have felt
+it necessary to say that "he had not _then_ been prepared to form a
+Government," as the knowledge of this fact, as long as there was a
+chance of his being called back, could not but act injuriously to him
+and dispirit those with whom he acted. He would explain all this on
+Friday in the House of Lords, and had no objection to sending Lord
+John a copy of his letter.
+
+We now came to _Measures_. Lord Stanley hopes to obviate the Papal
+Question by a Parliamentary declaration and the appointment in both
+Houses of a Committee to enquire into the position of the Roman
+Catholic Church in this country; he would diminish the Income Tax by a
+million, and exempt temporary incomes; he would allow compounding for
+the Window Tax and levy a moderate duty on corn, which he called a
+Countervailing Duty, and tried to defend as good political economy, on
+the authority of Mr M'Culloch's last edition of "Ricardo." (I had some
+discussion with him, however, on that point.)
+
+Returning to the offices to be filled, Lord Stanley said he should
+have to propose Mr Disraeli as one of the Secretaries of State. The
+Queen interrupted him by saying that she had not a very good opinion
+of Mr Disraeli on account of his conduct to poor Sir R. Peel, and what
+had just happened did not tend to diminish that feeling; but that she
+felt so much Lord Stanley's difficulties, that she would not aggravate
+them by passing a sentence of exclusion on him. She must, however,
+make Lord Stanley responsible for his conduct, and should she have
+cause to be displeased with him when in office, she would remind Lord
+Stanley of what now passed. Lord Stanley promised to be responsible,
+and excused his friend for his former bitterness by his desire to
+establish his reputation for cleverness and sharpness; nobody had
+gained so much by Parliamentary schooling, and he had of late quite
+changed his tone.
+
+Mr Herries would make a good Chancellor of the Exchequer.
+
+As to Ireland, he had thought of having a more ostensible
+Lord-Lieutenant, whilst the business should be done by the Secretary
+for Ireland. He asked the Queen whether the Duke of Cambridge might
+be offered that post, which she took _ad referendum_. The Duke of
+Northumberland, though not of his Party, he should like to offer the
+Admiralty to.
+
+At the conclusion of the interview he broached the important question
+of Dissolution, and said that a Dissolution would anyhow become
+necessary; that, if it was thought that the Queen would withhold
+from him the privilege of dissolving, he would not have the slightest
+chance in the House of Commons; he would be opposed and beat, and then
+his adversaries would come in and dissolve. He avowed that it could
+not be said that the Queen had refused him the power of dissolving,
+but he required some assurance.
+
+On the Queen's objecting to giving him a contingent positive promise,
+but declaring her readiness fairly to discuss the question when the
+emergency arose, he contented himself with the permission to deny,
+if necessary, that she would _not_ consent to it, putting entire
+confidence in the Queen's intention to deal fairly by him.
+
+I tried to convince Lord Stanley, and I hope not without effect, of
+the advantage, both to the Queen and Lord Stanley himself, that they
+should not be hampered by a positive engagement on that point, which
+might become very inconvenient if circumstances arose which made a
+Dissolution dangerous to the country.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th February 1851._
+
+The Queen has seen Lord Stanley, who will let Lord John Russell have a
+copy of the letter. He wishes it not to be known or considered that
+he has formally undertaken to form a Government till to-morrow, on
+account of the House of Lords meeting to-day. He feels the difficulty
+of his position, and is not sure yet that he will be able to complete
+a Ministry. To-morrow he will give the Queen a positive answer.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th February 1851._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord Stanley's letter. She had forgotten
+the Levée, and was just going to write to him to inform him that she
+wished to see him at eleven o'clock to-morrow.
+
+The Queen cannot but regret that Lord Stanley should think Lord John
+Russell's explanation led to a wrong inference; for Lord Stanley
+will himself recollect that he stated his objections to her much more
+strongly in his first interview than he did in writing, and as Lord
+Stanley so strongly advised the Queen to try if no other arrangement
+could first be come to, she hardly knows how this could otherwise have
+been expressed than by the words used by Lord Lansdowne and Lord John
+Russell.
+
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._
+
+_26th February 1851._
+(_Wednesday._)
+
+Lord Stanley came again at eleven. The first part of the audience,
+which was not long, was occupied by Lord Stanley's trying to explain
+away Mr Disraeli's contradiction of Lord John Russell, though he
+termed it "very unfortunate," by saying that he wished Lord John had
+_not mentioned_ that _he_ (Lord Stanley) "was not _then_ prepared"
+to form a Government, for that, though true in fact, he had _not_
+absolutely _refused_, but had only advised me to _try_ and make other
+arrangements first. I said I thought the distinction "a very nice
+one," which he admitted. What passed between us on the subject the
+correspondence between Albert and Lord John will best explain.
+
+Lord Stanley then told us that he had seen the Duke of Northumberland,
+who wished for time to consider; that he was to see Lord Canning again
+to-day, but had no hopes of his accepting; and that he found so many
+people out of Town that he must ask for _forty-eight_ hours more
+before he could give me a positive answer, viz. till Friday. He added
+he "must not conceal" from me that he was "not very sanguine" of
+success; almost all depended on Mr Gladstone, who was expected
+to arrive to-day; but that it might _now_ be said (in answer to a
+question of Albert's "whether in these days of nice distinctions one
+_might_ say that he had _undertaken_ to form a Government"), that he
+had _attempted_ to _undertake_ to _form a Government_.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY RESIGNS]
+
+
+_Lord Stanley to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _27th February 1851._
+(_Four o'clock_ P.M.)
+
+Lord Stanley, with his humble duty, awaits your Majesty's commands at
+what hour he may be honoured with an audience, to explain the
+grounds on which, with the deepest regret, he feels himself under the
+necessity of resigning the important trust with which your Majesty has
+honoured him.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir James Graham._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _27th February 1851._
+
+The Queen sanctions Sir James Graham's making any statement to the
+House of Commons which he thinks necessary, to explain the part which
+he and Lord Aberdeen took in the late Ministerial negotiations, and
+indeed hopes that these explanations will be as full as possible
+on all parts, in order that the country may fully appreciate the
+difficulties of the crisis.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY'S REASONS]
+
+[Pageheading: THE PAPAL BILL]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _27th February 1851._
+
+Lord Stanley arrived at half-past five o'clock. We were struck by the
+change of his countenance, which had lost all the expression of care
+and anxiety which had marked it at the previous interviews.
+
+He assured the Queen that he had been labouring incessantly since he
+had seen her last, but that he was sorry to say without any success.
+
+He had seen Mr Gladstone, who declined joining his Government
+on account of his previous pledges in Parliament respecting the
+Commercial Policy of Sir R. Peel, but evidently also on account of his
+peculiar views with respect to the Papal Aggression, which he did not
+seem disposed to look upon as in any way objectionable.
+
+Lord Canning had given him some hope at one time, but finally declined
+in order not to risk his credit for political consistency.
+
+Mr H. Corry, whose opinions on Free Trade were by no means decided,
+and who had only filled a very subordinate situation in Sir R. Peel's
+Government, he had offered high office, but was refused, Mr Corry
+expressing his fears that the Government had no chance of standing
+against the opposition it would have to meet in the House of Commons.
+
+The Duke of Northumberland was the only person not properly belonging
+to the Protection Party who had accepted office (First Lord of the
+Admiralty). At one time Lord Ellenborough had accepted, but having
+been sent on a mission to Mr Goulburn in order to see whether he
+could convert him, he came home himself converted, and withdrew his
+acceptance again.
+
+In this situation Lord Stanley called his friends together, and after
+some discussion concurred in their opinion that it was not possible
+for them to form such an Administration as ought to be offered to the
+Queen. Lord Stanley then qualified this expression again, and said
+that though he could have offered a very respectable Government if
+he had had a majority in the House of Commons, or the means of
+strengthening himself by an immediate Dissolution, he could not form
+such a one which could have withstood an adverse majority and such a
+formidable array of talent in the Opposition. He therefore returned
+the trust which had been committed to him into the Queen's hands,
+expressing at the same time his deep sense of gratitude for the
+kindness with which she had treated him, the support and confidence
+she had given him, sorry only that it should have led to no result.
+He thought, however, that the prolongation of the crisis had not
+inconvenienced the public service, as Her Majesty's _present_
+Government were constitutionally enabled to carry on all necessary
+business.
+
+The Queen rejoined that she was very sorry that this attempt had also
+failed, that she had tried every possible combination, and still was
+without a Government. Lord Stanley answered as if he considered
+it natural that Lord John Russell's Government should now quietly
+proceed; but on the Queen's observation, that it was now necessary
+that all Parties should join in the support of some measures at least,
+and particularly the Papal Bill, he stated what he was prepared to
+support, and would have been prepared to propose had he taken office,
+viz. a fuller recital in the preamble of the Bill and no penal clause
+in the body of it. (The present Bill looked pettish and undignified,
+as if framed in anger as a return for the insult, and not a correction
+of the state of the law.) He thought the Law very complex and obscure,
+and never found it acted upon. He would have proposed therefore that
+Committees of both Houses should enquire into the whole subject; the
+state of the Convents; whether subjects were detained against their
+will; whether people were forced to bequeath their property to the
+Church on the deathbed, etc., etc.; he knew that the Roman Catholic
+laity felt severely the oppression which the Priests exercised over
+them, and would be willing to give evidence.
+
+Lord Stanley asked whether it could be of use if he were to state all
+this in his explanation to-day, which the Queen strongly affirmed. I
+added that I hoped he would explain what he was prepared to do on all
+the subjects in dispute--the Commercial and Financial Policy as well.
+He promised to do so, and entered into his views on the Income Tax,
+which he called a War Tax, which had been imposed for temporary
+purposes only in 1842, and ought to be taken off again when
+practicable in order to keep faith with the public; but if, as often
+as there was a surplus, this was immediately absorbed by remission of
+other burdens, this object could never be fulfilled. He would
+propose that by degrees, as surpluses arose, the Income Tax should be
+decreased, and so on to its final repeal.
+
+I disputed with him for some time on the advantages of an Income Tax,
+but without coming to any result.
+
+On his enquiry whether there was anything else the Queen might wish
+him to state--perhaps the rumour that he had been refused the power of
+dissolving--we agreed that he should say the question had never been
+seriously entertained, but that the Queen had been ready to give him
+the same support and advantages which any other Government might have
+enjoyed.[9]
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 9: The Prince thereupon, at the Queen's request,
+    communicated with Lord John Russell, and after recounting
+    to him the various successive failures to form a Government,
+    wrote that the Queen must "pause before she again entrusts the
+    commission of forming an Administration to anybody, till
+    she has been able to see the result of to-morrow evening's
+    Debate." He added, "Do you see any Constitutional objection to
+    this course?"]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to the Duke of Wellington._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _28th February 1851._
+
+MY DEAR DUKE,--Lord Stanley has likewise resigned his task, not being
+able to gain over any of Sir R. Peel's friends, and being incapable of
+forming a Government out of his Party alone.
+
+So Lord John Russell has declared his inability to carry on the
+Government. Lord Stanley has then declared his inability to form one
+until every other combination should have failed. We have tried
+all possible combinations between Whigs and Peelites, and have not
+succeeded, and now Lord Stanley throws up the game a second time!
+The Queen would be happy to consult you and hear your advice in this
+dilemma. Possibly to-night's Debate may define the position of Parties
+more clearly, and give a clue to what may be best to be done under the
+circumstances. Ever yours, etc.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _28th February 1851._
+
+SIR,--The former Cabinet meet at eleven, at Lansdowne House.
+
+It appears to me that the Queen might with advantage see Lord
+Lansdowne. He was in office with Mr Fox and Lord Grenville in 1806; he
+has been distinguished and respected in political life ever since; he
+is now desirous of retiring, and has therefore no personal object to
+gain. If the Queen approves, Lord Lansdowne might wait on Her Majesty
+soon after twelve o'clock. I have the honour to be, Sir, your Royal
+Highness's very dutiful Servant,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD LANSDOWNE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Lansdowne._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _28th February 1851._
+
+It would be a great satisfaction to the Queen to hear Lord Lansdowne's
+advice in the present critical state of affairs, and she would be glad
+if he could come to her at twelve this morning. The Queen has sent
+to the Duke of Wellington in order to hear his opinion also; but he
+cannot be here before to-night, being at Strathfieldsaye.
+
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+FRIDAY, _28th February 1851._
+
+Lord Lansdowne, who arrived at twelve o'clock, was asked by the Queen
+what advice he could offer her in the present complication. His answer
+was: "I wish indeed I had any good advice to offer to your Majesty."
+He expressed his delight at the Queen having sent for the Duke of
+Wellington. We talked generally of the state of affairs; he agreed in
+a remark of mine, that I thought the Queen should be entirely
+guided in her choice of the person to construct a Government, by the
+consideration which Party would now appear to be the strongest in the
+House of Commons. On my asking, however, whether he knew if, on the
+failure of Lord Stanley to form a Government, part of his followers
+would now give up Protection as past hope, and be prepared in future
+to support the Peelite section of the Conservative Party, Lord
+Lansdowne said he had heard nothing on the subject, nor could he give
+us more information on the chance of the Radicals and Irish members
+now being more willing to support Lord John Russell in future. He
+liked Lord Stanley's plan of dealing with the Papal Question, of
+which the Queen communicated to him the outlines, was afraid of Sir
+J. Graham's excessive leaning towards economy, shook his head at
+Lord John Russell's letter to the Bishop of Durham[10] which had been
+instrumental in bringing on the present crisis, and confessed that he
+had been amongst those in the Cabinet who had prevented the bringing
+forward of a measure of reform in the present Session. He offered to
+do whatever might be most conducive to the Queen's comfort--stay out
+of office, or come into office--as might be thought the most useful.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 10: See _ante_, p. 273 note 1.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FURTHER DIFFICULTIES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st March 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I did not write to you yesterday, thinking I could
+perhaps give you some more positive news to-day, but I _cannot_. I am
+still without a Government, and I am still trying to hear and pause
+before I actually call to Lord John to undertake to form, or rather
+more to continue, the Government. We have passed an anxious, exciting
+week, and the difficulties are very peculiar; there are so many
+conflicting circumstances which render coalition between those
+who agree in almost everything, and in particular on _Free Trade_,
+impossible, but the "Papal Question" is the real and almost
+insuperable difficulty.
+
+Lord Lansdowne is waiting to see me, and I must go, and with many
+thanks for your two kind letters, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _2nd March 1851._
+(_Sunday._)
+
+Lord Lansdowne, who arrived after church, had seen Lord John
+Russell and discussed with him the Memorandum which we left with him
+yesterday. He had since drawn up a Memorandum himself which embodied
+his views, and which he had not yet communicated to any one. He was
+very apprehensive lest to begin a new Government with an open question
+would produce the greatest prejudice against it in the public; he was
+still inclined therefore to recommend the continuance of the present
+Government avowedly for the purpose of passing the Papal Bill, after
+which the Coalition might take place, which, however, should be agreed
+upon and settled at this time. As the Duke of Wellington has not yet
+sent his promised Memorandum, and Lord Lansdowne was anxious to hear
+his opinion, the Queen commissioned him to appoint Lord John Russell
+to come at three o'clock, and to go himself to the Duke of Wellington.
+
+Lord John Russell, who arrived at the appointed time, and had not seen
+Lord Lansdowne's Memorandum yet, read it over, and expressed great
+misgivings about the execution of the proposal. He said he saw in
+fact, like Sir J. Graham, nothing but difficulties. He had ascertained
+that his Party by no means liked the idea of a fusion, and had been
+much relieved when the attempt to form a Coalition Ministry had
+failed. He was afraid that in the interval between their resuming
+office and giving it up again every possible surmise would be current
+who were the Ministers to be displaced, and every possible intrigue
+would spring up for and against particular members of the Cabinet. He
+would prefer not to make any arrangements for the Coalition now, but
+merely to engage to resign again after having carried the Papal
+Bill, when the Queen could try the Coalition, and that failing, could
+entrust Lord Aberdeen and Sir J. Graham with the carrying on of the
+Government, whose chief difficulty would then be removed. I objected
+to this--that his Party might feel justly aggrieved if after their
+having carried him through the difficulty of the Papal Measure, he
+were to throw them over and resign, and asked him whether his Cabinet
+would not repent in the meantime and wish to stay in.
+
+He answered that it would be entirely in his and Lord Lansdowne's
+hands to carry out the proposed arrangements.
+
+We asked him whether it would strengthen his hands if, instead of his
+only _accepting_ the task of continuing the Government till the Papal
+Measure had been passed, the Queen were to make it a _condition_
+in _giving_ him the Commission, that it should terminate then. He
+replied, "Certainly." He begged, however, to be understood not to have
+given a decided opinion that the plan of "the open Question" proposed
+in our Memorandum was not preferable, although he saw great objections
+to that also, particularly as Sir J. Graham had reserved the statement
+of his principal objections to the Papal Bill for the second reading.
+He promised to draw up a Memorandum, which he would bring to-morrow
+at twelve o'clock, after having consulted some of his colleagues,
+and begged that it might not be considered that he had accepted the
+Government till then.
+
+One of the difficulties which we likewise discussed was the position
+of the financial measures which required almost immediate attention,
+and still ought to be left open for the consideration of the future
+Government.
+
+We agreed that the pressing on the Papal Measure was the chief point,
+and that it ought to be altered to meet the objections (as far as they
+are reasonable) of its opponents, strengthening the declaratory part,
+however, to please Lord Stanley; and the Queen promised to call upon
+Lord Stanley to give this so modified Bill the support of himself and
+his Party, which we thought she could in fairness claim after all that
+had happened.
+
+The Queen reiterated her objections to Lord Palmerston, and received
+the renewed promise that her wishes should be attended to.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A COALITION IMPOSSIBLE]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd March 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell arrived at the hour appointed (twelve o'clock), and
+was sorry to inform the Queen that all hope of a Coalition must be
+given up. He had found that his Party was very much averse to it. On
+proposing to his former colleagues the plan of keeping Office now,
+and vacating it after the Aggression Bill had passed, many of them,
+amongst which were Lord Grey, Sir Charles Wood, Sir Francis Baring,
+declared they would not be _warming-pans_ (an expression used at the
+time of the Grey-Grenville Coalition), and would resign at once. The
+Duke of Wellington, whose opinion the Queen had asked, had recommended
+the return of the old Cabinet to power. He (Lord John) could therefore
+only advise that course, although he was conscious that it would be a
+very weak Government, and one not likely to last any length of time.
+
+He then read the Memorandum which he had drawn up and which follows
+here.[11]
+
+The Queen now asked whether Lord John proposed a modification of
+his own Cabinet, to which Lord John replied, None, except perhaps
+an exchange of Office between Sir C. Wood and Sir F. Baring, if Sir
+Charles were to refuse bringing in a different budget from the one he
+had already propounded; he was for maintaining the Income Tax, whilst
+Sir Francis was for repealing it by degrees. The Queen then reminded
+Lord John of her objections to Lord Palmerston, and his promise
+that Lord Palmerston should not again be thrust upon her as Foreign
+Secretary. Lord John admitted to the promise, but said he could not
+think for a moment of resuming office and either expel Lord Palmerston
+or quarrel with him. He (Lord John) was in fact the weakness and Lord
+Palmerston the strength of the Government from his popularity with the
+Radicals.... He said he was very anxious that he and Lord Lansdowne
+should bear the responsibility of removing Lord Palmerston from the
+Foreign Office and not the Queen; her refusal now could only go to the
+country as a personal objection on her part, and the country would be
+left without a Government in consequence. On the Queen's reiterating
+that she wanted to keep Lord John and get rid of Lord Palmerston, and
+that it was too painful to her to be put into the situation of having
+actually to _wish_ the fall of her own Government, Lord John promised
+to move Lord Palmerston in the Easter recess, or to resign then
+himself if he should meet with difficulties; in the meantime he must
+apprise Lord Palmerston of this intention, which he could explain to
+him as a wish to make a general modification of his Government. He
+would offer him the Lieutenancy of Ireland or the Presidency or lead
+in the House of Lords, which Lord Lansdowne would be ready to resign.
+He might at that period perhaps get some of the Radicals into office
+or some Peelites. The Queen finally entrusted Lord John with the
+Government on these conditions.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 11: _See_ next page.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S ADVICE]
+
+[Pageheading: ECCLESIASTICAL TITLES BILL]
+
+
+_Memorandum by Lord John Russell._
+
+_3rd March 1851._
+
+Her Majesty having tried in vain the formation of a Government--first,
+by Lord Stanley; second, by Lord John Russell, Lord Aberdeen, and
+Sir James Graham; third, by Lord Aberdeen; fourth, by Lord Stanley
+a second time--had recourse to the advice and opinion of the Duke of
+Wellington. The Duke, admitting the great qualifications for office
+of the adherents of the late Sir Robert Peel, yet advises the Queen to
+restore her former Ministers to office.
+
+But supposing Her Majesty to follow that advice, a further question
+naturally arises: the late Government having fallen from want of
+Parliamentary support, can they upon their return be in any way
+strengthened, and be enabled to carry on the public business with more
+power and efficiency?
+
+This might be done in three ways: first, by a Coalition sooner or
+later with the Peel Party; secondly, by admitting to office some of
+their own Radical supporters; thirdly, by seeking aid from the Party
+which has followed Lord Stanley.
+
+The first of these courses appears the most natural. The present
+Ministers are agreed with the adherents of Sir Robert Peel on Free
+Trade, and on the policy which has regulated our finances of late
+years. The difference between them is of a temporary nature. But it
+may be doubted whether any strength would be gained by an immediate
+junction with that Party.
+
+If such junction took place now, the Ministers coming in must oppose
+their colleagues on the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill--an unseemly
+spectacle, a source of weakness, and probably the beginning of strife,
+which would not end with the Bill in question.
+
+If, on the other hand, the junction were delayed till the
+Ecclesiastical Titles Bill is disposed of, the existing Ministry would
+be divided into two portions, one of which would have only a temporary
+tenure of office. Rumours, cabals, and intrigues would have ample room
+to spread their mischief in such a state of things.
+
+But finally the Whig Party in the House of Commons would not be
+cordial supporters of the junction; jealousy and discontent would soon
+break up the Ministry.
+
+Secondly, by admitting to office some of their Radical supporters.
+This course must lead to concessions on measures as well as men, and
+those concessions would provoke hostility in other quarters. The great
+question of the defence of the country is besides one of too great
+importance to be made a matter of compromise.
+
+Third, by seeking aid from the Party which has followed Lord Stanley.
+This cannot be done by means of official connection; but something
+might be effected by adopting measures calculated to convince the
+Landed Interest that their sufferings were not disregarded.
+
+Upon the whole, if the late Ministers are invited by your Majesty to
+resume office, the easiest course would be to proceed at once with
+the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill. That question disposed of, it would
+be seen whether the Ministry had sufficient strength to go on; if
+they had, they might, as occasion arose, seek assistance from other
+quarters, looking to those with whom there is the greatest agreement
+of opinion.
+
+Should the Ministry, on the other hand, not receive Parliamentary
+support sufficient to enable them to carry on the Government, the
+Queen would be in a position to form a new Government free from the
+obstacles which have lately been fatal.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th March 1851._
+
+... The Queen was in hopes to have heard from Lord John Russell this
+morning relative to what passed in the House of Commons last night.
+She wishes likewise to hear what takes place at the meeting of Lord
+John's supporters to-day. The Queen must ask Lord John to keep her
+constantly informed of what is going on, and of the temper of parties
+in and out of Parliament; for no one _can_ deny that the present state
+of affairs is most critical; and after all that has happened it
+is absolutely necessary that the Queen should not be in a state of
+uncertainty, not to say of ignorance, as to what is passing. She can
+else not form a just opinion of the position of affairs.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th March 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Pray receive my warmest thanks for two kind letters
+of the 28th, and my excuses for the terribly incoherent scrawl of last
+Saturday. The _dénouement_ of ten days of the greatest anxiety and
+excitement I cannot call satisfactory, for it holds out only the
+prospect of another crisis in a very short time, and the so much
+wished-for union of Parties has been again frustrated. I have been
+speaking _very strongly_ about Lord Palmerston to Lord John, and he
+has _promised_ that if the Government should still be in at Easter,
+then to make a change.... Lord Stanley can never succeed _until_ he
+gives up Protection, which he would do, if the country decides against
+him;[12] he has failed solely from the _impossibility_ of finding
+_one_ single man capable to take the important Offices. He said last
+night to Lord John Russell, "I am _l'homme impossible_; they cannot
+come to me again." Still it would be very desirable that there
+should be a strong Conservative Party; nothing but the abandonment of
+Protection can bring this to pass, and Lord Stanley cannot abandon
+it with honour till _after_ the _next Election_. This is the state
+of Parties, which is greatly _erschwert_ by the Papal Question, which
+divides the Liberals and Conservatives. In short, there _never_ was
+_such_ a _complicated_ and difficult state of affairs. Ever your
+devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+Stockmar has been an immense comfort to us in our trials, and I hope
+you will tell him so.
+
+    [Footnote 12: The Queen's judgment was amply confirmed by the
+    events of 1852. See _post_, p. 404. note 1.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NATIONAL GALLERY]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Queen._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _5th March 1851._
+
+The Queen would give every facility to the selection of a good site
+for a new National Gallery, and would therefore not object to its
+being built on to Kensington Palace or anywhere in Kensington Gardens;
+but does not see why it should exactly be placed upon the site of the
+present Palace, if not for the purpose of taking from the Crown the
+last available set of apartments. She is not disposed to trust in the
+disposition of Parliament or the public to give her an equivalent
+for these apartments from time to time when emergencies arise. The
+surrender of Kensington Palace will most likely not be thanked for at
+the moment, and any new demand in consequence of such surrender would
+be met with lavish abuse. As to economy in the construction, it will
+most likely be best consulted by building on a spot perfectly free and
+unencumbered.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _14th March 1851._
+
+SIR,--I cannot undertake to make any change in the Foreign Office. Our
+Party is hardly reunited, and any break into sections, following one
+man or the other, would be fatal to us. I need not say that the Queen
+would suffer if it were attributed to her desire, and that as I have
+no difference of opinion on Foreign Policy, that could not fail to be
+the case.
+
+Upon the whole, the situation of affairs is most perplexing. A
+Dissolution I fear would not improve it.
+
+I can only say that my Office is at all times at the Queen's disposal.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir, your Royal Highness's most dutiful
+Servant,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir George Grey._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _30th March 1851._
+
+The Queen approves of the draft of a letter to the Archbishop of
+Canterbury. With respect to the Archbishop's letter and the address,
+the Queen will receive it in the Closet. It seems strange to propose
+as a remedy for the present evils in the Church, and for its evident
+great disunion, _600_ more churches to be built! There ought clearly
+to be some security given to those who are to encourage such a scheme
+against the extension of those evils.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE GREAT EXHIBITION]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _19th April 1851._
+
+SIR,--Lord Granville came here yesterday to speak to me upon the order
+for opening the Exhibition at one o'clock on the 1st of May. He is
+anxious to have the order changed, and the season-ticket bearers
+admitted at eleven o'clock.
+
+I did not give him any positive opinion on the subject. But the
+account he gave me of the route which the Queen will follow in going
+to the Exhibition takes away the main objection which I felt to the
+admission of visitors before one o'clock. It appears there cannot well
+be any interruption to Her Majesty's progress to and from the Crystal
+Palace on the 1st of May.
+
+I conclude that Her Majesty will not go in the State Coach, but in the
+same manner that Her Majesty goes in state to the theatres....
+
+I feel assured there will be no undue and inconvenient pressure of the
+crowd in the part of the building in which Her Majesty may be. Colonel
+Wemyss and Colonel Bouverie might easily be in attendance to request
+the visitors not to crowd where the Queen is. At the same time, I am
+ready to abide by the existing order, if Her Majesty wishes it to be
+enforced.
+
+I have the honour to submit two private letters sent by Lord
+Palmerston. I have the honour to be, Sir, your Royal Highness's most
+dutiful Servant,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE OPENING CEREMONY]
+
+
+_The Duchess of Gloucester to Queen Victoria._
+
+GLOUCESTER HOUSE, _2nd May 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--It is impossible to tell you how warmly I do
+participate in all you must have felt yesterday, as well as dear
+Albert, at everything having gone off so beautifully. After so much
+anxiety and the trouble he has had, the joy _must_ be the greater.[13]
+
+The sight from my window was the gayest and the most gratifying to
+witness, and to me who loves you so dearly as _I do_, made it the more
+delightful. The good humour of all around, the fineness of the
+day, the manner you were received in both going and coming from the
+Exhibition, was quite perfect. Therefore what must it have been in the
+inside of the building!
+
+Mary and George came away in perfect _enchantment_, and every soul I
+have seen describes it as the fairest sight that ever was seen and the
+best-conducted _fête!_Why, G. Bathurst told me it far surpassed the
+_Coronation_ as to magnificence, and we all agreed in rejoicing that
+the _Foreigners should_ have witnessed the affection of the _People_
+to _you_ and _your Family_, and how the _English people_ do _love_ and
+respect the _Crown_. As to Mary, she was in _perfect enchantment_, and
+full of how pretty your dear little Victoria looked, and how nicely
+she was dressed, and so grateful to your Mother for all her kindness
+to her. I should have written to you last night, but I thought I would
+not plague you with a letter until to-day, as I think you must have
+been tired last night with the _excitement_ of the day. I shall ever
+lament the having missed such a sight, but I comfort myself in feeling
+sure I could not have followed you (as I ought) when you walked round.
+Therefore I was _better_ out of the way. We drank your health at
+dinner and _congratulation_ on the _complete success_ of _Albert's
+plans_ and _arrangements_, and also dear little Arthur's health. Many
+thanks for kind note received last night. Love to Albert. Yours,
+
+MARY.
+
+    [Footnote 13: The Great Exhibition in Hyde Park was opened
+    with brilliant ceremony on the 1st of May.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE GREAT EXHIBITION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd May 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--... I wish you _could_ have witnessed the _1st May
+1851_, the _greatest_ day in our history, the _most beautiful_ and
+_imposing_ and _touching_ spectacle ever seen, and the triumph of my
+beloved Albert. Truly it was astonishing, a fairy scene. Many cried,
+and all felt touched and impressed with devotional feelings. It was
+the _happiest_, _proudest_ day in my life, and I can think of
+nothing else. Albert's dearest name is immortalised with this _great_
+conception, _his_ own, and my _own_ dear country _showed_ she was
+_worthy_ of it. The triumph is _immense_, for up to the _last hour_
+the difficulties, the opposition, and the ill-natured attempts
+to annoy and frighten, of a certain set of fashionables and
+Protectionists, were immense; but Albert's temper, patience, firmness,
+and energy surmounted all, and the feeling is universal. _You_ will
+be astounded at this great work when you see it!--the beauty of the
+building and the vastness of it all. I can never thank God enough.
+I feel _so_ happy, so proud. Our dear guests were much pleased and
+impressed. You are right to like the dear Princess, for she is a
+noble-minded, warm-hearted, distinguished person, much attached to
+you, and who revered dearest Louise. Oh! _how_ I thought of _her_ on
+that great day, how kindly she would have rejoiced in our success! Now
+good-bye, dearest Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Emperor of Austria._[14]
+
+PALAIS DE BUCKINGHAM, _5 Mai 1851._
+
+SIRE ET MON BON FRÈRE,--C'est avec un vif empressement que je viens
+remercier votre Majesté Impériale des superbes objets de l'industrie
+et des arts de votre Empire, que vous avez eu l'extrême bonté de
+m'envoyer et qui me seront bien précieux à plus d'un titre d'abord
+comme venant de votre Majesté, et puis à cause de leur grande beauté
+et comme un souvenir à une époque où il a plu au Tout-Puissant de
+permettre une réunion pacifique de tous les peuples du monde et de
+leurs produits.
+
+La cérémonie de l'inauguration de l'Exposition a fait une profonde
+impression sur mon c[oe]ur et je regrette d'avoir été le seul
+Souverain qui ait pu jouir de cette scène à la fois imposante
+et parlant au c[oe]ur. Nous avons déjà fait plusieurs visites au
+département Autrichien et le Prince et moi avons eu occasion d'admirer
+beaucoup les produits qui nous sont venus de vos États. Puisse
+leur exposition contribuer à la prospérité du commerce de l'Empire
+Autrichien.
+
+Agréez l'expression de ma sincère amitié, qui j'espère pourra un jour
+être cimentée par la connaissance personnelle de votre Majesté,
+et croyez-moi toujours, Sire, de votre Majesté Impériale, la bonne
+S[oe]ur,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 14: Francis Joseph, who became Emperor in December
+    1848.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF MR SHEIL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _2nd June 1851._
+
+The Queen will see the Judge Advocate on Saturday at three.
+
+The place of the late Mr Mill is already filled up.
+
+Mr Sheil's death is very sudden, and must be a great shock to his
+family....
+
+We go to Windsor this afternoon to stay till Friday. We hope that Lord
+John Russell's little girl is going on quite well.
+
+The Queen has had good accounts from the dear Princess of Prussia from
+Coblentz. Her letter is full of England, her great happiness here,
+and her great sorrow at having left it. The Princes have expressed
+the same, so this dangerous journey has gone off without _one_ single
+unpleasant circumstance, which is very gratifying.
+
+The Prince and Prince Frederic are gone to Berlin, where the statue of
+Frederic the Great was to be inaugurated yesterday.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _18th June 1851._
+
+The Queen returns the papers signed. We are both much pleased at what
+Lord John Russell says about the Prince's speech yesterday.[15] It was
+on so ticklish a subject that one could not feel sure beforehand
+how it might be taken; at the same time the Queen felt sure that the
+Prince would say the right thing, from her entire confidence in his
+great tact and judgment.
+
+The Queen, at the risk of not appearing sufficiently modest (and yet,
+why should a wife ever be modest about her husband's merits?), must
+say that she thinks Lord John Russell will admit now that the Prince
+is possessed of very extraordinary powers of mind and heart. She feels
+so proud at being his wife that she cannot refrain from herself paying
+a tribute to his noble character.
+
+    [Footnote 15: The Prince presided at the meeting commemorative
+    of the one hundred and fifty years' existence of the Society
+    for the Propagation of the Gospel. His speech was warmly
+    praised by the Premier.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _10th July 1851._
+
+The Queen hastens to tell Lord John Russell how amiably everything
+went off last [night], and how enthusiastically we were received by an
+almost _fearful_ mass of people in the streets;[16] the greatest order
+prevailed, and the greatest and most gratifying enthusiasm.
+
+Not being aware whether Sir George Grey is equal to any business, the
+Queen writes to Lord John to direct that a proper letter be written
+without delay to the Lord Mayor, expressing not only the Queen's and
+Prince's thanks for the splendid entertainment at the Guildhall, but
+also our high gratification at the hearty, kind, and enthusiastic
+reception we met with during our progress through the City, both
+going and returning. Our only anxiety is lest any accident should have
+occurred from the great pressure of the dense crowds.
+
+The Queen would likewise wish to know what distinction should be
+conferred in honour of the occasion on the Lord Mayor.
+
+    [Footnote 16: A ball in commemoration of the Exhibition took
+    place at the Guildhall on the 9th of July.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th July 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter. She has no
+objection on this particular occasion to knight the two Sheriffs, this
+year being so memorable a one.
+
+But the Queen would wish it clearly to be _understood_ that they have
+no right or claim to be knighted whenever the Queen goes into the
+City.
+
+On the occasion of the opening of the Royal Exchange the Sheriffs were
+not knighted....
+
+We regret to hear of Lord John's continued indisposition.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DANISH SUCCESSION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _25th August 1851._
+
+The Queen wishes to draw Lord John Russell's attention to the enclosed
+draft, which she does not think can go in its present shape. We argued
+in innumerable despatches that the _choice of the successor_ to the
+Danish Crown was entirely an internal question for Denmark, in which
+foreign Powers could not interfere. Here, however, it is laid down
+that the German Diet has no right to treat the succession in Holstein
+(a German State) as an _internal_ question, as it ought to be decided
+on--not according to the _German law of succession_, but according to
+the interests of Europe. Nor is it true, as stated in the despatch,
+that the Duke of Augustenburg has _no_ claim to the Danish Crown. His
+mother was the daughter of Christian VII. and of Queen Matilda.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN IN SCOTLAND]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BALMORAL CASTLE, _16th September 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Accept my best thanks for your kind and dear letter
+of the 8th. It is a good thing for Leo to begin to follow in your
+footsteps, but (if I may speak out plainly), I think that anything
+like _fonctions_ and _représentation_ is agreeable and _not_ difficult
+to Leo. It is the common contact with his fellow-creatures, the being
+put on a par with him, the being brought to feel that he is as much
+_one_ of them as any other, in spite of his birth, which I think of
+such great importance for him, and I therefore hope you will send him
+to _Bonn_.
+
+My letter is terribly _décousu_, for it has been twice interrupted.
+I was out the whole day with Albert, in the forest in a perfectly
+tropical heat. Since we went to Allt-na-Giuthasach, our little bothy
+near Loch Muich on the 12th, the heat of the sun has been daily
+increasing, and has reached a pitch which makes it almost sickening to
+be out in it, though it is beautiful to behold. The sky these last two
+evenings has been like an Italian one, and for the last few days--at
+least the last four--without the slightest particle of cloud, and the
+sun blazing. With this, not a breath of air. The mountains look quite
+crimson and lilac, and everything glows with the setting sun.
+The evenings are quite a _relief_. Really one cannot undertake
+expeditions, the heat is so great. We thought of you, and wished you
+could be here; you would fancy yourself in Italy.
+
+Albert got a splendid stag to-day. I must hastily conclude, hoping
+to hear from you that you _will come_. Our moonlights have been
+magnificent also. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BALMORAL CASTLE, _22nd September 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I write to you on purpose on this large paper in
+order that you may see and admire it. Landseer did it also on purpose,
+and I think it is even finer than the other. It is so truly the
+character of the noble animal.
+
+That abuse of the poor Orleans family in our papers is abominable,
+and Lord John is equally shocked at it, but won't interfere. Don't you
+think Joinville should not have left it open for him to accept it, for
+it is _impossible_ for _him_ to be _President_ of the French Republic?
+Still, I feel convinced that he and they _all_ do what they think best
+for _France_.
+
+I must conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+SHIEL OF ALLT-NA-GIUTHASACH, _30th September 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I write to you from our little bothy in the hills,
+which is quite a wilderness--where we arrived yesterday evening after
+a long hill expedition to the Lake of Loch Nagar, which is one of the
+wildest spots imaginable. It was very cold. To-day it pours so that I
+hardly know if we shall be able to get out, or home even. We are
+not _snowed_, but _rained up_. Our little Shiel is very snug and
+comfortable, and we have got a little piano in it. Lady Douro is with
+us.
+
+Many thanks for your kind letter of the 22nd. Our warm, fine weather
+left us on the 25th, and we have had storm and snow in the mountains
+ever since then.
+
+The position of Princes is no doubt difficult in these times, but
+it would be much less so if they would behave honourably and
+straightforwardly, giving the people gradually those privileges which
+would satisfy all the reasonable and well-intentioned, and would
+weaken the power of the Red Republicans; instead of that, _reaction_
+and a return to all the tyranny and oppression is the cry and the
+principle--and all papers and books are being seized and prohibited,
+as in the days of Metternich!...
+
+Vicky was kicked off her pony--a quiet beast--but not the least hurt;
+this is more than three weeks ago. Alfred (whom you will recollect
+I told you was so terribly heedless and entirely indifferent to all
+punishment, etc.) tumbled downstairs last week. He was not seriously
+hurt at all, and quite well the next morning, only with a terribly
+black, green, and yellow face and very much swelled. He might have
+been killed; he is always bent upon self-destruction, and one hardly
+knows what to do, for he don't mind being hurt or scolded or punished;
+and the very next morning he tried to go down the stairs leaning over
+the banisters just as he had done when he fell.
+
+Alas! this will be my last letter but one from the dear Highlands. We
+start on the 7th, visiting Liverpool and Manchester on our way back,
+and expect to be at Windsor on the 11th.
+
+I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE HIGHLANDS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BALMORAL CASTLE, _6th October 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Only two words can I write to you, as we are to
+start to-morrow morning. My heart is _bien gros_ at going from here.
+
+I love my peaceful, wild Highlands, the glorious scenery, the
+dear good people who are much attached to us, and who feel their
+_Einsamkeit_ sadly, very much. One of our Gillies, a young Highlander
+who generally went out with me, said, in answer to my observation that
+they must be very dull here when we left: "It's just like death come
+all at once." In addition to my sorrow at leaving this dear place,
+I am in great sorrow at the loss of a dear and faithful, excellent
+friend, whom you will sincerely lament--our good Lord Liverpool. He
+was well and in the highest spirits with us only six weeks ago, and in
+three days he was carried away. I cannot tell you _how_ it has upset
+me; I have known him so long, and he was such an intimate friend of
+ours. We received the news yesterday.
+
+Many thanks for your kind letter of the 29th. I am glad all went off
+so well, but it must have been dreadful to miss dearest Louise.
+This time reminds me so much of all our sorrow last year on her dear
+account.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th October 1851._
+
+The Queen returns Lord Howden's letter, and thinks that the best
+answer to the Queen of Spain's request will be that the Statutes
+do not allow the Garter to be bestowed upon a lady; that the Queen
+herself possesses no order of knighthood from any country.[17]
+
+With reference to the claim for the King arising out of the Prince
+having received the Fleece, it may be well to say that the offer
+of the Fleece had in the first instance been declined for fear of
+establishing a ground for the necessity of giving the Garter in
+return, and was at its second offer accepted by the Prince, together
+with the first orders of almost every country, on the understanding
+that no return would be expected. It would have been impossible to
+give the Garter to every Sovereign, and very difficult to make a
+selection. The Queen of Spain ought to be made aware of the fact that
+among the reigning Sovereigns, the Emperors of Austria and Brazil,
+and the Kings of Sweden, Denmark, Bavaria, Holland, Sardinia, Naples,
+Greece, etc., etc., have not got the Garter, although many of them
+have expressed a wish for it, and that amongst the Kings Consort, the
+King of Portugal, the Queen's first cousin, has not received it yet,
+although the Queen has long been anxious to give it to him.
+
+Anything short of these explanations might offend, or leave the claim
+open to be repeated from time to time.
+
+    [Footnote 17: The Queen of Spain had expressed a desire
+    through Lord Howden to receive the Order of the Garter.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: EXTENSION OF THE FRANCHISE]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _14th October 1851._
+
+Lord Carlisle, Lord Minto, and Sir Charles Wood are appointed a
+Committee to consider of the extension of the Suffrage. They meet
+to-morrow. Lord John Russell expects to see Mr Peel to-morrow. It is
+proposed that Parliament should meet on the 3rd or 5th of February....
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th October 1851._
+
+The Queen does not consider the Committee appointed to consider the
+extension of the Franchise a very strong one. Will Lord Carlisle be up
+to the peculiar business?
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: KOSSUTH IN ENGLAND]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._[18]
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th October 1851._
+
+The Queen concludes Lord John Russell has read the accounts of
+Kossuth's arrival in to-day's papers.
+
+She wishes Lord John could still try to prevent Lord Palmerston from
+receiving him. The effect it will have abroad will do us immense harm.
+At all events, Lord John should take care to have it understood that
+the Government have not sanctioned it, and that it is a private act of
+Lord Palmerston's.
+
+The Queen will else have again to submit to insults and affronts,
+which are the result of Lord Palmerston's conduct.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Substance of the note to Lord John Russell,
+    written down from recollection.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th October 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+is sorry to say he can interfere no further with respect to Lord
+Palmerston's reception of Kossuth.
+
+With respect to the manner of the reception, however, he will write to
+Lord Palmerston to desire him to take care that nothing is said which
+goes beyond the strict expression of thanks for the efforts made
+by the British Government to procure first the safety, and next the
+liberty, of Kossuth.
+
+As for the reception, it is to be considered that Kossuth is
+considered the representative of English institutions against
+despotism.
+
+If this were so the public feeling would be laudable.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _31st October 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he has the
+honour to submit to your Majesty a correspondence[19] which has taken
+place between Lord Palmerston and himself.
+
+After Lord Palmerston's answer, Lord John Russell can have but little
+hope that Lord Palmerston will not see M. Kossuth. Lord John Russell
+cannot separate the private from the public man in this instance; the
+reception of Kossuth, if it takes place, will be a reception by
+your Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Whether that
+reception is to take place in Downing Street or Carlton Terrace does
+not appear to him material.
+
+Lord John Russell would, as a last resource, humbly advise your
+Majesty to command Lord Palmerston not to receive M. Kossuth.
+
+It appears to him that your Majesty owes this mark of respect to
+your Majesty's ally, and generally to all States at peace with this
+country.
+
+Lord John Russell has no other copy of this letter to Lord Palmerston.
+
+    [Footnote 19: Lord Palmerston wished to receive Kossuth at the
+    Foreign Office. In the correspondence here referred to, which
+    will be found in Russell's _Life_, the Premier "positively
+    requested" Lord Palmerston to decline to receive Kossuth. The
+    rejoinder, written while the messenger waited, was: "There are
+    limits to all things. I do not choose to be dictated to as to
+    who I may or may not receive in my own house.... I shall use
+    my own discretion.... You will, of course, use yours as to the
+    composition of your Government."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: KOSSUTH AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st October 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter, and returns the
+enclosures. She likewise sends him her letter to Lord Palmerston,
+which she begs him to send on, merely changing the label. She
+must tell Lord John, however, that although _he_ may go on with a
+_colleague_, even after having received an answer like the one Lord
+Palmerston has returned to the many entreaties not to compromise the
+Government by his personal act, the Queen cannot expose herself to
+having her positive commands disobeyed by one of her public servants,
+and that should Lord Palmerston persist in his intention he cannot
+continue as her Minister. She refrains from any expression upon Lord
+Palmerston's conduct in this matter, as Lord John is well aware of her
+feelings.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._[20]
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st October 1851._
+
+The Queen mentioned to Lord Palmerston when he was last here at
+Windsor Castle that she thought it would not be advisable that he
+should receive M. Kossuth upon his arrival in England, as being wholly
+unnecessary, and likely to be misconstrued abroad. Since M. Kossuth's
+arrival in this country, and his violent denunciations of two
+Sovereigns with whom we are at peace, the Queen thinks that she owes
+it as a mark of respect to her Allies, and generally to all States at
+peace with this country, not to allow that a person endeavouring to
+excite a political agitation in this country against her Allies should
+be received by her Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Whether
+such a reception should take place at his official or private
+residence can make no difference as to the public nature of the act.
+The Queen must therefore demand that the reception of M. Kossuth by
+Lord Palmerston should not take place.
+
+    [Footnote 20: Draft sent to Lord John Russell.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _31st October 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. Since
+writing to your Majesty this morning it has occurred to him that it
+will be best that your Majesty should not give any commands to Lord
+Palmerston on his sole advice.
+
+With this view he has summoned the Cabinet for Monday, and he humbly
+proposes that your Majesty should await their advice.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON AND THE QUEEN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st October 1851._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter. She thinks it
+natural that Lord John should wish to bring a matter which may cause
+a rupture in the Government before the Cabinet, but thinks his having
+summoned the Cabinet only for Monday will leave Lord Palmerston at
+liberty in the intermediate time to have his reception of Kossuth, and
+then rest on his _fait accompli_. Unless, therefore, Lord John
+Russell can bind him over to good conduct, all the mischief which
+is apprehended from this step of his will result; and he will have,
+moreover, the triumph of having carried his point, and having set the
+Prime Minister at defiance....
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _1st November 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he is
+deeply sensible of your Majesty's kindness and indulgence. He feels
+that he is at times overwhelmed by the importance and variety of the
+questions of which the principal weight lies upon him.
+
+He now lays before your Majesty a copy of the letter he has written
+to Lord Palmerston.[21] With a grateful sense of your Majesty's
+confidence, he is now of opinion that the Cabinet should decide, and
+that no part of the burden should be placed upon your Majesty.
+
+He therefore returns the letter to Lord Palmerston.
+
+He summoned the Cabinet for Monday, as so many members of it are at a
+distance. He does not think Lord Palmerston will come to town before
+Monday.
+
+    [Footnote 21: The letter is printed in Lord Palmerston's
+    _Life_. The Premier stated that the question, being one of
+    grave public importance, must be decided by argument, not
+    passion, and would be considered by the Cabinet on the
+    following Monday. _See_ Walpole's _Russell_, chap. xxii.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _1st November 1851._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge Lord John Russell's letter of this day,
+and returns the copy of his to Lord Palmerston. She feels that she has
+the right and the duty to demand that one of her Ministers should not
+by his private acts, compromise her and the country, and therefore
+omitted in her letter to Lord Palmerston all reference to Lord John
+Russell's opinion; but she of course much prefers that she should
+be protected from the wilful indiscretions of Lord Palmerston by the
+attention of the Cabinet being drawn to his proceedings without her
+personal intervention.[22]
+
+    [Footnote 22: The Cabinet met, and having listened to the
+    statement of the Premier, which is printed in his _Life_,
+    unanimously supported him. Lord Palmerston accordingly gave
+    way for the time being. Lord John informed the Queen of the
+    result.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd November 1851._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter. She is very
+glad to hear that this matter has been amicably arranged, and she
+trusts that Lord Palmerston will act according to his promises.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _11th November 1851._
+
+The Queen sends this draft to Lord John Russell, as she thinks the
+tone in which it is written so very ironical, and not altogether
+becoming for a public despatch from the English Secretary for Foreign
+Affairs, to be given to the Minister of another State. The substance
+is quite right, and a dignified explanation of the absurdity of the
+conduct of the Parma officials would very likely produce its effect,
+but some expressions in this draft could only tend to irritate, and
+therefore prevent that readiness to comply with our demand, which is
+to be produced.[23]
+
+    [Footnote 23: Before ten days had elapsed, Lord Palmerston had
+    resumed his high-handed methods.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th November 1851._
+
+The Queen must write to-day to Lord John Russell on a subject which
+causes her much anxiety. Her feelings have again been deeply wounded
+by the official conduct of her Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
+since the arrival of M. Kossuth in this country. The Queen feels the
+best interests of her people, the honour and dignity of her Crown, her
+public and personal obligations towards those Sovereigns with whom
+she _professes_ to be on terms of peace and amity, most unjustifiably
+exposed. The Queen has unfortunately very often had to call upon Lord
+John to check his colleague in the dangerous and unbecoming course
+which at various times he has so wilfully persevered in pursuing. But
+Lord John Russell, although agreeing on most of these occasions with
+the view taken by the Queen, has invariably met her remonstrances with
+the plea that to push his interference with Lord Palmerston
+beyond what he had done would lead to a rupture with him, and thus
+necessarily to a breaking up of the Cabinet. The Queen, considering
+a change of her Government under present political circumstances
+dangerous to the true interests of the nation, had only to choose
+between two evils, without possessing sufficient confidence in her own
+judgment to decide which in its political consequences would turn out
+the least. But if in such a contingency the Queen chooses rather not
+to insist upon what is due to her, she thinks it indispensable at the
+same time to express to her Cabinet that she does so on their account,
+leaving it to them to reconcile the injuries done to her with that
+sound policy and conduct which the maintenance of peace and the
+welfare of the country require. These remarks seem to be especially
+called for after the report of the official interview between Lord
+Palmerston and the deputation from Finsbury,[24] and the Queen
+requests Lord John Russell to bring them under the notice of the
+Cabinet.
+
+    [Footnote 24: After Kossuth's departure, addresses of thanks
+    to Lord Palmerston, for his courteous attentions to Kossuth,
+    were voted by ultra-Radical meetings in Finsbury and
+    Islington, and he allowed a deputation to present the
+    addresses to him at the Foreign Office, the Emperors of
+    Austria and Russia being stigmatised therein as "odious and
+    detestable assassins" and "merciless tyrants and despots."
+    Palmerston, who expressed himself as "extremely flattered and
+    highly gratified" by the references to himself, did not in
+    terms reprehend the language used of the two Sovereigns, and
+    added, in a phrase immortalised by Leech's cartoon, that
+    "a good deal of judicious bottle-holding was obliged to be
+    brought into play."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S FOREIGN POLICY]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _21st November 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He had the
+honour of receiving last night your Majesty's communication respecting
+Lord Palmerston.
+
+Lord John Russell presumes that it is the substance of this
+communication which your Majesty wishes to be laid before the Cabinet.
+
+But before doing so he cannot refrain from mentioning some
+circumstances which appear to him to weigh materially in the
+consideration of Lord Palmerston's conduct.
+
+In many instances Lord Palmerston has yielded to the remonstrances of
+Lord John Russell, supported as they have been by your Majesty.
+
+He did so on the question of furnishing guns to the Sicilians.
+
+He did so in respect to the letter to Baron Koller on the affair of
+Count Haynau.
+
+He gave way likewise in this last instance, when, after assuring Lord
+Dudley Stuart that he would see Kossuth whenever he chose to call
+upon him, he consented to intimate privately to Lord Dudley that he
+requested him not to call.
+
+This last concession must have been mortifying to Lord Palmerston,
+and he has consoled himself in a manner not very dignified by giving
+importance to the inflated addresses from some meetings in the suburbs
+of London.
+
+But it appears to Lord John Russell that every Minister must have
+a certain latitude allowed him which he may use, perhaps with
+indiscretion, perhaps with bad taste, but with no consequence of
+sufficient importance to deserve notice.
+
+Lord John Russell must, however, call your Majesty's attention to an
+article in the _Morning Post_, which denies the accuracy of the report
+of Lord Palmerston's answer to what is there called "the froth and
+folly of an address to Downing Street."
+
+Lord John Russell, in admitting that he has more than once represented
+to your Majesty that the expulsion of Lord Palmerston would break up
+the Government, begs to explain that he has always done so upon one of
+two grounds:
+
+First, if Lord Palmerston should be called upon by your Majesty to
+resign on account of a line of Foreign Policy of which his colleagues
+had approved, and for which they were, with him, responsible.
+
+Second, in case no difference of opinion had arisen, and the
+transaction should bear the character of an intrigue, to get rid of an
+inconvenient colleague.
+
+It must be remembered that Lord Palmerston was recommended to the late
+King by Lord Grey as Foreign Secretary, and remained in that Office
+from 1830 to 1834; that he was afterwards replaced in the same Office
+by Lord Melbourne, and remained from 1835 to 1841.
+
+He has thus represented the Foreign Policy of the Whig Party fifteen
+years, and has been approved not only by them but by a large portion
+of the country. In the advice which Lord John Russell has humbly
+tendered to your Majesty, he has always had in view the importance
+of maintaining the popular confidence which your Majesty's name
+everywhere inspires. Somewhat of the good opinion of the Emperor of
+Russia and other foreign Sovereigns may be lost, but the good will and
+affection of the people of England are retained, a great security in
+these times.
+
+Lord John Russell has made out a note of his address to the Cabinet
+for your Majesty's information. He prays to have it returned.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st November 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter and returns the note
+on his former communication to the Cabinet. If Lord John felt on the
+3rd of November that "above all, it behoves us to be particularly
+cautious and not to afford just ground of complaint to any Party,
+and that we cannot be too vigilant or weigh our proceedings too
+scrupulously"--the Queen cannot suppose that Lord John considers the
+official reception by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
+of addresses, in which allied Sovereigns are called Despots and
+Assassins, as within that "latitude" which he claims for every
+minister, "which he may use perhaps with indiscretion, perhaps with
+bad taste, but with no consequence of sufficient importance to deserve
+notice."
+
+The Queen leaves it to Lord John Russell whether he will lay her
+letter, or only the substance of it, before the Cabinet;[25] but she
+hopes that they will make that careful enquiry into the justice of
+her complaint which she was sorry to miss altogether in Lord John
+Russell's answer. It is no question with the Queen whether she pleases
+the Emperor of Austria or not, but whether she gives him a just ground
+of complaint or not. And if she does so, she can never believe that
+this will add to her popularity with her own people. Lord John's
+letter must accordingly have disappointed her as containing a mere
+attempt at a defence of Lord Palmerston. Lord John sees one cause of
+excuse in Lord Palmerston's natural desire to console himself for the
+mortification of having had to decline seeing M. Kossuth; the Queen
+has _every reason to believe_ that he has seen him after all.
+
+    [Footnote 25: On the 4th of December the matter came before
+    the Cabinet. No formal resolution was adopted, but regret was
+    expressed at Palmerston's want of caution in not ascertaining
+    in advance the tenor of the addresses, and in admitting
+    unreliable reporters.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF KING OF HANOVER]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st November 1851._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord Palmerston's letter with the
+Memorandum relative to the mourning of her Uncle, the late King of
+Hanover,[26] and she has to say in reply that she thinks the mourning
+ought not to be for a Foreign Sovereign but for a Prince of the Blood
+Royal, which was the nearest relation in which he stood to the Throne.
+
+    [Footnote 26: King Ernest died on the 18th of November, aged
+    eighty, and was succeeded by his son, King George V., who
+    reigned till 1866, and died in 1878.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of Hanover._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st November 1851._
+
+MY DEAR GEORGE,--Your kind letter of the 18th, announcing to me the
+melancholy news of the death of your Father, was given to me yesterday
+by Mr Somerset, and I hasten to express to you in both our names our
+sincere and heartfelt condolence, and beg you to do so in our names to
+our dear Cousin Mary.[27]
+
+It must be a consolation to you that the end of the King was peaceful
+and so free from pain and suffering. Most truly do I enter into your
+feelings as to the responsible position into which you are now placed,
+and my best wishes for your welfare and happiness as well as that of
+Hanover will ever accompany you. I am happy to hear from Mr Somerset
+that you were well, as well as your dear Mary and dear children.
+
+Albert desires me to say everything kind from him to you as well as
+to our cousins, and with every possible good wish for your health and
+prosperity, believe me always, my dear George, your very affectionate
+Cousin,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 27: Princess Mary of Saxe-Altenburg (1818-1907),
+    wife of King George V. of Hanover.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _22nd November 1851._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty and has
+taken the proper steps according to your Majesty's commands, about
+the mourning for the late King of Hanover; and he would wish to
+know whether it is your Majesty's desire that he should have
+letters prepared for your Majesty's signature, announcing to Foreign
+Sovereigns the decease of the late King.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _22nd November 1851._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord Palmerston's letter.
+
+The Queen does not think it necessary for her to announce the King of
+Hanover's death to other Sovereigns, as there is a head of that branch
+of her Family who would have to do so. She declared the present King's
+marriage in Council, but she does not think that she announced it.
+This Lord Palmerston would perhaps be able to ascertain at the Office.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE REFORM QUESTION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _3rd December 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of the 30th ult.,
+and has carefully considered his Memorandum on the report of
+the Committee of the Cabinet; she now returns Sir Charles Wood's
+Memorandum.
+
+Considering the question of Reform under its two bearings--on the
+Franchise and on the Suffrage--the Queen thinks the proposal of merely
+adding neighbouring towns to the small boroughs an improvement on the
+original plan, which contemplated the taking away of members from some
+boroughs, and giving them to others. Thus the animosity may be hoped
+to be avoided which an attack upon vested interests could not
+have failed to have produced. Much will depend, however, upon the
+completeness, fairness, and impartiality with which the selection of
+the towns will be made which are to be admitted into the electoral
+district of others. Sir Charles Wood's Memorandum being only a sketch,
+the Queen hopes to see a more complete list, stating the principle
+also upon which the selection is made.
+
+With regard to the Suffrage, the proposals of the Committee appear
+to the Queen to be framed with a due regard to the importance of not
+giving an undue proportion of weight to the Democracy. In the
+Queen's opinion, the chief question to consider will be whether the
+strengthening of the Democratic principle will upset the balance of
+Constitution, and further weaken the Executive, which is by no means
+too strong at present. The Queen is well aware of the difficulty of
+forming a correct estimate beforehand of the moral effect which such
+extensive changes may produce, but thinks that they cannot even be
+guessed at before the numerical results are accurately ascertained;
+she hopes therefore that the statistics will be soon in a state to be
+laid before her.
+
+The Queen regrets that the idea of reviving the Guilds had to be
+abandoned, but can quite understand the difficulty which would have
+been added to the measure by its being clogged with such an additional
+innovation.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _2nd December 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Accept my best thanks for your kind letter of the
+28th. I am truly grieved to hear that you have got so bad a cold;
+nothing is more trying and annoying than those heavy colds, which
+render _all_ occupation irksome and trying in the highest degree. I
+hope that it will soon be past.
+
+It is a great pity that you do not venture to come to us, as I am sure
+you might do it easily. I do not think that there will be any outburst
+yet awhile in France....
+
+I am rather unhappy about dear Uncle Mensdorff, who, I hear, has
+arrived at Vienna with gout in his head. I hope, however, soon to hear
+of his being much better....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE COUP D'ÉTAT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _4th December 1851._
+
+DEAREST UNCLE,--I must write a line to ask what you say to the
+_wonderful_ proceedings at Paris, which really seem like a _story_ in
+a book or a play! What is to be the result of it all?[28]
+
+I feel ashamed to have written _so positively_ a few hours before that
+nothing would happen.
+
+We are anxiously waiting for to-day's news--though I should hope that
+the Troops were to be depended upon, and _order_ for the present would
+prevail. I hope that none of the Orleans Family will move a limb or
+say a word, but remain perfectly passive.
+
+I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 28: On the 2nd of December, Louis Napoleon seized
+    the Government of France, arrested his chief opponents, put
+    an end to the National Assembly and Council of State, and
+    declared Paris in a state of siege.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _4th December 1851._
+
+The Queen has learnt with surprise and concern the events which have
+taken place at Paris.[29] She thinks it is of great importance that
+Lord Normanby should be instructed to remain entirely passive, and to
+take no part whatever in what is passing. Any word from him might be
+misconstrued at such a moment.
+
+    [Footnote 29: On the 3rd the tidings of the _coup d'état_
+    reached London. Count Walewski announced it to Lord
+    Palmerston, who expressed his approval of it, and wrote to
+    Lord Normanby the letter printed in his _Life_, disavowing
+    surprise that the President had struck the blow when he did,
+    "for it is now well known here that the Duchess of Orleans was
+    preparing to be called to Paris this week with her younger son
+    to commence a new period of Orleans dynasty."]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _4th December 1851._
+(6 P.M.)
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. Your
+Majesty's directions respecting the state of affairs in Paris shall
+be followed. Lord Normanby[30] has asked whether he should suspend his
+diplomatic functions; but the Cabinet were unanimously of opinion that
+he should not do so.
+
+The result is very uncertain; at present the power is likely to rest
+in the Army, to whose memory of victories and defeats the President
+has so strongly appealed.
+
+    [Footnote 30: Lord Normanby, having applied for instructions
+    as to his future conduct, was desired to make no change in his
+    relations with the French Government, and to abstain from even
+    the appearance of interference in her internal affairs. Having
+    made a communication to this effect to M. Turgot, the latter
+    replied that M. Walewski had notified to him that Lord
+    Palmerston had already expressed to him his "entire
+    approbation of the act of the President," and his "conviction
+    that he could not have acted otherwise."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _5th December 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Receive my best thanks for your dear gracious
+letter of the 2nd, the date of the battle of Austerlitz, and the _coup
+d'état_ at Paris. What do you say to it?
+
+As yet one cannot form an opinion, but I am inclined to think that
+Louis Bonaparte will succeed. The country is tired and wish quiet, and
+if they get it by this _coup d'état_ they will have no objection, and
+let _le Gouvernement Parlementaire et Constitutionnel_ go to sleep for
+a while.
+
+I suspect that the great Continental powers will see a military
+Government at Paris with pleasure; they go rather far in their hatred
+of everything Parliamentary. The President takes a little of Napoleon
+already. I understand that he expressed himself displeased, as if I
+had too much supported the Orleans Family. I render perfect justice to
+the President, that hitherto he has not plagued us; but we have
+also abstained from all interference. I think that Hélène has been
+imprudent; besides, it is difficult for the poor Family to avoid to
+speak on these subjects or to express themselves with mildness.
+
+If something like an Empire establishes itself, perhaps we shall for
+a time have much to suffer, as the _gloire française_ invariably looks
+to the old frontiers. My hope is that they will necessarily have much
+to do at home, for a time, as parties will run high.... Your devoted
+Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _6th December 1851._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge Lord John Russell's letter of yesterday.
+She is glad to hear that the Cabinet occupy themselves assiduously
+with the Reform Question, but hopes that they will not come to a final
+decision without having first ascertained how the proposed plan will
+operate when practically applied to the present state of the Franchise
+and Suffrage. The Queen is very anxious to arrive at a definite
+opinion on this subject herself.
+
+The Queen sees from the Manchester Speeches that the _Ballot_ is to be
+made the stalking-horse of the Radicals.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S LETTERS]
+
+
+_The Marchioness of Normanby to Colonel Phipps._
+
+PARIS, _7th December 1851._
+
+MY DEAR CHARLES,--I have an opportunity of writing to you _not_
+through the Foreign Office, which I shall take advantage of, as at
+present the Post is not to be trusted, and I am afraid I do not think
+the Office is either.
+
+Palmerston has taken lately to writing in the most extraordinary
+manner to Normanby.[31] I think he wants to fix a quarrel with him,
+which you may be sure Normanby will avoid at present, as it would have
+the worst possible effect; but I do not understand it at all, and I
+wish you could in any way explain what it means. Palmerston seems very
+angry because Normanby does not unqualifyingly approve of this step
+here, and the results; the whole thing is so completely a _coup
+d'état_, and all the proceedings are so contrary to and devoid of law
+and justice and security, that even the most violent Tory would be
+staggered by them. (For instance, to-day _all_ the English papers,
+even Normanby's, are stopped and prohibited; they will of course
+allow Normanby's to come, but it is to be under an envelope), and yet
+Palmerston, who quarrels with all Europe about a political adventurer
+like Kossuth, because he was defending the liberties and constitution
+of his country, now tries to quarrel with Normanby, and really writes
+in the most impertinent manner, because Normanby's despatches are not
+sufficiently in praise of Louis Napoleon and his _coup d'état_. There
+must be some _dessous des cartes_ that we are not aware of. Normanby
+has always said, having been undertaken, the only thing now is to hope
+and pray it may be successful; but that is another thing to approving
+the way it was begun, or the way it has been carried out. The
+bloodshed has been dreadful and indiscriminate, no quarter was shown,
+and when an insurgent took refuge in a house, the soldiers killed
+every one in the house, whether engaged in the _émeute_ or not....
+It is very doubtful whether Normanby will be able to go on with
+[Palmerston] if this sort of thing continues, for he talks of "I hear
+this" and "I am told that," with reference to Normanby's conduct here,
+which no man in his position can stand, as, if Palmerston takes the
+_on-dits_ of others, and not Normanby's own accounts, there is an end
+of confidence; but I must say his last letter appears to me a sort of
+exuberance of anger, which spends itself on many subjects rather than
+the one which first caused it, and therefore I suspect he has received
+some rap on the knuckles at home, which he resents here, or on the
+first person who is not of the same opinion as himself; but it is a
+curious anomaly that he should quarrel with Normanby in support of
+arbitrary and absolute Government. All is quiet here now, and will, I
+hope, continue so till the Elections, when I suppose we may have some
+more _émeutes_....
+
+They have been told at the Clubs that they may meet, but they are
+not to talk politics. In short, I do not suppose that despotism ever
+reached such a pitch.... You may suppose what the French feel; it
+serves them all quite right, but that does not prevent one's feeling
+indignant at it. And this is what Palmerston is now supporting without
+restriction. We are entirely without any other news from England
+from any one. Would you not send me or Normanby a letter through
+Rothschild? I am rather anxious to know whether this is a general
+feeling in England; it could not be, if they know all that had
+happened here. Mind, I can quite understand the policy of keeping well
+with Louis Napoleon, and Normanby is so, and has never expressed to
+any one a hostile opinion except in his despatches and private letters
+to Palmerston.... I shall send this by a private hand, not to run the
+risk of its being read. Ever yours affectionately,
+
+M. NORMANBY.
+
+    [Footnote 31: On the 6th, Lord Palmerston wrote to Lord
+    Normanby the strange letter printed by Mr Evelyn Ashley in the
+    _Life_, censuring Lord Normanby's supposed hostility to
+    the French President; Lord Normanby in reply defended his
+    attitude, and asked for an explicit statement as to the
+    Foreign Secretary's approval or otherwise of the conduct and
+    policy of the President.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _9th December 1851._
+
+DEAREST UNCLE,--Your kind letter of the 5th reached me on Sunday
+morning. Much blood has been shed since you wrote....
+
+What you say about arbitrary and military Government in France is very
+true, and I daresay will do for a time; but I do not know _how_ Louis
+Napoleon is to proceed, or how he will get over the anger and enmity
+of those he imprisoned. Still, I see that the Legitimists have all
+given in their adhesion. Every one in France and elsewhere _must wish_
+order, and many therefore rally round the President.
+
+A most extraordinary report was mentioned to me yesterday, which,
+however, I never could believe, and which is besides _physically
+impossible_, from the illness of the one and the absence of the other,
+viz. that Joinville and Aumale had gone or were going to Lille to put
+themselves at the head of the troops,[32] which would be a terrible
+and a very unwise thing. It would be very awkward for _you_ too.
+
+I must now conclude, hoping soon to hear from you. You should urge the
+poor Orleans family to be very prudent in what they say about passing
+events, as I believe Louis Napoleon is very _sore_ on the subject, and
+matters might get still worse. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 32: Mr Borthwick, of the _Morning Post_, had so
+    stated to Lord Palmerston on the authority of General de
+    Rumigny; seven years later Palmerston wrote the Memorandum on
+    the subject printed in his _Life_.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON AND NORMANBY]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S INSTRUCTIONS]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S APPROVAL]
+
+
+_The Marchioness of Normanby to Colonel Phipps._[33]
+
+PARIS, _9th December 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST CHARLES,--I had written a long letter to the Queen, and
+upon second thoughts I have burnt it, because events have now become
+so serious between Normanby and Palmerston that I do not think that I
+should be the person to inform Her Majesty of it, in case anything was
+to be said upon the subject in Parliament. And yet as the affront has
+been given in Palmerston's private letters, I feel sure she does not
+know it. You have all probably seen Normanby's public despatches, in
+which, though as an Englishman he deprecates and deplores the means
+employed and the pledges broken--in short, the unconstitutional
+illegality of the whole _coup d'état_--yet he always says, seeing now
+no other refuge from Rouge ascendency, he hopes it may succeed. One
+would have supposed, from the whole tenor of his policy, from his
+Radical tendencies, and all that he has been doing lately, that
+Palmerston would have been the last person to approve of this _coup
+d'état_. Not a bit! He turns upon Normanby in the most flippant
+manner; almost accuses him of a concealed knowledge of an Orleanist
+plot--never whispered here, nor I believe, even imagined by the
+Government of Paris, who would have been too glad to seize upon it
+as an excuse; says he compromises the relations of the country by his
+evident disapproval of Louis Napoleon--in short, it is a letter that
+Morny might have written, and that it is quite impossible for Normanby
+to bear. The curious thing is that it is a letter or rather letters
+that would completely ruin Palmerston with _his_ Party. He treats all
+the acts of the wholesale cruelties of the troops as a joke--in short,
+it is the letter of a man half mad, I think, for to quarrel with
+Normanby on this subject is cutting his own throat.... He has written
+also to Lord John. Louis Napoleon knows perfectly well that Normanby
+cannot approve the means he has taken; he talks to him confidentially,
+and treats him as an honest, upright man, and he never showed him
+more attention, or friendship even than last night when we were at the
+Elysée, though Normanby said not one word in approval....
+
+There is another question upon which Normanby has a right to complain,
+which is, that two days before Palmerston sent his instructions here,
+he expressed to Walewski his complete approval of the step taken by
+Louis Napoleon, which was transmitted by Walewski in a despatch to
+Turgot, and read by him to many members of the Corps Diplomatique a
+day before Normanby heard a word from Palmerston. You will perhaps
+think that there is not enough in all this to authorise the grave step
+Normanby has taken, but the whole tone of his letters shows such a
+want of confidence, is so impertinent--talk of "we hear this," and "we
+are told that,"--bringing a sort of anonymous gossip against a man of
+Normanby's character and standing, that respect for himself obliges
+Normanby to take it up seriously.... In the meantime our Press in
+England is, as usual, _too_ violent against Louis Napoleon. _We_
+have no friends or true allies left, thanks to the policy of Lord
+Palmerston; as soon as the peace of the country is restored the Army
+_must_ be employed; it is the course of a Military Government; as
+much as an absolute Government is destroyed by the people, and the
+democracy again, when fallen into anarchy, is followed by Military
+Government. Louis Napoleon must maintain his position by acts: they
+will find out that Belgium should belong to France, or Alsace, or
+Antwerp, or something or other that England will not be able to allow,
+and then how are we prepared for the consequences?...
+
+The more I think of Palmerston's letters, the less I can understand
+them; every sentence is in direct contradiction to his acts and words.
+He ridicules the idea of the Constitution; turns to scorn the idea of
+anything being due to the Members of the Assembly; laughs and jokes at
+the Club being fired into, though the English people in it were
+within an ace of being murdered by the soldiers; says that Normanby
+is pathetic over a broken looking-glass,[34] forgetting that the same
+bullet grazed the hand of an Englishman, "_a Roman citizen!_" who was
+between the window and the glass--in short, as I said before, he is
+quite incomprehensible, except, as I cannot help thinking, he read the
+private letter Normanby wrote to the Duke of Bedford upon the Kossuth
+business, wishing to take his advice a little upon a grave question,
+but which did not actually interfere with his position here. This
+would account for his extreme irritation....
+
+All at present is quiet in Paris. There are Socialist risings in many
+parts of the country, but all these will do the President good, and
+strengthen his hands, for even the people who have been treated
+with indignity will pardon him if their châteaux are saved from an
+infuriated and brutal peasantry. The President told Normanby last
+night that the accounts of the cruelties and attacks in parts of
+the country were very serious, but he hoped they would soon be put
+down....
+
+M. NORMANBY.[35]
+
+    [Footnote 33: Submitted to the Queen by Colonel Phipps.]
+
+    [Footnote 34: The tone of Lord Palmerston's private letters
+    to Lord Normanby at this time is best illustrated by the
+    following extract:--
+
+    "Your despatches since the event of Tuesday have been all
+    hostile to Louis Napoleon, with very little information as to
+    events. One of them consisted of a dissertation about
+    Kossuth, which would have made a good article in the _Times_
+    a fortnight ago: and another dwells chiefly on a looking-glass
+    broken in a Club-house; and you are pathetic about a piece
+    of broken plaster brought down from a ceiling by musket-shots
+    during the street fights. Now we know that the Diplomatic
+    Agents of Austria and Russia called on the President
+    immediately after his measure on Tuesday morning, and
+    have been profuse in their expressions of approval of his
+    conduct."]
+
+    [Footnote 35: Lady Normanby wrote later:--
+
+    "I told you yesterday the President had no faith in him
+    (Palmerston). The Treaty signed with Buenos Ayres, the Greek
+    business, and the reception of Kossuth had long destroyed his
+    confidence in Palmerston, and I believe he hates him and sees
+    through his present adulations...."]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _13th December 1851._
+
+The Queen sends the enclosed despatch from Lord Normanby to Lord John
+Russell, from which it appears that the French Government _pretend to
+have received_ the entire approval of the late _coup d'état_ by the
+British Government, as conveyed by Lord Palmerston to Count Walewski.
+The Queen cannot believe in the truth of the assertion, as such
+an approval given by Lord Palmerston would have been in complete
+_contradiction_ to the line of strict neutrality and passiveness which
+the Queen had expressed her desire to see followed with regard to the
+late convulsion at Paris, and which was approved by the Cabinet, as
+stated in Lord John Russell's letter of the 6th inst. Does Lord
+John know anything about the alleged approval, which, if true, would
+_again_ expose the honesty and dignity of the Queen's Government in
+the eyes of the world?[36]
+
+    [Footnote 36: On the 15th, Lord Normanby wrote to Lord
+    Palmerston that he must now assume M. Walewski's report to be
+    correct, and observed that if the Foreign Secretary held one
+    language in Downing Street and prescribed another course
+    to the British Ambassador, the latter must be awkwardly
+    circumstanced. Lord Palmerston (in a letter not shown to
+    the Queen or the Cabinet) replied that he had said nothing
+    inconsistent with his instructions to Lord Normanby, that the
+    President's action was for the French nation to judge of,
+    but that in his view that action made for the maintenance of
+    social order in France.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _13th December 1851._
+
+MY BELOVED UNCLE,--These lines are to express my _very warmest_ wishes
+for _many, many happy_ returns of your dear birthday, and for _every_
+earthly blessing you _can_ desire. How I wish you could spend it
+_here_, or we with you! I venture to send you some trifles which
+will recall the Exhibition in which you took so much interest. The
+continuation of the work I send you, I shall forward as it comes out.
+
+As I wrote so lately, and shall do so on Tuesday, I will not touch on
+politics--with one exception--that I think it of high importance that
+the Orleans should clear themselves of _all_ suspicion of a _plot_,
+which _some people_, I am sure, wish to make it _appear_ they _are_
+involved in; and that public contradiction should be given to the
+foolish report, _much_ credited _here_, that Joinville has gone
+to Lille, or to some part of France, to head the Troops. Ever your
+devoted Niece and Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+How you will _again_ miss your departed Angel!
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S EXPLANATION]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+WOBURN ABBEY, _18th December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He
+received from Lord Palmerston yesterday an explanation of his
+declaration of opinion to Mr Walewski, which Lord John Russell regrets
+to state was quite unsatisfactory.
+
+He thought himself compelled to write to Lord Palmerston in the most
+decisive terms.
+
+Lord Palmerston requested that his letter might be returned to be
+copied.
+
+The whole correspondence shall be submitted to your Majesty.
+
+Your Majesty will find in the box a despatch of Lord Normanby of the
+15th, and an answer of Lord Palmerston of the 16th,[37] which has been
+sent without your Majesty's sanction, or the knowledge of Lord John
+Russell.
+
+    [Footnote 37: The letters are given in full in Ashley's
+    _Life of Lord Palmerston_, vol. i. chap. vii., were Lord
+    Palmerston's explanation of the 16th, in answer to the
+    Premier's letter of the 14th, will also be found.]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _19th December 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Receive my warmest and best thanks for your
+truly kind and gracious recollection of my old birthday, and your
+amiable presents.
+
+Our angelic Louise had quite _un culte_ for that day, and two have
+already passed since the best and noblest of hearts beats no longer
+amongst us. When one sees the haste and ardour of earthly pursuits,
+and how all this is often disposed of, and when one sees that even the
+greatest success always ends with the grave, one is tempted to
+wonder that the human race should follow so restlessly bubbles
+often disappearing just when reached, and always being a source of
+never-ending anxiety. France gives, these sixty years, the proof of
+the truth of what I say, always believing itself at the highest point
+of perfection and changing it a few weeks afterwards.
+
+A military Government in France, if it really gets established, must
+become dangerous for Europe. I hope that at least at its beginning it
+will have enough to do in France, and that we may get time to prepare.
+England will do well not to fall asleep, but to keep up its old energy
+and courage.... Your truly devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DISMISSAL OF LORD PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th December 1851._
+
+The Queen has received several communications from Lord John Russell,
+but has not answered them, as she expected daily to hear of Lord
+Palmerston's answer. As Lord John Russell in his letter of yesterday's
+date promises to send her his correspondence with Lord Palmerston,
+she refrains from expressing a decided opinion until she has had an
+opportunity of perusing it; but Lord John will readily conceive what
+must be her feelings in seeing matters go from bad to worse with
+respect to Lord Palmerston's conduct!
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD GRANVILLE]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+WOBURN ABBEY, _19th December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to submit to your Majesty a correspondence with Viscount
+Palmerston, which terminates with a letter of this day's date.
+
+Lord John Russell has now to advise your Majesty that Lord Palmerston
+should be informed that your Majesty is ready to accept the Seals of
+Office, and to place them in other hands.
+
+Lord John Russell has summoned a Cabinet for Monday.
+
+They may be of opinion that they cannot continue a Government.
+
+But that is not Lord John Russell's opinion; and should they agree
+with him, he will proceed without delay to recommend a successor to
+your Majesty.
+
+The Earl Granville appears to him the person best calculated for
+that post, but the Cabinet may be of opinion that more experience is
+required.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th December 1851._
+
+The Queen found on her arrival here Lord John Russell's letter,
+enclosing his correspondence with Lord Palmerston, which she has
+perused with that care and attention which the importance and gravity
+of the subject of it demanded. The Queen has now to express to Lord
+John Russell her readiness to follow his advice, and her acceptance of
+the resignation of Lord Palmerston. She will be prepared to see Lord
+John after the Cabinet on Monday, as he proposes.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th December 1851._
+
+With respect to a successor to Lord Palmerston, the Queen must
+state, that after the sad experience which she has just had of the
+difficulties, annoyances, and dangers to which the Sovereign may be
+exposed by the personal character and qualities of the Secretary for
+Foreign Affairs, she must reserve to herself the unfettered right to
+approve or disapprove the choice of a Minister for this Office.
+
+Lord Granville, whom Lord John Russell designates as the person best
+calculated for that post, would meet with her entire approval. The
+possible opinion of the Cabinet that more experience was required does
+not weigh much with the Queen. From her knowledge of Lord Granville's
+character, she is inclined to see no such disadvantage in the
+circumstance that he has not yet had practice in managing Foreign
+Affairs, as he will be the more ready to lean upon the advice and
+judgment of the Prime Minister where he may have diffidence in his
+own, and thereby will add strength to the Cabinet by maintaining unity
+in thought and action. The Queen hopes Lord John Russell will not omit
+to let her have copies of his correspondence with Lord Palmerston, as
+he has promised her.[38]
+
+    [Footnote 38: On the same day the Prince wrote to the Premier
+    that the Queen was much relieved. She had contemplated
+    dismissing Lord Palmerston herself, but naturally shrank from
+    using the power of the Crown, as her action would have been
+    criticised without the possibility of making a public defence;
+    in his view the Cabinet was rather strengthened than otherwise
+    by Palmerston's departure, and public sympathy would not be
+    with him. The rest of the letter is published in _The Life of
+    the Prince Consort_.]
+
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st December 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of to-day. She is
+not the least afraid of Lord Granville's not possessing sufficient
+public confidence for him to undertake the Foreign Affairs. He is very
+popular with the House of Lords, with the Free Traders, and the Peace
+party, and all that the Continent knows of him is in his favour; he
+had great success at Paris last summer, and his never having had
+an opportunity of damaging his character by having been mixed up in
+diplomatic intrigues is an immense advantage to him in obtaining the
+confidence of those with whom he is to negotiate.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd December 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have the greatest pleasure in announcing to you
+a piece of news which I know will give you as much satisfaction and
+relief as it does to us, and will do to the _whole_ of the world.
+_Lord Palmerston_ is _no longer Foreign Secretary_--and Lord Granville
+is already named his successor!! He had become of late really quite
+reckless, and in spite of the serious admonition and caution he
+received only on the 29th of November, and again at the beginning
+of December, he _tells_ Walewski that _he entirely_ approves Louis
+Napoleon's _coup d'état_, when he had written to Lord Normanby by my
+and the Cabinet's desire that he (Lord Normanby) was to continue his
+diplomatic intercourse with the French Government, but to _remain_
+perfectly passive and give _no_ opinion. Walewski wrote Palmerston's
+opinion (entirely contrary to what the Government had ordered) to M.
+Turgot, and when Normanby came with his instructions, Turgot told him
+what Palmerston had said. Upon this Lord John asked Palmerston to give
+an explanation--which, after the delay of a week, he answered in such
+an unsatisfactory way that Lord John wrote to him that _he could no
+longer remain Foreign Secretary_, for that perpetual misunderstanding
+and breaches of decorum were taking place which endangered the
+country. Lord Palmerston answered instantly that he would give up the
+Seals the moment his successor was named! Certain as we all felt that
+he could not have continued long in his place, we were quite taken by
+surprise when we learnt of the _dénouement_.... Lord Granville will, I
+think, do extremely well, and his extreme honesty and trustworthiness
+will make him _invaluable_ to us, and to the Government and to Europe.
+
+I send some prints, etc., for the children for Christmas. Ever your
+devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MEETING OF THE CABINET]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD CLARENDON]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell arrived here at six o'clock yesterday evening
+immediately from the Cabinet, and reported that the Cabinet had,
+without a dissenting voice, condemned Lord Palmerston's conduct, and
+approved of the steps taken by Lord John Russell, which was a great
+relief to him. Lord Lansdowne, to whom he had first written on the
+subject, had frightened him by answering that it was not possible
+to avoid the rupture with Lord Palmerston, but that he thought the
+Government would after this not be able to go on. When, however, this
+question was discussed in Cabinet, and Lord John had stated that
+he thought the Office could be well filled, they all agreed in the
+propriety of going on. The Members of the Cabinet were so unable to
+understand Lord Palmerston's motives for his conduct during these last
+months, that Mr. Fox Maule started an idea which once occurred to Lord
+John himself (as he said), viz. that he must have had the design
+to bring on a rupture! Lord Minto, who was absent from the Cabinet,
+expressed himself in a letter to Lord John very strongly about Lord
+Palmerston's _reckless conduct_, which would yet undo the country.
+
+Lord John, after having received the concurrence of the Cabinet on the
+question of Lord Palmerston's dismissal, stated that Lord Granville
+was the person whom he would like best to see fill his office, and
+he knew this to be the feeling of the Queen also. The Cabinet quite
+agreed in Lord Granville's fitness, but Sir George Grey stated it as
+his opinion that it ought first to be offered to Lord Clarendon, who
+has always been pointed out by the public as the proper person to
+succeed Lord Palmerston, and that, if he were passed over, the whole
+matter would have the appearance of a Cabinet intrigue in favour of
+one colleague against another. The whole of the Cabinet sided with
+this opinion, and Lord John Russell now proposed to the Queen that an
+offer should in the first instance be made to Lord Clarendon.
+
+The Queen protested against the Cabinet's taking upon itself the
+appointment of its own Members, which rested entirely with the
+Prime Minister and the Sovereign, under whose approval the former
+constructed his Government.... Lord John replied that he thought Lord
+Clarendon would not accept the offer, and therefore there would be
+little danger in satisfying the desires of the Cabinet. He had written
+to Lord Clarendon a cautioning letter from Woburn, apprising him of
+some serious crisis, of which he would soon hear, and speaking of his
+former wish to exchange the Lord-Lieutenancy for some other Office.
+Lord Clarendon at once perceived the drift of the hint, and wrote
+to the Duke of Bedford what he said he did not wish to write to his
+brother John, that, if it was that Palmerston was going, and _he_ were
+thought of as a successor, nothing would be so disagreeable to him,
+as the whole change would be put down as an intrigue of his, whom Lord
+Palmerston had always accused of wishing to supplant him; that if,
+however, the service of the country required it, he had the courage to
+face all personal obloquy....
+
+Lord John owned that Sir George Grey's chief desire was to see Lord
+Clarendon removed from Ireland, having been there so long; the
+Cabinet would wish to see the Duke of Newcastle join the Government
+as Lord-Lieutenant, which he might be induced to do. The Queen having
+mentioned Lord Clarendon as most fit to succeed Lord Lansdowne one
+day as President of the Council and leader in the House of Lords, Lord
+John said that Lord Clarendon had particularly begged not to have the
+position offered him, for which he did not feel fit. Lord John would
+like him as Ambassador at Paris, and thought Lord Clarendon would
+like this himself; but it was difficult to know what to do with Lord
+Normanby.
+
+In the course of the conversation, Lord John congratulated the
+Queen upon the change having been accomplished without her personal
+intervention, which might have exposed her to the animosity of Lord
+Palmerston's admirers, whilst she would have been precluded from
+making any public defence. I reminded Lord John that, as such was the
+disadvantage of the regal position, it behoved the Queen doubly to
+watch, lest she be put into the same dilemma with a new Minister,
+whose conduct she could not approve of. Lord Clarendon's appointment
+would be doubly galling to Lord Palmerston, whom Lord John might not
+wish to irritate further, a consideration which Lord John said he had
+also pressed upon the Cabinet. Upon a remark from Lord John as to Lord
+Granville's youth, the Queen replied: "Lord Canning, whom Lord Stanley
+had intended to make his Foreign Secretary, was not older...."
+
+The conference ended by Lord John's promise to write to Lord Clarendon
+as the Queen had desired ... but that he did not wish to make the
+offer to Lord Granville till he had Lord Clarendon's answer.
+Lord Granville had been told not to attend the last Cabinet; Lord
+Palmerston had naturally stayed away.
+
+I went up to Town at half-past seven to the Westminster Play, and took
+Lord John in my train to Richmond. We had some further conversation in
+the carriage, in which I asked Lord John whether it was true that
+Lord Palmerston had got us likewise into a quarrel with America by our
+ships firing at Panama upon an American merchantman; he said neither
+he nor Sir Francis Baring had received any news, but Sir Francis had
+been quite relieved by Lord Palmerston's quitting, as he could not be
+sure a moment that his Fleets were not brought into some scrape!
+
+On my expressing my conviction that Lord Palmerston could not be very
+formidable to the Government, Lord John said: "I hope it will not
+come true what Lord Derby (then Lord Stanley) said after the last
+Ministerial crisis, when Lord John quizzed him at not having been
+able to get a Foreign Secretary--'Next time I shall have Lord
+Palmerston.'!"
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: COUNT WALEWSKI]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _23rd December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has
+just seen Count Walewski; he told him that he had an important piece
+of intelligence to give him; that your Majesty had been pleased to
+make a change in the Foreign Office, and to direct Lord Palmerston to
+give up the Seals.
+
+He wished to give this intelligence that he might accompany it with an
+intimation that the policy towards France would continue to be of the
+most friendly character, and that there was nothing the Government
+more desired than to see a stable and settled Government in France;
+that they had every wish for the stability of the present French
+Government. Count Walewski said he had received various assurances of
+opinion from Lord Palmerston, which he supposed were adopted by Lord
+John Russell, and subsisted in force.
+
+Lord John Russell said: "Not exactly; it is a principle of the English
+Government not to interfere in any way with the internal affairs
+of other countries; whether France chooses to be a Republic or a
+Monarchy, provided it be not a Social Republic, we wish to express no
+opinion; we are what we call in England a sheet of white paper in this
+respect; all we desire is the happiness and welfare of France." Count
+Walewski said it was of importance to the stability of the
+President that he should have a large majority; he would then give a
+Constitution.
+
+Lord John Russell said each nation must suit itself in this respect;
+we have perhaps been in error in thinking our Constitution could
+be generally adopted; some nations it may suit, others may find it
+unfitted for them.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD GRANVILLE APPOINTED]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd December 1851._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letters, and is much
+rejoiced that this important affair has been finally so satisfactorily
+settled.
+
+The Queen returns Lord Clarendon's letter, which she thinks a very
+good one.[39] The Queen hopes Count Walewski will have been satisfied,
+which she thinks he ought to be. The Queen will receive Lord
+Palmerston to deliver up the Seals, and Lord Granville to receive
+them, on Friday at half-past two.
+
+    [Footnote 39: Lord Clarendon, in answer to Lord John Russell,
+    expressed great reluctance to undertake the charge of
+    the Foreign Office, on the ground that Palmerston, always
+    suspicions of him, would insist that he had deliberately
+    undermined his position: while Lord Granville would be popular
+    with the Court and country.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _24th December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell submits a private note of Lord Palmerston,[40] which
+only shows how unconscious he was of all that the rest of the world
+perceived.
+
+    [Footnote 40: In this letter, Lord Palmerston denied the
+    "charge of violations of prudence and decorum," adding, "I
+    have to observe that that charge is refuted by the offer
+    which you made of the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland, because I
+    apprehend that to be an office for the due performance of the
+    duties of which prudence and decorum cannot well be dispensed
+    with."]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th December 1861._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letters, and she returns
+the enclosures.
+
+The articles in the _Times_ are very good; the other papers seem quite
+puzzled, and unable to comprehend what has caused Lord Palmerston's
+removal from office. Lord Palmerston's letter is very characteristic;
+he certainly has the best of the argument, and great care ought to be
+taken in bestowing any praise on him, as he always takes advantage of
+it to turn against those who meant it merely to soothe him. The Queen
+thought that there must be a Council for the swearing in of the new
+Secretary of State.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD GRANVILLE]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th December 1851._
+
+Yesterday the Council was held, at which the change of Seals was to
+take place. We waited for one hour and a half, but Lord Palmerston did
+not appear; his Seals had been sent from the Foreign Office to Lord
+John Russell!
+
+Lord John told us he had written to Lord Palmerston, announcing
+him the appointment of Lord Granville, and added that in his long
+political life he had not passed a week which had been so painful to
+him. Lord Palmerston's answer was couched in these terms: "Of course
+you will believe that I feel that just indignation at the whole
+proceeding which it must produce."
+
+Lord Lansdowne seemed anxious particularly on account of the
+clear symptoms appearing from the papers that both Radicals and
+Protectionists are bidding for Lord Palmerston.
+
+Lord Granville was very much overcome when he had his audience to
+thank for his appointment, but seemed full of courage and good-will.
+He said it would be as easy to him to avoid Lord Palmerston's faults
+as difficult to imitate his good qualities, promised to endeavour to
+establish a more decent usage between the Governments in their mutual
+communications, by setting the good example himself, and insisting
+upon the same on the part of the others; promised not to have anything
+to do with the newspapers; to give evening parties, just as Lord
+Palmerston had done, to which a good deal of his influence was to
+be attributed. He said a Member of Parliament just returned from the
+Continent had told him that an Englishman could hardly show himself
+without becoming aware of the hatred they were held in; the only
+chance one had to avoid being insulted was to say _Civis Romanus non
+sum_.
+
+Lord Granville had been Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs under Lord
+Palmerston for three years from 1837-40, but, as he expressed himself,
+rather the sandwich between his principal and the clerks. Lord
+Palmerston had in these three years hardly once spoken to him upon any
+of the subjects he had to treat.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S ABSENCE EXPLAINED]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th December 1851._
+
+The Queen forgot to remind Lord John Russell yesterday of his
+correspondence with Lord Palmerston, which he promised to let her
+have.
+
+The Queen concludes from what Lord John said yesterday that
+he intended sounding the Duke of Newcastle relative to the
+Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland.
+
+Has Lord John ascertained the cause of Lord Palmerston's absence
+yesterday? If it was not accidental, she must say she thinks it most
+disrespectful conduct towards his Sovereign.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _27th December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+submits a letter of Lord Palmerston, which explains his not going to
+Windsor. It appears to have arisen from a mistake in the message
+sent through Lord Stanley, and not from any want of respect to your
+Majesty.
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _27th December 1851._
+
+MY DEAR JOHN RUSSELL,--I am distressed beyond measure by the note
+from you which I have this moment received on my arrival here from
+Hampshire. I understood from Stanley that you had desired him to tell
+me that if it was inconvenient for me to come up yesterday, I might
+send the Seals to you at Windsor, and that my presence would be
+dispensed with.[41] Thereupon I sent the Seals up by an early train
+yesterday morning to Stanley, that he might send them down to you
+as suggested by you, and I desired that they might be taken by a
+messenger by the special train.
+
+I shall be very much obliged to you if you will have the goodness to
+explain this matter to the Queen, and I beg you to assure Her Majesty
+how deeply grieved I am that what appears to have been a mistake on my
+part should have led me to be apparently wanting in due respect to
+Her Majesty, than which nothing could possibly be further from my
+intention or thoughts. Yours sincerely,
+
+PALMERSTON.
+
+    [Footnote 41: There is a fuller account given of Lord
+    Palmerston's version of the whole affair in a letter to his
+    brother, printed in Ashley's _Life of Lord Palmerston_, vol.
+    i. p. 315.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN ON FOREIGN POLICY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th December 1851._
+
+The Queen thinks the moment of the change in the person of Secretary
+of State for Foreign Affairs to afford a fit opportunity to have the
+principles upon which our Foreign Affairs have been conducted since
+the beginning of 1848 reconsidered by Lord John Russell and his
+Cabinet.
+
+The Queen was fully aware that the storm raging at the time on the
+Continent rendered it impossible for any statesman to foresee with
+clearness and precision what development and direction its elements
+would take, and she consequently quite agreed that the line of policy
+to be followed, as the most conducive to the interests of England,
+could then only be generally conceived and vaguely expressed.
+
+But although the Queen is still convinced that the general principles
+laid down by Lord John at that time for the conduct of our Foreign
+Policy were in themselves right, she has in the progress of the last
+three years become painfully convinced that the manner in which they
+have been _practically applied_ has worked out very different results
+from those which the correctness of the principles themselves had led
+her to expect. For when the revolutionary movements on the Continent
+had laid prostrate almost all its Governments, and England alone
+displayed that order, vigour, and prosperity which it owes to a
+stable, free, and good Government, the Queen, instead of earning the
+natural good results of such a glorious position, viz. consideration,
+goodwill, confidence, and influence abroad, obtained the very reverse,
+and had the grief to see her Government and herself treated on many
+occasions with neglect, aversion, distrust, and even contumely.
+
+Frequently, when our Foreign Policy was called in question, it has
+been said by Lord John and his colleagues that the principles on which
+it was conducted were the right ones, and having been approved of
+by them, received their support, and that it was only the _personal
+manner_ of Lord Palmerston in conducting the affairs which could be
+blamed in tracing the causes which led to the disastrous results the
+Queen complains of.
+
+The Queen is certainly not disposed to defend the personal manner in
+which Lord Palmerston has conducted Foreign Affairs, but she cannot
+admit that the errors he committed were merely _faults in form
+and method_, that they were no more than acts of "inconsideration,
+indiscretion, or bad taste." The Queen considers that she has also to
+complain of what appeared to her deviations from the principles laid
+down by the Cabinet for his conduct, nay, she sees distinctly in their
+practical application a _personal and arbitrary perversion_ of the
+very nature and essence of those principles. She has only to refer
+here to Italy, Spain, Greece, Holstein, France, etc., etc., which
+afford ample illustrations of this charge.
+
+It was one thing for Lord Palmerston to have attempted such
+substantial deviations; it will be another for the Cabinet to consider
+whether they had not the power to check him in these attempts.
+
+The Queen, however, considering times to have now changed, thinks that
+there is no reason why we should any longer confine ourselves to the
+mere assertion of abstract principles, such as "non-intervention in
+the internal affairs of other countries," "moral support to liberal
+institutions," "protection to British subjects," etc., etc. The moving
+powers which were put in operation by the French Revolution of 1848,
+and the events consequent on it, are no longer so obscure; they
+have assumed distinct and tangible forms in almost all the countries
+affected by them (in France, in Italy, Germany, etc.), and upon the
+state of things now existing, and the experience gained, the Queen
+would hope that our Foreign Policy may be _more specifically defined_,
+and that it may be considered how the general principles are to be
+practically adapted to our peculiar relations with each Continental
+State.
+
+The Queen wishes therefore that a regular programme embracing these
+different relations should be submitted to her, and would suggest
+whether it would not be the best mode if Lord John were to ask Lord
+Granville to prepare such a paper and to lay it before her after
+having revised it.
+
+This would then serve as a safe guide for Lord Granville, and enable
+the Queen as well as the Cabinet to see that the Policy, as in future
+to be conducted, will be in conformity with the principles laid down
+and approved.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _29th December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he has
+received your Majesty's communication of yesterday, and will transmit
+it to Lord Granville.
+
+It is to be observed, however, that the traditionary policy of this
+country is not to bind the Crown and country by engagements, unless
+upon special cause shown, arising out of the circumstances of the day.
+
+For instance, the Treaty of Quadruple Alliance between England,
+France, Spain, and Portugal was contrary to the general principle of
+non-intervention; so was the interference in Portugal in 1847, but
+were both justified by circumstances.
+
+Thus it is very difficult to lay down any principles from which
+deviations may not frequently be made.
+
+The grand rule of doing to others as we wish that they should do unto
+us is more applicable than any system of political science. The honour
+of England does not consist in defending every English officer or
+English subject, right or wrong, but in taking care that she does not
+infringe the rules of justice, and that they are not infringed against
+her.[42]
+
+    [Footnote 42: A summary of Lord Granville's Memorandum in
+    reply (which was couched in very general terms) will be found
+    in Lord Fitzmaurice's _Life of Earl Granville_, vol. ii. p.
+    49.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th December 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Most warmly do I thank you for your kind and
+affectionate and interesting letter of the 26th, which I received on
+Sunday. All that you say about Lord Palmerston is but too true.... He
+_brouilléd_ us and the country with every one; and his very first
+act precipitated the unfortunate Spanish marriages which was _le
+commencement de la fin_. It is too grievous to think how much misery
+and mischief might have been avoided. However, now he has done with
+the Foreign Office for ever, and "the veteran statesman," as the
+newspapers, to our great amusement and I am sure to _his_ infinite
+annoyance, call him, must rest upon his laurels.... I fear much lest
+they should be imprudent at Claremont; the poor Queen hinted to Mamma
+that she hoped you would not become a friend to the President; no
+doubt you can have no sympathies for him, but _just because_ you
+are related to the poor Orleanses, you feel that you must be doubly
+cautious to do nothing which could provoke the enmity of Louis
+Napoleon. I fear that poor Joinville _had_ some _mad_ idea of going to
+France, which, fortunately, his illness prevented. It would have been
+the height of folly. Their only safe policy is to remain entirely
+passive _et de se faire oublier_, which was Nemours' expression to
+me two years ago; nothing could be wiser or more prudent than he was
+then--but I don't think they were wise since. _La Candidature_ of
+Joinville was in every way unwise, and led Louis Napoleon to take so
+desperate a course. Nemours told me also _last_ year that they were
+not at all against a _fusion_, but that they could not _disposer de la
+France_, unless called upon to do so by the nation. I wish you would
+caution them to be very circumspect and silent--for all the mistakes
+made by others is in _their_ favour; in fact, no good for them could
+come till Paris is old enough to be his own master--unless indeed
+they all returned under Henri V., but a Regency for Paris would be an
+impossibility....
+
+We spent a very happy Christmas, and now wish you a very happy New
+Year--for many succeeding years. Also to the children, who I hope were
+pleased with the prints, etc.
+
+We have got young Prince Nicholas of Nassau here, a pretty, clever boy
+of nineteen, with a good deal of knowledge, and a great wish to learn
+and hear, which is a rare thing for the young Princes, of our day in
+particular. I must stop now, as I fear I have already let my pen
+run on for too long, and must beg to be excused for this voluminous
+letter.
+
+With Albert's love ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th December 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letters of yesterday. She
+quite agrees with him and his colleagues in thinking it of importance
+to strengthen the Government, and she is pleased with his proposal to
+communicate with the Duke of Newcastle as to what assistance he and
+his friends can give to the Government.
+
+The Queen expects better results from such a negotiation, with an
+ostensible head of a Party, than from attempts to detach single
+individuals from it, which from a sense of honour they always felt
+scruples in agreeing to.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE _TE DEUM_ IN PARIS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st December 1851._
+
+The Queen sees in the papers that there is to be a _Te Deum_ at Paris
+on the 2nd for the success of the _coup d'état_, and that the Corps
+Diplomatique is to be present. She hopes that Lord Normanby will be
+told not to attend. Besides the impropriety of his taking part in such
+a ceremony, his doing so would entirely destroy the position of Lord
+John Russell opposite Lord Palmerston, who might with justice say that
+he merely expressed his personal approval of the _coup d'état_ before,
+but since, the Queen's Ambassador had been ordered publicly to thank
+God for its success.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XXI
+
+
+Early in 1852, the Whig Government, impaired in public credit by the
+removal of Lord Palmerston, attempted once more a coalition with the
+Peelites, office being offered to Sir James Graham; the overtures
+failed, and soon, after the meeting of Parliament, the ex-Foreign
+Secretary, whose version of the cause of his dismissal failed to
+satisfy the House of Commons, succeeded in defeating the Government on
+their Militia Bill, affairs in France having caused anxiety as to the
+national defences. The Government Bill was for the creation of a local
+Militia, Lord Palmerston preferring the consolidation of the regular
+Militia. A Ministry was formed by Lord Derby (formerly Lord Stanley)
+from the Protectionist Party, but no definite statement could be
+elicited as to their intention, or the reverse, to re-impose a duty on
+foreign corn. Mr Disraeli, who became Chancellor of the Exchequer, and
+was the mainspring of the Government policy, showed great dexterity in
+his management of the House of Commons without a majority, and carried
+a Militia Bill in the teeth of Lord John Russell; but a plan of
+partial redistribution failed. The elections held in the summer did
+not materially improve the Ministerial position, and, on the meeting
+of Parliament in the autumn, the Fiscal Question had to be squarely
+faced. After much wrangling, Protection was finally abandoned, and the
+Government saved for the moment, but on their House-tax proposals they
+were defeated, after an impassioned debate, by a coalition of Whigs,
+Peelites, and Radicals, from whom Lord Lansdowne and Lord Aberdeen
+(and finally the latter alone) were called upon to construct a
+strong representative Government. The Duke of Wellington had died in
+September, and his funeral was the signal for an outburst of national
+feeling. During the year the Houses of Parliament designed by Sir
+Charles Barry, though not absolutely completed, were formally opened
+by the Queen; the new House of Lords had already been in use.
+
+In France, the first result of the _coup d'état_ was Louis Bonaparte's
+election as President for ten years by an immense majority; late
+in the year he assumed the Imperial title as Napoleon III., and the
+Empire was formally recognised by the majority of the Powers; the
+Emperor designed to add to his prestige by contracting a matrimonial
+alliance with Princess Adelaide of Hohenlohe. In the East of Europe a
+dispute had commenced between France and Russia about the Holy Places
+in Palestine. Simultaneously with the death of the Duke of Wellington,
+the era of European peace was destined to come to an end, and
+Nicholas, encouraged by the advent to power of Aberdeen (whom he
+had met in 1844, and with whom he had frankly discussed European
+politics), was hoping for the consummation of his scheme for the
+partition of Turkey.
+
+To Great Britain the year was a memorable one, in consequence of the
+granting of a Constitution to New Zealand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+1852
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND DENMARK]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of Denmark._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _4th January 1852._
+
+SIR, MY BROTHER,--I received the letter which your Majesty addressed
+to me on the 24th of August last, and in which, after referring to the
+necessity for establishing some definite arrangement with regard
+to the eventual succession to the Crown of Denmark, your Majesty is
+pleased to acquaint me that, in your opinion, such an arrangement
+might advantageously be made in favour of your Majesty's cousin, His
+Highness the Prince Christian of Glücksburg,[1] and the issue of his
+marriage with the Princess Louisa of Hesse, in favour of whom the
+nearer claimants have renounced their rights and titles.
+
+I trust I need not assure your Majesty of the sincere friendship which
+I entertain for you, and of the deep interest which I feel in the
+welfare of the Danish Monarchy. It was in accordance with those
+sentiments that I accepted the office of mediator between your Majesty
+and the States of the German Confederation, and it afforded me the
+sincerest pleasure to have been thus instrumental in re-establishing
+the relations of peace between your Majesty and those States.
+
+With regard to the question of the eventual succession to both the
+Danish and Ducal Crowns, I have to state to your Majesty that although
+I declined to take any part in the settlement of that combination,
+it will be a source of great satisfaction to me to learn that an
+arrangement has been definitely determined upon equally satisfactory
+to your Majesty and to the Germanic Confederation; and whenever it
+shall have been notified to me that such an arrangement has been
+arrived at, I shall then be ready, in accordance with what was stated
+in the Protocol of the 2nd of August 1850, to consider, in concert
+with my Allies, the expediency of giving the sanction of an European
+acknowledgment to the arrangement which may thus have been made.
+
+I avail myself with great pleasure of this opportunity to renew to
+your Majesty the expression of the invariable attachment and high
+esteem with which I am, Sir, my Brother, your Majesty's good Sister,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 1: Prince Christian of
+    Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg was named successor
+    to Frederick VII., King of Denmark by a Treaty signed in
+    London on the 8th of May 1852; and by the Danish law of
+    succession (of the 31st of July 1853), he ascended the throne
+    under the style of Christian IX., on the 15th of November,
+    1863. He was the father of His Majesty Frederick VIII., the
+    present King of Denmark, and of Her Majesty Queen Alexandra
+    of England; King Christian died in 1906, Queen Louise having
+    predeceased him in 1898.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _15th January 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter last night, and
+wishes now shortly to repeat what she desired through the Prince, Sir
+Charles Wood to explain to Lord John.[2]
+
+The Queen hopes that the Cabinet will fully consider what their object
+is before the proposed negotiation with Sir James Graham be opened.
+
+Is it to strengthen their _case_ in Parliament by proving that no
+means have been left untried to strengthen the Government? or really
+to effect a junction with the Peelites?
+
+If the first is aimed at, the Cabinet will hardly reap any of the
+desired advantages from the negotiation, for, shrewd as Sir James
+Graham is, he will immediately see that the negotiation has been begun
+without a desire that it should succeed, and this will soon become
+generally known.
+
+If the latter, the Queen must observe that there are two kinds of
+junctions--one, _a fusion_ of Parties; the other, _the absorption_ of
+one Party by the other. For a _fusion_, the Queen thinks the Peelites
+to be quite ready; then, however, they must be treated as a political
+Party, and no _exclusion_ should be pronounced against particular
+members of it, nor should it be insisted upon that the new Government
+and Party is still emphatically the _Whig_ party.
+
+An _absorption_ of the most liberal talents amongst the Peelites into
+the Whig Government, the Queen considers unlikely to succeed, and she
+can fully understand that reasons of honour and public and private
+engagement must make it difficult to members of a political Party to
+go over to another in order to receive office.
+
+Having stated thus much, the Queen gives Lord John full permission to
+negotiate with Sir James Graham.
+
+    [Footnote 2: Lord John Russell having vainly attempted to
+    secure the co-operation of the Duke of Newcastle, announced
+    the wish of the Cabinet to make overtures to Sir J. Graham.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th January 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your kind letter of the 16th I received on the
+17th, with the newspaper, for which I return my best thanks. The
+papers which Stockmar communicated to us are most interesting, and do
+the writer the greatest credit. Watchful we certainly shall and must
+be. We shall try and keep on the best of terms with the President, who
+is extremely sensitive and susceptible, but for whom, I must say, I
+have never had any _personal_ hostility; on the contrary, I thought
+that during 1849 and 1850 we owed him all a good deal, as he certainly
+raised the French Government _de la boue_. But I grieve over the
+tyranny and oppression practised since the _coup d'état_, and it makes
+everything very uncertain, for though I believe it in every way
+his wish and his policy not to go to war, still, _il peut y être
+entraîné_.
+
+Your position is a peculiarly delicate one, but still, as I again
+repeat, I think there is no reason to be alarmed; particularly, I
+would _never_ show it.
+
+The poor Nemours were here from Saturday till yesterday evening with
+their dear nice boys, and I think it always does them good. They feel
+again as if they were in their own position, and they are diverted
+from the melancholy reality and the great sameness of their existence
+at Claremont. I found him very quiet and really _not_ bitter, and
+disposed to be very prudent,--but seriously alarmed at the possibility
+of losing their property, which would be _too_ dreadful and monstrous.
+I fear that the candidature and poor Hélène's imprudence in talking
+are the cause of this cruel persecution. The poor Orleans have really
+(and you should write them that) no _truer_ and more faithful friends
+than we are--and it is for this reason that I urge and entreat them to
+be entirely passive; for _their day_ will come, I feel convinced!
+
+Now good-bye, my dearest, kindest Uncle. Ever your truly devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th January 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of yesterday with
+the draft of Bills, and likewise that of to-day enclosing a Memorandum
+on the probable effects of the proposed Measure.[3] She has perused
+these papers with great attention, but feels that any opinion upon
+the future results of the Measure must rest on surmises; she has that
+confidence, however, in Lord John's experience and judgment in these
+matters, and so strong a conviction that he will have spared no pains
+in forming as correct an opinion as may be formed on so problematical
+a matter, that she is prepared to come to the decision of approving
+the Measure on the strength of Lord John's opinion. She only hopes
+that the future may bear it out, and that the character of the House
+of Commons may not be impaired. Should this prove the case, the
+extension of the privilege of voting for Members will strengthen
+our Institutions. The Queen is glad that the clause abolishing the
+necessity for every Member of the Government to vacate his seat upon
+his appointment[4] should have been maintained. She hopes that the
+schedules showing which towns are to be added to existing boroughs
+will be drawn up with the greatest care and impartiality, and will
+soon be submitted to her. The Queen would be glad if the plan once
+proposed of giving to the Queen's University in Ireland the vacant
+seat for Sudbury were still carried out, as she feels sure that not
+only would it be a great thing for the University and the Colleges,
+but a most useful and influential Irish Member would be gained for the
+House.
+
+The Queen takes it for granted that the Bill as approved by her will
+be stood by in Parliament, and that Lord John will not allow himself
+to be drawn on to further concessions to Democracy in the course of
+the debate, and that the introduction of the ballot will be vigorously
+opposed by the Government.
+
+    [Footnote 3: The Ministerial Reform Bill.]
+
+    [Footnote 4: The Act of Settlement excluded (as from the
+    accession of the House of Hanover) the Ministers of State from
+    the House of Commons; but the 6 Anne, c. 7, modified this, and
+    made them re-eligible on appointment.]
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DRAFT OF THE SPEECH]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _1st February 1852._
+
+The Queen has received the draft of the Speech. The passage referring
+to the proposed Reform Measure varies so materially from the one
+which was first submitted to her that she feels that she ought not to
+sanction it without having received some explanation of the grounds
+which have led the Cabinet to recommend it in its altered shape. The
+Queen will not object to the mode of filling the Offices still vacant
+which Lord John Russell proposes.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: WOMEN AND POLITICS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd February 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--My warmest thanks for your kind little letter of
+the 30th. Matters are very critical and all Van de Weyer has told
+us _n'est pas rassurant_. With such an extraordinary man as Louis
+Napoleon, one can never be for one instant safe. It makes me very
+melancholy; I love peace and quiet--in fact, I _hate_ politics and
+turmoil, and I grieve to think that a spark may plunge us into the
+midst of war. Still I think _that_ may be avoided. Any attempt on
+Belgium would be _casus belli for us_; _that_ you may rely upon.
+Invasion I am not afraid of, but the spirit of the people here is very
+great--they are full of defending themselves--and the spirit of the
+olden times is in no way quenched.
+
+In two hours' time Parliament will be opened, and to-night the
+explanations between Lord John and Lord Palmerston will take place. I
+am _very_ curious _how_ they will go off. The curiosity and anxiety to
+hear it is very great.
+
+I never saw Stockmar better, or more active and more sagacious, or
+more kind. To me he is really like a father--only too partial, I
+always think.
+
+Albert grows daily fonder and fonder of politics and business, and
+is so wonderfully _fit_ for both--such perspicacity and such
+_courage_--and I grow daily to dislike them both more and more. We
+women are not _made_ for governing--and if we are good women, we must
+_dislike_ these masculine occupations; but there are times which
+force one to take _interest_ in them _mal gré bon gré_, and _I_ do, of
+course, _intensely_.
+
+I must now conclude, to dress for the opening of Parliament
+... Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _4th February 1852._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to report that the Address was agreed to last night without
+a division.
+
+The explanations between Lord Palmerston and himself were made. Lord
+Palmerston made no case, and was not supported by any considerable
+party in the House. His approbation of the President's conduct seemed
+to confound the Liberal Party, and he did not attempt to excuse his
+delay in answering Lord John Russell's letter of the 14th.[5]
+
+The rest of the debate was desultory and heavy. Mr Disraeli made a
+long speech for the sake of making a speech. Mr Roebuck was bitter
+without much effect.
+
+Generally speaking, the appearance of the House was favourable. Sir
+James Graham says the next fortnight will clear up matters very much.
+
+The tone of the House was decidedly pacific.
+
+    [Footnote 5: See _ante_, p. 341.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _4th February 1852._
+
+We have learned with much satisfaction that everything went off so
+well in the House of Commons last night. Lord John Russell's speech
+is a most useful one, and he has given a most lucid definition of the
+constitutional position of the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary
+opposite to the Crown. Lord Palmerston's speech is a very weak one,
+and he in no way makes out a case for himself. This seems to [be] the
+general impression.
+
+The Houses of Lords and Commons being now almost completed, and the
+Queen having entered the House of Lords by the Grand Entrance (which
+is magnificent), the Queen thinks this will be the right moment
+for bestowing on Mr Barry the knighthood, as a mark of the Queen's
+approbation of his great work.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S DISCOMFITURE]
+
+
+_The Marquis of Normanby to Colonel Phipps._[6]
+
+ST GEORGE'S HOTEL, _5th February 1852._
+
+MY DEAR CHARLES,--Yesterday morning I got a note from John Russell,
+saying that all had gone off so well the night before, and Palmerston
+had been so flat that he thought it better I should not revive the
+subject in the other House, as he had said nothing about me which in
+the least required that I should do so. I yielded, of course, to such
+an appeal, though there are several points in his speech on which I
+could have exposed inaccuracies. The fact is, John has never shown any
+consideration for me in the whole of these affairs; but I do not
+mean in any way to complain, and am very grateful to him for the very
+successful way in which he executed his task on Tuesday. Nothing
+can be more universal than the feeling of the utter discomfiture of
+Palmerston.[7] I am convinced that what floored him at starting was
+that letter of the Queen's,[8] because every one felt that such a
+letter would never have been written unless every point in it
+could have been proved like a bill of indictment; and then came the
+question, how could any man, even feeling he deserved it, go on under
+such a marked want of confidence?...[9]
+
+Aberdeen, whom I saw at Granville's last night, told me that Cardwell
+had said to him, that often as he had felt indignant at the arrogance
+of "that man," he really pitied him, so complete was his overthrow.
+Disraeli said that he had watched him during Johnny's speech, and
+doubted whether the hanging of the head, etc., was merely acting; but
+before he had spoken two sentences he saw he was a beaten fox. Many
+said that the extreme flippancy and insolence of his manner was
+more remarkable than ever, from their being evidently assumed with
+difficulty. I have always thought Palmerston very much overrated as a
+speaker; his great power arose from his not only knowing his subject
+better than any one else, but being the only man who knew anything
+about it, and using that exclusive knowledge unscrupulously for the
+purposes of misrepresentation.
+
+Thiers was at Lady Granville's last night, and was enchanted with the
+spectacle of the Opening. He said that he had been endeavouring for
+thirty years to support the cause of Constitutional Monarchy, as the
+best Government in the world, and there he saw it in perfection, not
+only in its intrinsic attributes, but in the universal respect and
+adhesion with which it was received. He said, though he did not
+understand a word of English, he could have cried at the Queen's voice
+in reading the Speech. He is very "impressionable," and I am convinced
+at the time he was quite sincere in his appreciation.
+
+I am vexed at not having been able to say anything publicly about all
+this, as I believe I could have dispelled many misrepresentations; but
+it cannot be helped. I have endeavoured throughout not to be selfish,
+and I may as well keep up that feeling to the last. Ever, etc.
+
+NORMANBY.
+
+I told John Russell last night I regretted that he had vouched for the
+intentions of Louis Napoleon. He said he had not done that, but owned
+that he had said more than he ought. "The fact is, I did not know what
+to say next. I stopped as one sometimes does, so I said that; I had
+better have said something else!" Candid and characteristic!
+
+    [Footnote 6: Submitted to the Queen by Colonel Phipps.]
+
+    [Footnote 7: It appears from a Memorandum made about this time
+    by Prince Albert that when Lord Palmerston's retirement
+    became known, the Radical constituency of Marylebone wished to
+    present him with an Address of sympathy, and to invite him to
+    stand at the next Election, promising him to bring him in.
+    Sir Benjamin Hall (one of the Members) told them that they
+    had better wait till the explanation in Parliament had taken
+    place, for at present they knew nothing about the merits
+    of the case. This the Committee which had been organised
+    consented to do. After the Debate on the 4th of February, Sir
+    Benjamin called upon the Chairman of the Committee to ask him
+    whether they would still carry out their intention. "No," said
+    the Chairman; "we have considered the matter: a man who does
+    not answer the Queen's letters can receive no Address from
+    us."]
+
+    [Footnote 8: See _ante_, p. 264.]
+
+    [Footnote 9: _Cf._ Greville's account in his Journal, 5th
+    February 1852. _See_ also p. 368.]
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Earl Granville._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _10th February 1852._
+
+The Queen returns the enclosed papers. She will not object to the
+proposed step[10] should Lord Granville and Lord John Russell have
+reason to expect that the Pope will receive Sir H. Bulwer; should he
+refuse, it will be doubly awkward. The Queen finds it difficult to
+give a decided opinion on the subject, as, first, she does not
+know how far the reception of Sir Henry at Rome will overcome the
+objections raised to his reception as Resident at Florence. Secondly,
+as she has never been able to understand what is to be obtained by a
+mission to Rome, a step liable to much misrepresentation here....
+
+    [Footnote 10: The Tuscan Government declined to receive Sir H.
+    Bulwer, and it was then proposed to send him to Rome instead.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCE AND THE ARMY]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _16th February 1852._
+
+SIR,--I have seen the Duke of Wellington this morning, and have given
+him the Depôt plan.
+
+It may be useful if your Royal Highness will see him from time to
+time in relation to the Army. On the one hand, your Royal Highness's
+authority may overcome the indisposition to change which he naturally
+entertains; and on the other, his vast experience may be of great use
+to your Royal Highness in regard to the future. I have the honour to
+be, Sir, your Royal Highness's most dutiful Servant,
+
+JOHN RUSSELL.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SLAVE TRADE]
+
+
+_Sir Francis Baring to Queen Victoria._
+
+ADMIRALTY, _15th February 1852._
+
+Sir Francis Baring presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
+to state to your Majesty that despatches have this evening arrived
+from Commander Bruce in command of the African Squadron. Commander
+Bruce gives an account of an attack on Lagos[11] which was completely
+successful. The town of Lagos was captured and in great part burnt.
+The resistance appears to have been obstinate and directed with much
+skill. Your Majesty's naval Service behaved with their accustomed
+gallantry and coolness, but the loss amounted to fourteen killed and
+sixty-four wounded. Sir Francis Baring will forward to your Majesty
+copies of the despatches to-morrow, with his humble duty.
+
+F. BARING.
+
+    [Footnote 11: Notorious as a centre of the Slave Trade. The
+    native king was deposed.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Francis Baring._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _16th February 1852._
+
+The Queen has received both Sir Francis Baring's letters of the 15th.
+The news of the capture and destruction of the town of Lagos has given
+us the _greatest_ satisfaction, as it will give a most serious blow to
+the iniquitous traffic in slaves. The Rev. Mr Crowther, whom the Queen
+saw about two months ago (and whom she believes Sir Francis Baring has
+also seen), told us that the slave trade on that part of the African
+coast would be at an end if Lagos, the stronghold of its greatest
+supporters, was destroyed. The Queen must express to Sir Francis
+Baring her sense of the services rendered by Commodore Bruce and the
+Officers under him.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _17th February 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your dear letter of the 13th reached me on Saturday
+here, where we are since Friday afternoon. I am glad that you are
+satisfied with Lord Granville's answer. The question shall certainly
+be borne in mind, and you may rely on our doing whatever can be
+effected to bring about the desired end. I think Louis Napoleon will
+find his decrees very difficult to carry out. I am very glad to hear
+that you quietly are preparing to strengthen yourself against the
+possibility of any attack from France. This will, I think, put Louis
+Napoleon on his good behaviour....
+
+The extension of the Suffrage[12] was almost unavoidable, and it was
+better to do it quietly, and not to wait till there was a cry for
+it--to which one would have to yield. The deal there is to do, and the
+importance of everything going on at home and abroad, is unexampled
+in _my_ recollection and _very_ trying; Albert becomes really a
+_terrible_ man of business; I think it takes a little off from the
+gentleness of his character, and makes him so preoccupied. I grieve
+over all this, as I _cannot_ enjoy these things, _much_ as I interest
+myself in _general_ European politics; but I am every day more
+convinced that _we women_, _if_ we _are_ to be _good_ women,
+_feminine_ and _amiable_ and _domestic_, are _not fitted to reign_;
+at least it is _contre gré_ that they drive themselves to the _work_
+which it entails.
+
+However, this cannot now be helped, and it is the duty of every one to
+fulfil all that they are called upon to do, in whatever situation they
+may be!
+
+Mme. van de Weyer thinks your children so grown and improved, and
+Charlotte as lovely as ever. With Albert's love, ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 12: See _ante_, pp. 294, 324.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE MILITIA BILL]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _20th February 1852._
+(9.15 P.M.)
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to report that Lord Palmerston has just carried his Motion
+for leaving out the word "Local" in the title of the Bill for the
+Militia.[13]
+
+Lord John Russell then declared that he could no longer take charge of
+the Bill. Lord Palmerston said he was astonished at the Government for
+giving up the Bill for so slight a cause.
+
+Lord John Russell then said that he considered the vote as tantamount
+to a resolution of want of confidence, which remark was loudly cheered
+on the other side.
+
+Sir Benjamin Hall said he wondered the Government did not resign, on
+which Lord John again explained that when confidence was withdrawn,
+the consequence was obvious.
+
+    [Footnote 13: Events in France had revived anxiety as to the
+    national defences, and the Government brought in a Bill for
+    raising a local Militia. To this scheme the Duke of Wellington
+    had been unfavourable, and Lord Palmerston, by a majority of
+    eleven, carried an Amendment in favour of re-organising the
+    "regular" instead of raising a "local" Militia.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE MINISTRY DEFEATED]
+
+[Pageheading: RESIGNATION OF THE MINISTRY]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st February 1852._
+
+Lord John Russell came this morning at twelve o'clock to explain that
+after the vote of yesterday[14] it was impossible for him to go on any
+longer with the Government. He considered it a vote of censure, and an
+entirely unprecedented case not to allow a Minister of the Crown even
+to lay his measure on the Table of the House; that he had expected to
+the last that the respectable part of the House would see all this,
+but there seemed to have been a pre-arranged determination between
+Lord Palmerston and the Protectionists to defeat the Government; that
+the Peelites also had agreed to vote against them. Sir James Graham
+and Mr Cardwell had stayed away, but Mr Gladstone and Mr S. Herbert
+had voted against them, the latter even misrepresenting what Lord
+John had said. No Government could stand against incessant motions of
+censure upon every imaginable department of the Executive Government.
+The Prime Minister would either have to take the management of all
+the departments into his own hands, and to be prepared to defend every
+item, for which he (Lord John) did not feel the moral and physical
+power, or he must succumb on those different points which the
+Opposition with divided labour could single out. Lord Palmerston's
+conduct was the more reprehensible as he had asked him the day before
+about his objections to the Bill, and had (he thought) satisfied him
+that the four points upon which he had insisted were provided for in
+the Bill.
+
+    [Footnote 14: On the Militia Bill.]
+
+He thought he could not (in answer to the Queen's enquiry) dissolve
+Parliament, and that Lord Palmerston had no Party. But he supposed
+Lord Derby was prepared to form a Protection Government. This
+Government would pass the estimates and the Mutiny Bill, and would
+then have to proceed to a Dissolution. Lord John had merely seen Lord
+Lansdowne, who had approved of the course he meant to pursue, though
+afraid of the imputation that the Government had run away from the
+Caffre debate. He had summoned the Cabinet, and would report their
+resolution. Speaking of Lord Palmerston, Lord John said he had heard
+that Lord Palmerston had said that there was one thing between them
+which he could not forgive, and that was his reading the Queen's
+Minute to the House of Commons.
+
+At a quarter past four Lord John came back from the Cabinet, and
+formally tendered the resignations of himself and colleagues. The
+Cabinet had been unanimous that there was no other course to pursue,
+and that it would not be advisable to make use of the Queen's
+permission to advise a Dissolution. Lord Granville had ascertained
+through Dr Quin from Lord Lyndhurst that Lord Derby was prepared with
+an Administration, having obtained Mr Thomas Baring's consent to act
+as Leader of the House of Commons.
+
+Sir Stratford Canning at Constantinople was supposed to be intended
+for the Foreign Office. Lord Lyndhurst said, though the materials were
+there, they were very bad ones, and it was a question whether they
+would stand long. He himself would keep out of place.
+
+We advised Lord John to keep his Party well under discipline in
+Opposition, so that whilst there it did not commit errors which
+would become new difficulties for the future Government. He seemed
+disinclined for great exertions after the fatigues he had undergone
+these last years. He said he thought he would not go on with the
+Reform Bill out of office, as that was a measure which ought to be
+carried by a Government. If he had again to propose it, he would very
+likely alter it a little, reverting to his original plan of taking
+away one Member of the two returned by small boroughs, and giving
+their seats to some large towns, counties, and corporations like the
+Universities, etc.
+
+Lord John defers taking his formal leave till a new Administration is
+formed.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY SUMMONED]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st February 1852._
+
+The Queen would wish to see Lord Derby at half-past two to-morrow
+should he be in Town; if not, on Monday at twelve o'clock.
+
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd February 1852._
+
+... Lord Derby said that he could not command a majority in the House
+of Lords, that he was in a decided minority in the House of Commons,
+and thought that in the critical circumstances in which the country
+was placed both at home and abroad, he ought not to ask for a
+Dissolution. He must then try to strengthen himself particularly in
+the House of Commons by any means he could. There was one person whom
+he could not venture to propose for the Foreign Office on account
+of what had lately passed, and what he might be allowed to call the
+"well-known personal feelings of the Queen"; but Lord Palmerston was
+one of the ablest debaters, and might well be offered the post of
+Chancellor of the Exchequer.
+
+The Queen ... would not, by refusing her consent, throw additional
+difficulties in Lord Derby's way; she warned him, however, of the
+dangerous qualities of [Lord Palmerston].
+
+Lord Derby rejoined that he knew them, and thought them pernicious for
+the conduct of the Foreign Affairs, but at the Exchequer they would
+have less play; he himself would undertake to control him. His
+greatest indiscretion--that in the Kossuth affair--must have been with
+a view to form a Party; that if left excluded from office, he would
+become more dangerous, and might in fact force himself back at the
+head of a Party with a claim to the Foreign Office, whilst if he had
+ever accepted another Office, his pretensions might be considered
+as waived; he (Lord Derby) did not know in the least whether Lord
+Palmerston would accept, but in case he did not, the offer would
+propitiate him, and render the Government in the House of Commons
+more possible, as it would have anyhow all the talent of the late
+Government, Peelites and Radicals, to withstand.
+
+To my question whether Lord Derby fancied he would remain Prime
+Minister any length of time, when once Lord Palmerston had got the
+lead of the House of Commons, he replied he was not afraid of him; he
+felt sure he could control him, although he would not have been able
+to admit him to the Foreign Office on account of the very strong
+strictures he had passed upon his Foreign Policy at different
+times--even if the Queen had allowed it.
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _22nd February 1852._
+(_Half-past eight._)
+
+Lord Derby, with his humble duty, deems it incumbent upon him to
+submit to your Majesty without delay that having had an interview this
+evening with Lord Palmerston, the latter has, although in the most
+friendly terms, declined accepting the Office, upon the ground of
+difference of opinion, not on the principle, but on the expediency
+of the imposition of any duty, under any circumstances, upon foreign
+corn. This was a point which Lord Derby was willing to have left
+undecided until the result of a General Election should be known.
+
+Although this refusal may add materially to Lord Derby's difficulties,
+he cannot regret that the offer has been made, as the proposal must
+have tended to diminish any feelings of hostility which might have
+been productive of future embarrassment to your Majesty's service, to
+whatever hands it may be entrusted....
+
+The above is humbly submitted by your Majesty's most dutiful Servant
+and Subject,
+
+DERBY.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY'S CABINET]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd February 1852._
+
+Lord Derby reported progress at half-past two, and submitted a list of
+the principal Officers of the Government which follows, and which the
+Queen approved.
+
+The Queen allowed Lord Lyndhurst (who has declined office--has been
+Lord Chancellor three times, and now entered upon his eightieth year)
+to be offered an Earldom--which he very much desired for the position
+of his daughters, having no son.
+
+After he had kissed hands upon his entering upon his office, Lord
+Derby had a further conversation with me on Household appointments. I
+told him he must now, as Prime Minister, consider himself to a certain
+degree in the position of the Confessor; that formerly the Lord
+Chancellor was Keeper of the King's Conscience, the office might be
+considered to have descended on the Prime Minister. The Queen must
+then be able to confer with him on personal matters, or I, on her
+behalf, with the most entire confidence, and that she must be sure
+that nothing was divulged which passed between them on these matters,
+and he might repose the same confidence in us. As to the formation of
+the Household, the Queen made two conditions, viz. that the persons to
+compose her Court should not be on the verge of bankruptcy, and
+that their moral character should bear investigation. On the Queen's
+accession Lord Melbourne had been very careless in his appointments,
+and great harm had resulted to the Court therefrom. Since her marriage
+I had insisted upon a closer line being drawn, and though Lord
+Melbourne had declared "that that damned morality would undo us all,"
+we had found great advantage in it and were determined to adhere to
+it....
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duchess of Sutherland._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd February 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST DUCHESS,--I cannot say _how deeply_ grieved I am to
+think that the event which has just occurred, and which Lord Derby's
+acceptance of office has to-day confirmed, will entail your leaving,
+for a time, my service. It has been _ever_ a real pleasure to me to
+have you with me; my affection and esteem for you, my dearest Duchess,
+are great, and we _both_ know what a kind and true friend we have in
+you.
+
+I think that I may rely on your returning to me on a future occasion
+whenever that may be, and that I shall frequently have the pleasure of
+seeing you, even when you are no longer attached to my person.
+
+I shall hope to see you soon. The Levée remains fixed for Thursday,
+and the transfer of the Officers of the new Government does not take
+place till Friday.
+
+With the Prince's kindest remembrance, and ours to the Duke and
+Constance. Believe me always, yours affectionately,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _24th February 1852._
+
+DEAREST UNCLE,--Great and not _very_ pleasant events have happened
+since I wrote last to you. I know that Van de Weyer has informed you
+of everything, of the really (till the last day) unexpected defeat,
+and of Lord Derby's assumption of office, with a very sorry Cabinet. I
+believe, however, that it is quite necessary they should have a trial,
+and then have done with it. Provided the country remains quiet, and
+they are prudent in their Foreign Policy, I shall take the trial as
+patiently as I can....
+
+Alas! your confidence in our excellent Lord Granville is no longer
+of any avail, though I hope ere long he will be at the Foreign Office
+again,[15] and I cannot say that his successor,[16] who has never been
+in office (as indeed is the case with almost all the new Ministers),
+inspires me with confidence. I see that Louis Napoleon has again
+seized one of the adherents, or rathermore one of the men of business,
+of the poor Orleans....
+
+There are some terrible stories from Madrid of people having told the
+poor Queen that the King had arranged this attack on her person, and
+that she was anxious to abdicate.[17] If you should hear anything of
+this kind, be kind enough to tell me of it. With Albert's love (he is
+well fagged with business), ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 15: Lord Granville held the Foreign Secretaryship in
+    1870-1874, and again in 1880-1885.]
+
+    [Footnote 16: Lord Malmesbury.]
+
+    [Footnote 17: The Queen was stabbed by a priest when returning
+    from church.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD MALMESBURY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _24th February 1852._
+
+The Queen thinks that it would be of the highest importance that not
+only Lord Malmesbury (as is always usual) should receive the necessary
+information from Lord Granville, but that Lord Derby should see him
+and hear from him the state of all the critical questions now pending
+on Foreign Affairs. Lord Granville has made himself master in a very
+short time of all the very intricate subjects with which his
+Office has to deal, and she must here bear testimony to the extreme
+discretion, good sense, and calmness with which he has conducted the
+very responsible and difficult post of Foreign Secretary.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: NEW APPOINTMENTS]
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to the Prince Albert._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _25th February 1852._ (_5_ P.M.)
+
+SIR,--I have delayed longer than I could have wished acknowledging the
+letter which I had the honour to receive from your Royal Highness last
+night, in hopes that by this time I should have been enabled to solve
+the difficulties connected with the Household Appointments; but I
+regret to say they are rather increased than otherwise. I will not
+trouble your Royal Highness now with any details; but if I might be
+honoured with an audience at any hour after the Levée to-morrow, I
+shall perhaps be able to make a more satisfactory report, and at all
+events to explain the state of affairs more fully.
+
+In the meantime, it may save Her Majesty some trouble if I request
+that your Royal Highness will have the goodness to lay before Her
+Majesty the enclosed list of Appointments which, subject to Her
+Majesty's approval, I have arranged in the course of this day. The
+Admiralty List found its way most improperly into some of the morning
+papers before I was even aware that the Duke of Northumberland had
+finally obtained the assent of the Officers whom he had selected.
+
+As it is possible that the Queen may not be acquainted with the name
+of Colonel Dunne, I have the honour of enclosing a letter respecting
+him which I have received from Lord Fitzroy Somerset, since I had
+intimated to him my intention of submitting his name to Her Majesty,
+and which is highly satisfactory.
+
+I must beg your Royal Highness to offer to the Queen my most humble
+and grateful acknowledgment of the kindness which Her Majesty has
+evinced in endeavouring to facilitate the progress of the Household
+arrangements.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Royal Highness's most obedient
+Servant,
+
+DERBY.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._[18]
+
+THURSDAY, _26th February 1852._
+
+Lord Derby came to Albert at half-past three, and Albert called me in
+at a little after four....
+
+Lord Derby told us he meant to proceed as speedily as possible
+with the defences of the country, and that his plan for the Militia
+entirely coincided with Albert's plan (viz. he (Albert) wrote on the
+subject to the Duke of Wellington, who _did not_ like it),[19] and
+meant to try and avoid all the objections. On his observing that
+no one had entirely understood the Government Bill, I said that the
+Government had not even been allowed to bring it in, which was a most
+unfair proceeding; upon which Lord Derby reiterated his professions
+of this being no preconcerted plan of his Party's, but that it was
+"symptomatic"; he, however, was obliged to own that it was rather hard
+and not quite fair on the late Government.
+
+I then explained to him the arrangement respecting the drafts from the
+Foreign Office going first to him before they came to me, and wished
+this should be continued, which he promised should be done, as well as
+that all important Colonial despatches should be sent to me. Touched
+upon the various critical questions on the Continent.... Lord Derby
+said that all Louis Napoleon's views were contained in his book _Idées
+Napoléoniennes_ written in '39, for that he was more a man of "_Idées
+fixes_" than any one; and in this book he spoke of gaining territory
+by _diplomacy_ and not by war. Lord Derby gave us a note from Louis
+Napoleon to Lord Malmesbury, congratulating him on his appointment,
+professing the most friendly and pacific intentions, and hoping the
+Cowleys would (as they do) remain at Paris.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Extract from Her Majesty's _Journal_.]
+
+    [Footnote 19: This Memorandum is given in chap. xlv. of the
+    _Life of the Prince Consort_.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FAREWELL AUDIENCES]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY'S PROGRAMME]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY AND THE CHURCH]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _27th February 1852._
+
+To-day the formal change of Government took place. The old Ministers
+who had Seals to give up assembled at half-past eleven, and had their
+Audiences in the following order:
+
+_Sir George Grey_ was very much overcome; promised at our request to
+do what he could to keep his friends moderate and united. Spoke well
+of his successor, Mr Walpole, and assured the Queen that he left the
+country in a most quiet and contented state.
+
+_Lord Grey_ was sorry that the resignation had taken place before the
+Caffre Debate, in which he had hoped to make a triumphant defence; he
+was sure it must have come to this from the way in which Lord John had
+managed matters. He had never had his measures thoroughly considered
+when he brought them forward. He (Lord Grey) had had to remonstrate
+very strongly about this Militia Bill, which had not even been laid,
+printed, before the Cabinet, and had not been discussed at all;
+he himself had objected to the greater part of it, and had always
+expected to have an opportunity of making his opinion heard; instead
+of spending Christmas at Woburn he ought to have digested his
+measures; this was not fair to his colleagues, and he could never have
+the same confidence in Lord John as before. We urged him to forget
+what had passed and to do the best for the future; that it was
+important the Party should be kept together and should unite if
+possible with the Peelites, so that the Queen might hope to get a
+strong Government. Lord Grey thought there was little chance of this.
+The next Government could never be as moderate again as this had been;
+this he had always dreaded, and was the reason why he lamented that
+Lord John had failed in his negotiation with the Peelites this winter,
+upon Lord Palmerston's dismissal; but the fact was Lord John had never
+wished it to succeed, and it had been unfair that he had not stated
+to them (the Peelites) that all his colleagues were ready to give up
+their places.
+
+_Lord Granville_ had seen Lord Malmesbury several times, who appeared
+to him to take pains about informing himself on the state of Foreign
+Affairs, but seemed inclined to be ambitious of acquiring the merit of
+being exclusively _English_ in his policy; this was quite right, but
+might be carried too far; however, Lord Malmesbury was cautious and
+moderate.
+
+_The Chancellor of the Exchequer_ (_Sir Charles Wood_) was not
+surprised at the fate of the Government, although they had not
+expected to be defeated on the Militia Bill; in fact, a division had
+hardly been looked for, as Lord John had talked the day before with
+Lord Palmerston, and satisfied him that all his objections should be
+provided against in the Bill. He thought it was better, however, that
+the Caffre Debate had not been waited for, which must have been a
+personal and very acrimonious one. He thought Lord Grey had not been
+very discreet in his language to the Queen on Lord John. Sir J. Graham
+had been in a difficulty with his own Party, and therefore had not
+wished to encourage Lord John's negotiation with the Peelites. He
+promised that, for his part, he would do all he could to keep his
+Party from doing anything violent, but that he was afraid many others
+would be so, and that he and Lord Grey had in vain tried to persuade
+Mr Cobden to remain quiet.
+
+Lord Derby had then an Audience to explain what should be done at the
+Council. He regretted the Duchess of Northumberland's declining to
+be Mistress of the Robes, on account of ill-health, which had been
+communicated to the Queen by her father, Lord Westminster. He proposed
+the Duchess of Argyll, whom the Queen allowed to be sounded (though
+feeling certain, that, considering the Liberal views of her husband,
+she will not accept it), and sanctioned his sounding also the Duchess
+of Athole, whom the Queen wished to make the offer to, in case the
+Duchess of Argyll declined. Lord Derby stated the difficulty he was
+in with Sir A. B., whose wife had never been received at Court or
+in society, although she had run away with him when he was still at
+school, and was nearly seventy years old. The Queen said it would
+not do to receive her now at Court, although society might do in that
+respect what it pleased; it was a principle at Court not to receive
+ladies whose characters are under a stigma.
+
+We now proceeded to the Council, which was attended only by three
+Councillors, the other seventeen having all had to be sworn in as
+Privy Councillors first.[20]
+
+    [Footnote 20: _See_ Disraeli's _Endymion_ (chap. c.) for a
+    graphic description of this remarkable scene.]
+
+After the Council Lord Hardinge was called to the Queen, and explained
+that he accepted the Ordnance only on the condition that he was not
+to be expected to give a vote which would reverse the policy of Sir
+R. Peel, to which he had hitherto adhered. He had thought it his duty,
+however, not to refuse his services to the Crown after the many marks
+of favour he had received from the Queen.
+
+Lord Derby then had an Audience to explain what he intended to state
+in Parliament this evening as the programme of his Ministerial Policy.
+It was very fluent and very able, but so completely the same as the
+Speech which he has since delivered, that I must refer to its account
+in the reports. When he came to the passage regarding the Church,
+the Queen expressed to him her sense of the importance not to have
+_Puseyites_ or _Romanisers_ recommended for appointments in the Church
+as bishops or clergymen. Lord Derby declared himself as decidedly
+hostile to the Puseyite tendency, and ready to watch over the
+Protestant character of the Church. He said he did not pretend to give
+a decided opinion on so difficult and delicate a point, but it had
+struck him that although nobody could think in earnest of reviving the
+old Convocation, yet the disputes in the Church perhaps could be most
+readily settled by some Assembly representing the laity as well as
+the clergy. I expressed it as my opinion that some such plan would
+succeed, provided the Church Constitution was built up from the
+bottom, giving the Vestries a legislative character in the parishes
+leading up to Diocesan Assemblies, and finally to a general one.
+
+On Education he spoke very liberally, but seemed inclined to support
+the views of the bishops against the so-called "management clauses"
+of the Privy Council, viz. not to allow grants to schools even if
+the parish should prefer the bishops' inspection to the Privy Council
+inspection.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _27th February 1852._
+(_Half-past seven_ P.M.)
+
+Lord Derby, with his humble duty, hastens to acquaint your Majesty,
+having just returned from the House of Lords, that his statement,
+going over the topics the substance of which he had the honour of
+submitting to your Majesty was, as far as he could judge, favourably
+received. Earl Grey attempted to provoke a Corn Law discussion, but
+the feeling of the House was against the premature introduction of so
+complicated and exciting a topic. Lord Aberdeen, dissenting from any
+alteration of commercial policy, entirely concurred in Lord Derby's
+views of Foreign Affairs, and of the course to be adopted in dealing
+with Foreign Nations. Lord Derby did not omit to lay stress upon
+"the strict adherence, in letter and in spirit, to the obligations of
+Treaties," which was well received.
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _5th March 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I have to offer my affectionate thanks for a
+most gracious and long letter of the 2nd.
+
+Within these days we have not had anything very important, but,
+generally speaking, there has been, at least in appearance, a quieter
+disposition in the ruling power at Paris. We are here in the awkward
+position of persons in hot climates, who find themselves in company,
+for instance in their beds, with a snake; they must _not move, because
+that irritates_ the creature, but they can hardly remain as they are,
+without a fair chance of being bitten.... Your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FOREIGN AFFAIRS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _9th March 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your dear letter of the 5th reached me just after
+we arrived here, at our sweet, peaceful little abode.
+
+It seems that Louis Napoleon's mind is chiefly engrossed with
+measures for the interior of France, and that the serious question
+of Switzerland is becoming less menacing. On the other hand, Austria
+behaves with a hostility, and I must say folly, which prevents all
+attempts at reconciliation. All the admirers of Austria consider
+Prince Schwartzenberg[21] a madman, and the Emperor Nicholas said that
+he was "Lord Palmerston in a white uniform." What a calamity this is
+at the present moment!
+
+We have a most talented, capable, and courageous Prime Minister, but
+all his people have no experience--have never been in _any sort_ of
+office before!
+
+On Friday the House of Commons meets again, and I doubt not great
+violence will be displayed.
+
+With every kind love to my dear Cousins, ever your very devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 21: Prime Minister of Austria. He died in the April
+    following.]
+
+
+
+
+_Colonel Phipps to Queen Victoria._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _10th March 1852._
+
+Colonel Phipps' humble duty to your Majesty.
+
+He has this day visited the Marionette Theatre, and feels quite
+certain not only that it would not be a suitable theatre for your
+Majesty to visit, but that your Majesty would derive no amusement from
+it.
+
+The mechanism of the puppets is only passable, and the matter of
+the entertainment stupid and tiresome, consisting in a great part of
+worn-out old English songs, such as "The death of Nelson"! Colonel
+Phipps considers "Punch" a much more amusing performance. Lady Mount
+Edgecumbe, who was in a box there, would probably give your Majesty an
+account of it....
+
+_The report in London is_, that Lord John Russell is to recommend
+moderation at the meeting at his house to-morrow. He has, very
+foolishly, subjected himself to another rebuff from Lord Palmerston
+by inviting him to attend that meeting, which Lord Palmerston has
+peremptorily refused. Since that, however, Lady Palmerston has
+called upon Lady John with a view to a _personal_--not
+political--reconciliation. Lady Palmerston, as Colonel Phipps hears,
+still persists in the unfounded accusation against Lord John of having
+quoted your Majesty's Minute in the House of Commons without giving
+Lord Palmerston notice of his intention.[22]
+
+    [Footnote 22: Palmerston, however, admitted the contrary
+    (_Life of the Prince Consort_, vol. ii. chap. xliv.).]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEMOCRACY]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _12th March 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I have to thank you for a most kind letter from
+peaceful Osborne, which must doubly appear so to you now, after all
+the troubles of the recent Ministerial arrangements. I am glad that
+you are struck with the good qualities of your new Premier. I am
+sure his great wish will be to make the best possible Minister of the
+Crown. His task will be very difficult. "Bread, cheap bread," "the
+poor oppressed by the _aristocratie_," etc.--a whole vocabulary of
+exciting words of that kind will be put forward to inflame the popular
+mind; and of all the Sovereigns, the Sovereign "People" is certainly
+one of the most fanciful and fickle. Our neighbour in France shows
+this more than any other on the whole globe; the Nation there is
+_still_ the _Sovereign_, and this renders the President absolute,
+because he is the representative of the supreme will of the _supreme
+Nation_, sending us constantly some new exiles here, which is very
+unpleasant. We are going on very gently, merely putting those means of
+defence a little in order, which ought by rights always to be so, if
+it was not for the ultra-unwise economy of Parliaments and Chambers.
+Without, at least, comparative security by means of well-regulated
+measures of defence, no country, be it great or small, can be
+considered as possessing National Independence. I must say that in
+Austria, at least Schwartzenberg, they are very much intoxicated. I
+hope they will grow sober again soon. It was very kind of you to
+have visited the poor Orleans Family. Rarely one has seen a family so
+struck in their affections, fortunes, happiness; and it is a sad case.
+Those unfortunate Spanish marriages have much contributed to it;
+even angelic Louise had been caught by _l'honneur de la maison de
+Bourbon_.... Your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW MILITIA BILL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _12th March 1852._
+
+The Queen must now answer Lord Derby on the questions which form the
+subjects of his three last communications.
+
+With regard to the Militia Bill, she must admit that her suggestions
+are liable to the objections pointed out by Lord Derby, although they
+would offer advantages in other respects. The Queen will therefore
+sanction the measure as proposed, and now further explained by Lord
+Derby.
+
+The despatches transmitted from the Foreign Office referring to
+the Swiss question[23] could not fail to give the Queen as much
+satisfaction as they did to Lord Derby, as they show indications of
+a more conciliatory intention, _for the present_ at least. As
+Switzerland has yielded, France and Austria ought to be satisfied, and
+the Queen only hopes we may not see them pushing their demands further
+after a short interval!
+
+The probability of a war with the Burmese is a sad prospect. The
+Queen thinks, however, that the view taken by Lord Dalhousie of the
+proceedings at Rangoon, and of the steps now to be taken to preserve
+peace, is very judicious, and fully concurs with the letter sent
+out by the Secret Committee. She now returns it, together with the
+despatch.
+
+The despatches from Prince Schwartzenberg to Count Buol are
+satisfactory in one sense, as showing a readiness to return to the
+English Alliance, but unfortunately only under the supposition that
+we would make war upon liberty together; they exhibit a profound
+ignorance of this country.[24] The Queen is quite sure that Lord
+Derby will know how to accept all that is favourable in the Austrian
+overtures without letting it be supposed that we could for a moment
+think of joining in the policy pursued at this moment by the great
+Continental Powers. As Lord Derby's speech has been referred to by
+Prince Schwartzenberg, it would furnish the best text for the answer.
+The President seems really to have been seriously ill.
+
+    [Footnote 23: The French had been pressing the Swiss
+    Government to expel refugees, and Austria supported the French
+    President.]
+
+    [Footnote 24: Lord Derby had urged that a more conciliatory
+    message should accompany Lord Granville's last despatch,
+    which, because of its unfriendly tone, Count Buol had delayed
+    sending on to Vienna. The precise language (he said) must
+    depend on what information Count Buol could supply.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _14th March 1852._
+
+The Queen has received this morning Lord Derby's letter respecting the
+St Albans' Disfranchisement Bill, and is glad to hear that Lord Derby
+means to take up this Bill as dropped by the late Government. Whether
+the mode of transferring these seats proposed by Lord Derby will meet
+with as little opposition in Parliament as he anticipates, the Queen
+is not able to form a correct judgment of. It may be liable to
+the imputation of being intended to add to the power of the landed
+interest. This might not be at all objectionable in itself, but it may
+be doubtful how far the House of Commons may be disposed to concur in
+it at the present moment. This will be for Lord Derby to consider, but
+the Queen will not withhold her sanction from the measure.
+
+She knows that Lord John Russell meant to give the vacant seats
+to Birkenhead. Are not there two seats still vacant from the
+Disfranchisement of Sudbury? and would it not be better (if so) to
+dispose of all four at the same time? There is an impression also
+gaining ground that, with a view to prevent the Franchise being given
+exclusively to _Numbers_, to the detriment of _Interests_, it might be
+desirable to give new seats to certain corporate bodies, such as the
+Scotch Universities, the Temple and Lincoln's Inn, the East India
+Company, etc., etc.[25]
+
+    [Footnote 25: The Government eventually proposed that the four
+    seats taken from St Albans and Sudbury should be assigned to
+    South Lancashire and the West Riding; but, on the ground that
+    a Ministry on sufferance should confine itself to necessary
+    legislation, Mr Gladstone induced the House by a great
+    majority to shelve the proposal.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MR DISRAELI]
+
+[Pageheading: THE OPPOSITION]
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _15th March 1852._
+(_Monday night._)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+informs your Majesty of what occurred in the House of Commons this
+evening.
+
+Mr Villiers opened the proceedings, terse and elaborate, but not in
+his happiest style. He called upon the House to contrast the state of
+the country at the beginning of the year and at the present moment.
+But he could not induce the House to believe that "all now was
+distrust and alarm."
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reply, declined to bring forward
+in the present Parliament any proposition to change our commercial
+system, and would not pledge himself to propose in a future Parliament
+any duty on corn. He said a duty on corn was a measure, not a
+principle, and that if preferable measures for the redress of
+agricultural grievances than a five-shilling duty on corn (mentioned
+by Mr Villiers) could be devised, he should adopt them--a declaration
+received with universal favour on the Government side.
+
+Lord John Russell replied to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in
+consequence of some notice by the former of the strange construction
+of a new Opposition to force a Dissolution of Parliament by a Minister
+who, three weeks ago, had declared such Dissolution inexpedient. It
+was not a successful speech.
+
+The great speech on the Opposition side was that of Sir James Graham:
+elaborate, malignant, mischievous. His position was this: that Lord
+Derby, as a man of honour, was bound to propose taxes on food, and
+that if he did so, revolution was inevitable.
+
+Mr Gladstone and Lord Palmerston both spoke in the same vein,
+the necessity of immediate Dissolution after the passing of
+the "necessary" measures; but the question soon arose, What is
+"necessary"?
+
+Lord Palmerston thought the Militia Bill "necessary," upon which the
+League[26] immediately rose and denied that conclusion.
+
+There seemed in the House a great reluctance to avoid a violent
+course, but a very general wish, on the Opposition side, for as speedy
+a Dissolution as public necessity would permit.
+
+The evening, however, was not disadvantageous to the Government. All
+which is most humbly submitted to your Majesty, by your Majesty's most
+dutiful Subject and Servant,
+
+B. DISRAELI.
+
+    [Footnote 26: The members belonging to the Manchester School
+    of Politics.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUESTION OF DISSOLUTION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _17th March 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I delayed writing till to-day as I wished to see
+the papers first, and be able to give you an account of the first
+Debate in the two Houses. They are not satisfactory, because both Lord
+Derby and Mr Disraeli refuse to give a straightforward answer as to
+their policy, the uncertainty as to which will do serious harm.[27]
+The Opposition are very determined, and _with_ right, to insist on
+this being given, and on as early a Dissolution as possible. The
+Government will be forced to do this, but it is very unwise, after all
+_this_ agitation for the last five years and a half, _not_ [to] come
+forward manfully and to state what they intend to do. We tried to
+impress Lord Derby with the necessity of this course, and I hoped we
+had succeeded, but his speech has not been what it ought to have been
+in this respect.
+
+The President seems more occupied at home than abroad, which I trust
+he may remain.
+
+Stockmar is well.... _One_ thing is pretty _certain_--that _out_ of
+the _present state_ of confusion and discordance, a _sound state_ of
+_Parties_ will be obtained, and _two Parties_, as of old, will again
+exist, without which it is _impossible_ to have a _strong_ Government.
+_How_ these Parties will be formed it is impossible to say at present.
+Now, with Albert's love, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 27: This uncertainty led to the Anti-Corn-Law
+    League, which had been dissolved in 1846, being revived.]
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _19th March 1852._
+(_Friday night, twelve o'clock._)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+lays before your Majesty what has taken place in the House of Commons
+to-night.
+
+At the commencement of public business, Lord John Russell, in a very
+full House, after some hostile comments, enquired of Her Majesty's
+Ministers whether they were prepared to declare that Her Majesty will
+be advised to dissolve the present Parliament, and call a new one,
+with the least possible delay consistent with a due regard to the
+public interest, in reference to measures of _urgent_ and _immediate_
+necessity.
+
+The question was recommended by Lord John Russell as one similar to
+that put to him in 1841 by Sir Robert Peel.
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer in reply observed that there was a
+distinction between the position of the present Ministry and that
+of Lord John Russell in 1841, as in that and in the other precedents
+quoted in 1841 by Sir Robert Peel, the Ministry had been condemned by
+a vote of the House of Commons.
+
+He said it was not constitutional and most impolitic for any Ministers
+to pledge themselves to recommend their Sovereign to dissolve
+Parliament at any stated and specific time, as circumstances might
+occur which would render the fulfilment of the pledge injurious or
+impracticable; that it was the intention of the Ministers to recommend
+your Majesty to dissolve the present Parliament the moment that such
+measures were carried which were necessary for your Majesty's service,
+and for the security _and good government_ of your Majesty's realm;
+and that it was their wish and intention that the new Parliament
+should meet to decide upon the question of confidence in the
+Administration, and on the measures, which they could then bring
+forward in the course of the present year.
+
+This announcement was very favourably received.
+
+The discomfiture of the Opposition is complete, and no further mention
+of stopping or limiting supplies will be heard of.
+
+All which is most humbly submitted to your Majesty by your Majesty's
+most dutiful Subject and Servant,
+
+B. DISRAELI.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: INTERVIEW WITH LORD DERBY]
+
+[Pageheading: PROTECTION]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd March 1852._
+
+We came to Town from Osborne the day before yesterday, and saw Lord
+Derby yesterday afternoon, who is in very good spirits about the
+prospect of affairs. He told the Queen that he thought he might state
+that the Government had gained a good deal of ground during the
+last week, and that there was now a general disposition to let the
+necessary measures pass Parliament, and to have the dissolution the
+end of June or beginning of July. He hoped the Queen did not think
+he had gone too far in pledging the Crown to a Dissolution about that
+time; but it was impossible to avoid saying as much as that a new
+Parliament would meet in the autumn again, and have settled the
+commercial policy before Christmas.
+
+To the Queen's questions, whether there would not be great excitement
+in the country produced by the General Election, and whether
+Parliament ought not to meet immediately after it, he replied that he
+was not the least afraid of much excitement, and that there was
+great advantage in not meeting Parliament immediately again, as the
+Government would require a few months to prepare its measures, and to
+take a sound view of the new position of affairs. He anticipated that
+there would be returned a large proportion of Conservatives, some Free
+Traders, some Protectionists; but not a majority for the re-imposition
+of a duty on corn, _certainly_ not a majority large enough to justify
+him in proposing such a Measure. Now he was sure he could not with
+honour or credit abandon that Measure unless the country had given its
+decision against it; but then he would have most carefully to consider
+how to revise the general state of taxation, so as to give that relief
+to the agricultural interest which it had a right to demand.
+
+He had received the most encouraging and flattering letters from the
+agriculturists of different parts of the country, all reposing the
+most explicit confidence in him, and asking him not to sacrifice the
+Government for the sake of an immediate return to Protection. They
+felt what Lord Derby must say he felt himself, that, after the fall of
+this Government, there would necessarily come one of a more democratic
+tendency than any the country had yet had to submit to. He thought
+most politicians saw this, and would rally round a Conservative
+standard; he knew that even many of the leading Whigs were very much
+dissatisfied with the company they find themselves thrown into and
+alarmed at the progress of Democracy.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd March 1852._
+
+... Here matters have improved rather for the Government, and it seems
+now that they will be able to get through the Session, to dissolve
+Parliament at the end of June or beginning of July, and to meet again
+in November. And then Protection will be done away with. If only they
+had not done so much harm, and played with it for six long years! What
+you say of the advantage of having had Governments from all parties
+we have often felt and do feel; it renders changes much less
+disagreeable. In the present case our acquaintance is confined almost
+entirely to Lord Derby, but then _he is_ the Government. They do
+_nothing_ without him. He has all the Departments to look after, and
+on being asked by somebody if he was not much tired, he said: "I am
+quite well with my babies!..."
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _29th March 1852._
+(_Monday night._)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+informs your Majesty of what has occurred in the House of Commons
+to-night.
+
+Mr Secretary Walpole introduced the Militia Bill in a statement
+equally perspicuous and persuasive.
+
+Opposed by Mr Hume and Mr Gibson, the Government Measure was cordially
+supported by Lord Palmerston.
+
+Lord John Russell, while he expressed an opinion favourable to
+increased defence, intimated a preference for regular troops.
+
+Mr Cobden made one of his cleverest speeches, of the cosmopolitan
+school, and was supported with vigour by Mr Bright. A division is
+threatened by the ultra-Movement party, but the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer hopes to ward it off, and is somewhat sanguine of ultimate
+success in carrying the Measure.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _30th March 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your dear letter of the 26th,
+which I received on Saturday. Here we shall have some trouble with
+our Militia Bill, which all of a sudden seems to have caused
+dissatisfaction and alarm. Lord Derby is quite prepared to drop
+Protection, as he knows that the Elections will bring a Free Trade,
+though a Conservative majority. Mr Disraeli (_alias_ Dizzy) writes
+very curious reports to me of the House of Commons proceedings--much
+in the style of his books....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND ITALY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _10th April 1852._
+
+The Queen hopes that both Lord Derby and Lord Malmesbury will give
+their earnest attention to the change in the politics of Italy, which
+is evidently on the point of taking place, according to the enclosed
+despatch from Mr Hudson.[28] What Count Azeglio[29] says in his
+Memorandum with respect to Austria is perfectly just. But France, as
+the champion of Italian liberty and independence, would become most
+formidable to the rest of Europe, and Louis Napoleon, in assuming for
+her this position, would be only following the example of his uncle,
+which we know to be his constant aim.[30]
+
+    [Footnote 28: British Envoy at Turin.]
+
+    [Footnote 29: Premier of Sardinia.]
+
+    [Footnote 30: Lord Derby in reply, after reviewing the whole
+    matter, counselled non-interference, the keeping of a vigilant
+    watch on French and Austrian actions, encouragement of
+    Sardinia in her constitutional action, and the making use of
+    any opportunity to secure both the independence of Piedmont
+    and the reform of the Papal Administration.]
+
+
+
+
+[FRANCE AND ITALY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th April 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Derby's letter of the 11th inst., in which
+he states very clearly the difficulties which stand in the way of an
+active interference of this country in the affairs of Italy. The Queen
+did not mean to recommend in her letter of the 10th on this subject
+any active interference, as she is of opinion that our present want
+of due influence in Italy is chiefly owing to our former ill-judged
+over-activity. The Queen agrees therefore entirely with Lord Derby
+in thinking that "all that can be done now is carefully to watch the
+proceedings of France and Austria in this matter, so as to profit by
+every good opportunity to protect the independence of Piedmont, and,
+if possible, produce some improvement in the internal Government of
+Rome," and she would accordingly like to see her respective Foreign
+Ministers instructed in this sense.
+
+The Queen continues, however, to look with apprehension to the
+possible turn which the affairs of Italy may take, proceeding from the
+political views of the President. It is not improbable that he may act
+now that he is omnipotent upon the views contained in his celebrated
+letter to Edgar Ney in 1849, which were at the time disapproved by
+the Assembly.[31] He will feel the necessity of doing something to
+compensate the French for what they have lost by him at home, to
+turn their attention from home affairs to those abroad, and to the
+acquisition of power and influence in Europe; and certainly, were he
+to head Italian liberty and independence, his power of doing mischief
+would be immense. After all, such an attempt would not be more
+inconsistent for him than it was for General Cavaignac, as President
+of the _République Démocratique_, to get rid of the Roman Republic,
+and to reinstate the Pope by force of arms.
+
+The Queen wishes Lord Derby to communicate this letter to Lord
+Malmesbury, from whom she has also just heard upon this subject.
+
+    [Footnote 31: In this letter the President of the Republic had
+    expressed his admiration at the conduct of the French troops
+    in the Roman expedition under General Oudinot, and his warm
+    approval of the policy that led to the campaign.]
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _19th April 1852._
+(_Monday night, half-past twelve._)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+reports to your Majesty that, after a dull debate, significant only
+by two of the subordinate Members of the late Administration declaring
+their hostility to the Militia Bill, Lord John Russell rose at eleven
+o'clock and announced his determination to oppose the second
+reading of it.[32] His speech was one of his ablest--statesmanlike,
+argumentative, terse, and playful; and the effect he produced was
+considerable.
+
+Your Majesty's Government, about to attempt to reply to it, gave way
+to Lord Palmerston, who changed the feeling of the House, and indeed
+entirely carried it away in a speech of extraordinary vigour and
+high-spirited tone.
+
+The Ministers were willing to have taken the division on his Lordship
+sitting down, but as the late Government wished to reply, the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer would not oppose the adjournment of the
+debate.
+
+The elements of calculation as to the division are very complicated,
+but the Chancellor of the Exchequer is still inclined to believe that
+the second reading of the Bill will be carried.
+
+    [Footnote 32: This tactical blunder, much condemned at the
+    time, estranged many of the Whigs from Lord John.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE BUDGET]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th April 1852._
+
+The Queen wishes to remind Lord Derby that the time for the
+presentation of the Budget to the House of Commons being very close
+at hand, none of the Measures referring to the finances of the country
+which the Government may have to propose have as yet been laid before
+her.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _26th April 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Derby's explanation of his views with
+regard to the Budget,[33] and will be glad to see him on Wednesday at
+three o'clock. She had been alarmed by vague rumours that it was the
+intention of the Government to propose great changes in the present
+financial system, which, with an adverse majority in the House
+of Commons and at the eve of a Dissolution, must have led to much
+confusion. She thinks the course suggested by Lord Derby to consider
+the Budget merely as a provisional one for the current year, by far
+the wisest, the more so as it will leave us a surplus of £2,000,000,
+which is of the utmost importance in case of unforeseen difficulties
+with Foreign Powers.[34]
+
+    [Footnote 33: Its chief feature was a renewal of the expiring
+    Income Tax.]
+
+    [Footnote 34: Accordingly, no financial changes were proposed
+    until after the General Election. See _post_, p. 406.]
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _26th April._
+(_Monday night, twelve o'clock._)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your
+Majesty, reports to your Majesty that the Militia Bill has been
+carried (second reading) by an immense majority.
+
+          For           315
+          Against       165
+
+The concluding portion of the debate was distinguished by the speeches
+of Mr Sidney Herbert and Mr Walpole, who made their greatest efforts;
+the first singularly happy in his treatment of a subject of which he
+was master, and the last addressing the House with a spirit unusual
+with him.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FRANCE AND THE BOURBONS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _27th April 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I thank you much for your kind and affectionate
+letter of the 23rd. I have somehow or other contrived to lose my day,
+for which reason I can only write a very short letter. It seems to be
+generally believed that Louis Napoleon's assumption of the title of
+Emperor is very near at hand, but they still think war is not likely,
+as it would be such bad policy.
+
+What you say about the ill-fated Spanish marriages, and the result of
+the poor King's wishing to have no one but a Bourbon as Queen Isabel's
+husband being that the _French won't_ have _any_ Bourbon, is indeed
+strange. It is a melancholy result.
+
+I shall certainly try and read Thiers' _Révolution, Consulat, et
+Empire_, but I can hardly read _any_ books, my whole _lecture_ almost
+being taken up by the immense quantity of despatches we have to read,
+and then I have a good deal to write, and must then have a little
+leisure time to rest, and _de me délasser_ and to get out. It is a
+great deprivation, as I delight in reading. Still, I will not forget
+your recommendation.
+
+I am sorry to say _nothing_ is definitely settled about our dear
+Crystal Palace. With Albert's love, ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Mr Disraeli._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st May 1852._
+
+The Queen has read with great interest the clear and able financial
+statement which the Chancellor of the Exchequer made in the House of
+Commons last night, and was glad to hear from him that it was well
+received.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _13th May 1852._
+
+With respect to this despatch from Lord Howden,[35] the Queen wishes
+to observe that hitherto we have on all similar occasions declined
+accepting any Foreign Order for the Prince of Wales, on account of his
+being too young and not even having any of the English Orders. Might
+this not therefore be communicated to Lord Howden?
+
+    [Footnote 35: British Minister at Madrid.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _27th May 1852._
+
+The Queen returns the enclosed most interesting letters. It is evident
+that the President is meeting with the first symptoms of a reviving
+public feeling in France; whether this will drive him to hurry on the
+Empire remains to be seen. All the Foreign Powers have to be careful
+about is to receive an assurance that the _Empire_ does _not_ mean a
+_return to the policy of the Empire_, but that the existing Treaties
+will be acknowledged and adhered to.
+
+The session seems to advance very rapidly. The Queen hails Lord
+Derby's declaration of his conviction that a majority for a duty on
+corn will not be returned to the new Parliament, as the first step
+towards the abandonment of hostility to the Free Trade on which
+our commercial policy is now established, and which has produced so
+flourishing a condition of the finances of the country.
+
+Mr Disraeli's speech about Spain was very good, though he had
+certainly better not have alluded to Portugal.
+
+We return to Town to-morrow.
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _21st June 1852._
+(_Nine o'clock._)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+reports to your Majesty that Lord John Russell introduced to the
+notice of the House of Commons to-night the recent Minute of the
+Committee of Council on Education.
+
+Lord John Russell made a languid statement to a rather full House. His
+speech was not very effective as it proceeded, and there was silence
+when he sat down.
+
+Then Mr Walpole rose and vindicated the Minute. He spoke with
+animation, and was cheered when he concluded.
+
+Sir Harry Verney followed, and the House very much dispersed; indeed
+the discussion would probably have terminated when Sir Harry finished,
+had not Mr Gladstone then risen. Mr Gladstone gave only a very guarded
+approval to the Minute, which he treated as insignificant.
+
+It was not a happy effort, and the debate, for a while revived by his
+interposition, continued to languish until this hour (nine o'clock),
+with successive relays of mediocrity, until it yielded its last gasp
+in the arms of Mr Slaney.
+
+The feeling of the House of Commons, probably in this representing
+faithfully that of the country, is against both the violent parties in
+the Church, and in favour of a firm, though temperate, course on the
+part of the Crown, which may conciliate a vast majority, and tend to
+terminate dissension.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DISTURBANCES AT STOCKPORT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Mr Walpole._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st July 1852._
+
+The Queen is much distressed at the account she has read in the papers
+of the dreadful riot at Stockport,[36] alas! caused by that most
+baneful of all Party feelings, _religious_ hatred,[37] and she is very
+anxious to know what Mr Walpole has heard.
+
+    [Footnote 36: The Church question was brought into the
+    political arena in the General Election, which was now in
+    progress; much violence was manifested during the contest.]
+
+    [Footnote 37: "It is additional proof, if more were wanting,"
+    wrote Mr Walpole in reply, "that all Parties should forbear as
+    much as possible from the ostentatious parade of anything that
+    can provoke either the one or the other."]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _23rd July 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... We are very much plagued by our Treaty with
+France. Victor Hugo has written a book against Louis Napoleon, which
+will exasperate him much, and which he publishes _here_; we can hardly
+keep Victor Hugo here after that.[38] The great plague of all these
+affairs is their constant return without the least advantage to any
+one from the difficulties they created.... Your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 38: Victor Hugo (1802-1885) had founded the journal,
+    _L'Evénement_, in 1848: he was exiled in 1851, and published
+    _Napoléon le Petit_ in Belgium. After the fall of the Empire
+    he returned to France, and in 1877 published his _Histoire
+    d'un Crime_.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _26th August 1852._
+
+The Queen has been considering the subject of the vacant Garter, and
+the names which Lord Derby proposed to her. She is of opinion that
+it would not be advisable on the whole to give the Garter to Lord
+Londonderry; that the Duke of Northumberland has by far the strongest
+claim to this distinction. At the same time, the Queen would have
+no objection to bestow it on Lord Lonsdale, if this is desirable, in
+order to facilitate any Ministerial arrangements which Lord Derby may
+have in contemplation.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN INHERITS A FORTUNE]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _10th September 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... That Mr Neild[39] should have left that
+great fortune to you delighted me; it gives the possibility of forming
+a private fortune for the Royal Family, the necessity of which nobody
+can deny. Such things only still happen in England, where there exists
+loyalty and strong affection for Royalty, a feeling unfortunately
+much diminished on the Continent of Europe, though it did exist there
+also....
+
+    [Footnote 39: John Camden Neild, an eccentric and miserly
+    bachelor, nominally a barrister, died on the 30th of August,
+    bequeathing substantially the whole of his fortune (amounting
+    to half a million) to the Queen. As there were no known
+    relatives, the Queen felt able to accept this legacy; but she
+    first increased the legacies to the executors from £100 to
+    £1000 each, made provision for Mr Neild's servants and others
+    who had claims on him, restored the chancel of North Marston
+    Church, Bucks, where he was buried, and inserted a window
+    there to his memory.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF DUKE OF WELLINGTON]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BALMORAL, _17th September 1852._
+
+The death of the Duke of Wellington[40] has deprived the Country of
+her greatest man, the Crown of its most valuable servant and adviser,
+the Army of its main strength and support. We received the sad news
+on an expedition from Allt-na-Giuthasach to the Dhu Loch (one of
+the wildest and loneliest spots of the Highlands) at four o'clock
+yesterday afternoon. We hurried home to Allt-na-Giuthasach, and to-day
+here, where it became important to settle with Lord Derby the mode of
+providing for the command of the Army, and the filling up of the many
+posts and places which the Duke had held.
+
+    [Footnote 40: The Duke passed away at Walmer on the 14th of
+    September, in his eighty-fourth year.]
+
+I had privately prepared a list of the mode in which this should be
+done, and discussed it with Victoria, and found, to both Lord Derby's
+and our astonishment, that it tallied in _every_ point with the
+recommendations which he had thought of making.
+
+I explained to Lord Derby the grounds upon which I thought it better
+not to assume the Command myself, and told him of the old Duke's
+proposal, two years ago, to prepare the way to my assuming the Command
+by the appointment of a Chief of the Staff, on Sir Willoughby Gordon's
+death, and the reasons on which I then declined the offer. Lord Derby
+entirely concurred in my views, and seemed relieved by my explanation;
+we then agreed that for the loss of _authority_ which we had lost with
+the Duke, we could only make up by increase in _efficiency_ in the
+appointments to the different offices. That Lord Hardinge was the only
+man fit to command the Army.
+
+He should then receive the Command-in-Chief. The Ordnance which
+he would vacate should be given to Lord Fitzroy Somerset,
+hitherto Military Secretary (with the offer of a peerage).[41] The
+Constableship of the Tower to Lord Combermere; the Garter to Lord
+Londonderry; the Grenadier Guards and the Rifle Brigade to me; the
+Fusiliers vacated by me to the Duke of Cambridge (or the Coldstream,
+Lord Strafford exchanging to the Fusiliers); the 60th Rifles vacated
+by me to Lord Beresford; the Rangership of the Parks in London to
+George (Duke of Cambridge); the Wardenship of the Cinque Ports to Lord
+Dalhousie; the Lieutenancy of Hampshire to Lord Winchester. I reserved
+to me the right of considering whether I should not assume the command
+of the Brigade of Guards which the Duke of York held in George IV.'s
+time, to which William IV. appointed himself, and which has been
+vacant ever since Victoria's accession, although inherent to the
+Constitution of the Guards.
+
+    [Footnote 41: He became Lord Raglan.]
+
+Lord Derby had thought of George for the Command-in-Chief, as an
+alternative for Lord Hardinge, but perceived that his rank as
+a Major-General and youth would hardly entitle him to such an
+advancement. He would have carried no weight with the public, and we
+must not conceal from ourselves that many attacks on the Army which
+have been sleeping on account of the Duke will now be forthcoming.
+
+Victoria wishes the Army to mourn for the Duke as long as for a member
+of the Royal Family.
+
+Lord Derby proposes a public funeral, which cannot take place,
+however, before the meeting of Parliament in November. He is to find
+out how this is to be accomplished on account of the long interval.
+
+The correspondence here following[42] shows what doubts exist as to
+the person in whom the Command of the Army is vested in case of a
+vacancy. I consider Lord Palmerston's letter as a mere attempt
+to arrogate supreme power for his Office,[43] which rests on no
+foundation. The Secretary at War has no authority whatever except over
+money, whilst the Commander-in-Chief has no authority to spend a penny
+without the Secretary at War.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 42: These letters, which are of no special
+    importance, contained a statement from Lord Palmerston to the
+    effect that the appointment to the Commandership-in-Chief was
+    vested in the Secretary at War.]
+
+    [Footnote 43: Lord Palmerston had held the office of Secretary
+    at War from 1809 to 1828.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BALMORAL, _17th September 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I am sure you will mourn _with us_ over the loss we
+and this whole nation have experienced in the death of the _dear_ and
+great old Duke of Wellington. The sad news will have reached you, I
+doubt not, on Wednesday or yesterday. We had gone on Wednesday, as I
+had mentioned, to our little Shiel of Allt-na-Giuthasach to spend
+two days there, and were enjoying ourselves very much on a beautiful
+expedition yesterday, and were sitting by the side of the Dhu Loch,
+one of the severest, wildest spots imaginable, when one of our
+Highlanders arrived bringing a letter from Lord Derby (who is here),
+confirming the report which we had already heard of--but entirely
+disbelieved--and sending me a letter from Lord Charles Wellesley,
+saying that his dear father had only been ill a few hours, and had
+hardly suffered at all. It was a stroke, which was succeeded rapidly
+by others, and carried him off without any return of consciousness.
+For _him_ it is a blessing that he should have been taken away in
+the possession of his great and powerful mind and without a lingering
+illness. But for this country, and for us, his loss--though it could
+not have been long delayed--is irreparable! He was the pride and the
+_bon génie_, as it were, of this country! He was the GREATEST man this
+country ever produced, and the most _devoted_ and _loyal_ subject, and
+the staunchest supporter the Crown ever had. He was to us a true, kind
+friend and most valuable adviser. To think that all this is gone; that
+this great and immortal man belongs now to History and no longer to
+the present, is a truth which we cannot realise. We shall soon stand
+sadly alone; Aberdeen is almost the only personal friend of that kind
+we have left. Melbourne, Peel, Liverpool--and now the Duke--_all_
+gone!
+
+You will kindly feel for and with us, dearest Uncle.
+
+Lord Hardinge is to be Commander-in-Chief, and he is quite the _only_
+man _fit_ for it.
+
+Albert is much grieved. The dear Duke showed him great confidence and
+kindness. He was so fond of his little godson Arthur--who will now be
+a remaining link of the dear old Duke's, and a pleasant recollection
+of him. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _17th September 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--You will be much grieved at the loss of the
+Duke. It must give you satisfaction to think that you were always kind
+to him, and that he was very sincerely devoted to you and appreciated
+Albert. Since 1814 I had known much of the Duke; his _kindness_ to
+me had been very _marked_, and I early discovered that he was very
+favourable to my marriage with Charlotte, then already in agitation.
+Since, he was _always kind_ and _confidential_, even in those days of
+persecution against me, the result of the jealousy of George IV.; he
+never was influenced by it, or had the meanness of many who, in the
+days of misfortune, quickly leave one. The only case in which we were
+at variance was about the boundaries of Greece. He had some of the old
+absolute notions, which in that case were not in conformity with the
+real interests of England and of Europe. Even last year he spoke so
+very kindly to me on the subject of our Continental affairs. Rarely
+fickle Fortune permits a poor mortal to reach the conclusion of a long
+career, however glorious, with such complete success, so undisturbed
+by physical or moral causes. The Duke is the noblest example of what
+an Englishman may be, and to what greatness he may rise in following
+that honourable and straight line.
+
+When one looks at the Manchester school, compared to the greatness to
+which men like the Duke raised their country, one cannot help to
+be alarmed for the future. You are enjoying the Highlands, but the
+weather seems also not very favourable; here it is uncertain, and at
+times very cold.... Your truly devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to the Earl of Derby._
+
+BALMORAL, _22nd September 1852._
+
+MY DEAR LORD DERBY,--The Queen wishes me to answer your kind letter of
+yesterday.
+
+Her letter to you and to Mr Walpole of this morning will have apprised
+you that she sanctions the Guard of Honour having been placed at
+Walmer, and the Duke's body having been taken possession of formally
+on the part of the Crown.
+
+It would be a great pity if Lord Fitzroy were to be obliged to
+decline the Peerage on account of poverty; at the same time it may be
+difficult to relieve him from the payment of fees by a public grant.
+Under these circumstances, rather than leave Lord Fitzroy unrewarded,
+and a chance of his feeling mortified at a moment when his cheerful
+co-operation with Lord Hardinge is so important to the public
+service--the Queen would _herself_ bear the expense of the fees. If
+this were to hurt Lord Fitzroy's feelings, you could easily manage it
+so that he need never know from what source the £500 came. The Queen
+leaves this matter in your hands. Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Mr Walpole._
+
+BALMORAL CASTLE, _22nd September 1852._
+
+The Queen has just received Mr Walpole's letter of the 20th, informing
+her of the difficulty of having the Funeral Service, _according_ to
+the _Liturgy_, performed _twice_; she trusts, however, that means
+may be found to enable the Queen's intentions to be carried out, as
+communicated to Mr Walpole in Lord Derby's official letter. Whether
+this is to be done by leaving the body for two months without the
+Funeral Service being read over it, or by reading the Funeral Service
+now in the presence of the family, and treating the _Public Funeral_
+more as a translation of the remains to their final place of rest,
+the Queen must leave to be decided by those who have the means of
+personally sounding the feelings of the Duke's family, the dignitaries
+of the Church, and the public generally.
+
+An impressive religious ceremony might certainly be made of it at St.
+Paul's, even if the actual Funeral Service should not be read on the
+occasion....
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd October 1852._
+
+Shortly after the formation of Lord Derby's Government, the Queen
+communicated to him a Memorandum respecting the necessity of attending
+to our national defences on a systematic plan. The Queen would now
+wish to hear how far we have advanced in this important object
+since that time. Lord Derby would perhaps call on the General
+Commanding-in-Chief, the Master-General of the Ordnance, and the First
+Lord of the Admiralty, as well as the Home Secretary, to make a report
+upon this. It will soon be necessary to consider what will have to
+be done for the future to complete the various plans. The Queen is
+no alarmist, but thinks that the necessity of our attending to our
+defences once having been proved and admitted by Parliament and two
+successive Governments, we should not relax in our efforts until the
+plans then devised are thoroughly carried out.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th October 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--... I must tell you an anecdote relating to Louis
+Napoleon's entry into Paris, which Lord Cowley wrote over, as going
+the round of Paris. It is: that under one of the Triumphal Arches a
+Crown was suspended to a string (which is very often the case) over
+which was written, "_Il l'a bien mérité_." Something damaged this
+crown, and they removed it--_leaving_, however, the _rope_ and
+_superscription_, the effect of which must have been somewhat
+edifying!
+
+It is not at all true that foreign Officers are not to attend at the
+funeral of the dear old Duke; on the contrary, we expect them from
+Prussia, Austria, and Russia, and the Duke of Terceira (whom we shall
+see to-night) is already come from Portugal to attend the ceremony.
+
+I must now conclude. With Albert's love, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th November 1852._
+
+As we seem to be so near the declaration of the Empire in France, and
+as so many opinions are expressed on the subject of the title to
+be assumed by Louis Napoleon, the Queen is anxious to impress Lord
+Malmesbury with the importance of our not committing ourselves on this
+point, and not giving our allies to understand that we shall join
+them in not acknowledging Napoleon III.[44] Objectionable as this
+appellation no doubt is, it may hardly be worth offending France and
+her Ruler by refusing to recognise it, when it is of _such_ importance
+to prevent their considering themselves the aggrieved party; any
+attempt to dictate to France the style of her Ruler would strengthen
+Louis Napoleon's position; our object should be to leave France alone,
+as long as she is not aggressive.
+
+All of this should be well weighed.
+
+    [Footnote 44: Louis Napoleon himself claimed no hereditary
+    right to the Imperial dignity, but only that conferred by
+    election: he acknowledged as national all the acts which
+    had taken place since 1815, such as the reigns of the
+    later Bourbons and of Louis Philippe. (See _Memoirs of an
+    ex-Minister_.)]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: NATIONAL DEFENCES]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Viscount Hardinge._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th November 1852._
+
+MY DEAR LORD HARDINGE,--In reference to our conversation of yesterday,
+and the Queen's request to Lord Derby that he should call upon the
+different departments of the Admiralty, Army, Ordnance, and Home
+Office to furnish a report as to how far the measures begun last
+spring to put our defences in a state of efficiency have been carried
+out, and what remains to be done in that direction--I beg now to
+address you in writing. The object the Queen wishes to obtain is, to
+receive an account which will show what means we have _really_ at our
+disposal for purposes of defence, _ready for action_ at the shortest
+possible notice, and what remains to be done to put us into a state of
+security, what the supply of the wants may cost (approximately), and
+what time it would require.
+
+As it will be not only convenient but necessary that the Horse Guards
+and Ordnance should consult together and combine their deliberations,
+I beg this letter to be understood to apply as well to Lord Raglan
+as to yourself, and that you would meet and give the answer to the
+Queen's questions conjointly.
+
+(_A detailed list follows._)
+
+These questions would all present themselves at the moment when we
+received the intelligence of a threatened _coup de main_ on the part
+of Louis Napoleon, when it would be too late to remedy any deficiency.
+The public would be quite ready to give the necessary money for our
+armament, but they feel with justice that it is unfair to ask them for
+large sums and then always to hear, _We are quite unprepared_. They
+don't understand and cannot understand details, but it is upon matters
+of detail that our security will have to depend, and we cannot be sure
+of efficiency unless a comprehensive statement be made showing the
+whole.
+
+I beg this to be as short as possible, and if possible in a tabular
+shape. Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th November 1852._
+
+The Queen was very sorry to hear from Lord Derby and Mr Disraeli that
+Mr Villiers' Motion[45] will create Parliamentary difficulties.
+
+With respect to the financial statement, she must most strongly
+impress Lord Derby with the necessity of referring to our defenceless
+state, and the necessity of a _large_ outlay, to protect us from
+foreign attack, which would almost ensure us against war. The country
+is fully alive to its danger, and Parliament has perhaps never been
+in a more likely state to grant what is necessary, provided a
+comprehensive and efficient plan is laid before it. Such a plan ought,
+in the Queen's opinion, to be distinctly promised by the Government,
+although it may be laid before Parliament at a later period.
+
+    [Footnote 45: This Motion, intended to extort a declaration
+    from the House in favour of Free Trade, and describing the
+    Corn Law Repeal as "a just, wise, and beneficial measure," was
+    naturally distasteful to the Ministers. Their _amour-propre_
+    was saved by Lord Palmerston's Amendment omitting the
+    "_odious_ epithets" and affirming the principle of
+    unrestricted competition.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FINANCIAL POLICY]
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _14th November 1852._
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+begs permission to enclose an answer to the Address for your Majesty's
+approbation, and which should be delivered, if your Majesty pleases,
+to the House of Commons to-morrow.
+
+Referring to a letter from your Majesty, shown to him yesterday by
+Lord Derby, the Chancellor of the Exchequer also begs permission to
+state that, in making the financial arrangements, he has left a very
+large margin for the impending year (April 1853-4), which will permit
+the fulfilment of all your Majesty's wishes with respect to the
+increased defence of the country, as he gathered them from your
+Majesty's gracious expressions, and also from the suggestion which
+afterwards, in greater detail, His Royal Highness the Prince deigned
+to make to him.
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer will deeply consider the intimation
+graciously made in your Majesty's letter to Lord Derby as to the tone
+on this subject to be adopted in the House of Commons, and he will
+endeavour in this, and in all respects, to fulfil your Majesty's
+pleasure.
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer fears that he sent to your Majesty a
+somewhat crude note from the House of Commons on Thursday night,
+but he humbly begs your Majesty will deign to remember that these
+bulletins are often written in tumult, and sometimes in perplexity;
+and that he is under the impression that your Majesty would prefer a
+genuine report of the feeling of the moment, however miniature, to a
+more artificial and prepared statement.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Mr Disraeli._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th November 1852._
+
+The Queen has received with much satisfaction Mr Disraeli's letter of
+this day's date, in which he informs her of his readiness to provide
+efficiently for the defence of the country, the call for which is
+_very_ urgent. Lord Malmesbury, with whom the Prince has talked very
+fully over this subject, will communicate further with Mr Disraeli and
+Lord Derby on his return to Town to-morrow.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DALHOUSIE]
+
+[Pageheading: INDIA AND THE DUKE]
+
+
+_The Marquis of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria._
+
+GOVERNMENT HOUSE, _23rd November 1852._
+
+The Governor-General still retains some hope of seeing general peace
+restored in India before he quits it finally, as your Majesty's
+Ministers and the Court of Directors have some time since requested
+him not to retire from its administration in January next, as he had
+intended to do.
+
+Many private considerations combined to draw him homewards, even
+though the honour and the advantages of retaining this Office were
+willingly recognised. But the gracious approbation with which his
+services here have been viewed was a sufficient motive for continuing
+them for some time longer, if they were thought profitable to the
+State.
+
+Your Majesty has very recently been pleased to bestow upon him a still
+further distinction, which calls not merely for the expression of his
+deep and humble gratitude to your Majesty, but for a further devotion
+to your Majesty's service of whatever power he may possess for
+promoting its interests.
+
+That your Majesty should prefer him at all to an Office of such
+traditional distinction as the Wardenship was an honour to which the
+Governor-General would never at any time have dreamt of aspiring. But
+by conferring it upon him thus--during his absence--and above all, by
+conferring it upon him in immediate succession to one whom he must all
+his life regard with reverence, affection, and gratitude--your Majesty
+has surrounded this honour with so much of honourable circumstance
+that the Governor-General is wholly unable to give full expression to
+the feelings with which he has received your Majesty's goodness.
+
+The Governor-General is very sensible that in him, as Lord Warden,
+your Majesty will have but a sorry successor to the Duke of Wellington
+in every respect, save one. But in that one respect--namely in deep
+devotion to your Majesty's Crown, and to the true interests of your
+Empire--the Governor-General does not yield even to the Master he was
+long so proud to follow.
+
+In every part of India the highest honours have been paid to the
+memory of the Duke of Wellington, which your Majesty's Empire in the
+East and its armies could bestow.
+
+Even the Native Powers have joined in the homage to his fame. In the
+mountains of Nepaul the same sad tribute was rendered by the Maharajah
+as by ourselves, while in Mysore the Rajah not only fired minute
+guns in his honour, but even caused the Dusserah, the great Hindoo
+festival, to be stopped throughout the city, in token of his grief.
+
+Excepting the usual disturbance from time to time among the still
+untamed mountain tribes upon our north-western border, there is entire
+tranquillity in India. The season has been good, and the revenue is
+improving.
+
+Respectfully acknowledging the letter which he had lately the honour
+of receiving from your Majesty, and the gracious message it contained
+to Lady Dalhousie, who, though much improved in health, will be
+compelled to return to England in January, the Governor-General has
+the honour to subscribe himself with the utmost respect and gratitude,
+your Majesty's most obedient, most humble, and devoted Subject and
+Servant,
+
+DALHOUSIE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE FUNERAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd November 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--What you say about Joinville has interested us very
+much, and we have confidentially communicated it to Lord Derby, who
+is never alarmed enough. There is, however, a belief that the Orleans
+family have been very imprudent, and that Louis Napoleon has heard
+things and expressions used which did a great deal of harm, and Lord
+Derby begged me to warn them very strongly and earnestly on this
+point; _I_ cannot do much, but I think _you_ might, for in fact they
+might _unintentionally compromise us seriously_. The Government are
+rather shaky; Disraeli has been imprudent and blundering, and has done
+himself harm by a Speech he made about the Duke of Wellington, which
+was borrowed from an _éloge_ by Thiers on a French Marshal!!![46]
+
+You will have heard from your children and from Charles how very
+touching the ceremony both in and out of doors was on the 18th. The
+behaviour of the millions assembled has been the topic of general
+admiration, and the foreigners have all assured me that they never
+could have believed _such_ a number of people could have shown such
+feeling, such respect, for _not_ a sound was heard! I cannot say
+_what_ a deep and _wehmtühige_ impression it made on me! It was a
+beautiful sight. In the Cathedral it was much more touching still! The
+dear old Duke! he is an irreparable loss!
+
+We had a great dinner yesterday to all the Officers. There is but one
+feeling of indignation and surprise at the conduct of Austria [47]
+in taking _this_ opportunity to slight England in return for what
+happened to _Haynau_[48] for _his own_ character. Ernest Hohenlohe
+was extremely anxious you should know the reason why he may _possibly_
+appear one evening at the Elysée (they are gone for three or four days
+to Paris).
+
+Louis Napoleon being excessively susceptible, and believing us to be
+inimical towards him, we and the Government thought it would not be
+wise or prudent for _my_ brother-in-law, just coming _from here_,
+purposely to avoid him and go out of his way, which Louis Napoleon
+would immediately say was _my doing_; and unnecessary offence we do
+not wish to give; the more so as Stockmar was presented to him at
+Strasburg, and received the _Légion d'honneur_. I promised to explain
+this to you, as Ernest was distressed lest he should appear to be
+_timeserving_, and I said I was sure you would understand it.
+
+I must end in a hurry, hoping to write again on Thursday or Friday.
+Dear Stockmar is very well and most kind. He is much pleased at your
+children spending some time with him every day. Ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 46: Marshal Gouvion de St Cyr.]
+
+    [Footnote 47: In sending no representative to the funeral of
+    the Duke of Wellington.]
+
+    [Footnote 48: See _ante_, p. 267.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CONFUSION OF PARTIES]
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _25th November 1852._
+(_Thursday, four_ P.M.)
+
+Lord Derby, with his humble duty, in obedience to your Majesty's
+gracious commands of this morning, proceeds to report to your Majesty
+what he finds to have taken place and to be in contemplation; but the
+accounts of the latter are so conflicting and contradictory, that his
+report must be as unsatisfactory to your Majesty as the state of the
+case is unintelligible to himself.
+
+On arriving in London, Lord Derby called on Mr Disraeli, and found
+that late last night he had had, by his own desire, a private
+interview with Lord Palmerston, who had come to his house with that
+object; that Lord Palmerston's language was perfectly friendly towards
+the Government; that he assured Mr Disraeli that his only object in
+offering his Amendment was to defeat Mr Villiers; that if that could
+be done, it was a matter of indifference to him which Amendment was
+adopted; and he concluded by declaring that though he sat by Mr Sidney
+Herbert in the House of Commons, and was an old personal friend, he
+did not act in concert with him or with Mr Gladstone; and that he did
+not see, on their part, any disposition to approach the Government!
+After this declaration Mr Disraeli felt that it would be useless and
+unwise to sound him farther as to his own ulterior views, and the
+conversation led to nothing.
+
+As Lord Derby was walking home, he was overtaken by Lord Jocelyn, who
+stated, in direct opposition to what had been said by Lord Palmerston,
+that he, and the other two gentlemen named, were consulted upon, and
+had concocted the proposed Amendment; and that they were decidedly
+acting together. He was present at a dinner of the Peelite Party
+yesterday at Mr Wortley's, when Speeches were made, and language held
+about the reunion of the Conservative Party, resulting, however, in
+a declaration that if your Majesty's servants did not accept Lord
+Palmerston's Amendment, they, as a body, would vote in favour of Mr
+Villiers. Lord Derby has been farther informed that they are willing
+to join the Government, but that one of their conditions would be
+that Lord Palmerston should lead the House of Commons, Mr Gladstone
+refusing to serve under Mr Disraeli. This, if true, does not look like
+an absence of all concert.
+
+To complete the general confusion of Parties, the Duke of Bedford, who
+called on Lady Derby this morning, assures her that Lord John Russell
+does not desire the fall of your Majesty's present Government, and
+that in no case will he enter into any combination with the Radical
+Party, a declaration quite at variance with the course he has pursued
+since Parliament met.
+
+Of course Lord Derby, in these circumstances, has not taken any step
+whatever towards exercising the discretion with which your Majesty was
+graciously pleased to entrust him this morning.[49] He much regrets
+having to send your Majesty so unsatisfactory a statement, and has
+desired to have the latest intelligence sent up to him of what may
+pass in the House of Commons, and he will endeavour to keep your
+Majesty informed of any new occurrence which any hour may produce.
+
+_Half-past six._
+
+Lord Derby has just heard from the House of Commons that Sir James
+Graham has given the history of the framing of the Amendment, and has
+expressed his intention, if Lord Palmerston's Amendment be accepted,
+to advise Mr Villiers to withdraw. Mr Gladstone has held the same
+language; there appears to be much difference of opinion, but Lord
+Derby would think that the probable result will be the adoption of
+Lord Palmerston's proposition. He fears this will lead to a good deal
+of discontent among the supporters of the Government; but a different
+course would run imminent risk of defeat.
+
+    [Footnote 49: The Queen had allowed him to enter into
+    negotiations with the Peelites and Lord Palmerston on the
+    distinct understanding that the latter could not receive the
+    lead of the House of Commons.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON]
+
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _26th November 1852._
+(_Half-past one o'clock_ A.M.)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+reports to your Majesty that the House of Commons has this moment
+divided on Mr Villiers' resolution, and in a House of nearly 600
+members they have been rejected by a majority of 80.[50]
+
+The debate was very animated and amusing, from the rival narratives of
+the principal projectors of the demonstration, who, having quarrelled
+among themselves, entered into secret and--in a Party sense--somewhat
+scandalous revelations, to the diversion and sometimes astonishment of
+the House.
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer deeply regrets that, having been
+obliged to quit the House early yesterday, he was unable to forward a
+bulletin to your Majesty.
+
+He has fixed next Friday for the Budget.
+
+    [Footnote 50: Lord Palmerston's Amendment (see _ante_, p.
+    399) was carried instead, and Protection was thenceforward
+    abandoned by Mr Disraeli and his followers.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MR DISRAELI AND MR GLADSTONE]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th November 1852._
+
+Before the Council held yesterday we saw Lord Derby, who seemed much
+pleased with the result of the Division, though a good deal galled by
+the tone of the Debate.
+
+Lord Derby had heard it said that Mr Sidney Herbert, although very
+bitter in his language, had not meant to be hostile to the Government,
+but felt that he owed the duty to speak out to the memory of Sir
+Robert Peel; that he was glad to have thrown the load off his mind.
+Lord Derby then read us a letter from Lord Claud Hamilton, who had
+seen Mr Corry (one of the Peelites), who had given him to understand
+that they would _not_ serve under the leadership of Mr Disraeli; that
+they were ready, on the other hand, to serve under Lord Palmerston.
+This put all further negotiation out of the question, for,
+independently of the Queen objecting to such an arrangement, he
+himself could not admit of it. On my question why Mr Gladstone could
+not lead, he replied that Mr Gladstone was, in his opinion, quite
+unfit for it; he had none of that decision, boldness, readiness, and
+clearness which was necessary to lead a Party, to inspire it with
+confidence, and, still [more], to take at times a decision on the spur
+of the moment, which a leader had often to do. Then he said that
+he could not in honour sacrifice Mr Disraeli, who had acted very
+straightforwardly to him as long as they had had anything to do with
+each other, and who possessed the confidence of his followers. Mr
+Disraeli had no idea of giving up the lead.
+
+We could quite understand, on the other hand, that the colleagues of
+Sir Robert Peel could not feel inclined to serve under Mr Disraeli.
+
+Under these circumstances we agreed that nothing should be done at
+present, and that it must be left to time to operate changes, that
+much must depend upon the success which Mr Disraeli may have with his
+Budget, and that the knowledge that Lord Palmerston could not obtain
+the lead would oblige those who wished to join to think of a different
+combination.
+
+Lord Derby owned (upon my blunt question) that he did not think Mr
+Disraeli had ever had a strong feeling, one way or the other, about
+Protection or Free Trade, and that he would make a very good Free
+Trade Minister.
+
+The Queen was anxious to know what Lord Derby thought Lord George
+Bentinck (if now alive) would do in this conjunction. Lord Derby's
+expression was "he would have made confusion worse confounded" from
+his excessive violence.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: RECOGNITION OF THE EMPIRE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+
+OSBORNE, _2nd December 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Malmesbury's letter, and returns the
+enclosure from Lord Cowley. Under these circumstances the course
+recommended to be pursued by Lord Malmesbury[51] appears also to the
+Queen as the best. It is evident that we have no means of making
+Louis Napoleon say what he will not, nor would any diplomatic form of
+obtaining an assurance from him give us any guarantee of his not doing
+after all exactly what he pleases. Our honour appears therefore to be
+best in our own keeping. Whatever he may say, it is in our _note of
+recognition_ that we must state _what_ we recognise and what we do
+_not_ recognise.
+
+    [Footnote 51: Lord Malmesbury advised that a formal repetition
+    of the interpretation and assurances as to the use of the
+    numeral "III" in the Imperial title, already verbally made by
+    the President and the French Ambassador, should be demanded.
+    This was duly obtained. On the 2nd of December, the
+    anniversary of the _coup d'état_, the Imperial title was
+    assumed; on the 4th, the Empire was officially recognised.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _3rd December 1852._
+(_Friday night, twelve o'clock_ P.M.)
+
+Lord Derby, with his humble duty, ventures to hope that your Majesty
+may feel some interest in hearing, so far as he is able to give it,
+his impression of the effect of Mr Disraeli's announcement of the
+Budget[52] this evening. Lord Derby was not able to hear quite the
+commencement of the Speech, having been obliged to attend the House
+of Lords, which, however, was up at a quarter past five, Mr Disraeli
+having then been speaking about half an hour. From that time till
+ten, when he sat down, Lord Derby was in the House of Commons, and
+anxiously watching the effect produced, which he ventures to assure
+your Majesty was most favourable, according to his own judgment after
+some considerable experience in Parliament, and also from what he
+heard from others. Mr Disraeli spoke for about five hours, with no
+apparent effort, with perfect self-possession, and with hardly an
+exception to the fixed attention with which the House listened to the
+exposition of the views of your Majesty's servants. It was altogether
+a most masterly performance, and he kept alive the attention of
+the House with the greatest ability, introducing the most important
+statements, and the broadest principles of legislature, just at the
+moments when he had excited the greatest anxiety to learn the precise
+measures which the Government intended to introduce. The Irish part of
+the question was dealt with with remarkable dexterity, though probably
+a great part of the point will be lost in the newspaper reports. It
+is difficult to foresee the ultimate result, but Lord Derby has
+no hesitation in saying that the general first impression was very
+favourable, and that, as a whole, the Budget seemed to meet with the
+approval of the House.
+
+    [Footnote 52: Increase of the House Tax, reduction of the Malt
+    and Tea duties, and relaxation of Income Tax in the case of
+    farmers, were the salient features of the Budget.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN TO THE EMPEROR]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Emperor of the French._
+
+OSBORNE HOUSE, _4th December 1852._
+
+SIR, MY BROTHER,--Being desirous to maintain uninterrupted the union
+and good understanding which happily subsist between Great Britain
+and France, I have made choice of Lord Cowley, a peer of my United
+Kingdom, a member of my Privy Council, and Knight Commander of
+the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, to reside at your Imperial
+Majesty's Court in the character of my Ambassador Extraordinary and
+Plenipotentiary. The long experience which I have had of his talents
+and zeal for my service assures me that the choice which I have made
+of Lord Cowley will be perfectly agreeable to your Imperial Majesty,
+and that he will prove himself worthy of this new mark of my
+confidence. I request that your Imperial Majesty will give entire
+credence to all that Lord Cowley shall communicate to you on my part,
+more especially when he shall assure your Imperial Majesty of my
+invariable attachment and esteem, and shall express to you those
+sentiments of sincere friendship and regard with which I am, Sir, my
+Brother, your Imperial Majesty's good Sister,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+To my good Brother,[53] the Emperor of the French.
+
+    [Footnote 53: The Czar persisted in addressing him as _Mon
+    cher Ami_.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+
+OSBORNE, _6th December 1852._
+
+The Queen has this morning received Lord Malmesbury's letter of
+yesterday, relative to Count Walewski's audience. The manner in which
+Lord Malmesbury proposes this should be done the Queen approves, and
+only wishes Lord Malmesbury to communicate with the proper authorities
+in order that the _Fairy_ may be at Southampton at the right hour,
+and the Frigate, as suggested, in attendance off Osborne or Cowes,
+according to what the weather may be. The landing at Osborne Pier, in
+wet or stormy weather, is very bad, particularly for a lady.
+
+The Queen wishes that the Count and Countess Walewski should come down
+here with Lord Malmesbury on _Thursday next_, and we should receive
+them at half-past one. We wish then that they should _all three dine
+and sleep here that day_.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A SECRET PROTOCOL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+
+OSBORNE, _8th December 1852._
+
+The Queen was very much surprised to receive this morning in a box
+from Lord Malmesbury, without any further explanation, a secret
+Protocol[54] signed by the representatives of the four great Powers at
+the Foreign Office on the 3rd instant.
+
+A step of such importance should not have been taken without even the
+intention of it having been previously mentioned to the Queen, and her
+leave having been obtained. She must therefore ask for an explanation
+from Lord Malmesbury. Though the purport of the Protocol appears to
+the Queen quite right, she ought not to allow the honour of England to
+be pledged by her Minister without her sanction.
+
+The exact wording of a document of that nature is a matter of such
+serious importance that it requires the greatest consideration, and it
+is a question with the Queen whether it be always quite safe to adopt
+entirely what is proposed by Baron Brunnow, who is generally the
+_rédacteur_ of such documents.
+
+    [Footnote 54: By this Protocol Louis Napoleon was to be
+    recognised as Emperor by Great Britain, Austria, Prussia, and
+    Russia.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Malmesbury to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _13th December 1852._
+
+Lord Malmesbury presents his humble duty to the Queen. He thought
+it advisable to acquaint your Majesty as soon as possible with a
+conversation which Count Walewski had held of his own accord
+in reference to Her Serene Highness the Princess Adelaide of
+Hohenlohe,[55] and he requested Lord Derby to repeat it to your
+Majesty.
+
+Lord Malmesbury was not mistaken in believing that the Count had not
+alluded idly to the subject, as he this day called on Lord Malmesbury,
+and stated to him that the Emperor of the French had not decided
+to negotiate a marriage with the Princess of Wasa;[56] but, on the
+contrary, was rather averse to such an alliance; that he was anxious,
+on the contrary, to make one which indirectly "_resserrerait les liens
+d'amitié entre l'Angleterre et la France_," and that with this view
+he wished Lord Malmesbury to ascertain from your Majesty whether any
+objections would be raised on the part of your Majesty, or of the
+Princess Adelaide's family, to his contracting a marriage with Her
+Serene Highness. Your Majesty may suppose that he received this
+intimation by a simple assurance that he would submit the French
+Emperor's sentiments to your Majesty, and he added that he foresaw a
+serious difficulty to the project in the fact that the Princess was
+a Protestant. Count Walewski was evidently sincere in the earnestness
+with which he spoke of the subject, and the impatience with which he
+pressed Lord Malmesbury to inform your Majesty of his proposal.
+
+    [Footnote 55: The Queen's niece, daughter of Princess
+    Hohenlohe.]
+
+    [Footnote 56: The Princess Caroline Stéphanie, daughter of
+    Prince Gustavus de Wasa, who was son of the last King of
+    Sweden of the earlier dynasty.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE EMPEROR'S PROPOSED MARRIAGE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _14th December 1852._
+
+The Queen sends to Lord Derby a communication which she has received
+from Lord Malmesbury.
+
+The Queen is sorry to have been put in a situation which requires on
+her part a direct answer, which to have been spared would have been in
+every respect more prudent and safe. As it is, however, the Queen is
+fully aware that the answer she is forced to give may really have,
+or may hereafter be made appear to have, political consequences
+disadvantageous to our political relations with France, and injurious
+to the Queen's personal character.
+
+The Queen therefore encloses for Lord Derby a draft of the answer she
+intends to give to Lord Malmesbury,[57] asking that Lord Derby will
+not only give these matters his fullest consideration, but that he
+will return to the Queen the draft as soon as possible, with such of
+his suggestions or alterations as he may think advisable to propose to
+her.
+
+The Queen must also express her decided wish that Lord Derby will not
+allow Lord Malmesbury to move a single step in this affair without it
+has been previously concerted with Lord Derby.[58]
+
+    [Footnote 57:
+
+    _Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+    [_Draft._]
+    OSBORNE, _14th December 1852._
+
+    The Queen has received Lord Malmesbury's letter of yesterday,
+    reporting his conversation with Count Walewski, who had asked
+    him to ascertain from the Queen "whether any objections would
+    be raised on her part or on that of the Princess Adelaide's
+    family to his (the Emperor's) contracting a marriage with Her
+    Serene Highness."
+
+    In a question which affects the entire prospects and happiness
+    of a third person, and that person being a near and dear
+    relation of hers, the Queen feels herself conscientiously
+    precluded from forming an opinion of her own, and consequently
+    from taking the slightest part in it either directly or
+    indirectly. The only proper persons to refer to for the
+    consideration of and decision on so serious a proposal are the
+    parents of the Princess and the Princess herself.]
+
+    [Footnote 58: In his reply Lord Derby observed that it did not
+    appear to him that the matter was at present in so critical
+    a position. Lord Malmesbury would have little difficulty in
+    showing Count Walewski, without any interruption of a friendly
+    _entente_, that the intended overtures were not likely to be
+    favourably received. He suggested that Lord Malmesbury should
+    be instructed to treat the proposition as emanating, not from
+    the Emperor, but unofficially, from Count Walewski; and that
+    he should, also unofficially, dissuade him from pressing the
+    subject further; such course could have no injurious effect
+    upon the political aspect of Europe. Lord Derby could not
+    understand how the affair, however it might turn out, could
+    affect the Queen's "personal character."
+
+    He suggested that the following words should be substituted
+    for the last paragraph: "And while she fully appreciates
+    the desire expressed by Count Walewski on the part of his
+    Government, '_de resserrer les liens de l'amitié entre
+    l'Angleterre et la France_,' she feels bound to leave the
+    consideration and decision of so serious a proposal to the
+    unbiassed judgment of the parents of the Princess and the
+    Princess herself, the only persons to whom such a question can
+    properly be referred. The Queen thinks it right to add that
+    being fully persuaded of the strong religious persuasion of
+    the Princess, of the extreme improbability of any change
+    of opinion on her part, and of the evils inseparable from a
+    difference of opinion on such a subject between the Emperor
+    and his intended Consort, she wishes Lord Malmesbury to place
+    this consideration prominently before Count Walewski, before
+    he takes any other step in the matter, which he appears to
+    have brought unofficially under the consideration of Lord
+    Malmesbury."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND LORD MALMESBURY]
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S OPINION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _16th December 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Derby's letter of the 14th inst. She did
+not intend to complain personally of Lord Malmesbury, who, the
+Queen is sure, was most anxious to do the best he could under the
+circumstances; but she still thinks that a question of such importance
+should not have been brought immediately before her for her decision;
+and although Lord Derby states his opinion that Lord Malmesbury had no
+alternative but to promise to Count Walewski that he would bring "_the
+Emperor's sentiments before the Queen_," the very suggestion Lord
+Derby now makes, viz. "that Lord Malmesbury should be instructed
+to treat the proposition as emanating, not from the Emperor,
+but _unofficially_ from Count Walewski, and that he should also
+_unofficially_ dissuade him from pressing the matter further"--shows
+that there was an alternative.
+
+Lord Derby and Lord Malmesbury alone can know, whether, after what
+may have passed in conversation between Lord Malmesbury and Count
+Walewski, this course still remains open.
+
+There can be no doubt that the best thing would be to terminate this
+affair without the Queen being called upon to give any opinion at all.
+
+Lord Derby seems to treat the matter as of much less importance than
+the Queen, but he will admit that, if the alliance is sought by
+the Emperor, "_pour resserrer les liens d'amitié entre la France et
+l'Angleterre_," the refusal of it on the part of the Queen must also
+have the opposite effect. The responsibility of having produced this
+effect would rest personally with the Queen, who might be accused of
+having brought it about, influenced by personal feelings of animosity
+against the Emperor, or by mistaken friendship for the Orleans family,
+or misplaced family pride, etc., etc., etc. The acceptance of the
+proposal, on the other hand, or even the consummation of the project
+without her _direct_ intervention, cannot fail to expose the Queen
+to a share in the just opprobrium attaching in the eyes of all
+right-thinking men to the political acts perpetrated in France ever
+since 2nd December 1851. And, while it would appear as if her Family
+did not care for any such considerations, so long as by an alliance
+they could secure momentary advantages, it would give the other
+Powers of Europe, whom the Emperor seems to be disposed to treat
+very unceremoniously (as shown by Lord Cowley's last reports) the
+impression that England suddenly had separated herself from them, and
+bound herself to France for a family interest pursued by the Queen.
+
+These are the dangers to "the Queen's personal character," which
+presented themselves to her mind when she wrote her last letter, and
+which Lord Derby says remained unintelligible to him.
+
+The Queen wishes Lord Derby to show this letter to Lord Malmesbury,
+whom, under the circumstances, she thinks it best not to address
+separately. They will be now both in the fullest possession of the
+Queen's sentiments, and she hopes will be able to terminate this
+matter without the expression of an opinion on the part of the Queen
+becoming necessary.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEFEAT OF THE MINISTRY]
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _17th December 1852._
+(4 A.M.)
+
+Lord Derby, with his humble duty, regrets to have to submit to your
+Majesty that the House of Commons, from which he has this moment
+returned, has rejected the resolution for the increase of the House
+Tax, by a majority of either nineteen or twenty-one.[59] This majority
+is so decisive, especially having been taken on a question which was
+understood to involve the fate of the Government, as to leave Lord
+Derby no alternative as to the course which it will be his duty to
+pursue; and although, as a matter of form, it is necessary that he
+should consult his Colleagues, for which purpose he has desired that
+a Cabinet should be summoned for twelve o'clock, he can entertain no
+doubt but that their opinion will unanimously concur with his own;
+that he must humbly ask leave to resign into your Majesty's hands the
+high trust which your Majesty has been pleased to repose in him. Lord
+Derby, with your Majesty's permission, will endeavour to do himself
+the honour of attending your Majesty's pleasure this evening; but it
+is possible that he may not be able to find the means of crossing,[60]
+in which case he trusts that your Majesty will honour him with an
+audience to-morrow (Saturday) morning. Lord Derby trusts he need
+not assure your Majesty how deeply he feels the inconvenience and
+annoyance which this event will occasion to your Majesty, nor how
+anxious will be his desire that your Majesty should be enabled with
+the least possible delay to form an Administration possessing more of
+the public confidence. He will never cease to retain the deepest and
+most grateful sense of the gracious favour and support which he has
+on all occasions received at your Majesty's hands, and which he deeply
+regrets that he has been unable to repay by longer and more efficient
+service.
+
+    [Footnote 59: This memorable debate and its sensational
+    ending, with the notable speeches from Disraeli and Gladstone,
+    has been repeatedly described. See, _e.g._, Morley's
+    _Gladstone_ and McCarthy's _History of our own Times_. The
+    _Times_ leader (quoted by Mr Morley) was cut out and preserved
+    by the Queen.]
+
+    [Footnote 60: To Osborne.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY'S RESIGNATION]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE, _18th December 1852._
+
+Yesterday evening Lord Derby arrived from Town formally to tender his
+resignation. We retired to the Queen's room after dinner with him
+to hear what he had to say on the crisis. He complained of the
+factiousness of the Opposition, which he and his Party hoped,
+however, not to imitate; was ready to support, as far as he could,
+any Administration which was sincerely anxious to check the growth of
+democracy. He said his calculations at the close of the Elections
+had been found almost to a man verified in the late vote: 286 members
+voting with the Government, and these were their regular supporters;
+the other half of the House was composed of 150 Radicals, 50 of the
+so-called Irish Brigade, 120 Whigs, and 30 Peelites. It was clear
+that, if all these combined, he would be outvoted, though none of
+these Parties alone numbered as much as half of his. However, he had
+heard lately from good authority that the Whigs and Peelites had
+come to an agreement, and were ready to form an Administration on
+Conservative principles, to the exclusion of the Radicals, under the
+lead of Lord Aberdeen. Although only 150 strong, they thought, that
+with all the talent they had at their command, they would be able to
+obtain the confidence of the country, and hold the balance between the
+two extreme Parties in the House. He felt that after having failed to
+obtain the confidence of Parliament himself, he could do nothing
+else than retire at once, and he advised the Queen to send for Lord
+Lansdowne, who knew better than anybody the state of Parties, and
+would give the best advice. He did not advise the Queen to send for
+Lord Aberdeen at once, because, if it were reported that he had given
+this advice, many of his Party--who had already been distressed at
+his declaration to them that if he was defeated he would withdraw from
+public life--would think it necessary to join Lord Aberdeen as their
+new appointed leader; and then the other half, which felt the deepest
+indignation at the treatment they had received from the Peelites,
+would throw themselves into a reckless alliance with the Radicals, to
+revenge themselves upon the new Government, so the great Conservative
+Party would be broken up, which it was so essential for the country to
+keep together and moderate.
+
+I interrupted Lord Derby, saying that, constitutionally speaking, it
+did not rest with him to give advice and become responsible for it,
+and that nobody therefore could properly throw the responsibility of
+the Queen's choice of a new Minister upon him; the Queen had thought
+of sending for Lord Lansdowne and Lord Aberdeen together. This, Lord
+Derby said, would do very well; he knew that, strictly speaking, the
+Sovereign acted upon her own responsibility, but it was always said on
+such occasions, for instance, "Lord John advised the Queen to send for
+Lord Derby," etc., etc.
+
+He then gave it rather jokingly as his opinion that he thought less
+than 32 could hardly be the number of the new Cabinet, so many former
+Ministers would expect to be taken in; the Whigs said 36. Lord John
+Russell was designated for the Home Office, Lord Canning for the
+Foreign, Mr Gladstone for the Colonial Department, Lord Clanricarde
+for the Post Office, Lord Granville for Ireland. These were the
+reports.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne._
+
+OSBORNE, _18th December 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Lansdowne's letter, from which she was
+very sorry to learn that he is suffering from the gout. Although the
+Queen was very anxious to have consulted with him before taking a
+definite step for the formation of a new Government consequent on the
+resignation of Lord Derby, she would have been very unhappy if Lord
+Lansdowne had exposed his health to any risk in order to gratify her
+wishes. Time pressing, she has now sent a telegraphic message to Lord
+Aberdeen to come down here alone, which, from the terms of the Queen's
+first summons, he had thought himself precluded from doing. Should
+Lord Lansdowne not be able to move soon, Lord Aberdeen will confer
+with him by the Queen's desire immediately on his return to Town.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN SUMMONED]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th December 1852._
+
+Lord Aberdeen arrived here at three o'clock and reported that he had
+seen Lord Lansdowne, and had come to a perfect understanding with him;
+he had also consulted with his friends, and with Lord John Russell. It
+would now depend upon the decision of the Queen whom she would charge
+with the formation of a Government. The Queen answered that she
+thought Lord Lansdowne was too old and infirm to undertake such
+arduous duties, and that she commissioned Lord Aberdeen. He replied
+he was fully aware of his own unworthiness for the task, and had
+expressed his disinclination to Lord Lansdowne, while Lord Lansdowne,
+on the other hand, had pressed him to take the responsibility himself;
+but since the Queen had commissioned him, he wished to say that it was
+of the greatest importance that only one person should be charged with
+the task and be responsible for it, and that the new Government should
+not be a revival of the old Whig Cabinet with an addition of some
+Peelites, but should be a liberal Conservative Government in the
+sense of that of Sir Robert Peel; he thought this would meet with
+the confidence of the country, even if excluding the Radicals. Lord
+Aberdeen said he meant to propose to the Queen Lord John Russell as
+Leader of the House of Commons and Secretary of State for Foreign
+Affairs, which _he_ thinks he would accept. (The Queen sanctioned
+this.) He would then consult Lord John upon his appointments, but
+he (Lord Aberdeen) would be responsible, taking care that Lord John
+should be satisfied. There was no doubt that Lord John had full claims
+to be Prime Minister again, but that he could give him no greater
+proof of confidence, having been his opponent all his life, than to
+give him the lead of the House of Commons, which made him virtually
+as much Prime Minister as he pleased, and the Foreign Office combined
+with it would satisfy Lord John as following the precedent of Mr Fox.
+The Peelites would not have served under Lord Lansdowne, much less
+under Lord John; but a great many Whigs even objected to Lord John.
+This was a temporary and undeserved unpopularity, and still Lord John
+remained the first man in the country, and might be Prime Minister
+again. The Peelites would know and learn to respect him when meeting
+him in office. Lord Aberdeen hoped even many Conservatives now going
+with Lord Derby would support such a Government, but to preserve to
+it a Conservative character, two Secretaries of State at least must be
+_Peelites_.
+
+We next talked of Lord Palmerston, whom we agreed it would be
+imprudent to leave to combine in opposition with Mr Disraeli. Lord
+Aberdeen had thought of Ireland for him; we felt sure he would not
+accept that. I gave Lord Aberdeen a list of the possible distribution
+of offices, which I had drawn up, and which he took with him as
+containing "valuable suggestions." He hoped the Queen would allow him
+to strengthen himself in the House of Lords, where there was nobody to
+cope with Lord Derby, by the translation of Sir James Graham or Mr
+S. Herbert, if he should find this necessary. Sir James might gain in
+moving from the House of Commons, as he lately fettered himself with
+inconvenient Radical pledges. He felt he would have great difficulty
+in the formation of his Government, for although everybody promised to
+forget his personal wishes and interests, yet when brought to the test
+such professions were often belied. The difficulty of measures lies
+chiefly in the Budget, as the Income Tax would have to be settled,
+and he was anxious to keep a good surplus. As to Reform, he felt that,
+considering the Queen to have recommended it by a Speech from the
+Throne, and Lord John to have actually introduced a Measure as Prime
+Minister, the door could not be closed against it; but it might be
+postponed for the present, and there was no real wish for it in the
+country.
+
+He was very sorry that the Government had been upset, and if the
+Budget had been such that it could have been accepted he should much
+have preferred it. Lord Derby seemed very much offended with him
+personally for his speech in the House of Lords. Lord Aberdeen kissed
+hands, and started again at four o'clock.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+(_Undated._)[61]
+
+Lord Aberdeen, with his humble duty, begs to inform your Majesty, that
+on his return from Osborne last night, he saw Lord Lansdowne and Lord
+John Russell, and found them in the same disposition with respect to
+the formation of the new Administration. This morning, however,
+Lord John Russell, partly from an apprehension of the fatigue of the
+Foreign Office, and partly from the effect likely to be produced on
+his political friends by his acceptance of office, has expressed his
+unwillingness to form part of the Administration, although anxious to
+give it his best support. Lord Aberdeen has discussed this matter
+very fully with Lord John, and has requested him not to decide finally
+until to-morrow morning, which he had promised accordingly. In the
+meantime, Lord Aberdeen humbly submits to your Majesty that his
+position is materially affected by this irresolution on the part
+of Lord John. Had he not felt warranted in relying upon Lord John's
+co-operation, he would not have ventured to speak to your Majesty with
+the confidence he yesterday evinced. With the most earnest desire to
+devote himself to your Majesty's service, it becomes doubtful whether
+he could honestly venture to attempt the execution of your Majesty's
+commands should Lord John persevere in his present intention. At
+all events, nothing further can be done until this matter shall be
+decided; and Lord Aberdeen will have the honour of reporting the
+result to your Majesty.
+
+    [Footnote 61: Apparently written on the 20th of December
+    1852.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _20th December 1852._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is
+grateful for your Majesty's condescension in informing him that your
+Majesty has charged the Earl of Aberdeen with the duty of constructing
+a Government.
+
+Lord John Russell is desirous of seeing a durable Government, and he
+will consider with the utmost care how far he can, consistently
+with his own honour and his health and strength, contribute to this
+end.[62]
+
+    [Footnote 62: He consulted Lord Lansdowne, and Macaulay,
+    happening to call, threw his influence into the scale in
+    favour of his serving under Aberdeen (Walpole's _Russell_,
+    chap, xxiii.).]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MR DISRAELI AND PRINCE ALBERT]
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to the Prince Albert._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _20th December 1852._
+
+SIR,--I have the honour to return to your Royal Highness the State
+paper[63] which your Royal Highness entrusted to me. I have not
+presumed to keep a copy of it, but my memory is familiar with its
+contents, and in case hereafter there may be any opportunity formed
+to forward the views of your Royal Highness in this respect, I may
+perhaps be permitted, if necessary, again to refer to the document.
+
+I hope I am not presumptuous if, on this occasion, I offer to your
+Royal Highness my grateful acknowledgments of the condescending
+kindness which I have received from your Royal Highness.
+
+I may, perhaps, be permitted to say that the views which your Royal
+Highness had developed to me in confidential conversation have not
+fallen on an ungrateful soil. I shall ever remember with interest and
+admiration the princely mind in the princely person, and shall at all
+times be prepared to prove to your Royal Highness my devotion. I
+have the honour to remain, Sir, your Royal Highness's most obedient
+Servant,
+
+B. DISRAELI.
+
+    [Footnote 63: It is impossible to ascertain what this was; it
+    was probably one of the Prince's political Memoranda.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _20th December 1852._
+
+Lord Aberdeen, with his humble duty, begs to inform your Majesty that
+Lord John Russell has finally decided not to undertake the Foreign
+Office, being influenced, Lord Aberdeen fully believes, by domestic
+considerations, and contrary to the advice of all the most important
+of his political friends. Lord Lansdowne has done his utmost to shake
+the resolution, but in vain. Lord John proposes to be in the Cabinet,
+without office, but to lead the Government business in the House of
+Commons. Lord Aberdeen thinks this arrangement objectionable, and a
+novelty, although the Duke of Wellington was Leader in the House
+of Lords for two years without office when Lord Hill was
+Commander-in-Chief. If the arrangement should be found untenable in
+a Parliamentary view, Lord John would consent to accept a nominal
+office, such as Chancellor of the Duchy. It is with great regret that
+Lord Aberdeen makes this announcement to your Majesty, as his own
+position is greatly weakened by this change; but he does not think it
+a sufficient reason for abandoning the attempt to serve your Majesty,
+which he feared might have been the case if Lord John had persevered
+in his intention of not forming part of the Administration.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S ANXIETY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _21st December 1852._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge the receipt of Lord Derby's letter.
+She has since read his Speech in the House of Lords announcing his
+resignation most attentively, and must express her doubts, whether
+that Speech was calculated to render easier the difficult task
+which has been thrown upon the Queen by the resignation of her late
+Government.[64]
+
+    [Footnote 64: Lord Derby severely attacked Lord Aberdeen, in
+    his absence, and declared himself the victim of a factious
+    combination.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+OSBORNE, _21st December 1852._
+
+The Queen received Lord Aberdeen's letter early this morning, the
+contents of which have filled her with no little anxiety.
+
+Still, she relies on the spirit of patriotism which she knows animates
+all the parties concerned, and which she feels sure will ultimately
+prevail over all difficulties, and enable a strong Government to be
+formed, which the country so earnestly demands and requires. The Queen
+is not surprised at Lord John Russell's fearing the fatigue of the
+Foreign Office, together with the lead in the House of Commons, which
+Lord Aberdeen's wish to show him entire confidence had prompted him to
+offer to Lord John; but _this_ difficulty, she trusts might easily be
+obviated. We intend leaving this place for Windsor to-morrow morning,
+and being there by two o'clock.
+
+The Queen would wish to see Lord Aberdeen there in the course of the
+afternoon--either at three, four, or five--whichever time is most
+convenient to him, and requests him to let her find a line from him
+on her arrival, informing her of the hour at which he will come. Any
+letter, however, sent by the bag to-night or by a messenger will reach
+the Queen _here_ to-morrow morning, as we do not go before a quarter
+to ten, and the Queen trusts therefore that Lord Aberdeen will let her
+hear as soon as possible how matters stand.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _21st December 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your dear and kind letter of the
+17th, which was as ever full of love and affection; but you know
+_very_ well that your affectionate child will never allow any mention
+of _your_ "leaving the premises." You know--too well--how sacred
+duties of any kind are, and above all, those of a King, and in these
+days; and how impossible it is for _us to shirk_ or abandon any of
+those duties which God has imposed on us.
+
+You will have heard of our crisis, and of the resignation of the
+Government; its overthrow was inevitable; but we must now get a strong
+and durable Government, one combined of the best Conservatives and
+Liberals, which is what the country expects, demands, and requires.
+Lord Aberdeen has undertaken the task, but I cannot yet announce, as
+I wish I could, the formation of the new Government. Ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+You will receive a small parcel for my dear Charlotte for Christmas
+Eve, and I have directed some prize Christmas beef to be forwarded to
+Leo, which I hope he will approve of.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY'S JUSTIFICATION]
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _22nd December 1852._
+
+Lord Derby, with his humble duty, learns with the deepest regret,
+by the note which he has just had the honour of receiving, that the
+statement which he felt it his duty to make in the House of Lords has
+appeared to your Majesty not calculated to render easier the difficult
+task which has been thrown upon your Majesty by the resignation
+of himself and his colleagues. Lord Derby begs humbly, but most
+sincerely, to assure your Majesty that nothing could have been farther
+from his intention than to let fall a single word which could increase
+the difficulties of the present position. He feels the full extent of
+those difficulties, and he may perhaps be forgiven if he entertains a
+strong opinion that a due appreciation of their magnitude might have
+been expected to have some weight with those Conservative statesmen,
+whose opposition thrown into the adverse scale turned the balance
+against your Majesty's servants, and rendered their retirement from
+office inevitable. Lord Derby does not affect to deny that he thinks
+he has some reason, personally and politically, to find fault with the
+course which they have pursued: but to suffer any such consideration
+to influence his public conduct, with regard to the Government now in
+process of formation, would be entirely at variance with his sense of
+public duty, and inconsistent with the deep gratitude which he must
+ever feel for the confidence with which your Majesty has honoured him.
+Lord Derby confesses himself at a loss to understand in what manner
+Lord Aberdeen can be enabled to reconcile the many and serious
+discrepancies, in matters both of Church and State, which would appear
+to exist among his presumed future colleagues; but it will give him
+unfeigned satisfaction to see these difficulties surmounted in such
+a sense as to enable him to give to the Government his independent
+support; and in the meantime it is his determination honestly to
+undertake the task, difficult as it must be, of keeping together a
+powerful Party, without the excitement of opposition to a Government
+by which their own leaders have been superseded, and of some members
+of which they think they have reason to complain; and even to
+induce that Party to give it their support, whenever they can do so
+consistently, with their own conscientious convictions.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW GOVERNMENT]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd December 1852._
+
+We arrived here from Osborne at half-past one, and saw Lord Aberdeen
+at half-past five, who reported the progress he had made in the
+formation of his Government.
+
+_The Chancellorship._--He had hoped to be able to offer to Lord St
+Leonards to remain, but Lord John Russell insisted, on the part of
+his Party (which he personally regretted to have to do), that
+the Chancellor should be a Liberal; Lord Aberdeen in consequence
+recommended Lord Cranworth.
+
+_The Presidency of the Council._--The Duke of Newcastle, who might
+have done for Ireland, but whose presence in the House of Lords would
+be a great support to Lord Aberdeen.
+
+_The Privy Seal._--The Duke of Argyll, to whom he had, however, not
+yet applied.
+
+_The Secretaries of State._--It appeared that Lord Palmerston had
+repented of his decision, for he had addressed Lord Lansdowne, and
+told him that he gave him his proxy--putting himself entirely into
+his hands, feeling sure that he would take care of his honour. Lord
+Lansdowne, who had been throughout very kind in his exertions to bring
+about the junction of Parties, was now engaged to prevail upon him
+to take the Home Office. We congratulated Lord Aberdeen upon this
+symptom, which augured confidence in his success. Lord Aberdeen said
+that when he saw Lord Palmerston, who then declined office, nothing
+could have exceeded the expressions of his cordiality; he had even
+reminded him that in fact they were great friends (!!!) of sixty
+years' standing, having been at school together. We could not help
+laughing heartily at the _Harrow Boys_ and their friendship. The
+Foreign Office Lord John had again positively refused, contrary to the
+advice of all his friends, and to please Lady John. This arrangement
+failing, Lord Clarendon was to undertake it, but Lord Clarendon was
+now gone himself to try to persuade Lord, or rather Lady, John to
+accept--at least temporarily--declaring his readiness to take it
+off his hands at any time if he should find the work too heavy. Lord
+Aberdeen had no hope, however, of Lord Clarendon's success. Then
+there would come the grave Constitutional Question of establishing the
+novelty of a Leader in the House of Commons who held no office. Lord
+John had seen the danger of being exposed to the reproach that he had
+slipped into office without having gone through the popular ordeal
+of a re-election, and had proposed to obviate this by accepting
+the Stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds, and then having himself
+re-elected for the City of London. But this would not meet all the
+objections, for it would still be considered unconstitutional that
+he should lead the business of the Government in the House of Commons
+without the responsibility of office. The Leader of the House of
+Commons was an irresponsible person, and Lord John's saying: "I shall
+represent you (Lord Aberdeen) in the House of Commons," would be
+equally unconstitutional. Lord John must therefore be prevailed upon
+to take the Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster, though he
+felt no inclination to become the successor of Mr Christopher. Lord
+Aberdeen read a Memorandum of Lord John's, containing his political
+views on the crisis and the principles of the new Government, of which
+he is to send the Queen a copy.
+
+_For the Colonial Office._--Lord Aberdeen wavered between Sir J.
+Graham and Mr Gladstone; either could be this, or Chancellor of the
+Exchequer. Lord John wished Sir James as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
+We argued the greater capabilities of Sir James for the Administration
+of the Colonies, and Mr Gladstone for the Finances.
+
+  _Chancellor of the Exchequer_--therefore, Mr Gladstone.
+  _Admiralty_--Mr Sidney Herbert.
+  _Board of Control_--Sir C. Wood.
+  _Board of Trade_--Lord Granville.
+  _Board of Works_--Sir F. Baring.
+
+(Baring and Wood being the two men whom Lord John had insisted on
+having on the Treasury Bench sitting by his side.)
+
+  _Postmaster_--Lord Canning.
+  _Secretary-at-War_--Mr Cardwell.
+
+These would form the Cabinet. Upon Ireland no decision had been
+come to, though Lord Granville was generally pointed out as the best
+Lord-Lieutenant.
+
+Lord Aberdeen was very much pleased with the entire confidence
+existing between him and Lord John. The Budget would be a formidable
+difficulty, as in fact the Government would be an Income Tax
+Government.
+
+Lord Derby's intemperate and unconstitutional behaviour would do
+no good to the Government; many of his friends were disgusted. Lord
+Clanwilliam had called his speech in the House of Lords "a great
+outrage." The Radicals might be conciliated in some of the lower
+Offices by the appointment of Mr Charles Villiers, Sir William
+Molesworth, and others.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH]
+
+
+_The Earl of Malmesbury to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _23rd December 1852._
+
+Lord Malmesbury presents his humble duty to the Queen, and considers
+it right to inform your Majesty that Count Walewski again asked him
+yesterday where the Prince of Hohenlohe was now residing, adding that
+it was the intention of the Emperor to send a person to see him, and
+ascertain his feelings with respect to a marriage between him and the
+Princess Adelaide. Lord Malmesbury confined himself to replying that
+he did not know. Lord Malmesbury might perhaps in his private capacity
+endeavour to discourage these advances, but as long as he has the
+honour of being one of your Majesty's Ministers, it appears to him
+that your Majesty will be _personally_ the least committed by his
+interfering as little as possible in the matter.
+
+The Emperor is becoming extremely irritable at the delay of the three
+great Powers in recognising the Empire, and he has said to M. Hübner
+that, as they had plenty of time to agree among themselves what course
+they should pursue when it was proclaimed, he cannot understand how
+Austria and Prussia can in the face of Europe humiliate themselves by
+waiting for the orders of Russia--"_les ordres de la Russie_."
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd December 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Malmesbury's letter. She thinks he is
+acting very judiciously in giving Count Walewski no advice whatever as
+long as he holds the Seals of Office.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: NEW APPOINTMENTS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd December 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's communication of this morning,
+and was pleased to hear that Lord John has finally accepted the
+Foreign Office. She has also received the second communication, with
+the List of the distribution of Offices. The Queen thinks it of such
+importance that the Cabinet should be now announced to the world as
+complete, that she is unwilling to throw any difficulties in the way.
+At the same time, she must observe that in some instances the changes
+are, in her opinion, not for the better. Sir J. Graham will be very
+unpopular in the Navy; his achievements at the Admiralty in former
+times[65] were all _retrenchments_, and have since proved in many
+instances injurious to the Service. The Secretary-at-War ought
+properly to be left out of the Cabinet for the well working of the
+Army;[66] the President of the Board of Trade has always been in the
+Cabinet, and in Lord Granville's case, even the Vice-President.
+Lord Granville will have a difficulty as Chancellor of the Duchy of
+Lancaster, being one of the chief lessees of the Duchy, and, the Queen
+believes, even engaged in a law-suit against it. The Queen has no
+objection to Sir William Molesworth[67] at the Office of Works. She
+hopes that the Presidency of the Council will be filled at once, for
+which Lord Clarendon would be best.
+
+Amongst the Under-Secretaries of State, the Queen wishes merely to
+express her objection at seeing Mr B. Osborne[68] at the _Foreign_
+Office. The Queen sees Lord Chandos's[69] name as Secretary to the
+Treasury; she would be very much pleased to see his services secured.
+All the other proposals she approves.
+
+The Queen must repeat in conclusion that she considers the rapid
+completion of the Government of the first importance, even if none of
+the points the Queen has alluded to should be amended.
+
+    [Footnote 65: From 1830 to 1834.]
+
+    [Footnote 66: The Secretary-at-War was not a Secretary of
+    State.]
+
+    [Footnote 67: M.P. for Southwark; well known as a
+    philosophical writer, the first member of the Radical Party
+    included in any Ministry.]
+
+    [Footnote 68: Mr Bernal Osborne, a well-known speaker at the
+    time, became Secretary of the Admiralty.]
+
+    [Footnote 69: Afterwards, as Duke of Buckingham, Secretary for
+    the Colonies and Governor of Madras.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW CABINET]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th December 1852._
+
+The Queen has this moment received Lord Aberdeen's letter, reporting
+that new difficulties have arisen in the completion of the Government
+by new proposals made by Lord John Russell, since the Queen's sanction
+had been given to the arrangements submitted to her by Lord Aberdeen,
+which had then been agreed to by Lord John Russell. The Queen begins
+to fear serious mischief from the long duration of the crisis. It must
+weaken the prestige of the new Government, and, instead of smoothing
+difficulties, is, from the nature of things, rather calculated to
+invite new ones. The Queen has, in her letter of yesterday, stated
+some objections _she_ felt, but added that she would waive them all
+for the satisfaction of the immediate want of the country (a strong
+Government), and she must express her hope that political parties will
+not fall short in patriotic spirit of the example she has thus herself
+set.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+[_Draft--from recollection._]
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th December 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of this afternoon, and
+is very glad to hear that he has overcome the difficulties which he
+mentioned this morning, and that he has secured the services of Lord
+Lansdowne in the Cabinet. She hopes, however, that Lord Aberdeen will
+remain firm on the other points, as difficulties are never overcome by
+yielding to more than can be fairly demanded.
+
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th December 1852._
+
+Lord Aberdeen came this afternoon to announce the completion of his
+Cabinet.
+
+From many of them answers have not yet been received.
+
+The day before it looked very bad. Lord John Russell had sent in such
+a list of persons whom he required in the Cabinet (Sir Francis
+Baring, Sir George Grey, etc., etc.), that, having been very yielding
+hitherto, Lord Aberdeen was obliged to be peremptory in his refusal.
+Now that the Cabinet was formed on a due proportion, he was inclined
+to let Lord John have his own way pretty much with regard to the
+minor Offices, considering that he brought 250 followers, and he (Lord
+Aberdeen) only 50.
+
+It was to Lord Clarendon that the persuasion of Lady John was finally
+due, but Lord Aberdeen had to add his own promise to that of Lord
+Clarendon, that the latter would take the Foreign Office whenever she
+thought Lord John ought to be relieved from it.
+
+Lady Palmerston had been most anxious to bring her husband into office
+again; Lord Aberdeen had seen the first symptom of their joint wish in
+the earnestness with which Lord Palmerston's friends declared in all
+places that, had he been well enough, he would certainly have voted
+against the Government.
+
+Lord Lansdowne's exertions and Lord Clarendon's disinterestedness were
+beyond all praise.
+
+Of the Derbyites, he heard that most of them would be very quiet, and
+many would be very friendly.
+
+Lord Breadalbane is to be Lord Chamberlain. We recommend a trial to
+get Lord Jersey to remain as Master of the Horse.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th December 1852._
+
+MY DEAR LORD ABERDEEN,--I have heard rumours of some appointments in
+the Household, for which the writs are to be moved to-morrow. As you
+have not yet placed before the Queen your recommendations, I merely
+write this to you, fearing that the "Whig Party" may deal out places
+before you have had an opportunity of taking the Queen's pleasure.
+Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY'S FAREWELL AUDIENCE]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th December 1852._
+
+Lord Derby had his audience of leave yesterday afternoon. He repeated
+his thanks to the Queen for the support and countenance she had given
+him throughout the period he had been allowed to serve her, adding
+his regrets that his services could not have been more efficient or
+longer. One thing only distressed him in taking leave, and that
+was the idea that the Queen might think he had unnecessarily raised
+difficulties to the formation of a new Government by his Speech in
+the House of Lords. Now, it had been incumbent upon him to show to
+his Party that he had not quitted office on light grounds, after the
+sacrifices of opinion they had brought in order to support him; he had
+to prove that the vote in the House of Commons was not an accidental
+vote, but the preconcerted Union of all Parties (in opposition)
+against him, which gave them a real majority. We replied that it was
+not his opinion on the late division, to the expression of which the
+Queen had objected, but to that of an opinion on the character of
+the new Government which the Queen had not yet formed. It was of the
+greatest importance to keep that in suspense, and the declaration that
+Lord Derby knew Lord Aberdeen to profess Conservative opinions of his
+own (Lord Derby's) shade, had at once given the alarm to the Radicals,
+and made them insist upon a greater proportion of Liberals in the
+Cabinet. Lord Derby rejoined he had expressed his doubts as to how
+these differences could be reconciled; and he did not see now how this
+was to be done. How could Lord Aberdeen and Lord John Russell agree
+upon the Foreign Policy, for instance? The Queen replied that Lord
+John's views were very sound and moderate, and that the line of
+Foreign Policy he had formerly had to pursue had been forced upon him
+by Lord Palmerston, who had never left a question for the decision of
+the Cabinet to which he had not already given a decided bias.
+
+Did Lord Derby know that Lord Palmerston gave it out everywhere that,
+had he been well enough, he should certainly have voted _against_
+the Government? Lord Derby could only say that he had allowed his
+son-in-law, Lord Jocelyn, to go to Italy under the firm conviction
+that Lord Palmerston would refuse to join Lord Aberdeen or Lord John
+Russell!
+
+Lord Derby took leave after five o'clock.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LADY DERBY'S LETTER]
+
+
+_The Countess of Derby to the Marchioness of Ely._[70]
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _27th December 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST LADY ELY,--Lord Derby told me that he saw you yesterday,
+but only for a moment. I think he was nervous about his audience of
+leave, but he returned deeply touched by the kindness of manner of the
+Queen and the Prince. I cannot resist saying to you that, during the
+last year, he has been more and more impressed with the admirable
+qualities of the Queen, and her noble straightforwardness on all
+occasions, and her unvarying kindness have inspired him with the
+strongest attachment (if I may venture so to express his feelings for
+Her Majesty). During that week of terrible suspense he continually
+said to me that his chief anxiety and regret were caused by the fear
+of leaving the Queen, particularly before he had had time and power to
+do more in her service. I am writing in haste, having much to do this
+last day in Town, but I have very often wished that the Queen knew how
+warmly and sincerely Lord Derby is devoted to her service. He is also
+very grateful to the Prince, for whose abilities he has the highest
+admiration, often speaking of his wonderful cleverness. I am delighted
+to hear that the Queen is so well; he said she was looking remarkably
+well yesterday. He told me that Her Majesty used some kind expression
+about myself. If you should have an opportunity of saying to Her
+Majesty how grateful I am for all her former kindness, I should be
+very much obliged to you. Ever yours very affectionately,
+
+EMMA DERBY.
+
+    [Footnote 70: Submitted to the Queen by Lady Ely.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW MINISTRY]
+
+[Pageheading: MR DISRAELI]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th December 1852._
+
+The delivery of the Seals of Office of the outgoing Ministers into the
+Queen's hands, and her bestowal of them upon the new Ministers, took
+place to-day.
+
+Of the former, Mr Disraeli seemed to feel most the loss of office.
+
+We saw Lord Aberdeen for some time, who submitted the names of all the
+persons he recommended for the subordinate Offices, of whom he will
+send a list. We asked him what might have passed between the last
+Session and this to chill his feelings for Lord Derby, who maintained
+that up to the Dissolution he had sent him messages to say that he
+perfectly agreed with him, except on the Commercial Policy, and that
+he never would join the Whigs. Lord Aberdeen disclaimed all knowledge
+of such messages, though he acknowledged to have been very friendly to
+Lord Derby. At the General Election, however, it appeared to him
+that there was such a total want of principle in him and his Party,
+pledging themselves for Protection in one place and Free Trade in
+another, and appearing consistent only on one point, viz. their hatred
+to Sir Robert Peel's memory and his friends, that he became determined
+to have nothing to do with them.
+
+The formation of the Government appeared to give satisfaction to the
+country, though of course the number of the disappointed must be even
+larger than usual on such occasions. Lord Canning seemed very much
+hurt at not being taken into the Cabinet, and felt inclined to refuse
+the Post Office. We agreed upon the impolicy of such a step,
+and encouraged Lord Aberdeen to press him. Lord Clanricarde, and
+particularly Lord Carlisle, were very much grieved at being left out
+altogether, but there was no help for it; for each man taken in from
+one side, two would be proposed from the other, and the Cabinet was
+just large enough to work.
+
+We saw Lord Lansdowne after the Council, who seemed well satisfied
+with the Government, a combination he had so much and so long wished.
+Lord Carlisle's annoyance was the only thing which personally grieved
+him. He said that from the moment he had read Mr Disraeli's Budget he
+had felt sure that the Government would fall immediately; the country
+would never submit to a new tax with a surplus in the Exchequer.
+
+Lord John Russell, whom we saw afterwards, seemed in very good health
+and spirits. He told us that the peaceful parting scene in the House
+of Commons had been his doing; he had told Mr Walpole that he thought
+Mr Disraeli ought to make an apology to the House for the language he
+had used, and which had given pain to a great many persons; and on
+Mr Walpole's saying that that was a very delicate thing to tell Mr
+Disraeli, he had allowed it to be told him as a message from him (Lord
+John). Mr Disraeli declared his readiness, provided others would do
+the same, and declared they had meant no offence.[71] We owned that
+we had been astonished to find them of a sudden all so _well bred_. We
+asked what Lord Palmerston had been about during the crisis? Lord John
+told us in reply that Lord Palmerston had certainly been disposed
+to join Lord Derby's Government, but always said he could not do so
+alone; that if eight of them were to join, then they would have the
+majority in the Cabinet. He also said that he believed Lord Palmerston
+would have voted _for_ some parts of the Budget and against others.
+Lord John does not think that that large Party of Lord Derby's will
+long keep together, that some would vote for the Government, others
+might try to raise a Protestant cry.
+
+Lord Palmerston looked excessively ill, and had to walk with two
+sticks from the gout.
+
+    [Footnote 71: "Mr Disraeli ... with infinite polish and grace
+    asked pardon for the flying words of debate, and drew easy
+    forgiveness from the member (Mr Goulburn), whom a few hours
+    before he had mocked as 'a weird sibyl'; the other member (Sir
+    James Graham), whom he could not say he greatly respected, but
+    whom he greatly regarded; and the third member (Sir C.
+    Wood), whom he bade learn that petulance is not sarcasm, and
+    insolence is not invective. Lord John Russell congratulated
+    him on the ability and the gallantry with which he had
+    conducted the struggle, and so the curtain fell." Morley's
+    _Gladstone_, Book III. chap. viii.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th December 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your dear letter of the 24th reached me on Monday,
+and I thank you warmly for it. The success of our excellent Aberdeen's
+arduous task and the formation of so brilliant and strong a Cabinet
+would, I was sure, please you. It is the realisation of the country's
+and our _most_ ardent wishes, and it deserves success, and will, I
+think, command great support.... It has been an anxious week, and just
+on our happy Christmas Eve we were still very uneasy.
+
+As I mean to write again before this year runs out, and I have a long
+Council with outgoing and incoming Ministers this afternoon, you will
+excuse my taking leave here. Ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SUGGESTED MARRIAGE]
+
+
+_The Princess Hohenlohe to Queen Victoria._
+
+LANGENBURG, _30th December 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--According to your wish and our promise, we send
+this servant with the most unwelcome news that yesterday morning M.
+de Jaux arrived here and told Ernest (as you will see by his letter to
+Albert) that the Count Walewski wishes to have an interview with him
+to confer on the subject we know of. A quarter of an hour before I
+received this letter from Uncle Leopold, which I sent in Ernest's
+letter to Ada, and in which he speaks his opinion that we ought not
+to say "_No_" _at once_, before telling Ada of it. This is very much
+against my wish and Ernest's, for we both would like to make an end
+of the affair as soon as possible, but cannot, as we see the truth of
+what Uncle Leopold says. I send a letter to Mamma to you, and one for
+Ada. Mamma knows of it, as she wrote to me the other day, and I leave
+it to you, dearest Victoria, if you or Mamma will tell the poor child
+of the transaction. She will be in great distress. I wish she may at
+once say "_No_," but am not sure of it; and in our letters we have
+not said anything for the thing, but nothing against also but what
+naturally is to be said against it. She will not know what to do, and
+I am sure you and Mamma will not put it to her in _too_ favourable a
+light, as we are of the same opinion on the subject; but yet there may
+be some things in its favour too. I wish you would make Charles come
+to us--_if you think it wise to do so_--and he not only will try to
+engage us to it. But there may be so many reasons for or against which
+in a letter it is not possible to explain all, and which we could not
+answer in time; besides by him we might learn more accurately what
+Ada feels: but I leave it quite to your and Albert's judgment, if this
+would be a good plan. I am in great distress, you well may think, my
+dearest Victoria. Oh! if we could but say "_No_" at once!...
+
+Many thanks, my dearest Victoria, for your kind letter of the 22nd. In
+the papers I have been following with the greatest interest what has
+been said on the formation of the new Ministry; there is one name
+though which frightens me--Lord Palmerston. Let me wish you joy of the
+New Year; may it _bring peace_ not only to the nations, but also
+to us. Every blessing and happiness to you, dear Albert, and your
+children, and for me your love and affection, which is a blessing to
+your devoted Sister,
+
+FEODORA.
+
+Ernest also wishes you all possible happiness. If Ada has the wish to
+see the Emperor before she decides, what is to be done?
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: NEW YEAR WISHES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st December 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--On _this_, the last day of the old year, allow me
+to offer my most ardent wishes for _many_ and happy returns of the
+New Year to you and yours. May it be one of peace and prosperity to
+us _all_, and may we have the happiness of seeing _you_ again. May we
+still hope to see you this _winter_ or not?
+
+Our Government is very satisfactorily settled. To have my faithful
+friend Aberdeen as Prime Minister is a great happiness and comfort
+for me personally. Lord Palmerston is terribly altered, and all his
+friends think him breaking. He walks with two sticks, and seemed in
+great suffering at the Council, I thought. I must now conclude. Ever
+your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XXII
+
+
+The opening of the year 1853 saw a strong Coalition Ministry in power;
+the necessity of a cordial understanding with France was obvious, but
+bitter and indiscreet attacks on the Emperor of the French were made
+by certain members of the Government, for which Mr Disraeli took them
+severely to task. Lord John Russell, who had been appointed Foreign
+Secretary, resigned that office in February, in favour of Lord
+Clarendon, being unable to bear the twofold burden of the Leadership
+of the House and the Foreign Office. Though the arrangement was
+questioned, he continued during the year to lead the House without
+office. A Canadian Clergy Reserves Bill, an India Bill, introducing
+competitive examination into the Civil Service, and various measures
+of Metropolitan improvement were passed. A more important feature of
+the Session was Mr Gladstone's first Budget, dealing comprehensively
+with the Income Tax, and imposing a duty on successions to real
+property.
+
+The Eastern Question, however, overshadowed all other interests. For
+some time a dispute had existed between the Latin and Greek Churches
+as to the guardianship of the Holy Places (including the Church of
+the Holy Sepulchre) in Palestine. After long negotiations between the
+French and Russian Governments, as representing these Churches, an
+indecisive judgment was pronounced by the Porte, which, however, so
+incensed Russia that she began to make warlike demonstrations,
+and sent Prince Menschikoff to Constantinople to make peremptory
+requisitions as to the Holy Places.
+
+In the meanwhile, the Czar had made confidential overtures to
+Sir Hamilton Seymour, the British Ambassador at St Petersburg,
+representing the Sultan as a very "sick man," and suggesting that,
+on the dissolution of his Empire, a concerted disposal of the Turkish
+dominions should be made by England and Russia; these conversations
+were reported at once to the British Government. Lord Stratford
+de Redcliffe, who had been sent to represent British interests
+at Constantinople, arrived there after Prince Menschikoff, and a
+settlement of the disputes as to the Holy Places was then easily
+effected, Lord Stratford insisting on this question being kept
+independent of any other issue. But Prince Menschikoff had come to
+the conference with instructions to keep an ulterior object in view,
+namely, to advance a claim, by means of a strained interpretation of
+the Treaty of Kainardji of 1774, of a Russian protectorate over the
+Christian subjects of the Sultan. Influenced by Lord Stratford, the
+Porte rejected the claim, and, in retaliation, the Czar occupied the
+Danubian Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia, characterising the
+step not as an act of war, but a material guarantee of Russia's just
+rights. The French Emperor, anxious to divert the attention of his
+subjects from domestic politics, was making preparations for war; and
+similar preparations were also being made in England.
+
+Negotiations took place between the Powers with a view of averting
+war, and a document known as the Vienna Note, to which Great Britain
+and France were parties, and which Russia accepted, was proffered to
+the Sultan: again Lord Stratford interposed to prevent its acceptance,
+and, when the Russian Government subsequently announced its own
+interpretation of the Note, it was apparent that the Western Powers
+had been mistaken as to its purport.
+
+An Ultimatum, requiring the evacuation of the Principalities, was
+sent by the Porte to Russia and rejected: war broke out, and the first
+encounter at Oltenitza, on the 4th of November, resulted in favour of
+Turkey. Meanwhile both the British and French fleets had been sent
+to the East, and, on the declaration of war, the British Admiral
+was instructed to take any action he thought fit to prevent Russian
+aggression on Turkish territory. On the 30th of November the Turkish
+Fleet in Sinope Harbour was destroyed by the Russian squadron, this
+occurrence provoking profound indignation in England, though it had
+been urged both within the Cabinet and outside that the despatch of
+the combined Western Fleets through the Dardanelles was more likely to
+appear as a defiance to Russia than a support to Turkey.
+
+Earlier in the year Lord Aberdeen had desired to retire, but enquiry
+soon disclosed that Lord John Russell no longer had the influence
+necessary to form a Ministry, and in the face of danger Lord Aberdeen
+remained at his post. But there were sharp dissensions in the Cabinet,
+especially between Lord Palmerston, representing the anti-Russian
+party, on the one hand, and on the other Lord Aberdeen, who distrusted
+the Turks, and Mr Gladstone, who disavowed any obligation to uphold
+the integrity of the Ottoman Empire. In December, Lord Palmerston
+resigned office, the ostensible reason being his opposition to the
+contemplated Reform Bill of the Government. The real cause was his
+opinion that apathy was being shown by his colleagues in reference to
+the Eastern Question; however, after arrangements had been made for
+replacing him, he was, at his own desire, re-admitted to the Cabinet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+1853
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _4th January 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--... Our new Government will really, I think,
+command a large support, and, I trust, be of duration, which is a
+great object. Their only difficulty will be the Budget.
+
+The coldness and tardiness of the Northern Powers in recognising _our_
+new _bon Frère_ annoys him very much, and produces a bad effect in
+France. I don't think it is wise. Unnecessary irritation may produce
+_real_ mischief. To squabble about _how_ to call him, after having
+praised and supported him after the _Coup d'État_, seems to me very
+_kleinlich_ and inconsistent, and I think our conduct throughout has
+been much more dignified....
+
+I have read with pleasure the loyal addresses of the Chambers, and
+with peculiar satisfaction the allusion to Leopold's visit to England.
+Let him and Philippe come here often and regularly, and let them study
+this country and her laws _à fond_--it will do them more good than
+all the studying and reading in the world. They all three express most
+warmly to us their hopes of returning to us soon. Do let us have the
+hope of seeing you in February. It would be delightful!... I must now
+wish you good-bye. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: HEADMASTERSHIP OF ETON]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _9th January 1853._
+
+... Lord Aberdeen also begs to mention to your Majesty that he saw
+Dr Hawtrey yesterday and in signifying your Majesty's gracious
+intentions[1] towards him, took an opportunity of expressing in very
+strong terms the great importance of the choice of his successor as
+Headmaster of Eton, and described the requisite qualifications for
+such a situation, as well as the objections to which some appointments
+might be liable. Lord Aberdeen was perfectly understood by Dr Hawtrey,
+although no name was mentioned; and the subject was regarded as being
+of the utmost importance, not only to the school itself, but to the
+nation at large.
+
+    [Footnote 1: Dr E. C. Hawtrey was advanced to the Provostship
+    of Eton upon the death of the Rev. Francis Hodgson. Dr C. O.
+    Goodford succeeded to the Headmastership.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MARRIAGE OF EMPEROR NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_Lady Augusta Bruce to the Duchess of Kent._
+
+RUE DE VARENNES 65, _31st January 1853._
+
+DEAREST MADAME,--I fear that I shall not be able to add much to the
+newspaper account of yesterday's ceremony,[2] for it was one the
+impression of which is best conveyed by a simple and accurate
+description of the scene, and of those arrangements and details which
+combined to render its effect gorgeous and dazzling. Apart, however,
+from the historical interest attached to it as one of the very curious
+acts of the extraordinary Drama now enacting in France, the impression
+produced was one that would be called forth by a magnificent
+theatrical representation, and little more. This seemed to be the
+public feeling, for though multitudes thronged the streets, the day
+being dry, they appeared to be animated by curiosity chiefly, and that
+_sober_ curiosity which now characterises the people of Paris, wearied
+as they are of _novelty_ and excitement. As far as one can judge,
+it does not seem that the lower orders take much interest in this
+marriage; the ambition and vanity of _his_ partisans have been wounded
+by it, and, of course, his enemies do not scruple to calumniate and
+slander the unfortunate object of his choice disgracefully.
+
+It is very difficult to ascertain anything like truth as regards her,
+but her beauty and engaging manners will, it is thought by many, gain
+for her, for a time at least, a greater amount of popularity than his
+friends who now blame the marriage expect. That he is passionately in
+love with her no one doubts, and his countenance on late occasions, as
+well as yesterday, wore a radiant and joyous expression very unusual.
+She, on the contrary, showed a considerable amount of nervousness at
+the Civil Marriage, and was as pale as death yesterday--however, even
+with the high and determined spirit she is supposed to have, this
+might be expected. Lady Cowley had been kind enough to send us an
+invitation, of which we were tempted to avail ourselves.[3] Nothing
+could be more splendid than the decorations of the Cathedral--velvet
+and ermine--gold and silver--flags and hangings of all colours were
+combined and harmonised with the splendid costumes of the Clergy,
+the uniforms, civil and military, and the magnificent dresses of the
+ladies. The greatest mistake was the _conflict_ of lights--the windows
+not having been darkened, though countless thousands of wax candles
+were lighted. The music was very fine.... The object of our neighbours
+seemed to be to scan and criticise the dress of the Bride, and the
+wonderful penetration and accuracy of their eagle glances was to us
+something incredible! Certainly, though unable ourselves at such a
+distance to appreciate the details of her dress or the expression of
+her countenance, we saw her distinctly enough to be able to say that
+a more lovely _coup d'[oe]il_ could not be conceived. Her beautifully
+chiselled features and marble complexion, her nobly _set-on head_,
+her exquisitely proportioned figure and graceful carriage were most
+striking, and the whole was like a Poet's Vision! I believe she is
+equally beautiful when seen close, but at a distance at which we saw
+her the effect was something more than that of a lovely picture, it
+was aerial, ideal. On the classically shaped head she wore a diamond
+crown or diadem, round her waist a row of magnificent diamonds to
+correspond, and the same as trimming round the "basques" of her gown.
+Then a sort of cloud or mist of transparent lace enveloped her,
+which had the effect of that for which, when speaking of the hills in
+Scotland, Princess Hohenlohe could find no English word, "_Duft_." I
+hope your Royal Highness will not think me very much carried by what
+pleases the eye. I felt all the while that one could view the matter
+but as an outside show; as such, in as far as she was concerned,
+it was exquisitely beautiful--and I suppose that a sort of national
+prejudice made me attribute the grace and dignity of the scene,
+for what there was of either came from her, to the blood of
+_Kirkpatrick!!!_
+
+The carriages were ugly and the Procession by no means fine, and
+those in which the Bridal party afterwards travelled to St Cloud,
+were driven by individuals in the famous theatrical costume of the
+well-known "Postillon de Longjumeau!"[4]
+
+    [Footnote 2: The Emperor of the French was married to
+    Mademoiselle Eugénie de Montijo on the 29th of January.
+    William Kirkpatrick, her maternal grandfather, had been a
+    merchant and American Consul at Malaga, and had there married
+    Françoise de Grivegnéc. Their third daughter, Maria
+    Manuela, married, in 1817, the Count de Téba, a member of an
+    illustrious Spanish family, who in 1834 succeeded his brother
+    as Count de Montijo, and died in 1839. His widow held an
+    influential social position at Madrid, and her elder daughter
+    married the Duke of Alba in 1844, while she herself, with
+    Eugénie, her younger daughter, settled in Paris in 1851.]
+
+    [Footnote 3: Lord Cowley had been specifically instructed by
+    the Government to attend the marriage and be presented to the
+    Empress.]
+
+    [Footnote 4: A comic opera, written by Adolphe Adam, and
+    performed at Paris in 1836.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE EMPRESS]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _4th February 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Receive my best thanks for your gracious letter
+of the 1st. Since I wrote to you _le grand événement a eu lieu!_ We
+truly live in times where at least variety is not wanting; the only
+mischief is that like drunkards people want more and more excitement,
+and it therefore will probably end by what remains the most exciting
+of all--War. Amusing and interesting war is, it must be confessed,
+more than anything in the world, and that makes me think that it
+must be the bouquet when people will be _blasé_ of everything else.
+I enclose a letter from our Secretary of Legation at Madrid, Baron
+Beyens, who married a great friend of the Queen, Mademoiselle de Santa
+Cruz, and is much _au fait_ of all things that interest the public
+just now. It seems by what I learned from Paris that the Empress
+communicated to a friend a communication of _son cher époux_ when
+she expressed her sense of her elevation to such eminence; as it may
+interest you and Albert, I will make an extract of it here: "Vous ne
+me parlez, ma chère enfant, que des avantages de la position que je
+vous offre, mais mon devoir est de vous signaler aussi ses dangers;
+ils sont grands, je serai sans doute à vos côtés l'objet de plus d'une
+tentative d'assassinat; indépendamment de cela, je dois vous confier
+que des complots sérieux se fomentent dans l'armée. J'ai l'[oe]il
+ouvert de ce côté et je compte bien d'une manière ou d'autre prévenir
+toute explosion; le moyen sera _peut-être la guerre_. Là encore il y a
+de grandes chances de ruine pour moi. Vous voyez donc bien que vous
+ne devez pas avoir de scrupules pour partager mon sort, les mauvaises
+chances étant peut-être égales aux bonnes!"
+
+I was sorry to hear of Lord Melbourne's, _i.e._, Beauvale's, death.
+I knew him since 1814, and found him always very kind. For poor Lady
+Melbourne, who devoted herself so much, it is a sad blow. We are
+longing for a little cold, but it does not come though we have some
+east wind. I am held back in some of the _most essential_ measures for
+the defence of the country by the tricks of the Chamber. I see that
+the Manchester party shines in unusual Bright-ness and Cobden-ness by
+a degress of absurdity never as yet heard of. In the American War the
+Quakers refused to fight; they did not besides like the extremities
+the States had gone to against the mother country; but not to defend
+its own country against probable invasion is truly too much.
+
+Pray have the goodness to give my best love to Albert, and believe me,
+ever my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th February 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you for two most kind letters of
+the 4th and 7th (which I have just received) with very interesting
+enclosures, which shall be duly returned. The little report of what
+the Emperor said to the Empress is very curious, and tallies with what
+I have also heard of his thinking much more of the insecurity of his
+position than he used to do. The description of the young Empress's
+character is an interesting one, and also agrees with what I had
+heard from those who know her well. It may be in her power to do much
+good--and I hope she may. Her character is made to captivate a man, I
+should say--particularly one like the Emperor.
+
+I am sorry that you have had trouble with your Parliament. Ours begins
+its work on Thursday. The accounts of the support which our
+Government will receive are most satisfactory, and the Cabinet is most
+harmonious.... Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR AND TURKEY]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _8th February 1853._
+
+... Lord John Russell read at the Cabinet a despatch received from
+your Majesty's Minister at St Petersburg, giving an account of an
+interview with the Emperor, at which His Majesty appeared to expect an
+early dissolution of the Turkish Empire, and proposed in such a case
+to act in perfect concert with the British Government. Lord John also
+read the rough draft of a proposed answer to this despatch, which,
+with slight alterations, was fully approved.[5]
+
+Lord Aberdeen does not think there is anything very new in this
+demonstration by the Emperor. It is essentially the same language he
+has held for some years, although, perhaps, the present difficulties
+of Turkey may have rendered him more anxious on the subject....
+
+    [Footnote 5: _See_ Introductory Note, p. 431. The Emperor had,
+    no doubt, misunderstood the attitude of the British Ministry
+    in 1844 on this subject, and regarded Lord Aberdeen as in full
+    sympathy with himself.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE LEADERSHIP]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _12th February 1853._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he has
+waited till to-day in order to be able to give some account of the
+appearance of the House of Commons.
+
+Lord John Russell's statement of measures to be proposed was well
+received, but as it did not contain reform was a disappointment to a
+part of the House. Mr Walpole spoke privately to Lord John Russell
+as to his future position in leading the Government in the House of
+Commons without office. Mr Walpole said it was neither illegal nor
+unconstitutional, but might prove inconvenient as a precedent.
+
+The Speaker said in conversation there was clearly no _constitutional_
+objection, but that the leadership of the House was so laborious that
+an office without other duties ought to be assigned to it....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S DEFENCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th February 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of yesterday, and
+was very glad to hear that he considers the aspect of the House of
+Commons as favourable to the Government.
+
+Lord John alludes for the first time in his letter to a question
+on which the Queen has not hitherto expressed her opinion to him
+personally, viz., how far the proposed new arrangement of Lord John's
+holding the leadership of the House of Commons without office was
+constitutional or not?[6] Her opinion perfectly agrees with that
+expressed by Mr Walpole to Lord John. If the intended arrangement were
+_undoubtedly illegal_ it would clearly never have been contemplated at
+all; but it may prove a _dangerous precedent_.
+
+The Queen would have been quite prepared to give the proposition
+of the Speaker "that the leadership of the House of Commons was so
+laborious, that an Office without other duties ought to be assigned
+to it," her fullest and fairest consideration, upon its merits and its
+constitutional bearings, which ought to have been distinctly set forth
+before her by her constitutional advisers for her final and unfettered
+decision.
+
+What the Queen complains of, and, as she believes with justice, is,
+that so important an innovation in the construction of the executive
+Government should have been practically decided upon by an arrangement
+intended to meet personal wants under peculiar and accidental
+circumstances, leaving the Queen the embarrassing alternative only,
+either to forego the exercise of her own prerogative, or to damage by
+her own act the _formation_ or _stability_ of the new Government, both
+of paramount importance to the welfare of the Country.
+
+[Footnote 6: See _ante_, pp. 417, 421.]
+
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _13th February 1853._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He cannot
+forbear from vindicating himself from the charge of forming or
+being party to an arrangement "intended to meet personal wants
+under peculiar and accidental circumstances, leaving the Queen the
+embarrassing alternative only, either to forego the exercise of
+her own prerogative, or to damage by her own act the _formation_ or
+_stability_ of the new Government--both of paramount importance to the
+welfare of the Country."
+
+Lord John Russell has done all in his power to contribute to the
+formation of a Ministry in which he himself holds a subordinate
+situation, from which nearly all his dearest political friends are
+excluded, and which is held by some to extinguish the party which for
+eighteen years he has led.
+
+He has done all this in order that your Majesty and the Country might
+not be exposed to the evil of a weak Ministry liable to be overthrown
+at any moment, formed whether by Lord Derby, or by himself at the head
+of one party only.
+
+But in consenting to this arrangement he was desirous to maintain his
+honour intact, and for this purpose he asked before the Ministry was
+formed for the honour of an Audience of your Majesty, that he might
+explain all the circumstances of his position.
+
+This Audience was not granted, and Lord John Russell has never been
+in a situation to explain to your Majesty why he believes that his
+leading the House of Commons without office is not liable to any
+constitutional objection.
+
+The Speaker and Mr Walpole both concur that no constitutional
+objection to this arrangement exists, but should your Majesty wish to
+see the arguments briefly stated by which Lord John Russell has been
+convinced, he should be happy to be allowed to lay them before your
+Majesty.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE REFUGEE QUESTION]
+
+
+_The Earl of Clarendon to Queen Victoria._
+
+_25th February 1853._
+
+Lord Clarendon presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+humbly begs to state that Count Colloredo[7] called upon him this
+afternoon.... Count Colloredo then said that he had another and more
+disagreeable subject to discuss with Lord Clarendon. He commenced
+by reading a note from Count Buol[8] complaining bitterly of the
+refugees, and the manner in which they abused the hospitality
+afforded them in this country, and attributing in great measure to the
+proclamations of Kossuth and Mazzini the late insurrection at Milan,
+and the attempt on the Emperor's life.[9] This note expressed a
+hope and belief that some measure would at once be adopted by
+your Majesty's Government to remove the just complaints of
+Allied Governments, and intimated that should this hope not
+be _spontaneously_ realised some measures on the part of those
+Governments would become necessary for their own protection as well as
+to mark their sense of the wrong done to them by England.
+
+Lord Clarendon said that your Majesty's Government were as indignant
+as that of Austria could be at the disgraceful abuse of the protection
+afforded to these refugees; but he could hold out no hope of any
+legislation for the purpose of sending them out of the country.
+
+Count Colloredo did not disguise his annoyance and disappointment at
+this, and seemed to attribute it to want of goodwill on the part of
+your Majesty's Government, which he felt sure would have the support
+of public opinion in proposing such a measure as his Government
+desired.
+
+The discussion became rather warm, and Lord Clarendon thought it
+right to remark that too much importance might be given to these
+proclamations and too little to the causes which at home might lead
+the subjects of Austria to manifest their discontent by revolutionary
+outbreaks, nor could we conceal from ourselves that the complaints
+about the refugees were occasionally directed against the free
+institutions which gave them protection, and that we were not always
+viewed with favour as presenting the single but prosperous exception
+to that system of government which otherwise would now almost be
+uniform in Europe.[10]
+
+    [Footnote 7: Austrian Ambassador.]
+
+    [Footnote 8: Austrian Prime Minister.]
+
+    [Footnote 9: Kossuth and Mazzini were in England, prosecuting
+    their schemes against Austria; the Austrian Government
+    attributed to them the Milanese rising, and the recent attempt
+    to assassinate the Emperor Francis Joseph at Vienna.]
+
+    [Footnote 10: The Refugee Question was debated in the House of
+    Lords on the 4th of March.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _9th March 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter, and the reports on
+the Militia which she returns, having marked several parts in them
+which show an absence of the most important requisites. Already in
+October the Queen observed upon the want of arms for the Militia, and
+was invariably answered that they would be immediately provided. But
+by these reports this seems still not to be the case.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PRINCE MENSCHIKOFF]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _18th March 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Receive my best thanks for your gracious letter
+of the 15th. I trust that the bitter cold weather we have now again
+will not displease you. I fear Albert's heavy cold will not be the
+better by the east wind which makes one shiver. I am thunderstruck by
+a telegraph despatch from Marseilles of the 17th, which declares that
+Prince Menschikoff has not succeeded, and has therefore given orders
+for the Russian fleet to come to Constantinople.[11] Heaven grant
+that these news may not be true, though bad news generally turn out
+correct. I am so sorry to see the Emperor Nicholas, who had been so
+wise and dignified since 1848, become so very unreasonable. In Austria
+they are still a good deal excited. One can hardly feel astonished
+considering circumstances; I trust that reflection may induce them to
+modify their measures. The Italian Nobles have shown themselves great
+fools by acting as they have done, and thereby giving an opening to
+social revolution. By some accident we have been within these few days
+well informed of some of the movements of the good people that enjoy
+an asylum in England. Kossuth is now the great director and favourite,
+and Republics are everywhere to spring up, till he (Kossuth) is to be
+again Dictator or Emperor somewhere.... Europe will never recover that
+shock of 1848.
+
+My dearest Victoria, your truly devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 11: _See_ Introductory Note, _ante_, pp. 431.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE "HOLY PLACES"]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _22nd March 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He encloses
+a letter from Lord Cowley, which shows a considerable degree of
+irritation on the part of the French Government, and of embarrassment
+in consequence of the rash step they have taken in ordering the
+departure of their fleet from Toulon to the Greek Waters.[12] If no
+catastrophe should take place at Constantinople, as Lord Aberdeen
+hopes and believes, this irritation will probably subside, and they
+may find us useful in assisting them to escape from their difficulty
+with respect to the "Holy Places."
+
+Lord Aberdeen has seen the Instructions of Prince Menschikoff, which
+relate exclusively to the claims of the Greek Church at Jerusalem; and
+although these conditions may humiliate Turkey, and wound the vanity
+of France, there is nothing whatever to justify the reproach
+of territorial aggression, or hostile ambition. If the Turkish
+Government, relying upon the assistance of England and France, should
+remain obstinate, the affair might become serious; but even then, Lord
+Aberdeen is convinced that no final step will be taken by the Emperor,
+without previous communication to England.
+
+Much depends upon the personal character of Prince Menschikoff. If
+he can command himself sufficiently to wait for the arrival of Lord
+Stratford, Lord Aberdeen does not doubt that the matter will be
+settled, without coming to extremities....
+
+    [Footnote 12: Even before the Conference met, Menschikoff's
+    overbearing conduct and demeanour had induced Napoleon to
+    despatch the French Fleet from Toulon to Salamis, to watch
+    events.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR CONCILIATORY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd March 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of yesterday, and
+returns Lord Cowley's. Everything appears to her to depend upon the
+real nature of the demands made by Russia, and the Queen was therefore
+glad to hear from Lord Aberdeen that he found nothing in Prince
+Menschikoff's instructions to justify the reproach of territorial
+aggression or hostile ambition. Still the mode of proceeding at
+Constantinople is not such as would be resorted to towards a "sick
+friend for whose life there exists much solicitude." This ought
+clearly to be stated to Baron Brunnow, in the Queen's opinion.
+
+The two Drafts to Sir H. Seymour and Lord Cowley struck the Queen as
+very temperate, conciliatory, and dignified.
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Clarendon to Queen Victoria._
+
+_29th March 1853._
+
+Lord Clarendon presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and humbly
+begs to state that he had this afternoon a satisfactory interview with
+the French Ambassador, who told him that the Emperor had to a certain
+extent been deceived upon the Eastern Question, and that he had given
+his decision without fully considering the matter in all its bearings.
+But that he had since viewed it in a different light, and had so
+far recognised the propriety of the course adopted by your Majesty's
+Government, that if the sailing order had not been improperly
+published in the _Moniteur_ the French Fleet should not have quitted
+Toulon.
+
+Count Walewski further stated that _the Persons_ who had thus advised
+the Emperor, finding that their views were not supported by facts as
+they hoped, had endeavoured to throw the blame upon England and to
+show that France had been abandoned and Russia preferred by your
+Majesty's Government, and that hence had arisen the want of cordiality
+and good feeling with respect to which Lord Clarendon some days ago
+spoke to Count Walewski. He, however, assured Lord Clarendon that all
+this had now passed away, and that the Emperor was as anxious as
+ever for a good understanding with England, and particularly upon
+all matters connected with the East. Lord Clarendon expressed
+great satisfaction that this momentary difference between the two
+Governments should be at an end.
+
+Count Walewski in confidence requested Lord Clarendon to impress
+upon Lord Cowley the necessity of often seeing the Emperor, and not
+trusting to the Minister, when any question of difficulty arose.
+
+Count Walewski said the Emperor was particularly anxious that your
+Majesty should know that the liberation of the Madiai[13] was owing to
+the interference which the French Legation had been instructed by the
+Emperor to use in their behalf.
+
+    [Footnote 13: Two persons, husband and wife, domiciled in
+    Florence, who had embraced the English reformed religion. In
+    1852 they were seized, imprisoned in separate dungeons, and
+    subjected to great hardships. Lords Shaftesbury and Roden went
+    to Florence and appealed to the Grand Duke on their behalf,
+    but were unsuccessful. In March 1853, however, after the
+    British Government had interposed, the two were released, a
+    pension being provided for them by public subscription.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th March 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you very much for your kind letter
+of the 25th....
+
+I hope that the Oriental Question will be satisfactorily settled.
+From all the confidential reports we have received from the Emperor of
+Russia, I think I may safely say that though he has treated the Sultan
+rather overbearingly and roughly, there is _no_ alteration in
+his views--and _no wish whatever_ on his part to appropriate
+Constantinople or any of those parts to himself--though he does not
+wish us, or France or Austria _or Greece_, to have it either. But he
+thinks the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire very imminent, which
+I really think is not the case. The Russians accuse us (as we have
+preached moderation) of being too French--and the French of being too
+Russian!....
+
+Now with Albert's love, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Clarendon_.
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th March 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Clarendon's letter with great
+satisfaction. We are now reaping the fruits of an honest and
+straightforward conduct, and the Queen hopes Lord Clarendon will
+likewise in all future cases of difficulty arrest the mischief, sure
+to arise from a continuance of mutual suspicion between this
+Country and any Power, by at once entering upon full and unreserved
+explanations, on the first symptoms of distrust.
+
+As the Emperor deserves great credit, if he really caused the
+liberation of the Madiai, the Queen wishes Lord Clarendon to express
+to Count Walewski her feelings on this subject.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR'S LETTER]
+
+
+_The Emperor of Russia to the Prince Albert._
+
+                      8
+ST. PÉTERSBOURG, _le -- Avril 1853._
+                     20
+
+MONSEIGNEUR,--J'allais Vous adresser mes félicitations sincères pour
+l'heureuse délivrance de Sa Majesté la Reine, quand Votre aimable
+lettre est venue me prévenir.[14] Veuillez donc, Monseigneur, être
+persuadé, que c'est avec grande joie, que ma femme et moi, nous avons
+appris cet heureux événement, et j'ose aussi vous prier de déposer
+aux pieds de Sa Majesté mes humbles hommages et félicitations. Je me
+flatte n'avoir pas besoin de Vous assurer tous deux, Monseigneur, de
+toute la sincérité des sentiments d'affection que je Vous porte. Cette
+fois j'ose y joindre mes remercîments bien sentis à Sa Majesté la
+Reine, pour l'indulgence et l'attention qu'Elle a daigné prêter aux
+communications dont j'avais chargé directement Sir Hamilton Seymour,
+qui a le mérite seul d'avoir su transmettre mes intentions avec une
+fidélité et une exactitude parfaites.
+
+Je crois que dans peu Sa Majesté la Reine sera dans le cas de se
+persuader, que _Son sincère et fidèle ami_ l'a prévenue à temps de
+ce qu'il prévoyait devoir infailliblement arriver; non certes dans
+l'intention d'être un _prophète de mauvais augure_, mais dans la
+conviction intime, que ce n'est que la confiance la plus intime, la
+plus complette et la plus parfaitte identité de vues entre Sa Majesté
+et Son très humble serviteur, c. à. d. entre l'Angleterre et la
+Russie, que peuvent commander aux événements et conjurer de terribles
+catastrophes!
+
+Maintenant nous nous entendons, et je m'en remets à Dieu pour tout ce
+qui doit arriver.
+
+C'est avec la plus haute considération et la plus sincère amitié que
+je serais, toujours, Monseigneur, de Votre Altesse Royale le tout
+dévoué Cousin,
+
+NICOLAS.
+
+    [Footnote 14: The fourth son of the Queen and Prince,
+    afterwards Duke of Albany, was born on the 7th of April at
+    Buckingham Palace.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: BIRTH OF PRINCE LEOPOLD]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _18th April 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--My first letter is _this_ time, as last time,
+addressed to you; last time it was because dearest Louise, to whom the
+first had heretofore always been addressed, was with me--alas! _now_,
+she is no longer amongst us! I can report very favourably of
+myself, for I have never been better or stronger or altogether more
+comfortable.
+
+Stockmar will have told you that _Leopold_ is to be the name of our
+fourth young gentleman. It is a mark of love and affection which I
+hope you will not disapprove. It is a name which is the dearest to me
+after Albert, and one which recalls the almost _only_ happy days of my
+sad childhood; to hear "Prince Leopold" again, will make me think of
+all those days! His other names will be George Duncan Albert, and
+the Sponsors, the King of Hanover, Ernest Hohenlohe, the Princess of
+Prussia and Mary Cambridge.
+
+George is after the King of Hanover, and Duncan as a compliment to
+dear Scotland.... Ever your devoted Niece and Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MR GLADSTONE'S BUDGET]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _19th April 1853._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is
+happy to say that Mr Gladstone's statement last night was one of
+the most powerful financial speeches ever made in the House of
+Commons.[15]
+
+Mr Pitt in the days of his glory might have been more imposing, but he
+could not have been more persuasive.
+
+Lord John Russell is very sanguine as to the success of the plan, both
+in the House of Commons and in the country.
+
+    [Footnote 15: Mr Gladstone's Budget imposed a duty for the
+    first time on the succession to real property; he retained
+    the Income Tax for two years longer, at its then rate of
+    sevenpence in the pound on incomes above £150, and extended
+    it, at the rate of fivepence in the pound, to incomes between
+    £100 and £150. Ireland was made subject to the tax, but
+    received relief in other directions. Remissions of indirect
+    taxes were also made, and one of these, the repeal of the
+    Advertisement Duty, was carried against the Government.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Mr Gladstone._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _19th April 1853._
+
+MY DEAR MR GLADSTONE,--I must write to you a line in order to
+congratulate you on your success of last night. I have just completed
+a close and careful perusal of your speech, which I admire extremely,
+and I have heard from all sides that the effect it has produced is
+very good. Trusting that your Christian humility will not allow you
+to become dangerously elated, I cannot resist sending you the report
+which Lord John Russell made to the Queen for your perusal; knowing
+that it will give you pleasure, and that these are the best rewards
+which a public man can look for. Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Gladstone to the Prince Albert._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _19th April 1853._
+
+Sir,--I have to offer my most humble and grateful thanks to Her
+Majesty for graciously allowing me to know the terms in which Lord
+John Russell's kindness allowed him to describe the statement made by
+me last night in the House of Commons; and to your Royal Highness for
+the letter which your Royal Highness had been pleased to address to
+me.
+
+The reception which you, Sir, gave to my explanation on the 9th
+instant of the propositions I had to submit to the Cabinet, was one of
+the first and best omens of their favourable fortune.
+
+As a Servant of the Crown, deeply sharing in that attachment which
+all servants of Her Majesty must feel both to her Throne and Person,
+I venture to hope that the propositions of the Government declared
+through me, are in accordance with our faith and loyalty to Her
+Majesty.
+
+For myself, Sir, I am most thankful, if it can be said that I have not
+by my own defects injured a good and an honest cause; my only title to
+reward lies in sincerity of purpose, and by such testimony as that of
+your Royal Highness I am already much more than duly rewarded....
+
+I return the letter of Lord John Russell, and I pray your Royal
+Highness to believe me, Sir, your most dutiful and most obedient
+Servant,
+
+W. E. GLADSTONE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE INDIA BILL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+OSBORNE, _27th May 1853._
+
+The Queen has read Lord Aberdeen's letter of yesterday with great
+concern. She had been much surprised to hear from Lord John Russell on
+the 24th that "in concert with Sir Charles Wood and Sir James Graham,
+he had settled last night to propose to the Cabinet on Wednesday to
+delay the measure (on the Indian Government) till next Session, and
+that Sir James Graham had stated that Lord Aberdeen would be ready
+to assent to this course."[16] She did not answer Lord John until she
+should have heard from Lord Aberdeen himself. From the explanation he
+has now given to the Queen, she must say that it would have a _very
+bad_ effect if the measure were withdrawn at the eleventh hour, and
+after all that has been publicly and privately stated.[17] Nothing
+damages a Government more than the appearance of vacillation and
+uncertainty of purpose, and no Government ought to shun this more
+than the _present_. The fact of a dissension in the Cabinet on a vital
+point, which it cannot be hoped will remain concealed, must besides
+much impair its vigour and power....
+
+The Queen earnestly hopes that it will not become necessary to change
+the course announced by the Government.
+
+    [Footnote 16: The India Bill, which passed during the Session,
+    threw open the lucrative patronage of the Company (whose
+    existence was continued but with less absolute control) to
+    competition. The Mutiny, and the resulting legislation of
+    1858, tended subsequently to overshadow Sir Charles Wood's
+    measure.]
+
+    [Footnote 17: The matter had been referred to a Cabinet
+    Committee, reported upon, agreed to in full Cabinet, proposed
+    to and sanctioned by the Queen and announced to Parliament.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE EMPEROR FRANCIS JOSEPH]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _3 June 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST, BEST VICTORIA,--... The young Emperor[18] I confess I like
+much, there is much sense and courage in his warm blue eye, and it is
+not without a very amiable merriment when there is occasion for it.
+He is slight and very graceful, but even in the _mêlée_ of dancers and
+Archdukes, and all in uniform, he may always be distinguished as
+the _Chef_. This struck me more than anything, as now at Vienna the
+dancing is also that general _mêlée_ which renders waltzing most
+difficult.... The manners are excellent and free from pompousness or
+awkwardness of any kind, simple, and when he is graciously disposed,
+as he was to me, _sehr herzlich und natürlich_. He keeps every one
+in great order without requiring for this an _outré_ appearance of
+authority, merely because he is the master, and there is that about
+him which gives authority, and which sometimes those _who have the
+authority cannot succeed in getting accepted or in practising_. I
+think he may be severe _si l'occasion se présente_; he has something
+very _muthig_. We were several times surrounded by people of all
+classes, and he certainly quite at their mercy, but I never saw his
+little _muthig_ expression changed either by being pleased or alarmed.
+I trust that this family connection may mitigate the only impression
+which in Austria has created a hostile feeling, viz. the suspicions
+in Palmerston's time that it had become a plan of England _to
+destroy_ the Austrian Empire. After the _attentat_ on the Emperor the
+impression on those who are attached to their country was, and
+still is, that in England a sort of menagerie of Kossuths, Mazzinis,
+Lagranges, Ledru Rollins, etc., is kept to be let occasionally loose
+on the Continent to render its quiet and prosperity impossible. That
+impression, which Lord Aberdeen stated in the House of Lords at the
+end of April, is strong everywhere on the Continent, in Prussia as it
+is in Austria, and even here our _industriels_ are convinced of it.
+About what is to be done by way of graciousness on your part we will
+consider. ...Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Duke of Newcastle to Queen Victoria._
+
+_7th June 1853._
+
+The Duke of Newcastle presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+has the honour of bringing under your Majesty's notice a desire for
+some time past felt by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and by others
+interested in the welfare of the Church of England in the Colonies,
+that the extensive See of Capetown should be divided, and that a new
+Bishopric of Grahamstown should be erected.
+
+An endowment of £10,000 for the proposed See has lately been provided
+by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.
+
+The Duke of Newcastle under these circumstances hopes that your
+Majesty will approve of the erection of this new See, and has the
+honour to recommend to your Majesty that, in that case the Rev. J. W.
+Colenso should be appointed to it.
+
+Mr Colenso at present holds a living in the Diocese of Norwich, he was
+second wrangler at Cambridge, and was at one time tutor to two of the
+sons of the late Sir Robert Peel at Harrow.
+
+The Duke of Newcastle has received a very high character of Mr Colenso
+from his Diocesan, and the Archbishop of Canterbury considers him a
+fit person to be recommended to your Majesty.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING OF HANOVER]
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd June 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your kind letter of the 17th, which
+I could not answer on my usual day (yesterday), as we were the whole
+day at the Camp, where there was a Review, at which I rode. It was
+a very fine sight, but my enjoyment was a good deal spoilt by the
+nervousness which I was in at having my poor blind cousin[19] _on_
+horseback next to me--_led_. It is a sad sight, and one which keeps
+me in a constant state of anxiety, as one is afraid of saying or doing
+anything which may pain or distress him, or of his meeting with any
+accident; but he manages it wonderfully well, hardly ever makes a
+mistake, and manages so well at dinner. He is very cheerful, kind,
+and civil, and would be very good looking if it were not for his poor
+eyes. He likes to go everywhere and do everything like anybody else,
+and speaks of things _as if he saw_ them....
+
+The Oriental Question is at a standstill. It is the Emperor of
+Russia who must enable _us_ to help him out of the difficulty. I feel
+convinced that _War will_ be _avoided_, but I don't see _how_ exactly.
+Our Troops looked beautiful yesterday. I wish your young people could
+see our Camp.[20]
+
+With Albert's love, believe me, ever, your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 19: King George V. of Hanover.]
+
+    [Footnote 20: Lord Stratford de Redcliffe had insisted that
+    the disputed points as to the guardianship of the Holy Places,
+    and the Russian demand for a Protectorate over the Christian
+    subjects of the Sultan, should be kept distinct. After the
+    former had been arranged and the latter had been rejected by
+    the Porte acting under Lord Stratford's advice, Menschikoff
+    abruptly quitted Constantinople, and the Russian troops,
+    crossing the Pruth, invaded the Danubian principalities of
+    Moldavia and Wallachia (now united as Roumania). In England,
+    meanwhile, a military encampment had been established at
+    Chobham.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF LADY DALHOUSIE]
+
+
+_The Earl of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria._
+
+_12th July 1853._
+
+Lord Dalhousie presents his humble duty to your Majesty, most
+gratefully acknowledging the gracious words which your Majesty has
+addressed to him in the time of his great affliction.[21]
+
+Your Majesty has been pleased for many years to honour him with
+frequent marks of personal distinction. He is indeed most keenly
+sensible of the favour which bestowed them all. But his deep gratitude
+must ever be given to the goodness which dictated the touching
+assurance he has now received of your Majesty's interest in the
+piteous fate of one who for eighteen years has been all the world to
+him, whose patient, gentle spirit, and whose brave heart had turned
+aside so many perils, and who yet has sunk at last under the very
+means on which all had securely reckoned as her certain safety.
+
+Lord Dalhousie ought not perhaps to have uttered even this much of his
+sorrow, but your Majesty's truly gracious words have melted it from
+his heart; and still encourage him to believe that your Majesty will
+not regard it as obtrusive.
+
+Lord Dalhousie will not mingle the other topics, on which it is his
+duty to address your Majesty, with this respectful expression of the
+enduring gratitude, with which he has the honour to subscribe himself,
+your Majesty's most obedient, most humble, and most faithful Subject
+and Servant,
+
+DALHOUSIE.
+
+    [Footnote 21: Lady Dalhousie died on the 6th of May, on her
+    passage home from India.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S ATTITUDE]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _11th September 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen presents his most humble duty to your Majesty....
+
+Lord Aberdeen has by no means forgotten the conversation to which your
+Majesty has referred; but after full consideration he believes that
+the safest and best course has been adopted.[22] Trusting to your
+Majesty's gracious condescension, and the confidence with which Lord
+Aberdeen has been honoured, he will humbly venture to lay before your
+Majesty, without any reserve, the motives which have induced him to
+offer this advice to your Majesty.
+
+The situation of Lord Palmerston is peculiar.[23] Unless he should
+continue to be a cordial member of your Majesty's Government, he may
+very easily become the leader of Opposition. Lord Aberdeen is at this
+moment ignorant of his real views and intentions. He has been recently
+more than once thwarted in his endeavours to press a hostile policy
+upon the Cabinet; and it has been reported to Lord Aberdeen that he
+has expressed himself in terms of great hostility. This cannot perhaps
+be avoided, and is only the result of taking different views of the
+public interest; but it is very essential that Lord Palmerston should
+have no personal or private cause of complaint against Lord Aberdeen.
+From his office of Home Secretary he might naturally expect to have
+the honour of attending your Majesty; and should this not be the
+case he might probably resent it and attribute it to the jealousy and
+ill-will of Lord Aberdeen. But whether he did this, or not, himself,
+the Public and the Press would not fail to do so, and would convert
+this neglect into the ground of the most hostile and bitter attacks.
+
+Your Majesty may perhaps be aware that there is no amount of flattery
+which is not offered to Lord Palmerston by the Tory party, with the
+hope of separating him altogether from the Government.
+
+Lord Aberdeen fully admits that this step which he has humbly proposed
+to your Majesty may fail to produce any good effect, and that it may
+even be turned hereafter to the injury of the Government; but, at
+all events, Lord Aberdeen's conscience will be clear; and if Lord
+Palmerston has any generous feelings, it is not impossible that he
+may appreciate favourably a proceeding which cannot but afford him
+personal satisfaction.
+
+    [Footnote 22: Lord Aberdeen had suggested that it would be
+    advisable for several reasons that Lord Palmerston should
+    be invited to Balmoral as Minister in attendance, and he
+    accordingly went there on the 15th of September.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
+
+BALMORAL, _24th September 1853._
+
+The Queen has this morning received Lord Clarendon's letter of the
+22nd inst. She has not been surprised at the line taken by Austria,
+who, Lord Clarendon will remember, the Queen never thought could
+be depended upon, as she is not in that independent position which
+renders a National Policy possible. The accounts from Constantinople
+are very alarming, and make the Queen most anxious for the future. She
+quite approves of the steps taken by the Government. The presence of
+the Fleets at Constantinople in case of general disturbance will take
+from the Emperor of Russia what Lord Cowley calls his _coup de Théâtre
+à la Sadlers Wells_, viz.: the part of the generous protector of the
+Sultan and restorer of Order.[24]
+
+    [Footnote 23: Lord Palmerston and Lord John Russell led the
+    war party in the Cabinet; but the latter was pledged to the
+    introduction of a Reform Bill, while the former was opposed
+    to the scheme. Lord Aberdeen's pacific views were making him
+    increasingly unpopular in the country.]
+
+    [Footnote 24: Even after the Russian occupation of the
+    Principalities, which the Russian Minister, Count Nesselrode,
+    had described as not an act of war, but a material guarantee
+    for the concession by Turkey of the Russian demands,
+    the resources of diplomacy were not exhausted. The Four
+    Powers--England, France, Austria, and Prussia--agreed, in
+    conference at Vienna, to present a note for acceptance by
+    Russia and the Porte, to the effect (_inter alia_) that the
+    Government of the Sultan would remain faithful "to the letter
+    and to the spirit of the Treaties of Kainardji and Adrianople
+    relative to the protection of the Christian religion." This
+    was most unfortunately worded, but, however, the clause had
+    obtained the sanction of the English Government, and the
+    Czar expressed his willingness to accept it. Lord Stratford,
+    however, saw the danger underlying the ambiguity of the
+    language, and, under his advice, the Porte proposed as an
+    amendment the substitution of the words "to the stipulations
+    of the Treaty of Kainardji, confirmed by that of Adrianople,
+    relative to the protection by the Sublime Porte of the
+    Christian religion." The Russian Government refused to accept
+    this amendment, and from that moment war was inevitable. The
+    British Fleet under Admiral Dundas had been sent from Malta to
+    the East at the beginning of June.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE VIENNA NOTE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+BALMORAL, _25th September 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of the 23rd, and is very
+thankful to him for this full and lucid statement of the present very
+critical situation.
+
+She transmits to him a memorandum containing our views, drawn up
+by the Prince with the desire he might also communicate it to Lord
+Clarendon.[25]
+
+The Queen must say she now rejoices the Fleets should be on their way
+to Constantinople.
+
+God grant that any outbreak at Constantinople may yet be averted.
+
+    [Footnote 25: The Memorandum stated that it would be fruitless
+    further to attempt to settle the dispute by the "Rédaction" of
+    Notes to be exchanged between Turkey and Russia, or the
+    choice of particular words and expressions in public documents
+    designed in order to avoid naming the real objects in dispute.
+
+    "It is evident" (it was added) "that Russia has hitherto
+    attempted to deceive us in pretending that she did not aim
+    at the acquisition of any _new_ Right, but required only a
+    satisfaction of honour and a re-acknowledgment of the Rights
+    she already possessed by Treaty; that she _does intend_ and
+    for the first time lays bare that intention, to acquire _new_
+    Rights of interference which the Porte does _not_ wish to
+    concede and cannot concede, and which the European Powers have
+    repeatedly declared she _ought not_ to concede....
+
+    "If the views of Russia, for instance, with regard to
+    'Modification III. of the Note,' were to prevail, the
+    extension of the advantages and privileges enjoyed by
+    Christian communities, in their capacity as _foreigners_,
+    to the Greeks generally, with the Right granted to Russia
+    to intercede for them to this effect, would simply make
+    foreigners of 10,000,000 of the subjects of the Porte, or
+    depose the Sultan as their sovereign, putting the Emperor of
+    Russia in his place."]
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _6th October 1853._
+
+... The Cabinet will meet to-morrow; and Lord Aberdeen will have
+the honour of humbly reporting to your Majesty the result of their
+discussions. It will be Lord Aberdeen's endeavour to prevent any rash
+decision; and, above all, to keep open the possibility of peaceful
+communications. No doubt, it may be very agreeable to humiliate the
+Emperor of Russia; but Lord Aberdeen thinks that it is paying a little
+too dear for this pleasure, to check the progress and prosperity of
+this happy country, and to cover Europe with confusion, misery, and
+blood.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MOVEMENTS OF THE FLEET]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _7th October 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty. As your
+Majesty will expect to hear from him to-day, he has the honour of
+addressing your Majesty, although he could wish that it had been in
+his power to give your Majesty a more full and satisfactory account
+of the decisions of the Cabinet. The meeting was very long, and
+considerable difference of opinion prevailed in the course of the
+discussion. At length, however, Lord Aberdeen is happy to say there
+was such an agreement as ensured a certain degree of unanimity. With
+this view, it was determined to adhere to a defensive principle
+of action in the East. The Fleets may perhaps be already at
+Constantinople; but, at all events, they are to be brought there
+forthwith, and to be stationed either there or in the Bosphorus,
+unless the Russians should cross the Danube, or make any attack upon
+the Turkish possessions on the coast of the Black Sea. In this case,
+the combined Fleets would enter the Black Sea, for the defence of the
+Turkish territory.
+
+Considering the position we have already assumed in this unfortunate
+affair, perhaps it was impossible to do less than this; and as there
+is very little chance of Russia undertaking any active hostilities
+of the nature apprehended, it may reasonably be hoped that no actual
+collision will take place. At the same time it must be recollected
+that Russia will regard the entrance of line of battle-ships into the
+Black Sea as a virtual declaration of war against herself.
+
+There is yet no confirmation of the actual declaration of war by
+the Porte, and although there is no reason to suspect any serious
+impediment to the decision of the Divan being fulfilled, it is rather
+strange that intelligence to this effect has not been received. If
+Lord Stratford should see great cause for apprehension at the prospect
+of the Turks in the prosecution of hostilities, it is just possible
+that by his influence he may have arrested the progress of their
+warlike measures; but probably this is too much to hope. At all
+events, Lord Aberdeen trusts that the path of negotiation is not
+finally closed, and that, notwithstanding the equivocal position of
+Great Britain in this contest, it may still be possible to employ
+words of conciliation and peace....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: WAR IMMINENT]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN OVERBORNE]
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BALMORAL, _10th October 1853._
+
+I had a long interview with Sir James Graham this morning, and told
+him that Lord Aberdeen's last letter to the Queen and him[26] made us
+very uneasy. It was evident that Lord Aberdeen was, against his
+better judgment, consenting to a course of policy which he inwardly
+condemned, that his desire to maintain unanimity at the Cabinet led
+to concessions which by degrees altered the whole character of the
+policy, while he held out no hope of being able permanently to secure
+agreement. I described the Queen's position as a very painful one.
+Here were decisions taken by the Cabinet, perhaps even acted upon,
+involving the most momentous consequences, without her previous
+concurrence or even the means for her to judge of the propriety or
+impropriety of course to be adopted, with evidence that the Minister,
+in whose judgment the Queen placed her chief reliance, disapproved
+of it. The position was morally and constitutionally a wrong one. The
+Queen ought to have the whole policy in spirit and ultimate tendency
+developed before her to give her deliberate sanction to it, knowing
+what it involved her in abroad and at home. She might now be involved
+in war, of which the consequences could not be calculated, chiefly by
+the desire of Lord Aberdeen to keep his Cabinet together; this might
+then break down, and the Queen would be left without an efficient
+Government, and a war on her hands. Lord Aberdeen renounced one of his
+chief sources of strength in the Cabinet, by not making it apparent
+that he requires the sanction of the Crown to the course proposed by
+the Cabinet, and has to justify his advice by argument before it can
+be adopted, and that it does not suffice to come to a decision at the
+table of the Cabinet. Sir James Graham perfectly coincided with this
+view and offered to go up to Town immediately. The Queen wrote the
+letter to Lord Aberdeen ... which Sir James takes up with him. He
+shall arrive at Windsor on Friday (14th), and Lord Aberdeen is to have
+an Audience on Saturday. Sir James will tell him that the Queen wants
+his deliberate opinion on what course is best to be followed, and
+that the course once adopted should be steadily and uninterruptedly
+pursued.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 26:
+
+    _The Earl of Aberdeen to Sir James Graham._
+    [_Submitted to the Queen._]
+
+    ARGYLL HOUSE, _8th October 1853._
+
+    MY DEAR GRAHAM,--... When we met, Clarendon made a sort of
+    _résumé_ of what had taken place before we all separated, but
+    ended with no specific proposal. After a few interlocutory
+    remarks from different quarters, Palmerston proposed his plan.
+    Lord John faintly supported it in general terms, but did not
+    seem much in earnest about it. I said that it appeared to
+    involve the necessity of a declaration of war against Russia,
+    and the calling together Parliament forthwith. Gladstone
+    strongly argued against the proposal. Clarendon then read
+    an outline of his proposed instructions, which were a great
+    abatement from Palmerston's plan. We came at last to a sort
+    of compromise; our great difficulty being now to deal with the
+    question of entering the Black Sea. I consented to this being
+    done, provided it was strictly in defence of some point of
+    attack on Turkish territory. I have no fear that this will
+    take place; and as long as we abstain from entering the Black
+    Sea, Peace may be possible between us and Russia. We have thus
+    assumed a strictly defensive position, which for the
+    moment may be sufficient, and will enable us to carry on
+    negotiations; but this cannot last long. Under the character
+    of defensive war, we should inevitably become extensively
+    engaged. Should the Turks be at all worsted, which is
+    probable, of course we must increase our assistance. We
+    should have a French army, and perhaps English money--all for
+    defence.
+
+    The aspect of the Cabinet was, on the whole, very good.
+    Gladstone, active and energetic for Peace; Argyll, Herbert,
+    C. Wood, and Granville, all in the same sense. Newcastle,
+    not quite so much so, but good; Lansdowne, not so warlike
+    as formerly; Lord John warlike enough, but subdued in
+    tone; Palmerston urged his views perseveringly, but not
+    disagreeably. The Chancellor said little, but was cordially
+    peaceful. Molesworth was not present, there having been some
+    mistake in sending the notice.
+
+    On the whole, therefore, yesterday passed off well enough;
+    but we shall see what to-day will bring us. Not a syllable was
+    said in the Cabinet on any other subject. Lord John seemed
+    in good humour; he came to see me a few minutes before the
+    Cabinet. I told you that I had spoken to Gladstone very
+    fully; but I did not press any decision respecting _domestic_
+    matters, as it would at this moment be quite unseasonable.
+    Nevertheless, it must not be forgotten altogether. Yours,
+    etc., etc.,
+
+    ABERDEEN.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STRATFORD'S INSTRUCTIONS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
+
+BALMORAL, _11th October 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Clarendon's letter. She had written to
+Lord Aberdeen that she felt it her duty to pause before giving her
+consent to the measures decided on in the Cabinet, until she should
+have received an explanation on the views which dictated that
+decision, and of the ulterior steps involved in it; and Sir James
+Graham is gone up to Town, verbally to explain more fully the Queen's
+feelings. She has now received and read the Despatches, which have
+in the meantime been sent off to their points of destination without
+having received her sanction!
+
+The draft to Vienna the Queen thinks very ably argued, and justly to
+define the present position of the question at issue.[27]
+
+The instructions to Lord Stratford,[28] on the other hand, appear to
+her very vague, and entrusting him with enormous powers and a latitude
+of discretion which is hardly to be called safe. As matters have now
+been arranged, it appears to the Queen, moreover, that we have taken
+on ourselves in conjunction with France all the risks of a European
+war, without having bound Turkey to any conditions with respect to
+provoking it. The hundred and twenty fanatical Turks constituting the
+Divan at Constantinople are left sole judges of the line of policy
+to be pursued, and made cognisant at the same time of the fact
+that England and France have bound themselves to defend the Turkish
+Territory! This is entrusting them with a power which Parliament has
+been jealous to confide even to the hands of the British Crown. It may
+be a question whether England ought to go to war for the defence of
+so-called Turkish Independence; but there can be none that if she does
+so, she ought to be the sole judge of what constitutes a breach
+of that independence, and have the fullest power to prevent by
+negotiation the breaking out of the war.
+
+The Queen would wish copies of the enclosed papers to be sent for her
+use as soon as convenient.
+
+    [Footnote 27: In this despatch Lord Clarendon, after referring
+    to the interpretation which Count Nesselrode had put upon the
+    Vienna Note, and the Russian rejection of it as amended by
+    the Porte, told Lord Westmorland that it would be useless and
+    dishonourable to recommend it in its unaltered form, that the
+    Czar was contending for privileges for Christian subjects
+    of the Porte not hitherto enjoyed by them, and that a war
+    embarked upon in such a cause would be without parallel in
+    history.]
+
+    [Footnote 28: Authority had been given to Lord Stratford to
+    employ the British Fleet in the manner he might deem most fit
+    for defending Turkish territory from aggression, and he was
+    instructed that if the Russian Fleet left Sebastopol, the
+    British Fleet was to pass through the Bosphorus.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: RESENTMENT OF THE CZAR]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN AND THE PREMIERSHIP]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _16th October 1853._
+
+We saw Lord Aberdeen yesterday. He went with us through the whole
+of the proceedings of the last six weeks with respect to the Eastern
+Question. Regretted Count Nesselrode's Note,[29] which Baron Brunnow
+owned nobody would regret more than the Count himself, acknowledged
+the weakness of Austria, felt sure of Lord Stratford's insincerity
+towards him and the Government,... as he had to Lord Aberdeen's
+certain knowledge called "the conduct of the Government infamous" and
+declared "he would let the world know that his name was Canning." He
+acknowledged the disadvantage of the course adopted by the Cabinet,
+which left the Turks at liberty to do as they pleased; he had to
+concede this to the Cabinet, which would otherwise have been broken
+up by Lord John and Lord Palmerston. Had he known what the Queen's
+opinion was, he might have been more firm, feeling himself supported
+by the Crown, but he had imagined from her letters that there was more
+animosity against Russia and leaning to war in her mind.
+
+    [Footnote 29: In this despatch to Baron Meyendorff, the
+    Austrian Foreign Minister, the Count had disclosed the fact
+    that the Russian interpretation of the Vienna Note differed
+    from that of the other Powers.]
+
+Yet, under all the adverse circumstances Lord Aberdeen saw still
+reason for hope that a peaceable settlement could be obtained. The
+French were ready to do anything we pleased, go to war, remain at
+peace, etc., etc.; in fact, Louis Napoleon had experienced the great
+advantage for his position of the Alliance with England.... Lord
+Stratford was thoroughly frightened, and had made a proposal himself,
+which accordingly he would support _con amore_. The Emperor of Russia
+had failed in his attempt to form a Northern League against the
+Western Powers.... The Emperor complained bitterly of the conduct
+of the Powers, who had disgraced him before the world by making him
+accept a Note, and sanctioning its alteration by Turkey; "now they
+should do what they pleased and settle matters with Turkey first, and
+bring him only what was settled and fixed, he was wearied of the whole
+business, and anxious to get rid of it for ever."
+
+What Lord Aberdeen now proposed was to follow the Emperor's advice and
+agree with Turkey upon a Note, leaving out all that she had objected
+to in the Vienna Note as Lord Stratford recommended, and taking as
+much as possible Redschid Pasha's own words to found the proposal of
+it upon the declaration made by the Emperor at Olmütz to the Powers,
+that he sought for _no new_ right, privilege, or advantage, but solely
+for the confirmation of the legal _status quo_, but accompanying this
+with a declaration, that if Turkey created needless difficulties and
+tried to evade a peaceful settlement the Powers would withdraw their
+support and leave her to fight her own battle. We went over the
+Documents which are not yet settled, even between Lord Aberdeen
+and Lord Clarendon, and will require the greatest caution in their
+wording. It is evident that the Turks have every inducement not to
+let this opportunity slip in going to war with Russia, as they will
+probably never find so advantageous a one again, as the whole of
+Christendom has declared them in the right, and they would fight with
+England and France actively on their side!
+
+At home, Lord Aberdeen said matters do not stand much better. Lord
+John has convinced himself that, under present circumstances it
+would not do for him to ask Lord Aberdeen to retire from the Prime
+Ministership and let him step in in his place; perhaps he has found
+out also that the Peelites will not serve under him; his own Whig
+colleagues would very much regret if not object to such a change, and
+that Lord Palmerston could not well submit to the arrangement. So
+he told Lord Aberdeen that he had given up that idea; it was clear,
+however, that he was now looking for an opportunity to break up the
+Government on some popular ground, which it was impossible to hope
+that he should not find. He now had asked for the immediate summoning
+of Parliament, called for by the state of the Oriental Question. This
+would create the greatest alarm in the country, and embarrassment to
+the Government, and was therefore resisted. Lord Aberdeen told Lord
+John quite plainly he knew what the proposal meant--he meant to break
+up the Government. "I hope not," was Lord John's laughing reply.
+
+The Queen taxed Lord Aberdeen with imprudence in talking to Lord
+John of his own readiness to leave office, which he acknowledged, but
+called _very natural_ in a man of seventy. Lord John was dissatisfied
+with his position;... upon Lord Aberdeen telling him that he had the
+most powerful and honourable position of any man in England as leader
+of the House of Commons, he answered, "Oh, _there_ I am quite happy!"
+
+I asked how under such circumstances that all-important measure of
+Parliamentary Reform, upon which the future stability and well-being
+of the Country so much depended, was to be matured and brought
+forward? Lord Aberdeen replied that Lord John had it all ready and
+prepared in his pocket, and told Lord Aberdeen so, adding, however,
+that under present circumstances there was no use in bringing it
+forward, to which Lord Aberdeen added: "You mean unless you sit in the
+chair which I now occupy?" Lord John laughed.
+
+We discussed the probable consequences of Lord John's retirement. Lord
+Aberdeen thought that Lord Palmerston, Lord Lansdowne, and even Lord
+Clarendon would secede with him, but this by no means implied that the
+whole party would; Lord Palmerston would not coalesce with Lord John,
+but try for the lead himself; Lord Clarendon quite agreed with Lord
+Aberdeen, and had been very angry with Lord John, but was personally
+under great obligations to him, and Sir James Graham had (as he said)
+been very much struck with the change of tone in Lord Clarendon at
+the last meeting of the Cabinet. Most of the Liberals seemed very much
+pleased with their situation. Sir James Graham had, of his own accord,
+told Lord Aberdeen that, in the event of Lord John's secession, he
+himself could not well sit in the House of Commons under so much
+younger a man as Mr Gladstone as Leader. He knew that there would be
+objections to his assuming the lead himself, but he would be quite
+ready to go to the House of Lords to support Lord Aberdeen.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
++++++++++++++
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR'S LETTER]
+
+
+_The Emperor of Russia to Queen Victoria._[30]
+
+              18
+TSARSKO, _ce_ -- _Octobre_ 1853.
+              30
+
+MADAME,--Votre Majesté connaît, je l'espère, les sentiments
+d'affection sincère qui m'attachent à Sa personne, depuis que j'ai
+eu l'honneur de L'approcher. Il m'a semblé qu'Elle daignait aussi
+m'accorder quelque bienveillance. A la veille d'événements, peut-être
+fort graves, qu'Elle daigne donc excuser si je m'adresse droit à Elle,
+pour essayer de prévenir des calamités, que nos deux pays ont un égal
+intérêt à éviter. J'ose le faire avec d'autant plus de confiance,
+que longtemps encore avant que les affaires d'Orient eussent pris
+la fâcheuse tournure qu'elles ont acquise depuis, je m'étais adressé
+directement à votre Majesté, par l'entremise de Sir Hamilton Seymour,
+pour appeler votre attention, Madame, sur des éventualités, alors
+encore incertaines, mais déjà fort probables à mes yeux, et que
+je désirais éclaircir, _avant tout_, avec le Cabinet Anglais, pour
+écarter autant qu'il m'était possible, toute divergence d'opinion
+entre nous. La correspondance d'alors, qu'Elle daigne de la faire
+relire atteignit son but, car elle mettait le Gouvernement Anglais au
+fait de mes plus intimes pensées sur ces graves éventualités, tandis
+que, je devais au moins le penser ainsi, j'obtiens en réponse un égal
+exposé des vues du Gouvernement de votre Majesté.
+
+Sûrs ainsi de ce que nous désirions de part et d'autre, par quelle
+fatalité devons-nous donc, Madame, en venir à une mésintelligence
+aussi prononcée, sur des objets qui paraissaient convenus d'avance,
+_où ma parole est engagée vis-à-vis de votre Majesté_, comme je crois
+_celle du Gouvernement Anglais engagée de même vis-à-vis de moi_.
+
+C'est à la justice, au c[oe]ur de votre Majesté que j'en appelle,
+c'est à Sa bonne foi et à Sa sagesse que je m'en mets qu'Elle daigne
+de décider entre nous.
+
+Devons nous rester, comme je le souhaite ardemment, dans une bonne
+intelligence également profitable à nos deux États, ou juge-t-Elle,
+que le pavillon Anglais doive flotter près du croissant, pour
+combattre la croix de Saint André!!!
+
+Telle que soit la détermination de votre Majesté, qu'Elle veuille être
+persuadée de l'inaltérable et sincère attachement avec lesquels je ne
+cesserais d'être, de votre Majesté, le tout dévoué frère et ami,
+
+NICOLAS.
+
+Je prie votre Majesté de vouloir bien faire mes amitiés à Monseigneur
+le Prince Albert.
+
+    [Footnote 30: Greville calls the writing of this letter an
+    unusual step; but in sending it to Lord Aberdeen and Lord
+    Clarendon, the Queen observed that its despatch was an
+    important and advantageous fact, as it both committed the Czar
+    personally, and enabled her to state certain truths to him,
+    as well as to explain privately the views which guided her own
+    and her Ministers' conduct.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STRATFORD'S PROPOSAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _5th November 1853._
+
+Although the Queen will have the pleasure of seeing Lord Aberdeen this
+evening, she wishes to make some observations on the subject of Lord
+Stratford's last private letters communicated to her yesterday by Lord
+Clarendon.[31] They exhibit clearly on his part a _desire_ for war,
+and to drag us into it. When he speaks of the sword which will not
+only have to be drawn, but the scabbard thrown away, and says, the war
+to be successful must be a "_very comprehensive one_" on the part of
+England and France, the intention is unmistakable, and it becomes a
+serious question whether we are justified in allowing Lord Stratford
+any longer to remain in a situation which gives him the means of
+frustrating all our efforts for peace. The question becomes still
+graver when it is considered that General Baraguay d'Hilliers seems
+from Lord Cowley's account of his conversation with him equally
+anxious for extreme measures.
+
+The Queen must express her surprise that Lord Stratford should have
+coolly sent on so preposterous a proposal as Redschid Pasha's note
+asking for a Treaty of Alliance, the amalgamation of our Fleets with
+the Turkish one, and the sending of our surplus ships to the "_White_"
+Sea (!) without any hesitation or remark on his part. As the note
+ends, however, by saying that the Porte desires _que les points
+ci-dessus émenés (sic) soient appréciés par les Cours d'Angleterre
+et de France, et que ces Cours veuillent bien déclarer leur intention
+d'agir en conséquence_, this appears to the Queen to afford an
+admirable opportunity for stating plainly and strongly to the Turkish
+Government that we have _no intention_ of being used by them for their
+own purposes. This time such a declaration might be _handed in_ to the
+Turkish Government, so that there can be no mistake about the matter
+for the future.
+
+The Queen encloses the letter and note, and wishes Lord Aberdeen to
+show her letter to Lord Clarendon.
+
+    [Footnote 31: Lord Stratford had written that Redschid Pasha
+    was unable to make head against his warlike colleagues, and
+    that unless some proposal of a decidedly satisfactory kind
+    should come from Vienna very soon, there would be no chance
+    of avoiding hostilities. Lord Stratford added that he had
+    obtained a promise that no act of hostility should take place
+    on the Turkish side before the expiration of fifteen days, and
+    concluded with the words: "I fear that war is the decree of
+    Fate, and our wisest part will be to do what we can to bring
+    it to a thoroughly good conclusion."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN TO THE CZAR]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Emperor of Russia._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _ce 14 Novembre 1853._
+
+SIRE ET TRÈS CHER FRÈRE,--C'est avec une profonde et sincère
+satisfaction que je viens de recevoir la lettre que V.M.I. a bien
+voulu m'écrire le 18/30 Octobre. Je suis vivement touchée des
+sentiments affectueux que vous m'y témoignez. V.M. me connaît assez
+pour savoir combien ils sont réciproques.
+
+Je vous remercierai également, Sire, de la franchise avec laquelle
+vous me parlez des complications actuelles; je ne saurais mieux
+répondre aux loyales intentions de V.M. qu'en lui exprimant à mon
+tour, et avec toute droiture, mes opinions à ce sujet, car c'est là,
+j'en suis sûre, le meilleur moyen de conserver utilement une amitié
+bien véritable.
+
+J'ai, mon cher Frère, conformément à votre désir, relu les
+communications confidentielles que vous avez bien voulu me faire, ce
+printemps, par l'intermédiaire du bon Sir Hamilton Seymour, et les
+réponses que mon Gouvernement a reçu l'ordre d'adresser à V.M.
+
+Bien qu'une différence d'opinion très notable devînt alors évidente
+entre V.M. et moi relativement à la manière d'envisager l'état de la
+Turquie et l'appréciation de sa vitalité, le Mémorandum de V.M. en
+date du 3/15 Avril vint néanmoins dissiper de la manière la plus
+heureuse ces fâcheuses appréhensions; car il m'annonçait que, si nous
+n'étions pas d'accord sur _l'état de santé_ de l'Empire Ottoman, nous
+l'étions cependant sur la nécessité, pour le laisser vivre, de ne
+point lui faire des demandes humiliantes, pourvu que tout le monde en
+agît de même, et que personne n'abusât de sa faiblesse pour obtenir
+des avantages exclusifs. V.M. dans ce but, daigna même se déclarer
+prête "à travailler de concert avec l'Angleterre à l'[oe]uvre commune
+de prolonger l'existence de l'Empire Turque, en évitant toute cause
+d'alarme au sujet de sa dissolution."
+
+J'avais de plus la conviction qu'il n'existait et ne pouvait
+exister au fond aucune divergence d'opinion entre nous au sujet des
+réclamations relatives aux Lieux-Saints, réclamations qui, j'avais
+droit de le croire, constituaient le seul grief de la Russie contre la
+Porte.
+
+Je mets, Sire, la confiance la plus entière dans la parole que V.M. a
+bien voulu me donner alors, et, que les assurances subséquentes, dues
+à votre amitié, sont venues confirmer, en me donnant la connaissance
+de Vos intentions. Personne n'apprécie plus que moi la haute loyauté
+de V.M., et je voudrais que les convictions que j'ai à cet égard
+pussent seules résoudre toutes les difficultés. Mais quelle que soit
+la pureté des motifs qui dirigent les actions du Souverain même le
+plus élevé par le caractère, V.M. sait que ses qualités personnelles
+ne sont point suffisantes dans des transactions internationales par
+lesquelles un État se lie envers un autre en de solennels engagements;
+et les véritables intentions de V.M. ont été à coup sûr méconnues et
+mal interprétées, à cause de la forme donnée au réclamations adressées
+à la Porte.
+
+Ayant à c[oe]ur, Sire, d'examiner ce qui avait pu produire ce fâcheux
+malentendu, mon attention a été naturellement attirée par l'article
+7 du Traité de Kainardji; et je dois dire à V.M. qu'après avoir
+consulté, sur le sens qui pouvait avoir été attaché à cet article,
+les personnes les plus compétentes de ce pays-ci; après l'avoir relu
+ensuite moi-même, avec le plus sincère désir d'impartialité, je suis
+arrivée à la conviction que cet article n'était point susceptible de
+l'extension qu'on y a voulu donner. Tous les amis de V.M. ont, comme
+moi, la certitude que vous n'auriez point abusé du pouvoir, que vous
+eût ainsi été accordé; mais une demande de ce genre, pouvait à peine
+être acceptée par un Souverain qui tient à son indépendance.
+
+Je ne cacherai pas davantage à V.M. l'impression douloureuse qu'a
+produit sur moi l'occupation des Principautés. Cette occupation a
+causé, depuis les quatres derniers mois, une perturbation générale
+en Europe, et pourrait amener des événements ultérieurs que je
+déplorerais d'un commun accord avec V.M. Mais, comme les intentions
+de V.M. envers la Porte sont, je le sais, amicales et désintéressées,
+j'ai toute confiance que vous trouverez le moyen de les exprimer et
+mettre à exécution de manière à détourner de plus graves dangers,
+que tous mes efforts, je vous assure, tendront sans cesse à empêcher.
+L'attention impartiale avec laquelle j'ai suivi les causes qui ont
+fait échouer jusqu'à présent toutes les tentatives de conciliation,
+me donne la ferme conviction qu'il n'existe pas d'obstacle réel qui ne
+puisse être écarté ou promptement surmonté avec l'assistance de V.M.
+
+Je n'abandonne point l'espoir de cet heureux résultat, même après les
+tristes conflits qui ont fait couler le sang dans les Principautés;
+car j'ai la foi en Dieu que lorsque de toute part les intentions
+sont droites et lorsque les intérêts bien entendus sont communs, le
+Tout-Puissant ne permettra pas que l'Europe entière qui contient
+déjà tant d'éléments inflammables, soit exposée à une conflagration
+générale.
+
+Que Dieu veille sur les jours de V.M.; et croyez, Sire, à
+l'attachement sincère avec lequel je suis, Sire et cher Frère, de
+votre Majesté Impériale, la bien bonne S[oe]ur et Amie,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+Albert est très sensible au souvenir de V.M. et me prie de le mettre à
+vos pieds.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN'S SCRUPLES]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _26th November 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty. The Cabinet
+met to-day for the consideration of the overtures made by the French
+Government for the settlement of the Eastern Question.[32] These
+proposals were in substance adopted; although a considerable change
+was made in their form, and in some of their details. The step now
+taken is evidently wise; but Lord Aberdeen can scarcely venture
+to hope that it will be attended with success. Pacific language is
+accompanied with insulting and hostile acts; and it remains to be seen
+what effect will be produced on the Emperor of Russia by the entrance
+of English and French ships of war into the Black Sea, under the
+pretext of bringing off Consuls from Varna, and of looking after the
+grain-ships at the Sulina mouth of the Danube. This information has
+hitherto been only communicated by telegraph; but it is calculated
+to lead to serious consequences, of which Lord Stratford must be
+perfectly well aware.
+
+    [Footnote 32: The Emperor had made certain suggestions to Lord
+    Cowley, which the British Government were willing to adopt;
+    but the anti-Russian feeling was increasing daily in the
+    nation, and, as will be seen from the Queen's letter of the
+    27th of November, Lord Stratford seemed resolved on war.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+OSBORNE, _27th November 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of yesterday. She is
+sorry to find that after all a considerable change was made in the
+form of the French proposal. She is not aware at present of what that
+change consists in and is therefore unable to form an opinion as
+to the effects of its introduction, but she quite concurs in Lord
+Aberdeen's apprehensions with regard to the effect of Lord Stratford's
+orders to the Fleet. The perusal of Lord Stratford's Despatches of the
+5th inst. has given the Queen the strongest impression that, whilst
+guarding himself against the possibility of being called to account
+for acting in opposition to his instructions, he is pushing us deeper
+and deeper into the War policy which we wish to escape. Wherefore
+should three poor Turkish steamers go to the Crimea, but to beard the
+Russian Fleet and tempt it to come out of Sebastopol, which would thus
+constitute the much desired contingency for our combined Fleets to
+attack it, and so engage us irretrievably!
+
+The Queen must seriously call upon Lord Aberdeen and the Cabinet to
+consider whether they are justified in allowing such a state of things
+to continue!
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR TO THE QUEEN]
+
+
+_The Emperor of Russia to Queen Victoria._
+
+                     2
+S. PÉTERSBOURG, _le -- Décembre 1853._
+                    14
+
+MADAME,--Je remercie votre Majesté d'avoir eu la bonté de répondre
+aussi amicalement que franchement à la lettre que j'ai eu l'honneur
+de lui écrire. Je la remercie également de la foi qu'elle accorde à
+ma parole,--je crois le mériter, je l'avoue,--28 années d'une vie
+politique, souvent fort pénible, ne peuvent donner le droit à personne
+d'en douter.
+
+Je me permets aussi, contrairement à l'avis de votre Majesté, de
+penser, qu'en affaires publiques et en relations de pays à pays,
+rien ne peut être _plus sacré_ et ne l'est en effet à mes yeux que la
+parole souveraine, car elle décide en dernière instance de la paix
+ou de la guerre. Je ne fatiguerais certes pas l'attention de votre
+Majesté par un examen détaillé du sens qu'elle donne à l'article 7 du
+Traité de Kainardji; j'assurerais seulement, Madame, que depuis 80 ans
+la Russie et la Porte l'ont compris ainsi que nous le faisons encore.
+Ce sens-là n'a été interrompu qu'en derniers temps, à la suite
+d'instigations que votre Majesté connaît aussi bien que moi.
+Le rétablir dans son réception primitive et la justifier par un
+engagement plus solennel, tel est le but de mes efforts, tel il sera,
+Madame, quand même le sang devrait couler encore contre mon v[oe]u le
+plus ardent; parce que c'est une question vitale pour la Russie, et
+mes efforts ne lui sont impossibles pour y satisfaire.
+
+Si j'ai dû occuper les Principautés, ce que je regrette autant que
+votre Majesté, c'est encore Madame, parce que les libertés dont ces
+provinces jouissent, leurs ont été acquises _au prix du sang Russe, et
+par moi-même Madame les années_ 1828 _et_ 29. Il ne s'agit donc pas de
+_conquêtes_, mais à la veille d'un conflit que l'on rendait de plus en
+plus probable, il eût été indigne de moi de les livrer sûrement à la
+main des ennemis du Christianisme, dont les persécutions ne sont un
+secret que pour ceux qui veulent l'ignorer. J'espérais avoir répondu
+ainsi aux doutes et aux regrets de votre Majesté _avec la plus entière
+franchise_. Elle veut bien me dire qu'Elle ne doute pas qu'avec mon
+aide le rétablissement de la paix ne soit encore possible, malgré
+le sang répandu; j'y réponds de grand c[oe]ur, _Oui_, Madame, si les
+organes des volontés de votre Majesté _exécutent fidèlement ses ordres
+et ses intentions bienveillantes. Les miennes n'out pas varié dès le
+début de cette triste épisode. Reculer devant le danger, comme vouloir
+maintenant autre chose que je n'ai voulu en violant ma parole, serait
+au-dessous de moi_, et le noble c[oe]ur de votre Majesté doit le
+comprendre.
+
+J'ajouterais encore que son c[oe]ur saignera en apprenant les horreurs
+qui se commettent déjà par les hordes sauvages, près desquels flotte
+le pavillon Anglais!!!
+
+Je la remercie cordialement des v[oe]ux qu'Elle veut bien faire pour
+moi; tant que ma vie se prolongera ils seront réciproqués de ma part.
+Je suis heureux de le Lui dire, en l'assurant du sincère attachement
+avec lequel je suis, Madame, de votre Majesté, le tout dévoué Frère
+and Ami,
+
+NICOLAS.
+
+Je me rappelle encore une fois au bon souvenir de Son Altesse Royale
+le Prince Albert et le remercie également de ses paroles obligeantes.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON AND REFORM]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _6th December 1853._
+
+... As Lord John Russell will have the honour of seeing your Majesty
+to-morrow, he will be able to explain to your Majesty the present
+state of the discussions on Reform, and the progress of the
+Measure.[33] Lord Aberdeen feels it to be his duty to inform your
+Majesty that on Saturday evening he received a visit from Lord
+Palmerston, who announced his decided objection to the greater part
+of the proposed plan.[34] He did this in such positive terms that
+Lord Aberdeen should imagine he had made up his mind not to give the
+Measure his support; but Lord John entertains considerable doubt that
+such is the case.
+
+Lord Aberdeen thinks it by no means improbable that Lord Palmerston
+may also desire to separate himself from the Government, in
+consequence of their pacific policy, and in order to take the lead of
+the War Party and the Anti-Reformers in the House of Commons, who
+are essentially the same. Such a combination would undoubtedly
+be formidable; but Lord Aberdeen trusts that it would not prove
+dangerous. At all events, it would tend greatly to the improvement of
+Lord John's Foreign Policy.
+
+    [Footnote 33: On the 19th of November Lord John had written to
+    the Queen outlining the Reform proposals of the Committee of
+    the Cabinet. The Queen subsequently wrote to make additional
+    suggestions, _e.g._, for finding a means of bringing into the
+    House official persons or men without local connections, and
+    for dealing with Ministerial re-elections.]
+
+    [Footnote 34: Lord Palmerston wrote to Lord Lansdowne, giving
+    an account of the affair:--
+
+    "CARLTON GARDENS, _8th December 1853._
+
+    "MY DEAR LANSDOWNE,--I have had two conversations with
+    Aberdeen on the subject of John Russell's proposed Reform
+    Bill, and I have said that there are three points in it to
+    which I cannot agree.
+
+    "These points are--the extent of disfranchisement, the
+    extent of enfranchisement, and the addition of the Municipal
+    Franchise in Boroughs to the £10 Householder Franchise....
+
+    "We should by such an arrangement increase the number of
+    bribeable Electors, and overpower intelligence and property by
+    ignorance and poverty.
+
+    "I have told Aberdeen that I am persuaded that the Measure as
+    proposed by John Russell and Graham will not pass through the
+    two Houses of Parliament without material modifications, and
+    that I do not choose to be a party to a contest between the
+    two Houses or to an Appeal to the Country for a Measure of
+    which I decidedly disapprove; and that I cannot enter into a
+    career which would lead me to such a position, that, in
+    short, I do not choose to be dragged through the dirt by John
+    Russell. I reminded Aberdeen that on accepting his offer of
+    Office, I had expressed apprehension both to him and to you,
+    that I might find myself differing from my Colleagues on the
+    question of Parliamentary Reform.
+
+    "I have thought a good deal on this matter. I should be very
+    sorry to give up my present Office at this moment: I have
+    taken a great interest in it, and I have matters in hand which
+    I should much wish to bring to a conclusion. Moreover, I
+    think that the presence in the Cabinet of a person holding the
+    opinions which I entertain as to the principles on which our
+    Foreign Affairs ought to be conducted, is useful in modifying
+    the contrary system of Policy, which, as I think, injuriously
+    to the interests and dignity of the Country, there is a
+    disposition in other quarters to pursue; but notwithstanding
+    all this. I cannot consent to stand forward as one of the
+    Authors and Supporters of John Russell's sweeping alterations.
+    Yours sincerely,
+
+    PALMERSTON."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S POSITION]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+OSBORNE, _9th December 1853._
+
+MY DEAR LORD ABERDEEN,--The Queen has consulted with Lord John
+Russell upon the Reform plan, and on the question of Lord Palmerston's
+position with regard to it; and he will doubtless give you an account
+of what passed. She wishes me, however, to tell you likewise what
+strikes her with respect to Lord Palmerston. It appears to the Queen
+clear that the Reform Bill will have no chance of success unless
+prepared and introduced in Parliament by a _united_ Cabinet; that,
+if Lord Palmerston has made up his mind to oppose it and to leave the
+Government, there will be no use in trying to keep him in it, and that
+there will be danger in allowing him to attend the discussions of
+the Cabinet, preparing all the time his line of attack; that if a
+successor to him would after all have to be found at the Home Office,
+it will be unfair not to give that important member of the Government
+full opportunity to take his share in the preparation and deliberation
+on the measure to which his consent would be asked. Under these
+circumstances it becomes of the highest importance to ascertain--
+
+1. What the amount of objection is that Lord Palmerston entertains to
+the Measure;
+
+2. What the object of the declaration was, which he seems to have made
+to you.
+
+This should be obtained _in writing_, so as to make all future
+misrepresentation impossible, and on this alone a decision can well
+be taken, and, in the Queen's opinion, even the Cabinet could alone
+deliberate.
+
+Should Lord Palmerston have stated his objections with the view of
+having the Measure modified it will be right to consider how far that
+can safely be done, and for the Queen, also, to balance the probable
+value of the modification with the risk of allowing Lord Palmerston to
+put himself at the head of the Opposition Party, entailing as it does
+the possibility of his forcing himself back upon her as leader of that
+Party.
+
+Should he on the other hand consider his declaration as a "notice
+to quit," the ground upon which he does so should be clearly put on
+record, and no attempt should be made to damage the character of the
+Measure in the vain hope of propitiating him. Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON RESIGNS]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE, _16th December 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen arrived yesterday and returned to-day to meet the
+Cabinet to-morrow. Lord Palmerston has sent in his resignation in a
+short note to Lord Aberdeen, a further correspondence with Lord John
+and Lord Lansdowne, Lord Aberdeen put into my hands, and I have copied
+the two most important letters which follow here.
+
+Lord John is reported as very angry, calling Lord Palmerston's conduct
+"treacherous," a term Lord Aberdeen hardly understands, as against him
+he has been perfectly consistent with regard to the Reform Measure,
+from the beginning, and had frequently denied the necessity of
+Reform.... Lord Aberdeen had advised Lord John to show boldness and
+energy, and to undertake the Home Office at once himself; this would
+have a great effect under the difficulties of the circumstances,
+would show that he was in earnest and determined to carry his Reform
+Measure. Lord John seemed hit by the idea, but asked for time to
+consider; after seeing _Lady_ John, however, he declined.
+
+Lord Aberdeen's fears are still mainly as to the Eastern Question,
+Lord John pressing for war measures. Lord Aberdeen had followed my
+advice, and had a long explanation on the subject, in which they
+both agreed that their policy should be one of Peace, and he thought
+matters settled when Lord John now asks for contingent engagements to
+make war on Russia if her forces cross the Danube (which Lord Aberdeen
+thinks quite uncalled for), and to convoy the Turkish expeditions in
+the Black Sea, even if directed against Russian territory, etc., etc.
+The Cabinet is certain not to agree to either of these propositions.
+
+When Lord Aberdeen announced the intended rupture with Lord Palmerston
+to Lord John, he drily said: "Well, it would be very awkward for you
+if Palmerston quarrels one day with you about Reform, and I the next
+about Turkey!"
+
+There can be no doubt that Lord Palmerston will at once try to put
+himself at the head of the late Protectionist party, and, with the
+present indifference of the Country upon Reform, the fate of the Bill
+is by no means certain. On the question of Peace or War, Lord
+Aberdeen is quite certain that the House of Commons will adopt no war
+resolutions.
+
+Much will depend, however, on the line taken by Lord Lansdowne, who
+has great influence in the House of Lords, and whose secession would
+spread great alarm over the Country as to the real tendency of the
+Measure (which the Duke of Newcastle describes as in fact a great
+increase of power to the land[35]). We agree that the Queen should
+write to him to prevent any hasty step.
+
+The Queen sanctioned the offer of the Home Office to Sir George Grey,
+and of a seat in the Cabinet to Mr Cardwell (the President of the
+Board of Trade).
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 35: _I.e._, the landed interest.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD LANSDOWNE AND REFORM]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne._
+
+OSBORNE, _16th December 1853._
+
+The Queen has been made very anxious by the Resignation of Lord
+Palmerston, but still more so by hearing that Lord Lansdowne has
+not been able to reconcile himself to the Measure of Reform as
+now proposed in the Cabinet, which has caused Lord Palmerston's
+withdrawal. Lord Lansdowne is aware of the paramount importance which
+the Queen attaches to a safe settlement of that question, and to the
+maintenance of her present Government; and she would press upon Lord
+Lansdowne not to commit himself to a final determination before she
+shall have an opportunity of seeing him. The Queen will go to Windsor
+on Thursday, and hold a Council on Friday, at which it may perhaps be
+convenient to Lord Lansdowne to attend, and it will give the Queen
+the greatest pleasure to find that Lord John Russell has succeeded in
+removing Lord Lansdowne's objections.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STRATFORD'S DESPATCH]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
+
+OSBORNE, _17th December 1853._
+
+The Queen returns the enclosed Draft and Despatch to Lord Clarendon.
+
+She has never been so much perplexed respecting any decision she has
+had to make, as in the present instance. She has read Lord Stratford's
+Despatch (358) over several times, and she is struck, every time more,
+with the consummate ability with which it is written and argued; but
+also with the difficulty in which it places the person reading it to
+extract distinctly what the Porte will be prepared to concede.
+
+The concluding passage of the Draft involves the most important
+consequences. As the Queen understands it, it promises war with Russia
+in a given contingency, but the contingency is: Russia rejecting terms
+which are "in their spirit and character such as Your Excellency sets
+forth in your Despatch." The Queen finds it impossible to make such
+tremendous consequences dependent upon such vague expressions. The
+more so, as "the spirit and character" alluded to, appears to her to
+be, as if purposely, obscure.
+
+When Lord Stratford says, that the Turks would be satisfied "with a
+renewal in clear and comprehensive terms of the formal Declarations
+and Treaties already existing in favour of the Porte"--the Queen
+cannot understand what is meant--as all the former Treaties between
+Russia and Turkey have certainly not been in favour of the Porte.
+Nor is it clear to the Queen whether "the clear and unquestionable
+deliverance from Russian interference applied to spiritual matters" is
+compatible with the former treaties.
+
+Whilst the Queen, therefore, perfectly agrees in the principle
+that, should Russia "for its own unjustifiable objects, show herself
+regardless of the best interests of Europe" by rejecting every fair
+term, the time will have arrived "for adopting measures of more active
+coercion against her"--she cannot sanction such a Declaration
+except on terms which are so clear in themselves as to exclude all
+misinterpretation.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SINOPE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
+
+(Undated.)
+
+The Queen has received Lord Clarendon's letter of the 19th, and
+enclosures. She approves the Draft to Vienna, and asks to have a copy
+of it, together with the Despatch from Lord Westmorland to which it
+refers.
+
+She also approves of the Draft to Lord Cowley, with certain
+exceptions, viz., on the second page our accordance with the views
+of the French Government "upon the utterly unjustifiable course that
+Russia has pursued," etc., is stated. If, as the Queen must read it,
+this refers to the affair at Sinope,[36] it is a dangerous assertion,
+as we have yet no authentic account of the circumstances of the case,
+which would make it possible to judge what degree of justification
+there might have been. The sentence should, at any rate, be qualified
+by some expression such as "as far as we know," or "should present
+accounts prove correct," etc.
+
+The word "utterly" might under any circumstances be left out, as a
+state of War is in itself a justification of a battle.
+
+On page four the words "by sea" will have to be added to make the
+statement precise and correct.
+
+The concluding sentence, the Queen must consider as tantamount to
+a declaration of war, which, under the guarded conditions however
+attached to it, she feels she cannot refuse to sanction. It would, in
+the Queen's opinion, be necessary, however, distinctly and fully to
+acquaint the Russian Government with the step now agreed upon.
+
+Lord Palmerston's mode of proceeding always had that advantage, that
+it threatened steps which it was hoped would not become necessary,
+whilst those hitherto taken, started on the principle of not
+needlessly offending Russia by threats, obliging us at the same time
+to take the very steps which we refused to threaten.
+
+The Queen has to make one more and a most _serious_ observation. The
+Fleet has orders now to prevent a recurrence of such disasters as that
+of Sinope. This cannot mean that it should protect the Turkish Fleet
+in acts of aggression upon the Russian territory, such as an attack on
+Sebastopol, of which the papers speak. This point will have to be made
+quite clear, both to Lord Stratford and the Turks.
+
+The Queen would also wish to have copies of the Draft, when corrected,
+of Lord Cowley's Despatch.
+
+    [Footnote 36: On the 30th of November the Russian Fleet from
+    Sevastopol attacked the Turkish squadron in the harbour of
+    Sinope, a naval station in the Black Sea, and destroyed it.
+    The feeling in the country against Russia was greatly inflamed
+    by the incident, which was referred to as the "massacre of
+    Sinope."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PUBLIC FEELING]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th December 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen had an Audience of the Queen yesterday afternoon.
+He reported that some of his colleagues, Sir C. Wood, the Duke
+of Newcastle, and Mr Gladstone, had been very anxious that Lord
+Palmerston should be readmitted into the Cabinet; they had had
+interviews with him in which he had expressed his hope to be allowed
+to reconsider his step. Lady Palmerston had been most urgent upon this
+point with her husband. All the people best conversant with the House
+of Commons stated that the Government had no chance of going on with
+Lord Palmerston in opposition, and with the present temper of the
+public, which was quite mad about the Oriental Question and the
+disaster at Sinope. Even Sir W. Molesworth shared this opinion.
+
+Lord Palmerston had written a letter to Lord Aberdeen, in which he
+begs to have his resignation considered as not having taken place,
+as it arose entirely from a misapprehension on his part, his having
+believed that none of the details of the Reform Measure were yet
+open for consideration, he had quite agreed in the principle of the
+Measure! Lord Aberdeen saw Lord John and Sir J. Graham, who convinced
+themselves that under the circumstances nothing else remained to be
+done. Lord Aberdeen having asked Lord John whether he should tell the
+Queen that it was a political _necessity_, he answered: "Yes, owing to
+the shabbiness of your colleagues," to which Lord Aberdeen rejoined:
+"Not shabbiness; _cowardice_ is the word."
+
+Lord Aberdeen owns that the step must damage the Government, although
+it ought to damage Lord Palmerston still more. Lord John's expression
+was: "Yes, it would ruin anybody but Palmerston."
+
+Lord Aberdeen thinks, however, that he can make no further
+difficulties about Reform, and he, Lord John, and Graham were
+determined to make no material alterations in the Bill. Graham is
+suspicious lest the wish to get Palmerston in again, on the part of
+a section of the Cabinet, was an intrigue to get the Measure
+emasculated. Lord Aberdeen does not believe this....
+
+Lord Aberdeen describes Lord John's feeling as very good and cordial
+towards him. He, Lord John, had even made him a long speech to show
+his gratitude for Lord Aberdeen's kindness to him.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON RESUMES OFFICE]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _26th December 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen, with his most humble duty to your Majesty, has the
+honour of enclosing copies of Lord Palmerston's letter to him,[37]
+and of his answer. Lord Aberdeen was not without some apprehension
+of receiving a rejoinder; but instead of which, a note arrived this
+morning, merely asking if a Cabinet was likely to be summoned in the
+course of the week, as he was going into the country; in fact, a note
+just as if nothing whatever has taken place!
+
+    [Footnote 37: Lord Palmerston wrote: "I find ... that I was
+    mistaken in inferring from your letter that the details of
+    the intended Reform Bill had been finally settled by the
+    Government, and that no objection to any part of those details
+    would be listened to." He went on to say that, under the
+    circumstances, he could not decline to comply with the wish
+    of many members of the Government that he should withdraw his
+    resignation.]
+
+
+
+
+_Printed by Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ld. London and Aylesbury.
+Paper supplied by John Dickinson & Co., Ld., London._
+
+       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+[ae] and [oe] are used for the diphthongs/ligatures in (mostly) French
+words. (e.g. c[oe]ur, heart; s[oe]ur, sister; ch[oe]ur; choir).
+
+The original pageheadings have been retained, and moved to appropriate
+positions, at the beginning of letters and text to which they refer,
+so as not to interrupt the flow of the text. Thus, a long letter may
+be prefaced by two, or even three pageheadings. Likewise, footnotes
+have been moved to the end of the appropriate letter, or the
+appropriate paragraph, in the case of longer pieces of text.
+
+
+Mr or Mr.
+
+Most instances of this form of address, in the book, are 'Mr', without
+the period. There are a few spelt as 'Mr.', with the period. These
+have been left as they appeared in the original book.
+
+
+Russian Dates.
+
+The difference between the Russian Calendar and the Calendar used in
+Western Europe was 12 days...22nd March 1848, in Great Britain and
+Western Europe, was 3rd April in Russia; 8th April 1853, in Great
+Britain and Western Europe, was 20th April in Russia, etc.
+
+
+
+ERRATA (and sic):
+
+Obvious punctuation errors have been repaired.
+
+Pages 124/5: 'Wellingon' corrected to 'Wellington' [Footnote 6: The
+Duke of Wellington wrote to Croker, 19th of December 1846...]
+
+Page 146: '1843' corrected to '1848'. CLAREMONT, _11th January 1848._
+
+Page 173: 'sacrified' corrected to 'sacrificed' ... interests (those of
+the smaller Sovereigns) are not sacrificed....
+
+Page 186, Footnote 33: 'De Tallenay' corrected to 'de Tallenay'
+
+Page 187: Innspruck (sic: alternative spelling)
+
+Page 332: happness corrected to happiness.
+
+Page 341: 'you' corrected to 'your' (Ever your devoted Niece....)
+
+Page 388: 'Excehquer' corrected to 'Exchequer' (The Chancellor of the
+Excehquer)
+
+Page 389: 'you' corrected to 'your' (ever your truly devoted Niece,)
+
+Page 403: 'decidedy' corrected to 'decidedly' (and that they were
+decidedly acting together.)
+
+Page 443: 'an at' corrected to at an (... should be at an end.)
+
+Page 458: 'Queston' corrected to 'Question' (the Oriental Question.)
+
+Page 471: 'opnion' corrected to 'opinion' (... shared this opinion.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Letters of Queen Victoria, Vol 2
+(of 3), 1844-1853, by Queen Victoria
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS--QUEEN VICTORIA, 1844-1853 ***
+
+***** This file should be named 24780-8.txt or 24780-8.zip *****
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+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Letters of Queen Victoria, Vol 2 (of
+3), 1844-1853, by Queen Victoria
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Letters of Queen Victoria, Vol 2 (of 3), 1844-1853
+       A Selection from her Majesty's correspondence between the
+              years 1837 and 1861
+
+Author: Queen Victoria
+
+Editor: Arthur Christopher Benson
+        (Viscount) Esher
+
+Release Date: March 8, 2008 [EBook #24780]
+Most recently updated: May 3, 2009
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS--QUEEN VICTORIA, 1844-1853 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Paul Murray, Lesley Halamek and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<table align="center" summary="note" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 2em;">
+<tr><td class="note1">
+<p>The index of this three-volume work is in Volume III, with links to
+all three volumes; and some footnotes are linked between volumes.
+These links are designed to work when the book is read on line. For
+information on the downloading of all three interlinked volumes so
+that the links work on your own computer, see the
+<a name="tn" id="tn"></a><a href="#tntag">Transcriber's Note</a>
+at the end of this book.
+</p>
+</td></tr></table>
+
+<h3>Links to</h3>
+<h3><a href="../../20023/20023-h/20023-h.htm">Volume I</a></h3>
+<h3><a href="../../28649/28649-h/28649-h.htm">Volume III</a></h3>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+	<a name="frontisii" id="frontisii"></a>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:400px;"><a href="images/0001-1200.png"><img src="images/0001-370.png" width="370" height="460" alt="H.M. QUEEN VICTORIA, 1843" border="0" /></a>
+<p class="center">H.M. QUEEN VICTORIA, 1843 </p>
+<p class="center">From the picture by F. Winterhalter at Windsor Castle</p>
+<p class="author" style="margin-bottom: 5em;"><i>Frontispiece, Vol. II.</i></p></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<h1 style="font-size: 3.5em;">THE LETTERS OF<br />
+QUEEN VICTORIA</h1>
+
+
+<h2 style="margin-top: 2em;"><span style="letter-spacing: 2px;">A SELECTION FROM HER MAJESTY'S</span><br />
+CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE YEARS<br />
+1837 <span class="sc">and</span> 1861</h2>
+
+
+
+<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0;">PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF</h3>
+<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">HIS MAJESTY THE KING</h2>
+
+
+<h3>EDITED BY ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER BENSON, M.A.<br />
+AND VISCOUNT ESHER, G.C.V.O., K.C.B.</h3>
+
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: 3em;">IN THREE VOLUMES</h3>
+
+
+<h3>VOL. II.&mdash;1844-1853</h3>
+
+
+<h4 style="margin-top: 5em; margin-bottom: 0;">LONDON</h4>
+<h3 style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET, W.</h3>
+<h4 style="margin-top: 0;">1908</h4>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 5em;"><i>Copyright in Great Britain and Dependencies, 1907, by</i>
+<span class="sc">H.M. The King</span>.</h5>
+
+<h5><i>In the United States by</i> Messrs <span class="sc">Longmans, Green &amp; Co.</span></h5>
+
+<h6><i>All rights reserved.</i></h6>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.iii" id="pageii.iii"></a>[page&nbsp;iii]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h1 style="margin-top: 5em;">TABLE OF CONTENTS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>
+
+<table summary="contents" align="center" width="90%">
+ <tr>
+ <td><h3 style="margin-top: 2em;"><a class="contents" href="#pageii.1">CHAPTER XIII</a></h3>
+ <h4 style="margin-top: -1em;">1844</h4>
+ </td><td class="right" valign="bottom" width="10%">PAGES</td>
+ </tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td><span class="outdent">Duc de Bordeaux</span>&mdash;Hanoverian Orders&mdash;Domestic happiness&mdash;Death
+of the Duke of Coburg&mdash;Lord Melbourne
+on old age&mdash;Recall of Lord Ellenborough&mdash;Uncle and
+niece&mdash;Lord Ellenborough's honours&mdash;Prince de Joinville's
+<i>brochure</i>&mdash;The Emperor Nicholas&mdash;A great review&mdash;At
+the Opera&mdash;The Emperor's character&mdash;The
+Emperor and Belgium&mdash;Crisis in Parliament&mdash;The
+King of Saxony&mdash;Lord Ellenborough and India&mdash;England,
+France, and Russia&mdash;France and Tahiti&mdash;King
+Louis Philippe expected&mdash;Arrangements for the
+visit&mdash;Queen Louise's solicitude&mdash;Arrival of King
+Louis Philippe&mdash;A successful visit&mdash;The King's departure&mdash;Opening
+of the Royal Exchange&mdash;Gift to the
+Prince of Wales&mdash;Education in India</td>
+<td class="right" valign="bottom" width="10%"><a href="#pageii.1">1-29</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<table summary="contents" align="center" width="90%">
+ <tr>
+<td>
+<h3 style="margin-top: 2em;"><a class="contents" href="#pageii.30">CHAPTER XIV</a></h3>
+<h4 style="margin-top: -1em;">1845</h4>
+<span class="outdent">The Spanish marriages</span>&mdash;Position of the Prince&mdash;Title of
+King Consort&mdash;Purchase of Osborne&mdash;Maynooth
+grant&mdash;Religious bigotry&mdash;Public executions&mdash;Birthday
+letter&mdash;Princess Charlotte&mdash;Vacant Deanery&mdash;Wine
+from Australia&mdash;King of Holland&mdash;Projected
+visit to Germany&mdash;Question of Lords Justices&mdash;Visit
+to the Ch&acirc;teau d'Eu&mdash;Spanish marriages&mdash;The Prince
+criticised&mdash;Governor-Generalship of Canada&mdash;Corn
+Laws&mdash;Cabinet dissensions&mdash;Interview with Sir
+Robert Peel&mdash;Lord John Russell suggested&mdash;Attitude
+of Lord Melbourne&mdash;The Queen's embarrassment&mdash;Attitude
+of Sir Robert Peel&mdash;Lord Stanley resigns&mdash;The
+Commandership-in-Chief&mdash;Duke of Wellington&mdash;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.iv" id="pageii.iv"></a>[page&nbsp;iv]</span>King Louis
+Philippe&mdash;Anxiety for the future&mdash;Insuperable
+difficulties&mdash;Lord Grey and Lord Palmerston&mdash;Lord
+John Russell fails&mdash;Chivalry of Sir Robert Peel&mdash;He
+resumes office&mdash;Cordial support&mdash;The Queen's
+estimate of Sir Robert Peel&mdash;Lord Stanley&mdash;The
+Prince's Memorandum&mdash;Comprehensive scheme&mdash;The
+unemployed&mdash;Lord Palmerston's justification&mdash;France
+and the Syrian War&mdash;Letter to King Louis Philippe&mdash;Ministry
+reinstated</td>
+<td class="right" valign="bottom" width="10%"><a href="#pageii.30">30-70</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<table summary="contents" align="center" width="90%">
+ <tr>
+<td>
+<h3 style="margin-top: 2em;"><a class="contents" href="#pageii.71">CHAPTER XV</a></h3>
+<h4 style="margin-top: -1em;">1846</h4>
+<span class="outdent">Sir Robert Peel's speech</span>&mdash;Extension of Indian Empire&mdash;Bravery
+of English troops&mdash;Death of Sir Robert Sale&mdash;Memorandum
+by the Prince&mdash;Celebration of victory&mdash;Letter
+from King Louis Philippe&mdash;Irish Crimes Bill&mdash;Attack
+on Sir Robert Peel&mdash;His resignation&mdash;Intrigues&mdash;End
+of Oregon dispute&mdash;Sir Robert Peel's
+tribute to Cobden&mdash;New Government&mdash;Cobden and the
+Whigs&mdash;Parting with the Ministers&mdash;Whig jealousies&mdash;A
+weak Ministry&mdash;Anxieties&mdash;French Royal Family&mdash;Spanish
+marriages&mdash;Portugal&mdash;Prerogative of dissolution&mdash;Views
+of Lord Melbourne&mdash;The Prince and
+Sir Robert Peel&mdash;Proposed visit to Ireland&mdash;Government
+of Canada&mdash;Wellington statue&mdash;Lord Palmerston
+and Spain&mdash;Instructions to Mr Bulwer&mdash;Don Enrique&mdash;Sudden
+decision&mdash;Double engagement&mdash;The Queen's
+indignation&mdash;Letter to the Queen of the French&mdash;View
+of English Government&mdash;Letter to King Leopold&mdash;Baron
+Stockmar's opinion&mdash;Letter to Queen Louise&mdash;Lord
+Palmerston and the French&mdash;Princess of
+Prussia&mdash;England and the Three Powers&mdash;Interruption
+of <i>entente cordiale</i>&mdash;Spanish marriages&mdash;Peninsular
+medal&mdash;Duke of Wellington's view&mdash;England and
+Portugal&mdash;The Queen's decision on Peninsular medal&mdash;Cracow</td>
+<td class="right" valign="bottom" width="10%"><a href="#pageii.71">71-114</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<table summary="contents" align="center" width="90%">
+ <tr>
+<td>
+<h3 style="margin-top: 2em;"><a class="contents" href="#pageii.115">CHAPTER XVI</a></h3>
+<h4 style="margin-top: -1em;">1847</h4>
+<span class="outdent">England and Portugal</span>&mdash;Peaceable policy advised&mdash;Spain
+and Portugal&mdash;Sir Hamilton Seymour&mdash;Septennial Act
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.v" id="pageii.v"></a>[page&nbsp;v]</span>
+&mdash;Church preferments&mdash;Jenny Lind&mdash;Wellington
+statue&mdash;Prosperity in India&mdash;General election&mdash;Earldom
+of Strafford&mdash;Mission to the Vatican&mdash;Portugal&mdash;Crisis
+in the City&mdash;Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland&mdash;Mr
+Cobden&mdash;Foreign policy&mdash;Queen of Spain&mdash;Queen of
+Portugal&mdash;Hampden controversy&mdash;Lord Palmerston's
+despatches&mdash;Civil war in Switzerland&mdash;Letter from
+King of Prussia&mdash;The Queen's reply&mdash;The Bishops and
+Dr Hampden</td>
+<td class="right" valign="bottom" width="10%"><a href="#pageii.115">115-140</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+ <table summary="contents" align="center" width="90%">
+ <tr>
+<td>
+<h3 style="margin-top: 2em;"><a class="contents" href="#pageii.141">CHAPTER XVII</a></h3>
+<h4 style="margin-top: -1em;">1848</h4>
+<span class="outdent">Death of Madame Ad&eacute;la&iuml;de</span>&mdash;Grief of Queen Louise&mdash;The
+Queen's sympathy&mdash;England and the Porte&mdash;Improvements
+at Claremont&mdash;Revolution in France&mdash;Flight
+of the Royal Family&mdash;Letter from King of
+Prussia&mdash;Anarchy in Paris&mdash;Queen Louise's anxiety&mdash;Revolution
+foreseen&mdash;England's hospitality&mdash;New
+French Government&mdash;British Consul's plan&mdash;Escape
+of the King and Queen&mdash;Graphic narrative&mdash;Plan successful&mdash;Arrival
+in England&mdash;Reception at Claremont&mdash;Letter
+of gratitude&mdash;Flight of Guizot&mdash;Royal
+fugitives&mdash;Orleanist blunders&mdash;Letter to Lord Melbourne&mdash;The
+Czar on the situation&mdash;State of Germany&mdash;Chartist
+demonstration&mdash;Prince Albert and the unemployed&mdash;Chartist
+fiasco&mdash;Alarming state of Ireland&mdash;Conduct
+of the Belgians&mdash;Events in France&mdash;Anxiety
+in Germany&mdash;Italy&mdash;Spain&mdash;The French
+Royal Family&mdash;Affairs in Lombardy&mdash;Sir Henry
+Bulwer&mdash;Lord Palmerston's justification&mdash;Instructions
+to Sir H. Seymour&mdash;Lord Palmerston's drafts&mdash;England
+and Italy&mdash;Lord Minto's mission&mdash;Duchesse
+de Nemours&mdash;Commissions in the Army&mdash;Northern
+Italy&mdash;Irish rebellion&mdash;Minor German states&mdash;An
+ambassador to France&mdash;The Queen's displeasure&mdash;Opening
+the Queen's letters&mdash;Lord Palmerston and
+Italy&mdash;Austria declines mediation&mdash;Austria and Italy&mdash;In
+the Highlands&mdash;The Queen and Lord Palmerston&mdash;Affairs
+in the Punjab&mdash;Hostility of the Sikhs&mdash;Greece&mdash;State
+of Germany&mdash;Letter of the Prince of
+Leiningen&mdash;Sir Harry Smith at the Cape&mdash;Governorship
+of Gibraltar&mdash;Mediation in Italy&mdash;Death of Lord
+Melbourne&mdash;The Orleans family&mdash;Letter from the
+Pope&mdash;The French President&mdash;Relations with France&mdash;England
+slighted</td>
+<td class="right" valign="bottom" width="10%"><a href="#pageii.141">141-207</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.vi" id="pageii.vi"></a>[page&nbsp;vi]</span>
+
+<table summary="contents" align="center" width="90%">
+ <tr>
+<td>
+<h3 style="margin-top: 2em;"><a class="contents" href="#pageii.208">CHAPTER XVIII</a></h3>
+<h4 style="margin-top: -1em;">1849</h4>
+<span class="outdent">Letter to the Pope</span>&mdash;Letter from President of French Republic&mdash;Lord
+Palmerston and Naples&mdash;The army in
+India&mdash;State of the Continent&mdash;France and the President&mdash;Gaelic
+and Welsh&mdash;Lord Gough superseded&mdash;End
+of the Sikh War&mdash;Courage of Mrs G. Lawrence&mdash;Letter
+from King of Sardinia&mdash;Novara&mdash;The Queen
+fired at by Hamilton&mdash;Annexation of the Punjab&mdash;Drafts
+and despatches&mdash;Schleswig-Holstein Question&mdash;Proposed
+visit to Ireland&mdash;Irish title for the young
+Prince&mdash;Cork and Waterford&mdash;The Irish visit&mdash;Enthusiasm
+in Ireland&mdash;Brevet promotions&mdash;New Coal
+Exchange&mdash;Critical position of Germany&mdash;Death of
+Queen Adelaide</td>
+<td class="right" valign="bottom" width="10%"><a href="#pageii.208">208-230</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<table summary="contents" align="center" width="90%">
+ <tr>
+<td>
+<h3 style="margin-top: 2em;"><a class="contents" href="#pageii.231">CHAPTER XIX</a></h3>
+<h4 style="margin-top: -1em;">1850</h4>
+<span class="outdent">Grand Duchess St&eacute;phanie</span>&mdash;The Draft to Greece&mdash;Lord
+Palmerston's explanation&mdash;Lord John Russell's plan&mdash;Suggested
+rearrangement&mdash;<i>Status quo</i> maintained&mdash;Baron
+Stockmar's Memorandum&mdash;State of France&mdash;The
+Prince's speech&mdash;Lord Palmerston and Spain&mdash;Lord
+Howden&mdash;The Koh-i-noor diamond&mdash;A change
+imminent&mdash;Lord John Russell's report&mdash;Sunday
+delivery of letters&mdash;Prince George of Cambridge&mdash;The
+Earldom of Tipperary&mdash;Mr Roebuck's motion&mdash;Lord
+Stanley's motion&mdash;Holstein and Germany&mdash;Lord
+Palmerston's explanation&mdash;The Protocol&mdash;Christening
+of Prince Arthur&mdash;Don Pacifico Debate&mdash;Sir Robert
+Peel's accident&mdash;Letter from King of Denmark&mdash;Death
+of Sir Robert Peel&mdash;The Queen assaulted by
+Pate&mdash;Death of Duke of Cambridge&mdash;Prince of Prussia&mdash;The
+Foreign Office&mdash;Denmark and Schleswig&mdash;Sir
+Charles Napier's resignation&mdash;Lord Palmerston&mdash;Lord
+Clarendon's opinion&mdash;Duke of Bedford's opinion&mdash;Lord
+John Russell's report&mdash;Press attacks on Lord
+Palmerston&mdash;Duties of Foreign Secretary&mdash;Death of
+King Louis Philippe&mdash;Visit to Scotland&mdash;Illness of
+Queen Louise&mdash;Attack on General Haynau&mdash;Note to
+Baron Koller&mdash;The Draft gone&mdash;Lord Palmerston rebuked&mdash;Holstein&mdash;A
+great grief&mdash;Mr Tennyson
+made Poet Laureate&mdash;Ritualists and Roman Catholics&mdash;Unrest
+in Europe&mdash;England and Germany&mdash;Constitutionalism
+in Germany&mdash;Austria and Prussia&mdash;Religious
+strife&mdash;England and Rome&mdash;Lady Peel&mdash;The
+Papal aggression&mdash;Ecclesiastical Titles Bill</td>
+<td class="right" valign="bottom" width="10%"><a href="#pageii.231">231-282</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.vii" id="pageii.vii"></a>[page&nbsp;vii]</span>
+
+<table summary="contents" align="center" width="90%">
+ <tr>
+<td>
+<h3 style="margin-top: 2em;"><a class="contents" href="#pageii.283">CHAPTER XX</a></h3>
+<h4 style="margin-top: -1em;">1851</h4>
+<span class="outdent">Life Peerages</span>&mdash;Diplomatic arrangements&mdash;Peril of the
+Ministry&mdash;Negotiations with Sir J. Graham&mdash;Defeat
+of the Government&mdash;Ministerial crisis&mdash;The Premier's
+statement&mdash;Lord Lansdowne consulted&mdash;Lord Stanley
+sent for&mdash;Complications&mdash;Fiscal policy&mdash;Sir James
+Graham&mdash;Duke of Wellington&mdash;Difficulties&mdash;Lord
+Aberdeen consulted&mdash;Lord Stanley to be sent for&mdash;His
+letter&mdash;Lord Stanley's difficulties&mdash;Mr Disraeli&mdash;Question
+of dissolution&mdash;Explanations&mdash;Lord Stanley
+resigns&mdash;His reasons&mdash;The Papal Bill&mdash;Duke of
+Wellington&mdash;Appeal to Lord Lansdowne&mdash;Still without
+a Government&mdash;Lord Lansdowne's views&mdash;Further
+difficulties&mdash;Coalition impossible&mdash;Income Tax&mdash;Free
+Trade&mdash;Ecclesiastical Titles Bill&mdash;Confusion of
+Parties&mdash;New National Gallery&mdash;The great Exhibition&mdash;Imposing
+ceremony&mdash;The Prince's triumph&mdash;Enthusiasm
+in the City&mdash;Danish succession&mdash;The Orleans
+Princes&mdash;Regret at leaving Scotland&mdash;Extension of the
+Franchise&mdash;Louis Kossuth&mdash;Lord Palmerston's intentions&mdash;A
+dispute&mdash;Lord Palmerston defiant&mdash;He
+gives way&mdash;The Queen's anxiety&mdash;Lord Palmerston's
+conduct&mdash;The Queen's comment&mdash;Death of King of
+Hanover&mdash;The Suffrage&mdash;The <i>Coup d'&Eacute;tat</i>&mdash;Louis
+Bonaparte&mdash;Excitement in France&mdash;Lord Palmerston
+and Lord Normanby&mdash;State of Paris&mdash;Lord Palmerston's
+approval&mdash;Birthday wishes&mdash;The crisis&mdash;Dismissal
+of Lord Palmerston&mdash;Inconsistency of Lord
+Palmerston&mdash;The Prince's Memorandum&mdash;Lord Clarendon&mdash;Discussion
+on new arrangements&mdash;Count
+Walewski informed&mdash;Lord Granville's appointment&mdash;The
+Queen's view of foreign affairs&mdash;Our policy reviewed&mdash;Difficulty
+of fixed principles&mdash;Prince Nicholas
+of Nassau&mdash;<i>Te Deum</i> at Paris
+</td>
+<td class="right" valign="bottom" width="10%"><a href="#pageii.283">283-355</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<table summary="contents" align="center" width="90%">
+ <tr>
+<td>
+<h3 style="margin-top: 2em;"><a class="contents" href="#pageii.356">CHAPTER XXI</a></h3>
+<h4 style="margin-top: -1em;">1852</h4>
+<span class="outdent">Denmark</span>&mdash;Possible fusion of parties&mdash;Orleans family&mdash;Draft
+of the Speech&mdash;Women and politics&mdash;New
+Houses of Parliament&mdash;Lord Palmerston's discomfiture&mdash;M.
+Thiers&mdash;The Prince and the Army&mdash;Pressure of
+business&mdash;Defeat on Militia Bill&mdash;Interview with Lord
+John Russell&mdash;Resignation of the Ministry&mdash;The
+Queen sends for Lord Derby&mdash;Lord Derby and Lord
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.viii" id="pageii.viii"></a>[page&nbsp;viii]</span>
+Palmerston&mdash;New appointments&mdash;New Foreign Secretary&mdash;Interview
+with Lord Derby&mdash;Louis Napoleon&mdash;Audiences&mdash;Ladies
+of the Household&mdash;Lord Derby
+and the Church&mdash;Adherence to treaties&mdash;The Sovereign
+"People"&mdash;New Militia Bill&mdash;England and Austria&mdash;Letter
+from Mr Disraeli&mdash;"Necessary" measures&mdash;Question
+of dissolution&mdash;Lord Derby hopeful&mdash;Progress
+of democracy&mdash;England and Italy&mdash;Militia Bill
+carried&mdash;France and the Bourbons&mdash;Louis Napoleon's
+position&mdash;Excitement at Stockport&mdash;The Queen inherits
+a fortune&mdash;Death of Duke of Wellington&mdash;Military
+appointments&mdash;Nation in mourning&mdash;Funeral
+arrangements&mdash;Anecdote of Napoleon III.&mdash;England
+and the Emperor&mdash;National defences&mdash;Financial
+arrangements&mdash;Lord Dalhousie's tribute&mdash;Funeral
+ceremony&mdash;Confusion of parties&mdash;Lord Palmerston's
+position&mdash;Mr Disraeli and Mr Gladstone&mdash;Recognition
+of the Empire&mdash;Budget speech&mdash;Letter to the French
+Emperor&mdash;Secret protocol&mdash;Difficult situation&mdash;The
+Queen's unwillingness to decide&mdash;Injunctions to Lord
+Derby&mdash;Defeat of the Government&mdash;Lord Derby's
+resignation&mdash;Lord Aberdeen sent for&mdash;His interview
+with the Queen&mdash;Lord Aberdeen in office&mdash;Lord John
+Russell's hesitation&mdash;Letter from Mr. Disraeli&mdash;The
+Queen's anxiety&mdash;Christmas presents&mdash;Lord Derby's
+intentions&mdash;New Government&mdash;Mr Gladstone at the
+Exchequer&mdash;The Emperor's annoyance&mdash;Appointments&mdash;Protracted
+crisis&mdash;The Cabinet&mdash;Lord Derby
+takes leave&mdash;Letter from Lady Derby&mdash;Change of
+seals&mdash;Peace restored&mdash;A strong Cabinet </td>
+<td class="right" valign="bottom" width="10%"><a href="#pageii.356">356-430</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<table summary="contents" align="center" width="90%">
+ <tr>
+<td>
+<h3 style="margin-top: 2em;"><a class="contents" href="#pageii.431">CHAPTER XXII</a></h3>
+<h4 style="margin-top: -1em;">1853</h4>
+<span class="outdent">The Emperor's annoyance</span>&mdash;Headmastership of Eton&mdash;Marriage
+of Emperor of the French&mdash;Mademoiselle Eug&eacute;nie
+de Montijo&mdash;Baron Beyens on the situation&mdash;Emperor
+of Russia and the Turkish Empire&mdash;Lord John Russell
+and leadership of House of Commons&mdash;Count Buol and
+refugees&mdash;Kossuth and Mazzini proclamations&mdash;Want
+of arms for the Militia&mdash;Russian fleet at Constantinople&mdash;French
+irritation&mdash;Russia's demands&mdash;Russia and
+England&mdash;Liberation of the Madiai&mdash;Letter from
+Emperor of Russia&mdash;Birth of Prince Leopold&mdash;Mr
+Gladstone's budget speech&mdash;Congratulations from the
+Prince&mdash;India Bill&mdash;Emperor of Austria&mdash;Church of
+England in the Colonies&mdash;Oriental Question&mdash;Death of
+Lady Dalhousie&mdash;Lord Palmerston and Lord Aberdeen<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.ix" id="pageii.ix"></a>[page&nbsp;ix]</span>&mdash;Russia,
+Austria, and Turkey&mdash;England's policy&mdash;The
+Queen's views on the Eastern despatches&mdash;Proposed
+terms of settlement&mdash;Lord John Russell's retirement&mdash;Letter
+from the Emperor of Russia&mdash;Lord
+Stratford's desire for war&mdash;Letter to the Emperor of
+Russia&mdash;France and the Eastern Question&mdash;Letter
+from the Emperor of Russia&mdash;Reform Bill&mdash;Lord
+Palmerston's position&mdash;Lord Lansdowne's influence&mdash;Resignation
+of Lord Palmerston&mdash;Lord Stratford's
+despatch&mdash;Draft to Vienna&mdash;Return of Lord Palmerston
+to office</td>
+<td class="right" valign="bottom" width="10%"><a href="#pageii.431">431-472</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.xi" id="pageii.xi"></a>[page&nbsp;xi]</span>
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: 3em;">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h3>
+
+
+<table summary="illustrations" align="center" width="80%">
+<tr>
+<td width="75%" class="illus"><span class="outdent1"><a class="contents" href="#frontisii"><span class="sc">H.M. Queen Victoria, 1843.</span></a></span><br />
+<i>From the picture by F. Winterhalter at Windsor Castle</i>
+</td>
+<td class="right"><a href="#frontisii"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="illus"><span class="outdent1"><a class="contents" href="#illusii.1"><span class="sc">H.M. Marie Am&eacute;lie, Queen of the French, 1828.</span></a></span><br />
+<i>From the miniature by Millet at Windsor Castle</i>
+</td>
+<td class="right"><i>Facing &nbsp;p.</i> <a href="#illusii.1">104</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="illus"><span class="outdent1"><a class="contents" href="#illusii.2"><span class="sc">"The Cousins."</span></a> H.M. Queen Victoria and the
+Duchess of Nemours, who was a Princess of
+Saxe-Coburg and first cousin to the Queen and
+the Prince Consort.</span><br />
+ <i>From the picture by F.
+Winterhalter at Buckingham Palace</i>
+</td>
+<td class="right"><i>Facing &nbsp;p.</i> <a href="#illusii.2">168</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="illus"><span class="outdent1"><a class="contents" href="#illusii.3"><span class="sc">Baron Stockmar.</span></a></span><br />
+<i>From the portrait by John Partridge at Buckingham Palace</i>
+</td>
+<td class="right"><i>Facing &nbsp;p.</i> <a href="#illusii.3">240</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="illus"><span class="outdent1"><a class="contents" href="#illusii.4">Field-Marshal <span class="sc">The Duke of Wellington, K.G.</span></a></span><br />
+Believed to be by Count d'Orsay. <i>From a miniature at Apsley House</i>
+</td>
+<td class="right"><i>Facing &nbsp;p.</i> <a href="#illusii.4">392</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="full" style="margin-top: 2em;" />
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.1" id="pageii.1"></a>[page&nbsp;1]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h3  style="margin-top: 5em;">INTRODUCTORY NOTE</h3>
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: -0.5em;">TO CHAPTER XIII</h3>
+
+
+
+<p>The new year (1844) opened with signs of improved trade, and a
+feeling of confidence, partly due to the friendly <i>entente</i> with France.
+In Ireland, soon after the collapse of the Clontarf meeting, O'Connell
+and some of his associates were indicted for seditious conspiracy, and
+convicted. The conviction was subsequently quashed on technical
+grounds, but O'Connell's political influence was at an end. In
+Parliament, owing chiefly to the exertions of Lord Ashley (afterwards
+Earl of Shaftesbury), an important Bill was passed restricting
+factory labour, and limiting its hours. The Bank Charter Act,
+separating the issue and banking departments, as well as regulating
+the note issue of the Bank of England in proportion to its stock of
+gold, also became law. Meanwhile the dissensions in the Conservative
+party were increasing, and the Ministry were defeated on a
+motion made by their own supporters to extend the preferential
+treatment of colonial produce. With great difficulty the vote was
+rescinded and a crisis averted; but the Young England section of
+the Tory party were becoming more and more an embarrassment to
+the Premier. Towards the end of the year the new Royal Exchange
+was opened amid much ceremony by the Queen.</p>
+
+<p>The services rendered by Sir Charles Napier in India were the subject
+of votes of thanks in both Houses, but shortly afterwards Lord
+Ellenborough, the Governor-General, was recalled by the Directors
+of the East India Company: their action was no doubt due to his
+overbearing methods and love of display, but it was disapproved by
+the Ministry, and Lord Ellenborough was accorded an Earldom.</p>
+
+<p>During the year there was a recrudescence of the friction between
+this country and France, due partly to questions as to the right of
+search of foreign ships, partly to a <i>brochure</i> issued by the Prince de
+Joinville, a son of Louis Philippe, partly to the assumption of French
+sovereignty over Tahiti and the seizure of the English consul there
+by the French authorities. Reparation however was made, and the
+ill-feeling subsided sufficiently to enable the King of the French to
+visit Queen Victoria,&mdash;the first friendly visit ever paid by a French
+king to the Sovereign of England. Louis Philippe was cordially
+received in this country.</p>
+
+<p>Another historic royal visit also took place in 1844, that of the
+Emperor Nicholas, who no doubt was so much impressed with his
+friendly reception, both by the Court and by Aberdeen, the Foreign
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.2" id="pageii.2"></a>[page&nbsp;2]</span>
+Secretary, that nine years later he thought he could calculate on the
+support of England under Aberdeen (then Premier) in a scheme for
+the partition of Turkey. Lord Malmesbury, who a few years later
+became Foreign Secretary, states in his memoirs that during this
+visit, the Czar, Sir Robert Peel, the Duke of Wellington, and Lord
+Aberdeen "drew up and signed a Memorandum, the spirit and scope
+of which was to support Russia in her legitimate protectorship of the
+Greek religion and the Holy Shrines, and to do so without consulting
+France," but the Memorandum was in reality only one made by
+Nicholas of his recollection of the interview, and communicated
+subsequently to Lord Aberdeen.</p>
+
+<p>No events of special interest took place in other parts of Europe;
+the condition of affairs in the Peninsula improved, though the
+announcement of the unfortunate marriage of the Queen Mother
+with the Duke of Rianzares was not of hopeful augury for the young
+Queen Isabella's future; as a matter of fact, the marriage had taken
+place some time previously.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.3" id="pageii.3"></a>[page&nbsp;3]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h2 style="margin-top: 5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+
+<h5>1844</h5>
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>9th January 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I had the pleasure of receiving your
+kind letter of the 4th, which is written from Ardenne, where
+I grieve to see you are again gone without my beloved Louise.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Charlotte is the admiration of every one, and I wish much
+I could have seen the three dear children <i>en repr&eacute;sentation</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Our fat Vic or Pussette learns a verse of <i>Lamartine</i> by heart,
+which ends with "le tableau se d&eacute;roule &agrave; mes pieds"; to
+show how well she had understood this difficult line which
+Mdlle. Charier had explained to her, I must tell you the following
+<i>bon mot</i>. When she was riding on her pony, and looking
+at the cows and sheep, she turned to Mdlle. Charier and said:
+"<i>Voil&agrave;</i> le tableau qui se d&eacute;roule &agrave; mes pieds." Is not this
+extraordinary for a little child of three years old? It is more
+like what a person of twenty would say. You have no notion
+<i>what</i> a knowing, and I am sorry to say <i>sly</i>, little rogue she is,
+and so <i>obstinate</i>. She and <i>le petit Fr&egrave;re</i> accompany us to dear
+old Claremont to-day; Alice remains here under Lady Lyttelton's
+care. How sorry I am that you should have hurt your
+leg, and in such a provoking way; Albert says he remembers
+well your playing often with a pen-knife when you talked,
+and I remember it also, but it is really dangerous.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I am happy that the news from Paris are good; the really
+good understanding between our two Governments provokes
+the Carlists and Anarchists. Bordeaux<sup>1</sup> is not yet gone;
+I saw in a letter that it was <i>debated</i> in his presence whether he
+was on any favourable occasion <i>de se pr&eacute;senter en France!</i>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.4" id="pageii.4"></a>[page&nbsp;4]</span>
+Do you think that possible? Then again the papers say that
+there are fortifications being made on the coast of Normandy
+for fear of an invasion; is this so? These are many questions,
+but I hope you will kindly answer them, as they interest
+me. With Albert's love. Believe me, ever, your devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 1: The Duc de Bordeaux, only son of the Duc de Berri, had by the death of Charles X.
+and the renunciation of all claims to the French Throne on the part of the Duc d'Angoul&ecirc;me,
+become the representative of the elder branch of the Bourbons. He had
+intended his visit to England to have a private character only.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen</i>.</h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE SPANISH MARRIAGE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Claremont</span>, <i>10th January 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen understands that there is a negotiation with
+Sweden and Denmark pending about the cessation of their
+tribute to Morocco, likewise that Prince Metternich has sent
+a despatch condemning as unfair the understanding come to
+between us and France about the Spanish marriage;<sup>2</sup> that
+there is a notion of exchanging Hong Kong for a more healthy
+colony.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen, taking a deep interest in all these matters, and
+feeling it her duty to do so, begs Lord Aberdeen to keep her
+always well informed of what is on the <i>tapis</i> in his Department.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 2: <i>See ante</i>, <a href="../../20023/20023-h/20023-h.htm#pagei.487" style="font-weight: normal;">vol. i. p. 487</a>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Claremont</span>, <i>13th January 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of the
+10th, and returns him the papers which he sent her, with
+her best thanks. She does not remember to have seen them
+before.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen takes this opportunity to beg Lord Aberdeen
+to cause the despatches to be sent a little sooner from the
+Foreign Office, as drafts in particular have often come to the
+Queen a week or a fortnight after they had actually been sent
+across the sea.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With respect to the Hanoverian Orders, Lord Aberdeen has
+not quite understood what the Queen meant. It was Sir C.
+Thornton and others to whom the Queen had refused permission
+to accept the favour, on a former occasion, by which the King
+of Hanover was much affronted. The Queen would not like
+to have herself additionally fettered by any new regulation,
+but Lord Aberdeen will certainly concur with the Queen that
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.5" id="pageii.5"></a>[page&nbsp;5]</span>
+it would not be expedient to give to the King of Hanover a
+power which the Queen herself does not possess, viz. that of
+granting orders as favours, or for personal services; as the
+number of the different classes of the Guelphic Order bestowed
+on Englishmen is innumerable, it would actually
+invest the King with such a power, which, considering how
+much such things are sought after, might be extremely
+inconvenient.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen will not give a final decision upon this case until
+she returns to Windsor, where she has papers explanatory of
+the reasons which caused her to decline the King of Hanover's
+application in 1838.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">A CARRIAGE ACCIDENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Claremont</span>, <i>16th January 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Many thanks for your kind letter of
+the 11th. Louise can give you the details of the little upset
+I and Lady Douro had, and which I did not think worth while
+to mention.<sup>3</sup> It was the strangest thing possible to happen,
+and the most <i>unlikely</i>, for we were going quite quietly, not at
+all in a narrow lane, with very quiet ponies and my usual
+postillion; the fact was that the boy looked the <i>wrong</i> way,
+and therefore did not perceive the ditch which he so cleverly
+got us into.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We leave dear Claremont, as usual, with the greatest regret;
+we are so peaceable here; Windsor is beautiful and comfortable,
+but it is a <i>palace</i>, and God knows <i>how willingly</i> I would
+<i>always</i> live with my beloved Albert and our children in the
+quiet and retirement of private life, and not be the constant
+object of observation, and of newspaper articles. The children
+(Pussette and Bertie) have been most remarkably well, and so
+have we, in spite of the very bad weather we had most days.
+I am truly and really grieved that good excellent Nemours is
+again <i>not</i> to get his <i>dotation</i>.<sup>4</sup> Really we constitutional
+countries are <i>too shabby</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Now, dearest Uncle, I must bid you adieu, begging you to
+believe me, ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 3: On the 5th of January the Queen's phaeton was overturned at Horton, near Dachet,
+while driving to the meet of Prince Albert's Harriers.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 4: On the occasion of the marriage of the Duc and Duchesse de Nemours (1840), the
+proposal made by the Soult Government for a Parliamentary grant of 500,000 francs had
+been rejected.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.6" id="pageii.6"></a>[page&nbsp;6]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FRANCE AND ENGLAND</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>30th January 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I must begin by thanking you for
+your kind letter of the 26th, and by wishing you joy that the
+f&ecirc;te went off <i>so</i> well. I am glad Leo will appear at the next
+ball; he is nearly nine years old, and it is good to accustom
+children of his rank early to these things.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Guizot's speech is exceedingly admired, with the exception
+of his having said more than he was justified to do about the
+right of search.<sup>5</sup> Our speech has been very difficult to frame;
+we should like to have mentioned our visits to France and
+Belgium, but it has been found impossible to do so; <i>France is</i>
+mentioned, and it is the first time since 1834!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">To-morrow we go up to Town "pour ce bore," as the good
+King always said to me; whenever there were tiresome people
+to present he always said: "Je vous demande pardon de ce
+<i>bore</i>."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have had a tiresome though not at all violent cold which
+<i>I was</i> alarmed might spoil the <i>sonorousness</i> of my voice for the
+speech on Thursday, but it promises well now.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I own I always look with horror to the beginning of a
+Parliamentary campaign.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With Albert's love. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 5: He insisted that French trade must be kept under the exclusive surveillance of the
+French flag.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEATH OF THE DUKE OF COBURG</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>6th February 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearly beloved Uncle</span>,&mdash;<i>You</i> must now be the father
+to us poor bereaved, heartbroken children.<sup>6</sup> To describe to
+you <i>all</i> that we <i>have</i> suffered, all that we <i>do</i> suffer, would
+be
+difficult; God has heavily afflicted us; we feel crushed, overwhelmed,
+bowed down by the loss of one who was so deservedly
+loved, I may say adored, by his children and family; I loved
+him and looked on him as my own father; his like we shall <i>not
+see again</i>; that youth, <i>that amiability</i>, and kindness in his own
+house which was the centre and rendezvous for the whole
+family, will never be seen again, and my poor Angel's fondest
+thought of beholding that <i>dearly beloved Vaterhaus</i>&mdash;where his
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.7" id="pageii.7"></a>[page&nbsp;7]</span>
+thoughts continually were&mdash;<i>again</i> is for ever gone and his poor
+heart bleeds to feel <i>this</i> is for ever gone. Our promised visit,
+our dearest Papa's, and our fondest wish, all is put an end to.
+The violence of our grief may be over, but the desolate feeling
+which succeeds it is worse, and tears are a relief. I have never
+known real <i>grief</i> till now, and it has made a lasting impression
+on me. A father is <i>such</i> a <i>near</i> relation, you are a <i>piece</i> of
+him
+in fact,&mdash;and all (as my poor <i>deeply afflicted</i> Angel says) the
+earliest pleasures of your life were given you by a dear father;
+that can <i>never he replaced</i> though time may soften the pang.
+And indeed one loves to <i>cling</i> to one's grief; I can understand
+Louise's feeling in her overwhelming sorrows.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Let me now join my humble entreaties to Albert's, relative
+to the request about dearest Louise, which he has made. It
+is a sacrifice I ask, but if you <i>knew</i> the sacrifice I make in letting
+and urging Albert <i>to go</i>, I am sure, if you <i>can</i> you <i>will</i>
+grant it.
+I have <i>never</i> been separated from him even for <i>one night</i>, and
+the <i>thought of such</i> a separation is quite dreadful; still, I feel
+I <i>could</i> bear it,&mdash;I have made up my mind to it, as the very
+<i>thought</i> of going has been a comfort to my poor Angel, and will
+be of such use at Coburg. Still, if I were to remain <i>quite</i> alone
+I do not think I <i>could</i> bear it quietly. Therefore <i>pray</i> do send
+me my dearly beloved Louise; she would be <i>such</i> a comfort
+to me; if you could come too&mdash;or afterwards (as you promised
+us a longer visit), that would be still more delightful. I may
+be indiscreet, but you must think of <i>what</i> the separation from
+my <i>all and all</i>, even only for a <i>fortnight</i>, will be to me!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We feel some <i>years</i> older since these days of mourning.
+Mamma is calm, but poor Aunt Julia<sup>7</sup> is indeed much to be
+pitied. Ever, dearest Uncle, your devoted and unhappy
+Niece and Child,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 6: The Duke of Saxe-Coburg Gotha died on 29th January.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 7: The Grand Duchess Constantine of Russia, sister of the Duchess of Kent and of the
+deceased Duke of Saxe-Coburg.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">BEREAVEMENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>13th February 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I received your dear, kind but sad
+letter of the 8th on Sunday, and thank you much for it. God
+knows, poor dear Uncle, you have suffered <i>enough</i> in your life,
+but you should think, dearest Uncle, of <i>that blessed</i> assurance
+of <i>eternity</i> where we shall <i>all meet again never</i> to part; you
+should think (as we constantly do now) that those whom we
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.8" id="pageii.8"></a>[page&nbsp;8]</span>
+have lost are far happier than we are, and <i>love us</i> still, and in
+a far more perfect way than <i>we can</i> do in this world! When
+the first moments and days of overwhelming grief are over
+these reflections are the greatest balm, the greatest consolation
+to the bleeding heart.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I hope you will kindly let me have a few lines of <i>hope</i> by the
+Tuesday's messenger. Ever your truly devoted Niece and
+Child,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria</span> R.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>P.S.</i>&mdash;O'Connell's being pronounced guilty is a great
+triumph.<sup>8</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 8: He had been indicted with Charles Gavan Duffy and others for seditious conspiracy.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">South Street</span>, <i>3rd April 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+with many thanks for your Majesty's note of the 28th ult.
+Lord Melbourne believes that your Majesty is quite right in
+saying that Lord Melbourne has still some health left, if he will
+but take care of it. Lord Melbourne told Dr Holland, without
+mentioning your Majesty's name, that this had been said
+to him by a friend, and Dr Holland immediately said that it
+was very just and true, and very well expressed, and quite what
+he should have said himself. At the same time, the change
+from strength to weakness and the evident progress of decadence
+is a very hard and disagreeable trial. Lord Melbourne
+has been reading Cicero on old age, a very pretty treatise, but
+he does not find much consolation after it; the principal
+practical resources and alleviations which he recommends are
+agriculture and gardening, to both of which, but more particularly
+to the latter, Lord Melbourne has already had recourse.
+It is certainly, as your Majesty says, wrong to be impatient
+and to repine at everything, but still it is difficult not to be so.
+Lady Uxbridge's death<sup>9</sup> is a shocking event, a dreadful loss to
+him and to all. Lord Melbourne always liked her. Lord
+Melbourne is going down to Brocket Hall to-morrow, and will
+try to get Uxbridge and the girls to come over and dine.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne has felt very much for the grief which your
+Majesty must feel at a separation, even short and temporary,
+from the Prince, and it is extremely amiable to feel comforted
+by the recollection of the extreme pleasure which his visit will
+give to his and your Majesty's relations. It is, of course,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.9" id="pageii.9"></a>[page&nbsp;9]</span>
+impossible that your Majesty should in travelling divest yourself
+of your character and dignity.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne has just driven round the Regent's Park,
+where there are many almond trees in bloom, and looking
+beautiful.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 9: Henrietta Maria, daughter of Sir Charles Bagot, G.C.B.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">RECALL OF LORD ELLENBOROUGH</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Whitehall</span>, <i>23rd April 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs
+leave to acquaint your Majesty that he has every reason to
+believe that the Court of Directors will <i>to-morrow</i>, by an
+unanimous vote, resolve on the actual recall of Lord Ellenborough.<sup>10</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 10: This anomalous privilege was exercised by the Directors in consequence chiefly of
+what they considered Lord Ellenborough's overbearing demeanour in communication
+with them, his too aggressive policy, and his theatrical love of display.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>23rd April 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has heard with the greatest regret from Sir R.
+Peel that the Court of Directors, after all, mean to recall Lord
+Ellenborough. She cannot but consider this <i>very</i> unwise at
+this critical moment, and a very ungrateful return for the
+eminent services Lord Ellenborough has rendered to the Company
+in India. They ought not to forget so soon in what state
+Lord Ellenborough found affairs in 1842. The Queen would
+not be sorry if these gentlemen knew that this is her opinion.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>3rd May 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;Whenever you wish to make me
+<i>truly happy</i>, you will have the power of doing so by repeating
+expressions as kind and affectionate as those contained in
+your dear little letter of the 30th. I have ever had the care
+and affection of a <i>real father</i> for you, and it has perhaps even
+been freer from many drawbacks which occasionally will exist
+betwixt parents and children, be they ever so well and affectionately
+together. With me, even from the moment in
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.10" id="pageii.10"></a>[page&nbsp;10]</span>
+January 1820, when I was called by a messenger to Sidmouth,
+my care for you has been unremitting, and never has there
+been a cloud between us.... A thing which often strikes me,
+in a very satisfactory manner, is that we never had any bitter
+words, a thing which happens even with people who are very
+lovingly together; and the little row which we had in 1838
+you remember well, and do not now think that <i>I</i> was wrong.<sup>11</sup>
+<i>De pareilles relations sont rares; may they ever continue!</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I cannot leave this more serious topic without adding that
+though you were always warm-hearted and right-minded, it
+must strike yourself how matured every kind and good feeling
+is in your generous heart. <i>The heart, and not the head, is the
+safest guide in positions like yours</i>, and this not only for this
+earthly and very short life, but for that which we must hope
+for hereafter. When a life draws nearer its close, how many
+earthly concerns are there that appear <i>still in the same light</i>?
+and how clearly the mind is struck that nothing has been and is
+still of <i>real</i> value, than the nobler and better feelings of the
+heart; the only good we can hope to keep as a precious store
+for the future. What do we keep of youth, beauty, richness,
+power, and even the greatest extent of earthly possessions?
+<span class="sc">Nothing!</span>... Your truly devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 11: <i>See</i> Letters of Queen Victoria and the King of the Belgians, <i>ante</i>, <a href="../../20023/20023-h/20023-h.htm#pagei.116" style="font-weight: normal;">vol. i. pp. 116-120</a>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">HONOURS FOR LORD ELLENBOROUGH</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Whitehall</span>, <i>5th May 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+believing that he is acting in accordance with your Majesty's
+own opinion, begs leave to submit to your Majesty that it may
+be advisable that he should by the present mail inform Lord
+Ellenborough that it is your Majesty's intention to confer on
+him, at a very early period, as a mark of your Majesty's
+approval of Lord Ellenborough's conduct and services
+in India, the rank of an Earl and the Grand Cross of the
+Bath.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Ellenborough may be at liberty (should your Majesty
+approve) to notify this publicly in India&mdash;and thus make it
+known that the general line of policy recently pursued has had
+the full sanction of your Majesty, and will not be departed
+from.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">These were the honours conferred upon Lord Auckland.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">If they were conferred <i>on the instant</i>, it might rather seem a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.11" id="pageii.11"></a>[page&nbsp;11]</span>
+rebuke to the East India Company than a deliberate approval
+of the conduct of Lord Ellenborough, but these honours might
+shortly follow the conclusion of the affair respecting the
+selection of Lord Ellenborough's successor, and any discussion
+that may arise in Parliament.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE PRINCE DE JOINVILLE'S <i>BROCHURE</i></span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Claremont</span>, <i>24th May 1844.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Though <i>not</i> my day I must write you a
+line to say <i>how vexed</i> we are at this <i>most unfortunate</i> and <i>most
+imprudent brochure</i> of Joinville's;<sup>12</sup> it has made a <i>very bad</i>
+effect here, and will rouse all the envy and hatred between the
+<i>two Navies</i> again, which it was our great effort to subdue&mdash;and
+this <i>all</i> for <i>nothing!</i> I can't tell you how angry people are,
+and how poor Hadjy will get abused. And this <i>all</i> after our
+having been on such intimate terms with him and having
+<i>sailed</i> with him! If he comes here, <i>what</i> shall we do? Receive
+with open arms one who has talked of ravaging our coasts
+and burning our towns? Indeed it is most lamentable; you
+know how we like him, and that therefore it must be very
+annoying to us to see him get himself into such a scrape. <i>We</i>
+shall overlook it, but the people <i>here</i> won't! It <i>will</i> blow over,
+but it will do immense harm. We who wish to become more
+and more closely united with the French family are, of course,
+much put out by this return. We shall forgive and forget, and
+feel it was <i>not</i> intended to be published&mdash;but the public <i>here</i>
+will <i>not</i> so easily, and will put the worst construction on
+it all.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Pray, dearest Uncle, tell me what <i>could</i> possess Joinville to
+write it, and still more to have it printed? Won't it annoy
+the King and Nemours very much? <i>Enfin c'est malheureux,
+c'est indiscret au plus haut degr&eacute;</i>&mdash;and it provokes and vexes
+us sadly. Tell me <i>all</i> you <i>know</i> and think about it; for you
+<i>can</i> do so with perfect safety by our courier.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have written dearest Louise an account of my <i>old</i> birthday,
+which will please you, I think. The weather is very fine.
+Ever your <i>truly</i> devoted Niece and Child,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 12: The <i>brochure</i> was entitled, <i>Notes sur les forces navales
+de la France</i>. The Prince de
+Joinville wrote as follows to the Queen: "Le malheureux &eacute;clat de ma brochure, le tracas
+que cela donne au P&egrave;re et &agrave; la Reine, me font regretter vivement de l'avoir faite. Comme
+je l'&eacute;cris &agrave; ton Roi, je ne renvoie que m&eacute;pris &agrave; toutes les interpr&eacute;tations qu'on y donne;
+ce que peuvent dire ministre et journaux ne me touche en rien, mais il n'y a pas de sacrifices
+que je ne suis dispos&eacute; &agrave; faire pour l'int&eacute;rieur de la Famille."</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.12" id="pageii.12"></a>[page&nbsp;12]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>29th May 1844.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">If Lord Aberdeen should not have read the Prince de
+Joinville's pamphlet, the Queen recommends him to do so, as
+one cannot judge fairly by the extracts in the newspapers.
+Though it does not lessen the extreme imprudence of the
+Prince's publishing what must do harm to the various French
+Governments, it certainly is <i>not</i> intentionally written to offend
+England, and on the contrary frankly proves <i>us</i> to be immensely
+superior to the French Navy in every way.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE CZAR NICHOLAS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>4th June 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My beloved Uncle</span>,&mdash;I gave Louise a long and detailed
+description of the Emperor,<sup>13</sup> etc. The papers are full of the
+details. A great event and a great compliment <i>his</i> visit certainly
+is, and the people <i>here</i> are extremely flattered at it.
+He is certainly a <i>very striking</i> man; still very handsome; his
+profile is <i>beautiful</i>, and his manners <i>most</i> dignified and graceful;
+extremely civil&mdash;quite alarmingly so, as he is so full of
+attentions and <i>politesses</i>. But the expression of the <i>eyes</i> is
+<i>formidable</i>, and unlike anything I ever saw before. He gives
+me and Albert the impression of a man who is <i>not</i> happy, and
+on whom the weight of his immense power and position weighs
+heavily and painfully; he seldom smiles, and when he does the
+expression is <i>not</i> a happy one. He is very easy to get on with.
+Really, it seems like a dream when I think that we breakfast
+and walk out with <i>this</i> greatest of all earthly Potentates as
+quietly as if we walked, etc., with Charles or any one. We
+took him, with the dear good King of Saxony,<sup>14</sup> who is a great
+contrast to the <i>Czar</i> (and with whom I am <i>quite</i> at my ease),
+to Adelaide Cottage after breakfast. The grass here is just as
+if it had been burned with fire. <i>How</i> many different Princes
+have we not gone the same round with!! The children are
+much admired by the <i>Sovereigns</i>&mdash;(how <i>grand</i> this sounds!)
+&mdash;and Alice allowed the Emperor to take her in his arms, and
+kissed him <i>de son propre accord</i>. We are always so thankful
+that they are <i>not</i> shy. Both the Emperor and the King are
+<i>quite</i> enchanted with Windsor. The Emperor said very
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.13" id="pageii.13"></a>[page&nbsp;13]</span>
+<i>poliment</i>: "C'est digne de vous, Madame." I must say the
+Waterloo Room lit up with that entire service of gold looks
+splendid; and the Reception Room, beautiful to sit in afterwards.
+The Emperor praised <i>my</i> Angel very much, saying:
+"C'est impossible de voir un plus joli gar&ccedil;on; il a l'air si noble
+et si bon"; which I must say <i>is very</i> true. The Emperor
+amused the King and me by saying he was so <i>embarrass&eacute;</i> when
+people were presented to him, and that he felt so "<i>gauche</i>"
+<i>en frac</i>, which certainly he is quite <i>unaccustomed</i> to wear. If
+we can do anything to get him to do what is right by you, we
+shall be most happy, and Peel and Aberdeen are very anxious
+for it. I believe he leaves on Sunday again. To-morrow
+there is to be a great review, and on Thursday <i>I</i> shall probably
+go with them to the races; <i>they</i> are gone there with Albert
+to-day, but I have remained at home.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I think it is time to conclude my long letter.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">If the French are angry at this visit, let their dear King
+and their Princes come; <i>they</i> will be sure of a <i>truly affectionate</i>
+reception on our part. The one which Emperor
+Nicholas has received is cordial and civil, <i>mais ne vient pas
+du c&oelig;ur</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I humbly beg that any remarks which may <i>not</i> be favourable
+to our great visitor may <i>not</i> go <i>beyond</i> you and Louise, and
+<i>not</i>
+to <i>Paris</i>. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 13: The Emperor Nicholas of Russia had just arrived on a visit to England.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 14: Frederick Augustus II.</p>
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>11th June 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I received your very kind and long
+letter of the 7th on Sunday, and thank you very much for it.
+I am delighted that my accounts interested you, and I shall try
+and give you some more to-day, which you will see come from
+an unbiassed and impartial mind, and which I trust therefore
+<i>will</i> be relied upon. The excitement has ceased as suddenly
+as it had begun, and I am still confused about it. I will go
+back to where I last left you. <span class="rightnote">THE REVIEW</span>The <i>Revue</i><a id="footnotetagXIII15" name="footnotetagXIII15"></a><a href="#footnoteXIII15"><sup>15</sup></a> on the 5th was
+really very interesting, and our reception as well as that of the
+Emperor <i>most</i> enthusiastic. Louise tells me you had a review
+the same day, and that it also was so hot. Our children were
+there, and charmed. On the 6th we went with the Emperor
+and King to the races,<a id="footnotetagXIII16" name="footnotetagXIII16"></a><a href="#footnoteXIII16"><sup>16</sup></a> and I never saw such a crowd; again
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.14" id="pageii.14"></a>[page&nbsp;14]</span>
+<i>here</i> the reception was <i>most brilliant</i>. Every evening a large
+dinner in the Waterloo Room, and the two last evenings in
+uniforms, as the Emperor disliked so being <i>en frac</i>, and was
+quite embarrassed in it. On the 7th we took him and the
+King back here, and in the evening had a party of 260 about.
+On Saturday (8th) my Angel took the Emperor and King to
+a very elegant breakfast<a id="footnotetagXIII17" name="footnotetagXIII17"></a><a href="#footnoteXIII17"><sup>17</sup></a> at Chiswick, which I for prudence'
+sake did <i>not</i> go to, but was very sorry for it. In the evening
+we went to the Opera (<i>not</i> in State), but they recognised us,
+and we were most brilliantly received. I had to force the
+Emperor forward, as he never would come forward when I was
+there, and I was obliged to take him by the hand and make
+him appear; it was impossible to be better bred or more
+respectful than he was towards me. Well, on Sunday afternoon
+at five, he left us (my Angel accompanied him to Woolwich),
+and he was much affected at going, and really unaffectedly
+touched at his reception and stay, the simplicity and
+quietness of which told upon his love of domestic life, which is
+very great. <span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S IMPRESSIONS</span>I will now (having told <i>all</i> that has passed) give
+you <i>my</i> opinion and feelings on the subject, which I may say
+are Albert's also. I was extremely against the visit, fearing
+the <i>g&ecirc;ne</i>, and bustle, and even at first, I did not feel at <i>all</i> to
+like it, but by living in the same house together quietly and
+unrestrainedly (and this Albert, and with great truth, says is
+the great advantage of these visits, that I not only <i>see</i> these
+great people but <i>know</i> them), I got to know the Emperor and
+he to know me. <span class="rightnote">THE CZAR NICHOLAS</span>There is much about him which I cannot help
+liking, and I think his character is <i>one</i> which should be understood,
+and looked upon for <i>once</i> as it is. He is stern and severe&mdash;with
+fixed principles of <i>duty</i> which <i>nothing</i> on earth will
+make him change; very <i>clever</i> I do <i>not</i> think him, and his
+mind is an uncivilised one; his education has been neglected;
+politics and military concerns are the only things he takes
+great interest in; the arts and all softer occupations he is insensible
+to, but he is sincere, I am certain, <i>sincere</i> even in his
+most despotic acts, from a sense that that <i>is</i> the <i>only</i> way to
+govern; he is not, I am sure, aware of the dreadful cases of
+individual misery which he so often causes, for I can see by
+various instances that he is kept in utter ignorance of <i>many</i>
+things, which his people carry out in most corrupt ways, while
+he thinks that he is extremely just. He thinks of general
+measures, but does not look into detail. And I am sure <i>much</i>
+never reaches his ears, and (as you observed), how can it?
+He asked for <i>nothing</i> whatever, has merely expressed his great
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.15" id="pageii.15"></a>[page&nbsp;15]</span>
+anxiety to be upon the best terms with us, but <i>not</i> to the
+<i>exclusion of others</i>, only let things remain as they are.... He
+is I should say, too frank, for he talks so openly before people,
+which he should not do, and with difficulty restrains himself.
+His anxiety <i>to be believed</i> is <i>very</i> great, and I must say his
+personal
+promises I <i>am inclined</i> to believe; then his feelings are
+very strong; he <i>feels</i> kindness deeply&mdash;and his love for his
+wife and children, and for all children, is <i>very</i> great. He has
+a strong feeling for domestic life, saying to me, when our
+children were in the room: "Voil&agrave; les doux moments de notre
+vie." He was not only civil, but extremely kind <i>to us both</i>,
+and spoke in the highest praise of dearest Albert to Sir Robert
+Peel, saying he wished any Prince in Germany had that ability
+and sense; he showed Albert great confidence, and I <i>think</i> it
+will do great good, as if <i>he</i> praises him abroad it will have great
+weight. He is <i>not</i> happy, and that melancholy which is visible
+in the countenance made me sad at times; the sternness of the
+eyes goes very much off when you know him, and changes
+according to his being put out (and he <i>can</i> be much embarrassed)
+or not, and also from his being heated, as he suffers
+with congestions to the head. My Angel thinks that he is a
+man inclined too much to give way to impulse and feeling,
+which makes him act wrongly often. His admiration for
+beauty is very great, and put me much in mind of you, when he
+drove out with us, looking out for pretty people. But he remains
+very faithful to those he admired <i>twenty-eight</i> years ago;
+for instance, Lady Peel, who has hardly any remains left.
+Respecting Belgium he did not speak to <i>me</i>, but to Albert and
+the Ministers. As for unkindly feeling towards <i>you</i>, he disclaims
+positively any, saying he knew you well, and that you
+had served in the Russian Army, etc., but he says those <i>unfortunate</i>
+Poles are the <i>only</i> obstacle, and that he positively
+cannot enter into direct communication <i>with Belgium</i> as long
+as they are <i>employed</i>. If you could only somehow or other get
+rid of them, I am sure the thing would be done at once. We
+all think he <i>need</i> not mind this, but I fear he has pledged himself.
+He admired Charlotte's picture. <i>Pour finir</i>, I must say
+one more word or two about his personal appearance. He
+puts us much in mind of his and our cousins the W&uuml;rtembergs,
+and has altogether much of the W&uuml;rtemberg family about
+him. He is bald now, but in his Chevalier Garde Uniform he
+is <i>magnificent</i> still, and very <i>striking</i>. I cannot deny that we
+were in great anxiety when we took him out lest some Pole
+might make an attempt, and I always felt thankful when we
+got him safe home again. His poor daughter is very ill, I
+fear.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.16" id="pageii.16"></a>[page&nbsp;16]</span>
+The good King of Saxony<sup>18</sup> remains another week with us,
+and we like him much. He is so unassuming. He is out
+sight-seeing <i>all</i> day, and enchanted with everything. I hope
+that you will persuade the King to come all the same in
+September. Our <i>motives</i> and politics are <i>not</i> to be exclusive,
+but to be on good terms with <i>all</i>, and why should we not?
+We make no secret of it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Now I must end this very long letter. Ever your devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">You will kindly not <i>speak</i> of these details, but only in
+<i>allgemein</i> say the visit went off very satisfactorily on <i>both
+sides</i>,
+and that it was <i>highly pacific</i>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;"><a id="footnoteXIII15" name="footnoteXIII15"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXIII15">Footnote 15:</a> In honour of the Emperor a Review was held in Windsor Great Park.</p>
+
+<p class="note1"><a id="footnoteXIII16" name="footnoteXIII16"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXIII16">Footnote 16:</a> At Ascot.</p>
+
+<p class="note1"><a id="footnoteXIII17" name="footnoteXIII17"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXIII17">Footnote 17:</a> Given by the Duke of Devonshire.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 18: See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.12" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 12</a>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">A PARLIAMENTARY CRISIS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>18th June 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I had the happiness of receiving your
+dear and kind letter of the 13th on Sunday; your <i>parties</i> at
+Ardenne must have been truly delightful; perhaps some day
+<i>we</i> may enjoy them too: that would be delightful! I can
+write to you with a light heart, thank goodness, to-day, for the
+Government obtained a majority, which <i>up</i> to the <i>last</i> moment
+last night we feared they would not have, and we have been in
+sad trouble for the last four or five days about it.<sup>19</sup> It is the
+more marvellous, as, if the Government asked for a <i>Vote</i> of
+Confidence, they would have a <i>Majority</i> of 100; but this very
+strength makes the supporters of the Government act in a
+<i>most</i> unjustifiable manner by continually acting and voting
+against them, <i>not</i> listening to the debates, but coming down
+and voting against the Government. So that we were really
+in the greatest <i>possible</i> danger of having a resignation of the
+Government <i>without knowing to whom to turn</i>, and this from
+the recklessness of a handful of foolish <i>half</i> "Puseyite" half
+"Young England"<sup>20</sup> people! I am sure you will agree with
+me that Peel's resignation would not only be for us (for <i>we
+cannot</i> have a better and a <i>safer</i> Minister), but for the whole
+country, and for the peace of Europe&mdash;a <i>great calamity</i>. Our
+present people are all <i>safe</i>, and not led away by impulses and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.17" id="pageii.17"></a>[page&nbsp;17]</span>
+reckless passions. We must, however, take care and not get
+into another crisis; for I assure you we have been quite
+miserable and <i>quite</i> alarmed ever since Saturday.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Since I last wrote to you, I spoke to Aberdeen (whom I
+should be equally sorry to lose, as he is so <i>very fair</i>, and has
+served <i>us personally</i>, so kindly and truly), and he told me that
+the Emperor has <i>positively pledged</i> himself to send a Minister
+to Brussels the moment those Poles are no longer employed;<sup>21</sup>
+that he is quite aware of the importance of the measure, and
+would be disposed to make the arrangement easy, and that he
+spoke very kindly of <i>you</i> personally. Aberdeen says it is not
+necessary to disgrace them in any way, but only for the present
+<i>de les &eacute;loigner</i>. The Emperor has evidently some time ago
+made some strong declaration on the subject which he feels
+he cannot get over, and, as I said before, he will not give up
+what he has once pledged his word to. <i>Then, no one</i> on earth
+<i>can</i> move him. <i>Au fond</i>, it is a fine <i>trait</i>, but he carries
+it too
+far. He wrote me a <i>very</i> kind and affectionate letter from the
+Hague. The Emperor has given Bertie the Grand Cross of
+St Andrew, which the boy was quite proud of.</p>
+<span class="rightnote">THE KING OF SAXONY</span>
+<p class="ind">Our kind and good King of Saxony leaves us to-morrow,
+after having seen more than anybody has done almost, and
+having enjoyed it of all things. He is quite at home with us
+and the children, whom he plays with much. Alice walks
+quite alone, and looks too funny, as she is so <i>very</i> fat. Now,
+ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 19: The Ministry had been defeated on Mr P. Miles's motion in favour of giving an increased
+preference to colonial sugar, but on the 17th this vote was rescinded by a majority of
+twenty-two, Mr Disraeli taunting the Premier with expecting that "upon every division
+and at every crisis, his gang should appear, and the whip should sound."</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 20: The name given to the group comprising Disraeli, George Smythe, Lord John Manners,
+etc. See <i>Coningsby</i>, which was published about this time.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 21: See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.15" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 15</a>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">South Street</span>, <i>19th June 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and thanks your Majesty much for the letter of the 14th inst.
+Lord Melbourne was very glad to have the opportunity of
+seeing the Emperor of Russia at Chiswick. Lord Melbourne
+humbly believes that the opinion, which your Majesty has
+formed and expresses of the Emperor's character is just, and
+he considers it extremely fortunate that a sovereign of such
+weight and influence in Europe, and with whom it is probable
+that Great Britain will have such near and intimate relations,
+should also be a man upon whose honour and veracity strong
+reliance may be safely and securely placed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne is very glad to believe that the late political
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.18" id="pageii.18"></a>[page&nbsp;18]</span>
+movements, with which the public mind has been agitated,
+have subsided, and are entirely terminated by the last vote of
+the House of Commons, and by the determination evinced to
+support the Administration.<sup>22</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">This finishes for the present a business which at one moment
+seemed likely to be troublesome, and out of which there did
+not appear to present itself any hope or practicable escape.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne will not make any observation upon what is
+known and understood to have passed, further than to say
+that, as far as he is acquainted with the history of public affairs
+in this country, it is an entire novelty, quite new and unprecedented.<sup>23</sup>
+Many a Minister has said to the Crown, "My
+advice must be taken, and my measures must be adopted,"
+but no Minister has ever yet held this language or advanced
+this pretension to either House of Parliament. However, it
+seems to be successful at present, and success will justify much.
+Whether it will tend to permanent strength or a steady conduct
+of public affairs, remains to be seen.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne begs to be respectfully remembered to His
+Royal Highness.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 22: See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.16" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 16</a>.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 23: Lord Melbourne refers to the House rescinding its own vote.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Ellenborough to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD ELLENBOROUGH</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>22nd June 1844.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Ellenborough, with his most humble duty to your
+Majesty, humbly acquaints your Majesty that on the 15th of
+June he received the announcement of his having been removed
+from the office of Governor-General of India by the
+Court of Directors. By Lord Ellenborough's advice, letters
+were immediately despatched by express to every important
+native Court to assure the native Princes that this change in
+the person at the head of the Government would effect no
+change in its policy, and Lord Ellenborough himself wrote in
+similar terms to the British Representatives at the several
+Courts.... Lord Ellenborough has written a letter to the
+Earl of Ripon with reference to the reasons alleged by the
+Court of Directors for his removal from office, to which letter
+he most humbly solicits your Majesty's favourable and attentive
+consideration. It treats of matters deeply affecting the
+good government of India.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Amidst all the difficulties with which he has had to contend
+in India, aggravated as they have been by the constant
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.19" id="pageii.19"></a>[page&nbsp;19]</span>
+hostility of the Court of Directors, Lord Ellenborough has ever
+been sustained by the knowledge that he was serving a most
+gracious Mistress, who would place the most favourable construction
+upon his conduct, and he now humbly tenders to
+your Majesty the expression of his gratitude, not only for those
+marks of Royal favour with which it has been intimated to
+him that it is your Majesty's intention to reward his services,
+but yet more for that constant support which has animated
+all his exertions, and has mainly enabled him to place India
+in the hands of his successor in a state of universal peace, the
+result of two years of victories, and in a condition of prosperity
+heretofore unknown.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND, FRANCE, AND RUSSIA</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>28th June 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My beloved Victoria</span>,&mdash;I have again to offer my warmest
+and best thanks for a very long and kind letter. I am truly
+and sincerely happy that a Ministerial crisis has been spared
+you; it is in all constitutional concerns an <i>awful</i> business;
+but in such a colossal machinery as the British Empire, it
+shakes the whole globe. For your sake, for the good of England,
+and for the quiet of the whole earth, we must most devoutly
+pray that <i>Sir Robert may remain for many, many years
+your trusty and faithful Minister.</i> Parliaments and Chambers
+are extremely fond of governing, particularly as long as it does
+not bore themselves. We have had an instance of it recently.
+I was anxious to keep the Chamber longer, as there are still
+many important things which it ought to have finished; but
+they were hot, they got tired, voted twelve <i>projets de loi</i> in one
+day, and disappeared afterwards, leaving one the trouble of
+managing the affairs of the State as best one may....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As a general political event, the Emperor's visit in England
+can only be useful; it is probable that he would <i>not</i> have made
+the visit if another had not been talked of. His policy is naturally
+to <i>separate</i> as much as possible the two great Western
+Powers; he is too weak to resist single-handed their dictates
+in the Oriental question; <i>but if they act not in concert</i>, it is
+evident that <i>he is the master</i>; in all this he acts wisely and in
+conformity with the great interests of his Empire. England
+has greater interests at stake at the mercy of Russia than at
+that of France. With France the questions are sometimes
+questions of jealousy, but, on the other hand, a tolerable understanding
+keeps France quiet and secures the peace of Europe,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.20" id="pageii.20"></a>[page&nbsp;20]</span>
+much more in the sense of the European policy of England
+than of that of France. The only consolation the French can
+find in it is that they are aware that <i>together</i> with England they
+have a great position, but they always lament that they can
+<i>get nothing by it</i>. A bad understanding with France opens
+not only the door to a European war, but also to revolution;
+and that is perhaps the most serious and most awfully dangerous
+part of the business. England wants nothing from the
+Emperor than that he should leave the <i>status quo</i> of Europe
+and great part of Asia alone. At Paris they are not so much
+moved at the Emperor's visit as perhaps they ought to be, but
+they have put the flattering notion into their heads that he had
+made <i>fiasco</i>, which is <i>not true</i>; as, in fact, he has so far been
+rather <i>successful</i>, and has convinced people in England that he
+is a mild and good-natured man, himself and his Empire,
+without any ambition. Now it is high time I should finish
+my immense scrawl, for which I claim your forgiveness, remaining
+ever your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">TAHITI</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>27th August 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Many thanks for your kind long
+letter, which I received yesterday, dated 23rd. I can report
+very well of ourselves. We are all well. The dear day of
+yesterday<sup>24</sup> we spent very quietly and happily and full of
+gratitude to Providence for so many blessings. I can only
+pray for the continuance of our present happiness.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The impending political cloud, I hope and trust, looks less
+black and lowering. But I think it very unwise in Guizot not
+to have at once disavowed D'Aubigny for what you yourself
+call an "outrage,"<sup>25</sup> instead of letting it drag on for <i>four weeks</i>
+and letting our people get excited. The Tangiers Affair<sup>26</sup> is
+unfortunate, and I hope that in future poor Joinville will not
+be exposed to such disagreeable affairs. What <i>can</i> be done
+will be, to get him justified in the eyes of the public here, but
+I fear that at first they will not be very charitable. Those
+letters in the <i>Times</i> are outrageous, and all that abuse very
+bad taste.<sup>27</sup> There is to be an investigation about the three
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.21" id="pageii.21"></a>[page&nbsp;21]</span>
+officers, whose conduct is unworthy of Englishmen. Now,
+dearest Uncle, believe me always, your most affectionate
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 24: The Prince Albert's birthday. Prince Alfred was born on 6th August of this year.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 25: The assumption of French sovereignty over Tahiti.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 26: Hostilities had commenced between France and Morocco, and Tangiers was bombarded.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 27: A series of letters had appeared in the <i>Times</i>, written by British naval officers who
+had witnessed the bombardment of Tangiers, and accused the French Admiral and Navy
+of being deficient in courage. The <i>Times</i> was much criticised for its publication of these
+letters.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND AND FRANCE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Blair Athol</span>, <i>15th September 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I received your kind letter of the 6th
+the day we arrived here, and thank you very much for it. As
+I have written an account of our journey to Louise, I will <i>not</i>
+repeat it here.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The good ending of our difficulties with France is an immense
+blessing, but it is really and truly necessary that you
+and those at Paris should know that the danger was <i>imminent</i>,
+and that poor Aberdeen stood <i>almost alone</i> in trying to keep
+matters peaceable. We must try and prevent these difficulties
+for the future. I must, however, clear <i>Jarnac</i><sup>28</sup> of all blame,
+for Aberdeen does nothing but praise him....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In Greece affairs look very black, and God knows how it
+all will end.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 28: <i>Charg&eacute; d'Affaires</i> in the absence of the French Ambassador.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">VISIT OF KING LOUIS PHILIPPE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>5th October 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Dearly Beloved Victoria</span>,&mdash;... I have not much to
+say about my father's <i>lodging habits</i> and <i>likings</i>.<sup>29</sup> My father
+is one of the beings <i>most easy</i> to <i>please</i>, <i>satisfy</i>, and to
+<i>accommodate</i>.
+His eventful life has used him to everything, and
+makes any kind of arrangements acceptable to him; there is
+only <i>one thing</i> which he <i>cannot easily do</i>, it is to be <i>ready
+very
+early</i>. He means notwithstanding to try to come to your
+breakfast, but you <i>must insist upon his not doing it</i>. It would
+disturb him in all his habits, and be bad for him, as he would
+certainly eat, a thing he is not used to do in the morning. He
+generally takes hardly what may be called a <i>breakfast</i>, and eats
+<i>only twice</i> in the day. It would be also <i>much better</i> for him if
+he only appeared to luncheon and dinner, and if you kindly
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.22" id="pageii.22"></a>[page&nbsp;22]</span>
+dispensed him altogether of the breakfast. You must not tell
+him that I wrote you <i>this</i>, but you must manage it with Montpensier,
+and kindly order for him a bowl of <i>chicken broth</i>. It
+is the only thing he takes generally in the morning, and between
+his meals. I have also no observation to make, but I have
+told Montpensier to speak openly to Albert whenever he
+thought something ought to be done for my father, or might
+hurt and inconvenience him, and you may consult him when
+you are in doubt. He is entrusted with all the recommendations
+of my mother, for my father is naturally <i>so imprudent</i> and
+<i>so little accustomed</i> to <i>caution and care</i>, that he must in some
+measure be <i>watched</i> to prevent his catching cold or doing what
+may be injurious to him. About his <i>rooms</i>, a hard bed and a
+large table for his papers are the only things he requires. He
+generally sleeps on a horse-hair mattress with a plank of wood
+under it: but <i>any kind</i> of bed will do, if it is not <i>too soft</i>. His
+liking will be to be entirely at <i>your commands</i> and to do <i>all you
+like</i>. You know he can take a great deal of exercise, and
+<i>everything</i> will <i>interest</i> and <i>delight</i> him, to see, as to do:
+this
+is not a compliment, but a <i>mere fact</i>. His only wish is, that you
+should not go out of your way for him, and change your habits
+on his account. Lord Aberdeen will be, of course, at Windsor,
+and I suppose you will ask, as you told me, the Royal Family.
+My father hopes to see also Sir Robert Peel, Lord Stanley, and
+your other Ministers. You will probably ask most of them
+during his stay. He wishes very much to see again those he
+already knows, and to make the acquaintance of those he does
+not know yet. In writing all this I think I <i>dream</i>, I <i>cannot
+believe</i> yet that in a few days my dear father will have, God
+willing, the <i>unspeakable happiness</i> to see you again and at
+<i>Windsor</i>, a thing he had <i>so much wished</i> for and which for a
+<i>long time</i> seemed so <i>improbable</i>. You have <i>no notion</i> of the
+<i>satisfaction</i> it gives him, and <i>how delighted</i> he will be to see you
+again, and to be once more in England. God grant he may
+have a good passage, and arrive to you <i>safely</i> and <i>well</i>.
+<i>Unberufen</i>,
+as you will soon, I trust, be able to see, he is, notwithstanding
+the usual talk of the papers, <i>perfectly well</i>....
+Yours most devotedly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louise</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 29: The difficulty with France as to Tahiti having been satisfactorily disposed of, King
+Louis Philippe was enabled to visit England, the first French King to come on a visit to
+the Sovereign of England. The King was enthusiastically received in England, visited
+Claremont (which he was destined to occupy in exile), was installed as a Knight of the
+Garter at Windsor with great magnificence, and visited Eton College and Woolwich
+Arsenal.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">SOLICITUDE OF QUEEN LOUISE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>7th October 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Dearly beloved Victoria</span>,&mdash;... I wrote to my
+mother, to quiet her, all you kindly tell me about my dear
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.23" id="pageii.23"></a>[page&nbsp;23]</span>
+father. We are <i>quite sure</i>, I assure you, that you and Albert
+will <i>take care of him</i>, and that he is with you <i>in safe hand</i>. And
+what makes my mother <i>uneasy</i> is the fear that, being at liberty
+without control, he will make <i>too much</i>, as she says, <i>le
+jeune homme</i>, ride, go about, and do everything as if he was
+still twenty years old. If I must tell you <i>all the truth</i>, she is
+afraid also he will <i>eat too much</i>. I am sure he will tell it to you
+himself, as he was so much amused with <i>this fear</i>; but to do
+her pleasure, being well assured by me that you would allow it,
+and that it was even <i>customary</i>, he has given up, of himself,
+all thought of attending your early breakfast: but I perceive
+I write as if <i>he was not already</i> under <i>your</i> roof. I will also only
+say, that though he has sent over his horses in case they should
+be wanted, my mother begs you to <i>prevent, if possible, his
+riding at all</i>. I wrote to her already that I supposed there
+would be <i>no occasion</i> for riding, and that your <i>promenades</i>
+would be either on foot or in carriage. I entrusted Montpensier
+with all my messages for you, my beloved Victoria and
+your dear children. He hopes you will permit him, during his
+stay at Windsor, to make <i>two</i> excursions&mdash;one to London, and
+one to Woolwich&mdash;he is very curious to see, as an artillery
+officer. I mention it as he would be, perhaps, <i>too shy</i> or <i>too
+discreet</i> to mention it himself. He might very well do those
+two trips by the railroad and be back for dinner-time, and I
+am sure you will have no objection to them.... Yours most
+devotedly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louise</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I am very glad that Lord Charles Wellesley is one of those
+who will attend my father. Montpensier and him will have
+surely capital fun together, and he was, you know, a great
+favourite with every one at Eu. If by chance Lord Hardwicke
+was in waiting during my father's stay, you must kindly
+put my father in mind to thank him for the <i>famous cheese</i>,
+which arrived safely, and was found very good....</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE KING'S ARRIVAL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>8th October 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;You will, I am sure, forgive my writing
+but a few lines as I am all alone in the agitation of the dear
+King's arrival, and I will leave my letter open to announce it
+to you. My <i>dearest</i> master is gone to Portsmouth to receive
+him. The excitement and curiosity to see the dear King, and
+the desire to give him a most hearty reception, is <i>very great
+indeed</i>.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.24" id="pageii.24"></a>[page&nbsp;24]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Many thanks for your kind letters of the 28th and 4th. I
+can't think who could have said that Peel, etc., would <i>not</i> have
+been here; for he, Aberdeen, and the old Duke are to be here
+the whole time, and all the other Ministers will come <i>during</i>
+his stay.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I am very glad Joinville is arrived, and avoided his <i>entr&eacute;es
+triomphales</i>. I hope he will take great care of himself.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">You will have heard from dear Louise of our voyage, etc.
+I cannot reconcile myself to be <i>here</i> again, and pine for my <i>dear</i>
+Highlands, the hills, the pure air, the quiet, the retirement,
+the liberty&mdash;<i>all</i>&mdash;more than is right. The children are well.
+I am sorry to hear that you are not quite so yet.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">3.30.&mdash;The King and Montpensier arrived quite safely at
+two, and are both looking extremely well. We have just
+lunched with them. It seems like a dream to me, and a very
+pleasant one.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert sends his affectionate love. Ever your devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Bertie has immediately taken a passion for Montpensier.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Brocket Hall</span>, <i>9th October 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and thanks your Majesty much for the letter of the 7th inst.,
+which he has just received, and with very great satisfaction,
+as he had begun to think your Majesty's silence rather long.
+But he perfectly understands the reasons which prevented
+your Majesty from writing during your stay in the Highlands.
+Lord Melbourne is very glad to find that your Majesty enjoyed
+that country so much, and is so enthusiastically fond of it.
+Lord Melbourne believes that he was at the places which your
+Majesty mentions. In the year 1802 he stayed some months
+in Perthshire with the late Lord Kinnaird, and enjoyed it
+much. It annoys him sometimes to think how altered he is
+in strength since that time. Lord Melbourne has never yet
+thanked your Majesty for the pretty etchings of poor Islay
+and Eos, which your Majesty sent to Lord Melbourne when
+he was last at Windsor. Lord Melbourne has ordered them
+both to be framed, and will hang them up in his room here.
+They will afford Lord Melbourne most agreeable and pleasing
+souvenirs of the happiest period of his life, for he cannot say
+otherwise than that he continually misses and regrets the
+time when he had daily confidential communication with your
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.25" id="pageii.25"></a>[page&nbsp;25]</span>
+Majesty. Lord Glenlyon<sup>30</sup> has one merit in Lord Melbourne's
+eyes, which is that he was a steady and firm supporter to
+the last of Lord Melbourne's Government. Lord Melbourne
+hopes and trusts that he feels no animosity against those
+who opposed him. But he does and always shall entertain a
+kindly and grateful recollection of those who supported him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne begs to be remembered to His Royal
+Highness.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 30: <i>See</i> <a href="../../20023/20023-h/20023-h.htm#pagei.429" style="font-weight: normal;">vol. i. p. 429</a>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>12th October 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearly beloved Victoria</span>,&mdash;... I thank you very
+much for attending to all my recommendations about <i>my</i>
+father: I only fear that they will lead you to believe that we
+consider him as a <i>great child</i> and treat him like one: but he
+is so <i>precious</i> and <i>dear</i> to <i>us all</i> that I am sure you will
+<i>understand</i>
+and <i>excuse</i> our being <i>over anxious</i>.... Yours most
+devotedly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louise</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">A SUCCESSFUL VISIT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne House</span>, <i>17th October 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I had intended to have written to you
+on Monday, but you will since have heard of the great <i>confusion</i>
+of that day which prevented me from doing so. The
+dear King's visit went off to perfection, and I much and deeply
+regret its being passed. He was <i>delighted</i>, and was <i>most</i>
+enthusiastically and affectionately received wherever he
+showed himself. Our proceedings I wrote to good, dear Louise
+(whom you should not leave so long alone), who will no doubt
+have given you the details. What an extraordinary man the
+King is! What a wonderful memory, and how lively, <i>how
+sagacious!</i> He spoke very openly to us all, and is determined
+that our affairs should go on well. He wishes Tahiti <i>au fond
+de la mer</i>. He spoke also very openly about poor Hadjy's
+<i>brochure</i> which seems to have distressed him more than anything.
+The King praised my dearest Albert most highly, and
+fully appreciates his great qualities and talents&mdash;and what
+gratifies me <i>so much</i>, treats him completely as his equal, calling
+him "Mon Fr&egrave;re," and saying to me that <i>my husband</i> was the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.26" id="pageii.26"></a>[page&nbsp;26]</span>
+same as me, which it is&mdash;and "Le Prince Albert, c'est pour
+moi le Roi." The King is <i>very</i> sad to go, but he is determined,
+he says, <i>to see me every year</i>. Another <i>very</i> great thing is, that
+the officers of the two Navies staying at Portsmouth were on
+the best terms together and paying one another every sort of
+compliment. As Admiral La Susse (a very gentlemanlike
+man) and his squadron were sadly disappointed on Monday,<sup>31</sup>
+we thought it would please them if we went on board the
+<i>Gomer</i>, which we did, on Tuesday morning, and breakfasted
+there, and I drank the King's health. I am certain that the
+visit and everything connected with it can but do the <i>greatest
+good</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We stay here till Monday. It is a very comfortable little
+house, and the grounds and place are delightful, so private&mdash;and
+the view so fine.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude, begging you to believe me, ever your
+devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I forgot to say how much we liked good Montpensier, who
+got on extremely well.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 31: It had been intended that the King should return to France, as he had come, by way
+of Portsmouth, crossing in the frigate <i>Gomer</i>, but, in consequence of the wet and stormy
+weather, he returned by Dover and Calais.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the French.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEPARTURE OF THE KING</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne House</span>, <i>le 17 Octobre 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sire, et mon tr&egrave;s cher Fr&egrave;re</span>,&mdash;Votre Majest&eacute; m'a &eacute;crit
+deux bien bonnes lettres de Douvres pour lesquelles je vous
+remercie de tout mon c&oelig;ur. Les expressions de bont&eacute; et
+d'amiti&eacute; que vous me vouez ainsi qu'&agrave; mon cher Albert nous
+touchent sensiblement; je n'ai pas besoin de vous dire encore,
+combien nous vous sommes attach&eacute;s et combien nous d&eacute;sirons
+voir se raffermir de plus en plus cette <i>entente cordiale</i> entre
+nos deux pays qui existe si heureusement entre nous personnellement.
+C'&eacute;tait avec un vif regret que nous nous sommes
+s&eacute;par&eacute;s de votre Majest&eacute;, et de Montpensier, et ce sera une
+grande f&ecirc;te que de voir renouveler une visite dont le souvenir
+nous est si cher.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert se met &agrave; vos pieds, Sire, bien sensible ainsi que moi-m&ecirc;me
+de l'amiti&eacute; et la confiance que vous lui avez t&eacute;moign&eacute;es.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">J'ose prier votre Majest&eacute; d'offrir mes plus tendres hommages
+&agrave; la Reine et &agrave; Madame votre S&oelig;ur et de me rappeler au
+souvenir de Montpensier. Je suis pour la vie, Sire et mon
+cher Fr&egrave;re, de votre Majest&eacute; la bien affectionn&eacute;e S&oelig;ur et
+fid&egrave;le Amie,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R</span>.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.27" id="pageii.27"></a>[page&nbsp;27]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">OPENING OF ROYAL EXCHANGE </span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>29th October 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I had the happiness of receiving your
+kind letter of the 26th while I was dressing to go to the City
+for the opening of the Royal Exchange.<sup>32</sup> Nothing ever went
+off better, and the procession there, as well as all the proceedings
+<i>at</i> the Royal Exchange, were splendid and royal in
+the extreme. It was a fine and gratifying sight to see the
+myriads of people assembled&mdash;more than at the Coronation
+even, and all in such good humour, and so loyal; the articles
+in the papers, too, are most kind and gratifying; they say <i>no</i>
+Sovereign <i>was more</i> loved than I am (I am bold enough to say),
+and <i>that</i>, from our <i>happy domestic home</i>&mdash;which gives such a
+good example. The <i>Times</i> you have, and I venture to add a
+<i>Chronicle</i>, as I think it very pretty; you should read the
+accounts. <i>I</i> seldom remember being so gratified and pleased
+with any public show, and my beloved Albert was so enthusiastically
+received by the people. He is <i>so</i> beloved by all the
+really influential people, and by <i>all</i> right-thinking ones. We
+came back here yesterday evening. The accounts from Paris
+are excellent too. How long are the good Joinvilles to remain
+in the south, and where? By-the-by, dearest Uncle, have you
+read the continuation of Consuelo,<sup>33</sup> called the "Comtesse de
+Rudolstadt"? It is <i>dreadfully</i> interesting.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Knights of the Garter did <i>not</i> wear the whole costume,
+but only the mantle. Being on this topic, shall tell you that
+I intend giving the Garter to Ernest, but pray do not mention
+it to E. or <i>any one</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With Albert's affectionate love. Ever your devoted Niece
+and Child,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 32: On the preceding day.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 33: The novel by George Sand (1804-1876), published in 1842.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the French to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Saint Cloud</span>, <i>le 15 Novembre 1844</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame ma bien ch&egrave;re S&oelig;ur</span>,&mdash;Mes souvenirs de Windsor
+sont de ceux dont aucun ne s'efface. Je n'oublie donc pas
+une petite question qui m'a &eacute;t&eacute; si joliment adress&eacute;e, <i>Where
+is my gun?</i> et &agrave; pr&eacute;sent j'en ai trouv&eacute; un qui serait indigne de
+la destin&eacute;e que je prie votre Majest&eacute; de me permettre de lui
+donner, si le regret que la disparition du premier fusil avait
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.28" id="pageii.28"></a>[page&nbsp;28]</span>
+caus&eacute;, ne m'avait pas appris que le second devait &ecirc;tre d'un
+genre &agrave; supporter tous les accidents que l'enfance aime &agrave; infliger
+&agrave; ses joujoux. C'est donc tout simplement un tr&egrave;s modeste
+fusil de munition adapt&eacute; a sa taille que j'adresse &agrave; votre
+Majest&eacute; pour son auguste et charmant enfant le Prince de
+Galles, comme ma r&eacute;ponse &agrave; sa question.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">J'ai encore une autre dette dont je vous prie de me permettre
+de m'acquitter. Quelque vif que soit mon d&eacute;sir de
+revoir Windsor, ce serait un trop long retard que d'attendre
+cet heureux moment, pour offrir &agrave; la Princesse Royale cette
+petite bo&icirc;te &agrave; ouvrage, de Paris, qu'elle m'a fait esp&eacute;rer lui
+serait agr&eacute;able, et tout ce que je d&eacute;sire c'est que vos enfants se
+ressouviennent un jour d'avoir vu celui qui a &eacute;t&eacute; le fid&egrave;le ami
+de leur grand-p&egrave;re, comme il l'est et le sera toujours de leurs
+bien aim&eacute;s parents.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Que votre Majest&eacute; me permette encore d'offrir ici au Prince
+Albert l'expression de la vive et sinc&egrave;re amiti&eacute; que je lui porte
+et que je lui garderai toujours, et d'accepter celle de l'inalt&eacute;rable
+attachement avec lequel je suis pour la vie, Madame ma bien
+ch&egrave;re S&oelig;ur, de votre Majest&eacute;, le bon Fr&egrave;re bien affectionn&eacute; et
+fid&egrave;le Ami,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louis Philippe R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Henry Hardinge to Queen Victoria.</i></h5><span class="rightnote">EDUCATION IN INDIA</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>23rd November 1844.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Henry Hardinge<sup>34</sup> with his most humble duty to your
+Majesty, humbly submits for your Majesty's consideration
+the following observations on the state of affairs in this large
+portion of your Majesty's dominions.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The return of peace has also increased the desire of the
+native population to receive the advantages of English education.
+The literature of the West is the most favourite
+study amongst the Hindoos in their schools and colleges.
+They will discuss with accuracy the most important events
+in British History. Boys of fifteen years of age, black in
+colour, will recite the most favourite passages from Shakespeare,
+ably quoting the notes of the English and German commentators.
+They excel in mathematics, and in legal subtleties
+their acuteness is most extraordinary.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In order to reward native talent and render it practically
+useful to the State, Sir Henry Hardinge, after due deliberation,
+has issued a resolution, by which the most meritorious students
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.29" id="pageii.29"></a>[page&nbsp;29]</span>
+will be appointed to fill the public offices which fall vacant
+throughout Bengal.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This encouragement has been received by the Hindoo population
+with the greatest gratitude. The studies in the Mohammedan
+schools and colleges have hitherto been confined to
+Arabic, the Koran, and abstruse studies relating to their
+religion, having always shown a marked aversion to English
+literature. Since the publication of the Resolution they have
+at once determined to change their system in order to participate
+in the benefits held out to native merit of every sect.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is impossible throughout your Majesty's immense Empire
+to employ the number of highly paid European civil servants
+which the public service requires. This deficiency is the great
+evil of British Administration. By dispersing annually a proportion
+of well-educated natives throughout the provinces,
+under British superintendence, well-founded hopes are entertained
+that prejudices may gradually disappear, the public
+service be improved, and attachment to British institutions
+increased....</p>
+<span class="rightnote">SIR HENRY HARDINGE</span>
+<p class="ind">Sir Henry Hardinge, in closing these observations, most
+humbly ventures to assure your Majesty that he anticipates
+no occurrence as probable, by which the tranquillity of this
+portion of your Majesty's dominions is likely to be disturbed.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">H. Hardinge</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 34: Governor-General of India, in succession to Lord Ellenborough.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.30" id="pageii.30"></a>[page&nbsp;30]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: 5em;">INTRODUCTORY NOTE</h3>
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: -0.5em;">TO CHAPTER XIV</h3>
+
+
+<p>The new year (1845) opened auspiciously, trade improving owing
+to the great impetus given to it by the many lines of railway then in
+course of promotion. Over two hundred schemes were prepared at
+the commencement of the session to seek legislative sanction, and
+speculation outran all reasonable limits. The Income Tax (which in
+the ordinary course would have expired) was renewed, and the Anti-Corn
+Law Leaguers were more persistent than ever in their assaults
+on Protection, while the attacks on the Ministry from a section of
+their own party were redoubled. The most remarkable measure of the
+year was the Government Bill for increasing the grant to the Roman
+Catholic College of Maynooth, which was strongly opposed from
+the Conservative and the Protestant points of view; Mr Gladstone,
+though he approved of the measure, retired from the Ministry, as he
+had a few years before written in the opposite sense. Towards the
+close of the year the condition of Ireland, owing to the failure of the
+potato crop, became very alarming, and the Ministry greatly embarrassed.
+Lord John Russell wrote from Edinburgh to the electors
+of the City of London, announcing his conversion to the Repeal of
+the Corn Laws, and the <i>Times</i> announced that such a Bill would be
+brought in by the Ministry. Peel, reluctant to accept the task,
+resigned office in December, and a Whig Ministry was attempted.
+Owing to dissensions, the attempt had to be abandoned, and Peel
+returned to office, without Lord Stanley, but with Mr Gladstone,
+who however did not seek re-election for the seat vacated by his
+acceptance of office.</p>
+
+<p>A dispute of great importance arose during the year with the United
+States, relating to the boundary line between English and American
+territory west of the Rocky Mountains. Twenty-five years earlier
+the same question had arisen, and had been settled on the footing of
+joint occupancy. The increased importance of the Pacific slope
+made the matter more vital, involving as it did the ownership of
+Vancouver Island and the mouth of the Columbia River; President
+Polk unequivocally claimed the whole, and said he would not shrink
+from upholding America's interests; the British Government was
+equally firm, and the matter was not adjusted till 1846.</p>
+
+<p>In India, which during nearly the whole year enjoyed peace, the
+Sikhs in December assumed the aggressive, and crossed the Sutlej,
+invading British India. They were signally defeated by Sir Hugh
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.31" id="pageii.31"></a>[page&nbsp;31]</span>
+Gough at Moodkee and Ferozeshah. In Scinde Sir Charles Napier
+prosecuted operations against the mountain desert tribes.</p>
+
+<p>In New Zealand some disastrous collisions took place between the
+natives and the settlers; the former on two occasions either defeating
+or repulsing the British arms.</p>
+
+<p>In France the most important events were the Bill for fortifying
+Paris, the campaign waged against Abd-el-Kader in Algeria, and a
+horrible act of cruelty perpetrated there. In Spain Don Carlos
+abdicated his claims to the throne in favour of his son; the
+Queen's engagement to Count Trapani was rumoured. In other parts
+of Europe little that was eventful occurred.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.32" id="pageii.32"></a>[page&nbsp;32]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h2 style="margin-top: 5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+
+<h5>1845</h5>
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>14th January 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;What you say about Aquila<sup>1</sup> and
+Montpensier interests me. What madness is it then to force
+Trapani on Spain! Pray explain to me the cause of the
+King's obstinacy about that Spanish marriage, for <i>no</i> country
+has a right to dictate in that way to another. If Tatane<sup>2</sup> was
+<i>to think</i> of the Infanta, England would be extremely indignant,
+and would (and with right) consider it tantamount to a marriage
+with the Queen herself. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 1: Louis Charles, Comte d'Aquila, a son of Francis I., King of the Two Sicilies, and brother
+of the Comte de Trapani and of Queen Christina; he and his brother were therefore
+uncles of Queen Isabella.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 2: The Duc de Montpensier.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>18th January 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;... The Spanish marriage
+question is really very curious; in fact, all the other Bourbon
+branches are hostile to the Orleans family, but the idea that
+makes the King so constant in his views about it, is that he
+imagines it would create in France a bad impression if <i>now</i> any
+other than a Bourbon was to marry the Queen of Spain. That
+feeling they have <i>themselves created</i>, as in France they did not
+at all care about it; having, however, declared <i>quasi</i> officially
+in the French Chambers that they <i>will not have any but a
+Bourbon</i>, if circumstances should after all decide it otherwise
+it would now be a defeat, but certainly one of their own making.... Your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.33" id="pageii.33"></a>[page&nbsp;33]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>28th January 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">...The feeling of loyalty in this country is happily <i>very</i>
+strong, and wherever we show ourselves we are most heartily
+and warmly received, and the civilities and respect shown to
+us by those we visit is <i>most</i> satisfactory. I mention merely a
+trifling instance to show <i>how</i> respectful they are&mdash;the Duke of
+Buckingham, who is immensely proud, bringing the cup of
+coffee after dinner on a waiter to Albert himself. And everywhere
+my dearest Angel receives the respect and honours I
+receive.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Many thanks for returning the list;<sup>3</sup> it was not Albert but
+<i>Tatane</i> who made the black crosses. Are not "Les 3 Mousquetaires,"
+by Dumas, and "Arthur," by Eug&egrave;ne Sue, <i>readable</i>
+for <i>me</i>?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Now adieu, dearest, best Uncle. Ever your truly devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 3: A list of French books which the Queen was proposing to read.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">STATE OF BUCKINGHAM PALACE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pavilion</span>, <i>10th February 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Though the Queen knows that Sir Robert Peel has already
+turned his attention to the urgent necessity of doing something
+to Buckingham Palace, the Queen thinks it right to recommend
+this subject herself to his serious consideration. Sir Robert is
+acquainted with the state of the Palace and the total want of
+accommodation for our little family, which is fast growing up.
+Any building must necessarily take some years before it can
+be safely inhabited. If it were to be begun this autumn, it
+could hardly be occupied before the spring of 1848, when the
+Prince of Wales would be nearly seven, and the Princess Royal
+nearly eight years old, and they cannot possibly be kept in
+the nursery any longer. A provision for this purpose ought,
+therefore, to be made this year. Independent of this, most
+parts of the Palace are in a sad state, and will ere long require
+a further outlay to render them <i>decent</i> for the occupation of
+the Royal Family or any visitors the Queen may have to
+receive. A room, capable of containing a larger number of
+those persons whom the Queen has to invite in the course of
+the season to balls, concerts, etc., than any of the present
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.34" id="pageii.34"></a>[page&nbsp;34]</span>
+apartments can at once hold, is much wanted. Equally so,
+improved offices and servants' rooms, the want of which puts
+the departments of the household to great expense yearly.
+It will be for Sir Robert to consider whether it would not be
+best to remedy all these deficiencies at once, and to make use
+of this opportunity to render the exterior of the Palace such
+as no longer to be a <i>disgrace</i> to the country, which it certainly
+now is. The Queen thinks the country would be better pleased
+to have the question of the Sovereign's residence in London so
+finally disposed of, than to have it so repeatedly brought
+before it.<sup>4</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 4: Peel replied that, as a renewal of the Income Tax was about to be proposed, it would
+be better to postpone the application to Parliament till the public feeling as to the tax
+had been ascertained.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">TITLE OF KING CONSORT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pavilion</span>, <i>18th February 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Sir Robert Peel's letter, and is glad
+that the progress in the House of Commons was so satisfactory.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen was much hurt at Mr Borthwick's most impertinent
+manner of putting the question with respect to the
+title of King Consort, and much satisfied with Sir Robert's
+answer.<sup>5</sup> The title of King is open assuredly to many difficulties,
+and would perhaps be no <i>real</i> advantage to the Prince,
+but the Queen is positive that something must at once be
+done to place the Prince's position on a constitutionally
+recognised footing, and to give him a title adequate to that
+position.<sup>6</sup> <i>How</i> and <i>when</i>, are difficult questions....</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 5: A paragraph had appeared in the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>, giving credence to a rumour that
+this title was about to be conferred on the Prince, but, in answer to Mr Peter Borthwick,
+Sir Robert Peel positively contradicted it.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 6:</p>
+
+
+<h6 style="font-style: italic; margin-top: -2.5em;">Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert.</h6>
+
+<p class="indrightnote"><span class="sc">Whitehall</span>, <i>15th February 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,--I received yesterday the accompanying note from Mr Borthwick, and in conformity
+with the notice therein given, he put the question to me in the House of Commons
+last evening respecting the paragraph which appeared in the <i>Morning Chronicle</i> respecting
+the intention of proposing to Parliament that your Royal Highness should assume
+the title of King Consort.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">I very much regret that the <i>Morning Chronicle</i> inserted that paragraph.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">The prominent place assigned to it in the newspaper, and a vague intimation that there
+was some authority for it, have caused a certain degree of credit to be attached to it. It
+has been copied into all the country newspapers and has given rise to a good deal of conjecture
+and speculation, which it is far from desirable to excite without necessity.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">It appears to me that the editor of the <i>Morning Chronicle</i> acted most unwarrantably
+in inserting such a paragraph with a pretence of some sort of authority for it.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">It has produced an impression which strongly confirms the observations which I took
+the liberty of making to your Royal Highness on Sunday evening.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">I trust, however, that my decided contradiction of the paragraph will put a stop to
+further surmise and discussion on the subject.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">To Mr Borthwick's note I add one of several letters addressed to me, which shows the
+proneness to speculate upon constitutional novelties.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">I have the honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal Highness's most faithful
+and obedient Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="note1author"><span class="sc">Robert Peel.</span></p>
+
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.35" id="pageii.35"></a>[page&nbsp;35]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>24th March 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Sir Robert Peel's box containing his
+recommendation relative to the filling up of the vacant Bishopric
+of Ely. The Queen quite approves of the present Dean of
+Westminster<sup>7</sup> as the new Bishop. As Sir Robert has asked
+the Queen whether she would like to see Archdeacon Wilberforce
+succeed to the Deanery of Westminster in case the Dean
+should accept the Bishopric, she must say that such an
+arrangement would be <i>very satisfactory</i> to us, and the Queen
+believes would highly please the Archdeacon. This would
+again vacate, the Queen believes, a stall at Winchester, which
+she would like to see filled by a person decidedly adverse to
+Puseyism.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen approves of the Bishop of Lichfield<sup>8</sup> being
+transferred to the See of Ely in case Doctor Turton should
+decline it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It would give the Queen much pleasure to stand sponsor
+to Sir Robert Peel's little grandson, and perhaps Sir Robert
+would communicate this to Lady Villiers.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 7: Dr Thomas Turton (1780-1864), formerly Dean of Peterborough.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 8: John Lonsdale (1788-1867) was Bishop of Lichfield from 1843 till his death.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PURCHASE OF OSBORNE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>25th March 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">... I copied what you wrote me about Peel<sup>9</sup> in a letter
+I wrote him, which I am sure will please him much, and a
+Minister in these days <i>does</i> require a little encouragement,
+for the abuse and difficulties they have to contend with are
+dreadful. Peel works so hard and has so much to do, that
+sometimes he says he does not know <i>how</i> he is to get through
+it all!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">You will, I am sure, be pleased to hear that we have succeeded
+in purchasing <i>Osborne</i> in the Isle of Wight,<sup>10</sup> and if
+we can manage it, we shall probably run down there before
+we return to Town, for three nights. It sounds so snug and
+nice to have a place of <i>one's own</i>, quiet and retired, and free
+from all Woods and Forests, and other charming Departments
+who really are the plague of one's life.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Now, dearest Uncle, adieu. Ever your truly devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 9: See Peel's reply, <i>Life of the Prince Consort</i>, chap. xiii.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 10: The purchase was suggested by Sir Robert Peel.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.36" id="pageii.36"></a>[page&nbsp;36]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>3rd April 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen had intended to have written to Lord Melbourne
+from Osborne to thank him for his last note of the 19th, but
+we were so occupied, and so delighted with <i>our new</i> and really
+delightful <i>home</i>, that she hardly had time for anything;
+besides which the weather was so beautiful, that we were
+out almost all day. The Queen refers Lord Melbourne to
+Mr Anson for particulars of the new property, which is very
+extensive, as she is not at all competent to explain about
+acres, etc. But she thinks it is impossible to imagine a prettier
+spot&mdash;valleys and woods which would be beautiful anywhere;
+but all this near the sea (the woods grow into the sea) is quite
+perfection; we have a charming beach quite to ourselves.
+The sea was so blue and calm that the Prince said it was like
+Naples. And then we can walk about anywhere by ourselves
+without being followed and mobbed, which Lord Melbourne
+will easily understand is delightful. And last, not least, we
+have Portsmouth and Spithead so close at hand, that we shall
+be able to watch what is going on, which will please the Navy,
+and be hereafter very useful for our boys.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Children are all well. The Queen has just had a lithograph
+made after a little drawing which she did herself of the
+three eldest, and which she will send Lord Melbourne with
+some Eau de Cologne.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Fanny and Lord Jocelyn dined here last night; she is
+looking very well, and he seems much pleased at being in
+office, and being employed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen hopes Lord Melbourne is enjoying this fine
+weather, and here concludes with the Prince's kind remembrance.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE MAYNOOTH GRANT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>15th April 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My beloved Uncle</span>,&mdash;Here we are in a great state of
+agitation about one of the greatest measures ever proposed;<sup>11</sup>
+I am sure poor Peel ought to be <i>blessed by</i> all Catholics for the
+manly and noble way in which he stands forth to protect and
+do good to poor Ireland. <span class="rightnote">RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY</span>But the bigotry, the wicked and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.37" id="pageii.37"></a>[page&nbsp;37]</span>
+blind passions it brings forth is quite dreadful, and I blush
+for Protestantism!<sup>12</sup> A Presbyterian clergyman said very
+truly, "<i>Bigotry</i> is more <i>common than shame</i>...."</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 11: The Bill to increase the grant to the Roman Catholic College of Maynooth was carried
+by Peel in the teeth of opposition from half his party: another measure was passed to
+establish colleges for purely secular teaching ("godless colleges" they were nicknamed)
+in Cork, Belfast, and Galway, and affiliate them to a new Irish university.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 12: As Macaulay had said during the previous night's debate: "The Orangeman raises
+his war whoop, Exeter Hall sets up its bray, Mr Macneile shudders to see more costly
+cheer than ever provided for the priests of Baal at the table of the Queen, and the Protestant
+operatives of Dublin call for impeachments in exceedingly bad English."</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>23rd April 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Our Maynooth Bill is through the
+second reading. I think, if you read Sir Robert's admirable
+speeches, you will see how good his plan is. The <i>Catholics</i> are
+quite delighted at it&mdash;full of gratitude, and behave extremely
+well; but the Protestants behave shockingly, and display a
+narrow-mindedness and want of sense on the subject of religion
+which is quite a disgrace to the nation. The case of Austria,
+France, etc., cannot be compared to this, as <i>this</i> is a <i>Protestant</i>
+country, while the others are Catholic; and I think it would
+never do to support a Roman Catholic Church with money
+belonging to the Protestant Church. The Protestant Establishment
+in Ireland must remain untouched, but let the Roman
+Catholic Clergy be well and handsomely educated.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Duc de Broglie<sup>13</sup> dined with us last night; his <i>travaux</i>
+are going on satisfactorily; he asked when you were coming,
+and said you were "<i>beaucoup Anglais et un peu Fran&ccedil;ais</i>,"
+which is true, I think.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With Albert's affectionate respects, believe me always, your
+devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 13: Achille Charles, Duc de Broglie, ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Goulburn<sup>14</sup> to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>30th April 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Goulburn submits with his humble duty to your Majesty
+that several representations have been made to the Treasury
+as to the convenience which the public would derive from the
+circulation of silver threepenny-pieces. Such pieces are lawfully
+current under your Majesty's Proclamation of the 5th
+July 1838. But as such pieces have been hitherto reserved
+as your Majesty's Maundy money, and as such especially
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.38" id="pageii.38"></a>[page&nbsp;38]</span>
+belong to your Majesty's service, Mr Goulburn considers that
+a coinage of them for general use could not take place without
+a particular signification of your Majesty's pleasure.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Goulburn therefore humbly submits for your Majesty's
+gracious consideration the signification of your Majesty's
+pleasure as to the issue of such a coinage.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 14: Chancellor of the Exchequer.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir James Graham to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PUBLIC EXECUTIONS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Whitehall</span>, <i>13th May 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir James Graham, with humble duty, begs to lay before
+your Majesty the enclosed Memorial.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The proceedings in Newgate on the occasion of the last
+condemned sermon and on the morning of the execution have
+been fully investigated;<sup>15</sup> and the report established the
+necessity of legislative interference to prevent the recurrence
+of scenes so disgraceful and demoralising. The policy of
+depriving capital executions of their present publicity is well
+worthy of careful revision; and Sir James Graham, in obedience
+to your Majesty's desire, will bring the subject under
+the notice of his colleagues. He is disposed to think that the
+sentence might be carried into execution in the presence of a
+Jury to be summoned by the Sheriff with good effect; and
+that the great body of idle spectators might be excluded, without
+diminishing the salutary terror and awful warning which
+this extreme punishment is intended to produce on the public
+mind. In dealing, however, with a matter in which the community
+has so deep an interest, it is prudent not to violate
+public opinion, and caution is necessary before a change of
+the long-established usage is proposed.<sup>16</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir James Graham deeply regrets the part taken by the
+newspapers in seeking to indulge the general curiosity with
+respect to all details of the conduct, habits, and demeanour
+of these wretched criminals in their last moments; but he
+fears that the license of the Press cannot be checked by any
+act of authority; if the public be excluded from witnessing
+the executions, they will probably become still more anxious
+to obtain a printed report of all that has taken place; and
+Sir James Graham is so thoroughly convinced that the punishment
+of death in certain cases must be maintained, that he
+would consider any course inexpedient which was likely to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.39" id="pageii.39"></a>[page&nbsp;39]</span>
+lead the public to desire the remission of capital executions in
+all cases without exception....</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">J. R. G. Graham</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 15: The attraction these executions had for the general public was at this time a great
+scandal.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 16: Public executions were abolished in 1868.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">A BIRTHDAY LETTER</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>21st May 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest and most beloved Victoria</span>,&mdash;Receive my
+sincerest and most heartfelt good wishes on the happy reappearance
+of your birthday. I need not dwell on my sentiments
+of devotion to you; they began with <i>your life, and
+will only end with mine</i>. The only claim I make is to be
+remembered with some little affection. Thank heaven, I have
+little to wish you, than that your present happiness may not
+be disturbed, and that those who are dear to you may be
+preserved for your happiness.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">My gift is Charlotte's portrait. <span class="rightnote">THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE</span>The face is extremely like,
+and the likest that exists; the hair is a little too fair, it had
+become also darker. I take this opportunity to repeat that
+Charlotte was a noble-minded and highly gifted creature.
+She was nervous, as all the family have been; she could be
+violent, but then she was full of repentance for it, and her
+disposition <i>highly generous</i> and <i>susceptible</i> of <i>great
+devotion</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I am the more bound to say this, as I understood that you
+had some notion that she had been <i>very imperious</i>, and not
+mistress of her temper. Before her marriage some people by
+dint of flattery had tried to give her masculine tastes; and in
+short had pushed her to become one day a sort of Queen
+Elizabeth. These sentiments were already a little modified
+before her marriage. But she was particularly determined to
+be a <i>good</i> and <i>obedient</i> wife; some of her friends were anxious
+she should <i>not</i>; amongst these Madame de Flahaut must be
+mentioned <i>en premi&egrave;re ligne</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This became even a subject which severed the intimacy between
+them. Madame de Flahaut, much older than Charlotte,
+and of a sour and determined character, had gained an influence
+which partook on Charlotte's part a little of fear. She was
+afraid of her, but when once supported took courage.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">People were much struck on the 2nd of May 1816 at Carlton
+House with the clearness and firmness with which she pronounced
+"<i>and obey</i>," etc., as there had been a <i>general belief</i>
+that it would be <i>for the husband</i> to give <i>these promises</i>. The
+Regent put me particularly on my guard, and said, "If you
+don't resist she will govern you with a high hand." Your
+own experience has convinced you that real affection changes
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.40" id="pageii.40"></a>[page&nbsp;40]</span>
+many sentiments that may have been implanted into the
+mind of a young girl. With Charlotte it was the more meritorious,
+as from a very early period of her life she was considered
+as the heiress of the Crown; the Whigs flattered her
+extremely, and later, when she got by my intervention reconciled
+to the Tories, they also made great efforts to please her.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Her understanding was extremely good; she knew everybody,
+and I even afterwards found her judgment generally
+extremely correct. <i>She had read a great deal and knew well
+what she had read.</i> Generous she was almost <i>too much</i>, and her
+<i>devotion</i> was quite affecting, from a character so much pushed
+to be selfish and imperious.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I will here end my souvenir of poor dear Charlotte, but I
+thought that the subject could not but be interesting to you.
+Her constancy in wishing to marry me, which she maintained
+under difficulties of every description, has been the foundation
+of all that touched the family afterwards. You know, I
+believe, that your poor father was the chief promoter, though
+also the Yorks were; but our correspondence from 1814 till
+1816 was entirely carried on through his kind intervention;
+it would otherwise have been impossible, as she was really
+treated as a sort of prisoner. Grant always to that good and
+generous Charlotte, who sleeps already with her beautiful
+little boy so long, where all will go to, an affectionate remembrance,
+and believe me she deserves it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Forgive my long letter, and see in it, what it really is, a
+token of the great affection I have for you. Ever, my dearest
+Victoria, your devoted Uncle.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>12th June 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen understands that the Deanery of Worcester has
+become vacant by some new arrangement. Believing that
+Sir Robert's brother, Mr John Peel, has a fair claim to such
+preferment, but being afraid that Sir Robert would perhaps
+hesitate to recommend him on account of his near relationship
+to him, the Queen wishes to offer herself this Deanery through
+Sir Robert to his brother.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>12th June 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+hastens to acknowledge your Majesty's most kind and considerate
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.41" id="pageii.41"></a>[page&nbsp;41]</span>
+communication, and to express his grateful acknowledgments
+for it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He must, in justice to his brother, assure your Majesty that
+he never has expressed, and probably never would express, a
+wish to Sir Robert Peel on the subject of preferment in the
+Church.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel might have hesitated to bring the name of
+one so nearly connected with him under the notice of your
+Majesty, but as his brother was highly distinguished in his
+academical career at Oxford, and is greatly respected for the
+discharge of every professional duty, Sir Robert Peel could not
+feel himself justified in offering an impediment to the fulfilment
+of your Majesty's gracious intentions in his favour, if,
+when the vacancy shall have actually occurred in the Deanery
+of Worcester, no superior claim should be preferred.<sup>17</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 17: Dean Peel lived till 1875.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord Stanley to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">AUSTRALIAN WINE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>10th July 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley, with his humble duty, submits to your
+Majesty a despatch just received from the Governor of South
+Australia, enclosing the letter of a settler in the province,
+Mr Walter Duffield, who is anxious to be allowed the honour of
+offering for your Majesty's acceptance a case of the first wine
+which has been made in the colony.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley will not venture to answer for the quality of
+the vintage; but as the wine has been sent over with a loyal
+and dutiful feeling, and the importer, as well as the colonists
+in general, might feel hurt by a refusal of his humble offering,
+he ventures to hope that he may be permitted to signify,
+through the Governor, your Majesty's gracious acceptance of
+the first sample of a manufacture which, if successful, may add
+greatly to the resources of this young but now thriving colony.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The above is humbly submitted by your Majesty's most
+dutiful Servant and Subject,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Stanley</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE KING OF HOLLAND</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>29th July 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Accept my best thanks for your very
+kind little note of the 26th. As Albert writes to you about the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.42" id="pageii.42"></a>[page&nbsp;42]</span>
+King of Holland's visit<sup>18</sup> I will say but little, except that it
+really went off wonderfully well in our little house. We took
+him a sail in the <i>Victoria and Albert</i> on Saturday, which he
+admired amazingly, and after luncheon he went away, Albert
+taking him over to Gosport. He intends, I believe, to come
+here one morning for luncheon to take leave. He is grown old,
+and has lost all his front teeth, but he is as talkative and lively
+as he used to be, and seems very happy to be in England again.
+He was very anxious that we should pay him a visit this year,
+but was quite satisfied when we told him that this year it was
+impossible, but that we hoped some other time to do so. He
+was much struck at seeing me now independent and unembarrassed,
+and talking; as when he was here in 1836<sup>19</sup> I
+was extremely crushed and kept under and hardly dared say
+a word, so that he was quite astonished. He thought me
+grown. Believe me, always, dearest Uncle, your devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 18: This visit lasted ten days, and included a visit to Goodwood races and a review of the
+Household troops in Hyde Park. His Majesty was also appointed a Field-Marshal.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 19: <i>Ante</i>, <a href="../../20023/20023-h/20023-h.htm#pagei.47" style="font-weight: normal;">vol. i. p. 47</a>. He was then Prince of Orange, and succeeded his father, who
+abdicated in his favour in 1840.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>31st July 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen thanks Lord Melbourne very much for his last
+kind letter of the 11th, by which she was truly rejoiced to see
+he was better. We are comfortably and peacefully established
+here since the 19th, and derive the greatest benefit, pleasure,
+and satisfaction from our little possession here. The dear
+Prince is constantly occupied in directing the many necessary
+improvements which are to be made, and in watching our new
+house, which is a constant interest and amusement. We are
+most anxiously waiting for the conclusion of the Session that
+we may set off on our much-wished-for journey to Germany.
+The Queen is extremely sorry to leave England without seeing
+Lord Melbourne, and without having seen him all this season;
+but something or other always prevented us from seeing Lord
+Melbourne each time we hoped to do so. We only return the
+night before the Prorogation and embark that same day. We
+have the children here. We went to the Undercliff&mdash;Ventnor,
+Bonchurch, etc.&mdash;on Monday, and were much delighted with
+all we saw. We had a visit from the King of Holland last
+week, who is grown old, but otherwise just the same as he used
+to be.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.43" id="pageii.43"></a>[page&nbsp;43]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen joins with Lord Melbourne in unfeigned satisfaction
+at the success of the Irish measures, after so much
+factious opposition. Lord Grey's death<sup>20</sup> will have shocked
+Lord Melbourne, as it has us. Poor Lord Dunmore's death is
+a very shocking event. The Prince wishes to be most kindly
+remembered to Lord Melbourne.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 20: Charles, second Earl Grey, had been Prime Minister, 1830-1834.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE SOVEREIGN'S ABSENCE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Whitehall</span>, <i>6th August 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and begs leave to acquaint your Majesty that in the course of
+a long speech made by Lord John Russell last night, reviewing
+the policy of the Government and the proceedings of the
+Session, Lord John expressed himself strongly on the subject
+of your Majesty's absence from the country, without provision
+made for the exercise of the Royal authority by the appointment
+of Lords Justices.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel thinks it very probable that a motion will be
+made upon the subject in the course of the next Session&mdash;particularly
+in the event of any occurrence during your
+Majesty's absence, which might cause public inconvenience
+from the want of immediate access to the Royal authority, or
+compel any assumption of power on the part of your Majesty's
+servants of a questionable character.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The present Law Officers of the Crown were rather startled
+at the intention of departing from the precedent of George IV.'s
+reign, on seeing the legal opinions of their predecessors; they
+did not differ from the <i>legal</i> doctrines laid down by them, but
+were not very well satisfied on the point of discretion and
+policy.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel feels it to be his duty to state to your
+Majesty what has passed on this subject, and to apprize your
+Majesty of the possibility of a question being hereafter raised
+in Parliament upon it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel thinks that in the case of a short absence,
+and a distance not precluding easy and rapid communication
+with your Majesty, the appointment of Lords Justices may be
+dispensed with; but he is humbly of opinion that were the
+distance greater or the period of absence longer than that
+contemplated by your Majesty, the reasons for the nomination
+of Lords Justices would preponderate.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.44" id="pageii.44"></a>[page&nbsp;44]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Should the subject be again mentioned in Parliament and
+a direct question be put upon it, Sir Robert Peel will, of
+course, assume the entire responsibility for the non-appointment
+of Lords Justices; vindicating the departure from the
+precedent of George IV. on the ground of the shorter period
+of absence and the more easy means of communication.<sup>21</sup>...</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 21: The Queen was accompanied by a Secretary of State (Lord Aberdeen), so that an act
+of State could be performed as well abroad as at home; see <i>Life of the Prince Consort</i>,
+vol. i. p. 272.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Sir Robert Peel.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">VISIT TO THE CH&Acirc;TEAU D'EU</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Ch&acirc;teau d'Eu</span>, <i>8th September 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Peel</span>,&mdash;We left Antwerp very early yesterday
+morning, and anchored for a few hours off Flushing.<sup>22</sup> We
+passing down the Channel during the night, and as the weather
+was perfectly bright and fine, found ourselves off Tr&eacute;port
+before nine o'clock this morning. The King came off to the
+yacht, and took the Queen in his barge to land. I need not say
+how joyfully she was received by all the Royal Family.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Although I shall have opportunities, both this evening and
+to-morrow morning, of speaking again with the King and
+Guizot, I have already discussed several subjects with each of
+them; and as the Queen particularly desires to send a messenger
+this evening, I will give you some notion of what has
+passed between us.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="rightnote">THE SPANISH MARRIAGES</span>I think the marriage of the Queen of Spain is the subject on
+which the greatest interest is felt at this moment. It was the
+first introduced, both by the King and Guizot, and treated by
+both in the same manner. They said, that having promised
+to support the King of Naples, they were bound not to abandon
+the Count de Trapani, so long as there was a chance of his being
+successful in his suit. I said in answer to their desire, that we
+would assist this arrangement, that we had no objection to
+Count Trapani, and that we would take no part against him;
+but unless it should be the decided wish of the Spanish Government
+and people, we could give no support to the marriage,
+as we were honestly of opinion that it was not desired in Spain,
+and that we saw nothing in the proposal to call for our support
+under these circumstances. Both the King and Guizot said
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.45" id="pageii.45"></a>[page&nbsp;45]</span>
+they had no objection to the Duke of Saville<sup>23</sup> (Don Enrique),
+and that if it should be found that Count Trapani was impossible,
+they would willingly support him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With respect to the Infanta, they both declared in the most
+positive and explicit manner, that <i>until the Queen was married
+and had children</i>, they should consider the Infanta precisely
+as her sister, and that any marriage with a French Prince
+would be entirely out of the question. The King said he did
+not wish that his son should have the prospect of being on the
+throne of Spain; but that if the Queen had children, by whom
+the succession would be secured, he did not engage to preclude
+himself from the possibility of profiting by the great inheritance
+which the Infanta would bring his son. All this,
+however, was uncertain, and would require time at all events
+to accomplish; for I distinctly understood, that it was not only
+a marriage and a child, but <i>children, that were necessary to
+secure the succession</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I thought this was as much as we could desire at present, and
+that the policy of a marriage with a French Prince might safely
+be left to be considered whenever the contingency contemplated
+should arrive. Many things may happen, both in
+France and Spain, in the course of a few years to affect this
+question in a manner not now apparent.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Aberdeen</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 22: Parliament was prorogued on the 9th of August, and the Queen and Prince sailed
+in the evening for Antwerp in the Royal yacht. Sir Theodore Martin gives a very full
+description of the visit to Coburg. The Queen was especially delighted with the Rosenau
+and Reinhardtsbrunn. On the morning of the 8th of September the yacht, which had left
+the Scheldt on the previous evening, arrived at Tr&eacute;port, and a second visit was paid to
+the King and Queen of the French at the Ch&acirc;teau d'Eu.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 23: Younger son of Don Francisco de Paula, and first cousin to Queen Isabella, both
+through his father and his mother.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">CHURCH APPOINTMENTS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>15th September 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs
+leave to acquaint your Majesty that there remains the sum of
+&pound;700 to be applied in the current year to the grant of Civil
+List Pensions.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel humbly recommends to your Majesty that
+another sum of &pound;200 should be offered to Mr Tennyson, a poet
+of whose powers of imagination and expression many competent
+judges think most highly.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He was brought under the notice of Sir Robert Peel by
+Mr Hallam. His pecuniary circumstances are far from being
+prosperous.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">There is a vacancy in the Deanery of Lincoln, but the preferment
+is less eligible from there being no residence, and the
+necessity for building one at the immediate expense of the new
+Dean.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.46" id="pageii.46"></a>[page&nbsp;46]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel is inclined to recommend to your Majesty
+that an offer of this preferment should be made to Mr Ward,
+the Rector of St James's.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Should Mr Ward decline, there is a clergyman of the name
+of Maurice,<sup>24</sup> of whom the Archbishop says: "Of unbeneficed
+London clergy there is no one, I believe, who is so much distinguished
+by his learning and literary talent as the Rev.
+Frederick Maurice, Chaplain of St Guy's Hospital. His
+private character is equally estimable."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Should Mr Ward decline<sup>25</sup> the Deanery it might, should your
+Majesty approve of it, be offered to Mr Maurice. The Archbishop
+says that the appointment of Mr Maurice would be
+very gratifying to the <i>King of Prussia</i>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 24: Frederick Denison Maurice (1805-1872), the friend of Kingsley, afterwards Chaplain
+of St. Peter's, Vere Street.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 25: Mr Ward accepted the Deanery.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St Cloud</span>, <i>10th October 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;... All you say about our dear
+Albert, whom I love like my own child, is perfectly true. The
+attacks, however unjust, have but one advantage, that of
+showing the points the enemy thinks <i>weakest</i> and best calculated
+to hurt. This, being the case, Anson, without boring A.
+with <i>daily</i> accounts which in the end become very irksome,
+should pay attention to these very points, and contribute to
+avoid what may be turned to account by the enemy. To hope
+to <i>escape</i> censure and calumny is next to impossible, but whatever
+is considered by the enemy as a fit subject for attack is
+better modified or avoided. The dealings with artists, for instance,
+require great prudence; they are acquainted with all
+classes of society, and for that very reason dangerous; they are
+hardly <i>ever satisfied</i>, and when you have too much to do with
+them, you are sure to have <i>des ennuis</i>.... Your devoted
+Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD METCALFE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>2nd November 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has read with great concern Lord Stanley's letter
+of the 1st November. From private information she had been
+led to expect that Lord Metcalfe would not be able to continue
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.47" id="pageii.47"></a>[page&nbsp;47]</span>
+at his irksome post.<sup>26</sup> He will be an immense loss, and the
+selection of a successor will be most difficult. The Queen hopes
+that there will not be too great a delay in making the new
+appointment, as experience has shown that nothing was more
+detrimental to the good government of Canada than the last
+interregnum after Sir Charles Bagot's death; it would certainly
+likewise be desirable that Lord Metcalfe should be able
+personally to make over his Government to his successor,
+whom he could verbally better put in possession of the peculiarities
+of his position than any instructions could do. It
+strikes the Queen to be of the <i>greatest importance</i>, that the
+judicious system pursued by Lord Metcalfe (and which, after
+a long continuation of toil and adversities, only now just
+begins to show its effect) should be followed up by his successor.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen knows nobody who would be as fit for the
+appointment as Lord Elgin, who seems to have given great
+satisfaction in Jamaica, where he has already succeeded Lord
+Metcalfe, whose original appointment there had <i>likewise</i> taken
+place under circumstances of great difficulty, which his prudence
+and firmness finally overcame.<sup>27</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 26: He retired from the Governor-Generalship of Canada through ill-health.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 27: Lord Stanley, in reply, submitted a private letter from Lord Elgin, expressing a wish
+to return home; Earl Cathcart was provisionally appointed Governor-General.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>28th November 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is very sorry to hear that Sir Robert Peel apprehends
+further differences of opinion in the Cabinet, at a
+moment of impending calamity; it is more than ever necessary
+that the Government should be strong and united.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen thinks the time is come when a removal of the
+restrictions upon the importation of food cannot be successfully
+resisted. Should this be Sir Robert's own opinion, the
+Queen very much hopes that none of his colleagues will prevent
+him from doing what it is <i>right</i> to do.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE CORN LAWS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Whitehall</span>, <i>4th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs
+leave to acquaint your Majesty that a leading paragraph in the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.48" id="pageii.48"></a>[page&nbsp;48]</span>
+<i>Times</i> of to-day, asserting that your Majesty's servants had
+unanimously agreed to an immediate and total repeal of the
+Corn Laws, is quite without foundation.<sup>28</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 28: See <i>Memoirs of the Life of Henry Reeve</i>, vol. i. p. 175, for Lord Dufferin's refutation
+of the story that Sidney Herbert confided the secret to Mrs Norton, and that she sold it to
+the <i>Times</i>. The story has obtained a wide currency through Mr Meredith's <i>Diana of the
+Crossways</i>. Lord Stanmore, in his <i>Life of Sidney Herbert</i>, substantially attributes the
+communication to Lord Aberdeen, but does not give the details.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i><sup>29</sup></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Whitehall</span>, <i>5th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Friday evening.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and will wait upon your Majesty to-morrow evening, leaving
+London by the half-past twelve train.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel will avail himself of your Majesty's kind
+proposal to remain at Osborne until Monday morning.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He will come to Osborne with a heart full of gratitude and
+devotion to your Majesty, but with a strong conviction (all
+the grounds for which he will, with your Majesty's permission,
+explain to your Majesty) that in the present state of affairs, he
+can render more service to your Majesty and to the country in
+a private than in a public station.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 29: Peel reported to the Queen the Cabinet discussions on the Corn Law question. The
+Queen wrote that the news caused her much uneasiness, and that she felt certain that
+her Minister would not leave her at a moment of such difficulty, and when a crisis was
+impending.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">CABINET DISSENSIONS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>7th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On receiving the preceding letter<sup>30</sup> ... we were, of course,
+in great consternation. Yesterday Sir Robert Peel arrived
+here and explained the condition of affairs.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 30: From Sir Robert Peel, 5th December, <i>ante.</i></p>
+
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="rightnote">INTERVIEW WITH PEEL</span> On 1st November he had called his Cabinet, and placed
+before its members the reports of the Irish Commissioners, Dr
+Buckland, Dr Playfair and Dr Lindley, on the condition of the
+potato crop, which was to the effect that the half of the potatoes
+were ruined by the rot, and that no one could guarantee
+the remainder. Belgium, Holland, Sweden, and Denmark, in
+which states the potato disease had likewise deprived the
+poorer class of its usual food, have immediately taken energetic
+means, and have opened the harbours, bought corn, and provided
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.49" id="pageii.49"></a>[page&nbsp;49]</span>
+for the case of a rise of prices. Sir Robert proposed the
+same thing for England, and, by opening the ports, a preparation
+for the abolition of the Corn Laws. His colleagues
+refused, and of the whole Cabinet only Lord Aberdeen, Sir
+James Graham, and Mr Sidney Herbert voted with him. Sir
+Robert hoped that in time the opinions of the others would
+change, and therefore postponed a final decision. In the
+meanwhile the agitation of the Anti-Corn Law League began;
+in every town addresses were voted, meetings were held,
+the <i>Times</i>&mdash;barometer of public feeling&mdash;became suddenly
+<i>violently</i> Anti-Corn Law, the meetings of the Cabinet roused
+attention, a general panic seized on the mass of the public.
+Sir Robert called anew his Cabinet. In the midst of their
+deliberation Lord John Russell issues from Edinburgh an
+address to the City of London.<sup>31</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 31: Declaring for the Repeal of the Corn Laws.</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">The whole country cries out: the Corn Laws are doomed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Thereon Sir Robert declared to his Cabinet that nothing but
+unanimity could save the cause, and pressed for a decision.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Duke of Buccleuch and Lord Stanley declared they
+could not take a part in a measure abolishing the Corn Laws,
+and would therefore have to resign. The other members, including
+the Duke of Wellington, showed themselves ready to
+support Sir Robert, yet, as the latter says, "apparently not
+willingly and against their feelings." Thereupon Sir Robert
+resolved to lay down his office as Minister.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">When he arrived here he was visibly much moved, and said
+to me, that it was one of the most painful moments of his life
+to separate himself from us, "but it is necessary, and if I have
+erred it was from loyalty and too great an anxiety not to leave
+Her Majesty in a moment of such great difficulty. I ought to
+have gone when I was first left by my colleagues in a minority
+in my own Cabinet. I was anxious, however, to try my
+utmost, but it is impossible to retrieve lost time. As soon as I
+saw Lord John's letter I felt that the ground was slipping away
+from under me, and that whatever I might now propose would
+appear as dictated by the Opposition, as taking Lord John's
+measure. On the 1st of November the whole country was
+prepared for the thing; there had been no agitation, everybody
+looking to the Government, as soon as they saw this
+wavering and hesitating, the country decided for itself, and
+Lord John has the merit, owing to his most dexterous move
+and our want of unanimity."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On my observing that Sir Robert has a majority of one
+hundred in the House of Commons, and asking whether it
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.50" id="pageii.50"></a>[page&nbsp;50]</span>
+was not possible for him to continue the Government, he
+said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="ind">"The Duke of Buccleuch will carry half Scotland with him,
+and Lord Stanley, leading the Protectionists in the House of
+Lords, would lead to great and immediate defections even in
+Her Majesty's household. The Duchess of Buccleuch, Lord
+Hardwicke, Lord Exeter, Lord Rivers, Lord Beverley, etc.,
+would resign, and we should not be able to find successors;
+in the House of Commons I am sure I should be beat, the
+Tories, agriculturists, etc., in rage would turn round upon me
+and be joined by the Whigs and Radicals, who would say,
+'This is <i>our</i> measure and we will not allow you to carry it.'
+It is better that I should go now, when <i>nobody has committed
+himself</i> in the heat of party contest, when no factions have been
+formed, no imprudent declarations been made; it is better for
+Her Majesty and for the country that it should be so."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">After we had examined what possibilities were open for the
+Crown, the conclusion was come to that Lord John was the
+only man who could be charged with forming a Cabinet. Lord
+Stanley, with the aristocracy as his base, would bring about an
+insurrection [or riots], and the ground on which one would
+have to fight would be this: to want to force the mass of
+the people, amidst their great poverty, to pay for their bread
+a high price, in favour of the landlords.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is a matter of the utmost importance not to place the
+House of Lords into direct antagonism with the Commons
+and with the masses of the people. Sir Robert says very
+correctly:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="ind">"I am afraid of other interests getting damaged in the
+struggle about the Corn Laws; already the system of promotion
+in the Army, the Game Laws, the Church, are getting
+attacked with the aid of the league."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">After Victoria had in consequence [of the foregoing] decided
+in favour of Lord John, and asked Sir Robert: "But
+how is it possible for him to govern with so exceedingly small a
+minority?" Sir Robert said: "He will have difficulties and
+perhaps did not consider what he was doing when he wrote that
+letter; but <i>I will support him</i>. I feel it my duty to your
+Majesty not to leave you without a Government. Even if
+Lord John goes to the full extent of his declaration in that
+letter (which I think goes too far), I will support him in Parliament
+and use all my influence with the House of Lords to prevent
+their impeding his progress. I will do more, if he likes
+it. I will say that the increase of the estimates which will
+become necessary are my work, and I alone am responsible
+for it."</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.51" id="pageii.51"></a>[page&nbsp;51]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert intends to give me a memorandum in which he
+is to make this promise in writing.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He was greatly moved, and said it was not "the loss of
+power (for I hate power) nor of office," which was nothing but
+a plague for him, but "the breaking up of those relations in
+which he stood to the Queen and me, and the loss of our
+society," which was for him a loss, for which there was no
+equivalent; we might, however, rely on his being always ready
+to serve us, in what manner and in what place it might be.
+Lord Aberdeen is said to feel the same, and very deeply so;
+and on our side the loss of two so estimable men, who possess
+our whole and perfect confidence in public as well as in private
+affairs, and have always proved themselves true friends, leaves
+<i>a great gap</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Victoria to Viscount Melbourne.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD MELBOURNE INFORMED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>7th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel has informed the Queen that in consequence
+of differences prevailing in the Cabinet, he is very reluctantly
+compelled to solicit from the Queen the acceptance of his
+resignation, which she has as reluctantly accepted.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">From the Queen's unabated confidence in Lord Melbourne,
+her first impulse was to request his immediate attendance here
+that she might have the benefit of his assistance and advice,
+but on reflection the Queen does not think herself justified, in
+the present state of Lord Melbourne's health, to ask him to
+make the sacrifice which the return to his former position of
+Prime Minister would, she fears, impose upon him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is this consideration, and this <i>alone</i>, that has induced the
+Queen to address to Lord John Russell the letter of which
+she sends a copy. The Queen hopes, however, that Lord
+Melbourne will not withhold from her new Government his
+advice, which would be so valuable to her.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is of the <i>utmost importance</i> that the whole of this communication
+should be kept a <i>most profound secret</i> until the
+Queen has seen Lord John Russell.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD MELBOURNE'S ATTITUDE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>8th December 1845.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert helped us in the composition of the letters to
+Lord John and to Lord Melbourne. We considered it necessary
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.52" id="pageii.52"></a>[page&nbsp;52]</span>
+to write to the latter, in consideration of the confidential
+position which he formerly enjoyed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel has not <i>resigned</i>, thinking it a matter of
+great strength for the Sovereign to keep his ministry until a
+new one can be got.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Brocket Hall</span>, <i>9th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty;
+he has just received your Majesty's letter of the 7th inst.,
+which, of course, has astonished him by the magnitude of the
+event which it announces, although something of this sort has
+been long pending and to be expected. Lord Melbourne returns
+your Majesty many thanks for this communication, and
+more for your Majesty's great kindness and consideration for
+him personally at the present moment. He is better, but so
+long a journey would still not have been convenient to him,
+and he has such a horror of the sea, that a voyage from Southampton
+to Cowes or from Portsmouth to Ryde seems to him in
+prospect as formidable as a voyage across the Atlantic.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne will strictly observe your Majesty's injunction
+of secrecy.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With respect to the kind wishes about office which your
+Majesty is pleased to express, Lord Melbourne will of course
+give to your Majesty's new Government, if formed under Lord
+John Russell, all the support in his power, but as to taking
+office, he fears that he would find some difficulty. He would
+be very unwilling to come in pledged to a total and immediate
+reform of the Corn Law, and he also strongly feels the difficulty
+which has in fact compelled Sir Robert Peel to retire, viz.
+the difficulty of carrying on the Government upon the principle
+of upholding and maintaining the present law with respect
+to corn.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne again thanks your Majesty for your great
+and considerate kindness.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PEEL'S ATTITUDE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Whitehall</span>, <i>10th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and influenced by no other motive than the desire to contribute
+if possible to the relief of your Majesty from embarrassment,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.53" id="pageii.53"></a>[page&nbsp;53]</span>
+and the protection of the public interests from injury, is induced
+to make this confidential communication to your Majesty
+explanatory of his position and intentions with regard to the
+great question which is now agitating the public mind.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Your Majesty can, if you think fit, make this communication
+known to the Minister who, as successor to Sir Robert Peel,
+may be honoured by your Majesty's confidence.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On the first day of November last Sir Robert Peel advised
+his colleagues, on account of the alarming accounts from Ireland
+and many districts of Great Britain as to the failure of the
+potato crop from disease, and for the purpose of guarding
+against contingencies which in his opinion were not improbable,
+humbly to recommend to your Majesty that the duties on the
+import of foreign grain should be suspended for a limited period
+either by Order in Council, or by Legislative Enactment,
+Parliament in either case being summoned without delay.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel foresaw that this suspension, fully justified
+by the tenor of the reports to which he has referred, would
+compel, during the interval of suspension, the reconsideration
+of the Corn Laws.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">If the opinions of his colleagues had been in concurrence
+with his own, he was fully prepared to take the responsibility
+of suspension, and of the necessary consequence of suspension,
+a comprehensive review of the laws imposing restrictions on
+the import of foreign grain and other articles of food, with a
+view to their gradual diminution and ultimate removal. He
+was disposed to recommend that any new laws to be enacted
+should contain within themselves the principle of gradual
+and ultimate removal.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel is prepared to support in a private capacity
+measures which may be in general conformity with those which
+he advised as a Minister.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It would be unbecoming in Sir Robert Peel to make any
+reference to the details of such measures.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Your Majesty has been good enough to inform him that it
+is your intention to propose to Lord John Russell to undertake
+the formation of a Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The principle on which Sir Robert Peel was prepared to recommend
+the reconsideration of the laws affecting the import
+of the main articles of food, was in general accordance with that
+referred to in the concluding paragraph of Lord John Russell's
+letter to the electors of the City of London.<sup>32</sup></p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.54" id="pageii.54"></a>[page&nbsp;54]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel wished to accompany the removal of restrictions
+on the admission of such articles, with relief to the
+land from such charges as are unduly onerous, and with such
+other provisions as in the terms of Lord John Russell's letter
+"caution and even scrupulous forbearance may suggest."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel will support measures founded on that
+general principle, and will exercise any influence he may possess
+to promote their success.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel feels it to be his duty to add, that should
+your Majesty's servants, after consideration of the heavy demands
+upon the Army of this country for colonial service, of
+our relations with the United States, and of the bearing which
+steam navigation may have upon maritime warfare, and the
+defence of the country, deem it advisable to propose an addition
+to the Army, and increased naval and military estimates,
+Sir Robert Peel will support the proposal, will do all that he
+can to prevent it from being considered as indicative of hostile
+or altered feeling towards France, and will assume for the
+increase in question any degree of responsibility present or
+retrospective which can fairly attach to him.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Robert Peel</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 32: That paragraph urged that, with a revision of taxation to make the arrangement more
+equitable, and the safeguards suggested by caution and scrupulous forbearance, restrictions
+on the admission of the main articles of food and clothing used by the mass of the
+people should be removed.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord Stanley to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD STANLEY RESIGNS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St James's Square</span>, <i>11th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">... Lord Stanley humbly hopes that he may be permitted
+to avail himself of this opportunity to express to your Majesty
+the deep regret and pain with which he has felt himself compelled
+to dissent from the advice intended to have been
+tendered to your Majesty on the subject of the Corn Laws. He
+begs to assure your Majesty that he would have shrunk from
+making no personal sacrifice, short of that of principle, for the
+purpose of avoiding the inconvenience to your Majesty and to
+the country inseparable from any change of Administration;
+but being unconvinced of the necessity of a change of policy
+involving an abandonment of opinions formerly maintained,
+and expectations held out to political supporters, he felt that
+the real interests of your Majesty's service could not be promoted
+by the loss of personal character which the sacrifice of
+his own convictions would necessarily have involved; and
+that he might far more usefully serve your Majesty and the
+country out of office, than as the official advocate of a policy
+which he could not sincerely approve. Lord Stanley begs to
+assure your Majesty that it will be his earnest endeavour to
+allay, as far as may lie in his power, the excitement which he
+cannot but foresee as the consequence of the contemplated
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.55" id="pageii.55"></a>[page&nbsp;55]</span>
+change of policy; and he ventures to indulge the hope that
+this long trespass upon your Majesty's much occupied time may
+find a sufficient apology in the deep anxiety which he feels
+that his regret at being compelled not only to retire from your
+Majesty's service, but also to take a step which he is aware
+may have had some influence on the course finally adopted by
+Sir Robert Peel, may not be still farther increased by the
+apprehension of having, in the performance of a most painful
+duty, incurred your Majesty's displeasure. All which is
+humbly submitted by your Majesty's most dutiful Servant
+and Subject,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Stanley</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>12th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen, of course, <i>much regrets</i> that Lord Stanley could
+not agree in the opinions of Sir Robert Peel upon a subject of
+such importance to the country. However, Lord Stanley may
+rest assured that the Queen gives full credit to the disinterested
+motives which guided Lord Stanley's conduct.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>12th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has to inform the Duke of Wellington that, in
+consequence of Sir Robert Peel's having declared to her his
+inability to carry on any longer the Government, she has sent
+for Lord John Russell, who is not able at present to state
+whether he can form an Administration, and is gone to Town in
+order to consult his friends. Whatever the result of his enquiries
+may be, the Queen has a <i>strong</i> desire to see the Duke
+of Wellington remain at the head of her Army. The Queen
+appeals to the Duke's so often proved loyalty and attachment
+to her person, in asking him to give her this assurance. The
+Duke will thereby render the greatest service to the country
+and to her own person.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE DUKE'S ADVICE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Strathfieldsaye</span>, <i>12th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>11 at night.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble
+duty to your Majesty; he has just now received your Majesty's
+commands from Osborne of this day's date.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.56" id="pageii.56"></a>[page&nbsp;56]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">He humbly submits to your Majesty that the duties of the
+Commander-in-Chief of your Majesty's Land Forces places
+him in constant confidential relations with all your Majesty's
+Ministers, and particularly with the one filling the office of
+First Lord of the Treasury.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Under these circumstances he submits to your Majesty the
+counsel, that your Majesty would be graciously pleased to
+consult the nobleman or gentleman who should be your
+Majesty's first Minister, before any other step should be taken
+upon the subject. He might think that he had reason to
+complain if he should find that it was arranged that the Duke
+of Wellington should continue to fill the office of Commander-in-Chief,
+and such impression might have an influence upon
+his future relations with that office.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington believes that Lord
+John Russell and all your Majesty's former Ministers were
+aware, that during the whole period of the time during which
+Lord Hill was the General Commanding-in-Chief your Majesty's
+Forces, the professional opinion and services of Field-Marshal
+the Duke of Wellington were at all times at the command and
+disposition of your Majesty's servants, and were given whenever
+required.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He happened to be at that time in political opposition to the
+Government in the House of Parliament, of which he was a
+member; but that circumstance made no difference.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is impossible for the Duke of Wellington to form a political
+connection with Lord John Russell, or to have any relation
+with the political course of the Government over which he
+should preside.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Such arrangement would not conciliate public confidence, be
+considered creditable to either party, or be useful to the service
+of your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Nor, indeed, would the performance of the duties of the
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army require that such should
+exist; on the other hand, the performance of these duties
+would require that the person filling the office should avoid
+to belong to, or to act in concert with, a political party opposed
+to the Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington has considered it his
+duty to submit these considerations, in order that your Majesty
+may be perfectly aware of the position in which he is about
+to place himself, in case Lord John Russell should counsel your
+Majesty to command Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington to
+continue to hold the office of Commander-in-Chief of your
+Majesty's Land Forces.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He at once submits to your Majesty the assurance that he
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.57" id="pageii.57"></a>[page&nbsp;57]</span>
+will cheerfully devote his service to your Majesty's command
+upon receiving the official intimation thereof, and that he will
+as usual make every effort in his power to promote your
+Majesty's service.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">All of which is humbly submitted to your Majesty by your
+Majesty's most dutiful Subject and devoted Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Wellington</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the French to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">KING LOUIS PHILIPPE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St Cloud</span>, <i>le 16 D&eacute;cembre 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame ma tr&egrave;s Ch&egrave;re S&oelig;ur</span>,&mdash;J'ai &agrave; remercier votre
+Majest&eacute; de l'excellente lettre que ma bonne Cl&eacute;m m'a remise
+de sa part. Elle m'a &eacute;t&eacute; droit au c&oelig;ur, et je ne saurais exprimer
+&agrave; quel point j'ai &eacute;t&eacute; touch&eacute; de vos bons voeux pour
+ma famille, et de tout ce que vous me t&eacute;moignez sur l'accroissement
+qu'il a pl&ucirc; &agrave; la Providence de lui donner dans mes
+<i>onze petits fils</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je me disposais &agrave; dire &agrave; votre Majest&eacute; que, quoiqu'avec un
+bien vif regret, je comprenais parfaitement les motifs qui vous
+portaient &agrave; remettre &agrave; une autre ann&eacute;e, cette visite si vivement
+d&eacute;sir&eacute;e, et que j'esp&eacute;rais toujours trouver une compensation &agrave;
+cette privation, en allant de nouveau Lui offrir en Angleterre,
+l'hommage de tous les sentiments que je Lui porte, et qui
+m'attachent si profond&eacute;ment &agrave; Elle, ainsi qu'au Prince son
+Epoux, lorsque j'ai re&ccedil;u la nouvelle de la d&eacute;mission de Sir
+Robert Peel, de Lord Aberdeen et de tous leurs Coll&eacute;gues.
+Je me flattais que ces Ministres qui s'&eacute;taient toujours si bien
+entendus avec les miens pour &eacute;tablir entre nos deux Gouvernements,
+cette heureuse <i>entente cordiale</i> qui est la base du repos
+du monde et de la prosp&eacute;rit&eacute; de nos pays, continueraient encore
+longtemps &agrave; l'entretenir, et &agrave; la consolider de plus en plus.
+Cet espoir est d&eacute;&ccedil;u!!<sup>33</sup> Il faut s'y r&eacute;signer; mais je suis
+empress&eacute; d'assurer votre Majest&eacute;, que quelque soit son nouveau
+Minist&egrave;re, celui qui m'entoure aujourd'hui, et que je d&eacute;sire,
+et que j'esp&egrave;re conserver longtemps, n'omettra aucun effort
+pour cultiver et maintenir cet heureux accord qu'il est si
+&eacute;videmment dans notre int&eacute;r&ecirc;t commun de conserver intact.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Dans de telles circonstances, il me devient doublement
+pr&eacute;cieux d'&ecirc;tre uni &agrave; votre Majest&eacute; et au Prince Albert par
+tant de liens, et qu'il se soit form&eacute; entre nous cet attachement
+mutuel, cette affection et cette confiance, qui sont au dessus
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.58" id="pageii.58"></a>[page&nbsp;58]</span>
+et ind&eacute;pendants de toute consid&eacute;ration politique; mais qui
+pourront toujours plus ou moins exercer une influence salutaire
+sur l'action et la marche de nos deux Gouvernements. Aussi,
+je le dis &agrave; votre Majest&eacute; et &agrave; son Epoux avec un entier abandon,
+j'ai besoin de compter sur cette assistance occasionnelle, et j'y
+compte enti&egrave;rement en vous demandant d'avoir la m&ecirc;me
+confiance de mon c&ocirc;t&eacute;, et en vous r&eacute;p&eacute;tant que cette confiance
+ne sera pas plus d&eacute;&ccedil;ue dans l'avenir, qu'elle ne l'a &eacute;t&eacute; dans le
+pass&eacute;.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Votre Majest&eacute; me permettra d'offrir ici au Prince Albert
+l'expression de ma vive et sinc&egrave;re amiti&eacute;. Je la prie aussi de
+recevoir celle de l'inviolable attachement avec lequel je suis,
+Madame ma tr&egrave;s ch&egrave;re S&oelig;ur, de votre Majest&eacute;, le bon Fr&egrave;re
+et bien fid&egrave;le Ami,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louis Philippe R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 33: The return of Palmerston to the Foreign Office was of course dreaded by the King and
+Guizot.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S ACCEPTANCE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>16th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter of
+this day's date,<sup>34</sup> and considering that it is of great importance
+that no time should be lost, has immediately forwarded it to
+Sir Robert Peel.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen fully understands the motives which guide Lord
+John in using every effort to ensure the success of the great
+measure which is impending before he undertakes to form a
+Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sees from Lord John's second letter that he has
+taken a copy of Sir R. Peel's letter of the 15th to her. As she
+does not feel to have been authorised to allow this, the Queen
+hopes that in case Sir Robert should have an objection to it
+Lord John will not retain the copy.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 34: It is printed in the <i>Annual Register</i>, 1846, p. 17. Lord John considered the temporary
+suspension or repeal of duties, with the prospect of their re-imposition, open to grave
+objections.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">INSUPERABLE DIFFICULTIES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>18th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell returned at five this evening, and informed
+the Queen that after considerable discussion, and after
+a full consideration of his position, <i>he will undertake to form a
+Government</i>.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.59" id="pageii.59"></a>[page&nbsp;59]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">As at present arranged, the Council is to be on Monday;
+the Queen much wishing to have a parting interview with
+Sir R. Peel, however painful it will be to her, wishes Sir Robert
+Peel to inform her when he thinks it best to come down here.<sup>35</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 35: Lord John Russell, however, found insuperable difficulties in forming the Cabinet;
+and, to quote Disraeli, "handed back with courtesy the poisoned chalice to Sir Robert."</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">GREY AND PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>20th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>12 o'clock.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We just saw Lord John Russell, who came in order to explain
+why he had to give up the task of forming a Government.
+He had written to all his former colleagues to join him in his
+attempt, amongst others to Lord Grey, who answered, "that
+he could only belong to a Government which pledged itself to
+the principle of absolute free trade and abolition of all protection;
+that he had his own views upon the sugar question
+(as to which he advocated the admission of slave labour) and
+upon the Irish question (as to which his principle was to establish
+entire religious equality); that he hoped that in the
+formation of a new Government no personal considerations
+should stand in the way of a full attention to public Duty."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John replied that he advocated free trade, but as the
+immediate question before them was the <i>Corn Laws</i>, he thought
+it wiser not to complicate this by other declarations which
+would produce a good deal of animosity; that the sugar
+question and Ireland might be discussed in Cabinet when
+circumstances required it; that he agreed entirely in the last
+sentence.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">After this Lord Grey declared himself quite satisfied. Lord
+John considered now with his colleagues the peculiar measure
+to be proposed, and Mr Baring thought he could arrange a
+financial scheme which would satisfy Lord Lansdowne's demands
+for relief to the landed interest. They all felt it their
+duty to answer the Queen's call upon them, though they very
+much disliked taking office under such peculiar difficulties.
+Now Lord John undertook to apportion the different offices.
+He saw Lord Palmerston, and told him that the Queen had
+some apprehension that his return to the Foreign Office might
+cause great alarm in other countries, and particularly in France,
+and that this feeling was still more strongly manifested in the
+city; whether under these circumstances he would prefer
+some other office&mdash;for instance, the Colonies? Lord Palmerston
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.60" id="pageii.60"></a>[page&nbsp;60]</span>
+declared that he was not at all anxious for office, and
+should much regret that his accession should in any way
+embarrass Lord John; that he was quite prepared to support
+him out of office, but that his taking another department than
+his former one would be a public recognition of the most unjust
+accusations that had been brought against him; that he
+had evinced throughout a long official life his disposition for
+peace, and only in one instance broke with France;<sup>36</sup> that
+that matter was gone by, and that nobody had stronger conviction
+of the necessity to keep in amity with that Power than
+himself. Upon this Lord John said that he could not form a
+Government without him, and showed himself quite satisfied
+with Lord Palmerston's declaration.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 36: In reference to affairs in Syria in 1840.</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Suddenly Lord Grey, who had heard of this, cried out:
+"This was an infringement of their compact"; that no <i>personal</i>
+consideration should interfere with the discharge of
+public duty, and that he must decline entering the Government,
+as he considered Lord Palmerston's return to the Foreign Office
+as fraught with danger to the peace of Europe. Lord John
+could not, under these circumstances, form a Government.
+He read to us a long letter from Lord Grey, written with the
+intention that it should be seen by the Queen, in which Lord
+Grey enters more fully into his motives, and finishes by saying
+that therefore <i>he</i> was not answerable for the failure to form an
+Administration.<sup>37</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 37: Lord Grey's attitude was condemned by Macaulay in a letter to a Mr Macfarlan, who
+unwisely communicated it to the Press.</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John gave the Queen a written statement<sup>38</sup> of the
+causes which induced him to relinquish the Government, and
+of the position he means to assume in Parliament. (He is most
+anxious that Sir R. Peel should re-enter and successfully carry
+his measures.)</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 38: Printed in <i>Annual Register</i>, 1846, p. 20.</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">The arrangements Lord John had contemplated have been&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<table summary="Lord John Russel's proposed Cabinet" align="center" width="60%">
+  <tr><td width="50%">Lord <span class="sc">Palmerston</span>,</td>      <td width="50%"><i>Foreign Secretary</i>.</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>Lord <span class="sc">Grey</span>,</td>            <td><i>Colonial Secretary</i>.</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>Sir <span class="sc">George Grey</span>,</td>      <td><i>Home Secretary</i>.</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="ind" style="margin-top: 2em;">(Sir George was anxious later to retire from Parliament, and
+willing to go as Governor-General to Canada.)</p>
+
+<table summary="Lord John Russel's proposed Cabinet, cont." align="center" width="60%">
+  <tr><td width="50%">Mr <span class="sc">Baring</span>,</td>            <td width="50%"><i>Chancellor of the Exchequer</i>.</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>Lord <span class="sc">Clarendon</span>,</td>       <td><i>President of the Board of Trade</i>.</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="ind" style="margin-top: 2em;">(The Vice-Presidency was to have been offered to his brother,
+Mr Villiers, but finally, by his advice, to Mr Cobden!! (Lord
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.61" id="pageii.61"></a>[page&nbsp;61]</span>
+Grey wanted Mr Cobden to be in the Cabinet!!!) This Lord
+John thought quite out of the question.)</p>
+
+<table summary="Lord John Russel's proposed Cabinet, cont." align="center" width="60%">
+  <tr><td width="50%">Lord <span class="sc">Lansdowne</span>,</td>       <td width="50%"><i>President of the Council</i>.</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">CHIVALROUS ATTITUDE OF PEEL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>20th December 1845</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>4 o'clock</i> <span class="sc">p.m.</span>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We saw Sir Robert Peel, who had been apprised by Sir
+James Graham (to whom Lord John Russell had written) of
+what had passed. He was much affected, and expressed his
+concern at the failure of Lord John to form a Government,
+seemed hurt at Lord John's not having shown more confidence
+in the integrity of his (Sir Robert Peel's) motives. He would
+have supported Lord John in <i>any</i> measure which he should
+have thought fit to introduce, and many would have followed
+his example. He blamed the want of deference shown to the
+Queen, by not answering her call with more readiness; he said
+it was quite new and unconstitutional for a man to take a week
+before he undertook to form a Government, and to pass that
+time in discussion with other people, to whom the Sovereign
+had not yet committed the task; and he had been certain it
+would end so, when so many people were consulted. He in
+1834 had been called from Italy, had travelled with all haste
+and had gone straight to the King, had told him that he had
+seen nobody, consulted nobody, but immediately kissed the
+King's hand as his Minister.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="rightnote">PEEL RESUMES OFFICE</span>He was now prepared to stand by the Queen, all other considerations
+he had thrown aside, he would undertake to deal
+with the difficulties, and should have to go down alone to the
+House of Commons. He had written to his colleagues that he
+would serve the Queen if she called upon him to do so, that he
+expected them to meet him at nine o'clock that evening, and
+that he would tell them what he meant to do. Those who
+would not go with him, he would dismiss at once. He did not
+wish to avail himself of any undue advantage, and therefore
+would not advise an Order in Council, but go at once to Parliament,
+laying his measure before it: "Reject it, if you please;
+there it is!"</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He called the crisis an alarming one, which determination
+alone could overcome.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We showed him Lord John Russell's statement, with which
+he declared himself very much satisfied. He advised the
+Queen to write a letter to Lord John, announcing to him Sir
+Robert's consent to go on with the Government, and wrote a
+draft of it, which follows here.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.62" id="pageii.62"></a>[page&nbsp;62]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">He had heard strange instances of disagreement amongst
+the men whom Lord John had assembled in town.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert seemed throughout much moved, and said with
+much warmth: "There is no sacrifice that I will not make for
+your Majesty, except that of my honour."</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>20th December 1845.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel has just been here. He expressed great
+regret that Lord John Russell had felt it necessary to decline
+the formation of a Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He said he should have acted towards Lord John Russell
+with the most scrupulous good faith, and that he should have
+done everything in his power to give Lord John support.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He thinks many would have been induced to follow his
+example.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel did not hesitate a moment in withdrawing
+his offer of resignation. He said he felt it his duty at once to
+resume his office, though he is deeply sensible of the difficulties
+with which he has to contend.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PEEL CORDIALLY SUPPORTED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Whitehall</span>, <i>21st December 1845.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and proceeds to give your Majesty an account of what has
+passed since he left your Majesty at four o'clock yesterday.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Cabinet met at Sir Robert Peel's house in Downing
+Street at half-past nine.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel informed them that he had not summoned
+them for the purpose of deliberating on what was to be done,
+but for the purpose of announcing to them that he was your
+Majesty's Minister, and whether supported or not, was firmly
+resolved to meet Parliament as your Majesty's Minister, and to
+propose such measures as the public exigencies required.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Failure or success must depend upon their decision, but
+nothing could shake Sir Robert Peel's determination to meet
+Parliament and to advise the Speech from the Throne.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">There was a dead silence, at length interrupted by Lord
+Stanley's declaring that he must persevere in resigning, that
+he thought the Corn Law ought to be adhered to, and might
+have been maintained.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.63" id="pageii.63"></a>[page&nbsp;63]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The Duke of Wellington said he thought the Corn Law was
+a subordinate consideration. He was <i>delighted</i> when he
+received Sir Robert Peel's letter that day, announcing to the
+Duke that his mind was made up to place his services at your
+Majesty's disposal.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Duke of Buccleuch behaved admirably&mdash;was much
+agitated&mdash;thought new circumstances had arisen&mdash;would not
+then decide on resigning.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel has received this morning the enclosed note
+from the Duke.<sup>39</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">He has written a reply very strongly to the Duke, stating
+that the present question is not one of Corn Law, but whether
+your Majesty's former servants or Lord Grey and Mr Cobden
+shall constitute your Majesty's Government. Sir Robert Peel
+defied the wit of man to suggest now another alternative to
+your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen will see the Duke to-day.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">All the other members of the Government cordially approved
+of Sir Robert Peel's determination not to abandon your
+Majesty's service.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">There was no question about details, but if there is any, it
+shall not alter Sir Robert Peel's course.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 39: <i>See</i> next letter.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Duke of Buccleuch to Sir Robert Peel.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Montagu House</span>, <i>20th December 1845.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Sir Robert</span>,&mdash;That which has occurred this evening,
+and that which you have communicated to us, the very
+critical state in which the country now is, and above all the
+duty which I owe to her Majesty under the present circumstances,
+has made a most strong impression upon my mind.
+At the risk, therefore, of imputation of vacillation or of any
+other motive by others, may I ask of you to give me a few
+hours' time for further reflection, before finally deciding upon
+the course which I may feel it to be my duty to pursue?
+Believe me, my dear Sir Robert, yours most sincerely,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Buccleuch</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Whitehall</span>, <i>22nd December 1845.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the utmost satisfaction in informing your Majesty that
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.64" id="pageii.64"></a>[page&nbsp;64]</span>
+Mr Gladstone is willing to accept the Seals of the Colonial
+Office should your Majesty be pleased to confide them to him.<sup>40</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel thinks this of great importance, and that
+immediate decision in filling up so eminent a post will have a
+good effect.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 40: Mr Gladstone, by accepting office, vacated the seat at Newark which he had held
+through the influence of the Protectionist Duke of Newcastle. He did not seek re-election,
+and though a Secretary of State, remained without a seat in Parliament.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S ESTIMATE OF PEEL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>23rd December 1845.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Many thanks for your two kind letters
+of the 17th and 19th, which gave me much pleasure. I have
+little to add to Albert's letter of yesterday, except my <i>extreme</i>
+admiration of our worthy Peel, who shows himself a man of
+unbounded <i>loyalty</i>, <i>courage</i>, patriotism, and
+<i>high-mindedness</i>,
+and his conduct towards me has been <i>chivalrous</i> almost, I
+might say. I never have seen him so excited or so determined,
+and <i>such</i> a good cause must succeed. We have indeed
+had an escape, for though Lord John's <i>own notions</i> were <i>very</i>
+good and moderate, he let himself be entirely twisted and
+twirled about by his <i>violent</i> friends, and <i>all</i> the moderate ones
+were crushed....</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Whitehall</span>, <i>23rd December 1845.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,&mdash;I think Her Majesty and your Royal Highness will
+have been pleased with the progress I have made in execution
+of the great trust again committed to me by Her Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It will be of great importance to conciliate Lord Stanley's
+support out of office, to induce him to <i>discourage</i> hostile
+combinations.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I would humbly recommend Her Majesty, when Her Majesty
+sees Lord Stanley to-day, to receive him with her usual kindness,
+to say that I had done full justice in my reports to Her
+Majesty to the motives by which he had been actuated, and
+to the openness and frankness of his conduct, to regret greatly
+the loss of his services, but to hope that he might be still
+enabled not to oppose and even to promote the accomplishment
+of what cannot now be safely resisted. I have the honour
+to be, etc., etc., etc.,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Robert Peel</span>.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.65" id="pageii.65"></a>[page&nbsp;65]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>25th December 1845.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">We had a Council yesterday, at which Parliament was prorogued
+to the 22nd of January, then to meet for the despatch
+of business. Lord Stanley had an audience of the Queen
+before, and delivered up the Seals of his office. He was much
+agitated, and had told Sir Robert that he dreaded this interview
+very much. The Queen thanked him for his services,
+and begged he would do his best out of office to smooth down
+the difficulties her Government would have to contend with.
+At the Council Lord Dalhousie took his seat, and Mr Gladstone
+received the Colonial Seals. The Queen saw the Duke of
+Buccleuch and thanked him for the devotion he had shown her
+during these trying circumstances; the same to the Duke of
+Wellington, who is in excellent spirits. On my saying, "You
+have such an influence over the House of Lords, that you will
+be able to keep them straight," he answered: "I'll do anything;
+I am now beginning to write to them and to convince
+them singly of what their duty is."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We saw afterwards Sir Robert Peel, who stayed more than
+three hours. He is in the highest spirits at having got Mr
+Gladstone and kept the Duke of Buccleuch; he proposed that
+the Duke should be made President, and Lord Haddington
+Privy Seal in his stead. (Lord Haddington had behaved very
+well, had given up his place to Sir Robert, and told him he
+should do with him just as he liked&mdash;leave him out of the
+Cabinet, shift him to another place, or leave him at the
+Admiralty, as would suit him best.)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert hinted to Lord Ripon that Lord Haddington had
+behaved so well, but got no more out of him, but "that he
+would <i>almost</i> have done the same." Sir Robert proposes to
+see Lord Ellenborough in order to offer him the Admiralty,
+received the Queen's sanction likewise to Lord St Germans
+(the Postmaster-General) being put into the Cabinet. I said:
+"With your Government that has no inconvenience, and even
+if you had a hundred members in the Cabinet, as you don't
+tell them but what is absolutely necessary, and follow your
+own course." He said in reply, that he should be very sorry if
+he had to have told his Cabinet that he meant to send for Lord
+Ellenborough. We could not help contrasting this conduct
+with the subjection Lord John has shown to his people. It is
+to his <i>own</i> talent and firmness that Sir Robert will owe his
+success, which cannot fail. He said he had been determined
+not to go to a general election with the fetters the last election
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.66" id="pageii.66"></a>[page&nbsp;66]</span>
+had imposed upon him, and he had meant at the end of the
+next Session to call the whole Conservative Party together
+and to declare this to them, that he would not meet another
+Parliament pledged to the maintenance of the Corn Laws,<span class="rightnote">THE CORN LAWS</span>
+which could be maintained no longer, and that he would make
+a public declaration to this effect before another general
+election came on. This had been defeated by events coming
+too suddenly upon him, and he had no alternative but to deal
+with the Corn Laws before a national calamity would <i>force</i> it
+on. The league had made immense progress, and had enormous
+means at their disposal. If he had resigned in November,
+Lord Stanley and the Protectionists would have been prepared
+to form a Government, and a Revolution might have been the
+consequence of it. Now they felt that it was too late.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert has <i>an immense scheme in view</i>; he thinks he
+shall be able to remove the contest entirely from the dangerous
+ground upon which it has got&mdash;that of a war between the manufacturers,
+the hungry and the poor against the landed proprietors,
+the aristocracy, which can only end in the ruin of the
+latter; he will not bring forward a measure upon the Corn
+Laws, but a much more comprehensive one. He will deal with
+the whole commercial system of the country. He will adopt
+the principle of the League, <i>that of removing all protection and
+abolishing all monopoly</i>, but not in favour of one class and as
+a triumph over another, but to the benefit of the nation,
+farmers as well as manufacturers. He would begin with
+cotton, and take in all the necessaries of life and corn amongst
+them. The experiments he had made in 1842 and 1845 with
+boldness but with caution had borne out the correctness of
+the principle: the wool duty was taken off, and wool sold
+higher than ever before; foreign cattle were let in, and the
+cattle of England stood better in the market than ever. He
+would not ask for compensation to the land, but wherever he
+could give it, and at the same time promote the social development,
+there he would do it, but on that ground. For
+instance, one of the greatest benefits to the country would be
+the establishment of a rural police on the same principle as the
+metropolitan police. By taking this on the Consolidated
+Fund, the landowners would be immensely relieved in all those
+counties which kept a police. One of the heaviest charges on
+the land was the present administration of law and the carrying
+on of prosecutions. Sir Robert could fancy this to be very
+much improved by the appointment of a <i>public</i> prosecutor by
+the State, which would give the State a power to prevent
+vexatious, illegal, and immoral prosecutions, and reduce the
+expenses in an extraordinary degree. Part of the maintenance
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.67" id="pageii.67"></a>[page&nbsp;67]</span>
+of the poor, according to the Poor Law, might be undertaken
+by the State. A great calamity must be foreseen, when the
+innumerable railroads now in progress shall have been terminated,
+which will be the case in a few years. This will
+throw an enormous labouring population suddenly out of
+employment. <span class="rightnote">THE UNEMPLOYED</span>There might be a law passed which would
+provide employment for them, and improve the agriculture
+and production of the country, by enabling the State to advance
+money to the great proprietors for the improvements of
+their estates, which they could not obtain otherwise without
+charging their estates beyond what they already have to bear.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert means to go with Mr Gladstone into all these
+details.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Viscount Melbourne.</i><sup>41</sup></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON'S JUSTIFICATION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Bowood</span>, <i>26th December 1845.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Melbourne</span>,&mdash;I return you with many thanks
+George Anson's letter, which was enclosed in yours of the 23rd,
+which I received just as we were setting off for this place.
+Pray, when next you write to George Anson, say how gratefully
+I appreciate the kind consideration on the part of H.R.H.
+Prince Albert, which suggested George Anson's communication.
+But I can assure you that although John Russell, in his
+Audience of the Queen, may inadvertently have overstated
+the terms in which he had mentioned to me what Her Majesty
+had said to him about my return to the Foreign Office, yet in
+his conversations with me upon that subject he never said anything
+more than is contained in George Anson's letter to you;
+and I am sure you will think that under all the circumstances
+of the case he could hardly have avoided telling me thus much,
+and making me aware of the impression which seemed to exist
+upon the Queen's mind as to the way in which other persons
+might view my return to the Foreign Office.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With regard to Her Majesty's own sentiments, I have always
+been convinced that Her Majesty knows me too well to believe
+for an instant that I do not attach the greatest importance to
+the maintenance, not merely of peace with all foreign countries,
+but of the most friendly relations with those leading Powers
+and States of the world with which serious differences would
+be attended with the most inconvenience. <span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON'S POLICY</span>As to Peace, I
+succeeded, as the organ of Lord Grey's Government and of
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.68" id="pageii.68"></a>[page&nbsp;68]</span>
+yours, in preserving it unbroken during ten years<sup>42</sup> of great
+and extraordinary difficulty; and, if now and then it unavoidably
+happened during that period of time, that in pursuing
+the course of policy which seemed the best for British
+interests, we thwarted the views of this or that Foreign Power,
+and rendered them for the moment less friendly, I think I
+could prove that in every case the object which we were pursuing
+was of sufficient importance to make it worth our while
+to submit to such temporary inconvenience. There never was
+indeed, during those ten years, any real danger of war except
+on three occasions; and on each of those occasions the course
+pursued by the British Government prevented war. The first
+occasion was just after the accession of the King of the French,
+when Austria, Russia, and Prussia were disposed and preparing
+to attack France, and when the attitude assumed by the
+British Government prevented a rupture. The second was
+when England and France united by a Convention to wrest the
+Citadel of Antwerp from the Dutch, and to deliver it over to
+the King of the Belgians.<sup>43</sup> If England had not then joined
+with France, Antwerp would have remained with the Dutch,
+or the attempt to take it would have led to a war in Europe.
+The third occasion was when Mehemet Ali's army occupied
+Syria, and when he was constantly threatening to declare himself
+independent and to march on Constantinople; while
+Russia, on the one hand, asserted that if he did so she would
+occupy Constantinople, and on the other hand, France announced
+that if Russia did so, she, France, would force the
+Dardanelles. The Treaty of July 1840, proposed and brought
+about by the British Government, and the operations in execution
+of that Treaty, put an end to that danger; and, notwithstanding
+what has often been said to the contrary, the real
+danger of war arising out of the affairs of Syria was put an end
+to, and not created by the Treaty of 1840.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I am well aware, however, that some persons both at home
+and abroad have imbibed the notion that I am more indifferent
+than I ought to be as to running the risk of war. That impression
+abroad is founded upon an entire mistake, but is by
+some sincerely felt, and being sincere, would soon yield to the
+evidence of contradictory facts. At home that impression has
+been industriously propagated to a limited extent, partly by
+the legitimate attacks of political opponents, and partly by a
+little cabal within our own ranks. These parties wanted to
+attack me, and were obliged to accuse me of something. They
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.69" id="pageii.69"></a>[page&nbsp;69]</span>
+could not charge me with failure, because we had succeeded in
+all our undertakings, whether in Portugal, Spain, Belgium,
+Syria, China, or elsewhere; they could not charge me with
+having involved the country in war, because, in fact, we had
+maintained peace; and the only thing that was left for them
+to say was that my policy had a <i>tendency</i> to produce war, and
+I suppose they would argue that it was quite wrong and against
+all rule that it did not do so.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But notwithstanding what may have been said on this
+matter, the transaction which has by some been the most
+criticised in this respect, namely, the Treaty of 1840, and the
+operations connected with it, were entirely approved by the
+leaders of the then Opposition, who, so far from feeling any
+disposition to favour me, had always made a determined run
+at the Foreign Policy of the Whig Government. The Duke of
+Wellington, at the opening of the Session of 1841, said in the
+House of Lords that he entirely approved our policy in that
+transaction, and could not find that any fault had been committed
+by us in working it out; and I happen to know that Sir
+Robert Peel expressed to the representative of one of the German
+Powers, parties to the Alliance, his entire approval of our
+course, while Lord Aberdeen said to one of them, that the course
+I had taken in that affair made him forgive me many things of
+former years, which he had thought he never should have
+forgiven.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I am quite ashamed of the length to which this letter has
+grown, and shall only add, with reference to our relations with
+France, that I had some very friendly interviews with Thiers,
+who was my chief antagonist in 1840, and that although we did
+not enter into any conspiracy against Guizot and Peel, as the
+newspapers pretended, we parted on very good terms, and
+he promised to introduce me to all his friends whenever I
+should go to Paris, saying that of course Guizot would do me
+the same good office with his supporters. My dear Melbourne,
+yours affectionately,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Palmerston</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 41: Submitted to the Queen by Lord Melbourne.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 42: 1830-1834, and 1835-1841.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 43: The English and French came in 1832 to the assistance of the Belgians, who some
+time before had entered Antwerp, but failed to take the Citadel.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the French.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE MINISTRY REINSTATED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Ch. de W.</span>, <i>le 30 D&eacute;cembre 1845.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sire et mon tr&egrave;s cher Fr&egrave;re</span>,&mdash;Votre Majest&eacute; me pardonnera
+si je viens seulement maintenant vous remercier de
+tout mon c&oelig;ur de votre lettre si bonne et si aimable du 16,
+mais vous savez combien j'&eacute;tais occup&eacute;e pendant ces derni&egrave;res
+3 semaines. La Crise est pass&eacute;e et j'ai tout lieu de croire que
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.70" id="pageii.70"></a>[page&nbsp;70]</span>
+le Gouvernement de Sir R. Peel va s'affermir de plus en plus,
+ce que je ne puis que d&eacute;sirer pour le bien-&ecirc;tre du pays. Je
+dois cependant dire &agrave; votre Majest&eacute; que si le Minist&egrave;re e&ucirc;t
+chang&eacute;, j'ai la certitude que le nouveau se serait empress&eacute; de
+maintenir, comme nous le d&eacute;sirons si vivement, cette entente
+cordiale si heureusement &eacute;tablie entre nos deux Gouvernements.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Permettez-moi, Sire, de vous offrir au nom d'Albert et au
+mien nos f&eacute;licitations les plus sinc&egrave;res &agrave; l'occasion de la nouvelle
+Ann&eacute;e, dans lequel vous nous donnez le doux espoir de vous
+revoir. Nous avons lu avec beaucoup d'int&eacute;r&ecirc;t le Speech de
+V.M., dans lequel vous parlez si aimablement du "friendly
+call" &agrave; Eu et des coop&eacute;rations des 2 pays dans diff&eacute;rentes
+parties du monde, et particuli&egrave;rement pour l'Abolition de la
+Traite des noirs.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Ayez la gr&acirc;ce, Sire, de d&eacute;poser nos hommages et nos f&eacute;licitations
+aux pieds de la Reine et de votre S&oelig;ur. Agr&eacute;ez
+encore une fois, les expressions d'amiti&eacute; et d'attachement
+sinc&egrave;re avec lesquelles je suis, Sire et mon bien cher Fr&egrave;re, de
+votre Majest&eacute;, la bien bonne S&oelig;ur et fid&egrave;le Amie,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>30th December 1845.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Many thanks for your kind letter
+of the 27th, by which I see how glad you are at our good Peel
+being again&mdash;and I sincerely and confidently hope for many
+years&mdash;my Minister. I have heard many instances of the
+confidence the country and <i>all</i> parties have in Peel; for
+instance, he was immensely cheered at Birmingham&mdash;a most
+Radical place; and <i>Joseph Hume</i> expressed great distress
+when Peel resigned, and the greatest contempt for Lord John
+Russell. The Members of the Government have behaved extremely
+well and with much disinterestedness. The Government
+has secured the services of Mr Gladstone and Lord
+Ellenborough,<sup>44</sup> who will be of great use. Lord E. is become
+very quiet, and is a very good speaker.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We had a very happy Christmas. This weather is extremely
+unwholesome. Now, ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 44: Lord Ellenborough was one of the few Conservative statesmen of the day who, after
+remaining faithful to Sir Robert Peel till the middle of 1846, subsequently threw in his
+fortunes with Lord Derby and Mr Disraeli. He was President of the Board of Control
+with those Ministers in 1858 for the fourth time.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.71" id="pageii.71"></a>[page&nbsp;71]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: 5em;">INTRODUCTORY NOTE</h3>
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: -0.5em;">TO CHAPTER XV</h3>
+
+
+<p>The closing days of the year 1845 had been marked by startling
+political events, and Lord John Russell's failure to form a Government,
+and Sir Robert Peel's resumption of office, with Mr Gladstone
+substituted for Lord Stanley, were now followed by the Ministerial
+measure for the Repeal of the Corn Laws. Embarrassed as he now
+was by the attacks of his old supporters, led by Bentinck and Disraeli,
+Peel was supported whole-heartedly but in a strictly constitutional
+manner by the Queen and the Prince. Amid bitter taunts, the
+Premier piloted the measure through Parliament, but on the night
+that it finally passed the Lords he was defeated on an Irish Coercion
+Bill by a factious combination in the Commons between the Whigs
+and Protectionists, and resigned. Lord John Russell on this occasion
+was able to form an administration, though he failed in his
+attempt to include in it some important members of the outgoing
+Government.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, owing to the Irish famine, the Tory party which had come
+into power in 1841 with a majority of ninety to support the Corn
+Laws, was shattered; after Peel's defeat it became clear that no
+common action could take place between his supporters in the
+struggle of 1846 and men like Bentinck and Disraeli, who now
+became leaders of the Protectionist party. For the remainder of the
+year Peel was on the whole friendly to the Russell Government, his
+chief care being to maintain them in office as against the Protectionists.</p>
+
+<p>In India the British army was successful in its operations against
+the Sikhs, Sir Harry Smith defeating them at Aliwal, and Sir Hugh
+Gough at Sobraon. Our troops crossed the Sutlej, and terms of
+peace were agreed on between Sir Henry Hardinge (who became a
+Viscount) and the Sirdars from Lahore, peace being signed on
+8th March.</p>
+
+<p>On the continent of Europe the most important events took place
+in the Peninsula. The selection of husbands for the Queen of Spain
+and her sister, which had so long been considered an international
+question, came at last to a crisis; the policy of Great Britain had
+been to leave the matter to the Spanish people, except in so far as
+might be necessary to check the undue ambition of Louis Philippe;
+and neither the Queen, Prince Albert, Peel, nor Aberdeen had in any
+way supported the candidature of Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.72" id="pageii.72"></a>[page&nbsp;72]</span>
+
+<p>It was common ground that no son of Louis Philippe should marry
+the Queen, but both that monarch and Guizot had further solemnly
+engaged at the Ch&acirc;teau d'Eu that no son should marry even the
+Infanta until the Queen was married and had children. The return
+of Palmerston to the Foreign Office, and his mention of Prince Leopold
+in a Foreign Office despatch as one of the candidates, gave the King
+and his Minister the pretext they required for repudiating their
+solemn undertaking. In defiance of good faith the engagements
+were simultaneously announced of the Queen to her cousin, Don
+Francisco de Asis, and of the Infanta to the Duc de Montpensier,
+Don Francisco being a man of unattractive, even disagreeable
+qualities, and feeble in <i>physique</i>. By this unscrupulous proceeding
+Queen Victoria and the English nation were profoundly shocked.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time Queen Maria found some difficulty in maintaining
+her position in Portugal. She dismissed in a somewhat high-handed
+manner her Minister the Duc de Palmella, and had to bear
+the brunt of an insurrection for several months: at the close of the
+year her arms were victorious at the lines of Torres Vedras, but the
+Civil War was not entirely brought to an end.</p>
+
+<p>In February a Polish insurrection broke out in Silesia, and the
+Austrian troops were driven from Cracow; the rising was suppressed
+by Austria, Russia, and Prussia, who had been constituted the
+"Protecting Powers" of Cracow by the Treaty of Vienna. This
+unsuccessful attempt was seized upon as a pretext for destroying the
+separate nationality of Cracow, which was forthwith annexed to
+Austria. This unjustifiable act only became possible in consequence
+of the <i>entente</i> between England and France (equally parties to the
+Treaty of Vienna) having been terminated by the affair of the
+Spanish marriages; their formal but separate protests were disregarded.</p>
+
+<p>There remains to be mentioned the dispute between Great Britain
+and the United States as to the Oregon boundary, which had assumed
+so ominous a phase in 1845. Lord Aberdeen's last official act
+was to announce in the Lords that a Convention, proposed by himself
+for adjusting the question, had been accepted by the American
+President.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.73" id="pageii.73"></a>[page&nbsp;73]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h2 style="margin-top: 5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XV</h2>
+
+<h5>1846</h5>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>23rd January 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen must compliment Sir Robert Peel on his beautiful
+and indeed <i>unanswerable</i> speech of last night, which we have
+been reading with the greatest attention.<sup>1</sup> The concluding
+part we also greatly admire. Sir R. Peel has made a very
+strong case. Surely the impression which it has made must
+have been a good one. Lord John's explanation is a fair one;<sup>2</sup>
+the Queen has <i>not</i> a doubt that he will support Sir Robert Peel.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He has indeed pledged himself to it. He does not give a
+very satisfactory explanation of the causes of his failure, but
+perhaps he could not do so without exposing Lord Palmerston.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">What does Sir Robert think of the temper of the House of
+Commons, and of the debate in the House of Lords? The
+debates not being adjourned is a good thing. The crowd was
+immense out-of-doors yesterday, and we were never better
+received.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 1: The Queen had opened Parliament in person; the Prime Minister took the unusual
+course of speaking immediately after the seconder of the Address, and in his peroration,
+after laying stress on the responsibilities he was incurring, proceeded: "I do not desire
+to be Minister of England; but while I am Minister of England I will hold office by no
+servile tenure; I will hold office unshackled by any other obligation than that of consulting
+the public interests and providing for the public safety."</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 2: He explained that the attitude of Lord Grey made the difficulties attending the formation
+of a Whig Ministry insuperable.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Henry Hardinge to Queen Victoria.</i><sup>3</sup></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">EXTENSION OF INDIAN FRONTIER</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Camp, Lullianee</span>, 24 miles from <span class="sc">Lahore</span>,</p>
+<p class="rindent1">18<i>th February</i> 1846.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The territory which it is proposed should be ceded in perpetuity
+to your Majesty is a fine district between the Rivers
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.74" id="pageii.74"></a>[page&nbsp;74]</span>
+Sutlej and Beas, throwing our frontier forward, within 30
+miles of Amritsar, so as to have 50 miles of British territory
+in front of Loodiana, which, relatively with Ferozepore, is so
+weak, that it appeared desirable to the Governor-General to
+improve our frontier on its weakest side, to curb the Sikhs by an
+easy approach towards Amritsar across the Beas River instead
+of the Sutlej&mdash;to round off our hill possessions near Simla&mdash;to
+weaken the Sikh State which has proved itself to be too
+strong&mdash;and to show to all Asia that although the British
+Government has not deemed it expedient to annex this
+immense country of the Punjab, making the Indus the British
+boundary, it has punished the treachery and violence of the
+Sikh nation, and exhibited its powers in a manner which
+cannot be misunderstood. For the same political and military
+reason, the Governor-General hopes to be able before the
+negotiations are closed to make arrangements by which Cashmere
+may be added to the possessions of Gholab Singh, declaring
+the Rajpoot Hill States with Cashmere independent
+of the Sikhs of the Plains. The Sikhs declare their inability
+to pay the indemnity of one million and a half, and will
+probably offer Cashmere as an equivalent. In this case, if
+Gholab Singh pays the money demanded for the expenses
+of the war, the district of Cashmere will be ceded by the
+British to him, and the Rajah become one of the Princes of
+Hindostan.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">There are difficulties in the way of this arrangement, but
+considering the military power which the Sikh nation has
+exhibited of bringing into the field 80,000 men and 300 pieces
+of field artillery, it appears to the Governor-General most
+politic to diminish the means of this warlike people to repeat
+a similar aggression. The nation is in fact a dangerous military
+Republic on our weakest frontier. If the British Army had
+been defeated, the Sikhs, through the Protected States, which
+would have risen in their favour in case of a reverse, would
+have captured Delhi, and a people having 50,000 regular troops
+and 300 pieces of field artillery in a standing permanent camp
+within 50 miles of Ferozepore, is a state of things that cannot
+be tolerated for the future....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The energy and intrepidity displayed by your Majesty's
+Commander-in-Chief, Sir Hugh Gough, his readiness to carry
+on the service in cordial co-operation with the Governor-General,
+and the marked bravery and invincibility of your
+Majesty's English troops, have overcome many serious
+obstacles, and the precautions taken have been such that no
+disaster or failure, however trifling, has attended the arduous
+efforts of your Majesty's Arms.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 3: The Sikhs were defeated at Sobraon on 10th February by the British troops under
+Sir Hugh Gough, reinforced by Sir Harry Smith, fresh from his victory at Aliwal. <i>See</i> <a href="#pageii.71" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 71</a>.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.75" id="pageii.75"></a>[page&nbsp;75]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>3rd March 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I hasten to thank you for a most dear
+and kind letter of the 28th, which I received this morning.
+You know how I love and esteem my dearest Louise; she is
+the dearest friend, after my beloved Albert, I have.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I wish you could be here, and hope you will come here for
+a few days during your stay, to see the innumerable alterations
+and improvements which have taken place. My dearest
+Albert is so happy here, out all day planting, directing, etc.,
+and it is so good for him. It is a relief to be away from all
+the bitterness which people create for themselves in London.
+<span class="rightnote">PEEL'S ANXIETIES</span>
+Peel has a very anxious and a very peculiar position, and it
+is the force of circumstances and the great energy he <i>alone
+possesses</i> which will carry him through the Session. He certainly
+acts a most disinterested part, for did he not feel (as
+<i>every one</i> who is fully acquainted with the <i>real state</i> of the
+country must feel) that the line he pursues is the <i>only right</i> and
+sound one for the welfare of this country, he never would have
+exposed himself to all the annoyance and pain of being attacked
+by his friends. He was, however, determined to have done
+this before the next general election, but the alarming state of
+distress in Ireland forced him to do it now. I must, however,
+leave him to explain to you fully himself the peculiar circumstances
+of the present very irregular state of affairs. His
+majority was <i>not</i> a <i>certain</i> one <i>last year</i>, for on Maynooth,
+upwards of a <i>hundred</i> of his followers voted against him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The state of affairs in India is very serious. I am glad you
+do justice to the bravery of our good people.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir Henry Hardinge.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>4th March 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is anxious to seize the first opportunity of expressing
+to Sir Henry Hardinge, her admiration of his conduct
+on the last most trying occasion, and of the courage and
+gallantry of the officers and men who had so severe a contest
+to endure.<sup>4</sup> Their conduct has been in every way worthy of
+the British name, and both the Prince and Queen are deeply
+impressed with it. The severe loss we have sustained in so
+many brave officers and men is very painful, and must alloy
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.76" id="pageii.76"></a>[page&nbsp;76]</span>
+the satisfaction every one feels at the brilliant successes of our
+Arms. Most deeply do we lament the death of Sir Robert Sale,<span class="rightnote">DEATH OF SIR ROBERT SALE</span>
+Sir John M'Caskill,<sup>5</sup> and Major Broadfoot,<sup>6</sup> and most
+deeply do we sympathise with that high-minded woman, Lady
+Sale, who has had the misfortune to lose her husband less than
+three years after she was released from captivity and restored
+to him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We are truly rejoiced to hear that Sir H. Hardinge's health
+has not suffered, and that he and his brave son have been so
+mercifully preserved. The Queen will look forward with great
+anxiety to the next news from India.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 4: At Moodkee on 18th December, and Ferozeshah on 21st and 22nd December.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 5: Who had commanded a brigade under Pollock in the second Afghan campaign.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 6: Major George Broadfoot, C.B., Political Agent on the north-western frontier.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE PRINCE'S MEMORANDUM</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>1st April 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I saw this day Sir R. Peel, and showed him a memorandum,
+which I had drawn up respecting our conversation of the 30th.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It filled six sheets, and contained, as minutely as I could
+render it, the whole of the arguments we had gone through.
+Sir Robert read it through and over again, and, after a long
+pause, said: "I was not aware when I spoke to your Royal
+Highness that my words would be taken down, and don't
+acknowledge that this is a fair representation of my opinion."
+He was visibly uneasy, and added, if he knew that what he
+said should be committed to paper, he would speak differently,
+and give his opinion with all the circumspection and reserve
+which a Minister ought to employ when he gave responsible
+advice; but he had in this instance spoken quite unreservedly,
+like an advocate defending a point in debate, and then he had
+taken another and tried to carry this as far as it would go, in
+order to give me an opportunity of judging of the different
+bearings of the question. He did so often in the Cabinet, when
+they discussed important questions, and was often asked:
+"Well, then, you are quite against this measure?" "Not at all,
+but I want that the counter argument should be gone into to the
+fullest extent, in order that the Cabinet should not take a one-sided
+view."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He viewed the existence of such a paper with much uneasiness,
+as it might appear as if he had left this before going
+out of office in order to prepossess the Queen against the
+measures, which her future Minister might propose to her, and
+so lay secretly the foundation of his fall. The existence of
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.77" id="pageii.77"></a>[page&nbsp;77]</span>
+such a paper might cause great embarrassment to the Queen;
+if she followed the advice of a Minister who proposed measures
+hostile to the Irish Church, it might be said, she knew what she
+undertook, for Sir R. Peel had warned her and left on record
+the serious objections that attached to the measure.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I said that I felt it to be of the greatest importance to possess
+his views on the question, but that I thought I would not have
+been justified in keeping a record of our conversation without
+showing it to him, and asking him whether I had rightly understood
+him; but if he felt a moment's uneasiness about this
+memorandum, I would at once destroy it, as I was anxious that
+nothing should prevent his speaking without the slightest
+reserve to me in future as he had done heretofore. I felt that
+these open discussions were of the greatest use to me in my
+endeavour to investigate the different political questions of
+the day and to form a conclusive opinion upon them. As Sir
+Robert did not say a word to dissuade me, I took it as an
+affirmative, and threw the memorandum into the fire, which,
+I could see, relieved Sir Robert.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Gladstone to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">13 Carlton House Terrace</span>, <i>1st April 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr William Gladstone presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and prays that he may be honoured with your
+Majesty's permission to direct that the Park and Tower Guns
+may be fired forthwith in celebration of the victory which was
+achieved by your Majesty's forces over the Sikh army in
+Sobraon on the 10th of February.<sup>7</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 7: In September 1882 Mr Gladstone quoted this as a precedent for firing the Park Guns
+after the victory of Tel-el-Kebir. See <i>Life of Right Hon. Hugh C. E. Childers</i>, by Colonel
+Childers, C.B., R.E., vol. ii p. 127.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir Henry Hardinge.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>6th April 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen must write a line to Sir Henry Hardinge in order
+to express her extreme satisfaction at the brilliant and happy
+termination of our severe contest with the Sikhs, which he
+communicated to her in his long and interesting letter of the
+18th and 19th February. The Queen much admires the skill
+and valour with which their difficult operations have been
+conducted, and knows how much she owes to Sir Henry
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.78" id="pageii.78"></a>[page&nbsp;78]</span>
+Hardinge's exertions. The Queen hopes that he will see
+an acknowledgment of this in the communication she has
+ordered to be made to him relative to his elevation to the
+Peerage.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Prince, who fully knows all the Queen's feelings on this
+glorious occasion, wishes to be named to Sir Henry Hardinge.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the French to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">KING LOUIS PHILIPPE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Paris</span>, <i>5 Mai 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame ma tr&egrave;s ch&egrave;re S&oelig;ur</span>,&mdash;Quand le 1<sup>er</sup> de Mai, au
+moment o&ugrave; j'allais commencer les nombreuses et longues
+r&eacute;ceptions de mon jour de f&ecirc;te, on m'a remis la lettre si gracieuse
+que votre Majest&eacute; a eu l'aimable attention de m'&eacute;crire de
+mani&egrave;re &agrave; ce que je la re&ccedil;oive ce jour l&agrave;, j'en ai &eacute;t&eacute; p&eacute;n&eacute;tr&eacute;, et
+j'ai pens&eacute; tout de suite aux paroles du Menuet d'Iphig&eacute;nie
+comme exprimant le remerc&icirc;ment qu'&agrave; mon grand regret, je
+ne pouvais que sentir, et non exprimer par &eacute;crit dans un pareil
+moment. J'ai donc fait chercher tout de suite la partition de
+ce menuet, et celles du Ch&oelig;ur du m&ecirc;me Op&eacute;ra de Gl&uuml;ck
+"<i>Chantons, c&eacute;l&eacute;brons notre Reine!</i>" mais on n'a pu, ou pas su
+se les procurer, et j'ai d&ucirc; me contenter de les avoir arrang&eacute;s
+pour le piano dans un livre (pas m&ecirc;me reli&eacute;) qui a au moins
+pour excuse de contenir toute la musique de cet Op&eacute;ra. Je
+l'ai mis dans une grande enveloppe adress&eacute;e &agrave; votre Majest&eacute;
+et j'ai fait prier Lord Cowley de l'exp&eacute;dier par le premier
+Courier qui pourrait s'en charger, comme D&eacute;p&ecirc;che, afin
+d'&eacute;viter ces postages dont Lord Liverpool m'a r&eacute;v&eacute;l&eacute; l'&eacute;tonnant
+usage.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Que vous dirai-je, Madame, sur tous les sentiments dont m'a
+p&eacute;n&eacute;tr&eacute; cette nouvelle marque d'amiti&eacute; de votre part? Vous
+connaissez celle que je vous porte, et combien elle est vive et
+sinc&egrave;re. J'esp&egrave;re bien que l'ann&eacute;e ne s'&eacute;coulera pas sans que
+j'aie &eacute;t&eacute; pr&eacute;senter mes hommages &agrave; votre Majest&eacute;....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Tout ce que j'entends, tout ce que je recueille, me donne de
+plus en plus l'esp&eacute;rance que la crise Parlementaire dans laquelle
+le Minist&egrave;re de votre Majest&eacute; se trouve engag&eacute;, se terminera,
+comme Elle sait que je le d&eacute;sire vivement, c'est-&agrave;-dire que Sir
+Robert Peel, Lord Aberdeen, etc., will hold fast, et qu'ils seront
+encore ses Ministres quand j'aurai le bonheur de Lui faire ma
+Cour. Je vois avec plaisir que ce v&oelig;u est &agrave; peu pr&egrave;s g&eacute;n&eacute;ral en
+France, et qu'il se manifeste de plus en plus....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Que votre Majest&eacute; me permette d'offrir ici au Prince Albert
+l'expression de ma plus tendre amiti&eacute;, et qu'elle veuille bien
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.79" id="pageii.79"></a>[page&nbsp;79]</span>
+me croire pour la vie, Madame ma tr&egrave;s ch&egrave;re S&oelig;ur, de votre
+Majest&eacute;, le bon Fr&egrave;re et bien fid&egrave;le Ami,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louis Philippe, R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">J'ai vol&eacute; ces feuilles de papier &agrave; ma bonne Reine pour
+&eacute;chapper aux reproches trop bien fond&eacute;s que Lord Aberdeen a
+faits &agrave; la derni&egrave;re fourniture dont je me suis servi.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">IRISH CRIMES BILL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">House of Commons</span>, <i>12th June 1846.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Friday Night.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs
+leave to acquaint your Majesty that no progress has been made
+to-night with the Irish Bill.<sup>8</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">On reading the order of the day Sir Robert Peel took that
+opportunity of defending himself from the accusations<sup>9</sup>
+brought forward by Lord George Bentinck and Mr Disraeli
+against Sir Robert Peel for transactions that took place twenty
+years since. The debate on this preliminary question lasted
+until nearly half-past eleven.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Like every unjust and malignant attack, this, according to
+Sir Robert Peel's impressions, recoiled upon its authors.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He thinks the House was completely satisfied. Lord John
+Russell and Lord Morpeth behaved very well.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The vindictive motive of the attack was apparent to all
+but a few Protectionists.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 8: In consequence of a serious increase of crime in Ireland, a Coercion Bill had been
+introduced.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 9: This refers to the Catholic Emancipation discussions of 1827, when Bentinck and
+Disraeli accused Peel of having hounded Canning to death.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Whitehall</span>, <i>22nd June 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and assures your Majesty that he is penetrated with a deep
+sense of your Majesty's great kindness and your Majesty's
+generous sympathy with himself and Lady Peel.</p>
+<span class="rightnote">ATTACK ON PEEL</span>
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel firmly believes that the recent attack made
+upon him was the result of a foul conspiracy concocted by
+Mr Disraeli and Lord George Bentinck, in the hope and belief
+that from the lapse of time or want of leisure in Sir Robert
+Peel to collect materials for his defence, or the destruction of
+documents and papers, the means of complete refutation
+might be wanting....</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.80" id="pageii.80"></a>[page&nbsp;80]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">He hopes, however, he had sufficient proof to demonstrate
+the falseness of the accusation, and the malignant motives of
+the accusers.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He is deeply grateful to your Majesty and to the Prince for
+the kind interest you have manifested during the progress of
+this arduous struggle, which now he trusts is approaching to a
+successful termination.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>26th June 1846.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Two o'clock.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs
+leave to acquaint your Majesty that the members of the
+Government met in Cabinet to-day at one.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel is just returned from this meeting.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He stated to the Cabinet that after the event of yesterday
+(the rejection of the Irish Bill by so large a majority as 73) he
+felt it to be his duty as head of the Government humbly to
+tender his resignation of office to your Majesty. He added
+that, feeling no assurance that the result of a Dissolution would
+be to give a majority agreeing with the Government in general
+principles of policy, and sufficient in amount to enable the
+Government to conduct the business of the country with
+credit to themselves and satisfaction to your Majesty and the
+public at large, he could not advise your Majesty to dissolve
+the Parliament.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel said that, in his opinion, the Government
+generally ought to resign, but his mind was made up as to
+his own course.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">There was not a dissenting voice that it was the duty of the
+Government to tender their resignation to your Majesty, and
+for the reasons stated by Sir Robert Peel, not to advise dissolution.
+If Sir Robert Peel does not receive your Majesty's
+commands to wait upon your Majesty in the course of to-day,
+Sir Robert Peel will be at Osborne about half-past three
+to-morrow.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PEEL'S RESIGNATION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne House</span>, <i>28th June 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel arrived yesterday evening and tendered his
+resignation. He is evidently much relieved in quitting a post,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.81" id="pageii.81"></a>[page&nbsp;81]</span>
+the labours and anxieties of which seem almost too much for
+anybody to bear, and which in these last six months were
+particularly onerous. In fact, he said that he would not have
+been able to stand it much longer. Nothing, however, would
+have induced him to give way before he had passed the Corn
+Bill and the Tariff.<sup>10</sup> The majority upon the Irish Bill was
+much larger than any one had expected; Sir Robert was glad
+of this, however, as it convinced his colleagues of the necessity
+of resigning. He told them at the Cabinet that, as for himself
+personally, he had made up his mind to resign, and on being
+asked what he advised his Cabinet to do, he recommended
+them to do the same, which received general concurrence.
+The last weeks had not been without some intrigue. There
+was a party headed by Lord Ellenborough and Lord Brougham,
+who wished Sir Robert and Sir James Graham to retire, and for
+the rest of the Cabinet to reunite with the Protection section of
+the Conservatives, and to carry on the Government. Lord
+Ellenborough and Lord Brougham had in December last
+settled to head the Protectionists, but this combination had
+been broken up by Lord Ellenborough's acceptance of the
+post of First Lord of the Admiralty; Lord Brougham then
+declared for free trade, perhaps in order to follow Lord Ellenborough
+into office. The Duke of Wellington had been for
+dissolution till he saw the complete disorganisation of his
+party in the House of Lords. The Whigs, having been beat
+twice the evening before by large majorities on the Roman
+Catholic Bill, had made every exertion on the Coercion Bill,
+and the majority was still increased by Sir Robert's advising
+the Free Traders and Radicals, who had intended to stay away
+in order not to endanger Sir Robert's Government, not to do so
+as they would not be able to save him. Seventy Protectionists
+voted with the majority.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 10: By a remarkable coincidence the Corn Bill passed through the Lords on the same night
+that the Ministry were defeated in the Commons.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Before leaving Town Sir R. Peel addressed a letter to Lord
+John Russell, informing him that he was going to the Isle of
+Wight in order to tender his and his colleagues' resignation to
+the Queen, that he did not the least know what Her Majesty's
+intentions were, but that in case she should send for Lord John,
+he (Sir Robert) was ready to see Lord John (should he wish it),
+and give him any explanation as to the state of public affairs
+and Parliamentary business which he could desire. Sir Robert
+thought thereby, without in the least committing the Queen,
+to indicate to Lord John that he had nothing to fear on his
+part, and that, on the contrary, he could reckon upon his
+assistance in starting the Queen's new Government. He hoped
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.82" id="pageii.82"></a>[page&nbsp;82]</span>
+likewise that this would tend to dispel a clamour for dissolution
+which the Whigs have raised, alarmed by their defeats upon
+the Catholic Bill.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">END OF THE OREGON DISPUTE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">House of Commons</span>, <i>29th June 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs
+leave to acquaint your Majesty that he has just concluded his
+speech notifying to the House the resignation of the Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He thinks it was very well received.<sup>11</sup> Lord Palmerston
+spoke after Sir Robert Peel, but not very effectively, but no
+other person spoke. Sir Robert Peel is to see Lord John
+Russell at ten to-morrow morning.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Robert Peel humbly congratulates your Majesty on the
+intelligence received <i>this day</i> from America. The defeat of the
+Government on the day on which they carried the Corn Bill,
+and the receipt of the intelligence from America<sup>12</sup> on the day
+on which they resign, are singular coincidences.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 11: He expressed his hope to be remembered with goodwill "in the abodes of those whose
+lot it is to labour, and to earn their daily bread by the sweat of their brows, when they shall
+recruit their exhausted strength with abundant and untaxed food, the sweeter because
+no longer leavened with a sense of injustice."</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 12: The Convention for adjusting the dispute as to the Oregon boundary had been
+accepted by the United States Government.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Bishop of Oxford<sup>13</sup> to Mr Anson.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">61 Eaton Place</span>, <i>29th June 1846.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Midnight.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Anson</span>,&mdash;Your kind letter reached me half an
+hour ago whilst Sir T. Acland was sitting with me; and I must
+say a few words in reply by the early post. I went down to
+hear Peel in the House of Commons, and very fine it was. The
+House crowded, Peers and Ambassadors filling every seat and
+overflowing into the House. Soon after six all private business
+was over; Peel not come in, all waiting, no one rose for anything;
+for ten minutes this lasted: then Peel came in, walked
+up the House: colder, dryer, more introverted than ever,
+yet to a close gaze showing the fullest working of a smothered
+volcano of emotions. He was out of breath with walking and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.83" id="pageii.83"></a>[page&nbsp;83]</span>
+sat down on the Treasury Bench (placing a small despatch box
+with the Oregon despatches on the table) as he would be fully
+himself before he rose. By-and-by he rose, amidst a breathless
+silence, and made the speech you will have read long ere
+this. It was very fine: very effective: really almost solemn:
+to fall at such a moment. He spoke as if it was his last
+political scene: as if he felt that between alienated friends and
+unwon foes he could have no party again; and could only as a
+shrewd bystander observe and advise others. There was but
+one point in the Speech which I thought doubtful: the apostrophe<span class="rightnote">PEEL'S TRIBUTE TO COBDEN</span>
+to "Richard Cobden."<sup>14</sup> I think it was wrong, though
+there is very much to be said for it. The opening of the
+American peace was noble; but for the future, what have we
+to look to? Already there are whispers of Palmerston and
+War; the Whig budget and deficiency. The first great question
+all men ask is: does Lord John come in, leaning on
+Radical or Conservative aid? Is Hawes to be in the Cabinet?
+the first Dissenter? the first tradesman? the Irish Church?
+I wish you were near enough to talk to, though even then you
+would know too much that must not be known for a comfortable
+talk. But I shall hope soon to see you; and am always,
+my dear Anson, very sincerely and affectionately yours,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">S. Oxon</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 13: Dr S. Wilberforce.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 14: "Sir, the name which ought to be, and which will be, associated with the success
+of these measures, is the name of a man who, acting, I believe, from pure and disinterested
+motives, has advocated their cause with untiring energy, and by appeals to reason, enforced
+by an eloquence the more to be admired because it was unaffected and unadorned&mdash;the
+name which ought to be and which will be associated with the success of these measures
+is the name of Richard Cobden."</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE NEW GOVERNMENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne House</span>, <i>30th June 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell arrived here this afternoon; he has seen
+Sir Robert Peel this morning, and is prepared to undertake the
+formation of a Government which he thinks will stand; at
+least, for the present session he anticipates no difficulty, as
+Sir R. Peel has professed himself ready not to obstruct its
+progress, and as the Protectionists have held a meeting on
+Saturday at which Lord Stanley has declared that he would
+let this Government go on smoothly unless the word "Irish
+Church" was pronounced. About men and offices, Lord John
+has consulted with Lord Lansdowne, Palmerston, Clarendon,
+and Cottenham, who were of opinion that the Liberal members
+of Sir Robert's Cabinet ought to be induced to retain office
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.84" id="pageii.84"></a>[page&nbsp;84]</span>
+under Lord John, viz. Lord Dalhousie, Lord Lincoln, and Mr
+Sidney Herbert. Sir Robert Peel at the interview of this
+morning had stated to Lord John that he would not consider
+it as an attempt to draw his supporters away from him (it not
+being his intention to form a party), and that he would not
+dissuade them from accepting the offer, but that he feared
+that they would not accept. We concurred in this opinion,
+but Lord John was authorised by Victoria to make the offer.
+Mr F. Baring, the Chancellor of the Exchequer under the late
+Whig Government, has intimated to Lord John that he would
+prefer if no offer of office was made to him; Lord John would
+therefore recommend Mr Charles Wood for this office. Lord
+Grey was still a difficulty; in or out of office he seemed to be
+made a difficulty. It would be desirable to have him in the
+Cabinet if he could waive his opinions upon the Irish Church.
+His speech in the House of Lords<sup>15</sup> at the beginning of the
+session had done much harm, had been very extreme, and Lord
+John was decidedly against him in that. Lord Grey knew
+that everybody blamed it, but said everybody would be of
+those (his) opinions ten years hence, and therefore he might
+just as well hold them now. Mr Wood having great influence
+with him might keep him quiet, and so would the
+Colonial seals, as he would get work enough. About Lord
+Palmerston, he is satisfied, and would no more make any
+difficulty.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 15: On the 23rd of March, in the course of a long speech on the state of Ireland, Earl Grey
+had contrasted the poverty of the Roman Catholic Church in that country with the
+affluence of the Establishment, diverted, as he said, by the superior power of England from
+its original objects; adding that the Protestant Church was regarded by the great mass
+of the Irish people as an active cause of oppression and misery.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell told me in the evening that he had forgotten
+to mention one subject to the Queen: it was that Sir
+Robert Peel by his speech and his special mention of Mr
+Cobden as the person who had carried the great measure, had
+made it very difficult for Lord John not to offer office to Mr
+Cobden. The Whigs were already accused of being exclusive,
+and reaping the harvest of other people's work. The only
+thing he could offer would be a <i>Cabinet</i> office. Now this would
+affront a great many people whom he (Lord J.) had to conciliate,
+and create even possibly dissension in his Cabinet.
+As Mr Cobden was going on the Continent for a year, Lord John
+was advised by Lord Clarendon to write to Mr C., and tell him
+that he had heard he was going abroad, that he would not
+make any offer to him therefore, but that he considered him as
+entitled once to be recommended for office to the Queen.
+This he would do, with the Queen's permission....</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.85" id="pageii.85"></a>[page&nbsp;85]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE NEW MINISTRY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>1st July 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns these letters, with her best thanks.
+The settlement of the Oregon question has given us the greatest
+satisfaction. It does seem strange that at the moment of
+triumph the Government should have to resign. The Queen
+read Sir Robert Peel's speech with great admiration. The
+Queen seizes this opportunity (though she will see Sir Robert
+again) of expressing her <i>deep</i> concern at losing his services,
+which she regrets as much for the Country as for herself and
+the Prince. In whatever position Sir Robert Peel may be, we
+shall ever look on him as a kind and true friend, and ever have
+the greatest esteem and regard for him as a Minister and as a
+private individual.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen will not say anything about what passed at Lord
+John Russell's interview, as the Prince has already written to
+Sir Robert. She does not think, however, that he mentioned
+the wish Lord John expressed that Lord Liverpool should
+retain his office, which however (much as we should personally
+like it) we think he would not do.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">What does Sir Robert hear of the Protectionists, and what
+do his own followers say to the state of affairs?</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">WHIG JEALOUSIES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>6th July 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Yesterday the new Ministry were installed at a Privy Council,
+and the Seals of Office transferred to them. We had a long
+conversation with Sir Robert Peel, who took leave. I mentioned
+to him that his word of "Richard Cobden" had
+created an immense sensation, but he was not inclined to enter
+upon the subject. When we begged him to do nothing which
+could widen the breach between him and his party, he said,
+"I don't think that we can ever get together again." He
+repeated that he was anxious not to undertake a Government
+again, that his health would not stand it, that it was better
+likewise for the Queen's service that other, younger men should
+be brought forward. Sir Robert, Lord Aberdeen, and Sir
+James Graham parted with great emotion, and had tears in
+their eyes when they thanked the Queen for her confidence and
+support. Lord Aberdeen means to have an interview with
+Lord Palmerston, and says that when he (Lord A.) came into
+office, Lord Palmerston and the <i>Chronicle</i> assailed him most
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.86" id="pageii.86"></a>[page&nbsp;86]</span>
+bitterly as an imbecile Minister, a traitor to his country, etc.,
+etc. He means now to show Lord P. the contrast by declaring
+his readiness to assist him in every way he can by his advice,
+that he would at all times speak to him as if he was his colleague
+if he wished it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The new Court is nearly completed, and we have succeeded
+in obtaining a very respectable and proper one, notwithstanding
+the run which the Party made upon it which had been
+formerly used to settle these matters, to <i>their</i> liking only.
+The Government is not a united one, however, by any means.
+Mr Wood and Lord Clarendon take the greatest credit in having
+induced Lord Grey to join the Government,<sup>16</sup> and are responsible
+to Lord John to keep him quiet, which they think they will
+be able to do, as he had been convinced of the folly of his
+former line of conduct. Still, they say Lord Lansdowne will
+have the lead only nominally, that Lord Grey is to take it
+really in the House of Lords. There is the <i>Grey Party</i>, consisting
+of Lord Grey, Lord Clarendon, Sir George Grey, and
+Mr Wood; they are against Lord Lansdowne, Lord Minto,
+Lord Auckland, and Sir John Hobhouse, stigmatising them as
+old women. Lord John leans entirely to the last-named
+gentlemen. There is no cordiality between Lord John and
+Lord Palmerston, who, if he had to make a choice, would even
+forget what passed in December last, and join the Grey Party
+in preference to Lord John personally. The curious part of
+all this is that they cannot keep a secret, and speak of all their
+differences. They got the <i>Times</i> over by giving it exclusive
+information, and the leading articles are sent in and praise
+the new Cabinet, but the wicked paper added immediately a
+furious attack upon Sir John Hobhouse, which alarmed them
+so much that they sent to Sir John, sounding him, whether he
+would be hereafter prepared to relinquish the Board of Control.
+(This, however, is a mere personal matter of Mr Walter, who
+stood against Sir John at Nottingham in 1841 and was unseated.)
+Sir John Easthope, the proprietor of the <i>Morning
+Chronicle</i>, complains bitterly of the subserviency to the <i>Times</i>
+and treason to him. He says he knows that the information
+was sent from Lord John's house, and threatens revenge.
+"If you will be ruled by the <i>Times</i>," he said to one of the
+Cabinet, "the <i>Times</i> has shown you already by a specimen
+that you will be ruled by a rod of iron."</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 16: In spite of the opposition of the latter to Palmerston's re-appointment to the Foreign
+Office. See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.60" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 60</a>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">A Brevet for the Army and Navy is proposed, in order to
+satisfy Lord Anglesey with the dignity of Field-Marshal.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.87" id="pageii.87"></a>[page&nbsp;87]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The Protectionists, 150 strong, including Peers and M.P.'s,
+are to give a dinner to Lord Stanley at Greenwich, at which he
+is to announce his opinions upon the line they are to take.
+Lord George Bentinck is there to lay down the lead which the
+Party insisted upon. Who is to follow him as their leader in
+the Commons nobody knows.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>7th July 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I have to thank you for your kind
+letter of the 3rd. It arrived yesterday, which was a very hard
+day for me. I had to part with Sir R. Peel and Lord Aberdeen,
+who are irreparable losses to us and the Country; they were
+both so much overcome that it quite overset me, and we have
+in them two devoted friends. We felt so safe with them.
+Never, during the five years that they were with me, did they
+<i>ever</i> recommend a <i>person</i> or a thing which was not for my or
+the Country's best, and never for the Party's advantage only;
+and the contrast <i>now</i> is very striking; there is much less respect
+and much less high and pure feeling. Then the discretion of
+Peel, I believe, is unexampled.</p>
+<span class="rightnote">A WEAK GOVERNMENT</span>
+<p class="ind">Stockmar has, I know, explained to you the state of affairs,
+which is unexampled, and I think the present Government
+<i>very</i> weak and extremely disunited. What may appear to you
+as a mistake in November was an inevitable evil. Aberdeen
+very truly explained it yesterday. "We had ill luck," he said;
+"if it had not been for this famine in Ireland, which rendered
+immediate measures necessary, Sir Robert would have prepared
+them gradually for the change." Then, besides, the
+Corn Law Agitation was such that if Peel had not wisely made
+this change (for which the <i>whole</i> Country blesses him), a convulsion
+would shortly have taken place, and we should have
+been <i>forced</i> to yield what has been granted as a boon. No
+doubt the breaking up of the Party (which <i>will</i> come together
+again, whether under Peel or some one else) is a very distressing
+thing. The only thing to be regretted, and I do not know
+exactly <i>why</i> he did it (though we <i>can</i> guess), was his praise of
+<i>Cobden</i>, which has shocked people a good deal.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But I can't tell you how sad I am to lose Aberdeen; you
+can't think what a delightful companion he was; the breaking
+up of all this intercourse during our journeys, etc., is deplorable.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We have contrived to get a <i>very</i> respectable Court.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert's use to me, and I may say to the <i>Country</i>, by his
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.88" id="pageii.88"></a>[page&nbsp;88]</span>
+firmness and sagacity, is beyond all belief in these moments
+of trial.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We are all well, but I am, of course, a good deal overset by
+all these tribulations.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I was much touched to see Graham so very much overcome
+at taking leave of us.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Hardinge.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S ANXIETY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>8th July 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen thanks Lord Hardinge for his interesting communications.
+Lord Hardinge will have learnt all that has
+taken place in the Country; one of the most brilliant Governments
+this Country ever had has fallen at the moment of
+victory! The Queen has now, besides mourning over this
+event, the anxiety of having to see the Government carried on
+as efficiently as possible, for the welfare of the Country. The
+Queen would find a guarantee for the accomplishment of this
+object in Lord Hardinge's consenting to continue at the head
+of the Government of India, where great experiments have
+been made which require unity of purpose and system to be
+carried out successfully.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>10th July 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... The Queen approves of the pensions proposed by Lord
+J. Russell, though she cannot conceal from him that she
+thinks the one to Father Mathew a doubtful proceeding. It is
+quite true that he has done much good by preaching temperance,
+but by the aid of superstition, which can hardly be
+patronised by the Crown.<sup>17</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is sure that Lord John will like her at all times
+to speak out her mind, and has, therefore, done so without
+reserve.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 17: The pension was, however, granted.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>14th July 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;We are very happily established here
+since Thursday, and have beautiful weather for this truly
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.89" id="pageii.89"></a>[page&nbsp;89]</span>
+enjoyable place; we drive, walk, and sit out&mdash;and the nights
+are so fine. I long for you to be here. It has quite restored
+my spirits, which were much shaken by the sad leave-takings
+in London&mdash;of Sir R. Peel, Lord Aberdeen, Lord Liverpool, etc.
+Lord L. could <i>not well</i> have stayed. Lord Aberdeen was very
+much overset.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The present Government is weak, and I think Lord J. does
+not possess the talent of keeping his people together. Most
+people think, however, that they will get through this Session;
+the only question of difficulty is the <i>sugar</i> question.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I think that the King of the French's visit is more than ever
+desirable&mdash;now; for if he were to be shy of coming, it would
+prove to the world that this <i>new</i> Government was hostile, and
+the <i>entente cordiale</i> no longer sure. Pray impress this on the
+King&mdash;and I <i>hope</i> and <i>beg</i> he will let the dear Nemours pay
+us a little visit in November. It would have the best effect, and
+be so pleasant, as we are so dull in the winter all by ourselves.
+I hope that in future, when the King and the Family are at <i>Eu</i>,
+some of them will frequently come over to see us <i>here</i>. It
+would be so nice and <i>so near</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Now adieu, dearest Uncle. I hope I shall <i>not</i> have to <i>write</i>
+to you again, but have the happiness of <i>saying de vive voix</i>,
+that I am ever, your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE SPANISH MARRIAGES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Foreign Office</span>, <i>16th July 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... With regard to the marriage of the Queen of Spain,
+Viscount Palmerston has received a good deal of general information
+from persons who have conversed with him on the
+subject, but he has learnt nothing thereupon which was not
+already known to your Majesty. The state of that matter
+seems, in a few words, to be that the Count of Trapani is now
+quite out of the question, that the Count of Montemolin,
+though wished for by Austria, and in some degree supported
+by the Court of the Tuileries, would be an impossible choice,
+and that the alternative now lies between Don Enrique
+and the Prince Leopold of Coburg, the two Queens being
+equally set against the Duke of Cadiz, Don Enrique's elder
+brother. In favour of Prince Leopold seem to be the two
+Queens, and a party (of what extent and influence does not
+appear) in Spain. Against that Prince are arrayed, ostensibly
+at least, the Court of the Tuileries and the Liberal Party in
+Spain; and probably to a certain degree the Government of
+Austria.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.90" id="pageii.90"></a>[page&nbsp;90]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">In favour of Don Enrique are a very large portion of the
+Spanish nation, who would prefer a Spanish prince for their
+Sovereign's husband; and the preference, expressed only as
+an opinion and without any acts in furtherance of it, by your
+Majesty's late Administration. Against Don Enrique are the
+aversion of the Queen Mother, founded on her family differences
+with her late sister, and the apprehensions of the present
+Ministers in Spain, who would think their power endangered
+by the political connection between Don Enrique and the more
+Liberal Party. The sentiments of the King of the French in
+regard to Don Enrique seem not very decided; but it appears
+likely that the King of the French would prefer Count Montemolin
+or the Duke of Cadiz to Don Enrique; but that he
+would prefer Don Enrique to the Prince Leopold of Coburg,
+because the former would fall within the category of Bourbon
+princes, descended from Philip the Fifth of Spain, proposed
+by the King of the French as the limited circle within which
+the Queen of Spain should find a husband.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>16th July 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's interesting letter,
+and is very much satisfied with his parting conversation with
+Ibrahim Pasha, which she conceives will not be lost upon him.
+The view Lord Palmerston takes about the present position of
+the Spanish marriage question appears to the Queen quite
+correct. She finds only one omission, which is Queen Isabella's
+personal objection to Don Enrique, and the danger which
+attaches to marriage with a Prince taken up by a Political
+Party in Spain, which makes him the political enemy of the
+opposite Party.<sup>18</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen thanks Lord Palmerston for his zeal about
+Portugal, which is really in an alarming state.<sup>19</sup> She sends
+herewith the last letter which she received from the King of
+Portugal. The Queen is sorry to have lost the opportunity of
+seeing Marshal Saldanha.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 18: On the 18th of July Lord Palmerston wrote his celebrated despatch to Mr Bulwer, and
+unfortunately showed a copy of it to Jarnac, the French Ambassador in London. The
+mention of Prince Leopold in it, as a possible candidate for the Queen of Spain's hand,
+gave the French King and Minister the opportunity they wanted, and brought matters
+to a crisis. See <i>Life of the Prince Consort</i>, vol. i. chap. xvii.; Dalling's <i>Life of Lord Palmerston,</i>
+vol. iii. chaps. vii. and viii.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 19: Owing to the insurrection, a run took place on the Bank of Lisbon. The Ministry
+(in which Saldanha was War Minister) had some difficulty in raising a loan.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.91" id="pageii.91"></a>[page&nbsp;91]</span>
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE PREROGATIVE OF DISSOLUTION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne House</span>, <i>16th July 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's communication
+of yesterday, and sincerely hopes that Lord John's sugar
+measure<sup>20</sup> may be such that the Committee of the Cabinet, as
+well as the whole Cabinet and <i>Parliament</i>, may concur in it,
+which would save the country another struggle this year. The
+Queen trusts, moreover, that late experience and good sense
+may induce the West Indians to be moderate and accommodating.
+As Lord John touches in his letter on the possibility
+of a Dissolution, the Queen thinks it right to put Lord John
+in possession of her views upon this subject <i>generally</i>. She
+considers the power of dissolving Parliament a most valuable
+and powerful instrument in the hands of the Crown, but which
+ought not to be used except in extreme cases and with a
+certainty of success. To use this instrument and be defeated
+is a thing most lowering to the Crown and hurtful to the
+country. The Queen strongly feels that she made a mistake
+in allowing the Dissolution in 1841; the result has been a
+majority returned against her of nearly one hundred votes;
+but suppose the result to have been nearly an equality of
+votes between the two contending parties, the Queen would
+have thrown away her last remedy, and it would have been
+impossible for her to get any Government which could have
+carried on public business with a chance of success.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen was glad therefore to see that Sir Robert Peel did
+not ask for a Dissolution, and she <i>entirely concurs</i> in the opinion
+expressed by him in his last speech in the House of Commons,
+when he said:</p>
+
+<p class="ind">"I feel strongly this, that no Administration is justified in
+advising the exercise of that prerogative, unless there be a fair,
+reasonable presumption, even a strong moral conviction, that
+after a Dissolution they will be enabled to administer the
+affairs of this country through the support of a party sufficiently
+powerful to carry their measures. I do not think a
+Dissolution justifiable to strengthen a party. I think the
+power of Dissolution is a great instrument in the hands of the
+Crown, and that there is a tendency to blunt that instrument
+if it be resorted to without necessity.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">"The only ground for Dissolution would have been a strong
+presumption that after a Dissolution we should have had a
+party powerful enough in this House to give effect practically
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.92" id="pageii.92"></a>[page&nbsp;92]</span>
+to the measures which we might propose. I do not mean a
+support founded on a concurrence on <i>one great question of
+domestic policy</i>, however important that may be, not of those
+who differ from us on almost all questions of public policy,
+agreeing with us in one; but that we should have the support
+of a powerful party united by a general concurrence of political
+opinions."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is confident that these views will be in accordance
+with Lord John Russell's own sentiments and opinions upon
+this subject.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 20: In pursuance of the policy of free trade, the Ministry introduced and passed a Bill
+reducing the duties on foreign slave-grown sugar, with the ultimate intention of equalising
+them with those on Colonial produce.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD MELBOURNE'S VIEWS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">South Street</span>, <i>21st July 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+He has just received your Majesty's letter of yesterday, and is
+much delighted at again hearing from your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">What your Majesty says of the state of public affairs and
+of parties in Parliament is true. But in November last Sir
+Robert Peel had a party which might have enabled him to
+have long carried on the Government if he had not most
+unaccountably chosen himself to scatter it to the winds.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne is much gratified by the intimation that
+your Majesty would not have been displeased or unwilling to
+see him again amongst your confidential servants, but your
+Majesty acted most kindly and most judiciously in not calling
+upon him in November last, and John Russell has done the
+same in forbearing to make to Lord Melbourne any offer at
+present. When Lord Melbourne was at Brocket Hall during
+the Whitsuntide holidays he clearly foresaw that Sir Robert
+Peel's Government must be very speedily dissolved; and
+upon considering the state of his own health and feelings, he
+came to the determination, which he communicated to Mr
+Ellice, who was with him, that he could take no active part in
+the then speedily approaching crisis. He felt himself quite
+unequal to the work, and also to that of either of the Secretaries
+of State, or even of the more subordinate and less heavy
+and responsible offices. He is very subject to have accesses
+of weakness, which render him incapable for exertion, and
+deprive his life of much of its enjoyment. They do not appear
+at present to hasten its termination, but how soon they may
+do so it is impossible to foretell or foresee.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne hopes that he shall be able to wait upon
+your Majesty on Saturday next, but he fears the weight of
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.93" id="pageii.93"></a>[page&nbsp;93]</span>
+the full dress uniform. He begs to be remembered to His
+Royal Highness.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE PRINCE AND PEEL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Drayton Manor, Fazeley</span>, <i>August 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,&mdash;I shall be very happy to avail myself of your Royal
+Highness's kind permission occasionally to write to your
+Royal Highness. However much I am enjoying the contrast
+between repose and official life, I may say&mdash;I hope without
+presumption, I am sure with perfect sincerity&mdash;that the total
+interruption of every sort of communication with your Royal
+Highness would be a very severe penalty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It was only yesterday that I was separating from the rest of
+my correspondence all the letters which I had received from
+the Queen and your Royal Highness during the long period of
+five years, in order that I might ensure their exemption from
+the fate to which in these days all letters seem to be destined,
+and I could not review them without a mixed feeling of gratitude
+for the considerate indulgence and kindness of which
+they contained such decisive proofs, and of regret that such
+a source of constantly recurring interest and pleasure was
+dried up.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I can act in conformity with your Royal Highness's gracious
+wishes, and occasionally write to you, without saying a word
+of which the most jealous or sensitive successor in the confidence
+of the Queen could complain.... Your faithful and
+humble Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Robert Peel</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>3rd August 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just seen Lord Bessborough, who presses
+very much for her going to Ireland; she thinks it right to put
+Lord John Russell in possession of her views on this subject.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is a journey which must one day or other be undertaken,
+and which the Queen would be glad to have accomplished,
+because it must be disagreeable to her that people should
+speculate whether she <i>dare</i> visit one part of her dominions.
+Much will depend on the proper moment, for, after those speculations,
+it ought to succeed if undertaken.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is anxious that when undertaken it should be a
+National thing, and the good which it is to do must be a permanent
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.94" id="pageii.94"></a>[page&nbsp;94]</span>
+and not a transitory advantage to a particular Government,
+having the appearance of a party move.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As this is not a journey of pleasure like the Queen's former
+ones, but a State act, it will have to be done with a certain
+degree of State, and ought to be done handsomely. It cannot
+be expected that the main expense of it should fall upon the
+Civil List, nor would this be able to bear it.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Prince Albert to Earl Grey.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">CANADIAN AFFAIRS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>3rd August 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Lord Grey</span>,&mdash;The Queen wishes me to return you
+the enclosed letter. The subject of the Government of Canada
+is one which the Queen has much at heart. Canada has been
+for a long time, and may probably <i>still</i> be for the future, a
+source of great weakness to this Empire, and a number of experiments
+have been tried. It was in a very bad state before
+the Union, continually embarrassing the Home Government,
+and the Union has by no means acted as a remedy, but it may
+be said almost to have increased the difficulties. The only
+thing that has hitherto proved beneficial was the prudent,
+consistent, and impartial administration of Lord Metcalfe.
+Upon the continuance and consistent application of the
+system which he has laid down and acted upon, will depend, in
+the Queen's estimation, the future welfare of that province,
+and the maintenance of proper relations with the mother
+country. The Queen therefore is most anxious that in the
+appointment of a new Governor-General (for which post she
+thinks Lord Elgin very well qualified), regard should be had
+to securing an uninterrupted development of Lord Metcalfe's
+views. The Queen thought it the more her duty to make you
+acquainted with her sentiments upon this subject, because she
+thinks that additional danger arises from the impressions
+which the different agents of the different political parties in
+Canada try to produce upon the Home Government and the
+imperial Parliament, and from their desire to mix up Canadian
+<i>party</i> politics with general English <i>party</i> politics.<sup>21</sup> Ever
+yours,
+etc.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 21: In the event, Lord Elgin was appointed.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>4th August 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and is greatly obliged to your Majesty for your Majesty's communication
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.95" id="pageii.95"></a>[page&nbsp;95]</span>
+respecting a Royal visit to Ireland. He concurs
+in your Majesty's observations on that subject. He is of
+opinion that if the visit partook in any way of a party character,
+its effects would be mischievous, and not beneficial.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He is also doubtful of the propriety of either incurring very
+large expense on the part of the public, or of encouraging Irish
+proprietors to lay out money in show and ceremony at a time
+when the accounts of the potato crop exhibit the misery and
+distress of the people in an aggravated shape.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE WELLINGTON STATUE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>7th August</i> [<i>1846</i>].</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With regard to the Statue<sup>22</sup> on the arch on Constitution
+Hill, the Queen is of opinion that if she is considered individually
+she is bound by her word, and must allow the Statue to go
+up, however bad the appearance of it will be. If the constitutional
+fiction is applied to the case, the Queen acts by the
+advice of her <i>responsible</i> advisers. One Government advised
+her to give her assent, another advises the withdrawal of that
+assent. This latter position has been taken in Lord Morpeth's
+former letter to the Committee, and in the debate in the House
+of Commons; it must therefore now be adhered to, and whatever
+is decided must be the act of the Government. It would
+accordingly be better to keep the word "Government" at the
+conclusion of Lord Morpeth's proposed letter, and that the
+Prince should not go to Town to give an opinion upon the
+appearance of the figure, when up.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 22: The equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington at Hyde Park Corner was much
+criticised at the time of its erection: it is now at Aldershot.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Prince Albert to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright">[<i>9th August 1846.</i>]</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Lord Palmerston</span>,&mdash;The Queen is much obliged
+for Lord Howard de Walden's private letter to you, and begs
+you will never hesitate to send her such private communications,
+however unreserved they may be in their language, as
+our chief wish and aim is, by hearing all parties, to arrive at a
+just, dispassionate, and correct opinion upon the various
+political questions. This, however, entails a strict scrutiny of
+what is brought before us....</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.96" id="pageii.96"></a>[page&nbsp;96]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND AND SPAIN</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>17th August 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received a draft to Mr Bulwer from Lord
+Palmerston. The perusal of it has raised some apprehensions
+in the Queen's mind, which she stated to Lord Palmerston she
+would communicate to Lord John Russell.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The draft lays down a general policy, which the Queen is
+afraid may ultimately turn out very dangerous. It is this:</p>
+
+<p class="ind">England undertakes to interfere in the internal affairs of
+Spain, and to promote the development of the present constitutional
+Government of Spain in a more democratic direction,
+and this for the avowed purpose of counteracting the influence
+of France. England becomes therefore <i>responsible</i> for a particular
+direction given to the <i>internal</i> Government of Spain,
+which to control she has no sufficient means. All England can
+do, and will have to do, is: to keep up a particular party in
+Spain to support her views.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">France, knowing that this is directed against her, must take
+up the opposite party and follow the opposite policy in Spanish
+affairs.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This must bring England and France to quarrels, of which
+we can hardly foresee the consequences, and it dooms Spain
+to eternal convulsions and reactions.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This has been the state of things before; theory and experience
+therefore warn against the renewal of a similar policy.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The natural consequence of this is that Don Enrique would
+appear as the desirable candidate for the Queen of Spain's
+hand, and Lord Palmerston accordingly for the first time
+deviates from the line hitherto followed by us, and <i>urges</i> Don
+Enrique, which in the eyes of the world must stamp him as
+"<i>an English Candidate</i>." Lord Palmerston, from his wish to
+see him succeed, does, in the Queen's opinion, not sufficiently
+acknowledge the obstacles which stand in the way of this combination,
+and which all those who are on the spot and in the
+confidence of the Court represent as almost insurmountable.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen desires Lord John Russell to weigh all this most
+maturely, and to let her know the result.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>19th August 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to state that he has maturely considered,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.97" id="pageii.97"></a>[page&nbsp;97]</span>
+together with Lord Palmerston, Lord Lansdowne, and Lord
+Clarendon, your Majesty's observations on the draft sent by
+Lord Palmerston for your Majesty's approbation.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell entirely concurs in your Majesty's wish
+that England and France should not appear at Madrid as
+countenancing conflicting parties. Lord John Russell did not
+attach this meaning to Lord Palmerston's proposed despatch,
+but he has now re-written the draft in such a manner as he
+trusts will obtain your Majesty's approval.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell will pay the utmost attention to this
+difficult and delicate subject.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE SPANISH MARRIAGES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Foreign Office</span>, <i>19th August 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and has endeavoured to modify and rearrange his
+proposed instruction to Mr Bulwer in deference to your
+Majesty's wishes and feelings as expressed to Lord John
+Russell; and with this view also Viscount Palmerston has
+divided the instruction into two separate despatches&mdash;the one
+treating of the proposed marriage of the Queen, the other of
+the possible marriage of the Infanta. But with regard to these
+new drafts, as well as with regard to the former one, Viscount
+Palmerston would beg to submit that they are not notes to be
+presented to any Foreign Government, nor despatches to be in
+any way made public; but that they are confidential instructions
+given to one of your Majesty's Ministers abroad, upon
+matters upon which your Majesty's Government have been
+urgently pressed, to enable that Minister to give advice; and
+Viscount Palmerston would beg also to submit that in a case
+of this kind it would not be enough to communicate drily the
+opinion of the British Government, without stating and explaining
+some of the reasons upon which those opinions are
+founded.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is quite evident from Mr Bulwer's communication, and
+especially from the postscript to his despatch of the 4th of this
+month, that Queen Christina, the Duke of Rianzares, and
+Se&ntilde;or Isturitz, are earnestly and intently bent upon marrying
+the Queen Isabella to Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, and it
+is very difficult to find conclusive grounds for saying that such
+a match would not perhaps, on the whole, be the best for
+Queen Isabella and the Spanish nation. But still, all things
+considered, your Majesty's Government incline to the opinion
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.98" id="pageii.98"></a>[page&nbsp;98]</span>
+that a Spanish Prince would be a preferable choice, and they
+are prepared to give that opinion to the Spanish Court.</p>
+<span class="rightnote">DON ENRIQUE</span>
+<p class="ind">There is however but one Spanish Prince whom it would be
+creditable to the British Government to recommend as husband
+to the Queen, and to that Prince Queen Christina is known to
+feel objections, principally founded upon apprehensions bearing
+upon her own personal interests. Viscount Palmerston has
+endeavoured to furnish Mr Bulwer with such arguments in
+favour of Don Enrique as appeared likely to meet Queen
+Christina's fears, and he has occasion to believe, from a conversation
+which he had a few days ago with Count Jarnac, that
+the French Government, impelled by the apprehension that
+your Majesty's Government intend to support Prince Leopold
+of Coburg, would be willing, in order to draw the British
+Government off from such a course, to give at least an ostensible
+though perhaps not a very earnest support to Don Henry.
+But your Majesty will no doubt at once perceive that although
+the British Government may come to an understanding with
+that of France as to which of the candidates shall be the one
+in whose favour an opinion is to be expressed, it would be impossible
+for the British Government to associate itself with that
+of France in any joint step to be taken upon this matter, and
+that each Government must act separately through its own
+agent at Madrid. For the two Governments have not only
+different objects in view in these matters, England wishing
+Spain to be independent, and France desiring to establish a
+predominant influence in Spain; but moreover, in regard to
+this marriage question, Great Britain has disclaimed any right
+to interfere except by opinion and advice, while France has
+assumed an authority of dictation, and it is essential that your
+Majesty's Government should so shape the mode of co-operating
+with France as not to appear to sanction pretensions
+which are founded in no right and are inconsistent with
+justice.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston is by no means confident that the
+joint advice of the British and French Governments in favour
+of Don Enrique will be successful, and especially because he
+fears that M. Bresson has taken so active a part in favour of
+other arrangements, that he will not be very eager in support
+of Don Enrique, and will perhaps think that if this arrangement
+can be rendered impossible the chances may become
+greater in favour of some other arrangement which he and his
+Government may prefer. But such future embarrassments
+must be dealt with when they arise, and Viscount Palmerston
+submits that for the moment, unless the British Government
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.99" id="pageii.99"></a>[page&nbsp;99]</span>
+had been prepared to close with the offers of the Duke of
+Rianzares, and to follow at once the course recommended by
+Mr Bulwer, the steps suggested in the accompanying drafts
+are the safest and the best.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston has great pleasure in submitting the
+accompanying private letter from Mr Bulwer announcing the
+withdrawal of the Spanish troops from the frontier of Portugal.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Bulwer to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE DOUBLE BETROTHAL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Madrid</span>, <i>29th August 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Lord</span>,&mdash;I have troubled your Lordship of late with
+many communications....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have now to announce to your Lordship that the Queen
+declared last night at twelve o'clock that she had made up her
+mind in favour of His Royal Highness Don Francisco de Asis....
+Your Lordship is aware under what circumstances Don
+Francisco was summoned here, the Court having been, when
+I wrote on the 4th, most anxious to conclude a marriage with
+Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, and only induced to abandon
+this idea from the repeated intimations it received that it could
+not be carried out....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The same night a Council was held of the Queen Mother's
+friends, who determined to bring matters forthwith to a conclusion.
+Queen Christina, I understand, spoke to her daughter
+and told her she must choose one of two things, either marrying
+now, or deferring the marriage for three or four years. That
+the Prince of Saxe-Coburg was evidently impossible; that
+Count Trapani would be dangerous; that Don Henry had
+placed himself in a position which rendered the alliance with
+him out of the question, and that Her Majesty must either
+make up her mind to marry her cousin Don Francisco de Asis,
+or to abandon for some time the idea of marrying.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen, I am told, took some little time to consider, and
+then decided in favour of her cousin. The Ministers were
+called in, and the drama was concluded....</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">H. L. Bulwer</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>P.S.</i>&mdash;I learn that directly the Queen had signified her intention
+of marrying her cousin, Count Bresson formally asked
+the hand of the Infanta for the Duke of Montpensier, stating
+that he had powers to enter upon and conclude that affair,
+and the terms of the marriage were then definitively settled
+between M. Isturitz and him.</p>
+
+
+<p class="author">H.L.B.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.100" id="pageii.100"></a>[page&nbsp;100]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S INDIGNATION</span>
+
+<p class="indright">On Board the <i>Victoria and Albert</i>,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
+<span class="sc">Falmouth Harbour</span>, <i>7th September 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Though I have not heard from you
+for ages, you will perhaps be glad to hear from us, and to hear
+that our trip has been most successful. We left Osborne on
+the 2nd, at eight in the morning, and reached Jersey at seven
+that evening. We landed at St Heliers the next morning, and
+met with a most brilliant and enthusiastic reception from the
+good people. The island is beautiful, and like an orchard.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The settlement of the Queen of Spain's marriage, <i>coupled
+with Montpensier's</i>, is <i>infamous</i>, and we <i>must</i> remonstrate.
+Guizot has had the barefacedness to say to Lord Normanby
+that though <i>originally</i> they said that Montpensier should <i>only</i>
+marry the Infanta <i>when</i> the Queen <i>was married</i> and <i>had
+children</i>,
+that Leopold's being named one of the candidates had
+changed all, and that they must settle it now! This is <i>too</i>
+bad, for <i>we</i> were so honest as <i>almost to prevent</i> Leo's marriage
+(which <i>might</i> have been, and which Lord Palmerston, as matters
+now stand, regrets much did not take place), and the return
+is this unfair <i>coupling</i> of the <i>two</i> marriages which have nothing,
+and ought to have nothing, to do with one another. The King
+should know that <i>we</i> are extremely indignant, and that this
+conduct is <i>not</i> the way to keep up the <i>entente</i> which <i>he</i>
+wishes.
+It is done, moreover, in such a <i>dishonest</i> way. I must do
+Palmerston the credit to say that he takes it very quietly, and
+will act very temperately about it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Vicky and Bertie enjoy their tour very much, and the people
+here are delighted to see "the Duke of Cornwall."</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Queen of the French to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN OF THE FRENCH</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Neuilly</span>, <i>8 Septembre 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame</span>,&mdash;Confiante dans cette pr&eacute;cieuse amiti&eacute; dont votre
+Majest&eacute; nous a donn&eacute; tant de preuves et dans l'aimable int&eacute;r&ecirc;t
+que vous avez toujours t&eacute;moign&eacute; &agrave; tous nos Enfants,
+je m'empresse de vous annoncer la conclusion du mariage de
+notre fils Montpensier avec l'Infante Louise Fernanda. Cet
+&eacute;v&eacute;nement de famille nous comble de joie, parce que nous
+esp&eacute;rons qu'il assurera le bonheur de notre fils ch&eacute;ri, et que
+nous retrouverons dans l'Infante une fille de plus, aussi bonne
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.101" id="pageii.101"></a>[page&nbsp;101]</span>
+et aussi aimable que ses A&icirc;n&eacute;es, et qui ajoutera &agrave; notre bonheur
+int&eacute;rieur, le seul vrai dans ce monde, et que vous, Madame,
+savez si bien appr&eacute;cier. Je vous demande d'avance votre
+amiti&eacute; pour notre nouvel Enfant, s&ucirc;re qu'elle partagera tous
+les sentiments de d&eacute;vouement et d'affection de nous tous pour
+vous, pour le Prince Albert, et pour toute votre ch&egrave;re Famille.
+Madame, de votre Majest&eacute;, la toute d&eacute;vou&eacute;e S&oelig;ur et Amie,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Marie Am&eacute;lie</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Queen of the French.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>10 Septembre 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame</span>,&mdash;Je viens de recevoir la lettre de votre Majest&eacute;
+du 8 de ce mois, et je m'empresse de vous en remercier. Vous
+vous souviendrez peut-&ecirc;tre de ce qui s'est pass&eacute; &agrave; Eu entre le
+Roi et moi, vous connaissez, Madame, l'importance que j'ai
+toujours attach&eacute;e au maintien de Notre Entente Cordiale et le
+z&egrave;le avec lequel j'y ai travaill&eacute;, vous avez appris sans doute
+que nous nous sommes refus&eacute;s d'arranger le mariage entre la
+Reine d'Espagne et notre Cousin L&eacute;opold (que les deux Reines
+avaient vivement d&eacute;sir&eacute;) dans le seul but de ne pas nous
+&eacute;loigner d'une marche qui serait plus agr&eacute;able &agrave; votre Roi,
+quoique nous ne pouvions consid&eacute;rer cette marche comme la
+meilleure. Vous pourrez donc ais&eacute;ment comprendre que
+l'annonce soudaine de ce <i>double mariage</i> ne pouvait nous causer
+que de la surprise et un bien vif regret.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je vous demande bien pardon de vous parler de politique
+dans ce moment, mais j'aime pouvoir me dire que j'ai toujours
+&eacute;t&eacute; <i>sinc&egrave;re</i> envers vous.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">En vous priant de pr&eacute;senter mes hommages au Roi, je suis,
+Madame, de votre Majest&eacute;, la toute d&eacute;vou&eacute;e S&oelig;ur et Amie,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">VIEWS OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Carlton Terrace</span>, <i>12th September 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and returns with many acknowledgments the accompanying
+letters which your Majesty has been pleased to send
+him, and which he has thought your Majesty would wish him
+also to communicate to Lord John Russell.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The letter of the Queen of the French seems to Viscount
+Palmerston to look like a contrivance to draw your Majesty on
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.102" id="pageii.102"></a>[page&nbsp;102]</span>
+to express, in regard to the Montpensier marriage in its character
+as a domestic arrangement, some sentiments or wishes
+which might be at variance with the opinions which your
+Majesty might entertain regarding that marriage in its political
+character and bearing. But your Majesty's most judicious
+answer has defeated that intention, if any such existed, and
+has stated in a firm, but at the same time in the friendliest
+manner, the grounds of complaint against the conduct of the
+French Government in this affair.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston had yesterday afternoon a very long
+conversation with the Count de Jarnac upon these matters.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston said that with regard to the marriage
+of the Queen of Spain, that was a matter as to which the British
+Government have no political objection to make. They
+deeply regret that a young Queen should have been compelled
+by moral force, and to serve the personal and political interests
+of other persons, to accept for husband a person whom she can
+neither like nor respect, and with whom her future life will
+certainly be unhappy at home, even if it should not be characterised
+by circumstances which would tend to lower her in the
+estimation of her people. But these are matters which concern
+the Queen and people of Spain more than the Government
+and people of England. But that the projected marriage of the
+Duke of Montpensier is a very different matter, and must
+have a political bearing that must exercise a most unfortunate
+effect upon the relations between England and France.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE SPANISH MARRIAGES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>14th September 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I have to thank you for a most kind
+letter of the 31st from Basle, by which I was sorry to see that
+your journey had been delayed, and that you were still not
+well.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We are, alas! sadly engrossed with this Spanish marriage,
+which, though it does not threaten <i>war</i> (for the English care
+very little about the Spanish marriages) threatens complications.
+Albert has told you all that passed between the dear
+Queen and me, and the very absurd ground on which the
+French make their stand. The details of the story are very
+bad&mdash;and I grieve to say that the good King, etc., have behaved
+<i>very dishonestly</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We have protested, and mean to protest very strongly,
+against Montpensier's marriage with the Infanta, <i>as long as</i>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.103" id="pageii.103"></a>[page&nbsp;103]</span>
+<i>she is presumptive heiress to the Throne of Spain</i>. The King
+departs from his principle, for <i>he insisted</i> on a <i>Bourbon, because</i>
+he declared he would <i>not</i> marry one of his sons to the Queen;
+and now he effects the Queen's marriage with the worst Bourbon
+she could have, and marries his son to the Infanta, who in all
+probability will become Queen! It is very bad. Certainly
+at Madrid [Palmerston] mismanaged it&mdash;as Stockmar says&mdash;by
+forcing Don Enrique, in spite of all Bulwer could say. If
+our dear Aberdeen was still at his post, the whole thing would
+not have happened; for he would <i>not</i> have forced Enriquito
+(which enraged Christine), and secondly, Guizot would not
+have <i>escamot&eacute;</i> Aberdeen with the wish of triumphing over him
+as he has done over Palmerston, who has behaved most openly
+and fairly towards France, I must say, in this affair. But
+say what one will, it is <i>he again</i> who <i>indirectly</i> gets us into a
+squabble with France! And it is such a personal sort of a
+quarrel, which pains and grieves me so; and I pity the poor
+good Piat,<sup>23</sup> whom we are very fond of. One thing, however,
+I feel, that in opposing this marriage, we are not really affecting
+his happiness, for he has never seen the Infanta&mdash;and she is a
+child of fourteen, and not pretty. The little Queen I pity so
+much, for the poor child dislikes her cousin, and she is said to
+have consented <i>against her will</i>. We shall see if she really
+does marry him. Altogether, it is most annoying, and must
+ruffle our happy intercourse with the French family for a time
+at least.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I was obliged to write very strongly and openly to poor dear
+Louise too. You may rely upon nothing being done rashly
+or intemperately on our part. Lord Palmerston is quite ready
+to be guided by us. In haste, ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">We go into our new house to-day.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-bottom: 8em;">Footnote 23: A name by which the Duc de Montpensier was sometimes called in the family circle.</p>
+
+
+<a name="illusii.1" id="illusii.1"></a>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:400px;"><a href="images/0118-1200.png"><img src="images/0118-370.png" width="370" height="474" alt="H.M. Marie Amelie, Queen of the French, 1828." border="0" /></a>
+<p class="center">H.M. MARIE AM&Eacute;LIE, QUEEN OF THE FRENCH, 1828.</p>
+<p class="center">From the miniature by Millet at Windsor Castle</p>
+<p class="author" style="margin-bottom: 5em;"><i>To face &nbsp;p.</i> 104, Vol. II.</p></div>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Baron Stockmar to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>18th September 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Baron Stockmar has been honoured with your Majesty's
+kind note of the 17th instant. The very day the Baron heard
+of the Spanish news, he wrote to a man at Paris, whom the
+King sees as often as he presents himself at the palace. In this
+letter the Baron stated <i>fairly and moderately but without palliation</i>
+in what light M. Bresson's conduct must necessarily appear
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.104" id="pageii.104"></a>[page&nbsp;104]</span>
+<i>in London</i>, and what very naturally and most probably <i>must be
+the political consequences of such conduct</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Baron's statement was read to the King, word for word,
+the very evening it reached Paris.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">His Majesty listened to it most attentively, and said after
+some pause: "Notwithstanding all this, the marriage will
+take place. I don't consider Montpensier's marriage an affair
+between nations, and the English people, in particular, care
+very little about it; it is much more a private affair between
+myself and the English Secretary, Lord Palmerston, <i>and as
+such</i> it will not bring on important political consequences."</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Queen of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LETTER TO QUEEN LOUISE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>18 Septembre 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Ma bien ch&egrave;re Louise</span>,&mdash;Je te remercie pour ton retour de
+franchise; je ne d&eacute;sire pas que cette controverse entre de plus
+dans notre correspondance priv&eacute;e, comme elle est le sujet et
+le sera je crains encore davantage de discussion politique.
+Je veux seulement dire qu'il est <i>impossible</i> de donner &agrave; cette
+affaire le cachet d'une simple affaire de famille; l'attitude
+prise &agrave; Paris sur cette affaire de mariage d&egrave;s le commencement
+&eacute;tait une fort &eacute;trange; il fallait toute la discr&eacute;tion de Lord
+Aberdeen pour qu'elle n'amen&acirc;t un &eacute;clat plut&ocirc;t; mais ce
+d&eacute;nouement, si contraire &agrave; la parole du Roi, qu'il m'a donn&eacute;e
+lors de cette derni&egrave;re visite &agrave; Eu <i>spontan&eacute;ment</i>, en ajoutant &agrave;
+la complication, pour la <i>premi&egrave;re fois</i>, celle du projet de mariage
+de Montpensier, aura mauvaise mine devant toute l'Europe.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Rien de plus p&eacute;nible n'aurait pu arriver que toute cette
+dispute qui prend un caract&egrave;re si personnel....</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S INDIGNATION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>21st September 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I have to thank you very much for
+your very kind letter of the 5th from Zurich. It is very unfortunate
+that you should be so far off at this moment. Since
+I wrote to you we have decided to remonstrate both at Madrid
+(this went a week ago), and at Paris, but this last not in a
+formal note but in a despatch to Lord Normanby, against this
+very unjustifiable breach of faith on the part of France. We
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.105" id="pageii.105"></a>[page&nbsp;105]</span>
+have seen these despatches, which are very firm, but written
+in a very proper and kind tone, exposing at the same time the
+fallacy of what has been done; for the King himself declared
+that he would <i>never</i> let <i>one of his sons marry</i> the Queen, he
+<i>insisted</i> on her marrying a descendant of Philip V. This has
+been done, and at the same moment he says his <i>son</i> is to marry
+the <i>Infanta</i>, who may <i>become Queen to-morrow!</i> And to all
+this he says, "C'est seulement une affaire de famille"! The
+King is very fond of England, and still more of peace, and he
+never <i>can</i> sacrifice this (for though it would not be immediate
+war it would cause coolness with us and with other Powers,
+and would probably lead to war in a short time), for a breach
+of faith and <i>for one of his sons'</i> marriages. No quarrel or
+misunderstanding
+in the world <i>could be more disagreeable</i> and to me
+<i>more cruelly painful</i>, for it is <i>so personal</i>, and has come into the
+midst of all our communications and correspondence, and is
+too annoying. It is so sad, too, for dear Louise, to whom one
+cannot say that her father has behaved dishonestly. I hope,
+however, another ten days will show us some <i>daylight</i>. I will
+not mention anything about Leopold's<sup>24</sup> answer, as Albert will,
+I doubt not, write to you all about it. It is very satisfactory,
+however.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We are since this day week in our charming new house,
+which is delightful, and to-morrow we go, alas! to Windsor,
+where we expect the Queen-Dowager and the Princess of Prussia,
+who will remain a week with us. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I received this afternoon your kind letter from Gais of the
+12th. One word more I must just add. No doubt if Lord
+Aberdeen had been at his post what has happened would <i>not</i>
+have taken place, and suspicion of Lord Palmerston <i>has</i> been
+the cause of the <i>unjustifiable</i> conduct of the French Government.
+But just as they <i>did</i> suspect him, they should have
+been more cautious to do anything which could bring on a
+quarrel, which is surely not what the King can wish.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 24: Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE PRINCESS OF PRUSSIA</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>29th September 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I received last week your very kind
+and <i>satisfactory</i> letter of the 16th. Your opinion on this
+truly unfortunate and, on the part of the French, disgraceful
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.106" id="pageii.106"></a>[page&nbsp;106]</span>
+affair is a great support to us. Stockmar has, I know, communicated
+to you what has passed, and he will send you copies
+of the King's letter and my answer. Our conduct has been
+throughout <i>honest</i>, and the King's and Guizot's the contrary.
+<i>How</i> the King <i>can</i> wantonly throw away the friendship of one
+who has stood by him with such sincere affection, for a <i>doubtful</i>
+object of personal and family aggrandizement, is to me and to
+the whole country inexplicable. Have <i>confidence</i> in <i>him</i> I fear
+I never can again, and Peel, who is here on a visit, says a <i>war
+may</i> arise any moment, <i>once</i> that the good understanding is
+disturbed; think, then, that the King has done this in his 74th
+year, and leaves this inheritance to his successor; and to whom&mdash;to
+a <i>Grandchild</i>, and a <i>Minor!</i> And for Nemours and Paris,
+<i>our</i> friendship is of the greatest importance, and yet he prefers
+the troubles of governing Spain, which will be a source of constant
+worry and anxiety, to the happy understanding so happily
+existing between our two countries! I cannot comprehend
+him. Guizot behaves shamefully, and so totally without good
+faith. Our protests have been presented. I feel more than
+ever the loss of our valuable Peel.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I wish, dearest Uncle, you would not go to Paris at all at
+present.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen-Dowager and the Princess of Prussia<sup>25</sup> have left
+us this morning after a week's stay, and I have been delighted
+with the Princess. I find her so clever, so amiable, so well
+informed, and so good; she seems to have some enemies, for
+there are whispers of her being <i>false</i>; but from all that I have
+seen of her&mdash;from her discretion, her friendship through thick
+and thin, and to her own detriment, for H&eacute;l&egrave;ne, and for the
+Queen-Dowager who has known her from her birth, I <i>cannot</i>
+and will not believe it. Her position is a very difficult one;
+she is too enlightened and liberal for the Prussian Court not to
+have enemies; but <i>I believe</i> that she is a friend to us and our
+family, and I do believe that <i>I</i> have a friend in her, who may
+be most useful to us. I must conclude, envying your being
+in Tyrol. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 25: Marie Louise Augusta, daughter of the Grand Duke Charles of Saxe-Weimar, subsequently
+Empress of Germany, mother of Prince Frederick William, afterwards the
+Emperor Frederick, who in 1858 married the Princess Royal.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND AND THE THREE POWERS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>1st October 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen wishes to express her approval of the step taken
+by Lord Palmerston in urging the Three Northern Powers to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.107" id="pageii.107"></a>[page&nbsp;107]</span>
+join in the protest against the Montpensier marriage on the
+ground of the Treaty of Utrecht and the Declaration of Philip V.
+She thinks, however, that it is necessary to do more, and
+wishes Lord Palmerston should send a note to the Cabinets
+of the three Powers, explanatory of the whole of the proceedings
+relative to the Spanish marriages, showing the attitude
+taken by us from the first, and disclosing the facts which led
+to this unfortunate termination. The three Powers ought to
+be enabled to see the whole of the transaction if we wish them
+to sympathise with us.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>1st October 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell saw Count Jarnac to-day, and told him
+that your Majesty's displeasure had not been removed. He
+had in his hands a memorandum, which is apparently word
+for word the letter of the King of the French to the Queen of
+the Belgians.<sup>26</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell observed that it was admitted that the
+Duke of Montpensier was not to marry the Infanta till the
+Queen of Spain had children, and that voluntary engagement
+had been departed from. We might expect the same departure
+from the professions now made not to interfere in the affairs
+of Spain.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Count Jarnac protested against this inference, and repeated
+that the promise with regard to the Infanta was only conditional.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell expects that in consequence of the remonstrances
+of England, and the attention of Europe to the
+question, France will be cautious in her interference with the
+internal government of Spain, and may probably not be able
+to direct her external policy.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">M. Bresson has written a long letter to Lord Minto, defending
+his own conduct.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 26: See Louis Philippe's long letter of the 14th of September, printed in the <i>Life of the
+Prince Consort</i>, vol. i. Appendix B. Queen Victoria's complete and unanswerable reply
+will be found there also.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE SPANISH MARRIAGES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>6th October 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I thank you very much for your last
+kind letter from Gais of the 23rd. This unfortunate Spanish
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.108" id="pageii.108"></a>[page&nbsp;108]</span>
+affair has gone on, heedlessly&mdash;and our <i>entente wantonly</i> thrown
+away! I mourn over it, and feel deeply the ingratitude
+shown; for&mdash;without boasting&mdash;I must say they never had a
+<i>truer</i> friend than we; and one who <i>always</i> stood by them.
+When Hadjy wrote that foolish <i>brochure</i>, who stood by him
+through thick and thin, but we? and our friendship for the
+children will ever continue, but how can we <i>ever</i> feel at our
+ease with L. P. again? Guizot's conduct is beyond <i>all</i> belief
+shameful, and so <i>shabbily</i> dishonest. Mol&eacute; and Thiers both
+say he cannot stand. It is the King's birthday to-day, but I
+thought it better <i>not</i> to write to him, for to say <i>fine words</i> at
+<i>this</i>
+moment would be mockery. For my beloved Louise my
+heart bleeds; it is <i>so</i> sad....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude. Begging you to believe me, ever
+your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>17th November 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I yesterday received your long and
+interesting letter of the 14th. I would much rather not say
+anything more about this truly unfortunate and painful
+Spanish business; but in justice to myself I must make a few
+observations. You say that the King thinks me <i>resentful</i>;
+this is extraordinary, for I have no such feeling; my feelings
+were and are <i>deeply</i> wounded at the unhandsome and secret
+manner (so totally, in <i>letter</i> and <i>in meaning</i>, contrary to an
+<i>entente cordiale</i>) in which this affair was settled, and in which
+the two marriages were incorporated.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">What can I do?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The King and French Government never <i>expressed regret</i> at
+the sudden and <i>unhandsome</i> manner, to say the <i>least</i>, in which
+they behaved to their <i>best ally</i> and <i>friend</i>, and <i>we</i> really
+<i>cannot
+admit</i> that <i>they have to forgive us for duping us!</i> Why have they
+not tried to make <i>some</i> sort of apology? What do I do, but
+remain silent <i>for the present</i>?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is a sad affair, but <i>resentment</i> I have none whatever, and
+this accusation is a new version of the affair.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With respect to Portugal, I refute most positively the unfounded
+accusations against us; we <i>cannot</i> interfere in internal
+dissensions beyond ensuring the personal safety of the King,
+Queen, and Royal Family. The Constitution may be,
+and I believe is, an unfortunate thing in those Southern countries;
+but once it is established, the Queen must abide by it;
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.109" id="pageii.109"></a>[page&nbsp;109]</span>
+but, unfortunately, the <i>coup de main</i> in sending away Palmella's
+Government (which would inevitably have crumbled to pieces
+of itself), was both unconstitutional and unsafe, and I fear
+they are in a much worse position <i>vis-&agrave;-vis</i> of the country than
+they ever were.<sup>27</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">We are all going to-morrow to Osborne for four weeks.
+Ever your truly devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 27: The Duke de Palmella's Ministry was abruptly dismissed by the Queen of Portugal
+on the 10th of October, in consequence of their inability to raise money on loan. Civil
+war broke out, Das Antas, Loul&eacute;, Fornos, and S&agrave; da Bandeira being the chief rebel leaders.
+The British Fleet was ordered to the Tagus to support the Queen against her subjects,
+with the ulterior object of restoring Constitutional Government.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ETON MONTEM</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>19th November 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... Lord John Russell breakfasted with Dr Hawtrey yesterday,
+and had much conversation with him. He finds Dr Hawtrey
+strongly impressed with the evils of Montem, and he declared
+himself as decidedly against its continuance. He thinks your
+Majesty would please the Etonians equally by going to the
+boats once a year, which he said the late King was in the habit
+of doing. The Chancellor of the Exchequer,<sup>28</sup> who was at Eton,
+wishes to see Montem abolished. Lord Morpeth would prefer
+seeing it regulated. Upon the whole, Lord John Russell
+thinks it would not be advisable for your Majesty to interpose
+your authority against the decided opinion of Dr Hawtrey,
+the Provost, and the assistants.<sup>29</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 28: Mr (who a few weeks later became Sir) Charles Wood.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 29: Montem, the triennial Eton ceremony, the chief part of which took place at Salt Hill
+(<i>ad montem</i>), near Slough, was abolished in 1847.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">A PENINSULAR MEDAL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>25th November 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has learned from various quarters that there still
+exists a great anxiety amongst the officers and men who served
+under the Duke of Wellington's orders in the Peninsula to
+receive and wear a medal as a testimony that they assisted the
+Duke in his great undertaking. The Queen not only thinks
+this wish very reasonable, considering that for recent exploits
+of infinitely inferior importance such distinctions have been
+granted by her, but she would feel personally a great satisfaction
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.110" id="pageii.110"></a>[page&nbsp;110]</span>
+in being enabled publicly to mark in this way her sense of
+the great services the Duke of Wellington has rendered to his
+country and to empower many a brave soldier to wear this
+token in remembrance of the Duke.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE DUKE'S VIEW</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Strathfieldsaye</span>, <i>27th November 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble
+duty to your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He has just now received your Majesty's most gracious
+commands from Osborne, dated the 26th instant.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He does not doubt that many of the brave officers and
+soldiers who served in the armies in the Peninsula under the
+command of the Duke are anxious to receive and wear a
+medal, struck by command of the Sovereign, to commemorate
+the services performed in that seat of the late war.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Many of them have, upon more than one occasion, expressed
+such desire, in their letters addressed to the Duke, in their
+petitions to Parliament, and, as the Duke has reason to
+believe, in petitions presented to your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Although the Duke has never omitted to avail himself of
+every occasion which offered to express his deep sense of the
+meritorious services of the officers and soldiers of the Army
+which served in the Peninsula, he did not consider it his duty
+to suggest to the Sovereign, under whose auspices, or the
+Minister under whose direction the services in question were
+performed, any particular mode in which those services of the
+Army should be recognised by the State.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Neither has he considered it his duty to submit such suggestion
+since the period at which the services were performed,
+bearing in mind the various important considerations which
+must have an influence upon the decision on such a question,
+which it was and is the duty of your Majesty's confidential
+servants alone to take into consideration, and to decide.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Neither can the Duke of Wellington now venture to submit
+to your Majesty his sense of a comparison of the services of
+the Army which served in the Peninsula, with those of other
+armies in other parts of the world, whose recent services your
+Majesty has been most graciously pleased to recognise by ordering
+that medals should be struck, to commemorate each of
+such services, one of which to be delivered to each officer and
+soldier present, which your Majesty was graciously pleased to
+permit him to wear.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.111" id="pageii.111"></a>[page&nbsp;111]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington humbly solicits your
+Majesty, in grateful submission to your Majesty upon the
+subject of the last paragraph of your Majesty's most gracious
+letter, that, considering the favour with which his services
+were received and rewarded by the gracious Sovereign, under
+whose auspices they were performed; the professional rank
+and the dignity in the State to which he was raised, and the
+favour with which his services were then and have been ever
+since received, that your Majesty would be graciously pleased
+to consider upon this occasion only the well-founded claims
+upon your Majesty's attention of the officers and soldiers who
+served in the Army in the Peninsula; and to consider him, as
+he considers himself, amply rewarded for any service which
+he might have been instrumental in rendering; and desirous
+only of opportunities of manifesting his gratitude for the
+favour and honour with which he has been treated by his
+Sovereign.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">All of which is humbly submitted to your Majesty by your
+Majesty's most dutiful and devoted Servant and Subject,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Wellington</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>28th November 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just received Lord Palmerston's draft to
+Mr Southern,<sup>30</sup> and must observe that she does not quite approve
+the tone of it, as it will be likely only to irritate without
+producing any effect. If our advice is to be taken, it must
+be given in a spirit of impartiality and fairness. Lord Palmerston's
+despatch must give the impression that we entirely
+espouse the cause of the rebels, whose conduct is, to say the
+least, illegal and very reprehensible. Lord Palmerston likewise
+takes the nation and the Opposition to be one and the
+same thing. What we must insist upon is a return to Constitutional
+Government. And what we may advise is a compromise
+with the Opposition. What Ministry is to be formed
+ought to be left to the Portuguese themselves. It being the
+28th to-day, the Queen is afraid the despatch went already
+yesterday. The Queen hopes in future that Lord Palmerston
+will not put it out of her power to state her opinion in good
+time.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 30: Secretary of Legation at Lisbon, and Charg&eacute; d'Affaires in the
+absence of Lord Howard
+de Walden.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.112" id="pageii.112"></a>[page&nbsp;112]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE PENINSULAR MEDAL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Arundel Castle</span>, <i>1st December 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has not yet acknowledged the Duke of Wellington's
+last letter.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">She fully appreciates the delicacy of the Duke in not wishing
+to propose himself a step having reference to his own achievements,
+but the Queen will not on that account forgo the satisfaction
+of granting this medal as an acknowledgment on her
+part of those brilliant achievements.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has been assured by Lord John Russell that her
+confidential servants will be ready to assume the responsibility
+of advising such a measure.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Arundel castle</span>, <i>2nd December 1846.</i>
+(<i>Morning.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble
+duty to your Majesty. He did not receive your Majesty's
+commands, dated the 1st instant, in this Castle, till seven
+o'clock in the afternoon; and being under the necessity of
+attending at [? Dover] in the evening, he has not had it in his
+power till this time to express his acknowledgment of the
+receipt of them.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He submits to your Majesty that he has always been aware
+that it would be impolitic to confer upon the officers and
+soldiers who served in the Peninsula the wished-for distinction
+without the concurrence of your Majesty's confidential
+servants.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">They alone can give the orders to carry into execution the
+measure, and can adopt means to remedy any inconvenience
+which may result from it; and it is satisfactory to him to
+learn, from the perusal of your Majesty's note, that Lord
+John Russell is disposed to adopt it, notwithstanding that the
+Duke has no personal wish or feeling in the adoption of the
+measure, excepting to see gratified the wishes of so many gallant
+officers and brave soldiers, who have so well served.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The few words which he addressed to your Majesty in his
+last letter of the 27th of November in relation to himself, referred
+to the expressions in that of your Majesty of the 26th
+November, to the Duke; from which it appeared to be your
+Majesty's intention "to empower many a brave soldier to wear
+this token, in remembrance of the Duke."</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.113" id="pageii.113"></a>[page&nbsp;113]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Having stated to your Majesty that he would serve your
+Majesty, and would promote the objects of your Majesty's
+Government, to the utmost of his power, he has faithfully performed
+his engagement, as he believes, to the satisfaction of
+your Majesty's servants.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">His whole life being devoted to your Majesty's service, he is
+most anxious to deserve and receive your Majesty's approbation.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But he wishes that it should be conveyed only when it may
+be convenient to your Majesty's Government. Your Majesty
+and your Majesty's servants must be the best judges upon this
+point, as well as whether the medal in question shall be struck
+and granted at all or not.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">If granted, or whatever may be the mode in which granted,
+or whether the Duke's name is recalled to recollection or not,
+the Duke will be equally satisfied, and grateful for your
+Majesty's gracious favour, and desirous to merit a continuance
+of it, by his devotion to your Majesty's service.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">All of which is humbly submitted by your Majesty's most
+dutiful Subject and most devoted Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Wellington</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S DECISION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>14th December 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has still to acknowledge Lord John Russell's
+letter of the 11th. She has carefully read the Duke of Wellington's
+letter to Lord John, which evinces all the Duke's honourable
+feelings. He should certainly be relieved from the appearance
+of having refused honours to others, but agreed to
+the granting of them the moment it was intended to couple
+the measure with an honour conferred upon himself. On the
+other hand, the Queen still wishes the step to be taken as a
+means of doing honour to the Duke. His name should, therefore,
+certainly be connected with it. The introduction of the
+names of other commanders, even of that of Sir John Moore,
+the Queen does not think advisable. She does not quite understand
+from Lord John's letter whether he proposes to adopt
+the Duke's recommendation to <i>re</i>-issue all the medals formerly
+granted, or to adhere to the original idea of striking a new one.
+In the latter case, which appears the most natural, the word
+"Peninsula" would cover all the campaigns, and in these the
+Duke of Wellington had by far so much the greatest share that
+his name being introduced on <i>all</i> the medals cannot be considered
+as anomalous.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.114" id="pageii.114"></a>[page&nbsp;114]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">CRACOW</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>14th December 1846.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns the enclosed private letters.<sup>31</sup> The view
+Lord Palmerston takes of the affair of Cracow appears to the
+Queen a very sound one, and she would much wish to see the
+plan of a conference realised against which Lord Ponsonby
+does not bring any very relevant reasons. Prince Metternich's
+plan of a declaration "that the case is to be considered
+an exceptional one and not to afford a precedent to other
+powers" is too absurd. The Prince very justly compared
+it to the case of a person giving another a box on the ear and
+declaring at the same time that he is to consider it as exceptional,
+and that it is in no way to afford him a precedent
+for returning it. The Queen hopes the Cabinet will well consider
+the question, and contrive to find means to prevent the
+evil consequences of the unjustifiable step against Cracow by
+speaking out in time, before Russia or France may have decided
+on acts of further infraction of the Treaty of Vienna.
+It seems quite clear that Russia was at the bottom of the
+measure relative to Cracow, and it is therefore but reasonable
+to expect that she has an ulterior object in view.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 31: The first ill fruits of the disruption of the <i>entente</i> between England and France were
+seen in the active co-operation of Russia, Prussia, and Austria to destroy Polish independence.
+See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.72" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 72</a>.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.115" id="pageii.115"></a>[page&nbsp;115]</span>
+
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: 5em;">INTRODUCTORY NOTE</h3>
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: -0.5em;">TO CHAPTER XVI</h3>
+
+<p>During the year 1847 the Parliament which had been elected in
+1841 with a great Tory majority was dissolved, and, as a result, the
+position of the Whig Ministry was slightly improved; but they were
+still dependent on the support of Sir Robert Peel. A Factory Act
+limiting the labour of women and children to ten hours a day
+was passed. An autumn session was rendered necessary by an acute
+financial crisis, the Ministry having authorised the Bank of England
+to infringe the provisions of the recent Bank Charter Act, and as a
+consequence being compelled to ask Parliament for an indemnity.
+The knowledge of the Bank's authority to issue notes beyond the
+prescribed limits was of itself sufficient to allay the panic. The
+Church of England was convulsed by the promotion of Dr Hampden,
+whom Lord Melbourne had made Regius Professor of Divinity at
+Oxford, to the See of Hereford; his orthodoxy was impugned in a
+memorial presented by thirteen bishops to the Prime Minister, and
+an unsuccessful application was made to the Queen's Bench (the
+Court being divided in opinion) to compel the Primate to hear
+objections to Dr Hampden's consecration. The new House of
+Lords was used for the first time this year.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the most important event in France was the cold-blooded
+murder of the Duchesse de Praslin (daughter of Count Sebastiani,
+formerly French Ambassador in England) by her husband, an incident
+which, like the Spanish intrigue of 1846, contributed subsequently
+to the downfall of the Orleanist dynasty.</p>
+
+<p>Switzerland was torn by internecine strife, partly owing to the
+existence, side by side, of Catholic and Protestant cantons; the proposed
+expulsion of Jesuits and the formation of the "Sonderbund"
+were the questions of the day. The latter was an offensive and defensive
+confederation of seven cantons, and civil war raged round
+the question of its legality.</p>
+
+<p>In Italy the death of Pope Gregory XVI. and the election of a more
+liberal successor induced Lord John Russell to send his father-in-law,
+Lord Minto, the Lord Privy Seal, on a special mission to the new
+Pope Pius IX., to encourage him in the path of Reform. But more
+violent measures were in progress, and it was soon clear that Lombardy
+and Venetia were rising against Austria, and the way being
+paved for the Unity of Italy.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.116" id="pageii.116"></a>[page&nbsp;116]</span>
+
+<p>Spain was in a ferment, frequent changes of Ministry taking place,
+and the miserable marriage of the Queen having all the evil results
+anticipated in England. Portugal continued in a state of civil war,
+the British attempting to mediate, but the revolutionary Junta
+refused to abide by their terms, and ultimately armed intervention
+became necessary.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.117" id="pageii.117"></a>[page&nbsp;117]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h2 style="margin-top: 5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+
+<h5>1847</h5>
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>7th January 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The turn which the Portuguese affairs are now likely to take
+is really very satisfactory. The Queen is sure that the Court
+will not allow violent measures of revenge to be taken against
+the vanquished party nor the overthrow of a Constitutional
+Government; but the Queen of Portugal will have to punish
+those who have broken their oath of allegiance, and will have
+to remove from the country those who would infallibly ere long
+plunge the country afresh into those <i>horrors</i> from which it is
+just emerging. The further infusion of democracy into the
+Charter would at this moment be quite misplaced, but this
+opportunity should be taken by the Queen of Portugal to
+<i>establish</i> a <i>state</i> of <i>legality</i> and <i>security</i>, by
+compelling any new
+Ministry to lay the accounts every year before the Cortes
+(which has not been done for the last ten years, either by
+Progressistas, Septembristas, or others), by establishing irremovable
+judges, and appointing thereto incorruptible persons,
+by <i>honestly and fairly</i> distributing the patronage in the
+Army&mdash;apart from the party&mdash;which will now be possible as
+the King has the command himself, and by adopting such
+measures of <i>internal</i> improvement as will promote the <i>material</i>
+welfare of the people.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>These</i> are the principles which the Queen would wish to
+see <i>her</i> representative urge upon the Portuguese Court and
+Government, and she has no doubt that they are in perfect
+conformity with Lord John Russell's own views. The Queen
+cannot help repeating that the tone and bearing of Mr Southern
+are more those of a Portuguese Demagogue than of an English
+Representative.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">A CONCILIATORY POLICY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Tuileries</span>, <i>15th January 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;I am truly happy to learn what
+you say about your feelings on those troublesome politics;
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.118" id="pageii.118"></a>[page&nbsp;118]</span>
+I can assure you that many people who are, in fact, quite indifferent
+to politics, <i>rench&eacute;rissent</i> in expressions of dislike and
+contempt <i>seulement</i>, because they believe that you have those
+opinions. Many wise people repeat sayings which they assume
+to come from your own mouth, such, for instance, "that Louis
+Philippe could never be trusted, being, after all, an old fox,"
+etc.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The King's Speech was as unobjectionable as possible. I
+trust that there will be no <i>bitterness</i> in yours. It is as much, if
+not more, in the interest of Great Britain to keep France quiet
+and continuing a peaceable policy than in that of France.
+France, as the old Duke once said with great truth, has been
+already <i>under water several times, what could be spoiled has been
+spoiled</i>, what remains <i>is pretty solid</i>. To attack France in
+France would lead to the most dangerous consequences. In
+general, if we get once a great war again you will be sure to
+have everywhere revolutions, and to imagine that you will
+escape in England all reactions would be a grievous mistake.
+When one looks to the changes, brought about in England in
+consequence of the Revolution of July, one is quite astounded.
+Here they changed nothing but the dynasty, in England <i>the
+very spirit of the old Monarchy has been abolished</i>, and what
+will be, in the course of time, the consequences, it is not easy
+to tell. A bad Constitution acts strongly on the people.
+Look to America, even to Belgium. Ever, my dearest Victoria,
+your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND AND PORTUGAL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>14th February 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell's memorandum contains two different
+questions. The one is this: how far the interests of England
+require an interference in the affairs of Portugal for the restoration
+of peace in that country and the preservation of its Throne,
+and how far England is bound by existing treaties to interfere.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As to this question, it appears from Lord John's memorandum
+that the ancient treaties having reference to <i>foreign</i>
+invasion only are inapplicable to the present case, that the
+Quadruple Treaty would revive on the appearance of Dom
+Miguel in Portugal, that an understanding with Spain ought to
+be come to for its execution, but Lord John does not make any
+specific proposal.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The other question is, what wrongs the Queen, the Ministers,
+and the rebels may have done to bring about the present state
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.119" id="pageii.119"></a>[page&nbsp;119]</span>
+of affairs. This the Queen conceives can only be decided by
+a <i>most minute, impartial, and anxious scrutiny</i>. She indignantly
+rejects the notion to leave this decision to Mr Southern....
+Lord John's statement contains, however, nothing but
+the echo of his reports.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John will upon reflection admit that to say "that
+recent events exhibit a spirit of tyranny and cruelty in the
+Portuguese Government <i>without a parallel</i> in any part of
+Europe," there, where not <i>one</i> execution has taken place, is
+rather a strong expression.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">That the cruelties and miseries inseparable from a Civil War
+are to be deplored, there can be no doubt of, and it is in order
+to stop a further continuance and perhaps aggravation of these
+horrors, that the Queen is so anxious to see the struggle
+brought to an early termination.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen hopes to see Lord John to-morrow at three
+o'clock, when she hopes that he will be able to submit a definitive
+step.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND AND PORTUGAL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>14th March 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen wishes again to call Lord John Russell's serious
+attention to the state of Spain and Portugal, and to the policy
+which has been pursued with regard to them, and the result of
+this policy. In Spain we have taken up the cause of the
+Progressistas, and what has been the consequence? They
+desert us.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We have no longer the slightest influence in that country;
+France has it all her own way, and we shall see the Cortes
+confirm the succession of the Infanta and her children without
+being able to prevent it. Of the Progressistas, on whom Lord
+Palmerston, Lord Clarendon, and others always placed their
+hopes, Mr Bulwer says <i>now</i>: "The fact is, that though they
+are the party least servile to France, they are the most impracticable
+party, and belonging to a lower class of society,
+who have not the same feelings of honourable and gentlemanlike
+conduct which sometimes guide a portion, though a very
+small one, of their opponents."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In Spain therefore it is, the Queen fears, <i>too late</i>; but let us
+not throw away this lesson, and, if it is still possible, not also
+lose Portugal. Our influence there is fast going, and Sir H.
+Seymour<sup>1</sup> confirms what <i>every one</i> but Mr Southern has stated
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.120" id="pageii.120"></a>[page&nbsp;120]</span>
+for the last two months, viz. that we are believed to be favourable
+to the rebels; consequently, that no advice of ours will be
+listened to. Sir H. Seymour further says: "I should have
+been glad to have gained a little time, and not at the outset of
+my mission to be obliged to call the Government to account
+upon various scores. Your orders, however, leave me no
+option, and I shall be obliged to administer a series of reproofs
+which will, I fear, confirm the notion as to our unfriendly
+feelings." This is the course the Queen thinks so very unfortunate;
+trifles about two horses, the beating of a gardener
+of Lord Howard's by some soldiers on a march in times of Civil
+War, etc., are made topics of serious complaint. Most peremptory
+notes are written, threatening the Government with our
+men-of-war, whilst it is held to be unwise to threaten the
+insurgents.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Then, the Court is told to believe <i>our feelings of attachment</i>
+for them!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir H. Seymour says that his position is rendered very
+difficult in consequence. We have now the results before us.
+Let us, therefore, before Portugal, our ancient ally, turns also
+away from us, and leans to France or Spain in preference, as
+she <i>must</i>, if we give her such doubtful support, try to pursue
+a more conciliatory course; these peremptory and dictatory
+notes, these constant complaints, produce the worst and most
+unfortunate effect.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">These very Septembristas have been always the greatest
+enemies of England, and would be the first to turn against us
+should they succeed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">There should more latitude be given to the resident Minister
+not to press things at moments when they produce embarrassment
+to a Government already <i>tottering</i>, but to give him the
+option of waiting for a fit opportunity, and for the manner in
+which it is to be done, which a person on the spot can be a
+better judge of than we can in England.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Once more the Queen earnestly warns Lord John of the
+imminent danger of England losing <i>all</i> legitimate influence in
+Portugal, which ought now, more than ever, to be of the
+greatest <i>importance</i> to us.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has in all this <i>spoken</i> solely of English influence,
+but this influence becomes of still greater importance to her
+when the Sovereigns of that country are her near and dear
+relations.<sup>2</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 1: Envoy Extraordinary at Lisbon.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 2: This letter at once bore fruit, a conference being held in London between the representatives
+of Great Britain, Spain, France, and Portugal, and armed co-operation to
+enforce the acceptance of certain terms by the Revolutionary Junta being decided
+upon.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.121" id="pageii.121"></a>[page&nbsp;121]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE SEPTENNIAL ACT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>19th March 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty. Lord John Russell thinks it right to state to your
+Majesty that the prevailing opinion in the Cabinet is that when
+the necessary business in the House of Commons has been
+finished, a Dissolution of Parliament should take place.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This course would be conformable to the usage from the
+passing of the Septennial Act till 1830. From 1830 to the present
+year no House of Commons has been allowed to continue
+six years. The Dissolutions of Lord Grey in 1831 and 1832,
+of Sir Robert Peel in 1834, the death of William the Fourth in
+1837, Lord Melbourne's Dissolution in 1841, have all interrupted
+the natural life of Parliaments. But all Governments
+since the accession of the House of Hanover have been of
+opinion (with one or two exceptions) that it is hazardous to
+allow a Parliament to continue seven years, as circumstances
+may arise making a Dissolution very detrimental to the public
+welfare.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">These being general considerations, Lord John Russell would
+reserve any decision on the subject till the moment shall arrive
+when a Dissolution may appear to your Majesty's advisers to
+be the course most likely to secure moderate and fair elections.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>25th March 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen with pleasure approves the appointment of Lord
+Clarendon's brother to the vacant stall at St Paul's. The
+Queen would, however, draw Lord John's attention generally
+to the mode of filling up those Church sinecures. She is quite
+aware how necessary it is for a Minister to be able to recommend
+to such places persons of political connections, but she
+thinks that where it can be done, it would be of great use both
+to the Church and the country to give these places of emolument
+to Churchmen distinguished for their <i>scientific attainments</i>,
+who have neither the means nor the time to prosecute
+their researches, whilst their labours might be of the greatest
+importance to the country. Such person of this kind, for
+instance, the Prince thinks, is a Mr Cureton, who has just
+published the <i>real</i> epistles of St Ignatius, which he translated
+from the Syriac, and is about to produce a Gospel of St Matthew
+which is considered the undoubted original in the Coptic
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.122" id="pageii.122"></a>[page&nbsp;122]</span>
+dialect, and other most important documents lately acquired
+for the British Museum.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FOREIGN OFFICE DRAFTS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>17th April 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has several times asked Lord Palmerston, through
+Lord John Russell and personally, to see that the drafts to our
+Foreign Ministers are not despatched <i>previous</i> to their being
+submitted to the Queen. Notwithstanding, this is still done,
+as for instance to-day with regard to the drafts for Lisbon.
+The Queen, therefore, once more repeats her desire that Lord
+Palmerston should prevent the recurrence of this practice.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>18th May 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell has the painful duty of announcing to
+your Majesty the death of the Earl of Bessborough.<sup>3</sup> The
+firmness and kindness of his temper, together with his intimate
+knowledge of Ireland and his sound judgment, make this event
+a public misfortune.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It appears to Lord John Russell very desirable that his
+successor should be named without loss of time, and as the
+Cabinet agreed yesterday that the Earl of Clarendon was the
+fittest person for the office, Lord John Russell would suggest
+that a Council should be held on Thursday next, at the hour
+your Majesty may appoint, for a Council for the purpose of the
+declaration of your Majesty's pleasure.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It was the opinion of the Cabinet that although it is advisable
+finally to abolish the office of Lord-Lieutenant, it is not advisable
+to propose any measure, or make any announcement
+for the present.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 3: John William, formerly Lord Duncannon, 4th Earl, born 1781; Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">JENNY LIND</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>12th June 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;We are here in terrible hot water,
+though <i>I</i> think we shall get out of it.<sup>4</sup> But only think that the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.123" id="pageii.123"></a>[page&nbsp;123]</span>
+Radicals <i>and</i> Protectionists join to attack Government for our
+interference in Portugal! A change of Government on such
+a subject would be <i>full</i> of mischief for the future, independent
+of the great momentary inconvenience; but it would cripple
+all future Governments in their future conduct respecting
+Foreign Affairs, would create distrust abroad in our promises,
+and is totally contrary to England's ancient policy of upholding
+Portugal.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In short, it would be <i>very</i> bad. The old Duke will do <i>every</i>
+thing to set matters right.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">To-night we are going to the Opera in state, and will hear and
+see Jenny Lind<sup>5</sup> (who is perfection) in <i>Norma</i>, which is considered
+one of her best parts. Poor Grisi is quite going off, and
+after the pure angelic voice and extremely quiet, perfect acting
+of J. Lind, she seems quite <i>pass&eacute;e</i>. Poor thing! she is <i>quite</i>
+furious about it, and was excessively impertinent to J. Lind.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">To-morrow we go to a ball at Stafford House, and on Thursday
+to one at Gloucester House. Ever your truly devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 4: The Government were severely attacked by a coalition of Radicals and Protectionists
+for their intervention in Portugal. A hostile motion of Lord Stanley's in the House of
+Lords was opposed by the Duke of Wellington and defeated, while one of Mr Hume's
+in the House of Commons was talked out, Sir Robert Peel supporting the Ministry.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 5: She made her <i>d&eacute;but</i> in London on the 4th of May in <i>Roberto il Diavolo</i>. The Queen
+had heard her sing previously at Stolzenfels. In May 1849, after singing for two years
+to enthusiastic audiences, she retired from the stage, and made extended concert tours in
+Europe and America.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE WELLINGTON STATUE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>12th July 1847.</i><br />
+(<i>Five in the afternoon</i>.)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble
+duty to your Majesty. He submits to your Majesty the expression
+of his sorrow and shame that your Majesty should be
+troubled for a moment by anything so insignificant as a statue
+of himself.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">When he first heard of the intention to remove the statue
+from the pedestal on which it had been placed, he was apprehensive
+that the measure might be misconstrued and misrepresented
+in this country as well as abroad.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">That feeling was increased when the probable existence of
+such misconstruction was adverted to in one of the printed
+papers circulated by the Committee for the erection of the
+statue; and still farther when the removal became the subject
+of repeated discussions in Parliament. His daily experience
+of your Majesty's gracious reception of his endeavours to serve
+your Majesty; and the events of every day, and the repeated
+marks which he received of your Majesty's consideration and
+favour proved clearly, as the Duke stated in his letter to Lord
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.124" id="pageii.124"></a>[page&nbsp;124]</span>
+John Russell, that there was no foundation for the misconstruction
+of the intended act&mdash;which undoubtedly existed.
+The apprehension of such misconstruction had from the first
+moment created an anxious wish in the mind of the Duke that
+the removal should be so regulated and should be attended by
+such circumstances as would tend to relieve the transaction
+from the erroneous but inconvenient impression which had
+been created.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Duke apprehended that he might find it impossible to
+perform the duties with which he had been entrusted, and
+therefore, when Lord John Russell wrote to him, he deprecated
+the measure in contemplation; and he rejoices sincerely that
+your Majesty has been most graciously pleased to countermand
+the order for the removal of the statue.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">All of which is most humbly submitted to your Majesty by
+your Majesty's most dutiful Subject and most devoted Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Wellington</span>.<sup>6</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 6: The Duke of <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Wellingon'">Wellington</ins> wrote to Croker, 19th of December 1846:&mdash;"I should desire
+never to move from my principles of indifference and non-interference on the subject of
+a statue of myself to commemorate my own actions."</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">And again, on the 14th of June 1847, the Duke wrote to Croker:&mdash;"It has always been
+my practice, and is my invariable habit, to say nothing about myself and my own actions.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">"More than forty years ago Mr Pitt observed that I talked as little of myself or my own
+acts as if I had been an assistant-surgeon of the army....</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">"I follow the habit of avoiding to talk of myself and of what I have done; with the
+exception only of occasions when I am urging upon modern contemporaries measures
+which they don't like, and when I tell them I have some experience, and have had some
+success in these affairs, and feel they would experience the benefit of attending to my
+advice, I never talk of myself.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">"These are the reasons for which they think that I don't care what they do with the
+statue.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">"But they must be idiots to suppose it possible that a man who is working day and
+night, without any object in view excepting the public benefit, will not be sensible of a
+disgrace inflicted upon him by the Sovereign and Government whom he is serving. The
+ridicule will be felt, if nothing else is!"...
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>12th July 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has been informed by Lord John Russell that the
+Duke of Wellington is apprehensive that the removal of his
+statue from the Arch to another pedestal might be construed
+as a mark of displeasure on her part. Although the Queen had
+hoped that her esteem and friendship for the Duke was so well
+known to the public in general as not to render such a construction
+possible, and although she had thought that another
+pedestal would have been more suitable for <i>this</i> statue, and
+that the Arch might have been more becomingly ornamented
+in honour of the Duke than by the statue <i>now</i> upon it, she has
+given immediate direction that the Statue should remain in
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.125" id="pageii.125"></a>[page&nbsp;125]</span>
+its present situation, and only regrets that this monument
+should be so unworthy of the great personage to whose honour
+it has been erected.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Hardinge to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">INDIAN AFFAIRS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>27th July 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Hardinge, with his most humble duty to your Majesty,
+humbly acknowledges the letter in which your Majesty has
+been graciously pleased to approve of his conduct in the
+Government of your Majesty's Eastern Empire, and to sanction
+his return to Europe the end of this year.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It will always be a source of happiness to Lord Hardinge to
+have contributed his efforts towards maintaining the stability
+of your Majesty's Indian possessions committed to his charge,
+and he feels, in the performance of these duties, that the
+approbation of his Sovereign is the most grateful distinction
+to which honourable ambition can aspire.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Governor-General entertains the most sanguine expectations
+that peace has been securely established beyond the
+north-west frontiers, as well as throughout India, and in this
+confidence he has ordered nearly 50,000 men of the native
+force to be reduced, which reductions have caused no discontent,
+being for the most part voluntary on the part of the men and
+accompanied by gratuities in proportion to the service performed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As regards internal dangers, there is no native power remaining
+able to face a British army in the field. The people
+are very generally engaged in trade and agriculture, and to a
+great extent in the British Provinces no longer carry arms.
+Confidence in the protection of the Government has superseded
+the necessity. Formerly trade and wealth were concentrated
+in a few large cities&mdash;and Indian manufactures have
+been ruined by cheaper goods sent from England; but wealth
+and comfort have, under British rule, been more extensively
+diffused through the agricultural districts, and all classes,
+including the warlike tribes, are becoming more devoted to
+the happier and safer pursuits of peace.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In this state of things Lord Hardinge entertains a very confident
+expectation that the Government of India, by judicious
+attention to the native army in time of peace&mdash;which may
+have its peculiar dangers&mdash;will maintain due subordination in
+its ranks; and by abstaining from all interference in the religious
+prejudices of the people, will secure their loyal attachment
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.126" id="pageii.126"></a>[page&nbsp;126]</span>
+to your Majesty, and their willing obedience to the
+Governor acting in your Majesty's behalf.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Hardinge has the honour to subscribe himself your
+Majesty's most humble and dutiful Subject and Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Hardinge</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">A GENERAL ELECTION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge</span>, <i>5th August 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to state that he considers the elections
+which have taken place since he last addressed your Majesty
+as satisfactory.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Liberal gains, upon the whole, have been upwards of
+thirty, and when the elections are concluded will probably be
+upwards of forty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The rejection of so distinguished a man as Mr Macaulay<sup>7</sup>
+is the most disgraceful act in the whole election. It has only
+a parallel in the rejection of Mr Burke by the city of Bristol.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The result of the whole elections will be, even if Sir George
+Grey is defeated in Northumberland, that neither Lord John
+Russell or any other Minister will have the command of a
+regular party majority.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But it is probable that Government will be sufficiently strong
+to resist both a reaction against free trade, and any democratic
+movement against the Church or the aristocracy.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 7: In consequence of his vote on Maynooth. The poem he wrote on the present occasion
+will be remembered.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE IRISH ELECTIONS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge</span>, <i>21st August 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to state that Lord Fitzwilliam writes that
+he shall feel hurt if the Earldom of Strafford should be given to
+Lord Strafford.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">To save his feelings on this subject (Lord Fitzwilliam having
+the first Wentworth Earl of Strafford's property), Lord John
+Russell would humbly propose that Lord Strafford should be
+created Earl of Middlesex.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But as the relations of the late Duke of Dorset might also
+object, Lord John Russell will adhere to his original proposal
+if your Majesty should deem it best.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.127" id="pageii.127"></a>[page&nbsp;127]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">In fact, many titles have been given in succession to different
+families. Leinster, Orford, Westmorland, are familiar instances.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell has drawn up a paper respecting the Irish
+elections, on which the Prince wished to have his remarks.
+The subject is a dark and a dreary one....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Changes of Ministry may occur, but it is to be hoped that
+your Majesty may be enabled to keep the present Parliament
+for five or six years. For nothing tends so much to favour
+such reformations, to impede sober improvements, and to
+make members stand in servile awe of their constituents, as
+frequent General Elections.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell is happy to see in the newspapers the
+successful progress of your Majesty's journey. It has occurred
+to Lord John Russell that as the harvest is very promising,
+and the election heats will have subsided, it may be desirable
+that your Majesty should go for three days to Ireland on your
+Majesty's return. The want of notice might in some respects
+be favourable, and would be an excuse to many Irish peers,
+who might otherwise complete their ruin in preparations.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Earl Fitzwilliam.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>3rd September 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Fitzwilliam's letter of the 31st.<sup>8</sup>
+As she sees Lord Strafford's elevation to an Earldom already
+announced in the <i>Gazette</i> of the same day, it will be impossible
+for the Queen to have the question of Lord Fitzwilliam's adverse
+claim reconsidered. She thinks it right, however, to say,
+that, knowing that the Wentworth property came to Lord
+Fitzwilliam, it was only after the Heralds College had proved
+that Lord Strafford was the representative of the Earl of
+Strafford of the Second Creation, whilst Lord Fitzwilliam was
+not properly considered the representative of the first, that the
+Queen approved the selection of the title of Earl of Strafford
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.128" id="pageii.128"></a>[page&nbsp;128]</span>
+for the present Lord. The Queen is very sorry to find that
+this step should have been annoying to Lord Fitzwilliam, for
+whom she has ever entertained a sincere regard. She has sent
+his letter on to Lord John Russell.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 8: On John, Baron Strafford, who as Sir John Byng had been distinguished in the
+Peninsula and at Waterloo, receiving the Earldom of Strafford, Lord Fitzwilliam had
+written: "Your Majesty has, undoubtedly, the power of conferring this, or any other
+titular dignity, according to your good pleasure, but I venture to hope that, if it be your
+Majesty's pleasure to revive the Earldom of Strafford, it will not be bestowed upon any
+other person than the individual who has now the honour of addressing your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">"The name and history of the first Earl of Strafford is, of course, familiar to your
+Majesty, and I venture to conclude that your Majesty is not unaware of my being his
+descendant, his heir, and his successor. I own his lands, I dwell in his house, I possess
+his papers, and, if neither my father nor myself have ever applied to the Crown for a
+renewal of his titles, it has not been because either of us was indifferent to those honours
+or to the favour of the Sovereign, but because we were well aware of the embarrassment
+which such applications frequently occasion to the Crown and its advisers."
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MISSION TO THE VATICAN</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Ardverikie</span>, <i>3rd September 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's two letters of
+the 31st and 1st inst., and is glad to find that the views
+expressed in the Prince's Memorandum coincide with those
+entertained by Lord John and Lord Palmerston, and also by
+Lord Minto, as she infers. As it seems difficult to find a person
+of inferior rank and position than Lord Minto, and of equal
+weight, the Queen sanctions his undertaking the mission on
+the understanding that the object of it will be communicated
+beforehand to the Courts of Vienna and Paris, and that both
+these Governments will be made fully acquainted with the
+position England thinks herself bound to take with regard to
+the Italian controversy.<sup>9</sup> After this shall have been done, the
+sending of Sir William Parker with his fleet to the West Coast
+of Italy strikes the Queen as a very proper measure to give
+countenance to the Sovereigns engaged in Liberal Reform,
+and exposed alike to the inroads of their absolutist neighbour,
+and to the outbreaks of popular movements directed by a
+republican party, and perhaps fostered by the Austrian
+Government.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 9: Lord John Russell proposed that Lord Minto should be sent on a special mission to
+the Vatican. <i>See</i> Introductory Note for the Year, <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.115" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 115</a>.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Ardverikie</span>, <i>7th September 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I thank you much for your kind letter
+of the 28th. Mamma writes me <i>such</i> a good report of you
+both, which gives us the greatest pleasure. I hope you like
+young Ernest? This horrid Praslin tragedy <sup>10</sup> is a subject one
+cannot get out of one's head. The Government can in no way
+be accused of these murders, but there is <i>no</i> doubt that the
+<i>standard of morality</i> is <i>very low</i> indeed, in France, and that the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.129" id="pageii.129"></a>[page&nbsp;129]</span>
+higher classes are extremely unprincipled. This must shake
+the security and prosperity of a nation. In my opinion,
+nothing has gone on so well since the <i>unfortunate</i> false move
+of the Spanish marriages, and I think you will admit <i>que cela
+n'a pas port&eacute; bonheur au Roi</i>. I am very anxious to explain
+that I was out of spirits, and, I fear, humour, when I wrote to
+you last, for I <i>love</i> this place dearly, and the quiet, simple and
+wild life we lead here, particularly, in spite of the <i>abominable</i>
+weather we have had; and I <i>am not</i> the enemy of <i>La Chasse</i>,
+as I expressed myself&mdash;on the contrary, I am very keen about
+it, and am only annoyed at being unable to see it all. Really,
+when one thinks of the <i>very dull life</i>, and particularly the life
+of constant <i>self-denial</i>, which my poor, dear Albert leads, he
+deserves <i>every</i> amusement in the world, and even about his
+amusements he is so accommodating that I am deeply touched
+by it. He is very fond of shooting, but it is all with the
+greatest moderation. Do you know that you never wished
+Albert joy of his birthday?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The state of politics in Europe is very critical, and one feels
+<i>very</i> anxious for the future.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With my dearest Albert's love, and mine, to my beloved
+Louise. Believe me, ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 10: The sensational murder in Paris of the Duchesse de Praslin, daughter of the diplomatist,
+Sebastiani, by her husband, who committed suicide. This event, as well as the affair
+of the Spanish marriages, largely contributed to the Orleanist catastrophe of 1848, for it
+was suspected that the Court and the police had not merely connived at, but had actually
+furnished the means for, the Duke's suicide, in order to prevent certain exposures which
+would have resulted from his trial.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PORTUGAL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>9th October 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just received these drafts, which she has read
+attentively, and thinks very proper; she only perceives <i>one</i>
+omission which should be rectified, viz. the one in which Lord
+Palmerston directs Sir H. Seymour and the Admiral to remain
+perfectly neutral in case of a conflict, and that is that our Fleet
+should naturally give protection to the persons of the King and
+Queen and Royal Family in case of danger, for we cannot
+allow them to be <i>murdered</i>, even if we should not be able to
+prevent their losing their Crown (which God forbid).</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen must <i>again</i> observe that the drafts have since
+some weeks past been sent to her <i>after</i> they were gone, so that
+she can make no remark upon them. The Queen wishes to
+have copies of these drafts.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">CRISIS IN THE CITY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>14th October 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+He has seen the Governor (Mr Morris) and Deputy-Governor
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.130" id="pageii.130"></a>[page&nbsp;130]</span>
+(Mr Prescott) of the Bank, Mr Jones Loyd<a id="footnotetagXVI11" name="footnotetagXVI11"></a><a href="#footnoteXVI11"><sup>11</sup></a> and Mr Newman.
+Sir Charles Wood has seen many others connected with the
+City, and they have both made statements to the Cabinet.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The general result is: That an unsound state of trade has
+prevailed for some time.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">More failures may be expected.<a id="footnotetagXVI12" name="footnotetagXVI12"></a><a href="#footnoteXVI12"><sup>12</sup></a></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The funds may fall still lower.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Any interference by Government in the way of issuing more
+notes might postpone but would aggravate the distress.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The railway calls add much to the present difficulty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">No forcible interference with railways would be justifiable,
+but a voluntary postponement of the execution of their Acts
+might be proposed to Parliament.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It will be seen by this short summary that the persons who
+by official position, practical experience, and much reflection
+are most capable of giving an opinion think that little or
+nothing can be done by Parliament or by Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is one of those revulsions in trade which take place
+periodically, increased in extent by the expansion of commerce,
+but controlled in its operation by the sound principles
+of currency which have lately prevailed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Act of 1844 is generally blamed, but without the least
+reason. The accommodation afforded by the Bank has been
+large, liberal, and continuous. The circulation of notes approaches
+nineteen millions.</p>
+<span class="rightnote">MR COBDEN</span>
+<p class="ind">Upon fully considering the difficulty of finding a person of
+ability and experience to place at the head of the Poor Law
+Commission, Lord John Russell has come to the conclusion
+that the best course he can take is to propose to Mr Cobden
+to accept the Presidency with a seat in the Cabinet, and to
+propose to the Duke of Bedford at the same time a seat in the
+Cabinet without office.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Various reasons for making this offer to Mr Cobden will
+occur to your Majesty. His ability, his popularity with the
+working classes, and his knowledge of sound principles of
+political economy are undoubted. Sir Robert Peel's tribute to
+him has raised him both on the Continent and in this country,
+so that his presence in the Cabinet would give satisfaction to
+many.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On the other hand, the landed nobility and gentry would
+be glad to see the Duke of Bedford take part in the deliberations
+of the Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With your Majesty's permission Lord John Russell will
+propose these arrangements to the Cabinet to-morrow.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.131" id="pageii.131"></a>[page&nbsp;131]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">He has sent for Mr Lee<sup>13</sup> to offer him the Bishopric of
+Manchester. It is with great regret he states that Mr Stephen<sup>14</sup>
+is obliged from ill health to retire from the Colonial Office.
+He has asked Lord Grey to be made a Privy Councillor, having
+received an assurance from Lord Stanley that Sir Robert Peel
+would propose it to your Majesty on his retirement. Lord
+John Russell submits the proposal to your Majesty as an honour
+due to Mr Stephen's long, able, and calumniated<sup>15</sup> public
+services.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell has the honour to submit a letter of Lord
+Clarendon's in reference to a Memorandum of His Royal
+Highness Prince Albert.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell thinks that in the present state of affairs,
+the abolition of the Lord-Lieutenancy must not be thought of,
+and that with the exception noticed by Lord Clarendon, the
+suggestions made by the Prince would be the best measures
+for adoption, when that event takes place.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is possible the Prince may not have a copy of the
+Memorandum.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;"><a id="footnoteXVI11" name="footnoteXVI11"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXVI11">Footnote 11:</a> Afterwards Lord Overstone.</p>
+
+<p class="note1"><a id="footnoteXVI12" name="footnoteXVI12"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXVI12">Footnote 12:</a>  There had been many failures in London, Liverpool, and elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 13: James Prince Lee, then Headmaster of King Edward's School, Birmingham,
+Bishop of Manchester, 1847-1869.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 14: James Stephen, Under-Secretary for the Colonies, 1836-1847, afterwards Professor
+of Modern History at Cambridge.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 15: He had made enemies by supporting the abolition of slavery.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>14th October 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter, bringing
+several very important subjects before her. She regrets that
+the state of the Money Market should still be so uncomfortable,
+but is sure that the Government cannot by any interference
+do much to mend matters, though it might easily render them
+still more complicated, and make itself responsible for a crisis,
+which it has in no way either brought on or been able to
+avert.<sup>16</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">As to Mr Cobden's appointment to the Poor Law Board, the
+Queen thinks that he will be well qualified for the place in
+many respects, and that it will be advantageous to the Government
+and the Country that his talents should be secured to the
+service of the State, but the elevation to the Cabinet directly
+from Covent Garden<sup>17</sup> strikes her as a very sudden step, calculated
+to cause much dissatisfaction in many quarters, and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.132" id="pageii.132"></a>[page&nbsp;132]</span>
+setting a dangerous example to agitators in general (for his
+main reputation Mr Cobden gained as a successful agitator).
+The Queen therefore thinks it best that Mr Cobden should
+first enter the service of the Crown, serve as a public functionary
+in Parliament, and be promoted subsequently to
+the Cabinet, which step will then become a very natural
+one.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Duke of Bedford's entrance into the Cabinet the Queen
+would see with great pleasure.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns the Prince's Memorandum to Lord John,
+whilst she has retained Lord Clarendon's letter upon it, which
+the Prince is anxious to keep if Lord John will allow him.
+The Queen must agree with Lord John and Lord Clarendon
+that the present moment is not a favourable one for the experiment
+of abolishing the Lord-Lieutenancy.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Stephen's elevation to the Privy Council will be a very
+proper reward for his long and faithful services. Would he not
+be a proper person for one of the new Civil degrees of the
+Bath?<sup>18</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 16: Matters, however, became worse, and Lord John Russell and Sir Charles Wood wrote
+recommending that the Bank should enlarge their discounts and advances, for which they
+would propose a bill of indemnity. By degrees the panic subsided.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 17: Free Trade meetings had taken place in Covent Garden Theatre.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 18: He was made a K.C.B.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND'S FOREIGN POLICY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>18th October 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen cannot resist drawing Lord John Russell's attention
+to the enclosed paragraph taken from the <i>Revue des Deux
+Mondes</i>, which gives an account of the late events in Spain.
+How little honourable our line of policy appears according to
+this version, which the Queen is afraid is so very plausible that
+it will be received as the truth by the whole French public and
+a great part of the European public at large! It is, no doubt,
+perverted, but still the Queen must admit that our policy, and
+especially Mr Bulwer's conduct at Madrid, lays itself open to
+similar construction. After the gross duplicity and immorality
+which characterised the conduct of France with respect to the
+Spanish marriages, though she had all the profit and we all the
+loss, still we had a very strong position on the side of integrity,
+morality, and honour. The Queen is afraid that the diplomatic
+intrigues and counter intrigues at Madrid have made us
+lose daily more of that advantageous position without <i>any</i>
+compensation on the other side. The Queen entreats Lord
+John Russell not to underrate the importance of keeping our
+foreign policy beyond reproach. Public opinion is recognised
+as a ruling power in our domestic affairs; it is not of less
+importance in the society of Europe with reference to the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.133" id="pageii.133"></a>[page&nbsp;133]</span>
+conduct of an individual state. To possess the <i>confidence</i> of
+Europe is of the utmost importance to this country. That is
+the reason why the Queen is uneasy about our dealings in
+Greece, and anxious that we should not be misunderstood with
+respect to Italy. The Queen is sorry to perceive that the
+French complain of unfair dealing on our part with reference
+to the negotiations in the River Plate.<sup>19</sup> Have they any right
+to do so? Have Lord Howden's private instructions been at
+variance in any way with the public instructions which had
+been agreed upon with the French Government? The Queen
+would consider any advantage gained at the expense of an ally
+as a loss.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 19: Sir John Hobart Caradoc, second Lord Howden, British Minister at Rio Janeiro, was,
+together with Count Walewski, the French Minister there, engaged in a special mission to
+the River Plate and Uruguay; Buenos Ayres was blockaded by the British Fleet.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN OF SPAIN</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>24th October 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has perused with eagerness Mr Bulwer's accounts
+of the late extraordinary events in Spain, but must confess
+that she has in vain looked for an explanation of the real
+motives and causes of the crisis. Has Lord Palmerston received
+any private letters throwing more light upon the
+matter? There seems to prevail the greatest mystery about
+the affair. Is the Queen reconciled with her husband? Has
+she sent for him? Have all the accounts of her hatred for Don
+Francisco and the Queen-Mother been false? All these
+questions are unanswered.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN OF PORTUGAL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Foreign Office</span>, <i>30th October 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and has many apologies to make for not having
+attended your Majesty's Council to-day, and the more so as
+his absence arose from an inadvertence which he is almost
+ashamed to mention. But having got on horseback to ride to
+the station, with his thoughts occupied with some matters
+which he was thinking of, he rode mechanically and in a fit of
+absence to the Nine Elms Station,<sup>20</sup> and did not recollect his
+mistake till he had got there; and although he made the best
+of his way afterwards to the Paddington Station, he could not
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.134" id="pageii.134"></a>[page&nbsp;134]</span>
+get there in time for any train that would have taken him
+early enough to Windsor.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston received this morning your Majesty's
+remarks upon his proposed drafts to Sir Hamilton Seymour,
+and has modified some of the expressions in those drafts; but
+those drafts are only private and confidential answers in his
+own name to private and confidential communications from
+Sir Hamilton Seymour, and they express only his own personal
+opinions, and not those of the Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston is sorry to say that the circumstances
+lately mentioned by Sir Hamilton Seymour, coupled with the
+course pursued at Lisbon almost ever since the successful interference
+of the Allied Powers, have brought Viscount Palmerston
+to the painful convictions expressed in the above-mentioned
+drafts, and he feels desirous, for his own sake, to place
+those convictions at least upon record in this Office. He will
+be most happy to find that he is mistaken, and will most truly
+and heartily rejoice if events should prove that the confidence
+which your Majesty reposes in the sincerity and good faith of
+the Queen of Portugal is well founded; but in a matter of
+this importance Viscount Palmerston feels that it is his bounden
+duty to your Majesty not to conceal his opinions, even though
+they should, as in the present case, unfortunately differ from
+those which your Majesty entertains.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 20: The former terminus of the London and South-Western Railway.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>21st October 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen acknowledges Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday.
+She can have no objections to Lord Palmerston's putting
+on record his opinion that the Queen of Portugal is leaning
+to the Chartist Party, and exposing herself, her Throne and
+country, to great danger by so doing; but she would <i>much</i>
+deprecate the putting on record the grave accusation "that
+the Queen of Portugal is in a secret and perfect understanding
+with the Cabrals,"<sup>21</sup> which is really not warranted by the facts
+of the case, and is likely to mislead both our Government and
+the Minister at Lisbon. Since the Queen wrote yesterday the
+Prince received a letter from the King of Portugal (which he
+sent to Lord Palmerston), and which quite explains the position
+and views of the Court: we must not forget either that Sir
+Hamilton Seymour acknowledges that a change of Ministry at
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.135" id="pageii.135"></a>[page&nbsp;135]</span>
+this moment would provoke a fresh Revolution at Lisbon.
+Although this would come from the Cabralists, the Queen of
+Portugal very naturally may not feel inclined to run that risk
+to avoid a danger the existence of which she does not see or
+comprehend.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 21: The Ministry in which Castro Cabral had been Premier, and his brother, Jos&eacute;, Minister
+of Justice, had resigned in May 1846.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE HAMPDEN CONTROVERSY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>10th November 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and after reflecting on the various reasons in favour of, and
+objections against, different Bishops for promotion to the
+Archbishopric of York, he humbly submits to your Majesty
+the name of Dr Musgrave, Bishop of Hereford, to be appointed
+Archbishop of York. The Bishop of Hereford is a man of
+sound information, good judgment, and business habits. It
+is of such consequence to have an Archbishop of York, who
+will, like the late Archbishop, avoid quarrels and crotchets,
+and live peaceably with all men.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Should your Majesty approve, he would then submit the
+name of Dr Hampden to be the new Bishop, and that of the
+Bishop of Oxford<sup>22</sup> as Queen's Almoner.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 22: Samuel Wilberforce.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Bishop of Oxford to Mr Anson.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>16th November 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Anson</span>,&mdash;I enclose you a letter from Lord John
+Russell, offering me the Lord Almonership. I have ventured
+to write direct to Her Majesty, to express to her my grateful
+feelings at this notice of me. But I have been so afraid of
+offending by anything like freedom of expression that I much
+fear I have instead said coldly and formally what, if I had
+said it naturally, would have expressed the deepest and most
+exuberant feelings of what I trust I may venture to say is not
+an ungrateful heart. Ungrateful it would be most certainly
+if it did not feel to its deepest core the uniform and great kindness
+I have received now for so many years from Her Majesty
+and from the Prince. I wish I could better show them my
+feelings....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">You have read no doubt the <i>Times</i> article on Dr Hampden.
+I am afraid it is too true. I cannot conceive <i>what</i> was Dr
+Hampden's recommendation. He was not a persecuted man,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.136" id="pageii.136"></a>[page&nbsp;136]</span>
+for he had got a station far higher than he ever dreamed of
+already; he is not an able, or an active man, or one popular
+with any party, and unless Lord John Russell wished for an
+opportunity of shocking the young confidence of the Church
+in him, I cannot conceive why he should have made it. I
+deeply lament it. Pray let me hear of your health, if it be
+only a single line (to Cuddesdon), and believe me to be, ever
+your truly affectionate,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">S. Oxon</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON'S DESPATCHES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>17th November 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has been struck by the concluding passage of the
+accompanying draft to Mr Bulwer. It gives an official declaration
+of the views of England with respect to a point of the
+greatest gravity and importance, and upon which the Queen
+apprehends that the mind of the Cabinet is not yet made up.
+The Queen herself has come to no determination upon it, and
+it may involve the question of peace or war. Surely our line
+of policy under future and uncertain contingencies ought not
+to be pledged beforehand and in such an indirect way. The
+Queen wishes Lord Palmerston to speak to Lord John Russell
+upon the subject, and to show him the draft and these remarks
+of the Queen upon it.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Foreign Office</span>, <i>17th November 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and in compliance with your Majesty's wishes he has
+omitted the whole of the latter part of the proposed despatch
+to Mr Bulwer.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright">(<i>Undated.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has seen with surprise in the <i>Gazette</i> the appointment
+of Mr Corigan,<sup>23</sup> about which she must complain to Lord
+John Russell. Not only had her pleasure not been taken upon
+it, but she had actually mentioned to Lord Spencer that she
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.137" id="pageii.137"></a>[page&nbsp;137]</span>
+had her doubts about the true propriety of the appointment.
+Lord John will always have found the Queen desirous to meet
+his views with regard to all appointments and ready to listen
+to any reasons which he might adduce in favour of his recommendations,
+but she must insist upon appointments in her
+Household not being made <i>without</i> her previous sanction, and
+least of all such as that of a <i>Physician to her person</i>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 23: Dominic John Corigan, M.D., Physician-in-Ordinary to Her Majesty in Ireland.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of Prussia to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">SWITZERLAND</span>
+
+<h5>[<i>Translation.</i>]</h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>25th November 1847.</i></p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LETTER FROM THE KING OF PRUSSIA</span>
+
+<p class="ind">... I hear with delight and thankfulness that it has pleased
+your Majesty to agree to a Conference for regulating the dreadful
+Swiss quarrels.<sup>24</sup> I took the liberty to propose my beloved
+and truly amiable town of Neuch&acirc;tel as the place for the
+Conference, not only because its position in neutral territory
+and in Switzerland herself qualifies it above every other place
+for that purpose, but <i>particularly</i> because this meeting of the
+representatives of the great Powers there would protect it and
+the courageous and faithful country of Neuch&acirc;tel from indignities,
+spoliation, and all the <i>horrors</i> which oppress at this
+moment the unfortunate and far from courageous Fribourg.
+I am afraid that your Majesty has not a full appreciation of the
+people and the partisans who fill Switzerland with murders
+and the miseries of the most abominable Civil War. Your
+Majesty's happy realms have centuries ago passed through the
+"phase" of such horrors, and with you the state of parties has
+been (as one says here) grown in bottles,<sup>25</sup> under the glorious
+Constitution given by God and History, but <i>not</i> "made";
+but there, in Switzerland, a party is becoming victorious!!!
+which, notwithstanding the exercise of Christian charity, can
+only be called "<i>Gottlos und Rechtlos</i>" (without God and
+without right). For Germany, the saving of Switzerland from
+the hands of the Radicals is <i>simply</i> a <i>vital question</i>. If they
+are victorious there, in Germany likewise torrents of blood will
+flow; I will answer for that. The murder of Kings, Priests,
+and Aristocrats is no empty sound with them, and Civil War
+in song, writing, word, and deed, is their watchword. "Toute
+charit&eacute; bien entendue commence par soi-m&ecirc;me." So they
+begin with their own country, true to this "Christian" (!)
+motto. If they are allowed to proceed, surely they <i>won't</i>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.138" id="pageii.138"></a>[page&nbsp;138]</span>
+<i>stop there</i>. Thousands of emigrated malefactors wait only for
+a sign (which their comrades and allies in Germany will not be
+backward in giving) to pour forth beyond the German frontier.
+In Germany the <span class="sc">PEOPLE</span> are just as little fond of them as they
+were in Switzerland, but the experience of Switzerland teaches
+us that that alone cannot stem their victorious march, if
+circumstances are favourable to them. The German people
+rely upon their Governments, and do nothing, but Governments
+are weakened by the modern Liberalism (the precursor
+of Radicalism, as the dying of chickens precedes the Cholera)
+and will have to take the consequences of their own negligence.
+Notwithstanding people and princes, that godless band will
+march through Germany, because, though small, it is strong
+through being united and determined. All this I have pondered
+in my head and heart (led, so to say, by the hand of
+History), and that has prompted me now to propose that the
+German Confederation (which <i>en parenth&egrave;se</i> includes a population
+of more than forty millions) should appear as one of the
+great Powers of Europe at the settlement of the Swiss dispute,
+and should be admitted as such by the other great Powers.
+<i>Would your Majesty do justice, and give</i> <span class="sc">PROTECTION</span> <i>to this
+idea</i>?...</p>
+
+<p class="author">F. W.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 24: <i>See</i> Introductory Note for the year, <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.115" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 115</a>.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 25: As old wine improves by being kept in bottles.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of Prussia.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S REPLY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>5th December 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Since your letter was written events have followed each
+other so rapidly that at this moment the war in Switzerland
+may be considered as terminated; by the capitulations of the
+Cantons formerly constituting the Sonderbund, <i>two</i> parties,
+between which a mediation of the great Powers could have
+taken place, have ceased to exist, and consequently mediation
+and the Conference resulting from it are in fact no longer
+necessary or possible. I had proposed London as the place of
+conference, but should with pleasure have waived this proposition
+to adopt the place which you have expressed a wish
+of seeing fixed for that purpose, viz. Neuch&acirc;tel, and I should
+have felt truly happy if by so doing I could have met your
+wishes, and given further protection to the principality against
+possible aggressions on the part of the Federal Government of
+Switzerland. As matters now stand, the only complication
+which might arise is that between Neuch&acirc;tel and the Diet.
+I have, in anticipation of any such event, instructed Sir Stratford
+Canning to exert himself to his utmost to dissuade the
+Diet from any plan of aggression on your territory, and he has
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.139" id="pageii.139"></a>[page&nbsp;139]</span>
+been furnished with an able and elaborate state paper for his
+guidance, which Chevalier Bunsen had drawn up, discussing
+the legal merits of the case. Should events prove that Sir S.
+Canning did not arrive in time, or had not the power of averting
+a hostile step against Neuch&acirc;tel, you may rely upon my
+readiness at all times to put my good offices at your disposal.
+Should a conference upon Swiss affairs still become necessary,
+I conceive that the only plea upon which the great Powers
+could meet in conference would be their having guaranteed
+the independence and neutrality of Switzerland, and by
+implication the Federal Compact amongst the Cantons. This
+has not been the case with regard to the German Confederation,
+and I do not readily see in consequence how the Confederation
+could be admitted into this Conference, however much I confess
+I would like to see Germany take her place amongst the
+Powers of Europe, to which her strength and population fairly
+entitle her. I may say that my Government are equally impressed
+with me with the importance of German unity and
+strength and of this strength weighing in the balance of power
+of Europe; I am sure that the English public generally share
+this feeling, but I must not conceal from your Majesty that
+much would depend upon the manner in which this power was
+represented. Much as the English would like to see this power
+represented by the enlightened councils of your Majesty, they
+would be animated with very different feelings in seeing it in
+the hands of Prince Metternich....</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>19th December 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has to acknowledge the receipt of several letters
+from Lord John Russell. She was pleased to see that the
+Debates have been brought to such a satisfactory conclusion,
+all the propositions of the Government having passed with
+such good majorities. The Queen must mention to Lord John
+that she was a little shocked at Sir Charles Wood in his speech
+upon the Commission of Inquiry, designating the <i>future
+Government</i>, and selecting Lord George Bentinck, Mr Disraeli(!),
+and Mr Herries as the persons destined to hold <i>high offices</i> in
+the next Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Bishops behave extremely ill about Dr Hampden, and
+the Bishop of Exeter<sup>26</sup> is gone so far, in the Queen's opinion,
+that he might be prosecuted for it, in calling the Act settling
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.140" id="pageii.140"></a>[page&nbsp;140]</span>
+the supremacy on the Crown a <i>foul act</i> and <i>the Magna Charta
+of Tyranny</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is glad to hear that Lord John is quite recovered.
+We are going to Windsor the day after to-morrow.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 26: Henry Phillpotts, Bishop of Exeter, 1830-1869.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD MELBOURNE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Brocket Hall</span>, <i>30th December 1847.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+He has received with great pleasure your Majesty's letter of
+this morning, and reciprocates with the most cordial heartiness
+your Majesty's good wishes of the season, both for your Majesty
+and His Royal Highness. Lord Melbourne is pretty well in
+health, perhaps rather better than he has been, but low and
+depressed in spirits for a cause which has long pressed upon
+his mind, but which he has never before communicated to your
+Majesty. Lord Melbourne has for a long time found himself
+much straitened in his pecuniary circumstances, and these
+embarrassments are growing now every day more and more
+urgent, so that he dreads before long that he shall be obliged
+to add another to the list of failures and bankruptcies of which
+there have lately been so many. This is the true reason why Lord
+Melbourne has always avoided the honour of the Garter, when
+pressed upon him by his late Majesty and also by your Majesty.
+Lord Melbourne knows that the expense of accepting the blue
+ribbon amounts to &pound;1000, and there has been of late years no
+period at which it would not have been seriously inconvenient
+to Lord Melbourne to lay down such a sum.<sup>27</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 27: The Queen, through the agency of Mr Anson, advanced Lord Melbourne a considerable
+sum of money, which seems to have been repaid at his death. Apparently Lord Melbourne's
+declining health caused him to magnify his difficulties. The report which Mr
+Anson made shows that he was in no sense seriously embarrassed.
+</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.141" id="pageii.141"></a>[page&nbsp;141]</span>
+
+
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: 5em;">INTRODUCTORY NOTE</h3>
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: -0.5em;">TO CHAPTER XVII</h3>
+
+
+<p>At the outset of the year 1848 great alarm was felt throughout
+England at the supposed inadequacy of her defences, a panic being
+caused by the indiscreet publication of a confidential letter from the
+Duke of Wellington to Sir John Burgoyne, to the effect that in his
+judgment the whole South Coast was open to invasion, and that
+there were no means of opposing a hostile force. The Government
+turned its attention to reconstructing the Militia, and raising the
+Income Tax for the purpose. But the outlook was completely
+changed by the French Revolution; Louis Philippe, who had just
+lost his sister and counsellor, Madame Ad&eacute;la&iuml;de, impulsively abdicated,
+on a rising taking place, and escaped with his family to this
+country. England and Belgium were unaffected by the outburst of
+revolution which convulsed Europe: the Emperor of Austria was
+forced to abdicate, and Metternich, like Guizot, became a fugitive;
+Prussia was shaken to her foundation, and throughout Germany the
+movement in favour of representative institutions made rapid headway;
+a National Assembly for Germany was constituted, and
+Schleswig was claimed as an integral part of the German dominions.
+In Italy also the Revolution, though premature, was serious. The
+Pope, not yet reactionary, declared war against Austria; the
+Milanese rose against Radetzky, the Austrian Governor, and King
+Charles Albert of Sardinia marched to their assistance. A republic
+was proclaimed in Venice, but these successes were afterwards
+nullified, and a Sicilian rising against Ferdinand II. of Naples was
+suppressed. In France the revolutionary movement held steadily on
+its course, a National Assembly was elected, and national workshops
+established; Louis Bonaparte, who had been a fugitive in England,
+was allowed to return, and was elected President of the Republic by
+an immense majority of the popular vote.</p>
+
+<p>The friends of Revolution had no success in England; a very
+serious riot at Glasgow was dispersed, and the meeting convened by
+Feargus O'Connor for the 10th of April on Kennington Common,
+which was to carry a huge petition in favour of the People's Charter
+to the House of Commons, proved a ridiculous <i>fiasco</i>. Ireland was
+much disturbed during the year by what was known as the Young
+Ireland agitation, a movement organised by youthful, and for the
+most part cultivated, leaders, and utterly different from the sturdy
+Repeal movement of O'Connell. Smith O'Brien, brother of Lord
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.142" id="pageii.142"></a>[page&nbsp;142]</span>
+Inchiquin, was the ringleader, and was backed by Mitchel, Duffy,
+Meagher, and others, as well as by the <i>Nation</i> and <i>United Irishman</i>
+newspapers. Like Chartism, the movement ignominiously collapsed
+and its leaders were convicted of treason. An Act was at the same
+time passed reducing some offences (till then legally defined as
+treason) to felonies, and improving the law as to offences against the
+person of the Sovereign.</p>
+
+<p>The treacherous murder of two Englishmen in the Punjab led to
+operations against the Sikhs, Lord Dalhousie&mdash;who had recently
+become Viceroy&mdash;after some hesitation, reinforcing Lord Gough,
+the Commander-in-Chief, and proceeding in person to the frontier;
+a British force sustained a reverse at Ramnuggur on 22nd November,
+and a decisive result was not arrived at till 1849.</p>
+
+<p>In South Africa, a proclamation by Sir Harry Smith, the Governor
+of the Cape of Good Hope, extending British sovereignty over the
+country between the Orange and Vaal rivers, led to a collision with
+the Boers, and ultimately to the founding of the Transvaal State.
+Sir Harry Smith defeated the Boers on the 29th of August at Boom
+Platz.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.143" id="pageii.143"></a>[page&nbsp;143]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h2 style="margin-top: 5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+
+<h5>1848</h5>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>1st January 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;This is a most melancholy beginning
+of the year. Our poor Aunt Ad&eacute;la&iuml;de,<sup>1</sup> so kind to us, has
+departed this life yesterday morning. Poor Louise feels it
+dreadfully, as nothing could be more affectionate and more
+motherly than she was for Louise. She was always very kind
+and friendly to me, and I must confess I feel the blow much.
+I am very much alarmed about the poor King; he must feel
+the loss of a sister and friend so entirely devoted to him
+deeply; it is the thing most likely to hurt and shake his health.
+You will forgive if I cut short here, as I am much disturbed by
+this melancholy event. I think you would act kindly in
+writing to the King. We are too nearly connected not to do
+it, and it will soothe him, who has been enough persecuted
+since last year. I trust you begin better than we do this most
+melancholy January. My best love to Albert, and believe me
+ever, my dearest Victoria, your truly and devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 1: Sister of King Louis Philippe.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i><sup>2</sup></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEATH OF MADAME AD&Eacute;LA&Iuml;DE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>3rd January 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sends Lord John Russell a letter from her Uncle,
+the King of the Belgians, which will show how dreadful a blow
+Mme. Ad&eacute;la&iuml;de's death will be to the King of the French and
+Royal Family. The Queen's first thought was to write to the
+King, which she would not have done without first mentioning
+it to Lord John; but upon reflection she thought it quickest
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.144" id="pageii.144"></a>[page&nbsp;144]</span>
+and best to write <i>at once</i> to her cousin Cl&eacute;mentine (Princess
+Augustus of Saxe-Coburg), to convey in her name to the King
+her sincere sympathy at this melancholy event. The King of
+the Belgians' letter has, however, brought back to the Queen
+her first thought of writing to the King, and she wishes to know
+what Lord John thinks of it. The Queen thinks it as undignified
+as unfeeling to carry on political coolness at moments
+like these, when her own feelings of sympathy are so strong
+and so sincere. The Queen would certainly under other
+circumstances have instantly written to the King. On the
+other hand, her first letter to her cousin (the King's daughter)
+may be sufficient, as it conveys a direct message; and there
+may be people who will construe this into a political act, but
+the Queen thinks that this risk should rather be run than that
+she should appear unfeeling and forgetful of former kindness
+and intimacy.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen would be glad to have Lord John's opinion on
+this subject as soon as possible.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 2: This letter is headed "Reproduction&mdash;Substance of a letter to Lord John Russell,
+written from recollection."</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>3rd January 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearly beloved Victoria</span>,&mdash;I thank you <i>most sincerely</i>
+for your kind last letter, and all your good wishes for the New
+Year. Alas! the year <i>ended</i> and <i>began</i> in a <i>most painful</i> and
+<i>heartrending way for us</i>. The loss of my good, excellent, beloved
+Aunt is an <i>immense misfortune</i> for <i>us all</i>, and the most
+<i>dreadful blow</i> for my poor Father. We are all broken-hearted
+by this, at last <i>unexpected</i> event. Some years we were uneasy
+about my poor Aunt's health, and of late I had been particularly
+alarmed by what I heard of her increasing weakness; but
+I was very far from believing that her end was <i>so near</i>. I was
+only anxious for the winter. At least her end was peaceful.
+She went to sleep and did not wake more. She died without
+a struggle; the horror of death, and the still greater pang of
+the last farewell, of the last leave-taking of her beloved brother,
+was spared her. I thank God for <i>this</i> proof of His mercy, and
+hope He will keep up my Father under <i>such a heavy affliction</i>.
+To him the loss is <i>irretrievable</i>. My Aunt lived <i>but</i> for him;
+one may almost say that her affection alone had kept her alive
+these last years, and a devotion like hers&mdash;that devotion of
+all instants&mdash;so complete, so full of self-denial&mdash;cannot, will
+never, be replaced. A heart <i>like hers</i>, so true, so noble, so
+warm, so loving, so devoted, is <i>rarely</i> seen. To us also, independently
+of my Father, the loss is a <i>dreadful</i> one. My Aunt
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.145" id="pageii.145"></a>[page&nbsp;145]</span>
+was a second mother for us; we loved her and looked up to
+her in this way, and certainly few mothers do for their children
+what she did for us, or loved them better. We are overwhelmed
+with grief by the sudden disappearance of a being <i>so dear</i> and <i>so
+necessary</i> to us all, and we go to-morrow to Paris, to mourn
+with the remainder of the family, and offer my poor Father
+the only consolation he can feel at this cruel moment, that of
+being surrounded by all those he loves. I have still so much
+to do previous to our melancholy journey that I cannot say
+more to-day. I am sure you will excuse me. I shall, God willing,
+write in a more proper way the next time. In the meanwhile
+I thank God that you are <i>unberufen</i> all well, and, in sorrow
+or in joy, I am equally, my beloved Victoria, from the bottom
+of my heart, yours most devotedly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louise</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LETTER TO KING LOUIS PHILIPPE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Woburn Abbey</span>, <i>4th January 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has no hesitation in saying that he thinks your Majesty
+will do well to follow your own kind impulse to write a letter
+to the King of the French. There will be some persons, and
+M. Guizot perhaps among the number, who will construe this
+into a political act; but it is better to be subject to such misconstructions
+than to leave undone any act of sympathy to
+the King of the French in his sore affliction.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Should the King attempt to found upon your Majesty's
+letter any political intercourse, Lord John Russell has no
+doubt that your Majesty will explain to him that your present
+proceeding is entirely founded upon private regard, and past
+recollections of intimacy, and is not intended as an opening
+for political correspondence.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the French.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Ch. de Windsor</span>, <i>5 Janvier 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sire et mon bon Fr&egrave;re</span>,&mdash;Je ne voulais pas suivre l'impulse
+de mon c&oelig;ur, dans les premiers instants de la vive douleur
+de votre Majest&eacute;, en vous &eacute;crivant&mdash;mais maintenant o&ugrave; la
+violence de cette rude secousse peut-&ecirc;tre sera un peu adoucie,
+je viens moi-m&ecirc;me exprimer &agrave; votre Majest&eacute; la part sinc&egrave;re que
+nous prenons, le Prince et moi, &agrave; la cruelle perte que vous venez
+d'&eacute;prouver, et qui doit vous laisser un vide irr&eacute;parable.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.146" id="pageii.146"></a>[page&nbsp;146]</span>
+Ayez la bont&eacute;, Sire, d'offrir nos expressions de condol&eacute;ance
+&agrave; la Reine, et faisant des v&oelig;ux pour le bonheur de V.M., je me
+dis, Sire et mon bon Fr&egrave;re, de V.M., la bonne S&oelig;ur,</p>
+
+<p class="author">V. R.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">A S.M. le Roi des Fran&ccedil;ais.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the French to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Paris</span>, <i>8 Janvier 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame ma bonne S&oelig;ur</span>,&mdash;Dans la profonde douleur o&ugrave;
+m'a plong&eacute; le coup cruel qui vient de me frapper, une des plus
+douces consolations que je pusse recevoir, est la lettre que votre
+Majest&eacute; a eu la bont&eacute; de m'adresser, tant en son nom qu'en
+celui du Prince son Epoux. L'expression de la part que vous
+prenez tous deux &agrave; mon malheur, et de l'int&eacute;r&ecirc;t que vous
+continuez &agrave; me porter, m'a vivement &eacute;mu, et quelque douloureuse
+qu'en soit l'occasion, qu'il me soit permis, Madame, de
+vous en remercier, et de dire &agrave; votre Majest&eacute; que mon c&oelig;ur
+et mes sentimens pour elle, sont et seront toujours les m&ecirc;mes
+que ceux que j'&eacute;tais si heureux de Lui manifester &agrave; Windsor
+et au Ch&acirc;teau d'Eu.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je prie votre Majest&eacute; de vouloir bien &ecirc;tre, aupr&egrave;s du Prince
+son Epoux, l'interpr&egrave;te de toute ma sensibilit&eacute;. La Reine est
+bien touch&eacute;e de ce que votre Majest&eacute; m'a charg&eacute; de Lui t&eacute;moigner,
+et je la prie de croire que je suis toujours, Madame,
+ma bonne S&oelig;ur, de votre Majest&eacute;, le bon Fr&egrave;re,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louis Philippe R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND AND THE PORTE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Claremont</span>, <i>11th January</i> <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads '1843'"><i>1848</i>.</ins></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has this morning seen a draft addressed to Lord
+Cowley, in which he is desired to advise the Sultan to give
+Abd-el-Kader a command in his Army&mdash;a step which the
+Queen cannot approve, not because it is not good advice to the
+Porte, but because it is uncalled for on our part, and might be
+considered by France as a hostile step towards her. What
+would we say if the French were to advise M. Ali to give Akbar
+Khan the command of his army?&nbsp;<sup>3</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 3: See <i>ante</i>, <a href="../../20023/20023-h/20023-h.htm#pagei.254" style="font-weight: normal;">vol. i. p. 254</a>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">CLAREMONT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Claremont</span>, <i>11th January 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I always write with pleasure to you
+from this <i>so</i> very dear old place, where we are safely and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.147" id="pageii.147"></a>[page&nbsp;147]</span>
+happily housed with our <i>whole</i> little family since yesterday.
+The weather is very cold, and it is the third night of a black
+frost which is likely to continue for some days. Many thanks
+for your kind letter of the 7th, which, according to the new
+arrangement, I received already on the 8th. Your visit will, I
+fear, have been a very melancholy one. Poor Mme. Ad&eacute;la&iuml;de's
+death was so extremely sudden, it must be a dreadful blow to
+the poor King. I <i>have</i> written to him. Louise will have told
+you that poor Aunt Sophia<sup>4</sup> is decidedly sinking.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I wish, dearest Uncle, if even Louise feels unequal to coming
+to us now (which would be a <i>sad disappointment</i>), <i>you</i> would
+come to see us. Why not come while she is at Paris? It
+would be such a pleasure to us. You will of course have no
+balls, and you might come even sooner than you originally
+intended. Pray do see if you could manage this. I am sure
+you could. If Louise could come, of course that would be
+still better.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert desires me to ask you the following favour, viz. if
+you would give us the picture that is here of Grand Uncle
+Frederic (the Field-Marshal), that we might hang it up in
+London, where we have made a fine collection of his contemporaries,
+and we would replace it by a faithful copy, which
+could be hung up in the frame here. Will you grant this?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We are very desirous of getting the Woods and Forests
+to build a small <i>glass dome</i> to the greenhouse here where the
+palm-trees are, and (if you approved) there could be no
+difficulty in getting this done; the palm-trees are beautiful,
+and will be quite stunted and spoilt if not allowed to grow.
+We shall stay here till Monday next. With Albert's love, ever
+your truly devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 4: Fifth daughter of George III., born 1777. She died in May 1848.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>12th January 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;A messenger of my own going to
+England, I take advantage of it to write you a few words.
+Your kind letter to the poor King was an act for which I thank
+you from the bottom of my soul, because it made him so
+happy. I was still in his rooms&mdash;where the family has been
+breakfasting and dining till now&mdash;when your letter arrived;
+he was so delighted with it that he <i>kissed it most tenderly</i>. I
+left him tolerably well on Monday, but with rather a severe
+cold. He had certainly at the end of December the Grippe,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.148" id="pageii.148"></a>[page&nbsp;148]</span>
+which perhaps was the immediate cause of poor Aunt's death,
+as from over-anxiety for her beloved brother, she got up in the
+night to find out how he was. His cold had been better when
+he went to Dreux, then he met the procession, and walked with
+it bareheaded to the church; this seems to have given him
+a new cold. His nerves are also a good deal shaken, and this
+renders him very irritable. He is much occupied about some
+of the arrangements connected with poor Aunt's fortune; she
+left her landed property to Nemours, Joinville, and Montpensier,
+charged with the various sums she left to nearly all
+the branches of her family. The King is to have, however, the
+enjoyment of the whole of this fortune for his life. His great
+wish would be to employ the revenues, from the whole of the
+succession legacies as well as landed property, to free the
+landed property of the mortgage of the various legacies. This
+will require a good many years, and I told him that it would
+force him to live till it would be arranged, which will easily
+require ten years. In France a good feeling has been shown on
+this occasion. I heard from trustworthy quarters that even
+people who were known to be personally not very kind to the
+King, expressed themselves most anxious for his preservation.
+Whenever that sad event will take place, the reaction in
+Europe will be great, as all the bad passions which are kept
+down by him will then of course try to get the over hand. The
+Queen is much affected by all this, and thinks much of her own
+end. The children, including good H&eacute;l&egrave;ne, have all behaved
+with the utmost affection to their parents, and nothing can
+equal particularly good Nemours' devotion and attention.
+My beloved Child, your truly devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">REVOLUTION IN FRANCE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>12th February 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;... From Paris the news are alarming;<sup>5</sup>
+the struggle of the Liberal Party leaning towards
+radicalism, or in fact merely their own promotion; principles
+are <i>out</i> of the question. This state of affairs reacts in a very
+lamentable way upon the well-being of the great European
+community. Great complaints are made that the working
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.149" id="pageii.149"></a>[page&nbsp;149]</span>
+classes are deprived of work and at the same time political
+agitation is kept up, which must have the effect of stopping
+transactions of every description. The human race is a <i>sad</i>
+creation, and I trust the other planets are better organised and
+that we may get there hereafter.... Your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 5: The Republican movement had been making rapid headway in Paris, and the leader
+of the Opposition, M. Odilon Barrot, proposed Guizot's impeachment on the 22nd of
+February. Louis Philippe, when it was unfortunately too late, consented to a change of
+Ministry, but the formation of a new Government proved impossible. The Revolution
+could have been quelled, had it not been for the King's reluctance to shed blood in defence
+of the Throne to which he had been elected; even to the agitators themselves the completeness
+of the Revolution was a surprise.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>23rd February 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and will have the honour of waiting upon your Majesty at three
+o'clock to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Normanby's letters from Paris give a little information.<sup>6</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">There has been some fighting in the streets, and some apprehension
+for the night. But it does not appear probable that
+any serious danger will be incurred, with the troops in such
+force in Paris.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Hereafter there may be a serious struggle between the
+Government of the King, and the Republicans. But in that
+case such men as M. Odilon Barrot will shrink from the contest.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 6: A letter from Lord Normanby on the 13th of March to Lord Palmerston (published
+in Ashley's <i>Life of Palmerston</i>, vol. i. chap. iii.) gives an account of the situation on the
+eve of the 22nd of February. On the 25th of February he wrote:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">"The National Guards, mixed with the people, were in full march upon the Tuileries,
+and the latter threatening the life of the King, when Emile Girardin, the editor of the
+<i>Presse</i> newspaper, who was in advance as an officer of the National Guard, hastily drew
+up an Act of Abdication, and placed it before the King as the only means of safety. The
+King at first refused, saying that he would rather die; but the Duc de Montpensier urged
+him, not only for his own sake, but to save his country from confusion. The King at last
+signed it, and threw it impatiently at the Duc de Montpensier, who, I believe, has been in
+favour of conciliatory counsel throughout. The Royal Family then retired through the
+garden, the King saying to every one as he passed, 'J'abdique, j'abdique.'"</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>26th February 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;I am very unwell in consequence
+of the <i>awful</i> events at Paris. How will this end? Poor Louise
+is in a state of despair which is pitiful to behold. What will
+soon become of us God alone knows; great efforts will be made
+to revolutionise this country; as there are poor and wicked
+people in all countries it may succeed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Against France we, of course, have a right to claim protection
+from England and the other Powers. I can write no more.
+God bless you. Ever your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.150" id="pageii.150"></a>[page&nbsp;150]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FLIGHT OF FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Brussels</span>, <i>27th February 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearly beloved Victoria</span>,&mdash;I understand by an account
+arrived this morning, and which seems to be correct, that
+my unfortunate parents arrived in England before yesterday
+evening: but I don't know <i>where</i> they are. (I don't know
+anything of them since the 23rd, evening!!!) But you will
+surely know, and kindly forward the letter to my poor mother.
+I have just received your kind letter of the 25th, but I am
+unable to say more to-day. You will easily conceive my agony
+and anguish. What an <i>unbelievable</i> clap of thunder! I know
+still nothing of what Nemours and Montpensier are become. I
+rely on your interest and sympathy, and remain as ever, yours
+most devotedly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louise</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I hear this moment with an <i>extreme relief</i> that my parents
+were to arrive yesterday at London, and thank God from the
+bottom of my heart for their safety! In my agony I did not
+wish for anything else.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of Prussia to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<h5>[<i>Translation.</i>]</h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE KING OF PRUSSIA</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>27th February 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Most gracious Queen and Sister</span>,&mdash;Even at this midnight
+hour of the day, on the evening of which the awful news from
+Paris has arrived, I venture to address these lines to your
+Majesty. God has permitted events which decisively threaten
+the peace of Europe.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is an attempt to "spread the principles of the Revolution
+by <i>every</i> means throughout the whole of Europe." This
+programme binds together both these individuals and their
+parties. The consequences for the peace of the world are <i>clear</i>
+and <i>certain</i>. If the revolutionary party carries out its programme,
+"The sovereignty of the people," my minor crown
+will be broken, no less certainly than the mighty crowns of
+your Majesty, and a fearful scourge will be laid upon the nations;
+a century [will follow] of rebellion, of lawlessness, and
+of godlessness. The late King did not dare to write "by the
+Grace of God." <i>We</i>, however, call ourselves King "by the
+Grace of God," because it is true. Well, then, most gracious
+Queen, let us now show to men, to the peoples threatened with
+disruption and nameless misery, both <i>that</i> we understand our
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.151" id="pageii.151"></a>[page&nbsp;151]</span>
+sacred office and <i>how</i> we understand it. God has placed in
+your Majesty's hands, in the hands of the two Emperors, in
+those of the German Federation, and in mine, a power, which,
+if it now acts in union and harmony, with reliance on Heaven,
+is able humanly speaking, to enforce, with certainty, the
+maintenance of the peace of the world. This power is <i>not that
+of arms</i>, for these, more than ever, must only afford the <i>ultima
+ratio</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The power I mean is "the power of united speech." In the year
+1830 the use of this immeasurable power was criminally
+neglected. But now I think the danger is much more pressing
+than it was then. This power is divided among <i>us</i> in equal
+portions. I possess the smallest portion of it, and your Majesty
+has by far the greatest share. That share is so great that your
+Majesty, by your powerful word, might alone carry out the
+task. But the certainty of victory lies, subject to the Divine
+blessing, solely in our utterance being united. This must be
+our message to France; "that all of us are cordial well-wishers
+to France; we do not grudge her all possible welfare and glory;
+we mean never to encroach on it, and we will stand by the
+new Government as by the old, <i>foi de gentils-hommes</i>. But
+the first breach of the peace, be it with reference to Italy,
+Belgium, or Germany would be, undoubtedly and at the
+same time, a breach with 'all of us,' and we should, with
+all the power that God has given us, let France feel by <i>sea</i>
+and by <i>land</i>, as in the years '13, '14, and '15, what our union
+may mean."</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>Now</i> I bless Providence for having placed Lord Palmerston
+at the head of your Foreign Office, and keeping him there at this
+very moment. During the last quarter of the past year I could
+not always cordially agree with him. His genuine British
+disposition will honour this open confession. All the more
+frankly may I now express the hopes which rise in me, from the
+very fact of <i>his</i> holding that office at the present moment; for
+a more active, more vivid, more energetic Minister of foreign
+affairs, a man that would more indefatigably pursue great aims,
+your Majesty could probably never have. If at this grave hour
+he sets himself to proclaim that our forces are united; if he
+himself utters his message as befits St George, he will earn the
+blessing of millions, and the blessing of God and of the world
+will rest on your Majesty's sacred head. That I am your
+Majesty's and <i>Old England's</i> most faithful and most devoted
+brother and companion, you are aware, and I mean to prove
+it. On both, knees I adjure you, use, for the welfare of Europe,
+"<i>Engellands England</i>."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With these words I fall at your Majesty's feet, most gracious
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.152" id="pageii.152"></a>[page&nbsp;152]</span>
+Queen, and remain your Majesty's most faithfully devoted, most
+attached Servant and good Brother,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Frederic William</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>P. S.</i>&mdash;The Prince I embrace. He surely feels with me, and
+justly appraises my endeavours.</p>
+<span class="rightnote">ANARCHY IN PARIS</span>
+<p class="indright"><i>Post scriptum, 28th, in the evening.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I venture to open my letter again, for this day has brought
+us news from France, which one can only call <i>horrible</i>. According
+to what we hear, there is no longer left a King in
+France. A regency, a government, and the most complete
+anarchy has ensued, under the name of the Republic&mdash;a condition
+of things in which, at first, there will be no possibility of
+communicating with the people, infuriated with crime. In case
+a Government should evolve itself out of this chaos, I conscientiously
+hold that the "united word" of the great Powers, such
+as I have indicated in the preceding pages, should be made
+known, <i>without any modification, to the new holders of power</i>.
+Your Majesty's gracious friendship will certainly not take amiss
+this addition to my letter, though it be not conformable to strict
+etiquette.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The fate of the poor old King, of the Duchess of Orleans, of
+the whole honourable and amiable family, cuts me to the heart,
+for up to this time we do not know what has become of any of
+them. We owe Louis Philippe eighteen happy years of peace.
+No noble heart must forget that. And yet&mdash;who would not
+recognise the avenging hand of the King of kings in all this?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I kiss your Majesty's hands.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LETTER FROM QUEEN LOUISE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Brussels</span>, <i>28th February 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearly beloved Victoria</span>,&mdash;<i>What a misfortune! What</i>
+an <i>awful, overwhelming, unexpected</i> and <i>inexplicable catastrophe</i>.
+<i>Is it possible</i> that we should witness <i>such events</i>, and that
+<i>this</i>
+should be the end of nearly eighteen years of courageous and
+successful efforts to maintain order, peace, and make France
+happy, what <i>she was</i>? I have heard, I read hourly, <i>what has
+happened: I cannot believe it yet</i>; but if <i>my beloved parents</i> and
+the remainder of the family are at least <i>safe</i> I won't mind the
+rest. In the hours of agony we have gone through I asked God
+<i>only</i> to spare <i>the lives</i>, and I ask still <i>nothing else</i>: but
+we don't
+know them yet <i>all</i> saved, and till I have heard of my unfortunate
+parents, of my unhappy brothers far away, of all those for
+whom I would lay my life at any moment and whose danger I
+could not even share or alleviate, I cannot exist.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.153" id="pageii.153"></a>[page&nbsp;153]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">I was <i>sure</i>, my beloved Victoria, of all <i>you</i> would <i>feel for
+us</i>
+when you would hear of these awful events. I received yesterday
+your two kind, warm, sympathising letters of the 25th and
+26th, and thank you with <i>all my heart</i> for them, and for yours
+and Albert's share and sympathy.</p>
+<span class="rightnote">ANXIETY OF QUEEN LOUISE</span>
+<p class="ind"><i>Our anguish</i> has been <i>undescribable</i>. We have been <i>thirty-six
+hours without any news</i>, not knowing even if my parents and the
+family were still alive or not, and what had been their fate.
+Death is not worse than what we endured during these horrible
+hours. We don't know yet what to think, what to believe, I
+would almost say, what to wish; we are <i>stunned</i> and <i>crushed</i>
+by the awful blow. What has happened is <i>unaccountable,
+incomprehensible</i>; it appears to us like a <i>fearful</i> dream. Alas!
+I fear my dear beloved father was led away by his <i>extreme
+courage</i>; by that same courage which had made his success and
+a part of his strength; for it is strange to say that even those
+that deplored most his resolution never to yield on certain
+things gave him credit for it. The exaggeration of the system
+of peace and resistance, or rather <i>immobility</i>, lost him, as that
+of war lost Napoleon. Had he shunned less war <i>on all occasions</i>,
+and granted in time some trifling reforms, he would have
+satisfied public opinion, and would probably be still where he
+was <i>only eight days ago</i>, strong, beloved, and respected!
+Guizot's accession has been <i>as fatal</i> as his fall, and is perhaps the
+<i>first cause</i> of our ruin, though my father cannot be blamed
+for having kept him in office, as he had the majority in the
+Chamber, and an overwhelming one. <i>Constitutionally</i>, he
+could not have been turned out, and it was <i>impossible to foresee</i>
+that when all was quiet, the country prosperous and happy, the
+laws and liberty respected, the Government strong, a <i>Revolution</i>&mdash;and
+<i>such a Revolution</i>&mdash;would be brought on by a few imprudent
+words, and the resistance (lamentable as it was) to a
+manifestation which, in fact, the Government had a right to
+prevent. <i>It was the Almighty's will: we must submit.</i> He had
+decreed our loss the day He removed my beloved brother<sup>7</sup> from
+this world. Had he lived still, all this would have turned
+otherwise. It has been also an immense misfortune that
+Joinville and Aumale were both away. They were both
+popular (which poor dear <i>never-to-be-sufficiently-respected</i>
+Nemours was <i>not</i>), energetic, courageous, and capable of turning
+chance in our favour. Oh! <i>how I long</i> to know what is
+become of them! I cannot live till then, and the thought of
+my unfortunate parents <i>annihilates</i> me! Poor dear Joinville
+had foreseen and foretold almost all that has happened, and it
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.154" id="pageii.154"></a>[page&nbsp;154]</span>
+was the idea of the crisis he apprehended which made him so
+unhappy to go. He repeated it to me several times six weeks
+ago. Alas! <i>nobody</i> would believe him, and who <i>could believe</i>
+that in <i>a day</i>, almost without struggle, <i>all would be over</i>, and the
+past, the present, the future carried away on an unaccountable
+storm! <i>God's will be done!</i> He was at least <i>merciful</i> to my
+dear Aunt, and I hope He will preserve all those dear to me!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Here everything is quiet: the horror general, and the best
+feeling and spirit prevailing. There is still now nothing to
+fear: but if <i>a republic really established</i> itself in France, it is
+impossible to tell what may happen. For this reason your
+Uncle thinks it right that we should remove to some place of
+safety what we have of precious. If you permit I will avail
+myself of the various messengers that are going now to send
+<i>under your care</i> several boxes, which you will kindly send to
+Claremont to Moor, to keep with those your Uncle already sent.
+They contain your Uncle's letters and those of my parents&mdash;the
+treasure I most value in the world.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>29th.</i>&mdash;<span class="sc">My dearly beloved Victoria</span>,&mdash;This was written
+yesterday, in a moment of comparative quiet, when I thought
+my parents at least safe and in security in England. Albert's
+letter to your Uncle of the 27th, which arrived yesterday evening,
+says they were <i>not arrived yet</i>, and I am again in the most
+horrible agony. I had also yesterday evening details of their
+flight (<i>my father flying!!!</i>) by Madame de Murat, Victoire's
+lady, who has gone to England, which quite distracted me.
+Thank God that Nemours and Cl&eacute;m at least <i>are safe!</i> I am
+quite unable to say more, and I hope the Duchess and Alexandrine
+will excuse me if I don't write to them. Truly, I <i>can't</i>.
+I thank you only once more, my beloved Victoria, <i>for all your
+kindness</i> and <i>interest</i> for my unfortunate family, and trust all
+the anxiety you feel for us won't hurt you. God bless you ever,
+with all those dear to you. Believe me always, my beloved
+Victoria, yours most devotedly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louise</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I send you no letter for my mother in the present uncertainty.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 7: The Duc d'Orl&eacute;ans, who was killed on 13th July 1842.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>29th February 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to transmit a short note from Lord
+Normanby, which is very satisfactory.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell declared last night that your Majesty
+would not interfere in the internal affairs of France. But in
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.155" id="pageii.155"></a>[page&nbsp;155]</span>
+repeating this declaration, in answer to Mr Cobden, he added
+that the sacred duties of hospitality would be, as in all times,
+performed towards persons of all opinions. Both declarations
+were generally cheered. In extending this hospitality to
+members of the Royal Family of France, it is only to be observed
+that no encouragement should be given by your Majesty
+to any notion that your Majesty would assist them to recover
+the Crown. In this light it is desirable that no <i>Prince</i> of the
+House of Orleans should inhabit one of your Majesty's palaces
+in or near London.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE NEW FRENCH GOVERNMENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright">(<i>Undated.</i>)<sup>8</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has perused the enclosed despatches and the
+proposed Minutes of a draft to Lord Normanby with Lord John
+Russell's remarks. She approves generally of the Minutes, but
+would like that amongst the laudable intentions of the new
+French Government, <i>that</i> of keeping <i>inviolate</i> the European
+Treaties should be brought in in some way. In the paper No.
+2, the expression "<i>most cordial friendship</i>" strikes the Queen
+as rather too strong. We have just had sad experience of
+<i>cordial</i> understandings. "Friendly relations" might do better
+or the whole sentence might run thus: "that not peace only
+but cordial friendship with France <i>had been at all times</i> [instead
+of "is one of the," etc.] one of the first wishes of the British
+Government, and that this <i>will</i> remain," etc., etc., etc.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 8: Apparently written at the end of February.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ESCAPE OF KING LOUIS PHILIPPE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>1st March 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Every hour seems to bring fresh news
+and events. Victoire and her children and Montpensier are at
+Jersey, and are expected to arrive to-morrow. About the King
+and Queen, we still know nothing, but we have some clue, and
+think <i>he may be</i> somewhere on the coast, or even <i>in</i> England.
+We do everything we can for the poor dear Family, who are
+indeed most dreadfully to be pitied; but you will naturally
+understand that we cannot <i>make cause commune</i> with them and
+cannot take a hostile position opposite to the new state of things
+in France; we leave them alone, but if a Government which
+has the approbation of the country be formed, we shall feel it
+necessary to recognise it, in order to pin them down to maintain
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.156" id="pageii.156"></a>[page&nbsp;156]</span>
+peace and the existing Treaties, which is of great importance.
+It will not be pleasant for us to do this, but the public good and
+the peace of Europe go before one's feelings. God knows what
+<i>one feels</i> towards the French. I trust, dear Uncle, that you will
+maintain the fine and independent position you are now in,
+which is so gratifying to us, and I am sure you will feel that
+much as we all must sympathise with our poor French relations,
+you should not for that quarrel with the existing state
+of things, which however is very uncertain. There were fresh
+reports of great confusion at Paris, which is sure to happen.
+All our poor relations have gone through is worthy only of a
+<i>dreadful</i> romance, and poor Cl&eacute;m behaves beautifully, courageously,
+and calmly, and is full of resignation; but she can get no
+sleep, poor thing&mdash;and hears the horrid cries and sees those
+<i>fiend-like faces</i> before her! The children are very happy with
+ours, but very unmanageable. I saw the Duchesse de Montpensier
+to-day.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Now, with every wish for <i>all</i> going on well, believe me ever,
+your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Featherstonhaugh<a id="footnotetagXVII9" name="footnotetagXVII9"></a><a href="#footnoteXVII9"><sup>9</sup></a> to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MR FEATHERSTONHAUGH</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Havre</span>, <i>3rd March 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Lord Palmerston</span>,&mdash;It was a hair-trigger affair
+altogether, but thanks be to God everything has gone off
+admirably. I was obliged to abandon the plan of trusting the
+King in a fishing-boat from Trouville. The weather was very
+stormy; had he attempted to find the steamer, he might have
+failed, for the sea was in a furious state and the wind ahead.
+There was also the danger of the fishing-boat being lost, a
+contingency the very idea of which made me miserable.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I therefore abandoned the plan altogether, and after much
+and careful reflection determined to execute one more within
+my control, and the boldness of which, though trying to the
+nerves, was its very essence for success. It was to bring the
+King and Queen into Havre itself before anybody could suspect
+such a dangerous intention, and have everything ready for
+their embarkation to a minute. To carry out the plan, I
+wanted vigilant, intelligent, and firm agents, and I found them
+as it turned out. It was known to me that the lower classes
+suspected it was M. Guizot concealed at Trouville, and as some
+sinister occurrence might reasonably be expected there, I sent
+a faithful person into Calvados. It was high time. The mob
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.157" id="pageii.157"></a>[page&nbsp;157]</span>
+had assembled at the place where the King was, who had to
+slip out at the back door and walk two leagues on foot. At
+length he reached a small cottage belonging to a gardener at
+Honfleur, where the Queen was. This was half-past six o'clock
+<span class="sc">A.M.</span> yesterday. My agent saw the King and Queen, who, after
+some conversation, sent him back with this message, that they
+"would wait where they were until they again heard from me,
+and would carry out my final arrangements with exactitude,
+as far as it depended upon them." I now instructed Captain
+Paul to be ready at half-past seven <span class="sc">P.M.</span>, when it would be dark,
+to have his water hot, ready to get up steam; to have only a
+rope moored to the quay with an anchor astern; to expect
+me with a party a little before eight <span class="sc">P.M.</span>, and as soon as I had
+got on board with my party and told him to push off, he was
+to let me go on shore, cut his rope and cable, get into the middle
+of the Basin, up with his steam and jib and push for England.
+Not a word was to be spoken on board.</p>
+<span class="rightnote">A GRAPHIC NARRATIVE</span>
+<p class="ind">To get the King here from Honfleur the following method
+was adopted: M. Bresson, a loyal and intelligent officer in the
+French Navy and well known to the King, and Mr Jones, my
+Vice-Consul and principal Clerk, went in the steam ferry-boat
+a quarter before five <span class="sc">P.M.</span> to Honfleur. From the landing-place
+it is three-quarters of a mile to the place where the King and
+Queen were concealed. The ferry-boat was to leave Honfleur
+for Havre a quarter before seven o'clock. I had given M.
+Bresson a passport for Mr and Mrs Smith, and with this passport
+the King was to walk to the landing-place, where he was
+to be met by my Vice-Consul and be governed by him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">If the <i>gens d'armes</i> disputed his passport Mr Jones was to
+vouch for its regularity, and say that he was sent by me to
+conduct Mr Smith to Havre, who was my Uncle. M. Bresson
+was to follow with the Queen, and the rest of the suite were to
+come to the ferry-boat one after another, but none of the party
+were to know each other. The ferry-boat was to arrive in
+Havre about half-past seven, and I was to do the rest. A white
+pocket-handkerchief was to be twice exhibited as a signal that
+all was right so far. The difficulty of the <i>gens d'armes</i> being
+infinitely more to be provided against and apprehended here,
+I first confidentially communicated to the greatest gossips in
+the town that I had seen a written statement from an official
+person that the King had reached England in a fishing-boat
+from the neighbourhood of Tr&eacute;port, and then got some persons
+whom I could rely upon, sons of my tradesmen here who are in
+the National Guard, to be near the steamer that was to receive
+the King, to give me their assistance if it should be necessary,
+on account of the turbulence of the crowd, to embark some
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.158" id="pageii.158"></a>[page&nbsp;158]</span>
+friends of mine who were going to England. And if an extraordinary
+number of <i>gens d'armes</i> were stationed at the steamer,
+and they hesitated about letting my Uncle go on board, then
+about one hundred yards off I had two persons who were to
+pretend a quarrel and a fight, to which I knew the <i>gens d'armes</i>
+would all go as well as the crowd. In the meantime I hoped
+that as Captain Paul made no noise with his steam that the
+crowd would not assemble, and that we might find no <i>gens
+d'armes</i>. The anxiously expected moment at length arrived.
+The ferry-boat steamer came to the quay; it was almost dark,
+but I saw the white pocket-handkerchief. There was a great
+number of passengers, which favoured the debarkation. When
+half of them were out, the trembling Queen came up the ladder.
+I took her hand, told her it was me, and M. Bresson walked
+with her towards our steamer. At last came the King, disguised,
+his whiskers shaved off, a sort of casquette on his head,
+and a coarse overcoat, and immense goggles over his eyes. Not
+being able to see well, he stumbled, when I advanced, took his
+hand and said, "Ah, dear Uncle, I am delighted to see you."
+Upon which he answered, "My dear George, I am glad you are
+here." The English about me now opened the crowd for their
+Consul, and I moved off to a quiet and shaded part of the quay.
+But my dear Uncle talked so loud and so much that I had the
+greatest difficulty to make him keep silence. At length we
+reached the steamer; it was like a clock-work movement. The
+crowd was again opened for me. I conducted the King to a
+state-room below, gave him some information, and having
+personally ascertained that the Queen was in her cabin, and
+being very much touched with her tears and her grateful acknowledgments,
+I respectfully took my leave, gave the Captain
+the word to cut loose, and scrambled ashore. In twenty
+minutes the steamer was outside, steaming away for England.
+I drove down to the jetty, and had that last satisfaction of seeing
+her beyond all possibility of recall, and then drove home.
+Much has been said this morning about the mysterious departure
+of Captain Paul, and I have been obliged to confess that
+the gentleman I was seen conducting on board was a brother
+of the King of Naples, who was immensely frightened without
+cause, and that I had engaged the steamer for him and his
+family. Many think, however, that it was the King, but then
+again that could not be if he crossed over from Tr&eacute;port in a
+fishing-boat. We have got everybody completely mystified,
+and there are only four persons in the secret, who will all remain
+in the same story.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have scribbled, amidst the most hurried engagements, this
+little narrative, believing that it would interest your Lordship.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.159" id="pageii.159"></a>[page&nbsp;159]</span>
+It has the interest of romance and the support of truth. I
+have the honour to be, etc.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">G. W. Featherstonhaugh</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Information has just reached me that one hour after the
+King and Queen left their hiding-place last night, and just
+when I was embarking them, an officer and three <i>gens d'armes</i>
+came to the place to arrest him. They were sent by the new
+Republican <i>Pr&eacute;fet</i>. It appears that the man who gave him
+refuge had confessed who he was as soon as the King had left
+Trouville, and had betrayed the King's hiding-place at Honfleur.
+What an escape! Your Lordship will see a paragraph
+in the enclosed newspaper not altogether false. We in the
+secret know nothing about Louis Philippe; we know something
+about the Count of Syracuse and something about Mr William
+Smith. If it leaks out, it must come from England. Here no
+one has any proof. In the meantime almost everybody here
+is delighted to think that he may have escaped.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1"><a id="footnoteXVII9" name="footnoteXVII9"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXVII9">Footnote 9:</a> British Consul at Havre. This letter was submitted to the Queen by Lord Palmerston.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Carlton Gardens</span>, <i>3rd March 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>3 <span class="sc">P.M.</span></i>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and begs to state that General Dumas has just been
+with him to announce that the King and Queen of the French
+landed this morning at Newhaven, having been brought over
+in the Steam Packet Express, in which they embarked at Havre
+yesterday evening about eight o'clock.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">General Dumas says that till the morning of their arrival at
+Dreux the King and the Queen imagined that the Comte de
+Paris had succeeded to the Throne, and that the Duchess of
+Orleans had been declared Regent; that when they heard that
+a Republic and a Provisional Government had been declared
+they thought it unsafe to remain at Dreux; and that they then
+separated in order to go by different roads to Honfleur, where
+they were to meet at a small house belonging to a friend of
+General Dumas. At that house they remained for some days,
+until Mr Featherstonhaugh opened a communication with
+them. The King then removed to Trouville in order to embark
+from thence in a manner which Mr Featherstonhaugh had
+arranged, and he remained there two or three days for that
+purpose; but the weather was too stormy, and prevented his
+departure. In the meanwhile the people of Trouville found out
+who he was, and their demonstrations of attachment became
+inconvenient. He therefore returned to Honfleur, and the
+arrangements were altered. Yesterday evening at seven
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.160" id="pageii.160"></a>[page&nbsp;160]</span>
+o'clock the King, the Queen, and General Dumas came to the
+ferry-boat which plies between Honfleur and Havre, and were
+met by the Vice-Consul, who treated the King as uncle of the
+Consul. On landing at Havre the King walked straight down
+to the Express Packet, which was lying ready; the Queen went
+separately, and after making a slight round through the streets
+of Havre embarked also; the Packet then immediately started,
+and went into Newhaven in preference to any other port,
+because no Packets start from thence for the French coast.
+General Dumas says that the whole party were unprovided with
+anything but the clothes they wore, and he was going to the
+King's banker to provide funds to enable him to come to town,
+and said that the King begged him to apologise for his not having
+at once written to your Majesty to thank your Majesty for the
+great interest which your Majesty has taken in his safety, and
+for the assistance, which he has received for his escape, but that
+he would do so this evening.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">General Dumas said that the King's present intention is to
+remain in England in the strictest <i>incognito</i>, and that he and the
+Queen will assume the title of Count and Countess of Neuilly.</p>
+<span class="rightnote">RECEPTION AT CLAREMONT</span>
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston explained to General Dumas that your
+Majesty has made arrangements for the King's reception at
+Claremont, and that your Majesty intended to send down an
+officer of your Majesty's Household to communicate with the
+King.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">General Dumas said that the King would most gratefully
+avail himself of the arrangement as to Claremont, but that
+under all circumstances, and as the King wished to remain in
+entire privacy, he thought it would be better that no person
+from your Majesty's Household should go down to the King at
+Newhaven, and that he was sure the King would rather find his
+own way from the railway station at London Bridge to Claremont
+than attract attention by being met at the station by
+any of your Majesty's carriages.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The King would remain to-night at Newhaven, and would
+come up to-morrow morning. General Dumas said that the
+King and the Queen had gone through much personal fatigue
+and mental anxiety, but are both well in health. The General
+was going to Count Jarnac before he returned to Newhaven.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the French to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE KING'S GRATITUDE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Newhaven, Sussex</span>, <i>3&egrave;me Mars 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame</span>,&mdash;Apr&egrave;s avoir rendu gr&acirc;ces &agrave; Dieu, mon premier
+devoir est d'offrir &agrave; votre Majest&eacute; l'hommage de ma reconnaissance
+pour la g&eacute;n&eacute;reuse assistance qu'elle nous a donn&eacute;e, &agrave; moi
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.161" id="pageii.161"></a>[page&nbsp;161]</span>
+et &agrave; tous les miens et que la Providence vient de couvrir d'un
+succ&egrave;s complet, puisque j'apprends qu'ils sont tous &agrave; pr&eacute;sent
+sur la terre hospitali&egrave;re de l'Angleterre.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Ce n'est plus, Madame, que <i>le Comte de Neuilly</i> qui, se rappelant
+vos anciennes bont&eacute;s, vient chercher sous ses auspices, un
+asyle et une retraite paisible et aussi &eacute;loign&eacute;e de tout rapport
+politique que celle dont il y a joui dans d'autres temps, et dont
+il a toujours pr&eacute;cieusement conserv&eacute; le souvenir.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On me presse tellement pour ne pas manquer le train qui
+emportera ma lettre que j'ai &agrave; peine le temps de prier votre
+Majest&eacute; d'&ecirc;tre mon interpr&egrave;te aupr&egrave;s du Prince votre auguste
+&Eacute;poux.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Ma femme, accabl&eacute;e de fatigue par la vie que nous venons de
+mener depuis dix jours! &eacute;crira un peu plus tard &agrave; votre Majest&eacute;.
+Tout ce qu'elle a pu faire, est de tracer quelques mots pour
+notre bien aim&eacute;e Louise que je recommande &agrave; votre bont&eacute;.
+On me presse encore, Madame, je ne puis que me souscrire avec
+mon vieil attachement pour vous, de votre Majest&eacute;, tr&egrave;s
+affectionn&eacute;,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louis Philippe.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Queen of the French to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Newhaven</span>, <i>3&egrave;me Mars 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame</span>,&mdash;A peine arriv&eacute;e dans cette contr&eacute;e hospitali&egrave;re
+apr&egrave;s 9 jours d'une cruelle agonie, mon premier sentiment,
+apr&egrave;s avoir b&eacute;ni la Divine Providence, c'est de remercier, du
+fond de mon c&oelig;ur, votre Majest&eacute;, pour les facilit&eacute;s qu'elle a
+bien voulu nous donner pour venir dans ce pays terminer nos
+vieux jours dans la tranquillit&eacute; et l'oubli. Une vive inqui&eacute;tude
+me tourmente, c'est d'apprendre le sort de mes enfants ch&eacute;ris
+desquels nous avons d&ucirc; nous s&eacute;parer; j'ai la confiance qu'ils
+auront trouv&eacute; aussi un appui dans le c&oelig;ur g&eacute;n&eacute;reux de votre
+Majest&eacute;, et qu'ils auront &eacute;t&eacute; &eacute;galement sauv&eacute;s comme leur
+admirable P&egrave;re, mon premier tr&eacute;sor. Que Dieu vous b&eacute;nisse,
+Madame, ainsi que le Prince Albert et vos enfants, et vous
+pr&eacute;serve de malheurs pareils aux n&ocirc;tres, c'est le v&oelig;u le plus
+sinc&egrave;re de celle qui se dit, Madame, de votre Majest&eacute;, la toute
+d&eacute;vou&eacute;e,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Marie Am&eacute;lie</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ARRIVAL OF GUIZOT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">House of Commons</span>, <i>3rd March 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty:
+he has read with deep interest the affecting letter of the fallen
+King.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.162" id="pageii.162"></a>[page&nbsp;162]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">After the vicissitudes of a long life, it may be no irremediable
+calamity if a Prince of great powers of mind and warm domestic
+affections is permitted by Providence to end his days in peace
+and tranquillity.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Of course all enmity to his projects as a King ceases with his
+deposition.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">M. Guizot came to London from Dover at half-past six.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the French.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Palais de Buckingham</span>, <i>3&egrave;me Mars 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sire et mon cher Fr&egrave;re</span>,&mdash;C'&eacute;tait une consolation bien
+vive pour moi de recevoir la bonne lettre de votre Majest&eacute; qui
+m'a bien touch&eacute;e. Nous avons tous &eacute;t&eacute; dans de vives inqui&eacute;tudes
+pour vous, pour la Reine et toute la famille, et nous remercions
+la Providence pour que vous soyez arriv&eacute;s en s&ucirc;ret&eacute;
+sur le sol d'Angleterre, et nous sommes bien heureux de savoir
+que vous &ecirc;tes ici loin de tous ces dangers qui vous ont r&eacute;cemment
+menac&eacute;s. Votre Majest&eacute; croira combien ces derniers
+affreux &eacute;v&eacute;nements si inattendus nous ont p&eacute;niblement agit&eacute;s.
+Il nous tarde de savoir que vos sant&eacute;s n'ont pas &eacute;t&eacute; alt&eacute;r&eacute;es
+par ces derniers jours d'inqui&eacute;tude et de fatigue. Albert me
+charge d'offrir les hommages &agrave; votre Majest&eacute;, et je vous prie
+de d&eacute;poser les n&ocirc;tres aux pieds de la Reine, &agrave; qui je compte
+r&eacute;pondre demain. Je me dis, Sire et mon bon Fr&egrave;re, de votre
+Majest&eacute;, la bien affectionn&eacute;e S&oelig;ur,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Queen of the French.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Palais de Buckingham</span>, <i>4&egrave;me Mars 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame</span>,&mdash;Votre Majest&eacute; aura excus&eacute; que je ne vous ai pas
+de suite remerci&eacute; de votre bonne et aimable lettre de hier. C'est
+des fonds de mon c&oelig;ur que je me r&eacute;jouis de vous savoir en
+s&ucirc;ret&eacute; &agrave; Claremont avec le Roi. Mes pens&eacute;es &eacute;taient aupr&egrave;s
+de votre Majest&eacute; pendant tous ces affreux jours, et je fr&eacute;mis
+en pensant &agrave; tout ce que vous avez souffert de corps et
+d'&acirc;me.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert sera le Porteur de ces lignes; j'aurais &eacute;t&eacute; si heureuse
+de l'accompagner pour vous voir, mais je n'ose plus quitter
+Londres.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Avec l'expression de l'affection et de l'estime, je me dis
+toujours, Madame, de votre Majest&eacute;, la bien affectionn&eacute;e
+S&oelig;ur,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.163" id="pageii.163"></a>[page&nbsp;163]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE ROYAL FUGITIVES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Carlton Gardens</span>, <i>5th March 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and cannot see that there could be any objection to the
+King and Queen of the French coming to town to visit your
+Majesty, and indeed, on the contrary, it would seem under
+all the circumstances of the case natural that they should be
+anxious to see your Majesty, and that your Majesty should
+be desirous of receiving them.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston was sure that your Majesty would read
+with interest Mr Featherstonhaugh's account of the manner in
+which he managed the escape of the King and Queen of the
+French. It is like one of Walter Scott's best tales, and the
+arrangements and the execution of them do great credit to
+Mr Featherstonhaugh, who will be highly gratified to learn,
+as Viscount Palmerston proposes to inform him, that your
+Majesty has approved his conduct. Mr Featherstonhaugh
+has also probably rendered a good service to the Provisional
+Government, who would have been much embarrassed if their
+Commissioner had arrested the King and Queen.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>7th March 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Albert has written to you so constantly
+that I have little to add; he just tells me this is not
+quite true. However, there is nothing very new except that
+we have seen the King and Queen; Albert went down to
+Claremont to see them on Saturday, and yesterday they came
+here with Montpensier. They both look very <i>abattus</i>, and the
+poor Queen cried much in thinking of what she had gone
+through&mdash;and what dangers the King had incurred; in short,
+humbled poor people they looked. Dearest Vic I saw on
+Sunday; <i>she</i> has also gone through much, and is so dear and
+good and gentle. She looked wonderfully well <i>considering</i>.
+They are still <i>very</i> much in want of means, and live on a very
+reduced scale.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S VIEW OF THE CRISIS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>11th March 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I profit by the departure of Andrews
+to write to you a few lines, and to wish you joy of the continued
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.164" id="pageii.164"></a>[page&nbsp;164]</span>
+satisfactory behaviour of my friends, the good Belgians;
+fervently do I hope and really trust all will go on well; but
+what an extraordinary state of things everywhere! <i>"Je ne
+sais plus o&ugrave; je suis,"</i> and I fancy really that we have gone back
+into the <i>old</i> century. But I also feel one must not be nervous
+or alarmed at these moments, but be of good cheer, and muster
+up courage to meet all the difficulties.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Our little riots are mere nothing, and the feeling here is
+good.... <i>What</i> is <i>your</i> opinion as to the late events at Paris?
+Do you not think the King ought to have retired to Vincenness
+or somewhere else a day or two before, and put himself at the
+head of the army? Ought not Montpensier at least to have
+gone to Vincennes? I know Cl&eacute;m even thinks this&mdash;as also
+that <i>one</i> ought to have foreseen, and ought to have managed
+things better. Certainly at the <i>very last</i>, if they had not gone,
+they would all have been massacred; and <i>I</i> think they were
+quite right, and in short could not avoid going as quickly as
+they could; but there is an impression they <i>fled</i> too quickly.
+Still the recollection of Louis XVI.... is enough to justify
+all, and everybody will admit that; but the Princes, they
+think, ought to have remained. <i>What</i> do <i>you</i> think of all
+this? I think the blunders were <i>all</i> on the last three or four days&mdash;and
+on the last day, but were no longer to be avoided
+at last; there seemed a <i>fatality</i>, and <i>all</i> was lost. Poor
+Nemours did his best till he could <i>no longer</i> get to the troops.
+People here also abuse him for letting Victoire go alone&mdash;but
+he <i>remained</i> to do his <i>duty</i>; a little more <i>empressement</i> on
+her
+arrival here I would have wished. Albert told you all about
+the Montpensiers' journey. It would do the King irreparable
+mischief if they went now to Spain; the feeling of anger would
+all return. Poor people! they are all in a sad state of <i>want</i>
+at present.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must conclude. Hoping to hear from you, and to have
+your opinion.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S SYMPATHY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>15th March 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen cannot let this day pass without offering Lord
+Melbourne hers and the Prince's best wishes for many happy
+returns of it in health and strength.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Melbourne will agree with the Queen that the last three
+weeks have brought back the times of the last century, and we
+are in the midst of troubles abroad. The Revolution in France
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.165" id="pageii.165"></a>[page&nbsp;165]</span>
+is a sad and alarming thing.... The poor King and his
+Government made many mistakes within the last two years,
+and were obstinate and totally blind at the last till flight was
+inevitable. But for <i>sixteen</i> years he did a great deal to maintain
+peace, and made France prosperous, which should <i>not</i> be
+forgotten.... Lord Melbourne's kind heart will grieve to
+think of the <i>real want</i> the poor King and Queen are in, their
+dinner-table containing barely enough to eat. And the poor
+Nemours hardly know which way to turn. If the private
+property be not restored God only knows what is to become
+of these distinguished young Princes and their little children.
+What will be their <i>avenir</i>? It breaks one's heart to think of
+it, and the Queen, being so nearly related to them and knowing
+them all, feels it very much. Surely the poor old King is
+sufficiently punished for his faults. Lord Beauvale will surely
+be shocked at the complete ruin of the family. Has he seen
+or heard from his old friend Madame de Montjoye, who is here
+with the Queen of the French? The poor dear Queen of the
+Belgians is quite broken-hearted, but, thank God, Belgium
+goes on admirably. In Germany also there are everywhere
+disturbances, but the good Germans are at bottom very
+loyal....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The state of Paris is very gloomy; the rabble armed&mdash;keeping
+the Government in awe&mdash;failures in all directions, and
+nothing but ruin and misery. This is too gloomy a letter for
+a birthday, and the Queen must apologise for it. The Prince
+wishes to be kindly remembered to Lord Melbourne.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Emperor of Russia to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE CZAR'S VIEW</span>
+
+
+<table summary="date" align="right" border="0" style="margin-right: 10%;">
+<tr>
+       <td class="left1b" valign="middle"><span class="sc">St. Petersburg</span>, <i>le</i></td>
+       <td class="left1b">22 <i>Mars</i><br />
+	   <span style="line-height: 20%">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&ndash;</span><br />
+	   <span style="font-size: 0.9em;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>3 <i>Avril</i></td>
+       <td class="left1b" valign="middle">1848.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="clear" style="margin-bottom: -1.5em;">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame ma S&oelig;ur</span>,&mdash;Veuillez me permettre, Madame,
+d'offrir &agrave; votre Majest&eacute; mes sinc&egrave;res f&eacute;licitations de son
+heureuse d&eacute;livrance.<sup>10</sup> Puisse le bon Dieu conserver votre
+Majest&eacute; et toute son auguste famille, c'est mon v&oelig;u de tous
+les jours. Plus que jamais, Madame, au milieu des d&eacute;sastres
+qui renversent l'ordre social, l'on &eacute;prouve le besoin de relier les
+liens d'amiti&eacute; que l'on a &eacute;t&eacute; heureux de former dans de meilleurs
+temps; ceux-l&agrave; au moins nous restent, car ils sont hors de la
+port&eacute;e des hommes, et je suis fier et heureux de ce que votre
+noble c&oelig;ur me comprendra. En jettant les yeux sur ce qui se
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.166" id="pageii.166"></a>[page&nbsp;166]</span>
+passe, peut-&ecirc;tre votre Majest&eacute; accordera-t-elle un souvenir &agrave;
+ce que j'eus l'honneur de lui pr&eacute;dire, assis &agrave; table pr&egrave;s d'elle:
+depuis, 4 ann&eacute;es &agrave; peine se sont &eacute;coul&eacute;es, et que reste-t-il
+encore debout en Europe? La Grande-Bretagne et la Russie!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Ne serait-il pas naturel d'en conclure que notre union intime
+est appel&eacute;e peut-&ecirc;tre &agrave; sauver le monde? Excusez, Madame,
+cet &eacute;panchement d'un c&oelig;ur qui vous est d&eacute;vou&eacute; et qui a pris
+l'habitude de souvenir &agrave; vous.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">J'ose avec une enti&egrave;re confiance compter sur l'amiti&eacute; de
+votre Majest&eacute;, et la prie de recevoir l'assurance de l'inviolable
+attachement avec lequel je suis, Madame, de votre Majest&eacute;, le
+tout d&eacute;vou&eacute; et fid&egrave;le bon Fr&egrave;re et Ami,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Nicolas</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Veuillez, Madame, me rappeler au souvenir de son Altesse
+Royale Monsieur le Prince Albert.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 10: The Princess Louise was born on 18th March.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Brussels</span>, <i>25th March 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;... England seems quiet, and
+even the attempt in Ireland seems to have passed over. But
+Germany is in an awful state, beyond what I ever should have
+thought possible in that country, and with such a good nation.
+For years, however, all sorts of people had been stirring them
+up, and half measures, seeming dishonest, of the Sovereigns
+have done harm. Curious enough that I, who in fact was
+desirous of retiring from politics, should be on the Continent
+the only Sovereign who stood the storm, though I am at ten
+hours' distance from Paris. I trust we shall be able to go on
+with our money matters to enable us to keep up; our working
+classes are at this moment what occupies us most, and much
+has been done, and our Banks, which were much threatened,
+are now safe.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We work hard, and with these few days I suffered a little,
+but I am better to-day. Louise is tolerably well; the poor
+children are attentive and amiable. Poor things! <i>their
+existence</i> is a good deal on the cards, and fortunes, private
+and public, are in equal danger.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Now I will leave you that you should not be tired. Ever,
+my beloved child, your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE CHARTIST DEMONSTRATION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>4th April 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I have to thank you for three most
+kind letters, of the 18th and 25th March, and of the 1st. Thank
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.167" id="pageii.167"></a>[page&nbsp;167]</span>
+God, I am <i>particularly strong</i> and <i>well</i> in <i>every possible
+respect</i>,
+which is a blessing in these <i>awful, sad, heart-breaking</i> times.
+From the first I heard all that passed, and my only thoughts
+and talk were&mdash;Politics; but I never was calmer and
+quieter or less nervous. <i>Great</i> events make me quiet and
+calm, and little trifles fidget me and irritate my nerves.
+But <i>I feel</i> grown old and serious, and the future is very
+dark. God, however, will come to help and protect us,
+and we must keep up our spirits. <i>Germany</i> makes me
+so sad; on the other hand, Belgium is a real pride and
+happiness.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We saw your poor father and mother-in-law with the
+Nemours, Joinville, and Aumale yesterday. Still a dream
+to see them <i>thus, here!</i> They are well in health, and
+the young people's conduct most praiseworthy; really the
+three Princesses are astonishing, and a beautiful lesson
+to every one. They are so much admired and respected
+for it. My beloved Vic, with her lovely face, is perfection,
+and so cheerful. She often comes to see me, and this is
+a great pleasure to me, if only it was not caused by such
+misfortunes!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Now good-bye. With fervent prayers for the continuation
+of your present most flourishing position, ever your devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>9th April 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,&mdash;The Cabinet have had the assistance of the Duke of
+Wellington in framing their plans for to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Colonel Rowan<sup>11</sup> advised that the procession should be
+formed, and allowed to come as far as the bridge they may
+choose to pass, and should there be stopped. He thinks this
+is the only way to avoid a fight. If, however, the Chartists
+fire and draw their swords and use their daggers, the Military
+are to be called out.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have no doubt of their easy triumph over a London
+mob.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But any loss of life will cause a deep and rankling resentment.
+I trust, for this and every reason, that all may pass off quietly.
+I have the honour to be, your Royal Highness's most obedient
+Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">J. Russell</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1"  style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 8em;">Footnote 11: Chief Commissioner of Police, afterwards Sir C. Rowan, K.C.B. The Chartist
+meeting had been fixed for the 10th.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.168" id="pageii.168"></a>[page&nbsp;168]</span>
+
+<a name="illusii.2" id="illusii.2"></a>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:400px;"><a href="images/0182-1200.png"><img src="images/0182-340.png" width="340" height="470" alt="The Cousins. H.M. Queen Victoria and the Duchess of Nemours" border="0" /></a>
+<p class="center">"THE COUSINS." </p>
+<p style="margin-top: -0.7em;">H.M. QUEEN VICTORIA AND THE DUCHESS OF NEMOURS </p>
+<p class="center">From the picture by F.
+Winterhalter at Buckingham Palace</p>
+<p class="author" style="margin-bottom: 5em;"><i>To face &nbsp;p.</i> 168, Vol II.</p></div>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Prince Albert to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE UNEMPLOYED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>10th April 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Lord John</span>,&mdash;To-day the strength of the Chartists
+and all evil-disposed people in the country will be brought to
+the test against the force of the law, the Government, and the
+good sense of the country. I don't feel doubtful for a moment
+who will be found the stronger, but should be exceedingly
+mortified if anything like a commotion was to take place, as it
+would shake <i>that</i> confidence which the whole of Europe reposes
+in our stability at this moment, and upon which will depend
+the prosperity of the country. I have enquired a good deal
+into the state of employment about London, and I find, to my
+great regret, that the number of workmen of all trades out of
+employment is <i>very</i> large, and that it has been increased by the
+reduction of all the works under Government, owing to the
+clamour for economy in the House of Commons. Several
+hundred workmen have been discharged at Westminster
+Palace; at Buckingham Palace much fewer hands are employed
+than are really wanted; the formation of Battersea
+Park has been suspended, etc., etc. Surely this is not the
+moment for the tax-payers to economise upon the working
+classes! And though I don't wish our Government to follow
+Louis Blanc in his system of <i>organisation du travail</i>,<sup>12</sup> I think
+the Government is bound to do what it can to help the working
+classes over the present moment of distress. It may do this
+consistently with real economy in its own works, whilst the
+reductions on the part of the Government are followed by all
+private individuals as a sign of the times. I have before this
+spoken to Lord Morpeth<sup>13</sup> upon this subject, but I wish to bring
+it specially under your consideration at the present moment.
+Ever yours truly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 12: Alluding to the <i>Ateliers Nationaux</i>, to be established under the guidance of a Council
+of Administration.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 13: Chief Commissioner of Woods and Forests.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FEARGUS O'CONNOR</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>10th April 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>2 <span class="sc">p.m</span>.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to state that the Kennington Common
+Meeting has proved a complete failure.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">About 12,000 or 15,000 persons met in good order. Feargus
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.169" id="pageii.169"></a>[page&nbsp;169]</span>
+O'Connor, upon arriving upon the ground in a car, was ordered
+by Mr Mayne<sup>14</sup> to come and speak to him. He immediately
+left the car and came, looking pale and frightened, to Mr
+Mayne. Upon being told that the meeting would not be
+prevented, but that no procession would be allowed to pass the
+bridges, he expressed the utmost thanks, and begged to shake
+Mr Mayne by the hand. He then addressed the crowd, advising
+them to disperse, and after rebuking them for their folly
+he went off in a cab to the Home Office, where he repeated to
+Sir George Grey his thanks, his fears, and his assurances that
+the crowd should disperse quietly. Sir George Grey said he
+had done very rightly, but that the force at the bridges should
+not be diminished.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr F. O'Connor&mdash;"Not a man should be taken away. The
+Government have been quite right. I told the Convention
+that if they had been the Government they never would have
+allowed such a meeting."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The last account gave the numbers as about 5,000 rapidly
+dispersing.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The mob was in good humour, and any mischief that now
+takes place will be the act of individuals; but it is to be hoped
+the preparations made will daunt those wicked but not brave
+men.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The accounts from the country are good. Scotland is quiet.
+At Manchester, however, the Chartists are armed, and have
+bad designs.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">A quiet termination of the present ferment will greatly raise
+us in foreign countries.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell trusts your Majesty has profited by the
+sea air.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 14: Mr Richard Mayne, Commissioner of Police, created a K.C.B. in 1851.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>15th April 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell has a letter from Lord Clarendon to-day
+in better spirits, but somewhat fearing an outbreak in Dublin
+to-night. He speaks confidently of the disposition of the
+troops.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell cannot wonder that your Majesty has felt
+deeply the events of the last six weeks. The King of the
+French has brought upon his own family, upon France, and
+upon Europe a great calamity. A moderate and constitutional
+Government at home, coupled with an abstinence from ambitious
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.170" id="pageii.170"></a>[page&nbsp;170]</span>
+projects for his family abroad, might have laid the
+foundation of permanent peace, order, and freedom in Europe.
+Selfishness and cunning have destroyed that which honesty
+and wisdom might have maintained. It is impossible not to
+pity the innocent victims of the misconduct of Louis Philippe.
+Still less can one refrain from regarding with dread the fearful
+state of Germany, of her princes, her nobles, and her tempest-tossed
+people.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The example of Great Britain, may, however, secure an
+interval of reflection for Europe. The next six months will be
+very trying, but they may end with better prospects than we
+can now behold. It was impossible that the exclusion of free
+speaking and writing which formed the essence of Prince
+Metternich's system could continue. It might have been
+reformed quietly; it has fallen with a crash which spreads ruin
+and death around.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lady John is deeply grateful for the congratulations of your
+Majesty and the Prince.<sup>15</sup> She is going on well to-day.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 15: On the birth of a second son.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ALARMING STATE OF IRELAND</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>16th April 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter. The
+state of Ireland is most alarming and most anxious; altogether,
+there is so much inflammable matter all around us that it
+makes one tremble. Still, the events of Monday must have a
+calming and salutary effect. Lord John Russell's remarks
+about Europe, and the unfortunate and calamitous policy
+of the Government of the poor King of the French are most
+true. But is he not even most to be pitied for being the cause
+of such misery? (Though perhaps he does not attribute it to
+himself), for, to see all his hopes thus destroyed, his pride
+humbled, his children&mdash;whom he loves dearly&mdash;ruined&mdash;is not
+this enough to make a man wretched? and indeed much to be
+pitied; for <i>he</i> cannot feel <i>he</i> could <i>not</i> have prevented all
+this.
+Still Guizot is more to blame; <i>he</i> was the responsible adviser
+of all this policy: he is <i>no</i> Bourbon, and he ought to have
+behaved differently. Had the poor King died in 1844 after
+he came here, and before that most unfortunate Spanish
+marriages question was started, he would have deservedly
+gone down to posterity as a great monarch. <i>Now</i>, what will
+be his name in history? His fate is a great <i>moral!</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">With regard to Germany, Prince Metternich is the cause of
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.171" id="pageii.171"></a>[page&nbsp;171]</span>
+half the misfortune. His advice was taken by almost all the
+sovereigns of that country, and it has kept them from doing
+in time what has now been torn from them with the loss of
+many rights which they need not have sacrificed. We heard
+yesterday that the Archduke John<sup>16</sup> had arrived at Frankfort.
+This is a wise measure, and may do much good and prevent
+much evil, as he is a popular and most distinguished
+prince....</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 16: Uncle of the Emperor (Ferdinand I.) of Austria, born 1782.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON AND THE QUEEN</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>17th April 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen not having heard anything from Lord Palmerston
+respecting foreign affairs for so long a time, and as he must be
+in constant communication with the Foreign Ministers in these
+most eventful and anxious times, writes to urge Lord Palmerston
+to keep her informed of what he hears, and of the views of
+the Government on the important questions before us.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">She now only gets the Drafts when they are gone.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The acceptance of the mediation between Denmark and
+Holstein is too important an event not to have been first
+submitted to the Queen.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Carlton Gardens</span>, <i>18th April 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and regrets much that he has not lately had an
+opportunity of giving your Majesty verbally such explanations
+as your Majesty might wish to receive with respect to the
+progress of foreign affairs, but Viscount Palmerston hopes to
+be able to get down to Broadlands for a few days on Saturday
+next, and he could easily from thence wait upon your Majesty
+on any morning and at any hour your Majesty might be
+pleased to appoint.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Although events of the greatest importance have been
+passing in rapid succession in almost every part of Europe, the
+position of your Majesty's Government has been one rather of
+observation than of action, it being desirable that England
+should keep herself as free as possible from unnecessary
+engagements and entanglements, in order that your Majesty
+may be at liberty to take such decisions as the state of things
+may from time to time appear to render most advisable.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.172" id="pageii.172"></a>[page&nbsp;172]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LOYALTY OF BELGIUM</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Barton</span>, <i>18th April 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Detained here by a heavy shower of
+rain, I begin my letter to you and thank you warmly for
+your dear and kind letter of the 15th, which I received
+yesterday.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>Truly</i> proud and delighted are we at the conduct of the
+Belgians,<sup>17</sup> and at their loyalty and affection for you and yours,
+which I am sure must be a reward for all that you have done
+these seventeen years. I must beg to say that you are wrong
+in supposing that no mention is made of what took place on
+the 9th in our papers; on the contrary, it has been <i>most
+gratifyingly</i> mentioned in the <i>Times</i>, <i>Chronicle</i>, <i>John
+Bull</i>, <i>etc.</i>
+<i>You</i> are held up as a pattern to the German Sovereigns, and the
+Belgians as a pattern to the German people.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In France, really things go on <i>dreadfully</i>.... One does not
+like to attack those who are fallen, but the poor King, Louis
+Philippe, <i>has</i> brought much of this on by that ill-fated return
+to a <i>Bourbon Policy</i>. I always think he <i>ought not</i> to have
+abdicated; every one seems to think he <i>might</i> have stemmed
+the torrent <i>then</i> still. On the other hand, Joinville says it was
+sure to happen, for that the French want constant change,
+and were quite tired of the present Government. <i>Qu'en dites-vous?</i>
+How is poor, dear Louise? I hope her spirits are
+better.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Our weather is terribly rainy, though very fine between.
+We have got nightingales in the pleasure ground, and in the
+wood down near the sea. We are all extremely well, and
+expect the Prince of Prussia here to-day for two nights. Ever
+your devoted and attached Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 17: A party of French Republicans entered Belgium with the intention of exciting an
+insurrection; the attempt signally failed.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>1st May 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has this morning received Lord Palmerston's
+letter.<sup>18</sup> She cannot see any reason for deviating from the
+established rules, and inviting to Court Frenchmen who are
+not recognised in their official capacity, and have no natural
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.173" id="pageii.173"></a>[page&nbsp;173]</span>
+representatives to present them as private individuals. As an
+invitation cannot be claimed by them, the omission of it ought
+not to lead to any misrepresentation; whilst the contrary,
+under the fiction of their being private individuals, might lead
+to misconstruction and to most inconvenient precedents.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 18: M. de Tallenay had arrived in London with a letter from M. Lamartine, accrediting
+him as provisional <i>charg&eacute; d'affaires</i> of the French Government, and Lord Palmerston had
+suggested to the Queen that etiquette would not be violated by inviting him to a Court
+Ball.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">AFFAIRS IN FRANCE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>9th May 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Many thanks for your very kind letter
+of the 6th. How delightful it is to hear such good accounts of
+Belgium! If only dear Germany gets right and if all our
+interests (those of the smaller Sovereigns) are not <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'sacrified'">sacrificed</ins>! I
+cannot say <i>how</i> it distresses and vexes me, and <i>comme je l'ai &agrave;
+c&oelig;ur</i>. My good and dear Albert is much worried and works
+<i>very</i> hard....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I had a curious account of the opening of the <i>Assembl&eacute;e</i> from
+Lady Normanby.<sup>19</sup> No <i>real</i> enthusiasm, dreadful confusion,
+and the Blouses taking part in everything, and stopping the
+Speakers if they did not please them. The opinion is that it
+cannot last.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I enclose another letter from Lady Normanby, with an
+account of the poor Tuileries, which is very curious and sad;
+but the respect shown for poor Chartres is very touching, and
+might interest poor dear Louise, if you think fit to show it her.
+But why show such hatred to poor Nemours and to the Queen?
+Montpensier's marriage may cause <i>his</i> unpopularity, possibly.
+I shall beg to have the letter back.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must conclude, as we are going to pay a visit at Claremont
+this afternoon. Ever your truly devoted Child and Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 19: The National Assembly commenced its sittings on 4th May, when the Oath of Allegiance
+was abolished, and the Republic proclaimed in the presence of 200,000 citizens.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>16th May 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I have just heard the news of the
+extraordinary confusion at Paris, which must end in a <i>Blutbad</i>.
+Lamartine has quite lost all influence by yielding to and supporting
+Ledru Rollin!<sup>20</sup> It seems inexplicable! In Germany,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.174" id="pageii.174"></a>[page&nbsp;174]</span>
+too, everything looks most anxious, and I <i>tremble</i> for the result
+of the Parliament at Frankfort.<sup>21</sup> I am <i>so</i> anxious for the fate
+of the poor smaller Sovereigns, which it would be infamous to
+sacrifice. I feel it <i>much</i> more than Albert, as it would break
+my heart to see Coburg <i>reduced</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Many thanks for your kind and dear letter of the 13th.
+Thank God! that with you everything goes on so well. I will
+take care and let Lord Normanby know your kind expressions.
+The visit to old Claremont was a touching one, and it seemed
+an incomprehensible dream to see them all there. They bear
+up wonderfully. Nothing can be kinder than the Queen-Dowager's
+behaviour towards them all. The poor Duchess of
+Gloster is again in one of her nervous states, and gave us a
+dreadful fright at the Christening by quite forgetting where
+she was, and coming and kneeling at my feet in the midst of
+the service. Imagine our horror!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude. The weather is beautiful, but too hot
+for me. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 20: Lamartine and Ledru Rollin were members of the Provisional Government, and subsequently
+of the Executive Committee. The mob, holding that the promises of general
+employment had been broken, invaded the Assembly <i>en masse</i>, and attempted a counter-revolution.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 21: Out of the revolutionary movement in Germany had grown their National Assembly,
+which after a preliminary session as a <i>Vor-Parlament</i>, was to reassemble on 18th May.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">AUSTRIA AND ITALY</span>
+
+<p class="indright">(<i>No date.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has carefully perused the enclosed papers, and
+wishes to have a copy of Baron Hummelauer's<sup>22</sup> note sent to
+her to keep.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The basis laid down in it is quite inadmissible, and the Queen
+was struck by the light way in which the claims of the Dukes
+of Parma and Modena are spoken of (as disposed of by the
+events), whilst their position and that of Austria are in every
+respect identical.<sup>23</sup> The Queen thinks Lord Palmerston's
+proposition the one which is the most equitable, still likely
+to be attained, but it does not go far enough; the position
+which Austria means to take <i>in Italy</i> with her Italian province
+ought to be explained, and a declaration be made that Austria
+will, with this province, join any Italian league which the other
+states of Italy may wish to establish. This will be useful to
+Italy, and much facilitate the acceptance of the Austrian
+proposal, as the Queen feels convinced that as soon as the
+war shall be terminated, the question of the political constitution
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.175" id="pageii.175"></a>[page&nbsp;175]</span>
+of Italy (as a whole) will have to be decided.
+Why Charles Albert ought to get any additional territory
+the Queen cannot in the least see. She thinks it will
+be better to proceed at once upon the revised Austrian
+proposal, than to wait for Italian propositions, which are
+sure to be ridiculously extravagant.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 22: The Austrian Government, in its efforts to maintain its ascendency in Lombardy, had
+sent Baron Hummelauer to negotiate with Lord Palmerston.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 23: The Dukes had both been driven from their dominions, while the King (Charles
+Albert) of Sardinia threw in his lot with the cause of United Italy as against Austria,
+which then ruled Lombardy.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND AND SPAIN</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>23rd May 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter respecting
+Spain and Italy this morning. The sending away of Sir H.
+Bulwer<sup>24</sup> is a serious affair, which will add to our many embarrassments;
+the Queen is, however, not surprised at it,
+from the tenor of the last accounts from Madrid, and from the
+fact that Sir H. Bulwer has for the last three years almost been
+sporting with political intrigues. He invariably boasted of at
+least being in the confidence of every conspiracy, "though he
+was taking care not to be personally mixed up in them," and,
+after their various failures, generally harboured the chief actors
+in his house under the plea of humanity. At every crisis he
+gave us to understand that he had to choose between a "revolution
+and a palace intrigue," and not long ago only he wrote
+to Lord Palmerston, that if the Monarchy with the Montpensier
+succession was inconvenient to us, he could get up a Republic.
+Such principles are sure to be known in Spain, the more so
+when one considers the extreme vanity of Sir H. Bulwer, and
+his probable imprudence in the not very creditable company
+which he is said to keep. Lord Palmerston will remember
+that the Queen has often addressed herself to him and Lord
+John, in fear of Sir H. getting us into some scrape; and if our
+diplomatists are not kept in better order, the Queen may
+at any moment be exposed to similar insults as she has
+received now in the person of Sir H. Bulwer; for in whatever
+way one may wish to look at it, Sir Henry still is <i>her</i>
+Minister.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen wishes Lord Palmerston to show this letter
+to Lord John Russell, and to let her know what the Government
+mean to propose with respect to this unfortunate
+affair.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 24: Lord Palmerston had written a letter to Bulwer (which the latter showed to the
+Spanish Premier), lecturing the Spanish Queen on her choice of Minister. This "assumption
+of superiority," as Sir R. Peel called it, led to a peremptory order to Bulwer to leave
+Spain in twenty-four hours. His own account of the affair appears in his <i>Life of Palmerston</i>,
+vol. iii. chap. vii.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.176" id="pageii.176"></a>[page&nbsp;176]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Prince of Prussia to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE PRINCE OF PRUSSIA</span>
+
+<h5>[<i>Translation.</i>]</h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Brussels</span> <i>30th May 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Most gracious Cousin</span>,&mdash;I obey the impulse of my heart
+in seizing my pen, without any delay, in order to express to
+you my warmest and most heartfelt thanks for the infinitely
+gracious and affectionate way with which you and the Prince
+have treated me during my stay in London.<sup>25</sup> It was a melancholy
+time, that of my arrival. By the sympathetic view
+which you took of my situation, most gracious Cousin, it
+became not only bearable, but even transformed into one
+that became proportionately honourable and dignified. This
+graciousness of yours has undoubtedly contributed towards
+the change of opinion which has resulted in my favour, and so
+I owe to you, to the Prince, and to your Government, a fortunate
+issue out of my calamities. So it is with a heavy heart
+that I have now left England, not knowing what future lies
+before me to meet&mdash;and only knowing that I shall need the
+strengthening rest and tranquillity which my stay in England
+and an insight into her institutions have afforded me in full
+measure.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Offering my most cordial remembrances to the Prince, to
+whom I shall write as soon as possible, I remain, most gracious
+Cousin, your faithful and most gratefully devoted Cousin,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Prince of Prussia</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 25: The Prince of Prussia, afterwards the Emperor William I., having become intensely
+unpopular at Berlin, had been obliged in March to fly for his life, in disguise, <i>vi&acirc;</i> Hamburg,
+to England.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE ROYAL EXILES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>1st June 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen had not time the other day to talk to Lord John
+Russell on the subject of the French Royal Family, and therefore
+writes to him now. As it seems now most probable that
+they, or at least some of them, will take up their residence for
+a lengthened period in this country, and as their position is
+now a defined one, viz. that of <i>exiles</i>, their treatment should
+be defined and established.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">At first everything seemed temporary, and the public were
+much occupied with them, inclined to criticise all that was done
+or was omitted by the Court; all their movements were recorded
+in the papers, etc. The lapse of three months has a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.177" id="pageii.177"></a>[page&nbsp;177]</span>
+good deal altered this. They have lived in complete retirement,
+and are comparatively forgotten; and their poverty and
+their resignation to their misfortunes have met with much
+sympathy! The Queen is consequently anxious to take the
+right line; particularly desirous to do nothing which could
+hurt the interests of the country, and equally so to do everything
+kind towards a distinguished Royal Family in severe
+affliction, with whom she has long been on terms of intimacy,
+and to whom she is very nearly related. She accordingly
+wishes to know if Lord John sees any objection to the following:
+She has asked her Cousin, the Duchess of Nemours, to
+come for two or three nights to see her at Osborne when she
+goes there, <i>quite</i> privately; the Duchess of Kent would bring
+her with her. The Duke will not come with the Duchess, as he
+says he feels (very properly) it would be unbecoming in him
+till their fate (as to <i>fortune</i>, for <i>banished</i> they already are) is
+decided, to be even for a day at Osborne. The Duchess herself
+wishes not to appear in the evening, but to remain alone with
+the Queen and the Prince.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen considers that when she is <i>staying</i> in the country
+during the summer and autumn, and any of the branches of
+the French Royal Family should wish to visit her and the
+Prince, as they occasionally do here, she might lodge them for
+one or two nights, as the distance might be too great for their
+returning the same day. They are exiles, and <i>not Pretenders</i>,
+as the Duc de Bordeaux and Count de Montemolin are (and
+who are <i>for that reason only not received at Court</i>). In all
+countries where illustrious exiles related to the Sovereign have
+been they have always been received at Court, as the Duc de
+Bordeaux, the Duchesse d'Angoul&ecirc;me, etc., etc., invariably
+have been at Vienna (even on public occasions), there being a
+French Ambassador there, and the best understanding existing
+between France and Austria. The Duke of Orleans (King
+Louis Philippe) in former times was constantly received by the
+Royal Family, and was the intimate friend of the Duke of
+Kent. Probably, if their fortunes are restored to them, the
+French Royal Family will go out into society in the course of
+time, and if the state of France becomes consolidated there
+may no longer exist that wish and that necessity for <i>extreme</i>
+privacy, which is so obvious now. What the Queen has just
+mentioned, Lord John must well understand, is not what is
+<i>likely</i> to take place (except in the case of her cousin, the
+Duchess of Nemours) immediately, but only what might
+occasionally occur when we are permanently settled in the
+country. Of course events <i>might</i> arise which would change
+this, and which would render it inadvisable, and then the Queen
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.178" id="pageii.178"></a>[page&nbsp;178]</span>
+would communicate with Lord John, and ask his advice again
+upon the subject. All she has suggested refers to the present
+state of affairs, and, of course, merely to <i>strictly</i> private visits,
+and on <i>no state occasion</i>. This is a long letter about such a
+subject, but the Queen wishes to be quite safe in what she does,
+and therefore could not have stated the case and her opinion
+in a smaller space.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">AFFAIRS IN LOMBARDY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>4th June 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns the enclosed draft. She has written
+upon it, in pencil, a passage which she thinks ought to be added,
+if the draft&mdash;though civil&mdash;is not to be a mere refusal to do
+anything for Austria, and a recommendation that whatever
+the Italians ask for ought to be given, for which a mediation
+is hardly necessary.<sup>26</sup> The Queen thinks it most important
+that we should try to mediate and put a stop to the war, and
+equally important that the boundary which is to be settled
+should be such a one as to make a recurrence of hostilities
+unlikely. The Queen has only further to remark that Lord
+Palmerston speaks in the beginning of the letter only of the
+Cabinet, and adverts nowhere to the proposition having been
+submitted to her.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 26: War was now raging in Lombardy between the Austrians under Marshal Radetzky
+and the Piedmontese under the King of Sardinia.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<h5><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>14th June 1848.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty, and thanks
+your Majesty for the perusal of this interesting letter.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">An Emperor with a rational Constitution might be a fair
+termination of the French follies; but Louis Napoleon, with
+the Communists, will probably destroy the last chance of
+order and tranquillity. A despotism must be the end.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">May Heaven preserve us in peace!</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">SIR HENRY BULWER</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>15th June 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter explaining
+his views as to the reparation we may be entitled to receive
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.179" id="pageii.179"></a>[page&nbsp;179]</span>
+from the Spanish Government. She considers them as quite
+fair, but does not wish to have Sir H. Bulwer again as her
+Minister at Madrid, even if it should be necessary that he
+should repair there in order to be received by the Queen of Spain.
+It would not be consulting the permanent interests of this
+country to entrust that mission again to Sir H. Bulwer, after
+all that has passed. When the Queen considers the position
+we had in Spain, and what it ought to have been after the
+constitution of the French Republic when we had no rival to
+fight and ought to have enjoyed the entire confidence and
+friendship of Spain, and compares this to the state into which
+our relations with that country have been brought, she cannot
+help being struck how much matters must have been mismanaged.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>16th June 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sends the enclosed draft,<sup>27</sup> and asks whether this
+note is what Lord John directed Lord Palmerston to send to
+Lisbon as a caution to Sir H. Seymour not to mix himself up
+with party intrigues to upset a particular Ministry?<sup>28</sup> ...</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 27: The draft ran:&mdash;"As it is evident that the Queen and the Government of Portugal
+will listen to no advice except such that agrees with their own wishes, I have to instruct
+you to abstain in future from giving any longer any advice to them on political matters,
+taking care to explain both to the Queen and the Government your reasons for doing so.
+You will, however, at the same time positively declare to the Portuguese Government
+that if by the course of policy they are pursuing they should run into any difficulty, they
+must clearly understand that they will not have to expect any assistance from England."</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 28: Lord John Russell replied that he would write immediately to Lord Palmerston respecting
+Portuguese affairs. He added that he did not approve of the proposed draft.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Carlton Gardens</span>, <i>17th June 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear John Russell</span>,&mdash;The draft to Seymour was written
+in consequence of what you said to me, and what the Queen
+wrote to you; but my own opinion certainly is that it would
+be best to leave the things with him as they are. It must,
+however, be remembered that the Portuguese Government
+have not in reality fulfilled the engagements taken by the
+Queen in the Protocol of last year....</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Palmerston</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON'S FOREIGN POLICY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>17th June 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns Lord Palmerston's letter. The country
+is at this moment suffering, particularly with regard to Spain,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.180" id="pageii.180"></a>[page&nbsp;180]</span>
+under the evil consequence of that system of diplomacy, which
+makes the taking up of party politics in foreign countries its
+principal object. This system is condemned alike by the
+Queen, Lord John, the Cabinet, and, the Queen fully believes,
+public opinion in and out of Parliament. Lord Palmerston's
+objection to caution our Minister in Portugal against falling
+into this fault brings it to an issue, whether that <i>erroneous</i>
+policy is to be maintained to the detriment of the real interests
+of the country, or a wiser course to be followed in future.
+Does Lord John consider this so light a matter as to be surrendered
+merely because Lord Palmerston is not to add to such
+a caution a gratuitous attack upon the Queen and Government
+of Portugal? The Queen thinks it of the utmost importance
+that in these perilous times this question with regard to the
+basis of our foreign policy should be <i>settled</i>, and has no objection
+to Lord John showing this letter to Lord Palmerston.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge</span>, <i>18th June 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty;
+he begs to assure your Majesty that if he was disposed to rest
+on the known discretion and temper of Sir Hamilton Seymour
+without specific instruction, it was not from regarding the
+matter lightly, but from a sense of the inconvenience which
+might arise to your Majesty's service from raising a question
+with Lord Palmerston in the present critical state of Europe
+which might induce a belief that he had not conducted foreign
+affairs to the satisfaction of his colleagues or of his Sovereign.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell feeling, however, that on the particular
+point at issue your Majesty has just reason to expect that
+precautions should be taken against the chance of intrigue
+with foreign parties against a foreign government, with which
+this country is on terms of friendship, is ready to insist on an
+instruction to Sir Hamilton Seymour similar to that which
+was given to Sir Henry Bulwer to take no part in the struggle
+of parties, and to refrain from any interference with respect
+to which he has not specific directions from your Majesty's
+Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But in this case he must take upon himself the whole
+responsibility of requiring such a note from Lord Palmerston.
+It would not be conducive to your Majesty's service, nor
+agreeable to the wholesome maxims of the Constitution to
+mix your Majesty's name with a proceeding which may lead
+to the most serious consequences.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.181" id="pageii.181"></a>[page&nbsp;181]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">It is just to Lord Palmerston to say that his general course
+of policy has met with the warm approval of the Cabinet, and
+that the cases of difference of judgment have been rare exceptions.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell submits to your Majesty the letter he
+proposes to write before sending it to Lord Palmerston. He
+would wish to have it returned as soon as your Majesty can
+do so.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>18th June 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns to Lord John Russell his letter to Lord
+Palmerston,<sup>29</sup> which is excellent, and shows that the Queen's
+and Lord John's views upon the important question of our
+foreign policy <i>entirely coincide</i>. The Queen is sorry that the
+trouble of such an altercation should be added to the many
+anxieties which already press upon Lord John, but she feels
+sure that his insisting upon a <i>sound</i> line of policy will save him
+and the country from <i>far greater</i> troubles....</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 29: The letter was to the effect that Sir H. Seymour was to take no part in the struggle
+of parties in Portugal, and to refrain from confidential communications with members of
+the Opposition.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Carlton Gardens</span>, <i>26th June 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and is sorry he is not able to submit to your Majesty
+the proposed draft to Sir Hamilton Seymour to go by to-night's
+mail, as he has not succeeded in settling the wording
+of it with Lord John Russell, and is therefore obliged to defer
+it till the next mail.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>26th June 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sends this letter, which she has just received
+from Lord Palmerston. No remonstrance has any effect with
+Lord Palmerston. Lord John Russell should ask the Duke of
+Bedford to tell him of the conversation the Queen had with
+the Duke the other night about Lord Palmerston.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.182" id="pageii.182"></a>[page&nbsp;182]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND AND ITALY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>1st July 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has not yet answered Lord Palmerston's letter
+of the 29th. She cannot conceal from him that she is ashamed
+of the policy which we are pursuing in this Italian controversy
+in abetting wrong, and this for the object of gaining <i>influence</i>
+in Italy.<sup>30</sup> The Queen does not consider influence so gained as
+an advantage, and though this influence is to be acquired in
+order to do good, she is afraid that the fear of losing it again
+will always stand in the way of this. At least in the countries
+where the greatest stress has been laid on that influence, and
+the greatest exertions made for it, the <i>least good</i> has been done&mdash;the
+Queen means in Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Neither
+is there any kind of consistency in the line we take about Italy
+and that we follow with regard to Schleswig; both cases are
+perfectly alike (with the difference perhaps that there is a
+question of right mixed up in that of Schleswig); whilst we
+upbraid Prussia, caution her, etc., etc., we say nothing to
+Charles Albert except that if he did not wish to take <i>all</i> the
+Emperor of Austria's Italian Dominions, we would not lay
+any <i>obstacles</i> in the way of his moderation. The Queen finds
+in Lord Palmerston's last despatch to Chevalier Bunsen the
+following passage: "And it is manifest and indisputable that
+no territory or state, which is not now according to the Treaty
+of 1815 included in the German Confederation, can be added
+to that territory without the consent of the Sovereign of that
+territory or state." How does this agree with our position
+relative to the incorporation of Lombardy into the states of
+the King of Sardinia?</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 30: Lord Palmerston's sympathy had been with the anti-Austrian movement in Northern
+Italy. For some time after Radetzky's evacuation of Milan, the operations of the King
+of Sardinia in support of the Lombards were successful, and he had assistance from
+Tuscany, Naples, and Rome. The Austrians suffered reverses at Peschiera and Goito,
+and the independence of Northern Italy seemed to be accomplished. But the tide had
+begun to turn.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD MINTO'S MISSION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>6th July 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has to acknowledge Lord Palmerston's long
+Memorandum respecting our relations with Italy, the length
+of which, however, was fully justified by the importance of
+the subject.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The mission of Lord Minto has had the Queen's approval at
+the time, and the policy pursued by him has never been called
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.183" id="pageii.183"></a>[page&nbsp;183]</span>
+in question; but it certainly was prejudicial to the Austrians,
+and imposes upon us additional care not to appear now as the
+abettors of the anti-Austrian movement, and nothing in Lord
+Minto's mission can prevent our endeavouring to facilitate and
+forward a speedy settlement of the present Italian difference.<sup>31</sup>
+If, therefore, the Italians should be inclined to be moderate,
+there can be no dereliction of principle in encouraging them to
+be so. The danger of French interference increases with the
+delay and is equally great, whether the Austrians maintain
+themselves in the Venetian Territory or whether Charles Albert
+unite it to his proposed kingdom of Northern Italy; indeed, the
+French seem to be anxious for a cause of interference from the
+line they pursue even with regard to Naples.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston seeks to establish a difference between the
+case of Schleswig and of Lombardy, on the fact that Schleswig
+is to be incorporated into a confederation of States; but this
+makes the case of Lombardy only the stronger, as this is to be
+incorporated into the dominions of another Sovereign. With
+regard to the "Revue Retrospective," the perusal of it has
+left a different impression upon the Queen from that which
+it seems to have made upon Lord Palmerston. It proved to
+her, that while the retiring attitude which the late Government
+took with regard to the Spanish marriages, left the
+French Government to try their different schemes and intrigues
+and to fail with every one of them, the attempt of Lord
+Palmerston to re-organise the Progressista Party and regain
+the so-called <i>English influence</i>, brought Queen Christina and
+King Louis Philippe (who had before seriously quarrelled)
+immediately together, and induced them to rush into this
+unfortunate combination, which cannot but be considered as
+the origin of all the present convulsions in Europe.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 31: Lord Minto, the Lord Privy Seal, and father-in-law of the Prime Minister, had been
+sent to encourage in the path of reform Pope Pius IX., who was halting between progress
+and reaction: on the sanguinary risings taking place in Lombardy and Venetia, his mission
+naturally appeared hostile to Austria.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">AN ANXIOUS PERIOD</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>11th July 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;For another kind and dear letter of
+the 8th, I have much to thank you. The prosperity of dear
+little Belgium is a bright star in the stormy night all around.
+May God bless and prosper you all, for ever and ever!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Since the 24th February I feel an uncertainty in everything
+existing, which (uncertain as all human affairs must be) one
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.184" id="pageii.184"></a>[page&nbsp;184]</span>
+never felt before. When one thinks of one's children, their
+education, their future&mdash;and prays for them&mdash;I always think
+and say to myself, "Let them grow up fit for <i>whatever station</i>
+they may be placed in&mdash;<i>high or low</i>." This one never thought
+of before, but I <i>do</i> always now. Altogether one's whole disposition
+is so changed&mdash;<i>bores</i> and trifles which one would have
+complained of bitterly a few months ago, one looks upon as
+good things and quite a blessing&mdash;provided one can <i>keep one's
+position in quiet!</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I own I have not much confidence in Cavaignac,<sup>32</sup> as they fear
+his mother's and brother's influence, the former being a widow
+of a regicide, and as <i>stern</i> and severe as can be imagined.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I saw the King and Queen on Saturday; he is wonderfully
+merry still and quite himself, but <i>she</i> feels it deeply&mdash;and for
+<i>her</i> there is here the greatest sympathy and admiration.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert is going to York to-morrow till Friday; <i>how</i> I wish
+you and Louise could be with me, as in '44 and '46! I have,
+however, got dear Victoire to come and spend a night with
+me; it does her always good, and we are just like sisters, and
+feel as we did in 1839, when you know how very fond we
+were of each other. She is a dear, noble, and still <i>beautiful</i>
+child.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I venture to send you a snuff-box with poor Aunt Charlotte's
+picture as a child, which also belonged to poor Aunt Sophia.
+Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 32: General Cavaignac, Minister for War, had been given <i>quasi</i>-dictatorial powers during
+the insurrection. These powers, on the suppression of the revolt, he resigned, and was
+thereupon almost unanimously made President of the Council.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>13th July 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen was glad to hear of the majorities the other night.
+She concludes Lord John Russell cannot at all say <i>when</i> the
+Session is likely to end? Is it not much to be regretted that
+the measure relative to the Navigation Laws is given up, and
+was it unavoidable? The Queen sends Lord John Col. Phipps's
+report of the Prince's reception at York, which she thinks will
+interest him. Does Lord J. Russell think, if we should not
+go to Ireland, that we could go to Balmoral for ten days or a
+fortnight, without shocking the Irish very much? It strikes
+the Queen that to go to see <i>our own place</i> makes a difference,
+and is in fact a natural thing; it is, however, impossible to
+say if we <i>can</i> get away even for so short a time.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen concludes that there can be no possible objection
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.185" id="pageii.185"></a>[page&nbsp;185]</span>
+to the Duc de Nemours bringing or fetching the Duchess to and
+from Osborne? He is the Queen's Cousin, and consequently
+in a different position to any of the others; moreover, he does
+<i>not</i> wish <i>at present</i> to spend one <i>night</i> there even, but
+merely to
+pay a morning visit.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lastly, the Queen wishes to know if the King and Queen and
+the other Princes and Princesses <i>should themselves</i> ask to come
+and pay the Queen a morning visit at Osborne, and return
+again the same day (as they do here), there would be any
+objection to it? The Queen merely wishes to know, in <i>case
+they</i> should ask leave to do so, what she can answer.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir George Grey.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">COMMISSIONS IN THE ARMY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>14th July 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Sir George Grey's letter of yesterday,
+and has considered the proposed alteration in the mode of
+preparing Commissions for Officers in the Army. The Queen
+does not at all object to the amount of trouble which the
+signature of so many Commissions has hitherto entailed upon
+her, as she feels amply compensated by the advantage of keeping
+up a personal connection between the Sovereign and the
+Army, and she very much doubts whether the Officers generally
+would not feel it as a slight if, instead of their Commissions
+bearing the Queen's sign-manual, they were in future only to
+receive a certificate from the Secretary at War that they have
+been commissioned.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">She therefore prefers matters to remain on their old footing.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Secretary at War speaks in his Memorandum of his
+responsibility to Parliament with respect to allowing Appointments
+to go on; the Queen apprehends that his responsibility
+does not extend beyond the appropriation of the money voted
+by Parliament for the use of her Army.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Princess Charlotte of Belgium to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>18th July 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Cousin</span>,&mdash;I have received the beautiful dolls'
+house you have been so kind as to send me, and I thank you
+very much for it. I am delighted with it; every morning I
+dress my doll and give her a good breakfast; and the day
+after her arrival she gave a great rout at which all my dolls
+were invited. Sometimes she plays at drafts on her pretty
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.186" id="pageii.186"></a>[page&nbsp;186]</span>
+little draft-board, and every evening I undress her and put
+her to bed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Be so good, my dearest Cousin, as to give my love to my
+dear little Cousins, and believe me always, your most affectionate
+Cousin,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Charlotte</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ITALY AND FRANCE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>24th July 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter<sup>33</sup> reporting
+his conversation with M. de Tallenay. She can only repeat her
+opinion that a negotiation with France in order to agree with
+her upon a common line of policy to be followed with regard
+to the Italian question can lead to no good; it will make us
+the ally of a Government which is not even legally constituted,
+and which can accordingly not guarantee the fulfilment of any
+engagement it may enter into, and it will call upon the very
+power to judge the Italian dispute which it is the interest of
+Europe to keep out of it. M. de Tallenay seems to have admitted
+that the French Republic, if called upon to act, will
+neither allow Austria to keep the Venetian territory nor
+Sardinia to acquire it, but that she will strive to set up a
+Venetian Republic. It can really not be an object for us to
+assist in such a scheme, or even to treat upon it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Cowley the Queen means to invite to dinner to-day,
+and she wishes Lord Palmerston to let her know the day on
+which he is to leave for Frankfort in order that she may prepare
+her letter for the Archduke accordingly.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 33: Lord Palmerston had reported an interview with <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'De Tallenay'">de Tallenay</ins>, who sought the co-operation
+of England with France in Northern Italy; the Austrian force in Italy to be
+withdrawn or reduced, the union of Lombardy and Piedmont to be accepted as a <i>fait
+accompli</i>, and Venetian territory erected into a separate republic.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">NORTHERN ITALY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>25th July 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sends Lord John Russell the enclosed Despatch
+from Lord Normanby, with a draft in answer to it which was
+sent for her approval, but which she really cannot approve.
+The Queen must tell Lord John what she has repeatedly told
+Lord Palmerston, but without apparent effect, that the establishment
+of an <i>entente cordiale with the French Republic</i>, for the
+purpose of driving the Austrians out of <i>their dominions</i> in Italy,
+would be a <i>disgrace</i> to this country. That the French would
+attach the greatest importance to it and gain the greatest
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.187" id="pageii.187"></a>[page&nbsp;187]</span>
+advantage by it there can be no doubt of; but how will
+England appear before the world <i>at the moment</i> when she is
+struggling to maintain her supremacy in Ireland, and boasts
+to stand by treaties with regard to her European relations,
+having declined all this time to interfere in Italy or to address
+one word of caution to the Sardinian Government on account
+of its attack on Austria, and having refused to mediate when
+called upon to do so by Austria, because the terms were not
+good enough for Sardinia, if she should now ally herself with
+the arch-enemy of Austria to interfere <i>against her</i> at the
+moment when she has recovered in some degree her position in
+the Venetian territory?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The notion of establishing a Venetian State under French
+guarantee is too absurd. Lord Palmerston in his draft says
+that we believe that the French plan would be agreed to by
+Austria. Now this is completely at variance with every
+account, report, or despatch we have received from Verona,
+<ins title="Transcriber's Note: sic: alternative spelling for 'Innsbruck'">Innspruck</ins>, or Vienna; however, Lord Palmerston hints that
+the King of Sardinia might expect still better terms. The
+French Republic seems <i>not</i> to be anxious for war, not able to
+conduct it, and the country appears to be decidedly against it;
+all M. Bastide says is: "There were two extremes which it
+would be very difficult for them to admit without opposition,
+viz. the restoration of Lombardy to the Dominion of Austria
+on the one side, and the union under one powerful state under
+Charles Albert of all the principalities into which the north of
+Italy has hitherto been divided." With this explicit declaration,
+it would surely be best for the interests of Europe that
+we should name <i>this</i> to Charles Albert, and call upon him to
+rest satisfied with his conquest, and to conclude a peace with
+Austria, leaving her what he cannot take from her, and thus
+avoid calling in France as an arbiter. Why this has not been
+done long ago, or should not be done now, the Queen cannot
+comprehend.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>27th July 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has to acknowledge Lord John Russell's two
+letters with respect to Italy. The alterations in the draft meet
+many of the Queen's objections, giving to the whole step
+another appearance. The Queen ... must acknowledge the
+advantage of our trying to bind [the French] to good conduct;
+only this must be done in a way not to appear as a league with
+them against a friendly Power, struggling to preserve to herself
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.188" id="pageii.188"></a>[page&nbsp;188]</span>
+a territory granted to her by a Treaty to which we were a
+party.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As the amended draft secures us against these appearances,
+and leaves us free for the future, the Queen approves it.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MINOR GERMAN STATES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>1st August 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I had yesterday the happiness of receiving
+your kind letter of the 29th, for which I return my best
+thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">There are ample means of crushing the Rebellion in Ireland,<sup>34</sup>
+and I think it now is very likely to go off without any contest.
+...Lord Hardinge is going over there to serve on the Staff,
+which is very praiseworthy of him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I do not think the fate of the Minor Princes in Germany is so
+completely decided as Charles<sup>35</sup> ... is <i>so</i> anxious to make one
+believe. There is only a question of taking certain powers and
+rights away, and not at all of getting rid of them; and I think
+you will see that the <i>Ausf&uuml;hrung</i> of the Unity will be an impossibility,
+at least in the sense they propose at Frankfort. The
+Archduke John has spoken very reassuringly both to Ernest
+and the Duke of Meiningen, and the attachment in many of
+those smaller principalities is still extremely great, and I am
+sure they will never consent to being <i>ausgewischt</i>. Coburg, for
+instance, on the occasion of the suppression of a very small riot,
+showed the greatest attachment and devotion to Ernest; at
+Gotha the feeling of independence is <i>very</i> great, and at Strelitz,
+on the occasion of Augusta's confinement with a <i>son</i>, the enthusiasm
+and rejoicing was universal. All this cannot be
+entirely despised.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We are as happy as possible here, and would be perfectly so,
+if it was not for the sorrow and misfortunes of so many dear
+to us, and for the state of the world in general.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have always forgotten to tell you that we bought a fine
+marble bust of you quite by accident in London the other day.
+It is in armour and with moustaches, but quite different to the
+one the Gardners have at Melbourne; Albert saw it at the
+window of a shop, and heard it had been bought in a sale of a
+General Somebody. Now, with Albert's best love, ever your
+devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">We have just heard that there has been an <i>action</i> in Ireland
+in which some of the insurgents have been killed; <i>fifty</i> Police
+dispersed <i>four thousand</i> people. Smith O'Brien is, however,
+not yet taken.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 34: <i>See</i> Introductory Note for the year, <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.141" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 141</a>.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 35: The Frankfort Assembly, in pursuance of the policy of German consolidation, had
+placed the central executive power in the hands of a Reichsverweser, or Vicar of the
+Empire. The Archduke John, uncle of the Emperor of Austria, was elected to this position,
+and the Queen's half-brother Charles, Prince of Leiningen, was entrusted with the
+Department of Foreign Affairs.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.189" id="pageii.189"></a>[page&nbsp;189]</span>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">AN AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>8th August 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... The Queen has attentively perused the statement of
+Lord Palmerston in favour of accrediting an Ambassador at
+Paris. As the proposed arrangement for the present is to be
+only a <i>provisional</i> one, the Queen thinks that the appointment
+of a <i>Minister</i> now will leave it quite open to have an Ambassador
+hereafter, if it should be found necessary or advantageous,
+whilst it would set that matter at rest for the moment.
+Withdrawing an Ambassador and substituting a Minister hereafter,
+would be much more difficult. The French Republic
+would no doubt like to have an Ambassador here, and perhaps
+take immediate steps to secure that object if Lord Normanby
+were accredited Ambassador at Paris, against which we would
+be secured in having only a Minister there.... Lord Normanby's
+acquaintance with the public men at Paris is as much
+an inconvenience as it may be a convenience in some respects;
+his having been the great admirer and friend of M. Lamartine,
+for instance, etc., etc. The possibility of mixing freely with
+persons of various kinds, which Lord Palmerston adduces as an
+important consideration will, in the Queen's opinion, be more
+easy for a Minister than for a person of the high rank of Ambassador.
+All things considered therefore, the Queen will
+prefer to have temporarily a Minister accredited at Paris.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">M. de Tallenay the Queen would receive in London on
+Tuesday next at six o'clock, when the Queen will be in Town.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>11th August 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has to acknowledge Lord Palmerston's letter of
+yesterday. The Queen was quite surprised to hear from Lord
+Palmerston in his last communication that he had written to
+Lord Normanby to offer him to stay as Minister at Paris, after
+his having before stated to the Queen that this would never do
+and could not be expected from Lord Normanby; Lord Normanby's
+answer declining this offer therefore does in no way
+alter the matter, and must have been foreseen by Lord Palmerston.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.190" id="pageii.190"></a>[page&nbsp;190]</span>
+By the delay and Lord Normanby's various conversations
+with M. Bastide<sup>36</sup> and General Cavaignac it has now
+become difficult to depart from the precedent of the Belgian
+and Sardinian Missions without giving offence at Paris. The
+Queen must, however, insist upon this precedent being fully
+adhered to. She accordingly sanctions Lord Normanby's
+appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary, on the <i>distinct
+understanding</i> that there is to be no Ambassador sent in return
+to London now, and that a Minister is to be appointed to Paris
+when the diplomatic intercourse is permanently to be settled.
+The Queen wishes Lord Palmerston to bear this in mind, and
+to submit to her the arrangement which he thinks will be best
+calculated to carry this into effect.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 36: Minister of Foreign Affairs.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD NORMANBY'S APPOINTMENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>11th August 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has to acknowledge Lord John Russell's letter of
+to-day. The Queen is highly indignant at Lord Palmerston's
+behaviour now again with respect to Lord Normanby's appointment;
+he knew perfectly well that Lord Normanby could
+not accept the post of Minister, and had written to the Queen
+before that such an offer could not be made, and has now made
+it after all, knowing that, by wasting time and getting the
+matter entangled at Paris, he would carry his point. If the
+French are so anxious to keep Lord Normanby as to make any
+sacrifice for that object, it ought to make us cautious, as it can
+only be on account of the ease with which they can make him
+serve their purposes. They, of course, like an <i>entente cordiale</i>
+with us at the expense of Austria;... but this can be no
+consideration for us....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Threatening the Austrians with war, or making war upon
+them in case they should not be inclined to surrender their
+provinces at his bidding [Lord Palmerston] knows to be impossible;
+therefore the <i>entente</i> with the Republic is of the
+greatest value to him, enabling him to threaten the Austrians
+at any time with the French intervention which he can have
+at command if he agrees to it.<sup>37</sup> The Queen has read the leading
+articles of the <i>Times</i> of yesterday and to-day on this subject
+with the greatest satisfaction as they express almost entirely
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.191" id="pageii.191"></a>[page&nbsp;191]</span>
+the same views and feelings which she entertains. The Queen
+hopes that Lord John Russell will read them; indeed, the
+whole of the Press seem to be unanimous on this subject, and
+she can hardly understand how there can be two opinions
+upon it....</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 37: The success of the Piedmontese in Northern Italy had not continued through the
+summer, and the States whose assistance they had hitherto received began to fall away
+from them. The King of Naples, successful within his own dominions, had withdrawn
+his troops; the Pope hesitated to attack Austria; even undivided support from Venetia
+could no longer be counted upon. After several reverses, Charles Albert, now left virtually
+alone in the contest, was decisively defeated by Radetzky, at Custozza, and retreated
+across the Mincio. With what was left of his troops he entered Milan, which he was
+eventually forced to surrender, being unable to maintain himself there. Italy now turned
+to France for assistance, but Cavaignac, virtually Dictator in Paris, would not go further
+than combining with England to effect a peaceful mediation. Austria was not in a frame
+of mind to relinquish any part of the provinces she had had so severe a struggle to retain.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>20th August 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received an <i>autograph</i> letter from the Archduke
+John (in answer to the private letter she had written to
+him through Lord Cowley), which has been cut open at the
+Foreign Office. The Queen wishes Lord Palmerston to take
+care that this does not happen again. The opening of official
+letters even, addressed to the Queen, which she has <i>of late</i>
+observed, is really not becoming, and ought to be discontinued,
+as it used never to be the case formerly.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>21st August 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of yesterday,
+but cannot say that she has been satisfied by the reasons
+given by Lord Palmerston. The union of Lombardy and
+Piedmont cannot be considered as a concession to France for
+the maintenance of peace, because we know that it is the very
+thing the French object to. The Queen quite agrees that the
+principal consideration always to be kept in sight is the preservation
+of the peace of Europe; but it is precisely on that
+account that she regrets that the terms proposed by Lord
+Palmerston (whilst they are not in accordance with the views
+of France) are almost the only ones which must be most
+offensive to Austria. Lord Palmerston <i>will</i> have his kingdom
+of Upper Italy under Charles Albert, to which every other consideration
+is to be sacrificed, and Lord Normanby's alteration
+of the terms certainly serve <i>that</i> purpose well; but it is quite
+independent of the question of mediation, and the only thing in
+the whole proceeding which is indefensible in principle.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.192" id="pageii.192"></a>[page&nbsp;192]</span>
+
+
+<p class="ind">It will be a calamity for ages to come if this principle is to
+become part of the international law, viz. "that a people can
+at any time transfer their allegiance from the Sovereign of one
+State to that of another by universal suffrage (under momentary
+excitement)," and this is what Lord Normanby&mdash;no doubt
+according to Lord Palmerston's wishes&mdash;has taken as the basis
+of the mediation. For even the <i>faits accomplis</i>, which are a
+convenient basis to justify any act of injustice, are here against
+Charles Albert.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston's argument respecting Schleswig,<sup>38</sup> which
+the Queen quoted in her last letter, had no reference to the
+Treaty of 1720.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 38: The first act of the <i>Vor-Parlament</i>, a body which had existed temporarily at Frankfort,
+to pave the way for the National Assembly of a Consolidated Germany, had been to treat
+Schleswig, theretofore part of the Danish dominions, as absorbed in the German Confederation,
+and Lord Palmerston's objections to this proceeding had been treated by the
+Queen in a letter of 19th August as inconsistent with his attitude towards Austria.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PRUSSIA AND GERMANY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>29th August 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Most warmly do I thank you for your
+very kind and dear letter of the 26th, with so many good wishes
+for that <i>dearest</i> of days. It is indeed to me one of eternal
+thankfulness, for a purer, more perfect being than my beloved
+Albert the Creator could <i>not</i> have sent into this troubled
+world. I feel that I could <i>not</i> exist without him, and that I
+should sink under the troubles and annoyances and <i>d&eacute;go&ucirc;ts</i> of
+my <i>very</i> difficult position, were it not for <i>his</i> assistance,
+protection,
+guidance, and comfort. Truly do I thank you for
+your <i>great</i> share in bringing about our marriage.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Stockmar I do not quite understand, and I cannot believe
+that he <i>really wishes to ruin</i> all the smaller States, though
+his principal object is that unity which I fear he will <i>not</i>
+obtain.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I do not either at all agree in his wish that Prussia should
+take the lead; his love for Prussia is to me incomprehensible,
+for it is the country of all others which the <i>rest</i> of Germany
+dislikes. Stockmar cannot be my good old friend if he has
+such notions of injustice as I hear attributed to him. But
+whatever they may be, I do <i>not</i> believe the <i>Ausf&uuml;hrung</i> to be
+possible.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have great hopes of soon hearing of something decided
+about the fortunes of the poor French family. You will have
+seen how nobly and courageously good Joinville and Aumale
+behaved on the occasion of the burning of that emigrant ship
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.193" id="pageii.193"></a>[page&nbsp;193]</span>
+off Liverpool.<sup>39</sup> It will do them great good. I must now conclude.
+Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 39: One hundred and seventy-eight persons perished in the burning of the <i>Ocean Monarch</i>;
+the French Princes were on board a Brazilian steam frigate, which saved one hundred
+and fifty-six lives.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">AUSTRIA DECLINES MEDIATION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>2nd September 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has read in the papers the news that Austria and
+Sardinia have nearly settled their differences, and also "that
+it was confidently stated that a French and <i>British</i> squadron,
+with troops on board, <i>are to make a demonstration in the
+Adriatic</i>."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Though the Queen cannot believe this, she thinks it right to
+inform Lord Palmerston without delay that, should such a
+thing be thought of, it is a step which the Queen could <i>not</i> give
+her consent to.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>4th September 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen since her arrival in Town has heard that the
+answer from Austria declining our mediation has some days ago
+been communicated to Lord Palmerston. The Queen is surprised
+that Lord Palmerston should have left her uninformed
+of so important an event. The Queen has received Lord
+Palmerston's letter respecting the proposal to mediate on the
+part of the central power of Germany,<sup>40</sup> and does not see why
+that power, which has a responsible Government, is to be
+precluded from taking part in a negotiation because the Archduke
+John might be friendly towards Austria&mdash;whereas the
+French republic, which had in public documents espoused the
+Italian Cause, is to be a party to it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Neither France nor England are neighbours to or directly
+interested in Lombardy, whereas Germany is both.<sup>41</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 40: See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.188" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 188</a>, note 35.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 41: Lord Palmerston's object, in which he ultimately succeeded, was, by obtaining the
+French Government's co-operation in mediating between Austria and Piedmont, to
+prevent the aggressive party in France from maturing any designs on Italy.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">AUSTRIA AND ITALY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">On board the</span> <i>Victoria and Albert,</i></p>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Aberdeen</span>, <i>7th September 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen must send the enclosed draft to Lord John
+Russell, with a copy of her letter to Lord Palmerston upon it.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.194" id="pageii.194"></a>[page&nbsp;194]</span>
+Lord Palmerston has as usual pretended not to have had time
+to submit the draft to the Queen before he had sent it off.
+What the Queen has long suspected and often warned against
+is on the point of happening, viz. Lord Palmerston's using the
+new <i>entente cordiale</i> for the purpose of wresting from Austria
+her Italian provinces by French arms. This would be a most
+iniquitous proceeding. It is another question whether it is
+good policy for Austria to try to retain Lombardy, but that is
+for her and not for us to decide. Many people might think
+that we would be happier without Ireland or Canada. Lord
+John will not fail to observe how very intemperate the whole
+tone of Lord Palmerston's language is.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral Castle</span>, <i>13th September 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I yesterday received your dear and
+kind letter of the 9th (it having arrived in London only the
+day before), which is very quick, and I thank you much for it.
+The Schleswig affair at Frankfort is <i>very</i> unfortunate, and
+there seems a lamentable want of <i>all</i> practical sense, foresight,
+or even <i>common</i> prudence.<sup>42</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The poor Austrians seem now to accept the (to me <i>very</i>
+doubtful) mediation. It reminds me of the wolf in the lamb's
+skin. <i>Nous verrons</i>, how matters will be arranged....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">My letter to Louise will have informed you of our voyage
+and our arrival here. This house is small but pretty, and
+though the hills seen from the windows are not <i>so</i> fine, the
+scenery all around is the finest almost I have seen anywhere.
+It is very wild and solitary, and yet cheerful and <i>beautifully
+wooded</i>, with the river Dee running between the two sides of
+the hills. Loch Nagar is the highest hill in the immediate
+vicinity, and belongs to us.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Then the soil is the driest and best known almost anywhere,
+and all the hills are as sound and hard as the road. The
+climate is also dry, and in general not very cold, though we
+had one or two very cold days. There is a deer forest&mdash;many
+roe deer, and on the opposite hill (which does not belong to us)
+grouse. There is also black cock and ptarmigan. Albert has,
+however, no luck this year, and has in vain been after the deer,
+though they are continually seen, and often quite close by the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.195" id="pageii.195"></a>[page&nbsp;195]</span>
+house. The children are very well, and enjoying themselves
+much. The boys always wear their Highland dress.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now wish you good-bye, and repeat how much delighted
+we are that everything goes on so well in Belgium.
+Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 42: The incorporation of Schleswig had been forcibly resisted, and Sweden determined
+on armed intervention; but a temporary armistice was arranged in August. This the
+National Assembly attempted to disavow, but a few days after this letter was written it
+was ratified.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral</span>, <i>19th September 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I said to Lord John Russell, that I must mention to him a
+subject, which was a serious one, one which I had delayed
+mentioning for some time, but which I felt I must speak quite
+openly to him upon now, namely about Lord Palmerston;
+that I felt really I could hardly go on with him, that I had no
+confidence in him, and that it made me seriously anxious and
+uneasy for the welfare of the country and for the peace of
+Europe in general, and that I felt very uneasy from one day
+to another as to what might happen. Lord John replied that
+he was aware of it; that he had considered the matter already,
+having heard from his brother (the Duke of Bedford) how
+strongly I felt about it; that he felt the truth of all that I had
+said, but that, on the other hand, Lord Palmerston was a very
+able man, entirely master of his office and affairs, and a very
+good colleague, never making any difficulties about other
+questions, but (certainly <i>unreasonably</i>) complaining of other
+people mixing with and interfering in the affairs of his office.
+I said that ... I fully believed that that Spanish marriage
+question, which had been the original cause of so many present
+misfortunes, would never have become so <i>embrouill&eacute;</i> had it not
+been for Lord Palmerston. This led Lord John to say, that
+though he disapproved the length of Lord Palmerston's correspondence,
+still that we could not have done otherwise than
+object to the marriage. This is true enough. I repeated that
+all that had been done in Italy last winter had also done harm,
+as it was done by <i>Lord Palmerston</i>, who was distrusted everywhere
+abroad, which Lord John regretted. I said that I
+thought that he often endangered the honour of England by
+taking a very prejudiced and one-sided view of a question;...
+that his writings were always as bitter as gall and did great
+harm, which Lord John entirely assented to, and that I often
+felt quite ill from anxiety; that I wished Lord Clarendon
+(who, I had heard, was tired of Ireland) could come over and
+be Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and Lord Palmerston
+go to Ireland as Lord-Lieutenant. Lord John said nothing
+would be better, for that he was sure that Lord Palmerston
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.196" id="pageii.196"></a>[page&nbsp;196]</span>
+would make an admirable Lord-Lieutenant, but that another
+thing to be considered was the danger of making Lord Palmerston
+an enemy by displacing him, that Lord Minto (who was
+formerly a great friend and admirer of Lord Palmerston's) had
+told Lady John when she spoke to him on the subject of
+placing Lord Palmerston in another office, that <i>he</i> (Lord Palmerston)
+would certainly turn against the Government if
+displaced. I said that might be, but that sometimes there
+were great interests at stake which exceeded the danger of
+offending one man, and that this was here the case; Lord John
+said it was very true, but that at moments like these one of
+course was anxious not to do anything which could cause
+internal trouble. I admitted this, but repeated my anxiety,
+which Lord John quite understood, though he thought I a
+little overrated it, and said I was afraid that some day I should
+have to tell Lord John that I could not put up with Lord
+Palmerston any longer, which might be very disagreeable and
+awkward.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It ended by Lord John's promising to bear the subject in
+mind, and I must say that he took it all just as I could wish.</p>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Minute by the Governor-General of India.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">AFFAIRS IN THE PUNJAB</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>30th September 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... The course of events, as they have developed themselves,<span class="rightnote">HOSTILITY OF THE SIKHS</span>
+and long and anxious considerations of this important
+subject, have finally and immovably confirmed in my mind
+the conviction which the earlier events of the insurrection at
+Mooltan long since had founded, that there will be no peace
+for India, nor any stability of Government in the Punjab, nor
+any release from anxiety and costly defensive preparations on
+our frontier, unless the British Government, justly indignant
+at the unprovoked and treacherous aggression once again committed
+against them by the Sikhs, shall now effectually provide
+against future dangers by subverting for ever the Dynasty of
+the Sings, by converting the Punjab into a British province,
+and by adopting the only measure which will secure the observance
+of peace by the Sikhs, namely, depriving them utterly
+of all the means of making war. I continue as fully convinced
+as ever that the establishment of a strong, friendly, Hindoo
+Government in the Punjab would be the best settlement that
+could be made for the interests of British India, if it could be
+formed. But I am convinced that such a Government cannot
+be formed.<sup>43</sup></p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.197" id="pageii.197"></a>[page&nbsp;197]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The Chiefs of the Punjab are utterly powerless and worthless.
+The great body of the nation is adverse to all control,
+and in no degree submissive to the authority of those who are
+professedly their rulers.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Even admitting, which I am by no means prepared to do,
+that the Sirdars are not treacherously or hostilely disposed to
+the British Government, of what advantage, what defence to
+us is the fidelity of the Chiefs, if they are confessedly unable
+to control the army which is as avowedly hostile to us? That
+which we desire to secure is a peaceful and well-governed
+neighbour, and a frontier free from alarms, nor demanding a
+permanent garrison of 50,000 men. If their army are able to
+disturb and eager to disturb on every occasion the peace we
+seek to render permanent, of what profit to us is the assumed
+fidelity of the Chiefs, who cannot repress their soldiers' turbulence,
+or command their obedience?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I discredit altogether the assurances of the fidelity of the
+Chiefs on the evidence of the facts before us....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">To all these recommendations my colleagues in the Council
+have yielded their ready assent.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have to the last sought to avert, or to avoid, the necessity,
+if it could prudently or fitly be avoided.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Sikh nation have forced the necessity upon us. Having
+resolved at once, and fully, to meet it, I shall proceed with all
+speed to the frontier, and shall endeavour by every exertion,
+and by all the means in my power, to carry into effect vigorously
+the measures on which the Government of India has
+resolved, and which, in my conscience I believe, are imperatively
+called for by regard to the peace of India, to the security
+of our Empire there, and to the happiness of the people over
+whom we rule.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Dalhousie</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 43: <i>See</i> Introductory Note for 1849, <i>post</i>, <a href="#pageii.208" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 208</a>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON'S ITALIAN POLICY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>7th October 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sends Lord Palmerston's answer to her last letter,
+of which the Queen has sent a copy to Lord John Russell, and
+encloses likewise a copy of her present answer. The partiality
+of Lord Palmerston in this Italian question really <i>surpasses all
+conception</i>, and makes the Queen <i>very uneasy</i> on account of
+the character and honour of England, and on account of the
+danger to which the peace of Europe will be exposed. It is
+now clearly proved by Baron Wessenberg that upon the conclusion
+of the Armistice with Sardinia, negotiations for peace
+would have speedily been entered into, had our <i>mediation</i> not
+been offered to the King, to whom the offer of Lombardy was
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.198" id="pageii.198"></a>[page&nbsp;198]</span>
+too tempting not to accept, and now that promise is by fair or
+unfair means to be made good. The Queen cannot see any
+principle in this, as the principle upon which Lord Palmerston
+goes is <i>Italian Nationality and Independence from a foreign
+Yoke and Tyranny</i>. How can the Venetian territory then be
+secured to Austria? and if this is done, on what ground can
+Lombardy be wrung from her? It is really not safe to settle
+such important matters without principle and by personal
+<i>passion</i> alone. When the <i>French</i> Government say they cannot
+control public feeling, Lord Palmerston takes this as an unalterable
+fact, and as a sufficient reason to make the Austrians
+give up Lombardy; when, however, the <i>Austrian</i> Government
+say they cannot give up Lombardy on account of the feeling of
+the Army which had just reconquered it with their blood and
+under severe privations and sufferings, Lord Palmerston flippantly
+tells the Austrian Government, "if that were so, the
+Emperor had better abdicate and make General Radetzky
+Emperor." When Charles Albert burned the whole of the
+suburbs of Milan to keep up the delusion that he meant to
+defend the town, Lord Palmerston said nothing; and now
+that the Austrian Governor has prohibited revolutionary
+placards on the walls, and prolonged the period at which arms
+are to be surrendered, at the end of which persons concealing
+arms are to be tried by court-martial, he writes to Vienna:
+"that this savage proclamation, which savours more of the
+barbarous usages of centuries long gone by than of the spirit
+of the present times, must strike everybody as a proof of
+the fear by which the Austrian Commander is inspired," etc.,
+etc., etc.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Venice was to have been made over to Austria by the Armistice,
+and now that this has not been done, Austria is not even
+to retake it, in order (as Lord Normanby says) to keep something
+in hand against which Austria is to make further concessions.
+Is all this fair? In the meantime, from the account
+of our Consul at Venice, the French agents are actively employed
+in intrigues against Austria in that town, and have
+asked him to assist, which he refused. Lord Palmerston
+merely approved his conduct, and did not write a line to Paris
+about it. Now the question at issue is not even to be submitted
+to a Conference of European powers, but to be settled
+by the French Republic and Lord Palmerston alone, Lord
+Normanby being the instrument who has pledged himself over
+and over again for Italian <i>independence</i> (so called). If Austria
+makes peace with Sardinia, and gives her Italian provinces
+separate National Institutions with a liberal constitutional
+Government, <i>who can force</i> upon her another arrangement?</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.199" id="pageii.199"></a>[page&nbsp;199]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">GREECE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>8th October 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen cannot refrain from telling Lord Palmerston
+what a painful impression the perusal of a draft of his to Lord
+Normanby referring to the affairs of Greece has made upon her,
+being so little in accordance with the calm dignity which she
+likes to see in all the proceedings of the British Government;
+she was particularly struck by the language in which Lord
+Palmerston speaks of King Otho, a Sovereign with whom she
+stands in friendly relations, and the asperity against the
+Government of the King of the French, who is really sufficiently
+lowered and suffering for the mistakes he may have committed,
+and that of all this a copy is to be placed in the hands of the
+Foreign Minister of the French <i>Republic</i>, the Queen can only
+see with much regret.<sup>44</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 44: Lord Palmerston replied that his observations on the two Kings lay at the very root
+of his argument, and were necessary to conciliate the present Government of France.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>10th October 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Our voyage yesterday was much
+saddened by a terrible accident at Spithead, which delayed us
+half an hour, and which still fills us with horror. The sea was
+running very high, and we were just outside what is called The
+Spit, when we saw a man in the water, sitting on the keel of a
+boat, and we stopped, and at that moment Albert discerned
+<i>many heads</i> above the sea, including a poor woman. The tide
+was running so strong that we could only stop an instant and
+let a boat down, but you may imagine our horror. We waited
+at Gosport to hear if the people had been saved, and we learnt
+that three had, two of whom by our <i>Fairy's</i> boat, and that
+four were drowned. Very horrid indeed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The state of Germany is dreadful, and one does feel quite
+ashamed about that once really so peaceful and happy people.
+That there are still good people there I am sure, but they allow
+themselves to be worked upon in a frightful and shameful
+way.... In France a crisis seems at hand. <i>What</i> a very bad
+figure we cut in this mediation! Really it is quite immoral,
+with Ireland quivering in our grasp, and ready to throw off
+her allegiance at any moment, for us to force Austria to give
+up her lawful possessions. What shall we say if Canada, Malta,
+etc., begin to trouble us? It hurts me terribly. This ought
+to be the principle in <i>all actions</i>, private as well as public:
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.200" id="pageii.200"></a>[page&nbsp;200]</span>
+"Was du nicht willst, dass dir geschieht, das thu' auch einem
+andern nicht." ...</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude. With every good wish, ever your
+devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Earl Grey to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE BOERS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Colonial Office</span>, <i>25th October 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Earl Grey presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+begs to inform your Majesty that no official accounts have been
+received of the engagement on the Cape Frontier between your
+Majesty's forces under Sir H. Smith and the insurgent Dutch
+farmers, of which an account is published in the newspapers.<sup>45</sup>
+Lord Grey has, however, seen a private letter, which mentions,
+in addition to what is stated in the Government notice in the
+Cape newspapers, that Sir Harry Smith exposed himself very
+much, and was slightly wounded; most fortunately, he was
+merely grazed in the leg; his horse was also struck by a bullet
+in the nose. A very large proportion of those who were hit by
+the fire of the rebels were officers, who appear to have been
+particularly aimed at.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 45: In July, Pretorius, the Boer leader, had in consequence of the British annexation of
+territory, expelled the British Resident from Bloemfontein. <i>See</i> Introductory Note,
+<i>ante</i>, p. 142. Sir Harry Smith decisively defeated the Boers on the 29th of August.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Earl Grey.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>26th October 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Grey's letter, and is glad to
+hear that Sir H. Smith's wound was not of a serious nature.
+The loss of so many officers, the Queen is certain, proceeds from
+their wearing a blue coat whilst the men are in scarlet; the
+Austrians lost a great proportion of officers in Italy from a
+similar difference of dress.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As to the Medal for Major Edwardes, the Queen did not
+approve but disapprove the step, and wished the Bath to be
+given instead, which has been done. The medals for troops
+in general (given by the East India Company) are a new and
+doubtful thing, and now it is proposed to reward even a special
+case of personal distinction by the <i>Company's</i> conferring a
+mark of honour. Lord Grey will agree with the Queen that it
+will be better not to establish two fountains of honour in the
+Realm. If the East India Company wish to mark their
+approbation, perhaps they might send Major Edwardes a fine
+sword or something of that kind.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.201" id="pageii.201"></a>[page&nbsp;201]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Earl Grey to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">GOVERNORSHIP OF GIBRALTAR</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Colonial Office</span>, <i>26th October 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Earl Grey presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+has just had the honour of receiving your Majesty's letter.
+Lord Fitzroy Somerset happened to be here when it arrived,
+and Lord Grey read to him that part of it which relates to the
+danger occasioned to officers in action from wearing a dress of
+a different colour from that of the men. Lord Fitzroy observed
+that although there can be no doubt of the objection to the
+blue coats worn by officers, in this instance their having
+suffered so much cannot be attributed to that cause, as it
+appears that all the officers who were wounded but one, belonged
+to regiments (the Rifle Battalion or the Cape Mounted
+Rifles) in which the officers are dressed in the same colour as
+the men....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Grey begs to submit to your Majesty that the usual
+time for relieving the present Governor of Gibraltar is now
+come, and that he thinks it very desirable to appoint a successor
+to Sir Robert Wilson, who now fills that situation. It appears
+to Lord Grey that, considering the nature of the appointment
+and also the great advantage which would result from affording
+greater encouragement to the officers serving under the
+Ordnance, it would be very proper to confer this government
+upon a General Officer belonging to the Royal Artillery or
+Engineers. There is some difficulty in making a selection from
+the officers of these Corps, because, from their retiring only by
+seniority, they seldom attain the rank of General Officer while
+they are still in possession of sufficient strength and activity
+for employment. Lord Grey, however, believes from the information
+he has been able to obtain, that Sir Robert Gardiner
+might, with advantage, be appointed to this command, which
+he therefore begs leave to recommend to your Majesty to confer
+upon him. Lord Grey has had no communication with Sir R.
+Gardiner, and is entirely ignorant whether he would accept
+this employment.<sup>46</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 46: Sir Robert Gardiner, K.C.B.. was appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of
+Gibraltar on the 21st of November, and held that post till 1855.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ITALY AND AUSTRIA</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>27th October 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has not yet acknowledged the receipt of Lord
+John Russell's communication of the views of the Cabinet on
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.202" id="pageii.202"></a>[page&nbsp;202]</span>
+the Italian affairs.<sup>47</sup> She is very glad that the Cabinet should
+have considered this important question, and that she should
+have received an assurance "that she will not be advised to
+have recourse to forcible intervention." The Queen understands
+this principle to apply to Lombardy as well as to Sicily,
+and that, of course, "forcible intervention" will not only be
+avoided as to British means, but likewise as to French means,
+with British consent and concurrence. Though Lord John
+Russell does not enter so much into particulars with regard to
+the opinions of the Members of the Cabinet as the Queen might
+have wished, she infers from the proposition that Lombardy
+should be constituted separately under an Archduke, that
+the idea of making it over to the King of Sardinia is finally
+abandoned.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 47: Lord John had written to the effect that, while no definite decision had been arrived
+at with regard to Italy, it was thought by the Cabinet that every means should be used
+to induce Austria to give up Lombardy to an Austrian Prince, as most conformable to the
+interests of Austria herself. The question of Sicily (he added) was more difficult, but if
+no agreement could be arrived at by amicable negotiation, the Cabinet would not be
+disposed to advise the Queen to have recourse to forcible intervention.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge</span>, <i>19th November 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It will probably be necessary to send troops to India, who
+will then be no longer chargeable to this country. But Lord
+John Russell thinks it his duty to state that however unwilling
+he may be to diminish the Military and Naval force, it is still
+more essential to keep our income within our expenditure.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The whole matter will be under the consideration of the
+Cabinet next week.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The approaching election of a President in France must
+decide the question of the future Government of France. Louis
+Bonaparte may probably play the part of Richard Cromwell.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>21st November 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I write to thank you for your kind
+letter of the 18th on your god-daughter's <i>eighth</i> birthday!
+It does seem like an incredible dream that Vicky should already
+be so old! She is very happy with all her gifts.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In Vienna things are much better. Louis Napoleon's election
+seems certain, and I own I wish for it as I think it will
+lead to something else.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.203" id="pageii.203"></a>[page&nbsp;203]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">You will grieve to hear that our good, dear, old friend
+Melbourne is dying; there is <i>no</i> hope, and I enclose a pretty
+letter of Lady Beauvale's,<sup>48</sup> which I think will interest you, and
+which I beg you to return. One cannot forget how good and
+kind and amiable he was, and it brings back so many recollections
+to my mind, though, God knows! I never wish that
+time back again.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We go to-morrow for four weeks to our dear, peaceful
+Osborne.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I will now take my leave. Begging you to believe me ever
+your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 48: See Greville's appreciative description of Lady Beauvale in his Journal for the 30th
+of January 1853.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Brocket Hall</span>, <i>23rd November 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston is here engaged in the melancholy
+occupation of watching the gradual extinction of the lamp of
+life of one who was not more distinguished by his brilliant
+talents, his warm affections, and his first-rate understanding,
+than by those sentiments of attachment to your Majesty
+which rendered him the most devoted subject who ever had
+the honour to serve a Sovereign.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEATH OF LORD MELBOURNE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Brocket Hall</span>, <i>25th November 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and has to state that Viscount Melbourne was released
+from further suffering at about six o'clock yesterday
+afternoon. His bodily strength had been rapidly declining
+during the last few days, and it was only at intervals that
+he retained any degree of apparent consciousness. The last
+transition took place quietly and with almost imperceptible
+gradation.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge</span>, <i>26th November 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty:
+he sees no political objection to a visit to Osborne on the part
+of the Duke and Duchess of Nemours. The election of a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.204" id="pageii.204"></a>[page&nbsp;204]</span>
+President in France is so completely absorbing attention that
+any mark of regard to the Duke of Nemours may well pass
+unnoticed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell had the honour of seeing Louis Philippe
+in this house on Friday. He was in much better spirits,
+owing to the convalescence of the Queen; but the illness has
+been a very serious one.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell had understood that the affairs of property
+belonging to the Orleans family were arranged, and that
+Louis Philippe would ultimately be possessed of more than a
+million sterling.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Louis Philippe expressed his opinion in favour of Louis
+Bonaparte as a candidate for the Presidency. He feels confident
+that France cannot go to war on account of the state of
+her finances.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>21th November 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Thank God! that the news from
+Berlin are better. It is to be hoped that this may have a good
+effect elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In France there ought really to be a Monarchy before long,
+<i>qui que ce soit</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Our poor old friend Melbourne died on the 24th. I sincerely
+regret him, for he was truly attached to me, and though not a
+firm Minister he was a noble, kind-hearted, generous being.
+Poor Lord Beauvale and Lady Palmerston feel it very much.
+I wish it might soften the <i>caro sposo</i> of the latter-named
+person.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Pope Pius IX. to Queen Victoria.</i><sup>49</sup></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LETTER FROM THE POPE</span>
+
+<p class="ind">To the Most Serene and Potent Sovereign Victoria, the Illustrious
+Queen of England, Pius Papa Nonus.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Most Serene and Most Potent Queen, Greeting! Your
+Royal Majesty has already learned what a subversion of
+public affairs has taken place at Rome, and what utterly unheard-of
+violence was, on the 16th of the late month of November,
+offered to us in our very Palace of the Quirinal, in consequence
+of a nefarious conspiracy of abandoned and most
+turbulent men. Hence, in order to avoid more violent commotions
+and more serious dangers, as likewise for the purpose
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.205" id="pageii.205"></a>[page&nbsp;205]</span>
+of freely performing the functions of our apostolic Ministry,
+we, not without the deepest and most heartfelt sorrow, have
+been constrained to depart for a time from our Holy City, and
+from the whole state of our pontifical dominions; and in the
+meanwhile we come as far as Ga&euml;ta, where, as soon as we had
+arrived, our first care was to declare to our subjects the sentiments
+of our mind and will, by a public edict, a copy of which
+we transmit to your Royal Majesty, together with these our
+letters. Without doubt, through your own wisdom, you will
+perfectly understand, Most Serene and Potent Sovereign, that
+amongst the other most cruel difficulties by which we are
+pressed, we must be chiefly solicitous concerning those subject
+to our temporal rule and the rights and possessions of the
+Roman Church, which, moreover, your august Uncle and the
+other Princes of Europe protected with so much zeal. But we
+do not in the least doubt that, in conformity with your exalted
+magnanimity, your justice, and your known desire to maintain
+order in public affairs, you will by no means suffer this same to
+be wanting to us at this most lamentable time. Trusting indeed
+in this hope, we do not cease, in the humility and affliction
+of our heart, from earnestly beseeching God, the All Good
+and All Great, that He may heap upon your Royal Majesty
+and your whole House all true and solid prosperity, and that
+He may unite you with us in perfect charity.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Given at Ga&euml;ta, the 4th day of December 1848, in the third
+year of our Pontificate.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Pius PP. IX.</span><sup>50</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 49: Official translation.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 50: This letter was suitably acknowledged in general terms. <i>See</i> <a href="#pageii.210" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 210</a>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LOUIS NAPOLEON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>13th December 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My beloved Uncle</span>,&mdash;Pray accept my warmest and <i>best</i>
+wishes for <i>many, many happy</i> returns of your birthday&mdash;a day
+so <i>dear</i> to so many, and which will be hailed with such joy in
+Belgium. You have indeed reason to look with satisfaction
+on all around you, though it is a painful thing to think how
+many have been ruined and made miserable since this day
+twelvemonths. Let us hope that another year may bring
+many things round again.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The weather is beautiful, and I wish much we could fly over
+to pay our respects to you on your dear birthday.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The papers are just come, and I see there is no doubt of
+Louis Napoleon's election, which I am very glad of, as it is a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.206" id="pageii.206"></a>[page&nbsp;206]</span>
+sign of better times. But that one <i>should have to wish for him</i>
+is really wonderful.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Now good-bye, dearest Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>19th December 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest, kindest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Your dear letter, full of
+interesting topics, which I received yesterday, gave me great
+pleasure, and I thank you much for it. The success of Louis
+Napoleon<sup>51</sup> is an extraordinary event, but valuable as a universal
+condemnation of the Republic since February.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It will, however, perhaps be more difficult to get rid of him
+again than one at <i>first</i> may imagine. Nemours thinks it better
+that none of themselves should be <i>called</i> into action for some
+time to come. I fear that <i>he feels</i> now that they <i>ought</i> to have
+<i>foreseen</i> the dangers in February, and <i>ought not</i> to have yielded;
+when I said to him that the Pope had declared that he would
+<i>never</i> quit Rome, and <i>did so do</i> the <i>very next day</i>, he said:
+"Ah! mon Dieu, on se laisse entra&icirc;ner dans ces moments."
+Louise said to me that <i>her Father</i> had so <i>often declared he would
+never quit Paris alive</i>, so that when she heard of his flight she
+always believed it was untrue and he must be dead....</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 51: He was elected President on the 10th of December, by an immense majority.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>22nd December 1848.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has been waiting to receive an answer from Lord
+John Russell upon her last letter, and has therefore delayed
+sending the enclosed letter from Lord Palmerston.<sup>52</sup> But lest
+any further delay might cause future inconvenience, she sends
+it now without having received Lord John's answer. The
+Queen is sure Lord John will feel that neither Lord Palmerston
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.207" id="pageii.207"></a>[page&nbsp;207]</span>
+nor Lord Normanby have shown a proper regard for the
+Queen's wishes and opinion in this matter. Lord Normanby's
+Despatch shows that the step to be taken with reference to an
+Ambassador to be sent here is avowedly for the purpose of
+controlling the future action of the Queen's Government, and
+to <i>oblige her</i> to keep a <i>permanent</i> Ambassador at Paris in the
+person of Lord Normanby. It is not very delicate in Lord
+Normanby to convey such a message, nor in Lord Palmerston
+to urge it so eagerly. M. de Beaumont's departure from this
+country without taking leave of the Queen was neither very
+becoming.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has already, on Lord Palmerston's account,
+received two public affronts: the one by her Minister in Spain
+having been sent out of that country,<sup>53</sup> the other now, by the
+new Emperor of Austria not announcing to her by special
+mission his accession to the Throne, which he did to all other
+Sovereigns, avowedly, as it appears, to mark the indignation
+of Austria at the inimical proceedings of the British Foreign
+Secretary. The Queen does not think that, in the face of such
+slurs, the dignity of England will be vindicated by a race between
+her representative and that of Spain, who is to present
+his credentials first to the new President of the French Republic,
+which Lord Palmerston considers of such importance
+as to render an <i>immediate</i> decision indispensable.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Should Lord John think that we cannot do less now for
+Louis Napoleon than has been done in the case of General
+Cavaignac, the Queen will not object to renewing Lord Normanby's
+credentials as Ambassador-Extraordinary on a special
+mission.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 52: Lord Palmerston had written to say that Lord Normanby's credentials were provisional,
+and regular credentials would become necessary. The new French Government
+were sending Ambassadors to Vienna, Rome, and other capitals, which in return would
+send Ambassadors to Paris, so that it would be injurious for this country's representative
+to be of inferior diplomatic rank. "It would," he wrote subsequently, "be derogatory
+to the dignity of your Majesty, and to the character of your Majesty's Government if,
+in the present state of things between the British and Spanish Governments the Spanish
+Ambassador should, by a dilatoriness on the part of your Majesty's Government, be allowed
+to raise a question about precedence with your Majesty's representative at Paris; it
+would be very inconvenient if that question were decided unfavourably to your Majesty's
+representative, and very undesirable that he should appear to be under obligation to the
+French Government for a decision in his favour."</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 53: See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.175" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 175</a>.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.208" id="pageii.208"></a>[page&nbsp;208]</span>
+
+
+<h3  style="margin-top: 5em;">INTRODUCTORY NOTE</h3>
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: -0.5em;">TO CHAPTER XVIII</h3>
+
+
+<p>The opening of Parliament (1849) was noteworthy for the
+appearance of Mr Disraeli as leader of the Opposition in the House of
+Commons, in place of Lord George Bentinck, who had died suddenly
+in the recess; the Peelites, though influential, were numerically few,
+and they continued by their support to maintain the Whigs in office,
+the principal measure of the session being the Act for the repeal of
+the Navigation Laws, a natural corollary to Peel's free trade policy.
+A Royal visit was paid to Ireland in August, and at Cork, Waterford,
+Dublin, and Belfast, the Queen and Prince were received with great
+enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>Abroad, the cause of United Italy suffered a severe check. The
+Sicilian revolt came to an end, and Austrian ascendency was re-established
+in Northern Italy. King Charles Albert was defeated at
+Novara, and abdicated in favour of his son, Victor Emmanuel.
+The Pope, who had fled from Rome in disguise, in November 1848,
+and was living at Ga&euml;ta, was now under the protection of Austria
+and France, and General Oudinot occupied the Papal city on his
+behalf in June. Austrian influence restored Tuscany, Parma, and
+Modena to their rulers, and in Central Europe operated to prevent the
+acceptance by the King of Prussia of the Imperial Crown of Germany.
+Hungary, in consequence of the help rendered to the
+Viennese insurrectionists in 1848, was reduced to submission, but
+only with Russian co-operation. Heavy retribution was inflicted on
+the Hungarians; Kossuth and other revolutionaries fled to Turkey,
+the Russian and Austrian Governments unsuccessfully demanding
+their extradition.</p>
+
+<p>The British operations against the Sikhs were brought to a successful
+termination; the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Gough, with
+inferior numbers, had engaged the enemy at Chillianwalla, with
+indecisive and virtually unfavourable results, and Sir Charles Napier
+was sent out to supersede him. Mooltan, where the outrage of the
+previous year had taken place, had been besieged, and fell on the
+22nd of January. Dalhousie had established himself at Ferozepore.
+A week or two later the Sikhs and Afghans were overwhelmingly
+defeated at Gujerat, and on the 29th of March the Punjab was incorporated
+in the British Empire; the "Koh-i-noor" was, in token
+of submission, presented by the Maharajah to the Queen. Lord
+Dalhousie received a Marquisate, and the thanks of both Houses of
+Parliament were voted to all concerned.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.209" id="pageii.209"></a>[page&nbsp;209]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h2 style="margin-top: 5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+
+<h5>1849</h5>
+
+
+<h5 class="ind" style="margin-top: 3.5em;"><i>Memorandum on Matters connected with the Form of addressing
+the Pope in Answer to his Letter to Her Majesty of 4th
+December 1848.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Foreign Office</span>, <i>5th January 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The accompanying draft of answer to the letter which the
+Pope addressed to Her Majesty from Ga&euml;ta on the 4th of
+December is in the same form as letters which were written to
+Pope Pius VII. by George the Fourth while Prince Regent, and
+after he came to the Throne. They address the Pope as
+"Most Eminent Sir," style him "Your Holiness," and finish
+with the mere signature after the date of the conclusion of the
+letter. Copies of those letters are annexed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Other forms of writing Royal letters are:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="ind">1st. Commencing "Sir my Brother" (or "Sir my Cousin,"
+etc., as the case may be), and ending thus:</p>
+
+<div class="poem">  <div class="stanza">
+<p>"Sir my <i>Brother</i>,</p>
+<p class="i6">Your <i>Majesty's</i></p>
+<p class="i12">Good <i>Sister</i>."</p>
+  </div>  </div>
+
+<p class="ind">This is the form used between Sovereign and Sovereign.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">2nd. Commencing with the Queen's titles. In these letters
+the plural "we" and "our" are employed instead of "I" and
+"my," and the letters terminate thus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem">  <div class="stanza">
+<p>"Your Good Friend,</p>
+<p class="i6"><b>.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<b>.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<b>.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<b>.</b>"</p>
+  </div>  </div>
+
+<p class="ind">This form is now used almost exclusively for Royal letters to
+Republics.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In the State Paper Office there is, with only one exception,
+no record of any letter from a Sovereign of England to the Pope
+from the time of Henry VIII., when the State Paper Office
+records commence. The single exception is an original letter
+from Queen Mary in 1555 to Pope Paul IV. It seems that
+when the time of her expected confinement drew nigh, she
+caused letters to be prepared announcing the birth of a son,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.210" id="pageii.210"></a>[page&nbsp;210]</span>
+and signed them in anticipation of the event. When no birth
+took place, the letters were of course not sent off; but they
+have been preserved to the present day, and among them is
+the letter to the Pope. The accompanying paper contains a
+copy of the beginning and conclusion of it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">There is no trace in the State Paper Office of any letter of
+credence having been given by James II. to Lord Castlemaine
+in 1685. The correspondence of the reign of James II. is,
+however, very defective, and much of it must either have been
+suppressed or have got into private hands.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><span style="float: left; font-size: 95%; margin-left: 10%;"><i>Draft</i>]</span><span  style="margin-left: -10%;"><i>Queen Victoria to Pope Pius IX.</i></span><sup>1</sup></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">REPLY TO THE POPE</span>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Most Eminent Sir</span>,&mdash;I have received the letter which your
+Holiness addressed to me from Ga&euml;ta on the 4th of December
+last, and in which you acquaint me that in consequence of the
+violent proceedings of certain of your subjects, you had felt
+yourself obliged to depart from Rome, and for a time to quit
+your dominions. I assure your Holiness that I have been
+deeply pained at the intelligence of the events to which your
+letter refers, and that I do the fullest justice to the motives
+which induced your Holiness to withdraw for a time from your
+capital. Your Holiness has given so many proofs of being
+animated by a sincere desire to improve the condition of the
+people whom, under Divine Providence, you have been chosen
+to govern, and the clemency of your heart and the rectitude of
+your intentions are so well known and so truly appreciated, that
+I cannot but hope that the trials which you have experienced
+in consequence of popular commotion will speedily come to an
+end, and will be succeeded by a cordial, good understanding
+between your Holiness and the Roman people. I request your
+Holiness to believe that it would afford me real pleasure to be
+able in any degree to contribute to a result so much to be
+desired; and I am happy in having this opportunity of assuring
+you of my sincere friendship, and of the unfeigned respect
+and esteem which I entertain for your person and character.</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Given at Windsor Castle the [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] day of January 1849.</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 1: <i>See</i> <a href="#pageii.204" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 204</a>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The President of the French Republic to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LETTER FROM PRINCE LOUIS NAPOLEON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Elys&eacute;e National</span>, <i>le 22 Janvier 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Tr&egrave;s ch&egrave;re et grande Amie</span>,&mdash;Une de mes premi&egrave;res
+pens&eacute;es lorsque le v&oelig;u de la nation Fran&ccedil;aise m'appela au
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.211" id="pageii.211"></a>[page&nbsp;211]</span>
+pouvoir fut de faire part &agrave;  votre Majest&eacute; de mon av&egrave;nement et
+des sentiments que j'apportais dans ma nouvelle position.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Des circonstances particuli&egrave;res ont retard&eacute; le d&eacute;part de
+l'ambassadeur qui devait porter ma lettre; mais aujourd'hui
+que l'Amiral C&eacute;cile se rend &agrave;  Londres je d&eacute;sire exprimer &agrave;
+votre Majest&eacute; la respectueuse sympathie que j'ai toujours
+&eacute;prouv&eacute;e pour sa personne; je d&eacute;sire surtout lui dire combien
+je suis reconnaissant de la g&eacute;n&eacute;reuse hospitalit&eacute; qu'elle m'a
+donn&eacute;e dans ses &eacute;tats lorsque j'&eacute;tais fugitif ou proscrit et
+combien je serais heureux si ce souvenir pouvait servir &agrave;  resserrer
+les liens qui unissent les gouvernements et les peuples
+de nos deux pays.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je prie votre Majest&eacute; de croire &agrave;  mes sentiments. Votre
+ami,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louis Napol&eacute;on Bonaparte.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>22nd January 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and would now wish to consult Lord Lansdowne on the propriety
+of offering to Lord Palmerston to exchange the Foreign
+Office for the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland.<sup>2</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">As Lord John Russell has always approved in the main of
+the foreign policy of Lord Palmerston, he could only make this
+offering in a mode honourable to Lord Palmerston&mdash;that is to
+say, for instance, by offering him at the same time an English
+Earldom, or an English Barony with the Garter. Nor could
+he proceed in the matter without Lord Lansdowne's concurrence.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 2: Hostilities were in progress between the Sicilian insurgents and their Sovereign. An
+agent for the former came to England to purchase arms, but was informed by the contractor
+to whom he applied that the whole of his stock had been pledged to the Ordnance
+Office. Lord Palmerston, without consulting the Cabinet, allowed this stock to be transferred
+to the insurgents. The matter became public property, and the Premier brought
+it before the Cabinet on the 23rd of January, when, somewhat unexpectedly, the Foreign
+Secretary consented to make an apology to the Neapolitan Government; so that the
+crisis terminated for the time.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>22nd January 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter and
+enclosures, the contents of which have deeply grieved her, as
+the honour of her Government has always been nearest to her
+heart. She feels deeply the humiliation to have to make an
+apology to the Government of Naples, which stands so very
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.212" id="pageii.212"></a>[page&nbsp;212]</span>
+low in public estimation, and she naturally dreads the effect
+this disclosure about the guns will have in the world, when she
+considers how many accusations have been brought against
+the good faith of this country latterly by many different
+Governments. Of course they will all consider their suspicions
+and accusations, however absurd they may have been,
+as justified and proved.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen supposes that the proposition Lord John makes
+to her about moving Lord Palmerston to Ireland is the result
+of his conviction that after this disclosure it will be no longer
+to the advantage of the public service to leave the direction
+of the Foreign Affairs in these critical times in Lord Palmerston's
+hands. The Queen will be anxious to see Lord John
+upon this subject. All she wishes for is, that matters may be
+so managed as to reflect the least possible discredit upon the
+Government and Lord Palmerston himself.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>6th February 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;We are well. All went off extremely
+well on Thursday, but the Government must expect difficulties
+upon their (very doubtful) Foreign Policy. I own I do <i>not</i>
+feel reassured about peace. <i>Italy</i> and the Pope, etc., are very
+ticklish subjects.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Everybody says Louis Napoleon has behaved extremely
+well in the last crisis&mdash;full of courage and energy, and they
+say that he is decidedly straightforward, which is not to be
+despised. I will not admit that the <i>Gem&uuml;thlichkeit ist f&uuml;r immer
+begraben</i> in Germany; it will surely return when this madness
+is over, but how soon no one can tell. Ever your devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Dalhousie.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>6th February 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has not yet thanked Lord Dalhousie for his long
+and interesting letter which she received in the summer.
+Since that period many important events have taken place in
+India, and the last news have naturally made the Queen feel
+very anxious. She deeply laments the loss of General Cureton
+and Colonel Havelock, officers who will not be easily replaced.
+The Queen thinks that Lord Dalhousie has throughout acted
+most judiciously and has thwarted more mischief being done.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.213" id="pageii.213"></a>[page&nbsp;213]</span>
+She will abstain from remarking upon the conduct of the Commander-in-Chief,
+as she knows that the Duke of Wellington has
+written fully to Lord Dalhousie on this painful subject.<sup>3</sup> The
+Queen concludes with expressing her hopes that Lord and
+Lady Dalhousie are in good health, and with the Prince's
+kindest remembrances to Lord Dalhousie.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 3: <i>See</i> Introductory Note for the year, <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.208" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 208</a>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">STATE OF EUROPE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>10th February 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;I have to offer my most affectionate
+thanks for your dear letter of the 6th. The state of the
+Queen seems better, though I fear not so solidly as to be beyond
+mischief; but the improvement is real, and will act as a moral
+support. They have been severely tried, those poor exiles,
+and Heaven knows what is still in store for them. I don't
+think that in Italy there will be war. The French cannot
+think of it for some months, probably not before June or
+July, and the Italians cannot make it alone without being
+licked; the better informed know that. The Pope ought to be
+replaced on his seat for the sake of every one; and his ultra-Liberal
+policy entitles him to be supported by all Governments
+and by all right-minded people.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Louis Bonaparte has not ill-behaved, it seems; negatively
+he might have done much harm. The position continues to be
+abominable. There is for every one an <i>absence d'avenir</i> which
+ruins everything and everybody&mdash;that is the real difficulty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>Die Gem&uuml;thlichkeit</i> in Germany was the consequence of its
+political existence these last thousand years; that is now all
+going to ruin, and the <i>Gem&uuml;thlichkeit</i> will be as little found
+again <i>que l'urbanit&eacute; Fran&ccedil;aise</i> so much talked of formerly and
+now unknown.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This part of February puts me always in mind of my dear
+little <i>s&eacute;jour</i> with you in 1841. How far that period is now,
+though but eight years from us; the very features of everything
+changed, I fear for ever, and <i>not</i> for the better....
+Now I must conclude, and remain ever, my dearest Victoria,
+your truly devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LOUIS NAPOLEON.</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace,</span> <i>19th February 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Admiral C&eacute;cile, who dined here for the first time after the
+presentation of his credentials as Ambassador from the French
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.214" id="pageii.214"></a>[page&nbsp;214]</span>
+Republic, with whom I spoke for some time after dinner, said:
+"Nous en avons fait de tristes exp&eacute;riences en France," but
+that he hoped "que les choses s'am&eacute;lioraient"; that the
+Government was very firm and decided, and determined not
+to allow order to be disturbed; "Paris a maintenant fait
+quatre R&eacute;volutions que la France a subies; votre Majest&eacute;
+sait qui a proclam&eacute; la R&eacute;publique au mois de F&eacute;vrier? Une
+centaine de coquins! Personne s'en doutait, et cependant la
+France s'y est soumise!" That the Government was however
+determined, and so were all the Departments, that this
+should never happen again; no doubt the danger from the
+Socialists was great, all over the world; that <i>that</i> was the <i>real
+danger</i>, and that they would readily make another attempt
+like the fearful one in June (the result of which for three days
+was uncertain), but that they had not the power; that he was
+continually impressing upon all his friends in France the
+necessity of supporting <i>whatever</i> form of Government there was
+<i>whose object</i> was the <i>maintenance of order</i>, and to unite "contre
+cet ennemi commun." The President, he continued, had risen
+amazingly in the opinion of every one by his firmness, courage,
+and determination&mdash;which he had shown in those critical days
+a fortnight or three weeks ago&mdash;and that in these two months
+he had acquired "une grande aptitude pour les affaires; tout
+le monde est &eacute;tonn&eacute;, parce que personne ne s'y attendait." He
+spoke with great delight of Belgium&mdash;and how it had stood the
+shock of the events in France&mdash;and also of England. Italy,
+he considered, was by far the greatest object of danger.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">GAELIC AND WELSH</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>3rd March 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sends Lord Lansdowne the book<sup>4</sup> she mentioned
+to him. It is an extraordinary production for people of the
+working classes, and there are a great many sound and good
+observations in it on education; the observations on the
+deficiency in the religious instruction and in the <i>preaching</i>
+the Queen thinks are particularly true. It likewise shows
+a lofty and enlarged <i>view</i> of education which is often
+overlooked.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen takes this occasion of repeating her hope that
+<i>Gaelic</i> will be taught in future in the Highland schools, as well
+as English, as it is really a great mistake that the people should
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.215" id="pageii.215"></a>[page&nbsp;215]</span>
+be constantly <i>talking</i> a language which they often cannot read
+and generally not write. Being very partial to her loyal and
+good Highlanders, the Queen takes much interest in what
+she thinks will tend more than anything to keep up their
+simplicity of character, which she considers a great merit in
+these days.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen thinks equally that Welsh should be taught in
+Wales as well as English.<sup>5</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 4: This book was probably <i>Popular Education, as regards Juvenile Delinquency</i>, by Thos.
+Bullock, 1849.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 5: Lord Lansdowne, in his reply, undertook "to combine instruction in the Gaelic with
+the English language in the Highland as well as the Welsh schools, and to have a view
+to it in the choice of Inspectors."</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>6th March 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Your dear letter reached me yesterday,
+and I thank you warmly for it. I wish you could be here,
+for I never remember finer weather than we have had since we
+came here; perfect summer, and so sweet, so enjoyable, and
+then with all the pleasures and beauties of Spring you have
+that beautiful sea&mdash;so blue and smooth as it has been these
+three days. If we have no mountains to boast of, we have
+the <i>sea</i>, which is ever enjoyable. We have camelias which
+have stood out two winters covered with <i>red</i> flowers, and
+scarlet rhododendrons in brilliant bloom. Does this not
+sound tempting? It seems almost wrong to be at home, and
+Albert really hardly is.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I wish you joy of your <i>twenty-four</i> foxes. If there was a
+black one amongst them I should beg for one, as the skin you
+sent me last year was <i>not</i> a black one.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The news from India are very distressing, and make one very
+anxious, but Sir Charles Napier is instantly to be sent out to
+supersede Lord Gough, and he is so well versed in Indian
+tactics that we may look with safety to the future <i>after</i> his
+arrival.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Italian Question remains very complicated, and the
+German one a very perplexing, sad one. Prussia must protect
+the poor Princes and put herself at the head, else there is no
+hope. Austria should behave better, and not oppose the consolidation
+of a central Power, else I know not what is to become
+of poor Germany.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Pray use your influence to prevent more fatal mischief.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Now adieu, dearest Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.216" id="pageii.216"></a>[page&nbsp;216]</span>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>16th March 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to state that the debate last night was
+brought to a close.<sup>6</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Cobden and Mr Disraeli made very able speeches at the
+end of the debate.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The debate has been a remarkable one, and the division
+shows tolerably well the strength of parties. The Protectionists,
+animated by the cry of agricultural distress, are disposed
+to use their power to the utmost. Mr Disraeli shows himself
+a much abler and less passionate leader than Lord George
+Bentinck.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On the other hand, the friends of Sir Robert Peel and the
+party of Mr Cobden unite with the Government in resisting
+the Protectionist party. The House of Commons thus gives
+a majority, which, though not compact, is decided at once
+against the extreme Tory and the extreme Radical party.
+With such a House of Commons the great interests of the
+Throne and the Constitution are safe. An abrupt dissolution
+would put everything to hazard.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 6: On Mr Disraeli's motion for payment of the half of local rates by the Treasury, which
+was defeated by 280 to 189.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">END OF THE SIKH WAR</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Camp, Ferozepore</span>, <i>24th March 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Governor-General presents his most humble duty to
+your Majesty, and has the honour of acknowledging the receipt
+of the letter which your Majesty most graciously addressed
+to him on the 5th of February.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He is deeply sensible of your Majesty's goodness, and most
+grateful for the expression of approbation which it has conveyed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Governor-General is not without fear that he may have
+intruded too often of late upon your Majesty's time. But he
+is so satisfied of the extreme pleasure which your Majesty
+would experience on learning that the prisoners who were in
+the hands of the Sikhs, and especially the ladies and children,
+were once again safe in the British camp, that he would have
+ventured to convey to your Majesty that intelligence, even
+though he had not been able to add to it&mdash;as happily he can&mdash;the
+announcement of the surrender of the whole Khalsa army,
+and the end of the war with the Sikhs.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.217" id="pageii.217"></a>[page&nbsp;217]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Major-General Gilbert pushed on rapidly in pursuit of the
+Sikhs, who were a few marches in front of him, carrying off our
+prisoners with them.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">At Rawul Pindee, half-way between the Jhelum and Attock,
+the Sikh troops, as we have since heard, would go no further.
+They received no pay, they were starving, they had been beaten
+and were disheartened; and so they surrendered.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">All the prisoners were brought safe into our camp. Forty-one
+pieces of artillery were given up. Chuttur Singh and
+Shere Singh, with all the Sirdars, delivered their swords to
+General Gilbert in the presence of his officers; and the remains
+of the Sikh army, 16,000 strong, were marched into camp, by
+1000 at a time, and laid down their arms as they passed
+between the lines of the British troops.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Your Majesty may well imagine the pride with which British
+Officers looked on such a scene, and witnessed this absolute
+subjection and humiliation of so powerful an enemy.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">How deeply the humiliation was felt by the Sikhs themselves
+may be judged by the report which the officers who were
+present have made, that many of them, and especially the grim
+old Khalsas of Runjeet's time, exclaimed as they threw their
+arms down upon the heap: "This day Runjeet Singh has
+died!"</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Upwards of 20,000 stands of arms were taken in the hills.
+Vast quantities were gathered after the flight of the Sikhs from
+Gujerat. As a further precaution, the Governor-General has
+ordered a disarming of the Sikhs throughout the Eastern
+Doabs, while they are yet cast down and afraid of punishment.
+He trusts that these measures may all tend to ensure the
+continuance of peace.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MRS GEORGE LAWRENCE</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The Sirdars will arrive at Lahore to-day, where they will
+await the determination of their future places of residence.
+The officers who were prisoners have also reached Lahore,
+together with Mrs George Lawrence and her children.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is impossible to speak too highly of the admirable spirit
+which this lady has displayed during many months of very
+arduous trial.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">By the kindness of others, the Governor-General has had
+the opportunity of seeing constantly the little notes which
+were secretly despatched by her from her prison. The gallant
+heart she kept up under it all, the cheerful face she put upon
+it, and the unrepining patience with which she bore the privations
+of captivity and the dangers which it threatened to her
+children, her husband, and herself, must command the highest
+respect and make one proud of one's countrywomen.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">General Gilbert, by the latest intelligence, had seized the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.218" id="pageii.218"></a>[page&nbsp;218]</span>
+fort of Attock, had crossed the Indus, and was advancing on
+Peshawur, whither the Afghans had retired.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">By next mail the Governor-General trusts that he will be
+able to announce that every enemy has been swept away by
+your Majesty's Armies, and that the Afghans have either been
+crushed like the Sikhs or have fled to Cabul again.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He has the honour to subscribe himself, your Majesty's most
+obedient, most humble and very faithful Subject and Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Dalhousie</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of Sardinia</i> (<i>Victor Emanuel</i>) <i>to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE KING OF SARDINIA</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Turin</span>, <i>le 30 Mars 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Ma tr&egrave;s ch&egrave;re S&oelig;ur</span>,&mdash;La participation officielle que je
+m'empresse de vous donner de mon av&egrave;nement au tr&ocirc;ne m'offre
+une occasion que je suis heureux de saisir pour vous exprimer
+dans une lettre de ma main les sentiments de ma vive gratitude
+pour l'affection dont ma maison a re&ccedil;u des preuves marquantes
+et r&eacute;it&eacute;r&eacute;es de votre part, comme pour le bienveillant int&eacute;r&ecirc;t
+que votre Gouvernement a t&eacute;moign&eacute; &agrave;  ce pays particuli&egrave;rement
+dans les graves &eacute;v&eacute;nements qui ont eu lieu pendant cette
+derni&egrave;re ann&eacute;e.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je vous prie d'&ecirc;tre persuad&eacute;e que rien n'est plus sinc&egrave;re que
+la reconnaissance que j'en conserve, et de me laisser nourrir
+la confiance que je puis compter sur la continuation de ces
+dispositions si aimables.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">En vous renouvelant les sentiments d'amiti&eacute; la plus parfaite,
+je suis, votre tr&egrave;s cher Fr&egrave;re,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victor Emanuel.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>10th April 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;You will, I am sure, share our joy at
+Ernest's <i>wonderful</i> success at Eckerforde.<sup>7</sup> It is a marvellous
+piece of good fortune <i>pour son bapt&ecirc;me de feu</i>, but it alarmed
+and agitated us all to think that he might have been wounded,
+<i>to say the least</i>, for he had his horse killed under him. At all
+events, he has done honour to the poor race to which he
+belongs, and it makes us both very happy. I think it will tend
+decidedly to shorten the war. Poor dear Alexandrine! in
+what anxiety she will have been.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The victory of Novara<sup>8</sup> seems to have been one of the hardest
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.219" id="pageii.219"></a>[page&nbsp;219]</span>
+fought and most brilliant battles known for years and years,
+and old Radetzky says that he must name every individual
+if he was to do justice to officers and men. But the loss
+was very severe. The regiment of Kinsky lost <i>twenty-four</i>
+officers! The Archduke Albert distinguished himself exceedingly,
+which is worthy of his noble father. I could work
+myself up to a great excitement about these exploits, for
+there is nothing I admire more than great military exploits
+and daring.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 7: In this engagement with the Danes, arising out of the Schleswig-Holstein dispute,
+Prince Ernest greatly distinguished himself.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 8: In which Marshal Radetzky defeated the Piedmontese.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>1st May 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen cannot let this day pass without offering to the
+Duke of Wellington her warmest and sincerest wishes for
+many happy returns of this day. She hopes the Duke will
+place the accompanying trifle on his table, and that it will
+recall to his mind <i>one</i> who ever reflects with gratitude on
+the services he has rendered and always does render to his
+Sovereign and his country.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>8th May 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Alas! poor Germany, I am wretched
+about her; those news from Dresden are very distressing.<sup>9</sup>
+Really with such an excellent man as the poor King, it is too
+wicked to do what they have done. If only <i>some sort</i> of
+arrangement could be made; then afterwards there might be
+modifications, both in the Constitution, etc., for that Constitution
+never will work well.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Our Navigation Laws debate in the House of Lords began
+last night, and is to be concluded to-night. There seems to be
+almost a certainty that there will be a majority, though a very
+small one, and the danger of course exists that any accident
+may turn it the other way.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Knowing your esteem for our worthy friend, Sir Robert Peel,
+you will, I am sure, be glad to hear that his second son, Frederick,<sup>10</sup>
+made such a beautiful speech&mdash;his maiden speech&mdash;in the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.220" id="pageii.220"></a>[page&nbsp;220]</span>
+House of Commons last night; he was complimented by every
+one, and Sir Robert was delighted. I am so glad for him, and
+also rejoice to see that there is a young man who promises to
+be of use hereafter to his country.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert is again gone to lay a first stone. It is a delight to
+hear people speak of the good he does by always saying and
+doing the right thing....</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 9: The King of Prussia, finding Saxony, Bavaria, W&uuml;rtemberg, and Hanover opposed
+to the ascendency of Prussia in the Confederation, declined the Imperial Crown of Germany;
+fresh disturbances thereupon ensued, and at Dresden, the King of Saxony had to
+take refuge in a fortress.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 10: Afterwards the Right Hon. Sir Frederick Peel, who died in 1906.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>22nd May 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I could not write to you yesterday,
+my time having been so entirely taken up by kind visitors, etc.,
+and I trust you will forgive these hurried lines written just
+before our departure for Osborne.<sup>11</sup> I hope that you will not
+have been alarmed by the account of the occurrence which
+took place on Saturday, and which I can assure you did <i>not</i>
+alarm <i>me</i> at all. <i>This</i> time it is quite clear that it was a
+wanton and wicked wish merely to <i>frighten</i>, which is very
+wrong, and will be tried and punished as a <i>misdemeanour</i>. The
+account in the <i>Times</i> is quite correct. The indignation,
+loyalty, and affection this act has called forth is very gratifying
+and touching.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Alice gives a very good account of it, and Lenchen<sup>12</sup> even
+says, "Man shot, tried to shoot dear Mamma, must be punished."
+They, Affie, and Miss Macdonald were with me.
+Albert was riding, and had just returned before me. Augustus
+and Cl&eacute;m had left us just two hours before....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Many thanks for your kind letter of the 19th. <i>What</i> a state
+Germany is in!&mdash;I mean <i>Baden</i>, but I hope that this violent
+crisis may lead to good.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must conclude. Ever your truly devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 11: The Queen, while driving down Constitution Hill, was fired at by one William Hamilton,
+the pistol being charged only with powder. He was tried under the Act of 1842,
+and sentenced to seven years' transportation.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 12: Princess Helena (now Princess Christian), born 25th May 1846.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ANNEXATION OF THE PUNJAB</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>26th May 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has to say, in answer to Lord John Russell's
+communication respecting India, that she quite approves the
+annexation of the Punjab, and is pleased to find that the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.221" id="pageii.221"></a>[page&nbsp;221]</span>
+Government concur in this view. The elevation of Lord Dalhousie
+to a Marquisate is well deserved, and almost the only
+thing that can be offered him as a reward for his services; but
+considering his want of fortune, the Queen thinks that it
+should be ascertained in the first instance whether the increase
+of rank will be convenient to him. Lord Gough's elevation to
+the dignity of Viscount has the Queen's sanction.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FOREIGN OFFICE BUSINESS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>19th June 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,&mdash;I have spoken to Lord Palmerston respecting the draft
+to Mr Buchanan.<sup>13</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">It appears that he converted it into a private letter, as I
+suggested, but he thought fit to place it on record, as it contained
+information derived from authentic sources, and of
+importance.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It appears the drafts are still sent to the Queen at the same
+time as to me, so that my remarks or corrections, or even the
+cancelling of a despatch, as not infrequently happens, may
+take effect after the Queen's pleasure has been taken.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This appears to me an inconvenient course.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston alleges that as 28,000 despatches were
+received and sent last year, much expedition is required; but
+he professes himself ready to send the despatches to me in the
+first instance, if the Queen should desire it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It appears to me that all our despatches ought to be thoroughly
+considered, but that Her Majesty should give every
+facility to the transaction of business by attending to the
+drafts as soon as possible after their arrival.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I would suggest therefore that the drafts should have my
+concurrence before they are submitted to the Queen, and in
+case of any material change, that I should write to apprise
+Her Majesty of my views, and, if necessary, submit my reasons,
+I have the honour to be, your Royal Highness's most obedient
+Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">J. Russell.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 13: Mr (afterwards Sir) Andrew Buchanan (1807-1882), Secretary of Legation at St.
+Petersburg.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Prince Albert to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>20th June 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Lord John</span>,&mdash;Your proposal with respect to the
+mode of taking the Queen's pleasure about the drafts is perfectly
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.222" id="pageii.222"></a>[page&nbsp;222]</span>
+agreeable to the Queen. She would only require that
+she would not be pressed for an answer within a few minutes,
+as is now done sometimes.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston could always manage so that there are
+twelve or twenty-four hours left for reference to you, and
+consideration, and there are few instances in which business
+would suffer from so short a delay. As Lord Palmerston
+knows when the Mails go, he has only to write in time for
+them, and he must recollect that the 28,000 despatches in the
+year come to you and to the Queen as well as to himself.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Should the Queen in future have to make any remark, she
+will make it to you, if that will suit you. Ever yours truly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>21st June 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Palmerston</span>,&mdash;I wrote the substance of what you
+wrote to me to the Prince, and proposed that the drafts should,
+in the first instance, be sent to me. You will see by the enclosed
+letter from the Prince that the Queen approves of this
+proposal.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It may somewhat abridge the circuit if, when I have no
+remark to make, I forward the drafts with the Foreign Office
+direction to the Queen at once.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I cannot pretend to say that I paid the same attention to
+the 28,000 despatches of 1848 that you are obliged to do.
+Still I agree in the Prince's remark that directions to Foreign
+Ministers ought to be very maturely weighed, for the Queen
+and the Government speak to foreign nations in this and no
+other manner. Yours truly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">J. Russell.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>21st June 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns the enclosed drafts, which she will not
+further object to, but she feels it necessary to say a few words
+in answer to Lord Palmerston's letter. The union of Schleswig
+and Holstein<sup>14</sup> is not an ideal one, but <i>complete</i> as to Constitution,
+Finance, Customs, Jurisdiction, Church, Universities,
+Poor Law, Settlement, Debts, etc., etc., etc. It is <i>not established</i>
+by the Kings-Dukes, but has existed for centuries. To
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.223" id="pageii.223"></a>[page&nbsp;223]</span>
+defend Holstein against the attack made by Denmark upon
+this union, Germany joined the war. It is true that it is now
+proposed in the new Constitution for Germany to consent to
+the separation of Schleswig and Holstein, although last year
+the Frankfort Parliament had desired the incorporation of
+Schleswig into Germany with Holstein; but the question for
+Germany is now not to begin a war, but to close one by a
+lasting peace. In this she has, in the Queen's opinion, a right
+and a duty to see that the independence of Schleswig is secured
+before she abandons that country. The comparison with
+Saxony does not hold good for a moment, for the Schleswig
+Revolution was not directed against the Duke, but against
+the King of Denmark, who invaded the rights of the Duke of
+Schleswig-Holstein; the assistance of Prussia could therefore
+not be given to Denmark, but to Schleswig-Holstein. The
+case of Hungary has neither any similitude. Hungary is not
+to be torn from its connection with the German States by the
+Austrian Government, but just the reverse.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston cannot be more anxious for a speedy
+termination of the Danish war than the Queen is, but she
+thinks that the mediation will not effect this as long as the
+mediating power merely watches which of the two parties is
+in the greatest difficulties for the moment, and urges it to give
+way; but by a careful and anxious discovery of the rights of
+the question and a steady adherence to the recommendation
+that what is right and fair ought to be done. The cause of the
+war having been the unlawful attempt to incorporate Schleswig
+into Denmark, the peace cannot be lasting unless it contains
+sufficient guarantees against the resumption of that scheme.<sup>15</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 14: Schleswig had been claimed by Germany as an integral part of her territory, and a war
+between Germany and Denmark was in progress.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 15: In reply, Lord Palmerston expressed entire concurrence in the justice of the principles
+which the Queen indicated as being those which ought to guide a mediating Power.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to the Earl of Clarendon.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PROPOSED VISIT TO IRELAND</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>23rd June 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency that I
+have received the Queen's commands to acquaint you that Her
+Majesty hopes to be able in the course of the present summer
+to fulfil the intention, which you are aware she has long entertained,
+of a visit to Ireland. The general distress unfortunately
+still prevalent in Ireland precludes the Queen from visiting
+Dublin in state, and thereby causing ill-timed expenditure and
+inconvenience to her subjects; yet Her Majesty does not wish
+to let another year pass without visiting a part of her dominions
+which she has for so long a time been anxious personally
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.224" id="pageii.224"></a>[page&nbsp;224]</span>
+to become acquainted with. She accordingly will, at some
+sacrifice of personal convenience, take a longer sea voyage,
+for the purpose of visiting in the first instance the Cove of
+Cork, and from thence proceed along the Irish coast to Dublin.
+After remaining there a few days, during which time Her
+Majesty will be the guest of your Excellency, she would
+continue her cruise along the Irish coast northward and visit
+Belfast, and from thence cross to Scotland. Although the
+precise time of Her Majesty's visit cannot yet be fixed, it will
+probably take place as early in August as the termination of
+the session of Parliament will permit, and I feel assured that
+this early announcement of her intentions will be received
+with great satisfaction by Her Majesty's loyal and faithful
+subjects in Ireland.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>19th July 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letters. She
+returns Lord Clarendon's, and the very kind one of the Primate.<sup>16</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">With respect to Lord Clarendon's suggestion that the Prince
+of Wales should be created Duke, or rather, as Lord John <i>says</i>,
+<i>Earl</i> of Dublin&mdash;the Queen thinks it is a matter for consideration
+whether such an act should <i>follow</i> the Queen's visit as a
+compliment to Ireland, but she is decidedly of opinion that it
+should <i>not precede</i> it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We are sorry that Lord John does not intend going to Ireland,
+but fully comprehend his wishes to remain quiet for
+three weeks. We shall be very glad to see him at Balmoral on
+the 20th or 22nd of August.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We hope Lady John and the baby continue to go on well.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 16: Lord John George de la Poer Beresford (1773-1862) was Archbishop of Armagh from
+1822 until his death.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ARRIVAL IN DUBLIN</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Lodge, Ph&oelig;nix Park</span>, <i>6th August 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Though this letter will only go to-morrow,
+I will begin it to-day and tell you that everything has
+gone off beautifully since we arrived in Ireland, and that our
+entrance into Dublin was really a magnificent thing. By my
+letter to Louise you will have heard of our arrival in the Cove
+of Cork. Our visit to Cork was very successful; the Mayor
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.225" id="pageii.225"></a>[page&nbsp;225]</span>
+was knighted <i>on deck</i> (on board the <i>Fairy</i>), like in times of old.
+Cork is about seventeen miles up the River Lee, which is beautifully
+wooded and reminds us of Devonshire scenery. We had
+previously stepped on shore at <i>Cove</i>, a small place, to enable
+them to call it <i>Queen's Town</i>; the enthusiasm is immense,
+and at Cork there was more firing than I remember since the
+Rhine.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE IRISH VISIT</span>
+
+<p class="ind">We left Cork with fair weather, but a head sea and contrary
+wind which made it rough and me very sick.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>7th.</i>&mdash;I was unable to continue till now, and have since received
+your kind letter, for which I return my warmest thanks.
+We went into Waterford Harbour on Saturday afternoon,
+which is likewise a fine, large, safe harbour. Albert went up
+to Waterford in the <i>Fairy</i>, but I did not. The next morning
+we received much the same report of the weather which we had
+done at Cork, viz. that the weather was fair but the wind contrary.
+However we went out, as it could not be helped, and
+we might have remained there some days for no use. The first
+three hours were very nasty, but afterwards it cleared and the
+evening was beautiful. The entrance at seven o'clock into
+Kingston Harbour was splendid; we came in with ten steamers,
+and the whole harbour, wharf, and every surrounding place
+was <i>covered</i> with <i>thousands</i> and thousands of people, who
+received us with the greatest enthusiasm. We disembarked
+yesterday morning at ten o'clock, and took two hours to come
+here. The most perfect order was maintained in spite of the
+immense mass of people assembled, and a more good-humoured
+crowd I never saw, but noisy and excitable beyond belief,
+talking, jumping, and shrieking instead of cheering. There
+were numbers of troops out, and it really was a wonderful
+scene. This is a very pretty place, and the house reminds me
+of dear Claremont. The view of the Wicklow Mountains from
+the windows is very beautiful, and the whole park is very
+extensive and full of very fine trees.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We drove out yesterday afternoon and were followed by
+jaunting-cars and riders and people running and screaming,
+which would have amused you. In the evening we had a
+dinner party, and so we have to-night. This morning we
+visited the Bank, the Model School (where the Protestant and
+Catholic Archbishops received us), and the College, and this
+afternoon we went to the Military Hospital. To-morrow we
+have a Lev&eacute;e, where 1,700 are to be presented, and the next
+day a Review, and in the evening the Drawing-Room, when
+900 ladies are to be presented.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">George<sup>17</sup> is here, and has a command here. He rode on one
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.226" id="pageii.226"></a>[page&nbsp;226]</span>
+side of our carriage yesterday. You see more ragged and
+wretched people here than I ever saw anywhere else. <i>En
+revanche</i>, the women are really very handsome&mdash;quite in the
+lowest class&mdash;as well at Cork as here; such beautiful black
+eyes and hair and such fine colours and teeth.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now take my leave. Ever your most affectionate
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 17: The late Duke of Cambridge.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Clarendon to Sir George Grey.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Vice-Regal Lodge</span>, <i>14th August 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Grey</span>,&mdash;If I had known where to direct I should
+have thanked you sooner for your two welcome letters from
+Belfast, where everything seems to have gone off to our hearts'
+desire, and the Queen's presence, as the Stipendiary Magistrate
+writes word, has united all classes and parties in a manner
+incredible to those who know the distance at which they have
+hitherto been kept asunder.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The enthusiasm here has not abated, and there is not an
+individual in Dublin that does not take as a personal compliment
+to himself the Queen's having gone upon the paddle-box
+and having ordered the Royal Standard to be lowered
+three times.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Even the ex-Clubbists,<sup>18</sup> who threatened broken heads and
+windows before the Queen came, are now among the most
+loyal of her subjects, and are ready, according to the police
+reports, to fight any one who dare say a disrespectful word of
+Her Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In short, the people are not only enchanted with the Queen
+and the gracious kindness of her manner and the confidence
+she has shown in them, but they are pleased with themselves
+for their own good feelings and behaviour, which they consider
+have removed the barrier that hitherto existed between
+the Sovereign and themselves, and that they now occupy a
+higher position in the eyes of the world. Friend Bright was
+with me to-day, and said he would not for the world have
+missed seeing the embarkation at Kingston, for he had felt
+just the same enthusiasm as the rest of the crowd. "Indeed,"
+he added, "I'll defy any man to have felt otherwise when he
+saw the Queen come upon the platform and bow to the people
+in a manner that showed her heart was with them." He
+didn't disguise either that the Monarchical principle had made
+great way with him since Friday. Ever yours truly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Clarendon</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 18: Seditious clubs had been an important factor in the Irish disturbances of 1848.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.227" id="pageii.227"></a>[page&nbsp;227]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">BREVET PROMOTIONS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne,</span> <i>3rd October 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's explanation
+respecting the brevet promotions on the occasion of her visit
+to Ireland, but cannot say that his objections have convinced
+her of the impropriety of such a promotion (to a limited extent).
+To Lord John's fears of the dangerous consequences of the
+precedent, the Queen has only to answer, that there can be
+only <i>one first visit</i> to Ireland, and that the <i>first</i> visit to
+Scotland
+in 1842 was followed by a few promotions, without this entailing
+promotions on her subsequent visits to that part of the country;
+that even the first visit to the Channel Islands was followed by
+a few promotions, and this under Lord John's Government.
+All the precedents being in accordance with the proposition
+made by the Duke, an opposition on the part of the Government
+would imply a declaration against all brevets except in the
+field, which would deprive the Crown of a most valuable prerogative.
+If such a brevet as the one proposed were to lead to
+great additional expense, the Queen could understand the objection
+on the ground of economy; but the giving brevet rank
+to a few subaltern officers is too trifling a matter to alarm the
+Government. Perhaps the number might be reduced even,
+but to deviate from the established precedents for the first time
+altogether in this case, and that after the excellent behaviour
+of the Army in Ireland under very trying circumstances, would
+be felt as a great injustice.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen therefore wishes Lord John to ask the Duke to
+send him the former precedents and to consider with his
+colleagues whether a modified recommendation cannot be laid
+before her.<sup>19</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 19: The Duke of Wellington had submitted a list of Officers for brevet promotion, which
+received the Queen's sanction; but the list was afterwards reduced.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Woburn Abbey,</span> <i>4th October 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and will consider, in communication with the Duke of Wellington,
+whether any modified list can be proposed by him to your
+Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The economy, as your Majesty truly observes, is not a matter
+of much consideration. But to reward Officers on the Staff,
+who are already favoured by being placed on the Staff in Ireland,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.228" id="pageii.228"></a>[page&nbsp;228]</span>
+is a practice which tends but too much to encourage the
+opinion that promotions in the Army and Navy are given not
+to merit, but to aristocratical connection and official favour.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In the midst of the degradation of Thrones which the last
+two years have seen in Europe, it will be well if the English
+Crown preserves all its just prerogatives, and has only to relinquish
+some customary abuses, which are not useful to the
+Sovereign, and are only an equivocal advantage to the Ministers
+of the day.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">A PUBLIC THANKSGIVING</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle,</span> <i>31st October 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter, and
+was much rejoiced at everything having gone off so well yesterday;<sup>20</sup>
+she was very much annoyed at being unable to go
+herself, and that the untoward chicken-pox should have come
+at this moment; she is, however, quite recovered, though still
+much marked.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With respect to the proposition about the Thanksgiving, the
+Queen quite approves of it, and (<i>if it is generally preferred</i>) that
+it should be on a week-day. As to the Bishop of London's
+proposal,<sup>21</sup> the Queen thinks that Lord John may have misunderstood
+him; she supposes that he meant that she should
+attend <i>some</i> place of <i>public worship</i>, and not in her domestic
+chapel, in order to join in the public demonstration. The
+Queen is quite ready to go with her Court to St George's Chapel
+here; but she would like it to take place on an earlier day than
+the 27th of November, when she would probably be already in
+the Isle of Wight, where we think of going as usual on the 22nd
+or 23rd.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 20: The ceremony of opening the new Coal Exchange, at which, besides Prince Albert,
+the Prince of Wales and Princess Royal were present.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 21: There had been a severe epidemic of cholera in the country. In twelve months 14,000
+deaths, in London alone, were due to this malady. The 15th of November was appointed
+for a general Day of Thanksgiving for its cessation, and the Bishop of London had suggested
+that the Queen should attend a public service at St Paul's. Lord John Russell
+was in favour of Westminster Abbey.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">POSITION OF GERMANY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Eaton Square,</span> <i>29th November 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+In answer to your Majesty's enquiry, he has to state that a very
+short conversation took place in the Cabinet on the affairs of
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.229" id="pageii.229"></a>[page&nbsp;229]</span>
+Germany upon an enquiry of Lord John Russell whether the
+Diet of Erfurt<sup>22</sup> might not be considered a violation of the
+Treaties of 1815. Lord Palmerston thought not, but had not
+examined the question.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The affairs of Germany are in a critical position; Austria
+will oppose anything which tends to aggrandise Prussia; Prussia
+will oppose anything which tends to free Government; and
+France will oppose anything which tends to strengthen Germany.
+Still, all these powers might be disregarded were
+Germany united, but it is obvious that Bavaria and W&uuml;rtemberg
+look to Austria and France for support, while Hanover and
+Saxony will give a very faint assistance to a Prussian League.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The matter is very critical, but probably will not lead to war.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 22: In order to effect the consolidation of Germany, the King of Prussia had summoned
+a Federal Parliament to meet at Erfurt.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Foreign Office</span>, <i>30th November 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and in reply to your Majesty's enquiry as to what the
+measures would be which Sir William Parker<sup>23</sup> would have
+to take in order to support Mr Wyse's<sup>24</sup> demands for redress
+for certain wrongs sustained by British and Ionian subjects,
+begs to say that the ordinary and accustomed method of
+enforcing such demands is by reprisals&mdash;that is to say, by
+seizing some vessels and property of the party which refuses
+redress,<sup>25</sup> and retaining possession thereof until redress is
+granted.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Another method is the blockading of the ports of the party
+by whom redress is refused, and by interrupting commercial
+intercourse to cause inconvenience and loss. Viscount Palmerston,
+however, does not apprehend that any active measures of
+this kind will be required, but rather expects that when the
+Greek Government finds that the demand is made in earnest,
+and that means are at hand to enforce it, satisfaction will at
+last be given. The refusal of the Greek Government to satisfy
+these claims, and the offensive neglect with which they have
+treated the applications of your Majesty's representative at
+Athens have, as Viscount Palmerston is convinced, been the
+result of a belief that the British Government never would take
+any real steps in order to press these matters to a settlement.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 23: Commanding the Mediterranean Fleet.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 24: British Envoy at Athens.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 25: <i>See</i> Introductory Note for 1850, <i>post</i>, <a href="#pageii.231" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 231</a>.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.230" id="pageii.230"></a>[page&nbsp;230]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEATH OF QUEEN ADELAIDE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne,</span> <i>11th December 1849.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle,</span>&mdash;Thank you much for your kind letter
+of the 6th; you will have received mine of the 4th shortly after
+you wrote. I know <i>how</i> you would mourn with us over the
+death of our beloved Queen Adelaide. <i>We</i> have lost the kindest
+and dearest of friends, and the <i>universal</i> feeling of sorrow,
+of regret, and of <i>real</i> appreciation of her character is very touching
+and gratifying. <i>All</i> parties, <i>all</i> classes, join in doing her
+justice. Much was done to set Mamma against her, but the
+dear Queen ever forgave this, ever showed love and affection,
+and for the last eight years their friendship was as great as
+ever. Ever yours affectionately,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.231" id="pageii.231"></a>[page&nbsp;231]</span>
+
+
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: 5em;">INTRODUCTORY NOTE</h3>
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: -0.5em;">TO CHAPTER XIX</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Ministry were still (1850) able, relying on the support of Sir
+Robert Peel, to resist the attacks of the Protectionists in the House
+of Commons, though their majority on a critical occasion fell to
+twenty-one; but they were rehabilitated by the discussions on
+foreign policy. One Don Pacifico, a Portuguese Jew, a native of
+Gibraltar and a British subject, had had his house in Athens pillaged
+by a mob; he, with Mr Finlay, the historian, who had a money claim
+against the Greek Government, instead of establishing their claims
+in the local courts, sought the intervention of the home Government;
+Lord Palmerston, whose relations with the Court were even more
+strained than usual, resolved to make a hostile demonstration against
+Greece, and a fleet was sent to the Pir&aelig;us with a peremptory demand
+for settlement. The House of Lords condemned this high-handed
+action, but a friendly motion of confidence was made in the Commons,
+and Lord Palmerston had an extraordinary triumph, by a
+majority of forty-six, notwithstanding that the ablest men outside
+the Ministry spoke against him, and that his unsatisfactory relations
+with the Queen were about to culminate in a severe reprimand.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Robert Peel's speech in this debate proved to be his last public
+utterance, his premature death, resulting from a fall from his horse,
+taking place a few days later; Louis Philippe, who had been living
+in retirement at Claremont, passed away about the same time.
+Another attack on the Queen, this time a blow with a cane, was made
+by one Robert Pate, an ex-officer and well-connected; the plea of
+insanity was not established, and Pate was transported.</p>
+
+<p>Public attention was being drawn to the projected Exhibition in
+Hyde Park, Prince Albert making a memorable speech at the Mansion
+House in support of the scheme; the popular voice had not been
+unanimous in approval, and subscriptions had hung fire, but henceforward
+matters improved, and Mr Paxton's design for a glass and
+iron structure was accepted and proceeded with.</p>
+
+<p>The friction with Lord Palmerston was again increased by his
+action in respect to General Haynau, an Austrian whose cruelty had
+been notorious, and who was assaulted by some of the <i>employ&eacute;s</i> at a
+London brewery. The Foreign Office note to the Austrian Government
+nearly brought about Palmerston's resignation, which was
+much desired by the Queen.</p>
+
+<p>At the close of the year the whole country was in a ferment at the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.232" id="pageii.232"></a>[page&nbsp;232]</span>
+issue of a Papal Brief, re-establishing the hierarchy of Bishops in
+England with local titles derived from their sees; and Cardinal
+Wiseman, thenceforward Archbishop of Westminster, by issuing a
+pastoral letter on the subject, made matters worse. The Protestant
+spirit was aroused, the two Universities presented petitions, and the
+Prime Minister, in a letter to the Bishop of Durham, helped to fan the
+"No Popery" flame. Just at a time when a coalition of Whigs and
+Peelites was beginning to be possible, an Ecclesiastical Titles Bill,
+almost fatal to mutual confidence, became necessary.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.233" id="pageii.233"></a>[page&nbsp;233]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h2 style="margin-top: 5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+
+<h5>1850</h5>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle,</span> <i>5th February 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Uncle,</span>&mdash;We had the house full for three days
+last week on account of our theatrical performances on Friday,
+which went off extremely well. The Grand Duchess Stephanie
+was here, <i>tr&egrave;s aimable</i>, and not altered. She spoke much of
+Germany and of politics, and of <i>you</i> in the highest terms&mdash;"Comme
+le Roi L&eacute;opold s'est bien tenu"&mdash;and that she had
+mentioned this at Claremont, and then felt shocked at it, but
+that the poor King had answered: "Il avait mon exemple
+devant lui, et il en a profit&eacute;!" She thought the whole family
+<i>tr&egrave;s digne</i> in their <i>malheur</i>, but was struck with the melancholy
+effect of the whole thing.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Our affairs have gone off extremely well in Parliament, and
+the Protectionists have received an effective check; the question
+of the Corn Laws seems <i>indeed settled</i>. This is of great
+importance, as it puts a stop to the excitement and expectations
+of the farmers, which have been falsely kept up by the
+aristocracy....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Carlton Gardens,</span> <i>15th February 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear John Russell,</span>&mdash;I have altered this draft so as I
+think to meet the views of the Queen and of yourself in regard
+to the continuance of the suspension.<sup>1</sup> I should not like to
+put into a despatch an instruction to accept less than we have
+demanded, because that would imply what I don't think to be
+the fact, viz. that we have demanded more than is due. If the
+demands were for the British Government, we might forego
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.234" id="pageii.234"></a>[page&nbsp;234]</span>
+what portions we might like to give up, but we have no right
+to be easy and generous with the rights and claims of other
+people. Besides, if we get anything, we shall get all. The
+whole amount is quite within the power of the Greek Government
+to pay. Yours sincerely,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Palmerston</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 1: <i>I.e.</i> of hostilities against the Greek Government, designed to extract compensation
+for the injuries inflicted on British subjects. See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.231" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 231</a>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE DRAFT TO GREECE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace,</span> <i>17th February 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sent the day before yesterday the proposed draft
+to Mr Wyse back to Lord Palmerston, enclosing a Memorandum
+from Lord John Russell, and telling Lord Palmerston "that
+she entirely concurred with Lord John, and wished the draft
+to be altered accordingly." She has not yet received an answer
+from Lord Palmerston, but just hears from Lord John, in answer
+to her enquiry about it, that Lord Palmerston has <i>sent</i> the
+draft off <i>unaltered</i>.<sup>2</sup> The Queen must remark upon this sort of
+proceeding, of which this is not the first instance, and plainly
+tell Lord Palmerston that this must not happen again. Lord
+Palmerston has a perfect right to state to the Queen his reasons
+for disagreeing with her views, and will always have found her
+ready to listen to his reasons; but she cannot allow a servant
+of the Crown and her Minister to act contrary to her orders, and
+this without her knowledge.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 2: <i>See</i> Ashley's <i>Palmerston</i>, vol. i. chap. v.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON'S EXPLANATION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Carlton Gardens.</span> <i>17th February 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and in reply to your Majesty's communication of this
+day, he begs to state that upon receiving, the day before yesterday,
+your Majesty's Memorandum on the proposed draft to
+Mr Wyse, together with the accompanying Memorandum<sup>3</sup>
+from Lord John Russell, he altered the draft, and sent it
+to Lord John Russell, and received it back from Lord
+John Russell with the accompanying note in answer to that
+which he wrote to Lord John Russell. It was important
+that the messenger should go off that evening, and the time
+occupied in these communications rendered it just, but barely,
+possible to despatch the messenger by the mail train of that
+evening. The despatch thus altered coincided with the views
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.235" id="pageii.235"></a>[page&nbsp;235]</span>
+of your Majesty and Lord John Russell as to the question in
+regard to the length of time during which reprisals should be
+suspended to give scope for the French negotiation. The other
+question as to giving Mr Wyse a latitude of discretion to entertain
+any proposition which might be made to him by the Greek
+Government was considered by the Cabinet at its meeting
+yesterday afternoon, and Viscount Palmerston gave Mr Wyse
+a latitude of that kind in regard to the claim of Mr Pacifico,
+the only one to which that question could apply, in a despatch
+which he sent by the overland Mediterranean mail which went
+off yesterday afternoon. That despatch also contained some
+instructions as to the manner in which Mr Wyse is to communicate
+with Baron Gros,<sup>4</sup> and those instructions were the
+result of a conversation which Viscount Palmerston had with
+the French Ambassador after the meeting of the Cabinet.
+Viscount Palmerston was only waiting for a copy of the despatch
+of yesterday evening, which, owing to this day being
+Sunday, he has not yet received, in order to send to your
+Majesty the altered draft of yesterday evening, with an
+explanation of the circumstances which rendered it impossible
+to submit them to your Majesty before they were sent off.<sup>5</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 3: Lord John Russell's opinion was that three weeks should be allowed to Mr Wyse and
+Sir W. Parker to accept terms as satisfactory as they could obtain, and that Sir W. Parker
+should not be obliged to resume coercive measures, if the concessions of the Greek Government
+should appear to afford a prospect of a speedy settlement of the affair.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 4: Baron Gros was the Commissioner despatched by the French Government to Athens
+to assist in arranging the dispute.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 5: See subsequent correspondence between Lord John and Lord Palmerston, Walpole's
+<i>Russell</i>, vol. ii. chap. xix.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">RE-ARRANGEMENT SUGGESTED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle,</span> <i>3rd March 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Before leaving Town yesterday we saw Lord John Russell,
+who came to state what had passed with reference to Lord
+Palmerston. He premised that Lord Palmerston had at all
+times been a most agreeable and accommodating colleague;
+that he had acted with Lord John ever since 1831, and had not
+only never made any difficulty, but acted most boldly and in
+the most spirited manner on all political questions; besides,
+he was very popular with the Radical part of the House of
+Commons as well as with the Protectionist, so that both would
+be ready to receive him as their Leader; he (Lord John) was
+therefore most anxious to do nothing which could hurt Lord
+Palmerston's feelings, nor to bring about a disruption of the
+Whig Party, which at this moment of Party confusion was the
+only one which still held together. On the other hand, the
+fact that the Queen distrusted Lord Palmerston was a serious
+impediment to the carrying on of the Government. Lord John
+was therefore anxious to adopt a plan by which Lord Palmerston's
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.236" id="pageii.236"></a>[page&nbsp;236]</span>
+services could be retained with his own goodwill, and
+the Foreign Affairs entrusted to other hands. The only plan
+he could think of was to give Lord Palmerston the lead in the
+House of Commons&mdash;the highest position a statesman could
+aspire to&mdash;and to go himself to the House of Lords. He had
+communicated his views to Lord Lansdowne, who agreed in
+them, and thought he could do nothing better than speak
+to Lord Palmerston at once. Lord Palmerston said that he
+could not have helped to have become aware that he had
+forfeited the Queen's confidence, but he thought this had not
+been on <i>personal</i> grounds, but merely on account of his line
+of policy, with which the Queen disagreed. (The Queen
+interrupted Lord John by remarking that she distrusted
+him on <i>personal</i> grounds also, but I remarked that Lord
+Palmerston had so far at least seen rightly; that he had
+become disagreeable to the Queen, not on account of his person,
+but of his political doings, to which the Queen assented.)
+Lord Palmerston appeared to Lord John willing to enter into
+this agreement.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S PLAN</span>
+
+<p class="ind">On the question how the Foreign Office should be filled,
+Lord John said that he thought his father-in-law, Lord Minto,
+ought to take the Foreign Office.... As the Queen was somewhat
+startled by this announcement, I said I thought that
+would not go down with the public. After Lord Palmerston's
+removal (who was considered one of the ablest men in the
+country) he ought not to be replaced but by an equally able
+statesman; the Office was of <i>enormous</i> importance, and ought
+not to be entrusted to any one but Lord John himself or Lord
+Clarendon. On the Queen's enquiry why Lord Clarendon had
+not been proposed for it, Lord John said he was most anxious
+that the change of the Minister should not produce a change
+in the general line of policy which he considered to have been
+quite right, and that Lord Clarendon did not approve of it;
+somehow or other he never could agree with Lord Clarendon
+on Foreign Affairs; he thought Lord Clarendon very anti-French
+and for an alliance with Austria and Russia. The
+Queen replied she knew Lord Clarendon's bad opinion of the
+mode in which the Foreign Affairs had been conducted, and
+thought that a merit in him, but did not think him Austrian
+or Russian, but merely disapproving of Lord Palmerston's
+behaviour. I urged Lord John to take the Foreign Affairs
+himself, which he said would have to be done if the Queen did
+not wish Lord Minto to take them; he himself would be able
+to do the business when in the House of Lords, although he
+would undertake it unwillingly; with the business in the
+House of Commons it would have been impossible for him.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.237" id="pageii.237"></a>[page&nbsp;237]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen insisted on his trying it with a seat in the House of
+Lords, adding that, if he found it too much for him, he could
+at a later period perhaps make the Department over to Lord
+Clarendon.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I could not help remarking that it was a serious risk to
+entrust Lord Palmerston with the lead in the House of
+Commons, that it might be that the Government were defeated
+and, if once in opposition, Lord Palmerston might take
+a different line as leader of the Opposition from that which
+Lord John would like, and might so easily force himself back
+into office as Prime Minister. Lord John, however, although
+admitting that danger, thought Lord Palmerston too old to
+do much in the future (having passed his sixty-fifth year); he
+admitted that Sir George Grey was the natural leader of the
+Commons, but expected that a little later the lead would still
+fall into his hands.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The arrangements of the Offices as proposed would be that
+Lord Palmerston would take the Home Office, and Sir George
+Grey the Colonial Office, and Lord Grey vacate this office for
+the Privy Seal. If Lord Minto, however, was not to have
+the Foreign Office, the arrangement must be recast. Lord
+Clarendon would become Secretary of State for Ireland, after
+the abolition of the Lord-Lieutenancy. Possibly also Sir
+George Grey might take the office, and Lord Clarendon take
+the Colonies, which Lord Grey would be glad to be rid of. On
+my observing that I had thought the Colonies would have done
+best for Lord Palmerston, leaving Sir George Grey at the Home
+Office, Lord John acknowledged that he would likewise prefer
+this arrangement, but considered it rendered impossible from
+its having been the very thing Lord Grey had proposed in
+1845, and upon which the attempt to form a Whig Government
+at that time had broken down, Lord Palmerston having refused
+to enter the Cabinet on those terms. Lord John ended by
+saying that Lord Palmerston having agreed to the change, it
+was intended that nothing should be done about it till after
+the close of the Session, in order to avoid debates and questions
+on the subject; moreover, Lord Lansdowne had agreed to
+continue still this Session his labours as Leader in the House
+of Lords, and begged for the <i>utmost secrecy</i> at present.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell already last year had spoken to me of
+his wish to go to the House of Lords, finding the work in the
+House of Commons, together with his other business, too much
+for him, and Lord Lansdowne being desirous to be relieved
+from the lead in the Upper House.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert.</span></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.238" id="pageii.238"></a>[page&nbsp;238]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by Baron Stockmar.</i><sup>6</sup></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S ULTIMATUM</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>12th March 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The least the Queen has a right to require of her Minister
+is:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="ind">1. That he will distinctly state what he proposes in a given
+case, in order that the Queen may know as distinctly to what
+she has to give her royal sanction.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">2. Having given once her sanction to a measure, the Minister
+who, in the execution of such measure alters or modifies it
+arbitrarily, commits an act of dishonesty towards the Crown,
+which the Queen has an undoubted constitutional right to
+visit with the dismissal of that Minister.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Stockmar.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 6: Compare this with the Memorandum ultimately drawn up on the 12th of August.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace,</span> <i>16th March 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen wishes to remark to Lord Lansdowne, that his
+answer to Lord Stanley in the House of Lords last night might
+possibly lead to the misapprehension that Lord Palmerston's
+delay in sending the despatch to Mr Wyse had been caused by
+the time it took to get the Queen's approval of it. She must
+protest against such an inference being drawn, as being
+contrary to the fact, Lord Palmerston indeed having sent out
+in the first instance a different despatch from that which she
+had approved.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S ULTIMATUM</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken,</span> <i>25th March 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash; ... King Louis Philippe seems
+better, but still he is evidently breaking; there is no wonder
+when one considers all he has gone through, and is still to suffer!
+No one can tell a day [ahead] what may happen in France, and
+if all the family have, which is but<sup>7</sup> in France, may not be
+confiscated. The thirst for spoliation is great; the people
+who lead have no other view, they are not fanatics, their aim
+is to rise and to enrich themselves; the remainder is mere
+humbug, exactly as you have it very near home. Never was
+there a nation in a worse and a more helpless state, and the
+numerous parties who will <i>not</i> unite render all solutions impossible,
+and the republic will be maintained for that very
+reason. It is but a name and no substance, but that <i>name of</i>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.239" id="pageii.239"></a>[page&nbsp;239]</span>
+<i>republic</i> encourages every extravagant or desperate proceeding,
+and turns people's heads in the old monarchies; every doctor
+or magistrate sees himself president of some republic, and the
+ambitions of so many people who see all the impediments which
+existed formerly removed, and who, according to their <i>own
+opinion</i>, are wonderful people, will be insatiable and much
+more dangerous than you imagine in England. On the Continent
+every man thinks himself fit to be at the head of the
+Government; there is no political measure or scale, and the
+success of some bookseller or doctor or advocate, etc., turns
+the heads of all those in similar positions&mdash;<i>on ne doute de rien</i>.
+When you consider that a <i>banqueroutier</i> like Ledru Rollin<sup>8</sup>
+ruled over France <i>for six months</i> almost with <i>absolute power,</i>
+merely because he took it, you may imagine how many thousands,
+even of workmen, cooks, stage people, etc., look to be
+taken to rule over their fellow-citizens; <i>toujours convaincu
+de leur propre m&eacute;rite</i>. I am happy to see that you escaped a
+ministerial crisis; the peril was great, and it would have been
+dreadful for you at such a moment.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert made a fine long speech, I see.<sup>9</sup> Did he read it? <i>ex
+tempore</i>, it would have been very trying. I trust we may come
+to that unity of mankind of which he speaks, and of universal
+peace which our friend Richard Cobden considers as very near
+at hand; if, however, the red benefactors of mankind at Paris
+get the upper hand, <i>universal war</i> will be the order of the day.
+We are so strongly convinced of this that we are very seriously
+occupied with the means of defence which this country can
+afford, and we imagine that if we are not abandoned by our
+friends, it will be impossible to force our positions on the
+Schelde.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now quickly conclude. Remaining ever, my beloved
+Victoria, your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 7: <i>I.e.</i> "only."</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 8: He was President in 1848.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-bottom: 8em;">Footnote 9: At the Mansion House banquet to the Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851.
+See quotation from it in Sir T. Martin's <i>Life</i>, vol. ii, p. 247.</p>
+
+
+<a name="illusii.3" id="illusii.3"></a>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:400px;"><a href="images/0254-1200.png"><img src="images/0254-470.png" width="355" height="470" alt="Baron Stockmar." border="0" /></a>
+<p class="center">BARON STOCKMAR.</p>
+<p class="center">From the portrait by John Partridge at Buckingham Palace</p>
+<p class="author" style="margin-bottom: 5em;"><i>To face &nbsp;p.</i> 240, Vol. II.</p></div>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace,</span> <i>25th March 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen approves these drafts, but thinks that in the
+part alluding to M. Pacifico, should be added a direction to
+Mr Wyse to satisfy himself of the <i>truth</i> of M. Pacifico's statements
+of losses before he grounds his demands upon them.<sup>10</sup>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.240" id="pageii.240"></a>[page&nbsp;240]</span>
+The draft merely allows a sub-division of the claims, but takes
+their validity for granted.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 10: Don Pacifico claimed &pound;31,500&mdash;&pound;4,900 being for effects destroyed, and &pound;26,600 in
+respect of certain claims against the Portuguese Government, the vouchers for which he
+stated had been destroyed by the mob which pillaged his house. His valuation of the
+various items was of the most extravagant description.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">SPEECH BY PRINCE ALBERT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>26th March 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Albert made a really beautiful speech
+the other day, and it has given the greatest satisfaction and
+done great good. He is indeed <i>looked up to and beloved</i>, as <i>I</i>
+could <i>wish</i> he should be; and the <i>more</i> his <i>rare qualities</i> of
+mind and heart are <i>known</i>, the <i>more</i> he will be understood and
+appreciated. People are much struck at his great powers and
+energy; his great self-denial, and constant wish to work for
+others, is so striking in his character; but it is the <i>happiest</i>
+life; pining for what one cannot have, and trying to run after
+what is pleasantest, <i>invariably</i> ends in disappointment.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>29th March 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I write only a few lines to-day,
+begging you to give the accompanying drawing of her little
+<i>namesake</i> to dearest Louise <i>on</i> her birthday.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I shall duly answer your dear letter of the 25th on Tuesday,
+but am anxious to correct the impression that Albert read his
+fine speech. He <i>never</i> has done so with any of his fine speeches,
+but speaks them, having first prepared them and written them
+down,&mdash;and does so <i>so well</i>, that no one believes that he is ever
+nervous, which <i>he is</i>. This last he is said to have spoken in
+so particularly English a way.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We have still sadly cold winds. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>14th April 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter with the
+drafts, which he mentioned last night to her, and she has sent
+his letter with them to Lord Palmerston.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston's conduct in this Spanish question<sup>11</sup> in not
+communicating her letter to Lord John, as she had directed,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.241" id="pageii.241"></a>[page&nbsp;241]</span>
+is really too bad, and most disrespectful to the Queen; she
+can really hardly communicate with him any more; indeed it
+would be better she should not.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 11: The question was the selection of a Minister for Madrid.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD HOWDEN</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>27th April 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">In order to save the Government embarrassments, the Queen
+has sanctioned the appointment of Lord Howden<sup>12</sup> to Madrid,
+although she does not consider him to be quite the stamp of
+person in whom she could feel entire confidence that he will
+be proof against all spirit of intrigue, which at all times and
+now particularly is so much required in Spain. But she must
+once more ask Lord John to watch that the Queen may be
+quite openly and considerately dealt by. She knows that
+Lord Howden has long been made acquainted with his appointment,
+and has been corresponding upon it with General
+Narvaez; the correspondent of the <i>Times</i> has announced his
+appointment from Madrid already three weeks ago, and all
+that time Lord Palmerston remained silent upon the matter
+to the Queen, not even answering her upon her letter expressing
+her wish to see Lord Westmorland<sup>13</sup> appointed. Lord John
+must see the impropriety of this course, and if it were not for
+the Queen's anxiety to smooth all difficulties, the Government
+might be exposed to most awkward embarrassments. She
+expects, however, and has the right to claim, equal consideration
+on the part of her Ministers. She addresses herself in
+this matter to Lord John as the head of the Government.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 12: Lord Howden had been recently Minister at Rio Janeiro.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 13: Minister at Berlin, 1841-51.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge</span>, <i>28th April 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... Lord John Russell cannot but assent to your Majesty's
+right to claim every consideration on the part of your Majesty's
+Ministers. He will take care to attend to this subject, and is
+much concerned to find that your Majesty has so frequently
+occasion to complain of Lord Palmerston's want of attention.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Marquis of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE KOH-I-NOOR</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Simla</span>, <i>15th May 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... When the Governor-General had the honour of addressing
+your Majesty from Bombay, the arrangements for
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.242" id="pageii.242"></a>[page&nbsp;242]</span>
+the transmission of the Koh-i-noor were incomplete. He
+therefore did not then report to your Majesty, as he now
+humbly begs leave to do, that he conveyed the jewel himself
+from Lahore in his own charge, and deposited it in the Treasury
+at Bombay. One of your Majesty's ships had been ordered
+to Bombay to receive it, but had not then arrived, and did not
+arrive till two months afterwards, thus causing delay. The
+<i>Medea</i>, however, sailed on 6th April, and will, it is hoped, have
+a safe and speedy passage to England.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">By this mail the Governor-General transmits officially a
+record of all that he has been able to trace of the vicissitudes
+through which the Koh-i-noor has passed. The papers are
+accurate and curious.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In one of them it is narrated, on the authority of Fugueer-ood-deen,
+who is now at Lahore, and who was himself the
+messenger, that Runjeet Singh sent a message to Wufa Begum,
+the wife of Shah Sooja, from whom he had taken the gem, to
+ask her its value. She replied, "If a strong man were to throw
+four stones, one north, one south, one east, one west, and a
+fifth stone up into the air, and if the space between them were
+to be filled with gold, all would not equal the value of the
+Koh-i-noor." The Fugueer, thinking probably that this
+appraisement was somewhat imaginative, subsequently asked
+Shah Sooja the same question. The Shah replied that its
+value was "good fortune; for whoever possessed it had
+conquered their enemies."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Governor-General very respectfully and earnestly trusts
+that your Majesty, in your possession of the Koh-i-noor, may
+ever continue to realise its value as estimated by Shah Sooja.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He has the honour to subscribe himself, with deep respect,
+your Majesty's most obedient, most humble, and most faithful
+Subject and Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Dalhousie.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Prince Albert to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON'S FOREIGN POLICY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>18th May 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Lord John</span>,&mdash;I return you the enclosed letters
+which forbode a new storm, this time coming from Russia.<sup>14</sup> I
+confess I do not understand that part of the quarrel, but one
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.243" id="pageii.243"></a>[page&nbsp;243]</span>
+conviction grows stronger and stronger with the Queen and
+myself (if it is possible), viz. that Lord Palmerston is bringing
+the whole of the hatred which is borne to him&mdash;I don't mean
+here to investigate whether justly or unjustly&mdash;by all the
+Governments of Europe upon England, and that the country
+runs serious danger of having to pay for the consequences.
+We cannot reproach ourselves with having neglected warning
+and entreaties, but the Queen may feel that her duty demands
+her not to be content with mere warning without any effect,
+and that for the sake of one man the welfare of the country
+must not be exposed....</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 14: Russia as well as France had been appealed to by Greece against the pressure brought
+to bear upon her. On the 18th of April a Convention was signed in London disposing of
+the whole dispute, and referring Don Pacifico's claims against Portugal to arbitration.
+Lord Palmerston was remiss in communicating the progress of those negotiations to
+Mr Wyse, who persisted in his coercive measures, disregarding the intelligence on the
+subject he received from Baron Gros, and Greece accordingly submitted to his terms.
+France and Russia were incensed, the French Ambassador was recalled, and on the 18th
+of May Baron Brunnow intimated the imminence of similar action by the Czar.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge</span>, <i>18th May 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,&mdash;I feel very strongly that the Queen ought not to be
+exposed to the enmity of Austria, France, and Russia on account
+of her Minister. I was therefore prepared to state on
+Monday that it is for Her Majesty to consider what course it
+will be best for her and for the country to pursue.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">1. I am quite ready to resign my office, but I could not
+make Lord Palmerston the scapegoat for the sins which will
+be imputed to the Government in the late negotiations.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">2. I am ready, if it is thought best, to remain in office till
+questions pending in the two Houses are decided. If unfavourably,
+a solution is obtained; if favourably, Lord John
+Russell will no longer remain in office with Lord Palmerston
+as Foreign Secretary.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">These are hasty and crude thoughts, but may be matured
+by Monday.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>20th May 1850.</i></p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S REPORT</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell came to-day to make his report to the
+Queen on his final determination with respect to the Greek
+question and Lord Palmerston. He said it was quite impossible
+to abandon Lord Palmerston upon this question, that the
+Cabinet was as much to blame (if there were cause for it) as
+Lord Palmerston, and particularly he himself, who had given
+his consent to the measures taken, and was justly held responsible
+by the country for the Foreign Policy of the Government.
+Admitting, however, that Lord Palmerston's personal
+quarrels with all Governments of foreign countries and the
+hostility with which they were looking upon him was doing
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.244" id="pageii.244"></a>[page&nbsp;244]</span>
+serious injury to the country, and exposing the Crown to
+blows aimed at the Minister, he had consulted Lord Lansdowne....
+Lord Lansdowne fully felt the strength of what
+I said respecting the power of the Leader of the House of
+Commons, and the right on the part of the Queen to object to
+its being conferred upon a person who had not her entire confidence.
+I said I hoped Lord Lansdowne would consider the
+communication of the letter as quite confidential, as, although
+I had no objection to telling Lord Palmerston anything that
+was said in it myself, I should not like that it should come
+to his ears by third persons or be otherwise talked of. Lord
+John assured me that Lord Lansdowne could be entirely
+relied upon, and that he himself had locked up the letter
+under key the moment he had received it, and would carefully
+guard it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The result of our conference was, that we agreed that Lord
+Clarendon was the only member of the Government to whom
+the Foreign Affairs could be entrusted unless Lord John were
+to take them himself, which was much the best. Lord John
+objected to Lord Clarendon's intimate connection with the
+<i>Times</i>, and the violent Austrian line of that paper; moreover,
+Lord Clarendon would be wanted to organise the new department
+of Secretary of State for Ireland. The Colonial Office
+was much the best for Lord Palmerston, and should Lord John
+go to the House of Lords, Sir George Grey was to lead in the
+Commons. Lord John would take an opportunity of communicating
+with Lord Palmerston, but wished nothing should
+be said or done about the changes till after the close of the
+Session.<sup>15</sup></p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 15: The question of the relations of Lord Palmerston with the Crown had to be postponed
+owing to the debates in both Houses on Foreign Policy. In the Lords, Lord Stanley
+moved a vote of censure on the Government for enforcing by coercive measures various
+doubtful or exaggerated claims against the Greek Government.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">SUNDAY POSTS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>9th June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's two letters.
+If the Cabinet <i>think</i> it impossible to do otherwise, of course the
+Queen consents&mdash;though <i>most reluctantly</i>&mdash;to a compliance
+with the vote respecting the Post Office.<sup>16</sup> The Queen thinks
+it a very <i>false</i> notion of obeying God's will, to do what will be
+the cause of much annoyance and possibly of great distress to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.245" id="pageii.245"></a>[page&nbsp;245]</span>
+private families. At any rate, she thinks decidedly that great
+caution should be used with respect to any alteration in the
+transmission of the mails, so that at least <i>some means</i> of communication
+may still be possible.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 16: Lord Ashley carried a resolution forbidding the Sunday delivery of letters; a Committee
+of Inquiry was appointed, and reported against the proposed change, which was
+abandoned.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Duke of Cambridge.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>10th June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Uncle</span>,&mdash;I have enquired into the precedents, and
+find that though there are none exactly similar to the case of
+George, there will be no difficulty to call him up to the House
+of Lords; and I should propose that he should be called up
+by the name of Earl of Tipperary, which is one of your titles.
+Culloden, which is your other title, would be from recollections
+of former times obviously objectionable. There are several
+precedents of Princes being made Peers without having an
+establishment, consequently there can be no difficulty on this
+point.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I feel confident that George will be very moderate in his
+politics, and support the Government whenever he can.
+Princes of the Royal Family should keep as much as possible
+aloof from <i>Party Politics</i>, as I think they else invariably become
+mixed up with Party violence, and frequently are made
+the tools of people who are utterly regardless of the mischief
+they cause to the Throne and Royal Family. Believe me,
+always, your affectionate Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Duke of Cambridge to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PRINCE GEORGE OF CAMBRIDGE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Cambridge House</span>, <i>10th June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;I seize the earliest opportunity of
+thanking you for your very kind letter, which I have this
+moment received, and to assure you at the same time that I do
+most fully agree with you in your observations concerning the
+line in politics which the members of the Royal Family ought
+to take. This has always been my principle since I entered
+the House of Lords, and I am fully convinced that George will
+follow my example.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must also add that I have felt the great advantage of supporting
+the Government, and I have by that always been well
+with all Parties, and have avoided many difficulties which
+other members of my family have had to encounter.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I shall not fail to communicate your letter to George, who
+will, I trust, never prove himself unworthy of the kindness you
+have shown him.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.246" id="pageii.246"></a>[page&nbsp;246]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">With the request that you will remember me most kindly to
+Albert, I remain, my dearest Victoria, your most affectionate
+Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Adolphus.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Prince George of Cambridge to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St James's Palace</span>, <i>15th June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Cousin</span>,&mdash;I have not as yet ventured to address
+you on a subject of much interest personally to myself, and
+upon which I am aware that you have been in correspondence
+with my father; but as I believe that the question which was
+brought to your notice has been settled, I cannot any longer
+deprive myself of the pleasure of expressing to you my most
+sincere and grateful thanks for the kind manner in which you
+have at once acceded to the anxious request of my father
+and myself, by arranging with the Government that I should
+be called up to the House of Lords. This has been a point
+upon which I have long been most anxious, and I am truly and
+sincerely grateful that you have so considerately entered into
+my feelings and wishes. I understand that it is your intention
+that I should be called up by my father's second title
+as Earl of Tipperary; at the same time I hope that though I
+take a seat in the House as Earl of Tipperary, I may be permitted
+to retain and be called by my present name on all
+occasions not connected with the House of Lords. As regards
+the wish expressed by yourself, that I should not allow myself
+to be made a political partisan, I need not, I trust, assure you
+that it will be ever my endeavour to obey your desires upon
+this as on all other occasions; but I trust I may be permitted
+to add, that even before this desire expressed by you, it had
+been my intention to follow this line of conduct. I conceive
+that whenever they conscientiously can do so, the members of
+the Royal Family should support the Queen's Government;
+and if at times it should happen that they have a difficulty in
+so doing, it is at all events not desirable that they should place
+themselves prominently in opposition to it. This I believe to
+be your feelings on the subject, and if you will permit me to
+say so, they are also my own.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Hoping to have the pleasure soon of expressing to you my
+gratitude in person, I remain, my dear Cousin, your most
+dutiful Cousin,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">George.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Prince George of Cambridge.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>17th June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear George</span>,&mdash;Many thanks for your kind letter received
+yesterday. I am glad to hear that you are so entirely
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.247" id="pageii.247"></a>[page&nbsp;247]</span>
+of my opinion with respect to the political conduct of the
+Princes of the Royal Family who are peers, and I feel sure that
+your conduct will be quite in accordance with this view. With
+respect to your wish to be called as you have hitherto been, I
+do not think that this will be possible. It has never been
+done, besides which I think the Irish (who will be much
+flattered at your being called up by the title of Tipperary)
+would feel it as a slight if you did not wish to be called by the
+title you bear. All the Royal Peers have always been called
+by their titles in this and in other countries, and I do not think
+it would be possible to avoid it. Ever, etc.,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span><sup>17</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 17: The patent was made out, but not signed, a memorandum of Prince Albert
+recording:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="note1right"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>. <i>8th July 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">I kept this warrant back from the Queen's signature on account of the Duke of Cambridge's
+illness. The Duke died yesterday evening, without a struggle, after an attack of
+fever which had lasted four weeks. So the summons of Prince George has never been
+carried out.</p>
+
+<p class="note1author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MR ROEBUCK'S MOTION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>21st June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to report that Mr Roebuck asked him yesterday
+what course the Government intends to pursue after the
+late vote of the House of Lords.<sup>18</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The newspapers contain the report of Lord John Russell's
+answer.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Roebuck has proposed to move on Monday a general
+approbation of the Foreign Policy of the Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">What may be the result of such a Motion it is not easy to
+say, but as Lord Stanley has prevailed on a majority in the
+House of Lords to censure the Foreign Policy of the Government,
+it is impossible to avoid a decision by the House of Commons
+on this subject.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The misfortune is that on the one side every detail of negotiation
+is confounded with the general principles of our Foreign
+Policy, and on the other a censure upon a Foreign Policy, the
+tendency of which has been to leave despotism and democracy
+to fight out their own battles, will imply in the eyes of Europe
+a preference for the cause of despotism, and a willingness to
+interfere with Russia and Austria on behalf of absolute government.
+The jealousy of the House of Commons would not long
+bear such a policy.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Be that as it may, Lord Stanley has opened a beginning of
+strife, which may last for many years to come.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 18: Lord Stanley's Motion of Censure was carried by a majority of 37 in a House of 301.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.248" id="pageii.248"></a>[page&nbsp;248]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD STANLEY'S MOTION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>21st June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter and read
+his speech in the House of Commons. She regrets exceedingly
+the position in which the Government has been placed by the
+Motion of Lord Stanley in the House of Lords. Whichever way
+the Debate in the House of Commons may terminate, the Queen
+foresees great troubles. A defeat of the Government would be
+<i>most inconvenient</i>. The Queen has always approved the <i>general</i>
+tendency of the policy of the Government to let despotism and
+democracy fight out their battles abroad, but must remind Lord
+John that in the execution of this policy Lord Palmerston has
+<i>gone a long way</i> in taking up the side of democracy in the fight,
+and this is the "detail of negotiations" which Lord John is
+afraid may be confounded with the general principle of our
+Foreign Policy. Indeed it is already confounded by the whole
+of the foreign and the great majority of the British public, and
+it is to be feared that the discussion will place despotic and
+democratic principles in array against each other in this
+country, whilst the original question turns only upon the
+justice of Don Pacifico's claims.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>22nd June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell deeply regrets that your Majesty should
+be exposed to inconvenience in consequence of Lord Stanley's
+Motion. He has copied Mr Roebuck's Motion as it now stands
+on the votes. The word "principles" includes the general
+policy, and excludes the particular measures which from time
+to time have been adopted as the objects of approbation.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is impossible to say at this moment what will be the result.
+Lord Stanley, Lord Aberdeen, Mr Gladstone, and Mr Disraeli
+appear to be in close concert.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley can hardly now abandon Protection. Mr
+Gladstone, one should imagine, can hardly abandon Free Trade.
+The anger of the honest Protectionists and the honest Free-Traders
+will be very great at so unprincipled a coalition.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Roebuck's Motion: That the principles on which the
+Foreign Policy of Her Majesty's Government has been regulated
+have been such as were calculated to maintain the honour
+and dignity of this country, and in times of unexampled
+difficulty to preserve peace between England and the various
+nations of the world.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.249" id="pageii.249"></a>[page&nbsp;249]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">HOLSTEIN AND GERMANY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>22nd June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday,
+but cannot say that his arguments in support of his
+former opinion, that the Germanic Confederation should be
+omitted from amongst the Powers who are to be invited to
+sign a protocol, the object of which is to decide upon the fate
+of Holstein, have proved successful in convincing her of the
+propriety of this course. As Holstein belongs to the Germanic
+Confederation and is only accidentally connected with Denmark
+through its Sovereign, a Protocol to ensure the integrity
+of the Danish Monarchy is a direct attack upon Germany, if
+carried out without her knowledge and consent; and it is an
+act repugnant to all feelings of justice and morality for third
+parties to dispose of other people's property, which no diplomatic
+etiquette about the difficulty of finding a proper representative
+for Germany could justify. The mode of representation
+might safely be left to the Confederation itself. It is not
+surprising to the Queen that Austria and Prussia should complain
+of Lord Palmerston's agreeing with Sweden, Russia,
+Denmark, and France upon the Protocol before giving Prussia
+and Austria any notice of it.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE PROTOCOL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Carlton Gardens</span>, <i>23rd June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear John Russell</span>,&mdash;The Queen has entirely misconceived
+the object and effect of the proposed Protocol. It
+does not "decide upon the fate of Holstein," nor is it "an
+attack upon Germany." In fact, the Protocol is to <i>decide</i>
+nothing; it is to be merely a record of the wishes and opinions
+of the Power whose representatives are to sign it....<sup>19</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">How does any part of this decide the fate of Holstein or
+attack Germany?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Is not the Queen requiring that I should be Minister, not
+indeed for Austria, Russia, or France, but for the Germanic Confederation?
+Why should we take up the cudgels for Germany,
+when we are inviting Austria and Prussia, the two leading powers
+of Germany, and who would of course put in a claim for the
+Confederation if they thought it necessary, which, however,
+for the reasons above stated, they surely would not?...</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.250" id="pageii.250"></a>[page&nbsp;250]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">As to my having <i>agreed</i> with Sweden, Russia, Denmark, and
+France before communicating with Prussia and Austria, that
+is not the course which things have taken. Brunnow proposed
+the Protocol to me, and I have been in discussion with him
+about it. It is <i>he</i> who has communicated it to the French
+Ambassador, to Reventlow, and to Rehausen; I sent it
+privately several weeks ago to Westmorland, that he might
+show it confidentially to Schleinitz, but telling Westmorland
+that it was not a thing settled, but only a proposal by Russia,
+and that, at all events, some part of the wording would be
+altered. I have no doubt that Brunnow has also shown it to
+Koller; but I could not send it officially to Berlin or Vienna
+till Brunnow had agreed to such a wording as I could recommend
+the Government to adopt, nor until I received the Queen's
+sanction to do so.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The only thing that occurs to me as practicable would be to
+say to Austria and Prussia that if, in signing the Protocol,
+they could add that they signed also in the name of the Confederation,
+we should be glad to have the additional weight of
+that authority, but that could not be made a <i>sine qu&acirc; non</i>, any
+more than the signature of Austria and Prussia themselves,
+for I think that the Protocol ought to be signed by as many of
+the proposed Powers as may choose to agree to it, bearing
+always in mind that it is only a record of opinions and wishes,
+and does not decide or pretend to decide anything practically.
+Yours sincerely,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Palmerston</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 19: The Protocol was to record the desirability of the following points:&mdash;(1) that the
+several states which constituted the Danish Monarchy should remain united, and that
+the Danish Crown should be settled in such manner that it should go with the Duchy of
+Holstein; (2) that the signatory Powers, when the peace should have been concluded,
+should concert measures for the purpose of giving to the results an additional pledge of
+stability, by a general European acknowledgment.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S OPINION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>25th June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter enclosing
+those of Lord Palmerston and Lord Lansdowne. The <i>misconception</i>
+on the Queen's part, which Lord Palmerston alleges
+to exist, consists in her taking the essence of the arrangement
+for the mere words. Lord Palmerston pretends that the
+Protocol "does not decide upon the fate of Holstein nor
+attack Germany." However, the only object of the Protocol
+is the fate of Holstein, which is decided upon&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="ind">(1.) By a declaration of the importance to the interests
+of Europe to uphold the integrity of the Danish
+Monarchy (which has no meaning, if it does not
+mean that Holstein is to remain with it).</p>
+
+<p class="ind">(2.) By an approval of the efforts of the King of Denmark
+to keep it with Denmark, by adapting the law of
+succession to that of Holstein.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.251" id="pageii.251"></a>[page&nbsp;251]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">(3.) By an engagement on the part of the Powers to use
+their "<i>soins</i>" to get the constitutional position of
+Holstein settled in a peace according to the Malmoe
+preliminaries, of which it was one of the conditions
+that the question of the succession was to be left
+untouched.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">(4.) To seal the whole arrangement by an act of European
+acknowledgment.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">If the declarations of importance, the approval, the "<i>soins</i>"
+and the acknowledgments of <i>all</i> the great Powers of Europe
+are to decide nothing, then Lord Palmerston is quite right; if
+they decide anything, it is the fate of Holstein.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Whether this will be an attack upon Germany or not will be
+easily deduced from the fact that the attempt on the part of
+Denmark to incorporate into her polity the Duchy of Schleswig
+was declared by the Diet in 1846 to be a declaration of war
+against Germany merely on account of its intimate connection
+with the Duchy of Holstein.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen does not wish her Minister to be Minister for
+Germany, but merely to treat that country with the same consideration
+which is due to every country on whose interests we
+mean to decide.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen would wish her correspondence upon this subject
+to be brought before the Cabinet, and will abide by their
+deliberate opinion.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>25th June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Charles will have told you how kindly
+and amiably the Prince of Prussia has come here, travelling
+night and day from St Petersburg, in order to be in time for
+the christening of our little <i>Arthur</i>.<sup>20</sup> I wish you could (and
+you will, for he intends stopping at Brussels) hear him speak,
+for he is so straightforward, conciliatory, and yet firm of purpose;
+I have a great esteem and respect for him. The poor
+King of Prussia is recovered,<sup>21</sup> and has been received with great
+enthusiasm on the first occasion of his first reappearance in
+public.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We are in a <i>crisis</i>, no one knowing how this debate upon this
+most unfortunate Greek business will end. It is most unfortunate,
+for whatever way it ends, it must do great harm.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude, for I am quite overpowered by the
+heat. Ever your truly devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 20: The present Duke of Connaught, born on the 1st of May, the birthday of the Duke of
+Wellington, who was one of the sponsors, and after whom he was named.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 21: From an attempt to assassinate him.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.252" id="pageii.252"></a>[page&nbsp;252]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE DON PACIFICO DEBATE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>26th June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to report that in the debate of last night
+Viscount Palmerston defended the whole Foreign Policy of the
+Government in a speech of four hours and three quarters.<sup>22</sup>
+This speech was one of the most masterly ever delivered, going
+through the details of transactions in the various parts of the
+world, and appealing from time to time to great principles of
+justice and of freedom.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The cheering was frequent and enthusiastic. The debate
+was adjourned till Thursday, when it will probably close.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The expectation is that Ministers will have a majority, but
+on the amount of that majority must depend their future
+course.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 22: It lasted from dusk till dawn, and the Minister asked for a verdict on the question
+whether, "as the Roman in days of old held himself free from indignity when he could say,
+<i>Civis Romanus sum</i>, so also a British subject, in whatever land he may be, shall feel
+confident that the watchful eye and the strong arm of England will protect him against
+injustice and wrong." Peel, who made his last appearance in the House, voted against
+Palmerston.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>Chesham Place</i>, <i>27th June 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to state that the prospects of the division
+are rather more favourable for Ministers than they were.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Ministers ought to have a majority of forty to justify their
+remaining in office.<sup>23</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Gladstone makes no secret of his wish to join Lord
+Stanley in forming an Administration.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell would desire to have the honour of an
+audience of your Majesty on Saturday at twelve or one o'clock.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The division will not take place till to-morrow night.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 23: In the result, Ministers succeeded by 310 to 264, although opposed to them in the
+debate were Mr Gladstone, Mr Cobden, Sir Robert Peel, Mr Disraeli, Sir James Graham,
+and Sir William Molesworth. Next to the speeches of Lord Palmerston and Lord John
+Russell, the most effective speech on the Government side was that of Mr Alexander
+Cockburn, afterwards Lord Chief Justice of England.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PEEL'S ACCIDENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>2nd July 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;For two most kind and affectionate
+letters I offer my warmest and best thanks. The good report
+of my beloved Louise's improvement is a great happiness.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.253" id="pageii.253"></a>[page&nbsp;253]</span>
+By my letter to Louise you will have learnt all the details of
+this certainly very disgraceful and very inconceivable attack.<sup>24</sup>
+I have not suffered except from my head, which is still very
+tender, the blow having been extremely violent, and the brass
+<i>end</i> of the stick fell on my head so as to make a considerable
+noise. I own it makes me nervous out driving, and I start at
+any person coming near the carriage, which I am afraid is
+natural. We have, alas! now another cause of much greater
+anxiety in the person of our excellent Sir Robert Peel,<sup>25</sup> who, as
+you will see, has had a most serious fall, and though going on
+well at first, was very ill last night; thank God! he is better
+again this morning, but I fear still in great danger. I cannot
+bear even to think of losing him; it would be the greatest loss
+for the whole country, and irreparable for us, for he is so trustworthy,
+and so entirely to be depended on. <i>All</i> parties are in
+great anxiety about him. I will leave my letter open to give
+you the latest news.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Our good and amiable guest<sup>26</sup> likes being with us, and will
+remain with us till Saturday. We had a concert last night,
+and go to the opera very regularly. The <i>Proph&egrave;te</i> is quite
+beautiful, and I am sure would delight you. The music in the
+<i>Sc&egrave;ne du Couronnement</i> is, I think, finer than anything in either
+<i>Robert</i> or the <i>Huguenots</i>; it is highly dramatic, and really
+very touching. Mario sings and acts in it quite in perfection.
+His <i>Raoul</i> in the Huguenots is also most beautiful. He
+improves every year, and I really think his voice is the finest
+tenor I ever heard, and he sings and acts with such <i>intense</i>
+feeling.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">What do you say to the conclusion of our debate? It leaves
+things just as they were. The House of Commons is becoming
+very unmanageable and troublesome....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude. With Albert's love, ever your most
+affectionate Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I am happy to say that Sir Robert, though still very ill, is
+freer from pain, his pulse is less high, and he feels himself
+better; the Doctors think there is <i>no</i> vital injury, and nothing
+from which he cannot recover, but that he must be for some
+days in a precarious state.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 24: The Queen, as she was leaving Cambridge House, where she had called to inquire after
+the Duke of Cambridge's health, was struck with a cane by one Robert Pate, an ex-officer,
+and a severe bruise was inflicted on her forehead. The outrage was apparently committed
+without motive, but an attempt to prove Pate insane failed, and he was sentenced to seven
+years' transportation.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 25: On the day following the Don Pacifico debate, Sir Robert Peel, after attending a
+meeting of the Exhibition Commissioners, had gone out riding. On his return, while
+passing up Constitution Hill, he was thrown from his horse, and, after lingering three days
+in intense pain, died on the 5th of July.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 26: The Prince of Prussia.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.254" id="pageii.254"></a>[page&nbsp;254]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of Denmark to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE KING OF DENMARK</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Copenhague</span>, <i>4 Juillet 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame ma S&oelig;ur</span>,&mdash;Je remplis un devoir des plus agr&eacute;ables,
+en m'empressant d'annoncer &agrave; votre Majest&eacute; que la paix vient
+d'&ecirc;tre sign&eacute;e le 2 de ce mois &agrave; Berlin entre moi et Sa Majest&eacute; le
+Roi de Prusse, en Son nom et en celui de la Conf&eacute;d&eacute;ration
+Germanique.<sup>27</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je sais et je reconnais de grand c&oelig;ur combien je suis redevable
+&agrave; votre Majest&eacute; et &agrave; Son Gouvernement de ce r&eacute;sultat
+important, qui justifie mon esp&eacute;rance de pouvoir bient&ocirc;t
+rendre &agrave; tous mes sujets les bienfaits d'une sinc&egrave;re r&eacute;conciliation
+et d'une v&eacute;ritable concorde.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Votre Majest&eacute; a par la sollicitude avec laquelle Elle a constamment
+accompli le mandat de la m&eacute;diation dans l'int&eacute;r&ecirc;t
+du Danemark et de l'Europe, ajout&eacute; aux t&eacute;moignages inappr&eacute;ciables
+de sinc&egrave;re amiti&eacute; qu'elle n'a cess&eacute; de m'accorder durant
+la longue et p&eacute;nible &eacute;preuve que le Danemark vient de nouveau
+de traverser, mais qui para&icirc;t, &agrave; l'aide du Tout-Puissant, devoir
+maintenant faire place &agrave; un meilleur avenir, offrant, sous les
+auspices de votre Majest&eacute;, de nouvelles garanties pour l'ind&eacute;pendance
+de mon antique Couronne et pour le maintien de
+l'int&eacute;grit&eacute; de ma Monarchie, &agrave; la d&eacute;fense desquelles je me suis
+vou&eacute; enti&egrave;rement.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je suis persuad&eacute; que votre Majest&eacute; me fera la justice de
+croire que je suis on ne peut plus reconnaissant, et que mon
+peuple fid&egrave;le et loyal s'associe &agrave; moi et aux miens, p&eacute;n&eacute;tr&eacute; de
+ces m&ecirc;mes sentiments de gratitude envers votre Majest&eacute;.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je m'estimerais infiniment heureux si Elle daignait ajouter
+&agrave; toutes Ses bont&eacute;s, celle que de me fournir l'occasion de Lui
+donner des preuves de mon d&eacute;vouement inalt&eacute;rable et de la
+haute consid&eacute;ration avec lesquels je prie Dieu qu'il vous ait,
+Madame ma S&oelig;ur, vous, votre auguste &Eacute;poux et tous les v&ocirc;tres,
+dans sa sainte et digne garde, et avec lesquels je suis, Madame
+ma S&oelig;ur, de votre Majest&eacute;, le bon Fr&egrave;re,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Frederick</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 27: Denmark and the Schleswig-Holstein Duchies were still at war. Germany was bent
+on absorbing the Duchies, but Prussia now concluded a peace with Denmark: the enlistment
+of individual Germans in the insurgent army continued.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEATH OF PEEL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>5th July 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;It gave me the greatest pain to
+learn of the death of our true and kind friend, Sir Robert Peel.
+That he should have met with his end&mdash;he so valuable to the
+whole earth&mdash;from an accident so easily to be avoided with
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.255" id="pageii.255"></a>[page&nbsp;255]</span>
+some care, is the more to be lamented. You and Albert lose
+in him a friend whose moderation, correct judgment, great
+knowledge of everything connected with the country, can never
+be found again. Europe had in him a benevolent and a truly
+wise statesman....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Give my best thanks to Albert for his kind letter. I mean
+to send a messenger probably on Sunday or Monday to write
+to him. I pity him about the great Exhibition. I fear he
+will be much plagued, and I was glad to see that the matter
+is to be treated in Parliament. Alas! in all human affairs one
+is sure to meet with violent passions, and Peel knew that so
+well; great care even for the most useful objects is necessary.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I will write to you a word to-morrow. God grant that it
+may be satisfactory.<sup>28</sup> Ever, my beloved, dear Victoria, your
+devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 28: The Princess Charlotte of Belgium was seriously ill.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of Prussia.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>6th July 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sire, my most honoured Brother</span>,&mdash;I have to express to
+you my thanks for the pleasure which the visit of your dear
+brother has given us, who, as I hope, will remit these lines to
+you in perfect health. That things go so well with you, and
+that the healing of your wound has made undisturbed progress,
+has been to us a true removal of anxiety. You will no doubt
+have learnt that I too have been again the object of an attempt,
+if possible still more cowardly. The criminal is, <i>as usual</i>, this
+time too, insane, or will pretend to be so; still the deed remains.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">All our feelings are, in the meanwhile, preoccupied by the
+sorrow, in which your Majesty and all Europe will share, at the
+death of Sir Robert Peel. That is one of the hardest blows of
+Fate which could have fallen on us and on the country. You
+knew the great man, and understood how to appreciate his
+merit. His value is now becoming clear even to his opponents;
+all Parties are united in mourning.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The only satisfactory event of recent times is the news of
+your conclusion of peace with Denmark. Accept my most
+cordial congratulations on that account.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Requesting you to remember me cordially to the dear
+Queen, and referring you for detailed news to the dear Prince,
+also recommending to your gracious remembrance Albert, who
+does not wish to trouble you, on his part, with a letter, I
+remain, in unchangeable friendship, dear Brother, your
+Majesty's faithful Sister,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.256" id="pageii.256"></a>[page&nbsp;256]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEATH OF THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>9th July 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;We live in the midst of sorrow and
+death! My poor good Uncle Cambridge breathed his last,
+without a struggle, at a few minutes before ten last night. I
+still saw him yesterday morning at one, but he <i>did not see me</i>,
+and to-day I saw him lifeless and cold. The poor Duchess and
+the poor children are very touching in their grief, and poor
+Augusta,<sup>29</sup> who arrived just <i>five hours too late</i>, is quite heartbroken.
+The end was most peaceful; there was no disease;
+only a gastric fever, which came on four weeks ago, from over-exertion,
+and cold, and which he neglected for the first week,
+carried him off.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The good Prince of Prussia you will have been pleased to talk
+to and see. Having lived with him for a fortnight on a very
+intimate footing, we have been able to appreciate his <i>real</i> worth
+fully; he is so honest and frank, and so steady of purpose and
+courageous.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Poor dear Peel is to be buried to-day. The sorrow and grief
+at his death are most touching, and the country mourns over
+him as over a father. Every one seems to have lost a personal
+friend.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As I have much to write, you will forgive me ending here.
+You will be glad to hear that poor Aunt Gloucester is wonderfully
+calm and resigned. My poor dear Albert, who had been
+so fresh and well when we came back, looks so pale and fagged
+again. He has felt, and feels, Sir Robert's loss <i>dreadfully</i>. He
+feels he has lost a second father.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">May God bless and protect you all, you dear ones! Ever
+your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 29: See <i>ante</i>, <a href="../../20023/20023-h/20023-h.htm#pagei.437" style="font-weight: normal;">vol. i. p. 437</a>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>19th July 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Before this draft to Lord Bloomfield about Greece is sent, it
+would be well to consider whether Lord Palmerston is justified
+in calling the Minister of the Interior of Greece "a notorious
+defaulter to the amount of 200,000 drachms,"<sup>30</sup> and should he
+be so, whether it is a proper thing for the Queen's Foreign
+Secretary to say in a public despatch!</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 30: The Convention of the 18th of April (see <i>ante</i>, p. 242, note 1) had decided that &pound;8500
+should be distributed among the claimants, and that Don Pacifico's special claim against
+Portugal should be referred to arbitration. Ultimately he was awarded only an insignificant
+sum.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.257" id="pageii.257"></a>[page&nbsp;257]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE FOREIGN OFFICE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>28th July 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen will have much pleasure in seeing the Duke and
+Duchess of Bedford here next Saturday, and we have invited
+them. She will be quite ready to hear the Duke's opinions on
+the Foreign Office. Lord John may be sure that she fully
+admits the great difficulties in the way of the projected alteration,
+but she, on the other hand, feels the duty she owes to the
+country and to herself, not to allow a man in whom she can
+have no confidence, who has conducted himself in <i>anything but</i>
+a straightforward and proper manner to herself, to remain in
+the Foreign Office, and thereby to expose herself to insults
+from other nations, and the country to the constant risk of
+serious and alarming complications. The Queen considers
+these reasons as much graver than the other difficulties. Each
+time that we were in a difficulty, the Government seemed to be
+determined to move Lord Palmerston, and as soon as these
+difficulties were got over, those which present themselves in
+the carrying out of this removal appeared of so great a magnitude
+as to cause its relinquishment. There is no chance of
+Lord Palmerston reforming himself in his sixty-seventh year,
+and after having considered his last escape as a triumph....
+The Queen is personally convinced that Lord Palmerston at
+this moment is secretly planning an armed Russian intervention
+in Schleswig, which may produce a renewal of revolutions
+in Germany, and possibly a general war.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen only adduces this as an instance that there is no question
+of delicacy and danger in which Lord Palmerston
+will not arbitrarily and without reference to his colleagues or
+Sovereign engage this country.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of Denmark.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>29 Juillet 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sire et mon bon Fr&egrave;re</span>,&mdash;La lettre dont votre Majest&eacute; a
+bien voulu m'honorer m'a caus&eacute; un bien vif plaisir comme
+t&eacute;moignage que votre Majest&eacute; a su appr&eacute;cier les sentiments
+d'amiti&eacute; pour vous et le d&eacute;sir d'agir avec impartialit&eacute; qui m'ont
+anim&eacute;e ainsi que mon Gouvernement pendant tout le cours des
+longues n&eacute;gociations qui out pr&eacute;c&eacute;d&eacute; la signature de la Paix
+avec l'Allemagne. Votre Majest&eacute; peut ais&eacute;ment comprendre
+aussi combien je dois regretter le renouvellement de la guerre
+avec le Schleswig qui ne pourra avoir d'autre r&eacute;sultat que
+l'accroissement de l'animosit&eacute; et l'affaiblissement des deux
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.258" id="pageii.258"></a>[page&nbsp;258]</span>
+nobles peuples sur lesquels vous r&eacute;gnez. Dieu veuille que cette
+derni&egrave;re lutte se termine pourtant dans une r&eacute;conciliation solide,
+bas&eacute;e sur la reconnaissance des droits et des obligations des
+deux c&ocirc;t&eacute;s. Je me trouve pouss&eacute;e &agrave; vous soumettre ici, Sire,
+une pri&egrave;re pour un Prince qui s'est malheureusement trouv&eacute;
+en conflit avec votre Majest&eacute;, mais pour lequel les liens de
+parent&eacute; me portent &agrave; plaider, le Duc de Holstein-Augustenburg.
+Je suis persuad&eacute;e que la magnanimit&eacute; de votre Majest&eacute;
+lui rendra ses biens particuliers, qu'elle a jug&eacute; n&eacute;cessaire de lui
+&ocirc;ter pendant la guerre de 1848, ce que je reconna&icirc;trais bien
+comme une preuve d'amiti&eacute; de la part de votre Majest&eacute; envers
+moi.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">En faisant des v&oelig;ux, pour son bonbeur et en exprimant le
+d&eacute;sir du Prince, mon Epoux, d'&ecirc;tre mis aux pieds de votre
+Majest&eacute;, je suis, Sire et mon bon Fr&egrave;re, de votre Majest&eacute; la
+bonne S&oelig;ur,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DENMARK AND SCHLESWIG</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>31st July 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen must draw Lord John Russell's attention to the
+accompanying draft<sup>31</sup> with regard to Schleswig, which is evidently
+intended to lay the ground for future foreign armed
+intervention. This is to be justified by considering the assistance
+which the Stadthalterschaft of Holstein may be tempted
+to give to their Schleswig brethren "as an invasion of Schleswig
+by a German force."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John seems himself to have placed a "?" against that
+passage. This is, after two years' negotiation and mediation,
+<i>begging the question</i> at issue. The whole war&mdash;Revolution,
+mediation, etc., etc.&mdash;rested upon the question whether
+Schleswig was part of Holstein (though not of the German
+Confederation), or part of Denmark and not of Holstein.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 31: In this draft, Lord Palmerston was remonstrating with the Prussian Government
+against the orders given by the Holstein Statthalters to their army to invade Schleswig,
+after the signature of the peace between Prussia and Denmark.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>31st July 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has considered Lord Seymour's memorandum
+upon the Rangership of the Parks in London, but cannot say
+that it has convinced her of the expediency of its abolition.
+There is nothing in the management of these parks by the Woods
+and Forests which does not equally apply to all the others, as
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.259" id="pageii.259"></a>[page&nbsp;259]</span>
+Greenwich, Hampton Court, Richmond, etc. There is certainly
+a degree of inconvenience in the divided authority, but
+this is amply compensated by the advantage to the Crown, in
+appearance at least, to keep up an authority emanating personally
+from the Sovereign, and unconnected with a Government
+Department which is directly answerable to the House of
+Commons. The last debate upon Hyde Park has, moreover,
+shown that it will not be safe not to remind the public of the
+fact that the parks are Royal property. As the Ranger has
+no power over money, the management will always remain
+with the Office of Woods.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">SIR CHARLES NAPIER RESIGNS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>3rd August 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble
+duty to your Majesty. He regrets to be under the necessity of
+submitting to your Majesty the enclosed letter from General
+Sir Charles Napier, G.C.B., in which he tenders his resignation
+of the office of Commander-in-Chief of your Majesty's Forces
+in the East Indies.<sup>32</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Upon the receipt of this paper Field-Marshal the Duke of
+Wellington considered it to be his duty to peruse all the papers
+submitted by Sir Charles Napier; to survey the transaction
+which had occasioned the censure of the Governor-General in
+Council complained of by Sir Charles Napier; to require from
+the India House all the information which could throw light
+upon the conduct complained of, as well as upon the motives
+alleged for it; the reasons given on account of which it was
+stated to be necessary.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He has stated in a minute, a memorandum of which he submits
+the copy to your Majesty, his views and opinions upon the
+whole subject, and the result which he submits to your Majesty
+is that he considers it his duty humbly to submit to your
+Majesty that your Majesty should be graciously pleased to
+accept the resignation of General Sir Charles Napier thus
+tendered.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Before he should submit this recommendation to your Majesty
+in relation to an office of such high reputation in so high
+and important a station, Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington
+considered it his duty to submit his views to your Majesty's
+servants, who have expressed their concurrence in his opinion.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is probable that the President of the Board of Control will
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.260" id="pageii.260"></a>[page&nbsp;260]</span>
+lay before your Majesty the papers transmitted to the Secret
+Committee of the Court of Directors, by the Governor-General
+in Council, which are adverted to in the paper drawn up by the
+Duke, and of which the substance alone is stated.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">All of which is humbly submitted to your Majesty by your
+Majesty's most dutiful Subject and most devoted Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Wellington</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 32: This was in consequence of Sir Charles Napier's action in exercising powers belonging
+to the Supreme Council, on the occasion of a mutiny of a regiment of the Native Army.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON'S CONDUCT OF AFFAIRS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>5th August 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell having lately stated that Lord Clarendon,
+who had always been most eager to see Lord Palmerston
+moved, had lately expressed to him his opinion that it would
+be most dangerous and impolitic to do so under present circumstances,
+we thought it right to see Lord Clarendon here....
+In conversation with me, Lord Clarendon spoke in his old
+strain of Lord Palmerston, but very strongly also of the danger
+of turning him out and making him the leader of the Radicals,
+who were anxiously waiting for that, were much dissatisfied
+with Lord John Russell, and free from control by the death of
+Sir Robert Peel. I said that if everything was done with Lord
+Palmerston's consent there would be no danger, to which Lord
+Clarendon assented, but doubted that he would consent to
+giving up what was his hobby. He added, nobody but Lord
+John could carry on the Foreign Affairs, but he ought not to
+leave the House of Commons under present circumstances,
+where he was now the only authority left.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">A POSSIBLE RE-ARRANGEMENT</span>
+
+<p class="ind">We saw the Duke of Bedford yesterday, whom Lord John
+had wished us to invite. He is very unhappy about the present
+state of affairs, frightened about things going on as at present,
+when Lord John can exercise no control over Lord Palmerston,
+and the Queen is exposed year after year to the same annoyances
+and dangers arising from Lord Palmerston's mode of conducting
+the affairs; but on the other hand, equally frightened at turning
+him loose. The Duke was aware of all that had passed
+between us and Lord John, and ready to do anything <i>he</i> could
+to bring matters to a satisfactory solution, but thought his
+brother would not like to leave the House of Commons now.
+He had very much changed his opinion on that head latterly,
+and the more so as he thought something ought to be done next
+year with the franchise, which he alone could carry through.
+On my questioning whether it was impossible to persuade him
+to take the Foreign Office and stay in the Lower House, with
+a first-rate under-secretary, at least for a time, the Duke
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.261" id="pageii.261"></a>[page&nbsp;261]</span>
+thought he might perhaps temporarily, as he felt he owed to
+the Queen the solution of the difficulty, but expressed again his
+fears of Lord Palmerston's opposition. I replied that if Lord
+John would make up his mind to take the Foreign Office, and
+to stay in the House of Commons, I saw no danger, as Lord
+John would be able to maintain himself successfully, and Lord
+Palmerston would not like to be in opposition to him, whilst
+he would become most formidable to anybody who was to <i>gain</i>
+only the leadership in the House; moreover, Lord John,
+having done so much for Lord Palmerston, could expect and
+demand a return of sacrifice, and a variety of posts might be
+offered to him&mdash;the Presidency of the Council, the office of
+Home Secretary, or Secretary for the Colonies, Chancellor of
+the Exchequer, etc., etc., which places I was sure any member
+of the Cabinet would vacate for him. The Duke of Bedford
+added the Lieutenancy of Ireland, as Lord Clarendon had told
+him he was ready to give it up for the purpose, but only under
+<i>one</i> condition, viz. that of not having to succeed to Lord Palmerston
+at the Foreign Office. Observing our surprise at this
+declaration, the Duke added that Lord Clarendon acted most
+considerately, that he was ready to have no office at all, and
+would support the Government independently in the House of
+Lords if this were to facilitate arrangements. The Queen
+rejoined that a peerage was of course also at Lord John's
+disposal for Lord Palmerston. We then agreed that Lord
+Granville would be the best person to become Lord John's
+Under-Secretary of State, a man highly popular, pleasing, conciliatory,
+well versed in Foreign Affairs, and most industrious;
+trained under Lord John, he could at any time leave him the
+office altogether, if Lord John should find it too much for himself.
+Lord Granville had a higher office now, that of Vice-President
+of the Board of Trade and Paymaster-General, but
+would be sure to feel the importance of taking a lower office
+under such circumstances and with such contingencies likely
+to depend upon it. I have seen a great deal of him latterly,
+as he is the only working man on the Commission for the
+Exhibition of 1851, and have found him most able, good-natured,
+and laborious. The Duke liked the proposal very
+much, and is going to communicate all that passed between us
+to Lord John on Tuesday.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON'S POSITION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>8th August 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell came down here yesterday in order to
+report to the Queen what had passed between him and Lord
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.262" id="pageii.262"></a>[page&nbsp;262]</span>
+Palmerston the day before, on whom he had called in order to
+have an explanation on the Foreign Affairs.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John reminded him of former communications, but
+admitted that circumstances were much changed by the recent
+debates in both Houses of Parliament; still, it was necessary
+to come to an understanding of the position. The <i>policy</i>
+pursued with regard to the Foreign Affairs had been right and
+such as had the approval of Lord John himself, the Cabinet
+generally, and he believed the greater part of the country.
+But the manner in which it had been executed had been unfortunate,
+led to irritation and hostility; although peace had
+actually been preserved, and England stood in a position
+requiring no territorial aggrandisement or advantage of any
+kind, yet all Governments and Powers, not only Russia and
+Austria, but also France and the liberal states, had become
+decidedly hostile to us, and our intercourse was not such as
+was desirable. Lord John could instance many cases in which
+they had been unnecessarily slighted and provoked by Lord
+Palmerston, like M. Drouyn de Lhuys in the Greek affair.
+Lord Palmerston's conduct towards the Queen had been disrespectful
+and wanting in due attention and deference to her,
+and had been much complained of.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In consequence of all this Lord John had before proposed
+to Her Majesty that the Foreign Affairs should be entrusted
+to Lord Minto, he himself should go to the House of Lords,
+and Lord Palmerston should have the lead in the House of
+Commons. The Queen had, however, objected to this arrangement,
+[thinking] the lead in the Lower House to be more properly
+given to Sir George Grey, who had as Home Secretary
+conducted all internal business in the House. Now had come
+Sir R. Peel's death, which made it impossible for Lord John to
+leave the House of Commons without endangering the position
+of Government and of the parties in the House.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON'S JUSTIFICATION</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston was much pleased to hear of Lord John's
+intention to stay in the House of Commons, said all was changed
+now; there had been a great conspiracy against him, he had
+been accused in Parliament, put on his trial and acquitted.
+The acquittal had produced the greatest enthusiasm for him
+in the country, and he was now supported by a strong party;
+he owned, however, that his success had been chiefly owing to
+the handsome manner in which Lord John and his colleagues
+had supported him in the debate. That he should incur the
+momentary enmity of those states whose interests and plans
+he might have to cross was quite natural; he had never intended
+any disrespect to the Queen, and if he had been guilty of
+any he was quite unconscious of it and sorry for it.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.263" id="pageii.263"></a>[page&nbsp;263]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John reminded him that although the Government had
+got a majority in the House of Commons in the Foreign debate,
+it was not to be forgotten that the fate of the Government had
+been staked upon it, and that many people voted on that
+account who would not have supported the Foreign policy;
+that it was remarkable that all those who had the strongest
+reason to be anxious for the continuance of the Government,
+but who could not avoid <i>speaking</i>, were obliged to speak and
+vote against the Government. Sir R. Peel's speech was a most
+remarkable instance of this.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston saw in Sir Robert's speech nothing but a
+reluctant effort to defend Lord Aberdeen, whom he was bound
+to defend. If he (Lord Palmerston) were to leave the Foreign
+Office, there must be a ground for it, such as his having to take
+the lead in the House of Commons, which was evidently impossible
+with the conduct of Foreign Department at the same
+time. (It had killed Mr Canning, and after that failure nobody
+ought to attempt it.) But without such a ground it would be
+loss of character to him, which he could not be expected to
+submit to. There was not even the excuse of wishing to avoid
+a difficulty with a foreign country, as all was smooth now.
+Those who had wished to injure him had been beat, and now
+it would be giving them a triumph after all. If the Queen or
+the Cabinet were dissatisfied with his management of the
+Foreign Affairs, they had a right to demand his resignation, and
+he would give it, but they could not ask him to lower himself
+in public estimation. Lord John answered that his resignation
+would lead to a further split of parties: there were parties
+already enough in the House, and it was essential that at least
+the Whig party should be kept together, to which Lord Palmerston
+assented. He (Lord Palmerston) then repeated his complaints
+against that plot which had been got up in this country
+against him, and urged on by foreigners, complained particularly
+of Lord Clarendon, Mr Greville of the Privy Council, Mr
+Reeve, ditto, and their attacks upon him in the <i>Times</i>, and of
+Mr Delane, the Editor of the <i>Times</i>, of Guizot, Princess Lieven,
+etc., etc., etc. However, they had been convinced that they
+could not upset him, and Mr Reeve had declared to him that
+he had been making open and honourable (?!!) war upon
+him; now he would make a lasting peace. With Russia
+and France he (Lord Palmerston) had just been signing the
+Danish Protocol, showing that they were on the best terms
+together.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John felt he could not press the matter further under
+these circumstances, but he seemed much provoked at the result
+of his conversation. We expressed our surprise that he had
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.264" id="pageii.264"></a>[page&nbsp;264]</span>
+not made Lord Palmerston any offer of any kind. Lord John
+replied he had not been sure what he could have offered him....</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i><sup>33</sup></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DUTIES OF THE FOREIGN SECRETARY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>12th August 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">With reference to the conversation about Lord Palmerston
+which the Queen had with Lord John Russell the other day,
+and Lord Palmerston's disavowal that he ever intended any
+disrespect to her by the various neglects of which she has had
+so long and so often to complain, she thinks it right, in order
+<i>to prevent any mistake</i> for the <i>future</i>, shortly to explain <i>what
+it is she expects from her Foreign Secretary</i>. She requires: (1)
+That he will distinctly state what he proposes in a given case,
+in order that the Queen may know as distinctly to <i>what</i> she
+has given her Royal sanction; (2) Having <i>once given</i> her
+sanction to a measure, that it be not arbitrarily altered or
+modified by the Minister; such an act she must consider as
+failing in sincerity towards the Crown, and justly to be visited
+by the exercise of her Constitutional right of dismissing that
+Minister. She expects to be kept informed of what passes
+between him and the Foreign Ministers before important decisions
+are taken, based upon that intercourse; to receive the
+Foreign Despatches in good time, and to have the drafts for
+her approval sent to her in sufficient time to make herself
+acquainted with their contents before they must be sent off.
+The Queen thinks it best that Lord John Russell should show
+this letter to Lord Palmerston.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 33: Compare the memorandum suggested by Baron Stockmar, <i>ante</i>, p. 238. This letter
+was, after much forbearance, written in the hope of bringing Lord Palmerston to a proper
+understanding of his relation to the Sovereign. Even when the catastrophe came, and
+its tenor had to be communicated by the Premier to Parliament, the Preamble was generously
+omitted; but in consequence of its description by Lord Palmerston, in a letter
+published by Mr Ashley, as an <i>angry</i> memorandum, it was printed in full in <i>The Life of
+the Prince Consort</i>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Foreign Office</span>, <i>13th August 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear John Russell</span>,&mdash;I have taken a copy of this
+memorandum of the Queen and will not fail to attend to the
+directions which it contains. With regard to the sending of
+despatches to the Queen, they have sometimes been delayed
+longer than should have been the case, in consequence of
+my having been prevented by great pressure of business, and
+by the many interruptions of interviews, etc., to which I am
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.265" id="pageii.265"></a>[page&nbsp;265]</span>
+liable, from reading and sending them back into the Office so
+soon as I could have wished. But I will give orders that the
+old practice shall be reverted to, of making copies of all important
+despatches as soon as they reach the Office, so that
+there may be no delay in sending the despatches to the Queen;
+this practice was gradually left off as the business of the Office
+increased, and if it shall require an additional clerk or two
+you must be liberal and allow me that assistance.&mdash;Yours
+sincerely,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Palmerston</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Duc de Nemours to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEATH OF LOUIS PHILIPPE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Claremont</span>, <i>26 Ao&ucirc;t 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame ma ch&egrave;re Cousine</span>,&mdash;La main de Dieu vient de
+s'appesantir sur nous. Le Roi notre P&egrave;re n'est plus.<sup>34</sup> Apr&egrave;s
+avoir re&ccedil;u hier avec calme et r&eacute;signation les secours de la
+religion, il s'est &eacute;teint ce matin &agrave; huit heures au milieu de nous
+tous. Vous le connaissiez ma ch&egrave;re Cousine, vous savez tout
+ce que nous perdons, vous comprendrez donc l'inexprimable
+douleur dans laquelle nous sommes plong&eacute;s; vous la partagerez
+m&ecirc;me je le sais!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">La Reine bris&eacute;e, malgr&eacute; son courage, ne trouve de soulagement
+que dans une retraite absolue o&ugrave; ne voyant personne
+elle puisse laisser cours &agrave; sa douleur.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Veuillez faire part &agrave; Albert de notre malheur et recevoir ici,
+ma ch&egrave;re Cousine, l'hommage des sentiments de respect et
+d'attachement, de votre bien affectionn&eacute; Cousin,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Louis d'Orl&eacute;ans</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 34: King Louis Philippe was in his seventy-seventh year when he died: his widow, Queen
+Marie Am&eacute;lie, lived till 1866, when she died at the age of eighty-four.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>26th August 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen wishes Lord Palmerston to give directions for a
+Court mourning according to those which are usual for an
+abdicated King. She likewise wishes that every assistance
+should be given, and every attention shown to the afflicted
+Royal Family, who have been so severely tried during the last
+two years, on the melancholy occasion of the poor King of the
+French's death.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen starts for Scotland to-morrow.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.266" id="pageii.266"></a>[page&nbsp;266]</span>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>30 August 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... I have offered to the poor Queen of the French to
+remain at Claremont and <i>d'en disposer</i> as long as Heaven does
+not dispose of myself. She, of course, dislikes the place, but
+will keep the family with her at least for some time.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Taymouth Castle</span>, <i>5th September 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and was happy to receive your Majesty's gracious letter, which
+reached him the night before last.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The proofs of attachment to your Majesty, which are everywhere
+exhibited, are the more gratifying as they are entirely
+spontaneous.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is fit and becoming that your Majesty should inhabit the
+royal Palace of Holyrood, and this circumstance gives great
+satisfaction throughout Scotland.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell is glad to learn that the family of the
+late King of the French will continue to reside in England.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The reflection naturally occurs, if Napoleon and Louis
+Philippe were unable to consolidate a dynasty in France, who
+will ever be able to do it? The prospect is a succession of
+fruitless attempts at civil Government till a General assumes
+the command, and governs by military force.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE POET LAUREATE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Dunkeld</span>, <i>7th September 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... Lord John Russell has had the honour of receiving
+at Taymouth a letter from the Prince. He agrees that the
+office of Poet Laureate ought to be filled up. There are three
+or four authors of nearly equal merit, such as Henry Taylor,
+Sheridan Knowles, Professor Wilson, and Mr Tennyson, who
+are qualified for the office.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Ostend</span>, <i>7th October 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;I write a few words only to tell you
+how our dear patient is.<sup>35</sup> Yesterday was a most perilous,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.267" id="pageii.267"></a>[page&nbsp;267]</span>
+truly dreadful day; our dear angelic Louise was so fainting
+that Madame d'Hulst, who was with her, felt the greatest
+alarm. She afterwards was better, and her mother, Cl&eacute;m,
+Joinville, and Aumale having arrived, she saw them with
+more composure than could have been expected. Still, she
+would in fact wish to be left quiet and alone with me, and we
+try to manage things as much as possible so that their visit
+does not tire her too much.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Her courage and strength of mind are most heart-breaking
+when one thinks of the danger in which she is, and her dear
+and angelic soul seems even to shine more brightly at this
+moment of such great and imminent danger. I am in a
+dreadful state when I am with her. She is so contented, so
+cheerful, that the possibilities of danger appear to me impossible;
+but the physicians are very much alarmed, without
+thinking the state absolutely hopeless. That one should write
+such things about a life so precious, and one in fact still so
+young, and whose angelic soul is so strong! You will feel
+with me as you love her so dearly. God bless you and preserve
+you from heart-breaking sufferings like mine. Ever,
+my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 35: The Queen of the Belgians died on the 11th of October, at the age of thirty-eight.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">GENERAL HAYNAU</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Broadlands</span>, <i>8th October 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and has had the honour to receive your Majesty's
+communication of the 4th instant, expressing your Majesty's
+wish that an alteration should be made in his answer to Baron
+Koller's<a id="footnotetagXIX36" name="footnotetagXIX36"></a><a href="#footnoteXIX36"><sup>36</sup></a> note of the 5th of September, on the subject of the
+attack made upon General Haynau;<a id="footnotetagXIX37" name="footnotetagXIX37"></a><a href="#footnoteXIX37"><sup>37</sup></a> but Viscount Palmerston
+begs to state that when Baron Koller was at this place about ten
+days ago, he expressed so much annoyance at the delay which
+had already taken place in regard to the answer to his note of
+the 5th September, and he requested so earnestly that he might
+immediately have the reply, that Viscount Palmerston could
+do no otherwise than send him the answer at once, and Baron
+Koller despatched it the next day to Vienna.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston had put the last paragraph into the
+answer, because he could scarcely have reconciled it to his own
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.268" id="pageii.268"></a>[page&nbsp;268]</span>
+feelings and to his sense of public responsibility to have put
+his name to a note which might be liable to be called for by
+Parliament, without expressing in it, at least as his own
+personal opinion, a sense of the want of propriety evinced by
+General Haynau in coming to England at the present moment.<a id="footnotetagXIX38" name="footnotetagXIX38"></a><a href="#footnoteXIX38"><sup>38</sup></a></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The state of public feeling in this country about General
+Haynau and his proceedings in Italy and Hungary was perfectly
+well known; and his coming here so soon after those
+events, without necessity or obligation to do so, was liable to be
+looked upon as a bravado, and as a challenge to an expression
+of public opinion.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Baron Koller indeed told Viscount Palmerston that Prince
+Metternich and Baron Neumann had at Brussels strongly
+dissuaded General Haynau from coming on to England; and
+that he (Baron Koller) had after his arrival earnestly entreated
+him to cut off those long moustachios which rendered him so
+liable to be identified.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With regard to the transaction itself, there is no justifying
+a breach of the law, nor an attack by a large number of people
+upon one or two individuals who cannot resist such superior
+force; and though in the present case, according to Baron
+Koller's account, the chief injury sustained by General Haynau
+consisted in the tearing of his coat, the loss of a cane, and some
+severe bruises on his left arm, and though four or five policemen
+proved to be sufficient protection, yet a mob who begin
+by insult lead each other on to outrage; and there is no saying
+to what extremes they might have proceeded if they had not
+been checked.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Such occurrences, however, have taken place before; and
+to go no further back than the last summer, the attacks on
+Lord Talbot at the Stafford meeting, and on Mr Bankes, Mr
+Sturt, and others at the Dorchester meeting, when a man was
+killed, were still more violent outrages, and originated simply
+in differences of political opinion; whereas in this case the
+brewers' men were expressing their feeling at what they considered
+inhuman conduct on the part of General Haynau.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The people of this country are remarkable for their hospitable
+reception of foreigners, and for their forgetfulness of past
+animosities. Napoleon Bonaparte, the greatest enemy that
+England ever had, was treated while at Plymouth with respect,
+and with commiseration while at St Helena. Marshal Soult,
+who had fought in many battles against the English, was
+received with generous acclamation when he came here as
+Special Ambassador. The King of the French, Mons. Guizot,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.269" id="pageii.269"></a>[page&nbsp;269]</span>
+and Prince Metternich, though all of them great antagonists of
+English policy and English interests, were treated in this
+country with courtesy and kindness. But General Haynau
+was looked upon as a great moral criminal; and the feeling in
+regard to him was of the same nature as that which was manifested
+towards Tawell<sup>39</sup> and the Mannings,<sup>40</sup> with this only
+difference, that General Haynau's bad deeds were committed
+upon a far larger scale, and upon a far larger number of victims.
+But Viscount Palmerston can assure your Majesty that those
+feelings of just and honourable indignation have not been
+confined to England, for he had good reason to know that
+General Haynau's ferocious and unmanly treatment of the
+unfortunate inhabitants of Brescia and of other towns and places
+in Italy, his savage proclamations to the people of Pesth, and
+his barbarous acts in Hungary excited almost as much disgust
+in Austria as in England, and that the nickname of "General
+Hy&aelig;na" was given to him at Vienna long before it was applied
+to him in London.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;"><a id="footnoteXIX36" name="footnoteXIX36"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXIX36">Footnote 36:</a> The Austrian Ambassador.</p>
+
+<p class="note1"><a id="footnoteXIX37" name="footnoteXIX37"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXIX37">Footnote 37:</a> General Haynau had earned in the Hungarian War an odious reputation as a flogger
+of women. When visiting the brewery of Barclay &amp; Perkins, the draymen mobbed and
+assaulted him; he had to fly from them, and take refuge in a neighbouring house. Lord
+Palmerston had to send an official letter of apology to the Austrian Government, which,
+as originally despatched, without waiting for the Queen's approval, contained a paragraph
+offensive to Austria.</p>
+
+<p class="note1"><a id="footnoteXIX38" name="footnoteXIX38"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXIX38">Footnote 38:</a> See Lord Palmerston's letter to Sir G. Grey, Ashley's <i>Life of Lord Palmerston</i>, vol. i.
+chap. vi.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 39: Executed for the Salt Hill murder.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 40: Marie Manning (an ex-lady's maid, whose career is said to have suggested Hortense
+in <i>Bleak House</i> to Dickens) was executed with her husband, in 1849, for the murder of
+a guest. She wore black satin on the scaffold, a material which consequently became
+unpopular for some time.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE DRAFT DESPATCHED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>11th October 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen having written to Lord Palmerston in conformity
+with Lord John Russell's suggestion respecting the draft to
+Baron Koller, now encloses Lord Palmerston's answer, which
+she received at Edinburgh yesterday evening. Lord John
+will see that Lord Palmerston has not only <i>sent</i> the draft, but
+passes over in silence her injunction to have a corrected copy
+given to Baron Koller, and adds a vituperation against
+General Haynau, which clearly shows that he is not sorry
+for what has happened, and makes a merit of sympathising
+with the draymen at the brewery and the Chartist Demonstrations....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen encloses likewise a copy of her letter to Lord
+Palmerston, and hopes Lord John will write to him.<sup>41</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 41: Lord John insisted on the note being withdrawn, and another substituted with the
+offensive passage omitted. After threatening resignation, Lord Palmerston somewhat
+tamely consented.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">Lord John Russell wrote to the Prince Albert that he would be "somewhat amused,
+if not surprised, at the sudden and amicable termination of the dispute regarding the
+letter to Baron Koller. The same course may be adopted with advantage if a despatch
+is ever again sent which has been objected to, and to which the Queen's sanction has not
+been given." See the Queen's letter of the 19th of October.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.270" id="pageii.270"></a>[page&nbsp;270]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON CENSURED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>12th October 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter respecting
+the draft to Baron Koller. She cannot suppose that Baron
+Koller addressed his note to Lord Palmerston in order to receive
+in answer an expression of his <i>own personal opinion</i>; and
+if Lord Palmerston could not reconcile it to his own feelings
+to express the regret of the Queen's Government at the brutal
+attack and wanton outrage committed by a ferocious mob on
+a distinguished foreigner of past seventy years of age, who was
+quietly visiting a private establishment in this metropolis,
+without adding <i>his censure of the want of propriety</i> evinced by
+General Haynau in coming to England&mdash;he might have done
+so in a private letter, where his personal feelings could not be
+mistaken for the opinion of the Queen and her Government.
+She must repeat her request that Lord Palmerston will rectify
+this.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen can as little approve of the introduction of Lynch
+Law in this country as of the <i>violent</i> vituperations with which
+Lord Palmerston accuses and condemns public men in other
+countries, acting in most difficult circumstances and under
+heavy responsibility, without having the means of obtaining
+correct information or of sifting evidence.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>16th October 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is glad to hear from Lord Palmerston that he
+has given no countenance to the French and Russian proposal
+at the suggestion of Denmark, that England, France, and
+Russia should, after having signed the Protocol in favour of
+Denmark, now go further and send their armies to aid her in
+her contest with Holstein.<sup>42</sup> The Queen does not expect any
+good result from Lord Palmerston's counter proposal to urge
+Prussia and Austria to compel the Holsteiners to lay down
+their arms. The mediating power ought rather to make
+Denmark feel that it requires more than a cessation of hostilities,
+a plan of reconciliation, and a solution of the questions in dispute,
+before she can hope permanently to establish peace.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.271" id="pageii.271"></a>[page&nbsp;271]</span>
+The mediating power itself, however, should strive to arrive
+at some opinion on the matter in dispute, based, not on <i>its
+own</i> supposed interests, as the Protocol is, but on an anxious,
+careful, and impartial investigation of the rights and pretensions
+of the disputing parties; and if it finds it impossible to
+arrive at such an opinion, to fix upon some impartial tribunal
+capable of doing so, to which the dispute could be submitted
+for decision. Common principles of morality would point out
+such a course, and what is morally right only can be politically
+wise.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 42: A strenuous attempt was being made by the Danish Government to bring pressure
+to bear on Austria and Prussia, to put down the nationalist movement in the Duchies,
+either by active intervention, or by reassembling the Conference which had negotiated
+the Treaty of Berlin. Lord Palmerston discountenanced both alternatives, but wrote
+to the Queen that he and the representatives of France, Russia, and Denmark thought
+that Austria and Prussia should be urged to take all feasible steps to put an end to the
+hostilities.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEATH OF QUEEN LOUISE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>18th October 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;<i>This</i> was the day I <i>always</i> and for
+so <i>many years</i> wrote to <i>her</i>, to <i>our adored Louise</i>, and I
+<i>now</i>
+write to <i>you</i>, to thank you for that <i>heart-breaking</i>, touching
+letter of the 16th, which you so <i>very kindly</i> wrote to me. It is
+<i>so</i> kind of you to write to us. <i>What</i> a day Tuesday must have
+been! <i>Welch einen Gang!</i> and <i>yesterday!</i> My <i>grief</i> was <i>so
+great</i> again yesterday. To <i>talk</i> of her is my <i>greatest
+consolation!</i>
+Let us <i>all try</i> to imitate <i>her!</i> My poor dear Uncle, we wish so
+to be with you, to be of <i>any use</i> to you. You will allow us, in
+three or four weeks, to go to you for two or three days, <i>quite
+quietly</i> and alone, to Laeken without <i>any</i> one, without <i>any</i>
+reception anywhere, to cry with you and to talk with you of
+<i>Her</i>. It will be a great comfort to us&mdash;a <i>silent tribute</i> of
+<i>respect
+and love to her</i>&mdash;to be able to mingle our tears with yours over
+<i>her</i> tomb! And the affection of your two devoted children
+will perhaps be <i>some slight balm</i>. My <i>first</i> impulse was to <i>fly
+at once</i> to you, but perhaps a few weeks' delay will be better.
+It will be a <i>great</i> and melancholy satisfaction to us. <i>Daily</i>
+will you feel more, my poor dear Uncle, the <i>poignancy</i> of
+<i>your dreadful</i> loss; my <i>heart breaks</i> in thinking of <i>you</i> and
+the poor dear children. <i>How</i> beautiful it must be to see
+that <i>your whole country</i> weeps and mourns <i>with</i> you! For
+this country and for your children you must <i>try</i> to bear
+up, and feel that in <i>so doing</i> you are doing <i>all</i> <span class="sc">she</span>
+wished.
+If only <i>we</i> could be of use to you! if <i>I</i> could do <i>anything</i>
+for dear little Charlotte, whom our blessed Louise talked of
+<i>so</i> often to me.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">May I <i>write</i> to <i>you</i> on <i>Fridays</i> when I used to write to her,
+as
+well as on Tuesdays? You need <i>not</i> answer me, and whenever
+it bores you to write to me, or you have no time, let one of the
+dear children write to me.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">May God bless and protect you ever, my beloved Uncle, is
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.272" id="pageii.272"></a>[page&nbsp;272]</span>
+our anxious prayer. Embrace the dear children in the name
+of one who has almost the feelings of a mother for them. Ever
+your devoted Niece and loving Child,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>19th October 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is very glad of the result of the conflict with Lord
+Palmerston, of which Lord John Russell apprised her by his
+letter of yesterday's date. The correspondence, which the
+Queen now returns, shows clearly that Lord Palmerston in
+this transaction, as in every other, remained true to his principles
+of action.... But it shows also that Lord John has
+the power of exercising that control over Lord Palmerston, the
+careful exercise of which he owes to the Queen, his colleagues,
+and the country, if he will take the necessary pains to remain
+firm. The Queen does not believe in <i>resignation</i> under almost
+any circumstances.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is very anxious about the Holstein question, and
+sends a copy of her last letter to Lord Palmerston on the
+subject.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge</span>, <i>21st October 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,&mdash;I have just received this note from Lord Palmerston.<sup>43</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The French Ambassador, who has been here, confirms the
+news. We must consider the whole affair on Wednesday, and
+I shall be glad to learn what the Queen thinks can be done.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Tennyson is a fit person to be Poet Laureate.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have the honour to be, your Royal Highness's most
+obedient Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">J. Russell</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 43: The note was in reference to the affairs of Hesse-Cassel, and to the rumours of a Conference
+to be held in Austria for the settlement of German affairs.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE TRACTARIAN MOVEMENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Bishopthorpe</span>, <i>25th October 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty;
+he has read with attention the letter of the Duchess of Norfolk.<sup>44</sup>
+He has also read the Pope's Bull. It strikes him that
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.273" id="pageii.273"></a>[page&nbsp;273]</span>
+the division into twelve territorial dioceses of eight ecclesiastical
+vicariats is not a matter to be alarmed at. The persons
+to be affected by this change must be already Roman Catholics
+before it can touch them.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The matter to create rational alarm is, as your Majesty says,
+the growth of Roman Catholic doctrines and practices within
+the bosom of the Church. Dr Arnold said very truly, "I look
+upon a Roman Catholic as an enemy in his uniform; I look
+upon a Tractarian as an enemy disguised as a spy."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It would be very wrong to do as the Bishop of Oxford proposed,
+and confer the patronage of the Crown on any of these
+Tractarians. But, on the other hand, to treat them with
+severity would give the whole party vigour and union.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Dean of Bristol is of opinion that the Tractarians are
+falling to pieces by dissension. It appears clear that Mr
+Denison and Mr Palmer have broken off from Dr Pusey.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir George Grey will ask the Law Officers whether there is
+anything illegal in Dr Wiseman's assuming the title of Archbishop
+of Westminster. An English Cardinal is not a novelty.<sup>45</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 44: Two important events in the history of the English Church had just occurred. The
+Bishop of Exeter had refused to institute Mr Gorham to a Crown living in his diocese, on
+the ground that his teaching on baptism was at variance with the formularies of the
+Church. This decision, though upheld in the Court of Arches, was reversed (though
+not unanimously) by the Privy Council. High Church feeling was much aroused by the
+judgment.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">In September, Pius IX. (now re-established in the Vatican) promulgated a papal brief,
+restoring the Roman Catholic hierarchy in England, and dividing it territorially into
+twelve sees, and in October Cardinal Wiseman, as Archbishop of Westminster, issued his
+Pastoral, claiming that Catholic England had been restored to its orbit in the ecclesiastical
+firmament. The Duchess of Norfolk, writing from Arundel, had criticised the proselytising
+action of certain Roman Catholic clergy. <i>See</i> the Queen's reply, <i>post</i>, <a href="#pageii.277" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 277</a>.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 45: Lord John wrote on the 4th of November to Dr Maltby, Bishop of Durham, denouncing
+the assumption of spiritual superiority over England, in the documents issued from
+Rome. But what alarmed him more (he said) was the action of clergymen within the
+Church leading their flocks dangerously near the brink, and recommending for adoption
+the honour paid to saints, the claim of infallibility for the Church, the superstitious use of
+the sign of the cross, the muttering of the liturgy so as to disguise the language in which it
+was said, with the recommendation of auricular confession and the administration of
+Penance and absolution.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">Lord John was pictorially satirised in <i>Punch</i> as the boy who chalked up "No popery"
+on the door and ran away.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">UNREST IN EUROPE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Ardenne</span>, <i>10th November 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;I write already to-day that it may
+not miss to-morrow's messenger. I came here yesterday by
+a mild sunshine, and the valley of the Meuse was very pretty.
+I love my solitude here, and though the house is small and not
+what it ought to have been, still I always liked it. There seems
+in most countries danger of agitation and convulsions arising.
+I don't know how it will end in Germany. In France it is
+difficult that things should not break up some way or other.
+I trust you may be spared religious agitation. These sorts of
+things begin with one pretext, and sometimes continue with
+others. I don't think Europe was ever in more danger, <i>il y a</i>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.274" id="pageii.274"></a>[page&nbsp;274]</span>
+<i>tant d'anarchie dans les esprits</i>. I don't think that can be cured <i>&agrave;
+l'eau de rose</i>; the human race is not naturally good, very much
+the contrary; it requires a strong hand, and is, in fact, even
+pleased to be led in that way; the memory of all the sort of
+C&eacute;sars and Napol&eacute;ons, from whom they chiefly got blows, is
+much dearer to them than the benefactors of mankind, whom
+they crucify when they can have their own way. Give my
+best love to Albert; and I also am very anxious to be recalled
+to the recollection of the children, who were so very friendly
+at Ostende. How far we were then to guess what has since
+happened.... My dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Countess of Gainsborough.</i><sup>46</sup></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>Thursday morning</i> [<i>November ...</i>] <i>1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Dearest Fanny</span>,&mdash;This is a case of positive necessity, and
+as <i>none</i> of the ladies are forthcoming I fear I must call upon
+you to attend me <i>to-night</i>. You did so once <i>in state</i> before,
+and as it is not a <i>matter of pleasure</i>, but of duty, I am sure you
+will at once feel that you can have no scruple.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Whenever the Mistress of the Robes does not attend, I
+<i>always</i> have three ladies, as they must take turns in standing
+behind me. Ever yours affectionately,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 46: Frances, Countess of Gainsborough, daughter of the third Earl of Roden, a Lady of
+the Bedchamber, and known till 1841 as Lady Barham.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND AND GERMANY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>18th November 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is exceedingly sorry to hear that Lord Westmorland<sup>47</sup>
+is gone, as she was particularly anxious to have seen
+him before his return to Berlin, and to have talked to him on
+the present critical events in Germany; but she quite forgot
+the day of his departure. What is the object of his seeing
+the President at Paris? and what are his instructions with
+regard to Germany?<sup>48</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Having <i>invariably encouraged Constitutional</i> development in
+other countries,... and having at the beginning of the great
+movement in 1847, which led to all the catastrophes of the
+following years, <i>sent</i> a Cabinet Minister to Italy to <i>declare</i> to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.275" id="pageii.275"></a>[page&nbsp;275]</span>
+all Italian states that <i>England</i> would <i>protect</i> them from Austria
+if she should attempt by threats and violence to debar them
+from the <i>attainment</i> of their <i>Constitutional</i> development,
+<i>consistency</i>
+would require that we should <i>now</i>, when that great
+struggle is at its end and <i>despotism</i> is to be <i>re-imposed</i> by
+Austrian arms upon Germany, throw <i>our weight</i> into the scale
+of <i>Constitutional</i> Prussia and Germany.... The Queen is
+afraid, however, that all our Ministers abroad,&mdash;at Berlin,
+Dresden, Munich, Stuttgart, Hanover, etc. (with the exception
+of Lord Cowley at Frankfort)&mdash;are warm partisans of the
+<i>despotic</i> league against Prussia and a German Constitution and
+<i>for</i> the maintenance of the old Diet under Austrian and Russian
+influence. Ought not Lord Palmerston to make his agents
+understand that their sentiments are at variance with those
+of the English Government? and that they are doing <i>serious
+mischief</i> if they express them at Courts which have <i>already</i>
+every inclination to follow their desperate course?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston is of course aware that the old Diet once
+reconstituted and recognised, one of the main laws of it is that
+"<i>no organic change can be made</i> without <i>unanimity</i> of voices,"
+which was the cause of the nullity of that body from 1820 to
+1848, and will now enable Austria, should Prussia and her
+confederates recognise the Diet, to condemn Germany to a
+further life of stagnation or new revolution.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 47: Minister at Berlin.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 48: Lord Palmerston may have had this letter of the Queen's in mind when he wrote on
+the 22nd of November to Lord Cowley: "Her (<i>i.e.</i> Prussia's) partisans try to make out
+that the contest between her and Austria is a struggle between constitutional and
+arbitrary Government, but it is no such thing." Ashley's <i>Life of Lord Palmerston</i>, vol. 1.
+chap. vi.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">CONSTITUTIONALISM IN GERMANY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Foreign Office</span>, <i>18th November 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty. With respect to the maintenance of Constitutional
+Government in Germany, Viscount Palmerston entirely subscribes
+to your Majesty's opinion, that a regard for consistency,
+as well as a sense of right and justice, ought to lead your
+Majesty's Government to give to the Constitutional principle
+in Germany the same moral support which they endeavoured
+to afford it in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and elsewhere; but
+though he is conscious that he may be deceived and may think
+better of the Austrian Government in this respect than it deserves,
+yet he cannot persuade himself that rational and sound
+Constitutional Government is at present in danger in Germany,
+or that the Austrian Government, whatever may be their inclination
+and wishes, can think it possible in the present day
+to re-establish despotic government in a nation so enlightened,
+and so attached to free institutions as the German people now
+is. The danger for Germany seems to lie rather in the opposite
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.276" id="pageii.276"></a>[page&nbsp;276]</span>
+direction, arising from the rash and weak precipitation with
+which in 1848 and 1849 those Governments which before had
+refused everything resolved in a moment of alarm to grant
+everything, and, passing from one extreme to the other, threw
+universal suffrage among people who had been, some wholly
+and others very much, unaccustomed to the working of representative
+Government. The French have found universal
+suffrage incompatible with good order even in a Republic;
+what must it be for a Monarchy?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston would, moreover, beg to submit that
+the conflict between Austria and Prussia can scarcely be said
+to have turned upon principles of Government so much as
+upon a struggle for political ascendency in Germany. At
+Berlin, at Dresden, and in Baden the Prussian Government
+has very properly no doubt employed military force to reestablish
+order; and in regard to the affairs of Hesse, the ground
+taken by Prussia was not so much a constitutional as a military
+one, and the objection which she made to the entrance of the
+troops of the Diet was that those troops might become hostile,
+and that they ought not, therefore, to occupy a central position
+in the line of military defence of Prussia.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The remark which your Majesty makes as to unanimity
+being required for certain purposes by the Diet regulations is
+no doubt very just, and that circumstance certainly shows that
+the free Conference which is about to be held is a better constructed
+body for planning a new arrangement of a central
+organ.<sup>49</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 49: War was staved off by the Conference; but the relative predominance of Prussia
+and Austria in Germany was left undecided for some years to come.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">STATE OF THE CONTINENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>22nd November 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Accept my best thanks for your kind
+letter of the 17th, and the dear little English one from dear
+little Charlotte, which is so nicely written, and shows such an
+amiable disposition. I send her to-day a little heart for the
+hair of our blessed Angel, which I hope she will often wear.
+Our girls have all got one. I have written to the dear child.
+You should have the dear children as much with you as possible;
+I am <i>sure</i> it would be so <i>good and useful</i> for <i>you</i> and
+<i>them</i>.
+Children ought to have great confidence in their parents, in
+order for them to have any influence over them.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Yesterday Vicky was ten years old. It seems a dream. If
+she lives, in eight years more she may be married! She is a
+very clever child, and I must say very much improved.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.277" id="pageii.277"></a>[page&nbsp;277]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The state of the Continent is deplorable; the folly of
+Austria and the giving way of Prussia are lamentable. <i>Our</i>
+influence on the Continent is <i>null</i>.... Add to this, we are
+between two fires in <i>this</i> country: a furious Protestant feeling
+and an enraged Catholic feeling in Ireland. I believe that
+Austria fans the flame at Rome, and that the <i>whole movement</i>
+on the Continent is <i>anti-Constitutional</i>, <i>anti-Protestant</i>, <i>and
+anti-English</i>; and this is so complicated, and we have (thanks
+to Lord Palmerston) contrived to quarrel <i>so happily</i>, separately
+with each, that I do not know <i>how</i> we are to stand against
+it all!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude. Trusting soon to hear from you again.
+Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">My longing for dearest Louise seems only to increase as time
+goes on.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Duchess of Norfolk.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright">Windsor Castle, <i>22nd November 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Duchess</span>,&mdash;It is very remiss in me not to have
+sooner answered your letter with the enclosure, but I received
+it at a moment of great grief, and since then I have been much
+occupied.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I fully understand your anxiety relative to the proceedings
+of the Roman Catholic Clergy, but I trust that there is no <i>real</i>
+danger to be apprehended from that quarter, the more so as
+I believe they see that they have been misled and misinformed
+as to the feeling of this country by some of the new converts to
+their religion. The real danger to be apprehended, and what
+I am certain has led to these proceedings on the part of the
+Pope, lies in <i>our own</i> divisions, and in the extraordinary conduct
+of the Puseyites. I trust that the eyes of many may now
+be opened. One would, however, much regret to see any acts
+of intolerance towards the many innocent people who I
+believe entirely disapprove the injudicious conduct of their
+Clergy.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Hoping that you are all well, believe me, always, yours,
+affectionately,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>29th November 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I have no dear letter to answer, but
+write to keep to the dear day, rendered so peculiarly dear to
+me by the recollection of our dearly beloved Louise.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.278" id="pageii.278"></a>[page&nbsp;278]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">We are well, but much troubled with numberless things.
+Our religious troubles are great, and I must just say that
+Cardinal Wiseman <i>himself</i> admits that Austria not only approves
+the conduct of the Pope but is urging <i>on</i> the <i>Propaganda</i>.
+I <i>know this</i> to be so. Our great difficulty must be,
+and will be, to steer clear of both parties&mdash;the violent Protestants
+and the Roman Catholics. We wish in no way to
+infringe the rights of the Roman Catholics, while we must
+protect and uphold our own religion.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We have seen General Radowitz,<sup>50</sup> with whom we have been
+much interested; his accounts are very clear and very able,
+and I must say, very fair and strictly constitutional. You
+know him, I suppose? Might I again ask, dearest Uncle, if
+you would like to have a copy of Ross's picture of our angel
+Louise or of Winterhalter's?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lady Lyttelton, who is returned, is very anxious in her
+enquiries after you.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude, my dearest Uncle. Ever your
+devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 50: General Radowitz, who had been Minister for Foreign Affairs in Prussia, had just
+arrived in England on a special mission from the King of Prussia.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">STATE OF GERMANY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>3rd December 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My beloved Uncle</span>,&mdash;Two of your dear letters are before
+me, of the 29th November and of yesterday. In the former
+you <i>give me a promise</i>, which I consider <i>most</i> valuable, and
+which I shall <i>remind</i> you of if you get desponding, viz. "I will
+to please you <i>labour on, and do all the good I can</i>." It is so
+pleasing to feel that one <i>does</i> good and does one's duty. It
+sweetens so many bitter trials.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The state of Germany is indeed a very anxious one. It is a
+mistake to think the <i>supremacy of Prussia</i> is <i>what is wished for</i>.
+General Radowitz himself says that what is necessary for Germany
+[is] that she should take the lead, and should redeem the
+pledges given in '48. Unless this be <i>done</i> in a moderate and
+determined way, a <i>fearful reaction</i> will take place, which will
+<i>overturn Thrones</i>; to use Radowitz's own words: "<i>und nicht
+vor dem Thron stehen bleiben</i>." Prussia is the <i>only large</i> and
+powerful <i>really German</i> Power there is, and therefore she must
+take the lead; but her constant vacillation&mdash;one day doing
+one thing and another day another&mdash;has caused her to be
+entirely distrusted. You are quite right in saying things
+should be done <i>d'un commun accord</i>, and I think that the other
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.279" id="pageii.279"></a>[page&nbsp;279]</span>
+great Powers ought to be consulted. Unfortunately, <i>Lord
+Palmerston</i> has contrived to make us <i>so hated</i> by all parties
+abroad, that we have lost our position and our influence,
+which, considering the flourishing and satisfactory state of this
+country during all the European convulsions, <i>ought</i> to have
+been <i>immense</i>. This it is which pains and grieves me so deeply,
+and which I have so plainly been speaking to Lord John
+Russell about. What a noble position we <i>might</i> have had, and
+how wantonly has it been thrown away!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Good Stockmar is well, and always of the <i>greatest</i> comfort
+and use to us. His judgment is so sound, so unbiassed, and so
+dispassionate. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND AND ROME</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>8th December 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen received Lord John Russell's letter and the draft
+yesterday. He must be a better judge of what the effect of
+Mr Sheil's<sup>51</sup> presence in Rome may be than she can; but for
+her own part, she thinks it entirely against her notions of what
+is <i>becoming</i> to <i>ask</i> the <i>Pope</i> for a <i>favour</i> (for it is
+tantamount
+to that) at a moment when his name is being vilified and abused
+in every possible manner in this country. It strikes the Queen
+as an <i>undignified</i> course for this Government to pursue.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is glad to hear of what passed between the Archbishop
+and Lord John.<sup>52</sup> She trusts that something may be
+done, as the desire for it seems to be so great. On the other
+hand, the Queen deeply regrets the great abuse of the Roman
+Catholic religion which takes place at all these meetings, etc.
+She thinks it unchristian and unwise, and trusts that it will soon
+cease....</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 51: Minister at the Court of Tuscany.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 52: The Government were preparing for the introduction of their Ecclesiastical Titles Bill.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LADY PEEL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>10th December 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My beloved Uncle</span>,&mdash;My letter must, I fear, be a somewhat
+hurried and short one, for my morning has been taken up in
+receiving in state Addresses from the City and Universities
+about this <i>unfortunate</i> "Papal Aggression" business, which is
+still keeping people in a feverish state of wild excitement.<sup>53</sup> <i>One</i>
+good effect it has had, viz. that of directing people's serious
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.280" id="pageii.280"></a>[page&nbsp;280]</span>
+attention to the very alarming tendency of the <i>Tractarians</i>,
+which was doing <i>immense</i> harm....</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>Many, many thanks</i> for your two dear and kind letters of the
+6th and of yesterday. All you <i>say</i> about <i>Louise</i>, and about
+the disappearance <i>for ever</i> of <i>all</i> that <i>she loved</i> and was
+<i>proud
+of</i>, is so true, so <i>dreadful</i>. One fancies (foolishly and wrongly,
+but still one <i>does</i>) that the lost one has been hardly used in no
+longer enjoying these earthly blessings, and one's grief seems to
+break out afresh in bitter agony upon <i>small and comparatively
+trifling</i> occasions. Poor Lady Peel (whom I saw for the first
+time yesterday at Buckingham Palace, whither I had gone for
+an hour) expressed <i>this</i> strongly. <i>Hers</i> is indeed a <i>broken
+heart</i>; she is so <i>truly</i> crushed by the <i>agony</i> of <i>her</i>
+grief; it was
+<i>very</i> touching to see and to hear her. Poor thing! she <i>never</i>
+can be happy again!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">What you say about <i>me</i> is far too kind. I am very <i>often</i>
+sadly dissatisfied with myself and with the little self-control I
+have.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Your long letter interested us much. I fear the German
+affairs are very bad.... That everlasting "backwards and
+forwards," as you say, of my poor friend the King of Prussia is
+<i>calamitous</i>; it causes <i>all</i> parties to distrust him, and gives
+<i>real</i>
+strength only to the Republicans. Since '48 that has been his
+conduct, and the <i>misfortune</i> for Germany. A <i>steady</i> course,
+<i>whatever</i> it may be, is <i>always</i> the best.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">What you say about poor H&eacute;l&egrave;ne<sup>54</sup> and France is true and sad.
+I really wish you would caution H&eacute;l&egrave;ne as to her language;
+she is much attached to you. I <i>pity</i> her very much; her
+position is very trying, and her religion renders it more difficult
+even.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now end my letter. I grieve to hear of your going
+<i>alone</i> to Ardenne; it is <span class="sc">BAD</span> for you to be alone, and your poor
+children also ought not to be alone. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 53: These Addresses were presented at Windsor, Prince Albert and the Duke of Wellington
+representing the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 54: The Duchess of Orleans.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>11th December 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to state that the Cabinet to-day considered
+at great length the question of the steps to be taken in respect
+to the Papal Aggression.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The inclination of the majority was not to prosecute, but to
+bring a Bill into Parliament to make the assumption of any
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.281" id="pageii.281"></a>[page&nbsp;281]</span>
+titles of archbishop, etc., of any place in the United Kingdom
+illegal, and to make any gift of property conveyed under such
+title null and void.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Duchess of Gloucester.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">RITUALISM</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>12th December 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Aunt</span>,&mdash;Many thanks for your kind letter; you
+are quite right not to distress the Duchess of Cambridge by
+mentioning to her what I wrote to you about the Bishop of
+London.<sup>55</sup> I am glad that you are pleased with my answers to
+the Addresses; I thought them very proper.<sup>56</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I would never have consented to say anything which breathed
+a spirit of intolerance. Sincerely Protestant as I always have
+been and always shall be, and indignant as I am at those who
+<i>call themselves Protestants</i>, while they in fact <i>are</i> quite the
+<i>contrary</i>, I much regret the unchristian and intolerant spirit
+exhibited by many people at the public meetings. I cannot
+bear to hear the violent abuse of the Catholic religion, which
+is so painful and cruel towards the many good and innocent
+Roman Catholics. However, we must hope and trust this
+excitement will soon cease, and that the wholesome effect of
+it on our own <i>Church</i> will be the lasting result of it. Ever
+yours ...</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 55: The Bishop of London had taken the same view as Lord John Russell of the Papal
+action, though they had disagreed over the Gorham controversy.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 56: See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.279" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 279</a>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>14th December 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of yesterday.
+She sanctions the introduction into Parliament of a Bill
+framed on the principles agreed upon at yesterday's Cabinet,
+presuming that it will extend to the whole United Kingdom.
+What is to be done, however, with respect to the Colonies where
+the Roman Catholic bishoprics are recognised by the Government
+under territorial titles? and what is to be done with
+Dr Cullen, who has assumed the title of Archbishop of Armagh,
+Primate of all Ireland, which is punishable under the Emancipation
+Act? If this is left unnoticed, the Government will
+be left with the "<i>lame</i>" argument in Parliament of which we
+conversed here. Could the Government not be helped out of
+this difficulty by the Primate himself prosecuting the obtruder?
+The Queen hopes that the meeting of the archdeacons with
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.282" id="pageii.282"></a>[page&nbsp;282]</span>
+Dr Lushington may do some good; she cannot say that she
+is pleased with the Archbishop's answer to the laity published
+in to-day's <i>Times</i>, which leaves them without a remedy if the
+clergymen persist in Puseyite Rituals! The Queen will return
+Lord Minto's letter with the next messenger.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle,</span> <i>22nd December 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen now returns Lord Seymour's letter respecting
+the New Forest, and sanctions the proposed arrangement.
+Considering, however, that she gives up the deer, and all
+patronage and authority over the Forest, she wishes the shooting,
+as the only remaining Royalty, not to be withdrawn from
+her authority also. It will be quite right to give Deputations<sup>57</sup>
+to shoot over the various divisions and walks of the Forest to
+gentlemen of the neighbourhood or others; but in order that
+this may establish no right on their part, and may leave the
+Sovereign a voice in the matter, she wishes that a list be prepared
+every year of the persons recommended by the Office
+of Woods to receive Deputations and submitted for her
+approval.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 57: A deputation, <i>i.e.</i>, a deputed right to take game.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.283" id="pageii.283"></a>[page&nbsp;283]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: 5em;">INTRODUCTORY NOTE</h3>
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: -0.5em;">TO CHAPTER XX</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Ministry were in difficulties at the very beginning of the
+session (1851), being nearly defeated on a motion made in the interest
+of the agricultural party; and though the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill
+was allowed to be brought in, they were beaten in a thin House
+chiefly by their own friends, on the question of the County Franchise.
+A crisis ensued, and a coalition of Whigs and Peelites was attempted,
+but proved impracticable. Lord Stanley having then failed to form
+a Protectionist Ministry, the Whigs, much weakened, had to resume
+office.</p>
+
+<p>The Exhibition, which was opened in Hyde Park on the 1st of May,
+was a complete success, a brilliant triumph indeed, for the Prince,
+over six million people visiting it; it remained open till the Autumn,
+and the building, some time after its removal, was re-erected at
+Sydenham, at the Crystal Palace.</p>
+
+<p>The Ecclesiastical Titles Bill, much modified, was proceeded with,
+and, though opposed by the ablest Peelites and Radicals, became law,
+though its effect, while in operation, was virtually <i>nil</i>. It was in
+after-years repealed.</p>
+
+<p>Kossuth, the champion of Hungarian independence, visited England
+in October, and Lord Palmerston had to be peremptorily
+restrained from receiving him publicly at the Foreign Office. A
+little later, Kossuth's ultra-liberal sympathisers in London addressed
+the Foreign Secretary in language violently denunciatory of the
+Emperors of Austria and Russia, for which Lord Palmerston failed
+to rebuke them. The cup was filled to the brim by his recognition
+of the President's <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i> in France. Louis Napoleon, after
+arresting M. Thiers and many others, proclaimed the dissolution of
+the Council of State and the National Assembly, decreed a state of
+siege, and re-established universal suffrage, with a Chief Magistrate
+elected for ten years, and a Ministry depending on the executive
+alone. Palmerston thereupon, though professing an intention of
+non-interference, conveyed to the French Ambassador in London
+his full approbation of the proceeding, and his conviction that the
+President could not have acted otherwise. Even after this indiscreet
+action, the Premier found some difficulty in bringing him to
+book; but before the end of the year he was dismissed from office,
+with the offer, which he declined, of the Irish Lord-Lieutenancy and
+a British Peerage. Greatly to the Queen's satisfaction, Lord
+Granville became Foreign Secretary.</p>
+
+<p>At the Cape, Sir Harry Smith was engaged in operations against
+the Kaffirs, which were not brought to a successful termination till
+the following year, when General Cathcart had superseded him.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.284" id="pageii.284"></a>[page&nbsp;284]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h2 style="margin-top: 5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XX</h2>
+
+<h5>1851</h5>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle,</span> <i>25th January 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen approves of the elevation of Mr. Pemberton
+Leigh<sup>1</sup> to the Peerage, which she considers a very useful
+measure, and not likely to lead to any permanent increase of
+the Peerage, as he is not likely to marry at his present age, and
+considering that he has only a life interest in his large property.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With regard to the creation of Dr Lushington<sup>2</sup> as a Peer,
+without remainder, the Queen has again thoroughly considered
+the question, and is of opinion that the establishment of the
+principle of creation for life&mdash;in cases where public advantage
+may be derived from the grant of a Peerage, but where there
+may be no fortune to support the dignity in the family&mdash;is
+most desirable. The mode in which the public will take the
+introduction of it will however chiefly depend upon the merits
+of the first case brought forward. Dr Lushington appears to
+the Queen so unobjectionable in this respect that she cannot but
+approve of the experiment being tried with him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It would be well, however, that it should be done quietly;
+that it should not be talked about beforehand or get into the
+papers, which so frequently happens on occasions of this kind,
+and generally does harm.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 1: Member of Parliament for Rye 1881-1832, and Ripon 1835-1843, afterwards a member
+of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council: he became a Peer (Lord Kingsdown)
+in 1858, having declined a peerage on the present and other occasions.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 2: Dr Lushington was judge of the Admiralty Court: he had been counsel for, and an
+executor of, Queen Caroline. He declined the offer now suggested, and the subsequent
+debates on the Wensleydale Peerage show that the proposed grant would have been ineffectual
+for its purpose.
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">DIPLOMATIC ARRANGEMENTS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle,</span> <i>31st January 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter of the 29th,
+in which he proposes a change in those diplomatic arrangements
+which she had already sanctioned on his recommendation, and
+must remark that the reasons which Lord Palmerston adduces
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.285" id="pageii.285"></a>[page&nbsp;285]</span>
+in support of his present proposition are in direct contradiction
+to those by which he supported his former recommendation.<sup>3</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The principle which the Queen would wish to see acted upon
+in her diplomatic appointments in general, is, that the <i>good of
+the service</i> should precede every other consideration, and that
+the selection of an agent should depend more on his personal
+qualifications for the particular post for which he is to be selected
+than on the mere pleasure and convenience of the person to be
+employed, or of the Minister recommending him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">According to Lord Palmerston's first proposal, Sir H. Seymour
+was to have gone to St Petersburg, Lord Bloomfield to
+Berlin, and Sir Richard Pakenham to Lisbon; now Lord
+Palmerston wishes to send Lord Cowley to St Petersburg.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has the highest opinion of Lord Cowley's abilities,
+and agrees with Lord Palmerston in thinking that Russia will,
+for some time at least, exercise a predominating influence over
+all European affairs. She would accordingly not object to see
+that Agent accredited there in whom she herself places the
+greatest confidence. But according to the same principle, she
+must insist that the posts of Berlin and Frankfort, which in her
+opinion are of nearly equal importance, should be filled by men
+capable of dealing with the complicated and dangerous political
+questions now in agitation there, and the just appreciation and
+judicious treatment of which are of the highest importance to
+the peace of Europe, and therefore to the welfare of England.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Before the Queen therefore decides upon Lord Palmerston's
+new proposals, she wishes to know <i>whom</i> he could recommend
+for the post of Frankfort in the event of Lord Cowley leaving it,
+and thinks it but right to premise that in giving her sanction to
+the proposals Lord Palmerston may have to submit, she will
+be guided entirely by the principle set forth above.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 3: Lord Palmerston had altered his mind as to certain proposed diplomatic changes, and
+suggested the appointment of Sir Hamilton Seymour to Berlin, Lord Bloomfield to Lisbon,
+Lord Cowley to Petersburg, Mr Jerningham, Sir Henry Ellis, or Sir Richard Pakenham
+to Frankfort.
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">DIPLOMATIC ARRANGEMENTS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place,</span> <i>12th January 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to state that Mr Disraeli brought forward
+his Motion yesterday.<sup>4</sup> His speech was long and elaborate, but
+not that of a man who was persuaded he was undertaking a
+good cause.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He proposed nothing specific, but said nothing offensive.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The doubts about the division increase. Mr Hayter reckoned
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.286" id="pageii.286"></a>[page&nbsp;286]</span>
+yesterday on a majority of three! Sir James Graham is of
+opinion Lord Stanley will not undertake anything desperate.
+He will speak in favour of Government to-morrow, when the
+division will probably take place.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 4: On agricultural distress; the Motion was lost by fourteen only in a large House.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace,</span> <i>15th February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday,
+and has to state in answer her decision in favour of the original
+plan of appointments, viz. of Sir H. Seymour to Petersburg,
+Lord Bloomfield to Berlin, and Sir R. Pakenham to Lisbon.
+The Queen quite agrees with Lord Palmerston in the opinion
+that the post at Petersburg is more important than that of
+Frankfort, and had Lord Palmerston been able to propose a
+good successor to Lord Cowley she would have approved his
+going to Petersburg; Sir R. Pakenham, however, would not
+take Frankfort if offered to him, as it appears, and the two other
+persons proposed would not do for it, in the Queen's opinion.
+It must not be forgotten that at a place for action like Petersburg,
+the Minister will chiefly have to look to his instructions
+from home, while at a place of observation, as Lord Palmerston
+justly calls Frankfort, everything depends upon the acuteness
+and impartiality of the observer, and upon the confidence with
+which he may be able to inspire those from whom alone accurate
+information can be obtained. Lord Cowley possesses eminently
+these qualities, and Sir H. Seymour has at all times shown himself
+equal to acting under most difficult circumstances. The
+desire of the Emperor to see Lord Cowley at Petersburg may
+possibly resolve itself in the desire of Baron Brunnow to see him
+removed from Germany.... The Queen had always understood
+that Sir H. Seymour would be very acceptable to the Emperor,
+and that Count Nesselrode called him a diplomatist "de la
+bonne vieille roche."</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">SIR JAMES GRAHAM</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace.</span> <i>17th February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell came at half-past three. He had had a
+long conversation with Sir James Graham, had stated to him
+that from the tone of his speech (which Lord John explained
+to us yesterday was of so very friendly a character and pointed
+directly to supporting the Government)&mdash;its friendliness, and
+the manner in which he advocated the union of those who
+opposed a return to Protection, that he proposed to him to
+join the Government; that Sir G. Grey had offered to resign
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.287" id="pageii.287"></a>[page&nbsp;287]</span>
+his office in order that Sir J. Graham might have it. Before
+I go farther I ought to say that Lord John yesterday explained
+the importance of obtaining support like Sir J. Graham's in the
+Cabinet, and that he thought of proposing the Board of Control
+to him, which Sir J. Hobhouse was ready to give up&mdash;receiving
+a Peerage, and retaining a seat in the Cabinet or the Admiralty,
+which Sir F. Baring was equally ready to give up.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Well, Sir J. Graham said that before he answered he wished
+to show Lord John a correspondence which had passed between
+him and Lord Londonderry. In the course of conversation in
+the country, Sir James had said to Lord Londonderry that
+parties never could go on as they were, and that they must
+ultimately lapse into <i>two</i>; this, Lord Londonderry reported to
+Mr Disraeli, who told it to Lord Stanley; and Mr Disraeli
+wrote to Lord Londonderry, stating that if certain advantages
+and reliefs were given to the landed interests, he should not
+cling to Protection; in short, much what he said in his speech&mdash;and
+that he was quite prepared to give up the lead in the
+House of Commons to Sir J. Graham. Sir James answered
+that he never meant anything by what he had said, and that
+he had no wish whatever to join Lord Stanley; that if he had,
+he was so intimate with Lord Stanley that he would have
+communicated direct with him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir James said that as soon as he heard from Lord John, he
+thought <i>what</i> he wished to see him for, and that he had been
+thinking over it, and had been talking to Lord Hardinge and
+Mr Cardwell. That he did wish to support the Government,
+but that he thought he could be of more use if he did not join
+the Government, and was able to give them an independent
+support; that he had not attempted to lead Sir Robert Peel's
+followers; that many who had followed Sir Robert would <i>not</i>
+follow <i>him</i>; that he thought the Government in great danger;
+that the Protectionists, Radicals, and Irish Members would try
+to take an opportunity to overset them (the Government);
+that should the Government be turned out, he would find no
+difficulty in joining them; or should they go on, that by-and-by
+it might be easier to do so; but that at this moment he
+should be injuring himself without doing the Government any
+real service; besides which, there were so many measures
+decided on which he was ignorant of, and should have to
+support. Lord John told him that were he in the Cabinet, he
+would have the means of stating and enforcing his opinions,
+and that at whatever time he joined them, there would always
+be the same difficulty about measures which had already been
+decided on. He (Sir James) is not quite satisfied with the
+Papal Aggression Bill, which he thinks will exasperate the Irish;
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.288" id="pageii.288"></a>[page&nbsp;288]</span>
+he also adverted to the report of our having protested against
+Austria bringing her Italian Provinces, etc., into the German
+Confederation. Lord John told him that this had not been
+done, but that we meant to ask for explanations.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In short, Lord John said it was evident that Sir James
+thought the Government in great danger, and "did not wish
+to embark in a boat which was going to sink." Still, he was
+friendly, and repeated that it would be very easy when in
+opposition to unite, and then to come in together.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">DEFEAT OF THE GOVERNMENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>21st February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to report that on a motion of Mr Locke
+King's<sup>5</sup> yesterday the Government was defeated by a hundred
+to fifty-two.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This is another circumstance which makes it probable the
+Ministry cannot endure long. The Tories purposely stayed
+away.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 5: For equalising the County and the Borough franchise.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>21st February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I have only time just to write a few
+hasty lines to you from Stockmar's room, where I came up to
+speak to Albert and him, to tell you that we have got a
+Ministerial crisis; the Ministers were in a great minority last
+night, and though it was not a question <i>vital</i> to the Government,
+Lord John feels the support he has received so meagre,
+and the opposition of so many parties so great, that he must
+<i>resign!</i> This is very bad, because there is no chance of any
+other good Government, poor Peel being no longer alive, and
+not one man of talent except Lord Stanley in the Party;...
+but Lord John is <i>right</i> not to go on when he is so ill supported,
+and it will raise him as a political man, and will strengthen his
+position for the future.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Whether Lord Stanley (to whom I must send to-morrow
+<i>after</i> the Government have resigned) will be able to form a
+Government or not, I cannot tell. Altogether, it is very
+vexatious, and will give us trouble. It is the more provoking,
+as this country is so very prosperous.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On Tuesday I hope to be able to say more....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With Albert's love, ever your truly devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.289" id="pageii.289"></a>[page&nbsp;289]</span>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">MINISTERIAL CRISIS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>22nd February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell having been for a few minutes with the
+Queen, in order to prepare her for the possibility of the
+Government's resignation (yesterday, at two o'clock), went to
+Downing Street to meet the Cabinet, and promised to return
+at four in order to communicate the decision the Cabinet might
+have arrived at. On his return he explained that after the
+vote at the beginning of the Session on the Orders of the Day,
+which went directly against the Government, after the small
+majority (only fourteen) which they had on the motion of
+Mr Disraeli on the landed interest, and now the defeat on
+the Franchise, it was clear that the Government did not
+possess the confidence of the House of Commons. He complained
+of the Protectionists staying away in a body on Mr
+King's motion, and he (Lord John) himself being left without
+a supporter even amongst his colleagues in the debate, but
+most of all of the conduct of the Radicals; for when Mr King,
+hearing Lord John's promise to bring in a measure next
+Session, wanted to withdraw his Motion, as he ought to have
+done on such a declaration by the head of the Government,
+Mr Hume insisted upon his going on, "else Lord John would
+withdraw his promise again in a fortnight"; and when the
+result of the vote was made known the shouting and triumph
+of the hundred was immense.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD LANSDOWNE CONSULTED</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John had declared to the Cabinet that he could not go
+on, that the Income Tax would have to be voted the next day,
+and a defeat was probable; it were much better therefore
+not to hesitate, and to resign at once. The Cabinet agreed,
+although some Members thought with Lord Palmerston that
+the occasion was hardly sufficient. Lord John begged to be
+allowed till to-day, in order to see Lord Lansdowne, whom he
+had sent for from the country, and to be able to tender then
+his resignation; he would go down to the House to adjourn it,
+promising explanations on Monday.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We agreed with Lord John that he owed to his station personally,
+and as the Queen's Minister, not to put up with ignominious
+treatment, praised his speech on the Suffrage, which is
+admirable, and regretted that his colleagues had prevented him
+from bringing in a measure this year. We talked of the difficulty
+of forming any Government, but agreed that Lord
+Stanley and the Protection Party ought to be appealed to;
+they longed for office, and would not rest quiet till they had
+had it if for ever so short a time only.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We further went over the ground of a possible demand for a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.290" id="pageii.290"></a>[page&nbsp;290]</span>
+Dissolution, which might bring on a general commotion in the
+country. Lord John agreed in this, but thought the responsibility
+to be very great for the Crown to refuse an appeal to the
+country to the new Government; he thought a decision on that
+point ought to depend on the peculiar circumstances of the case.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Lansdowne, who had come from Bowood by the express
+train, arrived at twelve o'clock, and came at once to meet
+Lord John Russell here at the Palace.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In the audience which the Queen gave him he expressed his
+entire concurrence with the decision the Cabinet had come to,
+as the resignation could at any rate only have been delayed.
+It was clear that the Cabinet had lost the confidence of the
+House of Commons; what had happened the other night was
+only the last drop which made the cup flow over, and that it
+was much more dignified not to let the Government die a
+lingering and ignominious death; he [thought] that Lord
+Stanley would have great difficulties, but would be able to
+form a Government; at least the Protectionist Party gave
+out that they had a Cabinet prepared.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We then saw Lord John Russell, who formally tendered his
+resignation, and was very much moved on taking leave; he
+said that, considering Lord Stanley's principles, it would not
+be possible for him to hold out any hope of support to that
+Government, except on the estimates for which he felt responsible,
+but he would at all times be ready vigorously to defend
+the Crown, which was in need of every support in these days.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD STANLEY SUMMONED</span>
+
+<p class="ind">At three o'clock came Lord Stanley, whom the Queen had
+summoned.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen informed him of the resignation of the Government,
+in consequence of the late vote, which had been the
+result of the Protectionists staying away, of the small majority
+which the Government had had upon Mr Disraeli's Motion,
+and of the many symptoms of want of confidence exhibited
+towards the Government in the House of Commons. The
+Queen had accepted their resignation, and had sent for him as
+the head of that Party, which was now the most numerous in
+Opposition, in order to ask him whether he could undertake
+to form a Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley expressed great surprise. The impression had
+been that the Government had not been in earnest in their
+opposition to Mr L. King's Motion; in the minority had voted
+only twenty-seven members of the Government side, the rest
+had been of his Party. He asked if the whole Cabinet had
+resigned, or whether there had been dissension in the Cabinet
+upon it? The Queen replied that the resignation had been
+unanimously agreed upon in the Cabinet, and that Lord Lansdowne,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.291" id="pageii.291"></a>[page&nbsp;291]</span>
+who had only come up from Bowood this morning, had
+given his entire approval to it. Lord Stanley then asked
+whether anybody else had been consulted or applied to, to
+which the Queen replied that she had written to him a few
+minutes after Lord John's resignation, and had communicated
+with no one else. Lord Stanley then said that he hoped the
+Queen's acceptance had only been a conditional one; that he
+felt very much honoured by the Queen's confidence; that he
+hoped he might be able to tender advice which might contribute
+to the Queen's comfort, and might relieve the present
+embarrassment.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FISCAL POLICY OUTLINED</span>
+
+<p class="ind">In order to be able to do so he must enter most freely and
+openly into his own position and that of his Party. It was
+quite true that they formed the most numerous in Parliament
+after the supporters of what he hoped he might still call the
+<i>present</i> Government, but that there were no men contained in
+it who combined great ability with experience in public business.
+There was one certainly of great ability and talent&mdash;Mr
+Disraeli&mdash;but who had never held office before, and perhaps
+Mr Herries, who possessed great experience, but who did not
+command great authority in the House of Commons; that he
+should have great difficulties in presenting to the Queen a
+Government fit to be accepted, unless he could join with some
+of the late Sir R. Peel's followers; that he considered, for
+instance, the appointment of a good person for Foreign Affairs
+indispensable, and there was scarcely any one fit for it except
+Lord Palmerston and Lord Aberdeen. Lord Aberdeen had
+told him that he had no peculiar views upon Free Trade, and
+that he did not pretend to understand the question, but that
+he had felt it his duty to stand by Sir R. Peel; this might now
+be different, but it ought first to be ascertained whether a
+combination of those who agreed in principle, and had only
+been kept asunder hitherto by <i>personal</i> considerations, could
+not be formed; that Sir James Graham had in his last speech
+declared it as his opinion that the ranks of those who agreed
+ought to be closed; when such a combination had taken place,
+those of Sir R. Peel's followers who could not agree to it might
+not be unwilling to join him (Lord Stanley). As to his principles,
+he would frankly state that he thought that the landed
+interest was much depressed by the low state of prices; that
+an import duty on corn would be absolutely necessary, which,
+however, would be low, and only a revenue duty; such a duty,
+he thought, the country would be prepared for; and if they
+were allowed to state their honest opinion, he felt sure the
+greatest part of the present Government would be heartily
+glad of. He would require Duties upon sugar for revenue,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.292" id="pageii.292"></a>[page&nbsp;292]</span>
+but he could not conceal that if the revenue after a diminution
+in the direct taxation, which he would propose, should considerably
+fall off, he might be driven to raise the Import duties
+on other articles. He thought the present House of Commons
+could hardly be expected to reverse its decision upon the
+financial and commercial policy of the country, and that
+accordingly a Dissolution of Parliament would become necessary.
+Such a Dissolution, however, could not be undertaken
+at this moment for the sake of public business. The Mutiny
+Bill had not been voted nor the Supplies, and it would require
+more than eight weeks before the new Parliament could be
+assembled, and consequently the Crown would be left without
+Army or money. A Dissolution could accordingly not take
+place before Easter. He felt, however, that if he were to take
+office now, he would between this and Easter be exposed to
+such harassing attacks that he should not be able to withstand
+them; moreover, it would subject the members of his Government
+to two elections in two months. He hoped therefore
+that the Queen would try to obtain a Government by a coalition
+of the Whigs and Peelites, but that this failing, if the Queen
+should send again for him, and it was clear no other Government
+could be formed, he would feel it his duty as a loyal
+subject to risk everything, except his principles and his honour,
+to carry on the Government; and he hoped that in such a case
+the Queen would look leniently on the composition of the
+Cabinet which he could offer, and that the country would,
+from the consideration of the circumstances, give it a fair trial.
+He begged, however, that he might not be called upon to take office
+except as a <i>dernier ressort</i>, a <i>necessity</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I interrupted him when he spoke of his financial measures,
+and begged him further to explain, when it appeared that a
+duty of about six shillings on corn was the least he could impose
+to bring up the price to forty-five shillings, which Sir R.
+Peel had stated to the House of Commons was in his opinion
+the lowest price wheat would fall to after the abolition of the
+Corn Laws.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We expressed our doubts as to the country agreeing to such
+a measure, and our apprehension of the violent spirit which
+would be roused in the working classes by a Dissolution for
+that purpose, which Lord Stanley, however, did not seem to
+apprehend; on the contrary, he thought the distress of the
+farmers would lead to the destruction of the landed interest,
+which was the only support to the Throne.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PROTECTION</span>
+
+<p class="ind">I told him that the Queen and certainly myself had been
+under a delusion, and that I was sure the country was equally
+so, as to his intention to return to Protection. Sometimes it
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.293" id="pageii.293"></a>[page&nbsp;293]</span>
+was stated that Protection would be adhered to, sometimes
+that it was given up, and that it was <i>compensation</i> to the landed
+interest which the Protectionists looked to. His last speeches
+and the Motion of Mr Disraeli led to that belief, but that it was
+of the highest importance that the country should know exactly
+what was intended; the Queen would then have an opportunity
+of judging how the nation looked upon the proposal.
+I hoped therefore that the declaration of his opinions which
+Lord Stanley had now laid before the Queen would be clearly
+enunciated by him in Parliament when the Ministerial explanations
+should take place, which would naturally follow this crisis.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley merely answered that he hoped that no explanations
+would take place before a Government was formed.
+He said he should wish the word "Protection" to be merged,
+to which I rejoined that though he might wish this, I doubted
+whether the country would let him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Before taking leave, he repeated over and over again his
+advice that the Coalition Ministry should be tried.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>22nd February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">In order to be able to be perfectly accurate in stating Lord
+Stanley's opinions, which the Queen feels some delicacy in
+doing, she would be very thankful if he would write down for
+her what he just stated to her&mdash;as his advice in the present
+difficulty. Of course she would not let such a paper go out
+of her hands.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">SIR JAMES GRAHAM</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>23rd February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir James Graham, who had been out of Town, came at six
+o'clock, having received my letter on his return. Lord John
+Russell had been here before that time.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">After having stated to him (Lord John) what had passed with
+Lord Stanley, we told him that Sir James Graham was here;
+Lord John seemed much surprised at Lord Stanley's refusal to
+form an Administration, declared himself ready to do what
+he could towards the formation of a new Government on an
+extended basis, but thought that Sir James Graham and Lord
+Aberdeen should have the first offer.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I went accordingly over to my room, where Sir James was
+waiting. He was entirely taken by surprise by the announcement
+of the resignation of the Government, and begged to be
+able to state to me how he was situated before he saw the
+Queen and Lord John.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.294" id="pageii.294"></a>[page&nbsp;294]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">I then communicated to him what had passed with Lord
+Stanley, upon which we had a conversation of more than an
+hour, of which the chief features were:</p>
+
+<p class="ind">1. Apprehension on the part of Sir James Graham lest the
+attempt on the part of Lord Stanley to re-impose Protective
+duties should produce universal commotion in the country,
+which would be increased by the Dissolution, without which
+Lord Stanley would not be able to proceed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">2. His disbelief that Lord Aberdeen would be able to join
+in any Government abandoning Sir R. Peel's principles, as he
+had been consulted before and after Sir James's late speech
+in which he expressed his entire concurrence.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">3. His own utter weakness, calling himself the weakest man
+in England, who had lost his only friend in Sir R. Peel, and
+had for the last fifteen years not exercised an independent
+judgment, but rested entirely on his friend.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">4. His disagreement with some of his late colleagues&mdash;the
+Duke of Newcastle, Mr Gladstone, and Mr Sidney Herbert&mdash;in
+religious opinions.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">5. His disagreement with Lord John's Government upon
+some most important points.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FOREIGN POLICY</span>
+
+<p class="ind">He could not take office with Lord Palmerston as Foreign
+Secretary, whose policy and mode of conducting business he
+disapproved, who was now protesting against the admission of
+Austria into the German Confederation; he disapproved the
+Papal Aggression Bill, finding it militating against the line
+which he had taken as Secretary of State with regard to the
+Roman Catholic Bishops in Ireland, and particularly the
+Bequest Act, and considering that after Lord John's letter
+the Bill would fall short of the high expectations formed in
+the minds of the English public.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He disapproved of the abolition of the Irish Lord-Lieutenancy,
+and the making a fourth Secretary of State had been
+considered by Sir Robert Peel and himself as introducing into
+England all the Irish malpractices, while Ireland was still kept
+wholly separate from England.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John had raised a new difficulty by his declaration
+upon Reform. He had been thunderstruck when he read the
+announcement on the part of the chief author of the Reform
+Bill, who had stood with him (Sir J. Graham) hitherto upon
+<i>finality</i>, condemning his own work, and promising at a year's
+distance important alterations, in which interval great agitation
+would be got up, great expectations raised, and the
+measure when brought forward would cause disappointment.
+Sir Robert Peel had always been of opinion that it was most
+dangerous to touch these questions, but if opened with the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.295" id="pageii.295"></a>[page&nbsp;295]</span>
+consent of the Crown, a measure should at once be brought
+forward and passed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">After my having replied to these different objections, that
+the Queen felt herself the importance of Lord Palmerston's
+removal, and would make it herself a condition with Lord
+John that he should not be again Foreign Secretary; that the
+protest to Austria had not gone, and that upon studying
+the question Sir James would find that the entrance of the
+whole Austrian Monarchy, while giving France a pretext for
+war and infringing the Treaties of 1815, would not tend to the
+strength and unity of Germany, which held to be the true
+English interest, but quite the reverse; that I did not think
+the Papal Aggression Bill touched the Bequest Act or militated
+against toleration; that the Lieutenancy would perhaps be
+given up, and a measure on the Franchise be considered by the
+<i>new</i> Government and brought forward at once. I thought
+it would be better to discuss the matters with Lord John
+Russell in the Queen's presence, who accordingly joined us.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The discussion which now arose went pretty much over the
+same ground, Lord John agreeing that Lord Palmerston ought
+to form no difficulty, that the Papal Aggression Bill would
+be further modified, that the Lieutenancy Bill might be given
+up, that he agreed to Sir James's objection to the declaration
+about reform, but that he had intended to bring forward a
+measure, if he had been able to get his colleagues to agree to it,
+that he would be ready to propose a measure at once. This
+Sir J. Graham thought important as a means of gaining at a
+General Election, which he foresaw could not be long delayed,
+whoever formed a Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In order to obtain some result from this long debate I summed
+up what might be considered as agreed upon, viz. That there
+was <i>tabula rasa</i>, and for the new Coalition a free choice of
+men and measures, to which they assented, Lord John merely
+stating that he could not take office without part of his friends,
+and could not sacrifice his <i>personal</i> declarations. Dinnertime
+having approached, and Lord Aberdeen having written
+that he would be with us after nine o'clock, we adjourned the
+further discussion till then, when they would return.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON</span>
+
+<p class="ind" style="margin-top: 2.5em;">Whilst the Queen dressed I had an interview with the Duke
+of Wellington, who had come to dine here, in which I informed
+him of the nature of our crisis. He expressed his regret
+and his dread of a Protectionist Government with a Dissolution,
+which might lead to civil commotion. He could not
+forgive, he said, the high Tory Party for their having stayed
+away the other night on Mr Locke King's Motion, and thus
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.296" id="pageii.296"></a>[page&nbsp;296]</span>
+abandoned their own principles; he had no feeling for Lord
+John Russell's Cabinet, measures, or principles, but he felt
+that the Crown and the country were only safe in these days by
+having the Liberals in office, else they would be driven to join
+the Radical agitation against the institutions of the country.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">After dinner we resumed our adjourned debate in my room,
+at a quarter to ten, with Lord Aberdeen, and were soon joined
+by Lord John and Sir James Graham. We went over the same
+ground with him. Lord Stanley's letter was read and discussed.
+Lord Aberdeen declared his inability to join in a
+Protectionist Ministry; he did not pretend to understand the
+question of Free Trade, but it was a point of honour with him
+not to abandon it, and now, since Sir R. Peel's death, a matter
+of piety. He thought the danger of a Dissolution on a question
+of food by the Crown, for the purpose of imposing a tax upon
+bread, of the utmost danger for the safety of the country. He
+disapproved the Papal Bill, the abolition of the Lieutenancy,
+he had no difficulty upon the Franchise, for though he was called
+a <i>despot</i>, he felt a good deal of the Radical in him sometimes.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John put it to Lord Aberdeen, whether <i>he</i> would not
+undertake to form a Government, to which Lord Aberdeen
+gave no distinct reply.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As Sir James Graham raised nothing but difficulties, though
+professing the greatest readiness to be of use, and as it was
+getting on towards midnight, we broke up, with the Queen's
+injunction that <i>one</i> of the three gentlemen <i>must</i> form a Government,
+to which Lord Aberdeen laughingly replied: "I see
+your Majesty has come into<sup>6</sup> the Pr&eacute;sident de la R&eacute;publique."
+Lord John was to see Lord Lansdowne <i>to-day</i> at three o'clock,
+and would report progress to the Queen at five o'clock. On one
+point we were agreed, viz. that the Government to be formed
+must not be for the moment, but with a view to strength and
+stability.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 6: <i>Sic.</i></p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">COMPLICATIONS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>23d February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has seen Lord Aberdeen and Sir J. Graham,
+but is sorry to say that her doing so was premature, as they
+had no opportunity of seeing each other after they left Lord
+John Russell, and therefore had not considered the Memorandum<sup>7</sup>
+which Lord John had handed to them. Lord Aberdeen
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.297" id="pageii.297"></a>[page&nbsp;297]</span>
+has in the interval seen Lord Stanley, and declared to him
+that he must undeceive him as to the possibility of his ever
+joining a Protection Government. What further resulted
+from the conversation the Queen would prefer to state to Lord
+John verbally to-morrow. Perhaps Lord John would come
+in the forenoon to-morrow, or before he goes to the House;
+he will be so good as to let her know.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 7: With a view of uniting with the Peelites, Lord John drew up a Memorandum,
+printed in Walpole's <i>Lord John Russell</i>, vol. ii. chap, xxii., with the following points:</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">A Cabinet of not more than eleven Members.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">The present commercial policy to be maintained.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">The financial measures of the year to be open to revision.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">The Ecclesiastical Titles Bill to be persevered in so far as the Preamble and the first
+clause, but the remaining clauses to be abandoned.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">A Reform Bill for the extension of the Franchise.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">A Commission of Enquiry into corrupt practices at elections in cities and boroughs.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>23rd February 1851.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Sunday.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell came at half-past five, much fatigued and
+depressed. On the Queen's asking whether he could report
+any progress, he said he thought he could; he had met Lord
+Aberdeen and Sir James Graham, together with Sir George
+Grey (Lord Lansdowne being ill). That he had informed them
+that he had received the Queen's commands to form a Government
+(?) and handed to them a Memorandum which follows
+here and which they had promised to take into consideration.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We asked him whether he had chalked out a Government.
+He said he had not thought of it yet; he added, however,
+that <i>he</i> could not undertake the Foreign Affairs with the lead
+in the House of Commons and Government (which the Queen
+had pressed upon him); Lord Palmerston might be leader in
+the House of Lords; he would not like Lord Aberdeen at the
+Foreign Office; Lord Clarendon and Lord Granville were
+equally acceptable to him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I suggested that it might be well if the Queen were to see
+Sir James and Lord Aberdeen again, which he approved, but
+thought it better he should not be present himself, and that
+the Queen might tell Sir James that he might have any Office
+he liked; perhaps <i>he</i> would take the Foreign Affairs.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John's relations and private friends evidently are
+distressed at his resuming office; the Radicals were very much
+pleased with the idea of Sir James Graham being in office.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD ABERDEEN SUMMONED</span>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><i>24th February 1851.</i><br />
+(<i>Monday evening.</i>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John came at three o'clock before making his statement
+to the House of Commons. We communicated to him what
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.298" id="pageii.298"></a>[page&nbsp;298]</span>
+had passed with Sir James Graham and Lord Aberdeen yesterday
+evening. He thought his Memorandum had been misunderstood:
+the nature of the Reform Bill was left open to
+discussion, and what he had said about filling the Offices only
+meant that the Offices should not be divided according to
+number, and each party left to fill up its share, as had been
+done in former Coalition Ministries. He had seen Lord
+Palmerston, who was not willing to give up the Foreign Office&mdash;spoke
+of retiring from business at his age, of his success in
+conducting Foreign Affairs, and of its being a self-condemnation
+if he accepted another Office. Lord John told him that
+he did not agree in this view, that the Lord-Lieutenancy of
+Ireland was to be maintained, and thought it best to leave it
+there. He thought Lord Palmerston had given up the idea of
+leading the House of Commons. We ascertained from him
+in conversation that he could not agree to Lord Aberdeen taking
+the Foreign Office nor that he could serve under Lord Aberdeen
+or Sir James Graham in case any one of these were to form a
+Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">At half-past six Lord John returned from the House of
+Commons, and reported that two very important events had
+taken place: the one that upon his making his statement to the
+House that the Government had resigned, that Lord Stanley
+had been sent for, had declared <i>his inability then to form a
+Government</i> (words agreed upon between Lord Lansdowne,
+Lord John, and Sir George Grey), and that he was now charged
+with the formation of a Government, Mr. Disraeli got up, and
+denied that Lord Stanley had declined forming a Government,
+which was received with cheers from the Protectionists. Lord
+John had merely answered that when Lord Stanley would
+make his explanations, what he had stated would be found to
+be correct, relying entirely, not upon what the Queen had communicated,
+but on Lord Stanley's own letter. The second
+event was a letter from Lord Aberdeen and Sir James Graham,<sup>8</sup>
+which put <i>an end</i> to all <i>thoughts</i> of a Coalition. It stated that
+they could agree to no legislation whatever on the Papal
+Aggressions, and ended with a hint that Sir James Graham was
+prepared to go farther in reductions than Lord John was likely
+to consent to.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John had at once answered that although he did
+not understand the latter objection, the difference on the
+Papal Bill must put an end to their negotiation. We much
+lamented the result, and after some discussion agreed that
+the only thing to be done now was to send for Lord
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.299" id="pageii.299"></a>[page&nbsp;299]</span>
+Aberdeen. Lord Stanley could not pretend to be consulted
+before every other means of forming a Government had been
+exhausted.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 8: Published in Walpole's <i>Lord John Russell</i>, vol. ii. chap. xxii.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD ABERDEEN DECLINES</span>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>24th February 1851.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Half-past ten</i> <span class="sc">p.m.)</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns these papers, as Lord John Russell
+wished. She has just seen Lord Aberdeen and Sir James
+Graham, who, though ready to do anything which could be of
+any use to the Queen and the country, have stated it as their
+decided opinion that Lord Stanley should be asked to form
+a Government. Under these circumstances the Queen intends
+to send to Lord Stanley to-morrow. The Queen did ask Lord
+Aberdeen if he could undertake to form a Government, but he
+said that he thought it would not be successful, and that the
+Papal Aggression would be an insurmountable difficulty for
+him and Sir James Graham.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen rejoices to hear from them, and from Lord John
+and Lord Lansdowne, the expression of cordiality of feeling,
+which it is so essential for the Crown and the country that
+there should be.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">ABERDEEN AND GRAHAM</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>25 February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Through Van der Weyer, you will
+have heard what was the state of the <i>long</i> and anxious crisis
+yesterday evening.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Alas! the hope of forming a strong Coalition Government
+has failed&mdash;<i>for the present</i>. I say for the present, as they are
+all so entirely agreed on the Commercial Policy that another
+time they hope there will be no difficulty, when they have <i>fought
+together</i>. The <i>Papal Aggression</i> has in fact been the only
+insurmountable difficulty. We sent to Lord Aberdeen last
+night (both he and Sir James Graham have been most kind
+to us), and asked if <i>he</i> could not try to form a Government;
+but with the greatest readiness to serve me, he said he could
+not, on account of this self-same Papal Aggression. He equally
+declares that he cannot join Lord Stanley. Accordingly this
+morning I have seen Lord Stanley, and he means to try if he
+can form any fit sort of Government, but he has <i>no</i> men of
+talent, and his difficulties are gigantic. I shall only know to-morrow
+<i>definitely</i> if he <i>can</i> form an Administration. I am calm
+and courageous, having such support and advice as my dearest
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.300" id="pageii.300"></a>[page&nbsp;300]</span>
+Albert's; but it is an anxious time, and the uncertainty and
+suspense very trying. More details you will have later on.
+Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD STANLEY TO BE SUMMONED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>26th February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen and Sir James Graham came yesterday
+evening at nine o'clock; the Queen put it to them whether
+<i>they</i> could form a Government, to which they replied that they
+had turned it in their heads a hundred times, that there was
+nothing they would not do to show their readiness to serve the
+Queen, but that they did not see a possibility of forming an
+Administration which could stand a day. They were most
+likely at that moment the two most unpopular men in England,
+having declared that nothing should be done in Parliament
+against the Papal Aggression, which the whole country
+clamoured for; the Whigs would be very angry with them
+for their having broken up the new combination; they might
+find favour with the Radicals, but that was a support upon
+which no reliance could be placed. There was a growing
+opinion that Lord Stanley ought to have a chance of bringing
+forward his measures; that it was perilous, but that it was
+an evil which must be gone through; that this opinion had
+been strongly expressed by Lord Lansdowne, whose moderation
+nobody could doubt; that it was shared by the Duke of
+Newcastle, Mr Sidney Herbert, and others of Sir James's
+friends whom he had had time to consult.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Upon the Queen's expression of her great apprehension as to
+the consequence of such a step on the country, they said there
+would no doubt spring up a most violent opposition, that there
+would be attempts to stop the supplies and dissolve the Army,
+but that Lord John Russell and Sir James Graham together
+would do their utmost to preach moderation, and would refer
+the House of Commons to the Queen's example, who had taken
+strictly the Constitutional course throughout the crisis, whose
+opinions on Free Trade were well known (as far as subjects
+could allow themselves to pretend to know their Sovereign's
+<i>private</i> opinions) from the hearty support she had given to Sir
+Robert Peel's and Lord John's Governments. That upon the
+first proposition of a Stanley Government the junction of
+Parties would be completed, and there would be only <i>one</i> strong
+opposition. After having fought together, there would be no
+longer any difficulty about forming a strong Government out of
+their joint ranks, whilst now it was impossible not to see that
+every Minister displaced would feel personally aggrieved, that
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.301" id="pageii.301"></a>[page&nbsp;301]</span>
+then they stood on a footing of perfect equality. Sir James
+had seen Lord John since he had tendered his second resignation,
+and found him quite altered; whilst he was embarrassed
+and <i>boutonn&eacute;</i> before, he was open and unreserved now, and they
+could speak on terms of private friendship. Lord Aberdeen
+would save his influence in the House of Lords, which he would
+probably have lost if he had joined the Whigs in office; in
+future all this would be different.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell's letter with the Memoranda came and
+interrupted us. From these papers, and what Sir James and
+Lord Aberdeen said, it is clear that all parties are relieved by
+the failure of their attempt to form a Coalition Government,
+but determined to form a positive junction, which will be most
+salutary to the country. The Queen will therefore send for
+Lord Stanley.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We discussed further the means Lord Stanley would have
+to form an Administration, for which the material was certainly
+sad. Disraeli's last scene in the House of Commons would
+render the publication of Lord Stanley's letter necessary. Mr
+Gladstone might possibly join him; at least no pains would be
+spared to bring him in. Lord Palmerston had often so much
+secret understanding with Disraeli that he might be tempted
+with the bait of keeping the Foreign Office, particularly if
+personally offended.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Whether the Queen should allow or refuse a Dissolution was
+debated; the latter declared a most heavy responsibility for
+the Sovereign to undertake, but a subject upon which the
+decision should only be taken at the time, and on a due consideration
+of the circumstances.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>25th February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to state that having seen the letter which
+Lord Stanley addressed to your Majesty, and feeling himself
+precluded from entering into any details, he announced to the
+House of Commons that Lord Stanley had in reply to your
+Majesty's offer declared "he was not <i>then</i> prepared to form
+a Government."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Disraeli disputed the accuracy of this statement.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Your Majesty's word cannot be called in question, but Lord
+John Russell now feels it due to his own honour humbly to ask
+your Majesty for a copy of Lord Stanley's letter. He does not
+propose to read the letter to the House of Commons, but to
+refer to it in the statement he is compelled to make.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.302" id="pageii.302"></a>[page&nbsp;302]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell humbly requests that this representation
+may be shown to Lord Stanley. He will feel what is due to the
+honour of a public man.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD STANLEY ARRIVES</span>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><i>25th February 1851.</i><br />
+(<i>Tuesday.</i>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley obeyed the Queen's summons at eleven o'clock,
+and seemed very much concerned when she informed him that
+Lord John Russell had given up his task, as differences of
+opinion, particularly on the Papal Bill, had prevented a junction
+between him, Lord Aberdeen, and Sir James Graham;
+that an appeal to Lord Aberdeen had been equally unsuccessful
+from the same cause, viz. their difficulty in dealing with the
+Papal Question; that consequently the contingency had arisen
+under which Lord Stanley had promised to undertake the
+formation of a Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley said his difficulties were immense, and he could
+not venture to approach them unless he was sure of every support
+on the part of the Crown; that he would have arrayed against
+him a formidable opposition of all the talent in the country.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen assured him that he should have every Constitutional
+support on her part, of which Lord Stanley repeated he
+had felt sure, although the total change must be very trying to
+the Queen.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On his question, whether there was any hope of Lord Aberdeen
+joining him and taking the Foreign Office, we had to tell
+him that he must quite discard that idea. He replied, with a
+sigh, that he would still try and see him; he had thought of
+the Duke of Wellington taking the Foreign Office <i>ad interim</i>,
+but felt that he could hardly propose that, considering the
+Duke's age and infirmity; he would make an attempt to see
+Lord Canning with the Queen's permission, and that failing,
+could only think of Sir Stratford Canning, now at Constantinople,
+which the Queen approved.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He still hoped he might get Mr Gladstone to take the lead
+in the House of Commons, without which assistance he must
+not conceal that it was almost impossible for him to go on. Mr
+Gladstone was on his way home from Paris, and he had written
+to him to see him as soon as he arrived; till then he could not
+promise that he would succeed to form an Administration, and
+he only undertook it for the good of his country, but was afraid
+of ruining his reputation.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">To this I rejoined that who tried to do the best by his
+country need never be afraid for his reputation.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MR DISRAELI</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen showed Lord Stanley Lord John Russell's letter
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.303" id="pageii.303"></a>[page&nbsp;303]</span>
+respecting Mr Disraeli's denial of the truth of Lord John's
+statement in the House of Commons yesterday.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley said it had been a very unfortunate misunderstanding,
+that he had been sorry Lord John and Lord Lansdowne
+should have felt it necessary to say that "he had not
+<i>then</i> been prepared to form a Government," as the knowledge
+of this fact, as long as there was a chance of his being called
+back, could not but act injuriously to him and dispirit those
+with whom he acted. He would explain all this on Friday
+in the House of Lords, and had no objection to sending Lord
+John a copy of his letter.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We now came to <i>Measures</i>. Lord Stanley hopes to obviate
+the Papal Question by a Parliamentary declaration and the
+appointment in both Houses of a Committee to enquire into the
+position of the Roman Catholic Church in this country; he
+would diminish the Income Tax by a million, and exempt
+temporary incomes; he would allow compounding for the
+Window Tax and levy a moderate duty on corn, which he called
+a Countervailing Duty, and tried to defend as good political
+economy, on the authority of Mr M'Culloch's last edition of
+"Ricardo." (I had some discussion with him, however, on
+that point.)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Returning to the offices to be filled, Lord Stanley said he
+should have to propose Mr Disraeli as one of the Secretaries of
+State. The Queen interrupted him by saying that she had not
+a very good opinion of Mr Disraeli on account of his conduct
+to poor Sir R. Peel, and what had just happened did not tend
+to diminish that feeling; but that she felt so much Lord
+Stanley's difficulties, that she would not aggravate them by
+passing a sentence of exclusion on him. She must, however,
+make Lord Stanley responsible for his conduct, and should she
+have cause to be displeased with him when in office, she would
+remind Lord Stanley of what now passed. Lord Stanley
+promised to be responsible, and excused his friend for his former
+bitterness by his desire to establish his reputation for cleverness
+and sharpness; nobody had gained so much by Parliamentary
+schooling, and he had of late quite changed his tone.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Herries would make a good Chancellor of the Exchequer.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As to Ireland, he had thought of having a more ostensible
+Lord-Lieutenant, whilst the business should be done by the
+Secretary for Ireland. He asked the Queen whether the Duke
+of Cambridge might be offered that post, which she took <i>ad
+referendum</i>. The Duke of Northumberland, though not of his
+Party, he should like to offer the Admiralty to.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DISSOLUTION</span>
+
+<p class="ind">At the conclusion of the interview he broached the important
+question of Dissolution, and said that a Dissolution would
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.304" id="pageii.304"></a>[page&nbsp;304]</span>
+anyhow become necessary; that, if it was thought that the
+Queen would withhold from him the privilege of dissolving, he
+would not have the slightest chance in the House of Commons;
+he would be opposed and beat, and then his adversaries would
+come in and dissolve. He avowed that it could not be said
+that the Queen had refused him the power of dissolving, but
+he required some assurance.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On the Queen's objecting to giving him a contingent positive
+promise, but declaring her readiness fairly to discuss the question
+when the emergency arose, he contented himself with the
+permission to deny, if necessary, that she would <i>not</i> consent
+to it, putting entire confidence in the Queen's intention to
+deal fairly by him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I tried to convince Lord Stanley, and I hope not without
+effect, of the advantage, both to the Queen and Lord Stanley
+himself, that they should not be hampered by a positive engagement
+on that point, which might become very inconvenient
+if circumstances arose which made a Dissolution dangerous to
+the country.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>25th February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has seen Lord Stanley, who will let Lord John
+Russell have a copy of the letter. He wishes it not to be
+known or considered that he has formally undertaken to form
+a Government till to-morrow, on account of the House of Lords
+meeting to-day. He feels the difficulty of his position, and is
+not sure yet that he will be able to complete a Ministry. To-morrow
+he will give the Queen a positive answer.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>25th February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just received Lord Stanley's letter. She had
+forgotten the Lev&eacute;e, and was just going to write to him to
+inform him that she wished to see him at eleven o'clock to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen cannot but regret that Lord Stanley should think
+Lord John Russell's explanation led to a wrong inference; for
+Lord Stanley will himself recollect that he stated his objections
+to her much more strongly in his first interview than he did in
+writing, and as Lord Stanley so strongly advised the Queen
+to try if no other arrangement could first be come to, she hardly
+knows how this could otherwise have been expressed than by
+the words used by Lord Lansdowne and Lord John Russell.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.305" id="pageii.305"></a>[page&nbsp;305]</span>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><i>26th February 1851.</i><br />
+(<i>Wednesday.</i>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley came again at eleven. The first part of the
+audience, which was not long, was occupied by Lord Stanley's
+trying to explain away Mr Disraeli's contradiction of Lord
+John Russell, though he termed it "very unfortunate," by
+saying that he wished Lord John had <i>not mentioned</i> that <i>he</i>
+(Lord Stanley) "was not <i>then</i> prepared" to form a Government,
+for that, though true in fact, he had <i>not</i> absolutely <i>refused</i>,
+but had only advised me to <i>try</i> and make other arrangements
+first. I said I thought the distinction "a very nice one,"
+which he admitted. What passed between us on the subject
+the correspondence between Albert and Lord John will best
+explain.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley then told us that he had seen the Duke of
+Northumberland, who wished for time to consider; that he was
+to see Lord Canning again to-day, but had no hopes of his
+accepting; and that he found so many people out of Town that
+he must ask for <i>forty-eight</i> hours more before he could give me
+a positive answer, viz. till Friday. He added he "must not
+conceal" from me that he was "not very sanguine" of success;
+almost all depended on Mr Gladstone, who was expected to
+arrive to-day; but that it might <i>now</i> be said (in answer to a
+question of Albert's "whether in these days of nice distinctions
+one <i>might</i> say that he had <i>undertaken</i> to form a Government"),
+that he had <i>attempted</i> to <i>undertake</i> to <i>form a Government</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord Stanley to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD STANLEY RESIGNS</span>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St James's Square</span>, <i>27th February 1851.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Four o'clock</i> <span class="sc">p.m.</span>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley, with his humble duty, awaits your Majesty's
+commands at what hour he may be honoured with an audience,
+to explain the grounds on which, with the deepest regret, he
+feels himself under the necessity of resigning the important
+trust with which your Majesty has honoured him.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir James Graham.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>27th February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sanctions Sir James Graham's making any statement
+to the House of Commons which he thinks necessary, to
+explain the part which he and Lord Aberdeen took in the late
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.306" id="pageii.306"></a>[page&nbsp;306]</span>
+Ministerial negotiations, and indeed hopes that these explanations
+will be as full as possible on all parts, in order that the
+country may fully appreciate the difficulties of the crisis.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD STANLEY'S REASONS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>27th February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley arrived at half-past five o'clock. We were
+struck by the change of his countenance, which had lost all the
+expression of care and anxiety which had marked it at the
+previous interviews.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He assured the Queen that he had been labouring incessantly
+since he had seen her last, but that he was sorry to say without
+any success.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE PAPAL BILL</span>
+
+<p class="ind">He had seen Mr Gladstone, who declined joining his Government
+on account of his previous pledges in Parliament respecting
+the Commercial Policy of Sir R. Peel, but evidently also on
+account of his peculiar views with respect to the Papal Aggression,
+which he did not seem disposed to look upon as in any way
+objectionable.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Canning had given him some hope at one time, but
+finally declined in order not to risk his credit for political consistency.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr H. Corry, whose opinions on Free Trade were by no means
+decided, and who had only filled a very subordinate situation
+in Sir R. Peel's Government, he had offered high office, but
+was refused, Mr Corry expressing his fears that the Government
+had no chance of standing against the opposition it would have
+to meet in the House of Commons.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Duke of Northumberland was the only person not properly
+belonging to the Protection Party who had accepted
+office (First Lord of the Admiralty). At one time Lord Ellenborough
+had accepted, but having been sent on a mission to
+Mr Goulburn in order to see whether he could convert him, he
+came home himself converted, and withdrew his acceptance
+again.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In this situation Lord Stanley called his friends together,
+and after some discussion concurred in their opinion that it
+was not possible for them to form such an Administration as
+ought to be offered to the Queen. Lord Stanley then qualified
+this expression again, and said that though he could have
+offered a very respectable Government if he had had a majority
+in the House of Commons, or the means of strengthening himself
+by an immediate Dissolution, he could not form such a one
+which could have withstood an adverse majority and such a
+formidable array of talent in the Opposition. He therefore
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.307" id="pageii.307"></a>[page&nbsp;307]</span>
+returned the trust which had been committed to him into the
+Queen's hands, expressing at the same time his deep sense of
+gratitude for the kindness with which she had treated him, the
+support and confidence she had given him, sorry only that it
+should have led to no result. He thought, however, that the
+prolongation of the crisis had not inconvenienced the public
+service, as Her Majesty's <i>present</i> Government were constitutionally
+enabled to carry on all necessary business.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen rejoined that she was very sorry that this attempt
+had also failed, that she had tried every possible combination,
+and still was without a Government. Lord Stanley answered
+as if he considered it natural that Lord John Russell's Government
+should now quietly proceed; but on the Queen's observation,
+that it was now necessary that all Parties should join in
+the support of some measures at least, and particularly the
+Papal Bill, he stated what he was prepared to support, and
+would have been prepared to propose had he taken office, viz.
+a fuller recital in the preamble of the Bill and no penal clause
+in the body of it. (The present Bill looked pettish and undignified,
+as if framed in anger as a return for the insult, and
+not a correction of the state of the law.) He thought the Law
+very complex and obscure, and never found it acted upon. He
+would have proposed therefore that Committees of both Houses
+should enquire into the whole subject; the state of the Convents;
+whether subjects were detained against their will;
+whether people were forced to bequeath their property to the
+Church on the deathbed, etc., etc.; he knew that the Roman
+Catholic laity felt severely the oppression which the Priests
+exercised over them, and would be willing to give evidence.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Stanley asked whether it could be of use if he were to
+state all this in his explanation to-day, which the Queen
+strongly affirmed. I added that I hoped he would explain
+what he was prepared to do on all the subjects in dispute&mdash;the
+Commercial and Financial Policy as well. He promised to do
+so, and entered into his views on the Income Tax, which he
+called a War Tax, which had been imposed for temporary
+purposes only in 1842, and ought to be taken off again when
+practicable in order to keep faith with the public; but if, as
+often as there was a surplus, this was immediately absorbed
+by remission of other burdens, this object could never be fulfilled.
+He would propose that by degrees, as surpluses arose, the
+Income Tax should be decreased, and so on to its final repeal.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I disputed with him for some time on the advantages of an
+Income Tax, but without coming to any result.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On his enquiry whether there was anything else the Queen
+might wish him to state&mdash;perhaps the rumour that he had
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.308" id="pageii.308"></a>[page&nbsp;308]</span>
+been refused the power of dissolving&mdash;we agreed that he should
+say the question had never been seriously entertained, but that
+the Queen had been ready to give him the same support and
+advantages which any other Government might have enjoyed.<sup>9</sup></p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 9: The Prince thereupon, at the Queen's request, communicated with Lord John Russell,
+and after recounting to him the various successive failures to form a Government, wrote
+that the Queen must "pause before she again entrusts the commission of forming an
+Administration to anybody, till she has been able to see the result of to-morrow evening's
+Debate." He added, "Do you see any Constitutional objection to this course?"
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Prince Albert to the Duke of Wellington.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>28th February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Duke</span>,&mdash;Lord Stanley has likewise resigned his
+task, not being able to gain over any of Sir R. Peel's friends,
+and being incapable of forming a Government out of his Party
+alone.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">So Lord John Russell has declared his inability to carry on
+the Government. Lord Stanley has then declared his inability
+to form one until every other combination should have
+failed. We have tried all possible combinations between
+Whigs and Peelites, and have not succeeded, and now Lord
+Stanley throws up the game a second time! The Queen
+would be happy to consult you and hear your advice in this
+dilemma. Possibly to-night's Debate may define the position
+of Parties more clearly, and give a clue to what may be best to
+be done under the circumstances. Ever yours, etc.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>28th February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,&mdash;The former Cabinet meet at eleven, at Lansdowne
+House.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It appears to me that the Queen might with advantage see
+Lord Lansdowne. He was in office with Mr Fox and Lord
+Grenville in 1806; he has been distinguished and respected in
+political life ever since; he is now desirous of retiring, and has
+therefore no personal object to gain. If the Queen approves,
+Lord Lansdowne might wait on Her Majesty soon after
+twelve o'clock. I have the honour to be, Sir, your Royal
+Highness's very dutiful Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">J. Russell</span>.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord Lansdowne.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD LANSDOWNE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>28th February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">It would be a great satisfaction to the Queen to hear Lord
+Lansdowne's advice in the present critical state of affairs,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.309" id="pageii.309"></a>[page&nbsp;309]</span>
+and she would be glad if he could come to her at twelve this
+morning. The Queen has sent to the Duke of Wellington in
+order to hear his opinion also; but he cannot be here before
+to-night, being at Strathfieldsaye.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Friday</span>, <i>28th February 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Lansdowne, who arrived at twelve o'clock, was asked
+by the Queen what advice he could offer her in the present complication.
+His answer was: "I wish indeed I had any good
+advice to offer to your Majesty." He expressed his delight
+at the Queen having sent for the Duke of Wellington. We
+talked generally of the state of affairs; he agreed in a remark
+of mine, that I thought the Queen should be entirely guided in
+her choice of the person to construct a Government, by the
+consideration which Party would now appear to be the strongest
+in the House of Commons. On my asking, however,
+whether he knew if, on the failure of Lord Stanley to form a
+Government, part of his followers would now give up Protection
+as past hope, and be prepared in future to support the
+Peelite section of the Conservative Party, Lord Lansdowne
+said he had heard nothing on the subject, nor could he give us
+more information on the chance of the Radicals and Irish
+members now being more willing to support Lord John Russell
+in future. He liked Lord Stanley's plan of dealing with the
+Papal Question, of which the Queen communicated to him the
+outlines, was afraid of Sir J. Graham's excessive leaning towards
+economy, shook his head at Lord John Russell's letter
+to the Bishop of Durham<sup>10</sup> which had been instrumental in
+bringing on the present crisis, and confessed that he had been
+amongst those in the Cabinet who had prevented the bringing
+forward of a measure of reform in the present Session. He
+offered to do whatever might be most conducive to the Queen's
+comfort&mdash;stay out of office, or come into office&mdash;as might be
+thought the most useful.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 10: See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.273" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 273</a> note 45.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">FURTHER DIFFICULTIES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>1st March 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I did not write to you yesterday,
+thinking I could perhaps give you some more positive news to-day,
+but I <i>cannot</i>. I am still without a Government, and I am
+still trying to hear and pause before I actually call to Lord
+John to undertake to form, or rather more to continue, the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.310" id="pageii.310"></a>[page&nbsp;310]</span>
+Government. We have passed an anxious, exciting week, and
+the difficulties are very peculiar; there are so many conflicting
+circumstances which render coalition between those
+who agree in almost everything, and in particular on <i>Free
+Trade</i>, impossible, but the "Papal Question" is the real and
+almost insuperable difficulty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Lansdowne is waiting to see me, and I must go, and
+with many thanks for your two kind letters, ever your devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD JOHN RUSSELL</span>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>2nd March 1851.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Sunday.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Lansdowne, who arrived after church, had seen Lord
+John Russell and discussed with him the Memorandum which
+we left with him yesterday. He had since drawn up a Memorandum
+himself which embodied his views, and which he had
+not yet communicated to any one. He was very apprehensive
+lest to begin a new Government with an open question would
+produce the greatest prejudice against it in the public; he
+was still inclined therefore to recommend the continuance of
+the present Government avowedly for the purpose of passing
+the Papal Bill, after which the Coalition might take place,
+which, however, should be agreed upon and settled at this
+time. As the Duke of Wellington has not yet sent his promised
+Memorandum, and Lord Lansdowne was anxious to
+hear his opinion, the Queen commissioned him to appoint Lord
+John Russell to come at three o'clock, and to go himself to the
+Duke of Wellington.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell, who arrived at the appointed time, and
+had not seen Lord Lansdowne's Memorandum yet, read it
+over, and expressed great misgivings about the execution of
+the proposal. He said he saw in fact, like Sir J. Graham,
+nothing but difficulties. He had ascertained that his Party
+by no means liked the idea of a fusion, and had been much
+relieved when the attempt to form a Coalition Ministry had
+failed. He was afraid that in the interval between their resuming
+office and giving it up again every possible surmise
+would be current who were the Ministers to be displaced, and
+every possible intrigue would spring up for and against particular
+members of the Cabinet. He would prefer not to make
+any arrangements for the Coalition now, but merely to engage
+to resign again after having carried the Papal Bill, when the
+Queen could try the Coalition, and that failing, could entrust
+Lord Aberdeen and Sir J. Graham with the carrying on of the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.311" id="pageii.311"></a>[page&nbsp;311]</span>
+Government, whose chief difficulty would then be removed.
+I objected to this&mdash;that his Party might feel justly aggrieved
+if after their having carried him through the difficulty of the
+Papal Measure, he were to throw them over and resign, and
+asked him whether his Cabinet would not repent in the meantime
+and wish to stay in.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He answered that it would be entirely in his and Lord
+Lansdowne's hands to carry out the proposed arrangements.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We asked him whether it would strengthen his hands if,
+instead of his only <i>accepting</i> the task of continuing the Government
+till the Papal Measure had been passed, the Queen were
+to make it a <i>condition</i> in <i>giving</i> him the Commission, that it
+should terminate then. He replied, "Certainly." He begged,
+however, to be understood not to have given a decided opinion
+that the plan of "the open Question" proposed in our Memorandum
+was not preferable, although he saw great objections
+to that also, particularly as Sir J. Graham had reserved the
+statement of his principal objections to the Papal Bill for the
+second reading. He promised to draw up a Memorandum,
+which he would bring to-morrow at twelve o'clock, after having
+consulted some of his colleagues, and begged that it might not
+be considered that he had accepted the Government till then.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">One of the difficulties which we likewise discussed was the
+position of the financial measures which required almost immediate
+attention, and still ought to be left open for the
+consideration of the future Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We agreed that the pressing on the Papal Measure was the
+chief point, and that it ought to be altered to meet the objections
+(as far as they are reasonable) of its opponents, strengthening
+the declaratory part, however, to please Lord Stanley;
+and the Queen promised to call upon Lord Stanley to give this
+so modified Bill the support of himself and his Party, which
+we thought she could in fairness claim after all that had
+happened.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen reiterated her objections to Lord Palmerston,
+and received the renewed promise that her wishes should be
+attended to.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">A COALITION IMPOSSIBLE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>3rd March 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell arrived at the hour appointed (twelve
+o'clock), and was sorry to inform the Queen that all hope of a
+Coalition must be given up. He had found that his Party was
+very much averse to it. On proposing to his former colleagues
+the plan of keeping Office now, and vacating it after the Aggression
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.312" id="pageii.312"></a>[page&nbsp;312]</span>
+Bill had passed, many of them, amongst which were Lord
+Grey, Sir Charles Wood, Sir Francis Baring, declared they
+would not be <i>warming-pans</i> (an expression used at the time of
+the Grey-Grenville Coalition), and would resign at once. The
+Duke of Wellington, whose opinion the Queen had asked, had
+recommended the return of the old Cabinet to power. He
+(Lord John) could therefore only advise that course, although
+he was conscious that it would be a very weak Government,
+and one not likely to last any length of time.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He then read the Memorandum which he had drawn up and
+which follows here.<sup>11</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen now asked whether Lord John proposed a
+modification of his own Cabinet, to which Lord John replied,
+None, except perhaps an exchange of Office between Sir C.
+Wood and Sir F. Baring, if Sir Charles were to refuse bringing
+in a different budget from the one he had already propounded;
+he was for maintaining the Income Tax, whilst Sir Francis was
+for repealing it by degrees. The Queen then reminded Lord
+John of her objections to Lord Palmerston, and his promise
+that Lord Palmerston should not again be thrust upon her as
+Foreign Secretary. Lord John admitted to the promise, but
+said he could not think for a moment of resuming office and
+either expel Lord Palmerston or quarrel with him. He (Lord
+John) was in fact the weakness and Lord Palmerston the
+strength of the Government from his popularity with the
+Radicals.... He said he was very anxious that he and Lord
+Lansdowne should bear the responsibility of removing Lord
+Palmerston from the Foreign Office and not the Queen; her
+refusal now could only go to the country as a personal objection
+on her part, and the country would be left without a Government
+in consequence. On the Queen's reiterating that she
+wanted to keep Lord John and get rid of Lord Palmerston, and
+that it was too painful to her to be put into the situation of
+having actually to <i>wish</i> the fall of her own Government, Lord
+John promised to move Lord Palmerston in the Easter recess,
+or to resign then himself if he should meet with difficulties;
+in the meantime he must apprise Lord Palmerston of this
+intention, which he could explain to him as a wish to make a
+general modification of his Government. He would offer him
+the Lieutenancy of Ireland or the Presidency or lead in the
+House of Lords, which Lord Lansdowne would be ready to
+resign. He might at that period perhaps get some of the
+Radicals into office or some Peelites. The Queen finally entrusted
+Lord John with the Government on these conditions.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 11: <i>See</i> next page.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.313" id="pageii.313"></a>[page&nbsp;313]</span>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S ADVICE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>3rd March 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Her Majesty having tried in vain the formation of a Government&mdash;first,
+by Lord Stanley; second, by Lord John Russell,
+Lord Aberdeen, and Sir James Graham; third, by Lord
+Aberdeen; fourth, by Lord Stanley a second time&mdash;had recourse
+to the advice and opinion of the Duke of Wellington.
+The Duke, admitting the great qualifications for office of the
+adherents of the late Sir Robert Peel, yet advises the Queen to
+restore her former Ministers to office.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But supposing Her Majesty to follow that advice, a further
+question naturally arises: the late Government having fallen
+from want of Parliamentary support, can they upon their
+return be in any way strengthened, and be enabled to carry
+on the public business with more power and efficiency?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This might be done in three ways: first, by a Coalition
+sooner or later with the Peel Party; secondly, by admitting to
+office some of their own Radical supporters; thirdly, by seeking
+aid from the Party which has followed Lord Stanley.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The first of these courses appears the most natural. The
+present Ministers are agreed with the adherents of Sir Robert
+Peel on Free Trade, and on the policy which has regulated our
+finances of late years. The difference between them is of a
+temporary nature. But it may be doubted whether any strength
+would be gained by an immediate junction with that Party.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ECCLESIASTICAL TITLES BILL</span>
+
+<p class="ind">If such junction took place now, the Ministers coming in
+must oppose their colleagues on the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill&mdash;an
+unseemly spectacle, a source of weakness, and probably the
+beginning of strife, which would not end with the Bill in
+question.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">If, on the other hand, the junction were delayed till the
+Ecclesiastical Titles Bill is disposed of, the existing Ministry
+would be divided into two portions, one of which would have
+only a temporary tenure of office. Rumours, cabals, and intrigues
+would have ample room to spread their mischief in such
+a state of things.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But finally the Whig Party in the House of Commons would
+not be cordial supporters of the junction; jealousy and discontent
+would soon break up the Ministry.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Secondly, by admitting to office some of their Radical supporters.
+This course must lead to concessions on measures
+as well as men, and those concessions would provoke hostility
+in other quarters. The great question of the defence of the
+country is besides one of too great importance to be made a
+matter of compromise.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.314" id="pageii.314"></a>[page&nbsp;314]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Third, by seeking aid from the Party which has followed
+Lord Stanley. This cannot be done by means of official connection;
+but something might be effected by adopting measures
+calculated to convince the Landed Interest that their
+sufferings were not disregarded.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Upon the whole, if the late Ministers are invited by your
+Majesty to resume office, the easiest course would be to proceed
+at once with the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill. That question disposed
+of, it would be seen whether the Ministry had sufficient
+strength to go on; if they had, they might, as occasion arose,
+seek assistance from other quarters, looking to those with
+whom there is the greatest agreement of opinion.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Should the Ministry, on the other hand, not receive Parliamentary
+support sufficient to enable them to carry on the
+Government, the Queen would be in a position to form a new
+Government free from the obstacles which have lately been
+fatal.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>4th March 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... The Queen was in hopes to have heard from Lord John
+Russell this morning relative to what passed in the House of
+Commons last night. She wishes likewise to hear what takes
+place at the meeting of Lord John's supporters to-day. The
+Queen must ask Lord John to keep her constantly informed of
+what is going on, and of the temper of parties in and out of
+Parliament; for no one <i>can</i> deny that the present state of
+affairs is most critical; and after all that has happened it is
+absolutely necessary that the Queen should not be in a state of
+uncertainty, not to say of ignorance, as to what is passing.
+She can else not form a just opinion of the position of affairs.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>4th March 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Pray receive my warmest thanks for
+two kind letters of the 28th, and my excuses for the terribly
+incoherent scrawl of last Saturday. The <i>d&eacute;nouement</i> of ten
+days of the greatest anxiety and excitement I cannot call satisfactory,
+for it holds out only the prospect of another crisis in
+a very short time, and the so much wished-for union of Parties
+has been again frustrated. I have been speaking <i>very strongly</i>
+about Lord Palmerston to Lord John, and he has <i>promised</i> that
+if the Government should still be in at Easter, then to make a
+change.... Lord Stanley can never succeed <i>until</i> he gives
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.315" id="pageii.315"></a>[page&nbsp;315]</span>
+up Protection, which he would do, if the country decides
+against him;<sup>12</sup> he has failed solely from the <i>impossibility</i> of
+finding <i>one</i> single man capable to take the important Offices.
+He said last night to Lord John Russell, "I am <i>l'homme impossible</i>;
+they cannot come to me again." Still it would be
+very desirable that there should be a strong Conservative
+Party; nothing but the abandonment of Protection can bring
+this to pass, and Lord Stanley cannot abandon it with honour
+till <i>after</i> the <i>next Election</i>. This is the state of Parties, which
+is greatly <i>erschwert</i> by the Papal Question, which divides the
+Liberals and Conservatives. In short, there <i>never</i> was <i>such</i> a
+<i>complicated</i> and difficult state of affairs. Ever your devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Stockmar has been an immense comfort to us in our trials,
+and I hope you will tell him so.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 12: The Queen's judgment was amply confirmed by the events of 1852. See <i>post</i>, <a href="#pageii.404" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 404</a>
+note 50.
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Queen.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE NATIONAL GALLERY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>5th March 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen would give every facility to the selection of a
+good site for a new National Gallery, and would therefore not
+object to its being built on to Kensington Palace or anywhere
+in Kensington Gardens; but does not see why it should exactly
+be placed upon the site of the present Palace, if not for the
+purpose of taking from the Crown the last available set of
+apartments. She is not disposed to trust in the disposition of
+Parliament or the public to give her an equivalent for these
+apartments from time to time when emergencies arise. The
+surrender of Kensington Palace will most likely not be thanked
+for at the moment, and any new demand in consequence of
+such surrender would be met with lavish abuse. As to economy
+in the construction, it will most likely be best consulted
+by building on a spot perfectly free and unencumbered.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>14th March 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,&mdash;I cannot undertake to make any change in the Foreign
+Office. Our Party is hardly reunited, and any break into
+sections, following one man or the other, would be fatal to us.
+I need not say that the Queen would suffer if it were attributed
+to her desire, and that as I have no difference of opinion on
+Foreign Policy, that could not fail to be the case.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.316" id="pageii.316"></a>[page&nbsp;316]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Upon the whole, the situation of affairs is most perplexing.
+A Dissolution I fear would not improve it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I can only say that my Office is at all times at the Queen's
+disposal.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have the honour to be, Sir, your Royal Highness's most
+dutiful Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">J. Russell</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir George Grey.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>30th March 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen approves of the draft of a letter to the Archbishop
+of Canterbury. With respect to the Archbishop's letter and
+the address, the Queen will receive it in the Closet. It seems
+strange to propose as a remedy for the present evils in the
+Church, and for its evident great disunion, <i>600</i> more churches
+to be built! There ought clearly to be some security given
+to those who are to encourage such a scheme against the
+extension of those evils.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE GREAT EXHIBITION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge</span>, <i>19th April 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,&mdash;Lord Granville came here yesterday to speak to me
+upon the order for opening the Exhibition at one o'clock on
+the 1st of May. He is anxious to have the order changed, and
+the season-ticket bearers admitted at eleven o'clock.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I did not give him any positive opinion on the subject. But
+the account he gave me of the route which the Queen will
+follow in going to the Exhibition takes away the main objection
+which I felt to the admission of visitors before one o'clock.
+It appears there cannot well be any interruption to Her
+Majesty's progress to and from the Crystal Palace on the 1st
+of May.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I conclude that Her Majesty will not go in the State Coach,
+but in the same manner that Her Majesty goes in state to
+the theatres....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I feel assured there will be no undue and inconvenient
+pressure of the crowd in the part of the building in which Her
+Majesty may be. Colonel Wemyss and Colonel Bouverie
+might easily be in attendance to request the visitors not to
+crowd where the Queen is. At the same time, I am ready to
+abide by the existing order, if Her Majesty wishes it to be
+enforced.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have the honour to submit two private letters sent by
+Lord Palmerston. I have the honour to be, Sir, your Royal
+Highness's most dutiful Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">J. Russell</span>.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.317" id="pageii.317"></a>[page&nbsp;317]</span>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Duchess of Gloucester to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE OPENING CEREMONY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Gloucester House</span>, <i>2nd May 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;It is impossible to tell you how
+warmly I do participate in all you must have felt yesterday,
+as well as dear Albert, at everything having gone off so beautifully.
+After so much anxiety and the trouble he has had,
+the joy <i>must</i> be the greater.<sup>13</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The sight from my window was the gayest and the most
+gratifying to witness, and to me who loves you so dearly as <i>I
+do</i>, made it the more delightful. The good humour of all
+around, the fineness of the day, the manner you were received
+in both going and coming from the Exhibition, was quite
+perfect. Therefore what must it have been in the inside of
+the building!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mary and George came away in perfect <i>enchantment</i>, and
+every soul I have seen describes it as the fairest sight that
+ever was seen and the best-conducted <i>f&ecirc;te!</i> Why, G. Bathurst
+told me it far surpassed the <i>Coronation</i> as to magnificence,
+and we all agreed in rejoicing that the <i>Foreigners should</i> have
+witnessed the affection of the <i>People</i> to <i>you</i> and <i>your
+Family</i>,
+and how the <i>English people</i> do <i>love</i> and respect the <i>Crown</i>.
+As to Mary, she was in <i>perfect enchantment</i>, and full of how
+pretty your dear little Victoria looked, and how nicely she was
+dressed, and so grateful to your Mother for all her kindness
+to her. I should have written to you last night, but I thought
+I would not plague you with a letter until to-day, as I think
+you must have been tired last night with the <i>excitement</i> of the
+day. I shall ever lament the having missed such a sight, but
+I comfort myself in feeling sure I could not have followed you
+(as I ought) when you walked round. Therefore I was <i>better</i>
+out of the way. We drank your health at dinner and <i>congratulation</i>
+on the <i>complete success</i> of <i>Albert's plans</i> and <i>arrangements</i>,
+and also dear little Arthur's health. Many thanks
+for kind note received last night. Love to Albert. Yours,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Mary</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 13: The Great Exhibition in Hyde Park was opened with brilliant ceremony on the 1st
+of May.
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE GREAT EXHIBITION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>3rd May 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;... I wish you <i>could</i> have witnessed
+the <i>1st May 1851</i>, the <i>greatest</i> day in our history, the <i>most
+beautiful</i> and <i>imposing</i> and <i>touching</i> spectacle ever seen, and
+the triumph of my beloved Albert. Truly it was astonishing,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.318" id="pageii.318"></a>[page&nbsp;318]</span>
+a fairy scene. Many cried, and all felt touched and impressed
+with devotional feelings. It was the <i>happiest</i>, <i>proudest</i> day
+in my life, and I can think of nothing else. Albert's dearest
+name is immortalised with this <i>great</i> conception, <i>his</i> own, and
+my <i>own</i> dear country <i>showed</i> she was <i>worthy</i> of it. The
+triumph is <i>immense</i>, for up to the <i>last hour</i> the difficulties, the
+opposition, and the ill-natured attempts to annoy and frighten,
+of a certain set of fashionables and Protectionists, were immense;
+but Albert's temper, patience, firmness, and energy
+surmounted all, and the feeling is universal. <i>You</i> will be
+astounded at this great work when you see it!&mdash;the beauty
+of the building and the vastness of it all. I can never thank
+God enough. I feel <i>so</i> happy, so proud. Our dear guests
+were much pleased and impressed. You are right to like the
+dear Princess, for she is a noble-minded, warm-hearted, distinguished
+person, much attached to you, and who revered
+dearest Louise. Oh! <i>how</i> I thought of <i>her</i> on that great day,
+how kindly she would have rejoiced in our success! Now
+good-bye, dearest Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Emperor of Austria.</i><sup>14</sup></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Palais de Buckingham</span>, <i>5 Mai 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sire et mon bon Fr&egrave;re</span>,&mdash;C'est avec un vif empressement
+que je viens remercier votre Majest&eacute; Imp&eacute;riale des superbes
+objets de l'industrie et des arts de votre Empire, que vous
+avez eu l'extr&ecirc;me bont&eacute; de m'envoyer et qui me seront bien
+pr&eacute;cieux &agrave; plus d'un titre d'abord comme venant de votre
+Majest&eacute;, et puis &agrave; cause de leur grande beaut&eacute; et comme un
+souvenir &agrave; une &eacute;poque o&ugrave; il a plu au Tout-Puissant de permettre
+une r&eacute;union pacifique de tous les peuples du monde et
+de leurs produits.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">La c&eacute;r&eacute;monie de l'inauguration de l'Exposition a fait une
+profonde impression sur mon c&oelig;ur et je regrette d'avoir &eacute;t&eacute;
+le seul Souverain qui ait pu jouir de cette sc&egrave;ne &agrave; la fois imposante
+et parlant au c&oelig;ur. Nous avons d&eacute;j&agrave; fait plusieurs
+visites au d&eacute;partement Autrichien et le Prince et moi avons
+eu occasion d'admirer beaucoup les produits qui nous sont
+venus de vos &Eacute;tats. Puisse leur exposition contribuer &agrave; la
+prosp&eacute;rit&eacute; du commerce de l'Empire Autrichien.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Agr&eacute;ez l'expression de ma sinc&egrave;re amiti&eacute;, qui j'esp&egrave;re pourra
+un jour &ecirc;tre ciment&eacute;e par la connaissance personnelle de votre
+Majest&eacute;, et croyez-moi toujours, Sire, de votre Majest&eacute; Imp&eacute;riale,
+la bonne S&oelig;ur,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 14: Francis Joseph, who became Emperor in December 1848.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.319" id="pageii.319"></a>[page&nbsp;319]</span>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">DEATH OF MR SHEIL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>2nd June 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen will see the Judge Advocate on Saturday at
+three.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The place of the late Mr Mill is already filled up.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Sheil's death is very sudden, and must be a great shock
+to his family....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We go to Windsor this afternoon to stay till Friday. We
+hope that Lord John Russell's little girl is going on quite well.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has had good accounts from the dear Princess
+of Prussia from Coblentz. Her letter is full of England, her
+great happiness here, and her great sorrow at having left it.
+The Princes have expressed the same, so this dangerous
+journey has gone off without <i>one</i> single unpleasant circumstance,
+which is very gratifying.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Prince and Prince Frederic are gone to Berlin, where
+the statue of Frederic the Great was to be inaugurated yesterday.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>18th June 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns the papers signed. We are both much
+pleased at what Lord John Russell says about the Prince's
+speech yesterday.<sup>15</sup> It was on so ticklish a subject that one
+could not feel sure beforehand how it might be taken; at the
+same time the Queen felt sure that the Prince would say the
+right thing, from her entire confidence in his great tact and
+judgment.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen, at the risk of not appearing sufficiently modest
+(and yet, why should a wife ever be modest about her husband's
+merits?), must say that she thinks Lord John Russell
+will admit now that the Prince is possessed of very extraordinary
+powers of mind and heart. She feels so proud at
+being his wife that she cannot refrain from herself paying a
+tribute to his noble character.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 15: The Prince presided at the meeting commemorative of the one hundred and fifty
+years' existence of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. His speech was warmly
+praised by the Premier.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>10th July 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen hastens to tell Lord John Russell how amiably
+everything went off last [night], and how enthusiastically we
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.320" id="pageii.320"></a>[page&nbsp;320]</span>
+were received by an almost <i>fearful</i> mass of people in the
+streets;<sup>16</sup> the greatest order prevailed, and the greatest and
+most gratifying enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Not being aware whether Sir George Grey is equal to any
+business, the Queen writes to Lord John to direct that a
+proper letter be written without delay to the Lord Mayor,
+expressing not only the Queen's and Prince's thanks for the
+splendid entertainment at the Guildhall, but also our high
+gratification at the hearty, kind, and enthusiastic reception
+we met with during our progress through the City, both
+going and returning. Our only anxiety is lest any accident
+should have occurred from the great pressure of the dense
+crowds.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen would likewise wish to know what distinction
+should be conferred in honour of the occasion on the Lord
+Mayor.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 16: A ball in commemoration of the Exhibition took place at the Guildhall on the 9th of
+July.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>15th July 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter. She
+has no objection on this particular occasion to knight the two
+Sheriffs, this year being so memorable a one.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But the Queen would wish it clearly to be <i>understood</i> that
+they have no right or claim to be knighted whenever the
+Queen goes into the City.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On the occasion of the opening of the Royal Exchange the
+Sheriffs were not knighted....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We regret to hear of Lord John's continued indisposition.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE DANISH SUCCESSION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>25th August 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen wishes to draw Lord John Russell's attention
+to the enclosed draft, which she does not think can go in its
+present shape. We argued in innumerable despatches that
+the <i>choice of the successor</i> to the Danish Crown was entirely
+an internal question for Denmark, in which foreign Powers
+could not interfere. Here, however, it is laid down that the
+German Diet has no right to treat the succession in Holstein
+(a German State) as an <i>internal</i> question, as it ought to be
+decided on&mdash;not according to the <i>German law of succession</i>,
+but according to the interests of Europe. Nor is it true, as
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.321" id="pageii.321"></a>[page&nbsp;321]</span>
+stated in the despatch, that the Duke of Augustenburg has
+<i>no</i> claim to the Danish Crown. His mother was the daughter
+of Christian VII. and of Queen Matilda.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN IN SCOTLAND</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral Castle</span>, <i>16th September 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Accept my best thanks for your kind
+and dear letter of the 8th. It is a good thing for Leo to begin
+to follow in your footsteps, but (if I may speak out plainly), I
+think that anything like <i>fonctions</i> and <i>repr&eacute;sentation</i> is agreeable
+and <i>not</i> difficult to Leo. It is the common contact with
+his fellow-creatures, the being put on a par with him, the
+being brought to feel that he is as much <i>one</i> of them as any
+other, in spite of his birth, which I think of such great importance
+for him, and I therefore hope you will send him to <i>Bonn</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">My letter is terribly <i>d&eacute;cousu</i>, for it has been twice interrupted.
+I was out the whole day with Albert, in the forest in a perfectly
+tropical heat. Since we went to Allt-na-Giuthasach, our little
+bothy near Loch Muich on the 12th, the heat of the sun has
+been daily increasing, and has reached a pitch which makes
+it almost sickening to be out in it, though it is beautiful to
+behold. The sky these last two evenings has been like an
+Italian one, and for the last few days&mdash;at least the last four&mdash;without
+the slightest particle of cloud, and the sun blazing.
+With this, not a breath of air. The mountains look quite
+crimson and lilac, and everything glows with the setting sun.
+The evenings are quite a <i>relief</i>. Really one cannot undertake
+expeditions, the heat is so great. We thought of you, and
+wished you could be here; you would fancy yourself in Italy.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert got a splendid stag to-day. I must hastily conclude,
+hoping to hear from you that you <i>will come</i>. Our moonlights
+have been magnificent also. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral Castle</span>, <i>22nd September 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I write to you on purpose on this
+large paper in order that you may see and admire it. Landseer
+did it also on purpose, and I think it is even finer than the
+other. It is so truly the character of the noble animal.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">That abuse of the poor Orleans family in our papers is
+abominable, and Lord John is equally shocked at it, but
+won't interfere. Don't you think Joinville should not have
+left it open for him to accept it, for it is <i>impossible</i> for <i>him</i> to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.322" id="pageii.322"></a>[page&nbsp;322]</span>
+be <i>President</i> of the French Republic? Still, I feel convinced
+that he and they <i>all</i> do what they think best for <i>France</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Shiel of Allt-na-Giuthasach</span>, <i>30th September 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I write to you from our little bothy
+in the hills, which is quite a wilderness&mdash;where we arrived
+yesterday evening after a long hill expedition to the Lake of
+Loch Nagar, which is one of the wildest spots imaginable. It
+was very cold. To-day it pours so that I hardly know if we
+shall be able to get out, or home even. We are not <i>snowed</i>,
+but <i>rained up</i>. Our little Shiel is very snug and comfortable,
+and we have got a little piano in it. Lady Douro is with us.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Many thanks for your kind letter of the 22nd. Our warm,
+fine weather left us on the 25th, and we have had storm and
+snow in the mountains ever since then.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The position of Princes is no doubt difficult in these times,
+but it would be much less so if they would behave honourably
+and straightforwardly, giving the people gradually those
+privileges which would satisfy all the reasonable and well-intentioned,
+and would weaken the power of the Red Republicans;
+instead of that, <i>reaction</i> and a return to all the tyranny
+and oppression is the cry and the principle&mdash;and all papers
+and books are being seized and prohibited, as in the days of
+Metternich!...</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Vicky was kicked off her pony&mdash;a quiet beast&mdash;but not the
+least hurt; this is more than three weeks ago. Alfred (whom
+you will recollect I told you was so terribly heedless and
+entirely indifferent to all punishment, etc.) tumbled downstairs
+last week. He was not seriously hurt at all, and quite
+well the next morning, only with a terribly black, green, and
+yellow face and very much swelled. He might have been
+killed; he is always bent upon self-destruction, and one hardly
+knows what to do, for he don't mind being hurt or scolded or
+punished; and the very next morning he tried to go down the
+stairs leaning over the banisters just as he had done when he
+fell.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Alas! this will be my last letter but one from the dear
+Highlands. We start on the 7th, visiting Liverpool and Manchester
+on our way back, and expect to be at Windsor on the
+11th.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.323" id="pageii.323"></a>[page&nbsp;323]</span>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE HIGHLANDS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral Castle</span>, <i>6th October 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Only two words can I write to you,
+as we are to start to-morrow morning. My heart is <i>bien gros</i>
+at going from here.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I love my peaceful, wild Highlands, the glorious scenery,
+the dear good people who are much attached to us, and who
+feel their <i>Einsamkeit</i> sadly, very much. One of our Gillies, a
+young Highlander who generally went out with me, said,
+in answer to my observation that they must be very dull here
+when we left: "It's just like death come all at once." In
+addition to my sorrow at leaving this dear place, I am in great
+sorrow at the loss of a dear and faithful, excellent friend, whom
+you will sincerely lament&mdash;our good Lord Liverpool. He was
+well and in the highest spirits with us only six weeks ago, and
+in three days he was carried away. I cannot tell you <i>how</i> it
+has upset me; I have known him so long, and he was such an
+intimate friend of ours. We received the news yesterday.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Many thanks for your kind letter of the 29th. I am glad all
+went off so well, but it must have been dreadful to miss dearest
+Louise. This time reminds me so much of all our sorrow last
+year on her dear account.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>13th October 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns Lord Howden's letter, and thinks that
+the best answer to the Queen of Spain's request will be that
+the Statutes do not allow the Garter to be bestowed upon a
+lady; that the Queen herself possesses no order of knighthood
+from any country.<sup>17</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">With reference to the claim for the King arising out of the
+Prince having received the Fleece, it may be well to say that
+the offer of the Fleece had in the first instance been declined
+for fear of establishing a ground for the necessity of giving the
+Garter in return, and was at its second offer accepted by the
+Prince, together with the first orders of almost every country,
+on the understanding that no return would be expected. It would
+have been impossible to give the Garter to every
+Sovereign, and very difficult to make a selection. The Queen
+of Spain ought to be made aware of the fact that among the
+reigning Sovereigns, the Emperors of Austria and Brazil, and
+the Kings of Sweden, Denmark, Bavaria, Holland, Sardinia,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.324" id="pageii.324"></a>[page&nbsp;324]</span>
+Naples, Greece, etc., etc., have not got the Garter, although
+many of them have expressed a wish for it, and that amongst
+the Kings Consort, the King of Portugal, the Queen's first
+cousin, has not received it yet, although the Queen has long
+been anxious to give it to him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Anything short of these explanations might offend, or leave
+the claim open to be repeated from time to time.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 17: The Queen of Spain had expressed a desire through Lord Howden to receive the
+Order of the Garter.
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">EXTENSION OF THE FRANCHISE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>14th October 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Carlisle, Lord Minto, and Sir Charles Wood are appointed
+a Committee to consider of the extension of the
+Suffrage. They meet to-morrow. Lord John Russell expects
+to see Mr Peel to-morrow. It is proposed that Parliament
+should meet on the 3rd or 5th of February....</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>14th October 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen does not consider the Committee appointed to
+consider the extension of the Franchise a very strong one.
+Will Lord Carlisle be up to the peculiar business?</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i><sup>18</sup></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">KOSSUTH IN ENGLAND</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>29th October 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen concludes Lord John Russell has read the accounts
+of Kossuth's arrival in to-day's papers.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">She wishes Lord John could still try to prevent Lord Palmerston
+from receiving him. The effect it will have abroad will
+do us immense harm. At all events, Lord John should take
+care to have it understood that the Government have not
+sanctioned it, and that it is a private act of Lord Palmerston's.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen will else have again to submit to insults and
+affronts, which are the result of Lord Palmerston's conduct.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 18: Substance of the note to Lord John Russell, written down from recollection.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>24th October 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and is sorry to say he can interfere no further with respect to
+Lord Palmerston's reception of Kossuth.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With respect to the manner of the reception, however, he
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.325" id="pageii.325"></a>[page&nbsp;325]</span>
+will write to Lord Palmerston to desire him to take care that
+nothing is said which goes beyond the strict expression of
+thanks for the efforts made by the British Government to
+procure first the safety, and next the liberty, of Kossuth.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As for the reception, it is to be considered that Kossuth is
+considered the representative of English institutions against
+despotism.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">If this were so the public feeling would be laudable.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge,</span> <i>31st October 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty;
+he has the honour to submit to your Majesty a correspondence<sup>19</sup>
+which has taken place between Lord Palmerston and himself.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">After Lord Palmerston's answer, Lord John Russell can
+have but little hope that Lord Palmerston will not see M.
+Kossuth. Lord John Russell cannot separate the private from
+the public man in this instance; the reception of Kossuth, if it
+takes place, will be a reception by your Majesty's Secretary of
+State for Foreign Affairs. Whether that reception is to take
+place in Downing Street or Carlton Terrace does not appear
+to him material.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell would, as a last resource, humbly advise
+your Majesty to command Lord Palmerston not to receive
+M. Kossuth.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It appears to him that your Majesty owes this mark of
+respect to your Majesty's ally, and generally to all States at
+peace with this country.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell has no other copy of this letter to Lord
+Palmerston.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 19: Lord Palmerston wished to receive Kossuth at the Foreign Office. In the correspondence
+here referred to, which will be found in Russell's <i>Life</i>, the Premier "positively
+requested" Lord Palmerston to decline to receive Kossuth. The rejoinder, written while
+the messenger waited, was: "There are limits to all things. I do not choose to be dictated
+to as to who I may or may not receive in my own house.... I shall use my own discretion....
+You will, of course, use yours as to the composition of your Government."
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">KOSSUTH AND PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>31st October 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter, and
+returns the enclosures. She likewise sends him her letter
+to Lord Palmerston, which she begs him to send on, merely
+changing the label. She must tell Lord John, however, that
+although <i>he</i> may go on with a <i>colleague</i>, even after having
+received an answer like the one Lord Palmerston has returned
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.326" id="pageii.326"></a>[page&nbsp;326]</span>
+to the many entreaties not to compromise the Government
+by his personal act, the Queen cannot expose herself to having
+her positive commands disobeyed by one of her public servants,
+and that should Lord Palmerston persist in his intention he
+cannot continue as her Minister. She refrains from any expression
+upon Lord Palmerston's conduct in this matter, as
+Lord John is well aware of her feelings.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i><sup>20</sup></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>31st October 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen mentioned to Lord Palmerston when he was last
+here at Windsor Castle that she thought it would not be
+advisable that he should receive M. Kossuth upon his arrival
+in England, as being wholly unnecessary, and likely to be
+misconstrued abroad. Since M. Kossuth's arrival in this
+country, and his violent denunciations of two Sovereigns with
+whom we are at peace, the Queen thinks that she owes it as a
+mark of respect to her Allies, and generally to all States at
+peace with this country, not to allow that a person endeavouring
+to excite a political agitation in this country against her
+Allies should be received by her Secretary of State for Foreign
+Affairs. Whether such a reception should take place at his
+official or private residence can make no difference as to the
+public nature of the act. The Queen must therefore demand
+that the reception of M. Kossuth by Lord Palmerston should
+not take place.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 20: Draft sent to Lord John Russell.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge</span>, <i>31st October 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+Since writing to your Majesty this morning it has occurred to
+him that it will be best that your Majesty should not give any
+commands to Lord Palmerston on his sole advice.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With this view he has summoned the Cabinet for Monday,
+and he humbly proposes that your Majesty should await their
+advice.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON AND THE QUEEN</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>31st October 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter.
+She thinks it natural that Lord John should wish to bring a
+matter which may cause a rupture in the Government before
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.327" id="pageii.327"></a>[page&nbsp;327]</span>
+the Cabinet, but thinks his having summoned the Cabinet only
+for Monday will leave Lord Palmerston at liberty in the intermediate
+time to have his reception of Kossuth, and then rest
+on his <i>fait accompli</i>. Unless, therefore, Lord John Russell can
+bind him over to good conduct, all the mischief which is apprehended
+from this step of his will result; and he will have,
+moreover, the triumph of having carried his point, and having
+set the Prime Minister at defiance....</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge,</span> <i>1st November 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty;
+he is deeply sensible of your Majesty's kindness and indulgence.
+He feels that he is at times overwhelmed by the importance
+and variety of the questions of which the principal weight lies
+upon him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He now lays before your Majesty a copy of the letter he has
+written to Lord Palmerston.<sup>21</sup> With a grateful sense of your
+Majesty's confidence, he is now of opinion that the Cabinet
+should decide, and that no part of the burden should be placed
+upon your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He therefore returns the letter to Lord Palmerston.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He summoned the Cabinet for Monday, as so many members
+of it are at a distance. He does not think Lord Palmerston
+will come to town before Monday.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 21: The letter is printed in Lord Palmerston's <i>Life</i>. The Premier stated that the question,
+being one of grave public importance, must be decided by argument, not passion, and would
+be considered by the Cabinet on the following Monday. <i>See</i> Walpole's <i>Russell</i>, chap. xxii.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle,</span> <i>1st November 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has to acknowledge Lord John Russell's letter
+of this day, and returns the copy of his to Lord Palmerston.
+She feels that she has the right and the duty to demand that
+one of her Ministers should not by his private acts, compromise
+her and the country, and therefore omitted in her letter to Lord
+Palmerston all reference to Lord John Russell's opinion; but
+she of course much prefers that she should be protected from
+the wilful indiscretions of Lord Palmerston by the attention
+of the Cabinet being drawn to his proceedings without her
+personal intervention.<sup>22</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 22: The Cabinet met, and having listened to the statement of the Premier, which is
+printed in his <i>Life</i>, unanimously supported him. Lord Palmerston accordingly gave
+way for the time being. Lord John informed the Queen of the result.
+</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.328" id="pageii.328"></a>[page&nbsp;328]</span>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle,</span> <i>3rd November 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter.
+She is very glad to hear that this matter has been amicably
+arranged, and she trusts that Lord Palmerston will act according
+to his promises.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle,</span> <i>11th November 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sends this draft to Lord John Russell, as she
+thinks the tone in which it is written so very ironical, and not
+altogether becoming for a public despatch from the English
+Secretary for Foreign Affairs, to be given to the Minister of
+another State. The substance is quite right, and a dignified
+explanation of the absurdity of the conduct of the Parma
+officials would very likely produce its effect, but some expressions
+in this draft could only tend to irritate, and therefore
+prevent that readiness to comply with our demand, which is
+to be produced.<sup>23</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 23: Before ten days had elapsed, Lord Palmerston had resumed his high-handed methods.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle,</span> <i>20th November 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen must write to-day to Lord John Russell on a
+subject which causes her much anxiety. Her feelings have
+again been deeply wounded by the official conduct of her
+Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs since the arrival of M.
+Kossuth in this country. The Queen feels the best interests
+of her people, the honour and dignity of her Crown, her public
+and personal obligations towards those Sovereigns with whom
+she <i>professes</i> to be on terms of peace and amity, most unjustifiably
+exposed. The Queen has unfortunately very often
+had to call upon Lord John to check his colleague in the
+dangerous and unbecoming course which at various times he
+has so wilfully persevered in pursuing. But Lord John Russell,
+although agreeing on most of these occasions with the view
+taken by the Queen, has invariably met her remonstrances
+with the plea that to push his interference with Lord Palmerston
+beyond what he had done would lead to a rupture with
+him, and thus necessarily to a breaking up of the Cabinet.
+The Queen, considering a change of her Government under
+present political circumstances dangerous to the true interests
+of the nation, had only to choose between two evils, without
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.329" id="pageii.329"></a>[page&nbsp;329]</span>
+possessing sufficient confidence in her own judgment to decide
+which in its political consequences would turn out the least.
+But if in such a contingency the Queen chooses rather not to
+insist upon what is due to her, she thinks it indispensable at the
+same time to express to her Cabinet that she does so on their
+account, leaving it to them to reconcile the injuries done to her
+with that sound policy and conduct which the maintenance of
+peace and the welfare of the country require. These remarks
+seem to be especially called for after the report of the official
+interview between Lord Palmerston and the deputation from
+Finsbury,<sup>24</sup> and the Queen requests Lord John Russell to bring
+them under the notice of the Cabinet.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 24: After Kossuth's departure, addresses of thanks to Lord Palmerston, for his courteous
+attentions to Kossuth, were voted by ultra-Radical meetings in Finsbury and Islington,
+and he allowed a deputation to present the addresses to him at the Foreign Office, the
+Emperors of Austria and Russia being stigmatised therein as "odious and detestable
+assassins" and "merciless tyrants and despots." Palmerston, who expressed himself as
+"extremely flattered and highly gratified" by the references to himself, did not in terms
+reprehend the language used of the two Sovereigns, and added, in a phrase immortalised
+by Leech's cartoon, that "a good deal of judicious bottle-holding was obliged to be brought
+into play."
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON'S FOREIGN POLICY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge,</span> <i>21st November 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+He had the honour of receiving last night your Majesty's communication
+respecting Lord Palmerston.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presumes that it is the substance of this
+communication which your Majesty wishes to be laid before the
+Cabinet.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But before doing so he cannot refrain from mentioning some
+circumstances which appear to him to weigh materially in the
+consideration of Lord Palmerston's conduct.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In many instances Lord Palmerston has yielded to the
+remonstrances of Lord John Russell, supported as they have
+been by your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He did so on the question of furnishing guns to the Sicilians.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He did so in respect to the letter to Baron Koller on the
+affair of Count Haynau.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He gave way likewise in this last instance, when, after assuring
+Lord Dudley Stuart that he would see Kossuth whenever
+he chose to call upon him, he consented to intimate privately
+to Lord Dudley that he requested him not to call.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This last concession must have been mortifying to Lord
+Palmerston, and he has consoled himself in a manner not very
+dignified by giving importance to the inflated addresses from
+some meetings in the suburbs of London.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.330" id="pageii.330"></a>[page&nbsp;330]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">But it appears to Lord John Russell that every Minister
+must have a certain latitude allowed him which he may use,
+perhaps with indiscretion, perhaps with bad taste, but with no
+consequence of sufficient importance to deserve notice.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell must, however, call your Majesty's attention
+to an article in the <i>Morning Post</i>, which denies the accuracy
+of the report of Lord Palmerston's answer to what is there
+called "the froth and folly of an address to Downing Street."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell, in admitting that he has more than once
+represented to your Majesty that the expulsion of Lord Palmerston
+would break up the Government, begs to explain that he
+has always done so upon one of two grounds:</p>
+
+<p class="ind">First, if Lord Palmerston should be called upon by your
+Majesty to resign on account of a line of Foreign Policy of
+which his colleagues had approved, and for which they were,
+with him, responsible.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Second, in case no difference of opinion had arisen, and the
+transaction should bear the character of an intrigue, to get rid
+of an inconvenient colleague.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It must be remembered that Lord Palmerston was recommended
+to the late King by Lord Grey as Foreign Secretary,
+and remained in that Office from 1830 to 1834; that he was
+afterwards replaced in the same Office by Lord Melbourne, and
+remained from 1835 to 1841.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He has thus represented the Foreign Policy of the Whig
+Party fifteen years, and has been approved not only by them
+but by a large portion of the country. In the advice which
+Lord John Russell has humbly tendered to your Majesty, he
+has always had in view the importance of maintaining the
+popular confidence which your Majesty's name everywhere
+inspires. Somewhat of the good opinion of the Emperor of
+Russia and other foreign Sovereigns may be lost, but the good
+will and affection of the people of England are retained, a great
+security in these times.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell has made out a note of his address to the
+Cabinet for your Majesty's information. He prays to have it
+returned.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle,</span> <i>21st November 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter and
+returns the note on his former communication to the Cabinet.
+If Lord John felt on the 3rd of November that "above all, it
+behoves us to be particularly cautious and not to afford just
+ground of complaint to any Party, and that we cannot be too
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.331" id="pageii.331"></a>[page&nbsp;331]</span>
+vigilant or weigh our proceedings too scrupulously"&mdash;the
+Queen cannot suppose that Lord John considers the official
+reception by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of
+addresses, in which allied Sovereigns are called Despots and
+Assassins, as within that "latitude" which he claims for every
+minister, "which he may use perhaps with indiscretion, perhaps
+with bad taste, but with no consequence of sufficient
+importance to deserve notice."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen leaves it to Lord John Russell whether he will
+lay her letter, or only the substance of it, before the Cabinet;<sup>25</sup>
+but she hopes that they will make that careful enquiry into the
+justice of her complaint which she was sorry to miss altogether
+in Lord John Russell's answer. It is no question with the
+Queen whether she pleases the Emperor of Austria or not, but
+whether she gives him a just ground of complaint or not. And
+if she does so, she can never believe that this will add to her
+popularity with her own people. Lord John's letter must
+accordingly have disappointed her as containing a mere attempt
+at a defence of Lord Palmerston. Lord John sees one cause of
+excuse in Lord Palmerston's natural desire to console himself
+for the mortification of having had to decline seeing M. Kossuth;
+the Queen has <i>every reason to believe</i> that he has seen him
+after all.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 25: On the 4th of December the matter came before the Cabinet. No formal resolution
+was adopted, but regret was expressed at Palmerston's want of caution in not ascertaining
+in advance the tenor of the addresses, and in admitting unreliable reporters.
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">DEATH OF KING OF HANOVER</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>21st November 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just received Lord Palmerston's letter with
+the Memorandum relative to the mourning of her Uncle, the late
+King of Hanover,<sup>26</sup> and she has to say in reply that she thinks
+the mourning ought not to be for a Foreign Sovereign but for a
+Prince of the Blood Royal, which was the nearest relation in
+which he stood to the Throne.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 26: King Ernest died on the 18th of November, aged eighty, and was succeeded by his
+son, King George&nbsp;V., who reigned till 1866, and died in 1878.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of Hanover.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>21st November 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear George</span>,&mdash;Your kind letter of the 18th, announcing
+to me the melancholy news of the death of your Father,
+was given to me yesterday by Mr Somerset, and I hasten to
+express to you in both our names our sincere and heartfelt
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.332" id="pageii.332"></a>[page&nbsp;332]</span>
+condolence, and beg you to do so in our names to our dear
+Cousin Mary.<sup>27</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">It must be a consolation to you that the end of the King was
+peaceful and so free from pain and suffering. Most truly do I
+enter into your feelings as to the responsible position into
+which you are now placed, and my best wishes for your welfare
+and <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'happness'">happiness</ins> as well as that of Hanover will ever accompany
+you. I am happy to hear from Mr Somerset that you were
+well, as well as your dear Mary and dear children.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert desires me to say everything kind from him to you as
+well as to our cousins, and with every possible good wish for
+your health and prosperity, believe me always, my dear George,
+your very affectionate Cousin,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 27: Princess Mary of Saxe-Altenburg (1818-1907), wife of King George V. of Hanover.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Carlton Gardens</span>, <i>22nd November 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty and has taken the proper steps according to your
+Majesty's commands, about the mourning for the late King of
+Hanover; and he would wish to know whether it is your
+Majesty's desire that he should have letters prepared for your
+Majesty's signature, announcing to Foreign Sovereigns the
+decease of the late King.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>22nd November 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just received Lord Palmerston's letter.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen does not think it necessary for her to announce
+the King of Hanover's death to other Sovereigns, as there is a
+head of that branch of her Family who would have to do so.
+She declared the present King's marriage in Council, but she
+does not think that she announced it. This Lord Palmerston
+would perhaps be able to ascertain at the Office.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE REFORM QUESTION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>3rd December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of the
+30th ult., and has carefully considered his Memorandum on the
+report of the Committee of the Cabinet; she now returns Sir
+Charles Wood's Memorandum.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Considering the question of Reform under its two bearings&mdash;on
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.333" id="pageii.333"></a>[page&nbsp;333]</span>
+the Franchise and on the Suffrage&mdash;the Queen thinks the
+proposal of merely adding neighbouring towns to the small
+boroughs an improvement on the original plan, which contemplated
+the taking away of members from some boroughs, and
+giving them to others. Thus the animosity may be hoped to be
+avoided which an attack upon vested interests could not have
+failed to have produced. Much will depend, however, upon the
+completeness, fairness, and impartiality with which the selection
+of the towns will be made which are to be admitted into
+the electoral district of others. Sir Charles Wood's Memorandum
+being only a sketch, the Queen hopes to see a more complete
+list, stating the principle also upon which the selection is
+made.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With regard to the Suffrage, the proposals of the Committee
+appear to the Queen to be framed with a due regard to the
+importance of not giving an undue proportion of weight to
+the Democracy. In the Queen's opinion, the chief question
+to consider will be whether the strengthening of the Democratic
+principle will upset the balance of Constitution, and further
+weaken the Executive, which is by no means too strong at
+present. The Queen is well aware of the difficulty of forming a
+correct estimate beforehand of the moral effect which such
+extensive changes may produce, but thinks that they cannot
+even be guessed at before the numerical results are accurately
+ascertained; she hopes therefore that the statistics will be
+soon in a state to be laid before her.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen regrets that the idea of reviving the Guilds had
+to be abandoned, but can quite understand the difficulty which
+would have been added to the measure by its being clogged
+with such an additional innovation.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>2nd December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Accept my best thanks for your kind
+letter of the 28th. I am truly grieved to hear that you have
+got so bad a cold; nothing is more trying and annoying than
+those heavy colds, which render <i>all</i> occupation irksome and
+trying in the highest degree. I hope that it will soon be past.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is a great pity that you do not venture to come to us, as I
+am sure you might do it easily. I do not think that there will
+be any outburst yet awhile in France....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I am rather unhappy about dear Uncle Mensdorff, who, I
+hear, has arrived at Vienna with gout in his head. I hope,
+however, soon to hear of his being much better....</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.334" id="pageii.334"></a>[page&nbsp;334]</span>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE COUP D'&Eacute;TAT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>4th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I must write a line to ask what you say
+to the <i>wonderful</i> proceedings at Paris, which really seem like
+a <i>story</i> in a book or a play! What is to be the result of it all?<sup>28</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I feel ashamed to have written <i>so positively</i> a few hours before
+that nothing would happen.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We are anxiously waiting for to-day's news&mdash;though I should
+hope that the Troops were to be depended upon, and <i>order</i> for
+the present would prevail. I hope that none of the Orleans
+Family will move a limb or say a word, but remain perfectly
+passive.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 28: On the 2nd of December, Louis Napoleon seized the Government of France, arrested
+his chief opponents, put an end to the National Assembly and Council of State, and
+declared Paris in a state of siege.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>4th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has learnt with surprise and concern the events
+which have taken place at Paris.<sup>29</sup> She thinks it is of great
+importance that Lord Normanby should be instructed to remain
+entirely passive, and to take no part whatever in what is
+passing. Any word from him might be misconstrued at such
+a moment.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 29: On the 3rd the tidings of the <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i> reached London. Count Walewski announced
+it to Lord Palmerston, who expressed his approval of it, and wrote to Lord Normanby
+the letter printed in his <i>Life</i>, disavowing surprise that the President had struck the blow
+when he did, "for it is now well known here that the Duchess of Orleans was preparing
+to be called to Paris this week with her younger son to commence a new period of Orleans
+dynasty."
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>4th December 1851.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(6 <span class="sc">p.m.</span>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty. Your Majesty's directions respecting the state
+of affairs in Paris shall be followed. Lord Normanby<sup>30</sup> has
+asked whether he should suspend his diplomatic functions;
+but the Cabinet were unanimously of opinion that he should
+not do so.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.335" id="pageii.335"></a>[page&nbsp;335]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The result is very uncertain; at present the power is likely
+to rest in the Army, to whose memory of victories and defeats
+the President has so strongly appealed.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 30: Lord Normanby, having applied for instructions as to his future conduct, was desired
+to make no change in his relations with the French Government, and to abstain from even
+the appearance of interference in her internal affairs. Having made a communication
+to this effect to M. Turgot, the latter replied that M. Walewski had notified to him that
+Lord Palmerston had already expressed to him his "entire approbation of the act
+of the President," and his "conviction that he could not have acted otherwise."
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LOUIS NAPOLEON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>5th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;Receive my best thanks for
+your dear gracious letter of the 2nd, the date of the battle
+of Austerlitz, and the <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i> at Paris. What do you say
+to it?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As yet one cannot form an opinion, but I am inclined to
+think that Louis Bonaparte will succeed. The country is
+tired and wish quiet, and if they get it by this <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i> they
+will have no objection, and let <i>le Gouvernement Parlementaire
+et Constitutionnel</i> go to sleep for a while.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I suspect that the great Continental powers will see a military
+Government at Paris with pleasure; they go rather far in their
+hatred of everything Parliamentary. The President takes a
+little of Napoleon already. I understand that he expressed
+himself displeased, as if I had too much supported the
+Orleans Family. I render perfect justice to the President,
+that hitherto he has not plagued us; but we have also
+abstained from all interference. I think that H&eacute;l&egrave;ne has
+been imprudent; besides, it is difficult for the poor Family
+to avoid to speak on these subjects or to express themselves
+with mildness.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">If something like an Empire establishes itself, perhaps we
+shall for a time have much to suffer, as the <i>gloire fran&ccedil;aise</i> invariably
+looks to the old frontiers. My hope is that they will
+necessarily have much to do at home, for a time, as parties will
+run high.... Your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>6th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has to acknowledge Lord John Russell's letter of
+yesterday. She is glad to hear that the Cabinet occupy themselves
+assiduously with the Reform Question, but hopes that
+they will not come to a final decision without having first
+ascertained how the proposed plan will operate when practically
+applied to the present state of the Franchise and Suffrage. The
+Queen is very anxious to arrive at a definite opinion on this
+subject herself.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sees from the Manchester Speeches that the <i>Ballot</i>
+is to be made the stalking-horse of the Radicals.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.336" id="pageii.336"></a>[page&nbsp;336]</span>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Marchioness of Normanby to Colonel Phipps.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON'S LETTERS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Paris</span>, <i>7th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Charles</span>,&mdash;I have an opportunity of writing to you
+<i>not</i> through the Foreign Office, which I shall take advantage of,
+as at present the Post is not to be trusted, and I am afraid I do
+not think the Office is either.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Palmerston has taken lately to writing in the most extraordinary
+manner to Normanby.<a id="footnotetagXX31" name="footnotetagXX31"></a><a href="#footnoteXX31"><sup>31</sup></a> I think he wants to fix
+a quarrel with him, which you may be sure Normanby will
+avoid at present, as it would have the worst possible effect;
+but I do not understand it at all, and I wish you could in any
+way explain what it means. Palmerston seems very angry
+because Normanby does not unqualifyingly approve of this
+step here, and the results; the whole thing is so completely
+a <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i>, and all the proceedings are so contrary to and
+devoid of law and justice and security, that even the most
+violent Tory would be staggered by them. (For instance,
+to-day <i>all</i> the English papers, even Normanby's, are stopped
+and prohibited; they will of course allow Normanby's to come,
+but it is to be under an envelope), and yet Palmerston, who
+quarrels with all Europe about a political adventurer like
+Kossuth, because he was defending the liberties and constitution
+of his country, now tries to quarrel with Normanby, and
+really writes in the most impertinent manner, because Normanby's
+despatches are not sufficiently in praise of Louis
+Napoleon and his <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i>. There must be some <i>dessous
+des cartes</i> that we are not aware of. Normanby has always
+said, having been undertaken, the only thing now is to hope
+and pray it may be successful; but that is another thing to
+approving the way it was begun, or the way it has been carried
+out. The bloodshed has been dreadful and indiscriminate, no
+quarter was shown, and when an insurgent took refuge in a
+house, the soldiers killed every one in the house, whether engaged
+in the <i>&eacute;meute</i> or not.... It is very doubtful whether
+Normanby will be able to go on with [Palmerston] if this sort
+of thing continues, for he talks of "I hear this" and "I am
+told that," with reference to Normanby's conduct here, which
+no man in his position can stand, as, if Palmerston takes the
+<i>on-dits</i> of others, and not Normanby's own accounts, there is
+an end of confidence; but I must say his last letter appears
+to me a sort of exuberance of anger, which spends itself on
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.337" id="pageii.337"></a>[page&nbsp;337]</span>
+many subjects rather than the one which first caused it, and
+therefore I suspect he has received some rap on the knuckles
+at home, which he resents here, or on the first person who is
+not of the same opinion as himself; but it is a curious anomaly
+that he should quarrel with Normanby in support of arbitrary
+and absolute Government. All is quiet here now, and will, I
+hope, continue so till the Elections, when I suppose we may
+have some more <i>&eacute;meutes</i>....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">They have been told at the Clubs that they may meet, but
+they are not to talk politics. In short, I do not suppose that
+despotism ever reached such a pitch.... You may suppose
+what the French feel; it serves them all quite right, but that
+does not prevent one's feeling indignant at it. And this is
+what Palmerston is now supporting without restriction. We
+are entirely without any other news from England from any
+one. Would you not send me or Normanby a letter through
+Rothschild? I am rather anxious to know whether this is a
+general feeling in England; it could not be, if they know all
+that had happened here. Mind, I can quite understand the
+policy of keeping well with Louis Napoleon, and Normanby is
+so, and has never expressed to any one a hostile opinion except
+in his despatches and private letters to Palmerston.... I
+shall send this by a private hand, not to run the risk of its
+being read. Ever yours affectionately,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">M. Normanby</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;"><a id="footnoteXX31" name="footnoteXX31"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXX31">Footnote 31:</a> On the 6th, Lord Palmerston wrote to Lord Normanby the strange letter printed by
+Mr Evelyn Ashley in the <i>Life</i>, censuring Lord Normanby's supposed hostility to the French
+President; Lord Normanby in reply defended his attitude, and asked for an explicit
+statement as to the Foreign Secretary's approval or otherwise of the conduct and policy
+of the President.
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">AFFAIRS IN FRANCE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>9th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Your kind letter of the 5th reached me on
+Sunday morning. Much blood has been shed since you wrote....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">What you say about arbitrary and military Government in
+France is very true, and I daresay will do for a time; but I do
+not know <i>how</i> Louis Napoleon is to proceed, or how he will get
+over the anger and enmity of those he imprisoned. Still, I see
+that the Legitimists have all given in their adhesion. Every
+one in France and elsewhere <i>must wish</i> order, and many therefore
+rally round the President.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">A most extraordinary report was mentioned to me yesterday,
+which, however, I never could believe, and which is
+besides <i>physically impossible</i>, from the illness of the one and
+the absence of the other, viz. that Joinville and Aumale had
+gone or were going to Lille to put themselves at the head of the
+troops,<sup>32</sup> which would be a terrible and a very unwise thing.
+It would be very awkward for <i>you</i> too.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.338" id="pageii.338"></a>[page&nbsp;338]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude, hoping soon to hear from you. You
+should urge the poor Orleans family to be very prudent in what
+they say about passing events, as I believe Louis Napoleon is
+very <i>sore</i> on the subject, and matters might get still worse.
+Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 32: Mr Borthwick, of the <i>Morning Post</i>, had so stated to Lord Palmerston on the authority
+of General de Rumigny; seven years later Palmerston wrote the Memorandum on the
+subject printed in his <i>Life</i>.
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Marchioness of Normanby to Colonel Phipps.<a id="footnotetagXX33" name="footnotetagXX33"></a><a href="#footnoteXX33"><sup>33</sup></a></i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON AND NORMANBY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Paris</span>, <i>9th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Charles</span>,&mdash;I had written a long letter to the
+Queen, and upon second thoughts I have burnt it, because
+events have now become so serious between Normanby and
+Palmerston that I do not think that I should be the person to inform
+Her Majesty of it, in case anything was to be said upon the
+subject in Parliament. And yet as the affront has been given
+in Palmerston's private letters, I feel sure she does not know it.
+You have all probably seen Normanby's public despatches,
+in which, though as an Englishman he deprecates and
+deplores the means employed and the pledges broken&mdash;in
+short, the unconstitutional illegality of the whole <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i>&mdash;yet
+he always says, seeing now no other refuge from Rouge
+ascendency, he hopes it may succeed. One would have supposed,
+from the whole tenor of his policy, from his Radical
+tendencies, and all that he has been doing lately, that Palmerston
+would have been the last person to approve of this <i>coup
+d'&eacute;tat</i>. Not a bit! He turns upon Normanby in the most
+flippant manner; almost accuses him of a concealed knowledge
+of an Orleanist plot&mdash;never whispered here, nor I believe,
+even imagined by the Government of Paris, who would
+have been too glad to seize upon it as an excuse; says he compromises
+the relations of the country by his evident disapproval
+of Louis Napoleon&mdash;in short, it is a letter that Morny might
+have written, and that it is quite impossible for Normanby to
+bear. The curious thing is that it is a letter or rather letters
+that would completely ruin Palmerston with <i>his</i> Party. He
+treats all the acts of the wholesale cruelties of the troops as a
+joke&mdash;in short, it is the letter of a man half mad, I think, for to
+quarrel with Normanby on this subject is cutting his own
+throat.... He has written also to Lord John. Louis
+Napoleon knows perfectly well that Normanby cannot approve
+the means he has taken; he talks to him confidentially, and
+treats him as an honest, upright man, and he never showed him
+more attention, or friendship even than last night when we
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.339" id="pageii.339"></a>[page&nbsp;339]</span>
+were at the Elys&eacute;e, though Normanby said not one word in
+approval....</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON'S INSTRUCTIONS</span>
+
+<p class="ind">There is another question upon which Normanby has a right
+to complain, which is, that two days before Palmerston sent
+his instructions here, he expressed to Walewski his complete
+approval of the step taken by Louis Napoleon, which was
+transmitted by Walewski in a despatch to Turgot, and read by
+him to many members of the Corps Diplomatique a day before
+Normanby heard a word from Palmerston. You will perhaps
+think that there is not enough in all this to authorise the grave
+step Normanby has taken, but the whole tone of his letters
+shows such a want of confidence, is so impertinent&mdash;talk of
+"we hear this," and "we are told that,"&mdash;bringing a sort of
+anonymous gossip against a man of Normanby's character and
+standing, that respect for himself obliges Normanby to take it
+up seriously.... In the meantime our Press in England is,
+as usual, <i>too</i> violent against Louis Napoleon. <i>We</i> have no
+friends or true allies left, thanks to the policy of Lord Palmerston;
+as soon as the peace of the country is restored the Army
+<i>must</i> be employed; it is the course of a Military Government;
+as much as an absolute Government is destroyed by the
+people, and the democracy again, when fallen into anarchy, is
+followed by Military Government. Louis Napoleon must
+maintain his position by acts: they will find out that Belgium
+should belong to France, or Alsace, or Antwerp, or something
+or other that England will not be able to allow, and then how
+are we prepared for the consequences?...</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON'S APPROVAL</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The more I think of Palmerston's letters, the less I can understand
+them; every sentence is in direct contradiction to
+his acts and words. He ridicules the idea of the Constitution;
+turns to scorn the idea of anything being due to the Members
+of the Assembly; laughs and jokes at the Club being fired into,
+though the English people in it were within an ace of being
+murdered by the soldiers; says that Normanby is pathetic over
+a broken looking-glass,<sup>34</sup> forgetting that the same bullet grazed
+the hand of an Englishman, "<i>a Roman citizen!</i>" who was between
+the window and the glass&mdash;in short, as I said before, he
+is quite incomprehensible, except, as I cannot help thinking,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.340" id="pageii.340"></a>[page&nbsp;340]</span>
+he read the private letter Normanby wrote to the Duke of
+Bedford upon the Kossuth business, wishing to take his advice
+a little upon a grave question, but which did not actually
+interfere with his position here. This would account for his
+extreme irritation....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">All at present is quiet in Paris. There are Socialist risings
+in many parts of the country, but all these will do the President
+good, and strengthen his hands, for even the people who have
+been treated with indignity will pardon him if their ch&acirc;teaux
+are saved from an infuriated and brutal peasantry. The
+President told Normanby last night that the accounts of the
+cruelties and attacks in parts of the country were very serious,
+but he hoped they would soon be put down....</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">M. Normanby</span>.<sup>35</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;"><a id="footnoteXX33" name="footnoteXX33"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXX33">Footnote 33:</a> Submitted to the Queen by Colonel Phipps.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 34: The tone of Lord Palmerston's private letters to Lord Normanby at this time is best
+illustrated by the following extract:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">"Your despatches since the event of Tuesday have been all hostile to Louis Napoleon,
+with very little information as to events. One of them consisted of a dissertation about
+Kossuth, which would have made a good article in the <i>Times</i> a fortnight ago: and another
+dwells chiefly on a looking-glass broken in a Club-house; and you are pathetic about a piece
+of broken plaster brought down from a ceiling by musket-shots during the street fights.
+Now we know that the Diplomatic Agents of Austria and Russia called on the President
+immediately after his measure on Tuesday morning, and have been profuse in their
+expressions of approval of his conduct."</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 35: Lady Normanby wrote later:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">"I told you yesterday the President had no faith in him (Palmerston). The Treaty
+signed with Buenos Ayres, the Greek business, and the reception of Kossuth had long
+destroyed his confidence in Palmerston, and I believe he hates him and sees through his
+present adulations...."
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>13th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sends the enclosed despatch from Lord Normanby
+to Lord John Russell, from which it appears that the French
+Government <i>pretend to have received</i> the entire approval of the
+late <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i> by the British Government, as conveyed by
+Lord Palmerston to Count Walewski. The Queen cannot believe
+in the truth of the assertion, as such an approval given by
+Lord Palmerston would have been in complete <i>contradiction</i> to
+the line of strict neutrality and passiveness which the Queen
+had expressed her desire to see followed with regard to the late
+convulsion at Paris, and which was approved by the Cabinet,
+as stated in Lord John Russell's letter of the 6th inst. Does
+Lord John know anything about the alleged approval, which,
+if true, would <i>again</i> expose the honesty and dignity of the
+Queen's Government in the eyes of the world?<sup>36</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 36: On the 15th, Lord Normanby wrote to Lord Palmerston that he must now assume
+M. Walewski's report to be correct, and observed that if the Foreign Secretary held one
+language in Downing Street and prescribed another course to the British Ambassador,
+the latter must be awkwardly circumstanced. Lord Palmerston (in a letter not shown
+to the Queen or the Cabinet) replied that he had said nothing inconsistent with his instructions
+to Lord Normanby, that the President's action was for the French nation to judge
+of, but that in his view that action made for the maintenance of social order in France.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>13th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My beloved Uncle</span>,&mdash;These lines are to express my <i>very
+warmest</i> wishes for <i>many, many happy</i> returns of your dear
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.341" id="pageii.341"></a>[page&nbsp;341]</span>
+birthday, and for <i>every</i> earthly blessing you <i>can</i> desire. How I
+wish you could spend it <i>here</i>, or we with you! I venture to
+send you some trifles which will recall the Exhibition in which
+you took so much interest. The continuation of the work I
+send you, I shall forward as it comes out.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As I wrote so lately, and shall do so on Tuesday, I will not
+touch on politics&mdash;with one exception&mdash;that I think it of high
+importance that the Orleans should clear themselves of <i>all</i>
+suspicion of a <i>plot</i>, which <i>some people</i>, I am sure, wish to make
+it <i>appear</i> they <i>are</i> involved in; and that public contradiction
+should be given to the foolish report, <i>much</i> credited <i>here</i>, that
+Joinville has gone to Lille, or to some part of France, to head
+the Troops. Ever <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'you'">your</ins> devoted Niece and Child,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">How you will <i>again</i> miss your departed Angel!</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON'S EXPLANATION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Woburn Abbey</span>, <i>18th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+He received from Lord Palmerston yesterday an explanation
+of his declaration of opinion to Mr Walewski, which Lord John
+Russell regrets to state was quite unsatisfactory.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He thought himself compelled to write to Lord Palmerston
+in the most decisive terms.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston requested that his letter might be returned
+to be copied.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The whole correspondence shall be submitted to your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Your Majesty will find in the box a despatch of Lord Normanby
+of the 15th, and an answer of Lord Palmerston of the
+16th,<sup>37</sup> which has been sent without your Majesty's sanction,
+or the knowledge of Lord John Russell.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 37: The letters are given in full in Ashley's <i>Life of Lord Palmerston</i>, vol. i. chap. vii.,
+were Lord Palmerston's explanation of the 16th, in answer to the Premier's letter of the
+14th, will also be found.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>19th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;Receive my warmest and best
+thanks for your truly kind and gracious recollection of my old
+birthday, and your amiable presents.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Our angelic Louise had quite <i>un culte</i> for that day, and two
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.342" id="pageii.342"></a>[page&nbsp;342]</span>
+have already passed since the best and noblest of hearts beats
+no longer amongst us. When one sees the haste and ardour
+of earthly pursuits, and how all this is often disposed of, and
+when one sees that even the greatest success always ends with
+the grave, one is tempted to wonder that the human race should
+follow so restlessly bubbles often disappearing just when
+reached, and always being a source of never-ending anxiety.
+France gives, these sixty years, the proof of the truth of what
+I say, always believing itself at the highest point of perfection
+and changing it a few weeks afterwards.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">A military Government in France, if it really gets established,
+must become dangerous for Europe. I hope that at
+least at its beginning it will have enough to do in France, and
+that we may get time to prepare. England will do well not
+to fall asleep, but to keep up its old energy and courage....<br />
+Your truly devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">DISMISSAL OF LORD PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>19th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received several communications from Lord
+John Russell, but has not answered them, as she expected daily
+to hear of Lord Palmerston's answer. As Lord John Russell
+in his letter of yesterday's date promises to send her his correspondence
+with Lord Palmerston, she refrains from expressing
+a decided opinion until she has had an opportunity of perusing
+it; but Lord John will readily conceive what must be
+her feelings in seeing matters go from bad to worse with respect
+to Lord Palmerston's conduct!</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD GRANVILLE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Woburn Abbey</span>, <i>19th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to submit to your Majesty a correspondence
+with Viscount Palmerston, which terminates with a letter of
+this day's date.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell has now to advise your Majesty that
+Lord Palmerston should be informed that your Majesty is ready
+to accept the Seals of Office, and to place them in other hands.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell has summoned a Cabinet for Monday.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">They may be of opinion that they cannot continue a Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But that is not Lord John Russell's opinion; and should
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.343" id="pageii.343"></a>[page&nbsp;343]</span>
+they agree with him, he will proceed without delay to recommend
+a successor to your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Earl Granville appears to him the person best calculated
+for that post, but the Cabinet may be of opinion that
+more experience is required.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>20th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen found on her arrival here Lord John Russell's
+letter, enclosing his correspondence with Lord Palmerston,
+which she has perused with that care and attention which the
+importance and gravity of the subject of it demanded. The
+Queen has now to express to Lord John Russell her readiness
+to follow his advice, and her acceptance of the resignation of
+Lord Palmerston. She will be prepared to see Lord John after
+the Cabinet on Monday, as he proposes.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>20th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">With respect to a successor to Lord Palmerston, the Queen
+must state, that after the sad experience which she has just had
+of the difficulties, annoyances, and dangers to which the
+Sovereign may be exposed by the personal character and
+qualities of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, she must reserve
+to herself the unfettered right to approve or disapprove the
+choice of a Minister for this Office.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Granville, whom Lord John Russell designates as the
+person best calculated for that post, would meet with her
+entire approval. The possible opinion of the Cabinet that
+more experience was required does not weigh much with the
+Queen. From her knowledge of Lord Granville's character, she
+is inclined to see no such disadvantage in the circumstance that
+he has not yet had practice in managing Foreign Affairs, as
+he will be the more ready to lean upon the advice and judgment
+of the Prime Minister where he may have diffidence in
+his own, and thereby will add strength to the Cabinet by
+maintaining unity in thought and action. The Queen hopes
+Lord John Russell will not omit to let her have copies of his
+correspondence with Lord Palmerston, as he has promised
+her.<sup>38</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 38: On the same day the Prince wrote to the Premier that the Queen was much relieved.
+She had contemplated dismissing Lord Palmerston herself, but naturally shrank from
+using the power of the Crown, as her action would have been criticised without the possibility
+of making a public defence; in his view the Cabinet was rather strengthened than
+otherwise by Palmerston's departure, and public sympathy would not be with him. The
+rest of the letter is published in <i>The Life of the Prince Consort</i>.
+</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.344" id="pageii.344"></a>[page&nbsp;344]</span>
+
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>21st December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of to-day.
+She is not the least afraid of Lord Granville's not possessing
+sufficient public confidence for him to undertake the Foreign
+Affairs. He is very popular with the House of Lords, with
+the Free Traders, and the Peace party, and all that the Continent
+knows of him is in his favour; he had great success at
+Paris last summer, and his never having had an opportunity
+of damaging his character by having been mixed up in diplomatic
+intrigues is an immense advantage to him in obtaining
+the confidence of those with whom he is to negotiate.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>23rd December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I have the greatest pleasure in announcing
+to you a piece of news which I know will give you as
+much satisfaction and relief as it does to us, and will do to the
+<i>whole</i> of the world. <i>Lord Palmerston</i> is <i>no longer Foreign
+Secretary</i>&mdash;and Lord Granville is already named his successor!!
+He had become of late really quite reckless, and in spite of the
+serious admonition and caution he received only on the 29th
+of November, and again at the beginning of December, he <i>tells</i>
+Walewski that <i>he entirely</i> approves Louis Napoleon's <i>coup
+d'&eacute;tat</i>, when he had written to Lord Normanby by my and the
+Cabinet's desire that he (Lord Normanby) was to continue his
+diplomatic intercourse with the French Government, but to
+<i>remain</i> perfectly passive and give <i>no</i> opinion. Walewski
+wrote Palmerston's opinion (entirely contrary to what the
+Government had ordered) to M. Turgot, and when Normanby
+came with his instructions, Turgot told him what Palmerston
+had said. Upon this Lord John asked Palmerston to give an
+explanation&mdash;which, after the delay of a week, he answered
+in such an unsatisfactory way that Lord John wrote to him
+that <i>he could no longer remain Foreign Secretary</i>, for that
+perpetual misunderstanding and breaches of decorum were
+taking place which endangered the country. Lord Palmerston
+answered instantly that he would give up the Seals the moment
+his successor was named! Certain as we all felt that he could
+not have continued long in his place, we were quite taken by
+surprise when we learnt of the <i>d&eacute;nouement</i>.... Lord Granville
+will, I think, do extremely well, and his extreme honesty
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.345" id="pageii.345"></a>[page&nbsp;345]</span>
+and trustworthiness will make him <i>invaluable</i> to us, and to the
+Government and to Europe.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I send some prints, etc., for the children for Christmas.
+Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">MEETING OF THE CABINET</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>23rd December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell arrived here at six o'clock yesterday
+evening immediately from the Cabinet, and reported that the
+Cabinet had, without a dissenting voice, condemned Lord
+Palmerston's conduct, and approved of the steps taken by
+Lord John Russell, which was a great relief to him. Lord
+Lansdowne, to whom he had first written on the subject, had
+frightened him by answering that it was not possible to avoid
+the rupture with Lord Palmerston, but that he thought the
+Government would after this not be able to go on. When,
+however, this question was discussed in Cabinet, and Lord John
+had stated that he thought the Office could be well filled, they
+all agreed in the propriety of going on. The Members of the
+Cabinet were so unable to understand Lord Palmerston's
+motives for his conduct during these last months, that Mr.
+Fox Maule started an idea which once occurred to Lord John
+himself (as he said), viz. that he must have had the design
+to bring on a rupture! Lord Minto, who was absent from the
+Cabinet, expressed himself in a letter to Lord John very strongly
+about Lord Palmerston's <i>reckless conduct</i>, which would yet
+undo the country.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD CLARENDON</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John, after having received the concurrence of the
+Cabinet on the question of Lord Palmerston's dismissal, stated
+that Lord Granville was the person whom he would like best
+to see fill his office, and he knew this to be the feeling of the
+Queen also. The Cabinet quite agreed in Lord Granville's
+fitness, but Sir George Grey stated it as his opinion that it
+ought first to be offered to Lord Clarendon, who has always
+been pointed out by the public as the proper person to succeed
+Lord Palmerston, and that, if he were passed over, the whole
+matter would have the appearance of a Cabinet intrigue in
+favour of one colleague against another. The whole of the
+Cabinet sided with this opinion, and Lord John Russell now
+proposed to the Queen that an offer should in the first instance
+be made to Lord Clarendon.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen protested against the Cabinet's taking upon itself
+the appointment of its own Members, which rested entirely
+with the Prime Minister and the Sovereign, under whose
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.346" id="pageii.346"></a>[page&nbsp;346]</span>
+approval the former constructed his Government.... Lord
+John replied that he thought Lord Clarendon would not accept
+the offer, and therefore there would be little danger in satisfying
+the desires of the Cabinet. He had written to Lord Clarendon
+a cautioning letter from Woburn, apprising him of some serious
+crisis, of which he would soon hear, and speaking of his former
+wish to exchange the Lord-Lieutenancy for some other Office.
+Lord Clarendon at once perceived the drift of the hint, and
+wrote to the Duke of Bedford what he said he did not wish to
+write to his brother John, that, if it was that Palmerston was
+going, and <i>he</i> were thought of as a successor, nothing would be
+so disagreeable to him, as the whole change would be put down
+as an intrigue of his, whom Lord Palmerston had always
+accused of wishing to supplant him; that if, however, the
+service of the country required it, he had the courage to face all
+personal obloquy....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John owned that Sir George Grey's chief desire was to
+see Lord Clarendon removed from Ireland, having been there
+so long; the Cabinet would wish to see the Duke of Newcastle
+join the Government as Lord-Lieutenant, which he might be
+induced to do. The Queen having mentioned Lord Clarendon
+as most fit to succeed Lord Lansdowne one day as President
+of the Council and leader in the House of Lords, Lord John
+said that Lord Clarendon had particularly begged not to have
+the position offered him, for which he did not feel fit. Lord
+John would like him as Ambassador at Paris, and thought Lord
+Clarendon would like this himself; but it was difficult to know
+what to do with Lord Normanby.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In the course of the conversation, Lord John congratulated
+the Queen upon the change having been accomplished without
+her personal intervention, which might have exposed her to the
+animosity of Lord Palmerston's admirers, whilst she would
+have been precluded from making any public defence. I
+reminded Lord John that, as such was the disadvantage of the
+regal position, it behoved the Queen doubly to watch, lest she
+be put into the same dilemma with a new Minister, whose
+conduct she could not approve of. Lord Clarendon's appointment
+would be doubly galling to Lord Palmerston, whom
+Lord John might not wish to irritate further, a consideration
+which Lord John said he had also pressed upon the Cabinet.
+Upon a remark from Lord John as to Lord Granville's
+youth, the Queen replied: "Lord Canning, whom Lord
+Stanley had intended to make his Foreign Secretary, was not
+older...."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The conference ended by Lord John's promise to write to
+Lord Clarendon as the Queen had desired ... but that he did
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.347" id="pageii.347"></a>[page&nbsp;347]</span>
+not wish to make the offer to Lord Granville till he had Lord
+Clarendon's answer. Lord Granville had been told not to
+attend the last Cabinet; Lord Palmerston had naturally
+stayed away.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I went up to Town at half-past seven to the Westminster
+Play, and took Lord John in my train to Richmond. We had
+some further conversation in the carriage, in which I asked
+Lord John whether it was true that Lord Palmerston had got
+us likewise into a quarrel with America by our ships firing at
+Panama upon an American merchantman; he said neither he
+nor Sir Francis Baring had received any news, but Sir Francis
+had been quite relieved by Lord Palmerston's quitting, as he
+could not be sure a moment that his Fleets were not brought
+into some scrape!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On my expressing my conviction that Lord Palmerston
+could not be very formidable to the Government, Lord John
+said: "I hope it will not come true what Lord Derby (then
+Lord Stanley) said after the last Ministerial crisis, when Lord
+John quizzed him at not having been able to get a Foreign
+Secretary&mdash;'Next time I shall have Lord Palmerston.'!"</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">COUNT WALEWSKI</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>23rd December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty. He has just seen Count Walewski; he told him
+that he had an important piece of intelligence to give him;
+that your Majesty had been pleased to make a change in
+the Foreign Office, and to direct Lord Palmerston to give
+up the Seals.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He wished to give this intelligence that he might accompany
+it with an intimation that the policy towards France would
+continue to be of the most friendly character, and that there
+was nothing the Government more desired than to see a stable
+and settled Government in France; that they had every wish
+for the stability of the present French Government. Count
+Walewski said he had received various assurances of opinion
+from Lord Palmerston, which he supposed were adopted by
+Lord John Russell, and subsisted in force.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell said: "Not exactly; it is a principle
+of the English Government not to interfere in any way with
+the internal affairs of other countries; whether France chooses
+to be a Republic or a Monarchy, provided it be not a Social
+Republic, we wish to express no opinion; we are what we call
+in England a sheet of white paper in this respect; all we desire
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.348" id="pageii.348"></a>[page&nbsp;348]</span>
+is the happiness and welfare of France." Count Walewski
+said it was of importance to the stability of the President that
+he should have a large majority; he would then give a Constitution.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell said each nation must suit itself in this
+respect; we have perhaps been in error in thinking our Constitution
+could be generally adopted; some nations it may suit,
+others may find it unfitted for them.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD GRANVILLE APPOINTED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>23rd December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letters, and
+is much rejoiced that this important affair has been finally so
+satisfactorily settled.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns Lord Clarendon's letter, which she thinks
+a very good one.<sup>39</sup> The Queen hopes Count Walewski will have
+been satisfied, which she thinks he ought to be. The Queen
+will receive Lord Palmerston to deliver up the Seals, and
+Lord Granville to receive them, on Friday at half-past two.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 39: Lord Clarendon, in answer to Lord John Russell, expressed great reluctance to undertake
+the charge of the Foreign Office, on the ground that Palmerston, always suspicions
+of him, would insist that he had deliberately undermined his position: while Lord Granville
+would be popular with the Court and country.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>24th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell submits a private note of Lord Palmerston,<sup>40</sup>
+which only shows how unconscious he was of all that
+the rest of the world perceived.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 40: In this letter, Lord Palmerston denied the "charge of violations of prudence and
+decorum," adding, "I have to observe that that charge is refuted by the offer which you
+made of the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland, because I apprehend that to be an office for
+the due performance of the duties of which prudence and decorum cannot well be dispensed
+with."
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>25th December 1861.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letters, and she
+returns the enclosures.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The articles in the <i>Times</i> are very good; the other papers
+seem quite puzzled, and unable to comprehend what has
+caused Lord Palmerston's removal from office. Lord Palmerston's
+letter is very characteristic; he certainly has the best
+of the argument, and great care ought to be taken in bestowing
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.349" id="pageii.349"></a>[page&nbsp;349]</span>
+any praise on him, as he always takes advantage of it to turn
+against those who meant it merely to soothe him. The Queen
+thought that there must be a Council for the swearing in of the
+new Secretary of State.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">LORD GRANVILLE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>27th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Yesterday the Council was held, at which the change of
+Seals was to take place. We waited for one hour and a half,
+but Lord Palmerston did not appear; his Seals had been sent
+from the Foreign Office to Lord John Russell!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John told us he had written to Lord Palmerston,
+announcing him the appointment of Lord Granville, and added
+that in his long political life he had not passed a week which
+had been so painful to him. Lord Palmerston's answer was
+couched in these terms: "Of course you will believe that I
+feel that just indignation at the whole proceeding which it must
+produce."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Lansdowne seemed anxious particularly on account
+of the clear symptoms appearing from the papers that
+both Radicals and Protectionists are bidding for Lord
+Palmerston.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Granville was very much overcome when he had his
+audience to thank for his appointment, but seemed full of
+courage and good-will. He said it would be as easy to him
+to avoid Lord Palmerston's faults as difficult to imitate his
+good qualities, promised to endeavour to establish a more
+decent usage between the Governments in their mutual communications,
+by setting the good example himself, and insisting
+upon the same on the part of the others; promised not to have
+anything to do with the newspapers; to give evening parties,
+just as Lord Palmerston had done, to which a good deal of his
+influence was to be attributed. He said a Member of Parliament
+just returned from the Continent had told him that an
+Englishman could hardly show himself without becoming
+aware of the hatred they were held in; the only chance one
+had to avoid being insulted was to say <i>Civis Romanus non
+sum</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Granville had been Under-Secretary for Foreign
+Affairs under Lord Palmerston for three years from 1837-40,
+but, as he expressed himself, rather the sandwich between his
+principal and the clerks. Lord Palmerston had in these three
+years hardly once spoken to him upon any of the subjects he
+had to treat.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.350" id="pageii.350"></a>[page&nbsp;350]</span>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON'S ABSENCE EXPLAINED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>27th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen forgot to remind Lord John Russell yesterday
+of his correspondence with Lord Palmerston, which he promised
+to let her have.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen concludes from what Lord John said yesterday
+that he intended sounding the Duke of Newcastle relative to
+the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Has Lord John ascertained the cause of Lord Palmerston's
+absence yesterday? If it was not accidental, she must say she
+thinks it most disrespectful conduct towards his Sovereign.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge</span>, <i>27th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and submits a letter of Lord Palmerston, which explains his
+not going to Windsor. It appears to have arisen from a
+mistake in the message sent through Lord Stanley, and not
+from any want of respect to your Majesty.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Carlton Gardens</span>, <i>27th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear John Russell</span>,&mdash;I am distressed beyond measure
+by the note from you which I have this moment received on
+my arrival here from Hampshire. I understood from Stanley
+that you had desired him to tell me that if it was inconvenient
+for me to come up yesterday, I might send the Seals to you
+at Windsor, and that my presence would be dispensed with.<sup>41</sup>
+Thereupon I sent the Seals up by an early train yesterday
+morning to Stanley, that he might send them down to you as
+suggested by you, and I desired that they might be taken by a
+messenger by the special train.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I shall be very much obliged to you if you will have the
+goodness to explain this matter to the Queen, and I beg you
+to assure Her Majesty how deeply grieved I am that what
+appears to have been a mistake on my part should have led me
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.351" id="pageii.351"></a>[page&nbsp;351]</span>
+to be apparently wanting in due respect to Her Majesty, than
+which nothing could possibly be further from my intention or
+thoughts. Yours sincerely,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Palmerston</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 41: There is a fuller account given of Lord Palmerston's version of the whole affair in a
+letter to his brother, printed in Ashley's <i>Life of Lord Palmerston</i>, vol. i. p. 315.
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN ON FOREIGN POLICY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>28th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen thinks the moment of the change in the person of
+Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to afford a fit opportunity
+to have the principles upon which our Foreign Affairs have been
+conducted since the beginning of 1848 reconsidered by Lord
+John Russell and his Cabinet.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen was fully aware that the storm raging at the
+time on the Continent rendered it impossible for any statesman
+to foresee with clearness and precision what development and
+direction its elements would take, and she consequently quite
+agreed that the line of policy to be followed, as the most conducive
+to the interests of England, could then only be generally
+conceived and vaguely expressed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But although the Queen is still convinced that the general
+principles laid down by Lord John at that time for the conduct
+of our Foreign Policy were in themselves right, she has in the
+progress of the last three years become painfully convinced that
+the manner in which they have been <i>practically applied</i> has
+worked out very different results from those which the correctness
+of the principles themselves had led her to expect. For
+when the revolutionary movements on the Continent had laid
+prostrate almost all its Governments, and England alone displayed
+that order, vigour, and prosperity which it owes to a
+stable, free, and good Government, the Queen, instead of
+earning the natural good results of such a glorious position,
+viz. consideration, goodwill, confidence, and influence abroad,
+obtained the very reverse, and had the grief to see her Government
+and herself treated on many occasions with neglect,
+aversion, distrust, and even contumely.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Frequently, when our Foreign Policy was called in question,
+it has been said by Lord John and his colleagues that the
+principles on which it was conducted were the right ones, and
+having been approved of by them, received their support, and
+that it was only the <i>personal manner</i> of Lord Palmerston in conducting
+the affairs which could be blamed in tracing the causes
+which led to the disastrous results the Queen complains of.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is certainly not disposed to defend the personal
+manner in which Lord Palmerston has conducted Foreign
+Affairs, but she cannot admit that the errors he committed were
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.352" id="pageii.352"></a>[page&nbsp;352]</span>
+merely <i>faults in form and method</i>, that they were no more than
+acts of "inconsideration, indiscretion, or bad taste." The
+Queen considers that she has also to complain of what appeared
+to her deviations from the principles laid down by the Cabinet
+for his conduct, nay, she sees distinctly in their practical application
+a <i>personal and arbitrary perversion</i> of the very nature and
+essence of those principles. She has only to refer here to Italy,
+Spain, Greece, Holstein, France, etc., etc., which afford ample
+illustrations of this charge.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It was one thing for Lord Palmerston to have attempted
+such substantial deviations; it will be another for the Cabinet
+to consider whether they had not the power to check him in
+these attempts.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen, however, considering times to have now changed,
+thinks that there is no reason why we should any longer confine
+ourselves to the mere assertion of abstract principles, such as
+"non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries,"
+"moral support to liberal institutions," "protection to British
+subjects," etc., etc. The moving powers which were put in
+operation by the French Revolution of 1848, and the events
+consequent on it, are no longer so obscure; they have assumed
+distinct and tangible forms in almost all the countries affected
+by them (in France, in Italy, Germany, etc.), and upon the
+state of things now existing, and the experience gained, the
+Queen would hope that our Foreign Policy may be <i>more specifically
+defined</i>, and that it may be considered how the general
+principles are to be practically adapted to our peculiar relations
+with each Continental State.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen wishes therefore that a regular programme
+embracing these different relations should be submitted
+to her, and would suggest whether it would not be the
+best mode if Lord John were to ask Lord Granville to
+prepare such a paper and to lay it before her after having
+revised it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This would then serve as a safe guide for Lord Granville,
+and enable the Queen as well as the Cabinet to see that the
+Policy, as in future to be conducted, will be in conformity with
+the principles laid down and approved.</p>
+
+
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Pembroke Lodge</span>, <i>29th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty;
+he has received your Majesty's communication of yesterday,
+and will transmit it to Lord Granville.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.353" id="pageii.353"></a>[page&nbsp;353]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">It is to be observed, however, that the traditionary policy of
+this country is not to bind the Crown and country by engagements,
+unless upon special cause shown, arising out of the
+circumstances of the day.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">For instance, the Treaty of Quadruple Alliance between
+England, France, Spain, and Portugal was contrary to the
+general principle of non-intervention; so was the interference
+in Portugal in 1847, but were both justified by circumstances.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Thus it is very difficult to lay down any principles from
+which deviations may not frequently be made.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The grand rule of doing to others as we wish that they should
+do unto us is more applicable than any system of political
+science. The honour of England does not consist in defending
+every English officer or English subject, right or wrong, but in
+taking care that she does not infringe the rules of justice, and
+that they are not infringed against her.<sup>42</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 42: A summary of Lord Granville's Memorandum in reply (which was couched in very
+general terms) will be found in Lord Fitzmaurice's <i>Life of Earl Granville</i>, vol. ii. p. 49.
+</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">AFFAIRS IN FRANCE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>30th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Most warmly do I thank you for your
+kind and affectionate and interesting letter of the 26th, which
+I received on Sunday. All that you say about Lord Palmerston
+is but too true.... He <i>brouill&eacute;d</i> us and the country with every
+one; and his very first act precipitated the unfortunate Spanish
+marriages which was <i>le commencement de la fin</i>. It is too grievous
+to think how much misery and mischief might have been
+avoided. However, now he has done with the Foreign Office
+for ever, and "the veteran statesman," as the newspapers, to
+our great amusement and I am sure to <i>his</i> infinite annoyance,
+call him, must rest upon his laurels.... I fear much lest they
+should be imprudent at Claremont; the poor Queen hinted to
+Mamma that she hoped you would not become a friend to the
+President; no doubt you can have no sympathies for him, but
+<i>just because</i> you are related to the poor Orleanses, you feel that
+you must be doubly cautious to do nothing which could provoke
+the enmity of Louis Napoleon. I fear that poor Joinville <i>had</i>
+some <i>mad</i> idea of going to France, which, fortunately, his illness
+prevented. It would have been the height of folly. Their
+only safe policy is to remain entirely passive <i>et de se faire oublier</i>,
+which was Nemours' expression to me two years ago; nothing
+could be wiser or more prudent than he was then&mdash;but I don't
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.354" id="pageii.354"></a>[page&nbsp;354]</span>
+think they were wise since. <i>La Candidature</i> of Joinville was in
+every way unwise, and led Louis Napoleon to take so desperate
+a course. Nemours told me also <i>last</i> year that they were not
+at all against a <i>fusion</i>, but that they could not <i>disposer de la
+France</i>, unless called upon to do so by the nation. I wish you
+would caution them to be very circumspect and silent&mdash;for all
+the mistakes made by others is in <i>their</i> favour; in fact, no good
+for them could come till Paris is old enough to be his own
+master&mdash;unless indeed they all returned under Henri V., but a
+Regency for Paris would be an impossibility....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We spent a very happy Christmas, and now wish you a very
+happy New Year&mdash;for many succeeding years. Also to the
+children, who I hope were pleased with the prints, etc.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We have got young Prince Nicholas of Nassau here, a pretty,
+clever boy of nineteen, with a good deal of knowledge, and a
+great wish to learn and hear, which is a rare thing for the young
+Princes, of our day in particular. I must stop now, as I fear
+I have already let my pen run on for too long, and must beg
+to be excused for this voluminous letter.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With Albert's love ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>30th December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letters of
+yesterday. She quite agrees with him and his colleagues in
+thinking it of importance to strengthen the Government, and
+she is pleased with his proposal to communicate with the Duke
+of Newcastle as to what assistance he and his friends can give
+to the Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen expects better results from such a negotiation,
+with an ostensible head of a Party, than from attempts to
+detach single individuals from it, which from a sense of honour
+they always felt scruples in agreeing to.</p>
+
+
+ <h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+ <span class="rightnote">THE <i>TE DEUM</i> IN PARIS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>31st December 1851.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sees in the papers that there is to be a <i>Te Deum</i>
+at Paris on the 2nd for the success of the <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i>, and that
+the Corps Diplomatique is to be present. She hopes that Lord
+Normanby will be told not to attend. Besides the impropriety
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.355" id="pageii.355"></a>[page&nbsp;355]</span>
+of his taking part in such a ceremony, his doing so would entirely
+destroy the position of Lord John Russell opposite Lord
+Palmerston, who might with justice say that he merely expressed
+his personal approval of the <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i> before, but since,
+the Queen's Ambassador had been ordered publicly to thank
+God for its success.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.356" id="pageii.356"></a>[page&nbsp;356]</span>
+
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: 5em;">INTRODUCTORY NOTE</h3>
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: -0.5em;">TO CHAPTER XXI</h3>
+
+
+<p>Early in 1852, the Whig Government, impaired in public credit
+by the removal of Lord Palmerston, attempted once more a coalition
+with the Peelites, office being offered to Sir James Graham; the
+overtures failed, and soon, after the meeting of Parliament, the ex-Foreign
+Secretary, whose version of the cause of his dismissal failed
+to satisfy the House of Commons, succeeded in defeating the Government
+on their Militia Bill, affairs in France having caused anxiety as
+to the national defences. The Government Bill was for the creation
+of a local Militia, Lord Palmerston preferring the consolidation of the
+regular Militia. A Ministry was formed by Lord Derby (formerly
+Lord Stanley) from the Protectionist Party, but no definite statement
+could be elicited as to their intention, or the reverse, to re-impose a
+duty on foreign corn. Mr Disraeli, who became Chancellor of the
+Exchequer, and was the mainspring of the Government policy,
+showed great dexterity in his management of the House of Commons
+without a majority, and carried a Militia Bill in the teeth of Lord
+John Russell; but a plan of partial redistribution failed. The
+elections held in the summer did not materially improve the Ministerial
+position, and, on the meeting of Parliament in the autumn, the
+Fiscal Question had to be squarely faced. After much wrangling,
+Protection was finally abandoned, and the Government saved for
+the moment, but on their House-tax proposals they were defeated,
+after an impassioned debate, by a coalition of Whigs, Peelites, and
+Radicals, from whom Lord Lansdowne and Lord Aberdeen (and
+finally the latter alone) were called upon to construct a strong representative
+Government. The Duke of Wellington had died in
+September, and his funeral was the signal for an outburst of national
+feeling. During the year the Houses of Parliament designed by Sir
+Charles Barry, though not absolutely completed, were formally
+opened by the Queen; the new House of Lords had already been
+in use.</p>
+
+<p>In France, the first result of the <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i> was Louis Bonaparte's
+election as President for ten years by an immense majority; late in
+the year he assumed the Imperial title as Napoleon III., and the
+Empire was formally recognised by the majority of the Powers;
+the Emperor designed to add to his prestige by contracting a matrimonial
+alliance with Princess Adelaide of Hohenlohe. In the East
+of Europe a dispute had commenced between France and Russia
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.357" id="pageii.357"></a>[page&nbsp;357]</span>
+about the Holy Places in Palestine. Simultaneously with the death
+of the Duke of Wellington, the era of European peace was destined
+to come to an end, and Nicholas, encouraged by the advent to power
+of Aberdeen (whom he had met in 1844, and with whom he had
+frankly discussed European politics), was hoping for the consummation
+of his scheme for the partition of Turkey.</p>
+
+<p>To Great Britain the year was a memorable one, in consequence of
+the granting of a Constitution to New Zealand.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.358" id="pageii.358"></a>[page&nbsp;358]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h2 style="margin-top: 5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XXI</h2>
+
+<h5>1852</h5>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of Denmark.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND AND DENMARK</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>4th January 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir, my Brother</span>,&mdash;I received the letter which your Majesty
+addressed to me on the 24th of August last, and in which, after
+referring to the necessity for establishing some definite arrangement
+with regard to the eventual succession to the Crown of
+Denmark, your Majesty is pleased to acquaint me that, in your
+opinion, such an arrangement might advantageously be made
+in favour of your Majesty's cousin, His Highness the Prince
+Christian of Gl&uuml;cksburg,<sup>1</sup> and the issue of his marriage with the
+Princess Louisa of Hesse, in favour of whom the nearer claimants
+have renounced their rights and titles.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I trust I need not assure your Majesty of the sincere friendship
+which I entertain for you, and of the deep interest which
+I feel in the welfare of the Danish Monarchy. It was in accordance
+with those sentiments that I accepted the office of mediator
+between your Majesty and the States of the German Confederation,
+and it afforded me the sincerest pleasure to have been thus
+instrumental in re-establishing the relations of peace between
+your Majesty and those States.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With regard to the question of the eventual succession to
+both the Danish and Ducal Crowns, I have to state to your
+Majesty that although I declined to take any part in the settlement
+of that combination, it will be a source of great satisfaction
+to me to learn that an arrangement has been definitely
+determined upon equally satisfactory to your Majesty and to
+the Germanic Confederation; and whenever it shall have been
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.359" id="pageii.359"></a>[page&nbsp;359]</span>
+notified to me that such an arrangement has been arrived at,
+I shall then be ready, in accordance with what was stated in the
+Protocol of the 2nd of August 1850, to consider, in concert with
+my Allies, the expediency of giving the sanction of an European
+acknowledgment to the arrangement which may thus have been
+made.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I avail myself with great pleasure of this opportunity to
+renew to your Majesty the expression of the invariable attachment
+and high esteem with which I am, Sir, my Brother, your
+Majesty's good Sister,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 1: Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Gl&uuml;cksburg was named successor
+to Frederick VII., King of Denmark by a Treaty signed in London on the 8th of May
+1852; and by the Danish law of succession (of the 31st of July 1853), he ascended the
+throne under the style of Christian IX., on the 15th of November, 1863. He was the
+father of His Majesty Frederick VIII., the present King of Denmark, and of Her Majesty
+Queen Alexandra of England; King Christian died in 1906, Queen Louise having predeceased
+him in 1898.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>15th January 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter last night,
+and wishes now shortly to repeat what she desired through the
+Prince, Sir Charles Wood to explain to Lord John.<sup>2</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen hopes that the Cabinet will fully consider what
+their object is before the proposed negotiation with Sir James
+Graham be opened.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Is it to strengthen their <i>case</i> in Parliament by proving that
+no means have been left untried to strengthen the Government?
+or really to effect a junction with the Peelites?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">If the first is aimed at, the Cabinet will hardly reap any of the
+desired advantages from the negotiation, for, shrewd as Sir
+James Graham is, he will immediately see that the negotiation
+has been begun without a desire that it should succeed, and
+this will soon become generally known.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">If the latter, the Queen must observe that there are two
+kinds of junctions&mdash;one, <i>a fusion</i> of Parties; the other, <i>the
+absorption</i> of one Party by the other. For a <i>fusion</i>, the Queen
+thinks the Peelites to be quite ready; then, however, they
+must be treated as a political Party, and no <i>exclusion</i> should be
+pronounced against particular members of it, nor should it be
+insisted upon that the new Government and Party is still
+emphatically the <i>Whig</i> party.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">An <i>absorption</i> of the most liberal talents amongst the Peelites
+into the Whig Government, the Queen considers unlikely to
+succeed, and she can fully understand that reasons of honour
+and public and private engagement must make it difficult to
+members of a political Party to go over to another in order to
+receive office.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.360" id="pageii.360"></a>[page&nbsp;360]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Having stated thus much, the Queen gives Lord John full
+permission to negotiate with Sir James Graham.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 2: Lord John Russell having vainly attempted to secure the co-operation of the Duke of
+Newcastle, announced the wish of the Cabinet to make overtures to Sir J. Graham.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LOUIS NAPOLEON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>20th January 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Your kind letter of the 16th I received
+on the 17th, with the newspaper, for which I return my best
+thanks. The papers which Stockmar communicated to us are
+most interesting, and do the writer the greatest credit. Watchful
+we certainly shall and must be. We shall try and keep on
+the best of terms with the President, who is extremely sensitive
+and susceptible, but for whom, I must say, I have never had
+any <i>personal</i> hostility; on the contrary, I thought that during
+1849 and 1850 we owed him all a good deal, as he certainly raised
+the French Government <i>de la boue</i>. But I grieve over the
+tyranny and oppression practised since the <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i>, and it
+makes everything very uncertain, for though I believe it in
+every way his wish and his policy not to go to war, still, <i>il peut
+y &ecirc;tre entra&icirc;n&eacute;</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Your position is a peculiarly delicate one, but still, as I again
+repeat, I think there is no reason to be alarmed; particularly,
+I would <i>never</i> show it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The poor Nemours were here from Saturday till yesterday
+evening with their dear nice boys, and I think it always does
+them good. They feel again as if they were in their own
+position, and they are diverted from the melancholy reality
+and the great sameness of their existence at Claremont. I
+found him very quiet and really <i>not</i> bitter, and disposed to be
+very prudent,&mdash;but seriously alarmed at the possibility of
+losing their property, which would be <i>too</i> dreadful and monstrous.
+I fear that the candidature and poor H&eacute;l&egrave;ne's imprudence
+in talking are the cause of this cruel persecution.
+The poor Orleans have really (and you should write them
+that) no <i>truer</i> and more faithful friends than we are&mdash;and it
+is for this reason that I urge and entreat them to be entirely
+passive; for <i>their day</i> will come, I feel convinced!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Now good-bye, my dearest, kindest Uncle. Ever your
+truly devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>27th January 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of
+yesterday with the draft of Bills, and likewise that of to-day
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.361" id="pageii.361"></a>[page&nbsp;361]</span>
+enclosing a Memorandum on the probable effects of the proposed
+Measure.<sup>3</sup> She has perused these papers with great
+attention, but feels that any opinion upon the future results
+of the Measure must rest on surmises; she has that confidence,
+however, in Lord John's experience and judgment in these
+matters, and so strong a conviction that he will have spared
+no pains in forming as correct an opinion as may be formed
+on so problematical a matter, that she is prepared to come to
+the decision of approving the Measure on the strength of
+Lord John's opinion. She only hopes that the future may
+bear it out, and that the character of the House of Commons
+may not be impaired. Should this prove the case, the extension
+of the privilege of voting for Members will strengthen
+our Institutions. The Queen is glad that the clause abolishing
+the necessity for every Member of the Government to vacate
+his seat upon his appointment<sup>4</sup> should have been maintained.
+She hopes that the schedules showing which towns are to be
+added to existing boroughs will be drawn up with the greatest
+care and impartiality, and will soon be submitted to her.
+The Queen would be glad if the plan once proposed of giving
+to the Queen's University in Ireland the vacant seat for
+Sudbury were still carried out, as she feels sure that not only
+would it be a great thing for the University and the Colleges,
+but a most useful and influential Irish Member would be
+gained for the House.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen takes it for granted that the Bill as approved
+by her will be stood by in Parliament, and that Lord John will
+not allow himself to be drawn on to further concessions to
+Democracy in the course of the debate, and that the introduction
+of the ballot will be vigorously opposed by the
+Government.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 3: The Ministerial Reform Bill.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 4: The Act of Settlement excluded (as from the accession of the House of Hanover) the
+Ministers of State from the House of Commons; but the 6 Anne, c. 7, modified this, and
+made them re-eligible on appointment.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DRAFT OF THE SPEECH</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>1st February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received the draft of the Speech. The
+passage referring to the proposed Reform Measure varies so
+materially from the one which was first submitted to her that
+she feels that she ought not to sanction it without having
+received some explanation of the grounds which have led the
+Cabinet to recommend it in its altered shape. The Queen
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.362" id="pageii.362"></a>[page&nbsp;362]</span>
+will not object to the mode of filling the Offices still vacant
+which Lord John Russell proposes.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">WOMEN AND POLITICS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>3rd February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;My warmest thanks for your kind
+little letter of the 30th. Matters are very critical and all Van
+de Weyer has told us <i>n'est pas rassurant</i>. With such an extraordinary
+man as Louis Napoleon, one can never be for one
+instant safe. It makes me very melancholy; I love peace
+and quiet&mdash;in fact, I <i>hate</i> politics and turmoil, and I grieve to
+think that a spark may plunge us into the midst of war. Still
+I think <i>that</i> may be avoided. Any attempt on Belgium would
+be <i>casus belli for us</i>; <i>that</i> you may rely upon. Invasion I am
+not afraid of, but the spirit of the people here is very great&mdash;they
+are full of defending themselves&mdash;and the spirit of the
+olden times is in no way quenched.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In two hours' time Parliament will be opened, and to-night
+the explanations between Lord John and Lord Palmerston
+will take place. I am <i>very</i> curious <i>how</i> they will go off. The
+curiosity and anxiety to hear it is very great.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I never saw Stockmar better, or more active and more
+sagacious, or more kind. To me he is really like a father&mdash;only
+too partial, I always think.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert grows daily fonder and fonder of politics and business,
+and is so wonderfully <i>fit</i> for both&mdash;such perspicacity and such
+<i>courage</i>&mdash;and I grow daily to dislike them both more and more.
+We women are not <i>made</i> for governing&mdash;and if we are good
+women, we must <i>dislike</i> these masculine occupations; but
+there are times which force one to take <i>interest</i> in them <i>mal gr&eacute;
+bon gr&eacute;</i>, and <i>I</i> do, of course, <i>intensely</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">
+I must now conclude, to dress for the opening of Parliament.... Ever your devoted Niece,
+</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>4th February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to report that the Address was agreed to
+last night without a division.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The explanations between Lord Palmerston and himself
+were made. Lord Palmerston made no case, and was not
+supported by any considerable party in the House. His
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.363" id="pageii.363"></a>[page&nbsp;363]</span>
+approbation of the President's conduct seemed to confound
+the Liberal Party, and he did not attempt to excuse his delay
+in answering Lord John Russell's letter of the 14th.<sup>5</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The rest of the debate was desultory and heavy. Mr
+Disraeli made a long speech for the sake of making a speech.
+Mr Roebuck was bitter without much effect.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Generally speaking, the appearance of the House was favourable.
+Sir James Graham says the next fortnight will clear
+up matters very much.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The tone of the House was decidedly pacific.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 5: See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.341" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 341</a>.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>4th February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">We have learned with much satisfaction that everything went
+off so well in the House of Commons last night. Lord John
+Russell's speech is a most useful one, and he has given a most
+lucid definition of the constitutional position of the Prime
+Minister and Foreign Secretary opposite to the Crown. Lord
+Palmerston's speech is a very weak one, and he in no way
+makes out a case for himself. This seems to [be] the general
+impression.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Houses of Lords and Commons being now almost completed,
+and the Queen having entered the House of Lords by
+the Grand Entrance (which is magnificent), the Queen thinks
+this will be the right moment for bestowing on Mr Barry the
+knighthood, as a mark of the Queen's approbation of his great
+work.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Marquis of Normanby to Colonel Phipps.</i><a id="footnotetagXXI6" name="footnotetagXXI6"></a><a href="#footnoteXXI6"><sup>6</sup></a></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON'S DISCOMFITURE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St George's Hotel</span>, <i>5th February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Charles</span>,&mdash;Yesterday morning I got a note from
+John Russell, saying that all had gone off so well the night
+before, and Palmerston had been so flat that he thought it
+better I should not revive the subject in the other House, as
+he had said nothing about me which in the least required that
+I should do so. I yielded, of course, to such an appeal, though
+there are several points in his speech on which I could have
+exposed inaccuracies. The fact is, John has never shown any
+consideration for me in the whole of these affairs; but I do
+not mean in any way to complain, and am very grateful to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.364" id="pageii.364"></a>[page&nbsp;364]</span>
+him for the very successful way in which he executed his task
+on Tuesday. Nothing can be more universal than the feeling
+of the utter discomfiture of Palmerston.<a id="footnotetagXXI7" name="footnotetagXXI7"></a><a href="#footnoteXXI7"><sup>7</sup></a> I am convinced
+that what floored him at starting was that letter of the
+Queen's,<a id="footnotetagXXI8" name="footnotetagXXI8"></a><a href="#footnoteXXI8"><sup>8</sup></a> because every one felt that such a letter would never
+have been written unless every point in it could have been
+proved like a bill of indictment; and then came the question,
+how could any man, even feeling he deserved it, go on under
+such a marked want of confidence?...<a id="footnotetagXXI9" name="footnotetagXXI9"></a><a href="#footnoteXXI9"><sup>9</sup></a></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Aberdeen, whom I saw at Granville's last night, told me
+that Cardwell had said to him, that often as he had felt indignant
+at the arrogance of "that man," he really pitied him, so
+complete was his overthrow. Disraeli said that he had watched
+him during Johnny's speech, and doubted whether the hanging
+of the head, etc., was merely acting; but before he had
+spoken two sentences he saw he was a beaten fox. Many said
+that the extreme flippancy and insolence of his manner was
+more remarkable than ever, from their being evidently assumed
+with difficulty. I have always thought Palmerston
+very much overrated as a speaker; his great power arose
+from his not only knowing his subject better than any one
+else, but being the only man who knew anything about it,
+and using that exclusive knowledge unscrupulously for the
+purposes of misrepresentation.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Thiers was at Lady Granville's last night, and was enchanted
+with the spectacle of the Opening. He said that he had been
+endeavouring for thirty years to support the cause of Constitutional
+Monarchy, as the best Government in the world,
+and there he saw it in perfection, not only in its intrinsic
+attributes, but in the universal respect and adhesion with
+which it was received. He said, though he did not understand
+a word of English, he could have cried at the Queen's
+voice in reading the Speech. He is very "impressionable,"
+and I am convinced at the time he was quite sincere in his
+appreciation.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I am vexed at not having been able to say anything publicly
+about all this, as I believe I could have dispelled many misrepresentations;
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.365" id="pageii.365"></a>[page&nbsp;365]</span>
+but it cannot be helped. I have endeavoured
+throughout not to be selfish, and I may as well keep up that
+feeling to the last. Ever, etc.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Normanby</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I told John Russell last night I regretted that he had
+vouched for the intentions of Louis Napoleon. He said he
+had not done that, but owned that he had said more than he
+ought. "The fact is, I did not know what to say next. I
+stopped as one sometimes does, so I said that; I had better
+have said something else!" Candid and characteristic!</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;"><a id="footnoteXXI6" name="footnoteXXI6"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXXI6">Footnote 6:</a> Submitted to the Queen by Colonel Phipps.</p>
+
+<p class="note1"><a id="footnoteXXI7" name="footnoteXXI7"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXXI7">Footnote 7:</a> It appears from a Memorandum made about this time by Prince Albert that when
+Lord Palmerston's retirement became known, the Radical constituency of Marylebone
+wished to present him with an Address of sympathy, and to invite him to stand at the
+next Election, promising him to bring him in. Sir Benjamin Hall (one of the Members)
+told them that they had better wait till the explanation in Parliament had taken place,
+for at present they knew nothing about the merits of the case. This the Committee which
+had been organised consented to do. After the Debate on the 4th of February, Sir
+Benjamin called upon the Chairman of the Committee to ask him whether they would
+still carry out their intention. "No," said the Chairman; "we have considered the
+matter: a man who does not answer the Queen's letters can receive no Address from us."</p>
+
+<p class="note1"><a id="footnoteXXI8" name="footnoteXXI8"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXXI8">Footnote 8:</a> See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.264" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 264</a>.</p>
+
+<p class="note1"><a id="footnoteXXI9" name="footnoteXXI9"></a><a class="footnote" href="#footnotetagXXI9">Footnote 9:</a> <i>Cf.</i> Greville's account in his Journal, 5th February 1852. <i>See</i> also <a href="#pageii.368" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 368</a>.
+</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Earl Granville.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>10th February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns the enclosed papers. She will not
+object to the proposed step<sup>10</sup> should Lord Granville and Lord
+John Russell have reason to expect that the Pope will receive
+Sir H. Bulwer; should he refuse, it will be doubly awkward.
+The Queen finds it difficult to give a decided opinion on the
+subject, as, first, she does not know how far the reception of
+Sir Henry at Rome will overcome the objections raised to his
+reception as Resident at Florence. Secondly, as she has never
+been able to understand what is to be obtained by a mission
+to Rome, a step liable to much misrepresentation here....</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 10: The Tuscan Government declined to receive Sir H. Bulwer, and it was then proposed
+to send him to Rome instead.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE PRINCE AND THE ARMY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>16th February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,&mdash;I have seen the Duke of Wellington this morning,
+and have given him the Dep&ocirc;t plan.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It may be useful if your Royal Highness will see him from
+time to time in relation to the Army. On the one hand, your
+Royal Highness's authority may overcome the indisposition
+to change which he naturally entertains; and on the other,
+his vast experience may be of great use to your Royal Highness
+in regard to the future. I have the honour to be, Sir, your
+Royal Highness's most dutiful Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">John Russell</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Sir Francis Baring to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE SLAVE TRADE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Admiralty</span>, <i>15th February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Francis Baring presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and begs to state to your Majesty that despatches have this
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.366" id="pageii.366"></a>[page&nbsp;366]</span>
+evening arrived from Commander Bruce in command of the
+African Squadron. Commander Bruce gives an account of
+an attack on Lagos<sup>11</sup> which was completely successful. The
+town of Lagos was captured and in great part burnt. The
+resistance appears to have been obstinate and directed with
+much skill. Your Majesty's naval Service behaved with their
+accustomed gallantry and coolness, but the loss amounted to
+fourteen killed and sixty-four wounded. Sir Francis Baring
+will forward to your Majesty copies of the despatches to-morrow,
+with his humble duty.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">F. Baring</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 11: Notorious as a centre of the Slave Trade. The native king was deposed.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Sir Francis Baring.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>16th February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received both Sir Francis Baring's letters
+of the 15th. The news of the capture and destruction of the
+town of Lagos has given us the <i>greatest</i> satisfaction, as it will
+give a most serious blow to the iniquitous traffic in slaves.
+The Rev. Mr Crowther, whom the Queen saw about two months
+ago (and whom she believes Sir Francis Baring has also seen),
+told us that the slave trade on that part of the African coast
+would be at an end if Lagos, the stronghold of its greatest
+supporters, was destroyed. The Queen must express to Sir
+Francis Baring her sense of the services rendered by Commodore
+Bruce and the Officers under him.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>17th February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Your dear letter of the 13th reached
+me on Saturday here, where we are since Friday afternoon.
+I am glad that you are satisfied with Lord Granville's answer.
+The question shall certainly be borne in mind, and you may
+rely on our doing whatever can be effected to bring about
+the desired end. I think Louis Napoleon will find his decrees
+very difficult to carry out. I am very glad to hear that you
+quietly are preparing to strengthen yourself against the possibility
+of any attack from France. This will, I think, put
+Louis Napoleon on his good behaviour....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The extension of the Suffrage<sup>12</sup> was almost unavoidable,
+and it was better to do it quietly, and not to wait till there
+was a cry for it&mdash;to which one would have to yield. The deal
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.367" id="pageii.367"></a>[page&nbsp;367]</span>
+there is to do, and the importance of everything going on at
+home and abroad, is unexampled in <i>my</i> recollection and <i>very</i>
+trying; Albert becomes really a <i>terrible</i> man of business; I
+think it takes a little off from the gentleness of his character,
+and makes him so preoccupied. I grieve over all this, as I
+<i>cannot</i> enjoy these things, <i>much</i> as I interest myself in
+<i>general</i>
+European politics; but I am every day more convinced that
+<i>we women</i>, <i>if</i> we <i>are</i> to be <i>good</i> women,
+<i>feminine</i> and <i>amiable</i>
+and <i>domestic</i>, are <i>not fitted to reign</i>; at least it is <i>contre
+gr&eacute;</i>
+that they drive themselves to the <i>work</i> which it entails.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">However, this cannot now be helped, and it is the duty of
+every one to fulfil all that they are called upon to do, in whatever
+situation they may be!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mme. van de Weyer thinks your children so grown and
+improved, and Charlotte as lovely as ever. With Albert's
+love, ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 12: See <i>ante</i>, pp. <a href="#pageii.294" style="font-weight: normal;">294</a>, <a href="#pageii.324" style="font-weight: normal;">324</a>.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE MILITIA BILL</span>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>20th February 1852.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(9.15 <span class="sc">p.m.</span>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour to report that Lord Palmerston has just
+carried his Motion for leaving out the word "Local" in the
+title of the Bill for the Militia.<sup>13</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell then declared that he could no longer
+take charge of the Bill. Lord Palmerston said he was astonished
+at the Government for giving up the Bill for so slight
+a cause.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell then said that he considered the vote
+as tantamount to a resolution of want of confidence, which
+remark was loudly cheered on the other side.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Benjamin Hall said he wondered the Government did
+not resign, on which Lord John again explained that when
+confidence was withdrawn, the consequence was obvious.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 13: Events in France had revived anxiety as to the national defences, and the Government
+brought in a Bill for raising a local Militia. To this scheme the Duke of Wellington had
+been unfavourable, and Lord Palmerston, by a majority of eleven, carried an Amendment
+in favour of re-organising the "regular" instead of raising a "local" Militia.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE MINISTRY DEFEATED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>21st February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell came this morning at twelve o'clock to
+explain that after the vote of yesterday<sup>14</sup> it was impossible for
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.368" id="pageii.368"></a>[page&nbsp;368]</span>
+him to go on any longer with the Government. He considered
+it a vote of censure, and an entirely unprecedented case not to
+allow a Minister of the Crown even to lay his measure on the
+Table of the House; that he had expected to the last that the
+respectable part of the House would see all this, but there
+seemed to have been a pre-arranged determination between
+Lord Palmerston and the Protectionists to defeat the Government;
+that the Peelites also had agreed to vote against them.
+Sir James Graham and Mr Cardwell had stayed away, but Mr
+Gladstone and Mr S. Herbert had voted against them, the latter
+even misrepresenting what Lord John had said. No Government
+could stand against incessant motions of censure upon
+every imaginable department of the Executive Government.
+The Prime Minister would either have to take the management
+of all the departments into his own hands, and to be prepared to
+defend every item, for which he (Lord John) did not feel the
+moral and physical power, or he must succumb on those different
+points which the Opposition with divided labour could
+single out. Lord Palmerston's conduct was the more reprehensible
+as he had asked him the day before about his objections
+to the Bill, and had (he thought) satisfied him that the four
+points upon which he had insisted were provided for in the
+Bill.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 14: On the Militia Bill.
+</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He thought he could not (in answer to the Queen's enquiry)
+dissolve Parliament, and that Lord Palmerston had no Party.
+But he supposed Lord Derby was prepared to form a Protection
+Government. This Government would pass the estimates and
+the Mutiny Bill, and would then have to proceed to a Dissolution.
+Lord John had merely seen Lord Lansdowne, who had
+approved of the course he meant to pursue, though afraid of
+the imputation that the Government had run away from the
+Caffre debate. He had summoned the Cabinet, and would
+report their resolution. Speaking of Lord Palmerston, Lord
+John said he had heard that Lord Palmerston had said that
+there was one thing between them which he could not forgive,
+and that was his reading the Queen's Minute to the House of
+Commons.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">RESIGNATION OF THE MINISTRY</span>
+
+<p class="ind">At a quarter past four Lord John came back from the Cabinet,
+and formally tendered the resignations of himself and
+colleagues. The Cabinet had been unanimous that there was
+no other course to pursue, and that it would not be advisable
+to make use of the Queen's permission to advise a Dissolution.
+Lord Granville had ascertained through Dr Quin from Lord
+Lyndhurst that Lord Derby was prepared with an Administration,
+having obtained Mr Thomas Baring's consent to act as
+Leader of the House of Commons.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.369" id="pageii.369"></a>[page&nbsp;369]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Stratford Canning at Constantinople was supposed to be
+intended for the Foreign Office. Lord Lyndhurst said, though
+the materials were there, they were very bad ones, and it was
+a question whether they would stand long. He himself would
+keep out of place.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We advised Lord John to keep his Party well under discipline
+in Opposition, so that whilst there it did not commit errors
+which would become new difficulties for the future Government.
+He seemed disinclined for great exertions after the
+fatigues he had undergone these last years. He said he
+thought he would not go on with the Reform Bill out of office,
+as that was a measure which ought to be carried by a Government.
+If he had again to propose it, he would very likely alter
+it a little, reverting to his original plan of taking away one
+Member of the two returned by small boroughs, and giving
+their seats to some large towns, counties, and corporations like
+the Universities, etc.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John defers taking his formal leave till a new Administration
+is formed.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD DERBY SUMMONED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>21st February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen would wish to see Lord Derby at half-past two
+to-morrow should he be in Town; if not, on Monday at twelve
+o'clock.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>22nd February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... Lord Derby said that he could not command a majority
+in the House of Lords, that he was in a decided minority in the
+House of Commons, and thought that in the critical circumstances
+in which the country was placed both at home and
+abroad, he ought not to ask for a Dissolution. He must then
+try to strengthen himself particularly in the House of Commons
+by any means he could. There was one person whom he could
+not venture to propose for the Foreign Office on account of
+what had lately passed, and what he might be allowed to call
+the "well-known personal feelings of the Queen"; but Lord
+Palmerston was one of the ablest debaters, and might well be
+offered the post of Chancellor of the Exchequer.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen ... would not, by refusing her consent, throw
+additional difficulties in Lord Derby's way; she warned him,
+however, of the dangerous qualities of [Lord Palmerston].</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.370" id="pageii.370"></a>[page&nbsp;370]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby rejoined that he knew them, and thought them
+pernicious for the conduct of the Foreign Affairs, but at the
+Exchequer they would have less play; he himself would undertake
+to control him. His greatest indiscretion&mdash;that in the
+Kossuth affair&mdash;must have been with a view to form a Party;
+that if left excluded from office, he would become more dangerous,
+and might in fact force himself back at the head of a Party
+with a claim to the Foreign Office, whilst if he had ever accepted
+another Office, his pretensions might be considered as waived;
+he (Lord Derby) did not know in the least whether Lord Palmerston
+would accept, but in case he did not, the offer would
+propitiate him, and render the Government in the House of
+Commons more possible, as it would have anyhow all the
+talent of the late Government, Peelites and Radicals, to
+withstand.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">To my question whether Lord Derby fancied he would
+remain Prime Minister any length of time, when once Lord
+Palmerston had got the lead of the House of Commons, he
+replied he was not afraid of him; he felt sure he could control
+him, although he would not have been able to admit him to the
+Foreign Office on account of the very strong strictures he had
+passed upon his Foreign Policy at different times&mdash;even if the
+Queen had allowed it.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St James's Square</span>, <i>22nd February 1852.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Half-past eight.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby, with his humble duty, deems it incumbent upon
+him to submit to your Majesty without delay that having had
+an interview this evening with Lord Palmerston, the latter has,
+although in the most friendly terms, declined accepting the
+Office, upon the ground of difference of opinion, not on the
+principle, but on the expediency of the imposition of any duty,
+under any circumstances, upon foreign corn. This was a point
+which Lord Derby was willing to have left undecided until the
+result of a General Election should be known.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Although this refusal may add materially to Lord Derby's
+difficulties, he cannot regret that the offer has been made, as
+the proposal must have tended to diminish any feelings of
+hostility which might have been productive of future embarrassment
+to your Majesty's service, to whatever hands it
+may be entrusted....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The above is humbly submitted by your Majesty's most
+dutiful Servant and Subject,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Derby</span>.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.371" id="pageii.371"></a>[page&nbsp;371]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD DERBY'S CABINET</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>23rd February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby reported progress at half-past two, and submitted
+a list of the principal Officers of the Government which
+follows, and which the Queen approved.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen allowed Lord Lyndhurst (who has declined office&mdash;has
+been Lord Chancellor three times, and now entered upon
+his eightieth year) to be offered an Earldom&mdash;which he very
+much desired for the position of his daughters, having no son.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">After he had kissed hands upon his entering upon his office,
+Lord Derby had a further conversation with me on Household
+appointments. I told him he must now, as Prime Minister,
+consider himself to a certain degree in the position of the Confessor;
+that formerly the Lord Chancellor was Keeper of the
+King's Conscience, the office might be considered to have
+descended on the Prime Minister. The Queen must then be
+able to confer with him on personal matters, or I, on her behalf,
+with the most entire confidence, and that she must be sure that
+nothing was divulged which passed between them on these
+matters, and he might repose the same confidence in us. As
+to the formation of the Household, the Queen made two conditions,
+viz. that the persons to compose her Court should not
+be on the verge of bankruptcy, and that their moral character
+should bear investigation. On the Queen's accession Lord
+Melbourne had been very careless in his appointments, and
+great harm had resulted to the Court therefrom. Since her
+marriage I had insisted upon a closer line being drawn, and
+though Lord Melbourne had declared "that that damned
+morality would undo us all," we had found great advantage in
+it and were determined to adhere to it....</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Duchess of Sutherland.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>23rd February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Duchess</span>,&mdash;I cannot say <i>how deeply</i> grieved I
+am to think that the event which has just occurred, and which
+Lord Derby's acceptance of office has to-day confirmed, will
+entail your leaving, for a time, my service. It has been <i>ever</i>
+a real pleasure to me to have you with me; my affection and
+esteem for you, my dearest Duchess, are great, and we <i>both</i>
+know what a kind and true friend we have in you.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I think that I may rely on your returning to me on a future
+occasion whenever that may be, and that I shall frequently
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.372" id="pageii.372"></a>[page&nbsp;372]</span>
+have the pleasure of seeing you, even when you are no longer
+attached to my person.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I shall hope to see you soon. The Lev&eacute;e remains fixed for
+Thursday, and the transfer of the Officers of the new Government
+does not take place till Friday.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With the Prince's kindest remembrance, and ours to the Duke
+and Constance. Believe me always, yours affectionately,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>24th February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Great and not <i>very</i> pleasant events have
+happened since I wrote last to you. I know that Van de Weyer
+has informed you of everything, of the really (till the last day)
+unexpected defeat, and of Lord Derby's assumption of office,
+with a very sorry Cabinet. I believe, however, that it is quite
+necessary they should have a trial, and then have done with it.
+Provided the country remains quiet, and they are prudent in
+their Foreign Policy, I shall take the trial as patiently as I
+can....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Alas! your confidence in our excellent Lord Granville is no
+longer of any avail, though I hope ere long he will be at the
+Foreign Office again,<sup>15</sup> and I cannot say that his successor,<sup>16</sup>
+who has never been in office (as indeed is the case with
+almost all the new Ministers), inspires me with confidence.
+I see that Louis Napoleon has again seized one of the
+adherents, or rathermore one of the men of business, of the
+poor Orleans....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">There are some terrible stories from Madrid of people having
+told the poor Queen that the King had arranged this attack on
+her person, and that she was anxious to abdicate.<sup>17</sup> If you
+should hear anything of this kind, be kind enough to tell
+me of it. With Albert's love (he is well fagged with business),
+ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 15: Lord Granville held the Foreign Secretaryship in 1870-1874, and again in 1880-1885.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 16: Lord Malmesbury.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 17: The Queen was stabbed by a priest when returning from church.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD MALMESBURY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>24th February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen thinks that it would be of the highest importance
+that not only Lord Malmesbury (as is always usual) should
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.373" id="pageii.373"></a>[page&nbsp;373]</span>
+receive the necessary information from Lord Granville, but that
+Lord Derby should see him and hear from him the state of all
+the critical questions now pending on Foreign Affairs. Lord
+Granville has made himself master in a very short time of all
+the very intricate subjects with which his Office has to deal,
+and she must here bear testimony to the extreme discretion,
+good sense, and calmness with which he has conducted the very
+responsible and difficult post of Foreign Secretary.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Derby to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">NEW APPOINTMENTS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St James's Square</span>, <i>25th February 1852.</i>
+(<i>5</i> <span class="sc">p.m.</span>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,&mdash;I have delayed longer than I could have wished acknowledging
+the letter which I had the honour to receive from
+your Royal Highness last night, in hopes that by this time I
+should have been enabled to solve the difficulties connected
+with the Household Appointments; but I regret to say they
+are rather increased than otherwise. I will not trouble your
+Royal Highness now with any details; but if I might be
+honoured with an audience at any hour after the Lev&eacute;e to-morrow,
+I shall perhaps be able to make a more satisfactory
+report, and at all events to explain the state of affairs more
+fully.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">In the meantime, it may save Her Majesty some trouble if
+I request that your Royal Highness will have the goodness
+to lay before Her Majesty the enclosed list of Appointments
+which, subject to Her Majesty's approval, I have arranged in
+the course of this day. The Admiralty List found its way
+most improperly into some of the morning papers before
+I was even aware that the Duke of Northumberland had
+finally obtained the assent of the Officers whom he had
+selected.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As it is possible that the Queen may not be acquainted
+with the name of Colonel Dunne, I have the honour of enclosing
+a letter respecting him which I have received from Lord Fitzroy
+Somerset, since I had intimated to him my intention of submitting
+his name to Her Majesty, and which is highly satisfactory.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must beg your Royal Highness to offer to the Queen my
+most humble and grateful acknowledgment of the kindness
+which Her Majesty has evinced in endeavouring to facilitate
+the progress of the Household arrangements.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Royal Highness's most
+obedient Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Derby</span>.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.374" id="pageii.374"></a>[page&nbsp;374]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by Queen Victoria.</i><sup>18</sup></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LOUIS NAPOLEON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Thursday</span>, <i>26th February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby came to Albert at half-past three, and Albert
+called me in at a little after four....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby told us he meant to proceed as speedily as possible
+with the defences of the country, and that his plan for the
+Militia entirely coincided with Albert's plan (viz. he (Albert)
+wrote on the subject to the Duke of Wellington, who <i>did not</i>
+like it),<sup>19</sup> and meant to try and avoid all the objections. On his
+observing that no one had entirely understood the Government
+Bill, I said that the Government had not even been allowed
+to bring it in, which was a most unfair proceeding; upon which
+Lord Derby reiterated his professions of this being no preconcerted
+plan of his Party's, but that it was "symptomatic";
+he, however, was obliged to own that it was rather hard and
+not quite fair on the late Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I then explained to him the arrangement respecting the
+drafts from the Foreign Office going first to him before they
+came to me, and wished this should be continued, which he
+promised should be done, as well as that all important Colonial
+despatches should be sent to me. Touched upon the various
+critical questions on the Continent.... Lord Derby said that all
+Louis Napoleon's views were contained in his book <i>Id&eacute;es
+Napol&eacute;oniennes</i> written in '39, for that he was more a man of
+"<i>Id&eacute;es fixes</i>" than any one; and in this book he spoke of
+gaining territory by <i>diplomacy</i> and not by war. Lord Derby
+gave us a note from Louis Napoleon to Lord Malmesbury,
+congratulating him on his appointment, professing the most
+friendly and pacific intentions, and hoping the Cowleys would
+(as they do) remain at Paris.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 18: Extract from Her Majesty's <i>Journal</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 19: This Memorandum is given in chap. xlv. of the <i>Life of the Prince Consort</i>.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FAREWELL AUDIENCES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>27th February 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">To-day the formal change of Government took place. The
+old Ministers who had Seals to give up assembled at half-past
+eleven, and had their Audiences in the following order:</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>Sir George Grey</i> was very much overcome; promised at our
+request to do what he could to keep his friends moderate and
+united. Spoke well of his successor, Mr Walpole, and assured
+the Queen that he left the country in a most quiet and contented
+state.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.375" id="pageii.375"></a>[page&nbsp;375]</span>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>Lord Grey</i> was sorry that the resignation had taken place
+before the Caffre Debate, in which he had hoped to make a
+triumphant defence; he was sure it must have come to this
+from the way in which Lord John had managed matters. He
+had never had his measures thoroughly considered when he
+brought them forward. He (Lord Grey) had had to remonstrate
+very strongly about this Militia Bill, which had not even
+been laid, printed, before the Cabinet, and had not been discussed
+at all; he himself had objected to the greater part of it,
+and had always expected to have an opportunity of making
+his opinion heard; instead of spending Christmas at Woburn
+he ought to have digested his measures; this was not fair to
+his colleagues, and he could never have the same confidence in
+Lord John as before. We urged him to forget what had
+passed and to do the best for the future; that it was important
+the Party should be kept together and should unite if possible
+with the Peelites, so that the Queen might hope to get a strong
+Government. Lord Grey thought there was little chance of
+this. The next Government could never be as moderate
+again as this had been; this he had always dreaded, and was
+the reason why he lamented that Lord John had failed in his
+negotiation with the Peelites this winter, upon Lord Palmerston's
+dismissal; but the fact was Lord John had never wished
+it to succeed, and it had been unfair that he had not stated to
+them (the Peelites) that all his colleagues were ready to give
+up their places.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>Lord Granville</i> had seen Lord Malmesbury several times,
+who appeared to him to take pains about informing himself
+on the state of Foreign Affairs, but seemed inclined to
+be ambitious of acquiring the merit of being exclusively
+<i>English</i> in his policy; this was quite right, but might be
+carried too far; however, Lord Malmesbury was cautious and
+moderate.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>The Chancellor of the Exchequer</i> (<i>Sir Charles Wood</i>) was not
+surprised at the fate of the Government, although they had not
+expected to be defeated on the Militia Bill; in fact, a division
+had hardly been looked for, as Lord John had talked the day
+before with Lord Palmerston, and satisfied him that all his
+objections should be provided against in the Bill. He thought
+it was better, however, that the Caffre Debate had not been
+waited for, which must have been a personal and very acrimonious
+one. He thought Lord Grey had not been very discreet
+in his language to the Queen on Lord John. Sir J.
+Graham had been in a difficulty with his own Party, and therefore
+had not wished to encourage Lord John's negotiation with
+the Peelites. He promised that, for his part, he would do all he
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.376" id="pageii.376"></a>[page&nbsp;376]</span>
+could to keep his Party from doing anything violent, but that
+he was afraid many others would be so, and that he and
+Lord Grey had in vain tried to persuade Mr Cobden to remain
+quiet.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby had then an Audience to explain what should be
+done at the Council. He regretted the Duchess of Northumberland's
+declining to be Mistress of the Robes, on account of ill-health,
+which had been communicated to the Queen by her
+father, Lord Westminster. He proposed the Duchess of
+Argyll, whom the Queen allowed to be sounded (though feeling
+certain, that, considering the Liberal views of her husband, she
+will not accept it), and sanctioned his sounding also the
+Duchess of Athole, whom the Queen wished to make the offer
+to, in case the Duchess of Argyll declined. Lord Derby
+stated the difficulty he was in with Sir A. B., whose wife
+had never been received at Court or in society, although
+she had run away with him when he was still at school,
+and was nearly seventy years old. The Queen said it would
+not do to receive her now at Court, although society might
+do in that respect what it pleased; it was a principle
+at Court not to receive ladies whose characters are under a
+stigma.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We now proceeded to the Council, which was attended only
+by three Councillors, the other seventeen having all had to be
+sworn in as Privy Councillors first.<sup>20</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 20: <i>See</i> Disraeli's <i>Endymion</i> (chap. c.)
+for a graphic description of this remarkable scene.
+</p>
+
+<p class="ind">After the Council Lord Hardinge was called to the Queen,
+and explained that he accepted the Ordnance only on the condition
+that he was not to be expected to give a vote which
+would reverse the policy of Sir R. Peel, to which he had hitherto
+adhered. He had thought it his duty, however, not to
+refuse his services to the Crown after the many marks of
+favour he had received from the Queen.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD DERBY'S PROGRAMME</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby then had an Audience to explain what he intended
+to state in Parliament this evening as the programme
+of his Ministerial Policy. It was very fluent and very able,
+but so completely the same as the Speech which he has since
+delivered, that I must refer to its account in the reports.
+When he came to the passage regarding the Church, the Queen
+expressed to him her sense of the importance not to have
+<i>Puseyites</i> or <i>Romanisers</i> recommended for appointments in the
+Church as bishops or clergymen. Lord Derby declared himself<span class="rightnote">LORD DERBY AND THE CHURCH</span>
+as decidedly hostile to the Puseyite tendency, and ready to
+watch over the Protestant character of the Church. He said he
+did not pretend to give a decided opinion on so difficult and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.377" id="pageii.377"></a>[page&nbsp;377]</span>
+delicate a point, but it had struck him that although nobody
+could think in earnest of reviving the old Convocation, yet the
+disputes in the Church perhaps could be most readily settled by
+some Assembly representing the laity as well as the clergy. I
+expressed it as my opinion that some such plan would succeed,
+provided the Church Constitution was built up from the
+bottom, giving the Vestries a legislative character in the
+parishes leading up to Diocesan Assemblies, and finally to a
+general one.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On Education he spoke very liberally, but seemed inclined
+to support the views of the bishops against the so-called
+"management clauses" of the Privy Council, viz. not to allow
+grants to schools even if the parish should prefer the bishops'
+inspection to the Privy Council inspection.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St James's Square</span>, <i>27th February 1852.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Half-past seven</i> <span class="sc">p.m.</span>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby, with his humble duty, hastens to acquaint your
+Majesty, having just returned from the House of Lords, that
+his statement, going over the topics the substance of which he
+had the honour of submitting to your Majesty was, as far as he
+could judge, favourably received. Earl Grey attempted to
+provoke a Corn Law discussion, but the feeling of the House
+was against the premature introduction of so complicated and
+exciting a topic. Lord Aberdeen, dissenting from any alteration
+of commercial policy, entirely concurred in Lord Derby's
+views of Foreign Affairs, and of the course to be adopted in
+dealing with Foreign Nations. Lord Derby did not omit to
+lay stress upon "the strict adherence, in letter and in spirit,
+to the obligations of Treaties," which was well received.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>5th March 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;I have to offer my affectionate
+thanks for a most gracious and long letter of the 2nd.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Within these days we have not had anything very important,
+but, generally speaking, there has been, at least in appearance,
+a quieter disposition in the ruling power at Paris. We are
+here in the awkward position of persons in hot climates, who
+find themselves in company, for instance in their beds, with a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.378" id="pageii.378"></a>[page&nbsp;378]</span>
+snake; they must <i>not move, because that irritates</i> the creature,
+but they can hardly remain as they are, without a fair chance
+of being bitten.... Your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FOREIGN AFFAIRS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>9th March 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Your dear letter of the 5th reached me
+just after we arrived here, at our sweet, peaceful little abode.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It seems that Louis Napoleon's mind is chiefly engrossed
+with measures for the interior of France, and that the serious
+question of Switzerland is becoming less menacing. On the
+other hand, Austria behaves with a hostility, and I must say
+folly, which prevents all attempts at reconciliation. All the
+admirers of Austria consider Prince Schwartzenberg<sup>21</sup> a madman,
+and the Emperor Nicholas said that he was "Lord
+Palmerston in a white uniform." What a calamity this is at
+the present moment!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We have a most talented, capable, and courageous Prime
+Minister, but all his people have no experience&mdash;have never
+been in <i>any sort</i> of office before!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On Friday the House of Commons meets again, and I doubt
+not great violence will be displayed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With every kind love to my dear Cousins, ever your very
+devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 21: Prime Minister of Austria. He died in the April following.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Colonel Phipps to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>10th March 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Colonel Phipps' humble duty to your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He has this day visited the Marionette Theatre, and feels
+quite certain not only that it would not be a suitable theatre
+for your Majesty to visit, but that your Majesty would derive
+no amusement from it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The mechanism of the puppets is only passable, and the
+matter of the entertainment stupid and tiresome, consisting
+in a great part of worn-out old English songs, such as "The
+death of Nelson"! Colonel Phipps considers "Punch" a
+much more amusing performance. Lady Mount Edgecumbe,
+who was in a box there, would probably give your Majesty an
+account of it....</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>The report in London is</i>, that Lord John Russell is to recommend
+moderation at the meeting at his house to-morrow. He
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.379" id="pageii.379"></a>[page&nbsp;379]</span>
+has, very foolishly, subjected himself to another rebuff from
+Lord Palmerston by inviting him to attend that meeting,
+which Lord Palmerston has peremptorily refused. Since that,
+however, Lady Palmerston has called upon Lady John with
+a view to a <i>personal</i>&mdash;not political&mdash;reconciliation. Lady
+Palmerston, as Colonel Phipps hears, still persists in the unfounded
+accusation against Lord John of having quoted your
+Majesty's Minute in the House of Commons without giving
+Lord Palmerston notice of his intention.<sup>22</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 22: Palmerston, however, admitted the contrary (<i>Life of
+the Prince Consort</i>, vol. ii. chap. xliv.).
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEMOCRACY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>12th March 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;I have to thank you for a most
+kind letter from peaceful Osborne, which must doubly appear
+so to you now, after all the troubles of the recent Ministerial
+arrangements. I am glad that you are struck with the good
+qualities of your new Premier. I am sure his great wish will
+be to make the best possible Minister of the Crown. His
+task will be very difficult. "Bread, cheap bread," "the poor
+oppressed by the <i>aristocratie</i>," etc.&mdash;a whole vocabulary of
+exciting words of that kind will be put forward to inflame the
+popular mind; and of all the Sovereigns, the Sovereign
+"People" is certainly one of the most fanciful and fickle. Our
+neighbour in France shows this more than any other on the
+whole globe; the Nation there is <i>still</i> the <i>Sovereign</i>, and this
+renders the President absolute, because he is the representative
+of the supreme will of the <i>supreme Nation</i>, sending us constantly
+some new exiles here, which is very unpleasant. We
+are going on very gently, merely putting those means of defence
+a little in order, which ought by rights always to be so, if it was
+not for the ultra-unwise economy of Parliaments and Chambers.
+Without, at least, comparative security by means of well-regulated
+measures of defence, no country, be it great or small,
+can be considered as possessing National Independence. I
+must say that in Austria, at least Schwartzenberg, they are
+very much intoxicated. I hope they will grow sober again
+soon. It was very kind of you to have visited the poor Orleans
+Family. Rarely one has seen a family so struck in their
+affections, fortunes, happiness; and it is a sad case. Those
+unfortunate Spanish marriages have much contributed to it;
+even angelic Louise had been caught by <i>l'honneur de la maison
+de Bourbon</i>.... Your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.380" id="pageii.380"></a>[page&nbsp;380]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE NEW MILITIA BILL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>12th March 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen must now answer Lord Derby on the questions
+which form the subjects of his three last communications.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With regard to the Militia Bill, she must admit that her
+suggestions are liable to the objections pointed out by Lord
+Derby, although they would offer advantages in other respects.
+The Queen will therefore sanction the measure as proposed,
+and now further explained by Lord Derby.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The despatches transmitted from the Foreign Office referring
+to the Swiss question<sup>23</sup> could not fail to give the Queen as much
+satisfaction as they did to Lord Derby, as they show indications
+of a more conciliatory intention, <i>for the present</i> at least.
+As Switzerland has yielded, France and Austria ought to be
+satisfied, and the Queen only hopes we may not see them
+pushing their demands further after a short interval!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The probability of a war with the Burmese is a sad prospect.
+The Queen thinks, however, that the view taken by Lord
+Dalhousie of the proceedings at Rangoon, and of the steps now
+to be taken to preserve peace, is very judicious, and fully concurs
+with the letter sent out by the Secret Committee. She
+now returns it, together with the despatch.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The despatches from Prince Schwartzenberg to Count Buol
+are satisfactory in one sense, as showing a readiness to return
+to the English Alliance, but unfortunately only under the
+supposition that we would make war upon liberty together;
+they exhibit a profound ignorance of this country.<sup>24</sup> The
+Queen is quite sure that Lord Derby will know how to accept
+all that is favourable in the Austrian overtures without letting
+it be supposed that we could for a moment think of joining in
+the policy pursued at this moment by the great Continental
+Powers. As Lord Derby's speech has been referred to by
+Prince Schwartzenberg, it would furnish the best text for the
+answer. The President seems really to have been seriously ill.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 23: The French had been pressing the Swiss Government to expel refugees, and Austria
+supported the French President.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 24: Lord Derby had urged that a more conciliatory message should accompany Lord
+Granville's last despatch, which, because of its unfriendly tone, Count Buol had delayed
+sending on to Vienna. The precise language (he said) must depend on what information
+Count Buol could supply.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>14th March 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received this morning Lord Derby's letter
+respecting the St Albans' Disfranchisement Bill, and is glad to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.381" id="pageii.381"></a>[page&nbsp;381]</span>
+hear that Lord Derby means to take up this Bill as dropped
+by the late Government. Whether the mode of transferring
+these seats proposed by Lord Derby will meet with as little
+opposition in Parliament as he anticipates, the Queen is not
+able to form a correct judgment of. It may be liable to the
+imputation of being intended to add to the power of the landed
+interest. This might not be at all objectionable in itself, but
+it may be doubtful how far the House of Commons may be
+disposed to concur in it at the present moment. This will be
+for Lord Derby to consider, but the Queen will not withhold
+her sanction from the measure.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">She knows that Lord John Russell meant to give the vacant
+seats to Birkenhead. Are not there two seats still vacant from
+the Disfranchisement of Sudbury? and would it not be better
+(if so) to dispose of all four at the same time? There is an impression
+also gaining ground that, with a view to prevent the
+Franchise being given exclusively to <i>Numbers</i>, to the detriment
+of <i>Interests</i>, it might be desirable to give new seats to
+certain corporate bodies, such as the Scotch Universities, the
+Temple and Lincoln's Inn, the East India Company, etc., etc.<sup>25</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 25: The Government eventually proposed that the four seats taken from St Albans and
+Sudbury should be assigned to South Lancashire and the West Riding; but, on the
+ground that a Ministry on sufferance should confine itself to necessary legislation, Mr
+Gladstone induced the House by a great majority to shelve the proposal.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MR DISRAELI</span>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">House of Commons</span>, <i>15th March 1852.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Monday night.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to
+your Majesty, informs your Majesty of what occurred in the
+House of Commons this evening.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Villiers opened the proceedings, terse and elaborate, but
+not in his happiest style. He called upon the House to contrast
+the state of the country at the beginning of the year and
+at the present moment. But he could not induce the House
+to believe that "all now was distrust and alarm."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reply, declined to bring
+forward in the present Parliament any proposition to change
+our commercial system, and would not pledge himself to propose
+in a future Parliament any duty on corn. He said a duty
+on corn was a measure, not a principle, and that if preferable
+measures for the redress of agricultural grievances than a
+five-shilling duty on corn (mentioned by Mr Villiers) could be
+devised, he should adopt them&mdash;a declaration received with
+universal favour on the Government side.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.382" id="pageii.382"></a>[page&nbsp;382]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell replied to the Chancellor of the Exchequer
+in consequence of some notice by the former of the
+strange construction of a new Opposition to force a Dissolution
+of Parliament by a Minister who, three weeks ago, had declared
+such Dissolution inexpedient. It was not a successful
+speech.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE OPPOSITION</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The great speech on the Opposition side was that of Sir
+James Graham: elaborate, malignant, mischievous. His
+position was this: that Lord Derby, as a man of honour, was
+bound to propose taxes on food, and that if he did so, revolution
+was inevitable.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Gladstone and Lord Palmerston both spoke in the same
+vein, the necessity of immediate Dissolution after the passing
+of the "necessary" measures; but the question soon arose,
+What is "necessary"?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston thought the Militia Bill "necessary,"
+upon which the League<sup>26</sup> immediately rose and denied that
+conclusion.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">There seemed in the House a great reluctance to avoid a
+violent course, but a very general wish, on the Opposition side,
+for as speedy a Dissolution as public necessity would permit.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The evening, however, was not disadvantageous to the
+Government. All which is most humbly submitted to your
+Majesty, by your Majesty's most dutiful Subject and Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">B. Disraeli</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 26: The members belonging to the Manchester School of Politics.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUESTION OF DISSOLUTION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>17th March 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I delayed writing till to-day as I
+wished to see the papers first, and be able to give you an
+account of the first Debate in the two Houses. They are not
+satisfactory, because both Lord Derby and Mr Disraeli refuse
+to give a straightforward answer as to their policy, the uncertainty
+as to which will do serious harm.<sup>27</sup> The Opposition
+are very determined, and <i>with</i> right, to insist on this being
+given, and on as early a Dissolution as possible. The Government
+will be forced to do this, but it is very unwise, after all
+<i>this</i> agitation for the last five years and a half, <i>not</i> [to] come
+forward manfully and to state what they intend to do. We
+tried to impress Lord Derby with the necessity of this course,
+and I hoped we had succeeded, but his speech has not been
+what it ought to have been in this respect.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.383" id="pageii.383"></a>[page&nbsp;383]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The President seems more occupied at home than abroad,
+which I trust he may remain.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Stockmar is well.... <i>One</i> thing is pretty <i>certain</i>&mdash;that
+<i>out</i> of the <i>present state</i> of confusion and discordance, a <i>sound
+state</i> of <i>Parties</i> will be obtained, and <i>two Parties</i>, as of old,
+will
+again exist, without which it is <i>impossible</i> to have a <i>strong</i>
+Government. <i>How</i> these Parties will be formed it is impossible
+to say at present. Now, with Albert's love, ever your
+devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 27: This uncertainty led to the Anti-Corn-Law League, which had been
+dissolved in 1846, being revived.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">House of Commons</span>, <i>19th March 1852.</i><br />
+(<i>Friday night, twelve o'clock.</i>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to
+your Majesty, lays before your Majesty what has taken place
+in the House of Commons to-night.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">At the commencement of public business, Lord John
+Russell, in a very full House, after some hostile comments,
+enquired of Her Majesty's Ministers whether they were prepared
+to declare that Her Majesty will be advised to dissolve the
+present Parliament, and call a new one, with the least possible
+delay consistent with a due regard to the public interest, in
+reference to measures of <i>urgent</i> and <i>immediate</i> necessity.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The question was recommended by Lord John Russell as
+one similar to that put to him in 1841 by Sir Robert Peel.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the Exchequer in reply observed that
+there was a distinction between the position of the present
+Ministry and that of Lord John Russell in 1841, as in that and
+in the other precedents quoted in 1841 by Sir Robert Peel, the
+Ministry had been condemned by a vote of the House of
+Commons.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He said it was not constitutional and most impolitic for any
+Ministers to pledge themselves to recommend their Sovereign
+to dissolve Parliament at any stated and specific time, as
+circumstances might occur which would render the fulfilment
+of the pledge injurious or impracticable; that it was the
+intention of the Ministers to recommend your Majesty to
+dissolve the present Parliament the moment that such measures
+were carried which were necessary for your Majesty's service,
+and for the security <i>and good government</i> of your Majesty's
+realm; and that it was their wish and intention that the new
+Parliament should meet to decide upon the question of confidence
+in the Administration, and on the measures, which they
+could then bring forward in the course of the present year.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This announcement was very favourably received.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.384" id="pageii.384"></a>[page&nbsp;384]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The discomfiture of the Opposition is complete, and no
+further mention of stopping or limiting supplies will be
+heard of.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">All which is most humbly submitted to your Majesty by
+your Majesty's most dutiful Subject and Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">B. Disraeli</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">INTERVIEW WITH LORD DERBY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>22nd March 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">We came to Town from Osborne the day before yesterday,
+and saw Lord Derby yesterday afternoon, who is in very good
+spirits about the prospect of affairs. He told the Queen that
+he thought he might state that the Government had gained a
+good deal of ground during the last week, and that there was
+now a general disposition to let the necessary measures pass
+Parliament, and to have the dissolution the end of June or
+beginning of July. He hoped the Queen did not think he had
+gone too far in pledging the Crown to a Dissolution about that
+time; but it was impossible to avoid saying as much as that
+a new Parliament would meet in the autumn again, and have
+settled the commercial policy before Christmas.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">To the Queen's questions, whether there would not be great
+excitement in the country produced by the General Election,
+and whether Parliament ought not to meet immediately after
+it, he replied that he was not the least afraid of much excitement,
+and that there was great advantage in not meeting
+Parliament immediately again, as the Government would
+require a few months to prepare its measures, and to take a
+sound view of the new position of affairs. He anticipated that
+there would be returned a large proportion of Conservatives,
+some Free Traders, some Protectionists; but not a majority
+for the re-imposition of a duty on corn, <i>certainly</i> not a majority
+large enough to justify him in proposing such a Measure.
+Now he was sure he could not with honour or credit abandon
+that Measure unless the country had given its decision against
+it; but then he would have most carefully to consider how
+to revise the general state of taxation, so as to give that relief
+to the agricultural interest which it had a right to demand.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PROTECTION</span>
+
+<p class="ind">He had received the most encouraging and flattering letters
+from the agriculturists of different parts of the country, all
+reposing the most explicit confidence in him, and asking him
+not to sacrifice the Government for the sake of an immediate
+return to Protection. They felt what Lord Derby must say
+he felt himself, that, after the fall of this Government, there
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.385" id="pageii.385"></a>[page&nbsp;385]</span>
+would necessarily come one of a more democratic tendency than
+any the country had yet had to submit to. He thought most
+politicians saw this, and would rally round a Conservative standard;
+he knew that even many of the leading Whigs were very
+much dissatisfied with the company they find themselves
+thrown into and alarmed at the progress of Democracy.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>23rd March 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... Here matters have improved rather for the Government,
+and it seems now that they will be able to get through
+the Session, to dissolve Parliament at the end of June or beginning
+of July, and to meet again in November. And then
+Protection will be done away with. If only they had not done
+so much harm, and played with it for six long years! What
+you say of the advantage of having had Governments from
+all parties we have often felt and do feel; it renders changes
+much less disagreeable. In the present case our acquaintance
+is confined almost entirely to Lord Derby, but then <i>he is</i> the
+Government. They do <i>nothing</i> without him. He has all the
+Departments to look after, and on being asked by somebody
+if he was not much tired, he said: "I am quite well with my
+babies!..."</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">House of Commons</span>, <i>29th March 1852.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Monday night.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to
+your Majesty, informs your Majesty of what has occurred in
+the House of Commons to-night.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Secretary Walpole introduced the Militia Bill in a statement
+equally perspicuous and persuasive.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Opposed by Mr Hume and Mr Gibson, the Government
+Measure was cordially supported by Lord Palmerston.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell, while he expressed an opinion favourable
+to increased defence, intimated a preference for regular troops.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Cobden made one of his cleverest speeches, of the cosmopolitan
+school, and was supported with vigour by Mr Bright.
+A division is threatened by the ultra-Movement party, but the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer hopes to ward it off, and is somewhat
+sanguine of ultimate success in carrying the Measure.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.386" id="pageii.386"></a>[page&nbsp;386]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>30th March 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Many thanks for your dear letter of
+the 26th, which I received on Saturday. Here we shall have
+some trouble with our Militia Bill, which all of a sudden seems
+to have caused dissatisfaction and alarm. Lord Derby is
+quite prepared to drop Protection, as he knows that the Elections
+will bring a Free Trade, though a Conservative majority.
+Mr Disraeli (<i>alias</i> Dizzy) writes very curious reports to me of
+the House of Commons proceedings&mdash;much in the style of his
+books....</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">ENGLAND AND ITALY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>10th April 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen hopes that both Lord Derby and Lord Malmesbury
+will give their earnest attention to the change in the
+politics of Italy, which is evidently on the point of taking place,
+according to the enclosed despatch from Mr Hudson.<sup>28</sup> What
+Count Azeglio<sup>29</sup> says in his Memorandum with respect to
+Austria is perfectly just. But France, as the champion of
+Italian liberty and independence, would become most formidable
+to the rest of Europe, and Louis Napoleon, in assuming
+for her this position, would be only following the example
+of his uncle, which we know to be his constant aim.<sup>30</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 28: British Envoy at Turin.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 29: Premier of Sardinia.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 30: Lord Derby in reply, after reviewing the whole matter, counselled non-interference,
+the keeping of a vigilant watch on French and Austrian actions, encouragement of Sardinia
+in her constitutional action, and the making use of any opportunity to secure both
+the independence of Piedmont and the reform of the Papal Administration.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FRANCE AND ITALY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>13th April 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Derby's letter of the 11th inst.,
+in which he states very clearly the difficulties which stand in
+the way of an active interference of this country in the affairs
+of Italy. The Queen did not mean to recommend in her letter
+of the 10th on this subject any active interference, as she is of
+opinion that our present want of due influence in Italy is chiefly
+owing to our former ill-judged over-activity. The Queen
+agrees therefore entirely with Lord Derby in thinking that "all
+that can be done now is carefully to watch the proceedings of
+France and Austria in this matter, so as to profit by every
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.387" id="pageii.387"></a>[page&nbsp;387]</span>
+good opportunity to protect the independence of Piedmont,
+and, if possible, produce some improvement in the internal
+Government of Rome," and she would accordingly like to
+see her respective Foreign Ministers instructed in this sense.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen continues, however, to look with apprehension
+to the possible turn which the affairs of Italy may take, proceeding
+from the political views of the President. It is not
+improbable that he may act now that he is omnipotent upon
+the views contained in his celebrated letter to Edgar Ney in
+1849, which were at the time disapproved by the Assembly.<sup>31</sup>
+He will feel the necessity of doing something to compensate the
+French for what they have lost by him at home, to turn their
+attention from home affairs to those abroad, and to the
+acquisition of power and influence in Europe; and certainly,
+were he to head Italian liberty and independence, his power of
+doing mischief would be immense. After all, such an attempt
+would not be more inconsistent for him than it was for General
+Cavaignac, as President of the <i>R&eacute;publique D&eacute;mocratique</i>, to get
+rid of the Roman Republic, and to reinstate the Pope by force
+of arms.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen wishes Lord Derby to communicate this letter
+to Lord Malmesbury, from whom she has also just heard upon
+this subject.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 31: In this letter the President of the Republic had expressed his admiration at the conduct
+of the French troops in the Roman expedition under General Oudinot, and his warm
+approval of the policy that led to the campaign.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">House of Commons</span>, <i>19th April 1852.</i><br />
+(<i>Monday night, half-past twelve.</i>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to
+your Majesty, reports to your Majesty that, after a dull debate,
+significant only by two of the subordinate Members of the late
+Administration declaring their hostility to the Militia Bill,
+Lord John Russell rose at eleven o'clock and announced his
+determination to oppose the second reading of it.<sup>32</sup> His speech
+was one of his ablest&mdash;statesmanlike, argumentative, terse,
+and playful; and the effect he produced was considerable.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Your Majesty's Government, about to attempt to reply to it,
+gave way to Lord Palmerston, who changed the feeling of the
+House, and indeed entirely carried it away in a speech of
+extraordinary vigour and high-spirited tone.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Ministers were willing to have taken the division on his
+Lordship sitting down, but as the late Government wished to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.388" id="pageii.388"></a>[page&nbsp;388]</span>
+reply, the Chancellor of the Exchequer would not oppose the
+adjournment of the debate.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The elements of calculation as to the division are very complicated,
+but the Chancellor of the Exchequer is still inclined
+to believe that the second reading of the Bill will be carried.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 32: This tactical blunder, much condemned at the time, estranged many of the Whigs
+from Lord John.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE BUDGET</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>25th April 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen wishes to remind Lord Derby that the time for
+the presentation of the Budget to the House of Commons being
+very close at hand, none of the Measures referring to the
+finances of the country which the Government may have to
+propose have as yet been laid before her.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>26th April 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Derby's explanation of his
+views with regard to the Budget,<sup>33</sup> and will be glad to see him on
+Wednesday at three o'clock. She had been alarmed by vague
+rumours that it was the intention of the Government to propose
+great changes in the present financial system, which, with an
+adverse majority in the House of Commons and at the eve of
+a Dissolution, must have led to much confusion. She thinks
+the course suggested by Lord Derby to consider the Budget
+merely as a provisional one for the current year, by far the
+wisest, the more so as it will leave us a surplus of &pound;2,000,000,
+which is of the utmost importance in case of unforeseen
+difficulties with Foreign Powers.<sup>34</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 33: Its chief feature was a renewal of the expiring Income Tax.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 34: Accordingly, no financial changes were proposed until after the General Election.
+See <i>post</i>, <a href="#pageii.406" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 406</a>.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">House of Commons</span>, <i>26th April.</i><br />
+(<i>Monday night, twelve o'clock.</i>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Excehquer'">Exchequer</ins>, with his humble duty to
+your Majesty, reports to your Majesty that the Militia Bill has
+been carried (second reading) by an immense majority.</p>
+
+<table summary="vote" align="center" border="0" style="margin-bottom: 2em;">
+          <tr><td>For</td>
+		  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+		  <td>315</td></tr>
+          <tr><td>Against</td>
+		  <td>&nbsp;</td>
+		  <td>165</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="ind">The concluding portion of the debate was distinguished by
+the speeches of Mr Sidney Herbert and Mr Walpole, who made
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.389" id="pageii.389"></a>[page&nbsp;389]</span>
+their greatest efforts; the first singularly happy in his treatment
+of a subject of which he was master, and the last
+addressing the House with a spirit unusual with him.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FRANCE AND THE BOURBONS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>27th April 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I thank you much for your kind and
+affectionate letter of the 23rd. I have somehow or other contrived
+to lose my day, for which reason I can only write a very
+short letter. It seems to be generally believed that Louis
+Napoleon's assumption of the title of Emperor is very near at
+hand, but they still think war is not likely, as it would be such
+bad policy.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">What you say about the ill-fated Spanish marriages, and
+the result of the poor King's wishing to have no one but a
+Bourbon as Queen Isabel's husband being that the <i>French
+won't</i> have <i>any</i> Bourbon, is indeed strange. It is a melancholy
+result.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I shall certainly try and read Thiers' <i>R&eacute;volution, Consulat, et
+Empire</i>, but I can hardly read <i>any</i> books, my whole <i>lecture</i>
+almost being taken up by the immense quantity of despatches
+we have to read, and then I have a good deal to write, and
+must then have a little leisure time to rest, and <i>de me d&eacute;lasser</i>
+and to get out. It is a great deprivation, as I delight in
+reading. Still, I will not forget your recommendation.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I am sorry to say <i>nothing</i> is definitely settled about our dear
+Crystal Palace. With Albert's love, ever <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'you'">your</ins> truly devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Mr Disraeli.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>1st May 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has read with great interest the clear and able
+financial statement which the Chancellor of the Exchequer
+made in the House of Commons last night, and was glad to
+hear from him that it was well received.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>13th May 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">With respect to this despatch from Lord Howden,<sup>35</sup> the
+Queen wishes to observe that hitherto we have on all similar
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.390" id="pageii.390"></a>[page&nbsp;390]</span>
+occasions declined accepting any Foreign Order for the Prince
+of Wales, on account of his being too young and not even
+having any of the English Orders. Might this not therefore
+be communicated to Lord Howden?</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 35: British Minister at Madrid.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">AFFAIRS IN FRANCE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>27th May 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns the enclosed most interesting letters.
+It is evident that the President is meeting with the first
+symptoms of a reviving public feeling in France; whether
+this will drive him to hurry on the Empire remains to be seen.
+All the Foreign Powers have to be careful about is to receive
+an assurance that the <i>Empire</i> does <i>not</i> mean a <i>return to the
+policy of the Empire</i>, but that the existing Treaties will be
+acknowledged and adhered to.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The session seems to advance very rapidly. The Queen
+hails Lord Derby's declaration of his conviction that a majority
+for a duty on corn will not be returned to the new Parliament,
+as the first step towards the abandonment of hostility to
+the Free Trade on which our commercial policy is now established,
+and which has produced so flourishing a condition of
+the finances of the country.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Disraeli's speech about Spain was very good, though he
+had certainly better not have alluded to Portugal.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We return to Town to-morrow.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">House of Commons</span>, <i>21st June 1852.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Nine o'clock.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to
+your Majesty, reports to your Majesty that Lord John Russell
+introduced to the notice of the House of Commons to-night the
+recent Minute of the Committee of Council on Education.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell made a languid statement to a rather
+full House. His speech was not very effective as it proceeded,
+and there was silence when he sat down.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Then Mr Walpole rose and vindicated the Minute. He
+spoke with animation, and was cheered when he concluded.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir Harry Verney followed, and the House very much dispersed;
+indeed the discussion would probably have terminated
+when Sir Harry finished, had not Mr Gladstone then risen.
+Mr Gladstone gave only a very guarded approval to the
+Minute, which he treated as insignificant.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.391" id="pageii.391"></a>[page&nbsp;391]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">It was not a happy effort, and the debate, for a while
+revived by his interposition, continued to languish until this
+hour (nine o'clock), with successive relays of mediocrity, until
+it yielded its last gasp in the arms of Mr Slaney.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The feeling of the House of Commons, probably in this
+representing faithfully that of the country, is against both the
+violent parties in the Church, and in favour of a firm, though
+temperate, course on the part of the Crown, which may conciliate
+a vast majority, and tend to terminate dissension.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Mr Walpole.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DISTURBANCES AT STOCKPORT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>1st July 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is much distressed at the account she has read
+in the papers of the dreadful riot at Stockport,<sup>36</sup> alas! caused
+by that most baneful of all Party feelings, <i>religious</i> hatred,<sup>37</sup>
+and she is very anxious to know what Mr Walpole has heard.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 36: The Church question was brought into the political arena in the General Election,
+which was now in progress; much violence was manifested during the contest.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 37: "It is additional proof, if more were wanting," wrote Mr Walpole in reply, "that all
+Parties should forbear as much as possible from the ostentatious parade of anything that
+can provoke either the one or the other."
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>23rd July 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;... We are very much plagued
+by our Treaty with France. Victor Hugo has written a book
+against Louis Napoleon, which will exasperate him much, and
+which he publishes <i>here</i>; we can hardly keep Victor Hugo
+here after that.<sup>38</sup> The great plague of all these affairs is their
+constant return without the least advantage to any one from
+the difficulties they created.... Your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 38: Victor Hugo (1802-1885) had founded the journal, <i>L'Ev&eacute;nement</i>, in 1848: he was
+exiled in 1851, and published <i>Napol&eacute;on le Petit</i> in Belgium. After the fall of the Empire
+he returned to France, and in 1877 published his <i>Histoire d'un Crime</i>.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>26th August 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has been considering the subject of the vacant
+Garter, and the names which Lord Derby proposed to her.
+She is of opinion that it would not be advisable on the whole
+to give the Garter to Lord Londonderry; that the Duke of
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.392" id="pageii.392"></a>[page&nbsp;392]</span>
+Northumberland has by far the strongest claim to this distinction.
+At the same time, the Queen would have no objection
+to bestow it on Lord Lonsdale, if this is desirable, in order
+to facilitate any Ministerial arrangements which Lord Derby
+may have in contemplation.</p>
+
+<a name="illusii.4" id="illusii.4"></a>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:400px;"><a href="images/0406-1200.png"><img src="images/0406-370.png" width="370" height="473" alt="The Duke of Wellington, K.G." border="0" /></a>
+<p class="center">F.M. The Duke of Wellington, K.G.</p>
+<p class="center">From a miniature at Apsley House</p>
+<p class="author" style="margin-bottom: 5em;"><i>To face &nbsp;p.</i> 392, Vol. II.</p></div>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN INHERITS A FORTUNE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>10th September 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;... That Mr Neild<sup>39</sup> should have
+left that great fortune to you delighted me; it gives the
+possibility of forming a private fortune for the Royal Family,
+the necessity of which nobody can deny. Such things only
+still happen in England, where there exists loyalty and strong
+affection for Royalty, a feeling unfortunately much diminished
+on the Continent of Europe, though it did exist there
+also....</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 39: John Camden Neild, an eccentric and miserly bachelor, nominally a barrister, died on
+the 30th of August, bequeathing substantially the whole of his fortune (amounting to half
+a million) to the Queen. As there were no known relatives, the Queen felt able to accept
+this legacy; but she first increased the legacies to the executors from &pound;100 to &pound;1000 each,
+made provision for Mr Neild's servants and others who had claims on him, restored the
+chancel of North Marston Church, Bucks, where he was buried, and inserted a window
+there to his memory.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEATH OF DUKE OF WELLINGTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral</span>, <i>17th September 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The death of the Duke of Wellington<sup>40</sup> has deprived the
+Country of her greatest man, the Crown of its most valuable
+servant and adviser, the Army of its main strength and support.
+We received the sad news on an expedition from
+Allt-na-Giuthasach to the Dhu Loch (one of the wildest and
+loneliest spots of the Highlands) at four o'clock yesterday
+afternoon. We hurried home to Allt-na-Giuthasach, and to-day
+here, where it became important to settle with Lord Derby
+the mode of providing for the command of the Army, and the
+filling up of the many posts and places which the Duke had
+held.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 40: The Duke passed away at Walmer on the 14th of September, in his eighty-fourth year.
+</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I had privately prepared a list of the mode in which this
+should be done, and discussed it with Victoria, and found, to
+both Lord Derby's and our astonishment, that it tallied in
+<i>every</i> point with the recommendations which he had thought
+of making.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I explained to Lord Derby the grounds upon which I thought
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.393" id="pageii.393"></a>[page&nbsp;393]</span>
+it better not to assume the Command myself, and told him of
+the old Duke's proposal, two years ago, to prepare the way to
+my assuming the Command by the appointment of a Chief of
+the Staff, on Sir Willoughby Gordon's death, and the reasons
+on which I then declined the offer. Lord Derby entirely
+concurred in my views, and seemed relieved by my explanation;
+we then agreed that for the loss of <i>authority</i> which we
+had lost with the Duke, we could only make up by increase in
+<i>efficiency</i> in the appointments to the different offices. That
+Lord Hardinge was the only man fit to command the Army.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He should then receive the Command-in-Chief. The
+Ordnance which he would vacate should be given to Lord
+Fitzroy Somerset, hitherto Military Secretary (with the offer
+of a peerage).<sup>41</sup> The Constableship of the Tower to Lord
+Combermere; the Garter to Lord Londonderry; the Grenadier
+Guards and the Rifle Brigade to me; the Fusiliers vacated
+by me to the Duke of Cambridge (or the Coldstream, Lord
+Strafford exchanging to the Fusiliers); the 60th Rifles vacated
+by me to Lord Beresford; the Rangership of the Parks in
+London to George (Duke of Cambridge); the Wardenship of
+the Cinque Ports to Lord Dalhousie; the Lieutenancy of
+Hampshire to Lord Winchester. I reserved to me the right of
+considering whether I should not assume the command of
+the Brigade of Guards which the Duke of York held in George
+IV.'s time, to which William IV. appointed himself, and which
+has been vacant ever since Victoria's accession, although
+inherent to the Constitution of the Guards.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 41: He became Lord Raglan.
+</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby had thought of George for the Command-in-Chief,
+as an alternative for Lord Hardinge, but perceived that
+his rank as a Major-General and youth would hardly entitle
+him to such an advancement. He would have carried no
+weight with the public, and we must not conceal from ourselves
+that many attacks on the Army which have been sleeping on
+account of the Duke will now be forthcoming.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Victoria wishes the Army to mourn for the Duke as long as
+for a member of the Royal Family.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby proposes a public funeral, which cannot take
+place, however, before the meeting of Parliament in November.
+He is to find out how this is to be accomplished on account of
+the long interval.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The correspondence here following<sup>42</sup> shows what doubts
+exist as to the person in whom the Command of the Army is
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.394" id="pageii.394"></a>[page&nbsp;394]</span>
+vested in case of a vacancy. I consider Lord Palmerston's
+letter as a mere attempt to arrogate supreme power for his
+Office,<sup>43</sup> which rests on no foundation. The Secretary at War
+has no authority whatever except over money, whilst the
+Commander-in-Chief has no authority to spend a penny
+without the Secretary at War.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 42: These letters, which are of no special importance, contained a statement from Lord
+Palmerston to the effect that the appointment to the Commandership-in-Chief was vested
+in the Secretary at War.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 43: Lord Palmerston had held the office of Secretary at War from 1809 to 1828.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral</span>, <i>17th September 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I am sure you will mourn <i>with us</i>
+over the loss we and this whole nation have experienced in
+the death of the <i>dear</i> and great old Duke of Wellington. The
+sad news will have reached you, I doubt not, on Wednesday
+or yesterday. We had gone on Wednesday, as I had mentioned,
+to our little Shiel of Allt-na-Giuthasach to spend two
+days there, and were enjoying ourselves very much on a beautiful
+expedition yesterday, and were sitting by the side of the
+Dhu Loch, one of the severest, wildest spots imaginable, when
+one of our Highlanders arrived bringing a letter from Lord
+Derby (who is here), confirming the report which we had
+already heard of&mdash;but entirely disbelieved&mdash;and sending me a
+letter from Lord Charles Wellesley, saying that his dear father
+had only been ill a few hours, and had hardly suffered at all.
+It was a stroke, which was succeeded rapidly by others, and
+carried him off without any return of consciousness. For <i>him</i>
+it is a blessing that he should have been taken away in the
+possession of his great and powerful mind and without a lingering
+illness. But for this country, and for us, his loss&mdash;though
+it could not have been long delayed&mdash;is irreparable!
+He was the pride and the <i>bon g&eacute;nie</i>, as it were, of this country!
+He was the <span class="sc">GREATEST</span> man this country ever produced, and
+the most <i>devoted</i> and <i>loyal</i> subject, and the staunchest supporter
+the Crown ever had. He was to us a true, kind friend
+and most valuable adviser. To think that all this is gone;
+that this great and immortal man belongs now to History and
+no longer to the present, is a truth which we cannot realise.
+We shall soon stand sadly alone; Aberdeen is almost the only
+personal friend of that kind we have left. Melbourne, Peel,
+Liverpool&mdash;and now the Duke&mdash;<i>all</i> gone!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">You will kindly feel for and with us, dearest Uncle.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Hardinge is to be Commander-in-Chief, and he is
+quite the <i>only</i> man <i>fit</i> for it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert is much grieved. The dear Duke showed him great
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.395" id="pageii.395"></a>[page&nbsp;395]</span>
+confidence and kindness. He was so fond of his little godson
+Arthur&mdash;who will now be a remaining link of the dear old
+Duke's, and a pleasant recollection of him. Ever your
+devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>17th September 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;You will be much grieved at the
+loss of the Duke. It must give you satisfaction to think that
+you were always kind to him, and that he was very sincerely
+devoted to you and appreciated Albert. Since 1814 I had
+known much of the Duke; his <i>kindness</i> to me had been very
+<i>marked</i>, and I early discovered that he was very favourable
+to my marriage with Charlotte, then already in agitation.
+Since, he was <i>always kind</i> and <i>confidential</i>, even in those days
+of persecution against me, the result of the jealousy of George
+IV.; he never was influenced by it, or had the meanness of
+many who, in the days of misfortune, quickly leave one. The
+only case in which we were at variance was about the boundaries
+of Greece. He had some of the old absolute notions,
+which in that case were not in conformity with the real interests
+of England and of Europe. Even last year he spoke so very
+kindly to me on the subject of our Continental affairs. Rarely
+fickle Fortune permits a poor mortal to reach the conclusion
+of a long career, however glorious, with such complete success,
+so undisturbed by physical or moral causes. The Duke is the
+noblest example of what an Englishman may be, and to what
+greatness he may rise in following that honourable and straight
+line.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">When one looks at the Manchester school, compared to the
+greatness to which men like the Duke raised their country,
+one cannot help to be alarmed for the future. You are enjoying
+the Highlands, but the weather seems also not very
+favourable; here it is uncertain, and at times very cold....
+Your truly devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Prince Albert to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral</span>, <i>22nd September 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Lord Derby</span>,&mdash;The Queen wishes me to answer
+your kind letter of yesterday.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Her letter to you and to Mr Walpole of this morning will
+have apprised you that she sanctions the Guard of Honour
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.396" id="pageii.396"></a>[page&nbsp;396]</span>
+having been placed at Walmer, and the Duke's body having
+been taken possession of formally on the part of the Crown.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It would be a great pity if Lord Fitzroy were to be obliged
+to decline the Peerage on account of poverty; at the same
+time it may be difficult to relieve him from the payment of
+fees by a public grant. Under these circumstances, rather
+than leave Lord Fitzroy unrewarded, and a chance of his
+feeling mortified at a moment when his cheerful co-operation
+with Lord Hardinge is so important to the public service&mdash;the
+Queen would <i>herself</i> bear the expense of the fees. If this were
+to hurt Lord Fitzroy's feelings, you could easily manage it so
+that he need never know from what source the &pound;500 came.
+The Queen leaves this matter in your hands. Ever yours
+truly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Mr Walpole.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral Castle</span>, <i>22nd September 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has just received Mr Walpole's letter of the 20th,
+informing her of the difficulty of having the Funeral Service,
+<i>according</i> to the <i>Liturgy</i>, performed <i>twice</i>; she trusts,
+however,
+that means may be found to enable the Queen's intentions to
+be carried out, as communicated to Mr Walpole in Lord Derby's
+official letter. Whether this is to be done by leaving the body
+for two months without the Funeral Service being read over
+it, or by reading the Funeral Service now in the presence of
+the family, and treating the <i>Public Funeral</i> more as a translation
+of the remains to their final place of rest, the Queen must
+leave to be decided by those who have the means of personally
+sounding the feelings of the Duke's family, the dignitaries of
+the Church, and the public generally.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">An impressive religious ceremony might certainly be made
+of it at St. Paul's, even if the actual Funeral Service should
+not be read on the occasion....</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>23rd October 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Shortly after the formation of Lord Derby's Government,
+the Queen communicated to him a Memorandum respecting
+the necessity of attending to our national defences on a systematic
+plan. The Queen would now wish to hear how far
+we have advanced in this important object since that time.
+Lord Derby would perhaps call on the General Commanding-in-Chief,
+the Master-General of the Ordnance, and the First
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.397" id="pageii.397"></a>[page&nbsp;397]</span>
+Lord of the Admiralty, as well as the Home Secretary, to make
+a report upon this. It will soon be necessary to consider what
+will have to be done for the future to complete the various plans.
+The Queen is no alarmist, but thinks that the necessity of our
+attending to our defences once having been proved and admitted
+by Parliament and two successive Governments, we
+should not relax in our efforts until the plans then devised are
+thoroughly carried out.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LOUIS NAPOLEON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>26th October 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;... I must tell you an anecdote relating
+to Louis Napoleon's entry into Paris, which Lord Cowley
+wrote over, as going the round of Paris. It is: that under one
+of the Triumphal Arches a Crown was suspended to a string
+(which is very often the case) over which was written, "<i>Il l'a
+bien m&eacute;rit&eacute;</i>." Something damaged this crown, and they removed
+it&mdash;<i>leaving</i>, however, the <i>rope</i> and <i>superscription</i>, the
+effect of which must have been somewhat edifying!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is not at all true that foreign Officers are not to attend at
+the funeral of the dear old Duke; on the contrary, we expect
+them from Prussia, Austria, and Russia, and the Duke of
+Terceira (whom we shall see to-night) is already come from
+Portugal to attend the ceremony.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must now conclude. With Albert's love, ever your devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>8th November 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">As we seem to be so near the declaration of the Empire in
+France, and as so many opinions are expressed on the subject
+of the title to be assumed by Louis Napoleon, the Queen is
+anxious to impress Lord Malmesbury with the importance of
+our not committing ourselves on this point, and not giving our
+allies to understand that we shall join them in not acknowledging
+Napoleon III.<sup>44</sup> Objectionable as this appellation no doubt
+is, it may hardly be worth offending France and her Ruler by
+refusing to recognise it, when it is of <i>such</i> importance to prevent
+their considering themselves the aggrieved party; any attempt
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.398" id="pageii.398"></a>[page&nbsp;398]</span>
+to dictate to France the style of her Ruler would strengthen
+Louis Napoleon's position; our object should be to leave
+France alone, as long as she is not aggressive.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">All of this should be well weighed.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 44: Louis Napoleon himself claimed no hereditary right to the Imperial dignity, but
+only that conferred by election: he acknowledged as national all the acts which had
+taken place since 1815, such as the reigns of the later Bourbons and of Louis Philippe.
+(See <i>Memoirs of an ex-Minister</i>.)
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Prince Albert to Viscount Hardinge.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">NATIONAL DEFENCES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>8th November 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Lord Hardinge</span>,&mdash;In reference to our conversation
+of yesterday, and the Queen's request to Lord Derby that he
+should call upon the different departments of the Admiralty,
+Army, Ordnance, and Home Office to furnish a report as to
+how far the measures begun last spring to put our defences in a
+state of efficiency have been carried out, and what remains to
+be done in that direction&mdash;I beg now to address you in writing.
+The object the Queen wishes to obtain is, to receive an account
+which will show what means we have <i>really</i> at our disposal for
+purposes of defence, <i>ready for action</i> at the shortest possible
+notice, and what remains to be done to put us into a state of
+security, what the supply of the wants may cost (approximately),
+and what time it would require.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As it will be not only convenient but necessary that the
+Horse Guards and Ordnance should consult together and combine
+their deliberations, I beg this letter to be understood to
+apply as well to Lord Raglan as to yourself, and that you would
+meet and give the answer to the Queen's questions conjointly.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">(<i>A detailed list follows.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">These questions would all present themselves at the moment
+when we received the intelligence of a threatened <i>coup de main</i>
+on the part of Louis Napoleon, when it would be too late to
+remedy any deficiency. The public would be quite ready to
+give the necessary money for our armament, but they feel with
+justice that it is unfair to ask them for large sums and then
+always to hear, <i>We are quite unprepared</i>. They don't understand
+and cannot understand details, but it is upon matters of
+detail that our security will have to depend, and we cannot be
+sure of efficiency unless a comprehensive statement be made
+showing the whole.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I beg this to be as short as possible, and if possible in a
+tabular shape. Ever yours truly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>13th November 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen was very sorry to hear from Lord Derby and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.399" id="pageii.399"></a>[page&nbsp;399]</span>
+Mr Disraeli that Mr Villiers' Motion<sup>45</sup> will create Parliamentary
+difficulties.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">With respect to the financial statement, she must most
+strongly impress Lord Derby with the necessity of referring to
+our defenceless state, and the necessity of a <i>large</i> outlay, to
+protect us from foreign attack, which would almost ensure us
+against war. The country is fully alive to its danger, and
+Parliament has perhaps never been in a more likely state to
+grant what is necessary, provided a comprehensive and efficient
+plan is laid before it. Such a plan ought, in the Queen's
+opinion, to be distinctly promised by the Government, although
+it may be laid before Parliament at a later period.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 45: This Motion, intended to extort a declaration from the House in favour of Free Trade,
+and describing the Corn Law Repeal as "a just, wise, and beneficial measure," was naturally
+distasteful to the Ministers. Their <i>amour-propre</i> was saved by Lord Palmerston's
+Amendment omitting the "<i>odious</i> epithets" and affirming the principle of unrestricted
+competition.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">FINANCIAL POLICY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>14th November 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to
+your Majesty, begs permission to enclose an answer to the
+Address for your Majesty's approbation, and which should be
+delivered, if your Majesty pleases, to the House of Commons
+to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Referring to a letter from your Majesty, shown to him yesterday
+by Lord Derby, the Chancellor of the Exchequer also begs
+permission to state that, in making the financial arrangements,
+he has left a very large margin for the impending
+year (April 1853-4), which will permit the fulfilment of all
+your Majesty's wishes with respect to the increased defence
+of the country, as he gathered them from your Majesty's
+gracious expressions, and also from the suggestion which afterwards,
+in greater detail, His Royal Highness the Prince
+deigned to make to him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the Exchequer will deeply consider the
+intimation graciously made in your Majesty's letter to Lord
+Derby as to the tone on this subject to be adopted in the House
+of Commons, and he will endeavour in this, and in all respects,
+to fulfil your Majesty's pleasure.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the Exchequer fears that he sent to your
+Majesty a somewhat crude note from the House of Commons
+on Thursday night, but he humbly begs your Majesty will deign
+to remember that these bulletins are often written in tumult,
+and sometimes in perplexity; and that he is under the impression
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.400" id="pageii.400"></a>[page&nbsp;400]</span>
+that your Majesty would prefer a genuine report of the
+feeling of the moment, however miniature, to a more artificial
+and prepared statement.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Mr Disraeli.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>14th November 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received with much satisfaction Mr Disraeli's
+letter of this day's date, in which he informs her of his readiness
+to provide efficiently for the defence of the country, the call
+for which is <i>very</i> urgent. Lord Malmesbury, with whom the
+Prince has talked very fully over this subject, will communicate
+further with Mr Disraeli and Lord Derby on his return to
+Town to-morrow.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Marquis of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD DALHOUSIE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Government House</span>, <i>23rd November 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Governor-General still retains some hope of seeing
+general peace restored in India before he quits it finally, as
+your Majesty's Ministers and the Court of Directors have some
+time since requested him not to retire from its administration
+in January next, as he had intended to do.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Many private considerations combined to draw him homewards,
+even though the honour and the advantages of retaining
+this Office were willingly recognised. But the gracious approbation
+with which his services here have been viewed was a
+sufficient motive for continuing them for some time longer, if
+they were thought profitable to the State.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Your Majesty has very recently been pleased to bestow upon
+him a still further distinction, which calls not merely for the
+expression of his deep and humble gratitude to your Majesty,
+but for a further devotion to your Majesty's service of whatever
+power he may possess for promoting its interests.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">That your Majesty should prefer him at all to an Office of
+such traditional distinction as the Wardenship was an honour
+to which the Governor-General would never at any time have
+dreamt of aspiring. But by conferring it upon him thus&mdash;during
+his absence&mdash;and above all, by conferring it upon him
+in immediate succession to one whom he must all his life regard
+with reverence, affection, and gratitude&mdash;your Majesty has
+surrounded this honour with so much of honourable circumstance
+that the Governor-General is wholly unable to give full
+expression to the feelings with which he has received your
+Majesty's goodness.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.401" id="pageii.401"></a>[page&nbsp;401]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The Governor-General is very sensible that in him, as Lord
+Warden, your Majesty will have but a sorry successor to the
+Duke of Wellington in every respect, save one. But in that
+one respect&mdash;namely in deep devotion to your Majesty's Crown,
+and to the true interests of your Empire&mdash;the Governor-General
+does not yield even to the Master he was long so proud to
+follow.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">INDIA AND THE DUKE</span>
+
+<p class="ind">In every part of India the highest honours have been paid
+to the memory of the Duke of Wellington, which your Majesty's
+Empire in the East and its armies could bestow.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Even the Native Powers have joined in the homage to his
+fame. In the mountains of Nepaul the same sad tribute was
+rendered by the Maharajah as by ourselves, while in Mysore
+the Rajah not only fired minute guns in his honour, but even
+caused the Dusserah, the great Hindoo festival, to be stopped
+throughout the city, in token of his grief.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Excepting the usual disturbance from time to time among
+the still untamed mountain tribes upon our north-western
+border, there is entire tranquillity in India. The season has
+been good, and the revenue is improving.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Respectfully acknowledging the letter which he had lately
+the honour of receiving from your Majesty, and the gracious
+message it contained to Lady Dalhousie, who, though much
+improved in health, will be compelled to return to England in
+January, the Governor-General has the honour to subscribe
+himself with the utmost respect and gratitude, your Majesty's
+most obedient, most humble, and devoted Subject and Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Dalhousie</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE FUNERAL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>23rd November 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;What you say about Joinville has
+interested us very much, and we have confidentially communicated
+it to Lord Derby, who is never alarmed enough. There
+is, however, a belief that the Orleans family have been very
+imprudent, and that Louis Napoleon has heard things and
+expressions used which did a great deal of harm, and Lord
+Derby begged me to warn them very strongly and earnestly
+on this point; <i>I</i> cannot do much, but I think <i>you</i> might, for
+in fact they might <i>unintentionally compromise us seriously</i>. The
+Government are rather shaky; Disraeli has been imprudent
+and blundering, and has done himself harm by a Speech he
+made about the Duke of Wellington, which was borrowed from
+an <i>&eacute;loge</i> by Thiers on a French Marshal!!!<sup>46</sup></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.402" id="pageii.402"></a>[page&nbsp;402]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">You will have heard from your children and from Charles
+how very touching the ceremony both in and out of doors was
+on the 18th. The behaviour of the millions assembled has been
+the topic of general admiration, and the foreigners have all
+assured me that they never could have believed <i>such</i> a number
+of people could have shown such feeling, such respect, for <i>not</i>
+a sound was heard! I cannot say <i>what</i> a deep and <i>wehmt&uuml;hige</i>
+impression it made on me! It was a beautiful sight. In the
+Cathedral it was much more touching still! The dear old
+Duke! he is an irreparable loss!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We had a great dinner yesterday to all the Officers. There
+is but one feeling of indignation and surprise at the conduct of
+Austria <sup>47</sup> in taking <i>this</i> opportunity to slight England in return
+for what happened to <i>Haynau</i><sup>48</sup> for <i>his own</i> character. Ernest
+Hohenlohe was extremely anxious you should know the reason
+why he may <i>possibly</i> appear one evening at the Elys&eacute;e (they
+are gone for three or four days to Paris).</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Louis Napoleon being excessively susceptible, and believing
+us to be inimical towards him, we and the Government thought
+it would not be wise or prudent for <i>my</i> brother-in-law, just
+coming <i>from here</i>, purposely to avoid him and go out of his
+way, which Louis Napoleon would immediately say was <i>my
+doing</i>; and unnecessary offence we do not wish to give; the
+more so as Stockmar was presented to him at Strasburg, and
+received the <i>L&eacute;gion d'honneur</i>. I promised to explain this to
+you, as Ernest was distressed lest he should appear to be <i>timeserving</i>,
+and I said I was sure you would understand it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I must end in a hurry, hoping to write again on Thursday
+or Friday. Dear Stockmar is very well and most kind. He is
+much pleased at your children spending some time with him
+every day. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 46: Marshal Gouvion de St Cyr.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 47: In sending no representative to the funeral of the Duke of Wellington.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 48: See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.267" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 267</a>.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">CONFUSION OF PARTIES</span>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>25th November 1852.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Thursday, four</i> <span class="sc">p.m.</span>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby, with his humble duty, in obedience to your
+Majesty's gracious commands of this morning, proceeds to
+report to your Majesty what he finds to have taken place and
+to be in contemplation; but the accounts of the latter are
+so conflicting and contradictory, that his report must be as
+unsatisfactory to your Majesty as the state of the case is
+unintelligible to himself.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.403" id="pageii.403"></a>[page&nbsp;403]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">On arriving in London, Lord Derby called on Mr Disraeli,
+and found that late last night he had had, by his own desire,
+a private interview with Lord Palmerston, who had come to his
+house with that object; that Lord Palmerston's language was
+perfectly friendly towards the Government; that he assured
+Mr Disraeli that his only object in offering his Amendment was
+to defeat Mr Villiers; that if that could be done, it was a matter
+of indifference to him which Amendment was adopted; and
+he concluded by declaring that though he sat by Mr Sidney
+Herbert in the House of Commons, and was an old personal
+friend, he did not act in concert with him or with Mr Gladstone;
+and that he did not see, on their part, any disposition
+to approach the Government! After this declaration Mr
+Disraeli felt that it would be useless and unwise to sound him
+farther as to his own ulterior views, and the conversation led to
+nothing.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As Lord Derby was walking home, he was overtaken by Lord
+Jocelyn, who stated, in direct opposition to what had been said
+by Lord Palmerston, that he, and the other two gentlemen
+named, were consulted upon, and had concocted the proposed
+Amendment; and that they were <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'decidedy'">decidedly</ins> acting together.
+He was present at a dinner of the Peelite Party yesterday at
+Mr Wortley's, when Speeches were made, and language held
+about the reunion of the Conservative Party, resulting, however,
+in a declaration that if your Majesty's servants did not
+accept Lord Palmerston's Amendment, they, as a body, would
+vote in favour of Mr Villiers. Lord Derby has been farther
+informed that they are willing to join the Government, but
+that one of their conditions would be that Lord Palmerston
+should lead the House of Commons, Mr Gladstone refusing to
+serve under Mr Disraeli. This, if true, does not look like an
+absence of all concert.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">To complete the general confusion of Parties, the Duke of
+Bedford, who called on Lady Derby this morning, assures her
+that Lord John Russell does not desire the fall of your Majesty's
+present Government, and that in no case will he enter into any
+combination with the Radical Party, a declaration quite at
+variance with the course he has pursued since Parliament met.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Of course Lord Derby, in these circumstances, has not taken
+any step whatever towards exercising the discretion with
+which your Majesty was graciously pleased to entrust him this
+morning.<sup>49</sup> He much regrets having to send your Majesty so
+unsatisfactory a statement, and has desired to have the latest
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.404" id="pageii.404"></a>[page&nbsp;404]</span>
+intelligence sent up to him of what may pass in the House of
+Commons, and he will endeavour to keep your Majesty informed
+of any new occurrence which any hour may produce.</p>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>Half-past six.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby has just heard from the House of Commons
+that Sir James Graham has given the history of the framing of
+the Amendment, and has expressed his intention, if Lord
+Palmerston's Amendment be accepted, to advise Mr Villiers
+to withdraw. Mr Gladstone has held the same language;
+there appears to be much difference of opinion, but Lord
+Derby would think that the probable result will be the adoption
+of Lord Palmerston's proposition. He fears this will lead
+to a good deal of discontent among the supporters of the
+Government; but a different course would run imminent risk
+of defeat.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 49: The Queen had allowed him to enter into negotiations with the Peelites and Lord
+Palmerston on the distinct understanding that the latter could not receive the lead of the
+House of Commons.
+</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON</span>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">House of Commons</span>, <i>26th November 1852.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(<i>Half-past one o'clock</i> <span class="sc">a.m.</span>)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to
+your Majesty, reports to your Majesty that the House of
+Commons has this moment divided on Mr Villiers' resolution,
+and in a House of nearly 600 members they have been rejected
+by a majority of 80.<sup>50</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The debate was very animated and amusing, from the rival
+narratives of the principal projectors of the demonstration,
+who, having quarrelled among themselves, entered into secret
+and&mdash;in a Party sense&mdash;somewhat scandalous revelations, to
+the diversion and sometimes astonishment of the House.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Chancellor of the Exchequer deeply regrets that, having
+been obliged to quit the House early yesterday, he was unable
+to forward a bulletin to your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He has fixed next Friday for the Budget.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 50: Lord Palmerston's Amendment (See <i>ante</i>, <a href="#pageii.399" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 399</a>.)
+was carried instead, and Protection was thenceforward abandoned by
+Mr Disraeli and his followers.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MR DISRAELI AND MR GLADSTONE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>28th November 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Before the Council held yesterday we saw Lord Derby, who
+seemed much pleased with the result of the Division, though
+a good deal galled by the tone of the Debate.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby had heard it said that Mr Sidney Herbert,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.405" id="pageii.405"></a>[page&nbsp;405]</span>
+although very bitter in his language, had not meant to be
+hostile to the Government, but felt that he owed the duty to
+speak out to the memory of Sir Robert Peel; that he was glad
+to have thrown the load off his mind. Lord Derby then read
+us a letter from Lord Claud Hamilton, who had seen Mr Corry
+(one of the Peelites), who had given him to understand that
+they would <i>not</i> serve under the leadership of Mr Disraeli; that
+they were ready, on the other hand, to serve under Lord
+Palmerston. This put all further negotiation out of the
+question, for, independently of the Queen objecting to such
+an arrangement, he himself could not admit of it. On my
+question why Mr Gladstone could not lead, he replied that
+Mr Gladstone was, in his opinion, quite unfit for it; he had
+none of that decision, boldness, readiness, and clearness which
+was necessary to lead a Party, to inspire it with confidence,
+and, still [more], to take at times a decision on the spur of the
+moment, which a leader had often to do. Then he said that
+he could not in honour sacrifice Mr Disraeli, who had acted
+very straightforwardly to him as long as they had had anything
+to do with each other, and who possessed the confidence of his
+followers. Mr Disraeli had no idea of giving up the lead.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We could quite understand, on the other hand, that the
+colleagues of Sir Robert Peel could not feel inclined to serve
+under Mr Disraeli.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Under these circumstances we agreed that nothing should be
+done at present, and that it must be left to time to operate
+changes, that much must depend upon the success which Mr
+Disraeli may have with his Budget, and that the knowledge
+that Lord Palmerston could not obtain the lead would oblige
+those who wished to join to think of a different combination.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby owned (upon my blunt question) that he did not
+think Mr Disraeli had ever had a strong feeling, one way or
+the other, about Protection or Free Trade, and that he would
+make a very good Free Trade Minister.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen was anxious to know what Lord Derby thought
+Lord George Bentinck (if now alive) would do in this conjunction.
+Lord Derby's expression was "he would have made
+confusion worse confounded" from his excessive violence.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">RECOGNITION OF THE EMPIRE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>2nd December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Malmesbury's letter, and returns
+the enclosure from Lord Cowley. Under these circumstances
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.406" id="pageii.406"></a>[page&nbsp;406]</span>
+the course recommended to be pursued by Lord
+Malmesbury<sup>51</sup> appears also to the Queen as the best. It is
+evident that we have no means of making Louis Napoleon say
+what he will not, nor would any diplomatic form of obtaining
+an assurance from him give us any guarantee of his not doing
+after all exactly what he pleases. Our honour appears therefore
+to be best in our own keeping. Whatever he may say,
+it is in our <i>note of recognition</i> that we must state <i>what</i> we
+recognise
+and what we do <i>not</i> recognise.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 51: Lord Malmesbury advised that a formal repetition of the interpretation and assurances
+as to the use of the numeral "III" in the Imperial title, already verbally made by the
+President and the French Ambassador, should be demanded. This was duly obtained.
+On the 2nd of December, the anniversary of the <i>coup d'&eacute;tat</i>, the Imperial title was assumed;
+on the 4th, the Empire was officially recognised.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St James's Square</span>, <i>3rd December 1852.</i><br />
+(<i>Friday night, twelve o'clock</i> <span class="sc">p.m</span>.)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby, with his humble duty, ventures to hope that
+your Majesty may feel some interest in hearing, so far as he
+is able to give it, his impression of the effect of Mr Disraeli's
+announcement of the Budget<sup>52</sup> this evening. Lord Derby was
+not able to hear quite the commencement of the Speech, having
+been obliged to attend the House of Lords, which, however,
+was up at a quarter past five, Mr Disraeli having then been
+speaking about half an hour. From that time till ten, when
+he sat down, Lord Derby was in the House of Commons, and
+anxiously watching the effect produced, which he ventures to
+assure your Majesty was most favourable, according to his
+own judgment after some considerable experience in Parliament,
+and also from what he heard from others. Mr Disraeli
+spoke for about five hours, with no apparent effort, with
+perfect self-possession, and with hardly an exception to the
+fixed attention with which the House listened to the exposition
+of the views of your Majesty's servants. It was altogether a
+most masterly performance, and he kept alive the attention of
+the House with the greatest ability, introducing the most
+important statements, and the broadest principles of legislature,
+just at the moments when he had excited the greatest
+anxiety to learn the precise measures which the Government
+intended to introduce. The Irish part of the question was
+dealt with with remarkable dexterity, though probably a great
+part of the point will be lost in the newspaper reports. It is
+difficult to foresee the ultimate result, but Lord Derby has no
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.407" id="pageii.407"></a>[page&nbsp;407]</span>
+hesitation in saying that the general first impression was very
+favourable, and that, as a whole, the Budget seemed to meet
+with the approval of the House.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 52: Increase of the House Tax, reduction of the Malt and Tea duties, and relaxation of
+Income Tax in the case of farmers, were the salient features of the Budget.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Emperor of the French.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN TO THE EMPEROR</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne House</span>, <i>4th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir, my Brother</span>,&mdash;Being desirous to maintain uninterrupted
+the union and good understanding which happily
+subsist between Great Britain and France, I have made choice
+of Lord Cowley, a peer of my United Kingdom, a member of
+my Privy Council, and Knight Commander of the Most Honourable
+Order of the Bath, to reside at your Imperial Majesty's
+Court in the character of my Ambassador Extraordinary and
+Plenipotentiary. The long experience which I have had of his
+talents and zeal for my service assures me that the choice
+which I have made of Lord Cowley will be perfectly agreeable
+to your Imperial Majesty, and that he will prove himself worthy
+of this new mark of my confidence. I request that your
+Imperial Majesty will give entire credence to all that Lord
+Cowley shall communicate to you on my part, more especially
+when he shall assure your Imperial Majesty of my invariable
+attachment and esteem, and shall express to you those sentiments
+of sincere friendship and regard with which I am, Sir,
+my Brother, your Imperial Majesty's good Sister,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">To my good Brother,<sup>53</sup> the Emperor of the French.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 53: The Czar persisted in addressing him as <i>Mon cher Ami</i>.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>6th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has this morning received Lord Malmesbury's
+letter of yesterday, relative to Count Walewski's audience.
+The manner in which Lord Malmesbury proposes this should
+be done the Queen approves, and only wishes Lord Malmesbury
+to communicate with the proper authorities in order that
+the <i>Fairy</i> may be at Southampton at the right hour, and the
+Frigate, as suggested, in attendance off Osborne or Cowes,
+according to what the weather may be. The landing at
+Osborne Pier, in wet or stormy weather, is very bad, particularly
+for a lady.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen wishes that the Count and Countess Walewski
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.408" id="pageii.408"></a>[page&nbsp;408]</span>
+should come down here with Lord Malmesbury on <i>Thursday
+next</i>, and we should receive them at half-past one. We wish
+then that they should <i>all three dine and sleep here that day</i>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">A SECRET PROTOCOL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>8th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen was very much surprised to receive this morning
+in a box from Lord Malmesbury, without any further explanation,
+a secret Protocol<sup>54</sup> signed by the representatives of the
+four great Powers at the Foreign Office on the 3rd instant.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">A step of such importance should not have been taken without
+even the intention of it having been previously mentioned
+to the Queen, and her leave having been obtained. She must
+therefore ask for an explanation from Lord Malmesbury.
+Though the purport of the Protocol appears to the Queen quite
+right, she ought not to allow the honour of England to be
+pledged by her Minister without her sanction.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The exact wording of a document of that nature is a matter
+of such serious importance that it requires the greatest
+consideration, and it is a question with the Queen whether
+it be always quite safe to adopt entirely what is proposed
+by Baron Brunnow, who is generally the <i>r&eacute;dacteur</i> of such
+documents.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 54: By this Protocol Louis Napoleon was to be recognised as Emperor by Great Britain,
+Austria, Prussia, and Russia.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Malmesbury to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Foreign Office</span>, <i>13th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Malmesbury presents his humble duty to the Queen.
+He thought it advisable to acquaint your Majesty as soon as
+possible with a conversation which Count Walewski had held
+of his own accord in reference to Her Serene Highness the
+Princess Adelaide of Hohenlohe,<sup>55</sup> and he requested Lord Derby
+to repeat it to your Majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Malmesbury was not mistaken in believing that the
+Count had not alluded idly to the subject, as he this day called
+on Lord Malmesbury, and stated to him that the Emperor of
+the French had not decided to negotiate a marriage with the
+Princess of Wasa;<sup>56</sup> but, on the contrary, was rather averse to
+such an alliance; that he was anxious, on the contrary, to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.409" id="pageii.409"></a>[page&nbsp;409]</span>
+make one which indirectly "<i>resserrerait les liens d'amiti&eacute; entre
+l'Angleterre et la France</i>," and that with this view he wished
+Lord Malmesbury to ascertain from your Majesty whether
+any objections would be raised on the part of your Majesty, or of
+the Princess Adelaide's family, to his contracting a marriage
+with Her Serene Highness. Your Majesty may suppose that
+he received this intimation by a simple assurance that he would
+submit the French Emperor's sentiments to your Majesty,
+and he added that he foresaw a serious difficulty to the
+project in the fact that the Princess was a Protestant.
+Count Walewski was evidently sincere in the earnestness with
+which he spoke of the subject, and the impatience with which
+he pressed Lord Malmesbury to inform your Majesty of his
+proposal.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 55: The Queen's niece, daughter of Princess Hohenlohe.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 56: The Princess Caroline St&eacute;phanie, daughter of Prince Gustavus de Wasa, who was son
+of the last King of Sweden of the earlier dynasty.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE EMPEROR'S PROPOSED MARRIAGE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>14th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sends to Lord Derby a communication which
+she has received from Lord Malmesbury.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen is sorry to have been put in a situation which
+requires on her part a direct answer, which to have been spared
+would have been in every respect more prudent and safe. As
+it is, however, the Queen is fully aware that the answer she
+is forced to give may really have, or may hereafter be made
+appear to have, political consequences disadvantageous to our
+political relations with France, and injurious to the Queen's
+personal character.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen therefore encloses for Lord Derby a draft of the
+answer she intends to give to Lord Malmesbury,<sup>57</sup> asking that
+Lord Derby will not only give these matters his fullest consideration,
+but that he will return to the Queen the draft as
+soon as possible, with such of his suggestions or alterations as
+he may think advisable to propose to her.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen must also express her decided wish that Lord
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.410" id="pageii.410"></a>[page&nbsp;410]</span>
+Derby will not allow Lord Malmesbury to move a single step
+in this affair without it has been previously concerted with
+Lord Derby.<sup>58</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 57: </p>
+
+
+
+    <h6 style="margin-top: -2.5em; font-style: italic;">Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury.</h6>
+    <p class="note1" style="margin-top: -1em;">[<i>Draft.</i>]</p>
+    <p class="indrightnote" style="margin-top: -1em;"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>14th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">The Queen has received Lord Malmesbury's letter of yesterday, reporting his conversation
+with Count Walewski, who had asked him to ascertain from the Queen "whether
+any objections would be raised on her part or on that of the Princess Adelaide's family to
+his (the Emperor's) contracting a marriage with Her Serene Highness."</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">In a question which affects the entire prospects and happiness of a third person, and that
+person being a near and dear relation of hers, the Queen feels herself conscientiously precluded
+from forming an opinion of her own, and consequently from taking the slightest
+part in it either directly or indirectly. The only proper persons to refer to for the consideration
+of and decision on so serious a proposal are the parents of the Princess and the
+Princess herself.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 58: In his reply Lord Derby observed that it did not appear to him that the matter
+was at present in so critical a position. Lord Malmesbury would have little difficulty in
+showing Count Walewski, without any interruption of a friendly <i>entente</i>, that the intended
+overtures were not likely to be favourably received. He suggested that Lord Malmesbury
+should be instructed to treat the proposition as emanating, not from the Emperor, but
+unofficially, from Count Walewski; and that he should, also unofficially, dissuade him from
+pressing the subject further; such course could have no injurious effect upon the political
+aspect of Europe. Lord Derby could not understand how the affair, however it might
+turn out, could affect the Queen's "personal character."</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">He suggested that the following words should be substituted for the last paragraph:
+"And while she fully appreciates the desire expressed by Count Walewski on the part
+of his Government, '<i>de resserrer les liens de l'amiti&eacute; entre l'Angleterre et la France</i>,' she feels
+bound to leave the consideration and decision of so serious a proposal to the unbiassed
+judgment of the parents of the Princess and the Princess herself, the only persons to whom
+such a question can properly be referred. The Queen thinks it right to add that being
+fully persuaded of the strong religious persuasion of the Princess, of the extreme improbability
+of any change of opinion on her part, and of the evils inseparable from a difference
+of opinion on such a subject between the Emperor and his intended Consort, she wishes
+Lord Malmesbury to place this consideration prominently before Count Walewski, before
+he takes any other step in the matter, which he appears to have brought unofficially under
+the consideration of Lord Malmesbury."
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN AND LORD MALMESBURY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>16th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Derby's letter of the 14th inst.
+She did not intend to complain personally of Lord Malmesbury,
+who, the Queen is sure, was most anxious to do the best he
+could under the circumstances; but she still thinks that a
+question of such importance should not have been brought
+immediately before her for her decision; and although Lord
+Derby states his opinion that Lord Malmesbury had no alternative
+but to promise to Count Walewski that he would bring
+"<i>the Emperor's sentiments before the Queen</i>," the very suggestion
+Lord Derby now makes, viz. "that Lord Malmesbury
+should be instructed to treat the proposition as emanating, not
+from the Emperor, but <i>unofficially</i> from Count Walewski,
+and that he should also <i>unofficially</i> dissuade him from pressing
+the matter further"&mdash;shows that there was an alternative.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby and Lord Malmesbury alone can know, whether,
+after what may have passed in conversation between Lord Malmesbury
+and Count Walewski, this course still remains open.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S OPINION</span>
+
+<p class="ind">There can be no doubt that the best thing would be to
+terminate this affair without the Queen being called upon to
+give any opinion at all.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby seems to treat the matter as of much less importance
+than the Queen, but he will admit that, if the alliance
+is sought by the Emperor, "<i>pour resserrer les liens d'amiti&eacute;
+entre la France et l'Angleterre</i>," the refusal of it on the part of
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.411" id="pageii.411"></a>[page&nbsp;411]</span>
+the Queen must also have the opposite effect. The responsibility
+of having produced this effect would rest personally with
+the Queen, who might be accused of having brought it about,
+influenced by personal feelings of animosity against the Emperor,
+or by mistaken friendship for the Orleans family, or misplaced
+family pride, etc., etc., etc. The acceptance of the
+proposal, on the other hand, or even the consummation of the
+project without her <i>direct</i> intervention, cannot fail to expose the
+Queen to a share in the just opprobrium attaching in the eyes
+of all right-thinking men to the political acts perpetrated in
+France ever since 2nd December 1851. And, while it would
+appear as if her Family did not care for any such considerations,
+so long as by an alliance they could secure momentary
+advantages, it would give the other Powers of Europe, whom
+the Emperor seems to be disposed to treat very unceremoniously
+(as shown by Lord Cowley's last reports) the impression that
+England suddenly had separated herself from them, and bound
+herself to France for a family interest pursued by the Queen.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">These are the dangers to "the Queen's personal character,"
+which presented themselves to her mind when she wrote
+her last letter, and which Lord Derby says remained unintelligible
+to him.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen wishes Lord Derby to show this letter to Lord
+Malmesbury, whom, under the circumstances, she thinks it
+best not to address separately. They will be now both in the
+fullest possession of the Queen's sentiments, and she hopes
+will be able to terminate this matter without the expression
+of an opinion on the part of the Queen becoming necessary.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEFEAT OF THE MINISTRY</span>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St James's Square</span>, <i>17th December 1852.</i></p>
+<p class="rindent1">(4 <span class="sc">a.m</span>.)</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby, with his humble duty, regrets to have to submit
+to your Majesty that the House of Commons, from which he
+has this moment returned, has rejected the resolution for the
+increase of the House Tax, by a majority of either nineteen or
+twenty-one.<sup>59</sup> This majority is so decisive, especially having
+been taken on a question which was understood to involve the
+fate of the Government, as to leave Lord Derby no alternative
+as to the course which it will be his duty to pursue; and
+although, as a matter of form, it is necessary that he should
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.412" id="pageii.412"></a>[page&nbsp;412]</span>
+consult his Colleagues, for which purpose he has desired that
+a Cabinet should be summoned for twelve o'clock, he can
+entertain no doubt but that their opinion will unanimously
+concur with his own; that he must humbly ask leave to resign
+into your Majesty's hands the high trust which your Majesty
+has been pleased to repose in him. Lord Derby, with your
+Majesty's permission, will endeavour to do himself the honour
+of attending your Majesty's pleasure this evening; but it is
+possible that he may not be able to find the means of crossing,<sup>60</sup>
+in which case he trusts that your Majesty will honour him
+with an audience to-morrow (Saturday) morning. Lord Derby
+trusts he need not assure your Majesty how deeply he feels the
+inconvenience and annoyance which this event will occasion
+to your Majesty, nor how anxious will be his desire that your
+Majesty should be enabled with the least possible delay to
+form an Administration possessing more of the public confidence.
+He will never cease to retain the deepest and most
+grateful sense of the gracious favour and support which he has
+on all occasions received at your Majesty's hands, and which
+he deeply regrets that he has been unable to repay by longer
+and more efficient service.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 59: This memorable debate and its sensational ending, with the notable speeches from
+Disraeli and Gladstone, has been repeatedly described. See, <i>e.g.</i>, Morley's <i>Gladstone</i>
+and McCarthy's <i>History of our own Times</i>. The <i>Times</i> leader (quoted by Mr Morley)
+was cut out and preserved by the Queen.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 60: To Osborne.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD DERBY'S RESIGNATION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>18th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Yesterday evening Lord Derby arrived from Town formally
+to tender his resignation. We retired to the Queen's room
+after dinner with him to hear what he had to say on the crisis.
+He complained of the factiousness of the Opposition, which he
+and his Party hoped, however, not to imitate; was ready to
+support, as far as he could, any Administration which was
+sincerely anxious to check the growth of democracy. He said
+his calculations at the close of the Elections had been found
+almost to a man verified in the late vote: 286 members voting
+with the Government, and these were their regular supporters;
+the other half of the House was composed of 150 Radicals, 50
+of the so-called Irish Brigade, 120 Whigs, and 30 Peelites. It
+was clear that, if all these combined, he would be outvoted,
+though none of these Parties alone numbered as much as half
+of his. However, he had heard lately from good authority
+that the Whigs and Peelites had come to an agreement, and
+were ready to form an Administration on Conservative principles,
+to the exclusion of the Radicals, under the lead of
+Lord Aberdeen. Although only 150 strong, they thought,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.413" id="pageii.413"></a>[page&nbsp;413]</span>
+that with all the talent they had at their command, they would
+be able to obtain the confidence of the country, and hold the
+balance between the two extreme Parties in the House. He
+felt that after having failed to obtain the confidence of Parliament
+himself, he could do nothing else than retire at once,
+and he advised the Queen to send for Lord Lansdowne, who
+knew better than anybody the state of Parties, and would give
+the best advice. He did not advise the Queen to send for
+Lord Aberdeen at once, because, if it were reported that he
+had given this advice, many of his Party&mdash;who had already
+been distressed at his declaration to them that if he was defeated
+he would withdraw from public life&mdash;would think it
+necessary to join Lord Aberdeen as their new appointed leader;
+and then the other half, which felt the deepest indignation
+at the treatment they had received from the Peelites, would
+throw themselves into a reckless alliance with the Radicals,
+to revenge themselves upon the new Government, so the great
+Conservative Party would be broken up, which it was so
+essential for the country to keep together and moderate.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I interrupted Lord Derby, saying that, constitutionally
+speaking, it did not rest with him to give advice and become
+responsible for it, and that nobody therefore could properly
+throw the responsibility of the Queen's choice of a new Minister
+upon him; the Queen had thought of sending for Lord Lansdowne
+and Lord Aberdeen together. This, Lord Derby said,
+would do very well; he knew that, strictly speaking, the
+Sovereign acted upon her own responsibility, but it was always
+said on such occasions, for instance, "Lord John advised the
+Queen to send for Lord Derby," etc., etc.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He then gave it rather jokingly as his opinion that he thought
+less than 32 could hardly be the number of the new Cabinet,
+so many former Ministers would expect to be taken in; the
+Whigs said 36. Lord John Russell was designated for the
+Home Office, Lord Canning for the Foreign, Mr Gladstone for
+the Colonial Department, Lord Clanricarde for the Post Office,
+Lord Granville for Ireland. These were the reports.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>18th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Lansdowne's letter, from
+which she was very sorry to learn that he is suffering from
+the gout. Although the Queen was very anxious to have
+consulted with him before taking a definite step for the formation
+of a new Government consequent on the resignation of
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.414" id="pageii.414"></a>[page&nbsp;414]</span>
+Lord Derby, she would have been very unhappy if Lord
+Lansdowne had exposed his health to any risk in order to
+gratify her wishes. Time pressing, she has now sent a telegraphic
+message to Lord Aberdeen to come down here alone,
+which, from the terms of the Queen's first summons, he had
+thought himself precluded from doing. Should Lord Lansdowne
+not be able to move soon, Lord Aberdeen will confer
+with him by the Queen's desire immediately on his return to
+Town.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD ABERDEEN SUMMONED</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>19th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen arrived here at three o'clock and reported
+that he had seen Lord Lansdowne, and had come to a perfect
+understanding with him; he had also consulted with his
+friends, and with Lord John Russell. It would now depend
+upon the decision of the Queen whom she would charge with
+the formation of a Government. The Queen answered that
+she thought Lord Lansdowne was too old and infirm to undertake
+such arduous duties, and that she commissioned Lord
+Aberdeen. He replied he was fully aware of his own unworthiness
+for the task, and had expressed his disinclination to Lord
+Lansdowne, while Lord Lansdowne, on the other hand, had
+pressed him to take the responsibility himself; but since the
+Queen had commissioned him, he wished to say that it was
+of the greatest importance that only one person should be
+charged with the task and be responsible for it, and that the
+new Government should not be a revival of the old Whig
+Cabinet with an addition of some Peelites, but should be a
+liberal Conservative Government in the sense of that of Sir
+Robert Peel; he thought this would meet with the confidence
+of the country, even if excluding the Radicals. Lord Aberdeen
+said he meant to propose to the Queen Lord John Russell as
+Leader of the House of Commons and Secretary of State for
+Foreign Affairs, which <i>he</i> thinks he would accept. (The Queen
+sanctioned this.) He would then consult Lord John upon his
+appointments, but he (Lord Aberdeen) would be responsible,
+taking care that Lord John should be satisfied. There was
+no doubt that Lord John had full claims to be Prime Minister
+again, but that he could give him no greater proof of confidence,
+having been his opponent all his life, than to give him the lead
+of the House of Commons, which made him virtually as much
+Prime Minister as he pleased, and the Foreign Office combined
+with it would satisfy Lord John as following the precedent of
+Mr Fox. The Peelites would not have served under Lord
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.415" id="pageii.415"></a>[page&nbsp;415]</span>
+Lansdowne, much less under Lord John; but a great many
+Whigs even objected to Lord John. This was a temporary
+and undeserved unpopularity, and still Lord John remained
+the first man in the country, and might be Prime Minister
+again. The Peelites would know and learn to respect him
+when meeting him in office. Lord Aberdeen hoped even many
+Conservatives now going with Lord Derby would support such
+a Government, but to preserve to it a Conservative character,
+two Secretaries of State at least must be <i>Peelites</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We next talked of Lord Palmerston, whom we agreed it
+would be imprudent to leave to combine in opposition with
+Mr Disraeli. Lord Aberdeen had thought of Ireland for him;
+we felt sure he would not accept that. I gave Lord Aberdeen
+a list of the possible distribution of offices, which I had drawn
+up, and which he took with him as containing "valuable
+suggestions." He hoped the Queen would allow him to
+strengthen himself in the House of Lords, where there was
+nobody to cope with Lord Derby, by the translation of Sir
+James Graham or Mr S. Herbert, if he should find this necessary.
+Sir James might gain in moving from the House of
+Commons, as he lately fettered himself with inconvenient
+Radical pledges. He felt he would have great difficulty in
+the formation of his Government, for although everybody
+promised to forget his personal wishes and interests, yet when
+brought to the test such professions were often belied. The
+difficulty of measures lies chiefly in the Budget, as the Income
+Tax would have to be settled, and he was anxious to keep a
+good surplus. As to Reform, he felt that, considering the
+Queen to have recommended it by a Speech from the Throne,
+and Lord John to have actually introduced a Measure as
+Prime Minister, the door could not be closed against it; but
+it might be postponed for the present, and there was no real
+wish for it in the country.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He was very sorry that the Government had been upset,
+and if the Budget had been such that it could have been
+accepted he should much have preferred it. Lord Derby
+seemed very much offended with him personally for his speech
+in the House of Lords. Lord Aberdeen kissed hands, and
+started again at four o'clock.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD ABERDEEN</span>
+
+<p class="indright">(<i>Undated.</i>)<sup>61</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen, with his humble duty, begs to inform your
+Majesty, that on his return from Osborne last night, he saw
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.416" id="pageii.416"></a>[page&nbsp;416]</span>
+Lord Lansdowne and Lord John Russell, and found them in<span class="rightnote">LORD JOHN RUSSELL</span>
+the same disposition with respect to the formation of the new
+Administration. This morning, however, Lord John Russell,
+partly from an apprehension of the fatigue of the Foreign
+Office, and partly from the effect likely to be produced on his
+political friends by his acceptance of office, has expressed his
+unwillingness to form part of the Administration, although
+anxious to give it his best support. Lord Aberdeen has discussed
+this matter very fully with Lord John, and has requested
+him not to decide finally until to-morrow morning,
+which he had promised accordingly. In the meantime, Lord
+Aberdeen humbly submits to your Majesty that his position
+is materially affected by this irresolution on the part of Lord
+John. Had he not felt warranted in relying upon Lord John's
+co-operation, he would not have ventured to speak to your
+Majesty with the confidence he yesterday evinced. With the
+most earnest desire to devote himself to your Majesty's service,
+it becomes doubtful whether he could honestly venture to
+attempt the execution of your Majesty's commands should
+Lord John persevere in his present intention. At all events,
+nothing further can be done until this matter shall be decided;
+and Lord Aberdeen will have the honour of reporting the result
+to your Majesty.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 61: Apparently written on the 20th of December 1852.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>20th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and is grateful for your Majesty's condescension in informing
+him that your Majesty has charged the Earl of Aberdeen with
+the duty of constructing a Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell is desirous of seeing a durable Government,
+and he will consider with the utmost care how far he
+can, consistently with his own honour and his health and
+strength, contribute to this end.<sup>62</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 62: He consulted Lord Lansdowne, and Macaulay, happening to call, threw his influence
+into the scale in favour of his serving under Aberdeen (Walpole's <i>Russell</i>, chap, xxiii.).
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Disraeli to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MR DISRAELI AND PRINCE ALBERT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>20th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sir</span>,&mdash;I have the honour to return to your Royal Highness
+the State paper<sup>63</sup> which your Royal Highness entrusted to me.
+I have not presumed to keep a copy of it, but my memory is
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.417" id="pageii.417"></a>[page&nbsp;417]</span>
+familiar with its contents, and in case hereafter there may be
+any opportunity formed to forward the views of your Royal
+Highness in this respect, I may perhaps be permitted, if necessary,
+again to refer to the document.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I hope I am not presumptuous if, on this occasion, I offer
+to your Royal Highness my grateful acknowledgments of the
+condescending kindness which I have received from your Royal
+Highness.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I may, perhaps, be permitted to say that the views which
+your Royal Highness had developed to me in confidential
+conversation have not fallen on an ungrateful soil. I shall
+ever remember with interest and admiration the princely mind
+in the princely person, and shall at all times be prepared to
+prove to your Royal Highness my devotion. I have the
+honour to remain, Sir, your Royal Highness's most obedient
+Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">B. Disraeli</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 63: It is impossible to ascertain what this was; it was probably one of the Prince's political
+Memoranda.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>20th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen, with his humble duty, begs to inform your
+Majesty that Lord John Russell has finally decided not to
+undertake the Foreign Office, being influenced, Lord Aberdeen
+fully believes, by domestic considerations, and contrary to the
+advice of all the most important of his political friends. Lord
+Lansdowne has done his utmost to shake the resolution, but
+in vain. Lord John proposes to be in the Cabinet, without
+office, but to lead the Government business in the House of
+Commons. Lord Aberdeen thinks this arrangement objectionable,
+and a novelty, although the Duke of Wellington
+was Leader in the House of Lords for two years without office
+when Lord Hill was Commander-in-Chief. If the arrangement
+should be found untenable in a Parliamentary view, Lord John
+would consent to accept a nominal office, such as Chancellor
+of the Duchy. It is with great regret that Lord Aberdeen
+makes this announcement to your Majesty, as his own position
+is greatly weakened by this change; but he does not think it
+a sufficient reason for abandoning the attempt to serve your
+Majesty, which he feared might have been the case if Lord
+John had persevered in his intention of not forming part of
+the Administration.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN'S ANXIETY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>21st December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has to acknowledge the receipt of Lord Derby's
+letter. She has since read his Speech in the House of Lords
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.418" id="pageii.418"></a>[page&nbsp;418]</span>
+announcing his resignation most attentively, and must express
+her doubts, whether that Speech was calculated to render
+easier the difficult task which has been thrown upon the Queen
+by the resignation of her late Government.<sup>64</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 64: Lord Derby severely attacked Lord Aberdeen, in his absence, and declared himself
+the victim of a factious combination.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>21st December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen received Lord Aberdeen's letter early this morning,
+the contents of which have filled her with no little anxiety.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Still, she relies on the spirit of patriotism which she knows
+animates all the parties concerned, and which she feels sure
+will ultimately prevail over all difficulties, and enable a strong
+Government to be formed, which the country so earnestly
+demands and requires. The Queen is not surprised at Lord
+John Russell's fearing the fatigue of the Foreign Office, together
+with the lead in the House of Commons, which Lord
+Aberdeen's wish to show him entire confidence had prompted
+him to offer to Lord John; but <i>this</i> difficulty, she trusts
+might easily be obviated. We intend leaving this place for
+Windsor to-morrow morning, and being there by two o'clock.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen would wish to see Lord Aberdeen there in the
+course of the afternoon&mdash;either at three, four, or five&mdash;whichever
+time is most convenient to him, and requests him to let
+her find a line from him on her arrival, informing her of the
+hour at which he will come. Any letter, however, sent by the
+bag to-night or by a messenger will reach the Queen <i>here</i> to-morrow
+morning, as we do not go before a quarter to ten, and
+the Queen trusts therefore that Lord Aberdeen will let her
+hear as soon as possible how matters stand.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>21st December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Many thanks for your dear and kind
+letter of the 17th, which was as ever full of love and affection;
+but you know <i>very</i> well that your affectionate child will never
+allow any mention of <i>your</i> "leaving the premises." You
+know&mdash;too well&mdash;how sacred duties of any kind are, and above
+all, those of a King, and in these days; and how impossible it is
+for <i>us to shirk</i> or abandon any of those duties which God has
+imposed on us.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.419" id="pageii.419"></a>[page&nbsp;419]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">You will have heard of our crisis, and of the resignation of
+the Government; its overthrow was inevitable; but we must
+now get a strong and durable Government, one combined of
+the best Conservatives and Liberals, which is what the country
+expects, demands, and requires. Lord Aberdeen has undertaken
+the task, but I cannot yet announce, as I wish I could,
+the formation of the new Government. Ever your devoted
+Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">You will receive a small parcel for my dear Charlotte for
+Christmas Eve, and I have directed some prize Christmas beef
+to be forwarded to Leo, which I hope he will approve of.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD DERBY'S JUSTIFICATION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St James's Square</span>, <i>22nd December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby, with his humble duty, learns with the deepest
+regret, by the note which he has just had the honour of receiving,
+that the statement which he felt it his duty to make in the
+House of Lords has appeared to your Majesty not calculated
+to render easier the difficult task which has been thrown upon
+your Majesty by the resignation of himself and his colleagues.
+Lord Derby begs humbly, but most sincerely, to assure your
+Majesty that nothing could have been farther from his intention
+than to let fall a single word which could increase the difficulties
+of the present position. He feels the full extent of those difficulties,
+and he may perhaps be forgiven if he entertains a strong
+opinion that a due appreciation of their magnitude might have
+been expected to have some weight with those Conservative
+statesmen, whose opposition thrown into the adverse scale
+turned the balance against your Majesty's servants, and rendered
+their retirement from office inevitable. Lord Derby
+does not affect to deny that he thinks he has some reason,
+personally and politically, to find fault with the course which
+they have pursued: but to suffer any such consideration to
+influence his public conduct, with regard to the Government
+now in process of formation, would be entirely at variance with
+his sense of public duty, and inconsistent with the deep gratitude
+which he must ever feel for the confidence with which your
+Majesty has honoured him. Lord Derby confesses himself at
+a loss to understand in what manner Lord Aberdeen can be
+enabled to reconcile the many and serious discrepancies, in
+matters both of Church and State, which would appear to exist
+among his presumed future colleagues; but it will give him
+unfeigned satisfaction to see these difficulties surmounted in
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.420" id="pageii.420"></a>[page&nbsp;420]</span>
+such a sense as to enable him to give to the Government his
+independent support; and in the meantime it is his determination
+honestly to undertake the task, difficult as it must be, of
+keeping together a powerful Party, without the excitement of
+opposition to a Government by which their own leaders have
+been superseded, and of some members of which they think
+they have reason to complain; and even to induce that Party
+to give it their support, whenever they can do so consistently,
+with their own conscientious convictions.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE NEW GOVERNMENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>22nd December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">We arrived here from Osborne at half-past one, and saw Lord
+Aberdeen at half-past five, who reported the progress he had
+made in the formation of his Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>The Chancellorship.</i>&mdash;He had hoped to be able to offer to Lord
+St Leonards to remain, but Lord John Russell insisted, on the
+part of his Party (which he personally regretted to have to do),
+that the Chancellor should be a Liberal; Lord Aberdeen in
+consequence recommended Lord Cranworth.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>The Presidency of the Council.</i>&mdash;The Duke of Newcastle, who
+might have done for Ireland, but whose presence in the House
+of Lords would be a great support to Lord Aberdeen.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>The Privy Seal.</i>&mdash;The Duke of Argyll, to whom he had,
+however, not yet applied.</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><i>The Secretaries of State.</i>&mdash;It appeared that Lord Palmerston
+had repented of his decision, for he had addressed Lord Lansdowne,
+and told him that he gave him his proxy&mdash;putting himself
+entirely into his hands, feeling sure that he would take care
+of his honour. Lord Lansdowne, who had been throughout
+very kind in his exertions to bring about the junction of Parties,
+was now engaged to prevail upon him to take the Home Office.
+We congratulated Lord Aberdeen upon this symptom, which
+augured confidence in his success. Lord Aberdeen said that
+when he saw Lord Palmerston, who then declined office,
+nothing could have exceeded the expressions of his cordiality;
+he had even reminded him that in fact they were great friends
+(!!!) of sixty years' standing, having been at school together.
+We could not help laughing heartily at the <i>Harrow Boys</i> and
+their friendship. The Foreign Office Lord John had again
+positively refused, contrary to the advice of all his friends, and
+to please Lady John. This arrangement failing, Lord Clarendon
+was to undertake it, but Lord Clarendon was now gone
+himself to try to persuade Lord, or rather Lady, John to accept&mdash;at
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.421" id="pageii.421"></a>[page&nbsp;421]</span>
+least temporarily&mdash;declaring his readiness to take it off his
+hands at any time if he should find the work too heavy. Lord
+Aberdeen had no hope, however, of Lord Clarendon's success.
+Then there would come the grave Constitutional Question of
+establishing the novelty of a Leader in the House of Commons
+who held no office. Lord John had seen the danger of being
+exposed to the reproach that he had slipped into office without
+having gone through the popular ordeal of a re-election, and had
+proposed to obviate this by accepting the Stewardship of the
+Chiltern Hundreds, and then having himself re-elected for the
+City of London. But this would not meet all the objections,
+for it would still be considered unconstitutional that he should
+lead the business of the Government in the House of Commons
+without the responsibility of office. The Leader of the House
+of Commons was an irresponsible person, and Lord John's
+saying: "I shall represent you (Lord Aberdeen) in the House
+of Commons," would be equally unconstitutional. Lord John
+must therefore be prevailed upon to take the Chancellorship of
+the Duchy of Lancaster, though he felt no inclination to become
+the successor of Mr Christopher. Lord Aberdeen read a
+Memorandum of Lord John's, containing his political views on
+the crisis and the principles of the new Government, of which
+he is to send the Queen a copy.</p>
+
+<p class="ind" style="text-indent: 4%"><i>For the Colonial Office.</i>&mdash;Lord Aberdeen wavered between
+Sir J. Graham and Mr Gladstone; either could be this, or
+Chancellor of the Exchequer. Lord John wished Sir James as
+Chancellor of the Exchequer. We argued the greater capabilities
+of Sir James for the Administration of the Colonies,
+and Mr Gladstone for the Finances.</p>
+
+
+ <p class="ind" style="text-indent: 4%"><i>Chancellor of the Exchequer</i>&mdash;therefore, Mr Gladstone.</p>
+ <p class="ind" style="text-indent: 4%"><i>Admiralty</i>&mdash;Mr Sidney Herbert.</p>
+ <p class="ind" style="text-indent: 4%"><i>Board of Control</i>&mdash;Sir C. Wood.</p>
+ <p class="ind" style="text-indent: 4%"><i>Board of Trade</i>&mdash;Lord Granville.</p>
+ <p class="ind" style="text-indent: 4%"><i>Board of Works</i>&mdash;Sir F. Baring.</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">(Baring and Wood being the two men whom Lord John had
+insisted on having on the Treasury Bench sitting by his side.)</p>
+
+
+
+ <p class="ind" style="text-indent: 4%"><i>Postmaster</i>&mdash;Lord Canning.</p>
+ <p class="ind" style="text-indent: 4%"><i>Secretary-at-War</i>&mdash;Mr Cardwell.</p>
+
+
+<p class="ind">These would form the Cabinet. Upon Ireland no decision
+had been come to, though Lord Granville was generally pointed
+out as the best Lord-Lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen was very much pleased with the entire confidence
+existing between him and Lord John. The Budget
+would be a formidable difficulty, as in fact the Government
+would be an Income Tax Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby's intemperate and unconstitutional behaviour
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.422" id="pageii.422"></a>[page&nbsp;422]</span>
+would do no good to the Government; many of his friends were
+disgusted. Lord Clanwilliam had called his speech in the
+House of Lords "a great outrage." The Radicals might be
+conciliated in some of the lower Offices by the appointment of
+Mr Charles Villiers, Sir William Molesworth, and others.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Malmesbury to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Foreign Office</span>, <i>23rd December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Malmesbury presents his humble duty to the Queen,
+and considers it right to inform your Majesty that Count
+Walewski again asked him yesterday where the Prince of
+Hohenlohe was now residing, adding that it was the intention
+of the Emperor to send a person to see him, and ascertain his
+feelings with respect to a marriage between him and the Princess
+Adelaide. Lord Malmesbury confined himself to replying that
+he did not know. Lord Malmesbury might perhaps in his
+private capacity endeavour to discourage these advances, but
+as long as he has the honour of being one of your Majesty's
+Ministers, it appears to him that your Majesty will be <i>personally</i>
+the least committed by his interfering as little as possible in the
+matter.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Emperor is becoming extremely irritable at the delay of
+the three great Powers in recognising the Empire, and he has
+said to M. H&uuml;bner that, as they had plenty of time to agree
+among themselves what course they should pursue when it
+was proclaimed, he cannot understand how Austria and Prussia
+can in the face of Europe humiliate themselves by waiting for
+the orders of Russia&mdash;"<i>les ordres de la Russie</i>."</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>23rd December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Malmesbury's letter. She
+thinks he is acting very judiciously in giving Count Walewski
+no advice whatever as long as he holds the Seals of Office.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">NEW APPOINTMENTS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>23rd December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's communication of
+this morning, and was pleased to hear that Lord John has
+finally accepted the Foreign Office. She has also received the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.423" id="pageii.423"></a>[page&nbsp;423]</span>
+second communication, with the List of the distribution of
+Offices. The Queen thinks it of such importance that the
+Cabinet should be now announced to the world as complete,
+that she is unwilling to throw any difficulties in the way. At
+the same time, she must observe that in some instances the
+changes are, in her opinion, not for the better. Sir J. Graham
+will be very unpopular in the Navy; his achievements at the
+Admiralty in former times<sup>65</sup> were all <i>retrenchments</i>, and have
+since proved in many instances injurious to the Service. The
+Secretary-at-War ought properly to be left out of the Cabinet
+for the well working of the Army;<sup>66</sup> the President of the Board
+of Trade has always been in the Cabinet, and in Lord Granville's
+case, even the Vice-President. Lord Granville will have a
+difficulty as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, being one
+of the chief lessees of the Duchy, and, the Queen believes, even
+engaged in a law-suit against it. The Queen has no objection
+to Sir William Molesworth<sup>67</sup> at the Office of Works. She hopes
+that the Presidency of the Council will be filled at once, for
+which Lord Clarendon would be best.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Amongst the Under-Secretaries of State, the Queen wishes
+merely to express her objection at seeing Mr B. Osborne<sup>68</sup> at
+the <i>Foreign</i> Office. The Queen sees Lord Chandos's<sup>69</sup> name
+as Secretary to the Treasury; she would be very much pleased
+to see his services secured. All the other proposals she
+approves.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen must repeat in conclusion that she considers the
+rapid completion of the Government of the first importance,
+even if none of the points the Queen has alluded to should be
+amended.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 65: From 1830 to 1834.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 66: The Secretary-at-War was not a Secretary of State.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 67: M.P. for Southwark; well known as a philosophical writer, the first member of the
+Radical Party included in any Ministry.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 68: Mr Bernal Osborne, a well-known speaker at the time, became Secretary of the
+Admiralty.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 69: Afterwards, as Duke of Buckingham, Secretary for the Colonies and Governor of
+Madras.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE NEW CABINET</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>24th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has this moment received Lord Aberdeen's letter,
+reporting that new difficulties have arisen in the completion of
+the Government by new proposals made by Lord John Russell,
+since the Queen's sanction had been given to the arrangements
+submitted to her by Lord Aberdeen, which had then been agreed
+to by Lord John Russell. The Queen begins to fear serious
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.424" id="pageii.424"></a>[page&nbsp;424]</span>
+mischief from the long duration of the crisis. It must weaken
+the prestige of the new Government, and, instead of smoothing
+difficulties, is, from the nature of things, rather calculated to
+invite new ones. The Queen has, in her letter of yesterday,
+stated some objections <i>she</i> felt, but added that she would waive
+them all for the satisfaction of the immediate want of the
+country (a strong Government), and she must express her hope
+that political parties will not fall short in patriotic spirit of the
+example she has thus herself set.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i><br />
+[<i>Draft&mdash;from recollection.</i>]</h5>
+
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>24th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of this afternoon,
+and is very glad to hear that he has overcome the difficulties
+which he mentioned this morning, and that he has
+secured the services of Lord Lansdowne in the Cabinet. She
+hopes, however, that Lord Aberdeen will remain firm on the
+other points, as difficulties are never overcome by yielding
+to more than can be fairly demanded.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>25th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen came this afternoon to announce the completion
+of his Cabinet.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">From many of them answers have not yet been received.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The day before it looked very bad. Lord John Russell had
+sent in such a list of persons whom he required in the Cabinet
+(Sir Francis Baring, Sir George Grey, etc., etc.), that, having
+been very yielding hitherto, Lord Aberdeen was obliged to be
+peremptory in his refusal. Now that the Cabinet was formed
+on a due proportion, he was inclined to let Lord John have his
+own way pretty much with regard to the minor Offices, considering
+that he brought 250 followers, and he (Lord Aberdeen)
+only 50.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It was to Lord Clarendon that the persuasion of Lady John
+was finally due, but Lord Aberdeen had to add his own promise
+to that of Lord Clarendon, that the latter would take the Foreign
+Office whenever she thought Lord John ought to be relieved
+from it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lady Palmerston had been most anxious to bring her
+husband into office again; Lord Aberdeen had seen the first
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.425" id="pageii.425"></a>[page&nbsp;425]</span>
+symptom of their joint wish in the earnestness with which
+Lord Palmerston's friends declared in all places that, had he
+been well enough, he would certainly have voted against the
+Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Lansdowne's exertions and Lord Clarendon's disinterestedness
+were beyond all praise.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Of the Derbyites, he heard that most of them would be very
+quiet, and many would be very friendly.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Breadalbane is to be Lord Chamberlain. We recommend
+a trial to get Lord Jersey to remain as Master of the
+Horse.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Prince Albert to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>26th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Lord Aberdeen</span>,&mdash;I have heard rumours of some
+appointments in the Household, for which the writs are to be
+moved to-morrow. As you have not yet placed before the Queen
+your recommendations, I merely write this to you, fearing
+that the "Whig Party" may deal out places before you have
+had an opportunity of taking the Queen's pleasure. Ever
+yours truly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD DERBY'S FAREWELL AUDIENCE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>27th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby had his audience of leave yesterday afternoon.
+He repeated his thanks to the Queen for the support and countenance
+she had given him throughout the period he had been
+allowed to serve her, adding his regrets that his services could
+not have been more efficient or longer. One thing only distressed
+him in taking leave, and that was the idea that the
+Queen might think he had unnecessarily raised difficulties to
+the formation of a new Government by his Speech in the House
+of Lords. Now, it had been incumbent upon him to show to
+his Party that he had not quitted office on light grounds, after
+the sacrifices of opinion they had brought in order to support
+him; he had to prove that the vote in the House of Commons
+was not an accidental vote, but the preconcerted Union of all
+Parties (in opposition) against him, which gave them a real
+majority. We replied that it was not his opinion on the late
+division, to the expression of which the Queen had objected, but
+to that of an opinion on the character of the new Government
+which the Queen had not yet formed. It was of the greatest
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.426" id="pageii.426"></a>[page&nbsp;426]</span>
+importance to keep that in suspense, and the declaration that
+Lord Derby knew Lord Aberdeen to profess Conservative
+opinions of his own (Lord Derby's) shade, had at once given the
+alarm to the Radicals, and made them insist upon a greater
+proportion of Liberals in the Cabinet. Lord Derby rejoined
+he had expressed his doubts as to how these differences could
+be reconciled; and he did not see now how this was to be done.
+How could Lord Aberdeen and Lord John Russell agree upon
+the Foreign Policy, for instance? The Queen replied that
+Lord John's views were very sound and moderate, and that the
+line of Foreign Policy he had formerly had to pursue had been
+forced upon him by Lord Palmerston, who had never left a
+question for the decision of the Cabinet to which he had not
+already given a decided bias.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Did Lord Derby know that Lord Palmerston gave it out
+everywhere that, had he been well enough, he should certainly
+have voted <i>against</i> the Government? Lord Derby could only
+say that he had allowed his son-in-law, Lord Jocelyn, to go to
+Italy under the firm conviction that Lord Palmerston would
+refuse to join Lord Aberdeen or Lord John Russell!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Derby took leave after five o'clock.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Countess of Derby to the Marchioness of Ely.</i><sup>70</sup></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LADY DERBY'S LETTER</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">St James's Square</span>, <i>27th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Lady Ely</span>,&mdash;Lord Derby told me that he saw
+you yesterday, but only for a moment. I think he was nervous
+about his audience of leave, but he returned deeply touched
+by the kindness of manner of the Queen and the Prince. I
+cannot resist saying to you that, during the last year, he has
+been more and more impressed with the admirable qualities
+of the Queen, and her noble straightforwardness on all occasions,
+and her unvarying kindness have inspired him with the
+strongest attachment (if I may venture so to express his feelings
+for Her Majesty). During that week of terrible suspense he
+continually said to me that his chief anxiety and regret were
+caused by the fear of leaving the Queen, particularly before he
+had had time and power to do more in her service. I am
+writing in haste, having much to do this last day in Town, but
+I have very often wished that the Queen knew how warmly
+and sincerely Lord Derby is devoted to her service. He is also
+very grateful to the Prince, for whose abilities he has the highest
+admiration, often speaking of his wonderful cleverness. I am
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.427" id="pageii.427"></a>[page&nbsp;427]</span>
+delighted to hear that the Queen is so well; he said she was
+looking remarkably well yesterday. He told me that Her
+Majesty used some kind expression about myself. If you should
+have an opportunity of saying to Her Majesty how grateful I
+am for all her former kindness, I should be very much obliged
+to you. Ever yours very affectionately,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Emma Derby</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 70: Submitted to the Queen by Lady Ely.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE NEW MINISTRY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>28th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The delivery of the Seals of Office of the outgoing Ministers
+into the Queen's hands, and her bestowal of them upon the
+new Ministers, took place to-day.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Of the former, Mr Disraeli seemed to feel most the loss of
+office.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We saw Lord Aberdeen for some time, who submitted the
+names of all the persons he recommended for the subordinate
+Offices, of whom he will send a list. We asked him what might
+have passed between the last Session and this to chill his feelings
+for Lord Derby, who maintained that up to the Dissolution he
+had sent him messages to say that he perfectly agreed with
+him, except on the Commercial Policy, and that he never would
+join the Whigs. Lord Aberdeen disclaimed all knowledge of
+such messages, though he acknowledged to have been very
+friendly to Lord Derby. At the General Election, however, it
+appeared to him that there was such a total want of principle
+in him and his Party, pledging themselves for Protection in one
+place and Free Trade in another, and appearing consistent only
+on one point, viz. their hatred to Sir Robert Peel's memory
+and his friends, that he became determined to have nothing to
+do with them.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The formation of the Government appeared to give satisfaction
+to the country, though of course the number of the disappointed
+must be even larger than usual on such occasions.
+Lord Canning seemed very much hurt at not being taken into
+the Cabinet, and felt inclined to refuse the Post Office. We
+agreed upon the impolicy of such a step, and encouraged Lord
+Aberdeen to press him. Lord Clanricarde, and particularly
+Lord Carlisle, were very much grieved at being left out altogether,
+but there was no help for it; for each man taken in
+from one side, two would be proposed from the other, and the
+Cabinet was just large enough to work.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We saw Lord Lansdowne after the Council, who seemed well
+satisfied with the Government, a combination he had so much
+and so long wished. Lord Carlisle's annoyance was the only
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.428" id="pageii.428"></a>[page&nbsp;428]</span>
+thing which personally grieved him. He said that from the
+moment he had read Mr Disraeli's Budget he had felt sure that
+the Government would fall immediately; the country would
+never submit to a new tax with a surplus in the Exchequer.</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MR DISRAELI</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell, whom we saw afterwards, seemed in very
+good health and spirits. He told us that the peaceful parting
+scene in the House of Commons had been his doing; he had
+told Mr Walpole that he thought Mr Disraeli ought to make an
+apology to the House for the language he had used, and which
+had given pain to a great many persons; and on Mr Walpole's
+saying that that was a very delicate thing to tell Mr Disraeli,
+he had allowed it to be told him as a message from him (Lord
+John). Mr Disraeli declared his readiness, provided others
+would do the same, and declared they had meant no offence.<sup>71</sup>
+We owned that we had been astonished to find them of a sudden
+all so <i>well bred</i>. We asked what Lord Palmerston had been
+about during the crisis? Lord John told us in reply that Lord
+Palmerston had certainly been disposed to join Lord Derby's
+Government, but always said he could not do so alone; that
+if eight of them were to join, then they would have the majority
+in the Cabinet. He also said that he believed Lord Palmerston
+would have voted <i>for</i> some parts of the Budget and against
+others. Lord John does not think that that large Party of
+Lord Derby's will long keep together, that some would vote
+for the Government, others might try to raise a Protestant cry.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston looked excessively ill, and had to walk
+with two sticks from the gout.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 71: "Mr Disraeli ... with infinite polish and grace asked pardon for the flying words of
+debate, and drew easy forgiveness from the member (Mr Goulburn), whom a few hours
+before he had mocked as 'a weird sibyl'; the other member (Sir James Graham), whom
+he could not say he greatly respected, but whom he greatly regarded; and the third
+member (Sir C. Wood), whom he bade learn that petulance is not sarcasm, and insolence
+is not invective. Lord John Russell congratulated him on the ability and the gallantry
+with which he had conducted the struggle, and so the curtain fell." Morley's <i>Gladstone</i>,
+Book III. chap. viii.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>28th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Your dear letter of the 24th reached
+me on Monday, and I thank you warmly for it. The success
+of our excellent Aberdeen's arduous task and the formation of so
+brilliant and strong a Cabinet would, I was sure, please you.
+It is the realisation of the country's and our <i>most</i> ardent wishes,
+and it deserves success, and will, I think, command great
+support.... It has been an anxious week, and just on our
+happy Christmas Eve we were still very uneasy.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.429" id="pageii.429"></a>[page&nbsp;429]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">As I mean to write again before this year runs out, and I have
+a long Council with outgoing and incoming Ministers this
+afternoon, you will excuse my taking leave here. Ever your
+truly devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Princess Hohenlohe to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE SUGGESTED MARRIAGE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Langenburg</span>, <i>30th December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;According to your wish and our
+promise, we send this servant with the most unwelcome news
+that yesterday morning M. de Jaux arrived here and told
+Ernest (as you will see by his letter to Albert) that the Count
+Walewski wishes to have an interview with him to confer on
+the subject we know of. A quarter of an hour before I received
+this letter from Uncle Leopold, which I sent in Ernest's letter
+to Ada, and in which he speaks his opinion that we ought not
+to say "<i>No</i>" <i>at once</i>, before telling Ada of it. This is very
+much against my wish and Ernest's, for we both would like to
+make an end of the affair as soon as possible, but cannot, as
+we see the truth of what Uncle Leopold says. I send a letter
+to Mamma to you, and one for Ada. Mamma knows of it, as
+she wrote to me the other day, and I leave it to you, dearest
+Victoria, if you or Mamma will tell the poor child of the transaction.
+She will be in great distress. I wish she may at once
+say "<i>No</i>," but am not sure of it; and in our letters we have
+not said anything for the thing, but nothing against also but
+what naturally is to be said against it. She will not know what
+to do, and I am sure you and Mamma will not put it to her in
+<i>too</i> favourable a light, as we are of the same opinion on the
+subject; but yet there may be some things in its favour too.
+I wish you would make Charles come to us&mdash;<i>if you think it wise
+to do so</i>&mdash;and he not only will try to engage us to it. But there
+may be so many reasons for or against which in a letter it is not
+possible to explain all, and which we could not answer in time;
+besides by him we might learn more accurately what Ada feels:
+but I leave it quite to your and Albert's judgment, if this would
+be a good plan. I am in great distress, you well may think,
+my dearest Victoria. Oh! if we could but say "<i>No</i>" at
+once!...</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Many thanks, my dearest Victoria, for your kind letter of
+the 22nd. In the papers I have been following with the greatest
+interest what has been said on the formation of the new
+Ministry; there is one name though which frightens me&mdash;Lord
+Palmerston. Let me wish you joy of the New Year; may it
+<i>bring peace</i> not only to the nations, but also to us. Every
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.430" id="pageii.430"></a>[page&nbsp;430]</span>
+blessing and happiness to you, dear Albert, and your children,
+and for me your love and affection, which is a blessing to your
+devoted Sister,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Feodora</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Ernest also wishes you all possible happiness. If Ada has
+the wish to see the Emperor before she decides, what is to be
+done?</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">NEW YEAR WISHES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>31st December 1852.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;On <i>this</i>, the last day of the old year,
+allow me to offer my most ardent wishes for <i>many</i> and happy
+returns of the New Year to you and yours. May it be one of
+peace and prosperity to us <i>all</i>, and may we have the happiness
+of seeing <i>you</i> again. May we still hope to see you this <i>winter</i>
+or not?</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Our Government is very satisfactorily settled. To have my
+faithful friend Aberdeen as Prime Minister is a great happiness
+and comfort for me personally. Lord Palmerston is terribly
+altered, and all his friends think him breaking. He walks
+with two sticks, and seemed in great suffering at the Council,
+I thought. I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.431" id="pageii.431"></a>[page&nbsp;431]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: 5em;">INTRODUCTORY NOTE</h3>
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: -0.5em;">TO CHAPTER XXII</h3>
+
+
+<p>The opening of the year 1853 saw a strong Coalition Ministry in
+power; the necessity of a cordial understanding with France was
+obvious, but bitter and indiscreet attacks on the Emperor of the
+French were made by certain members of the Government, for which
+Mr Disraeli took them severely to task. Lord John Russell, who
+had been appointed Foreign Secretary, resigned that office in
+February, in favour of Lord Clarendon, being unable to bear the twofold
+burden of the Leadership of the House and the Foreign Office.
+Though the arrangement was questioned, he continued during the
+year to lead the House without office. A Canadian Clergy Reserves
+Bill, an India Bill, introducing competitive examination into the
+Civil Service, and various measures of Metropolitan improvement
+were passed. A more important feature of the Session was Mr
+Gladstone's first Budget, dealing comprehensively with the Income
+Tax, and imposing a duty on successions to real property.</p>
+
+<p>The Eastern Question, however, overshadowed all other interests.
+For some time a dispute had existed between the Latin and Greek
+Churches as to the guardianship of the Holy Places (including the
+Church of the Holy Sepulchre) in Palestine. After long negotiations
+between the French and Russian Governments, as representing these
+Churches, an indecisive judgment was pronounced by the Porte,
+which, however, so incensed Russia that she began to make warlike
+demonstrations, and sent Prince Menschikoff to Constantinople to
+make peremptory requisitions as to the Holy Places.</p>
+
+<p>In the meanwhile, the Czar had made confidential overtures to Sir
+Hamilton Seymour, the British Ambassador at St Petersburg, representing
+the Sultan as a very "sick man," and suggesting that, on the
+dissolution of his Empire, a concerted disposal of the Turkish
+dominions should be made by England and Russia; these conversations
+were reported at once to the British Government. Lord Stratford
+de Redcliffe, who had been sent to represent British interests at
+Constantinople, arrived there after Prince Menschikoff, and a settlement
+of the disputes as to the Holy Places was then easily effected,
+Lord Stratford insisting on this question being kept independent of
+any other issue. But Prince Menschikoff had come to the conference
+with instructions to keep an ulterior object in view, namely, to
+advance a claim, by means of a strained interpretation of the Treaty
+of Kainardji of 1774, of a Russian protectorate over the Christian
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.432" id="pageii.432"></a>[page&nbsp;432]</span>
+subjects of the Sultan. Influenced by Lord Stratford, the Porte rejected
+the claim, and, in retaliation, the Czar occupied the Danubian
+Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia, characterising the step not
+as an act of war, but a material guarantee of Russia's just rights.
+The French Emperor, anxious to divert the attention of his subjects
+from domestic politics, was making preparations for war; and similar
+preparations were also being made in England.</p>
+
+<p>Negotiations took place between the Powers with a view of averting
+war, and a document known as the Vienna Note, to which Great
+Britain and France were parties, and which Russia accepted, was
+proffered to the Sultan: again Lord Stratford interposed to prevent
+its acceptance, and, when the Russian Government subsequently
+announced its own interpretation of the Note, it was apparent that
+the Western Powers had been mistaken as to its purport.</p>
+
+<p>An Ultimatum, requiring the evacuation of the Principalities, was
+sent by the Porte to Russia and rejected: war broke out, and the
+first encounter at Oltenitza, on the 4th of November, resulted
+in favour of Turkey. Meanwhile both the British and French fleets
+had been sent to the East, and, on the declaration of war, the British
+Admiral was instructed to take any action he thought fit to prevent
+Russian aggression on Turkish territory. On the 30th of November
+the Turkish Fleet in Sinope Harbour was destroyed by the Russian
+squadron, this occurrence provoking profound indignation in England,
+though it had been urged both within the Cabinet and outside
+that the despatch of the combined Western Fleets through the
+Dardanelles was more likely to appear as a defiance to Russia than
+a support to Turkey.</p>
+
+<p>Earlier in the year Lord Aberdeen had desired to retire, but
+enquiry soon disclosed that Lord John Russell no longer had
+the influence necessary to form a Ministry, and in the face of
+danger Lord Aberdeen remained at his post. But there were sharp
+dissensions in the Cabinet, especially between Lord Palmerston, representing
+the anti-Russian party, on the one hand, and on the other
+Lord Aberdeen, who distrusted the Turks, and Mr Gladstone, who
+disavowed any obligation to uphold the integrity of the Ottoman
+Empire. In December, Lord Palmerston resigned office, the
+ostensible reason being his opposition to the contemplated Reform
+Bill of the Government. The real cause was his opinion that apathy
+was being shown by his colleagues in reference to the Eastern
+Question; however, after arrangements had been made for replacing
+him, he was, at his own desire, re-admitted to the Cabinet.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.433" id="pageii.433"></a>[page&nbsp;433]</span>
+
+
+
+
+<h2 style="margin-top: 5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XXII</h2>
+
+<h5>1853</h5>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>4th January 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;... Our new Government will really,
+I think, command a large support, and, I trust, be of duration,
+which is a great object. Their only difficulty will be the
+Budget.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The coldness and tardiness of the Northern Powers in recognising
+<i>our</i> new <i>bon Fr&egrave;re</i> annoys him very much, and produces
+a bad effect in France. I don't think it is wise. Unnecessary
+irritation may produce <i>real</i> mischief. To squabble about <i>how</i>
+to call him, after having praised and supported him after
+the <i>Coup d'&Eacute;tat</i>, seems to me very <i>kleinlich</i> and inconsistent,
+and I think our conduct throughout has been much more
+dignified....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I have read with pleasure the loyal addresses of the Chambers,
+and with peculiar satisfaction the allusion to Leopold's
+visit to England. Let him and Philippe come here often and
+regularly, and let them study this country and her laws <i>&agrave; fond</i>&mdash;it
+will do them more good than all the studying and reading in
+the world. They all three express most warmly to us their
+hopes of returning to us soon. Do let us have the hope of
+seeing you in February. It would be delightful!... I must
+now wish you good-bye. Ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">HEADMASTERSHIP OF ETON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>9th January 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... Lord Aberdeen also begs to mention to your Majesty
+that he saw Dr Hawtrey yesterday and in signifying your
+Majesty's gracious intentions<sup>1</sup> towards him, took an opportunity
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.434" id="pageii.434"></a>[page&nbsp;434]</span>
+of expressing in very strong terms the great importance
+of the choice of his successor as Headmaster of Eton, and
+described the requisite qualifications for such a situation, as
+well as the objections to which some appointments might be
+liable. Lord Aberdeen was perfectly understood by Dr Hawtrey,
+although no name was mentioned; and the subject was
+regarded as being of the utmost importance, not only to the
+school itself, but to the nation at large.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 1: Dr E. C. Hawtrey was advanced to the Provostship of Eton upon the death of the
+Rev. Francis Hodgson. Dr C. O. Goodford succeeded to the Headmastership.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lady Augusta Bruce to the Duchess of Kent.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MARRIAGE OF EMPEROR NAPOLEON</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Rue de Varennes 65</span>, <i>31st January 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Dearest Madame</span>,&mdash;I fear that I shall not be able to add
+much to the newspaper account of yesterday's ceremony,<sup>2</sup> for
+it was one the impression of which is best conveyed by a simple
+and accurate description of the scene, and of those arrangements
+and details which combined to render its effect gorgeous
+and dazzling. Apart, however, from the historical interest
+attached to it as one of the very curious acts of the extraordinary
+Drama now enacting in France, the impression produced
+was one that would be called forth by a magnificent
+theatrical representation, and little more. This seemed to
+be the public feeling, for though multitudes thronged the streets,
+the day being dry, they appeared to be animated by curiosity
+chiefly, and that <i>sober</i> curiosity which now characterises the
+people of Paris, wearied as they are of <i>novelty</i> and excitement.
+As far as one can judge, it does not seem that the lower orders
+take much interest in this marriage; the ambition and vanity
+of <i>his</i> partisans have been wounded by it, and, of course, his
+enemies do not scruple to calumniate and slander the unfortunate
+object of his choice disgracefully.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">It is very difficult to ascertain anything like truth as regards
+her, but her beauty and engaging manners will, it is thought by
+many, gain for her, for a time at least, a greater amount of
+popularity than his friends who now blame the marriage
+expect. That he is passionately in love with her no one doubts,
+and his countenance on late occasions, as well as yesterday,
+wore a radiant and joyous expression very unusual. She, on
+the contrary, showed a considerable amount of nervousness
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.435" id="pageii.435"></a>[page&nbsp;435]</span>
+at the Civil Marriage, and was as pale as death yesterday&mdash;however,
+even with the high and determined spirit she is supposed
+to have, this might be expected. Lady Cowley had been
+kind enough to send us an invitation, of which we were tempted
+to avail ourselves.<sup>3</sup> Nothing could be more splendid than
+the decorations of the Cathedral&mdash;velvet and ermine&mdash;gold
+and silver&mdash;flags and hangings of all colours were combined and
+harmonised with the splendid costumes of the Clergy, the
+uniforms, civil and military, and the magnificent dresses of
+the ladies. The greatest mistake was the <i>conflict</i> of lights&mdash;the
+windows not having been darkened, though countless
+thousands of wax candles were lighted. The music was very
+fine.... The object of our neighbours seemed to be to scan
+and criticise the dress of the Bride, and the wonderful penetration
+and accuracy of their eagle glances was to us something
+incredible! Certainly, though unable ourselves at such a
+distance to appreciate the details of her dress or the expression
+of her countenance, we saw her distinctly enough to be able to
+say that a more lovely <i>coup d'&oelig;il</i> could not be conceived. Her
+beautifully chiselled features and marble complexion, her
+nobly <i>set-on head</i>, her exquisitely proportioned figure and
+graceful carriage were most striking, and the whole was like a
+Poet's Vision! I believe she is equally beautiful when seen
+close, but at a distance at which we saw her the effect was
+something more than that of a lovely picture, it was aerial,
+ideal. On the classically shaped head she wore a diamond
+crown or diadem, round her waist a row of magnificent diamonds
+to correspond, and the same as trimming round the
+"basques" of her gown. Then a sort of cloud or mist of
+transparent lace enveloped her, which had the effect of that
+for which, when speaking of the hills in Scotland, Princess
+Hohenlohe could find no English word, "<i>Duft</i>." I hope your
+Royal Highness will not think me very much carried by what
+pleases the eye. I felt all the while that one could view the
+matter but as an outside show; as such, in as far as she was
+concerned, it was exquisitely beautiful&mdash;and I suppose that a
+sort of national prejudice made me attribute the grace and
+dignity of the scene, for what there was of either came from
+her, to the blood of <i>Kirkpatrick!!!</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The carriages were ugly and the Procession by no means
+fine, and those in which the Bridal party afterwards travelled
+to St Cloud, were driven by individuals in the famous theatrical
+costume of the well-known "Postillon de Longjumeau!"<sup>4</sup>
+</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 2: The Emperor of the French was married to Mademoiselle Eug&eacute;nie de Montijo on the
+29th of January. William Kirkpatrick, her maternal grandfather, had been a merchant
+and American Consul at Malaga, and had there married Fran&ccedil;oise de Grivegn&eacute;c. Their
+third daughter, Maria Manuela, married, in 1817, the Count de T&eacute;ba, a member of an
+illustrious Spanish family, who in 1834 succeeded his brother as Count de Montijo, and
+died in 1839. His widow held an influential social position at Madrid, and her elder
+daughter married the Duke of Alba in 1844, while she herself, with Eug&eacute;nie, her younger
+daughter, settled in Paris in 1851.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 3: Lord Cowley had been specifically instructed by the Government to attend the
+marriage and be presented to the Empress.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 4: A comic opera, written by Adolphe Adam, and performed at Paris in 1836.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.436" id="pageii.436"></a>[page&nbsp;436]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE EMPRESS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>4th February 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;Receive my best thanks for your
+gracious letter of the 1st. Since I wrote to you <i>le grand
+&eacute;v&eacute;nement a eu lieu!</i> We truly live in times where at least
+variety is not wanting; the only mischief is that like drunkards
+people want more and more excitement, and it therefore will
+probably end by what remains the most exciting of all&mdash;War.
+Amusing and interesting war is, it must be confessed, more
+than anything in the world, and that makes me think that it
+must be the bouquet when people will be <i>blas&eacute;</i> of everything
+else. I enclose a letter from our Secretary of Legation at
+Madrid, Baron Beyens, who married a great friend of the Queen,
+Mademoiselle de Santa Cruz, and is much <i>au fait</i> of all things
+that interest the public just now. It seems by what I learned
+from Paris that the Empress communicated to a friend a communication
+of <i>son cher &eacute;poux</i> when she expressed her sense of
+her elevation to such eminence; as it may interest you and
+Albert, I will make an extract of it here: "Vous ne me parlez,
+ma ch&egrave;re enfant, que des avantages de la position que je vous
+offre, mais mon devoir est de vous signaler aussi ses dangers;
+ils sont grands, je serai sans doute &agrave; vos c&ocirc;t&eacute;s l'objet de plus
+d'une tentative d'assassinat; ind&eacute;pendamment de cela, je dois
+vous confier que des complots s&eacute;rieux se fomentent dans
+l'arm&eacute;e. J'ai l'&oelig;il ouvert de ce c&ocirc;t&eacute; et je compte bien d'une
+mani&egrave;re ou d'autre pr&eacute;venir toute explosion; le moyen sera
+<i>peut-&ecirc;tre la guerre</i>. L&agrave; encore il y a de grandes chances de
+ruine pour moi. Vous voyez donc bien que vous ne devez pas
+avoir de scrupules pour partager mon sort, les mauvaises
+chances &eacute;tant peut-&ecirc;tre &eacute;gales aux bonnes!"</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I was sorry to hear of Lord Melbourne's, <i>i.e.</i>, Beauvale's,
+death. I knew him since 1814, and found him always very kind.
+For poor Lady Melbourne, who devoted herself so much, it is
+a sad blow. We are longing for a little cold, but it does not
+come though we have some east wind. I am held back in
+some of the <i>most essential</i> measures for the defence of the
+country by the tricks of the Chamber. I see that the Manchester
+party shines in unusual Bright-ness and Cobden-ness
+by a degress of absurdity never as yet heard of. In the
+American War the Quakers refused to fight; they did not
+besides like the extremities the States had gone to against the
+mother country; but not to defend its own country against
+probable invasion is truly too much.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Pray have the goodness to give my best love to Albert, and
+believe me, ever my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R</span>.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.437" id="pageii.437"></a>[page&nbsp;437]</span>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>8th February 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I have to thank you for two most
+kind letters of the 4th and 7th (which I have just received)
+with very interesting enclosures, which shall be duly returned.
+The little report of what the Emperor said to the Empress is
+very curious, and tallies with what I have also heard of his
+thinking much more of the insecurity of his position than he
+used to do. The description of the young Empress's character
+is an interesting one, and also agrees with what I had heard
+from those who know her well. It may be in her power to do
+much good&mdash;and I hope she may. Her character is made to
+captivate a man, I should say&mdash;particularly one like the
+Emperor.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I am sorry that you have had trouble with your Parliament.
+Ours begins its work on Thursday. The accounts of the
+support which our Government will receive are most satisfactory,
+and the Cabinet is most harmonious.... Ever your
+devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE CZAR AND TURKEY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>8th February 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... Lord John Russell read at the Cabinet a despatch
+received from your Majesty's Minister at St Petersburg, giving
+an account of an interview with the Emperor, at which His
+Majesty appeared to expect an early dissolution of the Turkish
+Empire, and proposed in such a case to act in perfect concert
+with the British Government. Lord John also read the
+rough draft of a proposed answer to this despatch, which, with
+slight alterations, was fully approved.<sup>5</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen does not think there is anything very new
+in this demonstration by the Emperor. It is essentially the
+same language he has held for some years, although, perhaps,
+the present difficulties of Turkey may have rendered him more
+anxious on the subject....</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 5: <i>See</i> Introductory Note, <a href="#pageii.431" style="font-weight: normal;">p. 431</a>. The Emperor had, no doubt, misunderstood the
+attitude of the British Ministry in 1844 on this subject, and regarded Lord Aberdeen as
+in full sympathy with himself.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE LEADERSHIP</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>12th February 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty;
+he has waited till to-day in order to be able to give some
+account of the appearance of the House of Commons.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.438" id="pageii.438"></a>[page&nbsp;438]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell's statement of measures to be proposed
+was well received, but as it did not contain reform was a disappointment
+to a part of the House. Mr Walpole spoke
+privately to Lord John Russell as to his future position in
+leading the Government in the House of Commons without
+office. Mr Walpole said it was neither illegal nor unconstitutional,
+but might prove inconvenient as a precedent.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Speaker said in conversation there was clearly no <i>constitutional</i>
+objection, but that the leadership of the House was
+so laborious that an office without other duties ought to be
+assigned to it....</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S DEFENCE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>13th February 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of
+yesterday, and was very glad to hear that he considers the
+aspect of the House of Commons as favourable to the Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John alludes for the first time in his letter to a question
+on which the Queen has not hitherto expressed her opinion to
+him personally, viz., how far the proposed new arrangement of
+Lord John's holding the leadership of the House of Commons
+without office was constitutional or not?<sup>6</sup> Her opinion
+perfectly agrees with that expressed by Mr Walpole to Lord
+John. If the intended arrangement were <i>undoubtedly illegal</i>
+it would clearly never have been contemplated at all; but it
+may prove a <i>dangerous precedent</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen would have been quite prepared to give the proposition
+of the Speaker "that the leadership of the House of
+Commons was so laborious, that an Office without other duties
+ought to be assigned to it," her fullest and fairest consideration,
+upon its merits and its constitutional bearings, which ought
+to have been distinctly set forth before her by her constitutional
+advisers for her final and unfettered decision.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">What the Queen complains of, and, as she believes with
+justice, is, that so important an innovation in the construction
+of the executive Government should have been practically
+decided upon by an arrangement intended to meet personal
+wants under peculiar and accidental circumstances, leaving
+the Queen the embarrassing alternative only, either to forego
+the exercise of her own prerogative, or to damage by her own
+act the <i>formation</i> or <i>stability</i> of the new Government, both of
+paramount importance to the welfare of the Country.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 6: See <i>ante</i>, pp. <a href="#pageii.417" style="font-weight: normal;">417</a>, <a href="#pageii.421" style="font-weight: normal;">421</a>.</p>
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.439" id="pageii.439"></a>[page&nbsp;439]</span>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>13th February 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+He cannot forbear from vindicating himself from the charge
+of forming or being party to an arrangement "intended to
+meet personal wants under peculiar and accidental circumstances,
+leaving the Queen the embarrassing alternative only,
+either to forego the exercise of her own prerogative, or to
+damage by her own act the <i>formation</i> or <i>stability</i> of the new
+Government&mdash;both of paramount importance to the welfare of
+the Country."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell has done all in his power to contribute
+to the formation of a Ministry in which he himself holds a
+subordinate situation, from which nearly all his dearest political
+friends are excluded, and which is held by some to extinguish
+the party which for eighteen years he has led.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">He has done all this in order that your Majesty and the
+Country might not be exposed to the evil of a weak Ministry
+liable to be overthrown at any moment, formed whether by
+Lord Derby, or by himself at the head of one party only.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">But in consenting to this arrangement he was desirous to
+maintain his honour intact, and for this purpose he asked
+before the Ministry was formed for the honour of an Audience of
+your Majesty, that he might explain all the circumstances of
+his position.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This Audience was not granted, and Lord John Russell
+has never been in a situation to explain to your Majesty why
+he believes that his leading the House of Commons without
+office is not liable to any constitutional objection.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Speaker and Mr Walpole both concur that no constitutional
+objection to this arrangement exists, but should your
+Majesty wish to see the arguments briefly stated by which
+Lord John Russell has been convinced, he should be happy to
+be allowed to lay them before your Majesty.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Clarendon to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE REFUGEE QUESTION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>25th February 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Clarendon presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and humbly begs to state that Count Colloredo<sup>7</sup> called upon
+him this afternoon.... Count Colloredo then said that he
+had another and more disagreeable subject to discuss with
+Lord Clarendon. He commenced by reading a note from
+Count Buol<sup>8</sup> complaining bitterly of the refugees, and the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.440" id="pageii.440"></a>[page&nbsp;440]</span>
+manner in which they abused the hospitality afforded them in
+this country, and attributing in great measure to the proclamations
+of Kossuth and Mazzini the late insurrection at
+Milan, and the attempt on the Emperor's life.<sup>9</sup> This note
+expressed a hope and belief that some measure would at once be
+adopted by your Majesty's Government to remove the just
+complaints of Allied Governments, and intimated that should
+this hope not be <i>spontaneously</i> realised some measures on the
+part of those Governments would become necessary for their
+own protection as well as to mark their sense of the wrong done
+to them by England.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Clarendon said that your Majesty's Government were
+as indignant as that of Austria could be at the disgraceful abuse
+of the protection afforded to these refugees; but he could hold
+out no hope of any legislation for the purpose of sending them
+out of the country.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Count Colloredo did not disguise his annoyance and disappointment
+at this, and seemed to attribute it to want of goodwill
+on the part of your Majesty's Government, which he felt
+sure would have the support of public opinion in proposing such
+a measure as his Government desired.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The discussion became rather warm, and Lord Clarendon
+thought it right to remark that too much importance might
+be given to these proclamations and too little to the causes
+which at home might lead the subjects of Austria to manifest
+their discontent by revolutionary outbreaks, nor could we
+conceal from ourselves that the complaints about the refugees
+were occasionally directed against the free institutions which
+gave them protection, and that we were not always viewed with
+favour as presenting the single but prosperous exception to that
+system of government which otherwise would now almost be
+uniform in Europe.<sup>10</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 7: Austrian Ambassador.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 8: Austrian Prime Minister.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 9: Kossuth and Mazzini were in England, prosecuting their schemes against Austria; the
+Austrian Government attributed to them the Milanese rising, and the recent attempt to
+assassinate the Emperor Francis Joseph at Vienna.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 10: The Refugee Question was debated in the House of Lords on the 4th of March.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>9th March 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter, and the
+reports on the Militia which she returns, having marked several
+parts in them which show an absence of the most important
+requisites. Already in October the Queen observed upon the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.441" id="pageii.441"></a>[page&nbsp;441]</span>
+want of arms for the Militia, and was invariably answered that
+they would be immediately provided. But by these reports
+this seems still not to be the case.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PRINCE MENSCHIKOFF</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>18th March 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My Dearest Victoria</span>,&mdash;Receive my best thanks for your
+gracious letter of the 15th. I trust that the bitter cold weather
+we have now again will not displease you. I fear Albert's heavy
+cold will not be the better by the east wind which makes
+one shiver. I am thunderstruck by a telegraph despatch from
+Marseilles of the 17th, which declares that Prince Menschikoff
+has not succeeded, and has therefore given orders for the
+Russian fleet to come to Constantinople.<sup>11</sup> Heaven grant that
+these news may not be true, though bad news generally turn
+out correct. I am so sorry to see the Emperor Nicholas, who
+had been so wise and dignified since 1848, become so very
+unreasonable. In Austria they are still a good deal excited.
+One can hardly feel astonished considering circumstances; I
+trust that reflection may induce them to modify their measures.
+The Italian Nobles have shown themselves great fools by acting
+as they have done, and thereby giving an opening to social
+revolution. By some accident we have been within these
+few days well informed of some of the movements of the good
+people that enjoy an asylum in England. Kossuth is now
+the great director and favourite, and Republics are everywhere
+to spring up, till he (Kossuth) is to be again Dictator or
+Emperor somewhere.... Europe will never recover that
+shock of 1848.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">My dearest Victoria, your truly devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 11: <i>See</i> Introductory Note, <i>ante</i>, pp. <a href="#pageii.431" style="font-weight: normal;">431</a>-2.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE "HOLY PLACES"</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>22nd March 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+He encloses a letter from Lord Cowley, which shows a considerable
+degree of irritation on the part of the French Government,
+and of embarrassment in consequence of the rash step
+they have taken in ordering the departure of their fleet from
+Toulon to the Greek Waters.<sup>12</sup> If no catastrophe should take
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.442" id="pageii.442"></a>[page&nbsp;442]</span>
+place at Constantinople, as Lord Aberdeen hopes and believes,
+this irritation will probably subside, and they may find us
+useful in assisting them to escape from their difficulty with
+respect to the "Holy Places."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen has seen the Instructions of Prince Menschikoff,
+which relate exclusively to the claims of the Greek Church
+at Jerusalem; and although these conditions may humiliate
+Turkey, and wound the vanity of France, there is nothing
+whatever to justify the reproach of territorial aggression, or
+hostile ambition. If the Turkish Government, relying upon
+the assistance of England and France, should remain obstinate,
+the affair might become serious; but even then, Lord Aberdeen
+is convinced that no final step will be taken by the Emperor,
+without previous communication to England.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Much depends upon the personal character of Prince
+Menschikoff. If he can command himself sufficiently to
+wait for the arrival of Lord Stratford, Lord Aberdeen does
+not doubt that the matter will be settled, without coming
+to extremities....</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 12: Even before the Conference met, Menschikoff's overbearing conduct and demeanour
+had induced Napoleon to despatch the French Fleet from Toulon to Salamis, to watch
+events.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE CZAR CONCILIATORY</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>23rd March 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of yesterday,
+and returns Lord Cowley's. Everything appears to her to
+depend upon the real nature of the demands made by Russia,
+and the Queen was therefore glad to hear from Lord Aberdeen
+that he found nothing in Prince Menschikoff's instructions to
+justify the reproach of territorial aggression or hostile ambition.
+Still the mode of proceeding at Constantinople is not such as
+would be resorted to towards a "sick friend for whose life
+there exists much solicitude." This ought clearly to be stated
+to Baron Brunnow, in the Queen's opinion.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The two Drafts to Sir H. Seymour and Lord Cowley struck
+the Queen as very temperate, conciliatory, and dignified.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Clarendon to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>29th March 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Clarendon presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and humbly begs to state that he had this afternoon a satisfactory
+interview with the French Ambassador, who told him
+that the Emperor had to a certain extent been deceived upon
+the Eastern Question, and that he had given his decision without
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.443" id="pageii.443"></a>[page&nbsp;443]</span>
+fully considering the matter in all its bearings. But that
+he had since viewed it in a different light, and had so far recognised
+the propriety of the course adopted by your Majesty's
+Government, that if the sailing order had not been improperly
+published in the <i>Moniteur</i> the French Fleet should not have
+quitted Toulon.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Count Walewski further stated that <i>the Persons</i> who had thus
+advised the Emperor, finding that their views were not supported
+by facts as they hoped, had endeavoured to throw the
+blame upon England and to show that France had been
+abandoned and Russia preferred by your Majesty's Government,
+and that hence had arisen the want of cordiality and
+good feeling with respect to which Lord Clarendon some days
+ago spoke to Count Walewski. He, however, assured Lord
+Clarendon that all this had now passed away, and that the
+Emperor was as anxious as ever for a good understanding with
+England, and particularly upon all matters connected with
+the East. Lord Clarendon expressed great satisfaction that
+this momentary difference between the two Governments
+should be <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'an at'">at an</ins> end.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Count Walewski in confidence requested Lord Clarendon to
+impress upon Lord Cowley the necessity of often seeing the
+Emperor, and not trusting to the Minister, when any question
+of difficulty arose.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Count Walewski said the Emperor was particularly anxious
+that your Majesty should know that the liberation of the
+Madiai<sup>13</sup> was owing to the interference which the French
+Legation had been instructed by the Emperor to use in their
+behalf.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 13: Two persons, husband and wife, domiciled in Florence, who had embraced the English
+reformed religion. In 1852 they were seized, imprisoned in separate dungeons, and subjected
+to great hardships. Lords Shaftesbury and Roden went to Florence and appealed
+to the Grand Duke on their behalf, but were unsuccessful. In March 1853, however, after
+the British Government had interposed, the two were released, a pension being provided
+for them by public subscription.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>29th March 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;I have to thank you very much for
+your kind letter of the 25th....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I hope that the Oriental Question will be satisfactorily
+settled. From all the confidential reports we have received
+from the Emperor of Russia, I think I may safely say that
+though he has treated the Sultan rather overbearingly and
+roughly, there is <i>no</i> alteration in his views&mdash;and <i>no wish whatever</i>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.444" id="pageii.444"></a>[page&nbsp;444]</span>
+on his part to appropriate Constantinople or any of those
+parts to himself&mdash;though he does not wish us, or France or
+Austria <i>or Greece</i>, to have it either. But he thinks the dissolution
+of the Ottoman Empire very imminent, which I
+really think is not the case. The Russians accuse us (as we
+have preached moderation) of being too French&mdash;and the
+French of being too Russian!....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Now with Albert's love, ever your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to Lord Clarendon</i>.</h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>30th March 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Clarendon's letter with great
+satisfaction. We are now reaping the fruits of an honest and
+straightforward conduct, and the Queen hopes Lord Clarendon
+will likewise in all future cases of difficulty arrest the mischief,
+sure to arise from a continuance of mutual suspicion between
+this Country and any Power, by at once entering upon full
+and unreserved explanations, on the first symptoms of distrust.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As the Emperor deserves great credit, if he really caused
+the liberation of the Madiai, the Queen wishes Lord Clarendon
+to express to Count Walewski her feelings on this subject.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Emperor of Russia to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE CZAR'S LETTER</span>
+
+<table summary="date" align="right" border="0" style="margin-right: 10%;">
+<tr>
+       <td class="left1b" valign="middle"><span class="sc">St. P&eacute;tersbourg</span>, <i>le</i></td>
+       <td class="left1b"><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>8<br />
+	   <span style="line-height: 50%">&mdash;</span><br />
+	   20</td>
+       <td class="left1b" valign="middle"><i> Avril 1853.</i></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="clear" style="margin-bottom: -1.5em;">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Monseigneur</span>,&mdash;J'allais Vous adresser mes f&eacute;licitations
+sinc&egrave;res pour l'heureuse d&eacute;livrance de Sa Majest&eacute; la Reine,
+quand Votre aimable lettre est venue me pr&eacute;venir.<sup>14</sup> Veuillez
+donc, Monseigneur, &ecirc;tre persuad&eacute;, que c'est avec grande joie,
+que ma femme et moi, nous avons appris cet heureux &eacute;v&eacute;nement,
+et j'ose aussi vous prier de d&eacute;poser aux pieds de Sa
+Majest&eacute; mes humbles hommages et f&eacute;licitations. Je me flatte
+n'avoir pas besoin de Vous assurer tous deux, Monseigneur,
+de toute la sinc&eacute;rit&eacute; des sentiments d'affection que je Vous
+porte. Cette fois j'ose y joindre mes remerc&icirc;ments bien sentis
+&agrave; Sa Majest&eacute; la Reine, pour l'indulgence et l'attention qu'Elle
+a daign&eacute; pr&ecirc;ter aux communications dont j'avais charg&eacute; directement
+Sir Hamilton Seymour, qui a le m&eacute;rite seul d'avoir su
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.445" id="pageii.445"></a>[page&nbsp;445]</span>
+transmettre mes intentions avec une fid&eacute;lit&eacute; et une exactitude
+parfaites.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je crois que dans peu Sa Majest&eacute; la Reine sera dans le cas de
+se persuader, que <i>Son sinc&egrave;re et fid&egrave;le ami</i> l'a pr&eacute;venue &agrave; temps
+de ce qu'il pr&eacute;voyait devoir infailliblement arriver; non certes
+dans l'intention d'&ecirc;tre un <i>proph&egrave;te de mauvais augure</i>, mais dans
+la conviction intime, que ce n'est que la confiance la plus intime,
+la plus complette et la plus parfaitte identit&eacute; de vues
+entre Sa Majest&eacute; et Son tr&egrave;s humble serviteur, c. &agrave;. d. entre
+l'Angleterre et la Russie, que peuvent commander aux &eacute;v&eacute;nements
+et conjurer de terribles catastrophes!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Maintenant nous nous entendons, et je m'en remets &agrave; Dieu
+pour tout ce qui doit arriver.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">C'est avec la plus haute consid&eacute;ration et la plus sinc&egrave;re amiti&eacute;
+que je serais, toujours, Monseigneur, de Votre Altesse Royale
+le tout d&eacute;vou&eacute; Cousin,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Nicolas</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 14: The fourth son of the Queen and Prince, afterwards Duke of Albany, was born on the
+7th of April at Buckingham Palace.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">BIRTH OF PRINCE LEOPOLD</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>18th April 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;My first letter is <i>this</i> time, as last
+time, addressed to you; last time it was because dearest Louise,
+to whom the first had heretofore always been addressed, was
+with me&mdash;alas! <i>now</i>, she is no longer amongst us! I can
+report very favourably of myself, for I have never been
+better or stronger or altogether more comfortable.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Stockmar will have told you that <i>Leopold</i> is to be the name
+of our fourth young gentleman. It is a mark of love and
+affection which I hope you will not disapprove. It is a name
+which is the dearest to me after Albert, and one which recalls
+the almost <i>only</i> happy days of my sad childhood; to hear
+"Prince Leopold" again, will make me think of all those
+days! His other names will be George Duncan Albert, and
+the Sponsors, the King of Hanover, Ernest Hohenlohe, the
+Princess of Prussia and Mary Cambridge.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">George is after the King of Hanover, and Duncan as a
+compliment to dear Scotland.... Ever your devoted Niece
+and Child,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MR GLADSTONE'S BUDGET</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Chesham Place</span>, <i>19th April 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+and is happy to say that Mr Gladstone's statement last night
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.446" id="pageii.446"></a>[page&nbsp;446]</span>
+was one of the most powerful financial speeches ever made in
+the House of Commons.<sup>15</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Pitt in the days of his glory might have been more
+imposing, but he could not have been more persuasive.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John Russell is very sanguine as to the success of the
+plan, both in the House of Commons and in the country.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 15: Mr Gladstone's Budget imposed a duty for the first time on the succession to real
+property; he retained the Income Tax for two years longer, at its then rate of sevenpence
+in the pound on incomes above &pound;150, and extended it, at the rate of fivepence in the pound,
+to incomes between &pound;100 and &pound;150. Ireland was made subject to the tax, but received
+relief in other directions. Remissions of indirect taxes were also made, and one of these,
+the repeal of the Advertisement Duty, was carried against the Government.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Prince Albert to Mr Gladstone.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>19th April 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Mr Gladstone</span>,&mdash;I must write to you a line in
+order to congratulate you on your success of last night. I
+have just completed a close and careful perusal of your speech,
+which I admire extremely, and I have heard from all sides that
+the effect it has produced is very good. Trusting that your
+Christian humility will not allow you to become dangerously
+elated, I cannot resist sending you the report which Lord John
+Russell made to the Queen for your perusal; knowing that it
+will give you pleasure, and that these are the best rewards
+which a public man can look for. Ever yours truly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Mr Gladstone to the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Downing Street</span>, <i>19th April 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Sir,&mdash;I have to offer my most humble and grateful thanks
+to Her Majesty for graciously allowing me to know the terms
+in which Lord John Russell's kindness allowed him to describe
+the statement made by me last night in the House of Commons;
+and to your Royal Highness for the letter which your Royal
+Highness had been pleased to address to me.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The reception which you, Sir, gave to my explanation on
+the 9th instant of the propositions I had to submit to the
+Cabinet, was one of the first and best omens of their favourable
+fortune.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">As a Servant of the Crown, deeply sharing in that attachment
+which all servants of Her Majesty must feel both to her
+Throne and Person, I venture to hope that the propositions
+of the Government declared through me, are in accordance
+with our faith and loyalty to Her Majesty.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.447" id="pageii.447"></a>[page&nbsp;447]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">For myself, Sir, I am most thankful, if it can be said that
+I have not by my own defects injured a good and an honest
+cause; my only title to reward lies in sincerity of purpose,
+and by such testimony as that of your Royal Highness I am
+already much more than duly rewarded....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I return the letter of Lord John Russell, and I pray your
+Royal Highness to believe me, Sir, your most dutiful and most
+obedient Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">W. E. Gladstone</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE INDIA BILL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>27th May 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has read Lord Aberdeen's letter of yesterday
+with great concern. She had been much surprised to hear
+from Lord John Russell on the 24th that "in concert with
+Sir Charles Wood and Sir James Graham, he had settled last
+night to propose to the Cabinet on Wednesday to delay the
+measure (on the Indian Government) till next Session, and
+that Sir James Graham had stated that Lord Aberdeen would
+be ready to assent to this course."<sup>16</sup> She did not answer Lord
+John until she should have heard from Lord Aberdeen himself.
+From the explanation he has now given to the Queen, she must
+say that it would have a <i>very bad</i> effect if the measure were
+withdrawn at the eleventh hour, and after all that has been
+publicly and privately stated.<sup>17</sup> Nothing damages a Government
+more than the appearance of vacillation and uncertainty
+of purpose, and no Government ought to shun this more than
+the <i>present</i>. The fact of a dissension in the Cabinet on a vital
+point, which it cannot be hoped will remain concealed, must
+besides much impair its vigour and power....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen earnestly hopes that it will not become necessary
+to change the course announced by the Government.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 16: The India Bill, which passed during the Session, threw open the lucrative patronage
+of the Company (whose existence was continued but with less absolute control) to competition.
+The Mutiny, and the resulting legislation of 1858, tended subsequently to
+overshadow Sir Charles Wood's measure.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 17: The matter had been referred to a Cabinet Committee, reported upon, agreed to in full
+Cabinet, proposed to and sanctioned by the Queen and announced to Parliament.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE EMPEROR FRANCIS JOSEPH</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Laeken</span>, <i>3 June 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest, best Victoria</span>,&mdash;... The young Emperor<sup>18</sup>
+I confess I like much, there is much sense and courage in his
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.448" id="pageii.448"></a>[page&nbsp;448]</span>
+warm blue eye, and it is not without a very amiable merriment
+when there is occasion for it. He is slight and very graceful,
+but even in the <i>m&ecirc;l&eacute;e</i> of dancers and Archdukes, and all in
+uniform, he may always be distinguished as the <i>Chef</i>. This
+struck me more than anything, as now at Vienna the dancing is
+also that general <i>m&ecirc;l&eacute;e</i> which renders waltzing most difficult....
+The manners are excellent and free from pompousness or
+awkwardness of any kind, simple, and when he is graciously
+disposed, as he was to me, <i>sehr herzlich und nat&uuml;rlich</i>. He keeps
+every one in great order without requiring for this an <i>outr&eacute;</i>
+appearance of authority, merely because he is the master, and
+there is that about him which gives authority, and which sometimes
+those <i>who have the authority cannot succeed in getting
+accepted or in practising</i>. I think he may be severe <i>si l'occasion
+se pr&eacute;sente</i>; he has something very <i>muthig</i>. We were several
+times surrounded by people of all classes, and he certainly
+quite at their mercy, but I never saw his little <i>muthig</i> expression
+changed either by being pleased or alarmed. I trust that this
+family connection may mitigate the only impression which in
+Austria has created a hostile feeling, viz. the suspicions in
+Palmerston's time that it had become a plan of England <i>to
+destroy</i> the Austrian Empire. After the <i>attentat</i> on the Emperor
+the impression on those who are attached to their country was,
+and still is, that in England a sort of menagerie of Kossuths,
+Mazzinis, Lagranges, Ledru Rollins, etc., is kept to be let
+occasionally loose on the Continent to render its quiet and
+prosperity impossible. That impression, which Lord Aberdeen
+stated in the House of Lords at the end of April, is strong everywhere
+on the Continent, in Prussia as it is in Austria, and even
+here our <i>industriels</i> are convinced of it. About what is to be
+done by way of graciousness on your part we will consider.... Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,</p>
+
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Leopold R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 18: Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Duke of Newcastle to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>7th June 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Duke of Newcastle presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty, and has the honour of bringing under your Majesty's
+notice a desire for some time past felt by the Archbishop of
+Canterbury, and by others interested in the welfare of the
+Church of England in the Colonies, that the extensive See of
+Capetown should be divided, and that a new Bishopric of
+Grahamstown should be erected.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">An endowment of &pound;10,000 for the proposed See has lately
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.449" id="pageii.449"></a>[page&nbsp;449]</span>
+been provided by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel
+in Foreign Parts.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Duke of Newcastle under these circumstances hopes that
+your Majesty will approve of the erection of this new See, and
+has the honour to recommend to your Majesty that, in that case
+the Rev. J. W. Colenso should be appointed to it.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Mr Colenso at present holds a living in the Diocese of Norwich,
+he was second wrangler at Cambridge, and was at one
+time tutor to two of the sons of the late Sir Robert Peel at
+Harrow.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Duke of Newcastle has received a very high character of
+Mr Colenso from his Diocesan, and the Archbishop of Canterbury
+considers him a fit person to be recommended to your
+Majesty.</p>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE KING OF HANOVER</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Buckingham Palace</span>, <i>22nd June 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dearest Uncle</span>,&mdash;Many thanks for your kind letter of
+the 17th, which I could not answer on my usual day (yesterday),
+as we were the whole day at the Camp, where there was a
+Review, at which I rode. It was a very fine sight, but my
+enjoyment was a good deal spoilt by the nervousness which I
+was in at having my poor blind cousin<sup>19</sup> <i>on</i> horseback next to
+me&mdash;<i>led</i>. It is a sad sight, and one which keeps me in a constant
+state of anxiety, as one is afraid of saying or doing anything
+which may pain or distress him, or of his meeting with
+any accident; but he manages it wonderfully well, hardly ever
+makes a mistake, and manages so well at dinner. He is very
+cheerful, kind, and civil, and would be very good looking if it
+were not for his poor eyes. He likes to go everywhere and do
+everything like anybody else, and speaks of things <i>as if he saw</i>
+them....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Oriental Question is at a standstill. It is the Emperor
+of Russia who must enable <i>us</i> to help him out of the difficulty.
+I feel convinced that <i>War will</i> be <i>avoided</i>, but I don't see
+<i>how</i>
+exactly. Our Troops looked beautiful yesterday. I wish your
+young people could see our Camp.<sup>20</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">With Albert's love, believe me, ever, your devoted Niece,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 19: King George V. of Hanover.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 20: Lord Stratford de Redcliffe had insisted that the disputed points as to the guardianship
+of the Holy Places, and the Russian demand for a Protectorate over the Christian
+subjects of the Sultan, should be kept distinct. After the former had been arranged and
+the latter had been rejected by the Porte acting under Lord Stratford's advice, Menschikoff
+abruptly quitted Constantinople, and the Russian troops, crossing the Pruth,
+invaded the Danubian principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia (now united as Roumania).
+In England, meanwhile, a military encampment had been established at Chobham.
+</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.450" id="pageii.450"></a>[page&nbsp;450]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">DEATH OF LADY DALHOUSIE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><i>12th July 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Dalhousie presents his humble duty to your Majesty,
+most gratefully acknowledging the gracious words which
+your Majesty has addressed to him in the time of his great
+affliction.<sup>21</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Your Majesty has been pleased for many years to honour him
+with frequent marks of personal distinction. He is indeed most
+keenly sensible of the favour which bestowed them all. But
+his deep gratitude must ever be given to the goodness which
+dictated the touching assurance he has now received of your
+Majesty's interest in the piteous fate of one who for eighteen
+years has been all the world to him, whose patient, gentle
+spirit, and whose brave heart had turned aside so many perils,
+and who yet has sunk at last under the very means on which all
+had securely reckoned as her certain safety.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Dalhousie ought not perhaps to have uttered even
+this much of his sorrow, but your Majesty's truly gracious
+words have melted it from his heart; and still encourage
+him to believe that your Majesty will not regard it as
+obtrusive.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Dalhousie will not mingle the other topics, on which
+it is his duty to address your Majesty, with this respectful
+expression of the enduring gratitude, with which he has the
+honour to subscribe himself, your Majesty's most obedient,
+most humble, and most faithful Subject and Servant,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Dalhousie</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 21: Lady Dalhousie died on the 6th of May, on her passage home from India.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON'S ATTITUDE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>11th September 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen presents his most humble duty to your
+Majesty....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen has by no means forgotten the conversation
+to which your Majesty has referred; but after full consideration
+he believes that the safest and best course has been adopted.<sup>22</sup>
+Trusting to your Majesty's gracious condescension, and the
+confidence with which Lord Aberdeen has been honoured, he
+will humbly venture to lay before your Majesty, without any
+reserve, the motives which have induced him to offer this advice
+to your Majesty.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.451" id="pageii.451"></a>[page&nbsp;451]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The situation of Lord Palmerston is peculiar.<sup>23</sup> Unless he
+should continue to be a cordial member of your Majesty's
+Government, he may very easily become the leader of Opposition.
+Lord Aberdeen is at this moment ignorant of his real
+views and intentions. He has been recently more than once
+thwarted in his endeavours to press a hostile policy upon the
+Cabinet; and it has been reported to Lord Aberdeen that he
+has expressed himself in terms of great hostility. This cannot
+perhaps be avoided, and is only the result of taking different
+views of the public interest; but it is very essential that Lord
+Palmerston should have no personal or private cause of complaint
+against Lord Aberdeen. From his office of Home Secretary
+he might naturally expect to have the honour of attending
+your Majesty; and should this not be the case he might probably
+resent it and attribute it to the jealousy and ill-will of
+Lord Aberdeen. But whether he did this, or not, himself, the
+Public and the Press would not fail to do so, and would convert
+this neglect into the ground of the most hostile and bitter
+attacks.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Your Majesty may perhaps be aware that there is no amount
+of flattery which is not offered to Lord Palmerston by the Tory
+party, with the hope of separating him altogether from the
+Government.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen fully admits that this step which he has
+humbly proposed to your Majesty may fail to produce any good
+effect, and that it may even be turned hereafter to the injury
+of the Government; but, at all events, Lord Aberdeen's conscience
+will be clear; and if Lord Palmerston has any generous
+feelings, it is not impossible that he may appreciate favourably
+a proceeding which cannot but afford him personal satisfaction.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 22: Lord Aberdeen had suggested that it would be advisable for several reasons that
+Lord Palmerston should be invited to Balmoral as Minister in attendance, and he accordingly
+went there on the 15th of September.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral</span>, <i>24th September 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has this morning received Lord Clarendon's letter
+of the 22nd inst. She has not been surprised at the line taken
+by Austria, who, Lord Clarendon will remember, the Queen
+never thought could be depended upon, as she is not in that
+independent position which renders a National Policy possible.
+The accounts from Constantinople are very alarming, and make
+the Queen most anxious for the future. She quite approves
+of the steps taken by the Government. The presence of the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.452" id="pageii.452"></a>[page&nbsp;452]</span>
+Fleets at Constantinople in case of general disturbance will
+take from the Emperor of Russia what Lord Cowley calls his
+<i>coup de Th&eacute;&acirc;tre &agrave; la Sadlers Wells</i>, viz.: the part of the generous
+protector of the Sultan and restorer of Order.<sup>24</sup></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 23: Lord Palmerston and Lord John Russell led the war party in the Cabinet; but the
+latter was pledged to the introduction of a Reform Bill, while the former was opposed to
+the scheme. Lord Aberdeen's pacific views were making him increasingly unpopular in
+the country.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 24: Even after the Russian occupation of the Principalities, which the Russian Minister,
+Count Nesselrode, had described as not an act of war, but a material guarantee for the
+concession by Turkey of the Russian demands, the resources of diplomacy were not
+exhausted. The Four Powers&mdash;England, France, Austria, and Prussia&mdash;agreed, in conference
+at Vienna, to present a note for acceptance by Russia and the Porte, to the effect
+(<i>inter alia</i>) that the Government of the Sultan would remain faithful "to the letter and
+to the spirit of the Treaties of Kainardji and Adrianople relative to the protection of the
+Christian religion." This was most unfortunately worded, but, however, the clause had
+obtained the sanction of the English Government, and the Czar expressed his willingness
+to accept it. Lord Stratford, however, saw the danger underlying the ambiguity of the
+language, and, under his advice, the Porte proposed as an amendment the substitution
+of the words "to the stipulations of the Treaty of Kainardji, confirmed by that of Adrianople,
+relative to the protection by the Sublime Porte of the Christian religion." The
+Russian Government refused to accept this amendment, and from that moment war was
+inevitable. The British Fleet under Admiral Dundas had been sent from Malta to the
+East at the beginning of June.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE VIENNA NOTE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral</span>, <i>25th September 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of the 23rd,
+and is very thankful to him for this full and lucid statement of
+the present very critical situation.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">She transmits to him a memorandum containing our views,
+drawn up by the Prince with the desire he might also communicate
+it to Lord Clarendon.<sup>25</sup></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen must say she now rejoices the Fleets should be
+on their way to Constantinople.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">God grant that any outbreak at Constantinople may yet be
+averted.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 25: The Memorandum stated that it would be fruitless further to attempt to settle the
+dispute by the "R&eacute;daction" of Notes to be exchanged between Turkey and Russia, or
+the choice of particular words and expressions in public documents designed in order to
+avoid naming the real objects in dispute.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">"It is evident" (it was added) "that Russia has hitherto attempted to deceive us in
+pretending that she did not aim at the acquisition of any <i>new</i> Right, but required only a
+satisfaction of honour and a re-acknowledgment of the Rights she already possessed by
+Treaty; that she <i>does intend</i> and for the first time lays bare that intention, to acquire
+<i>new</i> Rights of interference which the Porte does <i>not</i> wish to concede and cannot concede,
+and which the European Powers have repeatedly declared she <i>ought not</i> to concede....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">"If the views of Russia, for instance, with regard to 'Modification III. of the Note,'
+were to prevail, the extension of the advantages and privileges enjoyed by Christian
+communities, in their capacity as <i>foreigners</i>, to the Greeks generally, with the Right
+granted to Russia to intercede for them to this effect, would simply make foreigners of
+10,000,000 of the subjects of the Porte, or depose the Sultan as their sovereign, putting
+the Emperor of Russia in his place."
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>6th October 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... The Cabinet will meet to-morrow; and Lord Aberdeen
+will have the honour of humbly reporting to your Majesty the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.453" id="pageii.453"></a>[page&nbsp;453]</span>
+result of their discussions. It will be Lord Aberdeen's endeavour
+to prevent any rash decision; and, above all, to keep open
+the possibility of peaceful communications. No doubt, it may
+be very agreeable to humiliate the Emperor of Russia; but
+Lord Aberdeen thinks that it is paying a little too dear for this
+pleasure, to check the progress and prosperity of this happy
+country, and to cover Europe with confusion, misery, and
+blood.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">MOVEMENTS OF THE FLEET</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>7th October 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+As your Majesty will expect to hear from him to-day, he has
+the honour of addressing your Majesty, although he could wish
+that it had been in his power to give your Majesty a more full
+and satisfactory account of the decisions of the Cabinet. The
+meeting was very long, and considerable difference of opinion
+prevailed in the course of the discussion. At length, however,
+Lord Aberdeen is happy to say there was such an agreement
+as ensured a certain degree of unanimity. With this view, it
+was determined to adhere to a defensive principle of action in the
+East. The Fleets may perhaps be already at Constantinople;
+but, at all events, they are to be brought there forthwith, and
+to be stationed either there or in the Bosphorus, unless the
+Russians should cross the Danube, or make any attack upon the
+Turkish possessions on the coast of the Black Sea. In this case,
+the combined Fleets would enter the Black Sea, for the defence
+of the Turkish territory.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Considering the position we have already assumed in this
+unfortunate affair, perhaps it was impossible to do less than
+this; and as there is very little chance of Russia undertaking
+any active hostilities of the nature apprehended, it may reasonably
+be hoped that no actual collision will take place. At
+the same time it must be recollected that Russia will regard the
+entrance of line of battle-ships into the Black Sea as a virtual
+declaration of war against herself.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">There is yet no confirmation of the actual declaration of war
+by the Porte, and although there is no reason to suspect any
+serious impediment to the decision of the Divan being fulfilled,
+it is rather strange that intelligence to this effect has not been
+received. If Lord Stratford should see great cause for apprehension
+at the prospect of the Turks in the prosecution of
+hostilities, it is just possible that by his influence he may have
+arrested the progress of their warlike measures; but probably
+this is too much to hope. At all events, Lord Aberdeen trusts
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.454" id="pageii.454"></a>[page&nbsp;454]</span>
+that the path of negotiation is not finally closed, and that,
+notwithstanding the equivocal position of Great Britain in this
+contest, it may still be possible to employ words of conciliation
+and peace....</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">WAR IMMINENT</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral</span>, <i>10th October 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">I had a long interview with Sir James Graham this morning,
+and told him that Lord Aberdeen's last letter to the Queen and
+him<sup>26</sup> made us very uneasy. It was evident that Lord Aberdeen
+was, against his better judgment, consenting to a course of
+policy which he inwardly condemned, that his desire to maintain
+unanimity at the Cabinet led to concessions which by
+degrees altered the whole character of the policy, while he held
+out no hope of being able permanently to secure agreement. I
+described the Queen's position as a very painful one. Here
+were decisions taken by the Cabinet, perhaps even acted upon,
+involving the most momentous consequences, without her
+previous concurrence or even the means for her to judge of the
+propriety or impropriety of course to be adopted, with evidence
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.455" id="pageii.455"></a>[page&nbsp;455]</span>
+that the Minister, in whose judgment the Queen placed her
+chief reliance, disapproved of it. The position was morally and
+constitutionally a wrong one. The Queen ought to have the
+whole policy in spirit and ultimate tendency developed before
+her to give her deliberate sanction to it, knowing what it involved
+her in abroad and at home. She might now be involved
+in war, of which the consequences could not be calculated,
+chiefly by the desire of Lord Aberdeen to keep his Cabinet
+together; this might then break down, and the Queen would
+be left without an efficient Government, and a war on her hands.<span class="rightnote">LORD ABERDEEN OVERBORNE</span>
+Lord Aberdeen renounced one of his chief sources of strength
+in the Cabinet, by not making it apparent that he requires the
+sanction of the Crown to the course proposed by the Cabinet,
+and has to justify his advice by argument before it can be
+adopted, and that it does not suffice to come to a decision at
+the table of the Cabinet. Sir James Graham perfectly coincided
+with this view and offered to go up to Town immediately.
+The Queen wrote the letter to Lord Aberdeen ... which Sir
+James takes up with him. He shall arrive at Windsor on
+Friday (14th), and Lord Aberdeen is to have an Audience on
+Saturday. Sir James will tell him that the Queen wants his
+deliberate opinion on what course is best to be followed, and
+that the course once adopted should be steadily and uninterruptedly
+pursued.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 26:</p>
+
+    <h6 style="margin-top: -2.5em; font-style: italic;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Sir James Graham.</i><br />
+    <i>Submitted to the Queen.</i></h6>
+
+ <p class="indrightnote" style="margin-top: -1em;"><span class="sc">Argyll House</span>, <i>8th October 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;"><span class="sc">My dear Graham</span>,&mdash;... When we met, Clarendon made a sort of <i>r&eacute;sum&eacute;</i> of what
+had taken place before we all separated, but ended with no specific proposal. After a
+few interlocutory remarks from different quarters, Palmerston proposed his plan. Lord
+John faintly supported it in general terms, but did not seem much in earnest about it.
+I said that it appeared to involve the necessity of a declaration of war against Russia,
+and the calling together Parliament forthwith. Gladstone strongly argued against the
+proposal. Clarendon then read an outline of his proposed instructions, which were a
+great abatement from Palmerston's plan. We came at last to a sort of compromise; our
+great difficulty being now to deal with the question of entering the Black Sea. I consented
+to this being done, provided it was strictly in defence of some point of attack on Turkish
+territory. I have no fear that this will take place; and as long as we abstain from entering
+the Black Sea, Peace may be possible between us and Russia. We have thus assumed
+a strictly defensive position, which for the moment may be sufficient, and will enable us to
+carry on negotiations; but this cannot last long. Under the character of defensive war,
+we should inevitably become extensively engaged. Should the Turks be at all worsted,
+which is probable, of course we must increase our assistance. We should have a French
+army, and perhaps English money&mdash;all for defence.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">The aspect of the Cabinet was, on the whole, very good. Gladstone, active and energetic
+for Peace; Argyll, Herbert, C. Wood, and Granville, all in the same sense. Newcastle,
+not quite so much so, but good; Lansdowne, not so warlike as formerly; Lord John
+warlike enough, but subdued in tone; Palmerston urged his views perseveringly, but not
+disagreeably. The Chancellor said little, but was cordially peaceful. Molesworth was
+not present, there having been some mistake in sending the notice.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">On the whole, therefore, yesterday passed off well enough; but we shall see what to-day
+will bring us. Not a syllable was said in the Cabinet on any other subject. Lord John
+seemed in good humour; he came to see me a few minutes before the Cabinet. I told
+you that I had spoken to Gladstone very fully; but I did not press any decision respecting
+<i>domestic</i> matters, as it would at this moment be quite unseasonable. Nevertheless,
+it must not be forgotten altogether. Yours, etc., etc.,</p>
+
+<p class="authornote"><span class="sc">Aberdeen</span>.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD STRATFORD'S INSTRUCTIONS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Balmoral</span>, <i>11th October 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Clarendon's letter. She had
+written to Lord Aberdeen that she felt it her duty to pause
+before giving her consent to the measures decided on in the
+Cabinet, until she should have received an explanation on the
+views which dictated that decision, and of the ulterior steps
+involved in it; and Sir James Graham is gone up to Town,
+verbally to explain more fully the Queen's feelings. She has
+now received and read the Despatches, which have in the
+meantime been sent off to their points of destination without
+having received her sanction!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The draft to Vienna the Queen thinks very ably argued, and
+justly to define the present position of the question at issue.<sup>27</sup></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.456" id="pageii.456"></a>[page&nbsp;456]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">The instructions to Lord Stratford,<sup>28</sup> on the other hand, appear
+to her very vague, and entrusting him with enormous powers
+and a latitude of discretion which is hardly to be called safe.
+As matters have now been arranged, it appears to the Queen,
+moreover, that we have taken on ourselves in conjunction with
+France all the risks of a European war, without having bound
+Turkey to any conditions with respect to provoking it. The
+hundred and twenty fanatical Turks constituting the Divan at
+Constantinople are left sole judges of the line of policy to be
+pursued, and made cognisant at the same time of the fact that
+England and France have bound themselves to defend the
+Turkish Territory! This is entrusting them with a power
+which Parliament has been jealous to confide even to the hands
+of the British Crown. It may be a question whether England
+ought to go to war for the defence of so-called Turkish Independence;
+but there can be none that if she does so, she ought to
+be the sole judge of what constitutes a breach of that independence,
+and have the fullest power to prevent by negotiation
+the breaking out of the war.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen would wish copies of the enclosed papers to be
+sent for her use as soon as convenient.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 27: In this despatch Lord Clarendon, after referring to the interpretation which Count
+Nesselrode had put upon the Vienna Note, and the Russian rejection of it as amended
+by the Porte, told Lord Westmorland that it would be useless and dishonourable to recommend
+it in its unaltered form, that the Czar was contending for privileges for Christian
+subjects of the Porte not hitherto enjoyed by them, and that a war embarked upon in
+such a cause would be without parallel in history.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 28: Authority had been given to Lord Stratford to employ the British Fleet in the manner
+he might deem most fit for defending Turkish territory from aggression, and he was
+instructed that if the Russian Fleet left Sebastopol, the British Fleet was to pass through
+the Bosphorus.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">RESENTMENT OF THE CZAR</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>16th October 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">We saw Lord Aberdeen yesterday. He went with us through
+the whole of the proceedings of the last six weeks with respect
+to the Eastern Question. Regretted Count Nesselrode's Note,<sup>29</sup>
+which Baron Brunnow owned nobody would regret more than
+the Count himself, acknowledged the weakness of Austria, felt
+sure of Lord Stratford's insincerity towards him and the Government,...
+as he had to Lord Aberdeen's certain knowledge
+called "the conduct of the Government infamous" and declared
+"he would let the world know that his name was Canning."
+He acknowledged the disadvantage of the course adopted by
+the Cabinet, which left the Turks at liberty to do as they
+pleased; he had to concede this to the Cabinet, which would
+otherwise have been broken up by Lord John and Lord
+Palmerston. Had he known what the Queen's opinion was,
+he might have been more firm, feeling himself supported by the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.457" id="pageii.457"></a>[page&nbsp;457]</span>
+Crown, but he had imagined from her letters that there was
+more animosity against Russia and leaning to war in her
+mind.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 29: In this despatch to Baron Meyendorff, the Austrian Foreign Minister, the Count
+had disclosed the fact that the Russian interpretation of the Vienna Note differed from
+that of the other Powers.
+</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Yet, under all the adverse circumstances Lord Aberdeen saw
+still reason for hope that a peaceable settlement could be
+obtained. The French were ready to do anything we pleased,
+go to war, remain at peace, etc., etc.; in fact, Louis Napoleon
+had experienced the great advantage for his position of the
+Alliance with England.... Lord Stratford was thoroughly
+frightened, and had made a proposal himself, which accordingly
+he would support <i>con amore</i>. The Emperor of Russia had failed
+in his attempt to form a Northern League against the Western
+Powers.... The Emperor complained bitterly of the conduct of
+the Powers, who had disgraced him before the world by making
+him accept a Note, and sanctioning its alteration by Turkey;
+"now they should do what they pleased and settle matters
+with Turkey first, and bring him only what was settled and
+fixed, he was wearied of the whole business, and anxious to get
+rid of it for ever."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">What Lord Aberdeen now proposed was to follow the Emperor's
+advice and agree with Turkey upon a Note, leaving out
+all that she had objected to in the Vienna Note as Lord Stratford
+recommended, and taking as much as possible Redschid
+Pasha's own words to found the proposal of it upon the declaration
+made by the Emperor at Olm&uuml;tz to the Powers, that he
+sought for <i>no new</i> right, privilege, or advantage, but solely for
+the confirmation of the legal <i>status quo</i>, but accompanying this
+with a declaration, that if Turkey created needless difficulties
+and tried to evade a peaceful settlement the Powers would
+withdraw their support and leave her to fight her own battle.
+We went over the Documents which are not yet settled, even
+between Lord Aberdeen and Lord Clarendon, and will require
+the greatest caution in their wording. It is evident that the
+Turks have every inducement not to let this opportunity slip
+in going to war with Russia, as they will probably never find
+so advantageous a one again, as the whole of Christendom
+has declared them in the right, and they would fight with
+England and France actively on their side!</p>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD JOHN AND THE PREMIERSHIP</span>
+
+<p class="ind">At home, Lord Aberdeen said matters do not stand much
+better. Lord John has convinced himself that, under present
+circumstances it would not do for him to ask Lord Aberdeen to
+retire from the Prime Ministership and let him step in in his
+place; perhaps he has found out also that the Peelites will not
+serve under him; his own Whig colleagues would very much
+regret if not object to such a change, and that Lord Palmerston
+could not well submit to the arrangement. So he told Lord
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.458" id="pageii.458"></a>[page&nbsp;458]</span>
+Aberdeen that he had given up that idea; it was clear, however,
+that he was now looking for an opportunity to break up the
+Government on some popular ground, which it was impossible
+to hope that he should not find. He now had asked for the
+immediate summoning of Parliament, called for by the state
+of the Oriental <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Queston'">Question</ins>. This would create the greatest alarm
+in the country, and embarrassment to the Government, and
+was therefore resisted. Lord Aberdeen told Lord John quite
+plainly he knew what the proposal meant&mdash;he meant to break
+up the Government. "I hope not," was Lord John's laughing
+reply.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen taxed Lord Aberdeen with imprudence in talking
+to Lord John of his own readiness to leave office, which he
+acknowledged, but called <i>very natural</i> in a man of seventy.
+Lord John was dissatisfied with his position;... upon Lord
+Aberdeen telling him that he had the most powerful and
+honourable position of any man in England as leader of the
+House of Commons, he answered, "Oh, <i>there</i> I am quite
+happy!"</p>
+
+<p class="ind">I asked how under such circumstances that all-important
+measure of Parliamentary Reform, upon which the future
+stability and well-being of the Country so much depended, was
+to be matured and brought forward? Lord Aberdeen replied
+that Lord John had it all ready and prepared in his pocket, and
+told Lord Aberdeen so, adding, however, that under present
+circumstances there was no use in bringing it forward, to which
+Lord Aberdeen added: "You mean unless you sit in the chair
+which I now occupy?" Lord John laughed.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">We discussed the probable consequences of Lord John's
+retirement. Lord Aberdeen thought that Lord Palmerston,
+Lord Lansdowne, and even Lord Clarendon would secede with
+him, but this by no means implied that the whole party would;
+Lord Palmerston would not coalesce with Lord John, but try
+for the lead himself; Lord Clarendon quite agreed with Lord
+Aberdeen, and had been very angry with Lord John, but was
+personally under great obligations to him, and Sir James
+Graham had (as he said) been very much struck with the change
+of tone in Lord Clarendon at the last meeting of the Cabinet.
+Most of the Liberals seemed very much pleased with their
+situation. Sir James Graham had, of his own accord, told
+Lord Aberdeen that, in the event of Lord John's secession, he
+himself could not well sit in the House of Commons under so
+much younger a man as Mr Gladstone as Leader. He knew
+that there would be objections to his assuming the lead himself,
+but he would be quite ready to go to the House of Lords to
+support Lord Aberdeen.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert.</span></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.459" id="pageii.459"></a>[page&nbsp;459]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Emperor of Russia to Queen Victoria.</i><sup>30</sup></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE CZAR'S LETTER</span>
+
+<table summary="date" align="right" border="0" style="margin-right: 10%;">
+<tr>
+       <td class="left1b" valign="middle"><span class="sc">Tsarsko</span>, <i>ce</i></td>
+       <td class="left1b">18<br />
+	   <span style="line-height: 50%">&mdash;</span><br />
+	   30</td>
+       <td class="left1b" valign="middle"><i>Octobre 1853.</i></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="clear" style="margin-bottom: -1.5em;">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame</span>,&mdash;Votre Majest&eacute; conna&icirc;t, je l'esp&egrave;re, les sentiments
+d'affection sinc&egrave;re qui m'attachent &agrave; Sa personne, depuis que
+j'ai eu l'honneur de L'approcher. Il m'a sembl&eacute; qu'Elle
+daignait aussi m'accorder quelque bienveillance. A la veille
+d'&eacute;v&eacute;nements, peut-&ecirc;tre fort graves, qu'Elle daigne donc excuser
+si je m'adresse droit &agrave; Elle, pour essayer de pr&eacute;venir des
+calamit&eacute;s, que nos deux pays ont un &eacute;gal int&eacute;r&ecirc;t &agrave; &eacute;viter. J'ose
+le faire avec d'autant plus de confiance, que longtemps encore
+avant que les affaires d'Orient eussent pris la f&acirc;cheuse tournure
+qu'elles ont acquise depuis, je m'&eacute;tais adress&eacute; directement &agrave;
+votre Majest&eacute;, par l'entremise de Sir Hamilton Seymour, pour
+appeler votre attention, Madame, sur des &eacute;ventualit&eacute;s, alors
+encore incertaines, mais d&eacute;j&agrave; fort probables &agrave; mes yeux, et que
+je d&eacute;sirais &eacute;claircir, <i>avant tout</i>, avec le Cabinet Anglais, pour
+&eacute;carter autant qu'il m'&eacute;tait possible, toute divergence d'opinion
+entre nous. La correspondance d'alors, qu'Elle daigne de la
+faire relire atteignit son but, car elle mettait le Gouvernement
+Anglais au fait de mes plus intimes pens&eacute;es sur ces graves &eacute;ventualit&eacute;s,
+tandis que, je devais au moins le penser ainsi, j'obtiens
+en r&eacute;ponse un &eacute;gal expos&eacute; des vues du Gouvernement de votre
+Majest&eacute;.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">S&ucirc;rs ainsi de ce que nous d&eacute;sirions de part et d'autre, par
+quelle fatalit&eacute; devons-nous donc, Madame, en venir &agrave; une
+m&eacute;sintelligence aussi prononc&eacute;e, sur des objets qui paraissaient
+convenus d'avance, <i>o&ugrave; ma parole est engag&eacute;e vis-&agrave;-vis de votre
+Majest&eacute;</i>, comme je crois <i>celle du Gouvernement Anglais engag&eacute;e
+de m&ecirc;me vis-&agrave;-vis de moi</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">C'est &agrave; la justice, au c&oelig;ur de votre Majest&eacute; que j'en appelle,
+c'est &agrave; Sa bonne foi et &agrave; Sa sagesse que je m'en mets qu'Elle
+daigne de d&eacute;cider entre nous.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Devons nous rester, comme je le souhaite ardemment,
+dans une bonne intelligence &eacute;galement profitable &agrave; nos
+deux &Eacute;tats, ou juge-t-Elle, que le pavillon Anglais doive
+flotter pr&egrave;s du croissant, pour combattre la croix de Saint
+Andr&eacute;!!!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Telle que soit la d&eacute;termination de votre Majest&eacute;, qu'Elle
+veuille &ecirc;tre persuad&eacute;e de l'inalt&eacute;rable et sinc&egrave;re attachement
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.460" id="pageii.460"></a>[page&nbsp;460]</span>
+avec lesquels je ne cesserais d'&ecirc;tre, de votre Majest&eacute;, le tout
+d&eacute;vou&eacute; fr&egrave;re et ami,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Nicolas</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je prie votre Majest&eacute; de vouloir bien faire mes amiti&eacute;s &agrave;
+Monseigneur le Prince Albert.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 30: Greville calls the writing of this letter an unusual step; but in sending it to Lord
+Aberdeen and Lord Clarendon, the Queen observed that its despatch was an important
+and advantageous fact, as it both committed the Czar personally, and enabled her to
+state certain truths to him, as well as to explain privately the views which guided her own
+and her Ministers' conduct.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD STRATFORD'S PROPOSAL</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>5th November 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Although the Queen will have the pleasure of seeing Lord
+Aberdeen this evening, she wishes to make some observations
+on the subject of Lord Stratford's last private letters communicated
+to her yesterday by Lord Clarendon.<sup>31</sup> They exhibit
+clearly on his part a <i>desire</i> for war, and to drag us into it. When
+he speaks of the sword which will not only have to be drawn,
+but the scabbard thrown away, and says, the war to be successful
+must be a "<i>very comprehensive one</i>" on the part of
+England and France, the intention is unmistakable, and
+it becomes a serious question whether we are justified in
+allowing Lord Stratford any longer to remain in a situation
+which gives him the means of frustrating all our efforts for
+peace. The question becomes still graver when it is considered
+that General Baraguay d'Hilliers seems from Lord Cowley's
+account of his conversation with him equally anxious for
+extreme measures.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen must express her surprise that Lord Stratford
+should have coolly sent on so preposterous a proposal as
+Redschid Pasha's note asking for a Treaty of Alliance, the
+amalgamation of our Fleets with the Turkish one, and the sending
+of our surplus ships to the "<i>White</i>" Sea (!) without any
+hesitation or remark on his part. As the note ends, however,
+by saying that the Porte desires <i>que les points ci-dessus &eacute;men&eacute;s
+(sic) soient appr&eacute;ci&eacute;s par les Cours d'Angleterre et de France, et
+que ces Cours veuillent bien d&eacute;clarer leur intention d'agir en
+cons&eacute;quence</i>, this appears to the Queen to afford an admirable
+opportunity for stating plainly and strongly to the Turkish
+Government that we have <i>no intention</i> of being used by them
+for their own purposes. This time such a declaration might be
+<i>handed in</i> to the Turkish Government, so that there can be no
+mistake about the matter for the future.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen encloses the letter and note, and wishes Lord
+Aberdeen to show her letter to Lord Clarendon.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 31: Lord Stratford had written that Redschid Pasha was unable to make head against
+his warlike colleagues, and that unless some proposal of a decidedly satisfactory kind
+should come from Vienna very soon, there would be no chance of avoiding hostilities.
+Lord Stratford added that he had obtained a promise that no act of hostility should
+take place on the Turkish side before the expiration of fifteen days, and concluded with
+the words: "I fear that war is the decree of Fate, and our wisest part will be to do what
+we can to bring it to a thoroughly good conclusion."
+</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.461" id="pageii.461"></a>[page&nbsp;461]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Emperor of Russia.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE QUEEN TO THE CZAR</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>ce 14 Novembre 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Sire et tr&egrave;s cher Fr&egrave;re</span>,&mdash;C'est avec une profonde et
+sinc&egrave;re satisfaction que je viens de recevoir la lettre que V.M.I.
+a bien voulu m'&eacute;crire le 18/30
+Octobre. Je suis vivement touch&eacute;e
+des sentiments affectueux que vous m'y t&eacute;moignez. V.M. me
+conna&icirc;t assez pour savoir combien ils sont r&eacute;ciproques.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je vous remercierai &eacute;galement, Sire, de la franchise avec
+laquelle vous me parlez des complications actuelles; je ne
+saurais mieux r&eacute;pondre aux loyales intentions de V.M. qu'en
+lui exprimant &agrave; mon tour, et avec toute droiture, mes opinions &agrave;
+ce sujet, car c'est l&agrave;, j'en suis s&ucirc;re, le meilleur moyen de conserver
+utilement une amiti&eacute; bien v&eacute;ritable.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">J'ai, mon cher Fr&egrave;re, conform&eacute;ment &agrave; votre d&eacute;sir, relu les
+communications confidentielles que vous avez bien voulu me
+faire, ce printemps, par l'interm&eacute;diaire du bon Sir Hamilton
+Seymour, et les r&eacute;ponses que mon Gouvernement a re&ccedil;u l'ordre
+d'adresser &agrave; V.M.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Bien qu'une diff&eacute;rence d'opinion tr&egrave;s notable dev&icirc;nt alors
+&eacute;vidente entre V.M. et moi relativement &agrave; la mani&egrave;re d'envisager
+l'&eacute;tat de la Turquie et l'appr&eacute;ciation de sa vitalit&eacute;, le
+M&eacute;morandum de V.M. en date du 3/15 Avril vint n&eacute;anmoins dissiper
+de la mani&egrave;re la plus heureuse ces f&acirc;cheuses appr&eacute;hensions;
+car il m'annon&ccedil;ait que, si nous n'&eacute;tions pas d'accord sur <i>l'&eacute;tat
+de sant&eacute;</i> de l'Empire Ottoman, nous l'&eacute;tions cependant sur la
+n&eacute;cessit&eacute;, pour le laisser vivre, de ne point lui faire des demandes
+humiliantes, pourvu que tout le monde en ag&icirc;t de m&ecirc;me, et que
+personne n'abus&acirc;t de sa faiblesse pour obtenir des avantages
+exclusifs. V.M. dans ce but, daigna m&ecirc;me se d&eacute;clarer pr&ecirc;te
+"&agrave; travailler de concert avec l'Angleterre &agrave; l'&oelig;uvre commune
+de prolonger l'existence de l'Empire Turque, en &eacute;vitant toute
+cause d'alarme au sujet de sa dissolution."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">J'avais de plus la conviction qu'il n'existait et ne pouvait
+exister au fond aucune divergence d'opinion entre nous au
+sujet des r&eacute;clamations relatives aux Lieux-Saints, r&eacute;clamations
+qui, j'avais droit de le croire, constituaient le seul grief de la
+Russie contre la Porte.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je mets, Sire, la confiance la plus enti&egrave;re dans la parole que
+V.M. a bien voulu me donner alors, et, que les assurances subs&eacute;quentes,
+dues &agrave; votre amiti&eacute;, sont venues confirmer, en me
+donnant la connaissance de Vos intentions. Personne n'appr&eacute;cie
+plus que moi la haute loyaut&eacute; de V.M., et je voudrais
+que les convictions que j'ai &agrave; cet &eacute;gard pussent seules r&eacute;soudre
+toutes les difficult&eacute;s. Mais quelle que soit la puret&eacute; des motifs
+qui dirigent les actions du Souverain m&ecirc;me le plus &eacute;lev&eacute; par
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.462" id="pageii.462"></a>[page&nbsp;462]</span>
+le caract&egrave;re, V.M. sait que ses qualit&eacute;s personnelles ne sont
+point suffisantes dans des transactions internationales par
+lesquelles un &Eacute;tat se lie envers un autre en de solennels engagements;
+et les v&eacute;ritables intentions de V.M. ont &eacute;t&eacute; &agrave; coup s&ucirc;r
+m&eacute;connues et mal interpr&eacute;t&eacute;es, &agrave; cause de la forme donn&eacute;e au
+r&eacute;clamations adress&eacute;es &agrave; la Porte.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Ayant &agrave; c&oelig;ur, Sire, d'examiner ce qui avait pu produire ce
+f&acirc;cheux malentendu, mon attention a &eacute;t&eacute; naturellement attir&eacute;e
+par l'article 7 du Trait&eacute; de Kainardji; et je dois dire &agrave; V.M.
+qu'apr&egrave;s avoir consult&eacute;, sur le sens qui pouvait avoir &eacute;t&eacute; attach&eacute;
+&agrave; cet article, les personnes les plus comp&eacute;tentes de ce pays-ci;
+apr&egrave;s l'avoir relu ensuite moi-m&ecirc;me, avec le plus sinc&egrave;re d&eacute;sir
+d'impartialit&eacute;, je suis arriv&eacute;e &agrave; la conviction que cet article
+n'&eacute;tait point susceptible de l'extension qu'on y a voulu donner.
+Tous les amis de V.M. ont, comme moi, la certitude que vous
+n'auriez point abus&eacute; du pouvoir, que vous e&ucirc;t ainsi &eacute;t&eacute; accord&eacute;;
+mais une demande de ce genre, pouvait &agrave; peine &ecirc;tre accept&eacute;e par
+un Souverain qui tient &agrave; son ind&eacute;pendance.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je ne cacherai pas davantage &agrave; V.M. l'impression douloureuse
+qu'a produit sur moi l'occupation des Principaut&eacute;s. Cette
+occupation a caus&eacute;, depuis les quatres derniers mois, une
+perturbation g&eacute;n&eacute;rale en Europe, et pourrait amener des
+&eacute;v&eacute;nements ult&eacute;rieurs que je d&eacute;plorerais d'un commun accord
+avec V.M. Mais, comme les intentions de V.M. envers la Porte
+sont, je le sais, amicales et d&eacute;sint&eacute;ress&eacute;es, j'ai toute confiance
+que vous trouverez le moyen de les exprimer et mettre &agrave; ex&eacute;cution
+de mani&egrave;re &agrave; d&eacute;tourner de plus graves dangers, que tous
+mes efforts, je vous assure, tendront sans cesse &agrave; emp&ecirc;cher.
+L'attention impartiale avec laquelle j'ai suivi les causes qui ont
+fait &eacute;chouer jusqu'&agrave; pr&eacute;sent toutes les tentatives de conciliation,
+me donne la ferme conviction qu'il n'existe pas d'obstacle
+r&eacute;el qui ne puisse &ecirc;tre &eacute;cart&eacute; ou promptement surmont&eacute; avec
+l'assistance de V.M.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je n'abandonne point l'espoir de cet heureux r&eacute;sultat, m&ecirc;me
+apr&egrave;s les tristes conflits qui ont fait couler le sang dans les
+Principaut&eacute;s; car j'ai la foi en Dieu que lorsque de toute
+part les intentions sont droites et lorsque les int&eacute;r&ecirc;ts bien
+entendus sont communs, le Tout-Puissant ne permettra pas
+que l'Europe enti&egrave;re qui contient d&eacute;j&agrave; tant d'&eacute;l&eacute;ments inflammables,
+soit expos&eacute;e &agrave; une conflagration g&eacute;n&eacute;rale.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Que Dieu veille sur les jours de V.M.; et croyez, Sire, &agrave;
+l'attachement sinc&egrave;re avec lequel je suis, Sire et cher Fr&egrave;re, de
+votre Majest&eacute; Imp&eacute;riale, la bien bonne S&oelig;ur et Amie,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Victoria R.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Albert est tr&egrave;s sensible au souvenir de V.M. et me prie de le
+mettre &agrave; vos pieds.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.463" id="pageii.463"></a>[page&nbsp;463]</span>
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD ABERDEEN'S SCRUPLES</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>26th November 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+The Cabinet met to-day for the consideration of the overtures
+made by the French Government for the settlement of the
+Eastern Question.<sup>32</sup> These proposals were in substance adopted;
+although a considerable change was made in their form, and
+in some of their details. The step now taken is evidently wise;
+but Lord Aberdeen can scarcely venture to hope that it will
+be attended with success. Pacific language is accompanied
+with insulting and hostile acts; and it remains to be seen
+what effect will be produced on the Emperor of Russia by the
+entrance of English and French ships of war into the Black
+Sea, under the pretext of bringing off Consuls from Varna, and
+of looking after the grain-ships at the Sulina mouth of the
+Danube. This information has hitherto been only communicated
+by telegraph; but it is calculated to lead to serious consequences,
+of which Lord Stratford must be perfectly well
+aware.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 32: The Emperor had made certain suggestions to Lord Cowley, which the British
+Government were willing to adopt; but the anti-Russian feeling was increasing daily in
+the nation, and, as will be seen from the Queen's letter of the 27th of November, Lord
+Stratford seemed resolved on war.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i></h5>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>27th November 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of yesterday.
+She is sorry to find that after all a considerable change was
+made in the form of the French proposal. She is not aware at
+present of what that change consists in and is therefore unable
+to form an opinion as to the effects of its introduction, but she
+quite concurs in Lord Aberdeen's apprehensions with regard
+to the effect of Lord Stratford's orders to the Fleet. The
+perusal of Lord Stratford's Despatches of the 5th inst. has
+given the Queen the strongest impression that, whilst guarding
+himself against the possibility of being called to account for
+acting in opposition to his instructions, he is pushing us deeper
+and deeper into the War policy which we wish to escape.
+Wherefore should three poor Turkish steamers go to the
+Crimea, but to beard the Russian Fleet and tempt it to come out
+of Sebastopol, which would thus constitute the much desired
+contingency for our combined Fleets to attack it, and so engage
+us irretrievably!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen must seriously call upon Lord Aberdeen and the
+Cabinet to consider whether they are justified in allowing such
+a state of things to continue!</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.464" id="pageii.464"></a>[page&nbsp;464]</span>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Emperor of Russia to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">THE CZAR TO THE QUEEN</span>
+
+<table summary="date" align="right" border="0" style="margin-right: 10%;">
+<tr>
+       <td class="left1b" valign="middle"><span class="sc">S. P&eacute;tersbourg</span>, <i>le</i></td>
+       <td class="left1b"><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>2<br />
+	   <span style="line-height: 50%">&mdash;</span><br />
+	   14</td>
+       <td class="left1b" valign="middle"><i>D&eacute;cembre 1853.</i></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="clear" style="margin-bottom: -1.5em;">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">Madame</span>,&mdash;Je remercie votre Majest&eacute; d'avoir eu la bont&eacute;
+de r&eacute;pondre aussi amicalement que franchement &agrave; la lettre que
+j'ai eu l'honneur de lui &eacute;crire. Je la remercie &eacute;galement de la
+foi qu'elle accorde &agrave; ma parole,&mdash;je crois le m&eacute;riter, je l'avoue,&mdash;28
+ann&eacute;es d'une vie politique, souvent fort p&eacute;nible, ne
+peuvent donner le droit &agrave; personne d'en douter.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je me permets aussi, contrairement &agrave; l'avis de votre Majest&eacute;,
+de penser, qu'en affaires publiques et en relations de pays &agrave;
+pays, rien ne peut &ecirc;tre <i>plus sacr&eacute;</i> et ne l'est en effet &agrave; mes yeux
+que la parole souveraine, car elle d&eacute;cide en derni&egrave;re instance
+de la paix ou de la guerre. Je ne fatiguerais certes pas l'attention
+de votre Majest&eacute; par un examen d&eacute;taill&eacute; du sens qu'elle
+donne &agrave; l'article 7 du Trait&eacute; de Kainardji; j'assurerais seulement,
+Madame, que depuis 80 ans la Russie et la Porte l'ont
+compris ainsi que nous le faisons encore. Ce sens-l&agrave; n'a &eacute;t&eacute;
+interrompu qu'en derniers temps, &agrave; la suite d'instigations que
+votre Majest&eacute; conna&icirc;t aussi bien que moi. Le r&eacute;tablir dans
+son r&eacute;ception primitive et la justifier par un engagement plus
+solennel, tel est le but de mes efforts, tel il sera, Madame,
+quand m&ecirc;me le sang devrait couler encore contre mon v&oelig;u le
+plus ardent; parce que c'est une question vitale pour la Russie,
+et mes efforts ne lui sont impossibles pour y satisfaire.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Si j'ai d&ucirc; occuper les Principaut&eacute;s, ce que je regrette autant
+que votre Majest&eacute;, c'est encore Madame, parce que les libert&eacute;s
+dont ces provinces jouissent, leurs ont &eacute;t&eacute; acquises <i>au prix du
+sang Russe, et par moi-m&ecirc;me Madame les ann&eacute;es</i> 1828 <i>et</i> 29. Il
+ne s'agit donc pas de <i>conqu&ecirc;tes</i>, mais &agrave; la veille d'un conflit que
+l'on rendait de plus en plus probable, il e&ucirc;t &eacute;t&eacute; indigne de moi
+de les livrer s&ucirc;rement &agrave; la main des ennemis du Christianisme,
+dont les pers&eacute;cutions ne sont un secret que pour ceux qui
+veulent l'ignorer. J'esp&eacute;rais avoir r&eacute;pondu ainsi aux doutes
+et aux regrets de votre Majest&eacute; <i>avec la plus enti&egrave;re franchise</i>.
+Elle veut bien me dire qu'Elle ne doute pas qu'avec mon aide
+le r&eacute;tablissement de la paix ne soit encore possible, malgr&eacute; le
+sang r&eacute;pandu; j'y r&eacute;ponds de grand c&oelig;ur, <i>Oui</i>, Madame, si
+les organes des volont&eacute;s de votre Majest&eacute; <i>ex&eacute;cutent fid&egrave;lement ses
+ordres et ses intentions bienveillantes. Les miennes n'out pas
+vari&eacute; d&egrave;s le d&eacute;but de cette triste &eacute;pisode. Reculer devant le danger,
+comme vouloir maintenant autre chose que je n'ai voulu en violant
+ma parole, serait au-dessous de moi</i>, et le noble c&oelig;ur de votre
+Majest&eacute; doit le comprendre.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">J'ajouterais encore que son c&oelig;ur saignera en apprenant les
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.465" id="pageii.465"></a>[page&nbsp;465]</span>
+horreurs qui se commettent d&eacute;j&agrave; par les hordes sauvages, pr&egrave;s
+desquels flotte le pavillon Anglais!!!</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je la remercie cordialement des v&oelig;ux qu'Elle veut bien faire
+pour moi; tant que ma vie se prolongera ils seront r&eacute;ciproqu&eacute;s
+de ma part. Je suis heureux de le Lui dire, en l'assurant
+du sinc&egrave;re attachement avec lequel je suis, Madame, de votre
+Majest&eacute;, le tout d&eacute;vou&eacute; Fr&egrave;re and Ami,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Nicolas.</span></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Je me rappelle encore une fois au bon souvenir de Son
+Altesse Royale le Prince Albert et le remercie &eacute;galement de
+ses paroles obligeantes.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON AND REFORM</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>6th December 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">... As Lord John Russell will have the honour of seeing
+your Majesty to-morrow, he will be able to explain to your
+Majesty the present state of the discussions on Reform, and
+the progress of the Measure.<sup>33</sup> Lord Aberdeen feels it to be his
+duty to inform your Majesty that on Saturday evening he
+received a visit from Lord Palmerston, who announced his
+decided objection to the greater part of the proposed plan.<sup>34</sup>
+He did this in such positive terms that Lord Aberdeen should
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.466" id="pageii.466"></a>[page&nbsp;466]</span>
+imagine he had made up his mind not to give the Measure his
+support; but Lord John entertains considerable doubt that
+such is the case.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen thinks it by no means improbable that Lord
+Palmerston may also desire to separate himself from the
+Government, in consequence of their pacific policy, and in
+order to take the lead of the War Party and the Anti-Reformers
+in the House of Commons, who are essentially the same. Such
+a combination would undoubtedly be formidable; but Lord
+Aberdeen trusts that it would not prove dangerous. At all
+events, it would tend greatly to the improvement of Lord
+John's Foreign Policy.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 33: On the 19th of November Lord John had written to the Queen outlining the Reform
+proposals of the Committee of the Cabinet. The Queen subsequently wrote to make
+additional suggestions, <i>e.g.</i>, for finding a means of bringing into the House official persons
+or men without local connections, and for dealing with Ministerial re-elections.</p>
+
+<p class="note1">Footnote 34: Lord Palmerston wrote to Lord Lansdowne, giving an account of the affair:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="indrightnote"><span class="sc">"Carlton Gardens</span>, <i>8th December 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;"><span class="sc">"My dear Lansdowne</span>,&mdash;I have had two conversations with Aberdeen on the subject
+of John Russell's proposed Reform Bill, and I have said that there are three points in it
+to which I cannot agree.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">"These points are&mdash;the extent of disfranchisement, the extent of enfranchisement,
+and the addition of the Municipal Franchise in Boroughs to the pound;10 Householder Franchise....</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">"We should by such an arrangement increase the number of bribeable Electors, and
+overpower intelligence and property by ignorance and poverty.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">"I have told Aberdeen that I am persuaded that the Measure as proposed by John
+Russell and Graham will not pass through the two Houses of Parliament without material
+modifications, and that I do not choose to be a party to a contest between the two Houses
+or to an Appeal to the Country for a Measure of which I decidedly disapprove; and that
+I cannot enter into a career which would lead me to such a position, that, in short, I do
+not choose to be dragged through the dirt by John Russell. I reminded Aberdeen that
+on accepting his offer of Office, I had expressed apprehension both to him and to you,
+that I might find myself differing from my Colleagues on the question of Parliamentary
+Reform.</p>
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top:-0.5em;">"I have thought a good deal on this matter. I should be very sorry to give up my
+present Office at this moment: I have taken a great interest in it, and I have matters in
+hand which I should much wish to bring to a conclusion. Moreover, I think that
+the presence in the Cabinet of a person holding the opinions which I entertain as to the
+principles on which our Foreign Affairs ought to be conducted, is useful in modifying the
+contrary system of Policy, which, as I think, injuriously to the interests and dignity of
+the Country, there is a disposition in other quarters to pursue; but notwithstanding all
+this. I cannot consent to stand forward as one of the Authors and Supporters of John
+Russell's sweeping alterations. Yours sincerely,</p>
+
+<p class="authornote"><span class="sc">Palmerston"</span>.
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Prince Albert to the Earl of Aberdeen.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON'S POSITION</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>9th December 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind"><span class="sc">My dear Lord Aberdeen</span>,&mdash;The Queen has consulted with
+Lord John Russell upon the Reform plan, and on the question
+of Lord Palmerston's position with regard to it; and he will
+doubtless give you an account of what passed. She wishes me,
+however, to tell you likewise what strikes her with respect to
+Lord Palmerston. It appears to the Queen clear that the
+Reform Bill will have no chance of success unless prepared and
+introduced in Parliament by a <i>united</i> Cabinet; that, if Lord
+Palmerston has made up his mind to oppose it and to leave the
+Government, there will be no use in trying to keep him in it,
+and that there will be danger in allowing him to attend the
+discussions of the Cabinet, preparing all the time his line of
+attack; that if a successor to him would after all have to be
+found at the Home Office, it will be unfair not to give that
+important member of the Government full opportunity to take
+his share in the preparation and deliberation on the measure
+to which his consent would be asked. Under these circumstances
+it becomes of the highest importance to ascertain&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="ind">1. What the amount of objection is that Lord Palmerston
+entertains to the Measure;</p>
+
+<p class="ind">2. What the object of the declaration was, which he seems
+to have made to you.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">This should be obtained <i>in writing</i>, so as to make all future
+misrepresentation impossible, and on this alone a decision can
+well be taken, and, in the Queen's opinion, even the Cabinet
+could alone deliberate.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Should Lord Palmerston have stated his objections with the
+view of having the Measure modified it will be right to consider
+how far that can safely be done, and for the Queen, also, to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.467" id="pageii.467"></a>[page&nbsp;467]</span>
+balance the probable value of the modification with the risk
+of allowing Lord Palmerston to put himself at the head of the
+Opposition Party, entailing as it does the possibility of his
+forcing himself back upon her as leader of that Party.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Should he on the other hand consider his declaration as a
+"notice to quit," the ground upon which he does so should be
+clearly put on record, and no attempt should be made to
+damage the character of the Measure in the vain hope of propitiating
+him. Ever yours truly,</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert</span>.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD PALMERSTON RESIGNS</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>16th December 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen arrived yesterday and returned to-day to
+meet the Cabinet to-morrow. Lord Palmerston has sent in
+his resignation in a short note to Lord Aberdeen, a further correspondence
+with Lord John and Lord Lansdowne, Lord Aberdeen
+put into my hands, and I have copied the two most
+important letters which follow here.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord John is reported as very angry, calling Lord Palmerston's
+conduct "treacherous," a term Lord Aberdeen hardly
+understands, as against him he has been perfectly consistent
+with regard to the Reform Measure, from the beginning, and
+had frequently denied the necessity of Reform.... Lord
+Aberdeen had advised Lord John to show boldness and energy,
+and to undertake the Home Office at once himself; this would
+have a great effect under the difficulties of the circumstances,
+would show that he was in earnest and determined to carry his
+Reform Measure. Lord John seemed hit by the idea, but
+asked for time to consider; after seeing <i>Lady</i> John, however,
+he declined.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen's fears are still mainly as to the Eastern
+Question, Lord John pressing for war measures. Lord
+Aberdeen had followed my advice, and had a long explanation
+on the subject, in which they both agreed that their policy
+should be one of Peace, and he thought matters settled when
+Lord John now asks for contingent engagements to make war
+on Russia if her forces cross the Danube (which Lord Aberdeen
+thinks quite uncalled for), and to convoy the Turkish expeditions
+in the Black Sea, even if directed against Russian territory,
+etc., etc. The Cabinet is certain not to agree to either of these
+propositions.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">When Lord Aberdeen announced the intended rupture with
+Lord Palmerston to Lord John, he drily said: "Well,
+it would be very awkward for you if Palmerston quarrels
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.468" id="pageii.468"></a>[page&nbsp;468]</span>
+one day with you about Reform, and I the next about
+Turkey!"</p>
+
+<p class="ind">There can be no doubt that Lord Palmerston will at once
+try to put himself at the head of the late Protectionist party,
+and, with the present indifference of the Country upon Reform,
+the fate of the Bill is by no means certain. On the
+question of Peace or War, Lord Aberdeen is quite certain that
+the House of Commons will adopt no war resolutions.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Much will depend, however, on the line taken by Lord
+Lansdowne, who has great influence in the House of Lords,
+and whose secession would spread great alarm over the Country
+as to the real tendency of the Measure (which the Duke of
+Newcastle describes as in fact a great increase of power to the
+land<sup>35</sup>). We agree that the Queen should write to him to
+prevent any hasty step.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen sanctioned the offer of the Home Office to Sir
+George Grey, and of a seat in the Cabinet to Mr Cardwell (the
+President of the Board of Trade).</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert.</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 35: <i>I.e.</i>, the landed interest.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD LANSDOWNE AND REFORM</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>16th December 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has been made very anxious by the Resignation
+of Lord Palmerston, but still more so by hearing that Lord
+Lansdowne has not been able to reconcile himself to the
+Measure of Reform as now proposed in the Cabinet, which
+has caused Lord Palmerston's withdrawal. Lord Lansdowne
+is aware of the paramount importance which the Queen attaches
+to a safe settlement of that question, and to the maintenance
+of her present Government; and she would press upon
+Lord Lansdowne not to commit himself to a final determination
+before she shall have an opportunity of seeing him. The
+Queen will go to Windsor on Thursday, and hold a Council on
+Friday, at which it may perhaps be convenient to Lord Lansdowne
+to attend, and it will give the Queen the greatest pleasure
+to find that Lord John Russell has succeeded in removing Lord
+Lansdowne's objections.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">LORD STRATFORD'S DESPATCH</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Osborne</span>, <i>17th December 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen returns the enclosed Draft and Despatch to Lord
+Clarendon.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.469" id="pageii.469"></a>[page&nbsp;469]</span>
+
+<p class="ind">She has never been so much perplexed respecting any
+decision she has had to make, as in the present instance. She
+has read Lord Stratford's Despatch (358) over several times,
+and she is struck, every time more, with the consummate
+ability with which it is written and argued; but also with
+the difficulty in which it places the person reading it to
+extract distinctly what the Porte will be prepared to
+concede.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The concluding passage of the Draft involves the most
+important consequences. As the Queen understands it, it
+promises war with Russia in a given contingency, but the
+contingency is: Russia rejecting terms which are "in their
+spirit and character such as Your Excellency sets forth in
+your Despatch." The Queen finds it impossible to make
+such tremendous consequences dependent upon such
+vague expressions. The more so, as "the spirit and
+character" alluded to, appears to her to be, as if purposely,
+obscure.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">When Lord Stratford says, that the Turks would be satisfied
+"with a renewal in clear and comprehensive terms of the
+formal Declarations and Treaties already existing in favour of
+the Porte"&mdash;the Queen cannot understand what is meant&mdash;as
+all the former Treaties between Russia and Turkey have
+certainly not been in favour of the Porte. Nor is it clear to
+the Queen whether "the clear and unquestionable deliverance
+from Russian interference applied to spiritual matters" is
+compatible with the former treaties.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Whilst the Queen, therefore, perfectly agrees in the principle
+that, should Russia "for its own unjustifiable objects, show
+herself regardless of the best interests of Europe" by rejecting
+every fair term, the time will have arrived "for adopting
+measures of more active coercion against her"&mdash;she cannot
+sanction such a Declaration except on terms which are so
+clear in themselves as to exclude all misinterpretation.</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">SINOPE</span>
+
+<p class="indright">(Undated.)</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has received Lord Clarendon's letter of the 19th,
+and enclosures. She approves the Draft to Vienna, and asks
+to have a copy of it, together with the Despatch from Lord
+Westmorland to which it refers.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">She also approves of the Draft to Lord Cowley, with certain
+exceptions, viz., on the second page our accordance with the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.470" id="pageii.470"></a>[page&nbsp;470]</span>
+views of the French Government "upon the utterly unjustifiable
+course that Russia has pursued," etc., is stated. If, as
+the Queen must read it, this refers to the affair at Sinope,<sup>36</sup> it
+is a dangerous assertion, as we have yet no authentic account
+of the circumstances of the case, which would make it possible
+to judge what degree of justification there might have been.
+The sentence should, at any rate, be qualified by some expression
+such as "as far as we know," or "should present accounts
+prove correct," etc.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The word "utterly" might under any circumstances be
+left out, as a state of War is in itself a justification of a
+battle.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">On page four the words "by sea" will have to be added to
+make the statement precise and correct.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The concluding sentence, the Queen must consider as tantamount
+to a declaration of war, which, under the guarded
+conditions however attached to it, she feels she cannot refuse
+to sanction. It would, in the Queen's opinion, be necessary,
+however, distinctly and fully to acquaint the Russian Government
+with the step now agreed upon.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston's mode of proceeding always had that
+advantage, that it threatened steps which it was hoped would
+not become necessary, whilst those hitherto taken, started on
+the principle of not needlessly offending Russia by threats,
+obliging us at the same time to take the very steps which we
+refused to threaten.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen has to make one more and a most <i>serious</i> observation.
+The Fleet has orders now to prevent a recurrence of
+such disasters as that of Sinope. This cannot mean that it
+should protect the Turkish Fleet in acts of aggression upon the
+Russian territory, such as an attack on Sebastopol, of which
+the papers speak. This point will have to be made quite clear,
+both to Lord Stratford and the Turks.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">The Queen would also wish to have copies of the Draft, when
+corrected, of Lord Cowley's Despatch.</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 36: On the 30th of November the Russian Fleet from Sevastopol attacked the Turkish
+squadron in the harbour of Sinope, a naval station in the Black Sea, and destroyed it.
+The feeling in the country against Russia was greatly inflamed by the incident, which was
+referred to as the "massacre of Sinope."
+</p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>Memorandum by the Prince Albert.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PUBLIC FEELING</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">Windsor Castle</span>, <i>25th December 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen had an Audience of the Queen yesterday
+afternoon. He reported that some of his colleagues, Sir C.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.471" id="pageii.471"></a>[page&nbsp;471]</span>
+Wood, the Duke of Newcastle, and Mr Gladstone, had been very
+anxious that Lord Palmerston should be readmitted into the
+Cabinet; they had had interviews with him in which he had
+expressed his hope to be allowed to reconsider his step. Lady
+Palmerston had been most urgent upon this point with her
+husband. All the people best conversant with the House of
+Commons stated that the Government had no chance of going
+on with Lord Palmerston in opposition, and with the present
+temper of the public, which was quite mad about the Oriental
+Question and the disaster at Sinope. Even Sir W. Molesworth
+shared this <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'opnion'">opinion</ins>.</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Palmerston had written a letter to Lord Aberdeen, in
+which he begs to have his resignation considered as not having
+taken place, as it arose entirely from a misapprehension on his
+part, his having believed that none of the details of the Reform
+Measure were yet open for consideration, he had quite agreed
+in the principle of the Measure! Lord Aberdeen saw Lord
+John and Sir J. Graham, who convinced themselves that under
+the circumstances nothing else remained to be done. Lord
+Aberdeen having asked Lord John whether he should tell the
+Queen that it was a political <i>necessity</i>, he answered: "Yes,
+owing to the shabbiness of your colleagues," to which Lord
+Aberdeen rejoined: "Not shabbiness; <i>cowardice</i> is the
+word."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen owns that the step must damage the Government,
+although it ought to damage Lord Palmerston still more.
+Lord John's expression was: "Yes, it would ruin anybody but
+Palmerston."</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen thinks, however, that he can make no further
+difficulties about Reform, and he, Lord John, and Graham were
+determined to make no material alterations in the Bill. Graham
+is suspicious lest the wish to get Palmerston in again, on
+the part of a section of the Cabinet, was an intrigue to get
+the Measure emasculated. Lord Aberdeen does not believe
+this....</p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen describes Lord John's feeling as very good
+and cordial towards him. He, Lord John, had even made him
+a long speech to show his gratitude for Lord Aberdeen's
+kindness to him.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="sc">Albert.</span></p>
+
+
+<h5 style="margin-top: 3em;"><i>The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.</i></h5>
+
+<span class="rightnote">PALMERSTON RESUMES OFFICE</span>
+
+<p class="indright"><span class="sc">London</span>, <i>26th December 1853.</i></p>
+
+<p class="ind">Lord Aberdeen, with his most humble duty to your Majesty,
+has the honour of enclosing copies of Lord Palmerston's letter
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii.472" id="pageii.472"></a>[page&nbsp;472]</span>
+to him,<sup>37</sup> and of his answer. Lord Aberdeen was not without
+some apprehension of receiving a rejoinder; but instead of
+which, a note arrived this morning, merely asking if a Cabinet
+was likely to be summoned in the course of the week, as he was
+going into the country; in fact, a note just as if nothing whatever
+has taken place!</p>
+
+
+<p class="note1" style="margin-top: 3em;">Footnote 37: Lord Palmerston wrote: "I find ... that I was mistaken in inferring from your
+letter that the details of the intended Reform Bill had been finally settled by the Government,
+and that no objection to any part of those details would be listened to." He went
+on to say that, under the circumstances, he could not decline to comply with the wish of
+many members of the Government that he should withdraw his resignation.
+</p>
+
+<table summary="printer" align="center" style="margin-top: 10em;">
+<tr><td>
+<i>Printed by Hazell, Watson &amp; Viney, Ld. London and Aylesbury.<br />
+Paper supplied by John Dickinson &amp; Co., Ld., London.</i>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+
+
+<table align="center" summary="note" width="560px" style="margin-top: 10em;">
+<tr><td class="note"><a name="tntag" id="tntag"></a>
+<h4><a class="footnote" href="#tn">Transcriber's Note:</a></h4>
+<p>
+This is the second volume of three. </p>
+<p style="margin-top:-1em;">The index is in Volume III, with links to all
+three volumes; and some footnotes are linked between volumes.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-top:-1em;">These links are designed to work when
+the book is read on line. However, if you want to download all
+three volumes and have the links work on your own computer,
+then follow these directions carefully.
+</p>
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+<p>
+1. Create a directory (folder) named whatever you like (e.g., Victoria).
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+volumes will <i>not</i> work).</p>
+
+<p>
+2. In that directory (folder) create 3 directories (folders) named</p>
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+<p>
+3. Create the following directories (folders):
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+     <li>In the 20023 directory create a directory named 20023-h</li>
+	 <li>In the 24780 directory create a directory named 24780-h</li>
+	 <li>In the 28649 directory create a directory named 28649-h</li>
+	 </ul>
+
+<p>
+4. Download the <i>zipped</i> html version of each volume.
+</p>
+<ul class="none">
+     <li>Download Vol. I from <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/20023">https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/20023</a></li>
+	 <li>Download Vol. II from <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/24780">https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/24780</a></li>
+	 <li>Download Vol. III from <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/28649">https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/28649</a></li>
+	 </ul>
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+<p>
+5. Unzip the downloaded files and move them into the appropriate directories:
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+     <li>Move the unzipped 20023-h.htm file and its "images" directory
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+	 <li>Move the unzipped 24780-h.htm file and its "images" directory
+	 into your 24780-h directory.</li>
+	 <li>Move the unzipped 28649-h.htm file and its "images" directory
+	 into your 28649-h directory.</li>
+	 </ul>
+
+<hr class="short" />
+<p>
+Use the BACK button to return
+from a link.</p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>
+The original pageheadings have been retained, and moved to appropriate
+positions in the right-hand margin close to the text to which they refer,
+so as not to interrupt the flow of the text. </p>
+<p>
+Likewise, footnotes have been moved to the end of the appropriate letter, or the
+appropriate paragraph, in the case of longer passages of text. </p>
+<p>
+Only footnotes in longer letters or passages of text, or those that refer to earlier
+or later letters etc., are linked.</p>
+<p>
+Initial letters are spaced as in the original, i.e., personal initials: spaced;
+academic initials: unspaced.</p>
+
+
+<h6>Mr or Mr.</h6>
+<p>
+Most instances of this form of address, in the book, are 'Mr', without
+the period. There are a few spelt as 'Mr.', with the period. These
+have been left as they appeared in the original book.</p>
+
+
+<h6>Russian Dates.</h6>
+<p>
+The difference between the Russian Calendar and the Calendar used in
+Western Europe was 12 days...22nd March 1848, in Great Britain and
+Western Europe, was 3rd April in Russia; 8th April 1853, in Great
+Britain and Western Europe, was 20th April in Russia, etc.</p>
+
+<h6>General Note: consistency</h6>
+<p>There are some differences in personal spelling, and the use or non-use of hyphens and accents, from one year to another; the original has always been retained.</p>
+
+<h5>Errata - old typos:</h5>
+
+<p>Obvious punctuation errors have been repaired.</p>
+
+<p>The remaining corrections made are indicated by dotted lines under the corrections.</p>
+<p style="margin-top:-1em;">Scroll the mouse over the word and the original text will <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p>
+
+
+
+</td></tr></table>
+
+
+
+
+
+<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Letters of Queen Victoria, Vol 2
+(of 3), 1844-1853, by Queen Victoria
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS--QUEEN VICTORIA, 1844-1853 ***
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
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@@ -0,0 +1,26654 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Letters of Queen Victoria, Vol 2 (of
+3), 1844-1853, by Queen Victoria
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Letters of Queen Victoria, Vol 2 (of 3), 1844-1853
+       A Selection from her Majesty's correspondence between the
+       years 1837 and 1861
+
+Author: Queen Victoria
+
+Editor: Arthur Christopher Benson
+        (Viscount) Esher
+
+Release Date: March 8, 2008 [EBook #24780]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS--QUEEN VICTORIA, 1844-1853 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Paul Murray, Lesley Halamek and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: H.M. QUEEN VICTORIA, 1843
+From the picture by F. Winterhalter at Windsor Castle
+_Frontispiece, Vol. II._]
+
+
+
+
+  THE LETTERS OF
+  QUEEN VICTORIA
+
+  A SELECTION FROM HER MAJESTY'S
+  CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE YEARS
+  1837 AND 1861
+
+  PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF
+  HIS MAJESTY THE KING
+
+  EDITED BY ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER BENSON, M.A.
+  AND VISCOUNT ESHER, G.C.V.O., K.C.B.
+
+  IN THREE VOLUMES
+
+  VOL. II.--1844-1853
+
+  LONDON
+  JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET, W.
+  1908
+
+
+
+
+  _Copyright in Great Britain and Dependencies, 1907, by_
+  H.M. THE KING.
+
+  _In the United States by_ Messrs LONGMANS, GREEN & CO.
+  _All rights reserved_.
+
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIII
+
+  1844                                                      PAGES
+
+    Duc de Bordeaux--Hanoverian Orders--Domestic happiness--Death
+    of the Duke of Coburg--Lord Melbourne on old age--Recall
+    of Lord Ellenborough--Uncle and niece--Lord Ellenborough's
+    honours--Prince de Joinville's _brochure_--The Emperor
+    Nicholas--A great review--At the Opera--The Emperor's
+    character--The Emperor and Belgium--Crisis in Parliament--The
+    King of Saxony--Lord Ellenborough and India--England,
+    France, and Russia--France and Tahiti--King Louis Philippe
+    expected--Arrangements for the visit--Queen Louise's
+    solicitude--Arrival of King Louis Philippe--A successful
+    visit--The King's departure--Opening of the Royal
+    Exchange--Gift to the Prince of Wales--Education in India 1-29
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIV
+
+  1845
+
+    The Spanish marriages--Position of the Prince--Title of King
+    Consort--Purchase of Osborne--Maynooth grant--Religious
+    bigotry--Public executions--Birthday letter--Princess
+    Charlotte--Vacant Deanery--Wine from Australia--King of
+    Holland--Projected visit to Germany--Question of Lords
+    Justices--Visit to the Chateau d'Eu--Spanish marriages--The
+    Prince criticised--Governor-Generalship of Canada--Corn
+    Laws--Cabinet dissensions--Interview with Sir Robert
+    Peel--Lord John Russell suggested--Attitude of Lord
+    Melbourne--The Queen's embarrassment--Attitude of Sir Robert
+    Peel--Lord Stanley resigns--The Commandership-in-Chief--Duke
+    of Wellington-- King Louis Philippe--Anxiety for the
+    future--Insuperable difficulties--Lord Grey and Lord
+    Palmerston--Lord John Russell fails--Chivalry of Sir Robert
+    Peel--He resumes office--Cordial support--The Queen's
+    estimate of Sir Robert Peel--Lord Stanley--The Prince's
+    Memorandum--Comprehensive scheme--The unemployed--Lord
+    Palmerston's justification--France and the Syrian War--Letter
+    to King Louis Philippe--Ministry reinstated             30-70
+
+
+  CHAPTER XV
+
+  1846
+
+    Sir Robert Peel's speech--Extension of Indian Empire--Bravery
+    of English troops--Death of Sir Robert Sale--Memorandum by
+    the Prince--Celebration of victory--Letter from King Louis
+    Philippe--Irish Crimes Bill--Attack on Sir Robert Peel--His
+    resignation--Intrigues--End of Oregon dispute--Sir Robert
+    Peel's tribute to Cobden--New Government--Cobden and the
+    Whigs--Parting with the Ministers--Whig jealousies--A
+    weak Ministry--Anxieties--French Royal Family--Spanish
+    marriages--Portugal--Prerogative of dissolution--Views of Lord
+    Melbourne--The Prince and Sir Robert Peel--Proposed visit
+    to Ireland--Government of Canada--Wellington statue--Lord
+    Palmerston and Spain--Instructions to Mr Bulwer--Don
+    Enrique--Sudden decision--Double engagement--The Queen's
+    indignation--Letter to the Queen of the French--View of
+    English Government--Letter to King Leopold--Baron Stockmar's
+    opinion--Letter to Queen Louise--Lord Palmerston and
+    the French--Princess of Prussia--England and the Three
+    Powers--Interruption of _entente cordiale_--Spanish
+    marriages--Peninsular medal--Duke of Wellington's
+    view--England and Portugal--The Queen's decision on Peninsular
+    medal--Cracow                                           71-114
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVI
+
+  1847
+
+    England and Portugal--Peaceable policy advised--Spain and
+    Portugal--Sir Hamilton Seymour--Septennial Act--Church
+    preferments--Jenny Lind--Wellington statue--Prosperity in
+    India--General election--Earldom of Strafford--Mission to the
+    Vatican--Portugal--Crisis in the City--Lord-Lieutenancy of
+    Ireland--Mr Cobden--Foreign policy--Queen of Spain--Queen
+    of Portugal--Hampden controversy--Lord Palmerston's
+    despatches--Civil war in Switzerland--Letter from King of
+    Prussia--The Queen's reply--The Bishops and Dr Hampden 115-140
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVII
+
+  1848
+
+    Death of Madame Adelaide--Grief of Queen Louise--The
+    Queen's sympathy--England and the Porte--Improvements
+    at Claremont--Revolution in France--Flight of the Royal
+    Family--Letter from King of Prussia--Anarchy in Paris--Queen
+    Louise's anxiety--Revolution foreseen--England's
+    hospitality--New French Government--British Consul's
+    plan--Escape of the King and Queen--Graphic narrative--Plan
+    successful--Arrival in England--Reception at Claremont--Letter
+    of gratitude--Flight of Guizot--Royal fugitives--Orleanist
+    blunders--Letter to Lord Melbourne--The Czar on the
+    situation--State of Germany--Chartist demonstration--Prince
+    Albert and the unemployed--Chartist fiasco--Alarming state of
+    Ireland--Conduct of the Belgians--Events in France--Anxiety
+    in Germany--Italy--Spain--The French Royal Family--Affairs
+    in Lombardy--Sir Henry Bulwer--Lord Palmerston's
+    justification--Instructions to Sir H. Seymour--Lord
+    Palmerston's drafts--England and Italy--Lord Minto's
+    mission--Duchesse de Nemours--Commissions in the
+    Army--Northern Italy--Irish rebellion--Minor German states--An
+    ambassador to France--The Queen's displeasure--Opening the
+    Queen's letters--Lord Palmerston and Italy--Austria declines
+    mediation--Austria and Italy--In the Highlands--The Queen
+    and Lord Palmerston--Affairs in the Punjab--Hostility of
+    the Sikhs--Greece--State of Germany--Letter of the Prince
+    of Leiningen--Sir Harry Smith at the Cape--Governorship of
+    Gibraltar--Mediation in Italy--Death of Lord Melbourne--The
+    Orleans family--Letter from the Pope--The French
+    President--Relations with France--England slighted     141-207
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVIII
+
+  1849
+
+    Letter to the Pope--Letter from President of French
+    Republic--Lord Palmerston and Naples--The army in India--State
+    of the Continent--France and the President--Gaelic and
+    Welsh--Lord Gough superseded--End of the Sikh War--Courage
+    of Mrs G. Lawrence--Letter from King of Sardinia--Novara--The
+    Queen fired at by Hamilton--Annexation of the Punjab--Drafts
+    and despatches--Schleswig-Holstein Question--Proposed visit
+    to Ireland--Irish title for the young Prince--Cork and
+    Waterford--The Irish visit--Enthusiasm in Ireland--Brevet
+    promotions--New Coal Exchange--Critical position of
+    Germany--Death of Queen Adelaide                      208-230
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIX
+
+  1850
+
+    Grand Duchess Stephanie--The Draft to Greece--Lord
+    Palmerston's explanation--Lord John Russell's plan--Suggested
+    rearrangement--_Status quo_ maintained--Baron Stockmar's
+    Memorandum--State of France--The Prince's speech--Lord
+    Palmerston and Spain--Lord Howden--The Koh-i-noor diamond--A
+    change imminent--Lord John Russell's report--Sunday delivery
+    of letters--Prince George of Cambridge--The Earldom
+    of Tipperary--Mr Roebuck's motion--Lord Stanley's
+    motion--Holstein and Germany--Lord Palmerston's
+    explanation--The Protocol--Christening of Prince Arthur--Don
+    Pacifico Debate--Sir Robert Peel's accident--Letter from King
+    of Denmark--Death of Sir Robert Peel--The Queen assaulted
+    by Pate--Death of Duke of Cambridge--Prince of Prussia--The
+    Foreign Office--Denmark and Schleswig--Sir Charles Napier's
+    resignation--Lord Palmerston--Lord Clarendon's opinion--Duke
+    of Bedford's opinion--Lord John Russell's report--Press
+    attacks on Lord Palmerston--Duties of Foreign Secretary--Death
+    of King Louis Philippe--Visit to Scotland--Illness of Queen
+    Louise--Attack on General Haynau--Note to Baron Koller--The
+    Draft gone--Lord Palmerston rebuked--Holstein--A great
+    grief--Mr Tennyson made Poet Laureate--Ritualists and
+    Roman Catholics--Unrest in Europe--England and
+    Germany--Constitutionalism in Germany--Austria and
+    Prussia--Religious strife--England and Rome--Lady Peel--The
+    Papal aggression--Ecclesiastical Titles Bill            231-282
+
+
+  CHAPTER XX
+
+  1851
+
+    Life Peerages--Diplomatic arrangements--Peril of the
+    Ministry--Negotiations with Sir J. Graham--Defeat of the
+    Government--Ministerial crisis--The Premier's
+    statement--Lord Lansdowne consulted--Lord Stanley sent
+    for--Complications--Fiscal policy--Sir James Graham--Duke
+    of Wellington--Difficulties--Lord Aberdeen consulted--Lord
+    Stanley to be sent for--His letter--Lord Stanley's
+    difficulties--Mr Disraeli--Question of dissolution--
+    Explanations--Lord Stanley resigns--His reasons--The Papal
+    Bill--Duke of Wellington--Appeal to Lord Lansdowne--Still
+    without a Government--Lord Lansdowne's views--Further
+    difficulties--Coalition impossible--Income Tax--Free Trade
+    --Ecclesiastical Titles Bill--Confusion of Parties--New
+    National Gallery--The great Exhibition--Imposing
+    ceremony--The Prince's triumph--Enthusiasm in the City--Danish
+    succession--The Orleans Princes--Regret at leaving
+    Scotland--Extension of the Franchise--Louis Kossuth--Lord
+    Palmerston's intentions--A dispute--Lord Palmerston
+    defiant--He gives way--The Queen's anxiety--Lord Palmerston's
+    conduct--The Queen's comment--Death of King of Hanover--The
+    Suffrage--The _Coup d'Etat_--Louis Bonaparte--Excitement
+    in France--Lord Palmerston and Lord Normanby--State of
+    Paris--Lord Palmerston's approval--Birthday wishes--The
+    crisis--Dismissal of Lord Palmerston--Inconsistency of
+    Lord Palmerston--The Prince's Memorandum--Lord
+    Clarendon--Discussion on new arrangements--Count Walewski
+    informed--Lord Granville's appointment--The Queen's view of
+    foreign affairs--Our policy reviewed--Difficulty of fixed
+    principles--Prince Nicholas of Nassau--_Te Deum_ at Paris
+                                                      283-355
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXI
+
+  1852
+
+    Denmark--Possible fusion of parties--Orleans family--Draft of
+    the Speech--Women and politics--New Houses of Parliament--Lord
+    Palmerston's discomfiture--M. Thiers--The Prince and the
+    Army--Pressure of business--Defeat on Militia Bill--Interview
+    with Lord John Russell--Resignation of the Ministry--The Queen
+    sends for Lord Derby--Lord Derby and Lord Palmerston--New
+    appointments--New Foreign Secretary--Interview with
+    Lord Derby--Louis Napoleon--Audiences--Ladies of the
+    Household--Lord Derby and the Church--Adherence to
+    treaties--The Sovereign "People"--New Militia Bill--England
+    and Austria--Letter from Mr Disraeli--"Necessary"
+    measures--Question of dissolution--Lord Derby
+    hopeful--Progress of democracy--England and Italy--Militia
+    Bill carried--France and the Bourbons--Louis Napoleon's
+    position--Excitement at Stockport--The Queen inherits
+    a fortune--Death of Duke of Wellington--Military
+    appointments--Nation in mourning--Funeral
+    arrangements--Anecdote of Napoleon III.--England and the
+    Emperor--National defences--Financial arrangements--Lord
+    Dalhousie's tribute--Funeral ceremony--Confusion of
+    parties--Lord Palmerston's position--Mr Disraeli and Mr
+    Gladstone--Recognition of the Empire--Budget speech--Letter to
+    the French Emperor--Secret protocol--Difficult situation--The
+    Queen's unwillingness to decide--Injunctions to
+    Lord Derby--Defeat of the Government--Lord Derby's
+    resignation--Lord Aberdeen sent for--His interview with
+    the Queen--Lord Aberdeen in office--Lord John Russell's
+    hesitation--Letter from Mr. Disraeli--The Queen's
+    anxiety--Christmas presents--Lord Derby's intentions--New
+    Government--Mr Gladstone at the Exchequer--The Emperor's
+    annoyance--Appointments--Protracted crisis--The Cabinet--Lord
+    Derby takes leave--Letter from Lady Derby--Change of
+    seals--Peace restored--A strong Cabinet               356-430
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXII
+
+  1853
+
+    The Emperor's annoyance--Headmastership of Eton--Marriage of
+    Emperor of the French--Mademoiselle Eugenie de Montijo--Baron
+    Beyens on the situation--Emperor of Russia and the Turkish
+    Empire--Lord John Russell and leadership of House of
+    Commons--Count Buol and refugees--Kossuth and Mazzini
+    proclamations--Want of arms for the Militia--Russian fleet at
+    Constantinople--French irritation--Russia's demands--Russia
+    and England--Liberation of the Madiai--Letter from Emperor
+    of Russia--Birth of Prince Leopold--Mr Gladstone's budget
+    speech--Congratulations from the Prince--India Bill--Emperor
+    of Austria--Church of England in the Colonies--Oriental
+    Question--Death of Lady Dalhousie--Lord Palmerston and Lord
+    Aberdeen--Russia, Austria, and Turkey--England's policy--The
+    Queen's views on the Eastern despatches--Proposed terms of
+    settlement--Lord John Russell's retirement--Letter from the
+    Emperor of Russia--Lord Stratford's desire for war--Letter to
+    the Emperor of Russia--France and the Eastern Question--Letter
+    from the Emperor of Russia--Reform Bill--Lord Palmerston's
+    position--Lord Lansdowne's influence--Resignation of Lord
+    Palmerston--Lord Stratford's despatch--Draft to Vienna--Return
+    of Lord Palmerston to office                          431-472
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+  H.M. QUEEN VICTORIA, 1843. _From the picture by
+  F. Winterhalter at Windsor Castle_      _Frontispiece_
+
+  H.M. MARIE AMELIE, QUEEN OF THE FRENCH, 1828.
+  _From the miniature by Millet at Windsor Castle_
+                                          _Facing p._ 104
+
+  "THE COUSINS." H.M. Queen Victoria and the
+  Duchess of Nemours, who was a Princess of
+  Saxe-Coburg and first cousin to the Queen and
+  the Prince Consort. _From the picture by F.
+  Winterhalter at Buckingham Palace_             "    168
+
+  BARON STOCKMAR. _From the portrait by John Partridge
+  at Buckingham Palace_                          "    240
+
+  Field-Marshal THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON, K.G.
+  Believed to be by Count d'Orsay. _From a
+  miniature at Apsley House_                     "    392
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XIII
+
+
+The new year (1844) opened with signs of improved trade, and a feeling
+of confidence, partly due to the friendly _entente_ with France. In
+Ireland, soon after the collapse of the Clontarf meeting, O'Connell
+and some of his associates were indicted for seditious conspiracy,
+and convicted. The conviction was subsequently quashed on technical
+grounds, but O'Connell's political influence was at an end. In
+Parliament, owing chiefly to the exertions of Lord Ashley (afterwards
+Earl of Shaftesbury), an important Bill was passed restricting factory
+labour, and limiting its hours. The Bank Charter Act, separating the
+issue and banking departments, as well as regulating the note issue
+of the Bank of England in proportion to its stock of gold, also
+became law. Meanwhile the dissensions in the Conservative party were
+increasing, and the Ministry were defeated on a motion made by their
+own supporters to extend the preferential treatment of colonial
+produce. With great difficulty the vote was rescinded and a crisis
+averted; but the Young England section of the Tory party were becoming
+more and more an embarrassment to the Premier. Towards the end of
+the year the new Royal Exchange was opened amid much ceremony by the
+Queen.
+
+The services rendered by Sir Charles Napier in India were the subject
+of votes of thanks in both Houses, but shortly afterwards Lord
+Ellenborough, the Governor-General, was recalled by the Directors
+of the East India Company: their action was no doubt due to his
+overbearing methods and love of display, but it was disapproved by the
+Ministry, and Lord Ellenborough was accorded an Earldom.
+
+During the year there was a recrudescence of the friction between this
+country and France, due partly to questions as to the right of search
+of foreign ships, partly to a _brochure_ issued by the Prince de
+Joinville, a son of Louis Philippe, partly to the assumption of French
+sovereignty over Tahiti and the seizure of the English consul there
+by the French authorities. Reparation however was made, and the
+ill-feeling subsided sufficiently to enable the King of the French to
+visit Queen Victoria,--the first friendly visit ever paid by a
+French king to the Sovereign of England. Louis Philippe was cordially
+received in this country.
+
+Another historic royal visit also took place in 1844, that of the
+Emperor Nicholas, who no doubt was so much impressed with his friendly
+reception, both by the Court and by Aberdeen, the Foreign Secretary,
+that nine years later he thought he could calculate on the support of
+England under Aberdeen (then Premier) in a scheme for the partition
+of Turkey. Lord Malmesbury, who a few years later became Foreign
+Secretary, states in his memoirs that during this visit, the Czar, Sir
+Robert Peel, the Duke of Wellington, and Lord Aberdeen "drew up and
+signed a Memorandum, the spirit and scope of which was to support
+Russia in her legitimate protectorship of the Greek religion and
+the Holy Shrines, and to do so without consulting France," but
+the Memorandum was in reality only one made by Nicholas of his
+recollection of the interview, and communicated subsequently to Lord
+Aberdeen.
+
+No events of special interest took place in other parts of Europe;
+the condition of affairs in the Peninsula improved, though the
+announcement of the unfortunate marriage of the Queen Mother with
+the Duke of Rianzares was not of hopeful augury for the young Queen
+Isabella's future; as a matter of fact, the marriage had taken place
+some time previously.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+1844
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _9th January 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the pleasure of receiving your kind letter of
+the 4th, which is written from Ardenne, where I grieve to see you are
+again gone without my beloved Louise.
+
+Charlotte is the admiration of every one, and I wish much I could have
+seen the three dear children _en representation_.
+
+Our fat Vic or Pussette learns a verse of _Lamartine_ by heart, which
+ends with "le tableau se deroule a mes pieds"; to show how well she
+had understood this difficult line which Mdlle. Charier had explained
+to her, I must tell you the following _bon mot_. When she was riding
+on her pony, and looking at the cows and sheep, she turned to Mdlle.
+Charier and said: "_Voila_ le tableau qui se deroule a mes pieds." Is
+not this extraordinary for a little child of three years old? It is
+more like what a person of twenty would say. You have no notion _what_
+a knowing, and I am sorry to say _sly_, little rogue she is, and
+so _obstinate_. She and _le petit Frere_ accompany us to dear old
+Claremont to-day; Alice remains here under Lady Lyttelton's care. How
+sorry I am that you should have hurt your leg, and in such a provoking
+way; Albert says he remembers well your playing often with a pen-knife
+when you talked, and I remember it also, but it is really dangerous.
+
+I am happy that the news from Paris are good; the really good
+understanding between our two Governments provokes the Carlists and
+Anarchists. Bordeaux[1] is not yet gone; I saw in a letter that it was
+_debated_ in his presence whether he was on any favourable occasion
+_de se presenter en France!_Do you think that possible? Then again
+the papers say that there are fortifications being made on the coast
+of Normandy for fear of an invasion; is this so? These are many
+questions, but I hope you will kindly answer them, as they interest
+me. With Albert's love. Believe me, ever, your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 1: The Duc de Bordeaux, only son of the Duc de
+    Berri, had by the death of Charles X. and the renunciation
+    of all claims to the French Throne on the part of the Duc
+    d'Angouleme, become the representative of the elder branch of
+    the Bourbons. He had intended his visit to England to have a
+    private character only.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+CLAREMONT, _10th January 1844_.
+
+The Queen understands that there is a negotiation with Sweden and
+Denmark pending about the cessation of their tribute to Morocco,
+likewise that Prince Metternich has sent a despatch condemning as
+unfair the understanding come to between us and France about the
+Spanish marriage;[2] that there is a notion of exchanging Hong Kong
+for a more healthy colony.
+
+The Queen, taking a deep interest in all these matters, and feeling it
+her duty to do so, begs Lord Aberdeen to keep her always well informed
+of what is on the _tapis_ in his Department.
+
+    [Footnote 2: _See ante_, vol. i. p. 487.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+CLAREMONT, _13th January 1844._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of the 10th, and returns
+him the papers which he sent her, with her best thanks. She does not
+remember to have seen them before.
+
+The Queen takes this opportunity to beg Lord Aberdeen to cause the
+despatches to be sent a little sooner from the Foreign Office,
+as drafts in particular have often come to the Queen a week or a
+fortnight after they had actually been sent across the sea.
+
+With respect to the Hanoverian Orders, Lord Aberdeen has not quite
+understood what the Queen meant. It was Sir C. Thornton and others
+to whom the Queen had refused permission to accept the favour, on a
+former occasion, by which the King of Hanover was much affronted. The
+Queen would not like to have herself additionally fettered by any new
+regulation, but Lord Aberdeen will certainly concur with the Queen
+that it would not be expedient to give to the King of Hanover a power
+which the Queen herself does not possess, viz. that of granting orders
+as favours, or for personal services; as the number of the different
+classes of the Guelphic Order bestowed on Englishmen is innumerable,
+it would actually invest the King with such a power, which,
+considering how much such things are sought after, might be extremely
+inconvenient.
+
+The Queen will not give a final decision upon this case until she
+returns to Windsor, where she has papers explanatory of the reasons
+which caused her to decline the King of Hanover's application in 1838.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A CARRIAGE ACCIDENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+CLAREMONT, _16th January 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your kind letter of the 11th.
+Louise can give you the details of the little upset I and Lady Douro
+had, and which I did not think worth while to mention.[3] It was the
+strangest thing possible to happen, and the most _unlikely_, for we
+were going quite quietly, not at all in a narrow lane, with very quiet
+ponies and my usual postillion; the fact was that the boy looked the
+_wrong_ way, and therefore did not perceive the ditch which he so
+cleverly got us into.
+
+We leave dear Claremont, as usual, with the greatest regret; we are
+so peaceable here; Windsor is beautiful and comfortable, but it is a
+_palace_, and God knows _how willingly_ I would _always_ live with my
+beloved Albert and our children in the quiet and retirement of private
+life, and not be the constant object of observation, and of newspaper
+articles. The children (Pussette and Bertie) have been most remarkably
+well, and so have we, in spite of the very bad weather we had most
+days. I am truly and really grieved that good excellent Nemours
+is again _not_ to get his _dotation_.[4] Really we constitutional
+countries are _too shabby_.
+
+Now, dearest Uncle, I must bid you adieu, begging you to believe me,
+ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 3: On the 5th of January the Queen's phaeton was
+    overturned at Horton, near Dachet, while driving to the meet
+    of Prince Albert's Harriers.]
+
+    [Footnote 4: On the occasion of the marriage of the Duc and
+    Duchesse de Nemours (1840), the proposal made by the Soult
+    Government for a Parliamentary grant of 500,000 francs had
+    been rejected.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FRANCE AND ENGLAND]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th January 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I must begin by thanking you for your kind letter
+of the 26th, and by wishing you joy that the fete went off _so_ well.
+I am glad Leo will appear at the next ball; he is nearly nine years
+old, and it is good to accustom children of his rank early to these
+things.
+
+Guizot's speech is exceedingly admired, with the exception of his
+having said more than he was justified to do about the right of
+search.[5] Our speech has been very difficult to frame; we should like
+to have mentioned our visits to France and Belgium, but it has been
+found impossible to do so; _France is_ mentioned, and it is the first
+time since 1834!
+
+To-morrow we go up to Town "pour ce bore," as the good King always
+said to me; whenever there were tiresome people to present he always
+said: "Je vous demande pardon de ce _bore_."
+
+I have had a tiresome though not at all violent cold which _I was_
+alarmed might spoil the _sonorousness_ of my voice for the speech on
+Thursday, but it promises well now.
+
+I own I always look with horror to the beginning of a Parliamentary
+campaign.
+
+With Albert's love. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 5: He insisted that French trade must be kept under
+    the exclusive surveillance of the French flag.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF THE DUKE OF COBURG]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th February 1844._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED UNCLE,--_You_ must now be the father to us poor
+bereaved, heartbroken children.[6] To describe to you _all_ that we
+_have_ suffered, all that we _do_ suffer, would be difficult; God has
+heavily afflicted us; we feel crushed, overwhelmed, bowed down by
+the loss of one who was so deservedly loved, I may say adored, by his
+children and family; I loved him and looked on him as my own father;
+his like we shall _not see again_; that youth, _that amiability_, and
+kindness in his own house which was the centre and rendezvous for the
+whole family, will never be seen again, and my poor Angel's fondest
+thought of beholding that _dearly beloved Vaterhaus_--where his
+thoughts continually were--_again_ is for ever gone and his poor
+heart bleeds to feel _this_ is for ever gone. Our promised visit,
+our dearest Papa's, and our fondest wish, all is put an end to. The
+violence of our grief may be over, but the desolate feeling which
+succeeds it is worse, and tears are a relief. I have never known real
+_grief_ till now, and it has made a lasting impression on me. A father
+is _such_ a _near_ relation, you are a _piece_ of him in fact,--and
+all (as my poor _deeply afflicted_ Angel says) the earliest pleasures
+of your life were given you by a dear father; that can _never be
+replaced_ though time may soften the pang. And indeed one loves to
+_cling_ to one's grief; I can understand Louise's feeling in her
+overwhelming sorrows.
+
+Let me now join my humble entreaties to Albert's, relative to the
+request about dearest Louise, which he has made. It is a sacrifice
+I ask, but if you _knew_ the sacrifice I make in letting and urging
+Albert _to go_, I am sure, if you _can_ you _will_ grant it. I have
+_never_ been separated from him even for _one night_, and the _thought
+of such_ a separation is quite dreadful; still, I feel I _could_ bear
+it,--I have made up my mind to it, as the very _thought_ of going has
+been a comfort to my poor Angel, and will be of such use at Coburg.
+Still, if I were to remain _quite_ alone I do not think I _could_ bear
+it quietly. Therefore _pray_ do send me my dearly beloved Louise; she
+would be _such_ a comfort to me; if you could come too--or afterwards
+(as you promised us a longer visit), that would be still more
+delightful. I may be indiscreet, but you must think of _what_ the
+separation from my _all and all_, even only for a _fortnight_, will be
+to me!
+
+We feel some _years_ older since these days of mourning. Mamma is
+calm, but poor Aunt Julia[7] is indeed much to be pitied. Ever,
+dearest Uncle, your devoted and unhappy Niece and Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 6: The Duke of Saxe-Coburg Gotha died on 29th
+    January.]
+
+    [Footnote 7: The Grand Duchess Constantine of Russia,
+    sister of the Duchess of Kent and of the deceased Duke of
+    Saxe-Coburg.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: BEREAVEMENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th February 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your dear, kind but sad letter of the
+8th on Sunday, and thank you much for it. God knows, poor dear Uncle,
+you have suffered _enough_ in your life, but you should think, dearest
+Uncle, of _that blessed_ assurance of _eternity_ where we shall _all
+meet again never_ to part; you should think (as we constantly do now)
+that those whom we have lost are far happier than we are, and _love
+us_ still, and in a far more perfect way than _we can_ do in this
+world! When the first moments and days of overwhelming grief are over
+these reflections are the greatest balm, the greatest consolation to
+the bleeding heart.
+
+I hope you will kindly let me have a few lines of _hope_ by the
+Tuesday's messenger. Ever your truly devoted Niece and Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+_P.S._--O'Connell's being pronounced guilty is a great triumph.[8]
+
+    [Footnote 8: He had been indicted with Charles Gavan Duffy and
+    others for seditious conspiracy.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
+
+SOUTH STREET, _3rd April 1844._
+
+Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, with many
+thanks for your Majesty's note of the 28th ult. Lord Melbourne
+believes that your Majesty is quite right in saying that Lord
+Melbourne has still some health left, if he will but take care of
+it. Lord Melbourne told Dr Holland, without mentioning your Majesty's
+name, that this had been said to him by a friend, and Dr Holland
+immediately said that it was very just and true, and very well
+expressed, and quite what he should have said himself. At the same
+time, the change from strength to weakness and the evident progress
+of decadence is a very hard and disagreeable trial. Lord Melbourne has
+been reading Cicero on old age, a very pretty treatise, but he does
+not find much consolation after it; the principal practical resources
+and alleviations which he recommends are agriculture and gardening, to
+both of which, but more particularly to the latter, Lord Melbourne has
+already had recourse. It is certainly, as your Majesty says, wrong to
+be impatient and to repine at everything, but still it is difficult
+not to be so. Lady Uxbridge's death[9] is a shocking event, a
+dreadful loss to him and to all. Lord Melbourne always liked her. Lord
+Melbourne is going down to Brocket Hall to-morrow, and will try to get
+Uxbridge and the girls to come over and dine.
+
+Lord Melbourne has felt very much for the grief which your Majesty
+must feel at a separation, even short and temporary, from the Prince,
+and it is extremely amiable to feel comforted by the recollection
+of the extreme pleasure which his visit will give to his and your
+Majesty's relations. It is, of course, impossible that your Majesty
+should in travelling divest yourself of your character and dignity.
+
+Lord Melbourne has just driven round the Regent's Park, where there
+are many almond trees in bloom, and looking beautiful.
+
+    [Footnote 9: Henrietta Maria, daughter of Sir Charles Bagot,
+    G.C.B.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: RECALL OF LORD ELLENBOROUGH]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _23rd April 1844._
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave to
+acquaint your Majesty that he has every reason to believe that the
+Court of Directors will _to-morrow_, by an unanimous vote, resolve on
+the actual recall of Lord Ellenborough.[10]
+
+    [Footnote 10: This anomalous privilege was exercised by the
+    Directors in consequence chiefly of what they considered Lord
+    Ellenborough's overbearing demeanour in communication with
+    them, his too aggressive policy, and his theatrical love of
+    display.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+Buckingham Palace, _23rd April 1844._
+
+The Queen has heard with the greatest regret from Sir R. Peel that the
+Court of Directors, after all, mean to recall Lord Ellenborough. She
+cannot but consider this _very_ unwise at this critical moment, and a
+very ungrateful return for the eminent services Lord Ellenborough has
+rendered to the Company in India. They ought not to forget so soon in
+what state Lord Ellenborough found affairs in 1842. The Queen would
+not be sorry if these gentlemen knew that this is her opinion.
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+Laeken, _3rd May 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Whenever you wish to make me _truly happy_, you
+will have the power of doing so by repeating expressions as kind and
+affectionate as those contained in your dear little letter of the
+30th. I have ever had the care and affection of a _real father_ for
+you, and it has perhaps even been freer from many drawbacks which
+occasionally will exist betwixt parents and children, be they ever
+so well and affectionately together. With me, even from the moment in
+January 1820, when I was called by a messenger to Sidmouth, my care
+for you has been unremitting, and never has there been a cloud between
+us.... A thing which often strikes me, in a very satisfactory manner,
+is that we never had any bitter words, a thing which happens even with
+people who are very lovingly together; and the little row which we
+had in 1838 you remember well, and do not now think that _I_
+was wrong.[11] _De pareilles relations sont rares; may they ever
+continue!_
+
+I cannot leave this more serious topic without adding that though you
+were always warm-hearted and right-minded, it must strike yourself how
+matured every kind and good feeling is in your generous heart. _The
+heart, and not the head, is the safest guide in positions like yours_,
+and this not only for this earthly and very short life, but for that
+which we must hope for hereafter. When a life draws nearer its close,
+how many earthly concerns are there that appear _still in the same
+light_? and how clearly the mind is struck that nothing has been and
+is still of _real_ value, than the nobler and better feelings of the
+heart; the only good we can hope to keep as a precious store for the
+future. What do we keep of youth, beauty, richness, power, and even
+the greatest extent of earthly possessions? NOTHING! ... Your truly
+devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 11: _See_ Letters of Queen Victoria and the King of
+    the Belgians, _ante_, vol. i. pp. 116-120.]
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: HONOURS FOR LORD ELLENBOROUGH]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _5th May 1844._
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, and believing
+that he is acting in accordance with your Majesty's own opinion,
+begs leave to submit to your Majesty that it may be advisable that he
+should by the present mail inform Lord Ellenborough that it is your
+Majesty's intention to confer on him, at a very early period, as a
+mark of your Majesty's approval of Lord Ellenborough's conduct and
+services in India, the rank of an Earl and the Grand Cross of the
+Bath.
+
+Lord Ellenborough may be at liberty (should your Majesty approve) to
+notify this publicly in India--and thus make it known that the general
+line of policy recently pursued has had the full sanction of your
+Majesty, and will not be departed from.
+
+These were the honours conferred upon Lord Auckland.
+
+If they were conferred _on the instant_, it might rather seem a rebuke
+to the East India Company than a deliberate approval of the conduct
+of Lord Ellenborough, but these honours might shortly follow
+the conclusion of the affair respecting the selection of Lord
+Ellenborough's successor, and any discussion that may arise in
+Parliament.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCE DE JOINVILLE'S _BROCHURE_]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+CLAREMONT, _24th May 1844._
+
+DEAREST UNCLE,--Though _not_ my day I must write you a line to say
+_how vexed_ we are at this _most unfortunate_ and _most imprudent
+brochure_ of Joinville's;[12] it has made a _very bad_ effect here,
+and will rouse all the envy and hatred between the _two Navies_ again,
+which it was our great effort to subdue--and this _all_ for _nothing!_
+I can't tell you how angry people are, and how poor Hadjy will get
+abused. And this _all_ after our having been on such intimate terms
+with him and having _sailed_ with him! If he comes here, _what_ shall
+we do? Receive with open arms one who has talked of ravaging our
+coasts and burning our towns? Indeed it is most lamentable; you know
+how we like him, and that therefore it must be very annoying to us to
+see him get himself into such a scrape. _We_ shall overlook it, but
+the people _here_ won't! It _will_ blow over, but it will do immense
+harm. We who wish to become more and more closely united with the
+French family are, of course, much put out by this return. We
+shall forgive and forget, and feel it was _not_ intended to be
+published--but the public _here_ will _not_ so easily, and will put
+the worst construction on it all.
+
+Pray, dearest Uncle, tell me what _could_ possess Joinville to write
+it, and still more to have it printed? Won't it annoy the King and
+Nemours very much? _Enfin c'est malheureux, c'est indiscret au plus
+haut degre_--and it provokes and vexes us sadly. Tell me _all_ you
+_know_ and think about it; for you _can_ do so with perfect safety by
+our courier.
+
+I have written dearest Louise an account of my _old_ birthday, which
+will please you, I think. The weather is very fine. Ever your _truly_
+devoted Niece and Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+[Footnote 12: The _brochure_ was entitled, _Notes sur les forces
+navales de la France_. The Prince de Joinville wrote as follows to the
+Queen: "Le malheureux eclat de ma brochure, le tracas que cela donne
+au Pere et a la Reine, me font regretter vivement de l'avoir faite.
+Comme je l'ecris a ton Roi, je ne renvoie que mepris a toutes les
+interpretations qu'on y donne; ce que peuvent dire ministre et
+journaux ne me touche en rien, mais il n'y a pas de sacrifices que je
+ne suis dispose a faire pour l'interieur de la Famille."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR NICHOLAS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+_29th May 1844._
+
+If Lord Aberdeen should not have read the Prince de Joinville's
+pamphlet, the Queen recommends him to do so, as one cannot judge
+fairly by the extracts in the newspapers. Though it does not lessen
+the extreme imprudence of the Prince's publishing what must do harm
+to the various French Governments, it certainly is _not_ intentionally
+written to offend England, and on the contrary frankly proves _us_ to
+be immensely superior to the French Navy in every way.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _4th June 1844._
+
+MY BELOVED UNCLE,--I gave Louise a long and detailed description of
+the Emperor,[13] etc. The papers are full of the details. A great
+event and a great compliment _his_ visit certainly is, and the
+people _here_ are extremely flattered at it. He is certainly a _very
+striking_ man; still very handsome; his profile is _beautiful_, and
+his manners _most_ dignified and graceful; extremely civil--quite
+alarmingly so, as he is so full of attentions and _politesses_. But
+the expression of the _eyes_ is _formidable_, and unlike anything I
+ever saw before. He gives me and Albert the impression of a man who is
+_not_ happy, and on whom the weight of his immense power and position
+weighs heavily and painfully; he seldom smiles, and when he does
+the expression is _not_ a happy one. He is very easy to get on with.
+Really, it seems like a dream when I think that we breakfast and walk
+out with _this_ greatest of all earthly Potentates as quietly as if we
+walked, etc., with Charles or any one. We took him, with the dear good
+King of Saxony,[14] who is a great contrast to the _Czar_ (and with
+whom I am _quite_ at my ease), to Adelaide Cottage after breakfast.
+The grass here is just as if it had been burned with fire. _How_ many
+different Princes have we not gone the same round with!! The children
+are much admired by the _Sovereigns_--(how _grand_ this sounds!)--and
+Alice allowed the Emperor to take her in his arms, and kissed him _de
+son propre accord_. We are always so thankful that they are _not_ shy.
+Both the Emperor and the King are _quite_ enchanted with Windsor. The
+Emperor said very _poliment_: "C'est digne de vous, Madame." I must
+say the Waterloo Room lit up with that entire service of gold looks
+splendid; and the Reception Room, beautiful to sit in afterwards. The
+Emperor praised _my_ Angel very much, saying: "C'est impossible de
+voir un plus joli garcon; il a l'air si noble et si bon"; which I must
+say _is very_ true. The Emperor amused the King and me by saying he
+was so _embarrasse_ when people were presented to him, and that
+he felt so "_gauche_" _en frac_, which certainly he is quite
+_unaccustomed_ to wear. If we can do anything to get him to do what is
+right by you, we shall be most happy, and Peel and Aberdeen are very
+anxious for it. I believe he leaves on Sunday again. To-morrow there
+is to be a great review, and on Thursday _I_ shall probably go with
+them to the races; _they_ are gone there with Albert to-day, but I
+have remained at home.
+
+I think it is time to conclude my long letter.
+
+If the French are angry at this visit, let their dear King and their
+Princes come; _they_ will be sure of a _truly affectionate_ reception
+on our part. The one which Emperor Nicholas has received is cordial
+and civil, _mais ne vient pas du c[oe]ur_.
+
+I humbly beg that any remarks which may _not_ be favourable to our
+great visitor may _not_ go _beyond_ you and Louise, and _not_ to
+_Paris_. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 13: The Emperor Nicholas of Russia had just arrived
+    on a visit to England.]
+
+    [Footnote 14: Frederick Augustus II.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE REVIEW]
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S IMPRESSIONS]
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR NICHOLAS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+Buckingham Palace, _11th June 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your very kind and long letter of the
+7th on Sunday, and thank you very much for it. I am delighted that
+my accounts interested you, and I shall try and give you some more
+to-day, which you will see come from an unbiassed and impartial mind,
+and which I trust therefore _will_ be relied upon. The excitement has
+ceased as suddenly as it had begun, and I am still confused about it.
+I will go back to where I last left you. The _Revue_[15] on the 5th
+was really very interesting, and our reception as well as that of the
+Emperor _most_ enthusiastic. Louise tells me you had a review the
+same day, and that it also was so hot. Our children were there,
+and charmed. On the 6th we went with the Emperor and King to the
+races,[16] and I never saw such a crowd; again _here_ the reception
+was _most brilliant_. Every evening a large dinner in the Waterloo
+Room, and the two last evenings in uniforms, as the Emperor disliked
+so being _en frac_, and was quite embarrassed in it. On the 7th we
+took him and the King back here, and in the evening had a party of 260
+about. On Saturday (8th) my Angel took the Emperor and King to a very
+elegant breakfast[17] at Chiswick, which I for prudence' sake did
+_not_ go to, but was very sorry for it. In the evening we went to
+the Opera (_not_ in State), but they recognised us, and we were most
+brilliantly received. I had to force the Emperor forward, as he never
+would come forward when I was there, and I was obliged to take him by
+the hand and make him appear; it was impossible to be better bred or
+more respectful than he was towards me. Well, on Sunday afternoon at
+five, he left us (my Angel accompanied him to Woolwich), and he
+was much affected at going, and really unaffectedly touched at his
+reception and stay, the simplicity and quietness of which told upon
+his love of domestic life, which is very great. I will now (having
+told _all_ that has passed) give you _my_ opinion and feelings on the
+subject, which I may say are Albert's also. I was extremely against
+the visit, fearing the _gene_, and bustle, and even at first, I did
+not feel at _all_ to like it, but by living in the same house together
+quietly and unrestrainedly (and this Albert, and with great truth,
+says is the great advantage of these visits, that I not only _see_
+these great people but _know_ them), I got to know the Emperor and he
+to know me. There is much about him which I cannot help liking, and
+I think his character is _one_ which should be understood, and
+looked upon for _once_ as it is. He is stern and severe--with fixed
+principles of _duty_ which _nothing_ on earth will make him change;
+very _clever_ I do _not_ think him, and his mind is an uncivilised
+one; his education has been neglected; politics and military concerns
+are the only things he takes great interest in; the arts and all
+softer occupations he is insensible to, but he is sincere, I am
+certain, _sincere_ even in his most despotic acts, from a sense that
+that _is_ the _only_ way to govern; he is not, I am sure, aware of the
+dreadful cases of individual misery which he so often causes, for I
+can see by various instances that he is kept in utter ignorance of
+_many_ things, which his people carry out in most corrupt ways, while
+he thinks that he is extremely just. He thinks of general measures,
+but does not look into detail. And I am sure _much_ never reaches
+his ears, and (as you observed), how can it? He asked for _nothing_
+whatever, has merely expressed his great anxiety to be upon the best
+terms with us, but _not_ to the _exclusion of others_, only let things
+remain as they are.... He is I should say, too frank, for he talks
+so openly before people, which he should not do, and with difficulty
+restrains himself. His anxiety _to be believed_ is _very_ great, and
+I must say his personal promises I _am inclined_ to believe; then his
+feelings are very strong; he _feels_ kindness deeply--and his love for
+his wife and children, and for all children, is _very_ great. He has a
+strong feeling for domestic life, saying to me, when our children were
+in the room: "Voila les doux moments de notre vie." He was not only
+civil, but extremely kind _to us both_, and spoke in the highest
+praise of dearest Albert to Sir Robert Peel, saying he wished any
+Prince in Germany had that ability and sense; he showed Albert great
+confidence, and I _think_ it will do great good, as if _he_ praises
+him abroad it will have great weight. He is _not_ happy, and that
+melancholy which is visible in the countenance made me sad at times;
+the sternness of the eyes goes very much off when you know him,
+and changes according to his being put out (and he _can_ be much
+embarrassed) or not, and also from his being heated, as he suffers
+with congestions to the head. My Angel thinks that he is a man
+inclined too much to give way to impulse and feeling, which makes him
+act wrongly often. His admiration for beauty is very great, and put me
+much in mind of you, when he drove out with us, looking out for
+pretty people. But he remains very faithful to those he admired
+_twenty-eight_ years ago; for instance, Lady Peel, who has hardly
+any remains left. Respecting Belgium he did not speak to _me_, but to
+Albert and the Ministers. As for unkindly feeling towards _you_, he
+disclaims positively any, saying he knew you well, and that you had
+served in the Russian Army, etc., but he says those _unfortunate_
+Poles are the _only_ obstacle, and that he positively cannot
+enter into direct communication _with Belgium_ as long as they are
+_employed_. If you could only somehow or other get rid of them, I am
+sure the thing would be done at once. We all think he _need_ not
+mind this, but I fear he has pledged himself. He admired Charlotte's
+picture. _Pour finir_, I must say one more word or two about his
+personal appearance. He puts us much in mind of his and our cousins
+the Wuertembergs, and has altogether much of the Wuertemberg family
+about him. He is bald now, but in his Chevalier Garde Uniform he is
+_magnificent_ still, and very _striking_. I cannot deny that we were
+in great anxiety when we took him out lest some Pole might make an
+attempt, and I always felt thankful when we got him safe home again.
+His poor daughter is very ill, I fear. The good King of Saxony[18]
+remains another week with us, and we like him much. He is so
+unassuming. He is out sight-seeing _all_ day, and enchanted with
+everything. I hope that you will persuade the King to come all
+the same in September. Our _motives_ and politics are _not_ to be
+exclusive, but to be on good terms with _all_, and why should we not?
+We make no secret of it.
+
+Now I must end this very long letter. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+You will kindly not _speak_ of these details, but only in _allgemein_
+say the visit went off very satisfactorily on _both sides_, and that
+it was _highly pacific_.
+
+    [Footnote 15: In honour of the Emperor a Review was held in
+    Windsor Great Park.]
+
+    [Footnote 16: At Ascot.]
+
+    [Footnote 17: Given by the Duke of Devonshire.]
+
+    [Footnote 18: See _ante_, p. 12.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A PARLIAMENTARY CRISIS]
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING OF SAXONY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _18th June 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the happiness of receiving your dear and kind
+letter of the 13th on Sunday; your _parties_ at Ardenne must have been
+truly delightful; perhaps some day _we_ may enjoy them too: that would
+be delightful! I can write to you with a light heart, thank goodness,
+to-day, for the Government obtained a majority, which _up_ to the
+_last_ moment last night we feared they would not have, and we have
+been in sad trouble for the last four or five days about it.[19] It
+is the more marvellous, as, if the Government asked for a _Vote_
+of Confidence, they would have a _Majority_ of 100; but this very
+strength makes the supporters of the Government act in a _most_
+unjustifiable manner by continually acting and voting against them,
+_not_ listening to the debates, but coming down and voting against the
+Government. So that we were really in the greatest _possible_ danger
+of having a resignation of the Government _without knowing to whom to
+turn_, and this from the recklessness of a handful of foolish _half_
+"Puseyite" half "Young England"[20] people! I am sure you will agree
+with me that Peel's resignation would not only be for us (for _we
+cannot_ have a better and a _safer_ Minister), but for the whole
+country, and for the peace of Europe--a _great calamity_. Our present
+people are all _safe_, and not led away by impulses and reckless
+passions. We must, however, take care and not get into another crisis;
+for I assure you we have been quite miserable and _quite_ alarmed ever
+since Saturday.
+
+Since I last wrote to you, I spoke to Aberdeen (whom I should be
+equally sorry to lose, as he is so _very fair_, and has served _us
+personally_, so kindly and truly), and he told me that the Emperor has
+_positively pledged_ himself to send a Minister to Brussels the moment
+those Poles are no longer employed;[21] that he is quite aware of
+the importance of the measure, and would be disposed to make the
+arrangement easy, and that he spoke very kindly of _you_ personally.
+Aberdeen says it is not necessary to disgrace them in any way, but
+only for the present _de les eloigner_. The Emperor has evidently some
+time ago made some strong declaration on the subject which he feels
+he cannot get over, and, as I said before, he will not give up what he
+has once pledged his word to. _Then, no one_ on earth _can_ move him.
+_Au fond_, it is a fine _trait_, but he carries it too far. He wrote
+me a _very_ kind and affectionate letter from the Hague. The Emperor
+has given Bertie the Grand Cross of St Andrew, which the boy was quite
+proud of.
+
+Our kind and good King of Saxony leaves us to-morrow, after having
+seen more than anybody has done almost, and having enjoyed it of all
+things. He is quite at home with us and the children, whom he plays
+with much. Alice walks quite alone, and looks too funny, as she is so
+_very_ fat. Now, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 19: The Ministry had been defeated on Mr P. Miles's
+    motion in favour of giving an increased preference to colonial
+    sugar, but on the 17th this vote was rescinded by a majority
+    of twenty-two, Mr Disraeli taunting the Premier with expecting
+    that "upon every division and at every crisis, his gang should
+    appear, and the whip should sound."]
+
+    [Footnote 20: The name given to the group comprising Disraeli,
+    George Smythe, Lord John Manners, etc. See _Coningsby_, which
+    was published about this time.]
+
+    [Footnote 21: See _ante_, p. 15.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
+
+SOUTH STREET, _19th June 1844._
+
+Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks
+your Majesty much for the letter of the 14th inst. Lord Melbourne was
+very glad to have the opportunity of seeing the Emperor of Russia at
+Chiswick. Lord Melbourne humbly believes that the opinion, which your
+Majesty has formed and expresses of the Emperor's character is just,
+and he considers it extremely fortunate that a sovereign of such
+weight and influence in Europe, and with whom it is probable that
+Great Britain will have such near and intimate relations, should also
+be a man upon whose honour and veracity strong reliance may be safely
+and securely placed.
+
+Lord Melbourne is very glad to believe that the late political
+movements, with which the public mind has been agitated, have
+subsided, and are entirely terminated by the last vote of the House
+of Commons, and by the determination evinced to support the
+Administration.[22]
+
+This finishes for the present a business which at one moment seemed
+likely to be troublesome, and out of which there did not appear to
+present itself any hope or practicable escape.
+
+Lord Melbourne will not make any observation upon what is known and
+understood to have passed, further than to say that, as far as he is
+acquainted with the history of public affairs in this country, it is
+an entire novelty, quite new and unprecedented.[23] Many a Minister
+has said to the Crown, "My advice must be taken, and my measures
+must be adopted," but no Minister has ever yet held this language or
+advanced this pretension to either House of Parliament. However, it
+seems to be successful at present, and success will justify much.
+Whether it will tend to permanent strength or a steady conduct of
+public affairs, remains to be seen.
+
+Lord Melbourne begs to be respectfully remembered to His Royal
+Highness.
+
+    [Footnote 22: See _ante_, p. 16.]
+
+    [Footnote 23: Lord Melbourne refers to the House rescinding
+    its own vote.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ELLENBOROUGH]
+
+
+_The Earl of Ellenborough to Queen Victoria._
+
+_22nd June 1844._
+
+Lord Ellenborough, with his most humble duty to your Majesty, humbly
+acquaints your Majesty that on the 15th of June he received
+the announcement of his having been removed from the office of
+Governor-General of India by the Court of Directors. By Lord
+Ellenborough's advice, letters were immediately despatched by express
+to every important native Court to assure the native Princes that this
+change in the person at the head of the Government would effect no
+change in its policy, and Lord Ellenborough himself wrote in similar
+terms to the British Representatives at the several Courts.... Lord
+Ellenborough has written a letter to the Earl of Ripon with reference
+to the reasons alleged by the Court of Directors for his removal
+from office, to which letter he most humbly solicits your Majesty's
+favourable and attentive consideration. It treats of matters deeply
+affecting the good government of India.
+
+Amidst all the difficulties with which he has had to contend in India,
+aggravated as they have been by the constant hostility of the Court of
+Directors, Lord Ellenborough has ever been sustained by the knowledge
+that he was serving a most gracious Mistress, who would place the most
+favourable construction upon his conduct, and he now humbly tenders to
+your Majesty the expression of his gratitude, not only for those marks
+of Royal favour with which it has been intimated to him that it is
+your Majesty's intention to reward his services, but yet more for that
+constant support which has animated all his exertions, and has mainly
+enabled him to place India in the hands of his successor in a state
+of universal peace, the result of two years of victories, and in a
+condition of prosperity heretofore unknown.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND, FRANCE, AND RUSSIA]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _28th June 1844._
+
+MY BELOVED VICTORIA,--I have again to offer my warmest and best thanks
+for a very long and kind letter. I am truly and sincerely happy that
+a Ministerial crisis has been spared you; it is in all constitutional
+concerns an _awful_ business; but in such a colossal machinery as the
+British Empire, it shakes the whole globe. For your sake, for the
+good of England, and for the quiet of the whole earth, we must most
+devoutly pray that _Sir Robert may remain for many, many years your
+trusty and faithful Minister._ Parliaments and Chambers are
+extremely fond of governing, particularly as long as it does not bore
+themselves. We have had an instance of it recently. I was anxious
+to keep the Chamber longer, as there are still many important things
+which it ought to have finished; but they were hot, they got tired,
+voted twelve _projets de loi_ in one day, and disappeared afterwards,
+leaving one the trouble of managing the affairs of the State as best
+one may....
+
+As a general political event, the Emperor's visit in England can only
+be useful; it is probable that he would _not_ have made the visit if
+another had not been talked of. His policy is naturally to _separate_
+as much as possible the two great Western Powers; he is too weak to
+resist single-handed their dictates in the Oriental question; _but if
+they act not in concert_, it is evident that _he is the master_; in
+all this he acts wisely and in conformity with the great interests
+of his Empire. England has greater interests at stake at the mercy of
+Russia than at that of France. With France the questions are
+sometimes questions of jealousy, but, on the other hand, a tolerable
+understanding keeps France quiet and secures the peace of Europe, much
+more in the sense of the European policy of England than of that of
+France. The only consolation the French can find in it is that they
+are aware that _together_ with England they have a great position,
+but they always lament that they can _get nothing by it_. A bad
+understanding with France opens not only the door to a European war,
+but also to revolution; and that is perhaps the most serious and most
+awfully dangerous part of the business. England wants nothing from the
+Emperor than that he should leave the _status quo_ of Europe and
+great part of Asia alone. At Paris they are not so much moved at the
+Emperor's visit as perhaps they ought to be, but they have put the
+flattering notion into their heads that he had made _fiasco_, which is
+_not true_; as, in fact, he has so far been rather _successful_, and
+has convinced people in England that he is a mild and good-natured
+man, himself and his Empire, without any ambition. Now it is high time
+I should finish my immense scrawl, for which I claim your forgiveness,
+remaining ever your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: TAHITI]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th August 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your kind long letter, which I
+received yesterday, dated 23rd. I can report very well of ourselves.
+We are all well. The dear day of yesterday[24] we spent very quietly
+and happily and full of gratitude to Providence for so many blessings.
+I can only pray for the continuance of our present happiness.
+
+The impending political cloud, I hope and trust, looks less black and
+lowering. But I think it very unwise in Guizot not to have at once
+disavowed D'Aubigny for what you yourself call an "outrage,"[25]
+instead of letting it drag on for _four weeks_ and letting our people
+get excited. The Tangiers Affair[26] is unfortunate, and I hope that
+in future poor Joinville will not be exposed to such disagreeable
+affairs. What _can_ be done will be, to get him justified in the eyes
+of the public here, but I fear that at first they will not be very
+charitable. Those letters in the _Times_ are outrageous, and all that
+abuse very bad taste.[27] There is to be an investigation about the
+three officers, whose conduct is unworthy of Englishmen. Now, dearest
+Uncle, believe me always, your most affectionate Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 24: The Prince Albert's birthday. Prince Alfred was
+    born on 6th August of this year.]
+
+    [Footnote 25: The assumption of French sovereignty over
+    Tahiti.]
+
+    [Footnote 26: Hostilities had commenced between France and
+    Morocco, and Tangiers was bombarded.]
+
+    [Footnote 27: A series of letters had appeared in the _Times_,
+    written by British naval officers who had witnessed the
+    bombardment of Tangiers, and accused the French Admiral and
+    Navy of being deficient in courage. The _Times_ was much
+    criticised for its publication of these letters.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BLAIR ATHOL, _15th September 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your kind letter of the 6th the day we
+arrived here, and thank you very much for it. As I have written an
+account of our journey to Louise, I will _not_ repeat it here.
+
+The good ending of our difficulties with France is an immense
+blessing, but it is really and truly necessary that you and those
+at Paris should know that the danger was _imminent_, and that poor
+Aberdeen stood _almost alone_ in trying to keep matters peaceable.
+We must try and prevent these difficulties for the future. I must,
+however, clear _Jarnac_[28] of all blame, for Aberdeen does nothing
+but praise him....
+
+In Greece affairs look very black, and God knows how it all will end.
+
+    [Footnote 28: _Charge d'Affaires_ in the absence of the French
+    Ambassador.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: VISIT OF KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
+
+
+_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _5th October 1844._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... I have not much to say about my
+father's _lodging habits_ and _likings_.[29] My father is one of the
+beings _most easy_ to _please_, _satisfy_, and to _accommodate_.
+His eventful life has used him to everything, and makes any kind of
+arrangements acceptable to him; there is only _one thing_ which
+he _cannot easily do_, it is to be _ready very early_. He means
+notwithstanding to try to come to your breakfast, but you _must insist
+upon his not doing it_. It would disturb him in all his habits, and be
+bad for him, as he would certainly eat, a thing he is not used to
+do in the morning. He generally takes hardly what may be called a
+_breakfast_, and eats _only twice_ in the day. It would be also _much
+better_ for him if he only appeared to luncheon and dinner, and if you
+kindly dispensed him altogether of the breakfast. You must not tell
+him that I wrote you _this_, but you must manage it with Montpensier,
+and kindly order for him a bowl of _chicken broth_. It is the only
+thing he takes generally in the morning, and between his meals. I
+have also no observation to make, but I have told Montpensier to speak
+openly to Albert whenever he thought something ought to be done for my
+father, or might hurt and inconvenience him, and you may consult him
+when you are in doubt. He is entrusted with all the recommendations
+of my mother, for my father is naturally _so imprudent_ and _so little
+accustomed_ to _caution and care_, that he must in some measure be
+_watched_ to prevent his catching cold or doing what may be injurious
+to him. About his _rooms_, a hard bed and a large table for his papers
+are the only things he requires. He generally sleeps on a horse-hair
+mattress with a plank of wood under it: but _any kind_ of bed will do,
+if it is not _too soft_. His liking will be to be entirely at _your
+commands_ and to do _all you like_. You know he can take a great deal
+of exercise, and _everything_ will _interest_ and _delight_ him, to
+see, as to do: this is not a compliment, but a _mere fact_. His only
+wish is, that you should not go out of your way for him, and change
+your habits on his account. Lord Aberdeen will be, of course, at
+Windsor, and I suppose you will ask, as you told me, the Royal Family.
+My father hopes to see also Sir Robert Peel, Lord Stanley, and your
+other Ministers. You will probably ask most of them during his stay.
+He wishes very much to see again those he already knows, and to make
+the acquaintance of those he does not know yet. In writing all this
+I think I _dream_, I _cannot believe_ yet that in a few days my dear
+father will have, God willing, the _unspeakable happiness_ to see you
+again and at _Windsor_, a thing he had _so much wished_ for and which
+for a _long time_ seemed so _improbable_. You have _no notion_ of the
+_satisfaction_ it gives him, and _how delighted_ he will be to see you
+again, and to be once more in England. God grant he may have a good
+passage, and arrive to you _safely_ and _well_. _Unberufen_, as you
+will soon, I trust, be able to see, he is, notwithstanding the usual
+talk of the papers, _perfectly well_.... Yours most devotedly,
+
+LOUISE.
+
+    [Footnote 29: The difficulty with France as to Tahiti having
+    been satisfactorily disposed of, King Louis Philippe was
+    enabled to visit England, the first French King to come on
+    a visit to the Sovereign of England. The King was
+    enthusiastically received in England, visited Claremont (which
+    he was destined to occupy in exile), was installed as a Knight
+    of the Garter at Windsor with great magnificence, and visited
+    Eton College and Woolwich Arsenal.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SOLICITUDE OF QUEEN LOUISE]
+
+
+_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _7th October 1844._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... I wrote to my mother, to quiet her,
+all you kindly tell me about my dear father. We are _quite sure_, I
+assure you, that you and Albert will _take care of him_, and that he
+is with you _in safe hand_. And what makes my mother _uneasy_ is the
+fear that, being at liberty without control, he will make _too much_,
+as she says, _le jeune homme_, ride, go about, and do everything as if
+he was still twenty years old. If I must tell you _all the truth_, she
+is afraid also he will _eat too much_. I am sure he will tell it to
+you himself, as he was so much amused with _this fear_; but to do her
+pleasure, being well assured by me that you would allow it, and that
+it was even _customary_, he has given up, of himself, all thought of
+attending your early breakfast: but I perceive I write as if _he was
+not already_ under _your_ roof. I will also only say, that though he
+has sent over his horses in case they should be wanted, my mother
+begs you to _prevent, if possible, his riding at all_. I wrote to her
+already that I supposed there would be _no occasion_ for riding,
+and that your _promenades_ would be either on foot or in carriage.
+I entrusted Montpensier with all my messages for you, my beloved
+Victoria and your dear children. He hopes you will permit him, during
+his stay at Windsor, to make _two_ excursions--one to London, and one
+to Woolwich--he is very curious to see, as an artillery officer. I
+mention it as he would be, perhaps, _too shy_ or _too discreet_ to
+mention it himself. He might very well do those two trips by the
+railroad and be back for dinner-time, and I am sure you will have no
+objection to them.... Yours most devotedly,
+
+LOUISE.
+
+I am very glad that Lord Charles Wellesley is one of those who will
+attend my father. Montpensier and him will have surely capital fun
+together, and he was, you know, a great favourite with every one at
+Eu. If by chance Lord Hardwicke was in waiting during my father's
+stay, you must kindly put my father in mind to thank him for the
+_famous cheese_, which arrived safely, and was found very good....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING'S ARRIVAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th October 1844._
+
+DEAREST UNCLE,--You will, I am sure, forgive my writing but a few
+lines as I am all alone in the agitation of the dear King's arrival,
+and I will leave my letter open to announce it to you. My _dearest_
+master is gone to Portsmouth to receive him. The excitement and
+curiosity to see the dear King, and the desire to give him a most
+hearty reception, is _very great indeed_.
+
+Many thanks for your kind letters of the 28th and 4th. I can't think
+who could have said that Peel, etc., would _not_ have been here; for
+he, Aberdeen, and the old Duke are to be here the whole time, and all
+the other Ministers will come _during_ his stay.
+
+I am very glad Joinville is arrived, and avoided his _entrees
+triomphales_. I hope he will take great care of himself.
+
+You will have heard from dear Louise of our voyage, etc. I cannot
+reconcile myself to be _here_ again, and pine for my _dear_
+Highlands, the hills, the pure air, the quiet, the retirement, the
+liberty--_all_--more than is right. The children are well. I am sorry
+to hear that you are not quite so yet.
+
+3.30.--The King and Montpensier arrived quite safely at two, and are
+both looking extremely well. We have just lunched with them. It seems
+like a dream to me, and a very pleasant one.
+
+Albert sends his affectionate love. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+Bertie has immediately taken a passion for Montpensier.
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
+
+BROCKET HALL, _9th October 1844._
+
+Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks
+your Majesty much for the letter of the 7th inst., which he has just
+received, and with very great satisfaction, as he had begun to think
+your Majesty's silence rather long. But he perfectly understands the
+reasons which prevented your Majesty from writing during your stay in
+the Highlands. Lord Melbourne is very glad to find that your Majesty
+enjoyed that country so much, and is so enthusiastically fond of it.
+Lord Melbourne believes that he was at the places which your Majesty
+mentions. In the year 1802 he stayed some months in Perthshire with
+the late Lord Kinnaird, and enjoyed it much. It annoys him sometimes
+to think how altered he is in strength since that time. Lord Melbourne
+has never yet thanked your Majesty for the pretty etchings of poor
+Islay and Eos, which your Majesty sent to Lord Melbourne when he was
+last at Windsor. Lord Melbourne has ordered them both to be framed,
+and will hang them up in his room here. They will afford Lord
+Melbourne most agreeable and pleasing souvenirs of the happiest period
+of his life, for he cannot say otherwise than that he continually
+misses and regrets the time when he had daily confidential
+communication with your Majesty. Lord Glenlyon[30] has one merit
+in Lord Melbourne's eyes, which is that he was a steady and firm
+supporter to the last of Lord Melbourne's Government. Lord Melbourne
+hopes and trusts that he feels no animosity against those who opposed
+him. But he does and always shall entertain a kindly and grateful
+recollection of those who supported him.
+
+Lord Melbourne begs to be remembered to His Royal Highness.
+
+    [Footnote 30: _See_ vol. i. p. 429.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _12th October 1844._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... I thank you very much for attending
+to all my recommendations about _my_ father: I only fear that they
+will lead you to believe that we consider him as a _great child_ and
+treat him like one: but he is so _precious_ and _dear_ to _us all_
+that I am sure you will _understand_ and _excuse_ our being _over
+anxious_... Yours most devotedly,
+
+LOUISE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A SUCCESSFUL VISIT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE HOUSE, _17th October 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had intended to have written to you on Monday,
+but you will since have heard of the great _confusion_ of that day
+which prevented me from doing so. The dear King's visit went off to
+perfection, and I much and deeply regret its being passed. He was
+_delighted_, and was _most_ enthusiastically and affectionately
+received wherever he showed himself. Our proceedings I wrote to good,
+dear Louise (whom you should not leave so long alone), who will no
+doubt have given you the details. What an extraordinary man the King
+is! What a wonderful memory, and how lively, _how sagacious!_He spoke
+very openly to us all, and is determined that our affairs should go on
+well. He wishes Tahiti _au fond de la mer_. He spoke also very openly
+about poor Hadjy's _brochure_ which seems to have distressed him more
+than anything. The King praised my dearest Albert most highly, and
+fully appreciates his great qualities and talents--and what gratifies
+me _so much_, treats him completely as his equal, calling him "Mon
+Frere," and saying to me that _my husband_ was the same as me, which
+it is--and "Le Prince Albert, c'est pour moi le Roi." The King is
+_very_ sad to go, but he is determined, he says, _to see me every
+year_. Another _very_ great thing is, that the officers of the two
+Navies staying at Portsmouth were on the best terms together and
+paying one another every sort of compliment. As Admiral La Susse (a
+very gentlemanlike man) and his squadron were sadly disappointed on
+Monday,[31] we thought it would please them if we went on board the
+_Gomer_, which we did, on Tuesday morning, and breakfasted there, and
+I drank the King's health. I am certain that the visit and everything
+connected with it can but do the _greatest good_.
+
+We stay here till Monday. It is a very comfortable little house, and
+the grounds and place are delightful, so private--and the view so
+fine.
+
+I must now conclude, begging you to believe me, ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+I forgot to say how much we liked good Montpensier, who got on
+extremely well.
+
+    [Footnote 31: It had been intended that the King should return
+    to France, as he had come, by way of Portsmouth, crossing in
+    the frigate _Gomer_, but, in consequence of the wet and stormy
+    weather, he returned by Dover and Calais.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEPARTURE OF THE KING]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._
+
+OSBORNE HOUSE, _le 17 Octobre 1844._
+
+SIRE, ET MON TRES CHER FRERE,--Votre Majeste m'a ecrit deux bien
+bonnes lettres de Douvres pour lesquelles je vous remercie de tout mon
+c[oe]ur. Les expressions de bonte et d'amitie que vous me vouez ainsi
+qu'a mon cher Albert nous touchent sensiblement; je n'ai pas besoin
+de vous dire encore, combien nous vous sommes attaches et combien nous
+desirons voir se raffermir de plus en plus cette _entente
+cordiale_ entre nos deux pays qui existe si heureusement entre nous
+personnellement. C'etait avec un vif regret que nous nous sommes
+separes de votre Majeste, et de Montpensier, et ce sera une grande
+fete que de voir renouveler une visite dont le souvenir nous est si
+cher.
+
+Albert se met a vos pieds, Sire, bien sensible ainsi que moi-meme de
+l'amitie et la confiance que vous lui avez temoignees.
+
+J'ose prier votre Majeste d'offrir mes plus tendres hommages a la
+Reine et a Madame votre S[oe]ur et de me rappeler au souvenir de
+Montpensier. Je suis pour la vie, Sire et mon cher Frere, de votre
+Majeste la bien affectionnee S[oe]ur et fidele Amie,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: OPENING OF ROYAL EXCHANGE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th October 1844._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the happiness of receiving your kind letter
+of the 26th while I was dressing to go to the City for the opening
+of the Royal Exchange.[32] Nothing ever went off better, and the
+procession there, as well as all the proceedings _at_ the Royal
+Exchange, were splendid and royal in the extreme. It was a fine and
+gratifying sight to see the myriads of people assembled--more than at
+the Coronation even, and all in such good humour, and so loyal; the
+articles in the papers, too, are most kind and gratifying; they say
+_no_ Sovereign _was more_ loved than I am (I am bold enough to say),
+and _that_, from our _happy domestic home_--which gives such a good
+example. The _Times_ you have, and I venture to add a _Chronicle_,
+as I think it very pretty; you should read the accounts. _I_ seldom
+remember being so gratified and pleased with any public show, and my
+beloved Albert was so enthusiastically received by the people. He
+is _so_ beloved by all the really influential people, and by _all_
+right-thinking ones. We came back here yesterday evening. The accounts
+from Paris are excellent too. How long are the good Joinvilles to
+remain in the south, and where? By-the-by, dearest Uncle, have
+you read the continuation of Consuelo,[33] called the "Comtesse de
+Rudolstadt"? It is _dreadfully_ interesting.
+
+The Knights of the Garter did _not_ wear the whole costume, but only
+the mantle. Being on this topic, shall tell you that I intend giving
+the Garter to Ernest, but pray do not mention it to E. or _any one_.
+
+With Albert's affectionate love. Ever your devoted Niece and Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 32: On the preceding day.]
+
+    [Footnote 33: The novel by George Sand (1804-1876), published
+    in 1842.]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+SAINT CLOUD, _le 15 Novembre 1844._
+
+MADAME MA BIEN CHERE S[OE]UR,--Mes souvenirs de Windsor sont de ceux
+dont aucun ne s'efface. Je n'oublie donc pas une petite question qui
+m'a ete si joliment adressee, _Where is my gun?_ et a present j'en ai
+trouve un qui serait indigne de la destinee que je prie votre Majeste
+de me permettre de lui donner, si le regret que la disparition du
+premier fusil avait cause, ne m'avait pas appris que le second devait
+etre d'un genre a supporter tous les accidents que l'enfance aime a
+infliger a ses joujoux. C'est donc tout simplement un tres modeste
+fusil de munition adapte a sa taille que j'adresse a votre Majeste
+pour son auguste et charmant enfant le Prince de Galles, comme ma
+reponse a sa question.
+
+J'ai encore une autre dette dont je vous prie de me permettre de
+m'acquitter. Quelque vif que soit mon desir de revoir Windsor, ce
+serait un trop long retard que d'attendre cet heureux moment, pour
+offrir a la Princesse Royale cette petite boite a ouvrage, de Paris,
+qu'elle m'a fait esperer lui serait agreable, et tout ce que je desire
+c'est que vos enfants se ressouviennent un jour d'avoir vu celui qui
+a ete le fidele ami de leur grand-pere, comme il l'est et le sera
+toujours de leurs bien aimes parents.
+
+Que votre Majeste me permette encore d'offrir ici au Prince Albert
+l'expression de la vive et sincere amitie que je lui porte et que
+je lui garderai toujours, et d'accepter celle de l'inalterable
+attachement avec lequel je suis pour la vie, Madame ma bien chere
+S[oe]ur, de votre Majeste, le bon Frere bien affectionne et fidele
+Ami,
+
+LOUIS PHILIPPE R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: EDUCATION IN INDIA]
+
+[Pageheading: SIR HENRY HARDINGE]
+
+
+_Sir Henry Hardinge to Queen Victoria._
+
+_23rd November 1844._
+
+Sir Henry Hardinge[34] with his most humble duty to your Majesty,
+humbly submits for your Majesty's consideration the following
+observations on the state of affairs in this large portion of your
+Majesty's dominions.
+
+The return of peace has also increased the desire of the native
+population to receive the advantages of English education. The
+literature of the West is the most favourite study amongst the Hindoos
+in their schools and colleges. They will discuss with accuracy the
+most important events in British History. Boys of fifteen years of
+age, black in colour, will recite the most favourite passages
+from Shakespeare, ably quoting the notes of the English and German
+commentators. They excel in mathematics, and in legal subtleties their
+acuteness is most extraordinary.
+
+In order to reward native talent and render it practically useful to
+the State, Sir Henry Hardinge, after due deliberation, has issued a
+resolution, by which the most meritorious students will be appointed
+to fill the public offices which fall vacant throughout Bengal.
+
+This encouragement has been received by the Hindoo population with the
+greatest gratitude. The studies in the Mohammedan schools and colleges
+have hitherto been confined to Arabic, the Koran, and abstruse studies
+relating to their religion, having always shown a marked aversion to
+English literature. Since the publication of the Resolution they have
+at once determined to change their system in order to participate in
+the benefits held out to native merit of every sect.
+
+It is impossible throughout your Majesty's immense Empire to employ
+the number of highly paid European civil servants which the public
+service requires. This deficiency is the great evil of British
+Administration. By dispersing annually a proportion of well-educated
+natives throughout the provinces, under British superintendence,
+well-founded hopes are entertained that prejudices may gradually
+disappear, the public service be improved, and attachment to British
+institutions increased....
+
+Sir Henry Hardinge, in closing these observations, most humbly
+ventures to assure your Majesty that he anticipates no occurrence as
+probable, by which the tranquillity of this portion of your Majesty's
+dominions is likely to be disturbed.
+
+H. HARDINGE.
+
+    [Footnote 34: Governor-General of India, in succession to Lord
+    Ellenborough.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XIV
+
+
+The new year (1845) opened auspiciously, trade improving owing to the
+great impetus given to it by the many lines of railway then in
+course of promotion. Over two hundred schemes were prepared at
+the commencement of the session to seek legislative sanction, and
+speculation outran all reasonable limits. The Income Tax (which in the
+ordinary course would have expired) was renewed, and the Anti-Corn
+Law Leaguers were more persistent than ever in their assaults on
+Protection, while the attacks on the Ministry from a section of their
+own party were redoubled. The most remarkable measure of the year was
+the Government Bill for increasing the grant to the Roman Catholic
+College of Maynooth, which was strongly opposed from the Conservative
+and the Protestant points of view; Mr Gladstone, though he approved of
+the measure, retired from the Ministry, as he had a few years before
+written in the opposite sense. Towards the close of the year the
+condition of Ireland, owing to the failure of the potato crop, became
+very alarming, and the Ministry greatly embarrassed. Lord John Russell
+wrote from Edinburgh to the electors of the City of London, announcing
+his conversion to the Repeal of the Corn Laws, and the _Times_
+announced that such a Bill would be brought in by the Ministry. Peel,
+reluctant to accept the task, resigned office in December, and a Whig
+Ministry was attempted. Owing to dissensions, the attempt had to be
+abandoned, and Peel returned to office, without Lord Stanley, but
+with Mr Gladstone, who however did not seek re-election for the seat
+vacated by his acceptance of office.
+
+A dispute of great importance arose during the year with the United
+States, relating to the boundary line between English and American
+territory west of the Rocky Mountains. Twenty-five years earlier the
+same question had arisen, and had been settled on the footing of joint
+occupancy. The increased importance of the Pacific slope made the
+matter more vital, involving as it did the ownership of Vancouver
+Island and the mouth of the Columbia River; President Polk
+unequivocally claimed the whole, and said he would not shrink from
+upholding America's interests; the British Government was equally
+firm, and the matter was not adjusted till 1846.
+
+In India, which during nearly the whole year enjoyed peace, the Sikhs
+in December assumed the aggressive, and crossed the Sutlej, invading
+British India. They were signally defeated by Sir Hugh Gough at
+Moodkee and Ferozeshah. In Scinde Sir Charles Napier prosecuted
+operations against the mountain desert tribes.
+
+In New Zealand some disastrous collisions took place between the
+natives and the settlers; the former on two occasions either defeating
+or repulsing the British arms.
+
+In France the most important events were the Bill for fortifying
+Paris, the campaign waged against Abd-el-Kader in Algeria, and
+a horrible act of cruelty perpetrated there. In Spain Don Carlos
+abdicated his claims to the throne in favour of his son; the Queen's
+engagement to Count Trapani was rumoured. In other parts of Europe
+little that was eventful occurred.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+1845
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th January 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--What you say about Aquila[1] and Montpensier
+interests me. What madness is it then to force Trapani on Spain! Pray
+explain to me the cause of the King's obstinacy about that Spanish
+marriage, for _no_ country has a right to dictate in that way to
+another. If Tatane[2] was _to think_ of the Infanta, England would be
+extremely indignant, and would (and with right) consider it tantamount
+to a marriage with the Queen herself. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 1: Louis Charles, Comte d'Aquila, a son of Francis
+    I., King of the Two Sicilies, and brother of the Comte de
+    Trapani and of Queen Christina; he and his brother were
+    therefore uncles of Queen Isabella.]
+
+    [Footnote 2: The Duc de Montpensier.]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _18th January 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... The Spanish marriage question is really very
+curious; in fact, all the other Bourbon branches are hostile to the
+Orleans family, but the idea that makes the King so constant in his
+views about it, is that he imagines it would create in France a bad
+impression if _now_ any other than a Bourbon was to marry the Queen of
+Spain. That feeling they have _themselves created_, as in France
+they did not at all care about it; having, however, declared _quasi_
+officially in the French Chambers that they _will not have any but
+a Bourbon_, if circumstances should after all decide it otherwise it
+would now be a defeat, but certainly one of their own making.... Your
+devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th January 1845._
+
+...The feeling of loyalty in this country is happily _very_ strong,
+and wherever we show ourselves we are most heartily and warmly
+received, and the civilities and respect shown to us by those we visit
+is _most_ satisfactory. I mention merely a trifling instance to show
+_how_ respectful they are--the Duke of Buckingham, who is immensely
+proud, bringing the cup of coffee after dinner on a waiter to Albert
+himself. And everywhere my dearest Angel receives the respect and
+honours I receive.
+
+Many thanks for returning the list;[3] it was not Albert but _Tatane_
+who made the black crosses. Are not "Les 3 Mousquetaires," by Dumas,
+and "Arthur," by Eugene Sue, _readable_ for _me_?
+
+Now adieu, dearest, best Uncle. Ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 3: A list of French books which the Queen was
+    proposing to read.]
+
+
+
+
+[PAGEHEADING: STATE OF BUCKINGHAM PALACE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+PAVILION, _10th February 1845._
+
+Though the Queen knows that Sir Robert Peel has already turned his
+attention to the urgent necessity of doing something to Buckingham
+Palace, the Queen thinks it right to recommend this subject herself to
+his serious consideration. Sir Robert is acquainted with the state of
+the Palace and the total want of accommodation for our little family,
+which is fast growing up. Any building must necessarily take some
+years before it can be safely inhabited. If it were to be begun this
+autumn, it could hardly be occupied before the spring of 1848, when
+the Prince of Wales would be nearly seven, and the Princess Royal
+nearly eight years old, and they cannot possibly be kept in the
+nursery any longer. A provision for this purpose ought, therefore, to
+be made this year. Independent of this, most parts of the Palace are
+in a sad state, and will ere long require a further outlay to render
+them _decent_ for the occupation of the Royal Family or any visitors
+the Queen may have to receive. A room, capable of containing a larger
+number of those persons whom the Queen has to invite in the course
+of the season to balls, concerts, etc., than any of the present
+apartments can at once hold, is much wanted. Equally so, improved
+offices and servants' rooms, the want of which puts the departments
+of the household to great expense yearly. It will be for Sir Robert to
+consider whether it would not be best to remedy all these deficiencies
+at once, and to make use of this opportunity to render the exterior of
+the Palace such as no longer to be a _disgrace_ to the country, which
+it certainly now is. The Queen thinks the country would be better
+pleased to have the question of the Sovereign's residence in London
+so finally disposed of, than to have it so repeatedly brought before
+it.[4]
+
+    [Footnote 4: Peel replied that, as a renewal of the Income Tax
+    was about to be proposed, it would be better to postpone the
+    application to Parliament till the public feeling as to the
+    tax had been ascertained.]
+
+
+
+
+[PAGEHEADING: TITLE OF KING CONSORT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+PAVILION, _18th February 1845._
+
+The Queen has received Sir Robert Peel's letter, and is glad that the
+progress in the House of Commons was so satisfactory.
+
+The Queen was much hurt at Mr Borthwick's most impertinent manner of
+putting the question with respect to the title of King Consort, and
+much satisfied with Sir Robert's answer.[5] The title of King is
+open assuredly to many difficulties, and would perhaps be no _real_
+advantage to the Prince, but the Queen is positive that something must
+at once be done to place the Prince's position on a constitutionally
+recognised footing, and to give him a title adequate to that
+position.[6] _How_ and _when_, are difficult questions....
+
+    [Footnote 5: A paragraph had appeared in the _Morning
+    Chronicle_, giving credence to a rumour that this title was
+    about to be conferred on the Prince, but, in answer to Mr
+    Peter Borthwick, Sir Robert Peel positively contradicted it.]
+
+    [Footnote 6:
+
+    _Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert._
+
+    WHITEHALL, _15th February 1845._
+
+    SIR,--I received yesterday the accompanying note from Mr
+    Borthwick, and in conformity with the notice therein given,
+    he put the question to me in the House of Commons last evening
+    respecting the paragraph which appeared in the _Morning
+    Chronicle_ respecting the intention of proposing to Parliament
+    that your Royal Highness should assume the title of King
+    Consort.
+
+    I very much regret that the _Morning Chronicle_ inserted that
+    paragraph.
+
+    The prominent place assigned to it in the newspaper, and a
+    vague intimation that there was some authority for it, have
+    caused a certain degree of credit to be attached to it. It has
+    been copied into all the country newspapers and has given rise
+    to a good deal of conjecture and speculation, which it is far
+    from desirable to excite without necessity.
+
+    It appears to me that the editor of the _Morning Chronicle_
+    acted most unwarrantably in inserting such a paragraph with a
+    pretence of some sort of authority for it.
+
+    It has produced an impression which strongly confirms the
+    observations which I took the liberty of making to your Royal
+    Highness on Sunday evening.
+
+    I trust, however, that my decided contradiction of the
+    paragraph will put a stop to further surmise and discussion on
+    the subject.
+
+    To Mr Borthwick's note I add one of several letters
+    addressed to me, which shows the proneness to speculate upon
+    constitutional novelties.
+
+    I have the honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal
+    Highness's most faithful and obedient Servant,
+
+    ROBERT PEEL.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th March 1845._
+
+The Queen has received Sir Robert Peel's box containing his
+recommendation relative to the filling up of the vacant Bishopric of
+Ely. The Queen quite approves of the present Dean of Westminster[7]
+as the new Bishop. As Sir Robert has asked the Queen whether she
+would like to see Archdeacon Wilberforce succeed to the Deanery of
+Westminster in case the Dean should accept the Bishopric, she must say
+that such an arrangement would be _very satisfactory_ to us, and the
+Queen believes would highly please the Archdeacon. This would again
+vacate, the Queen believes, a stall at Winchester, which she would
+like to see filled by a person decidedly adverse to Puseyism.
+
+The Queen approves of the Bishop of Lichfield[8] being transferred to
+the See of Ely in case Doctor Turton should decline it.
+
+It would give the Queen much pleasure to stand sponsor to Sir Robert
+Peel's little grandson, and perhaps Sir Robert would communicate this
+to Lady Villiers.
+
+    [Footnote 7: Dr Thomas Turton (1780-1864), formerly Dean of
+    Peterborough.]
+
+    [Footnote 8: John Lonsdale (1788-1867) was Bishop of Lichfield
+    from 1843 till his death.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PURCHASE OF OSBORNE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th March 1845._
+
+... I copied what you wrote me about Peel[9] in a letter I wrote him,
+which I am sure will please him much, and a Minister in these days
+_does_ require a little encouragement, for the abuse and difficulties
+they have to contend with are dreadful. Peel works so hard and has so
+much to do, that sometimes he says he does not know _how_ he is to get
+through it all!
+
+You will, I am sure, be pleased to hear that we have succeeded in
+purchasing _Osborne_ in the Isle of Wight,[10] and if we can manage
+it, we shall probably run down there before we return to Town, for
+three nights. It sounds so snug and nice to have a place of _one's
+own_, quiet and retired, and free from all Woods and Forests, and
+other charming Departments who really are the plague of one's life.
+
+Now, dearest Uncle, adieu. Ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 9: See Peel's reply, _Life of the Prince Consort_,
+    chap. xiii.]
+
+    [Footnote 10: The purchase was suggested by Sir Robert Peel.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd April 1845._
+
+The Queen had intended to have written to Lord Melbourne from Osborne
+to thank him for his last note of the 19th, but we were so occupied,
+and so delighted with _our new_ and really delightful _home_, that
+she hardly had time for anything; besides which the weather was so
+beautiful, that we were out almost all day. The Queen refers Lord
+Melbourne to Mr Anson for particulars of the new property, which is
+very extensive, as she is not at all competent to explain about
+acres, etc. But she thinks it is impossible to imagine a prettier
+spot--valleys and woods which would be beautiful anywhere; but all
+this near the sea (the woods grow into the sea) is quite perfection;
+we have a charming beach quite to ourselves. The sea was so blue and
+calm that the Prince said it was like Naples. And then we can walk
+about anywhere by ourselves without being followed and mobbed, which
+Lord Melbourne will easily understand is delightful. And last, not
+least, we have Portsmouth and Spithead so close at hand, that we shall
+be able to watch what is going on, which will please the Navy, and be
+hereafter very useful for our boys.
+
+The Children are all well. The Queen has just had a lithograph made
+after a little drawing which she did herself of the three eldest, and
+which she will send Lord Melbourne with some Eau de Cologne.
+
+Fanny and Lord Jocelyn dined here last night; she is looking very
+well, and he seems much pleased at being in office, and being
+employed.
+
+The Queen hopes Lord Melbourne is enjoying this fine weather, and here
+concludes with the Prince's kind remembrance.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE MAYNOOTH GRANT]
+
+[Pageheading: RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th April 1845._
+
+MY BELOVED UNCLE,--Here we are in a great state of agitation about one
+of the greatest measures ever proposed;[11] I am sure poor Peel ought
+to be _blessed by_ all Catholics for the manly and noble way in
+which he stands forth to protect and do good to poor Ireland. But
+the bigotry, the wicked and blind passions it brings forth is quite
+dreadful, and I blush for Protestantism![12] A Presbyterian clergyman
+said very truly, "_Bigotry_ is more _common than shame_...."
+
+    [Footnote 11: The Bill to increase the grant to the Roman
+    Catholic College of Maynooth was carried by Peel in the teeth
+    of opposition from half his party: another measure was passed
+    to establish colleges for purely secular teaching ("godless
+    colleges" they were nicknamed) in Cork, Belfast, and Galway,
+    and affiliate them to a new Irish university.]
+
+    [Footnote 12: As Macaulay had said during the previous night's
+    debate: "The Orangeman raises his war whoop, Exeter Hall sets
+    up its bray, Mr Macneile shudders to see more costly cheer
+    than ever provided for the priests of Baal at the table of
+    the Queen, and the Protestant operatives of Dublin call for
+    impeachments in exceedingly bad English."]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd April 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Our Maynooth Bill is through the second reading. I
+think, if you read Sir Robert's admirable speeches, you will see how
+good his plan is. The _Catholics_ are quite delighted at it--full
+of gratitude, and behave extremely well; but the Protestants behave
+shockingly, and display a narrow-mindedness and want of sense on the
+subject of religion which is quite a disgrace to the nation. The case
+of Austria, France, etc., cannot be compared to this, as _this_ is a
+_Protestant_ country, while the others are Catholic; and I think it
+would never do to support a Roman Catholic Church with money belonging
+to the Protestant Church. The Protestant Establishment in Ireland
+must remain untouched, but let the Roman Catholic Clergy be well and
+handsomely educated.
+
+The Duc de Broglie[13] dined with us last night; his _travaux_ are
+going on satisfactorily; he asked when you were coming, and said you
+were "_beaucoup Anglais et un peu Francais_," which is true, I think.
+
+With Albert's affectionate respects, believe me always, your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 13: Achille Charles, Duc de Broglie, ex-Minister of
+    Foreign Affairs.]
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Goulburn[14] to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _30th April 1845._
+
+Mr Goulburn submits with his humble duty to your Majesty that several
+representations have been made to the Treasury as to the convenience
+which the public would derive from the circulation of silver
+threepenny-pieces. Such pieces are lawfully current under your
+Majesty's Proclamation of the 5th July 1838. But as such pieces have
+been hitherto reserved as your Majesty's Maundy money, and as such
+especially belong to your Majesty's service, Mr Goulburn considers
+that a coinage of them for general use could not take place without a
+particular signification of your Majesty's pleasure.
+
+Mr Goulburn therefore humbly submits for your Majesty's gracious
+consideration the signification of your Majesty's pleasure as to the
+issue of such a coinage.
+
+    [Footnote 14: Chancellor of the Exchequer.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PUBLIC EXECUTIONS]
+
+
+_Sir James Graham to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _13th May 1845._
+
+Sir James Graham, with humble duty, begs to lay before your Majesty
+the enclosed Memorial.
+
+The proceedings in Newgate on the occasion of the last condemned
+sermon and on the morning of the execution have been fully
+investigated;[15] and the report established the necessity of
+legislative interference to prevent the recurrence of scenes so
+disgraceful and demoralising. The policy of depriving capital
+executions of their present publicity is well worthy of careful
+revision; and Sir James Graham, in obedience to your Majesty's desire,
+will bring the subject under the notice of his colleagues. He is
+disposed to think that the sentence might be carried into execution in
+the presence of a Jury to be summoned by the Sheriff with good effect;
+and that the great body of idle spectators might be excluded, without
+diminishing the salutary terror and awful warning which this extreme
+punishment is intended to produce on the public mind. In dealing,
+however, with a matter in which the community has so deep an interest,
+it is prudent not to violate public opinion, and caution is necessary
+before a change of the long-established usage is proposed.[16]
+
+Sir James Graham deeply regrets the part taken by the newspapers in
+seeking to indulge the general curiosity with respect to all details
+of the conduct, habits, and demeanour of these wretched criminals in
+their last moments; but he fears that the license of the Press cannot
+be checked by any act of authority; if the public be excluded from
+witnessing the executions, they will probably become still more
+anxious to obtain a printed report of all that has taken place; and
+Sir James Graham is so thoroughly convinced that the punishment of
+death in certain cases must be maintained, that he would consider any
+course inexpedient which was likely to lead the public to desire the
+remission of capital executions in all cases without exception....
+
+J. R. G. GRAHAM.
+
+    [Footnote 15: The attraction these executions had for the
+    general public was at this time a great scandal.]
+
+    [Footnote 16: Public executions were abolished in 1868.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A BIRTHDAY LETTER]
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _21st May 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST AND MOST BELOVED VICTORIA,--Receive my sincerest and most
+heartfelt good wishes on the happy reappearance of your birthday. I
+need not dwell on my sentiments of devotion to you; they began with
+_your life, and will only end with mine_. The only claim I make is to
+be remembered with some little affection. Thank heaven, I have little
+to wish you, than that your present happiness may not be disturbed,
+and that those who are dear to you may be preserved for your
+happiness.
+
+My gift is Charlotte's portrait. The face is extremely like, and the
+likest that exists; the hair is a little too fair, it had become
+also darker. I take this opportunity to repeat that Charlotte was a
+noble-minded and highly gifted creature. She was nervous, as all
+the family have been; she could be violent, but then she was full
+of repentance for it, and her disposition _highly generous_ and
+_susceptible_ of _great devotion_.
+
+I am the more bound to say this, as I understood that you had some
+notion that she had been _very imperious_, and not mistress of her
+temper. Before her marriage some people by dint of flattery had tried
+to give her masculine tastes; and in short had pushed her to become
+one day a sort of Queen Elizabeth. These sentiments were already
+a little modified before her marriage. But she was particularly
+determined to be a _good_ and _obedient_ wife; some of her friends
+were anxious she should _not_; amongst these Madame de Flahaut must be
+mentioned _en premiere ligne_.
+
+This became even a subject which severed the intimacy between them.
+Madame de Flahaut, much older than Charlotte, and of a sour and
+determined character, had gained an influence which partook on
+Charlotte's part a little of fear. She was afraid of her, but when
+once supported took courage.
+
+People were much struck on the 2nd of May 1816 at Carlton House with
+the clearness and firmness with which she pronounced "_and obey_,"
+etc., as there had been a _general belief_ that it would be _for the
+husband_ to give _these promises_. The Regent put me particularly on
+my guard, and said, "If you don't resist she will govern you with a
+high hand." Your own experience has convinced you that real affection
+changes many sentiments that may have been implanted into the mind of
+a young girl. With Charlotte it was the more meritorious, as from a
+very early period of her life she was considered as the heiress of the
+Crown; the Whigs flattered her extremely, and later, when she got by
+my intervention reconciled to the Tories, they also made great efforts
+to please her.
+
+Her understanding was extremely good; she knew everybody, and I even
+afterwards found her judgment generally extremely correct. _She had
+read a great deal and knew well what she had read._ Generous she was
+almost _too much_, and her _devotion_ was quite affecting, from a
+character so much pushed to be selfish and imperious.
+
+I will here end my souvenir of poor dear Charlotte, but I thought
+that the subject could not but be interesting to you. Her constancy in
+wishing to marry me, which she maintained under difficulties of every
+description, has been the foundation of all that touched the family
+afterwards. You know, I believe, that your poor father was the chief
+promoter, though also the Yorks were; but our correspondence from 1814
+till 1816 was entirely carried on through his kind intervention; it
+would otherwise have been impossible, as she was really treated as a
+sort of prisoner. Grant always to that good and generous Charlotte,
+who sleeps already with her beautiful little boy so long, where all
+will go to, an affectionate remembrance, and believe me she deserves
+it.
+
+Forgive my long letter, and see in it, what it really is, a token of
+the great affection I have for you. Ever, my dearest Victoria, your
+devoted Uncle.
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _12th June 1845._
+
+The Queen understands that the Deanery of Worcester has become vacant
+by some new arrangement. Believing that Sir Robert's brother, Mr John
+Peel, has a fair claim to such preferment, but being afraid that Sir
+Robert would perhaps hesitate to recommend him on account of his near
+relationship to him, the Queen wishes to offer herself this Deanery
+through Sir Robert to his brother.
+
+
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _12th June 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, hastens to
+acknowledge your Majesty's most kind and considerate communication,
+and to express his grateful acknowledgments for it.
+
+He must, in justice to his brother, assure your Majesty that he never
+has expressed, and probably never would express, a wish to Sir Robert
+Peel on the subject of preferment in the Church.
+
+Sir Robert Peel might have hesitated to bring the name of one so
+nearly connected with him under the notice of your Majesty, but as his
+brother was highly distinguished in his academical career at Oxford,
+and is greatly respected for the discharge of every professional
+duty, Sir Robert Peel could not feel himself justified in offering an
+impediment to the fulfilment of your Majesty's gracious intentions in
+his favour, if, when the vacancy shall have actually occurred in the
+Deanery of Worcester, no superior claim should be preferred.[17]
+
+    [Footnote 17: Dean Peel lived till 1875.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AUSTRALIAN WINE]
+
+
+_Lord Stanley to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _10th July 1845._
+
+Lord Stanley, with his humble duty, submits to your Majesty a despatch
+just received from the Governor of South Australia, enclosing the
+letter of a settler in the province, Mr Walter Duffield, who is
+anxious to be allowed the honour of offering for your Majesty's
+acceptance a case of the first wine which has been made in the colony.
+
+Lord Stanley will not venture to answer for the quality of the
+vintage; but as the wine has been sent over with a loyal and dutiful
+feeling, and the importer, as well as the colonists in general, might
+feel hurt by a refusal of his humble offering, he ventures to hope
+that he may be permitted to signify, through the Governor, your
+Majesty's gracious acceptance of the first sample of a manufacture
+which, if successful, may add greatly to the resources of this young
+but now thriving colony.
+
+The above is humbly submitted by your Majesty's most dutiful Servant
+and Subject,
+
+STANLEY.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING OF HOLLAND]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _29th July 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Accept my best thanks for your very kind little
+note of the 26th. As Albert writes to you about the King of Holland's
+visit[18] I will say but little, except that it really went off
+wonderfully well in our little house. We took him a sail in the
+_Victoria and Albert_ on Saturday, which he admired amazingly, and
+after luncheon he went away, Albert taking him over to Gosport. He
+intends, I believe, to come here one morning for luncheon to take
+leave. He is grown old, and has lost all his front teeth, but he is as
+talkative and lively as he used to be, and seems very happy to be in
+England again. He was very anxious that we should pay him a visit this
+year, but was quite satisfied when we told him that this year it was
+impossible, but that we hoped some other time to do so. He was much
+struck at seeing me now independent and unembarrassed, and talking;
+as when he was here in 1836[19] I was extremely crushed and kept
+under and hardly dared say a word, so that he was quite astonished.
+He thought me grown. Believe me, always, dearest Uncle, your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 18: This visit lasted ten days, and included a visit
+    to Goodwood races and a review of the Household troops in Hyde
+    Park. His Majesty was also appointed a Field-Marshal.]
+
+    [Footnote 19: _Ante_, vol. i. p. 47. He was then Prince of
+    Orange, and succeeded his father, who abdicated in his favour
+    in 1840.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
+
+OSBORNE, _31st July 1845._
+
+The Queen thanks Lord Melbourne very much for his last kind letter of
+the 11th, by which she was truly rejoiced to see he was better. We are
+comfortably and peacefully established here since the 19th, and derive
+the greatest benefit, pleasure, and satisfaction from our little
+possession here. The dear Prince is constantly occupied in directing
+the many necessary improvements which are to be made, and in watching
+our new house, which is a constant interest and amusement. We are most
+anxiously waiting for the conclusion of the Session that we may set
+off on our much-wished-for journey to Germany. The Queen is extremely
+sorry to leave England without seeing Lord Melbourne, and without
+having seen him all this season; but something or other always
+prevented us from seeing Lord Melbourne each time we hoped to do so.
+We only return the night before the Prorogation and embark that same
+day. We have the children here. We went to the Undercliff--Ventnor,
+Bonchurch, etc.--on Monday, and were much delighted with all we saw.
+We had a visit from the King of Holland last week, who is grown old,
+but otherwise just the same as he used to be.
+
+The Queen joins with Lord Melbourne in unfeigned satisfaction at the
+success of the Irish measures, after so much factious opposition. Lord
+Grey's death[20] will have shocked Lord Melbourne, as it has us. Poor
+Lord Dunmore's death is a very shocking event. The Prince wishes to be
+most kindly remembered to Lord Melbourne.
+
+    [Footnote 20: Charles, second Earl Grey, had been Prime
+    Minister, 1830-1834.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SOVEREIGN'S ABSENCE]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _6th August 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
+leave to acquaint your Majesty that in the course of a long speech
+made by Lord John Russell last night, reviewing the policy of the
+Government and the proceedings of the Session, Lord John expressed
+himself strongly on the subject of your Majesty's absence from
+the country, without provision made for the exercise of the Royal
+authority by the appointment of Lords Justices.
+
+Sir Robert Peel thinks it very probable that a motion will be made
+upon the subject in the course of the next Session--particularly in
+the event of any occurrence during your Majesty's absence, which might
+cause public inconvenience from the want of immediate access to the
+Royal authority, or compel any assumption of power on the part of your
+Majesty's servants of a questionable character.
+
+The present Law Officers of the Crown were rather startled at the
+intention of departing from the precedent of George IV.'s reign, on
+seeing the legal opinions of their predecessors; they did not differ
+from the _legal_ doctrines laid down by them, but were not very well
+satisfied on the point of discretion and policy.
+
+Sir Robert Peel feels it to be his duty to state to your Majesty
+what has passed on this subject, and to apprize your Majesty of the
+possibility of a question being hereafter raised in Parliament upon
+it.
+
+Sir Robert Peel thinks that in the case of a short absence, and
+a distance not precluding easy and rapid communication with your
+Majesty, the appointment of Lords Justices may be dispensed with; but
+he is humbly of opinion that were the distance greater or the period
+of absence longer than that contemplated by your Majesty, the reasons
+for the nomination of Lords Justices would preponderate.
+
+Should the subject be again mentioned in Parliament and a direct
+question be put upon it, Sir Robert Peel will, of course, assume
+the entire responsibility for the non-appointment of Lords Justices;
+vindicating the departure from the precedent of George IV. on the
+ground of the shorter period of absence and the more easy means of
+communication.[21]...
+
+    [Footnote 21: The Queen was accompanied by a Secretary of
+    State (Lord Aberdeen), so that an act of State could be
+    performed as well abroad as at home; see _Life of the Prince
+    Consort_, vol. i. p. 272.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: VISIT TO THE CHATEAU D'EU]
+
+[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGES]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+CHATEAU D'EU, _8th September 1845._
+
+MY DEAR PEEL,--We left Antwerp very early yesterday morning, and
+anchored for a few hours off Flushing.[22] We passing down the Channel
+during the night, and as the weather was perfectly bright and fine,
+found ourselves off Treport before nine o'clock this morning. The King
+came off to the yacht, and took the Queen in his barge to land. I need
+not say how joyfully she was received by all the Royal Family.
+
+Although I shall have opportunities, both this evening and to-morrow
+morning, of speaking again with the King and Guizot, I have already
+discussed several subjects with each of them; and as the Queen
+particularly desires to send a messenger this evening, I will give you
+some notion of what has passed between us.
+
+I think the marriage of the Queen of Spain is the subject on which the
+greatest interest is felt at this moment. It was the first introduced,
+both by the King and Guizot, and treated by both in the same manner.
+They said, that having promised to support the King of Naples, they
+were bound not to abandon the Count de Trapani, so long as there was a
+chance of his being successful in his suit. I said in answer to
+their desire, that we would assist this arrangement, that we had no
+objection to Count Trapani, and that we would take no part against
+him; but unless it should be the decided wish of the Spanish
+Government and people, we could give no support to the marriage, as we
+were honestly of opinion that it was not desired in Spain, and that
+we saw nothing in the proposal to call for our support under these
+circumstances. Both the King and Guizot said they had no objection to
+the Duke of Saville[23] (Don Enrique), and that if it should be found
+that Count Trapani was impossible, they would willingly support him.
+
+With respect to the Infanta, they both declared in the most positive
+and explicit manner, that _until the Queen was married and had
+children_, they should consider the Infanta precisely as her sister,
+and that any marriage with a French Prince would be entirely out of
+the question. The King said he did not wish that his son should have
+the prospect of being on the throne of Spain; but that if the Queen
+had children, by whom the succession would be secured, he did not
+engage to preclude himself from the possibility of profiting by the
+great inheritance which the Infanta would bring his son. All this,
+however, was uncertain, and would require time at all events to
+accomplish; for I distinctly understood, that it was not only a
+marriage and a child, but _children, that were necessary to secure the
+succession_.
+
+I thought this was as much as we could desire at present, and that the
+policy of a marriage with a French Prince might safely be left to be
+considered whenever the contingency contemplated should arrive. Many
+things may happen, both in France and Spain, in the course of a few
+years to affect this question in a manner not now apparent.
+
+ABERDEEN.
+
+    [Footnote 22: Parliament was prorogued on the 9th of August,
+    and the Queen and Prince sailed in the evening for Antwerp
+    in the Royal yacht. Sir Theodore Martin gives a very full
+    description of the visit to Coburg. The Queen was especially
+    delighted with the Rosenau and Reinhardtsbrunn. On the morning
+    of the 8th of September the yacht, which had left the Scheldt
+    on the previous evening, arrived at Treport, and a second
+    visit was paid to the King and Queen of the French at the
+    Chateau d'Eu.]
+
+    [Footnote 23: Younger son of Don Francisco de Paula, and first
+    cousin to Queen Isabella, both through his father and his
+    mother.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CHURCH APPOINTMENTS]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+OSBORNE, _15th September 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave to
+acquaint your Majesty that there remains the sum of L700 to be applied
+in the current year to the grant of Civil List Pensions.
+
+Sir Robert Peel humbly recommends to your Majesty that another sum
+of L200 should be offered to Mr Tennyson, a poet of whose powers of
+imagination and expression many competent judges think most highly.
+
+He was brought under the notice of Sir Robert Peel by Mr Hallam. His
+pecuniary circumstances are far from being prosperous.
+
+There is a vacancy in the Deanery of Lincoln, but the preferment is
+less eligible from there being no residence, and the necessity for
+building one at the immediate expense of the new Dean.
+
+Sir Robert Peel is inclined to recommend to your Majesty that an
+offer of this preferment should be made to Mr Ward, the Rector of St
+James's.
+
+Should Mr Ward decline, there is a clergyman of the name of
+Maurice,[24] of whom the Archbishop says: "Of unbeneficed London
+clergy there is no one, I believe, who is so much distinguished by his
+learning and literary talent as the Rev. Frederick Maurice, Chaplain
+of St Guy's Hospital. His private character is equally estimable."
+
+Should Mr Ward decline[25] the Deanery it might, should your Majesty
+approve of it, be offered to Mr Maurice. The Archbishop says that the
+appointment of Mr Maurice would be very gratifying to the _King of
+Prussia_.
+
+    [Footnote 24: Frederick Denison Maurice (1805-1872), the
+    friend of Kingsley, afterwards Chaplain of St. Peter's, Vere
+    Street.]
+
+    [Footnote 25: Mr Ward accepted the Deanery.]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST CLOUD, _10th October 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... All you say about our dear Albert, whom
+I love like my own child, is perfectly true. The attacks, however
+unjust, have but one advantage, that of showing the points the enemy
+thinks _weakest_ and best calculated to hurt. This, being the case,
+Anson, without boring A. with _daily_ accounts which in the end
+become very irksome, should pay attention to these very points, and
+contribute to avoid what may be turned to account by the enemy.
+To hope to _escape_ censure and calumny is next to impossible, but
+whatever is considered by the enemy as a fit subject for attack is
+better modified or avoided. The dealings with artists, for instance,
+require great prudence; they are acquainted with all classes of
+society, and for that very reason dangerous; they are hardly _ever
+satisfied_, and when you have too much to do with them, you are sure
+to have _des ennuis_.... Your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD METCALFE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _2nd November 1845._
+
+The Queen has read with great concern Lord Stanley's letter of the
+1st November. From private information she had been led to expect that
+Lord Metcalfe would not be able to continue at his irksome post.[26]
+He will be an immense loss, and the selection of a successor will be
+most difficult. The Queen hopes that there will not be too great a
+delay in making the new appointment, as experience has shown that
+nothing was more detrimental to the good government of Canada than the
+last interregnum after Sir Charles Bagot's death; it would certainly
+likewise be desirable that Lord Metcalfe should be able personally
+to make over his Government to his successor, whom he could verbally
+better put in possession of the peculiarities of his position than
+any instructions could do. It strikes the Queen to be of the _greatest
+importance_, that the judicious system pursued by Lord Metcalfe (and
+which, after a long continuation of toil and adversities, only
+now just begins to show its effect) should be followed up by his
+successor.
+
+The Queen knows nobody who would be as fit for the appointment as Lord
+Elgin, who seems to have given great satisfaction in Jamaica, where he
+has already succeeded Lord Metcalfe, whose original appointment there
+had _likewise_ taken place under circumstances of great difficulty,
+which his prudence and firmness finally overcame.[27]
+
+    [Footnote 26: He retired from the Governor-Generalship of
+    Canada through ill-health.]
+
+    [Footnote 27: Lord Stanley, in reply, submitted a private
+    letter from Lord Elgin, expressing a wish to return home; Earl
+    Cathcart was provisionally appointed Governor-General.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+OSBORNE, _28th November 1845._
+
+The Queen is very sorry to hear that Sir Robert Peel apprehends
+further differences of opinion in the Cabinet, at a moment of
+impending calamity; it is more than ever necessary that the Government
+should be strong and united.
+
+The Queen thinks the time is come when a removal of the restrictions
+upon the importation of food cannot be successfully resisted. Should
+this be Sir Robert's own opinion, the Queen very much hopes that none
+of his colleagues will prevent him from doing what it is _right_ to
+do.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CORN LAWS]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _4th December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave
+to acquaint your Majesty that a leading paragraph in the _Times_ of
+to-day, asserting that your Majesty's servants had unanimously agreed
+to an immediate and total repeal of the Corn Laws, is quite without
+foundation.[28]
+
+    [Footnote 28: See _Memoirs of the Life of Henry Reeve_, vol.
+    i. p. 175, for Lord Dufferin's refutation of the story that
+    Sidney Herbert confided the secret to Mrs Norton, and that she
+    sold it to the _Times_. The story has obtained a wide currency
+    through Mr Meredith's _Diana of the Crossways_. Lord Stanmore,
+    in his _Life of Sidney Herbert_, substantially attributes
+    the communication to Lord Aberdeen, but does not give the
+    details.]
+
+
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._[29]
+
+WHITEHALL, _5th December 1845._
+
+(_Friday evening._)
+
+Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and will
+wait upon your Majesty to-morrow evening, leaving London by the
+half-past twelve train.
+
+Sir Robert Peel will avail himself of your Majesty's kind proposal to
+remain at Osborne until Monday morning.
+
+He will come to Osborne with a heart full of gratitude and devotion to
+your Majesty, but with a strong conviction (all the grounds for which
+he will, with your Majesty's permission, explain to your Majesty) that
+in the present state of affairs, he can render more service to your
+Majesty and to the country in a private than in a public station.
+
+    [Footnote 29: Peel reported to the Queen the Cabinet
+    discussions on the Corn Law question. The Queen wrote that
+    the news caused her much uneasiness, and that she felt certain
+    that her Minister would not leave her at a moment of such
+    difficulty, and when a crisis was impending.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CABINET DISSENSIONS]
+
+[Pageheading: INTERVIEW WITH PEEL]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE, _7th December 1845._
+
+On receiving the preceding letter[30] ... we were, of course, in great
+consternation. Yesterday Sir Robert Peel arrived here and explained
+the condition of affairs.
+
+    [Footnote 30: From Sir Robert Peel, 5th December, _ante._]
+
+On 1st November he had called his Cabinet, and placed before its
+members the reports of the Irish Commissioners, Dr Buckland, Dr
+Playfair and Dr Lindley, on the condition of the potato crop, which
+was to the effect that the half of the potatoes were ruined by the
+rot, and that no one could guarantee the remainder. Belgium, Holland,
+Sweden, and Denmark, in which states the potato disease had likewise
+deprived the poorer class of its usual food, have immediately taken
+energetic means, and have opened the harbours, bought corn, and
+provided for the case of a rise of prices. Sir Robert proposed the
+same thing for England, and, by opening the ports, a preparation for
+the abolition of the Corn Laws. His colleagues refused, and of the
+whole Cabinet only Lord Aberdeen, Sir James Graham, and Mr Sidney
+Herbert voted with him. Sir Robert hoped that in time the opinions of
+the others would change, and therefore postponed a final decision.
+In the meanwhile the agitation of the Anti-Corn Law League began;
+in every town addresses were voted, meetings were held, the
+_Times_--barometer of public feeling--became suddenly _violently_
+Anti-Corn Law, the meetings of the Cabinet roused attention, a general
+panic seized on the mass of the public. Sir Robert called anew his
+Cabinet. In the midst of their deliberation Lord John Russell issues
+from Edinburgh an address to the City of London.[31]
+
+    [Footnote 31: Declaring for the Repeal of the Corn Laws.]
+
+The whole country cries out: the Corn Laws are doomed.
+
+Thereon Sir Robert declared to his Cabinet that nothing but unanimity
+could save the cause, and pressed for a decision.
+
+The Duke of Buccleuch and Lord Stanley declared they could not take a
+part in a measure abolishing the Corn Laws, and would therefore have
+to resign. The other members, including the Duke of Wellington, showed
+themselves ready to support Sir Robert, yet, as the latter says,
+"apparently not willingly and against their feelings." Thereupon Sir
+Robert resolved to lay down his office as Minister.
+
+When he arrived here he was visibly much moved, and said to me, that
+it was one of the most painful moments of his life to separate himself
+from us, "but it is necessary, and if I have erred it was from loyalty
+and too great an anxiety not to leave Her Majesty in a moment of such
+great difficulty. I ought to have gone when I was first left by my
+colleagues in a minority in my own Cabinet. I was anxious, however, to
+try my utmost, but it is impossible to retrieve lost time. As soon as
+I saw Lord John's letter I felt that the ground was slipping away
+from under me, and that whatever I might now propose would appear as
+dictated by the Opposition, as taking Lord John's measure. On the 1st
+of November the whole country was prepared for the thing; there had
+been no agitation, everybody looking to the Government, as soon as
+they saw this wavering and hesitating, the country decided for itself,
+and Lord John has the merit, owing to his most dexterous move and our
+want of unanimity."
+
+On my observing that Sir Robert has a majority of one hundred in the
+House of Commons, and asking whether it was not possible for him to
+continue the Government, he said:--
+
+"The Duke of Buccleuch will carry half Scotland with him, and Lord
+Stanley, leading the Protectionists in the House of Lords, would lead
+to great and immediate defections even in Her Majesty's household. The
+Duchess of Buccleuch, Lord Hardwicke, Lord Exeter, Lord Rivers,
+Lord Beverley, etc., would resign, and we should not be able to find
+successors; in the House of Commons I am sure I should be beat, the
+Tories, agriculturists, etc., in rage would turn round upon me and
+be joined by the Whigs and Radicals, who would say, 'This is _our_
+measure and we will not allow you to carry it.' It is better that
+I should go now, when _nobody has committed himself_ in the heat
+of party contest, when no factions have been formed, no imprudent
+declarations been made; it is better for Her Majesty and for the
+country that it should be so."
+
+After we had examined what possibilities were open for the Crown, the
+conclusion was come to that Lord John was the only man who could be
+charged with forming a Cabinet. Lord Stanley, with the aristocracy as
+his base, would bring about an insurrection [or riots], and the ground
+on which one would have to fight would be this: to want to force the
+mass of the people, amidst their great poverty, to pay for their bread
+a high price, in favour of the landlords.
+
+It is a matter of the utmost importance not to place the House of
+Lords into direct antagonism with the Commons and with the masses of
+the people. Sir Robert says very correctly:--
+
+"I am afraid of other interests getting damaged in the struggle about
+the Corn Laws; already the system of promotion in the Army, the Game
+Laws, the Church, are getting attacked with the aid of the league."
+
+After Victoria had in consequence [of the foregoing] decided in favour
+of Lord John, and asked Sir Robert: "But how is it possible for him
+to govern with so exceedingly small a minority?" Sir Robert said: "He
+will have difficulties and perhaps did not consider what he was doing
+when he wrote that letter; but _I will support him_. I feel it my duty
+to your Majesty not to leave you without a Government. Even if Lord
+John goes to the full extent of his declaration in that letter (which
+I think goes too far), I will support him in Parliament and use all
+my influence with the House of Lords to prevent their impeding his
+progress. I will do more, if he likes it. I will say that the increase
+of the estimates which will become necessary are my work, and I alone
+am responsible for it."
+
+Sir Robert intends to give me a memorandum in which he is to make this
+promise in writing.
+
+He was greatly moved, and said it was not "the loss of power (for I
+hate power) nor of office," which was nothing but a plague for him,
+but "the breaking up of those relations in which he stood to the Queen
+and me, and the loss of our society," which was for him a loss, for
+which there was no equivalent; we might, however, rely on his being
+always ready to serve us, in what manner and in what place it might
+be. Lord Aberdeen is said to feel the same, and very deeply so; and on
+our side the loss of two so estimable men, who possess our whole and
+perfect confidence in public as well as in private affairs, and have
+always proved themselves true friends, leaves _a great gap_.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD MELBOURNE INFORMED]
+
+
+_Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
+
+OSBORNE, _7th December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel has informed the Queen that in consequence of
+differences prevailing in the Cabinet, he is very reluctantly
+compelled to solicit from the Queen the acceptance of his resignation,
+which she has as reluctantly accepted.
+
+From the Queen's unabated confidence in Lord Melbourne, her first
+impulse was to request his immediate attendance here that she might
+have the benefit of his assistance and advice, but on reflection the
+Queen does not think herself justified, in the present state of Lord
+Melbourne's health, to ask him to make the sacrifice which the return
+to his former position of Prime Minister would, she fears, impose upon
+him.
+
+It is this consideration, and this _alone_, that has induced the Queen
+to address to Lord John Russell the letter of which she sends a copy.
+The Queen hopes, however, that Lord Melbourne will not withhold from
+her new Government his advice, which would be so valuable to her.
+
+It is of the _utmost importance_ that the whole of this communication
+should be kept a _most profound secret_ until the Queen has seen Lord
+John Russell.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD MELBOURNE'S ATTITUDE]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+_8th December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert helped us in the composition of the letters to Lord John
+and to Lord Melbourne. We considered it necessary to write to the
+latter, in consideration of the confidential position which he
+formerly enjoyed.
+
+Sir Robert Peel has not _resigned_, thinking it a matter of great
+strength for the Sovereign to keep his ministry until a new one can be
+got.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
+
+BROCKET HALL, _9th December 1845._
+
+Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he has just
+received your Majesty's letter of the 7th inst., which, of course,
+has astonished him by the magnitude of the event which it announces,
+although something of this sort has been long pending and to be
+expected. Lord Melbourne returns your Majesty many thanks for
+this communication, and more for your Majesty's great kindness and
+consideration for him personally at the present moment. He is better,
+but so long a journey would still not have been convenient to him,
+and he has such a horror of the sea, that a voyage from Southampton
+to Cowes or from Portsmouth to Ryde seems to him in prospect as
+formidable as a voyage across the Atlantic.
+
+Lord Melbourne will strictly observe your Majesty's injunction of
+secrecy.
+
+With respect to the kind wishes about office which your Majesty
+is pleased to express, Lord Melbourne will of course give to your
+Majesty's new Government, if formed under Lord John Russell, all the
+support in his power, but as to taking office, he fears that he would
+find some difficulty. He would be very unwilling to come in pledged
+to a total and immediate reform of the Corn Law, and he also strongly
+feels the difficulty which has in fact compelled Sir Robert Peel to
+retire, viz. the difficulty of carrying on the Government upon the
+principle of upholding and maintaining the present law with respect to
+corn.
+
+Lord Melbourne again thanks your Majesty for your great and
+considerate kindness.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL'S ATTITUDE]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _10th December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+influenced by no other motive than the desire to contribute if
+possible to the relief of your Majesty from embarrassment, and the
+protection of the public interests from injury, is induced to make
+this confidential communication to your Majesty explanatory of his
+position and intentions with regard to the great question which is now
+agitating the public mind.
+
+Your Majesty can, if you think fit, make this communication known to
+the Minister who, as successor to Sir Robert Peel, may be honoured by
+your Majesty's confidence.
+
+On the first day of November last Sir Robert Peel advised his
+colleagues, on account of the alarming accounts from Ireland and many
+districts of Great Britain as to the failure of the potato crop from
+disease, and for the purpose of guarding against contingencies which
+in his opinion were not improbable, humbly to recommend to your
+Majesty that the duties on the import of foreign grain should be
+suspended for a limited period either by Order in Council, or by
+Legislative Enactment, Parliament in either case being summoned
+without delay.
+
+Sir Robert Peel foresaw that this suspension, fully justified by the
+tenor of the reports to which he has referred, would compel, during
+the interval of suspension, the reconsideration of the Corn Laws.
+
+If the opinions of his colleagues had been in concurrence with his
+own, he was fully prepared to take the responsibility of suspension,
+and of the necessary consequence of suspension, a comprehensive review
+of the laws imposing restrictions on the import of foreign grain and
+other articles of food, with a view to their gradual diminution and
+ultimate removal. He was disposed to recommend that any new laws to be
+enacted should contain within themselves the principle of gradual and
+ultimate removal.
+
+Sir Robert Peel is prepared to support in a private capacity measures
+which may be in general conformity with those which he advised as a
+Minister.
+
+It would be unbecoming in Sir Robert Peel to make any reference to the
+details of such measures.
+
+Your Majesty has been good enough to inform him that it is your
+intention to propose to Lord John Russell to undertake the formation
+of a Government.
+
+The principle on which Sir Robert Peel was prepared to recommend the
+reconsideration of the laws affecting the import of the main articles
+of food, was in general accordance with that referred to in the
+concluding paragraph of Lord John Russell's letter to the electors of
+the City of London.[32]
+
+Sir Robert Peel wished to accompany the removal of restrictions on the
+admission of such articles, with relief to the land from such charges
+as are unduly onerous, and with such other provisions as in the terms
+of Lord John Russell's letter "caution and even scrupulous forbearance
+may suggest."
+
+Sir Robert Peel will support measures founded on that general
+principle, and will exercise any influence he may possess to promote
+their success.
+
+Sir Robert Peel feels it to be his duty to add, that should your
+Majesty's servants, after consideration of the heavy demands upon the
+Army of this country for colonial service, of our relations with the
+United States, and of the bearing which steam navigation may have upon
+maritime warfare, and the defence of the country, deem it advisable
+to propose an addition to the Army, and increased naval and military
+estimates, Sir Robert Peel will support the proposal, will do all that
+he can to prevent it from being considered as indicative of hostile
+or altered feeling towards France, and will assume for the increase in
+question any degree of responsibility present or retrospective which
+can fairly attach to him.
+
+ROBERT PEEL.
+
+    [Footnote 32: That paragraph urged that, with a revision
+    of taxation to make the arrangement more equitable, and the
+    safeguards suggested by caution and scrupulous forbearance,
+    restrictions on the admission of the main articles of food and
+    clothing used by the mass of the people should be removed.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY RESIGNS]
+
+
+_Lord Stanley to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _11th December 1845._
+
+... Lord Stanley humbly hopes that he may be permitted to avail
+himself of this opportunity to express to your Majesty the deep regret
+and pain with which he has felt himself compelled to dissent from the
+advice intended to have been tendered to your Majesty on the subject
+of the Corn Laws. He begs to assure your Majesty that he would have
+shrunk from making no personal sacrifice, short of that of principle,
+for the purpose of avoiding the inconvenience to your Majesty and to
+the country inseparable from any change of Administration; but being
+unconvinced of the necessity of a change of policy involving an
+abandonment of opinions formerly maintained, and expectations held
+out to political supporters, he felt that the real interests of
+your Majesty's service could not be promoted by the loss of personal
+character which the sacrifice of his own convictions would necessarily
+have involved; and that he might far more usefully serve your Majesty
+and the country out of office, than as the official advocate of a
+policy which he could not sincerely approve. Lord Stanley begs to
+assure your Majesty that it will be his earnest endeavour to allay,
+as far as may lie in his power, the excitement which he cannot but
+foresee as the consequence of the contemplated change of policy; and
+he ventures to indulge the hope that this long trespass upon your
+Majesty's much occupied time may find a sufficient apology in the deep
+anxiety which he feels that his regret at being compelled not only to
+retire from your Majesty's service, but also to take a step which he
+is aware may have had some influence on the course finally adopted
+by Sir Robert Peel, may not be still farther increased by the
+apprehension of having, in the performance of a most painful duty,
+incurred your Majesty's displeasure. All which is humbly submitted by
+your Majesty's most dutiful Servant and Subject,
+
+STANLEY.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley._
+
+OSBORNE, _12th December 1845._
+
+The Queen, of course, _much regrets_ that Lord Stanley could not agree
+in the opinions of Sir Robert Peel upon a subject of such importance
+to the country. However, Lord Stanley may rest assured that the Queen
+gives full credit to the disinterested motives which guided Lord
+Stanley's conduct.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington._
+
+OSBORNE, _12th December 1845._
+
+The Queen has to inform the Duke of Wellington that, in consequence of
+Sir Robert Peel's having declared to her his inability to carry on any
+longer the Government, she has sent for Lord John Russell, who is not
+able at present to state whether he can form an Administration, and is
+gone to Town in order to consult his friends. Whatever the result of
+his enquiries may be, the Queen has a _strong_ desire to see the Duke
+of Wellington remain at the head of her Army. The Queen appeals to the
+Duke's so often proved loyalty and attachment to her person, in asking
+him to give her this assurance. The Duke will thereby render the
+greatest service to the country and to her own person.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE'S ADVICE]
+
+
+_The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria._
+
+STRATHFIELDSAYE, _12th December 1845._
+
+(_11 at night._)
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty; he has just now received your Majesty's commands from Osborne
+of this day's date.
+
+He humbly submits to your Majesty that the duties of the
+Commander-in-Chief of your Majesty's Land Forces places him in
+constant confidential relations with all your Majesty's Ministers,
+and particularly with the one filling the office of First Lord of the
+Treasury.
+
+Under these circumstances he submits to your Majesty the counsel, that
+your Majesty would be graciously pleased to consult the nobleman or
+gentleman who should be your Majesty's first Minister, before any
+other step should be taken upon the subject. He might think that he
+had reason to complain if he should find that it was arranged that
+the Duke of Wellington should continue to fill the office of
+Commander-in-Chief, and such impression might have an influence upon
+his future relations with that office.
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington believes that Lord John Russell
+and all your Majesty's former Ministers were aware, that during
+the whole period of the time during which Lord Hill was the General
+Commanding-in-Chief your Majesty's Forces, the professional opinion
+and services of Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington were at all times
+at the command and disposition of your Majesty's servants, and were
+given whenever required.
+
+He happened to be at that time in political opposition to the
+Government in the House of Parliament, of which he was a member; but
+that circumstance made no difference.
+
+It is impossible for the Duke of Wellington to form a political
+connection with Lord John Russell, or to have any relation with the
+political course of the Government over which he should preside.
+
+Such arrangement would not conciliate public confidence, be considered
+creditable to either party, or be useful to the service of your
+Majesty.
+
+Nor, indeed, would the performance of the duties of the
+Commander-in-Chief of the Army require that such should exist; on the
+other hand, the performance of these duties would require that the
+person filling the office should avoid to belong to, or to act in
+concert with, a political party opposed to the Government.
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington has considered it his duty
+to submit these considerations, in order that your Majesty may be
+perfectly aware of the position in which he is about to place himself,
+in case Lord John Russell should counsel your Majesty to command
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington to continue to hold the office of
+Commander-in-Chief of your Majesty's Land Forces.
+
+He at once submits to your Majesty the assurance that he will
+cheerfully devote his service to your Majesty's command upon receiving
+the official intimation thereof, and that he will as usual make every
+effort in his power to promote your Majesty's service.
+
+All of which is humbly submitted to your Majesty by your Majesty's
+most dutiful Subject and devoted Servant,
+
+WELLINGTON.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
+
+
+_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST CLOUD, _le 16 Decembre 1845._
+
+MADAME MA TRES CHERE S[OE]UR,--J'ai a remercier votre Majeste de
+l'excellente lettre que ma bonne Clem m'a remise de sa part. Elle m'a
+ete droit au c[oe]ur, et je ne saurais exprimer a quel point j'ai ete
+touche de vos bons voeux pour ma famille, et de tout ce que vous
+me temoignez sur l'accroissement qu'il a plu a la Providence de lui
+donner dans mes _onze petits fils_.
+
+Je me disposais a dire a votre Majeste que, quoiqu'avec un bien vif
+regret, je comprenais parfaitement les motifs qui vous portaient a
+remettre a une autre annee, cette visite si vivement desiree, et que
+j'esperais toujours trouver une compensation a cette privation, en
+allant de nouveau Lui offrir en Angleterre, l'hommage de tous les
+sentiments que je Lui porte, et qui m'attachent si profondement a
+Elle, ainsi qu'au Prince son Epoux, lorsque j'ai recu la nouvelle de
+la demission de Sir Robert Peel, de Lord Aberdeen et de tous leurs
+Collegues. Je me flattais que ces Ministres qui s'etaient toujours
+si bien entendus avec les miens pour etablir entre nos deux
+Gouvernements, cette heureuse _entente cordiale_ qui est la base du
+repos du monde et de la prosperite de nos pays, continueraient encore
+longtemps a l'entretenir, et a la consolider de plus en plus. Cet
+espoir est decu!![33] Il faut s'y resigner; mais je suis empresse
+d'assurer votre Majeste, que quelque soit son nouveau Ministere, celui
+qui m'entoure aujourd'hui, et que je desire, et que j'espere conserver
+longtemps, n'omettra aucun effort pour cultiver et maintenir cet
+heureux accord qu'il est si evidemment dans notre interet commun de
+conserver intact.
+
+Dans de telles circonstances, il me devient doublement precieux d'etre
+uni a votre Majeste et au Prince Albert par tant de liens, et qu'il se
+soit forme entre nous cet attachement mutuel, cette affection et cette
+confiance, qui sont au dessus et independants de toute consideration
+politique; mais qui pourront toujours plus ou moins exercer
+une influence salutaire sur l'action et la marche de nos deux
+Gouvernements. Aussi, je le dis a votre Majeste et a son Epoux avec
+un entier abandon, j'ai besoin de compter sur cette assistance
+occasionnelle, et j'y compte entierement en vous demandant d'avoir la
+meme confiance de mon cote, et en vous repetant que cette confiance ne
+sera pas plus decue dans l'avenir, qu'elle ne l'a ete dans le passe.
+
+Votre Majeste me permettra d'offrir ici au Prince Albert l'expression
+de ma vive et sincere amitie. Je la prie aussi de recevoir celle de
+l'inviolable attachement avec lequel je suis, Madame ma tres chere
+S[oe]ur, de votre Majeste, le bon Frere et bien fidele Ami,
+
+LOUIS PHILIPPE R.
+
+    [Footnote 33: The return of Palmerston to the Foreign Office
+    was of course dreaded by the King and Guizot.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S ACCEPTANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _16th December 1845._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter of this day's
+date,[34] and considering that it is of great importance that no time
+should be lost, has immediately forwarded it to Sir Robert Peel.
+
+The Queen fully understands the motives which guide Lord John in
+using every effort to ensure the success of the great measure which is
+impending before he undertakes to form a Government.
+
+The Queen sees from Lord John's second letter that he has taken a copy
+of Sir R. Peel's letter of the 15th to her. As she does not feel to
+have been authorised to allow this, the Queen hopes that in case Sir
+Robert should have an objection to it Lord John will not retain the
+copy.
+
+    [Footnote 34: It is printed in the _Annual Register_, 1846, p.
+    17. Lord John considered the temporary suspension or repeal
+    of duties, with the prospect of their re-imposition, open to
+    grave objections.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: INSUPERABLE DIFFICULTIES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _18th December 1845._
+
+Lord John Russell returned at five this evening, and informed
+the Queen that after considerable discussion, and after a full
+consideration of his position, _he will undertake to form a
+Government_.
+
+As at present arranged, the Council is to be on Monday; the Queen much
+wishing to have a parting interview with Sir R. Peel, however painful
+it will be to her, wishes Sir Robert Peel to inform her when he thinks
+it best to come down here.[35]
+
+    [Footnote 35: Lord John Russell, however, found insuperable
+    difficulties in forming the Cabinet; and, to quote Disraeli,
+    "handed back with courtesy the poisoned chalice to Sir
+    Robert."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: GREY AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th December 1845._
+
+(_12 o'clock._)
+
+We just saw Lord John Russell, who came in order to explain why he had
+to give up the task of forming a Government. He had written to all his
+former colleagues to join him in his attempt, amongst others to Lord
+Grey, who answered, "that he could only belong to a Government which
+pledged itself to the principle of absolute free trade and abolition
+of all protection; that he had his own views upon the sugar question
+(as to which he advocated the admission of slave labour) and upon
+the Irish question (as to which his principle was to establish entire
+religious equality); that he hoped that in the formation of a new
+Government no personal considerations should stand in the way of a
+full attention to public Duty."
+
+Lord John replied that he advocated free trade, but as the immediate
+question before them was the _Corn Laws_, he thought it wiser not to
+complicate this by other declarations which would produce a good deal
+of animosity; that the sugar question and Ireland might be discussed
+in Cabinet when circumstances required it; that he agreed entirely in
+the last sentence.
+
+After this Lord Grey declared himself quite satisfied. Lord John
+considered now with his colleagues the peculiar measure to be
+proposed, and Mr Baring thought he could arrange a financial scheme
+which would satisfy Lord Lansdowne's demands for relief to the landed
+interest. They all felt it their duty to answer the Queen's call upon
+them, though they very much disliked taking office under such peculiar
+difficulties. Now Lord John undertook to apportion the different
+offices. He saw Lord Palmerston, and told him that the Queen had some
+apprehension that his return to the Foreign Office might cause great
+alarm in other countries, and particularly in France, and that this
+feeling was still more strongly manifested in the city; whether under
+these circumstances he would prefer some other office--for instance,
+the Colonies? Lord Palmerston declared that he was not at all anxious
+for office, and should much regret that his accession should in any
+way embarrass Lord John; that he was quite prepared to support him out
+of office, but that his taking another department than his former one
+would be a public recognition of the most unjust accusations that
+had been brought against him; that he had evinced throughout a long
+official life his disposition for peace, and only in one instance
+broke with France;[36] that that matter was gone by, and that nobody
+had stronger conviction of the necessity to keep in amity with that
+Power than himself. Upon this Lord John said that he could not form a
+Government without him, and showed himself quite satisfied with Lord
+Palmerston's declaration.
+
+    [Footnote 36: In reference to affairs in Syria in 1840.]
+
+Suddenly Lord Grey, who had heard of this, cried out: "This was an
+infringement of their compact"; that no _personal_ consideration
+should interfere with the discharge of public duty, and that he must
+decline entering the Government, as he considered Lord Palmerston's
+return to the Foreign Office as fraught with danger to the peace
+of Europe. Lord John could not, under these circumstances, form a
+Government. He read to us a long letter from Lord Grey, written with
+the intention that it should be seen by the Queen, in which Lord
+Grey enters more fully into his motives, and finishes by saying
+that therefore _he_ was not answerable for the failure to form an
+Administration.[37]
+
+    [Footnote 37: Lord Grey's attitude was condemned by Macaulay
+    in a letter to a Mr Macfarlan, who unwisely communicated it to
+    the Press.]
+
+Lord John gave the Queen a written statement[38] of the causes which
+induced him to relinquish the Government, and of the position he means
+to assume in Parliament. (He is most anxious that Sir R. Peel should
+re-enter and successfully carry his measures.)
+
+    [Footnote 38: Printed in _Annual Register_, 1846, p. 20.]
+
+The arrangements Lord John had contemplated have been--
+
+  Lord PALMERSTON,      _Foreign Secretary_.
+  Lord GREY,            _Colonial Secretary_.
+  Sir GEORGE GREY,      _Home Secretary_.
+
+(Sir George was anxious later to retire from Parliament, and willing
+to go as Governor-General to Canada.)
+
+  Mr BARING,            _Chancellor of the Exchequer_.
+  Lord CLARENDON,       _President of the Board of Trade_.
+
+(The Vice-Presidency was to have been offered to his brother, Mr
+Villiers, but finally, by his advice, to Mr Cobden!! (Lord Grey wanted
+Mr Cobden to be in the Cabinet!!!) This Lord John thought quite out of
+the question.)
+
+  Lord LANSDOWNE,       _President of the Council_.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CHIVALROUS ATTITUDE OF PEEL]
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL RESUMES OFFICE]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th December 1845._
+
+(_4 o'clock_ P.M.)
+
+We saw Sir Robert Peel, who had been apprised by Sir James Graham (to
+whom Lord John Russell had written) of what had passed. He was much
+affected, and expressed his concern at the failure of Lord John to
+form a Government, seemed hurt at Lord John's not having shown more
+confidence in the integrity of his (Sir Robert Peel's) motives. He
+would have supported Lord John in _any_ measure which he should have
+thought fit to introduce, and many would have followed his example. He
+blamed the want of deference shown to the Queen, by not answering
+her call with more readiness; he said it was quite new and
+unconstitutional for a man to take a week before he undertook to form
+a Government, and to pass that time in discussion with other people,
+to whom the Sovereign had not yet committed the task; and he had been
+certain it would end so, when so many people were consulted. He in
+1834 had been called from Italy, had travelled with all haste and
+had gone straight to the King, had told him that he had seen nobody,
+consulted nobody, but immediately kissed the King's hand as his
+Minister.
+
+He was now prepared to stand by the Queen, all other considerations
+he had thrown aside, he would undertake to deal with the difficulties,
+and should have to go down alone to the House of Commons. He had
+written to his colleagues that he would serve the Queen if she called
+upon him to do so, that he expected them to meet him at nine o'clock
+that evening, and that he would tell them what he meant to do. Those
+who would not go with him, he would dismiss at once. He did not wish
+to avail himself of any undue advantage, and therefore would not
+advise an Order in Council, but go at once to Parliament, laying his
+measure before it: "Reject it, if you please; there it is!"
+
+He called the crisis an alarming one, which determination alone could
+overcome.
+
+We showed him Lord John Russell's statement, with which he declared
+himself very much satisfied. He advised the Queen to write a letter
+to Lord John, announcing to him Sir Robert's consent to go on with the
+Government, and wrote a draft of it, which follows here.
+
+He had heard strange instances of disagreement amongst the men whom
+Lord John had assembled in town.
+
+Sir Robert seemed throughout much moved, and said with much warmth:
+"There is no sacrifice that I will not make for your Majesty, except
+that of my honour."
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel has just been here. He expressed great regret that
+Lord John Russell had felt it necessary to decline the formation of a
+Government.
+
+He said he should have acted towards Lord John Russell with the most
+scrupulous good faith, and that he should have done everything in his
+power to give Lord John support.
+
+He thinks many would have been induced to follow his example.
+
+Sir Robert Peel did not hesitate a moment in withdrawing his offer of
+resignation. He said he felt it his duty at once to resume his office,
+though he is deeply sensible of the difficulties with which he has to
+contend.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL CORDIALLY SUPPORTED]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _21st December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and proceeds
+to give your Majesty an account of what has passed since he left your
+Majesty at four o'clock yesterday.
+
+The Cabinet met at Sir Robert Peel's house in Downing Street at
+half-past nine.
+
+Sir Robert Peel informed them that he had not summoned them for the
+purpose of deliberating on what was to be done, but for the purpose
+of announcing to them that he was your Majesty's Minister, and whether
+supported or not, was firmly resolved to meet Parliament as your
+Majesty's Minister, and to propose such measures as the public
+exigencies required.
+
+Failure or success must depend upon their decision, but nothing could
+shake Sir Robert Peel's determination to meet Parliament and to advise
+the Speech from the Throne.
+
+There was a dead silence, at length interrupted by Lord Stanley's
+declaring that he must persevere in resigning, that he thought the
+Corn Law ought to be adhered to, and might have been maintained.
+
+The Duke of Wellington said he thought the Corn Law was a subordinate
+consideration. He was _delighted_ when he received Sir Robert Peel's
+letter that day, announcing to the Duke that his mind was made up to
+place his services at your Majesty's disposal.
+
+The Duke of Buccleuch behaved admirably--was much agitated--thought
+new circumstances had arisen--would not then decide on resigning.
+
+Sir Robert Peel has received this morning the enclosed note from the
+Duke.[39]
+
+He has written a reply very strongly to the Duke, stating that the
+present question is not one of Corn Law, but whether your Majesty's
+former servants or Lord Grey and Mr Cobden shall constitute your
+Majesty's Government. Sir Robert Peel defied the wit of man to suggest
+now another alternative to your Majesty.
+
+Lord Aberdeen will see the Duke to-day.
+
+All the other members of the Government cordially approved of Sir
+Robert Peel's determination not to abandon your Majesty's service.
+
+There was no question about details, but if there is any, it shall not
+alter Sir Robert Peel's course.
+
+    [Footnote 39: _See_ next letter.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Duke of Buccleuch to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+MONTAGU HOUSE, _20th December 1845._
+
+MY DEAR SIR ROBERT,--That which has occurred this evening, and that
+which you have communicated to us, the very critical state in which
+the country now is, and above all the duty which I owe to her Majesty
+under the present circumstances, has made a most strong impression
+upon my mind. At the risk, therefore, of imputation of vacillation
+or of any other motive by others, may I ask of you to give me a few
+hours' time for further reflection, before finally deciding upon the
+course which I may feel it to be my duty to pursue? Believe me, my
+dear Sir Robert, yours most sincerely,
+
+BUCCLEUCH.
+
+
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _22nd December 1845._
+
+Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the
+utmost satisfaction in informing your Majesty that Mr Gladstone is
+willing to accept the Seals of the Colonial Office should your Majesty
+be pleased to confide them to him.[40]
+
+Sir Robert Peel thinks this of great importance, and that immediate
+decision in filling up so eminent a post will have a good effect.
+
+    [Footnote 40: Mr Gladstone, by accepting office, vacated the
+    seat at Newark which he had held through the influence of the
+    Protectionist Duke of Newcastle. He did not seek re-election,
+    and though a Secretary of State, remained without a seat in
+    Parliament.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S ESTIMATE OF PEEL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd December 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your two kind letters of the
+17th and 19th, which gave me much pleasure. I have little to add to
+Albert's letter of yesterday, except my _extreme_ admiration of
+our worthy Peel, who shows himself a man of unbounded _loyalty_,
+_courage_, patriotism, and _high-mindedness_, and his conduct towards
+me has been _chivalrous_ almost, I might say. I never have seen him
+so excited or so determined, and _such_ a good cause must succeed. We
+have indeed had an escape, for though Lord John's _own notions_ were
+_very_ good and moderate, he let himself be entirely twisted and
+twirled about by his _violent_ friends, and _all_ the moderate ones
+were crushed....
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert._
+
+WHITEHALL, _23rd December 1845._
+
+SIR,--I think Her Majesty and your Royal Highness will have been
+pleased with the progress I have made in execution of the great trust
+again committed to me by Her Majesty.
+
+It will be of great importance to conciliate Lord Stanley's support
+out of office, to induce him to _discourage_ hostile combinations.
+
+I would humbly recommend Her Majesty, when Her Majesty sees Lord
+Stanley to-day, to receive him with her usual kindness, to say that I
+had done full justice in my reports to Her Majesty to the motives by
+which he had been actuated, and to the openness and frankness of his
+conduct, to regret greatly the loss of his services, but to hope
+that he might be still enabled not to oppose and even to promote
+the accomplishment of what cannot now be safely resisted. I have the
+honour to be, etc., etc., etc.,
+
+ROBERT PEEL.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS]
+
+[Pageheading: THE CORN LAWS]
+
+[Pageheading: THE UNEMPLOYED]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th December 1845._
+
+We had a Council yesterday, at which Parliament was prorogued to
+the 22nd of January, then to meet for the despatch of business. Lord
+Stanley had an audience of the Queen before, and delivered up the
+Seals of his office. He was much agitated, and had told Sir Robert
+that he dreaded this interview very much. The Queen thanked him for
+his services, and begged he would do his best out of office to smooth
+down the difficulties her Government would have to contend with. At
+the Council Lord Dalhousie took his seat, and Mr Gladstone received
+the Colonial Seals. The Queen saw the Duke of Buccleuch and
+thanked him for the devotion he had shown her during these trying
+circumstances; the same to the Duke of Wellington, who is in excellent
+spirits. On my saying, "You have such an influence over the House
+of Lords, that you will be able to keep them straight," he answered:
+"I'll do anything; I am now beginning to write to them and to convince
+them singly of what their duty is."
+
+We saw afterwards Sir Robert Peel, who stayed more than three hours.
+He is in the highest spirits at having got Mr Gladstone and kept the
+Duke of Buccleuch; he proposed that the Duke should be made President,
+and Lord Haddington Privy Seal in his stead. (Lord Haddington had
+behaved very well, had given up his place to Sir Robert, and told him
+he should do with him just as he liked--leave him out of the Cabinet,
+shift him to another place, or leave him at the Admiralty, as would
+suit him best.)
+
+Sir Robert hinted to Lord Ripon that Lord Haddington had behaved so
+well, but got no more out of him, but "that he would _almost_ have
+done the same." Sir Robert proposes to see Lord Ellenborough in order
+to offer him the Admiralty, received the Queen's sanction likewise to
+Lord St Germans (the Postmaster-General) being put into the Cabinet. I
+said: "With your Government that has no inconvenience, and even if you
+had a hundred members in the Cabinet, as you don't tell them but
+what is absolutely necessary, and follow your own course." He said in
+reply, that he should be very sorry if he had to have told his
+Cabinet that he meant to send for Lord Ellenborough. We could not help
+contrasting this conduct with the subjection Lord John has shown to
+his people. It is to his _own_ talent and firmness that Sir Robert
+will owe his success, which cannot fail. He said he had been
+determined not to go to a general election with the fetters the last
+election had imposed upon him, and he had meant at the end of the next
+Session to call the whole Conservative Party together and to declare
+this to them, that he would not meet another Parliament pledged to the
+maintenance of the Corn Laws, which could be maintained no longer, and
+that he would make a public declaration to this effect before another
+general election came on. This had been defeated by events coming too
+suddenly upon him, and he had no alternative but to deal with the Corn
+Laws before a national calamity would _force_ it on. The league had
+made immense progress, and had enormous means at their disposal. If
+he had resigned in November, Lord Stanley and the Protectionists would
+have been prepared to form a Government, and a Revolution might have
+been the consequence of it. Now they felt that it was too late.
+
+Sir Robert has _an immense scheme in view_; he thinks he shall be able
+to remove the contest entirely from the dangerous ground upon which it
+has got--that of a war between the manufacturers, the hungry and the
+poor against the landed proprietors, the aristocracy, which can only
+end in the ruin of the latter; he will not bring forward a measure
+upon the Corn Laws, but a much more comprehensive one. He will deal
+with the whole commercial system of the country. He will adopt
+the principle of the League, _that of removing all protection and
+abolishing all monopoly_, but not in favour of one class and as a
+triumph over another, but to the benefit of the nation, farmers as
+well as manufacturers. He would begin with cotton, and take in all the
+necessaries of life and corn amongst them. The experiments he had
+made in 1842 and 1845 with boldness but with caution had borne out the
+correctness of the principle: the wool duty was taken off, and wool
+sold higher than ever before; foreign cattle were let in, and the
+cattle of England stood better in the market than ever. He would not
+ask for compensation to the land, but wherever he could give it, and
+at the same time promote the social development, there he would do it,
+but on that ground. For instance, one of the greatest benefits to
+the country would be the establishment of a rural police on the
+same principle as the metropolitan police. By taking this on the
+Consolidated Fund, the landowners would be immensely relieved in all
+those counties which kept a police. One of the heaviest charges on
+the land was the present administration of law and the carrying on of
+prosecutions. Sir Robert could fancy this to be very much improved
+by the appointment of a _public_ prosecutor by the State, which would
+give the State a power to prevent vexatious, illegal, and immoral
+prosecutions, and reduce the expenses in an extraordinary degree. Part
+of the maintenance of the poor, according to the Poor Law, might be
+undertaken by the State. A great calamity must be foreseen, when the
+innumerable railroads now in progress shall have been terminated,
+which will be the case in a few years. This will throw an enormous
+labouring population suddenly out of employment. There might be a
+law passed which would provide employment for them, and improve the
+agriculture and production of the country, by enabling the State to
+advance money to the great proprietors for the improvements of their
+estates, which they could not obtain otherwise without charging their
+estates beyond what they already have to bear.
+
+Sir Robert means to go with Mr Gladstone into all these details.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S JUSTIFICATION]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S POLICY]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Viscount Melbourne._[41]
+
+BOWOOD, _26th December 1845._
+
+MY DEAR MELBOURNE,--I return you with many thanks George Anson's
+letter, which was enclosed in yours of the 23rd, which I received just
+as we were setting off for this place. Pray, when next you write to
+George Anson, say how gratefully I appreciate the kind consideration
+on the part of H.R.H. Prince Albert, which suggested George Anson's
+communication. But I can assure you that although John Russell, in his
+Audience of the Queen, may inadvertently have overstated the terms in
+which he had mentioned to me what Her Majesty had said to him about
+my return to the Foreign Office, yet in his conversations with me upon
+that subject he never said anything more than is contained in George
+Anson's letter to you; and I am sure you will think that under all the
+circumstances of the case he could hardly have avoided telling me thus
+much, and making me aware of the impression which seemed to exist upon
+the Queen's mind as to the way in which other persons might view my
+return to the Foreign Office.
+
+With regard to Her Majesty's own sentiments, I have always been
+convinced that Her Majesty knows me too well to believe for an instant
+that I do not attach the greatest importance to the maintenance, not
+merely of peace with all foreign countries, but of the most friendly
+relations with those leading Powers and States of the world with which
+serious differences would be attended with the most inconvenience. As
+to Peace, I succeeded, as the organ of Lord Grey's Government and of
+yours, in preserving it unbroken during ten years[42] of great and
+extraordinary difficulty; and, if now and then it unavoidably happened
+during that period of time, that in pursuing the course of policy
+which seemed the best for British interests, we thwarted the views
+of this or that Foreign Power, and rendered them for the moment less
+friendly, I think I could prove that in every case the object which we
+were pursuing was of sufficient importance to make it worth our while
+to submit to such temporary inconvenience. There never was indeed,
+during those ten years, any real danger of war except on three
+occasions; and on each of those occasions the course pursued by the
+British Government prevented war. The first occasion was just after
+the accession of the King of the French, when Austria, Russia, and
+Prussia were disposed and preparing to attack France, and when the
+attitude assumed by the British Government prevented a rupture. The
+second was when England and France united by a Convention to wrest the
+Citadel of Antwerp from the Dutch, and to deliver it over to the
+King of the Belgians.[43] If England had not then joined with France,
+Antwerp would have remained with the Dutch, or the attempt to take it
+would have led to a war in Europe. The third occasion was when Mehemet
+Ali's army occupied Syria, and when he was constantly threatening
+to declare himself independent and to march on Constantinople; while
+Russia, on the one hand, asserted that if he did so she would occupy
+Constantinople, and on the other hand, France announced that if Russia
+did so, she, France, would force the Dardanelles. The Treaty of July
+1840, proposed and brought about by the British Government, and the
+operations in execution of that Treaty, put an end to that danger;
+and, notwithstanding what has often been said to the contrary, the
+real danger of war arising out of the affairs of Syria was put an end
+to, and not created by the Treaty of 1840.
+
+I am well aware, however, that some persons both at home and abroad
+have imbibed the notion that I am more indifferent than I ought to be
+as to running the risk of war. That impression abroad is founded upon
+an entire mistake, but is by some sincerely felt, and being sincere,
+would soon yield to the evidence of contradictory facts. At home that
+impression has been industriously propagated to a limited extent,
+partly by the legitimate attacks of political opponents, and partly
+by a little cabal within our own ranks. These parties wanted to attack
+me, and were obliged to accuse me of something. They could not charge
+me with failure, because we had succeeded in all our undertakings,
+whether in Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Syria, China, or elsewhere; they
+could not charge me with having involved the country in war, because,
+in fact, we had maintained peace; and the only thing that was left for
+them to say was that my policy had a _tendency_ to produce war, and I
+suppose they would argue that it was quite wrong and against all rule
+that it did not do so.
+
+But notwithstanding what may have been said on this matter, the
+transaction which has by some been the most criticised in this
+respect, namely, the Treaty of 1840, and the operations connected with
+it, were entirely approved by the leaders of the then Opposition, who,
+so far from feeling any disposition to favour me, had always made a
+determined run at the Foreign Policy of the Whig Government. The Duke
+of Wellington, at the opening of the Session of 1841, said in
+the House of Lords that he entirely approved our policy in that
+transaction, and could not find that any fault had been committed
+by us in working it out; and I happen to know that Sir Robert Peel
+expressed to the representative of one of the German Powers, parties
+to the Alliance, his entire approval of our course, while Lord
+Aberdeen said to one of them, that the course I had taken in that
+affair made him forgive me many things of former years, which he had
+thought he never should have forgiven.
+
+I am quite ashamed of the length to which this letter has grown, and
+shall only add, with reference to our relations with France, that
+I had some very friendly interviews with Thiers, who was my chief
+antagonist in 1840, and that although we did not enter into any
+conspiracy against Guizot and Peel, as the newspapers pretended, we
+parted on very good terms, and he promised to introduce me to all his
+friends whenever I should go to Paris, saying that of course Guizot
+would do me the same good office with his supporters. My dear
+Melbourne, yours affectionately,
+
+PALMERSTON.
+
+    [Footnote 41: Submitted to the Queen by Lord Melbourne.]
+
+    [Footnote 42: 1830-1834, and 1835-1841.]
+
+    [Footnote 43: The English and French came in 1832 to the
+    assistance of the Belgians, who some time before had entered
+    Antwerp, but failed to take the Citadel.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE MINISTRY REINSTATED]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._
+
+CH. DE W., _le 30 Decembre 1845._
+
+SIRE ET MON TRES CHER FRERE,--Votre Majeste me pardonnera si je viens
+seulement maintenant vous remercier de tout mon c[oe]ur de votre
+lettre si bonne et si aimable du 16, mais vous savez combien j'etais
+occupee pendant ces dernieres 3 semaines. La Crise est passee et j'ai
+tout lieu de croire que le Gouvernement de Sir R. Peel va s'affermir
+de plus en plus, ce que je ne puis que desirer pour le bien-etre du
+pays. Je dois cependant dire a votre Majeste que si le Ministere
+eut change, j'ai la certitude que le nouveau se serait empresse de
+maintenir, comme nous le desirons si vivement, cette entente cordiale
+si heureusement etablie entre nos deux Gouvernements.
+
+Permettez-moi, Sire, de vous offrir au nom d'Albert et au mien nos
+felicitations les plus sinceres a l'occasion de la nouvelle Annee,
+dans lequel vous nous donnez le doux espoir de vous revoir. Nous avons
+lu avec beaucoup d'interet le Speech de V.M., dans lequel vous parlez
+si aimablement du "friendly call" a Eu et des cooperations des 2
+pays dans differentes parties du monde, et particulierement pour
+l'Abolition de la Traite des noirs.
+
+Ayez la grace, Sire, de deposer nos hommages et nos felicitations aux
+pieds de la Reine et de votre S[oe]ur. Agreez encore une fois, les
+expressions d'amitie et d'attachement sincere avec lesquelles je suis,
+Sire et mon bien cher Frere, de votre Majeste, la bien bonne S[oe]ur
+et fidele Amie,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th December 1845._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your kind letter of the 27th,
+by which I see how glad you are at our good Peel being again--and I
+sincerely and confidently hope for many years--my Minister. I have
+heard many instances of the confidence the country and _all_ parties
+have in Peel; for instance, he was immensely cheered at Birmingham--a
+most Radical place; and _Joseph Hume_ expressed great distress when
+Peel resigned, and the greatest contempt for Lord John Russell. The
+Members of the Government have behaved extremely well and with much
+disinterestedness. The Government has secured the services of Mr
+Gladstone and Lord Ellenborough,[44] who will be of great use. Lord E.
+is become very quiet, and is a very good speaker.
+
+We had a very happy Christmas. This weather is extremely unwholesome.
+Now, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 44: Lord Ellenborough was one of the few
+    Conservative statesmen of the day who, after remaining
+    faithful to Sir Robert Peel till the middle of 1846,
+    subsequently threw in his fortunes with Lord Derby and Mr
+    Disraeli. He was President of the Board of Control with those
+    Ministers in 1858 for the fourth time.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XV
+
+
+The closing days of the year 1845 had been marked by startling
+political events, and Lord John Russell's failure to form a
+Government, and Sir Robert Peel's resumption of office, with Mr
+Gladstone substituted for Lord Stanley, were now followed by the
+Ministerial measure for the Repeal of the Corn Laws. Embarrassed as
+he now was by the attacks of his old supporters, led by Bentinck
+and Disraeli, Peel was supported whole-heartedly but in a strictly
+constitutional manner by the Queen and the Prince. Amid bitter taunts,
+the Premier piloted the measure through Parliament, but on the night
+that it finally passed the Lords he was defeated on an Irish Coercion
+Bill by a factious combination in the Commons between the Whigs and
+Protectionists, and resigned. Lord John Russell on this occasion was
+able to form an administration, though he failed in his attempt to
+include in it some important members of the outgoing Government.
+
+Thus, owing to the Irish famine, the Tory party which had come into
+power in 1841 with a majority of ninety to support the Corn Laws, was
+shattered; after Peel's defeat it became clear that no common action
+could take place between his supporters in the struggle of 1846
+and men like Bentinck and Disraeli, who now became leaders of the
+Protectionist party. For the remainder of the year Peel was on the
+whole friendly to the Russell Government, his chief care being to
+maintain them in office as against the Protectionists.
+
+In India the British army was successful in its operations against the
+Sikhs, Sir Harry Smith defeating them at Aliwal, and Sir Hugh Gough at
+Sobraon. Our troops crossed the Sutlej, and terms of peace were agreed
+on between Sir Henry Hardinge (who became a Viscount) and the Sirdars
+from Lahore, peace being signed on 8th March.
+
+On the continent of Europe the most important events took place in the
+Peninsula. The selection of husbands for the Queen of Spain and her
+sister, which had so long been considered an international question,
+came at last to a crisis; the policy of Great Britain had been to
+leave the matter to the Spanish people, except in so far as might be
+necessary to check the undue ambition of Louis Philippe; and neither
+the Queen, Prince Albert, Peel, nor Aberdeen had in any way supported
+the candidature of Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg.
+
+It was common ground that no son of Louis Philippe should marry the
+Queen, but both that monarch and Guizot had further solemnly engaged
+at the Chateau d'Eu that no son should marry even the Infanta until
+the Queen was married and had children. The return of Palmerston to
+the Foreign Office, and his mention of Prince Leopold in a Foreign
+Office despatch as one of the candidates, gave the King and his
+Minister the pretext they required for repudiating their solemn
+undertaking. In defiance of good faith the engagements were
+simultaneously announced of the Queen to her cousin, Don Francisco
+de Asis, and of the Infanta to the Duc de Montpensier, Don Francisco
+being a man of unattractive, even disagreeable qualities, and feeble
+in _physique_. By this unscrupulous proceeding Queen Victoria and the
+English nation were profoundly shocked.
+
+At the same time Queen Maria found some difficulty in maintaining her
+position in Portugal. She dismissed in a somewhat high-handed manner
+her Minister the Duc de Palmella, and had to bear the brunt of an
+insurrection for several months: at the close of the year her arms
+were victorious at the lines of Torres Vedras, but the Civil War was
+not entirely brought to an end.
+
+In February a Polish insurrection broke out in Silesia, and the
+Austrian troops were driven from Cracow; the rising was suppressed by
+Austria, Russia, and Prussia, who had been constituted the "Protecting
+Powers" of Cracow by the Treaty of Vienna. This unsuccessful attempt
+was seized upon as a pretext for destroying the separate nationality
+of Cracow, which was forthwith annexed to Austria. This unjustifiable
+act only became possible in consequence of the _entente_ between
+England and France (equally parties to the Treaty of Vienna) having
+been terminated by the affair of the Spanish marriages; their formal
+but separate protests were disregarded.
+
+There remains to be mentioned the dispute between Great Britain and
+the United States as to the Oregon boundary, which had assumed so
+ominous a phase in 1845. Lord Aberdeen's last official act was to
+announce in the Lords that a Convention, proposed by himself for
+adjusting the question, had been accepted by the American President.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+1846
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd January 1846._
+
+The Queen must compliment Sir Robert Peel on his beautiful and indeed
+_unanswerable_ speech of last night, which we have been reading with
+the greatest attention.[1] The concluding part we also greatly admire.
+Sir R. Peel has made a very strong case. Surely the impression which
+it has made must have been a good one. Lord John's explanation is
+a fair one;[2] the Queen has _not_ a doubt that he will support Sir
+Robert Peel.
+
+He has indeed pledged himself to it. He does not give a very
+satisfactory explanation of the causes of his failure, but perhaps he
+could not do so without exposing Lord Palmerston.
+
+What does Sir Robert think of the temper of the House of Commons, and
+of the debate in the House of Lords? The debates not being adjourned
+is a good thing. The crowd was immense out-of-doors yesterday, and we
+were never better received.
+
+    [Footnote 1: The Queen had opened Parliament in person; the
+    Prime Minister took the unusual course of speaking immediately
+    after the seconder of the Address, and in his peroration,
+    after laying stress on the responsibilities he was incurring,
+    proceeded: "I do not desire to be Minister of England; but
+    while I am Minister of England I will hold office by no
+    servile tenure; I will hold office unshackled by any other
+    obligation than that of consulting the public interests and
+    providing for the public safety."]
+
+    [Footnote 2: He explained that the attitude of Lord Grey made
+    the difficulties attending the formation of a Whig Ministry
+    insuperable.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: EXTENSION OF INDIAN FRONTIER]
+
+
+_Sir Henry Hardinge to Queen Victoria._[3]
+
+CAMP, LULLIANEE, 24 miles from LAHORE, _18th February 1846._
+
+The territory which it is proposed should be ceded in perpetuity to
+your Majesty is a fine district between the Rivers Sutlej and Beas,
+throwing our frontier forward, within 30 miles of Amritsar, so as
+to have 50 miles of British territory in front of Loodiana, which,
+relatively with Ferozepore, is so weak, that it appeared desirable to
+the Governor-General to improve our frontier on its weakest side, to
+curb the Sikhs by an easy approach towards Amritsar across the Beas
+River instead of the Sutlej--to round off our hill possessions near
+Simla--to weaken the Sikh State which has proved itself to be too
+strong--and to show to all Asia that although the British Government
+has not deemed it expedient to annex this immense country of the
+Punjab, making the Indus the British boundary, it has punished the
+treachery and violence of the Sikh nation, and exhibited its powers
+in a manner which cannot be misunderstood. For the same political
+and military reason, the Governor-General hopes to be able before the
+negotiations are closed to make arrangements by which Cashmere may be
+added to the possessions of Gholab Singh, declaring the Rajpoot Hill
+States with Cashmere independent of the Sikhs of the Plains. The Sikhs
+declare their inability to pay the indemnity of one million and a
+half, and will probably offer Cashmere as an equivalent. In this case,
+if Gholab Singh pays the money demanded for the expenses of the war,
+the district of Cashmere will be ceded by the British to him, and the
+Rajah become one of the Princes of Hindostan.
+
+There are difficulties in the way of this arrangement, but considering
+the military power which the Sikh nation has exhibited of bringing
+into the field 80,000 men and 300 pieces of field artillery, it
+appears to the Governor-General most politic to diminish the means of
+this warlike people to repeat a similar aggression. The nation is in
+fact a dangerous military Republic on our weakest frontier. If the
+British Army had been defeated, the Sikhs, through the Protected
+States, which would have risen in their favour in case of a reverse,
+would have captured Delhi, and a people having 50,000 regular troops
+and 300 pieces of field artillery in a standing permanent camp within
+50 miles of Ferozepore, is a state of things that cannot be tolerated
+for the future....
+
+The energy and intrepidity displayed by your Majesty's
+Commander-in-Chief, Sir Hugh Gough, his readiness to carry on the
+service in cordial co-operation with the Governor-General, and the
+marked bravery and invincibility of your Majesty's English troops,
+have overcome many serious obstacles, and the precautions taken have
+been such that no disaster or failure, however trifling, has attended
+the arduous efforts of your Majesty's Arms.
+
+    [Footnote 3: The Sikhs were defeated at Sobraon on 10th
+    February by the British troops under Sir Hugh Gough,
+    reinforced by Sir Harry Smith, fresh from his victory at
+    Aliwal. _See_ p. 71.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL'S ANXIETIES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _3rd March 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I hasten to thank you for a most dear and kind
+letter of the 28th, which I received this morning. You know how I
+love and esteem my dearest Louise; she is the dearest friend, after my
+beloved Albert, I have.
+
+I wish you could be here, and hope you will come here for a few days
+during your stay, to see the innumerable alterations and improvements
+which have taken place. My dearest Albert is so happy here, out all
+day planting, directing, etc., and it is so good for him. It is a
+relief to be away from all the bitterness which people create for
+themselves in London. Peel has a very anxious and a very peculiar
+position, and it is the force of circumstances and the great energy
+he _alone possesses_ which will carry him through the Session. He
+certainly acts a most disinterested part, for did he not feel (as
+_every one_ who is fully acquainted with the _real state_ of the
+country must feel) that the line he pursues is the _only right_ and
+sound one for the welfare of this country, he never would have
+exposed himself to all the annoyance and pain of being attacked by his
+friends. He was, however, determined to have done this before the next
+general election, but the alarming state of distress in Ireland forced
+him to do it now. I must, however, leave him to explain to you fully
+himself the peculiar circumstances of the present very irregular state
+of affairs. His majority was _not_ a _certain_ one _last year_, for on
+Maynooth, upwards of a _hundred_ of his followers voted against him.
+
+The state of affairs in India is very serious. I am glad you do
+justice to the bravery of our good people.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF SIR ROBERT SALE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Henry Hardinge._
+
+OSBORNE, _4th March 1846._
+
+The Queen is anxious to seize the first opportunity of expressing to
+Sir Henry Hardinge, her admiration of his conduct on the last most
+trying occasion, and of the courage and gallantry of the officers and
+men who had so severe a contest to endure.[4] Their conduct has been
+in every way worthy of the British name, and both the Prince and Queen
+are deeply impressed with it. The severe loss we have sustained in
+so many brave officers and men is very painful, and must alloy the
+satisfaction every one feels at the brilliant successes of our Arms.
+Most deeply do we lament the death of Sir Robert Sale, Sir John
+M'Caskill,[5] and Major Broadfoot,[6] and most deeply do we sympathise
+with that high-minded woman, Lady Sale, who has had the misfortune
+to lose her husband less than three years after she was released from
+captivity and restored to him.
+
+We are truly rejoiced to hear that Sir H. Hardinge's health has
+not suffered, and that he and his brave son have been so mercifully
+preserved. The Queen will look forward with great anxiety to the next
+news from India.
+
+    [Footnote 4: At Moodkee on 18th December, and Ferozeshah on
+    21st and 22nd December.]
+
+    [Footnote 5: Who had commanded a brigade under Pollock in the
+    second Afghan campaign.]
+
+    [Footnote 6: Major George Broadfoot, C.B., Political Agent on
+    the north-western frontier.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCE'S MEMORANDUM]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st April 1846._
+
+I saw this day Sir R. Peel, and showed him a memorandum, which I had
+drawn up respecting our conversation of the 30th.
+
+It filled six sheets, and contained, as minutely as I could render
+it, the whole of the arguments we had gone through. Sir Robert read
+it through and over again, and, after a long pause, said: "I was not
+aware when I spoke to your Royal Highness that my words would be taken
+down, and don't acknowledge that this is a fair representation of my
+opinion." He was visibly uneasy, and added, if he knew that what he
+said should be committed to paper, he would speak differently, and
+give his opinion with all the circumspection and reserve which a
+Minister ought to employ when he gave responsible advice; but he had
+in this instance spoken quite unreservedly, like an advocate defending
+a point in debate, and then he had taken another and tried to carry
+this as far as it would go, in order to give me an opportunity of
+judging of the different bearings of the question. He did so often in
+the Cabinet, when they discussed important questions, and was often
+asked: "Well, then, you are quite against this measure?" "Not at
+all, but I want that the counter argument should be gone into to the
+fullest extent, in order that the Cabinet should not take a one-sided
+view."
+
+He viewed the existence of such a paper with much uneasiness, as it
+might appear as if he had left this before going out of office in
+order to prepossess the Queen against the measures, which her future
+Minister might propose to her, and so lay secretly the foundation
+of his fall. The existence of such a paper might cause great
+embarrassment to the Queen; if she followed the advice of a Minister
+who proposed measures hostile to the Irish Church, it might be said,
+she knew what she undertook, for Sir R. Peel had warned her and left
+on record the serious objections that attached to the measure.
+
+I said that I felt it to be of the greatest importance to possess
+his views on the question, but that I thought I would not have been
+justified in keeping a record of our conversation without showing it
+to him, and asking him whether I had rightly understood him; but if
+he felt a moment's uneasiness about this memorandum, I would at once
+destroy it, as I was anxious that nothing should prevent his
+speaking without the slightest reserve to me in future as he had done
+heretofore. I felt that these open discussions were of the greatest
+use to me in my endeavour to investigate the different political
+questions of the day and to form a conclusive opinion upon them.
+As Sir Robert did not say a word to dissuade me, I took it as an
+affirmative, and threw the memorandum into the fire, which, I could
+see, relieved Sir Robert.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Gladstone to Queen Victoria._
+
+13 CARLTON HOUSE TERRACE, _1st April 1846._
+
+Mr William Gladstone presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+prays that he may be honoured with your Majesty's permission to direct
+that the Park and Tower Guns may be fired forthwith in celebration of
+the victory which was achieved by your Majesty's forces over the Sikh
+army in Sobraon on the 10th of February.[7]
+
+    [Footnote 7: In September 1882 Mr Gladstone quoted this as
+    a precedent for firing the Park Guns after the victory of
+    Tel-el-Kebir. See _Life of Right Hon. Hugh C. E. Childers_, by
+    Colonel Childers, C.B., R.E., vol. ii p. 127.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Henry Hardinge._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _6th April 1846._
+
+The Queen must write a line to Sir Henry Hardinge in order to express
+her extreme satisfaction at the brilliant and happy termination of
+our severe contest with the Sikhs, which he communicated to her in his
+long and interesting letter of the 18th and 19th February. The
+Queen much admires the skill and valour with which their difficult
+operations have been conducted, and knows how much she owes to Sir
+Henry Hardinge's exertions. The Queen hopes that he will see an
+acknowledgment of this in the communication she has ordered to be made
+to him relative to his elevation to the Peerage.
+
+The Prince, who fully knows all the Queen's feelings on this glorious
+occasion, wishes to be named to Sir Henry Hardinge.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
+
+
+_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+PARIS, _5 Mai 1846._
+
+MADAME MA TRES CHERE S[OE]UR,--Quand le 1^er de Mai, au moment ou
+j'allais commencer les nombreuses et longues receptions de mon jour
+de fete, on m'a remis la lettre si gracieuse que votre Majeste a eu
+l'aimable attention de m'ecrire de maniere a ce que je la recoive ce
+jour la, j'en ai ete penetre, et j'ai pense tout de suite aux paroles
+du Menuet d'Iphigenie comme exprimant le remerciment qu'a mon grand
+regret, je ne pouvais que sentir, et non exprimer par ecrit dans un
+pareil moment. J'ai donc fait chercher tout de suite la partition de
+ce menuet, et celles du Ch[oe]ur du meme Opera de Glueck "_Chantons,
+celebrons notre Reine!_" mais on n'a pu, ou pas su se les procurer, et
+j'ai du me contenter de les avoir arranges pour le piano dans un
+livre (pas meme relie) qui a au moins pour excuse de contenir toute la
+musique de cet Opera. Je l'ai mis dans une grande enveloppe adressee
+a votre Majeste et j'ai fait prier Lord Cowley de l'expedier par
+le premier Courier qui pourrait s'en charger, comme Depeche, afin
+d'eviter ces postages dont Lord Liverpool m'a revele l'etonnant usage.
+
+Que vous dirai-je, Madame, sur tous les sentiments dont m'a penetre
+cette nouvelle marque d'amitie de votre part? Vous connaissez celle
+que je vous porte, et combien elle est vive et sincere. J'espere
+bien que l'annee ne s'ecoulera pas sans que j'aie ete presenter mes
+hommages a votre Majeste....
+
+Tout ce que j'entends, tout ce que je recueille, me donne de plus en
+plus l'esperance que la crise Parlementaire dans laquelle le Ministere
+de votre Majeste se trouve engage, se terminera, comme Elle sait
+que je le desire vivement, c'est-a-dire que Sir Robert Peel, Lord
+Aberdeen, etc., will hold fast, et qu'ils seront encore ses Ministres
+quand j'aurai le bonheur de Lui faire ma Cour. Je vois avec plaisir
+que ce v[oe]u est a peu pres general en France, et qu'il se manifeste
+de plus en plus....
+
+Que votre Majeste me permette d'offrir ici au Prince Albert
+l'expression de ma plus tendre amitie, et qu'elle veuille bien me
+croire pour la vie, Madame ma tres chere S[oe]ur, de votre Majeste, le
+bon Frere et bien fidele Ami,
+
+LOUIS PHILIPPE, R.
+
+J'ai vole ces feuilles de papier a ma bonne Reine pour echapper aux
+reproches trop bien fondes que Lord Aberdeen a faits a la derniere
+fourniture dont je me suis servi.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: IRISH CRIMES BILL]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _12th June 1846._ (_Friday Night._)
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave to
+acquaint your Majesty that no progress has been made to-night with the
+Irish Bill.[8]
+
+On reading the order of the day Sir Robert Peel took that opportunity
+of defending himself from the accusations[9] brought forward by
+Lord George Bentinck and Mr Disraeli against Sir Robert Peel for
+transactions that took place twenty years since. The debate on this
+preliminary question lasted until nearly half-past eleven.
+
+Like every unjust and malignant attack, this, according to Sir Robert
+Peel's impressions, recoiled upon its authors.
+
+He thinks the House was completely satisfied. Lord John Russell and
+Lord Morpeth behaved very well.
+
+The vindictive motive of the attack was apparent to all but a few
+Protectionists.
+
+    [Footnote 8: In consequence of a serious increase of crime in
+    Ireland, a Coercion Bill had been introduced.]
+
+    [Footnote 9: This refers to the Catholic Emancipation
+    discussions of 1827, when Bentinck and Disraeli accused Peel
+    of having hounded Canning to death.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ATTACK ON PEEL]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+WHITEHALL, _22nd June 1846._
+
+Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and assures
+your Majesty that he is penetrated with a deep sense of your Majesty's
+great kindness and your Majesty's generous sympathy with himself and
+Lady Peel.
+
+Sir Robert Peel firmly believes that the recent attack made upon him
+was the result of a foul conspiracy concocted by Mr Disraeli and Lord
+George Bentinck, in the hope and belief that from the lapse of time
+or want of leisure in Sir Robert Peel to collect materials for his
+defence, or the destruction of documents and papers, the means of
+complete refutation might be wanting....
+
+He hopes, however, he had sufficient proof to demonstrate the
+falseness of the accusation, and the malignant motives of the
+accusers.
+
+He is deeply grateful to your Majesty and to the Prince for the kind
+interest you have manifested during the progress of this arduous
+struggle, which now he trusts is approaching to a successful
+termination.
+
+
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _26th June 1846._ (_Two o'clock._)
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave
+to acquaint your Majesty that the members of the Government met in
+Cabinet to-day at one.
+
+Sir Robert Peel is just returned from this meeting.
+
+He stated to the Cabinet that after the event of yesterday (the
+rejection of the Irish Bill by so large a majority as 73) he felt
+it to be his duty as head of the Government humbly to tender his
+resignation of office to your Majesty. He added that, feeling no
+assurance that the result of a Dissolution would be to give a majority
+agreeing with the Government in general principles of policy, and
+sufficient in amount to enable the Government to conduct the business
+of the country with credit to themselves and satisfaction to your
+Majesty and the public at large, he could not advise your Majesty to
+dissolve the Parliament.
+
+Sir Robert Peel said that, in his opinion, the Government generally
+ought to resign, but his mind was made up as to his own course.
+
+There was not a dissenting voice that it was the duty of the
+Government to tender their resignation to your Majesty, and for the
+reasons stated by Sir Robert Peel, not to advise dissolution. If Sir
+Robert Peel does not receive your Majesty's commands to wait upon your
+Majesty in the course of to-day, Sir Robert Peel will be at Osborne
+about half-past three to-morrow.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL'S RESIGNATION]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE HOUSE, _28th June 1846._
+
+Sir Robert Peel arrived yesterday evening and tendered his
+resignation. He is evidently much relieved in quitting a post, the
+labours and anxieties of which seem almost too much for anybody to
+bear, and which in these last six months were particularly onerous.
+In fact, he said that he would not have been able to stand it much
+longer. Nothing, however, would have induced him to give way before
+he had passed the Corn Bill and the Tariff.[10] The majority upon the
+Irish Bill was much larger than any one had expected; Sir Robert was
+glad of this, however, as it convinced his colleagues of the necessity
+of resigning. He told them at the Cabinet that, as for himself
+personally, he had made up his mind to resign, and on being asked
+what he advised his Cabinet to do, he recommended them to do the
+same, which received general concurrence. The last weeks had not been
+without some intrigue. There was a party headed by Lord Ellenborough
+and Lord Brougham, who wished Sir Robert and Sir James Graham to
+retire, and for the rest of the Cabinet to reunite with the Protection
+section of the Conservatives, and to carry on the Government. Lord
+Ellenborough and Lord Brougham had in December last settled to head
+the Protectionists, but this combination had been broken up by Lord
+Ellenborough's acceptance of the post of First Lord of the Admiralty;
+Lord Brougham then declared for free trade, perhaps in order to follow
+Lord Ellenborough into office. The Duke of Wellington had been for
+dissolution till he saw the complete disorganisation of his party
+in the House of Lords. The Whigs, having been beat twice the evening
+before by large majorities on the Roman Catholic Bill, had made every
+exertion on the Coercion Bill, and the majority was still increased by
+Sir Robert's advising the Free Traders and Radicals, who had intended
+to stay away in order not to endanger Sir Robert's Government, not to
+do so as they would not be able to save him. Seventy Protectionists
+voted with the majority.
+
+    [Footnote 10: By a remarkable coincidence the Corn Bill passed
+    through the Lords on the same night that the Ministry were
+    defeated in the Commons.]
+
+Before leaving Town Sir R. Peel addressed a letter to Lord John
+Russell, informing him that he was going to the Isle of Wight in order
+to tender his and his colleagues' resignation to the Queen, that he
+did not the least know what Her Majesty's intentions were, but that in
+case she should send for Lord John, he (Sir Robert) was ready to see
+Lord John (should he wish it), and give him any explanation as to
+the state of public affairs and Parliamentary business which he could
+desire. Sir Robert thought thereby, without in the least committing
+the Queen, to indicate to Lord John that he had nothing to fear on his
+part, and that, on the contrary, he could reckon upon his assistance
+in starting the Queen's new Government. He hoped likewise that this
+would tend to dispel a clamour for dissolution which the Whigs have
+raised, alarmed by their defeats upon the Catholic Bill.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: END OF THE OREGON DISPUTE]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _29th June 1846._
+
+Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave to
+acquaint your Majesty that he has just concluded his speech notifying
+to the House the resignation of the Government.
+
+He thinks it was very well received.[11] Lord Palmerston spoke after
+Sir Robert Peel, but not very effectively, but no other person spoke.
+Sir Robert Peel is to see Lord John Russell at ten to-morrow morning.
+
+Sir Robert Peel humbly congratulates your Majesty on the intelligence
+received _this day_ from America. The defeat of the Government on
+the day on which they carried the Corn Bill, and the receipt of the
+intelligence from America[12] on the day on which they resign, are
+singular coincidences.
+
+    [Footnote 11: He expressed his hope to be remembered with
+    goodwill "in the abodes of those whose lot it is to labour,
+    and to earn their daily bread by the sweat of their brows,
+    when they shall recruit their exhausted strength with abundant
+    and untaxed food, the sweeter because no longer leavened with
+    a sense of injustice."]
+
+    [Footnote 12: The Convention for adjusting the dispute as to
+    the Oregon boundary had been accepted by the United States
+    Government.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL'S TRIBUTE TO COBDEN]
+
+
+_The Bishop of Oxford[13] to Mr Anson._
+
+61 EATON PLACE, _29th June 1846._ (_Midnight._)
+
+MY DEAR ANSON,--Your kind letter reached me half an hour ago whilst
+Sir T. Acland was sitting with me; and I must say a few words in reply
+by the early post. I went down to hear Peel in the House of Commons,
+and very fine it was. The House crowded, Peers and Ambassadors filling
+every seat and overflowing into the House. Soon after six all private
+business was over; Peel not come in, all waiting, no one rose for
+anything; for ten minutes this lasted: then Peel came in, walked up
+the House: colder, dryer, more introverted than ever, yet to a close
+gaze showing the fullest working of a smothered volcano of emotions.
+He was out of breath with walking and sat down on the Treasury Bench
+(placing a small despatch box with the Oregon despatches on the table)
+as he would be fully himself before he rose. By-and-by he rose, amidst
+a breathless silence, and made the speech you will have read long ere
+this. It was very fine: very effective: really almost solemn: to fall
+at such a moment. He spoke as if it was his last political scene: as
+if he felt that between alienated friends and unwon foes he could
+have no party again; and could only as a shrewd bystander observe and
+advise others. There was but one point in the Speech which I thought
+doubtful: the apostrophe to "Richard Cobden."[14] I think it was
+wrong, though there is very much to be said for it. The opening of the
+American peace was noble; but for the future, what have we to look to?
+Already there are whispers of Palmerston and War; the Whig budget and
+deficiency. The first great question all men ask is: does Lord John
+come in, leaning on Radical or Conservative aid? Is Hawes to be in the
+Cabinet? the first Dissenter? the first tradesman? the Irish Church? I
+wish you were near enough to talk to, though even then you would know
+too much that must not be known for a comfortable talk. But I shall
+hope soon to see you; and am always, my dear Anson, very sincerely and
+affectionately yours,
+
+S. OXON.
+
+    [Footnote 13: Dr S. Wilberforce.]
+
+    [Footnote 14: "Sir, the name which ought to be, and which will
+    be, associated with the success of these measures, is the name
+    of a man who, acting, I believe, from pure and disinterested
+    motives, has advocated their cause with untiring energy, and
+    by appeals to reason, enforced by an eloquence the more to
+    be admired because it was unaffected and unadorned--the
+    name which ought to be and which will be associated with the
+    success of these measures is the name of Richard Cobden."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW GOVERNMENT]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE HOUSE, _30th June 1846._
+
+Lord John Russell arrived here this afternoon; he has seen Sir Robert
+Peel this morning, and is prepared to undertake the formation of
+a Government which he thinks will stand; at least, for the present
+session he anticipates no difficulty, as Sir R. Peel has professed
+himself ready not to obstruct its progress, and as the Protectionists
+have held a meeting on Saturday at which Lord Stanley has declared
+that he would let this Government go on smoothly unless the word
+"Irish Church" was pronounced. About men and offices, Lord John has
+consulted with Lord Lansdowne, Palmerston, Clarendon, and Cottenham,
+who were of opinion that the Liberal members of Sir Robert's Cabinet
+ought to be induced to retain office under Lord John, viz. Lord
+Dalhousie, Lord Lincoln, and Mr Sidney Herbert. Sir Robert Peel at the
+interview of this morning had stated to Lord John that he would not
+consider it as an attempt to draw his supporters away from him (it not
+being his intention to form a party), and that he would not dissuade
+them from accepting the offer, but that he feared that they would not
+accept. We concurred in this opinion, but Lord John was authorised
+by Victoria to make the offer. Mr F. Baring, the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer under the late Whig Government, has intimated to Lord John
+that he would prefer if no offer of office was made to him; Lord John
+would therefore recommend Mr Charles Wood for this office. Lord Grey
+was still a difficulty; in or out of office he seemed to be made a
+difficulty. It would be desirable to have him in the Cabinet if he
+could waive his opinions upon the Irish Church. His speech in the
+House of Lords[15] at the beginning of the session had done much harm,
+had been very extreme, and Lord John was decidedly against him in
+that. Lord Grey knew that everybody blamed it, but said everybody
+would be of those (his) opinions ten years hence, and therefore he
+might just as well hold them now. Mr Wood having great influence with
+him might keep him quiet, and so would the Colonial seals, as he would
+get work enough. About Lord Palmerston, he is satisfied, and would no
+more make any difficulty.
+
+    [Footnote 15: On the 23rd of March, in the course of a long
+    speech on the state of Ireland, Earl Grey had contrasted the
+    poverty of the Roman Catholic Church in that country with the
+    affluence of the Establishment, diverted, as he said, by the
+    superior power of England from its original objects; adding
+    that the Protestant Church was regarded by the great mass of
+    the Irish people as an active cause of oppression and misery.]
+
+Lord John Russell told me in the evening that he had forgotten to
+mention one subject to the Queen: it was that Sir Robert Peel by his
+speech and his special mention of Mr Cobden as the person who had
+carried the great measure, had made it very difficult for Lord John
+not to offer office to Mr Cobden. The Whigs were already accused of
+being exclusive, and reaping the harvest of other people's work. The
+only thing he could offer would be a _Cabinet_ office. Now this would
+affront a great many people whom he (Lord J.) had to conciliate, and
+create even possibly dissension in his Cabinet. As Mr Cobden was going
+on the Continent for a year, Lord John was advised by Lord Clarendon
+to write to Mr C., and tell him that he had heard he was going
+abroad, that he would not make any offer to him therefore, but that
+he considered him as entitled once to be recommended for office to the
+Queen. This he would do, with the Queen's permission....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW MINISTRY]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
+
+OSBORNE, _1st July 1846._
+
+The Queen returns these letters, with her best thanks. The settlement
+of the Oregon question has given us the greatest satisfaction. It does
+seem strange that at the moment of triumph the Government should
+have to resign. The Queen read Sir Robert Peel's speech with great
+admiration. The Queen seizes this opportunity (though she will see Sir
+Robert again) of expressing her _deep_ concern at losing his services,
+which she regrets as much for the Country as for herself and the
+Prince. In whatever position Sir Robert Peel may be, we shall ever
+look on him as a kind and true friend, and ever have the greatest
+esteem and regard for him as a Minister and as a private individual.
+
+The Queen will not say anything about what passed at Lord John
+Russell's interview, as the Prince has already written to Sir Robert.
+She does not think, however, that he mentioned the wish Lord John
+expressed that Lord Liverpool should retain his office, which however
+(much as we should personally like it) we think he would not do.
+
+What does Sir Robert hear of the Protectionists, and what do his own
+followers say to the state of affairs?
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: WHIG JEALOUSIES]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _6th July 1846._
+
+Yesterday the new Ministry were installed at a Privy Council, and the
+Seals of Office transferred to them. We had a long conversation with
+Sir Robert Peel, who took leave. I mentioned to him that his word
+of "Richard Cobden" had created an immense sensation, but he was not
+inclined to enter upon the subject. When we begged him to do nothing
+which could widen the breach between him and his party, he said, "I
+don't think that we can ever get together again." He repeated that he
+was anxious not to undertake a Government again, that his health would
+not stand it, that it was better likewise for the Queen's service
+that other, younger men should be brought forward. Sir Robert, Lord
+Aberdeen, and Sir James Graham parted with great emotion, and had
+tears in their eyes when they thanked the Queen for her confidence
+and support. Lord Aberdeen means to have an interview with Lord
+Palmerston, and says that when he (Lord A.) came into office, Lord
+Palmerston and the _Chronicle_ assailed him most bitterly as an
+imbecile Minister, a traitor to his country, etc., etc. He means now
+to show Lord P. the contrast by declaring his readiness to assist him
+in every way he can by his advice, that he would at all times speak to
+him as if he was his colleague if he wished it.
+
+The new Court is nearly completed, and we have succeeded in obtaining
+a very respectable and proper one, notwithstanding the run which
+the Party made upon it which had been formerly used to settle these
+matters, to _their_ liking only. The Government is not a united one,
+however, by any means. Mr Wood and Lord Clarendon take the greatest
+credit in having induced Lord Grey to join the Government,[16] and are
+responsible to Lord John to keep him quiet, which they think they will
+be able to do, as he had been convinced of the folly of his former
+line of conduct. Still, they say Lord Lansdowne will have the lead
+only nominally, that Lord Grey is to take it really in the House
+of Lords. There is the _Grey Party_, consisting of Lord Grey, Lord
+Clarendon, Sir George Grey, and Mr Wood; they are against Lord
+Lansdowne, Lord Minto, Lord Auckland, and Sir John Hobhouse,
+stigmatising them as old women. Lord John leans entirely to the
+last-named gentlemen. There is no cordiality between Lord John and
+Lord Palmerston, who, if he had to make a choice, would even forget
+what passed in December last, and join the Grey Party in preference to
+Lord John personally. The curious part of all this is that they
+cannot keep a secret, and speak of all their differences. They got
+the _Times_ over by giving it exclusive information, and the leading
+articles are sent in and praise the new Cabinet, but the wicked paper
+added immediately a furious attack upon Sir John Hobhouse, which
+alarmed them so much that they sent to Sir John, sounding him, whether
+he would be hereafter prepared to relinquish the Board of Control.
+(This, however, is a mere personal matter of Mr Walter, who stood
+against Sir John at Nottingham in 1841 and was unseated.) Sir John
+Easthope, the proprietor of the _Morning Chronicle_, complains
+bitterly of the subserviency to the _Times_ and treason to him. He
+says he knows that the information was sent from Lord John's house,
+and threatens revenge. "If you will be ruled by the _Times_," he
+said to one of the Cabinet, "the _Times_ has shown you already by a
+specimen that you will be ruled by a rod of iron."
+
+    [Footnote 16: In spite of the opposition of the latter to
+    Palmerston's re-appointment to the Foreign Office. See _ante_,
+    p. 60.]
+
+A Brevet for the Army and Navy is proposed, in order to satisfy Lord
+Anglesey with the dignity of Field-Marshal.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+The Protectionists, 150 strong, including Peers and M.P.'s, are to
+give a dinner to Lord Stanley at Greenwich, at which he is to announce
+his opinions upon the line they are to take. Lord George Bentinck is
+there to lay down the lead which the Party insisted upon. Who is to
+follow him as their leader in the Commons nobody knows.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A WEAK GOVERNMENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _7th July 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you for your kind letter of the
+3rd. It arrived yesterday, which was a very hard day for me. I had to
+part with Sir R. Peel and Lord Aberdeen, who are irreparable losses
+to us and the Country; they were both so much overcome that it quite
+overset me, and we have in them two devoted friends. We felt so safe
+with them. Never, during the five years that they were with me, did
+they _ever_ recommend a _person_ or a thing which was not for my or
+the Country's best, and never for the Party's advantage only; and the
+contrast _now_ is very striking; there is much less respect and much
+less high and pure feeling. Then the discretion of Peel, I believe, is
+unexampled.
+
+Stockmar has, I know, explained to you the state of affairs, which
+is unexampled, and I think the present Government _very_ weak and
+extremely disunited. What may appear to you as a mistake in November
+was an inevitable evil. Aberdeen very truly explained it yesterday.
+"We had ill luck," he said; "if it had not been for this famine in
+Ireland, which rendered immediate measures necessary, Sir Robert would
+have prepared them gradually for the change." Then, besides, the Corn
+Law Agitation was such that if Peel had not wisely made this change
+(for which the _whole_ Country blesses him), a convulsion would
+shortly have taken place, and we should have been _forced_ to yield
+what has been granted as a boon. No doubt the breaking up of the Party
+(which _will_ come together again, whether under Peel or some one
+else) is a very distressing thing. The only thing to be regretted, and
+I do not know exactly _why_ he did it (though we _can_ guess), was his
+praise of _Cobden_, which has shocked people a good deal.
+
+But I can't tell you how sad I am to lose Aberdeen; you can't think
+what a delightful companion he was; the breaking up of all this
+intercourse during our journeys, etc., is deplorable.
+
+We have contrived to get a _very_ respectable Court.
+
+Albert's use to me, and I may say to the _Country_, by his firmness
+and sagacity, is beyond all belief in these moments of trial.
+
+We are all well, but I am, of course, a good deal overset by all these
+tribulations.
+
+Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+I was much touched to see Graham so very much overcome at taking leave
+of us.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S ANXIETY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Hardinge._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _8th July 1846._
+
+The Queen thanks Lord Hardinge for his interesting communications.
+Lord Hardinge will have learnt all that has taken place in the
+Country; one of the most brilliant Governments this Country ever
+had has fallen at the moment of victory! The Queen has now, besides
+mourning over this event, the anxiety of having to see the Government
+carried on as efficiently as possible, for the welfare of the Country.
+The Queen would find a guarantee for the accomplishment of this
+object in Lord Hardinge's consenting to continue at the head of the
+Government of India, where great experiments have been made which
+require unity of purpose and system to be carried out successfully.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _10th July 1846._
+
+... The Queen approves of the pensions proposed by Lord J. Russell,
+though she cannot conceal from him that she thinks the one to Father
+Mathew a doubtful proceeding. It is quite true that he has done much
+good by preaching temperance, but by the aid of superstition, which
+can hardly be patronised by the Crown.[17]
+
+The Queen is sure that Lord John will like her at all times to speak
+out her mind, and has, therefore, done so without reserve.
+
+    [Footnote 17: The pension was, however, granted.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _14th July 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--We are very happily established here since
+Thursday, and have beautiful weather for this truly enjoyable place;
+we drive, walk, and sit out--and the nights are so fine. I long for
+you to be here. It has quite restored my spirits, which were much
+shaken by the sad leave-takings in London--of Sir R. Peel, Lord
+Aberdeen, Lord Liverpool, etc. Lord L. could _not well_ have stayed.
+Lord Aberdeen was very much overset.
+
+The present Government is weak, and I think Lord J. does not possess
+the talent of keeping his people together. Most people think,
+however, that they will get through this Session; the only question of
+difficulty is the _sugar_ question.
+
+I think that the King of the French's visit is more than ever
+desirable--now; for if he were to be shy of coming, it would prove
+to the world that this _new_ Government was hostile, and the _entente
+cordiale_ no longer sure. Pray impress this on the King--and I _hope_
+and _beg_ he will let the dear Nemours pay us a little visit in
+November. It would have the best effect, and be so pleasant, as we are
+so dull in the winter all by ourselves. I hope that in future, when
+the King and the Family are at _Eu_, some of them will frequently come
+over to see us _here_. It would be so nice and _so near_.
+
+Now adieu, dearest Uncle. I hope I shall _not_ have to _write_ to
+you again, but have the happiness of _saying de vive voix_, that I am
+ever, your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGES]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _16th July 1846._
+
+... With regard to the marriage of the Queen of Spain, Viscount
+Palmerston has received a good deal of general information from
+persons who have conversed with him on the subject, but he has learnt
+nothing thereupon which was not already known to your Majesty. The
+state of that matter seems, in a few words, to be that the Count
+of Trapani is now quite out of the question, that the Count of
+Montemolin, though wished for by Austria, and in some degree supported
+by the Court of the Tuileries, would be an impossible choice, and that
+the alternative now lies between Don Enrique and the Prince Leopold
+of Coburg, the two Queens being equally set against the Duke of Cadiz,
+Don Enrique's elder brother. In favour of Prince Leopold seem to be
+the two Queens, and a party (of what extent and influence does not
+appear) in Spain. Against that Prince are arrayed, ostensibly at
+least, the Court of the Tuileries and the Liberal Party in Spain; and
+probably to a certain degree the Government of Austria.
+
+In favour of Don Enrique are a very large portion of the Spanish
+nation, who would prefer a Spanish prince for their Sovereign's
+husband; and the preference, expressed only as an opinion and without
+any acts in furtherance of it, by your Majesty's late Administration.
+Against Don Enrique are the aversion of the Queen Mother, founded on
+her family differences with her late sister, and the apprehensions of
+the present Ministers in Spain, who would think their power endangered
+by the political connection between Don Enrique and the more Liberal
+Party. The sentiments of the King of the French in regard to Don
+Enrique seem not very decided; but it appears likely that the King of
+the French would prefer Count Montemolin or the Duke of Cadiz to Don
+Enrique; but that he would prefer Don Enrique to the Prince Leopold of
+Coburg, because the former would fall within the category of Bourbon
+princes, descended from Philip the Fifth of Spain, proposed by the
+King of the French as the limited circle within which the Queen of
+Spain should find a husband.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+_16th July 1846._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's interesting letter, and is
+very much satisfied with his parting conversation with Ibrahim
+Pasha, which she conceives will not be lost upon him. The view Lord
+Palmerston takes about the present position of the Spanish marriage
+question appears to the Queen quite correct. She finds only one
+omission, which is Queen Isabella's personal objection to Don Enrique,
+and the danger which attaches to marriage with a Prince taken up by a
+Political Party in Spain, which makes him the political enemy of the
+opposite Party.[18]
+
+The Queen thanks Lord Palmerston for his zeal about Portugal, which
+is really in an alarming state.[19] She sends herewith the last letter
+which she received from the King of Portugal. The Queen is sorry to
+have lost the opportunity of seeing Marshal Saldanha.
+
+    [Footnote 18: On the 18th of July Lord Palmerston wrote his
+    celebrated despatch to Mr Bulwer, and unfortunately showed
+    a copy of it to Jarnac, the French Ambassador in London. The
+    mention of Prince Leopold in it, as a possible candidate for
+    the Queen of Spain's hand, gave the French King and Minister
+    the opportunity they wanted, and brought matters to a crisis.
+    See _Life of the Prince Consort_, vol. i. chap. xvii.;
+    Dalling's _Life of Lord Palmerston,_ vol. iii. chaps. vii. and
+    viii.]
+
+    [Footnote 19: Owing to the insurrection, a run took place on
+    the Bank of Lisbon. The Ministry (in which Saldanha was War
+    Minister) had some difficulty in raising a loan.]
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PREROGATIVE OF DISSOLUTION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE HOUSE, _16th July 1846._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's communication of yesterday,
+and sincerely hopes that Lord John's sugar measure[20] may be such
+that the Committee of the Cabinet, as well as the whole Cabinet and
+_Parliament_, may concur in it, which would save the country another
+struggle this year. The Queen trusts, moreover, that late experience
+and good sense may induce the West Indians to be moderate and
+accommodating. As Lord John touches in his letter on the possibility
+of a Dissolution, the Queen thinks it right to put Lord John in
+possession of her views upon this subject _generally_. She considers
+the power of dissolving Parliament a most valuable and powerful
+instrument in the hands of the Crown, but which ought not to be used
+except in extreme cases and with a certainty of success. To use this
+instrument and be defeated is a thing most lowering to the Crown
+and hurtful to the country. The Queen strongly feels that she made
+a mistake in allowing the Dissolution in 1841; the result has been a
+majority returned against her of nearly one hundred votes; but suppose
+the result to have been nearly an equality of votes between the two
+contending parties, the Queen would have thrown away her last remedy,
+and it would have been impossible for her to get any Government which
+could have carried on public business with a chance of success.
+
+The Queen was glad therefore to see that Sir Robert Peel did not ask
+for a Dissolution, and she _entirely concurs_ in the opinion expressed
+by him in his last speech in the House of Commons, when he said:
+
+"I feel strongly this, that no Administration is justified in advising
+the exercise of that prerogative, unless there be a fair, reasonable
+presumption, even a strong moral conviction, that after a Dissolution
+they will be enabled to administer the affairs of this country through
+the support of a party sufficiently powerful to carry their measures.
+I do not think a Dissolution justifiable to strengthen a party. I
+think the power of Dissolution is a great instrument in the hands of
+the Crown, and that there is a tendency to blunt that instrument if it
+be resorted to without necessity.
+
+"The only ground for Dissolution would have been a strong presumption
+that after a Dissolution we should have had a party powerful enough in
+this House to give effect practically to the measures which we might
+propose. I do not mean a support founded on a concurrence on _one
+great question of domestic policy_, however important that may be, not
+of those who differ from us on almost all questions of public policy,
+agreeing with us in one; but that we should have the support of a
+powerful party united by a general concurrence of political opinions."
+
+The Queen is confident that these views will be in accordance with
+Lord John Russell's own sentiments and opinions upon this subject.
+
+    [Footnote 20: In pursuance of the policy of free trade, the
+    Ministry introduced and passed a Bill reducing the duties
+    on foreign slave-grown sugar, with the ultimate intention of
+    equalising them with those on Colonial produce.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD MELBOURNE'S VIEWS]
+
+
+_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
+
+SOUTH STREET, _21st July 1846._
+
+Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has just
+received your Majesty's letter of yesterday, and is much delighted at
+again hearing from your Majesty.
+
+What your Majesty says of the state of public affairs and of parties
+in Parliament is true. But in November last Sir Robert Peel had
+a party which might have enabled him to have long carried on the
+Government if he had not most unaccountably chosen himself to scatter
+it to the winds.
+
+Lord Melbourne is much gratified by the intimation that your Majesty
+would not have been displeased or unwilling to see him again amongst
+your confidential servants, but your Majesty acted most kindly and
+most judiciously in not calling upon him in November last, and John
+Russell has done the same in forbearing to make to Lord Melbourne any
+offer at present. When Lord Melbourne was at Brocket Hall during
+the Whitsuntide holidays he clearly foresaw that Sir Robert Peel's
+Government must be very speedily dissolved; and upon considering the
+state of his own health and feelings, he came to the determination,
+which he communicated to Mr Ellice, who was with him, that he could
+take no active part in the then speedily approaching crisis. He felt
+himself quite unequal to the work, and also to that of either of the
+Secretaries of State, or even of the more subordinate and less heavy
+and responsible offices. He is very subject to have accesses of
+weakness, which render him incapable for exertion, and deprive his
+life of much of its enjoyment. They do not appear at present to hasten
+its termination, but how soon they may do so it is impossible to
+foretell or foresee.
+
+Lord Melbourne hopes that he shall be able to wait upon your Majesty
+on Saturday next, but he fears the weight of the full dress uniform.
+He begs to be remembered to His Royal Highness.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCE AND PEEL]
+
+
+_Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert._
+
+DRAYTON MANOR, FAZELEY, _August 1846._
+
+SIR,--I shall be very happy to avail myself of your Royal Highness's
+kind permission occasionally to write to your Royal Highness. However
+much I am enjoying the contrast between repose and official life,
+I may say--I hope without presumption, I am sure with perfect
+sincerity--that the total interruption of every sort of communication
+with your Royal Highness would be a very severe penalty.
+
+It was only yesterday that I was separating from the rest of my
+correspondence all the letters which I had received from the Queen
+and your Royal Highness during the long period of five years, in order
+that I might ensure their exemption from the fate to which in these
+days all letters seem to be destined, and I could not review them
+without a mixed feeling of gratitude for the considerate indulgence
+and kindness of which they contained such decisive proofs, and
+of regret that such a source of constantly recurring interest and
+pleasure was dried up.
+
+I can act in conformity with your Royal Highness's gracious wishes,
+and occasionally write to you, without saying a word of which the most
+jealous or sensitive successor in the confidence of the Queen could
+complain.... Your faithful and humble Servant,
+
+ROBERT PEEL.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd August 1846._
+
+The Queen has just seen Lord Bessborough, who presses very much for
+her going to Ireland; she thinks it right to put Lord John Russell in
+possession of her views on this subject.
+
+It is a journey which must one day or other be undertaken, and which
+the Queen would be glad to have accomplished, because it must be
+disagreeable to her that people should speculate whether she _dare_
+visit one part of her dominions. Much will depend on the proper
+moment, for, after those speculations, it ought to succeed if
+undertaken.
+
+The Queen is anxious that when undertaken it should be a National
+thing, and the good which it is to do must be a permanent and not a
+transitory advantage to a particular Government, having the appearance
+of a party move.
+
+As this is not a journey of pleasure like the Queen's former ones, but
+a State act, it will have to be done with a certain degree of State,
+and ought to be done handsomely. It cannot be expected that the main
+expense of it should fall upon the Civil List, nor would this be able
+to bear it.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CANADIAN AFFAIRS]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Earl Grey._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd August 1846._
+
+MY DEAR LORD GREY,--The Queen wishes me to return you the enclosed
+letter. The subject of the Government of Canada is one which the Queen
+has much at heart. Canada has been for a long time, and may probably
+_still_ be for the future, a source of great weakness to this Empire,
+and a number of experiments have been tried. It was in a very bad
+state before the Union, continually embarrassing the Home Government,
+and the Union has by no means acted as a remedy, but it may be said
+almost to have increased the difficulties. The only thing that has
+hitherto proved beneficial was the prudent, consistent, and impartial
+administration of Lord Metcalfe. Upon the continuance and consistent
+application of the system which he has laid down and acted upon,
+will depend, in the Queen's estimation, the future welfare of that
+province, and the maintenance of proper relations with the mother
+country. The Queen therefore is most anxious that in the appointment
+of a new Governor-General (for which post she thinks Lord Elgin very
+well qualified), regard should be had to securing an uninterrupted
+development of Lord Metcalfe's views. The Queen thought it the more
+her duty to make you acquainted with her sentiments upon this subject,
+because she thinks that additional danger arises from the impressions
+which the different agents of the different political parties in
+Canada try to produce upon the Home Government and the imperial
+Parliament, and from their desire to mix up Canadian _party_ politics
+with general English _party_ politics.[21] Ever yours, etc.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 21: In the event, Lord Elgin was appointed.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _4th August 1846._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is
+greatly obliged to your Majesty for your Majesty's communication
+respecting a Royal visit to Ireland. He concurs in your Majesty's
+observations on that subject. He is of opinion that if the visit
+partook in any way of a party character, its effects would be
+mischievous, and not beneficial.
+
+He is also doubtful of the propriety of either incurring very large
+expense on the part of the public, or of encouraging Irish proprietors
+to lay out money in show and ceremony at a time when the accounts of
+the potato crop exhibit the misery and distress of the people in an
+aggravated shape.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE WELLINGTON STATUE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+_7th August_ [_1846_].
+
+With regard to the Statue[22] on the arch on Constitution Hill, the
+Queen is of opinion that if she is considered individually she is
+bound by her word, and must allow the Statue to go up, however bad the
+appearance of it will be. If the constitutional fiction is applied to
+the case, the Queen acts by the advice of her _responsible_ advisers.
+One Government advised her to give her assent, another advises the
+withdrawal of that assent. This latter position has been taken in Lord
+Morpeth's former letter to the Committee, and in the debate in the
+House of Commons; it must therefore now be adhered to, and whatever
+is decided must be the act of the Government. It would accordingly
+be better to keep the word "Government" at the conclusion of Lord
+Morpeth's proposed letter, and that the Prince should not go to Town
+to give an opinion upon the appearance of the figure, when up.
+
+    [Footnote 22: The equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington
+    at Hyde Park Corner was much criticised at the time of its
+    erection: it is now at Aldershot.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+[_9th August 1846._]
+
+MY DEAR LORD PALMERSTON,--The Queen is much obliged for Lord Howard
+de Walden's private letter to you, and begs you will never hesitate to
+send her such private communications, however unreserved they may
+be in their language, as our chief wish and aim is, by hearing all
+parties, to arrive at a just, dispassionate, and correct opinion
+upon the various political questions. This, however, entails a strict
+scrutiny of what is brought before us....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND SPAIN]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _17th August 1846._
+
+The Queen has received a draft to Mr Bulwer from Lord Palmerston. The
+perusal of it has raised some apprehensions in the Queen's mind,
+which she stated to Lord Palmerston she would communicate to Lord John
+Russell.
+
+The draft lays down a general policy, which the Queen is afraid may
+ultimately turn out very dangerous. It is this:
+
+England undertakes to interfere in the internal affairs of Spain, and
+to promote the development of the present constitutional Government of
+Spain in a more democratic direction, and this for the avowed purpose
+of counteracting the influence of France. England becomes therefore
+_responsible_ for a particular direction given to the _internal_
+Government of Spain, which to control she has no sufficient means. All
+England can do, and will have to do, is: to keep up a particular party
+in Spain to support her views.
+
+France, knowing that this is directed against her, must take up the
+opposite party and follow the opposite policy in Spanish affairs.
+
+This must bring England and France to quarrels, of which we can hardly
+foresee the consequences, and it dooms Spain to eternal convulsions
+and reactions.
+
+This has been the state of things before; theory and experience
+therefore warn against the renewal of a similar policy.
+
+The natural consequence of this is that Don Enrique would appear
+as the desirable candidate for the Queen of Spain's hand, and Lord
+Palmerston accordingly for the first time deviates from the line
+hitherto followed by us, and _urges_ Don Enrique, which in the eyes of
+the world must stamp him as "_an English Candidate_." Lord Palmerston,
+from his wish to see him succeed, does, in the Queen's opinion, not
+sufficiently acknowledge the obstacles which stand in the way of
+this combination, and which all those who are on the spot and in the
+confidence of the Court represent as almost insurmountable.
+
+The Queen desires Lord John Russell to weigh all this most maturely,
+and to let her know the result.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _19th August 1846._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that he has maturely considered, together with
+Lord Palmerston, Lord Lansdowne, and Lord Clarendon, your Majesty's
+observations on the draft sent by Lord Palmerston for your Majesty's
+approbation.
+
+Lord John Russell entirely concurs in your Majesty's wish that England
+and France should not appear at Madrid as countenancing conflicting
+parties. Lord John Russell did not attach this meaning to Lord
+Palmerston's proposed despatch, but he has now re-written the draft in
+such a manner as he trusts will obtain your Majesty's approval.
+
+Lord John Russell will pay the utmost attention to this difficult and
+delicate subject.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGES]
+
+[Pageheading: DON ENRIQUE]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _19th August 1846._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+endeavoured to modify and rearrange his proposed instruction to Mr
+Bulwer in deference to your Majesty's wishes and feelings as expressed
+to Lord John Russell; and with this view also Viscount Palmerston has
+divided the instruction into two separate despatches--the one treating
+of the proposed marriage of the Queen, the other of the possible
+marriage of the Infanta. But with regard to these new drafts, as well
+as with regard to the former one, Viscount Palmerston would beg
+to submit that they are not notes to be presented to any Foreign
+Government, nor despatches to be in any way made public; but that they
+are confidential instructions given to one of your Majesty's Ministers
+abroad, upon matters upon which your Majesty's Government have been
+urgently pressed, to enable that Minister to give advice; and Viscount
+Palmerston would beg also to submit that in a case of this kind it
+would not be enough to communicate drily the opinion of the British
+Government, without stating and explaining some of the reasons upon
+which those opinions are founded.
+
+It is quite evident from Mr Bulwer's communication, and especially
+from the postscript to his despatch of the 4th of this month, that
+Queen Christina, the Duke of Rianzares, and Senor Isturitz, are
+earnestly and intently bent upon marrying the Queen Isabella to Prince
+Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, and it is very difficult to find conclusive
+grounds for saying that such a match would not perhaps, on the whole,
+be the best for Queen Isabella and the Spanish nation. But still, all
+things considered, your Majesty's Government incline to the opinion
+that a Spanish Prince would be a preferable choice, and they are
+prepared to give that opinion to the Spanish Court.
+
+There is however but one Spanish Prince whom it would be creditable
+to the British Government to recommend as husband to the Queen, and to
+that Prince Queen Christina is known to feel objections, principally
+founded upon apprehensions bearing upon her own personal interests.
+Viscount Palmerston has endeavoured to furnish Mr Bulwer with such
+arguments in favour of Don Enrique as appeared likely to meet Queen
+Christina's fears, and he has occasion to believe, from a conversation
+which he had a few days ago with Count Jarnac, that the French
+Government, impelled by the apprehension that your Majesty's
+Government intend to support Prince Leopold of Coburg, would be
+willing, in order to draw the British Government off from such a
+course, to give at least an ostensible though perhaps not a very
+earnest support to Don Henry. But your Majesty will no doubt at
+once perceive that although the British Government may come to an
+understanding with that of France as to which of the candidates shall
+be the one in whose favour an opinion is to be expressed, it would be
+impossible for the British Government to associate itself with that of
+France in any joint step to be taken upon this matter, and that each
+Government must act separately through its own agent at Madrid. For
+the two Governments have not only different objects in view in these
+matters, England wishing Spain to be independent, and France desiring
+to establish a predominant influence in Spain; but moreover, in regard
+to this marriage question, Great Britain has disclaimed any right to
+interfere except by opinion and advice, while France has assumed
+an authority of dictation, and it is essential that your Majesty's
+Government should so shape the mode of co-operating with France as not
+to appear to sanction pretensions which are founded in no right and
+are inconsistent with justice.
+
+Viscount Palmerston is by no means confident that the joint advice of
+the British and French Governments in favour of Don Enrique will be
+successful, and especially because he fears that M. Bresson has taken
+so active a part in favour of other arrangements, that he will not be
+very eager in support of Don Enrique, and will perhaps think that if
+this arrangement can be rendered impossible the chances may become
+greater in favour of some other arrangement which he and his
+Government may prefer. But such future embarrassments must be dealt
+with when they arise, and Viscount Palmerston submits that for the
+moment, unless the British Government had been prepared to close with
+the offers of the Duke of Rianzares, and to follow at once the course
+recommended by Mr Bulwer, the steps suggested in the accompanying
+drafts are the safest and the best.
+
+Viscount Palmerston has great pleasure in submitting the accompanying
+private letter from Mr Bulwer announcing the withdrawal of the Spanish
+troops from the frontier of Portugal.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DOUBLE BETROTHAL]
+
+
+_Mr Bulwer to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+MADRID, _29th August 1846._
+
+MY LORD,--I have troubled your Lordship of late with many
+communications....
+
+I have now to announce to your Lordship that the Queen declared last
+night at twelve o'clock that she had made up her mind in favour of
+His Royal Highness Don Francisco de Asis.... Your Lordship is aware
+under what circumstances Don Francisco was summoned here, the Court
+having been, when I wrote on the 4th, most anxious to conclude a
+marriage with Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, and only induced to
+abandon this idea from the repeated intimations it received that it
+could not be carried out....
+
+The same night a Council was held of the Queen Mother's friends,
+who determined to bring matters forthwith to a conclusion. Queen
+Christina, I understand, spoke to her daughter and told her she
+must choose one of two things, either marrying now, or deferring the
+marriage for three or four years. That the Prince of Saxe-Coburg was
+evidently impossible; that Count Trapani would be dangerous; that Don
+Henry had placed himself in a position which rendered the alliance
+with him out of the question, and that Her Majesty must either make up
+her mind to marry her cousin Don Francisco de Asis, or to abandon for
+some time the idea of marrying.
+
+The Queen, I am told, took some little time to consider, and then
+decided in favour of her cousin. The Ministers were called in, and the
+drama was concluded....
+
+H. L. BULWER.
+
+_P.S._--I learn that directly the Queen had signified her intention
+of marrying her cousin, Count Bresson formally asked the hand of the
+Infanta for the Duke of Montpensier, stating that he had powers to
+enter upon and conclude that affair, and the terms of the marriage
+were then definitively settled between M. Isturitz and him.
+
+H.L.B.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S INDIGNATION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+On Board the _Victoria and Albert_, FALMOUTH HARBOUR, _7th September
+1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Though I have not heard from you for ages, you will
+perhaps be glad to hear from us, and to hear that our trip has been
+most successful. We left Osborne on the 2nd, at eight in the morning,
+and reached Jersey at seven that evening. We landed at St Heliers the
+next morning, and met with a most brilliant and enthusiastic reception
+from the good people. The island is beautiful, and like an orchard.
+
+The settlement of the Queen of Spain's marriage, _coupled with
+Montpensier's_, is _infamous_, and we _must_ remonstrate. Guizot has
+had the barefacedness to say to Lord Normanby that though _originally_
+they said that Montpensier should _only_ marry the Infanta _when_ the
+Queen _was married_ and _had children_, that Leopold's being named one
+of the candidates had changed all, and that they must settle it now!
+This is _too_ bad, for _we_ were so honest as _almost to prevent_
+Leo's marriage (which _might_ have been, and which Lord Palmerston, as
+matters now stand, regrets much did not take place), and the return is
+this unfair _coupling_ of the _two_ marriages which have nothing, and
+ought to have nothing, to do with one another. The King should know
+that _we_ are extremely indignant, and that this conduct is _not_ the
+way to keep up the _entente_ which _he_ wishes. It is done, moreover,
+in such a _dishonest_ way. I must do Palmerston the credit to say that
+he takes it very quietly, and will act very temperately about it.
+
+I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+Vicky and Bertie enjoy their tour very much, and the people here are
+delighted to see "the Duke of Cornwall."
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN OF THE FRENCH]
+
+
+_The Queen of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+NEUILLY, _8 Septembre 1846._
+
+MADAME,--Confiante dans cette precieuse amitie dont votre Majeste
+nous a donne tant de preuves et dans l'aimable interet que vous avez
+toujours temoigne a tous nos Enfants, je m'empresse de vous annoncer
+la conclusion du mariage de notre fils Montpensier avec l'Infante
+Louise Fernanda. Cet evenement de famille nous comble de joie, parce
+que nous esperons qu'il assurera le bonheur de notre fils cheri, et
+que nous retrouverons dans l'Infante une fille de plus, aussi bonne
+et aussi aimable que ses Ainees, et qui ajoutera a notre bonheur
+interieur, le seul vrai dans ce monde, et que vous, Madame, savez
+si bien apprecier. Je vous demande d'avance votre amitie pour
+notre nouvel Enfant, sure qu'elle partagera tous les sentiments de
+devouement et d'affection de nous tous pour vous, pour le Prince
+Albert, et pour toute votre chere Famille. Madame, de votre Majeste,
+la toute devouee S[oe]ur et Amie,
+
+MARIE AMELIE.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Queen of the French._
+
+OSBORNE, _10 Septembre 1846._
+
+MADAME,--Je viens de recevoir la lettre de votre Majeste du 8 de ce
+mois, et je m'empresse de vous en remercier. Vous vous souviendrez
+peut-etre de ce qui s'est passe a Eu entre le Roi et moi, vous
+connaissez, Madame, l'importance que j'ai toujours attachee au
+maintien de Notre Entente Cordiale et le zele avec lequel j'y ai
+travaille, vous avez appris sans doute que nous nous sommes refuses
+d'arranger le mariage entre la Reine d'Espagne et notre Cousin Leopold
+(que les deux Reines avaient vivement desire) dans le seul but de ne
+pas nous eloigner d'une marche qui serait plus agreable a votre Roi,
+quoique nous ne pouvions considerer cette marche comme la meilleure.
+Vous pourrez donc aisement comprendre que l'annonce soudaine de ce
+_double mariage_ ne pouvait nous causer que de la surprise et un bien
+vif regret.
+
+Je vous demande bien pardon de vous parler de politique dans ce
+moment, mais j'aime pouvoir me dire que j'ai toujours ete _sincere_
+envers vous.
+
+En vous priant de presenter mes hommages au Roi, je suis, Madame, de
+votre Majeste, la toute devouee S[oe]ur et Amie,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: VIEWS OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON TERRACE, _12th September 1846._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+returns with many acknowledgments the accompanying letters which your
+Majesty has been pleased to send him, and which he has thought your
+Majesty would wish him also to communicate to Lord John Russell.
+
+The letter of the Queen of the French seems to Viscount Palmerston to
+look like a contrivance to draw your Majesty on to express, in
+regard to the Montpensier marriage in its character as a domestic
+arrangement, some sentiments or wishes which might be at variance
+with the opinions which your Majesty might entertain regarding that
+marriage in its political character and bearing. But your Majesty's
+most judicious answer has defeated that intention, if any such
+existed, and has stated in a firm, but at the same time in the
+friendliest manner, the grounds of complaint against the conduct of
+the French Government in this affair.
+
+Viscount Palmerston had yesterday afternoon a very long conversation
+with the Count de Jarnac upon these matters.
+
+Viscount Palmerston said that with regard to the marriage of the Queen
+of Spain, that was a matter as to which the British Government have
+no political objection to make. They deeply regret that a young Queen
+should have been compelled by moral force, and to serve the personal
+and political interests of other persons, to accept for husband a
+person whom she can neither like nor respect, and with whom her future
+life will certainly be unhappy at home, even if it should not be
+characterised by circumstances which would tend to lower her in the
+estimation of her people. But these are matters which concern the
+Queen and people of Spain more than the Government and people of
+England. But that the projected marriage of the Duke of Montpensier is
+a very different matter, and must have a political bearing that must
+exercise a most unfortunate effect upon the relations between England
+and France.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _14th September 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you for a most kind letter of the
+31st from Basle, by which I was sorry to see that your journey had
+been delayed, and that you were still not well.
+
+We are, alas! sadly engrossed with this Spanish marriage, which,
+though it does not threaten _war_ (for the English care very little
+about the Spanish marriages) threatens complications. Albert has told
+you all that passed between the dear Queen and me, and the very absurd
+ground on which the French make their stand. The details of the story
+are very bad--and I grieve to say that the good King, etc., have
+behaved _very dishonestly_.
+
+We have protested, and mean to protest very strongly, against
+Montpensier's marriage with the Infanta, _as long as she is
+presumptive heiress to the Throne of Spain_. The King departs from his
+principle, for _he insisted_ on a _Bourbon_, _because_ he declared he
+would _not_ marry one of his sons to the Queen; and now he effects the
+Queen's marriage with the worst Bourbon she could have, and marries
+his son to the Infanta, who in all probability will become Queen!
+It is very bad. Certainly at Madrid [Palmerston] mismanaged it--as
+Stockmar says--by forcing Don Enrique, in spite of all Bulwer could
+say. If our dear Aberdeen was still at his post, the whole thing would
+not have happened; for he would _not_ have forced Enriquito (which
+enraged Christine), and secondly, Guizot would not have _escamote_
+Aberdeen with the wish of triumphing over him as he has done over
+Palmerston, who has behaved most openly and fairly towards France, I
+must say, in this affair. But say what one will, it is _he again_ who
+_indirectly_ gets us into a squabble with France! And it is such a
+personal sort of a quarrel, which pains and grieves me so; and I pity
+the poor good Piat,[23] whom we are very fond of. One thing, however,
+I feel, that in opposing this marriage, we are not really affecting
+his happiness, for he has never seen the Infanta--and she is a child
+of fourteen, and not pretty. The little Queen I pity so much, for
+the poor child dislikes her cousin, and she is said to have consented
+_against her will_. We shall see if she really does marry him.
+Altogether, it is most annoying, and must ruffle our happy intercourse
+with the French family for a time at least.
+
+I was obliged to write very strongly and openly to poor dear Louise
+too. You may rely upon nothing being done rashly or intemperately on
+our part. Lord Palmerston is quite ready to be guided by us. In haste,
+ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+We go into our new house to-day.
+
+    [Footnote 23: A name by which the Duc de Montpensier was
+    sometimes called in the family circle.]
+
+
+
+
+_Baron Stockmar to Queen Victoria._
+
+_18th September 1846._
+
+Baron Stockmar has been honoured with your Majesty's kind note of the
+17th instant. The very day the Baron heard of the Spanish news, he
+wrote to a man at Paris, whom the King sees as often as he presents
+himself at the palace. In this letter the Baron stated _fairly and
+moderately but without palliation_ in what light M. Bresson's conduct
+must necessarily appear _in London_, and what very naturally and most
+probably _must be the political consequences of such conduct_.
+
+The Baron's statement was read to the King, word for word, the very
+evening it reached Paris.
+
+His Majesty listened to it most attentively, and said after some
+pause: "Notwithstanding all this, the marriage will take place. I
+don't consider Montpensier's marriage an affair between nations, and
+the English people, in particular, care very little about it; it is
+much more a private affair between myself and the English Secretary,
+Lord Palmerston, _and as such_ it will not bring on important
+political consequences."
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LETTER TO QUEEN LOUISE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Queen of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _18 Septembre 1846._
+
+MA BIEN CHERE LOUISE,--Je te remercie pour ton retour de franchise;
+je ne desire pas que cette controverse entre de plus dans notre
+correspondance privee, comme elle est le sujet et le sera je crains
+encore davantage de discussion politique. Je veux seulement dire qu'il
+est _impossible_ de donner a cette affaire le cachet d'une simple
+affaire de famille; l'attitude prise a Paris sur cette affaire de
+mariage des le commencement etait une fort etrange; il fallait toute
+la discretion de Lord Aberdeen pour qu'elle n'amenat un eclat plutot;
+mais ce denouement, si contraire a la parole du Roi, qu'il m'a donnee
+lors de cette derniere visite a Eu _spontanement_, en ajoutant a la
+complication, pour la _premiere fois_, celle du projet de mariage de
+Montpensier, aura mauvaise mine devant toute l'Europe.
+
+Rien de plus penible n'aurait pu arriver que toute cette dispute qui
+prend un caractere si personnel....
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S INDIGNATION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _21st September 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you very much for your very kind
+letter of the 5th from Zurich. It is very unfortunate that you should
+be so far off at this moment. Since I wrote to you we have decided to
+remonstrate both at Madrid (this went a week ago), and at Paris, but
+this last not in a formal note but in a despatch to Lord Normanby,
+against this very unjustifiable breach of faith on the part of France.
+We have seen these despatches, which are very firm, but written in a
+very proper and kind tone, exposing at the same time the fallacy
+of what has been done; for the King himself declared that he would
+_never_ let _one of his sons marry_ the Queen, he _insisted_ on her
+marrying a descendant of Philip V. This has been done, and at the same
+moment he says his _son_ is to marry the _Infanta_, who may _become
+Queen to-morrow!_And to all this he says, "C'est seulement une
+affaire de famille"! The King is very fond of England, and still more
+of peace, and he never _can_ sacrifice this (for though it would
+not be immediate war it would cause coolness with us and with other
+Powers, and would probably lead to war in a short time), for a
+breach of faith and _for one of his sons'_ marriages. No quarrel or
+misunderstanding in the world _could be more disagreeable_ and to me
+_more cruelly painful_, for it is _so personal_, and has come into
+the midst of all our communications and correspondence, and is too
+annoying. It is so sad, too, for dear Louise, to whom one cannot say
+that her father has behaved dishonestly. I hope, however, another ten
+days will show us some _daylight_. I will not mention anything about
+Leopold's[24] answer, as Albert will, I doubt not, write to you all
+about it. It is very satisfactory, however.
+
+We are since this day week in our charming new house, which is
+delightful, and to-morrow we go, alas! to Windsor, where we expect the
+Queen-Dowager and the Princess of Prussia, who will remain a week with
+us. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+I received this afternoon your kind letter from Gais of the 12th. One
+word more I must just add. No doubt if Lord Aberdeen had been at his
+post what has happened would _not_ have taken place, and suspicion of
+Lord Palmerston _has_ been the cause of the _unjustifiable_ conduct of
+the French Government. But just as they _did_ suspect him, they should
+have been more cautious to do anything which could bring on a quarrel,
+which is surely not what the King can wish.
+
+    [Footnote 24: Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCESS OF PRUSSIA]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th September 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received last week your very kind and
+_satisfactory_ letter of the 16th. Your opinion on this truly
+unfortunate and, on the part of the French, disgraceful affair is a
+great support to us. Stockmar has, I know, communicated to you what
+has passed, and he will send you copies of the King's letter and my
+answer. Our conduct has been throughout _honest_, and the King's and
+Guizot's the contrary. _How_ the King _can_ wantonly throw away the
+friendship of one who has stood by him with such sincere affection,
+for a _doubtful_ object of personal and family aggrandizement, is to
+me and to the whole country inexplicable. Have _confidence_ in _him_ I
+fear I never can again, and Peel, who is here on a visit, says a
+_war may_ arise any moment, _once_ that the good understanding is
+disturbed; think, then, that the King has done this in his 74th
+year, and leaves this inheritance to his successor; and to whom--to
+a _Grandchild_, and a _Minor!_And for Nemours and Paris, _our_
+friendship is of the greatest importance, and yet he prefers the
+troubles of governing Spain, which will be a source of constant worry
+and anxiety, to the happy understanding so happily existing between
+our two countries! I cannot comprehend him. Guizot behaves shamefully,
+and so totally without good faith. Our protests have been presented. I
+feel more than ever the loss of our valuable Peel.
+
+I wish, dearest Uncle, you would not go to Paris at all at present.
+
+The Queen-Dowager and the Princess of Prussia[25] have left us this
+morning after a week's stay, and I have been delighted with the
+Princess. I find her so clever, so amiable, so well informed, and so
+good; she seems to have some enemies, for there are whispers of
+her being _false_; but from all that I have seen of her--from her
+discretion, her friendship through thick and thin, and to her own
+detriment, for Helene, and for the Queen-Dowager who has known her
+from her birth, I _cannot_ and will not believe it. Her position is
+a very difficult one; she is too enlightened and liberal for the
+Prussian Court not to have enemies; but _I believe_ that she is a
+friend to us and our family, and I do believe that _I_ have a friend
+in her, who may be most useful to us. I must conclude, envying your
+being in Tyrol. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 25: Marie Louise Augusta, daughter of the Grand
+    Duke Charles of Saxe-Weimar, subsequently Empress of Germany,
+    mother of Prince Frederick William, afterwards the Emperor
+    Frederick, who in 1858 married the Princess Royal.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND THE THREE POWERS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _1st October 1846._
+
+The Queen wishes to express her approval of the step taken by Lord
+Palmerston in urging the Three Northern Powers to join in the protest
+against the Montpensier marriage on the ground of the Treaty of
+Utrecht and the Declaration of Philip V. She thinks, however, that it
+is necessary to do more, and wishes Lord Palmerston should send a note
+to the Cabinets of the three Powers, explanatory of the whole of the
+proceedings relative to the Spanish marriages, showing the attitude
+taken by us from the first, and disclosing the facts which led to this
+unfortunate termination. The three Powers ought to be enabled to see
+the whole of the transaction if we wish them to sympathise with us.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+_1st October 1846._
+
+Lord John Russell saw Count Jarnac to-day, and told him that your
+Majesty's displeasure had not been removed. He had in his hands a
+memorandum, which is apparently word for word the letter of the King
+of the French to the Queen of the Belgians.[26]
+
+Lord John Russell observed that it was admitted that the Duke of
+Montpensier was not to marry the Infanta till the Queen of Spain had
+children, and that voluntary engagement had been departed from. We
+might expect the same departure from the professions now made not to
+interfere in the affairs of Spain.
+
+Count Jarnac protested against this inference, and repeated that the
+promise with regard to the Infanta was only conditional.
+
+Lord John Russell expects that in consequence of the remonstrances of
+England, and the attention of Europe to the question, France will be
+cautious in her interference with the internal government of Spain,
+and may probably not be able to direct her external policy.
+
+M. Bresson has written a long letter to Lord Minto, defending his own
+conduct.
+
+    [Footnote 26: See Louis Philippe's long letter of the 14th of
+    September, printed in the _Life of the Prince Consort_, vol.
+    i. Appendix B. Queen Victoria's complete and unanswerable
+    reply will be found there also.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th October 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I thank you very much for your last kind letter
+from Gais of the 23rd. This unfortunate Spanish affair has gone on,
+heedlessly--and our _entente wantonly_ thrown away! I mourn over it,
+and feel deeply the ingratitude shown; for--without boasting--I must
+say they never had a _truer_ friend than we; and one who _always_
+stood by them. When Hadjy wrote that foolish _brochure_, who stood
+by him through thick and thin, but we? and our friendship for the
+children will ever continue, but how can we _ever_ feel at our ease
+with L. P. again? Guizot's conduct is beyond _all_ belief shameful,
+and so _shabbily_ dishonest. Mole and Thiers both say he cannot stand.
+It is the King's birthday to-day, but I thought it better _not_
+to write to him, for to say _fine words_ at _this_ moment would be
+mockery. For my beloved Louise my heart bleeds; it is _so_ sad....
+
+I must now conclude. Begging you to believe me, ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _17th November 1846._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I yesterday received your long and interesting
+letter of the 14th. I would much rather not say anything more about
+this truly unfortunate and painful Spanish business; but in justice to
+myself I must make a few observations. You say that the King thinks
+me _resentful_; this is extraordinary, for I have no such feeling; my
+feelings were and are _deeply_ wounded at the unhandsome and secret
+manner (so totally, in _letter_ and _in meaning_, contrary to an
+_entente cordiale_) in which this affair was settled, and in which the
+two marriages were incorporated.
+
+What can I do?
+
+The King and French Government never _expressed regret_ at the sudden
+and _unhandsome_ manner, to say the _least_, in which they behaved to
+their _best ally_ and _friend_, and _we_ really _cannot admit_ that
+_they have to forgive us for duping us!_Why have they not tried to
+make _some_ sort of apology? What do I do, but remain silent _for the
+present_?
+
+It is a sad affair, but _resentment_ I have none whatever, and this
+accusation is a new version of the affair.
+
+With respect to Portugal, I refute most positively the unfounded
+accusations against us; we _cannot_ interfere in internal dissensions
+beyond ensuring the personal safety of the King, Queen, and Royal
+Family. The Constitution may be, and I believe is, an unfortunate
+thing in those Southern countries; but once it is established, the
+Queen must abide by it; but, unfortunately, the _coup de main_ in
+sending away Palmella's Government (which would inevitably have
+crumbled to pieces of itself), was both unconstitutional and unsafe,
+and I fear they are in a much worse position _vis-a-vis_ of the
+country than they ever were.[27]
+
+We are all going to-morrow to Osborne for four weeks. Ever your truly
+devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 27: The Duke de Palmella's Ministry was abruptly
+    dismissed by the Queen of Portugal on the 10th of October, in
+    consequence of their inability to raise money on loan. Civil
+    war broke out, Das Antas, Loule, Fornos, and Sa da Bandeira
+    being the chief rebel leaders. The British Fleet was ordered
+    to the Tagus to support the Queen against her subjects, with
+    the ulterior object of restoring Constitutional Government.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ETON MONTEM]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _19th November 1846._
+
+... Lord John Russell breakfasted with Dr Hawtrey yesterday, and had
+much conversation with him. He finds Dr Hawtrey strongly impressed
+with the evils of Montem, and he declared himself as decidedly against
+its continuance. He thinks your Majesty would please the Etonians
+equally by going to the boats once a year, which he said the late King
+was in the habit of doing. The Chancellor of the Exchequer,[28] who
+was at Eton, wishes to see Montem abolished. Lord Morpeth would prefer
+seeing it regulated. Upon the whole, Lord John Russell thinks it would
+not be advisable for your Majesty to interpose your authority
+against the decided opinion of Dr Hawtrey, the Provost, and the
+assistants.[29]
+
+    [Footnote 28: Mr (who a few weeks later became Sir) Charles
+    Wood.]
+
+    [Footnote 29: Montem, the triennial Eton ceremony, the chief
+    part of which took place at Salt Hill (_ad montem_), near
+    Slough, was abolished in 1847.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A PENINSULAR MEDAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington._
+
+OSBORNE, _25th November 1846._
+
+The Queen has learned from various quarters that there still exists a
+great anxiety amongst the officers and men who served under the Duke
+of Wellington's orders in the Peninsula to receive and wear a medal as
+a testimony that they assisted the Duke in his great undertaking. The
+Queen not only thinks this wish very reasonable, considering that for
+recent exploits of infinitely inferior importance such distinctions
+have been granted by her, but she would feel personally a great
+satisfaction in being enabled publicly to mark in this way her sense
+of the great services the Duke of Wellington has rendered to his
+country and to empower many a brave soldier to wear this token in
+remembrance of the Duke.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE'S VIEW]
+
+
+_The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria._
+
+STRATHFIELDSAYE, _27th November 1846._
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty.
+
+He has just now received your Majesty's most gracious commands from
+Osborne, dated the 26th instant.
+
+He does not doubt that many of the brave officers and soldiers who
+served in the armies in the Peninsula under the command of the Duke
+are anxious to receive and wear a medal, struck by command of the
+Sovereign, to commemorate the services performed in that seat of the
+late war.
+
+Many of them have, upon more than one occasion, expressed such
+desire, in their letters addressed to the Duke, in their petitions
+to Parliament, and, as the Duke has reason to believe, in petitions
+presented to your Majesty.
+
+Although the Duke has never omitted to avail himself of every occasion
+which offered to express his deep sense of the meritorious services of
+the officers and soldiers of the Army which served in the Peninsula,
+he did not consider it his duty to suggest to the Sovereign, under
+whose auspices, or the Minister under whose direction the services in
+question were performed, any particular mode in which those services
+of the Army should be recognised by the State.
+
+Neither has he considered it his duty to submit such suggestion since
+the period at which the services were performed, bearing in mind the
+various important considerations which must have an influence upon
+the decision on such a question, which it was and is the duty of your
+Majesty's confidential servants alone to take into consideration, and
+to decide.
+
+Neither can the Duke of Wellington now venture to submit to your
+Majesty his sense of a comparison of the services of the Army which
+served in the Peninsula, with those of other armies in other parts of
+the world, whose recent services your Majesty has been most graciously
+pleased to recognise by ordering that medals should be struck, to
+commemorate each of such services, one of which to be delivered to
+each officer and soldier present, which your Majesty was graciously
+pleased to permit him to wear.
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington humbly solicits your Majesty,
+in grateful submission to your Majesty upon the subject of the last
+paragraph of your Majesty's most gracious letter, that, considering
+the favour with which his services were received and rewarded by the
+gracious Sovereign, under whose auspices they were performed; the
+professional rank and the dignity in the State to which he was raised,
+and the favour with which his services were then and have been ever
+since received, that your Majesty would be graciously pleased to
+consider upon this occasion only the well-founded claims upon your
+Majesty's attention of the officers and soldiers who served in the
+Army in the Peninsula; and to consider him, as he considers himself,
+amply rewarded for any service which he might have been instrumental
+in rendering; and desirous only of opportunities of manifesting his
+gratitude for the favour and honour with which he has been treated by
+his Sovereign.
+
+All of which is humbly submitted to your Majesty by your Majesty's
+most dutiful and devoted Servant and Subject,
+
+WELLINGTON.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _28th November 1846._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord Palmerston's draft to Mr
+Southern,[30] and must observe that she does not quite approve the
+tone of it, as it will be likely only to irritate without producing
+any effect. If our advice is to be taken, it must be given in a spirit
+of impartiality and fairness. Lord Palmerston's despatch must give
+the impression that we entirely espouse the cause of the rebels, whose
+conduct is, to say the least, illegal and very reprehensible. Lord
+Palmerston likewise takes the nation and the Opposition to be one and
+the same thing. What we must insist upon is a return to Constitutional
+Government. And what we may advise is a compromise with the
+Opposition. What Ministry is to be formed ought to be left to the
+Portuguese themselves. It being the 28th to-day, the Queen is afraid
+the despatch went already yesterday. The Queen hopes in future that
+Lord Palmerston will not put it out of her power to state her opinion
+in good time.
+
+[Footnote 30: Secretary of Legation at Lisbon, and Charge d'Affaires
+in the absence of Lord Howard de Walden.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PENINSULAR MEDAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington._
+
+ARUNDEL CASTLE, _1st December 1846._
+
+The Queen has not yet acknowledged the Duke of Wellington's last
+letter.
+
+She fully appreciates the delicacy of the Duke in not wishing to
+propose himself a step having reference to his own achievements, but
+the Queen will not on that account forgo the satisfaction of granting
+this medal as an acknowledgment on her part of those brilliant
+achievements.
+
+The Queen has been assured by Lord John Russell that her confidential
+servants will be ready to assume the responsibility of advising such a
+measure.
+
+
+
+
+_The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria._
+
+ARUNDEL CASTLE, _2nd December 1846._ (_Morning._)
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty. He did not receive your Majesty's commands, dated the 1st
+instant, in this Castle, till seven o'clock in the afternoon; and
+being under the necessity of attending at [? Dover] in the evening,
+he has not had it in his power till this time to express his
+acknowledgment of the receipt of them.
+
+He submits to your Majesty that he has always been aware that it would
+be impolitic to confer upon the officers and soldiers who served in
+the Peninsula the wished-for distinction without the concurrence of
+your Majesty's confidential servants.
+
+They alone can give the orders to carry into execution the measure,
+and can adopt means to remedy any inconvenience which may result from
+it; and it is satisfactory to him to learn, from the perusal of
+your Majesty's note, that Lord John Russell is disposed to adopt it,
+notwithstanding that the Duke has no personal wish or feeling in the
+adoption of the measure, excepting to see gratified the wishes of so
+many gallant officers and brave soldiers, who have so well served.
+
+The few words which he addressed to your Majesty in his last letter
+of the 27th of November in relation to himself, referred to the
+expressions in that of your Majesty of the 26th November, to the Duke;
+from which it appeared to be your Majesty's intention "to empower many
+a brave soldier to wear this token, in remembrance of the Duke."
+
+Having stated to your Majesty that he would serve your Majesty, and
+would promote the objects of your Majesty's Government, to the utmost
+of his power, he has faithfully performed his engagement, as he
+believes, to the satisfaction of your Majesty's servants.
+
+His whole life being devoted to your Majesty's service, he is most
+anxious to deserve and receive your Majesty's approbation.
+
+But he wishes that it should be conveyed only when it may be
+convenient to your Majesty's Government. Your Majesty and your
+Majesty's servants must be the best judges upon this point, as well
+as whether the medal in question shall be struck and granted at all or
+not.
+
+If granted, or whatever may be the mode in which granted, or whether
+the Duke's name is recalled to recollection or not, the Duke will be
+equally satisfied, and grateful for your Majesty's gracious favour,
+and desirous to merit a continuance of it, by his devotion to your
+Majesty's service.
+
+All of which is humbly submitted by your Majesty's most dutiful
+Subject and most devoted Servant,
+
+WELLINGTON.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S DECISION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _14th December 1846._
+
+The Queen has still to acknowledge Lord John Russell's letter of the
+11th. She has carefully read the Duke of Wellington's letter to Lord
+John, which evinces all the Duke's honourable feelings. He should
+certainly be relieved from the appearance of having refused honours to
+others, but agreed to the granting of them the moment it was intended
+to couple the measure with an honour conferred upon himself. On the
+other hand, the Queen still wishes the step to be taken as a means
+of doing honour to the Duke. His name should, therefore, certainly be
+connected with it. The introduction of the names of other commanders,
+even of that of Sir John Moore, the Queen does not think advisable.
+She does not quite understand from Lord John's letter whether he
+proposes to adopt the Duke's recommendation to _re_-issue all the
+medals formerly granted, or to adhere to the original idea of striking
+a new one. In the latter case, which appears the most natural, the
+word "Peninsula" would cover all the campaigns, and in these the Duke
+of Wellington had by far so much the greatest share that his
+name being introduced on _all_ the medals cannot be considered as
+anomalous.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CRACOW]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _14th December 1846._
+
+The Queen returns the enclosed private letters.[31] The view Lord
+Palmerston takes of the affair of Cracow appears to the Queen a very
+sound one, and she would much wish to see the plan of a conference
+realised against which Lord Ponsonby does not bring any very relevant
+reasons. Prince Metternich's plan of a declaration "that the case is
+to be considered an exceptional one and not to afford a precedent to
+other powers" is too absurd. The Prince very justly compared it to the
+case of a person giving another a box on the ear and declaring at the
+same time that he is to consider it as exceptional, and that it is in
+no way to afford him a precedent for returning it. The Queen hopes the
+Cabinet will well consider the question, and contrive to find means to
+prevent the evil consequences of the unjustifiable step against Cracow
+by speaking out in time, before Russia or France may have decided on
+acts of further infraction of the Treaty of Vienna. It seems quite
+clear that Russia was at the bottom of the measure relative to Cracow,
+and it is therefore but reasonable to expect that she has an ulterior
+object in view.
+
+    [Footnote 31: The first ill fruits of the disruption of the
+    _entente_ between England and France were seen in the active
+    co-operation of Russia, Prussia, and Austria to destroy Polish
+    independence. See _ante_, p. 72.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XVI
+
+During the year 1847 the Parliament which had been elected in 1841
+with a great Tory majority was dissolved, and, as a result, the
+position of the Whig Ministry was slightly improved; but they were
+still dependent on the support of Sir Robert Peel. A Factory Act
+limiting the labour of women and children to ten hours a day was
+passed. An autumn session was rendered necessary by an acute financial
+crisis, the Ministry having authorised the Bank of England to infringe
+the provisions of the recent Bank Charter Act, and as a consequence
+being compelled to ask Parliament for an indemnity. The knowledge of
+the Bank's authority to issue notes beyond the prescribed limits was
+of itself sufficient to allay the panic. The Church of England was
+convulsed by the promotion of Dr Hampden, whom Lord Melbourne had made
+Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford, to the See of Hereford; his
+orthodoxy was impugned in a memorial presented by thirteen bishops to
+the Prime Minister, and an unsuccessful application was made to the
+Queen's Bench (the Court being divided in opinion) to compel the
+Primate to hear objections to Dr Hampden's consecration. The new House
+of Lords was used for the first time this year.
+
+Perhaps the most important event in France was the cold-blooded murder
+of the Duchesse de Praslin (daughter of Count Sebastiani, formerly
+French Ambassador in England) by her husband, an incident which, like
+the Spanish intrigue of 1846, contributed subsequently to the downfall
+of the Orleanist dynasty.
+
+Switzerland was torn by internecine strife, partly owing to the
+existence, side by side, of Catholic and Protestant cantons; the
+proposed expulsion of Jesuits and the formation of the "Sonderbund"
+were the questions of the day. The latter was an offensive and
+defensive confederation of seven cantons, and civil war raged round
+the question of its legality.
+
+In Italy the death of Pope Gregory XVI. and the election of a more
+liberal successor induced Lord John Russell to send his father-in-law,
+Lord Minto, the Lord Privy Seal, on a special mission to the new Pope
+Pius IX., to encourage him in the path of Reform. But more violent
+measures were in progress, and it was soon clear that Lombardy and
+Venetia were rising against Austria, and the way being paved for the
+Unity of Italy.
+
+Spain was in a ferment, frequent changes of Ministry taking place,
+and the miserable marriage of the Queen having all the evil results
+anticipated in England. Portugal continued in a state of civil war,
+the British attempting to mediate, but the revolutionary Junta refused
+to abide by their terms, and ultimately armed intervention became
+necessary.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+1847
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _7th January 1847._
+
+The turn which the Portuguese affairs are now likely to take is really
+very satisfactory. The Queen is sure that the Court will not allow
+violent measures of revenge to be taken against the vanquished party
+nor the overthrow of a Constitutional Government; but the Queen of
+Portugal will have to punish those who have broken their oath of
+allegiance, and will have to remove from the country those who would
+infallibly ere long plunge the country afresh into those _horrors_
+from which it is just emerging. The further infusion of democracy
+into the Charter would at this moment be quite misplaced, but this
+opportunity should be taken by the Queen of Portugal to _establish_ a
+_state_ of _legality_ and _security_, by compelling any new Ministry
+to lay the accounts every year before the Cortes (which has not been
+done for the last ten years, either by Progressistas, Septembristas,
+or others), by establishing irremovable judges, and appointing thereto
+incorruptible persons, by _honestly and fairly_ distributing the
+patronage in the Army--apart from the party--which will now be
+possible as the King has the command himself, and by adopting such
+measures of _internal_ improvement as will promote the _material_
+welfare of the people.
+
+_These_ are the principles which the Queen would wish to see _her_
+representative urge upon the Portuguese Court and Government, and
+she has no doubt that they are in perfect conformity with Lord John
+Russell's own views. The Queen cannot help repeating that the tone and
+bearing of Mr Southern are more those of a Portuguese Demagogue than
+of an English Representative.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A CONCILIATORY POLICY]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+TUILERIES, _15th January 1847._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I am truly happy to learn what you say about
+your feelings on those troublesome politics; I can assure you that
+many people who are, in fact, quite indifferent
+to politics, _rencherissent_ in expressions of dislike and contempt
+_seulement_, because they believe that you have those opinions. Many
+wise people repeat sayings which they assume to come from your
+own mouth, such, for instance, "that Louis Philippe could never be
+trusted, being, after all, an old fox," etc.
+
+The King's Speech was as unobjectionable as possible. I trust that
+there will be no _bitterness_ in yours. It is as much, if not more,
+in the interest of Great Britain to keep France quiet and continuing a
+peaceable policy than in that of France. France, as the old Duke once
+said with great truth, has been already _under water several times,
+what could be spoiled has been spoiled_, what remains _is pretty
+solid_. To attack France in France would lead to the most dangerous
+consequences. In general, if we get once a great war again you will
+be sure to have everywhere revolutions, and to imagine that you will
+escape in England all reactions would be a grievous mistake. When one
+looks to the changes, brought about in England in consequence of the
+Revolution of July, one is quite astounded. Here they changed nothing
+but the dynasty, in England _the very spirit of the old Monarchy
+has been abolished_, and what will be, in the course of time, the
+consequences, it is not easy to tell. A bad Constitution acts strongly
+on the people. Look to America, even to Belgium. Ever, my dearest
+Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND PORTUGAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _14th February 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell's memorandum contains two different questions. The
+one is this: how far the interests of England require an interference
+in the affairs of Portugal for the restoration of peace in that
+country and the preservation of its Throne, and how far England is
+bound by existing treaties to interfere.
+
+As to this question, it appears from Lord John's memorandum that
+the ancient treaties having reference to _foreign_ invasion only are
+inapplicable to the present case, that the Quadruple Treaty
+would revive on the appearance of Dom Miguel in Portugal, that an
+understanding with Spain ought to be come to for its execution, but
+Lord John does not make any specific proposal.
+
+The other question is, what wrongs the Queen, the Ministers, and the
+rebels may have done to bring about the present state of affairs. This
+the Queen conceives can only be decided by a _most minute, impartial,
+and anxious scrutiny_. She indignantly rejects the notion to leave
+this decision to Mr Southern.... Lord John's statement contains,
+however, nothing but the echo of his reports.
+
+Lord John will upon reflection admit that to say "that recent events
+exhibit a spirit of tyranny and cruelty in the Portuguese Government
+_without a parallel_ in any part of Europe," there, where not _one_
+execution has taken place, is rather a strong expression.
+
+That the cruelties and miseries inseparable from a Civil War are to
+be deplored, there can be no doubt of, and it is in order to stop a
+further continuance and perhaps aggravation of these horrors, that
+the Queen is so anxious to see the struggle brought to an early
+termination.
+
+The Queen hopes to see Lord John to-morrow at three o'clock, when she
+hopes that he will be able to submit a definitive step.
+
+
+
+
+[Page Heading: ENGLAND AND PORTUGAL]
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+_14th March 1847._
+
+The Queen wishes again to call Lord John Russell's serious attention
+to the state of Spain and Portugal, and to the policy which has been
+pursued with regard to them, and the result of this policy. In Spain
+we have taken up the cause of the Progressistas, and what has been the
+consequence? They desert us.
+
+We have no longer the slightest influence in that country; France has
+it all her own way, and we shall see the Cortes confirm the succession
+of the Infanta and her children without being able to prevent it. Of
+the Progressistas, on whom Lord Palmerston, Lord Clarendon, and others
+always placed their hopes, Mr Bulwer says _now_: "The fact is, that
+though they are the party least servile to France, they are the most
+impracticable party, and belonging to a lower class of society, who
+have not the same feelings of honourable and gentlemanlike conduct
+which sometimes guide a portion, though a very small one, of their
+opponents."
+
+In Spain therefore it is, the Queen fears, _too late_; but let us not
+throw away this lesson, and, if it is still possible, not also lose
+Portugal. Our influence there is fast going, and Sir H. Seymour[1]
+confirms what _every one_ but Mr Southern has stated for the last
+two months, viz. that we are believed to be favourable to the rebels;
+consequently, that no advice of ours will be listened to. Sir H.
+Seymour further says: "I should have been glad to have gained a little
+time, and not at the outset of my mission to be obliged to call the
+Government to account upon various scores. Your orders, however,
+leave me no option, and I shall be obliged to administer a series of
+reproofs which will, I fear, confirm the notion as to our unfriendly
+feelings." This is the course the Queen thinks so very unfortunate;
+trifles about two horses, the beating of a gardener of Lord Howard's
+by some soldiers on a march in times of Civil War, etc., are made
+topics of serious complaint. Most peremptory notes are written,
+threatening the Government with our men-of-war, whilst it is held to
+be unwise to threaten the insurgents.
+
+Then, the Court is told to believe _our feelings of attachment_ for
+them!
+
+Sir H. Seymour says that his position is rendered very difficult in
+consequence. We have now the results before us. Let us, therefore,
+before Portugal, our ancient ally, turns also away from us, and leans
+to France or Spain in preference, as she _must_, if we give her such
+doubtful support, try to pursue a more conciliatory course; these
+peremptory and dictatory notes, these constant complaints, produce the
+worst and most unfortunate effect.
+
+These very Septembristas have been always the greatest enemies
+of England, and would be the first to turn against us should they
+succeed.
+
+There should more latitude be given to the resident Minister not
+to press things at moments when they produce embarrassment to a
+Government already _tottering_, but to give him the option of waiting
+for a fit opportunity, and for the manner in which it is to be done,
+which a person on the spot can be a better judge of than we can in
+England.
+
+Once more the Queen earnestly warns Lord John of the imminent danger
+of England losing _all_ legitimate influence in Portugal, which ought
+now, more than ever, to be of the greatest _importance_ to us.
+
+The Queen has in all this _spoken_ solely of English influence, but
+this influence becomes of still greater importance to her when the
+Sovereigns of that country are her near and dear relations.[2]
+
+    [Footnote 1: Envoy Extraordinary at Lisbon.]
+
+    [Footnote 2: This letter at once bore fruit, a conference
+    being held in London between the representatives of Great
+    Britain, Spain, France, and Portugal, and armed co-operation
+    to enforce the acceptance of certain terms by the
+    Revolutionary Junta being decided upon.]
+
+
+
+
+[Page Heading: THE SEPTENNIAL ACT]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _19th March 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. Lord John
+Russell thinks it right to state to your Majesty that the prevailing
+opinion in the Cabinet is that when the necessary business in the
+House of Commons has been finished, a Dissolution of Parliament should
+take place.
+
+This course would be conformable to the usage from the passing of the
+Septennial Act till 1830. From 1830 to the present year no House of
+Commons has been allowed to continue six years. The Dissolutions of
+Lord Grey in 1831 and 1832, of Sir Robert Peel in 1834, the death of
+William the Fourth in 1837, Lord Melbourne's Dissolution in 1841, have
+all interrupted the natural life of Parliaments. But all Governments
+since the accession of the House of Hanover have been of opinion (with
+one or two exceptions) that it is hazardous to allow a Parliament to
+continue seven years, as circumstances may arise making a Dissolution
+very detrimental to the public welfare.
+
+These being general considerations, Lord John Russell would reserve
+any decision on the subject till the moment shall arrive when a
+Dissolution may appear to your Majesty's advisers to be the course
+most likely to secure moderate and fair elections.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+_25th March 1847._
+
+The Queen with pleasure approves the appointment of Lord Clarendon's
+brother to the vacant stall at St Paul's. The Queen would, however,
+draw Lord John's attention generally to the mode of filling up
+those Church sinecures. She is quite aware how necessary it is for a
+Minister to be able to recommend to such places persons of political
+connections, but she thinks that where it can be done, it would be of
+great use both to the Church and the country to give these places
+of emolument to Churchmen distinguished for their _scientific
+attainments_, who have neither the means nor the time to prosecute
+their researches, whilst their labours might be of the greatest
+importance to the country. Such person of this kind, for instance,
+the Prince thinks, is a Mr Cureton, who has just published the _real_
+epistles of St Ignatius, which he translated from the Syriac, and
+is about to produce a Gospel of St Matthew which is considered the
+undoubted original in the Coptic dialect, and other most important
+documents lately acquired for the British Museum.
+
+
+
+
+[Page Heading: FOREIGN OFFICE DRAFTS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _17th April 1847._
+
+The Queen has several times asked Lord Palmerston, through Lord
+John Russell and personally, to see that the drafts to our Foreign
+Ministers are not despatched _previous_ to their being submitted to
+the Queen. Notwithstanding, this is still done, as for instance to-day
+with regard to the drafts for Lisbon. The Queen, therefore, once more
+repeats her desire that Lord Palmerston should prevent the recurrence
+of this practice.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _18th May 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell has the painful duty of announcing to your Majesty
+the death of the Earl of Bessborough.[3] The firmness and kindness of
+his temper, together with his intimate knowledge of Ireland and his
+sound judgment, make this event a public misfortune.
+
+It appears to Lord John Russell very desirable that his successor
+should be named without loss of time, and as the Cabinet agreed
+yesterday that the Earl of Clarendon was the fittest person for the
+office, Lord John Russell would suggest that a Council should be held
+on Thursday next, at the hour your Majesty may appoint, for a Council
+for the purpose of the declaration of your Majesty's pleasure.
+
+It was the opinion of the Cabinet that although it is advisable
+finally to abolish the office of Lord-Lieutenant, it is not advisable
+to propose any measure, or make any announcement for the present.
+
+    [Footnote 3: John William, formerly Lord Duncannon, 4th Earl,
+    born 1781; Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: JENNY LIND]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _12th June 1847._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--We are here in terrible hot water, though _I_ think
+we shall get out of it.[4] But only think that the Radicals _and_
+Protectionists join to attack Government for our interference in
+Portugal! A change of Government on such a subject would be _full_
+of mischief for the future, independent of the great momentary
+inconvenience; but it would cripple all future Governments in their
+future conduct respecting Foreign Affairs, would create distrust
+abroad in our promises, and is totally contrary to England's ancient
+policy of upholding Portugal.
+
+In short, it would be _very_ bad. The old Duke will do _every_ thing
+to set matters right.
+
+To-night we are going to the Opera in state, and will hear and see
+Jenny Lind[5] (who is perfection) in _Norma_, which is considered one
+of her best parts. Poor Grisi is quite going off, and after the pure
+angelic voice and extremely quiet, perfect acting of J. Lind, she
+seems quite _passee_. Poor thing! she is _quite_ furious about it, and
+was excessively impertinent to J. Lind.
+
+To-morrow we go to a ball at Stafford House, and on Thursday to one at
+Gloucester House. Ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 4: The Government were severely attacked by
+    a coalition of Radicals and Protectionists for their
+    intervention in Portugal. A hostile motion of Lord Stanley's
+    in the House of Lords was opposed by the Duke of Wellington
+    and defeated, while one of Mr Hume's in the House of Commons
+    was talked out, Sir Robert Peel supporting the Ministry.]
+
+    [Footnote 5: She made her _debut_ in London on the 4th of
+    May in _Roberto il Diavolo_. The Queen had heard her sing
+    previously at Stolzenfels. In May 1849, after singing for two
+    years to enthusiastic audiences, she retired from the stage,
+    and made extended concert tours in Europe and America.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE WELLINGTON STATUE]
+
+
+_The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _12th July 1847._ (_Five in the afternoon_.)
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty. He submits to your Majesty the expression of his sorrow and
+shame that your Majesty should be troubled for a moment by anything so
+insignificant as a statue of himself.
+
+When he first heard of the intention to remove the statue from the
+pedestal on which it had been placed, he was apprehensive that the
+measure might be misconstrued and misrepresented in this country as
+well as abroad.
+
+That feeling was increased when the probable existence of such
+misconstruction was adverted to in one of the printed papers
+circulated by the Committee for the erection of the statue; and still
+farther when the removal became the subject of repeated discussions in
+Parliament. His daily experience of your Majesty's gracious reception
+of his endeavours to serve your Majesty; and the events of every
+day, and the repeated marks which he received of your Majesty's
+consideration and favour proved clearly, as the Duke stated in his
+letter to Lord John Russell, that there was no foundation for the
+misconstruction of the intended act--which undoubtedly existed. The
+apprehension of such misconstruction had from the first moment created
+an anxious wish in the mind of the Duke that the removal should be so
+regulated and should be attended by such circumstances as would
+tend to relieve the transaction from the erroneous but inconvenient
+impression which had been created.
+
+The Duke apprehended that he might find it impossible to perform the
+duties with which he had been entrusted, and therefore, when Lord John
+Russell wrote to him, he deprecated the measure in contemplation;
+and he rejoices sincerely that your Majesty has been most graciously
+pleased to countermand the order for the removal of the statue.
+
+All of which is most humbly submitted to your Majesty by your
+Majesty's most dutiful Subject and most devoted Servant,
+
+WELLINGTON.[6]
+
+    [Footnote 6: The Duke of Wellington wrote to Croker, 19th
+    of December 1846:--"I should desire never to move from my
+    principles of indifference and non-interference on the subject
+    of a statue of myself to commemorate my own actions."
+
+    And again, on the 14th of June 1847, the Duke wrote to
+    Croker:--"It has always been my practice, and is my invariable
+    habit, to say nothing about myself and my own actions.
+
+    "More than forty years ago Mr Pitt observed that I talked
+    as little of myself or my own acts as if I had been an
+    assistant-surgeon of the army....
+
+    "I follow the habit of avoiding to talk of myself and of what
+    I have done; with the exception only of occasions when I am
+    urging upon modern contemporaries measures which they don't
+    like, and when I tell them I have some experience, and
+    have had some success in these affairs, and feel they would
+    experience the benefit of attending to my advice, I never talk
+    of myself.
+
+    "These are the reasons for which they think that I don't care
+    what they do with the statue.
+
+    "But they must be idiots to suppose it possible that a man who
+    is working day and night, without any object in view excepting
+    the public benefit, will not be sensible of a disgrace
+    inflicted upon him by the Sovereign and Government whom he is
+    serving. The ridicule will be felt, if nothing else is!"...]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _12th July 1847._
+
+The Queen has been informed by Lord John Russell that the Duke of
+Wellington is apprehensive that the removal of his statue from the
+Arch to another pedestal might be construed as a mark of displeasure
+on her part. Although the Queen had hoped that her esteem and
+friendship for the Duke was so well known to the public in general
+as not to render such a construction possible, and although she had
+thought that another pedestal would have been more suitable for _this_
+statue, and that the Arch might have been more becomingly ornamented
+in honour of the Duke than by the statue _now_ upon it, she has given
+immediate direction that the Statue should remain in its present
+situation, and only regrets that this monument should be so unworthy
+of the great personage to whose honour it has been erected.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: INDIAN AFFAIRS]
+
+
+_Viscount Hardinge to Queen Victoria._
+
+_27th July 1847._
+
+Lord Hardinge, with his most humble duty to your Majesty, humbly
+acknowledges the letter in which your Majesty has been graciously
+pleased to approve of his conduct in the Government of your Majesty's
+Eastern Empire, and to sanction his return to Europe the end of this
+year.
+
+It will always be a source of happiness to Lord Hardinge to have
+contributed his efforts towards maintaining the stability of your
+Majesty's Indian possessions committed to his charge, and he feels, in
+the performance of these duties, that the approbation of his Sovereign
+is the most grateful distinction to which honourable ambition can
+aspire.
+
+The Governor-General entertains the most sanguine expectations that
+peace has been securely established beyond the north-west frontiers,
+as well as throughout India, and in this confidence he has ordered
+nearly 50,000 men of the native force to be reduced, which reductions
+have caused no discontent, being for the most part voluntary on the
+part of the men and accompanied by gratuities in proportion to the
+service performed.
+
+As regards internal dangers, there is no native power remaining able
+to face a British army in the field. The people are very generally
+engaged in trade and agriculture, and to a great extent in the British
+Provinces no longer carry arms. Confidence in the protection of the
+Government has superseded the necessity. Formerly trade and wealth
+were concentrated in a few large cities--and Indian manufactures have
+been ruined by cheaper goods sent from England; but wealth and comfort
+have, under British rule, been more extensively diffused through the
+agricultural districts, and all classes, including the warlike tribes,
+are becoming more devoted to the happier and safer pursuits of peace.
+
+In this state of things Lord Hardinge entertains a very confident
+expectation that the Government of India, by judicious attention
+to the native army in time of peace--which may have its peculiar
+dangers--will maintain due subordination in its ranks; and by
+abstaining from all interference in the religious prejudices of the
+people, will secure their loyal attachment to your Majesty, and their
+willing obedience to the Governor acting in your Majesty's behalf.
+
+Lord Hardinge has the honour to subscribe himself your Majesty's most
+humble and dutiful Subject and Servant,
+
+HARDINGE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A GENERAL ELECTION]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _5th August 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that he considers the elections which have taken
+place since he last addressed your Majesty as satisfactory.
+
+The Liberal gains, upon the whole, have been upwards of thirty, and
+when the elections are concluded will probably be upwards of forty.
+
+The rejection of so distinguished a man as Mr Macaulay[7] is the most
+disgraceful act in the whole election. It has only a parallel in the
+rejection of Mr Burke by the city of Bristol.
+
+The result of the whole elections will be, even if Sir George Grey
+is defeated in Northumberland, that neither Lord John Russell or any
+other Minister will have the command of a regular party majority.
+
+But it is probable that Government will be sufficiently strong to
+resist both a reaction against free trade, and any democratic movement
+against the Church or the aristocracy.
+
+    [Footnote 7: In consequence of his vote on Maynooth. The poem
+    he wrote on the present occasion will be remembered.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE IRISH ELECTIONS]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _21st August 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that Lord Fitzwilliam writes that he shall feel
+hurt if the Earldom of Strafford should be given to Lord Strafford.
+
+To save his feelings on this subject (Lord Fitzwilliam having the
+first Wentworth Earl of Strafford's property), Lord John Russell
+would humbly propose that Lord Strafford should be created Earl of
+Middlesex.
+
+But as the relations of the late Duke of Dorset might also object,
+Lord John Russell will adhere to his original proposal if your Majesty
+should deem it best.
+
+In fact, many titles have been given in succession to different
+families. Leinster, Orford, Westmorland, are familiar instances.
+
+Lord John Russell has drawn up a paper respecting the Irish elections,
+on which the Prince wished to have his remarks. The subject is a dark
+and a dreary one....
+
+Changes of Ministry may occur, but it is to be hoped that your Majesty
+may be enabled to keep the present Parliament for five or six years.
+For nothing tends so much to favour such reformations, to impede
+sober improvements, and to make members stand in servile awe of their
+constituents, as frequent General Elections.
+
+Lord John Russell is happy to see in the newspapers the successful
+progress of your Majesty's journey. It has occurred to Lord John
+Russell that as the harvest is very promising, and the election heats
+will have subsided, it may be desirable that your Majesty should go
+for three days to Ireland on your Majesty's return. The want of notice
+might in some respects be favourable, and would be an excuse to many
+Irish peers, who might otherwise complete their ruin in preparations.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Earl Fitzwilliam._
+
+_3rd September 1847._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Fitzwilliam's letter of the 31st.[8] As
+she sees Lord Strafford's elevation to an Earldom already announced in
+the _Gazette_ of the same day, it will be impossible for the Queen to
+have the question of Lord Fitzwilliam's adverse claim reconsidered.
+She thinks it right, however, to say, that, knowing that the Wentworth
+property came to Lord Fitzwilliam, it was only after the Heralds
+College had proved that Lord Strafford was the representative of the
+Earl of Strafford of the Second Creation, whilst Lord Fitzwilliam
+was not properly considered the representative of the first, that the
+Queen approved the selection of the title of Earl of Strafford for the
+present Lord. The Queen is very sorry to find that this step should
+have been annoying to Lord Fitzwilliam, for whom she has ever
+entertained a sincere regard. She has sent his letter on to Lord John
+Russell.
+
+    [Footnote 8: On John, Baron Strafford, who as Sir John Byng
+    had been distinguished in the Peninsula and at Waterloo,
+    receiving the Earldom of Strafford, Lord Fitzwilliam had
+    written: "Your Majesty has, undoubtedly, the power of
+    conferring this, or any other titular dignity, according to
+    your good pleasure, but I venture to hope that, if it be your
+    Majesty's pleasure to revive the Earldom of Strafford, it will
+    not be bestowed upon any other person than the individual who
+    has now the honour of addressing your Majesty.
+
+    "The name and history of the first Earl of Strafford is, of
+    course, familiar to your Majesty, and I venture to conclude
+    that your Majesty is not unaware of my being his descendant,
+    his heir, and his successor. I own his lands, I dwell in his
+    house, I possess his papers, and, if neither my father nor
+    myself have ever applied to the Crown for a renewal of his
+    titles, it has not been because either of us was indifferent
+    to those honours or to the favour of the Sovereign, but
+    because we were well aware of the embarrassment which
+    such applications frequently occasion to the Crown and its
+    advisers."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MISSION TO THE VATICAN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+ARDVERIKIE, _3rd September 1847._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's two letters of the 31st
+and 1st inst., and is glad to find that the views expressed in the
+Prince's Memorandum coincide with those entertained by Lord John and
+Lord Palmerston, and also by Lord Minto, as she infers. As it seems
+difficult to find a person of inferior rank and position than Lord
+Minto, and of equal weight, the Queen sanctions his undertaking
+the mission on the understanding that the object of it will be
+communicated beforehand to the Courts of Vienna and Paris, and that
+both these Governments will be made fully acquainted with the position
+England thinks herself bound to take with regard to the Italian
+controversy.[9] After this shall have been done, the sending of Sir
+William Parker with his fleet to the West Coast of Italy strikes the
+Queen as a very proper measure to give countenance to the Sovereigns
+engaged in Liberal Reform, and exposed alike to the inroads of their
+absolutist neighbour, and to the outbreaks of popular movements
+directed by a republican party, and perhaps fostered by the Austrian
+Government.
+
+    [Footnote 9: Lord John Russell proposed that Lord Minto
+    should be sent on a special mission to the Vatican. _See_
+    Introductory Note for the Year, _ante_, p. 115.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+ARDVERIKIE, _7th September 1847._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I thank you much for your kind letter of the 28th.
+Mamma writes me _such_ a good report of you both, which gives us the
+greatest pleasure. I hope you like young Ernest? This horrid Praslin
+tragedy [10] is a subject one cannot get out of one's head. The
+Government can in no way be accused of these murders, but there is
+_no_ doubt that the _standard of morality_ is _very low_ indeed, in
+France, and that the higher classes are extremely unprincipled. This
+must shake the security and prosperity of a nation. In my opinion,
+nothing has gone on so well since the _unfortunate_ false move of the
+Spanish marriages, and I think you will admit _que cela n'a pas
+porte bonheur au Roi_. I am very anxious to explain that I was out of
+spirits, and, I fear, humour, when I wrote to you last, for I _love_
+this place dearly, and the quiet, simple and wild life we lead here,
+particularly, in spite of the _abominable_ weather we have had; and
+I _am not_ the enemy of _La Chasse_, as I expressed myself--on the
+contrary, I am very keen about it, and am only annoyed at being unable
+to see it all. Really, when one thinks of the _very dull life_, and
+particularly the life of constant _self-denial_, which my poor, dear
+Albert leads, he deserves _every_ amusement in the world, and even
+about his amusements he is so accommodating that I am deeply touched
+by it. He is very fond of shooting, but it is all with the greatest
+moderation. Do you know that you never wished Albert joy of his
+birthday?
+
+The state of politics in Europe is very critical, and one feels _very_
+anxious for the future.
+
+With my dearest Albert's love, and mine, to my beloved Louise. Believe
+me, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 10: The sensational murder in Paris of the Duchesse
+    de Praslin, daughter of the diplomatist, Sebastiani, by her
+    husband, who committed suicide. This event, as well as the
+    affair of the Spanish marriages, largely contributed to the
+    Orleanist catastrophe of 1848, for it was suspected that
+    the Court and the police had not merely connived at, but had
+    actually furnished the means for, the Duke's suicide, in order
+    to prevent certain exposures which would have resulted from
+    his trial.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PORTUGAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _9th October 1847._
+
+The Queen has just received these drafts, which she has read
+attentively, and thinks very proper; she only perceives _one_ omission
+which should be rectified, viz. the one in which Lord Palmerston
+directs Sir H. Seymour and the Admiral to remain perfectly neutral in
+case of a conflict, and that is that our Fleet should naturally give
+protection to the persons of the King and Queen and Royal Family in
+case of danger, for we cannot allow them to be _murdered_, even if
+we should not be able to prevent their losing their Crown (which God
+forbid).
+
+The Queen must _again_ observe that the drafts have since some weeks
+past been sent to her _after_ they were gone, so that she can make no
+remark upon them. The Queen wishes to have copies of these drafts.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CRISIS IN THE CITY]
+
+[Pageheading: MR COBDEN]
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _14th October 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has
+seen the Governor (Mr Morris) and Deputy-Governor (Mr Prescott) of the
+Bank, Mr Jones Loyd[11] and Mr Newman. Sir Charles Wood has seen many
+others connected with the City, and they have both made statements to
+the Cabinet.
+
+The general result is: That an unsound state of trade has prevailed
+for some time.
+
+More failures may be expected.[12]
+
+The funds may fall still lower.
+
+Any interference by Government in the way of issuing more notes might
+postpone but would aggravate the distress.
+
+The railway calls add much to the present difficulty.
+
+No forcible interference with railways would be justifiable, but
+a voluntary postponement of the execution of their Acts might be
+proposed to Parliament.
+
+It will be seen by this short summary that the persons who by official
+position, practical experience, and much reflection are most capable
+of giving an opinion think that little or nothing can be done by
+Parliament or by Government.
+
+It is one of those revulsions in trade which take place periodically,
+increased in extent by the expansion of commerce, but controlled in
+its operation by the sound principles of currency which have lately
+prevailed.
+
+The Act of 1844 is generally blamed, but without the least reason.
+The accommodation afforded by the Bank has been large, liberal, and
+continuous. The circulation of notes approaches nineteen millions.
+
+Upon fully considering the difficulty of finding a person of ability
+and experience to place at the head of the Poor Law Commission, Lord
+John Russell has come to the conclusion that the best course he can
+take is to propose to Mr Cobden to accept the Presidency with a seat
+in the Cabinet, and to propose to the Duke of Bedford at the same time
+a seat in the Cabinet without office.
+
+Various reasons for making this offer to Mr Cobden will occur to your
+Majesty. His ability, his popularity with the working classes, and his
+knowledge of sound principles of political economy are undoubted. Sir
+Robert Peel's tribute to him has raised him both on the Continent
+and in this country, so that his presence in the Cabinet would give
+satisfaction to many.
+
+On the other hand, the landed nobility and gentry would be glad to see
+the Duke of Bedford take part in the deliberations of the Government.
+
+With your Majesty's permission Lord John Russell will propose these
+arrangements to the Cabinet to-morrow.
+
+He has sent for Mr Lee[13] to offer him the Bishopric of Manchester.
+It is with great regret he states that Mr Stephen[14] is obliged from
+ill health to retire from the Colonial Office. He has asked Lord Grey
+to be made a Privy Councillor, having received an assurance from Lord
+Stanley that Sir Robert Peel would propose it to your Majesty on his
+retirement. Lord John Russell submits the proposal to your Majesty as
+an honour due to Mr Stephen's long, able, and calumniated[15] public
+services.
+
+Lord John Russell has the honour to submit a letter of Lord
+Clarendon's in reference to a Memorandum of His Royal Highness Prince
+Albert.
+
+Lord John Russell thinks that in the present state of affairs, the
+abolition of the Lord-Lieutenancy must not be thought of, and that
+with the exception noticed by Lord Clarendon, the suggestions made by
+the Prince would be the best measures for adoption, when that event
+takes place.
+
+It is possible the Prince may not have a copy of the Memorandum.
+
+    [Footnote 11: Afterwards Lord Overstone.]
+
+    [Footnote 12: There had been many failures in London,
+    Liverpool, and elsewhere.]
+
+    [Footnote 13: James Prince Lee, then Headmaster of King
+    Edward's School, Birmingham, Bishop of Manchester, 1847-1869.]
+
+    [Footnote 14: James Stephen, Under-Secretary for the
+    Colonies, 1836-1847, afterwards Professor of Modern History at
+    Cambridge.]
+
+    [Footnote 15: He had made enemies by supporting the abolition
+    of slavery.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th October 1847._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter, bringing several
+very important subjects before her. She regrets that the state of the
+Money Market should still be so uncomfortable, but is sure that the
+Government cannot by any interference do much to mend matters, though
+it might easily render them still more complicated, and make itself
+responsible for a crisis, which it has in no way either brought on or
+been able to avert.[16]
+
+As to Mr Cobden's appointment to the Poor Law Board, the Queen thinks
+that he will be well qualified for the place in many respects, and
+that it will be advantageous to the Government and the Country that
+his talents should be secured to the service of the State, but the
+elevation to the Cabinet directly from Covent Garden[17] strikes her
+as a very sudden step, calculated to cause much dissatisfaction in
+many quarters, and setting a dangerous example to agitators in general
+(for his main reputation Mr Cobden gained as a successful agitator).
+The Queen therefore thinks it best that Mr Cobden should first enter
+the service of the Crown, serve as a public functionary in Parliament,
+and be promoted subsequently to the Cabinet, which step will then
+become a very natural one.
+
+The Duke of Bedford's entrance into the Cabinet the Queen would see
+with great pleasure.
+
+The Queen returns the Prince's Memorandum to Lord John, whilst she has
+retained Lord Clarendon's letter upon it, which the Prince is anxious
+to keep if Lord John will allow him. The Queen must agree with Lord
+John and Lord Clarendon that the present moment is not a favourable
+one for the experiment of abolishing the Lord-Lieutenancy.
+
+Mr Stephen's elevation to the Privy Council will be a very proper
+reward for his long and faithful services. Would he not be a proper
+person for one of the new Civil degrees of the Bath?[18]
+
+    [Footnote 16: Matters, however, became worse, and Lord John
+    Russell and Sir Charles Wood wrote recommending that the Bank
+    should enlarge their discounts and advances, for which they
+    would propose a bill of indemnity. By degrees the panic
+    subsided.]
+
+    [Footnote 17: Free Trade meetings had taken place in Covent
+    Garden Theatre.]
+
+    [Footnote 18: He was made a K.C.B.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND'S FOREIGN POLICY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _18th October 1847._
+
+The Queen cannot resist drawing Lord John Russell's attention to the
+enclosed paragraph taken from the _Revue des Deux Mondes_, which gives
+an account of the late events in Spain. How little honourable our line
+of policy appears according to this version, which the Queen is afraid
+is so very plausible that it will be received as the truth by the
+whole French public and a great part of the European public at large!
+It is, no doubt, perverted, but still the Queen must admit that our
+policy, and especially Mr Bulwer's conduct at Madrid, lays itself
+open to similar construction. After the gross duplicity and immorality
+which characterised the conduct of France with respect to the Spanish
+marriages, though she had all the profit and we all the loss, still
+we had a very strong position on the side of integrity, morality, and
+honour. The Queen is afraid that the diplomatic intrigues and counter
+intrigues at Madrid have made us lose daily more of that advantageous
+position without _any_ compensation on the other side. The Queen
+entreats Lord John Russell not to underrate the importance of keeping
+our foreign policy beyond reproach. Public opinion is recognised as a
+ruling power in our domestic affairs; it is not of less importance in
+the society of Europe with reference to the conduct of an individual
+state. To possess the _confidence_ of Europe is of the utmost
+importance to this country. That is the reason why the Queen is
+uneasy about our dealings in Greece, and anxious that we should not
+be misunderstood with respect to Italy. The Queen is sorry to perceive
+that the French complain of unfair dealing on our part with reference
+to the negotiations in the River Plate.[19] Have they any right to do
+so? Have Lord Howden's private instructions been at variance in any
+way with the public instructions which had been agreed upon with the
+French Government? The Queen would consider any advantage gained at
+the expense of an ally as a loss.
+
+    [Footnote 19: Sir John Hobart Caradoc, second Lord Howden,
+    British Minister at Rio Janeiro, was, together with Count
+    Walewski, the French Minister there, engaged in a special
+    mission to the River Plate and Uruguay; Buenos Ayres was
+    blockaded by the British Fleet.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN OF SPAIN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th October 1847._
+
+The Queen has perused with eagerness Mr Bulwer's accounts of the late
+extraordinary events in Spain, but must confess that she has in
+vain looked for an explanation of the real motives and causes of the
+crisis. Has Lord Palmerston received any private letters throwing more
+light upon the matter? There seems to prevail the greatest mystery
+about the affair. Is the Queen reconciled with her husband? Has she
+sent for him? Have all the accounts of her hatred for Don Francisco
+and the Queen-Mother been false? All these questions are unanswered.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN OF PORTUGAL]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _30th October 1847._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+many apologies to make for not having attended your Majesty's Council
+to-day, and the more so as his absence arose from an inadvertence
+which he is almost ashamed to mention. But having got on horseback
+to ride to the station, with his thoughts occupied with some matters
+which he was thinking of, he rode mechanically and in a fit of absence
+to the Nine Elms Station,[20] and did not recollect his mistake till
+he had got there; and although he made the best of his way afterwards
+to the Paddington Station, he could not get there in time for any
+train that would have taken him early enough to Windsor.
+
+Viscount Palmerston received this morning your Majesty's remarks upon
+his proposed drafts to Sir Hamilton Seymour, and has modified some of
+the expressions in those drafts; but those drafts are only private
+and confidential answers in his own name to private and confidential
+communications from Sir Hamilton Seymour, and they express only his
+own personal opinions, and not those of the Government.
+
+Viscount Palmerston is sorry to say that the circumstances lately
+mentioned by Sir Hamilton Seymour, coupled with the course pursued
+at Lisbon almost ever since the successful interference of the Allied
+Powers, have brought Viscount Palmerston to the painful convictions
+expressed in the above-mentioned drafts, and he feels desirous, for
+his own sake, to place those convictions at least upon record in this
+Office. He will be most happy to find that he is mistaken, and will
+most truly and heartily rejoice if events should prove that the
+confidence which your Majesty reposes in the sincerity and good faith
+of the Queen of Portugal is well founded; but in a matter of this
+importance Viscount Palmerston feels that it is his bounden duty to
+your Majesty not to conceal his opinions, even though they should,
+as in the present case, unfortunately differ from those which your
+Majesty entertains.
+
+    [Footnote 20: The former terminus of the London and
+    South-Western Railway.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st October 1847._
+
+The Queen acknowledges Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday. She can
+have no objections to Lord Palmerston's putting on record his opinion
+that the Queen of Portugal is leaning to the Chartist Party, and
+exposing herself, her Throne and country, to great danger by so
+doing; but she would _much_ deprecate the putting on record the grave
+accusation "that the Queen of Portugal is in a secret and perfect
+understanding with the Cabrals,"[21] which is really not warranted by
+the facts of the case, and is likely to mislead both our Government
+and the Minister at Lisbon. Since the Queen wrote yesterday the Prince
+received a letter from the King of Portugal (which he sent to Lord
+Palmerston), and which quite explains the position and views of
+the Court: we must not forget either that Sir Hamilton Seymour
+acknowledges that a change of Ministry at this moment would provoke
+a fresh Revolution at Lisbon. Although this would come from the
+Cabralists, the Queen of Portugal very naturally may not feel inclined
+to run that risk to avoid a danger the existence of which she does not
+see or comprehend.
+
+    [Footnote 21: The Ministry in which Castro Cabral had been
+    Premier, and his brother, Jose, Minister of Justice, had
+    resigned in May 1846.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE HAMPDEN CONTROVERSY]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _10th November 1847._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+after reflecting on the various reasons in favour of, and objections
+against, different Bishops for promotion to the Archbishopric of York,
+he humbly submits to your Majesty the name of Dr Musgrave, Bishop of
+Hereford, to be appointed Archbishop of York. The Bishop of Hereford
+is a man of sound information, good judgment, and business habits. It
+is of such consequence to have an Archbishop of York, who will, like
+the late Archbishop, avoid quarrels and crotchets, and live peaceably
+with all men.
+
+Should your Majesty approve, he would then submit the name of Dr
+Hampden to be the new Bishop, and that of the Bishop of Oxford[22] as
+Queen's Almoner.
+
+    [Footnote 22: Samuel Wilberforce.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Bishop of Oxford to Mr Anson._
+
+_16th November 1847._
+
+MY DEAR ANSON,--I enclose you a letter from Lord John Russell,
+offering me the Lord Almonership. I have ventured to write direct to
+Her Majesty, to express to her my grateful feelings at this notice of
+me. But I have been so afraid of offending by anything like freedom
+of expression that I much fear I have instead said coldly and formally
+what, if I had said it naturally, would have expressed the deepest and
+most exuberant feelings of what I trust I may venture to say is not an
+ungrateful heart. Ungrateful it would be most certainly if it did
+not feel to its deepest core the uniform and great kindness I have
+received now for so many years from Her Majesty and from the Prince. I
+wish I could better show them my feelings....
+
+You have read no doubt the _Times_ article on Dr Hampden. I am
+afraid it is too true. I cannot conceive _what_ was Dr Hampden's
+recommendation. He was not a persecuted man, for he had got a station
+far higher than he ever dreamed of already; he is not an able, or
+an active man, or one popular with any party, and unless Lord John
+Russell wished for an opportunity of shocking the young confidence
+of the Church in him, I cannot conceive why he should have made it.
+I deeply lament it. Pray let me hear of your health, if it be only
+a single line (to Cuddesdon), and believe me to be, ever your truly
+affectionate,
+
+S. OXON.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S DESPATCHES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+_17th November 1847._
+
+The Queen has been struck by the concluding passage of the
+accompanying draft to Mr Bulwer. It gives an official declaration of
+the views of England with respect to a point of the greatest gravity
+and importance, and upon which the Queen apprehends that the mind
+of the Cabinet is not yet made up. The Queen herself has come to no
+determination upon it, and it may involve the question of peace
+or war. Surely our line of policy under future and uncertain
+contingencies ought not to be pledged beforehand and in such an
+indirect way. The Queen wishes Lord Palmerston to speak to Lord John
+Russell upon the subject, and to show him the draft and these remarks
+of the Queen upon it.
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _17th November 1847._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in
+compliance with your Majesty's wishes he has omitted the whole of the
+latter part of the proposed despatch to Mr Bulwer.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+(_Undated._)
+
+The Queen has seen with surprise in the _Gazette_ the appointment of
+Mr Corigan,[23] about which she must complain to Lord John Russell.
+Not only had her pleasure not been taken upon it, but she had actually
+mentioned to Lord Spencer that she had her doubts about the true
+propriety of the appointment. Lord John will always have found the
+Queen desirous to meet his views with regard to all appointments and
+ready to listen to any reasons which he might adduce in favour of
+his recommendations, but she must insist upon appointments in her
+Household not being made _without_ her previous sanction, and least of
+all such as that of a _Physician to her person_.
+
+    [Footnote 23: Dominic John Corigan, M.D.,
+    Physician-in-Ordinary to Her Majesty in Ireland.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SWITZERLAND]
+
+[Pageheading: LETTER FROM THE KING OF PRUSSIA]
+
+
+_The King of Prussia to Queen Victoria._
+
+[_Translation._]
+
+_25th November 1847._
+
+... I hear with delight and thankfulness that it has pleased your
+Majesty to agree to a Conference for regulating the dreadful Swiss
+quarrels.[24] I took the liberty to propose my beloved and truly
+amiable town of Neuchatel as the place for the Conference, not only
+because its position in neutral territory and in Switzerland
+herself qualifies it above every other place for that purpose, but
+_particularly_ because this meeting of the representatives of the
+great Powers there would protect it and the courageous and faithful
+country of Neuchatel from indignities, spoliation, and all the
+_horrors_ which oppress at this moment the unfortunate and far from
+courageous Fribourg. I am afraid that your Majesty has not a full
+appreciation of the people and the partisans who fill Switzerland
+with murders and the miseries of the most abominable Civil War. Your
+Majesty's happy realms have centuries ago passed through the "phase"
+of such horrors, and with you the state of parties has been (as one
+says here) grown in bottles,[25] under the glorious Constitution given
+by God and History, but _not_ "made"; but there, in Switzerland, a
+party is becoming victorious!!! which, notwithstanding the exercise
+of Christian charity, can only be called "_Gottlos und Rechtlos_"
+(without God and without right). For Germany, the saving of
+Switzerland from the hands of the Radicals is _simply_ a _vital
+question_. If they are victorious there, in Germany likewise torrents
+of blood will flow; I will answer for that. The murder of Kings,
+Priests, and Aristocrats is no empty sound with them, and Civil War in
+song, writing, word, and deed, is their watchword. "Toute charite bien
+entendue commence par soi-meme." So they begin with their own country,
+true to this "Christian" (!) motto. If they are allowed to proceed,
+surely they _won't stop there_. Thousands of emigrated malefactors
+wait only for a sign (which their comrades and allies in Germany will
+not be backward in giving) to pour forth beyond the German frontier.
+In Germany the PEOPLE are just as little fond of them as they were in
+Switzerland, but the experience of Switzerland teaches us that
+that alone cannot stem their victorious march, if circumstances are
+favourable to them. The German people rely upon their Governments, and
+do nothing, but Governments are weakened by the modern Liberalism
+(the precursor of Radicalism, as the dying of chickens precedes
+the Cholera) and will have to take the consequences of their own
+negligence. Notwithstanding people and princes, that godless band will
+march through Germany, because, though small, it is strong through
+being united and determined. All this I have pondered in my head and
+heart (led, so to say, by the hand of History), and that has prompted
+me now to propose that the German Confederation (which _en parenthese_
+includes a population of more than forty millions) should appear
+as one of the great Powers of Europe at the settlement of the Swiss
+dispute, and should be admitted as such by the other great Powers.
+_Would your Majesty do justice, and give_ PROTECTION _to this
+idea_?...
+
+F. W.
+
+    [Footnote 24: _See_ Introductory Note for the year, _ante_, p.
+    115.]
+
+    [Footnote 25: As old wine improves by being kept in bottles.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S REPLY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of Prussia._
+
+OSBORNE, _5th December 1847._
+
+Since your letter was written events have followed each other so
+rapidly that at this moment the war in Switzerland may be considered
+as terminated; by the capitulations of the Cantons formerly
+constituting the Sonderbund, _two_ parties, between which a mediation
+of the great Powers could have taken place, have ceased to exist, and
+consequently mediation and the Conference resulting from it are in
+fact no longer necessary or possible. I had proposed London as
+the place of conference, but should with pleasure have waived this
+proposition to adopt the place which you have expressed a wish of
+seeing fixed for that purpose, viz. Neuchatel, and I should have felt
+truly happy if by so doing I could have met your wishes, and given
+further protection to the principality against possible aggressions
+on the part of the Federal Government of Switzerland. As matters
+now stand, the only complication which might arise is that between
+Neuchatel and the Diet. I have, in anticipation of any such event,
+instructed Sir Stratford Canning to exert himself to his utmost to
+dissuade the Diet from any plan of aggression on your territory, and
+he has been furnished with an able and elaborate state paper for his
+guidance, which Chevalier Bunsen had drawn up, discussing the legal
+merits of the case. Should events prove that Sir S. Canning did
+not arrive in time, or had not the power of averting a hostile step
+against Neuchatel, you may rely upon my readiness at all times to
+put my good offices at your disposal. Should a conference upon Swiss
+affairs still become necessary, I conceive that the only plea upon
+which the great Powers could meet in conference would be their having
+guaranteed the independence and neutrality of Switzerland, and by
+implication the Federal Compact amongst the Cantons. This has not been
+the case with regard to the German Confederation, and I do not readily
+see in consequence how the Confederation could be admitted into this
+Conference, however much I confess I would like to see Germany take
+her place amongst the Powers of Europe, to which her strength and
+population fairly entitle her. I may say that my Government are
+equally impressed with me with the importance of German unity and
+strength and of this strength weighing in the balance of power
+of Europe; I am sure that the English public generally share this
+feeling, but I must not conceal from your Majesty that much would
+depend upon the manner in which this power was represented. Much
+as the English would like to see this power represented by the
+enlightened councils of your Majesty, they would be animated with very
+different feelings in seeing it in the hands of Prince Metternich ...
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th December 1847._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge the receipt of several letters from
+Lord John Russell. She was pleased to see that the Debates have been
+brought to such a satisfactory conclusion, all the propositions of
+the Government having passed with such good majorities. The Queen must
+mention to Lord John that she was a little shocked at Sir Charles Wood
+in his speech upon the Commission of Inquiry, designating the _future
+Government_, and selecting Lord George Bentinck, Mr Disraeli(!), and
+Mr Herries as the persons destined to hold _high offices_ in the next
+Government.
+
+The Bishops behave extremely ill about Dr Hampden, and the Bishop of
+Exeter[26] is gone so far, in the Queen's opinion, that he might be
+prosecuted for it, in calling the Act settling the supremacy on the
+Crown a _foul act_ and _the Magna Charta of Tyranny_.
+
+The Queen is glad to hear that Lord John is quite recovered. We are
+going to Windsor the day after to-morrow.
+
+    [Footnote 26: Henry Phillpotts, Bishop of Exeter, 1830-1869.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD MELBOURNE]
+
+
+_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
+
+BROCKET HALL, _30th December 1847._
+
+Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has
+received with great pleasure your Majesty's letter of this morning,
+and reciprocates with the most cordial heartiness your Majesty's good
+wishes of the season, both for your Majesty and His Royal Highness.
+Lord Melbourne is pretty well in health, perhaps rather better than he
+has been, but low and depressed in spirits for a cause which has long
+pressed upon his mind, but which he has never before communicated to
+your Majesty. Lord Melbourne has for a long time found himself much
+straitened in his pecuniary circumstances, and these embarrassments
+are growing now every day more and more urgent, so that he dreads
+before long that he shall be obliged to add another to the list of
+failures and bankruptcies of which there have lately been so many.
+This is the true reason why Lord Melbourne has always avoided the
+honour of the Garter, when pressed upon him by his late Majesty
+and also by your Majesty. Lord Melbourne knows that the expense of
+accepting the blue ribbon amounts to L1000, and there has been of late
+years no period at which it would not have been seriously inconvenient
+to Lord Melbourne to lay down such a sum.[27]
+
+    [Footnote 27: The Queen, through the agency of Mr Anson,
+    advanced Lord Melbourne a considerable sum of money, which
+    seems to have been repaid at his death. Apparently Lord
+    Melbourne's declining health caused him to magnify his
+    difficulties. The report which Mr Anson made shows that he was
+    in no sense seriously embarrassed.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XVII
+
+
+At the outset of the year 1848 great alarm was felt throughout England
+at the supposed inadequacy of her defences, a panic being caused by
+the indiscreet publication of a confidential letter from the Duke of
+Wellington to Sir John Burgoyne, to the effect that in his judgment
+the whole South Coast was open to invasion, and that there were no
+means of opposing a hostile force. The Government turned its attention
+to reconstructing the Militia, and raising the Income Tax for
+the purpose. But the outlook was completely changed by the French
+Revolution; Louis Philippe, who had just lost his sister and
+counsellor, Madame Adelaide, impulsively abdicated, on a rising
+taking place, and escaped with his family to this country. England and
+Belgium were unaffected by the outburst of revolution which convulsed
+Europe: the Emperor of Austria was forced to abdicate, and Metternich,
+like Guizot, became a fugitive; Prussia was shaken to her foundation,
+and throughout Germany the movement in favour of representative
+institutions made rapid headway; a National Assembly for Germany was
+constituted, and Schleswig was claimed as an integral part of the
+German dominions. In Italy also the Revolution, though premature, was
+serious. The Pope, not yet reactionary, declared war against Austria;
+the Milanese rose against Radetzky, the Austrian Governor, and King
+Charles Albert of Sardinia marched to their assistance. A republic was
+proclaimed in Venice, but these successes were afterwards nullified,
+and a Sicilian rising against Ferdinand II. of Naples was suppressed.
+In France the revolutionary movement held steadily on its course, a
+National Assembly was elected, and national workshops established;
+Louis Bonaparte, who had been a fugitive in England, was allowed
+to return, and was elected President of the Republic by an immense
+majority of the popular vote.
+
+The friends of Revolution had no success in England; a very serious
+riot at Glasgow was dispersed, and the meeting convened by Feargus
+O'Connor for the 10th of April on Kennington Common, which was to
+carry a huge petition in favour of the People's Charter to the House
+of Commons, proved a ridiculous _fiasco_. Ireland was much disturbed
+during the year by what was known as the Young Ireland agitation,
+a movement organised by youthful, and for the most part cultivated,
+leaders, and utterly different from the sturdy Repeal movement
+of O'Connell. Smith O'Brien, brother of Lord Inchiquin, was the
+ringleader, and was backed by Mitchel, Duffy, Meagher, and others,
+as well as by the _Nation_ and _United Irishman_ newspapers. Like
+Chartism, the movement ignominiously collapsed and its leaders were
+convicted of treason. An Act was at the same time passed reducing
+some offences (till then legally defined as treason) to felonies, and
+improving the law as to offences against the person of the Sovereign.
+
+The treacherous murder of two Englishmen in the Punjab led to
+operations against the Sikhs, Lord Dalhousie--who had recently
+become Viceroy--after some hesitation, reinforcing Lord Gough, the
+Commander-in-Chief, and proceeding in person to the frontier; a
+British force sustained a reverse at Ramnuggur on 22nd November, and a
+decisive result was not arrived at till 1849.
+
+In South Africa, a proclamation by Sir Harry Smith, the Governor of
+the Cape of Good Hope, extending British sovereignty over the country
+between the Orange and Vaal rivers, led to a collision with the Boers,
+and ultimately to the founding of the Transvaal State. Sir Harry Smith
+defeated the Boers on the 29th of August at Boom Platz.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+1848
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _1st January 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--This is a most melancholy beginning of the
+year. Our poor Aunt Adelaide,[1] so kind to us, has departed this life
+yesterday morning. Poor Louise feels it dreadfully, as nothing could
+be more affectionate and more motherly than she was for Louise. She
+was always very kind and friendly to me, and I must confess I feel the
+blow much. I am very much alarmed about the poor King; he must feel
+the loss of a sister and friend so entirely devoted to him deeply;
+it is the thing most likely to hurt and shake his health. You will
+forgive if I cut short here, as I am much disturbed by this melancholy
+event. I think you would act kindly in writing to the King. We are too
+nearly connected not to do it, and it will soothe him, who has been
+enough persecuted since last year. I trust you begin better than we do
+this most melancholy January. My best love to Albert, and believe me
+ever, my dearest Victoria, your truly and devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 1: Sister of King Louis Philippe.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF MADAME ADELAIDE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._[2]
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd January 1848._
+
+The Queen sends Lord John Russell a letter from her Uncle, the King
+of the Belgians, which will show how dreadful a blow Mme. Adelaide's
+death will be to the King of the French and Royal Family. The Queen's
+first thought was to write to the King, which she would not have done
+without first mentioning it to Lord John; but upon reflection
+she thought it quickest and best to write _at once_ to her cousin
+Clementine (Princess Augustus of Saxe-Coburg), to convey in her name
+to the King her sincere sympathy at this melancholy event. The King of
+the Belgians' letter has, however, brought back to the Queen her first
+thought of writing to the King, and she wishes to know what Lord John
+thinks of it. The Queen thinks it as undignified as unfeeling to carry
+on political coolness at moments like these, when her own feelings of
+sympathy are so strong and so sincere. The Queen would certainly under
+other circumstances have instantly written to the King. On the other
+hand, her first letter to her cousin (the King's daughter) may be
+sufficient, as it conveys a direct message; and there may be people
+who will construe this into a political act, but the Queen thinks that
+this risk should rather be run than that she should appear unfeeling
+and forgetful of former kindness and intimacy.
+
+The Queen would be glad to have Lord John's opinion on this subject as
+soon as possible.
+
+    [Footnote 2: This letter is headed "Reproduction--Substance of
+    a letter to Lord John Russell, written from recollection."]
+
+
+
+
+_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _3rd January 1848._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--I thank you _most sincerely_ for your
+kind last letter, and all your good wishes for the New Year. Alas! the
+year _ended_ and _began_ in a _most painful_ and _heartrending way
+for us_. The loss of my good, excellent, beloved Aunt is an _immense
+misfortune_ for _us all_, and the most _dreadful blow_ for my poor
+Father. We are all broken-hearted by this, at last _unexpected_ event.
+Some years we were uneasy about my poor Aunt's health, and of late
+I had been particularly alarmed by what I heard of her increasing
+weakness; but I was very far from believing that her end was _so
+near_. I was only anxious for the winter. At least her end was
+peaceful. She went to sleep and did not wake more. She died without a
+struggle; the horror of death, and the still greater pang of the last
+farewell, of the last leave-taking of her beloved brother, was spared
+her. I thank God for _this_ proof of His mercy, and hope He will
+keep up my Father under _such a heavy affliction_. To him the loss is
+_irretrievable_. My Aunt lived _but_ for him; one may almost say
+that her affection alone had kept her alive these last years, and a
+devotion like hers--that devotion of all instants--so complete, so
+full of self-denial--cannot, will never, be replaced. A heart _like
+hers_, so true, so noble, so warm, so loving, so devoted, is _rarely_
+seen. To us also, independently of my Father, the loss is a _dreadful_
+one. My Aunt was a second mother for us; we loved her and looked up to
+her in this way, and certainly few mothers do for their children what
+she did for us, or loved them better. We are overwhelmed with grief by
+the sudden disappearance of a being _so dear_ and _so necessary_ to us
+all, and we go to-morrow to Paris, to mourn with the remainder of the
+family, and offer my poor Father the only consolation he can feel at
+this cruel moment, that of being surrounded by all those he loves.
+I have still so much to do previous to our melancholy journey that
+I cannot say more to-day. I am sure you will excuse me. I shall, God
+willing, write in a more proper way the next time. In the meanwhile I
+thank God that you are _unberufen_ all well, and, in sorrow or in joy,
+I am equally, my beloved Victoria, from the bottom of my heart, yours
+most devotedly,
+
+LOUISE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LETTER TO KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+WOBURN ABBEY, _4th January 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+no hesitation in saying that he thinks your Majesty will do well to
+follow your own kind impulse to write a letter to the King of the
+French. There will be some persons, and M. Guizot perhaps among the
+number, who will construe this into a political act; but it is better
+to be subject to such misconstructions than to leave undone any act of
+sympathy to the King of the French in his sore affliction.
+
+Should the King attempt to found upon your Majesty's letter any
+political intercourse, Lord John Russell has no doubt that your
+Majesty will explain to him that your present proceeding is entirely
+founded upon private regard, and past recollections of intimacy, and
+is not intended as an opening for political correspondence.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._
+
+CH. DE WINDSOR, _5 Janvier 1848._
+
+SIRE ET MON BON FRERE,--Je ne voulais pas suivre l'impulse de mon
+c[oe]ur, dans les premiers instants de la vive douleur de votre
+Majeste, en vous ecrivant--mais maintenant ou la violence de cette
+rude secousse peut-etre sera un peu adoucie, je viens moi-meme
+exprimer a votre Majeste la part sincere que nous prenons, le Prince
+et moi, a la cruelle perte que vous venez d'eprouver, et qui doit
+vous laisser un vide irreparable. Ayez la bonte, Sire, d'offrir nos
+expressions de condoleance a la Reine, et faisant des v[oe]ux pour le
+bonheur de V.M., je me dis, Sire et mon bon Frere, de V.M., la bonne
+S[oe]ur,
+
+V. R.
+
+A S.M. le Roi des Francais.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND THE PORTE]
+
+
+_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+PARIS, _8 Janvier 1848._
+
+MADAME MA BONNE S[OE]UR,--Dans la profonde douleur ou m'a plonge le
+coup cruel qui vient de me frapper, une des plus douces consolations
+que je pusse recevoir, est la lettre que votre Majeste a eu la bonte
+de m'adresser, tant en son nom qu'en celui du Prince son Epoux.
+L'expression de la part que vous prenez tous deux a mon malheur, et de
+l'interet que vous continuez a me porter, m'a vivement emu, et quelque
+douloureuse qu'en soit l'occasion, qu'il me soit permis, Madame, de
+vous en remercier, et de dire a votre Majeste que mon c[oe]ur et mes
+sentimens pour elle, sont et seront toujours les memes que ceux que
+j'etais si heureux de Lui manifester a Windsor et au Chateau d'Eu.
+
+Je prie votre Majeste de vouloir bien etre, aupres du Prince son
+Epoux, l'interprete de toute ma sensibilite. La Reine est bien touchee
+de ce que votre Majeste m'a charge de Lui temoigner, et je la prie
+de croire que je suis toujours, Madame, ma bonne S[oe]ur, de votre
+Majeste, le bon Frere,
+
+LOUIS PHILIPPE R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+CLAREMONT, _11th January 1848.[sic: 1843]_
+
+The Queen has this morning seen a draft addressed to Lord Cowley,
+in which he is desired to advise the Sultan to give Abd-el-Kader
+a command in his Army--a step which the Queen cannot approve, not
+because it is not good advice to the Porte, but because it is uncalled
+for on our part, and might be considered by France as a hostile step
+towards her. What would we say if the French were to advise M. Ali to
+give Akbar Khan the command of his army?[3]
+
+    [Footnote 3: See _ante_, vol. i. p. 254.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CLAREMONT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+CLAREMONT, _11th January 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I always write with pleasure to you from this _so_
+very dear old place, where we are safely and happily housed with our
+_whole_ little family since yesterday. The weather is very cold, and
+it is the third night of a black frost which is likely to continue
+for some days. Many thanks for your kind letter of the 7th, which,
+according to the new arrangement, I received already on the 8th.
+Your visit will, I fear, have been a very melancholy one. Poor Mme.
+Adelaide's death was so extremely sudden, it must be a dreadful blow
+to the poor King. I _have_ written to him. Louise will have told you
+that poor Aunt Sophia[4] is decidedly sinking.
+
+I wish, dearest Uncle, if even Louise feels unequal to coming to us
+now (which would be a _sad disappointment_), _you_ would come to see
+us. Why not come while she is at Paris? It would be such a pleasure to
+us. You will of course have no balls, and you might come even sooner
+than you originally intended. Pray do see if you could manage this. I
+am sure you could. If Louise could come, of course that would be still
+better.
+
+Albert desires me to ask you the following favour, viz. if you
+would give us the picture that is here of Grand Uncle Frederic (the
+Field-Marshal), that we might hang it up in London, where we have made
+a fine collection of his contemporaries, and we would replace it by
+a faithful copy, which could be hung up in the frame here. Will you
+grant this?
+
+We are very desirous of getting the Woods and Forests to build a small
+_glass dome_ to the greenhouse here where the palm-trees are, and (if
+you approved) there could be no difficulty in getting this done; the
+palm-trees are beautiful, and will be quite stunted and spoilt if not
+allowed to grow. We shall stay here till Monday next. With Albert's
+love, ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 4: Fifth daughter of George III., born 1777. She
+    died in May 1848.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _12th January 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--A messenger of my own going to England, I take
+advantage of it to write you a few words. Your kind letter to the
+poor King was an act for which I thank you from the bottom of my soul,
+because it made him so happy. I was still in his rooms--where the
+family has been breakfasting and dining till now--when your letter
+arrived; he was so delighted with it that he _kissed it most
+tenderly_. I left him tolerably well on Monday, but with rather a
+severe cold. He had certainly at the end of December the Grippe,
+which perhaps was the immediate cause of poor Aunt's death, as from
+over-anxiety for her beloved brother, she got up in the night to find
+out how he was. His cold had been better when he went to Dreux, then
+he met the procession, and walked with it bareheaded to the church;
+this seems to have given him a new cold. His nerves are also a good
+deal shaken, and this renders him very irritable. He is much occupied
+about some of the arrangements connected with poor Aunt's fortune;
+she left her landed property to Nemours, Joinville, and Montpensier,
+charged with the various sums she left to nearly all the branches of
+her family. The King is to have, however, the enjoyment of the whole
+of this fortune for his life. His great wish would be to employ the
+revenues, from the whole of the succession legacies as well as landed
+property, to free the landed property of the mortgage of the various
+legacies. This will require a good many years, and I told him that it
+would force him to live till it would be arranged, which will easily
+require ten years. In France a good feeling has been shown on this
+occasion. I heard from trustworthy quarters that even people who were
+known to be personally not very kind to the King, expressed themselves
+most anxious for his preservation. Whenever that sad event will take
+place, the reaction in Europe will be great, as all the bad passions
+which are kept down by him will then of course try to get the over
+hand. The Queen is much affected by all this, and thinks much of her
+own end. The children, including good Helene, have all behaved
+with the utmost affection to their parents, and nothing can equal
+particularly good Nemours' devotion and attention. My beloved Child,
+your truly devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: REVOLUTION IN FRANCE]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _12th February 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... From Paris the news are alarming;[5] the
+struggle of the Liberal Party leaning towards radicalism, or in fact
+merely their own promotion; principles are _out_ of the question. This
+state of affairs reacts in a very lamentable way upon the well-being
+of the great European community. Great complaints are made that the
+working classes are deprived of work and at the same time political
+agitation is kept up, which must have the effect of stopping
+transactions of every description. The human race is a _sad_ creation,
+and I trust the other planets are better organised and that we may get
+there hereafter.... Your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 5: The Republican movement had been making rapid
+    headway in Paris, and the leader of the Opposition, M. Odilon
+    Barrot, proposed Guizot's impeachment on the 22nd of February.
+    Louis Philippe, when it was unfortunately too late, consented
+    to a change of Ministry, but the formation of a new Government
+    proved impossible. The Revolution could have been quelled, had
+    it not been for the King's reluctance to shed blood in defence
+    of the Throne to which he had been elected; even to the
+    agitators themselves the completeness of the Revolution was a
+    surprise.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _23rd February 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+will have the honour of waiting upon your Majesty at three o'clock
+to-morrow.
+
+Lord Normanby's letters from Paris give a little information.[6]
+
+There has been some fighting in the streets, and some apprehension
+for the night. But it does not appear probable that any serious danger
+will be incurred, with the troops in such force in Paris.
+
+Hereafter there may be a serious struggle between the Government of
+the King, and the Republicans. But in that case such men as M. Odilon
+Barrot will shrink from the contest.
+
+    [Footnote 6: A letter from Lord Normanby on the 13th of
+    March to Lord Palmerston (published in Ashley's _Life of
+    Palmerston_, vol. i. chap. iii.) gives an account of the
+    situation on the eve of the 22nd of February. On the 25th of
+    February he wrote:--
+
+    "The National Guards, mixed with the people, were in full
+    march upon the Tuileries, and the latter threatening the life
+    of the King, when Emile Girardin, the editor of the _Presse_
+    newspaper, who was in advance as an officer of the National
+    Guard, hastily drew up an Act of Abdication, and placed it
+    before the King as the only means of safety. The King at
+    first refused, saying that he would rather die; but the Duc de
+    Montpensier urged him, not only for his own sake, but to save
+    his country from confusion. The King at last signed it,
+    and threw it impatiently at the Duc de Montpensier, who,
+    I believe, has been in favour of conciliatory counsel
+    throughout. The Royal Family then retired through the garden,
+    the King saying to every one as he passed, 'J'abdique,
+    j'abdique.'"]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _26th February 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I am very unwell in consequence of the _awful_
+events at Paris. How will this end? Poor Louise is in a state of
+despair which is pitiful to behold. What will soon become of us God
+alone knows; great efforts will be made to revolutionise this country;
+as there are poor and wicked people in all countries it may succeed.
+
+Against France we, of course, have a right to claim protection from
+England and the other Powers. I can write no more. God bless you. Ever
+your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FLIGHT OF FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY]
+
+
+_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+BRUSSELS, _27th February 1848._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--I understand by an account arrived this
+morning, and which seems to be correct, that my unfortunate parents
+arrived in England before yesterday evening: but I don't know _where_
+they are. (I don't know anything of them since the 23rd, evening!!!)
+But you will surely know, and kindly forward the letter to my poor
+mother. I have just received your kind letter of the 25th, but I
+am unable to say more to-day. You will easily conceive my agony and
+anguish. What an _unbelievable_ clap of thunder! I know still nothing
+of what Nemours and Montpensier are become. I rely on your interest
+and sympathy, and remain as ever, yours most devotedly,
+
+LOUISE.
+
+I hear this moment with an _extreme relief_ that my parents were to
+arrive yesterday at London, and thank God from the bottom of my heart
+for their safety! In my agony I did not wish for anything else.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING OF PRUSSIA]
+
+[Pageheading: ANARCHY IN PARIS]
+
+
+_The King of Prussia to Queen Victoria._
+
+[_Translation._]
+
+_27th February 1848._
+
+MOST GRACIOUS QUEEN AND SISTER,--Even at this midnight hour of the
+day, on the evening of which the awful news from Paris has arrived,
+I venture to address these lines to your Majesty. God has permitted
+events which decisively threaten the peace of Europe.
+
+It is an attempt to "spread the principles of the Revolution by
+_every_ means throughout the whole of Europe." This programme binds
+together both these individuals and their parties. The consequences
+for the peace of the world are _clear_ and _certain_. If the
+revolutionary party carries out its programme, "The sovereignty of
+the people," my minor crown will be broken, no less certainly than the
+mighty crowns of your Majesty, and a fearful scourge will be laid upon
+the nations; a century [will follow] of rebellion, of lawlessness, and
+of godlessness. The late King did not dare to write "by the Grace
+of God." _We_, however, call ourselves King "by the Grace of God,"
+because it is true. Well, then, most gracious Queen, let us now show
+to men, to the peoples threatened with disruption and nameless misery,
+both _that_ we understand our sacred office and _how_ we understand
+it. God has placed in your Majesty's hands, in the hands of the two
+Emperors, in those of the German Federation, and in mine, a power,
+which, if it now acts in union and harmony, with reliance on Heaven,
+is able humanly speaking, to enforce, with certainty, the maintenance
+of the peace of the world. This power is _not that of arms_, for
+these, more than ever, must only afford the _ultima ratio_.
+
+The power I mean is "the power of united speech." In the year 1830
+the use of this immeasurable power was criminally neglected. But now I
+think the danger is much more pressing than it was then. This power is
+divided among _us_ in equal portions. I possess the smallest portion
+of it, and your Majesty has by far the greatest share. That share is
+so great that your Majesty, by your powerful word, might alone carry
+out the task. But the certainty of victory lies, subject to the Divine
+blessing, solely in our utterance being united. This must be our
+message to France; "that all of us are cordial well-wishers to France;
+we do not grudge her all possible welfare and glory; we mean never to
+encroach on it, and we will stand by the new Government as by the old,
+_foi de gentils-hommes_. But the first breach of the peace, be it with
+reference to Italy, Belgium, or Germany would be, undoubtedly and at
+the same time, a breach with 'all of us,' and we should, with all the
+power that God has given us, let France feel by _sea_ and by _land_,
+as in the years '13, '14, and '15, what our union may mean."
+
+_Now_ I bless Providence for having placed Lord Palmerston at the head
+of your Foreign Office, and keeping him there at this very moment.
+During the last quarter of the past year I could not always cordially
+agree with him. His genuine British disposition will honour this open
+confession. All the more frankly may I now express the hopes which
+rise in me, from the very fact of _his_ holding that office at the
+present moment; for a more active, more vivid, more energetic Minister
+of foreign affairs, a man that would more indefatigably pursue great
+aims, your Majesty could probably never have. If at this grave hour
+he sets himself to proclaim that our forces are united; if he himself
+utters his message as befits St George, he will earn the blessing of
+millions, and the blessing of God and of the world will rest on your
+Majesty's sacred head. That I am your Majesty's and _Old England's_
+most faithful and most devoted brother and companion, you are aware,
+and I mean to prove it. On both, knees I adjure you, use, for the
+welfare of Europe, "_Engellands England_."
+
+With these words I fall at your Majesty's feet, most gracious Queen,
+and remain your Majesty's most faithfully devoted, most attached
+Servant and good Brother,
+
+FREDERIC WILLIAM.
+
+_P. S._--The Prince I embrace. He surely feels with me, and justly
+appraises my endeavours.
+
+_Post scriptum, 28th, in the evening._
+
+I venture to open my letter again, for this day has brought us news
+from France, which one can only call _horrible_. According to what
+we hear, there is no longer left a King in France. A regency, a
+government, and the most complete anarchy has ensued, under the name
+of the Republic--a condition of things in which, at first, there will
+be no possibility of communicating with the people, infuriated with
+crime. In case a Government should evolve itself out of this chaos, I
+conscientiously hold that the "united word" of the great Powers, such
+as I have indicated in the preceding pages, should be made known,
+_without any modification, to the new holders of power_. Your
+Majesty's gracious friendship will certainly not take amiss this
+addition to my letter, though it be not conformable to strict
+etiquette.
+
+The fate of the poor old King, of the Duchess of Orleans, of the whole
+honourable and amiable family, cuts me to the heart, for up to this
+time we do not know what has become of any of them. We owe Louis
+Philippe eighteen happy years of peace. No noble heart must forget
+that. And yet--who would not recognise the avenging hand of the King
+of kings in all this?
+
+I kiss your Majesty's hands.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LETTER FROM QUEEN LOUISE]
+
+[Pageheading: ANXIETY OF QUEEN LOUISE]
+
+
+_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+BRUSSELS, _28th February 1848._
+
+MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--_What a misfortune! What_ an _awful,
+overwhelming, unexpected_ and _inexplicable catastrophe_. _Is it
+possible_ that we should witness _such events_, and that _this_ should
+be the end of nearly eighteen years of courageous and successful
+efforts to maintain order, peace, and make France happy, what _she
+was_? I have heard, I read hourly, _what has happened: I cannot
+believe it yet_; but if _my beloved parents_ and the remainder of
+the family are at least _safe_ I won't mind the rest. In the hours of
+agony we have gone through I asked God _only_ to spare _the lives_,
+and I ask still _nothing else_: but we don't know them yet _all_
+saved, and till I have heard of my unfortunate parents, of my unhappy
+brothers far away, of all those for whom I would lay my life at any
+moment and whose danger I could not even share or alleviate, I cannot
+exist.
+
+I was _sure_, my beloved Victoria, of all _you_ would _feel for us_
+when you would hear of these awful events. I received yesterday your
+two kind, warm, sympathising letters of the 25th and 26th, and thank
+you with _all my heart_ for them, and for yours and Albert's share and
+sympathy.
+
+_Our anguish_ has been _undescribable_. We have been _thirty-six hours
+without any news_, not knowing even if my parents and the family were
+still alive or not, and what had been their fate. Death is not worse
+than what we endured during these horrible hours. We don't know yet
+what to think, what to believe, I would almost say, what to wish; we
+are _stunned_ and _crushed_ by the awful blow. What has happened is
+_unaccountable, incomprehensible_; it appears to us like a _fearful_
+dream. Alas! I fear my dear beloved father was led away by his
+_extreme courage_; by that same courage which had made his success and
+a part of his strength; for it is strange to say that even those that
+deplored most his resolution never to yield on certain things gave him
+credit for it. The exaggeration of the system of peace and resistance,
+or rather _immobility_, lost him, as that of war lost Napoleon. Had he
+shunned less war _on all occasions_, and granted in time some trifling
+reforms, he would have satisfied public opinion, and would probably
+be still where he was _only eight days ago_, strong, beloved, and
+respected! Guizot's accession has been _as fatal_ as his fall, and
+is perhaps the _first cause_ of our ruin, though my father cannot be
+blamed for having kept him in office, as he had the majority in the
+Chamber, and an overwhelming one. _Constitutionally_, he could not
+have been turned out, and it was _impossible to foresee_ that when
+all was quiet, the country prosperous and happy, the laws and
+liberty respected, the Government strong, a _Revolution_--and _such
+a Revolution_--would be brought on by a few imprudent words, and the
+resistance (lamentable as it was) to a manifestation which, in fact,
+the Government had a right to prevent. _It was the Almighty's will:
+we must submit._ He had decreed our loss the day He removed my beloved
+brother[7] from this world. Had he lived still, all this would
+have turned otherwise. It has been also an immense misfortune that
+Joinville and Aumale were both away. They were both popular (which
+poor dear _never-to-be-sufficiently-respected_ Nemours was _not_),
+energetic, courageous, and capable of turning chance in our favour.
+Oh! _how I long_ to know what is become of them! I cannot live till
+then, and the thought of my unfortunate parents _annihilates_ me! Poor
+dear Joinville had foreseen and foretold almost all that has happened,
+and it was the idea of the crisis he apprehended which made him so
+unhappy to go. He repeated it to me several times six weeks ago. Alas!
+_nobody_ would believe him, and who _could believe_ that in _a day_,
+almost without struggle, _all would be over_, and the past, the
+present, the future carried away on an unaccountable storm! _God's
+will be done!_ He was at least _merciful_ to my dear Aunt, and I hope
+He will preserve all those dear to me!
+
+Here everything is quiet: the horror general, and the best feeling
+and spirit prevailing. There is still now nothing to fear: but if _a
+republic really established_ itself in France, it is impossible to
+tell what may happen. For this reason your Uncle thinks it right that
+we should remove to some place of safety what we have of precious.
+If you permit I will avail myself of the various messengers that are
+going now to send _under your care_ several boxes, which you will
+kindly send to Claremont to Moor, to keep with those your Uncle
+already sent. They contain your Uncle's letters and those of my
+parents--the treasure I most value in the world.
+
+_29th._--MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--This was written yesterday, in
+a moment of comparative quiet, when I thought my parents at least safe
+and in security in England. Albert's letter to your Uncle of the 27th,
+which arrived yesterday evening, says they were _not arrived yet_, and
+I am again in the most horrible agony. I had also yesterday evening
+details of their flight (_my father flying!!!_) by Madame de Murat,
+Victoire's lady, who has gone to England, which quite distracted me.
+Thank God that Nemours and Clem at least _are safe!_I am quite unable
+to say more, and I hope the Duchess and Alexandrine will excuse me if
+I don't write to them. Truly, I _can't_. I thank you only once more,
+my beloved Victoria, _for all your kindness_ and _interest_ for my
+unfortunate family, and trust all the anxiety you feel for us won't
+hurt you. God bless you ever, with all those dear to you. Believe me
+always, my beloved Victoria, yours most devotedly,
+
+LOUISE.
+
+I send you no letter for my mother in the present uncertainty.
+
+    [Footnote 7: The Duc d'Orleans, who was killed on 13th July
+    1842.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _29th February 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to transmit a short note from Lord Normanby, which is very
+satisfactory.
+
+Lord John Russell declared last night that your Majesty would not
+interfere in the internal affairs of France. But in repeating this
+declaration, in answer to Mr Cobden, he added that the sacred duties
+of hospitality would be, as in all times, performed towards persons of
+all opinions. Both declarations were generally cheered. In extending
+this hospitality to members of the Royal Family of France, it is only
+to be observed that no encouragement should be given by your Majesty
+to any notion that your Majesty would assist them to recover the
+Crown. In this light it is desirable that no _Prince_ of the House
+of Orleans should inhabit one of your Majesty's palaces in or near
+London.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW FRENCH GOVERNMENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+(_Undated._)[8]
+
+The Queen has perused the enclosed despatches and the proposed Minutes
+of a draft to Lord Normanby with Lord John Russell's remarks. She
+approves generally of the Minutes, but would like that amongst the
+laudable intentions of the new French Government, _that_ of keeping
+_inviolate_ the European Treaties should be brought in in some way.
+In the paper No. 2, the expression "_most cordial friendship_" strikes
+the Queen as rather too strong. We have just had sad experience of
+_cordial_ understandings. "Friendly relations" might do better or
+the whole sentence might run thus: "that not peace only but cordial
+friendship with France _had been at all times_ [instead of "is one
+of the," etc.] one of the first wishes of the British Government, and
+that this _will_ remain," etc., etc., etc.
+
+    [Footnote 8: Apparently written at the end of February.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ESCAPE OF KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st March 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Every hour seems to bring fresh news and events.
+Victoire and her children and Montpensier are at Jersey, and are
+expected to arrive to-morrow. About the King and Queen, we still know
+nothing, but we have some clue, and think _he may be_ somewhere on the
+coast, or even _in_ England. We do everything we can for the poor
+dear Family, who are indeed most dreadfully to be pitied; but you will
+naturally understand that we cannot _make cause commune_ with them and
+cannot take a hostile position opposite to the new state of things
+in France; we leave them alone, but if a Government which has the
+approbation of the country be formed, we shall feel it necessary to
+recognise it, in order to pin them down to maintain peace and the
+existing Treaties, which is of great importance. It will not be
+pleasant for us to do this, but the public good and the peace of
+Europe go before one's feelings. God knows what _one feels_ towards
+the French. I trust, dear Uncle, that you will maintain the fine and
+independent position you are now in, which is so gratifying to us, and
+I am sure you will feel that much as we all must sympathise with
+our poor French relations, you should not for that quarrel with the
+existing state of things, which however is very uncertain. There were
+fresh reports of great confusion at Paris, which is sure to happen.
+All our poor relations have gone through is worthy only of a
+_dreadful_ romance, and poor Clem behaves beautifully, courageously,
+and calmly, and is full of resignation; but she can get no sleep, poor
+thing--and hears the horrid cries and sees those _fiend-like
+faces_ before her! The children are very happy with ours, but very
+unmanageable. I saw the Duchesse de Montpensier to-day.
+
+Now, with every wish for _all_ going on well, believe me ever, your
+devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MR FEATHERSTONHAUGH]
+
+[Pageheading: A GRAPHIC NARRATIVE]
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Featherstonhaugh[9] to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+HAVRE, _3rd March 1848._
+
+MY DEAR LORD PALMERSTON,--It was a hair-trigger affair altogether, but
+thanks be to God everything has gone off admirably. I was obliged
+to abandon the plan of trusting the King in a fishing-boat from
+Trouville. The weather was very stormy; had he attempted to find the
+steamer, he might have failed, for the sea was in a furious state and
+the wind ahead. There was also the danger of the fishing-boat being
+lost, a contingency the very idea of which made me miserable.
+
+I therefore abandoned the plan altogether, and after much and careful
+reflection determined to execute one more within my control, and the
+boldness of which, though trying to the nerves, was its very essence
+for success. It was to bring the King and Queen into Havre itself
+before anybody could suspect such a dangerous intention, and have
+everything ready for their embarkation to a minute. To carry out the
+plan, I wanted vigilant, intelligent, and firm agents, and I found
+them as it turned out. It was known to me that the lower classes
+suspected it was M. Guizot concealed at Trouville, and as some
+sinister occurrence might reasonably be expected there, I sent a
+faithful person into Calvados. It was high time. The mob had assembled
+at the place where the King was, who had to slip out at the back door
+and walk two leagues on foot. At length he reached a small cottage
+belonging to a gardener at Honfleur, where the Queen was. This was
+half-past six o'clock A.M. yesterday. My agent saw the King and Queen,
+who, after some conversation, sent him back with this message, that
+they "would wait where they were until they again heard from me, and
+would carry out my final arrangements with exactitude, as far as it
+depended upon them." I now instructed Captain Paul to be ready at
+half-past seven P.M., when it would be dark, to have his water hot,
+ready to get up steam; to have only a rope moored to the quay with an
+anchor astern; to expect me with a party a little before eight P.M.,
+and as soon as I had got on board with my party and told him to push
+off, he was to let me go on shore, cut his rope and cable, get into
+the middle of the Basin, up with his steam and jib and push for
+England. Not a word was to be spoken on board.
+
+To get the King here from Honfleur the following method was adopted:
+M. Bresson, a loyal and intelligent officer in the French Navy and
+well known to the King, and Mr Jones, my Vice-Consul and principal
+Clerk, went in the steam ferry-boat a quarter before five P.M. to
+Honfleur. From the landing-place it is three-quarters of a mile to the
+place where the King and Queen were concealed. The ferry-boat was to
+leave Honfleur for Havre a quarter before seven o'clock. I had given
+M. Bresson a passport for Mr and Mrs Smith, and with this passport the
+King was to walk to the landing-place, where he was to be met by my
+Vice-Consul and be governed by him.
+
+If the _gens d'armes_ disputed his passport Mr Jones was to vouch for
+its regularity, and say that he was sent by me to conduct Mr Smith to
+Havre, who was my Uncle. M. Bresson was to follow with the Queen,
+and the rest of the suite were to come to the ferry-boat one after
+another, but none of the party were to know each other. The ferry-boat
+was to arrive in Havre about half-past seven, and I was to do the
+rest. A white pocket-handkerchief was to be twice exhibited as a
+signal that all was right so far. The difficulty of the _gens d'armes_
+being infinitely more to be provided against and apprehended here, I
+first confidentially communicated to the greatest gossips in the town
+that I had seen a written statement from an official person that the
+King had reached England in a fishing-boat from the neighbourhood of
+Treport, and then got some persons whom I could rely upon, sons of my
+tradesmen here who are in the National Guard, to be near the steamer
+that was to receive the King, to give me their assistance if it should
+be necessary, on account of the turbulence of the crowd, to
+embark some friends of mine who were going to England. And if an
+extraordinary number of _gens d'armes_ were stationed at the steamer,
+and they hesitated about letting my Uncle go on board, then about one
+hundred yards off I had two persons who were to pretend a quarrel and
+a fight, to which I knew the _gens d'armes_ would all go as well as
+the crowd. In the meantime I hoped that as Captain Paul made no noise
+with his steam that the crowd would not assemble, and that we might
+find no _gens d'armes_. The anxiously expected moment at length
+arrived. The ferry-boat steamer came to the quay; it was almost dark,
+but I saw the white pocket-handkerchief. There was a great number of
+passengers, which favoured the debarkation. When half of them were
+out, the trembling Queen came up the ladder. I took her hand, told her
+it was me, and M. Bresson walked with her towards our steamer. At last
+came the King, disguised, his whiskers shaved off, a sort of casquette
+on his head, and a coarse overcoat, and immense goggles over his eyes.
+Not being able to see well, he stumbled, when I advanced, took his
+hand and said, "Ah, dear Uncle, I am delighted to see you." Upon which
+he answered, "My dear George, I am glad you are here." The English
+about me now opened the crowd for their Consul, and I moved off to a
+quiet and shaded part of the quay. But my dear Uncle talked so loud
+and so much that I had the greatest difficulty to make him keep
+silence. At length we reached the steamer; it was like a clock-work
+movement. The crowd was again opened for me. I conducted the King to
+a state-room below, gave him some information, and having personally
+ascertained that the Queen was in her cabin, and being very
+much touched with her tears and her grateful acknowledgments, I
+respectfully took my leave, gave the Captain the word to cut loose,
+and scrambled ashore. In twenty minutes the steamer was outside,
+steaming away for England. I drove down to the jetty, and had that
+last satisfaction of seeing her beyond all possibility of recall, and
+then drove home. Much has been said this morning about the mysterious
+departure of Captain Paul, and I have been obliged to confess that the
+gentleman I was seen conducting on board was a brother of the King
+of Naples, who was immensely frightened without cause, and that I had
+engaged the steamer for him and his family. Many think, however, that
+it was the King, but then again that could not be if he crossed over
+from Treport in a fishing-boat. We have got everybody completely
+mystified, and there are only four persons in the secret, who will all
+remain in the same story.
+
+I have scribbled, amidst the most hurried engagements, this little
+narrative, believing that it would interest your Lordship. It has the
+interest of romance and the support of truth. I have the honour to be,
+etc.
+
+G. W. FEATHERSTONHAUGH.
+
+Information has just reached me that one hour after the King and Queen
+left their hiding-place last night, and just when I was embarking
+them, an officer and three _gens d'armes_ came to the place to arrest
+him. They were sent by the new Republican _Prefet_. It appears that
+the man who gave him refuge had confessed who he was as soon as the
+King had left Trouville, and had betrayed the King's hiding-place at
+Honfleur. What an escape! Your Lordship will see a paragraph in the
+enclosed newspaper not altogether false. We in the secret know nothing
+about Louis Philippe; we know something about the Count of Syracuse
+and something about Mr William Smith. If it leaks out, it must come
+from England. Here no one has any proof. In the meantime almost
+everybody here is delighted to think that he may have escaped.
+
+    [Footnote 9: British Consul at Havre. This letter was
+    submitted to the Queen by Lord Palmerston.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND]
+
+[Pageheading: RECEPTION AT CLAREMONT]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _3rd March 1848._
+(3 P.M.)
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
+to state that General Dumas has just been with him to announce that
+the King and Queen of the French landed this morning at Newhaven,
+having been brought over in the Steam Packet Express, in which they
+embarked at Havre yesterday evening about eight o'clock.
+
+General Dumas says that till the morning of their arrival at Dreux the
+King and the Queen imagined that the Comte de Paris had succeeded to
+the Throne, and that the Duchess of Orleans had been declared Regent;
+that when they heard that a Republic and a Provisional Government had
+been declared they thought it unsafe to remain at Dreux; and that they
+then separated in order to go by different roads to Honfleur, where
+they were to meet at a small house belonging to a friend of
+General Dumas. At that house they remained for some days, until Mr
+Featherstonhaugh opened a communication with them. The King then
+removed to Trouville in order to embark from thence in a manner which
+Mr Featherstonhaugh had arranged, and he remained there two or three
+days for that purpose; but the weather was too stormy, and prevented
+his departure. In the meanwhile the people of Trouville found out who
+he was, and their demonstrations of attachment became inconvenient.
+He therefore returned to Honfleur, and the arrangements were altered.
+Yesterday evening at seven o'clock the King, the Queen, and General
+Dumas came to the ferry-boat which plies between Honfleur and Havre,
+and were met by the Vice-Consul, who treated the King as uncle of
+the Consul. On landing at Havre the King walked straight down to the
+Express Packet, which was lying ready; the Queen went separately,
+and after making a slight round through the streets of Havre embarked
+also; the Packet then immediately started, and went into Newhaven in
+preference to any other port, because no Packets start from thence
+for the French coast. General Dumas says that the whole party were
+unprovided with anything but the clothes they wore, and he was going
+to the King's banker to provide funds to enable him to come to town,
+and said that the King begged him to apologise for his not having
+at once written to your Majesty to thank your Majesty for the great
+interest which your Majesty has taken in his safety, and for the
+assistance, which he has received for his escape, but that he would do
+so this evening.
+
+General Dumas said that the King's present intention is to remain in
+England in the strictest _incognito_, and that he and the Queen will
+assume the title of Count and Countess of Neuilly.
+
+Viscount Palmerston explained to General Dumas that your Majesty has
+made arrangements for the King's reception at Claremont, and that your
+Majesty intended to send down an officer of your Majesty's Household
+to communicate with the King.
+
+General Dumas said that the King would most gratefully avail himself
+of the arrangement as to Claremont, but that under all circumstances,
+and as the King wished to remain in entire privacy, he thought it
+would be better that no person from your Majesty's Household should
+go down to the King at Newhaven, and that he was sure the King would
+rather find his own way from the railway station at London Bridge to
+Claremont than attract attention by being met at the station by any of
+your Majesty's carriages.
+
+The King would remain to-night at Newhaven, and would come up
+to-morrow morning. General Dumas said that the King and the Queen had
+gone through much personal fatigue and mental anxiety, but are both
+well in health. The General was going to Count Jarnac before he
+returned to Newhaven.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING'S GRATITUDE]
+
+
+_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX, _3eme Mars 1848._
+
+MADAME,--Apres avoir rendu graces a Dieu, mon premier devoir est
+d'offrir a votre Majeste l'hommage de ma reconnaissance pour la
+genereuse assistance qu'elle nous a donnee, a moi et a tous les miens
+et que la Providence vient de couvrir d'un succes complet, puisque
+j'apprends qu'ils sont tous a present sur la terre hospitaliere de
+l'Angleterre.
+
+Ce n'est plus, Madame, que _le Comte de Neuilly_ qui, se rappelant vos
+anciennes bontes, vient chercher sous ses auspices, un asyle et une
+retraite paisible et aussi eloignee de tout rapport politique que
+celle dont il y a joui dans d'autres temps, et dont il a toujours
+precieusement conserve le souvenir.
+
+On me presse tellement pour ne pas manquer le train qui emportera ma
+lettre que j'ai a peine le temps de prier votre Majeste d'etre mon
+interprete aupres du Prince votre auguste Epoux.
+
+Ma femme, accablee de fatigue par la vie que nous venons de mener
+depuis dix jours! ecrira un peu plus tard a votre Majeste. Tout ce
+qu'elle a pu faire, est de tracer quelques mots pour notre bien aimee
+Louise que je recommande a votre bonte. On me presse encore, Madame,
+je ne puis que me souscrire avec mon vieil attachement pour vous, de
+votre Majeste, tres affectionne,
+
+LOUIS PHILIPPE.
+
+
+
+
+_The Queen of the French to Queen Victoria._
+
+NEWHAVEN, _3eme Mars 1848._
+
+MADAME,--A peine arrivee dans cette contree hospitaliere apres 9
+jours d'une cruelle agonie, mon premier sentiment, apres avoir beni la
+Divine Providence, c'est de remercier, du fond de mon c[oe]ur, votre
+Majeste, pour les facilites qu'elle a bien voulu nous donner pour
+venir dans ce pays terminer nos vieux jours dans la tranquillite et
+l'oubli. Une vive inquietude me tourmente, c'est d'apprendre le sort
+de mes enfants cheris desquels nous avons du nous separer; j'ai la
+confiance qu'ils auront trouve aussi un appui dans le c[oe]ur genereux
+de votre Majeste, et qu'ils auront ete egalement sauves comme leur
+admirable Pere, mon premier tresor. Que Dieu vous benisse, Madame,
+ainsi que le Prince Albert et vos enfants, et vous preserve de
+malheurs pareils aux notres, c'est le v[oe]u le plus sincere de celle
+qui se dit, Madame, de votre Majeste, la toute devouee,
+
+MARIE AMELIE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ARRIVAL OF GUIZOT]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _3rd March 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty: he has
+read with deep interest the affecting letter of the fallen King.
+
+After the vicissitudes of a long life, it may be no irremediable
+calamity if a Prince of great powers of mind and warm domestic
+affections is permitted by Providence to end his days in peace and
+tranquillity.
+
+Of course all enmity to his projects as a King ceases with his
+deposition.
+
+M. Guizot came to London from Dover at half-past six.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._
+
+PALAIS DE BUCKINGHAM, _3eme Mars 1848._
+
+SIRE ET MON CHER FRERE,--C'etait une consolation bien vive pour moi de
+recevoir la bonne lettre de votre Majeste qui m'a bien touchee. Nous
+avons tous ete dans de vives inquietudes pour vous, pour la Reine et
+toute la famille, et nous remercions la Providence pour que vous soyez
+arrives en surete sur le sol d'Angleterre, et nous sommes bien heureux
+de savoir que vous etes ici loin de tous ces dangers qui vous ont
+recemment menaces. Votre Majeste croira combien ces derniers affreux
+evenements si inattendus nous ont peniblement agites. Il nous tarde
+de savoir que vos santes n'ont pas ete alterees par ces derniers jours
+d'inquietude et de fatigue. Albert me charge d'offrir les hommages a
+votre Majeste, et je vous prie de deposer les notres aux pieds de la
+Reine, a qui je compte repondre demain. Je me dis, Sire et mon bon
+Frere, de votre Majeste, la bien affectionnee S[oe]ur,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Queen of the French._
+
+PALAIS DE BUCKINGHAM, _4eme Mars 1848._
+
+MADAME,--Votre Majeste aura excuse que je ne vous ai pas de suite
+remercie de votre bonne et aimable lettre de hier. C'est des fonds
+de mon c[oe]ur que je me rejouis de vous savoir en surete a Claremont
+avec le Roi. Mes pensees etaient aupres de votre Majeste pendant tous
+ces affreux jours, et je fremis en pensant a tout ce que vous avez
+souffert de corps et d'ame.
+
+Albert sera le Porteur de ces lignes; j'aurais ete si heureuse de
+l'accompagner pour vous voir, mais je n'ose plus quitter Londres.
+
+Avec l'expression de l'affection et de l'estime, je me dis toujours,
+Madame, de votre Majeste, la bien affectionnee S[oe]ur,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE ROYAL FUGITIVES]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _5th March 1848._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+cannot see that there could be any objection to the King and Queen of
+the French coming to town to visit your Majesty, and indeed, on
+the contrary, it would seem under all the circumstances of the case
+natural that they should be anxious to see your Majesty, and that your
+Majesty should be desirous of receiving them.
+
+Viscount Palmerston was sure that your Majesty would read with
+interest Mr Featherstonhaugh's account of the manner in which he
+managed the escape of the King and Queen of the French. It is like one
+of Walter Scott's best tales, and the arrangements and the execution
+of them do great credit to Mr Featherstonhaugh, who will be highly
+gratified to learn, as Viscount Palmerston proposes to inform him,
+that your Majesty has approved his conduct. Mr Featherstonhaugh has
+also probably rendered a good service to the Provisional Government,
+who would have been much embarrassed if their Commissioner had
+arrested the King and Queen.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _7th March 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Albert has written to you so constantly that I have
+little to add; he just tells me this is not quite true. However,
+there is nothing very new except that we have seen the King and Queen;
+Albert went down to Claremont to see them on Saturday, and yesterday
+they came here with Montpensier. They both look very _abattus_,
+and the poor Queen cried much in thinking of what she had gone
+through--and what dangers the King had incurred; in short, humbled
+poor people they looked. Dearest Vic I saw on Sunday; _she_ has also
+gone through much, and is so dear and good and gentle. She looked
+wonderfully well _considering_. They are still _very_ much in want of
+means, and live on a very reduced scale.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S VIEW OF THE CRISIS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _11th March 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I profit by the departure of Andrews to write to
+you a few lines, and to wish you joy of the continued satisfactory
+behaviour of my friends, the good Belgians; fervently do I hope and
+really trust all will go on well; but what an extraordinary state of
+things everywhere! _"Je ne sais plus ou je suis,"_ and I fancy really
+that we have gone back into the _old_ century. But I also feel one
+must not be nervous or alarmed at these moments, but be of good cheer,
+and muster up courage to meet all the difficulties.
+
+Our little riots are mere nothing, and the feeling here is good....
+_What_ is _your_ opinion as to the late events at Paris? Do you not
+think the King ought to have retired to Vincenness or somewhere else a
+day or two before, and put himself at the head of the army? Ought
+not Montpensier at least to have gone to Vincennes? I know Clem even
+thinks this--as also that _one_ ought to have foreseen, and ought to
+have managed things better. Certainly at the _very last_, if they had
+not gone, they would all have been massacred; and _I_ think they were
+quite right, and in short could not avoid going as quickly as they
+could; but there is an impression they _fled_ too quickly. Still the
+recollection of Louis XVI.... is enough to justify all, and everybody
+will admit that; but the Princes, they think, ought to have remained.
+_What_ do _you_ think of all this? I think the blunders were _all_ on
+the last three or four days--and on the last day, but were no longer
+to be avoided at last; there seemed a _fatality_, and _all_ was lost.
+Poor Nemours did his best till he could _no longer_ get to the troops.
+People here also abuse him for letting Victoire go alone--but he
+_remained_ to do his _duty_; a little more _empressement_ on her
+arrival here I would have wished. Albert told you all about the
+Montpensiers' journey. It would do the King irreparable mischief if
+they went now to Spain; the feeling of anger would all return. Poor
+people! they are all in a sad state of _want_ at present.
+
+I must conclude. Hoping to hear from you, and to have your opinion.
+
+Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S SYMPATHY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th March 1848._
+
+The Queen cannot let this day pass without offering Lord Melbourne
+hers and the Prince's best wishes for many happy returns of it in
+health and strength.
+
+Lord Melbourne will agree with the Queen that the last three weeks
+have brought back the times of the last century, and we are in the
+midst of troubles abroad. The Revolution in France is a sad and
+alarming thing.... The poor King and his Government made many mistakes
+within the last two years, and were obstinate and totally blind at
+the last till flight was inevitable. But for _sixteen_ years he did a
+great deal to maintain peace, and made France prosperous, which should
+_not_ be forgotten.... Lord Melbourne's kind heart will grieve
+to think of the _real want_ the poor King and Queen are in, their
+dinner-table containing barely enough to eat. And the poor Nemours
+hardly know which way to turn. If the private property be not restored
+God only knows what is to become of these distinguished young Princes
+and their little children. What will be their _avenir_? It breaks
+one's heart to think of it, and the Queen, being so nearly related
+to them and knowing them all, feels it very much. Surely the poor
+old King is sufficiently punished for his faults. Lord Beauvale will
+surely be shocked at the complete ruin of the family. Has he seen or
+heard from his old friend Madame de Montjoye, who is here with the
+Queen of the French? The poor dear Queen of the Belgians is quite
+broken-hearted, but, thank God, Belgium goes on admirably. In Germany
+also there are everywhere disturbances, but the good Germans are at
+bottom very loyal....
+
+The state of Paris is very gloomy; the rabble armed--keeping the
+Government in awe--failures in all directions, and nothing but ruin
+and misery. This is too gloomy a letter for a birthday, and the Queen
+must apologise for it. The Prince wishes to be kindly remembered to
+Lord Melbourne.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR'S VIEW]
+
+
+_The Emperor of Russia to Queen Victoria._
+
+                    22 Mars
+ST. PETERSBURG, _le ------- 1848._
+                    3 Avril
+
+MADAME MA S[OE]UR,--Veuillez me permettre, Madame, d'offrir a votre
+Majeste mes sinceres felicitations de son heureuse delivrance.[10]
+Puisse le bon Dieu conserver votre Majeste et toute son auguste
+famille, c'est mon v[oe]u de tous les jours. Plus que jamais, Madame,
+au milieu des desastres qui renversent l'ordre social, l'on eprouve le
+besoin de relier les liens d'amitie que l'on a ete heureux de former
+dans de meilleurs temps; ceux-la au moins nous restent, car ils sont
+hors de la portee des hommes, et je suis fier et heureux de ce que
+votre noble c[oe]ur me comprendra. En jettant les yeux sur ce qui se
+passe, peut-etre votre Majeste accordera-t-elle un souvenir a ce que
+j'eus l'honneur de lui predire, assis a table pres d'elle: depuis, 4
+annees a peine se sont ecoulees, et que reste-t-il encore debout en
+Europe? La Grande-Bretagne et la Russie!
+
+Ne serait-il pas naturel d'en conclure que notre union intime est
+appelee peut-etre a sauver le monde? Excusez, Madame, cet epanchement
+d'un c[oe]ur qui vous est devoue et qui a pris l'habitude de souvenir
+a vous.
+
+J'ose avec une entiere confiance compter sur l'amitie de votre
+Majeste, et la prie de recevoir l'assurance de l'inviolable
+attachement avec lequel je suis, Madame, de votre Majeste, le tout
+devoue et fidele bon Frere et Ami,
+
+NICOLAS.
+
+Veuillez, Madame, me rappeler au souvenir de son Altesse Royale
+Monsieur le Prince Albert.
+
+    [Footnote 10: The Princess Louise was born on 18th March.]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+BRUSSELS, _25th March 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... England seems quiet, and even the attempt in
+Ireland seems to have passed over. But Germany is in an awful state,
+beyond what I ever should have thought possible in that country, and
+with such a good nation. For years, however, all sorts of people had
+been stirring them up, and half measures, seeming dishonest, of the
+Sovereigns have done harm. Curious enough that I, who in fact was
+desirous of retiring from politics, should be on the Continent the
+only Sovereign who stood the storm, though I am at ten hours' distance
+from Paris. I trust we shall be able to go on with our money matters
+to enable us to keep up; our working classes are at this moment what
+occupies us most, and much has been done, and our Banks, which were
+much threatened, are now safe.
+
+We work hard, and with these few days I suffered a little, but I
+am better to-day. Louise is tolerably well; the poor children are
+attentive and amiable. Poor things! _their existence_ is a good deal
+on the cards, and fortunes, private and public, are in equal danger.
+
+Now I will leave you that you should not be tired. Ever, my beloved
+child, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CHARTIST DEMONSTRATION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th April 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you for three most kind letters, of
+the 18th and 25th March, and of the 1st. Thank God, I am _particularly
+strong_ and _well_ in _every possible respect_, which is a blessing in
+these _awful, sad, heart-breaking_ times. From the first I heard all
+that passed, and my only thoughts and talk were--Politics; but I never
+was calmer and quieter or less nervous. _Great_ events make me quiet
+and calm, and little trifles fidget me and irritate my nerves. But
+_I feel_ grown old and serious, and the future is very dark. God,
+however, will come to help and protect us, and we must keep up our
+spirits. _Germany_ makes me so sad; on the other hand, Belgium is a
+real pride and happiness.
+
+We saw your poor father and mother-in-law with the Nemours, Joinville,
+and Aumale yesterday. Still a dream to see them _thus, here!_They
+are well in health, and the young people's conduct most praiseworthy;
+really the three Princesses are astonishing, and a beautiful lesson to
+every one. They are so much admired and respected for it. My beloved
+Vic, with her lovely face, is perfection, and so cheerful. She often
+comes to see me, and this is a great pleasure to me, if only it was
+not caused by such misfortunes!
+
+Now good-bye. With fervent prayers for the continuation of your
+present most flourishing position, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _9th April 1848._
+
+SIR,--The Cabinet have had the assistance of the Duke of Wellington in
+framing their plans for to-morrow.
+
+Colonel Rowan[11] advised that the procession should be formed, and
+allowed to come as far as the bridge they may choose to pass, and
+should there be stopped. He thinks this is the only way to avoid a
+fight. If, however, the Chartists fire and draw their swords and use
+their daggers, the Military are to be called out.
+
+I have no doubt of their easy triumph over a London mob.
+
+But any loss of life will cause a deep and rankling resentment. I
+trust, for this and every reason, that all may pass off quietly. I
+have the honour to be, your Royal Highness's most obedient Servant,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+    [Footnote 11: Chief Commissioner of Police, afterwards Sir
+    C. Rowan, K.C.B. The Chartist meeting had been fixed for the
+    10th.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE UNEMPLOYED]
+
+
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _10th April 1848._
+
+MY DEAR LORD JOHN,--To-day the strength of the Chartists and all
+evil-disposed people in the country will be brought to the test
+against the force of the law, the Government, and the good sense of
+the country. I don't feel doubtful for a moment who will be found
+the stronger, but should be exceedingly mortified if anything like a
+commotion was to take place, as it would shake _that_ confidence which
+the whole of Europe reposes in our stability at this moment, and upon
+which will depend the prosperity of the country. I have enquired a
+good deal into the state of employment about London, and I find, to
+my great regret, that the number of workmen of all trades out of
+employment is _very_ large, and that it has been increased by the
+reduction of all the works under Government, owing to the clamour for
+economy in the House of Commons. Several hundred workmen have been
+discharged at Westminster Palace; at Buckingham Palace much fewer
+hands are employed than are really wanted; the formation of Battersea
+Park has been suspended, etc., etc. Surely this is not the moment for
+the tax-payers to economise upon the working classes! And though
+I don't wish our Government to follow Louis Blanc in his system of
+_organisation du travail_,[12] I think the Government is bound to do
+what it can to help the working classes over the present moment of
+distress. It may do this consistently with real economy in its
+own works, whilst the reductions on the part of the Government are
+followed by all private individuals as a sign of the times. I have
+before this spoken to Lord Morpeth[13] upon this subject, but I wish
+to bring it specially under your consideration at the present moment.
+Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 12: Alluding to the _Ateliers Nationaux_, to
+    be established under the guidance of a Council of
+    Administration.]
+
+    [Footnote 13: Chief Commissioner of Woods and Forests.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FEARGUS O'CONNOR]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _10th April 1848._
+(2 P.M.)
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that the Kennington Common Meeting has proved a
+complete failure.
+
+About 12,000 or 15,000 persons met in good order. Feargus O'Connor,
+upon arriving upon the ground in a car, was ordered by Mr Mayne[14] to
+come and speak to him. He immediately left the car and came, looking
+pale and frightened, to Mr Mayne. Upon being told that the meeting
+would not be prevented, but that no procession would be allowed to
+pass the bridges, he expressed the utmost thanks, and begged to shake
+Mr Mayne by the hand. He then addressed the crowd, advising them to
+disperse, and after rebuking them for their folly he went off in a cab
+to the Home Office, where he repeated to Sir George Grey his thanks,
+his fears, and his assurances that the crowd should disperse quietly.
+Sir George Grey said he had done very rightly, but that the force at
+the bridges should not be diminished.
+
+Mr F. O'Connor--"Not a man should be taken away. The Government have
+been quite right. I told the Convention that if they had been the
+Government they never would have allowed such a meeting."
+
+The last account gave the numbers as about 5,000 rapidly dispersing.
+
+The mob was in good humour, and any mischief that now takes place will
+be the act of individuals; but it is to be hoped the preparations made
+will daunt those wicked but not brave men.
+
+The accounts from the country are good. Scotland is quiet. At
+Manchester, however, the Chartists are armed, and have bad designs.
+
+A quiet termination of the present ferment will greatly raise us in
+foreign countries.
+
+Lord John Russell trusts your Majesty has profited by the sea air.
+
+    [Footnote 14: Mr Richard Mayne, Commissioner of Police,
+    created a K.C.B. in 1851.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _15th April 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell has a letter from Lord Clarendon to-day in better
+spirits, but somewhat fearing an outbreak in Dublin to-night. He
+speaks confidently of the disposition of the troops.
+
+Lord John Russell cannot wonder that your Majesty has felt deeply the
+events of the last six weeks. The King of the French has brought
+upon his own family, upon France, and upon Europe a great calamity.
+A moderate and constitutional Government at home, coupled with an
+abstinence from ambitious projects for his family abroad, might have
+laid the foundation of permanent peace, order, and freedom in Europe.
+Selfishness and cunning have destroyed that which honesty and wisdom
+might have maintained. It is impossible not to pity the innocent
+victims of the misconduct of Louis Philippe. Still less can one
+refrain from regarding with dread the fearful state of Germany, of her
+princes, her nobles, and her tempest-tossed people.
+
+The example of Great Britain, may, however, secure an interval of
+reflection for Europe. The next six months will be very trying, but
+they may end with better prospects than we can now behold. It was
+impossible that the exclusion of free speaking and writing which
+formed the essence of Prince Metternich's system could continue. It
+might have been reformed quietly; it has fallen with a crash which
+spreads ruin and death around.
+
+Lady John is deeply grateful for the congratulations of your Majesty
+and the Prince.[15] She is going on well to-day.
+
+    [Footnote 15: On the birth of a second son.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ALARMING STATE OF IRELAND]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _16th April 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter. The state of
+Ireland is most alarming and most anxious; altogether, there is so
+much inflammable matter all around us that it makes one tremble.
+Still, the events of Monday must have a calming and salutary effect.
+Lord John Russell's remarks about Europe, and the unfortunate and
+calamitous policy of the Government of the poor King of the French are
+most true. But is he not even most to be pitied for being the cause
+of such misery? (Though perhaps he does not attribute it to himself),
+for, to see all his hopes thus destroyed, his pride humbled, his
+children--whom he loves dearly--ruined--is not this enough to make a
+man wretched? and indeed much to be pitied; for _he_ cannot feel _he_
+could _not_ have prevented all this. Still Guizot is more to blame;
+_he_ was the responsible adviser of all this policy: he is _no_
+Bourbon, and he ought to have behaved differently. Had the poor King
+died in 1844 after he came here, and before that most unfortunate
+Spanish marriages question was started, he would have deservedly gone
+down to posterity as a great monarch. _Now_, what will be his name in
+history? His fate is a great _moral!_
+
+With regard to Germany, Prince Metternich is the cause of half the
+misfortune. His advice was taken by almost all the sovereigns of that
+country, and it has kept them from doing in time what has now been
+torn from them with the loss of many rights which they need not have
+sacrificed. We heard yesterday that the Archduke John[16] had arrived
+at Frankfort. This is a wise measure, and may do much good and prevent
+much evil, as he is a popular and most distinguished prince....
+
+    [Footnote 16: Uncle of the Emperor (Ferdinand I.) of Austria,
+    born 1782.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON AND THE QUEEN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _17th April 1848._
+
+The Queen not having heard anything from Lord Palmerston respecting
+foreign affairs for so long a time, and as he must be in constant
+communication with the Foreign Ministers in these most eventful and
+anxious times, writes to urge Lord Palmerston to keep her informed
+of what he hears, and of the views of the Government on the important
+questions before us.
+
+She now only gets the Drafts when they are gone.
+
+The acceptance of the mediation between Denmark and Holstein is too
+important an event not to have been first submitted to the Queen.
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _18th April 1848._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+regrets much that he has not lately had an opportunity of giving
+your Majesty verbally such explanations as your Majesty might wish to
+receive with respect to the progress of foreign affairs, but Viscount
+Palmerston hopes to be able to get down to Broadlands for a few days
+on Saturday next, and he could easily from thence wait upon your
+Majesty on any morning and at any hour your Majesty might be pleased
+to appoint.
+
+Although events of the greatest importance have been passing in
+rapid succession in almost every part of Europe, the position of
+your Majesty's Government has been one rather of observation than of
+action, it being desirable that England should keep herself as free as
+possible from unnecessary engagements and entanglements, in order that
+your Majesty may be at liberty to take such decisions as the state of
+things may from time to time appear to render most advisable.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOYALTY OF BELGIUM]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BARTON, _18th April 1848._
+
+DEAREST UNCLE,--Detained here by a heavy shower of rain, I begin my
+letter to you and thank you warmly for your dear and kind letter of
+the 15th, which I received yesterday.
+
+_Truly_ proud and delighted are we at the conduct of the Belgians,[17]
+and at their loyalty and affection for you and yours, which I am sure
+must be a reward for all that you have done these seventeen years.
+I must beg to say that you are wrong in supposing that no mention is
+made of what took place on the 9th in our papers; on the contrary, it
+has been _most gratifyingly_ mentioned in the _Times_, _Chronicle_,
+_John Bull_, _etc._ _You_ are held up as a pattern to the German
+Sovereigns, and the Belgians as a pattern to the German people.
+
+In France, really things go on _dreadfully_.... One does not like to
+attack those who are fallen, but the poor King, Louis Philippe,
+_has_ brought much of this on by that ill-fated return to a _Bourbon
+Policy_. I always think he _ought not_ to have abdicated; every one
+seems to think he _might_ have stemmed the torrent _then_ still. On
+the other hand, Joinville says it was sure to happen, for that the
+French want constant change, and were quite tired of the present
+Government. _Qu'en dites-vous?_ How is poor, dear Louise? I hope her
+spirits are better.
+
+Our weather is terribly rainy, though very fine between. We have got
+nightingales in the pleasure ground, and in the wood down near the
+sea. We are all extremely well, and expect the Prince of Prussia here
+to-day for two nights. Ever your devoted and attached Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 17: A party of French Republicans entered Belgium
+    with the intention of exciting an insurrection; the attempt
+    signally failed.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _1st May 1848._
+
+The Queen has this morning received Lord Palmerston's letter.[18] She
+cannot see any reason for deviating from the established rules, and
+inviting to Court Frenchmen who are not recognised in their official
+capacity, and have no natural representatives to present them as
+private individuals. As an invitation cannot be claimed by them, the
+omission of it ought not to lead to any misrepresentation; whilst the
+contrary, under the fiction of their being private individuals, might
+lead to misconstruction and to most inconvenient precedents.
+
+    [Footnote 18: M. de Tallenay had arrived in London with a
+    letter from M. Lamartine, accrediting him as provisional
+    _charge d'affaires_ of the French Government, and Lord
+    Palmerston had suggested to the Queen that etiquette would not
+    be violated by inviting him to a Court Ball.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _9th May 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your very kind letter of the 6th.
+How delightful it is to hear such good accounts of Belgium! If only
+dear Germany gets right and if all our interests (those of the smaller
+Sovereigns) are not sacrified! I cannot say _how_ it distresses and
+vexes me, and _comme je l'ai a c[oe]ur_. My good and dear Albert is
+much worried and works _very_ hard....
+
+I had a curious account of the opening of the _Assemblee_ from Lady
+Normanby.[19] No _real_ enthusiasm, dreadful confusion, and the
+Blouses taking part in everything, and stopping the Speakers if they
+did not please them. The opinion is that it cannot last.
+
+I enclose another letter from Lady Normanby, with an account of the
+poor Tuileries, which is very curious and sad; but the respect shown
+for poor Chartres is very touching, and might interest poor dear
+Louise, if you think fit to show it her. But why show such hatred to
+poor Nemours and to the Queen? Montpensier's marriage may cause _his_
+unpopularity, possibly. I shall beg to have the letter back.
+
+I must conclude, as we are going to pay a visit at Claremont this
+afternoon. Ever your truly devoted Child and Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 19: The National Assembly commenced its sittings on
+    4th May, when the Oath of Allegiance was abolished, and the
+    Republic proclaimed in the presence of 200,000 citizens.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _16th May 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have just heard the news of the extraordinary
+confusion at Paris, which must end in a _Blutbad_. Lamartine has quite
+lost all influence by yielding to and supporting Ledru Rollin![20] It
+seems inexplicable! In Germany, too, everything looks most anxious,
+and I _tremble_ for the result of the Parliament at Frankfort.[21] I
+am _so_ anxious for the fate of the poor smaller Sovereigns, which it
+would be infamous to sacrifice. I feel it _much_ more than Albert, as
+it would break my heart to see Coburg _reduced_.
+
+Many thanks for your kind and dear letter of the 13th. Thank God! that
+with you everything goes on so well. I will take care and let Lord
+Normanby know your kind expressions. The visit to old Claremont was a
+touching one, and it seemed an incomprehensible dream to see them
+all there. They bear up wonderfully. Nothing can be kinder than
+the Queen-Dowager's behaviour towards them all. The poor Duchess of
+Gloster is again in one of her nervous states, and gave us a dreadful
+fright at the Christening by quite forgetting where she was, and
+coming and kneeling at my feet in the midst of the service. Imagine
+our horror!
+
+I must now conclude. The weather is beautiful, but too hot for me.
+Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 20: Lamartine and Ledru Rollin were members of the
+    Provisional Government, and subsequently of the Executive
+    Committee. The mob, holding that the promises of general
+    employment had been broken, invaded the Assembly _en masse_,
+    and attempted a counter-revolution.]
+
+    [Footnote 21: Out of the revolutionary movement in Germany
+    had grown their National Assembly, which after a preliminary
+    session as a _Vor-Parlament_, was to reassemble on 18th May.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AUSTRIA AND ITALY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+(_No date._)
+
+The Queen has carefully perused the enclosed papers, and wishes to
+have a copy of Baron Hummelauer's[22] note sent to her to keep.
+
+The basis laid down in it is quite inadmissible, and the Queen was
+struck by the light way in which the claims of the Dukes of Parma
+and Modena are spoken of (as disposed of by the events), whilst their
+position and that of Austria are in every respect identical.[23] The
+Queen thinks Lord Palmerston's proposition the one which is the most
+equitable, still likely to be attained, but it does not go far enough;
+the position which Austria means to take _in Italy_ with her Italian
+province ought to be explained, and a declaration be made that Austria
+will, with this province, join any Italian league which the other
+states of Italy may wish to establish. This will be useful to Italy,
+and much facilitate the acceptance of the Austrian proposal, as the
+Queen feels convinced that as soon as the war shall be terminated, the
+question of the political constitution of Italy (as a whole) will
+have to be decided. Why Charles Albert ought to get any additional
+territory the Queen cannot in the least see. She thinks it will be
+better to proceed at once upon the revised Austrian proposal, than
+to wait for Italian propositions, which are sure to be ridiculously
+extravagant.
+
+    [Footnote 22: The Austrian Government, in its efforts to
+    maintain its ascendency in Lombardy, had sent Baron Hummelauer
+    to negotiate with Lord Palmerston.]
+
+    [Footnote 23: The Dukes had both been driven from their
+    dominions, while the King (Charles Albert) of Sardinia threw
+    in his lot with the cause of United Italy as against Austria,
+    which then ruled Lombardy.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND SPAIN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _23rd May 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter respecting Spain and
+Italy this morning. The sending away of Sir H. Bulwer[24] is a serious
+affair, which will add to our many embarrassments; the Queen is,
+however, not surprised at it, from the tenor of the last accounts from
+Madrid, and from the fact that Sir H. Bulwer has for the last three
+years almost been sporting with political intrigues. He invariably
+boasted of at least being in the confidence of every conspiracy,
+"though he was taking care not to be personally mixed up in them,"
+and, after their various failures, generally harboured the chief
+actors in his house under the plea of humanity. At every crisis he
+gave us to understand that he had to choose between a "revolution and
+a palace intrigue," and not long ago only he wrote to Lord Palmerston,
+that if the Monarchy with the Montpensier succession was inconvenient
+to us, he could get up a Republic. Such principles are sure to be
+known in Spain, the more so when one considers the extreme vanity of
+Sir H. Bulwer, and his probable imprudence in the not very creditable
+company which he is said to keep. Lord Palmerston will remember that
+the Queen has often addressed herself to him and Lord John, in fear
+of Sir H. getting us into some scrape; and if our diplomatists are
+not kept in better order, the Queen may at any moment be exposed
+to similar insults as she has received now in the person of Sir H.
+Bulwer; for in whatever way one may wish to look at it, Sir Henry
+still is _her_ Minister.
+
+The Queen wishes Lord Palmerston to show this letter to Lord John
+Russell, and to let her know what the Government mean to propose with
+respect to this unfortunate affair.
+
+    [Footnote 24: Lord Palmerston had written a letter to Bulwer
+    (which the latter showed to the Spanish Premier), lecturing
+    the Spanish Queen on her choice of Minister. This "assumption
+    of superiority," as Sir R. Peel called it, led to a peremptory
+    order to Bulwer to leave Spain in twenty-four hours. His own
+    account of the affair appears in his _Life of Palmerston_,
+    vol. iii. chap. vii.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCE OF PRUSSIA]
+
+
+_The Prince of Prussia to Queen Victoria._
+
+[_Translation._]
+
+BRUSSELS _30th May 1848._
+
+MOST GRACIOUS COUSIN,--I obey the impulse of my heart in seizing my
+pen, without any delay, in order to express to you my warmest and most
+heartfelt thanks for the infinitely gracious and affectionate way with
+which you and the Prince have treated me during my stay in London.[25]
+It was a melancholy time, that of my arrival. By the sympathetic view
+which you took of my situation, most gracious Cousin, it became
+not only bearable, but even transformed into one that became
+proportionately honourable and dignified. This graciousness of yours
+has undoubtedly contributed towards the change of opinion which has
+resulted in my favour, and so I owe to you, to the Prince, and to your
+Government, a fortunate issue out of my calamities. So it is with a
+heavy heart that I have now left England, not knowing what future
+lies before me to meet--and only knowing that I shall need the
+strengthening rest and tranquillity which my stay in England and an
+insight into her institutions have afforded me in full measure.
+
+Offering my most cordial remembrances to the Prince, to whom I shall
+write as soon as possible, I remain, most gracious Cousin, your
+faithful and most gratefully devoted Cousin,
+
+PRINCE OF PRUSSIA.
+
+    [Footnote 25: The Prince of Prussia, afterwards the Emperor
+    William I., having become intensely unpopular at Berlin, had
+    been obliged in March to fly for his life, in disguise, _via_
+    Hamburg, to England.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE ROYAL EXILES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st June 1848._
+
+The Queen had not time the other day to talk to Lord John Russell on
+the subject of the French Royal Family, and therefore writes to him
+now. As it seems now most probable that they, or at least some of
+them, will take up their residence for a lengthened period in this
+country, and as their position is now a defined one, viz. that of
+_exiles_, their treatment should be defined and established.
+
+At first everything seemed temporary, and the public were much
+occupied with them, inclined to criticise all that was done or was
+omitted by the Court; all their movements were recorded in the papers,
+etc. The lapse of three months has a good deal altered this. They have
+lived in complete retirement, and are comparatively forgotten; and
+their poverty and their resignation to their misfortunes have met with
+much sympathy! The Queen is consequently anxious to take the right
+line; particularly desirous to do nothing which could hurt the
+interests of the country, and equally so to do everything kind towards
+a distinguished Royal Family in severe affliction, with whom she
+has long been on terms of intimacy, and to whom she is very nearly
+related. She accordingly wishes to know if Lord John sees any
+objection to the following: She has asked her Cousin, the Duchess of
+Nemours, to come for two or three nights to see her at Osborne when
+she goes there, _quite_ privately; the Duchess of Kent would bring her
+with her. The Duke will not come with the Duchess, as he says he feels
+(very properly) it would be unbecoming in him till their fate (as to
+_fortune_, for _banished_ they already are) is decided, to be even
+for a day at Osborne. The Duchess herself wishes not to appear in the
+evening, but to remain alone with the Queen and the Prince.
+
+The Queen considers that when she is _staying_ in the country during
+the summer and autumn, and any of the branches of the French Royal
+Family should wish to visit her and the Prince, as they occasionally
+do here, she might lodge them for one or two nights, as the distance
+might be too great for their returning the same day. They are exiles,
+and _not Pretenders_, as the Duc de Bordeaux and Count de Montemolin
+are (and who are _for that reason only not received at Court_). In all
+countries where illustrious exiles related to the Sovereign have been
+they have always been received at Court, as the Duc de Bordeaux, the
+Duchesse d'Angouleme, etc., etc., invariably have been at Vienna (even
+on public occasions), there being a French Ambassador there, and the
+best understanding existing between France and Austria. The Duke of
+Orleans (King Louis Philippe) in former times was constantly received
+by the Royal Family, and was the intimate friend of the Duke of Kent.
+Probably, if their fortunes are restored to them, the French Royal
+Family will go out into society in the course of time, and if the
+state of France becomes consolidated there may no longer exist that
+wish and that necessity for _extreme_ privacy, which is so obvious
+now. What the Queen has just mentioned, Lord John must well
+understand, is not what is _likely_ to take place (except in the case
+of her cousin, the Duchess of Nemours) immediately, but only what
+might occasionally occur when we are permanently settled in the
+country. Of course events _might_ arise which would change this,
+and which would render it inadvisable, and then the Queen would
+communicate with Lord John, and ask his advice again upon the subject.
+All she has suggested refers to the present state of affairs, and,
+of course, merely to _strictly_ private visits, and on _no state
+occasion_. This is a long letter about such a subject, but the Queen
+wishes to be quite safe in what she does, and therefore could not have
+stated the case and her opinion in a smaller space.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN LOMBARDY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th June 1848._
+
+The Queen returns the enclosed draft. She has written upon it,
+in pencil, a passage which she thinks ought to be added, if the
+draft--though civil--is not to be a mere refusal to do anything for
+Austria, and a recommendation that whatever the Italians ask for ought
+to be given, for which a mediation is hardly necessary.[26] The Queen
+thinks it most important that we should try to mediate and put a stop
+to the war, and equally important that the boundary which is to be
+settled should be such a one as to make a recurrence of hostilities
+unlikely. The Queen has only further to remark that Lord Palmerston
+speaks in the beginning of the letter only of the Cabinet, and adverts
+nowhere to the proposition having been submitted to her.
+
+    [Footnote 26: War was now raging in Lombardy between the
+    Austrians under Marshal Radetzky and the Piedmontese under the
+    King of Sardinia.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _14th June 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty, and thanks your Majesty
+for the perusal of this interesting letter.
+
+An Emperor with a rational Constitution might be a fair termination
+of the French follies; but Louis Napoleon, with the Communists,
+will probably destroy the last chance of order and tranquillity. A
+despotism must be the end.
+
+May Heaven preserve us in peace!
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SIR HENRY BULWER]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th June 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter explaining his views
+as to the reparation we may be entitled to receive from the Spanish
+Government. She considers them as quite fair, but does not wish to
+have Sir H. Bulwer again as her Minister at Madrid, even if it should
+be necessary that he should repair there in order to be received by
+the Queen of Spain. It would not be consulting the permanent interests
+of this country to entrust that mission again to Sir H. Bulwer, after
+all that has passed. When the Queen considers the position we had in
+Spain, and what it ought to have been after the constitution of
+the French Republic when we had no rival to fight and ought to have
+enjoyed the entire confidence and friendship of Spain, and compares
+this to the state into which our relations with that country have been
+brought, she cannot help being struck how much matters must have been
+mismanaged.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _16th June 1848._
+
+The Queen sends the enclosed draft,[27] and asks whether this note is
+what Lord John directed Lord Palmerston to send to Lisbon as a caution
+to Sir H. Seymour not to mix himself up with party intrigues to upset
+a particular Ministry?[28] ...
+
+    [Footnote 27: The draft ran:--"As it is evident that the Queen
+    and the Government of Portugal will listen to no advice except
+    such that agrees with their own wishes, I have to instruct you
+    to abstain in future from giving any longer any advice to them
+    on political matters, taking care to explain both to the
+    Queen and the Government your reasons for doing so. You will,
+    however, at the same time positively declare to the Portuguese
+    Government that if by the course of policy they are pursuing
+    they should run into any difficulty, they must clearly
+    understand that they will not have to expect any assistance
+    from England."]
+
+    [Footnote 28: Lord John Russell replied that he would write
+    immediately to Lord Palmerston respecting Portuguese affairs.
+    He added that he did not approve of the proposed draft.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _17th June 1848._
+
+MY DEAR JOHN RUSSELL,--The draft to Seymour was written in consequence
+of what you said to me, and what the Queen wrote to you; but my own
+opinion certainly is that it would be best to leave the things with
+him as they are. It must, however, be remembered that the Portuguese
+Government have not in reality fulfilled the engagements taken by the
+Queen in the Protocol of last year....
+
+PALMERSTON.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S FOREIGN POLICY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _17th June 1848._
+
+The Queen returns Lord Palmerston's letter. The country is at this
+moment suffering, particularly with regard to Spain, under the evil
+consequence of that system of diplomacy, which makes the taking up of
+party politics in foreign countries its principal object. This system
+is condemned alike by the Queen, Lord John, the Cabinet, and, the
+Queen fully believes, public opinion in and out of Parliament. Lord
+Palmerston's objection to caution our Minister in Portugal against
+falling into this fault brings it to an issue, whether that
+_erroneous_ policy is to be maintained to the detriment of the real
+interests of the country, or a wiser course to be followed in future.
+Does Lord John consider this so light a matter as to be surrendered
+merely because Lord Palmerston is not to add to such a caution a
+gratuitous attack upon the Queen and Government of Portugal? The Queen
+thinks it of the utmost importance that in these perilous times this
+question with regard to the basis of our foreign policy should be
+_settled_, and has no objection to Lord John showing this letter to
+Lord Palmerston.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _18th June 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he begs
+to assure your Majesty that if he was disposed to rest on the known
+discretion and temper of Sir Hamilton Seymour without specific
+instruction, it was not from regarding the matter lightly, but from a
+sense of the inconvenience which might arise to your Majesty's service
+from raising a question with Lord Palmerston in the present critical
+state of Europe which might induce a belief that he had not conducted
+foreign affairs to the satisfaction of his colleagues or of his
+Sovereign.
+
+Lord John Russell feeling, however, that on the particular point at
+issue your Majesty has just reason to expect that precautions should
+be taken against the chance of intrigue with foreign parties against a
+foreign government, with which this country is on terms of friendship,
+is ready to insist on an instruction to Sir Hamilton Seymour similar
+to that which was given to Sir Henry Bulwer to take no part in the
+struggle of parties, and to refrain from any interference with
+respect to which he has not specific directions from your Majesty's
+Government.
+
+But in this case he must take upon himself the whole responsibility of
+requiring such a note from Lord Palmerston. It would not be conducive
+to your Majesty's service, nor agreeable to the wholesome maxims of
+the Constitution to mix your Majesty's name with a proceeding which
+may lead to the most serious consequences.
+
+It is just to Lord Palmerston to say that his general course of policy
+has met with the warm approval of the Cabinet, and that the cases of
+difference of judgment have been rare exceptions.
+
+Lord John Russell submits to your Majesty the letter he proposes to
+write before sending it to Lord Palmerston. He would wish to have it
+returned as soon as your Majesty can do so.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _18th June 1848._
+
+The Queen returns to Lord John Russell his letter to Lord
+Palmerston,[29] which is excellent, and shows that the Queen's and
+Lord John's views upon the important question of our foreign policy
+_entirely coincide_. The Queen is sorry that the trouble of such an
+altercation should be added to the many anxieties which already press
+upon Lord John, but she feels sure that his insisting upon a _sound_
+line of policy will save him and the country from _far greater_
+troubles....
+
+    [Footnote 29: The letter was to the effect that Sir H. Seymour
+    was to take no part in the struggle of parties in Portugal,
+    and to refrain from confidential communications with members
+    of the Opposition.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _26th June 1848._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is
+sorry he is not able to submit to your Majesty the proposed draft to
+Sir Hamilton Seymour to go by to-night's mail, as he has not succeeded
+in settling the wording of it with Lord John Russell, and is therefore
+obliged to defer it till the next mail.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _26th June 1848._
+
+The Queen sends this letter, which she has just received from Lord
+Palmerston. No remonstrance has any effect with Lord Palmerston.
+Lord John Russell should ask the Duke of Bedford to tell him of the
+conversation the Queen had with the Duke the other night about Lord
+Palmerston.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND ITALY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st July 1848._
+
+The Queen has not yet answered Lord Palmerston's letter of the 29th.
+She cannot conceal from him that she is ashamed of the policy which we
+are pursuing in this Italian controversy in abetting wrong, and this
+for the object of gaining _influence_ in Italy.[30] The Queen does
+not consider influence so gained as an advantage, and though this
+influence is to be acquired in order to do good, she is afraid that
+the fear of losing it again will always stand in the way of this. At
+least in the countries where the greatest stress has been laid on that
+influence, and the greatest exertions made for it, the _least good_
+has been done--the Queen means in Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Neither
+is there any kind of consistency in the line we take about Italy and
+that we follow with regard to Schleswig; both cases are perfectly
+alike (with the difference perhaps that there is a question of right
+mixed up in that of Schleswig); whilst we upbraid Prussia, caution
+her, etc., etc., we say nothing to Charles Albert except that if he
+did not wish to take _all_ the Emperor of Austria's Italian Dominions,
+we would not lay any _obstacles_ in the way of his moderation. The
+Queen finds in Lord Palmerston's last despatch to Chevalier Bunsen
+the following passage: "And it is manifest and indisputable that no
+territory or state, which is not now according to the Treaty of 1815
+included in the German Confederation, can be added to that territory
+without the consent of the Sovereign of that territory or state." How
+does this agree with our position relative to the incorporation of
+Lombardy into the states of the King of Sardinia?
+
+    [Footnote 30: Lord Palmerston's sympathy had been with the
+    anti-Austrian movement in Northern Italy. For some time after
+    Radetzky's evacuation of Milan, the operations of the King of
+    Sardinia in support of the Lombards were successful, and he
+    had assistance from Tuscany, Naples, and Rome. The Austrians
+    suffered reverses at Peschiera and Goito, and the independence
+    of Northern Italy seemed to be accomplished. But the tide had
+    begun to turn.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD MINTO'S MISSION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _6th July 1848._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge Lord Palmerston's long Memorandum
+respecting our relations with Italy, the length of which, however, was
+fully justified by the importance of the subject.
+
+The mission of Lord Minto has had the Queen's approval at the time,
+and the policy pursued by him has never been called in question; but
+it certainly was prejudicial to the Austrians, and imposes upon us
+additional care not to appear now as the abettors of the anti-Austrian
+movement, and nothing in Lord Minto's mission can prevent our
+endeavouring to facilitate and forward a speedy settlement of the
+present Italian difference.[31] If, therefore, the Italians should be
+inclined to be moderate, there can be no dereliction of principle in
+encouraging them to be so. The danger of French interference increases
+with the delay and is equally great, whether the Austrians maintain
+themselves in the Venetian Territory or whether Charles Albert unite
+it to his proposed kingdom of Northern Italy; indeed, the French seem
+to be anxious for a cause of interference from the line they pursue
+even with regard to Naples.
+
+Lord Palmerston seeks to establish a difference between the case
+of Schleswig and of Lombardy, on the fact that Schleswig is to be
+incorporated into a confederation of States; but this makes the case
+of Lombardy only the stronger, as this is to be incorporated into
+the dominions of another Sovereign. With regard to the "Revue
+Retrospective," the perusal of it has left a different impression upon
+the Queen from that which it seems to have made upon Lord Palmerston.
+It proved to her, that while the retiring attitude which the late
+Government took with regard to the Spanish marriages, left the French
+Government to try their different schemes and intrigues and to fail
+with every one of them, the attempt of Lord Palmerston to re-organise
+the Progressista Party and regain the so-called _English influence_,
+brought Queen Christina and King Louis Philippe (who had before
+seriously quarrelled) immediately together, and induced them to rush
+into this unfortunate combination, which cannot but be considered as
+the origin of all the present convulsions in Europe.
+
+    [Footnote 31: Lord Minto, the Lord Privy Seal, and
+    father-in-law of the Prime Minister, had been sent to
+    encourage in the path of reform Pope Pius IX., who was halting
+    between progress and reaction: on the sanguinary risings
+    taking place in Lombardy and Venetia, his mission naturally
+    appeared hostile to Austria.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AN ANXIOUS PERIOD]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _11th July 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--For another kind and dear letter of the 8th, I have
+much to thank you. The prosperity of dear little Belgium is a bright
+star in the stormy night all around. May God bless and prosper you
+all, for ever and ever!
+
+Since the 24th February I feel an uncertainty in everything existing,
+which (uncertain as all human affairs must be) one never felt before.
+When one thinks of one's children, their education, their future--and
+prays for them--I always think and say to myself, "Let them grow up
+fit for _whatever station_ they may be placed in--_high or low_." This
+one never thought of before, but I _do_ always now. Altogether one's
+whole disposition is so changed--_bores_ and trifles which one would
+have complained of bitterly a few months ago, one looks upon as good
+things and quite a blessing--provided one can _keep one's position in
+quiet!_
+
+I own I have not much confidence in Cavaignac,[32] as they fear
+his mother's and brother's influence, the former being a widow of a
+regicide, and as _stern_ and severe as can be imagined.
+
+I saw the King and Queen on Saturday; he is wonderfully merry still
+and quite himself, but _she_ feels it deeply--and for _her_ there is
+here the greatest sympathy and admiration.
+
+Albert is going to York to-morrow till Friday; _how_ I wish you and
+Louise could be with me, as in '44 and '46! I have, however, got dear
+Victoire to come and spend a night with me; it does her always good,
+and we are just like sisters, and feel as we did in 1839, when you
+know how very fond we were of each other. She is a dear, noble, and
+still _beautiful_ child.
+
+I venture to send you a snuff-box with poor Aunt Charlotte's picture
+as a child, which also belonged to poor Aunt Sophia. Ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 32: General Cavaignac, Minister for War, had been
+    given _quasi_-dictatorial powers during the insurrection.
+    These powers, on the suppression of the revolt, he resigned,
+    and was thereupon almost unanimously made President of the
+    Council.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _13th July 1848._
+
+The Queen was glad to hear of the majorities the other night. She
+concludes Lord John Russell cannot at all say _when_ the Session
+is likely to end? Is it not much to be regretted that the measure
+relative to the Navigation Laws is given up, and was it unavoidable?
+The Queen sends Lord John Col. Phipps's report of the Prince's
+reception at York, which she thinks will interest him. Does Lord J.
+Russell think, if we should not go to Ireland, that we could go to
+Balmoral for ten days or a fortnight, without shocking the Irish very
+much? It strikes the Queen that to go to see _our own place_ makes a
+difference, and is in fact a natural thing; it is, however, impossible
+to say if we _can_ get away even for so short a time.
+
+The Queen concludes that there can be no possible objection to the Duc
+de Nemours bringing or fetching the Duchess to and from Osborne? He is
+the Queen's Cousin, and consequently in a different position to any
+of the others; moreover, he does _not_ wish _at present_ to spend one
+_night_ there even, but merely to pay a morning visit.
+
+Lastly, the Queen wishes to know if the King and Queen and the other
+Princes and Princesses _should themselves_ ask to come and pay the
+Queen a morning visit at Osborne, and return again the same day (as
+they do here), there would be any objection to it? The Queen merely
+wishes to know, in _case they_ should ask leave to do so, what she can
+answer.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: COMMISSIONS IN THE ARMY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir George Grey._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _14th July 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Sir George Grey's letter of yesterday, and
+has considered the proposed alteration in the mode of preparing
+Commissions for Officers in the Army. The Queen does not at all object
+to the amount of trouble which the signature of so many Commissions
+has hitherto entailed upon her, as she feels amply compensated by the
+advantage of keeping up a personal connection between the Sovereign
+and the Army, and she very much doubts whether the Officers generally
+would not feel it as a slight if, instead of their Commissions
+bearing the Queen's sign-manual, they were in future only to receive
+a certificate from the Secretary at War that they have been
+commissioned.
+
+She therefore prefers matters to remain on their old footing.
+
+The Secretary at War speaks in his Memorandum of his responsibility to
+Parliament with respect to allowing Appointments to go on; the
+Queen apprehends that his responsibility does not extend beyond the
+appropriation of the money voted by Parliament for the use of her
+Army.
+
+
+
+
+_The Princess Charlotte of Belgium to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _18th July 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST COUSIN,--I have received the beautiful dolls' house you
+have been so kind as to send me, and I thank you very much for it.
+I am delighted with it; every morning I dress my doll and give her a
+good breakfast; and the day after her arrival she gave a great rout at
+which all my dolls were invited. Sometimes she plays at drafts on her
+pretty little draft-board, and every evening I undress her and put her
+to bed.
+
+Be so good, my dearest Cousin, as to give my love to my dear little
+Cousins, and believe me always, your most affectionate Cousin,
+
+CHARLOTTE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ITALY AND FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _24th July 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter[33] reporting his
+conversation with M. de Tallenay. She can only repeat her opinion that
+a negotiation with France in order to agree with her upon a common
+line of policy to be followed with regard to the Italian question can
+lead to no good; it will make us the ally of a Government which is not
+even legally constituted, and which can accordingly not guarantee the
+fulfilment of any engagement it may enter into, and it will call upon
+the very power to judge the Italian dispute which it is the interest
+of Europe to keep out of it. M. de Tallenay seems to have admitted
+that the French Republic, if called upon to act, will neither allow
+Austria to keep the Venetian territory nor Sardinia to acquire it, but
+that she will strive to set up a Venetian Republic. It can really not
+be an object for us to assist in such a scheme, or even to treat upon
+it.
+
+Lord Cowley the Queen means to invite to dinner to-day, and she wishes
+Lord Palmerston to let her know the day on which he is to leave for
+Frankfort in order that she may prepare her letter for the Archduke
+accordingly.
+
+    [Footnote 33: Lord Palmerston had reported an interview with
+    de Tallenay, who sought the co-operation of England with France
+    in Northern Italy; the Austrian force in Italy to be withdrawn
+    or reduced, the union of Lombardy and Piedmont to be accepted
+    as a _fait accompli_, and Venetian territory erected into a
+    separate republic.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: NORTHERN ITALY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _25th July 1848._
+
+The Queen sends Lord John Russell the enclosed Despatch from Lord
+Normanby, with a draft in answer to it which was sent for her
+approval, but which she really cannot approve. The Queen must tell
+Lord John what she has repeatedly told Lord Palmerston, but without
+apparent effect, that the establishment of an _entente cordiale with
+the French Republic_, for the purpose of driving the Austrians out
+of _their dominions_ in Italy, would be a _disgrace_ to this country.
+That the French would attach the greatest importance to it and gain
+the greatest advantage by it there can be no doubt of; but how will
+England appear before the world _at the moment_ when she is struggling
+to maintain her supremacy in Ireland, and boasts to stand by treaties
+with regard to her European relations, having declined all this
+time to interfere in Italy or to address one word of caution to the
+Sardinian Government on account of its attack on Austria, and having
+refused to mediate when called upon to do so by Austria, because
+the terms were not good enough for Sardinia, if she should now ally
+herself with the arch-enemy of Austria to interfere _against her_ at
+the moment when she has recovered in some degree her position in the
+Venetian territory?
+
+The notion of establishing a Venetian State under French guarantee is
+too absurd. Lord Palmerston in his draft says that we believe that the
+French plan would be agreed to by Austria. Now this is completely at
+variance with every account, report, or despatch we have received from
+Verona, Innspruck, or Vienna; however, Lord Palmerston hints that the
+King of Sardinia might expect still better terms. The French Republic
+seems _not_ to be anxious for war, not able to conduct it, and the
+country appears to be decidedly against it; all M. Bastide says is:
+"There were two extremes which it would be very difficult for them
+to admit without opposition, viz. the restoration of Lombardy to the
+Dominion of Austria on the one side, and the union under one powerful
+state under Charles Albert of all the principalities into which
+the north of Italy has hitherto been divided." With this explicit
+declaration, it would surely be best for the interests of Europe that
+we should name _this_ to Charles Albert, and call upon him to rest
+satisfied with his conquest, and to conclude a peace with Austria,
+leaving her what he cannot take from her, and thus avoid calling in
+France as an arbiter. Why this has not been done long ago, or should
+not be done now, the Queen cannot comprehend.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _27th July 1848._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge Lord John Russell's two letters with
+respect to Italy. The alterations in the draft meet many of the
+Queen's objections, giving to the whole step another appearance. The
+Queen ... must acknowledge the advantage of our trying to bind [the
+French] to good conduct; only this must be done in a way not to appear
+as a league with them against a friendly Power, struggling to preserve
+to herself a territory granted to her by a Treaty to which we were a
+party.
+
+As the amended draft secures us against these appearances, and leaves
+us free for the future, the Queen approves it.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MINOR GERMAN STATES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _1st August 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had yesterday the happiness of receiving your
+kind letter of the 29th, for which I return my best thanks.
+
+There are ample means of crushing the Rebellion in Ireland,[34] and
+I think it now is very likely to go off without any contest.... Lord
+Hardinge is going over there to serve on the Staff, which is very
+praiseworthy of him.
+
+I do not think the fate of the Minor Princes in Germany is so
+completely decided as Charles[35] ... is _so_ anxious to make one
+believe. There is only a question of taking certain powers and rights
+away, and not at all of getting rid of them; and I think you will see
+that the _Ausfuehrung_ of the Unity will be an impossibility, at least
+in the sense they propose at Frankfort. The Archduke John has spoken
+very reassuringly both to Ernest and the Duke of Meiningen, and the
+attachment in many of those smaller principalities is still extremely
+great, and I am sure they will never consent to being _ausgewischt_.
+Coburg, for instance, on the occasion of the suppression of a very
+small riot, showed the greatest attachment and devotion to Ernest; at
+Gotha the feeling of independence is _very_ great, and at Strelitz, on
+the occasion of Augusta's confinement with a _son_, the enthusiasm and
+rejoicing was universal. All this cannot be entirely despised.
+
+We are as happy as possible here, and would be perfectly so, if it was
+not for the sorrow and misfortunes of so many dear to us, and for the
+state of the world in general.
+
+I have always forgotten to tell you that we bought a fine marble bust
+of you quite by accident in London the other day. It is in armour and
+with moustaches, but quite different to the one the Gardners have at
+Melbourne; Albert saw it at the window of a shop, and heard it had
+been bought in a sale of a General Somebody. Now, with Albert's best
+love, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+We have just heard that there has been an _action_ in Ireland in which
+some of the insurgents have been killed; _fifty_ Police dispersed
+_four thousand_ people. Smith O'Brien is, however, not yet taken.
+
+    [Footnote 34: _See_ Introductory Note for the year, _ante_, p.
+    141.]
+
+    [Footnote 35: The Frankfort Assembly, in pursuance of the
+    policy of German consolidation, had placed the central
+    executive power in the hands of a Reichsverweser, or Vicar
+    of the Empire. The Archduke John, uncle of the Emperor
+    of Austria, was elected to this position, and the Queen's
+    half-brother Charles, Prince of Leiningen, was entrusted with
+    the Department of Foreign Affairs.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AN AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _8th August 1848._
+
+... The Queen has attentively perused the statement of Lord Palmerston
+in favour of accrediting an Ambassador at Paris. As the proposed
+arrangement for the present is to be only a _provisional_ one, the
+Queen thinks that the appointment of a _Minister_ now will leave it
+quite open to have an Ambassador hereafter, if it should be found
+necessary or advantageous, whilst it would set that matter at rest
+for the moment. Withdrawing an Ambassador and substituting a Minister
+hereafter, would be much more difficult. The French Republic would
+no doubt like to have an Ambassador here, and perhaps take immediate
+steps to secure that object if Lord Normanby were accredited
+Ambassador at Paris, against which we would be secured in having only
+a Minister there.... Lord Normanby's acquaintance with the public men
+at Paris is as much an inconvenience as it may be a convenience in
+some respects; his having been the great admirer and friend of M.
+Lamartine, for instance, etc., etc. The possibility of mixing freely
+with persons of various kinds, which Lord Palmerston adduces as an
+important consideration will, in the Queen's opinion, be more easy
+for a Minister than for a person of the high rank of Ambassador. All
+things considered therefore, the Queen will prefer to have temporarily
+a Minister accredited at Paris.
+
+M. de Tallenay the Queen would receive in London on Tuesday next at
+six o'clock, when the Queen will be in Town.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _11th August 1848._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday.
+The Queen was quite surprised to hear from Lord Palmerston in his last
+communication that he had written to Lord Normanby to offer him to
+stay as Minister at Paris, after his having before stated to the Queen
+that this would never do and could not be expected from Lord Normanby;
+Lord Normanby's answer declining this offer therefore does in no way
+alter the matter, and must have been foreseen by Lord Palmerston.
+By the delay and Lord Normanby's various conversations with M.
+Bastide[36] and General Cavaignac it has now become difficult to
+depart from the precedent of the Belgian and Sardinian Missions
+without giving offence at Paris. The Queen must, however, insist upon
+this precedent being fully adhered to. She accordingly sanctions Lord
+Normanby's appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary, on the _distinct
+understanding_ that there is to be no Ambassador sent in return to
+London now, and that a Minister is to be appointed to Paris when the
+diplomatic intercourse is permanently to be settled. The Queen
+wishes Lord Palmerston to bear this in mind, and to submit to her the
+arrangement which he thinks will be best calculated to carry this into
+effect.
+
+    [Footnote 36: Minister of Foreign Affairs.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD NORMANBY'S APPOINTMENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _11th August 1848._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge Lord John Russell's letter of to-day.
+The Queen is highly indignant at Lord Palmerston's behaviour now again
+with respect to Lord Normanby's appointment; he knew perfectly well
+that Lord Normanby could not accept the post of Minister, and had
+written to the Queen before that such an offer could not be made, and
+has now made it after all, knowing that, by wasting time and getting
+the matter entangled at Paris, he would carry his point. If the French
+are so anxious to keep Lord Normanby as to make any sacrifice for that
+object, it ought to make us cautious, as it can only be on account of
+the ease with which they can make him serve their purposes. They,
+of course, like an _entente cordiale_ with us at the expense of
+Austria;... but this can be no consideration for us....
+
+Threatening the Austrians with war, or making war upon them in case
+they should not be inclined to surrender their provinces at his
+bidding [Lord Palmerston] knows to be impossible; therefore the
+_entente_ with the Republic is of the greatest value to him, enabling
+him to threaten the Austrians at any time with the French intervention
+which he can have at command if he agrees to it.[37] The Queen has
+read the leading articles of the _Times_ of yesterday and to-day on
+this subject with the greatest satisfaction as they express almost
+entirely the same views and feelings which she entertains. The Queen
+hopes that Lord John Russell will read them; indeed, the whole of
+the Press seem to be unanimous on this subject, and she can hardly
+understand how there can be two opinions upon it....
+
+    [Footnote 37: The success of the Piedmontese in Northern Italy
+    had not continued through the summer, and the States whose
+    assistance they had hitherto received began to fall away from
+    them. The King of Naples, successful within his own dominions,
+    had withdrawn his troops; the Pope hesitated to attack
+    Austria; even undivided support from Venetia could no longer
+    be counted upon. After several reverses, Charles Albert, now
+    left virtually alone in the contest, was decisively defeated
+    by Radetzky, at Custozza, and retreated across the Mincio.
+    With what was left of his troops he entered Milan, which he
+    was eventually forced to surrender, being unable to maintain
+    himself there. Italy now turned to France for assistance, but
+    Cavaignac, virtually Dictator in Paris, would not go further
+    than combining with England to effect a peaceful mediation.
+    Austria was not in a frame of mind to relinquish any part of
+    the provinces she had had so severe a struggle to retain.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _20th August 1848._
+
+The Queen has received an _autograph_ letter from the Archduke John
+(in answer to the private letter she had written to him through Lord
+Cowley), which has been cut open at the Foreign Office. The Queen
+wishes Lord Palmerston to take care that this does not happen again.
+The opening of official letters even, addressed to the Queen, which
+she has _of late_ observed, is really not becoming, and ought to be
+discontinued, as it used never to be the case formerly.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _21st August 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of yesterday, but
+cannot say that she has been satisfied by the reasons given by Lord
+Palmerston. The union of Lombardy and Piedmont cannot be considered as
+a concession to France for the maintenance of peace, because we know
+that it is the very thing the French object to. The Queen quite agrees
+that the principal consideration always to be kept in sight is the
+preservation of the peace of Europe; but it is precisely on that
+account that she regrets that the terms proposed by Lord Palmerston
+(whilst they are not in accordance with the views of France) are
+almost the only ones which must be most offensive to Austria. Lord
+Palmerston _will_ have his kingdom of Upper Italy under Charles
+Albert, to which every other consideration is to be sacrificed, and
+Lord Normanby's alteration of the terms certainly serve _that_ purpose
+well; but it is quite independent of the question of mediation,
+and the only thing in the whole proceeding which is indefensible in
+principle.
+
+
+It will be a calamity for ages to come if this principle is to become
+part of the international law, viz. "that a people can at any time
+transfer their allegiance from the Sovereign of one State to that of
+another by universal suffrage (under momentary excitement)," and
+this is what Lord Normanby--no doubt according to Lord Palmerston's
+wishes--has taken as the basis of the mediation. For even the _faits
+accomplis_, which are a convenient basis to justify any act of
+injustice, are here against Charles Albert.
+
+Lord Palmerston's argument respecting Schleswig,[38] which the Queen
+quoted in her last letter, had no reference to the Treaty of 1720.
+
+    [Footnote 38: The first act of the _Vor-Parlament_, a body
+    which had existed temporarily at Frankfort, to pave the way
+    for the National Assembly of a Consolidated Germany, had been
+    to treat Schleswig, theretofore part of the Danish dominions,
+    as absorbed in the German Confederation, and Lord Palmerston's
+    objections to this proceeding had been treated by the Queen
+    in a letter of 19th August as inconsistent with his attitude
+    towards Austria.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PRUSSIA AND GERMANY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _29th August 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Most warmly do I thank you for your very kind and
+dear letter of the 26th, with so many good wishes for that _dearest_
+of days. It is indeed to me one of eternal thankfulness, for a purer,
+more perfect being than my beloved Albert the Creator could _not_ have
+sent into this troubled world. I feel that I could _not_ exist without
+him, and that I should sink under the troubles and annoyances and
+_degouts_ of my _very_ difficult position, were it not for _his_
+assistance, protection, guidance, and comfort. Truly do I thank you
+for your _great_ share in bringing about our marriage.
+
+Stockmar I do not quite understand, and I cannot believe that he
+_really wishes to ruin_ all the smaller States, though his principal
+object is that unity which I fear he will _not_ obtain.
+
+I do not either at all agree in his wish that Prussia should take the
+lead; his love for Prussia is to me incomprehensible, for it is the
+country of all others which the _rest_ of Germany dislikes. Stockmar
+cannot be my good old friend if he has such notions of injustice as
+I hear attributed to him. But whatever they may be, I do _not_ believe
+the _Ausfuehrung_ to be possible.
+
+I have great hopes of soon hearing of something decided about the
+fortunes of the poor French family. You will have seen how nobly and
+courageously good Joinville and Aumale behaved on the occasion of the
+burning of that emigrant ship off Liverpool.[39] It will do them great
+good. I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 39: One hundred and seventy-eight persons perished
+    in the burning of the _Ocean Monarch_; the French Princes were
+    on board a Brazilian steam frigate, which saved one hundred
+    and fifty-six lives.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AUSTRIA DECLINES MEDIATION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _2nd September 1848._
+
+The Queen has read in the papers the news that Austria and Sardinia
+have nearly settled their differences, and also "that it was
+confidently stated that a French and _British_ squadron, with troops
+on board, _are to make a demonstration in the Adriatic_."
+
+Though the Queen cannot believe this, she thinks it right to inform
+Lord Palmerston without delay that, should such a thing be thought of,
+it is a step which the Queen could _not_ give her consent to.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th September 1848._
+
+The Queen since her arrival in Town has heard that the answer from
+Austria declining our mediation has some days ago been communicated
+to Lord Palmerston. The Queen is surprised that Lord Palmerston should
+have left her uninformed of so important an event. The Queen has
+received Lord Palmerston's letter respecting the proposal to mediate
+on the part of the central power of Germany,[40] and does not see why
+that power, which has a responsible Government, is to be precluded
+from taking part in a negotiation because the Archduke John might be
+friendly towards Austria--whereas the French republic, which had in
+public documents espoused the Italian Cause, is to be a party to it.
+
+Neither France nor England are neighbours to or directly interested in
+Lombardy, whereas Germany is both.[41]
+
+    [Footnote 40: See _ante_, p. 188, note 35.]
+
+    [Footnote 41: Lord Palmerston's object, in which he ultimately
+    succeeded, was, by obtaining the French Government's
+    co-operation in mediating between Austria and Piedmont, to
+    prevent the aggressive party in France from maturing any
+    designs on Italy.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AUSTRIA AND ITALY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+ON BOARD THE _Victoria and Albert,_
+ABERDEEN, _7th September 1848._
+
+The Queen must send the enclosed draft to Lord John Russell, with a
+copy of her letter to Lord Palmerston upon it. Lord Palmerston has as
+usual pretended not to have had time to submit the draft to the Queen
+before he had sent it off. What the Queen has long suspected and often
+warned against is on the point of happening, viz. Lord Palmerston's
+using the new _entente cordiale_ for the purpose of wresting from
+Austria her Italian provinces by French arms. This would be a most
+iniquitous proceeding. It is another question whether it is good
+policy for Austria to try to retain Lombardy, but that is for her and
+not for us to decide. Many people might think that we would be happier
+without Ireland or Canada. Lord John will not fail to observe how very
+intemperate the whole tone of Lord Palmerston's language is.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BALMORAL CASTLE, _13th September 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I yesterday received your dear and kind letter of
+the 9th (it having arrived in London only the day before), which
+is very quick, and I thank you much for it. The Schleswig affair at
+Frankfort is _very_ unfortunate, and there seems a lamentable want of
+_all_ practical sense, foresight, or even _common_ prudence.[42]
+
+The poor Austrians seem now to accept the (to me _very_ doubtful)
+mediation. It reminds me of the wolf in the lamb's skin. _Nous
+verrons_, how matters will be arranged....
+
+My letter to Louise will have informed you of our voyage and our
+arrival here. This house is small but pretty, and though the hills
+seen from the windows are not _so_ fine, the scenery all around is the
+finest almost I have seen anywhere. It is very wild and solitary,
+and yet cheerful and _beautifully wooded_, with the river Dee running
+between the two sides of the hills. Loch Nagar is the highest hill in
+the immediate vicinity, and belongs to us.
+
+Then the soil is the driest and best known almost anywhere, and all
+the hills are as sound and hard as the road. The climate is also dry,
+and in general not very cold, though we had one or two very cold days.
+There is a deer forest--many roe deer, and on the opposite hill (which
+does not belong to us) grouse. There is also black cock and ptarmigan.
+Albert has, however, no luck this year, and has in vain been after the
+deer, though they are continually seen, and often quite close by the
+house. The children are very well, and enjoying themselves much. The
+boys always wear their Highland dress.
+
+I must now wish you good-bye, and repeat how much delighted we are
+that everything goes on so well in Belgium. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 42: The incorporation of Schleswig had been forcibly
+    resisted, and Sweden determined on armed intervention; but a
+    temporary armistice was arranged in August. This the National
+    Assembly attempted to disavow, but a few days after this
+    letter was written it was ratified.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._
+
+BALMORAL, _19th September 1848._
+
+I said to Lord John Russell, that I must mention to him a subject,
+which was a serious one, one which I had delayed mentioning for some
+time, but which I felt I must speak quite openly to him upon now,
+namely about Lord Palmerston; that I felt really I could hardly go
+on with him, that I had no confidence in him, and that it made me
+seriously anxious and uneasy for the welfare of the country and for
+the peace of Europe in general, and that I felt very uneasy from one
+day to another as to what might happen. Lord John replied that he was
+aware of it; that he had considered the matter already, having heard
+from his brother (the Duke of Bedford) how strongly I felt about it;
+that he felt the truth of all that I had said, but that, on the other
+hand, Lord Palmerston was a very able man, entirely master of his
+office and affairs, and a very good colleague, never making any
+difficulties about other questions, but (certainly _unreasonably_)
+complaining of other people mixing with and interfering in the affairs
+of his office. I said that ... I fully believed that that Spanish
+marriage question, which had been the original cause of so many
+present misfortunes, would never have become so _embrouille_ had it
+not been for Lord Palmerston. This led Lord John to say, that though
+he disapproved the length of Lord Palmerston's correspondence, still
+that we could not have done otherwise than object to the marriage.
+This is true enough. I repeated that all that had been done in Italy
+last winter had also done harm, as it was done by _Lord Palmerston_,
+who was distrusted everywhere abroad, which Lord John regretted. I
+said that I thought that he often endangered the honour of England by
+taking a very prejudiced and one-sided view of a question;... that his
+writings were always as bitter as gall and did great harm, which
+Lord John entirely assented to, and that I often felt quite ill from
+anxiety; that I wished Lord Clarendon (who, I had heard, was tired
+of Ireland) could come over and be Secretary of State for Foreign
+Affairs, and Lord Palmerston go to Ireland as Lord-Lieutenant. Lord
+John said nothing would be better, for that he was sure that Lord
+Palmerston would make an admirable Lord-Lieutenant, but that another
+thing to be considered was the danger of making Lord Palmerston an
+enemy by displacing him, that Lord Minto (who was formerly a great
+friend and admirer of Lord Palmerston's) had told Lady John when she
+spoke to him on the subject of placing Lord Palmerston in another
+office, that _he_ (Lord Palmerston) would certainly turn against the
+Government if displaced. I said that might be, but that sometimes
+there were great interests at stake which exceeded the danger of
+offending one man, and that this was here the case; Lord John said
+it was very true, but that at moments like these one of course was
+anxious not to do anything which could cause internal trouble.
+I admitted this, but repeated my anxiety, which Lord John quite
+understood, though he thought I a little overrated it, and said I was
+afraid that some day I should have to tell Lord John that I could
+not put up with Lord Palmerston any longer, which might be very
+disagreeable and awkward.
+
+It ended by Lord John's promising to bear the subject in mind, and I
+must say that he took it all just as I could wish.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN THE PUNJAB]
+
+[Pageheading: HOSTILITY OF THE SIKHS]
+
+
+_Minute by the Governor-General of India._
+
+_30th September 1848._
+
+... The course of events, as they have developed themselves, and long
+and anxious considerations of this important subject, have finally and
+immovably confirmed in my mind the conviction which the earlier events
+of the insurrection at Mooltan long since had founded, that there will
+be no peace for India, nor any stability of Government in the Punjab,
+nor any release from anxiety and costly defensive preparations on
+our frontier, unless the British Government, justly indignant at the
+unprovoked and treacherous aggression once again committed against
+them by the Sikhs, shall now effectually provide against future
+dangers by subverting for ever the Dynasty of the Sings, by converting
+the Punjab into a British province, and by adopting the only measure
+which will secure the observance of peace by the Sikhs, namely,
+depriving them utterly of all the means of making war. I continue as
+fully convinced as ever that the establishment of a strong, friendly,
+Hindoo Government in the Punjab would be the best settlement that
+could be made for the interests of British India, if it could
+be formed. But I am convinced that such a Government cannot be
+formed.[43]
+
+    [Footnote 43: _See_ Introductory Note for 1849, _post_, p.
+    208.]
+
+The Chiefs of the Punjab are utterly powerless and worthless. The
+great body of the nation is adverse to all control, and in no degree
+submissive to the authority of those who are professedly their rulers.
+
+Even admitting, which I am by no means prepared to do, that the
+Sirdars are not treacherously or hostilely disposed to the British
+Government, of what advantage, what defence to us is the fidelity of
+the Chiefs, if they are confessedly unable to control the army which
+is as avowedly hostile to us? That which we desire to secure is a
+peaceful and well-governed neighbour, and a frontier free from alarms,
+nor demanding a permanent garrison of 50,000 men. If their army are
+able to disturb and eager to disturb on every occasion the peace we
+seek to render permanent, of what profit to us is the assumed fidelity
+of the Chiefs, who cannot repress their soldiers' turbulence, or
+command their obedience?
+
+I discredit altogether the assurances of the fidelity of the Chiefs on
+the evidence of the facts before us....
+
+To all these recommendations my colleagues in the Council have yielded
+their ready assent.
+
+I have to the last sought to avert, or to avoid, the necessity, if it
+could prudently or fitly be avoided.
+
+The Sikh nation have forced the necessity upon us. Having resolved
+at once, and fully, to meet it, I shall proceed with all speed to the
+frontier, and shall endeavour by every exertion, and by all the means
+in my power, to carry into effect vigorously the measures on which
+the Government of India has resolved, and which, in my conscience I
+believe, are imperatively called for by regard to the peace of India,
+to the security of our Empire there, and to the happiness of the
+people over whom we rule.
+
+DALHOUSIE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S ITALIAN POLICY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _7th October 1848._
+
+The Queen sends Lord Palmerston's answer to her last letter, of which
+the Queen has sent a copy to Lord John Russell, and encloses likewise
+a copy of her present answer. The partiality of Lord Palmerston in
+this Italian question really _surpasses all conception_, and makes the
+Queen _very uneasy_ on account of the character and honour of England,
+and on account of the danger to which the peace of Europe will be
+exposed. It is now clearly proved by Baron Wessenberg that upon the
+conclusion of the Armistice with Sardinia, negotiations for peace
+would have speedily been entered into, had our _mediation_ not been
+offered to the King, to whom the offer of Lombardy was too tempting
+not to accept, and now that promise is by fair or unfair means to
+be made good. The Queen cannot see any principle in this, as the
+principle upon which Lord Palmerston goes is _Italian Nationality and
+Independence from a foreign Yoke and Tyranny_. How can the Venetian
+territory then be secured to Austria? and if this is done, on what
+ground can Lombardy be wrung from her? It is really not safe to settle
+such important matters without principle and by personal _passion_
+alone. When the _French_ Government say they cannot control public
+feeling, Lord Palmerston takes this as an unalterable fact, and as
+a sufficient reason to make the Austrians give up Lombardy; when,
+however, the _Austrian_ Government say they cannot give up Lombardy on
+account of the feeling of the Army which had just reconquered it
+with their blood and under severe privations and sufferings, Lord
+Palmerston flippantly tells the Austrian Government, "if that were so,
+the Emperor had better abdicate and make General Radetzky Emperor."
+When Charles Albert burned the whole of the suburbs of Milan to keep
+up the delusion that he meant to defend the town, Lord Palmerston
+said nothing; and now that the Austrian Governor has prohibited
+revolutionary placards on the walls, and prolonged the period at which
+arms are to be surrendered, at the end of which persons concealing
+arms are to be tried by court-martial, he writes to Vienna: "that this
+savage proclamation, which savours more of the barbarous usages of
+centuries long gone by than of the spirit of the present times,
+must strike everybody as a proof of the fear by which the Austrian
+Commander is inspired," etc., etc., etc.
+
+Venice was to have been made over to Austria by the Armistice, and
+now that this has not been done, Austria is not even to retake it, in
+order (as Lord Normanby says) to keep something in hand against which
+Austria is to make further concessions. Is all this fair? In the
+meantime, from the account of our Consul at Venice, the French agents
+are actively employed in intrigues against Austria in that town, and
+have asked him to assist, which he refused. Lord Palmerston merely
+approved his conduct, and did not write a line to Paris about it. Now
+the question at issue is not even to be submitted to a Conference of
+European powers, but to be settled by the French Republic and Lord
+Palmerston alone, Lord Normanby being the instrument who has pledged
+himself over and over again for Italian _independence_ (so called).
+If Austria makes peace with Sardinia, and gives her Italian provinces
+separate National Institutions with a liberal constitutional
+Government, _who can force_ upon her another arrangement?
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: GREECE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _8th October 1848._
+
+The Queen cannot refrain from telling Lord Palmerston what a painful
+impression the perusal of a draft of his to Lord Normanby referring to
+the affairs of Greece has made upon her, being so little in accordance
+with the calm dignity which she likes to see in all the proceedings of
+the British Government; she was particularly struck by the language in
+which Lord Palmerston speaks of King Otho, a Sovereign with whom she
+stands in friendly relations, and the asperity against the Government
+of the King of the French, who is really sufficiently lowered and
+suffering for the mistakes he may have committed, and that of all this
+a copy is to be placed in the hands of the Foreign Minister of the
+French _Republic_, the Queen can only see with much regret.[44]
+
+    [Footnote 44: Lord Palmerston replied that his observations on
+    the two Kings lay at the very root of his argument, and were
+    necessary to conciliate the present Government of France.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _10th October 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Our voyage yesterday was much saddened by a
+terrible accident at Spithead, which delayed us half an hour, and
+which still fills us with horror. The sea was running very high, and
+we were just outside what is called The Spit, when we saw a man in
+the water, sitting on the keel of a boat, and we stopped, and at that
+moment Albert discerned _many heads_ above the sea, including a poor
+woman. The tide was running so strong that we could only stop an
+instant and let a boat down, but you may imagine our horror. We waited
+at Gosport to hear if the people had been saved, and we learnt that
+three had, two of whom by our _Fairy's_ boat, and that four were
+drowned. Very horrid indeed.
+
+The state of Germany is dreadful, and one does feel quite ashamed
+about that once really so peaceful and happy people. That there are
+still good people there I am sure, but they allow themselves to be
+worked upon in a frightful and shameful way.... In France a crisis
+seems at hand. _What_ a very bad figure we cut in this mediation!
+Really it is quite immoral, with Ireland quivering in our grasp,
+and ready to throw off her allegiance at any moment, for us to force
+Austria to give up her lawful possessions. What shall we say if
+Canada, Malta, etc., begin to trouble us? It hurts me terribly. This
+ought to be the principle in _all actions_, private as well as public:
+"Was du nicht willst, dass dir geschieht, das thu' auch einem andern
+nicht." ...
+
+I must now conclude. With every good wish, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE BOERS]
+
+
+_Earl Grey to Queen Victoria._
+
+COLONIAL OFFICE, _25th October 1848._
+
+Earl Grey presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to inform
+your Majesty that no official accounts have been received of the
+engagement on the Cape Frontier between your Majesty's forces under
+Sir H. Smith and the insurgent Dutch farmers, of which an account
+is published in the newspapers.[45] Lord Grey has, however, seen a
+private letter, which mentions, in addition to what is stated in the
+Government notice in the Cape newspapers, that Sir Harry Smith exposed
+himself very much, and was slightly wounded; most fortunately, he was
+merely grazed in the leg; his horse was also struck by a bullet in the
+nose. A very large proportion of those who were hit by the fire of the
+rebels were officers, who appear to have been particularly aimed at.
+
+    [Footnote 45: In July, Pretorius, the Boer leader, had in
+    consequence of the British annexation of territory, expelled
+    the British Resident from Bloemfontein. _See_ Introductory
+    Note, _ante_, p. 142. Sir Harry Smith decisively defeated the
+    Boers on the 29th of August.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Earl Grey._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th October 1848._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Grey's letter, and is glad to hear that
+Sir H. Smith's wound was not of a serious nature. The loss of so many
+officers, the Queen is certain, proceeds from their wearing a blue
+coat whilst the men are in scarlet; the Austrians lost a great
+proportion of officers in Italy from a similar difference of dress.
+
+As to the Medal for Major Edwardes, the Queen did not approve but
+disapprove the step, and wished the Bath to be given instead, which
+has been done. The medals for troops in general (given by the East
+India Company) are a new and doubtful thing, and now it is proposed to
+reward even a special case of personal distinction by the _Company's_
+conferring a mark of honour. Lord Grey will agree with the Queen that
+it will be better not to establish two fountains of honour in the
+Realm. If the East India Company wish to mark their approbation,
+perhaps they might send Major Edwardes a fine sword or something of
+that kind.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: GOVERNORSHIP OF GIBRALTAR]
+
+
+_Earl Grey to Queen Victoria._
+
+COLONIAL OFFICE, _26th October 1848._
+
+Earl Grey presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has just had
+the honour of receiving your Majesty's letter. Lord Fitzroy Somerset
+happened to be here when it arrived, and Lord Grey read to him that
+part of it which relates to the danger occasioned to officers in
+action from wearing a dress of a different colour from that of the
+men. Lord Fitzroy observed that although there can be no doubt of the
+objection to the blue coats worn by officers, in this instance their
+having suffered so much cannot be attributed to that cause, as it
+appears that all the officers who were wounded but one, belonged to
+regiments (the Rifle Battalion or the Cape Mounted Rifles) in which
+the officers are dressed in the same colour as the men....
+
+Lord Grey begs to submit to your Majesty that the usual time for
+relieving the present Governor of Gibraltar is now come, and that he
+thinks it very desirable to appoint a successor to Sir Robert
+Wilson, who now fills that situation. It appears to Lord Grey that,
+considering the nature of the appointment and also the great advantage
+which would result from affording greater encouragement to the
+officers serving under the Ordnance, it would be very proper to
+confer this government upon a General Officer belonging to the Royal
+Artillery or Engineers. There is some difficulty in making a selection
+from the officers of these Corps, because, from their retiring only by
+seniority, they seldom attain the rank of General Officer while
+they are still in possession of sufficient strength and activity for
+employment. Lord Grey, however, believes from the information he has
+been able to obtain, that Sir Robert Gardiner might, with advantage,
+be appointed to this command, which he therefore begs leave to
+recommend to your Majesty to confer upon him. Lord Grey has had no
+communication with Sir R. Gardiner, and is entirely ignorant whether
+he would accept this employment.[46]
+
+    [Footnote 46: Sir Robert Gardiner, K.C.B.. was appointed
+    Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar on the 21st of
+    November, and held that post till 1855.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ITALY AND AUSTRIA]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th October 1848._
+
+The Queen has not yet acknowledged the receipt of Lord John Russell's
+communication of the views of the Cabinet on the Italian affairs.[47]
+She is very glad that the Cabinet should have considered this
+important question, and that she should have received an assurance
+"that she will not be advised to have recourse to forcible
+intervention." The Queen understands this principle to apply to
+Lombardy as well as to Sicily, and that, of course, "forcible
+intervention" will not only be avoided as to British means, but
+likewise as to French means, with British consent and concurrence.
+Though Lord John Russell does not enter so much into particulars with
+regard to the opinions of the Members of the Cabinet as the Queen
+might have wished, she infers from the proposition that Lombardy
+should be constituted separately under an Archduke, that the idea of
+making it over to the King of Sardinia is finally abandoned.
+
+    [Footnote 47: Lord John had written to the effect that, while
+    no definite decision had been arrived at with regard to Italy,
+    it was thought by the Cabinet that every means should be used
+    to induce Austria to give up Lombardy to an Austrian Prince,
+    as most conformable to the interests of Austria herself. The
+    question of Sicily (he added) was more difficult, but if no
+    agreement could be arrived at by amicable negotiation, the
+    Cabinet would not be disposed to advise the Queen to have
+    recourse to forcible intervention.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _19th November 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty.
+
+It will probably be necessary to send troops to India, who will then
+be no longer chargeable to this country. But Lord John Russell thinks
+it his duty to state that however unwilling he may be to diminish
+the Military and Naval force, it is still more essential to keep our
+income within our expenditure.
+
+The whole matter will be under the consideration of the Cabinet next
+week.
+
+The approaching election of a President in France must decide the
+question of the future Government of France. Louis Bonaparte may
+probably play the part of Richard Cromwell.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st November 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I write to thank you for your kind letter of the
+18th on your god-daughter's _eighth_ birthday! It does seem like an
+incredible dream that Vicky should already be so old! She is very
+happy with all her gifts.
+
+In Vienna things are much better. Louis Napoleon's election seems
+certain, and I own I wish for it as I think it will lead to something
+else.
+
+You will grieve to hear that our good, dear, old friend Melbourne
+is dying; there is _no_ hope, and I enclose a pretty letter of Lady
+Beauvale's,[48] which I think will interest you, and which I beg you
+to return. One cannot forget how good and kind and amiable he was, and
+it brings back so many recollections to my mind, though, God knows! I
+never wish that time back again.
+
+We go to-morrow for four weeks to our dear, peaceful Osborne.
+
+I will now take my leave. Begging you to believe me ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 48: See Greville's appreciative description of Lady
+    Beauvale in his Journal for the 30th of January 1853.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+BROCKET HALL, _23rd November 1848._
+
+Viscount Palmerston is here engaged in the melancholy occupation of
+watching the gradual extinction of the lamp of life of one who was not
+more distinguished by his brilliant talents, his warm affections, and
+his first-rate understanding, than by those sentiments of attachment
+to your Majesty which rendered him the most devoted subject who ever
+had the honour to serve a Sovereign.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF LORD MELBOURNE]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+BROCKET HALL, _25th November 1848._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+to state that Viscount Melbourne was released from further suffering
+at about six o'clock yesterday afternoon. His bodily strength had
+been rapidly declining during the last few days, and it was only at
+intervals that he retained any degree of apparent consciousness.
+The last transition took place quietly and with almost imperceptible
+gradation.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _26th November 1848._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty: he sees no
+political objection to a visit to Osborne on the part of the Duke
+and Duchess of Nemours. The election of a President in France is so
+completely absorbing attention that any mark of regard to the Duke of
+Nemours may well pass unnoticed.
+
+Lord John Russell had the honour of seeing Louis Philippe in
+this house on Friday. He was in much better spirits, owing to the
+convalescence of the Queen; but the illness has been a very serious
+one.
+
+Lord John Russell had understood that the affairs of property
+belonging to the Orleans family were arranged, and that Louis Philippe
+would ultimately be possessed of more than a million sterling.
+
+Louis Philippe expressed his opinion in favour of Louis Bonaparte as a
+candidate for the Presidency. He feels confident that France cannot go
+to war on account of the state of her finances.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _21th November 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Thank God! that the news from Berlin are better. It
+is to be hoped that this may have a good effect elsewhere.
+
+In France there ought really to be a Monarchy before long, _qui que ce
+soit_.
+
+Our poor old friend Melbourne died on the 24th. I sincerely regret
+him, for he was truly attached to me, and though not a firm Minister
+he was a noble, kind-hearted, generous being. Poor Lord Beauvale and
+Lady Palmerston feel it very much. I wish it might soften the _caro
+sposo_ of the latter-named person.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LETTER FROM THE POPE]
+
+
+_Pope Pius IX. to Queen Victoria._[49]
+
+To the Most Serene and Potent Sovereign Victoria, the Illustrious
+Queen of England, Pius Papa Nonus.
+
+Most Serene and Most Potent Queen, Greeting! Your Royal Majesty has
+already learned what a subversion of public affairs has taken place
+at Rome, and what utterly unheard-of violence was, on the 16th of
+the late month of November, offered to us in our very Palace of the
+Quirinal, in consequence of a nefarious conspiracy of abandoned and
+most turbulent men. Hence, in order to avoid more violent commotions
+and more serious dangers, as likewise for the purpose of freely
+performing the functions of our apostolic Ministry, we, not without
+the deepest and most heartfelt sorrow, have been constrained to
+depart for a time from our Holy City, and from the whole state of our
+pontifical dominions; and in the meanwhile we come as far as Gaeta,
+where, as soon as we had arrived, our first care was to declare to
+our subjects the sentiments of our mind and will, by a public edict,
+a copy of which we transmit to your Royal Majesty, together with
+these our letters. Without doubt, through your own wisdom, you will
+perfectly understand, Most Serene and Potent Sovereign, that amongst
+the other most cruel difficulties by which we are pressed, we must be
+chiefly solicitous concerning those subject to our temporal rule and
+the rights and possessions of the Roman Church, which, moreover, your
+august Uncle and the other Princes of Europe protected with so much
+zeal. But we do not in the least doubt that, in conformity with your
+exalted magnanimity, your justice, and your known desire to maintain
+order in public affairs, you will by no means suffer this same to be
+wanting to us at this most lamentable time. Trusting indeed in this
+hope, we do not cease, in the humility and affliction of our heart,
+from earnestly beseeching God, the All Good and All Great, that He may
+heap upon your Royal Majesty and your whole House all true and solid
+prosperity, and that He may unite you with us in perfect charity.
+
+Given at Gaeta, the 4th day of December 1848, in the third year of our
+Pontificate.
+
+PIUS PP. IX.[50]
+
+    [Footnote 49: Official translation.]
+
+    [Footnote 50: This letter was suitably acknowledged in general
+    terms. _See_ p. 210.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _13th December 1848._
+
+MY BELOVED UNCLE,--Pray accept my warmest and _best_ wishes for _many,
+many happy_ returns of your birthday--a day so _dear_ to so many, and
+which will be hailed with such joy in Belgium. You have indeed reason
+to look with satisfaction on all around you, though it is a painful
+thing to think how many have been ruined and made miserable since this
+day twelvemonths. Let us hope that another year may bring many things
+round again.
+
+The weather is beautiful, and I wish much we could fly over to pay our
+respects to you on your dear birthday.
+
+The papers are just come, and I see there is no doubt of Louis
+Napoleon's election, which I am very glad of, as it is a sign of
+better times. But that one _should have to wish for him_ is really
+wonderful.
+
+Now good-bye, dearest Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th December 1848._
+
+MY DEAREST, KINDEST UNCLE,--Your dear letter, full of interesting
+topics, which I received yesterday, gave me great pleasure, and
+I thank you much for it. The success of Louis Napoleon[51] is an
+extraordinary event, but valuable as a universal condemnation of the
+Republic since February.
+
+It will, however, perhaps be more difficult to get rid of him again
+than one at _first_ may imagine. Nemours thinks it better that none
+of themselves should be _called_ into action for some time to come.
+I fear that _he feels_ now that they _ought_ to have _foreseen_ the
+dangers in February, and _ought not_ to have yielded; when I said to
+him that the Pope had declared that he would _never_ quit Rome, and
+_did so do_ the _very next day_, he said: "Ah! mon Dieu, on se laisse
+entrainer dans ces moments." Louise said to me that _her Father_ had
+so _often declared he would never quit Paris alive_, so that when she
+heard of his flight she always believed it was untrue and he must be
+dead....
+
+    [Footnote 51: He was elected President on the 10th of
+    December, by an immense majority.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd December 1848._
+
+The Queen has been waiting to receive an answer from Lord John Russell
+upon her last letter, and has therefore delayed sending the enclosed
+letter from Lord Palmerston.[52] But lest any further delay might
+cause future inconvenience, she sends it now without having received
+Lord John's answer. The Queen is sure Lord John will feel that neither
+Lord Palmerston nor Lord Normanby have shown a proper regard for the
+Queen's wishes and opinion in this matter. Lord Normanby's Despatch
+shows that the step to be taken with reference to an Ambassador to be
+sent here is avowedly for the purpose of controlling the future action
+of the Queen's Government, and to _oblige her_ to keep a _permanent_
+Ambassador at Paris in the person of Lord Normanby. It is not very
+delicate in Lord Normanby to convey such a message, nor in Lord
+Palmerston to urge it so eagerly. M. de Beaumont's departure from this
+country without taking leave of the Queen was neither very becoming.
+
+The Queen has already, on Lord Palmerston's account, received two
+public affronts: the one by her Minister in Spain having been sent out
+of that country,[53] the other now, by the new Emperor of Austria
+not announcing to her by special mission his accession to the Throne,
+which he did to all other Sovereigns, avowedly, as it appears, to mark
+the indignation of Austria at the inimical proceedings of the British
+Foreign Secretary. The Queen does not think that, in the face of such
+slurs, the dignity of England will be vindicated by a race between her
+representative and that of Spain, who is to present his credentials
+first to the new President of the French Republic, which Lord
+Palmerston considers of such importance as to render an _immediate_
+decision indispensable.
+
+Should Lord John think that we cannot do less now for Louis Napoleon
+than has been done in the case of General Cavaignac, the Queen
+will not object to renewing Lord Normanby's credentials as
+Ambassador-Extraordinary on a special mission.
+
+    [Footnote 52: Lord Palmerston had written to say that
+    Lord Normanby's credentials were provisional, and regular
+    credentials would become necessary. The new French Government
+    were sending Ambassadors to Vienna, Rome, and other capitals,
+    which in return would send Ambassadors to Paris, so that it
+    would be injurious for this country's representative to be of
+    inferior diplomatic rank. "It would," he wrote subsequently,
+    "be derogatory to the dignity of your Majesty, and to the
+    character of your Majesty's Government if, in the present
+    state of things between the British and Spanish Governments
+    the Spanish Ambassador should, by a dilatoriness on the part
+    of your Majesty's Government, be allowed to raise a question
+    about precedence with your Majesty's representative at Paris;
+    it would be very inconvenient if that question were decided
+    unfavourably to your Majesty's representative, and very
+    undesirable that he should appear to be under obligation to
+    the French Government for a decision in his favour."]
+
+    [Footnote 53: See _ante_, p. 175.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XVIII
+
+
+The opening of Parliament (1849) was noteworthy for the appearance of
+Mr Disraeli as leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons, in
+place of Lord George Bentinck, who had died suddenly in the recess;
+the Peelites, though influential, were numerically few, and they
+continued by their support to maintain the Whigs in office, the
+principal measure of the session being the Act for the repeal of the
+Navigation Laws, a natural corollary to Peel's free trade policy. A
+Royal visit was paid to Ireland in August, and at Cork, Waterford,
+Dublin, and Belfast, the Queen and Prince were received with great
+enthusiasm.
+
+Abroad, the cause of United Italy suffered a severe check. The
+Sicilian revolt came to an end, and Austrian ascendency was
+re-established in Northern Italy. King Charles Albert was defeated at
+Novara, and abdicated in favour of his son, Victor Emmanuel. The Pope,
+who had fled from Rome in disguise, in November 1848, and was living
+at Gaeta, was now under the protection of Austria and France, and
+General Oudinot occupied the Papal city on his behalf in June.
+Austrian influence restored Tuscany, Parma, and Modena to their
+rulers, and in Central Europe operated to prevent the acceptance by
+the King of Prussia of the Imperial Crown of Germany. Hungary, in
+consequence of the help rendered to the Viennese insurrectionists in
+1848, was reduced to submission, but only with Russian co-operation.
+Heavy retribution was inflicted on the Hungarians; Kossuth and other
+revolutionaries fled to Turkey, the Russian and Austrian Governments
+unsuccessfully demanding their extradition.
+
+The British operations against the Sikhs were brought to a successful
+termination; the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Gough, with inferior
+numbers, had engaged the enemy at Chillianwalla, with indecisive and
+virtually unfavourable results, and Sir Charles Napier was sent out
+to supersede him. Mooltan, where the outrage of the previous year
+had taken place, had been besieged, and fell on the 22nd of January.
+Dalhousie had established himself at Ferozepore. A week or two later
+the Sikhs and Afghans were overwhelmingly defeated at Gujerat, and on
+the 29th of March the Punjab was incorporated in the British Empire;
+the "Koh-i-noor" was, in token of submission, presented by the
+Maharajah to the Queen. Lord Dalhousie received a Marquisate, and the
+thanks of both Houses of Parliament were voted to all concerned.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+1849
+
+
+_Memorandum on Matters connected with the Form of addressing the Pope
+in Answer to his Letter to Her Majesty of 4th December 1848._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _5th January 1849._
+
+The accompanying draft of answer to the letter which the Pope
+addressed to Her Majesty from Gaeta on the 4th of December is in the
+same form as letters which were written to Pope Pius VII. by George
+the Fourth while Prince Regent, and after he came to the Throne. They
+address the Pope as "Most Eminent Sir," style him "Your Holiness," and
+finish with the mere signature after the date of the conclusion of the
+letter. Copies of those letters are annexed.
+
+Other forms of writing Royal letters are:--
+
+1st. Commencing "Sir my Brother" (or "Sir my Cousin," etc., as the
+case may be), and ending thus:
+
+  "Sir my _Brother_,
+  Your _Majesty's_
+  Good _Sister_."
+
+This is the form used between Sovereign and Sovereign.
+
+2nd. Commencing with the Queen's titles. In these letters the plural
+"we" and "our" are employed instead of "I" and "my," and the letters
+terminate thus:--
+
+  "Your Good Friend,
+  ...."
+
+This form is now used almost exclusively for Royal letters to
+Republics.
+
+In the State Paper Office there is, with only one exception, no record
+of any letter from a Sovereign of England to the Pope from the time of
+Henry VIII., when the State Paper Office records commence. The single
+exception is an original letter from Queen Mary in 1555 to Pope Paul
+IV. It seems that when the time of her expected confinement drew nigh,
+she caused letters to be prepared announcing the birth of a son, and
+signed them in anticipation of the event. When no birth took place,
+the letters were of course not sent off; but they have been preserved
+to the present day, and among them is the letter to the Pope. The
+accompanying paper contains a copy of the beginning and conclusion of
+it.
+
+There is no trace in the State Paper Office of any letter of credence
+having been given by James II. to Lord Castlemaine in 1685. The
+correspondence of the reign of James II. is, however, very defective,
+and much of it must either have been suppressed or have got into
+private hands.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: REPLY TO THE POPE]
+
+
+_Draft_] _Queen Victoria to Pope Pius IX._[1]
+
+MOST EMINENT SIR,--I have received the letter which your Holiness
+addressed to me from Gaeta on the 4th of December last, and in which
+you acquaint me that in consequence of the violent proceedings of
+certain of your subjects, you had felt yourself obliged to depart from
+Rome, and for a time to quit your dominions. I assure your Holiness
+that I have been deeply pained at the intelligence of the events to
+which your letter refers, and that I do the fullest justice to the
+motives which induced your Holiness to withdraw for a time from your
+capital. Your Holiness has given so many proofs of being animated by
+a sincere desire to improve the condition of the people whom, under
+Divine Providence, you have been chosen to govern, and the clemency of
+your heart and the rectitude of your intentions are so well known and
+so truly appreciated, that I cannot but hope that the trials which
+you have experienced in consequence of popular commotion will speedily
+come to an end, and will be succeeded by a cordial, good understanding
+between your Holiness and the Roman people. I request your Holiness to
+believe that it would afford me real pleasure to be able in any degree
+to contribute to a result so much to be desired; and I am happy in
+having this opportunity of assuring you of my sincere friendship, and
+of the unfeigned respect and esteem which I entertain for your person
+and character.
+
+Given at Windsor Castle the [    ] day of January 1849.
+
+    [Footnote 1: _See_ p. 204.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LETTER FROM PRINCE LOUIS NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_The President of the French Republic to Queen Victoria._
+
+ELYSEE NATIONAL, _le 22 Janvier 1849._
+
+TRES CHERE ET GRANDE AMIE,--Une de mes premieres pensees lorsque le
+v[oe]u de la nation Francaise m'appela au pouvoir fut de faire part a
+votre Majeste de mon avenement et des sentiments que j'apportais dans
+ma nouvelle position.
+
+Des circonstances particulieres ont retarde le depart de l'ambassadeur
+qui devait porter ma lettre; mais aujourd'hui que l'Amiral Cecile
+se rend a Londres je desire exprimer a votre Majeste la respectueuse
+sympathie que j'ai toujours eprouvee pour sa personne; je desire
+surtout lui dire combien je suis reconnaissant de la genereuse
+hospitalite qu'elle m'a donnee dans ses etats lorsque j'etais fugitif
+ou proscrit et combien je serais heureux si ce souvenir pouvait servir
+a resserrer les liens qui unissent les gouvernements et les peuples de
+nos deux pays.
+
+Je prie votre Majeste de croire a mes sentiments. Votre ami,
+
+LOUIS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _22nd January 1849._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and would
+now wish to consult Lord Lansdowne on the propriety of offering
+to Lord Palmerston to exchange the Foreign Office for the
+Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland.[2]
+
+As Lord John Russell has always approved in the main of the foreign
+policy of Lord Palmerston, he could only make this offering in a
+mode honourable to Lord Palmerston--that is to say, for instance, by
+offering him at the same time an English Earldom, or an English Barony
+with the Garter. Nor could he proceed in the matter without Lord
+Lansdowne's concurrence.
+
+    [Footnote 2: Hostilities were in progress between the Sicilian
+    insurgents and their Sovereign. An agent for the former
+    came to England to purchase arms, but was informed by the
+    contractor to whom he applied that the whole of his stock had
+    been pledged to the Ordnance Office. Lord Palmerston, without
+    consulting the Cabinet, allowed this stock to be transferred
+    to the insurgents. The matter became public property, and the
+    Premier brought it before the Cabinet on the 23rd of January,
+    when, somewhat unexpectedly, the Foreign Secretary consented
+    to make an apology to the Neapolitan Government; so that the
+    crisis terminated for the time.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd January 1849._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter and enclosures,
+the contents of which have deeply grieved her, as the honour of her
+Government has always been nearest to her heart. She feels deeply the
+humiliation to have to make an apology to the Government of Naples,
+which stands so very low in public estimation, and she naturally
+dreads the effect this disclosure about the guns will have in the
+world, when she considers how many accusations have been brought
+against the good faith of this country latterly by many different
+Governments. Of course they will all consider their suspicions and
+accusations, however absurd they may have been, as justified and
+proved.
+
+The Queen supposes that the proposition Lord John makes to her about
+moving Lord Palmerston to Ireland is the result of his conviction that
+after this disclosure it will be no longer to the advantage of the
+public service to leave the direction of the Foreign Affairs in these
+critical times in Lord Palmerston's hands. The Queen will be anxious
+to see Lord John upon this subject. All she wishes for is, that
+matters may be so managed as to reflect the least possible discredit
+upon the Government and Lord Palmerston himself.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th February 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--We are well. All went off extremely well on
+Thursday, but the Government must expect difficulties upon their (very
+doubtful) Foreign Policy. I own I do _not_ feel reassured about peace.
+_Italy_ and the Pope, etc., are very ticklish subjects.
+
+Everybody says Louis Napoleon has behaved extremely well in the last
+crisis--full of courage and energy, and they say that he is decidedly
+straightforward, which is not to be despised. I will not admit that
+the _Gemuethlichkeit ist fuer immer begraben_ in Germany; it will surely
+return when this madness is over, but how soon no one can tell. Ever
+your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Dalhousie._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th February 1849._
+
+The Queen has not yet thanked Lord Dalhousie for his long and
+interesting letter which she received in the summer. Since that period
+many important events have taken place in India, and the last news
+have naturally made the Queen feel very anxious. She deeply laments
+the loss of General Cureton and Colonel Havelock, officers who will
+not be easily replaced. The Queen thinks that Lord Dalhousie has
+throughout acted most judiciously and has thwarted more mischief
+being done. She will abstain from remarking upon the conduct of the
+Commander-in-Chief, as she knows that the Duke of Wellington has
+written fully to Lord Dalhousie on this painful subject.[3] The Queen
+concludes with expressing her hopes that Lord and Lady Dalhousie are
+in good health, and with the Prince's kindest remembrances to Lord
+Dalhousie.
+
+    [Footnote 3: _See_ Introductory Note for the year, _ante_, p.
+    208.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: STATE OF EUROPE]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _10th February 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I have to offer my most affectionate thanks
+for your dear letter of the 6th. The state of the Queen seems better,
+though I fear not so solidly as to be beyond mischief; but the
+improvement is real, and will act as a moral support. They have been
+severely tried, those poor exiles, and Heaven knows what is still in
+store for them. I don't think that in Italy there will be war. The
+French cannot think of it for some months, probably not before June or
+July, and the Italians cannot make it alone without being licked; the
+better informed know that. The Pope ought to be replaced on his seat
+for the sake of every one; and his ultra-Liberal policy entitles him
+to be supported by all Governments and by all right-minded people.
+
+Louis Bonaparte has not ill-behaved, it seems; negatively he might
+have done much harm. The position continues to be abominable. There
+is for every one an _absence d'avenir_ which ruins everything and
+everybody--that is the real difficulty.
+
+_Die Gemuethlichkeit_ in Germany was the consequence of its political
+existence these last thousand years; that is now all going to ruin,
+and the _Gemuethlichkeit_ will be as little found again _que l'urbanite
+Francaise_ so much talked of formerly and now unknown.
+
+This part of February puts me always in mind of my dear little
+_sejour_ with you in 1841. How far that period is now, though but
+eight years from us; the very features of everything changed, I fear
+for ever, and _not_ for the better.... Now I must conclude, and remain
+ever, my dearest Victoria, your truly devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON.]
+
+
+_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _19th February 1849._
+
+Admiral Cecile, who dined here for the first time after the
+presentation of his credentials as Ambassador from the French
+Republic, with whom I spoke for some time after dinner, said: "Nous en
+avons fait de tristes experiences en France," but that he hoped "que
+les choses s'amelioraient"; that the Government was very firm and
+decided, and determined not to allow order to be disturbed; "Paris
+a maintenant fait quatre Revolutions que la France a subies; votre
+Majeste sait qui a proclame la Republique au mois de Fevrier? Une
+centaine de coquins! Personne s'en doutait, et cependant la France s'y
+est soumise!" That the Government was however determined, and so were
+all the Departments, that this should never happen again; no doubt the
+danger from the Socialists was great, all over the world; that _that_
+was the _real danger_, and that they would readily make another
+attempt like the fearful one in June (the result of which for three
+days was uncertain), but that they had not the power; that he was
+continually impressing upon all his friends in France the necessity of
+supporting _whatever_ form of Government there was _whose object_ was
+the _maintenance of order_, and to unite "contre cet ennemi commun."
+The President, he continued, had risen amazingly in the opinion of
+every one by his firmness, courage, and determination--which he had
+shown in those critical days a fortnight or three weeks ago--and that
+in these two months he had acquired "une grande aptitude pour
+les affaires; tout le monde est etonne, parce que personne ne s'y
+attendait." He spoke with great delight of Belgium--and how it had
+stood the shock of the events in France--and also of England. Italy,
+he considered, was by far the greatest object of danger.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: GAELIC AND WELSH]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne._
+
+OSBORNE, _3rd March 1849._
+
+The Queen sends Lord Lansdowne the book[4] she mentioned to him. It
+is an extraordinary production for people of the working classes, and
+there are a great many sound and good observations in it on education;
+the observations on the deficiency in the religious instruction and
+in the _preaching_ the Queen thinks are particularly true. It
+likewise shows a lofty and enlarged _view_ of education which is often
+overlooked.
+
+The Queen takes this occasion of repeating her hope that _Gaelic_ will
+be taught in future in the Highland schools, as well as English, as
+it is really a great mistake that the people should be constantly
+_talking_ a language which they often cannot read and generally not
+write. Being very partial to her loyal and good Highlanders, the Queen
+takes much interest in what she thinks will tend more than anything
+to keep up their simplicity of character, which she considers a great
+merit in these days.
+
+The Queen thinks equally that Welsh should be taught in Wales as well
+as English.[5]
+
+    [Footnote 4: This book was probably _Popular Education, as
+    regards Juvenile Delinquency_, by Thos. Bullock, 1849.]
+
+    [Footnote 5: Lord Lansdowne, in his reply, undertook "to
+    combine instruction in the Gaelic with the English language in
+    the Highland as well as the Welsh schools, and to have a view
+    to it in the choice of Inspectors."]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _6th March 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your dear letter reached me yesterday, and I thank
+you warmly for it. I wish you could be here, for I never remember
+finer weather than we have had since we came here; perfect summer, and
+so sweet, so enjoyable, and then with all the pleasures and beauties
+of Spring you have that beautiful sea--so blue and smooth as it has
+been these three days. If we have no mountains to boast of, we have
+the _sea_, which is ever enjoyable. We have camelias which have stood
+out two winters covered with _red_ flowers, and scarlet rhododendrons
+in brilliant bloom. Does this not sound tempting? It seems almost
+wrong to be at home, and Albert really hardly is.
+
+I wish you joy of your _twenty-four_ foxes. If there was a black one
+amongst them I should beg for one, as the skin you sent me last year
+was _not_ a black one.
+
+The news from India are very distressing, and make one very anxious,
+but Sir Charles Napier is instantly to be sent out to supersede Lord
+Gough, and he is so well versed in Indian tactics that we may look
+with safety to the future _after_ his arrival.
+
+The Italian Question remains very complicated, and the German one a
+very perplexing, sad one. Prussia must protect the poor Princes and
+put herself at the head, else there is no hope. Austria should behave
+better, and not oppose the consolidation of a central Power, else I
+know not what is to become of poor Germany.
+
+Pray use your influence to prevent more fatal mischief.
+
+Now adieu, dearest Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _16th March 1849._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+has the honour to state that the debate last night was brought to a
+close.[6]
+
+Mr Cobden and Mr Disraeli made very able speeches at the end of the
+debate.
+
+The debate has been a remarkable one, and the division shows tolerably
+well the strength of parties. The Protectionists, animated by the
+cry of agricultural distress, are disposed to use their power to the
+utmost. Mr Disraeli shows himself a much abler and less passionate
+leader than Lord George Bentinck.
+
+On the other hand, the friends of Sir Robert Peel and the party of Mr
+Cobden unite with the Government in resisting the Protectionist party.
+The House of Commons thus gives a majority, which, though not compact,
+is decided at once against the extreme Tory and the extreme Radical
+party. With such a House of Commons the great interests of the
+Throne and the Constitution are safe. An abrupt dissolution would put
+everything to hazard.
+
+    [Footnote 6: On Mr Disraeli's motion for payment of the half
+    of local rates by the Treasury, which was defeated by 280 to
+    189.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: END OF THE SIKH WAR]
+
+[Pageheading: MRS GEORGE LAWRENCE]
+
+
+_The Earl of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria._
+
+CAMP, FEROZEPORE, _24th March 1849._
+
+The Governor-General presents his most humble duty to your Majesty,
+and has the honour of acknowledging the receipt of the letter which
+your Majesty most graciously addressed to him on the 5th of February.
+
+He is deeply sensible of your Majesty's goodness, and most grateful
+for the expression of approbation which it has conveyed.
+
+The Governor-General is not without fear that he may have intruded too
+often of late upon your Majesty's time. But he is so satisfied of the
+extreme pleasure which your Majesty would experience on learning that
+the prisoners who were in the hands of the Sikhs, and especially the
+ladies and children, were once again safe in the British camp, that he
+would have ventured to convey to your Majesty that intelligence,
+even though he had not been able to add to it--as happily he can--the
+announcement of the surrender of the whole Khalsa army, and the end of
+the war with the Sikhs.
+
+Major-General Gilbert pushed on rapidly in pursuit of the Sikhs, who
+were a few marches in front of him, carrying off our prisoners with
+them.
+
+At Rawul Pindee, half-way between the Jhelum and Attock, the Sikh
+troops, as we have since heard, would go no further. They received no
+pay, they were starving, they had been beaten and were disheartened;
+and so they surrendered.
+
+All the prisoners were brought safe into our camp. Forty-one pieces of
+artillery were given up. Chuttur Singh and Shere Singh, with all the
+Sirdars, delivered their swords to General Gilbert in the presence of
+his officers; and the remains of the Sikh army, 16,000 strong, were
+marched into camp, by 1000 at a time, and laid down their arms as they
+passed between the lines of the British troops.
+
+Your Majesty may well imagine the pride with which British Officers
+looked on such a scene, and witnessed this absolute subjection and
+humiliation of so powerful an enemy.
+
+How deeply the humiliation was felt by the Sikhs themselves may be
+judged by the report which the officers who were present have made,
+that many of them, and especially the grim old Khalsas of Runjeet's
+time, exclaimed as they threw their arms down upon the heap: "This day
+Runjeet Singh has died!"
+
+Upwards of 20,000 stands of arms were taken in the hills. Vast
+quantities were gathered after the flight of the Sikhs from Gujerat.
+As a further precaution, the Governor-General has ordered a disarming
+of the Sikhs throughout the Eastern Doabs, while they are yet cast
+down and afraid of punishment. He trusts that these measures may all
+tend to ensure the continuance of peace.
+
+The Sirdars will arrive at Lahore to-day, where they will await the
+determination of their future places of residence. The officers who
+were prisoners have also reached Lahore, together with Mrs George
+Lawrence and her children.
+
+It is impossible to speak too highly of the admirable spirit which
+this lady has displayed during many months of very arduous trial.
+
+By the kindness of others, the Governor-General has had the
+opportunity of seeing constantly the little notes which were secretly
+despatched by her from her prison. The gallant heart she kept up under
+it all, the cheerful face she put upon it, and the unrepining patience
+with which she bore the privations of captivity and the dangers which
+it threatened to her children, her husband, and herself, must command
+the highest respect and make one proud of one's countrywomen.
+
+General Gilbert, by the latest intelligence, had seized the fort of
+Attock, had crossed the Indus, and was advancing on Peshawur, whither
+the Afghans had retired.
+
+By next mail the Governor-General trusts that he will be able to
+announce that every enemy has been swept away by your Majesty's
+Armies, and that the Afghans have either been crushed like the Sikhs
+or have fled to Cabul again.
+
+He has the honour to subscribe himself, your Majesty's most obedient,
+most humble and very faithful Subject and Servant,
+
+DALHOUSIE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING OF SARDINIA]
+
+
+_The King of Sardinia_ (_Victor Emanuel_) _to Queen Victoria._
+
+TURIN, _le 30 Mars 1849._
+
+MA TRES CHERE S[OE]UR,--La participation officielle que je m'empresse
+de vous donner de mon avenement au trone m'offre une occasion que je
+suis heureux de saisir pour vous exprimer dans une lettre de ma main
+les sentiments de ma vive gratitude pour l'affection dont ma maison a
+recu des preuves marquantes et reiterees de votre part, comme pour
+le bienveillant interet que votre Gouvernement a temoigne a ce pays
+particulierement dans les graves evenements qui ont eu lieu pendant
+cette derniere annee.
+
+Je vous prie d'etre persuadee que rien n'est plus sincere que
+la reconnaissance que j'en conserve, et de me laisser nourrir la
+confiance que je puis compter sur la continuation de ces dispositions
+si aimables.
+
+En vous renouvelant les sentiments d'amitie la plus parfaite, je suis,
+votre tres cher Frere,
+
+VICTOR EMANUEL.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _10th April 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--You will, I am sure, share our joy at Ernest's
+_wonderful_ success at Eckerforde.[7] It is a marvellous piece of good
+fortune _pour son bapteme de feu_, but it alarmed and agitated us all
+to think that he might have been wounded, _to say the least_, for he
+had his horse killed under him. At all events, he has done honour to
+the poor race to which he belongs, and it makes us both very happy.
+I think it will tend decidedly to shorten the war. Poor dear
+Alexandrine! in what anxiety she will have been.
+
+The victory of Novara[8] seems to have been one of the hardest fought
+and most brilliant battles known for years and years, and old Radetzky
+says that he must name every individual if he was to do justice to
+officers and men. But the loss was very severe. The regiment of Kinsky
+lost _twenty-four_ officers! The Archduke Albert distinguished himself
+exceedingly, which is worthy of his noble father. I could work myself
+up to a great excitement about these exploits, for there is nothing I
+admire more than great military exploits and daring.
+
+    [Footnote 7: In this engagement with the Danes, arising out
+    of the Schleswig-Holstein dispute, Prince Ernest greatly
+    distinguished himself.]
+
+    [Footnote 8: In which Marshal Radetzky defeated the
+    Piedmontese.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington._
+
+_1st May 1849._
+
+The Queen cannot let this day pass without offering to the Duke of
+Wellington her warmest and sincerest wishes for many happy returns of
+this day. She hopes the Duke will place the accompanying trifle on
+his table, and that it will recall to his mind _one_ who ever reflects
+with gratitude on the services he has rendered and always does render
+to his Sovereign and his country.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _8th May 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Alas! poor Germany, I am wretched about her;
+those news from Dresden are very distressing.[9] Really with such an
+excellent man as the poor King, it is too wicked to do what they
+have done. If only _some sort_ of arrangement could be made; then
+afterwards there might be modifications, both in the Constitution,
+etc., for that Constitution never will work well.
+
+Our Navigation Laws debate in the House of Lords began last night, and
+is to be concluded to-night. There seems to be almost a certainty that
+there will be a majority, though a very small one, and the danger of
+course exists that any accident may turn it the other way.
+
+Knowing your esteem for our worthy friend, Sir Robert Peel, you will,
+I am sure, be glad to hear that his second son, Frederick,[10] made
+such a beautiful speech--his maiden speech--in the House of Commons
+last night; he was complimented by every one, and Sir Robert was
+delighted. I am so glad for him, and also rejoice to see that there is
+a young man who promises to be of use hereafter to his country.
+
+Albert is again gone to lay a first stone. It is a delight to hear
+people speak of the good he does by always saying and doing the right
+thing....
+
+    [Footnote 9: The King of Prussia, finding Saxony, Bavaria,
+    Wuertemberg, and Hanover opposed to the ascendency of Prussia
+    in the Confederation, declined the Imperial Crown of Germany;
+    fresh disturbances thereupon ensued, and at Dresden, the King
+    of Saxony had to take refuge in a fortress.]
+
+    [Footnote 10: Afterwards the Right Hon. Sir Frederick Peel,
+    who died in 1906.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd May 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I could not write to you yesterday, my time having
+been so entirely taken up by kind visitors, etc., and I trust you
+will forgive these hurried lines written just before our departure for
+Osborne.[11] I hope that you will not have been alarmed by the account
+of the occurrence which took place on Saturday, and which I can assure
+you did _not_ alarm _me_ at all. _This_ time it is quite clear that
+it was a wanton and wicked wish merely to _frighten_, which is very
+wrong, and will be tried and punished as a _misdemeanour_. The
+account in the _Times_ is quite correct. The indignation, loyalty, and
+affection this act has called forth is very gratifying and touching.
+
+Alice gives a very good account of it, and Lenchen[12] even says, "Man
+shot, tried to shoot dear Mamma, must be punished." They, Affie, and
+Miss Macdonald were with me. Albert was riding, and had just returned
+before me. Augustus and Clem had left us just two hours before....
+
+Many thanks for your kind letter of the 19th. _What_ a state Germany
+is in!--I mean _Baden_, but I hope that this violent crisis may lead
+to good.
+
+I must conclude. Ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 11: The Queen, while driving down Constitution Hill,
+    was fired at by one William Hamilton, the pistol being charged
+    only with powder. He was tried under the Act of 1842, and
+    sentenced to seven years' transportation.]
+
+    [Footnote 12: Princess Helena (now Princess Christian), born
+    25th May 1846.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ANNEXATION OF THE PUNJAB]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _26th May 1849._
+
+The Queen has to say, in answer to Lord John Russell's communication
+respecting India, that she quite approves the annexation of the
+Punjab, and is pleased to find that the Government concur in this
+view. The elevation of Lord Dalhousie to a Marquisate is well
+deserved, and almost the only thing that can be offered him as a
+reward for his services; but considering his want of fortune, the
+Queen thinks that it should be ascertained in the first instance
+whether the increase of rank will be convenient to him. Lord Gough's
+elevation to the dignity of Viscount has the Queen's sanction.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FOREIGN OFFICE BUSINESS]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _19th June 1849._
+
+SIR,--I have spoken to Lord Palmerston respecting the draft to Mr
+Buchanan.[13]
+
+It appears that he converted it into a private letter, as I suggested,
+but he thought fit to place it on record, as it contained information
+derived from authentic sources, and of importance.
+
+It appears the drafts are still sent to the Queen at the same time as
+to me, so that my remarks or corrections, or even the cancelling of
+a despatch, as not infrequently happens, may take effect after the
+Queen's pleasure has been taken.
+
+This appears to me an inconvenient course.
+
+Lord Palmerston alleges that as 28,000 despatches were received and
+sent last year, much expedition is required; but he professes himself
+ready to send the despatches to me in the first instance, if the Queen
+should desire it.
+
+It appears to me that all our despatches ought to be thoroughly
+considered, but that Her Majesty should give every facility to the
+transaction of business by attending to the drafts as soon as possible
+after their arrival.
+
+I would suggest therefore that the drafts should have my concurrence
+before they are submitted to the Queen, and in case of any material
+change, that I should write to apprise Her Majesty of my views, and,
+if necessary, submit my reasons, I have the honour to be, your Royal
+Highness's most obedient Servant,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+    [Footnote 13: Mr (afterwards Sir) Andrew Buchanan (1807-1882),
+    Secretary of Legation at St. Petersburg.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Lord John Russell._
+
+_20th June 1849._
+
+MY DEAR LORD JOHN,--Your proposal with respect to the mode of taking
+the Queen's pleasure about the drafts is perfectly agreeable to the
+Queen. She would only require that she would not be pressed for an
+answer within a few minutes, as is now done sometimes.
+
+Lord Palmerston could always manage so that there are twelve or
+twenty-four hours left for reference to you, and consideration, and
+there are few instances in which business would suffer from so short
+a delay. As Lord Palmerston knows when the Mails go, he has only
+to write in time for them, and he must recollect that the 28,000
+despatches in the year come to you and to the Queen as well as to
+himself.
+
+Should the Queen in future have to make any remark, she will make it
+to you, if that will suit you. Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+_21st June 1849._
+
+MY DEAR PALMERSTON,--I wrote the substance of what you wrote to me
+to the Prince, and proposed that the drafts should, in the first
+instance, be sent to me. You will see by the enclosed letter from the
+Prince that the Queen approves of this proposal.
+
+It may somewhat abridge the circuit if, when I have no remark to make,
+I forward the drafts with the Foreign Office direction to the Queen at
+once.
+
+I cannot pretend to say that I paid the same attention to the 28,000
+despatches of 1848 that you are obliged to do. Still I agree in the
+Prince's remark that directions to Foreign Ministers ought to be very
+maturely weighed, for the Queen and the Government speak to foreign
+nations in this and no other manner. Yours truly,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st June 1849._
+
+The Queen returns the enclosed drafts, which she will not further
+object to, but she feels it necessary to say a few words in answer to
+Lord Palmerston's letter. The union of Schleswig and Holstein[14] is
+not an ideal one, but _complete_ as to Constitution, Finance, Customs,
+Jurisdiction, Church, Universities, Poor Law, Settlement, Debts, etc.,
+etc., etc. It is _not established_ by the Kings-Dukes, but has existed
+for centuries. To defend Holstein against the attack made by Denmark
+upon this union, Germany joined the war. It is true that it is
+now proposed in the new Constitution for Germany to consent to the
+separation of Schleswig and Holstein, although last year the Frankfort
+Parliament had desired the incorporation of Schleswig into Germany
+with Holstein; but the question for Germany is now not to begin a war,
+but to close one by a lasting peace. In this she has, in the Queen's
+opinion, a right and a duty to see that the independence of Schleswig
+is secured before she abandons that country. The comparison with
+Saxony does not hold good for a moment, for the Schleswig Revolution
+was not directed against the Duke, but against the King of Denmark,
+who invaded the rights of the Duke of Schleswig-Holstein; the
+assistance of Prussia could therefore not be given to Denmark, but to
+Schleswig-Holstein. The case of Hungary has neither any similitude.
+Hungary is not to be torn from its connection with the German States
+by the Austrian Government, but just the reverse.
+
+Lord Palmerston cannot be more anxious for a speedy termination of the
+Danish war than the Queen is, but she thinks that the mediation will
+not effect this as long as the mediating power merely watches which
+of the two parties is in the greatest difficulties for the moment, and
+urges it to give way; but by a careful and anxious discovery of the
+rights of the question and a steady adherence to the recommendation
+that what is right and fair ought to be done. The cause of the
+war having been the unlawful attempt to incorporate Schleswig into
+Denmark, the peace cannot be lasting unless it contains sufficient
+guarantees against the resumption of that scheme.[15]
+
+    [Footnote 14: Schleswig had been claimed by Germany as an
+    integral part of her territory, and a war between Germany and
+    Denmark was in progress.]
+
+    [Footnote 15: In reply, Lord Palmerston expressed entire
+    concurrence in the justice of the principles which the Queen
+    indicated as being those which ought to guide a mediating
+    Power.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PROPOSED VISIT TO IRELAND]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Earl of Clarendon._
+
+_23rd June 1849._
+
+I have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency that I have received
+the Queen's commands to acquaint you that Her Majesty hopes to be able
+in the course of the present summer to fulfil the intention, which you
+are aware she has long entertained, of a visit to Ireland. The general
+distress unfortunately still prevalent in Ireland precludes the
+Queen from visiting Dublin in state, and thereby causing ill-timed
+expenditure and inconvenience to her subjects; yet Her Majesty does
+not wish to let another year pass without visiting a part of her
+dominions which she has for so long a time been anxious personally
+to become acquainted with. She accordingly will, at some sacrifice
+of personal convenience, take a longer sea voyage, for the purpose
+of visiting in the first instance the Cove of Cork, and from thence
+proceed along the Irish coast to Dublin. After remaining there a
+few days, during which time Her Majesty will be the guest of your
+Excellency, she would continue her cruise along the Irish coast
+northward and visit Belfast, and from thence cross to Scotland.
+Although the precise time of Her Majesty's visit cannot yet be fixed,
+it will probably take place as early in August as the termination of
+the session of Parliament will permit, and I feel assured that this
+early announcement of her intentions will be received with great
+satisfaction by Her Majesty's loyal and faithful subjects in Ireland.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th July 1849._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letters. She returns Lord
+Clarendon's, and the very kind one of the Primate.[16]
+
+With respect to Lord Clarendon's suggestion that the Prince of Wales
+should be created Duke, or rather, as Lord John _says_, _Earl_ of
+Dublin--the Queen thinks it is a matter for consideration whether such
+an act should _follow_ the Queen's visit as a compliment to Ireland,
+but she is decidedly of opinion that it should _not precede_ it.
+
+We are sorry that Lord John does not intend going to Ireland, but
+fully comprehend his wishes to remain quiet for three weeks. We shall
+be very glad to see him at Balmoral on the 20th or 22nd of August.
+
+We hope Lady John and the baby continue to go on well.
+
+    [Footnote 16: Lord John George de la Poer Beresford
+    (1773-1862) was Archbishop of Armagh from 1822 until his
+    death.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ARRIVAL IN DUBLIN]
+
+[Pageheading: THE IRISH VISIT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+LODGE, PH[OE]NIX PARK, _6th August 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Though this letter will only go to-morrow, I will
+begin it to-day and tell you that everything has gone off beautifully
+since we arrived in Ireland, and that our entrance into Dublin was
+really a magnificent thing. By my letter to Louise you will have
+heard of our arrival in the Cove of Cork. Our visit to Cork was very
+successful; the Mayor was knighted _on deck_ (on board the _Fairy_),
+like in times of old. Cork is about seventeen miles up the River Lee,
+which is beautifully wooded and reminds us of Devonshire scenery. We
+had previously stepped on shore at _Cove_, a small place, to enable
+them to call it _Queen's Town_; the enthusiasm is immense, and at Cork
+there was more firing than I remember since the Rhine.
+
+We left Cork with fair weather, but a head sea and contrary wind which
+made it rough and me very sick.
+
+_7th._--I was unable to continue till now, and have since received
+your kind letter, for which I return my warmest thanks. We went into
+Waterford Harbour on Saturday afternoon, which is likewise a fine,
+large, safe harbour. Albert went up to Waterford in the _Fairy_, but
+I did not. The next morning we received much the same report of the
+weather which we had done at Cork, viz. that the weather was fair but
+the wind contrary. However we went out, as it could not be helped,
+and we might have remained there some days for no use. The first three
+hours were very nasty, but afterwards it cleared and the evening was
+beautiful. The entrance at seven o'clock into Kingston Harbour was
+splendid; we came in with ten steamers, and the whole harbour,
+wharf, and every surrounding place was _covered_ with _thousands_ and
+thousands of people, who received us with the greatest enthusiasm. We
+disembarked yesterday morning at ten o'clock, and took two hours
+to come here. The most perfect order was maintained in spite of the
+immense mass of people assembled, and a more good-humoured crowd I
+never saw, but noisy and excitable beyond belief, talking, jumping,
+and shrieking instead of cheering. There were numbers of troops out,
+and it really was a wonderful scene. This is a very pretty place,
+and the house reminds me of dear Claremont. The view of the Wicklow
+Mountains from the windows is very beautiful, and the whole park is
+very extensive and full of very fine trees.
+
+We drove out yesterday afternoon and were followed by jaunting-cars
+and riders and people running and screaming, which would have amused
+you. In the evening we had a dinner party, and so we have to-night.
+This morning we visited the Bank, the Model School (where the
+Protestant and Catholic Archbishops received us), and the College, and
+this afternoon we went to the Military Hospital. To-morrow we have a
+Levee, where 1,700 are to be presented, and the next day a Review, and
+in the evening the Drawing-Room, when 900 ladies are to be presented.
+
+George[17] is here, and has a command here. He rode on one side of our
+carriage yesterday. You see more ragged and wretched people here than
+I ever saw anywhere else. _En revanche_, the women are really very
+handsome--quite in the lowest class--as well at Cork as here; such
+beautiful black eyes and hair and such fine colours and teeth.
+
+I must now take my leave. Ever your most affectionate Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 17: The late Duke of Cambridge.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Clarendon to Sir George Grey._
+
+VICE-REGAL LODGE, _14th August 1849._
+
+MY DEAR GREY,--If I had known where to direct I should have thanked
+you sooner for your two welcome letters from Belfast, where everything
+seems to have gone off to our hearts' desire, and the Queen's
+presence, as the Stipendiary Magistrate writes word, has united all
+classes and parties in a manner incredible to those who know the
+distance at which they have hitherto been kept asunder.
+
+The enthusiasm here has not abated, and there is not an individual
+in Dublin that does not take as a personal compliment to himself the
+Queen's having gone upon the paddle-box and having ordered the Royal
+Standard to be lowered three times.
+
+Even the ex-Clubbists,[18] who threatened broken heads and windows
+before the Queen came, are now among the most loyal of her subjects,
+and are ready, according to the police reports, to fight any one who
+dare say a disrespectful word of Her Majesty.
+
+In short, the people are not only enchanted with the Queen and the
+gracious kindness of her manner and the confidence she has shown in
+them, but they are pleased with themselves for their own good feelings
+and behaviour, which they consider have removed the barrier that
+hitherto existed between the Sovereign and themselves, and that they
+now occupy a higher position in the eyes of the world. Friend Bright
+was with me to-day, and said he would not for the world have missed
+seeing the embarkation at Kingston, for he had felt just the same
+enthusiasm as the rest of the crowd. "Indeed," he added, "I'll defy
+any man to have felt otherwise when he saw the Queen come upon the
+platform and bow to the people in a manner that showed her heart was
+with them." He didn't disguise either that the Monarchical principle
+had made great way with him since Friday. Ever yours truly,
+
+CLARENDON.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Seditious clubs had been an important factor in
+    the Irish disturbances of 1848.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: BREVET PROMOTIONS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _3rd October 1849._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's explanation respecting the
+brevet promotions on the occasion of her visit to Ireland, but cannot
+say that his objections have convinced her of the impropriety of
+such a promotion (to a limited extent). To Lord John's fears of the
+dangerous consequences of the precedent, the Queen has only to answer,
+that there can be only _one first visit_ to Ireland, and that the
+_first_ visit to Scotland in 1842 was followed by a few promotions,
+without this entailing promotions on her subsequent visits to that
+part of the country; that even the first visit to the Channel
+Islands was followed by a few promotions, and this under Lord
+John's Government. All the precedents being in accordance with
+the proposition made by the Duke, an opposition on the part of the
+Government would imply a declaration against all brevets except in the
+field, which would deprive the Crown of a most valuable prerogative.
+If such a brevet as the one proposed were to lead to great additional
+expense, the Queen could understand the objection on the ground of
+economy; but the giving brevet rank to a few subaltern officers is too
+trifling a matter to alarm the Government. Perhaps the number might be
+reduced even, but to deviate from the established precedents for
+the first time altogether in this case, and that after the excellent
+behaviour of the Army in Ireland under very trying circumstances,
+would be felt as a great injustice.
+
+The Queen therefore wishes Lord John to ask the Duke to send him
+the former precedents and to consider with his colleagues whether a
+modified recommendation cannot be laid before her.[19]
+
+    [Footnote 19: The Duke of Wellington had submitted a list
+    of Officers for brevet promotion, which received the Queen's
+    sanction; but the list was afterwards reduced.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+WOBURN ABBEY, _4th October 1849._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and will
+consider, in communication with the Duke of Wellington, whether any
+modified list can be proposed by him to your Majesty.
+
+The economy, as your Majesty truly observes, is not a matter of much
+consideration. But to reward Officers on the Staff, who are already
+favoured by being placed on the Staff in Ireland, is a practice which
+tends but too much to encourage the opinion that promotions in the
+Army and Navy are given not to merit, but to aristocratical connection
+and official favour.
+
+In the midst of the degradation of Thrones which the last two years
+have seen in Europe, it will be well if the English Crown preserves
+all its just prerogatives, and has only to relinquish some customary
+abuses, which are not useful to the Sovereign, and are only an
+equivocal advantage to the Ministers of the day.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A PUBLIC THANKSGIVING]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st October 1849._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter, and was much
+rejoiced at everything having gone off so well yesterday;[20] she was
+very much annoyed at being unable to go herself, and that the untoward
+chicken-pox should have come at this moment; she is, however, quite
+recovered, though still much marked.
+
+With respect to the proposition about the Thanksgiving, the Queen
+quite approves of it, and (_if it is generally preferred_) that it
+should be on a week-day. As to the Bishop of London's proposal,[21]
+the Queen thinks that Lord John may have misunderstood him; she
+supposes that he meant that she should attend _some_ place of _public
+worship_, and not in her domestic chapel, in order to join in the
+public demonstration. The Queen is quite ready to go with her Court
+to St George's Chapel here; but she would like it to take place on
+an earlier day than the 27th of November, when she would probably be
+already in the Isle of Wight, where we think of going as usual on the
+22nd or 23rd.
+
+    [Footnote 20: The ceremony of opening the new Coal Exchange,
+    at which, besides Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales and
+    Princess Royal were present.]
+
+    [Footnote 21: There had been a severe epidemic of cholera in
+    the country. In twelve months 14,000 deaths, in London alone,
+    were due to this malady. The 15th of November was appointed
+    for a general Day of Thanksgiving for its cessation, and the
+    Bishop of London had suggested that the Queen should attend a
+    public service at St Paul's. Lord John Russell was in favour
+    of Westminster Abbey.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: POSITION OF GERMANY]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+EATON SQUARE, _29th November 1849._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. In
+answer to your Majesty's enquiry, he has to state that a very short
+conversation took place in the Cabinet on the affairs of Germany upon
+an enquiry of Lord John Russell whether the Diet of Erfurt[22] might
+not be considered a violation of the Treaties of 1815. Lord Palmerston
+thought not, but had not examined the question.
+
+The affairs of Germany are in a critical position; Austria will
+oppose anything which tends to aggrandise Prussia; Prussia will
+oppose anything which tends to free Government; and France will oppose
+anything which tends to strengthen Germany. Still, all these powers
+might be disregarded were Germany united, but it is obvious that
+Bavaria and Wuertemberg look to Austria and France for support, while
+Hanover and Saxony will give a very faint assistance to a Prussian
+League.
+
+The matter is very critical, but probably will not lead to war.
+
+    [Footnote 22: In order to effect the consolidation of Germany,
+    the King of Prussia had summoned a Federal Parliament to meet
+    at Erfurt.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _30th November 1849._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in
+reply to your Majesty's enquiry as to what the measures would be
+which Sir William Parker[23] would have to take in order to support Mr
+Wyse's[24] demands for redress for certain wrongs sustained by British
+and Ionian subjects, begs to say that the ordinary and accustomed
+method of enforcing such demands is by reprisals--that is to say,
+by seizing some vessels and property of the party which refuses
+redress,[25] and retaining possession thereof until redress is
+granted.
+
+Another method is the blockading of the ports of the party by whom
+redress is refused, and by interrupting commercial intercourse to
+cause inconvenience and loss. Viscount Palmerston, however, does not
+apprehend that any active measures of this kind will be required, but
+rather expects that when the Greek Government finds that the demand
+is made in earnest, and that means are at hand to enforce it,
+satisfaction will at last be given. The refusal of the Greek
+Government to satisfy these claims, and the offensive neglect
+with which they have treated the applications of your Majesty's
+representative at Athens have, as Viscount Palmerston is convinced,
+been the result of a belief that the British Government never would
+take any real steps in order to press these matters to a settlement.
+
+    [Footnote 23: Commanding the Mediterranean Fleet.]
+
+    [Footnote 24: British Envoy at Athens.]
+
+    [Footnote 25: _See_ Introductory Note for 1850, _post_, p.
+    231.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF QUEEN ADELAIDE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _11th December 1849._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Thank you much for your kind letter of the 6th;
+you will have received mine of the 4th shortly after you wrote. I
+know _how_ you would mourn with us over the death of our beloved Queen
+Adelaide. _We_ have lost the kindest and dearest of friends, and the
+_universal_ feeling of sorrow, of regret, and of _real_ appreciation
+of her character is very touching and gratifying. _All_ parties, _all_
+classes, join in doing her justice. Much was done to set Mamma against
+her, but the dear Queen ever forgave this, ever showed love and
+affection, and for the last eight years their friendship was as great
+as ever. Ever yours affectionately,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XIX
+
+
+The Ministry were still (1850) able, relying on the support of Sir
+Robert Peel, to resist the attacks of the Protectionists in the House
+of Commons, though their majority on a critical occasion fell to
+twenty-one; but they were rehabilitated by the discussions on foreign
+policy. One Don Pacifico, a Portuguese Jew, a native of Gibraltar and
+a British subject, had had his house in Athens pillaged by a mob; he,
+with Mr Finlay, the historian, who had a money claim against the Greek
+Government, instead of establishing their claims in the local courts,
+sought the intervention of the home Government; Lord Palmerston, whose
+relations with the Court were even more strained than usual, resolved
+to make a hostile demonstration against Greece, and a fleet was sent
+to the Piraeus with a peremptory demand for settlement. The House of
+Lords condemned this high-handed action, but a friendly motion
+of confidence was made in the Commons, and Lord Palmerston had an
+extraordinary triumph, by a majority of forty-six, notwithstanding
+that the ablest men outside the Ministry spoke against him, and that
+his unsatisfactory relations with the Queen were about to culminate in
+a severe reprimand.
+
+Sir Robert Peel's speech in this debate proved to be his last public
+utterance, his premature death, resulting from a fall from his horse,
+taking place a few days later; Louis Philippe, who had been living
+in retirement at Claremont, passed away about the same time. Another
+attack on the Queen, this time a blow with a cane, was made by one
+Robert Pate, an ex-officer and well-connected; the plea of insanity
+was not established, and Pate was transported.
+
+Public attention was being drawn to the projected Exhibition in Hyde
+Park, Prince Albert making a memorable speech at the Mansion House
+in support of the scheme; the popular voice had not been unanimous in
+approval, and subscriptions had hung fire, but henceforward matters
+improved, and Mr Paxton's design for a glass and iron structure was
+accepted and proceeded with.
+
+The friction with Lord Palmerston was again increased by his action
+in respect to General Haynau, an Austrian whose cruelty had been
+notorious, and who was assaulted by some of the _employes_ at a London
+brewery. The Foreign Office note to the Austrian Government nearly
+brought about Palmerston's resignation, which was much desired by the
+Queen.
+
+At the close of the year the whole country was in a ferment at the
+issue of a Papal Brief, re-establishing the hierarchy of Bishops
+in England with local titles derived from their sees; and Cardinal
+Wiseman, thenceforward Archbishop of Westminster, by issuing a
+pastoral letter on the subject, made matters worse. The Protestant
+spirit was aroused, the two Universities presented petitions, and the
+Prime Minister, in a letter to the Bishop of Durham, helped to fan
+the "No Popery" flame. Just at a time when a coalition of Whigs and
+Peelites was beginning to be possible, an Ecclesiastical Titles Bill,
+almost fatal to mutual confidence, became necessary.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+1850
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _5th February 1850._
+
+MY DEAR UNCLE,--We had the house full for three days last week on
+account of our theatrical performances on Friday, which went off
+extremely well. The Grand Duchess Stephanie was here, _tres aimable_,
+and not altered. She spoke much of Germany and of politics, and
+of _you_ in the highest terms--"Comme le Roi Leopold s'est bien
+tenu"--and that she had mentioned this at Claremont, and then felt
+shocked at it, but that the poor King had answered: "Il avait mon
+exemple devant lui, et il en a profite!" She thought the whole family
+_tres digne_ in their _malheur_, but was struck with the melancholy
+effect of the whole thing.
+
+Our affairs have gone off extremely well in Parliament, and the
+Protectionists have received an effective check; the question of the
+Corn Laws seems _indeed settled_. This is of great importance, as it
+puts a stop to the excitement and expectations of the farmers, which
+have been falsely kept up by the aristocracy....
+
+I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _15th February 1850._
+
+MY DEAR JOHN RUSSELL,--I have altered this draft so as I think to meet
+the views of the Queen and of yourself in regard to the continuance
+of the suspension.[1] I should not like to put into a despatch an
+instruction to accept less than we have demanded, because that would
+imply what I don't think to be the fact, viz. that we have demanded
+more than is due. If the demands were for the British Government, we
+might forego what portions we might like to give up, but we have no
+right to be easy and generous with the rights and claims of other
+people. Besides, if we get anything, we shall get all. The whole
+amount is quite within the power of the Greek Government to pay. Yours
+sincerely,
+
+PALMERSTON.
+
+    [Footnote 1: _I.e._ of hostilities against the Greek
+    Government, designed to extract compensation for the injuries
+    inflicted on British subjects. See _ante_, p. 231.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DRAFT TO GREECE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _17th February 1850._
+
+The Queen sent the day before yesterday the proposed draft to Mr
+Wyse back to Lord Palmerston, enclosing a Memorandum from Lord John
+Russell, and telling Lord Palmerston "that she entirely concurred with
+Lord John, and wished the draft to be altered accordingly." She has
+not yet received an answer from Lord Palmerston, but just hears from
+Lord John, in answer to her enquiry about it, that Lord Palmerston has
+_sent_ the draft off _unaltered_.[2] The Queen must remark upon this
+sort of proceeding, of which this is not the first instance, and
+plainly tell Lord Palmerston that this must not happen again. Lord
+Palmerston has a perfect right to state to the Queen his reasons for
+disagreeing with her views, and will always have found her ready to
+listen to his reasons; but she cannot allow a servant of the Crown
+and her Minister to act contrary to her orders, and this without her
+knowledge.
+
+    [Footnote 2: _See_ Ashley's _Palmerston_, vol. i. chap. v.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S EXPLANATION]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS. _17th February 1850._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in
+reply to your Majesty's communication of this day, he begs to
+state that upon receiving, the day before yesterday, your Majesty's
+Memorandum on the proposed draft to Mr Wyse, together with the
+accompanying Memorandum[3] from Lord John Russell, he altered the
+draft, and sent it to Lord John Russell, and received it back from
+Lord John Russell with the accompanying note in answer to that which
+he wrote to Lord John Russell. It was important that the messenger
+should go off that evening, and the time occupied in these
+communications rendered it just, but barely, possible to despatch the
+messenger by the mail train of that evening. The despatch thus altered
+coincided with the views of your Majesty and Lord John Russell as to
+the question in regard to the length of time during which reprisals
+should be suspended to give scope for the French negotiation. The
+other question as to giving Mr Wyse a latitude of discretion to
+entertain any proposition which might be made to him by the Greek
+Government was considered by the Cabinet at its meeting yesterday
+afternoon, and Viscount Palmerston gave Mr Wyse a latitude of that
+kind in regard to the claim of Mr Pacifico, the only one to which
+that question could apply, in a despatch which he sent by the overland
+Mediterranean mail which went off yesterday afternoon. That despatch
+also contained some instructions as to the manner in which Mr Wyse
+is to communicate with Baron Gros,[4] and those instructions were the
+result of a conversation which Viscount Palmerston had with the French
+Ambassador after the meeting of the Cabinet. Viscount Palmerston was
+only waiting for a copy of the despatch of yesterday evening, which,
+owing to this day being Sunday, he has not yet received, in order to
+send to your Majesty the altered draft of yesterday evening, with
+an explanation of the circumstances which rendered it impossible to
+submit them to your Majesty before they were sent off.[5]
+
+    [Footnote 3: Lord John Russell's opinion was that three weeks
+    should be allowed to Mr Wyse and Sir W. Parker to accept terms
+    as satisfactory as they could obtain, and that Sir W. Parker
+    should not be obliged to resume coercive measures, if the
+    concessions of the Greek Government should appear to afford a
+    prospect of a speedy settlement of the affair.]
+
+    [Footnote 4: Baron Gros was the Commissioner despatched by
+    the French Government to Athens to assist in arranging the
+    dispute.]
+
+    [Footnote 5: See subsequent correspondence between Lord John
+    and Lord Palmerston, Walpole's _Russell_, vol. ii. chap. xix.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: RE-ARRANGEMENT SUGGESTED]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S PLAN]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd March 1850._
+
+Before leaving Town yesterday we saw Lord John Russell, who came to
+state what had passed with reference to Lord Palmerston. He premised
+that Lord Palmerston had at all times been a most agreeable and
+accommodating colleague; that he had acted with Lord John ever since
+1831, and had not only never made any difficulty, but acted most
+boldly and in the most spirited manner on all political questions;
+besides, he was very popular with the Radical part of the House of
+Commons as well as with the Protectionist, so that both would be ready
+to receive him as their Leader; he (Lord John) was therefore most
+anxious to do nothing which could hurt Lord Palmerston's feelings, nor
+to bring about a disruption of the Whig Party, which at this moment
+of Party confusion was the only one which still held together. On the
+other hand, the fact that the Queen distrusted Lord Palmerston was a
+serious impediment to the carrying on of the Government. Lord John was
+therefore anxious to adopt a plan by which Lord Palmerston's services
+could be retained with his own goodwill, and the Foreign Affairs
+entrusted to other hands. The only plan he could think of was to give
+Lord Palmerston the lead in the House of Commons--the highest position
+a statesman could aspire to--and to go himself to the House of Lords.
+He had communicated his views to Lord Lansdowne, who agreed in them,
+and thought he could do nothing better than speak to Lord Palmerston
+at once. Lord Palmerston said that he could not have helped to have
+become aware that he had forfeited the Queen's confidence, but he
+thought this had not been on _personal_ grounds, but merely on account
+of his line of policy, with which the Queen disagreed. (The Queen
+interrupted Lord John by remarking that she distrusted him on
+_personal_ grounds also, but I remarked that Lord Palmerston had so
+far at least seen rightly; that he had become disagreeable to the
+Queen, not on account of his person, but of his political doings,
+to which the Queen assented.) Lord Palmerston appeared to Lord John
+willing to enter into this agreement.
+
+On the question how the Foreign Office should be filled, Lord John
+said that he thought his father-in-law, Lord Minto, ought to take
+the Foreign Office.... As the Queen was somewhat startled by this
+announcement, I said I thought that would not go down with the public.
+After Lord Palmerston's removal (who was considered one of the ablest
+men in the country) he ought not to be replaced but by an equally able
+statesman; the Office was of _enormous_ importance, and ought not to
+be entrusted to any one but Lord John himself or Lord Clarendon. On
+the Queen's enquiry why Lord Clarendon had not been proposed for it,
+Lord John said he was most anxious that the change of the Minister
+should not produce a change in the general line of policy which he
+considered to have been quite right, and that Lord Clarendon did
+not approve of it; somehow or other he never could agree with
+Lord Clarendon on Foreign Affairs; he thought Lord Clarendon very
+anti-French and for an alliance with Austria and Russia. The Queen
+replied she knew Lord Clarendon's bad opinion of the mode in which the
+Foreign Affairs had been conducted, and thought that a merit in him,
+but did not think him Austrian or Russian, but merely disapproving
+of Lord Palmerston's behaviour. I urged Lord John to take the Foreign
+Affairs himself, which he said would have to be done if the Queen did
+not wish Lord Minto to take them; he himself would be able to do the
+business when in the House of Lords, although he would undertake it
+unwillingly; with the business in the House of Commons it would have
+been impossible for him.
+
+The Queen insisted on his trying it with a seat in the House of Lords,
+adding that, if he found it too much for him, he could at a later
+period perhaps make the Department over to Lord Clarendon.
+
+I could not help remarking that it was a serious risk to entrust Lord
+Palmerston with the lead in the House of Commons, that it might be
+that the Government were defeated and, if once in opposition, Lord
+Palmerston might take a different line as leader of the Opposition
+from that which Lord John would like, and might so easily force
+himself back into office as Prime Minister. Lord John, however,
+although admitting that danger, thought Lord Palmerston too old to do
+much in the future (having passed his sixty-fifth year); he admitted
+that Sir George Grey was the natural leader of the Commons, but
+expected that a little later the lead would still fall into his hands.
+
+The arrangements of the Offices as proposed would be that Lord
+Palmerston would take the Home Office, and Sir George Grey the
+Colonial Office, and Lord Grey vacate this office for the Privy
+Seal. If Lord Minto, however, was not to have the Foreign Office, the
+arrangement must be recast. Lord Clarendon would become Secretary
+of State for Ireland, after the abolition of the Lord-Lieutenancy.
+Possibly also Sir George Grey might take the office, and Lord
+Clarendon take the Colonies, which Lord Grey would be glad to be rid
+of. On my observing that I had thought the Colonies would have done
+best for Lord Palmerston, leaving Sir George Grey at the Home Office,
+Lord John acknowledged that he would likewise prefer this arrangement,
+but considered it rendered impossible from its having been the very
+thing Lord Grey had proposed in 1845, and upon which the attempt to
+form a Whig Government at that time had broken down, Lord Palmerston
+having refused to enter the Cabinet on those terms. Lord John ended
+by saying that Lord Palmerston having agreed to the change, it was
+intended that nothing should be done about it till after the close of
+the Session, in order to avoid debates and questions on the subject;
+moreover, Lord Lansdowne had agreed to continue still this Session his
+labours as Leader in the House of Lords, and begged for the _utmost
+secrecy_ at present.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+Lord John Russell already last year had spoken to me of his wish to
+go to the House of Lords, finding the work in the House of Commons,
+together with his other business, too much for him, and Lord Lansdowne
+being desirous to be relieved from the lead in the Upper House.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S ULTIMATUM]
+
+
+_Memorandum by Baron Stockmar._[6]
+
+_12th March 1850._
+
+The least the Queen has a right to require of her Minister is:--
+
+1. That he will distinctly state what he proposes in a given case, in
+order that the Queen may know as distinctly to what she has to give
+her royal sanction.
+
+2. Having given once her sanction to a measure, the Minister who,
+in the execution of such measure alters or modifies it arbitrarily,
+commits an act of dishonesty towards the Crown, which the Queen has
+an undoubted constitutional right to visit with the dismissal of that
+Minister.
+
+STOCKMAR.
+
+    [Footnote 6: Compare this with the Memorandum ultimately drawn
+    up on the 12th of August.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _16th March 1850._
+
+The Queen wishes to remark to Lord Lansdowne, that his answer to Lord
+Stanley in the House of Lords last night might possibly lead to the
+misapprehension that Lord Palmerston's delay in sending the despatch
+to Mr Wyse had been caused by the time it took to get the Queen's
+approval of it. She must protest against such an inference being
+drawn, as being contrary to the fact, Lord Palmerston indeed having
+sent out in the first instance a different despatch from that which
+she had approved.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN FRANCE]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _25th March 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,-- ... King Louis Philippe seems better, but still
+he is evidently breaking; there is no wonder when one considers all
+he has gone through, and is still to suffer! No one can tell a day
+[ahead] what may happen in France, and if all the family have, which
+is but[7] in France, may not be confiscated. The thirst for spoliation
+is great; the people who lead have no other view, they are not
+fanatics, their aim is to rise and to enrich themselves; the remainder
+is mere humbug, exactly as you have it very near home. Never was
+there a nation in a worse and a more helpless state, and the numerous
+parties who will _not_ unite render all solutions impossible, and the
+republic will be maintained for that very reason. It is but a name
+and no substance, but that _name of_ _republic_ encourages every
+extravagant or desperate proceeding, and turns people's heads in the
+old monarchies; every doctor or magistrate sees himself president of
+some republic, and the ambitions of so many people who see all the
+impediments which existed formerly removed, and who, according to
+their _own opinion_, are wonderful people, will be insatiable and much
+more dangerous than you imagine in England. On the Continent every man
+thinks himself fit to be at the head of the Government; there is no
+political measure or scale, and the success of some bookseller or
+doctor or advocate, etc., turns the heads of all those in similar
+positions--_on ne doute de rien_. When you consider that a
+_banqueroutier_ like Ledru Rollin[8] ruled over France _for six
+months_ almost with _absolute power,_ merely because he took it, you
+may imagine how many thousands, even of workmen, cooks, stage people,
+etc., look to be taken to rule over their fellow-citizens; _toujours
+convaincu de leur propre merite_. I am happy to see that you escaped
+a ministerial crisis; the peril was great, and it would have been
+dreadful for you at such a moment.
+
+Albert made a fine long speech, I see.[9] Did he read it? _ex
+tempore_, it would have been very trying. I trust we may come to that
+unity of mankind of which he speaks, and of universal peace which our
+friend Richard Cobden considers as very near at hand; if, however,
+the red benefactors of mankind at Paris get the upper hand, _universal
+war_ will be the order of the day. We are so strongly convinced of
+this that we are very seriously occupied with the means of defence
+which this country can afford, and we imagine that if we are not
+abandoned by our friends, it will be impossible to force our positions
+on the Schelde.
+
+I must now quickly conclude. Remaining ever, my beloved Victoria, your
+devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 7: _I.e._ "only."]
+
+    [Footnote 8: He was President in 1848.]
+
+    [Footnote 9: At the Mansion House banquet to the Commissioners
+    for the Exhibition of 1851. See quotation from it in Sir T.
+    Martin's _Life_, vol. ii, p. 247.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th March 1850._
+
+The Queen approves these drafts, but thinks that in the part alluding
+to M. Pacifico, should be added a direction to Mr Wyse to satisfy
+himself of the _truth_ of M. Pacifico's statements of losses before
+he grounds his demands upon them.[10] The draft merely allows a
+sub-division of the claims, but takes their validity for granted.
+
+    [Footnote 10: Don Pacifico claimed L31,500--L4,900 being for
+    effects destroyed, and L26,600 in respect of certain claims
+    against the Portuguese Government, the vouchers for which he
+    stated had been destroyed by the mob which pillaged his house.
+    His valuation of the various items was of the most extravagant
+    description.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SPEECH BY PRINCE ALBERT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th March 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Albert made a really beautiful speech the other
+day, and it has given the greatest satisfaction and done great good.
+He is indeed _looked up to and beloved_, as _I_ could _wish_ he should
+be; and the _more_ his _rare qualities_ of mind and heart are _known_,
+the _more_ he will be understood and appreciated. People are much
+struck at his great powers and energy; his great self-denial, and
+constant wish to work for others, is so striking in his character; but
+it is the _happiest_ life; pining for what one cannot have, and trying
+to run after what is pleasantest, _invariably_ ends in disappointment.
+
+I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th March 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I write only a few lines to-day, begging you to
+give the accompanying drawing of her little _namesake_ to dearest
+Louise _on_ her birthday.
+
+I shall duly answer your dear letter of the 25th on Tuesday, but am
+anxious to correct the impression that Albert read his fine speech.
+He _never_ has done so with any of his fine speeches, but speaks them,
+having first prepared them and written them down,--and does so _so
+well_, that no one believes that he is ever nervous, which _he is_.
+This last he is said to have spoken in so particularly English a way.
+
+We have still sadly cold winds. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _14th April 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter with the drafts,
+which he mentioned last night to her, and she has sent his letter with
+them to Lord Palmerston.
+
+Lord Palmerston's conduct in this Spanish question[11] in not
+communicating her letter to Lord John, as she had directed, is really
+too bad, and most disrespectful to the Queen; she can really hardly
+communicate with him any more; indeed it would be better she should
+not.
+
+    [Footnote 11: The question was the selection of a Minister for
+    Madrid.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD HOWDEN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _27th April 1850._
+
+In order to save the Government embarrassments, the Queen has
+sanctioned the appointment of Lord Howden[12] to Madrid, although
+she does not consider him to be quite the stamp of person in whom she
+could feel entire confidence that he will be proof against all spirit
+of intrigue, which at all times and now particularly is so much
+required in Spain. But she must once more ask Lord John to watch that
+the Queen may be quite openly and considerately dealt by. She knows
+that Lord Howden has long been made acquainted with his appointment,
+and has been corresponding upon it with General Narvaez; the
+correspondent of the _Times_ has announced his appointment from Madrid
+already three weeks ago, and all that time Lord Palmerston remained
+silent upon the matter to the Queen, not even answering her upon her
+letter expressing her wish to see Lord Westmorland[13] appointed. Lord
+John must see the impropriety of this course, and if it were not for
+the Queen's anxiety to smooth all difficulties, the Government might
+be exposed to most awkward embarrassments. She expects, however,
+and has the right to claim, equal consideration on the part of her
+Ministers. She addresses herself in this matter to Lord John as the
+head of the Government.
+
+    [Footnote 12: Lord Howden had been recently Minister at Rio
+    Janeiro.]
+
+    [Footnote 13: Minister at Berlin, 1841-51.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _28th April 1850._
+
+... Lord John Russell cannot but assent to your Majesty's right to
+claim every consideration on the part of your Majesty's Ministers.
+He will take care to attend to this subject, and is much concerned to
+find that your Majesty has so frequently occasion to complain of Lord
+Palmerston's want of attention.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KOH-I-NOOR]
+
+
+_The Marquis of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria._
+
+SIMLA, _15th May 1850._
+
+... When the Governor-General had the honour of addressing your
+Majesty from Bombay, the arrangements for the transmission of the
+Koh-i-noor were incomplete. He therefore did not then report to your
+Majesty, as he now humbly begs leave to do, that he conveyed the
+jewel himself from Lahore in his own charge, and deposited it in the
+Treasury at Bombay. One of your Majesty's ships had been ordered to
+Bombay to receive it, but had not then arrived, and did not arrive
+till two months afterwards, thus causing delay. The _Medea_, however,
+sailed on 6th April, and will, it is hoped, have a safe and speedy
+passage to England.
+
+By this mail the Governor-General transmits officially a record of all
+that he has been able to trace of the vicissitudes through which the
+Koh-i-noor has passed. The papers are accurate and curious.
+
+In one of them it is narrated, on the authority of Fugueer-ood-deen,
+who is now at Lahore, and who was himself the messenger, that Runjeet
+Singh sent a message to Wufa Begum, the wife of Shah Sooja, from whom
+he had taken the gem, to ask her its value. She replied, "If a strong
+man were to throw four stones, one north, one south, one east, one
+west, and a fifth stone up into the air, and if the space between
+them were to be filled with gold, all would not equal the value of the
+Koh-i-noor." The Fugueer, thinking probably that this appraisement was
+somewhat imaginative, subsequently asked Shah Sooja the same question.
+The Shah replied that its value was "good fortune; for whoever
+possessed it had conquered their enemies."
+
+The Governor-General very respectfully and earnestly trusts that your
+Majesty, in your possession of the Koh-i-noor, may ever continue to
+realise its value as estimated by Shah Sooja.
+
+He has the honour to subscribe himself, with deep respect, your
+Majesty's most obedient, most humble, and most faithful Subject and
+Servant,
+
+DALHOUSIE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S FOREIGN POLICY]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _18th May 1850._
+
+MY DEAR LORD JOHN,--I return you the enclosed letters which forbode
+a new storm, this time coming from Russia.[14] I confess I do not
+understand that part of the quarrel, but one conviction grows stronger
+and stronger with the Queen and myself (if it is possible), viz. that
+Lord Palmerston is bringing the whole of the hatred which is borne to
+him--I don't mean here to investigate whether justly or unjustly--by
+all the Governments of Europe upon England, and that the country
+runs serious danger of having to pay for the consequences. We cannot
+reproach ourselves with having neglected warning and entreaties, but
+the Queen may feel that her duty demands her not to be content with
+mere warning without any effect, and that for the sake of one man the
+welfare of the country must not be exposed....
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 14: Russia as well as France had been appealed to by
+    Greece against the pressure brought to bear upon her. On the
+    18th of April a Convention was signed in London disposing of
+    the whole dispute, and referring Don Pacifico's claims
+    against Portugal to arbitration. Lord Palmerston was remiss in
+    communicating the progress of those negotiations to Mr Wyse,
+    who persisted in his coercive measures, disregarding the
+    intelligence on the subject he received from Baron Gros, and
+    Greece accordingly submitted to his terms. France and Russia
+    were incensed, the French Ambassador was recalled, and on the
+    18th of May Baron Brunnow intimated the imminence of similar
+    action by the Czar.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _18th May 1850._
+
+SIR,--I feel very strongly that the Queen ought not to be exposed to
+the enmity of Austria, France, and Russia on account of her Minister.
+I was therefore prepared to state on Monday that it is for Her Majesty
+to consider what course it will be best for her and for the country to
+pursue.
+
+1. I am quite ready to resign my office, but I could not make Lord
+Palmerston the scapegoat for the sins which will be imputed to the
+Government in the late negotiations.
+
+2. I am ready, if it is thought best, to remain in office till
+questions pending in the two Houses are decided. If unfavourably, a
+solution is obtained; if favourably, Lord John Russell will no longer
+remain in office with Lord Palmerston as Foreign Secretary.
+
+These are hasty and crude thoughts, but may be matured by Monday.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S REPORT]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _20th May 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell came to-day to make his report to the Queen on
+his final determination with respect to the Greek question and Lord
+Palmerston. He said it was quite impossible to abandon Lord Palmerston
+upon this question, that the Cabinet was as much to blame (if there
+were cause for it) as Lord Palmerston, and particularly he himself,
+who had given his consent to the measures taken, and was justly held
+responsible by the country for the Foreign Policy of the Government.
+Admitting, however, that Lord Palmerston's personal quarrels with all
+Governments of foreign countries and the hostility with which they
+were looking upon him was doing serious injury to the country, and
+exposing the Crown to blows aimed at the Minister, he had consulted
+Lord Lansdowne.... Lord Lansdowne fully felt the strength of what I
+said respecting the power of the Leader of the House of Commons, and
+the right on the part of the Queen to object to its being conferred
+upon a person who had not her entire confidence. I said I hoped Lord
+Lansdowne would consider the communication of the letter as quite
+confidential, as, although I had no objection to telling Lord
+Palmerston anything that was said in it myself, I should not like that
+it should come to his ears by third persons or be otherwise talked
+of. Lord John assured me that Lord Lansdowne could be entirely relied
+upon, and that he himself had locked up the letter under key the
+moment he had received it, and would carefully guard it.
+
+The result of our conference was, that we agreed that Lord Clarendon
+was the only member of the Government to whom the Foreign Affairs
+could be entrusted unless Lord John were to take them himself, which
+was much the best. Lord John objected to Lord Clarendon's intimate
+connection with the _Times_, and the violent Austrian line of that
+paper; moreover, Lord Clarendon would be wanted to organise the new
+department of Secretary of State for Ireland. The Colonial Office
+was much the best for Lord Palmerston, and should Lord John go to the
+House of Lords, Sir George Grey was to lead in the Commons. Lord John
+would take an opportunity of communicating with Lord Palmerston, but
+wished nothing should be said or done about the changes till after the
+close of the Session.[15]
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 15: The question of the relations of Lord Palmerston
+    with the Crown had to be postponed owing to the debates in
+    both Houses on Foreign Policy. In the Lords, Lord Stanley
+    moved a vote of censure on the Government for enforcing by
+    coercive measures various doubtful or exaggerated claims
+    against the Greek Government.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SUNDAY POSTS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _9th June 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's two letters. If the
+Cabinet _think_ it impossible to do otherwise, of course the Queen
+consents--though _most reluctantly_--to a compliance with the vote
+respecting the Post Office.[16] The Queen thinks it a very _false_
+notion of obeying God's will, to do what will be the cause of much
+annoyance and possibly of great distress to private families. At any
+rate, she thinks decidedly that great caution should be used with
+respect to any alteration in the transmission of the mails, so that at
+least _some means_ of communication may still be possible.
+
+    [Footnote 16: Lord Ashley carried a resolution forbidding
+    the Sunday delivery of letters; a Committee of Inquiry was
+    appointed, and reported against the proposed change, which was
+    abandoned.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Cambridge._
+
+OSBORNE, _10th June 1850._
+
+MY DEAR UNCLE,--I have enquired into the precedents, and find that
+though there are none exactly similar to the case of George, there
+will be no difficulty to call him up to the House of Lords; and I
+should propose that he should be called up by the name of Earl of
+Tipperary, which is one of your titles. Culloden, which is your
+other title, would be from recollections of former times obviously
+objectionable. There are several precedents of Princes being made
+Peers without having an establishment, consequently there can be no
+difficulty on this point.
+
+I feel confident that George will be very moderate in his politics,
+and support the Government whenever he can. Princes of the Royal
+Family should keep as much as possible aloof from _Party Politics_, as
+I think they else invariably become mixed up with Party violence, and
+frequently are made the tools of people who are utterly regardless of
+the mischief they cause to the Throne and Royal Family. Believe me,
+always, your affectionate Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PRINCE GEORGE OF CAMBRIDGE]
+
+
+_The Duke of Cambridge to Queen Victoria._
+
+CAMBRIDGE HOUSE, _10th June 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I seize the earliest opportunity of thanking you
+for your very kind letter, which I have this moment received, and to
+assure you at the same time that I do most fully agree with you in
+your observations concerning the line in politics which the members
+of the Royal Family ought to take. This has always been my principle
+since I entered the House of Lords, and I am fully convinced that
+George will follow my example.
+
+I must also add that I have felt the great advantage of supporting the
+Government, and I have by that always been well with all Parties, and
+have avoided many difficulties which other members of my family have
+had to encounter.
+
+I shall not fail to communicate your letter to George, who will, I
+trust, never prove himself unworthy of the kindness you have shown
+him.
+
+With the request that you will remember me most kindly to Albert, I
+remain, my dearest Victoria, your most affectionate Uncle,
+
+ADOLPHUS.
+
+
+
+
+_Prince George of Cambridge to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S PALACE, _15th June 1850._
+
+MY DEAR COUSIN,--I have not as yet ventured to address you on a
+subject of much interest personally to myself, and upon which I am
+aware that you have been in correspondence with my father; but as I
+believe that the question which was brought to your notice has
+been settled, I cannot any longer deprive myself of the pleasure of
+expressing to you my most sincere and grateful thanks for the kind
+manner in which you have at once acceded to the anxious request of my
+father and myself, by arranging with the Government that I should be
+called up to the House of Lords. This has been a point upon which I
+have long been most anxious, and I am truly and sincerely grateful
+that you have so considerately entered into my feelings and wishes. I
+understand that it is your intention that I should be called up by my
+father's second title as Earl of Tipperary; at the same time I hope
+that though I take a seat in the House as Earl of Tipperary, I may be
+permitted to retain and be called by my present name on all occasions
+not connected with the House of Lords. As regards the wish expressed
+by yourself, that I should not allow myself to be made a political
+partisan, I need not, I trust, assure you that it will be ever my
+endeavour to obey your desires upon this as on all other occasions;
+but I trust I may be permitted to add, that even before this desire
+expressed by you, it had been my intention to follow this line of
+conduct. I conceive that whenever they conscientiously can do so, the
+members of the Royal Family should support the Queen's Government; and
+if at times it should happen that they have a difficulty in so doing,
+it is at all events not desirable that they should place themselves
+prominently in opposition to it. This I believe to be your feelings
+on the subject, and if you will permit me to say so, they are also my
+own.
+
+Hoping to have the pleasure soon of expressing to you my gratitude in
+person, I remain, my dear Cousin, your most dutiful Cousin,
+
+GEORGE.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Prince George of Cambridge._
+
+OSBORNE, _17th June 1850._
+
+MY DEAR GEORGE,--Many thanks for your kind letter received yesterday.
+I am glad to hear that you are so entirely of my opinion with respect
+to the political conduct of the Princes of the Royal Family who are
+peers, and I feel sure that your conduct will be quite in accordance
+with this view. With respect to your wish to be called as you have
+hitherto been, I do not think that this will be possible. It has never
+been done, besides which I think the Irish (who will be much flattered
+at your being called up by the title of Tipperary) would feel it as a
+slight if you did not wish to be called by the title you bear. All
+the Royal Peers have always been called by their titles in this and in
+other countries, and I do not think it would be possible to avoid it.
+Ever, etc.,
+
+VICTORIA R.[17]
+
+    [Footnote 17: The patent was made out, but not signed, a
+    memorandum of Prince Albert recording:--
+
+    BUCKINGHAM PALACE. _8th July 1850._
+
+    I kept this warrant back from the Queen's signature on account
+    of the Duke of Cambridge's illness. The Duke died yesterday
+    evening, without a struggle, after an attack of fever which
+    had lasted four weeks. So the summons of Prince George has
+    never been carried out.
+
+    ALBERT.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MR ROEBUCK'S MOTION]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _21st June 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to report that Mr Roebuck asked him yesterday what course
+the Government intends to pursue after the late vote of the House of
+Lords.[18]
+
+The newspapers contain the report of Lord John Russell's answer.
+
+Mr Roebuck has proposed to move on Monday a general approbation of the
+Foreign Policy of the Government.
+
+What may be the result of such a Motion it is not easy to say, but
+as Lord Stanley has prevailed on a majority in the House of Lords
+to censure the Foreign Policy of the Government, it is impossible to
+avoid a decision by the House of Commons on this subject.
+
+The misfortune is that on the one side every detail of negotiation is
+confounded with the general principles of our Foreign Policy, and on
+the other a censure upon a Foreign Policy, the tendency of which has
+been to leave despotism and democracy to fight out their own battles,
+will imply in the eyes of Europe a preference for the cause of
+despotism, and a willingness to interfere with Russia and Austria on
+behalf of absolute government. The jealousy of the House of Commons
+would not long bear such a policy.
+
+Be that as it may, Lord Stanley has opened a beginning of strife,
+which may last for many years to come.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Lord Stanley's Motion of Censure was carried by
+    a majority of 37 in a House of 301.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY'S MOTION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st June 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter and read his speech
+in the House of Commons. She regrets exceedingly the position in which
+the Government has been placed by the Motion of Lord Stanley in the
+House of Lords. Whichever way the Debate in the House of Commons
+may terminate, the Queen foresees great troubles. A defeat of the
+Government would be _most inconvenient_. The Queen has always
+approved the _general_ tendency of the policy of the Government to
+let despotism and democracy fight out their battles abroad, but must
+remind Lord John that in the execution of this policy Lord Palmerston
+has _gone a long way_ in taking up the side of democracy in the fight,
+and this is the "detail of negotiations" which Lord John is afraid may
+be confounded with the general principle of our Foreign Policy. Indeed
+it is already confounded by the whole of the foreign and the great
+majority of the British public, and it is to be feared that the
+discussion will place despotic and democratic principles in array
+against each other in this country, whilst the original question turns
+only upon the justice of Don Pacifico's claims.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _22nd June 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell deeply regrets that your Majesty should be exposed
+to inconvenience in consequence of Lord Stanley's Motion. He has
+copied Mr Roebuck's Motion as it now stands on the votes. The word
+"principles" includes the general policy, and excludes the particular
+measures which from time to time have been adopted as the objects of
+approbation.
+
+It is impossible to say at this moment what will be the result. Lord
+Stanley, Lord Aberdeen, Mr Gladstone, and Mr Disraeli appear to be in
+close concert.
+
+Lord Stanley can hardly now abandon Protection. Mr Gladstone, one
+should imagine, can hardly abandon Free Trade. The anger of the honest
+Protectionists and the honest Free-Traders will be very great at so
+unprincipled a coalition.
+
+Mr Roebuck's Motion: That the principles on which the Foreign Policy
+of Her Majesty's Government has been regulated have been such as were
+calculated to maintain the honour and dignity of this country, and in
+times of unexampled difficulty to preserve peace between England and
+the various nations of the world.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: HOLSTEIN AND GERMANY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd June 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday, but
+cannot say that his arguments in support of his former opinion, that
+the Germanic Confederation should be omitted from amongst the Powers
+who are to be invited to sign a protocol, the object of which is to
+decide upon the fate of Holstein, have proved successful in convincing
+her of the propriety of this course. As Holstein belongs to the
+Germanic Confederation and is only accidentally connected with Denmark
+through its Sovereign, a Protocol to ensure the integrity of the
+Danish Monarchy is a direct attack upon Germany, if carried out
+without her knowledge and consent; and it is an act repugnant to all
+feelings of justice and morality for third parties to dispose of other
+people's property, which no diplomatic etiquette about the difficulty
+of finding a proper representative for Germany could justify. The mode
+of representation might safely be left to the Confederation itself.
+It is not surprising to the Queen that Austria and Prussia should
+complain of Lord Palmerston's agreeing with Sweden, Russia, Denmark,
+and France upon the Protocol before giving Prussia and Austria any
+notice of it.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PROTOCOL]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _23rd June 1850._
+
+MY DEAR JOHN RUSSELL,--The Queen has entirely misconceived the object
+and effect of the proposed Protocol. It does not "decide upon the
+fate of Holstein," nor is it "an attack upon Germany." In fact, the
+Protocol is to _decide_ nothing; it is to be merely a record of the
+wishes and opinions of the Power whose representatives are to sign
+it....[19]
+
+How does any part of this decide the fate of Holstein or attack
+Germany?
+
+Is not the Queen requiring that I should be Minister, not indeed for
+Austria, Russia, or France, but for the Germanic Confederation?
+Why should we take up the cudgels for Germany, when we are inviting
+Austria and Prussia, the two leading powers of Germany, and who would
+of course put in a claim for the Confederation if they thought it
+necessary, which, however, for the reasons above stated, they surely
+would not?...
+
+As to my having _agreed_ with Sweden, Russia, Denmark, and France
+before communicating with Prussia and Austria, that is not the course
+which things have taken. Brunnow proposed the Protocol to me, and
+I have been in discussion with him about it. It is _he_ who has
+communicated it to the French Ambassador, to Reventlow, and to
+Rehausen; I sent it privately several weeks ago to Westmorland, that
+he might show it confidentially to Schleinitz, but telling Westmorland
+that it was not a thing settled, but only a proposal by Russia, and
+that, at all events, some part of the wording would be altered. I have
+no doubt that Brunnow has also shown it to Koller; but I could not
+send it officially to Berlin or Vienna till Brunnow had agreed to such
+a wording as I could recommend the Government to adopt, nor until I
+received the Queen's sanction to do so.
+
+The only thing that occurs to me as practicable would be to say to
+Austria and Prussia that if, in signing the Protocol, they could add
+that they signed also in the name of the Confederation, we should be
+glad to have the additional weight of that authority, but that could
+not be made a _sine qua non_, any more than the signature of Austria
+and Prussia themselves, for I think that the Protocol ought to be
+signed by as many of the proposed Powers as may choose to agree to
+it, bearing always in mind that it is only a record of opinions and
+wishes, and does not decide or pretend to decide anything practically.
+Yours sincerely,
+
+PALMERSTON.
+
+    [Footnote 19: The Protocol was to record the desirability
+    of the following points:--(1) that the several states which
+    constituted the Danish Monarchy should remain united, and
+    that the Danish Crown should be settled in such manner that it
+    should go with the Duchy of Holstein; (2) that the signatory
+    Powers, when the peace should have been concluded, should
+    concert measures for the purpose of giving to the results
+    an additional pledge of stability, by a general European
+    acknowledgment.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S OPINION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th June 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter enclosing those of
+Lord Palmerston and Lord Lansdowne. The _misconception_ on the Queen's
+part, which Lord Palmerston alleges to exist, consists in her taking
+the essence of the arrangement for the mere words. Lord Palmerston
+pretends that the Protocol "does not decide upon the fate of Holstein
+nor attack Germany." However, the only object of the Protocol is the
+fate of Holstein, which is decided upon--
+
+(1.) By a declaration of the importance to the interests of Europe to
+uphold the integrity of the Danish Monarchy (which has no meaning, if
+it does not mean that Holstein is to remain with it).
+
+(2.) By an approval of the efforts of the King of Denmark to keep it
+with Denmark, by adapting the law of succession to that of Holstein.
+
+(3.) By an engagement on the part of the Powers to use their "_soins_"
+to get the constitutional position of Holstein settled in a peace
+according to the Malmoe preliminaries, of which it was one of
+the conditions that the question of the succession was to be left
+untouched.
+
+(4.) To seal the whole arrangement by an act of European
+acknowledgment.
+
+If the declarations of importance, the approval, the "_soins_" and
+the acknowledgments of _all_ the great Powers of Europe are to decide
+nothing, then Lord Palmerston is quite right; if they decide anything,
+it is the fate of Holstein.
+
+Whether this will be an attack upon Germany or not will be easily
+deduced from the fact that the attempt on the part of Denmark to
+incorporate into her polity the Duchy of Schleswig was declared by
+the Diet in 1846 to be a declaration of war against Germany merely on
+account of its intimate connection with the Duchy of Holstein.
+
+The Queen does not wish her Minister to be Minister for Germany, but
+merely to treat that country with the same consideration which is due
+to every country on whose interests we mean to decide.
+
+The Queen would wish her correspondence upon this subject to be
+brought before the Cabinet, and will abide by their deliberate
+opinion.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th June 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Charles will have told you how kindly and amiably
+the Prince of Prussia has come here, travelling night and day from
+St Petersburg, in order to be in time for the christening of our
+little _Arthur_.[20] I wish you could (and you will, for he intends
+stopping at Brussels) hear him speak, for he is so straightforward,
+conciliatory, and yet firm of purpose; I have a great esteem and
+respect for him. The poor King of Prussia is recovered,[21] and has
+been received with great enthusiasm on the first occasion of his first
+reappearance in public.
+
+We are in a _crisis_, no one knowing how this debate upon this most
+unfortunate Greek business will end. It is most unfortunate, for
+whatever way it ends, it must do great harm.
+
+I must now conclude, for I am quite overpowered by the heat. Ever your
+truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 20: The present Duke of Connaught, born on the 1st
+    of May, the birthday of the Duke of Wellington, who was one of
+    the sponsors, and after whom he was named.]
+
+    [Footnote 21: From an attempt to assassinate him.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DON PACIFICO DEBATE]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _26th June 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+has the honour to report that in the debate of last night Viscount
+Palmerston defended the whole Foreign Policy of the Government in a
+speech of four hours and three quarters.[22] This speech was one
+of the most masterly ever delivered, going through the details of
+transactions in the various parts of the world, and appealing from
+time to time to great principles of justice and of freedom.
+
+The cheering was frequent and enthusiastic. The debate was adjourned
+till Thursday, when it will probably close.
+
+The expectation is that Ministers will have a majority, but on the
+amount of that majority must depend their future course.
+
+    [Footnote 22: It lasted from dusk till dawn, and the Minister
+    asked for a verdict on the question whether, "as the Roman in
+    days of old held himself free from indignity when he could
+    say, _Civis Romanus sum_, so also a British subject, in
+    whatever land he may be, shall feel confident that the
+    watchful eye and the strong arm of England will protect
+    him against injustice and wrong." Peel, who made his last
+    appearance in the House, voted against Palmerston.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+_Chesham Place_, _27th June 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that the prospects of the division are rather more
+favourable for Ministers than they were.
+
+Ministers ought to have a majority of forty to justify their remaining
+in office.[23]
+
+Mr Gladstone makes no secret of his wish to join Lord Stanley in
+forming an Administration.
+
+Lord John Russell would desire to have the honour of an audience of
+your Majesty on Saturday at twelve or one o'clock.
+
+The division will not take place till to-morrow night.
+
+    [Footnote 23: In the result, Ministers succeeded by 310 to
+    264, although opposed to them in the debate were Mr Gladstone,
+    Mr Cobden, Sir Robert Peel, Mr Disraeli, Sir James Graham,
+    and Sir William Molesworth. Next to the speeches of Lord
+    Palmerston and Lord John Russell, the most effective speech
+    on the Government side was that of Mr Alexander Cockburn,
+    afterwards Lord Chief Justice of England.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PEEL'S ACCIDENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _2nd July 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--For two most kind and affectionate letters I offer
+my warmest and best thanks. The good report of my beloved Louise's
+improvement is a great happiness. By my letter to Louise you will have
+learnt all the details of this certainly very disgraceful and very
+inconceivable attack.[24] I have not suffered except from my head,
+which is still very tender, the blow having been extremely violent,
+and the brass _end_ of the stick fell on my head so as to make a
+considerable noise. I own it makes me nervous out driving, and I start
+at any person coming near the carriage, which I am afraid is natural.
+We have, alas! now another cause of much greater anxiety in the person
+of our excellent Sir Robert Peel,[25] who, as you will see, has had
+a most serious fall, and though going on well at first, was very ill
+last night; thank God! he is better again this morning, but I fear
+still in great danger. I cannot bear even to think of losing him; it
+would be the greatest loss for the whole country, and irreparable for
+us, for he is so trustworthy, and so entirely to be depended on. _All_
+parties are in great anxiety about him. I will leave my letter open to
+give you the latest news.
+
+Our good and amiable guest[26] likes being with us, and will remain
+with us till Saturday. We had a concert last night, and go to the
+opera very regularly. The _Prophete_ is quite beautiful, and I am
+sure would delight you. The music in the _Scene du Couronnement_ is,
+I think, finer than anything in either _Robert_ or the _Huguenots_; it
+is highly dramatic, and really very touching. Mario sings and acts
+in it quite in perfection. His _Raoul_ in the Huguenots is also most
+beautiful. He improves every year, and I really think his voice is the
+finest tenor I ever heard, and he sings and acts with such _intense_
+feeling.
+
+What do you say to the conclusion of our debate? It leaves things just
+as they were. The House of Commons is becoming very unmanageable and
+troublesome....
+
+I must now conclude. With Albert's love, ever your most affectionate
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+I am happy to say that Sir Robert, though still very ill, is freer
+from pain, his pulse is less high, and he feels himself better; the
+Doctors think there is _no_ vital injury, and nothing from which he
+cannot recover, but that he must be for some days in a precarious
+state.
+
+    [Footnote 24: The Queen, as she was leaving Cambridge House,
+    where she had called to inquire after the Duke of Cambridge's
+    health, was struck with a cane by one Robert Pate, an
+    ex-officer, and a severe bruise was inflicted on her forehead.
+    The outrage was apparently committed without motive, but an
+    attempt to prove Pate insane failed, and he was sentenced to
+    seven years' transportation.]
+
+    [Footnote 25: On the day following the Don Pacifico debate,
+    Sir Robert Peel, after attending a meeting of the Exhibition
+    Commissioners, had gone out riding. On his return, while
+    passing up Constitution Hill, he was thrown from his horse,
+    and, after lingering three days in intense pain, died on the
+    5th of July.]
+
+    [Footnote 26: The Prince of Prussia.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING OF DENMARK]
+
+
+_The King of Denmark to Queen Victoria._
+
+COPENHAGUE, _4 Juillet 1850._
+
+MADAME MA S[OE]UR,--Je remplis un devoir des plus agreables, en
+m'empressant d'annoncer a votre Majeste que la paix vient d'etre
+signee le 2 de ce mois a Berlin entre moi et Sa Majeste le Roi de
+Prusse, en Son nom et en celui de la Confederation Germanique.[27]
+
+Je sais et je reconnais de grand c[oe]ur combien je suis redevable
+a votre Majeste et a Son Gouvernement de ce resultat important, qui
+justifie mon esperance de pouvoir bientot rendre a tous mes sujets les
+bienfaits d'une sincere reconciliation et d'une veritable concorde.
+
+Votre Majeste a par la sollicitude avec laquelle Elle a constamment
+accompli le mandat de la mediation dans l'interet du Danemark et de
+l'Europe, ajoute aux temoignages inappreciables de sincere amitie
+qu'elle n'a cesse de m'accorder durant la longue et penible epreuve
+que le Danemark vient de nouveau de traverser, mais qui parait, a
+l'aide du Tout-Puissant, devoir maintenant faire place a un meilleur
+avenir, offrant, sous les auspices de votre Majeste, de nouvelles
+garanties pour l'independance de mon antique Couronne et pour le
+maintien de l'integrite de ma Monarchie, a la defense desquelles je me
+suis voue entierement.
+
+Je suis persuade que votre Majeste me fera la justice de croire que je
+suis on ne peut plus reconnaissant, et que mon peuple fidele et loyal
+s'associe a moi et aux miens, penetre de ces memes sentiments de
+gratitude envers votre Majeste.
+
+Je m'estimerais infiniment heureux si Elle daignait ajouter a toutes
+Ses bontes, celle que de me fournir l'occasion de Lui donner des
+preuves de mon devouement inalterable et de la haute consideration
+avec lesquels je prie Dieu qu'il vous ait, Madame ma S[oe]ur, vous,
+votre auguste Epoux et tous les votres, dans sa sainte et digne garde,
+et avec lesquels je suis, Madame ma S[oe]ur, de votre Majeste, le bon
+Frere,
+
+FREDERICK.
+
+    [Footnote 27: Denmark and the Schleswig-Holstein Duchies were
+    still at war. Germany was bent on absorbing the Duchies, but
+    Prussia now concluded a peace with Denmark: the enlistment of
+    individual Germans in the insurgent army continued.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF PEEL]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _5th July 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--It gave me the greatest pain to learn of the
+death of our true and kind friend, Sir Robert Peel. That he should
+have met with his end--he so valuable to the whole earth--from an
+accident so easily to be avoided with some care, is the more to
+be lamented. You and Albert lose in him a friend whose moderation,
+correct judgment, great knowledge of everything connected with the
+country, can never be found again. Europe had in him a benevolent and
+a truly wise statesman....
+
+Give my best thanks to Albert for his kind letter. I mean to send a
+messenger probably on Sunday or Monday to write to him. I pity him
+about the great Exhibition. I fear he will be much plagued, and I was
+glad to see that the matter is to be treated in Parliament. Alas! in
+all human affairs one is sure to meet with violent passions, and Peel
+knew that so well; great care even for the most useful objects is
+necessary.
+
+I will write to you a word to-morrow. God grant that it may be
+satisfactory.[28] Ever, my beloved, dear Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 28: The Princess Charlotte of Belgium was seriously
+    ill.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of Prussia._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _6th July 1850._
+
+SIRE, MY MOST HONOURED BROTHER,--I have to express to you my thanks
+for the pleasure which the visit of your dear brother has given us,
+who, as I hope, will remit these lines to you in perfect health. That
+things go so well with you, and that the healing of your wound has
+made undisturbed progress, has been to us a true removal of anxiety.
+You will no doubt have learnt that I too have been again the object
+of an attempt, if possible still more cowardly. The criminal is, _as
+usual_, this time too, insane, or will pretend to be so; still the
+deed remains.
+
+All our feelings are, in the meanwhile, preoccupied by the sorrow,
+in which your Majesty and all Europe will share, at the death of Sir
+Robert Peel. That is one of the hardest blows of Fate which could
+have fallen on us and on the country. You knew the great man, and
+understood how to appreciate his merit. His value is now becoming
+clear even to his opponents; all Parties are united in mourning.
+
+The only satisfactory event of recent times is the news of
+your conclusion of peace with Denmark. Accept my most cordial
+congratulations on that account.
+
+Requesting you to remember me cordially to the dear Queen, and
+referring you for detailed news to the dear Prince, also recommending
+to your gracious remembrance Albert, who does not wish to trouble you,
+on his part, with a letter, I remain, in unchangeable friendship, dear
+Brother, your Majesty's faithful Sister,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _9th July 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--We live in the midst of sorrow and death! My poor
+good Uncle Cambridge breathed his last, without a struggle, at a few
+minutes before ten last night. I still saw him yesterday morning at
+one, but he _did not see me_, and to-day I saw him lifeless and cold.
+The poor Duchess and the poor children are very touching in their
+grief, and poor Augusta,[29] who arrived just _five hours too late_,
+is quite heartbroken. The end was most peaceful; there was no
+disease; only a gastric fever, which came on four weeks ago, from
+over-exertion, and cold, and which he neglected for the first week,
+carried him off.
+
+The good Prince of Prussia you will have been pleased to talk to and
+see. Having lived with him for a fortnight on a very intimate footing,
+we have been able to appreciate his _real_ worth fully; he is so
+honest and frank, and so steady of purpose and courageous.
+
+Poor dear Peel is to be buried to-day. The sorrow and grief at his
+death are most touching, and the country mourns over him as over a
+father. Every one seems to have lost a personal friend.
+
+As I have much to write, you will forgive me ending here. You will
+be glad to hear that poor Aunt Gloucester is wonderfully calm and
+resigned. My poor dear Albert, who had been so fresh and well when we
+came back, looks so pale and fagged again. He has felt, and feels, Sir
+Robert's loss _dreadfully_. He feels he has lost a second father.
+
+May God bless and protect you all, you dear ones! Ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 29: See _ante_, vol. i. p. 437.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th July 1850._
+
+Before this draft to Lord Bloomfield about Greece is sent, it would be
+well to consider whether Lord Palmerston is justified in calling
+the Minister of the Interior of Greece "a notorious defaulter to the
+amount of 200,000 drachms,"[30] and should he be so, whether it is
+a proper thing for the Queen's Foreign Secretary to say in a public
+despatch!
+
+    [Footnote 30: The Convention of the 18th of April (see _ante_,
+    p. 242, note 1) had decided that L8500 should be distributed
+    among the claimants, and that Don Pacifico's special claim
+    against Portugal should be referred to arbitration. Ultimately
+    he was awarded only an insignificant sum.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE FOREIGN OFFICE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _28th July 1850._
+
+The Queen will have much pleasure in seeing the Duke and Duchess of
+Bedford here next Saturday, and we have invited them. She will be
+quite ready to hear the Duke's opinions on the Foreign Office. Lord
+John may be sure that she fully admits the great difficulties in the
+way of the projected alteration, but she, on the other hand, feels
+the duty she owes to the country and to herself, not to allow a man
+in whom she can have no confidence, who has conducted himself in
+_anything but_ a straightforward and proper manner to herself, to
+remain in the Foreign Office, and thereby to expose herself to insults
+from other nations, and the country to the constant risk of serious
+and alarming complications. The Queen considers these reasons as
+much graver than the other difficulties. Each time that we were in
+a difficulty, the Government seemed to be determined to move Lord
+Palmerston, and as soon as these difficulties were got over, those
+which present themselves in the carrying out of this removal appeared
+of so great a magnitude as to cause its relinquishment. There is no
+chance of Lord Palmerston reforming himself in his sixty-seventh year,
+and after having considered his last escape as a triumph.... The
+Queen is personally convinced that Lord Palmerston at this moment is
+secretly planning an armed Russian intervention in Schleswig, which
+may produce a renewal of revolutions in Germany, and possibly a
+general war.
+
+The Queen only adduces this as an instance that there is no question
+of delicacy and danger in which Lord Palmerston will not arbitrarily
+and without reference to his colleagues or Sovereign engage this
+country.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of Denmark._
+
+OSBORNE, _29 Juillet 1850._
+
+SIRE ET MON BON FRERE,--La lettre dont votre Majeste a bien voulu
+m'honorer m'a cause un bien vif plaisir comme temoignage que votre
+Majeste a su apprecier les sentiments d'amitie pour vous et le desir
+d'agir avec impartialite qui m'ont animee ainsi que mon Gouvernement
+pendant tout le cours des longues negociations qui out precede la
+signature de la Paix avec l'Allemagne. Votre Majeste peut aisement
+comprendre aussi combien je dois regretter le renouvellement de la
+guerre avec le Schleswig qui ne pourra avoir d'autre resultat que
+l'accroissement de l'animosite et l'affaiblissement des deux nobles
+peuples sur lesquels vous regnez. Dieu veuille que cette derniere
+lutte se termine pourtant dans une reconciliation solide, basee sur
+la reconnaissance des droits et des obligations des deux cotes. Je me
+trouve poussee a vous soumettre ici, Sire, une priere pour un Prince
+qui s'est malheureusement trouve en conflit avec votre Majeste, mais
+pour lequel les liens de parente me portent a plaider, le Duc de
+Holstein-Augustenburg. Je suis persuadee que la magnanimite de votre
+Majeste lui rendra ses biens particuliers, qu'elle a juge necessaire
+de lui oter pendant la guerre de 1848, ce que je reconnaitrais bien
+comme une preuve d'amitie de la part de votre Majeste envers moi.
+
+En faisant des v[oe]ux, pour son bonbeur et en exprimant le desir du
+Prince, mon Epoux, d'etre mis aux pieds de votre Majeste, je suis,
+Sire et mon bon Frere, de votre Majeste la bonne S[oe]ur,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DENMARK AND SCHLESWIG]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _31st July 1850._
+
+The Queen must draw Lord John Russell's attention to the accompanying
+draft[31] with regard to Schleswig, which is evidently intended to
+lay the ground for future foreign armed intervention. This is to be
+justified by considering the assistance which the Stadthalterschaft
+of Holstein may be tempted to give to their Schleswig brethren "as an
+invasion of Schleswig by a German force."
+
+Lord John seems himself to have placed a "?" against that passage.
+This is, after two years' negotiation and mediation, _begging the
+question_ at issue. The whole war--Revolution, mediation, etc.,
+etc.--rested upon the question whether Schleswig was part of Holstein
+(though not of the German Confederation), or part of Denmark and not
+of Holstein.
+
+    [Footnote 31: In this draft, Lord Palmerston was remonstrating
+    with the Prussian Government against the orders given by the
+    Holstein Statthalters to their army to invade Schleswig, after
+    the signature of the peace between Prussia and Denmark.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _31st July 1850._
+
+The Queen has considered Lord Seymour's memorandum upon the Rangership
+of the Parks in London, but cannot say that it has convinced her of
+the expediency of its abolition. There is nothing in the management of
+these parks by the Woods and Forests which does not equally apply to
+all the others, as Greenwich, Hampton Court, Richmond, etc. There is
+certainly a degree of inconvenience in the divided authority, but this
+is amply compensated by the advantage to the Crown, in appearance
+at least, to keep up an authority emanating personally from the
+Sovereign, and unconnected with a Government Department which is
+directly answerable to the House of Commons. The last debate upon Hyde
+Park has, moreover, shown that it will not be safe not to remind the
+public of the fact that the parks are Royal property. As the Ranger
+has no power over money, the management will always remain with the
+Office of Woods.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SIR CHARLES NAPIER RESIGNS]
+
+
+_The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _3rd August 1850._
+
+Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble duty to your
+Majesty. He regrets to be under the necessity of submitting to your
+Majesty the enclosed letter from General Sir Charles Napier,
+G.C.B., in which he tenders his resignation of the office of
+Commander-in-Chief of your Majesty's Forces in the East Indies.[32]
+
+Upon the receipt of this paper Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington
+considered it to be his duty to peruse all the papers submitted by
+Sir Charles Napier; to survey the transaction which had occasioned
+the censure of the Governor-General in Council complained of by Sir
+Charles Napier; to require from the India House all the information
+which could throw light upon the conduct complained of, as well as
+upon the motives alleged for it; the reasons given on account of which
+it was stated to be necessary.
+
+He has stated in a minute, a memorandum of which he submits the copy
+to your Majesty, his views and opinions upon the whole subject, and
+the result which he submits to your Majesty is that he considers it
+his duty humbly to submit to your Majesty that your Majesty should be
+graciously pleased to accept the resignation of General Sir Charles
+Napier thus tendered.
+
+Before he should submit this recommendation to your Majesty in
+relation to an office of such high reputation in so high and important
+a station, Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington considered it his duty
+to submit his views to your Majesty's servants, who have expressed
+their concurrence in his opinion.
+
+It is probable that the President of the Board of Control will lay
+before your Majesty the papers transmitted to the Secret Committee of
+the Court of Directors, by the Governor-General in Council, which
+are adverted to in the paper drawn up by the Duke, and of which the
+substance alone is stated.
+
+All of which is humbly submitted to your Majesty by your Majesty's
+most dutiful Subject and most devoted Servant,
+
+WELLINGTON.
+
+
+    [Footnote 32: This was in consequence of Sir Charles Napier's
+    action in exercising powers belonging to the Supreme Council,
+    on the occasion of a mutiny of a regiment of the Native Army.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S CONDUCT OF AFFAIRS]
+
+[Pageheading: A POSSIBLE RE-ARRANGEMENT]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE, _5th August 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell having lately stated that Lord Clarendon, who
+had always been most eager to see Lord Palmerston moved, had lately
+expressed to him his opinion that it would be most dangerous and
+impolitic to do so under present circumstances, we thought it right
+to see Lord Clarendon here.... In conversation with me, Lord Clarendon
+spoke in his old strain of Lord Palmerston, but very strongly also
+of the danger of turning him out and making him the leader of the
+Radicals, who were anxiously waiting for that, were much dissatisfied
+with Lord John Russell, and free from control by the death of Sir
+Robert Peel. I said that if everything was done with Lord Palmerston's
+consent there would be no danger, to which Lord Clarendon assented,
+but doubted that he would consent to giving up what was his hobby. He
+added, nobody but Lord John could carry on the Foreign Affairs, but he
+ought not to leave the House of Commons under present circumstances,
+where he was now the only authority left.
+
+We saw the Duke of Bedford yesterday, whom Lord John had wished us
+to invite. He is very unhappy about the present state of affairs,
+frightened about things going on as at present, when Lord John can
+exercise no control over Lord Palmerston, and the Queen is exposed
+year after year to the same annoyances and dangers arising from Lord
+Palmerston's mode of conducting the affairs; but on the other hand,
+equally frightened at turning him loose. The Duke was aware of all
+that had passed between us and Lord John, and ready to do anything
+_he_ could to bring matters to a satisfactory solution, but thought
+his brother would not like to leave the House of Commons now. He had
+very much changed his opinion on that head latterly, and the more so
+as he thought something ought to be done next year with the franchise,
+which he alone could carry through. On my questioning whether it was
+impossible to persuade him to take the Foreign Office and stay in the
+Lower House, with a first-rate under-secretary, at least for a time,
+the Duke thought he might perhaps temporarily, as he felt he owed
+to the Queen the solution of the difficulty, but expressed again his
+fears of Lord Palmerston's opposition. I replied that if Lord John
+would make up his mind to take the Foreign Office, and to stay in
+the House of Commons, I saw no danger, as Lord John would be able to
+maintain himself successfully, and Lord Palmerston would not like to
+be in opposition to him, whilst he would become most formidable to
+anybody who was to _gain_ only the leadership in the House; moreover,
+Lord John, having done so much for Lord Palmerston, could expect and
+demand a return of sacrifice, and a variety of posts might be offered
+to him--the Presidency of the Council, the office of Home Secretary,
+or Secretary for the Colonies, Chancellor of the Exchequer, etc.,
+etc., which places I was sure any member of the Cabinet would vacate
+for him. The Duke of Bedford added the Lieutenancy of Ireland, as Lord
+Clarendon had told him he was ready to give it up for the purpose, but
+only under _one_ condition, viz. that of not having to succeed to
+Lord Palmerston at the Foreign Office. Observing our surprise at
+this declaration, the Duke added that Lord Clarendon acted most
+considerately, that he was ready to have no office at all, and would
+support the Government independently in the House of Lords if this
+were to facilitate arrangements. The Queen rejoined that a peerage was
+of course also at Lord John's disposal for Lord Palmerston. We then
+agreed that Lord Granville would be the best person to become Lord
+John's Under-Secretary of State, a man highly popular, pleasing,
+conciliatory, well versed in Foreign Affairs, and most industrious;
+trained under Lord John, he could at any time leave him the office
+altogether, if Lord John should find it too much for himself. Lord
+Granville had a higher office now, that of Vice-President of the
+Board of Trade and Paymaster-General, but would be sure to feel the
+importance of taking a lower office under such circumstances and with
+such contingencies likely to depend upon it. I have seen a great deal
+of him latterly, as he is the only working man on the Commission for
+the Exhibition of 1851, and have found him most able, good-natured,
+and laborious. The Duke liked the proposal very much, and is going to
+communicate all that passed between us to Lord John on Tuesday.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S POSITION]
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S JUSTIFICATION]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE, _8th August 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell came down here yesterday in order to report to the
+Queen what had passed between him and Lord Palmerston the day before,
+on whom he had called in order to have an explanation on the Foreign
+Affairs.
+
+Lord John reminded him of former communications, but admitted that
+circumstances were much changed by the recent debates in both Houses
+of Parliament; still, it was necessary to come to an understanding of
+the position. The _policy_ pursued with regard to the Foreign Affairs
+had been right and such as had the approval of Lord John himself, the
+Cabinet generally, and he believed the greater part of the country.
+But the manner in which it had been executed had been unfortunate,
+led to irritation and hostility; although peace had actually been
+preserved, and England stood in a position requiring no territorial
+aggrandisement or advantage of any kind, yet all Governments and
+Powers, not only Russia and Austria, but also France and the liberal
+states, had become decidedly hostile to us, and our intercourse was
+not such as was desirable. Lord John could instance many cases in
+which they had been unnecessarily slighted and provoked by Lord
+Palmerston, like M. Drouyn de Lhuys in the Greek affair. Lord
+Palmerston's conduct towards the Queen had been disrespectful and
+wanting in due attention and deference to her, and had been much
+complained of.
+
+In consequence of all this Lord John had before proposed to Her
+Majesty that the Foreign Affairs should be entrusted to Lord Minto,
+he himself should go to the House of Lords, and Lord Palmerston
+should have the lead in the House of Commons. The Queen had, however,
+objected to this arrangement, [thinking] the lead in the Lower
+House to be more properly given to Sir George Grey, who had as Home
+Secretary conducted all internal business in the House. Now had come
+Sir R. Peel's death, which made it impossible for Lord John to leave
+the House of Commons without endangering the position of Government
+and of the parties in the House.
+
+Lord Palmerston was much pleased to hear of Lord John's intention to
+stay in the House of Commons, said all was changed now; there had been
+a great conspiracy against him, he had been accused in Parliament, put
+on his trial and acquitted. The acquittal had produced the greatest
+enthusiasm for him in the country, and he was now supported by a
+strong party; he owned, however, that his success had been chiefly
+owing to the handsome manner in which Lord John and his colleagues had
+supported him in the debate. That he should incur the momentary enmity
+of those states whose interests and plans he might have to cross was
+quite natural; he had never intended any disrespect to the Queen, and
+if he had been guilty of any he was quite unconscious of it and sorry
+for it.
+
+Lord John reminded him that although the Government had got a majority
+in the House of Commons in the Foreign debate, it was not to be
+forgotten that the fate of the Government had been staked upon it, and
+that many people voted on that account who would not have supported
+the Foreign policy; that it was remarkable that all those who had the
+strongest reason to be anxious for the continuance of the Government,
+but who could not avoid _speaking_, were obliged to speak and vote
+against the Government. Sir R. Peel's speech was a most remarkable
+instance of this.
+
+Lord Palmerston saw in Sir Robert's speech nothing but a reluctant
+effort to defend Lord Aberdeen, whom he was bound to defend. If he
+(Lord Palmerston) were to leave the Foreign Office, there must be a
+ground for it, such as his having to take the lead in the House of
+Commons, which was evidently impossible with the conduct of Foreign
+Department at the same time. (It had killed Mr Canning, and after
+that failure nobody ought to attempt it.) But without such a ground it
+would be loss of character to him, which he could not be expected
+to submit to. There was not even the excuse of wishing to avoid a
+difficulty with a foreign country, as all was smooth now. Those who
+had wished to injure him had been beat, and now it would be
+giving them a triumph after all. If the Queen or the Cabinet were
+dissatisfied with his management of the Foreign Affairs, they had a
+right to demand his resignation, and he would give it, but they could
+not ask him to lower himself in public estimation. Lord John answered
+that his resignation would lead to a further split of parties: there
+were parties already enough in the House, and it was essential that at
+least the Whig party should be kept together, to which Lord Palmerston
+assented. He (Lord Palmerston) then repeated his complaints against
+that plot which had been got up in this country against him, and
+urged on by foreigners, complained particularly of Lord Clarendon, Mr
+Greville of the Privy Council, Mr Reeve, ditto, and their attacks upon
+him in the _Times_, and of Mr Delane, the Editor of the _Times_,
+of Guizot, Princess Lieven, etc., etc., etc. However, they had been
+convinced that they could not upset him, and Mr Reeve had declared to
+him that he had been making open and honourable (?!!) war upon him;
+now he would make a lasting peace. With Russia and France he (Lord
+Palmerston) had just been signing the Danish Protocol, showing that
+they were on the best terms together.
+
+Lord John felt he could not press the matter further under these
+circumstances, but he seemed much provoked at the result of his
+conversation. We expressed our surprise that he had not made Lord
+Palmerston any offer of any kind. Lord John replied he had not been
+sure what he could have offered him....
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DUTIES OF THE FOREIGN SECRETARY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._[33]
+
+OSBORNE, _12th August 1850._
+
+With reference to the conversation about Lord Palmerston which the
+Queen had with Lord John Russell the other day, and Lord Palmerston's
+disavowal that he ever intended any disrespect to her by the various
+neglects of which she has had so long and so often to complain, she
+thinks it right, in order _to prevent any mistake_ for the _future_,
+shortly to explain _what it is she expects from her Foreign
+Secretary_. She requires: (1) That he will distinctly state what
+he proposes in a given case, in order that the Queen may know as
+distinctly to _what_ she has given her Royal sanction; (2) Having
+_once given_ her sanction to a measure, that it be not arbitrarily
+altered or modified by the Minister; such an act she must consider as
+failing in sincerity towards the Crown, and justly to be visited by
+the exercise of her Constitutional right of dismissing that Minister.
+She expects to be kept informed of what passes between him and the
+Foreign Ministers before important decisions are taken, based upon
+that intercourse; to receive the Foreign Despatches in good time, and
+to have the drafts for her approval sent to her in sufficient time to
+make herself acquainted with their contents before they must be sent
+off. The Queen thinks it best that Lord John Russell should show this
+letter to Lord Palmerston.
+
+    [Footnote 33: Compare the memorandum suggested by Baron
+    Stockmar, _ante_, p. 238. This letter was, after much
+    forbearance, written in the hope of bringing Lord Palmerston
+    to a proper understanding of his relation to the Sovereign.
+    Even when the catastrophe came, and its tenor had to be
+    communicated by the Premier to Parliament, the Preamble was
+    generously omitted; but in consequence of its description by
+    Lord Palmerston, in a letter published by Mr Ashley, as an
+    _angry_ memorandum, it was printed in full in _The Life of the
+    Prince Consort_.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _13th August 1850._
+
+MY DEAR JOHN RUSSELL,--I have taken a copy of this memorandum of the
+Queen and will not fail to attend to the directions which it contains.
+With regard to the sending of despatches to the Queen, they have
+sometimes been delayed longer than should have been the case, in
+consequence of my having been prevented by great pressure of business,
+and by the many interruptions of interviews, etc., to which I am
+liable, from reading and sending them back into the Office so soon
+as I could have wished. But I will give orders that the old practice
+shall be reverted to, of making copies of all important despatches
+as soon as they reach the Office, so that there may be no delay in
+sending the despatches to the Queen; this practice was gradually left
+off as the business of the Office increased, and if it shall require
+an additional clerk or two you must be liberal and allow me that
+assistance.--Yours sincerely,
+
+PALMERSTON.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF LOUIS PHILIPPE]
+
+
+_The Duc de Nemours to Queen Victoria._
+
+CLAREMONT, _26 Aout 1850._
+
+MADAME MA CHERE COUSINE,--La main de Dieu vient de s'appesantir sur
+nous. Le Roi notre Pere n'est plus.[34] Apres avoir recu hier avec
+calme et resignation les secours de la religion, il s'est eteint ce
+matin a huit heures au milieu de nous tous. Vous le connaissiez ma
+chere Cousine, vous savez tout ce que nous perdons, vous comprendrez
+donc l'inexprimable douleur dans laquelle nous sommes plonges; vous la
+partagerez meme je le sais!
+
+La Reine brisee, malgre son courage, ne trouve de soulagement que dans
+une retraite absolue ou ne voyant personne elle puisse laisser cours a
+sa douleur.
+
+Veuillez faire part a Albert de notre malheur et recevoir ici, ma
+chere Cousine, l'hommage des sentiments de respect et d'attachement,
+de votre bien affectionne Cousin,
+
+LOUIS D'ORLEANS.
+
+    [Footnote 34: King Louis Philippe was in his seventy-seventh
+    year when he died: his widow, Queen Marie Amelie, lived till
+    1866, when she died at the age of eighty-four.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _26th August 1850._
+
+The Queen wishes Lord Palmerston to give directions for a Court
+mourning according to those which are usual for an abdicated King.
+She likewise wishes that every assistance should be given, and every
+attention shown to the afflicted Royal Family, who have been so
+severely tried during the last two years, on the melancholy occasion
+of the poor King of the French's death.
+
+The Queen starts for Scotland to-morrow.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _30 August 1850._
+
+... I have offered to the poor Queen of the French to remain at
+Claremont and _d'en disposer_ as long as Heaven does not dispose of
+myself. She, of course, dislikes the place, but will keep the family
+with her at least for some time.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+TAYMOUTH CASTLE, _5th September 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and was
+happy to receive your Majesty's gracious letter, which reached him the
+night before last.
+
+The proofs of attachment to your Majesty, which are everywhere
+exhibited, are the more gratifying as they are entirely spontaneous.
+
+It is fit and becoming that your Majesty should inhabit the royal
+Palace of Holyrood, and this circumstance gives great satisfaction
+throughout Scotland.
+
+Lord John Russell is glad to learn that the family of the late King of
+the French will continue to reside in England.
+
+The reflection naturally occurs, if Napoleon and Louis Philippe were
+unable to consolidate a dynasty in France, who will ever be able to
+do it? The prospect is a succession of fruitless attempts at civil
+Government till a General assumes the command, and governs by military
+force.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE POET LAUREATE]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DUNKELD, _7th September 1850._
+
+... Lord John Russell has had the honour of receiving at Taymouth a
+letter from the Prince. He agrees that the office of Poet Laureate
+ought to be filled up. There are three or four authors of nearly equal
+merit, such as Henry Taylor, Sheridan Knowles, Professor Wilson, and
+Mr Tennyson, who are qualified for the office.
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+OSTEND, _7th October 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I write a few words only to tell you how our
+dear patient is.[35] Yesterday was a most perilous, truly dreadful
+day; our dear angelic Louise was so fainting that Madame d'Hulst, who
+was with her, felt the greatest alarm. She afterwards was better, and
+her mother, Clem, Joinville, and Aumale having arrived, she saw them
+with more composure than could have been expected. Still, she would
+in fact wish to be left quiet and alone with me, and we try to manage
+things as much as possible so that their visit does not tire her too
+much.
+
+Her courage and strength of mind are most heart-breaking when one
+thinks of the danger in which she is, and her dear and angelic soul
+seems even to shine more brightly at this moment of such great and
+imminent danger. I am in a dreadful state when I am with her. She is
+so contented, so cheerful, that the possibilities of danger appear
+to me impossible; but the physicians are very much alarmed, without
+thinking the state absolutely hopeless. That one should write such
+things about a life so precious, and one in fact still so young, and
+whose angelic soul is so strong! You will feel with me as you love
+her so dearly. God bless you and preserve you from heart-breaking
+sufferings like mine. Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 35: The Queen of the Belgians died on the 11th of
+    October, at the age of thirty-eight.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: GENERAL HAYNAU]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+BROADLANDS, _8th October 1850._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+has had the honour to receive your Majesty's communication of the 4th
+instant, expressing your Majesty's wish that an alteration should be
+made in his answer to Baron Koller's[36] note of the 5th of September,
+on the subject of the attack made upon General Haynau;[37] but
+Viscount Palmerston begs to state that when Baron Koller was at this
+place about ten days ago, he expressed so much annoyance at the delay
+which had already taken place in regard to the answer to his note
+of the 5th September, and he requested so earnestly that he might
+immediately have the reply, that Viscount Palmerston could do
+no otherwise than send him the answer at once, and Baron Koller
+despatched it the next day to Vienna.
+
+Viscount Palmerston had put the last paragraph into the answer,
+because he could scarcely have reconciled it to his own feelings and
+to his sense of public responsibility to have put his name to a
+note which might be liable to be called for by Parliament, without
+expressing in it, at least as his own personal opinion, a sense of the
+want of propriety evinced by General Haynau in coming to England at
+the present moment.[38]
+
+The state of public feeling in this country about General Haynau and
+his proceedings in Italy and Hungary was perfectly well known; and
+his coming here so soon after those events, without necessity or
+obligation to do so, was liable to be looked upon as a bravado, and as
+a challenge to an expression of public opinion.
+
+Baron Koller indeed told Viscount Palmerston that Prince Metternich
+and Baron Neumann had at Brussels strongly dissuaded General Haynau
+from coming on to England; and that he (Baron Koller) had after his
+arrival earnestly entreated him to cut off those long moustachios
+which rendered him so liable to be identified.
+
+With regard to the transaction itself, there is no justifying a breach
+of the law, nor an attack by a large number of people upon one or two
+individuals who cannot resist such superior force; and though in the
+present case, according to Baron Koller's account, the chief injury
+sustained by General Haynau consisted in the tearing of his coat, the
+loss of a cane, and some severe bruises on his left arm, and though
+four or five policemen proved to be sufficient protection, yet a mob
+who begin by insult lead each other on to outrage; and there is no
+saying to what extremes they might have proceeded if they had not been
+checked.
+
+Such occurrences, however, have taken place before; and to go no
+further back than the last summer, the attacks on Lord Talbot at
+the Stafford meeting, and on Mr Bankes, Mr Sturt, and others at the
+Dorchester meeting, when a man was killed, were still more violent
+outrages, and originated simply in differences of political opinion;
+whereas in this case the brewers' men were expressing their feeling at
+what they considered inhuman conduct on the part of General Haynau.
+
+The people of this country are remarkable for their hospitable
+reception of foreigners, and for their forgetfulness of past
+animosities. Napoleon Bonaparte, the greatest enemy that England
+ever had, was treated while at Plymouth with respect, and with
+commiseration while at St Helena. Marshal Soult, who had fought
+in many battles against the English, was received with generous
+acclamation when he came here as Special Ambassador. The King of the
+French, Mons. Guizot, and Prince Metternich, though all of them great
+antagonists of English policy and English interests, were treated in
+this country with courtesy and kindness. But General Haynau was looked
+upon as a great moral criminal; and the feeling in regard to him was
+of the same nature as that which was manifested towards Tawell[39] and
+the Mannings,[40] with this only difference, that General Haynau's bad
+deeds were committed upon a far larger scale, and upon a far larger
+number of victims. But Viscount Palmerston can assure your Majesty
+that those feelings of just and honourable indignation have not been
+confined to England, for he had good reason to know that General
+Haynau's ferocious and unmanly treatment of the unfortunate
+inhabitants of Brescia and of other towns and places in Italy, his
+savage proclamations to the people of Pesth, and his barbarous acts in
+Hungary excited almost as much disgust in Austria as in England, and
+that the nickname of "General Hyaena" was given to him at Vienna long
+before it was applied to him in London.
+
+    [Footnote 36: The Austrian Ambassador.]
+
+    [Footnote 37: General Haynau had earned in the Hungarian War
+    an odious reputation as a flogger of women. When visiting the
+    brewery of Barclay & Perkins, the draymen mobbed and
+    assaulted him; he had to fly from them, and take refuge in a
+    neighbouring house. Lord Palmerston had to send an official
+    letter of apology to the Austrian Government, which, as
+    originally despatched, without waiting for the Queen's
+    approval, contained a paragraph offensive to Austria.]
+
+    [Footnote 38: See Lord Palmerston's letter to Sir G. Grey,
+    Ashley's _Life of Lord Palmerston_, vol. i. chap. vi.]
+
+    [Footnote 39: Executed for the Salt Hill murder.]
+
+    [Footnote 40: Marie Manning (an ex-lady's maid, whose career
+    is said to have suggested Hortense in _Bleak House_ to
+    Dickens) was executed with her husband, in 1849, for the
+    murder of a guest. She wore black satin on the scaffold, a
+    material which consequently became unpopular for some time.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DRAFT DESPATCHED]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _11th October 1850._
+
+The Queen having written to Lord Palmerston in conformity with Lord
+John Russell's suggestion respecting the draft to Baron Koller, now
+encloses Lord Palmerston's answer, which she received at Edinburgh
+yesterday evening. Lord John will see that Lord Palmerston has not
+only _sent_ the draft, but passes over in silence her injunction to
+have a corrected copy given to Baron Koller, and adds a vituperation
+against General Haynau, which clearly shows that he is not sorry for
+what has happened, and makes a merit of sympathising with the draymen
+at the brewery and the Chartist Demonstrations....
+
+The Queen encloses likewise a copy of her letter to Lord Palmerston,
+and hopes Lord John will write to him.[41]
+
+    [Footnote 41: Lord John insisted on the note being withdrawn,
+    and another substituted with the offensive passage omitted.
+    After threatening resignation, Lord Palmerston somewhat tamely
+    consented.
+
+    Lord John Russell wrote to the Prince Albert that he would be
+    "somewhat amused, if not surprised, at the sudden and amicable
+    termination of the dispute regarding the letter to Baron
+    Koller. The same course may be adopted with advantage if a
+    despatch is ever again sent which has been objected to, and
+    to which the Queen's sanction has not been given." See the
+    Queen's letter of the 19th of October.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON CENSURED]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _12th October 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter respecting the draft
+to Baron Koller. She cannot suppose that Baron Koller addressed his
+note to Lord Palmerston in order to receive in answer an expression of
+his _own personal opinion_; and if Lord Palmerston could not reconcile
+it to his own feelings to express the regret of the Queen's Government
+at the brutal attack and wanton outrage committed by a ferocious mob
+on a distinguished foreigner of past seventy years of age, who was
+quietly visiting a private establishment in this metropolis, without
+adding _his censure of the want of propriety_ evinced by General
+Haynau in coming to England--he might have done so in a private
+letter, where his personal feelings could not be mistaken for the
+opinion of the Queen and her Government. She must repeat her request
+that Lord Palmerston will rectify this.
+
+The Queen can as little approve of the introduction of Lynch Law
+in this country as of the _violent_ vituperations with which Lord
+Palmerston accuses and condemns public men in other countries, acting
+in most difficult circumstances and under heavy responsibility,
+without having the means of obtaining correct information or of
+sifting evidence.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _16th October 1850._
+
+The Queen is glad to hear from Lord Palmerston that he has given no
+countenance to the French and Russian proposal at the suggestion of
+Denmark, that England, France, and Russia should, after having signed
+the Protocol in favour of Denmark, now go further and send their
+armies to aid her in her contest with Holstein.[42] The Queen does not
+expect any good result from Lord Palmerston's counter proposal to urge
+Prussia and Austria to compel the Holsteiners to lay down their arms.
+The mediating power ought rather to make Denmark feel that it requires
+more than a cessation of hostilities, a plan of reconciliation, and a
+solution of the questions in dispute, before she can hope permanently
+to establish peace. The mediating power itself, however, should strive
+to arrive at some opinion on the matter in dispute, based, not on
+_its own_ supposed interests, as the Protocol is, but on an anxious,
+careful, and impartial investigation of the rights and pretensions of
+the disputing parties; and if it finds it impossible to arrive at such
+an opinion, to fix upon some impartial tribunal capable of doing
+so, to which the dispute could be submitted for decision. Common
+principles of morality would point out such a course, and what is
+morally right only can be politically wise.
+
+    [Footnote 42: A strenuous attempt was being made by the Danish
+    Government to bring pressure to bear on Austria and Prussia,
+    to put down the nationalist movement in the Duchies, either by
+    active intervention, or by reassembling the Conference
+    which had negotiated the Treaty of Berlin. Lord Palmerston
+    discountenanced both alternatives, but wrote to the Queen
+    that he and the representatives of France, Russia, and Denmark
+    thought that Austria and Prussia should be urged to take all
+    feasible steps to put an end to the hostilities.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF QUEEN LOUISE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _18th October 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--_This_ was the day I _always_ and for so _many
+years_ wrote to _her_, to _our adored Louise_, and I _now_ write to
+_you_, to thank you for that _heart-breaking_, touching letter of the
+16th, which you so _very kindly_ wrote to me. It is _so_ kind of you
+to write to us. _What_ a day Tuesday must have been! _Welch einen
+Gang!_ and _yesterday!_ My _grief_ was _so great_ again yesterday.
+To _talk_ of her is my _greatest consolation!_Let us _all try_ to
+imitate _her!_My poor dear Uncle, we wish so to be with you, to be of
+_any use_ to you. You will allow us, in three or four weeks, to go
+to you for two or three days, _quite quietly_ and alone, to Laeken
+without _any_ one, without _any_ reception anywhere, to cry with you
+and to talk with you of _Her_. It will be a great comfort to us--a
+_silent tribute_ of _respect and love to her_--to be able to mingle
+our tears with yours over _her_ tomb! And the affection of your
+two devoted children will perhaps be _some slight balm_. My _first_
+impulse was to _fly at once_ to you, but perhaps a few weeks' delay
+will be better. It will be a _great_ and melancholy satisfaction to
+us. _Daily_ will you feel more, my poor dear Uncle, the _poignancy_ of
+_your dreadful_ loss; my _heart breaks_ in thinking of _you_ and the
+poor dear children. _How_ beautiful it must be to see that _your whole
+country_ weeps and mourns _with_ you! For this country and for your
+children you must _try_ to bear up, and feel that in _so doing_ you
+are doing _all_ SHE wished. If only _we_ could be of use to you! if
+_I_ could do _anything_ for dear little Charlotte, whom our blessed
+Louise talked of _so_ often to me.
+
+May I _write_ to _you_ on _Fridays_ when I used to write to her, as
+well as on Tuesdays? You need _not_ answer me, and whenever it bores
+you to write to me, or you have no time, let one of the dear children
+write to me.
+
+May God bless and protect you ever, my beloved Uncle, is our anxious
+prayer. Embrace the dear children in the name of one who has almost
+the feelings of a mother for them. Ever your devoted Niece and loving
+Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th October 1850._
+
+The Queen is very glad of the result of the conflict with Lord
+Palmerston, of which Lord John Russell apprised her by his letter of
+yesterday's date. The correspondence, which the Queen now returns,
+shows clearly that Lord Palmerston in this transaction, as in every
+other, remained true to his principles of action.... But it shows
+also that Lord John has the power of exercising that control over Lord
+Palmerston, the careful exercise of which he owes to the Queen, his
+colleagues, and the country, if he will take the necessary pains to
+remain firm. The Queen does not believe in _resignation_ under almost
+any circumstances.
+
+The Queen is very anxious about the Holstein question, and sends a
+copy of her last letter to Lord Palmerston on the subject.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _21st October 1850._
+
+SIR,--I have just received this note from Lord Palmerston.[43]
+
+The French Ambassador, who has been here, confirms the news. We must
+consider the whole affair on Wednesday, and I shall be glad to learn
+what the Queen thinks can be done.
+
+Mr Tennyson is a fit person to be Poet Laureate.
+
+I have the honour to be, your Royal Highness's most obedient Servant,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+    [Footnote 43: The note was in reference to the affairs of
+    Hesse-Cassel, and to the rumours of a Conference to be held in
+    Austria for the settlement of German affairs.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE TRACTARIAN MOVEMENT]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+BISHOPTHORPE, _25th October 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he has
+read with attention the letter of the Duchess of Norfolk.[44] He
+has also read the Pope's Bull. It strikes him that the division into
+twelve territorial dioceses of eight ecclesiastical vicariats is not
+a matter to be alarmed at. The persons to be affected by this change
+must be already Roman Catholics before it can touch them.
+
+The matter to create rational alarm is, as your Majesty says, the
+growth of Roman Catholic doctrines and practices within the bosom of
+the Church. Dr Arnold said very truly, "I look upon a Roman Catholic
+as an enemy in his uniform; I look upon a Tractarian as an enemy
+disguised as a spy."
+
+It would be very wrong to do as the Bishop of Oxford proposed, and
+confer the patronage of the Crown on any of these Tractarians. But, on
+the other hand, to treat them with severity would give the whole party
+vigour and union.
+
+The Dean of Bristol is of opinion that the Tractarians are falling to
+pieces by dissension. It appears clear that Mr Denison and Mr Palmer
+have broken off from Dr Pusey.
+
+Sir George Grey will ask the Law Officers whether there is anything
+illegal in Dr Wiseman's assuming the title of Archbishop of
+Westminster. An English Cardinal is not a novelty.[45]
+
+    [Footnote 44: Two important events in the history of the
+    English Church had just occurred. The Bishop of Exeter had
+    refused to institute Mr Gorham to a Crown living in his
+    diocese, on the ground that his teaching on baptism was at
+    variance with the formularies of the Church. This decision,
+    though upheld in the Court of Arches, was reversed (though
+    not unanimously) by the Privy Council. High Church feeling was
+    much aroused by the judgment.
+
+    In September, Pius IX. (now re-established in the Vatican)
+    promulgated a papal brief, restoring the Roman Catholic
+    hierarchy in England, and dividing it territorially into
+    twelve sees, and in October Cardinal Wiseman, as Archbishop
+    of Westminster, issued his Pastoral, claiming that Catholic
+    England had been restored to its orbit in the ecclesiastical
+    firmament. The Duchess of Norfolk, writing from Arundel, had
+    criticised the proselytising action of certain Roman Catholic
+    clergy. _See_ the Queen's reply, _post_, p. 277.]
+
+    [Footnote 45: Lord John wrote on the 4th of November to
+    Dr Maltby, Bishop of Durham, denouncing the assumption of
+    spiritual superiority over England, in the documents issued
+    from Rome. But what alarmed him more (he said) was the
+    action of clergymen within the Church leading their flocks
+    dangerously near the brink, and recommending for adoption
+    the honour paid to saints, the claim of infallibility for the
+    Church, the superstitious use of the sign of the cross, the
+    muttering of the liturgy so as to disguise the language
+    in which it was said, with the recommendation of auricular
+    confession and the administration of Penance and absolution.
+
+    Lord John was pictorially satirised in _Punch_ as the boy who
+    chalked up "No popery" on the door and ran away.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: UNREST IN EUROPE]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+ARDENNE, _10th November 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I write already to-day that it may not miss
+to-morrow's messenger. I came here yesterday by a mild sunshine, and
+the valley of the Meuse was very pretty. I love my solitude here, and
+though the house is small and not what it ought to have been, still I
+always liked it. There seems in most countries danger of agitation
+and convulsions arising. I don't know how it will end in Germany. In
+France it is difficult that things should not break up some way or
+other. I trust you may be spared religious agitation. These sorts of
+things begin with one pretext, and sometimes continue with others. I
+don't think Europe was ever in more danger, _il y a tant d'anarchie
+dans les esprits_. I don't think that can be cured _a l'eau de rose_;
+the human race is not naturally good, very much the contrary; it
+requires a strong hand, and is, in fact, even pleased to be led in
+that way; the memory of all the sort of Cesars and Napoleons,
+from whom they chiefly got blows, is much dearer to them than the
+benefactors of mankind, whom they crucify when they can have their
+own way. Give my best love to Albert; and I also am very anxious to
+be recalled to the recollection of the children, who were so very
+friendly at Ostende. How far we were then to guess what has since
+happened.... My dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Countess of Gainsborough._[46]
+
+_Thursday morning_ [_November ..._] _1850._
+
+DEAREST FANNY,--This is a case of positive necessity, and as _none_
+of the ladies are forthcoming I fear I must call upon you to attend
+me _to-night_. You did so once _in state_ before, and as it is not
+a _matter of pleasure_, but of duty, I am sure you will at once feel
+that you can have no scruple.
+
+Whenever the Mistress of the Robes does not attend, I _always_ have
+three ladies, as they must take turns in standing behind me. Ever
+yours affectionately,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 46: Frances, Countess of Gainsborough, daughter of
+    the third Earl of Roden, a Lady of the Bedchamber, and known
+    till 1841 as Lady Barham.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND GERMANY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _18th November 1850._
+
+The Queen is exceedingly sorry to hear that Lord Westmorland[47] is
+gone, as she was particularly anxious to have seen him before his
+return to Berlin, and to have talked to him on the present critical
+events in Germany; but she quite forgot the day of his departure. What
+is the object of his seeing the President at Paris? and what are his
+instructions with regard to Germany?[48]
+
+Having _invariably encouraged Constitutional_ development in other
+countries,... and having at the beginning of the great movement in
+1847, which led to all the catastrophes of the following years, _sent_
+a Cabinet Minister to Italy to _declare_ to all Italian states that
+_England_ would _protect_ them from Austria if she should attempt
+by threats and violence to debar them from the _attainment_ of their
+_Constitutional_ development, _consistency_ would require that we
+should _now_, when that great struggle is at its end and _despotism_
+is to be _re-imposed_ by Austrian arms upon Germany, throw _our
+weight_ into the scale of _Constitutional_ Prussia and Germany.... The
+Queen is afraid, however, that all our Ministers abroad,--at Berlin,
+Dresden, Munich, Stuttgart, Hanover, etc. (with the exception of Lord
+Cowley at Frankfort)--are warm partisans of the _despotic_ league
+against Prussia and a German Constitution and _for_ the maintenance
+of the old Diet under Austrian and Russian influence. Ought not Lord
+Palmerston to make his agents understand that their sentiments are at
+variance with those of the English Government? and that they are doing
+_serious mischief_ if they express them at Courts which have _already_
+every inclination to follow their desperate course?
+
+Lord Palmerston is of course aware that the old Diet once
+reconstituted and recognised, one of the main laws of it is that "_no
+organic change can be made_ without _unanimity_ of voices," which was
+the cause of the nullity of that body from 1820 to 1848, and will
+now enable Austria, should Prussia and her confederates recognise
+the Diet, to condemn Germany to a further life of stagnation or new
+revolution.
+
+    [Footnote 47: Minister at Berlin.]
+
+    [Footnote 48: Lord Palmerston may have had this letter of the
+    Queen's in mind when he wrote on the 22nd of November to Lord
+    Cowley: "Her (_i.e._ Prussia's) partisans try to make out
+    that the contest between her and Austria is a struggle between
+    constitutional and arbitrary Government, but it is no such
+    thing." Ashley's _Life of Lord Palmerston_, vol. 1. chap. vi.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CONSTITUTIONALISM IN GERMANY]
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _18th November 1850._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty. With
+respect to the maintenance of Constitutional Government in Germany,
+Viscount Palmerston entirely subscribes to your Majesty's opinion,
+that a regard for consistency, as well as a sense of right and
+justice, ought to lead your Majesty's Government to give to the
+Constitutional principle in Germany the same moral support which they
+endeavoured to afford it in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and elsewhere; but
+though he is conscious that he may be deceived and may think better
+of the Austrian Government in this respect than it deserves, yet
+he cannot persuade himself that rational and sound Constitutional
+Government is at present in danger in Germany, or that the Austrian
+Government, whatever may be their inclination and wishes, can think it
+possible in the present day to re-establish despotic government in
+a nation so enlightened, and so attached to free institutions as the
+German people now is. The danger for Germany seems to lie rather in
+the opposite direction, arising from the rash and weak precipitation
+with which in 1848 and 1849 those Governments which before had refused
+everything resolved in a moment of alarm to grant everything, and,
+passing from one extreme to the other, threw universal suffrage among
+people who had been, some wholly and others very much, unaccustomed
+to the working of representative Government. The French have found
+universal suffrage incompatible with good order even in a Republic;
+what must it be for a Monarchy?
+
+Viscount Palmerston would, moreover, beg to submit that the conflict
+between Austria and Prussia can scarcely be said to have turned upon
+principles of Government so much as upon a struggle for political
+ascendency in Germany. At Berlin, at Dresden, and in Baden the
+Prussian Government has very properly no doubt employed military
+force to reestablish order; and in regard to the affairs of Hesse, the
+ground taken by Prussia was not so much a constitutional as a military
+one, and the objection which she made to the entrance of the troops
+of the Diet was that those troops might become hostile, and that they
+ought not, therefore, to occupy a central position in the line of
+military defence of Prussia.
+
+The remark which your Majesty makes as to unanimity being required for
+certain purposes by the Diet regulations is no doubt very just, and
+that circumstance certainly shows that the free Conference which
+is about to be held is a better constructed body for planning a new
+arrangement of a central organ.[49]
+
+    [Footnote 49: War was staved off by the Conference; but the
+    relative predominance of Prussia and Austria in Germany was
+    left undecided for some years to come.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: STATE OF THE CONTINENT]
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd November 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Accept my best thanks for your kind letter of the
+17th, and the dear little English one from dear little Charlotte,
+which is so nicely written, and shows such an amiable disposition.
+I send her to-day a little heart for the hair of our blessed Angel,
+which I hope she will often wear. Our girls have all got one. I have
+written to the dear child. You should have the dear children as much
+with you as possible; I am _sure_ it would be so _good and useful_
+for _you_ and _them_. Children ought to have great confidence in their
+parents, in order for them to have any influence over them.
+
+Yesterday Vicky was ten years old. It seems a dream. If she lives, in
+eight years more she may be married! She is a very clever child, and I
+must say very much improved.
+
+The state of the Continent is deplorable; the folly of Austria and the
+giving way of Prussia are lamentable. _Our_ influence on the Continent
+is _null_.... Add to this, we are between two fires in _this_ country:
+a furious Protestant feeling and an enraged Catholic feeling in
+Ireland. I believe that Austria fans the flame at Rome, and that
+the _whole movement_ on the Continent is _anti-Constitutional_,
+_anti-Protestant_, _and anti-English_; and this is so complicated, and
+we have (thanks to Lord Palmerston) contrived to quarrel _so happily_,
+separately with each, that I do not know _how_ we are to stand against
+it all!
+
+I must now conclude. Trusting soon to hear from you again. Ever your
+devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+My longing for dearest Louise seems only to increase as time goes on.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duchess of Norfolk._
+
+Windsor Castle, _22nd November 1850._
+
+MY DEAR DUCHESS,--It is very remiss in me not to have sooner answered
+your letter with the enclosure, but I received it at a moment of great
+grief, and since then I have been much occupied.
+
+I fully understand your anxiety relative to the proceedings of the
+Roman Catholic Clergy, but I trust that there is no _real_ danger to
+be apprehended from that quarter, the more so as I believe they see
+that they have been misled and misinformed as to the feeling of this
+country by some of the new converts to their religion. The real danger
+to be apprehended, and what I am certain has led to these proceedings
+on the part of the Pope, lies in _our own_ divisions, and in the
+extraordinary conduct of the Puseyites. I trust that the eyes of many
+may now be opened. One would, however, much regret to see any acts of
+intolerance towards the many innocent people who I believe entirely
+disapprove the injudicious conduct of their Clergy.
+
+Hoping that you are all well, believe me, always, yours,
+affectionately,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th November 1850._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have no dear letter to answer, but write to keep
+to the dear day, rendered so peculiarly dear to me by the recollection
+of our dearly beloved Louise.
+
+We are well, but much troubled with numberless things. Our religious
+troubles are great, and I must just say that Cardinal Wiseman
+_himself_ admits that Austria not only approves the conduct of the
+Pope but is urging _on_ the _Propaganda_. I _know this_ to be so.
+Our great difficulty must be, and will be, to steer clear of both
+parties--the violent Protestants and the Roman Catholics. We wish in
+no way to infringe the rights of the Roman Catholics, while we must
+protect and uphold our own religion.
+
+We have seen General Radowitz,[50] with whom we have been much
+interested; his accounts are very clear and very able, and I must say,
+very fair and strictly constitutional. You know him, I suppose? Might
+I again ask, dearest Uncle, if you would like to have a copy of Ross's
+picture of our angel Louise or of Winterhalter's?
+
+Lady Lyttelton, who is returned, is very anxious in her enquiries
+after you.
+
+I must now conclude, my dearest Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 50: General Radowitz, who had been Minister for
+    Foreign Affairs in Prussia, had just arrived in England on a
+    special mission from the King of Prussia.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: STATE OF GERMANY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd December 1850._
+
+MY BELOVED UNCLE,--Two of your dear letters are before me, of the
+29th November and of yesterday. In the former you _give me a promise_,
+which I consider _most_ valuable, and which I shall _remind_ you of if
+you get desponding, viz. "I will to please you _labour on, and do all
+the good I can_." It is so pleasing to feel that one _does_ good and
+does one's duty. It sweetens so many bitter trials.
+
+The state of Germany is indeed a very anxious one. It is a mistake
+to think the _supremacy of Prussia_ is _what is wished for_. General
+Radowitz himself says that what is necessary for Germany [is] that
+she should take the lead, and should redeem the pledges given in '48.
+Unless this be _done_ in a moderate and determined way, a _fearful
+reaction_ will take place, which will _overturn Thrones_; to use
+Radowitz's own words: "_und nicht vor dem Thron stehen bleiben_."
+Prussia is the _only large_ and powerful _really German_ Power
+there is, and therefore she must take the lead; but her constant
+vacillation--one day doing one thing and another day another--has
+caused her to be entirely distrusted. You are quite right in saying
+things should be done _d'un commun accord_, and I think that the other
+great Powers ought to be consulted. Unfortunately, _Lord Palmerston_
+has contrived to make us _so hated_ by all parties abroad, that we
+have lost our position and our influence, which, considering the
+flourishing and satisfactory state of this country during all the
+European convulsions, _ought_ to have been _immense_. This it is
+which pains and grieves me so deeply, and which I have so plainly been
+speaking to Lord John Russell about. What a noble position we _might_
+have had, and how wantonly has it been thrown away!
+
+Good Stockmar is well, and always of the _greatest_ comfort and use to
+us. His judgment is so sound, so unbiassed, and so dispassionate. Ever
+your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND ROME]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th December 1850._
+
+The Queen received Lord John Russell's letter and the draft yesterday.
+He must be a better judge of what the effect of Mr Sheil's[51]
+presence in Rome may be than she can; but for her own part, she thinks
+it entirely against her notions of what is _becoming_ to _ask_ the
+_Pope_ for a _favour_ (for it is tantamount to that) at a moment when
+his name is being vilified and abused in every possible manner in
+this country. It strikes the Queen as an _undignified_ course for this
+Government to pursue.
+
+The Queen is glad to hear of what passed between the Archbishop and
+Lord John.[52] She trusts that something may be done, as the desire
+for it seems to be so great. On the other hand, the Queen deeply
+regrets the great abuse of the Roman Catholic religion which takes
+place at all these meetings, etc. She thinks it unchristian and
+unwise, and trusts that it will soon cease....
+
+    [Footnote 51: Minister at the Court of Tuscany.]
+
+    [Footnote 52: The Government were preparing for the
+    introduction of their Ecclesiastical Titles Bill.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LADY PEEL]
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _10th December 1850._
+
+MY BELOVED UNCLE,--My letter must, I fear, be a somewhat hurried and
+short one, for my morning has been taken up in receiving in state
+Addresses from the City and Universities about this _unfortunate_
+"Papal Aggression" business, which is still keeping people in a
+feverish state of wild excitement.[53] _One_ good effect it has had,
+viz. that of directing people's serious attention to the very alarming
+tendency of the _Tractarians_, which was doing _immense_ harm....
+
+_Many, many thanks_ for your two dear and kind letters of the 6th
+and of yesterday. All you _say_ about _Louise_, and about the
+disappearance _for ever_ of _all_ that _she loved_ and was _proud of_,
+is so true, so _dreadful_. One fancies (foolishly and wrongly, but
+still one _does_) that the lost one has been hardly used in no longer
+enjoying these earthly blessings, and one's grief seems to break
+out afresh in bitter agony upon _small and comparatively trifling_
+occasions. Poor Lady Peel (whom I saw for the first time yesterday at
+Buckingham Palace, whither I had gone for an hour) expressed _this_
+strongly. _Hers_ is indeed a _broken heart_; she is so _truly_ crushed
+by the _agony_ of _her_ grief; it was _very_ touching to see and to
+hear her. Poor thing! she _never_ can be happy again!
+
+What you say about _me_ is far too kind. I am very _often_ sadly
+dissatisfied with myself and with the little self-control I have.
+
+Your long letter interested us much. I fear the German affairs are
+very bad.... That everlasting "backwards and forwards," as you say,
+of my poor friend the King of Prussia is _calamitous_; it causes
+_all_ parties to distrust him, and gives _real_ strength only to the
+Republicans. Since '48 that has been his conduct, and the _misfortune_
+for Germany. A _steady_ course, _whatever_ it may be, is _always_ the
+best.
+
+What you say about poor Helene[54] and France is true and sad. I
+really wish you would caution Helene as to her language; she is much
+attached to you. I _pity_ her very much; her position is very trying,
+and her religion renders it more difficult even.
+
+I must now end my letter. I grieve to hear of your going _alone_ to
+Ardenne; it is BAD for you to be alone, and your poor children also
+ought not to be alone. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 53: These Addresses were presented at Windsor,
+    Prince Albert and the Duke of Wellington representing the
+    Universities of Cambridge and Oxford.]
+
+    [Footnote 54: The Duchess of Orleans.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _11th December 1850._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that the Cabinet to-day considered at great
+length the question of the steps to be taken in respect to the Papal
+Aggression.
+
+The inclination of the majority was not to prosecute, but to bring
+a Bill into Parliament to make the assumption of any titles of
+archbishop, etc., of any place in the United Kingdom illegal, and to
+make any gift of property conveyed under such title null and void.
+
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: RITUALISM]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duchess of Gloucester._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _12th December 1850._
+
+MY DEAR AUNT,--Many thanks for your kind letter; you are quite right
+not to distress the Duchess of Cambridge by mentioning to her what I
+wrote to you about the Bishop of London.[55] I am glad that you
+are pleased with my answers to the Addresses; I thought them very
+proper.[56]
+
+I would never have consented to say anything which breathed a spirit
+of intolerance. Sincerely Protestant as I always have been and
+always shall be, and indignant as I am at those who _call themselves
+Protestants_, while they in fact _are_ quite the _contrary_, I much
+regret the unchristian and intolerant spirit exhibited by many people
+at the public meetings. I cannot bear to hear the violent abuse of the
+Catholic religion, which is so painful and cruel towards the many good
+and innocent Roman Catholics. However, we must hope and trust this
+excitement will soon cease, and that the wholesome effect of it on our
+own _Church_ will be the lasting result of it. Ever yours ...
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 55: The Bishop of London had taken the same view
+    as Lord John Russell of the Papal action, though they had
+    disagreed over the Gorham controversy.]
+
+    [Footnote 56: See _ante_, p. 279.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th December 1850._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of yesterday. She
+sanctions the introduction into Parliament of a Bill framed on the
+principles agreed upon at yesterday's Cabinet, presuming that it will
+extend to the whole United Kingdom. What is to be done, however,
+with respect to the Colonies where the Roman Catholic bishoprics are
+recognised by the Government under territorial titles? and what is
+to be done with Dr Cullen, who has assumed the title of Archbishop
+of Armagh, Primate of all Ireland, which is punishable under the
+Emancipation Act? If this is left unnoticed, the Government will be
+left with the "_lame_" argument in Parliament of which we conversed
+here. Could the Government not be helped out of this difficulty by
+the Primate himself prosecuting the obtruder? The Queen hopes that the
+meeting of the archdeacons with Dr Lushington may do some good; she
+cannot say that she is pleased with the Archbishop's answer to the
+laity published in to-day's _Times_, which leaves them without a
+remedy if the clergymen persist in Puseyite Rituals! The Queen will
+return Lord Minto's letter with the next messenger.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd December 1850._
+
+The Queen now returns Lord Seymour's letter respecting the New Forest,
+and sanctions the proposed arrangement. Considering, however, that she
+gives up the deer, and all patronage and authority over the Forest,
+she wishes the shooting, as the only remaining Royalty, not to be
+withdrawn from her authority also. It will be quite right to give
+Deputations[57] to shoot over the various divisions and walks of the
+Forest to gentlemen of the neighbourhood or others; but in order that
+this may establish no right on their part, and may leave the Sovereign
+a voice in the matter, she wishes that a list be prepared every
+year of the persons recommended by the Office of Woods to receive
+Deputations and submitted for her approval.
+
+    [Footnote 57: A deputation, _i.e._, a deputed right to take
+    game.]
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XX
+
+
+The Ministry were in difficulties at the very beginning of the session
+(1851), being nearly defeated on a motion made in the interest of
+the agricultural party; and though the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill was
+allowed to be brought in, they were beaten in a thin House chiefly by
+their own friends, on the question of the County Franchise. A crisis
+ensued, and a coalition of Whigs and Peelites was attempted, but
+proved impracticable. Lord Stanley having then failed to form a
+Protectionist Ministry, the Whigs, much weakened, had to resume
+office.
+
+The Exhibition, which was opened in Hyde Park on the 1st of May, was a
+complete success, a brilliant triumph indeed, for the Prince, over six
+million people visiting it; it remained open till the Autumn, and the
+building, some time after its removal, was re-erected at Sydenham, at
+the Crystal Palace.
+
+The Ecclesiastical Titles Bill, much modified, was proceeded with,
+and, though opposed by the ablest Peelites and Radicals, became law,
+though its effect, while in operation, was virtually _nil_. It was in
+after-years repealed.
+
+Kossuth, the champion of Hungarian independence, visited England in
+October, and Lord Palmerston had to be peremptorily restrained
+from receiving him publicly at the Foreign Office. A little later,
+Kossuth's ultra-liberal sympathisers in London addressed the Foreign
+Secretary in language violently denunciatory of the Emperors of
+Austria and Russia, for which Lord Palmerston failed to rebuke them.
+The cup was filled to the brim by his recognition of the President's
+_coup d'etat_ in France. Louis Napoleon, after arresting M. Thiers and
+many others, proclaimed the dissolution of the Council of State and
+the National Assembly, decreed a state of siege, and re-established
+universal suffrage, with a Chief Magistrate elected for ten years,
+and a Ministry depending on the executive alone. Palmerston thereupon,
+though professing an intention of non-interference, conveyed to the
+French Ambassador in London his full approbation of the proceeding,
+and his conviction that the President could not have acted otherwise.
+Even after this indiscreet action, the Premier found some difficulty
+in bringing him to book; but before the end of the year he was
+dismissed from office, with the offer, which he declined, of the
+Irish Lord-Lieutenancy and a British Peerage. Greatly to the Queen's
+satisfaction, Lord Granville became Foreign Secretary.
+
+At the Cape, Sir Harry Smith was engaged in operations against the
+Kaffirs, which were not brought to a successful termination till the
+following year, when General Cathcart had superseded him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+1851
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th January 1851._
+
+The Queen approves of the elevation of Mr. Pemberton Leigh[1] to the
+Peerage, which she considers a very useful measure, and not likely to
+lead to any permanent increase of the Peerage, as he is not likely
+to marry at his present age, and considering that he has only a life
+interest in his large property.
+
+With regard to the creation of Dr Lushington[2] as a Peer, without
+remainder, the Queen has again thoroughly considered the question, and
+is of opinion that the establishment of the principle of creation for
+life--in cases where public advantage may be derived from the grant of
+a Peerage, but where there may be no fortune to support the dignity in
+the family--is most desirable. The mode in which the public will take
+the introduction of it will however chiefly depend upon the merits of
+the first case brought forward. Dr Lushington appears to the Queen
+so unobjectionable in this respect that she cannot but approve of the
+experiment being tried with him.
+
+It would be well, however, that it should be done quietly; that it
+should not be talked about beforehand or get into the papers, which so
+frequently happens on occasions of this kind, and generally does harm.
+
+    [Footnote 1: Member of Parliament for Rye 1881-1832, and Ripon
+    1835-1843, afterwards a member of the Judicial Committee of
+    the Privy Council: he became a Peer (Lord Kingsdown) in 1858,
+    having declined a peerage on the present and other occasions.]
+
+    [Footnote 2: Dr Lushington was judge of the Admiralty Court:
+    he had been counsel for, and an executor of, Queen Caroline.
+    He declined the offer now suggested, and the subsequent
+    debates on the Wensleydale Peerage show that the proposed
+    grant would have been ineffectual for its purpose.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DIPLOMATIC ARRANGEMENTS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st January 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter of the 29th, in which
+he proposes a change in those diplomatic arrangements which she had
+already sanctioned on his recommendation, and must remark that the
+reasons which Lord Palmerston adduces in support of his present
+proposition are in direct contradiction to those by which he supported
+his former recommendation.[3]
+
+The principle which the Queen would wish to see acted upon in her
+diplomatic appointments in general, is, that the _good of the service_
+should precede every other consideration, and that the selection of
+an agent should depend more on his personal qualifications for the
+particular post for which he is to be selected than on the mere
+pleasure and convenience of the person to be employed, or of the
+Minister recommending him.
+
+According to Lord Palmerston's first proposal, Sir H. Seymour was to
+have gone to St Petersburg, Lord Bloomfield to Berlin, and Sir Richard
+Pakenham to Lisbon; now Lord Palmerston wishes to send Lord Cowley to
+St Petersburg.
+
+The Queen has the highest opinion of Lord Cowley's abilities, and
+agrees with Lord Palmerston in thinking that Russia will, for some
+time at least, exercise a predominating influence over all European
+affairs. She would accordingly not object to see that Agent accredited
+there in whom she herself places the greatest confidence. But
+according to the same principle, she must insist that the posts
+of Berlin and Frankfort, which in her opinion are of nearly equal
+importance, should be filled by men capable of dealing with the
+complicated and dangerous political questions now in agitation there,
+and the just appreciation and judicious treatment of which are of
+the highest importance to the peace of Europe, and therefore to the
+welfare of England.
+
+Before the Queen therefore decides upon Lord Palmerston's new
+proposals, she wishes to know _whom_ he could recommend for the post
+of Frankfort in the event of Lord Cowley leaving it, and thinks it
+but right to premise that in giving her sanction to the proposals
+Lord Palmerston may have to submit, she will be guided entirely by the
+principle set forth above.
+
+    [Footnote 3: Lord Palmerston had altered his mind as to
+    certain proposed diplomatic changes, and suggested the
+    appointment of Sir Hamilton Seymour to Berlin, Lord Bloomfield
+    to Lisbon, Lord Cowley to Petersburg, Mr Jerningham, Sir Henry
+    Ellis, or Sir Richard Pakenham to Frankfort.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DIPLOMATIC ARRANGEMENTS]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _12th January 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+has the honour to state that Mr Disraeli brought forward his Motion
+yesterday.[4] His speech was long and elaborate, but not that of a man
+who was persuaded he was undertaking a good cause.
+
+He proposed nothing specific, but said nothing offensive.
+
+The doubts about the division increase. Mr Hayter reckoned yesterday
+on a majority of three! Sir James Graham is of opinion Lord Stanley
+will not undertake anything desperate. He will speak in favour of
+Government to-morrow, when the division will probably take place.
+
+    [Footnote 4: On agricultural distress; the Motion was lost by
+    fourteen only in a large House.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th February 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday, and
+has to state in answer her decision in favour of the original plan of
+appointments, viz. of Sir H. Seymour to Petersburg, Lord Bloomfield
+to Berlin, and Sir R. Pakenham to Lisbon. The Queen quite agrees with
+Lord Palmerston in the opinion that the post at Petersburg is more
+important than that of Frankfort, and had Lord Palmerston been able
+to propose a good successor to Lord Cowley she would have approved
+his going to Petersburg; Sir R. Pakenham, however, would not take
+Frankfort if offered to him, as it appears, and the two other persons
+proposed would not do for it, in the Queen's opinion. It must not be
+forgotten that at a place for action like Petersburg, the Minister
+will chiefly have to look to his instructions from home, while at
+a place of observation, as Lord Palmerston justly calls Frankfort,
+everything depends upon the acuteness and impartiality of the
+observer, and upon the confidence with which he may be able to inspire
+those from whom alone accurate information can be obtained. Lord
+Cowley possesses eminently these qualities, and Sir H. Seymour has
+at all times shown himself equal to acting under most difficult
+circumstances. The desire of the Emperor to see Lord Cowley at
+Petersburg may possibly resolve itself in the desire of Baron Brunnow
+to see him removed from Germany.... The Queen had always understood
+that Sir H. Seymour would be very acceptable to the Emperor, and that
+Count Nesselrode called him a diplomatist "de la bonne vieille roche."
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SIR JAMES GRAHAM]
+
+
+_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE. _17th February 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell came at half-past three. He had had a long
+conversation with Sir James Graham, had stated to him that from the
+tone of his speech (which Lord John explained to us yesterday was of
+so very friendly a character and pointed directly to supporting the
+Government)--its friendliness, and the manner in which he advocated
+the union of those who opposed a return to Protection, that he
+proposed to him to join the Government; that Sir G. Grey had offered
+to resign his office in order that Sir J. Graham might have it. Before
+I go farther I ought to say that Lord John yesterday explained the
+importance of obtaining support like Sir J. Graham's in the Cabinet,
+and that he thought of proposing the Board of Control to him, which
+Sir J. Hobhouse was ready to give up--receiving a Peerage, and
+retaining a seat in the Cabinet or the Admiralty, which Sir F. Baring
+was equally ready to give up.
+
+Well, Sir J. Graham said that before he answered he wished to show
+Lord John a correspondence which had passed between him and Lord
+Londonderry. In the course of conversation in the country, Sir James
+had said to Lord Londonderry that parties never could go on as they
+were, and that they must ultimately lapse into _two_; this, Lord
+Londonderry reported to Mr Disraeli, who told it to Lord Stanley;
+and Mr Disraeli wrote to Lord Londonderry, stating that if certain
+advantages and reliefs were given to the landed interests, he
+should not cling to Protection; in short, much what he said in his
+speech--and that he was quite prepared to give up the lead in the
+House of Commons to Sir J. Graham. Sir James answered that he never
+meant anything by what he had said, and that he had no wish whatever
+to join Lord Stanley; that if he had, he was so intimate with Lord
+Stanley that he would have communicated direct with him.
+
+Sir James said that as soon as he heard from Lord John, he thought
+_what_ he wished to see him for, and that he had been thinking over
+it, and had been talking to Lord Hardinge and Mr Cardwell. That he
+did wish to support the Government, but that he thought he could be of
+more use if he did not join the Government, and was able to give them
+an independent support; that he had not attempted to lead Sir Robert
+Peel's followers; that many who had followed Sir Robert would _not_
+follow _him_; that he thought the Government in great danger; that
+the Protectionists, Radicals, and Irish Members would try to take
+an opportunity to overset them (the Government); that should the
+Government be turned out, he would find no difficulty in joining them;
+or should they go on, that by-and-by it might be easier to do so; but
+that at this moment he should be injuring himself without doing
+the Government any real service; besides which, there were so many
+measures decided on which he was ignorant of, and should have to
+support. Lord John told him that were he in the Cabinet, he would have
+the means of stating and enforcing his opinions, and that at whatever
+time he joined them, there would always be the same difficulty about
+measures which had already been decided on. He (Sir James) is not
+quite satisfied with the Papal Aggression Bill, which he thinks will
+exasperate the Irish; he also adverted to the report of our having
+protested against Austria bringing her Italian Provinces, etc., into
+the German Confederation. Lord John told him that this had not been
+done, but that we meant to ask for explanations.
+
+In short, Lord John said it was evident that Sir James thought the
+Government in great danger, and "did not wish to embark in a boat
+which was going to sink." Still, he was friendly, and repeated that
+it would be very easy when in opposition to unite, and then to come in
+together.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEFEAT OF THE GOVERNMENT]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _21st February 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to report that on a motion of Mr Locke King's[5] yesterday
+the Government was defeated by a hundred to fifty-two.
+
+This is another circumstance which makes it probable the Ministry
+cannot endure long. The Tories purposely stayed away.
+
+    [Footnote 5: For equalising the County and the Borough
+    franchise.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MINISTERIAL CRISIS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st February 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have only time just to write a few hasty lines to
+you from Stockmar's room, where I came up to speak to Albert and him,
+to tell you that we have got a Ministerial crisis; the Ministers
+were in a great minority last night, and though it was not a question
+_vital_ to the Government, Lord John feels the support he has received
+so meagre, and the opposition of so many parties so great, that he
+must _resign!_ This is very bad, because there is no chance of any
+other good Government, poor Peel being no longer alive, and not one
+man of talent except Lord Stanley in the Party;... but Lord John is
+_right_ not to go on when he is so ill supported, and it will raise
+him as a political man, and will strengthen his position for the
+future.
+
+Whether Lord Stanley (to whom I must send to-morrow _after_ the
+Government have resigned) will be able to form a Government or not,
+I cannot tell. Altogether, it is very vexatious, and will give
+us trouble. It is the more provoking, as this country is so very
+prosperous.
+
+On Tuesday I hope to be able to say more....
+
+With Albert's love, ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD LANSDOWNE CONSULTED]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY SUMMONED]
+
+[Pageheading: FISCAL POLICY OUTLINED]
+
+[Pageheading: PROTECTION]
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd February 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell having been for a few minutes with the Queen,
+in order to prepare her for the possibility of the Government's
+resignation (yesterday, at two o'clock), went to Downing Street
+to meet the Cabinet, and promised to return at four in order to
+communicate the decision the Cabinet might have arrived at. On his
+return he explained that after the vote at the beginning of the
+Session on the Orders of the Day, which went directly against the
+Government, after the small majority (only fourteen) which they had on
+the motion of Mr Disraeli on the landed interest, and now the defeat
+on the Franchise, it was clear that the Government did not possess
+the confidence of the House of Commons. He complained of the
+Protectionists staying away in a body on Mr King's motion, and he
+(Lord John) himself being left without a supporter even amongst
+his colleagues in the debate, but most of all of the conduct of the
+Radicals; for when Mr King, hearing Lord John's promise to bring in
+a measure next Session, wanted to withdraw his Motion, as he ought to
+have done on such a declaration by the head of the Government, Mr Hume
+insisted upon his going on, "else Lord John would withdraw his promise
+again in a fortnight"; and when the result of the vote was made known
+the shouting and triumph of the hundred was immense.
+
+Lord John had declared to the Cabinet that he could not go on, that
+the Income Tax would have to be voted the next day, and a defeat was
+probable; it were much better therefore not to hesitate, and to resign
+at once. The Cabinet agreed, although some Members thought with Lord
+Palmerston that the occasion was hardly sufficient. Lord John begged
+to be allowed till to-day, in order to see Lord Lansdowne, whom he
+had sent for from the country, and to be able to tender then his
+resignation; he would go down to the House to adjourn it, promising
+explanations on Monday.
+
+We agreed with Lord John that he owed to his station personally, and
+as the Queen's Minister, not to put up with ignominious treatment,
+praised his speech on the Suffrage, which is admirable, and regretted
+that his colleagues had prevented him from bringing in a measure
+this year. We talked of the difficulty of forming any Government, but
+agreed that Lord Stanley and the Protection Party ought to be appealed
+to; they longed for office, and would not rest quiet till they had had
+it if for ever so short a time only.
+
+We further went over the ground of a possible demand for a
+Dissolution, which might bring on a general commotion in the country.
+Lord John agreed in this, but thought the responsibility to be very
+great for the Crown to refuse an appeal to the country to the new
+Government; he thought a decision on that point ought to depend on the
+peculiar circumstances of the case.
+
+Lord Lansdowne, who had come from Bowood by the express train, arrived
+at twelve o'clock, and came at once to meet Lord John Russell here at
+the Palace.
+
+In the audience which the Queen gave him he expressed his entire
+concurrence with the decision the Cabinet had come to, as the
+resignation could at any rate only have been delayed. It was clear
+that the Cabinet had lost the confidence of the House of Commons; what
+had happened the other night was only the last drop which made the
+cup flow over, and that it was much more dignified not to let the
+Government die a lingering and ignominious death; he [thought] that
+Lord Stanley would have great difficulties, but would be able to form
+a Government; at least the Protectionist Party gave out that they had
+a Cabinet prepared.
+
+We then saw Lord John Russell, who formally tendered his resignation,
+and was very much moved on taking leave; he said that, considering
+Lord Stanley's principles, it would not be possible for him to hold
+out any hope of support to that Government, except on the estimates
+for which he felt responsible, but he would at all times be ready
+vigorously to defend the Crown, which was in need of every support in
+these days.
+
+At three o'clock came Lord Stanley, whom the Queen had summoned.
+
+The Queen informed him of the resignation of the Government, in
+consequence of the late vote, which had been the result of the
+Protectionists staying away, of the small majority which the
+Government had had upon Mr Disraeli's Motion, and of the many symptoms
+of want of confidence exhibited towards the Government in the House
+of Commons. The Queen had accepted their resignation, and had sent
+for him as the head of that Party, which was now the most numerous in
+Opposition, in order to ask him whether he could undertake to form a
+Government.
+
+Lord Stanley expressed great surprise. The impression had been that
+the Government had not been in earnest in their opposition to Mr L.
+King's Motion; in the minority had voted only twenty-seven members of
+the Government side, the rest had been of his Party. He asked if the
+whole Cabinet had resigned, or whether there had been dissension in
+the Cabinet upon it? The Queen replied that the resignation had been
+unanimously agreed upon in the Cabinet, and that Lord Lansdowne,
+who had only come up from Bowood this morning, had given his entire
+approval to it. Lord Stanley then asked whether anybody else had
+been consulted or applied to, to which the Queen replied that she had
+written to him a few minutes after Lord John's resignation, and had
+communicated with no one else. Lord Stanley then said that he hoped
+the Queen's acceptance had only been a conditional one; that he felt
+very much honoured by the Queen's confidence; that he hoped he
+might be able to tender advice which might contribute to the Queen's
+comfort, and might relieve the present embarrassment.
+
+In order to be able to do so he must enter most freely and openly into
+his own position and that of his Party. It was quite true that they
+formed the most numerous in Parliament after the supporters of what
+he hoped he might still call the _present_ Government, but that there
+were no men contained in it who combined great ability with experience
+in public business. There was one certainly of great ability and
+talent--Mr Disraeli--but who had never held office before, and perhaps
+Mr Herries, who possessed great experience, but who did not command
+great authority in the House of Commons; that he should have great
+difficulties in presenting to the Queen a Government fit to be
+accepted, unless he could join with some of the late Sir R. Peel's
+followers; that he considered, for instance, the appointment of a good
+person for Foreign Affairs indispensable, and there was scarcely any
+one fit for it except Lord Palmerston and Lord Aberdeen. Lord Aberdeen
+had told him that he had no peculiar views upon Free Trade, and that
+he did not pretend to understand the question, but that he had felt it
+his duty to stand by Sir R. Peel; this might now be different, but
+it ought first to be ascertained whether a combination of those
+who agreed in principle, and had only been kept asunder hitherto by
+_personal_ considerations, could not be formed; that Sir James Graham
+had in his last speech declared it as his opinion that the ranks of
+those who agreed ought to be closed; when such a combination had taken
+place, those of Sir R. Peel's followers who could not agree to
+it might not be unwilling to join him (Lord Stanley). As to his
+principles, he would frankly state that he thought that the landed
+interest was much depressed by the low state of prices; that an import
+duty on corn would be absolutely necessary, which, however, would be
+low, and only a revenue duty; such a duty, he thought, the country
+would be prepared for; and if they were allowed to state their honest
+opinion, he felt sure the greatest part of the present Government
+would be heartily glad of. He would require Duties upon sugar
+for revenue, but he could not conceal that if the revenue after a
+diminution in the direct taxation, which he would propose, should
+considerably fall off, he might be driven to raise the Import duties
+on other articles. He thought the present House of Commons could
+hardly be expected to reverse its decision upon the financial and
+commercial policy of the country, and that accordingly a Dissolution
+of Parliament would become necessary. Such a Dissolution, however,
+could not be undertaken at this moment for the sake of public
+business. The Mutiny Bill had not been voted nor the Supplies, and it
+would require more than eight weeks before the new Parliament could
+be assembled, and consequently the Crown would be left without Army or
+money. A Dissolution could accordingly not take place before Easter.
+He felt, however, that if he were to take office now, he would between
+this and Easter be exposed to such harassing attacks that he should
+not be able to withstand them; moreover, it would subject the members
+of his Government to two elections in two months. He hoped therefore
+that the Queen would try to obtain a Government by a coalition of the
+Whigs and Peelites, but that this failing, if the Queen should send
+again for him, and it was clear no other Government could be formed,
+he would feel it his duty as a loyal subject to risk everything,
+except his principles and his honour, to carry on the Government; and
+he hoped that in such a case the Queen would look leniently on the
+composition of the Cabinet which he could offer, and that the country
+would, from the consideration of the circumstances, give it a fair
+trial. He begged, however, that he might not be called upon to take
+office except as a _dernier ressort_, a _necessity_.
+
+I interrupted him when he spoke of his financial measures, and begged
+him further to explain, when it appeared that a duty of about six
+shillings on corn was the least he could impose to bring up the price
+to forty-five shillings, which Sir R. Peel had stated to the House of
+Commons was in his opinion the lowest price wheat would fall to after
+the abolition of the Corn Laws.
+
+We expressed our doubts as to the country agreeing to such a measure,
+and our apprehension of the violent spirit which would be roused in
+the working classes by a Dissolution for that purpose, which Lord
+Stanley, however, did not seem to apprehend; on the contrary, he
+thought the distress of the farmers would lead to the destruction of
+the landed interest, which was the only support to the Throne.
+
+I told him that the Queen and certainly myself had been under a
+delusion, and that I was sure the country was equally so, as to
+his intention to return to Protection. Sometimes it was stated that
+Protection would be adhered to, sometimes that it was given up,
+and that it was _compensation_ to the landed interest which the
+Protectionists looked to. His last speeches and the Motion of Mr
+Disraeli led to that belief, but that it was of the highest importance
+that the country should know exactly what was intended; the Queen
+would then have an opportunity of judging how the nation looked upon
+the proposal. I hoped therefore that the declaration of his opinions
+which Lord Stanley had now laid before the Queen would be clearly
+enunciated by him in Parliament when the Ministerial explanations
+should take place, which would naturally follow this crisis.
+
+Lord Stanley merely answered that he hoped that no explanations would
+take place before a Government was formed. He said he should wish the
+word "Protection" to be merged, to which I rejoined that though he
+might wish this, I doubted whether the country would let him.
+
+Before taking leave, he repeated over and over again his advice that
+the Coalition Ministry should be tried.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley._
+
+_22nd February 1851._
+
+In order to be able to be perfectly accurate in stating Lord Stanley's
+opinions, which the Queen feels some delicacy in doing, she would be
+very thankful if he would write down for her what he just stated to
+her--as his advice in the present difficulty. Of course she would not
+let such a paper go out of her hands.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SIR JAMES GRAHAM]
+
+[Pageheading: FOREIGN POLICY]
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd February 1851._
+
+Sir James Graham, who had been out of Town, came at six o'clock,
+having received my letter on his return. Lord John Russell had been
+here before that time.
+
+After having stated to him (Lord John) what had passed with Lord
+Stanley, we told him that Sir James Graham was here; Lord John seemed
+much surprised at Lord Stanley's refusal to form an Administration,
+declared himself ready to do what he could towards the formation of a
+new Government on an extended basis, but thought that Sir James Graham
+and Lord Aberdeen should have the first offer.
+
+I went accordingly over to my room, where Sir James was waiting. He
+was entirely taken by surprise by the announcement of the resignation
+of the Government, and begged to be able to state to me how he was
+situated before he saw the Queen and Lord John.
+
+I then communicated to him what had passed with Lord Stanley, upon
+which we had a conversation of more than an hour, of which the chief
+features were:
+
+1. Apprehension on the part of Sir James Graham lest the attempt on
+the part of Lord Stanley to re-impose Protective duties should produce
+universal commotion in the country, which would be increased by the
+Dissolution, without which Lord Stanley would not be able to proceed.
+
+2. His disbelief that Lord Aberdeen would be able to join in any
+Government abandoning Sir R. Peel's principles, as he had been
+consulted before and after Sir James's late speech in which he
+expressed his entire concurrence.
+
+3. His own utter weakness, calling himself the weakest man in England,
+who had lost his only friend in Sir R. Peel, and had for the last
+fifteen years not exercised an independent judgment, but rested
+entirely on his friend.
+
+4. His disagreement with some of his late colleagues--the Duke of
+Newcastle, Mr Gladstone, and Mr Sidney Herbert--in religious opinions.
+
+5. His disagreement with Lord John's Government upon some most
+important points.
+
+He could not take office with Lord Palmerston as Foreign Secretary,
+whose policy and mode of conducting business he disapproved, who
+was now protesting against the admission of Austria into the German
+Confederation; he disapproved the Papal Aggression Bill, finding it
+militating against the line which he had taken as Secretary of State
+with regard to the Roman Catholic Bishops in Ireland, and particularly
+the Bequest Act, and considering that after Lord John's letter the
+Bill would fall short of the high expectations formed in the minds of
+the English public.
+
+He disapproved of the abolition of the Irish Lord-Lieutenancy, and the
+making a fourth Secretary of State had been considered by Sir
+Robert Peel and himself as introducing into England all the Irish
+malpractices, while Ireland was still kept wholly separate from
+England.
+
+Lord John had raised a new difficulty by his declaration upon Reform.
+He had been thunderstruck when he read the announcement on the part
+of the chief author of the Reform Bill, who had stood with him (Sir
+J. Graham) hitherto upon _finality_, condemning his own work, and
+promising at a year's distance important alterations, in which
+interval great agitation would be got up, great expectations raised,
+and the measure when brought forward would cause disappointment. Sir
+Robert Peel had always been of opinion that it was most dangerous to
+touch these questions, but if opened with the consent of the Crown, a
+measure should at once be brought forward and passed.
+
+After my having replied to these different objections, that the Queen
+felt herself the importance of Lord Palmerston's removal, and would
+make it herself a condition with Lord John that he should not be again
+Foreign Secretary; that the protest to Austria had not gone, and that
+upon studying the question Sir James would find that the entrance of
+the whole Austrian Monarchy, while giving France a pretext for war and
+infringing the Treaties of 1815, would not tend to the strength and
+unity of Germany, which held to be the true English interest, but
+quite the reverse; that I did not think the Papal Aggression Bill
+touched the Bequest Act or militated against toleration; that the
+Lieutenancy would perhaps be given up, and a measure on the Franchise
+be considered by the _new_ Government and brought forward at once.
+I thought it would be better to discuss the matters with Lord John
+Russell in the Queen's presence, who accordingly joined us.
+
+The discussion which now arose went pretty much over the same ground,
+Lord John agreeing that Lord Palmerston ought to form no difficulty,
+that the Papal Aggression Bill would be further modified, that the
+Lieutenancy Bill might be given up, that he agreed to Sir James's
+objection to the declaration about reform, but that he had intended to
+bring forward a measure, if he had been able to get his colleagues to
+agree to it, that he would be ready to propose a measure at once. This
+Sir J. Graham thought important as a means of gaining at a General
+Election, which he foresaw could not be long delayed, whoever formed a
+Government.
+
+In order to obtain some result from this long debate I summed up what
+might be considered as agreed upon, viz. That there was _tabula rasa_,
+and for the new Coalition a free choice of men and measures, to which
+they assented, Lord John merely stating that he could not take office
+without part of his friends, and could not sacrifice his _personal_
+declarations. Dinnertime having approached, and Lord Aberdeen having
+written that he would be with us after nine o'clock, we adjourned the
+further discussion till then, when they would return.
+
+
+Whilst the Queen dressed I had an interview with the Duke of
+Wellington, who had come to dine here, in which I informed him of
+the nature of our crisis. He expressed his regret and his dread of a
+Protectionist Government with a Dissolution, which might lead to civil
+commotion. He could not forgive, he said, the high Tory Party for
+their having stayed away the other night on Mr Locke King's Motion,
+and thus abandoned their own principles; he had no feeling for Lord
+John Russell's Cabinet, measures, or principles, but he felt that
+the Crown and the country were only safe in these days by having the
+Liberals in office, else they would be driven to join the Radical
+agitation against the institutions of the country.
+
+After dinner we resumed our adjourned debate in my room, at a quarter
+to ten, with Lord Aberdeen, and were soon joined by Lord John and Sir
+James Graham. We went over the same ground with him. Lord Stanley's
+letter was read and discussed. Lord Aberdeen declared his inability to
+join in a Protectionist Ministry; he did not pretend to understand the
+question of Free Trade, but it was a point of honour with him not to
+abandon it, and now, since Sir R. Peel's death, a matter of piety.
+He thought the danger of a Dissolution on a question of food by the
+Crown, for the purpose of imposing a tax upon bread, of the utmost
+danger for the safety of the country. He disapproved the Papal Bill,
+the abolition of the Lieutenancy, he had no difficulty upon the
+Franchise, for though he was called a _despot_, he felt a good deal of
+the Radical in him sometimes.
+
+Lord John put it to Lord Aberdeen, whether _he_ would not undertake to
+form a Government, to which Lord Aberdeen gave no distinct reply.
+
+As Sir James Graham raised nothing but difficulties, though professing
+the greatest readiness to be of use, and as it was getting on towards
+midnight, we broke up, with the Queen's injunction that _one_ of
+the three gentlemen _must_ form a Government, to which Lord Aberdeen
+laughingly replied: "I see your Majesty has come into[6] the President
+de la Republique." Lord John was to see Lord Lansdowne _to-day_ at
+three o'clock, and would report progress to the Queen at five o'clock.
+On one point we were agreed, viz. that the Government to be formed
+must not be for the moment, but with a view to strength and stability.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 6: _Sic._]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: COMPLICATIONS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+_23d February 1851._
+
+The Queen has seen Lord Aberdeen and Sir J. Graham, but is sorry to
+say that her doing so was premature, as they had no opportunity of
+seeing each other after they left Lord John Russell, and therefore had
+not considered the Memorandum[7] which Lord John had handed to them.
+Lord Aberdeen has in the interval seen Lord Stanley, and declared
+to him that he must undeceive him as to the possibility of his ever
+joining a Protection Government. What further resulted from the
+conversation the Queen would prefer to state to Lord John verbally
+to-morrow. Perhaps Lord John would come in the forenoon to-morrow, or
+before he goes to the House; he will be so good as to let her know.
+
+    [Footnote 7: With a view of uniting with the Peelites, Lord
+    John drew up a Memorandum, printed in Walpole's _Lord John
+    Russell_, vol. ii. chap, xxii., with the following points:
+
+    A Cabinet of not more than eleven Members.
+
+    The present commercial policy to be maintained.
+
+    The financial measures of the year to be open to revision.
+
+    The Ecclesiastical Titles Bill to be persevered in so far as
+    the Preamble and the first clause, but the remaining clauses
+    to be abandoned.
+
+    A Reform Bill for the extension of the Franchise.
+
+    A Commission of Enquiry into corrupt practices at elections in
+    cities and boroughs.]
+
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd February 1851._
+(_Sunday._)
+
+Lord John Russell came at half-past five, much fatigued and depressed.
+On the Queen's asking whether he could report any progress, he said
+he thought he could; he had met Lord Aberdeen and Sir James Graham,
+together with Sir George Grey (Lord Lansdowne being ill). That he
+had informed them that he had received the Queen's commands to form a
+Government (?) and handed to them a Memorandum which follows here and
+which they had promised to take into consideration.
+
+We asked him whether he had chalked out a Government. He said he
+had not thought of it yet; he added, however, that _he_ could not
+undertake the Foreign Affairs with the lead in the House of Commons
+and Government (which the Queen had pressed upon him); Lord Palmerston
+might be leader in the House of Lords; he would not like Lord Aberdeen
+at the Foreign Office; Lord Clarendon and Lord Granville were equally
+acceptable to him.
+
+I suggested that it might be well if the Queen were to see Sir James
+and Lord Aberdeen again, which he approved, but thought it better he
+should not be present himself, and that the Queen might tell Sir James
+that he might have any Office he liked; perhaps _he_ would take the
+Foreign Affairs.
+
+Lord John's relations and private friends evidently are distressed at
+his resuming office; the Radicals were very much pleased with the idea
+of Sir James Graham being in office.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN SUMMONED]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+_24th February 1851._
+_(Monday evening._)
+
+Lord John came at three o'clock before making his statement to the
+House of Commons. We communicated to him what had passed with Sir
+James Graham and Lord Aberdeen yesterday evening. He thought his
+Memorandum had been misunderstood: the nature of the Reform Bill
+was left open to discussion, and what he had said about filling the
+Offices only meant that the Offices should not be divided according to
+number, and each party left to fill up its share, as had been done in
+former Coalition Ministries. He had seen Lord Palmerston, who was not
+willing to give up the Foreign Office--spoke of retiring from business
+at his age, of his success in conducting Foreign Affairs, and of its
+being a self-condemnation if he accepted another Office. Lord John
+told him that he did not agree in this view, that the Lord-Lieutenancy
+of Ireland was to be maintained, and thought it best to leave it
+there. He thought Lord Palmerston had given up the idea of leading
+the House of Commons. We ascertained from him in conversation that he
+could not agree to Lord Aberdeen taking the Foreign Office nor that he
+could serve under Lord Aberdeen or Sir James Graham in case any one of
+these were to form a Government.
+
+At half-past six Lord John returned from the House of Commons, and
+reported that two very important events had taken place: the one that
+upon his making his statement to the House that the Government had
+resigned, that Lord Stanley had been sent for, had declared _his
+inability then to form a Government_ (words agreed upon between
+Lord Lansdowne, Lord John, and Sir George Grey), and that he was now
+charged with the formation of a Government, Mr. Disraeli got up, and
+denied that Lord Stanley had declined forming a Government, which was
+received with cheers from the Protectionists. Lord John had merely
+answered that when Lord Stanley would make his explanations, what he
+had stated would be found to be correct, relying entirely, not upon
+what the Queen had communicated, but on Lord Stanley's own letter. The
+second event was a letter from Lord Aberdeen and Sir James Graham,[8]
+which put _an end_ to all _thoughts_ of a Coalition. It stated that
+they could agree to no legislation whatever on the Papal Aggressions,
+and ended with a hint that Sir James Graham was prepared to go farther
+in reductions than Lord John was likely to consent to.
+
+Lord John had at once answered that although he did not understand the
+latter objection, the difference on the Papal Bill must put an end
+to their negotiation. We much lamented the result, and after some
+discussion agreed that the only thing to be done now was to send for
+Lord Aberdeen. Lord Stanley could not pretend to be consulted before
+every other means of forming a Government had been exhausted.
+
+    [Footnote 8: Published in Walpole's _Lord John Russell_, vol.
+    ii. chap. xxii.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN DECLINES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _24th February 1851._
+(_Half-past ten_ P.M.)
+
+The Queen returns these papers, as Lord John Russell wished. She has
+just seen Lord Aberdeen and Sir James Graham, who, though ready to do
+anything which could be of any use to the Queen and the country, have
+stated it as their decided opinion that Lord Stanley should be asked
+to form a Government. Under these circumstances the Queen intends to
+send to Lord Stanley to-morrow. The Queen did ask Lord Aberdeen if he
+could undertake to form a Government, but he said that he thought it
+would not be successful, and that the Papal Aggression would be an
+insurmountable difficulty for him and Sir James Graham.
+
+The Queen rejoices to hear from them, and from Lord John and Lord
+Lansdowne, the expression of cordiality of feeling, which it is so
+essential for the Crown and the country that there should be.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ABERDEEN AND GRAHAM]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25 February 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Through Van der Weyer, you will have heard what was
+the state of the _long_ and anxious crisis yesterday evening.
+
+Alas! the hope of forming a strong Coalition Government has
+failed--_for the present_. I say for the present, as they are all so
+entirely agreed on the Commercial Policy that another time they hope
+there will be no difficulty, when they have _fought together_.
+The _Papal Aggression_ has in fact been the only insurmountable
+difficulty. We sent to Lord Aberdeen last night (both he and Sir James
+Graham have been most kind to us), and asked if _he_ could not try
+to form a Government; but with the greatest readiness to serve me, he
+said he could not, on account of this self-same Papal Aggression. He
+equally declares that he cannot join Lord Stanley. Accordingly this
+morning I have seen Lord Stanley, and he means to try if he can form
+any fit sort of Government, but he has _no_ men of talent, and his
+difficulties are gigantic. I shall only know to-morrow _definitely_ if
+he _can_ form an Administration. I am calm and courageous, having such
+support and advice as my dearest Albert's; but it is an anxious time,
+and the uncertainty and suspense very trying. More details you will
+have later on. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY TO BE SUMMONED]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _26th February 1851._
+
+Lord Aberdeen and Sir James Graham came yesterday evening at nine
+o'clock; the Queen put it to them whether _they_ could form a
+Government, to which they replied that they had turned it in their
+heads a hundred times, that there was nothing they would not do to
+show their readiness to serve the Queen, but that they did not see a
+possibility of forming an Administration which could stand a day. They
+were most likely at that moment the two most unpopular men in England,
+having declared that nothing should be done in Parliament against the
+Papal Aggression, which the whole country clamoured for; the Whigs
+would be very angry with them for their having broken up the new
+combination; they might find favour with the Radicals, but that was
+a support upon which no reliance could be placed. There was a growing
+opinion that Lord Stanley ought to have a chance of bringing forward
+his measures; that it was perilous, but that it was an evil which must
+be gone through; that this opinion had been strongly expressed by Lord
+Lansdowne, whose moderation nobody could doubt; that it was shared by
+the Duke of Newcastle, Mr Sidney Herbert, and others of Sir James's
+friends whom he had had time to consult.
+
+Upon the Queen's expression of her great apprehension as to the
+consequence of such a step on the country, they said there would
+no doubt spring up a most violent opposition, that there would be
+attempts to stop the supplies and dissolve the Army, but that Lord
+John Russell and Sir James Graham together would do their utmost to
+preach moderation, and would refer the House of Commons to the Queen's
+example, who had taken strictly the Constitutional course throughout
+the crisis, whose opinions on Free Trade were well known (as far as
+subjects could allow themselves to pretend to know their Sovereign's
+_private_ opinions) from the hearty support she had given to Sir
+Robert Peel's and Lord John's Governments. That upon the first
+proposition of a Stanley Government the junction of Parties would
+be completed, and there would be only _one_ strong opposition. After
+having fought together, there would be no longer any difficulty about
+forming a strong Government out of their joint ranks, whilst now it
+was impossible not to see that every Minister displaced would feel
+personally aggrieved, that then they stood on a footing of perfect
+equality. Sir James had seen Lord John since he had tendered his
+second resignation, and found him quite altered; whilst he was
+embarrassed and _boutonne_ before, he was open and unreserved now, and
+they could speak on terms of private friendship. Lord Aberdeen would
+save his influence in the House of Lords, which he would probably have
+lost if he had joined the Whigs in office; in future all this would be
+different.
+
+Lord John Russell's letter with the Memoranda came and interrupted us.
+From these papers, and what Sir James and Lord Aberdeen said, it is
+clear that all parties are relieved by the failure of their attempt
+to form a Coalition Government, but determined to form a positive
+junction, which will be most salutary to the country. The Queen will
+therefore send for Lord Stanley.
+
+We discussed further the means Lord Stanley would have to form an
+Administration, for which the material was certainly sad. Disraeli's
+last scene in the House of Commons would render the publication of
+Lord Stanley's letter necessary. Mr Gladstone might possibly join him;
+at least no pains would be spared to bring him in. Lord Palmerston
+had often so much secret understanding with Disraeli that he might be
+tempted with the bait of keeping the Foreign Office, particularly if
+personally offended.
+
+Whether the Queen should allow or refuse a Dissolution was debated;
+the latter declared a most heavy responsibility for the Sovereign to
+undertake, but a subject upon which the decision should only be taken
+at the time, and on a due consideration of the circumstances.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _25th February 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to state that having seen the letter which Lord Stanley
+addressed to your Majesty, and feeling himself precluded from entering
+into any details, he announced to the House of Commons that Lord
+Stanley had in reply to your Majesty's offer declared "he was not
+_then_ prepared to form a Government."
+
+Mr Disraeli disputed the accuracy of this statement.
+
+Your Majesty's word cannot be called in question, but Lord John
+Russell now feels it due to his own honour humbly to ask your Majesty
+for a copy of Lord Stanley's letter. He does not propose to read the
+letter to the House of Commons, but to refer to it in the statement he
+is compelled to make.
+
+Lord John Russell humbly requests that this representation may be
+shown to Lord Stanley. He will feel what is due to the honour of a
+public man.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY ARRIVES]
+
+[Pageheading: MR DISRAELI]
+
+[Pageheading: DISSOLUTION]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+_25th February 1851._
+(_Tuesday._)
+
+Lord Stanley obeyed the Queen's summons at eleven o'clock, and seemed
+very much concerned when she informed him that Lord John Russell had
+given up his task, as differences of opinion, particularly on the
+Papal Bill, had prevented a junction between him, Lord Aberdeen, and
+Sir James Graham; that an appeal to Lord Aberdeen had been equally
+unsuccessful from the same cause, viz. their difficulty in dealing
+with the Papal Question; that consequently the contingency had arisen
+under which Lord Stanley had promised to undertake the formation of a
+Government.
+
+Lord Stanley said his difficulties were immense, and he could not
+venture to approach them unless he was sure of every support on the
+part of the Crown; that he would have arrayed against him a formidable
+opposition of all the talent in the country.
+
+The Queen assured him that he should have every Constitutional support
+on her part, of which Lord Stanley repeated he had felt sure, although
+the total change must be very trying to the Queen.
+
+On his question, whether there was any hope of Lord Aberdeen joining
+him and taking the Foreign Office, we had to tell him that he must
+quite discard that idea. He replied, with a sigh, that he would still
+try and see him; he had thought of the Duke of Wellington taking the
+Foreign Office _ad interim_, but felt that he could hardly propose
+that, considering the Duke's age and infirmity; he would make an
+attempt to see Lord Canning with the Queen's permission, and
+that failing, could only think of Sir Stratford Canning, now at
+Constantinople, which the Queen approved.
+
+He still hoped he might get Mr Gladstone to take the lead in the House
+of Commons, without which assistance he must not conceal that it was
+almost impossible for him to go on. Mr Gladstone was on his way
+home from Paris, and he had written to him to see him as soon as he
+arrived; till then he could not promise that he would succeed to
+form an Administration, and he only undertook it for the good of his
+country, but was afraid of ruining his reputation.
+
+To this I rejoined that who tried to do the best by his country need
+never be afraid for his reputation.
+
+The Queen showed Lord Stanley Lord John Russell's letter respecting Mr
+Disraeli's denial of the truth of Lord John's statement in the House
+of Commons yesterday.
+
+Lord Stanley said it had been a very unfortunate misunderstanding,
+that he had been sorry Lord John and Lord Lansdowne should have felt
+it necessary to say that "he had not _then_ been prepared to form a
+Government," as the knowledge of this fact, as long as there was a
+chance of his being called back, could not but act injuriously to him
+and dispirit those with whom he acted. He would explain all this on
+Friday in the House of Lords, and had no objection to sending Lord
+John a copy of his letter.
+
+We now came to _Measures_. Lord Stanley hopes to obviate the Papal
+Question by a Parliamentary declaration and the appointment in both
+Houses of a Committee to enquire into the position of the Roman
+Catholic Church in this country; he would diminish the Income Tax by a
+million, and exempt temporary incomes; he would allow compounding for
+the Window Tax and levy a moderate duty on corn, which he called a
+Countervailing Duty, and tried to defend as good political economy, on
+the authority of Mr M'Culloch's last edition of "Ricardo." (I had some
+discussion with him, however, on that point.)
+
+Returning to the offices to be filled, Lord Stanley said he should
+have to propose Mr Disraeli as one of the Secretaries of State. The
+Queen interrupted him by saying that she had not a very good opinion
+of Mr Disraeli on account of his conduct to poor Sir R. Peel, and what
+had just happened did not tend to diminish that feeling; but that she
+felt so much Lord Stanley's difficulties, that she would not aggravate
+them by passing a sentence of exclusion on him. She must, however,
+make Lord Stanley responsible for his conduct, and should she have
+cause to be displeased with him when in office, she would remind Lord
+Stanley of what now passed. Lord Stanley promised to be responsible,
+and excused his friend for his former bitterness by his desire to
+establish his reputation for cleverness and sharpness; nobody had
+gained so much by Parliamentary schooling, and he had of late quite
+changed his tone.
+
+Mr Herries would make a good Chancellor of the Exchequer.
+
+As to Ireland, he had thought of having a more ostensible
+Lord-Lieutenant, whilst the business should be done by the Secretary
+for Ireland. He asked the Queen whether the Duke of Cambridge might
+be offered that post, which she took _ad referendum_. The Duke of
+Northumberland, though not of his Party, he should like to offer the
+Admiralty to.
+
+At the conclusion of the interview he broached the important question
+of Dissolution, and said that a Dissolution would anyhow become
+necessary; that, if it was thought that the Queen would withhold
+from him the privilege of dissolving, he would not have the slightest
+chance in the House of Commons; he would be opposed and beat, and then
+his adversaries would come in and dissolve. He avowed that it could
+not be said that the Queen had refused him the power of dissolving,
+but he required some assurance.
+
+On the Queen's objecting to giving him a contingent positive promise,
+but declaring her readiness fairly to discuss the question when the
+emergency arose, he contented himself with the permission to deny,
+if necessary, that she would _not_ consent to it, putting entire
+confidence in the Queen's intention to deal fairly by him.
+
+I tried to convince Lord Stanley, and I hope not without effect, of
+the advantage, both to the Queen and Lord Stanley himself, that they
+should not be hampered by a positive engagement on that point, which
+might become very inconvenient if circumstances arose which made a
+Dissolution dangerous to the country.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th February 1851._
+
+The Queen has seen Lord Stanley, who will let Lord John Russell have a
+copy of the letter. He wishes it not to be known or considered that
+he has formally undertaken to form a Government till to-morrow, on
+account of the House of Lords meeting to-day. He feels the difficulty
+of his position, and is not sure yet that he will be able to complete
+a Ministry. To-morrow he will give the Queen a positive answer.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th February 1851._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord Stanley's letter. She had forgotten
+the Levee, and was just going to write to him to inform him that she
+wished to see him at eleven o'clock to-morrow.
+
+The Queen cannot but regret that Lord Stanley should think Lord John
+Russell's explanation led to a wrong inference; for Lord Stanley
+will himself recollect that he stated his objections to her much more
+strongly in his first interview than he did in writing, and as Lord
+Stanley so strongly advised the Queen to try if no other arrangement
+could first be come to, she hardly knows how this could otherwise have
+been expressed than by the words used by Lord Lansdowne and Lord John
+Russell.
+
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._
+
+_26th February 1851._
+(_Wednesday._)
+
+Lord Stanley came again at eleven. The first part of the audience,
+which was not long, was occupied by Lord Stanley's trying to explain
+away Mr Disraeli's contradiction of Lord John Russell, though he
+termed it "very unfortunate," by saying that he wished Lord John had
+_not mentioned_ that _he_ (Lord Stanley) "was not _then_ prepared"
+to form a Government, for that, though true in fact, he had _not_
+absolutely _refused_, but had only advised me to _try_ and make other
+arrangements first. I said I thought the distinction "a very nice
+one," which he admitted. What passed between us on the subject the
+correspondence between Albert and Lord John will best explain.
+
+Lord Stanley then told us that he had seen the Duke of Northumberland,
+who wished for time to consider; that he was to see Lord Canning again
+to-day, but had no hopes of his accepting; and that he found so many
+people out of Town that he must ask for _forty-eight_ hours more
+before he could give me a positive answer, viz. till Friday. He added
+he "must not conceal" from me that he was "not very sanguine" of
+success; almost all depended on Mr Gladstone, who was expected
+to arrive to-day; but that it might _now_ be said (in answer to a
+question of Albert's "whether in these days of nice distinctions one
+_might_ say that he had _undertaken_ to form a Government"), that he
+had _attempted_ to _undertake_ to _form a Government_.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY RESIGNS]
+
+
+_Lord Stanley to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _27th February 1851._
+(_Four o'clock_ P.M.)
+
+Lord Stanley, with his humble duty, awaits your Majesty's commands at
+what hour he may be honoured with an audience, to explain the
+grounds on which, with the deepest regret, he feels himself under the
+necessity of resigning the important trust with which your Majesty has
+honoured him.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir James Graham._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _27th February 1851._
+
+The Queen sanctions Sir James Graham's making any statement to the
+House of Commons which he thinks necessary, to explain the part which
+he and Lord Aberdeen took in the late Ministerial negotiations, and
+indeed hopes that these explanations will be as full as possible
+on all parts, in order that the country may fully appreciate the
+difficulties of the crisis.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STANLEY'S REASONS]
+
+[Pageheading: THE PAPAL BILL]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _27th February 1851._
+
+Lord Stanley arrived at half-past five o'clock. We were struck by the
+change of his countenance, which had lost all the expression of care
+and anxiety which had marked it at the previous interviews.
+
+He assured the Queen that he had been labouring incessantly since he
+had seen her last, but that he was sorry to say without any success.
+
+He had seen Mr Gladstone, who declined joining his Government
+on account of his previous pledges in Parliament respecting the
+Commercial Policy of Sir R. Peel, but evidently also on account of his
+peculiar views with respect to the Papal Aggression, which he did not
+seem disposed to look upon as in any way objectionable.
+
+Lord Canning had given him some hope at one time, but finally declined
+in order not to risk his credit for political consistency.
+
+Mr H. Corry, whose opinions on Free Trade were by no means decided,
+and who had only filled a very subordinate situation in Sir R. Peel's
+Government, he had offered high office, but was refused, Mr Corry
+expressing his fears that the Government had no chance of standing
+against the opposition it would have to meet in the House of Commons.
+
+The Duke of Northumberland was the only person not properly belonging
+to the Protection Party who had accepted office (First Lord of the
+Admiralty). At one time Lord Ellenborough had accepted, but having
+been sent on a mission to Mr Goulburn in order to see whether he
+could convert him, he came home himself converted, and withdrew his
+acceptance again.
+
+In this situation Lord Stanley called his friends together, and after
+some discussion concurred in their opinion that it was not possible
+for them to form such an Administration as ought to be offered to the
+Queen. Lord Stanley then qualified this expression again, and said
+that though he could have offered a very respectable Government if
+he had had a majority in the House of Commons, or the means of
+strengthening himself by an immediate Dissolution, he could not form
+such a one which could have withstood an adverse majority and such a
+formidable array of talent in the Opposition. He therefore returned
+the trust which had been committed to him into the Queen's hands,
+expressing at the same time his deep sense of gratitude for the
+kindness with which she had treated him, the support and confidence
+she had given him, sorry only that it should have led to no result.
+He thought, however, that the prolongation of the crisis had not
+inconvenienced the public service, as Her Majesty's _present_
+Government were constitutionally enabled to carry on all necessary
+business.
+
+The Queen rejoined that she was very sorry that this attempt had also
+failed, that she had tried every possible combination, and still was
+without a Government. Lord Stanley answered as if he considered
+it natural that Lord John Russell's Government should now quietly
+proceed; but on the Queen's observation, that it was now necessary
+that all Parties should join in the support of some measures at least,
+and particularly the Papal Bill, he stated what he was prepared to
+support, and would have been prepared to propose had he taken office,
+viz. a fuller recital in the preamble of the Bill and no penal clause
+in the body of it. (The present Bill looked pettish and undignified,
+as if framed in anger as a return for the insult, and not a correction
+of the state of the law.) He thought the Law very complex and obscure,
+and never found it acted upon. He would have proposed therefore that
+Committees of both Houses should enquire into the whole subject; the
+state of the Convents; whether subjects were detained against their
+will; whether people were forced to bequeath their property to the
+Church on the deathbed, etc., etc.; he knew that the Roman Catholic
+laity felt severely the oppression which the Priests exercised over
+them, and would be willing to give evidence.
+
+Lord Stanley asked whether it could be of use if he were to state all
+this in his explanation to-day, which the Queen strongly affirmed. I
+added that I hoped he would explain what he was prepared to do on all
+the subjects in dispute--the Commercial and Financial Policy as well.
+He promised to do so, and entered into his views on the Income Tax,
+which he called a War Tax, which had been imposed for temporary
+purposes only in 1842, and ought to be taken off again when
+practicable in order to keep faith with the public; but if, as often
+as there was a surplus, this was immediately absorbed by remission of
+other burdens, this object could never be fulfilled. He would
+propose that by degrees, as surpluses arose, the Income Tax should be
+decreased, and so on to its final repeal.
+
+I disputed with him for some time on the advantages of an Income Tax,
+but without coming to any result.
+
+On his enquiry whether there was anything else the Queen might wish
+him to state--perhaps the rumour that he had been refused the power of
+dissolving--we agreed that he should say the question had never been
+seriously entertained, but that the Queen had been ready to give him
+the same support and advantages which any other Government might have
+enjoyed.[9]
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 9: The Prince thereupon, at the Queen's request,
+    communicated with Lord John Russell, and after recounting
+    to him the various successive failures to form a Government,
+    wrote that the Queen must "pause before she again entrusts the
+    commission of forming an Administration to anybody, till
+    she has been able to see the result of to-morrow evening's
+    Debate." He added, "Do you see any Constitutional objection to
+    this course?"]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to the Duke of Wellington._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _28th February 1851._
+
+MY DEAR DUKE,--Lord Stanley has likewise resigned his task, not being
+able to gain over any of Sir R. Peel's friends, and being incapable of
+forming a Government out of his Party alone.
+
+So Lord John Russell has declared his inability to carry on the
+Government. Lord Stanley has then declared his inability to form one
+until every other combination should have failed. We have tried
+all possible combinations between Whigs and Peelites, and have not
+succeeded, and now Lord Stanley throws up the game a second time!
+The Queen would be happy to consult you and hear your advice in this
+dilemma. Possibly to-night's Debate may define the position of Parties
+more clearly, and give a clue to what may be best to be done under the
+circumstances. Ever yours, etc.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _28th February 1851._
+
+SIR,--The former Cabinet meet at eleven, at Lansdowne House.
+
+It appears to me that the Queen might with advantage see Lord
+Lansdowne. He was in office with Mr Fox and Lord Grenville in 1806; he
+has been distinguished and respected in political life ever since; he
+is now desirous of retiring, and has therefore no personal object to
+gain. If the Queen approves, Lord Lansdowne might wait on Her Majesty
+soon after twelve o'clock. I have the honour to be, Sir, your Royal
+Highness's very dutiful Servant,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD LANSDOWNE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Lansdowne._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _28th February 1851._
+
+It would be a great satisfaction to the Queen to hear Lord Lansdowne's
+advice in the present critical state of affairs, and she would be glad
+if he could come to her at twelve this morning. The Queen has sent
+to the Duke of Wellington in order to hear his opinion also; but he
+cannot be here before to-night, being at Strathfieldsaye.
+
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+FRIDAY, _28th February 1851._
+
+Lord Lansdowne, who arrived at twelve o'clock, was asked by the Queen
+what advice he could offer her in the present complication. His answer
+was: "I wish indeed I had any good advice to offer to your Majesty."
+He expressed his delight at the Queen having sent for the Duke of
+Wellington. We talked generally of the state of affairs; he agreed in
+a remark of mine, that I thought the Queen should be entirely
+guided in her choice of the person to construct a Government, by the
+consideration which Party would now appear to be the strongest in the
+House of Commons. On my asking, however, whether he knew if, on the
+failure of Lord Stanley to form a Government, part of his followers
+would now give up Protection as past hope, and be prepared in future
+to support the Peelite section of the Conservative Party, Lord
+Lansdowne said he had heard nothing on the subject, nor could he give
+us more information on the chance of the Radicals and Irish members
+now being more willing to support Lord John Russell in future. He
+liked Lord Stanley's plan of dealing with the Papal Question, of
+which the Queen communicated to him the outlines, was afraid of Sir
+J. Graham's excessive leaning towards economy, shook his head at
+Lord John Russell's letter to the Bishop of Durham[10] which had been
+instrumental in bringing on the present crisis, and confessed that he
+had been amongst those in the Cabinet who had prevented the bringing
+forward of a measure of reform in the present Session. He offered to
+do whatever might be most conducive to the Queen's comfort--stay out
+of office, or come into office--as might be thought the most useful.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 10: See _ante_, p. 273 note 1.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FURTHER DIFFICULTIES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st March 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I did not write to you yesterday, thinking I could
+perhaps give you some more positive news to-day, but I _cannot_. I am
+still without a Government, and I am still trying to hear and pause
+before I actually call to Lord John to undertake to form, or rather
+more to continue, the Government. We have passed an anxious, exciting
+week, and the difficulties are very peculiar; there are so many
+conflicting circumstances which render coalition between those
+who agree in almost everything, and in particular on _Free Trade_,
+impossible, but the "Papal Question" is the real and almost
+insuperable difficulty.
+
+Lord Lansdowne is waiting to see me, and I must go, and with many
+thanks for your two kind letters, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _2nd March 1851._
+(_Sunday._)
+
+Lord Lansdowne, who arrived after church, had seen Lord John
+Russell and discussed with him the Memorandum which we left with him
+yesterday. He had since drawn up a Memorandum himself which embodied
+his views, and which he had not yet communicated to any one. He was
+very apprehensive lest to begin a new Government with an open question
+would produce the greatest prejudice against it in the public; he was
+still inclined therefore to recommend the continuance of the present
+Government avowedly for the purpose of passing the Papal Bill, after
+which the Coalition might take place, which, however, should be agreed
+upon and settled at this time. As the Duke of Wellington has not yet
+sent his promised Memorandum, and Lord Lansdowne was anxious to hear
+his opinion, the Queen commissioned him to appoint Lord John Russell
+to come at three o'clock, and to go himself to the Duke of Wellington.
+
+Lord John Russell, who arrived at the appointed time, and had not seen
+Lord Lansdowne's Memorandum yet, read it over, and expressed great
+misgivings about the execution of the proposal. He said he saw in
+fact, like Sir J. Graham, nothing but difficulties. He had ascertained
+that his Party by no means liked the idea of a fusion, and had been
+much relieved when the attempt to form a Coalition Ministry had
+failed. He was afraid that in the interval between their resuming
+office and giving it up again every possible surmise would be current
+who were the Ministers to be displaced, and every possible intrigue
+would spring up for and against particular members of the Cabinet. He
+would prefer not to make any arrangements for the Coalition now, but
+merely to engage to resign again after having carried the Papal
+Bill, when the Queen could try the Coalition, and that failing, could
+entrust Lord Aberdeen and Sir J. Graham with the carrying on of the
+Government, whose chief difficulty would then be removed. I objected
+to this--that his Party might feel justly aggrieved if after their
+having carried him through the difficulty of the Papal Measure, he
+were to throw them over and resign, and asked him whether his Cabinet
+would not repent in the meantime and wish to stay in.
+
+He answered that it would be entirely in his and Lord Lansdowne's
+hands to carry out the proposed arrangements.
+
+We asked him whether it would strengthen his hands if, instead of his
+only _accepting_ the task of continuing the Government till the Papal
+Measure had been passed, the Queen were to make it a _condition_
+in _giving_ him the Commission, that it should terminate then. He
+replied, "Certainly." He begged, however, to be understood not to have
+given a decided opinion that the plan of "the open Question" proposed
+in our Memorandum was not preferable, although he saw great objections
+to that also, particularly as Sir J. Graham had reserved the statement
+of his principal objections to the Papal Bill for the second reading.
+He promised to draw up a Memorandum, which he would bring to-morrow
+at twelve o'clock, after having consulted some of his colleagues,
+and begged that it might not be considered that he had accepted the
+Government till then.
+
+One of the difficulties which we likewise discussed was the position
+of the financial measures which required almost immediate attention,
+and still ought to be left open for the consideration of the future
+Government.
+
+We agreed that the pressing on the Papal Measure was the chief point,
+and that it ought to be altered to meet the objections (as far as they
+are reasonable) of its opponents, strengthening the declaratory part,
+however, to please Lord Stanley; and the Queen promised to call upon
+Lord Stanley to give this so modified Bill the support of himself and
+his Party, which we thought she could in fairness claim after all that
+had happened.
+
+The Queen reiterated her objections to Lord Palmerston, and received
+the renewed promise that her wishes should be attended to.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A COALITION IMPOSSIBLE]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd March 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell arrived at the hour appointed (twelve o'clock), and
+was sorry to inform the Queen that all hope of a Coalition must be
+given up. He had found that his Party was very much averse to it. On
+proposing to his former colleagues the plan of keeping Office now,
+and vacating it after the Aggression Bill had passed, many of them,
+amongst which were Lord Grey, Sir Charles Wood, Sir Francis Baring,
+declared they would not be _warming-pans_ (an expression used at the
+time of the Grey-Grenville Coalition), and would resign at once. The
+Duke of Wellington, whose opinion the Queen had asked, had recommended
+the return of the old Cabinet to power. He (Lord John) could therefore
+only advise that course, although he was conscious that it would be a
+very weak Government, and one not likely to last any length of time.
+
+He then read the Memorandum which he had drawn up and which follows
+here.[11]
+
+The Queen now asked whether Lord John proposed a modification of
+his own Cabinet, to which Lord John replied, None, except perhaps
+an exchange of Office between Sir C. Wood and Sir F. Baring, if Sir
+Charles were to refuse bringing in a different budget from the one he
+had already propounded; he was for maintaining the Income Tax, whilst
+Sir Francis was for repealing it by degrees. The Queen then reminded
+Lord John of her objections to Lord Palmerston, and his promise
+that Lord Palmerston should not again be thrust upon her as Foreign
+Secretary. Lord John admitted to the promise, but said he could not
+think for a moment of resuming office and either expel Lord Palmerston
+or quarrel with him. He (Lord John) was in fact the weakness and Lord
+Palmerston the strength of the Government from his popularity with the
+Radicals.... He said he was very anxious that he and Lord Lansdowne
+should bear the responsibility of removing Lord Palmerston from the
+Foreign Office and not the Queen; her refusal now could only go to the
+country as a personal objection on her part, and the country would be
+left without a Government in consequence. On the Queen's reiterating
+that she wanted to keep Lord John and get rid of Lord Palmerston, and
+that it was too painful to her to be put into the situation of having
+actually to _wish_ the fall of her own Government, Lord John promised
+to move Lord Palmerston in the Easter recess, or to resign then
+himself if he should meet with difficulties; in the meantime he must
+apprise Lord Palmerston of this intention, which he could explain to
+him as a wish to make a general modification of his Government. He
+would offer him the Lieutenancy of Ireland or the Presidency or lead
+in the House of Lords, which Lord Lansdowne would be ready to resign.
+He might at that period perhaps get some of the Radicals into office
+or some Peelites. The Queen finally entrusted Lord John with the
+Government on these conditions.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 11: _See_ next page.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S ADVICE]
+
+[Pageheading: ECCLESIASTICAL TITLES BILL]
+
+
+_Memorandum by Lord John Russell._
+
+_3rd March 1851._
+
+Her Majesty having tried in vain the formation of a Government--first,
+by Lord Stanley; second, by Lord John Russell, Lord Aberdeen, and
+Sir James Graham; third, by Lord Aberdeen; fourth, by Lord Stanley
+a second time--had recourse to the advice and opinion of the Duke of
+Wellington. The Duke, admitting the great qualifications for office
+of the adherents of the late Sir Robert Peel, yet advises the Queen to
+restore her former Ministers to office.
+
+But supposing Her Majesty to follow that advice, a further question
+naturally arises: the late Government having fallen from want of
+Parliamentary support, can they upon their return be in any way
+strengthened, and be enabled to carry on the public business with more
+power and efficiency?
+
+This might be done in three ways: first, by a Coalition sooner or
+later with the Peel Party; secondly, by admitting to office some of
+their own Radical supporters; thirdly, by seeking aid from the Party
+which has followed Lord Stanley.
+
+The first of these courses appears the most natural. The present
+Ministers are agreed with the adherents of Sir Robert Peel on Free
+Trade, and on the policy which has regulated our finances of late
+years. The difference between them is of a temporary nature. But it
+may be doubted whether any strength would be gained by an immediate
+junction with that Party.
+
+If such junction took place now, the Ministers coming in must oppose
+their colleagues on the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill--an unseemly
+spectacle, a source of weakness, and probably the beginning of strife,
+which would not end with the Bill in question.
+
+If, on the other hand, the junction were delayed till the
+Ecclesiastical Titles Bill is disposed of, the existing Ministry would
+be divided into two portions, one of which would have only a temporary
+tenure of office. Rumours, cabals, and intrigues would have ample room
+to spread their mischief in such a state of things.
+
+But finally the Whig Party in the House of Commons would not be
+cordial supporters of the junction; jealousy and discontent would soon
+break up the Ministry.
+
+Secondly, by admitting to office some of their Radical supporters.
+This course must lead to concessions on measures as well as men, and
+those concessions would provoke hostility in other quarters. The great
+question of the defence of the country is besides one of too great
+importance to be made a matter of compromise.
+
+Third, by seeking aid from the Party which has followed Lord Stanley.
+This cannot be done by means of official connection; but something
+might be effected by adopting measures calculated to convince the
+Landed Interest that their sufferings were not disregarded.
+
+Upon the whole, if the late Ministers are invited by your Majesty to
+resume office, the easiest course would be to proceed at once with
+the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill. That question disposed of, it would
+be seen whether the Ministry had sufficient strength to go on; if
+they had, they might, as occasion arose, seek assistance from other
+quarters, looking to those with whom there is the greatest agreement
+of opinion.
+
+Should the Ministry, on the other hand, not receive Parliamentary
+support sufficient to enable them to carry on the Government, the
+Queen would be in a position to form a new Government free from the
+obstacles which have lately been fatal.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th March 1851._
+
+... The Queen was in hopes to have heard from Lord John Russell this
+morning relative to what passed in the House of Commons last night.
+She wishes likewise to hear what takes place at the meeting of Lord
+John's supporters to-day. The Queen must ask Lord John to keep her
+constantly informed of what is going on, and of the temper of parties
+in and out of Parliament; for no one _can_ deny that the present state
+of affairs is most critical; and after all that has happened it
+is absolutely necessary that the Queen should not be in a state of
+uncertainty, not to say of ignorance, as to what is passing. She can
+else not form a just opinion of the position of affairs.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th March 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Pray receive my warmest thanks for two kind letters
+of the 28th, and my excuses for the terribly incoherent scrawl of last
+Saturday. The _denouement_ of ten days of the greatest anxiety and
+excitement I cannot call satisfactory, for it holds out only the
+prospect of another crisis in a very short time, and the so much
+wished-for union of Parties has been again frustrated. I have been
+speaking _very strongly_ about Lord Palmerston to Lord John, and he
+has _promised_ that if the Government should still be in at Easter,
+then to make a change.... Lord Stanley can never succeed _until_ he
+gives up Protection, which he would do, if the country decides against
+him;[12] he has failed solely from the _impossibility_ of finding
+_one_ single man capable to take the important Offices. He said last
+night to Lord John Russell, "I am _l'homme impossible_; they cannot
+come to me again." Still it would be very desirable that there
+should be a strong Conservative Party; nothing but the abandonment of
+Protection can bring this to pass, and Lord Stanley cannot abandon
+it with honour till _after_ the _next Election_. This is the state
+of Parties, which is greatly _erschwert_ by the Papal Question, which
+divides the Liberals and Conservatives. In short, there _never_ was
+_such_ a _complicated_ and difficult state of affairs. Ever your
+devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+Stockmar has been an immense comfort to us in our trials, and I hope
+you will tell him so.
+
+    [Footnote 12: The Queen's judgment was amply confirmed by the
+    events of 1852. See _post_, p. 404. note 1.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NATIONAL GALLERY]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Queen._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _5th March 1851._
+
+The Queen would give every facility to the selection of a good site
+for a new National Gallery, and would therefore not object to its
+being built on to Kensington Palace or anywhere in Kensington Gardens;
+but does not see why it should exactly be placed upon the site of the
+present Palace, if not for the purpose of taking from the Crown the
+last available set of apartments. She is not disposed to trust in the
+disposition of Parliament or the public to give her an equivalent
+for these apartments from time to time when emergencies arise. The
+surrender of Kensington Palace will most likely not be thanked for at
+the moment, and any new demand in consequence of such surrender would
+be met with lavish abuse. As to economy in the construction, it will
+most likely be best consulted by building on a spot perfectly free and
+unencumbered.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _14th March 1851._
+
+SIR,--I cannot undertake to make any change in the Foreign Office. Our
+Party is hardly reunited, and any break into sections, following one
+man or the other, would be fatal to us. I need not say that the Queen
+would suffer if it were attributed to her desire, and that as I have
+no difference of opinion on Foreign Policy, that could not fail to be
+the case.
+
+Upon the whole, the situation of affairs is most perplexing. A
+Dissolution I fear would not improve it.
+
+I can only say that my Office is at all times at the Queen's disposal.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir, your Royal Highness's most dutiful
+Servant,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir George Grey._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _30th March 1851._
+
+The Queen approves of the draft of a letter to the Archbishop of
+Canterbury. With respect to the Archbishop's letter and the address,
+the Queen will receive it in the Closet. It seems strange to propose
+as a remedy for the present evils in the Church, and for its evident
+great disunion, _600_ more churches to be built! There ought clearly
+to be some security given to those who are to encourage such a scheme
+against the extension of those evils.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE GREAT EXHIBITION]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _19th April 1851._
+
+SIR,--Lord Granville came here yesterday to speak to me upon the order
+for opening the Exhibition at one o'clock on the 1st of May. He is
+anxious to have the order changed, and the season-ticket bearers
+admitted at eleven o'clock.
+
+I did not give him any positive opinion on the subject. But the
+account he gave me of the route which the Queen will follow in going
+to the Exhibition takes away the main objection which I felt to the
+admission of visitors before one o'clock. It appears there cannot well
+be any interruption to Her Majesty's progress to and from the Crystal
+Palace on the 1st of May.
+
+I conclude that Her Majesty will not go in the State Coach, but in the
+same manner that Her Majesty goes in state to the theatres....
+
+I feel assured there will be no undue and inconvenient pressure of the
+crowd in the part of the building in which Her Majesty may be. Colonel
+Wemyss and Colonel Bouverie might easily be in attendance to request
+the visitors not to crowd where the Queen is. At the same time, I am
+ready to abide by the existing order, if Her Majesty wishes it to be
+enforced.
+
+I have the honour to submit two private letters sent by Lord
+Palmerston. I have the honour to be, Sir, your Royal Highness's most
+dutiful Servant,
+
+J. RUSSELL.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE OPENING CEREMONY]
+
+
+_The Duchess of Gloucester to Queen Victoria._
+
+GLOUCESTER HOUSE, _2nd May 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--It is impossible to tell you how warmly I do
+participate in all you must have felt yesterday, as well as dear
+Albert, at everything having gone off so beautifully. After so much
+anxiety and the trouble he has had, the joy _must_ be the greater.[13]
+
+The sight from my window was the gayest and the most gratifying to
+witness, and to me who loves you so dearly as _I do_, made it the more
+delightful. The good humour of all around, the fineness of the
+day, the manner you were received in both going and coming from the
+Exhibition, was quite perfect. Therefore what must it have been in the
+inside of the building!
+
+Mary and George came away in perfect _enchantment_, and every soul I
+have seen describes it as the fairest sight that ever was seen and the
+best-conducted _fete!_Why, G. Bathurst told me it far surpassed the
+_Coronation_ as to magnificence, and we all agreed in rejoicing that
+the _Foreigners should_ have witnessed the affection of the _People_
+to _you_ and _your Family_, and how the _English people_ do _love_ and
+respect the _Crown_. As to Mary, she was in _perfect enchantment_, and
+full of how pretty your dear little Victoria looked, and how nicely
+she was dressed, and so grateful to your Mother for all her kindness
+to her. I should have written to you last night, but I thought I would
+not plague you with a letter until to-day, as I think you must have
+been tired last night with the _excitement_ of the day. I shall ever
+lament the having missed such a sight, but I comfort myself in feeling
+sure I could not have followed you (as I ought) when you walked round.
+Therefore I was _better_ out of the way. We drank your health at
+dinner and _congratulation_ on the _complete success_ of _Albert's
+plans_ and _arrangements_, and also dear little Arthur's health. Many
+thanks for kind note received last night. Love to Albert. Yours,
+
+MARY.
+
+    [Footnote 13: The Great Exhibition in Hyde Park was opened
+    with brilliant ceremony on the 1st of May.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE GREAT EXHIBITION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd May 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--... I wish you _could_ have witnessed the _1st May
+1851_, the _greatest_ day in our history, the _most beautiful_ and
+_imposing_ and _touching_ spectacle ever seen, and the triumph of my
+beloved Albert. Truly it was astonishing, a fairy scene. Many cried,
+and all felt touched and impressed with devotional feelings. It was
+the _happiest_, _proudest_ day in my life, and I can think of
+nothing else. Albert's dearest name is immortalised with this _great_
+conception, _his_ own, and my _own_ dear country _showed_ she was
+_worthy_ of it. The triumph is _immense_, for up to the _last hour_
+the difficulties, the opposition, and the ill-natured attempts
+to annoy and frighten, of a certain set of fashionables and
+Protectionists, were immense; but Albert's temper, patience, firmness,
+and energy surmounted all, and the feeling is universal. _You_ will
+be astounded at this great work when you see it!--the beauty of the
+building and the vastness of it all. I can never thank God enough.
+I feel _so_ happy, so proud. Our dear guests were much pleased and
+impressed. You are right to like the dear Princess, for she is a
+noble-minded, warm-hearted, distinguished person, much attached to
+you, and who revered dearest Louise. Oh! _how_ I thought of _her_ on
+that great day, how kindly she would have rejoiced in our success! Now
+good-bye, dearest Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Emperor of Austria._[14]
+
+PALAIS DE BUCKINGHAM, _5 Mai 1851._
+
+SIRE ET MON BON FRERE,--C'est avec un vif empressement que je viens
+remercier votre Majeste Imperiale des superbes objets de l'industrie
+et des arts de votre Empire, que vous avez eu l'extreme bonte de
+m'envoyer et qui me seront bien precieux a plus d'un titre d'abord
+comme venant de votre Majeste, et puis a cause de leur grande beaute
+et comme un souvenir a une epoque ou il a plu au Tout-Puissant de
+permettre une reunion pacifique de tous les peuples du monde et de
+leurs produits.
+
+La ceremonie de l'inauguration de l'Exposition a fait une profonde
+impression sur mon c[oe]ur et je regrette d'avoir ete le seul
+Souverain qui ait pu jouir de cette scene a la fois imposante
+et parlant au c[oe]ur. Nous avons deja fait plusieurs visites au
+departement Autrichien et le Prince et moi avons eu occasion d'admirer
+beaucoup les produits qui nous sont venus de vos Etats. Puisse
+leur exposition contribuer a la prosperite du commerce de l'Empire
+Autrichien.
+
+Agreez l'expression de ma sincere amitie, qui j'espere pourra un jour
+etre cimentee par la connaissance personnelle de votre Majeste,
+et croyez-moi toujours, Sire, de votre Majeste Imperiale, la bonne
+S[oe]ur,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 14: Francis Joseph, who became Emperor in December
+    1848.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF MR SHEIL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _2nd June 1851._
+
+The Queen will see the Judge Advocate on Saturday at three.
+
+The place of the late Mr Mill is already filled up.
+
+Mr Sheil's death is very sudden, and must be a great shock to his
+family....
+
+We go to Windsor this afternoon to stay till Friday. We hope that Lord
+John Russell's little girl is going on quite well.
+
+The Queen has had good accounts from the dear Princess of Prussia from
+Coblentz. Her letter is full of England, her great happiness here,
+and her great sorrow at having left it. The Princes have expressed
+the same, so this dangerous journey has gone off without _one_ single
+unpleasant circumstance, which is very gratifying.
+
+The Prince and Prince Frederic are gone to Berlin, where the statue of
+Frederic the Great was to be inaugurated yesterday.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _18th June 1851._
+
+The Queen returns the papers signed. We are both much pleased at what
+Lord John Russell says about the Prince's speech yesterday.[15] It was
+on so ticklish a subject that one could not feel sure beforehand
+how it might be taken; at the same time the Queen felt sure that the
+Prince would say the right thing, from her entire confidence in his
+great tact and judgment.
+
+The Queen, at the risk of not appearing sufficiently modest (and yet,
+why should a wife ever be modest about her husband's merits?), must
+say that she thinks Lord John Russell will admit now that the Prince
+is possessed of very extraordinary powers of mind and heart. She feels
+so proud at being his wife that she cannot refrain from herself paying
+a tribute to his noble character.
+
+    [Footnote 15: The Prince presided at the meeting commemorative
+    of the one hundred and fifty years' existence of the Society
+    for the Propagation of the Gospel. His speech was warmly
+    praised by the Premier.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _10th July 1851._
+
+The Queen hastens to tell Lord John Russell how amiably everything
+went off last [night], and how enthusiastically we were received by an
+almost _fearful_ mass of people in the streets;[16] the greatest order
+prevailed, and the greatest and most gratifying enthusiasm.
+
+Not being aware whether Sir George Grey is equal to any business, the
+Queen writes to Lord John to direct that a proper letter be written
+without delay to the Lord Mayor, expressing not only the Queen's and
+Prince's thanks for the splendid entertainment at the Guildhall, but
+also our high gratification at the hearty, kind, and enthusiastic
+reception we met with during our progress through the City, both
+going and returning. Our only anxiety is lest any accident should have
+occurred from the great pressure of the dense crowds.
+
+The Queen would likewise wish to know what distinction should be
+conferred in honour of the occasion on the Lord Mayor.
+
+    [Footnote 16: A ball in commemoration of the Exhibition took
+    place at the Guildhall on the 9th of July.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th July 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter. She has no
+objection on this particular occasion to knight the two Sheriffs, this
+year being so memorable a one.
+
+But the Queen would wish it clearly to be _understood_ that they have
+no right or claim to be knighted whenever the Queen goes into the
+City.
+
+On the occasion of the opening of the Royal Exchange the Sheriffs were
+not knighted....
+
+We regret to hear of Lord John's continued indisposition.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DANISH SUCCESSION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _25th August 1851._
+
+The Queen wishes to draw Lord John Russell's attention to the enclosed
+draft, which she does not think can go in its present shape. We argued
+in innumerable despatches that the _choice of the successor_ to the
+Danish Crown was entirely an internal question for Denmark, in which
+foreign Powers could not interfere. Here, however, it is laid down
+that the German Diet has no right to treat the succession in Holstein
+(a German State) as an _internal_ question, as it ought to be decided
+on--not according to the _German law of succession_, but according to
+the interests of Europe. Nor is it true, as stated in the despatch,
+that the Duke of Augustenburg has _no_ claim to the Danish Crown. His
+mother was the daughter of Christian VII. and of Queen Matilda.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN IN SCOTLAND]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BALMORAL CASTLE, _16th September 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Accept my best thanks for your kind and dear letter
+of the 8th. It is a good thing for Leo to begin to follow in your
+footsteps, but (if I may speak out plainly), I think that anything
+like _fonctions_ and _representation_ is agreeable and _not_ difficult
+to Leo. It is the common contact with his fellow-creatures, the being
+put on a par with him, the being brought to feel that he is as much
+_one_ of them as any other, in spite of his birth, which I think of
+such great importance for him, and I therefore hope you will send him
+to _Bonn_.
+
+My letter is terribly _decousu_, for it has been twice interrupted.
+I was out the whole day with Albert, in the forest in a perfectly
+tropical heat. Since we went to Allt-na-Giuthasach, our little bothy
+near Loch Muich on the 12th, the heat of the sun has been daily
+increasing, and has reached a pitch which makes it almost sickening to
+be out in it, though it is beautiful to behold. The sky these last two
+evenings has been like an Italian one, and for the last few days--at
+least the last four--without the slightest particle of cloud, and the
+sun blazing. With this, not a breath of air. The mountains look quite
+crimson and lilac, and everything glows with the setting sun.
+The evenings are quite a _relief_. Really one cannot undertake
+expeditions, the heat is so great. We thought of you, and wished you
+could be here; you would fancy yourself in Italy.
+
+Albert got a splendid stag to-day. I must hastily conclude, hoping
+to hear from you that you _will come_. Our moonlights have been
+magnificent also. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BALMORAL CASTLE, _22nd September 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I write to you on purpose on this large paper in
+order that you may see and admire it. Landseer did it also on purpose,
+and I think it is even finer than the other. It is so truly the
+character of the noble animal.
+
+That abuse of the poor Orleans family in our papers is abominable,
+and Lord John is equally shocked at it, but won't interfere. Don't you
+think Joinville should not have left it open for him to accept it, for
+it is _impossible_ for _him_ to be _President_ of the French Republic?
+Still, I feel convinced that he and they _all_ do what they think best
+for _France_.
+
+I must conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+SHIEL OF ALLT-NA-GIUTHASACH, _30th September 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I write to you from our little bothy in the hills,
+which is quite a wilderness--where we arrived yesterday evening after
+a long hill expedition to the Lake of Loch Nagar, which is one of the
+wildest spots imaginable. It was very cold. To-day it pours so that I
+hardly know if we shall be able to get out, or home even. We are
+not _snowed_, but _rained up_. Our little Shiel is very snug and
+comfortable, and we have got a little piano in it. Lady Douro is with
+us.
+
+Many thanks for your kind letter of the 22nd. Our warm, fine weather
+left us on the 25th, and we have had storm and snow in the mountains
+ever since then.
+
+The position of Princes is no doubt difficult in these times, but
+it would be much less so if they would behave honourably and
+straightforwardly, giving the people gradually those privileges which
+would satisfy all the reasonable and well-intentioned, and would
+weaken the power of the Red Republicans; instead of that, _reaction_
+and a return to all the tyranny and oppression is the cry and the
+principle--and all papers and books are being seized and prohibited,
+as in the days of Metternich!...
+
+Vicky was kicked off her pony--a quiet beast--but not the least hurt;
+this is more than three weeks ago. Alfred (whom you will recollect
+I told you was so terribly heedless and entirely indifferent to all
+punishment, etc.) tumbled downstairs last week. He was not seriously
+hurt at all, and quite well the next morning, only with a terribly
+black, green, and yellow face and very much swelled. He might have
+been killed; he is always bent upon self-destruction, and one hardly
+knows what to do, for he don't mind being hurt or scolded or punished;
+and the very next morning he tried to go down the stairs leaning over
+the banisters just as he had done when he fell.
+
+Alas! this will be my last letter but one from the dear Highlands. We
+start on the 7th, visiting Liverpool and Manchester on our way back,
+and expect to be at Windsor on the 11th.
+
+I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE HIGHLANDS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BALMORAL CASTLE, _6th October 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Only two words can I write to you, as we are to
+start to-morrow morning. My heart is _bien gros_ at going from here.
+
+I love my peaceful, wild Highlands, the glorious scenery, the
+dear good people who are much attached to us, and who feel their
+_Einsamkeit_ sadly, very much. One of our Gillies, a young Highlander
+who generally went out with me, said, in answer to my observation that
+they must be very dull here when we left: "It's just like death come
+all at once." In addition to my sorrow at leaving this dear place,
+I am in great sorrow at the loss of a dear and faithful, excellent
+friend, whom you will sincerely lament--our good Lord Liverpool. He
+was well and in the highest spirits with us only six weeks ago, and in
+three days he was carried away. I cannot tell you _how_ it has upset
+me; I have known him so long, and he was such an intimate friend of
+ours. We received the news yesterday.
+
+Many thanks for your kind letter of the 29th. I am glad all went off
+so well, but it must have been dreadful to miss dearest Louise.
+This time reminds me so much of all our sorrow last year on her dear
+account.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th October 1851._
+
+The Queen returns Lord Howden's letter, and thinks that the best
+answer to the Queen of Spain's request will be that the Statutes
+do not allow the Garter to be bestowed upon a lady; that the Queen
+herself possesses no order of knighthood from any country.[17]
+
+With reference to the claim for the King arising out of the Prince
+having received the Fleece, it may be well to say that the offer
+of the Fleece had in the first instance been declined for fear of
+establishing a ground for the necessity of giving the Garter in
+return, and was at its second offer accepted by the Prince, together
+with the first orders of almost every country, on the understanding
+that no return would be expected. It would have been impossible to
+give the Garter to every Sovereign, and very difficult to make a
+selection. The Queen of Spain ought to be made aware of the fact that
+among the reigning Sovereigns, the Emperors of Austria and Brazil,
+and the Kings of Sweden, Denmark, Bavaria, Holland, Sardinia, Naples,
+Greece, etc., etc., have not got the Garter, although many of them
+have expressed a wish for it, and that amongst the Kings Consort, the
+King of Portugal, the Queen's first cousin, has not received it yet,
+although the Queen has long been anxious to give it to him.
+
+Anything short of these explanations might offend, or leave the claim
+open to be repeated from time to time.
+
+    [Footnote 17: The Queen of Spain had expressed a desire
+    through Lord Howden to receive the Order of the Garter.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: EXTENSION OF THE FRANCHISE]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _14th October 1851._
+
+Lord Carlisle, Lord Minto, and Sir Charles Wood are appointed a
+Committee to consider of the extension of the Suffrage. They meet
+to-morrow. Lord John Russell expects to see Mr Peel to-morrow. It is
+proposed that Parliament should meet on the 3rd or 5th of February....
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th October 1851._
+
+The Queen does not consider the Committee appointed to consider the
+extension of the Franchise a very strong one. Will Lord Carlisle be up
+to the peculiar business?
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: KOSSUTH IN ENGLAND]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._[18]
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th October 1851._
+
+The Queen concludes Lord John Russell has read the accounts of
+Kossuth's arrival in to-day's papers.
+
+She wishes Lord John could still try to prevent Lord Palmerston from
+receiving him. The effect it will have abroad will do us immense harm.
+At all events, Lord John should take care to have it understood that
+the Government have not sanctioned it, and that it is a private act of
+Lord Palmerston's.
+
+The Queen will else have again to submit to insults and affronts,
+which are the result of Lord Palmerston's conduct.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Substance of the note to Lord John Russell,
+    written down from recollection.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th October 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+is sorry to say he can interfere no further with respect to Lord
+Palmerston's reception of Kossuth.
+
+With respect to the manner of the reception, however, he will write to
+Lord Palmerston to desire him to take care that nothing is said which
+goes beyond the strict expression of thanks for the efforts made
+by the British Government to procure first the safety, and next the
+liberty, of Kossuth.
+
+As for the reception, it is to be considered that Kossuth is
+considered the representative of English institutions against
+despotism.
+
+If this were so the public feeling would be laudable.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _31st October 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he has the
+honour to submit to your Majesty a correspondence[19] which has taken
+place between Lord Palmerston and himself.
+
+After Lord Palmerston's answer, Lord John Russell can have but little
+hope that Lord Palmerston will not see M. Kossuth. Lord John Russell
+cannot separate the private from the public man in this instance; the
+reception of Kossuth, if it takes place, will be a reception by
+your Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Whether that
+reception is to take place in Downing Street or Carlton Terrace does
+not appear to him material.
+
+Lord John Russell would, as a last resource, humbly advise your
+Majesty to command Lord Palmerston not to receive M. Kossuth.
+
+It appears to him that your Majesty owes this mark of respect to
+your Majesty's ally, and generally to all States at peace with this
+country.
+
+Lord John Russell has no other copy of this letter to Lord Palmerston.
+
+    [Footnote 19: Lord Palmerston wished to receive Kossuth at the
+    Foreign Office. In the correspondence here referred to, which
+    will be found in Russell's _Life_, the Premier "positively
+    requested" Lord Palmerston to decline to receive Kossuth. The
+    rejoinder, written while the messenger waited, was: "There are
+    limits to all things. I do not choose to be dictated to as to
+    who I may or may not receive in my own house.... I shall use
+    my own discretion.... You will, of course, use yours as to the
+    composition of your Government."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: KOSSUTH AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st October 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter, and returns the
+enclosures. She likewise sends him her letter to Lord Palmerston,
+which she begs him to send on, merely changing the label. She
+must tell Lord John, however, that although _he_ may go on with a
+_colleague_, even after having received an answer like the one Lord
+Palmerston has returned to the many entreaties not to compromise the
+Government by his personal act, the Queen cannot expose herself to
+having her positive commands disobeyed by one of her public servants,
+and that should Lord Palmerston persist in his intention he cannot
+continue as her Minister. She refrains from any expression upon Lord
+Palmerston's conduct in this matter, as Lord John is well aware of her
+feelings.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._[20]
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st October 1851._
+
+The Queen mentioned to Lord Palmerston when he was last here at
+Windsor Castle that she thought it would not be advisable that he
+should receive M. Kossuth upon his arrival in England, as being wholly
+unnecessary, and likely to be misconstrued abroad. Since M. Kossuth's
+arrival in this country, and his violent denunciations of two
+Sovereigns with whom we are at peace, the Queen thinks that she owes
+it as a mark of respect to her Allies, and generally to all States at
+peace with this country, not to allow that a person endeavouring to
+excite a political agitation in this country against her Allies should
+be received by her Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Whether
+such a reception should take place at his official or private
+residence can make no difference as to the public nature of the act.
+The Queen must therefore demand that the reception of M. Kossuth by
+Lord Palmerston should not take place.
+
+    [Footnote 20: Draft sent to Lord John Russell.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _31st October 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. Since
+writing to your Majesty this morning it has occurred to him that it
+will be best that your Majesty should not give any commands to Lord
+Palmerston on his sole advice.
+
+With this view he has summoned the Cabinet for Monday, and he humbly
+proposes that your Majesty should await their advice.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON AND THE QUEEN]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st October 1851._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter. She thinks it
+natural that Lord John should wish to bring a matter which may cause
+a rupture in the Government before the Cabinet, but thinks his having
+summoned the Cabinet only for Monday will leave Lord Palmerston at
+liberty in the intermediate time to have his reception of Kossuth, and
+then rest on his _fait accompli_. Unless, therefore, Lord John
+Russell can bind him over to good conduct, all the mischief which
+is apprehended from this step of his will result; and he will have,
+moreover, the triumph of having carried his point, and having set the
+Prime Minister at defiance....
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _1st November 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he is
+deeply sensible of your Majesty's kindness and indulgence. He feels
+that he is at times overwhelmed by the importance and variety of the
+questions of which the principal weight lies upon him.
+
+He now lays before your Majesty a copy of the letter he has written
+to Lord Palmerston.[21] With a grateful sense of your Majesty's
+confidence, he is now of opinion that the Cabinet should decide, and
+that no part of the burden should be placed upon your Majesty.
+
+He therefore returns the letter to Lord Palmerston.
+
+He summoned the Cabinet for Monday, as so many members of it are at a
+distance. He does not think Lord Palmerston will come to town before
+Monday.
+
+    [Footnote 21: The letter is printed in Lord Palmerston's
+    _Life_. The Premier stated that the question, being one of
+    grave public importance, must be decided by argument, not
+    passion, and would be considered by the Cabinet on the
+    following Monday. _See_ Walpole's _Russell_, chap. xxii.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _1st November 1851._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge Lord John Russell's letter of this day,
+and returns the copy of his to Lord Palmerston. She feels that she has
+the right and the duty to demand that one of her Ministers should not
+by his private acts, compromise her and the country, and therefore
+omitted in her letter to Lord Palmerston all reference to Lord John
+Russell's opinion; but she of course much prefers that she should
+be protected from the wilful indiscretions of Lord Palmerston by the
+attention of the Cabinet being drawn to his proceedings without her
+personal intervention.[22]
+
+    [Footnote 22: The Cabinet met, and having listened to the
+    statement of the Premier, which is printed in his _Life_,
+    unanimously supported him. Lord Palmerston accordingly gave
+    way for the time being. Lord John informed the Queen of the
+    result.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd November 1851._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter. She is very
+glad to hear that this matter has been amicably arranged, and she
+trusts that Lord Palmerston will act according to his promises.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _11th November 1851._
+
+The Queen sends this draft to Lord John Russell, as she thinks the
+tone in which it is written so very ironical, and not altogether
+becoming for a public despatch from the English Secretary for Foreign
+Affairs, to be given to the Minister of another State. The substance
+is quite right, and a dignified explanation of the absurdity of the
+conduct of the Parma officials would very likely produce its effect,
+but some expressions in this draft could only tend to irritate, and
+therefore prevent that readiness to comply with our demand, which is
+to be produced.[23]
+
+    [Footnote 23: Before ten days had elapsed, Lord Palmerston had
+    resumed his high-handed methods.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th November 1851._
+
+The Queen must write to-day to Lord John Russell on a subject which
+causes her much anxiety. Her feelings have again been deeply wounded
+by the official conduct of her Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
+since the arrival of M. Kossuth in this country. The Queen feels the
+best interests of her people, the honour and dignity of her Crown, her
+public and personal obligations towards those Sovereigns with whom
+she _professes_ to be on terms of peace and amity, most unjustifiably
+exposed. The Queen has unfortunately very often had to call upon Lord
+John to check his colleague in the dangerous and unbecoming course
+which at various times he has so wilfully persevered in pursuing. But
+Lord John Russell, although agreeing on most of these occasions with
+the view taken by the Queen, has invariably met her remonstrances with
+the plea that to push his interference with Lord Palmerston
+beyond what he had done would lead to a rupture with him, and thus
+necessarily to a breaking up of the Cabinet. The Queen, considering
+a change of her Government under present political circumstances
+dangerous to the true interests of the nation, had only to choose
+between two evils, without possessing sufficient confidence in her own
+judgment to decide which in its political consequences would turn out
+the least. But if in such a contingency the Queen chooses rather not
+to insist upon what is due to her, she thinks it indispensable at the
+same time to express to her Cabinet that she does so on their account,
+leaving it to them to reconcile the injuries done to her with that
+sound policy and conduct which the maintenance of peace and the
+welfare of the country require. These remarks seem to be especially
+called for after the report of the official interview between Lord
+Palmerston and the deputation from Finsbury,[24] and the Queen
+requests Lord John Russell to bring them under the notice of the
+Cabinet.
+
+    [Footnote 24: After Kossuth's departure, addresses of thanks
+    to Lord Palmerston, for his courteous attentions to Kossuth,
+    were voted by ultra-Radical meetings in Finsbury and
+    Islington, and he allowed a deputation to present the
+    addresses to him at the Foreign Office, the Emperors of
+    Austria and Russia being stigmatised therein as "odious and
+    detestable assassins" and "merciless tyrants and despots."
+    Palmerston, who expressed himself as "extremely flattered and
+    highly gratified" by the references to himself, did not in
+    terms reprehend the language used of the two Sovereigns, and
+    added, in a phrase immortalised by Leech's cartoon, that
+    "a good deal of judicious bottle-holding was obliged to be
+    brought into play."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S FOREIGN POLICY]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _21st November 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He had the
+honour of receiving last night your Majesty's communication respecting
+Lord Palmerston.
+
+Lord John Russell presumes that it is the substance of this
+communication which your Majesty wishes to be laid before the Cabinet.
+
+But before doing so he cannot refrain from mentioning some
+circumstances which appear to him to weigh materially in the
+consideration of Lord Palmerston's conduct.
+
+In many instances Lord Palmerston has yielded to the remonstrances of
+Lord John Russell, supported as they have been by your Majesty.
+
+He did so on the question of furnishing guns to the Sicilians.
+
+He did so in respect to the letter to Baron Koller on the affair of
+Count Haynau.
+
+He gave way likewise in this last instance, when, after assuring Lord
+Dudley Stuart that he would see Kossuth whenever he chose to call
+upon him, he consented to intimate privately to Lord Dudley that he
+requested him not to call.
+
+This last concession must have been mortifying to Lord Palmerston,
+and he has consoled himself in a manner not very dignified by giving
+importance to the inflated addresses from some meetings in the suburbs
+of London.
+
+But it appears to Lord John Russell that every Minister must have
+a certain latitude allowed him which he may use, perhaps with
+indiscretion, perhaps with bad taste, but with no consequence of
+sufficient importance to deserve notice.
+
+Lord John Russell must, however, call your Majesty's attention to an
+article in the _Morning Post_, which denies the accuracy of the report
+of Lord Palmerston's answer to what is there called "the froth and
+folly of an address to Downing Street."
+
+Lord John Russell, in admitting that he has more than once represented
+to your Majesty that the expulsion of Lord Palmerston would break up
+the Government, begs to explain that he has always done so upon one of
+two grounds:
+
+First, if Lord Palmerston should be called upon by your Majesty to
+resign on account of a line of Foreign Policy of which his colleagues
+had approved, and for which they were, with him, responsible.
+
+Second, in case no difference of opinion had arisen, and the
+transaction should bear the character of an intrigue, to get rid of an
+inconvenient colleague.
+
+It must be remembered that Lord Palmerston was recommended to the late
+King by Lord Grey as Foreign Secretary, and remained in that Office
+from 1830 to 1834; that he was afterwards replaced in the same Office
+by Lord Melbourne, and remained from 1835 to 1841.
+
+He has thus represented the Foreign Policy of the Whig Party fifteen
+years, and has been approved not only by them but by a large portion
+of the country. In the advice which Lord John Russell has humbly
+tendered to your Majesty, he has always had in view the importance
+of maintaining the popular confidence which your Majesty's name
+everywhere inspires. Somewhat of the good opinion of the Emperor of
+Russia and other foreign Sovereigns may be lost, but the good will and
+affection of the people of England are retained, a great security in
+these times.
+
+Lord John Russell has made out a note of his address to the Cabinet
+for your Majesty's information. He prays to have it returned.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st November 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter and returns the note
+on his former communication to the Cabinet. If Lord John felt on the
+3rd of November that "above all, it behoves us to be particularly
+cautious and not to afford just ground of complaint to any Party,
+and that we cannot be too vigilant or weigh our proceedings too
+scrupulously"--the Queen cannot suppose that Lord John considers the
+official reception by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
+of addresses, in which allied Sovereigns are called Despots and
+Assassins, as within that "latitude" which he claims for every
+minister, "which he may use perhaps with indiscretion, perhaps with
+bad taste, but with no consequence of sufficient importance to deserve
+notice."
+
+The Queen leaves it to Lord John Russell whether he will lay her
+letter, or only the substance of it, before the Cabinet;[25] but she
+hopes that they will make that careful enquiry into the justice of
+her complaint which she was sorry to miss altogether in Lord John
+Russell's answer. It is no question with the Queen whether she pleases
+the Emperor of Austria or not, but whether she gives him a just ground
+of complaint or not. And if she does so, she can never believe that
+this will add to her popularity with her own people. Lord John's
+letter must accordingly have disappointed her as containing a mere
+attempt at a defence of Lord Palmerston. Lord John sees one cause of
+excuse in Lord Palmerston's natural desire to console himself for the
+mortification of having had to decline seeing M. Kossuth; the Queen
+has _every reason to believe_ that he has seen him after all.
+
+    [Footnote 25: On the 4th of December the matter came before
+    the Cabinet. No formal resolution was adopted, but regret was
+    expressed at Palmerston's want of caution in not ascertaining
+    in advance the tenor of the addresses, and in admitting
+    unreliable reporters.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF KING OF HANOVER]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st November 1851._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord Palmerston's letter with the
+Memorandum relative to the mourning of her Uncle, the late King of
+Hanover,[26] and she has to say in reply that she thinks the mourning
+ought not to be for a Foreign Sovereign but for a Prince of the Blood
+Royal, which was the nearest relation in which he stood to the Throne.
+
+    [Footnote 26: King Ernest died on the 18th of November, aged
+    eighty, and was succeeded by his son, King George V., who
+    reigned till 1866, and died in 1878.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of Hanover._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st November 1851._
+
+MY DEAR GEORGE,--Your kind letter of the 18th, announcing to me the
+melancholy news of the death of your Father, was given to me yesterday
+by Mr Somerset, and I hasten to express to you in both our names our
+sincere and heartfelt condolence, and beg you to do so in our names to
+our dear Cousin Mary.[27]
+
+It must be a consolation to you that the end of the King was peaceful
+and so free from pain and suffering. Most truly do I enter into your
+feelings as to the responsible position into which you are now placed,
+and my best wishes for your welfare and happiness as well as that of
+Hanover will ever accompany you. I am happy to hear from Mr Somerset
+that you were well, as well as your dear Mary and dear children.
+
+Albert desires me to say everything kind from him to you as well as
+to our cousins, and with every possible good wish for your health and
+prosperity, believe me always, my dear George, your very affectionate
+Cousin,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 27: Princess Mary of Saxe-Altenburg (1818-1907),
+    wife of King George V. of Hanover.]
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _22nd November 1851._
+
+Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty and has
+taken the proper steps according to your Majesty's commands, about
+the mourning for the late King of Hanover; and he would wish to
+know whether it is your Majesty's desire that he should have
+letters prepared for your Majesty's signature, announcing to Foreign
+Sovereigns the decease of the late King.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+OSBORNE, _22nd November 1851._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord Palmerston's letter.
+
+The Queen does not think it necessary for her to announce the King of
+Hanover's death to other Sovereigns, as there is a head of that branch
+of her Family who would have to do so. She declared the present King's
+marriage in Council, but she does not think that she announced it.
+This Lord Palmerston would perhaps be able to ascertain at the Office.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE REFORM QUESTION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _3rd December 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of the 30th ult.,
+and has carefully considered his Memorandum on the report of
+the Committee of the Cabinet; she now returns Sir Charles Wood's
+Memorandum.
+
+Considering the question of Reform under its two bearings--on the
+Franchise and on the Suffrage--the Queen thinks the proposal of merely
+adding neighbouring towns to the small boroughs an improvement on the
+original plan, which contemplated the taking away of members from some
+boroughs, and giving them to others. Thus the animosity may be hoped
+to be avoided which an attack upon vested interests could not
+have failed to have produced. Much will depend, however, upon the
+completeness, fairness, and impartiality with which the selection of
+the towns will be made which are to be admitted into the electoral
+district of others. Sir Charles Wood's Memorandum being only a sketch,
+the Queen hopes to see a more complete list, stating the principle
+also upon which the selection is made.
+
+With regard to the Suffrage, the proposals of the Committee appear
+to the Queen to be framed with a due regard to the importance of not
+giving an undue proportion of weight to the Democracy. In the
+Queen's opinion, the chief question to consider will be whether the
+strengthening of the Democratic principle will upset the balance of
+Constitution, and further weaken the Executive, which is by no means
+too strong at present. The Queen is well aware of the difficulty of
+forming a correct estimate beforehand of the moral effect which such
+extensive changes may produce, but thinks that they cannot even be
+guessed at before the numerical results are accurately ascertained;
+she hopes therefore that the statistics will be soon in a state to be
+laid before her.
+
+The Queen regrets that the idea of reviving the Guilds had to be
+abandoned, but can quite understand the difficulty which would have
+been added to the measure by its being clogged with such an additional
+innovation.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _2nd December 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Accept my best thanks for your kind letter of the
+28th. I am truly grieved to hear that you have got so bad a cold;
+nothing is more trying and annoying than those heavy colds, which
+render _all_ occupation irksome and trying in the highest degree. I
+hope that it will soon be past.
+
+It is a great pity that you do not venture to come to us, as I am sure
+you might do it easily. I do not think that there will be any outburst
+yet awhile in France....
+
+I am rather unhappy about dear Uncle Mensdorff, who, I hear, has
+arrived at Vienna with gout in his head. I hope, however, soon to hear
+of his being much better....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE COUP D'ETAT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _4th December 1851._
+
+DEAREST UNCLE,--I must write a line to ask what you say to the
+_wonderful_ proceedings at Paris, which really seem like a _story_ in
+a book or a play! What is to be the result of it all?[28]
+
+I feel ashamed to have written _so positively_ a few hours before that
+nothing would happen.
+
+We are anxiously waiting for to-day's news--though I should hope that
+the Troops were to be depended upon, and _order_ for the present would
+prevail. I hope that none of the Orleans Family will move a limb or
+say a word, but remain perfectly passive.
+
+I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 28: On the 2nd of December, Louis Napoleon seized
+    the Government of France, arrested his chief opponents, put
+    an end to the National Assembly and Council of State, and
+    declared Paris in a state of siege.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _4th December 1851._
+
+The Queen has learnt with surprise and concern the events which have
+taken place at Paris.[29] She thinks it is of great importance that
+Lord Normanby should be instructed to remain entirely passive, and to
+take no part whatever in what is passing. Any word from him might be
+misconstrued at such a moment.
+
+    [Footnote 29: On the 3rd the tidings of the _coup d'etat_
+    reached London. Count Walewski announced it to Lord
+    Palmerston, who expressed his approval of it, and wrote to
+    Lord Normanby the letter printed in his _Life_, disavowing
+    surprise that the President had struck the blow when he did,
+    "for it is now well known here that the Duchess of Orleans was
+    preparing to be called to Paris this week with her younger son
+    to commence a new period of Orleans dynasty."]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _4th December 1851._
+(6 P.M.)
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. Your
+Majesty's directions respecting the state of affairs in Paris shall
+be followed. Lord Normanby[30] has asked whether he should suspend his
+diplomatic functions; but the Cabinet were unanimously of opinion that
+he should not do so.
+
+The result is very uncertain; at present the power is likely to rest
+in the Army, to whose memory of victories and defeats the President
+has so strongly appealed.
+
+    [Footnote 30: Lord Normanby, having applied for instructions
+    as to his future conduct, was desired to make no change in his
+    relations with the French Government, and to abstain from even
+    the appearance of interference in her internal affairs. Having
+    made a communication to this effect to M. Turgot, the latter
+    replied that M. Walewski had notified to him that Lord
+    Palmerston had already expressed to him his "entire
+    approbation of the act of the President," and his "conviction
+    that he could not have acted otherwise."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _5th December 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Receive my best thanks for your dear gracious
+letter of the 2nd, the date of the battle of Austerlitz, and the _coup
+d'etat_ at Paris. What do you say to it?
+
+As yet one cannot form an opinion, but I am inclined to think that
+Louis Bonaparte will succeed. The country is tired and wish quiet, and
+if they get it by this _coup d'etat_ they will have no objection, and
+let _le Gouvernement Parlementaire et Constitutionnel_ go to sleep for
+a while.
+
+I suspect that the great Continental powers will see a military
+Government at Paris with pleasure; they go rather far in their hatred
+of everything Parliamentary. The President takes a little of Napoleon
+already. I understand that he expressed himself displeased, as if I
+had too much supported the Orleans Family. I render perfect justice to
+the President, that hitherto he has not plagued us; but we have
+also abstained from all interference. I think that Helene has been
+imprudent; besides, it is difficult for the poor Family to avoid to
+speak on these subjects or to express themselves with mildness.
+
+If something like an Empire establishes itself, perhaps we shall for
+a time have much to suffer, as the _gloire francaise_ invariably looks
+to the old frontiers. My hope is that they will necessarily have much
+to do at home, for a time, as parties will run high.... Your devoted
+Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _6th December 1851._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge Lord John Russell's letter of yesterday.
+She is glad to hear that the Cabinet occupy themselves assiduously
+with the Reform Question, but hopes that they will not come to a final
+decision without having first ascertained how the proposed plan will
+operate when practically applied to the present state of the Franchise
+and Suffrage. The Queen is very anxious to arrive at a definite
+opinion on this subject herself.
+
+The Queen sees from the Manchester Speeches that the _Ballot_ is to be
+made the stalking-horse of the Radicals.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S LETTERS]
+
+
+_The Marchioness of Normanby to Colonel Phipps._
+
+PARIS, _7th December 1851._
+
+MY DEAR CHARLES,--I have an opportunity of writing to you _not_
+through the Foreign Office, which I shall take advantage of, as at
+present the Post is not to be trusted, and I am afraid I do not think
+the Office is either.
+
+Palmerston has taken lately to writing in the most extraordinary
+manner to Normanby.[31] I think he wants to fix a quarrel with him,
+which you may be sure Normanby will avoid at present, as it would have
+the worst possible effect; but I do not understand it at all, and I
+wish you could in any way explain what it means. Palmerston seems very
+angry because Normanby does not unqualifyingly approve of this step
+here, and the results; the whole thing is so completely a _coup
+d'etat_, and all the proceedings are so contrary to and devoid of law
+and justice and security, that even the most violent Tory would be
+staggered by them. (For instance, to-day _all_ the English papers,
+even Normanby's, are stopped and prohibited; they will of course
+allow Normanby's to come, but it is to be under an envelope), and yet
+Palmerston, who quarrels with all Europe about a political adventurer
+like Kossuth, because he was defending the liberties and constitution
+of his country, now tries to quarrel with Normanby, and really writes
+in the most impertinent manner, because Normanby's despatches are not
+sufficiently in praise of Louis Napoleon and his _coup d'etat_. There
+must be some _dessous des cartes_ that we are not aware of. Normanby
+has always said, having been undertaken, the only thing now is to hope
+and pray it may be successful; but that is another thing to approving
+the way it was begun, or the way it has been carried out. The
+bloodshed has been dreadful and indiscriminate, no quarter was shown,
+and when an insurgent took refuge in a house, the soldiers killed
+every one in the house, whether engaged in the _emeute_ or not....
+It is very doubtful whether Normanby will be able to go on with
+[Palmerston] if this sort of thing continues, for he talks of "I hear
+this" and "I am told that," with reference to Normanby's conduct here,
+which no man in his position can stand, as, if Palmerston takes the
+_on-dits_ of others, and not Normanby's own accounts, there is an end
+of confidence; but I must say his last letter appears to me a sort of
+exuberance of anger, which spends itself on many subjects rather than
+the one which first caused it, and therefore I suspect he has received
+some rap on the knuckles at home, which he resents here, or on the
+first person who is not of the same opinion as himself; but it is a
+curious anomaly that he should quarrel with Normanby in support of
+arbitrary and absolute Government. All is quiet here now, and will, I
+hope, continue so till the Elections, when I suppose we may have some
+more _emeutes_....
+
+They have been told at the Clubs that they may meet, but they are
+not to talk politics. In short, I do not suppose that despotism ever
+reached such a pitch.... You may suppose what the French feel; it
+serves them all quite right, but that does not prevent one's feeling
+indignant at it. And this is what Palmerston is now supporting without
+restriction. We are entirely without any other news from England
+from any one. Would you not send me or Normanby a letter through
+Rothschild? I am rather anxious to know whether this is a general
+feeling in England; it could not be, if they know all that had
+happened here. Mind, I can quite understand the policy of keeping well
+with Louis Napoleon, and Normanby is so, and has never expressed to
+any one a hostile opinion except in his despatches and private letters
+to Palmerston.... I shall send this by a private hand, not to run the
+risk of its being read. Ever yours affectionately,
+
+M. NORMANBY.
+
+    [Footnote 31: On the 6th, Lord Palmerston wrote to Lord
+    Normanby the strange letter printed by Mr Evelyn Ashley in the
+    _Life_, censuring Lord Normanby's supposed hostility to
+    the French President; Lord Normanby in reply defended his
+    attitude, and asked for an explicit statement as to the
+    Foreign Secretary's approval or otherwise of the conduct and
+    policy of the President.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _9th December 1851._
+
+DEAREST UNCLE,--Your kind letter of the 5th reached me on Sunday
+morning. Much blood has been shed since you wrote....
+
+What you say about arbitrary and military Government in France is very
+true, and I daresay will do for a time; but I do not know _how_ Louis
+Napoleon is to proceed, or how he will get over the anger and enmity
+of those he imprisoned. Still, I see that the Legitimists have all
+given in their adhesion. Every one in France and elsewhere _must wish_
+order, and many therefore rally round the President.
+
+A most extraordinary report was mentioned to me yesterday, which,
+however, I never could believe, and which is besides _physically
+impossible_, from the illness of the one and the absence of the other,
+viz. that Joinville and Aumale had gone or were going to Lille to put
+themselves at the head of the troops,[32] which would be a terrible
+and a very unwise thing. It would be very awkward for _you_ too.
+
+I must now conclude, hoping soon to hear from you. You should urge the
+poor Orleans family to be very prudent in what they say about passing
+events, as I believe Louis Napoleon is very _sore_ on the subject, and
+matters might get still worse. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 32: Mr Borthwick, of the _Morning Post_, had so
+    stated to Lord Palmerston on the authority of General de
+    Rumigny; seven years later Palmerston wrote the Memorandum on
+    the subject printed in his _Life_.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON AND NORMANBY]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S INSTRUCTIONS]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S APPROVAL]
+
+
+_The Marchioness of Normanby to Colonel Phipps._[33]
+
+PARIS, _9th December 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST CHARLES,--I had written a long letter to the Queen, and
+upon second thoughts I have burnt it, because events have now become
+so serious between Normanby and Palmerston that I do not think that I
+should be the person to inform Her Majesty of it, in case anything was
+to be said upon the subject in Parliament. And yet as the affront has
+been given in Palmerston's private letters, I feel sure she does not
+know it. You have all probably seen Normanby's public despatches, in
+which, though as an Englishman he deprecates and deplores the means
+employed and the pledges broken--in short, the unconstitutional
+illegality of the whole _coup d'etat_--yet he always says, seeing now
+no other refuge from Rouge ascendency, he hopes it may succeed. One
+would have supposed, from the whole tenor of his policy, from his
+Radical tendencies, and all that he has been doing lately, that
+Palmerston would have been the last person to approve of this _coup
+d'etat_. Not a bit! He turns upon Normanby in the most flippant
+manner; almost accuses him of a concealed knowledge of an Orleanist
+plot--never whispered here, nor I believe, even imagined by the
+Government of Paris, who would have been too glad to seize upon it
+as an excuse; says he compromises the relations of the country by his
+evident disapproval of Louis Napoleon--in short, it is a letter that
+Morny might have written, and that it is quite impossible for Normanby
+to bear. The curious thing is that it is a letter or rather letters
+that would completely ruin Palmerston with _his_ Party. He treats all
+the acts of the wholesale cruelties of the troops as a joke--in short,
+it is the letter of a man half mad, I think, for to quarrel with
+Normanby on this subject is cutting his own throat.... He has written
+also to Lord John. Louis Napoleon knows perfectly well that Normanby
+cannot approve the means he has taken; he talks to him confidentially,
+and treats him as an honest, upright man, and he never showed him
+more attention, or friendship even than last night when we were at the
+Elysee, though Normanby said not one word in approval....
+
+There is another question upon which Normanby has a right to complain,
+which is, that two days before Palmerston sent his instructions here,
+he expressed to Walewski his complete approval of the step taken by
+Louis Napoleon, which was transmitted by Walewski in a despatch to
+Turgot, and read by him to many members of the Corps Diplomatique a
+day before Normanby heard a word from Palmerston. You will perhaps
+think that there is not enough in all this to authorise the grave step
+Normanby has taken, but the whole tone of his letters shows such a
+want of confidence, is so impertinent--talk of "we hear this," and "we
+are told that,"--bringing a sort of anonymous gossip against a man of
+Normanby's character and standing, that respect for himself obliges
+Normanby to take it up seriously.... In the meantime our Press in
+England is, as usual, _too_ violent against Louis Napoleon. _We_
+have no friends or true allies left, thanks to the policy of Lord
+Palmerston; as soon as the peace of the country is restored the Army
+_must_ be employed; it is the course of a Military Government; as
+much as an absolute Government is destroyed by the people, and the
+democracy again, when fallen into anarchy, is followed by Military
+Government. Louis Napoleon must maintain his position by acts: they
+will find out that Belgium should belong to France, or Alsace, or
+Antwerp, or something or other that England will not be able to allow,
+and then how are we prepared for the consequences?...
+
+The more I think of Palmerston's letters, the less I can understand
+them; every sentence is in direct contradiction to his acts and words.
+He ridicules the idea of the Constitution; turns to scorn the idea of
+anything being due to the Members of the Assembly; laughs and jokes at
+the Club being fired into, though the English people in it were
+within an ace of being murdered by the soldiers; says that Normanby
+is pathetic over a broken looking-glass,[34] forgetting that the same
+bullet grazed the hand of an Englishman, "_a Roman citizen!_" who was
+between the window and the glass--in short, as I said before, he is
+quite incomprehensible, except, as I cannot help thinking, he read the
+private letter Normanby wrote to the Duke of Bedford upon the Kossuth
+business, wishing to take his advice a little upon a grave question,
+but which did not actually interfere with his position here. This
+would account for his extreme irritation....
+
+All at present is quiet in Paris. There are Socialist risings in many
+parts of the country, but all these will do the President good, and
+strengthen his hands, for even the people who have been treated
+with indignity will pardon him if their chateaux are saved from an
+infuriated and brutal peasantry. The President told Normanby last
+night that the accounts of the cruelties and attacks in parts of
+the country were very serious, but he hoped they would soon be put
+down....
+
+M. NORMANBY.[35]
+
+    [Footnote 33: Submitted to the Queen by Colonel Phipps.]
+
+    [Footnote 34: The tone of Lord Palmerston's private letters
+    to Lord Normanby at this time is best illustrated by the
+    following extract:--
+
+    "Your despatches since the event of Tuesday have been all
+    hostile to Louis Napoleon, with very little information as to
+    events. One of them consisted of a dissertation about
+    Kossuth, which would have made a good article in the _Times_
+    a fortnight ago: and another dwells chiefly on a looking-glass
+    broken in a Club-house; and you are pathetic about a piece
+    of broken plaster brought down from a ceiling by musket-shots
+    during the street fights. Now we know that the Diplomatic
+    Agents of Austria and Russia called on the President
+    immediately after his measure on Tuesday morning, and
+    have been profuse in their expressions of approval of his
+    conduct."]
+
+    [Footnote 35: Lady Normanby wrote later:--
+
+    "I told you yesterday the President had no faith in him
+    (Palmerston). The Treaty signed with Buenos Ayres, the Greek
+    business, and the reception of Kossuth had long destroyed his
+    confidence in Palmerston, and I believe he hates him and sees
+    through his present adulations...."]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _13th December 1851._
+
+The Queen sends the enclosed despatch from Lord Normanby to Lord John
+Russell, from which it appears that the French Government _pretend to
+have received_ the entire approval of the late _coup d'etat_ by the
+British Government, as conveyed by Lord Palmerston to Count Walewski.
+The Queen cannot believe in the truth of the assertion, as such
+an approval given by Lord Palmerston would have been in complete
+_contradiction_ to the line of strict neutrality and passiveness which
+the Queen had expressed her desire to see followed with regard to the
+late convulsion at Paris, and which was approved by the Cabinet, as
+stated in Lord John Russell's letter of the 6th inst. Does Lord
+John know anything about the alleged approval, which, if true, would
+_again_ expose the honesty and dignity of the Queen's Government in
+the eyes of the world?[36]
+
+    [Footnote 36: On the 15th, Lord Normanby wrote to Lord
+    Palmerston that he must now assume M. Walewski's report to be
+    correct, and observed that if the Foreign Secretary held one
+    language in Downing Street and prescribed another course
+    to the British Ambassador, the latter must be awkwardly
+    circumstanced. Lord Palmerston (in a letter not shown to
+    the Queen or the Cabinet) replied that he had said nothing
+    inconsistent with his instructions to Lord Normanby, that the
+    President's action was for the French nation to judge of,
+    but that in his view that action made for the maintenance of
+    social order in France.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _13th December 1851._
+
+MY BELOVED UNCLE,--These lines are to express my _very warmest_ wishes
+for _many, many happy_ returns of your dear birthday, and for _every_
+earthly blessing you _can_ desire. How I wish you could spend it
+_here_, or we with you! I venture to send you some trifles which
+will recall the Exhibition in which you took so much interest. The
+continuation of the work I send you, I shall forward as it comes out.
+
+As I wrote so lately, and shall do so on Tuesday, I will not touch on
+politics--with one exception--that I think it of high importance that
+the Orleans should clear themselves of _all_ suspicion of a _plot_,
+which _some people_, I am sure, wish to make it _appear_ they _are_
+involved in; and that public contradiction should be given to the
+foolish report, _much_ credited _here_, that Joinville has gone
+to Lille, or to some part of France, to head the Troops. Ever your
+devoted Niece and Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+How you will _again_ miss your departed Angel!
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S EXPLANATION]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+WOBURN ABBEY, _18th December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He
+received from Lord Palmerston yesterday an explanation of his
+declaration of opinion to Mr Walewski, which Lord John Russell regrets
+to state was quite unsatisfactory.
+
+He thought himself compelled to write to Lord Palmerston in the most
+decisive terms.
+
+Lord Palmerston requested that his letter might be returned to be
+copied.
+
+The whole correspondence shall be submitted to your Majesty.
+
+Your Majesty will find in the box a despatch of Lord Normanby of the
+15th, and an answer of Lord Palmerston of the 16th,[37] which has been
+sent without your Majesty's sanction, or the knowledge of Lord John
+Russell.
+
+    [Footnote 37: The letters are given in full in Ashley's
+    _Life of Lord Palmerston_, vol. i. chap. vii., were Lord
+    Palmerston's explanation of the 16th, in answer to the
+    Premier's letter of the 14th, will also be found.]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _19th December 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Receive my warmest and best thanks for your
+truly kind and gracious recollection of my old birthday, and your
+amiable presents.
+
+Our angelic Louise had quite _un culte_ for that day, and two have
+already passed since the best and noblest of hearts beats no longer
+amongst us. When one sees the haste and ardour of earthly pursuits,
+and how all this is often disposed of, and when one sees that even the
+greatest success always ends with the grave, one is tempted to
+wonder that the human race should follow so restlessly bubbles
+often disappearing just when reached, and always being a source of
+never-ending anxiety. France gives, these sixty years, the proof of
+the truth of what I say, always believing itself at the highest point
+of perfection and changing it a few weeks afterwards.
+
+A military Government in France, if it really gets established, must
+become dangerous for Europe. I hope that at least at its beginning it
+will have enough to do in France, and that we may get time to prepare.
+England will do well not to fall asleep, but to keep up its old energy
+and courage.... Your truly devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DISMISSAL OF LORD PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th December 1851._
+
+The Queen has received several communications from Lord John Russell,
+but has not answered them, as she expected daily to hear of Lord
+Palmerston's answer. As Lord John Russell in his letter of yesterday's
+date promises to send her his correspondence with Lord Palmerston,
+she refrains from expressing a decided opinion until she has had an
+opportunity of perusing it; but Lord John will readily conceive what
+must be her feelings in seeing matters go from bad to worse with
+respect to Lord Palmerston's conduct!
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD GRANVILLE]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+WOBURN ABBEY, _19th December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to submit to your Majesty a correspondence with Viscount
+Palmerston, which terminates with a letter of this day's date.
+
+Lord John Russell has now to advise your Majesty that Lord Palmerston
+should be informed that your Majesty is ready to accept the Seals of
+Office, and to place them in other hands.
+
+Lord John Russell has summoned a Cabinet for Monday.
+
+They may be of opinion that they cannot continue a Government.
+
+But that is not Lord John Russell's opinion; and should they agree
+with him, he will proceed without delay to recommend a successor to
+your Majesty.
+
+The Earl Granville appears to him the person best calculated for
+that post, but the Cabinet may be of opinion that more experience is
+required.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th December 1851._
+
+The Queen found on her arrival here Lord John Russell's letter,
+enclosing his correspondence with Lord Palmerston, which she has
+perused with that care and attention which the importance and gravity
+of the subject of it demanded. The Queen has now to express to Lord
+John Russell her readiness to follow his advice, and her acceptance of
+the resignation of Lord Palmerston. She will be prepared to see Lord
+John after the Cabinet on Monday, as he proposes.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th December 1851._
+
+With respect to a successor to Lord Palmerston, the Queen must
+state, that after the sad experience which she has just had of the
+difficulties, annoyances, and dangers to which the Sovereign may be
+exposed by the personal character and qualities of the Secretary for
+Foreign Affairs, she must reserve to herself the unfettered right to
+approve or disapprove the choice of a Minister for this Office.
+
+Lord Granville, whom Lord John Russell designates as the person best
+calculated for that post, would meet with her entire approval. The
+possible opinion of the Cabinet that more experience was required does
+not weigh much with the Queen. From her knowledge of Lord Granville's
+character, she is inclined to see no such disadvantage in the
+circumstance that he has not yet had practice in managing Foreign
+Affairs, as he will be the more ready to lean upon the advice and
+judgment of the Prime Minister where he may have diffidence in his
+own, and thereby will add strength to the Cabinet by maintaining unity
+in thought and action. The Queen hopes Lord John Russell will not omit
+to let her have copies of his correspondence with Lord Palmerston, as
+he has promised her.[38]
+
+    [Footnote 38: On the same day the Prince wrote to the Premier
+    that the Queen was much relieved. She had contemplated
+    dismissing Lord Palmerston herself, but naturally shrank from
+    using the power of the Crown, as her action would have been
+    criticised without the possibility of making a public defence;
+    in his view the Cabinet was rather strengthened than otherwise
+    by Palmerston's departure, and public sympathy would not be
+    with him. The rest of the letter is published in _The Life of
+    the Prince Consort_.]
+
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st December 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of to-day. She is
+not the least afraid of Lord Granville's not possessing sufficient
+public confidence for him to undertake the Foreign Affairs. He is very
+popular with the House of Lords, with the Free Traders, and the Peace
+party, and all that the Continent knows of him is in his favour; he
+had great success at Paris last summer, and his never having had
+an opportunity of damaging his character by having been mixed up in
+diplomatic intrigues is an immense advantage to him in obtaining the
+confidence of those with whom he is to negotiate.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd December 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have the greatest pleasure in announcing to you
+a piece of news which I know will give you as much satisfaction and
+relief as it does to us, and will do to the _whole_ of the world.
+_Lord Palmerston_ is _no longer Foreign Secretary_--and Lord Granville
+is already named his successor!! He had become of late really quite
+reckless, and in spite of the serious admonition and caution he
+received only on the 29th of November, and again at the beginning
+of December, he _tells_ Walewski that _he entirely_ approves Louis
+Napoleon's _coup d'etat_, when he had written to Lord Normanby by my
+and the Cabinet's desire that he (Lord Normanby) was to continue his
+diplomatic intercourse with the French Government, but to _remain_
+perfectly passive and give _no_ opinion. Walewski wrote Palmerston's
+opinion (entirely contrary to what the Government had ordered) to M.
+Turgot, and when Normanby came with his instructions, Turgot told him
+what Palmerston had said. Upon this Lord John asked Palmerston to give
+an explanation--which, after the delay of a week, he answered in such
+an unsatisfactory way that Lord John wrote to him that _he could no
+longer remain Foreign Secretary_, for that perpetual misunderstanding
+and breaches of decorum were taking place which endangered the
+country. Lord Palmerston answered instantly that he would give up the
+Seals the moment his successor was named! Certain as we all felt that
+he could not have continued long in his place, we were quite taken by
+surprise when we learnt of the _denouement_.... Lord Granville will, I
+think, do extremely well, and his extreme honesty and trustworthiness
+will make him _invaluable_ to us, and to the Government and to Europe.
+
+I send some prints, etc., for the children for Christmas. Ever your
+devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MEETING OF THE CABINET]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD CLARENDON]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell arrived here at six o'clock yesterday evening
+immediately from the Cabinet, and reported that the Cabinet had,
+without a dissenting voice, condemned Lord Palmerston's conduct, and
+approved of the steps taken by Lord John Russell, which was a great
+relief to him. Lord Lansdowne, to whom he had first written on the
+subject, had frightened him by answering that it was not possible
+to avoid the rupture with Lord Palmerston, but that he thought the
+Government would after this not be able to go on. When, however, this
+question was discussed in Cabinet, and Lord John had stated that
+he thought the Office could be well filled, they all agreed in the
+propriety of going on. The Members of the Cabinet were so unable to
+understand Lord Palmerston's motives for his conduct during these last
+months, that Mr. Fox Maule started an idea which once occurred to Lord
+John himself (as he said), viz. that he must have had the design
+to bring on a rupture! Lord Minto, who was absent from the Cabinet,
+expressed himself in a letter to Lord John very strongly about Lord
+Palmerston's _reckless conduct_, which would yet undo the country.
+
+Lord John, after having received the concurrence of the Cabinet on the
+question of Lord Palmerston's dismissal, stated that Lord Granville
+was the person whom he would like best to see fill his office, and
+he knew this to be the feeling of the Queen also. The Cabinet quite
+agreed in Lord Granville's fitness, but Sir George Grey stated it as
+his opinion that it ought first to be offered to Lord Clarendon, who
+has always been pointed out by the public as the proper person to
+succeed Lord Palmerston, and that, if he were passed over, the whole
+matter would have the appearance of a Cabinet intrigue in favour of
+one colleague against another. The whole of the Cabinet sided with
+this opinion, and Lord John Russell now proposed to the Queen that an
+offer should in the first instance be made to Lord Clarendon.
+
+The Queen protested against the Cabinet's taking upon itself the
+appointment of its own Members, which rested entirely with the
+Prime Minister and the Sovereign, under whose approval the former
+constructed his Government.... Lord John replied that he thought Lord
+Clarendon would not accept the offer, and therefore there would be
+little danger in satisfying the desires of the Cabinet. He had written
+to Lord Clarendon a cautioning letter from Woburn, apprising him of
+some serious crisis, of which he would soon hear, and speaking of his
+former wish to exchange the Lord-Lieutenancy for some other Office.
+Lord Clarendon at once perceived the drift of the hint, and wrote
+to the Duke of Bedford what he said he did not wish to write to his
+brother John, that, if it was that Palmerston was going, and _he_ were
+thought of as a successor, nothing would be so disagreeable to him,
+as the whole change would be put down as an intrigue of his, whom Lord
+Palmerston had always accused of wishing to supplant him; that if,
+however, the service of the country required it, he had the courage to
+face all personal obloquy....
+
+Lord John owned that Sir George Grey's chief desire was to see Lord
+Clarendon removed from Ireland, having been there so long; the
+Cabinet would wish to see the Duke of Newcastle join the Government
+as Lord-Lieutenant, which he might be induced to do. The Queen having
+mentioned Lord Clarendon as most fit to succeed Lord Lansdowne one
+day as President of the Council and leader in the House of Lords, Lord
+John said that Lord Clarendon had particularly begged not to have the
+position offered him, for which he did not feel fit. Lord John would
+like him as Ambassador at Paris, and thought Lord Clarendon would
+like this himself; but it was difficult to know what to do with Lord
+Normanby.
+
+In the course of the conversation, Lord John congratulated the
+Queen upon the change having been accomplished without her personal
+intervention, which might have exposed her to the animosity of Lord
+Palmerston's admirers, whilst she would have been precluded from
+making any public defence. I reminded Lord John that, as such was the
+disadvantage of the regal position, it behoved the Queen doubly to
+watch, lest she be put into the same dilemma with a new Minister,
+whose conduct she could not approve of. Lord Clarendon's appointment
+would be doubly galling to Lord Palmerston, whom Lord John might not
+wish to irritate further, a consideration which Lord John said he had
+also pressed upon the Cabinet. Upon a remark from Lord John as to Lord
+Granville's youth, the Queen replied: "Lord Canning, whom Lord Stanley
+had intended to make his Foreign Secretary, was not older...."
+
+The conference ended by Lord John's promise to write to Lord Clarendon
+as the Queen had desired ... but that he did not wish to make the
+offer to Lord Granville till he had Lord Clarendon's answer.
+Lord Granville had been told not to attend the last Cabinet; Lord
+Palmerston had naturally stayed away.
+
+I went up to Town at half-past seven to the Westminster Play, and took
+Lord John in my train to Richmond. We had some further conversation in
+the carriage, in which I asked Lord John whether it was true that
+Lord Palmerston had got us likewise into a quarrel with America by our
+ships firing at Panama upon an American merchantman; he said neither
+he nor Sir Francis Baring had received any news, but Sir Francis had
+been quite relieved by Lord Palmerston's quitting, as he could not be
+sure a moment that his Fleets were not brought into some scrape!
+
+On my expressing my conviction that Lord Palmerston could not be very
+formidable to the Government, Lord John said: "I hope it will not
+come true what Lord Derby (then Lord Stanley) said after the last
+Ministerial crisis, when Lord John quizzed him at not having been
+able to get a Foreign Secretary--'Next time I shall have Lord
+Palmerston.'!"
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: COUNT WALEWSKI]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _23rd December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has
+just seen Count Walewski; he told him that he had an important piece
+of intelligence to give him; that your Majesty had been pleased to
+make a change in the Foreign Office, and to direct Lord Palmerston to
+give up the Seals.
+
+He wished to give this intelligence that he might accompany it with an
+intimation that the policy towards France would continue to be of the
+most friendly character, and that there was nothing the Government
+more desired than to see a stable and settled Government in France;
+that they had every wish for the stability of the present French
+Government. Count Walewski said he had received various assurances of
+opinion from Lord Palmerston, which he supposed were adopted by Lord
+John Russell, and subsisted in force.
+
+Lord John Russell said: "Not exactly; it is a principle of the English
+Government not to interfere in any way with the internal affairs
+of other countries; whether France chooses to be a Republic or a
+Monarchy, provided it be not a Social Republic, we wish to express no
+opinion; we are what we call in England a sheet of white paper in this
+respect; all we desire is the happiness and welfare of France." Count
+Walewski said it was of importance to the stability of the
+President that he should have a large majority; he would then give a
+Constitution.
+
+Lord John Russell said each nation must suit itself in this respect;
+we have perhaps been in error in thinking our Constitution could
+be generally adopted; some nations it may suit, others may find it
+unfitted for them.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD GRANVILLE APPOINTED]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd December 1851._
+
+The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letters, and is much
+rejoiced that this important affair has been finally so satisfactorily
+settled.
+
+The Queen returns Lord Clarendon's letter, which she thinks a very
+good one.[39] The Queen hopes Count Walewski will have been satisfied,
+which she thinks he ought to be. The Queen will receive Lord
+Palmerston to deliver up the Seals, and Lord Granville to receive
+them, on Friday at half-past two.
+
+    [Footnote 39: Lord Clarendon, in answer to Lord John Russell,
+    expressed great reluctance to undertake the charge of
+    the Foreign Office, on the ground that Palmerston, always
+    suspicions of him, would insist that he had deliberately
+    undermined his position: while Lord Granville would be popular
+    with the Court and country.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _24th December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell submits a private note of Lord Palmerston,[40] which
+only shows how unconscious he was of all that the rest of the world
+perceived.
+
+    [Footnote 40: In this letter, Lord Palmerston denied the
+    "charge of violations of prudence and decorum," adding, "I
+    have to observe that that charge is refuted by the offer
+    which you made of the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland, because I
+    apprehend that to be an office for the due performance of the
+    duties of which prudence and decorum cannot well be dispensed
+    with."]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th December 1861._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letters, and she returns
+the enclosures.
+
+The articles in the _Times_ are very good; the other papers seem quite
+puzzled, and unable to comprehend what has caused Lord Palmerston's
+removal from office. Lord Palmerston's letter is very characteristic;
+he certainly has the best of the argument, and great care ought to be
+taken in bestowing any praise on him, as he always takes advantage of
+it to turn against those who meant it merely to soothe him. The Queen
+thought that there must be a Council for the swearing in of the new
+Secretary of State.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD GRANVILLE]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th December 1851._
+
+Yesterday the Council was held, at which the change of Seals was to
+take place. We waited for one hour and a half, but Lord Palmerston did
+not appear; his Seals had been sent from the Foreign Office to Lord
+John Russell!
+
+Lord John told us he had written to Lord Palmerston, announcing
+him the appointment of Lord Granville, and added that in his long
+political life he had not passed a week which had been so painful to
+him. Lord Palmerston's answer was couched in these terms: "Of course
+you will believe that I feel that just indignation at the whole
+proceeding which it must produce."
+
+Lord Lansdowne seemed anxious particularly on account of the
+clear symptoms appearing from the papers that both Radicals and
+Protectionists are bidding for Lord Palmerston.
+
+Lord Granville was very much overcome when he had his audience to
+thank for his appointment, but seemed full of courage and good-will.
+He said it would be as easy to him to avoid Lord Palmerston's faults
+as difficult to imitate his good qualities, promised to endeavour to
+establish a more decent usage between the Governments in their mutual
+communications, by setting the good example himself, and insisting
+upon the same on the part of the others; promised not to have anything
+to do with the newspapers; to give evening parties, just as Lord
+Palmerston had done, to which a good deal of his influence was to
+be attributed. He said a Member of Parliament just returned from the
+Continent had told him that an Englishman could hardly show himself
+without becoming aware of the hatred they were held in; the only
+chance one had to avoid being insulted was to say _Civis Romanus non
+sum_.
+
+Lord Granville had been Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs under Lord
+Palmerston for three years from 1837-40, but, as he expressed himself,
+rather the sandwich between his principal and the clerks. Lord
+Palmerston had in these three years hardly once spoken to him upon any
+of the subjects he had to treat.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S ABSENCE EXPLAINED]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th December 1851._
+
+The Queen forgot to remind Lord John Russell yesterday of his
+correspondence with Lord Palmerston, which he promised to let her
+have.
+
+The Queen concludes from what Lord John said yesterday that
+he intended sounding the Duke of Newcastle relative to the
+Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland.
+
+Has Lord John ascertained the cause of Lord Palmerston's absence
+yesterday? If it was not accidental, she must say she thinks it most
+disrespectful conduct towards his Sovereign.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _27th December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+submits a letter of Lord Palmerston, which explains his not going to
+Windsor. It appears to have arisen from a mistake in the message
+sent through Lord Stanley, and not from any want of respect to your
+Majesty.
+
+
+
+
+_Viscount Palmerston to Lord John Russell._
+
+CARLTON GARDENS, _27th December 1851._
+
+MY DEAR JOHN RUSSELL,--I am distressed beyond measure by the note
+from you which I have this moment received on my arrival here from
+Hampshire. I understood from Stanley that you had desired him to tell
+me that if it was inconvenient for me to come up yesterday, I might
+send the Seals to you at Windsor, and that my presence would be
+dispensed with.[41] Thereupon I sent the Seals up by an early train
+yesterday morning to Stanley, that he might send them down to you
+as suggested by you, and I desired that they might be taken by a
+messenger by the special train.
+
+I shall be very much obliged to you if you will have the goodness to
+explain this matter to the Queen, and I beg you to assure Her Majesty
+how deeply grieved I am that what appears to have been a mistake on my
+part should have led me to be apparently wanting in due respect to
+Her Majesty, than which nothing could possibly be further from my
+intention or thoughts. Yours sincerely,
+
+PALMERSTON.
+
+    [Footnote 41: There is a fuller account given of Lord
+    Palmerston's version of the whole affair in a letter to his
+    brother, printed in Ashley's _Life of Lord Palmerston_, vol.
+    i. p. 315.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN ON FOREIGN POLICY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th December 1851._
+
+The Queen thinks the moment of the change in the person of Secretary
+of State for Foreign Affairs to afford a fit opportunity to have the
+principles upon which our Foreign Affairs have been conducted since
+the beginning of 1848 reconsidered by Lord John Russell and his
+Cabinet.
+
+The Queen was fully aware that the storm raging at the time on the
+Continent rendered it impossible for any statesman to foresee with
+clearness and precision what development and direction its elements
+would take, and she consequently quite agreed that the line of policy
+to be followed, as the most conducive to the interests of England,
+could then only be generally conceived and vaguely expressed.
+
+But although the Queen is still convinced that the general principles
+laid down by Lord John at that time for the conduct of our Foreign
+Policy were in themselves right, she has in the progress of the last
+three years become painfully convinced that the manner in which they
+have been _practically applied_ has worked out very different results
+from those which the correctness of the principles themselves had led
+her to expect. For when the revolutionary movements on the Continent
+had laid prostrate almost all its Governments, and England alone
+displayed that order, vigour, and prosperity which it owes to a
+stable, free, and good Government, the Queen, instead of earning the
+natural good results of such a glorious position, viz. consideration,
+goodwill, confidence, and influence abroad, obtained the very reverse,
+and had the grief to see her Government and herself treated on many
+occasions with neglect, aversion, distrust, and even contumely.
+
+Frequently, when our Foreign Policy was called in question, it has
+been said by Lord John and his colleagues that the principles on which
+it was conducted were the right ones, and having been approved of
+by them, received their support, and that it was only the _personal
+manner_ of Lord Palmerston in conducting the affairs which could be
+blamed in tracing the causes which led to the disastrous results the
+Queen complains of.
+
+The Queen is certainly not disposed to defend the personal manner in
+which Lord Palmerston has conducted Foreign Affairs, but she cannot
+admit that the errors he committed were merely _faults in form
+and method_, that they were no more than acts of "inconsideration,
+indiscretion, or bad taste." The Queen considers that she has also to
+complain of what appeared to her deviations from the principles laid
+down by the Cabinet for his conduct, nay, she sees distinctly in their
+practical application a _personal and arbitrary perversion_ of the
+very nature and essence of those principles. She has only to refer
+here to Italy, Spain, Greece, Holstein, France, etc., etc., which
+afford ample illustrations of this charge.
+
+It was one thing for Lord Palmerston to have attempted such
+substantial deviations; it will be another for the Cabinet to consider
+whether they had not the power to check him in these attempts.
+
+The Queen, however, considering times to have now changed, thinks that
+there is no reason why we should any longer confine ourselves to the
+mere assertion of abstract principles, such as "non-intervention in
+the internal affairs of other countries," "moral support to liberal
+institutions," "protection to British subjects," etc., etc. The moving
+powers which were put in operation by the French Revolution of 1848,
+and the events consequent on it, are no longer so obscure; they
+have assumed distinct and tangible forms in almost all the countries
+affected by them (in France, in Italy, Germany, etc.), and upon the
+state of things now existing, and the experience gained, the Queen
+would hope that our Foreign Policy may be _more specifically defined_,
+and that it may be considered how the general principles are to be
+practically adapted to our peculiar relations with each Continental
+State.
+
+The Queen wishes therefore that a regular programme embracing these
+different relations should be submitted to her, and would suggest
+whether it would not be the best mode if Lord John were to ask Lord
+Granville to prepare such a paper and to lay it before her after
+having revised it.
+
+This would then serve as a safe guide for Lord Granville, and enable
+the Queen as well as the Cabinet to see that the Policy, as in future
+to be conducted, will be in conformity with the principles laid down
+and approved.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+PEMBROKE LODGE, _29th December 1851._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he has
+received your Majesty's communication of yesterday, and will transmit
+it to Lord Granville.
+
+It is to be observed, however, that the traditionary policy of this
+country is not to bind the Crown and country by engagements, unless
+upon special cause shown, arising out of the circumstances of the day.
+
+For instance, the Treaty of Quadruple Alliance between England,
+France, Spain, and Portugal was contrary to the general principle of
+non-intervention; so was the interference in Portugal in 1847, but
+were both justified by circumstances.
+
+Thus it is very difficult to lay down any principles from which
+deviations may not frequently be made.
+
+The grand rule of doing to others as we wish that they should do unto
+us is more applicable than any system of political science. The honour
+of England does not consist in defending every English officer or
+English subject, right or wrong, but in taking care that she does not
+infringe the rules of justice, and that they are not infringed against
+her.[42]
+
+    [Footnote 42: A summary of Lord Granville's Memorandum in
+    reply (which was couched in very general terms) will be found
+    in Lord Fitzmaurice's _Life of Earl Granville_, vol. ii. p.
+    49.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th December 1851._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Most warmly do I thank you for your kind and
+affectionate and interesting letter of the 26th, which I received on
+Sunday. All that you say about Lord Palmerston is but too true.... He
+_brouilled_ us and the country with every one; and his very first
+act precipitated the unfortunate Spanish marriages which was _le
+commencement de la fin_. It is too grievous to think how much misery
+and mischief might have been avoided. However, now he has done with
+the Foreign Office for ever, and "the veteran statesman," as the
+newspapers, to our great amusement and I am sure to _his_ infinite
+annoyance, call him, must rest upon his laurels.... I fear much lest
+they should be imprudent at Claremont; the poor Queen hinted to Mamma
+that she hoped you would not become a friend to the President; no
+doubt you can have no sympathies for him, but _just because_ you
+are related to the poor Orleanses, you feel that you must be doubly
+cautious to do nothing which could provoke the enmity of Louis
+Napoleon. I fear that poor Joinville _had_ some _mad_ idea of going to
+France, which, fortunately, his illness prevented. It would have been
+the height of folly. Their only safe policy is to remain entirely
+passive _et de se faire oublier_, which was Nemours' expression to
+me two years ago; nothing could be wiser or more prudent than he was
+then--but I don't think they were wise since. _La Candidature_ of
+Joinville was in every way unwise, and led Louis Napoleon to take so
+desperate a course. Nemours told me also _last_ year that they were
+not at all against a _fusion_, but that they could not _disposer de la
+France_, unless called upon to do so by the nation. I wish you would
+caution them to be very circumspect and silent--for all the mistakes
+made by others is in _their_ favour; in fact, no good for them could
+come till Paris is old enough to be his own master--unless indeed
+they all returned under Henri V., but a Regency for Paris would be an
+impossibility....
+
+We spent a very happy Christmas, and now wish you a very happy New
+Year--for many succeeding years. Also to the children, who I hope were
+pleased with the prints, etc.
+
+We have got young Prince Nicholas of Nassau here, a pretty, clever boy
+of nineteen, with a good deal of knowledge, and a great wish to learn
+and hear, which is a rare thing for the young Princes, of our day in
+particular. I must stop now, as I fear I have already let my pen
+run on for too long, and must beg to be excused for this voluminous
+letter.
+
+With Albert's love ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th December 1851._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letters of yesterday. She
+quite agrees with him and his colleagues in thinking it of importance
+to strengthen the Government, and she is pleased with his proposal to
+communicate with the Duke of Newcastle as to what assistance he and
+his friends can give to the Government.
+
+The Queen expects better results from such a negotiation, with an
+ostensible head of a Party, than from attempts to detach single
+individuals from it, which from a sense of honour they always felt
+scruples in agreeing to.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE _TE DEUM_ IN PARIS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st December 1851._
+
+The Queen sees in the papers that there is to be a _Te Deum_ at Paris
+on the 2nd for the success of the _coup d'etat_, and that the Corps
+Diplomatique is to be present. She hopes that Lord Normanby will be
+told not to attend. Besides the impropriety of his taking part in such
+a ceremony, his doing so would entirely destroy the position of Lord
+John Russell opposite Lord Palmerston, who might with justice say that
+he merely expressed his personal approval of the _coup d'etat_ before,
+but since, the Queen's Ambassador had been ordered publicly to thank
+God for its success.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XXI
+
+
+Early in 1852, the Whig Government, impaired in public credit by the
+removal of Lord Palmerston, attempted once more a coalition with the
+Peelites, office being offered to Sir James Graham; the overtures
+failed, and soon, after the meeting of Parliament, the ex-Foreign
+Secretary, whose version of the cause of his dismissal failed to
+satisfy the House of Commons, succeeded in defeating the Government on
+their Militia Bill, affairs in France having caused anxiety as to the
+national defences. The Government Bill was for the creation of a local
+Militia, Lord Palmerston preferring the consolidation of the regular
+Militia. A Ministry was formed by Lord Derby (formerly Lord Stanley)
+from the Protectionist Party, but no definite statement could be
+elicited as to their intention, or the reverse, to re-impose a duty on
+foreign corn. Mr Disraeli, who became Chancellor of the Exchequer, and
+was the mainspring of the Government policy, showed great dexterity in
+his management of the House of Commons without a majority, and carried
+a Militia Bill in the teeth of Lord John Russell; but a plan of
+partial redistribution failed. The elections held in the summer did
+not materially improve the Ministerial position, and, on the meeting
+of Parliament in the autumn, the Fiscal Question had to be squarely
+faced. After much wrangling, Protection was finally abandoned, and the
+Government saved for the moment, but on their House-tax proposals they
+were defeated, after an impassioned debate, by a coalition of Whigs,
+Peelites, and Radicals, from whom Lord Lansdowne and Lord Aberdeen
+(and finally the latter alone) were called upon to construct a
+strong representative Government. The Duke of Wellington had died in
+September, and his funeral was the signal for an outburst of national
+feeling. During the year the Houses of Parliament designed by Sir
+Charles Barry, though not absolutely completed, were formally opened
+by the Queen; the new House of Lords had already been in use.
+
+In France, the first result of the _coup d'etat_ was Louis Bonaparte's
+election as President for ten years by an immense majority; late
+in the year he assumed the Imperial title as Napoleon III., and the
+Empire was formally recognised by the majority of the Powers; the
+Emperor designed to add to his prestige by contracting a matrimonial
+alliance with Princess Adelaide of Hohenlohe. In the East of Europe a
+dispute had commenced between France and Russia about the Holy Places
+in Palestine. Simultaneously with the death of the Duke of Wellington,
+the era of European peace was destined to come to an end, and
+Nicholas, encouraged by the advent to power of Aberdeen (whom he
+had met in 1844, and with whom he had frankly discussed European
+politics), was hoping for the consummation of his scheme for the
+partition of Turkey.
+
+To Great Britain the year was a memorable one, in consequence of the
+granting of a Constitution to New Zealand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+1852
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND DENMARK]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of Denmark._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _4th January 1852._
+
+SIR, MY BROTHER,--I received the letter which your Majesty addressed
+to me on the 24th of August last, and in which, after referring to the
+necessity for establishing some definite arrangement with regard
+to the eventual succession to the Crown of Denmark, your Majesty is
+pleased to acquaint me that, in your opinion, such an arrangement
+might advantageously be made in favour of your Majesty's cousin, His
+Highness the Prince Christian of Gluecksburg,[1] and the issue of his
+marriage with the Princess Louisa of Hesse, in favour of whom the
+nearer claimants have renounced their rights and titles.
+
+I trust I need not assure your Majesty of the sincere friendship which
+I entertain for you, and of the deep interest which I feel in the
+welfare of the Danish Monarchy. It was in accordance with those
+sentiments that I accepted the office of mediator between your Majesty
+and the States of the German Confederation, and it afforded me the
+sincerest pleasure to have been thus instrumental in re-establishing
+the relations of peace between your Majesty and those States.
+
+With regard to the question of the eventual succession to both the
+Danish and Ducal Crowns, I have to state to your Majesty that although
+I declined to take any part in the settlement of that combination,
+it will be a source of great satisfaction to me to learn that an
+arrangement has been definitely determined upon equally satisfactory
+to your Majesty and to the Germanic Confederation; and whenever it
+shall have been notified to me that such an arrangement has been
+arrived at, I shall then be ready, in accordance with what was stated
+in the Protocol of the 2nd of August 1850, to consider, in concert
+with my Allies, the expediency of giving the sanction of an European
+acknowledgment to the arrangement which may thus have been made.
+
+I avail myself with great pleasure of this opportunity to renew to
+your Majesty the expression of the invariable attachment and high
+esteem with which I am, Sir, my Brother, your Majesty's good Sister,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 1: Prince Christian of
+    Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Gluecksburg was named successor
+    to Frederick VII., King of Denmark by a Treaty signed in
+    London on the 8th of May 1852; and by the Danish law of
+    succession (of the 31st of July 1853), he ascended the throne
+    under the style of Christian IX., on the 15th of November,
+    1863. He was the father of His Majesty Frederick VIII., the
+    present King of Denmark, and of Her Majesty Queen Alexandra
+    of England; King Christian died in 1906, Queen Louise having
+    predeceased him in 1898.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _15th January 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter last night, and
+wishes now shortly to repeat what she desired through the Prince, Sir
+Charles Wood to explain to Lord John.[2]
+
+The Queen hopes that the Cabinet will fully consider what their object
+is before the proposed negotiation with Sir James Graham be opened.
+
+Is it to strengthen their _case_ in Parliament by proving that no
+means have been left untried to strengthen the Government? or really
+to effect a junction with the Peelites?
+
+If the first is aimed at, the Cabinet will hardly reap any of the
+desired advantages from the negotiation, for, shrewd as Sir James
+Graham is, he will immediately see that the negotiation has been begun
+without a desire that it should succeed, and this will soon become
+generally known.
+
+If the latter, the Queen must observe that there are two kinds of
+junctions--one, _a fusion_ of Parties; the other, _the absorption_ of
+one Party by the other. For a _fusion_, the Queen thinks the Peelites
+to be quite ready; then, however, they must be treated as a political
+Party, and no _exclusion_ should be pronounced against particular
+members of it, nor should it be insisted upon that the new Government
+and Party is still emphatically the _Whig_ party.
+
+An _absorption_ of the most liberal talents amongst the Peelites into
+the Whig Government, the Queen considers unlikely to succeed, and she
+can fully understand that reasons of honour and public and private
+engagement must make it difficult to members of a political Party to
+go over to another in order to receive office.
+
+Having stated thus much, the Queen gives Lord John full permission to
+negotiate with Sir James Graham.
+
+    [Footnote 2: Lord John Russell having vainly attempted to
+    secure the co-operation of the Duke of Newcastle, announced
+    the wish of the Cabinet to make overtures to Sir J. Graham.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th January 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your kind letter of the 16th I received on the
+17th, with the newspaper, for which I return my best thanks. The
+papers which Stockmar communicated to us are most interesting, and do
+the writer the greatest credit. Watchful we certainly shall and must
+be. We shall try and keep on the best of terms with the President, who
+is extremely sensitive and susceptible, but for whom, I must say, I
+have never had any _personal_ hostility; on the contrary, I thought
+that during 1849 and 1850 we owed him all a good deal, as he certainly
+raised the French Government _de la boue_. But I grieve over the
+tyranny and oppression practised since the _coup d'etat_, and it makes
+everything very uncertain, for though I believe it in every way
+his wish and his policy not to go to war, still, _il peut y etre
+entraine_.
+
+Your position is a peculiarly delicate one, but still, as I again
+repeat, I think there is no reason to be alarmed; particularly, I
+would _never_ show it.
+
+The poor Nemours were here from Saturday till yesterday evening with
+their dear nice boys, and I think it always does them good. They feel
+again as if they were in their own position, and they are diverted
+from the melancholy reality and the great sameness of their existence
+at Claremont. I found him very quiet and really _not_ bitter, and
+disposed to be very prudent,--but seriously alarmed at the possibility
+of losing their property, which would be _too_ dreadful and monstrous.
+I fear that the candidature and poor Helene's imprudence in talking
+are the cause of this cruel persecution. The poor Orleans have really
+(and you should write them that) no _truer_ and more faithful friends
+than we are--and it is for this reason that I urge and entreat them to
+be entirely passive; for _their day_ will come, I feel convinced!
+
+Now good-bye, my dearest, kindest Uncle. Ever your truly devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th January 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of yesterday with
+the draft of Bills, and likewise that of to-day enclosing a Memorandum
+on the probable effects of the proposed Measure.[3] She has perused
+these papers with great attention, but feels that any opinion upon
+the future results of the Measure must rest on surmises; she has that
+confidence, however, in Lord John's experience and judgment in these
+matters, and so strong a conviction that he will have spared no pains
+in forming as correct an opinion as may be formed on so problematical
+a matter, that she is prepared to come to the decision of approving
+the Measure on the strength of Lord John's opinion. She only hopes
+that the future may bear it out, and that the character of the House
+of Commons may not be impaired. Should this prove the case, the
+extension of the privilege of voting for Members will strengthen
+our Institutions. The Queen is glad that the clause abolishing the
+necessity for every Member of the Government to vacate his seat upon
+his appointment[4] should have been maintained. She hopes that the
+schedules showing which towns are to be added to existing boroughs
+will be drawn up with the greatest care and impartiality, and will
+soon be submitted to her. The Queen would be glad if the plan once
+proposed of giving to the Queen's University in Ireland the vacant
+seat for Sudbury were still carried out, as she feels sure that not
+only would it be a great thing for the University and the Colleges,
+but a most useful and influential Irish Member would be gained for the
+House.
+
+The Queen takes it for granted that the Bill as approved by her will
+be stood by in Parliament, and that Lord John will not allow himself
+to be drawn on to further concessions to Democracy in the course of
+the debate, and that the introduction of the ballot will be vigorously
+opposed by the Government.
+
+    [Footnote 3: The Ministerial Reform Bill.]
+
+    [Footnote 4: The Act of Settlement excluded (as from the
+    accession of the House of Hanover) the Ministers of State from
+    the House of Commons; but the 6 Anne, c. 7, modified this, and
+    made them re-eligible on appointment.]
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DRAFT OF THE SPEECH]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _1st February 1852._
+
+The Queen has received the draft of the Speech. The passage referring
+to the proposed Reform Measure varies so materially from the one
+which was first submitted to her that she feels that she ought not to
+sanction it without having received some explanation of the grounds
+which have led the Cabinet to recommend it in its altered shape. The
+Queen will not object to the mode of filling the Offices still vacant
+which Lord John Russell proposes.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: WOMEN AND POLITICS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd February 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--My warmest thanks for your kind little letter of
+the 30th. Matters are very critical and all Van de Weyer has told
+us _n'est pas rassurant_. With such an extraordinary man as Louis
+Napoleon, one can never be for one instant safe. It makes me very
+melancholy; I love peace and quiet--in fact, I _hate_ politics and
+turmoil, and I grieve to think that a spark may plunge us into the
+midst of war. Still I think _that_ may be avoided. Any attempt on
+Belgium would be _casus belli for us_; _that_ you may rely upon.
+Invasion I am not afraid of, but the spirit of the people here is very
+great--they are full of defending themselves--and the spirit of the
+olden times is in no way quenched.
+
+In two hours' time Parliament will be opened, and to-night the
+explanations between Lord John and Lord Palmerston will take place. I
+am _very_ curious _how_ they will go off. The curiosity and anxiety to
+hear it is very great.
+
+I never saw Stockmar better, or more active and more sagacious, or
+more kind. To me he is really like a father--only too partial, I
+always think.
+
+Albert grows daily fonder and fonder of politics and business, and
+is so wonderfully _fit_ for both--such perspicacity and such
+_courage_--and I grow daily to dislike them both more and more. We
+women are not _made_ for governing--and if we are good women, we must
+_dislike_ these masculine occupations; but there are times which
+force one to take _interest_ in them _mal gre bon gre_, and _I_ do, of
+course, _intensely_.
+
+I must now conclude, to dress for the opening of Parliament
+... Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _4th February 1852._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to report that the Address was agreed to last night without
+a division.
+
+The explanations between Lord Palmerston and himself were made. Lord
+Palmerston made no case, and was not supported by any considerable
+party in the House. His approbation of the President's conduct seemed
+to confound the Liberal Party, and he did not attempt to excuse his
+delay in answering Lord John Russell's letter of the 14th.[5]
+
+The rest of the debate was desultory and heavy. Mr Disraeli made a
+long speech for the sake of making a speech. Mr Roebuck was bitter
+without much effect.
+
+Generally speaking, the appearance of the House was favourable. Sir
+James Graham says the next fortnight will clear up matters very much.
+
+The tone of the House was decidedly pacific.
+
+    [Footnote 5: See _ante_, p. 341.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _4th February 1852._
+
+We have learned with much satisfaction that everything went off so
+well in the House of Commons last night. Lord John Russell's speech
+is a most useful one, and he has given a most lucid definition of the
+constitutional position of the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary
+opposite to the Crown. Lord Palmerston's speech is a very weak one,
+and he in no way makes out a case for himself. This seems to [be] the
+general impression.
+
+The Houses of Lords and Commons being now almost completed, and the
+Queen having entered the House of Lords by the Grand Entrance (which
+is magnificent), the Queen thinks this will be the right moment
+for bestowing on Mr Barry the knighthood, as a mark of the Queen's
+approbation of his great work.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S DISCOMFITURE]
+
+
+_The Marquis of Normanby to Colonel Phipps._[6]
+
+ST GEORGE'S HOTEL, _5th February 1852._
+
+MY DEAR CHARLES,--Yesterday morning I got a note from John Russell,
+saying that all had gone off so well the night before, and Palmerston
+had been so flat that he thought it better I should not revive the
+subject in the other House, as he had said nothing about me which in
+the least required that I should do so. I yielded, of course, to such
+an appeal, though there are several points in his speech on which I
+could have exposed inaccuracies. The fact is, John has never shown any
+consideration for me in the whole of these affairs; but I do not
+mean in any way to complain, and am very grateful to him for the very
+successful way in which he executed his task on Tuesday. Nothing
+can be more universal than the feeling of the utter discomfiture of
+Palmerston.[7] I am convinced that what floored him at starting was
+that letter of the Queen's,[8] because every one felt that such a
+letter would never have been written unless every point in it
+could have been proved like a bill of indictment; and then came the
+question, how could any man, even feeling he deserved it, go on under
+such a marked want of confidence?...[9]
+
+Aberdeen, whom I saw at Granville's last night, told me that Cardwell
+had said to him, that often as he had felt indignant at the arrogance
+of "that man," he really pitied him, so complete was his overthrow.
+Disraeli said that he had watched him during Johnny's speech, and
+doubted whether the hanging of the head, etc., was merely acting; but
+before he had spoken two sentences he saw he was a beaten fox. Many
+said that the extreme flippancy and insolence of his manner was
+more remarkable than ever, from their being evidently assumed with
+difficulty. I have always thought Palmerston very much overrated as a
+speaker; his great power arose from his not only knowing his subject
+better than any one else, but being the only man who knew anything
+about it, and using that exclusive knowledge unscrupulously for the
+purposes of misrepresentation.
+
+Thiers was at Lady Granville's last night, and was enchanted with the
+spectacle of the Opening. He said that he had been endeavouring for
+thirty years to support the cause of Constitutional Monarchy, as the
+best Government in the world, and there he saw it in perfection, not
+only in its intrinsic attributes, but in the universal respect and
+adhesion with which it was received. He said, though he did not
+understand a word of English, he could have cried at the Queen's voice
+in reading the Speech. He is very "impressionable," and I am convinced
+at the time he was quite sincere in his appreciation.
+
+I am vexed at not having been able to say anything publicly about all
+this, as I believe I could have dispelled many misrepresentations; but
+it cannot be helped. I have endeavoured throughout not to be selfish,
+and I may as well keep up that feeling to the last. Ever, etc.
+
+NORMANBY.
+
+I told John Russell last night I regretted that he had vouched for the
+intentions of Louis Napoleon. He said he had not done that, but owned
+that he had said more than he ought. "The fact is, I did not know what
+to say next. I stopped as one sometimes does, so I said that; I had
+better have said something else!" Candid and characteristic!
+
+    [Footnote 6: Submitted to the Queen by Colonel Phipps.]
+
+    [Footnote 7: It appears from a Memorandum made about this time
+    by Prince Albert that when Lord Palmerston's retirement
+    became known, the Radical constituency of Marylebone wished to
+    present him with an Address of sympathy, and to invite him to
+    stand at the next Election, promising him to bring him in.
+    Sir Benjamin Hall (one of the Members) told them that they
+    had better wait till the explanation in Parliament had taken
+    place, for at present they knew nothing about the merits
+    of the case. This the Committee which had been organised
+    consented to do. After the Debate on the 4th of February, Sir
+    Benjamin called upon the Chairman of the Committee to ask him
+    whether they would still carry out their intention. "No," said
+    the Chairman; "we have considered the matter: a man who does
+    not answer the Queen's letters can receive no Address from
+    us."]
+
+    [Footnote 8: See _ante_, p. 264.]
+
+    [Footnote 9: _Cf._ Greville's account in his Journal, 5th
+    February 1852. _See_ also p. 368.]
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Earl Granville._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _10th February 1852._
+
+The Queen returns the enclosed papers. She will not object to the
+proposed step[10] should Lord Granville and Lord John Russell have
+reason to expect that the Pope will receive Sir H. Bulwer; should he
+refuse, it will be doubly awkward. The Queen finds it difficult to
+give a decided opinion on the subject, as, first, she does not
+know how far the reception of Sir Henry at Rome will overcome the
+objections raised to his reception as Resident at Florence. Secondly,
+as she has never been able to understand what is to be obtained by a
+mission to Rome, a step liable to much misrepresentation here....
+
+    [Footnote 10: The Tuscan Government declined to receive Sir H.
+    Bulwer, and it was then proposed to send him to Rome instead.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE PRINCE AND THE ARMY]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _16th February 1852._
+
+SIR,--I have seen the Duke of Wellington this morning, and have given
+him the Depot plan.
+
+It may be useful if your Royal Highness will see him from time to
+time in relation to the Army. On the one hand, your Royal Highness's
+authority may overcome the indisposition to change which he naturally
+entertains; and on the other, his vast experience may be of great use
+to your Royal Highness in regard to the future. I have the honour to
+be, Sir, your Royal Highness's most dutiful Servant,
+
+JOHN RUSSELL.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SLAVE TRADE]
+
+
+_Sir Francis Baring to Queen Victoria._
+
+ADMIRALTY, _15th February 1852._
+
+Sir Francis Baring presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
+to state to your Majesty that despatches have this evening arrived
+from Commander Bruce in command of the African Squadron. Commander
+Bruce gives an account of an attack on Lagos[11] which was completely
+successful. The town of Lagos was captured and in great part burnt.
+The resistance appears to have been obstinate and directed with much
+skill. Your Majesty's naval Service behaved with their accustomed
+gallantry and coolness, but the loss amounted to fourteen killed and
+sixty-four wounded. Sir Francis Baring will forward to your Majesty
+copies of the despatches to-morrow, with his humble duty.
+
+F. BARING.
+
+    [Footnote 11: Notorious as a centre of the Slave Trade. The
+    native king was deposed.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Sir Francis Baring._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _16th February 1852._
+
+The Queen has received both Sir Francis Baring's letters of the 15th.
+The news of the capture and destruction of the town of Lagos has given
+us the _greatest_ satisfaction, as it will give a most serious blow to
+the iniquitous traffic in slaves. The Rev. Mr Crowther, whom the Queen
+saw about two months ago (and whom she believes Sir Francis Baring has
+also seen), told us that the slave trade on that part of the African
+coast would be at an end if Lagos, the stronghold of its greatest
+supporters, was destroyed. The Queen must express to Sir Francis
+Baring her sense of the services rendered by Commodore Bruce and the
+Officers under him.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _17th February 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your dear letter of the 13th reached me on Saturday
+here, where we are since Friday afternoon. I am glad that you are
+satisfied with Lord Granville's answer. The question shall certainly
+be borne in mind, and you may rely on our doing whatever can be
+effected to bring about the desired end. I think Louis Napoleon will
+find his decrees very difficult to carry out. I am very glad to hear
+that you quietly are preparing to strengthen yourself against the
+possibility of any attack from France. This will, I think, put Louis
+Napoleon on his good behaviour....
+
+The extension of the Suffrage[12] was almost unavoidable, and it was
+better to do it quietly, and not to wait till there was a cry for
+it--to which one would have to yield. The deal there is to do, and the
+importance of everything going on at home and abroad, is unexampled
+in _my_ recollection and _very_ trying; Albert becomes really a
+_terrible_ man of business; I think it takes a little off from the
+gentleness of his character, and makes him so preoccupied. I grieve
+over all this, as I _cannot_ enjoy these things, _much_ as I interest
+myself in _general_ European politics; but I am every day more
+convinced that _we women_, _if_ we _are_ to be _good_ women,
+_feminine_ and _amiable_ and _domestic_, are _not fitted to reign_;
+at least it is _contre gre_ that they drive themselves to the _work_
+which it entails.
+
+However, this cannot now be helped, and it is the duty of every one to
+fulfil all that they are called upon to do, in whatever situation they
+may be!
+
+Mme. van de Weyer thinks your children so grown and improved, and
+Charlotte as lovely as ever. With Albert's love, ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 12: See _ante_, pp. 294, 324.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE MILITIA BILL]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _20th February 1852._
+(9.15 P.M.)
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
+the honour to report that Lord Palmerston has just carried his Motion
+for leaving out the word "Local" in the title of the Bill for the
+Militia.[13]
+
+Lord John Russell then declared that he could no longer take charge of
+the Bill. Lord Palmerston said he was astonished at the Government for
+giving up the Bill for so slight a cause.
+
+Lord John Russell then said that he considered the vote as tantamount
+to a resolution of want of confidence, which remark was loudly cheered
+on the other side.
+
+Sir Benjamin Hall said he wondered the Government did not resign, on
+which Lord John again explained that when confidence was withdrawn,
+the consequence was obvious.
+
+    [Footnote 13: Events in France had revived anxiety as to the
+    national defences, and the Government brought in a Bill for
+    raising a local Militia. To this scheme the Duke of Wellington
+    had been unfavourable, and Lord Palmerston, by a majority of
+    eleven, carried an Amendment in favour of re-organising the
+    "regular" instead of raising a "local" Militia.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE MINISTRY DEFEATED]
+
+[Pageheading: RESIGNATION OF THE MINISTRY]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st February 1852._
+
+Lord John Russell came this morning at twelve o'clock to explain that
+after the vote of yesterday[14] it was impossible for him to go on any
+longer with the Government. He considered it a vote of censure, and an
+entirely unprecedented case not to allow a Minister of the Crown even
+to lay his measure on the Table of the House; that he had expected to
+the last that the respectable part of the House would see all this,
+but there seemed to have been a pre-arranged determination between
+Lord Palmerston and the Protectionists to defeat the Government; that
+the Peelites also had agreed to vote against them. Sir James Graham
+and Mr Cardwell had stayed away, but Mr Gladstone and Mr S. Herbert
+had voted against them, the latter even misrepresenting what Lord
+John had said. No Government could stand against incessant motions of
+censure upon every imaginable department of the Executive Government.
+The Prime Minister would either have to take the management of all
+the departments into his own hands, and to be prepared to defend every
+item, for which he (Lord John) did not feel the moral and physical
+power, or he must succumb on those different points which the
+Opposition with divided labour could single out. Lord Palmerston's
+conduct was the more reprehensible as he had asked him the day before
+about his objections to the Bill, and had (he thought) satisfied him
+that the four points upon which he had insisted were provided for in
+the Bill.
+
+    [Footnote 14: On the Militia Bill.]
+
+He thought he could not (in answer to the Queen's enquiry) dissolve
+Parliament, and that Lord Palmerston had no Party. But he supposed
+Lord Derby was prepared to form a Protection Government. This
+Government would pass the estimates and the Mutiny Bill, and would
+then have to proceed to a Dissolution. Lord John had merely seen Lord
+Lansdowne, who had approved of the course he meant to pursue, though
+afraid of the imputation that the Government had run away from the
+Caffre debate. He had summoned the Cabinet, and would report their
+resolution. Speaking of Lord Palmerston, Lord John said he had heard
+that Lord Palmerston had said that there was one thing between them
+which he could not forgive, and that was his reading the Queen's
+Minute to the House of Commons.
+
+At a quarter past four Lord John came back from the Cabinet, and
+formally tendered the resignations of himself and colleagues. The
+Cabinet had been unanimous that there was no other course to pursue,
+and that it would not be advisable to make use of the Queen's
+permission to advise a Dissolution. Lord Granville had ascertained
+through Dr Quin from Lord Lyndhurst that Lord Derby was prepared with
+an Administration, having obtained Mr Thomas Baring's consent to act
+as Leader of the House of Commons.
+
+Sir Stratford Canning at Constantinople was supposed to be intended
+for the Foreign Office. Lord Lyndhurst said, though the materials were
+there, they were very bad ones, and it was a question whether they
+would stand long. He himself would keep out of place.
+
+We advised Lord John to keep his Party well under discipline in
+Opposition, so that whilst there it did not commit errors which
+would become new difficulties for the future Government. He seemed
+disinclined for great exertions after the fatigues he had undergone
+these last years. He said he thought he would not go on with the
+Reform Bill out of office, as that was a measure which ought to be
+carried by a Government. If he had again to propose it, he would very
+likely alter it a little, reverting to his original plan of taking
+away one Member of the two returned by small boroughs, and giving
+their seats to some large towns, counties, and corporations like the
+Universities, etc.
+
+Lord John defers taking his formal leave till a new Administration is
+formed.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY SUMMONED]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st February 1852._
+
+The Queen would wish to see Lord Derby at half-past two to-morrow
+should he be in Town; if not, on Monday at twelve o'clock.
+
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd February 1852._
+
+... Lord Derby said that he could not command a majority in the House
+of Lords, that he was in a decided minority in the House of Commons,
+and thought that in the critical circumstances in which the country
+was placed both at home and abroad, he ought not to ask for a
+Dissolution. He must then try to strengthen himself particularly in
+the House of Commons by any means he could. There was one person whom
+he could not venture to propose for the Foreign Office on account
+of what had lately passed, and what he might be allowed to call the
+"well-known personal feelings of the Queen"; but Lord Palmerston was
+one of the ablest debaters, and might well be offered the post of
+Chancellor of the Exchequer.
+
+The Queen ... would not, by refusing her consent, throw additional
+difficulties in Lord Derby's way; she warned him, however, of the
+dangerous qualities of [Lord Palmerston].
+
+Lord Derby rejoined that he knew them, and thought them pernicious for
+the conduct of the Foreign Affairs, but at the Exchequer they would
+have less play; he himself would undertake to control him. His
+greatest indiscretion--that in the Kossuth affair--must have been with
+a view to form a Party; that if left excluded from office, he would
+become more dangerous, and might in fact force himself back at the
+head of a Party with a claim to the Foreign Office, whilst if he had
+ever accepted another Office, his pretensions might be considered
+as waived; he (Lord Derby) did not know in the least whether Lord
+Palmerston would accept, but in case he did not, the offer would
+propitiate him, and render the Government in the House of Commons
+more possible, as it would have anyhow all the talent of the late
+Government, Peelites and Radicals, to withstand.
+
+To my question whether Lord Derby fancied he would remain Prime
+Minister any length of time, when once Lord Palmerston had got the
+lead of the House of Commons, he replied he was not afraid of him; he
+felt sure he could control him, although he would not have been able
+to admit him to the Foreign Office on account of the very strong
+strictures he had passed upon his Foreign Policy at different
+times--even if the Queen had allowed it.
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _22nd February 1852._
+(_Half-past eight._)
+
+Lord Derby, with his humble duty, deems it incumbent upon him to
+submit to your Majesty without delay that having had an interview this
+evening with Lord Palmerston, the latter has, although in the most
+friendly terms, declined accepting the Office, upon the ground of
+difference of opinion, not on the principle, but on the expediency
+of the imposition of any duty, under any circumstances, upon foreign
+corn. This was a point which Lord Derby was willing to have left
+undecided until the result of a General Election should be known.
+
+Although this refusal may add materially to Lord Derby's difficulties,
+he cannot regret that the offer has been made, as the proposal must
+have tended to diminish any feelings of hostility which might have
+been productive of future embarrassment to your Majesty's service, to
+whatever hands it may be entrusted....
+
+The above is humbly submitted by your Majesty's most dutiful Servant
+and Subject,
+
+DERBY.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY'S CABINET]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd February 1852._
+
+Lord Derby reported progress at half-past two, and submitted a list of
+the principal Officers of the Government which follows, and which the
+Queen approved.
+
+The Queen allowed Lord Lyndhurst (who has declined office--has been
+Lord Chancellor three times, and now entered upon his eightieth year)
+to be offered an Earldom--which he very much desired for the position
+of his daughters, having no son.
+
+After he had kissed hands upon his entering upon his office, Lord
+Derby had a further conversation with me on Household appointments. I
+told him he must now, as Prime Minister, consider himself to a certain
+degree in the position of the Confessor; that formerly the Lord
+Chancellor was Keeper of the King's Conscience, the office might be
+considered to have descended on the Prime Minister. The Queen must
+then be able to confer with him on personal matters, or I, on her
+behalf, with the most entire confidence, and that she must be sure
+that nothing was divulged which passed between them on these matters,
+and he might repose the same confidence in us. As to the formation of
+the Household, the Queen made two conditions, viz. that the persons to
+compose her Court should not be on the verge of bankruptcy, and
+that their moral character should bear investigation. On the Queen's
+accession Lord Melbourne had been very careless in his appointments,
+and great harm had resulted to the Court therefrom. Since her marriage
+I had insisted upon a closer line being drawn, and though Lord
+Melbourne had declared "that that damned morality would undo us all,"
+we had found great advantage in it and were determined to adhere to
+it....
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Duchess of Sutherland._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd February 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST DUCHESS,--I cannot say _how deeply_ grieved I am to
+think that the event which has just occurred, and which Lord Derby's
+acceptance of office has to-day confirmed, will entail your leaving,
+for a time, my service. It has been _ever_ a real pleasure to me to
+have you with me; my affection and esteem for you, my dearest Duchess,
+are great, and we _both_ know what a kind and true friend we have in
+you.
+
+I think that I may rely on your returning to me on a future occasion
+whenever that may be, and that I shall frequently have the pleasure of
+seeing you, even when you are no longer attached to my person.
+
+I shall hope to see you soon. The Levee remains fixed for Thursday,
+and the transfer of the Officers of the new Government does not take
+place till Friday.
+
+With the Prince's kindest remembrance, and ours to the Duke and
+Constance. Believe me always, yours affectionately,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _24th February 1852._
+
+DEAREST UNCLE,--Great and not _very_ pleasant events have happened
+since I wrote last to you. I know that Van de Weyer has informed you
+of everything, of the really (till the last day) unexpected defeat,
+and of Lord Derby's assumption of office, with a very sorry Cabinet. I
+believe, however, that it is quite necessary they should have a trial,
+and then have done with it. Provided the country remains quiet, and
+they are prudent in their Foreign Policy, I shall take the trial as
+patiently as I can....
+
+Alas! your confidence in our excellent Lord Granville is no longer
+of any avail, though I hope ere long he will be at the Foreign Office
+again,[15] and I cannot say that his successor,[16] who has never been
+in office (as indeed is the case with almost all the new Ministers),
+inspires me with confidence. I see that Louis Napoleon has again
+seized one of the adherents, or rathermore one of the men of business,
+of the poor Orleans....
+
+There are some terrible stories from Madrid of people having told the
+poor Queen that the King had arranged this attack on her person, and
+that she was anxious to abdicate.[17] If you should hear anything of
+this kind, be kind enough to tell me of it. With Albert's love (he is
+well fagged with business), ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 15: Lord Granville held the Foreign Secretaryship in
+    1870-1874, and again in 1880-1885.]
+
+    [Footnote 16: Lord Malmesbury.]
+
+    [Footnote 17: The Queen was stabbed by a priest when returning
+    from church.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD MALMESBURY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _24th February 1852._
+
+The Queen thinks that it would be of the highest importance that not
+only Lord Malmesbury (as is always usual) should receive the necessary
+information from Lord Granville, but that Lord Derby should see him
+and hear from him the state of all the critical questions now pending
+on Foreign Affairs. Lord Granville has made himself master in a very
+short time of all the very intricate subjects with which his
+Office has to deal, and she must here bear testimony to the extreme
+discretion, good sense, and calmness with which he has conducted the
+very responsible and difficult post of Foreign Secretary.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: NEW APPOINTMENTS]
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to the Prince Albert._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _25th February 1852._ (_5_ P.M.)
+
+SIR,--I have delayed longer than I could have wished acknowledging the
+letter which I had the honour to receive from your Royal Highness last
+night, in hopes that by this time I should have been enabled to solve
+the difficulties connected with the Household Appointments; but I
+regret to say they are rather increased than otherwise. I will not
+trouble your Royal Highness now with any details; but if I might be
+honoured with an audience at any hour after the Levee to-morrow, I
+shall perhaps be able to make a more satisfactory report, and at all
+events to explain the state of affairs more fully.
+
+In the meantime, it may save Her Majesty some trouble if I request
+that your Royal Highness will have the goodness to lay before Her
+Majesty the enclosed list of Appointments which, subject to Her
+Majesty's approval, I have arranged in the course of this day. The
+Admiralty List found its way most improperly into some of the morning
+papers before I was even aware that the Duke of Northumberland had
+finally obtained the assent of the Officers whom he had selected.
+
+As it is possible that the Queen may not be acquainted with the name
+of Colonel Dunne, I have the honour of enclosing a letter respecting
+him which I have received from Lord Fitzroy Somerset, since I had
+intimated to him my intention of submitting his name to Her Majesty,
+and which is highly satisfactory.
+
+I must beg your Royal Highness to offer to the Queen my most humble
+and grateful acknowledgment of the kindness which Her Majesty has
+evinced in endeavouring to facilitate the progress of the Household
+arrangements.
+
+I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Royal Highness's most obedient
+Servant,
+
+DERBY.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._[18]
+
+THURSDAY, _26th February 1852._
+
+Lord Derby came to Albert at half-past three, and Albert called me in
+at a little after four....
+
+Lord Derby told us he meant to proceed as speedily as possible
+with the defences of the country, and that his plan for the Militia
+entirely coincided with Albert's plan (viz. he (Albert) wrote on the
+subject to the Duke of Wellington, who _did not_ like it),[19] and
+meant to try and avoid all the objections. On his observing that
+no one had entirely understood the Government Bill, I said that the
+Government had not even been allowed to bring it in, which was a most
+unfair proceeding; upon which Lord Derby reiterated his professions
+of this being no preconcerted plan of his Party's, but that it was
+"symptomatic"; he, however, was obliged to own that it was rather hard
+and not quite fair on the late Government.
+
+I then explained to him the arrangement respecting the drafts from the
+Foreign Office going first to him before they came to me, and wished
+this should be continued, which he promised should be done, as well as
+that all important Colonial despatches should be sent to me. Touched
+upon the various critical questions on the Continent.... Lord Derby
+said that all Louis Napoleon's views were contained in his book _Idees
+Napoleoniennes_ written in '39, for that he was more a man of "_Idees
+fixes_" than any one; and in this book he spoke of gaining territory
+by _diplomacy_ and not by war. Lord Derby gave us a note from Louis
+Napoleon to Lord Malmesbury, congratulating him on his appointment,
+professing the most friendly and pacific intentions, and hoping the
+Cowleys would (as they do) remain at Paris.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Extract from Her Majesty's _Journal_.]
+
+    [Footnote 19: This Memorandum is given in chap. xlv. of the
+    _Life of the Prince Consort_.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FAREWELL AUDIENCES]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY'S PROGRAMME]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY AND THE CHURCH]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _27th February 1852._
+
+To-day the formal change of Government took place. The old Ministers
+who had Seals to give up assembled at half-past eleven, and had their
+Audiences in the following order:
+
+_Sir George Grey_ was very much overcome; promised at our request to
+do what he could to keep his friends moderate and united. Spoke well
+of his successor, Mr Walpole, and assured the Queen that he left the
+country in a most quiet and contented state.
+
+_Lord Grey_ was sorry that the resignation had taken place before the
+Caffre Debate, in which he had hoped to make a triumphant defence; he
+was sure it must have come to this from the way in which Lord John had
+managed matters. He had never had his measures thoroughly considered
+when he brought them forward. He (Lord Grey) had had to remonstrate
+very strongly about this Militia Bill, which had not even been laid,
+printed, before the Cabinet, and had not been discussed at all;
+he himself had objected to the greater part of it, and had always
+expected to have an opportunity of making his opinion heard; instead
+of spending Christmas at Woburn he ought to have digested his
+measures; this was not fair to his colleagues, and he could never have
+the same confidence in Lord John as before. We urged him to forget
+what had passed and to do the best for the future; that it was
+important the Party should be kept together and should unite if
+possible with the Peelites, so that the Queen might hope to get a
+strong Government. Lord Grey thought there was little chance of this.
+The next Government could never be as moderate again as this had been;
+this he had always dreaded, and was the reason why he lamented that
+Lord John had failed in his negotiation with the Peelites this winter,
+upon Lord Palmerston's dismissal; but the fact was Lord John had never
+wished it to succeed, and it had been unfair that he had not stated
+to them (the Peelites) that all his colleagues were ready to give up
+their places.
+
+_Lord Granville_ had seen Lord Malmesbury several times, who appeared
+to him to take pains about informing himself on the state of Foreign
+Affairs, but seemed inclined to be ambitious of acquiring the merit of
+being exclusively _English_ in his policy; this was quite right, but
+might be carried too far; however, Lord Malmesbury was cautious and
+moderate.
+
+_The Chancellor of the Exchequer_ (_Sir Charles Wood_) was not
+surprised at the fate of the Government, although they had not
+expected to be defeated on the Militia Bill; in fact, a division had
+hardly been looked for, as Lord John had talked the day before with
+Lord Palmerston, and satisfied him that all his objections should be
+provided against in the Bill. He thought it was better, however, that
+the Caffre Debate had not been waited for, which must have been a
+personal and very acrimonious one. He thought Lord Grey had not been
+very discreet in his language to the Queen on Lord John. Sir J. Graham
+had been in a difficulty with his own Party, and therefore had not
+wished to encourage Lord John's negotiation with the Peelites. He
+promised that, for his part, he would do all he could to keep his
+Party from doing anything violent, but that he was afraid many others
+would be so, and that he and Lord Grey had in vain tried to persuade
+Mr Cobden to remain quiet.
+
+Lord Derby had then an Audience to explain what should be done at the
+Council. He regretted the Duchess of Northumberland's declining to
+be Mistress of the Robes, on account of ill-health, which had been
+communicated to the Queen by her father, Lord Westminster. He proposed
+the Duchess of Argyll, whom the Queen allowed to be sounded (though
+feeling certain, that, considering the Liberal views of her husband,
+she will not accept it), and sanctioned his sounding also the Duchess
+of Athole, whom the Queen wished to make the offer to, in case the
+Duchess of Argyll declined. Lord Derby stated the difficulty he was
+in with Sir A. B., whose wife had never been received at Court or
+in society, although she had run away with him when he was still at
+school, and was nearly seventy years old. The Queen said it would
+not do to receive her now at Court, although society might do in that
+respect what it pleased; it was a principle at Court not to receive
+ladies whose characters are under a stigma.
+
+We now proceeded to the Council, which was attended only by three
+Councillors, the other seventeen having all had to be sworn in as
+Privy Councillors first.[20]
+
+    [Footnote 20: _See_ Disraeli's _Endymion_ (chap. c.) for a
+    graphic description of this remarkable scene.]
+
+After the Council Lord Hardinge was called to the Queen, and explained
+that he accepted the Ordnance only on the condition that he was not
+to be expected to give a vote which would reverse the policy of Sir
+R. Peel, to which he had hitherto adhered. He had thought it his duty,
+however, not to refuse his services to the Crown after the many marks
+of favour he had received from the Queen.
+
+Lord Derby then had an Audience to explain what he intended to state
+in Parliament this evening as the programme of his Ministerial Policy.
+It was very fluent and very able, but so completely the same as the
+Speech which he has since delivered, that I must refer to its account
+in the reports. When he came to the passage regarding the Church,
+the Queen expressed to him her sense of the importance not to have
+_Puseyites_ or _Romanisers_ recommended for appointments in the Church
+as bishops or clergymen. Lord Derby declared himself as decidedly
+hostile to the Puseyite tendency, and ready to watch over the
+Protestant character of the Church. He said he did not pretend to give
+a decided opinion on so difficult and delicate a point, but it had
+struck him that although nobody could think in earnest of reviving the
+old Convocation, yet the disputes in the Church perhaps could be most
+readily settled by some Assembly representing the laity as well as
+the clergy. I expressed it as my opinion that some such plan would
+succeed, provided the Church Constitution was built up from the
+bottom, giving the Vestries a legislative character in the parishes
+leading up to Diocesan Assemblies, and finally to a general one.
+
+On Education he spoke very liberally, but seemed inclined to support
+the views of the bishops against the so-called "management clauses"
+of the Privy Council, viz. not to allow grants to schools even if
+the parish should prefer the bishops' inspection to the Privy Council
+inspection.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _27th February 1852._
+(_Half-past seven_ P.M.)
+
+Lord Derby, with his humble duty, hastens to acquaint your Majesty,
+having just returned from the House of Lords, that his statement,
+going over the topics the substance of which he had the honour of
+submitting to your Majesty was, as far as he could judge, favourably
+received. Earl Grey attempted to provoke a Corn Law discussion, but
+the feeling of the House was against the premature introduction of so
+complicated and exciting a topic. Lord Aberdeen, dissenting from any
+alteration of commercial policy, entirely concurred in Lord Derby's
+views of Foreign Affairs, and of the course to be adopted in dealing
+with Foreign Nations. Lord Derby did not omit to lay stress upon
+"the strict adherence, in letter and in spirit, to the obligations of
+Treaties," which was well received.
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _5th March 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I have to offer my affectionate thanks for a
+most gracious and long letter of the 2nd.
+
+Within these days we have not had anything very important, but,
+generally speaking, there has been, at least in appearance, a quieter
+disposition in the ruling power at Paris. We are here in the awkward
+position of persons in hot climates, who find themselves in company,
+for instance in their beds, with a snake; they must _not move, because
+that irritates_ the creature, but they can hardly remain as they are,
+without a fair chance of being bitten.... Your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FOREIGN AFFAIRS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _9th March 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your dear letter of the 5th reached me just after
+we arrived here, at our sweet, peaceful little abode.
+
+It seems that Louis Napoleon's mind is chiefly engrossed with
+measures for the interior of France, and that the serious question
+of Switzerland is becoming less menacing. On the other hand, Austria
+behaves with a hostility, and I must say folly, which prevents all
+attempts at reconciliation. All the admirers of Austria consider
+Prince Schwartzenberg[21] a madman, and the Emperor Nicholas said that
+he was "Lord Palmerston in a white uniform." What a calamity this is
+at the present moment!
+
+We have a most talented, capable, and courageous Prime Minister, but
+all his people have no experience--have never been in _any sort_ of
+office before!
+
+On Friday the House of Commons meets again, and I doubt not great
+violence will be displayed.
+
+With every kind love to my dear Cousins, ever your very devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 21: Prime Minister of Austria. He died in the April
+    following.]
+
+
+
+
+_Colonel Phipps to Queen Victoria._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _10th March 1852._
+
+Colonel Phipps' humble duty to your Majesty.
+
+He has this day visited the Marionette Theatre, and feels quite
+certain not only that it would not be a suitable theatre for your
+Majesty to visit, but that your Majesty would derive no amusement from
+it.
+
+The mechanism of the puppets is only passable, and the matter of
+the entertainment stupid and tiresome, consisting in a great part of
+worn-out old English songs, such as "The death of Nelson"! Colonel
+Phipps considers "Punch" a much more amusing performance. Lady Mount
+Edgecumbe, who was in a box there, would probably give your Majesty an
+account of it....
+
+_The report in London is_, that Lord John Russell is to recommend
+moderation at the meeting at his house to-morrow. He has, very
+foolishly, subjected himself to another rebuff from Lord Palmerston
+by inviting him to attend that meeting, which Lord Palmerston has
+peremptorily refused. Since that, however, Lady Palmerston has
+called upon Lady John with a view to a _personal_--not
+political--reconciliation. Lady Palmerston, as Colonel Phipps hears,
+still persists in the unfounded accusation against Lord John of having
+quoted your Majesty's Minute in the House of Commons without giving
+Lord Palmerston notice of his intention.[22]
+
+    [Footnote 22: Palmerston, however, admitted the contrary
+    (_Life of the Prince Consort_, vol. ii. chap. xliv.).]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEMOCRACY]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _12th March 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I have to thank you for a most kind letter from
+peaceful Osborne, which must doubly appear so to you now, after all
+the troubles of the recent Ministerial arrangements. I am glad that
+you are struck with the good qualities of your new Premier. I am
+sure his great wish will be to make the best possible Minister of the
+Crown. His task will be very difficult. "Bread, cheap bread," "the
+poor oppressed by the _aristocratie_," etc.--a whole vocabulary of
+exciting words of that kind will be put forward to inflame the popular
+mind; and of all the Sovereigns, the Sovereign "People" is certainly
+one of the most fanciful and fickle. Our neighbour in France shows
+this more than any other on the whole globe; the Nation there is
+_still_ the _Sovereign_, and this renders the President absolute,
+because he is the representative of the supreme will of the _supreme
+Nation_, sending us constantly some new exiles here, which is very
+unpleasant. We are going on very gently, merely putting those means of
+defence a little in order, which ought by rights always to be so, if
+it was not for the ultra-unwise economy of Parliaments and Chambers.
+Without, at least, comparative security by means of well-regulated
+measures of defence, no country, be it great or small, can be
+considered as possessing National Independence. I must say that in
+Austria, at least Schwartzenberg, they are very much intoxicated. I
+hope they will grow sober again soon. It was very kind of you to
+have visited the poor Orleans Family. Rarely one has seen a family so
+struck in their affections, fortunes, happiness; and it is a sad case.
+Those unfortunate Spanish marriages have much contributed to it;
+even angelic Louise had been caught by _l'honneur de la maison de
+Bourbon_.... Your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW MILITIA BILL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _12th March 1852._
+
+The Queen must now answer Lord Derby on the questions which form the
+subjects of his three last communications.
+
+With regard to the Militia Bill, she must admit that her suggestions
+are liable to the objections pointed out by Lord Derby, although they
+would offer advantages in other respects. The Queen will therefore
+sanction the measure as proposed, and now further explained by Lord
+Derby.
+
+The despatches transmitted from the Foreign Office referring to
+the Swiss question[23] could not fail to give the Queen as much
+satisfaction as they did to Lord Derby, as they show indications of
+a more conciliatory intention, _for the present_ at least. As
+Switzerland has yielded, France and Austria ought to be satisfied, and
+the Queen only hopes we may not see them pushing their demands further
+after a short interval!
+
+The probability of a war with the Burmese is a sad prospect. The
+Queen thinks, however, that the view taken by Lord Dalhousie of the
+proceedings at Rangoon, and of the steps now to be taken to preserve
+peace, is very judicious, and fully concurs with the letter sent
+out by the Secret Committee. She now returns it, together with the
+despatch.
+
+The despatches from Prince Schwartzenberg to Count Buol are
+satisfactory in one sense, as showing a readiness to return to the
+English Alliance, but unfortunately only under the supposition that
+we would make war upon liberty together; they exhibit a profound
+ignorance of this country.[24] The Queen is quite sure that Lord
+Derby will know how to accept all that is favourable in the Austrian
+overtures without letting it be supposed that we could for a moment
+think of joining in the policy pursued at this moment by the great
+Continental Powers. As Lord Derby's speech has been referred to by
+Prince Schwartzenberg, it would furnish the best text for the answer.
+The President seems really to have been seriously ill.
+
+    [Footnote 23: The French had been pressing the Swiss
+    Government to expel refugees, and Austria supported the French
+    President.]
+
+    [Footnote 24: Lord Derby had urged that a more conciliatory
+    message should accompany Lord Granville's last despatch,
+    which, because of its unfriendly tone, Count Buol had delayed
+    sending on to Vienna. The precise language (he said) must
+    depend on what information Count Buol could supply.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _14th March 1852._
+
+The Queen has received this morning Lord Derby's letter respecting the
+St Albans' Disfranchisement Bill, and is glad to hear that Lord Derby
+means to take up this Bill as dropped by the late Government. Whether
+the mode of transferring these seats proposed by Lord Derby will meet
+with as little opposition in Parliament as he anticipates, the Queen
+is not able to form a correct judgment of. It may be liable to
+the imputation of being intended to add to the power of the landed
+interest. This might not be at all objectionable in itself, but it may
+be doubtful how far the House of Commons may be disposed to concur in
+it at the present moment. This will be for Lord Derby to consider, but
+the Queen will not withhold her sanction from the measure.
+
+She knows that Lord John Russell meant to give the vacant seats
+to Birkenhead. Are not there two seats still vacant from the
+Disfranchisement of Sudbury? and would it not be better (if so) to
+dispose of all four at the same time? There is an impression also
+gaining ground that, with a view to prevent the Franchise being given
+exclusively to _Numbers_, to the detriment of _Interests_, it might be
+desirable to give new seats to certain corporate bodies, such as the
+Scotch Universities, the Temple and Lincoln's Inn, the East India
+Company, etc., etc.[25]
+
+    [Footnote 25: The Government eventually proposed that the four
+    seats taken from St Albans and Sudbury should be assigned to
+    South Lancashire and the West Riding; but, on the ground that
+    a Ministry on sufferance should confine itself to necessary
+    legislation, Mr Gladstone induced the House by a great
+    majority to shelve the proposal.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MR DISRAELI]
+
+[Pageheading: THE OPPOSITION]
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _15th March 1852._
+(_Monday night._)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+informs your Majesty of what occurred in the House of Commons this
+evening.
+
+Mr Villiers opened the proceedings, terse and elaborate, but not in
+his happiest style. He called upon the House to contrast the state of
+the country at the beginning of the year and at the present moment.
+But he could not induce the House to believe that "all now was
+distrust and alarm."
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reply, declined to bring forward
+in the present Parliament any proposition to change our commercial
+system, and would not pledge himself to propose in a future Parliament
+any duty on corn. He said a duty on corn was a measure, not a
+principle, and that if preferable measures for the redress of
+agricultural grievances than a five-shilling duty on corn (mentioned
+by Mr Villiers) could be devised, he should adopt them--a declaration
+received with universal favour on the Government side.
+
+Lord John Russell replied to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in
+consequence of some notice by the former of the strange construction
+of a new Opposition to force a Dissolution of Parliament by a Minister
+who, three weeks ago, had declared such Dissolution inexpedient. It
+was not a successful speech.
+
+The great speech on the Opposition side was that of Sir James Graham:
+elaborate, malignant, mischievous. His position was this: that Lord
+Derby, as a man of honour, was bound to propose taxes on food, and
+that if he did so, revolution was inevitable.
+
+Mr Gladstone and Lord Palmerston both spoke in the same vein,
+the necessity of immediate Dissolution after the passing of
+the "necessary" measures; but the question soon arose, What is
+"necessary"?
+
+Lord Palmerston thought the Militia Bill "necessary," upon which the
+League[26] immediately rose and denied that conclusion.
+
+There seemed in the House a great reluctance to avoid a violent
+course, but a very general wish, on the Opposition side, for as speedy
+a Dissolution as public necessity would permit.
+
+The evening, however, was not disadvantageous to the Government. All
+which is most humbly submitted to your Majesty, by your Majesty's most
+dutiful Subject and Servant,
+
+B. DISRAELI.
+
+    [Footnote 26: The members belonging to the Manchester School
+    of Politics.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUESTION OF DISSOLUTION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _17th March 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I delayed writing till to-day as I wished to see
+the papers first, and be able to give you an account of the first
+Debate in the two Houses. They are not satisfactory, because both Lord
+Derby and Mr Disraeli refuse to give a straightforward answer as to
+their policy, the uncertainty as to which will do serious harm.[27]
+The Opposition are very determined, and _with_ right, to insist on
+this being given, and on as early a Dissolution as possible. The
+Government will be forced to do this, but it is very unwise, after all
+_this_ agitation for the last five years and a half, _not_ [to] come
+forward manfully and to state what they intend to do. We tried to
+impress Lord Derby with the necessity of this course, and I hoped we
+had succeeded, but his speech has not been what it ought to have been
+in this respect.
+
+The President seems more occupied at home than abroad, which I trust
+he may remain.
+
+Stockmar is well.... _One_ thing is pretty _certain_--that _out_ of
+the _present state_ of confusion and discordance, a _sound state_ of
+_Parties_ will be obtained, and _two Parties_, as of old, will again
+exist, without which it is _impossible_ to have a _strong_ Government.
+_How_ these Parties will be formed it is impossible to say at present.
+Now, with Albert's love, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 27: This uncertainty led to the Anti-Corn-Law
+    League, which had been dissolved in 1846, being revived.]
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _19th March 1852._
+(_Friday night, twelve o'clock._)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+lays before your Majesty what has taken place in the House of Commons
+to-night.
+
+At the commencement of public business, Lord John Russell, in a very
+full House, after some hostile comments, enquired of Her Majesty's
+Ministers whether they were prepared to declare that Her Majesty will
+be advised to dissolve the present Parliament, and call a new one,
+with the least possible delay consistent with a due regard to the
+public interest, in reference to measures of _urgent_ and _immediate_
+necessity.
+
+The question was recommended by Lord John Russell as one similar to
+that put to him in 1841 by Sir Robert Peel.
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer in reply observed that there was a
+distinction between the position of the present Ministry and that
+of Lord John Russell in 1841, as in that and in the other precedents
+quoted in 1841 by Sir Robert Peel, the Ministry had been condemned by
+a vote of the House of Commons.
+
+He said it was not constitutional and most impolitic for any Ministers
+to pledge themselves to recommend their Sovereign to dissolve
+Parliament at any stated and specific time, as circumstances might
+occur which would render the fulfilment of the pledge injurious or
+impracticable; that it was the intention of the Ministers to recommend
+your Majesty to dissolve the present Parliament the moment that such
+measures were carried which were necessary for your Majesty's service,
+and for the security _and good government_ of your Majesty's realm;
+and that it was their wish and intention that the new Parliament
+should meet to decide upon the question of confidence in the
+Administration, and on the measures, which they could then bring
+forward in the course of the present year.
+
+This announcement was very favourably received.
+
+The discomfiture of the Opposition is complete, and no further mention
+of stopping or limiting supplies will be heard of.
+
+All which is most humbly submitted to your Majesty by your Majesty's
+most dutiful Subject and Servant,
+
+B. DISRAELI.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: INTERVIEW WITH LORD DERBY]
+
+[Pageheading: PROTECTION]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd March 1852._
+
+We came to Town from Osborne the day before yesterday, and saw Lord
+Derby yesterday afternoon, who is in very good spirits about the
+prospect of affairs. He told the Queen that he thought he might state
+that the Government had gained a good deal of ground during the
+last week, and that there was now a general disposition to let the
+necessary measures pass Parliament, and to have the dissolution the
+end of June or beginning of July. He hoped the Queen did not think
+he had gone too far in pledging the Crown to a Dissolution about that
+time; but it was impossible to avoid saying as much as that a new
+Parliament would meet in the autumn again, and have settled the
+commercial policy before Christmas.
+
+To the Queen's questions, whether there would not be great excitement
+in the country produced by the General Election, and whether
+Parliament ought not to meet immediately after it, he replied that he
+was not the least afraid of much excitement, and that there was
+great advantage in not meeting Parliament immediately again, as the
+Government would require a few months to prepare its measures, and to
+take a sound view of the new position of affairs. He anticipated that
+there would be returned a large proportion of Conservatives, some Free
+Traders, some Protectionists; but not a majority for the re-imposition
+of a duty on corn, _certainly_ not a majority large enough to justify
+him in proposing such a Measure. Now he was sure he could not with
+honour or credit abandon that Measure unless the country had given its
+decision against it; but then he would have most carefully to consider
+how to revise the general state of taxation, so as to give that relief
+to the agricultural interest which it had a right to demand.
+
+He had received the most encouraging and flattering letters from the
+agriculturists of different parts of the country, all reposing the
+most explicit confidence in him, and asking him not to sacrifice the
+Government for the sake of an immediate return to Protection. They
+felt what Lord Derby must say he felt himself, that, after the fall of
+this Government, there would necessarily come one of a more democratic
+tendency than any the country had yet had to submit to. He thought
+most politicians saw this, and would rally round a Conservative
+standard; he knew that even many of the leading Whigs were very much
+dissatisfied with the company they find themselves thrown into and
+alarmed at the progress of Democracy.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd March 1852._
+
+... Here matters have improved rather for the Government, and it seems
+now that they will be able to get through the Session, to dissolve
+Parliament at the end of June or beginning of July, and to meet again
+in November. And then Protection will be done away with. If only they
+had not done so much harm, and played with it for six long years! What
+you say of the advantage of having had Governments from all parties
+we have often felt and do feel; it renders changes much less
+disagreeable. In the present case our acquaintance is confined almost
+entirely to Lord Derby, but then _he is_ the Government. They do
+_nothing_ without him. He has all the Departments to look after, and
+on being asked by somebody if he was not much tired, he said: "I am
+quite well with my babies!..."
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _29th March 1852._
+(_Monday night._)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+informs your Majesty of what has occurred in the House of Commons
+to-night.
+
+Mr Secretary Walpole introduced the Militia Bill in a statement
+equally perspicuous and persuasive.
+
+Opposed by Mr Hume and Mr Gibson, the Government Measure was cordially
+supported by Lord Palmerston.
+
+Lord John Russell, while he expressed an opinion favourable to
+increased defence, intimated a preference for regular troops.
+
+Mr Cobden made one of his cleverest speeches, of the cosmopolitan
+school, and was supported with vigour by Mr Bright. A division is
+threatened by the ultra-Movement party, but the Chancellor of the
+Exchequer hopes to ward it off, and is somewhat sanguine of ultimate
+success in carrying the Measure.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _30th March 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your dear letter of the 26th,
+which I received on Saturday. Here we shall have some trouble with
+our Militia Bill, which all of a sudden seems to have caused
+dissatisfaction and alarm. Lord Derby is quite prepared to drop
+Protection, as he knows that the Elections will bring a Free Trade,
+though a Conservative majority. Mr Disraeli (_alias_ Dizzy) writes
+very curious reports to me of the House of Commons proceedings--much
+in the style of his books....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND ITALY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _10th April 1852._
+
+The Queen hopes that both Lord Derby and Lord Malmesbury will give
+their earnest attention to the change in the politics of Italy, which
+is evidently on the point of taking place, according to the enclosed
+despatch from Mr Hudson.[28] What Count Azeglio[29] says in his
+Memorandum with respect to Austria is perfectly just. But France, as
+the champion of Italian liberty and independence, would become most
+formidable to the rest of Europe, and Louis Napoleon, in assuming for
+her this position, would be only following the example of his uncle,
+which we know to be his constant aim.[30]
+
+    [Footnote 28: British Envoy at Turin.]
+
+    [Footnote 29: Premier of Sardinia.]
+
+    [Footnote 30: Lord Derby in reply, after reviewing the whole
+    matter, counselled non-interference, the keeping of a vigilant
+    watch on French and Austrian actions, encouragement of
+    Sardinia in her constitutional action, and the making use of
+    any opportunity to secure both the independence of Piedmont
+    and the reform of the Papal Administration.]
+
+
+
+
+[FRANCE AND ITALY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th April 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Derby's letter of the 11th inst., in which
+he states very clearly the difficulties which stand in the way of an
+active interference of this country in the affairs of Italy. The Queen
+did not mean to recommend in her letter of the 10th on this subject
+any active interference, as she is of opinion that our present want
+of due influence in Italy is chiefly owing to our former ill-judged
+over-activity. The Queen agrees therefore entirely with Lord Derby
+in thinking that "all that can be done now is carefully to watch the
+proceedings of France and Austria in this matter, so as to profit by
+every good opportunity to protect the independence of Piedmont, and,
+if possible, produce some improvement in the internal Government of
+Rome," and she would accordingly like to see her respective Foreign
+Ministers instructed in this sense.
+
+The Queen continues, however, to look with apprehension to the
+possible turn which the affairs of Italy may take, proceeding from the
+political views of the President. It is not improbable that he may act
+now that he is omnipotent upon the views contained in his celebrated
+letter to Edgar Ney in 1849, which were at the time disapproved by
+the Assembly.[31] He will feel the necessity of doing something to
+compensate the French for what they have lost by him at home, to
+turn their attention from home affairs to those abroad, and to the
+acquisition of power and influence in Europe; and certainly, were he
+to head Italian liberty and independence, his power of doing mischief
+would be immense. After all, such an attempt would not be more
+inconsistent for him than it was for General Cavaignac, as President
+of the _Republique Democratique_, to get rid of the Roman Republic,
+and to reinstate the Pope by force of arms.
+
+The Queen wishes Lord Derby to communicate this letter to Lord
+Malmesbury, from whom she has also just heard upon this subject.
+
+    [Footnote 31: In this letter the President of the Republic had
+    expressed his admiration at the conduct of the French troops
+    in the Roman expedition under General Oudinot, and his warm
+    approval of the policy that led to the campaign.]
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _19th April 1852._
+(_Monday night, half-past twelve._)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+reports to your Majesty that, after a dull debate, significant only
+by two of the subordinate Members of the late Administration declaring
+their hostility to the Militia Bill, Lord John Russell rose at eleven
+o'clock and announced his determination to oppose the second
+reading of it.[32] His speech was one of his ablest--statesmanlike,
+argumentative, terse, and playful; and the effect he produced was
+considerable.
+
+Your Majesty's Government, about to attempt to reply to it, gave way
+to Lord Palmerston, who changed the feeling of the House, and indeed
+entirely carried it away in a speech of extraordinary vigour and
+high-spirited tone.
+
+The Ministers were willing to have taken the division on his Lordship
+sitting down, but as the late Government wished to reply, the
+Chancellor of the Exchequer would not oppose the adjournment of the
+debate.
+
+The elements of calculation as to the division are very complicated,
+but the Chancellor of the Exchequer is still inclined to believe that
+the second reading of the Bill will be carried.
+
+    [Footnote 32: This tactical blunder, much condemned at the
+    time, estranged many of the Whigs from Lord John.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE BUDGET]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th April 1852._
+
+The Queen wishes to remind Lord Derby that the time for the
+presentation of the Budget to the House of Commons being very close
+at hand, none of the Measures referring to the finances of the country
+which the Government may have to propose have as yet been laid before
+her.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _26th April 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Derby's explanation of his views with
+regard to the Budget,[33] and will be glad to see him on Wednesday at
+three o'clock. She had been alarmed by vague rumours that it was the
+intention of the Government to propose great changes in the present
+financial system, which, with an adverse majority in the House
+of Commons and at the eve of a Dissolution, must have led to much
+confusion. She thinks the course suggested by Lord Derby to consider
+the Budget merely as a provisional one for the current year, by far
+the wisest, the more so as it will leave us a surplus of L2,000,000,
+which is of the utmost importance in case of unforeseen difficulties
+with Foreign Powers.[34]
+
+    [Footnote 33: Its chief feature was a renewal of the expiring
+    Income Tax.]
+
+    [Footnote 34: Accordingly, no financial changes were proposed
+    until after the General Election. See _post_, p. 406.]
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _26th April._
+(_Monday night, twelve o'clock._)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your
+Majesty, reports to your Majesty that the Militia Bill has been
+carried (second reading) by an immense majority.
+
+          For           315
+          Against       165
+
+The concluding portion of the debate was distinguished by the speeches
+of Mr Sidney Herbert and Mr Walpole, who made their greatest efforts;
+the first singularly happy in his treatment of a subject of which he
+was master, and the last addressing the House with a spirit unusual
+with him.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FRANCE AND THE BOURBONS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _27th April 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I thank you much for your kind and affectionate
+letter of the 23rd. I have somehow or other contrived to lose my day,
+for which reason I can only write a very short letter. It seems to be
+generally believed that Louis Napoleon's assumption of the title of
+Emperor is very near at hand, but they still think war is not likely,
+as it would be such bad policy.
+
+What you say about the ill-fated Spanish marriages, and the result of
+the poor King's wishing to have no one but a Bourbon as Queen Isabel's
+husband being that the _French won't_ have _any_ Bourbon, is indeed
+strange. It is a melancholy result.
+
+I shall certainly try and read Thiers' _Revolution, Consulat, et
+Empire_, but I can hardly read _any_ books, my whole _lecture_ almost
+being taken up by the immense quantity of despatches we have to read,
+and then I have a good deal to write, and must then have a little
+leisure time to rest, and _de me delasser_ and to get out. It is a
+great deprivation, as I delight in reading. Still, I will not forget
+your recommendation.
+
+I am sorry to say _nothing_ is definitely settled about our dear
+Crystal Palace. With Albert's love, ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Mr Disraeli._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st May 1852._
+
+The Queen has read with great interest the clear and able financial
+statement which the Chancellor of the Exchequer made in the House of
+Commons last night, and was glad to hear from him that it was well
+received.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _13th May 1852._
+
+With respect to this despatch from Lord Howden,[35] the Queen wishes
+to observe that hitherto we have on all similar occasions declined
+accepting any Foreign Order for the Prince of Wales, on account of his
+being too young and not even having any of the English Orders. Might
+this not therefore be communicated to Lord Howden?
+
+    [Footnote 35: British Minister at Madrid.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN FRANCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _27th May 1852._
+
+The Queen returns the enclosed most interesting letters. It is evident
+that the President is meeting with the first symptoms of a reviving
+public feeling in France; whether this will drive him to hurry on the
+Empire remains to be seen. All the Foreign Powers have to be careful
+about is to receive an assurance that the _Empire_ does _not_ mean a
+_return to the policy of the Empire_, but that the existing Treaties
+will be acknowledged and adhered to.
+
+The session seems to advance very rapidly. The Queen hails Lord
+Derby's declaration of his conviction that a majority for a duty on
+corn will not be returned to the new Parliament, as the first step
+towards the abandonment of hostility to the Free Trade on which
+our commercial policy is now established, and which has produced so
+flourishing a condition of the finances of the country.
+
+Mr Disraeli's speech about Spain was very good, though he had
+certainly better not have alluded to Portugal.
+
+We return to Town to-morrow.
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _21st June 1852._
+(_Nine o'clock._)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+reports to your Majesty that Lord John Russell introduced to the
+notice of the House of Commons to-night the recent Minute of the
+Committee of Council on Education.
+
+Lord John Russell made a languid statement to a rather full House. His
+speech was not very effective as it proceeded, and there was silence
+when he sat down.
+
+Then Mr Walpole rose and vindicated the Minute. He spoke with
+animation, and was cheered when he concluded.
+
+Sir Harry Verney followed, and the House very much dispersed; indeed
+the discussion would probably have terminated when Sir Harry finished,
+had not Mr Gladstone then risen. Mr Gladstone gave only a very guarded
+approval to the Minute, which he treated as insignificant.
+
+It was not a happy effort, and the debate, for a while revived by his
+interposition, continued to languish until this hour (nine o'clock),
+with successive relays of mediocrity, until it yielded its last gasp
+in the arms of Mr Slaney.
+
+The feeling of the House of Commons, probably in this representing
+faithfully that of the country, is against both the violent parties in
+the Church, and in favour of a firm, though temperate, course on the
+part of the Crown, which may conciliate a vast majority, and tend to
+terminate dissension.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DISTURBANCES AT STOCKPORT]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Mr Walpole._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st July 1852._
+
+The Queen is much distressed at the account she has read in the papers
+of the dreadful riot at Stockport,[36] alas! caused by that most
+baneful of all Party feelings, _religious_ hatred,[37] and she is very
+anxious to know what Mr Walpole has heard.
+
+    [Footnote 36: The Church question was brought into the
+    political arena in the General Election, which was now in
+    progress; much violence was manifested during the contest.]
+
+    [Footnote 37: "It is additional proof, if more were wanting,"
+    wrote Mr Walpole in reply, "that all Parties should forbear as
+    much as possible from the ostentatious parade of anything that
+    can provoke either the one or the other."]
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _23rd July 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... We are very much plagued by our Treaty with
+France. Victor Hugo has written a book against Louis Napoleon, which
+will exasperate him much, and which he publishes _here_; we can hardly
+keep Victor Hugo here after that.[38] The great plague of all these
+affairs is their constant return without the least advantage to any
+one from the difficulties they created.... Your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 38: Victor Hugo (1802-1885) had founded the journal,
+    _L'Evenement_, in 1848: he was exiled in 1851, and published
+    _Napoleon le Petit_ in Belgium. After the fall of the Empire
+    he returned to France, and in 1877 published his _Histoire
+    d'un Crime_.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _26th August 1852._
+
+The Queen has been considering the subject of the vacant Garter, and
+the names which Lord Derby proposed to her. She is of opinion that
+it would not be advisable on the whole to give the Garter to Lord
+Londonderry; that the Duke of Northumberland has by far the strongest
+claim to this distinction. At the same time, the Queen would have
+no objection to bestow it on Lord Lonsdale, if this is desirable, in
+order to facilitate any Ministerial arrangements which Lord Derby may
+have in contemplation.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN INHERITS A FORTUNE]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _10th September 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... That Mr Neild[39] should have left that
+great fortune to you delighted me; it gives the possibility of forming
+a private fortune for the Royal Family, the necessity of which nobody
+can deny. Such things only still happen in England, where there exists
+loyalty and strong affection for Royalty, a feeling unfortunately
+much diminished on the Continent of Europe, though it did exist there
+also....
+
+    [Footnote 39: John Camden Neild, an eccentric and miserly
+    bachelor, nominally a barrister, died on the 30th of August,
+    bequeathing substantially the whole of his fortune (amounting
+    to half a million) to the Queen. As there were no known
+    relatives, the Queen felt able to accept this legacy; but she
+    first increased the legacies to the executors from L100 to
+    L1000 each, made provision for Mr Neild's servants and others
+    who had claims on him, restored the chancel of North Marston
+    Church, Bucks, where he was buried, and inserted a window
+    there to his memory.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF DUKE OF WELLINGTON]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BALMORAL, _17th September 1852._
+
+The death of the Duke of Wellington[40] has deprived the Country of
+her greatest man, the Crown of its most valuable servant and adviser,
+the Army of its main strength and support. We received the sad news
+on an expedition from Allt-na-Giuthasach to the Dhu Loch (one of
+the wildest and loneliest spots of the Highlands) at four o'clock
+yesterday afternoon. We hurried home to Allt-na-Giuthasach, and to-day
+here, where it became important to settle with Lord Derby the mode of
+providing for the command of the Army, and the filling up of the many
+posts and places which the Duke had held.
+
+    [Footnote 40: The Duke passed away at Walmer on the 14th of
+    September, in his eighty-fourth year.]
+
+I had privately prepared a list of the mode in which this should be
+done, and discussed it with Victoria, and found, to both Lord Derby's
+and our astonishment, that it tallied in _every_ point with the
+recommendations which he had thought of making.
+
+I explained to Lord Derby the grounds upon which I thought it better
+not to assume the Command myself, and told him of the old Duke's
+proposal, two years ago, to prepare the way to my assuming the Command
+by the appointment of a Chief of the Staff, on Sir Willoughby Gordon's
+death, and the reasons on which I then declined the offer. Lord Derby
+entirely concurred in my views, and seemed relieved by my explanation;
+we then agreed that for the loss of _authority_ which we had lost with
+the Duke, we could only make up by increase in _efficiency_ in the
+appointments to the different offices. That Lord Hardinge was the only
+man fit to command the Army.
+
+He should then receive the Command-in-Chief. The Ordnance which
+he would vacate should be given to Lord Fitzroy Somerset,
+hitherto Military Secretary (with the offer of a peerage).[41] The
+Constableship of the Tower to Lord Combermere; the Garter to Lord
+Londonderry; the Grenadier Guards and the Rifle Brigade to me; the
+Fusiliers vacated by me to the Duke of Cambridge (or the Coldstream,
+Lord Strafford exchanging to the Fusiliers); the 60th Rifles vacated
+by me to Lord Beresford; the Rangership of the Parks in London to
+George (Duke of Cambridge); the Wardenship of the Cinque Ports to Lord
+Dalhousie; the Lieutenancy of Hampshire to Lord Winchester. I reserved
+to me the right of considering whether I should not assume the command
+of the Brigade of Guards which the Duke of York held in George IV.'s
+time, to which William IV. appointed himself, and which has been
+vacant ever since Victoria's accession, although inherent to the
+Constitution of the Guards.
+
+    [Footnote 41: He became Lord Raglan.]
+
+Lord Derby had thought of George for the Command-in-Chief, as an
+alternative for Lord Hardinge, but perceived that his rank as
+a Major-General and youth would hardly entitle him to such an
+advancement. He would have carried no weight with the public, and we
+must not conceal from ourselves that many attacks on the Army which
+have been sleeping on account of the Duke will now be forthcoming.
+
+Victoria wishes the Army to mourn for the Duke as long as for a member
+of the Royal Family.
+
+Lord Derby proposes a public funeral, which cannot take place,
+however, before the meeting of Parliament in November. He is to find
+out how this is to be accomplished on account of the long interval.
+
+The correspondence here following[42] shows what doubts exist as to
+the person in whom the Command of the Army is vested in case of a
+vacancy. I consider Lord Palmerston's letter as a mere attempt
+to arrogate supreme power for his Office,[43] which rests on no
+foundation. The Secretary at War has no authority whatever except over
+money, whilst the Commander-in-Chief has no authority to spend a penny
+without the Secretary at War.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 42: These letters, which are of no special
+    importance, contained a statement from Lord Palmerston to the
+    effect that the appointment to the Commandership-in-Chief was
+    vested in the Secretary at War.]
+
+    [Footnote 43: Lord Palmerston had held the office of Secretary
+    at War from 1809 to 1828.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BALMORAL, _17th September 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I am sure you will mourn _with us_ over the loss we
+and this whole nation have experienced in the death of the _dear_ and
+great old Duke of Wellington. The sad news will have reached you, I
+doubt not, on Wednesday or yesterday. We had gone on Wednesday, as I
+had mentioned, to our little Shiel of Allt-na-Giuthasach to spend
+two days there, and were enjoying ourselves very much on a beautiful
+expedition yesterday, and were sitting by the side of the Dhu Loch,
+one of the severest, wildest spots imaginable, when one of our
+Highlanders arrived bringing a letter from Lord Derby (who is here),
+confirming the report which we had already heard of--but entirely
+disbelieved--and sending me a letter from Lord Charles Wellesley,
+saying that his dear father had only been ill a few hours, and had
+hardly suffered at all. It was a stroke, which was succeeded rapidly
+by others, and carried him off without any return of consciousness.
+For _him_ it is a blessing that he should have been taken away in
+the possession of his great and powerful mind and without a lingering
+illness. But for this country, and for us, his loss--though it could
+not have been long delayed--is irreparable! He was the pride and the
+_bon genie_, as it were, of this country! He was the GREATEST man this
+country ever produced, and the most _devoted_ and _loyal_ subject, and
+the staunchest supporter the Crown ever had. He was to us a true, kind
+friend and most valuable adviser. To think that all this is gone; that
+this great and immortal man belongs now to History and no longer to
+the present, is a truth which we cannot realise. We shall soon stand
+sadly alone; Aberdeen is almost the only personal friend of that kind
+we have left. Melbourne, Peel, Liverpool--and now the Duke--_all_
+gone!
+
+You will kindly feel for and with us, dearest Uncle.
+
+Lord Hardinge is to be Commander-in-Chief, and he is quite the _only_
+man _fit_ for it.
+
+Albert is much grieved. The dear Duke showed him great confidence and
+kindness. He was so fond of his little godson Arthur--who will now be
+a remaining link of the dear old Duke's, and a pleasant recollection
+of him. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _17th September 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--You will be much grieved at the loss of the
+Duke. It must give you satisfaction to think that you were always kind
+to him, and that he was very sincerely devoted to you and appreciated
+Albert. Since 1814 I had known much of the Duke; his _kindness_ to
+me had been very _marked_, and I early discovered that he was very
+favourable to my marriage with Charlotte, then already in agitation.
+Since, he was _always kind_ and _confidential_, even in those days of
+persecution against me, the result of the jealousy of George IV.; he
+never was influenced by it, or had the meanness of many who, in the
+days of misfortune, quickly leave one. The only case in which we were
+at variance was about the boundaries of Greece. He had some of the old
+absolute notions, which in that case were not in conformity with the
+real interests of England and of Europe. Even last year he spoke so
+very kindly to me on the subject of our Continental affairs. Rarely
+fickle Fortune permits a poor mortal to reach the conclusion of a long
+career, however glorious, with such complete success, so undisturbed
+by physical or moral causes. The Duke is the noblest example of what
+an Englishman may be, and to what greatness he may rise in following
+that honourable and straight line.
+
+When one looks at the Manchester school, compared to the greatness to
+which men like the Duke raised their country, one cannot help to
+be alarmed for the future. You are enjoying the Highlands, but the
+weather seems also not very favourable; here it is uncertain, and at
+times very cold.... Your truly devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to the Earl of Derby._
+
+BALMORAL, _22nd September 1852._
+
+MY DEAR LORD DERBY,--The Queen wishes me to answer your kind letter of
+yesterday.
+
+Her letter to you and to Mr Walpole of this morning will have apprised
+you that she sanctions the Guard of Honour having been placed at
+Walmer, and the Duke's body having been taken possession of formally
+on the part of the Crown.
+
+It would be a great pity if Lord Fitzroy were to be obliged to
+decline the Peerage on account of poverty; at the same time it may be
+difficult to relieve him from the payment of fees by a public grant.
+Under these circumstances, rather than leave Lord Fitzroy unrewarded,
+and a chance of his feeling mortified at a moment when his cheerful
+co-operation with Lord Hardinge is so important to the public
+service--the Queen would _herself_ bear the expense of the fees. If
+this were to hurt Lord Fitzroy's feelings, you could easily manage it
+so that he need never know from what source the L500 came. The Queen
+leaves this matter in your hands. Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Mr Walpole._
+
+BALMORAL CASTLE, _22nd September 1852._
+
+The Queen has just received Mr Walpole's letter of the 20th, informing
+her of the difficulty of having the Funeral Service, _according_ to
+the _Liturgy_, performed _twice_; she trusts, however, that means
+may be found to enable the Queen's intentions to be carried out, as
+communicated to Mr Walpole in Lord Derby's official letter. Whether
+this is to be done by leaving the body for two months without the
+Funeral Service being read over it, or by reading the Funeral Service
+now in the presence of the family, and treating the _Public Funeral_
+more as a translation of the remains to their final place of rest,
+the Queen must leave to be decided by those who have the means of
+personally sounding the feelings of the Duke's family, the dignitaries
+of the Church, and the public generally.
+
+An impressive religious ceremony might certainly be made of it at St.
+Paul's, even if the actual Funeral Service should not be read on the
+occasion....
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd October 1852._
+
+Shortly after the formation of Lord Derby's Government, the Queen
+communicated to him a Memorandum respecting the necessity of attending
+to our national defences on a systematic plan. The Queen would now
+wish to hear how far we have advanced in this important object
+since that time. Lord Derby would perhaps call on the General
+Commanding-in-Chief, the Master-General of the Ordnance, and the First
+Lord of the Admiralty, as well as the Home Secretary, to make a report
+upon this. It will soon be necessary to consider what will have to
+be done for the future to complete the various plans. The Queen is
+no alarmist, but thinks that the necessity of our attending to our
+defences once having been proved and admitted by Parliament and two
+successive Governments, we should not relax in our efforts until the
+plans then devised are thoroughly carried out.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th October 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--... I must tell you an anecdote relating to Louis
+Napoleon's entry into Paris, which Lord Cowley wrote over, as going
+the round of Paris. It is: that under one of the Triumphal Arches a
+Crown was suspended to a string (which is very often the case) over
+which was written, "_Il l'a bien merite_." Something damaged this
+crown, and they removed it--_leaving_, however, the _rope_ and
+_superscription_, the effect of which must have been somewhat
+edifying!
+
+It is not at all true that foreign Officers are not to attend at the
+funeral of the dear old Duke; on the contrary, we expect them from
+Prussia, Austria, and Russia, and the Duke of Terceira (whom we shall
+see to-night) is already come from Portugal to attend the ceremony.
+
+I must now conclude. With Albert's love, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th November 1852._
+
+As we seem to be so near the declaration of the Empire in France, and
+as so many opinions are expressed on the subject of the title to
+be assumed by Louis Napoleon, the Queen is anxious to impress Lord
+Malmesbury with the importance of our not committing ourselves on this
+point, and not giving our allies to understand that we shall join
+them in not acknowledging Napoleon III.[44] Objectionable as this
+appellation no doubt is, it may hardly be worth offending France and
+her Ruler by refusing to recognise it, when it is of _such_ importance
+to prevent their considering themselves the aggrieved party; any
+attempt to dictate to France the style of her Ruler would strengthen
+Louis Napoleon's position; our object should be to leave France alone,
+as long as she is not aggressive.
+
+All of this should be well weighed.
+
+    [Footnote 44: Louis Napoleon himself claimed no hereditary
+    right to the Imperial dignity, but only that conferred by
+    election: he acknowledged as national all the acts which
+    had taken place since 1815, such as the reigns of the
+    later Bourbons and of Louis Philippe. (See _Memoirs of an
+    ex-Minister_.)]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: NATIONAL DEFENCES]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Viscount Hardinge._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th November 1852._
+
+MY DEAR LORD HARDINGE,--In reference to our conversation of yesterday,
+and the Queen's request to Lord Derby that he should call upon the
+different departments of the Admiralty, Army, Ordnance, and Home
+Office to furnish a report as to how far the measures begun last
+spring to put our defences in a state of efficiency have been carried
+out, and what remains to be done in that direction--I beg now to
+address you in writing. The object the Queen wishes to obtain is, to
+receive an account which will show what means we have _really_ at our
+disposal for purposes of defence, _ready for action_ at the shortest
+possible notice, and what remains to be done to put us into a state of
+security, what the supply of the wants may cost (approximately), and
+what time it would require.
+
+As it will be not only convenient but necessary that the Horse Guards
+and Ordnance should consult together and combine their deliberations,
+I beg this letter to be understood to apply as well to Lord Raglan
+as to yourself, and that you would meet and give the answer to the
+Queen's questions conjointly.
+
+(_A detailed list follows._)
+
+These questions would all present themselves at the moment when we
+received the intelligence of a threatened _coup de main_ on the part
+of Louis Napoleon, when it would be too late to remedy any deficiency.
+The public would be quite ready to give the necessary money for our
+armament, but they feel with justice that it is unfair to ask them for
+large sums and then always to hear, _We are quite unprepared_. They
+don't understand and cannot understand details, but it is upon matters
+of detail that our security will have to depend, and we cannot be sure
+of efficiency unless a comprehensive statement be made showing the
+whole.
+
+I beg this to be as short as possible, and if possible in a tabular
+shape. Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th November 1852._
+
+The Queen was very sorry to hear from Lord Derby and Mr Disraeli that
+Mr Villiers' Motion[45] will create Parliamentary difficulties.
+
+With respect to the financial statement, she must most strongly
+impress Lord Derby with the necessity of referring to our defenceless
+state, and the necessity of a _large_ outlay, to protect us from
+foreign attack, which would almost ensure us against war. The country
+is fully alive to its danger, and Parliament has perhaps never been
+in a more likely state to grant what is necessary, provided a
+comprehensive and efficient plan is laid before it. Such a plan ought,
+in the Queen's opinion, to be distinctly promised by the Government,
+although it may be laid before Parliament at a later period.
+
+    [Footnote 45: This Motion, intended to extort a declaration
+    from the House in favour of Free Trade, and describing the
+    Corn Law Repeal as "a just, wise, and beneficial measure," was
+    naturally distasteful to the Ministers. Their _amour-propre_
+    was saved by Lord Palmerston's Amendment omitting the
+    "_odious_ epithets" and affirming the principle of
+    unrestricted competition.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: FINANCIAL POLICY]
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _14th November 1852._
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+begs permission to enclose an answer to the Address for your Majesty's
+approbation, and which should be delivered, if your Majesty pleases,
+to the House of Commons to-morrow.
+
+Referring to a letter from your Majesty, shown to him yesterday by
+Lord Derby, the Chancellor of the Exchequer also begs permission to
+state that, in making the financial arrangements, he has left a very
+large margin for the impending year (April 1853-4), which will permit
+the fulfilment of all your Majesty's wishes with respect to the
+increased defence of the country, as he gathered them from your
+Majesty's gracious expressions, and also from the suggestion which
+afterwards, in greater detail, His Royal Highness the Prince deigned
+to make to him.
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer will deeply consider the intimation
+graciously made in your Majesty's letter to Lord Derby as to the tone
+on this subject to be adopted in the House of Commons, and he will
+endeavour in this, and in all respects, to fulfil your Majesty's
+pleasure.
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer fears that he sent to your Majesty a
+somewhat crude note from the House of Commons on Thursday night,
+but he humbly begs your Majesty will deign to remember that these
+bulletins are often written in tumult, and sometimes in perplexity;
+and that he is under the impression that your Majesty would prefer a
+genuine report of the feeling of the moment, however miniature, to a
+more artificial and prepared statement.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Mr Disraeli._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th November 1852._
+
+The Queen has received with much satisfaction Mr Disraeli's letter of
+this day's date, in which he informs her of his readiness to provide
+efficiently for the defence of the country, the call for which is
+_very_ urgent. Lord Malmesbury, with whom the Prince has talked very
+fully over this subject, will communicate further with Mr Disraeli and
+Lord Derby on his return to Town to-morrow.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DALHOUSIE]
+
+[Pageheading: INDIA AND THE DUKE]
+
+
+_The Marquis of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria._
+
+GOVERNMENT HOUSE, _23rd November 1852._
+
+The Governor-General still retains some hope of seeing general peace
+restored in India before he quits it finally, as your Majesty's
+Ministers and the Court of Directors have some time since requested
+him not to retire from its administration in January next, as he had
+intended to do.
+
+Many private considerations combined to draw him homewards, even
+though the honour and the advantages of retaining this Office were
+willingly recognised. But the gracious approbation with which his
+services here have been viewed was a sufficient motive for continuing
+them for some time longer, if they were thought profitable to the
+State.
+
+Your Majesty has very recently been pleased to bestow upon him a still
+further distinction, which calls not merely for the expression of his
+deep and humble gratitude to your Majesty, but for a further devotion
+to your Majesty's service of whatever power he may possess for
+promoting its interests.
+
+That your Majesty should prefer him at all to an Office of such
+traditional distinction as the Wardenship was an honour to which the
+Governor-General would never at any time have dreamt of aspiring. But
+by conferring it upon him thus--during his absence--and above all, by
+conferring it upon him in immediate succession to one whom he must all
+his life regard with reverence, affection, and gratitude--your Majesty
+has surrounded this honour with so much of honourable circumstance
+that the Governor-General is wholly unable to give full expression to
+the feelings with which he has received your Majesty's goodness.
+
+The Governor-General is very sensible that in him, as Lord Warden,
+your Majesty will have but a sorry successor to the Duke of Wellington
+in every respect, save one. But in that one respect--namely in deep
+devotion to your Majesty's Crown, and to the true interests of your
+Empire--the Governor-General does not yield even to the Master he was
+long so proud to follow.
+
+In every part of India the highest honours have been paid to the
+memory of the Duke of Wellington, which your Majesty's Empire in the
+East and its armies could bestow.
+
+Even the Native Powers have joined in the homage to his fame. In the
+mountains of Nepaul the same sad tribute was rendered by the Maharajah
+as by ourselves, while in Mysore the Rajah not only fired minute
+guns in his honour, but even caused the Dusserah, the great Hindoo
+festival, to be stopped throughout the city, in token of his grief.
+
+Excepting the usual disturbance from time to time among the still
+untamed mountain tribes upon our north-western border, there is entire
+tranquillity in India. The season has been good, and the revenue is
+improving.
+
+Respectfully acknowledging the letter which he had lately the honour
+of receiving from your Majesty, and the gracious message it contained
+to Lady Dalhousie, who, though much improved in health, will be
+compelled to return to England in January, the Governor-General has
+the honour to subscribe himself with the utmost respect and gratitude,
+your Majesty's most obedient, most humble, and devoted Subject and
+Servant,
+
+DALHOUSIE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE FUNERAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd November 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--What you say about Joinville has interested us very
+much, and we have confidentially communicated it to Lord Derby, who
+is never alarmed enough. There is, however, a belief that the Orleans
+family have been very imprudent, and that Louis Napoleon has heard
+things and expressions used which did a great deal of harm, and Lord
+Derby begged me to warn them very strongly and earnestly on this
+point; _I_ cannot do much, but I think _you_ might, for in fact they
+might _unintentionally compromise us seriously_. The Government are
+rather shaky; Disraeli has been imprudent and blundering, and has done
+himself harm by a Speech he made about the Duke of Wellington, which
+was borrowed from an _eloge_ by Thiers on a French Marshal!!![46]
+
+You will have heard from your children and from Charles how very
+touching the ceremony both in and out of doors was on the 18th. The
+behaviour of the millions assembled has been the topic of general
+admiration, and the foreigners have all assured me that they never
+could have believed _such_ a number of people could have shown such
+feeling, such respect, for _not_ a sound was heard! I cannot say
+_what_ a deep and _wehmtuehige_ impression it made on me! It was a
+beautiful sight. In the Cathedral it was much more touching still! The
+dear old Duke! he is an irreparable loss!
+
+We had a great dinner yesterday to all the Officers. There is but one
+feeling of indignation and surprise at the conduct of Austria [47]
+in taking _this_ opportunity to slight England in return for what
+happened to _Haynau_[48] for _his own_ character. Ernest Hohenlohe
+was extremely anxious you should know the reason why he may _possibly_
+appear one evening at the Elysee (they are gone for three or four days
+to Paris).
+
+Louis Napoleon being excessively susceptible, and believing us to be
+inimical towards him, we and the Government thought it would not be
+wise or prudent for _my_ brother-in-law, just coming _from here_,
+purposely to avoid him and go out of his way, which Louis Napoleon
+would immediately say was _my doing_; and unnecessary offence we do
+not wish to give; the more so as Stockmar was presented to him at
+Strasburg, and received the _Legion d'honneur_. I promised to explain
+this to you, as Ernest was distressed lest he should appear to be
+_timeserving_, and I said I was sure you would understand it.
+
+I must end in a hurry, hoping to write again on Thursday or Friday.
+Dear Stockmar is very well and most kind. He is much pleased at your
+children spending some time with him every day. Ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 46: Marshal Gouvion de St Cyr.]
+
+    [Footnote 47: In sending no representative to the funeral of
+    the Duke of Wellington.]
+
+    [Footnote 48: See _ante_, p. 267.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: CONFUSION OF PARTIES]
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _25th November 1852._
+(_Thursday, four_ P.M.)
+
+Lord Derby, with his humble duty, in obedience to your Majesty's
+gracious commands of this morning, proceeds to report to your Majesty
+what he finds to have taken place and to be in contemplation; but the
+accounts of the latter are so conflicting and contradictory, that his
+report must be as unsatisfactory to your Majesty as the state of the
+case is unintelligible to himself.
+
+On arriving in London, Lord Derby called on Mr Disraeli, and found
+that late last night he had had, by his own desire, a private
+interview with Lord Palmerston, who had come to his house with that
+object; that Lord Palmerston's language was perfectly friendly towards
+the Government; that he assured Mr Disraeli that his only object in
+offering his Amendment was to defeat Mr Villiers; that if that could
+be done, it was a matter of indifference to him which Amendment was
+adopted; and he concluded by declaring that though he sat by Mr Sidney
+Herbert in the House of Commons, and was an old personal friend, he
+did not act in concert with him or with Mr Gladstone; and that he did
+not see, on their part, any disposition to approach the Government!
+After this declaration Mr Disraeli felt that it would be useless and
+unwise to sound him farther as to his own ulterior views, and the
+conversation led to nothing.
+
+As Lord Derby was walking home, he was overtaken by Lord Jocelyn, who
+stated, in direct opposition to what had been said by Lord Palmerston,
+that he, and the other two gentlemen named, were consulted upon, and
+had concocted the proposed Amendment; and that they were decidedly
+acting together. He was present at a dinner of the Peelite Party
+yesterday at Mr Wortley's, when Speeches were made, and language held
+about the reunion of the Conservative Party, resulting, however, in
+a declaration that if your Majesty's servants did not accept Lord
+Palmerston's Amendment, they, as a body, would vote in favour of Mr
+Villiers. Lord Derby has been farther informed that they are willing
+to join the Government, but that one of their conditions would be
+that Lord Palmerston should lead the House of Commons, Mr Gladstone
+refusing to serve under Mr Disraeli. This, if true, does not look like
+an absence of all concert.
+
+To complete the general confusion of Parties, the Duke of Bedford, who
+called on Lady Derby this morning, assures her that Lord John Russell
+does not desire the fall of your Majesty's present Government, and
+that in no case will he enter into any combination with the Radical
+Party, a declaration quite at variance with the course he has pursued
+since Parliament met.
+
+Of course Lord Derby, in these circumstances, has not taken any step
+whatever towards exercising the discretion with which your Majesty was
+graciously pleased to entrust him this morning.[49] He much regrets
+having to send your Majesty so unsatisfactory a statement, and has
+desired to have the latest intelligence sent up to him of what may
+pass in the House of Commons, and he will endeavour to keep your
+Majesty informed of any new occurrence which any hour may produce.
+
+_Half-past six._
+
+Lord Derby has just heard from the House of Commons that Sir James
+Graham has given the history of the framing of the Amendment, and has
+expressed his intention, if Lord Palmerston's Amendment be accepted,
+to advise Mr Villiers to withdraw. Mr Gladstone has held the same
+language; there appears to be much difference of opinion, but Lord
+Derby would think that the probable result will be the adoption of
+Lord Palmerston's proposition. He fears this will lead to a good deal
+of discontent among the supporters of the Government; but a different
+course would run imminent risk of defeat.
+
+    [Footnote 49: The Queen had allowed him to enter into
+    negotiations with the Peelites and Lord Palmerston on the
+    distinct understanding that the latter could not receive the
+    lead of the House of Commons.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON]
+
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, _26th November 1852._
+(_Half-past one o'clock_ A.M.)
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
+reports to your Majesty that the House of Commons has this moment
+divided on Mr Villiers' resolution, and in a House of nearly 600
+members they have been rejected by a majority of 80.[50]
+
+The debate was very animated and amusing, from the rival narratives of
+the principal projectors of the demonstration, who, having quarrelled
+among themselves, entered into secret and--in a Party sense--somewhat
+scandalous revelations, to the diversion and sometimes astonishment of
+the House.
+
+The Chancellor of the Exchequer deeply regrets that, having been
+obliged to quit the House early yesterday, he was unable to forward a
+bulletin to your Majesty.
+
+He has fixed next Friday for the Budget.
+
+    [Footnote 50: Lord Palmerston's Amendment (see _ante_, p.
+    399) was carried instead, and Protection was thenceforward
+    abandoned by Mr Disraeli and his followers.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MR DISRAELI AND MR GLADSTONE]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th November 1852._
+
+Before the Council held yesterday we saw Lord Derby, who seemed much
+pleased with the result of the Division, though a good deal galled by
+the tone of the Debate.
+
+Lord Derby had heard it said that Mr Sidney Herbert, although very
+bitter in his language, had not meant to be hostile to the Government,
+but felt that he owed the duty to speak out to the memory of Sir
+Robert Peel; that he was glad to have thrown the load off his mind.
+Lord Derby then read us a letter from Lord Claud Hamilton, who had
+seen Mr Corry (one of the Peelites), who had given him to understand
+that they would _not_ serve under the leadership of Mr Disraeli; that
+they were ready, on the other hand, to serve under Lord Palmerston.
+This put all further negotiation out of the question, for,
+independently of the Queen objecting to such an arrangement, he
+himself could not admit of it. On my question why Mr Gladstone could
+not lead, he replied that Mr Gladstone was, in his opinion, quite
+unfit for it; he had none of that decision, boldness, readiness, and
+clearness which was necessary to lead a Party, to inspire it with
+confidence, and, still [more], to take at times a decision on the spur
+of the moment, which a leader had often to do. Then he said that
+he could not in honour sacrifice Mr Disraeli, who had acted very
+straightforwardly to him as long as they had had anything to do with
+each other, and who possessed the confidence of his followers. Mr
+Disraeli had no idea of giving up the lead.
+
+We could quite understand, on the other hand, that the colleagues of
+Sir Robert Peel could not feel inclined to serve under Mr Disraeli.
+
+Under these circumstances we agreed that nothing should be done at
+present, and that it must be left to time to operate changes, that
+much must depend upon the success which Mr Disraeli may have with his
+Budget, and that the knowledge that Lord Palmerston could not obtain
+the lead would oblige those who wished to join to think of a different
+combination.
+
+Lord Derby owned (upon my blunt question) that he did not think Mr
+Disraeli had ever had a strong feeling, one way or the other, about
+Protection or Free Trade, and that he would make a very good Free
+Trade Minister.
+
+The Queen was anxious to know what Lord Derby thought Lord George
+Bentinck (if now alive) would do in this conjunction. Lord Derby's
+expression was "he would have made confusion worse confounded" from
+his excessive violence.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: RECOGNITION OF THE EMPIRE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+
+OSBORNE, _2nd December 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Malmesbury's letter, and returns the
+enclosure from Lord Cowley. Under these circumstances the course
+recommended to be pursued by Lord Malmesbury[51] appears also to the
+Queen as the best. It is evident that we have no means of making
+Louis Napoleon say what he will not, nor would any diplomatic form of
+obtaining an assurance from him give us any guarantee of his not doing
+after all exactly what he pleases. Our honour appears therefore to be
+best in our own keeping. Whatever he may say, it is in our _note of
+recognition_ that we must state _what_ we recognise and what we do
+_not_ recognise.
+
+    [Footnote 51: Lord Malmesbury advised that a formal repetition
+    of the interpretation and assurances as to the use of the
+    numeral "III" in the Imperial title, already verbally made by
+    the President and the French Ambassador, should be demanded.
+    This was duly obtained. On the 2nd of December, the
+    anniversary of the _coup d'etat_, the Imperial title was
+    assumed; on the 4th, the Empire was officially recognised.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _3rd December 1852._
+(_Friday night, twelve o'clock_ P.M.)
+
+Lord Derby, with his humble duty, ventures to hope that your Majesty
+may feel some interest in hearing, so far as he is able to give it,
+his impression of the effect of Mr Disraeli's announcement of the
+Budget[52] this evening. Lord Derby was not able to hear quite the
+commencement of the Speech, having been obliged to attend the House
+of Lords, which, however, was up at a quarter past five, Mr Disraeli
+having then been speaking about half an hour. From that time till
+ten, when he sat down, Lord Derby was in the House of Commons, and
+anxiously watching the effect produced, which he ventures to assure
+your Majesty was most favourable, according to his own judgment after
+some considerable experience in Parliament, and also from what he
+heard from others. Mr Disraeli spoke for about five hours, with no
+apparent effort, with perfect self-possession, and with hardly an
+exception to the fixed attention with which the House listened to the
+exposition of the views of your Majesty's servants. It was altogether
+a most masterly performance, and he kept alive the attention of
+the House with the greatest ability, introducing the most important
+statements, and the broadest principles of legislature, just at the
+moments when he had excited the greatest anxiety to learn the precise
+measures which the Government intended to introduce. The Irish part of
+the question was dealt with with remarkable dexterity, though probably
+a great part of the point will be lost in the newspaper reports. It
+is difficult to foresee the ultimate result, but Lord Derby has
+no hesitation in saying that the general first impression was very
+favourable, and that, as a whole, the Budget seemed to meet with the
+approval of the House.
+
+    [Footnote 52: Increase of the House Tax, reduction of the Malt
+    and Tea duties, and relaxation of Income Tax in the case of
+    farmers, were the salient features of the Budget.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN TO THE EMPEROR]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Emperor of the French._
+
+OSBORNE HOUSE, _4th December 1852._
+
+SIR, MY BROTHER,--Being desirous to maintain uninterrupted the union
+and good understanding which happily subsist between Great Britain
+and France, I have made choice of Lord Cowley, a peer of my United
+Kingdom, a member of my Privy Council, and Knight Commander of
+the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, to reside at your Imperial
+Majesty's Court in the character of my Ambassador Extraordinary and
+Plenipotentiary. The long experience which I have had of his talents
+and zeal for my service assures me that the choice which I have made
+of Lord Cowley will be perfectly agreeable to your Imperial Majesty,
+and that he will prove himself worthy of this new mark of my
+confidence. I request that your Imperial Majesty will give entire
+credence to all that Lord Cowley shall communicate to you on my part,
+more especially when he shall assure your Imperial Majesty of my
+invariable attachment and esteem, and shall express to you those
+sentiments of sincere friendship and regard with which I am, Sir, my
+Brother, your Imperial Majesty's good Sister,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+To my good Brother,[53] the Emperor of the French.
+
+    [Footnote 53: The Czar persisted in addressing him as _Mon
+    cher Ami_.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+
+OSBORNE, _6th December 1852._
+
+The Queen has this morning received Lord Malmesbury's letter of
+yesterday, relative to Count Walewski's audience. The manner in which
+Lord Malmesbury proposes this should be done the Queen approves, and
+only wishes Lord Malmesbury to communicate with the proper authorities
+in order that the _Fairy_ may be at Southampton at the right hour,
+and the Frigate, as suggested, in attendance off Osborne or Cowes,
+according to what the weather may be. The landing at Osborne Pier, in
+wet or stormy weather, is very bad, particularly for a lady.
+
+The Queen wishes that the Count and Countess Walewski should come down
+here with Lord Malmesbury on _Thursday next_, and we should receive
+them at half-past one. We wish then that they should _all three dine
+and sleep here that day_.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: A SECRET PROTOCOL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+
+OSBORNE, _8th December 1852._
+
+The Queen was very much surprised to receive this morning in a box
+from Lord Malmesbury, without any further explanation, a secret
+Protocol[54] signed by the representatives of the four great Powers at
+the Foreign Office on the 3rd instant.
+
+A step of such importance should not have been taken without even the
+intention of it having been previously mentioned to the Queen, and her
+leave having been obtained. She must therefore ask for an explanation
+from Lord Malmesbury. Though the purport of the Protocol appears to
+the Queen quite right, she ought not to allow the honour of England to
+be pledged by her Minister without her sanction.
+
+The exact wording of a document of that nature is a matter of such
+serious importance that it requires the greatest consideration, and it
+is a question with the Queen whether it be always quite safe to adopt
+entirely what is proposed by Baron Brunnow, who is generally the
+_redacteur_ of such documents.
+
+    [Footnote 54: By this Protocol Louis Napoleon was to be
+    recognised as Emperor by Great Britain, Austria, Prussia, and
+    Russia.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Malmesbury to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _13th December 1852._
+
+Lord Malmesbury presents his humble duty to the Queen. He thought
+it advisable to acquaint your Majesty as soon as possible with a
+conversation which Count Walewski had held of his own accord
+in reference to Her Serene Highness the Princess Adelaide of
+Hohenlohe,[55] and he requested Lord Derby to repeat it to your
+Majesty.
+
+Lord Malmesbury was not mistaken in believing that the Count had not
+alluded idly to the subject, as he this day called on Lord Malmesbury,
+and stated to him that the Emperor of the French had not decided
+to negotiate a marriage with the Princess of Wasa;[56] but, on the
+contrary, was rather averse to such an alliance; that he was anxious,
+on the contrary, to make one which indirectly "_resserrerait les liens
+d'amitie entre l'Angleterre et la France_," and that with this view
+he wished Lord Malmesbury to ascertain from your Majesty whether any
+objections would be raised on the part of your Majesty, or of the
+Princess Adelaide's family, to his contracting a marriage with Her
+Serene Highness. Your Majesty may suppose that he received this
+intimation by a simple assurance that he would submit the French
+Emperor's sentiments to your Majesty, and he added that he foresaw a
+serious difficulty to the project in the fact that the Princess was
+a Protestant. Count Walewski was evidently sincere in the earnestness
+with which he spoke of the subject, and the impatience with which he
+pressed Lord Malmesbury to inform your Majesty of his proposal.
+
+    [Footnote 55: The Queen's niece, daughter of Princess
+    Hohenlohe.]
+
+    [Footnote 56: The Princess Caroline Stephanie, daughter of
+    Prince Gustavus de Wasa, who was son of the last King of
+    Sweden of the earlier dynasty.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE EMPEROR'S PROPOSED MARRIAGE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _14th December 1852._
+
+The Queen sends to Lord Derby a communication which she has received
+from Lord Malmesbury.
+
+The Queen is sorry to have been put in a situation which requires on
+her part a direct answer, which to have been spared would have been in
+every respect more prudent and safe. As it is, however, the Queen is
+fully aware that the answer she is forced to give may really have,
+or may hereafter be made appear to have, political consequences
+disadvantageous to our political relations with France, and injurious
+to the Queen's personal character.
+
+The Queen therefore encloses for Lord Derby a draft of the answer she
+intends to give to Lord Malmesbury,[57] asking that Lord Derby will
+not only give these matters his fullest consideration, but that he
+will return to the Queen the draft as soon as possible, with such of
+his suggestions or alterations as he may think advisable to propose to
+her.
+
+The Queen must also express her decided wish that Lord Derby will not
+allow Lord Malmesbury to move a single step in this affair without it
+has been previously concerted with Lord Derby.[58]
+
+    [Footnote 57:
+
+    _Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+    [_Draft._]
+    OSBORNE, _14th December 1852._
+
+    The Queen has received Lord Malmesbury's letter of yesterday,
+    reporting his conversation with Count Walewski, who had asked
+    him to ascertain from the Queen "whether any objections would
+    be raised on her part or on that of the Princess Adelaide's
+    family to his (the Emperor's) contracting a marriage with Her
+    Serene Highness."
+
+    In a question which affects the entire prospects and happiness
+    of a third person, and that person being a near and dear
+    relation of hers, the Queen feels herself conscientiously
+    precluded from forming an opinion of her own, and consequently
+    from taking the slightest part in it either directly or
+    indirectly. The only proper persons to refer to for the
+    consideration of and decision on so serious a proposal are the
+    parents of the Princess and the Princess herself.]
+
+    [Footnote 58: In his reply Lord Derby observed that it did not
+    appear to him that the matter was at present in so critical
+    a position. Lord Malmesbury would have little difficulty in
+    showing Count Walewski, without any interruption of a friendly
+    _entente_, that the intended overtures were not likely to be
+    favourably received. He suggested that Lord Malmesbury should
+    be instructed to treat the proposition as emanating, not from
+    the Emperor, but unofficially, from Count Walewski; and that
+    he should, also unofficially, dissuade him from pressing the
+    subject further; such course could have no injurious effect
+    upon the political aspect of Europe. Lord Derby could not
+    understand how the affair, however it might turn out, could
+    affect the Queen's "personal character."
+
+    He suggested that the following words should be substituted
+    for the last paragraph: "And while she fully appreciates
+    the desire expressed by Count Walewski on the part of his
+    Government, '_de resserrer les liens de l'amitie entre
+    l'Angleterre et la France_,' she feels bound to leave the
+    consideration and decision of so serious a proposal to the
+    unbiassed judgment of the parents of the Princess and the
+    Princess herself, the only persons to whom such a question can
+    properly be referred. The Queen thinks it right to add that
+    being fully persuaded of the strong religious persuasion of
+    the Princess, of the extreme improbability of any change
+    of opinion on her part, and of the evils inseparable from a
+    difference of opinion on such a subject between the Emperor
+    and his intended Consort, she wishes Lord Malmesbury to place
+    this consideration prominently before Count Walewski, before
+    he takes any other step in the matter, which he appears to
+    have brought unofficially under the consideration of Lord
+    Malmesbury."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND LORD MALMESBURY]
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S OPINION]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _16th December 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Derby's letter of the 14th inst. She did
+not intend to complain personally of Lord Malmesbury, who, the
+Queen is sure, was most anxious to do the best he could under the
+circumstances; but she still thinks that a question of such importance
+should not have been brought immediately before her for her decision;
+and although Lord Derby states his opinion that Lord Malmesbury had no
+alternative but to promise to Count Walewski that he would bring "_the
+Emperor's sentiments before the Queen_," the very suggestion Lord
+Derby now makes, viz. "that Lord Malmesbury should be instructed
+to treat the proposition as emanating, not from the Emperor,
+but _unofficially_ from Count Walewski, and that he should also
+_unofficially_ dissuade him from pressing the matter further"--shows
+that there was an alternative.
+
+Lord Derby and Lord Malmesbury alone can know, whether, after what
+may have passed in conversation between Lord Malmesbury and Count
+Walewski, this course still remains open.
+
+There can be no doubt that the best thing would be to terminate this
+affair without the Queen being called upon to give any opinion at all.
+
+Lord Derby seems to treat the matter as of much less importance than
+the Queen, but he will admit that, if the alliance is sought by
+the Emperor, "_pour resserrer les liens d'amitie entre la France et
+l'Angleterre_," the refusal of it on the part of the Queen must also
+have the opposite effect. The responsibility of having produced this
+effect would rest personally with the Queen, who might be accused of
+having brought it about, influenced by personal feelings of animosity
+against the Emperor, or by mistaken friendship for the Orleans family,
+or misplaced family pride, etc., etc., etc. The acceptance of the
+proposal, on the other hand, or even the consummation of the project
+without her _direct_ intervention, cannot fail to expose the Queen
+to a share in the just opprobrium attaching in the eyes of all
+right-thinking men to the political acts perpetrated in France ever
+since 2nd December 1851. And, while it would appear as if her Family
+did not care for any such considerations, so long as by an alliance
+they could secure momentary advantages, it would give the other
+Powers of Europe, whom the Emperor seems to be disposed to treat
+very unceremoniously (as shown by Lord Cowley's last reports) the
+impression that England suddenly had separated herself from them, and
+bound herself to France for a family interest pursued by the Queen.
+
+These are the dangers to "the Queen's personal character," which
+presented themselves to her mind when she wrote her last letter, and
+which Lord Derby says remained unintelligible to him.
+
+The Queen wishes Lord Derby to show this letter to Lord Malmesbury,
+whom, under the circumstances, she thinks it best not to address
+separately. They will be now both in the fullest possession of the
+Queen's sentiments, and she hopes will be able to terminate this
+matter without the expression of an opinion on the part of the Queen
+becoming necessary.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEFEAT OF THE MINISTRY]
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _17th December 1852._
+(4 A.M.)
+
+Lord Derby, with his humble duty, regrets to have to submit to your
+Majesty that the House of Commons, from which he has this moment
+returned, has rejected the resolution for the increase of the House
+Tax, by a majority of either nineteen or twenty-one.[59] This majority
+is so decisive, especially having been taken on a question which was
+understood to involve the fate of the Government, as to leave Lord
+Derby no alternative as to the course which it will be his duty to
+pursue; and although, as a matter of form, it is necessary that he
+should consult his Colleagues, for which purpose he has desired that
+a Cabinet should be summoned for twelve o'clock, he can entertain no
+doubt but that their opinion will unanimously concur with his own;
+that he must humbly ask leave to resign into your Majesty's hands the
+high trust which your Majesty has been pleased to repose in him. Lord
+Derby, with your Majesty's permission, will endeavour to do himself
+the honour of attending your Majesty's pleasure this evening; but it
+is possible that he may not be able to find the means of crossing,[60]
+in which case he trusts that your Majesty will honour him with an
+audience to-morrow (Saturday) morning. Lord Derby trusts he need
+not assure your Majesty how deeply he feels the inconvenience and
+annoyance which this event will occasion to your Majesty, nor how
+anxious will be his desire that your Majesty should be enabled with
+the least possible delay to form an Administration possessing more of
+the public confidence. He will never cease to retain the deepest and
+most grateful sense of the gracious favour and support which he has
+on all occasions received at your Majesty's hands, and which he deeply
+regrets that he has been unable to repay by longer and more efficient
+service.
+
+    [Footnote 59: This memorable debate and its sensational
+    ending, with the notable speeches from Disraeli and Gladstone,
+    has been repeatedly described. See, _e.g._, Morley's
+    _Gladstone_ and McCarthy's _History of our own Times_. The
+    _Times_ leader (quoted by Mr Morley) was cut out and preserved
+    by the Queen.]
+
+    [Footnote 60: To Osborne.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY'S RESIGNATION]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE, _18th December 1852._
+
+Yesterday evening Lord Derby arrived from Town formally to tender his
+resignation. We retired to the Queen's room after dinner with him
+to hear what he had to say on the crisis. He complained of the
+factiousness of the Opposition, which he and his Party hoped,
+however, not to imitate; was ready to support, as far as he could,
+any Administration which was sincerely anxious to check the growth of
+democracy. He said his calculations at the close of the Elections
+had been found almost to a man verified in the late vote: 286 members
+voting with the Government, and these were their regular supporters;
+the other half of the House was composed of 150 Radicals, 50 of the
+so-called Irish Brigade, 120 Whigs, and 30 Peelites. It was clear
+that, if all these combined, he would be outvoted, though none of
+these Parties alone numbered as much as half of his. However, he had
+heard lately from good authority that the Whigs and Peelites had
+come to an agreement, and were ready to form an Administration on
+Conservative principles, to the exclusion of the Radicals, under the
+lead of Lord Aberdeen. Although only 150 strong, they thought, that
+with all the talent they had at their command, they would be able to
+obtain the confidence of the country, and hold the balance between the
+two extreme Parties in the House. He felt that after having failed to
+obtain the confidence of Parliament himself, he could do nothing
+else than retire at once, and he advised the Queen to send for Lord
+Lansdowne, who knew better than anybody the state of Parties, and
+would give the best advice. He did not advise the Queen to send for
+Lord Aberdeen at once, because, if it were reported that he had given
+this advice, many of his Party--who had already been distressed at
+his declaration to them that if he was defeated he would withdraw from
+public life--would think it necessary to join Lord Aberdeen as their
+new appointed leader; and then the other half, which felt the deepest
+indignation at the treatment they had received from the Peelites,
+would throw themselves into a reckless alliance with the Radicals, to
+revenge themselves upon the new Government, so the great Conservative
+Party would be broken up, which it was so essential for the country to
+keep together and moderate.
+
+I interrupted Lord Derby, saying that, constitutionally speaking, it
+did not rest with him to give advice and become responsible for it,
+and that nobody therefore could properly throw the responsibility of
+the Queen's choice of a new Minister upon him; the Queen had thought
+of sending for Lord Lansdowne and Lord Aberdeen together. This, Lord
+Derby said, would do very well; he knew that, strictly speaking, the
+Sovereign acted upon her own responsibility, but it was always said on
+such occasions, for instance, "Lord John advised the Queen to send for
+Lord Derby," etc., etc.
+
+He then gave it rather jokingly as his opinion that he thought less
+than 32 could hardly be the number of the new Cabinet, so many former
+Ministers would expect to be taken in; the Whigs said 36. Lord John
+Russell was designated for the Home Office, Lord Canning for the
+Foreign, Mr Gladstone for the Colonial Department, Lord Clanricarde
+for the Post Office, Lord Granville for Ireland. These were the
+reports.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne._
+
+OSBORNE, _18th December 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Lansdowne's letter, from which she was
+very sorry to learn that he is suffering from the gout. Although the
+Queen was very anxious to have consulted with him before taking a
+definite step for the formation of a new Government consequent on the
+resignation of Lord Derby, she would have been very unhappy if Lord
+Lansdowne had exposed his health to any risk in order to gratify her
+wishes. Time pressing, she has now sent a telegraphic message to Lord
+Aberdeen to come down here alone, which, from the terms of the Queen's
+first summons, he had thought himself precluded from doing. Should
+Lord Lansdowne not be able to move soon, Lord Aberdeen will confer
+with him by the Queen's desire immediately on his return to Town.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN SUMMONED]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE, _19th December 1852._
+
+Lord Aberdeen arrived here at three o'clock and reported that he had
+seen Lord Lansdowne, and had come to a perfect understanding with him;
+he had also consulted with his friends, and with Lord John Russell. It
+would now depend upon the decision of the Queen whom she would charge
+with the formation of a Government. The Queen answered that she
+thought Lord Lansdowne was too old and infirm to undertake such
+arduous duties, and that she commissioned Lord Aberdeen. He replied
+he was fully aware of his own unworthiness for the task, and had
+expressed his disinclination to Lord Lansdowne, while Lord Lansdowne,
+on the other hand, had pressed him to take the responsibility himself;
+but since the Queen had commissioned him, he wished to say that it was
+of the greatest importance that only one person should be charged with
+the task and be responsible for it, and that the new Government should
+not be a revival of the old Whig Cabinet with an addition of some
+Peelites, but should be a liberal Conservative Government in the
+sense of that of Sir Robert Peel; he thought this would meet with
+the confidence of the country, even if excluding the Radicals. Lord
+Aberdeen said he meant to propose to the Queen Lord John Russell as
+Leader of the House of Commons and Secretary of State for Foreign
+Affairs, which _he_ thinks he would accept. (The Queen sanctioned
+this.) He would then consult Lord John upon his appointments, but
+he (Lord Aberdeen) would be responsible, taking care that Lord John
+should be satisfied. There was no doubt that Lord John had full claims
+to be Prime Minister again, but that he could give him no greater
+proof of confidence, having been his opponent all his life, than to
+give him the lead of the House of Commons, which made him virtually
+as much Prime Minister as he pleased, and the Foreign Office combined
+with it would satisfy Lord John as following the precedent of Mr Fox.
+The Peelites would not have served under Lord Lansdowne, much less
+under Lord John; but a great many Whigs even objected to Lord John.
+This was a temporary and undeserved unpopularity, and still Lord John
+remained the first man in the country, and might be Prime Minister
+again. The Peelites would know and learn to respect him when meeting
+him in office. Lord Aberdeen hoped even many Conservatives now going
+with Lord Derby would support such a Government, but to preserve to
+it a Conservative character, two Secretaries of State at least must be
+_Peelites_.
+
+We next talked of Lord Palmerston, whom we agreed it would be
+imprudent to leave to combine in opposition with Mr Disraeli. Lord
+Aberdeen had thought of Ireland for him; we felt sure he would not
+accept that. I gave Lord Aberdeen a list of the possible distribution
+of offices, which I had drawn up, and which he took with him as
+containing "valuable suggestions." He hoped the Queen would allow him
+to strengthen himself in the House of Lords, where there was nobody to
+cope with Lord Derby, by the translation of Sir James Graham or Mr
+S. Herbert, if he should find this necessary. Sir James might gain in
+moving from the House of Commons, as he lately fettered himself with
+inconvenient Radical pledges. He felt he would have great difficulty
+in the formation of his Government, for although everybody promised to
+forget his personal wishes and interests, yet when brought to the test
+such professions were often belied. The difficulty of measures lies
+chiefly in the Budget, as the Income Tax would have to be settled,
+and he was anxious to keep a good surplus. As to Reform, he felt that,
+considering the Queen to have recommended it by a Speech from the
+Throne, and Lord John to have actually introduced a Measure as Prime
+Minister, the door could not be closed against it; but it might be
+postponed for the present, and there was no real wish for it in the
+country.
+
+He was very sorry that the Government had been upset, and if the
+Budget had been such that it could have been accepted he should much
+have preferred it. Lord Derby seemed very much offended with him
+personally for his speech in the House of Lords. Lord Aberdeen kissed
+hands, and started again at four o'clock.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+(_Undated._)[61]
+
+Lord Aberdeen, with his humble duty, begs to inform your Majesty, that
+on his return from Osborne last night, he saw Lord Lansdowne and Lord
+John Russell, and found them in the same disposition with respect to
+the formation of the new Administration. This morning, however,
+Lord John Russell, partly from an apprehension of the fatigue of the
+Foreign Office, and partly from the effect likely to be produced on
+his political friends by his acceptance of office, has expressed his
+unwillingness to form part of the Administration, although anxious to
+give it his best support. Lord Aberdeen has discussed this matter
+very fully with Lord John, and has requested him not to decide finally
+until to-morrow morning, which he had promised accordingly. In the
+meantime, Lord Aberdeen humbly submits to your Majesty that his
+position is materially affected by this irresolution on the part
+of Lord John. Had he not felt warranted in relying upon Lord John's
+co-operation, he would not have ventured to speak to your Majesty with
+the confidence he yesterday evinced. With the most earnest desire to
+devote himself to your Majesty's service, it becomes doubtful whether
+he could honestly venture to attempt the execution of your Majesty's
+commands should Lord John persevere in his present intention. At
+all events, nothing further can be done until this matter shall be
+decided; and Lord Aberdeen will have the honour of reporting the
+result to your Majesty.
+
+    [Footnote 61: Apparently written on the 20th of December
+    1852.]
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _20th December 1852._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is
+grateful for your Majesty's condescension in informing him that your
+Majesty has charged the Earl of Aberdeen with the duty of constructing
+a Government.
+
+Lord John Russell is desirous of seeing a durable Government, and he
+will consider with the utmost care how far he can, consistently
+with his own honour and his health and strength, contribute to this
+end.[62]
+
+    [Footnote 62: He consulted Lord Lansdowne, and Macaulay,
+    happening to call, threw his influence into the scale in
+    favour of his serving under Aberdeen (Walpole's _Russell_,
+    chap, xxiii.).]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MR DISRAELI AND PRINCE ALBERT]
+
+
+_Mr Disraeli to the Prince Albert._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _20th December 1852._
+
+SIR,--I have the honour to return to your Royal Highness the State
+paper[63] which your Royal Highness entrusted to me. I have not
+presumed to keep a copy of it, but my memory is familiar with its
+contents, and in case hereafter there may be any opportunity formed
+to forward the views of your Royal Highness in this respect, I may
+perhaps be permitted, if necessary, again to refer to the document.
+
+I hope I am not presumptuous if, on this occasion, I offer to your
+Royal Highness my grateful acknowledgments of the condescending
+kindness which I have received from your Royal Highness.
+
+I may, perhaps, be permitted to say that the views which your Royal
+Highness had developed to me in confidential conversation have not
+fallen on an ungrateful soil. I shall ever remember with interest and
+admiration the princely mind in the princely person, and shall at all
+times be prepared to prove to your Royal Highness my devotion. I
+have the honour to remain, Sir, your Royal Highness's most obedient
+Servant,
+
+B. DISRAELI.
+
+    [Footnote 63: It is impossible to ascertain what this was; it
+    was probably one of the Prince's political Memoranda.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _20th December 1852._
+
+Lord Aberdeen, with his humble duty, begs to inform your Majesty that
+Lord John Russell has finally decided not to undertake the Foreign
+Office, being influenced, Lord Aberdeen fully believes, by domestic
+considerations, and contrary to the advice of all the most important
+of his political friends. Lord Lansdowne has done his utmost to shake
+the resolution, but in vain. Lord John proposes to be in the Cabinet,
+without office, but to lead the Government business in the House of
+Commons. Lord Aberdeen thinks this arrangement objectionable, and a
+novelty, although the Duke of Wellington was Leader in the House
+of Lords for two years without office when Lord Hill was
+Commander-in-Chief. If the arrangement should be found untenable in
+a Parliamentary view, Lord John would consent to accept a nominal
+office, such as Chancellor of the Duchy. It is with great regret that
+Lord Aberdeen makes this announcement to your Majesty, as his own
+position is greatly weakened by this change; but he does not think it
+a sufficient reason for abandoning the attempt to serve your Majesty,
+which he feared might have been the case if Lord John had persevered
+in his intention of not forming part of the Administration.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S ANXIETY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._
+
+OSBORNE, _21st December 1852._
+
+The Queen has to acknowledge the receipt of Lord Derby's letter.
+She has since read his Speech in the House of Lords announcing his
+resignation most attentively, and must express her doubts, whether
+that Speech was calculated to render easier the difficult task
+which has been thrown upon the Queen by the resignation of her late
+Government.[64]
+
+    [Footnote 64: Lord Derby severely attacked Lord Aberdeen, in
+    his absence, and declared himself the victim of a factious
+    combination.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+OSBORNE, _21st December 1852._
+
+The Queen received Lord Aberdeen's letter early this morning, the
+contents of which have filled her with no little anxiety.
+
+Still, she relies on the spirit of patriotism which she knows animates
+all the parties concerned, and which she feels sure will ultimately
+prevail over all difficulties, and enable a strong Government to be
+formed, which the country so earnestly demands and requires. The Queen
+is not surprised at Lord John Russell's fearing the fatigue of the
+Foreign Office, together with the lead in the House of Commons, which
+Lord Aberdeen's wish to show him entire confidence had prompted him to
+offer to Lord John; but _this_ difficulty, she trusts might easily be
+obviated. We intend leaving this place for Windsor to-morrow morning,
+and being there by two o'clock.
+
+The Queen would wish to see Lord Aberdeen there in the course of the
+afternoon--either at three, four, or five--whichever time is most
+convenient to him, and requests him to let her find a line from him
+on her arrival, informing her of the hour at which he will come. Any
+letter, however, sent by the bag to-night or by a messenger will reach
+the Queen _here_ to-morrow morning, as we do not go before a quarter
+to ten, and the Queen trusts therefore that Lord Aberdeen will let her
+hear as soon as possible how matters stand.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+OSBORNE, _21st December 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your dear and kind letter of the
+17th, which was as ever full of love and affection; but you know
+_very_ well that your affectionate child will never allow any mention
+of _your_ "leaving the premises." You know--too well--how sacred
+duties of any kind are, and above all, those of a King, and in these
+days; and how impossible it is for _us to shirk_ or abandon any of
+those duties which God has imposed on us.
+
+You will have heard of our crisis, and of the resignation of the
+Government; its overthrow was inevitable; but we must now get a strong
+and durable Government, one combined of the best Conservatives and
+Liberals, which is what the country expects, demands, and requires.
+Lord Aberdeen has undertaken the task, but I cannot yet announce, as
+I wish I could, the formation of the new Government. Ever your devoted
+Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+You will receive a small parcel for my dear Charlotte for Christmas
+Eve, and I have directed some prize Christmas beef to be forwarded to
+Leo, which I hope he will approve of.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY'S JUSTIFICATION]
+
+
+_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _22nd December 1852._
+
+Lord Derby, with his humble duty, learns with the deepest regret,
+by the note which he has just had the honour of receiving, that the
+statement which he felt it his duty to make in the House of Lords has
+appeared to your Majesty not calculated to render easier the difficult
+task which has been thrown upon your Majesty by the resignation
+of himself and his colleagues. Lord Derby begs humbly, but most
+sincerely, to assure your Majesty that nothing could have been farther
+from his intention than to let fall a single word which could increase
+the difficulties of the present position. He feels the full extent of
+those difficulties, and he may perhaps be forgiven if he entertains a
+strong opinion that a due appreciation of their magnitude might have
+been expected to have some weight with those Conservative statesmen,
+whose opposition thrown into the adverse scale turned the balance
+against your Majesty's servants, and rendered their retirement from
+office inevitable. Lord Derby does not affect to deny that he thinks
+he has some reason, personally and politically, to find fault with the
+course which they have pursued: but to suffer any such consideration
+to influence his public conduct, with regard to the Government now in
+process of formation, would be entirely at variance with his sense of
+public duty, and inconsistent with the deep gratitude which he must
+ever feel for the confidence with which your Majesty has honoured him.
+Lord Derby confesses himself at a loss to understand in what manner
+Lord Aberdeen can be enabled to reconcile the many and serious
+discrepancies, in matters both of Church and State, which would appear
+to exist among his presumed future colleagues; but it will give him
+unfeigned satisfaction to see these difficulties surmounted in such
+a sense as to enable him to give to the Government his independent
+support; and in the meantime it is his determination honestly to
+undertake the task, difficult as it must be, of keeping together a
+powerful Party, without the excitement of opposition to a Government
+by which their own leaders have been superseded, and of some members
+of which they think they have reason to complain; and even to
+induce that Party to give it their support, whenever they can do so
+consistently, with their own conscientious convictions.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW GOVERNMENT]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd December 1852._
+
+We arrived here from Osborne at half-past one, and saw Lord Aberdeen
+at half-past five, who reported the progress he had made in the
+formation of his Government.
+
+_The Chancellorship._--He had hoped to be able to offer to Lord St
+Leonards to remain, but Lord John Russell insisted, on the part of
+his Party (which he personally regretted to have to do), that
+the Chancellor should be a Liberal; Lord Aberdeen in consequence
+recommended Lord Cranworth.
+
+_The Presidency of the Council._--The Duke of Newcastle, who might
+have done for Ireland, but whose presence in the House of Lords would
+be a great support to Lord Aberdeen.
+
+_The Privy Seal._--The Duke of Argyll, to whom he had, however, not
+yet applied.
+
+_The Secretaries of State._--It appeared that Lord Palmerston had
+repented of his decision, for he had addressed Lord Lansdowne, and
+told him that he gave him his proxy--putting himself entirely into
+his hands, feeling sure that he would take care of his honour. Lord
+Lansdowne, who had been throughout very kind in his exertions to bring
+about the junction of Parties, was now engaged to prevail upon him
+to take the Home Office. We congratulated Lord Aberdeen upon this
+symptom, which augured confidence in his success. Lord Aberdeen said
+that when he saw Lord Palmerston, who then declined office, nothing
+could have exceeded the expressions of his cordiality; he had even
+reminded him that in fact they were great friends (!!!) of sixty
+years' standing, having been at school together. We could not help
+laughing heartily at the _Harrow Boys_ and their friendship. The
+Foreign Office Lord John had again positively refused, contrary to the
+advice of all his friends, and to please Lady John. This arrangement
+failing, Lord Clarendon was to undertake it, but Lord Clarendon was
+now gone himself to try to persuade Lord, or rather Lady, John to
+accept--at least temporarily--declaring his readiness to take it
+off his hands at any time if he should find the work too heavy. Lord
+Aberdeen had no hope, however, of Lord Clarendon's success. Then
+there would come the grave Constitutional Question of establishing the
+novelty of a Leader in the House of Commons who held no office. Lord
+John had seen the danger of being exposed to the reproach that he had
+slipped into office without having gone through the popular ordeal
+of a re-election, and had proposed to obviate this by accepting
+the Stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds, and then having himself
+re-elected for the City of London. But this would not meet all the
+objections, for it would still be considered unconstitutional that
+he should lead the business of the Government in the House of Commons
+without the responsibility of office. The Leader of the House of
+Commons was an irresponsible person, and Lord John's saying: "I shall
+represent you (Lord Aberdeen) in the House of Commons," would be
+equally unconstitutional. Lord John must therefore be prevailed upon
+to take the Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster, though he
+felt no inclination to become the successor of Mr Christopher. Lord
+Aberdeen read a Memorandum of Lord John's, containing his political
+views on the crisis and the principles of the new Government, of which
+he is to send the Queen a copy.
+
+_For the Colonial Office._--Lord Aberdeen wavered between Sir J.
+Graham and Mr Gladstone; either could be this, or Chancellor of the
+Exchequer. Lord John wished Sir James as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
+We argued the greater capabilities of Sir James for the Administration
+of the Colonies, and Mr Gladstone for the Finances.
+
+  _Chancellor of the Exchequer_--therefore, Mr Gladstone.
+  _Admiralty_--Mr Sidney Herbert.
+  _Board of Control_--Sir C. Wood.
+  _Board of Trade_--Lord Granville.
+  _Board of Works_--Sir F. Baring.
+
+(Baring and Wood being the two men whom Lord John had insisted on
+having on the Treasury Bench sitting by his side.)
+
+  _Postmaster_--Lord Canning.
+  _Secretary-at-War_--Mr Cardwell.
+
+These would form the Cabinet. Upon Ireland no decision had been
+come to, though Lord Granville was generally pointed out as the best
+Lord-Lieutenant.
+
+Lord Aberdeen was very much pleased with the entire confidence
+existing between him and Lord John. The Budget would be a formidable
+difficulty, as in fact the Government would be an Income Tax
+Government.
+
+Lord Derby's intemperate and unconstitutional behaviour would do
+no good to the Government; many of his friends were disgusted. Lord
+Clanwilliam had called his speech in the House of Lords "a great
+outrage." The Radicals might be conciliated in some of the lower
+Offices by the appointment of Mr Charles Villiers, Sir William
+Molesworth, and others.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH]
+
+
+_The Earl of Malmesbury to Queen Victoria._
+
+FOREIGN OFFICE, _23rd December 1852._
+
+Lord Malmesbury presents his humble duty to the Queen, and considers
+it right to inform your Majesty that Count Walewski again asked him
+yesterday where the Prince of Hohenlohe was now residing, adding that
+it was the intention of the Emperor to send a person to see him, and
+ascertain his feelings with respect to a marriage between him and the
+Princess Adelaide. Lord Malmesbury confined himself to replying that
+he did not know. Lord Malmesbury might perhaps in his private capacity
+endeavour to discourage these advances, but as long as he has the
+honour of being one of your Majesty's Ministers, it appears to him
+that your Majesty will be _personally_ the least committed by his
+interfering as little as possible in the matter.
+
+The Emperor is becoming extremely irritable at the delay of the three
+great Powers in recognising the Empire, and he has said to M. Huebner
+that, as they had plenty of time to agree among themselves what course
+they should pursue when it was proclaimed, he cannot understand how
+Austria and Prussia can in the face of Europe humiliate themselves by
+waiting for the orders of Russia--"_les ordres de la Russie_."
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd December 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Malmesbury's letter. She thinks he is
+acting very judiciously in giving Count Walewski no advice whatever as
+long as he holds the Seals of Office.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: NEW APPOINTMENTS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd December 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's communication of this morning,
+and was pleased to hear that Lord John has finally accepted the
+Foreign Office. She has also received the second communication, with
+the List of the distribution of Offices. The Queen thinks it of such
+importance that the Cabinet should be now announced to the world as
+complete, that she is unwilling to throw any difficulties in the way.
+At the same time, she must observe that in some instances the changes
+are, in her opinion, not for the better. Sir J. Graham will be very
+unpopular in the Navy; his achievements at the Admiralty in former
+times[65] were all _retrenchments_, and have since proved in many
+instances injurious to the Service. The Secretary-at-War ought
+properly to be left out of the Cabinet for the well working of the
+Army;[66] the President of the Board of Trade has always been in the
+Cabinet, and in Lord Granville's case, even the Vice-President.
+Lord Granville will have a difficulty as Chancellor of the Duchy of
+Lancaster, being one of the chief lessees of the Duchy, and, the Queen
+believes, even engaged in a law-suit against it. The Queen has no
+objection to Sir William Molesworth[67] at the Office of Works. She
+hopes that the Presidency of the Council will be filled at once, for
+which Lord Clarendon would be best.
+
+Amongst the Under-Secretaries of State, the Queen wishes merely to
+express her objection at seeing Mr B. Osborne[68] at the _Foreign_
+Office. The Queen sees Lord Chandos's[69] name as Secretary to the
+Treasury; she would be very much pleased to see his services secured.
+All the other proposals she approves.
+
+The Queen must repeat in conclusion that she considers the rapid
+completion of the Government of the first importance, even if none of
+the points the Queen has alluded to should be amended.
+
+    [Footnote 65: From 1830 to 1834.]
+
+    [Footnote 66: The Secretary-at-War was not a Secretary of
+    State.]
+
+    [Footnote 67: M.P. for Southwark; well known as a
+    philosophical writer, the first member of the Radical Party
+    included in any Ministry.]
+
+    [Footnote 68: Mr Bernal Osborne, a well-known speaker at the
+    time, became Secretary of the Admiralty.]
+
+    [Footnote 69: Afterwards, as Duke of Buckingham, Secretary for
+    the Colonies and Governor of Madras.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW CABINET]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th December 1852._
+
+The Queen has this moment received Lord Aberdeen's letter, reporting
+that new difficulties have arisen in the completion of the Government
+by new proposals made by Lord John Russell, since the Queen's sanction
+had been given to the arrangements submitted to her by Lord Aberdeen,
+which had then been agreed to by Lord John Russell. The Queen begins
+to fear serious mischief from the long duration of the crisis. It must
+weaken the prestige of the new Government, and, instead of smoothing
+difficulties, is, from the nature of things, rather calculated to
+invite new ones. The Queen has, in her letter of yesterday, stated
+some objections _she_ felt, but added that she would waive them all
+for the satisfaction of the immediate want of the country (a strong
+Government), and she must express her hope that political parties will
+not fall short in patriotic spirit of the example she has thus herself
+set.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+[_Draft--from recollection._]
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th December 1852._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of this afternoon, and
+is very glad to hear that he has overcome the difficulties which he
+mentioned this morning, and that he has secured the services of Lord
+Lansdowne in the Cabinet. She hopes, however, that Lord Aberdeen will
+remain firm on the other points, as difficulties are never overcome by
+yielding to more than can be fairly demanded.
+
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th December 1852._
+
+Lord Aberdeen came this afternoon to announce the completion of his
+Cabinet.
+
+From many of them answers have not yet been received.
+
+The day before it looked very bad. Lord John Russell had sent in such
+a list of persons whom he required in the Cabinet (Sir Francis
+Baring, Sir George Grey, etc., etc.), that, having been very yielding
+hitherto, Lord Aberdeen was obliged to be peremptory in his refusal.
+Now that the Cabinet was formed on a due proportion, he was inclined
+to let Lord John have his own way pretty much with regard to the
+minor Offices, considering that he brought 250 followers, and he (Lord
+Aberdeen) only 50.
+
+It was to Lord Clarendon that the persuasion of Lady John was finally
+due, but Lord Aberdeen had to add his own promise to that of Lord
+Clarendon, that the latter would take the Foreign Office whenever she
+thought Lord John ought to be relieved from it.
+
+Lady Palmerston had been most anxious to bring her husband into office
+again; Lord Aberdeen had seen the first symptom of their joint wish in
+the earnestness with which Lord Palmerston's friends declared in all
+places that, had he been well enough, he would certainly have voted
+against the Government.
+
+Lord Lansdowne's exertions and Lord Clarendon's disinterestedness were
+beyond all praise.
+
+Of the Derbyites, he heard that most of them would be very quiet, and
+many would be very friendly.
+
+Lord Breadalbane is to be Lord Chamberlain. We recommend a trial to
+get Lord Jersey to remain as Master of the Horse.
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th December 1852._
+
+MY DEAR LORD ABERDEEN,--I have heard rumours of some appointments in
+the Household, for which the writs are to be moved to-morrow. As you
+have not yet placed before the Queen your recommendations, I merely
+write this to you, fearing that the "Whig Party" may deal out places
+before you have had an opportunity of taking the Queen's pleasure.
+Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD DERBY'S FAREWELL AUDIENCE]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th December 1852._
+
+Lord Derby had his audience of leave yesterday afternoon. He repeated
+his thanks to the Queen for the support and countenance she had given
+him throughout the period he had been allowed to serve her, adding
+his regrets that his services could not have been more efficient or
+longer. One thing only distressed him in taking leave, and that
+was the idea that the Queen might think he had unnecessarily raised
+difficulties to the formation of a new Government by his Speech in
+the House of Lords. Now, it had been incumbent upon him to show to
+his Party that he had not quitted office on light grounds, after the
+sacrifices of opinion they had brought in order to support him; he had
+to prove that the vote in the House of Commons was not an accidental
+vote, but the preconcerted Union of all Parties (in opposition)
+against him, which gave them a real majority. We replied that it was
+not his opinion on the late division, to the expression of which the
+Queen had objected, but to that of an opinion on the character of
+the new Government which the Queen had not yet formed. It was of the
+greatest importance to keep that in suspense, and the declaration that
+Lord Derby knew Lord Aberdeen to profess Conservative opinions of his
+own (Lord Derby's) shade, had at once given the alarm to the Radicals,
+and made them insist upon a greater proportion of Liberals in the
+Cabinet. Lord Derby rejoined he had expressed his doubts as to how
+these differences could be reconciled; and he did not see now how this
+was to be done. How could Lord Aberdeen and Lord John Russell agree
+upon the Foreign Policy, for instance? The Queen replied that Lord
+John's views were very sound and moderate, and that the line of
+Foreign Policy he had formerly had to pursue had been forced upon him
+by Lord Palmerston, who had never left a question for the decision of
+the Cabinet to which he had not already given a decided bias.
+
+Did Lord Derby know that Lord Palmerston gave it out everywhere that,
+had he been well enough, he should certainly have voted _against_
+the Government? Lord Derby could only say that he had allowed his
+son-in-law, Lord Jocelyn, to go to Italy under the firm conviction
+that Lord Palmerston would refuse to join Lord Aberdeen or Lord John
+Russell!
+
+Lord Derby took leave after five o'clock.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LADY DERBY'S LETTER]
+
+
+_The Countess of Derby to the Marchioness of Ely._[70]
+
+ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _27th December 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST LADY ELY,--Lord Derby told me that he saw you yesterday,
+but only for a moment. I think he was nervous about his audience of
+leave, but he returned deeply touched by the kindness of manner of the
+Queen and the Prince. I cannot resist saying to you that, during the
+last year, he has been more and more impressed with the admirable
+qualities of the Queen, and her noble straightforwardness on all
+occasions, and her unvarying kindness have inspired him with the
+strongest attachment (if I may venture so to express his feelings for
+Her Majesty). During that week of terrible suspense he continually
+said to me that his chief anxiety and regret were caused by the fear
+of leaving the Queen, particularly before he had had time and power to
+do more in her service. I am writing in haste, having much to do this
+last day in Town, but I have very often wished that the Queen knew how
+warmly and sincerely Lord Derby is devoted to her service. He is also
+very grateful to the Prince, for whose abilities he has the highest
+admiration, often speaking of his wonderful cleverness. I am delighted
+to hear that the Queen is so well; he said she was looking remarkably
+well yesterday. He told me that Her Majesty used some kind expression
+about myself. If you should have an opportunity of saying to Her
+Majesty how grateful I am for all her former kindness, I should be
+very much obliged to you. Ever yours very affectionately,
+
+EMMA DERBY.
+
+    [Footnote 70: Submitted to the Queen by Lady Ely.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE NEW MINISTRY]
+
+[Pageheading: MR DISRAELI]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th December 1852._
+
+The delivery of the Seals of Office of the outgoing Ministers into the
+Queen's hands, and her bestowal of them upon the new Ministers, took
+place to-day.
+
+Of the former, Mr Disraeli seemed to feel most the loss of office.
+
+We saw Lord Aberdeen for some time, who submitted the names of all the
+persons he recommended for the subordinate Offices, of whom he will
+send a list. We asked him what might have passed between the last
+Session and this to chill his feelings for Lord Derby, who maintained
+that up to the Dissolution he had sent him messages to say that he
+perfectly agreed with him, except on the Commercial Policy, and that
+he never would join the Whigs. Lord Aberdeen disclaimed all knowledge
+of such messages, though he acknowledged to have been very friendly to
+Lord Derby. At the General Election, however, it appeared to him
+that there was such a total want of principle in him and his Party,
+pledging themselves for Protection in one place and Free Trade in
+another, and appearing consistent only on one point, viz. their hatred
+to Sir Robert Peel's memory and his friends, that he became determined
+to have nothing to do with them.
+
+The formation of the Government appeared to give satisfaction to the
+country, though of course the number of the disappointed must be even
+larger than usual on such occasions. Lord Canning seemed very much
+hurt at not being taken into the Cabinet, and felt inclined to refuse
+the Post Office. We agreed upon the impolicy of such a step,
+and encouraged Lord Aberdeen to press him. Lord Clanricarde, and
+particularly Lord Carlisle, were very much grieved at being left out
+altogether, but there was no help for it; for each man taken in from
+one side, two would be proposed from the other, and the Cabinet was
+just large enough to work.
+
+We saw Lord Lansdowne after the Council, who seemed well satisfied
+with the Government, a combination he had so much and so long wished.
+Lord Carlisle's annoyance was the only thing which personally grieved
+him. He said that from the moment he had read Mr Disraeli's Budget he
+had felt sure that the Government would fall immediately; the country
+would never submit to a new tax with a surplus in the Exchequer.
+
+Lord John Russell, whom we saw afterwards, seemed in very good health
+and spirits. He told us that the peaceful parting scene in the House
+of Commons had been his doing; he had told Mr Walpole that he thought
+Mr Disraeli ought to make an apology to the House for the language he
+had used, and which had given pain to a great many persons; and on
+Mr Walpole's saying that that was a very delicate thing to tell Mr
+Disraeli, he had allowed it to be told him as a message from him (Lord
+John). Mr Disraeli declared his readiness, provided others would do
+the same, and declared they had meant no offence.[71] We owned that
+we had been astonished to find them of a sudden all so _well bred_. We
+asked what Lord Palmerston had been about during the crisis? Lord John
+told us in reply that Lord Palmerston had certainly been disposed
+to join Lord Derby's Government, but always said he could not do so
+alone; that if eight of them were to join, then they would have the
+majority in the Cabinet. He also said that he believed Lord Palmerston
+would have voted _for_ some parts of the Budget and against others.
+Lord John does not think that that large Party of Lord Derby's will
+long keep together, that some would vote for the Government, others
+might try to raise a Protestant cry.
+
+Lord Palmerston looked excessively ill, and had to walk with two
+sticks from the gout.
+
+    [Footnote 71: "Mr Disraeli ... with infinite polish and grace
+    asked pardon for the flying words of debate, and drew easy
+    forgiveness from the member (Mr Goulburn), whom a few hours
+    before he had mocked as 'a weird sibyl'; the other member (Sir
+    James Graham), whom he could not say he greatly respected, but
+    whom he greatly regarded; and the third member (Sir C.
+    Wood), whom he bade learn that petulance is not sarcasm, and
+    insolence is not invective. Lord John Russell congratulated
+    him on the ability and the gallantry with which he had
+    conducted the struggle, and so the curtain fell." Morley's
+    _Gladstone_, Book III. chap. viii.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th December 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your dear letter of the 24th reached me on Monday,
+and I thank you warmly for it. The success of our excellent Aberdeen's
+arduous task and the formation of so brilliant and strong a Cabinet
+would, I was sure, please you. It is the realisation of the country's
+and our _most_ ardent wishes, and it deserves success, and will, I
+think, command great support.... It has been an anxious week, and just
+on our happy Christmas Eve we were still very uneasy.
+
+As I mean to write again before this year runs out, and I have a long
+Council with outgoing and incoming Ministers this afternoon, you will
+excuse my taking leave here. Ever your truly devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE SUGGESTED MARRIAGE]
+
+
+_The Princess Hohenlohe to Queen Victoria._
+
+LANGENBURG, _30th December 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--According to your wish and our promise, we send
+this servant with the most unwelcome news that yesterday morning M.
+de Jaux arrived here and told Ernest (as you will see by his letter to
+Albert) that the Count Walewski wishes to have an interview with him
+to confer on the subject we know of. A quarter of an hour before I
+received this letter from Uncle Leopold, which I sent in Ernest's
+letter to Ada, and in which he speaks his opinion that we ought not
+to say "_No_" _at once_, before telling Ada of it. This is very much
+against my wish and Ernest's, for we both would like to make an end
+of the affair as soon as possible, but cannot, as we see the truth of
+what Uncle Leopold says. I send a letter to Mamma to you, and one for
+Ada. Mamma knows of it, as she wrote to me the other day, and I leave
+it to you, dearest Victoria, if you or Mamma will tell the poor child
+of the transaction. She will be in great distress. I wish she may at
+once say "_No_," but am not sure of it; and in our letters we have
+not said anything for the thing, but nothing against also but what
+naturally is to be said against it. She will not know what to do, and
+I am sure you and Mamma will not put it to her in _too_ favourable a
+light, as we are of the same opinion on the subject; but yet there may
+be some things in its favour too. I wish you would make Charles come
+to us--_if you think it wise to do so_--and he not only will try to
+engage us to it. But there may be so many reasons for or against which
+in a letter it is not possible to explain all, and which we could not
+answer in time; besides by him we might learn more accurately what
+Ada feels: but I leave it quite to your and Albert's judgment, if this
+would be a good plan. I am in great distress, you well may think, my
+dearest Victoria. Oh! if we could but say "_No_" at once!...
+
+Many thanks, my dearest Victoria, for your kind letter of the 22nd. In
+the papers I have been following with the greatest interest what has
+been said on the formation of the new Ministry; there is one name
+though which frightens me--Lord Palmerston. Let me wish you joy of the
+New Year; may it _bring peace_ not only to the nations, but also
+to us. Every blessing and happiness to you, dear Albert, and your
+children, and for me your love and affection, which is a blessing to
+your devoted Sister,
+
+FEODORA.
+
+Ernest also wishes you all possible happiness. If Ada has the wish to
+see the Emperor before she decides, what is to be done?
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: NEW YEAR WISHES]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st December 1852._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--On _this_, the last day of the old year, allow me
+to offer my most ardent wishes for _many_ and happy returns of the
+New Year to you and yours. May it be one of peace and prosperity to
+us _all_, and may we have the happiness of seeing _you_ again. May we
+still hope to see you this _winter_ or not?
+
+Our Government is very satisfactorily settled. To have my faithful
+friend Aberdeen as Prime Minister is a great happiness and comfort
+for me personally. Lord Palmerston is terribly altered, and all his
+friends think him breaking. He walks with two sticks, and seemed in
+great suffering at the Council, I thought. I must now conclude. Ever
+your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY NOTE
+
+TO CHAPTER XXII
+
+
+The opening of the year 1853 saw a strong Coalition Ministry in power;
+the necessity of a cordial understanding with France was obvious, but
+bitter and indiscreet attacks on the Emperor of the French were made
+by certain members of the Government, for which Mr Disraeli took them
+severely to task. Lord John Russell, who had been appointed Foreign
+Secretary, resigned that office in February, in favour of Lord
+Clarendon, being unable to bear the twofold burden of the Leadership
+of the House and the Foreign Office. Though the arrangement was
+questioned, he continued during the year to lead the House without
+office. A Canadian Clergy Reserves Bill, an India Bill, introducing
+competitive examination into the Civil Service, and various measures
+of Metropolitan improvement were passed. A more important feature of
+the Session was Mr Gladstone's first Budget, dealing comprehensively
+with the Income Tax, and imposing a duty on successions to real
+property.
+
+The Eastern Question, however, overshadowed all other interests. For
+some time a dispute had existed between the Latin and Greek Churches
+as to the guardianship of the Holy Places (including the Church of
+the Holy Sepulchre) in Palestine. After long negotiations between the
+French and Russian Governments, as representing these Churches, an
+indecisive judgment was pronounced by the Porte, which, however, so
+incensed Russia that she began to make warlike demonstrations,
+and sent Prince Menschikoff to Constantinople to make peremptory
+requisitions as to the Holy Places.
+
+In the meanwhile, the Czar had made confidential overtures to
+Sir Hamilton Seymour, the British Ambassador at St Petersburg,
+representing the Sultan as a very "sick man," and suggesting that,
+on the dissolution of his Empire, a concerted disposal of the Turkish
+dominions should be made by England and Russia; these conversations
+were reported at once to the British Government. Lord Stratford
+de Redcliffe, who had been sent to represent British interests
+at Constantinople, arrived there after Prince Menschikoff, and a
+settlement of the disputes as to the Holy Places was then easily
+effected, Lord Stratford insisting on this question being kept
+independent of any other issue. But Prince Menschikoff had come to
+the conference with instructions to keep an ulterior object in view,
+namely, to advance a claim, by means of a strained interpretation of
+the Treaty of Kainardji of 1774, of a Russian protectorate over the
+Christian subjects of the Sultan. Influenced by Lord Stratford, the
+Porte rejected the claim, and, in retaliation, the Czar occupied the
+Danubian Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia, characterising the
+step not as an act of war, but a material guarantee of Russia's just
+rights. The French Emperor, anxious to divert the attention of his
+subjects from domestic politics, was making preparations for war; and
+similar preparations were also being made in England.
+
+Negotiations took place between the Powers with a view of averting
+war, and a document known as the Vienna Note, to which Great Britain
+and France were parties, and which Russia accepted, was proffered to
+the Sultan: again Lord Stratford interposed to prevent its acceptance,
+and, when the Russian Government subsequently announced its own
+interpretation of the Note, it was apparent that the Western Powers
+had been mistaken as to its purport.
+
+An Ultimatum, requiring the evacuation of the Principalities, was
+sent by the Porte to Russia and rejected: war broke out, and the first
+encounter at Oltenitza, on the 4th of November, resulted in favour of
+Turkey. Meanwhile both the British and French fleets had been sent
+to the East, and, on the declaration of war, the British Admiral
+was instructed to take any action he thought fit to prevent Russian
+aggression on Turkish territory. On the 30th of November the Turkish
+Fleet in Sinope Harbour was destroyed by the Russian squadron, this
+occurrence provoking profound indignation in England, though it had
+been urged both within the Cabinet and outside that the despatch of
+the combined Western Fleets through the Dardanelles was more likely to
+appear as a defiance to Russia than a support to Turkey.
+
+Earlier in the year Lord Aberdeen had desired to retire, but enquiry
+soon disclosed that Lord John Russell no longer had the influence
+necessary to form a Ministry, and in the face of danger Lord Aberdeen
+remained at his post. But there were sharp dissensions in the Cabinet,
+especially between Lord Palmerston, representing the anti-Russian
+party, on the one hand, and on the other Lord Aberdeen, who distrusted
+the Turks, and Mr Gladstone, who disavowed any obligation to uphold
+the integrity of the Ottoman Empire. In December, Lord Palmerston
+resigned office, the ostensible reason being his opposition to the
+contemplated Reform Bill of the Government. The real cause was his
+opinion that apathy was being shown by his colleagues in reference to
+the Eastern Question; however, after arrangements had been made for
+replacing him, he was, at his own desire, re-admitted to the Cabinet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+1853
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _4th January 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--... Our new Government will really, I think,
+command a large support, and, I trust, be of duration, which is a
+great object. Their only difficulty will be the Budget.
+
+The coldness and tardiness of the Northern Powers in recognising _our_
+new _bon Frere_ annoys him very much, and produces a bad effect in
+France. I don't think it is wise. Unnecessary irritation may produce
+_real_ mischief. To squabble about _how_ to call him, after having
+praised and supported him after the _Coup d'Etat_, seems to me very
+_kleinlich_ and inconsistent, and I think our conduct throughout has
+been much more dignified....
+
+I have read with pleasure the loyal addresses of the Chambers, and
+with peculiar satisfaction the allusion to Leopold's visit to England.
+Let him and Philippe come here often and regularly, and let them study
+this country and her laws _a fond_--it will do them more good than
+all the studying and reading in the world. They all three express most
+warmly to us their hopes of returning to us soon. Do let us have the
+hope of seeing you in February. It would be delightful!... I must now
+wish you good-bye. Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: HEADMASTERSHIP OF ETON]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _9th January 1853._
+
+... Lord Aberdeen also begs to mention to your Majesty that he saw
+Dr Hawtrey yesterday and in signifying your Majesty's gracious
+intentions[1] towards him, took an opportunity of expressing in very
+strong terms the great importance of the choice of his successor as
+Headmaster of Eton, and described the requisite qualifications for
+such a situation, as well as the objections to which some appointments
+might be liable. Lord Aberdeen was perfectly understood by Dr Hawtrey,
+although no name was mentioned; and the subject was regarded as being
+of the utmost importance, not only to the school itself, but to the
+nation at large.
+
+    [Footnote 1: Dr E. C. Hawtrey was advanced to the Provostship
+    of Eton upon the death of the Rev. Francis Hodgson. Dr C. O.
+    Goodford succeeded to the Headmastership.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MARRIAGE OF EMPEROR NAPOLEON]
+
+
+_Lady Augusta Bruce to the Duchess of Kent._
+
+RUE DE VARENNES 65, _31st January 1853._
+
+DEAREST MADAME,--I fear that I shall not be able to add much to the
+newspaper account of yesterday's ceremony,[2] for it was one the
+impression of which is best conveyed by a simple and accurate
+description of the scene, and of those arrangements and details which
+combined to render its effect gorgeous and dazzling. Apart, however,
+from the historical interest attached to it as one of the very curious
+acts of the extraordinary Drama now enacting in France, the impression
+produced was one that would be called forth by a magnificent
+theatrical representation, and little more. This seemed to be the
+public feeling, for though multitudes thronged the streets, the day
+being dry, they appeared to be animated by curiosity chiefly, and that
+_sober_ curiosity which now characterises the people of Paris, wearied
+as they are of _novelty_ and excitement. As far as one can judge,
+it does not seem that the lower orders take much interest in this
+marriage; the ambition and vanity of _his_ partisans have been wounded
+by it, and, of course, his enemies do not scruple to calumniate and
+slander the unfortunate object of his choice disgracefully.
+
+It is very difficult to ascertain anything like truth as regards her,
+but her beauty and engaging manners will, it is thought by many, gain
+for her, for a time at least, a greater amount of popularity than his
+friends who now blame the marriage expect. That he is passionately in
+love with her no one doubts, and his countenance on late occasions, as
+well as yesterday, wore a radiant and joyous expression very unusual.
+She, on the contrary, showed a considerable amount of nervousness at
+the Civil Marriage, and was as pale as death yesterday--however, even
+with the high and determined spirit she is supposed to have, this
+might be expected. Lady Cowley had been kind enough to send us an
+invitation, of which we were tempted to avail ourselves.[3] Nothing
+could be more splendid than the decorations of the Cathedral--velvet
+and ermine--gold and silver--flags and hangings of all colours were
+combined and harmonised with the splendid costumes of the Clergy,
+the uniforms, civil and military, and the magnificent dresses of the
+ladies. The greatest mistake was the _conflict_ of lights--the windows
+not having been darkened, though countless thousands of wax candles
+were lighted. The music was very fine.... The object of our neighbours
+seemed to be to scan and criticise the dress of the Bride, and the
+wonderful penetration and accuracy of their eagle glances was to us
+something incredible! Certainly, though unable ourselves at such a
+distance to appreciate the details of her dress or the expression of
+her countenance, we saw her distinctly enough to be able to say that
+a more lovely _coup d'[oe]il_ could not be conceived. Her beautifully
+chiselled features and marble complexion, her nobly _set-on head_,
+her exquisitely proportioned figure and graceful carriage were most
+striking, and the whole was like a Poet's Vision! I believe she is
+equally beautiful when seen close, but at a distance at which we saw
+her the effect was something more than that of a lovely picture, it
+was aerial, ideal. On the classically shaped head she wore a diamond
+crown or diadem, round her waist a row of magnificent diamonds to
+correspond, and the same as trimming round the "basques" of her gown.
+Then a sort of cloud or mist of transparent lace enveloped her,
+which had the effect of that for which, when speaking of the hills in
+Scotland, Princess Hohenlohe could find no English word, "_Duft_." I
+hope your Royal Highness will not think me very much carried by what
+pleases the eye. I felt all the while that one could view the matter
+but as an outside show; as such, in as far as she was concerned,
+it was exquisitely beautiful--and I suppose that a sort of national
+prejudice made me attribute the grace and dignity of the scene,
+for what there was of either came from her, to the blood of
+_Kirkpatrick!!!_
+
+The carriages were ugly and the Procession by no means fine, and
+those in which the Bridal party afterwards travelled to St Cloud,
+were driven by individuals in the famous theatrical costume of the
+well-known "Postillon de Longjumeau!"[4]
+
+    [Footnote 2: The Emperor of the French was married to
+    Mademoiselle Eugenie de Montijo on the 29th of January.
+    William Kirkpatrick, her maternal grandfather, had been a
+    merchant and American Consul at Malaga, and had there married
+    Francoise de Grivegnec. Their third daughter, Maria
+    Manuela, married, in 1817, the Count de Teba, a member of an
+    illustrious Spanish family, who in 1834 succeeded his brother
+    as Count de Montijo, and died in 1839. His widow held an
+    influential social position at Madrid, and her elder daughter
+    married the Duke of Alba in 1844, while she herself, with
+    Eugenie, her younger daughter, settled in Paris in 1851.]
+
+    [Footnote 3: Lord Cowley had been specifically instructed by
+    the Government to attend the marriage and be presented to the
+    Empress.]
+
+    [Footnote 4: A comic opera, written by Adolphe Adam, and
+    performed at Paris in 1836.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE EMPRESS]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _4th February 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Receive my best thanks for your gracious letter
+of the 1st. Since I wrote to you _le grand evenement a eu lieu!_ We
+truly live in times where at least variety is not wanting; the only
+mischief is that like drunkards people want more and more excitement,
+and it therefore will probably end by what remains the most exciting
+of all--War. Amusing and interesting war is, it must be confessed,
+more than anything in the world, and that makes me think that it
+must be the bouquet when people will be _blase_ of everything else.
+I enclose a letter from our Secretary of Legation at Madrid, Baron
+Beyens, who married a great friend of the Queen, Mademoiselle de Santa
+Cruz, and is much _au fait_ of all things that interest the public
+just now. It seems by what I learned from Paris that the Empress
+communicated to a friend a communication of _son cher epoux_ when
+she expressed her sense of her elevation to such eminence; as it may
+interest you and Albert, I will make an extract of it here: "Vous ne
+me parlez, ma chere enfant, que des avantages de la position que je
+vous offre, mais mon devoir est de vous signaler aussi ses dangers;
+ils sont grands, je serai sans doute a vos cotes l'objet de plus d'une
+tentative d'assassinat; independamment de cela, je dois vous confier
+que des complots serieux se fomentent dans l'armee. J'ai l'[oe]il
+ouvert de ce cote et je compte bien d'une maniere ou d'autre prevenir
+toute explosion; le moyen sera _peut-etre la guerre_. La encore il y a
+de grandes chances de ruine pour moi. Vous voyez donc bien que vous
+ne devez pas avoir de scrupules pour partager mon sort, les mauvaises
+chances etant peut-etre egales aux bonnes!"
+
+I was sorry to hear of Lord Melbourne's, _i.e._, Beauvale's, death.
+I knew him since 1814, and found him always very kind. For poor Lady
+Melbourne, who devoted herself so much, it is a sad blow. We are
+longing for a little cold, but it does not come though we have some
+east wind. I am held back in some of the _most essential_ measures for
+the defence of the country by the tricks of the Chamber. I see that
+the Manchester party shines in unusual Bright-ness and Cobden-ness by
+a degress of absurdity never as yet heard of. In the American War the
+Quakers refused to fight; they did not besides like the extremities
+the States had gone to against the mother country; but not to defend
+its own country against probable invasion is truly too much.
+
+Pray have the goodness to give my best love to Albert, and believe me,
+ever my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th February 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you for two most kind letters of
+the 4th and 7th (which I have just received) with very interesting
+enclosures, which shall be duly returned. The little report of what
+the Emperor said to the Empress is very curious, and tallies with what
+I have also heard of his thinking much more of the insecurity of his
+position than he used to do. The description of the young Empress's
+character is an interesting one, and also agrees with what I had
+heard from those who know her well. It may be in her power to do much
+good--and I hope she may. Her character is made to captivate a man, I
+should say--particularly one like the Emperor.
+
+I am sorry that you have had trouble with your Parliament. Ours begins
+its work on Thursday. The accounts of the support which our
+Government will receive are most satisfactory, and the Cabinet is most
+harmonious.... Ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR AND TURKEY]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _8th February 1853._
+
+... Lord John Russell read at the Cabinet a despatch received from
+your Majesty's Minister at St Petersburg, giving an account of an
+interview with the Emperor, at which His Majesty appeared to expect an
+early dissolution of the Turkish Empire, and proposed in such a case
+to act in perfect concert with the British Government. Lord John also
+read the rough draft of a proposed answer to this despatch, which,
+with slight alterations, was fully approved.[5]
+
+Lord Aberdeen does not think there is anything very new in this
+demonstration by the Emperor. It is essentially the same language he
+has held for some years, although, perhaps, the present difficulties
+of Turkey may have rendered him more anxious on the subject....
+
+    [Footnote 5: _See_ Introductory Note, p. 431. The Emperor had,
+    no doubt, misunderstood the attitude of the British Ministry
+    in 1844 on this subject, and regarded Lord Aberdeen as in full
+    sympathy with himself.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE LEADERSHIP]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _12th February 1853._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he has
+waited till to-day in order to be able to give some account of the
+appearance of the House of Commons.
+
+Lord John Russell's statement of measures to be proposed was well
+received, but as it did not contain reform was a disappointment to a
+part of the House. Mr Walpole spoke privately to Lord John Russell
+as to his future position in leading the Government in the House of
+Commons without office. Mr Walpole said it was neither illegal nor
+unconstitutional, but might prove inconvenient as a precedent.
+
+The Speaker said in conversation there was clearly no _constitutional_
+objection, but that the leadership of the House was so laborious that
+an office without other duties ought to be assigned to it....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S DEFENCE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th February 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter of yesterday, and
+was very glad to hear that he considers the aspect of the House of
+Commons as favourable to the Government.
+
+Lord John alludes for the first time in his letter to a question
+on which the Queen has not hitherto expressed her opinion to him
+personally, viz., how far the proposed new arrangement of Lord John's
+holding the leadership of the House of Commons without office was
+constitutional or not?[6] Her opinion perfectly agrees with that
+expressed by Mr Walpole to Lord John. If the intended arrangement were
+_undoubtedly illegal_ it would clearly never have been contemplated at
+all; but it may prove a _dangerous precedent_.
+
+The Queen would have been quite prepared to give the proposition
+of the Speaker "that the leadership of the House of Commons was so
+laborious, that an Office without other duties ought to be assigned
+to it," her fullest and fairest consideration, upon its merits and its
+constitutional bearings, which ought to have been distinctly set forth
+before her by her constitutional advisers for her final and unfettered
+decision.
+
+What the Queen complains of, and, as she believes with justice, is,
+that so important an innovation in the construction of the executive
+Government should have been practically decided upon by an arrangement
+intended to meet personal wants under peculiar and accidental
+circumstances, leaving the Queen the embarrassing alternative only,
+either to forego the exercise of her own prerogative, or to damage by
+her own act the _formation_ or _stability_ of the new Government, both
+of paramount importance to the welfare of the Country.
+
+[Footnote 6: See _ante_, pp. 417, 421.]
+
+
+
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _13th February 1853._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He cannot
+forbear from vindicating himself from the charge of forming or
+being party to an arrangement "intended to meet personal wants
+under peculiar and accidental circumstances, leaving the Queen the
+embarrassing alternative only, either to forego the exercise of
+her own prerogative, or to damage by her own act the _formation_ or
+_stability_ of the new Government--both of paramount importance to the
+welfare of the Country."
+
+Lord John Russell has done all in his power to contribute to the
+formation of a Ministry in which he himself holds a subordinate
+situation, from which nearly all his dearest political friends are
+excluded, and which is held by some to extinguish the party which for
+eighteen years he has led.
+
+He has done all this in order that your Majesty and the Country might
+not be exposed to the evil of a weak Ministry liable to be overthrown
+at any moment, formed whether by Lord Derby, or by himself at the head
+of one party only.
+
+But in consenting to this arrangement he was desirous to maintain his
+honour intact, and for this purpose he asked before the Ministry was
+formed for the honour of an Audience of your Majesty, that he might
+explain all the circumstances of his position.
+
+This Audience was not granted, and Lord John Russell has never been
+in a situation to explain to your Majesty why he believes that his
+leading the House of Commons without office is not liable to any
+constitutional objection.
+
+The Speaker and Mr Walpole both concur that no constitutional
+objection to this arrangement exists, but should your Majesty wish to
+see the arguments briefly stated by which Lord John Russell has been
+convinced, he should be happy to be allowed to lay them before your
+Majesty.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE REFUGEE QUESTION]
+
+
+_The Earl of Clarendon to Queen Victoria._
+
+_25th February 1853._
+
+Lord Clarendon presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+humbly begs to state that Count Colloredo[7] called upon him this
+afternoon.... Count Colloredo then said that he had another and more
+disagreeable subject to discuss with Lord Clarendon. He commenced
+by reading a note from Count Buol[8] complaining bitterly of the
+refugees, and the manner in which they abused the hospitality
+afforded them in this country, and attributing in great measure to the
+proclamations of Kossuth and Mazzini the late insurrection at Milan,
+and the attempt on the Emperor's life.[9] This note expressed a
+hope and belief that some measure would at once be adopted by
+your Majesty's Government to remove the just complaints of
+Allied Governments, and intimated that should this hope not
+be _spontaneously_ realised some measures on the part of those
+Governments would become necessary for their own protection as well as
+to mark their sense of the wrong done to them by England.
+
+Lord Clarendon said that your Majesty's Government were as indignant
+as that of Austria could be at the disgraceful abuse of the protection
+afforded to these refugees; but he could hold out no hope of any
+legislation for the purpose of sending them out of the country.
+
+Count Colloredo did not disguise his annoyance and disappointment at
+this, and seemed to attribute it to want of goodwill on the part of
+your Majesty's Government, which he felt sure would have the support
+of public opinion in proposing such a measure as his Government
+desired.
+
+The discussion became rather warm, and Lord Clarendon thought it
+right to remark that too much importance might be given to these
+proclamations and too little to the causes which at home might lead
+the subjects of Austria to manifest their discontent by revolutionary
+outbreaks, nor could we conceal from ourselves that the complaints
+about the refugees were occasionally directed against the free
+institutions which gave them protection, and that we were not always
+viewed with favour as presenting the single but prosperous exception
+to that system of government which otherwise would now almost be
+uniform in Europe.[10]
+
+    [Footnote 7: Austrian Ambassador.]
+
+    [Footnote 8: Austrian Prime Minister.]
+
+    [Footnote 9: Kossuth and Mazzini were in England, prosecuting
+    their schemes against Austria; the Austrian Government
+    attributed to them the Milanese rising, and the recent attempt
+    to assassinate the Emperor Francis Joseph at Vienna.]
+
+    [Footnote 10: The Refugee Question was debated in the House of
+    Lords on the 4th of March.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _9th March 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter, and the reports on
+the Militia which she returns, having marked several parts in them
+which show an absence of the most important requisites. Already in
+October the Queen observed upon the want of arms for the Militia, and
+was invariably answered that they would be immediately provided. But
+by these reports this seems still not to be the case.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PRINCE MENSCHIKOFF]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _18th March 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Receive my best thanks for your gracious letter
+of the 15th. I trust that the bitter cold weather we have now again
+will not displease you. I fear Albert's heavy cold will not be the
+better by the east wind which makes one shiver. I am thunderstruck by
+a telegraph despatch from Marseilles of the 17th, which declares that
+Prince Menschikoff has not succeeded, and has therefore given orders
+for the Russian fleet to come to Constantinople.[11] Heaven grant
+that these news may not be true, though bad news generally turn out
+correct. I am so sorry to see the Emperor Nicholas, who had been so
+wise and dignified since 1848, become so very unreasonable. In Austria
+they are still a good deal excited. One can hardly feel astonished
+considering circumstances; I trust that reflection may induce them to
+modify their measures. The Italian Nobles have shown themselves great
+fools by acting as they have done, and thereby giving an opening to
+social revolution. By some accident we have been within these few days
+well informed of some of the movements of the good people that enjoy
+an asylum in England. Kossuth is now the great director and favourite,
+and Republics are everywhere to spring up, till he (Kossuth) is to be
+again Dictator or Emperor somewhere.... Europe will never recover that
+shock of 1848.
+
+My dearest Victoria, your truly devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 11: _See_ Introductory Note, _ante_, pp. 431.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE "HOLY PLACES"]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _22nd March 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He encloses
+a letter from Lord Cowley, which shows a considerable degree of
+irritation on the part of the French Government, and of embarrassment
+in consequence of the rash step they have taken in ordering the
+departure of their fleet from Toulon to the Greek Waters.[12] If no
+catastrophe should take place at Constantinople, as Lord Aberdeen
+hopes and believes, this irritation will probably subside, and they
+may find us useful in assisting them to escape from their difficulty
+with respect to the "Holy Places."
+
+Lord Aberdeen has seen the Instructions of Prince Menschikoff, which
+relate exclusively to the claims of the Greek Church at Jerusalem; and
+although these conditions may humiliate Turkey, and wound the vanity
+of France, there is nothing whatever to justify the reproach
+of territorial aggression, or hostile ambition. If the Turkish
+Government, relying upon the assistance of England and France, should
+remain obstinate, the affair might become serious; but even then, Lord
+Aberdeen is convinced that no final step will be taken by the Emperor,
+without previous communication to England.
+
+Much depends upon the personal character of Prince Menschikoff. If
+he can command himself sufficiently to wait for the arrival of Lord
+Stratford, Lord Aberdeen does not doubt that the matter will be
+settled, without coming to extremities....
+
+    [Footnote 12: Even before the Conference met, Menschikoff's
+    overbearing conduct and demeanour had induced Napoleon to
+    despatch the French Fleet from Toulon to Salamis, to watch
+    events.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR CONCILIATORY]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd March 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of yesterday, and
+returns Lord Cowley's. Everything appears to her to depend upon the
+real nature of the demands made by Russia, and the Queen was therefore
+glad to hear from Lord Aberdeen that he found nothing in Prince
+Menschikoff's instructions to justify the reproach of territorial
+aggression or hostile ambition. Still the mode of proceeding at
+Constantinople is not such as would be resorted to towards a "sick
+friend for whose life there exists much solicitude." This ought
+clearly to be stated to Baron Brunnow, in the Queen's opinion.
+
+The two Drafts to Sir H. Seymour and Lord Cowley struck the Queen as
+very temperate, conciliatory, and dignified.
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Clarendon to Queen Victoria._
+
+_29th March 1853._
+
+Lord Clarendon presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and humbly
+begs to state that he had this afternoon a satisfactory interview with
+the French Ambassador, who told him that the Emperor had to a certain
+extent been deceived upon the Eastern Question, and that he had given
+his decision without fully considering the matter in all its bearings.
+But that he had since viewed it in a different light, and had so
+far recognised the propriety of the course adopted by your Majesty's
+Government, that if the sailing order had not been improperly
+published in the _Moniteur_ the French Fleet should not have quitted
+Toulon.
+
+Count Walewski further stated that _the Persons_ who had thus advised
+the Emperor, finding that their views were not supported by facts as
+they hoped, had endeavoured to throw the blame upon England and to
+show that France had been abandoned and Russia preferred by your
+Majesty's Government, and that hence had arisen the want of cordiality
+and good feeling with respect to which Lord Clarendon some days ago
+spoke to Count Walewski. He, however, assured Lord Clarendon that all
+this had now passed away, and that the Emperor was as anxious as
+ever for a good understanding with England, and particularly upon
+all matters connected with the East. Lord Clarendon expressed
+great satisfaction that this momentary difference between the two
+Governments should be at an end.
+
+Count Walewski in confidence requested Lord Clarendon to impress
+upon Lord Cowley the necessity of often seeing the Emperor, and not
+trusting to the Minister, when any question of difficulty arose.
+
+Count Walewski said the Emperor was particularly anxious that your
+Majesty should know that the liberation of the Madiai[13] was owing to
+the interference which the French Legation had been instructed by the
+Emperor to use in their behalf.
+
+    [Footnote 13: Two persons, husband and wife, domiciled in
+    Florence, who had embraced the English reformed religion. In
+    1852 they were seized, imprisoned in separate dungeons, and
+    subjected to great hardships. Lords Shaftesbury and Roden went
+    to Florence and appealed to the Grand Duke on their behalf,
+    but were unsuccessful. In March 1853, however, after the
+    British Government had interposed, the two were released, a
+    pension being provided for them by public subscription.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th March 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you very much for your kind letter
+of the 25th....
+
+I hope that the Oriental Question will be satisfactorily settled.
+From all the confidential reports we have received from the Emperor of
+Russia, I think I may safely say that though he has treated the Sultan
+rather overbearingly and roughly, there is _no_ alteration in
+his views--and _no wish whatever_ on his part to appropriate
+Constantinople or any of those parts to himself--though he does not
+wish us, or France or Austria _or Greece_, to have it either. But he
+thinks the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire very imminent, which
+I really think is not the case. The Russians accuse us (as we have
+preached moderation) of being too French--and the French of being too
+Russian!....
+
+Now with Albert's love, ever your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to Lord Clarendon_.
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th March 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Clarendon's letter with great
+satisfaction. We are now reaping the fruits of an honest and
+straightforward conduct, and the Queen hopes Lord Clarendon will
+likewise in all future cases of difficulty arrest the mischief, sure
+to arise from a continuance of mutual suspicion between this
+Country and any Power, by at once entering upon full and unreserved
+explanations, on the first symptoms of distrust.
+
+As the Emperor deserves great credit, if he really caused the
+liberation of the Madiai, the Queen wishes Lord Clarendon to express
+to Count Walewski her feelings on this subject.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR'S LETTER]
+
+
+_The Emperor of Russia to the Prince Albert._
+
+                      8
+ST. PETERSBOURG, _le -- Avril 1853._
+                     20
+
+MONSEIGNEUR,--J'allais Vous adresser mes felicitations sinceres pour
+l'heureuse delivrance de Sa Majeste la Reine, quand Votre aimable
+lettre est venue me prevenir.[14] Veuillez donc, Monseigneur, etre
+persuade, que c'est avec grande joie, que ma femme et moi, nous avons
+appris cet heureux evenement, et j'ose aussi vous prier de deposer
+aux pieds de Sa Majeste mes humbles hommages et felicitations. Je me
+flatte n'avoir pas besoin de Vous assurer tous deux, Monseigneur, de
+toute la sincerite des sentiments d'affection que je Vous porte. Cette
+fois j'ose y joindre mes remerciments bien sentis a Sa Majeste la
+Reine, pour l'indulgence et l'attention qu'Elle a daigne preter aux
+communications dont j'avais charge directement Sir Hamilton Seymour,
+qui a le merite seul d'avoir su transmettre mes intentions avec une
+fidelite et une exactitude parfaites.
+
+Je crois que dans peu Sa Majeste la Reine sera dans le cas de se
+persuader, que _Son sincere et fidele ami_ l'a prevenue a temps de
+ce qu'il prevoyait devoir infailliblement arriver; non certes dans
+l'intention d'etre un _prophete de mauvais augure_, mais dans la
+conviction intime, que ce n'est que la confiance la plus intime, la
+plus complette et la plus parfaitte identite de vues entre Sa Majeste
+et Son tres humble serviteur, c. a. d. entre l'Angleterre et la
+Russie, que peuvent commander aux evenements et conjurer de terribles
+catastrophes!
+
+Maintenant nous nous entendons, et je m'en remets a Dieu pour tout ce
+qui doit arriver.
+
+C'est avec la plus haute consideration et la plus sincere amitie que
+je serais, toujours, Monseigneur, de Votre Altesse Royale le tout
+devoue Cousin,
+
+NICOLAS.
+
+    [Footnote 14: The fourth son of the Queen and Prince,
+    afterwards Duke of Albany, was born on the 7th of April at
+    Buckingham Palace.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: BIRTH OF PRINCE LEOPOLD]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _18th April 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--My first letter is _this_ time, as last time,
+addressed to you; last time it was because dearest Louise, to whom the
+first had heretofore always been addressed, was with me--alas! _now_,
+she is no longer amongst us! I can report very favourably of
+myself, for I have never been better or stronger or altogether more
+comfortable.
+
+Stockmar will have told you that _Leopold_ is to be the name of our
+fourth young gentleman. It is a mark of love and affection which I
+hope you will not disapprove. It is a name which is the dearest to me
+after Albert, and one which recalls the almost _only_ happy days of my
+sad childhood; to hear "Prince Leopold" again, will make me think of
+all those days! His other names will be George Duncan Albert, and
+the Sponsors, the King of Hanover, Ernest Hohenlohe, the Princess of
+Prussia and Mary Cambridge.
+
+George is after the King of Hanover, and Duncan as a compliment to
+dear Scotland.... Ever your devoted Niece and Child,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MR GLADSTONE'S BUDGET]
+
+
+_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
+
+CHESHAM PLACE, _19th April 1853._
+
+Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is
+happy to say that Mr Gladstone's statement last night was one of
+the most powerful financial speeches ever made in the House of
+Commons.[15]
+
+Mr Pitt in the days of his glory might have been more imposing, but he
+could not have been more persuasive.
+
+Lord John Russell is very sanguine as to the success of the plan, both
+in the House of Commons and in the country.
+
+    [Footnote 15: Mr Gladstone's Budget imposed a duty for the
+    first time on the succession to real property; he retained
+    the Income Tax for two years longer, at its then rate of
+    sevenpence in the pound on incomes above L150, and extended
+    it, at the rate of fivepence in the pound, to incomes between
+    L100 and L150. Ireland was made subject to the tax, but
+    received relief in other directions. Remissions of indirect
+    taxes were also made, and one of these, the repeal of the
+    Advertisement Duty, was carried against the Government.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to Mr Gladstone._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _19th April 1853._
+
+MY DEAR MR GLADSTONE,--I must write to you a line in order to
+congratulate you on your success of last night. I have just completed
+a close and careful perusal of your speech, which I admire extremely,
+and I have heard from all sides that the effect it has produced is
+very good. Trusting that your Christian humility will not allow you
+to become dangerously elated, I cannot resist sending you the report
+which Lord John Russell made to the Queen for your perusal; knowing
+that it will give you pleasure, and that these are the best rewards
+which a public man can look for. Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+_Mr Gladstone to the Prince Albert._
+
+DOWNING STREET, _19th April 1853._
+
+Sir,--I have to offer my most humble and grateful thanks to Her
+Majesty for graciously allowing me to know the terms in which Lord
+John Russell's kindness allowed him to describe the statement made by
+me last night in the House of Commons; and to your Royal Highness for
+the letter which your Royal Highness had been pleased to address to
+me.
+
+The reception which you, Sir, gave to my explanation on the 9th
+instant of the propositions I had to submit to the Cabinet, was one of
+the first and best omens of their favourable fortune.
+
+As a Servant of the Crown, deeply sharing in that attachment which
+all servants of Her Majesty must feel both to her Throne and Person,
+I venture to hope that the propositions of the Government declared
+through me, are in accordance with our faith and loyalty to Her
+Majesty.
+
+For myself, Sir, I am most thankful, if it can be said that I have not
+by my own defects injured a good and an honest cause; my only title to
+reward lies in sincerity of purpose, and by such testimony as that of
+your Royal Highness I am already much more than duly rewarded....
+
+I return the letter of Lord John Russell, and I pray your Royal
+Highness to believe me, Sir, your most dutiful and most obedient
+Servant,
+
+W. E. GLADSTONE.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE INDIA BILL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+OSBORNE, _27th May 1853._
+
+The Queen has read Lord Aberdeen's letter of yesterday with great
+concern. She had been much surprised to hear from Lord John Russell on
+the 24th that "in concert with Sir Charles Wood and Sir James Graham,
+he had settled last night to propose to the Cabinet on Wednesday to
+delay the measure (on the Indian Government) till next Session, and
+that Sir James Graham had stated that Lord Aberdeen would be ready
+to assent to this course."[16] She did not answer Lord John until she
+should have heard from Lord Aberdeen himself. From the explanation he
+has now given to the Queen, she must say that it would have a _very
+bad_ effect if the measure were withdrawn at the eleventh hour, and
+after all that has been publicly and privately stated.[17] Nothing
+damages a Government more than the appearance of vacillation and
+uncertainty of purpose, and no Government ought to shun this more
+than the _present_. The fact of a dissension in the Cabinet on a vital
+point, which it cannot be hoped will remain concealed, must besides
+much impair its vigour and power....
+
+The Queen earnestly hopes that it will not become necessary to change
+the course announced by the Government.
+
+    [Footnote 16: The India Bill, which passed during the Session,
+    threw open the lucrative patronage of the Company (whose
+    existence was continued but with less absolute control) to
+    competition. The Mutiny, and the resulting legislation of
+    1858, tended subsequently to overshadow Sir Charles Wood's
+    measure.]
+
+    [Footnote 17: The matter had been referred to a Cabinet
+    Committee, reported upon, agreed to in full Cabinet, proposed
+    to and sanctioned by the Queen and announced to Parliament.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE EMPEROR FRANCIS JOSEPH]
+
+
+_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
+
+LAEKEN, _3 June 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST, BEST VICTORIA,--... The young Emperor[18] I confess I like
+much, there is much sense and courage in his warm blue eye, and it is
+not without a very amiable merriment when there is occasion for it.
+He is slight and very graceful, but even in the _melee_ of dancers and
+Archdukes, and all in uniform, he may always be distinguished as
+the _Chef_. This struck me more than anything, as now at Vienna the
+dancing is also that general _melee_ which renders waltzing most
+difficult.... The manners are excellent and free from pompousness or
+awkwardness of any kind, simple, and when he is graciously disposed,
+as he was to me, _sehr herzlich und natuerlich_. He keeps every one
+in great order without requiring for this an _outre_ appearance of
+authority, merely because he is the master, and there is that about
+him which gives authority, and which sometimes those _who have the
+authority cannot succeed in getting accepted or in practising_. I
+think he may be severe _si l'occasion se presente_; he has something
+very _muthig_. We were several times surrounded by people of all
+classes, and he certainly quite at their mercy, but I never saw his
+little _muthig_ expression changed either by being pleased or alarmed.
+I trust that this family connection may mitigate the only impression
+which in Austria has created a hostile feeling, viz. the suspicions
+in Palmerston's time that it had become a plan of England _to
+destroy_ the Austrian Empire. After the _attentat_ on the Emperor the
+impression on those who are attached to their country was, and
+still is, that in England a sort of menagerie of Kossuths, Mazzinis,
+Lagranges, Ledru Rollins, etc., is kept to be let occasionally loose
+on the Continent to render its quiet and prosperity impossible. That
+impression, which Lord Aberdeen stated in the House of Lords at the
+end of April, is strong everywhere on the Continent, in Prussia as it
+is in Austria, and even here our _industriels_ are convinced of it.
+About what is to be done by way of graciousness on your part we will
+consider. ...Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
+
+LEOPOLD R.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria.]
+
+
+
+
+_The Duke of Newcastle to Queen Victoria._
+
+_7th June 1853._
+
+The Duke of Newcastle presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
+has the honour of bringing under your Majesty's notice a desire for
+some time past felt by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and by others
+interested in the welfare of the Church of England in the Colonies,
+that the extensive See of Capetown should be divided, and that a new
+Bishopric of Grahamstown should be erected.
+
+An endowment of L10,000 for the proposed See has lately been provided
+by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.
+
+The Duke of Newcastle under these circumstances hopes that your
+Majesty will approve of the erection of this new See, and has the
+honour to recommend to your Majesty that, in that case the Rev. J. W.
+Colenso should be appointed to it.
+
+Mr Colenso at present holds a living in the Diocese of Norwich, he was
+second wrangler at Cambridge, and was at one time tutor to two of the
+sons of the late Sir Robert Peel at Harrow.
+
+The Duke of Newcastle has received a very high character of Mr Colenso
+from his Diocesan, and the Archbishop of Canterbury considers him a
+fit person to be recommended to your Majesty.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE KING OF HANOVER]
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
+
+BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd June 1853._
+
+MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your kind letter of the 17th, which
+I could not answer on my usual day (yesterday), as we were the whole
+day at the Camp, where there was a Review, at which I rode. It was
+a very fine sight, but my enjoyment was a good deal spoilt by the
+nervousness which I was in at having my poor blind cousin[19] _on_
+horseback next to me--_led_. It is a sad sight, and one which keeps
+me in a constant state of anxiety, as one is afraid of saying or doing
+anything which may pain or distress him, or of his meeting with any
+accident; but he manages it wonderfully well, hardly ever makes a
+mistake, and manages so well at dinner. He is very cheerful, kind,
+and civil, and would be very good looking if it were not for his poor
+eyes. He likes to go everywhere and do everything like anybody else,
+and speaks of things _as if he saw_ them....
+
+The Oriental Question is at a standstill. It is the Emperor of
+Russia who must enable _us_ to help him out of the difficulty. I feel
+convinced that _War will_ be _avoided_, but I don't see _how_ exactly.
+Our Troops looked beautiful yesterday. I wish your young people could
+see our Camp.[20]
+
+With Albert's love, believe me, ever, your devoted Niece,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+    [Footnote 19: King George V. of Hanover.]
+
+    [Footnote 20: Lord Stratford de Redcliffe had insisted that
+    the disputed points as to the guardianship of the Holy Places,
+    and the Russian demand for a Protectorate over the Christian
+    subjects of the Sultan, should be kept distinct. After the
+    former had been arranged and the latter had been rejected by
+    the Porte acting under Lord Stratford's advice, Menschikoff
+    abruptly quitted Constantinople, and the Russian troops,
+    crossing the Pruth, invaded the Danubian principalities of
+    Moldavia and Wallachia (now united as Roumania). In England,
+    meanwhile, a military encampment had been established at
+    Chobham.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: DEATH OF LADY DALHOUSIE]
+
+
+_The Earl of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria._
+
+_12th July 1853._
+
+Lord Dalhousie presents his humble duty to your Majesty, most
+gratefully acknowledging the gracious words which your Majesty has
+addressed to him in the time of his great affliction.[21]
+
+Your Majesty has been pleased for many years to honour him with
+frequent marks of personal distinction. He is indeed most keenly
+sensible of the favour which bestowed them all. But his deep gratitude
+must ever be given to the goodness which dictated the touching
+assurance he has now received of your Majesty's interest in the
+piteous fate of one who for eighteen years has been all the world to
+him, whose patient, gentle spirit, and whose brave heart had turned
+aside so many perils, and who yet has sunk at last under the very
+means on which all had securely reckoned as her certain safety.
+
+Lord Dalhousie ought not perhaps to have uttered even this much of his
+sorrow, but your Majesty's truly gracious words have melted it from
+his heart; and still encourage him to believe that your Majesty will
+not regard it as obtrusive.
+
+Lord Dalhousie will not mingle the other topics, on which it is his
+duty to address your Majesty, with this respectful expression of the
+enduring gratitude, with which he has the honour to subscribe himself,
+your Majesty's most obedient, most humble, and most faithful Subject
+and Servant,
+
+DALHOUSIE.
+
+    [Footnote 21: Lady Dalhousie died on the 6th of May, on her
+    passage home from India.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON'S ATTITUDE]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _11th September 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen presents his most humble duty to your Majesty....
+
+Lord Aberdeen has by no means forgotten the conversation to which your
+Majesty has referred; but after full consideration he believes that
+the safest and best course has been adopted.[22] Trusting to your
+Majesty's gracious condescension, and the confidence with which Lord
+Aberdeen has been honoured, he will humbly venture to lay before your
+Majesty, without any reserve, the motives which have induced him to
+offer this advice to your Majesty.
+
+The situation of Lord Palmerston is peculiar.[23] Unless he should
+continue to be a cordial member of your Majesty's Government, he may
+very easily become the leader of Opposition. Lord Aberdeen is at this
+moment ignorant of his real views and intentions. He has been recently
+more than once thwarted in his endeavours to press a hostile policy
+upon the Cabinet; and it has been reported to Lord Aberdeen that he
+has expressed himself in terms of great hostility. This cannot perhaps
+be avoided, and is only the result of taking different views of the
+public interest; but it is very essential that Lord Palmerston should
+have no personal or private cause of complaint against Lord Aberdeen.
+From his office of Home Secretary he might naturally expect to have
+the honour of attending your Majesty; and should this not be the
+case he might probably resent it and attribute it to the jealousy and
+ill-will of Lord Aberdeen. But whether he did this, or not, himself,
+the Public and the Press would not fail to do so, and would convert
+this neglect into the ground of the most hostile and bitter attacks.
+
+Your Majesty may perhaps be aware that there is no amount of flattery
+which is not offered to Lord Palmerston by the Tory party, with the
+hope of separating him altogether from the Government.
+
+Lord Aberdeen fully admits that this step which he has humbly proposed
+to your Majesty may fail to produce any good effect, and that it may
+even be turned hereafter to the injury of the Government; but, at
+all events, Lord Aberdeen's conscience will be clear; and if Lord
+Palmerston has any generous feelings, it is not impossible that he
+may appreciate favourably a proceeding which cannot but afford him
+personal satisfaction.
+
+    [Footnote 22: Lord Aberdeen had suggested that it would be
+    advisable for several reasons that Lord Palmerston should
+    be invited to Balmoral as Minister in attendance, and he
+    accordingly went there on the 15th of September.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
+
+BALMORAL, _24th September 1853._
+
+The Queen has this morning received Lord Clarendon's letter of the
+22nd inst. She has not been surprised at the line taken by Austria,
+who, Lord Clarendon will remember, the Queen never thought could
+be depended upon, as she is not in that independent position which
+renders a National Policy possible. The accounts from Constantinople
+are very alarming, and make the Queen most anxious for the future. She
+quite approves of the steps taken by the Government. The presence of
+the Fleets at Constantinople in case of general disturbance will take
+from the Emperor of Russia what Lord Cowley calls his _coup de Theatre
+a la Sadlers Wells_, viz.: the part of the generous protector of the
+Sultan and restorer of Order.[24]
+
+    [Footnote 23: Lord Palmerston and Lord John Russell led the
+    war party in the Cabinet; but the latter was pledged to the
+    introduction of a Reform Bill, while the former was opposed
+    to the scheme. Lord Aberdeen's pacific views were making him
+    increasingly unpopular in the country.]
+
+    [Footnote 24: Even after the Russian occupation of the
+    Principalities, which the Russian Minister, Count Nesselrode,
+    had described as not an act of war, but a material guarantee
+    for the concession by Turkey of the Russian demands,
+    the resources of diplomacy were not exhausted. The Four
+    Powers--England, France, Austria, and Prussia--agreed, in
+    conference at Vienna, to present a note for acceptance by
+    Russia and the Porte, to the effect (_inter alia_) that the
+    Government of the Sultan would remain faithful "to the letter
+    and to the spirit of the Treaties of Kainardji and Adrianople
+    relative to the protection of the Christian religion." This
+    was most unfortunately worded, but, however, the clause had
+    obtained the sanction of the English Government, and the
+    Czar expressed his willingness to accept it. Lord Stratford,
+    however, saw the danger underlying the ambiguity of the
+    language, and, under his advice, the Porte proposed as an
+    amendment the substitution of the words "to the stipulations
+    of the Treaty of Kainardji, confirmed by that of Adrianople,
+    relative to the protection by the Sublime Porte of the
+    Christian religion." The Russian Government refused to accept
+    this amendment, and from that moment war was inevitable. The
+    British Fleet under Admiral Dundas had been sent from Malta to
+    the East at the beginning of June.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE VIENNA NOTE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+BALMORAL, _25th September 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of the 23rd, and is very
+thankful to him for this full and lucid statement of the present very
+critical situation.
+
+She transmits to him a memorandum containing our views, drawn up
+by the Prince with the desire he might also communicate it to Lord
+Clarendon.[25]
+
+The Queen must say she now rejoices the Fleets should be on their way
+to Constantinople.
+
+God grant that any outbreak at Constantinople may yet be averted.
+
+    [Footnote 25: The Memorandum stated that it would be fruitless
+    further to attempt to settle the dispute by the "Redaction" of
+    Notes to be exchanged between Turkey and Russia, or the
+    choice of particular words and expressions in public documents
+    designed in order to avoid naming the real objects in dispute.
+
+    "It is evident" (it was added) "that Russia has hitherto
+    attempted to deceive us in pretending that she did not aim
+    at the acquisition of any _new_ Right, but required only a
+    satisfaction of honour and a re-acknowledgment of the Rights
+    she already possessed by Treaty; that she _does intend_ and
+    for the first time lays bare that intention, to acquire _new_
+    Rights of interference which the Porte does _not_ wish to
+    concede and cannot concede, and which the European Powers have
+    repeatedly declared she _ought not_ to concede....
+
+    "If the views of Russia, for instance, with regard to
+    'Modification III. of the Note,' were to prevail, the
+    extension of the advantages and privileges enjoyed by
+    Christian communities, in their capacity as _foreigners_,
+    to the Greeks generally, with the Right granted to Russia
+    to intercede for them to this effect, would simply make
+    foreigners of 10,000,000 of the subjects of the Porte, or
+    depose the Sultan as their sovereign, putting the Emperor of
+    Russia in his place."]
+
+
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _6th October 1853._
+
+... The Cabinet will meet to-morrow; and Lord Aberdeen will have
+the honour of humbly reporting to your Majesty the result of their
+discussions. It will be Lord Aberdeen's endeavour to prevent any rash
+decision; and, above all, to keep open the possibility of peaceful
+communications. No doubt, it may be very agreeable to humiliate the
+Emperor of Russia; but Lord Aberdeen thinks that it is paying a little
+too dear for this pleasure, to check the progress and prosperity of
+this happy country, and to cover Europe with confusion, misery, and
+blood.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: MOVEMENTS OF THE FLEET]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _7th October 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty. As your
+Majesty will expect to hear from him to-day, he has the honour of
+addressing your Majesty, although he could wish that it had been in
+his power to give your Majesty a more full and satisfactory account
+of the decisions of the Cabinet. The meeting was very long, and
+considerable difference of opinion prevailed in the course of the
+discussion. At length, however, Lord Aberdeen is happy to say there
+was such an agreement as ensured a certain degree of unanimity. With
+this view, it was determined to adhere to a defensive principle
+of action in the East. The Fleets may perhaps be already at
+Constantinople; but, at all events, they are to be brought there
+forthwith, and to be stationed either there or in the Bosphorus,
+unless the Russians should cross the Danube, or make any attack upon
+the Turkish possessions on the coast of the Black Sea. In this case,
+the combined Fleets would enter the Black Sea, for the defence of the
+Turkish territory.
+
+Considering the position we have already assumed in this unfortunate
+affair, perhaps it was impossible to do less than this; and as there
+is very little chance of Russia undertaking any active hostilities
+of the nature apprehended, it may reasonably be hoped that no actual
+collision will take place. At the same time it must be recollected
+that Russia will regard the entrance of line of battle-ships into the
+Black Sea as a virtual declaration of war against herself.
+
+There is yet no confirmation of the actual declaration of war by
+the Porte, and although there is no reason to suspect any serious
+impediment to the decision of the Divan being fulfilled, it is rather
+strange that intelligence to this effect has not been received. If
+Lord Stratford should see great cause for apprehension at the prospect
+of the Turks in the prosecution of hostilities, it is just possible
+that by his influence he may have arrested the progress of their
+warlike measures; but probably this is too much to hope. At all
+events, Lord Aberdeen trusts that the path of negotiation is not
+finally closed, and that, notwithstanding the equivocal position of
+Great Britain in this contest, it may still be possible to employ
+words of conciliation and peace....
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: WAR IMMINENT]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN OVERBORNE]
+
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+BALMORAL, _10th October 1853._
+
+I had a long interview with Sir James Graham this morning, and told
+him that Lord Aberdeen's last letter to the Queen and him[26] made us
+very uneasy. It was evident that Lord Aberdeen was, against his
+better judgment, consenting to a course of policy which he inwardly
+condemned, that his desire to maintain unanimity at the Cabinet led
+to concessions which by degrees altered the whole character of the
+policy, while he held out no hope of being able permanently to secure
+agreement. I described the Queen's position as a very painful one.
+Here were decisions taken by the Cabinet, perhaps even acted upon,
+involving the most momentous consequences, without her previous
+concurrence or even the means for her to judge of the propriety or
+impropriety of course to be adopted, with evidence that the Minister,
+in whose judgment the Queen placed her chief reliance, disapproved
+of it. The position was morally and constitutionally a wrong one. The
+Queen ought to have the whole policy in spirit and ultimate tendency
+developed before her to give her deliberate sanction to it, knowing
+what it involved her in abroad and at home. She might now be involved
+in war, of which the consequences could not be calculated, chiefly by
+the desire of Lord Aberdeen to keep his Cabinet together; this might
+then break down, and the Queen would be left without an efficient
+Government, and a war on her hands. Lord Aberdeen renounced one of his
+chief sources of strength in the Cabinet, by not making it apparent
+that he requires the sanction of the Crown to the course proposed by
+the Cabinet, and has to justify his advice by argument before it can
+be adopted, and that it does not suffice to come to a decision at the
+table of the Cabinet. Sir James Graham perfectly coincided with this
+view and offered to go up to Town immediately. The Queen wrote the
+letter to Lord Aberdeen ... which Sir James takes up with him. He
+shall arrive at Windsor on Friday (14th), and Lord Aberdeen is to have
+an Audience on Saturday. Sir James will tell him that the Queen wants
+his deliberate opinion on what course is best to be followed, and
+that the course once adopted should be steadily and uninterruptedly
+pursued.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 26:
+
+    _The Earl of Aberdeen to Sir James Graham._
+    [_Submitted to the Queen._]
+
+    ARGYLL HOUSE, _8th October 1853._
+
+    MY DEAR GRAHAM,--... When we met, Clarendon made a sort of
+    _resume_ of what had taken place before we all separated, but
+    ended with no specific proposal. After a few interlocutory
+    remarks from different quarters, Palmerston proposed his plan.
+    Lord John faintly supported it in general terms, but did not
+    seem much in earnest about it. I said that it appeared to
+    involve the necessity of a declaration of war against Russia,
+    and the calling together Parliament forthwith. Gladstone
+    strongly argued against the proposal. Clarendon then read
+    an outline of his proposed instructions, which were a great
+    abatement from Palmerston's plan. We came at last to a sort
+    of compromise; our great difficulty being now to deal with the
+    question of entering the Black Sea. I consented to this being
+    done, provided it was strictly in defence of some point of
+    attack on Turkish territory. I have no fear that this will
+    take place; and as long as we abstain from entering the Black
+    Sea, Peace may be possible between us and Russia. We have thus
+    assumed a strictly defensive position, which for the
+    moment may be sufficient, and will enable us to carry on
+    negotiations; but this cannot last long. Under the character
+    of defensive war, we should inevitably become extensively
+    engaged. Should the Turks be at all worsted, which is
+    probable, of course we must increase our assistance. We
+    should have a French army, and perhaps English money--all for
+    defence.
+
+    The aspect of the Cabinet was, on the whole, very good.
+    Gladstone, active and energetic for Peace; Argyll, Herbert,
+    C. Wood, and Granville, all in the same sense. Newcastle,
+    not quite so much so, but good; Lansdowne, not so warlike
+    as formerly; Lord John warlike enough, but subdued in
+    tone; Palmerston urged his views perseveringly, but not
+    disagreeably. The Chancellor said little, but was cordially
+    peaceful. Molesworth was not present, there having been some
+    mistake in sending the notice.
+
+    On the whole, therefore, yesterday passed off well enough;
+    but we shall see what to-day will bring us. Not a syllable was
+    said in the Cabinet on any other subject. Lord John seemed
+    in good humour; he came to see me a few minutes before the
+    Cabinet. I told you that I had spoken to Gladstone very
+    fully; but I did not press any decision respecting _domestic_
+    matters, as it would at this moment be quite unseasonable.
+    Nevertheless, it must not be forgotten altogether. Yours,
+    etc., etc.,
+
+    ABERDEEN.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STRATFORD'S INSTRUCTIONS]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
+
+BALMORAL, _11th October 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Clarendon's letter. She had written to
+Lord Aberdeen that she felt it her duty to pause before giving her
+consent to the measures decided on in the Cabinet, until she should
+have received an explanation on the views which dictated that
+decision, and of the ulterior steps involved in it; and Sir James
+Graham is gone up to Town, verbally to explain more fully the Queen's
+feelings. She has now received and read the Despatches, which have
+in the meantime been sent off to their points of destination without
+having received her sanction!
+
+The draft to Vienna the Queen thinks very ably argued, and justly to
+define the present position of the question at issue.[27]
+
+The instructions to Lord Stratford,[28] on the other hand, appear to
+her very vague, and entrusting him with enormous powers and a latitude
+of discretion which is hardly to be called safe. As matters have now
+been arranged, it appears to the Queen, moreover, that we have taken
+on ourselves in conjunction with France all the risks of a European
+war, without having bound Turkey to any conditions with respect to
+provoking it. The hundred and twenty fanatical Turks constituting the
+Divan at Constantinople are left sole judges of the line of policy
+to be pursued, and made cognisant at the same time of the fact
+that England and France have bound themselves to defend the Turkish
+Territory! This is entrusting them with a power which Parliament has
+been jealous to confide even to the hands of the British Crown. It may
+be a question whether England ought to go to war for the defence of
+so-called Turkish Independence; but there can be none that if she does
+so, she ought to be the sole judge of what constitutes a breach
+of that independence, and have the fullest power to prevent by
+negotiation the breaking out of the war.
+
+The Queen would wish copies of the enclosed papers to be sent for her
+use as soon as convenient.
+
+    [Footnote 27: In this despatch Lord Clarendon, after referring
+    to the interpretation which Count Nesselrode had put upon the
+    Vienna Note, and the Russian rejection of it as amended by
+    the Porte, told Lord Westmorland that it would be useless and
+    dishonourable to recommend it in its unaltered form, that the
+    Czar was contending for privileges for Christian subjects
+    of the Porte not hitherto enjoyed by them, and that a war
+    embarked upon in such a cause would be without parallel in
+    history.]
+
+    [Footnote 28: Authority had been given to Lord Stratford to
+    employ the British Fleet in the manner he might deem most fit
+    for defending Turkish territory from aggression, and he was
+    instructed that if the Russian Fleet left Sebastopol, the
+    British Fleet was to pass through the Bosphorus.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: RESENTMENT OF THE CZAR]
+
+[Pageheading: LORD JOHN AND THE PREMIERSHIP]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _16th October 1853._
+
+We saw Lord Aberdeen yesterday. He went with us through the whole
+of the proceedings of the last six weeks with respect to the Eastern
+Question. Regretted Count Nesselrode's Note,[29] which Baron Brunnow
+owned nobody would regret more than the Count himself, acknowledged
+the weakness of Austria, felt sure of Lord Stratford's insincerity
+towards him and the Government,... as he had to Lord Aberdeen's
+certain knowledge called "the conduct of the Government infamous" and
+declared "he would let the world know that his name was Canning." He
+acknowledged the disadvantage of the course adopted by the Cabinet,
+which left the Turks at liberty to do as they pleased; he had to
+concede this to the Cabinet, which would otherwise have been broken
+up by Lord John and Lord Palmerston. Had he known what the Queen's
+opinion was, he might have been more firm, feeling himself supported
+by the Crown, but he had imagined from her letters that there was more
+animosity against Russia and leaning to war in her mind.
+
+    [Footnote 29: In this despatch to Baron Meyendorff, the
+    Austrian Foreign Minister, the Count had disclosed the fact
+    that the Russian interpretation of the Vienna Note differed
+    from that of the other Powers.]
+
+Yet, under all the adverse circumstances Lord Aberdeen saw still
+reason for hope that a peaceable settlement could be obtained. The
+French were ready to do anything we pleased, go to war, remain at
+peace, etc., etc.; in fact, Louis Napoleon had experienced the great
+advantage for his position of the Alliance with England.... Lord
+Stratford was thoroughly frightened, and had made a proposal himself,
+which accordingly he would support _con amore_. The Emperor of Russia
+had failed in his attempt to form a Northern League against the
+Western Powers.... The Emperor complained bitterly of the conduct
+of the Powers, who had disgraced him before the world by making him
+accept a Note, and sanctioning its alteration by Turkey; "now they
+should do what they pleased and settle matters with Turkey first, and
+bring him only what was settled and fixed, he was wearied of the whole
+business, and anxious to get rid of it for ever."
+
+What Lord Aberdeen now proposed was to follow the Emperor's advice and
+agree with Turkey upon a Note, leaving out all that she had objected
+to in the Vienna Note as Lord Stratford recommended, and taking as
+much as possible Redschid Pasha's own words to found the proposal of
+it upon the declaration made by the Emperor at Olmuetz to the Powers,
+that he sought for _no new_ right, privilege, or advantage, but solely
+for the confirmation of the legal _status quo_, but accompanying this
+with a declaration, that if Turkey created needless difficulties and
+tried to evade a peaceful settlement the Powers would withdraw their
+support and leave her to fight her own battle. We went over the
+Documents which are not yet settled, even between Lord Aberdeen
+and Lord Clarendon, and will require the greatest caution in their
+wording. It is evident that the Turks have every inducement not to
+let this opportunity slip in going to war with Russia, as they will
+probably never find so advantageous a one again, as the whole of
+Christendom has declared them in the right, and they would fight with
+England and France actively on their side!
+
+At home, Lord Aberdeen said matters do not stand much better. Lord
+John has convinced himself that, under present circumstances it
+would not do for him to ask Lord Aberdeen to retire from the Prime
+Ministership and let him step in in his place; perhaps he has found
+out also that the Peelites will not serve under him; his own Whig
+colleagues would very much regret if not object to such a change, and
+that Lord Palmerston could not well submit to the arrangement. So
+he told Lord Aberdeen that he had given up that idea; it was clear,
+however, that he was now looking for an opportunity to break up the
+Government on some popular ground, which it was impossible to hope
+that he should not find. He now had asked for the immediate summoning
+of Parliament, called for by the state of the Oriental Question. This
+would create the greatest alarm in the country, and embarrassment to
+the Government, and was therefore resisted. Lord Aberdeen told Lord
+John quite plainly he knew what the proposal meant--he meant to break
+up the Government. "I hope not," was Lord John's laughing reply.
+
+The Queen taxed Lord Aberdeen with imprudence in talking to Lord
+John of his own readiness to leave office, which he acknowledged, but
+called _very natural_ in a man of seventy. Lord John was dissatisfied
+with his position;... upon Lord Aberdeen telling him that he had the
+most powerful and honourable position of any man in England as leader
+of the House of Commons, he answered, "Oh, _there_ I am quite happy!"
+
+I asked how under such circumstances that all-important measure of
+Parliamentary Reform, upon which the future stability and well-being
+of the Country so much depended, was to be matured and brought
+forward? Lord Aberdeen replied that Lord John had it all ready and
+prepared in his pocket, and told Lord Aberdeen so, adding, however,
+that under present circumstances there was no use in bringing it
+forward, to which Lord Aberdeen added: "You mean unless you sit in the
+chair which I now occupy?" Lord John laughed.
+
+We discussed the probable consequences of Lord John's retirement. Lord
+Aberdeen thought that Lord Palmerston, Lord Lansdowne, and even Lord
+Clarendon would secede with him, but this by no means implied that the
+whole party would; Lord Palmerston would not coalesce with Lord John,
+but try for the lead himself; Lord Clarendon quite agreed with Lord
+Aberdeen, and had been very angry with Lord John, but was personally
+under great obligations to him, and Sir James Graham had (as he said)
+been very much struck with the change of tone in Lord Clarendon at
+the last meeting of the Cabinet. Most of the Liberals seemed very much
+pleased with their situation. Sir James Graham had, of his own accord,
+told Lord Aberdeen that, in the event of Lord John's secession, he
+himself could not well sit in the House of Commons under so much
+younger a man as Mr Gladstone as Leader. He knew that there would be
+objections to his assuming the lead himself, but he would be quite
+ready to go to the House of Lords to support Lord Aberdeen.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
++++++++++++++
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR'S LETTER]
+
+
+_The Emperor of Russia to Queen Victoria._[30]
+
+              18
+TSARSKO, _ce_ -- _Octobre_ 1853.
+              30
+
+MADAME,--Votre Majeste connait, je l'espere, les sentiments
+d'affection sincere qui m'attachent a Sa personne, depuis que j'ai
+eu l'honneur de L'approcher. Il m'a semble qu'Elle daignait aussi
+m'accorder quelque bienveillance. A la veille d'evenements, peut-etre
+fort graves, qu'Elle daigne donc excuser si je m'adresse droit a Elle,
+pour essayer de prevenir des calamites, que nos deux pays ont un egal
+interet a eviter. J'ose le faire avec d'autant plus de confiance,
+que longtemps encore avant que les affaires d'Orient eussent pris
+la facheuse tournure qu'elles ont acquise depuis, je m'etais adresse
+directement a votre Majeste, par l'entremise de Sir Hamilton Seymour,
+pour appeler votre attention, Madame, sur des eventualites, alors
+encore incertaines, mais deja fort probables a mes yeux, et que
+je desirais eclaircir, _avant tout_, avec le Cabinet Anglais, pour
+ecarter autant qu'il m'etait possible, toute divergence d'opinion
+entre nous. La correspondance d'alors, qu'Elle daigne de la faire
+relire atteignit son but, car elle mettait le Gouvernement Anglais au
+fait de mes plus intimes pensees sur ces graves eventualites, tandis
+que, je devais au moins le penser ainsi, j'obtiens en reponse un egal
+expose des vues du Gouvernement de votre Majeste.
+
+Surs ainsi de ce que nous desirions de part et d'autre, par quelle
+fatalite devons-nous donc, Madame, en venir a une mesintelligence
+aussi prononcee, sur des objets qui paraissaient convenus d'avance,
+_ou ma parole est engagee vis-a-vis de votre Majeste_, comme je crois
+_celle du Gouvernement Anglais engagee de meme vis-a-vis de moi_.
+
+C'est a la justice, au c[oe]ur de votre Majeste que j'en appelle,
+c'est a Sa bonne foi et a Sa sagesse que je m'en mets qu'Elle daigne
+de decider entre nous.
+
+Devons nous rester, comme je le souhaite ardemment, dans une bonne
+intelligence egalement profitable a nos deux Etats, ou juge-t-Elle,
+que le pavillon Anglais doive flotter pres du croissant, pour
+combattre la croix de Saint Andre!!!
+
+Telle que soit la determination de votre Majeste, qu'Elle veuille etre
+persuadee de l'inalterable et sincere attachement avec lesquels je ne
+cesserais d'etre, de votre Majeste, le tout devoue frere et ami,
+
+NICOLAS.
+
+Je prie votre Majeste de vouloir bien faire mes amities a Monseigneur
+le Prince Albert.
+
+    [Footnote 30: Greville calls the writing of this letter an
+    unusual step; but in sending it to Lord Aberdeen and Lord
+    Clarendon, the Queen observed that its despatch was an
+    important and advantageous fact, as it both committed the Czar
+    personally, and enabled her to state certain truths to him,
+    as well as to explain privately the views which guided her own
+    and her Ministers' conduct.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STRATFORD'S PROPOSAL]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _5th November 1853._
+
+Although the Queen will have the pleasure of seeing Lord Aberdeen this
+evening, she wishes to make some observations on the subject of Lord
+Stratford's last private letters communicated to her yesterday by Lord
+Clarendon.[31] They exhibit clearly on his part a _desire_ for war,
+and to drag us into it. When he speaks of the sword which will not
+only have to be drawn, but the scabbard thrown away, and says, the war
+to be successful must be a "_very comprehensive one_" on the part of
+England and France, the intention is unmistakable, and it becomes a
+serious question whether we are justified in allowing Lord Stratford
+any longer to remain in a situation which gives him the means of
+frustrating all our efforts for peace. The question becomes still
+graver when it is considered that General Baraguay d'Hilliers seems
+from Lord Cowley's account of his conversation with him equally
+anxious for extreme measures.
+
+The Queen must express her surprise that Lord Stratford should have
+coolly sent on so preposterous a proposal as Redschid Pasha's note
+asking for a Treaty of Alliance, the amalgamation of our Fleets with
+the Turkish one, and the sending of our surplus ships to the "_White_"
+Sea (!) without any hesitation or remark on his part. As the note
+ends, however, by saying that the Porte desires _que les points
+ci-dessus emenes (sic) soient apprecies par les Cours d'Angleterre
+et de France, et que ces Cours veuillent bien declarer leur intention
+d'agir en consequence_, this appears to the Queen to afford an
+admirable opportunity for stating plainly and strongly to the Turkish
+Government that we have _no intention_ of being used by them for their
+own purposes. This time such a declaration might be _handed in_ to the
+Turkish Government, so that there can be no mistake about the matter
+for the future.
+
+The Queen encloses the letter and note, and wishes Lord Aberdeen to
+show her letter to Lord Clarendon.
+
+    [Footnote 31: Lord Stratford had written that Redschid Pasha
+    was unable to make head against his warlike colleagues, and
+    that unless some proposal of a decidedly satisfactory kind
+    should come from Vienna very soon, there would be no chance
+    of avoiding hostilities. Lord Stratford added that he had
+    obtained a promise that no act of hostility should take place
+    on the Turkish side before the expiration of fifteen days, and
+    concluded with the words: "I fear that war is the decree of
+    Fate, and our wisest part will be to do what we can to bring
+    it to a thoroughly good conclusion."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE QUEEN TO THE CZAR]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Emperor of Russia._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _ce 14 Novembre 1853._
+
+SIRE ET TRES CHER FRERE,--C'est avec une profonde et sincere
+satisfaction que je viens de recevoir la lettre que V.M.I. a bien
+voulu m'ecrire le 18/30 Octobre. Je suis vivement touchee des
+sentiments affectueux que vous m'y temoignez. V.M. me connait assez
+pour savoir combien ils sont reciproques.
+
+Je vous remercierai egalement, Sire, de la franchise avec laquelle
+vous me parlez des complications actuelles; je ne saurais mieux
+repondre aux loyales intentions de V.M. qu'en lui exprimant a mon
+tour, et avec toute droiture, mes opinions a ce sujet, car c'est la,
+j'en suis sure, le meilleur moyen de conserver utilement une amitie
+bien veritable.
+
+J'ai, mon cher Frere, conformement a votre desir, relu les
+communications confidentielles que vous avez bien voulu me faire, ce
+printemps, par l'intermediaire du bon Sir Hamilton Seymour, et les
+reponses que mon Gouvernement a recu l'ordre d'adresser a V.M.
+
+Bien qu'une difference d'opinion tres notable devint alors evidente
+entre V.M. et moi relativement a la maniere d'envisager l'etat de la
+Turquie et l'appreciation de sa vitalite, le Memorandum de V.M. en
+date du 3/15 Avril vint neanmoins dissiper de la maniere la plus
+heureuse ces facheuses apprehensions; car il m'annoncait que, si nous
+n'etions pas d'accord sur _l'etat de sante_ de l'Empire Ottoman, nous
+l'etions cependant sur la necessite, pour le laisser vivre, de ne
+point lui faire des demandes humiliantes, pourvu que tout le monde en
+agit de meme, et que personne n'abusat de sa faiblesse pour obtenir
+des avantages exclusifs. V.M. dans ce but, daigna meme se declarer
+prete "a travailler de concert avec l'Angleterre a l'[oe]uvre commune
+de prolonger l'existence de l'Empire Turque, en evitant toute cause
+d'alarme au sujet de sa dissolution."
+
+J'avais de plus la conviction qu'il n'existait et ne pouvait
+exister au fond aucune divergence d'opinion entre nous au sujet des
+reclamations relatives aux Lieux-Saints, reclamations qui, j'avais
+droit de le croire, constituaient le seul grief de la Russie contre la
+Porte.
+
+Je mets, Sire, la confiance la plus entiere dans la parole que V.M. a
+bien voulu me donner alors, et, que les assurances subsequentes, dues
+a votre amitie, sont venues confirmer, en me donnant la connaissance
+de Vos intentions. Personne n'apprecie plus que moi la haute loyaute
+de V.M., et je voudrais que les convictions que j'ai a cet egard
+pussent seules resoudre toutes les difficultes. Mais quelle que soit
+la purete des motifs qui dirigent les actions du Souverain meme le
+plus eleve par le caractere, V.M. sait que ses qualites personnelles
+ne sont point suffisantes dans des transactions internationales par
+lesquelles un Etat se lie envers un autre en de solennels engagements;
+et les veritables intentions de V.M. ont ete a coup sur meconnues et
+mal interpretees, a cause de la forme donnee au reclamations adressees
+a la Porte.
+
+Ayant a c[oe]ur, Sire, d'examiner ce qui avait pu produire ce facheux
+malentendu, mon attention a ete naturellement attiree par l'article
+7 du Traite de Kainardji; et je dois dire a V.M. qu'apres avoir
+consulte, sur le sens qui pouvait avoir ete attache a cet article,
+les personnes les plus competentes de ce pays-ci; apres l'avoir relu
+ensuite moi-meme, avec le plus sincere desir d'impartialite, je suis
+arrivee a la conviction que cet article n'etait point susceptible de
+l'extension qu'on y a voulu donner. Tous les amis de V.M. ont, comme
+moi, la certitude que vous n'auriez point abuse du pouvoir, que vous
+eut ainsi ete accorde; mais une demande de ce genre, pouvait a peine
+etre acceptee par un Souverain qui tient a son independance.
+
+Je ne cacherai pas davantage a V.M. l'impression douloureuse qu'a
+produit sur moi l'occupation des Principautes. Cette occupation a
+cause, depuis les quatres derniers mois, une perturbation generale
+en Europe, et pourrait amener des evenements ulterieurs que je
+deplorerais d'un commun accord avec V.M. Mais, comme les intentions
+de V.M. envers la Porte sont, je le sais, amicales et desinteressees,
+j'ai toute confiance que vous trouverez le moyen de les exprimer et
+mettre a execution de maniere a detourner de plus graves dangers,
+que tous mes efforts, je vous assure, tendront sans cesse a empecher.
+L'attention impartiale avec laquelle j'ai suivi les causes qui ont
+fait echouer jusqu'a present toutes les tentatives de conciliation,
+me donne la ferme conviction qu'il n'existe pas d'obstacle reel qui ne
+puisse etre ecarte ou promptement surmonte avec l'assistance de V.M.
+
+Je n'abandonne point l'espoir de cet heureux resultat, meme apres les
+tristes conflits qui ont fait couler le sang dans les Principautes;
+car j'ai la foi en Dieu que lorsque de toute part les intentions
+sont droites et lorsque les interets bien entendus sont communs, le
+Tout-Puissant ne permettra pas que l'Europe entiere qui contient
+deja tant d'elements inflammables, soit exposee a une conflagration
+generale.
+
+Que Dieu veille sur les jours de V.M.; et croyez, Sire, a
+l'attachement sincere avec lequel je suis, Sire et cher Frere, de
+votre Majeste Imperiale, la bien bonne S[oe]ur et Amie,
+
+VICTORIA R.
+
+Albert est tres sensible au souvenir de V.M. et me prie de le mettre a
+vos pieds.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN'S SCRUPLES]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _26th November 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty. The Cabinet
+met to-day for the consideration of the overtures made by the French
+Government for the settlement of the Eastern Question.[32] These
+proposals were in substance adopted; although a considerable change
+was made in their form, and in some of their details. The step now
+taken is evidently wise; but Lord Aberdeen can scarcely venture
+to hope that it will be attended with success. Pacific language is
+accompanied with insulting and hostile acts; and it remains to be seen
+what effect will be produced on the Emperor of Russia by the entrance
+of English and French ships of war into the Black Sea, under the
+pretext of bringing off Consuls from Varna, and of looking after the
+grain-ships at the Sulina mouth of the Danube. This information has
+hitherto been only communicated by telegraph; but it is calculated
+to lead to serious consequences, of which Lord Stratford must be
+perfectly well aware.
+
+    [Footnote 32: The Emperor had made certain suggestions to Lord
+    Cowley, which the British Government were willing to adopt;
+    but the anti-Russian feeling was increasing daily in the
+    nation, and, as will be seen from the Queen's letter of the
+    27th of November, Lord Stratford seemed resolved on war.]
+
+
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+OSBORNE, _27th November 1853._
+
+The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of yesterday. She is
+sorry to find that after all a considerable change was made in the
+form of the French proposal. She is not aware at present of what that
+change consists in and is therefore unable to form an opinion as
+to the effects of its introduction, but she quite concurs in Lord
+Aberdeen's apprehensions with regard to the effect of Lord Stratford's
+orders to the Fleet. The perusal of Lord Stratford's Despatches of the
+5th inst. has given the Queen the strongest impression that, whilst
+guarding himself against the possibility of being called to account
+for acting in opposition to his instructions, he is pushing us deeper
+and deeper into the War policy which we wish to escape. Wherefore
+should three poor Turkish steamers go to the Crimea, but to beard the
+Russian Fleet and tempt it to come out of Sebastopol, which would thus
+constitute the much desired contingency for our combined Fleets to
+attack it, and so engage us irretrievably!
+
+The Queen must seriously call upon Lord Aberdeen and the Cabinet to
+consider whether they are justified in allowing such a state of things
+to continue!
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: THE CZAR TO THE QUEEN]
+
+
+_The Emperor of Russia to Queen Victoria._
+
+                     2
+S. PETERSBOURG, _le -- Decembre 1853._
+                    14
+
+MADAME,--Je remercie votre Majeste d'avoir eu la bonte de repondre
+aussi amicalement que franchement a la lettre que j'ai eu l'honneur
+de lui ecrire. Je la remercie egalement de la foi qu'elle accorde a
+ma parole,--je crois le meriter, je l'avoue,--28 annees d'une vie
+politique, souvent fort penible, ne peuvent donner le droit a personne
+d'en douter.
+
+Je me permets aussi, contrairement a l'avis de votre Majeste, de
+penser, qu'en affaires publiques et en relations de pays a pays,
+rien ne peut etre _plus sacre_ et ne l'est en effet a mes yeux que la
+parole souveraine, car elle decide en derniere instance de la paix
+ou de la guerre. Je ne fatiguerais certes pas l'attention de votre
+Majeste par un examen detaille du sens qu'elle donne a l'article 7 du
+Traite de Kainardji; j'assurerais seulement, Madame, que depuis 80 ans
+la Russie et la Porte l'ont compris ainsi que nous le faisons encore.
+Ce sens-la n'a ete interrompu qu'en derniers temps, a la suite
+d'instigations que votre Majeste connait aussi bien que moi.
+Le retablir dans son reception primitive et la justifier par un
+engagement plus solennel, tel est le but de mes efforts, tel il sera,
+Madame, quand meme le sang devrait couler encore contre mon v[oe]u le
+plus ardent; parce que c'est une question vitale pour la Russie, et
+mes efforts ne lui sont impossibles pour y satisfaire.
+
+Si j'ai du occuper les Principautes, ce que je regrette autant que
+votre Majeste, c'est encore Madame, parce que les libertes dont ces
+provinces jouissent, leurs ont ete acquises _au prix du sang Russe, et
+par moi-meme Madame les annees_ 1828 _et_ 29. Il ne s'agit donc pas de
+_conquetes_, mais a la veille d'un conflit que l'on rendait de plus en
+plus probable, il eut ete indigne de moi de les livrer surement a la
+main des ennemis du Christianisme, dont les persecutions ne sont un
+secret que pour ceux qui veulent l'ignorer. J'esperais avoir repondu
+ainsi aux doutes et aux regrets de votre Majeste _avec la plus entiere
+franchise_. Elle veut bien me dire qu'Elle ne doute pas qu'avec mon
+aide le retablissement de la paix ne soit encore possible, malgre
+le sang repandu; j'y reponds de grand c[oe]ur, _Oui_, Madame, si les
+organes des volontes de votre Majeste _executent fidelement ses ordres
+et ses intentions bienveillantes. Les miennes n'out pas varie des le
+debut de cette triste episode. Reculer devant le danger, comme vouloir
+maintenant autre chose que je n'ai voulu en violant ma parole, serait
+au-dessous de moi_, et le noble c[oe]ur de votre Majeste doit le
+comprendre.
+
+J'ajouterais encore que son c[oe]ur saignera en apprenant les horreurs
+qui se commettent deja par les hordes sauvages, pres desquels flotte
+le pavillon Anglais!!!
+
+Je la remercie cordialement des v[oe]ux qu'Elle veut bien faire pour
+moi; tant que ma vie se prolongera ils seront reciproques de ma part.
+Je suis heureux de le Lui dire, en l'assurant du sincere attachement
+avec lequel je suis, Madame, de votre Majeste, le tout devoue Frere
+and Ami,
+
+NICOLAS.
+
+Je me rappelle encore une fois au bon souvenir de Son Altesse Royale
+le Prince Albert et le remercie egalement de ses paroles obligeantes.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON AND REFORM]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _6th December 1853._
+
+... As Lord John Russell will have the honour of seeing your Majesty
+to-morrow, he will be able to explain to your Majesty the present
+state of the discussions on Reform, and the progress of the
+Measure.[33] Lord Aberdeen feels it to be his duty to inform your
+Majesty that on Saturday evening he received a visit from Lord
+Palmerston, who announced his decided objection to the greater part
+of the proposed plan.[34] He did this in such positive terms that
+Lord Aberdeen should imagine he had made up his mind not to give the
+Measure his support; but Lord John entertains considerable doubt that
+such is the case.
+
+Lord Aberdeen thinks it by no means improbable that Lord Palmerston
+may also desire to separate himself from the Government, in
+consequence of their pacific policy, and in order to take the lead of
+the War Party and the Anti-Reformers in the House of Commons, who
+are essentially the same. Such a combination would undoubtedly
+be formidable; but Lord Aberdeen trusts that it would not prove
+dangerous. At all events, it would tend greatly to the improvement of
+Lord John's Foreign Policy.
+
+    [Footnote 33: On the 19th of November Lord John had written to
+    the Queen outlining the Reform proposals of the Committee of
+    the Cabinet. The Queen subsequently wrote to make additional
+    suggestions, _e.g._, for finding a means of bringing into the
+    House official persons or men without local connections, and
+    for dealing with Ministerial re-elections.]
+
+    [Footnote 34: Lord Palmerston wrote to Lord Lansdowne, giving
+    an account of the affair:--
+
+    "CARLTON GARDENS, _8th December 1853._
+
+    "MY DEAR LANSDOWNE,--I have had two conversations with
+    Aberdeen on the subject of John Russell's proposed Reform
+    Bill, and I have said that there are three points in it to
+    which I cannot agree.
+
+    "These points are--the extent of disfranchisement, the
+    extent of enfranchisement, and the addition of the Municipal
+    Franchise in Boroughs to the L10 Householder Franchise....
+
+    "We should by such an arrangement increase the number of
+    bribeable Electors, and overpower intelligence and property by
+    ignorance and poverty.
+
+    "I have told Aberdeen that I am persuaded that the Measure as
+    proposed by John Russell and Graham will not pass through the
+    two Houses of Parliament without material modifications, and
+    that I do not choose to be a party to a contest between the
+    two Houses or to an Appeal to the Country for a Measure of
+    which I decidedly disapprove; and that I cannot enter into a
+    career which would lead me to such a position, that, in
+    short, I do not choose to be dragged through the dirt by John
+    Russell. I reminded Aberdeen that on accepting his offer of
+    Office, I had expressed apprehension both to him and to you,
+    that I might find myself differing from my Colleagues on the
+    question of Parliamentary Reform.
+
+    "I have thought a good deal on this matter. I should be very
+    sorry to give up my present Office at this moment: I have
+    taken a great interest in it, and I have matters in hand which
+    I should much wish to bring to a conclusion. Moreover, I
+    think that the presence in the Cabinet of a person holding the
+    opinions which I entertain as to the principles on which our
+    Foreign Affairs ought to be conducted, is useful in modifying
+    the contrary system of Policy, which, as I think, injuriously
+    to the interests and dignity of the Country, there is a
+    disposition in other quarters to pursue; but notwithstanding
+    all this. I cannot consent to stand forward as one of the
+    Authors and Supporters of John Russell's sweeping alterations.
+    Yours sincerely,
+
+    PALMERSTON."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON'S POSITION]
+
+
+_The Prince Albert to the Earl of Aberdeen._
+
+OSBORNE, _9th December 1853._
+
+MY DEAR LORD ABERDEEN,--The Queen has consulted with Lord John
+Russell upon the Reform plan, and on the question of Lord Palmerston's
+position with regard to it; and he will doubtless give you an account
+of what passed. She wishes me, however, to tell you likewise what
+strikes her with respect to Lord Palmerston. It appears to the Queen
+clear that the Reform Bill will have no chance of success unless
+prepared and introduced in Parliament by a _united_ Cabinet; that,
+if Lord Palmerston has made up his mind to oppose it and to leave the
+Government, there will be no use in trying to keep him in it, and that
+there will be danger in allowing him to attend the discussions of
+the Cabinet, preparing all the time his line of attack; that if a
+successor to him would after all have to be found at the Home Office,
+it will be unfair not to give that important member of the Government
+full opportunity to take his share in the preparation and deliberation
+on the measure to which his consent would be asked. Under these
+circumstances it becomes of the highest importance to ascertain--
+
+1. What the amount of objection is that Lord Palmerston entertains to
+the Measure;
+
+2. What the object of the declaration was, which he seems to have made
+to you.
+
+This should be obtained _in writing_, so as to make all future
+misrepresentation impossible, and on this alone a decision can well
+be taken, and, in the Queen's opinion, even the Cabinet could alone
+deliberate.
+
+Should Lord Palmerston have stated his objections with the view of
+having the Measure modified it will be right to consider how far that
+can safely be done, and for the Queen, also, to balance the probable
+value of the modification with the risk of allowing Lord Palmerston to
+put himself at the head of the Opposition Party, entailing as it does
+the possibility of his forcing himself back upon her as leader of that
+Party.
+
+Should he on the other hand consider his declaration as a "notice
+to quit," the ground upon which he does so should be clearly put on
+record, and no attempt should be made to damage the character of the
+Measure in the vain hope of propitiating him. Ever yours truly,
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON RESIGNS]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+OSBORNE, _16th December 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen arrived yesterday and returned to-day to meet the
+Cabinet to-morrow. Lord Palmerston has sent in his resignation in a
+short note to Lord Aberdeen, a further correspondence with Lord John
+and Lord Lansdowne, Lord Aberdeen put into my hands, and I have copied
+the two most important letters which follow here.
+
+Lord John is reported as very angry, calling Lord Palmerston's conduct
+"treacherous," a term Lord Aberdeen hardly understands, as against him
+he has been perfectly consistent with regard to the Reform Measure,
+from the beginning, and had frequently denied the necessity of
+Reform.... Lord Aberdeen had advised Lord John to show boldness and
+energy, and to undertake the Home Office at once himself; this would
+have a great effect under the difficulties of the circumstances,
+would show that he was in earnest and determined to carry his Reform
+Measure. Lord John seemed hit by the idea, but asked for time to
+consider; after seeing _Lady_ John, however, he declined.
+
+Lord Aberdeen's fears are still mainly as to the Eastern Question,
+Lord John pressing for war measures. Lord Aberdeen had followed my
+advice, and had a long explanation on the subject, in which they
+both agreed that their policy should be one of Peace, and he thought
+matters settled when Lord John now asks for contingent engagements to
+make war on Russia if her forces cross the Danube (which Lord Aberdeen
+thinks quite uncalled for), and to convoy the Turkish expeditions in
+the Black Sea, even if directed against Russian territory, etc., etc.
+The Cabinet is certain not to agree to either of these propositions.
+
+When Lord Aberdeen announced the intended rupture with Lord Palmerston
+to Lord John, he drily said: "Well, it would be very awkward for you
+if Palmerston quarrels one day with you about Reform, and I the next
+about Turkey!"
+
+There can be no doubt that Lord Palmerston will at once try to put
+himself at the head of the late Protectionist party, and, with the
+present indifference of the Country upon Reform, the fate of the Bill
+is by no means certain. On the question of Peace or War, Lord
+Aberdeen is quite certain that the House of Commons will adopt no war
+resolutions.
+
+Much will depend, however, on the line taken by Lord Lansdowne, who
+has great influence in the House of Lords, and whose secession would
+spread great alarm over the Country as to the real tendency of the
+Measure (which the Duke of Newcastle describes as in fact a great
+increase of power to the land[35]). We agree that the Queen should
+write to him to prevent any hasty step.
+
+The Queen sanctioned the offer of the Home Office to Sir George Grey,
+and of a seat in the Cabinet to Mr Cardwell (the President of the
+Board of Trade).
+
+ALBERT.
+
+    [Footnote 35: _I.e._, the landed interest.]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD LANSDOWNE AND REFORM]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne._
+
+OSBORNE, _16th December 1853._
+
+The Queen has been made very anxious by the Resignation of Lord
+Palmerston, but still more so by hearing that Lord Lansdowne has
+not been able to reconcile himself to the Measure of Reform as
+now proposed in the Cabinet, which has caused Lord Palmerston's
+withdrawal. Lord Lansdowne is aware of the paramount importance which
+the Queen attaches to a safe settlement of that question, and to the
+maintenance of her present Government; and she would press upon Lord
+Lansdowne not to commit himself to a final determination before she
+shall have an opportunity of seeing him. The Queen will go to Windsor
+on Thursday, and hold a Council on Friday, at which it may perhaps be
+convenient to Lord Lansdowne to attend, and it will give the Queen
+the greatest pleasure to find that Lord John Russell has succeeded in
+removing Lord Lansdowne's objections.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: LORD STRATFORD'S DESPATCH]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
+
+OSBORNE, _17th December 1853._
+
+The Queen returns the enclosed Draft and Despatch to Lord Clarendon.
+
+She has never been so much perplexed respecting any decision she has
+had to make, as in the present instance. She has read Lord Stratford's
+Despatch (358) over several times, and she is struck, every time more,
+with the consummate ability with which it is written and argued; but
+also with the difficulty in which it places the person reading it to
+extract distinctly what the Porte will be prepared to concede.
+
+The concluding passage of the Draft involves the most important
+consequences. As the Queen understands it, it promises war with Russia
+in a given contingency, but the contingency is: Russia rejecting terms
+which are "in their spirit and character such as Your Excellency sets
+forth in your Despatch." The Queen finds it impossible to make such
+tremendous consequences dependent upon such vague expressions. The
+more so, as "the spirit and character" alluded to, appears to her to
+be, as if purposely, obscure.
+
+When Lord Stratford says, that the Turks would be satisfied "with a
+renewal in clear and comprehensive terms of the formal Declarations
+and Treaties already existing in favour of the Porte"--the Queen
+cannot understand what is meant--as all the former Treaties between
+Russia and Turkey have certainly not been in favour of the Porte.
+Nor is it clear to the Queen whether "the clear and unquestionable
+deliverance from Russian interference applied to spiritual matters" is
+compatible with the former treaties.
+
+Whilst the Queen, therefore, perfectly agrees in the principle
+that, should Russia "for its own unjustifiable objects, show herself
+regardless of the best interests of Europe" by rejecting every fair
+term, the time will have arrived "for adopting measures of more active
+coercion against her"--she cannot sanction such a Declaration
+except on terms which are so clear in themselves as to exclude all
+misinterpretation.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: SINOPE]
+
+
+_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
+
+(Undated.)
+
+The Queen has received Lord Clarendon's letter of the 19th, and
+enclosures. She approves the Draft to Vienna, and asks to have a copy
+of it, together with the Despatch from Lord Westmorland to which it
+refers.
+
+She also approves of the Draft to Lord Cowley, with certain
+exceptions, viz., on the second page our accordance with the views
+of the French Government "upon the utterly unjustifiable course that
+Russia has pursued," etc., is stated. If, as the Queen must read it,
+this refers to the affair at Sinope,[36] it is a dangerous assertion,
+as we have yet no authentic account of the circumstances of the case,
+which would make it possible to judge what degree of justification
+there might have been. The sentence should, at any rate, be qualified
+by some expression such as "as far as we know," or "should present
+accounts prove correct," etc.
+
+The word "utterly" might under any circumstances be left out, as a
+state of War is in itself a justification of a battle.
+
+On page four the words "by sea" will have to be added to make the
+statement precise and correct.
+
+The concluding sentence, the Queen must consider as tantamount to
+a declaration of war, which, under the guarded conditions however
+attached to it, she feels she cannot refuse to sanction. It would, in
+the Queen's opinion, be necessary, however, distinctly and fully to
+acquaint the Russian Government with the step now agreed upon.
+
+Lord Palmerston's mode of proceeding always had that advantage, that
+it threatened steps which it was hoped would not become necessary,
+whilst those hitherto taken, started on the principle of not
+needlessly offending Russia by threats, obliging us at the same time
+to take the very steps which we refused to threaten.
+
+The Queen has to make one more and a most _serious_ observation. The
+Fleet has orders now to prevent a recurrence of such disasters as that
+of Sinope. This cannot mean that it should protect the Turkish Fleet
+in acts of aggression upon the Russian territory, such as an attack on
+Sebastopol, of which the papers speak. This point will have to be made
+quite clear, both to Lord Stratford and the Turks.
+
+The Queen would also wish to have copies of the Draft, when corrected,
+of Lord Cowley's Despatch.
+
+    [Footnote 36: On the 30th of November the Russian Fleet from
+    Sevastopol attacked the Turkish squadron in the harbour of
+    Sinope, a naval station in the Black Sea, and destroyed it.
+    The feeling in the country against Russia was greatly inflamed
+    by the incident, which was referred to as the "massacre of
+    Sinope."]
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PUBLIC FEELING]
+
+
+_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th December 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen had an Audience of the Queen yesterday afternoon.
+He reported that some of his colleagues, Sir C. Wood, the Duke
+of Newcastle, and Mr Gladstone, had been very anxious that Lord
+Palmerston should be readmitted into the Cabinet; they had had
+interviews with him in which he had expressed his hope to be allowed
+to reconsider his step. Lady Palmerston had been most urgent upon this
+point with her husband. All the people best conversant with the House
+of Commons stated that the Government had no chance of going on with
+Lord Palmerston in opposition, and with the present temper of the
+public, which was quite mad about the Oriental Question and the
+disaster at Sinope. Even Sir W. Molesworth shared this opinion.
+
+Lord Palmerston had written a letter to Lord Aberdeen, in which he
+begs to have his resignation considered as not having taken place,
+as it arose entirely from a misapprehension on his part, his having
+believed that none of the details of the Reform Measure were yet
+open for consideration, he had quite agreed in the principle of the
+Measure! Lord Aberdeen saw Lord John and Sir J. Graham, who convinced
+themselves that under the circumstances nothing else remained to be
+done. Lord Aberdeen having asked Lord John whether he should tell the
+Queen that it was a political _necessity_, he answered: "Yes, owing to
+the shabbiness of your colleagues," to which Lord Aberdeen rejoined:
+"Not shabbiness; _cowardice_ is the word."
+
+Lord Aberdeen owns that the step must damage the Government, although
+it ought to damage Lord Palmerston still more. Lord John's expression
+was: "Yes, it would ruin anybody but Palmerston."
+
+Lord Aberdeen thinks, however, that he can make no further
+difficulties about Reform, and he, Lord John, and Graham were
+determined to make no material alterations in the Bill. Graham is
+suspicious lest the wish to get Palmerston in again, on the part of
+a section of the Cabinet, was an intrigue to get the Measure
+emasculated. Lord Aberdeen does not believe this....
+
+Lord Aberdeen describes Lord John's feeling as very good and cordial
+towards him. He, Lord John, had even made him a long speech to show
+his gratitude for Lord Aberdeen's kindness to him.
+
+ALBERT.
+
+
+
+
+[Pageheading: PALMERSTON RESUMES OFFICE]
+
+
+_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
+
+LONDON, _26th December 1853._
+
+Lord Aberdeen, with his most humble duty to your Majesty, has the
+honour of enclosing copies of Lord Palmerston's letter to him,[37]
+and of his answer. Lord Aberdeen was not without some apprehension
+of receiving a rejoinder; but instead of which, a note arrived this
+morning, merely asking if a Cabinet was likely to be summoned in the
+course of the week, as he was going into the country; in fact, a note
+just as if nothing whatever has taken place!
+
+    [Footnote 37: Lord Palmerston wrote: "I find ... that I was
+    mistaken in inferring from your letter that the details of
+    the intended Reform Bill had been finally settled by the
+    Government, and that no objection to any part of those details
+    would be listened to." He went on to say that, under the
+    circumstances, he could not decline to comply with the wish
+    of many members of the Government that he should withdraw his
+    resignation.]
+
+
+
+
+_Printed by Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ld. London and Aylesbury.
+Paper supplied by John Dickinson & Co., Ld., London._
+
+       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+[ae] and [oe] are used for the diphthongs/ligatures in (mostly) French
+words. (e.g. c[oe]ur, heart; s[oe]ur, sister; ch[oe]ur; choir).
+
+The original pageheadings have been retained, and moved to appropriate
+positions, at the beginning of letters and text to which they refer,
+so as not to interrupt the flow of the text. Thus, a long letter may
+be prefaced by two, or even three pageheadings. Likewise, footnotes
+have been moved to the end of the appropriate letter, or the
+appropriate paragraph, in the case of longer pieces of text.
+
+
+Mr or Mr.
+
+Most instances of this form of address, in the book, are 'Mr', without
+the period. There are a few spelt as 'Mr.', with the period. These
+have been left as they appeared in the original book.
+
+
+Russian Dates.
+
+The difference between the Russian Calendar and the Calendar used in
+Western Europe was 12 days...22nd March 1848, in Great Britain and
+Western Europe, was 3rd April in Russia; 8th April 1853, in Great
+Britain and Western Europe, was 20th April in Russia, etc.
+
+
+
+ERRATA (and sic):
+
+Obvious punctuation errors have been repaired.
+
+Pages 124/5: 'Wellingon' corrected to 'Wellington' [Footnote 6: The
+Duke of Wellington wrote to Croker, 19th of December 1846...]
+
+Page 146: '1843' corrected to '1848'. CLAREMONT, _11th January 1848._
+
+Page 173: 'sacrified' corrected to 'sacrificed' ... interests (those of
+the smaller Sovereigns) are not sacrificed....
+
+Page 186, Footnote 33: 'De Tallenay' corrected to 'de Tallenay'
+
+Page 187: Innspruck (sic: alternative spelling)
+
+Page 332: happness corrected to happiness.
+
+Page 341: 'you' corrected to 'your' (Ever your devoted Niece....)
+
+Page 388: 'Excehquer' corrected to 'Exchequer' (The Chancellor of the
+Excehquer)
+
+Page 389: 'you' corrected to 'your' (ever your truly devoted Niece,)
+
+Page 403: 'decidedy' corrected to 'decidedly' (and that they were
+decidedly acting together.)
+
+Page 443: 'an at' corrected to at an (... should be at an end.)
+
+Page 458: 'Queston' corrected to 'Question' (the Oriental Question.)
+
+Page 471: 'opnion' corrected to 'opinion' (... shared this opinion.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Letters of Queen Victoria, Vol 2
+(of 3), 1844-1853, by Queen Victoria
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS--QUEEN VICTORIA, 1844-1853 ***
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