CHAPTER XIII

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.