1849
_Memorandum on Matters connected with the Form of addressing the Pope
in Answer to his Letter to Her Majesty of 4th December 1848._
FOREIGN OFFICE, _5th January 1849._
The accompanying draft of answer to the letter which the Pope
addressed to Her Majesty from Gaeta on the 4th of December is in the
same form as letters which were written to Pope Pius VII. by George
the Fourth while Prince Regent, and after he came to the Throne. They
address the Pope as "Most Eminent Sir," style him "Your Holiness," and
finish with the mere signature after the date of the conclusion of the
letter. Copies of those letters are annexed.
Other forms of writing Royal letters are:--
1st. Commencing "Sir my Brother" (or "Sir my Cousin," etc., as the
case may be), and ending thus:
"Sir my _Brother_,
Your _Majesty's_
Good _Sister_."
This is the form used between Sovereign and Sovereign.
2nd. Commencing with the Queen's titles. In these letters the plural
"we" and "our" are employed instead of "I" and "my," and the letters
terminate thus:--
"Your Good Friend,
...."
This form is now used almost exclusively for Royal letters to
Republics.
In the State Paper Office there is, with only one exception, no record
of any letter from a Sovereign of England to the Pope from the time of
Henry VIII., when the State Paper Office records commence. The single
exception is an original letter from Queen Mary in 1555 to Pope Paul
IV. It seems that when the time of her expected confinement drew nigh,
she caused letters to be prepared announcing the birth of a son, and
signed them in anticipation of the event. When no birth took place,
the letters were of course not sent off; but they have been preserved
to the present day, and among them is the letter to the Pope. The
accompanying paper contains a copy of the beginning and conclusion of
it.
There is no trace in the State Paper Office of any letter of credence
having been given by James II. to Lord Castlemaine in 1685. The
correspondence of the reign of James II. is, however, very defective,
and much of it must either have been suppressed or have got into
private hands.
[Pageheading: REPLY TO THE POPE]
_Draft_] _Queen Victoria to Pope Pius IX._[1]
MOST EMINENT SIR,--I have received the letter which your Holiness
addressed to me from Gaeta on the 4th of December last, and in which
you acquaint me that in consequence of the violent proceedings of
certain of your subjects, you had felt yourself obliged to depart from
Rome, and for a time to quit your dominions. I assure your Holiness
that I have been deeply pained at the intelligence of the events to
which your letter refers, and that I do the fullest justice to the
motives which induced your Holiness to withdraw for a time from your
capital. Your Holiness has given so many proofs of being animated by
a sincere desire to improve the condition of the people whom, under
Divine Providence, you have been chosen to govern, and the clemency of
your heart and the rectitude of your intentions are so well known and
so truly appreciated, that I cannot but hope that the trials which
you have experienced in consequence of popular commotion will speedily
come to an end, and will be succeeded by a cordial, good understanding
between your Holiness and the Roman people. I request your Holiness to
believe that it would afford me real pleasure to be able in any degree
to contribute to a result so much to be desired; and I am happy in
having this opportunity of assuring you of my sincere friendship, and
of the unfeigned respect and esteem which I entertain for your person
and character.
Given at Windsor Castle the [ ] day of January 1849.
[Footnote 1: _See_ p. 204.]
[Pageheading: LETTER FROM PRINCE LOUIS NAPOLEON]
_The President of the French Republic to Queen Victoria._
ELYSEE NATIONAL, _le 22 Janvier 1849._
TRES CHERE ET GRANDE AMIE,--Une de mes premieres pensees lorsque le
v[oe]u de la nation Francaise m'appela au pouvoir fut de faire part a
votre Majeste de mon avenement et des sentiments que j'apportais dans
ma nouvelle position.
Des circonstances particulieres ont retarde le depart de l'ambassadeur
qui devait porter ma lettre; mais aujourd'hui que l'Amiral Cecile
se rend a Londres je desire exprimer a votre Majeste la respectueuse
sympathie que j'ai toujours eprouvee pour sa personne; je desire
surtout lui dire combien je suis reconnaissant de la genereuse
hospitalite qu'elle m'a donnee dans ses etats lorsque j'etais fugitif
ou proscrit et combien je serais heureux si ce souvenir pouvait servir
a resserrer les liens qui unissent les gouvernements et les peuples de
nos deux pays.
Je prie votre Majeste de croire a mes sentiments. Votre ami,
LOUIS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.
[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
CHESHAM PLACE, _22nd January 1849._
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and would
now wish to consult Lord Lansdowne on the propriety of offering
to Lord Palmerston to exchange the Foreign Office for the
Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland.[2]
As Lord John Russell has always approved in the main of the foreign
policy of Lord Palmerston, he could only make this offering in a
mode honourable to Lord Palmerston--that is to say, for instance, by
offering him at the same time an English Earldom, or an English Barony
with the Garter. Nor could he proceed in the matter without Lord
Lansdowne's concurrence.
[Footnote 2: Hostilities were in progress between the Sicilian
insurgents and their Sovereign. An agent for the former
came to England to purchase arms, but was informed by the
contractor to whom he applied that the whole of his stock had
been pledged to the Ordnance Office. Lord Palmerston, without
consulting the Cabinet, allowed this stock to be transferred
to the insurgents. The matter became public property, and the
Premier brought it before the Cabinet on the 23rd of January,
when, somewhat unexpectedly, the Foreign Secretary consented
to make an apology to the Neapolitan Government; so that the
crisis terminated for the time.]
_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd January 1849._
The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter and enclosures,
the contents of which have deeply grieved her, as the honour of her
Government has always been nearest to her heart. She feels deeply the
humiliation to have to make an apology to the Government of Naples,
which stands so very low in public estimation, and she naturally
dreads the effect this disclosure about the guns will have in the
world, when she considers how many accusations have been brought
against the good faith of this country latterly by many different
Governments. Of course they will all consider their suspicions and
accusations, however absurd they may have been, as justified and
proved.
The Queen supposes that the proposition Lord John makes to her about
moving Lord Palmerston to Ireland is the result of his conviction that
after this disclosure it will be no longer to the advantage of the
public service to leave the direction of the Foreign Affairs in these
critical times in Lord Palmerston's hands. The Queen will be anxious
to see Lord John upon this subject. All she wishes for is, that
matters may be so managed as to reflect the least possible discredit
upon the Government and Lord Palmerston himself.
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th February 1849._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--We are well. All went off extremely well on
Thursday, but the Government must expect difficulties upon their (very
doubtful) Foreign Policy. I own I do _not_ feel reassured about peace.
_Italy_ and the Pope, etc., are very ticklish subjects.
Everybody says Louis Napoleon has behaved extremely well in the last
crisis--full of courage and energy, and they say that he is decidedly
straightforward, which is not to be despised. I will not admit that
the _Gemuethlichkeit ist fuer immer begraben_ in Germany; it will surely
return when this madness is over, but how soon no one can tell. Ever
your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Dalhousie._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th February 1849._
The Queen has not yet thanked Lord Dalhousie for his long and
interesting letter which she received in the summer. Since that period
many important events have taken place in India, and the last news
have naturally made the Queen feel very anxious. She deeply laments
the loss of General Cureton and Colonel Havelock, officers who will
not be easily replaced. The Queen thinks that Lord Dalhousie has
throughout acted most judiciously and has thwarted more mischief
being done. She will abstain from remarking upon the conduct of the
Commander-in-Chief, as she knows that the Duke of Wellington has
written fully to Lord Dalhousie on this painful subject.[3] The Queen
concludes with expressing her hopes that Lord and Lady Dalhousie are
in good health, and with the Prince's kindest remembrances to Lord
Dalhousie.
[Footnote 3: _See_ Introductory Note for the year, _ante_, p.
208.]
[Pageheading: STATE OF EUROPE]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _10th February 1849._
MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I have to offer my most affectionate thanks
for your dear letter of the 6th. The state of the Queen seems better,
though I fear not so solidly as to be beyond mischief; but the
improvement is real, and will act as a moral support. They have been
severely tried, those poor exiles, and Heaven knows what is still in
store for them. I don't think that in Italy there will be war. The
French cannot think of it for some months, probably not before June or
July, and the Italians cannot make it alone without being licked; the
better informed know that. The Pope ought to be replaced on his seat
for the sake of every one; and his ultra-Liberal policy entitles him
to be supported by all Governments and by all right-minded people.
Louis Bonaparte has not ill-behaved, it seems; negatively he might
have done much harm. The position continues to be abominable. There
is for every one an _absence d'avenir_ which ruins everything and
everybody--that is the real difficulty.
_Die Gemuethlichkeit_ in Germany was the consequence of its political
existence these last thousand years; that is now all going to ruin,
and the _Gemuethlichkeit_ will be as little found again _que l'urbanite
Francaise_ so much talked of formerly and now unknown.
This part of February puts me always in mind of my dear little
_sejour_ with you in 1841. How far that period is now, though but
eight years from us; the very features of everything changed, I fear
for ever, and _not_ for the better.... Now I must conclude, and remain
ever, my dearest Victoria, your truly devoted Uncle,
LEOPOLD R.
[Pageheading: LOUIS NAPOLEON.]
_Memorandum by Queen Victoria._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _19th February 1849._
Admiral Cecile, who dined here for the first time after the
presentation of his credentials as Ambassador from the French
Republic, with whom I spoke for some time after dinner, said: "Nous en
avons fait de tristes experiences en France," but that he hoped "que
les choses s'amelioraient"; that the Government was very firm and
decided, and determined not to allow order to be disturbed; "Paris
a maintenant fait quatre Revolutions que la France a subies; votre
Majeste sait qui a proclame la Republique au mois de Fevrier? Une
centaine de coquins! Personne s'en doutait, et cependant la France s'y
est soumise!" That the Government was however determined, and so were
all the Departments, that this should never happen again; no doubt the
danger from the Socialists was great, all over the world; that _that_
was the _real danger_, and that they would readily make another
attempt like the fearful one in June (the result of which for three
days was uncertain), but that they had not the power; that he was
continually impressing upon all his friends in France the necessity of
supporting _whatever_ form of Government there was _whose object_ was
the _maintenance of order_, and to unite "contre cet ennemi commun."
The President, he continued, had risen amazingly in the opinion of
every one by his firmness, courage, and determination--which he had
shown in those critical days a fortnight or three weeks ago--and that
in these two months he had acquired "une grande aptitude pour
les affaires; tout le monde est etonne, parce que personne ne s'y
attendait." He spoke with great delight of Belgium--and how it had
stood the shock of the events in France--and also of England. Italy,
he considered, was by far the greatest object of danger.
VICTORIA R.
[Pageheading: GAELIC AND WELSH]
_Queen Victoria to the Marquis of Lansdowne._
OSBORNE, _3rd March 1849._
The Queen sends Lord Lansdowne the book[4] she mentioned to him. It
is an extraordinary production for people of the working classes, and
there are a great many sound and good observations in it on education;
the observations on the deficiency in the religious instruction and
in the _preaching_ the Queen thinks are particularly true. It
likewise shows a lofty and enlarged _view_ of education which is often
overlooked.
The Queen takes this occasion of repeating her hope that _Gaelic_ will
be taught in future in the Highland schools, as well as English, as
it is really a great mistake that the people should be constantly
_talking_ a language which they often cannot read and generally not
write. Being very partial to her loyal and good Highlanders, the Queen
takes much interest in what she thinks will tend more than anything
to keep up their simplicity of character, which she considers a great
merit in these days.
The Queen thinks equally that Welsh should be taught in Wales as well
as English.[5]
[Footnote 4: This book was probably _Popular Education, as
regards Juvenile Delinquency_, by Thos. Bullock, 1849.]
[Footnote 5: Lord Lansdowne, in his reply, undertook "to
combine instruction in the Gaelic with the English language in
the Highland as well as the Welsh schools, and to have a view
to it in the choice of Inspectors."]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
OSBORNE, _6th March 1849._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your dear letter reached me yesterday, and I thank
you warmly for it. I wish you could be here, for I never remember
finer weather than we have had since we came here; perfect summer, and
so sweet, so enjoyable, and then with all the pleasures and beauties
of Spring you have that beautiful sea--so blue and smooth as it has
been these three days. If we have no mountains to boast of, we have
the _sea_, which is ever enjoyable. We have camelias which have stood
out two winters covered with _red_ flowers, and scarlet rhododendrons
in brilliant bloom. Does this not sound tempting? It seems almost
wrong to be at home, and Albert really hardly is.
I wish you joy of your _twenty-four_ foxes. If there was a black one
amongst them I should beg for one, as the skin you sent me last year
was _not_ a black one.
The news from India are very distressing, and make one very anxious,
but Sir Charles Napier is instantly to be sent out to supersede Lord
Gough, and he is so well versed in Indian tactics that we may look
with safety to the future _after_ his arrival.
The Italian Question remains very complicated, and the German one a
very perplexing, sad one. Prussia must protect the poor Princes and
put herself at the head, else there is no hope. Austria should behave
better, and not oppose the consolidation of a central Power, else I
know not what is to become of poor Germany.
Pray use your influence to prevent more fatal mischief.
Now adieu, dearest Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
CHESHAM PLACE, _16th March 1849._
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
has the honour to state that the debate last night was brought to a
close.[6]
Mr Cobden and Mr Disraeli made very able speeches at the end of the
debate.
The debate has been a remarkable one, and the division shows tolerably
well the strength of parties. The Protectionists, animated by the
cry of agricultural distress, are disposed to use their power to the
utmost. Mr Disraeli shows himself a much abler and less passionate
leader than Lord George Bentinck.
On the other hand, the friends of Sir Robert Peel and the party of Mr
Cobden unite with the Government in resisting the Protectionist party.
The House of Commons thus gives a majority, which, though not compact,
is decided at once against the extreme Tory and the extreme Radical
party. With such a House of Commons the great interests of the
Throne and the Constitution are safe. An abrupt dissolution would put
everything to hazard.
[Footnote 6: On Mr Disraeli's motion for payment of the half
of local rates by the Treasury, which was defeated by 280 to
189.]
[Pageheading: END OF THE SIKH WAR]
[Pageheading: MRS GEORGE LAWRENCE]
_The Earl of Dalhousie to Queen Victoria._
CAMP, FEROZEPORE, _24th March 1849._
The Governor-General presents his most humble duty to your Majesty,
and has the honour of acknowledging the receipt of the letter which
your Majesty most graciously addressed to him on the 5th of February.
He is deeply sensible of your Majesty's goodness, and most grateful
for the expression of approbation which it has conveyed.
The Governor-General is not without fear that he may have intruded too
often of late upon your Majesty's time. But he is so satisfied of the
extreme pleasure which your Majesty would experience on learning that
the prisoners who were in the hands of the Sikhs, and especially the
ladies and children, were once again safe in the British camp, that he
would have ventured to convey to your Majesty that intelligence,
even though he had not been able to add to it--as happily he can--the
announcement of the surrender of the whole Khalsa army, and the end of
the war with the Sikhs.
Major-General Gilbert pushed on rapidly in pursuit of the Sikhs, who
were a few marches in front of him, carrying off our prisoners with
them.
At Rawul Pindee, half-way between the Jhelum and Attock, the Sikh
troops, as we have since heard, would go no further. They received no
pay, they were starving, they had been beaten and were disheartened;
and so they surrendered.
All the prisoners were brought safe into our camp. Forty-one pieces of
artillery were given up. Chuttur Singh and Shere Singh, with all the
Sirdars, delivered their swords to General Gilbert in the presence of
his officers; and the remains of the Sikh army, 16,000 strong, were
marched into camp, by 1000 at a time, and laid down their arms as they
passed between the lines of the British troops.
Your Majesty may well imagine the pride with which British Officers
looked on such a scene, and witnessed this absolute subjection and
humiliation of so powerful an enemy.
How deeply the humiliation was felt by the Sikhs themselves may be
judged by the report which the officers who were present have made,
that many of them, and especially the grim old Khalsas of Runjeet's
time, exclaimed as they threw their arms down upon the heap: "This day
Runjeet Singh has died!"
Upwards of 20,000 stands of arms were taken in the hills. Vast
quantities were gathered after the flight of the Sikhs from Gujerat.
As a further precaution, the Governor-General has ordered a disarming
of the Sikhs throughout the Eastern Doabs, while they are yet cast
down and afraid of punishment. He trusts that these measures may all
tend to ensure the continuance of peace.
The Sirdars will arrive at Lahore to-day, where they will await the
determination of their future places of residence. The officers who
were prisoners have also reached Lahore, together with Mrs George
Lawrence and her children.
It is impossible to speak too highly of the admirable spirit which
this lady has displayed during many months of very arduous trial.
By the kindness of others, the Governor-General has had the
opportunity of seeing constantly the little notes which were secretly
despatched by her from her prison. The gallant heart she kept up under
it all, the cheerful face she put upon it, and the unrepining patience
with which she bore the privations of captivity and the dangers which
it threatened to her children, her husband, and herself, must command
the highest respect and make one proud of one's countrywomen.
General Gilbert, by the latest intelligence, had seized the fort of
Attock, had crossed the Indus, and was advancing on Peshawur, whither
the Afghans had retired.
By next mail the Governor-General trusts that he will be able to
announce that every enemy has been swept away by your Majesty's
Armies, and that the Afghans have either been crushed like the Sikhs
or have fled to Cabul again.
He has the honour to subscribe himself, your Majesty's most obedient,
most humble and very faithful Subject and Servant,
DALHOUSIE.
[Pageheading: THE KING OF SARDINIA]
_The King of Sardinia_ (_Victor Emanuel_) _to Queen Victoria._
TURIN, _le 30 Mars 1849._
MA TRES CHERE S[OE]UR,--La participation officielle que je m'empresse
de vous donner de mon avenement au trone m'offre une occasion que je
suis heureux de saisir pour vous exprimer dans une lettre de ma main
les sentiments de ma vive gratitude pour l'affection dont ma maison a
recu des preuves marquantes et reiterees de votre part, comme pour
le bienveillant interet que votre Gouvernement a temoigne a ce pays
particulierement dans les graves evenements qui ont eu lieu pendant
cette derniere annee.
Je vous prie d'etre persuadee que rien n'est plus sincere que
la reconnaissance que j'en conserve, et de me laisser nourrir la
confiance que je puis compter sur la continuation de ces dispositions
si aimables.
En vous renouvelant les sentiments d'amitie la plus parfaite, je suis,
votre tres cher Frere,
VICTOR EMANUEL.
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _10th April 1849._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--You will, I am sure, share our joy at Ernest's
_wonderful_ success at Eckerforde.[7] It is a marvellous piece of good
fortune _pour son bapteme de feu_, but it alarmed and agitated us all
to think that he might have been wounded, _to say the least_, for he
had his horse killed under him. At all events, he has done honour to
the poor race to which he belongs, and it makes us both very happy.
I think it will tend decidedly to shorten the war. Poor dear
Alexandrine! in what anxiety she will have been.
The victory of Novara[8] seems to have been one of the hardest fought
and most brilliant battles known for years and years, and old Radetzky
says that he must name every individual if he was to do justice to
officers and men. But the loss was very severe. The regiment of Kinsky
lost _twenty-four_ officers! The Archduke Albert distinguished himself
exceedingly, which is worthy of his noble father. I could work myself
up to a great excitement about these exploits, for there is nothing I
admire more than great military exploits and daring.
[Footnote 7: In this engagement with the Danes, arising out
of the Schleswig-Holstein dispute, Prince Ernest greatly
distinguished himself.]
[Footnote 8: In which Marshal Radetzky defeated the
Piedmontese.]
[Pageheading: THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON]
_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Wellington._
_1st May 1849._
The Queen cannot let this day pass without offering to the Duke of
Wellington her warmest and sincerest wishes for many happy returns of
this day. She hopes the Duke will place the accompanying trifle on
his table, and that it will recall to his mind _one_ who ever reflects
with gratitude on the services he has rendered and always does render
to his Sovereign and his country.
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _8th May 1849._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Alas! poor Germany, I am wretched about her;
those news from Dresden are very distressing.[9] Really with such an
excellent man as the poor King, it is too wicked to do what they
have done. If only _some sort_ of arrangement could be made; then
afterwards there might be modifications, both in the Constitution,
etc., for that Constitution never will work well.
Our Navigation Laws debate in the House of Lords began last night, and
is to be concluded to-night. There seems to be almost a certainty that
there will be a majority, though a very small one, and the danger of
course exists that any accident may turn it the other way.
Knowing your esteem for our worthy friend, Sir Robert Peel, you will,
I am sure, be glad to hear that his second son, Frederick,[10] made
such a beautiful speech--his maiden speech--in the House of Commons
last night; he was complimented by every one, and Sir Robert was
delighted. I am so glad for him, and also rejoice to see that there is
a young man who promises to be of use hereafter to his country.
Albert is again gone to lay a first stone. It is a delight to hear
people speak of the good he does by always saying and doing the right
thing....
[Footnote 9: The King of Prussia, finding Saxony, Bavaria,
Wuertemberg, and Hanover opposed to the ascendency of Prussia
in the Confederation, declined the Imperial Crown of Germany;
fresh disturbances thereupon ensued, and at Dresden, the King
of Saxony had to take refuge in a fortress.]
[Footnote 10: Afterwards the Right Hon. Sir Frederick Peel,
who died in 1906.]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd May 1849._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I could not write to you yesterday, my time having
been so entirely taken up by kind visitors, etc., and I trust you
will forgive these hurried lines written just before our departure for
Osborne.[11] I hope that you will not have been alarmed by the account
of the occurrence which took place on Saturday, and which I can assure
you did _not_ alarm _me_ at all. _This_ time it is quite clear that
it was a wanton and wicked wish merely to _frighten_, which is very
wrong, and will be tried and punished as a _misdemeanour_. The
account in the _Times_ is quite correct. The indignation, loyalty, and
affection this act has called forth is very gratifying and touching.
Alice gives a very good account of it, and Lenchen[12] even says, "Man
shot, tried to shoot dear Mamma, must be punished." They, Affie, and
Miss Macdonald were with me. Albert was riding, and had just returned
before me. Augustus and Clem had left us just two hours before....
Many thanks for your kind letter of the 19th. _What_ a state Germany
is in!--I mean _Baden_, but I hope that this violent crisis may lead
to good.
I must conclude. Ever your truly devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 11: The Queen, while driving down Constitution Hill,
was fired at by one William Hamilton, the pistol being charged
only with powder. He was tried under the Act of 1842, and
sentenced to seven years' transportation.]
[Footnote 12: Princess Helena (now Princess Christian), born
25th May 1846.]
[Pageheading: ANNEXATION OF THE PUNJAB]
_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
OSBORNE, _26th May 1849._
The Queen has to say, in answer to Lord John Russell's communication
respecting India, that she quite approves the annexation of the
Punjab, and is pleased to find that the Government concur in this
view. The elevation of Lord Dalhousie to a Marquisate is well
deserved, and almost the only thing that can be offered him as a
reward for his services; but considering his want of fortune, the
Queen thinks that it should be ascertained in the first instance
whether the increase of rank will be convenient to him. Lord Gough's
elevation to the dignity of Viscount has the Queen's sanction.
[Pageheading: FOREIGN OFFICE BUSINESS]
_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._
CHESHAM PLACE, _19th June 1849._
SIR,--I have spoken to Lord Palmerston respecting the draft to Mr
Buchanan.[13]
It appears that he converted it into a private letter, as I suggested,
but he thought fit to place it on record, as it contained information
derived from authentic sources, and of importance.
It appears the drafts are still sent to the Queen at the same time as
to me, so that my remarks or corrections, or even the cancelling of
a despatch, as not infrequently happens, may take effect after the
Queen's pleasure has been taken.
This appears to me an inconvenient course.
Lord Palmerston alleges that as 28,000 despatches were received and
sent last year, much expedition is required; but he professes himself
ready to send the despatches to me in the first instance, if the Queen
should desire it.
It appears to me that all our despatches ought to be thoroughly
considered, but that Her Majesty should give every facility to the
transaction of business by attending to the drafts as soon as possible
after their arrival.
I would suggest therefore that the drafts should have my concurrence
before they are submitted to the Queen, and in case of any material
change, that I should write to apprise Her Majesty of my views, and,
if necessary, submit my reasons, I have the honour to be, your Royal
Highness's most obedient Servant,
J. RUSSELL.
[Footnote 13: Mr (afterwards Sir) Andrew Buchanan (1807-1882),
Secretary of Legation at St. Petersburg.]
[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]
_The Prince Albert to Lord John Russell._
_20th June 1849._
MY DEAR LORD JOHN,--Your proposal with respect to the mode of taking
the Queen's pleasure about the drafts is perfectly agreeable to the
Queen. She would only require that she would not be pressed for an
answer within a few minutes, as is now done sometimes.
Lord Palmerston could always manage so that there are twelve or
twenty-four hours left for reference to you, and consideration, and
there are few instances in which business would suffer from so short
a delay. As Lord Palmerston knows when the Mails go, he has only
to write in time for them, and he must recollect that the 28,000
despatches in the year come to you and to the Queen as well as to
himself.
Should the Queen in future have to make any remark, she will make it
to you, if that will suit you. Ever yours truly,
ALBERT.
_Lord John Russell to Viscount Palmerston._
_21st June 1849._
MY DEAR PALMERSTON,--I wrote the substance of what you wrote to me
to the Prince, and proposed that the drafts should, in the first
instance, be sent to me. You will see by the enclosed letter from the
Prince that the Queen approves of this proposal.
It may somewhat abridge the circuit if, when I have no remark to make,
I forward the drafts with the Foreign Office direction to the Queen at
once.
I cannot pretend to say that I paid the same attention to the 28,000
despatches of 1848 that you are obliged to do. Still I agree in the
Prince's remark that directions to Foreign Ministers ought to be very
maturely weighed, for the Queen and the Government speak to foreign
nations in this and no other manner. Yours truly,
J. RUSSELL.
[Pageheading: SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st June 1849._
The Queen returns the enclosed drafts, which she will not further
object to, but she feels it necessary to say a few words in answer to
Lord Palmerston's letter. The union of Schleswig and Holstein[14] is
not an ideal one, but _complete_ as to Constitution, Finance, Customs,
Jurisdiction, Church, Universities, Poor Law, Settlement, Debts, etc.,
etc., etc. It is _not established_ by the Kings-Dukes, but has existed
for centuries. To defend Holstein against the attack made by Denmark
upon this union, Germany joined the war. It is true that it is
now proposed in the new Constitution for Germany to consent to the
separation of Schleswig and Holstein, although last year the Frankfort
Parliament had desired the incorporation of Schleswig into Germany
with Holstein; but the question for Germany is now not to begin a war,
but to close one by a lasting peace. In this she has, in the Queen's
opinion, a right and a duty to see that the independence of Schleswig
is secured before she abandons that country. The comparison with
Saxony does not hold good for a moment, for the Schleswig Revolution
was not directed against the Duke, but against the King of Denmark,
who invaded the rights of the Duke of Schleswig-Holstein; the
assistance of Prussia could therefore not be given to Denmark, but to
Schleswig-Holstein. The case of Hungary has neither any similitude.
Hungary is not to be torn from its connection with the German States
by the Austrian Government, but just the reverse.
Lord Palmerston cannot be more anxious for a speedy termination of the
Danish war than the Queen is, but she thinks that the mediation will
not effect this as long as the mediating power merely watches which
of the two parties is in the greatest difficulties for the moment, and
urges it to give way; but by a careful and anxious discovery of the
rights of the question and a steady adherence to the recommendation
that what is right and fair ought to be done. The cause of the
war having been the unlawful attempt to incorporate Schleswig into
Denmark, the peace cannot be lasting unless it contains sufficient
guarantees against the resumption of that scheme.[15]
[Footnote 14: Schleswig had been claimed by Germany as an
integral part of her territory, and a war between Germany and
Denmark was in progress.]
[Footnote 15: In reply, Lord Palmerston expressed entire
concurrence in the justice of the principles which the Queen
indicated as being those which ought to guide a mediating
Power.]
[Pageheading: PROPOSED VISIT TO IRELAND]
_Lord John Russell to the Earl of Clarendon._
_23rd June 1849._
I have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency that I have received
the Queen's commands to acquaint you that Her Majesty hopes to be able
in the course of the present summer to fulfil the intention, which you
are aware she has long entertained, of a visit to Ireland. The general
distress unfortunately still prevalent in Ireland precludes the
Queen from visiting Dublin in state, and thereby causing ill-timed
expenditure and inconvenience to her subjects; yet Her Majesty does
not wish to let another year pass without visiting a part of her
dominions which she has for so long a time been anxious personally
to become acquainted with. She accordingly will, at some sacrifice
of personal convenience, take a longer sea voyage, for the purpose
of visiting in the first instance the Cove of Cork, and from thence
proceed along the Irish coast to Dublin. After remaining there a
few days, during which time Her Majesty will be the guest of your
Excellency, she would continue her cruise along the Irish coast
northward and visit Belfast, and from thence cross to Scotland.
Although the precise time of Her Majesty's visit cannot yet be fixed,
it will probably take place as early in August as the termination of
the session of Parliament will permit, and I feel assured that this
early announcement of her intentions will be received with great
satisfaction by Her Majesty's loyal and faithful subjects in Ireland.
_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
OSBORNE, _19th July 1849._
The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letters. She returns Lord
Clarendon's, and the very kind one of the Primate.[16]
With respect to Lord Clarendon's suggestion that the Prince of Wales
should be created Duke, or rather, as Lord John _says_, _Earl_ of
Dublin--the Queen thinks it is a matter for consideration whether such
an act should _follow_ the Queen's visit as a compliment to Ireland,
but she is decidedly of opinion that it should _not precede_ it.
We are sorry that Lord John does not intend going to Ireland, but
fully comprehend his wishes to remain quiet for three weeks. We shall
be very glad to see him at Balmoral on the 20th or 22nd of August.
We hope Lady John and the baby continue to go on well.
[Footnote 16: Lord John George de la Poer Beresford
(1773-1862) was Archbishop of Armagh from 1822 until his
death.]
[Pageheading: ARRIVAL IN DUBLIN]
[Pageheading: THE IRISH VISIT]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
LODGE, PH[OE]NIX PARK, _6th August 1849._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Though this letter will only go to-morrow, I will
begin it to-day and tell you that everything has gone off beautifully
since we arrived in Ireland, and that our entrance into Dublin was
really a magnificent thing. By my letter to Louise you will have
heard of our arrival in the Cove of Cork. Our visit to Cork was very
successful; the Mayor was knighted _on deck_ (on board the _Fairy_),
like in times of old. Cork is about seventeen miles up the River Lee,
which is beautifully wooded and reminds us of Devonshire scenery. We
had previously stepped on shore at _Cove_, a small place, to enable
them to call it _Queen's Town_; the enthusiasm is immense, and at Cork
there was more firing than I remember since the Rhine.
We left Cork with fair weather, but a head sea and contrary wind which
made it rough and me very sick.
_7th._--I was unable to continue till now, and have since received
your kind letter, for which I return my warmest thanks. We went into
Waterford Harbour on Saturday afternoon, which is likewise a fine,
large, safe harbour. Albert went up to Waterford in the _Fairy_, but
I did not. The next morning we received much the same report of the
weather which we had done at Cork, viz. that the weather was fair but
the wind contrary. However we went out, as it could not be helped,
and we might have remained there some days for no use. The first three
hours were very nasty, but afterwards it cleared and the evening was
beautiful. The entrance at seven o'clock into Kingston Harbour was
splendid; we came in with ten steamers, and the whole harbour,
wharf, and every surrounding place was _covered_ with _thousands_ and
thousands of people, who received us with the greatest enthusiasm. We
disembarked yesterday morning at ten o'clock, and took two hours
to come here. The most perfect order was maintained in spite of the
immense mass of people assembled, and a more good-humoured crowd I
never saw, but noisy and excitable beyond belief, talking, jumping,
and shrieking instead of cheering. There were numbers of troops out,
and it really was a wonderful scene. This is a very pretty place,
and the house reminds me of dear Claremont. The view of the Wicklow
Mountains from the windows is very beautiful, and the whole park is
very extensive and full of very fine trees.
We drove out yesterday afternoon and were followed by jaunting-cars
and riders and people running and screaming, which would have amused
you. In the evening we had a dinner party, and so we have to-night.
This morning we visited the Bank, the Model School (where the
Protestant and Catholic Archbishops received us), and the College, and
this afternoon we went to the Military Hospital. To-morrow we have a
Levee, where 1,700 are to be presented, and the next day a Review, and
in the evening the Drawing-Room, when 900 ladies are to be presented.
George[17] is here, and has a command here. He rode on one side of our
carriage yesterday. You see more ragged and wretched people here than
I ever saw anywhere else. _En revanche_, the women are really very
handsome--quite in the lowest class--as well at Cork as here; such
beautiful black eyes and hair and such fine colours and teeth.
I must now take my leave. Ever your most affectionate Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 17: The late Duke of Cambridge.]
_The Earl of Clarendon to Sir George Grey._
VICE-REGAL LODGE, _14th August 1849._
MY DEAR GREY,--If I had known where to direct I should have thanked
you sooner for your two welcome letters from Belfast, where everything
seems to have gone off to our hearts' desire, and the Queen's
presence, as the Stipendiary Magistrate writes word, has united all
classes and parties in a manner incredible to those who know the
distance at which they have hitherto been kept asunder.
The enthusiasm here has not abated, and there is not an individual
in Dublin that does not take as a personal compliment to himself the
Queen's having gone upon the paddle-box and having ordered the Royal
Standard to be lowered three times.
Even the ex-Clubbists,[18] who threatened broken heads and windows
before the Queen came, are now among the most loyal of her subjects,
and are ready, according to the police reports, to fight any one who
dare say a disrespectful word of Her Majesty.
In short, the people are not only enchanted with the Queen and the
gracious kindness of her manner and the confidence she has shown in
them, but they are pleased with themselves for their own good feelings
and behaviour, which they consider have removed the barrier that
hitherto existed between the Sovereign and themselves, and that they
now occupy a higher position in the eyes of the world. Friend Bright
was with me to-day, and said he would not for the world have missed
seeing the embarkation at Kingston, for he had felt just the same
enthusiasm as the rest of the crowd. "Indeed," he added, "I'll defy
any man to have felt otherwise when he saw the Queen come upon the
platform and bow to the people in a manner that showed her heart was
with them." He didn't disguise either that the Monarchical principle
had made great way with him since Friday. Ever yours truly,
CLARENDON.
[Footnote 18: Seditious clubs had been an important factor in
the Irish disturbances of 1848.]
[Pageheading: BREVET PROMOTIONS]
_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
OSBORNE, _3rd October 1849._
The Queen has received Lord John Russell's explanation respecting the
brevet promotions on the occasion of her visit to Ireland, but cannot
say that his objections have convinced her of the impropriety of
such a promotion (to a limited extent). To Lord John's fears of the
dangerous consequences of the precedent, the Queen has only to answer,
that there can be only _one first visit_ to Ireland, and that the
_first_ visit to Scotland in 1842 was followed by a few promotions,
without this entailing promotions on her subsequent visits to that
part of the country; that even the first visit to the Channel
Islands was followed by a few promotions, and this under Lord
John's Government. All the precedents being in accordance with
the proposition made by the Duke, an opposition on the part of the
Government would imply a declaration against all brevets except in the
field, which would deprive the Crown of a most valuable prerogative.
If such a brevet as the one proposed were to lead to great additional
expense, the Queen could understand the objection on the ground of
economy; but the giving brevet rank to a few subaltern officers is too
trifling a matter to alarm the Government. Perhaps the number might be
reduced even, but to deviate from the established precedents for
the first time altogether in this case, and that after the excellent
behaviour of the Army in Ireland under very trying circumstances,
would be felt as a great injustice.
The Queen therefore wishes Lord John to ask the Duke to send him
the former precedents and to consider with his colleagues whether a
modified recommendation cannot be laid before her.[19]
[Footnote 19: The Duke of Wellington had submitted a list
of Officers for brevet promotion, which received the Queen's
sanction; but the list was afterwards reduced.]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
WOBURN ABBEY, _4th October 1849._
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and will
consider, in communication with the Duke of Wellington, whether any
modified list can be proposed by him to your Majesty.
The economy, as your Majesty truly observes, is not a matter of much
consideration. But to reward Officers on the Staff, who are already
favoured by being placed on the Staff in Ireland, is a practice which
tends but too much to encourage the opinion that promotions in the
Army and Navy are given not to merit, but to aristocratical connection
and official favour.
In the midst of the degradation of Thrones which the last two years
have seen in Europe, it will be well if the English Crown preserves
all its just prerogatives, and has only to relinquish some customary
abuses, which are not useful to the Sovereign, and are only an
equivocal advantage to the Ministers of the day.
[Pageheading: A PUBLIC THANKSGIVING]
_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st October 1849._
The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter, and was much
rejoiced at everything having gone off so well yesterday;[20] she was
very much annoyed at being unable to go herself, and that the untoward
chicken-pox should have come at this moment; she is, however, quite
recovered, though still much marked.
With respect to the proposition about the Thanksgiving, the Queen
quite approves of it, and (_if it is generally preferred_) that it
should be on a week-day. As to the Bishop of London's proposal,[21]
the Queen thinks that Lord John may have misunderstood him; she
supposes that he meant that she should attend _some_ place of _public
worship_, and not in her domestic chapel, in order to join in the
public demonstration. The Queen is quite ready to go with her Court
to St George's Chapel here; but she would like it to take place on
an earlier day than the 27th of November, when she would probably be
already in the Isle of Wight, where we think of going as usual on the
22nd or 23rd.
[Footnote 20: The ceremony of opening the new Coal Exchange,
at which, besides Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales and
Princess Royal were present.]
[Footnote 21: There had been a severe epidemic of cholera in
the country. In twelve months 14,000 deaths, in London alone,
were due to this malady. The 15th of November was appointed
for a general Day of Thanksgiving for its cessation, and the
Bishop of London had suggested that the Queen should attend a
public service at St Paul's. Lord John Russell was in favour
of Westminster Abbey.]
[Pageheading: POSITION OF GERMANY]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
EATON SQUARE, _29th November 1849._
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. In
answer to your Majesty's enquiry, he has to state that a very short
conversation took place in the Cabinet on the affairs of Germany upon
an enquiry of Lord John Russell whether the Diet of Erfurt[22] might
not be considered a violation of the Treaties of 1815. Lord Palmerston
thought not, but had not examined the question.
The affairs of Germany are in a critical position; Austria will
oppose anything which tends to aggrandise Prussia; Prussia will
oppose anything which tends to free Government; and France will oppose
anything which tends to strengthen Germany. Still, all these powers
might be disregarded were Germany united, but it is obvious that
Bavaria and Wuertemberg look to Austria and France for support, while
Hanover and Saxony will give a very faint assistance to a Prussian
League.
The matter is very critical, but probably will not lead to war.
[Footnote 22: In order to effect the consolidation of Germany,
the King of Prussia had summoned a Federal Parliament to meet
at Erfurt.]
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
FOREIGN OFFICE, _30th November 1849._
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in
reply to your Majesty's enquiry as to what the measures would be
which Sir William Parker[23] would have to take in order to support Mr
Wyse's[24] demands for redress for certain wrongs sustained by British
and Ionian subjects, begs to say that the ordinary and accustomed
method of enforcing such demands is by reprisals--that is to say,
by seizing some vessels and property of the party which refuses
redress,[25] and retaining possession thereof until redress is
granted.
Another method is the blockading of the ports of the party by whom
redress is refused, and by interrupting commercial intercourse to
cause inconvenience and loss. Viscount Palmerston, however, does not
apprehend that any active measures of this kind will be required, but
rather expects that when the Greek Government finds that the demand
is made in earnest, and that means are at hand to enforce it,
satisfaction will at last be given. The refusal of the Greek
Government to satisfy these claims, and the offensive neglect
with which they have treated the applications of your Majesty's
representative at Athens have, as Viscount Palmerston is convinced,
been the result of a belief that the British Government never would
take any real steps in order to press these matters to a settlement.
[Footnote 23: Commanding the Mediterranean Fleet.]
[Footnote 24: British Envoy at Athens.]
[Footnote 25: _See_ Introductory Note for 1850, _post_, p.
231.]
[Pageheading: DEATH OF QUEEN ADELAIDE]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
OSBORNE, _11th December 1849._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Thank you much for your kind letter of the 6th;
you will have received mine of the 4th shortly after you wrote. I
know _how_ you would mourn with us over the death of our beloved Queen
Adelaide. _We_ have lost the kindest and dearest of friends, and the
_universal_ feeling of sorrow, of regret, and of _real_ appreciation
of her character is very touching and gratifying. _All_ parties, _all_
classes, join in doing her justice. Much was done to set Mamma against
her, but the dear Queen ever forgave this, ever showed love and
affection, and for the last eight years their friendship was as great
as ever. Ever yours affectionately,
VICTORIA R.
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
TO CHAPTER XIX
The Ministry were still (1850) able, relying on the support of Sir
Robert Peel, to resist the attacks of the Protectionists in the House
of Commons, though their majority on a critical occasion fell to
twenty-one; but they were rehabilitated by the discussions on foreign
policy. One Don Pacifico, a Portuguese Jew, a native of Gibraltar and
a British subject, had had his house in Athens pillaged by a mob; he,
with Mr Finlay, the historian, who had a money claim against the Greek
Government, instead of establishing their claims in the local courts,
sought the intervention of the home Government; Lord Palmerston, whose
relations with the Court were even more strained than usual, resolved
to make a hostile demonstration against Greece, and a fleet was sent
to the Piraeus with a peremptory demand for settlement. The House of
Lords condemned this high-handed action, but a friendly motion
of confidence was made in the Commons, and Lord Palmerston had an
extraordinary triumph, by a majority of forty-six, notwithstanding
that the ablest men outside the Ministry spoke against him, and that
his unsatisfactory relations with the Queen were about to culminate in
a severe reprimand.
Sir Robert Peel's speech in this debate proved to be his last public
utterance, his premature death, resulting from a fall from his horse,
taking place a few days later; Louis Philippe, who had been living
in retirement at Claremont, passed away about the same time. Another
attack on the Queen, this time a blow with a cane, was made by one
Robert Pate, an ex-officer and well-connected; the plea of insanity
was not established, and Pate was transported.
Public attention was being drawn to the projected Exhibition in Hyde
Park, Prince Albert making a memorable speech at the Mansion House
in support of the scheme; the popular voice had not been unanimous in
approval, and subscriptions had hung fire, but henceforward matters
improved, and Mr Paxton's design for a glass and iron structure was
accepted and proceeded with.
The friction with Lord Palmerston was again increased by his action
in respect to General Haynau, an Austrian whose cruelty had been
notorious, and who was assaulted by some of the _employes_ at a London
brewery. The Foreign Office note to the Austrian Government nearly
brought about Palmerston's resignation, which was much desired by the
Queen.
At the close of the year the whole country was in a ferment at the
issue of a Papal Brief, re-establishing the hierarchy of Bishops
in England with local titles derived from their sees; and Cardinal
Wiseman, thenceforward Archbishop of Westminster, by issuing a
pastoral letter on the subject, made matters worse. The Protestant
spirit was aroused, the two Universities presented petitions, and the
Prime Minister, in a letter to the Bishop of Durham, helped to fan
the "No Popery" flame. Just at a time when a coalition of Whigs and
Peelites was beginning to be possible, an Ecclesiastical Titles Bill,
almost fatal to mutual confidence, became necessary.