1848
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _1st January 1848._
MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--This is a most melancholy beginning of the
year. Our poor Aunt Adelaide,[1] so kind to us, has departed this life
yesterday morning. Poor Louise feels it dreadfully, as nothing could
be more affectionate and more motherly than she was for Louise. She
was always very kind and friendly to me, and I must confess I feel the
blow much. I am very much alarmed about the poor King; he must feel
the loss of a sister and friend so entirely devoted to him deeply;
it is the thing most likely to hurt and shake his health. You will
forgive if I cut short here, as I am much disturbed by this melancholy
event. I think you would act kindly in writing to the King. We are too
nearly connected not to do it, and it will soothe him, who has been
enough persecuted since last year. I trust you begin better than we do
this most melancholy January. My best love to Albert, and believe me
ever, my dearest Victoria, your truly and devoted Uncle,
LEOPOLD R.
[Footnote 1: Sister of King Louis Philippe.]
[Pageheading: DEATH OF MADAME ADELAIDE]
_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._[2]
WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd January 1848._
The Queen sends Lord John Russell a letter from her Uncle, the King
of the Belgians, which will show how dreadful a blow Mme. Adelaide's
death will be to the King of the French and Royal Family. The Queen's
first thought was to write to the King, which she would not have done
without first mentioning it to Lord John; but upon reflection
she thought it quickest and best to write _at once_ to her cousin
Clementine (Princess Augustus of Saxe-Coburg), to convey in her name
to the King her sincere sympathy at this melancholy event. The King of
the Belgians' letter has, however, brought back to the Queen her first
thought of writing to the King, and she wishes to know what Lord John
thinks of it. The Queen thinks it as undignified as unfeeling to carry
on political coolness at moments like these, when her own feelings of
sympathy are so strong and so sincere. The Queen would certainly under
other circumstances have instantly written to the King. On the other
hand, her first letter to her cousin (the King's daughter) may be
sufficient, as it conveys a direct message; and there may be people
who will construe this into a political act, but the Queen thinks that
this risk should rather be run than that she should appear unfeeling
and forgetful of former kindness and intimacy.
The Queen would be glad to have Lord John's opinion on this subject as
soon as possible.
[Footnote 2: This letter is headed "Reproduction--Substance of
a letter to Lord John Russell, written from recollection."]
_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _3rd January 1848._
MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--I thank you _most sincerely_ for your
kind last letter, and all your good wishes for the New Year. Alas! the
year _ended_ and _began_ in a _most painful_ and _heartrending way
for us_. The loss of my good, excellent, beloved Aunt is an _immense
misfortune_ for _us all_, and the most _dreadful blow_ for my poor
Father. We are all broken-hearted by this, at last _unexpected_ event.
Some years we were uneasy about my poor Aunt's health, and of late
I had been particularly alarmed by what I heard of her increasing
weakness; but I was very far from believing that her end was _so
near_. I was only anxious for the winter. At least her end was
peaceful. She went to sleep and did not wake more. She died without a
struggle; the horror of death, and the still greater pang of the last
farewell, of the last leave-taking of her beloved brother, was spared
her. I thank God for _this_ proof of His mercy, and hope He will
keep up my Father under _such a heavy affliction_. To him the loss is
_irretrievable_. My Aunt lived _but_ for him; one may almost say
that her affection alone had kept her alive these last years, and a
devotion like hers--that devotion of all instants--so complete, so
full of self-denial--cannot, will never, be replaced. A heart _like
hers_, so true, so noble, so warm, so loving, so devoted, is _rarely_
seen. To us also, independently of my Father, the loss is a _dreadful_
one. My Aunt was a second mother for us; we loved her and looked up to
her in this way, and certainly few mothers do for their children what
she did for us, or loved them better. We are overwhelmed with grief by
the sudden disappearance of a being _so dear_ and _so necessary_ to us
all, and we go to-morrow to Paris, to mourn with the remainder of the
family, and offer my poor Father the only consolation he can feel at
this cruel moment, that of being surrounded by all those he loves.
I have still so much to do previous to our melancholy journey that
I cannot say more to-day. I am sure you will excuse me. I shall, God
willing, write in a more proper way the next time. In the meanwhile I
thank God that you are _unberufen_ all well, and, in sorrow or in joy,
I am equally, my beloved Victoria, from the bottom of my heart, yours
most devotedly,
LOUISE.
[Pageheading: LETTER TO KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
WOBURN ABBEY, _4th January 1848._
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
no hesitation in saying that he thinks your Majesty will do well to
follow your own kind impulse to write a letter to the King of the
French. There will be some persons, and M. Guizot perhaps among the
number, who will construe this into a political act; but it is better
to be subject to such misconstructions than to leave undone any act of
sympathy to the King of the French in his sore affliction.
Should the King attempt to found upon your Majesty's letter any
political intercourse, Lord John Russell has no doubt that your
Majesty will explain to him that your present proceeding is entirely
founded upon private regard, and past recollections of intimacy, and
is not intended as an opening for political correspondence.
_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._
CH. DE WINDSOR, _5 Janvier 1848._
SIRE ET MON BON FRERE,--Je ne voulais pas suivre l'impulse de mon
c[oe]ur, dans les premiers instants de la vive douleur de votre
Majeste, en vous ecrivant--mais maintenant ou la violence de cette
rude secousse peut-etre sera un peu adoucie, je viens moi-meme
exprimer a votre Majeste la part sincere que nous prenons, le Prince
et moi, a la cruelle perte que vous venez d'eprouver, et qui doit
vous laisser un vide irreparable. Ayez la bonte, Sire, d'offrir nos
expressions de condoleance a la Reine, et faisant des v[oe]ux pour le
bonheur de V.M., je me dis, Sire et mon bon Frere, de V.M., la bonne
S[oe]ur,
V. R.
A S.M. le Roi des Francais.
[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND THE PORTE]
_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
PARIS, _8 Janvier 1848._
MADAME MA BONNE S[OE]UR,--Dans la profonde douleur ou m'a plonge le
coup cruel qui vient de me frapper, une des plus douces consolations
que je pusse recevoir, est la lettre que votre Majeste a eu la bonte
de m'adresser, tant en son nom qu'en celui du Prince son Epoux.
L'expression de la part que vous prenez tous deux a mon malheur, et de
l'interet que vous continuez a me porter, m'a vivement emu, et quelque
douloureuse qu'en soit l'occasion, qu'il me soit permis, Madame, de
vous en remercier, et de dire a votre Majeste que mon c[oe]ur et mes
sentimens pour elle, sont et seront toujours les memes que ceux que
j'etais si heureux de Lui manifester a Windsor et au Chateau d'Eu.
Je prie votre Majeste de vouloir bien etre, aupres du Prince son
Epoux, l'interprete de toute ma sensibilite. La Reine est bien touchee
de ce que votre Majeste m'a charge de Lui temoigner, et je la prie
de croire que je suis toujours, Madame, ma bonne S[oe]ur, de votre
Majeste, le bon Frere,
LOUIS PHILIPPE R.
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
CLAREMONT, _11th January 1848.[sic: 1843]_
The Queen has this morning seen a draft addressed to Lord Cowley,
in which he is desired to advise the Sultan to give Abd-el-Kader
a command in his Army--a step which the Queen cannot approve, not
because it is not good advice to the Porte, but because it is uncalled
for on our part, and might be considered by France as a hostile step
towards her. What would we say if the French were to advise M. Ali to
give Akbar Khan the command of his army?[3]
[Footnote 3: See _ante_, vol. i. p. 254.]
[Pageheading: CLAREMONT]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
CLAREMONT, _11th January 1848._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I always write with pleasure to you from this _so_
very dear old place, where we are safely and happily housed with our
_whole_ little family since yesterday. The weather is very cold, and
it is the third night of a black frost which is likely to continue
for some days. Many thanks for your kind letter of the 7th, which,
according to the new arrangement, I received already on the 8th.
Your visit will, I fear, have been a very melancholy one. Poor Mme.
Adelaide's death was so extremely sudden, it must be a dreadful blow
to the poor King. I _have_ written to him. Louise will have told you
that poor Aunt Sophia[4] is decidedly sinking.
I wish, dearest Uncle, if even Louise feels unequal to coming to us
now (which would be a _sad disappointment_), _you_ would come to see
us. Why not come while she is at Paris? It would be such a pleasure to
us. You will of course have no balls, and you might come even sooner
than you originally intended. Pray do see if you could manage this. I
am sure you could. If Louise could come, of course that would be still
better.
Albert desires me to ask you the following favour, viz. if you
would give us the picture that is here of Grand Uncle Frederic (the
Field-Marshal), that we might hang it up in London, where we have made
a fine collection of his contemporaries, and we would replace it by
a faithful copy, which could be hung up in the frame here. Will you
grant this?
We are very desirous of getting the Woods and Forests to build a small
_glass dome_ to the greenhouse here where the palm-trees are, and (if
you approved) there could be no difficulty in getting this done; the
palm-trees are beautiful, and will be quite stunted and spoilt if not
allowed to grow. We shall stay here till Monday next. With Albert's
love, ever your truly devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 4: Fifth daughter of George III., born 1777. She
died in May 1848.]
[Pageheading: THE FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _12th January 1848._
MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--A messenger of my own going to England, I take
advantage of it to write you a few words. Your kind letter to the
poor King was an act for which I thank you from the bottom of my soul,
because it made him so happy. I was still in his rooms--where the
family has been breakfasting and dining till now--when your letter
arrived; he was so delighted with it that he _kissed it most
tenderly_. I left him tolerably well on Monday, but with rather a
severe cold. He had certainly at the end of December the Grippe,
which perhaps was the immediate cause of poor Aunt's death, as from
over-anxiety for her beloved brother, she got up in the night to find
out how he was. His cold had been better when he went to Dreux, then
he met the procession, and walked with it bareheaded to the church;
this seems to have given him a new cold. His nerves are also a good
deal shaken, and this renders him very irritable. He is much occupied
about some of the arrangements connected with poor Aunt's fortune;
she left her landed property to Nemours, Joinville, and Montpensier,
charged with the various sums she left to nearly all the branches of
her family. The King is to have, however, the enjoyment of the whole
of this fortune for his life. His great wish would be to employ the
revenues, from the whole of the succession legacies as well as landed
property, to free the landed property of the mortgage of the various
legacies. This will require a good many years, and I told him that it
would force him to live till it would be arranged, which will easily
require ten years. In France a good feeling has been shown on this
occasion. I heard from trustworthy quarters that even people who were
known to be personally not very kind to the King, expressed themselves
most anxious for his preservation. Whenever that sad event will take
place, the reaction in Europe will be great, as all the bad passions
which are kept down by him will then of course try to get the over
hand. The Queen is much affected by all this, and thinks much of her
own end. The children, including good Helene, have all behaved
with the utmost affection to their parents, and nothing can equal
particularly good Nemours' devotion and attention. My beloved Child,
your truly devoted Uncle,
LEOPOLD R.
[Pageheading: REVOLUTION IN FRANCE]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _12th February 1848._
MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... From Paris the news are alarming;[5] the
struggle of the Liberal Party leaning towards radicalism, or in fact
merely their own promotion; principles are _out_ of the question. This
state of affairs reacts in a very lamentable way upon the well-being
of the great European community. Great complaints are made that the
working classes are deprived of work and at the same time political
agitation is kept up, which must have the effect of stopping
transactions of every description. The human race is a _sad_ creation,
and I trust the other planets are better organised and that we may get
there hereafter.... Your devoted Uncle,
LEOPOLD R.
[Footnote 5: The Republican movement had been making rapid
headway in Paris, and the leader of the Opposition, M. Odilon
Barrot, proposed Guizot's impeachment on the 22nd of February.
Louis Philippe, when it was unfortunately too late, consented
to a change of Ministry, but the formation of a new Government
proved impossible. The Revolution could have been quelled, had
it not been for the King's reluctance to shed blood in defence
of the Throne to which he had been elected; even to the
agitators themselves the completeness of the Revolution was a
surprise.]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
DOWNING STREET, _23rd February 1848._
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
will have the honour of waiting upon your Majesty at three o'clock
to-morrow.
Lord Normanby's letters from Paris give a little information.[6]
There has been some fighting in the streets, and some apprehension
for the night. But it does not appear probable that any serious danger
will be incurred, with the troops in such force in Paris.
Hereafter there may be a serious struggle between the Government of
the King, and the Republicans. But in that case such men as M. Odilon
Barrot will shrink from the contest.
[Footnote 6: A letter from Lord Normanby on the 13th of
March to Lord Palmerston (published in Ashley's _Life of
Palmerston_, vol. i. chap. iii.) gives an account of the
situation on the eve of the 22nd of February. On the 25th of
February he wrote:--
"The National Guards, mixed with the people, were in full
march upon the Tuileries, and the latter threatening the life
of the King, when Emile Girardin, the editor of the _Presse_
newspaper, who was in advance as an officer of the National
Guard, hastily drew up an Act of Abdication, and placed it
before the King as the only means of safety. The King at
first refused, saying that he would rather die; but the Duc de
Montpensier urged him, not only for his own sake, but to save
his country from confusion. The King at last signed it,
and threw it impatiently at the Duc de Montpensier, who,
I believe, has been in favour of conciliatory counsel
throughout. The Royal Family then retired through the garden,
the King saying to every one as he passed, 'J'abdique,
j'abdique.'"]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _26th February 1848._
MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I am very unwell in consequence of the _awful_
events at Paris. How will this end? Poor Louise is in a state of
despair which is pitiful to behold. What will soon become of us God
alone knows; great efforts will be made to revolutionise this country;
as there are poor and wicked people in all countries it may succeed.
Against France we, of course, have a right to claim protection from
England and the other Powers. I can write no more. God bless you. Ever
your devoted Uncle,
LEOPOLD R.
[Pageheading: FLIGHT OF FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY]
_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
BRUSSELS, _27th February 1848._
MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--I understand by an account arrived this
morning, and which seems to be correct, that my unfortunate parents
arrived in England before yesterday evening: but I don't know _where_
they are. (I don't know anything of them since the 23rd, evening!!!)
But you will surely know, and kindly forward the letter to my poor
mother. I have just received your kind letter of the 25th, but I
am unable to say more to-day. You will easily conceive my agony and
anguish. What an _unbelievable_ clap of thunder! I know still nothing
of what Nemours and Montpensier are become. I rely on your interest
and sympathy, and remain as ever, yours most devotedly,
LOUISE.
I hear this moment with an _extreme relief_ that my parents were to
arrive yesterday at London, and thank God from the bottom of my heart
for their safety! In my agony I did not wish for anything else.
[Pageheading: THE KING OF PRUSSIA]
[Pageheading: ANARCHY IN PARIS]
_The King of Prussia to Queen Victoria._
[_Translation._]
_27th February 1848._
MOST GRACIOUS QUEEN AND SISTER,--Even at this midnight hour of the
day, on the evening of which the awful news from Paris has arrived,
I venture to address these lines to your Majesty. God has permitted
events which decisively threaten the peace of Europe.
It is an attempt to "spread the principles of the Revolution by
_every_ means throughout the whole of Europe." This programme binds
together both these individuals and their parties. The consequences
for the peace of the world are _clear_ and _certain_. If the
revolutionary party carries out its programme, "The sovereignty of
the people," my minor crown will be broken, no less certainly than the
mighty crowns of your Majesty, and a fearful scourge will be laid upon
the nations; a century [will follow] of rebellion, of lawlessness, and
of godlessness. The late King did not dare to write "by the Grace
of God." _We_, however, call ourselves King "by the Grace of God,"
because it is true. Well, then, most gracious Queen, let us now show
to men, to the peoples threatened with disruption and nameless misery,
both _that_ we understand our sacred office and _how_ we understand
it. God has placed in your Majesty's hands, in the hands of the two
Emperors, in those of the German Federation, and in mine, a power,
which, if it now acts in union and harmony, with reliance on Heaven,
is able humanly speaking, to enforce, with certainty, the maintenance
of the peace of the world. This power is _not that of arms_, for
these, more than ever, must only afford the _ultima ratio_.
The power I mean is "the power of united speech." In the year 1830
the use of this immeasurable power was criminally neglected. But now I
think the danger is much more pressing than it was then. This power is
divided among _us_ in equal portions. I possess the smallest portion
of it, and your Majesty has by far the greatest share. That share is
so great that your Majesty, by your powerful word, might alone carry
out the task. But the certainty of victory lies, subject to the Divine
blessing, solely in our utterance being united. This must be our
message to France; "that all of us are cordial well-wishers to France;
we do not grudge her all possible welfare and glory; we mean never to
encroach on it, and we will stand by the new Government as by the old,
_foi de gentils-hommes_. But the first breach of the peace, be it with
reference to Italy, Belgium, or Germany would be, undoubtedly and at
the same time, a breach with 'all of us,' and we should, with all the
power that God has given us, let France feel by _sea_ and by _land_,
as in the years '13, '14, and '15, what our union may mean."
_Now_ I bless Providence for having placed Lord Palmerston at the head
of your Foreign Office, and keeping him there at this very moment.
During the last quarter of the past year I could not always cordially
agree with him. His genuine British disposition will honour this open
confession. All the more frankly may I now express the hopes which
rise in me, from the very fact of _his_ holding that office at the
present moment; for a more active, more vivid, more energetic Minister
of foreign affairs, a man that would more indefatigably pursue great
aims, your Majesty could probably never have. If at this grave hour
he sets himself to proclaim that our forces are united; if he himself
utters his message as befits St George, he will earn the blessing of
millions, and the blessing of God and of the world will rest on your
Majesty's sacred head. That I am your Majesty's and _Old England's_
most faithful and most devoted brother and companion, you are aware,
and I mean to prove it. On both, knees I adjure you, use, for the
welfare of Europe, "_Engellands England_."
With these words I fall at your Majesty's feet, most gracious Queen,
and remain your Majesty's most faithfully devoted, most attached
Servant and good Brother,
FREDERIC WILLIAM.
_P. S._--The Prince I embrace. He surely feels with me, and justly
appraises my endeavours.
_Post scriptum, 28th, in the evening._
I venture to open my letter again, for this day has brought us news
from France, which one can only call _horrible_. According to what
we hear, there is no longer left a King in France. A regency, a
government, and the most complete anarchy has ensued, under the name
of the Republic--a condition of things in which, at first, there will
be no possibility of communicating with the people, infuriated with
crime. In case a Government should evolve itself out of this chaos, I
conscientiously hold that the "united word" of the great Powers, such
as I have indicated in the preceding pages, should be made known,
_without any modification, to the new holders of power_. Your
Majesty's gracious friendship will certainly not take amiss this
addition to my letter, though it be not conformable to strict
etiquette.
The fate of the poor old King, of the Duchess of Orleans, of the whole
honourable and amiable family, cuts me to the heart, for up to this
time we do not know what has become of any of them. We owe Louis
Philippe eighteen happy years of peace. No noble heart must forget
that. And yet--who would not recognise the avenging hand of the King
of kings in all this?
I kiss your Majesty's hands.
[Pageheading: LETTER FROM QUEEN LOUISE]
[Pageheading: ANXIETY OF QUEEN LOUISE]
_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
BRUSSELS, _28th February 1848._
MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--_What a misfortune! What_ an _awful,
overwhelming, unexpected_ and _inexplicable catastrophe_. _Is it
possible_ that we should witness _such events_, and that _this_ should
be the end of nearly eighteen years of courageous and successful
efforts to maintain order, peace, and make France happy, what _she
was_? I have heard, I read hourly, _what has happened: I cannot
believe it yet_; but if _my beloved parents_ and the remainder of
the family are at least _safe_ I won't mind the rest. In the hours of
agony we have gone through I asked God _only_ to spare _the lives_,
and I ask still _nothing else_: but we don't know them yet _all_
saved, and till I have heard of my unfortunate parents, of my unhappy
brothers far away, of all those for whom I would lay my life at any
moment and whose danger I could not even share or alleviate, I cannot
exist.
I was _sure_, my beloved Victoria, of all _you_ would _feel for us_
when you would hear of these awful events. I received yesterday your
two kind, warm, sympathising letters of the 25th and 26th, and thank
you with _all my heart_ for them, and for yours and Albert's share and
sympathy.
_Our anguish_ has been _undescribable_. We have been _thirty-six hours
without any news_, not knowing even if my parents and the family were
still alive or not, and what had been their fate. Death is not worse
than what we endured during these horrible hours. We don't know yet
what to think, what to believe, I would almost say, what to wish; we
are _stunned_ and _crushed_ by the awful blow. What has happened is
_unaccountable, incomprehensible_; it appears to us like a _fearful_
dream. Alas! I fear my dear beloved father was led away by his
_extreme courage_; by that same courage which had made his success and
a part of his strength; for it is strange to say that even those that
deplored most his resolution never to yield on certain things gave him
credit for it. The exaggeration of the system of peace and resistance,
or rather _immobility_, lost him, as that of war lost Napoleon. Had he
shunned less war _on all occasions_, and granted in time some trifling
reforms, he would have satisfied public opinion, and would probably
be still where he was _only eight days ago_, strong, beloved, and
respected! Guizot's accession has been _as fatal_ as his fall, and
is perhaps the _first cause_ of our ruin, though my father cannot be
blamed for having kept him in office, as he had the majority in the
Chamber, and an overwhelming one. _Constitutionally_, he could not
have been turned out, and it was _impossible to foresee_ that when
all was quiet, the country prosperous and happy, the laws and
liberty respected, the Government strong, a _Revolution_--and _such
a Revolution_--would be brought on by a few imprudent words, and the
resistance (lamentable as it was) to a manifestation which, in fact,
the Government had a right to prevent. _It was the Almighty's will:
we must submit._ He had decreed our loss the day He removed my beloved
brother[7] from this world. Had he lived still, all this would
have turned otherwise. It has been also an immense misfortune that
Joinville and Aumale were both away. They were both popular (which
poor dear _never-to-be-sufficiently-respected_ Nemours was _not_),
energetic, courageous, and capable of turning chance in our favour.
Oh! _how I long_ to know what is become of them! I cannot live till
then, and the thought of my unfortunate parents _annihilates_ me! Poor
dear Joinville had foreseen and foretold almost all that has happened,
and it was the idea of the crisis he apprehended which made him so
unhappy to go. He repeated it to me several times six weeks ago. Alas!
_nobody_ would believe him, and who _could believe_ that in _a day_,
almost without struggle, _all would be over_, and the past, the
present, the future carried away on an unaccountable storm! _God's
will be done!_ He was at least _merciful_ to my dear Aunt, and I hope
He will preserve all those dear to me!
Here everything is quiet: the horror general, and the best feeling
and spirit prevailing. There is still now nothing to fear: but if _a
republic really established_ itself in France, it is impossible to
tell what may happen. For this reason your Uncle thinks it right that
we should remove to some place of safety what we have of precious.
If you permit I will avail myself of the various messengers that are
going now to send _under your care_ several boxes, which you will
kindly send to Claremont to Moor, to keep with those your Uncle
already sent. They contain your Uncle's letters and those of my
parents--the treasure I most value in the world.
_29th._--MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--This was written yesterday, in
a moment of comparative quiet, when I thought my parents at least safe
and in security in England. Albert's letter to your Uncle of the 27th,
which arrived yesterday evening, says they were _not arrived yet_, and
I am again in the most horrible agony. I had also yesterday evening
details of their flight (_my father flying!!!_) by Madame de Murat,
Victoire's lady, who has gone to England, which quite distracted me.
Thank God that Nemours and Clem at least _are safe!_I am quite unable
to say more, and I hope the Duchess and Alexandrine will excuse me if
I don't write to them. Truly, I _can't_. I thank you only once more,
my beloved Victoria, _for all your kindness_ and _interest_ for my
unfortunate family, and trust all the anxiety you feel for us won't
hurt you. God bless you ever, with all those dear to you. Believe me
always, my beloved Victoria, yours most devotedly,
LOUISE.
I send you no letter for my mother in the present uncertainty.
[Footnote 7: The Duc d'Orleans, who was killed on 13th July
1842.]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
CHESHAM PLACE, _29th February 1848._
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
the honour to transmit a short note from Lord Normanby, which is very
satisfactory.
Lord John Russell declared last night that your Majesty would not
interfere in the internal affairs of France. But in repeating this
declaration, in answer to Mr Cobden, he added that the sacred duties
of hospitality would be, as in all times, performed towards persons of
all opinions. Both declarations were generally cheered. In extending
this hospitality to members of the Royal Family of France, it is only
to be observed that no encouragement should be given by your Majesty
to any notion that your Majesty would assist them to recover the
Crown. In this light it is desirable that no _Prince_ of the House
of Orleans should inhabit one of your Majesty's palaces in or near
London.
[Pageheading: THE NEW FRENCH GOVERNMENT]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
(_Undated._)[8]
The Queen has perused the enclosed despatches and the proposed Minutes
of a draft to Lord Normanby with Lord John Russell's remarks. She
approves generally of the Minutes, but would like that amongst the
laudable intentions of the new French Government, _that_ of keeping
_inviolate_ the European Treaties should be brought in in some way.
In the paper No. 2, the expression "_most cordial friendship_" strikes
the Queen as rather too strong. We have just had sad experience of
_cordial_ understandings. "Friendly relations" might do better or
the whole sentence might run thus: "that not peace only but cordial
friendship with France _had been at all times_ [instead of "is one
of the," etc.] one of the first wishes of the British Government, and
that this _will_ remain," etc., etc., etc.
[Footnote 8: Apparently written at the end of February.]
[Pageheading: ESCAPE OF KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st March 1848._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Every hour seems to bring fresh news and events.
Victoire and her children and Montpensier are at Jersey, and are
expected to arrive to-morrow. About the King and Queen, we still know
nothing, but we have some clue, and think _he may be_ somewhere on the
coast, or even _in_ England. We do everything we can for the poor
dear Family, who are indeed most dreadfully to be pitied; but you will
naturally understand that we cannot _make cause commune_ with them and
cannot take a hostile position opposite to the new state of things
in France; we leave them alone, but if a Government which has the
approbation of the country be formed, we shall feel it necessary to
recognise it, in order to pin them down to maintain peace and the
existing Treaties, which is of great importance. It will not be
pleasant for us to do this, but the public good and the peace of
Europe go before one's feelings. God knows what _one feels_ towards
the French. I trust, dear Uncle, that you will maintain the fine and
independent position you are now in, which is so gratifying to us, and
I am sure you will feel that much as we all must sympathise with
our poor French relations, you should not for that quarrel with the
existing state of things, which however is very uncertain. There were
fresh reports of great confusion at Paris, which is sure to happen.
All our poor relations have gone through is worthy only of a
_dreadful_ romance, and poor Clem behaves beautifully, courageously,
and calmly, and is full of resignation; but she can get no sleep, poor
thing--and hears the horrid cries and sees those _fiend-like
faces_ before her! The children are very happy with ours, but very
unmanageable. I saw the Duchesse de Montpensier to-day.
Now, with every wish for _all_ going on well, believe me ever, your
devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Pageheading: MR FEATHERSTONHAUGH]
[Pageheading: A GRAPHIC NARRATIVE]
_Mr Featherstonhaugh[9] to Viscount Palmerston._
HAVRE, _3rd March 1848._
MY DEAR LORD PALMERSTON,--It was a hair-trigger affair altogether, but
thanks be to God everything has gone off admirably. I was obliged
to abandon the plan of trusting the King in a fishing-boat from
Trouville. The weather was very stormy; had he attempted to find the
steamer, he might have failed, for the sea was in a furious state and
the wind ahead. There was also the danger of the fishing-boat being
lost, a contingency the very idea of which made me miserable.
I therefore abandoned the plan altogether, and after much and careful
reflection determined to execute one more within my control, and the
boldness of which, though trying to the nerves, was its very essence
for success. It was to bring the King and Queen into Havre itself
before anybody could suspect such a dangerous intention, and have
everything ready for their embarkation to a minute. To carry out the
plan, I wanted vigilant, intelligent, and firm agents, and I found
them as it turned out. It was known to me that the lower classes
suspected it was M. Guizot concealed at Trouville, and as some
sinister occurrence might reasonably be expected there, I sent a
faithful person into Calvados. It was high time. The mob had assembled
at the place where the King was, who had to slip out at the back door
and walk two leagues on foot. At length he reached a small cottage
belonging to a gardener at Honfleur, where the Queen was. This was
half-past six o'clock A.M. yesterday. My agent saw the King and Queen,
who, after some conversation, sent him back with this message, that
they "would wait where they were until they again heard from me, and
would carry out my final arrangements with exactitude, as far as it
depended upon them." I now instructed Captain Paul to be ready at
half-past seven P.M., when it would be dark, to have his water hot,
ready to get up steam; to have only a rope moored to the quay with an
anchor astern; to expect me with a party a little before eight P.M.,
and as soon as I had got on board with my party and told him to push
off, he was to let me go on shore, cut his rope and cable, get into
the middle of the Basin, up with his steam and jib and push for
England. Not a word was to be spoken on board.
To get the King here from Honfleur the following method was adopted:
M. Bresson, a loyal and intelligent officer in the French Navy and
well known to the King, and Mr Jones, my Vice-Consul and principal
Clerk, went in the steam ferry-boat a quarter before five P.M. to
Honfleur. From the landing-place it is three-quarters of a mile to the
place where the King and Queen were concealed. The ferry-boat was to
leave Honfleur for Havre a quarter before seven o'clock. I had given
M. Bresson a passport for Mr and Mrs Smith, and with this passport the
King was to walk to the landing-place, where he was to be met by my
Vice-Consul and be governed by him.
If the _gens d'armes_ disputed his passport Mr Jones was to vouch for
its regularity, and say that he was sent by me to conduct Mr Smith to
Havre, who was my Uncle. M. Bresson was to follow with the Queen,
and the rest of the suite were to come to the ferry-boat one after
another, but none of the party were to know each other. The ferry-boat
was to arrive in Havre about half-past seven, and I was to do the
rest. A white pocket-handkerchief was to be twice exhibited as a
signal that all was right so far. The difficulty of the _gens d'armes_
being infinitely more to be provided against and apprehended here, I
first confidentially communicated to the greatest gossips in the town
that I had seen a written statement from an official person that the
King had reached England in a fishing-boat from the neighbourhood of
Treport, and then got some persons whom I could rely upon, sons of my
tradesmen here who are in the National Guard, to be near the steamer
that was to receive the King, to give me their assistance if it should
be necessary, on account of the turbulence of the crowd, to
embark some friends of mine who were going to England. And if an
extraordinary number of _gens d'armes_ were stationed at the steamer,
and they hesitated about letting my Uncle go on board, then about one
hundred yards off I had two persons who were to pretend a quarrel and
a fight, to which I knew the _gens d'armes_ would all go as well as
the crowd. In the meantime I hoped that as Captain Paul made no noise
with his steam that the crowd would not assemble, and that we might
find no _gens d'armes_. The anxiously expected moment at length
arrived. The ferry-boat steamer came to the quay; it was almost dark,
but I saw the white pocket-handkerchief. There was a great number of
passengers, which favoured the debarkation. When half of them were
out, the trembling Queen came up the ladder. I took her hand, told her
it was me, and M. Bresson walked with her towards our steamer. At last
came the King, disguised, his whiskers shaved off, a sort of casquette
on his head, and a coarse overcoat, and immense goggles over his eyes.
Not being able to see well, he stumbled, when I advanced, took his
hand and said, "Ah, dear Uncle, I am delighted to see you." Upon which
he answered, "My dear George, I am glad you are here." The English
about me now opened the crowd for their Consul, and I moved off to a
quiet and shaded part of the quay. But my dear Uncle talked so loud
and so much that I had the greatest difficulty to make him keep
silence. At length we reached the steamer; it was like a clock-work
movement. The crowd was again opened for me. I conducted the King to
a state-room below, gave him some information, and having personally
ascertained that the Queen was in her cabin, and being very
much touched with her tears and her grateful acknowledgments, I
respectfully took my leave, gave the Captain the word to cut loose,
and scrambled ashore. In twenty minutes the steamer was outside,
steaming away for England. I drove down to the jetty, and had that
last satisfaction of seeing her beyond all possibility of recall, and
then drove home. Much has been said this morning about the mysterious
departure of Captain Paul, and I have been obliged to confess that the
gentleman I was seen conducting on board was a brother of the King
of Naples, who was immensely frightened without cause, and that I had
engaged the steamer for him and his family. Many think, however, that
it was the King, but then again that could not be if he crossed over
from Treport in a fishing-boat. We have got everybody completely
mystified, and there are only four persons in the secret, who will all
remain in the same story.
I have scribbled, amidst the most hurried engagements, this little
narrative, believing that it would interest your Lordship. It has the
interest of romance and the support of truth. I have the honour to be,
etc.
G. W. FEATHERSTONHAUGH.
Information has just reached me that one hour after the King and Queen
left their hiding-place last night, and just when I was embarking
them, an officer and three _gens d'armes_ came to the place to arrest
him. They were sent by the new Republican _Prefet_. It appears that
the man who gave him refuge had confessed who he was as soon as the
King had left Trouville, and had betrayed the King's hiding-place at
Honfleur. What an escape! Your Lordship will see a paragraph in the
enclosed newspaper not altogether false. We in the secret know nothing
about Louis Philippe; we know something about the Count of Syracuse
and something about Mr William Smith. If it leaks out, it must come
from England. Here no one has any proof. In the meantime almost
everybody here is delighted to think that he may have escaped.
[Footnote 9: British Consul at Havre. This letter was
submitted to the Queen by Lord Palmerston.]
[Pageheading: ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND]
[Pageheading: RECEPTION AT CLAREMONT]
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
CARLTON GARDENS, _3rd March 1848._
(3 P.M.)
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
to state that General Dumas has just been with him to announce that
the King and Queen of the French landed this morning at Newhaven,
having been brought over in the Steam Packet Express, in which they
embarked at Havre yesterday evening about eight o'clock.
General Dumas says that till the morning of their arrival at Dreux the
King and the Queen imagined that the Comte de Paris had succeeded to
the Throne, and that the Duchess of Orleans had been declared Regent;
that when they heard that a Republic and a Provisional Government had
been declared they thought it unsafe to remain at Dreux; and that they
then separated in order to go by different roads to Honfleur, where
they were to meet at a small house belonging to a friend of
General Dumas. At that house they remained for some days, until Mr
Featherstonhaugh opened a communication with them. The King then
removed to Trouville in order to embark from thence in a manner which
Mr Featherstonhaugh had arranged, and he remained there two or three
days for that purpose; but the weather was too stormy, and prevented
his departure. In the meanwhile the people of Trouville found out who
he was, and their demonstrations of attachment became inconvenient.
He therefore returned to Honfleur, and the arrangements were altered.
Yesterday evening at seven o'clock the King, the Queen, and General
Dumas came to the ferry-boat which plies between Honfleur and Havre,
and were met by the Vice-Consul, who treated the King as uncle of
the Consul. On landing at Havre the King walked straight down to the
Express Packet, which was lying ready; the Queen went separately,
and after making a slight round through the streets of Havre embarked
also; the Packet then immediately started, and went into Newhaven in
preference to any other port, because no Packets start from thence
for the French coast. General Dumas says that the whole party were
unprovided with anything but the clothes they wore, and he was going
to the King's banker to provide funds to enable him to come to town,
and said that the King begged him to apologise for his not having
at once written to your Majesty to thank your Majesty for the great
interest which your Majesty has taken in his safety, and for the
assistance, which he has received for his escape, but that he would do
so this evening.
General Dumas said that the King's present intention is to remain in
England in the strictest _incognito_, and that he and the Queen will
assume the title of Count and Countess of Neuilly.
Viscount Palmerston explained to General Dumas that your Majesty has
made arrangements for the King's reception at Claremont, and that your
Majesty intended to send down an officer of your Majesty's Household
to communicate with the King.
General Dumas said that the King would most gratefully avail himself
of the arrangement as to Claremont, but that under all circumstances,
and as the King wished to remain in entire privacy, he thought it
would be better that no person from your Majesty's Household should
go down to the King at Newhaven, and that he was sure the King would
rather find his own way from the railway station at London Bridge to
Claremont than attract attention by being met at the station by any of
your Majesty's carriages.
The King would remain to-night at Newhaven, and would come up
to-morrow morning. General Dumas said that the King and the Queen had
gone through much personal fatigue and mental anxiety, but are both
well in health. The General was going to Count Jarnac before he
returned to Newhaven.
[Pageheading: THE KING'S GRATITUDE]
_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX, _3eme Mars 1848._
MADAME,--Apres avoir rendu graces a Dieu, mon premier devoir est
d'offrir a votre Majeste l'hommage de ma reconnaissance pour la
genereuse assistance qu'elle nous a donnee, a moi et a tous les miens
et que la Providence vient de couvrir d'un succes complet, puisque
j'apprends qu'ils sont tous a present sur la terre hospitaliere de
l'Angleterre.
Ce n'est plus, Madame, que _le Comte de Neuilly_ qui, se rappelant vos
anciennes bontes, vient chercher sous ses auspices, un asyle et une
retraite paisible et aussi eloignee de tout rapport politique que
celle dont il y a joui dans d'autres temps, et dont il a toujours
precieusement conserve le souvenir.
On me presse tellement pour ne pas manquer le train qui emportera ma
lettre que j'ai a peine le temps de prier votre Majeste d'etre mon
interprete aupres du Prince votre auguste Epoux.
Ma femme, accablee de fatigue par la vie que nous venons de mener
depuis dix jours! ecrira un peu plus tard a votre Majeste. Tout ce
qu'elle a pu faire, est de tracer quelques mots pour notre bien aimee
Louise que je recommande a votre bonte. On me presse encore, Madame,
je ne puis que me souscrire avec mon vieil attachement pour vous, de
votre Majeste, tres affectionne,
LOUIS PHILIPPE.
_The Queen of the French to Queen Victoria._
NEWHAVEN, _3eme Mars 1848._
MADAME,--A peine arrivee dans cette contree hospitaliere apres 9
jours d'une cruelle agonie, mon premier sentiment, apres avoir beni la
Divine Providence, c'est de remercier, du fond de mon c[oe]ur, votre
Majeste, pour les facilites qu'elle a bien voulu nous donner pour
venir dans ce pays terminer nos vieux jours dans la tranquillite et
l'oubli. Une vive inquietude me tourmente, c'est d'apprendre le sort
de mes enfants cheris desquels nous avons du nous separer; j'ai la
confiance qu'ils auront trouve aussi un appui dans le c[oe]ur genereux
de votre Majeste, et qu'ils auront ete egalement sauves comme leur
admirable Pere, mon premier tresor. Que Dieu vous benisse, Madame,
ainsi que le Prince Albert et vos enfants, et vous preserve de
malheurs pareils aux notres, c'est le v[oe]u le plus sincere de celle
qui se dit, Madame, de votre Majeste, la toute devouee,
MARIE AMELIE.
[Pageheading: ARRIVAL OF GUIZOT]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
HOUSE OF COMMONS, _3rd March 1848._
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty: he has
read with deep interest the affecting letter of the fallen King.
After the vicissitudes of a long life, it may be no irremediable
calamity if a Prince of great powers of mind and warm domestic
affections is permitted by Providence to end his days in peace and
tranquillity.
Of course all enmity to his projects as a King ceases with his
deposition.
M. Guizot came to London from Dover at half-past six.
_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._
PALAIS DE BUCKINGHAM, _3eme Mars 1848._
SIRE ET MON CHER FRERE,--C'etait une consolation bien vive pour moi de
recevoir la bonne lettre de votre Majeste qui m'a bien touchee. Nous
avons tous ete dans de vives inquietudes pour vous, pour la Reine et
toute la famille, et nous remercions la Providence pour que vous soyez
arrives en surete sur le sol d'Angleterre, et nous sommes bien heureux
de savoir que vous etes ici loin de tous ces dangers qui vous ont
recemment menaces. Votre Majeste croira combien ces derniers affreux
evenements si inattendus nous ont peniblement agites. Il nous tarde
de savoir que vos santes n'ont pas ete alterees par ces derniers jours
d'inquietude et de fatigue. Albert me charge d'offrir les hommages a
votre Majeste, et je vous prie de deposer les notres aux pieds de la
Reine, a qui je compte repondre demain. Je me dis, Sire et mon bon
Frere, de votre Majeste, la bien affectionnee S[oe]ur,
VICTORIA R.
_Queen Victoria to the Queen of the French._
PALAIS DE BUCKINGHAM, _4eme Mars 1848._
MADAME,--Votre Majeste aura excuse que je ne vous ai pas de suite
remercie de votre bonne et aimable lettre de hier. C'est des fonds
de mon c[oe]ur que je me rejouis de vous savoir en surete a Claremont
avec le Roi. Mes pensees etaient aupres de votre Majeste pendant tous
ces affreux jours, et je fremis en pensant a tout ce que vous avez
souffert de corps et d'ame.
Albert sera le Porteur de ces lignes; j'aurais ete si heureuse de
l'accompagner pour vous voir, mais je n'ose plus quitter Londres.
Avec l'expression de l'affection et de l'estime, je me dis toujours,
Madame, de votre Majeste, la bien affectionnee S[oe]ur,
VICTORIA R.
[Pageheading: THE ROYAL FUGITIVES]
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
CARLTON GARDENS, _5th March 1848._
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
cannot see that there could be any objection to the King and Queen of
the French coming to town to visit your Majesty, and indeed, on
the contrary, it would seem under all the circumstances of the case
natural that they should be anxious to see your Majesty, and that your
Majesty should be desirous of receiving them.
Viscount Palmerston was sure that your Majesty would read with
interest Mr Featherstonhaugh's account of the manner in which he
managed the escape of the King and Queen of the French. It is like one
of Walter Scott's best tales, and the arrangements and the execution
of them do great credit to Mr Featherstonhaugh, who will be highly
gratified to learn, as Viscount Palmerston proposes to inform him,
that your Majesty has approved his conduct. Mr Featherstonhaugh has
also probably rendered a good service to the Provisional Government,
who would have been much embarrassed if their Commissioner had
arrested the King and Queen.
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _7th March 1848._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Albert has written to you so constantly that I have
little to add; he just tells me this is not quite true. However,
there is nothing very new except that we have seen the King and Queen;
Albert went down to Claremont to see them on Saturday, and yesterday
they came here with Montpensier. They both look very _abattus_,
and the poor Queen cried much in thinking of what she had gone
through--and what dangers the King had incurred; in short, humbled
poor people they looked. Dearest Vic I saw on Sunday; _she_ has also
gone through much, and is so dear and good and gentle. She looked
wonderfully well _considering_. They are still _very_ much in want of
means, and live on a very reduced scale.
[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S VIEW OF THE CRISIS]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _11th March 1848._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I profit by the departure of Andrews to write to
you a few lines, and to wish you joy of the continued satisfactory
behaviour of my friends, the good Belgians; fervently do I hope and
really trust all will go on well; but what an extraordinary state of
things everywhere! _"Je ne sais plus ou je suis,"_ and I fancy really
that we have gone back into the _old_ century. But I also feel one
must not be nervous or alarmed at these moments, but be of good cheer,
and muster up courage to meet all the difficulties.
Our little riots are mere nothing, and the feeling here is good....
_What_ is _your_ opinion as to the late events at Paris? Do you not
think the King ought to have retired to Vincenness or somewhere else a
day or two before, and put himself at the head of the army? Ought
not Montpensier at least to have gone to Vincennes? I know Clem even
thinks this--as also that _one_ ought to have foreseen, and ought to
have managed things better. Certainly at the _very last_, if they had
not gone, they would all have been massacred; and _I_ think they were
quite right, and in short could not avoid going as quickly as they
could; but there is an impression they _fled_ too quickly. Still the
recollection of Louis XVI.... is enough to justify all, and everybody
will admit that; but the Princes, they think, ought to have remained.
_What_ do _you_ think of all this? I think the blunders were _all_ on
the last three or four days--and on the last day, but were no longer
to be avoided at last; there seemed a _fatality_, and _all_ was lost.
Poor Nemours did his best till he could _no longer_ get to the troops.
People here also abuse him for letting Victoire go alone--but he
_remained_ to do his _duty_; a little more _empressement_ on her
arrival here I would have wished. Albert told you all about the
Montpensiers' journey. It would do the King irreparable mischief if
they went now to Spain; the feeling of anger would all return. Poor
people! they are all in a sad state of _want_ at present.
I must conclude. Hoping to hear from you, and to have your opinion.
Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S SYMPATHY]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th March 1848._
The Queen cannot let this day pass without offering Lord Melbourne
hers and the Prince's best wishes for many happy returns of it in
health and strength.
Lord Melbourne will agree with the Queen that the last three weeks
have brought back the times of the last century, and we are in the
midst of troubles abroad. The Revolution in France is a sad and
alarming thing.... The poor King and his Government made many mistakes
within the last two years, and were obstinate and totally blind at
the last till flight was inevitable. But for _sixteen_ years he did a
great deal to maintain peace, and made France prosperous, which should
_not_ be forgotten.... Lord Melbourne's kind heart will grieve
to think of the _real want_ the poor King and Queen are in, their
dinner-table containing barely enough to eat. And the poor Nemours
hardly know which way to turn. If the private property be not restored
God only knows what is to become of these distinguished young Princes
and their little children. What will be their _avenir_? It breaks
one's heart to think of it, and the Queen, being so nearly related
to them and knowing them all, feels it very much. Surely the poor
old King is sufficiently punished for his faults. Lord Beauvale will
surely be shocked at the complete ruin of the family. Has he seen or
heard from his old friend Madame de Montjoye, who is here with the
Queen of the French? The poor dear Queen of the Belgians is quite
broken-hearted, but, thank God, Belgium goes on admirably. In Germany
also there are everywhere disturbances, but the good Germans are at
bottom very loyal....
The state of Paris is very gloomy; the rabble armed--keeping the
Government in awe--failures in all directions, and nothing but ruin
and misery. This is too gloomy a letter for a birthday, and the Queen
must apologise for it. The Prince wishes to be kindly remembered to
Lord Melbourne.
[Pageheading: THE CZAR'S VIEW]
_The Emperor of Russia to Queen Victoria._
22 Mars
ST. PETERSBURG, _le ------- 1848._
3 Avril
MADAME MA S[OE]UR,--Veuillez me permettre, Madame, d'offrir a votre
Majeste mes sinceres felicitations de son heureuse delivrance.[10]
Puisse le bon Dieu conserver votre Majeste et toute son auguste
famille, c'est mon v[oe]u de tous les jours. Plus que jamais, Madame,
au milieu des desastres qui renversent l'ordre social, l'on eprouve le
besoin de relier les liens d'amitie que l'on a ete heureux de former
dans de meilleurs temps; ceux-la au moins nous restent, car ils sont
hors de la portee des hommes, et je suis fier et heureux de ce que
votre noble c[oe]ur me comprendra. En jettant les yeux sur ce qui se
passe, peut-etre votre Majeste accordera-t-elle un souvenir a ce que
j'eus l'honneur de lui predire, assis a table pres d'elle: depuis, 4
annees a peine se sont ecoulees, et que reste-t-il encore debout en
Europe? La Grande-Bretagne et la Russie!
Ne serait-il pas naturel d'en conclure que notre union intime est
appelee peut-etre a sauver le monde? Excusez, Madame, cet epanchement
d'un c[oe]ur qui vous est devoue et qui a pris l'habitude de souvenir
a vous.
J'ose avec une entiere confiance compter sur l'amitie de votre
Majeste, et la prie de recevoir l'assurance de l'inviolable
attachement avec lequel je suis, Madame, de votre Majeste, le tout
devoue et fidele bon Frere et Ami,
NICOLAS.
Veuillez, Madame, me rappeler au souvenir de son Altesse Royale
Monsieur le Prince Albert.
[Footnote 10: The Princess Louise was born on 18th March.]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
BRUSSELS, _25th March 1848._
MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... England seems quiet, and even the attempt in
Ireland seems to have passed over. But Germany is in an awful state,
beyond what I ever should have thought possible in that country, and
with such a good nation. For years, however, all sorts of people had
been stirring them up, and half measures, seeming dishonest, of the
Sovereigns have done harm. Curious enough that I, who in fact was
desirous of retiring from politics, should be on the Continent the
only Sovereign who stood the storm, though I am at ten hours' distance
from Paris. I trust we shall be able to go on with our money matters
to enable us to keep up; our working classes are at this moment what
occupies us most, and much has been done, and our Banks, which were
much threatened, are now safe.
We work hard, and with these few days I suffered a little, but I
am better to-day. Louise is tolerably well; the poor children are
attentive and amiable. Poor things! _their existence_ is a good deal
on the cards, and fortunes, private and public, are in equal danger.
Now I will leave you that you should not be tired. Ever, my beloved
child, your devoted Uncle,
LEOPOLD R.
[Pageheading: THE CHARTIST DEMONSTRATION]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th April 1848._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you for three most kind letters, of
the 18th and 25th March, and of the 1st. Thank God, I am _particularly
strong_ and _well_ in _every possible respect_, which is a blessing in
these _awful, sad, heart-breaking_ times. From the first I heard all
that passed, and my only thoughts and talk were--Politics; but I never
was calmer and quieter or less nervous. _Great_ events make me quiet
and calm, and little trifles fidget me and irritate my nerves. But
_I feel_ grown old and serious, and the future is very dark. God,
however, will come to help and protect us, and we must keep up our
spirits. _Germany_ makes me so sad; on the other hand, Belgium is a
real pride and happiness.
We saw your poor father and mother-in-law with the Nemours, Joinville,
and Aumale yesterday. Still a dream to see them _thus, here!_They
are well in health, and the young people's conduct most praiseworthy;
really the three Princesses are astonishing, and a beautiful lesson to
every one. They are so much admired and respected for it. My beloved
Vic, with her lovely face, is perfection, and so cheerful. She often
comes to see me, and this is a great pleasure to me, if only it was
not caused by such misfortunes!
Now good-bye. With fervent prayers for the continuation of your
present most flourishing position, ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
CHESHAM PLACE, _9th April 1848._
SIR,--The Cabinet have had the assistance of the Duke of Wellington in
framing their plans for to-morrow.
Colonel Rowan[11] advised that the procession should be formed, and
allowed to come as far as the bridge they may choose to pass, and
should there be stopped. He thinks this is the only way to avoid a
fight. If, however, the Chartists fire and draw their swords and use
their daggers, the Military are to be called out.
I have no doubt of their easy triumph over a London mob.
But any loss of life will cause a deep and rankling resentment. I
trust, for this and every reason, that all may pass off quietly. I
have the honour to be, your Royal Highness's most obedient Servant,
J. RUSSELL.
[Footnote 11: Chief Commissioner of Police, afterwards Sir
C. Rowan, K.C.B. The Chartist meeting had been fixed for the
10th.]
[Pageheading: THE UNEMPLOYED]
_The Prince Albert to Lord John Russell._
OSBORNE, _10th April 1848._
MY DEAR LORD JOHN,--To-day the strength of the Chartists and all
evil-disposed people in the country will be brought to the test
against the force of the law, the Government, and the good sense of
the country. I don't feel doubtful for a moment who will be found
the stronger, but should be exceedingly mortified if anything like a
commotion was to take place, as it would shake _that_ confidence which
the whole of Europe reposes in our stability at this moment, and upon
which will depend the prosperity of the country. I have enquired a
good deal into the state of employment about London, and I find, to
my great regret, that the number of workmen of all trades out of
employment is _very_ large, and that it has been increased by the
reduction of all the works under Government, owing to the clamour for
economy in the House of Commons. Several hundred workmen have been
discharged at Westminster Palace; at Buckingham Palace much fewer
hands are employed than are really wanted; the formation of Battersea
Park has been suspended, etc., etc. Surely this is not the moment for
the tax-payers to economise upon the working classes! And though
I don't wish our Government to follow Louis Blanc in his system of
_organisation du travail_,[12] I think the Government is bound to do
what it can to help the working classes over the present moment of
distress. It may do this consistently with real economy in its
own works, whilst the reductions on the part of the Government are
followed by all private individuals as a sign of the times. I have
before this spoken to Lord Morpeth[13] upon this subject, but I wish
to bring it specially under your consideration at the present moment.
Ever yours truly,
ALBERT.
[Footnote 12: Alluding to the _Ateliers Nationaux_, to
be established under the guidance of a Council of
Administration.]
[Footnote 13: Chief Commissioner of Woods and Forests.]
[Pageheading: FEARGUS O'CONNOR]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
DOWNING STREET, _10th April 1848._
(2 P.M.)
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
the honour to state that the Kennington Common Meeting has proved a
complete failure.
About 12,000 or 15,000 persons met in good order. Feargus O'Connor,
upon arriving upon the ground in a car, was ordered by Mr Mayne[14] to
come and speak to him. He immediately left the car and came, looking
pale and frightened, to Mr Mayne. Upon being told that the meeting
would not be prevented, but that no procession would be allowed to
pass the bridges, he expressed the utmost thanks, and begged to shake
Mr Mayne by the hand. He then addressed the crowd, advising them to
disperse, and after rebuking them for their folly he went off in a cab
to the Home Office, where he repeated to Sir George Grey his thanks,
his fears, and his assurances that the crowd should disperse quietly.
Sir George Grey said he had done very rightly, but that the force at
the bridges should not be diminished.
Mr F. O'Connor--"Not a man should be taken away. The Government have
been quite right. I told the Convention that if they had been the
Government they never would have allowed such a meeting."
The last account gave the numbers as about 5,000 rapidly dispersing.
The mob was in good humour, and any mischief that now takes place will
be the act of individuals; but it is to be hoped the preparations made
will daunt those wicked but not brave men.
The accounts from the country are good. Scotland is quiet. At
Manchester, however, the Chartists are armed, and have bad designs.
A quiet termination of the present ferment will greatly raise us in
foreign countries.
Lord John Russell trusts your Majesty has profited by the sea air.
[Footnote 14: Mr Richard Mayne, Commissioner of Police,
created a K.C.B. in 1851.]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
CHESHAM PLACE, _15th April 1848._
Lord John Russell has a letter from Lord Clarendon to-day in better
spirits, but somewhat fearing an outbreak in Dublin to-night. He
speaks confidently of the disposition of the troops.
Lord John Russell cannot wonder that your Majesty has felt deeply the
events of the last six weeks. The King of the French has brought
upon his own family, upon France, and upon Europe a great calamity.
A moderate and constitutional Government at home, coupled with an
abstinence from ambitious projects for his family abroad, might have
laid the foundation of permanent peace, order, and freedom in Europe.
Selfishness and cunning have destroyed that which honesty and wisdom
might have maintained. It is impossible not to pity the innocent
victims of the misconduct of Louis Philippe. Still less can one
refrain from regarding with dread the fearful state of Germany, of her
princes, her nobles, and her tempest-tossed people.
The example of Great Britain, may, however, secure an interval of
reflection for Europe. The next six months will be very trying, but
they may end with better prospects than we can now behold. It was
impossible that the exclusion of free speaking and writing which
formed the essence of Prince Metternich's system could continue. It
might have been reformed quietly; it has fallen with a crash which
spreads ruin and death around.
Lady John is deeply grateful for the congratulations of your Majesty
and the Prince.[15] She is going on well to-day.
[Footnote 15: On the birth of a second son.]
[Pageheading: ALARMING STATE OF IRELAND]
_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
OSBORNE, _16th April 1848._
The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter. The state of
Ireland is most alarming and most anxious; altogether, there is so
much inflammable matter all around us that it makes one tremble.
Still, the events of Monday must have a calming and salutary effect.
Lord John Russell's remarks about Europe, and the unfortunate and
calamitous policy of the Government of the poor King of the French are
most true. But is he not even most to be pitied for being the cause
of such misery? (Though perhaps he does not attribute it to himself),
for, to see all his hopes thus destroyed, his pride humbled, his
children--whom he loves dearly--ruined--is not this enough to make a
man wretched? and indeed much to be pitied; for _he_ cannot feel _he_
could _not_ have prevented all this. Still Guizot is more to blame;
_he_ was the responsible adviser of all this policy: he is _no_
Bourbon, and he ought to have behaved differently. Had the poor King
died in 1844 after he came here, and before that most unfortunate
Spanish marriages question was started, he would have deservedly gone
down to posterity as a great monarch. _Now_, what will be his name in
history? His fate is a great _moral!_
With regard to Germany, Prince Metternich is the cause of half the
misfortune. His advice was taken by almost all the sovereigns of that
country, and it has kept them from doing in time what has now been
torn from them with the loss of many rights which they need not have
sacrificed. We heard yesterday that the Archduke John[16] had arrived
at Frankfort. This is a wise measure, and may do much good and prevent
much evil, as he is a popular and most distinguished prince....
[Footnote 16: Uncle of the Emperor (Ferdinand I.) of Austria,
born 1782.]
[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON AND THE QUEEN]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
OSBORNE, _17th April 1848._
The Queen not having heard anything from Lord Palmerston respecting
foreign affairs for so long a time, and as he must be in constant
communication with the Foreign Ministers in these most eventful and
anxious times, writes to urge Lord Palmerston to keep her informed
of what he hears, and of the views of the Government on the important
questions before us.
She now only gets the Drafts when they are gone.
The acceptance of the mediation between Denmark and Holstein is too
important an event not to have been first submitted to the Queen.
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
CARLTON GARDENS, _18th April 1848._
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
regrets much that he has not lately had an opportunity of giving
your Majesty verbally such explanations as your Majesty might wish to
receive with respect to the progress of foreign affairs, but Viscount
Palmerston hopes to be able to get down to Broadlands for a few days
on Saturday next, and he could easily from thence wait upon your
Majesty on any morning and at any hour your Majesty might be pleased
to appoint.
Although events of the greatest importance have been passing in
rapid succession in almost every part of Europe, the position of
your Majesty's Government has been one rather of observation than of
action, it being desirable that England should keep herself as free as
possible from unnecessary engagements and entanglements, in order that
your Majesty may be at liberty to take such decisions as the state of
things may from time to time appear to render most advisable.
[Pageheading: LOYALTY OF BELGIUM]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BARTON, _18th April 1848._
DEAREST UNCLE,--Detained here by a heavy shower of rain, I begin my
letter to you and thank you warmly for your dear and kind letter of
the 15th, which I received yesterday.
_Truly_ proud and delighted are we at the conduct of the Belgians,[17]
and at their loyalty and affection for you and yours, which I am sure
must be a reward for all that you have done these seventeen years.
I must beg to say that you are wrong in supposing that no mention is
made of what took place on the 9th in our papers; on the contrary, it
has been _most gratifyingly_ mentioned in the _Times_, _Chronicle_,
_John Bull_, _etc._ _You_ are held up as a pattern to the German
Sovereigns, and the Belgians as a pattern to the German people.
In France, really things go on _dreadfully_.... One does not like to
attack those who are fallen, but the poor King, Louis Philippe,
_has_ brought much of this on by that ill-fated return to a _Bourbon
Policy_. I always think he _ought not_ to have abdicated; every one
seems to think he _might_ have stemmed the torrent _then_ still. On
the other hand, Joinville says it was sure to happen, for that the
French want constant change, and were quite tired of the present
Government. _Qu'en dites-vous?_ How is poor, dear Louise? I hope her
spirits are better.
Our weather is terribly rainy, though very fine between. We have got
nightingales in the pleasure ground, and in the wood down near the
sea. We are all extremely well, and expect the Prince of Prussia here
to-day for two nights. Ever your devoted and attached Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 17: A party of French Republicans entered Belgium
with the intention of exciting an insurrection; the attempt
signally failed.]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
OSBORNE, _1st May 1848._
The Queen has this morning received Lord Palmerston's letter.[18] She
cannot see any reason for deviating from the established rules, and
inviting to Court Frenchmen who are not recognised in their official
capacity, and have no natural representatives to present them as
private individuals. As an invitation cannot be claimed by them, the
omission of it ought not to lead to any misrepresentation; whilst the
contrary, under the fiction of their being private individuals, might
lead to misconstruction and to most inconvenient precedents.
[Footnote 18: M. de Tallenay had arrived in London with a
letter from M. Lamartine, accrediting him as provisional
_charge d'affaires_ of the French Government, and Lord
Palmerston had suggested to the Queen that etiquette would not
be violated by inviting him to a Court Ball.]
[Pageheading: AFFAIRS IN FRANCE]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _9th May 1848._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your very kind letter of the 6th.
How delightful it is to hear such good accounts of Belgium! If only
dear Germany gets right and if all our interests (those of the smaller
Sovereigns) are not sacrified! I cannot say _how_ it distresses and
vexes me, and _comme je l'ai a c[oe]ur_. My good and dear Albert is
much worried and works _very_ hard....
I had a curious account of the opening of the _Assemblee_ from Lady
Normanby.[19] No _real_ enthusiasm, dreadful confusion, and the
Blouses taking part in everything, and stopping the Speakers if they
did not please them. The opinion is that it cannot last.
I enclose another letter from Lady Normanby, with an account of the
poor Tuileries, which is very curious and sad; but the respect shown
for poor Chartres is very touching, and might interest poor dear
Louise, if you think fit to show it her. But why show such hatred to
poor Nemours and to the Queen? Montpensier's marriage may cause _his_
unpopularity, possibly. I shall beg to have the letter back.
I must conclude, as we are going to pay a visit at Claremont this
afternoon. Ever your truly devoted Child and Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 19: The National Assembly commenced its sittings on
4th May, when the Oath of Allegiance was abolished, and the
Republic proclaimed in the presence of 200,000 citizens.]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _16th May 1848._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have just heard the news of the extraordinary
confusion at Paris, which must end in a _Blutbad_. Lamartine has quite
lost all influence by yielding to and supporting Ledru Rollin![20] It
seems inexplicable! In Germany, too, everything looks most anxious,
and I _tremble_ for the result of the Parliament at Frankfort.[21] I
am _so_ anxious for the fate of the poor smaller Sovereigns, which it
would be infamous to sacrifice. I feel it _much_ more than Albert, as
it would break my heart to see Coburg _reduced_.
Many thanks for your kind and dear letter of the 13th. Thank God! that
with you everything goes on so well. I will take care and let Lord
Normanby know your kind expressions. The visit to old Claremont was a
touching one, and it seemed an incomprehensible dream to see them
all there. They bear up wonderfully. Nothing can be kinder than
the Queen-Dowager's behaviour towards them all. The poor Duchess of
Gloster is again in one of her nervous states, and gave us a dreadful
fright at the Christening by quite forgetting where she was, and
coming and kneeling at my feet in the midst of the service. Imagine
our horror!
I must now conclude. The weather is beautiful, but too hot for me.
Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 20: Lamartine and Ledru Rollin were members of the
Provisional Government, and subsequently of the Executive
Committee. The mob, holding that the promises of general
employment had been broken, invaded the Assembly _en masse_,
and attempted a counter-revolution.]
[Footnote 21: Out of the revolutionary movement in Germany
had grown their National Assembly, which after a preliminary
session as a _Vor-Parlament_, was to reassemble on 18th May.]
[Pageheading: AUSTRIA AND ITALY]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
(_No date._)
The Queen has carefully perused the enclosed papers, and wishes to
have a copy of Baron Hummelauer's[22] note sent to her to keep.
The basis laid down in it is quite inadmissible, and the Queen was
struck by the light way in which the claims of the Dukes of Parma
and Modena are spoken of (as disposed of by the events), whilst their
position and that of Austria are in every respect identical.[23] The
Queen thinks Lord Palmerston's proposition the one which is the most
equitable, still likely to be attained, but it does not go far enough;
the position which Austria means to take _in Italy_ with her Italian
province ought to be explained, and a declaration be made that Austria
will, with this province, join any Italian league which the other
states of Italy may wish to establish. This will be useful to Italy,
and much facilitate the acceptance of the Austrian proposal, as the
Queen feels convinced that as soon as the war shall be terminated, the
question of the political constitution of Italy (as a whole) will
have to be decided. Why Charles Albert ought to get any additional
territory the Queen cannot in the least see. She thinks it will be
better to proceed at once upon the revised Austrian proposal, than
to wait for Italian propositions, which are sure to be ridiculously
extravagant.
[Footnote 22: The Austrian Government, in its efforts to
maintain its ascendency in Lombardy, had sent Baron Hummelauer
to negotiate with Lord Palmerston.]
[Footnote 23: The Dukes had both been driven from their
dominions, while the King (Charles Albert) of Sardinia threw
in his lot with the cause of United Italy as against Austria,
which then ruled Lombardy.]
[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND SPAIN]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
OSBORNE, _23rd May 1848._
The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter respecting Spain and
Italy this morning. The sending away of Sir H. Bulwer[24] is a serious
affair, which will add to our many embarrassments; the Queen is,
however, not surprised at it, from the tenor of the last accounts from
Madrid, and from the fact that Sir H. Bulwer has for the last three
years almost been sporting with political intrigues. He invariably
boasted of at least being in the confidence of every conspiracy,
"though he was taking care not to be personally mixed up in them,"
and, after their various failures, generally harboured the chief
actors in his house under the plea of humanity. At every crisis he
gave us to understand that he had to choose between a "revolution and
a palace intrigue," and not long ago only he wrote to Lord Palmerston,
that if the Monarchy with the Montpensier succession was inconvenient
to us, he could get up a Republic. Such principles are sure to be
known in Spain, the more so when one considers the extreme vanity of
Sir H. Bulwer, and his probable imprudence in the not very creditable
company which he is said to keep. Lord Palmerston will remember that
the Queen has often addressed herself to him and Lord John, in fear
of Sir H. getting us into some scrape; and if our diplomatists are
not kept in better order, the Queen may at any moment be exposed
to similar insults as she has received now in the person of Sir H.
Bulwer; for in whatever way one may wish to look at it, Sir Henry
still is _her_ Minister.
The Queen wishes Lord Palmerston to show this letter to Lord John
Russell, and to let her know what the Government mean to propose with
respect to this unfortunate affair.
[Footnote 24: Lord Palmerston had written a letter to Bulwer
(which the latter showed to the Spanish Premier), lecturing
the Spanish Queen on her choice of Minister. This "assumption
of superiority," as Sir R. Peel called it, led to a peremptory
order to Bulwer to leave Spain in twenty-four hours. His own
account of the affair appears in his _Life of Palmerston_,
vol. iii. chap. vii.]
[Pageheading: THE PRINCE OF PRUSSIA]
_The Prince of Prussia to Queen Victoria._
[_Translation._]
BRUSSELS _30th May 1848._