part in the proceedings.
It added that the King could not, in any event, be in England before
the latter end of May or beginning of June, and rather hinted that
as his proposed visit was more out of a spirit of contradiction and
impatience of obstacles being thrown in the way of it, than from any
strong wish on his part to come here, he might probably change his
intention and defer his visit, particularly if he should find that
there was no particular impediment in the way of it.
_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
WHITEHALL, _13th April 1843._
Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
leave to acquaint your Majesty that the Duke of Cambridge having
called on Sir Robert Peel this morning, he took an opportunity of
asking His Royal Highness whether he thought the King of Hanover had
made up his mind to visit England this year.
The Duke's reply was, as nearly as possible, as follows:--
"Oh yes, the King will certainly come, but I can tell you privately he
means to have nothing to do with the House of Lords. He will not
make his appearance there. The King has taken his servants for six
weeks--that is, engaged their attendance upon him for that time.
I know the porter is engaged and the stable servants. The King has
written to Her Majesty. His real object in coming is to arrange his
private papers, which were left in confusion, and to consult Sir Henry
Halford."[31]
This was all that was material that His Royal Highness said.
[Footnote 31: The eminent physician.]
[Pageheading: THE GATES OF SOMNAUTH]
_Lord Ellenborough to Queen Victoria._
CAMP, DELHI, _19th February 1843._
... The gates of the Temple of Somnauth, which have been escorted to
Delhi by five hundred cavalry of the protected Sikh States, will be
escorted from Delhi to Muttra, and thence to Agra by the same force of
cavalry, furnished by the Rajahs of Bhurtpore and Alwar.[32]
While there has been universally evinced a feeling of gratitude to
the British Government for the consideration shown to the people of
Hindustan in the restoration of these trophies, there has not occurred
a single instance of apparent mortification amongst the Mussulmans.
All consider the restoration of the gates to be a national, not a
religious, triumph. At no place has more satisfaction been expressed
than at Paniput, a town almost exclusively Mussulman, where there
exist the remains of the first mosque built by Sultan Mahmood after he
had destroyed the city and temples of the Hindoos....
[Footnote 32: See _ante_, p. 445. (Ch. XI, 'The Gates of Somnauth')]
[Pageheading: DEATH OF THE DUKE OF SUSSEX]
_Extract from the Will of his late Royal Highness the Duke of
Sussex, dated the 11th August 1840[33] (sent at the Queen's
request by Sir Robert Peel to the Duke of Wellington for his
advice.)_
"I desire that on my death my body may be opened, and should the
examination present anything useful or interesting to science, I
empower my executors to make it public. And I desire to be buried in
the public cemetery at Kensal Green in the Parish of Harrow, in the
County of Middlesex, and not at Windsor."
[Footnote 33: The Duke of Sussex died on 21st April of
erysipelas. His first marriage in 1793 to Lady Augusta Murray,
daughter of the fourth Earl of Dunmore, was declared void
under the Royal Marriage Act. Lady Augusta died in 1830; her
daughter married Sir Thomas Wilde, afterwards Lord Truro. The
Duke contracted a second marriage with Lady Cecilia Underwood,
daughter of the Earl of Arran and widow of Sir George Buggin:
she was created Duchess of Inverness in 1840, with remainder
to her heirs-male.]
_The Duke of Wellington to Sir Robert Peel._
STRATHFIELDSAYE, _21st April 1843._
MY DEAR PEEL,--I have just now received your letter of this day, and I
return the enclosure in the box. It appears to me that the whole case
must be considered as hanging together; that is, the desire to be
buried at Kensal Green, that of Freemasons to pay Masonic Honours,[34]
that the body of the Duchess of Inverness should be interred near to
his when she dies.
Parties still alive have an interest in the attainment of the two last
objects, which are quite incompatible with the interment of a Prince
of the Blood, a Knight of the Garter, in St George's Chapel at
Windsor.
The Queen's Royal Command might overrule the Duke's desire to be
buried at Kensal Green.[35] Nobody would complain of or contend
against it.
But there will be no end of the complaints of interference by
authority on the part of Freemasons, and of those who will take part
with the Duchess of Inverness: and it is a curious fact that there
are persons in Society who are interested in making out that she was
really married to the Duke.[36] Against this we must observe that it
will be urged that the omission to insist that the interment should
take place in the Collegiate Chapel of St George's, Windsor, and thus
to set aside the will, lowers the Royal Family in the opinion of the
public, and is a concession to Radicalism. But it is my opinion that
the reasons will justify that which will be done in conformity with
the will.
I confess that I don't like to decide upon cases in such haste; and
I cannot consider it necessary that a decision should be made on the
course to be taken in respect to the Duke's funeral, on the morrow of
the day on which he died.
It would be desirable to know the opinion of the Lord Chancellor, the
Archbishop, and others.
I can't think of anything likely to occur, which might alter me: and
I'll abide by that which I have above given.
It will be absolutely necessary to take effective measures for the
preservation of the peace at this funeral at Kensal Green: and
even that the magistrates should superintend the procession of the
Freemasons. Believe me, ever yours most sincerely,
WELLINGTON.
[Footnote 34: The Duke of Sussex being Grand Master of
England, and Master of the Lodge of Antiquity.]
[Footnote 35: The body lay in state at Kensington, and was
eventually buried, as the Duke had desired, in the Kensal
Green Cemetery.]
[Footnote 36: See _ante_, p. 478, note 33 (this Ch., above). The
marriage took place, by special licence, at Lady Cecilia's house
in Great Cumberland Place.]
_Queen Adelaide to Queen Victoria._
_22nd April 1843._
MY DEAREST NIECE,--I am just come back and feel very anxious to
know how you are, and beg at the same time to offer to you my most
affectionate condolence on the melancholy event which has taken again
another member of our family from us. Pray do not trouble _yourself_
with answering this note, but let me hear how you feel, and whether
you will like to see me to-morrow or at any time most convenient to
you.
I feel deeply our new loss, which recalls all the previous sad losses
which we have had so forcibly, and I pray that it may not affect you
too much, dearest Victoria, and that you will not suffer from the
shock it must have been to you. I was not in the least aware of the
danger and near approach of the fatal end, and only yesterday began to
feel alarmed by the accounts which I had received.
I have been with the poor Duchess of Inverness on my way to town, and
found her as composed as possible under the sad circumstances, and
full of gratitude to you and all the family for all the kindness which
she had received. I pity her very much. It must be her comfort to have
made the last years of the Duke's life happy, and to have been his
comfort to the last moment.
I wish you good-night, dearest Niece, and beg you to give my best
love to dear Albert, and to believe me most devotedly your most
affectionate Aunt,
ADELAIDE.
[Pageheading: BIRTH OF PRINCESS ALICE]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _16th May 1843._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your kind and dear letter of the 12th has given
me great pleasure. I am happy to give you still better accounts of
myself.[37] I have been out every day since Saturday, and have resumed
all my usual habits almost (of course resting often on the sofa, and
not having appeared in Society yet), and feel so strong and well; much
better (independent of the nerves) than I have been either time. We
are most thankful for it. The King of Hanover has never said _when_ he
will come, even _now_, but always threatens that he will....
Our little baby, who I really am proud of, for she is so very forward
for her age, is to be called _Alice_, an old English name, and the
other names are to be _Maud_ (another old English name and the same
as Matilda) and _Mary_, as she was born on Aunt Gloucester's birthday.
The Sponsors are to be: The King of Hanover,--Ernestus the Pious; poor
Princess Sophia Matilda,[38] and Feodore, and the christening to be on
the 2nd of June. It will be delightful to see you and dearest Louise
on the 19th of June, God willing.
Are there any news of Joinville's proceedings at Rio?[39] Ever your
devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 37: Princess Alice was born on 25th April.]
[Footnote 38: Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester.]
[Footnote 39: He married Princess Francesca, sister of the
Emperor of the Brazils and of Queen Donna Maria.]
[Pageheading: CHRISTENING OF PRINCESS ALICE]
_The Earl of Ripon to Queen Victoria._
INDIA BOARD, _5th June 1843._
Lord Ripon, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs to inform your
Majesty that despatches have been this day received at the India House
from the Governor-General of India and from the Governor of Bombay,
announcing the successful issue of a battle, on the 24th of March,
between Sir Charles Napier and Meer Shere Mahommed.[40] The forces of
the latter were completely routed, with the loss of all the guns and
several standards.
RIPON.
[Footnote 40: Sir Charles Napier, who was in command in
Scinde, defeated the army of the Ameers of Upper and Lower
Scinde at Meeanee on 17th February, and on the 20th took
Hyderabad. On the 24th March he attacked the enemy, who were
posted in a strong position on the banks of a tributary of the
Indus, and obtained a decisive victory.]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
CLAREMONT, _6th June 1843._
DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your kind letter on Sunday, and thank
you much for it. I am sorry that you could not take the children to
Ardenne, as nothing is so good for children as _very_ frequent change
of air, and think you do not let the children do so often enough.
Ours do so continually, and are so movable that it gives us no trouble
whatever.
Our christening went off very brilliantly, and I wish you could have
witnessed it; nothing could be more _anständig_, and little _Alice_
behaved extremely well. The _déjeuner_ was served in the Gallery, as
at dear Pussy's christening, and there being a profusion of flowers on
the table, etc., had a beautiful effect.
The King of Hanover arrived _just in time_ to be _too late_. He is
grown very old and excessively thin, and bends a good deal. He is very
gracious, for _him_. Pussy and _Bertie_ (as we call the boy) were
not at all afraid of him, _fortunately_; they appeared after the
_déjeuner_ on Friday, and I wish you could have seen them; they
behaved so beautifully before that great number of people, and I must
say looked _very dear_, all in white, and _very distingués_; they were
much admired.
We came here on Saturday. The news from Ireland continue to be very
alarming. Hoping to hear soon, for _certain_, when you come, believe
me, ever, your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
I hope you will _kindly answer_ my letter of _last Tuesday_.
[Pageheading: IRISH AFFAIRS]
_Sir Thomas Fremantle_[41] _to Sir Robert Peel._[42]
HOUSE OF COMMONS, _9th June (1843)._
MY DEAR SIR ROBERT,--The King of Hanover took his seat at twenty
minutes past four. He is now on the Woolsack with the Lord Chancellor,
the Duke of Wellington, and Lord Strangford; no other Peers are in the
House, the time of meeting being five o'clock.
It was not necessary that any other Peers should introduce His
Majesty. He merely produced his writ of summons, and went to the table
to be sworn. I remain, yours sincerely,
THOMAS FREMANTLE.
[Footnote 41: One of the Secretaries of the Treasury:
afterwards Lord Cottesloe.]
[Footnote 42: Forwarded to the Queen by Sir Robert Peel.]
_Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert._
WHITEHALL, _11th June 1843._
(_Sunday._)
SIR,--In consequence of the conversation which I had with your Royal
Highness on Thursday last on the subject of Ireland, I beg to mention
to your Royal Highness that the Cabinet met again to-day at Lord
Aberdeen's house.
We had a very long discussion.
The prevailing opinion was that if legislation were proposed,[43] that
legislation should be as effectual as possible; that there would be
no advantage in seeking for new powers unless these powers were
commensurate with the full extent of the mischief to be apprehended.
Foreseeing, however, all the difficulties of procuring such powers,
and the increased excitement which must follow the demand for them,
we were unwilling to come to an immediate decision in favour of
recommending new legislation, and resolved therefore to watch the
course of events for some time longer, continuing precautionary
measures against disturbances of the public peace.
I have not received any material information from Ireland by the post
of this day, nor has Sir James Graham.
I have the honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal
Highness's most faithful and humble Servant,
ROBERT PEEL.
[Footnote 43: In consequence of the Repeal agitation, the
Ministers had already introduced an Irish Arms Bill, which was
carried.]
[Pageheading: THE REBECCA RIOTS]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _22nd June 1843._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He was
infinitely obliged to your Majesty for coming into the room the other
evening when he was with the Prince, and very much delighted to have
an opportunity of seeing your Majesty, especially in such good health
and spirits.
Lord Melbourne is very glad that your Majesty has seen _As you Like
It_. It is indeed a most gay, lively, and beautiful play. To see or to
read it is quite like passing an hour or two in a forest of fairyland.
It is so lively, and at the same time so romantic. All depends upon
Rosalind, which was an excellent part of Mrs. Jordan. Jaques is also a
very particular character and difficult to play.
Lord Melbourne feels himself better, but still weak. He does not like
to say much about politics, but he cannot refrain from observing that
they seem to him to have permitted these lawless riotings in South
Wales[44] to go on with success and impunity a great deal too long.
When such things begin nobody can say how far they will go or how
much they will spread. There are many who expect and predict a general
rising against property, and this is invariably the way in which such
things begin.
[Footnote 44: The agitation against the turnpike system which
had broken out in South Wales. _See_ Introductory Note, p.
450. (to Ch. XII)]
_Queen Victoria to Sir James Graham._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _23rd June 1843._
The Queen returns these communications to Sir James Graham, which are
of a very unpleasant nature. The Queen trusts that measures of the
greatest severity will be taken, as well to suppress the revolutionary
spirit as to bring the culprits[45] to immediate trial and punishment.
The Queen thinks this of the greatest importance with respect to the
effect it may have in Ireland, likewise as proving that the Government
is willing to show great forbearance, and to trust to the good sense
of the people; but that if outrages are committed and it is called
upon to act, it is not to be trifled with, but will visit wrong-doers
with the utmost severity.
[Footnote 45: _I.e._, the Rebecca rioters.]
[Pageheading: MILITARY MEDALS]
_Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _24th June 1843._
The Queen follows Lord Stanley's recommendation to confer the G.C.B.
on Sir Charles Napier with great pleasure, from her high opinion of
his late achievements, and she thinks it might be advisable that some
of the officers who most contributed to the victories of Meeanee and
Hyderabad[46] should receive lower grades of the Bath. The Queen is
much _impressed with the propriety_ of a medal being given to the
troops who fought under Sir Charles Napier, as the armies under Nott,
Pollock, and Sale received such distinctions for actions hardly equal
to those in Scinde.
[Footnote 46: See _ante_, p. 481. (Ch. XII, 5th June, 1843)]
_Sir James Graham to Queen Victoria._
WHITEHALL, _24th June 1843._
Sir James Graham, with humble duty, begs to lay before your Majesty
the report received from Carmarthen this morning. The Earl of Cawdor
went to Carmarthen this morning.[47]
Every effort will be made to trace this lawless outbreak to its
source, and to bring the principal offenders to justice.
Sir James Graham encloses two Police Reports, which have been received
this morning from Dublin. They would seem to indicate some foreign
interference, and some hope of foreign assistance mingled with this
domestic strife. Several Frenchmen have lately made their appearance
in different parts of Ireland.
The above is humbly submitted by your Majesty's dutiful Subject and
Servant,
J. R. G. GRAHAM.
[Footnote 47: Lord Cawdor was Lord-Lieutenant of
Carmarthenshire.]
_Queen Victoria to the Duchess of Norfolk._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _24th June 1843._
MY DEAR DUCHESS,--The same right which you feel, and which you had
to overcome before you took the final step of tendering your
resignation,[48] has kept me from sooner acknowledging the receipt
of your letter. Under the circumstances which you allude to, it is
incumbent upon me to accept of your resignation, but as you throw out
yourself a hint that it would be agreeable to you sometimes to perform
the duties (which you have hitherto fulfilled), it would give me the
greatest gratification if you would let me continue your name on the
list of my Ladies of the Bedchamber, and sometimes at your convenience
have the pleasure of your society.
I agree with you that for the present your step should not be known,
till I shall have had time to find a successor, and I am pleased to
think that you will take your waitings, which are at present settled.
With the Prince's kind regards to yourself, and mine to the Duke,
believe me, always, yours very affectionately,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 48: Of her position as Bedchamber Woman.]
[Pageheading: DUELLING IN THE ARMY]
_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington_.
(_July 1843._)
The Queen having attentively perused the proposed General Order for
the more efficient repression of the practice of duelling in the
Army, approves of the same, but recommends that the Duke of Wellington
should submit to the Cabinet the propriety of considering of a
general measure applicable to _all branches_ of the Naval and Military
Service.[49]
[Footnote 49: An influential anti-duelling association had
been formed this year, and subsequently public attention was
drawn to the question by a duel on 1st July, at Camden Town,
in which Colonel Fawcett was shot by his brother-in-law,
Lieutenant Munro, who had reluctantly gone out, after enduring
much provocation. Mainly owing to Prince Albert's efforts,
the Articles of War were so amended as to put a stop to the
practice.]
[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGE]
_The Prince Albert to Lord Aberdeen._
_20th July 1843._
MY DEAR LORD ABERDEEN,--The Queen and myself have been taken much
by surprise by Lord Howard de Walden's despatch marked "most
confidential." The opinions of the Portuguese Court must have entirely
changed. Although we have not heard anything on the subject, we are
fully convinced of the correctness of Lord Howard's statements and of
his conjectures. We are both pleased to see the view which he takes,
and the good opinion he has of our little cousin. The Queen thinks
it right that you should inform Lord Howard that the possibility of a
marriage between Prince Leopold[50] and the Queen of Spain has been
for some time a favourite thought of hers and mine, and that you
thought that this combination had some advantages which hardly any
other could offer. But that the matter had been and was treated here
as one purely and solely Spanish, in which we carefully abstained from
interfering with, and that we leave it to work itself out or not by its
own merit.
That you wished him to take the same view, but not to lose sight
of it, and to report to you whatever he might hear bearing upon the
subject. Believe me, etc.,
ALBERT.
[Footnote 50: Son of Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg, and
brother of the King of Portugal. See _ante_, p. 378, and
_post_, p. 486. (Ch. XI, Footnote 11; Ch. XII, 'The Spanish Marriage')]
_Queen Victoria to the Duchess of Norfolk._
DEAR DUCHESS,--I write to inform you that I have named your
successor,[51] who is to be Lady Douro.[52] The great regret
I experience at your leaving me is certainly diminished by the
arrangement which we have agreed upon together, and which will still
afford me the pleasure of having you occasionally about me. I trust
that the Duke's health will admit of your taking your waiting in
September, but think it right to tell you that we shall probably at
that time be making some aquatic excursions in our new yacht, and
consequently be from home the greater part of your waiting.
With the Prince's best regards to yourself, and mine to the Duke,
believe me, always, yours very affectionately,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 51: As Bedchamber Woman.]
[Footnote 52: Elizabeth, daughter of the eighth Marquis of
Tweeddale, afterwards Duchess of Wellington. She died in
1904.]
_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd August 1843._
The Queen returns the enclosed papers, and gives her sanction to the
bringing in of the Bill for Enrolling and Arming the Out-Pensioners
of Chelsea Hospital with great pleasure, as she thinks it a very good
measure at the present crisis, calculated to relieve the troops which
are rather overworked, and to secure a valuable force to the service
of the Government. The Queen hopes that in bringing in the Bill Sir
Robert Peel will make as little of it as possible, in order not to
make it appear a larger measure than it is.
The Regulations strike the Queen as very judicious, and she has little
doubt that they will raise the military spirit in the Pensioners, and
will make the measure popular with them, which cannot fail to attach
them more to the Crown.
_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th August 1843._
The Queen is desirous that whatever is right should be done, but is
strongly of opinion that the King of Hanover's threat (for as such
it must be regarded) not to leave this country till the affair[53] is
decided upon, should in _no way_ influence the transaction, as it is
quite immaterial whether the King stays longer here or not.
[Footnote 53: Of the Crown jewels; _ante_, p. 439.
(Ch. XI, 'Crown Jewels')]
[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGE]
_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th August 1843._
The Queen sees with great regret, in Sir Robert Gordon's despatch of
4th August, that Prince Metternich has resumed his favourite scheme
of a marriage between the Queen of Spain and a son of Don Carlos, and
that King Louis Philippe has almost come to a secret understanding
with him upon that point.[54] The Queen is as much as ever convinced
that instead of tending to pacify Spain _this_ combination cannot fail
to call _new_ principles of discord into action, to excite the hopes
of a lost and vanquished party for revenge and reacquisition of power,
and to carry the civil war into the very interior of the family. The
Queen is anxious (should Lord Aberdeen coincide in this view of
the subject, as she believes he does) that it should be _clearly_
understood by Sir Robert Gordon, and Prince Metternich.
[Footnote 54: Since the Quadruple Alliance (of England,
France, Spain, and Portugal) in 1834 to expel Don Carlos and
Dom Miguel from the Peninsula, the question of the marriage
of Queen Isabella (then aged four) had been a subject
of incessant consideration by England and France. The
Queen-Mother had suggested to Louis Philippe the marriages of
the Queen to the Duc d'Aumale and of the Infanta (her sister)
to the Duc de Montpensier: such a proposal, however gratifying
to the French King's ambition, would naturally not have been
favourably viewed in England; but Guizot promoted warmly the
alternative project of a marriage of the Queen to her cousin
Don Francisco de Asis, Duke of Cadiz, son of Don Francisco de
Paula, the Infanta being still to marry Montpensier. It was
believed that, if this marriage of the Queen took place, there
would be no issue of it, and Louis Philippe's ambition would
be ultimately gratified. To Palmerston's protest against this
scheme (before the Melbourne Ministry fell), Guizot replied,
"_La Reine aura des enfants et ne mourra pas._" The other
possible candidates for the Queen's hand from the French point
of view were Count Montemolin, the son of Don Carlos, the
Count de Trapani, son of Francis I., King of the Two Sicilies,
and thus brother of Queen Christina, and the Duke of Seville,
a brother of the Duke of Cadiz. Other candidates also favoured
by the Queen-Mother were (while he was unmarried) Prince
Albert's brother, and his cousin Leopold, brother of the King
of Portugal; but the French King was bent upon a marriage
of the Queen with some descendant of Philip V., and equally
determined to prevent the Infanta's marriage either with
Leopold or any other Prince not a descendant of Philip V. The
view of Prince Albert and of Lord Aberdeen was that it was a
matter for the young Queen herself and the Spanish people. See
_ante_, p. 485. (Ch. XII, 20th July, 1843)]
_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
FOREIGN OFFICE, _13th August 1843._
Lord Aberdeen, with his most humble duty, begs to assure your Majesty
that he will not fail to give his best attention to your Majesty's
communication respecting the marriage of the Queen of Spain.
In a recent despatch to Sir Robert Gordon, Lord Aberdeen has repeated
the opinion entertained by your Majesty's Government, that the
marriage of the Queen with the son of Don Carlos, instead of leading
to the conciliation and unison of parties, would be more likely to
produce collision and strife, and to increase the existing animosity
between the different political factions by which Spain is distracted.
This marriage, however, has always been a favourite project with
Austria and the Northern Courts; and it has also been apparently
supported by the French Government. It cannot be denied that at
first sight there are many considerations by which it may seem to be
recommended; but the weight of these can only be duly estimated by the
authorities and people of Spain.
The same may be said respecting the marriage of the Queen with any
other Spanish Prince, a descendant of Philip V. which, in the opinion
of many, would be most agreeable to the feelings and prejudices of
the nation. To this project also it appears that the French Government
have recently assented.
Lord Aberdeen humbly thinks that the interests of this country and of
all Europe are deeply concerned in the exclusion of a French Prince
from the possibility of receiving the hand of the Queen; and that it
would not be a wise policy to oppose any marriage by which this should
be effected, consistently with the free choice of the Queen, and
the sanction of the Spanish Government and people. The avowed
predilections of Queen Christina, and her increased means of influence
recently acquired, render this a matter of considerable anxiety and
importance at the present moment.
[Pageheading: PARLIAMENTARY OBSTRUCTION]
_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _16th August 1843._
The Queen cannot refrain from writing a line to express her
indignation at the very unjustifiable manner in which the minority
of thirteen members obstructs the progress of business.[55] She
hopes that every attempt will be made to put an end to what is really
indecent conduct. Indeed, how is business to go on at all if such
vexatious opposition prevails? At all events, the Queen hopes that
Sir Robert will make _no kind_ of concession to these gentlemen, which
[could] encourage them to go on in the same way.
The Queen forgot to say this morning that she thinks it would be
better that the Investiture of the Thistle should be put off for the
present.
[Footnote 55: By opposition to the Bill removing doubts as to
the admission of Ministers in Scotland.]
_Queen Victoria to Sir James Graham._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd August 1843._
The Queen returns these papers to Sir J. Graham, and thinks that this
important Memorial[56] should _not_ be decided on without the opinion
of the House of Lords; the Queen trusts that everything will be done
to secure inviolate the maintenance of the Marriage Act.
[Footnote 56: The memorial was that of Sir Augustus d'Este
(1794-1848), the son of the union of the Duke of Sussex and
Lady Augusta Murray. On 4th April 1793 they were married at
Rome by an English clergyman, the ceremony being repeated in
the same year at St George's, Hanover Square. The Court of
Arches annulled the marriage in 1794, but Sir Augustus now
preferred a claim to the peerage. Ultimately the Lords, after
consulting the judges, disallowed it.]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _23rd August 1843._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks
your Majesty much for the last note which he had the honour of
receiving. Lord Melbourne is much pleased that your Majesty is glad
of Wilhelmina Stanhope's marriage,[57] and was very glad to hear that
your Majesty had congratulated her and Lady Stanhope upon it,
which was very kind, and gave much satisfaction. Lord Dalmeny is an
excellent young man, and altogether it is an event much to be rejoiced
at, especially as it has been so long delayed, and fears began to
be entertained that it would never happen. The Duke and Duchess of
Sutherland seem also much pleased with Evelyn's[58] marriage. She is a
beautiful girl, and a very nice person in every respect, and everybody
must wish her happy. Lord Melbourne has been at Panshanger for two
or three days with Uxbridge and Lady Uxbridge, Ella, and Constance.
Uxbridge is having continual cricket matches as he used to have, which
is a very good thing, making the country gay, and pleasing the people.
Matrimonial affairs, Lord Melbourne is afraid, remain _in statu quo_.
Lord Melbourne was very glad to hear from Anson yesterday and to learn
that he thinks himself getting better. Lord Liverpool had given Lord
Melbourne a very poor account of him. Lord Melbourne hopes that your
Majesty may have a pleasant tour, but he cannot refrain from earnestly
recommending your Majesty to take care about landing and embarking,
and not to do it in dangerous places and on awkward coasts. Lord
Melbourne is going the day after to-morrow with Lord and Lady Beauvale
to Brocket Hall, and from thence on the 29th to Melbourne, to stay
about three weeks or a month.
Lord Melbourne congratulates your Majesty upon the near approaching
termination of the Session of Parliament, which is always a relief
to all parties. Some great measures have been passed. Lord Melbourne
wishes your Majesty health and happiness, and begs to be respectfully
remembered to the Prince.
[Footnote 57: To Lord Dalmeny. _En secondes noces_, she
married the fourth Duke of Cleveland.]
[Footnote 58: Lady Evelyn Leveson Gower, married, on 4th
October, to Charles, Lord Blantyre.]
[Pageheading: VISIT TO THE CHÂTEAU D'EU]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
CHÂTEAU D'EU, _4th September 1843._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I write to you from this dear place, where we are
in the midst of this admirable and truly amiable family, and where we
feel quite at home, and as if we were one of them. Our reception by
the dear King and Queen has been most kind, and by the people really
gratifying.[59] Everything is very different to England, particularly
the population. Louise has told you all about our doings, and
therefore tell you nothing but that I am highly interested and amused.
Little Chica (Mdme. Hadjy)[60] is a charming, sprightly, lively
creature, with immense brown eyes. We leave this the day after
to-morrow for Brighton, where the children are, who are extremely
well, I hear. Many thanks, dearest Uncle, for your kind letter of the
29th, by which I see that poor Prince Löwenstein[61] came to see you;
he is Mamma's old friend. As I am in a great hurry, and as I hope, God
willing, to see you very soon, I must conclude in haste, and leave all
my remarks for another day. Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
Pray forgive this confused and horrid scrawl.
[Footnote 59: The Queen was enthusiastically received at
Tréport. On the 2nd there was a great entertainment in
the banqueting-room of the Château, and on the 4th a _fête
champêtre_ on the Mont d'Orléans in the forest. On the 5th
there was a review, and on the 7th the Queen returned to
England.]
[Footnote 60: The Princess of Joinville. See _ante_, p. 451.
(Ch. XII, 10th January, 1843).
Hadjy is the Prince of Joinville.]
[Footnote 61: Prince William of Löwenstein (1783-1847).]
[Pageheading: THE FRENCH VISIT]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
MELBOURNE, _6th September 1843._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks
your Majesty much for your letter of the 27th ult., which he received
here some days ago. We have been quite dismayed and overwhelmed with
the melancholy intelligence of death after death which has followed
us. I was much concerned for poor Charles Howard's loss, but we were
quite struck down by the melancholy event of poor Mrs W. Cowper.[62]
She promised to suit us all well, my sister particularly, and to be a
great source of happiness and comfort.
Your Majesty is quite right in supposing that Lord Melbourne would at
once attribute your Majesty's visit to the Château d'Eu to its right
cause--your Majesty's friendship and affection for the French Royal
Family, and not to any political object. The principal motive now
is to take care that it does not get mixed either in reality or in
appearance with politics, and Lord Melbourne cannot conceal from
your Majesty that he should lament it much if the result of the visit
should turn out to be a treaty upon any European matter, unfavourable
to England and favourable to France. Do not let them make any treaty
or agreement there. It can be done elsewhere just as well, and without
any of the suspicion which is sure to attach to any transaction which
takes place there.
[Footnote 62: Mr and Mrs William Cowper had only been married
on 24th June.]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _8th September 1843._
MY DEAREST AND MOST BELOVED VICTORIA,--I have been highly gratified
that you found a moment to write me such a dear letter. I am sure that
the personal contact with the family at Eu would interest you, and
at the same time remove some impressions on the subject of the King,
which are really untrue. Particularly the attempt of representing
him like the most astute of men, calculating constantly everything to
deceive people.
His vivacity alone would render such a system extremely difficult,
and if he appears occasionally to speak too much and to seem to hold a
different language to different people, it is a good deal owing to his
vivacity and his anxiety to carry conviction to people's mind.
The impression of your visit will besides do wonders in removing the
silly irritation which had been got up since 1840, and which might
have in the end occasioned serious mischief, and that without being
_in the least_ called for, the passions of nations become very
inconvenient sometimes for their Governors.... Your devoted Uncle,
LEOPOLD R.
My best love to dearest Albert; he seems to have had the greatest
success, and I am very glad of it, as it had some time ago been the
fashion to invent all sorts of nonsense.
I left Stockmar extremely hypochondriacal, but I trust not so unwell
as he fancied. His son accompanies him to Coburg.
[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S RETURN]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
ON BOARD THE _Victoria and Albert_, IN THE RIVER,[63]
_21st September 1843._
MY DEARLY BELOVED UNCLE,--I seize the first opportunity of informing
you of our excellent passage; we shall be in half-an-hour or
three-quarters at Woolwich; it is now half-past ten A.M. The day and
night were beautiful, and it is again, very fine to-day. We anchored
in Margate Roads at eleven last night, and set off again about five.
Let me thank you and my beloved Louise in both our names again for
your _great kindness_ to us, which, believe me, we feel _deeply_. We
were _so happy_ with you, and the stay was _so delightful_, but so
painfully short! It was such a joy for me to be once again under the
roof of one who has ever been a father to me! I was _very_ sad after
you left us; it seems so strange that all should be over--but the
_delightful_ souvenir will _ever_ remain. To leave my dearest Louise
too was so painful--and also poor Aunt Julia,[64] so immediately after
making her acquaintance; pray tell her that, for me. I shall write to
Louise to-morrow. You must forgive my hand being so trembling, but we
are _lighter_ than usual, which causes the tremulous motion to be so
much more felt.
That God may bless and protect you _all always_ is our fervent prayer.
Believe me, always, your devoted and grateful Niece and Child,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 63: On the 12th the Queen and Prince Albert sailed
from Brighton on a visit to King Leopold. They visited Ostend,
Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, and Antwerp.]
[Footnote 64: Sister of the Duchess of Kent, married to the
Grand Duke Constantine.]
_Queen Victoria to Sir James Graham._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd September 1843._
The Queen has received Sir James Graham's letter of the 22nd.[65] She
has long seen with deep concern the lamentable state of turbulence in
South Wales, and has repeatedly urged the necessity of its being put
an end to, by _vigorous_ efforts on the part of the Government. The
Queen, therefore, willingly gives her sanction to the issuing of a
special Commission for the trial of the offenders and to the issuing
of a proclamation. Monday, the 2nd, being the earliest day at which,
Sir James says, the necessary Council could be held, will suit the
Queen very well; she begs, therefore, that Sir James will cause the
Council to meet here on that day at three o'clock.
[Footnote 65: The insurrection of the Rebeccaites was assuming
a more dangerous form, and at Hendy Gate they committed a
cold-blooded act of murder.]
[Pageheading: MATRIMONIAL PROJECTS]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th September 1843._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I cannot sufficiently thank you for your two _most
kind_ and affectionate letters of the 22nd and 23rd, which gave me the
greatest pleasure. _How often_ we think of our _dear_ and _delightful_
visit it is impossible for me to say; indeed, I fear these _two_
never-to-be-forgotten _voyages_ and _visits_ have made me think
Windsor and its daily occurrences very dull. But this is very
ungrateful for what I have had, which is so much more than I ever
dared to hope for. The weather is become colder, and yesterday and the
day before were horrid, foggy, raw days; to-day it is finer again....
Feodore and Ernest came to us yesterday, and I find them both _very_
well; Feodore is, I think, grown more serious than she was....
You remember that when we were together we talked of who Aumale could
marry; he will only marry a Catholic, and no Spaniard, no Neapolitan,
no Austrian, and also no Brazilian, as Louise tells me. Why should not
Princess Alexandrine of Bavaria do? It would be a good connection, and
you say (though not as pretty as Princess Hildegarde) that she is not
ill-looking. _Qu'en pensez-vous?_ Then for _Tatane_[66]--a Princess of
Saxony would be extremely _passlich_.
How long does Aunt Julia stay with you?
Albert, I suppose, writes to you, and I, dearest Uncle, remain ever
and ever, your _most truly_ devoted and _warmly attached_ Niece,
VICTORIA R.
We find Pussy amazingly advanced in intellect, but alas! also in
naughtiness. I hold up Charlotte as an example of every virtue, which
has its effect; for when she is going to be naughty she says: "Dear
Ma, what does cousin Charlotte do?"
[Footnote 66: Antoine, Duc de Montpensier.]
[Pageheading: ROYAL VISITORS]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd October 1843._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many, many thanks for your kind letter of the 28th,
received on Sunday, which was written from the Camp of Beverloo, which
Albert recollects with _great pleasure_ and interest, having amused
himself so much there.
I can give you excellent accounts of ourselves. The boy returned from
Brighton yesterday, looking really the picture of health, and
much _embelli_; Pussy is in great force, but not to be compared to
Charlotte in beauty; and Fatima (_alias_ Alice) is as enormous and
flourishing as ever. Dearest Louise seems much pleased with Aunt
Julia, which I am glad of, and I rejoice that poor Aunt has had the
happiness of making my beloved Louise's acquaintance, for it will be a
happy recollection for her in her solitude.
We expect the Grand Duke Michael here this afternoon; he is to stay
till Friday. The Michael Woronzows,[67] with a son and daughter, are
also coming, and we shall be a large party, and are going to dine in
the Waterloo Gallery, which makes a very handsome dining-room, and sit
after dinner in that beautiful grand Reception Room. _How_ I envy
your going to that dear French family! I hope that you will like my
favourite Chica. I trust, however, that you will _not_ stay too long
away for your good people's sake.
Not being quite sure of your going, I shall direct this to Brussels
still.
We went this morning to Kew, visited the old Palace--which is not at
all a bad house--the Botanical Gardens, and then my Aunt's.[68]
The Revolution at Athens[69] looks like _le commencement de la fin_;
it was _very_ unanimous.
Now, dearest Uncle, adieu! Ever, your most affectionate Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 67: Prince Michael Woronzow (1782-1856) was a
plenipotentiary at the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle (1818), and
was in command at the siege of Varna in 1828.]
[Footnote 68: The Duchess of Cambridge.]
[Footnote 69: A bloodless revolution had taken place on
the 14th of September, partly in consequence of King Otho
exercising his patronage in favour of Bavarians rather than
Greeks. He now acceded to the popular demands.]
[Pageheading: THE DUC DE BORDEAUX]
_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _9th October 1843._
The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's two letters. She has been
reflecting upon his proposition that Mr Lytton Bulwer[70] should be
appointed Minister at Madrid, and quite approves it. The Queen trusts
that he will try and keep on the best terms with the French Minister
there, and that without in any way weakening our interests, the
representatives of these two powerful countries will act _together_.
The Queen feels _certain_ that if it is known by _our_ respective
Ministers that _both_ Governments _wish_ to act _together_, and not
_against_ one another, that much irritation will be avoided; and that
our agents, particularly in distant countries, will understand
that they are _not_ fulfilling the wishes of their Sovereign by
representing every little incident in the most unfavourable light....
The Queen hopes that Lord Aberdeen will take some early opportunity of
employing Mr Aston. Who will replace Mr Bulwer at Paris? his successor
ought to be an efficient man, as Lord Cowley[71] is rather infirm. The
Queen regrets to say that the Duc de Bordeaux[72] is coming here; he
really must not be received by the Queen, as she fears his reception
at Berlin has done _no_ good; and altogether, from what she sees in
the papers, she fears there is no good purpose in his coming here.
[Footnote 70: Afterwards Lord Dalling.]
[Footnote 71: Lord Cowley, brother of the Duke of Wellington,
and one of four brothers all either raised in or promoted to
the peerage, was now seventy years of age. In after-years his
son was also Ambassador at Paris.]
[Footnote 72: Afterwards known as Comte de Chambord, and
claiming the French throne as Henri V.: he was grandson of
Charles X., and at this time about twenty-three years of age.]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th October 1843._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--It is not my day, but my object in writing is to
speak to you about the _dear_ Nemours' visit, which we are so anxious
to see accomplished. Louise writes to me about the Duke of Bordeaux
coming to England making some difficulty, and I wish therefore to
state what we know of the affair. We _understand_ (for of course
we have had no direct communication) that the Duc de Bordeaux has
embarked at Hamburg for _Hull_, and intends travelling in Scotland
_before_ he visits England, and _that_ incognito and under the name of
Comte _tel et tel_; his being in Scotland when Nemours is in
England, and particularly _on a visit to us here_, _could_ make
_no_ difficulty, and even if he were travelling about _incognito_ in
England, it could not signify, I think. Moreover, I feel certain that
if he knew that _I_ had invited the Nemours and that they were coming
over shortly, he would go away, as the Legitimists would not be
pleased at Nemours being _fêted_ by me--_while their Henry V._ was
_not_ even noticed or received. I could easily, and indeed have almost
done so, make it known generally that _I_ expect the Nemours, and I
would say _immediately_, and he would be sure to get out of the way.
I cannot tell you _how very_ anxious we are to see the Nemours; I have
been thinking of nothing else, and to lose this great pleasure would
be too mortifying. Moreover, as I really and truly do not think it
need be, it would be _best_ if the Nemours could come _before_ the
10th of November; which is the _latest_ term when they could come? Now
pray, dearest Uncle, do settle this for me; you have no notion _how_
we wish it. I will be sure to let you know what I hear, and if there
is anything you could suggest about this, I need not say but that we
shall attend to it with pleasure. The Grand Duke Michael will be gone
by the end of this month. _Ainsi je mets cette chère visite dans vos
mains._ Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
Pray, dearest Uncle, let me have an answer by the next post about
this, as I am all in a _fidget_ about it.
[Pageheading: ARREST OF O'CONNELL]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _17th October 1843._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your kind letter of the 13th I received yesterday,
and return you my warmest thanks for it....
By your letter, and by one I received from Victoire yesterday morning,
I see every reason to hope that we shall see the dear Nemours,
for there will be no difficulty to prevent that poor stupid Duc de
Bordeaux from being _in London_ at the time. He is to be informed
indirectly that the Nemours are coming at the beginning of next month
on a visit to us, in consequence of a pressing invitation of ours;
this alone will keep him off, as the contrast would be disagreeable to
the Legitimists. Independent of this, his disembarkation at Hull, and
proceeding at once to Scotland, seems to indicate his wish to be in
private.
The great event of the day is O'Connell's arrest;[73] they have found
bail, but the trial will shortly commence. The case against him is
_very_ strong, the lawyers say.
Everything is perfectly quiet at Dublin. You will have seen how
O'Connell has abused the King; it is all because our visit to Eu
has put an end to _any_ hopes of assistance from France, which
he pretended there would be, and he now declares for the Duc de
Bordeaux!...
You must encourage the dear King and Queen to send over some of the
dear family often to us; _ils seront reçus a bras ouverts_....
We intend to take advantage of Feodore and Ernest's going to the Queen
Dowager's to pay a visit to Cambridge, where we have never been; we
mean to set off to-morrow week, to sleep at Trinity Lodge that night,
and the two following nights at Lord Hardwicke's,[74] which is close
to Cambridge. These journeys are very popular, and please and interest
Albert very much.... Believe me, always, my dearest Uncle, your very
affectionate Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 73: After the official prohibition on 7th October
of the intended Clontarf meeting, O'Connell and others
were arrested in Dublin for conspiracy. After giving bail,
O'Connell issued an address to the Irish people. The trial was
postponed till the following year.]
[Footnote 74: Wimpole, near Royston, nine miles from
Cambridge.]
[Pageheading: THE DUC DE BORDEAUX]
_Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert._
DRAYTON MANOR, _20th October 1843._
SIR,--The enclosed letter[75] from Sir James Graham to me (which
as your Royal Highness will perceive is _entirely of a private
character_) contains details of a conversation with Baron Neumann
which will, I think, be interesting to Her Majesty and to your
Royal Highness; and knowing your Royal Highness will consider the
communication a confidential one, I prefer sending the letter _in
extenso_ to the making of any extracts from it.
I am afraid there is more in the Duc de Bordeaux's visit than the mere
gratification of a desire on his part to see again places with which
he was familiar in his youth.
If, however, he should be so ill-advised as to make any political
demonstration, or to ally himself with any particular party in this
country, he would, in my opinion, derive little from it, and there
would be the opportunity of giving to the King of the French a new
proof of our fidelity to our engagements, and of the steadiness of our
friendship towards him and his dynasty.
The great body of the French people would comprehend the object of any
such demonstrations on the part of the Duc de Bordeaux, and would, it
is to be hoped, see in them an additional motive for union in support
of the King, and confidence in the honour and integrity of this
country.
I will not fail to inform the Grand Duke of Her Majesty's intended
visit to Cambridge, and to suggest to him that it will not be
convenient to the Queen to receive him at Windsor before Saturday at
the earliest, and probably Monday.
On the day after I spoke to your Royal Highness I gave instructions
for enquiries to be made respecting the two properties in the Isle of
Wight.[76] It is necessary to make such enquiries through some very
confidential channel, as a suspicion of the object of them would
probably greatly enhance the price.
The party on whom I could entirely rely was out of town, but will
return to-morrow, and will immediately find out what he can respecting
the properties.
The result shall be made known to the Queen and your Royal Highness
without delay.
Will your Royal Highness have the goodness to mention this to Her
Majesty?...
I have the honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal
Highness's most faithful and humble Servant,
ROBERT PEEL.
[Footnote 75: Referring to the visit of the Duc de Bordeaux.]
[Footnote 76: The Queen and the Prince were at this time
making enquiries about a suitable residence in the Isle of
Wight. The purchase of Osborne resulted.]
[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S DECISION]
_The Prince Albert to Sir Robert Peel._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _21st October 1843._
MY DEAR SIR ROBERT,--I return you Sir James Graham's letter. There
is a pretty general impression of the Duc de Bordeaux's visit being
a got-up thing for various political intrigues. I confess I do not
understand the link with Ireland, or at least the importance of his
being well received by the Roman Catholics, but am strongly impressed
that his presence whether in Scotland, England, or Ireland is for
no good, and therefore think it our duty that we should render it
difficult for him to protract it. The Queen and myself think that the
uncertainty of his being received at Court or not is doing harm, and
would _much_ wish, therefore, that it was _decidedly_ stated _that
the Queen will not receive him_. His coming here without ever asking
(indeed knowing that it was disliked), as well as the part which
Austria and Prussia seem to have taken in the matter, do not
strengthen his claim for such a favour. No good can come from the
reception, and the King of the French must prefer its not taking
place. Let us, therefore, settle that point, and show that we are
neither afraid of him nor prepared to be made dupes of.
The Queen is desirous that no official person should treat the Duke
with a distinction which is likely to attract unnecessary attention.
Believe me, always yours truly,
ALBERT.
[Pageheading: THE DUC DE NEMOURS]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th October 1843._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the happiness of receiving your most kind
letter of the 20th yesterday, for which I thank you very much. The
good news of the dear Nemours coming is a great happiness to us, and
I fervently hope and trust that the Duc de Bordeaux will be kept off,
which I _fully_ expect he will. Suppose, however, he could _not_ be,
and the Nemours could not come _then_, would the King not kindly allow
them to come later? Even if the Chambers were to be sitting--such
a little _Ausflug_ of ten days only could really not be a great
inconvenience? Surely if you were to mention this to the dear King,
with my affectionate respects, he would grant it. It is besides only
in _case_ Bordeaux should come to London, which I _really_ think he
will _not_, if he once knows that the Nemours are coming. And I must
add that I think Nemours not coming at _all_ this year, after it had
been announced, would have a bad effect, particularly as people
here think that some great Powers have instigated Bordeaux's coming
here,--and even think that the Roman Catholics and Repealers in
Ireland mean to make use of him. Consequently Nemours _not_ coming _at
all_, should he be prevented from coming at the beginning of November,
would not be a good thing _politically_, independent of the _extreme
disappointment_ it would cause us....
The accounts both you and Louise gave me of good Hadjy and Chica give
me great pleasure, as I take a lively interest in both, and am very
fond of them. We found amongst some very curious old miniatures
several of Catherine of Braganza when young (Charles II.'s wife),
which are so like Chica;[77] it is curious how sometimes you can trace
likenesses many generations back....
Pray offer our respects to _all_. How long do you stay? Ever your
devoted niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 77: The Princess de Joinville was a sister of Queen
Maria II. of Portugal, and Queen Catherine of Braganza was
daughter of King John IV.]
[Pageheading: THE DUC DE BORDEAUX]
_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
DRUMLANRIG, _27th October 1843._
Lord Aberdeen, with his humble duty, begs to lay before your Majesty
another letter received last night from Lord Morton,[78] which gives
an account of the visit of the Duc de Bordeaux, and of his further
communication with the Duc de Lévis on the projects and views of His
Royal Highness.
Lord Aberdeen has ventured to submit this letter to your Majesty,
although not intended for your Majesty's perusal, as it gives a
pleasing and satisfactory description of the conduct and sentiments of
this unfortunate Prince.
In order to explain to your Majesty how Lord Morton, who lives in
a very retired manner, should have received a visit from the Duc
de Bordeaux, Lord Aberdeen begs to mention that when the family of
Charles X. resided at Edinburgh, after the Revolution of July 1830,
they received information more than once, from the present Royal
Family of France, that certain desperate characters had left Paris for
Edinburgh, with the intention of assassinating the Duc de Bordeaux, in
order to prevent all possibility of a Restoration. In consequence of
this information, it was thought to be dangerous for the Prince to
walk or to expose himself in the neighbourhood of Holyrood House. He
was frequently driven in a carriage to Lord Morton's,[79] where he
remained for a few hours, taking exercise in the park, and playing
with Lord Morton's children. It is the recollection of this which has
led the Prince to make his acknowledgments on the present occasion.
Lord Aberdeen also begs humbly to mention to your Majesty that on his
arrival here he found the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch in expectation
of a visit from the Duc de Bordeaux, on his way from Glasgow
to Carlisle. Lord Aberdeen informed the Duke and Duchess of the
objections which might exist to this visit; but he believes that
communications on the subject had already gone too far to render
it possible to break it off with any degree of propriety. The great
attentions paid by the Duke and his predecessors to the French Royal
Family, both during the former and last emigration, sufficient account
for this desire on the part of the Prince.
[Footnote 78: George Sholto, nineteenth Earl of Morton
(1789-1858).]
[Footnote 79: Dalmahoy, Midlothian.]
[Pageheading: VISIT TO CAMBRIDGE]
[Pageheading: BETROTHAL OF THE DUC D'AUMALE]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st October 1843._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the pleasure of receiving your dear and kind
letter of the 27th yesterday, by which I learn that you are all well
and going on the 4th. Forgive me, dearest Uncle, if I say that I am
glad that you are _at length_ going back to Belgium, as (though I
fully understand from _personal_ experience how delightful it must be
to be in the midst of that dear and perfect family) I think these long
absences distress your faithful Belgians a little.
We returned on Saturday, highly pleased and interested with our
tour,[80] though a little _done up_. I seldom remember more enthusiasm
than was shown at Cambridge, and in particular by the Undergraduates.
They received my dear Angel, too, with the greatest enthusiasm. This
is useful, as these young people _will all, in time_, have a certain
part to play; they are the rising generation, and an event of this
kind makes a lasting impression on their minds.
You will have heard from Louise that there is no longer any impediment
to the dear Nemours coming, which you may easily conceive gives me the
greatest satisfaction. Since then, I have heard that Bordeaux does not
intend visiting London till he sees by the papers that the Nemours are
gone. I saw a letter from a gentleman, with whom he had been staying,
and who says that he is very pleasing and unaffected, and very easily
amused, and quite pleased "with missing a few pheasants, and dancing
quadrilles in the evening to a pianoforte." Poor fellow! his fate
certainly is a melancholy one. He should renounce, buy some property
in Germany, and marry, and settle there.
I am glad to hear of Montpensier's arrival, and that my favourite
Chica is in your good graces; she is a dear natural child. I am so
impatient to see my dear Victoire and good Nemours--who was always a
great ally of mine--again!
The Grand Duke came here last night, and goes away after luncheon, and
leaves England on Thursday. He is charmed with all he has seen, and I
must say is very amiable and civil. He has got a most charming large
dog, called Dragon, like a Newfoundland, only brown and white, with
the most expressive eyes imaginable and _si bien dressé_. Prince
Alexander of the Netherlands is also coming down to take leave this
week. We never had so many visitors.
I am beyond everything interested with that beautiful novel by
Rellstab,[81] _1812_, which I know you admire so much. The description
of the Russian Campaign is incomparable, and so beautifully written.
You quite _see_ everything before you. Have you read his other, _Paris
und Algier_? By the by, have you read Custine's[82] book on Russia?
They say it is very severe on Russia, and full of hatred to the
English.
We found the children very well, and Bertie quite recovered, but poor
fat Alice (who, I _must_ say, is becoming _very_ pretty) has had the
earache.
Mamma with Feo and Ernest are with the Queen Dowager at Witley Court
since Thursday last, and only return next Thursday (the day after
to-morrow). Clem seems very happy, and writes that she is happiest
when she is _tête-à-tête_ with poor Gusti, which _I_ should _not_
fancy. Ever, dearest Uncle, your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
I open my letter, dearest Uncle, to say that I have _just_ seen in a
confidential despatch from Lord Cowley that Aumale is authorised
to ask for the hand of the daughter of the Prince de Salerno[83] (a
singular coincidence after what I wrote to you in _utter ignorance_
of this report), and that he was also to find out what the opinions of
the Neapolitan Royal Family were respecting an alliance with the Queen
of Spain. But tell me, dearest Uncle, if these reports are true? You
may _rely_ on my discretion, and I shall not breathe a word of what
you may answer me, if you wish the secret to be kept.
[Footnote 80: The Royal party went by road from Paddington
to Cambridge, and stayed at the Lodge at Trinity; on the
following day Prince Albert was made LL.D. The party then went
to Wimpole, and visited Bourn (Lord Delawarr's). At the ball
which was given at Wimpole, there was a sofa, covered with a
piece of drapery given by Louis XIV. to the poet Prior and by
him to Lord Oxford, the owner of Wimpole, before its purchase
by Lord Chancellor Hardwicke. _See_ Lord Melbourne's letter of
7th November, _post_, p. 503. (Ch. XII, 7th November, 1843)]
[Footnote 81: Louis Rellstab (1799-1860), a prolific German
writer of novels, whose thinly-veiled attacks on public men
earned him at one time a sentence of imprisonment.]
[Footnote 82: The Marquis Astolphe de Custine (1790-1857),
author of _La Russie en 1839_, at this time recently
published.]
[Footnote 83: The Due d'Aumale married in November 1844,
Caroline, daughter of the Prince and Princess of Salerno.]
[Pageheading: INDIAN AFFAIRS]
_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
DRAYTON MANOR, _31st October 1843._
Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
leave to return to your Majesty the accompanying communication from
Lord Ellenborough, and a letter which your Majesty proposes to send to
Lord Ellenborough.
In compliance with your Majesty's desire that Sir Robert Peel should
inform your Majesty whether he sees anything objectionable in that
letter, Sir Robert Peel humbly represents to your Majesty that he does
not think it would be advisable for your Majesty personally to express
to the Governor-General of India your Majesty's opinion with regard
either to the policy of retaining Scinde,[84] as being of the
greatest importance to the security of the Indian Empire, or as to the
completeness of the defence of Sir Charles Napier from the accusations
brought against him.
He humbly and most respectfully takes the liberty of submitting to
your Majesty, that these being matters of important public concern,
the regular and constitutional channel for conveying the opinion of
your Majesty with respect to them would be through your Majesty's
servants.
In the particular case, indeed, of India, instructions do not proceed
from your Majesty's servants, directly signifying your Majesty's
pleasure, but are conveyed in despatches to the Governor-General,
signed by the three members of the Secret Committee of the Court of
Directors.
The Secret Court of Directors--that is, the whole Court acting in
secret--have come to a Resolution (in Sir Robert Peel's opinion very
unwisely and precipitately) expressing the gravest doubt, on their
part, as to the policy and justice of the recent transactions in
Scinde.[85]
The Court is aware that your Majesty's servants disapprove of this
proceeding on their part, and that they have declined to transmit
officially to Lord Ellenborough, through the Secret Committee, the
condemnatory Resolution of the Court. One of the grounds on which they
deprecated the Resolution was the passing of it in the absence of full
and complete information from India, in respect to the policy and to
the events which led to the occupation of Scinde.
Under these circumstances, as well on the general Constitutional
ground, as with reference to the present state of the public
correspondence in regard to Scinde, and the particular relation of
the Governor-General to the East India Company, and the Court of
Directors, Sir Robert Peel humbly advises your Majesty to forbear
from expressing an opinion, in a private communication to the
Governor-General, with regard to events in Scinde or to the policy
hereafter to be pursued in respect to that country. Sir Robert Peel
begs to add that in a private letter by the last mail to Lord Ripon,
Lord Ellenborough observes that he is going on very harmoniously with
the Members of Council at Calcutta.
[Footnote 84: Earlier in the year Lord Ellenborough had
appointed Sir Charles Napier Governor of Scinde, and had by
Proclamation applied the Slave Trade and Slavery Abolition
Acts to Scinde.]
[Footnote 85: See Parker's _Sir Robert Peel_, vol. iii. chap. 1.]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
MELBOURNE, _7th November 1843._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks
your Majesty much for the letter of the 4th inst., which he has
received this morning with great satisfaction. Lord Melbourne hears
with great pleasure of the gratification which your Majesty and the
Prince received in your visit to Cambridge. Lord Melbourne collects
from all the accounts that the proceedings in the Senate House
were not only full of loyalty, enthusiasm, and gratitude, but also
perfectly decorous, respectful, academic, and free from all those
political cries which have recently prevailed so much in the theatre
at Oxford on similar occasions.[86] Lord Melbourne hopes he is within
[the mark]; if he is it forms a remarkable and advantageous contrast.
Lord Melbourne does not know anywhere a better account of Cambridge,
its foundations, and the historical recollections of its founders,
than is given in Mr. Gray's ode on the installation of the Duke
of Grafton, which it would not be amiss to read with the large
explanatory notes that are given in the editions of Mason and
Mathias.[87]
Lord Melbourne is very partial to Lord Hardwicke, who always is and
has been very civil and good-natured to Lord Melbourne, and these are
qualities to which Lord Melbourne is not at all indifferent. Wimpole
is a curious place. Lord Melbourne is not exactly aware how the Yorkes
got hold of it.[88] There is much history and more poetry connected
with it. Prior[89] mentions it repeatedly, and always calls the first
Lady Harley, the daughter of the Duke of Newcastle, Belphebe.[90] If
Hardwicke should have a daughter, he should christen her Belphebe. The
Lady Belphebe Yorke would not sound ill....
[Footnote 86: See _ante_, p. 292. (Ch. X, 17th June, 1841)]
[Footnote 87: Gray, the poet, who had been appointed by the
Duke Professor of Modern History, composed an ode (set to
music by Randall) for the latter's installation as Chancellor,
on 1st July 1769.]
[Footnote 88: The cultured but indolent Edward, Lord Harley,
afterwards Earl of Oxford (son of the great minister), sold
Wimpole to Lord Chancellor Hardwicke in 1740 to pay off a debt
of £100,000. He had married Lady Henrietta Cavendish Holles,
daughter and heiress of John, Duke of Newcastle, who brought
him £500,000, most of which he dissipated. Their only child,
Margaret, the "noble lovely little Peggy" of Prior, married
William Bentinck, second Duke of Portland. Lady Oxford sold
to the nation the "Harleian Collection" of manuscripts, now in
the British Museum.]
[Footnote 89: Who died there in 1721.]
[Footnote 90: Alluding to the rarely printed poem "Colin's
Mistakes," where "Bright Ca'ndish Holles Harley" is seen in
the glades of Wimpole by the dreamy youth, and mistaken for
Gloriana, Belphebe, etc.]
[Pageheading: PROPOSED VISIT TO PEEL]
_Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert._
WHITEHALL, _9th November 1843._
SIR,--I was greatly gratified by learning on my return to London last
night from Witley Court that it is not improbable that Her Majesty and
your Royal Highness may confer the high honour of a visit to Drayton
Manor towards the conclusion of the present month.
I venture to think, from what I saw of Witley Court, that the
arrangement proposed by your Royal Highness will be more convenient to
Her Majesty than the staying at Witley Court.
I can assure your Royal Highness that nothing shall be left undone by
Lady Peel and me to contribute to the comfort of Her Majesty and your
Royal Highness during your occupation of Drayton Manor, and to mark
our sense of the kind condescension of Her Majesty and your Royal
Highness in making it your abode.
I have the honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal
Highness's most faithful and humble Servant,
ROBERT PEEL.
[Pageheading: TRAVELLING ARRANGEMENTS]
_Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert._
WHITEHALL, _Sunday, 12th November 1843._
SIR,--I send to your Royal Highness a little book which is published
every month, giving very useful information as to distances, or at
least times, on all the railways. Possibly your Royal Highness has
this book regularly sent to you.
I think, before Her Majesty promises a visit to Witley Court, there
are one or two points worthy of consideration which are in favour
of proposing to the Queen Dowager to meet the Queen at Drayton Manor
first. The Queen would have to go and to return in the same day. The
Queen Dowager might remain either one night or two nights at Drayton.
Secondly, the Birmingham and Derby line is not on the same level with
the line which goes to Droitwich (eleven miles from Witley Court), and
there is a little delay in posting a carriage, or in passing from the
lower line of railway to the upper.
Thirdly, there is the passage for Her Majesty, though not through
Birmingham as in an ordinary travelling carriage, yet in the immediate
outskirts of the town, and this twice in the same day.
The Corporation (which is a completely Radical one) might solicit
permission to present an Address to Her Majesty at the station.
There would, I am sure, be nothing but demonstrations of the greatest
loyalty and attachment to Her Majesty, but there would probably be
a great concourse of people, and some delay, if the Address were
received.
Perhaps your Royal Highness will think of these suggestions, which I
am induced to offer by the desire to foresee everything which may have
a bearing upon the personal comfort of the Queen.
I have the honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal
Highness's most faithful and humble Servant,
ROBERT PEEL.
[Pageheading: THE DUCHESSE DE NEMOURS]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th November 1843._
MY DEAREST, KINDEST UNCLE,--A long and most _interesting_ letter
reached me on Sunday, dated 9th and 10th, and I beg to return my
warmest thanks for it. The confidence you show me I feel deeply and
gratefully, and you may rely on my discretion. Before I touch upon any
of the subjects in your letter I will give you news of our visitors.
The dear Nemours arrived safely after a good passage on Saturday, well
but very tired. They are now quite recovered, and we are too happy to
have them here. Nemours looks well, and is very kind and amiable, but
I think there is a seriousness since poor Chartres' death which used
not to be formerly, though he always was _reserved_, and that, I
think, he is _not_ now. Dearest Victoire is _amazingly_ improved and
_développée_--really quite wonderfully so. We are all so struck by it,
by her good sense and by her conversation; and with that she has
kept that innocence and gentleness which she always had--and is _so
lovely_, dear sweet child. I must always look at her, and she, dear
child, seems so pleased to see me again. I find her _grown_, but grown
very thin, and she has not those bright colours she used to have. All
that you say of Bordeaux is just what Nemours says, and what Guizot
writes, and what _I_ and also Sir Robert Peel _always_ felt and
thought. Aberdeen, with the greatest wish to do _all_ that is kind and
right, _really thought_ that B. was only come to amuse himself,
and had no idea till _now_ that the feeling in France in _all_ the
different parties was so strong. You will have heard by this time that
we have decided _not_ to receive B. in _any way_ whatever. It is a
pleasure to hear how mildly and sensibly Nemours speaks upon all these
subjects, and indeed every subject....
I think you did _uncommonly right_ in what you answered the poor King
about the _arrêté_ in favour of the _Prussians_, and I am very glad
you _have_ done so. It will have a good effect here.
Louise will tell you how we celebrated good Bertie's birthday. The
children are in great favour with the Nemours.
Pray, dearest Uncle, do not forget to send me the list of Rellstab's
works. We think of making another little tour after the dear Nemours'
departure, to Drayton (Sir Robert Peel's), Chatsworth, and Belvoir.
We are very sorry to lose dear Feo and Ernest. They are so good and
excellent, and she is so _brav_. Ever, your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Pageheading: BIRMINGHAM]
[_Memorandum enclosed from Sir Robert Peel to Prince Albert,
about the political condition of Birmingham, which the
Prince was intending to visit._]
The Mayor is a hosier--of _extreme_ political opinions--_in fact, a
Chartist_.
The contest for the office of Mayor was between him and a man of
Radical opinions, but Chartism prevailed.
The Mayor has taken a violent part, before his Mayoralty, against
Church Rates, and in reference to the state of Ireland.
The Conservative party took no part whatever in the Municipal
Elections, and would not vote.
They would, if invited or permitted by the Mayor and Town Council,
cordially co-operate with men of opposite opinions in any mark of
respect to the Prince.
No probability of any tumult or of any demonstration but one of
respect personally towards the Prince, if his visit be clearly and
manifestly unconnected with politics.
An immense concourse of people must be expected, not only from
Birmingham, but Wolverhampton, Walsall, and all the neighbouring
towns, and previous police arrangements must be very carefully made.
There may be a proposal of a collation and of an Address, to be
received in the Town Hall.
Should not the Lord Lieutenant (Lord Warwick) have notice?
Is the Mayor to accompany the Prince in the same carriage?[91]
The Mayor has no carriage.
No communication should be made to any party in Birmingham, except to
the municipal authorities, notwithstanding their political bias and
_extreme_ opinions.
The late Mayor, Mr James, though a Radical, would have summoned the
leading men of different parties.
Doubts as to whether the present Mayor would, or whether he would not,
place the whole arrangement in the hands of the party with which he is
connected.
This risk must be incurred, as communications to other parties would
not be advisable.
[Footnote 91: This was the course adopted.]
[Pageheading: THE DUC DE BORDEAUX]
_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
FOREIGN OFFICE, _1st December 1843._
Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has not yet
received any communication from the Duc de Lévis, notwithstanding he
had been led to expect it, from a notice repeatedly conveyed to him to
that effect. It seems probable that in consequence of what the Duc
de Lévis may have heard, as well as from the course pursued by the
friends of the Duc de Bordeaux, Lord Aberdeen may not now see him
at all. Should this be the case, Lord Aberdeen is rather inclined
to regret it; as although he would formerly have seen him with some
reluctance, he would now be glad to have an opportunity of expressing
his sentiments very plainly respecting the proceedings of the Prince
and his adherents in this country.
Lord Aberdeen understands from Sir Robert Peel that your Majesty would
like to be informed of any particulars connected with the Levée lately
held by the Duc de Bordeaux. Lord Aberdeen would willingly communicate
these particulars, but in reality there is very little to be added
to the official accounts contained in the _Morning Post_, which it
is obvious are inserted by authority. He saw M. de Ste Aulaire this
morning, who was a good deal excited by what has taken place, and has
written very fully to Paris; but he knew nothing more than he had seen
in the newspapers.
It may perhaps be worth mentioning to your Majesty that at the
presentation of the Address by M. Chateaubriand[92] on Friday, the
cries of "Vive le Roi!" and "Vive Henri V.!" were so loud as to be
distinctly audible in the Square. Lord Aberdeen understands that this
enthusiasm has been the cause of serious differences amongst many of
those who had come to pay their respects to the Duc de Bordeaux, a
large portion of whom are by no means disposed to recognise him as
King during the life of the Duc d'Angoulême.[93]
Lord Aberdeen cannot learn that any other member of the Diplomatic
Body has been presented to the Duc de Bordeaux, and does not believe
that any such presentation has taken place. Indeed, there appears to
be a general disinclination that such should be the case; although
some of them feel considerable difficulty in consequence of the
relationship existing between their Sovereigns and the Prince.
[Footnote 92: François, Vicomte de Chateaubriand (1768-1848),
a great supporter of the Bourbons, and made a Peer in 1815. He
was Ambassador in London in 1822.]
[Footnote 93: Eldest son of Charles X.]
_Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley._
CHATSWORTH, _3rd December 1843._
The Queen approves of Lord Stanley's proposed Draft to Sir Charles
Metcalfe.[94] This question can in no way be settled without giving
offence to one part of the country; the Queen, however, hopes that
the fixing upon Montreal as the seat of Government will hereafter be
considered as fair by impartial minds. Sir Charles continues to show
great discretion and firmness in his most arduous and unsatisfactory
situation, and deserves much praise and encouragement.
[Footnote 94: Governor-General of Canada.]
[Pageheading: VISIT TO CHATSWORTH]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BELVOIR CASTLE, _4th December 1843._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Being much hurried, I can only write you a few
lines to thank you for your kind letter of the 29th, received this
morning. You will have heard from Louise the account of our stay
at Drayton (which is a very nice house), and of Albert's brilliant
reception at Birmingham. We arrived at Chatsworth on Friday, and left
it at nine this morning, quite charmed and delighted with everything
there. Splendour and comfort are so admirably combined, and the Duke
does everything so well. I found many improvements since I was there
eleven years ago. The conservatory is out and out the finest thing
imaginable of its kind. It is one mass of glass, 64 feet high, 300
long, and 134 wide.[95] The grounds, with all the woods and cascades
and fountains, are so beautiful too. The first evening there was a
ball, and the next the cascades and fountains were illuminated, which
had a beautiful effect. There was a large party there, including
many of the Duke's family, the Bedfords, Buccleuchs, the Duke of
Wellington, the Normanbys, Lord Melbourne (who is much better),
and the Beauvales. We arrived here at half-past two, we perform our
journey so delightfully on the railroad, so quickly and easily. It
puts me in mind of our dear stay in Belgium, when we stop at the
various stations.
Albert is going out hunting to-morrow, which I wish was _over_, but I
am assured that the country is much better than the Windsor country.
The Duc de Bordeaux's proceedings in London are most highly improper.
The Queen Dowager is also here.
We leave this place on Thursday for home, which, I own, I shall be
glad of at last. Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 95: It was built by Mr Joseph Paxton, then
Superintendent of the Gardens, whose intelligence had
attracted the Duke of Devonshire's attention. In 1850 he was
the successful competitor for the Great Exhibition building,
and was knighted on its completion. He superintended its
re-erection at Sydenham, and afterwards became M.P. for
Coventry.]
_The Princess Hohenhohe to Queen Victoria._
LANGENBURG, _10th December 1843._
MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... You ask in your letter about the manner in
which my children say their prayers? They say it when in their beds,
but not kneeling; how absurd to find _that_ necessary, as if it could
have anything to do with making our prayers more acceptable to the
Almighty or more holy. How really clever people can have those notions
I don't understand. I am sorry it is the case there, where there is
so much good and, I am certain, real piety. Dear Pussy learning her
letters I should like to see and hear; I am sure she will learn them
very quick. Has Bertie not learned some more words and sentences
during your absence?...
Your attached and devoted sister,
FEODORA.
[Pageheading: PRINCE ALBERT WITH THE HOUNDS]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _12th December 1843._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I thank you much for your kind letter of the 7th,
which I received as usual on Sunday. Louise will be able to tell
you _how_ well the remainder of our journey went off, and how well
Albert's hunting answered.[96] One can hardly credit the absurdity of
people here, but Albert's riding so boldly and hard has made such a
sensation that it has been written all over the country, and they make
much more of it than if he had done some great act!
It rather disgusts one, but still it had done, and does, good, for
it has put an end to all impertinent sneering for the future about
Albert's riding. This journey has done great good, and my beloved
Angel in particular has had _the greatest success_; for instance, at
Birmingham the good his visit has done has been immense, for Albert
spoke to all these manufacturers _in their own language_, which they
did not expect, and these poor people have only been accustomed to
hear demagogues and Chartists.
We cannot understand how you can think the country about Chatsworth
_not_ pretty, for it is (with the exception of the moors) beautiful,
wooded hills and valleys and rapid streams. The country round Belvoir
I do not admire, but the view from the castle is very fine and
extensive, and Albert says puts him so in mind of the Kalenberg....
Pray have you heard anything about Aumale's plans? Dear little Gaston
seems much better.
The Duc de Bordeaux has been informed of my and the Government's
extreme displeasure at their conduct; they say there shall be no more
such displays. He was to leave London yesterday, only to return again
for a day, and then to leave England altogether.
With Albert's love, ever, dearest Uncle, your most devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 96: The Prince hunted with the Belvoir hounds on the
5th.]
[Pageheading: AN AMERICAN VIEW OF MONARCHY]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _15th December 1843._
MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I am most happy to see that your journey passed
so well, and trust you are not sorry to be again in your very dear
and comfortable home, and with your dear children. People are
very strange, and their great delight is to find fault with their
fellow-creatures; what harm could it have done them if Albert had
_not_ hunted at all? and still I have no doubt that his having hunted
well and boldly has given more satisfaction than if he had done Heaven
knows what praiseworthy deed; _ainsi est et sera le monde_.
I am glad also that the Birmingham course succeeded so well; the theme
had been for some years, particularly amongst manufacturers, that
Royalty was useless and ignorant, and that the greatest blessing would
be, to manufacture beyond measure, and to have an American form of
Government, with an elective head of State.
Fortunately, there has always hitherto been in England a very
aristocratic feeling freely accepted by the people, who like it, and
show that they like it.... I was much amused, some time ago, by a
very rich and influential American from New York assuring me that they
stood in great need of a Government which was able to grant protection
to property, and that the feeling of many was for Monarchy instead
of the misrule of mobs, as they had it, and that he wished very much
_some branch of the Coburg family might be disposable_ for such a
place. _Qu'en dites-vous_, is not this flattering?...
There is nothing very remarkable going on, besides I mean to write
again on some subjects. Give my best love to Albert, and Pussy, who
may remember me perhaps, and I remain, ever, my beloved Victoria, your
devoted Uncle,
LEOPOLD R.
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _19th December 1843._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your kind and dear letter of the 15th, written
in your true wit and humour, reached me on Sunday and gave me great
pleasure. We have had also most wonderfully mild weather, but _I_
think very disagreeable and unseasonable; it always makes me so
bilious. The young folks are very flourishing and prosperous--Pussette
knowing all her letters, and even beginning to read a little. When I
mentioned your birthday to her, she said, "I cried when I saw Uncle
Leopold," which _was_ the case, I am sorry to say, the first time she
saw you this year....
I don't believe that the _white_ flag on the house at Belgrave
Square[97] is true. Lord Melbourne and the Beauvales were here for
three nights; and it was a pleasure to see Lord Melbourne so much
himself again; the first evening he was a good deal excited and talked
and laughed as of old; the two other evenings he was in the quite
silent mood which he often used to be in formerly, and really _quite_
himself, and there was hardly any strangeness at all. Lady Beauvale is
really a _very, very_, charming person, and so attentive and kind to
both her husband and Lord Melbourne. Our little chapel here (which is
extremely pretty) is to be consecrated this morning, and Lady Douro
comes into Waiting for the first time. To-morrow Mamma gives us a
dinner. Poor Lord Lynedoch[98] is, I fear, dying, and Lord Grey is so
bad he cannot last long.[99]
Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 97: The house occupied by the Duc de Bordeaux.]
[Footnote 98: Thomas, Lord Lynedoch, had died the previous
day, aged ninety-five. He highly distinguished himself in
the Peninsula and in Holland, and received the thanks of
Parliament, and a Peerage in 1814.]
[Footnote 99: He died in July 1845.]
[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGE]
_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th December 1843._
The Queen has been much amused to see by Sir Robert Gordon's despatch
of the 15th, the extreme fright of Prince Metternich at the proposed
marriage of Queen Isabel with Count Trapani,[100] but she regrets
that Sir Robert tried to make excuses for the conduct we have pursued,
which the Queen thinks requires no apology.
[Footnote 100: See _ante_, p. 487, note 54. (this Ch., above)]
* * * * *
_Printed by Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury.
Paper supplied by John Dickinson & Co., Ld., London_.
* * * * *
Transcriber's Note:
This is the first Volume of three. The index is in Volume 3.
It is suggested that all three Volumes be downloaded to the same folder.
[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, chorus;
v[oe]ux, wishes.)
Some hyphenation is inconsistent and has been retained.
There are a number of 'period' spellings, which I have retained
(e.g. bord, controuled, uncontrouled, Controul, woud, etc.).
The original pageheadings have been retained, moving them to appropriate
positions, to 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.
Initial letters are spaced as in the original, i.e., personal initials:
spaced; academic initials: unspaced.
There are many footnotes which refer to earlier or later pages.
e.g.:
[Footnote 53: Of the Crown jewels; _ante_, p. 439.
(Ch. XI, 'Crown Jewels')]
For clarification, I have added (Ch. and 'Pageheading') or (Ch. and date).
Errata and [sic]:
Page 12: '... were desired to take me a drive to amuse me.' [sic]
Page 14: removed extraneous opening quote.
Page 83: replaced 'It' with 'If' (It you could get my kind....)
Page 145: 'mariage' [sic]: King Leopold may have used the French
spelling 'mariage' for the English 'marriage'.
Page 146: changed 'anxety' to 'anxiety' - old typo?
Page 157: removed duplicated word (Lord Lord Melbourne)
Page 162: corrected 'Houeshold' to 'Household'.
Page 191: corrected 'beng' to 'being'.
Page 193: corrected 'affecionate' to 'affectionate'.
Page 261: replaced missing period.
Page 298: replaced missing period ...
'_I.e._, Lord Melbourne being succeeded
Page 376: corrected 'Every our' to 'Ever your'.
Page 384: '... on bord the _Black Eagle_ ...' [sic]
Page 392: 'I ... am quite _confuse_. [sic]
Queen Victoria used the feminine form of the French adjective,
"confus, e, confused, overpowered; obscure, dim."
Page 417: corrected page no. in footnote from 408 to 409.
Page 443: _uncontrouled_ [sic]
Page 445, Footnote 112: 'a' corrected to 'at'.
Page 448: 'woud' [sic] (though followed by 'would' in same paragraph).
Page 466: corrected 'as' to 'at' ...'look at'...
Page 469: '... one of the Secretaries to the Board of Controul.' [sic]
Page 512: Replaced missing period ... 'Viney, Ld.,'